FARMING SCOTLAND MAGAZINE (May-June Edition 2023)

Proud to support Scottish farming, and agriculture throughout the five nations

2023

Open Farm Sunday

Farm Security

The Scottish Game Fair Profile

Hamilton Ross Group

celebrates their 90th year in business

In Focus

AM Agri announces dealership with Mercedes-Benz Unimog

£3.75

Articles

East coast farmer gains higher yields

Dunecht Home Farm upgrades

Agritourism

10th anniversary of Scotland’s Air Ambulance Service

Flavour of Scotland

2023 Bread Championships

Travel USA

Janice Hopper in Cape Cod

Farmhouse Kitchen

Wendy Blair’s “Pork Tomahawk” plus Ffermio Cymru • The Northern Isles

Beatha an Eilean

Women in Agriculture

Food & Drink

Book Serialisation including our regular news areas and columns

Royal Highland Show Preview

Tuathanachas Alba

editor's bit

Here comes summer!

At last, we can feel the warmth on our backs again, and turn that heating off!

One thing I have learned from the criminal energy prices is that I actually have quite a lot of big woolly jumpers that I wasn’t aware of – hey, every cloud, right?

This is also ‘itchy feet’ time when the lure of the Scottish Highlands and the isles start calling me, and plans begin to be made for campervan trips.

This year, we are looking at Islay (where my favourite whiskies come from), Cape Wrath and the Borders, with possibly a trip down to York also planned.

So hopefully, weather permitting, a good summer to look forward to.

The same goes of course, for the agricultural show season, I hope you all enjoy your local shows wherever you are.

In this issue, we have our previews of the Royal Highland Show and The Scottish Game Fair, two of Scotland’s great events, so I wish everyone all the best for these two, and all the shows throughout the UK.

No trips to Europe this year to my beloved Bruges alas, we haven’t as yet got around to arranging for that new black or blue passport thingy yet!

Anyway, I hope you all have a lovely summer of great events and trips, wherever you are.

New grass guide offers useful forage planning advice and more

Field Options has published the 2023 edition of its grass, clover and forage crop guide which, in addition to providing full details of the company’s cover crops, forage crops and specialist grass, clover and herbage seed mixtures, also contains useful agronomic and forage planning advice.

The new publication also contains details of the company’s specialist fertilisers and silage inoculants along with guidance for how and when these products should be used.

“With farm margins continuing to be squeezed by high input costs, livestock farmers need to do all they can to maximise production from homegrown forage,” explains Simon Montgomery, Technical Team Lead at Field Options. “One of the most effective ways of achieving this is to rejuvenate existing grassland leys and, where applicable, to introduce new crops to offset bought-in feed and fertiliser costs.

“The 2023 edition of our Grass, Clover and Forage Crop

Guide therefore contains plenty of useful information to help dairy, beef and sheep farmers improve their production efficiencies by maximising the value of grazing and cutting leys and forage crops, especially in terms of cost per megajoule of energy. It also contains a lot of useful forage planning information and crop establishment advice to ensure growers get the best results from reseeding.”

The new guide also provides advice on pest control, weed control and soil health, as well as the latest results from Field Options’ extensive grass

and clover mixture trials. “It also contains findings from our independent programme of maize, fodder beet and cover crop trials, all of which are carried out so that we can recommend proven products to give greater assurance of performance to customers,” Simon adds.

The 2023 Grass, Clover and Forage Crop Guide can be viewed and downloaded for free at www.field-options. co.uk More information and advice is also available by contacting Field Options on 01544 262500 or via email at info@field-options.co.uk

Boosting OSR yield with micronutrients

Slàinte, Athole

Once nitrogen applications have been applied, growers can start to think a little further ahead to stem extension in oilseed rape (OSR). The stem extension phase of growth usually means one thing - nutrient requirements increase. So which nutrients will help growers boost OSR yield?

Natalie Wood, Yara’s Agronomy Operations Manager, shares her thoughts.

“Once crops start the stem extension phase of growth, they require a lot of nutrients to keep up with their rapid rate of development,” says Natalie.

“This of course means the requirement for major nutrients increases, but also the requirement for micronutrients as well. Think of the law of the minimum, where any limiting factor will affect the overall yield

of the crop – micronutrients can be one of those limiting factors and cause major problems within the plant.”

Magnesium is one of the key nutrients required at the onset of stem extension in OSR. The micronutrient is a part of the chlorophyll and so plays a vital role in efficient photosynthesis.

“Think of all the chlorophyll production during the rapid

arable & root crops

phase of growth once the crops take off,” says Natalie. “Not having enough will mean less light capture and therefore it will affect crop development and eventually yield.”

Tissue testing enables growers to see which micronutrients are in the plant at that moment in time, however, as Natalie points out, there are other ways to protect crops from deficiencies.

“If you can’t carry out a tissue test then you could apply a multi-nutrient product, such as Brassitrel Pro,” says Natalie. “It may not be as precise, but it will help by giving a crop the optimum amounts of key nutrients.”

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Ecological seed mixes to meet agronomic needs

Wildflower and environmental seed mixtures now available from the Syngenta Operation Pollinator initiative will enable farmers and growers to establish habitats proven to deliver significant ecological enhancements and agronomic gains.

Created in association with specialist seed suppliers, Kings, the mixtures have been specifically selected to achieve reliable establishment under farm conditions, as well as costeffective management.

All the Syngenta Operation Pollinator seed mixes are backed by repeated years of research and studies of the ecological and biodiversity gains, including for pollinating insects and beneficial pest predators, along with agronomic features of nutrient capture and soil improvement.

The mixes can also be fully utilised within SFI and Countryside Stewardship strategies, including pollen and nectar flower mix (CS AB1 & AB8) and provision of winter bird food (CS AB9), or as a watercourse buffer strip (CS SW4) – attracting payments now worth up to £732 per hectare. Furthermore, with the advent of new and diverse funding coming through from the private

sector these mixtures may attract additional payments for growers.

Syngenta Sustainable Farming Manager, Belinda Bailey, highlighted that 20 years of Syngenta investment in Operation Pollinator research and on-farm trials has refined the mixes and the management techniques to help assure

reliability and success for growers.

“Ecological payments for many are an increasingly important part of a farm’s overall income stream. Ensuring habitats can be consistently created and managed effectively to meet the requirements of schemes is essential to achieve their objectives,” she said.

“The Operation Pollinator mixes that have proved so popular in past seasons continue to deliver on both ecological and economic fronts. New research is continuing to ensure they meet the changing legislative landscape and fit seamlessly with agronomic practices in a shift to regenerative agriculture systems.”

Chocolate spot spread hits new bean growth

Cool and wet conditions through March have increased the risk of chocolate spot on established beans this season, as well as the threat from downy mildew on new leaf growth and for later emerging spring beans.

Many autumn sown bean crops have been hit hard by harsh winter frosts. Below average temperatures and heavy rain through March had also stopped early spring recovery and increased disease risk, warned Syngenta Technical Manager, Simon Jackson.

“That has been exacerbated where rain splash has spread chocolate spot spores from existing lesions on lower leaves, onto new growth. PGRO disease reports have highlighted high levels of chocolate spot in some crops, along with cercospora.

“The sequence of Amistar and Elatus Era has proven to be highly effective as a fungicide strategy for both chocolate spot and rust control in beans. The decision for growers and agronomists this season, will be to assess in which order to apply them,” Simon advised.

“Where chocolate spot is already present in the crop and conditions continue encourage the disease, it would be advisable to start the programme with an Amistar application from first flowering (GS60),” he advocated.

The strategy will be particularly beneficial as temperatures start to warm up and soil moisture levels are not limiting growth.

Field assessments indicate crops that are looking particularly stressed and struggling could well benefit from supplementary trace elements, suggested Simon, principally manganese and magnesium, along with zinc.

Results of last year’s ADAS YEN bean crops showed that, although there was no direct correlation, the better performing crops had received foliar trace elements.

