Farming

GREENSLADE TAYLOR HUNT

Forthcoming Dairy Sale

Telephone: 01278 410250. Email: livestock@gth.net SEDGEMOOR AUCTION CENTRE, NORTH PETHERTON, SOMERSET, TA6 6DF (M5, J24) Thursday 11th March at 11.00am The Dispersal Sale of the Milking & Incalf Heifer Portion being 305 ORGANIC HOLSTEINS & CROSSBREDS

Comp: 248 Dairy Cows & Heifers Inmilk & or Incalf; 36 Incalf Heifers; 20 A Lot Heiffer Calves & Pedigree Ayrshire Bull.

* * * HERD AV: 6,500KGS. 4.41%BF; 3.38%P; SCC=140 HERRINGBONE Parlour; CUBICLE Housed BREEDS INC: British Friesian, Brown Swiss, Dairy Shorthorn X, Holstein Friesian, Jersey X, Montbeliarde X, Norwegian Red X & Swedish Red X * * * YOUNG COWS: 153 1st – 3rd Lactation CALVING: Dec-Mar (107); Apr-Jul (64); Aug-Nov (63) SERVICES TO: Aberdeen Angus, Ayrshire, Dec, Limousin, Maverick, Milkstar, etc.

For GNB Farm Ltd (removed from Great Stone Farm, South Molton, Devon)

** Live bidding on MartEye, please register in advance at gth.marteye.ie ** SEDGEMOOR AUCTION CENTRE Thursday 18th March at 10.30am with the Heifer Calves The Lady Day Collective Dairy Sale of 420 DAIRY CATTLE

*50 Freshly Calved Cows & Heifers Pegasus, Walkabout, & Wapley from Beneknowle, Clenchers, Dinnaton, Hinxden (x10), Holmead, Lilylane, * * * * 8 Incalf Cows from MJ Lock & Partners (Dispersal) 81 Incalf Heifers from JF Cobb & Sons, Fortune (Dispersal), MJ Lock & Partners (Dispersal), Lowerwield & Pegasus 46 Bulling & Yearling Heifers from Ashlea, JF Cobb & Sons, Clenchers & Lowerwield 70 Heifer Calves from AR & HA Bristol, JF Cobb & Sons, AW Frampton & Son Ltd, Loford & TJ & MJ Lloyd & Partners

To include Two Dispersal Sales

The Dispersal Sale of 90 ORGANIC NMR Holstein Friesian & Crossbred Dairy Cows & Heifers together with Milfos Herringbone Parlour & Fabdec 5,000L Bulk Tank for LS, KM & CJ Davies (Removed from Glastonbury, Somerset). Herringbone Parlour, Cubicle Housed.

& The Dispersal Sale of 84 Holstein Friesian & Crossbred Dairy Cows & Heifers

For RD & SA Patch (Removed from Honiton, Devon). Herringbone Parlour, Cubicle Housed.

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

MARCH

Forthcoming Fodder Sale

Sat 20th.................

MARCH

SEDGEMOOR AUCTION CENTRE. The Collective Fodder Auction of Hay, Silage and Straw. Entries to be in by Monday 8th March 2021. Forthcoming Devon Cattle Sale

Tues 30th.............. SEDGEMOOR AUCTION CENTRE. The Devon Cattle Breeder’s Society Annual Spring Show and Sale of Ruby Red Devons. Sedgemoor Auction Centre

North Petherton, Somerset, TA6 6DF (M5, Junction 24). Telephone: 01278 410278 www.gth.net TOTAL STOCK FOR THE WEEK 5295 Stock from across the West Country, sold to buyers from throughout the Nation Returns for Saturday 27th February 2021

