Farmers Guardian Scottish 7th June

RISING STARS

YOUNG HANDLERS OUT IN FORCE – P29

A look at the development of the MF 100 Series PAGE 64 MACHINERY

Oilseed rape varieties and establishment special PAGE 24

By Cedric Porter

MILK prices are rising following the wet spring and a strengthening global dairy market, with major processors across the UK announcing improved June and July prices, with some heading over the 40ppl mark.

And the wet weather was continuing to take its toll, despite the Met Office declaring May the warmest on record, with producers having to bring herds inside due to rain.

Arla announced a 0.44ppl increase from June 1. That takes its conventional manufacturing milk price to 40.89ppl and its liquid price to 39.23ppl. There is a 0.89ppl increase in the organic milk price, taking the manufacturing price to 50.87ppl and the liquid price to 48.81ppl.

Arla Foods director and farmer Arthur Fearnall said: “Global milk supplies continue to be stable or slightly lower, retail sales continue to show growth and commodity markets are stable. However, fat prices are increas-

ing. In the UK, the organic milk price increase is driven by increasing profitability. Overall, the outlook is stable.”

Muller has increased its July milk price by 1ppl to 39ppl including its Muller Advantage premium.

It comes as the dairy announced plans to take over West Lancashirebased Yew Tree Dairy in a bid to boost its export business.

The company said the deal was expected to be finalised later this year subject to approval from the Competition and Markets Authority.

First Milk has increased its July member milk price by 0.8ppl to 40.3ppl for its standard manufacturing price. Farmer director and vicechair Mike Smith said that it was ‘great’ to deliver a price increase following the very difficult spring.

Saputo said, in agreement with Davidstow Creamery Direct, it will be increasing its negotiated base price for all core volume litres by 0.5ppl to 40ppl from July 1.

Cheesemaker Barbers increased its

Staffordshire, Suffolk and Royal Bath and West PAGE 78

MILK PRICE BOOST

July price by 1.03ppl to 41.28ppl – the sixth increase this year.

Head of milk supply operations

Michael Masters highlighted the continuing challenging weather, with two inches of rain in much of the company’s region in the last week of May resulting in herds being housed again.

Grass growth was still rapid but

managing this was testing many farmers, with silage for feed this winter unlikely to set new records for feeding quality or milk production, he said. Meadow has announced it will be increasing its milk price by 1.7ppl from June 1, 2024, taking its standard litre milk price to 37ppl.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 13

INSIDE

Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth talks about food production in

GENERAL ELECTION HUB

For more on the upcoming General Election, visit farmersguardian.com/general-election

As

the General Election campaign continues,

‘No more talki Westminster’,

rReed and Barclay make pitch to farmers

PEOPLE from urban areas should not tell those who live and work in the countryside how to live their lives.

That was the message from Shadow Defra Secretary Steve Reed, less than 24 hours before his party leader and the Prime Minister went headto-head in a live television debate. Speaking at the Future Countryside event, the Labour candidate for Streatham and Croydon North emphasised the importance of devolution to initiate positive change, adding Labour will deliver the ‘big-

gest ever transfer of power from Westminster to rural communities’.

“There are people out there that understand this better than I do, if we open up the decision making to their experience and insight then we can drive change much faster,” adding he would adopt this approach if he became Defra Secretary.

Mr Reed shared Labour’s plans to grow the rural economy, tackle rural crime, address mental health, cut energy bills and planning red tape, as well as transform rural job prospects.

When it comes to policy on planting trees, he said a land use framework was critical and that developing one would be one of his early priorities.

Major parties pull out of tenant events

CIVIL servants have to go on mute during the run up to the General Election, but politicians should be out and about for all the votes that they can muster.

That was the message from Tenant Farmers Association (TFA) chief executive George Dunn after both the Defra Secretary Steve Barclay and the Shadow Defra Secretary Steve Reed pulled out of engagement sessions organised by the TFA.

While the tenanted sector has been in the spotlight in recent months with policies brought forward to tackle bad practice, the announcement of the General Election has brought uncertainty, particularly over the implementation of a Tenant Farming Commissioner.

Mr Dunn said the ‘most prevalent view’ expressed to him by TFA members in light of the General Election is ‘whether to vote at all.’

“With this being the fourth General Election in the last 10 years, many TFA members are questioning

whether any real difference will be achieved regardless of who forms the next Government. However, the TFA believes that with the current global situation, this election could be one of the most important for the farming industry for a generation,” he said.

Plans

He added farmers needed to hear from politicians about their plans for farming policy and create a resilient agricultural industry.

A Labour spokesperson said since the General Election was called a ‘wide range of engagements have had to be rescheduled or cancelled due to campaigning.’

“We will continue to engage with key stakeholders throughout the campaign and we look forward to taking our plans for farmers and rural communities to voters across the country.”

The Conservative Party has been approached for a comment.

COUNTRYSIDE DISCUSSION MISSING FROM LIVE DEBATE

SNAP polls showed no clear winner in the first televised General Election debate between Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer on ITV on June 4, with farmers recognising a noticeable absence of agricultural policy.

Results from a snap YouGov poll after the debate showed a close tie, with 1,657 viewers sharing their

opinion. Overall Mr Sunak was seen as delivering the best performance by 51 per cent to Mr Starmer’s 49 per cent.

However, a poll by Savanta published the morning after found 44 per cent of votes rated Mr Starmer as the winner, compared to 39 per cent for Mr Sunak.

ng down from says Labour

“I am certain we need to boost food production, but I want to boost nature recovery too. Without a land use framework it is a lot more difficult to take the more granular decisions about where and how we use certain parts of land.”

It was then the turn of Defra Secretary Steve Barclay to address delegates. Absence

Mr Barclay was quick to point out the absence of bovine TB in the opposition speech, adding with bTB cases were down last year and the trajectory showed the plan was working.

FARMERSLIGHT BEACONSTOMARK D-DAYANNIVERSARY

FARMERS have lit beacons across the UK in tribute to those who farmed the fields during World War II as part of the nation’s D-Day Landings 80th anniversary events on June 6. NFU president Tom Bradshaw said it was a ‘poignant initiative to honour both the fallen soldiers and resilient farmers of World War II, who, in the face of unparalleled uncertainty, farmed the fields to ensure our nation was fed’.

He championed the progress made in ‘empowering’ the Sustainable Farming Incentive, adding it now had ‘over 25,000 applications’ claiming it was ‘the most successful Defra scheme the department had ever run.

“We have realigned our environmental support to be much closer to food production.

“Food production is the golden thread through all of our policy,” he said.

He also sent out a clear message to arm’s length bodies, stressing ‘no unannounced inspections’ and a more ‘sensitive approach’ to the pressures farmers are confronted with.

TRUSS BACKS LIVESTOCK FARMERS

FORMER Prime Minister and Defra Secretary Liz Truss has urged farmers to stand up to animal extremists and put an end to environmental activists’ tactics of intimidation.

Ms Truss, who is standing for re-election as MP for South West Norfolk, pledged her support for the livestock industry and condemned activists who she claimed were ‘intimidating farmers’.

Speaking to local news reporters, she said a number of pig farmers have contacted her to report threatening behaviour, with many feeling too intimidated to go to Norwich Market.

“It is very concerning. Most people want to enjoy a bacon sandwich, and they want to enjoy one that was reared here in the UK because we have high standards,” she said.

William Barber, an arable and poultry farmer from Hunstanton in Norfolk, said the actions of some campaigners were ‘deeply concerning’.

Threat

Although Mr Barber said his property had not been targeted, the threat from animal extremists was something farmers needed to be mindful of.

“Sadly the law does seem stacked against us,” he added.

“Those that commit these acts face minimal penalties, but there are very strong consequences for farmers.

“These people seem acutely aware of the law and know just how they can work it to their advantage which is not the case for most farmers.”

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NEWS

NSA calls for consultation on return of lynx

THE National Sheep Association (NSA) has warned the possible reintroduction of Eurasian lynx in Scotland and England could have ‘farreaching’ impacts on sheep farmers without a practical and science-based evidence consultation.

Following a Northumberland Wildlife Trust tour of its Missing Lynx Project, which has explored the possibility of bringing back the wild-cat risk species predator in Northumberland and Southern Scotland, NSA chief executive Phil Stocker said there needed to be a full discussion with farmers before any decision was made.

A full discussion with farmers about the re-introduction of lynx is needed, says Phil Stocker.

“The potential impact is wide and far reaching, including the stress placed on farmers knowing that an apex predator is in the vicinity,” Mr Stocker said.

“We have to think carefully about how the destruction of a livestock farming sector would change the

countryside, our rural communities and the ecology and nature that most farmers are already working hard to further improve.

“As sheep farmers, we will be far more directly affected than most and we have a duty and a right to express our views.”

Defra denies ignoring advice in new cull row

rControlled shooting will continue

By Jane Thynne

DEFRA has refuted claims made by The Guardian that it has issued a raft of new badger cull licences openly flouting guidance from its scientific adviser that further culling could ‘not be justified’.

According to The Guardian report, 17 new licences had been handed out this month (June) despite comments from Dr Peter Brotherton, its own adviser on the natural environment and director of science at Natural England, who said there

was no evidence to support such an action.

The newspaper claimed Dr Brotherton told Defra that while the data backed previous culls, he could find ‘no justification for authorising further supplementary badger culls in 2024 for the purpose of preventing the spread of disease and recommend against doing so’.

However, according to Defra, the issuing and authorisation of badger disease control licences under the existing badger control policy is carried out by Natural England and that Dr Brotherton’s scientific opinion had been commissioned for consideration by its operations team.

The department said it had written

to Natural England to offer its assessment of the current practical deployment of badger vaccination to help inform Natural England’s decision on whether to issue licences.

A Defra spokesperson said: “Bovine TB is one of the most difficult and intractable animal health challenges the livestock sector in England faces today, causing considerable trauma for farmers and costing taxpayers over £100 million every year.

“We have followed a holistic approach with badger vaccination, improved cattle testing, helping farmers improve biosecurity, and working towards deployment of a cattle vaccine, alongside the current badger control policy.”

No confidence vote ‘non-binding’, says Vaughan Gething

WALES’ First Minister Vaughan Gething has emphasised the no confidence vote he faced was ‘non-binding’ and that he was feeling ‘confident’.

As Farmers Guardian went to press on June 5, the First Minister was awaiting the result of a no confidence vote forced by the Welsh Conservatives after weeks of scrutiny around the Welsh Labour leader’s campaign donations.

The vote comes at a poignant time for Welsh agriculture with growing tension in recent months around the development of the Sustainable Farming Scheme, with the Welsh Government forced to delay it until 2026.

Speaking ahead of the vote, Mr

Gething told the Senedd that he had answered ‘truthfully and honestly’ and that he ‘undertook all the due dili-

gence’ he was required to, adding no rules or ministerial code ‘had been broken.’

World’s largest loaf of bread in the mix

AN arable farmer will attempt to break a Guinness World Record at next week’s Cereals Event by baking the world’s largest loaf of bread.

Olly Harrison, Merseyside, has been gaining assistance from Herefordshire farmer Martin Williams in building an eight-tonne tipping trailer oven which can be transported to Cereals on June 11.

According to the Guinness World Records, the largest loaf of bread

weighed 1,571kg and was made by Joaquim Goncalves in Brazil on November 13, 2008.

Mr Harrison said: “I would say it feels easier driving a combine from Lands End to John O’Groats. We have no idea if it will be a success.”

The pair are planning on selling slices of bread to raise money for Motor Neurone Disease, in memory of rugby legend Rob Burrow who died this week.

RHASS supports farmers despite challenging economy

rSociety celebrates its 240th year

By Chris Brayford

THE Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS) chose to create a deficit to support the industry during a difficult period in 2023, but plans are in place to bring it to a sustainable financial footing.

On its 240th anniversary, the charity released details of its annual report to members on Thursday (June 6), which showed RHASS’s total income was £11,532,053, a 5 per cent rise on the previous year, while expenditure was £15,383,679.

Additionally, the Royal Highland Show in 2023 proved to be one of the most well-attended events in the charity’s history, with around 217,000

attendees, which also generated £900,000 in sponsorship, while £500,000 has been funded to organisations including RSABI, Farmstrong, Moredun and Royal Highland Education Trust.

Easing the burden

Jim Warnock, chair of the RHASS, said the charity had made a strategic choice to plan a deficit to ease the burden of ag-inflation, and the rising living costs on members, show exhibitors and trade partners.

Mr Warnock said: “Recognising these difficulties, we made the strategic choice to try to absorb those cost increases to protect our members, show exhibitors and trade partners –showing our commitment to maintaining affordable prices and lifting some of the burden associated with the rise in the cost of living.

Ember Energy DEFRA GRANT APPLICATION

“This inevitably impacted on RHASS’s finances and cashflow and we have plans for the year ahead to bring us back to a sustainable financial footing.

“We understand the important role that local agricultural shows play in our communities, serving as a vital hub for rural residents to connect, collaborate, and support one another.”

Alan Laidlaw, chief executive of the RHASS, said the charity’s influence extends to every corner of the agricultural landscape from farmers to industry stakeholders.

“Looking ahead, RHASS remains focused on navigating the economic challenges and ensuring long-term sustainability following hugely challenging financial pressures,” Mr Laidlaw added.

“Strategies for recovery include prudent cost management, innovative

RHASS remains focused on ensuring its long-term sustainability

ALAN LAIDLAW

fundraising, investments in infrastructure and developing assets.

“Together with our partners, stakeholders, and staff members, RHASS is poised to emerge stronger from the deficits of 2023, reaffirming our commitment to supporting Scottish agriculture and rural communities for generations to come.”

INDUSTRY groups have welcomed the Welsh Government’s decision to not go ahead with plans to change school holidays in this Senedd term.

Wales’ Cabinet Secretary for Education Lynne Neagle said ‘opinion was hugely divided’ on the proposal.

Ms Neagle said: “To ensure we get this right, we need to continue listening to and engaging with schools, teachers and unions, as well as children, young people and parents on how best we can implement any changes in the future.”

NFU Cymru was one of a number of organisations to object to the proposal based on the impact that such changes could have on the pros-

Families will be able to attend the Royal Welsh Show during the school holidays as usual.

Royal Welsh Show to remain in school holidays for 2024

perity of the Royal Welsh Show – a highlight of the calendar year for many farming families.

Well-being benefits

NFU deputy president Abi Reader said: “The well-being benefits of bringing Welsh farmers – many of whom spend much of the year working in isolation on their respective farms – together for four days, together with their families, should not be underestimated.”

The Royal Welsh Agricultural Society said it was not yet clear if the Government would re-consult on the structure of the school year during the next Senedd term.

rClarkson happy to employ young people

By Jane Thynne

YOUNG people in Northern Ireland are being urged to ‘get off their tablets’ and spend their summer holidays on the farm in a bid to support local farmers.

The director of campaign group Countryside Alliance, Graham McCartney, issued the call in response to farmers’ growing concerns regarding rural labour shortages.

Mr McCartney said: “If we look back, school holidays in Northern Ireland were geared around allowing young people to help with the harvest. While the cost of living crisis continues and the summer holidays approach, it is prime time to get kids off their tablets, TV and out of the house into the fields.

“Farming is a fantastic way to keep them occupied, learn life skills, connect with the countryside and local wildlife and, of course, earn some money.”

Mr McCartney’s comments echo those of TV presenter-turned-farmer Jeremy Clarkson who has suggested teenagers should be sent to work on farms rather than be signed up to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s planned National Service reboot.

National Service plan sparks call for teens to help on-farm

He said: “Here is an idea. Instead of National Service, which is obviously idiotic, how about kids working on farms?”

Labourers

The Diddly Squat farm owner said he would happily employ teens as labourers on his West Oxfordshire farm as well as in the farm shop.

“They need to be bright, chatty and fun as we do not care about qualifications,” he added.

Meanwhile, the subject of migrant labour has been on the political agenda this week as leaders of the Labour and Reform parties both addressed the issue while on the General Election campaign trail.

The Leader of the Labour Party, Sir Keir Starmer, pledged to cut the net migration figure of 685,000, adding that businesses had become

Young people could earn money and gain skills from working on farms.

too reliant on workers from overseas and said Labour would train more Britons to do jobs in areas where there were labour shortages.

John Deere to open doors to service leavers

JOHN Deere has announced an open day for people leaving the military in search of a new career.

On June 13, John Deere will invite servicemen and women to its UK and Ireland headquarters in Nottinghamshire for an event designed to focus on technician roles and opportunities throughout the brand’s dealership network.

The John Deere Military Hiring Programme Insight Day gives service leavers a chance to see first-hand some of the world’s ‘most advanced agricultural and professional equipment which requires skilled, dedicated technicians to service and maintain.’

Allan Cochran, training centre manager, said: “We strongly believe in the pool of talent resettling from

successful careers in the military. We have thousands of examples worldwide demonstrating that they have the ideal skillset to slot seamlessly into technician roles.”

REGISTER ONLINE www.ctp.org.uk/events/details/John +Deere+Military+Hire+Program+Insight +Day-514155

Down on the Farm

Keeping clover in fine fettle

White clover is being increasingly used on intensively grazed farms where the benefits can be substantial, lowering both the cost of production and the carbon intensity of milk and meat. Managing nutrient and fertiliser inputs is a key component in establishing and main-taining clover in these swards successfully.

To quote Dr James Humphreys and Dan Barrett from Teagasc, Solohead Farm, ‘Clover is a shallow rooted species with around 15% of the root density of perennial ryegrass making it much less competitive for soil nutrients. Regular applications of a P & K compound fertiliser throughout the growing season are necessary for high levels of clover productivity and bio-logical N fixation’.Varying levels of nitrogen will be required throughout

Newly appointed head of the Reform Party, Nigel Farage, said ‘net migration should be zero’.

The announcements have been questioned by several industry organisations including the British Meat Processors Association which urged policy makers to consult with the ‘on-the-ground industry experts who can help identify impacts and opportunities’.

A spokesperson said: “We would like to see the different Government departments and civil servants work more closely together to ensure there will be no detrimental, unintended consequences for the food supply chain of future policy decisions.”

with Philip Cosgrave Agronomist, Yara UK Ltd.

the summer on white clover/PRG swards, the level of which will depend on the clover content % in each paddock. Because these nitrogen rates are quite low, it is very difficult to apply the necessary fertiliser accu-rately as it can often equate to only a shoe box full per ha, with a very low number of landing sites per square metre.

An easy solution to meeting the very low nitrogen demands of white clover/ PRG swards this summer, and supplying the phosphate, potash and sulphur requirements necessary for clo-ver in a manner that ensures maximum nutrient coverage for each of the four nutrients, is to use YaraMila 52 S. Where the clover content is 15 – 20%, then we would recommend 50 - 35 kg/ha of YaraMila 52 S monthly from June to August.

Wales’ pollution rules causing farmers ‘high levels of stress’

r

NFU Cymru sets up dedicated review group

By Rachael Brown

POLLUTION rules pose a ‘direct threat to food production in Wales’.

That was the message from NFU Cymru president Aled Jones, as he warned the Control of the Agricultural Pollution Regulations were ‘not fit for purpose’, resulting in ‘significant negative impacts to farm business viability’, as well as causing ‘high levels of stress and anxiety for farming families’.

Ahead of the Welsh Government’s four-yearly review of the regulations, NFU Cymru has set up a dedicated water quality review group to inform the union’s policy position and to gather evidence on the regulations put in place in 2021. The new group will be chaired by Ceredigion dairy farmer and NFU Cymru dairy board vice-chair Martin Griffiths.

Review process

Earlier this year the Welsh Government announced it will appoint an independent external chair to oversee the regulatory review process, which must be completed by April 2025. It also confirmed that a regulatory assessment will be undertaken on the impact of

the 170kg nitrogen/hectare limit and for any future proposals.

Mr Jones said: “NFU Cymru has called for the four-year review of the Control of Agricultural Regulations to be expedited and undertaken prior to December 31, 2024, when the Enhanced Nutrient Management Approach that allows farmers to operate above the 170kg N/ha limit is due to end. It is clear that a long-term sustainable solution to N limits is needed.”

Mr Griffiths said: “Farmers across Wales and across all sectors continue to grapple with many aspects of the

Electronic cattle tags ‘long overdue’

THE introduction of bovine electronic identification (bEID) is ‘long overdue’ with ‘real potential benefits, according to UK farming unions.

Different technologies are available for bEID introduction across the devolved nations, but all unions agreed they must continue to work with future governments to ensure livestock movement systems work for livestock and dairy businesses across all nations.

NFU Scotland livestock board chair Hugh Fraser said: “I would urge all governments to consider evidence produced by ScotEID trials to enable the livestock sector to access the identified benefits of bEID, which can only be delivered by ultra-high frequency tags.”

NFU livestock board chair David Barton said the benefits were clear of ‘reducing transcription errors, improving the health and safety for those of us that handle cattle,

and driving forward innovation and productivity’.

He added as a beef farmer he did not want these technologies to be overlooked and ignored.

NFU Cymru livestock board chair Rob Lewis said members had made it clear they saw the introduction as long overdue.

Robust

He added a ‘robust, future-proof and cost-effective system that can be totally aligned with a modernised cattle database’ was needed.

Defra’s response to the consultation on cattle identification, registration and movements in England has been paused due to the General Election.

While north of the border Scottish farmers are being encouraged to submit their responses to the cattle identification and traceability consultation, which is currently live.

The Control of the Agricultural Pollution Regulations are ‘not fit for purpose’,

Control of Agricultural Pollution Regulations. This includes the very significant investment costs, securing the necessary planning permissions and achieving compliance with the draconian record-keeping requirements.”

Affected

He said the ‘pan-Wales nature’ of these regulations meant all farmers were affected ‘irrespective of local conditions’.

“We believe the review of the regulations should provide the opportunity to amend the regulations so they are workable and achievable on all Welsh farms,” he said, adding the policy must work to not only improve water quality where it is found to be

needed, but also support the supply of food production and ensure rural farming communities can thrive.

A Welsh Government spokesperson said: “We are starting work on the statutory review of the effectiveness of the measures in the Water Resources [Control of Agricultural Pollution] regulations in preventing or reducing pollution from agricultural activities. This includes appointing an independent external chair to oversee the review.

“The review process will identify whether changes to the regulations are needed to contribute to our shared aims, for an economically and environmentally sustainable sector, for the long-term.”

Warning issued following break-in

GROWERS and distributors of plant protection products (PPPs) are being warned to be on high alert after a well organised break-in at a secure distributor store in Norfolk, with the Agricultural Industries Confederation (AIC) adding there were concerns of further thefts in the area and nationally.

The criminals targeted the premises just after midnight, severing the building’s communication lines before climbing onto the roof and making a hole to gain entry to where PPPs were stored for distribution to farms.

They were believed to have abandoned their raid and fled empty-handed after an alarm system was triggered, alerting staff and the police.

A police investigation suggested the gang had knowledge of the site

and experience with roofing based on precision tools left behind.

Extremely wary

Hazel Doonan, AIC’s head of crop protection and agronomy, warned farmers to be extremely wary if offered product which appears to be exceptionally cheap or does not come from a known and reputable distribution company.

“Inadvertently handling stolen goods has the potential to damage a business’ reputation and risks criminal proceedings,” Ms Doonan added. She urged anyone approached to report details to the police by calling 101, or to make an anonymous report to Crimestoppers UK by calling 0800 555 111.

Aled Jones has warned.

PICTURE: GETTY

rNew faces needed at assurance body

By Rachael Brown

THE ownership bodies of Red Tractor have appointed longstanding vicechair and Cumbrian sheep and beef farmer Alistair Mackintosh as their interim chair.

Mr Mackintosh, who was also a former NFU regional chair, takes over from Christine Tacon on July 1, who stood down to avoid ‘perceived conflicts’ after accepting a role on the Co-op board. He will continue in the post until ‘at least January 2025’, by which time the interim findings of the independent review into farm assurance should be published.

Strong

A statement released by Red Tractor ownership body members said they believed Mr Mackintosh could ‘build on the strong foundations’ left by Ms Tacon and ‘provide stability for the organisation’.

Mr Macintosh said: “As a farmer, I have seen the huge benefits that Red Tractor has delivered since its establishment in 2000.”

He added he was ‘totally committed

Red Tractor owners appoint interim chair

to rebuilding farmers’ trust in Red Tractor’ and working to demonstrate its value. The owners confirmed the recruitment process for a new permanent chair would begin this Autumn.

National Beef Association chief executive Neil Shand said with the ‘recent turmoil it might be prudent’ to appoint someone external as the next chair. National Sheep Association vice-president Bryan Griffiths said ‘new faces and fresh ideas’ were needed to pick up the review and ‘relaunch’ Red Tractor.

He said: “Alistair can act as interim in the meantime. But he is not the face of change, not by a very long way.

“They need to understand first and foremost that the old model was struggling and recognise that they need to make the necessary changes to build this new assurance in which farmers can have ownership and buy-in.

Four commissioners have been

appointed to conduct the farm assurance review and will gather some of their evidence at agricultural shows. “Farmers must take this opportunity and meet them and have their say,” Mr Griffiths added.

Meanwhile, a vote of no confidence, which was brought forward by the beef and lamb board in May, has been suspended until July to give Red Tractor time to ‘demonstrate a willingness to change’.

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LEADER

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

And finally...

Withjustweeksuntilthecountry headstothepolls,ourteamof award-winningjournalistsare analysingthepoliticalparties’ everymovetoaskwhatthey aregoingtodoforfarming. Visitfarmersguardian.com/generalelectiontostayaheadwithour GeneralElectioncoverage.

AS our brilliant In Your Field columnist Helen Stanier writes this week, farming is for everyone, and while it has much to do to become fully inclusive, it is only by working together for the good of our sector that we can effect positive change.

It is people like Helen who take the time to speak to organisations outside of farming, as well as those on the inside, who are leading the way when it comes to shifting the dial.

Accusing or even rounding on each other, as we have seen recently, can be harmful and cause more disunity. Yes, the industry should hold up a mirror to itself and ask if it is genuinely a welcoming, safe and professional place to work; it should empower people to speak out when it is not and hold those who behave unacceptably to account.

But blanketing blame on certain fractions of an already maligned community can cause more harm than good, bringing about even more division at a time when the industry should be standing united.

Respect is a huge part of this, as is working

We must work together to bring about positive change

together, education about what is acceptable and what is not, raising awareness, finding solutions and doing the right thing.

Change is only brought about through the power of people, standing together with a genuine will to change things for the better and for the good of the industry.

On the subject of change, from next week Farmers Guardian will have a new look. As we kick off our 180-year anniversary celebrations, we will mark the milestone with a new glossy cover, and over the next 12 months we will celebrate the history and heritage of our iconic brand while also looking to the future with some exciting new additions.

Since 1844, we have been connecting farmers and strengthening rural communities; we have been by your side through the good times and the bad, and we will continue to have your back.

From me and the FG team, we thank you for your support and we look forward to unveiling our brand new look next week.

YOUNG FARMER FOCUS

‘Farmers

are the essential lifeline of our country’

I HAVE lived in the glorious rural countryside of Lincolnshire since I was three years old after moving from Enniskillen in Northern Ireland.

We now farm 49 hectares with a herd of 80 suckler cows with calves at foot and 800 Texel cross sheep.

My love for farming is something I have always had in the forefront of my mind which orientates around most, if not all, of my decisions. Learning: Farming has taught me some important and valued life lessons - sympathy, hard work, resilience and patience. I want to see agriculture successful.

The beauty of new life every spring during lambing and calving is the part of the year I look forward to most.

I am very proud to play an integral role during this most treasured season in the farming community.

Having lambed all areas of the UK, I have been exposed to a vast range

of different practices, allowing me to make my own decisions for my own flock in the most efficient way.

Development: Although livestock holds a soft spot in my heart, I went head first into finessing my tractor abilities where I started working for Trevor Tye at Lynx Hay and Straw, driving a Fendt 930 and a 2270 XD baler baling all cereal straws.

I have been baling for the past three years doing everything from turning straw, mowing grass, stacking bales and loading tractors and lorries.

I arrived nervous and I left a different person.

Last May, I completed a Class 1 HGV test allowing me to cart a rigid lorry and drag during the harvest months which I absolutely love.

I feel there are no boundaries for my personal development and the support from the farming community has pushed me where I need to go.

I

in

With the challenges farmers are

Alice Bothwell

Stamford, Lincolnshire

Alice Bothwell, 20, is an agricultural student at Harper Adams University.

facing in the current climate, diversification seems to be the only option farmers are forced to go down. Appreciation: There is no appreciation for food and the work that is invested along the way which is very concerning. Farmers are the essential lifeline of our country, which is why I want to educate others.

I hope to develop my skills at my 12-month placement at Aviagen. I hope it gives me a better understanding of how to contribute to make farming more sustainable and efficient, to reinstate the needed appreciation for the daily struggle that is farming in this modern world.

MORE INFORMATION

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

Alice Bothwell

am now

my second year at Harper Adams studying agriculture with animal science, where I hope to pursue a career within genetics and nutrition.

Well done Phil Latham

PHIL Latham has hit the nail on the head again (‘Government sees food security as a fantasy spectre’, FG May 31). What farmers are presently doing is working like a charity, but without the associated tax breaks.

