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A trailed chopper is still the machine of choice for John Gowling and his son Tim. See p78-79.
Welcome from the editor
Gold star status comes at a price for farming
HOW can the new Government use its farm policy to improve the profitability of farmers?
It was a question posed to speakers by a delegate in a webinar hosted by Farmers Guardian last week and one which really gets to the nub of what the farming industry, Government and wider society are attempting to unpick at the moment (see page 11).
We know only farmers in the ‘black’ can afford to invest in ‘green’ schemes to boost our environment and natural world, but too often, too few farmers make a profit without support.
And, in the week in which Sustainable Farming Incentive 2024 went live and the first instalments of delinked payments were paid – marking the UK’s halfway transition away from EU support – what does the future look like?
The UK has set out to be a world leader in the standards by which its food is produced, but that ‘gold standard’ comes at a cost. And costs for producers are mounting all the time.
Our new Government must balance these high standards with food security which, although cliched, really is our national security, and the profitability of farming businesses which deliver far more than the food on the nation’s plates.
It means building on its grant support schemes for investment in practices which
help businesses improve and boost the production of nature friendly food, including innovation and technology; putting nature on the farm business spreadsheet so farmers are properly rewarded for providing public goods, alongside a regulatory regime and planning system which limit bureaucracy and are fit for purpose.
With the year whizzing by and all eyes on Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ autumn Budget to lay the foundations of what businesses can expect coming down the track in the next four years, in a sector like farming, clarity and certainty is everything.
As our brilliant In Your Field columnist Ian Garnett points out this week (see page 112), for turkey rearers like him the 20-week countdown to Christmas is officially on.
year’s growing intentions will be far from the minds of the majority of the population,
it is a poignant reminder
While festive preparations and next year’s growing intentions will be far from the minds of the majority of the population, including politicians, it is a poignant reminder that farming is a long-term game and investment decisions cannot be made on a sixpence.
Speaking up for farming since 1844
round-up, p96; Scotch Beef in demand, p17; Security in focus, p80; Picture special, p108; BFA finalists revealed, p22.
Border control failings a ‘disaster’ waiting to happen
l Cost implications could be akin to foot-and-mouth
By Chris Brayford
DEFRA Secretary Steve Reed has been urged to take swift action to improve border control measures after livestock groups raised fears about the level of biosecurity controls of meat entering the UK.
In a recent letter, the Livestock Chain Advisory Group (LCAG), a coalition of 26 UK livestock trade associations including the NFU and the National Pig Association, urged the Defra Secretary to launch an immediate review into border security controls at the Port of Dover following concerns the current system posed a threat to national disease security and increases in food crime.
LCAG’s chair Chris Dodds highlighted the risks to national biosecurity from both legal and illegal imports of animal origin entering through Dover with the potential for meat entering the UK from countries with ‘high levels’ of African swine fever
It is crystal clear that, on both legal and illegal imports, the system continues to fail and scant regard is being paid to the level of checks required
ANDREW CONNON
(ASF) without physical checks and intervention.
The letter also said the farming sector could face a ‘disaster’ without urgent action being taken to improve border security at the Port of Dover, claiming the current system is ‘flawed’ and is in need of an ‘overhaul’.
NFU Scotland vice-president An-
The
drew Connon said he was concerned about the effectiveness of current Brexit border controls which could cause serious harm to the Scottish pig industry should it be exposed to ‘highly destructive’ diseases such as ASF.
“It is crystal clear that, on both legal and illegal imports, the system continues to fail and scant regard is being paid to the level of checks required, leaving our producers exposed to unacceptable levels of risk,” said Mr Connon.
“The new Government must step up to the plate immediately to address border control failings and deliver an acceptable level of implementation and inspection.”
The Dover Port Health Authority (PHA), responsible for food imports entering through Dover which has seized more than 100 tonnes of meat entering the UK since 2022, said only 10% of the required checks were being completed by Ashford Borough Council.
‘Gaping holes’
Farming and meat trade associations have now called on the Defra Secretary to fix the ‘gaping holes’ in the border controls while stating that current measures remained ‘unfit for purpose’.
“It is now clear that not only does the scale of the issue suggest organised crime, even though those responsible are not penalised in any way, that this is just the tip of the iceberg and therefore even greater resource is required, despite the suggested cut to funding,” the letter stated.
“This is creating and aiding an entirely new and alarming route into Great Britain for food crime and illegal meat to enter without interception.
“The regime is flawed and needs an independent, comprehensive review and subsequent overhaul.”
Nick Allen, chief executive of the British Meat Processors Association, said if the situation was left unchecked, there could be ‘catastrophic’ financial impacts to biosecurity similar to those experienced during the foot-andmouth outbreak in 2001.
“An ASF outbreak alone could result in an export ban on UK pork, valued at £570 million,” he added.
“The solutions should be straightforward, but immediate action is re-
Port of Dover’s current border security system is ‘flawed’ and in need of an ‘overhaul’, according to the Livestock Chain Advisory Group.
ROBOT ASSISTS WITH BROCCOLI CROP
quired to secure national biosecurity and protect our livestock industry.”
Farmers Guardian understands talks are currently taking place between the LCAG and the Defra Secretary to resolve the situation.
However, Defra said it was commit-
ted to agreeing an appropriate funding model with Dover PHA to help tackle illegal imports and biosecurity threats, such as ASF, while managing costs and reducing import burdens for traders.
With concerns previously raised about commercial loads not attending
BORDER DELAYS THREATEN SEED SUPPLY
UK BORDER test and release protocols are having a serious economic impact on horticulture businesses with holdups threatening to hit supply, an industry group has warned.
The British Tomato Growers Association (BTGA) said delays caused by extra pathogen testing, a postBrexit requirement, has led to sowing delays of more than a month. The group has also warned any further hold-ups would threaten retail supply contracts which have to be agreed by the end of September.
In a statement, BTGA said: “Growers have experienced delivery delays up to six weeks, primarily caused by the turnaround times for pathogen testing,
which makes crop programming and planning extremely difficult.
Tight timelines
“Growers are already working to tight timelines and narrow margins, so this issue is increasing economic pressures on a system that is already challenging.”
The group has appealed to other industry groups such as the NFU and Animal and Plant Health Agency to put pressure on the Government to rethink its protocols and to reform the process to make it more ‘sustainable, streamlined, minimise delays and ensure any delays are pre-planned and predictable’.
NFU horticulture and potatoes
the new inland border facility at Sevington, the Government agency said this had been mitigated by ‘robust, data-backed enforcement options’ which were handled by ‘efficient’ inspections from Border Control Posts to ensure they do not reach British shores.
board chair Martin Emmett said: “We have been warning of issues for grower businesses following changes to Border Control Posts for several years. The results of these concerns are now having real-life impacts on businesses’ ability to operate and plan ahead for next season.
“It is vital the new Government understands the extent of the issues and we work together towards achieving a Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement with the EU. This will ensure businesses can trade smoothly and continue producing fresh fruit, vegetables and plants for the nation.”
Defra has been approached for comment.
Agricultural uni seeks to reassure
HARPER Adams University has moved to reassure its community after reports that former students had suffered sexual and physical abuse appeared in the national press.
One of the country’s main agricultural institutions, the university said it was ‘shocked and saddened’ for ‘all involved at each stage of the process’.
A spokesperson said: “Central to our response was the need, as always, to ensure that the student affected had the necessary support throughout the reporting and investigation process and beyond. We kept in close contact with the student and their family throughout, providing targeted and appropriate support and this offer of support has remained open since.”
According to reports, following the student’s decision to bring the matter into the public domain, a further four students have come forward.
“We know that we cannot change history, but we are determined to prevent events like this one – which took place a number of years ago – from being repeated,” it said in a statement.
The university said the details concern a historic case and that it had been taking ‘positive action’ to tackle ‘unwanted student behaviours’ for some time.
We are determined to prevent events like this one from being repeated
HARPER ADAMS SPOKESPERSON
AN Agxeed robot, on trial from Soil Essentials, Brechin, breaks down the remains of the broccoli crop at Corston, Coupar Angus.
Badger vaccination trial ‘encouraging’
● Too soon to ‘start celebrating’ results
By Jane Thynne
RESULTS from the latest badger vaccination trial have proved ‘encouraging’, yet questions remain about costs and scale, say farming leaders.
More than 260 badgers were vaccinated as part of the four-year study which was carried out across 12 farms in Cornwall. The results, published by People and Nature, found the percentage of badgers testing positive for bovine TB fell from 16% to zero during the period which began in 2018.
The study concluded that the case study ‘does not demonstrate a causal link between badger vaccination and declining bTB’ yet it did suggest that a ‘larger-scale evaluation of
badger vaccination’ was warranted.
Researchers also said the study showed that badger vaccination ‘was practically achievable’.
Caution
The findings were met with caution by the farming industry, which questioned the size, location and efficacy of the trial.
Cheshire dairy farmer and former Bovine TB Partnership board member Phil Latham said: “If you look at where this trial has taken place it has happened not in isolation but in the heart of a cull area.
“Without geographic separation I think it is impossible to come up with any meaningful conclusions.
“What they have done is really laudable and it is all useful stuff, but it would have been more useful and meaningful if it had been in an area
outside the cull. To me, the information is spurious.”
NFU Cymru vice-president and dairy farmer Abi Reader said any work to try and eradicate the disease was ‘encouraging’.
She said: “Firstly, it is quite a small area and we need to understand the costs – who is going to be responsible for them as over a wider scale it could be a considerable amount of money.
“We have similar things going on in Wales and farmers can opt to go into badger vaccination areas, but there is a lot of paperwork and administration that goes with it.
“So if the Government would like to see this rolled out further, we do need something to address the costs and any policy barriers.
“It is just a bit soon for everyone to start celebrating this just yet.”
Clearer safety advice needed following hay bale death
A CORONER has called for clearer safety advice for farmers and drivers about loading bales on wagons.
It follows the death of HGV driver Tony Williams, who died on December 2, 2020, after two hay bales fell onto him while he was unloading them in Cheshire.
After an inquest the Cheshire coroner Jacqueline Devonish issued a Prevention of Future Deaths report to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
The inquest heard 33 Hesston bales were loaded onto the 45ft HGV in Suffolk by the farm director in the presence of 45-year-old Mr Williams. Three bales were loaded width-ways – the opposite direction to the rest.
Overhanging
On the journey an ANPR camera caught an image of overhanging hay.
On his arrival Mr Williams, with the aid of a banksman, reversed down a lane with a slope.
A farm worker nearby saw Mr Williams unstrapping the load and three bales fell off, two of which fell onto him.
The farm worker used a telehandler to move the bales and administered CPR until paramedics arrived but Mr Williams was pronounced dead at the scene.
At the inquest a conclusion of misadventure was recorded.
In her Report to Prevent Future Death, Ms Devonish said HSE officers had concluded the tragedy would not have occurred if Mr Williams had not unloaded with the overhang facing downhill.
The Coroner added: “It became apparent that there were no clear images in the guidance or support materials produced by HSE to assist drivers who load and unload bales.”
HSE has until September 10 to respond to her concerns.
Defra must act quickly on deforestation
DEFRA Ministers have been urged to act quickly to remove the uncertainty over UK requirements for soya sourcing for pig farmers next year.
The UK Forest Risk Commodities legislation, which will introduce a ‘due diligence requirement on certain forest risk commodities’, including soya, was among the
regulation interrupted by the General Election.
All the leading UK retailers, as part of the Retail Soy Group, have called on the Government to move rapidly to introduce the legislation and align it more closely with the EU Deforestation Regulation, due to come into force at the start of next year.
It warned inaction risks the UK becoming a ‘dumping ground for deforestation-connected commodities’.
National Pig Association chief executive Lizzie Wilson agreed with the need for regulatory clarity.
She also urged all parties to ‘take a sensible approach’ which avoids shortages that lead to dramatic price hikes,
calling on retailers to cover extra costs if they wish to go beyond regulatory requirements.
A Defra spokesperson said the UK was ‘committed to taking action to ensure that UK consumption of forest risk commodities is not driving illegal deforestation’ and the department would set out its approach ‘in due course’.
The size, location and efficacy of the trial have been questioned by farmers.
Delays to planning for new slurry stores could cause further headaches for some farmers.
● Farmers facing challenges to comply
By Rachael Brown
WELSH farmers continue to face delays in planning applications, difficulties in sourcing finance or grant support in a timely manner, and clauses within tenancy agreements, which is preventing them from expanding or constructing new slurry stores to comply with Wales’ Control of Agricultural Pollution Regulations.
That was the message from Gareth Parry, head of policy at the Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW), adding farmers who have, or expect to, overcome such difficulties would have to completely empty their current stores before expansion works could take place, while working around weather conditions.
Grant support
He said while he welcomed the Welsh Government’s commitment to providing £20 million in support for on-farm infrastructure, it was almost two years overdue.
Mr Parry said: “It is unlikely that applicants will receive their Nutrient Management Investment Scheme contracts until January 2025, meaning farmers submitting applications for grant support will be unable to comply with the incoming regulations for the coming winter.”
Agricultural Pollution Regulation review must deliver change
He was concerned that, as of August 1, some farmers would be in a predicament where they would be in breach of the regulations ‘due to matters outside of their control’, adding FUW wanted ‘urgent advice’ on how these cases would be dealt with.
The Welsh Government has appointed Dr Susannah Bolton, vice-principal for enterprise and knowledge exchange for Scotland’s Rural College, as an independent chair for the review into the regulations.
NFU Cymru said the review must deliver ‘practical changes’ which were workable for farmers.
The union’s president Aled Jones said: “I look to this review as an opportunity to deliver a more practical set of regulations, including a long-term sustainable solution to the 170kg Organic Nitrogen limit,
in effect a de facto stocking limit for Welsh farmers.”
He said he wants to see a ‘move away from a farming by calendar approach’ through the use of new technology, as well as a thorough review into record
I look to this review as an opportunity to deliver a more practical set of regulations
ALED JONES
keeping requirements and current planning and regulatory regime.
NFU Cymru has set up a ‘Water Quality Group’, chaired by Ceredigion dairy farmer Martin Griffiths. The group has launched an online survey to gather farmers’ feedback on the regulations.
A Welsh Government spokesperson said: “We are beginning work to review agricultural pollution regulations, which is crucial to achieving our shared aims of an economically and environmentally sustainable sector.
“Since the introduction of the Control of Agricultural Pollution Regulations, we have offered more than £31m of direct support towards onfarm infrastructure investments to help farmers meet the requirements, an additional £20m has been made available in 2024.”
Farming policy needs to be First Minister’s priority
TACKLING the challenges of bovine TB, water quality and the Sustainable Farming Scheme must be priorities for new Welsh First Minister Eluned Morgan.
Farming unions have welcomed Ms Morgan, after she officially became First Minister following a vote in the Senedd on Tuesday (August 6).
Huw Irranca-Davies has been appointed as Deputy First Minister, alongside his role as Cabinet Secretary
for Climate Change and Rural Affairs.
She told the Senedd it was ‘the greatest pleasure and privilege of my life to stand before you as the first woman to become First Minister of Wales’.
She said: “As I take up the mantle of leadership I promise to honour [my predecessor’s] achievements and add my own contributions to this legacy. Perhaps with a vibrant splash of colour – the grey suits are out.”
NFU Cymru president Aled Jones said he was looking forward to working with her on ‘a range of priority issues for Welsh agriculture’.
Challenges
“There can be no doubt that the sector is facing some very considerable challenges at the moment including the requirements of complying with the regulations around water quality, the stress caused by bovine TB, as
well as of course concerns around the Sustainable Farming Scheme,” he said.
Farmers’ Union of Wales president Ian Rickman said: “We look forward to working closely with Eluned and with the incoming Cabinet to achieve the best policy outcomes for Welsh agriculture and our rural communities. We sincerely hope that the constructive engagement we have had with the Welsh Government over recent months continues.”
Inspections weigh on mental health
● Communication issues adding to stress
By Alex Black
THE burden inspection processes place on farmers’ mental health has been highlighted by a Northern Irish farmer.
Mark Murphy, who milks 170 cows in Co Down, said he had been placed on ‘spot inspections’ after an inspection noted non-compliances.
He rang the Northern Ireland Food Chain Certification (NIFCC), which carries out Red Tractor inspections in the country, asking about an appeals process but was told no-one was available.
The liaison officer he dealt with suggested he tried Red Tractor in England, but he was then told he needed to speak to NIFCC.
“I rang and was told I had to go through Red Tractor in England,” he said.
Mr Murphy was told several times someone would call him back, but he never received a phone call.
After sending an email, he did get a response pointing him to the complaints and appeals process.
However, he was concerned it had taken so long to get to that point and he was unsure if his appeal fitted the circumstances set out.
“I have quite bad anxiety. It put me into overdrive,” he said.
“There is no consideration for the mental effect on farmers.”
Pressure
He added farming was already a hard job, with the worry that an inspector could turn up at any time adding pressure.
Red Tractor said all farmers with any queries should in the first instance liaise directly with their certification body.
If members were unhappy with how their certification body was addressing their query, they could reach out to Red Tractor for assistance via memberhelp@redtractor.org.uk.
The full complaints procedure can be found on the Red Tractor website.
On mental health, the assurance body said it ‘fully understands the challenges in the farming sector’.
It said: “The decision to impose the spot check regime on a member is not taken lightly, but there are some cases where the number and nature of non-compliances means this is a requirement to ensure the standards are being maintained.”
It added 3% of dairy visits in the past six months were spot checks. It said it also worked with the farming charities to ensure asses-
Red Tractor said it ‘fully understands the challenges in the farming sector’.
sors and staff were aware of how best to handle difficult situations in a caring and compassionate way.
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● MSP highlights volume and complexity
By Chris Brayford
CHANGES to future agricultural support in Scotland could leave farmers feeling like they are ‘drowning’ in paperwork.
Tim Eagle, Scottish Conservative MSP for the Highlands and Islands region, who farms in Moray, said he was concerned by the ‘volume and complexity’ farmers could face following the Scottish Government’s announcement that agricultural support requirements were changing from next year.
Following the passing of the Scottish Agriculture and Rural Communities (Scottish) Bill in June, Mr Eagle said changes to criteria for funding, including the need for audits to be undertaken to monitor carbon and biodiversity output on-farm, could leave farmers facing a paperwork burden which was becoming ‘far too high’.
Having pushed for a collaborative approach without the need for more paperwork, the MSP said he was incredibly disappointed by the outcome.
“One of my big asks in my stage one speech was to limit bureaucracy, to take paperwork away, and allow farmers to farm,” he added.
“The SNP had a chance to take an innovative approach to meet their aims. There was potential for using farm visits to work with farmers on
Changes to criteria for funding could leave farmers facing more paperwork.
Concerns about paperwork burden
plans to improve productivity, the environment and biodiversity, rather than filling farmers with dread due to the risk of inspections and penalties.”
He said the approach seemed to prioritise the ‘appetite’ for endless and ‘often meaningless statistics’.
“The net result is farmers drowning in a sea of paperwork with very little benefit to anyone else,” he said.
The Scottish Government has been approached for comment.
Farmers have also raised concerns
about the over-industrialisation of rural land due to pylons and wind farms, according to Scottish Conservative MP for Gordan and Buchan Harriet Cross.
Over-industrialisation
Speaking at an NFU Scotland event at the Turriff Show, she said: “Questions remain over details within the Scottish Government’s Agriculture Bill, and farmers rightly voiced concerns about the over-industrialisation
of our rural areas from pylons and wind farms.”
She highlighted the hard work of Aberdeenshire farmers and crofters, calling for tailored policies which benefited rural communities.
She said: “The contribution of our farmers significantly benefits our North East economy, which is why they must be recognised and given appropriate support and consideration at all levels of the decision-making process.”
Scottish dairy herds and cows in decline
INCREASED regulatory pressures and inflation have been cited as some of the factors contributing to the national decline of dairy producers in Scotland, following the release of new research.
The Scottish Dairy Cattle Association recently released its six-monthly
figures for dairy herds and dairy cows in Scotland in 2024, which revealed a net decrease of 21 dairy herds – 2.6% – within Scotland to 773.
There had also been a decrease in the total number of dairy cows to 180,250 – a drop of 0.25% over the same period. It follows reports in last
FREE LEGAL ADVICE
week’s FG that 440 dairy producers exited the industry in the year to April (see Sharp decline in dairy farmers, FG, August 2).
NFU Scotland dairy policy manager Tracey Roan, who runs the Scottish Dairy Hub, said: “Dumfriesshire still takes the lead with the highest number of cows at 36,895, followed by Wigtownshire with 32,425.
“However, Ayrshire still has the
highest number of dairy herds at 188, with Dumfriesshire sitting at 143.”
Concern
She added it was welcome news that there were new herds entering the sector, but the numbers leaving were a concern.
Ms Roan added buyers, policymakers and retailers needed to be aware of the trend.
Grants to promote local produce
SCOTTISH food businesses, producers and groups have been encouraged to apply for grants of up to £5,000 to ‘promote and champion’ produce in their area.
Scotland Food and Drink Partnership has confirmed that its Regional Food Fund, which supports more than 450 businesses with the aim to champion regional food activity across the country, has reached its fifth round stage.
With an aim to make Scotland the ‘best place in the world to own, operate and work for a food and drink
business’, Agriculture Minister Jim Fairlie has highlighted the role of the fund in supporting creative food and drink projects which promote the work of farmers and crofters.
Fiona Richmond, head of regional food at Scotland Food and Drink, said the fund had helped to bring projects to life, including festivals which celebrated the quality of produce and the journey from field to fork.
“The desire for local produce is strong,” added Ms Richmond.
The closing date for applications is 5pm on August 30, 2024.
PICTURE:
To watch the full webinar, scan the QR code (left), or visit farmersguardian.com/4344144
Farmers Guardian brought together farmers and industry leaders to discuss what they see as priorities for the new Labour Government. Olivia Midgley reports.
● Valuing land as a national asset ‘pivotal’
LISTENING to and working with farmers has to be a priority for Sir Keir Starmer’s Government if it is to succeed in delivering on shared aims to bolster food and energy security, protect the natural world and create new homes, jobs and restore public trust and confidence.
After 14 years of Conservative power, which has seen dramatic changes to the UK’s food system, and many businesses still feeling the ramifications of Brexit, farmers need clear signals that the Government is on their side when it returns from recess in September.
Speaking at a Farmers Guardian webinar entitled ‘What do farmers and rural businesses want from the first 100 days of a Labour Government?’, sponsored by Carter Jonas, Ed Barker, head of policy and external affairs at the Agricultural Industries Confederation, said a period of ‘predictability and stability’ among Government would not only help farmers, but the businesses which are looking to invest in UK agriculture.
He said: “We have seen considerable turbulence and varying policy shifts and Defra has had numerous challenges thrown at it, some external, some entirely self-made by Ministers at the time and a considerable legacy of policy issues and decisions which were just piled up.
“Having spoken to Ministers already, there is at least a recognition and acceptance that there is a considerable amount of work which has to be worked through, on issues such as gene editing, deforestation, methane inhibitors and a national action plan on pesticides.”
Commitment to a land use framework which ‘values land as a national asset across Whitehall’ was also described as ‘pivotal’ in light of Labour’s pledge to build 1.5 million new homes in the next five years.
Self-sufficiency
Minette Batters, former NFU president and Wiltshire tenant farmer, said: “The reason I made such a song and dance about a self-sufficiency target at the NFU – making sure food is part of the strategic planning for the land use framework – is because the real dangers for these legislated targets are that food is left out and it simply becomes the poor relation.”
Ms Batters said the Government also had an opportunity to deliver a ‘global first’ in Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG): “It should be broadened to be food, nature and BNG, with 72% of the
‘Farmers need clarity from Government’
country farmed, there is a real opportunity to see an uplift and improvement in food, nature and biodiversity. The danger at the moment is we are seeing land bought up by housing developers and taken out of production and trees planted on our grasslands.”
As well as the tightening up of border controls to stop the UK being ‘flooded’ with illegally imported meat, National Pig Association chief executive Lizzie Wilson said she would like to see the delivery of legislation governing pig contracts which ‘would provide producers with the protection that they need and more proportionately distributes the risk and reward throughout the supply chain’.
Engagement
Ms Wilson said: “As new policy proposals or legislation comes through, we would like Ministers to engage with industry to ensure that it is proportionate, it is collaborative, and it is feasible for us to deliver.”
John McCulloch, trainee auctioneer and young farmer in Dumfries and Galloway, said young people needed clarity on Government policy going forward, especially on the ‘green agenda’.
“How much land are farmers going to have to take out of production and what support are they going to get to do that? The Government has been quite vague and I would say it needs to be realistic in terms of targets. I think a lot of young people are really concerned about how they are going to run a business.”
West Wales dairy farmer and Sustainable Food Trust founder Patrick Holden said previous notions of ‘intensify and expand or get out’ had to be forgotten.
He said: “We need to incentivise farmers to farm in a different way and put in place the conditions which make that possible. We need incentives to make a transition to climate, nature, health and culturally friendly agriculture.”
Mark Charter, partner and head of estate management at Carter Jonas, said in the run up to the autumn Budget, farmers and landowners were braced for changes to the underlying tax regime which ‘underpins’ agriculture and investment in diversified businesses and while there would be winners and losers, there would be ‘massive opportunities’.
He said: “We need continuity and consistency of policies across all areas of Government, with them keeping to deadlines and delivering the resources when they say they are going to.
“If they can achieve that, which is probably the Holy Grail in many respects, then everybody can make those long-term investment decisions, knowing that risk is controlled.”
Ed Barker
Minette Batters Lizzie Wilson John McCulloch Patrick Holden Mark Charter
IMS ‘misguided’ meat-free meals
I WRITE on behalf of Paris-based International Meat Secretariat (IMS) to highlight the recent disappointment and widely reported largely meat-free based approach by the [Olympic] Organising Committee to reduce the carbon impact of the games. While it took the decision to promote a plantbased approach to the catering for both athletes and visitors, IMS strongly challenged this position via a letter to the committee president, highlighting the positive role of animal production on the environment and to dietary health, as well as to local economies.
To present animal proteins as ‘bad’ and plant-based diets as ‘good’ is naive at best and creates a negative narrative around highly nutritious meat and the great work that livestock producers around the world are doing to minimise environmental impact.
Livestock production contributes to global protein supply by converting inedible biomass into nutritious protein while supporting rural communities and global economies. The dialogue needs to shift from a binary good/bad approach, pitting meat against plants, to one that recognises the positive role of livestock products as part of healthy diets while contributing to the environment through evolving sustainable production practices.
IMS and its members strive to promote sustainable food systems and balanced healthy diets, and unfortunately, these [Olympic] games grabbed headlines for their misguided approach and lack of support for livestock farmers and the valuable role they play in feeding the world.
Dr Phil Hadley, IMS Secretary General.
Farming events
I RECENTLY organised a pre-harvest brunch for local members of the farming community, providing a complimentary breakfast and an opportunity to socialise before the busy harvest
Social media reactions
ON social media, readers had their say after AHDB Dairy’s latest survey of major milk buyers estimated there were just 7,130 dairy producers in Great Britain as of April.
■ “I know of a dairy farmer who’s recently been told by his dairy that he is no longer wanted because he doesn’t produce enough milk. He doesn’t have a large herd, but he’s always looked after his herd very well and his farm is immaculate.”
JOHN TATTON
■ “People are willing to pay as much money for bottled water from the
period, thanks to some sponsorship from Anglian Water.
The event attracted various stakeholders including Northamptonshire Police, Rights of Way, NFU Mutual and the Farming Community Network, all of whom were able to chat to the farmers who attended. We covered topics including farm safety, security, available grants and healthy eating with lunch box ideas. This event could easily be replicated in other areas of the country. I plan to
supermarkets and yet want good, wholesome, high-quality fresh milk, cream and butter produced by hardworking British farmers for about the same price. Get your water out of the tap and support British farmers.”
TREVOR BROWN
■ “Me and my partner are desperate to milk our own cows – there is just no help to get started whatsoever.”
NICK BUFTON
■ “Too many regulations, not enough money, don’t know what we have until it’s gone.”
PAUL FOUNTAIN
organise something similar in February 2025 as a pre-lambing get-together as it was so popular.
As members of the farming community, we often work in isolation, and with mental health being a huge concern, I hope this event might encourage others to do something similar.
Milly Fyfe,
Farming entrepreneur and founder of No Fuss Meals for Busy Parents CIC.
■ “Farm assurance won’t be helping either, too much stupid information now needed.”
ANDREW JOHNSON
■ “Muller are paying around 40p per litre for August 24. In 1994 when MMB disbanded, farmers were being offered 28p per litre if not more by some co-operatives. Red diesel was around 30-40p per litre and a JCB loading shovel was just south of £50,000. Price the latter two items now and then try and make sense of it.”
MARK PHILLIPS
Marts are key
THE marts are the kingpin to good and fair prices for all livestock. Should the auction system fail to survive, the abattoirs and supermarket chains will achieve what they have been trying to do for decades: squeeze UK livestock production to death.
None of them have any loyalty to the UK producer, proven by importing cheaper products of lower standard.
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 lling 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, rst. 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 sta 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:
Left to right: Rosemary Bradshaw (nee Milner), Ron Milner and John Milner cutting corn with a binder on Ugford Farm near Wilton, Wiltshire. Sent in by Rosemary’s son, Tim Bradshaw.
Their loyalty is to self-greed. As for Red Tractor, I absolutely agree with Mr Russell Steer of Kivells, Devon, (FG July 19) – Red Tractor and all those assurance schemes do nothing to achieve better value of stock.
I refused to renew Red Tractor a few years ago. The forward store cattle I presented to auction were always top price or near to for the day – that speaks for itself.
The majority of livestock producers in the UK do an excellent and caring job; good, well-produced stock achieve the better prices, not the useless sticker on the paperwork.
Is traceability useless? It seems to end at abattoir gates. I challenge whether on any shelf, in any store, we can ascertain from which farm meats are derived. It’s Welsh, Scottish or UK.
Assurance schemes crept in by the back door to appease supermarkets and do no good to UK farm prices.
The best thing is for all livestock producers to cancel their membership. Red Tractor is already under enormous pressure.
William Emmett, Devon.
Contact us
■ IF you would like to send us a letter for consideration, email fgeditorial@agriconnect.com
Chris Brayford News and Business Reporter – chris.brayford@agriconnect.com
‘Taking the Lead’ on livestock worrying Leader
LISTENING to the pain in a farmer’s voice when they have just recalled a distressing livestock worrying incident, and its subsequent ramifications, is one of the most difficult parts of my job.
It never gets easier when another incident is reported, leaving livestock dead or barely alive after fighting for their life. Seeing such brutal scenes first-hand is unimaginable and discomforting.
It is a crime which all too often goes unpunished. What hurts the most is incidents which could have been avoided had owners placed their dogs on a lead.
There was a 30% increase in livestock attacks reported to NFU Mutual last year, totalling an estimated £2.4 million in costs.
Why should this be allowed to carry on? And how can this problem be resolved in the future?
It starts and ends with respect. Respect for the countryside, farmers, businesses and the law is paramount.
It is why Farmers Guardian launched its Take
Young Farmer Focus
‘Studying agriculture at university has opened so many doors for me’
Background: I am from an arable farming background and started working on farms at 14 years old to expand my skills in dairy and sheep farming. At 16, I went to Myerscough College to study agriculture.
This gave me the confidence to study at university, even though I had been advised not to do so; I was told I could not do it because of my dyslexia, which excluded me from language lessons at school and had held me back from previous opportunities that mainstream students had.
University: Going to university has given me the opportunity to study agriculture abroad on scholarship and start writing news for magazines, as well as attending the British Guild of
Agricultural Journalists’ John Deere Training Course for agricultural journalism.
Studying agriculture has opened so many doors for me within the industry.
Dyslexia: Working on farms with dyslexia can be challenging at times, because it does not just affect reading and writing – it is a spectrum impacting memory, organisation, timekeeping, concentration, multi-tasking and communication.
Farming can be difficult because farmers often do not like to change or adapt their ways of doing things. This was particularly hard when I was younger, as it is hard to express.
Future: I have hope for the future
the Lead initiative in 2014 – a national campaign urging owners to place their dogs on a lead when near livestock.
Positive strides are being made with police in England receiving DNA marking training meaning they can hopefully trace culprit dogs and owners as a deterrent in the future.
But ultimately, this baseless crime must end and it can only do so through respect.
generation that artificial intelligence technology can bridge the gap with dyslexic people.
To help a dyslexic person, small and simple changes are often the best way forward, whether it is writing a list or changing the way things are organised. This can make a world of difference.
Legh, Cheshire
Swift, 21, is a student at the Royal Agricultural University, and is currently in her final year studying agriculture. She recently took part in the British Guild of Agricultural Journalists’ John Deere training course for agricultural journalism, supported by Farmers Guardian.
The best thing to do is just to be kind and try to understand; it is easy to get frustrated with someone with dyslexia. Going to university opens doors that college cannot.
I would advise someone who is thinking about going to an agricultural university, big or small, to choose one that will support your education going forward.
MORE INFORMATION
If you would like to be featured, email chris.brayford@agriconnect.com
Megz Swift
High
Megz
Megz Swift
Changes to Inheritance Tax could have a huge impact on the farming industry.
● Government has promised a new deal
THE industry has warned the abolition of Agricultural Property Relief (APR) in the Government’s next Budget in October could cause significant ‘harm’ to both landowners and tenant farmers.
Since Labour’s General Election win, there has been ‘considerable chatter’ around whether the new Government would get rid of APR, which currently offers significant Inheritance Tax relief for family farms.
Property consultancy Berrys said if it was abolished, Inheritance Tax liabilities could ‘increase substantially’, with a farm valued at £2 million facing an ‘estimated tax bill of £600,000’.
While Chancellor Rachel Reeves has not specified whether there will be any changes to APR as of yet, she has indicated that taxes are likely to rise to address the £22 billion hole in public
Scrapping APR would force many farmers to sell land and split up their family businesses to pay inheritance taxes
With speculation of tax rises as the Government looks to plug a spending ‘black hole’, Rachael Brown takes a look at the impact changes to Inheritance Tax could have on tenants and landlords.