DAIRY CATTLE (65) Heifers to £2020 (2x). Others £1950. Cows to £2000. Others £1820. (1097) STORE CATTLE & STIRKS - FORWARD STORES (699) Steers to £1455 (LIMX). Others £1440 (FLE) £1390 (CHX) & £1380 (CHX). Heifers to £1385 (LIMX). Others £1360 (LIMX) £1250 (LIMX) & £1235 (3x CHX, HEX & BRBX). GRAZING COWS (10) to £995 (2x BRBx). SUCKLERS (7) to £1020. STIRKS (403) Bulls to £1095. Steers to £1045 (2x LIMX). Others £1000 (3x CHX) £995 (LIMX) & £990 (2x CHX). Heifers to £990 (CHX). Others £890 (4x SIMX) £875 (CHX) & £850 (2x LIMX & SIMX). CALVES (342) - Beef Bulls to £500 (BRBX). Others £450 (BRBX) £435 (AA) & £385 (BRBX). Heifers to £370 (6x AA). Others £340 (HEX) £320 (3x BRBX & LIMX). Black & Whites to £288. Others £215. (2305) SHEEP STORE LAMBS – Friday (1202) to £134. Others £133 & £132.50. Overall Ave £100.92. CULL EWES & RAMS (642) Ewes to £156. Others £149 & £146. Rams to £145. Others £144.50 & £143. Overall Ave £98.53. BREEDING EWES (18) to £100. Others £76. COUPLES (133E & 199L) Doubles to £262 (£87.33/life). Singles to £178 (£89/life). Overall Ave £70.04/life. ORPHAN LAMBS (91) to £41 (6x). Overall Ave £19.24. (160) PIGS – WEANERS (47) to £45. CULL SOWS & BOARS (15) to £106. FORWARD STORES (96) to £112.

The West Country’s Gateway to National Abattoirs Returns for Monday 1st March February 2021

PRIME CATTLE (106) Steers UTM av 194.4ppk to 226.5ppk & £1,612.53. Others 226.0ppk, 225.0ppk & 224.5ppk. Others £1,560.24, £1,511.77 & £1,493.82. Heifers UTM av 197.3ppk to 220.5ppk and £1,369.20. Others 220.0ppk, 219.5ppk & 214.0ppk. Others £1,347.26, £1,250.55 & £1,247.01. BARREN COWS (44) Continental av 156.4ppk to 164.5ppk and £1,297.39. Others 163.5ppk. Others £1,296.53. Native Beef av 138.4ppk to 140.5ppk and £1,031.27. Others 138.5ppk. Others £929.34. Dairy av 132.3ppk to 163.5ppk and £1,182.96. Others 156.5ppk. Others £1,167.39. FINISHED SHEEP (1175) Hogg ave 276.96ppk to 292.0ppk (2x) and £160.00. Others 291.0ppk, 287.0ppk & 286.0ppk. Others £145.00, £142.00 & £141.00 (2x). Lamb ave 305.99ppk to 315.0ppk and £138.50. Others 309.0ppk. Others £136.50.

FORTHCOMING SPECIAL SALES

For full COVID-19 rules on market attendance and up to date sales list please refer to our website https://www.gth.net/sedgemoor-auction-centre and/or Saturday market report https://www.gth.net/market-reports. Please note a Drop & Go home immediately system is in operation for Vendors.

MARCH

Store Lambs, Cull Ewes & Rams & Goats. Gates Open 12 Noon Sale 4pmFri 5th......................... Starlight Show & Sale of Potential Show Cattle ***To Be Rescheduled***Fri 5th......................... Monthly Catalogued Sale of Organic Store Stock 1Sat 6th........................ 0am Ring 2 Special Entry in the Dairy Section – The Sale of 18 Holstein Friesian Incalf Heifers for Mr R Evans. Ref ATC.Sat 6th........................ Store Lambs, Cull Ewes & Rams & Goats. Gates Open 12 Noon Sale 4pmFri 12th....................... Monthly Catalogued Sale of Suckler Cows, Calves, Heifers & Bulls Sat 13th...................... 12.30pm Ring 1 Special Sale of Busk Calves Sat 13th...................... 11am Ring 3 Fortnightly Sale of Pigs 11amSat 13th...................... Special Entry in the Dairy Section – The Sale of 14 Holstein Friesian Incalf Cows (due June – Sept to Lim and HF (sexed) for E Hudson Baker. Herd Av: 8,995 Sat 13th...................... kgs. 4.46%BF, 3.15%P, SCC=149. Closed Herd. Ref ATC. Store Lambs, Cull Ewes & Rams & Goats. Gates Open 12 Noon Sale 4pmFri 19th....................... Special Entry in the Dairy Section – The Sale of 14 Holstein Friesian Incalf & Calved Cows (due June to Nov to Lim and HF (sexed)) for E Hudson Baker. Herd Sat 20th...................... Av: 8,995 kgs. 4.46%BF, 3.15%P, SCC=149. Closed Herd. Ref ATC. Collective Fodder Auction Sat 20th...................... 1pm Easter Show & Sale of Suck Lambs 9.30amMon 22nd................... Orange Market Dedicated Sale for bTB Restricted Cattle. Store Cattle – 15 Months & Over, Prime Cattle & Barren Cows. Wed 24th.................... Sat 27th......................