With rapid compensatory growth in warmer conditions, crops are expected to quickly build big canopies, reported Simon. However, that will tend to make them more susceptible to chocolate

spot as the season progresses. “The key timing for Elatus Era application is likely to be around early to mid-May for optimum disease control.” That leaves the option for a final Amistar + tebuconazole treatment towards the end of May or early June, to further protect from rust infection through to the end of the growing season.

Grimme UK repeating one-to-one exacta demos for potato growers

Following the success of last year’s demonstration programme, GRIMME UK is once again giving people a chance to see the GL 420 Exacta potato planter in operation.

Unlike other machinery manufacturers’ demonstrations, GRIMME UK has adopted a personal approach with growers able to see the planter put through its paces on a one-to-one basis at their farm.

The GL 420 Exacta planter is a four-row machine offering one-pass soil cultivation and planting.

GRIMME’s unique planter design achieves a minimal distance between tuber discharge and the following ridge form plates. This small distance ensures that the tubers always lie in the middle of the ridge, even on very steep sloping ground.

The mechanical coupling between the furrow opener and ridge-forming plate creates an exact planting depth.

The Exacta has been designed for fields of all sizes, with its compact design, without running wheels, avoids soil compaction behind the cultivator and makes it easy to use in small or irregularly-shaped fields.

Last year’s product demonstrations were really well received,” says Patrick GraGrote,managing director at GRIMME UK. “By taking our machines to the grower, they could see them running in real conditions

alongside their current machinery. They had the opportunity to see how well the machines coped with their particular soil, fields and conditions, and they had time to talk to our product

specialists at length. I think 2023’s demonstration programme will be just as popular, if not more so, than last year.”

Growers interested in seeing the GL 420 Exacta planter in

operation at their farm, alongside their existing machinery, are welcome to request a demonstration by calling 01205 822300 or emailing sales@ grimme.co.uk

New test for potato residues

A new test has been launched by Eurofins Agro UK to help potato growers with pesticide residue testing. The test can be booked online and comes at a time when some farm assurance schemes have implemented the need to test

every year, or to have an evidencebased justification for fewer tests.

The potato industry is expected to make significant changes to the way potatoes are stored after the loss of approval for chlorpropham (CIPC). This

may include the use of other chemicals like maleic hydrazide and 1,4-dimethylnaphthalene. Farm assurance schemes are keen to see crops tested for potential residues to prevent chemicals being transferred to the food chain.

Eurofins Agro offers a UKAS accredited pesticide residue test for potatoes which costs £160 per one kilo sample. Sophie Cath, from Eurofins Agro UK, says:

“The tests can be booked and paid for online, and results from

arable & root crops

samples that are sent directly to our laboratory take between three and four weeks.”

The regulation of residues uses the system of statutory Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs). These represent the maximum safe amounts of residue likely to remain in food products when a pesticide has been used correctly by growers adhering to good agricultural practice (GAP).

“By using our tests, growers will receive vital data to ensure products are fit for purpose and will be able to provide evidence to regulators and consumers that potatoes are safe by demonstrating that any residues present are below regulatory limits, or MRLs,” adds Miss Cath.

Seed potato trials look to science for alternative disease management strategies

Chemistry is fast disappearing from farming’s toolbox, but researchers and farmers are working together to trial and demonstrate alternative solutions to protect the high health status of Scotland’s seed potato industry.

The third in a series of case studies, developed as part of the RHASS Presidential Initiative (PI), exploring the science behind food and drink production, will look at how farmer ownedcooperative, Scottish Agronomy, is collaborating with farmers, to develop alternative and more integrated pest management schemes.

Scottish Agronomy has been working with Jim Reid of Milton of Mathers Farm, near St Cyrus, who has been involved with seed potato trials for over a decade.

Together they have been looking at the benefits and practicality of spreading straw mulch and applying mineral oils

to the crop canopy and comparing this integrated approach with that of using a pyrethroid insecticide.

Conducting trials, alongside a sister trial in Fife, they found that applying a straw mulch led to a 49% reduction, with mineral oil giving a 54% reduction in Mosaic virus, whereas a pyrethroid insecticide increased Mosaic virus.

Eric Anderson of Scottish Agronomy explained why science is needed more than ever to offer solutions to some of the climate pressures threatening crops, and argued that the need for collaboration with growers and researchers is critical for translating science in to practice.

“It is important that as scientists and researchers, we remain one step ahead of the sector in identifying problems and can create approaches to address these challenges. In doing so, we have a pretty unique relationship where we trust each

other, and we complement each other.

“Our skills base is largely complementary but too often scientists are guilty of working in silos, and there is a lack of joining up the dots through practice. Through translational science you can begin to understand technical problems and come up with practical solutions.”

Jim Reid added: “There is a realisation happening in farming, that we have taken a belt and braces approach to protecting our crops, regardless of the consequences and now we are seeing that aphids are becoming more resistant to pyrethroids and the few products we have left are disappearing.

“It is important moving forward that we listen to the science and look at how we can take more of an integrated approach to building our resilience. There is no silver bullet, but thorough some of the work we have been doing

in our trials, we have been able to demonstrate scalable, practical techniques which could be more widely adopted by the seed potato industry.”

Vice-president of the RHASS PI, Ewan Pate, concluded: “For decades, the scientific answer to a problem like aphid resistance to insecticides would have been to look to chemistry for a solution. Now the answer is more likely to be biological or even mechanical.

“It is scientific nonetheless and this interesting work at Milton of Mathers fits in very well with the 2023 RHASS Presidential Initiative which highlights the science behind food and drink production.”

For more information on this year’s Initiative and to access past and future case studies, please visit: https://rhass. org.uk/presidential-initiative/ https://rhass.org.uk/presidentialinitiative/

Tackle bur chervil early to prevent yield loss

Growers are being reminded of the challenge presented by bur chervil control and to act early for the best results.

Mat Hutchings at FMC explains that bur chervil can catch many growers and agronomists out as it can grow incredibly fast in the early spring, soon outcompeting a crop.

“Bur chervil is a very big plant which can smother crops and outcompete them for nutrients, water, and space.” he says.

“If left uncontrolled, the weed can have a dramatic impact on yields, so growers need to stay aware of the risk and tackle the weed as soon as they can.”

For the most effective control Mat advises that growers should apply a sulfonylurea (SU) herbicide early, when the weeds are small but actively growing.

“Some growers will try and wait until T1 to spray, but this is often too late as bur chervil will be well developed by this stage,” he says.

“SU herbicides containing metsulfuron in mixture with tribenuron or thifensulfuron, such as Ally® Max SX® and Harmony® M SX®, have very good activity against bur chervil and can knock down the weed effectively when applied at the optimum rate and timing.”

If the weeds have become large then using an appropriate tank mix partner such as fluroxypyr or mecoprop, following proper spraying protocol, while maintaining a high rate of SU should achieve the best possible results.

“Don’t cut down the rate,” he warns. “With high input prices, it’s easy to turn to a reduced rate to cut costs, but to get on top of bur chervil growers need to use robust rates even when the weed is small and get it under control before it becomes a major issue.”

For more information on SU herbicides visit https://fmc-agro. co.uk/

During the past year RSABI has trebled its counselling provision in response to increased demand from farmers, crofters, and others working in Scottish agriculture.

This spring has been very busy in terms of people reaching out to the charity, which provides emotional, financial, and practical support. During January and February the charity also made 312 outbound emotional support calls and since April 2022, it has funded over 170 counselling sessions.

During the past year the charity has noted a trend of working age people seeking emotional support due to stress, anxiety and isolation,

with a noticeable increase in those concerned about their financial situation, compared with the final two months of 2022.

The charity is currently expanding its team of staff to ensure it is well resourced to respond to a further increase in demand for its services, as pressure on the industry continues with high input prices and general anxiety about cost of living and the future of agricultural support.

Chris McVey, Welfare Manager with RSABI, welcomed the fact that more people are contacting the charity via its Helpline and urged others who may feel they are not coping, not to hesitate to seek support.

“Coming into spring, farmers’ and crofters’ mental health can come under strain as spring work, including lambing, calving and sowing, gets underway,” said Mr McVey.