Abolishing APR will ‘harm’ the industry
finances, raising fears around the vulnerability of Inheritance Tax.
During the General Election campaign, the then Defra Secretary Steve Barclay warned Labour was ‘secretly planning’ to scrap Inheritance Tax relief for farmland. The Treasury at the time said it kept all taxes under review and did not comment on future tax policy. But in December 2023, the then Shadow Defra Secretary Steve Reed told the NFU that the Labour Party had ‘no intention’ of changing APR.
CLA president Victoria Vyvyan said: “Labour repeatedly ruled out scrapping APR prior to the election – knowing that to do so would jeopardise the future of family farms up and down the country.
“We need to ensure the Treasury understands the simple reality – scrapping APR would force many farmers to sell land and split up their family businesses to pay inheritance taxes, putting livelihoods at risk. This would put food security at risk.”
Ms Vyvyan added APR was ‘not a loophole’ but a ‘necessary tax relief’.
Tenant farmer Rob Halliday,
from Cornwall, said the loss of APR has the potential to do a ‘huge amount of harm’ to the family farming sector, adding in an industry that is ‘generally asset-rich and cashpoor’, ‘draconian capital taxation is simply unaffordable’.
“There is also significant risk to the tenanted sector. Whilst it looks politically appealing to tax the land, it could result in a reduction in tenancy and contract/share farming opportunities.”
Management changes
Tenant Farmers Association (TFA) chief executive George Dunn said he had already seen concerns about Inheritance Tax charges change the way traditional estates in Cumbria thought about the management of their agricultural land.
Mr Dunn said landlords, who will not have access to Business Property Relief (BPR) in respect to their let land, would want to recover possession of let land to farm it in-hand to qualify for BPR, adding that would be detrimental for the tenanted sector.
Rather than abolishing it for let land, the TFA believed it should be available to landlords prepared to let for the longest terms (10 years more), while at the same time providing those landlords with the opportunity to deem the rental income received in respect of those lets as trading income to assist with access to BPR across their wider estate interests.
“In our view, this would deliver more sustainable agricultural tenancies and begin to reverse the trend of insecurity,” Mr Dunn said Ms Vyvyan disagreed and said limiting APR to tenancies over a certain period would be ‘counter-productive’.
“It would act as a disincentive to let land, and undermine the flexibility of the FBT system for both landlords and tenants,” she added.
A Government spokesperson said: “We plan to deliver a new deal for farmers that works for farmers and nature – to boost rural economic growth and strengthen Britain’s food security, including by backing produce, protecting farms from floods and tackling rising energy costs.”
VICTORIA VYVYAN
Rural Crime News
● Alarming trend in sheep worrying
By Chris Brayford
FARMERS have urged the Government to provide greater protection against the risks of livestock worrying with costs now soaring to more than £2 million.
NFU Mutual’s ‘Rural Crime Report’ for 2024 revealed a 30% increase in dog attacks, which injured or killed livestock, from last year’s findings, with claims rising to an estimated £2.4m. The farm insurer said complacency among dog owners, alongside an inability to control dogs, had been some of the factors as to why cases had increased.
‘Urgent attention’
NFU vice-president Rachel Hallos said the ‘alarming’ trends in livestock worrying across the UK needed urgent attention.
“Rural crime is very different from urban crime with the scale, cost and social impact underestimated, under-reported and not fully understood,” she added.
Take the Lead signs
FREE signs warning dog owners to keep their dogs on a lead near livestock are available through Farmers Guardian’s Take the Lead campaign, in association with the National Sheep Association.
To request yours, send a stamped self-addressed A4 envelope to: FG Take the Lead, Farmers Guardian, Unit 4 Fulwood Business Park, Preston, Lancashire, PR2 9NZ
Greater protection needed on dog attacks
“The NFU welcomed the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Bill which aimed to give police greater powers to seize and detain dogs.
“The Bill received cross party support and was due to be debated in the House of Lords when Parliament was dissolved prior to the election. It is crucial measures are introduced to stop the needless suffering to livestock.”
William Dawe, of Langford Farm near Tavistock in Devon, was the victim of a livestock worrying attack in February which killed 45 sheep on the family’s 20 hectares of land.
Mr Dawe, who farms with his two sons Ali and Chris, said the family had been shocked by the incident and what they witnessed that day.
“Chris initially went to check on the ewes and lambs in the morning and he arrived to the most horrific and sickening scenes imaginable,” he added.
“It was carnage. The faces of the sheep were all savaged by a dog.
“The ewes must have tried to protect their lambs and it was heartbreaking to see what had happened.”
Livestock attacks have continued to hurt farmers and their businesses across the country.
In Cheshire, a dog attack led to the deaths of 20 lambs in April.
Cheshire Police’s Rural Crime Team said a woman from Macclesfield was ordered to pay fines and compensation worth £4,500 after admitting she had failed to control her German pointer dog.
However, in Mr Dawes’ case, the dogs and the owner have not yet been identified, and he said it was unlikely they ever will be.
“We feel absolutely mortified and it still has not sunk in,” he added.
“We had to put the sheep, some of which were pedigree rare breed stock, out of their misery.
“This incident should never have happened in the first place.”
Mr Dawe has been working with officers who have been training to use DNA kits this year to help identify dogs involved in livestock worrying incidents in the future.
“We have taken DNA from the puncture wounds, it has never been done before, so hopefully we can prove
that a dog has done it. It is a constant worry about the dogs returning.”
Devon Police rural affairs constable Julian Fry said he understands the consequences dog attacks can have and recognised the police must do more to support farmers.
“Year in, year out we are constantly receiving large numbers of reports of livestock attacks,” he added.
“We have to do something to bring those numbers down and this initiative and DNA training is part of that.”
Defra has been approached for comment.
In February, William Dawe from Tavistock in Devon lost 45 of his sheep in a horrific attack.
Edited by Alex Black – 07880 490 486 – alex.black@agriconnect.com
With large variations in hay and straw availability across the country, Jane Thynne takes a look at the market.
Prices ease for hay and straw
● Growers reporting inconsistencies in crops
UNCERTAINTY is dominating sales of hay and straw in what traders describe as a ‘cautious’ and ‘variable’ market.
According to the British Hay and Straw Merchants’ Association (BHSMA), big bale hay stood at an average
of £71 per tonne for the week ending July 28, while big square baled barley straw was at £83/t and big square baled wheat straw was fetching £90/t.
There were also significant regional variations. For the week ending August 11, south east Scotland achieved £105/t for big square barley straw and £100/t for big square wheat straw – almost 50% on prices for 2023. The south east of England recorded prices
of £60/t for big square barley straw and £50/t for big square wheat straw, which again saw a rise of around £10/t year on year, with prices based on good quality.
April Gingell, BHSMA secretary, said prices reflected the inconsistencies growers were reporting, with differences seen in crops from ‘farm to farm’ and even ‘field to field’.
“The spring barley is not yielding particularly well, although the winter barley was not too bad and the wheat is looking promising at the moment,” Ms Gingell said.
“It is a very mixed bag this year.”
Fuelled fears
Ms Gingell added that owing to the bad weather, many farmers were forced to ‘rip out’ crops and replace them with an alternative, such as beans. This, she said, fuelled fears there would be a shortage of straw, which in turn led those who would not normally bale to bale.
“So what we are seeing in some areas, such as Norfolk where the straw is not looking great, more is coming to market and merchants are warning the bottom may drop out of the market.”
Adrian Cannon, a partner at Taylor and Fletcher auctioneers in Bourtonon-the-Water, Gloucestershire, said there was currently a ‘definite cautiousness’ regarding straw prices.
“Although barns are empty, it depends on what the weather is like during the harvest as to how much will be baled. This may lead to an over-supply in September which may cause the current prices to crash,” he said.
Mr Cannon added while dealers were being ‘very cautious’ in terms of prices, farmer-to-farmer sales were achieving a premium.
He said much will depend on the straw yield across the region which
A reasonable cut of well-made hay is holding currently but I cannot see high prices [coming] as there is plenty of quantity
ADRIAN CANNON
remained unpredictable owing to the patchy and variable planting and establishment of crops caused by continuing wet weather.
In terms of hay, Mr Cannon said many farmers made it early in late May and early June.
“They cut it because they could and the weather was right but they rushed it. A reasonable cut of well-made hay is holding currently but I cannot see high prices [coming] as there is plenty of quantity,” said Mr Cannon.
According to BHSMA figures, pickup seed hay is currently selling at £100/t in the central Midlands, rising to £150/t in the South East. Big square hay is achieving around £80/t in the North East, dipping to £65/t in the South West.
Ms Gingell said: “I think there will be plenty of farm-quality forage.
“The very best has been harder to make as it was still catchy owing to the weather. If people want the very best, they will have to pay a premium. But there is certainly no shortage of forage. A lot was baled for haylage and there is plenty to feed livestock.”
Big bale hay stood at an average of £71 per tonne for the week ending July 28.
● Opportunities to increase contribution
By Megz Swift
THERE continues to be a ‘strong appetite for beef in Scotland’ with a new report from Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) highlighting the importance of the red meat sector to the economy.
The report, presented to stakeholders across the supply chain at the Turriff Show, also highlighted there were significant opportunities for the £2.8 billion Scottish red meat sector to further increase its contribution to Scotland’s economy and to food security across the UK.
In 2023, turnover from red meat processing in Scotland is estimated to have risen for a fourth year, lifting 1% to £975 million. Despite cost of living challenges, people in Scotland spent around 8% more on red meat in 2023 – particularly more affordable cuts.
‘Tackling’ the trend
QMS chair Kate Rowell said: “The latest profile data highlights that there continues to be a strong appetite for beef in Scotland, with 86% of households buying beef compared to 83% in Great Britain as a whole.
“This popularity is offset by supply from a further reduction in the suckler herd, with beef cow numbers down by 2.5% year on year in December which is a trend we must tackle head-on.”
Iain Macdonald, QMS market intelligence manager, said moving away from the current trajectory was ‘paramount to harnessing the full economic potential’ of Scotch Beef.
Appetite for Scotch Beef remains strong
“This becomes particularly important when considering that the UK is a net importer of beef, and this gap is only going to grow wider in the coming years if domestic production contracts in line with existing trends while a growing population puts upwards pressure on consumption,” he said.
“Meanwhile, it is vital that Scotland’s specialist sheep and pig sectors retain the confidence to keep investing in products which contribute so significantly to Scotland’s rural economy and to food security across the UK.”
He added while there was some increase in lamb imports to the UK from
Tesco cuts dairy pool
TESCO Sustainable Dairy Group (TSDG) has announced it is to reduce its pool of contracted farmers.
The group consists of 400 farmers who supply the supermarket directly with fresh milk for its own label. It is believed the move has been taken following a reduction in demand.
According to reports, a period of 12 months’ notice will be served on those concerned and applies to all volume bands. It is not yet known how many farmers will be impacted, but it is thought Tesco has consulted with group members and will initially look for farmers to leave the pool voluntarily.
Formed in 2007, the TSDG was the first supermarket aligned contract and consists of the largest group of dairy farmers working directly with a retailer in the UK.
NFU Scotland milk committee chair Bruce Mackie said: “Given the current fluctuation and uncertainty
around milk prices and contracts, it is imperative the affected farms are not disadvantaged during the 12 months’ notice period.
Muller direct
“They should be given the chance to move to a Muller direct contract as soon as possible or be given the option to terminate the contract and move to another milk processor, should another buyer be available.
“It would be grossly unfair to hold these producers at a lower price given the higher costs involved with adhering to the Tesco code of practice when they know the clock is ticking on their contract.”
NFU dairy board chair Paul Tompkins said: “We want to see more farmers working closely with supply chains rather than fewer, so to hear the opposite happening is not a great thing. We want to encourage more collaboration not less.”
Tesco was contacted for comment.
Australia and New Zealand in the second half of the year, UK export demand remained strong due to a declining EU sheep flock, ensuring a tight domestic market.
He said it had been a challenging year in 2023.
“The positives are that red meat processing sales continued to increase and that people in Scotland spent more on red meat despite a cost of living crisis, highlighting its continued importance in supporting healthy balanced diets.”
Demand for Scottish beef has remained high despite the cost-of-living crisis.
With a focus on people and quality the key to success for Booths, Alex Black speaks to Edwin Booth about the past, present and future of the retailer.
People and products are at the heart of historic retailer
Alot of things have changed in retail since Booths was founded in 1847, but the principles of the family business remain the same today.
Chair Edwin Booth, the fifth generation of the family to work at the supermarket, said the focus on people and quality was behind Booths’ success over multiple generations.
The retailer, which was founded three years after Farmers Guardian, now has 26 stores across northern England.
Mr Booth’s great-great-grandfather Edwin Henry Booth, the supermarket’s founder, ran away from home aged just 11 due to domestic abuse. After working various jobs in Manchester, he took up an apprenticeship with a grocer in Preston as a teenager and learned about the grocery trade.
I learned quite a salient lesson as a young buyer [...] to make sure that in everything we do, we do it in a way that is understood by our customers
At the age of 18, he borrowed some stock from his employer, as well as having been sent a legacy from his father, and opened a market stall in Blackpool.
He had seen an opportunity in what was then an emerging resort. The arrival of the railways had opened up access to the coast, allowing those travelling from East Lancashire mills to holiday in the boarding houses which had sprung up in Blackpool. And they needed somewhere to buy groceries.
EDWIN BOOTH
“Because in those days, boarding houses did not have their own larders full of food – you had to take your own food,” said Mr Booth.
His great-great-grandfather then encouraged someone to build a store, which was how Booths was born.
“The whole attitude of the business is that of taking people with us – both suppliers, and customers and colleagues,” said Mr Booth.
Mr Booth said that what had enabled the supermarket to be successful was the fact that it had grown organically for many years.
He said many people asked him why Booths was not the same size as other supermarkets.
“It is quite simple really – [it is] because we have unashamedly gone for quality, as opposed to price,” he said.
He added that they looked for people who cared about what they produced and how they produced it, from the field all the way to the shelf displays.
The business was characterised by its range of produce, he said, including cheeses, meats, wines, beers and spirits which Mr Booth said were ‘without peer’.
Booths was first founded in 1847, and now has 26 stores across northern England.
“And we have taken that with us in various guises and iterations over five generations,” he said.
When asked about the differences between Booths and other supermarkets, Mr Booth highlighted that Booths did not have as much marketing ‘noise’ on the shop floor.
“At other supermarkets, there is an awful lot of stuff engaging you visually, whereas you go into Booths and it is much easier to understand what is in front of you,” he said.
Suppliers
Mr Booth also emphasised the relationships with suppliers.
“We really take pride in the fact that all of our meat is sourced from within the four counties that we trade in at the moment,” he said.
Customers wanted to closely identify with the products they were buying, and when looking at suppliers, Mr Booth said they looked for people with a genuine love of what they were doing.
He also said they were able to take opportunities when they arose through relationships if it worked with the system and processors, and if there was a story.
He gave the example of the Dug Today potatoes brand: “The buyer was out in the fields with the potato grower and the potato grower just happened to be saying, I am a bit under the cosh at the moment. He said my wife wants a new kitchen.”
“Our buyer said to the grower: ‘I tell
you what. If you take the potatoes out of the ground early in the morning and get them into our stores at opening time, we will call them Dug Today,” said Mr Booth.
He said this was a massive success and Booths paid a premium, enabling the supplier to build a new kitchen.
Another example was an initiative with a Cumbrian farmer, who had a vending machine on-farm.
“We have put a vending machine into [the] Keswick [store],” he said.
He added it had been popular with children in particular, as the machine produced milkshakes.
And with Booths stores located in many rural areas, the retailer was not just buying from farmers – it was selling to them as well.
which Booths supports. He said the idea had come from a conversation over breakfast with business leaders and the King.
“He really wanted people to understand better the challenges that countryside communities and businesses have in remote rural areas,” he said, adding the King took his support of rural communities very seriously.
When Mr Booth was working as a buyer in the company – looking after charcuterie, delicatessen and cheese – he said he had the chance to secure funding from a French trade agency to promote French produce.
But a number of farmers pulled him up on it, asking why Booths was promoting French cheese.
He said: “I learned quite a salient lesson as a young buyer from that at the time, and that was to make sure that in everything we do, we do it in such a way that is understood by our customers.”
Mr Booth was also a founding trustee of the Princes Countryside Fund, now the Royal Countryside Fund,
suggesting their rise would be the demise of Booths.
“But no, we remained true to our character and what we do,” said Mr Booth.
With the advent of self-service supermarkets, he said his father had realised they were going to have to let customers select their own products from the shelves.
focus on giving a better service and employing more people, which enabled it to maintain its quality stance.
Mr Booth also highlighted that in today’s retail climate there were some areas where Aldi stores sat alongside a Booths store.
‘Purpose before profit’
Mr Booth emphasised a key priority of the business was purpose before profit.
While some people would say businesses were there purely to make money, he disagreed and said businesses were there to serve a customer in a way which was valuable for both parties.
“Now, that way, businesses are not going to provide massive returns for investors. But they can provide returns which enable sustainable growth,” he said.
“Some entrepreneurs are there actually because they want to make life better for other people. We are quite entrepreneurial. But we understand what sustainability is because we are still here after 175 years.”
However, there were a number of sceptics, including Mr Booth’s grandfather. So they trialled the concept at one store, which was a success.
“But there were a number of customers, most of whom were women, who said: ‘You will not see me dead in a Booths store, having to carry a wire basket’, because we did not have trolleys in those days,” he said, adding there were concerns about the baskets damaging people’s tights and stockings.
But time had shown it was the right thing to do, and gradually all the stores converted.
He said the major retailers in the South were then starting to move northwards, with Asda and Morrisons also growing in the North.
He added: “And people might say: ‘Well, that is ridiculous. How on earth can you cope with that?’”
But with Booths at one end of the market and Aldi at the other, Mr Booth said the two stores actually sat together quite comfortably.
He added Booths had a very clear sense of where it was today.
“The business is not here for the family; the family is here for the business,” he said.
The retailer has seen a lot of change, and Mr Booth reflected on the business coming through the war years, with its cafes being a vital part of that.
In the 1950s, the notion of supermarkets arose, with some people
“I can remember my father saying to me: ‘Sainsbury’s will never come up North because we are here’. And I remember thinking as a young person in the business at the time: ‘Oh, I think they might’,” said Mr Booth.
He added people had once again said it would be the end of Booths.
But instead, Booths increased its
He said he was the senior family representative, with his brother supporting him as a non-executive director on the board.
Future
The sixth generation had also just joined the business, with his daughter returning after six years working outside in the retail industry.
“She had a conversation with me and said she was really ready to come and support the business now,” he said, adding he hoped she would lead it in the future.
“It is not a foregone conclusion; she will have to prove herself to the business and to the customers as being someone who really cares about them, about what we sell and how we procure it.”
The store front of the old Blackpool retail unit.
The Booths store in Chorley, Lancashire, which opened in 1855.
A cut to interest rates could provide an essential boost to farm finances.
Interest rate cut some ‘good news’ for farmers
l First reduction since Covid-19 pandemic
By Alex Black
THE Bank of England (BoE) has reduced interest rates for the first time since March 2020, with rates down from 5.25% to 5%.
However, BoE governor Andrew Bailey has said there was unlikely to be a flurry of interest rates cuts over the next few months.
Interest rates were hiked in an attempt to curb inflation. In the most recent inflation figures from the Office for National Statistics, the Consumer Prices Index including owner occupiers’ housing costs
(CPIH) rose by 2.8% in the 12 months to June 2024.
Food and alcoholic beverages rose by 1.5%. In October 2022, CPIH stood at 9.6%. The BoE’s target is 2%.
Jonathan Armitage, head of farming for Strutt and Parker, said: “The cut to the base rate is a small piece of good news in a year many farmers will want to forget.
Importance
“But it does not take away from the importance of farmers staying on top of their budgeting and sensechecking if they are getting the best deals on finance.
“In our experience, structuring debt correctly is the key to ensuring that it offers best value and achieving
that goal tends to be reliant on having a good relationship with your lender, so they act quickly to requests and really understand the business.
“Farmers who are not getting this level of service should think about moving to a different lender – a finance broker can provide support in structuring deals and finding the right fit.”
Interest rates were also in focus in the US, with calls for the Federal Reserve to announce a cut. It comes as major Wall Street indexes fell on Monday as the US stock markets opened, with fears of a US recession growing.
Weaker-than-expected economic data from the US, including a jobs report on Friday, raised alarm bells.
The FTSE 100 index in London also fell by 2.8%.
margins
PIG farmers have remained in profit for the fifth successive quarter in the second quarter of the year, although margins dropped back to £15/head, according to AHDB’s latest cost of production estimates.
The full economic cost of production for April to June, calculated by AHDB using performance figures for breeding and finishing herds, was estimated at 195p/kg deadweight.
The estimated cost of production has stayed relatively consistent, with 2024 Q1 where the estimated cost of production stood at 194p/kg.
Feed costs
AHDB senior economist Jess Corsair said: “Feed costs have also remained consistent with Q1 2024 and make up 62% of total costs in Q2 of 2024.”
However, she added feed costs had been increasing so could impact cost of production and net margins in the second half of 2024.
“Energy prices fell [12%] considerably in the quarter compared to Q1, however there was an increase in fuel costs. Pig prices have stayed consistent with the beginning of 2024 at 212p/kg [APP] in Q2 of 2024.”
Feed costs have remained consistent with Q1 2024 and make up 62% of total costs in Q2 of 2024
JESS CORSAIR
Abolishing furnished holiday lets regime will punish diversifications Latest AHDB estimates show drop in pig
PLANS to abolish special tax rules for furnished holiday lets (FHL) will punish people who are helping to grow local economies, according to the CLA.
Until April 6, 2025, a property that qualifies as a FHL can benefit from various tax reliefs that are not generally available to rental property businesses.
To qualify, the property must be available for letting for 210 days a year and actually be let for 105 days a year.
At the Spring Budget 2024 it was announced that the special tax rules will be abolished from April 6, 2025, with the new Labour Government releasing a policy paper on July 29 setting out the proposed changes for inclusion in the 202425 Finance Bill.
Crucial support
CLA president Victoria Vyvyan said:
“For many farmers and landowners,
diversification into the holiday lettings market is a business necessity. The short-term rental and holiday let sector contributes billions to the wider economy, supporting local shops and restaurants and creating tens of thousands of jobs.
“Abolishing the furnished holiday lets regime will only punish people who are helping to grow local economies.”
She added it was ‘far from a tax
loophole’ but provided a ‘crucial support mechanism’.
Ms Vyvyan said by converting unused or underutilised properties which may not be suitable as homes, property owners contributed to the local community’s ‘economic vitality’.
“Why are small rural businesses being punished for diversifying? This sweeping approach needs far closer scrutiny of the perceived problem,” she added.
PPR can kill between 80-100% of infected animals.
Global Ag View
●
Feta industry could be a ected
By Alex Black
MOVEMENT of sheep and goats for breeding, fattening and slaughter has been banned across Greece in an attempt to contain the ‘goat plague’.
New cases of the virus, also known as peste des petits ruminants (PPR), have been detected in the country’s central Larissa region, as well as in Corinth in the south.
A spokesperson for the Agriculture Ministry said: “The movement of sheep and goats for breeding, fattening and slaughter is banned throughout Greece.”
The ban was introduced ‘with the aim of limiting the spread and eradication of the disease’.
Greece restricts goat and sheep movements
PPR can kill between 80-100% of infected animals. It does not affect humans.
Affected animals present with high fevers, severe dejection and discharge from the eyes and nose. The animal is unable to eat due to painful oral lesions. Animals suffer from acute pneumonia and diarrhoea.
The ministry added livestock farmers, cheesemakers, slaughterhouse owners and feed suppliers had been informed about the new restrictions.
The rules could impact the country’s feta cheese industry.
Ministry officials have also been holding urgent meetings with local authorities in the regions where the new PPR cases had been detected.
An investigation was now under way to determine the source of the outbreak, not ruling out ‘suspicious imports’ from abroad.
Greece mainly imports sheep and goats from Turkey, Albania and Romania, with Romania also having had
cases of the disease. Greece is also liaising with the EU and veterinary services of the bloc’s member states.
EU regulations state that the entire flock must be culled once a positive PPR case is confirmed, with the affected farm then disinfected.
At least 7,000 animals have already been culled in Greece since the disease was first detected in the country on July 11.
PPR was first reported in Ivory Coast in 1942.
Contracting US beef herd affects global markets
THE effects of the contracting beef herd in the US were being felt across global markets, with the country expecting to continue its downward trend.
Annabel Twinberrow, AHDB trainee analyst, said forecasted production according to the USDA for 2024 was 1.2% below 2023 levels, with further declines expected in 2025.
“However, the outlook has improved slightly compared to previous estimates, supported by good carcase weights,” she added.
Both retail beef prices and farmgate prices were high.
Import levels in 2024 were also expected to reach a record high and exports expected to be down 4.3% year-on-year.
In Brazil, record production was forecast for 2024, with good rainfall shortening finishing times.
April’s beef exports were the largest on record, according to Brazil Customs data compiled by Trade Data Monitor, LCC. However, exports may decrease in the second half of the year.
Australian production was expected to increase by 11.1% in 2024, as it rebuilds its national herd with demand from the US market offsetting reduced Chinese exports.
Import demand
Chinese production was also expected to grow, with large inventories also in the country, which could dampen import demand.
In the UK and EU, production has been higher, with farmgate prices generally at historically high levels.
European Commission forecasts early in the year suggested a 2.3% reduction in total 2024 production.
Ms Twinberrow said: “However, higher kill rates through the first part of the year could increase this outlook.”
Heifer and cow slaughter had been particularly elevated, which could point to a future tightening in the supply base.
Ms Twinberrow added Irish prime slaughter was expected to reduce 2% for 2024.
MEET OUR 2024 FINALISTS
Thursday, October 17, 2024
Following a record-breaking year for nominations and entries, our 2024 British Farming Awards finalists represent some of Britain’s most innovative and resilient figures in the farming industry.
AGRICULTURAL STUDENT OF THE YEAR
XHolly Bonner, Bridgwater and Taunton College of University Centre Somerset
XKestrel Lambert, Royal Agricultural University
XElin Orrells, Aberystwyth University
XElin Rattray, Harper Adams University
ARABLE FARMER OF THE YEAR
CONTRACTOR OF THE YEAR
X Richard Barnes, Barnes Contracting, Devon
X Nigel Harper, N.D. Harper, Cheshire
XDavid Bird, N.B. Bird and Son, Suffolk
XChris Greenaway, Garnstone Farms, Herefordshire
XAshley Jones, R.M. Jones, Cornwall
XNicholas Watts, Vine House Farm, Spalding
X Nik Johnson, JSE Systems, Lincolnshire
XWill Odam, Philip Odam Agricultural Services, Gloucestershire
CONTENT CREATOR OF THE YEAR
XMilly Fyfe, No Fuss Meals for Busy Parents CIC, Northamptonshire
XTom Lamb, Stamford
XWilliam Murray, W. & M. Brown, Edinburgh
XTom Nicholson, Cannon Hall Farm, South Yorkshire
XChris Whittaker, Platts Agriculture, Wrexham
XThomas Turner, KWS, Wiltshire
AGRITECH INNOVATOR OF THE
XPiran Bassett, O3T, Shropshire
XPhilippa Briggs, Hoofcount, Lancashire
XJames Hudson, Lactalign by J.H. and P.M. Business Solutions, North Yorkshire
DIVERSIFICATION OF THE YEAR (Large) Sponsored by Sykes Holiday Cottages
GRASSLAND FARMER OF THE YEAR Sponsored by Germinal
NEW ENTRANTS: AGAINST THE ODDS Sponsored by Massey Ferguson
FAMILY FARMING BUSINESS OF THE YEAR Sponsored by Goodyear
FARM WORKER OF THE YEAR
Sponsored by Isuzu
SHEEP FARMER OF THE YEAR
Sponsored by Eternit
With more young people in rural areas embracing ‘portfolio’ careers, Farmers Guardian looks at how one Leicestershire woman juggles farming with a hospitality role.
Hospitality businesses provide farm with variety
Diversification has added lots of variety to Ellie Uppal’s role at a Leicestershire farm as she balances farming and hospitality. It means that within the space of a few hours, Ms Uppal can find herself swapping between lambing on the
family farm at Great Easton, to showing a couple around the wedding venue, to managing bookings at the historic pub-hotel which the family co-owns in a nearby village.
“I would not have a clue what my job title is, but the variety is what I most enjoy,” she says.
“The farm is only about 200 acres, but it is at the heart of a much bigger business. In some ways, it has been a classic diversification process. Land rarely comes on the market, so adding acres is not always an option, hence we have expanded by evolving the other elements.”
ily into the rustic appeal of this place. This allows us to create a less formal atmosphere than a hotel or stately home, so it perfectly suits couples who are looking for a celebration or get-together rather than a formal sitdown meal.
“It has character and charm – and the view across to Rockingham Castle is amazing.”
Agricultural drones have arrived.
• 50kg/80L payload
• Go where no tractor or quad can go
• Protect water logged ground. No damage to existing crops
• Whitewash or clean greenhouses or Polytunnels
• Spray Nematodes/slug pellets/ fertiliser
• Spray, cover crops
• Spray rate up to 22 L/min
• Spray width 3.5 to 9 metres
• Granular variable spread rate of up to 150kg/min
• Open fields up to 19Ha/h, orchards 2Ha/h Greenhouses/ Polytunnels 1 Ha/h
The wider business includes a share in two country pubs (one of which also has 10 boutique rooms), a rental cottage and Castle View wedding venue. Now hosting 20 weddings a year, the building was originally a stable block but represented the perfect enterprise for Ms Uppal to manage. Having graduated from Nottingham Trent University and after a spell travelling and running a pub, she was looking to get her teeth into a new challenge.
She says: “The wedding sector is fiercely competitive, so venues need a unique selling point and we lean heav-
Livestock
While the farm is the smallest revenue-generating element, it remains at the centre of the enterprise, supplying meat to all the other businesses.
The meat produced is from 100 Belted Galloways, which are bought at between six and 12 months old for about £700/head.
They come mainly from David and Deborah Powell in Worcestershire and Mark Stephenson in North
SIX TIPS FOR LAUNCHING A HOSPITALITY ENTERPRISE
1 Pricing: Be competitive –this does not mean being the cheapest, but it means offering great value. Be clear about the offering and where it sits in the market too.
2 Leverage the farm: Producing your own meat and other ingredients means the business is not at the whim of other suppliers in terms of price, availability and quality. Customers will also be fascinated by the farming story.
3
Listen to feedback: Whether it is reviews on websites such as TripAdvisor or an accidentally overheard conversation between guests, this information is priceless.
4
Surprise and delight: Go over and above expectations. Little touches can make all the difference –such as a handwritten welcome note to guests in the hotel rooms.
5
Top team: Giving guests an unforgettable experience requires everyone to be as committed to the values of the business as the owners, and businesses need to communicate this to new team members.
6 Find ‘me-time’: Farming and hospitality, while hugely enjoyable, can be exhausting and stressful, so try to regularly grab a little time away to relax, unwind and reset.
Ellie Uppal
REGISTRATION for the Land, Leisure and Tourism Show is now open. Scan the QR code or visit farmbusinessshow.co.uk to register today.
Yorkshire, who are both highly respected breeders.
“The cattle are entirely grass-fed and not slaughtered until they are between 30 and 36 months, which means the beef tastes amazing and is super healthy as it has high Omega 3 levels,” says Ms Uppal.
She adds that this means there is a trade-off as it is more expensive and requires a specialist abattoir.
“The chefs in the pubs love working with the meat as it is so flavoursome,” she says.
“When you diversify, it is important that the values you stand for and are offering customers hold true across all strands of the business, so a traditional breed, fed entirely on grass and reared slowly on an extensive system – in some cases just yards from where it is eaten – fits with our wider ethos.”
Vision
The Uppals’ vision is to produce as much as possible of what they serve at Castle View and the two nearby pubs (The Sun Inn and The Nevill Arms) themselves, and to partner with local farmers and estate owners who share their values.
Looking ahead, the plan is to buy a bull and establish a suckler herd. They also run a flock of Suffolk cross and
“Rearing our own livestock and having strong, long-term relationships with others in the area means we can be totally confident about traceability, keep our menus fresh and varied, plus keep food miles low,” says Ms Uppal, adding consumers are constantly asking about provenance.
“Diners also care about waste, so we take a ‘nose-to-tail’ approach with carcases, ensuring even all of the so-called ‘secondary’ cuts of meat are used,” adds Ms Uppal.
“This calls for some creative thinking by our chefs, but it allows us to create a more diverse menu at a range of price points. You might only get a small number of fillet steaks from a Beltie, but you get a whole lot of stewing meat, along with other cuts such as brisket and blade.
“So we hold weekly community lunches and supper clubs in our pubs offering dishes which use, for example, stewing beef in beef bourguignon and mince in burgers.”
She adds they want the venues to stay at the centre of the community as well as being ‘destinations’.
“My family has been a part of these communities for decades and we want to play our part in bringing visitors,
Land, Leisure and Tourism Show
THE Land, Leisure and Tourism Show, co-located with the Farm Business Innovation Show, is the UK’s only large-scale diversification event for farmers and rural businesses dedicated to creating a sustainable future.
Connect with industry experts, gain insights on the latest trends, and network with like-minded individuals to explore new diversification opportunities for growth and success.
spending and employment to the area,” she says.
The hospitality industry has many parallels with agriculture, she adds, as it requires a lot of capital and is a 24/7 job.
“I have got a lot still to learn about both sectors, but they are incredibly
satisfying to work in,” says Ms Uppal.
She adds it is also a ‘privilege’ to be involved in people’s weddings.
“The only part of my job I enjoy more than seeing the happy couple on the big day is safely delivering a lamb when it has been a tricky birth,” she says.
Cheviot sheep, and keep a few Oxford Sandy and Black pigs.