Stock to be booked in with the market of昀ce by 17th March. Licences to be obtained from Truro Trading Standards on 03000 200301

or CSC.TBlicensing@apha.gsi.gov.uk Sale commences 4.30pm Special Entry in the Dairy Section – The Sale of 20 Holstein Friesian Bulling Heifers for E Hudson Baker. Herd Av: 8,995 kgs. 4.46%BF, 3.15%P, SCC=149. Closed Herd. Ref ATC.

WEDNESDAY 10TH MARCH Sale of Dairy to Include: 90 Holstein Friesian H/B Autumn Served Heifers Due Aug/Sep 2021 Served to AI & Pedigree AA Sweeper Stock Bull Closed Autumn Block Calving Herd Av BF 4.99% P 3.51% Ltr 7500 Huskvac, Lepto & BVD Vac Programme Genuine Dispersal SATURDAY 10TH APRIL Poultry Sale Subject to Covid & Avian Flu Restrictions WEDNESDAY 14TH APRIL Pedigree Breeding Bull Sale Commencing 2pm Entries Invited

WEDNESDAY 28TH APRIL Frome Markets 1st Inaugural Spring Stirk Fair Show & Sale Kindly Sponsored by Barbers 1833 Auctioneers Trevor Rowland: 07968 480 401 Lester Williams: 07778 646 031 Ross Whitcombe: 07815 985 737 Charlie Coleman: 07494 588 013 Fieldsmen Mark Ferrett: 07702 264 502 Tom Rogers: 07384 462 288

Strict Social Distancing rules apply. Everyone to provide their own face masks and gloves. Face masks to be worn at all times Frome Livestock Market, Standerwick, Frome, Somerset, BA11 2QB Tel 01373 830033 Email: info@fromelivestock.com Website: www.fromelivestock.com SMALL BALE good quality hay 2019, £2.25 per bale, Shaftesbury 01747 852825

Conyers

Country Outfitters

(Justin J Frampton) R.F.D.13D New or Secondhand Shot & Air Guns, Rifles and Repairs. Game, Coarse & Sea Angling Equipment

Est 1886

3 West Street, Blandford Forum, Dorset DT11 7AW jay@conyers.biz www.conyers.biz Tel: 01258 452307 Mob: 07973 642278

SHEEP GRAZING WANTED, Tisbury/Shaftesbury Area, Any acreage considered, Call 07968 049218

We provide a friendly, local service at competitive prices. Based at Redlynch near Bruton, we supply Car, Commercial, Agricultural, Plant & 4x4 tyres and offer a 24hr breakdown service. We won’t be beaten on price.

Call us on 01749 813957 or 07971 012628

or find us at

www.southwestyreservices.co.uk

WEANERS (PIGLETS) for sale. Gloucester Old Spot cross. £50 each. 01725519267

P.O.L chickens, fully vaccinated £10 07929 672126

WANTED - Barn, yard or land for sale or to let, anything considered (to continue working and completing a project) Call Steve 07470 750294

TYRES AROUND LTD

Mobile Service

Agricultural Specialist Over 35 year’s Experience

NIGEL MARTIN 07921 929891

WANTED!

