Royal Highland Show Preview 14th June 2024

VARIETY OF MACHINES ON DISPLAY INCLUDING:

Precision Diet Feeders

Slurry Tanks

Slurry Applicators

Grassland Toppers

Manure Spreaders

Preview Royal Highland Show

More than 200,000 visitors are expected to make their way to Ingliston over the four days of the Royal Highland Show. Farmers Guardian finds out more.

Showcasing the best of Scottish agriculture

Scotland’s largest outdoor event, the Royal Highland Show, takes place from Thursday, June 20, to Sunday, June 23, and will not only showcase the very best livestock from all corners of the UK, but also food, drink, machinery, crafts and rural skills.

It is estimated that the show contributes almost £40 million to Edinburgh’s economy each year and is the biggest fundraising event for the Royal Highland Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS).

This year RHASS is celebrating its 240th anniversary and has recently announced that King Charles III has agreed to be its patron, following in the footsteps of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, who was patron for 70 years.

Alisdair Caulfield, RHASS director of advancement, says: “The RHASS was formed 240 years ago by a group

of farmers who were facing many of the same challenges as those today.

“There were issues around food production and the perception of agriculture and they realised they had to have a single voice and joined up thinking, which is very much the ethos of RHASS today.

“While the Royal Highland Show is very much a focus, RHASS aims to raises awareness of agriculture and rural Scotland the whole year round.

“In this anniversary year, we have had a number of events throughout the year and the plan is to continue to have a more year-round focus in the future.

“We want to engage with bodies such as the Scottish Government and local councils on issues such as food procurement.

“We have a Food Charter at the show and we want to push this out further with the aim that, in five years

time, all events in Scotland will be using the Food Charter, only selling locally-produced food to showcase the very best of Scotland’s food and drink.”

Huge choice

Visitors to the show will have plenty of opportunities to sample Scotland’s produce, with a huge choice of food vendors and cookery demonstrations from top chefs. Scotland’s Larder brings together hundreds of brands offering a wide range of products.

Engaging with the next generation is key for RHASS and at the show, the Royal Highland Education Trust Discovery Centre has a full programme of drop-in and bookable activities.

There, children can try their hand at milking Mabel the fibreglass cow, learn how to cook with lamb, as well as take part in guided sessions such as honey tasting, candle making and viewing bees.

Event details

■ Where: Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, Edinburgh, EH28 8NB

■ When: Thursday, June 20, to Sunday, June 23, 2024

■ Tickets: All tickets are limited and must be bought in advance online – no tickets available on the gate

■ Children: Under 15s are free when accompanied by a paying adult

■ Parking: Advance booking only

■ Hoolie: The Royal Highland Hoolie presented by Farmers Bash will be on Friday, June 21 and Saturday, June 22, with tickets only available to those visiting the show on the Friday or Saturday

The Royal Highland Show has revitalised the format of RHS TV for 2024, which will now be produced as a onehour daily programme featuring key event highlights, interviews and stories.

The programme will broadcast on a Freeview channel and will also be available to watch on demand on the Royal Highland Show website.

David Tennant, head of show for RHASS, says: “While tradition remains at the heart of the show, the event is far from conventional.

“Each year we build and grow on the last, with an ever-increasing focus on sustainability while ensuring we continue to elevate the visitor experience.

“The show is renowned for its historic and traditional aspects, namely the livestock competitions and parades, however, over the years, the show has developed so far beyond that and we are excited to put a spotlight on some of the elements that visitors might not expect to find.”

MORE INFORMATION

For more information and to buy tickets go to royalhighlandshow.org

The Royal Highland Show will feature the best in livestock from across the UK.

On SRUC’s stand at the Royal Highland Show there will be a number of events and seminars over the four days, as well as the opportunity to learn more about what the college does and its latest projects and innovations.

Royal Highland Show Preview Innovation key for SRUC

PROJECTS AND INNOVATIONS

VERTICAL FARM

■ THE vertical farm is an innovative farming solution being built at SRUC’s Edinburgh campus which will provide a fully controllable facility for researching crop growth.

IGS, the company building the farm, will be on-hand with a virtual reality headset to show exactly how the finished farm will look.

GREENSHED

■ THE state-of-the-art GreenShed will use cattle waste products to power a methane-capturing system and grow indoor crops. A Lego model of the facility will give visitors to the stand an insight into how the system works.

SCHOOL OF VETERINARY MEDICINE

■ THE School of Veterinary Medicine area of SRUC’s stand this year comprises Vet Services, the Rural and Veterinary Innovation Centre (RAVIC) and education.

The education display will showcase the opportunities on offer at the School of Veterinary Medicine with a range of practical activities and information on programmes and is aimed at vet practices, farmers and animal-related establishments which are interested in getting involved in the vet school; hosting student visits and/ or work placements; and raising

public awareness of veterinary and animal-related careers.

RAVIC

■ RAVIC, which forms part of the vet school, is a new SRUC facility for farming, aquaculture, animal and human health. The Inverness Hub will provide critical expertise and infrastructure to better manage planetary health challenges, including antimicrobial resistance, zoonoses and the effects of climate change through applied research, innovation, education and consultancy.

Visitors to the RAVIC show space can take part in a range of activities, including a midge hunt, maths on animal disease spread and come face-to-face with some parasites.

FOOD AND DRINK

■ SOME of the products SAC

Consulting’s Food and Enterprise team has developed for Scottish businesses will be on display, including hibiscus peppercorn sauce (Gidi Grill), goat milk ice cream (Hawthorne Dairy), alcohol-free rum (Matugga Distillery) and venison dog treats (Gent Group).

SENSORY LAB

■ LOCATED directly opposite the SRUC stand, the Mobile Sensory Laboratory brings the latest imaging and meat quality testing technologies

direct to where it is needed, supporting research, animal breeding programmes and ensuring consumer preferences are at the heart of the innovation process. Tasting sessions will be running throughout the show.

SCOTTISH ASSOCIATION OF YOUNG FARMERS’ CLUBS (SAYFC)

■ SRUC has partnered with SAYFC on a competition for junior members, called Junior Young Farmer of the Year.

Events

LAND USE FOR NET ZERO (LUNZ) HUB ON THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 4-5PM

■ SRUC is the Scotland team lead for the LUNZ Hub, a consortium to provide all four UK administrations with the rapid evidence they need to develop policies to drive the UK land transformation required to achieve net zero by 2050. Find out more about the hub and feed in your thoughts on how Scotland can get closer to achieving its net zero aspirations.

DOING THE GROUNDWORK: DELIVERING A CLIMATE AND NATURE POSITIVE VALUE CHAIN ON FRIDAY, JUNE 21, 2-3PM

■ THIS will be a panel session with invited speakers, exploring

Entrants will be asked to write about their career aspirations and to draw a picture of a farm of the future.

POLLY THE HORSE

■ TAKE the opportunity to have a go on Polly the mechanical horse to focus on your riding, find your balance and build your confidence without worrying about controlling a horse.

some of the climate and biodiversity demands across the value chain, from boardroom to producers, and how SAC Consulting has the knowledge and expertise to help.

FARMSTRONG RECEPTION ON FRIDAY, JUNE 21, 3.30-4.30PM

■ FARMSTRONG Scotland is an initiative to help farmers, crofters and their families to cope with the ups and downs of farming and crofting by sharing things they can do to look after themselves and the people in their business.

WHERE TO FIND SRUC SRUC can be found on Stand 117 on 7th Avenue beside the main ring.

Left to right: The vertical farm; the School of Veterinary Medicine; and Polly the horse.

VISIT

Royal Highland Show Preview

As herd manager for some of the UK’s best-known dairy herds, David Hastings is well-qualified to take on the inter-breed judging role at this year’s Royal Highland Show and says he knows exactly what he will be looking for in his winning animal.