The Uppal family have shares in two country pubs, including The Nevill Arms (pictured), and produce as much as possible of the food served themselves.
Farm Profile
Edited by Angela Calvert – 07768 796 492 – angela.calvert@agriconnect.com
For more features, go to
farmersguardian.com/farm-life
Driving down the ever-narrowing Cornish lanes near Looe, you might not expect to end up at a cheese factory which is producing 333kg a day and still struggling to keep up with demand. Ruth Wills finds out more.
Gouda cheese proves to be a saviour for Cornish farm
Gouda is traditionally associated with the Netherlands, but for one farming family in Cornwall it was the diversification that saved the farm from being sold.
Back in 2012, at just 19 years old, Giel Spierings, the founder of Cornish Gouda, was faced with a challenge: find a diversification that could save the family dairy farm from being sold.
He says: “Mum and Dad, Annemarie and Joost, bought the farm in 1998, after moving from the Netherlands.
“Dad is one of 10 siblings, so he never really got a look-in at the home farm. He always wanted to start dairy farming, but when the quota system was introduced in the Netherlands, land and quota prices went through the roof – it was nearly impossible to start.
“The Netherlands was producing a lot of milk and exporting half of it, whereas England was only producing 50% of its milk, so Dad thought there must be a good market in England for milking cows.”
So Joost and Annemarie set their sights on England, and bought Talvan Farm near Looe in 1998, along with its herd of pedigree Holstein Friesians.
“Mum and Dad farmed it for 14 years but the milk price just got worse and worse; then the Milk Marketing Board disbanded. They tried to make it work for 10 years but eventually put the farm up for sale,” he says.
“I was quite young at the time and did not take it too seriously, but it finally hit when I saw the ‘for sale’ sign on the farm gate. So, I thought I had better try and diversify.”
The family had invested in equipment such as robotic milkers as they knew they could be sold if needed and hold their value better than a secondhand parlour. Giel’s parents were very encouraging when he came up with the idea of making cheese.
He says: “Even though the farm was not viable, they helped me out loads –they did not want to stop farming.
“I remember Dad saying ‘Oh well, if it does not work out then we will just lose a little bit more than we are already losing’.”
But as the cheese business started to take off, the all-year-round calving herd ended up with 34 heifer calves and hit a crossroads.
Farm facts
■ 90 pedigree Holstein Friesian cows, plus 60 followers
■ Yielding 26 litres per cow per day, 3.5% protein and 4.5% butterfat
■ Arla contract
“It was either sell a load of heifers or buy another milking robot, so taking the same approach that they could sell it if they needed to – they bought a second robot,” Giel says.
“We grew the herd up to 100 and stayed at that level for around six years, but then we had a gamma TB test, and lost 22% of the herd. It has taken us four years to get 15% of that back.”
Gouda
So, why Gouda?
“Gouda is the most popular cheese in the Netherlands and when Mum and Dad moved they could not find good Gouda,” says Giel.
■ Five employees in Gouda production, three on the farm
■ 28 12kg wheels of cheese sold a day or 3,000 litres of milk
■ Two Lely milking robots
Giel Spierings (second from the left), with his partner Sophia O’Connor (left) and parents Annemarie and Joost (right).
“I wanted to start something that no-one else was doing. People in the UK tended to think it was bland and rubbery, but a true artisan Gouda could not be more different.”
Giel went back to the Netherlands and learnt how to make Gouda.
He says: “My grandma used to make it during the war, so the recipe has been passed down the generations. My cousin makes it on his dairy farm, so I picked up some tips from him and he took me to lots of cheesemakers in the Netherlands.”
Giel came back and converted an old Nissen hut left over from the last tenant, who had bought it after the war.
“I cleared it out and essentially built another shed inside, and started making cheese,” he says.
He has upgraded his equipment over the years. “The flow pasteuriser is fully automated; I tell it what day and what time to start, and once finished, the milk goes into the cheese vat.
“When I first started, I had a cheese vat with a water jacket around it, then I would put wood into a biomass boiler to heat the milk – it was very labour intensive. It took me three and a half hours, compared to the 45 minutes it takes now.”
He has also expanded the Nissen hut and added two further sheds to allow for more space.
“There is around 15 tonnes of cheese in the shed at the moment, but I have space for 50t,” he says.
Giel produces a range of flavoured cheeses alongside the mild, semi-mature, mature, extra mature and vintage Gouda.
“Flavoured Gouda is very common in the Netherlands; so as a result of demand, we started producing cumin-flavoured Gouda.
“The rest of the flavours are just personal favourites. Fenugreek is my top choice – it won the best flavoured cheese at the Global Cheese Awards.”
Gouda is the most popular cheese in the Netherlands and when Mum and Dad moved [to the UK] they could not find good Gouda GIEL SPIERINGS
Cornwall Farm Profile
Giel started selling the cheese through farmers’ markets which he still attends, as well as shows, and sells to independent shops, restaurants and delicatessens.
“We have never really spent any money on marketing outside of shows and markets – mum would come with me to them, and that is really how we got to where we are now,” he says.
The farm
The 90 pedigree Holstein Friesian cows are milked through two Lely robots.
“Mum and Dad run the farm and my brother Jan is an agronomist so he looks after the crops and the soil,” says Giel.
In terms of diet, the cows are zero grazed and fed on silage in winter.
“We lasagne layer the clamp, so we put the first cut at the bottom, followed by the second and third above it, so we can keep a consistent ration all-year-round. The cheese can dramatically change if you go from first cut to second cut.”
The milk goes into the bulk tank and then once there is enough, it is pumped directly into the flow pasteuriser’s holding tank.
Giel tries to run the business as sustainably as possible.
He says: “We produce a lot of our own energy; we have a biomass boiler, which does all the hot water and heat for the cheesemaking. We also have solar panels on the shed roof.
“We have put a lot of clover in after
maize due to the increasing price of nitrogen fertiliser.”
The cheesemaking uses 60% of the farm’s milk, with the remainder going to Arla.
“We make Gouda four days a week, so really we need to have bigger sheds and equipment to process
The nature of maturing cheese can be a logistical challenge on-farm.
100% of the milk – that is the next step,” adds Giel.
The demand challenge is one which Giel is working on.
“We nearly got up to 50t of cheese in the shed, but during Covid-19 our sales went to pretty much zero. We did eventually get an online shop so
The farm’s herd currently stands at 90 pedigree Holstein Friesian cows, plus 60 followers.
PICTURES: FARLAP
Farm Profile Cornwall
we were able to sell individual cheese slices, rather than wheels.
“But because we were not selling any cheese until then, we were not making any cheese. So that has led to a massive lag – it will take another two years to catch up at this rate.”
And the nature of maturing cheese adds another logistical challenge.
“The earliest we start selling cheese is three months, up to about
three years – we are struggling to mature the cheeses at the moment.
As soon as it is edible, people are buying it. We sell 28 12kg wheels of cheese every day, which is 3,000 litres of milk a day.”
He produces anything from big wheels of cheese through to individual slices.
“The slices are great for shops which do not have space for a whole
wheel; it has opened up our customer base,” he says.
“Supermarkets always want to stock our cheese, which would mean they have control over the pricing – so we stay away from that; we could not fulfil the demand anyway.”
Future plans
So what is the next step for Giel and Cornish Gouda?
“I would like to process 100% of the milk from the farm and then take on another farm’s milk,” says Giel.
“The whole idea started because I wanted to make farming viable, without fluctuating prices, so if we could do that for another farm it would be amazing.
“And I do plan to build a new, larger cheese factory which will future-proof the business, allowing me to expand without adding more sheds.
“Every step I have taken has felt like the biggest possible step I could take,
As soon as it is edible, people are buying it. We sell 28 12kg wheels of cheese every day, which is 3,000 litres of milk a day
GIEL SPIERINGS
but now I look back and think it is tiny. We do still have the ‘for sale’ sign in the shed as a reminder.”
The cows are zero grazed and fed on silage in winter.
Giel went back to the Netherlands and learnt how to make Gouda.
An old Nissen hut was converted to make the cheese.
Arable
Edited by Jane Thynne – 07882 219 917 – jane.thynne@agriconnect.com
Harvest ‘24: Winter wheat well underway despite late drilling
● Costs and pests add to season pressures
By Jane Thynne
FOLLOWING a welcome break from the rain over the past 10 days, many arable farmers have been reporting excellent yields after what has undoubtedly been one of the trickiest seasons on record.
However for some, challenges are continuing as the recent ‘heatwave’ has taken its toll on late-drilled crops.
“We have winter wheat, winter beans and spring wheat and we are hoping to get under way this week,” says Anthony Pearce, who runs a 360-hectare mixed farm near Aylesbury in Buckinghamshire.
“Spring was very difficult. We were about six weeks behind on drilling. At the moment, the winter wheat is looking good – but I have heard locally that there is quite a bit of variability.
“Spring wheat was looking great until about a week ago, but it has now definitely been affected by the high temperatures.”
Mr Pearce says the farm opted exclusively for Extase winter wheat, Mulika spring wheat and Bumble winter beans, which has proved successful.
He says: “Our winter beans look fantastic; probably the best beans we have ever grown.”
Fertiliser
Angus Gowthorpe is based in the Vale of York and has been farming regeneratively for almost a decade. However, this year’s difficult season has meant the farm had to rely on synthetic fertilisers to protect yields.
“We had made a start, but we have now got rain again,” says Mr Gowthorpe, who has 36 hectares dedicated to a blend of eight wheat varieties. “We got around a third of the wheat done and then we have 64 hectares of spring barley – all Laureate – to do.
“We have not used a synthetic fertiliser on the combinable crops for four years but we had to put one on all the wheat and barley this time. Just a single dose at the end. We have managed to do everything more nutri-
tionally in the past but this year has just been a nightmare.”
Mr Gowthorpe says all crops went in late after they had to wait for soils to dry.
“We did not get 18ha of spring oats in and we also missed getting 20ha of spring beans drilled as it was just too wet.”
The farm, which stands on a mix of light sand and heavy clay, has also struggled with pests.
“Cabbage stem flea beetle was a nightmare and we lost all the rape twice,” says Mr Gowthorpe. “I know now that slugs are going to be big issue this autumn.”
However, Mr Gowthorpe says he has opted to stick with OSR and is ready to begin drilling 40ha.
“We will get it in. Walk away from it and if we get a crop then we will look after it, but if we have not, then it will be Plan B – spring barley is a possibility.”
NFU Essex chair Robert Padfield, who runs a 600ha farm in Hastingwood, says he is staying away from OSR for the coming season owing to ‘expense’.
Recent warm temperatures have helped to drop moisture content, but it is still a mixed outlook for some.
“The fields are on rotation and the risk is just too great, so we are having a year off,” he says.
‘Business as usual’
For this year’s crops, Mr Padfield says the recent sunny spell has helped reduce wheat moisture content, which dropped from 24% to 15% in just 48 hours.
“We have been on wheat for the past eight days and are about 70% through, but the rest of the county is around 40%,” he says.
According to Mr Padfield, the farm which exclusively produces milling wheat has had mixed results, reporting ‘very poor’ figures for Crusoe, ranging from 5.5-8.5 tonnes/ha. Skyfall has fared better at 9.2t/ha.
He also reports promising figures for spring barley, which has come in at 6.3t/ha. Mr Padfield says the crop was drilled in January allowing it to be ‘chitted and away’ before the major wet weather arrived in February.
“We were lucky in that respect, but it has been a very challenging season,” he adds. “But no two seasons are the same and we move on. It will be business as usual over the coming weeks.”
Using a backward- and forward-facing twin fan nozzle improved haulm desiccation achieved with a PPO-inhibiting desiccant in trials.
Nozzle choice key to rapid potato haulm destruction
● Increases the speed of skin set
SPRAY nozzle choice is an important factor in getting the most out of PPO-inhibiting desiccants such as Gozai (pyraflufen-ethyl) in potato crops, recent work has demonstrated.
Supplier Certis Belchim has built up a strong data set on best practice use and last year ran trials to look at the influence of nozzle choice and whether a pre-flail treatment of Gozai could speed up skin set and stolon detachment ahead of harvest. The trial tested two nozzles: a standard
flat fan and a Lechler IDTA nozzle.
The Lechler is an air induction twin flat fan nozzle with forwardand backward-facing fans.
The nozzle is said to improve coverage and offers 90-95% drift reduction over a standard flat fan.
Certis Belchim’s technical account manager, Jeremy Booth, says that two applications of Gozai plus Toil (95% methylated rapeseed adjuvant oil) were made in 300 litres/hectare of water: T1 on September 6 and T2 on September 13.
He says: “One week after the first application, the plots treated with the Lechler nozzle improved the level of
leaf desiccation by 45% and Gozai’s activity on the stems by 20%. Using the backward and forward twin fan nozzle will achieve the outcome you want much quicker than the standard.”
Pre-flail treatment
Commenting on the benefit of a pre-flail treatment, Mr Booth says it increased the speed of skin set and stolon detachment and could be a useful application in some seasons. With desiccation programmes about to start in earnest, he says that aside from nozzle choice, crop and environmental conditions at application have a big influence on speed of kill.
Study reveals modern wheat has diminished beneficial root microbiome
MODERN wheat varieties grown with inorganic fertiliser show markedly fewer beneficial root bacteria compared to their unfertilised counterparts, a new study has shown.
In contrast, ancestral wheats show no such reduction, whether fertilised or not.
This suggests modern varieties have been bred to rely on nutritional inputs to maintain yields, a practice which reduces soil health, says Rothamsted Research.
The study highlights the potential of harnessing beneficial microbes and plant genetics to transition to lower-input farming systems.
The research team performed
controlled experiments to compare growth-promoting root bacteria (plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria or PGPR) associated with modern and ancestral wheats grown in both fertilised and unfertilised soil, resulting in the isolation of more than 14,000 bacterial isolates.
Thriving
Lead researcher Dr Tessa Reid says:
“Modern wheat varieties have been bred to thrive in high-input systems. This appears to have greatly reduced the numbers of beneficial bacteria living on or around their root system.
“If we are to move to lower-input
systems, we will need to work out how to boost the abundance of beneficial soil microbes so they provide the nutritional benefits currently delivered by inorganic fertilisers.”
Team lead Dr Tim Mauchline adds: “Microbiota of crop ancestors may offer a way to enhance sustainable food production. Future work could involve performing microbiome transplants, whereby beneficial root microbes will be supplemented to modern wheat varieties.
High UV light intensity helps improve activity of PPO-inhibitors, so spraying at the start of a sunny day is best and, if flailing, 15-20cm of stem should be left above ground to aid kill.
Mr Booth says: “Previous work has also highlighted the importance of water rate and we see that 300 litres/ha balances consistent results with sprayer efficiency.”
Reports
With reports of foliar late blight infection in crops this season, he highlights the importance of maintaining disease protection until all foliage is dead.
Mr Booth says: “We support the recommendation of Gozai + Toil with our blight fungicide Ranman Top [cyazofamid]. Ranman Top offers good protection of both foliar and tuber blight, which is crucial at the back end of the season.”
“Alternatively, reintroducing key genetic traits to modern wheat, from their ancestors, to boost root colonisation of beneficial soil microbiota, is another promising strategy.” Jeremy Booth
Better knowledge of the chemistry and soil science behind herbicide performance is needed to improve weed control in cereal crops. Farmers Guardian reports.
Improving herbicide performance this autumn
Residual herbicides, typically applied pre-emergence and early post-emergence, are a reliable tool for grassweed control, but variability continues to be seen in the results. This is according to Bayer agrono-
mist Jamie Oakley, who says soil type and weather conditions interact with herbicides, affecting performance for better or worse.
He highlights four things to keep in mind when planning this autumn’s herbicide programme.
MOISTURE is probably the most important factor for efficacy. Herbicides are water soluble, so need moisture to move into the soil.
Actives with shoot activity, such as aclonifen (Proclus), tend to stay at or close to the surface.
Those with root uptake, such as flufenacet and cinmethylin, move deeper to the roots of germinating weeds, but not too deep so they reach germinating crops, hence the advice to drill to at least 32mm.
Mr Oakley says: “Without good moisture levels, root-acting herbicides cannot reach their target.
“These herbicides also tend to have a shorter lifespan, so applying in dry conditions reduces weed control potential.
“Hold off drilling and spraying until there is more moisture in the seedbed. Even small amounts of rain are enough to get soil conditions right.
“If dry weather persists and you have to make a start, use actives with better longevity which will
MOISTURE GERMINATION
MR Oakley says: “Weeds need to break dormancy and germinate because residual herbicides have little effect on ungerminated seed.
“Drill, roll if conditions allow, and then ideally apply the pre-em within 48 hours of drilling.
still provide useful control when it gets wetter.”
In Bayer trials, residual control is always variable between sites, but only in the exceptionally dry year of 2011 has pre-em performance been significantly compromised by dry conditions.
In most situations, it is something the farmer can manage by waiting to drill and spray.
LONGEVITY
CHEMICAL reactions, UV light and microbes degrade herbicides in the soil. Different herbicides degrade or are washed through the effective soil zone at different rates, which is also affected by soil type and weather conditions.
In general, warmth and moisture speed up the process of degradation.
Without good moisture levels, root-acting herbicides cannot reach their target
JAMIE OAKLEY
“Waiting longer could mean weed germination begins before the herbicide is applied, reducing efficacy.
“Remember that root-acting herbicides need time to reach the germination zone in the soil.”
Mr Oakley says: “Moisture is needed for germination and herbicide activity, so temperature is the main variable to consider. Drilling later means soils are cooler, improving longevity.
“In earlier drilled crops, you need protection for longer and the herbicides degrade more quickly in warmer soils in September.
SOIL AND SEEDBED
LIGHTER soils are freer draining, contain less clay and so tend to have fewer binding sites, so herbicides are more mobile.
Heavy rainfall events can move herbicides through the soil to where crops are germinating or leach them away altogether, particularly more soluble actives.
In heavy soils this is less of a risk, but poor soil conditions can affect performance.
“Even a pre-em containing longer-lasting actives, such as DFF, Proclus [aclonifen] or pendimethalin will probably need a ‘top-up’ to prevent weeds germinating later in the season.”
Longevity is usually measured as the DT50 value or half-life; the number of days it takes for 50% of the herbicide to break down in the soil.
Guideline
Growers can look up these values, but Mr Oakley advises using them only as a guide and certainly not a hard-and-fast rule on likely efficacy.
Field conditions have a huge effect on longevity and performance, he says.
Mr Oakley says: “A goodquality seedbed improves herbicide performance. You will get more consistent distribution of herbicide at application and fewer barriers to movement into the soil. It will also promote even germination of weeds and the crop.”
Capping, compacted ruts and clods can all cause problems, so break them up during any passes before herbicide application.
Ryegrass will invade and become established as an arable weed without any link to commercial forage use, says John Cussans, ADAS.
Italian ryegrass is an increasing threat to arable farms, but why has it become such an issue and how can it be managed? Farmers Guardian takes a look.
Why Italian ryegrass is not just a mixed farm problem
● Spring cropping a less reliable control method
THERE is no shortage of reasons why Italian ryegrass is becoming an increasingly common and challenging weed to control. However, it does not appear to be linked to mixed farming, nor its use as a forage crop, says John Cussans, principal weed science consultant for ADAS.
“We have been guilty of not thinking about it as an arable weed,” he says.
A recent Bayer-sponsored survey, for which growers sent in Italian ryegrass samples to NIAB for resistance testing, highlighted that most growers either did not have any current use of Italian ryegrass as a forage crop or could not remember it being grown in the past 10 years.
“I think as an industry we got into the mindset it was just a mixed farming problem, but it is a proper arable weed. It will invade and become established and that has nothing to do with commercial forage use,” says Mr Cussans.
This lack of understanding has enabled the weed to become established on too many farms from a low population.
Mr Cussans says: “It is a repeating story where people did not appreciate what a significant risk it is to sustainable arable production and did not take appropriate control measures early enough.”
Reasons why it is such a difficult weed to control include its ability to spread more easily on machinery and the fact it is less affected by the cultural controls used to combat black-grass. It is also harder to manage with herbicides, with resistance very much a challenge.
“It does mean it will go from being a casual observation to a very significant problem more quickly than other grass-weeds,” adds Mr Cussans.
Historically, it was a problem in North Essex, Kent, around Pontefract in Yorkshire and near the Welsh borders, but it has now spread around all significant arable cropping regions.
Tactics
Tactics to get on top of Italian ryegrass are broadly similar to those used against black-grass.
Mr Cussans says: “Things like spring cropping, ploughing where you can effectively, delayed drilling of winter crops, stale seedbeds,
It does mean [Italian ryegrass] will go from being a casual observation to a very significant problem more quickly than other grass-weeds
JOHN CUSSANS
[and] fallowing will all help. But whereas spring cropping, for example, is incredibly effective against black-grass, with ryegrass, it will help, but will not be a knockout blow.”
Black-grass seed return from a spring barley crop can be 95% less than from a winter wheat crop, says Mr Cussans.
He adds: “But a poor spring crop with Italian ryegrass can result in
more seed return than a good winter crop. It can help, but it is not the same reliable tool as it is with black-grass.
“So that means you end up having to do more cultural controls to remain sustainable than against a black-grass population – whether it is more spring cropping, more spraying off areas.”
Herbicides
With herbicides, the challenge is that Italian ryegrass has a much more protracted emergence pattern through the autumn and often into spring, meaning pre-emergence herbicides run out of steam before the last plants emerge.
Mr Cussans says: “You need more application timings in ryegrass herbicide programmes than for black-grass.
“It also has a propensity to develop reduced sensitivity to residual herbicides in a way blackgrass does not, so we get absolute flufenacet resistance and reduced sensitivity to all sorts of herbicides, plus ALS [sulfonylurea] and ACCase [fop and dim] resistance we see in black-grass.
“Once it gets established through lack of biosecurity, vigilance and
slow adoption of cultural management practices, you can produce these incredibly resistant populations.”
That issue is highlighted by the level of control of Italian ryegrass in Gowan trials compared with black-grass, where control levels with the latest pre-emergence residual herbicide technology were only about 40% on average compared with 70-80% against black-grass.
Difficulty
The difficulty in controlling Italian ryegrass makes it essential to use every tool available, says Hank King, UK business manager for Gowan.
“Particularly if you have a weed that is even harder to control than black-grass,” he adds.
That includes Avadex (triallate), which added 23-26% in the Gowan trials depending on the formulation to the control given by Liberator (flufenacet + diflufenican) + Proclus (aclonifen), and 12-15% to Luxinum Plus (cinmethylin) + pendimethalin.
Choosing between granule and liquid formulation might come down to when growers think they can reliably apply the product.
In trials, if both formulations are applied at the same time, then in 60% of cases the granule has the edge in performance, with the gain in those trials about 10%, says Mr King. In contrast, the liquid Avadex Factor performed better approximately 30% of the time. In the remaining 10% of occasions, there was no difference.
Mr King says: “If you can reliably apply Avadex Excel 15G granules within 48 hours of drilling, then by the probability of outcomes you are more likely to get more out of the granules.
Well-timed
“But if you cannot guarantee your applications within that period, then use Avadex Factor. A welltimed application of Avadex Factor will most likely be more effective than a poorly timed application of Avadex Excel 15G.”
John Cussans
Hank King
Edited by Angela Calvert – 07768 796
NSA sale tops 2,000gns twice
Pre-sale overall champion Texel, a yearling ram, from Gethin Hatcher, Llanybydder, which sold for 2,000gns to the Davies family, Newcastle Emlyn.
Peacehay Gladiator, from the Chave family, Somerset, which sold for 2,000gns to J. and R.M Lucas and Son, Driffield.
Pre-sale overall champion Charollais, Wernfawr Corona, from the Curran family, Talgarth, which sold for 1,200gns to G. Evans, Ceredigion.
l Cross-breds see a flying trade for 37 rams
By Ellie Layton
THE inaugural National Sheep Association Wales and Border early ram sale to be held at Brecon market following a move from the Royal Welsh Showground proved popular, with Texels topping at 2,000gns twice and a record clearance of 88%.
First time vendor Gethin Hatcher, Llanybydder, saw his pre-sale overall champion Texel sell for the joint top price of the day and highest price of the small collection of non-maedi visna rams forward.
The yearling ram is from Mr Hatcher’s 25-head Penllain flock which he established in 2022. It was knocked down to the Davies family, Newcastle Emlyn. Mr Hatcher sold another two at 1,150gns and 1,100gns, and his pen of five rams sold to an average of 1,160gns.
Also being knocked down at 2,000gns was a March 2023-born ram from Somerset breeders, the Chave family with Peacehay Gladiator. Sired by one of their stock rams, Strathbogie Epic, which they purchased in Carlisle, it sold to J. and R.M Lucas and Son, Driffield, for their Fimber flock.
Rob and Nesta Watkin’s Herefordshire-based Corras flock sold to a high of 1,600gns for the reserve champion Texel, Corras Gallipoli. The March 2023-born ram is a Roxburgh Deadly Dave son and out of a home-bred ewe. It sold to Richard Richards, Hereford.
The trio of rams from Corras averaged 1,200gns.
Charollais second prize yearling, from Charles Marwood, Yorkshire, which sold for 1,200gns to M. Miller, Dorset.
First place Charollais, from Bryn Evans, Trefeglwys, which sold for 1,200gns to C. Jones, Oswestry.
The Chave family followed at 1,350gns for another March 2023born Texel yearling, Peacehay Genius. The Clarks Wizard son caught the eye of L.H. Attewell, Monmouth.
Millend Texel’s pen topped at 1,300gns for Russell and Gill Watkins, Hereford. Their yearling, Millend God Father, was placed second in the pre-sale show and went home with the Jones family, Lower Argoed, Builth Wells.
In total there were 11 Texels that sold for more than 1,000gns.
The overall champion Charollais from the Curran family, Talgarth, was ram lamb Wernfawr Corona.
Sired by Glyn Coch Ace and out of a Sant ewe, the December 2023-born lamb was the first of five Charollais to make 1,200gns. It sold to G. Evans, Ceredigion.
The first of two rams from Charles Marwood, Yorkshire, to make 1,200gns was a second prize yearling sired by Lowerye Vulcan, which sold to M. Miller, Dorset. This was followed by a Foulrice Atlas son selling to J. Boomars, Surrey.
Mr Marwood’s daughter, Deborah Whitcher, Yorkshire, also had a worthwhile trip, selling a yearling ram to the Probert family’s Mortimer flock, Worcester, for 1,200gns.
Bryn Evans, Trefeglwys, was the next to hit 1,200gns with his first place Dalby Tuilagi son which was knocked down to C. Jones, Oswestry.
This was followed by a further four Charollais yearlings selling at 1,150gns. Cross-breds saw a flying trade with an average of £996.08 across the 37 rams sold.
Charollais cross
Aidrian Davies, Llandeilo, led the trade with a high of 1,650gns for a Charollais cross yearling picked out by Richard Richards, Hereford. Mr Davies received the top eight prices in the cross-bred ring and saw a pen average of 1,411gns for his nine yearlings.
Beltex crosses peaked at 1,250gns twice for the Curran family, Talgarth. The yearlings out of Charollais ewes went to L.H. Attewell, Monmouth, and S. Carpenter, Stourport.
National Sheep Association Wales and Border chair Geoff Probert was pleased with the sale following its move to Brecon market.
He said: “As a committee, we have been delighted to see a strong demand for the high-quality offer of rams which was met with excellent commercial trade and farmers willing to pay good money for them.
“It was a big decision to move the early sale, but it has been met with a good response and we look forward to welcoming vendors and buyers alike to the Royal Welsh Showground in September for the main sale.”
Auctioneers: Clee, Tomkinson and Francis, Hereford Market Auctioneers and McCartneys.
Southdowns top 2,000gns at Worcester
●
Shearling ewe leads female trade at 1,600gns
IT was a record-breaking day at the Southdown Sheep Society’s Premier Sale, Worcester, when Chaileybrook His Nibs 24/02116 topped the sale and set a new breed ram lamb record at 2,000gns.
This son of the home-bred sire Chaileybrook 18/00272 from Jonathan Long, Bishops Frome, Herefordshire, is out of a home-bred dam by the imported sire Dartagnan and had stood male and reserve overall champion in the pre-sale show.
After spirited bidding, this lamb, which had been male and reserve overall champion at the breed’s National Show and part of the reserve inter-breed pairs champions at Royal Three Counties earlier in the summer, was knocked down to young breeder Scarlett Hale for her
Sacombe flock, Hertfordshire, with the breeder retaining a half share.
Males
Second best in the males was a 1,000gns call for the second prize ram lamb from the pre-sale show from Annabel Halcrow’s Calley Castle flock. This was Calley Castle 24/00365, a son of Brant 21/00790 and out of a De Pibrac Max daughter. This one caught the eye of Stephen Cobbald for the Lavenham flock, Suffolk.
Also making 1,000gns was the best of the shearling rams on the day, East Dean 23/06237 from Stephen and Paul Humphrey, Chichester, West Sussex. This ram is by the home-bred East Dean 15/02345 and was taken by Gareth Lloyd Hughes, Aberystwyth.
Leading the female trade at 1,600gns was shearling ewe Bealiau Treasure from Louise and James
Trumper, Abergavenny. Sired by Beiliau Rex and out of a dam by De Pibrac 18/00299, it had been female and overall champion in the presale show and found a new home with Stephen Cobbald, Lavenham.
AVERAGES
16 shearling ewes, £486.28, 5 ewe
Jacobs realise 3,500gns high at Carlisle
THE Jacob Sheep Society’s Scottish Regional Show and Sale saw a top price of 3,500gns for the twohorned shearling ram Beiliau Churchill from Lyndon Trumper and family, Abergavenny.
By Kingarrow Hulk out of a Border Windrush-sired Lower Argoed dam, the ram had been reserve male champion at Three Counties and champion at the Royal Welsh shows this year before taking the top award in the Scottish sale and selling to G. and S. Wood, Bardsea, Ulverston. Taking the reserve champion and second top price of 1,600gns was Hope Roar, an early January-born
four-horned ram lamb by Hope Rory out of a Pike Field Braveheart-sired Hope ewe from Wyn and Siwan Harries, Llandeilo. The buyer was Euan Edmunds, Llandinam, Powys.
Ram lamb
Siwan, together with daughters Sara and Lois then made 900gns for a two-horned January-born ram lamb from their separate Gobaith flock which took second prize in class and sold to Messrs Hardman, Winster, Windermere.
A 1,000gns bid saw Hyndshaw Hunter, an early March-born fourhorned ram lamb by Dunmor Futter
from Helen Baillie, Carluke, selling to Ewen Macmillan, Fintry, Glasgow. The female trade peaked at 1,000gns for a four-horned Hope ewe lamb by Hope Lion Man which sold to Ian Forsyth, Aberlour, Perthshire. While at 650gns, Ridout and Higginson bought an Edingale two-horned ewe lamb by Pentre King Harp from Robert Locker, Greenlaw, Berwickshire.
Zwartbles Sheep Society sees rams sell to 3,000gns twice
PRICES reached 3,000gns twice for rams and 1,000gns for females at the Zwartbles Sheep Society sale at Carlisle. First at 3,000gns was Hayberries Moonraker from P. and S. Addison, Co Durham. A son of Selside Lamberton, this ram lamb took second prize in the pre-sale show after picking up first and third prize tickets at the Great Yorkshire and Northumberland
shows. The buyer was Messrs Owen, Abergele.
The other at 3,000gns was the male and overall reserve prize winner, a shearling ram from the Francis family, Carmarthen. Pistyll Laird, a Pistyll Fire Cracker son, sold to Messrs Millar, Lockerbie.
Top price female was Statesman LunaEclipse, the first daughter of the 2,000gns Top Notch King Kong to be
offered for sale from B. Stayt, Cheltenham. Out of the Statesman’s flock show ewe, this shearling gimmer sold to Messrs Kestell, Launceston.
Chaileybrook His Nibs, from Jonathan Long, Bishops Frome, Herefordshire, which sold for 2,000gns to Scarlett Hale, Hertfordshire, with the breeder retaining a half share.
Shearling ewe Bealiau Treasure, from Louise and James Trumper, Abergavenny, which sold for 1,600gns to Stephen Cobbald, Lavenham.
SUFFOLK females sold to 4,000gns at the production sale from J. Watson and Co’s Brijon flock, Bowsden, and the dispersal of C. and D. Timm’s Boothferry flock, Pickering, at Carlisle. The sale leader from the Brijon flock was a shearling gimmer by Jalex Jaegerbomb out of a home-bred Llwyn Welsh Border-sired ewe. It sold to Messrs Watts, Newton Abbott, who also paid 3,500gns for another shearling gimmer by the same sire out of a Strathbogie Buffalo Bill daughter, whose full brother sold for the top price of £9,000 at Kelso in 2022.
Shearling gimmer
The Boothferry flock topped at 2,600gns for a 2021-born ewe by Santon Sherman out of a home-bred dam by Pyeston Legacy. It sold to Messrs Alexander, Co Antrim, who also paid 2,000gns for a shearling gimmer by Boothferry Maverick, also out of a Legacy daughter. Also selling for 2,000gns was another by the same sire out of a Santon Sherman daughter which was knocked down to Messrs Gray and Son, Lanark.
TRADE was as hot as the weather at last week’s Thame Summer Sheep Fair, where 15,295-head sold through the ring over two days to achieve a record clearance of 99.4% at Thame showground.
White-faced sheep sold to a top price on Thursday of £350 a head for a pen of pure Texel theaves from G.E. Haynes and Son, Winslow.
Pens from Garfield Stephens, Kirby Bellars followed at £320 and £300, with the latter price achieved for a pen of three-quarter Texels, which took the trophy for the best pen of whitefaced sheep.
Entries from John Brown, Long Crendon, sold to £270 and David White, Eggington, to £265.
Texel cross Scotch Mules found strong demand at £265 from Westover Farms, Andover, and Harrison Brothers, Calverton, followed at £255. Texel cross North Country Mules from the same home sold at £250.
Micheal and June Cross, Blackthorn, sold a run of Texels out of Cheviot Mules to £275.