Quads, ATVs, farm & plant machinery, compact tractors, mini diggers, dumpers, trailers, commercial mowers, Landcruiser 80s,fishingboats, caravans, forklifts, workshop clearances and more... www.allterraintrader.co.uk 07912 346037 01963 363512

For Sale - 32 EWE LAMBS, Lleyn and Lleyn x Poll Dorset, Born April 2020, telephone 07968 049218

AIR RIFLES FOR SALE

From £50

Webley Mk3 x 3 BSA Air Sporter Mk2 x 3 BSA Buccaneer x 1 Air Ri昀e Full Power £80 26 Antique BSA under leavers Call 07970 742471

15 Flocked pigeon decoys, nets, poles, box/seat plus more. Offers. Wooden Larsen Trap, Offers. 07759 196385 SHEEP KEEP urgently wanted for flock of ewes and lambs, anything considered, contact 07566 850572

CONCRETE RAILWAY SLEEPERS For cow tracks / retaining walls. Contact Ricky or Robert at Liquiline Limited. 01258 830324 / liquiline.co.uk

For those For those whose farmers TV volume 38 The High Street, who drove is now Wimborne BH21 1HT tractors

at 50! Tel: 07514 417556 8.30am – 4.30pm in the 70s!

COME FOR A FREE 1 HOUR HEARING TEST! 0% interest payment plans available for hearing aids We will welcome you all with open ears!

Farming Join our online spring lambing course

By Alice Miller, of Friars Moor Livestock Health

It is a welcome relief, after what feels like a very long winter, to see that spring is finally here! It could be the appearance of the daffodils and croci confirming the changing season, however, it is actually due to the notable increased frequency of emergency calls to attend lambings and calvings! As a farm vet you know spring is here when the seasonal workload gets heavier, and we love it! At Friars Moor Livestock Health, we pride ourselves on frequently running discussion group meetings and training courses, whilst we miss doing these face-to-face, covid has not stopped us from adapting to safe online versions. If you are approaching lambing on your farm or smallholding or are a student looking for some up-todate training and work experience why not book onto our online lambing course? We have reduced the usual fee of the practical lambing course to £50 since the hands-on element has become restricted. However, the content is certainly the same, and we will be offering the next best thing by carrying out live demonstrations from my husband’s lambing shed at home! One of the main concerns people have is when they should intervene, how to correct birthing difficulties and when you should call the vet, so by answering these questions and more, we try to ensure anyone attending comes away feeling more confident and prepared. One of the keys to the success of lambing is ewe health. If optimal, this ensures good growth of the unborn lambs, so strong lambs are born. Prelambing ewe nutrition is vital to ensure good quality colostrum production too. We will discuss how you can test colostrum quality and how to stomach tube lambs that are too weak to feed from the udder themselves. One of the most daunting parts of lambing is correcting difficult births, and this is a common occurrence since many sheep breeds have more than one lamb, and so with some twins and triplets trying to come at the same time it is not unusual to have to untangle tricky presentations. We will be demonstrating how to correct these to deliver the lambs safely. Alongside many other tips and advice, including how to resuscitate a lamb. To book your place on our first online Lambing course and to join Jo Childs and I over zoom on Wednesday 24th March from 1pm please call the farm office on 01258 472314 or email: events@friarsmoorlivestockheal

Independent veterinary services for livestock in Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire

Collection points for livestock medicines and supplies at Sherborne, Sturminster Newton, Blandford and Shaftesbury Please call the office on 01258 472314 www.friarsmoorvets.co.uk

Suspect Land Rover alert

Farmers and landowners are being alerted to a vehicle whose occupants are behaving suspiciously in north Dorset. Dorset Police Rural Crime Team say a black Land Rover Discovery with the registration O*65*ZW has been seen in suspicious circumstances around farms around the north and south Dorset area. The vehicle is believed to have been displaying motor trade plates. The occupants were enquiring about buying machinery from farms but were also believed to be paying attention to farms. Rural Crime Team PCSO Tom Balchin is appealing for anyone who spots this vehicle or other vehicles acting suspiciously to gather as much information as possible such as the registration number and descriptions of the driver and any passengers. He said: “If it’s safe to do so take a photograph, but don’t put yourself in danger to do this, warn police. Call Dorset Police immediately on 999 if the vehicle or occupants are seen committing crime. For non-emergency call 101 or at dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk.” If you wish to remain anonymous contact Crimestoppers Rural Crime Reporting Line by calling 0800 783 0137 or visiting ruralcrimereportingline.uk. If you are a Farm or Horse Watch member and would like a farm or horse watch sign contact the Rural Crime Team by email to ruralcrimeteam@dorset.pnn.p olice.uk and they will send some signs to you.