He says: “She must be stylish and well balanced, with good legs and feet, and importantly she must have a good udder.”

These are the very attributes Mr Hastings has always tried to instil in the herds he has managed over the years, and his success is clear to see.

Born in New Cumnock, Ayrshire, Mr Hastings comes from a long line of sheep, beef and arable farmers. His dad had a smallholding, and it was his family’s Ayrshire herd, registered under the New Boig prefix, that started his love of dairy cattle and also showing.

But with the smallholding not big enough to provide employment for Mr Hastings, in 1969 he took on the herd manager role at Wheatrig Ayrshires, near Kilmarnock, a position he held for 12 years.

A career highlight at Wheatrig was winning at the London Dairy Show, with Mr Hastings saying this show was one of his favourites.

From Wheatrig, Mr Hastings moved to Dorset with his wife Christine and three young children to take up a job with the Future herd.

After this herd was sold, he went to work as herd manager for the Crichel herd from 1980 to 1990.

This, he says, was when his in-

Well-known cow man David Hastings will take to the centre of the ring at this year’s Royal Highland Show as inter-breed dairy judge. Katie Jones went to meet him ahead of this important role.

Experienced cow man takes on dairy inter-breed judging

terest in the Holstein breed really started to take shape, and he made numerous trips to Canada and America to bring in new bloodlines to the herd.

Notable purchases during this time included Portlea Ned Pamela, which won the Royal Show and the National Holstein show in 1989.

Another career highlight at Crichel was winning the reserve championship at the Royal Show with the UK-bred Hinton Baron Lynne.

This cow was famous for taking first prizes at seven consecutive shows.

Beautiful style

Mr Hastings says: She was the best show cow I ever looked after, she had beautiful style, a strong top and beautiful udder. She was what I describe as ‘a good cow every day’; I could show her from April to December, she always looked good.”

After Crichel, Mr Hastings and family moved to Cheshire to work for the Barlow family’s Painley herd, where he remained until the herd was sold in 2008.

Again, Mr Hastings was able to visit Canada to buy cows, which would transform the herd and saw cows from Painley regularly at the top of the line in the showring.

One particular success story was Primsland Inspiration Kimo, bought for 10,000gns as a calf. She once held the world record for brood star status and despite only having three natural calves, she was flushed and produced more than 30 embryo transfer calves,

When judging cattle, there is only one person you should aim to please and that is yourself

DAVID HASTINGS

many of them bulls which were sold for artificial insemination.

Mr Hastings says he always aimed to do the best by the herds he managed.

“The herds were good when I started working with them, but I hope they were better when I left.”

Following the sale of the Painley herd, Mr Hastings ‘retired’ although he often helped out a Bullsgreen Farm, Nantwich, where his son David junior is herd manager.

Mr Hasting’s other son, Jack, works as a finance trader, and his daughter Christina farms in Jedburgh with her husband Fraser Cormack and children Cameron and Chloe, both of whom have a keen interest in sheep and beef cattle and are often seen on the show circuit.

As the first showmanship judge at what is now known as the All Breeds All Britain Calf Show, Mr Hastings says he believes it is vital young breeders are supported in their showing endeavours through such initiatives as Holstein Young Breeders.

He says: “It is great to see young people out showing cattle, enjoying themselves and doing well.

“This is where the future of farming will come from.”

And in terms of his own showing career, Mr Hastings adds he has been lucky to have shown cattle at shows across England, Wales and Scotland and has undertaken many judging assignments.

Showing, he says, is something he really enjoyed, although he concedes that it now comes with more difficulties.

“For me, as well as being something I enjoyed, showing was also an important way of doing business. We would often sell bulls off the back of success in the showring, and it was a great way of advertising. You have to remember that if you have a shop with nothing in the window, then noone will come in.

“Showing has changed, it is still a big business, but as herds get larger, it can be increasingly difficult to find the time and resource to take cattle to shows.”

Keen supporter

Mr Hastings has been a keen supporter of the Western Holstein Club, is a past club president and was a member of the committee for a number of years.

It was while he was club president that his achievements within the dairy industry were recognised by Holstein UK, and he was presented with the lifetime achievement award in 2019 – an accolade he says is one of his proudest moments.

And looking ahead to the Royal Highland Show, Mr Hastings says he will relish his trip back to his homeland.

“When judging cattle, there is only one person you should aim to please and that is yourself, so that is what I will do when I tap out my winner.”

David Hastings

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Royal Highland Show Preview

The Royal Highland Show has a well-deserved reputation for running smoothly and much of that is down to the dedication of an army of volunteer stewards. Ewan Pate reports.

Volunteers key to show success Volunteers key to show success

Many of the stewards at Ingliston happily dedicate a full four days to make sure everything goes to plan, and Kay Adam, of Newhouse of Glamis, near Forfar, is a good example.

As well as being chief steward of Young Farmers’ activities at the show, she is also chief steward of cattle line safety and deputy chief steward in the beef cattle section.

“It makes for a busy few days but these are all things I feel strongly about,” says Mrs Adam.

Her dedication to the Royal Highland Show goes deeper, however, because she is also eight years into her role as a director of the parent body, the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS), and is a fellow of the Royal Agricultural Societies.

The directors of RHASS are elected to represent the eight regions of Scotland, with Mrs Adam representing the Perth region. She has always been keen on helping young people and has been involved in various breed society youth development programmes.

Young Farmers

“As far as the Young Farmers competitions at the Highland go, they are organised well in advance and run by the Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs [SAYFC].

“I meet chief executive Penny Montgomery before and after the show to compare notes and discuss any issues. RHASS also supports SAYFC in other ways right through the year,” says Mrs Adam.

“One of my responsibilities is to

keep an eye on the Young Farmers’ campsite and the dances. On my first visit to a dance, I came across a young lad who had got himself into a bit of a state. He had been evicted from the dance and lost his phone. He was probably on his first big trip from home and as a mother, I could see he needed someone to look after him.

“So we now have a welfare unit next to the dance staffed by volunteers, which provides a safe environment for people to be looked after, and has phone chargers and any other items that might be needed.

“We now have another unit next to the SAYFC pavilion.

“I see it as part of our charitable remit to make sure everyone is looked after and feels safe when they are at the show,” Mrs Adam adds.

all well briefed, but at the same time always looking for ways to improve.

“There will be no grand parade of livestock on the Friday this year, which will free up more time for other activities in the main ring.

“The Friday parade has always been difficult to organise because there is so much judging still taking place in the morning,” says Mrs Adam.

There will, however, be more access to the Highland Hall cattle lines during the day. For safety reasons, the hall has to be shut off when cattle are moving back and forth to the judging rings. This will be done in sections this

“Sunday is an exciting day – I always look forward to the judging of the Dalchirla Trophy for young handlers.

“It is very important to me to see young people learning livestock handling skills and being given the chance to compete at that level.”

Mrs Adam’s own sons have benefited over the years, with Andrew winning an individual beef stockmanship award and James runner up in the sheep young handlers.

“As far as safety in the cattle lines and judging rings is concerned, we are

I see it as part of our charitable remit to make sure everyone is looked after and feels safe

KAY ADAM

Volunteer steward Kay Adam and her family are best known for their Newhouse of Glamis cattle.

year, allowing access to the breeds not involved.

Mrs Adam says: “It is really important to get this right and the directors and stewards involved need a good knowledge of the sections. As chief steward of cattle, Eric Mutch is in charge, and he is very experienced at making sure things run smoothly.”

Busy year

All this RHASS activity comes on top of a busy year for Mrs Adam, her husband, Bob, and their sons. The Adam name and the Newhouse prefix is best known in the world of pedigree cattle and sheep, but a new enterprise has been added which takes them into a new area of farming.