“Lack of sleep, coupled with tiredness from the increased workload, can result in farmers and crofters failing to take care of themselves and their own mental wellbeing so we want to remind everyone of the range of support services we have available.”

RSABi’s free confidential support service is available 24 hours a day, every day of the year, by calling 0808 1234 555 and calls won’t show up on phone bills, or through a confidential webchat service, available on our website.

For more information or to sign up to RSABI’s supporters’ scheme, please visit the RSABI website www.rsabi.org.uk.

confidential webchat service is available at www.rsabi.org.uk.

RSABI’s Freephone Helpline – 0808 1234 555 – is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year and a 24-hour

SCOTLAND

Winners Announced Scottish Bread Championship 2023

By Wendy Barrie

Doughs risen and baked, boxes loaded and labelled, loaves were lovingly delivered to Bowhouse in Fife for the Scottish Bread Championship judging. Mission accomplished. Well not quite as this year we went on to hold Scotland’s inaugural Scottish Real Bread Festival a few days later – a day of festivities and fun, crumbs and celebration of Real Bread but more of that later.

We received a record number of entries from three dozen bakers submitting 138 entries – more than double previous years - from Perthshire, Moray, Lothians, Deeside, Glasgow, Argyll, Trossachs, Sutherland, Ross & Cromarty & Fife. Our move in terms of venue and month proved a great success, February coinciding with Real Bread week and our sincere thanks to our sponsor Edinburgh Bakers Trust https://www. edinburghbakerstrust.org.uk/ home , and founders Andrew Whitley of Scotland The Bread https://scotlandthebread.org and Wendy Barrie of Scottish Food

Guide www.scottishfoodguide. scot

This year our diligent team of judges, giving freely of their time, were:

Neil Forbes, Chef Director Café St Honore https://www. cafesthonore.com

Walter Mowat, Slow Food Scotland

Elizabeth Drummond Young, Edinburgh Bakers Trust Professor Wendy Russell, Rowett Institute

Chris Young, Real Bread Campaign Co-ordinator Professor Lindsay Jaacks, University of Edinburgh

Anna Chworow, Nourish

Neel Paul, writer, working on a project Curry On, about immigrant food and culture in new lands.

The standard of entries was exceptional and the judges had a hard task, culminating in awarding 24 Gold medals across 8 categories with many Silver and Bronze Awards en route. The

winning loaves were … Supreme Champion: New York Rye Sourdough by Company Bakery, Edinburgh https://www. companybakery.com Reserve Champion: Beremeal Boule by Anne Keenan, Insch, Aberdeenshire https:// theculinarykiwibird.co.uk

Full results here: https://www. edinburghbakerstrust.org.uk/ results-2023-scottish-breadchampionships

…and the Champion Certificates and Gold Awards were kindly presented by Mairi Gougeon MSP at The Scottish Real Bread Festival on the Saturday where we had a terrific turnout with over 800 visitors taking part in bread related discussions and activities, workshops and tastings.

Chris Young from the Real Bread Campaign was keynote speaker, John Castley talked about his schools programme Breaducation, Flour to the People, Scottish Grain movie, Diversity

for Human Health from Professor Wendy Russell, and Ballads and Bannocks also took to the stage during the day. Elsewhere there were activities for children involving art and threshing, mill tours and bread workshops.

Scottish Cheese Trail was present along with Cairn O’Mohr Fruit Wines https:// www.cairnomohr.com , Something Corny https://www. somethingcorny.co.uk , Scotland The Bread manned a bread stall selling a selection of loaves and among the other stalls was Bosse Dahlgren explaining his heritage grains project at Ardross Farm with tasty bakes to sample.

Wendy says, “I’m delighted with the support, footfall and enthusiasm for the festival, particularly given it was our first ever bread festival, speedily planned to catch Real Bread Week with modest funds. I look forward to building and evolving the Championship and Festival for 2024. Grateful thanks to all involved and the able band of volunteers.”

Bread winners

Photos

© Chris Young, Real Bread Campaign

Bread champion Ben reade with Mairi gGougeon MSP

St Andrews’ Eden Mill Fistillery wins global recognition at international wine and spirits competition

QMS steps into spring with seasonal radio campaign

Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) recently took to the airwaves across Scotland with a new radio advert focused on dishing up Scotch Lamb for Easter.

Independent St Andrews’ distillery, Eden Mill, has received international recognition for its gins and single malts at the 2023 International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC).

The IWSC results were announced recently and saw Eden Mill take home three silver and three bronze medals in the 2023 tastings.

Eden Mill Distillery, established in 2012 on the banks of the Eden Estuary in St Andrews, is the first distillery to make spirits in the region in over 150 years. Today, Eden Mill has a unique selection of limited release Single Malts, and an extensive gin portfolio crafted from the finest botanicals, many foraged from in and around its hometown, St Andrews.

From Eden Mill’s Cask Aged range, the Red Wine Cask Aged Gin and the White Wine Cask Aged Gin were both awarded a Silver medal, and described as “accomplished spirits, full of personality and character.”

These two limited edition gins are recent releases from Eden Mill. The deep, richly coloured Red Wine Cask Aged

Gin has been aged for 500 days and nights, in an Italian red Amarone cask, imparting layers of complex character and aromatic tones. It has lightly sweet red-berry notes, which marry beautifully with a hint of vanilla and cassis spice. The White Wine Cask Aged Gin has a zesty, aromatic finish, having rested in French burgundy casks for 15 months. The cask has instilled notes of tropical peach and apricot, with extensive character and spice.

The Heritage Range including Golf Gin, Love Gin and Original Gin all received extensive accolades and a Bronze medal apiece, with the Original Gin even acquiring a complimentary note, characterising it as “suavely elegant, with mellow flavours”.

The three gins are the keystones of the Eden Mill gin range, each representing a St Andrews take on the classic London Dry gin. The Original Gin is inspired by the rugged Fife coastline, with hints of sea buckthorn berries, balanced by citrus and lemon balm. The Love Gin gives a nod to the romantic story of the White

Consumers tuning into Bauer Scotland radio stations up and down the country could catch QMS’s spring advert at four key points during the week. Around two in five (41.6%) Scots were reached through Bauer’s regional radio stations including Northsound, Greatest Hits, MFR1, Tay FM, West FM, Forth One and Clyde 1. The advert promoted how to ‘dial up the delish’ by cooking with Scotch Lamb UK GI for Easter while focusing on the product’s key benefits - being quality assured, locally sourced, farmed with care and fully traceable. By inspiring consumers to try a range of different recipes from traditional roasts to pulled lamb wraps, Scotch Lamb was showcased as being both versatile and packed full of flavour.

To engage with flexitarians, campaign messaging also focused on high animal welfare standards found on Scotch farms with stress-free life grazing on Scottish hills as well as highlighting the many health benefits of red meat including it is a rich source of Vitamin B12 which helps

combat tiredness and fatigue. Reinforcing how to identify Scotch, QMS encouraged consumers to look out for the Scotch Lamb UK GI logo in stores while out shopping. They were also directed to a selection of tasty recipes available on www.makeitscotch.com.

Lesley Cameron, Marketing & Communications Director at QMS, said: “Our spring radio advert on Bauer Scotland’s stations reached more than 40% of the Scottish population, and ran at four key points during the week.

“Our aim was to grab the attention of listeners by introducing our new locally sourced, fully traceable, quality assured and farmed with care messaging, emphasising Scotch’s sustainable credentials. With this in mind, we’re looking forward to seeing how this translates to the dinner table in the coming months.”

For more information on Scotch Beef, Scotch Lamb or Specially Selected Pork, visit www.qmscotland.co.uk.

Lady of St Andrews, and sees a rose scented gin combined with sweet, flavourful tones to create a refreshing serve. And the Golf Gin seeks its inspiration from St

Andrew’s distinct coastal golfing heritage. The seaweed base, with fresh pine and deliciously floral heather and lavender creates a quintessential Scottish tipple.

Make the cut: call for fresh talent to join the butchery industry

Quality Meat Scotland (QMS), in partnership with Scotland Food & Drink, is aiming to change the face of butchery by urging young people and career changers to consider a role within the sector – helping to fill more than 750 potential vacancies in the process.