Farming Rural crimes being reported incorrectly

Ruth Kimber’s Farmer’s Diary

March already! Farmers are getting itchy feet, desperate to start spring work, land condition is key. We farm mostly clay and must be careful not to damage the soil. Some manure has already been spread and a little fertiliser. Fences must be checked before we let animals out, it’s surprising how much a winter blast can damage fences. We are hoping for an early spring, the grass is growing and the price of concentrate feed has risen sharply, so the sooner we can feed grass the better. The dreaded TB test is this week, always worrying, a Somerset farmer friend has just had 41 dairy cows test positive, they have been taken for slaughter. They will now face a long road of frequent testing, fears of further animal losses, more restrictions on movements and not being able to replace the milkers. The emotional and financial stress is huge. The verges along our lanes are spoilt with litter, mostly fastfood containers, drink cans and plastic bottles, not helped by another fast food take away opening locally. Many people collect discarded litter from the verges all year round but it’s easier now, before the spring growth. If only more people did this, it would make a real difference. Why are we still using so much plastic? The NFU had its annual conference online this year, one of the topics was Rural Crime. I was surprised to learn many crimes are not reported and those that are, often don’t get allocated to ‘Rural Crime’ so a tractor may be recorded as a vehicle! Funds are allocated according to the perceived need, backed up by crime numbers, please report all crimes, thefts etc. to obtain that all important Rural Crime Number, then funds will follow and help in the fight against crime in the countryside. Another issue; fly tipping, this is a really big problem; if rubbish is discarded on private land, it becomes the legal responsibility of the property owner, how can that be just? If you witness fly tipping please take note of vehicle details and report it. On ‘Public funds for Public Goods’, still no detail of the new scheme is forthcoming. The Indian government is proposing to change the way their farmers are paid, and allow them to deal directly with the buyers. Their government has tried to sell this notion as a positive, however with the millions of small individual farmers pitched against multi nation giants, they fear for their future. UK Indians are backing their farmers and sending finances and political support to them. I see some parallels with our own struggle, dairy products selling to supermarkets, they produce the contracts, decide the Ts&Cs and PRICE. The countryside is bursting into life, snowdrops, celandines, primroses, and more, bluebell shoots are inches high already. Oh, to be in England! Kimber’s Farm Shop BA9 8HD, B3081 Wincanton Racecourse Road. kimbersfarmshop.co.uk Tel 01963 33177. Open Tues-Fri 8.30am-5pm, Sat 9.30am-4pm

Mob: 07966 244536

Hydraulic Hose Specialists and Stockists to the Agriculture, Forestry, Automotive and Transport Industry

Pneumatic fittings Quick release couplings Air brake fittings Pressure wash hoses + lances Hose clamps Up to 1 ½ “Hose stocked Hydraulic Hoses Variation of oils Mobile service available

Cote Farm Works, Kilmington, Warminster, Wiltshire BA12 6RF

Email: hoses@ardiesels.co.uk

SCRAP METAL RECYCLING WESSEX METALS

STURMINSTER NEWTON & BLANDFORD AREA WANTED

Scrap Metal, Cars, Heavy and Light Iron Farm And Factory Clearance Weighbridge TOP PRICES PAID

Skips/HAIB lorry available for onsite collection Tel 01258 860 166 or 07974 822 243