They have recently completed the construction of a 32,000-bird egg laying unit at nearby Murleywell and are now well into their first crop. The hens are kept on a free-range system on contract to Aberdeenshire-based Farmlay, with the eggs destined for the Lidl supermarket chain.

“It is part of our succession planning,” says Mrs Adam.

“It has been a big capital expenditure but the alternative of buying

land at present prices is not attractive. The boys are in partnership – Andrew tends to the cattle and sheep, and James, who is a time-served mechanic, looks after the arable side and the machinery.”

The 222 hectares (550 acres) at Newhouse of Glamis and Murleywell grow arable crops and grass.

The Limousin pedigree herd consists of 60 cows – half black-coated and half red.

The Charolais herd numbers 30 cows and the more recently founded Aberdeen-Angus herd comprises 15 cows. The latter belongs to Mrs Adam’s sons and was financed by breeding stock sales from their 15-ewe flock of pedigree Bluefaced Leicesters.

There are also 728ha (1,800 acres) of hill and grazing land rented at Auldallan at Lintrathen, which is home to 750 hill ewes – half North Country Cheviots and half Blackface – as well as a herd of 25 Sim-Luing suckler cows.

One shepherd, based at Auldallan, is employed and a new staff member has joined the team as an egg packer.

Mrs Adam says: “We can do everything except silage and spraying ourselves. I have been spending a lot of time with the hens and in the packing

shed because I think it is really important to gain knowledge first-hand when to comes to a new enterprise.

“RHASS does take up quite a lot of time – I am on the executive committee which meets once-a-month – but I am happy to give it all the time it needs.

“I think it is a very important organisation but maybe not good enough at telling people what we do in terms of supporting bodies such as the Royal Highland Educational Trust, RSABI and local shows. Everything we do is positive.”

The Lantra team will be at the Royal Highland Show at Stand 176, next to the Main Ring, and also in the Forestry Arena throughout the four days. Come along to Stand 176 and the Forestry Arena to have a chat to the Lantra team to hear about the training and qualifications that are on offer. You can also talk to us about any skills challenges you or your business might be facing and see if Lantra are able to help.

Kay Adam

Royal Highland Show Preview

Allan Jackson’s Royal Highland Show preparation probably begins earlier than most exhibitors – this year, he has 28 cattle heading to Ingliston, between his own entries and those of his clients. Lynsey Clark finds out more.

Preparing a huge show team proves no easy task

The Royal Highland Show is just one event of many in the busy calendar Allan Jackson has built up as a freelance stockman, which includes a cattle livery service at Woodyett Farm, near Lanark, where he is based with partner Senga Hamilton-Guy.

The 20-hectare (50-acre) farm is large enough for their own herd of 20 Beef Shorthorns, plus up to 25 bulls in livery and a couple of clients’ entire small herds. Mr Jackson has used his years of experience, working with various breeds, to create a set-up that works for his current

system and has the versatility to be adapted for other uses in the future.

He says: “When we came here 17 years ago, the steading needed a lot of improvements. We built a shed with five bull pens first and then worked away to develop a wash bay and handling area. The narrow passageways work well for halter training bulls. It is all designed to be able to work undercover if necessary – which is quite often with our weather.”

Having grown up on a dairy farm near Biggar, Mr Jackson’s cattle handling skills started at a young age.

“There is a picture of my brother and I showing calves in kilts at Biggar

Show when I was five years old. My grandpa was a great inspiration to me in my early years – he was always very encouraging of us all,” he says.

Family

Working with stock runs in his family and this was highlighted at the 2019 Royal Highland Show, when family members – including Mr Jackson’s sons Ali and Cameron, his parents Allan and Agnes, his nephew Allan Craig, and his cousin Allan Prentice – showed 64head of stock and picked up 60 rosettes.

“Dad dealt in fat cattle, so I had

plenty of experience clipping and washing cattle for sales before I left school. I helped with Suffolk sheep at a neighbouring farm too. I have always learned by watching how other people do things. I am dyslexic, so I learn in a more practical way, rather than reading how to do something.

Shorthorns work better with the system and type of ground they have, says Allan Jackson.

“Being part of the Young Farmers’ Clubs [YFC] organisation really helped open my mind to other ways of doing things. We saw a lot of different systems and handling set-ups through going to YFC stockjudging on farms,” says Mr Jackson, who also credits his time spent working as a landscape gardener for improving his people skills – an essential talent in the job he does now.

Breeding

He has worked with many different breeds through the years, between cattle, sheep and Clydesdale horses, but had particular success breeding Beltex sheep and British Blue cattle, under the Headlind prefix.

Selling the bull Headlind AJ for 9,000gns was a highlight, while his Beltex performed well in the sale and showring. The home-bred shearling ram, Headlind Duke of Flanders, was breed champion at the Royal Highland Show in 2005, and there were also championships at the Great Yorkshire and the Royal Welsh shows.

Mr Jackson says: “We also won the Bluefaced Leicester section at the Highland back in 1997 with Headlind Sapphire. But the Beltex were a huge part of my life. In 30 years of breeding them, I only ever bought two British

Allan Jackson

PICTURES: RON STEPHEN

ALLAN JACKSON

tups because I imported a lot, so I spent a lot of time in Belgium. While over there, I learned lots from Belgian breeder Willie Werbrouck, despite the fact he hardly spoke any English.”

Mr Jackson says the decision to sell the sheep when he moved to Woodyett was difficult but necessary, due to the small acreage and the fact his work as a freelance stockman was taking off. He says: “Doing both just did not work. January, February and March were busy months for bringing out cattle, but that clashed with lambing. We decided to focus on the cattle, and Shorthorns worked better with the system and type of ground we have here, so we switched from British Blues to Shorthorns.”

Shorthorn

He has had plenty of success with his Shorthorn herd, which was established in 2013. At the 2021 Highland Showcase at Ingliston, his bought-in bull Dunsyre Horatio stood champion in the Beef Shorthorn section, while his heifer, Headlind Holly Nutmeg, finished reserve breed champion. In the sale ring, the top price achieved so far is 14,000gns at Stirling last year. While building up his freelance

Mr Jackson’s Shorthorn herd was established in 2013.

Royal Highland Show Preview

work, Mr Jackson initially brought out cattle for friends such as Tom Cockburn and Brian Harper and through word of mouth; this gradually resulted in more people asking him to bring out their bulls.

“To begin with, I got a fair bit of work on farms with Limousins, Simmentals and Luings, but eventually we decided it would work better having them here. That is when we began improving the facilities at Woodyett.

Support

“I could not do it without the support of Senga – she is busy with her own podiatry business, but she helps organise everything and is always there when I need her. The fact she is not from a farm actually provides an escape from it for me. We can talk about other things,” says Mr Jackson.

As the work increased, he began taking in bulls from further afield: Ireland, Wales and the south of England.

He says: “Word of mouth has been

our best marketing tool and I am lucky that I get to work with some very good and well-bred animals. We can take up to 25 bulls at any one time and are often working with ones on farms at the same time.

“We get some heifers through the summer, but the bulls generally come to us in August for the October sales, and then October for the February sales. I tell my clients: ‘All you need to do is turn up at the sales to sell your bull and I will do all the rest’.

“I like to see the bulls before I agree to take them on to see the type of them. The basics of the beast need to be right and if I do not think they have enough potential, I will be very straight with people. There is no point in them spending money to bring out cattle that are not good enough;

I am always polite, but sometimes brutally honest.”

Mr Jackson’s attention to detail has earned him the Best Stockman trophy twice at the Royal Welsh and once at the Royal Highland. It has also ensured countless prizes and championships for his clients at shows, and consistent top prices at sales. Last year was particularly successful in the sale circuit, with the top nine bulls averaging just short of £10,000.