Cheviot Mules
Eleanor Barlow, Rowsham, sold her North Country Cheviots at £235 and Cheviot Mules from Rob and Caroline Mole, Chearlsey, topped at £222.
There were few Beltex crosses forward this year, and those that were topped at £270 for H. and B. Gardner, Tysoe. Lleyns sold to £228 from Glympton Farms, Glympton.
Suffolk cross theaves sold to a top price of £268 for the prize-winning pen of Suffolk cross North Country Cheviots from George Eaton, Buckingham, selling to the judge Frank Robson, Newcastle-upon-Tyne.
Pens of Suffolk cross North Country Cheviots from Conrad Lester, Radclive, sold to £260, while Garfield Stephens sold a run of Suffolk cross Scotch Mule to £265.
A record clearance of 99.4% was seen at Thame showground.
Red hot trade at Thame Sheep Fair
Friday saw the Mules judged by William Weatherson, Haltwhistle, who awarded the North of England Mule Sheep Association Cup for 60 or more to T.J. Smith and Son, Puxley, which went on to sell for £265.
The trophy for best pen was awarded to W.S. Robson, Otterburn, which later realised £232.
Older Mule ewes sold to £210 for a run of six-tooth and full mouths from Tommy Tustian, Epwell, saw his first four pens selling at the same price. An annual consignment from A. Pearson and Son, Towcester, followed topping at £182.
Theaves and doubles found strong demand, with F.C. Lester and Son selling their annual run of double theaves to top the section at £270 and other
pens selling at £265 and £262. Messrs S.F. and A.J. Deeming sold the top pen of their run at £265.
Store lambs
The 4,000 ewe and store lambs on offer sold to £145.50 for Texel cross Suffolks from G.D. Swerling and Son, Chalfont St Giles.
Suffolk cross Mule ewe lambs from H.J.H. Reynolds, Long Crendon, sold to £145, while Texel cross Cheviot Mule wether lambs from Micheal Cross, Blackthorn, topped his run at £138.
AVERAGES
North Country Mule theaves, £209; North Country Mule ewes, £169.10; Suffolk cross North Country Mule theaves, £221.22; Texel Mule theaves, £227.60; Texel cross Cheviot theaves, £239.68; Texel theaves, £249.59; Texel cross theaves, £229.50; Cheviot Mule theaves, £204.87; Beltex theaves, £239.65; Lleyn theaves, £208.18; Charollais theaves, £210.83; store lamb average, £101.19. Auctioneers: Greg MacDougall (Bentham Mart), Thomas Hiorns (Thame Farmers Mart) and Daniel Slade (Thame Farmers Mart).
Strong clearance for Suffolks
Thame Summer Sheep Fair saw 15,295-head sold through the ring over two days.
FROM Cornwall to Shetland and just about everywhere in between buyers flocked to the Northern Counties Branch Suffolk sale held at Borderway mart.
Stock saw keen demand on all fronts, with a total clearance rate of 86.16%.
Ram lambs sold to 6,500gns for an entry from Jimmy Douglas’ Cairness flock, Aberdeenshire. A single lamb by a home-bred tup Cairness Liam, which has sired lambs to 90,000gns, it sold to the Whitestone flock of G. Throup, Inverurie, Aberdeenshire.
Shearling rams saw a bigger entry than last year, with the 17 compared to nine. Top price was an entry from Anthony Glaves’ Brompton flock, Scarborough. The ram sired by Richill Real McCoy made 5,500gns to J.M. Robinson and Son, Grimsby.
The judge’s decision on the female champion, a gimmer from Clare Whitticase’s Glenmartin flock, was backed by the gavel achieving the highest price of 1,600gns.
Twin lamb
This was a twin lamb by Strathbogie Top Notch and out of a dam from the Lavenham flock. It goes to Powys to join the Delves’ Bridgeview flock. Gimmers were back on the year, with less sold at a lower price but an 82% clearance on the year averaging £638.89. Ewe lambs saw 100% clearance with an average of £669.38 up £138.38 on the numbers last year and a topping of 1,200gns for the reserve female champion, a lamb from the Buckley’s Sitlow flock, Buxton. Auctioneers: Harrison and Hetherington.
PICTURES: TIM SCRIVENER
Dutch Spotted in Spotlight
THE Spotlight sale of just under 100 Dutch Spotted sheep from a selection of vendors at Carlisle saw a top price of 10,000gns for a ram lamb, Derg Hercules, from S. Allen and A. Shortt. By the Irish sire, Coose Gareth, this lamb is a single out of Milltown Flossie. It was sold to Messrs Dodd, Lockerbie.
The same buyer paid the next best price of 2,000gns for a shearling gimmer, Boyo Go Girl, from H. Jewitt’s Sunnybank flock.
This one is an ET daughter of Car-
l Ronick herd sells to high of 6,000gns
COWS with calves at foot sold to a top price of 14,000gns twice at Carlisle, the major reduction sale of the Spittalton herd of Limousins from J. Burnett and Sons, Blairdrummond, Stirling.
First at top money was Spittalton Rena, a four-year-old cow by Burnbank Judge, with its October 2023-born heifer calf by Westpit Omaha at foot. Rena was sold back in-calf to Ampertaine Opportunity and the buyer was Messrs Campbell, Lanark. This was immediately followed by another four-year-old cow, this time by Burnbank Judge, and again incalf to Ampertaine Opportunity. With its heifer calf by Milbrook Playboy at foot, it sold to Messrs Thomson, Kilsyth.
At 12,000gns was Spittalton Mia, a 2016-born cow by Huntershall Jeronimo, with its fifth calf at foot, a bull calf
lauston Ego, out of Tiptop Fairy Glamour.
The sale included a guest consignment of Blue Texels from H. Jewitts’ Sunnybank and Show Winners flocks, with top money of 1,200gns paid by Messrs Jessop and Sons, Leicestershire, for a shearling gimmer. This was a Boyo Elite daughter, Manor House Haunt Damm.
AVERAGES: Overall, £1,131.66. Auctioneers: Harrison and Hetherington.
Derg Hercules, from S. Allen and A. Shortt, which sold for 10,000gns to Messrs Dodd, Lockerbie.
14,000gns top for Spittalton Limousins
by Ampertaine Opportunity. It sold back in-calf to Opportunity, with the hammer falling to Messrs Knaggs and Son, Darlington.
Cow
Two more outfits sold at 10,000gns, the first being four-year-old cow, Spittalton Rebecca with its Ampertaine Opportunity-sired bull calf at foot. This sold to Messrs Littleson, Argyll.
The other at the same money was a Whinfellpark Lomu-sired cow, Spittalton Sweetpea, with bull calf by Spittalton Smithy at foot. The buyer was Messrs Wright, Malton.
The sale included a consignment of cows and calves at foot from the Ronick herd from Messrs Dick, Stirling, and these sold to 6,000gns for black double F second calver Ronick Rumba with its black bull calf by Ampertaine Jamboree at foot. The oufit sold to Messrs Beattie, Forfar.
AVERAGES: Spittalton - 47 cows/heifers with calves, £5,502; 1 stock bull, £9,450; 10 in-calf cows/heifers, £3,465; 16 maiden heifers, £3,117; 5 recipients, £2,016; Ronick – 12 cows/heifers with calves, £3,999; Frogmore herd – 1 maiden heifer, £5,040. Auctioneers: Harrison and Hetherington.
Oxfords reach a high of 1,550gns at Worcester
TOP call at the Oxford Down Society’s Premier Sale at Worcester was a 1,550gns bid for a shearling ram from A.W. Rutherford, Gretna, Dumfriesshire, in the form of Langrigg 977/23/12426. Setting a new centre record for the breed, this one is by Billesdons Braveheart and out of a dam by Beswickhall Cherrytom. It sold to Martin Johnson, Northants, for his Longfriday flock.
Then making 1,200gns and setting a new breed record for an Oxford female was a shearling ewe from the same home, Langrigg 977/23/12418. This is another by Billesdons Braveheart and is out of a dam by Langrigg Illidan. Buying this one was Roland Williams, Aberystwyth, for the Greenlands flock.
A 1,000gns sale followed that for the pre-sale show champion, a ram lamb Monkstone 985/24/01854 from M.F.S. Brown, Tenby, Pembrokeshire. Again setting a breed record for a ram lamb, this son of Greenlands Ystwyth Lad is out of a Pirnie Tim daughter and
was sold in a partnership deal to Jack Richardson, York, for the Rose-Dene flock and Richard Hampshire, York, for his Prospect flock.
Record-breaking
Continuing the record-breaking theme, at 600gns was a ewe lamb Redhouse 1189/24/01892 from J.W.S Brown, Pembrokeshire, setting a new breed record for a ewe lamb. Sired by
Sale leader, a shearling ram, from A.W. Rutherford, Gretna, Dumfriesshire, which sold for 1,550gns to Martin Johnson, Northants.
Greenlands Ystwyth Lad and out of a dam by Monkstone Barney, it found a new home with Roger and Sue Banks, Norfolk, for the Thistledown flock.
DERBYSHIRE’S Sam Driver, Sandy Lane flock, Chisworth, Glossop, clinched back-to-back supreme championships at the third annual show and sale of Dorset Horn and Poll Dorset sheep staged at CCM Skipton Auction Mart on behalf of the Northern Dorset Breeders Club.
As in 2023, he claimed leading honours with his first prize shearling ram and male champion, Sandy Lane Formula 1 F8173, an October 2022-born son of Downkillybegs Enhancer E13. Out a home-bred dam by Byeways Zizi Z708, the overall supreme made a sale-topping 600gns when heading to Powys, Wales, to join R.M. Ryder Contracting, Welshpool.
Second best price was 540gns paid for a shearling ram, Sandy Lane Francis F8472, from Helen Driver, Derbyshire. This 2022-born son of Poorton D381 Dynamite is out of a Byeways ewe daughter of Pembroke Chief C34. It heads to Cumbria with C. Roper.
Female
Champion female was the first prize ewe lamb from Sheila Gray’s, Burley flock, Burley-in-Wharfedale. This 2023 first crop daughter of Ricchill Frazer, acquired last year as a ram lamb, is out of a home-bred dam by Huish Apollo A14047. It went on to sell for the female top price of 460gns to R.H. and C.M. Lea, Braithwaite, Harrogate. Of the 75 head forward 58 successfully found new homes.
THE first store sheep sale of the season at Ashford was supported by Farmers Guardian and saw more than 6,000 store lambs penned with a big crowd around the ring.
Auctioneer John Rossiter said: “Some vendors assumed that store prices would increase exponentially due to the incredibly high hogget prices in spring. Unfortunately, this simply is not sustainable and buyers are cautious of the trade moving forward.
“The overall average of £89/ head was down on last year, but, in my opinion, it was a very similar trade with the overall quality of the entry not at the same level as we saw 12 months ago.
“A large amount of the stronger,
Steady trade for store lambs at Ashford sale
To find out where we will be next, go to farmersguardian.com/mth-roadshow
fleshed lambs have already been sold in the finished section this year and we also had approximately
1,000 smaller, long-term lambs on offer this year which pulled the overall average down.
Similar level
“With August still ahead of us, and many finishers facing uncertain times ahead regarding winter keep crops due to the new arable schemes and so on, to see the trade at a similar level to last year was
really where expectations should have been.”
Strong lambs, generally, were more than £100/head and the best over £110/ head. Trade peaked at £117 for strong Charollais crosses from D. Howard Farms, Rye. Top call in the Texel section went to Alex Pynn, Canterbury, at £114, which was equalled by J. Biddle, Edenbridge, with Charollais crosses. Auctioneers: Hobbs Parker.
More than
The sale attracted a big crowd around the ring.
Auctioneer John Rossiter
The sale saw an overall average of £89/head, which was down on last year.
6,000 store lambs were penned at Ashford.
Ty-Gwyn Hot Chick, a ewe lamb from Brian Davies, Haverfordwest, which sold for 7,000gns to Messrs Jones, Ffairfach.
Gisty, a shearling gimmer from Alastair Jackson, Annan, which sold for 6,000gns to Messrs Thompson, Yeovil.
Top price of 7,000gns for Carlisle Dutch Spotted
l Male champion sold for total of 3,200gns
PRICES peaked at 7,000gns for females and 4,200gns for rams at the Dutch Spotted summer selection society show and sale at Carlisle.
The sale topper was Ty-Gwyn Hot Chick from Brian Davies, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire. This January-born ewe lamb was by McDermotts Fireman and out of a home-bred ewe, Ty-Gwyn Fabulous. It took second prize in the ewe lamb class before selling to Messrs Jones, Ffairfach, Llandelio.
Middle herd tops at 3,900gns
THE major reduction of the Middle herd of Ayrshires and Red and Whites from the Whiteford family, Brampton, topped at 3,900gns.
This was for Middle Jean KM 2, a second calver by Whiteflat King Marty. Classified VG86 as a three-year-old, it sold to the Bryson family, Mauchline.
Selling for 3,300gns was Middle Marigold by Middle Ellard, bred from an EX dam which classified VG87 as a three-year-old and is bred back to Troutbeck Show Stopper. The buyers were the Danforth family, Tadcaster.
The young cow Middle Jean MH by Middle Hero sold for 3,100gns to Messrs Pryce, Llansanffraid.
Middle Princess TSS, a second calver by Troutbeck Show Stopper, was knocked down for 3,000gns to the Logan family, Ayrshire.
AVERAGES
179 cows in-milk, £2,125.36.
Auctioneers: Harrison and Hetherington.
Next best among the females was 6,000gns paid for Tiptop Gisty, a shearling gimmer which stood reserve in the female judging before taking the reserve overall title in the pre-sale show for breeder Alastair Jackson, Annan, Dumfriesshire.
Gisty was a Sea The Stars daughter out of the home-bred Tiptop Evening Mist. Its grand dam, Bellino, won first prize in the aged ewe class at the Great Yorkshire Show. The hammer fell to Messrs Thompson, Yeovil, Somerset.
Rams
The top price ram was a shearling, Glencloy Grounds Keeper Willie, from Liam Campbell, Ballymena, Co Antrim. By Ellipsis and out of
Glencoy Dream, it had won its class in the pre-sale show before selling to Cannon Hall Farm, Barnsley.
At 3,500gns was the March-born Merryboro He’s The Man, from Tom and Louise Nash, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire. Sired by the home-bred tup Merryboro Gladiator, and out of Lady Million, it sold to Messrs McCornick, Wigtown.
First prize
The first prize ram lamb and male champion, Irthing Valley He’s The Boss, from Nick Brown, Irthington, Carlisle, sold for 3,200gns to Messrs Jones, Ffairfach.
The son of Tank, out of a homebred ewe, was reserve male champion at the Royal Highland and Great Yorkshire shows this year.
At the same money was the second prize ram lamb and reserve male champion, Aberhonddu Hercules, bred by D. Witcombe and C. Morgan, Brecon, Powys. This lamb was sired by Diamond Fernandez and out of the 4,200gns Sunnybank Extra Spesh. It went home with Messrs Groucott, Gwent, who also paid 2,800gns for a Casanova-sired ram lamb, Lochlad Hitman, from A. and P. Parker, Lochmaben, Lockerbie.
A PEAK Altavelvet heifer giving 32kg from Blackburn vendor G.D. Donkin’s Copdon herd made the top price of £3,500 at Gisburn Auction Mart’s first dairy sale of the month, where pedigree heifers levelled at £2,363.
The sale leader was from the herd’s Pretzel family, out of a 13,263kg Peak Hotjob sired-dam. At £2,600 was another Copdon heifer, also by Altavelvet and from the Pretzel family.
However, the Hollinshall herd of R.C. and S.W. Beecroft, Killinghall, Harrogate, provided the sale’s second top price of £2,800, with a Stantons Adorable heifer from the extensive Pearl family. Another from Hollinshall, Batman Kim 29, sold at £2,650.
A bid of £2,780 came for a 35kg
heifer from M. Bell and Son, Askrigg, North Yorkshire. The Metcalfe Farms-bred Washfold Ann 50 was by Denovo Kenmore and out of a 14,000kg ABS Mayday dam.
R. and M. Cowgill, Little Hoole, Preston, took a £2,620 bid on their Hoole Fisherman Marie 3 out of a Delta Builder dam.
Non-registered
Non-registered fresh heifers peaked at £2,670 for an entry from J. and B. Rowland, Haighton, Preston, and then Jennings Farmers, Ripon, sold at £2,600.
A Jackbeck second calver by Rubicon, with 13 generations of VG/EX behind it, made £2,500 for A.H. Price and Son, Clapham, Lancaster.
A strong trade for in-calf heifers saw two non-registered entries
Gisburn
from Messrs Rowland, both in-calf to Angus, at £1,980 and £1,820, with two from W. Rathmell, Tong, Bradford, which were in-calf to Hereford, at £1,820 and £1,800.
Pedigree
Pedigree in-calvers from G.W. and M. Coates and Son, Baildon, sold to £1,780 and £1,680 for OCD Ferraro daughters, which were in-calf to a Moorside Hereford bull and due in October and November.
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SALE AT SHORT NOTICE
MONDAY 19 AUGUST (10.30am) AT MARKET DRAYTON MARKET, TF9 3SW
(moved from Farlow, Cleobury Mortimer, for sale convenience)
DISPERSAL SALE OF THE CIS RECORDED HERD OF 100 AYRSHIRES & SHORTHORNS
★ 100 milking cows and heifers to be sold in calving order ★
★ 7,000L ★ Grazed herd ★ Spring bias ★ Cubicles ★
★ On Behalf of BJ Rodenhurst & Son ★
FRIDAY 30 AUGUST (10.30am)
AT MARKET DRAYTON MARKET, TF9 3SW
(moved from Belbroughton, Stourbridge, for sale convenience)
MARKET DRAYTON MARKET LTD
DISPERSAL SALE OF THE NOTED PEDIGREE HARBORNE HERD OF 210 HOLSTEIN FRIESIANS
Prize shows and sales of STORE CATTLE & SUCKLED CALVES YOUNG CALVES
Entries close Wednesday 14th August Kindly sponsored by
BEEF BREEDING CATTLE
Wednesday 21st August
Entries close Wednesday 14th August
258 PEDIGREE HOLSTEIN CATTLE
Wednesday 21st August
Show 10.00am Sale 11.00am
On behalf of Border & Lakeland Holstein Club Followed by
The BOCLAIR BRIGHT FUTURES SALE
For J. Brewster, Boclair Farm, Bearsdem, Glasgow
31 Cows & Heifers In Milk - 33 In-Calf Heifers –65 Bulling & Maiden Heifers
The BOCLAIR Holstein herd is phenomenal on PRODUCTION, TYPE, LONGEVITY & GENETICS
Without exception this is the BEST group of Holstein cattle to ever sell from the Boclair herd. The commercial aspects of this herd should not be ignored with a large emphasis placed on health & fertility traits. Currently production is running at 12963kgs 3.95% 3.26% with 63 Excellent cows (7 Excellent 94 & 6 Excellent 93) There are 128 Very Goods this includes 26 Very Good milking heifers! Yes, the BEST from the Boclair herd sell. The first animal to sell in this special event will be the Champion Heifer & Champion Udder from the recent Lanarkshire Summer Herd Competition. Boclair Lambda Lilyan 2 VG86 2yr. The heifers selling are bred from all the BIG NAMES within the herd including; Hope, Royalty, Elegance, Barbara, Roxy, Vision, Marie, Joan & Dellia. The special group of milkers are a standout group with the BEST daughters of Lambda, Haniko & King Doc selling. The in-calf heifers are due from September to Pursuit, Zoar & Conway sexed; the bulling/maiden heifers are sired mostly by Lambda with the majority bred from several generations of EX or VG dams followed by the
LISMULLIGAN BRITISH FRIESIAN HEIFER SALE
For B Lawson & Sons, North Cassingray, Largoward, Fife
This is an excellent opportunity to purchase top quality British Friesian cattle from one of the UK’s leading herds. The Lismulligan sale consists of 30 exceptional heifers from 17 months down to 9 months old. (full details next week)
AUGUST RAM FAIR & BREEDING EWES
Friday 23rd August
Entries close Wednesday 14th August
VALAIS BLACKNOSE SHEEP
Friday 23rd & Saturday 24th August
National Show & Sale of rams and females
On behalf of Valais Blacknose Sheep Society UK
For full details of eventvalaisblacknosesheepsociety.co.uk
Show and sale of HOLSTEIN FRIESIAN & BRITISH FRIESIAN BULLS
Monday 9th September
On behalf of Border & Lakeland Holstein Club
Entries close Friday 16th August
Annual show and sale of Rare & Minority Breeds of SHEEP, CATTLE, GOATS & PIGS
Saturday 21st September
Including official shows and sale for Dexter & Longhorn cattle, Kerry Hill, Hebridean and Manx Lonaghtan sheep
Entries close Monday 12th August
Also SHETLAND SHEEP
Entries close Friday 23rd August
Also POULTRY, WATERFOWL & CAGED BIRDS
Entries close Monday 12th August
Registered and unregistered JACOB SHEEP
Saturday 21st September
Entries close Friday 16th September
PEDIGREE SHEEP FAIR
Shows & Sales of MV accredited rams and females Friday 27th September
BELTEX
Entries close Friday 23rd August
Registered LLEYN SHEEP
Entries close direct with Society
Saturday 28th September TEXEL
On behalf of Solway & Tyne Texel Breeders Club Pre-sale entries close with Society Sunday 18th August
Show and sale of PEDIGREE ABERDEEN ANGUS CATTLE
Wednesday 2nd October
Entries close Friday 16th August
Show and sale of PEDIGREE LIMOUSIN BULLS
Friday 18th & Saturday 19th October
Entries close Friday 23rd August
ONLINE SALES
WORKING SHEEPDOG & UNBROKEN PUPPIES
Bidding starts 30th August finishing from 1st September
Entries close Wednesday 21st August
LOCKERBIE MART
Tel: 01576 202332
Show and sale of NC CHEVIOT “PARK” RAMS & FEMALES
Wednesday 18th September
Entries close Tuesday 13th Augus
Show and sale of NC CHEVIOT “HILL” RAMS
Wednesday 25th September
Entries close Tuesday 13th August
ON SITE SALE
Ladies In Red
30 PEDIGREE LIMOUSIN FEMALES
Saturday 24th August
Show 10.00am Sale 1.00pm
30 females including the Mobenis dispersal sale 8 females 16 lots embryos
Ballymena Auction Mart, Ballymena BT42 4QJ
H&H Group plc (H&H) SALE OF 5112 SHARES OF £1 EACH IN H&H GROUP PLC BY AUCTION
Wednesday 14th August 2024 at 12.00 noon In Ring 1 at Borderway Mart, Carlisle If you are unable to attend the auction you can make alternative arrangements to purchase shares either by phone or by leaving commission bids with Margaret Irving on 01228 406334, 07912 485326 or margaret.irving@hhgroupplc.co.uk
Please note that copies of the Annual Report for the period to 30th June 2023 and Interim Report to 31st December 2023 are available on our website at http://hhgroupplc.co.uk/share-news/
Please note that only existing shareholders or restricted investors will be permitted to bid for these shares. If you are Interested in purchasing shares you should contact Margaret Irving to establish whether they meet the eligibility criteria under relevant legislation.
Investments in shares are for the long term. The value of your investment and the income derived from it can go down as well as up and you may get back less than you originally invested. You should not invest unless you are prepared to lose the money you invest. Investment is high risk and you may not be protected if something goes wrong.
If you are in any doubt about purchasing shares, you should consult an independent financial advisor authorised under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000.
This financial promotion has been approved by SPARK Advisory Partners Limited (“SAPL”) under s21 of the Financial Services and Markets Act. SAPL is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. SAPL makes no recommendation as to the suitability of shares in H&H Group plc as an investment.
PLEASE SCAN TO VIEW OUR ONLINE CATALOGUES
NORTH WEST AUCTIONS
LIVESTOCK
10.30am PRIME LAMBS & CAST SHEEP
Friday 16th August
10.15am 150 REARING CALVES & WEANLINGS
10.15am 150 CAST / OTM CATTLE 11.15am 300 STORE CATTLE
Monday 19th August
OPENING SALE OF STORE LAMBS
Wednesday 21st August
SHOW & SALE OF BREEDING EWES & SHEARLINGS
Followed by ‘LANCASTER LADS’ Show & Sale of Terminal Sire Breeding Rams
Wednesday 18th September
SHOW & SALE OF GIMMER LAMBS
Followed by Second Sale of Breeding Ewes & Rams Catalogue Entries by Friday 23rd August
Sunday 11th August 11am
NWTBC Sale of 271 Pedigree Texel Rams & Females
Tuesday 13th August
10.30am ALL CLASSES OF PIGS 1pm PRIME LAMBS & CAST SHEEP
Thursday 15th August
10.30am FORTNIGHTLY SALE OF STORE LAMBS
Saturday 17th August 10.30am
Sale of RARE & MINORITY LIVESTOCK BREEDS Sale of POULTRY, WATERFOWL & EQUIPMENT
AUCTION MART
Monday 19th August Annual Production Sale of THE WHITELEY HEY FLOCK On behalf of Mr Paul Slater In conjunction with Darlington Farmers Auction Mart
SHOW & SALE OF BREEDING EWES & SHEARLINGS Catalogue Entries by Friday 2nd August
Thursday 29th August 10.30am SHOW & SALE OF CONTINENTAL & SUFFOLK GIMMER LAMBS
Followed by FORTNIGHTLY SALE OF STORE LAMBS
Thursday 5th September ‘LADS NIGHT OUT’ Evening Show & Sale of Terminal Sire Breeding Rams
Catalogue Entries by Wednesday 14th August
Friday 13th September 10am
AMBLESIDE FAIR - Show & Sale of Mule, Masham, Rough Fell Mule & Cheviot Mule Gimmer Lambs Catalogue Entries by Friday 23rd August
Saturday 14th September 10am
GREAT ANNUAL SALE OF NORTH OF ENGLAND MULE GIMMER LAMBS
Catalogue Entries by Friday 23rd August
Saturday 21st September - PEDIGREE SHEEP DAY
Society Sales on Behalf of Northern Beltex Club, Blue Texel, Badger Face & Dutch Spotted.
Catalogue Entries by Friday 16th August
Followed By Second Sale of Breeding Ewes
WEEKLY STORE LAMB SALE
Saturday 10th August 10am - 600 Cages of poultry plus 200 lots of dead stock & hatching eggs
Monday 12th August 11am - Ballot entries close Thurs 8th August. Further entries accepted on the sale day.
Tuesday 13th August 12.30pmPrime Lambs & Cull Ewes
Thurs 22nd- Sat 24th August - Intake of Items until Thurs 15th August Via appointment.
FORTHCOMING SALES
Sale of Mule & Continental Ewes & Shearlings
Friday 30th August – Entries close Tues 20th Aug
Sale of Vintage & Classic Tractors plus Associated Parts & Machinery - Saturday 31st August
Pre Sale catalogued entries close Thurs 22nd August.
CLAIMING DATE
Friday 27th September Sale of Modern Farm Machinery, Livestock Equipment plus the usual sundries. PURE BRED POULTRY SALE
Monday 12th August Weekly Fatstock Sale Monthly Prime Lamb Show Sponsored by Martin Ellis Feed Solutions Friday 16th August at 11am Sale of Store & Breeding Cattle Inc 1 Cow & 3 AAx Heifers With Lim Calves @ Foot Young Bulls, Feeding Cows & 250+ Quality Store Cattle Calves at 11.30am
Thursday 22nd August at 11am Catalogue Sale of Shearlings followed by Rams, Ewes & Store Lamb
Saturday 24th August at 10.30am
SHORTLIST REVEALED
It’s decision time as we reveal the shortlist for Mart’s the Heart Awards, so register your vote at britishfarmingawards.co.uk/martstheheart, scan the QR code below or send o the form on the opposite page.
Supported by
CARMARTHEN
In association with
HEXHAM AND NORTHERN
YEAR
MARKET DRAYTON
SKIPTON
CARMARTHEN Mart had a di icult few years preceding its closure in 2020, leading to the owners, Carmarthen County Council, to advertise a public tendering process. Nock Deighton Agricultural proved successful and reopened the mart in March 2022. It now sells 1,000 sheep, 100 dairy cattle, 250 calves, 250 store cattle and 70 barren cows weekly, as well as 300 weanlings and 80 bovine TB-restricted store cattle monthly, plus machinery. There is still room for improvement at Carmarthen, but it shows what a dedicated and hardworking team can achieve.
CLITHEROE CAFE
CLITHEROE CAFE is over the moon to be nominated for Cafe of the Year. In May 2021, it was invited to re-open and provide the catering facilities at Clitheroe Auction Mart. The menu has seasonal daily specials and caters for all tastes, from a bacon sandwich to a full carvery for any occasion. It serves co ee and a delicious selection of cakes and pastries made by its own on-site pastry chef. It uses only fresh local produce and is very proud of the team, who have helped create a welcoming and friendly environment for diners.
JOE BOWMAN
(Harrison and Hetherington)
JOE Bowman grew up on a farm near Carlisle, where early exposure to the agricultural lifestyle laid a strong foundation for his future career. In 2015, he joined Harrison and Hetherington and began his auctioneering journey by selling poultry and small machinery. Joe takes pride in working for both sellers and buyers, treating every client with the same level of respect and commitment whether they have one sheep or a thousand. He firmly believes in seller equality, ensuring that every sale is conducted fairly and transparently.
HEXHAM and Northern Marts is honoured and delighted to be recognised and nominated for this award. The company is renowned for having a warm welcome, its customer service, integrity and ambition and its core values. Perfectly situated near the A69 and A68 to serve the agricultural community of the north of England and the Scottish Borders, the centre provides great business opportunities and regularly holds social events for the wider community.
MARKET Drayton is honoured to be shortlisted for this award and gives its sincere thanks to all its clients who use the market and have contributed to its success. It is the team ethos from director through to drover who all display that passion and ‘can do’ approach in order to make the market thrive. Its aim is to enhance its client’s livestock marketing experience by bringing together the rural community and o ering a facility where service and trade matter. Coupled with ever-changing technology, it tries to keep its buyers and sellers informed on a daily and weekly basis.
AUCTION CAFE OF THE YEAR
DOT’S CAFE, DARLINGTON
THE MARKET CAFE, HEREFORD
SKIPTON Auction Mart, owned and operated by CCM Auctions, serves the needs of customers both local and countrywide, with a full range of prime, store, breeding, pedigree, sheepdog and machinery sales. Sales are two days per week year-round, rising to four to six days at busy times. The compact team of auctioneers, o ice and yard sta strive to o er the best possible service they can to all clients at every stage of the marketing experience, welcoming customers to its modern and easily accessible mart on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales.
THE ROSTRUM CAFE, SELBY
DOT’S Cafe is led by Dorothy Macdonald, a farmer’s daughter whose heritage spans six generations. Dorothy’s upbringing instilled a profound respect for farming and the environment. She supports this by sourcing local ingredients, turning them into hearty meals and homemade desserts. Dorothy champions British farming, promoting its importance with passion and education. Dot’s Cafe serves as a welcoming community hub where people gather for good food and conversation. Dorothy and her team ensure exceptional service, going the extra mile to make everyone feel at home.
MEGAN DOWSON (Darlington Farmers Auction)
GROWING up around farms in the local area, Megan knew the importance of auctions. Since joining Darlington in 2022, she has learned the trade from the bottom up, and recently established a calf sale. She has enjoyed both the time in the rostrum and on-farm building relationships with farmers. Her aim as an auctioneer is to forge, encourage and build on trusting relationships, being a constant in the customer’s life when everything else in the industry can be volatile.
THE Market Cafe has been run by Jenifer Gore and family for the last 15 years. With all food made to order, the team provides a heartwarming service to all customers from near and far. Their focus is on using local ingredients and creating good, wholesome food, but listening and caring is just as important. The cafe also champions and donates to many charities and support visits from the NHS Health Check team and local health counsellors who provide invaluable support for all.
OF THE YEAR
GEORGE STARKIE (Clitheroe Auction)
ALTHOUGH not originally from a farming background, George always dreamed of having a career in agriculture. He first started working at Clitheroe as a clerk, then as a drover, eventually moving on to auctioneering – all while studying a degree in agriculture at Myerscough College. Although he loves the auctioneering side of the role, George says he also enjoys meeting new people and building long-lasting relationships with customers, which is key for an auction mart to thrive.
JUSTINE Bloom took over the running of the cafe more than five years ago along with a small team of ladies, who meet you with a warm and cheeky welcome. They serve good, old-fashioned, hearty, locallysourced, quality food – from a bacon butty, to a traditional full English breakfast, to the highly acclaimed roast dinners, where all meat is supplied by regular wholesale buyers at the mart. All cakes are homemade by Justine, who also o ers outside catering and private functions.
BEN WILSON
(Thirsk Farmers Auction)
NOW 18, Ben first started selling cast sheep on joining Thirsk at 16, and now sells all the store and breeding sheep, taking over the pig section last November and selling a few cattle. Coming from a family farm, he appreciates the role auction marts play in the agricultural industry, not just for business but for friendships and socialising. He says that since he first picked up a gavel and has been able to do what he loves from such a young age, he has been living the dream.
AUCTION MART OF THE
STAND BEHIND YOUR MARKETS
THIS YEAR’S JUDGING PANEL
CHRIS DODDS
Executive secretary for the Livestock Auctioneers’ Association which represents livestock markets in England and Wales.
RICHARD WEBBER
Director of Shearwell Data, the UK’s largest animal tag manufacturer, based at Whedmoor Cross, Exmoor. He also farms 405 hectares.
MYSTERY JUDGE
This year’s mystery judge of the Auction Cafe category will remain anonymous until the awards evening.
THE 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
MART’S THE HEART
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.