Farming Spring earlier than ever

Country Diary with AJ Selby

March brings breezes loud and shrill; to stir the dancing daffodil. There are many good reasons for waking up each morning and being thankful for the chance of another day. In no particular order; we live in a time of relative peace, we have food aplenty on our table, we have excellent prospects of a long and happy life, and at this time of year we have the recurring wonder that is spring-time in England. Is there anything that gladdens the heart more than feeling the warmth of the first sunny days on our backs, the increasing crescendo of birdsong in the countryside, and the explosive growth of plants and trees as the daylight hours increase? Spring means different things to different people: the first daffodils, the first cuckoo, the discovery of frog-spawn or the tasselled catkins of hazel and alder. For me it’s the duotone call of the chiffchaff. I have noted the dates of their first appearance for the last 20-odd years and it’s never been earlier than the ninth of March and never later than the 17th. This small bird loves nothing better than finding the topmost branch in a thick hedgerow or copse and belting out its endless ditty. Soon his sound will be 88 accompanied by blackcaps, willow warblers and whitethroats, and as March turns to April the countryside will burst with colour, growth and song. As a lad I used to record the appearance of the first flowers and birds, and it’s interesting to look back at that data to see how much later the spring came almost half a century ago. It may only be a matter of a week or ten days but in ecological terms, that is quite significant. Call it global warming or climate change or what you will, but there is no doubt that the natural world is changing and having to adapt. Where are the yellowhammers, bullfinches and skylarks of my youth? These birds were once common and seen or heard daily but are becoming very scarce. In contrast I see more goldfinches now than I ever did, and both buzzards and red kites have had population explosions. As the days lengthen (so the cold strengthens, as the old saw goes), March brings the blizzard-white display of the blackthorn and with it, a short cold snap. It’s what we call the blackthorn winter and it’s a small blip in the gradual warming of spring. The blackthorn of course, is the shrub that produces sloes, so you may console yourself during your spring walks that a good display of blossom may result in a bumper crop to fill your gin bottles in the autumn. A.J. Selby

FODDER AND MACHINERY AUCTIONS

WILLMORELEIGH FARM, FARWAY, COLYTON, DEVON EX24 6EQ Thursday 18th March 2021 Genuine Dispersal of Tractor, ATV, Farm Machinery, Workshop Equipment, Household Furniture and Miscellaneous Items To be sold via Live Online Auc琀on commencing at 11.00am

PLEASE NOTE: This Sale will be held using marteye.ie. Please download the app or visit marteye.ie to register prior to the auc琀on

For further informa琀on please contact Greg Ridout 07817 517467 or Lucy Carnell 07940 256550

Lots to include: 1997 Renault Ceres II 95X with MX loader (4,500hrs), 2006 Honda 450cc Foreman S ATV (600hrs), MTD LS550 25T 600 Towable Log Spli琀er, Pezzolato Towable Chipper, 2019 Alko T693.7 Ride On Lawn Mower, 2002 Spearhead 2500HD Flail Topper, Spearhead 6’ Topper, Quantock Post Driver, Ifor Williams HB510R Hunter Horse Box, IAE Sheep Turnover Crate, Vicon Varispreader, Approx. 10’ Chain Harrows, Lister Bale Elevator, MX GF125 Dung Grab, MX 5’ Tractor Bucket, Kongskilde 10’ Triple K Cul琀vator, Twose Transport Box, 6’ Sheep Hurdles, Feeders, Drinkers, Fencing Equipment, Various Road/Trac Signs, Pony Rugs, Chaps, Head Collars, Bridles, 18” An琀ll GP English Saddle, Belle Mini 150 Electric Cement Mixer, DAB Water Pump, Post Bumper, Pneuma琀c Post Driver, Hand Tools, Wire Rope Pulling Hoist, Gallagher Mains Fencer, S琀hl KM130R Mul琀tool, S琀hl Strimmer with Harness, Massey Ferguson Spares, S琀hl BT45 Drill, Hayes Steel Strainer Clamp, Hayes 108 Wire Strainers, S琀hl M660 36” Chainsaw, Cherry Wood Dressing Table, Corner Display Cabinet, Umbrella Stand, Occasional Table, etc.

In all approx. 160 Lots On behalf of Mr & Mrs D Surridge (having sold the farm)

Next Fodder Sale

Tuesday 23rd March – Entries welcome, closing Monday 8th at 12 noon

Next Online Timed Collec琀ve Sale

25th March - Entries welcome, closing Wednesday 10th at 12 noon To be held on the last Thursday of every month

Contact Greg Ridout 07817 517467 or Rachael Holder 07772 310482

Land to Let by Informal Tender

TO LET

Land at Hardington Marsh, Yeovil

94.81 acres available on a 3 year Farm Business Tenancy Tenders closing 12 noon Tuesday 6th April 2021