Shows

Through the summer months, it is the shows up and down the country that keep him and his team busy. He is assisted by Emma McAllister and James Whiteman, with local haulier Jimmy Orr transporting the cattle to where they need to be. When he is away on the road, Mr Jackson says he could not do without his neighbour Stuart Baxter, who looks after the stock at home.

The team took 32 cattle to last year’s Royal Highland Show, winning 27 tickets in total. One of those was Natalie Hynd’s Westbroad Scotia, which stood reserve male champion at Ingliston and then went on to sell for 15,000gns at Stirling in February. Mr Jackson

enjoys the more relaxed nature of shows, as the atmosphere is less tense than it can be at sales.

He says: “We get the chance to socialise with fellow breeders and clients at the shows, and Senga’s hospitality is always great. It is a chance for people to see the cattle at their best too.

“There is a lot of work that goes into bringing out the livestock for shows and the public love seeing them. The organisers at the Royal Highland, in particular, can sometimes forget the cost and time that is involved for the exhibitors to get to the show and during it. I think it is important to make them feel valued, as there would be no show without the livestock.”

This year’s team of 28 for Ingliston, including six of his own, are almost all Beef Shorthorns, with one Simmental. Part of Mr Jackson’s pre-show preparation involves playing music constantly in the shed, to get them accustomed to noise.

“No two animals are the same. Some come to us already broken, while others require a lot of time spent on them to get to that stage. We tend to work with them in groups, so they get used to being with other animals. I get a huge amount of satisfaction from the process of bringing them out to look and perform their best and a great buzz when they do well at a show or sale,” he adds.

Allan Jackson and his partner Senga Hamilton-Guy.

Mr Jackson has up to 25 bulls in livery at any one time.

Woodyett Farm is based near Lanark.

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Royal Highland Show Preview

The last two years at the Royal Highland Show will be hard to beat for Ben Radley, having won the Charollais championship and the inter-breed sheep award in 2022, followed by the breed, reserve inter-breed and overall pairs titles in 2023. Lynsey Clark reports.

Breeder targets a trio of top Charollais titles

Despite the fact he did not grow up around sheep, Ben Radley has been farming-mad his whole life and first showed at the Royal Highland Show in 2007, aged 12. That was after establishing his own flock of Charollais sheep in 2005, with the purchase of two inlamb gimmers and two ewe lambs from the Maryholm flock.

He says: “Through going to horse events, we knew David Sloan, of the Rigghead Charollais flock. I was really keen to get some sheep and David took me under his wing and let me help show their Charollais. Herbie and Alan Kennedy were great mentors to me too. They taught me to dress the sheep and Alan clipped them for me; I have learned a lot from watching people over the years.”

That guidance inspired Mr Radley to establish his own flock, at the family’s smallholding at Loaningfoot Farm, Dumfries. By 2017, the flock had increased to 20 ewes and he grasped the opportunity to take on the neighbouring Craigend Farm, which had been his grandfather’s farm, where his mum grew up.

I never thought I would actually be winning the overall sheep title at the Royal Highland Show, but it just shows what you can achieve if you put your mind to it

BEN RADLEY

“My grandpa never had sheep on the farm – he called them ‘white locust and Dad is a financial adviser, so I am not sure where my love of sheep came from. I had a subscription to a farming magazine when I was a wee boy and used to read it from cover to cover,” says Mr Radley. However, his family have always

fully encouraged his farming dream, and they all help out with enthusiasm, including his parents, Anne and Scot, his sister Alex and nephew Grierson.

Now, on 40 hectares (100 acres) he runs 25 pedigree Charollais ewes, 150 Texel and Charollais cross ewes and a small herd of Charolais cows. He also buys in 10-12 British Blue cross heifers at three to four months old in October/November, which he rears and sells through Dumfries Mart as heifers with calves at foot.

Goal

Mr Radley’s goal has always been to farm full-time, but he is not quite at that stage yet. After studying agriculture at the Barony College, he increased his skillset by working as a trainee auctioneer at Dumfries Mart for four years and then three years with Solway Agriculture.

He has also worked self-employed on other farms. More recently he has passed his exams to become a certified mortgage adviser, working with his dad’s business, Bradley Financial Services. Having an outside income has taken the pressure off the farm and allowed

him to enjoy building up the quality and quantity of his stock.

The Charollais journey got off to a strong start when ram lamb Loaningfoot Highlander won the championship at the breed’s show and sale at Lanark in 2007. Bought for 1,000gns by Johnny Aiken and Willie McAllister, it went onto breed three Dungannon champions, a Balmoral champion and several four-figure priced offspring.

That same year, Mr Radley ventured to the Royal Highland Show for the first time and secured third and fourth prize rosettes. A few years later, in 2011, he stood first at the Highland with the stock ram, Parkgate Johnny.

“I was really getting into the showing by then,” says Mr Radley.

“I was 16 years old and thought I had made it in life. I headed back to the Highland in 2012 and did not get a single ticket. I also flushed for the first time that year and it was a disaster.”

Ben Radley established his flock of Charollais in 2005.

Show gimmers which will be offered for sale.

Two of the farm’s stock rams are destined for the Royal Highland Show this year.

His fortunes turned the following year when he artificially inseminated 10 ewes to Parkgate Hurricane. All held and the resultant lambs proved valuable additions to the flock.

“The Hurricane daughters really turned things around for me and the flock has steadily progressed from there. In 2015, a daughter of

Hurricane, Loaningfoot Ozzy, stood second at the Highland and the Royal Welsh and won the inter-breed at Dumfries Show. The following year, we got five second places at the Highland. In 2018, Loanhead Rising Star, a tup we had bought at Worcester for 2,500gns, won the reserve male champion-

ship at the Highland and was male champion at the Great Yorkshire,” Mr Radley says.

Development

In 2019, he bought Logie Durno Ultimatum, shared with the Rowanston flock, for 5,500gns. It was used heavily on the flock and dur-

ing the next two years, when the pandemic prevented shows from taking place, Mr Radley says he noticed a development within the flock. The females had improved and were closer to where he wanted them to be.

“I am really bad for being selfcritical of myself and my stock. But

These three ewe lambs are looking promising as future show potentials, according to Mr Radley.

Royal Highland Show Preview

in 2022, when we ventured back out to the shows, I knew they were good, particularly the gimmer. I remember thinking during the judging at the Highland that year, she should definitely win her class,” he says.

Not only did it win the class, but the Ultimatum daughter, Loaningfoot Wa Wa Wee went on to win the breed championship and then the sheep inter-breed title and the Queen’s Cup, two days later.

“I never thought for a minute she would win the inter-breed. That was amazing. Ultimatum has been a great all-round breeder. He breeds great carcases and he puts this proper Charollais head on them, with great character and lugs.”

Peak condition

Another Ultimatum daughter had won at Ayr Show in 2022 and a shearling son took the champion ticket at Lesmahagow, but Wa Wa Wee had been kept specifically for the Highland, and was in peak show condition.

As an explanation to the gimmer’s unusual name, Mr Radley says: “Our friends Ali and Hannah Jackson were over one night, not long before the Highland that year. I was ordering us ice creams from our local shop and Ali said ‘I will have a Wa Wa Wee’, so they all had a great laugh when I asked for a ‘Wa Wa Wee’, which was of course, a completely made up name for an ice cream that did not exist. When I needed a W name for the gimmer, that one seemed the obvious choice.”

Since the return of shows after the pandemic, Mr Radley says he has been to 11 and has won 10 breed championships and four interbreeds. Last year’s show season began with gimmer Loaningfoot Abracadabra winning the inter-breed championship at Ayr Show in May. An AI daughter of the 16,000gns Foxhill Va Va Voom, it then went on to win the breed title at the High-

land, before taking the reserve inter-breed honours and the top pair award, along with its sire, owned by Logie Durno.