Gillian Herbert, Herefordshire.

MAY I just say what a brilliant piece Phil Latham has written. I share his passion and views on farming wholeheartedly, but I could never write such an impressive piece on the current woes that anyone in farming is aware of.

Roger Gardiner, via email.

YFC accusations could do damage

THIS week, farmers came under attack from a publication which heaps praise on the Young Farmers’ Club (YFC) movement one week and hangs it out to dry the next, levelling serious allegations at the community and tarnishing it with sensationalist reporting, which has been picked up by various national media outlets.

Although the story on ‘Young Farmer culture’ was intended to highlight something important, what it has done is divide a whole industry about what is and is not acceptable in youth culture and cast a dark shadow over the YFC movement and its achievements within farming.

I will make it very clear that I do not condone young people acting illegally or immorally. I also never really ‘got’

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

Social media soundbites

A Farmers Guardian story on Conservative Party plans to deter fly-tippers attracted dozens of comments online. Here are some of the most popular:

■ “Maybe if tips actually let people take their rubbish, fly-tipping would not happen as much. I heard a couple

the crass polo shirts worn, although they are tongue in cheek and in my opinion not aimed to defile women or instigate sexual assault.

This sort of behaviour is not exclusive to farming. Illicit materials, rape, molestation and other serious accusations should be reserved for the police to investigate and not the media.

This should have been a much broader investigation that did not focus on YFC, which has done so much good and changed so many lives

of lads took their old garden shed down to the tip in a van and they were told they do not take full garden sheds. They suggested tip half that day and half the next, but were told if they did that they would be turned away.”

DANIEL BRADBURY

■ “Another empty and feeble promise.

for the better. It could have posed the question of responsibility, consent, sought to educate people on what is acceptable and what is not – not only in youth culture, but as part of society. Drug problems are also not specific to farming.

After asking several Young Farmers about what has been levelled at them this week, the vast majority do not read the trade publication or national newspapers in question. They do not use X nor listen to

Robert Tudor on his way to the Smithfield Show with one of his dad’s heifers. Sent in by Mr Tudor’s son, Rob Roberts.

This is happening in plain sight on an industrial scale and nothing is done.”

ANDREW POULTER

■ “How will this policy deter them when they will not get caught as local authorities do not care and will not try.”

ROB BEAT

Radio 2. They do not even know what is being said about them, which has probably made for a very biased article when talking about ‘Young Farmers’ as a collective.

Denigrating the majority for the bad behaviour of the minority is no way to bring about positive change and could do untold damage to the industry.

Charlotte Ashley, Appleby-in-Westmorland, Cumbria.

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

Edited by Alex Black – 01772

With another increase in grain prices recorded this week, Cedric Porter takes a look at the factors which are currently impacting the markets.

Russian weather concerns are driving up grain prices

r

New EU tariffs aim to stabilise market

THERE was another increase in grain prices earlier this week, with fears over the Russian and other harvests driving up values.

On Monday, the November 2024 price of feed wheat on the ICE London futures market rose £3.50/tonne to £221/t, before slipping back – highlighting the volatility of the market.

That price compared with £180/t in early March, although it is still £40/t lower than the contract high set in October 2022.

Just as it was in 2022, it is what is happening in the Black Sea region that is governing the market.

The increase in wheat prices earlier this week followed a fall in the week before, after rain was forecast in Russia. But weather fears returned with high temperatures in the south expected to stress the growing crop.

This news was compounded by an announcement by Russian deputy prime minister Dimitry Patrushev that Russia expects to export 60 million tonnes of grain this season rather than the 70mt exported last season.

Russian wheat production is expected to be about 82mt this year, separate estimates from local analysts SovEcon and IKAR suggested. That is down from an expectation of 90mt a

Events in the Black Sea region are continuing to affect world grain prices.

month ago. The 2023 crop was nearly 94mt. EU wheat production may also be under pressure, with a wheat crop of 120.2mt expected in the 27-country union, the smallest for four years.

The removal of wheat import duties by India to boost wheat stocks could increase the demand for the grain. However, the imposition of levies designed to make the import of Russian and Belarussian grain prohibitive by the EU could trim demand.

A tariff of €90/t (£77.50/t) on most cereals and a 50 per cent duty on feed

INCREASING UK WHEAT TRADE DEFICIT

ALACKofhome-growngrainand strengtheningglobalpriceswill increasetheUK’sgrainimport billthisseason.

AHDB expects UK wheat imports to be at 2.175 million tonnes in the July 2023 to June 2024 season. That would be 60 per cent more than in 2022/23.

Exports are expected to be at 225,000t, a drop of 86 per cent on the 1.586mt shipped in 2022/23. Last season was the only one of the last four where the UK has had a wheat trade surplus, with imports at 966,000t more than exports on average between 2018/19 and

2022/23. The deficit could be 1.95mt this season.

A reduced area and poor yields could result in one of the largest deficits ever in the 2024/25 season.

The situation was a little healthier for barley. Exports in 2023/24 are estimated to be 730,000t, according to AHDB, with imports at 145,000t –a 585,000t surplus.

The average balance in the five years to 2022/23 was a surplus of 1.085mt, with exports at 1.166mt a year and imports of 81,000t.

Earlier this week, November 2025 feed wheat on the London futures market was trading at £207/t.

products has been imposed. In 2023, Russia exported 4.2 mt of cereals and related products to the EU, worth €1.3 billion (£1.118bn).

“The new tariffs set today aim to stop the imports of grain from Russia and Belarus into the EU in practice,” said Vincent Van Peteghem, minister for finance for Belgium, which currently holds the presidency of the EU.

“These measures will therefore prevent the destabilisation of the EU’s grain market, halt Russian exports of illegally appropriated grain produced in the territories of Ukraine and pre-

vent Russia from using revenues from exports to the EU to fund its war of aggression against Ukraine.”

The oilseed market was not so bullish, with good soyabean and corn growing conditions in the US reported. However, French analyst Strategie Grains reduced its EU rapeseed crop estimate this week from 18.12mt to 17.9mt, which would represent a 9.9 per cent decline on last year’s crop.

On Monday, Paris rapeseed November 2024 futures were standing at €496.50/t (£427/t) on the Euronext exchange.

WHEAT AND BARLEY TRADE

Meadow acts as interim buyer for Mona Dairy suppliers

rUnion makes plea for Government support

By Alex Black

MEADOW has been confirmed as the interim buyer for the 31 dairy farmers affected by the news Mona Dairy had been unable to secure short-term funding to ‘keep functioning in its current form’ in Wales.

The Anglesey facility is powered by renewable energy and has the potential to produce 30,000 tonnes of continental cheese a year.

It was understood farmers retain the choice to sell elsewhere over the longer-term.

Jim Bebb, Meadow supply chain director, said: ‘‘We are working to assist Mona Dairy’s producers as much as we can, providing them with a sustainable solution for their milk supply during this difficult time.’’

Hard-hitting

Farmers Union of Wales milk and dairy produce committee chair Brian Walters said the loss was hard-hitting for both the local economy and the 31 producer suppliers.

He said: “Dairy farmers throughout Wales are facing an unprecedented period of uncertainty, having dealt with the difficulties of a long wet winter alongside the continuing turmoil of changes to future agricultural support and red tape.

From page 1

AHDBestimatedGBmilkdeliveries fromApril1,2024,toMay25wasat 1.987billionlitres.

Thatwas1.6percentor33million litreslessthanlastyearand1.3per centlessthanin2022.

Other figures from the organisation show a 3 per cent increase in average UK wholesale butter prices to £5,080/ tonne in May, with prices up 30 per cent over the year to the highest level since the all-time highs seen in 2022 after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Bulk cream prices have increased by 41 per cent over the year, but there was no increase in Cheddar and skimmed milk powder prices.

There was also pressure on European dairy production, especially in Ireland. Irish production in the

It is hoped that a new buyer could be sought to take advantage of these innovative facilities at the site on Ynys Mon BRIAN WALTERS

“Compliance with the Control of Agricultural Pollution regulations and the ever tightening noose of bovine TB infections continue to bring great difficulties and extortionate costs to the sector.”

He added he hoped the weak spring flush and improving commodities market meant other processors would be in a ‘favourable position to support milk producers’.

He said: “However, for a more permanent resolution, it is hoped that a new buyer could be sought to take advantage of these innovative facilities at the site on Ynys Mon.

“Given the sustainability credentials and economic opportunity that Mona Dairy has to offer, we call on the Welsh Government for support in facilitating a positive outcome for the business.”

2023/24 milk year to the end of March was down 5.4 per cent to 8.598mt, with March output down 5.9 per cent.

Shift in production

Annual production was also lower in France and the Netherlands, but was up a little in Germany. There was a continued shift in production eastwards, with Polish milk output up 2.7 per cent to 13.175mt.

On Tuesday (June 4), the average price on the Global Dairy Trade auction rose by 1.7 per cent, the fifth increase in a row, to US$3,824/t (£2,990/t), the highest price since October 2022. Butter prices were up 1.7 per cent, Cheddar 0.2 per cent and skimmed milk powder 3 per cent.

Meadow has stepped in to offer to take milk from the 31 suppliers of Mona Dairy, after the Anglesey firm ran into financial trouble.

Aldi offers apple grower landmark 20-year contract

rOffer allows longer term investment

By Alex Black

ALDI has revealed an industry first 20-year contract for fruit farm AC Goatham and Son, in a move which will make other retailers take note, according to an analyst.

The farm was announced as Aldi’s sole supplier of British apples earlier this year and has now signed a deal worth £750 million. The 20-year deal will also see the introduction of the ‘Aldi orchard’ – a 81-hectare (200-acre) plot on New Green Farm in Gravesend, Kent, which will grow a mix of Gala and Braeburn apples for Aldi stores.

Ross Goatham, managing director of AC Goatham and Son, said it was a ‘fantastic achievement’ and a first for the sector.

“This gives us the confidence now to invest for the future and to grow more British apples and pears for Aldi, guaranteeing sustainability, viability and, most importantly, UK food security.”

British commitment

Aldi managing director of buying Julie Ashfield added it demonstrated their ‘long-term commitment to championing British produce’.

Aldi was the largest buyer of British apples in 2023 according to British Apples and Pears Limited (BAPL).

Promar divisional director John Giles said that their research showed horticultural businesses felt that

they were taking much of the risk, but not seeing the reward, with costs of production outside of their control putting pressure on production.

He said the deal almost sounded too good to be true and it was what many farmers and organisations had been calling for.

“It is very different to what has been tried in the past,” he said.

Relationship

He added that it was clearly building on a good relationship which was already in place. The long-term security would allow the business to ‘really plan ahead’, invest in infrastructure and research and development.

And while it was unlikely all other supermarkets would suddenly follow suit, Mr Giles said they would be watching closely and might have to make ‘some sort of response’.

For farmers and growers, he added it would be encouraging to have a longterm customer which was growing the way Aldi was, with the supermarket now the fourth largest UK retailer.

In the past, he said, supermarkets would have often responded to supply risks by turning to imports, but various factors meant that was no longer an easy option with European growers facing the same challenges as their UK counterparts.

He added British consumers had also demonstrated they would like to support British where the option is available and there was clearly a commercial benefit to Aldi as well.

New Holland strikes to continue through June

STRIKES by more than 500 workers employed by CNH Industrial’s tractor factory in Basildon will continue through June according to Unite the Union.

There were 10 days of strike action in May, with Unite saying New Holland’s owner CNH had broken an agreement signed in 2022 that pay increases would be calculated by the average rate of inflation over the previous year. CNH has instead offered a 4 per cent increase for 2024.

The union suggested the strikes would disrupt supplies, although the company said it did not expect it to.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “CNH will not get away with its broken pay promises.

“It is making massive profits and the only reason that the company is reneging on the deal is out and out corporate greed.”

Unite said the company has said it has a revised offer, but was refusing to table it unless Unite agrees to recommend it to its members. Unite said this was an attempt to ‘undermine’ strike action, suggesting it had also been targeting union representatives.

The only reason the company is reneging on the deal is out and out corporate greed

SHARON GRAHAM

A CNH spokesperson said the company was in negotiation with Unite and had been informed the workforce had ‘voted in favour of both industrial action short of strike action and for strike action’.

“The company is disappointed that the parties were unable to reach an agreement and that the Unite Union has decided on this course of action,” they said, adding they did not foresee any disruption to tractor supply. It added it was committed to reaching an agreement and would continue to negotiate in ‘good faith’.

Workers at CNH Industrial in Basildon will continue strike action throughout June.

Boost to red meat export trade

rTight supply of lambs across Europe

By Rachael Brown

EARLY year beef export figures are up and there could be more to come, with the latest statistics from HMRC indicating an internal decline in EU red meat production.

During Q1, Britain exported 27,150 tonnes of beef, up 3.7 per cent on year earlier figures, with the value of exports up by 0.7 per cent.

A total of 85 per cent went to the EU, with non-EU countries receiving 66 per cent more and Hong Kong seeing a huge 84 per cent increase on year earlier figures.

Lamb exports also had a healthy increase in January and February and only fell in March due to increases in domestic demand. In Q1, export value was up 13 per cent and volumes were higher than both 2021 and 2022.

Elizabeth Swancott, Hybu Cig Cymru market intelligence, research and development senior officer, said:

“It seems beef production, according to an EU Commission report, is expected to drop by 2.3 per cent in 2024 due to the internal structural adjustments of the suckler and dairy herd.”

It follows a 2.8 per cent decline in production in 2023, when the suckler numbers dropped by 160,000-head and the dairy herd by 344,000-head.

EU sheepmeat production has also dropped by 5 per cent following a longer term scaling down, amounting to a reduction of six million-head since 2019.

Potential

Ms Swancott said: “While it is always difficult to gainsay the market place, any supply shortfalls offer potential opportunities for further UK exports to a major trading partner.

“Alongside these positive beef opportunities, sheepmeat has scope with low availability and resultant high prices, predicted to result in a 2.5 per cent increase in exports to the EU throughout 2024.”

She added underlying trends reflect a ‘tight supply of lambs in all market

Lamb exports saw a healthy increase in January and February.

places’, with fewer British lambs available for export and more lamb staying on the domestic market due to the high demand in March, aided by religious festivals, including Easter, Eid al-Fitr and Ramadan.

She said France was the sector’s largest trade partner in terms of exports receiving an ‘additional 13 per cent supply from Britain on the year’, adding this was a ‘good sign for upcoming trade’.

Professionalism and utilising technology led to success for Kevin Heywood, of A.J. Heywood and Sons. Toby Whatley speaks to the Cornish contractor about winning British Farming Awards Contractor of the Year.

Covering an annual workload which includes 2,833 hectares (7,000 acres) of grass harvesting, 202ha (500 acres) of maize, 202ha (500 acres) of combining, muck spreading, cultivations, drilling and umbilical slurry applications – alongside a groundworks and concreting division – Kevin Heywood has plenty of staff, machines and work to keep organised and on-track.

He says: “We have been providing contracting services for 45 years, with the business started by my father in 1979. Originally we were a small dairy farm, but during the late 1980s the cows were sold and the income was supplemented by providing contracting services to other dairy farms in the area.

“Back then there were numerous dairy farms in our area – over 10 in a 10-mile radius. A lot has changed since and many of those farms have now gone, with only two now remaining. But the area of land is the same and our core business has remained with grassland contracting, but now also covering maize planting and harvesting, slurry applications, combining and cultivations.”

Using its two John Deere forage harvesters, the core business is still contracting, but was expanded 25 years ago to cover construction and concreting to provide winter

XBased in Bude, Cornwall

XContracting services include:

2,833 hectares (7,000 acres) grass forage harvesting; 202ha (500 BUSINESS FACTS

CONTRACTOR OF THE YEAR

work for staff and machinery. Originally focused on agricultural projects, work now includes groundwork for residential and commercial developments.

New technology

An area the business has always remained focused on is the use of new technology and datagathering systems.

“We have always looked outside the box to offer more for customers, and stop competing on price,” says Mr Heywood.

“We were very early adopters of John Deere’s NIR HarvestLab technology on the foragers, allowing us to provide data on feed quality, which was originally managed through Gatekeeper software.”

Mr Heywood adds the hardest part of using the technology was selling the value of the data to the customer. Eventually, they ran a forager with and without the NIR sensor and customers started to request it.

“Customers will not pay for the data but it secured the work. In the earlier years, the data was focused on dry matter quantity to improve the basics of silagemaking, but now we can provide more detailed data on sugars and protein,” he says.

“As contractors, we have used the information to improve how we work building the clamp and the importance of how we change the cut length and compaction in accordance to

maize and cereal harvesting; muck spreading, slurry umbilical, maize drilling cultivations and groundworks and concreting

Thursday, October 17, 2024

the customer’s target values.”

The cost of new machinery is changing how the business is run and Mr Heywood says they have delayed the change of some kit due to the prohibitive purchase costs and decreased the size of tractors to reduce the capital outlay.

Ex-demo

He says: “Typically we bought new tractors, but this year we bought some ex-demo and ex-hire machines – in part due to excessive stock held in yards.”

Since winning the award, Mr Heywood says it has highlighted the need for professionalism, and has helped with the promotion of the business and how it operates.

“It is a good personal

recognition that we are doing a good job and pushing the business in the right direction,” adds Mr Heywood.

Looking toward future plans, Mr Heywood is remaining focused on professionalism with more education on business management, legislation and environmental requirements, with the addition of a FACTS qualification within the team to help with legislation and nutrient plans.

“We will always invest in technology to provide data for farmers to use with future Sustainable Farming Incentive schemes, which will hopefully make a more integral contribution to customers’ businesses,” he says.

Kevin Heywood

ARABLE FARMER OF THE YEAR

Biodiversity and soil health have remained the central focus of Ed Horton’s ‘hybrid’ farming system since returning to the family farm nine years ago. Ash Ellwood reports.

Ed Horton, who farms alongside his father in Poulton, Cirencester, was last year awarded the title of Arable Farmer of the Year at the 2023 British Farming Awards.

Describing his system as a lower input approach and a hybrid of conventional and organic systems, Mr Horton manages a mixed enterprise totalling 3,500 hectares (8,648 acres).

Mr Horton believes soil biology is a key factor within the system.

He says: “Diversity is key in the rotation, which is made up of 18 different combinable crops – including some of the more unusual crops, such as rye, spelt, phacelia, emmer and einkorn.”

Since winning the award, increasing inputs, relentless weather and regulation changes have resulted in a challenging 12 months in the arable industry, so Mr Horton has taken this time to inwardly analyse his system and determine strengths and weaknesses.

“In a year like this, even in our system, the margins are tight. My system is good, but unfortunately it just cannot deal with the

FARM FACTS

X 3,500 hectares (8,648 acres) across Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, Oxfordshire and Hampshire

X 180-cow suckler herd of pedigree Beef Shorthorns

X Joint venture sheep flock of 2,500 ewes

X Hybrid arable system based on soil health, biodiversity and reduced inputs

X Livestock integration key for nitrogen requirements and managing disease risks

wettest 18 months we have ever seen and come out unscathed.

“We decided instead of investing in new technology, this year is being spent gathering information on what has worked long-term and identifying what we thought was working and perhaps has not. This will enable us to either make changes, realign goals or become more flexible moving forward.”

Herd and flock

Livestock are a large part of the enterprise, including a 180-cow suckler herd of pedigree Beef Shorthorns and a joint venture sheep flock totalling 2,500 ewes.

Alongside using livestock to manage disease and growth regulation, Mr Horton gains 65 per cent of the farm’s annual nitrogen requirements and 100 per cent of P and K from organic manure in the form of slurry from two neighbouring dairy units and farmyard manure from the beef herd.

He says: “As the nitrogen is an organic form, it is readily available to crops and kinder on the soil biology than large doses of manufactured fertiliser.”

Biodiversity is a key measurement of success and is often used as a soil health key performance indicator.

Improving biodiversity is also firmly set in Mr Horton’s long-term plans for the farm.

He says: “What we are seeing is that bird and insect numbers can relate to soil health and our soils perform well in more challenging weather compared to conditions they are used to, impacting on factors such as how much water they can hold when it is dry and how much better they drain when it is wet.

“Increased biodiversity will

help to improve soil health and long-term perspective of the ability to produce viable crops in 30-40 years.”

Herbicides

Insecticides have been cut out of the system for the past 10 years, alongside a more recent reduction of herbicides.

Instead, Mr Horton has incorporated camera-guided hoes

into the rotation to control weed burdens.

“The camera uses 3D technology to map the farm in real-time as it weeds. I do not aim for sterile, clean fields of cereals, but ones which are clean of pernicious weeds such as black-grass. I try and allow arable flowers like poppies, campion and speedwells to grow in the canopy to allow pollinators to flourish.”

Ed Horton

GLOBAL AG VIEW

Australia plans to phase out live sheep exports

rBan to be in place by May 2028

By Alex Black

AUSTRALIAN farmers have ‘slammed’ a move to phase out live sheep exports by sea over a fouryear period.

Agriculture Minister Murray Watt announced the plans, which would see live exports banned by May 2028. Live sheep would still be able to be exported by air, while cattle would still be able to be exported by sea.

The Government had set aside AUS$107 million (£55.77m) for about 3,000 farmers in Western Australia who would be affected by the bans.

The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) said farmers were left shocked.

The group said the plan ignored industry advice that such a rapid timeline would spell catastrophe for farming communities, for animal welfare, and for Australia’s global trading partnerships.

‘Disaster’

NFF chief executive Tony Mahar said: “Murray Watt has decided to book us on the express train to disaster, but this is not the final chapter in this story – we will keep fighting.”

He said the money set aside was ‘pitiful’, and ‘does not touch the sides’.

“It is a devastating slap in the face when you consider they squandered $6m just to produce this dodgy plan,” he said.

The NFF said the stakes of the policy extended well beyond the economic and social impacts in Australia.

“This is not just a betrayal of

It shows complete ignorance to the real-world implications of a ban, which will inevitably lead to poorer animal welfare outcomes

TONY MAHAR

Australian farmers. It runs directly counter to our national interests.

“We are turning our back on crucial Middle Eastern partners who have pleaded for this trade to continue,” said Mr Mahar.

“It also shows complete ignorance to the real-world implications of a ban, which will inevitably lead to poorer animal welfare outcomes.”

He added: “This does not end the global demand for live sheep. Today’s announcement just sentences foreign sheep to the practices we banned a decade ago.”

Animal activism

The NFF also warned the announcement legitimised extreme animal activism at the expense of farmers and their families, which it said demonstrated no agricultural industry is truly safe from ideology-driven policies if it meant scoring political points.

Dairy giant starts season with ‘cautious approach’

NEW Zealand dairy giant Fonterra has stated it is starting the 2024/25 milk season with a ‘cautious approach’ amid ongoing uncertainty and risk of volatility in global markets.

It came as the co-operative announced profit after tax from continuing operations of NZ$1,013 million (£486.53m), up NZ$20m (£9.61m).

Chief executive Miles Hurrell said its foodservice and consumer

channels in particular had a strong third quarter, with a lift in earnings compared to the same time last year.

“As a result of this performance, we have lifted our forecast FY24 continuing operations’ earnings range to 60-70 cents per share, up from 50-65 cents per share,” he said.

Global Dairy Trade prices have lifted over the past couple of months, back to levels seen

around the start of the calendar year.

Positive results have been seen at the auction since the beginning of April.

Mr Hurrell said: “Our current season forecast Farmgate Milk Price midpoint remains unchanged at $7.80 per kg of milk solids [£3.75/kg MS], and as we are nearing the end of the season, we have narrowed the range to $7.70-$7.90/ kg MS [£3.70- 3.79/kg MS].

“Looking to the 2024/25 season,

milk supply and demand dynamics remain finely balanced and China import volumes have not yet recovered to historic levels.

“Given the early point in the season, the uncertainty in the outlook, and ongoing risk of volatility in global markets, we are starting the season with a cautious approach. Our opening forecast range is $7.25-$8.75/kg MS [£3.48£ 4.20/kg MS], with a midpoint of $8.00/kg MS [£3.84/kg MS].”

The National Farmers’ Federation said the stakes of the policy extended well beyond the economic and social impacts in Australia.

Edited by Angela Calvert – 07768

Cambridgeshire brothers Mat and Lloyd Smith are taking steps to safeguard a sustainable future for their family’s fenland arable farm. Teresa Rush reports.

Farming sustainably in the Fens

It is a grey, rainy day at Lodesend Drove Farm and Mat and Lloyd Smith have retreated to the workshop while they contemplate the likelihood of getting out into the fields to complete some tractor hoeing.

The brothers are not organic farmers, but they do have an ethos of doing what they believe is right for their family farming business, even if that means a departure from what might be regarded conventionally as the best approach.

They are third generation farmers, taking over the 185-hectare (457-acre) Lodesend Drove Farm at Ramsey Mereside, near Huntingdon, in the Cambridgeshire Fens, 19 years ago.

Their father, in a move which can often be the exception rather than the norm in the farming community, handed the farm over to his sons, then still in their mid-to-late 20s, on his 65th birthday.

Since then, the pair have made significant changes, including reviewing the resources required to run the farm efficiently.

They take a very practical ap-

proach to sustainability, only owning and contracting land that they can manage between the two of them, ensuring they make good decisions at the right time.

Farming on agronomicallychallenging high organic matter skirt fen soils and with relatively small fields, Mat and Lloyd have developed a business based around a diverse rotation which they believe allows them to run the farm in a way that benefits the bottom line, the environment and importantly for them, their local community.

Crops

Cropping currently comprises potatoes, winter wheat, spring barley, naked oats, millet, canary seed, sunflowers, winter beans, plus Countryside Stewardship and Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) options.

Wheat and beans are the only autumn-drilled crops, with spring drilling typically getting underway in February and continuing through to May.

Linseed, broad beans and sugar beet have also featured in recent years.

The latter should be the first crop on the farm, according to Mat, but after some difficult seasons and disappointing yields, the decision was taken to drop sugar beet this season, primarily because of the risk involved with growing it.

The brothers also see their diverse rotation as a way of managing risk in the face of unpredictable weather, markets and regulatory environment.

Almost all of the spring crops, with the exception of potatoes, have two markets.

Specialist crops, such as sunflower, millet and canary seed, are grown on contract with Premium Crops, but some grain is retained for inclusion in the farm’s own Spadger Bird Seed brand, launched a little over a year ago and mixed and packed on-farm.

‘Spadger’ is a local name for a

The farm comprises 43 blocks of land, criss-crossed by 12 miles of watercourses.

Left to right: Brothers Lloyd and Mat Smith operate a diverse rotation at Lodesend Drove Farm

FARM PROFILE CAMBRIDGESHIRE

sparrow and the idea for the bird seed enterprise came about as a result of the increase in birds and wildlife that the brothers have seen on the farm.

Sales initially have been through local markets and events and this year will see a move into online.

It has been a steep learning curve, says Mat, but the pair have drawn confidence from previous experience of growing other nichemarket crops for seed.

He says: “Going back a few years we grew six different seed crops for Daltons and probably one or two of those would have been on areas of half-a-hectare or a hectare.

Add value

“We are small, we can add value at that scale. We grew three acres (1.21ha) of broad beans last year for a customer; we have always been willing to try out different crops.”

That willingness to try some-

thing different is apparent too in their commitment to engaging with their local community.

Another recent innovation has been sunflower walks, which attracted some 600 visitors last summer, raising £1,000 for the East Anglian Air Ambulance in the process.

Opening the farmgate to an increasingly urban population can make a big difference to public perception of what farming is about, says Mat.

An inter-row hoe is the most recent addition to the farm’s machinery, providing an alternative weed control option.

Lloyd agrees: “Fifty years ago, probably more than 75 per cent of the households in the village would have worked in the farming industry, but it is not like that anymore and I think we can sometimes forget that.”

Other changes have seen the brothers’ shift from what had been a traditional plough and power harrow approach to crop establishment, to a reduced tillage system based around a Claydon Hybrid drill, now in its third season on the farm.

Lloyd says: “When we took over, it was very much the case that everyone on the Fen took the same approach — plough and power harrow combination drill. That was on a rotation of wheat, sugar beet, potatoes and then back into wheat.

Options

“And then the black-grass came. So, we looked at different options and eventually went with the Claydon drill.

“It means we are not moving as much soil, which helps us keep on top of the black-grass and there is a cost efficiency in that we now have one tractor not three going up and down the field.”

A reduced tillage approach also saves time, important to a business which uses only family labour.

Mat says: “We are not bothered

The bird seed processing plant. The Smiths produce their own range of bird seed and accessories.

CAMBRIDGESHIRE FARM PROFILE

Mat and Lloyd are third generation farmers at the 185-hectare (457-acre) farm.

The farm’s small, regular fields have made it a challenge to fit in wildflower margins and environmental strips MAT SMITH

about having a big drill and getting over a lot of acres. It is about judging the soil and the season and doing the right thing on the right day.”

An inter-row hoe is the most recent addition to the farm’s machinery line-up, brought in as an alternative weed control option for use in the farm’s oat, winter wheat and barley crops.

“It just gives us another option instead of using chemicals. There is no resistance to metal,” says Lloyd.

Farming in the Fens brings its own set of challenges when it comes to benefiting from current environmental schemes.