With the average age of a butcher in Scotland much higher than other professions, the industry needs to ensure there is a pipeline of trainees coming through to future proof the red meat sector, amidst a serious shortfall of skilled positions.

Becoming an apprentice butcher offers the chance to learn a craft and pick up skills that range from traditional practices to those using cutting-edge technologies. Around 25 per cent of current vacancies are apprenticeship opportunities in the retail, processing and catering sector.

Grant Duffy, of Strachan’s Craft Butchers in Blantyre, is an ambassador for The Scotch Butchers Club and has worked in the butchery trade for 13 years. Starting as an apprentice at James Ewart’s in Perthshire, he moved to Lanarkshire as a fully qualified butcher and assumed the position of butchery manager in 2020.

Speaking of his time as an apprentice, Grant said: “Becoming a fully qualified butcher is no easy tasks. You have to be determined and be willing to hit the ground running, but you really do get back what you put in.

“Butchery is such a rewarding career and I’ve learned so many skills that I’ve been able to use in my everyday life, not just at work. It’s a fantastic trade and I encourage school leavers and career changers looking for a practical role to consider a career within butchery.”

Scotland The Brand

Tipping Society Towards Community Supported Agriculture

Gordon Newlands, brand development and Scotch Butchers Club manager at QMS, said:

“Butchery is one of the oldest crafts in the world and an industry we are keen to protect. We’re working on bringing the average age of a butcher down and balancing the gender split – only 14% of apprentices are currently women.

“With new technology being mixed with traditional methods, a career in butchery is an exciting opportunity that can provide both men and women with a strong, transferable skill set.

“On the back of a few very challenging years, we continue to face a skilled labour shortage in the UK. Offering apprenticeships allows younger generations and career changers the chance to upskill on the job, which in turn supports our social and economic future. A new intake of apprentices will not only help decrease the skills gap but help safeguard the butcher industry for years to come.”

The butchery programme is also raising awareness of the Government funding opportunities available to support businesses in employing young people.

To find out more about a career in butchery, potential candidates can visit https:// butcherycareers.co.uk/ to learn about training opportunities, read and watch the real stories of young butchers’ careers and explore job postings.

By Ruth Watson

It feels as though farmers, producers, and growers are under something of an onslaught, with soaring prices, a shortage of labour, and supermarkets demanding ever-lower prices for food and drink which is costing more to deliver. Meanwhile, the climate crisis and catastrophic biodiversity collapse require urgent action. Everyone seems to be looking at the agricultural sector to deliver answers, but our farmers – many operating as family businesses – can’t work miracles in isolation. A new body, Bioregioning Tayside, has sprung from the grassroots, determined to find ways to embed local food and drink into our communities.

At the end of March, people from across Tayside met to come up with the basis for a new strategy, using ‘Social Tipping Point’ methodology developed by Dr. Avit Bhowmik, of Sweden’s Karlstad University, making Tayside the first bioregion working to become a “climate action sweet spot”.

The event at Dundee’s Discovery Point, which I had a part in organising, saw speakers from across Tayside, including Martin Kennedy, President of the National

Farmers’ Union of Scotland, Carol McLaren, Chief Executive of the mental wellbeing charity, RSABI, and Pete Ritchie, Chief Executive of Nourish Scotland, come together with almost 100 professionals, politicians, and volunteers – a diverse range of views and perspectives but all with one aim: working together to make things better.

Dr Pete Iannetta is an agroecologist at the James Hutton Institute and is one of the people behind Bioregioning Tayside.

“We are all aware the current food system is not protecting the world, our natural environment, the people who use it, or the farmers who grow it,” Pete says. “We have to take the ideas which came out of this conference and form them into a plan to make more locally grown food available through Tayside. This is a good start.”

It is time to reset the system, to give producers the commitment and support they need to make the changes which will deliver sustainably farmed food to local plates.

Ruth Watson is the founder of the Keep Scotland the Brand campaign.

East coast farmer gains through a change in approach

Five years on from hosting Farming For A Better Climate (FFBC)’s pilot project, Montrose farmer Willie Officer has seen the results of a changed approach to some on-farm practices to see yields improve and input costs reduce

Farming 900 acres of all arable, including potatoes and daffodils bulbs, over a mix of owned, rented and contracted land, Willie got involved with the project, run by SAC Consulting, to experiment with different regenerative methods, from floatation tyres to solar energy, to see how they would improve the soil, crop quality and profit margins.

“We’ve always been proactive at Ardoch of Gallery with trials and seeing how we can progress the farm,” explains Willie. “We are a traditional Angus family farm, so we need to be constantly looking at ways to make the business more profitable. I was curious about this more regenerative approach, both for improving the business now but as much, especially as my children grow up and my son is showing aspirations to take over, for the next generation. We took livestock out of the rotation when we had to sell the cattle during the BSE years, and I wanted to see if there were other ways we could be doing a better job to boost the soil and wider environment.”

Running cold stores for bulbs in the summer and potatoes during the winter, the farm has high energy usage. Through the FFBC programme, the Officers looked at various renewable options and decided solar panels

were the best fit for their system. Since 2017, Willie says these have outperformed the predictive figures, helped by some good summers in recent years, which has been very welcome with the recent increase in energy costs. There’s still reliance on the main grid over the winter, but demand is largely covered by the panels in the summer. Wind turbines were also considered, but they were advised by SSE that it did not have the capacity to add the farm’s energy to the grid.

Soil was a key focus during the three-year project (2015-18) and, continuing this, where Willie has seen significant improvements. Aidan Monaghan of SOYL came to speak to the group of farmers formed around the FFBC project. Using more detailed soil sampling, satellite imagery and a fertiliser spreader with variable rate capability we are now able to feed the crop the appropriate nutrition. Willie says that while he may not have reduced inputs, he’s being smarter with how he uses them, resulting in a much more even crop evidenced by the GPS mapping on the combine.

Having seen the compaction of the soil by digging soil pits at the start of the project, Willie introduced floatation tyres and the combine is on tracks, which has

resulted in better root structure as well as yields:

“The sure sign is you can’t see any wheel tracks from the previous rotation. Not everything we tried worked, though. Cover crops weren’t great, but the understanding around these has moved on so much since we looked at it – the different mixes for particular soils, the circumstances they’re grown in and the Scottish climate. We’d definitely look at it again as it would work well with early harvest of bulbs.

“David Ross at SAC Consulting is absolutely key to making things happen in this area through his drive and enthusiasm. If I hadn’t been part of FFBC we wouldn’t be as far down the road, but I definitely feel we’re more ahead of the game and are quicker to try new things. I am really appreciating seeing what the current FFBC farmers are doing with the soil regenerative agriculture group approach; learning from each other is so important. We all need to work together to make it happen. My agronomist Gordon Tannock at Agrii has also played an important part. Involved at every FFBC meeting and the link between us and SOYL, he’s been so much more than an

agronomist and is integral to the farm’s overall management.”

Willie now has a strawfor-dung arrangement with a neighbour, which he wanted to introduce in the absence of livestock. This has increased the number of bugs, worms and insect life in the soil. On his owned land, he has planted wildflower headlands with seed subsidised through supplying Asda/IPL with potatoes, and says the wildlife is “phenomenal”. He min-tills some land, but strip tilling is not currently viable.

The family has started a haulage company to bring in diversified income, and going forward, battery storage is on the radar along with a second solar array, but Willie is waiting for the technology to advance.

David Ross of SAC Consulting said this process has made the farmers keeping in touch with the work of FFBC more aware of what can be done to make steady changes to sustain their farms into the future:

“Many of the measures we explored with Willie did not bring an instantaneous return, but it’s great to see, five years after the end of the project, the ways in which he continues to review processes to make marginal gains that are consistently pushing yields and the business on.”

Waterford Distillery wins Brand Innovator of the Year award at Global Icons of Whisky 2023

Waterford Distillery, the world’s biggest producer of biodynamic and organic whiskies, was crowned Brand Innovator of the Year last night at this year’s Whisky Magazine’s Global Icons of Whisky 2023.