Submit your vote for the chance to win a £200 M&S voucher.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Go to britishfarmingawards.co.uk/mart, or fill in and return this form
AUCTION MART OF THE
Carmarthen
Hexham and Northern
Market Drayton
Skipton
NEW AUCTIONEER OF THE
Joe Bowman, Harrison and Hetherington
Megan Dowson, Darlington Farmers Auction
George Starkie, Clitheroe Auction
Ben Wilson, Thirsk Farmers Auction
AUCTION CAFE OF THE YEAR
Clitheroe Cafe
Dot’s Cafe, Darlington
The Market Cafe, Hereford
The Rostrum Cafe, Selby
Bakewell Market Results - Monday 5th August
570 Cattle & 1,285 Sheep - Full report available on our website Store Cattle Special Entries for Monday 12th August
*14 Ped & Pure Hfd Cows with Hfd Calves at foot
*8 Ped & Pure Hfd Cows with 10 Pure Hfd Calves at foot, 1 Hfd Stock Bull ADVANCED WARNING FOR MONDAY 19TH AUGUST
6 Ped L Horn Cows & Calves
10 Ped L Horn Hfrs, 24 mnths
6 L Horn Hfrs, 11-13 mnths
T HURSDAY LUNCHTIME WEEKLY SHEEP SALE
Entries/Enquiries, contact Ivor Lowe: on 07977 449126 or Peter Oven on 07973 982443 Follow on Facebook for up to date details on Special Entries
Wheels, Tyres and Tractor Sundries Workshop Items, Incubators, Sundries and E ects
SPATH FARM HOUSE, ASHBOURNE ROAD, UTTOXETER ST14 5AP SATURDAY 24TH AUGUST 2024 AT 10.30AM EVENTS/MARQUEE AUCTION SALE Marquees, Furniture, Lighting, Bar Equipment, Dance Floors Together with
2 Ferguson Diesel Tractors, Mercedes Sprinter LWB Van, General Sundries and E ects
New Holland T5.110 4WD c/w Loader, Ford 6610 4WD, Diesel Forklift Machinery And Implements, Large Range of Workshop Items Hay and Straw, Sundries And E ects, Non-VAT Items
Catalogues are available to download at www.bagshaws.com Email: olivia.fernihough@bagshaws.com
www.bagshaws.com
WORCESTER MARKET, WR4 0SQ
SATURDAY 10th AUGUST
Loosebeare and Whitehart 8th Texel Production Sale
50 Shearling Ewes Sale at 11.00am
Genuine Dispersal Sale of the Highly respected, successful & renowned Haydon Flock (Haydon House Partnership) of Pedigree Bleu Du Maine Sheep
61 Females, 8 Rams, 8 Rouge Females
Follow us on
Sale at 12.30pm
Worcester Black Diamond Show & Sale of Zwartbles Sheep
Show at 10.00am, Sale at 11.00am
Regulated by RICS
Cotswold Sheep Society National Show & Sale
Show Friday 9th August at 5.30pm,
Sale Saturday 10th August at 12.45pm
Show & Sale of Llanwenog Sheep
Males & Females
Show at 12noon, Sale at 1.30pm
Online bidding available via Marteye
For more information and catalogues,
Contact Worcester Office on 01905 769770
015
SEDGEMOOR AUCTION CENTRE
Thursday 15th August at 11.00am with the Heifer Calves The August Collective Dairy Sale
✰ 45 MAY – JULY CALVED COWS & HEIFERS (subject to a successful TB test). Herd Average: 7,500 kgs
✰ 44 INCALF HEIFERS from PD & JL Biss, GJ Dalton, Edge, Rowlestone Court, Stbridesvalley & PH & DA Winter (Dispersal)
✰ 43 BULLING & YEARLING HEIFERS from Allerways, PJ Searle & Son & AH Warren Trust (ORGANIC)
✰ 18 HEIFER CALVES from AH Warren Trust (ORGANIC) & GJ Dalton ** Live bidding on MartEye, please register in advance at gth.marteye.ie **
Tuesday 13th August at 10.30am
Fortnightly Sale Of 6000 STORE LAMBS Note earlier start time
Wednesday 14th August 10.30am GENUS DAIRY EXTRAVAGANZA Pedigree & Commercial Classes 11am 100-150 Rearing Calves inc. 2.30pm 2500 Cast Ewes & Hoggs followed by 2500-3000 Spring Lambs
Wednesday 14th August at 7pm
TWO AUCTION MART SHARES FOR SALE
Saturday 17th August at 10am
THE RAM-PAGE - 580 RAMS 62 Charollais (MV Acc.) & 3 Berrichon (MV Acc.) followed by 27 Dutch Spotted, Blue & Dutch Texel, 61 Suffolk, 75 Beltex, 238 XBR, 114 Texel
Tuesday 20th August
FARMERS STIRKS & YOUNG STORES
Friday 23rd August
BENTHAM BELTERS Pedigree & Commercial Elite
Breeding Female Sheep Entries close Friday 9th August
Tuesday 27th August
Fortnightly Sale of Store Lambs
Friday 30th/ Saturday 31st August
Two Day Show & Sale of BREEDING EWES & GIMMER SHEARLINGS
Entries for catalogue close Friday 16th August
Tuesday 3rd September
Annual Sale of 1000 Store Bullocks & Heifers Entries for catalogue close Friday 23rd August
Turner & Son AUCTIONEERS VALUERS & ESTATE AGENTS Est 1803
Office: 01325 464 529
The Darlington Farmers Auction Mart Humbleton Park I Darlington I DL2 2XX
FRIDAY 23RD AUGUST
FULL FARM DISPERSAL SALE on behalf ofJ E Stobbs & Son, Killerby Hall
Sale to be held on site at Darlington Farmers Auction Mart, Sale to Commence at 10.30AM
Inventory
New Holland T7050 (2007)6600 hours
New Holland T6080 (2009)5300 hours
Merlo P32.6 Top (2015) To Be Sold With Pallet Tines 7550 hours
Pre sale on-site viewing on Fri 16th August 10am to 4.30pm & until 11am on the day of sale.
Exhibition Hall Items – Selling at 9.30am
1000 Lots to include; The usual selection of new & used power & hand tools; workshop items; joiners tools; gardening tools; Lawnmowers, Strimmers, Chainsaws & Stone Saws; Cement Mixers; cast iron memorabilia; garden machinery, furniture & ornaments, bygones; bicycles & many other miscellaneous lots too numerous to mention. Please Note – Hall Entries now Closed.
Implements etc. – Located in the Mart Field - Selling at 10am
Entries to date include; McHale V550 Round Baler (2013); Marshall S10 Tipping Trailer c/w Extn. (2010); 2.5Tn Tipping Trailer & One Other; Kverneland TA9042 Rake (1998); Krone 280CV Mower Conditioner (2007); Richie Traileyre; Kverneland PB100 (2001) & 3 Furr. Ploughs; Kuhn 4 Mtr Power Harrow & One Other; Set Discs; Sitrex 300 & Lely Fert. Spreaders; Logic & Other ATV Trailers & Snacker; PTO Cement Mixer, Rock Venom Log Splitter & One Other, Saw Bench; 2.4 Mtr Snow Plough; JCB Hydr. Packs; 2 Link Boxes; Elddis Caravan; Concrete Panels & Pipes; IAE Calf Creep; Tipping Skips; Oak Barrells; Gates, Timber & Wire; Qty Firewood, etc. etc.
Tractors, Vehicles, ATV’s etc – Selling at 12 Noon
Entries to date include; Massey-Ferguson 5455 4Wd Tractor (2004/6100hrs) with Fore End Loader; Massey-Ferguson 4355 4wd Tractor (2004/6300hrs) with Fore End Loader; International 238 Tractor (1979); Ferguson TEA20 Tractor (1950); JCB 2CX Digger & 4Wd Forklift; Toyota Hilux Invincible (2012); Skoda Fabia (2013); Peugeot Partner (2011); Peugeot 207 (2011); 2 Ford Transits (2011 & 2005); Ford Fiesta (2016); Kia Sportage (2008); Nissan Navara (2019); Nissan Qashqai (2007); Landrover Freelander (2001); Landrover Defender (2002); Iveco Daily (2012); Renault Scenic (2007); Vauxhall Corsa (2011); Triumph Herald (1971); Cushman Hauler UTV (2016); Yamaha Kodiak 400cc ATV & One other; Husqvarna Pro-Rider 15 & 16; Tiga Combi 85 & Lawnflite Ride On Mowers, etc. Further Field Entries Expected & Invited.
Entries & Enquiries to Chris Armstrong 07808 721957
Please join our email list on our collective and machinery website page to get catalogues and updates about these and dispersal sales
WEDNESDAY 14 AUGUST – 11AM
HOLSWORTHY MARKET, DEVON. EX22 7FA
Sale of approx. 170 Dairy Cattle.
To include a quality entry of fresh calvers. PLUS Dispersal consignment of 40 Fresh/In Milk Cows and Heifers and 20 In Calf Heifers from the pedigree ‘Bucourt’ herd PLUS a consignment of Youngstock (In Calf Heifers to Bulling Heifers) from the pedigree & classified ‘Elmford’ herd on behalf of DM & SA Martin of Highampton . Herd Average 8788Kgs 4.33%BF 3.52%PTN 50% of animals included in the sale are red and white and bred out of multiple generation VG/EX dams.
FORTHCOMING SALES
Wednesday 28th August – Holsworthy Market
First consignment of Dispersal Sale of 60 fresh and summer calving Dairy Cattle On behalf of Messrs IR & JA Johns, Bude, Cornwall ************************
Friday 30th August – Exeter Livestock Centre
Laram Holsteins Select Sale 2024 plus Guest Consignments on behalf of Mr AR Mitchell, Bodmin (with Norton & Brooksbank) ************************
Tuesday 3rd September – Exeter Livestock Centre
Dispersal Sale of the ‘Ardingly’ herd of 400 Pedigree Holsteins on behalf of Messrs D Goodwin & Sons of Hill House Farm, Haywards Heath, West Sussex ONLINE BIDDING AVAILABLE FOR ALL DAIRY SALES VIA Full details & Catalogues available on www.kivells.com For further information on the above sales please contact: Mark Bromell 07966 430001 Mark Davis 07773371774 Robert Speck 07909 538520 Olly Murrain 07467 437288
WALLETS MARTS CASTLE DOUGLAS LTD
“The Premier Marketing Centre for South West Scotland’’
SATURDAY 24TH AUGUST
STORE LAMBS AT 10.00AM
GREAT ANNUAL SHOW AND SALE OF 3000 SCOTCH MULE GIMMERS
WALLETS MARTS CASTLE DOUGLAS LTD
SHOW OF PENS OF 20 SCOTCH MULE GIMMERS (SPONSORED BY SOLWAY AGRICULTURE)
SHOW AT 10.00AM SALE AT 11.00AM
MONDAY 26TH AUGUST
GREAT ANNUAL SHOW AND SALE OF 8000 SCOTCH MULE EWE LAMBS SHOW AT 10.00AM SALE AT 11.00AM
HOW OF PENS OF 20 AND PENS OF 40 EWE LAMBS (SPONSORED BY SOLWAY AGRICULTURE)
OTM CATTLE AT 10.00AM
FOR ANY ENQUIRIES, PLEASE CONTACT
Bruce Walton 07711 299677 John Smith 07771 506025
Judith Cowie 07880 382611 Jim Finlayson 07831 569641
Auction Mart, New Market Street, Castle Douglas DG7 1HY www.walletsmarts.co.uk Tel: 01556 502 381
To Inc - 2011 New Holland T6070 Tractor, 2002 JCB TM200 Turbo Pivot Steer Loader, Case CX130 Excavator, Hanix H26C Mini Digger, Kubota HT500 Hi-Tip tracked Dumper, Daewoo 2.6ton Forklift, Lane Bros Forklift, Herbst 18 Ton Dump Trailer, Abbey 1600 Gallon Slurry Tanker. LARGE QTY OF NEW TIMBER OF VARIOUS LENGTHS
Usual Sundry Effects
BI-ANNUAL COLLECTIVE SALESATURDAY 24TH AUGUST 2024 - 9.30AM
WESTBROOK HEAD FARM, THORNCLIFFE, NR LEEK, STAFFORDSHIRE, ST13 8UP
To Inc Usual Range of Tractors, Machinery, Vehicles, Trailers & Implements, Building & Livestock Equipment, Usual Sundry Effects ENQUIRIES TO 07375 105985 OR AUCTIONS@GRAHAMWATKINS.CO.UK
Welshpool - Friday 23rd August
Dungannon - Monday 26th August
Carlisle Premier - Thursday 29th & Friday 30th August
10.00am: Pre-Sale Show 2.00pm: Sale of Ram Lambs 5.00pm: Sale of Gimmers
5.00pm: Sale of Gimmers
2.00pm: Sale of Ram Lambs
5.00pm: Sale of Gimmers
Friday 16: 10.00am: Ring 3 Aged Rams & Shearling Rams 10.30am: Ring 2 Shearling Rams
10.00am: Ring 3 Aged Rams & Shearling Rams 10.30am: Ring 2 Shearling Rams
Friday 16: 10.00am: Ring 3 Aged Rams & Shearling Rams 5.00pm: Ring 2 Shearling Rams
2.00pm: Sale of Ram Lambs 5.00pm: Sale of Gimmers Friday 16: 10.00am: Ring 3 Aged Rams & Shearling Rams 10.30am: Ring 2 Shearling Rams Catalogues: Harrison & Hetherington T 01228 406230
Catalogues: Harrison & Hetherington T 01228 406230
Catalogues: Harrison & Hetherington T 01228 406230
NSA Exeter: Wed 14th Aug
Catalogues: Harrison & Hetherington 01228 406230
NSA Exeter: Wed 14th Aug
Welshpool: Weds 28th Aug
Welshpool: Weds 28th Aug
NSA Exeter: Wednesday 14th Aug
Omagh NI: Sat 9th Aug (export sale)
Leek: Wednesday 21st Aug
Leek: Wed 21st Aug
Sat 9th Aug (export sale) Wed 21st Aug
Melton Mowbray: Saturday 7th Sept
Worcester:
Worcester: Fri 6th Sept
Ballymena: Monday 16th Sept
Skipton: Sat 7th Sept
Dunhannon NI: Monday 26th Aug
Dunhannon NI: Monday 26th Aug (export sale)
Monday 26th Aug (export sale)
Welshpool: Wednesday 28th Aug
Ruthin Thursday 5th Sept
Worcester: Friday 6th Sept
Lanark: Thursday 19th Sept
Melton Mowbray: Sat 7th Sept
Skipton: Melton Mowbray:
Kendal: Saturday 21st Sept
Skipton: Saturday 7th Sept
Stirling: Saturday 21st Sept
Carlisle: Friday 27th Sept
Omagh: Friday 27th Sept
Livestock Person
Location: Nene Washes Salary: £29,200.00 - £31,347.00 per annum
Contract: Fixed-term for 12 weeks
We require a competent team player to join us in maintaining the health of the cattle throughout the grazing season, maintaining the associated infrastructure, assisting with record keeping and performing daily shepherding (including some weekend cover).
What we need from you
Essential skills, knowledge & experience:
• Some experience of working with cattle (but this will be an excellent opportunity to gain further knowledge of how a large-scale cattle grazing operation functions);
• Ability to work as part of a team; and
• Able to occasionally work alone with minimal supervision.
For more information or to apply, head to: JobsInAgriculture.com
Desirable skills, knowledge & experience:
• A good basic knowledge of cattle husbandry;
• Knowledge of essential record keeping requirements;
• O Road 4x4 certi cates, tractor driving experience
• An understanding of agricultural and conservation land management;
• Relevant ecological knowledge relating to grazing as a management tool;
• Pro cient and competent in a range of land management tasks related to the grazing operation
• Problem solving skills.
LKL’s CURRENT VACANCIES
We currently have a wide range of positions available nationwide to include:-
• Herdsperson, Shropshire, 450 cows
• Unit Manager/Couple, Devon, 240 cows
• Assistant Herdsperson, Shropshire, 400 cow
Relief Herdspersons Nationwide
LKL provides the perfect solution for finding the very best herd carers and managers. Visit our website for a full list of our current vacancies.
Web: www.lklservices.co.uk Tel: 01722 323546
Latest jobs from Agri-Lloyd
Dairy Sales Manager - Role Summary
The Dairy Sales Manager is responsible for managing the development of sales of the Farm Animal Division’s nutritional and health products which will be sold directly to farmers through a network of Area Sales Managers.
Agri Lloyd are recruiting for a 2 x Regional Sales Managers. One to cover the Welsh region. One to cover the Scottish region. Applicants must live in the area. Salary up to £55,000, plus excellent bonus and benefits
Location: Lancashire
Closing date: 16 Aug 2024
Sector: Dairy, Management, Sales & Marketing
Contract Type: Permanent
Role: Consultant, Manager
For more informa on on any of these vacancies or to see all our current roles, please go to: JobsInAgriculture.com
Lantra Farm Safety E-Learning now
Following the announcement from the Health and Safety Executive that they are no longer undertaking routine farm saftey inspections, Lantra is making the Farm Safety e-learning course free of charge to all farm workers
We are committed to ensuring farmers, and contractors, can keep up to date with best practise
Consisting of 8 modules, covering topics such as falls from height and falling objects, livestock, and vehicles, this e-learning course provides you with the knowledge to run a safe farm.
You can find more about our training courses by scanning the QR code
Lantra, Lantra House, Stoneleigh Park, Coventry, CV8 2LG
FIND YOUR PARTNER!
After a day in the fields, come home to warmth with ‘Friends1st’! Our offline introduction agency specialises in connecting hearts over shared values. Cultivate love with someone who understands the rhythm of farm life. Join ‘Friends1st’ and let the seeds of connection blossom into a fulfilling partnership. Embrace the companionship you deserve. Call 0121 405 0941today. www. friends1st.co.uk/christian-farmers-dating
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NEW & REFURBISHED BULK MILK TANKS FOR SALE
New Roka Silos and Tanks available from 500 Ltrs to 50,000 Ltrs!
8,000 Ltr Roka Silo 8,000 Ltr Roka 7,200 Ltr Delaval 6,750 Ltr Delaval (holds 7,000 Ltrs)
6,500 Ltr Mueller
6,000 Ltr Roka
6,000 Ltr Fabdec
5,000 Ltr Packo
5,000 Ltr Mueller Model “O”, 5,000 Ltr Roka
4,000 Ltr Mueller 4,300 Ltr Mueller Model “P”,
Refurbished 2T Ice Builder suitable for 20 / 25,000 Ltrs every other day 2 x Refurbished 1T Ice Builder suitable for 10/12,000 Ltrs every other day
Refurbished 1.3T Ice Builder suitable for 16,000 Ltrs every other day
Refurbished 1.5T Ice Builder suitable for 18/19,000 Ltrs every other day
CUSTOM BUILT HEAT RECOVERY SYSTEMS, TAILORED TO YOUR REQUIREMENTS
Orders for Insertion of advertisements in Farmers Guardian are accepted subject to the following conditions:
1. Advertisement copy shall be legal, decent, honest and truthful, and shall comply with the British Code of Advertising Practise and all other codes under the general supervision of the Advertising Standards Authority: and shall comply with the requirements of current legislation.
2. While every endeavour will be made to meet the wishes of advertisers, the publisher does not guarantee insertion of any particular advertisement.
3. In the event of any error, misprint or omission in the printing of an advertisement or part of an advertisement the publisher will either reinsert the advertisement or relevant part of the advertisement as the case may be, or make a reasonable adjustment to the cost. No reinsertion, or adjustment will be made where the error, misprint or omission does not materially detract from the advertisement. In no circumstances shall the total liability of the publisher for any error, misprint or omission exceed
a) The amount of a full refund of any price paid to the publisher for the advertisement in connection with which liability arose. OR
b) The cost of a further corrective advertisement of a type and standard reasonably comparable to that in connection with which liability arose.
4. The publisher reserves the right to withdraw, amend or alter any advertisement it considers necessary.
5. Cancellations or advertisements are accepted providing they comply with the cancellation deadlines which are published at regular intervals.
6. Advertisement orders are issued by an advertising agency as a principal and must be on the agencies official form (when copy insutructions not constituting an official order are issued they must be clearly marked at the head “Copy Instructions – not an order”.
7. Advertising Agency commission will only be granted to those Agencies who are currently recognised by the Newspaper Society at the time of placing an advertisement order and copy. The rate of commission is determined by the publisher.
8. When credit is allowed payment is due within 7 days. Monthly accounts are due in full each month. “We reserve the right to charge additional costs and interest for non payment within our credit terms”.
9. Only standard abbreviations are permitted by the publisher. List available on request.
Smaller bulk tanks available, emergency open & enclosed, loan tanks available to rent, main dealer for new Ro-ka milk cooling systems. For further details please call S.W Refrigeration specialising in “On Farm cooling Equipment” 01392 210344 or Paul on 07974 140949
10. Classified display advertisements must be at least 3cms in depth for every column wide, and the minimum size of any advertisement is 2 lines.
11. Every endeavour will be made in order to forward replies to box numbers to the advertisers, as soon as possible after receipt by the publisher, but the publisher accepts no liability in respect of any loss, or damage alleged to have arisen through delay in forwarding or omitting to forward such replies, however caused. Circulars and the like should not be distributed through publisher’s box number facility.
12. The placing of an order for the insertion of an advertisement, is an acceptance of these conditions and any other conditions stated on any type of order form by an agency or advertisers are not applicable if they conflict with any of the above.
FOR HEALTHY CALVES
* Freeze only Quality Colostrum * * Thaw 4litre pack within 20mins *
after
tel : 01387 750459
info@britmilk.co.uk www.britmilk.co.uk
Portable Milking Machine
Complete with Honda engine and Electric motor. This unit is ready for work and can be delivered anywhere in the UK.
DELAVAL BLUE Diamond 32/32 fast exit, 2010 MM25s transponders etc 01260 226261 (T)
BAMBER BRIDGE Lancs, Cumbria, Cheshire. Yorkshire. WILLIAM TAYLOR & SON (PS) LTD
WOOL WANTED All types required. Full payment. L.Pierce Wool Merchant: Scotland & North England - Grace Dobson- 07743 628405 or 07754 702187 or Southern England and South Wales- John Wood 07980 655637 Plain, Cows & Bulls Wanted.
TEXT OR TELEPHONE STEPHEN: 07860 636 605 OFFICE: 01772 626 951
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.
Have a great selection of 2023 born 12-16 month old pedigree bulls for sale.
SAC Hi-Health Member
Tested free of Johnes, BVD, IBR, Lepto, TB 4
Semen Tested, Performance recorded Nationwide Delivery Available
Kurt – 07715 448366
Richard - 07816 173689 Lancs (P)
Fully Registered Pedigree Polled Herefords
3 Bulls - 16 months old
Also Cows with calves at foot TB clear for 9 years. Easy to handle and quiet
Telephone: 01260 291617 East Cheshire / Staffs Border (P)
Phone Norman Office: 01924 299993 or Mob: 07971 100093
• Good conformation & muscling
• High health status • TB4 area
150 ABERDEEN ANGUS CALVES
2-3 weeks old
Calving now from strong healthy cows Guaranteed colostrum fed Willing to split TEL: 07740 643541
CHESHIRE / SHROPSHIRE BORDER (P)
15 months old Ready to work
TB4 - SAC premium health schemeHigh Health Status
Very high scan index, from top bloodlines. Easy Calving and very quiet
TELEPHONE STEPHEN ON 07860 615624
Ready to work, delivered direct to your farm, very quiet, easy calving. Also females available. Health monitored, closed herd, full pedigree with each animal, Red tractor. Semen Available.
SOUTH DEVON BULLS
2 - 3 years old. From a long established herd. Good calving record, growth rate & conformation. DNA tested myostatin 0 and 1. Tel:01952 222134 or 07811 593260 Shropshire (P)
18 months - 2 years.
HEREFORD & ABERDEEN ANGUS CALVES
3-4 weeks, TB4. Tel: 01254702527 Lancs (P)
FRESH REARING CALVES
Available in suitable batches delivered to most parts of the country Continental Bull and Heifer calves 3-5 weeks old available now. Quality store cattle sourced directly from Welsh/Shropshire Borders Farms, delivered to your farm.
17-22 months. Some Semen tested. TB4 area. Younger bulls also available
Pedigree Charolais Bull
24 months old, Good bloodlines, temperament and confirmation Easy Calving Strainfrom a closed herd TB4 Area
Tel Edward: 07770 457453 N. Yorkshire (P)
Tel: 07400 053752 North Rigton, Nr Harrogate (P)
Caution.
Be careful anytime you are asked for personal information. If someone asks, don’t provide the information requested without con rming that they are legitimate.
Farmers Guardian only ever ask for your banking information if you are purchasing a product from us and will always call from 01772 799 500 or 01772 799 400.
August 30, 2024
Speak to Gemma Thorpe today and start converting our readers to your customers. 01772 799500 | fgclassi ed@farmersguardian.com Advertising opportunities now available in
your brand seen by decision makers in uencers, farm owners and managers! Advertising Deadline: August 23
SAVERNAKE SUFFOLKS
50 Outdoor reared, grass fed, pedigree and commercial Suffolk shearling rams for sale
Vigorous modern type, with some New Zealand genetics, selected for low birth weight, high growth and muscling, and balanced terminal and maternal characteristics. MV accredited. Shearling ewes also available.
Miles Wise, North Yorkshire T: 07890 135183 | E: info@suffolkrams.co.uk
Beltex X Texel X Charollais Shearling Rams
Excellent conformation, tight skins, ready for work. Heptavac P. Naturally Reared, no corn
Contact Mr Brocklehurst on 07764 196462 or 01260 223338
Top Quality Beltex X Texel, Beltex X Charollais & Texel Shearling Rams
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.
Excellent skins, shape, style and Power
One of the largest selection of continental rams in the UK to choose from.
Please be mindful before entering into any deals you PROCEED WITH CAUTION with the seller and do not part with money until goods are received. Farmers Guardian are NOT responsible for any part of the transaction that takes place with the
Mobilehomes,holidaychalets,loghomes. Allbuilttoyourrequirements,deliveredand erectedanywhere,weofferbuildsinround, 360mm to up log random and cavity square thick.Housessuppliedtomeetbuilding controlregulations.
Property Landscape Potential development opportunities
This year’s harvest season has proven to be challenging for arable farmers. With adverse weather and unforeseen agronomic issues, yields so far are understood to be significantly down. Wheat, a staple crop, has particularly suffered, with both quality and quantity below expected levels.
Despite these agricultural setbacks, recent developments in national planning policy offer a glimmer of hope for the farming community. The Labour Government’s announcement on July 30 for an eight-week consultation on a new draft National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) marks a pivotal moment, potentially opening doors to new opportunities for landowners and farmers alike. The NPPF itself is targeted to be published in final form later this year.
The new draft NPPF showcases the Government’s direction on planning. If published with little amendment, the new NPPF will generate significant activity in the development industry, both in terms of land promotion and shortterm speculative opportunities.
Working alongside the NPPF there will also be higher housing targets based on a new calculation method. A less ‘London- and city-centric’ focus will see a huge increase – particularly in the North West of England, where the overall housing target will increase by 76%.
Grey belt
Green belt is back – with the urban fringe likely to be a key battleground in defining the ‘grey belt’. ‘Grey belt’ includes Previously Developed Land (PDL) and any other areas of green belt land that make a ‘limited’ contribution. ‘Grey belt’ development does not need to demonstrate Very Special Circumstances and this could lead to significant parts of the urban edge being promoted as ‘grey belt’ for residential development.
Five-year housing land supply is restored in full and strengthened –we expect speculative activity to
markedly increase in authorities where the Development Plan is more than five years old and unlikely to meet the five-year housing land supply requirement.
As a firm, we have recently completed a couple of option agreements with national developers on behalf of landowners in Greater Manchester.
These agreements have allowed us to negotiate a variety of issues, including where the landowners have farmhouses on site, and also the complexities of collaboration agreements where a potential development site is in multiple landownership and the owners are required to work together towards a greater development end goal. Through careful negotiation and strategic planning we have managed to address these intricacies, ensuring mutually beneficial outcomes for all parties involved.
With the draft NPPF meaning increased housing targets, there are likely to be more approaches to farmers and landowners by house builders and promoters for option and promotion agreements. In these cases, it is essential that proper advice is obtained from a team of professionals, including a land agent, solicitor and tax advisor so that all issues can be properly addressed from the outset in order to achieve a successful outcome for the landowner.
Jack Sharpe is Director at Fazakerley Sharpe Land Agents. Call 07787 576 258, or email jack@fazakerleysharpe.co.uk
Jack Sharpe
www david-james co uk
Land at Hutton, Preston FOR SALE BY INFORMAL TENDER
Mayors Farm (6.102 hectares / 15.09 acres)
Guide price for whole: £260,000
Available as a whole or in 6 lots
Suitable for grazing and mowing
Also of interest to amenity users
Tender deadline: 12pm Monday 16th September 2024
All enquiries to: Ella Mounsey sales@inghamandyorke.co.uk
A rare opportunity to acquire a well-established, ring-fenced dairy farm located in the picturesque Monmouthshire countryside.
Cwrt Perrott Farm boasts a substantial Grade ll Listed Farmhouse, farm workers bungalow and a comprehensive range of both traditional and modern farm buildings including an efficient dairy unit and all set upon land extending to approximately 273 acres (110 ha).
Available as a going concern.
Additional residential accommodation is also available within the village by separate negotiation
magor@david-james co uk
Tel: 01633 880220
Finance: Terms & Conditions
Cheshire East Borough Council DAIRY FARM AVAILABLE TO LET
Goostrey: Dairy farm to let, available from a date to be agreed after 29th September 2024, for a period of up to 15 years on a Farm Business Tenancy. The holding comprises of a 5-bedroom detached farmhouse, a range of traditional and modern farm buildings including a 16 x 16 Westfalia parlour, cubicles for 92, youngstock housing, slurry lagoon and land extending to approx. 200 acres.
Tender applications are invited from applicants who want to start farming on their own account. You must have a minimum qualification of 5 years full time agricultural experience, which may include 3 years formal training.
View Day – Wednesday 11th September 2024 (10am-4pm) Viewings by Appointment Only
Please email cheshirefarms@cheshirewest.gov.uk to book an appointment. Tenders to be submitted by noon on Friday 11th October 2024. Hard copy particulars are available at a cost of £10.00/each or free via email: cheshirefarms@cheshirewest.gov.uk or Tel: 01244 972566. www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/farms
FARM LOANS & RE-MORTGAGES
We can quickly arrange loans
3 months - 25 years £10,000 - £5,000,000. Competitive rates for Farm Finance
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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.
Ceres Rural invites tenders for collaborative ventures by 5pm Friday 30th August
Initial 209ha of arable land, with potential increase to over 500ha in 12 months
To take effect for harvest 2025 onwards
Storage, buildings & accommodation available
Initial 97ha of grass, up to 209ha in 12 months
Contract farming & share farming considered
To take effect from 2025 onwards
Livestock buildings & accommodation available
EXTENSION, DUST EXTRACTION, TWIN AXLE, DIESEL BURNER, FULL ELECTRIC DRIVE, ALWAYS DRY STORED, A VERY TIDY EXAMPLE
£39,950 2013 KVERNELAND EG 85-300 5 FURROW PLOUGH, 300HP HEAD STOCK, AUTO RESET, REVERSIBLE, DEPTH WHEEL, VARIWIDTH.
£13,5000
2009 CLAAS VARIANT 365 RC ROUND BALER, NET ONLY, ROTOR FEED WITH CHOPPER. FARMER OWNED FROM NEW, A VERY NICE BALER.
2906 Hrs, Elite Spec, 7 Metre, 3.7 Ton Capacity, Power Shift Transmission, Hydraulic PUH, 460/70R24 Tyres @ 20%, Air Conditioning, Rear Spool Valves.
50029189 £POA S
5620 Hrs, Profi Plus, 60KPH, Comfort Front Linkage, Hyrdaulic Top Link, RTK Trimble, Section Control, LED Lights 710 & 600 Tyres.
10026038 £106,000 W
522 Hrs, Ex Demo, Remaining Warrenty of 3 years/1500 Hrs, 57km/h, 4 Valve + Power Beyond, Powershift, 160/min Hyd Pump, ISOBUS Rear, Trimble Autosteer. 30025952 £109,500 F
£44,750 W
2021 Fendt 12130 16833 Bales, AGCO Warrenty untill 13/07/26, Tandem Axle, 3.30m Transport Width, 2.26m Pick-up, Width, 120cmx130cm Bale Size.
10026665 £98,000 W
BOMFORD FALCON 5m Linkage mounted with electric
VALTRA N141 c/w Front linkage, 2008, 6245 hours, cab suspension.
JOHN DEERE 5115M c/w JD 543R loader, 2018, 4134 hours.
CASEIH AXIAL FLOW 2188 COMBINE
Trolley.
Machinery
Edited by Toby Whatley – 07583 054 831 – toby.whatley@agriconnect.com
For more machinery content, go to farmersguardian.com/machinery-news-hub
When you think of Greater Manchester, farming might not be the first thing that comes to mind, but nestled within the suburban air of the Wigan fringes, H.G. and D. Johnson operates a diverse mixed farming enterprise.
The farm business comprises 300 beef cattle, 16,000 free-range layers, a DIY livery yard and a dog paddock.
Working beside them is the family’s favoured tractor brand McCormick, although it may not be the preferred premium tractor brand of other operators.
Will Johnson and his father David give their rationale on why the Italian brand has become part of the on-farm furniture.
Will says: “Up until the early 2000s, we ran a fleet of Masseys of varying ages, with our last machine being a 6290.
“When we started getting issues with the 6290, we hired a McCormick MX150 from our local dealer, J. Charnley and Sons.
“Following some transmission issues and a tasty repair bill on the Massey, we decided to buy the McCormick MX150, as by this point we had already put 200 hours on the clock.”
To service much of the stock side of the business, the Johnsons have always grown their own forage, from grass silage to combinable cropping running through the farm’s Gehl mill.
James Huyton visits a mixed farming enterprise which finds the McCormick brand a viable alternative for when farm economics come into tractor choice.
McCormick proves a trusty outsider
Will says: “At the time we were covering every aspect from cultivation through to combining. Some kit was getting a little worn, so we decided to take the opportunity and make some changes to the farming system.”