Lodesend Drove comprises some 43 blocks of land, each of about 4ha (10 acres), criss-crossed by 12 miles of watercourses, with very few hedges and trees.

At first glance wildlife habitat would appear to be in short supply. Yet a programme of sensitive watercourse maintenance, in combination with diverse cropping, means the farm is rich in birdlife and insects, which thrive in the wildlife corridors created within the drains and ditches.

“We have got yellow wagtails, lapwings, turtle doves; the bumblebee surveys are coming back with a variety of species,” says Mat.

Challenge

“The farm’s very small, regular fields have made it a challenge to fit in wildflower margins and environmental strips. Tree planting is not a priority on [fenland high] organic soils.

“We have, however, managed to incorporate a variety of options from both Countryside Stewardship and SFI onto the farm and looking to potentially extend this if more options relating to ditch management are released.”

Despite the challenges of farming in this landscape, the brothers

are helping to lead the way to a more sustainable farming future.

In 2023 they were the winners of BASF’s Rawcliffe Bridge Sustainability Award, which recognises how farmers are tackling sustainability from all perspectives, considering the environment alongside societal and economic sustainability.

At the time they defined sustainability as being about people, the environment and everything linked to it.

“It is about collaborations and partnerships, building long-term connections and loyalty with our customers, local residents and industry.

“Most of all, sustainability is

■ Canary seed: 16ha (40 acres)

■ Millet: 8ha (20 acres)

■ Naked oats: 10ha (25 acres)

■ Potatoes: 4ha (10 acres)

■ Sunflowers: 7ha (17 acres)

about developing the farm for the future,” Lloyd says.

Twelve months on and it is clear they remain committed to ensuring their business is as sustainable as it can be.

Lloyd says: “Financial stability has to come first. We are not going to worry about the environment if we cannot afford to be here. We have got to be able to embrace change and reduce risk at the same time.”

Mat adds: “This year will test us more than any other year because the combine is not going to have a full tank as easily as it has before, but that is where the benefit comes from in diversity.”

■ Spring barley: 40ha (99 acres)

■ Winter beans: 20ha (49 acres)

■ Winter wheat: 70ha (148 acres)

■ Country Stewardship and SFI: 10ha (25 acres)

Lodesend Drove Farm cropping harvest 2024

Canary seed is one of the crops produced for use as bird seed.

The fenland high organic soils mean that tree planting is not a priority.

One of the many wild bird cover strips which have helped increase biodiversity on-farm.

ARABLE

Edited by Ash Ellwood – 07786

rAccurate timing of ear sprays critical

OF all the main fungicides, the growth stage 63-65 (T3) treatment is sometimes where growers might look to make savings, but in a season like this that could be very risky, says Hutchinsons head of integrated crop management David Howard.

The T3 is the main fungicide for protecting ears against fusarium infection, and while that risk is largely determined by rainfall between ear emergence and harvest, recent heavy rainfall is likely to have increased pressure by splashing spores further up the canopy making ear infection easier, he adds.

Importantly this season, the T3 could also hold much greater importance for topping-up foliar disease control, notably septoria and rusts, thereby helping preserve green leaf area further into the summer growing season.

Foothold

He says: “We are in a high disease year, septoria, brown and yellow rust, already have a foothold in some crops and continued protection will be required to achieve potential.

“With lower than average solar radiation levels throughout the spring, it is imperative that crops retain green leaf area for as long as possible to maximise light interception well into the longer daylight hours and fill to their full potential.”

Accurate timing of ear sprays is critical to their efficacy, and Mr Howard says they should ideally be applied as soon as ear emergence is complete and flowering is underway (GS63-65) to give the best control of fusarium (favoured by warm and wet conditions during flowering) and/or microdochium (cool and wet).

But with very variable crop growth this year, accentuated by unsettled weather, fluctuating temperatures and low sunlight during March, April

T3 OPTIONS

SEVERAL factors must be considered when deciding on the most appropriate fungicide options at T3, including varietal susceptibility, presence of disease, chemistry used at T2 and weather forecast from ear emergence to flowering, says Mr Howard.

For fusarium species, he says metconazole, prothioconazole or tebuconazole all offer good control, leading to reductions in DON mycotoxins. He notes that AHDB and ADAS trials suggest better results from prothioconazole + tebuconazole

With unsettled weather continuing to fuel high disease pressure, growers are being urged to ensure emerging wheat ears are fully protected through to harvest. Farmers Guardian reports.

T3 fungicide options in a high disease year

and May, ear emergence is likely to be variable and protracted, so extra care will be needed to hit the optimum spray timing.

“Delaying the T3 application, even if the T2 has only recently been applied, will result in poor ear disease control, particularly once flowering is coming to an end [GS69]. Accurate timing on-farm is a huge practical challenge given that flowering occurs once ears are

mixtures and formulations compared to straights of either active.

He adds: “Adding phosphites at ear emergence has also been found to reduce DON production.”

Metconazole,ortebuconazole-based products are also strong on yellow and brown rusts, he says.

Main choice

Prothioconazole is the main choice for managing microdochium nivale, which although does not produce mycotoxins, can still have a significant yield impact.

Ideallyprothioconazoleshouldbe

out and before florets are visible and, in practice, it is better to be a little early than a little late.”

Predict

To help predict fusarium pressure, Mr Howard recommends growers complete the AHDB mycotoxin risk assessment, which gives a risk score based on seven factors – region, previous crop, cultivation, varietal resistance rating, T3 fungicide application, and

usedwithfluoxastrobinortebuconazole, which would add some septoria control where growers have already reached the maximum number of SDHIs allowed in the programme.

“Ifseptoriapressureishighandcrops have not received two SDHIs, then ear sprays could include an SDHI, such as bixafen/fluopyram + prothioconazole/ tebuconazole, fluxapyroxad + metconazole, or benzovindiflupyr + prothioconazole, where rust pressure is expected. Similarly, if fenpicoxamid has not already been used in the programme then fenpicoxamid +

total rainfall during flowering and pre-harvest.

This also allows completion of Section 5 of the Combinable Crops Passport (essential to marketing grain) assessing the risk of breaching the limits for mycotoxins in grain.

RISK ASSESSMENT

To complete the AHDB mycotoxin risk assessment, visit: ahdb.org.uk/ mycotoxins

prothioconazole would make a very strong septoria option.”

Strobilurins, such as fluoxastrobin, pyraclostrobin or azoxystrobin, could be considered for added control of rusts, septoria nodorum and sooty moulds, he adds.

They may also deliver a yield benefit through improved green leaf area retention and better stress resilience, however strobilurins must be applied with a fungicide with a different mode of action, and as with SDHIs, only two strobilurins are allowed in any crop fungicide programme, he says.

The T3 is the main fungicide for protecting ears against fusarium infection.

The science of soil biology and technologies to better understand and manage it are rapidly changing and improving. The latest developments in below-ground technology were showcased at an Agri-TechE event in Bedfordshire. Teresa Rush reports.

Digging deep for soil health

rTrials look at key crop performance

HEALTHY soil can contain a myriad of different micro-organisms and invertebrates. But what do these all do in our soils and how do they interact with plant roots? What measures can be taken to maintain this biodiversity and thereby increase the resilience of farming systems above ground?

These were just some of the questions tackled by speakers at Agri-TechE’s ‘Digging deep: A showcase of below ground tech advancements’ event held in association with Cranfield University.

ADAS senior crop research consultant Dr Christina Baxter explained the importance of digging deep to measure crop rooting.

She said: “We know that the critical root length density to capture the majority of water in our soils is 1cm length of root per cu.cm of soil.”

However, ADAS studies between 2007-2013 measuring root length density down to a metre depth in winter wheat and oilseed rape field trials across the UK revealed that below 35cm depth, root densities were insufficient to capture the most of the water and nutrients available in the soil.

Rooting density

Similar data collected in cereals in the 1970s and 1980s highlighted that rooting density was higher at that time than that seen today in modern crops. There is no single explanation for this, said Dr Baxter.

She added: “We have a theory that the ploughing which was happening at that time was more conducive to higher rooting densities. There may also potentially be an element of genetics in that our modern varieties have higher harvest indices and allocate more energy to yield.”

Another way we can analyse [soil] sound is by recording a soil sample and giving it a score

CARLOS ABRAHAMS

Looking to the future, measurement of crop root growth is essential to understand crop performance in particular environments, said Dr Baxter.

There is a need for root systems which improve crops’ resilience to environmental stresses and climate change, but the speed and remoteness of root measurement must be improved before root growth characteristics can be considered in crop breeding programmes.

NatureMetrics soil biodiversity specialist Dr George Muscatt explained how eDNA – tiny traces of DNA in the environment – is being used to investigate soil biodiversity.

A major challenge with soil biodiversity measurement is that data can be difficult to interpret and use, he told the meeting.

Solutions to this challenge include

‘fungal functional profiling’, which connects soil biodiversity data on fungi to the ecological roles fungi play within ecosystems, such as nutrient cycling. Indicator fungal functions associated with healthy soil ecosystems can be identified and tracked over time.

Management

Dr Muscatt said: “You can ultimately guide future management based on which intervention strategies are having the desired impact on soil fungi.”

Listening to soil to assess soil health is certainly a novel approach, but is nevertheless one which has attracted interest in the last couple of years.

Dr Carlos Abrahams, director of acoustics at Baker Consultants, outlined a Defra-funded project in conjunction with Warwick University looking at whether sound can be used

as a measure of soil health and soil biodiversity.

He said: “Soil ecoacoustics is using specialised microphones which we stick into the ground to record the sounds that go on under our feet.”

One approach to using sound data would be to utilise machine learning to develop ‘recognisers’ for soil species, which could then be used in monitoring.

Dr Abrahams said: “Another way we can analyse [soil] sound is by recording a soil sample and giving it a score, where more sounds get a higher score and if it is very quiet, a lower score – it is called an acoustic index.

“This is an approach we are currently investigating to see whether we can look at the overall levels of sound generated within a soil sample and use that as a measure of soil health.”

Soil ecoacoustics and eDNA are among the technologies being developed to help growers better understand, monitor and manage their soil.

Dr Christina Baxter

Dr George Muscatt

Dr Carlos Abrahams

ARABLE OSR ESTABLISHMENT

Making changes and adapting how oilseed rape is established means the crop remains a valuable part of the rotation for one grower, despite the challenges of drought and cabbage stem flea beetle. Farmers Guardian reports.

For Charles Parkinson, of H.E. Parkinson, who farms 800 hectares of combinable cropping just outside of Stamford, Lincolnshire, drought has been one of the major challenges facing oilseed rape on his light brash soils.

He says: “Many farms have struggled with OSR; we really want to keep growing it as we have not found a break crop to replace it. However, our acreage has decreased during the past five years, so I now grow a more manageable area on a wider rotation.”

The preservation of moisture has been the key driver for a step change in how the crop is established.

“The fundamental rule we work to is not to drill unless conditions are suitable and there is enough moisture in the soil for the crop to get up and away as quickly as possible. If the crop looks ropey, it comes out,” says Mr Parkinson.

“There is a lot of weather forecast watching around the first few weeks of August.

“We are ready to go as soon as conditions are good and, in the main, we can be flexible with areas drilled, but we have to hit the right seedbed conditions.”

Over the last five years, cultivations have moved away from subsoiling and drilling OSR over a three-week period, to using a disc drill and planting 150ha over two days.

“We aim to drill in the first week of August, as we have found that, much like the crowds, cabbage stem flea beetle likes to come out around the local Burghley horse trials weekend on the first week of September; it is a flea beetle extravaganza.

Increasing the returns of oilseed rape crops

“We can do all we can to get the crop into the ground in the right conditions, but then we need a variety that has enough ‘oomph’ and will grow aggressively in the autumn,” says Mr Parkinson.

Last year, on the advice of Duncan Durno of Openfield, he

HOW CAN GENETICS MITIGATE RISK?

ALTHOUGH oilseed rape is an important crop in the UK which can provide strong returns, it can also be a risky crop to grow, says Liam Wilkinson, Limagrain’s product manager.

He says: “One way to manage this risk is to select a variety with as many stacked traits as possible from the beginning, and this is what we are trying to deliver in our catalogue.”

Looking at LG Armada’s stem health traits, the variety scores 6 against phoma stem canker on the Recommended List, as well as

having the Rlm7 gene, and through Sclero-flex has a quantitative genetic tolerance to sclerotinia.

Robust

The variety also has good cylindrosporium and verticillium resistance, providing a robust package and taking as much risk out of managing the crop from a husbandry point of view as possible after emergence, adds Mr Wilkinson.

He says: “A further quality that has become gradually more desired on-farm is pod shatter resistance.

tried Limagrain’s new hybrid variety, LG Armada.

While LG Armada’s main attribute is its high yield, the key to this is the variety’s traits.

Mr Durno says: “The yield of this variety is secure because of the traits it has, and this has been

“By the time pod shatter resistance comes into play, you will have spent everything on your crop that you are going to, and so it is a no-brainer for a variety to have this trait to secure yield.

Yield

“And it is not just about producing high-yielding varieties anymore –there are lots of high-yielding varieties out there – it is about securing that yield on-farm. “We are trying to do everything we can do genetically to make crops easier to manage.”

proven through its rise to the top of the AHDB Recommended List during several tricky seasons.”

LG Armada’s growth habit has also impressed Mr Durno.

He says: “It has very strong autumn vigour and is early to get away in the spring with strong growth, producing thick stems and branching out a lot compared with other varieties, to create a robust, strong plant.”

Last autumn, Mr Parkinson put down half his acreage to LG Armada, keeping Ambassador for the remainder.

Step forward

He says: “We have done well with Ambassador in the past, but LG Armada seemed a step forward that would also grow aggressively in the autumn.

“We always grow a couple of varieties to allow us to compare performance, and look for about four tonnes/ha, but getting these yields consistently is more

Charles Parkinson

important. Ultimately, we want a variety we can rely on.”

Ensuring the crop has good nutrition at the start is important, says Mr Parkinson.

Nutrition

“We have had great results from sewage sludge. These soils can be low in phosphate, and it also supplies early nitrogen,” he adds.

The OSR goes in behind winter barley, so it receives a graminicide. For this crop of LG Armada, it had an application of Belkar (halauxifen-methyl +

picloram) in October, which was followed up with Astrokerb (aminopyralid + propyzamide).

“We are in a high-pressured poppy situation and broadleaf weeds are an issue for us. I went down the Belkar route as it means I can make decisions a little later compared with a traditional pre-emergence spray, when it is too early to tell if the crop will be viable or not,” says Mr Parkinson.

“The LG Armada has shown little to no disease, so we have not applied any autumn or spring fungicides.

“We do not look for any growth regulation either – gone are the days of slowing down an OSR crop in spring.”

Nitrogen

As of early May, the OSR had received 150kg N/ha across two splits, and Mr Parkinson plans to variably apply more N to one patch in the coming weeks.

Although he is happy with how the variety has performed so far, he is clear he will only grow the variety again if the yields are good come harvest.

The fundamental rule we work to is not to drill unless conditions are suitable and there is enough moisture in the soil

CHARLES PARKINSON

Charles Parkinson aims to drill the OSR in the first week of August to manage cabbage stem flea beetle pressures.

ARABLE OSR ESTABLISHMENT

Researchers are assembling a toolkit of approaches to deliver integrated pest management solutions for cabbage stem flea beetle control in oilseed rape. Farmers Guardian reports.

Tools to help tackle CSFB

rCultivation reduces adult beetle numbers

WHEN it comes to managing cabbage stem flea beetle (CSFB) threats, there are two key things to understand, according to Bayer technical manager Ellie Borthwick-North.

She says: “These are the varieties’ ability to deal with CSFB pressure and the number of beetles in the crop at the time of establishment, and we are pleased to be able to support research in these areas.”

Recent research work has connected two projects under the csfbSMART collaboration: ‘Reducing the impact of CSFB on OSR in the UK’ and ‘CSFB: Evaluating management of oilseed rape on-farm for maximum margins’, led by NIAB and funded by Defra.

Final reports from both projects are yet to be published, but updates have been shared as the projects progressed.

COMPANION PLANTING

SOME of the work led by agriculture consultant ADAS and Harper Adams University has looked at the use of companion planting to combat cabbage stem flea beetle.

Results have been promising, showing reductions in both adult beetle activity and larval infestations, although how companion crops influence CSFB is not fully understood.

ADAS entomologist Dr Duncan Coston says: “We looked at different mixes: buckwheat; buckwheat and berseem clover; and buckwheat, berseem clover and fenugreek.

“The main thing to highlight is no matter what companion mix we

In NIAB trial work, emergence traps dug into the ground have provided further insight into when CSFB emerges from the soil, with the results revealing that adult beetles continue to emerge in OSR stubbles through to the end of November, but peak in mid-September.

Armed with this information, the NIAB team decided to investigate whether CSFB pupae in the soil might

put in we saw reductions in the amount of flea beetle activity.”

Data from the trials, although not yet fully analysed, indicates companion cropping had no significant impact on yield, he adds.

Further work, conducted at Rothamsted Research as part of the EU-funded EcoStack project, has also shown that companion planting can protect oilseed rape crops from adult feeding damage and larval infestation.

Fieldtrialsoverfourseasonsat Harpenden,Hertfordshire,andwith collaboratorsfromtheUniversityof KasselinGermany,assessedOSR damageincropssownwithdifferent

Cultivations and companion cropping are among the approaches being developed to manage cabbage stem flea beetle in oilseed rape crops.

be vulnerable to damage with cultivations immediately after harvest.

In September 2022, the company began testing at two sites in Cambridgeshire, where they cultivated to a depth of 50mm using discs on one site and deeper on the other.

NIAB break crop specialist Colin Peters says: “Where we did not cultivate, we ended up with the equivalent of three and a half million adults per

companionplants,includingclovers,and cerealstosimulatedelayedapplication ofherbicidetokillvolunteers.Application ofstrawmulchwasalsotestedto simulatedrillingintostubbletrash.

OSR sown with cereal companion plants or with straw mulch showed the strongest reduction in adult feeding damage.

Agroecologist Dr Gaetan SeimandiCorda, who managed the trials, says: “These results suggest that cereals such as oats could be sown as companion plants which are later removed, or cereal volunteers could be left for longer before removal to provide protection from CSFB.”

hectare coming out of the ground in September, but we had a 68 per cent reduction when we did cultivate at 50mm. Where we cultivated deeper, the reduction of adult numbers was in excess of 90 per cent.”

The work continued in 2023, looking at the effects of cultivation on several sites to determine if the results seen in the previous season could be repeated. Cultivation to depths of 50mm and 250mm with a simple set of discs at a site in North Shropshire gave a reduction in emerging adults of 85 per cent and 69 per cent respectively, compared to an untreated control.

Success

At a site in Hertfordshire, the cultivations included a straw rake, a Claydon Terrastar light rotary cultivator working at 50mm depth, and a Sumo cultivator at 250mm. Only limited success was achieved with the straw rake, which was attributed to hard ground conditions. However, the Terrastar reduced adult CSFB numbers emerging from the soil by 50 per cent, and the Sumo by 80 per cent.

This project reached completion at the end of 2023, but NIAB is seeking further funding to continue the work, says Mr Peters.

He says: “We have shown that there are a significant number of adult CSFB emerging from the soil later than was thought and that we can reduce this number by cultivation.

“We now know they are in the top 30mm of soil, but shallow cultivations often only move a small bit of soil.

“Future work will try to understand exactly what the cultivation is doing. We have shown it works – we to want to know how it works so that we can provide better advice.”

Ellie Borthwick-North

Colin Peters

Have you considered exhibiting at The CropTec

Why should you exhibit at CropTec?

• Reach a targeted arable farming audience

• Generate sales and sales leads

• Meet current customers

• Launch a new brand, product or service

• Undertake key market research

Key stats from CropTec 2023

3,000+ attendees 153 exhibitors 6 partners/ sponsors 89% of exhibitors see CropTec as important to their business 80% of attendees meet their objectives

82% 59% 70% 90% of attendees are arable farmers of attendees have over 300 hectares of farming land of attendees are looking to make a purchase in the next 12 months of attendees are decision makers or have an influence

Show?

We’ve been exhibiting at CropTec for the last 6 years. It’s always a worthwhile show and we get good quality leads for it.

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For more details on how to book a stand, please scan the QR code and register your interest:

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Edited by Angela Calvert – 07768

rCow and calf outfits peak at 4,300gns

THE annual on-farm production sale of the Airedale herd of Aberdeen-Angus at Kildwick, on behalf of David and Judith Isherwood and their son Josh, topped at 5,000gns twice.

First at this price was a cow and calf outfit – six-year-old Airedale Princess Caroline U565 by Airedale Lord Perseus P325 and out of a Blelack dam, which sold with its fourth calf, a heifer, by the stock bull Shadwell Rock ‘N’ Roll X245. Also making 5,000gns was a

Airedale Angus top

five-year-old cow and mother of two bull calves to date, Aireburn Prairie V631, by Airedale Kirstoner S434 and out of a Weeton dam daughter of Blelack Duke J262.

At 4,800gns was another cow and calf outfit – the 2019-born

Market Drayton dairies hit £3,000

THE Western Holstein Club-supported dairy sale at Market Drayton topped at £3,000 for the presale show champion, a pedigree heifer, Lachstone Episode S Emerald, from Jeremy Platt, Lachstone Farms, Lach Dennis, whose five heifers averaged £2,600.

There were no pedigree cows forward, but the first and second prize commercial cows, second calvers from C.W. Wildman, Byley, sold for £2,850 and £2,620, with another at £2,600 and all of

his 12 cows and heifers averaging £2,472.

A pedigree heifer, Bringlee Optimal Becky, from the Brindley family, Adderley, sold for £2,700, and M.W. and J.M. Trevor Jones, Oswestry, sold heifers to £2,580.

AVERAGES 22 heifers in-milk (all breeds and faults) £1,924; 13 cows in-milk (all breeds and faults), £2,198.

Auctioneers: Gwilym Richards with Market Drayton Market.

THE dispersal sale of Swaledale gimmer hoggs at Kirkby Stephen from Patrick and Kirsty Sowerby’s Oakbank flock, Barras, topped at £3,500 for an Oakbank Harry-sired hogg (pictured), which sold to Messrs Fawbert, York. Another Oakbank Harry-sired hogg sold for £2,600 to Messrs Hall, Keld, with 17 Hoggs selling between £1,000 and £3,500. A pen of seven hoggs sold for £1,400/head to Sean Tully, Barnard Castle.

AVERAGES

104 Swaledale hoggs, £438.94. Auctioneers: Harrison and Hetherington.

Airedale Ellie V621, by Airedale Kasper S451, with its fourth calf, Airedale Evensteven A880, again by Rock ‘N’ Roll.

Cow and calf outfits

A number of cow and calf outfits sold separately, peaking at a combined high of 4,300gns for the 2018-born Airedale Karama U579 – same way bred as the joint top price cow and out of another Weeton dam – with its fifth calf, Airedale Karama Z863, a daughter of Shadwell Finnigan X262. The dam made 2,800gns and its calf made 1,500gns.

All the above top prices joined the same local buyers, who were the Holgate family, Rathmell.

A pair of February 2023-born yearling bulls achieved joint highs of 3,800gns.

First up was Airedale Mission Bell Z818 by Weeton Black Brooke V539 and out of a Lord Horatiosired dam, which was claimed by E. Stott, Sowerby Bridge.

This was followed by another Rock ‘N’ Roll son, Airedale Early Riser Z839 out of Airedale Early Bird V614, which was bought by B. Howarth, Bolton.

Auctioneers: CCM.

Breeding cattle make between £2,500-£2,600 at Darlington

A RUN of Aberdeen-Angus, Hereford and Simmental heifers and second calvers from J. Sisterton, Newlands Haugh, led the trade for breeding cattle at Darlington, selling for between £2,500 and £2,600.

Next, at £2,180, were two vendors – R.B. Watson, Strand Foot, sold a Limousin heifer with an April-born bull calf at that price; and a nine-year-old Stabiliser cow from P. Prudom and Son, Saltburnby-the-Sea, with its three-monthold bull calf at foot made the same money.

The Prudoms’ 20 stabiliser cows and calves averaged at £1,915.

Young bulls sold to £1,660 for a

Limousin from B. Watson, Wolsingham, with another Limousin at £1,610 for E. Penty, Bedale.

Store cattle

Limousins also headed the store cattle trade at £1,670 for heifers from M. Robinson and Sons, Staindrop, with A.P. and E. Procter, Hillcrest, selling steers to £1,650.

Top of the native breeds came from G.A. and C. Jopling, Bishop Auckland, who sold Aberdeen-Angus steers to £1,630 and three Herefords from G.W. and M. Singleton and Sons, Farlington, which made £1,455. Auctioneers: Darlington Farmers Auction Mart.

Peatling Simmental dispersal reaches

high of 4,900gns

A NINE - YEAR-OLD stock bull, Sacombe Gladiator 15, sold for 4,900gns to lead the on-farm dispersal sale of the Peatling pedigree Simmental herd for Steve and Jenny Eales and Son, Peatling Magna, Leicestershire.

Pedigree

The son of Clonagh World Class out of Sacombe Wanda-Wanse (a Glenturk Nomad daughter) was bought by Andrew Simons, Leicestershire.

The pedigree cows and calves topped at 3,300gns for January 2019-born Peatling Kerry by Sacombe Gladiator, which sold with an April 2024-born heifer calf, Peatling Rexana, by Storersmith Einstein 13. The buyer was C.R. Fovargue Brothers, Coleorton, Leicestershire.

AVERAGES

30 cows and calves, £2,310. Auctioneers: Rugby Farmers Mart.

Beltex take championship at Brockholes Arms sale

rWinning pair go on to sell for £200/head

THERE was an increased entry of 138 prime lambs at the Farmers Guardian-supported early summer sale at Brockholes Arms, which included the young handlers competition.

The overall championship went to H. Cooper and Son, Inskip, with the winning pair of 43kg Beltex lambs which went on to sell for £200/head to Bowland Foods, Preston. They also had the second prize-winning 45kg Beltex lambs which made £205/head.

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

The reserve champion rosette was awarded to A. and S. Coupe, Goosnargh, with their first prize pen of continental lambs weighing 40kg which sold for £186/head.

They also sold 40kg Beltex lambs for £202/head (505p/kg). Overall lambs averaged 410p/kg.

The champion young handler was

Sam Webster, Liverpool, with a 45kg Suffolk lamb which went on to sell for £184 to Blacklidge Brothers, Chorley. In reserve was Jack Lancashire, Skipton,

with a 37kg Beltex lamb which made £180 to Richard Ayton, Lancaster.

Brockhole Arms saw an increased entry of 138 prime lambs.

Champion young handler Sam Webster (front right), Liverpool, with his Suffolk cross which sold for £184, and reserve champion Jack Lancashire, Skipton, with his pedigree Beltex which sold for £188. Back row, from left: Judge Ian Lancaster; Amelia Hull, of Carrs Billington; Angela Bowcock, of The Farmart magazine; and Sammy Hambleton, of Carrs Billington.

Auctioneer Ian Atkinson

PICTURES: JOHN EVESON

From left: Shirley and Anthony Coupe, Goosnargh, with their grandchildren Charlie, Jack, and Bruce, and their reserve champions, a pen of continental lambs, which sold for £186 per head.

From left: Judge Ian Lancaster and auctioneer Ian Atkinson with the champion prime lambs, a pair of Beltex, from H. Cooper and Son, Inskip, which sold for £200 per head.

Auctioneers: Brockholes Arms Auction Mart.

180 years of championing agriculture

ShowRoyalHighlandSupplement

240TH ANNIVERSARY

This milestone anniversary issue is the perfect platform to showcase your brand to a dedicated and influential audience. To mark this special occasion, we are also launching a brand new glossy magazine cover, making it an even more memorable edition.

With our extensive reach and trusted reputation in the farming community, your advertisement will capture the attention of key decision-makers and passionate agricultural enthusiasts. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to be part of our legacy and connect with those who drive the industry forward.

To

Don’t miss the opportunity for your brand to feature in the Royal Highland Show supplement, our essential preview of the highly anticipated 2024 show, as it celebrates 240 years at the heart of Scottish agriculture.

Being featured in our SPECIAL 180 YEAR CELEBRATION issue will provide a platform for your brand to:

Reach a targeted audience of farmers, suppliers and agricultural stakeholders. We will also be stocking this issue in additional stores via our newstrade distribution

Increase visibility and brand recognition within the agricultural community

Promote your products or services effectively through our established channels

Champion leads Skipton dairy trade

rHeifers top to £750 for volume consignor

THERE was a total clearance of the 39 lots at Skipton’s dairy sale, where trade peaked at £2,200 for the champion, from Edward Fort and daughters’ Silmoor herd, Silsden Moor.

This was 32kg Ri-Val-Re Rager Red daughter from their Gladys family, which sold to Kevin Midgely, Malton.

Three cows from the continuing dispersal by the Bollands, Airton,

saw two in their third, fourth and fifth lactations, head to the Metcalfe family, Harrogate, averaging £1,417.

The volume consignor of the day was a batch of 35 recently-served cross-bred heifers from Crathorne Farms, Yarm.

The heifers topped at £750 to Mick Blackwell, Gargrave, with the consignment, which included Jersey, Ayrshire and Irish Friesian-cross heifers, as well as Holstein Friesian crosses, averaging £542.