Having been awarded Brand Innovator of the Year for the 3rd year running, Waterford Distillery was recognised across the industry following a range of new product releases, including the first truly Irish peated whiskies in generations. One of the distillery’s latest bottlings, Heritage Hunter, resurrected long-forgotten barley varieties not used in production since 1970s - rediscovering the

unique flavour of iconic Irish barley.

With their dedication to sustainability and Irish-grown ingredients at the heart of Waterford’s whisky production, Waterford Distillery was also highly commended at regional level for Distiller of the Year, late last year.

Launched in 2007, the Icons of Whisky Awards are a celebration of the years of hard work that go into every bottle. The awards hail whisky producers and promoters from around the world, from the distillers themselves and brand ambassadors, to visitor centre managers, bars, bar tenders and industry’s communicators.

Chiquita Unveils “It’s Chiquita O’Clock”

Campaign to Incorporate the Banana Superfood with all Meals of the Day

Chiquita is celebrating anytime being a good time to consume bananas, by launching its spring-summer “It’s Chiquita o’clock” campaign. The return of the iconic limited-edition Blue Sticker series is complete with scannable stickers which highlight all the different ways the delicious and nutritious fruit can be consumed at all times of the day. The transformed “It’s Chiquita o’clock” stickers feature dynamic QR codes for customers to seamlessly discover trendy ideas and innovative ways to incorporate Chiquita bananas at breakfast, for midday snacks and dessert.

The QR Codes will redirect customers to enticing yet nourishing food content on

Chiquita’s website, which will also feature an interactive “It’s Chiquita o’clock” consumer promotion. Fans will have a chance to engage in time-of-day themed games and win premium “Chiquitized” prizes. With the return of Chiquita’s infamous collectable stickers making their way to grocery stores and countertops, consumers are sure to experience culinary delights and creative inspiration as they enjoy gatherings and activities in anticipation for warmer months ahead.

food & drink

US mission to boost red meat exports branded a success

An AHDB mission to the US with red meat exporters to explore opportunities for lamb and beef from the UK, has been hailed a success.

The visit, which centered around the Annual Meat Conference in Texas, resulted in a number of valuable connections with American buyers, all of which have the potential to boost red meat exports.

According to AHDB’s International Market Development Director Dr Phil Hadley, the event exceeded expectations and while there are challenges in exporting to the US, the opportunities are plentiful.

“We know that we face a number of challenges exporting red meat to this market, including raising awareness of brand Britain and competing with countries that are already well

established and well-regarded by American consumers,” said Dr Hadley.

“However, the reception we received from American buyers was very encouraging, with most giving positive feedback to the taste and high-quality of our red meat and even arranging meetings with our exporters to discuss possible orders.”

The Annual Meat Conference took place last week, providing AHDB and exporters with the opportunity to network with more than 1,500 meat professionals from across the States.

AHDB shared a stand with Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales (HCC), and served up samples of beef, pork and lamb, as well as hosting a butchery demonstration by AHDB’s master butcher Martin Eccles.

The mission to the US, which also included visits to local retailers, a beef ranch and a sheep farm, was organised by AHDB to help boost exports to the US, where demand for UK meat has increased over the past year.

According to the latest data from HMRC, red meat exports to the US in 2022 topped £36 million, with pork shipments making up the lion’s share, worth £27.9 million – up 18 per cent in value on the previous year.

Last year, 1,235 tonnes of beef were exported to the US, worth £8.2 million. However, shipments were down on the previous year, due to the beef import quota filling quickly as other exporting nations also targeted the market.

Also, in October of last year, the first shipment of lamb from

the UK arrived in the US after more than two decades. The first consignment was served at a gathering of US industry leaders at the Meat Importers Council of America (MICA) annual conference.

AHDB’s Senior Export Manager for America Susana Morris added: “The US is an important export market for our red meat and it’s vital that we continue to have a presence at trade shows and conferences to ensure that we make valuable connections with importers.

“This is the first time that AHDB has attended the Annual Meat Conference and we were delighted with the quality of the event and the calibre of attendees who visited our stand. We look forward to seeing the fruits of our labour through the creation of commercial orders.”

WORLD FARMING

Africa’s ‘forgotten food crops’ could play key role in climate change research

The wild custard apple is one of a number of “forgotten food crops” identified as being potentially instrumental in adapting future food systems to climate change.

Researchers at Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC), the World Vegetable Center, World Agroforestry and partner institutions have modelled how nutrient-rich forgotten food crops – crops not promoted in recent decades with the dominance of major staples – could help diversify future food systems to make them more climate-resilient and healthier.

The research, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the USA, considered the case of sub-Saharan Africa, where the need to support food and nutritional security is high and where there any many potential forgotten food crops that could be more widely grown. Like elsewhere in the world, Africa’s climate is getting hotter, and weather events like floods and droughts are increasing, and this means that agriculture must adapt.

Climate niche modelling was used to prioritise 58 forgotten food crops from seven different food groups including fruits, leafy vegetables, pulses and cereals that have the highest potential to contribute to healthy climate-proof cropping systems of the African major staples of maize, rice, cassava and yams to the year 2070.

Dr Ian Dawson, a Reader at SRUC, said: “Africa already has massive problems in achieving sufficient nutritious food supply, and climate change is expected

to make the situation a lot worse. Colleagues at the World Vegetable Center and World Agroforestry are committed to supporting the diversification of Africa’s food systems with a range of healthy foods.”

Lead author Maarten van Zonneveld from the World Vegetable Center said: “Of the 58 prioritised forgotten food crops, many are annuals and tree fruits rich in Vitamin A and C, and a large number are vegetables high in Vitamin A, iron, folate and zinc. Our study shows that in most locations where major staples are currently grown in sub-Saharan Africa, one or more forgotten food crops from the different food groups will be suitable for cultivation under 2070 climate conditions and can diversify major

staples to support more nutrientrich diets.”

Dr Dawson added: “Although our paper looks at future food systems for Africa, there is no reason why similar climate niche modelling methods should not be applied to forgotten foods in other parts of the world, and that includes Europe and the UK. Already, the UK is thinking about how to introduce or reintroduce unusual legume, cereal and vegetable crops into production, to reduced greenhouse gas emissions by providing alternative sources of protein to meat, and to create healthier diets. So these moves would also help adapt our food system to the future climate we anticipate.

“The special thing about our current research was that we not only modelled crop distributions,

but we looked at the nutritional value of the crops and therefore more directly how their production affects diets, which is a crucial factor in support of micronutrient supply “beyond calories” that current staple crops provide. In the UK recently, we have seen the problems of getting access to healthful salad crops, for example.

“As we note in the paper, the climate modelling we have done is of course only an initial step in supporting food system diversification, and many other considerations are needed to design future food systems and put these designs into practice. We need to work with producers and consumers to find out what works in bringing about useful change, but our modelling is a useful step on the way.”

IFAD officials to meet government authorities and small-scale farmers in Angola

Concerns for our farmers, the supply chain and food quality

With over 50 per cent of its population living near the coastline, amid rapid population growth and environmental and socio-economic impacts, Angola is a country where small-scale producers stand to benefit greatly from increased resilience. The threats to the livelihoods of coastal communities come from a number of directions, including erratic rainfall, droughts, rising sea-levels and increased frequency of storms.

These and other projected impacts of climate change place Angola among the most vulnerable and least prepared countries in the world, ranking 154th out of 182 countries in the Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative’s Country Index. In this context, the support of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) to promote climate adaptation is helping to make a difference.

“IFAD was created at the height of the world’s food crisis of the 1970s, and now, more than 40 years later, we face another crisis. But this time round we are equipped with lessons and technology to help build resilience of the rural communities to reduce the impact of the crisis,” said Donal Brown, Associate Vice President, Programme Management Division, IFAD.

“Angola is one of IFAD’s most important partners and supporters in Africa with a longstanding partnership. There is great potential for agriculture

By NFU Scotland President Martin Kennedy

“The sight of empty shelves and ongoing future food security concerns are a crystal-clear sign that our food chains are not working in the best interests of consumers or food producers.