Rather than chasing every aspect of the farm business, Will decided to call upon more contractor services to cut some slack.
Clamp
With the farm moving away from mainly combinable cropping and the introduction of some new silage clamps, it is now possible to clamp the farm’s 202 hectares (500 acres) of wholecrop maize, barley and grass silage, says Will.
He says: “Drilling, spraying and chopping is all in the hands of a few
trusted contractors now. But it allows me to concentrate on other aspects of the business.
“The MX150 with its Cummins engine was some old-school power and probably the best tractor we have ever run.”
The McCormick MX150 clocked up some 9,000 hours of service before being replaced, says Will.
“Following that we ran an X70.70, but an electrical fire on the muck spreader brought that tractor’s service life to an early close.
“But by 7pm the same day, J. Charnley and Sons had a demo tractor in our yard so we had something to run.
“We cannot fault the service at J. Charnley; no tractor is perfect, but you want good backup when something does go wrong.
The MX150... was some old-school power and probably the best tractor we have ever run WILL JOHNSON
“In the past we have had Sunday breakdowns and a service engineer has always come out, which is a level of service you do not always get with a larger firm.”
David (left) and Will Johnson, of H.G. and D. Johnson, in front of the farm’s McCormick X7.650 and X60.40.
The Johnsons now run a McCormick X7.650, bought new during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Will says: “When the tractor came, it was only running on 40kph due to a shortage of air brake components.
“We have since had the machine uprated to 50kph, the ZF transmission is smooth and easy to use and you cannot fault the ride on the road.”
The X7.650 handles the bulk of our muck spreading work, says Will.
“The X7 has bags of power for our Teagle Titan 12 in the field, but I do find its power drops off after 40kph on the road.
“We run our main McCormicks on a four-year, 4,000-hour extended warranty for peace of mind, with the X7.650 currently clocking 3,800 trouble-free hours.
“I had considered swapping the X7, but I cannot fault it, so I think it is going to stay for now.”
Backup
Will recently had a loader retrofitted to his X7.650, as a backup to the main loader tractor, an X60.40 with a Q4B loader.
He says: “As we do not clock the same amount of hours we once did, we normally buy our tractors ex-demo or ex-hire.
“But we also tend to run them longer, with the X60 clocking 7,200 hours so far.”
Mr Johnson says: “We still help to prepare maize ground – the X7 does all the heavy lifting and carting.”
All the mowing is handled with a Kuhn 4411 mower, with the farm aiming to take four cuts of silage each season.
Will says: “McCormicks might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but they make economic sense for our
business. We generally put high hours on them. Yes, they might not have the same residual value as some premium brands, but the upfront cost is less to reflect that.”
Testament to the brand, the farm has a McCormick MC115
with a cool 13,500 hours on the clock, powering the farm’s Keenan mixer wagon.
Will says: “We picked the MC up second-hand. It had 8,500 hours on the clock when we bought it. “It might be looking a little tired, but
we use it every day and it still starts first time.
“I know I have the dealer backup, so its high hours do not bother me.
“We run McCormick tractors because they suit the needs of our farm, rather than unnecessary frills.”
The X7’s cab is simple and functional, with armrest-mounted loader controls, says Will Johnson.
The X7 remains a powerful draft tractor with a 9,300kg lift capacity.
The Johnson family’s high hours hero MC115, with 13,500 hours on the clock.
Machinery
As a carry-over from their dairy days, Northamptonshire farmers the Gowling family have remained faithful to the trailed forage harvester to produce silage for their beef and sheep enterprises. Geoff Ashcroft catches up with them for the second cut grass.
A Krone mower with swath belt places two three-metre (10ft) swaths side-by-side, making the most of the forager’s pickup.
Without help and support from neighbouring farmers, Tim Gowling says it would be much harder to ensure the family-run farm can make the best quality silage for its livestock.
He adds: “There is no doubt that by having our own kit, we are in control of how and when we make our silage.”
Tim, who farms around 400 hectares of owned, rented and contract farmed is based at Spinney Farm, Great Oxendon, with his brother Fred and parents John and Rosemary.
Trailed chopper is still the machine of choice
He says: “Though it would not be possible without the help and support we get from some fantastic neighbouring farmers, to complete our silage gang.”
While the assistance is reciprocal,
From left: John Gowling and son Tim are pleased with the performance and productivity of their Kongskilde FCT 1260 MD trailed forager harvester.
Tim says that having help is why the family-run mixed farm chose to remain faithful to the trailed forager system. Two years ago, the farm invested in a Kongskilde FCT 1260 MD model to replace an ageing JF FCT 1350.
“We did consider changing to a forage wagon, as it meant that Fred and I could make silage as a two-man team,” he says.
“It would have been a bit slower, and we would have ended up with a
The Kongskilde FCT1260 is proving a worthwhile replacement for an early JF FCT1350 model at Spinney Farm.
The forager chute folds forward hydraulically, offering secure storage during transport.
longer chop length, but fortunately, we have got the benefit of a great team helping us.”
As a comparison, he priced up a Kongskilde FCT 1260 MD trailed forager and a Pottinger Torro 6010 Combiline forage wagon from local dealer Russells at Rothwell.
Tim says that a price differential of around £40,000 was a deal maker in favour of the trailed chopper, safe in the knowledge that the Gowlings still had neighbours they could rely on to run tractors and trailers.
“We have always aimed to produce the best quality silage as possible, although the wagon’s longer chop and higher price ruled it out of the equation fairly quickly,” says Tim.
“We have the kit to do the job, and we also have the diet feeder too, so it is all just continued the way we like it. Fortunately, it was an easy decision.”
Historically, the family has produced its own silage, ever since dad John milked cows at Spinney Farm. Following John’s decision to stop milking, the mixed farming ethos has continued, and the infrastructure of good clamps and modern equipment have helped steer the family on its current course.
Tim adds: “We could probably manage with bales, but chopped silage fed via TMR gives us great results with liveweight gain on fat cattle and good overall condition with ewes and lambs. There is no sorting in the feed passages with any of our rations.”
Those livestock enterprises include 200 suckler cows and calves, a flock of 700 ewes and 161ha (400 acres) of cereal crops that supply grain and straw to help support the mixed farming regime. Winter-sown wheat, barley and beans boost the rotation, and with grass leys in the mix, the family has the resources to manage any black-grass incidence before it gets a strong foothold among the cereal crops.
“We have the flexibility to put grass leys in the furthest fields from the farm, to help keep black-grass at manageable levels and that also fits with hauling silage back to the clamp,” adds Tim.
He says the farm could have opted to produce bales instead of clamp
silage, but it was not a preference given that clamps and machinery were still in rude health.
Mowing is the domain of a Krone 320 trailed mower complete with swath belt. This enables two swaths to be placed side-by-side, eliminating the need for a rake while also removing the possibility of soil contamination in the swath.
Opting to mow with the assistance of auto-steering creates arrow-straight parallel rows, and enables auto-steering to then be implemented when chopping grass, simplifying the process and giving Tim more opportunity to keep an eye on the pickup and focus on filling trailers.
He says: “Not having to steer down the rows has made chopping a more enjoyable job. And with electronic controls for the spout, it is a much easier machine to operate than the old 1350.”
Performance
Power comes from the farm’s latest prime mover, an MF 8S.225 Dyna 7 which replaced an MF 7720. In addition to the forager, it handles a three-metre Sumo Trio, Kverneland five-furrow plough and the option of two drills for min-till and no-till establishment.
“There is no point in me pushing the 8S hard to fill trailers in record time, only to sit and wait for the next trailer to arrive,” says Tim.
“Better to operate without needing 100% engine power, not over-stress the kit and not put excessive pressure on the clamp. And we can still clear up 100 acres in a couple of days.”
The FCT 1260 delivers a chop length of around 20-40mm and Tim says blades are sharpened daily to maintain performance and efficiency. Operating at around 7km/h, he says picking up 6m of grass is proving to deliver a good blend of output and productivity, despite the 1260 being a slimmer machine than the outgoing 1350.
The FCT 1260 uses a 2.65m pickup feeding a 720mm-wide intake, compared to the 1350’s wider 3.1m pickup feeding a 900mm intake. Knife options comprise a 24- or 32-knife drum.
“There is one blade’s width less on the drum of the 1260, and that narrower pickup really does help with transport,” adds Tim.
“Our 1350 was a good machine, but being an ex-contractor’s forager, it did have a hard life before it came to us. We ran it successfully for a number of years, but its reliability and running costs were often called into question.”
He says that switching to the FCT 1260 has seen no noticeable drop in performance, though there have been many additional benefits from moving to the newer model.
“It is far easier to move around local roads, simply because of the narrower pickup, where the 1350 was a physically bigger machine that needed much more room,” he says.
“And with electronic controls, the 1260 is a much easier machine to operate. The feed roller reverse is easier to use,and having a metal detector is useful, but it is very sensitive.”
He says the spout is a much deeper design and is now equipped with a two-stage flap, and the forager has improved blowing performance too from an upgraded, upward cutting cylinder.
“Accessing the chopping cylinder is now a one-man job to tip the spout backwards, using the supplied wheels that sit on the drawbar,” he says.
“I also like the high drawbar design and on-the-move hydraulic drawbar adjustment, which makes it easy to work around headlands and corners. It is just a far better machine, though I would like a camera on top of the spout to get a view inside the trailers.”
Fleet
A fleet of three 14-tonne trailers haul grass back to the yard, where Fred builds the clamps using a Manitou telehandler. His role is central to the success of the job, ensuring that the clamp is evenly filled and regularly consolidated.
Tim adds: “Silage-making for us is now a straightforward and balanced operation. We tend to make three cuts each year, totalling 300 acres, but importantly, we can watch the weather and cut grass when it suits.
“And all the time we have enough help to run our silage team, precision chop forage will remain the order of the day, for the bulk of our winter feed requirements,” he says.
Fred Gowling takes care of the clamp, using a Manitou MLT635 complete with grab.
A fleet of three 14-tonne trailers is enough to keep the grass coming in consistently at Spinney Farm.
Machinery
Theft and criminal damage are growing concerns for farming businesses, so improving security could be a valuable investment. Jane Carley reports.
Advice for installing security cameras and alarms on-farm
Technological advances mean that it is possible to protect even remote sites with CCTV and gate entry systems, but it is important to choose the correct system for your needs and ensure you get the best out of it.
The type of equipment being used is changing, says Chris Marlow, director of ORP Surveillance. He says: “The demand used to be for CCTV to gather evidence, but now we find that most farmers want ways to discourage thefts, as well as have evidence in the event it does happen. This means that we have seen a rise in the number of farms requesting alarm systems alongside, or sometimes instead of, traditional security CCTV.”
Modern alarm systems have built-in algorithms which detect if the alarm is being triggered by a person – in which case the alert is
CCTV AND GDPR
DESPITE the perception that we are being watched wherever we go, businesses which have employees and/or contractors entering and exiting sites must display signage at the site entrances to inform people that there is surveillance.
Chris Marlow says: “The signs should include a contact name and telephone number of the person responsible for CCTV on-site. Additionally, the farm should register with the Information Commissioners Office for £40-£60 per year depending on the size of the business.”
There are also regulations about where you can site cameras, he says.
“As a business or domestic user, you can record images on your property but not usually on public highways,” he adds.
“CCTV should not be installed where employees or members of the public can reasonably expect privacy – bathrooms, changing areas etc. You should also ensure footage is not kept for longer than necessary.”
Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras
store a log of vehicles allowed entry, and deny entry to vehicles not on the database.
sent through to a phone or tablet of the owner or manager – or by a ‘false alert’ such as a pet or a wild animal, or even foliage being
This, he adds, is a lot easier than when analogue cameras and VHS tapes were used, as the CCTV recorder automatically wipes the oldest footage after a certain amount of time (usually about 30 days).
“Any footage that needs to be kept, such as evidence that the police have requested, should be manually downloaded from the recorder before it is wiped,” says Mr Marlow.
Bryn Thomas, of legal specialist HCR, says: “If farmers use CCTV, there could be potential employment consequences – if it is being used purely to prevent and detect crime then it should not be used for monitoring workers. Employees should be made aware that there is CCTV in operation and [informed of] its purpose.”
CCTV being used for any business purposes rather than purely domestic (such as in areas where employees are working) is subject to the Data Protection Act (DPA) 1998, he says.
Employees will need to be made aware of its existence and purpose,
blown around by the wind.
“Alarms can also gather images of whoever crosses their path, which are sent along with the alert
to your phone,” says Mr Marlow. He says that Access Control Systems sited at the farm entrance use Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras, which store a log of those vehicles that are allowed entry and deny automatic entry to vehicles not on the database.
Wireless
More flexible wireless technology makes fitting and using cameras and alarms easier, he says.
“Employees who need to access the site can be provided with a key fob to arm or disarm the system, or it can be done via a phone app. You could also use the app to admit a visitor,” he adds.
Weaving Machinery supplies electric gate and entry systems, and the company’s senior installations technician Ian Hinton says that modern camera technology offers much
Employees must be made aware of the existence and purpose of CCTV at their work site.
and it must not have audio, be intrusive or go beyond what is absolutely necessary to achieve its goal.
Mr Thomas adds: “Where CCTV is to be used for the purposes of a criminal prosecution, amateur footage can be used by the police. There must, however, be a clear
audit trail to show where the footage has come from and when.
“The farmer should also ensure that [they have] complied with the rules of the DPA, such as placing signs in the areas of use to ensure that no objections can be made to the footage that has been recorded.”
PICTURES: ORP SURVEILLANCE
improved images which can help police with enquiries.
He says: “PTZ [pan, zoom and tilt] cameras auto-track movement and can help identify facial figures. The latest software also makes positioning easier too: if the camera picks up images from the road, it can exclude them.”
Deterrents
He says: “Nobody wants to confront a thief, so if you can get them to leave then so much the better.
“Siting this type of alarm with a
Mr Marlow says that other deterrents include klaxon type ‘sirens’ which sound if an alarm is set off, or flood lights which are triggered by an intruder.
Barriers and electric gates can also be used in conjunction with CCTV to control who accesses a farm site.
camera alerts your mobile app and collects images.”
Cameras need to be sited high enough to give a good view and avoid tampering; for ANPR they need to be close enough to the number plate to pick it up, so these are better at the side of a farm track, says Mr Marlow.
“Anything which they are attached to needs to be solid, such as a telegraph pole or building, and close to a power supply.
“Cameras use low-voltage data cabling and radio links, so there needs to be a line of sight to transmit the signal to the farmhouse or office where the recording system is fitted,” he says.
Mr Marlow says that solar-powered/4G connection is a secondary option, perhaps for a short-term solution.
He says: “Sharing information
More information
FOR more information, visit the following links:
■ gov.uk/data-protection-yourbusiness/using-cctv. This page sets out that there is a legal requirement for businesses to set out why they have implemented CCTV, control who can see the recordings, and make sure the system is only used for its intended purposes.
Thieves do not like to be seen or heard, so CCTV [cameras] can serve as a helpful deterrent
BOB HENDERSON
via a WhatsApp group to other local farms can help monitor suspicious vehicles and help with police enquiries. Alarms and CCTV are, however, only part of the solution and it is still worth keeping valuable machines and equipment out of sight or locked away in a building.”
Costs have come down considerably in recent years – you can expect to pay £2,000-£3,000 for a system with four cameras feeding back to the farmhouse or office, says Mr Marlow, and £1,000-£2,000 for an outdoor alarm system.
Bob Henderson, national engineering technical manager at NFU Mutual, says: “Thieves do not like to be seen or heard, so CCTV [cameras] can serve as a helpful deterrent.
“Their effectiveness is maximised when combined with clear signage, alarms and adequate lighting, which is crucial for ensuring high-quality images can be captured at night.
“We have heard of cases where CCTV has assisted police in identifying suspects through both audio and visual recordings.
Other deterrents include klaxon type ‘sirens’ which sound if an alarm is set off, or flood lights which are triggered by an intruder.
“However, CCTV alone is not enough, especially as thieves are highly organised and prepared to conceal their identities. Farmers should continue to take proactive
Modern alarm systems have built-in algorithms which detect if the alarm is being triggered by a person or by a ‘false alert’ such as a pet or a wild animal.
measures to protect their farms such as removing and securely storing vehicle keys and locking away high-value items, such as GPS units.”
Steve Trevett, of NFU Mutual’s loss control department, adds: “Aside from theft prevention, CCTV systems can enhance health and safety on-farm by enabling activities to be monitored remotely.
“This is especially beneficial for lone workers and farmers who are
NFU Mutual’s top tips
■ Ensure to use an SSAIB- or NSI-certified CCTV installer
■ Install clear signage to inform people that CCTV is present. This is both a legal requirement and an effective deterrent
■ Install lighting alongside CCTV or use cameras with infra-red capability to ensure high-quality footage is being recorded at night when most theft occurs
■ Consider positioning cameras at key locations, such as entrances, exits and buildings housing valuable items
■ Consider choosing a system that allows for remote monitoring to
away from their property, providing peace of mind and ensuring quick responses to any incidents.
“Every farm is different, so the best placement of CCTV will vary from farm to farm. Farmers should consider any entrances and exits, as well as buildings housing valuable items.
“For farmers looking to install CCTV, we recommend that they use as an SSAIB- or NSI-certified installer.”
ensure peace of mind when away from the farm
■ Keep the CCTV system well maintained and updated, and ensure that any recording devices are located in a secure area
■ Regularly review and analyse footage to identify and address any potential security weaknesses
■ Continue to take proactive measures to protect your farm such as locking gates, ensuring external doors to buildings are well secured, removing and securely storing vehicle keys, and locking away high-value items such as GPS units
Livestock
Edited by Katie Jones – 07786 856 439 – katie.jones@agriconnect.com
For more livestock content, go to farmersguardian.com/livestock-news-hub
With mobility remaining a major issue on dairy farms, a greater focus on prevention will help reduce mobility issues across all farm systems. Farmers Guardian reports.
● Stopping progression to chronic disease vital
M ORE engagement in prevention was one of the major conclusions from a recent national mobility survey which highlighted that acting quickly is crucial to bring mobility issues down from the current stubbornly high levels.
Speaking at a farm event organised by Stride, the not-for-profit industry initiative headed up by industry partners Ceva Animal Health, HerdVision, IVC Farm Vets, Neogen and Zinpro, Matt Dobbs, chair of its technical board, said: “Prevention will always be better than cure, helping reduce the incidence and costs of compromised mobility. Farms should focus on early detection and prompt effective treatment. The sooner an affected cow is assessed and treated the lower the costs and losses will be.
“As much of 80% of foot health problems are attributable to recurrent cases in the herd, so farms need to implement comprehensive prevention protocols to help avoid mobility issues becoming a chronic problem.”
Early detection
Gillian Whitehurst, clinical director at Glenthorne Vets and regional head of IVC Farm Vets, said that once a cow becomes lame, inflammation will damage the foot tissue predisposing cows to repeat problems.
She added: “Chronic lame cows will end up being culled, so we need to prevent the progression to chronic disease.”
She told farmers that the key to prevention is early detection and prompt effective treatment. She believed there needed to be a shift in attitude towards mobility scoring. It must be seen as an effective way to pick up changes in mobility quickly, and not just as a benchmark or to fulfil the requirements of the milk
Treating lameness with NSAIDs is an effective way to reduce inflammation and speed up recovery.
Prevention is the key to better mobility
processor. Frequency of mobility scoring needs to be increased too.
She said: “It is inevitable that if you mobility score more frequently there will be a peak of score 2 and 3 cows to treat initially as you get on top of problems, but this should be a shortterm issue.”
Ms Whitehurst added that affected feet should be trimmed and a block applied if required. She said blocks should be checked and replaced every four weeks as necessary, explaining that a poorly positioned block was worse than no block.
One of the keys to reducing the consequences of foot lesions was reducing pain and inflammation.
Katherine Timms, ruminant veterinary adviser at Ceva, said: “All inflammation is painful, and lameness is no different, so if we can reduce pain, it will be beneficial to helping cows recover.
“Including a non-steroidal antiinflammatory drug [NSAID] in your treatment protocols will help reduce both pain and inflammation. Reducing inflammation is particularly important.”
NSAIDs are anti-inflammatory drugs which reduce inflammation, levels of pain and temperature. Importantly, they are not antibiotics. They can be incorporated in treatment protocols alongside other prevention and treatment measures.
Ms Timms added: “If we want to reduce the consequences of lameness, reducing pain and inflammation
is a significant step to take, yet uptake is still variable. The Stride survey showed that while 24% of respondents used an NSAID on all lame cows, and around 55% routinely used them on score 3 cows, 8% of farmers were not using NSAIDs with any lame cows, missing the opportunity to reduce inflammation and pain and help cows recover.”
Breeding objectives for better mobility
DANIEL Pitt, of AHDB, advised delegates that mobility can be improved by including Lameness Advantage in breeding objectives. He said that breeding for legs and feet in isolation has little impact on lameness prevalence, but a 1% increase in Lameness Advantage reduces prevalence by 1%.
Lameness Advantage combines type data for locomotion and feet and legs, bone quality scores, digital dermatitis records, along with direct lameness recordings from milk recording organisations. It is also incorporated in the Profitable Lifetime Index (£PLI).
Rob Horn, of Neogen, said that genomic testing heifer calves to help improve mobility was the foundation of better prevention.
Breeding decisions
He added: “Genomics will open the window on the heifer calf crop, identifying those most susceptible to lameness and allowing you to make better informed breeding decisions.
“We know high £PLI cows are less predisposed to lameness, so it will pay to identify your best animals as soon as possible using an independent genomics test.”
Gillian Whitehurst
Control thistles before they expand presence
AS we get into summer, thistles become an increasingly unsightly and unwelcome presence in our grazing pastures.
As well as being unattractive, thistles reduce a ley’s productivity, restrict access to grass and cause issues such as orf in sheep.
Both creeping and spear varieties are often seen causing problems at this time of year and can adversely affect livestock’s energy and protein levels, says Dave Gurney, Corteva’s field technical manager for grassland crop protection.
He says: “Creeping thistle is a perennial and can grow up to 150cm in height. It forms extensive underground lateral rooting systems at a soil depth of 20-30cm which send up numerous erect shoots during the growing season.
“It spreads underground horizontally by one to two metres per year via its root system producing many offshoots. These roots are very brittle and easily break into fragments which grow into new
As well as being unattractive, thistles reduce a ley’s productivity, restrict access to grass and cause issues such as orf in sheep.
plants. This, coupled with the mode of spread, makes it hard to control, made worse this spring by poached ground.”
Spear thistle, however, is biennial and usually grows to 30-150cm tall. It is spiny and has a very deep tap root, with each plant producing up to 8,000 seeds which can remain viable for three years.
Mr Gurney adds: “If not controlled,
both species will continue to expand their presence as a consequence of seeding along with root extension.”
Selective herbicides
Both types of root system mean successful long-term control will only come from powerful, selective herbicides which destroys the weeds by killing the roots following translocation to the root tips.
“At this time of year, thistles are producing seed heads which does not help the herbicide translocate around the plant and into the roots,” says Mr Gurney.
“It is usually best practice to top flowering thistles and spray the regrowth once they have emerged at the rosette stage while stem extension is mainly below the tops of your Wellingtons.”
£1.2m grant for ‘vital’ research to reduce methane production
● Project first of its kind
in climate change fight
By Katie Jones
THE Royal Veterinary College (RVC) has been awarded a £1.2 million grant from the Bezos Earth Fund to explore how methane-producing microorganisms colonise the gastro-intestinal (GI) tract of calves in the first six weeks of life and how they impact the developing immune system.
Scientists say the research will provide vital information on the optimal way to administer any potential vaccine to reduce methane production from livestock.
This project is the first of its kind, and the scientists involved say it could significantly contribute to the fight against climate change.
Methane emissions are released mainly from enteric fermentation, the digestive process that breaks down grass and hay fibres for the generation and absorption of nutrients. Recent analysis has identified
that the main intervention to reduce this type of methane production is to directly target the microorganism which produces it – methanogenic archaea.
There has already been considerable research looking at how to control the production and formation of methane in the largest stomach of domestic livestock.
Vaccines
Previous studies have indicated the potential of vaccines as a sustainable approach to reducing this methane production by impacting on methaneproducing archaea – in part because this approach does not require daily access to the animals. However, little is currently known about if and how methanogens are detected and controlled by the immune system.
The RVC study aims to fill this knowledge gap and determine when methanogenic archaea colonise in the GI tract, how they spread through the GI tract in the first weeks of a calf’s life and how they potentially interact with the animal’s immune system.
The funding will enable us to perform research on a topic which affects us all – global warming – but in a way that both animals and humans benefit from it
PROF DIRK WERLING
The study team, led by Dirk Werling, professor of molecular immunology at the RVC, will establish the pattern of methanogenic archaea’s colonisation. To do this, they will collect blood, saliva, ingesta and colostrum
samples from Holstein Friesian calves and their dams. They will then analyse the samples to identify microbes and create cultures that can be shared for further analysis, as well as modifying and testing the methanogen.
The data collected throughout this process will provide substantial new information to inform the development of a methanogen vaccine.
Prof Werling says: “I believe that the funding will enable us to perform research on a topic which affects us all –global warming – but in a way that both animals and humans benefit from it.”
Dr Andy Jarvis, director of the Future of Food at the Bezos Earth Fund, says this project represented a ‘moonshot’ in efforts to reduce livestock methane emissions.
He adds: “The potential to apply the proven success of vaccines in global health to cattle and significantly cut emissions is both ambitious and exciting. By supporting high-risk, highreward research like this, the Bezos Earth Fund is investing in innovative solutions with the potential for a profound global impact.”
This year’s NSA Sheep Event in Malvern saw sheep farmers gather from across the UK in the scorching weather to discuss the latest industry findings, while young farmers battled to become the NSA Next Generation Shepherd of the Year. Ellie Layton reports.
Societies unite to future-proof UK’s traditional sheep systems
● Fears appreciation for hybrid vigour is being lost
EIGHT breed societies have joined forces in an effort to secure a sustainable future for traditional sheep systems. The Sheep Stratification Group was created last year to ensure that the traits of traditional breeds are not lost in a new age of livestock farming.
Speaking at the National Sheep Association’s (NSA) Sheep Event group leader, sheep farmer Derek Hall said: “A sustainable system is one that can stand the test of time while being profitable. Upland hill farmers have sustained their place for generations while nurturing the landscape.
“We want to safeguard our native breeds and hefted flocks. There is a place for all breeds when the right sheep are farmed in the right place.
“In the UK our landscapes are suited to sheep production, with the mountain and hill breeds at the top and breeds evolving to dovetail into each other.”
The group’s three core aims are to ensure a sustainable environmental and economic future for sheep farming, improve flock health and streamline carbon measuring on farms.
“If farmers have money they will spend it, and when we are looking at upland systems as the sheep are sold downhill, the money comes up. Selling draft ewes and crossbreds has sustained a place in sheep production for generations and
There is a place for all breeds when the right sheep are farmed in the right place
DEREK HALL
we want to ensure this is not lost,” added Mr Hall.
With support from eight breed societies, six maternal and two terminal, the group believes it is in an excellent position to promote hybrid vigour, which it fears the appreciation of has been lost by some sheep farmers.
Six of the societies are upland breeds, which when crossed with terminal sires such as the Suffolk and Bluefaced Leicester, which are
also in the group, result in greater hybrid vigour, which can be lost in some crossing options with similar typed breeds.
This trait can also aid disease resistance which North of England Mule Association chair Jonathan Hodgson believed was vital to tackling health problems.
Maedi visna
He highlighted the importance of the work that breeds have been doing to improve flock health, particularly to reduce rates of maedi visna (MV), which has increased sharply in the last 30 years from 1.4% in 1995 to 9.4% in 2019.
Three-year studies from the University of Nottingham and the Moredun Research Institute are being carried out to look at genes which can be resistant to MV offering and are offering free testing to UK sheep farmers.
Mr Hodgson said: “This is a huge step forward for the UK sheep industry when Europe has been testing sheep for the last couple of years.
MARCHES REGION LEADS NEXT
THE honour of being crowned champion of the National Sheep Association Next Generation Shepherd competition went to 22-year-old Tom Garlick, Orcop, Herefordshire. It is the third time lucky for Mr Garlick, after competing for the title since 2021 and picking up first place in the under-21 section in 2021.
Day-to-day he runs the family’s sheep enterprise and he said this
Stand competitions
■ Best outdoor stand: 1, IAE; 2, Farmsense; 3, Ifor Williams Trailers
■ Best indoor stand: 1, Oliver Seeds; 2, Pickstock Foods; 3, Shearwell Data
■ Best breed society stand: 1, Dorset Horn and Poll Dorset Sheep Breeders’ Association; 2, Suffolk Sheep Society; 3, South Wales Mountain Sheep Society
■ Best pen of sheep: 1, Hole Farm Rams; 2, British Texel Sheep Society; 3, Welsh Mule Breeders’ Association
From left: NSA’s Phil Stocker with Next Generation Shepherd winner Tom Garlick and Ailish Ross, of the Texel society.
NSA Sheep Livestock
WHAT IS THE VALUE OF OVERSEAS SHEARERS?
THE National Association of Agricultural Contractors (NAAC) announced earlier this year that international sheep shearers have a special concession to enter the UK in 2024.
This follows a pause of concession during Covid-19 and means that the UK encourages non-visa national shearers from overseas, particularly the southern hemisphere, for a limited period to ensure that the welfare of sheep is protected.
Chairing a seminar at the event, Jill Hewitt, NAAC chief executive said: “This is a well-managed scheme, which gives our UK shearing team a boost at a critical time with international shearers coming in with experience and competence to take on a job that is highly skilled.
“Sheep shearing is a very specialist and physical occupation that simply cannot just be picked up by anyone.
“It should only be carried out by professionals who have been trained to shear carefully and sympathetically to ensure that sheep are handled appropriately to avoid stress and injury during the shearing process.”
British Wool representative
“If we can build on our assurance and health schemes to have homozygous MV-resistant tups to sell in the back end, it will make a huge difference.
“If we can push this forward and hopefully there are gene markers that can be identified for Borders disease and OPA in sheep too, we could then look to breed for resistance to those sheep diseases.”
competition provided a nice break from working while socialising with fellow shepherds and learning skills which can be applied on the farm.
A close second place went to Michael Hogg, 23, who made the trip from the mixed livestock farm in Barnard Castle where he is a stockman.
Third place went to first-time
■ NSA Next Generation Sustainability: 1, Dafydd Owen, Conwy; 2, Ben James, Ceredigion; 3, Richard Seed, Carmarthen
■ NSA Next Generation Shepherd of the Year: 1, Tom Garlick, Herefordshire; 2, Michael Hogg, Tyne and Wear; 3, James White, Staffordshire
■ Tornado wire fencing: 1, James John Agri Fencing, Llanelli; 2, HVB Fencing and Morgan Fencing,
Richard Schofield said: “We train just shy of 900 shearers in the UK annually, only 70 of those will become professional shearers. We do have enough shearers in the UK, for the UK flock. However, they are mostly in concentrated areas and need to be willing and able to travel at shearing time which can put a strain on the job.
“Allowing shearers from other countries to come over for the season not only takes the pressure off UK shearers and farmers, putting animal
One aim still at discussion point is to find a common system to record and measure carbon on upland sheep farms. Mr Hall added: “We meet every other month and speak regularly in between. It has been refreshing seeing the breed societies come together working towards a common goal while all promoting their breeds individual benefits.”
competitor, James White, 25, Staffordshire. After winning the Marches region qualifying round, Ben Edwards, Hay-on-Wye, took the top position in the under-21 section and sixth place in the open section. This is the second time Mr Edwards has competed, he is a keen shearer and was placed first in the shearing section.
■ NSA and National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs Team Shearing: 1, Ben Edwards and Tom Garlick, Herefordshire; 2, Sarah Dunn and Daniel James, Gloucestershire; 3, Tilly Abbott, Suffolk and Jack Fletcher, Suffolk; 4, Ben Powers, Worcestershire and Rollo Deutsch, Warwickshire
■ Highest under-21: Ben Edwards, Herefordshire
welfare as a priority, but it also enables British shearers to build contacts to work across the world to enable shearers to gain experience to improve their form.”
Less lucrative
But there were fears that shearing in the UK was less lucrative than it preciously has been.
Ian Lucas, a shearing contractor who emigrated from New Zealand, said that the exchange rate is a
disadvantage for shearers looking to come over.
“Previously shearers were looking at NZ$2 per sheep, but now this has reduced, however shearers still have the opportunity to gain experience in the field and in competitions while travelling around Europe,” he said.
“We are fortunate that UK shearers are still welcome and in demand in the southern hemisphere and are in the position where they also rely on the support of our workforce.”
From left: David John, of Lister, Richard Schofield, of British Wool, Jill Hewitt, of NAAC, and shearing contractor Ian Lucas.
PICTURES: TIM SCRIVENER
Herbal leys are central to a long-term improvement programme for Sophie Alexander, who farms near Blandford Forum, Dorset. Sara Gregson reports.
Dairy cows add nutrients and life to degraded farm
Converted to organic over several years from 2009, the 540-hectare (1,323acre) Hemsworth Farm, near Blandford Forum, Dorset, was taken over 14 years ago by farmer Sophie Alexander, who is aiming to restore soil health after many years of continuous arable cropping.
Speaking to delegates visiting her farm as part of the British Grassland Society summer meeting, Ms Alexander said she soon realised livestock were needed on the farm.
“We started running a neighbour’s heifers on perennial ryegrass and white clover leys. But the summers are so dry here that these short-rooted plants easily burnt off and the grazing pressure of the youngstock was not high enough. This is when we decided to grow herbal leys and to start our own milking herd.”
The first diverse leys, which included a range of grasses, clovers and herbs, as well as chicory and plantain, were sown eight years ago and are used for cow grazing in fields closest to the parlour. The fields are grazed rotationally with at least a three-week rest period.
Fields that are further away are down to cutting leys, incorporating red and crimson clovers, lucerne and vetch, as well as perennial and Italian ryegrasses.