Auctioneers: CCM.

Steady trade at Bakewell

AT Bakewell on Monday, store cattle sold to £1,900 for an 18-month-old Limousin steer from Ashford Hall Farm, Bakewell, and £1,660 for a British Blonde heifer from Bunting Agri, Pinxton, with feeding bulls to £1,390 for a 12-month-old Limousin cross, from R. Fletcher, Windley.

In the breeding section, cows and calves topped at £1,680 for a Limousin cow with a steer calf from P.V. Hawkins, Shirland, and in-calf heifers at £1,700 for a Limousin cross from R. Rowlinson, Ilam.

Finished cattle prices peaked at 344p/kg for a British Blue heifer from M.J. Wells and Son, Monyash, and £2,197/head for a British Blue steer from the same home.

The 47 heifers averaged 280.1p/kg and the 38 steers 259.5pkg

Over-30-month-old cattle sold to 256p/kg for a Simmental cow from C.J Stone, Green Fairfield, and £2,197/ head for a British Blonde cross from J. Turnock, Doveholes, with an overall average of 194.3p/kg and £1,255/head.

British Blue

The entry of 83 calves topped at £495 for a British Blue from R.E. Poyser and Son, Onecote, and £500 for a British Blue heifer from R.J. Wedd and Son, Tutbury.

In the sheep section, the 412 spring lambs sold to 468p/kg and £201.62/ head with an SQQ of 407.4p/kg.

The mixed quality hoggs topped at 362p/kg and 201.11/head with an SQQ of 304.7p/kg. Cull ewes sold to £177/ head to average £121.20. Auctioneers: Bagshaws.

Charity lamb sale raises £2,000

AT the prime lamb sale at Exeter, farmers Robert and Christine Steer, Avonwick, donated a 43kg lamb to be sold in memory of John Coate, with the proceeds going to the Coate family’s chosen charity, Alzheimers Research UK.

The lamb sold at £200, 10 times, firstly to Kivells lead sheep auctioneer Russell Steer, then to Kivells auctioneers, Alex Lennox of ALHR Farms, Essex.

STEPPING DOWN n AUCTIONEER Glyn Jarrett has recently retired from Farmers Marts where for many years he has been the main auctioneer for cattle and prime sheep at Machynlleth and Dolgellau markets.

He has also been instrumental in leading successful auctions for farm machinery and tools, as well as furniture and antiques.

Farmers Marts board of

directors say Mr Jarrett’s influence and respect within the agricultural community are unparalleled.

His professionalism, integrity, and genuine care for customers have left an permanent mark on all those who have worked alongside him and they wish to express their gratitude for his many years of dedicated service and the unwavering loyalty he has shown to Farmers Marts.

Greenow,

Dan Westmore was next, on behalf of AC Hopkins, Taunton, followed by John Wood of PC Turners, Hampshire, and then on behalf of Yorkshire Halal Meats, Osset, Trefor Roberts on behalf of Pickstock Foods, John Rowlands on behalf of J. and S.M. Rowland and Son, Compton Dundon, before selling to Richard Coate on behalf of Euro Quality Lamb, Shropshire and then finally selling and remain-

board of directors, has joined Brockholes Arms Auction Mart, Claughton on Brock, as market manager and auctioneer. He says he is really excited about the new opportunity and working with all customers, old and new.

ing with the firm that John bought sheep for right up until the end, Pak Mecca Meats, Birmingham, raising £2,000 in total.

John passed away at the end of April, aged 91.

He was actively involved in buy-

ing sheep on a weekly basis right up until the end of February and was a great supporter of markets, having bought sheep from most of the markets across the South West throughout his long career.

Auctioneers: Kivells.

Tom

pictured left with Bill Myerscough, chair of the

Glyn Jarrett, who has retired from Farmers Marts.

Future-proof your farm business, gain insight and exchange knowledge with a FG Farm Futures membership

a year

Farmers Guardian delivered directly to your door every week including full digital access. Plus, check out our brand-new features exclusive to FG Farm Futures members. Included in your membership:

Insight – Quarterly, in-depth, analytical reports into the latest agricultural trends, from diversification, to climate-friendly farming and understanding the latest grants available.

Exchange – A series of digital events focused on learning from real case studies and exchanging knowledge with agricultural thought leaders

Weekly Digest email – From the desk of FG’s editor every Sunday morning, gain insights into how the week’s news impacts your business.

Members’ Lounge – Enjoy an exclusive space for members to network at leading events, such as LAMMA, CropTec and Farm Business Innovation.

For any enquiries contact

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

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

3rd of July 2024

Timed Internet Auction of Working Sheepdogs

ENTRY FORMS NOW OPEN

- Entry fee :- £30 + VAT (£36 total)

- Internet host commission:- 1% plus VAT

- Entries closes 12th of June 2024

- Videos to be received by 17th of June 2024

- Online Catalogue available from Monday 24th of June atfarmersmarts.auctionmarts.com

- Bidding to start on Monday 1st of July 2024

- Bidding closes 3rd of July 2024

SEDGEMOOR AUCTION CENTRE

SEDGEMOOR AUCTION CENTRE

Key Figures from the 15th of May sale.

Top Price£16,200

20 Lots sold over £4,000

Trained Average£4,281

Partly Trained Average£1,744

Pups Average£1154

Sale Average£2,474

Overall Clearance - 76%

|

Thursday 13th June at 10.30am with the Heifer Calves The Mid-Summer Collective Dairy Sale of

325 DAIRY CATTLE

✰ 34 FRESHLY CALVED COWS & HEIFERS from Allerways, Beaconhill, Beneknowle, Clenchers, Haydon, Keevil, Kingspool, Otterwyn & Wiltor

✰ To include: The Dispersal of 50 Spring & Autumn Calving Holstein & Crossbred Dairy Cows & Heifers Comp: 38 Dairy Cows, 7 Incalf Heifers & 5 Bulling Heifers for P & N Tapp (removed from Higher Bye Farm, Watchet, Somerset)

✰ To include The Dispersal Sale of 76 Dairy Cows and Heifers Comp: 63 Dairy Cows & 13 Incalf Heifers for J Young & Sons (Removed from Cannifeld Farm, Shaftesbury, Dorset)

✰ 86 INCALF HEIFERS from Beneknowle, Buston (Dispersal), Farmestate, DL & BWH Jones, P & N Tapp (Dispersal) & J Young & Sons (Dispersal)

✰ 93 BULLING & YEARLING HEIFERS from Beneknowle, DWC & MA Brunt, Edge, Evans & Vaughan, Peacehay & P & N Tapp (Dispersal)

✰ 25 HEIFER CALVES from Beaconhill (A Lots), GJ Dalton & Peacehay

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

AUCTION MARTS

LONGTOWN MART Tel (01228) 791215 Tuesdays 11th, 18th & 25th June at 10.30am Ewes & Hoggs with Lambs at Foot Tuesday 18th June at 12.30pm Pedigree Beef Shorthorn Bulls & Females 5 Beef Shorthorn Cows & Heifers with Calves/in calf, 15 Beef Shorthorn Bulling & Maiden Heifers & 10 Well-Bred Beef Shorthorn Bulls.

Other Beef Breeding Bulls Including Hereford & British Blue. Other Pedigree & Non-Pedigree Breeding Females 7 Belted Galloway Bulling Heifers (4 registered). Cows & heifers with calves at foot incl. 10 Shorthorn x Galloway heifers with A.A. calves. 6 Stabiliser 2.y.o. heifers etc.

(In the mart & live online via Marteye.ie) Followed by June Sale of Store Cattle Further entries invited for this day

NATIONAL CLASSIFIEDS

NORTH WEST AUCTIONS

FARMSTOCK AUCTIONEERS, BROKERS & VALUERS

BORDERWAY MART, CARLISLE

Tel: 01228 406200

BORDERWAY’S MONTHLY YOUNGSTOCK SALE

329 DAIRY YOUNGSTOCK SELL

Wednesday 12 June - 10.30am

80 IN CALF HEIFERS – 133 BULLING HEIFERS116 YEARLING HEIFERS SELL

Please Follow Us On Facebook To View Animals Prior To The Sale

176 SELL IN THE SHORNE BRITISH FRIESIAN YOUNGSTOCK DISPERSAL SALE

For NW & RW Boyd, Middle Morrey Farm, Burleydam, Whitchurch 79 BULLING HEIFERS (12 – 18 MTHS) –106 YEARLING HEIFERS (10 –5 MTHS)

This will be one of the BEST sales of pedigree British Friesian heifers in the UK in 2024. The Shorne milking herd is relocating to south west Scotland near Stranraer in July and to make the transition easier they have decided to dispersal all their youngstock. The herd is currently averaging 7256kgs 4.4% 3.53% and is grazed extensively from early spring.

The heifers are all sired by proven sires including Beaufort Milkman, Lakemead Jingle, Inch Dungannon, Wyevalley Veritas, Dungormley Chad Jacob, Bradash Contender, Inch Land, Inch Jake & Goonhilly Isaac. Many of these heifers come with high PLI indexs such as Shorne Faith 206, with a PLI of +£257 September born daughter of Goonhilly Cornelly bred from a VG85 Catlane Chad dam

Herd Health

The heifers are all BVD tag tested and their dams were vaccinated for BVD. All the dams are tested free of Johnes. The farm is in a one year TB testing area the last herd test was in May 2024. Followed by BORDERWAY’S MONTHLY YOUNGSTOCK SALE

Breeds represented include Holstein Friesian, British Friesian, Jersey, Ayrshire & Pro Cross. This is the second of our SPECIAL youngstock sales and features an excellent offering of in-calf, bulling and heifer calves all consigned by highly productive herds with excellent health status.

61 HOLSTEIN IN CALF HEIFERS An outstanding group of well bred in calf heifers sell from the following herds Holme Farm, Nethervalley Esk & Belaw all due in July & August.

19 BRITISH FRIESIAN IN CALF HEIFERS sell all due from July from Ravenfield Farm & Fir Tree Farm 6 JERSEY IN CALF HEIFERS from the Netherkeir herd all due in July

54 HOLSTEIN BULLING HEIFERS An outstanding group of 54 bulling heifers sell all sired by proven Holstein sires from high production dams

9 PRO CROSS HEIFER CALVES sell from 12000kgs dams

POULTRY

& WATERFOWL

Saturday 15th June – 10.00am

(Number of lots entered in brackets)

10.00am Ring 2 – Hatching Eggs (125), Equipment (75), Caged Birds (6) , Peafowl (15), Turkeys (3), Geese (10), Pheasants (10), Guinea Fowl (5), Pigeons (10) and True Bantams (100)

10.00am – Ring 3 – Large Ducks (63), Call Ducks (102), Miniature Ducks (23), Bantams (107), Large Fowl (139)

BEEF BREEDING CATTLE

Wednesday 26th June

Entries close Wednesday 19th June

ONLINE SALE OF GENETIC SHEEP SELECTION SALE

Entries close Wednesday 19th June

Bidding starts 12noon Wednesday 17th July finishing from 12noon Thursday 18th July

ON FARM SALE

FIRST LOOK @ FIRSTLOOK SALE

85 EXCEPTIONAL PEDIGREE HOLSTEINS SELL

Ivy House Farm | Weston Under Redcastle | Shrewsbury | SY4 5XA

Saturday 15th June

Stock Judging 10.30am

Q & A with Tim Abbott 12.30pm

First look @ Firstlook Sale 1.00pm

This is one of the BEST offerings of elite Holstein pedigrees in the UK in 2024. The opportunities are plentiful and the earning potential in these special individuals is exciting. Guest consignments are included from the following herds: DROINTON, DUCKETT & BORDERVIEW, JACKPOT, JONES, KNOWLESMERE, NOBOLD, RIVERDANE, SWEETPEA, THISTLEROSE & TLC. PLEASE ORDER YOUR CATALOGUE TODAY or connect with someone from the sale staff. Food & Refreshments available all day

NEW SALES FIXTURE

Retirement Sale of CONTRACTING EQUIPMENT

On behalf of B Templeton Ltd who are retiring after 33 years in business Thursday 27th June 2024

At Borderway Mart

Included in the sale 2 x Claas 950 forage harvesters 2020 & 2023 , 2 x New Holland CX7.80 4wd combines 2016 & 2018, 4 x New Holland T7.210 & 225 , 2 x John Deere 6.155R and 1 Fendt 720 tractors , Claas wholecrop header , Maize Header , crop processors, Claas triple mowers , 3 sets of Claas front and rear mowers , 2 x Claas 4 rotor rakes , Claas 2 rotor rake , Lely trailed Tedder , MF trailed Tedder, 2 x Bailey silage trailers , 4 x Herron silage trailers, Redrock silage trailer , 4 x Buckrakes, silage compactor , 2 x Storth lagoon mixers 20’ & 32’, 4 x Abbey slurry tankers 2500 to 3500, 2 x Bunning rear discharge muck spreaders, 4 x Slurry Kat umbilical backpacks with front reelers and pipes , 5 x Cri-man and Doda umbilical pumps , Tramspread remote controlled pump , Doosan 140cfm compressor 200 hrs , Atlas 160cfm compressor 200 hrs, 130 cfm compressor, McConnel hedge cutter, 2 x opico 6.3 m hyd grass rollers, 6.3 m hyd Cambridge rollers, 2 x Kverneland 5 furrow ploughs, 4m Lemken folding power Harrow drill, 3m Lemken power Harrow drill , 3m Amazon power Harrow drill, 2 x Lemken front fertiliser hoppers, Lemken 4m press , Grassmaster 6.3 m harrows/seeder and various other machinery.

WEEKLY SALES

PRIME SHEEP

Every Thursday at Thrapston

STORE & BREEDING SHEEP & CATTLE, CALVES, PIGS & GOATS

Every Saturday at Thrapston

ALL CLASSES OF SHEEP & PRODUCE Every Tuesday at Stratford

Thrapston Livestock Market

Saturday 29th June

A Collective Sale of 600 Lots of Horse Tack & Sundries

Poultry Sales have now resumed, our next Sale will be held on Saturday 6th July

All Poultry must be pre-booked prior to the Sale. No late entries will be accepted

Thrapston Collective Machinery Sale

Friday 28th June

Entries close Tuesday 18th June

For further information contact: Alastair Brown: 07885 804450 Jake Wagstaff: 07487 526803 01832 732241 or visit the website for weekly listings of sale entries

www.bletsoes.co.uk

Friday 7th June at 11am

Annual Summer Field Sale of WORKING SHEEPDOGS & PUPS

Wednesday 12th June

11am 100-150 Rearing Calves 11.30am 150-200 SHEEP WITH LAMBS AT FOOT 2.30pm 1500 Cast Ewes followed by 750-1250 Spring Lambs & 3000-4000 Prime Hoggs

Tuesday 18th June

Feeding & Cast Cows & OTM Cattle

Monthly Sale of Farmers Stirks & Young Stores

Entries for catalogue close Friday 7th June

Wednesday 19th June

Fortnightly Sale of Dairy Cattle

Bakewell Market Results - Monday 3rd June

784 Cattle & 1,096 Sheep - Full report available on our website Store Cattle Entries for Monday 10th June

Please call the Bakewell Office on 7th June before 12 Noon Call 01629 812777

Watch the livestreamed cattle sales on www.streaming.auctionmarts.com

T HURSDAY LUNCHTIME WEEKLY SHEEP SALE Entries/Enquiries, contact Peter Oven: peter.oven@bagshaws.com or 07973 982443

Or Ivor Lowe: ivor.lowe@bagshaws.com or 07977 449126

Follow on Facebook for up to date details on Special Entries

BRUMLEA FARM, BONSALL, MATLOCK, DE4 2AW

FRIDAY 14TH JUNE 2024 AT 10.30AM

John Deere 6155 R Ultimate Edition c/w 643R Power Loader (21’-1,600 hrs)

JCB 526-56 Agriplus Telehandler (19’-5,030 hrs) Q Fit Headstock JD C441R Twin Axle Round Bale Combi Wrapper (19’) Bailey, Griffiths & AW Twin Axle Trailers, Krone Front & Rear Mounted Mower Conditioners Ifor Williams Tri Axle Livestock Trailer

JD 359 Conventional Baler General Machinery, Bulk Feed Hoppers Sundries and Effects

HILL FARM, STANTON, BURTON ON TRENT, DE15 9TJ

SATURDAY 29TH JUNE 2024 AT 10:30AM

Genuine Dispersal-All Non Vat 10 Tractors to inc: Ford 5000’s, DB 995, 990 and 880 Fordson Dexter plus many more Suzuki 3 Door Vitara Trailers, Spreaders, Arable & Grassland Machinery, John Deere Round Baler Large Range of Workshop Items and Spares Livestock Items, Straw, Sundries and Effects Also special entries of Scania Lorry, John Deere 2140 4WD, Ride on Mower Nuffield 4/25 c/w Loader and Bucket and many more

Catalogues are available to download at www.bagshaws.com Email: olivia.fernihough@bagshaws.com

www.bagshaws.com

8am Cast Ewes and Rams followed at 10am

Dispersal Sale of the “Walmer Herd” of Pedigree Lincoln Red Cattle on behalf of HM & JM Needler, Ranby, Lincolnshire

To be sold at Louth Livestock Market, Louth, LN11 9HF on Friday 14th June at 12 noon with online bidding via Marteye.

80 + HEAD

Sale to include cows with calves at foot, Autumn calving cows, bulling heifers, yearling heifers and breeding bulls. The sale of the Walmer Herd, one of the most influential herds in the Lincoln Red Breed’s history, is not to be missed! Full details and catalogue available online.

For more information please contact Auctioneer Edward Middleton - 07395 570303 www.louthmarket.co.uk

(11am)

(moved from Rednal, Birmingham, for sale

milking

and heifers

DISPERSAL SALE OF THE NOTED PEDIGREE GORDONEL HERD OF 200 HOLSTEIN FRIESIANS

MARKET DRAYTON MARKET LTD 01630 652 926 | marketdraytonmarket.co.uk

Jonty Cliffe 07595 453 306 dairy@barbers-auctions.co.uk Catalogues by post on application only

MARKET DRAYTON MARKET LTD

01630 652 926 | marketdraytonmarket.co.uk

Jonty Cliffe 07595 453 306 dairy@barbers-auctions.co.uk Catalogues by post on application only

HAWES, NORTH YORKSHIRE, DL8 3NP

Tuesday 11th June

Show & Sale of 300 Spring Lambs. Prizes for Pairs of Continentals, Suffolks, Mules & Continentals out of Mule Ewes. Sponsored by Horner Shearing. Judging 9.30am. Sale 10am. 400 Prime Hoggs 300 Cast Ewes & Rams 20 Calves at 10.30am 2 Auction Mart Shares at 11am Telephone: 01969 667207, 07957 256337 07711 469280

SCAN ME

Farm Dispersal Sales

WHO’S GOT YOUR BID?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A WORD FROM THE SPONSORS

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

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

auctions play within the industry.

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

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

CHRIS DODDS

Livestock Auctioneers Association.

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

RICHARD WEBBER Director, Shearwell Data.

2023 WINNERS

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

THIS YEAR’S JUDGING PANEL

HOW TO ENTER

THE PROCESS

CHRIS DODDS

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

RICHARD WEBBER

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

MYSTERY JUDGE

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

Friday, May 10 NOMINATIONS OPEN

Friday, July 26 VOTING OPENS

Friday, June 28 NOMINATIONS CLOSE

Wednesday, August 28 VOTING CLOSES Thursday, October 17 AWARDS NIGHT

WHAT WILL THE FINALISTS RECEIVE?

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

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

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

g g g

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

YOUR DETAILS

Title: First name:

Surname:

Address:

Postcode:

Landline number:

Mobile number: Email:

Tick box to sign up to the Auction Finder email newsletter

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

Tick box if you are a current Farmers Guardian subscriber

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

AUCTION MART OF THE YEAR

Name of auction mart you are nominating:

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

AUCTION CAFE OF THE YEAR

Name of auction cafe you are nominating:

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

NEW AUCTIONEER OF THE YEAR

Name of new auctioneer you are nominating:

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

WEDNESDAY 12 JUNE – 11AM

HOLSWORTHY MARKET, HOLSWORTHY, DEVON. EX22 7FA

Herd Dispersal Sale of 79 Holstein Friesian Dairy Cattle on behalf of NL & FM Cleave of Launcells, Bude. PLUS 40 In Calf Heifers due mid July-September.

WEDNESDAY 19 JUNE – 11AM

HOLSWORTHY MARKET, HOLSWORTHY, DEVON. EX22 7FA

Sale of 250 + Dairy Cattle

Including 50 fresh calvers. PLUS Herd D ispersal Sale of 100 Holstein Friesian Dairy Cattle from the pedigree ‘Bucourt’ herd on behalf JA & RS Mills of Torrington Herd Average over 10,000Kgs 4.52%BF 3.32%PTN cc125

PLUS Dispersal Sale of 90 Youngstock including 50 In Calf/Served Heifers and 40 Bulling Heifers from Messrs MJ, PJ, MN, CJ, & RM Hugo of Bodmin PLUS a consignment of British Friesian In Calf Heifers due August/September.

FRIDAY 21 JUNE

EXETER LIVESTOCK CENTRE, EXETER, DEVON. EX2 8FD

*PLEASE NOTE CHANGE OF SALE DATE*

Sale of 400 Holstein Friesian Youngstock on behalf of Seckington Dairies, Higher Clovelly. Herd is vaccinated for Lepto, BVD and IBR. Herd is averaging – 9,700Kgs 4.40%BF 3.50%PTN.

FRIDAY 28 JUNE

EXETER LIVESTOCK CENTRE, EXETER, DEVON. EX2 8FD

Sale of 120 Youngstock from the pedigree ‘Bartinney’ herd of Holsteins, ‘Tredinney’ herd of Guernseys and ‘Cardinney’ herd of Jerseys on behalf of Messrs RJ & JR Warren of Penzance.

TUESDAY 2 JULY

PAWTON DAIRY, ST BREOCK, WADEBRIDGE. PL27 7LR

*WILLSBRO PREMIER HERD OPEN DAY & SALE*

Comprising 40 milkers, 160 youngstock & 20 embryos from fantastic Willsbro family lines. In conjunction with Norton & Brooksbank. ONLINE BIDDING AVAILABLE FOR ALL SALES VIA Full details & Catalogue www.kivells.com

For further information, please contact: Mark Bromell 07966 430001 Mark Davis 07773 371774, Robert Speck 07909 538520 or Olly Murrain 07467 437288

...Yorkshire’s Friendly Mart

SATURDAY 8TH JUNE

120 Breeding & Store Cattle of all classes inc

2 SH Str/Bull 12mths, JR GIllam

5 AAX BBX Stirks, 9-11mths, R Watson

5 Sim / SimX Bulls & Hfrs, 12-13mths, S Keen

10 Lim Bulls, 10/12mth, J Nugus

Store & Breeding Sheep inc Ewes & Lambs Store & Breeding Pigs

Pigs 9am Sheep 9.45am Cattle 10.45am

WEDNESDAY 12TH JUNE

Dedicated Slaughter Market

395 Prime Cattle 410 Prime Sheep 175 Prime Pigs

Pigs 9am Sheep 9.45am Cattle 10.30am

Contact Office for Details

MART OFFICE: 01757 703347

RICHARD HAIGH 07768 594535

www.selbymart.co.uk

Saturday 8 June

9.30am WEEKLY CAST SHEEP followed by PRIME LAMBS & PRIME HOGGS Please call Matthew Middleton

10.30am 2 SHEEPDOGS, 3 GOATS, 221 OUTFITS OF SHEEP WITH LAMBS, 60 GELD HOGGS catalogue online. Enquiries to Rachel Thursday 13 June

10.30am PRIME BEEF followed by CULL CATTLE

10.30am REARING CALVES

11.00am WEEKLY DAIRY

12.30pm STIRKS entries by 12noon Tues 11th June

Saturday 15 June

9.30am WEEKLY CAST SHEEP & PRIME HOGGS

10.30am FORTNIGHTLY BREEDING & STORE

CATTLE to include Dispersal of 30 Continental Cows with Spring born calves at foot, 20 Bulling Heifers, and two Pedigree Limousin Stock Bulls

Thursday 20 June

10.30am PRIME BEEF followed by CULL CATTLE

10.30am REARING CALVES

11.00am SEMEX UK & LELY LONGTOWN SHOW & SALE OF DAIRY entries please to Eleanor 07706347505

Saturday 22 June

CLOSING SALE OF SHEEP WITH LAMBS

Saturday 6 July

OPENING SALE OF STORE LAMBS

Contact Office for Details

MART OFFICE: 01757 703347

RICHARD HAIGH: 07768 594535

Tools & Effects are welcomed. There will also be a marquee on site for smaller collectibles to be sold from. To download an entry form please visit the website or contact Gilly on 07921 511852. Holt Lane, Ashby Magna, Lutterworth, Leicestershire LE17 5NJ on Saturday 15th June 2024 at 10.30am

www.selbymart.co.uk

MACHINERY REDUCTION & VINTAGE SALE

Saturday 15th June at 10.30am

At The Warriner School Farm, Bloxham, Banbury, Oxon. OX15 4LJ

Briefly to include:

1998 CASE MX100 Tractor – 1000 Hours, MASSEY FERGUSON Baler, KUHN Mower Conditioner, SPEARHEAD Topper, Grass Harrows, TEAM Sprayer, LELY Power Harrow

Vintage Hand Tools, Station Engines, Horse Drawn Ploughs. MASSEY HARRIS Reaper & Binder. LAINCHBURY Threshing Machine – Believed to be the last one they made.

On behalf of The Warriner School Farm. Due to Farming Restructure Catalogues will be available on our website or by request: 01832 732241

Auctioneer in Charge: Jake Wagstaff 07487 526803

National

Including: Combines: Claas Lexion 760TT (14), Claas Lexion 580TT (04), Claas Lexion 460 (01); Tractors: JCB Fastrac 8330 (16), Caterpillar Challenger MT765C (11), John Deere 6135R (16), John Deere 4066R (17), John Deere 2520 (03), John Deere 6800 (96), McCormick MTX150 (06); Excavators & Loaders: Hyundai HX220L (18), 2No. Weideman 2002 Loaders (95/96); Trailers: Mark Hall Machinery 18T Blower Trailer (23), Houghton Parkhouse 45Ft Livestock Trailer (04), Richard Western 10T Trailer (96); Drills & Cultivators: Weaving GD6000T (18), Vaderstad TopDown TD400 990, Vaderstad Carrier 650 (07), Kongskilde 4m Terra C Press (15), Gregoire Besson SPELB9 12F Plough (99), Lemken 3m Terradisc, Browns 2 Leg Subsoiler; Sprayers & Spreaders: Househam Spirit S3-24 Self Propelled Sprayer (15), John Deere M952i Trailed Sprayer (16), Landquip Intrac 6036 36m Trailed Sprayer (14), Kubota VS600-750 12m Spreader (22); Misc Equipment: Massey Ferguson RB4160V Round Baler (21), Vicon RV 5216 Supercut Baler (22), JCB G20QS Generator (18), Swiftlift Interstore Elevator, Chapman 2.3m Weed Wiper (20) and many more!

from 10am until 4pm on Wednesday 19th June 2024 and Thursday 20th June 2024

Including: Tractors: Massey Ferguson 7624 Dyna 6 (12), Massey Ferguson 6499 Dyna 6 (11); SelfPropelled Sprayer: Kellands Jacto Uniport 2500 Plus (05); Trailers: Richard Western 14t grain (03), Richard Western 11t grain (96), Ken Wootton Ltd 10t grain (79); Implements and Equipment: New Holland Sperry 376 conventional baler, NRH Engineering 8.3m Cambridge rolls (09), Carre Pentasem 6m tine drill (12), Sumo Trio 3 3m cultivator, Claydon V Rape Speed 4.8m/6m drill, Kongskilde HRWS 51080 XLD 5f rev. plough (18). Simba double press (96),

46-26 trailed discs

etc. On Instructions from F J Hall & Sons At Pear Tree Farm, Wilstead Road, Elstow, Bedford MK42 9YG Bidding Opens Thursday 20th June 2024 at 7:30am Bidding Closes Tuesday 25th June 2024 from 12pm

3

subsoiler, Greenland 4m power harrow,

Carrier grain elevator

Galucho

(96), Cousins

leg

Quantity

sections

BCLR Senior Agriculture Advisor

The Wyre Rivers Trust is a registered charity with a remit to improve the ecological status of the River Wyre and its catchment. Founded by three angling clubs and supported by many community groups, the Trust started small with localised projects to improve habitat, especially spawning conditions, for all fish species and completed with contractors and volunteers. However, since 2013 the Trust has grown, became host of the Wyre Waters Catchment Partnership and is now delivering works at the catchment scale with a host of far-reaching benefits. Projects address a range of issues impacting upon biodiversity, water quality, and water quantity, and tackle these with solutions such as natural flood management, habitat creation and habitat connectivity.

The successful candidate will be a graduate and an exceptional self-starter with the motivation, vision and passion to make the river Wyre a cleaner and healthier environment. They must be a good communicator with a passion for conservation and knowledge of catchment science, freshwater and estuarine environments.