“While a new Prime Minister and First Minister may be urged to focus on food price inflation, acknowledging and addressing food security issues and the reasons behind them must be higher up their agendas.

“There remains an inherent lack of fairness around risk and reward in many supply chains and we will continue to work hard to make Governments both in Westminster and Holyrood sit up and realise that if this doesn’t get addressed soon, there will be a risk of even more empty shelves than is currently the case.

“One of the most infuriating issues around the

lack of fairness in the supply chain is the fact that it is the primary producer that takes the vast majority of the risk. For example, if bad weather strikes at the wrong time of year and we were to lose a high value fruit or veg crop, all that loss lies with the producer.

“Retailers in general have no long-term concerns about weather or disease in a crop, they only have a short-term risk period from purchase to sale and, more often than not, have the money in the bank from sales at the till before the supplier is paid. Given the lion’s share of the costs are borne by the food producer many months before the consumer purchases their product, this is certainly not what I would call fairness in the supply chain.

“Agriculture always has been a long-term industry and always will be. Many farms look forward at least

five years ahead when it comes to crop rotations. In the livestock sector, when a heifer calf is born and is destined for the breeding herd, it will be five years before the progeny of that calf might be ready for the marketplace.

“When was the last time a retailer recognised the sad loss of livestock and took a share of that risk? If you lose a beef calf, 100% of that loss lays at the producer’s feet.

“Given the current volatility that has played havoc with market prices both on costs and income, its little wonder many farmers and crofters are considering their future and to what degree they want to continue to take the biggest share of the financial risk without a fair return. While supermarkets continue to focus on profits, their customers will agree that a fairer share of the margin for farmers and crofters is thoroughly deserved.”

www.nfus.org.uk

to play an even bigger role in Angola’s economy and food systems transformation and IFAD looks forward to working with the Government on these,” added Donal Brown.

Donal Brown and Associate Vice President and Chief Risk Officer, Alberto Cogliati will make a three-day visit to the

WORLD FARMING

country, from 28 to 31 March. During the visit they will meet with the Minister of Finance, Vera Daves, the Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, António Francisco de Assis, and the Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Carmém do Sacramento Neto. Their discussions will focus on the role of small-scale farmers

in ensuring food security in Angola, the challenges posed by climate change, and strategies to transform and modernize the agricultural and fisheries sector.

While in the country, Donal Brown and Alberto Cogliati will see the results of two IFADsupported projects and will have a chance to meet with

project participants who have experienced greater resilience to climate change and reduced food insecurity as a result of the projects.

To date, IFAD has co-financed eight projects in Angola for a total investment of US$ 257 million reaching over 486,000 rural households.

Agmatix Partners with NASA Harvest to Support the Uptake of Sustainable Agricultural Practices, Promoting Resilient Agriculture Worldwide

Agmatix, a start-up AgTech business specialising in turning agronomic big data into powerful models and insights, today announces a partnership with NASA Harvest - NASA’s global Food Security and Agriculture Consortium - to support crop production in a sustainable way at the field level and mitigate the impact of climate change.

A combination of ground sampling and remote sensing data will be used to support farmers in their transition toward sustainable agriculture. The methodology developed within this partnership will track farmer efforts to improve conservation management and guide them to improve their sustainability levels.

“According to the World Economic Forum, sustainable agriculture practices must triple in order to prevent climate change. Currently, adoption is

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hindered by a lack of consistent and acceptable measurements at scale. Our collaboration will promote resilient agriculture beginning with smallholder farms in India and commercial farms in Brazil, and lead to further expansion worldwide.” comments Ron Baruchi, CEO of Agmatix.

“NASA Harvest is excited to partner with Agmatix to advance the use of satellitebased information to help inform on-farm decisions which can ultimately result in increased resilience while reducing waste” comments Inbal Becker-Reshef, NASA Harvest Director.

NASA Harvest will provide its expertise on agricultural remote sensing and leverage tools developed by the consortium, which will then be combined with field data from Agmatix and processed using a proprietary artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm. These data-driven insights can help farmers make field-level decisions that impact sustainability most effectively, such as cover crop selection and fertilizer application.

“Our collaboration will help food manufacturers meet consumer expectations for more sustainably sourced products ,” comments Ron Baruchi, CEO of Agmatix.

How Irrigation Makes PROFIT?

By Anthony Hopkins, Wroot Water Ltd

In the last two seasons we have seen very extreme weather patterns with the need to irrigate vast volumes of water which in some areas will not be available!

So, we have to think about using water smarter and more efficiently.

All irrigation systems can deliver the right amount of water at the right time; however, it is more costly with some systems than others.

In a season where you applying are between 100mm and 200mm per Ha an irrigation system that is set up on the crop for the season can actually be more economically effective than a system where you keep moving the machine every time you want to apply water.

There is a misconception that a system set up in the crop for the season is expensive and hard work! Well yes you do need to get off the tractor seat, however once it is set up correctly it actually cost less to apply 1mm of water, and also you can apply water at the correct rate to match the soil and crop requirement. All crops will be more profitable

when they are not stressed. “We can’t control the weather but we can control irrigation” this is Key to Profit.

One example I use is if you have 40 ton per Ha crop of potatoes or veg and the difference between getting the crop into the correct market can often be £50.00 per ton or more £2000.00 Ha!! Where do you want to be?

Irrigating efficiently and matching the irrigation to crop requirements and soil conditions will reduce stress in the crop, also keeping the soil structure in good condition and reducing CO2 emission, as we all know the soil and water are our most precious asset as a Grower.

By keeping the correct water air balance in the soil, you keep the organisms in the soil happy, this all adds to PROFT.

We are continuing to do trials of different irrigation system and measure all the costs, and value added to the crops, be that quality, yield and getting the crop to maturity quicker.

Call Wroot water to find out more.

Farmers build trust with consumers by taking part in LEAF Open Farm Sunday

With much of the UK population three or four generations removed from any connection with farming, it’s perhaps not surprising there is much misunderstanding and sometimes false perceptions about the agricultural industry, especially amongst urban people.

Farmers, however, have the power to change this, to demonstrate all they deliver as food producers, custodians of the countryside and tackling climate change, as well as

building loyalty for British food and encouraging some muchneeded people into the industry.

It is something that organisations and individuals have been advocating for years.

In February at the NFU Scotland conference, President, Martin Kennedy called for more within the industry to proactively engage consumers.

One initiative, LEAF Open Farm Sunday (LOFS), the farming industry’s annual open day has been actively welcoming all ages onto farms since 2006

to experience farming first-hand and learn direct from farmers. The impact has been significant with the shared experiences from each visit, generating further discussion with colleagues, friends and family, and impacting future career choices. Nearly half (49%) of last year’s visitors said that attending an LOFS event had inspired someone in their group to consider a career in farming.

With increasing uptake in Scotland over the last

decade, the organisers Linking Environment And Farming are calling on more Scottish farmers to get involved and welcome visitors onto their farm on 11th June.

“LEAF Open Farm Sunday is reaching new audiences, changing people’s attitudes to buying more British food, building community relations and raising the profile of host farms and the whole farming industry. The public are keener than ever to better understand what farmers do and how their

Hillhead of Ardo Farm

Annabel Shackleton

food is produced, and LOFS is a perfect way for visitors to talk directly with farmers about managing the countryside, and to see first-hand the reality of food production. It’s our chance to showcase to the public the value of all the goods and services farming delivers,” says LOFS Manager, Annabel Shackleton.

Appealing to a wide range of people, the majority of visitors are families with children aged 4-14 years. They come to learn about what farmers do, hear their stories and support British farming. A poll showed that the most popular topics are wildlife, biodiversity and farming for the environment, plus animal welfare, machinery and how crops are grown and used.

A quarter of LOFS events each year are organised by farmers hosting for the first time. They join a community of farmers keen to share their story, and offer top tips to give other farmers the confidence to take part, as Annabel explains:

“If you’re looking to host your first farm visit, keep it simple and small. Use the LOFS free booking system to cap visitor numbers to how many people you want to welcome or have parking space for. Farming activities which are every day to you are fascinating to visitors, so enjoy sharing what you do on your farm.