The 240 Viking Red dairy cows, which originated from heifers bought
from several Swedish dairy farms in spring 2020, graze the fields every day all year round. The composite breed is bigger than a Friesian-Jersey cross and had a high health status, being IBR, BVD and Johne’s free. This was important for Ms Alexander as she was setting up a fresh new herd on clean land.
winter forage but hope to produce enough of our own in future.”
The cows block-calve in spring outdoors, starting from March 1, by which time the swards have started to grow. The cows are milked twice a day and last year yielded an average of 4,800 litres at 4% fat and 3% protein content.
farmer’s heifers first came onto the farm. An outdoor New Zealand-style 24/48 milking parlour was built and ready for the first dairy cow calving in 2021. Chalk tracks were put down so cows can reach the furthest fields which are 2.8km away.
The farm is based on solid chalk with 40cm of topsoil, so it is free-draining and rarely becomes muddy. The herbal leys are grazed for four years and the cows outwintered on them in their final year, before returning to an arable crop the following spring.
This is usually a bi-crop of wheat and beans, followed by winter oats sold for milling. They are then ploughed and drilled back to a herbal ley.
All the arable and winter forage work is carried out by a local contractor.
“Winters are never bitterly cold and the cows, which are dry from just before Christmas, are moved twice a day to keep them clean and to preserve soil structure,” Ms Alexander said.
“Silage and hay bales are rolled out to supplement their grazing. At the moment we are still buying in some
Target
The target is to be achieving yields of up to 5,500 litres per cow per year. The milk is sold to Arla. Up to 750kg per cow per year of mainly homegrown feeds are fed in the parlour, including oats, peas and beans.
The cows are served with sexed semen for 24 days at the start of June with a 96% submission rate and 60% conception rate. Sweeper bulls mop up any cows not in calf.
Tissue samples taken from the heifers are genomically tested in Scandinavia. They are then artificially inseminated with semen from bulls that will improve their specific production traits, including milk from forage and solids.
Grazing infrastructure including livestock fencing and water troughs fed from a bore hole had been installed when the neighbouring
Ms Alexander said she sees increasing biodiversity as the key to improving the chemical, biological and physical elements in the light, chalky soils. The farm is in its sixth year of a professional survey and the final year of a project funded by Innovate UK and Defra’s Farming Innovation Programme, trialling digital monitoring 24/7. During 2023/24, 1,500 new species were detected that were not found in the first five years, including rare spiders, butterflies and birds.
“We have put in 20ha of field margins and buffer strips, 28km of hedges and eight hectares of woodland, with more tree planting planned to create shade and shelter, particularly for the youngstock in the more exposed fields,” said Ms Alexander.
“At the start I was told it would take 15 years to restore these soils and I think that will be about right. The soil and the environment of the farm is in much better health than it was 14 years ago.”
At Hemsworth Farm, cows graze rotationally on a range of grasses, clovers and herbs, plus chicory and plantain.
Sophie Alexander
Week beginning August 5
GRASS GROWTH ACROSS THE UK
Scotland
56.8kg
15.6 5.3
The South 39.4kg DM/ha/day (15.9kg DM/acre/day) 19.1 15.6 5.3
Grass growth Soil moisture (cb)
Soil temperature (degC) Rainfall (mm per week)
GrassCheck Livestock
DAILY GROWTH FORECASTS
Region Seven-day forecast 14-day forecast
North England 40.2kg DM/ha (16.3kg DM/acre) 49.3kg DM/ha (20kg DM/acre)
South England 36.8kg DM/ha (14.9kg DM/acre) 52.7kg DM/ha (21.3kg DM/acre)
Wales 60.2kg DM/ha (24.4kg DM/acre) 53.3kg DM/ha (21.6kg DM/acre)
GRASS QUALITY
GROWTH RATES
MANAGEMENT NOTES
■ Recorded grass growth has exceeded the long-term average and is close to the 2023 figure
■ Herbage metabolisable energy values are similar to recent weeks, with typical protein for this stage of the season
■ Increase the rotation length gradually through August to a
target 30-day rotation by extending 2.5 days per week
■ Swards must be of good quality before starting to build covers
■ Clover-rich swards should achieve peak clover content in August/September, so be vigilant for bloat cases and ensure preventative measures are taken
GrassCheckGB is a collaboration between The UK Agri-Tech Centre, Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute, Rothamsted Research, AHDB, Hybu Cig Cymru, Germinal, Handley Enterprises, Sciantec Analytical, Yara, Pilgrim’s UK and Quality Meat Scotland. Regular updates will appear in Farmers Guardian.
Get more from an FG membership
Importance of a balanced diet
Inefficient feeding is a common issue across UK beef systems, and with rumen health and function often overlooked, veterinary technical manager at Dugdale Nutrition, Debby Brown, says the impacts can result in poor growth rates and longer finishing times.
Particularly important in beef finishing systems due to the quantity of cereals included in diets, Mrs Brown says balancing rumen protein and energy is crucial to optimal rumen health and function.
She says: “Balancing rumen protein and energy is needed to help feed the bacteria in the rumen and make best use of the feed cattle are consuming.”
She adds: “In beef systems we tend to throw a load of cereal at cattle, but we forget that the rumen bugs need nitrogen to be able to utilise the energy from the cereal.”
To increase the amount of nitrogen in diets and therefore protein levels,
Diets with unbalanced energy and protein levels will result in cattle being unable to absorb energy efficiently, resulting in poor growth rates and longer finishing times.
Mrs
Brown says there are two main options; feeding a protein supplement or treating cereals on-farm.
She says: “If you are feeding good quality grass silage which is high in protein then sometimes you can get away with that and just cereals in the diet, but it depends on the balance.”
Treating cereals
Not only will treatment increase the protein content of cereals, it will also alkalise the grains so they do not cause acidic damage and acidosis in the rumen, which can happen as a result of solely feeding cereals.
Mrs Brown adds that when balancing protein and energy in beef finishing diets, the optimal ratio of rumen degradable protein to fermentable metabolisable energy is 10:1. If the balance between the two is incorrect, it can result in acidosis, poor use of nutrients, and therefore variable performance.
“You need to balance energy with protein to ensure the rumen bugs have the correct balance of nutrients to allow them to multiply and then supply the cattle with the nutrients they require. If too much starch is fed and results in acidosis, the rumen gets damaged and cannot absorb volatile fatty acids which provide the cattle with energy.”
Mrs Brown says diets with unbalanced levels of energy and protein will result in cattle not being able to absorb energy efficiently, reflected in poor growth rates and longer finishing times. An unbalanced diet can also increase the risk of lameness in cattle, due to potential toxins in the gut which can also affect the feet.
How quickly animals will recover from rumen damage will depend on the extent of the damage, with animals that have been subject to a
You need to balance energy with protein to ensure the rumen bugs have the correct balance of nutrients
DEBBY BROWN
poor diet for a longer period of time taking longer to recover. However, most cattle will start to see an improvement within three weeks once diets have been altered.
Ultimately, an optimal balance of protein and energy in finishing diets will not only improve rumen function, efficiency and reduce days to slaughter, but will also reduce the risk of liver abscesses and abattoir rejections, adds Mrs Brown.
Vet
Rob
Hall,
of LLM
Reducing the chance of metals being ingested is the best measure for preventing hardware disease.
Farm Vets, discusses the cause, treatment and prevention of hardware disease in beef cattle systems. Katie Fallon reports.
Managing hardware disease
Acommon issue in dairy herds, but also seen in beef systems, is traumatic reticuloperitonitis, more commonly known as hardware disease. Caused by cattle ingesting wire, usually from degraded tyres used to weigh down clamp silage, the disease can also be a result of cattle ingesting screws, nails and fencing wire.
Vet Rob Hall, of LLM Farm Vets, says: “Wires are mainly picked up in silage as cows get into the habit of not looking at what they are grazing and are just hoovering up whatever is in front of them.”
Once ingested, Dr Hall says wire will go into the reticulum stomach first, at the front of the chest.
He adds: “This is where boluses and bits of stone sit, effectively it is a bit of a filter for the stomach.”
Generally, within a couple of days, the contraction patterns of the reticulum will cause the wire to puncture the stomach wall and get pushed through into the liver and through the diaphragm. This can result in local infection from where the wire has punctured the stomach wall, with liver abscesses also common.
Dr Hall says when contractions of the stomach continue to happen, the wire is pushed forwards, often cutting the heart and resulting in an aggressive infection around the heart.
“It is quite dramatic, and the infection basically causes a large abscess around the heart, which over time starts to turn into adhesions and the heart cannot move as easily.”
In this case animals will die of heart failure due to the heart being constricted and unable to expand and fill with blood.
A difficult disease to diagnose, there are few clinical signs which identify cattle with hardware disease. Dr Hall advises performing the withers pinch test, with cows that do not dip down when their withers are pinched likely to have wire present in their abdomen or chest.
The disease is usually diagnosed earlier within dairy herds where cattle are more closely monitored, including the use of rumination monitors, whereas beef cattle are usually diagnosed when it is too late, says Dr Hall.
He adds: “Activity monitors will identify subtle drops in feed intake, or milk production, whereas a beef cow is usually plodding along and suddenly you see it when it is quite far into the disease because it is no longer eating and is displaying signs of heart failure.”
Treatment options
For cattle which are already showing signs of infection around the heart, such as a heart murmur, the chance of successful treatment is slim, says Dr Hall. However, if an infection is suspected but the heart is not yet affected, he advises treating cattle with a magnet to attract the wire back, as well as giving them penicillins and antiinflammatories.
He says: “You have to hope that the magnet coaxes the wire back into the stomach and the antibiotics clear up
the infection, but magnets are much better used as a preventative measure.”
For farms using mixer wagons to mix feed rations and/or tyres to weigh down clamp silage, Dr Hall advises putting magnets in cows as a preventative measure to reduce the risk. Usually lasting between three and four years, the magnets will attract ferrous
metals ingested by cattle and prevent the risk of wire, screws and nails puncturing the stomach wall.
Ultimately, when preventing the disease, Dr Hall says to be careful with silage and grass management, and use alternative methods to weigh down silage clamps such as weighted sheets, bales or sandbags.
FLY AND MIDGE RISK
Rob Hall
A pedigree British Blonde herd lies at the heart of Co Durham-based breeder James Weightman’s farm enterprise. Katie Fallon finds out more.
Spotlight on one of the UK’s oldest British Blonde herds
The British Blonde breed has been the mainstay of Hallfield Farm for the last 40 years and continues to be an important part of its story.
Situated on the outskirts of Easington, near Peterlee, Co Durham, Hallfield Farm is home to James Weightman and his parents, Peter and Kathleen, and their pedigree Hallfield British Blonde herd.
Mr Weightman’s father first took on the tenancy at Hallfield Farm in the 1960s, and after taking on the neighbouring farm tenancy a few years later, he purchased the two farms from the National Coal Board in the 1980s.
from those four foundation females.”
With the first importation of Blondes into the UK only a couple of years prior to this, the Hallfield herd is one of the oldest British Blonde herds in the country.
Established
The two farms are now run as one enterprise, comprising 36 hectares (90 acres) of grassland and 113ha (280 acres) of winter crop cereals, including winter barley, winter wheat and oilseed rape.
Originally milking cows, the family left the dairy industry in the 1970s and purchased four Blonde heifers from what was only the second importation of the breed into the UK.
After leaving the dairy industry, the farm was predominantly run as an arable enterprise, while the family gradually established the herd. But today, alongside the arable enterprise and a wind turbine erected in 2012, the herd is now the focal point of the business.
Mr Weightman says: “The cows started as a hobby, then a sideline, and are now one of the main arms of the business.”
Mr Weightman says: “Dad bought two French heifers and two first generation British heifers and bred up
Today the herd comprises 50 calving cows plus followers, all of which are home-bred and have been for several generations. As well as the foundation females, Mr Weightman says the family’s original stock bull, Ballygowan Noble, was also influential in building the herd to where it is today. Before purchasing Noble in 1998 from the Gibson family’s Ballygowan herd, Co Down, the family were solely using artificial insemination.
Mr Weightman says: “Noble was a good-looking bull at the time and did a good job for us producing big, strong, milky females with good temperaments. He set the herd up and with him we moved from 15 cows to 40 cows over the next several years.”
Another influential male line was the stock bull Blackwater Ainsley,
which the family purchased from Carlisle in 2007.
“We bred him with a lot of Noble daughters, and he produced a lot of top-priced bulls,” says Mr Weightman. Predominantly selling both breeding bulls and breeding females, privately and at Carlisle, anything which
Hallfield Uranium, a 15-month-old British Blonde bull.
The Hallfield herd comprises 50 calving cows plus followers.
Noble was a good-looking bull at the time and did a good job for us producing big, strong, milky females with good temperaments
JAMES WEIGHTMAN
does not make the grade for breeding will be sold through the fat ring at Darlington Auction Market.
“We retain a certain number of heifers annually for replacements, but we are hard on the heifers and the cows, and we try to only keep the best.”
Bulls are generally sold from around 15 months old, and the Weightman family have had great success over the years with their breeding bulls, holding the record for the highest-priced British Blonde bull.
Record-breaker
The record-breaker was a bull named Hallfield Plato, which sold for 12,000gns out of Carlisle in 2021, and was sired by Broccagh Kingfisher, a stock bull the family imported from Southern Ireland. Just two years later, in 2023, the family sold Hallfield Scotty, son of their current senior stock bull Aaron Jaigo, for the same price.
“Both record-price bulls were out of a home-bred cow, Hallfield Mia, who is still in the herd today,” adds Mr Weightman.
Other top-price bulls include Hallfield Rory, which sold for 9,000gns, Hallfield Lincoln at 8,000gns and Hallfield Titan, also selling for 8,000gns.
“The majority of bulls go to commercial herds, and we have sold to herds in Devon, Sussex, Orkney, Shetland and Northern Ireland,” says Mr Weightman.
“We have also sold females to help set up herds including Lucy Corner’s Lucyland herd, Co Durham, and Jamie Turnock’s Rosebank herd,
Derbyshire. It is nice to help two younger people get established into the breed.”
The family also sold a home-bred bull, Hallfield Fanfare, to the breeding company Genus 10 years ago, with another bull named Hallfield Icarus sold to Semex nine years ago, with semen exported to Canada.
“We also took semen from Ainsley and Noble, which was sent to Canada, Australia and several European countries,” says Mr Weightman.
Three stock bulls are currently used within the herd – Glenifer Tim, Silverwood Trent and Aaron Jaigo – with a batch of heifers synchronised to a German AI bull. Calving usually takes place across two batches in spring and autumn, with most calves born between 35-40kg on average.
Mr Weightman says he has started pelvic scoring heifers in the last two years which has been beneficial in identifying heifers which do not make the grade for breeding.
“We have only pelvic scored once, but we have found that certain daughters calve easier than others, so it is something we are going to continue doing.”
Heifers calve at around two-and-ahalf years old, with the current batch of 15-month-old maiden heifers going to the bull in December, once they have been pelvic scored. Mr Weightman says the bottom third of the batch will be culled before breeding if they are not up to standard.
“On the whole the cows and heifers are very easy calving. The breed’s temperament was not great in the past,
but we have worked hard as a breed to cull that out and it has improved massively.”
Cattle are housed for between five and six months in winter and graze outside for the rest of the year.
The family make all their own silage, and cows with calves are fed clamp silage and a small amount of concentrate after calving, with dry cows fed limited silage and straw.
With his father now retired, Mr
Weightman runs the majority of the farm business single-handedly, with some part-time help from a local farmer’s son, and is therefore happy to continue running the herd as it is and keep numbers where they are.
He has no doubt he will continue to stick with the breed for the foreseeable future and says: “We like the breed and have stuck with them and continued to succeed with them – why change?”
■ One
■ 150 hectares (370 acres) of grassland and arable
■ 50 breeding females plus followers
■ Breeding bulls and females
sold privately or at Carlisle
■ Heifers calve at two-anda-half years old
■ James Weightman was previously chair of the British Blonde Cattle Society and is a current committee member
of the oldest British Blonde herds in the UK
After purchasing four Blonde heifers in the 1970s from only the second importation of the breed into the UK, James Weightman and his family run one of the oldest British Blonde herds in the country.
Working Dogs
For winning results
English results
HOWGROVE FARM (Judge, Ron Fouracre) Drive, 1, O. Dowden, Turk, 92; 2, S. Greenaway, Bonnie, 88; 3, S. Greenaway, Tan, 83; 4, M. Jones, Clint, 81; 5, C. Pugh, Glen, 79; 6, D. Pownall, Mole, 77. Chute, 1, M. Jones, Mack, 72; 2, J. Tucker, Tess, 69; 3, O. Dowden, Jan, 64; 4, J. Hunt, Ted, 60; 4, M. Golding, Jess, 60; 6, M. Dowden, Bob, 57.
WADEBRIDGE (T. Hopper) Driving (35 ran) 1, C. Worgan, Black Jack, 92; 2, R. Hawke, Chip, 90; 3, W. Carter, Jem, 87; 4, S. Greenaway, Bonnie, 86; 5, V. Pitts, Brooke, 85; 6, W. Carter, Belle, 83. Maltese cross (V. Pitts) Novice (19 ran) 1, R. Edwards, Penny, 89; 2, R. Hawke, Bryn, 80; 3, C. Worgan, Mouse, 79; 4, J. Tucker, Tess, 77; 5, R. Doolan, Jypse, 72; 6, T. Hopper, Sam, 64. Open, 1, T. Hopper, Pip, 87; 2, R. Edwards, Nip, 84; 3, W. Carter, Lad, 66. New handler, 1, A. Beard, Mea, 58. Young handler, R. Heard, Fly.
COLLEGE VALLEY (Stephen Maeauley) 1, M. Davidson, Glen, 85OLF; 2, M. Davidson, Angus, 85; 3, D. Henderson, Jewel, 82; 4, T. Iley, Mac, 81; 5, P. Martin, Tilly, 80; 6, Willy Todd, Becca, 79. LOW THORNEYBURN (K. Preston) 1, M. Davison, Angus, 90; 2, C. Balmorbro, Liz, 89; 3, J. Burrow, Roy, 88; 4, D. Henderson, Jewel, 86; 5, C. Balmorbro, Dot, 84OLF; 6, C. Cassie, Pip, 84. MACCLESFIELD, Double gather championship, 1, K. Evans, Kemi Jack, 139; 2, K. Evans, Brynmoel Jet, 135; 3, R. Hutchinson, Jonah, 134; 4, L. Cowper, Gino, 123; 5, R. Hutchinson, Chrissy, 119; 6, T. Huddleston, Lidl, 108. Nursery, 1, J. Gilman, Hollie, 67; 2, K. Turnock, Nell, 66; 3, G. Birchenall, Winnie, 52; 4, R. Kennerley, Jess, 45; 5, K. Turnock, Nell, 66.
OSMOTHERLEY, 1, S. Walton, Spot, 76; 2, S. Thompson, Tess, 71OLF; 3, A. Wilkinson, Pip, 71; 4, A. Wilkinson, Liz, 65OLF; 5, T. Bennet, Strike, 65; 6, A. Bradley, Fonda, 60.
Scottish results
EDDERTON (43 ran) 1, P. Martin, Tilly, 90; 2, S. Campell, Ceit, 88; 3, T. McPhee, Mick, 80; 4, T. McPhee, Scott, 79; 5, H. Cooper, Roy, 77; 6, J. MacKillop, Jed, 74. WESTSIDE, 1, D. Murray, Sweep, 93; 2, J. Nicolson, Flo, 93; 3, B. Smith, Lass, 89; 4, C. Williamson, Sweep, 88; 5, D. Murray, Jill, 86.
Welsh results
BUGEILIAID UWCHALED, AM, 1, I. Rees, Pentre Jax, 13; 2, D. Rees, Bet, 15OLF; 3, E. Jarman, Ken, 15OLF; 4, N. Watkins, Jaz, 16; 5, M. Evans, Thistledown Jim, 20; 6, A. Davies, Gwen, 22. PM, 1, K. Evans, Jack, 9; 2, A. Davies, Izzy, 13; 3, A. Selatyn, Hemp, 14OLF; 4, A. Driscoll, Carlos, 14; 5, M. Jones, Nan, 16; 6, D. Rees, Gwen, 17. LLANWRTYD WELLS (John Davies, Cilmery) Open, 1, I. Jones, Erwood Ray, 22; 2, M. Jones, Kennox Bob, 22; 3, R. Snoeck, Maid, 22; 4, I. Rees, Pentre Jax, 24; 5, A. Driscoll, Kinloch Taz, 25; 6, T. Mallon, Valanza Taya, 26. Novice, 1, T. Mallon, Valanza Taya, 26; 2, J. De Bruycker, Jen, 31; 3, B. Morgan, Bec, 34; 4, M. Dubenova, Kemi Kurt, 36. PM (Ian Jones) Open, 1, M. Morgan, Scott, 14; 2, K. Haker, Case, 15; 3, J. Price, Ben, 21; 4, E. Morgan, Blackie, 21; 5, B. Pugh, Gwen, 23; 6, D. Evans, Kemi Gin, 23. Novice, 1, M. Morgan, Scott, 14; 2, J. Price, Ben, 21; 3, E. Davies, Sal, 56; 4, I. Jones, Dot, 58. ABERMULE, 1, M. Evans, Eryri Nan, 4; 2, A. Owen, Llangwm Jim, 4.5OLF; 3, B. Davies, Northtyne Lasi, 4.5; 4, G. Jones, Max, 5OLF; 5, D. Davies, Treflys Ben, 5; 6, E. Jarman, Ken, 5.5.
NATIONAL SHEEP ASSOCIATION SHEEP EVENT
TOP price at the annual sheepdog sale at the NSA Sheep Event was a 2020-born registered bitch called Meg
for 1,500gns
Trials diary WALES
August 10. CWMSYCHPANT, Waun Fields, Rhydowen, SA44 4QA, Open and novice national, combined runs, open and novice South Wales, combined runs, 8am start, catering, contact secretary Sulwyn Jenkins, tel: 07971 442 462. BRYNEGLWYS, LL21 9NA, 8am start, tel: 07983 394 772. LLANARMON YN LAL, CH7 4QX, 8am start, tel: 07964 671 308. LLANFYLLIN, SY22 5HS, 8am start, tel: 07890 292 896.
August 12. ST DOGMAELS, Pantirion Farm, St Dogmaels, SA43 3BY, start 7.30am, Open national and open South Wales, prize for best young handler under 25, three dogs per handler, only two in any one class, contact secretary John Walters, tel: 01239 614 027. CROSSWELL, SA41 3TG, What3Words: upward. measures.postcard, Open national, two sessions, first session finishes 12.15pm or after 30-35 runs, start 7.30am prompt, last run 6.30pm, no catering, contact secretary Llinos Davies, tel: 01239 891 384, pre-entry opens 8am, August 7.
August 12 and 13. BUILTH WELLS, Cilmickney, LD4 4BD (will be signposted from Cilmery and Garth), day one, Open and novice national style and young handler under 21, 7.30am start, day two, open and novice South Wales style, 8.30am start, contact secretary Nicola Bevan, tel: 07532 702 515, catering in attendance both days, enter on field.
August 14. MACHYNLLETH, Machynlleth, SY20 8EX, 8am start, tel: 07870 918 319. CWMOWEN, near Builth Wells, Powys, Open national, novice national, open South Wales, young handlers under 21, highest placed lady competitor, within 40-mile radius, contact secretary Carol Smith, tel: 01982 553 088.
August 14, 15 and 16. WELSH NATIONAL, Pontrhydfendigaid, Ystrad Meurig.
August 15, 16 and 17. LOWER CHAPEL, Coed Mawr Farm, Lower Chapel, LD3 9RD, day one, local farmers
section, 10-mile radius, 5pm start, day two, novice national and novice South Wales, 8am start, day three, open national and open south wales, 8am start, enter on field, catering available, contact secretary Llywela Lewis, tel: 07980 582 201.
August 16 and 17. LLANWRDA, Glanmynis Field, SA20 0EU, halfway between Llandovery and Llanwrda, day one, novice national and novice South Wales, day two, open national and open South Wales, start 8am both days, catering, contact secretary Lyn Morgans, tel: 01550 720 761 or 07939 958 351.
August 17. ELAN VALLEY, Frondorddu, LD1 6NY, open and novice national combined, two sessions, start 8am, catering, contact secretary Eira Edwards, tel: 01597 810 721. LLANSANNAN, LL16 5LD, 8am start, tel: 07818 835 916. DOLMELYNLLYN, LL40 2HP, 8am start, tel: 01341 440 224. LLANUWCHLLYN, LL23 7TT, 8am start, tel: 07711 082 656.
August 17 and 18. VALE OF EVESHAM, Baldwyn Farm, Pebworth, CV37 8XB, day one, local novice and farmer’s class, 60-mile radius, day two, open and novice national and brace class, pre-entry to secretary, Jenny Atwell via jatwell57@gmail.com or tel: 07923 913 824. August 18. LLANWONNO, Mynachdy Farm, Ynysybwl, Pontypridd, CF37 3PF, Open and national novice, open South Wales and novice South Wales, start 8am, contact secretary, Ann Grice, tel: 01685 873 117 or 07709 913 119. BEDDGELERT, LL55 4NQ, 9am, tel: 01286 870 749.
SCOTLAND
August 10. HUNTERSTON ESTATE, West Kilbride, Ayrshire, KA23 9QF, enter on field, 8am start, £10 per dog, catering on field, for further information contact Bobby Howatson, tel: 07947 532 993. SOUTH SHETLAND, Glen, Dunrossness, 9am start, judge Michael Shearer, Caithness, contact James Nicolson via
“I am delighted to have this opportunity to sponsor the Working Dogs pages in Farmers Guardian for 2024. Wishing all triallists the very best of luck.”
Christopher Ware Managing director at
Gilbertson & Page, manufacturer of Dr. John’s foods for dogs.
james.f.nicolson@icloud.com. LOCHBROOM, Inverbroom Farm, Lochbroom, Ullapool, IV23 2RZ, there will be a barbecue, baking stall and raffle and fundraising auction at 3pm in aid of The Highland Hospice and Macmillan Cancer Support, tel: 01854 655 209. August 11. SHETLAND COUNTY, Glebe, Tingwall, 9am start, judge Brendon Smith, Scousburgh, contact James Nicolson via james.f.nicolson@icloud.com.
ENGLAND
August 8. ENGLISH NATIONAL, Moorelands Farm Princetown, Dartmoor, Devon, for all enquires contact englishnational2024@gmail.com. LAKE DISTRICT, Hill Farm, Kendal, LA8 9QQ, 10am start, contact Carole Hodgson via jad_yoadpot@hotmail.com, or tel: 07769 871 819.
August 10. DYKE HEAD, NE19 1RD, enter on field, first 40 dogs, 9am start, two dog limit, no second dogs run after 12.30pm.
August 11. NORTHERN, Stainton Village, Barnard Castle, DL12 8RB, 9am start, last booking in 1pm, contact Steven Ledger, tel: 07436 532 607. COME BYE AND AWAY, West Pennard, Glastonbury, Somerset, BA6 8NN, 9.30am start with driving open, novice combined followed by maltese cross, entries on the field, contact, Mike Dowden, tel: 07807 837 263. August 14. DANBY, YO21 1TZ, contact the Danby show office.
August 15. VALE OF RYDAL SHEEPDOG, Le Fleming Stakes, Rydal Park, Ambleside, Cumbria, 8am start, contact, Sarah Hoggarth, tel: 07980 622 253. August 17. BARBON, Barbon Manor Park, Barbon, judge, John James, starts 8am, £7 per dog, contact, Clare Thompson via barbobshow@hotmail.com, or tel: 07590 115 844.
sold by Roy Price, Gwenddwr, near Builth Wells. It was purchased
by Mr Leach, Banbury.
Inter-breed beef and Charolais champion, Teme Totty, from the Corbett family, Knighton, Powys.
British Blonde (R. Pattinson, Carlise) Sup., T. Owen, Bickley Tangerine; res., G. Needham. Highland (A. Hill, Much Wenlock) Sup., G. Mumford, Urshula Eleanor 4th of Yarchester; G. Mumford, Freya of Yarchester.
British Blue (R. Pattinson) Sup., S. Hughes, Hawthorn Blues Titan; res., P.J.H.L. Brimdley. Longhorn (W. Finucane, Whitland) Sup., R. Heard, Treverton Xcalibur; res., D.J.C. Preece, Seifton Susie. Any other breed (J. Ward, Frome) Sup., Corbett family, Teme Totty; res., Corbett family, Teme Tilly. Commercial (C. Edwards) Sup., J. Burnett; res., S. Hughes.
Baby beef (C. Edwards) Sup., J. Burnett; res., C.P.H.R. Paddock.
Sheep
Inter-breed (R. Williams, Craven Arms) Sup., A. Fletcher (Suffolk); res., J.P. Owens (Kerry Hill). Texel (W. Forrester, Market Drayton) Sup., R.M. and G.L. Watkins; res., N. Legge. Beltex (D. Weaver, Ledbury) Sup. and res., K. Bodily. Suffolk (M. Pugh, Hereford) Sup. and res., A. Fletcher. Charollais (R. Gregory, Shrewsbury) Sup. and res., James family. Lleyn (R. Twose, Carmarthen) Sup., R. Allies; res., J. Hamer. Shropshire (C. Bateman, Brecon) Sup. and res., S. Farquhar and E. Butcher.
Inter-breed dairy and Holstein champion, Mawley Boy Lady Red, from David, Adrian and Rob Robinson, Kidderminster.
Charolais takes beef title
l
Berkshire claims pig inter-breed honours
Inter-breed sheep and Suffolk champion, a ewe, from Andrew Fletcher, Kidderminster.
Reserve interbreed sheep and Kerry Hill champion, a yearling ewe, from John and Phillipa Owen, Presteigne.
Blue Texel (M. Gray, Bromyard) Sup. and res., N. Legge.
Zwartbles (M. Pearse, Ivybridge) Sup., K. Hopkins; res., S. Bower.
Clun Forrest (R. Price, Builth Wells) Sup., C. John; res., R. Whitticase. Kerry Hill (N. Radnor, Bucknell) Sup. and res., J.P. Owens.
Jacob (L. Trumper, Abergavenny) Sup., R. Edwards; res., J. Nightingale.
Badger Face Welsh Mountain (M. Brown, Carmarthen) Sup., O. Davies; res., L. Johnson. Any other breed (A. Potter, Longnor) Sup., R. Howaston; res., S. Hendrie.
Any other continental breed (J. Owens, Leominster) Sup., James family; res., D. Grinnall.
Dairy
Inter-breed (N. Madeley, Bridgenorth) Sup., D. Robinson, Mawley Boy Lady Red P; res., D. Robinson, Mawley Supershot Wenda. Holstein (N. Madeley) Sup., D. Robinson, Mawley Boy Lady Red P; res., D. Robinson, Mawley Supershot Wenda.
Pigs
Inter-breed (G. Pawson, Manchester) Sup., N. Greenhalgh, Heathgates Peterlad (Berkshire); res., S. Bowers, Northrode Lottie 195 (British Saddleback).
Modern (G. Pawson) Sup., R. Bemand, Leystersspring Sally 10 (Welsh); res., M. Halliday, Dyfodol Havnberg (Duroc).
Traditional (G. Pawson) Sup., N. Greenhalgh, Heathgates Peterlad (Berkshire); res., S. Bowers, Northrode Lottie 195 (British Saddleback).
By Ellie Layton
TAKING the beef inter-breed title at Burwarton Show was Teme Totty, bred and exhibited by the Corbett family, Knighton, Powys.
Success runs in the family for this heifer, as its dam, Teme Posh Totti, picked up the reserve inter-breed title at both the Great Yorkshire and Royal Welsh shows this year.
The January 2022-born was sired by the Irish-bred 13,000gns Clenagh Lyle, which placed first in its class at the Royal Welsh Show.
Reserve inter-breed tapped out by the judge Paul Walker, Stafford, was the Limousin, Garyvaughan Taine, bred and exhibited by Colin Vaughan and family, Welshpool.
Another January 2022-born heifer, it is a daughter of 24,000gns Gorrycam Phantom which the herd purchased in 2021, and is out of Garyvaughan Ilane.
Hereford and native inter-breed champion went to William Awan who travelled from Bath with his heifer, Midford 1 Eke 1. The January 2023born polled heifer is bred by stock bull, Grifford 1 Try, and is a natural-born calf from Bosbury 1 Elke 50.
The heifer has had a successful year, most recently claiming the reserve breed championship at the Royal Welsh.
Winning the any other native breed championship was a Welsh Black heifer, Aur Du Champagne, bred and exhibited by Sally Lloyd, Leominster.
The November 2022-born heifer is an Aur Du Yogi Bear daughter.
In the sheep section where 650 sheep battled for the top spot, it was a Suffolk ewe from Andrew Fletcher, Kidderminster, which took top honours.
This home-bred January 2023-born ewe comes from Mr Fletcher’s 20-head pedigree Callow flock. Sired by Roun-
dacre Redmond, the ewe is no stranger to success at Burwarton after being awarded the ewe lamb inter-breed champion title at last year’s fixture. Reserve inter-breed went to a Kerry Hill, from John and Phillipa Owen’s Woodhouse flock, Presteigne. The home-bred yearling ewe, sired by stock ram Dalwyne Avicci, was being shown for the first time.
The ewe lamb championship was won by the show’s livestock chair Rob Grinnall, Worcester, with a Border Leicester. The lamb, Hayden Watch Out, is out of Millend 003 and sired by their stock ram, Neben Ultimate.
The reserve inter-breed ewe lamb went to a Blue Texel from Bromyardbased Nick Legges’ Thornbury flock.
The Fletcher family also took home the group of three inter-breed with their trio of Suffolk lambs, while the Owen’s Woodhouse Kerry Hill flock took reserve.
Dairy section
In a small yet strong dairy section, it was a local Holstein herd that swept the board. David, Adrian and Rob Robinson run the 300-head Mawley herd in Cleobury Mortimer near Kidderminster, and took both champion and reserve inter-breed at Burwarton, which is the only show they attend each year.