Employer: Wyre Rivers Trust

Location: Lancashire

Closing date: 7 Jun 2024

Sector: Academic & Education, Management, Property, Land & Estates Management

Contract Type: Permanent

Role: Lead, Manager

Livestock person Montreal estate

Livestock person required to join a friendly Estate team.

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

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

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

Usual duties would include:

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

Stockperson

Area: Dumfries and Galloway

Contract: Permanent

Sector: Beef, Dairy, Farm Work, Livestock

Closing date: 16 Jun 2024

Experienced Stockperson

Due to retirement after 27 years, we are looking for an enthusiastic person to work with Goldies Charolais Cattle and Lleyn Sheep, along with associated tractor work using TMR Feeding in a modern set up.

Conscientious approach and attention to detail are more important than pedigree experience. Farm house on bus route and close to good schools.

Apply in confidence with experience and details of 2 references via the email below.

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

Notice under Section 27 of the Trustee Act 1925

Harvest Pension Scheme IN WIND UP

Pursuant to section 27 of the Trustee Act 1925, notice is hereby given that the Harvest Pension Scheme (previously known as the Tithebarn Products Contributory Pension Scheme and then the Tithebarn Contributory Pension Scheme before a name change to the current Harvest Pension Scheme during the mid-1980s) (“the Scheme”) commenced wind-up with effect on and from 20 May 2024.

The Trustee intends to distribute the assets of the Scheme among all persons entitled to benefits from the Scheme as at the date it commenced wind-up. Anyone (including, but not limited to, any former employees of Tithebarn Limited, Bell & Sons (Northern) Limited, Probiotics International Limited, Tithebarn Taylings Limited and Tithebarn Babet Limited) who believes that he or she is a member of the Scheme but who has not been contacted about the winding-up, or anyone who believes they have any interest, claim or entitlement in the Scheme that has not been notified to the Trustee should write and provide details of their membership, interest, claim or entitlement to the Trustee of the Harvest Pension Scheme, c/o XPS administration, 3rd Floor, East Wing, 40 Torphichen Street, Edinburgh, EH3 8JB

Details must be sent within 2 months of the date of publication of this notice. After expiry of the 2 month period the Trustee will proceed to distribute the assets of the Scheme and the Trustee of the Scheme shall not be liable to any person in respect of any claim, interest or entitlement he or she may have in relation to the Scheme but of which the Trustee has not been notified.

If you are already receiving a pension, or have received correspondence from the Scheme in respect of the wind-up you do not need to write to the Trustee as it already has details about your entitlements.

Personal Services

RURAL ROMANCE

Find a Christian that ticks all your boxes with a dating service that does the same! Receive lots of contacts and unparalleled support as you navigate your dating journey and find your life partner. You’ll always have someone to turn to which makes a huge difference. That’s why so many of our members, including farmers like you, have found their soulmate and got married. Call 0121 405 0941 today or visit our information only website at www. friends1st.co.uk/christian-farmers-dating. Successful, reliable, different, recommended!

•

J.P WHITTER (WATER WELL ENGINEERS) LTD

• BOREHOLE DRILLING FOR DOMESTIC AND COMMERCIAL PURPOSES

• WORK CARRIED OUT TO A VERY HIGH STANDARD

• WATER SYSTEMS INSTALLED

• BOREHOLE PUMPING INSTALLATIONS

• 24HR BREAKDOWN SERVICE

• FREE QUOTATIONS AND SITE VISITS THE POTTERIES GARAGE SMALLBROOK LANE, LEIGH, WIGAN, LANCS, WN7 5PZ. TEL: 01942 871900. FAX: 01942 896843. Out of office: 01942 893660 Visit our Website www.waterwellengineers.co.uk Email: sally@waterwellengineers.co.uk

Livestock Services

SHEEP SHEARING

North West Lancashire/ Yorkshire covered. Tel John: 07471 209454

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

Livestock Services

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

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

Portable Milking Machine

Poultry

BRAND NEW & UNUSED

Fibreglass CALF -O-TEL

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

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

- Free up cash

- Simple application

- No major upfront costs

PEDIGREE LIMOUSIN BULLS

Telephone: 07849 153733 or 01223

Buckhurst

Aberdeen Angus

Have

Tested

Semen Tested, Performance recorded Nationwide Delivery Available Kurt – 07715 448366 Richard - 07816 173689 Lancs (P)

& muscling • Exceptional temperament. • High health status. TB4. • Ready For Work • Semen tested Prices start from £3,000 Also available a selection of cows and heifers for sale.

PEDIGREE

ABERDEEN

ANGUS & HEREFORD BULLS Bulls for sale

Individually Health Tested TB Tested Ready to work Delivery can be arranged Tel: 01538 300331 or 07968 622950 Staffordshire (P)

Buckhurst Aberdeen Angus

A range of genetics from the top family lines in the UK and America.

Easy calving, high growth,

Please feel free to contact

Richard – 07816 173689 John – 07885 739120

Gilmartin

Pedigree Polled Hereford Bulls

3 Well bred, Halter trained Bulls 18 months - 2 years.

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

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

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

Contact: Paul on 07730095062 or paul@lowergroveherefords.com

Mixed

Biscon

Also Heterozgous Polled. Choice of Red &

NEW STORE IN CUMBRIA

One

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

17-22 months. Some Semen tested. TB4 area. Younger bulls also available

07770 457453 N. Yorkshire (P)

REGISTERED HEREFORD BULLS AND HEIFERS. All home bred, quiet to handle. Delivery available. 07885 594143 or 01394 460408 (East Anglia)

Royal Highland Show Preview

As the Royal Highland Show approaches, Farmers Guardian will run an exclusive preview for readers to find out what’s in store at this year’s show.

This will be with readers from Friday June 14, 2024. From getting up close to the top quality livestock, to tasting local food and supporting local producers, the Royal Highland Show is an iconic event which draws national interest.

Box Profile & Corrugated Steel Roofing Sheets

MANUFACTURERS OF STEEL ROOFING SHEETS & FLASHINGS

• Box Profile Roof & Wall Sheets

• Corrugated Sheets

• Anti Condensation Sheets • Fibre Cement • Composite

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO ADVERTISERS

Although every advertisement is carefully checked,occasionally mistakes do occur.We therefore ask advertisers to assist by checking their advertisements carefully and advise us immediately should an error occur. We regret that we cannot accept responsibility for more than ONE INCORRECT insertion and that no re-publication will be granted in the case of typographical or minor changes which do not affect the value of the advertisement. While every endeavour will be made to meet the wishes of the advertisers, the publisher does not guarantee insertion of any particular advert.

Fantastic opportunity to generate electricity and heat from wood chip. For sale is a pair of CHP units. Commissioned in September 2016. Accredited for wood fuel drying. 12 years of RHI remaining on the OFGEM renewable heat incentive scheme. Current Tariff for heat is 7.78p kWh. No tier 1 and 2 tariffs. Paid for what you produce. Each pair will generate 90 kWh electricity and 180 kWh of heat, making this a great investment. Can be viewed operating. Somerset - Buyer to dismantle. 07860 173293 or 07949 027069

www.tanksforeverything.co.uk

PaynettsFarm,CranbrookRoad, Goudhurst,Kent,TN171DY

Tel:01580212141

Mob:07710480259

Email:info@timberspecs.com

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

Changes to permitted development rights

Understanding the detail of the new rules

Bespoke Design Service AndTechnicalData

FinanceOptions

Tospreadthecostofyourinvestment, wehavepartneredwithiDeal4Finance andTownandCountryFinancetooffera rangeoffinanceoptionstosuityourneeds, includingmortgagesandshorttermloans.

TheNaturalWayToBuild

Formoreinformationonallthebuildingspleasevisitourwebsite.

Web:www.timberspecs.co.ukEmail:info@timberspecs.com Tel:01580212141Mob:07710480259

Farms & Property

Chatsworth offers two farming opportunities on their Shottle Estate, Derbyshire. Potential dairy unit and smallholding comprising 521 acres

Lot 1: Farmhouse, substantial range of modern and traditional farm buildings and 303.72 acres of arable and grassland Lot 2: Farmhouse, range of traditional farm buildings paired with 15.36 acres of grassland

Lot 3: 3 bedroom detached cottage Lot 4: Large steel portal framed building suitable for a variety of uses

Lot 5: 58.19 acres of arable and grassland Lot 6: 49.76 acres of grassland Lot 7: 94.35 acres of arable and grassland

Available for up to 20 years from 29th September 2024

Viewing Dates: 5th July 2024 || 8th July 2024

By appointment only

Tender Deadline - 12 noon Friday 2nd Aug 2024

The UK Government has announced amendments to permitted development rights (PDRs) – which came into effect on May 21, 2024 – in order to make it easier for farmers to strengthen their businesses.

The changes are the result of a consultation undertaken by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities between July and September last year and affect existing PDRs which allow for agricultural development and the use change of agricultural buildings. These relate to:

■ Class Q: Conversions of agricultural buildings to dwellings

■ Class R: Changes of use of agricultural buildings to flexible commercial uses

■ Part 6: Agricultural development

Class Q

This has been amended to allow the delivery of up to 10 dwellings with a new maximum floor space limit of 1,000sq.m, instead of five dwellings with a maximum floorspace of 865sq.m.

Each dwelling is limited to 150sq.m. However, to have 10 new dwellings each one will need to be 100sq.m maximum.

industrial purposes (the processing of raw goods produced on-site), the provision of agricultural training and outdoor sports or recreation.

The former limit of 500sq.m has doubled to 1,000sq.m, however it is important to note this is for the entire agricultural unit.

Agricultural development

PDRs for agricultural development have also been amended, showing the Government recognises the need to provide farmers with more flexibility to erect and develop buildings suited to modern agricultural practices.

For units of more than five hectares, the ground area which may be covered by any building using PDRs has increased from 1,000sq.m to 1,500sq.m.

To apply, contact ellen.clewes@bagshaws.com || 01335 342201 www.bagshaws.com

Extensions to the rear of a barn or agricultural building have increased up to four metres on any hard surface present on or before July 24, 2023. Those with existing consents can resubmit to make larger dwellings.

Barns that are no longer used for agricultural purposes and no longer a part of an agricultural unit can now be converted.

However, they must not be used for any non-agricultural purpose and must now be able to demonstrate an existing highways access.

Class R

The amendments to Class R allow for further flexibility on size and use, which will include general

However, for buildings accommodating livestock this will remain at 1,000sq.m.

For units less than 5ha, the limit on the maximum cubic content by which a building may be increased has been raised from 20 per cent to 25 per cent. The limit on the ground area of any building extended has increased from 1,000sq.m to 1,250sq.m.

Alex Bruce is a planning consultant at Berrys. Call 07775 925 356, or email alex.bruce@berrys.uk.com

Alex Bruce

OF BORGUE Borgue, Kirkcudbright, DG6 4SX

AN EXCEPTIONAL HIGHLY PRODUCTIVE DAIRY FARM LOCATED IN THE PARISH OF BORGUE WITHIN DUMFRIES AND GALLOWAY - WELL-PRESENTED TRADITIONAL SIX BEDROOM FARMHOUSE - MODERN, PURPOSE-BUILT DAIRY UNIT - FURTHER RANGE OF MODERN & TRADITIONAL FARM BUILDINGS - DETACHED BUNGALOW & A DETACHED DAIRY COTTAGE - RING FENCED FARM - HIGHLY PRODUCTIVE ARABLE AND GRASSLAND - BASIC PAYMENT ENTITLEMENTS: 111.47 UNITS REGION 1 IN ALL ABOUT 292.27 ACRES (118.28 HECTARES)

OFFERS FOR BORELAND OF BORGUE ARE SOUGHT IN EXCESS OF: £3,600,000. VIEWING STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT ONLY.

INGLESTON FARM Twynholm, Kirkcudbright, DG6 4SE

AN EXCEPTIONAL HIGHLY PRODUCTIVE STOCK REARING AND FEEDING FARM LOCATED ON THE PERIPHERY OF THE VILLAGE OF TWYNHOLM WITHIN DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY - HIGHLY PRODUCTIVE ARABLE AND GRAZING LAND - RANGE OF MODERN & TRADITIONAL FARM BUILDINGS BASIC PAYMENT ENTITLEMENTS: 141.76 UNITS REGION 1 - RING FENCED FARM WITH GOOD ACCESS TRACKS TWO SEMI-DETACHED FARM COTTAGES - WELL-PRESENTED & GENEROUSLY PROPORTIONED SIX BEDROOM FARMHOUSE (LOT 2) IN ALL ABOUT 387.65 ACRES (156.88 HECTARES) FOR SALE PRIVATELY AS A WHOLE OR IN TWO LOTS OFFERS FOR INGLESTON FARM ARE SOUGHT IN EXCESS OF: LOT 1: INGLESTON FARM: £3,100,000 LOT 2: INGLESTON FARMHOUSE: £550,000 GUIDE PRICES AS A WHOLE: £3,650,000. VIEWING STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT ONLY

A

SUBJECT

ESSEX, Stock

An

C379)

SUBJECT TO AN AGRICULTURAL OCCUPANCY CONDITION

GUIDE PRICE: £1,160,000 (Ref: C386)

CAMBRIDGESHIRE, March

A modern well laid out four-bedroom house set in a good-sized plot with parking, large garden, cart lodge, single garage, and land, in all extending to a total of 2 hectares (5 acres).

SUBJECT TO AN AGRICULTURAL OCCUPANCY CONDITION.

GUIDE PRICE: £630,000 (Ref: C382)

HAMPSHIRE, Winchfield

A four bedroom detached farmhouse with established garden, outbuilding, ample parking and a small paddock set in a rural location to the Northeast of the village of Winchfield.

SUBJECT TO AN AGRICULTURAL OCCUPANCY CONDITION GUIDE PRICE: £900,000 (Ref: C387)

WEST SUSSEX, Cowfold

A well-presented three bedroom detached bungalow with large garden, garage, land, outbuildings and parking located in a sought-after countryside location.

SUBJECT TO AN AGRICULTURAL OCCUPANCY CONDITION GUIDE PRICE: £650,000 (Ref: C390)

DO YOU HAVE LAND?

Sites of 1- 1000 acres required for residential development.

If you think that your land has potential for development, or you have been approached by a developer, then you will need expert advice that is not available at traditional sources. Michael Rutherford is a specialist agent acting and negotiating for landowners. Contact me for a confidential and expert consultation at no cost. All areas of the UK covered.

Finance: Terms & Conditions

Farmers Guardian, Fginsight.com and fgbuyandsell.com (hereinafter referred to as ‘Farmers Guardian) may contain advertisements, links to other Internet websites or online and mobile services provided by independent third parties, including websites and telephone contacts of our advertisers and sponsors (what we call “Third Party Sites”), either directly or indirectly. It is your decision whether you purchase or use any third party products or services made available on or via Third Party Sites and you should read below carefully. Our Privacy Policy does not apply to Third Party Sites. In no circumstances do we accept responsibility for your use of Third Party Sites or in respect of any Third Party products. By Third Party Sites we mean websites, online or mobile services provided by third parties, including websites of advertisers and sponsors that may appear in Farmers Guardian. By Third Party Products we mean products or services provided by third parties.

Farmers Guardian contains advertising and sponsorship. Advertisers and sponsors are responsible for ensuring that material submitted for inclusion on Farmers Guardian complies with international and national law. Farmers Guardian (nor its websites) is not responsible for any error or inaccuracy in advertising or sponsorship material.

Any agreements, transactions or other arrangements made between you and any third party named in, on (or linked to from) in Farmers Guardian and its websites are at your own responsibility and entered into at your own risk.

Farmers Guardian promises to develop and operate with reasonable skill and care and will use reasonable efforts to promptly remedy any faults of which it is aware. Farmers Guardian does not provide any other promises or warranties about its products and services. Farmers Guardian is provided on an “as is” and “as available” basis. This means that Farmers Guardian does not make any promises in respect of Farmers Guardian or the services and functions available on or through Farmers Guardian, Fginsight.com and fgbuyandsell.com or of the quality, completeness or accuracy of the information published on or linked to from Farmers Guardian, Fginsight.com and fgbuyandsell.com other than as expressly stated above.

The above disclaimers apply equally to your use of Farmers Guardian, Fginsight.com and fgbuyandsell.com without limiting the above; Farmers Guardian and its websites are not liable for matters beyond its reasonable control. Farmers Guardian does not control third party communications networks (including your internet service provider), the internet, acts of god or the acts of third parties.

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2020 JOHN DEERE 6130R Command Pro 50kph, 643R Loader. Electric Mirror’s and LED lights.2250 hours. £73,500 +VAT

2016 CLAAS JAGUAR 970 300PU + 10Row Orbis, KP for Maize, Air Inflate Tyres, PUH 3560 hours, £206,000 +VAT

2018 JOHN DEERE 6155R 4409 hours, AutoQuad 50kph,TLS and Cab Suspension, Front Linkage, £68,500 +VAT

2020 VALTRA T234 4525 hours, 50kph Direct Gearbox, Front Linkage and PTO, £75,000 +VAT

2022 JOHN DEERE 6250R 1515 hours, CommandPro 50kph, AutoTrac Ready, Front Linkage and PTO £149,950 +VAT

2020 JOHN DEERE 6130R 2500 hours, AutoQuad 50kph, Front Linkage and PTO, £74,000 +VAT

+VAT

2020 JOHN DEERE 6155R 5915 hours, AutoQuad 50kph, AutoTrac Ready, Front Linkage, £65,000 +VAT 2018 KRAMER KL12.5 557 hours, Compact Shovel £31,500 +VAT

2013 JOHN DEERE 6210R, 5991 HOURS, 40K AUTOPOWER, TLS & CAB SUSPENSION, AUTOTRAC READY, HEATED SEAT, 110KG WEIGHT. £49,500

2018 BAILEY 26FT BALE TRAILER, C/W SIDESTEP, STRAP BOX, HYDRAULIC BRAKES, 8 STOOD AXLES, SUPER SINGLES, ROAD LIGHTS, REAR STROBE LIGHT,

2021 JOHN DEERE 6155R, 1029 HOURS, 40K AUTOQUAD, COMMAND CENTRE, TLS, CAB SUSPENSION, AIR BRAKES, AUTOTRAC READY. £79,950

2023 MASSEY FERGUSON 7S.180 Dyna 7 50kph, Front Linkage and PTO, 1326 hours. £92,500 +VAT

2021 JOHN DEERE 6155R 885 hours, AutoPowr 50kph, Front Linkage and PTO, £110,000 +VAT

2008 NEW HOLLAND T6080, 5423 HOURS, 40K POWER COMMAND, FRONT & CAB SUSPENSION, 4 x ELECTRIC SPOOLS, FRONT LINKAGE. £39,950

2004 JOHN DEERE 6920S, 4940 HOURS, 50K AUTOQUAD TRANSMISSION, AIR BRAKES, TLS AND CAB SUSPENSION, BRAND NEW WHEELS AND TYRES. £46,500

Edited by Toby Whatley – 07583

It is 60 years since the Massey Ferguson 100 Series was officially unveiled at the 1964 Royal Smithfield Show. Simon Henley looks at the development of this iconic tractor range.

Dawn of the ‘Red Giants’

The 1964 debut of DX tractors in the UK introduced four new models. At the time of the launch, the Banner Lane factory in Coventry (see inset) produced the MF 135, 165 and 175 tractors.

Massey Ferguson’s quest to launch its first worldwide range of tractors began shortly after the corporation was officially established on November 19, 1957.

At the time, the company – formerly known as Massey-Harris-Ferguson – was still sourcing its larger tractors from third-party manufacturers, including Minneapolis Moline with the MF 95 and Oliver with the MF 98, to fill the higher-horsepower gaps in its tractor portfolio.

In 1962, a corporate decision made in the United States to cease this practice inspired the establishment of the Detroit Xperimental (DX) development programme, which would ultimately encompass the design and production of the Massey Ferguson

(MF) 100 and 1,000 Series models.

The formula for the DX project identified a new tractor range, which incorporated a technologically advanced platform suitable for marketing on an international scale, and built using common MF components produced at MF factories. The new range would include three-, four- and six-cylinder models, primarily manufactured in France, Britain and the US.

Here in the UK, the new range started with the small French-built MF130 (37hp), joined by the Coventry-built MF 135 (45.5hp), 165 (58hp) and 175 (72hp) tractors. The larger US-built 1100 tractor (100hp) did not arrive in the UK until 1967.

Research on a new range of MF tractors started in 1959, with surveys conducted by the product planning and engineering teams both in the UK and North America.

Their objective was to host discussion groups and interview farmers in order to establish what they wanted

from a tractor and identify how many tractors respective markets could absorb.

Product planners in the US were increasingly aware that farmers wanted the same features they had in their cars, such as power steering and a cigarette lighter.

Prototypes

Agriculture was a booming industry and, for the first time, styling, ergonomic design and comfort were as important as performance and serviceability.

With the information gathered, MF engineers could design, build and test prototypes for the new range while incorporating modifications and new developments into its existing tractor designs.

The benefit of this was that although the DX programme was not finally approved until late 1962, US designers were able

to produce a development plan for the DX range by January 1963. The period following this embodied 22 months of intense activity between engineering, manufacturing, marketing and component suppliers on both sides of the Atlantic. The scale of such an undertaking was almost unprecedented.

Between 1960 and 1964, one million man-hours were allocated to designing, building and testing components and prototypes, at a cost of US$7.5m (£5.9m).

Another US$22m (£17.3m) was invested in manufacturing and US$10m (£7.9m) was spent on engine development. Adjusted for inflation, this would represent a total investment of about US$400m (£314m) today.

The North American DX

The optional Pressure Control was an extremely effective weight transfer system suitable for use with drawbar implements and trailers.

CLASSIC MACHINERY

Essentially a repurposed version of the MF 35 model (see inset), the MF 135 incorporated 598 unique design changes.

development team consisted of approximately 150 people, including 50 engineers and draughtsmen. Between January 1963 and November 1964, it is estimated that more than 7,000 drawings and 300,000 prints of technical information and updates were released for the DX programme.

Pre-production

By 1963, the first pre-production tractors had been assembled in the US. A number of these were painted grey to disguise them and sent to the UK for preliminary evaluation. Following this, the engineering department at Maudslay Road, Coventry, was commissioned to build 34 working pre-production units.

Fourteen of these were tested

The DX tractors were designed for ease of daily servicing and refuelling.

The aluminium grab handles originally used on the flattop fenders were removed because of production costs. Stamped steel handles would replace them by 1968.

for more than 15,000 hours in various arduous field and climatic conditions to establish their suitability for the UK, European and global markets.

The styling and appearance of the DX tractors was appropriated in the US. Crafted to present a boldly defined and aesthetically modern image, the programme called for commonality throughout the entire range.

Styling innovations included a wasp-waisted bonnet and integrated fender grab handles for easier operator access. The DX tractors were also designed for ease of daily servicing and refuelling, with a front grill that allowed a constant flow of air through the radiator and across the entire engine.

An uncluttered truck-style instrument console complimented a more comfortable driving position, providing a comprehensive selection of functional electroluminescent gauges.

Tools

Production of the new tractors at Coventry required the acquisition of 100 new machine tools, in addition to the design of new dealer service tools for the tractors. These were developed in conjunction with Churchill Tools, which had a long-standing association with Harry Ferguson.

GKN Sankey, at Telford, was commissioned to manufacture and paint the metal bodywork for the tractors, using tooling

funded by MF and red paint made to MF specifications.

As with the previous MF 35 and 65 models, the production of transmission and axle castings remained in Coventry. Diesel engines for the new models continued to be sourced from F. Perkins at Peterborough, which Massey Ferguson had acquired in 1959.

In March 1964, the time-consuming task of producing technical, service, advertising and marketing material was initiated. Under the strictest security, much of this work was conducted at Park Farm: Massey Ferguson’s 162-hectare test facility at Stareton, Warwickshire, known as ‘Farm Location X’.

Much of the technical work, including writing and photography,

MACHINERY CLASSIC

Shortly after its launch, the four-cylinder MF 165 (58hp) became the second best selling MF tractor in Britain.

was orchestrated in a converted cow shed.

In addition to written material, Massey Ferguson’s film unit was commissioned to produce a promotional documentary introducing the new range. The DX models, which were identified for marketing purposes as the ‘Red Giants’, featured an expanded version of the Ferguson hydraulic system. This included a feature known as ‘Pressure Control’, which allowed the benefits of the Ferguson System to be used with trailed implements.

While evaluations continued, the manufacturing division had to ensure the correct components for production could be supplied and what quantities to stock. The distribution of service parts from the UK to overseas distributors began in August 1964. This was done to ensure that service items would be available at the time of the launch.

Challenges

Other challenges involved ensuring the tractors’ lighting and brakes would meet the legal road requirements of international markets such as Germany and the Scandinavian nations. Uniquely in Germany, the MF 175 was marketed as the MF 177 to specifically avoid confusion between the new tractor and an infamous anti-homosexual law known as Paragraph 175. The law was abolished in 1994.

The North American product launch was held in Mexico City. Starting in November 1964, it continued until February 1965 as dealers from across the US were flown in to attend the event.

The UK launch was hosted at the Royal Smithfield Show on December 7, 1964. The DX range would remain in production until 1979. A total of 1,098,025 tractors would be produced at Banner Lane in Coventry, securing the MF 100 Series a place in the history books.

The largest DX tractors at the launch were the all-new, US-built, six-cylinder 1100 (100hp), and the turbocharged 1130 (130hp).

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One Scottish family partnership keeps its tractor work in-house with a fleet of four-cylinder tractors to reduce the cost of ownership. Farmers Guardian reports.

When four cylinders suffice

In 2023, Ally Mather bought his first Fendt in a move he never thought he would make. However, a year on and he has three Fendt tractors which are managing the bulk of the work at his family’s 1,618-hectare mixed farm near Brechin, north east Scotland.

Mr Mather says: “There are seven family members in the partnership and we all need access to tractors for a mixture of work, from hauling cattle to ploughing fields and drilling cereals.

“The Fendt 516 I bought last year from Ross Agri has proved to all of us that there is little need for bigger, heavier, more expensive tractors here, and we are saving money while improving soil health.”

Half the land area is farmed as permanent pasture for the 1,800 Suffolk cross, Texel cross and Cheviot cross ewes. The farm also keeps a pedigree flock of Suffolk and Texel ewes and, in addition, the family rear 400 Aberdeen-Angus cross cattle and a small pedigree herd, predominantly to breed replacement bulls.

“We have a further 1,200 acres on rotation for silage, turnips and fodder beet, along with 800 acres of winter wheat, winter barley and spring barley,” says Mr Mather.

The farm benefits from fertile, easy-to-work, light loamy soils, making for easier cultivation and overall land management. Recognising this, and reflecting on the cost of machinery,

led Mr Mather to question whether the farm needed increasingly powerful tractors.

He says: “We had six-cylinder tractors before the 516 and, in real terms, they were no more powerful. The added weight meant that every time we were taking a tractor into a field to collect livestock, we were having a detrimental effect on the soil and causing more compaction than we needed to.”

Following a chance encounter with a larger 718 Vario when helping out a neighbour, Mr Mather approached dealer Ross Agri to see if a new 516 would be possible within his budget.

“Ross Agri was offering an

8,000-hour, eight-year warranty that was very appealing and, when we priced the spec I needed, the cost of the 516 was in the middle of similar tractors from other manufacturers,” he says.

516 Vario

The 516 Vario was delivered in June 2023, just a few weeks after Mr Mather placed the order, and immediately helped fill a hole at a busy time of year.

He says: “We do everything on-farm and we were flat out with silage-making, so having the tractor arrive so quickly was a big help.

“Our tractors never really stop because we are always moving livestock

and have plenty of fieldwork to do.”

The 516 was joined soon after by a 514 and, a year on, a 312 has also been added to the fleet. His top-of-the-range 516 provides 163hp from a four-cylinder, 4.04-litre Stage V Deutz engine.

The 514 Vario delivers a lower 150hp and shares the same engine technology, while the 312 offers 123hp from its smaller, four-litre Deutz block.

All machines use the same FendtONE operator system, which has standardised controls for all machines.

Power

Mr Mather says: “The 516 has already proved it has more than enough power to plough and will be on the drill soon. The 514 does the bulk of the spraying with a Scorgie sprayer that uses a 1,500-litre on the front and 2,500-litre tank mounted on the rear axle. The 312 suits yard work and lighter field work including carting livestock, so between the three we have a good mix.”

The 516 takes front and rear mowers to carry out the bulk of the mowing work, which requires three cuts through the season.

He adds: “It can mow at speeds up to 15kph depending on the crop. It operates with guidance, which I did not have on the previous tractors.

“This means we can share data between the 514 and 516, operate the fertiliser spreader with section control, and adjust to different crop and soil types more easily.”

Ally Mather

The smaller 514 operates with a combined 4,000-litre mounted sprayer.

The family now operates three four-cylinder Fendt tractors, with a 516, a 514 and a 312. All machines operate the manufacturer’s FendtONE system (see inset)

Mr Mather says that by judging the best ballast for application, he can get the most out of the 516 without the expense of a larger six-cylinder tractor.