“We went on to win the breed championship at the Great Yorkshire and the overall sheep at Dumfries shows, so last summer was a really successful one,” says Mr Radley, who loves showing his sheep, but also appreciates the marketing benefits.

“Building up a name for the flock has definitely helped with sales. Obviously the sheep need to be right to keep the buyers there, but it definitely helps get people to the pen in the first place.”

Mr Radley flushes the top four or five ewes each year and those embryo lambs are born in December, followed in February by the pure Charollais ewes and then the cross ewes lamb in March. Charollais tup lambs are sold at Worcester and

Carlisle, while between 25 and 30 shearlings head to Kelso Ram Sales in September. They are a mix of pure Charollais and Charollais and Texel crosses. In 2022, a full brother to Wa Wa Wee led the Charollais trade at Kelso, selling at £1,600.

Customer base

“We have been selling at Kelso since 2017 and have built up a good customer base there now, with repeat buyers coming back. I think a good skinned Charollais, with length, power and meat in all the right places, is hard to beat. We get plenty of interest in the females too and we have 12 gimmers to sell this year, at sales and from home,” adds Mr Radley who is preparing for a Charollais Sheep Society open day at Craigend in August.

Before that though, there is the Royal Highland, which Mr Radley describes as the ‘pinnacle of shows

in Scotland’. This year, he has two lambs and two gimmers entered, including the gimmer, Broxy, which won at Ayr and Lesmahagow shows last month. Mr Radley’s sister, who is a nurse, has also caught the showing bug and has a Bleu du Maine shearling ram entered too.

“There is always a big buzz at the Highland, it is a great show to exhibit at. There is so much enthusiasm for showing in general at the moment, you can see that from how quickly the places are filling up and how busy the young handler classes are.

“If you do not get your entries in quick, it is too late. I used to watch the likes of Herbie Kennedy and Logie Durno at shows and think, that is where I want to be. I never thought I would actually be winning the overall sheep title at the Royal Highland Show, but it just shows what you can achieve if you put your mind to it,” he says.

Charollais tup lambs are sold at Worcester and Carlisle.

A small herd of Charolais is also run by Ben Radley.

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Royal Highland Show Preview

What can showgoers expect from this year’s Royal Highland Show? James Huyton takes a look at manufacturers’ line-ups in the run-up to the main event.

Show time for machinery

JOHN DEERE 5135M

SHOWGOERS can expect to see a range of new equipment on the John Deere stand this year.

Covering most farming businesses, the manufacturer plans to showcase three of its latest product launches.

Starting with the new 5M tractor launched earlier this year, the show will the first opportunity for visitors to take a closer look at the range flagship 5130M.

The range-topping machine boasts a maximum output of 135hp with a compact design and a 4.1-metre

turning circle aims the machine at the loader market. The 5M has two transmission options, the familiar PowerQuad plus offering, with 16 forward and reverse gears, as well as the Powr8 transmission, which will offer 32 forward gear options and 16 reverse through four manual gears with eight ranges.

Built into the dashboard, the guidance display allows a visual of mapped field operations and integrates the brand’s AutoTrac guidance system.

JOHN DEERE S7

JOHN Deere’s latest S series rotary combine will also feature on the brand’s Royal Highland Show stand.

The model takes much of its styling from the brand’s flagship X9 range, with the cabin playing host to a host of new technology updates.

The 75 tonne/hour machines sit firmly between the larger X9 range and smaller T series which has also recently received a facelift.

S7 800, 850 and 900 variants will

be powered by a 13.6-litre JD14X engine, with the manufacturer claiming its HarvestMotion is capable of achieving maximum power at a reduced engine speed of 2,000rpm, with the lower operating rpm potentially having benefits to fuel consumption.

Prospective buyers should also expect a range of new technologies designed to improve grain quality and harvest automation.

JCB

AT this year’s event, a JCB Fastrac in an eye-catching colour scheme is set to take centre-stage among other JCB agricultural machines on the Scot Agri stand.

Wrapped in the blue and yellow tartan of the late rugby star Doddie Weir, the Fastrac 4220 iCON owned by Kelso-based contracting firm Crop Services, was commissioned to highlight the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, a charity set up by Doddie

JOHN DEERE 300M

LAUNCHED at Agritechnica late last year, the 300M completes John Deere’s new kit line-up for the show.

The two-model range offers 3,200-litre and 4,000-litre tank capacities with 24-36m width options.

Traditionally John Deere has opted for a mid-mounted cabin on its selfpropelled sprayers.

But with the acquisition of Mazotti, prospective buyers have the option of a self-propelled sprayer with frontmounted cabin. The self-propelled unit

prior to his death in 2022 to fund research into the debilitating condition, motor neuron disease. Other machines set for the show include two of the latest JCB telescopic wheeled loaders, the 5.2-metre, 3.2-tonne TM320S and a 5.54m, 4.1t TM420S, alongside several Loadall telescopic handlers ranging from the diminutive 4m 1.4t 514-40 ultra-compact machine to the 7.04m 4.2t 542-70 AGRI Pro.

incorporates much of John Deere’s sprayer technology. PowrSpray dualcircuit solution system offers a filling capacity of 600 litres/minute and a maximum spraying output of 750 litres/ minute.

The 300M also offers an active pause function for chemical filling. Direct rate control gives the machine a claimed 98% application accuracy, alongside automatic filling, automated agitation and multi-mode rinsing systems.

MERLO is set to showcase a varied array of machines from both its agricultural and construction ranges at the show.

Visitors will be able to see four telehandler models from the current TurboFarmer range, which will include three compact models. The recently launched TF30.7 with a 3,000kg lift capacity and seven-metre reach will

be shown. The compact machine features a 2m working width and 2m operating height.

Powered by a 70hp Deutz engine, the 30.7 also has a 40km/hour maximum road speed.

Alongside the new 30.7, a number of other Merlo products will be shown, including the medium capacity TF42.7 4,200kg, 7m machine.

MARSHALL LIVESTOCK TRAILERS

THE event sees the launch of Marshall’s new range of livestock containers.

The redesigned variants will be available in several lengths of 21, 25, 28 and 32ft which are compatible with the brand’s flat trailer range.

The manufacturer will also show off the livestock container as a

standalone dedicated 26ft unit, designed with an integrated slurry trap and tank with oversized valves for cleaning.

A new hydraulic deck design also allows the decks to come right down to the floor for loading and unloading.

Galvanised internal gates are also offered to aid service life.

GT BUNNING

RETURNING to the Royal Highland Show this year, GT Bunning plans to showcase a selection of spreaders alongside an 18-tonne variant of the manufacturer’s recently launched trailer range.

It will be the first Scottish showing of Bunning’s new trailer range following its launch at LAMMA earlier this year.

The model on the stand incorporates the brand-redesigned

VALTRA

VALTRA will be showcasing a comprehensive range of products from its line-up, with three varyingsized loader tractors, from the

tailboard, High Load BKT tyres, ADR axles with larger bearings, multi-leaf suspension and a smooth internal body that is tapered to the rear by 100mm, which is claimed to help loads exit the body.

Alongside this, GT Bunning will display a Lowlander 175 HBD, featuring IsoBus with weigh cells for increased accuracy, a Lowlander 120 Hybrid model with Widebody augers and a cost-effective Lowlander 90 TVA.

compact A115 and G125, to the 201hp N175. Two larger black edition Valtra T and Q series will complete the Finnish manufacturer’s show offering.

MERLO

Royal Highland Show Preview

MASSEY FERGUSON 9S

MAKING its show debut, visitors will have an opportunity to take a look around the Massey Ferguson’s flagship 9S.