The champion, Mawley Boy Lady Red, is a January 2022-born cow producing 40 litres a day and is sired by RS Boy Red PP Pos and out of Mawley Aladdin Lady Red.
Reserve went to Mawley Supershot Wenda, a 2018-born cow in its fifth lactation.
In the pig section, the supreme championship title went to a Berkshire, Heathgates Peterlad, bred and exhibited by owned by Nicola Greenhalgh, North Shropshire. The January 2024-born boar was also reserve inter-breed at Oswestry Show last weekend.
Reserve supreme pig was a British Saddleback, Northrode Lottie 195, bred and exhibited by Syd Bowers, Holmes Chapel, Cheshire.
Texel claims sheep inter-breed
l Simmental champion wins supreme beef
By Katie Fallon
WITH more than 750 sheep forward for judging at this year’s Dumfries Show, it was the Texel champion, a gimmer shearling from David MacTaggart, of Douganhill Farms, Castle Douglas, which was crowned interbreed sheep champion.
Only its second time out, the homebred gimmer, by the 10,000gns Coniston Equinox, was reserve champion of champions at Stewartry Show earlier this year.
After tapping out his champion and admiring an ‘exceptional show of champions’, judge, Jim Sinclair, Heriot, said: “The Texel just had that edge. It is flashy, a sound beast, and good on its legs.”
Reserve inter-breed was a Berrichon three-shear tup named Glyncoch Wagna, from Frances Barbour, Sanquhar. Purchased from Carlisle in 2021, the tup was breed
champion at this year’s Royal Highland Show and was part of the champion group of three at the Great Yorkshire Show.
Beef rings
Supreme champion in the beef rings was the Simmental champion, an April 2017-born home-bred cow, Newbiemains Icandy, from the Goldie family, Annan. Shown with its February-born bull calf at foot, Newbiemains Rolo, the cow was inter-breed champion at this year’s Stirling Show and placed first in its class at the Royal Highland Show in June. It was the Goldie family’s first inter-breed win at Dumfries with a Simmental, having won the supreme title twice before with a Charolais cow and heifer. Standing reserve was the Limousin champion, a 17-month-old bull named Goldies Upshot from Bruce Goldie, Dumfries. By Ampertaine Opportunity which has bred bulls to 32,000gns and out of Goldies Torpedo, the bull placed third in the beef breeders inter-breed championship at this year’s Royal Highland Show.
Results
Sheep
Inter-breed (Judge, J. Sinclair, Heriot) Supreme, Douganhill Farms (Texel); reserve, F. Barbour (British Berrichon).
Cheviot (D. Douglas Jr, Selkirk) Sup. and res., J. Common and Son.
Blackface (I. Thompson, Walkerburn) Sup. and res., W. Ramsay and Sons.
Suffolk (J. Cannon, Newton Stewart) Sup. W. and M. Haining; res., P. and D. Reid.
North Country Cheviot (S. Davies, Selkirk) Sup. and res., J. Cowan.
Bluefaced Leicester, crossing type (G. Thornborrow, Peebles) Sup. J. and A. Brown; res., S. and T. Fallows.
Bluefaced Leciester, traditional type (R.C. Dalgliesh, Lockerbie) Sup. K. Smith; res., M. and J. Drummond. Kerry Hill (D. Steen, Moffat) Sup., A. Burgess. Texel (J. Arnott, Kelso) Sup., Douganhill Farms; res., E. MacTaggart.
Blue Texel (J. Aiken, Wennington) Sup. and res., K. Dodd.
Scotch Mule (C. Thornborrow, Symington) Sup., S. and T. Fallows; res., M. Ross
Charollais (J. Dennis, Thirsk) Sup., H. Jackson; res., B. Radley. Beltex (J. Aiken) Sup. and res., W. McMillan. Lleyn (C. Geldard, Kendal) Sup., H. Goldie; res., J. Kingan. Ryeland (S. Briggs, Uttoxeter) Sup., K. and R. and T. Burns; res., A. and D. Mitchell.
Coloured Ryeland (N. Burton, Hawes) Sup., A. and D. Mitchell; res., T. Harrington.
Shetland (S. Russell, Irvine) Sup. and res., M. Parry. Zwartbles (A. Bailey, Netherburn) Sup. and res., A. Thorburn.
Berrichon (R. Bett, Louth) Sup., F. Barbour; res., E. Burgess.
Dutch Spotted (M. Simpson, Kilmarnock) Sup., A. Jackson; res., C. Dodd. Hampshire Down (C. Bissett, Evanton) Sup., J. Grossick; res., G. Todd. Any other continental pure-bred or cross (A. Bailey) Sup., A. Burgess; res., A. Jackson. Any other native pure-bred or cross (S. Davies) Sup., A.G. Dempster; res., M. and J. Drummond.
Residing with the Goldie family’s 80-head herd of pedigree Limousins, the home-bred bull is to be sold at Carlisle in October.
It was the Holstein champion which clinched the inter-breed title in the dairy section, a third-calver named Eedy Crushabull Acclaim, from the father and son team of Brian and Michael Yates, Castle Douglas.
Described by the Holstein judge as ‘probably one of the best cows in the UK today’, it was breed champion at
Inter-breed sheep and Texel champion, a gimmer shearling, from David MacTaggart, Castle Douglas.
last year’s Royal Highland and Royal Welsh Show, as well as previously placing first in its class at UK Dairy Day and UK Borderway Dairy Expo. Having last calved in February, it is currently giving more than 60 litres daily.
Taking home the reserve rosette was the Ayrshire champion, Harperfield Queen of the South 60, from the Lindsay family, Lanark.
Classified EX90 and last calved in June, the fourth calver was champion at AgriScot last year.
Inter-breed dairy and Holstein
Eedy Crushabull Acclaim, from Brian and Michael Yates, Castle Douglas.
Beef
Inter-breed (D. Mackenzie, Insch) Sup., J. and P. Goldie, Newbiemains Icandy (Simmental); res., B. Goldie, Goldies Upshot (Limousin). Galloway (A. Waugh, Carlisle) Sup., J. and S. Ross; res., P.H. Blair.
Belted Galloway (J. Carson, Castle Douglas) Sup., S. Hair, Cormiston Towers Bella; res., D. and K. Keiley, Huntfield Yvette.
Aberdeen-Angus (J. Rea, Castle Douglas) Sup., M. McCornick, McCornick Ecosse; res., D. and K. Graham, Carruthers Elspeth.
Highland (J. Rea) Sup., D. and C. Logan, Bonnie of Blairlogan.
Beef Shorthorn (J. Rea) Sup., D. and M. Wyllie, Burllie Tilly; res., L. and R. Thomson, Shawhill Duchess 114. Charolais (C. Fordyce, Meigle) Sup., I. Goldie, Solwayfirth Tilly; res., I. Goldie, Solwayfirth Ula. British Simmentals (C. Fordyce) Sup., J. and P. Goldie, Newbiemains Icandy; res., D. and R. Holdings, Overhill House Nancy.
Limousins (C. Fordyce) Sup., B. Goldie, Goldies Upshot; res., B. Goldie, Goldies Ulrika. Any other breed (S. McKinnon, Dumfries) Sup., D.
Irving, Enterprise Shuna (South Devon); res., D. Irving, Enterprise Juin (South Devon).
Prime (J. Little, Wigton) Sup., S. McKinnel, Denzil (Limousin cross); res., A. Ewing, Sassy (Limousin cross).
Commercial (S. McKinnon) Sup., J.M. Wharton and Son; res., F. Dalgliesh.
Dairy
Inter-breed (J. Sayer, Wigton and J. Waller, Kirkby Lonsdale) Sup., B. and M. Yates, Eedy Crushabull Acclaim (Holstein); res., Firm of D.M. Lindsay, Harperfield Queen of the South 60 (Ayrshire). Holstein (S. Garth, Great Ecclestone) Sup., B. and M. Yates, Eedy Crushabull Acclaim; res., S. Roan, Colvend Crockett Sunray. Ayrshire (J. Sayer) Sup., Firm of D.M. Lindsay, Harperfield Queen of the South 60; res., Firm of D.M. Lindsay, Middle Madam MH. Jersey (J. Waller) Sup., B. and M. Yates, Logan Chrome Caribbean; res., T.A. and M.L. Jackson and Daughters, Gullyhill Webcam Daisy. Any other breed (J. Waller) Sup., T. Lochhead and Sons, Kedar Nescardo Snickerliscious (Brown Swiss).
Inter-breed beef and Simmental champion, Newbiemains Icandy, from the Goldie family, Annan.
champion,
Inter-breed beef and show champion of champions, Corskie Illusion, from Iain Green and family, Fochabers.
and commercial
Corskie Illusion clinches supreme at Black Isle Show
l Charollais leads in the sheep rings
RECORD numbers of livestock were seen at Black Isle Show on its 185th anniversary year, with more than 1,100 sheep and nearly 300 cattle at the event.
The Black Isle Show champion of champions 2024 was a Simmental cow in-milk, Corskie Illusion, shown
by Gemma and Sean Cumming from Iain Green and family, Corskie Farm, near Fochabers. Corskie Illusion is a six-year-old cow by Auchorachan Farmer shown with its spring-born heifer calf at foot. This was the cow’s first outing since winning the junior female championship at the Royal Highland in 2019.
Champion commercial and reserve inter-breed beef went to Michael and Mark Robertson, Fodderletter, with
Inter-breed sheep and Charollais champion, Logie Durno, from the Ingram family, Inverurie.
Suffolk ewe leads Tenbury Show
IN the sheep section Andrew Fletcher, Kidderminster, finished his week on a high following his inter-breed win at Burwarton Show, with his Suffolk yearing topping the sheep section at Tenbury Show too. His Roundacre Redmond-sired ewe comes from Mr Fletcher’s 20-head pedigree Callow flock.
The Reserve sheep inter-breed came from the winner of the Ryeland section, with a yearling ewe exhibited by Burton and Wright, Tenbury.
Tenbury Show held the breed’s National Show, which saw a combined entry of 270 Ryeland and Coloured Ryeland section exhibits.
The cattle section was led by Starstruck Tyson, a British Blue yearling bull exhibited by Joe Burnett, Leominster. He is a May 2023-born son of Giga Du Bois De Remont and out of Black N Blue UK.Com.
Reserve also came from Leominster, this time with Sally Lloyd’s senior Welsh Black heifer, Aur Du Chanel.
Vanessa, a 15-month-old home-bred heifer by Limousin sire, Homebyres Nistleroy and out of a British Blue cross cow.
At the heifer’s last outing it was overall champion of champions at Nairn Show. Vanessa was also part of the reserve inter-breed pairs and group of three.
Reserve commercial went to Barry Patterson, with Mojito, an 11-monthold Limousin cross bullock by Lodge Hamlet out of a British Blue cross cow.
Sheep section
In the sheep section, a Charollais yearling ewe stole the show from regular winners the Ingram family, Logie Dur-
no, near Inverurie. Sired by Logie Durno Allstar, the ewe was on its third outing of the year, having stood second at the Royal Highland and Royal Welsh shows.
The Ingrams also starred in the inter-breed sheep pairs, with their reserve Suffolk, a shearling ram bought last year at Shrewsbury which was matched with the breed champion, a ewe from Craig Patterson, Aberchirder, taking the red, white and blue sash. Champion Blackface and reserve inter-breed sheep went to Robert Flett, Crakaig Blackies, with a homebred yearling ewe by a £15,000 Crossflatt ram. The ewe has previously been reserve at Sutherland Show.
GARSTANG SHOW
Reserve inter-breed beef
champion, Vanessa, from Michael and Mark Robertson, Fodderletter.
INTER-breed beef and any other beef breed champion, Charolais heifer Goldstar Saoirse, from Thor Atkinson, Ulverston. Full results to follow.
Simmental leads beef ring
l Charollais crowned supreme sheep champion
By Katie Fallon
AS host to the Simmental Scottish National Show, it was a fitting result when the Simmental champion was crowned inter-breed beef champion at this year’s Turriff Show. It was the February 2020-born Annick Ginger’s Lucia, from Reece and Andrew Simmers, Keith, which claimed the supreme sash.
Purchased from the Annick dispersal sale in 2022 and residing with the family’s pedigree Backmuir Simmental herd, the cow was also inter-breed beef champion at this year’s Royal Highland Show, and breed champion at the show in 2023. It went on to place reserve overall
Results
Beef
Inter-breed (Judge, D. Hyslop, Girvan) Supreme, R. and A. Simmers, Annick Ginger’s Lucia (Simmental); reserve, Coul Estate Partnership, Lady White 144th of Balmoral (Highland).
Simmental (R. Mackay, Lybster) Sup. and female, R. and A. Simmers, Annick Ginger’s Lucia; res. and res. fem., Delfur Farms, Delfur Nifty; male, Pitgaveny Farms, Islavale Kristoff; res. male, R. and A. Simmers, Backmuir King.
Aberdeen-Angus (J. Baillie, Orkney) Sup. and fem., A. and K. Rhind and Son, Newton Struthers Espresso; res. and res. fem., M. Wattie, Tonley Ester; male, H.W. Sclater, Deveron Elliot; res. male, M. Wattie, Tonley Evergold.
Beef Shorthorn (F. Thomson, Forfar) Sup. and male, A. Watt, Strathisla Spark; res. and fem., R. and M. Pettit, Knightland Heathermaid Torvi; res. male, Glendual Titan; res. fem., G. Stephen, Dunsyre Daisy Gretta 19. British Charolais (B. Goldie, Dumfries) Sup. and male, A.J.R. Farms, Newlogie Perejacqoemin; res. and fem., A.J.R. Farms, Newlogie Uroyaleclipse; res. male, A.J.R. Farms, Newlogie Unreserved; res. fem., A.J.R. Farms, Newlogie Royal Eclipse.
champion of champions later that day.
The Simmental judge, Dorothy Moffat, Dunbar, said her champion was ‘very feminine’ and ‘a good example of the breed’.
Standing reserve was the Highland champion, Lady White 144th of Balmoral, from the Coul Estate Partnership, Laggan.
The Prionnsa Dubh 3rd of Balmoral daughter was purchased privately from the Balmoral dispersal sale and was breed champion at this year’s Royal Welsh Show and Great Yorkshire Show, as well as reserve champion at Stirling Show.
Supreme champion in the sheep rings and champion of champions at the show was a Charollais ewe from the Ingram family’s Logie Durno flock, Pitcaple. Craig Paterson, Aberchirder, stood reserve with a Suffolk gimmer shearling.
British Blue (A. Woodburn, Muirkirk) Sup. and fem., B. Duffton, Harelaw Star; res. and res. fem., J.S. Youngson, Sunnybank Poloma Faith; male, Coul Estate Paternership, Coul Blue Thunderflash; res. male, J.S. Youngson.
British Limousin (A. Woodburn) Sup. and fem., R. and K. Davidson, Corsairtly Universe; res. and male, H. Emslie, Goldies Strongbow; res. fem., D. McKerrow, Tillycairn Uptowngirl; res. male, S. Irvine and Sons, Anside. Highland (J. Ross, Dumfries) Sup. and fem., Coul Estate Partnership, Lady White 144th of Balmoral; res. and res. fem., J. and J. Singer, Cary Cora Dhubh Of Kintore Castle; male, M. Middleton, Eoin Mhor Of Barna; res. male, V. Thomson, Hamish Of Clackriach. Any other breed (B. Goldie) Sup. and male, M. Poyser, Milovaig 1 Vindicator (Hereford); res. and fem., S. Buchan, Auchmacoy Nancy (Lincoln Red); res. male, Trainview Livestock, Trainview Cassius (Lincoln Red); res. fem., Auchmacoy Bianca (Lincoln Red). Commercial (W. Stewart, Huntly) Sup. and res., M. Robertson; res. and res. fem., B.M. Duffton; male, M. Robertson; res. male., B.M. Duffton. Carcase (Woodhead Brothers, Turriff) Sup., R. Brothers.
Sheep
Inter-breed (Judge, G. Ross, Strichen) Sup., W. and C. Ingram (Charollais); reserve, C. Paterson (Suffolk).
Bluefaced Leicester, traditional type (I. Smith, Alnwick) Sup. and male, and res. and fem., M. Seed; res. male, R. Blackhall; res. fem., W. and C. Ingram. Bluefaced Leicester, crossing type (J. Kay, Lauder) Sup. and fem. and res. and male, J.K. Hunter; res. fem., J. Millican; res. male, J.K. Hunter. Beltex (R. Flaws, Orkney) Sup. and fem. and res. and res. fem., A. Miller; male, A. Miller; res. male, S. Wood. Blackface (T. Muirhead, Blair Atholl) Sup. and fem., R. Flett; res. and res. fem., Glenrinnes Farms; male, G. Shearer; res. male, R. Flett. Charollais (B. Radley, Dumfries) Sup. and fem. and res. and res. fem., W. and C. Ingram; male, W. and C. Ingram; res. male, J. Singer. Blue Texel (D. Cormack, Leicestershire) Sup. and fem., S. Wood; res. and male, D. Atkinson; res. fem., W.J. and M. Hunter; res. male, S. Wood. Ryeland (P. Maddock, Dalbeattie) Sup. and fem., K. Hardy; res. and male, R. and B. Aitken; res. fem., R. and B. Aitken; res. male, K. Smith. Small and horned minority breeds (L. Manson, Shetland) Sup. and fem., N. Robson; res. and res. fem.,
Inter-breed sheep and Charollais champion, plus overall champion of champions, a ewe from the Ingram family’s Logie Durno flock, Pitcaple.
Reserve inter-breed sheep and Suffolk champion, a gimmer shearling from Craig Paterson, Aberchirder.
E. and C. Stables; male, L. Thompson and J.W. Graham; res. male, E. and C. Stables. Suffolk (R. Hiddleston, Dumfries) Sup. and fem., C.G. Paterson; res. and male, N. Benzie; res. fem., C.G. Paterson; res. male, N. Benzie. Texel (A. Clark, Lesmahagow) Sup. and male, J.K. Hunter; res. and fem., W. Knox; res. male, J. Innes; res. fem., R. Wilson. Zwartbles (N. Henderson, Stirling) Sup. and fem., H. Murray; res. and res. fem., K. and W. Anderson; male, K. and W. Anderson; res. male, I. Bissett. Any other breed accredited (E. Campbell, Dingwall) Sup. and fem., M. Hanson (Badgerface Texel); res. and male., W.G. Troup (Dutch Spotted); res. fem., M. Hanson (Badgerface Texel); res. male, M. Hanson (Badgerface Texel). Any other breed non-accredited (S. Robertson, Dufftown) Sup. and male, W. and J. Brown (Cheviot); res. and fem., A. Polson (Cheviot); res. male, A. Polson (Cheviot); res. fem., W. and J. Brown (Cheviot). Butchers’ lambs (Woodhead Brothers, Turriff) Sup. and res., M. Munro (Continental). Cross pens of three (E. Runciman, Lauder) Sup., W. and J. Brown; res., Sordale Suffolks. Cross pens singles (T. Linklater, Orkney) Sup., Cairness
Ltd; res., C.G. Paterson.
Inter-breed beef and Simmental champion, Annick Ginger’s Lucia, from Reece and Andrew Simmers, Keith.
Reserve inter-breed beef and Highland champion, Lady White 144th of Balmoral, from the Coul Estate Partnership, Laggan.
Market Prices Primestock
SCOTLAND ENGLAND
Source: LAA/MartEye
Source: LAA/MartEye
Market Prices Store Cattle
SCOTLAND
ENGLAND
Figures show livestock numbers first, then average price per head.
THERE was an increase across all livestock categories as vendors headed to auction marts in England and Wales this week.
In the cattle rings, young bulls increased the most by 6.6p/kg to 269.2p/kg, while steers were up by 4.8p/kg to 277.6p/kg.
Heifers had grown in value by 4.4p/kg to 282.4p/kg and dairy-sired cull cows had risen by 2.0p/kg to 155.5p/kg.
Sheep prices were up by 5.0p/kg to 308.7p/kg.
There had also been increases in cutters and baconers, but porkers bucked the trend as prices fell by 18.6p/kg to 170.5p/kg.
As Farmers Guardian went to press on Wednesday (August 7), UK LIFFE wheat prices for November 2024 were trading at £192.00/tonne, an increase of £3.05/t on the week.
LIVESTOCK AVERAGES
Market Prices
DEADWEIGHT CATTLE
prices for the week ending August 3, 2024
STORE SHEEP ENGLAND
DEADWEIGHT SHEEP
N/S deadweight prices for the week ending August 3, 2024. S
DEADWEIGHT PIGS
PIGS
WALES SCOTLAND
WEANER PRICES
Please note: AHDB
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)
Seller’s 2023 claim not needed. Estimated return £1.20/£1 ref amount with buyer’s delink payment less than £30,000 post-transfer. Subject to Delinkage values 2025-27. BIODIVERSITY NET GAIN: English: Defra estimates £20,000-£200,000/unit excluding VAT and associated fees, subject to lot size. Last tender July 15, 2024, next September 9, 2024. NUTRIENT NEUTRALITY: Long-term sales all types agric man excluding specialist habitat creation. Nitrates £3,000-£4,000/unit (£18,000£206,000/ha); phosphates £50,000-£65,000/ unit (£2,000-£169,000/ha). CARBON: Woodland Carbon >£35/WCU >£25/PIU. May 2023 WCG reverse auction average £19.76. WATER: English abstraction licences less than £3-£15/cu.m. Source: Townsend Chartered Surveyors
FIELD PEAS/BEANS
Thursday, July 25, 2024.
1.
ending August 11, 2024
Last updated August 6, 2024
Source: LAA/IAAS
Farming: The Backbone of B
Gathering sheep from the fells is an act steeped in tradition, and one largely unchanged by time. Emily Ashworth reports.
Anyone who has witnessed flocks of sheep being gathered and brought down from the fells will know that this tradition is an art.
Still thoroughly embedded within upland communities, this ancient skill is as important as ever, and many of those who still gather sheep in this way enjoy the communal aspect of it as much as the physical act.
It is often a highlight of the farming calendar, as farmers take to the fells – the majority still with their dog and stick – to bring their flocks back down from common grazing areas.
Sheep gathering is a way of life in many places such as the Lake District, and when looking over historic images it is clear that not much has changed apart from, perhaps, the attire and the addition of quad bikes.
Jennie Hill farms in the Lake District, finding her place as a National Trust tenant in the rolling hills of Ambleside.
Having come from a non-farming background, she says that being able to be part of the communal gathering is, for her, a real privilege.
She adds: “I love coming together as a community to go up and gather the fell as a team.
“It is a dog and stick job and you are on your feet for hours whatever the weather, but I like keeping myself fit enough to go up there on that terrain. I love the strong connection with my dogs.
“That community side [is something] we could easily lose, and I hope the next generation feels that sense of community.
“It is about keeping these traditions alive but improving them as we go.”
Upland farmers
I hope the next generation feels that sense of community. It is about keeping these traditions alive but improving them as we go
JENNIE HILL
It is hard, however, to envision a future without these upland communities; there is something quite primal and raw about heading up on foot, sometimes for days, to bring your stock down to lower ground.
In recent years, upland farmers have had many obstacles to overcome, both in terms of financial challenges and public perception.
A large percentage of upland farmers’ income came from the Basic Payment Scheme, and at one point the countryside was branded ‘sheep-wrecked’ by environmentalists such as George Monbiot who believe such areas should not be grazed.
The tradition goes back thousands of years too. Take the iconic Herdwick breed as an example –according to the Herdwick Sheep Breeds Association, the ‘Herdy’ was probably introduced to Britain about 5,500 years ago, and to this day the animals graze fells that can reach to over 914 metres (3,000 feet) above sea level.
Even though many parts of the industry are being streamlined with technology or mechanised, the upland way of life remains largely the same.
And in a rapidly changing world this small piece of the countryside, which is a bridge to past ways of life, is so mething to celebrate.
Shearing
Shearing is another traditional process that is still necessary, but it is also a skill and a huge part of many farmers’ lives – it is no mean feat to take part in the renowned world shearing competitions.
In the 16th century, wool contributed to 50% of the total English economy.
Now, after years of low prices and a loss of interest in the product, there is a slight renaissance happening due to wool’s many sustainable qualities; it is making
Sheep gathering is an ancient art that is still a way of life for many upland farms, such as in the Lake District.
a comeback in bedding, fashion and even gardening.
Shearing styles have changed too. The earliest mechanical shearing machines date back to the late 19th century, and before that it is said that the wool was combed or even plucked from the sheep.
In the 1950s, the Bowen brothers from New Zealand further revolutionised the art of shearing and refined the technique – their
Farming: The Backbone of
style became known as the ‘Bowen style’.
Fast-forward to today, and it is still a poignant part of farm life, and for those competing for the Golden Shears title, taking part means everything.
Vital
Former winner Gwion Lloyd Evans worked his entire life to take home the award.
In an interview with Farmers Guardian , he said: “Not only is shearing a sport and a huge spectacle, but also a vital husbandry task on sheep farms.
“Wool is a sheep’s natural product, and the welfare of sheep is improved by them being shorn every 12 months.”
MORE INFORMATION
Visit farmersguardian.com/farm-life
The welfare of the sheep is improved by them being shorn every 12 months
GWION LLOYD EVANS
The practice is still vital for welfare, but
Round-up for sheep dipping in Merionethshire, 1937.
Sheep sale in Kirkby Stephen, with Mr Dawson of Ireshopeburn (bowler hat) in the background.
In Your Field
Every week we follow the ups and downs of farmers around the UK
IAN GARNETT
Cheshire
Ian farms in partnership with his family near Knutsford, Cheshire. They manage 700 commercial pedigree Holstein/Friesians on 445 hectares (1,100 acres). Replacements are homereared and cows are on a composite system. Ian is a representative for Sainsbury’s Dairy Development Group and sits on the AHDB Genetics Advisory Forum.
Grass growth has been impressive in recent weeks, although I think we are starting to see a downturn now. So much so that with one herd we have introduced 15kg of maize silage to the high-yielders to supplement their grazing.
Third cut was taken sharp on four weeks while the hot sun was too good to resist. Yields were not too bad, with 12 tonnes of freshweight per hectare (5t/acre).
Normally for third cut we allow six weeks before cutting, but to capture a fourth cut in sensible time we felt it best to go with the weather.
The race is on to empty lagoons to the max. Last winter was a challenging time, so we are doing as much as possible to hedge our bets in case of a repeat weather scenario.
Attention is now being turned to the expected delivery of turkeys ready for the Christmas market. As my young daughter has reminded me, there are only 20 weeks until she’s hoping for something more exciting than last year’s junior scraper brush to unwrap.
No major changes to the ordering of
‘The race is on to empty lagoons to the max’
breeds, although the trend to smaller birds continues. Already farm shops are getting in touch, with one or two new faces being most welcome.
A recent trip to a well-run dairy farm in Nottingham discussed many aspects of delivering value-for-money milk with the highest protocols in place.
One subject which was covered was administering anti-inflammatories to freshly calved heifers as they join the herd. Work done by the farm’s local university appeared to suggest lameness was decreased in such animals.
The science behind this indicated that tendon/foot structure becomes challenged at first calving and the anti-inflammatory is most beneficial at that point. So, here at home, we are trialling the same protocol. Apparently the benefits will be seen in the months ahead, so time will tell.
Sir Keir Starmer has been our Prime Minister for exactly one month as I type this.
He will be no doubt be experiencing some very challenging times and, despite not being a farmer, he almost certainly has a very long list of jobs too.
One of the significant priorities for most Governments is cheap food for all, and yet arguably, through greening, some Governments could be contributing to the complete opposite of cheap food. While we value the opportunity to show what can be done in terms of responsible commercial farming, it is hoped that any subsequent increase in price of our UK farmed produce is not undermined by imports of cheaper produce from areas of the world with less stringent controls in place.
NEXT WEEK
Cumbria James Robinson
Yorkshire Helen Stanier
‘Make sure to look out for each other and take care’
KATE BEAVAN
Monmouthshire
Kate farms alongside her husband Jim on their farm near Abergavenny, Monmouthshire. Farming 122 hectares (300 acres), the main enterprise consists of 800 breeding ewes and cider made on-site from their orchards. She is a mum of two, runs Kate’s Country School on-farm and is the woodland creation officer for Stump Up For Trees.
There have been some changes in Welsh politics since my last article, which mentioned a positive discussion with our Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca Davies. This week he was confirmed as Deputy First Minister, supporting Eluned
Morgan as our new First Minister in Wales. He had indicated that he wanted to keep the climate and rural portfolio; I hope that this has also been confirmed when you read this.
It is show season. Thank you Royal Welsh for an amazing week.
I was judging the shepherd competition, which covers all sheep entries over four days. A unanimous decision resulted in the Evans family winning the award, so a big congratulations. It is heartening to see youngsters starting their own flocks; the family brought 18 sheep to the show and all of them carded.
Having female and reserve breed champion with their Torddu ewe lamb and second prize for their Torddu shearling ewe in the reserve champion group, plus Torwen reserve female champion, was an added bonus.
As judges, we walk the pens daily, checking husbandry and how exhibitors market their breed and interact with the general public. As farmers, we have great stories to tell and these
Crossword 1257
shows are a fantastic opportunity to showcase the best of agriculture.
I spent the week sleeping in my campervan and met many interesting people on the shuttle bus between the campsite and the showground.
Special shoutout to the lovely gentlemen from Cumbria who I know read Farmers Guardian and yes, myself and Jim will do our best to visit Westmorland County Show next year.
This weekend we took the Stump Up For Trees stand to Llanthony Show, which is much smaller, but one of the best-loved shows in South Wales.
It is set in a stunning natural amphitheatre surrounded by mountains.
A truly traditional, family show, including, among other things, a fell race, farmers’ challenge (great to see
beer drinking back in this event), the UK Hobby Horse Grand National (kids and adults), dog racing and sheep shearing, alongside spinning wool.
Always the first Saturday in August, maybe come and join us next year.
A recent report shows that rural crime is on the increase and we have certainly seen that in our area. With so many thefts, I urge everyone to make life as difficult as possible for the individuals who seem to keep coming back for more.
Set up CCTV, automatic lights, and alarms, join groups and alert others about suspicious incidents, use security marks and display a sign to say the parts have been marked to try to ward off potential thieves. Make sure to look out for each other and take care.
Send in your correct entries to be in with a chance of winning £20 worth of Love2shop vouchers every month. Send to:
ACROSS
7 Use flail to beat out Scottish rush plant (6)
8 US Author losing reserve finally, may blossom (8)
9 Mouth some say decrepit old banger (10)
10 Gentle person, the French doctor (4)
11 Dairy produce’s peculiar fate (4)
12 Not quick to annoy - this plant has no sting (4,6)
13 Roughly tenderising these components (11)
18 Discretion about instructions (10)
21 Disease not oddly was canker (4)
22 Biblical vessel returned carrying old tropical plant (4)
23 Pub getting enthusiastic reception, it’s a novelty (10)
Crossword No. 1257, Farmers Guardian, Unit 4, Fulwood Business Park, Caxton Road, Fulwood, Preston, PR2 9NZ.
Farming Matters
‘Farmers will lead fourth revolution in agriculture’
Wouldn’t it be brilliant if someone produced a wheat that could moderate available nitrogen to increase N-use efficiency or find a way to predict where slugs will appear?
Imagine if someone cracked the secret to consistently better returns from pulse crops.
What if that someone was you?
As farmers, we tend to wait for agricultural innovations to be presented to us. We follow advice given to raise productivity, and buy inputs priced to bring greater returns to the manufacturer than to the farmer who uses them.
But it is farmers’ knowledge that turns innovations into agricultural progress, and that has value. It is time their role was given full credit. You do not have to look far beyond the farm for tomorrow’s innovations. The UK has world-leading scientists in its research institutes, with creations that will make you slack-jawed with wonder.
These innovations just need a field to spread their roots, push up shoots and share their secrets with farmers who have a keen eye for detail.
And to all intents and purposes, the right framework is in place –Defra is midway through the roll-out of its Agricultural Transition Plan. While the Environmental Land Management scheme grabs the headlines, the £270 million allocated to research and development up to 2028/29 could hold more appeal if you are looking to push productivity rather than put land aside for nature.
According to Defra, the aim of the Farming Innovation Programme is to directly involve and engage farmers in this R&D.
Farmer-focused
The acknowledgement that agricultural research must meet farmers’ needs is long overdue. But do not hold your breath – as of yet, Defra’s Agri-Tech Strategy has not done much to make a real difference on-farm.
Much of the focus has been on the four agri-tech centres and large collaborative projects. While these have sought to involve farmers, they have been delivered with a level of bureaucracy that makes the Rural Payments Agency’s processes look like a ‘light touch’.
TOM ALLEN-STEVENS
Arable farmer in Oxfordshire and leader of the British On-Farm Innovation Network
However, some of those in Whitehall have recognised the misgivings of the current set-up, and Defra is poised to launch Accelerating Development of Practices and Technologies (ADOPT). This is something that is well worth keeping an eye on, as it features a truly farmer-focused element. It also appears to hold promise for farmers who want to explore innovations with scientific welly behind them.
At the moment, the detail is still coming together, but it looks like farmers will be able to bid for funds, either on their own or as a group, working directly with scientists or innovators who are willing to put cutting-edge technology to the test. But it is farmers who will be in the driving seat, and the best part is that they will have funds for an experienced project manager so they can focus on the co-creating.
Innovating
It may sound too good to be true, and to be fair, ADOPT has not yet been launched – the new Defra Ministers could still stuff it up or delay its rollout. But if you are keen to get innovat-
ing, you do not have to wait – there are projects out there designed to get farmers involved.
The British On-Farm Innovation Network – which I currently oversee – is just one of a number of organisations that are bringing farmers into exciting projects within the Farming Innovation Programme without the need for them to interact directly with Government bodies.
If you no longer want to languish in the back seat, then join us at the front and buckle up for an exciting ride. Remember: the fourth agricultural revolution is here, and it is led by farmers.
It is farmers’ knowledge that turns innovations into agricultural process, and it is time their role was given full credit, says Tom Allen-Stevens.
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