He says: “We are predominantly a plough system, but we min-till stubble turnips after winter barley. We use Simba discs on the stubble and drill with a Horsch Pronto DC three-metre, which also has levelling discs.

“A 1,500kg front weight ballast is perfect for this sort of work, and the tractor handles and performs beyond what would be expected of its size and power output.”

Having run a calculator over all the tractors in the fleet, which includes modern six-cylinder John Deere, Valtra, Case IH and Massey Ferguson models, he is convinced that moving to the smaller four-cylinder machines is saving the farm money.

“The difference between the 516 and a 718 with a similar specification is approximately £40,000. I accept that

The machines are used across the farm’s arable and grassland enterprises.

other brands could offer a similar six-cylinder tractor for less, but I struggle to see how it could compete with the Fendt on fuel consumption or resale value,” he says.

“When I price tractors, I price them like for like – so Vario for equivalent transmission, guidance, electric valves – everything needs to be as close a comparison as possible. On all three occasions, the Fendts have come back as being better value for money.”

He goes on to suggest that while purchase price and specification are important, the ongoing cost of ownership carries an equal balance of importance.

“The 516 uses a little less diesel and a little more AdBlue. However, AdBlue is pennies and diesel is pounds, so overall it is saving a good amount each year in fuel,” he says.

Servicing

Mr Mather also says that the servicing cost so far has been less than with comparable six-cylinder tractors, suggesting that filters have been cheaper and servicing with Ross Agri has been quick and easy.

“In nearly a year, I have not felt a need for more power. I would rather spend a little more time with a lighter, cheaper-to-run tractor than be constantly chasing more power in an attempt to work faster,” he says.

He adds that ploughing with the 516 is easier than with the six-cylinder tractors he has used in the past.

“We plough with a Kverneland five furrow with Packomat. The first thing I noticed was that it mounted much more easily to the 516. I set the speed at 8kph and the tractor runs between 1,400-1,700rpm depending on soil type and gradient, which is good for a fairly light four-cylinder tractor,” he says.

By not relying on contractors, the farm has the flexibility to work when the conditions are right and when the crop is in peak condition.

“We can mow, drill or harvest when

we need to. We have had good relationships with contractors in the past, but having the machinery to manage everything on-farm is helping us to grow better crops and produce better forage,” says Mr Mather.

Warranty

He is keen to make best use of the eight-year, 8,000-hour warranty with his Fendt tractors.

He says: “To have Ross Agri local and know that the tractors are backed by a lengthier warranty is giving us the confidence to consider keeping them for longer.

“Moving to four-cylinder tractors has been an eye-opener and one that we think will be a way for us to keep up by using technology while not suffering from excessively high overheads.”

LIVESTOCK

Edited by Katie Jones – 07786

Top tech key for sheep farmers

rRecording service gives full insight into rams

SHEEP farmers need to harness the latest technology to help them meet the multiple challenges they will face in the future, said Charles Sercombe, speaking at an AHDB open day held on his farm.

Mr Sercombe, who was one of the early users of Signet’s RamCompare service which launched in 2015 and aims to drive genetic improvement, runs the 200-ewe Dalby Charollais flock and a further 900 commercial ewes at the 182-hectare (450-acre) Sandlands Farm, near Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire.

He explained he started recording in 1990 and RamCompare gave him a much fuller picture of the ram’s qualities by fully assessing its genomics,

meaning he can make better informed choices.

And his flock bears testament to its benefits, having gone from below average performance when he started recording to now being among the premier flocks in the breed.

Mr Sercombe said: “We still try to breed for maximum growth and muscling while keeping fat levels the same, so we produce heavier carcases with more saleable meat.”

Daily liveweight gain

He added they started selling lambs at 63 days old, and this year a Decemberborn pure Charollais, which Mr Sercombe described as ‘a good lamb from a very milky ewe’, reached 44kg from a 7kg birth weight, averaging about 700g daily liveweight gain.

Mr Sercombe also said that in the past decade environmental concerns

GRASSCHECK

GRASS GROWTH ACROSS THE

UK

Scotland

71.3kgdrymatterperhectareperday (28.9kgDM/acre/day)

The North 76.1kgDM/ha/day (30.8kgDM/acre/day)

Wales

65kgDM/ha/day (26.3kgDM/acre/day)

The South 78.5kgDM/ha/day (31.8kgDM/acre/day)

Grass growth Soil moisture (cb)

Soil temperature (degC) Rainfall (mm per week)

had started to influence his thinking, with pressure coming from customers.

“We will try to breed sheep that have low environmental impact, and minimising days to slaughter is key to that because the fewer days a lamb is alive the less it emits.”

And on a per-lamb basis, a ewe that

DAILY GROWTH FORECASTS

Region Seven-day forecast 14-day forecast

NorthEngland 72.5kgDM/ha(29.3kgDM/acre) 88.4kgDM/ha(35.8kgDM/acre)

GRASS QUALITY

MANAGEMENT NOTES

n Recordedgrassgrowthiscloseto thelong-termaverageformostregions, with65-70kg-plusDM/hectare/day (26.3-28.3kg-plusDM/acre/day) predictedforthenextsevendays n Withalikelyreductioninthe14-day growth,plannowhowtodealwitha potentialdeficitinthecomingfortnight n Trytomaintainarotationlengthofat least21daysandkeeptheaverage

reliably rears two lambs every year has a lower carbon footprint than one that only rears one, even if the latter one actually has lower emissions.

But farmers really need to know more before they commit to particular courses of action, he added.

“I am happy to jump through more hoops as long as there is some reward to it. Some customers are beginning to realise that they will have to reward the farmer for reducing environmental emissions.

“But the science is not definitive yet, so we need to move in the right direction while keeping our options open.”

As well as identifying and quantifying an animal’s qualities, RamCompare can reveal unwanted or damaging characteristics which might otherwise be missed.

“CT scanning does highlight the best animals, but the real proof is how

BULLETIN 11

Week beginning June 3

farmcoverabove2,100kgDM/ha/day (850kgDM/acre/day)toavoidadeficit atthistimeofyear

n Keepaneyeonherbagequality acrossthefarm–MEisadequateat 10.8butcandeterioratequickly n Toppingcanbeusedforcorrection, butavoidtoppingallpaddocksinthe samerotationtominimiseoverall reductioninrecoverygrowth

Charles Sercombe

those rams perform in different situations,” said Mr Sercombe.

“We need to know whether a ram can sire good cross-bred lambs that will grow quickly and provide good yields of lean meat in the right place and that consumers want.”

He added he saw such science as essential to the sector in the future when the last direct Government support has finished.

“That support money will no longer be there so we have to develop our businesses on our own. We have to be efficient and sustainable. We need to farm with less environmental impact, while using fewer antibiotics and anthelmintics.

“And with the way that politicians and the public view agriculture, we are going to have to breed sheep that are resilient to worms, that do not get footrot and do not suffer from mastitis.”

RamCompare enables breeders to ‘tease apart the genetic information’ relating to each sire, said Samuel Boon, breeding consultant with Signet.

This, he said, enabled breeders to get a clearer picture of the ram’s qualities, and the wide variations that can occur, even between rams in the same flock or even the same sale pen.

“Some of the ram’s performance is due to genetics and some due to management and we need to be able to define which is which.”

Choosing rams

He also said the service gave farmers additional information to help them choose rams which suits their system. It has tested 468 rams from 17 different breeds which have sired 44,000 lambs between them.

Mr Boon said: “Farmers should consider what they are aiming to achieve on their farms.

“If they are mating ewe lambs they may want a low birth weight to ensure easy lambing. Growth rates and carcase quality are a lesser priority at this stage. They just want a live lamb.”

In contrast, he said for a creep feeding system which is more expensive to run, cutting the number of days taken

Some of the ram’s performance is due to genetics and some due to management and we need to be able to define which is which

to reach slaughter weight would be the priority, so high growth rates are key.

And in a grass-based system, in which the farmer is happy to over winter animals on stubbles, then animals which add good muscle depth without the risk of running over-fat would be the best choice.

Ram longevity is also a key issue, he added.

“It is a significant investment and only a good investment if it spends three or four productive seasons in your flock.”

As an example of the progress made, he pointed out the noted Charollais ram Crogham Centurion, which had far higher genetic quality than other rams in the 1980s, but would be ‘below average’ in the modern flock.

“The service helps solve one of

the enduring problems facing pedigree breeders, which is that they used to have to rely on proxy measures of carcase quality like ultrasound muscle and fat depth to improve the traits which commercial farmers are paid, like conformation and fat class.

“RamCompare bridges that gap and provides more accurate breeding values for commercial producers.”

Many of the breeding values and traits that can be used to select rams

also have an impact on the farm’s carbon footprint, he said.

“Another key goal is improving ewe productivity so they can rear more lambs, while we should also be selecting for parasite resistance, because heavily parasite affected animals tend to emit more methane.

“The ewe will tend to be around for five years, and if you make her just marginally more efficient that will have a big influence on the flock.”

Samuel Boon

LIVESTOCK

Installing a new parlour has more than halved standing time, reduced mastitis cases, improved foot health and increased yield for the Jenkins family. Farmers Guardian finds out more.

One-man parlour gives family the gift of more time

Until the installation of a new parlour in 2021, milking was taking Iwan and Sian Jenkins, who farm with their son Steffan at Tyllwyd Farm, Lampeter, more than eight hours a day.

Now milking of the family’s 150 Holstein Frisian cows combined with cleaning of the DeLaval MidLine 3100 takes less than two hours, with a parlour that costs just £30 per day to operate and a maintenance plan which provides fixed costs.

Iwan Jenkins says: “We bought the previous herringbone parlour second-hand in 1996 for £1,800.

“We were milking 60 cows but grew to 150 and it became clear that if we were going to continue, we

needed to invest. However, we also wanted to be hands-on in a parlour with low running costs that could be operated by just one person.”

Investment

Mr and Mrs Jenkins asked their son if he wanted to continue milking the herd and together they agreed the investment in a new parlour was the only way to sustain the business and the herd.

“There was no way to sugarcoat the situation before we upgraded the parlour, it was unbelievably hard work, and when we started building the new shed and infrastructure it only got harder, but Steffan could see what we were building and he wanted in, which

Farm facts

■ Tyllwyd Farm comprises 101 hectares (250 acres)

■ Year-round calving from the 150 milkers enables 45 heifer replacements to be reared alongside 40 beef cattle which are sold as stores

■ The family also keeps 300 breeding ewes

helped us to commit to the project and achieve the system we have now,” says Mr Jenkins.

He adds the farming system has grown significantly since the couple took on the farm from his parents.

“I suppose it all started when we

took the opportunity to buy the neighbouring farm in 2015. After that we began growing the herd and went from 60 cows with 50 cubicles to 100 cows with 140 cubicles. Milk yield improved almost instantly.”

With more grazing land the herd continued to increase, reaching a natural ceiling point in 2020.

At this point Mr and Mrs Jenkins were milking almost triple the number of cows through the same 6/12 herringbone parlour and it was taking its toll on them and the cows.

“We spoke to a couple of manufacturers and explained that we wanted to keep hands-on milking but needed to streamline the process,” says Mr Jenkins.

Being hands-on was important

Iwan Jenkins farms with his wife and son at Tyllwyd Farm, Lampeter.

The herd is now fed to yield in the parlour.

for the family, as was the desire to see the cows graze.

Mr Jenkins says: “We wanted a one-person parlour and we could not go any bigger than 16 stalls to do this well. We like to spend time with the cows and it helps us to pick up any issues. It is also pleasing to see the cows go out to graze. If they are anything like us, they too will be tired of winter and no doubt appreciate feeling the sun on their backs.

“We thought we wanted a simple parlour that we could push cows through but we were advised to go with auto ID and ACRs, along with feeding to yield with the DelPro software system.”

The management system, and feeding to yield, has been an eye

opener for the family, who, prior to its installation, saw the herd as equals.

“We thought all the cows were producing, but some were passengers. Now, with feed to yield, the cows do not get fed unless they produce,” Mr Jenkins adds.

Automatic ordering

And with the milking machine manufacturer’s maintenance programme, the family does not have to worry about ordering chemicals or liners as everything is ordered automatically.

The parlour is light, quiet and easy for the cows to access and leave. It has been designed with sorting gates and an automatic footbath which the cows pass through when exiting.

The reduced waiting time has

provided significant health benefits for the herd. Foot health and mastitis cases have both improved and milk yield is also on the rise.

“We used to have issues with cows’ feet, conception rates and mastitis. The cows were on their feet too long and some of them were up for six hours, which is not good for any part of their health. We had higher foot-trimming and vet costs, and it was upsetting to see how uncomfortable the cows were,” says Mr Jenkins.

Now the cows are tagged and managed by the DelPro system it is easier for the family to separate cows for monthly PD tests and any health issues.

“Having automation in this way is helpful. We are still connected to the herd and see every cow twice-aday, but routine monitoring is better handled using the technology. It used to be us waving at each other as the cows ran out the parlour to signal that one needed attention, so we have definitely taken some big steps forward,” he adds.

The parlour is cheap to run, according to Mr Jenkins, which is thanks to efficient variable speed vacuum and milk pumps. When built, it was set up with its own electricity meter and Mr Jenkins says that, on average, it costs £30/day to milk. The new robotic scraper uses about four units of electricity, costing 70p/day to run.

“We wanted to manage our costs carefully. Buying the scraper was an investment but it is saving us about £40/week in fuel and countless hours over the year,” says Mr Jenkins.

Now costs are under control, the aim is to increase milk production through breeding and improving milk from forage.

“Silage is at 14-16 per cent protein and we are at about 7,000 litres per

Steffan and his wife Sara have three boys, and we wanted time for him to be a father and for us to be grandparents while building a business that will sustain us all IWAN JENKINS

cow, but we are breeding out the Friesian and using sexed semen to improve genetics. We do not want them too large, but the management software has shown us that the better-bred cows in the herd are producing nearly 9,000 litres, so we think we can get the herd average to 8,500 within the next couple of years,” he says.

More time

The change of parlour has given the family the time and data to make more well-informed decisions which can improve herd health and productivity, while also enabling them to spend more time away from milking duties.

“Steffan and his wife Sara have three boys, and we wanted time for him to be a father and for us to be grandparents while building a business that will sustain us all in the future,” says Mr Jenkins.

“Buying the land and installing the parlour has provided this and, if milk prices increase, we can see a good future in dairying.”

purchase of more land enabled the family to increase cow numbers, which led to an increase in cubicle housing.

The

The new parlour is light, quiet and easy for the cows to access and leave.

LIVESTOCK Machine learning and AI enable early lameness detection

rNew device to cost £1 per cow per month

By Katie Jones

A NEW state-of-the-art lameness detection device designed to visualise daily changes to hoof health, provide early detection of any potential issues and, in turn, enable dairy farmers to give the earliest treatment has been launched by automatic footbath specialist Hoofcount.

Called Pedivue, the system’s launch marks the completion of a two-year project with £250,000 funding from UK Research and Innovation, part of Defra’s Farming Innovation Programme.

The system, designed utilising computer vision and machine learning, was developed by Hoofcount with the UK Agri-Tech Centre at the South West Dairy Development Centre in collaboration with farmers, and the Centre for Machine Vision (CMV) at the University of the West of England, Bristol.

Hoofcount’s Anthony Marsh says: “Digital dermatitis affects well over 90 per cent of dairy herds in the UK contributing to lameness which continues to be one of the main, if not biggest, issue within the sector costing an estimated £300 per incident.

“While Hoofcount’s automatic footbath system is helping reduce and control lameness, particularly digital dermatitis, on numerous dairy units throughout the UK and overseas, we agreed we needed to develop a device to detect these issues as early as possible in order to enable prompt effective treatment.

“After designing and trialling various options, we soon became aware that machine learning and artificial intelligence [AI] was the way forward to gain best results.”

CMV’s Wenhao Zhang says Hoofcount with CMV’s help developed

Pedivue’s computer vision and machine learning algorithm by retrofitting a single camera and an AI system to an existing Hoofcount footbath.

He says: “The high-speed camera captured crucial moments of moving hooves, enabling an intelligent filtering algorithm to capture clear, square-on views of hoof soles for AI assessment. By ‘learning’ from extensive hoof data from four farms alongside veterinary expertise, the AI-powered system initially achieved over 80 per cent accuracy in detecting active digital dermatitis lesions.”

Critical part

Early detection combined with prompt effective treatment is a critical part of managing digital dermatitis on-farm; it not only helps cows to quickly recover, but also reduces the risk of further spread, says vet Nick Bell, of Herd Health Consultancy, who has offered advice and guidance to the project’s development.

He says: “Cows with visible digital dermatitis lesions are the major source of new infections within a herd and the incubation period is very long. However, these lesions are difficult to spot, even with the trained eye.

“Regular footbathing is just preventative not a treatment, and occasional hosing of feet will help make lesions visible, however Pedivue is offering a promising future, enabling farmers to easily identify lesions at the M2 active stage, before they reach the M4 chronic stage, and treat accordingly.”

Pedivue is available on all Hoofcount’s footbaths, together with a retrofit option.

Mr Marsh adds the cost of Pedivue will be about £1/cow/month, which will include quarterly mobility scoring. It will initially be carried out by a trained mobility scorer, but in future the plan is to include this metric into the information the device can automatically monitor along with other foot health issues.

Digital dermatitis lesions are difficult to spot, even with the trained eye NICK BELL

Pedivue’s launch marks the completion of a two-year project.

A camera (inset) captures footage of moving hooves each time the cow steps away from the footbath.

How the device works

■ A high-speed camera takes footage of the moving hooves each time the cow steps away from the footbath

■ The recordings featuring any images of digital dermatitis – either at the M2 active or M4 chronic stages – are collected in a centrally located cloud-based database

■ The information is downloaded

to a farmer-friendly dashboard for viewing on the farm’s PC web browser or phone app

■ An email alerts the farmer to the information and offers a treatment protocol

■ A follow up email is issued up to one-week later reminding to retreat if necessary and with an accompanying protocol

Are you a Young British Farming Awards c hampion?

New for 2024 the British Farming Awards are looking to crown six worthy young farmers in the new ‘Young BFAs’! The Young BFAs are open to all young farmers aged between 6 and 16 years. The awards launch with four new categories:

Young Farming Hero

Are you a young farmer who has gone above and beyond to provide support on their family farm under exceptional circumstances?

If you’ve stepped up or know a young farmer who has, enter now!

* Please note the nominee does not have to be a member of a

Young Innovator of the Year

Junior 6 -10 / Senior 11-16

Are you a budding inventor or engineer in the making?

This award is looking to champion a young innovator who has an idea on how to make farming more efficient. This can be across any farming activity, but you need to be able to provide drawings with an explanation as to how your idea would work on the farm.

* Please note the nominee does not have to be a member of a registered young farmers club.

Young Handler of the Year

Junior 6 -10 / Senior 11-16

Are you a upcoming champion in the show ring?

The Young BFAs are looking for a young handler who has consistently performed within the show ring and being actively involved in rearing the livestock that has been shown.

* Please note the nominee does not have to be a member of a registered young farmers club.

Young Farmers Club of the Year

Are you a member of a Young Farmers Club that has gone above and beyond to serve their local community or raise significant funds for a charity?

If your club has made a impact then let the Young BFAs know!

* This award is open to all Young Farmers Club that are registered with the NFYFC (England & Wales) or SFYFC (Scotland). There is no limit to the size of the club, or the age range within the club.

Visit the Young BFA website for full

The deadline for entering the Young BFAs is Sunday 14th July. Shortlist winners will be announced in August.

LIVESTOCK

rAim to reduce lameness on-farm

OVER the next three years, Lydney Park Farms, Gloucestershire, will be focusing on profit targets to aid business planning, and the dairy farm’s team have been working with Brendan Horan, a grassland systems researcher at Teagasc, to help with this.

Mr Horan has been working with farm manager Gavin Green and the team of 12 staff, including retained consultant Keith Davis and team leader Pawel Wegelewski.

Speaking at a recent on-farm meeting, Mr Green said the main aim was to assess the farm as a whole and reset key performance indicators (KPIs) and specific profit targets.

The farming system at Lydney Park Farms has already been adapted several times to help find the most profitable way of operating.

In 2007, the system changed from fully housed to a low-input grazing system, which suited the staff and the land as well as returning increased profits.

Mr Green said: “From 1997 until 2007, Lydney Park Farms had a fully housed herd of Holsteins which were milked three times a day. To find a more profitable system, we started to cross-breed the herd with Jerseys. The primary aims were to increase fertility and milk solids to align with our milk contract.

“A low-cost, grass-based spring calving system was adopted with arable land from the estate laid to grass to suit the increased herd number of 1,000 cows.”

As a result of long standing times in their 32-point rotary parlour, the farm switched to once-a-day milking. However, there has recently been a switch back to twice-a-day milking, and a reduction in cow numbers to 850 to maximise farm productivity.

The 10-week spring-calving herd now achieve an average yield of 4,750 litres at 5.3 per cent butterfat and 3.93 per cent protein.

By working with Mr Horan, the farm has identified plans to begin focusing on improving soil health, animal welfare and the work environment.

Farm facts

■ The dairy unit at Lydney Park Farms was built on a greenfield site in 1997 when the estate’s former dairies were amalgamated into one

■ Ten-week spring block calving herd of 850 Jersey cross cows

At a meeting at Lydney Park Farms, an AHDB Strategic Farm in Gloucestershire, the importance of setting key performance indicators and targets was discussed. Ellie Layton reports.

The farm has recently switched back to twice-a-day milking and reduced cow numbers to 850 to maximise farm productivity.

Gloucestershire dairy farm focuses on KPIs

Mr Horan said: “When implementing change on-farm, the first step is to look at the business as a whole and choose a handful of areas which you particularly want to streamline, then focus on them.

“Together with the majority of the Lydney team, we discussed what they wanted to achieve in one, five and 10 years to build and help them achieve this.”

When the cows were housed all year round, they grew a diet of wheat, barley, maize and oilseed rape, but in 2007 most of the farm was reseeded.

Mr Horan has helped create a plan to reseed areas of the farm. Weekly progress is assessed by

■ Yields of 4,750 litres per cow, with cows milked through a 32-point rotary parlour

■ 640 hectares (1,581 acres) with a 300ha (742-acre) milking platform two metres (6.6 feet) above sea level

■ Grazing from calving in February until mid-November

measuring the sward, which will be used to track their overall development.

Mr Green said: “New leys of Aber grass, plantain and chicory have been planted using min-till. We want to increase the clover levels significantly, as they have dropped off over the years.”

One of the primary reasons for crossing the Holsteins was to improve cow health, focusing on fertility, but now the aim is to reduce lameness incidences.

Mr Green said: “We use bulls which are in the top 10 spring calving index and have now begun to use cross Friesian genetics to add size back into the cows to gain milk solid levels.

“We have made significant progress on fertility already, but we hope that improving our lameness rate will aid this further, which is achieved by working closely with our vets.”

A new foot health policy has been introduced, which will include regular mobility scoring and preventative trims.

The process has brought clarity to the business, where we are and where we need to go

GAVIN GREEN

The herd’s lameness rate has reduced considerably to 8.4 per cent, but Mr Green said he would like to lower this to 5 per cent by tackling their main concern of white line disease.

The team, who have been involved in the whole process, said it was refreshing to get involved in the farm’s future changes.

“The process has brought clarity to the business, where we are and where we need to go. Team members are involved in different areas of the changes and it has given a fresh enthusiasm,” said Mr Green.

Trials diary

WALES

June 15. LLANRHAEADR, LL16 4NL, 8am start, tel: 07767 482 390.

June 16. BERWYN FINAL, LL20 7LH, 8am start, tel: 01691 600 860.

June 22. LLANLLYFNI, LL54 5TP, 8am start, tel: 07784 939 733.

June 22. GLYNLLIFON, LL54 5DU, 8am start, pre-entry required, tel: 07747 600 454.

June 23. BRONDAI NOVICE, Carmarthen, SA19 9RU, classes restricted to novice handlers, dog not to have been placed in an open, handler not to have been placed in an open in the past five years, suitable for new inexperienced handlers, 9.30am start, pre-entry, contact Michelle Thomas, tel: 07944 708 068.

June 28. ACORNS NOVICE CHARITY, Suckley, WR6 5EJ, restricted to handlers who have not won an open trial, 3pm start, pre-entry via Matt Hooper, tel: 07929 102 338, entries close June 20. 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.

ENGLAND

June 8. EUSTON, Euston Park, Euston, Thetford,

Welsh results

LLANARTHNE, Morning session (Judge, Arwel Staples) 1. Rob Ellis, Pip, 4; 2. Tony Mallon, Valanza Taya, 8; 3. Cerys Millichap, Mai, 9; 4. Matthew Evans, Faenor Jock, 10; 5. Iwan Rees, Pentre Jax, 12; 6. David Millichap, Lyn, 14. Afternoon Session (Rob Lewis) 1, Kevin Evans, Kemi Jack, 6; 2, Rob Ellis, Tod, 8.5; 3, Cerys Millichap, Gelli Smudge, 12; 4, Karin Haker, Case 16; 5, David Howells, Wyverne May, 16.5; 6, Alun Edwards, Jim, 17. Double Fetch Final (Rob Lewis and Heddwyn Thomas) 1, Cerys Millichap, Mai, 23; 2, Kevin Evans, Kemi Jack, 32; 3, Rob Ellis, Pip, 33.5; 4, Rob Ellis, Tod, 44; 5, Tony Mallon, Valanza

IP24 2QH, Open and Novice, trial organisers: Jack Haward, tel: 07825 291 569, Lucy Allison, tel: 07828 001 575, entries closed, running orders will be available prior to trials and will be published on the website, contact Sam, tel: 07531 145 447, or Kath, tel: 07786 605 419. June 8 and 9. LAUNDE ABBEY, double gather championship, Launde Road, Loddington, LE7 9XB, entry full pending payment, reserve list in operation, contact Nij Vyas, tel: 07530 439 561, or email nij@ sheepdog-training.co.uk, free entry for spectators, donations welcome. NORTH WESTMORLAND, Stephen Relph Charity Trials, CA11 0UR, 9am start, open trial national type course, five sheep with collars, enter on field before 1pm, £7.50 per run.

June 8. DEVON AND EXMOOR, Ralegh’s Cross Trial, by kind permission of R. Cowling and family, adjacent to Ralegh’s Cross Inn, Ralegh’s Cross, Exmoor, what3words: bless. spooked.discussed, classes for Open Driving, Novice Driving, best Young Handler, Wellcome Foundation Driving cup, Margaret and Ernie Duke Memorial cup, Best OLF, Fleece Bowl, Novice Driving, Open Maltese Cross, Novice Cross, New Handler, Young Handler, DESS Perpetual Maltese Cross Cup, DESS Perpetual Cup, Novice Maltese Cross. Start 9.30am,

Taya, 72; 6, Cerys Millichap, Smudge, R. OBLEY NOVICE (John Davies) Morning session. 1, Bettina Laemmle, Floss, 7; 2, Andrew Green, Jan, 11; 3, Andrew Green, Don, 13; 4, Bradley Morgan, Bec, 15; 5, Selena Short, Puffin, 19 OLF; 6, Bradley Morgan, Tom, 19. Afternoon session. 1, Stephen James, Jam, 5; 2, Bettina Laemmle, Gin, 10; 3, Jayne Neville, Storm, 15 OLF; 4, Selena Short, Fever, 15; ACORNS NOVICE CHARITY TRIAL (Graham Powell) Beginners, 1, Selina Short, Puffin, 18; 2, Selina Short, Fever, 21; 3, Steve James, Jam, 22; 4, Charlie Evans, Nan, 41; 5, Anne Westover, Rock, 50. Novice, 1, Beth Watts, Dev, 14; 2, Bettina Laemmle, Floss, 15; 3, Andrew Green, Midge, 16; 4,

WORKING DOGS

entries closed, contact secretary Julie Tucker, tel: 07970 033 813, or email julie@ bearwoodfarm.co.uk. LOWGILL SPORTS, Botton Road, LA2 8QY, signposted from Wray and Lowgill village, entry on field. June 9. ROMNEY MARSH, Open, Novice and Starter classes, 9am start, Lynsted, secretary Liz Lauder.

June 15 and 16. ROUGHTOR TRIAL, Roughtor, Camelford, PL32 9QG, what3words, passage.relief.dairies, 9am start. Open Driving, Novice MX, Open MX classes, entries close June 9, secretary Trevor Hopper, trevor_hopper01@btinternet.com, or tel: 01872 501 886.

June 19. MID SHIRES, Hall Barn Farm, Lower Shuckburgh, Daventry, NN11 6EB, entries restricted to 40 dogs and two dogs per handler, contact Gill Burbidge, tel: 07950 738 732.

June 22 and 23. BRENDON HILLS, Brendon Hills, Exmoor, signed from B3190 near Wimbleball Reservoir, what3words: hacksaw. name.crispier, by kind permission of Mr and Mrs R. Cowling and family. Classes for Open Driving, Novice Driving, best Young Handler, highest pointed ordinary member, best OLF, Maltese Cross and New Handler, 9.30am start, entries close June 15, contact Julie

Andrew Green, Dan, 17; 5, Bettina Laemmle, Tom, 18; 6, Bradley Morgan, Tom, 19.