Following styling from the smaller 8S, the 9S also incorporates the brand’s Protec-U design.

This feature provides the tractor with a clear air gap between the engine bay and cabin, reducing the risk of heat transfer and is claimed to improve operator comfort.

The 9S also features the Dyna-VT

constantly variable transmission and pitched cabin windscreen similar to a combine cabin design.

The manufacturer claims this also offers improved operator visibility and reduced risk of dust build up.

All six models are powered by an updated six-cylinder, 8.4-litre Agco Power engine, with Engine Power Management offering up to 30hp extra for all models, except the flagship 9S.425.

VICON

BALERS and spreaders will be the main features of Vicon’s stand this year at the show. This will include the manufacturer’s FastBale Premium.

The non-stop round baler wrapper combination integrates a prechamber with a main chamber and a wrapper. The innovative machine layout with two chambers arranged in series allows a number of rollers to be

shared. Operating as a pre-chamber, the first section of the machine produces two-thirds of the bale.

As the pre-chamber reaches its preset density, crop flow is diverted into the main bale chamber allowing baling to continue.

The manufacturer also plans to exhibit a RV Baler and two Varispreaders on its show stand.

CASE IH FARMLIFT

AMONG a wide product range, Case IH plan to showcase its latest Farmlift telehandler and Puma AFS Connect tractors at the event.

The Farmlift is offered in five variants with 6.3-metre, 7m and 9.1m lift heights across the range. Lift capacities also range from 3,300kg to a maximum of

FENDT 600

IT will be a first for Scotland as Fendt plans to exhibit its new four-cylinder powerhouse 620 Profi+.

The brand’s latest 600 Vario series was launched late last year in Germany, but this year will be the first opportunity for UK showgoers to take a look at the model.

The flagship 620 Profi+ sits at the top of the four-tractor range and offers 209hp from its four-cylinder, five-litre Agco Power engine which is provided with a boost facility offering a 15hp increase regardless of forward speed.

With a top speed of 50km/hour and a 10.2-metre turning circle, the 600 series could become a flexible allrounder on-farm.

The Fendt stand will also host a number of the 600 series stablemates, including a Gen7 728 Vario, the latest Rogator variant and a gold 50th anniversary 720 Vario.

Adding diversity to the tractor line-up, Fendt will also showcase the latest 160V Rotana combi baler and Lotus 770 tedder, along with the Cargo T740 telehandler with its lifting cab design.

KUBOTA

KUBOTA plans to return to the event with an extensive product range which will include its four-cylinder M7 tractor range.

This year the mid-horsepower tractor will return to the show with chrome accents on the exhaust and mirrors alongside the gunmetal grey

4,200kg. New exterior design elements offer the operator a claimed 9% greater visibility on previous models and improved interior styling.

Alongside the Farmlift, Case will highlight its digital technology, with its Advanced Farming System and interlinked services.

wheel rims. This should add a refreshing look to the Japanese manufacturer’s flagship tractor range. First seen at this year’s LAMMA, the custom model will sit alongside a range of smaller tractors, mowers, excavators and the brand’s UTV range.

KRONE

FORAGE equipment specialist Krone returns to the event with a product line-up of mowers, tedders and rakes, in addition to products from its current baler range.

The Big Pack 1290 Gen 5 baler features its variable filling system, unique MultiBale system and camless EasyFlow pickup with mechanicaldrive. Alongside this, the Comprima CF 155 XC +, a round baler wrapper combination, will be shown which operates with a semi-variable chamber.

Patron: His Majesty The King

ISUZU

THE popular pickup manufacturer Isuzu will once again return to the event with a number of models from its refreshed pickup range. Featuring a 3.5-tonne towing capacity, all-wheel drive system and 1,120kg maximum payload, the D-max has become a regular feature for rural users.

Become a member TODAY

KVERNELAND

NESTLED among Kverneland’s array of cultivation, seeding, feeding and spreading equipment will be its latest precision fertiliser application system.

The PUDAMA system is incorporated with the manufacturer’s Optima TF Profi precision drill with SX high-speed rows. The system claims to precisely deliver fertiliser into a

SUBARU CROSSTREK

ALONGSIDE a full model range, Subaru will be showcasing its latest SUV, the Crosstrek, at the Royal Highland, filling the gap left by the outgoing XV model.

The new model features the manufacturer’s all-wheel drive system with X-MODE, offering functionality across a number of terrains. The Crosstrek also incorporates 220mm ground clearance,11.6-inch multimedia touchscreen and safety features such as driver assist as standard.

defined row location alongside the seed.

With nutrients exactly deposited next to the establishing crop roots, Kverneland claims the PUDAMA system increases the efficiency of starter fertiliser in maize, maintaining 100% yield while saving a claimed 25% starter fertiliser.

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Patron: His Majesty The King

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What’s more, beef from Highland Cattle is low in cholesterol, high in protein and minerals, and its taste is unsurpassed.

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Highland Cattle Society, Stirling Agricultural Centre, Stirling FK9 4RN.

Tel: 01786 446866

Highland Cattle Society, Stirling Agricultural Centre, Stirling FK9 4RN. Become a member TODAY

Become a member today and help preserve and safeguard the heritage of the unique Highland Breed.

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and find us on 15th Avenue at the • Low input • Hardy • Versatile • Docile • Longevity • They play an important role in conservation

Royal Highland Show Preview

After more than two decades of breeding Kerry Hills, Will Evans thinks there is more work to be done to produce an animal that ticks every box, is perfectly marked with those distinctive black eyes, ears and hocks and with a good body.

He says: “I am looking for a medium ewe that is strong and sharp. When the lambs are born you can tell which ones have potential, they have got that bit of character, they are a bit cheeky.

“I have been breeding them for more than 20 years and when you know, you know.’’

This should be of interest to Royal Highland Show exhibitors as Mr Evans is the judge for the Kerry Hill classes which are being staged at the show for the first time.

He admits that this comes with an element of pressure though.

Seven classes

He says: “There will be seven classes for the Kerrys because they have become very popular in Scotland, there are lots of flocks there now.

“It is such a big show, so, yes, there will be pressure because there will almost certainly be some really quality sheep there.’’

Mr Evans bought his first pedigree Kerry Hills when he was 14 and has since built up numbers from those initial four ewes and a ram to 220, making it the UK’s biggest registered pedigree flock.

He had set his heart on a Welsh

Will Evans thinks the ‘perfect’ Kerry Hill has yet to be born and he is making it his mission to breed that animal. Debbie James reports.

Kerry Hill breeder strives for perfection

breed and when he saw the Kerry Hill at the Royal Welsh Show he was smitten.

“For me it really stood out,” he says.

At that time the Kerry Hill was listed as a rare breed, but thanks to its growing popularity its survival is no longer considered at risk. However, it is much less ubiquitous than historically.

“It used to be very popular, here in Pembrokeshire there was a time when there were around 500 flocks, farmers liked it to use in commercial flocks before the modern Mule was developed,’’ Mr Evans says.

That changed when the Bluefaced Leicester was introduced as a cross for hill breeds and considered by farmers to be more prolific and hardy.

By retaining ewe lambs, Mr Evans has gradually built up his own numbers of Kerry Hills in the Lowland flock, which takes its name from the family farm near Sageston.

He credits both his granddads, Elwyn Harries and Lloyd Evans, for encouraging his interest in farming

and providing him with land to first establish the flock.

His farming enterprise, which he runs on 121 hectares (300 acres), extends beyond the pedigree flock, with 200 commercial ewes and a suckler herd of 80 Hereford and AberdeenAngus cows.

The pedigree flock is tupped in August, with teaser rams initially introduced before the Kerry Hill rams are turned in, one for every 50 ewes and mostly sourced from breed sales at Ludlow.