“The beauty of LOFS is that it is your event and has to be what you are happy

to host. Conversations can range from understanding the farming year to keeping dogs on leads. For agri-tourism and diversification businesses, you can use the day to research what customers want, build support for your plans, expand your customer database or like one farmer, name a new flavour of sausage!”

The more farmers who take part, the more people can meet a farmer and the more positive impact we can have as a whole industry, adds Annabel:

“It’s an unrivalled opportunity to dispel myths, show the public ‘real farming’ and build connections with customers. Visitors will be amazed and impressed by what you do; the care, passion and dedication you put into your work. As well as raising a positive profile for British farming plc.”

In Scotland, farms, smallholdings and crofts open for events ranging from a farm walk to a full open day, for 50 people to several hundred.

Jean Glennie from Hillhead of Ardo in Aberdeenshire was inspired to take part for the first time in 2021, hosted again in 2022 and has registered their third LOFS event this year. The business grows Christmas trees, something you don’t expect to be discussing in June.

“We often spoke about getting involved in LEAF Open Farm Sunday pre-pandemic but always talked ourselves out of

it. In 2021 we took the leap and signed up so we could share our passion for what we do.

“The event has not only allowed us to give back to the community, welcoming them onto our farm, free of charge, for a fun family day out, but it has given us the opportunity to tell the full Christmas tree story. Christmas trees are a unique crop, requiring specialist care 12 months of the year, some¬thing they may never think much about.”

Whilst Jean was apprehensive at first, the ability to host the day they wanted, and manage their visitor numbers was a key strength of LEAF Open Farm Sunday.

“You are in the driving seat and the event can be as big, small, complicated, or simple as you want it to be. The team at LEAF and all the resources they provide really are fantastic – the risk assessments, signage and TryBooking, the free ticketing system, made preparation for us less stressful.

“We were still able to welcome 350 visitors and had full control of who was attending and could contact them with updates or if there had been any change of plan.”

To help spread the workload, the event welcomed a range of organisations to share their own story on the day too, with some also offering hands-on activities.

“Our first event was a real team effort and that is

something we are continuing going forward. We decided what was going where, but local businesses came along and helped.

Each organisation played their role in making the day interesting and informative for visitors, from the tractor dealership representatives talking about equipment used with the growing of Christmas trees, to the local heritage society displaying antique farming equipment from the past.

Other activities included a vintage tractor display and run round the plantation¬ion and a scavenger hunt, tasking visitors with finding objects beginning with each letter of the alphabet. Each activity wasn’t complicated and didn’t take long to plan or set up. So, for any farmer out there thinking of getting involved but sitting on the fence, don’t have any doubts – just do it!”

LEAF Open your farm takes place on Sunday 11th June 2023, but if this date isn’t for you, events can take place any time in June. All events need to be registered at farmsunday. org to gain access to a variety of free resources, support and ticketing system.

If you don’t feel you have enough time this year to get involved on your own farm, why not go along to another farm opening, show your support and get some ideas for 2023.

Hillhead of Ardo Farm

Annabel Shackleton

Scottish farmers urged to make sure on-farm carbon assessments are credible

Scottish farmers looking to complete on-farm carbon audits are being encouraged to select software that fairly represents their farming system to achieve a credible and just assessment.

Under Scotland’s national test programme – part of the Preparing for Sustainable Farming (PSF) scheme –eligible farmers can claim £500 Scottish Government funding for completing a carbon audit using recognised assessment software, including Trinity AgTech’s Sandy.

“It’s brilliant to see the Scottish Government working with farmers and the industry on this vital area, but it’s crucial that farmers use the right software for their farm business,” says Anna Woodley, managing director of business development for Trinity AgTech.

“A poor carbon assessment will haunt farmers further down the line and limit the options and opportunities surrounding carbon and wider natural capital.”

Anna says Scottish farmers have been poorly represented by carbon assessment tools to date, which fail to account for differences in farming systems, such as land types or management practices.

“Scotland has the potential to be a global leader in sustainable and regenerative agriculture, but narrow assessments of natural capital are doing farmers a real injustice and hampering their progress and profitability,” she says.

“With Sandy, we’ve been very clear in our objective to build a software that takes into account the differences of farming across the UK and in Scotland, ensuring farmers get

credible analytics and robust assessment.”

North Ayrshire farmer, Miles Montgomerie, decided to use Sandy because it offers a true reflection of his farming system and informs decision making via scenario planning, all while being easy to use.

“I wanted a system which enabled me to quantify all aspects of my natural capital across my two very different estates,” says Miles.

“Sandy accounts for the specifics of farming and land management in Scotland including my peatland and pastures. I can run the calculations and look at the optimisations myself, without spending thousands on consultants’ fees,” he says.

“The opportunities to improve business resilience and profitability through a natural capital lens extend beyond carbon. Farmers therefore need software that allows them to easily manage all aspects of natural capital, including

biodiversity and water quality, all in one place,” adds Anna.

She says this will be particularly important when navigating future subsidy support, with natural capital heavily shaping new Scottish agricultural policy.

“As part of Scotland’s new Agricultural Reform Programme (ARP), Scottish Government recently published a detailed road map, cementing Government’s vision for agricultural reform,” says Anna.

Bradford Green sows

the seed of change to restore biodiversity

Wholesale native wildflower seed supplier, Bradford Green has welcomed English Heritage’s plans to establish 100 wildflower meadows at historic sites to celebrate the King’s coronation.

The start-up business is based at Bradford Estates on the Shropshire / Staffordshire border. Here they produce highquality sustainable wildflower

seed to be used by private, public and charitable organisations, as well the general public for a range of biodiversity projects and wildflower plantings.

Bradford Green Director, Bethan Pugh, recognises the value of initiatives such as English Heritage’s dedicated King’s Coronation Meadows and calls for further restoration

of the country’s lost flower-rich grasslands.

“Our ancient meadows drastically declined after WWII. We’ve lost 97% over 70 years which has had a hugely detrimental impact on the wildlife these habitats sustain,” says Ms Pugh.

“Thankfully, there is growing recognition of wildflowers’ multiple benefits. Reinstating meadows is a great way to create a lasting and positive legacy for future generations.

“However, it’s important to remember that farms of any size or type can benefit from prioritising nature recovery by establishing flower-rich spaces,” she adds.

Wildflowers not only enhance biodiversity, but they also improve soil health, as well as delivering aesthetic and wellbeing value for local communities.

Making best use of nutrients

By Rebecca Audsley, Principal Consultant, SAC Consulting

As the Government’s land management, farming and environmental policies continue to promote more nature-friendly approaches, the introduction of native species is being actively encouraged.

Creating flourishing natural spaces that support pollinators and other wildlife depends on having the highest concentration of native wildflower species to attract bees and other insects.

“There are financial incentives being introduced through the Countryside Stewardship scheme and increased opportunities for funding from the private sector by working with businesses such as YourPact. This means more landowners can follow English Heritage’s example and make their own contribution to reversing biodiversity loss in the UK as a result,” says Ms Pugh.

DSM appoints BakerHicks for construction of innovative feed additive facility that reduces methane emissions from cattle

DSM, the global purposeled science-based company active in health, nutrition and bioscience and BakerHicks, the multi-disciplinary design, engineering and project delivery

company, have signed a contract to begin the Engineering, Procurement and Construction Management (EPCM) phase of an innovative new production facility in Dalry, Scotland.

Organic fertilisers such as slurry, manure, sewage sludge and anaerobic digestate (AD) can all offer benefits to the farm business, soil health and crop yields. But how do we get the best value from organic fertilisers whilst also minimising emissions? Here are three areas to consider:

• Planning – Knowing soil nutrient status, nutrient value of organic manure as spread, and crop nutrient requirement are all ways to balance and optimise nutrient application. A nutrient budget will help to target what gets applied where and at what rate, optimising nutrient use from both home-produced and bought in fertilisers. Support from Scottish Government under the Preparing for Sustainable Farming (PSF) initiative means farmers in Scotland can claim funding towards soil sampling and analysis, assisting the nutrient budgeting approach.