English results

PENNINE CIRCUIT (David Sykes, 70 ran) 1, Con McGarry, Mirk, 99; 2, Tarcio Michelon, Bigu, 95; 3, Emma Jane, Roy, 95; 4, Anya Lethio, Kesha, 95; 5, Richard Saxon, Don, 93; 6, Ola Davi, Buka, 93. PENNINE CIRCUIT (T.W. Longton, 80 ran) 1, Darren Tillotson, Ozzy, 90; 2, Jonny Elkin, Sally, 82; 3, Carol Mellin, Ben, 81; 4, Nij Vyas, Cap, 81; 5, Viola Hbeler, Bowie, 78; 6, Thomasz Nowaski, Pete, 77.

STEPHEN RELPH CHARITY TRIAL (Elaine

Tucker, tel: 07970 033 813, or email julie@bearwoodfarm.co.uk.

June 21 and 22. ALSTON, Open trial on June 22, 8.30am start, local trial on June 21, 4.30pm start, entries £5 per dog, two dog limit in the open trial.

SCOTLAND

June 8 and 9. MONYMUSK AND BENNACHIE, Damseat, Dunecht, AB32 7DR, 8am start, catering on field, entry for both trials to Mags Wilkie, tel: 07882 986 556, first 50 paid dogs, £6 per dog.

June 8. HUNTERSTON, Hunterston Estate, West Kilbride, KA23 9QF, enter on field, 8am start, £6 per dog, catering on field, for further information, contact Bobby Howatson, tel: 07947 532 993. June 16. BLAIRGOWRIE OPEN, Cronan Farm, PH13 9EX, 7.30am start, entries on field, £7 a dog, catering on field, contact Sharon, tel: 07713 919 248.

June 21. FORSIE, Caithness, KW14 7QR, contact Ian Sutherland, tel: 07826 487 510. June 22. BADANLOCH, Open dog trial fundraiser for the Scottish national at Kinbrace, entry £10 per dog, two dogs per handler, contact Jan Mackenzie, tel: 07909 697 508.

Hill, 53 ran) 1, P. Ellis, Tanhill Nan, 99 out of 110; 2, P. Ellis, Scott, 98; 3, T. Michelon, Bigu, 97OLF; 4, G. Fearon, Smartie, 97; 5, G. Miller, Barney, 96; 6, W. Van Dongen, Delta, 93OLF. NORTHUMBERLAND LEAGUE, Open 1, Mark Day, Wolfie; 2, Nick Bennett, Cap; 3, Ruth Mitcheson, Mitch; 4, Peter Martin, Ivy; 5, Colin Balmbra, Dot; 6, Peter Martin, Tilly.

Scottish results

PEEBLES, 1, T. Ilyer, Squibbes, 96 OLF; 2, S. McCulloch, Sam, 96; 3, C. Dickson, Tom, 94; 4, I. Brownlie, Lark, 93; 5, I. Flemming, Bell, 92; 6, A. Carnagie, 92.

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Inter-breed sheep and Suffolk champion, from Harley Turner, Newton, Powys.

Reserve interbreed sheep and Charollais champion from, Dave Roberts, Kenley, Shropshire.

There were strong entries across all classes of livestock at this year’s Staffordshire County Show. Katie Jones reports on the inter-breed winners.

rBeef championship claimed by Limousin

AFTER 13 years of showing at Staffordshire County Show, young breeder Harley Turner finally took home the sheep inter-breed championship trophy.

Mr Turner, who has been showing sheep at the fixture since he was 10 years old, took the title with a home-bred Suffolk shearling ewe from his 35-strong flock, based at Newtown, Powys.

The ewe, which is by Sportsmans Liquid Gold and out of a ewe by Rhaeadr Ring A Ding, had been shown previously as a ewe lamb and will next head to the Royal Welsh Show and a handful of local shows.

Taking reserve honours in the sheep inter-breed judging was a Charollais yearling ewe from Dave Roberts’ Boyo flock, Kenley, Shropshire.

This was the first time out for the home-bred ewe, named Boyo Bambi, which will next head to the Royal Three Counties Show.

By Lowerye Vladimir, the ewe is part of a 20-ewe flock of Charollais

Suffolk ewe wins for young breeder

that Mr Roberts keeps alongside Badger Face Texels, Blue Texels and Dutch Spotted with the sheep farmed alongside a suckler beef herd.

In the cattle lines, the beef interbreed title went to a Limousin heifer, Blaencwm Sarah, from Anthony Sayer, Hilderstone, Staffordshire.

This heifer, which was bred by D. and E. Davies, is by Foxhillfarm Ourbest and out of Goldies Majesty.

Mr Sayer took the beef interbreed at last year’s Stafford Show with the heifer, Garrowby Squiffy, which was on show again, and which took the reserve breed title.

With five Limousins and 10 recipient females, Mr Sayer describes his cattle as a hobby.

He will head next to the Royal Cheshire and Great Yorkshire shows.

A Hereford cow, Spartan 1 Victorias Secret, with her bull calf at foot from Simon Hartwright, Abingdon, Oxfordshire, was tapped out by inter-breed judge Roger Birch as reserve beef champion.

Home-bred

By Solpoll 1 Perfection, the home-bred cow, is a paternal sister to Spartan 1 Typhoon, which was named champion of Europe and UK bull of the year in 2022, the same year he also won the championship at Stafford.

The cow, which calved in Febru-

ary, was female champion at last year’s Royal Highland Show, a fixture she will be again attending this year, along with the Royal Three Counties show.

A Holstein cow, Wiskemanor Doc Satin, took the dairy interbreed title for Anna Goldie, who has relocated six of her family’s cows to Cheshire, following the dispersal of the Wiskemanor herd last year.

The prize winner, a Woodcrest King Doc daughter, was shown in March at the UK Dairy Expo and Stafford marked her last show outing before being dried off.

Runner-up in the dairy interbreed judging was a Jersey fifthcalver, Wyreforest Zummit Amy,

Reserve inter-breed beef and Hereford champion, Spartan 1 Victorias Secret, from Simon Hartwright, Oxfordshire.

Inter-breed beef and Limousin champion, Blaencwm Sarah, from Anthony Sayer, Hilderstone, Staffordshire.

STAFFORDSHIRE COUNTY SHOWS

by Emma Murray and Phil Manning, who milk 100 Jerseys and 200 Holsteins near Shrewsbury.

It was the first time out for the cow, which calved at the end of April, and was shown giving 38 litres. Bought at the Wyreforest Jerseys dispersal sale two years ago, Amy will next head to the Royal Welsh Show.

Syd Bowers, Holmes Chapel, Cheshire, won the pig inter-breed rosette with a British Saddleback sow, Northrode Bountiful 181.

Success

The sow was fresh from inter-breed success at Nottinghamshire County Show and she will now be rested to farrow her third litter in about a month’s time.

This was the second time showing at Stafford for Mr Bowers, who hopes to attend Penistone Show later in the season with the sow.

A Large Black gilt, Addison Golden Harvest, from Jack Holroyd, Preston, Lancashire, took the reserve title.

This one was first in its class at the Nottinghamshire County Show, and will next head to the Royal Cornwall, Royal Cheshire and Royal Three Counties shows for Mr Holroyd, who keeps five sows.

Results

Sheep

Inter-breed pig and British Saddleback champion, Northrode Bountiful 181, from Syd Bowers,

Inter-breed (B. Cooper, Buckinghamshire)

Supreme, H.T. and E.L. Turner (Suffolk); reserve, D.B. Roberts (Charollais).

Suffolk (R. Hulme, Shropshire) Sup., H.T. and E.L. Turner; res., H. Lyons. Texels (J. Draper, Shropshire) Sup., H.E. and E.L. Turner; res., C. Holtom.

Charollais (O. Chapman, Lincolnshire) Sup., D.B. Roberts; res., S.W.P. and J.A. Talbot.

Shropshire (A. Oliver, Doncaster) Sup., J. Hares; res., C. and J. Morris.

Beltex (T. Goldsmith, Worcester) Sup., T. Belfield; res., S. Fletcher.

Border Leicester (S.D. Martyn, Cornwall) Sup., B.C. Stanley; res., R.M. Birch and S. Wilson. Blue Texel (J. Burnett, Herefordshire) Sup., D.B. Roberts; res., A.T. and S.A. Froggatt.

Badger Face Texel (M. James, Builth Wells) Sup., D.B. Roberts; res., J. Clamp.

Any other pure native (R. Hulme, Shropshire)

Sup., H. and L. Grindley (Hampshire Down); res., A. Harvey (Poll Dorset).

Any other pure continental (T. Goldsmith, Worcester) Sup., H.T. and E.L. Turner (Rouge); res., O. James (Berrichon).

Non-primitive heath/hill (D. Cruse, Berkshire)

Sup. and res., A. Pennell (Clun Forest).

Primitive (J. Pearman, Northamptonshire) Sup., S. Howourth (Soay); res., Tinkerblack Livestock (Castlemilk Moorit).

Hebridean (R. Pearce, Hertfordshire) Sup., V.C.K. Mason; res., H. Arthan.

Jacob (M. Rushbrooke, Worcestershire) Sup., Ridout and Higginson; res., H. Stanley. Ryeland (B. Davies, Powys) Sup., S. Quigley; res., M. Varmen. Coloured Ryeland (S.Bryden,Dumfriesshire)Sup.,L. Jones;res.,J.WilliamsandJ.D.Dickinson.

Southdown (G. Lloyd Hughes, Ceredigion) Sup., E. Yates; res., R.J. and C. Windsor. Kerry Hill (C. Kewley, Dumfriesshire) Sup., A. Wilson; res., A. Burgess.

Portland (S. Gould, Dorset) Sup., T. and C. Hurdley; res., B. Stephenson.

Longwool (A. Lacy, York) Sup., A. Pennell (Wensleydale); res., D. Stanhope (Leicester Longwool).

Greyface Dartmoor (C. Nugent, Wiltshire) Sup., S. Chadwick; res., A. Evans.

Individual butchers lamb (G. Mansfield) Sup., T.B. Lawton and Son; res., R. Stubbs. Pen of butchers lambs (G. Mansfield) Sup., R. Stubbs; res., T.B. Lawton and Son.

Beef

Inter-breed (R. Birch, Staffordshire) Sup., A. Sayer, Blaencwm Sarah; res., S. Hartright, Spartan 1 Victorias Secret (Hereford). Hereford (M. Coates, Leicester) Sup. and fem., S. Hartright, Spartan 1 Victorias Secret; res., and res. fem., R. Shaw, Hallwood 1 Oyster Princess 2; male, R.P. and N.H. Birchall, Deanery Diesel. Charolais (R. Poulton, Cheshire) Sup. and fem., A. Mould, Moulais Ulrika; res. and res. fem., A. Mould, Moulais Topsy; male, G. Hollinshead, New Platt Undeniable; res. male, A. Mould, Moulais Usher. Simmental (W. Dickinson, Cumbria) Sup. and fem., H. Grant, Lynfield Precious; res. and male, Storersmith Simmentals, Storersmith Navarone; res. fem., RenshawandBrassington,DovefieldsNadia;res.male, Renshaw and Brassington, Dovefields Phoenix. Limousin (W. Forrester, Shropshire) Sup., and fem., A. Sayer, Blaencwm Sarah; res. and res. fem., A. Sayer, Garrowby Squiffy; male. J., N. and W. Nicholls, Hitchettshill Ureg. British Blue (R. Aston, Worcester) Sup. and fem., K. Allen, Solway View Tesha; res. and male, S. Hughes, Hawthorn Blues Titan; res. fem., A. Sweetmore, Mere Titch; res. male, S. Hughes, Hawthorn Blues Titan. Highland (G. Spawton, Carmarthen) Sup. and fem., R. and D. Bradley, Bonnie Millie of Moorside; res. and male, Caradog Fold, Rich of Caradog; res. fem., R. and D. Bradley, Bonnie Maisie of Moorside. Red Poll (D. Jenkins, Dorset) Sup., J.R. Williams, Pinguis Emily 25; res., J.R. Williams, Pinguis Jeremiah. Any other native breed (C.Davies,Hereford)Sup.,M. Forster,CroasdaleTawnyOwl(BeltedGalloway);res., G.E.Tomlinson,BalygayGretaGigha(BeefShorthorn). Any other rare breed (J.W. Briggs, Hereford) Sup., J. French, Greatwood Strawberry Dairymaid (Original Population Dairy Shorthorn); res., A. Stone, Woodhouse Priscilla (Irish Moiled). Commercial (C. Davies) Sup., A. Dickinson and L. Powdrill, Cover Girl (Limousin cross); res., J. Simpson, Millie (Limousin cross).

Dairy

Inter-breed (Judge, J. Evans, Pembrokeshire) Sup., A. Goldie, Wiskemanor Doc Satin (Holstein); res., Murray and Manning, Wyreforest Zummit Amy (Jersey).

Holstein (D. Booth, Lancaster) Sup., A. Goldie, Wiskemanor Doc Satin; res., M. Whitehurst, Folemill Fitz Dewdrop.

Red and White (D. Booth) Sup., J. Lomax, Chorlton Awesome Shula Red; res., J. Lomax, Chorlton Stgen Doral Red.

Dairy Shorthorn (S.E. Bishop, Co Durham) Sup., R. and K. Boote, Kayl Proud Countess 51; res., R.W. Harper, Burbook Ricochet Pamela. Jersey (W. Patten, Cheshire) Sup., Murray and Manning, Wyreforest Zummit Amy; res., Murray and Manning, Princesstill Star Chocochip Interest.

Pigs

Inter-breed (N. Kiddy, Cambridge) Sup., R.S. Bowers, Northrode Bountiful 181 (British Saddleback); res., J. Holroyd, Addison Julia 8 (Large Black).

Welsh (A. Uglow, Devon) Sup., C. Holtom, Spring Impish; res., E. Paddock, Lewin Glamorous 8. Hampshire (A. Uglow) Sup., Roberts and Fairclough, Raisinhall Anna 27; res., I. Soar, Raisinhall Anna 23.

Large White (A. Uglow) Sup., J.W. and O.J. Lightfoot, Perrytree Champion Turk; res., R. Fieldhouse, Calcarie Primrose 18. Landrace (A. Uglow) Sup., G. Bretherton, Hedgerow Bodil 166; res., G. Bretherton, Survival Skyliner 53. Pietrain (A. Uglow) Sup., A. Newth, Prestcombe Papperasse 20; res., W. Berry, Stockbridge Merry.

Any other pure modern breed (A. Uglow) Sup., M. Halliday, Danflok Raw Deal (Duroc); res., J. Knaggs, Littleowls Havnbjerg 276 (Duroc).

Middle White (J. Cloke, West Midlands) Sup., M. Paddock, Eaves Yootha 37; res., O. Giles, Tedfold Fair Lady 400. British Saddleback (J. Cloke) Sup., R.S. Bowers, Northrode Bountiful 181; res., A. Newth, Prestcombe Golden Arrow 9. Gloucester Old Spot (J. Cloke) Sup., M.V. Hicks, Windmill Bluebell 30; res., Elms School, Elmschool Ellen 15.

Large Black (J. Cloke) Sup., J. Holroyd, Addison Julia 8; res., J. Holroyd, Addison Golden Harvest 4. Berkshire (J. Cloke) Sup., I. Soar, Spring Lady 10; res., C. Holtom, Spring Namatjira 3. Any other pure traditional breed (J. Cloke) Sup., M. Paddock, Eaves Thatcher 26241 (British Lop); res., I.

Soar, Allers Princess (Mangalitza).

Inter-breed dairy and Holstein champion, Wiskemanor Doc Satin, from Anna Goldie, Cheshire.

Reserve inter-breed dairy and Jersey champion, Wyreforest Zummit Amy, from Emma Murray and Phil Manning, Shrewsbury.

Holmes Chapel, Cheshire.

shown

Judging the pig entries at Staffordshire County Show.

SHOWS SUFFOLK

Crowds flocked to Trinity Park, Ipswich, on May 29-30 for Suffolk Show. Angela Calvert reports on all of the highlights from the livestock rings.

rCharollais ewe takes inter-breed sheep title

BRANDANE Kirsty, a five-year-old Simmental cow, was awarded the supreme beef championship at Suffolk Show, giving Marcus Searle, Kenninghall, his first inter-breed win.

The daughter of Sterling Gino –shown by Mr Searle’s sister, Helen – had been champion at Edenbridge and Oxted Show in 2023 and was bought from breeder Jimmy McMillan last year. Shown with its heifer calf by Woodhall Ferrari and in-calf again to the same sire, it heads to Royal Norfolk Show next.

The judge, Charles McClean, Eastleigh, said his champion was ‘a really strong cow with size and style, which was rearing a really good calf’.

In reserve was the Aberdeen-An-

Simmental clinches championship title

gus and native champion, Rosemead Bella Maid, a five-year-old cow from Grant Long, Stoke-by-Nayland. Having been brought privately as a calf, it was breed and reserve interbreed champion at Hadleigh Show last year.

The reserve native was the Lincoln Red champion, Yarn Hill Acora, a January 2023-born heifer from Richard and Natasha Mann, Woodbridge.

Claiming the junior championship was Hautbois Union Jack, a

2022-born Charolais bull by Hautbois Onslow from Clare Germany, Norfolk.

In reserve was Fircovert Panther, a January 2023-born Simmental bull from Paul Gunter, Norwich.

Dairy

In the dairy rings, the inter-breed award went to Wigboro Outlay Beechnut – the Holstein champion from Smith Farms Clacton, Osyth –for the second year running.

Having calved its second in Feb-

ruary, the Outlay daughter is giving 55kg daily and has just classified VG89. It will head to the South of England Show next.

In reserve, from the same home, was Wigboro Wick Hawaiian Helena, a February 2021-born Ayrshire heifer by Hawaiian.

Will Abram, Dereham, claimed the sheep inter-breed title with a 2022-born Charollais ewe by Bincombe Warrior, which was bought last year from Carol and Geoff Watson’s Sulwood flock as a

Inter-breed beef and Simmental champion, Brandane Kirsty, a fiveyear-old cow from Marcus Searle, Kenninghall.

Reserve inter-breed beef, native and Aberdeen-Angus champion, Rosemead Bella Maid, from Grant Long, Stoke-by-Nayland.

Inter-breed dairy and Holstein champion, Wigboro Outlay Beechnut, from Smith Farms Clacton, Osyth.

Reserve Inter-breed dairy and any other dairy breed champion, Wigboro Wick Hawaiian Helena, an Ayrshire heifer from John Smith, Osyth.

December

foundation ewe for his Beetley flock.

In reserve were Chris and Laura Beck, Halesworth, with their Blue Texel champion, a Solway View-bred shearling ewe by Sunnybank Exchange Rate, which had been bought in-lamb at Carlisle in November.

They also took the Suffolk cham-

Results

Beef

Inter-breed (Judge, C. McLean, Eastleigh) Supreme, M. Searle, Brandane Kirsty (Simmental); reserve and native, G. Long, Rosemead Bella Maid (Aberdeen-Angus); res. native, N. Mann, Yarn Hill Acora (Lincoln Red); junior, C. Germany, Hautbois Union Jack (Charolais); res., P. Gunther, Fircovert Panther (Simmental).

Red Poll (A. Daw, Newcastle Emlyn) Sup. and female, L. Cakebread, Hopeham Leviticus; res. and male, L. Cakebread, Hopeham Leviticus. Aberdeen-Angus (M. Stoker, Malmesbury) Sup. and fem., G. Long, Rosemead Bella Maid; res. and male, G. Long, Shadwell Blue Smoke; res. fem., G. Long, Long Emerald.

British White (D. Wright, Powys) Sup. and male, V. St Joseph, Tollesbury Pythagoras; res. and fem., V. St Joseph, Tollesbury Diamond; res. male, V. St Joseph, Tollesbury Tarzan; res. fem., V. St Joseph, Tollesbury Tahiti.

Hereford (D. Coulston, Market Rasen) Sup. and fem., B. Buggs, Dendor 1 Greta 37; res. and male, B. Buggs, Moorside 1 Ample; res. fem., G. Wright, Admirals 1 M37; res. male, O. Smith, Laxfield Effervescent.

Lincoln Red (P. Beginn, Louth) Sup. and fem., R. and N. Mann, Yarn Hill Acora; res. and res. fem., I. Rainey, Bates Moor Cara C23; male, R. and N. Mann, Yarn Hill Cuthbert; res. male, E. Smith, Houghton Captain.

Sussex (M.G. Hickman, Hitchin) Sup. and fem., S.H. Green, Montreal Poll Snowdrop 4; res. and male, E. Harmer, Offham Crusader 4; res. fem., L. Snelgrove, Black Ven Koskimo 80; res. male., Chandler and Dunn, Goldstone Captain 5. Limousin (I. Turner, Bakewell) Sup. and fem., A. Padfield, Brambles Sweetheart; res. and res. fem., A. Padfield, Glenrock Ursula.

Inter-breed sheep and Charollais champion, a 2022-born ewe from Will Abram, Dereham.

SUFFOLK SHOWS

Inter-breed pig and Large Black champion, Breckles Grandeur 28, a gilt from Paul Churchyard, Breckles.

pionship with an aged ewe bought in-lamb last year from James Alexander’s Jalex flock.

Sheep

The judge, John Owens, Leominster, said his sheep champion was a very correct Charollais ewe which was good on its legs with great

Simmental (L. Burditt, Newark) Sup. and fem., M. Searle, Brandane Kirsty; res. and res. fem., P.A. and S.M. Cade, Cade Fifi’s Nala; male, P. Gunther, Fircovert Panther; res. male, P. Gunther, Fircovert Nigel. Belted Galloway (J. Cowie, Castle Douglas) Sup. and fem., S. Morter, Mourneview Gail; res. and male, M. Robinson, Gruige Orpheus; res. fem., N. Chapman, Waveney Anna; res. male, M. Robinson, Millbrook Arnie.

Any other pure breed (L. Burditt) Sup. and fem., D. Knox, Drumshane Urbangirl (Charolais); res. and male, C. Germany, Hautbois Union Jack (Charolais); res. fem., D. Knox, Drumshane Tiamarie (Charolais); res. male, G. Kent, Mendham Supersonic (British Blue).

Commercial (J. Blanchard, Quainton) Sup., M. Peck, Kitkat; res., M. Peck, Nola.

Dairy

Inter-breed (B. Daw, Hertfordshire) Sup., Smith Farms Clacton, Wigboro Outlay Beechnut (Holstein); res., J. Smith, Wigboro Wick Hawaiian Helena (Ayrshire). Holstein (O. Smith, Sandbach) Sup., Smith Farms Clacton, Wigboro Outlay Beechnut; res., J. Smith, Wigboro Wick Dyson Kate.

Any other dairy breed (B. Daw) Sup., J. Smith, Wigboro Wick Hawaiian Helena (Ayrshire); res., C.B. Smith, Kinder Engineer Primrose (Jersey).

Dexter (M. Kay, Dorchester) Sup. and male, R. Creighton, Tannslane Terminator; res. and fem., J. Elswood, Trustwood Bluebell; res. male, M. Waller, Stonefill Rudolph The Red; res. fem., R. Creighton, Endway Viola.

Sheep

Inter-breed (J. Owens, Leominster) Sup., W. Abram (Charollais); res., L. and C. Beck (Blue Texel).

Suffolk (S. Buckley, Buxton) Sup. and fem. and

movement, and that the Blue Texel was handled very well with a good hindquarter.

It was the third inter-breed pig championship in a row for Paul Churchyard, Breckles. This time, it was with Breckles Grandeur 28, a July 2023-born Large Black gilt by Addison Attempt 2 out of Breckles Grandeur

res. fem., C. and L. Beck; res. and male, S. Cobbald; res. male, M.J. and J.A. Pinny. Border Leicester (T. Tennant, Selkirk) Sup. and male, T. Lugsden; res. and fem. and res. fem., R. Bond-Green; res. male, R. Storer. Coloured Ryeland (M. Pink, York) Sup. and male, res. and fem. and res. male, J. Stone; res fem., R. Cook. Dorset Horn and Poll Dorset (T. Wright, Co Antrim) Sup. and fem., R. Harvey; res. and male, J. Durrant; res. fem., G. Newland; res. male, T. Pratt. Hampshire Down (M. Sivill, Wales) Sup. and fem., res. and res. fem. and male, D. Middleditch; res. male, Z. Blackmore.

Norfolk Horn (J. Bannister, Bunwell) Sup. and fem., A. Christian; res. and male and res. fem., Neil Beaton and Son Farming Partnership; res. male, S. Clover. Southdown (N. Stainthorpe, Selby) Sup. and fem., S. Cobbald; res. and res. fem., male and res. male, A. Readhead-Higgins. Wensleydale (D. Ford, Crediton) Sup. and fem., S. Plenderleith; res. and male and res. male, D. Parker; res. fem., S. Holdich.

Other longwool breeds (D. Ford) Sup. and male, V. Sander (Leicester Longwool); res. and fem., res. male and res. fem., D. Coe (Lincoln Longwool).

Greyface Dartmoor (M. Osborne) Sup. and male, res. and fem., D. and A. Collins; res. male, B. Atkinson; res. fem., B. Chapman. Other down breeds (W. McCurdie, Rugby) Sup. and male, R.G. and S.A. Banks (Oxford Down); res. and fem., Foxhole Blue Texels Street Farm Dorset Downs (Dorset); res. male, M. WorsfoldGregg (Dorset); res. fem., L. and P. Newman (Shropshire).

Other native breeds (W. McCurdie) Sup. and male, F. Cook (Kerry Hill); res. and fem. and res. male, Oak Lleyns (Lleyn); res. fem., S. Tween, Bluefaced Leicester.

Reserve inter-breed sheep and Blue Texel champion, a shearling ewe from Chris and Laura Beck, Halesworth. Reserve inter-breed pig and Welsh champion, Siskin Emperor 5, a boar from David Finch, Hadleigh.

17, which was also inter-breed champion at South Suffolk Show.

In reserve was David Finch, Hadleigh, with Siskin Emperor 5, a January 2024-born Welsh boar by Leystersspring Emperor 12 out of Siskin Teresa 51. Mr Finch also won the commercial championship with two of its half-sisters.

Charollais (V. Ashmore, Coalville) Sup. and fem. and res. male, W. Abram; res. and male and res. fem., G.C. and C.J. Watson.

Blue Texel (F. Rushton, Derbyshire) Sup. and fem. and res. fem., C. and L. Beck; res. and male, C. Partridge; res. male, A. Morris. Texel (F. Rushton) Sup. and fem. and res. fem., S. Cobbald; res. and male, R. Creighton; res. male, Ulmus flock.

Other continental breeds (V. Ashmore) Sup. and male, B. Byan (Beltex); res. and fem. and res. male, W. Abram and R. Eayrs (Badger Face Texel); res. fem., T. Stocking (Dutch Spotted). Commercial (R. Haynes, Winslow) Sup. and res., E. Etheridge (Texel/Suffolk).

Butchers lambs (R. Haynes) Sup., B.E.D. Skinner (Suffolk); res., C. Partridge (Suffolk cross).

Pigs

Inter-breed (G. Kiddy, Cambridgeshire) Sup., P.E. Churchard, Breckles Grandeur 28 (Large Black); res., D. Finch, Siskin Emperor 5 (Welsh). All breed classes (B. Upchurch, Royston): Large White, Sup., A. Readhead-Higgins, Portbredy Berry Catalina. Welsh, Sup., D. Finch, Siskin Emperor 5; res., D. Finch, Siskin Theresa 54. Berkshire, Sup., M. Keymer, Tentree Namatjira; res., M. Keymer, Boxwood Excelsa. British Saddleback, Sup., K. Cullington, Brccowood Joyful 2; res., D. Cullington, Brocwood Joyful. Large Black, Sup., P. Churchyard, Breckles Grandeur 28; res., K. Cullington, Broccwood Princess 13. Oxford and Sandy Black, Sup., D. Aldous, Heartoak Jack 57.

Inter-breed beef, native and Beef Shorthorn champion, Highsky Erins Enchantment, from Boomer and Millie Birch, Stafford.

Native breeds dominated the beef and sheep rings at the Royal Bath and West Show, while a Holstein was named dairy champion and a Duroc took the pig title. Ellie Layton reports.

British Shorthorn leads beef ring at Royal Bath and West

rJunior inter-breed awarded to Hereford

TAPPED out as the supreme native and overall champion in the cattle ring was the British Shorthorn, Highsky Erins Enchantment, bred and exhibited by Boomer and Millie Birch, Stafford.

It was the first outing since 2022 for the fully Irish ET-bred cow. The homebred Carrarock Chalkie daughter is out of one of the herd’s foundation cows, Caramba Erins Enchantment, which was bought from Ireland Enchantment is no stranger to showring success; when last shown in 2022, it was awarded breed champion at the Royal Welsh Show and junior inter-breed champion at Royal Bath and West, as well as being voted the breed’s ‘Miss Europe’.

It was shown with an October 2023-born bull calf at foot, Highsky Tomohawk, which is sired by Highsky Roger and was sold privately to the Dumfries-based Meonside herd.

Inter-breed judge Jim McMillan said: “There has been a tremendous quality of cattle across the breeds today. I could not look past this excellent outfit, combining power and femininity, while they were closely matched by the Limousin heifer.”