Big influence

One ram which has had a big influence on the flock in recent years is ram Woodhouse Arkle, bred by John and Philippa Owen, and which set him back £4,000.

Mr Evans recently invested £2,200 in a Downwood ram bred by Jim Rowe and is looking forward to seeing what mark it makes on the flock.

He says he is ‘quite choosy’ when selecting rams.

A lot of people think they are just show sheep, but they are a good commercial to cross on a continental tup WILL EVANS

He adds: “Every breeder has a type, for me they have to look sharp, not too heavy because they are after all a hill ewe, the ears must sit square on top of the head and they have to have the right markings, including black patches on the knees.

One of the traits which makes the Kerry Hill stand out is its mothering ability.

“I am keeping ewes that I know I can cross with the right ram.’’

He hopes this strategy will help him to achieve his goal.

“I do not think anyone has bred the perfect Kerry Hill and I would like to be the first.”

Texel and Suffolk rams are used on the commercial ewes, which lamb from January 15.

Ewes are at grass, supplemented with mineral lick buckets, until they are housed post-scanning at the end of November. A scanning percentage of 184% was achieved in the 2024 lambing of Kerry Hills.

At housing, they get good quality haylage.

“They do very well on grass, so they do not get any cake because we do not want them to get over-fat and for the lambs to get too big and be difficult to deliver,’’ Mr Evans says.

Concentrates are fed for two weeks after lambing to ensure the ewes have a good supply of milk.

Mr Evans lambs early because the ram lambs and any females he does not retain as replacements or for sale as breeding stock are sold as fat lambs at Whitland market, and he can catch the more lucrative new season trade with January lambing.

Relentless rain has made 2024 a difficult year for lambing. Ewes and lambs are usually turned out to grass within two or three days, but it was often as long as two weeks this year.

“I have learned what to look for in a lamb, I can tell when a lamb is ready to be sold by looking at it,’’ he says.

Although the commercial flock is currently more profitable than the pedigrees, Mr Evans sees this changing going forward.

“I have been keeping a lot of Kerry

Hill females to improve the flock, but will sell more of the better females going forward because I now have my foundation ewes.

“When you get your name out there and build a reputation, that is when you start to make a bit of money.’’

One of the traits that makes the Kerry Hill stand out is its mothering ability.

“They are very good mothers, very protective of their lambs, I have been head-butted quite a few times this year,” adds Mr Evans.

He also describes the breed as ‘sharp and alert’.

“They will always be the ones standing at the front of a group.

“If there is a dog or a fox around they will be quite aggressive. They are a great all-round ewe.’’

Credit

Mr Evans thinks the Kerry Hill does not get the credit it deserves.

“A lot of people think they are just show sheep, but they are a good commercial to cross on a continental tup,” he says.

The Kerry Hills are slower to mature than the commercials but, as he points out: “I am not trying to breed them too big, I am not pushing them because when you do that you start to get problems with their feet and teeth, but some of the big singles are up there with the commercials.’’

The Kerry Hill lambs are weaned at the beginning of July and this is when Mr Evans selects the lambs he will retain for showing.

Competing at shows is an interest he has never grown tired of. He has won the best ewe lamb in breed at the Royal Welsh Show on four occasions and captured the prize for the reserve champion female too. At the Pem-

brokeshire County Show one of his animals won champion ram lamb and he has picked up numerous prizes at local shows too, including Martletwy and Brecon. In 2023 he won the na-

tional flock competition for a large flock over 61 ewes and was reserve champion overall.

“But the Royal Welsh Show championship is the one I want to win,’’ he adds.

Will Evans runs the UK’s largest registered pedigree flock of Kerry Hills.

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LTA 750, Fully Auto, EPS 2/4WD £9395 LTA 500, Fully Auto, EPS 2/4WD £8850 LTA 500, Fully Auto, non EPS, 2/4WD £7695 Yamaha

450 Kodiak, Fully Auto, non

Segway Snarler ATV6 B, Auto, EPS 2/4WD £5395

British Made ATV Attachments & stock trailers available; Chain harrows, chain harrow carriers, 600l water carrier with drinking bowl & land rollers.

Bentley Garage, Banks Green, Upper Bentley, Redditch B97 5SU Worcestershire T: 01527 62336 M: 07860 546104 sales@abbeycommercials.com www.abbeycommercials.com ALL PRICES + VAT CALL: 01538 304391 WHATS APP: 07791 727084

H

WEEKS 14T GRAIN

TRAILER

Sprung draw bar. Hyd door. 10stud Sprung axles. Super single wheels. Roll over sheet. Grain chute.

Ym 2014. Straight trailer !! Price: £8250

KUHN 302G TRAILED MOWER

Ym 2016. Good order!

Price: £13750

VICON EXTRA 628T MOUNTED

MARSHALL 32’ BALE TRAILER

On 10stud rocking beam axles. 560/45 R22.5 wheels. Air /hyd brakes. Sprung draw bar. Ym 2013. Tidy order . Price: £8650

MCHALE PROGLIDE R3100 MOUNTED MOWER

CONDITIONER

Ym 2018. Good order.

Price: POA

LELY SPLENDIMO 281 PC TRAILED MOWER CONDITIONER

Ym 2009 Very good order. 1 farmer from new !!

Price: £7000

VICON EXTRA 632T MOUNTED MOWER CONDITIONER ym 2017

Price: £7500

MCHALE R3100 REAR MOUNTED MOWER CONDITIONER

Ym 2023. C/w parking stands. Price: £11900

KVERNELAND

KRONE AM 243 CV 8’ MOUNTED MOWER CONDITIONER

Ym 2012. Tidy mower!!

Price: £5750

£6950

WEIDEMANN 1880 PIVOT STEER LOADER, 2022, 730 hours, pallet

NEW KRONE RAKES

SWADRO 420 Single rotor, three point linkage.

SWADRO 460 Single rotor, three point linkage.

SWADRO TC640 Twin rotor centre delivery, trailed.

SWADRO TC760 Twin rotor centre delivery, trailed.

NEW KRONE TEDDERS

VENDRO 560 Linkage mounted 4 Row Tedder.

NEW KRONE MOWERS & MOWER CONDITIONERS

Easycut F320 CV front mounted push type headstock mower conditioner.

Easycut R320 CV rear linkage mounted mower conditioner.

Easycut R360 rear linkage mounted mower without conditioner.

Easycut TC320 CV trailed mower conditioner.

ActiveMow R240 rear linkage mounted mower without conditioner.

ActiveMow R280 rear linkage mounted mower without conditioner.

USED SWADRO 38 Single rotor rake.

DEMO BIG PACK 1270 Large bale + Multi Bale system (up to 9 small bales)

STEERING TANDEM AXLE, 620/40 R22.5 tyres, LED work lights, call for full spec.

COMPRIMA V150 XC PLUS variable chamber Round baler, 17 blade cutting system, hydraulic brakes, LED working lights, 500/50-17 tyres, DS500 terminal.

AMAZONE ZA-TS 4200 PROFIS

Hydro c/w Flow control Argus twin isobus.

AMAZONE ZAV 3200 Easy set terminal V3. Call for options & specification.

MAGNUM 340 CVX 50kph. 2020, 2715 hours, Full Accuguide, 800/70 x 38 tyres, rear wheel weights.

JCB 8055 EXCAVATOR c/w buckets, 2014, 3200 hours, 5 ton machine from a private user.

NEW SPEARHEAD SNIPER S 230 Offset c/w roller. £7,950 +VAT

TEAGLE DUAL 280 FLAIL MOWER, 2022, front or rear mount.

NEW SPEARHEAD TWIGA S55 hedge / verge cutter, 1.2m head, linkage mount. £19,750 +VAT

SPEARHEAD S 55 TWIGA Verge / Hedgecutter, 2019, linkage mounted.