Continental

Champion continental and reserve overall champion was a Limousin heifer, Poole Treasure, from Tom Hilsdon, South Moulton. The 2022born heifer is a Powerful Irish daughter and out of Wilodge Mizdiamante, which also bred Poole Titan (reserve breed champion

Inter-breed sheep and longwool champion, Westforth Walkon, a Border Leicester ram from Annie Muirhead, Somerset.

at Royal Bath and West last year). Poole Treasure was youngstock champion at last year’s Devon County Show.

The junior inter-breed and reserve native champion went to the Hereford heifer, Midford 1 Elke, from William Awan, Bath. The January 2023-born polled heifer was bred by stock bull Grifford 1 Try, and is a natural calf from Bosbury 1 Elke 50.

A Charolais heifer, Skysea Tickle, took the reserve continental championship after its success at Devon County Show last weekend, where it took the same title.

Exhibited by Will Glover, Starlight Charolais, Yeovil, the May2022 heifer is a daughter of Foxacre Memnon.

In the sheep ring, it was the longwool champion, a Border Leicester

ram, Westforth Walkon, which won the coveted award against almost 1,500 entries. It was a family affair for Jock Muirhead, Somerset, who showed the two-year-old ram on behalf of his daughter Annie who owns a small flock.

This follows on from a successful show last week at Devon County Show, where it was also breed champion.

The ram was bought last year at the National Sheep Association Kelso ram sale by Jock, who judged the breed and placed it champion before bringing it home for 950gns.

Inter-breed judge and Cheviot sheep breeder John Campell, Thurso, said: “It is brilliant to see such a strong show of sheep after a difficult spring and I am pleased to see so many young breeders among the prizes.”

He tapped out a Dutch Spotted ewe as reserve champion, which was

Reserve inter-breed sheep and Dutch Spotted champion, a March 2022-born ewe from Chris and Nicky Lockyer, Bridgewater.

Junior inter-breed beef, reserve native and Hereford champion, Midford 1 Elke, a polled heifer from William Awan, Bath.

ROYAL BATH & WEST SHOWS

bred and exhibited by Chris and Nicky Lockyer, Bridgewater.

The March 2022-born ewe, Crayola Galentine, derives from their 12-head pedigree flock of Dutch Spotted ewes, and is home-bred out of Tiptop Ely and by Royal Dutch. It was awarded reserve breed champion at Devon County Show.

Southdown

The Southdown Sheep Society held its national show at Royal Bath and West, which was dominated by Jonathon, Chrissie and Sophie Long, Herefordshire.

Their home-bred Chaileybrook yearling ewe, which was unbeaten as a lamb, has now retired following its success.

The daughter of a show ram, Chaileybrook The Stag, latewr went on to be reserve shortwool inter-breed champion. Its full brother, a ram lamb, also claimed reserve breed champion. Reserve continental and Texel breed champion went to Trevor Prew, Oxfordshire, with a Clanfield yearling ewe by Rhaeadr First Choice and out of an Auldhouseburn Expression-bred ewe. It was also breed champion at Devon County Show earlier in May.

Yarburgh-based Blue Texel breeders Richard and Jade Bett had a successful show with their Blue Texel flock, winning seven breed classes. Their younger team members took the breed championship with their ewe lamb, and their ram lamb as reserve, under judge Rhys Cooke, Gwent, of the Nantyderri flock.

In the dairy ring, a Holstein took

the supreme title for the Miles family, Frome. The 2018-born cow, Withamhall Pepper Hester 4, is classified as EX92 and is sired by Delaberge Pepper and out of a home-bred cow.

Inter-breed judge, Alan Thomas, Carmarthen, said: “My champion was a very correct fourth calver with great capacity and a superb udder.

“The reserve was an excellent example of the breed for her age.”

Reserve inter-breed dairy was claimed by the Ayrshire champion. The nine-year-old cow, Greenway Ross Great Jubilee, was bred and exhibited by Les and Tracey Rockett, Bridestowe. Sired by Eastchurch Ross, it is producing 37kg daily, and was last year’s breed and inter-breed champion at the show.

Pigs

Anglesey pig breeder Steve Richardson awarded the supreme pig title to Hayley Loveless, Beaminster, for her home-bred Duroc gilt, Hazeway Havnbjerg. The August 2023-born gilt is out of a home-bred sow and from a line of British Pig Association Pig of the Year winners.

Reserve champion pig was awarded to the Landrace champion, Sock Doreen, from Martin Snell, Yeovil. The July 2023-born gilt is out of last year’s reserve inter-breed champion.

Mr Richardson said: “There was an impressive quality of entries, with classes well supported. The champion gilt was a top class example of her breed and I was particularly impressed with her conformation and locomotion.”

Supreme pig champion, Hazeway Havnbjerg, a home-bred Duroc gilt from Hayley Loveless, Beaminster.

Results Beef

Inter-breed (Judge, J. McMillan, Buckingham) Supreme., B. and M. Birch, Highsky Erins Enchantment (British Shorthorn); reserve, T. Hilsdon, Poole Treasure (Limousin).

Aberdeen-Angus (A. Hughes) Sup., A. Neish, Rodmead Prague W015; res., A. Neish, Rodmead Pribaby Y085. Beef Shorthorn (M. Reynolds) Sup., B. and M. Birch, Highsky Erins Enchantment; res., M. Cormack, Willingham Spitfire. Belted Galloway (J. Thomas) Sup., D. Powell, Shelsleys Kwagga; res., D.J. Galloway, Marstone P J Daisy.

British Blonde (R. Kirton, Shropshire) Sup., Whistley Tapitaka, Whistley herd; res., Whistley Undercover, Whistley herd.

British Blue (J. Quick) Sup., A. Haste, Solway View Sassy; res., A. Power, Lewemcor Tango Bell.

British Charolais (R. Tucker,) Sup., Skysea Tickle, Will Glover; res., Skysea Umbrella, Will Glover. British Limousin (R. Kirton) Sup., T. Hilsdon, Poole Treasure; res., M. Cormack, Sarkley Tenrietta . South Devon (R. Atkins) Sup., T. Wilton, Treballywyn Plum 12th; res., J. May, Priorton Yeoman. Hereford (A. Hughes) Sup., W. Awan, Midford 1 Elke; res., R.A. Mitchell, Lanscombe 1 Ebony. Longhorn (C. Roads) Sup., B. Facon, Gentons Warwick; res., B. Fenton, Gentons Whoopi. Any other native beef breed (J. Thomas) Sup., W. Finucane, Oakley Iceman; res., S. Hollier, Long Ash Hemily.

Commercial (J. McMillan, Buckingham) Sup., L. Gould, Pina Colada; res., A.H. Wylde, Marshmallow. Sheep Inter-breed (J.Campbell,Thurso)Sup.,A.Muirhead (BorderLeicester);res.,C.andN.Lockyer(DutchSpotted).

Any other native breed (N. Faulkner) Sup., A. Muirhead; res., C. Burrough. Beltex (D.Lewis,Carmarthen)Sup.andres.,A.Groucott. Black Welsh Moutain (S. Forsyth, Brecon) Sup., H. Brown; res., R.E. Rochford.

Blue Texel (R. Cooke, Gwent) Sup. and res., Yabrurgh Pedigrees.

Bleu De Maine (J. Mclnnes Skinner), Sup., S. Norman; res., D.C. Jones.

Coloured Ryeland (I. Lloyd) Sup. and res., T. Nash. Devon and Cornwall Longwool (W. Bromell) Sup., S. Darke; res., J.S. Tancock.

Devon Closewool (M. Scott) Sup., D. Snell; res., N. Abel.

Dorset Down (D. Rowberry) Sup., W.D. Burrough; res., H. Stamp.

Dorset Horn and Poll Dorset (L. French) Sup., J. Sparks; res., R. Davis and L. Borkar.

Dutch Spotted (R. Alman-Wilson) Sup., C. and N. Lockyer; res., C. Plummer.

Exmoor Horn (C. Tucker) Sup., R. Atkins; res., J. Scripps.

Judging of the Jersey heifer class.

Hampshire Down (P. Derryman) Sup., Messrs Underwood; res., R.A. Rundle. Jacob (S. Dodsworth) Sup., J. Leonard; res., P. Clatworthy.

Kerry Hill (E. Williams) Sup. and res., W. Awan and J. Baines.

Lleyn (R. Turner) Sup., S. Carter; res., R.G. Jones. North Country Cheviot (S. Dodsworth) Sup., J. and K. Muirhead; res., W. and D. Jordan.

Oxford Down (V. Jones) Sup., C.M. Clarke; res., H. Graham.

Ryeland (J. Mills) Sup. and res., T. Nash.

Scotch Blackface (P. Coaker) Sup., W. and D. Jordan; res., N. Abel.

Southdown (N. Page) Sup. and res., S. Long.

Suffolk (R. Irwin) Sup., R. Lawrence; res., B. Roth. Texel (R. Watkins) Sup., T. Prew; res., S. White. Valais Blacknose (P. Garrod) Sup., Gemstone flock; res., N. Price. Zwartbles (A. Baird) Sup. and res., D.C. Jones.

Dairy

Inter-breed (A. Thomas) Sup., D.H. Miles, Withamhall Pepper Hester 4 (Holstein); res., L. and R. Rockett, Greenway Ross Great Jubilee (Ayrshire).

Ayrshire (D. Smith) Sup., L. and R. Rockett, Greenway Ross Great Jubilee; res., L. and R. Rockett, Greenway Thea.

Guernsey (D. Vincent) Sup., M. Dawes, Edgehill Latimer Okapi; res., C. Greenslade, Greensfield Dandy Dan Claudia.

Holstein (A. Wilson) Sup., D.H. Miles, Withamhall Pepper Hester 4; res., B. and L. Yates, Wowcow Dreamer Beatexus.

Jersey (T. Garry, Dorset) Sup., S. Howie, Mydrim Tornados Tracy; res., C. Peach, Moonlight Victorious Molly.

Pigs

Inter-breed (S. Richardson, Anglesey) Sup., H. Loveless, Hazeway Clyde; res., P.G. Snell, Sock Doreen 254 (Large Black).

British Lop (E. Edgar) Sup., J. Collings, Liskeard Lulu 63; res., P. Snell, Sock Actress 9. British Saddleback (H. Rose) Sup., M. Philip, Freestone Dinah 26; res., M. Philip, Freestone Golden Arrow 3.

Duroc/Hampshire/Pietrain (D. Hobbs) Sup., H. Loveless, Hazeway Havnbjerg; res., H. Loveless, Hazeway Boldstroke.

Gloucestershire Old Spot (J. Barber) Sup., M. Hicks, Windmill Bluebell 30; res., M. Hicks, Windmill Princess 72.

Large Black (J. Holroyd) Sup., P.G. Snell, Sock Doreen; res., M. Naylor, Framfield Diana. Large White (D. Hobbs) Sup., M. Brown, Whitecross Beautiful; res., S. Loveless, Portbredy Napoleon. Tamworth (J. Barber) Sup., M. Hicks, Windmill; res., A. Brown, Valstock Princess.

Inter-breed dairy and Holstein champion, Withamhall Pepper Hester 4, from the Miles family, Frome.

Reserve inter-breed dairy and Ayrshire champion, Greenway Ross Great Jubilee, from Les and Tracey Rockett, Bridestowe.

MARKET PRICES PRIMESTOCK

SCOTLAND

ENGLAND

Source: LAA/MartEye

Source: LAA/MartEye

BULLS

MARKET PRICES STORE CATTLE

SCOTLAND

ENGLAND

Darlington

Figures show livestock numbers first, then average price per head.

Source: LAA/MartEye

3/696.7 5/1006.0 26/99.6 110/336.7 88/278.2 94/234.0 80/188.4

WALES

LIVESTOCK AVERAGES MARKET COMMENT

Week ending June 4, 2024.

PRICES fluctuated for cattle at auction marts in England and Wales this week, while sheep prices decreased.

In the cattle rings, young bulls decreased by 5.2p/kg to 249.1p/kg, while heifers reduced by 5.0p/kg to 268.7p/kg.

Despite this, steers went up by 1.3p/kg to 263.4p/kg and dairy-sired cull cows grew in value by 0.4p/kg to 159.5p/kg.

Source: MartEye/LAA Brecon Fr

For sheep, prices were down by 6.4p/kg to 361.9p/kg.

In the pig pens, all categories increased, with baconers going up the most by 18.6p/kg to 207p/kg.

As Farmers Guardian went to press on Wednesday (June 5) UK LIFFE wheat prices for Nov 2024 were trading at £215.35/tonne, a decrease of £6.10/t on the previous week.

MARKET PRICES

DEADWEIGHT CATTLE

STORE SHEEP ENGLAND

DEADWEIGHT SHEEP

Deadweight sheep prices are collected from a sample of GB abattoirs. The sample accounts for about one-third of deadweight sales; prices quoted p/kg are averages for all

DEADWEIGHT PIGS

PIGS

WALES SCOTLAND

LIVESTOCK AVERAGES

SOURCE: LAA/MartEye

LIVEWEIGHT HEIFERS (ENGLAND/WALES)

CULL COWS (ENGLAND/WALES)

SOURCE: LAA/MartEye

MARKET PRICES

UK DELIVERED PRICES – SUMMARY

UK DELIVERED OILSEED RAPE PRICES

FUTURES MARKETS (WHEAT)

*FortradingDelinkagerefamounts;19pper£1 ofDelinkagereferenceamount.**Estimates. ENGLISH

REF DATA: averageof 2020/21/22claims.Seller’s2023claimnotneeded. Estimatedreturn£1.20/£1refamountwithbuyer’s delinkpaymentlessthan£30,000post-transfer. SubjecttoDelinkagevalues2025-27.

BIODIVERSITY NET GAIN: English:Defra estimates£25,000-£200,000/unitexcluding VATandassociatedfees,subjecttolotsize. LasttenderMay31,2024,nextJuly15,2024. NUTRIENT NEUTRALITY: Long-termsales alltypesagricmanexcludingspecialisthabitat creation.Nitrates£3,000-£4,000/unit(£18,000£206,000/ha);phosphates£50,000-£65,000/ unit(£2,000-£169,000/ha). CARBON: Woodland Carbon>£35/WCU>£25/PIU.May2023WCG reverseauctionaverage£19.76. WATER: English abstractionlicenceslessthan£3-£15/cu.m.

FIELD PEAS/BEANS

UK DELIVERED WHEAT PRICES

Wednesday, June 5, 2024.

2.

Mo 1/2200.0

Last updated June 4, 2024

Source: AHDB/LAA/IAAS

NATIONAL STRAIGHTS PRICES

MILK PRICE LEAGUE TABLE

Search #farm24 on social media

A new Morrisons event aims to bring farmers in store to see where their produce ends up, and what consumers really want from their weekly shop. Farmers Guardian finds out more.

Retailer gathering puts producers in the spotlight

When doing your weekly shop, it is not very often that you see a cohort of farmers walking around the supermarket in their wellies – the very same farmers who work tirelessly to produce the food on the shelves. But this is exactly what happened at the Morrisons store in Skipton, Yorkshire, in a bid to bring together those who supply the supermarket chain.

The approach was a well-rounded one; at the heart of it was the idea of bringing farmers together, as taking time off the farm is not always easy and this provided a much-needed opportunity. A quick cup of tea, a slice of cake and a chat to a fellow farmer is, sometimes, all anyone needs. But it was also about insight and learning. Morrisons prides itself on putting its producers at the core of all it does, and the farmers who attended the meet-up heard about the supermarket’s various schemes, along with some consumer research data. Price, of course, came at the top of shoppers’ lists, but it also highlighted farmer stories resonate with customers – customers put supporting British farmers as their second most important reason to shop at Morrisons.

Morrisons is working to become even more customer-focused and hopes to get farmers in store to tell the British farm-toplate story – but that story must be simple and effective. An example of this is the supermarket’s ‘Chuckle Eggs’ range: a price-savvy product which heavily gives back to farmers who are doing their bit for the environment by planting trees and wildflowers for pollinators. There was also a focus on sustainability and the goals for net zero, with support present from the Sustainable School of Food and Farming and Carbon Toolkit (see ‘Sustainability’ panel for more information)

Emma Nelson, senior livestock manager for Morrisons, says: “This started from a farmer relationship activity and developed from there, but the idea to have it in the cafe is brilliant. We are moving to be more customer-focused and getting farmers in store to tell that British story.”

She also highlights that this is a way to ensure farmers feel appreciated for the work they do.

Eating habits

AT the start of the meeting, farmers were presented with key statistics and insights into shopper habits. Many shoppers are driven by price and 99 per cent of UK households buy meat, fish or poultry each year.

But the way people are eating is changing:

Consumers are switching to cheaper proteins

Young families account for 90 per cent of the growth for meatless meals

58 per cent say it is cheaper to eat meatless evening meals

35 per cent exclude meat from evening meals

Red meat features less

More shoppers are choosing British rather than imported

58 per cent are going to spend less on the weekly food shop

More customers are buying ‘loose’ food with less plastic packaging

Sustainability

THERE is a real drive to ensure farmers are armed with the tools they need to work more sustainably and to have carbon at the forefront of their minds. Working with the School of Sustainable Food and Farming (SSFF), Alex Hardie, business development manager at SSFF, says that sustainability is about having a robust, sustainable business – not just about the environment. If you have a sustainable business, you can produce food in a profitable, sustainable way.

The finishing presentation from Carbon Toolkit focused on discussing why farmers should think about reducing on-farm emissions and the impact it could have on their business.

Key points were:

Livestock management

Energy efficiency

Nutrient management

Grassland management

Soil management

#farm24 is back

Now in its ninth year, 24 Hours in Farming is back – bigger and better than ever. Taking place from 5am on August 8 to 5am on August 9, it is farming’s chance to really shout about what goes on in a 24-hour period. No matter your role or your background, head to social media on the day and share your unique farming story using #farm24 and tag Morrisons.

IN YOUR FIELD

Every week we follow the ups and downs of farmers around the UK

JAMES ROBINSON

Cumbria

James farms Dairy Shorthorns east of Kendal, Cumbria, with his parents

Kathleen and Henry, wife

Michelle and sons Robert and Chris. The fifth generation to farm at Strickley, he is also vice-chair of the Nature Friendly Farming Network.

May has most definitely been a mixed month.

We have had lots of groups visiting our farm, we have made first cut silage and I went behind the country’s most famous black door.

First cut silage seemed to spread over the entire second half of the month, with a period of 10 days of rain separating the start and the end, but we eventually finished.

In fact, half the parish seemed to be cutting, scaling, baling and carting grass at the same time.

I reckon there is more in the pit than last year and the quality should be decent. It came in dryish, and we made no mess on the fields, which was surprising given the rain we had. All I need now is a tractor with aircon that actually blows cool, rather than weakly moving air around the cab that is hotter than the surface of the sun.

Bluebells

Strickley Wood has had its usual amazing show of bluebells again. It never fails to astound and shows that nature can still amaze with its sheer beauty.

The woods have also been alive with the sound of schoolchildren studying the growth patterns of the flowers and then painting them. They have also been looking at the roles that hedge-

‘Showing children what actually happens on our farms is important’

rows play in biodiversity and habitat management. Michelle plans each visit meticulously and makes sure that everyone is safe and goes home with clean hands and wellies and with a big smile on their face.

Pupils that sometimes struggle in a classroom environment often excel when they are outdoors in nature, it gives them the chance to shine in front of their classmates and teachers.

Showing schoolchildren what actually happens on our farms is important for our future and for their own future.

We need new people in the industry, the children go home and tell their

parents what they have seen and learned. They can help parents find the British food in the supermarket and they can share the benefits of managing the land in the right way.

The visits we host are funded under a Countryside Stewardship scheme.

The rate has recently increased, and it now forms a useful part of our farm income. One thing that is not funded however, is the transport from the school to the farm. The visit may be free but getting to the farm can often be the problem in attracting new schools.

This was something that I discussed with some senior Defra officials at the

May’s clouds kept temperatures at a high

ITishardtobelievethatspring2024 wasprovisionallythewarmeston record,accordingtonationalrecords attheMetOffice.

May 2024 was also the warmest May recorded since the temperature data series began in 1884.

May and spring as a whole were also dull, with some areas receiving less than 60 per cent of usual sunshine hours and this accounts for one of the reasons for the weather being so mild.

The cloud which persisted day and night meant overnight temperatures could not fall so quickly and the warm nights kept the temperature averaged over 24-hours at higher than normal

levels. Another interesting weather phenomena occurred last weekend when a thick haze covered many farms, especially in northern and western areas.

I was scratching my head about this because the north west wind associated with it usually brings good visibility and clean air from the Arctic. However, on this occasion visibility was significantly reduced and it felt cold with the sun unable to penetrate the haze.

All became clear (pun intended) when I checked the charts of volcanic emission flow and realised that this was in fact haze caused by a volcano

in Iceland. I am hoping that research will be carried out into this event, because that one day alone seemed to exemplify the impact a volcano can have on our atmosphere.

Thanks to Farmers Guardian reader Stephen Ramsden who highlighted a BBC story about the ‘Year Without a Summer’ of 1816. Mount Tambora had erupted in 1815 and the resulting ash cloud gave the UK its coldest July on record with massive impact on crop production worldwide. It is a reminder of how vulnerable we are and how our climate relies on a fine balance of many factors that allow us to grow the crops we need for survival.

Farm to Fork summit at Downing Street. I was there representing the Nature Friendly Farming Network, of which I am the current England chair. It was an honour to be in a position to talk with senior figures from the farming and food industry and Government. I had a good amount of time with Farming Minister, Mark Spencer, to discuss the current bovine TB policy and the problems we face. Finding solutions that work is key, we need to have a policy that is strong enough to get on top of bTB but is also flexible enough to adapt to differing individual farm level situations.

For location specific forecasts visit farmersweather.co.uk and for video updates go to weatherweb.net or call the number below. Call Farmers WeatherLIVE

Farmers Weather by Dr Simon Keeling

NEXT WEEK

North Wales Dan Jones West Sussex James and Isobel Wright

‘I aim to show there are opportunities for all’

HELEN STANIER

Yorkshire

Helen is a fifth-generation farmer who farms with her parents, David and Anne Shaw, husband, Craig, and their children, Alfred and Hattie, at Grey Leys Farm in the Vale of York. The farm comprises 162 hectares (400 acres) of grass, maize and wholecrop for the herd of 240 pedigree Jersey cows and more than 200 followers.

The cows finally went out on May 4, a wonderful and very welcome sight after such a long winter. They were a little unsettled in the first couple of weeks, probably because the grass quality is lower than usual, but they are settling down now. We rotate grazing around the 14 paddocks surrounding the farm,

opening out to pastures further away after the silaging has been completed. We also turned out the heifers into 18.2 hectares (45 acres) of nearby meadowland, where they will spend the summer.

On the crop side, Craig drilled most of the maize last week, and the bulk of the first cut of silage is booked for this week so we are finally getting there.

Getting on the land has been a frustrating wait, especially with seeing others getting started but as Dad keeps reminding me: ‘We are farming our farm – not anyone else’s’, which is simple but true.

The warmer weather also brings more visitors to the farm. We have hosted two Beaver Scout groups this month. One group saw the milking, calf rearing and grazing cows on the farm, while the other met the team and one of our cows, Olive, at our milk vending machine in the village. Both groups enjoyed their visits and asked lots of great questions, but by far their

favourite part was learning about how the cows are fed from our seven-yearold, who demonstrated the whole process using his Bruder machinery.

Encouraging young people from all walks of life into our industry is something that is very important to me.

I have recently written for a young people’s arthritis charity about my experiences growing up on and now managing a farm while living with a physical disability. I aim to show there are opportunities for all in agriculture and break down barriers to entry.

Our vet placement scheme has started and is fully booked again for this summer and last week we hosted

CROSSWORD 1248

two Year 10 work experience pupils. These placements do require additional time, cost and effort, but the team now have a routine programme in place, so as not to disrupt workload too much and we benefit from an extra pair of hands throughout the summer. Not every placement goes well, and we have had some very interesting weeks along the way, but on the whole, hosting students has been beneficial to both student and farm. Despite the gratification of watching young people develop their skills, it is frustrating that there is little in the way of financial support or advice for farmers to offer or structure placements.

Sendinyourcorrectentriestobeinwithachanceofwinning£20worthof Love2shopvoucherseverymonth.Sendto:CrosswordNo.1248,Farmers Guardian,Unit4,FulwoodBusinessPark,CaxtonRoad,Fulwood,Preston,PR29NZ.

ACROSS

1 Insects, rooster and fish (11)

9 Regular payment, one unspecified including night in Paris (7)

10 Lighten burden, enjoy life again, ecstasy included (7)

11 Soya seed in swirling banal beck (5,4)

12 Abundantly supplies female misfortunes (5)

13 Point of moving north? (5)

14 Small balls of dough for silly people? (9)

16 Poor Sci-fi broadcast is sleep-inducing (9)

18 Shilling found in unsoiled money container (5)

20 Words or phrases describing parts of school year (5)

22 Account is ingenuous about river vermin (9)

24 Italian dish of rice initially and aioli with bit of vegetable taken in (7)

25 Stalemate; I’m out of date (7)

26 Perform golf circuits in these recreation areas? (11)

DOWN

1 Fruit to preserve, mashing a lot up (9)

2 Easily frightened bird (7)

3 Jingle of ice crystals heard (5)

4 Amateur government moron stupidly in charge of rural economy (9)

5 He left quietly following university line - cooperative! (7)

6 Woman will remove kernels from nuts (5)

7 Spiritual leader has time for chitchat (6)

8 Becomes aware of existence essentially spent on board ship (6)

14 Maintaining regularly idle female conclusion (9)

15 Sadly cuss rains producing bulbous plant (9)

16 Certain about trade union in a connecting line (6)

17 Aerosol deployed for this infectious disease (7)

18 Enclosure for child to quietly set down and commit to paper (7)

19 Apparel eventually clothing soccer team? (6)

21 Vicar in an excited state to operate with increasing speed (3,2)

23 Ready once for massive creature (5)

Answers to crossword 1246: Across: 1 Neighbourhood, 8 Muesli, 9 Darter, 12 Quasi, 13 Harvested, 14 Elects, 15 Collapse, 18 Mistrial, 20 Amrita, 23 Subjugate, 25 Nomad, 26 Litchi, 27 Twilit, 28 Gentoo Penguin. Down: 2 Educate, 3 Gas fitter, 4 Blight, 5 Underdog, 6 Horse, 7 Open-top, 10 Squeamish, 11 Idle hands, 16 Lamenting, 17 Palamino, 19 Subside, 21 Ismaili, 22 Nettle, 24 Uncut.

FARMING MATTERS

‘There is an extractive element to food production in Wales’

It is difficult to recall a more challenging time for the agricultural sector. The hammer blow dealt by Brexit and the broken Tory promise of ‘not a penny less’ means our farmers are now lumbered with the damaging legacy of Conservative betrayal.

By next year, the UK Government will have cut about £290 million from the agricultural budget compared to what we used to get from the EU before Brexit, with many sectors within the industry facing more, not fewer, obstacles.

Food production is just one example. At present, there is an extractive element to production in Wales as a result of poor local processing capacity.

That is why Plaid Cymru wants to

improve local supply chains to ensure the value of the food remains within local communities. We also want to ensure food labelling accurately reflects country of origin, allowing shoppers to choose food which is ‘Welsh’ and not just ‘British’, so they can make an informed choice.

Red tape

During the EU referendum campaign, the Tories promised to ‘cut red tape’, but the reality of the post-Brexit landscape means the industry is now facing more checks, more hurdles and more delays, while competitors on the continent have unfettered access to the UK.

‘No Farmers No Food’ is as much a harsh reality as it is a powerful rallying cry. That is why Plaid Cymru will always do everything within its power

to support measures which ensure food production regulations are fair for the farmer and the consumer.

The wider context in Wales at this General Election is one of the undermining effect of new trade agreements, an increase in farming costs, the Labour Welsh Government’s Nitrate Vulnerable Zone regulations and the failure to tackle TB in wildlife – all of which are being felt acutely within the farming community.

Plaid Cymru also welcomes Labour’s pause to review the rollout of the Sustainable Farming Scheme in Wales – a call we made some time ago – which clearly requires greater consultation with farmers about how best to deliver its goals.

Similarly, there needs to be a commitment from the next UK Govern-

ment to re-introduce livestock worrying legislation that the Conservative administration failed to complete in the last Parliament.

We are also aware of the rise in rural crime in recent years, and would work to create a specialist all-Wales rural crime team, seeking to recruit officers from the farming community.

Rural premium

Finally, the ‘rural premium’, where living in rural areas can cost more than living in urban areas, while services are less easily available, must become a thing of the past if we are to secure a viable and sustainable future.

Our pledge to increase the number of GPs in Wales will help communities to access the healthcare they need, while we will work to invest in local high streets to keep shops open.

We will provide support to local people to keep open their local services, such as pubs and community centres, which are under threat due to rising costs.

Protect, preserve and promote is Plaid Cymru’s mantra when it comes to our countryside.

Protect, preserve and promote is Plaid Cymru’s mantra when it comes to the countryside, says Rhun Ap Iorwerth.

RHUN AP IORWERTH Leader of Plaid Cymru