JCB 520-40 Telescopic forklift, 2017, 2800 hours, pallet forks, 3rd service.

*Finance offered subject to Terms and Conditions.

CASEIH MAXXUM 145 ACTIVE DRIVE 8 + QUICKE Q66 LOADER, 2018, 2900 hours.

FARMALL 90C 4wd PowerShuttle, ROLL BAR tractor, 2022, 4000 hours, drawbar.

MAXXUM 150 CVX 40kph. Full Guidance ‘72‘ reg. 2132 hours, full suspension

CASEIH OPTUM 300 CVX 50kph. Full Accuguide, Front linkage, 2020, 2300 hours, 710/75 x 42 tyres.

CASEIH PUMA 260 CVX 50kph. Front Linkage & PTO. Lots of spec including leather seats, CaseIH Warranty.

forks.

NEW HOLLAND T5.115 c/w CASEIH LOADER, push out hitch, 3425 hours, 420/85 x 38 tyres.

Turbofarmer 30.7

Visit Merlo UK at the 2024 Royal Highland Show

Royal Highland Centre Edinburgh

20th - 23rd June

Corner of 10th Avenue and Avenue D

Merlo UK will be returning to the flagship event of Scottish charity the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland: The Royal Highland Show in Ingliston, Edinburgh on the 20th to 23rd of June. On display will be the TF30.7 along with an extensive collection of our Agricultural models. Visit us at our new bigger stand on the corner of 10th Avenue and Avenue D.

Hardwick Agricultural Engineers Ltd

Main Road, Brompton-By-Sawdon, Scarborough, North Yorkshire YO13 9DP

Tel: +44 (0)1723 859785 / 859698

Sales: Eric - 07836 630558

Callum - 07946 335030

Thomas - 07538 390091

www.hardwickagricultural.co.uk

New Deutz Fahr 6230 RC 6-cylinder, 230hp, 50kph, RC shi 54/27, 4 spools, GPS compa ble, front links with spool

New Kubota M7-153 Premium 4-cylinder, 150hp (170 boosted), 50kph, 30/15 powershi

New Merlo 50.8– 136

5 Ton li , 8-meter boom, ASCS system INC material weigher, 40kph hydrosta c

New Kuhn 310 GMD

3.1m working width, fast fit blades, pull type linkage, sprung suspension GMD 280/30 IN STOCK

New Kuhn VB 3165

SPECIAL OFFER - £42,000 4 +20 Finance @ 0% Based o 50%RRP **Limited me o er**

Used Vicon RV1601

Bale count 44,648 Self-oiler, drop floor, ISOBUS, 2.2m pickup reel

AW 11&12T bale trailer

Storage shelf, 445/45R19.5 tyres, sprung axles

New Deutz Fahr 6150.4C 4-cylinder, 150hp, 50kph, RV shi 20/18, Stop/Go feature, front linkage, 4 spools

New Kubota M6-131 U lity 4-cylinder, 130hp, 40kph, 36/36 powershi

New Merlo 42.7 – 136 CS

ASCS system including material weigher, boom suspension, pick up hitch reverse fan

New Kuhn FC3115 D

3.1m working width, fast fit blades, ver cal fold GMD 280/310 – FF244/284/314 in stock

New Kuhn VB 3260

0.80m-1.6m diameter bales, 2.3m pick up reel, hydraulic drop floor, 5 belts, 235 bar pressure

Used Vicon RV1601

Bale count 58.088 Self-oiler, drop floor, ISOBUS, 2.2m pickup reel

New Kubota W821 &821 PRO Honda GXV160, blade break clutch, 75l grass collector

Used Deutz Fahr m420 4cyl-158hp, 6x4 powershi , 9200kg rear li , front links and spool, 4 speed PTO, year 2012, 4825 hours

Used Kubota MGX95 4 cyl-104hp, 1950kg loader li , bi-speed turning, 2017, 6320 hours

New Merlo 38-10 – 136

ASCS system including material weigher, boom suspension, pick up hitch reverse fan

New Kuhn Haybob 300m & 360 3m working width, rear gates, 2 ne posi ons MULTIPLE IN STO

New Kuhn VB 7160

4 belts, weigher, I-dense system, 0.80m-1.85m diameter bales, 2.3m pick up reel with 14 knifes

Used Vicon RV1901

Bale count 45,929 Self-oiler, drop floor, ISOBUS, 2.2m pickup reel, bales from 0.8m-1.85m

New Kubota GR2120 & GR2120S Kubota 20hp engine, 270l grass collector or side discharge or mulcher

Used Deutz 6060HTS & 6060HTS 5 straw walker, loss monitor, auto contour header, 5m header yr 2012, 1,702 drum hours

yr 2010, 2000 drum hours

Used Massey Ferguson 6490 180hp - SISU, DYNA 6, EZ-Steer guidance, year 2011, 7050hrs

Used Merlo 35.7 – 115

Boom suspension, 40k-2 speed hydrosta c drive, reverse fan, pick up hitch, year 2019, 2800 hours

New Kuhn GF6502 Tedder Digidrive system, pivo ng headstock, mech centralising GF502, 7802, 8703 IN STOCK

Ex-Demo Kuhn 1290 ID

120x90, weigher, moisture meter, TWINPACT double plunger, 200kph kno er blowers,2.3m pick up reel

Used Vicon Kuhn RV2160 year 2010, bale count 33000, ISOBUS, bale kicker, self-oiling system, 0.8m to 1.6m bale diameter

New MX C30 LWC a achments, bucket & grabs In stock and ready for immediate delivery

New Deutz Fahr C9306TS 6 straw walker, loss monitor, auto contour header, 9m header, 10,500L hopper capacity,

Used New Holland T6030 6-cylinder, 115hp, 40kph, 24/24 powershi , year 2010, 5435hrs

Used Merlo 33.7 – 115

Boom suspension, 40k-2 speed hydrosta c drive, reverse fan, pick up hitch, year 2021, 4581 hours

New Kuhn GA7501+ Rake

6.7m-7.5m working width, 1.3m- 1.9m swath width, 3D bogie axle GA4312, GA3201

New Kuhn RW1110C E-Twin Two pre stretch film rollers, auto stop by end of film and so stop In stock and ready for delivery

Used Tri 14 Ton Grain Trailer Roll over sheet, sprung drawbar, grain chute, 10 stud ADS axles, year 2014

New MX Front weight block Choice of 900kg, 1200kg, 1500kg

2021, 1015 Hrs,

Tyres: 600/65R28 (75%) 650/65R42 (75%)

Dyna-7 Transmission, Guidance Ready, Pwer Beyond, EFFICIENT Spec

FETF501

FETF32

FETF33 -

FETF36 -

FETF37

FETF38

Enviroseal provide a complete range of products for slurry storage

Keeps rainwater out of slurry Reduces odour from lagoons Covers comply with EA and SSAFO legislation SLURRY LAGOON

AeratorSlurry Injector

• Hardened Tines

• Compa ble with Umbilical Systems & Tankers

• Relieves surface compac on

• Cuts small slots into the soil, resul ng in be er uptake of nutrients for the ground & growing crops 07970 541995 07921 129391 pbeslurryspike@yahoo.co.uk www.pbeslurry.co.uk

June 21, 2024

INCREASE SLURRY STORAGE

XSplit - the ultimate separation solution

Separating makes slurry handling much easier and significantly reduces the amount of slurry needing to be stored. Vogelsang’s XSplit slurry separator can produce solids of up to 40% dry matter, making liquid slurry much easier to apply during spreading season.

Get in touch to arrange a demo today.

VOGELSANG – LEADING IN TECHNOLOGY

Contact us at: 01270 216 600 | sales.uk@vogelsang.info

vogelsang.co.uk