• Storage – More farmers are considering slurry store or lagoon covers when upgrading storage, reducing emissions and keeping more nutrient value within the slurry. Others are looking at ways to make better use of existing capacity to meet the 22week storage requirement. Rainfall, collection from dirty yards and silage pits all need to be factored in when calculating storage needs, but are you also collecting ‘clean’ runoff that doesn’t need to go to your store? Taking a closer look at what goes into your collection system may show areas for reduction and ultimately free

up storage space for slurry, pending investment in that new covered store.

• Application – How and when we apply slurry counts. With high trajectory splash plates no longer an option for slurry application, the move to precision application techniques, such as trailing shoe or injection can reduce odour and minimise crop contamination. Various studies show a decrease in ammonia losses ranging from 33% to 63% when using precision application techniques in comparison to high trajectory splash plate application.

For more information on other practical measures to improve farm nutrient use efficiency, see www. farmingforabetterclimate.org

Sign up to our newsletter, find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter @ SACfarm4climate.

Free nutrient management planning tools are available at www.planet4farmers. co.uk; guidance on the rules around slurry application and carrying out a dirty water audit are at www. farmingandwaterscotland. org; there is also a range of information on Scotland’s Farm Advisory Service (FAS), alongside access to the free FAS advice line.

The new facility will be the first large-scale production plant for Bovaer®. Bovaer® is DSM’s innovative feed additive to reduce intestinal methane emissions from cattle by approximately 30% in dairy cows and 45% on average for beef cattle. With this innovation, farmers can significantly reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, and thereby make a positive contribution in the fight against climate change.

DSM first collaborated with BakerHicks on the initial concept stage, which began in 2021. They were appointed Principal Designer in 2021, responsible for developing and coordinating the concept and basic design. BakerHicks will now take the project through the detailed engineering, procurement and construction phases, up to handover and commissioning, which is expected to take place in 2025. They have provided multi-disciplinary design and engineering services throughout, including process and mechanical;

The global Net-Zero potential of Scotch Whisky

distillery

co-products

By Dr Colm Duffy, Ecological Sciences at the James Hutton Institute

piping; electrical, control and instrumentation; architecture; civil and structural; building services; HSE; project and construction management; and procurement.

Rob de Hooge at DSM said: “We are excited to move to the next phase of the development of our new feed additive facility for Bovaer®, a game-changer to reduce enteric methane emissions from cattle. We appreciate the support BakerHicks has delivered over the last few years and are happy to appoint them also for the EPCM phase. We wish the team every success in the delivery of this plant, and to do so safely and on time.”

The development of the Bovaer® plant at DSM’s Dalry site has been supported by the Scottish Government through Scottish Enterprise, the national agency supporting economic development and innovation, and former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, attended the site’s groundbreaking ceremony on 30th November 2022.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has issued stark warnings that our world is rapidly approaching irreversible levels of global heating and we must act now.

Scotland is one of over 100 countries that have committed to, or are considering, netzero emissions targets and increasing bio-energy production is a key aim in Scotland’s plan. It is crucial we achieve global net-zero emissions as soon as possible to avoid the most severe impacts.

The Scotch Whisky industry produces huge volumes of coproducts in the form of pot-ale and draff with several potential uses, including the generation of bio-energy, as well as fresh and dried animal feeds. The utilization of these co-products for bio-energy is already supported by policy, however, a recent paper by scientists at The James Hutton Institute explores potential bio-energy and animal feed pathways for these co-products.

Although the production of bio-energy using coproducts can have limited climate mitigation impacts, it does have significant national energy security potential, with some scenarios achieving

5% of current Scottish noncommercial electricity demand. Nevertheless, the research was clear that bio-energy pathways were not the optimum pathways for climate security. Scenarios that displaced imported animal feed had up to eight times greater climate security impact than bioenergy scenarios. However, as the displaced animal feeds are imported, emission reductions would have an impact on achieving global net-zero but would not be reflected in the Scottish National Greenhouse Gas emissions inventory. Given this lack of short-term national gain, policy has edged towards pathways that contribute less to global climate security.

Though bio-energy production is valuable in terms of energy security and waste reduction, as well as having some climate mitigation benefit, its contribution to climate security is dwarfed by the potential of displacing imported animal feed.

By placing emphasis on short-term payoffs from sustainability pathways, global decision-makers could be delaying the achievement of global net-zero.

Read the research paper at bit.ly/JHICircularPathways.

The James Hutton Institute is a world-leading scientific research organisation working to resolve global challenges in food, climate, energy and water security. The Institute works in partnership with people, organisations and governments to enhance sustainable environmental, social and economic development to deliver practical solutions for our shared future. www.hutton.ac.uk

Increased arable drives need for Dunecht Home Farms to work with McArthur Agriculture and Sellars Agriculture to update grain processing plant

Needing to handle more grain due to an increase in arable hectares coupled with the increased capacity of today’s combines, Chris Lovie, Farms Manager, Dunecht Home Farms, Aberdeen, knew that he needed to upgrade and streamline the Farms’ existing grain handling system.

Dunecht Home Farms currently farms 6,500ha of land between the Dunecht Estate and Edinglassie Estate, and is owned by the Hon Charles Pearson. The Lowground operation, approximately 1,000ha, grows a mixture of arable crops: spring barley for the local malt whisky industry, winter wheat and barley for livestock feed (100 cows, 20 breeding heifers, and 400 ewes – the hill farming operation has 2,000 ewes) winter oats for milling and oilseed rape for the vegetable oil industry.

“Our drier was aged and the drying facility consisted of small bins which were very labour intensive. To completely empty the last ton from each, we had to manually sweep the grain across the bottom of the bin to the outlet,” explained Lovie. “With limited

storage capability adjacent to the drier we also had to triple handle grain to and from the drier and into storage at other locations, which again meant there was a lot of labour involved.”

Lovie initially looked at constructing a new grain handling plant but as the price of steel began to increase the cost became prohibitive. The focus moved to converting three adjoining Atcost under-utilised cattle sheds which had been constructed in the mid1970s.

Having conducted extensive research around the choice of drier Lovie, following conversations with farmers who were using Mecmar batch grain dryers, and understanding the high residual value of the Mecmar should there be a need to reduce the arable, was keen to install a Mecmar of his own.

His research had revealed that McArthur Agriculture through its partner, Sellars Agriculture could supply the drier and so he made contact.

Working closely with McArthur Agriculture on the design of the new grain processing

plant Lovie was advised to install Mecmar S35t electric, automatic batch drier which incorporates an aspirator grain cleaner, and Skandia Elevator AB handling equipment. A Skandia 60tph wet grain chain and flight intake conveyor feed the Mecmar drier and once the grain is dried and cooled it is transported to three grain storage sheds via five additional 60tph chain and flight conveyors.

Each shed has a conveyor running along its length, one of the conveyors leaving the drier feeds sheds numbers one and two, whilst the other conveyor feeds shed number three. The positioning of the drier between sheds one and two and shed three means that there is only ever the need to run two conveyors at any time. The destination of each batch of grain is determined via the Mecmar’s control panel.

“The new plant has transformed harvest,” said Lovie. “We have increased our drying and storage capability and reduced

the need for additional harvest staff and associated labour costs. The automation of the Mecmar means that labour around drying and putting the grain into store is virtually non-existent and grain leaving the store can be easily handled with a telehandler.”

“The team needed little training as the system is simple to operate and maintenance is minimal,” added Lovie. “With the allimportant return on investment in mind, we have a much larger grain plant than we had envisaged when considering building a new one, for significantly less investment.”

Lovie’s advice to others looking to build a new grain plant, convert existing buildings or upgrade an existing plant, is to carefully research the options and engage with proven grain handling experts.

“Working with the right people, on the right designs meant that our initial planning application was made in April 2021 and the plant was up and running for harvest 2022,” Lovie concluded.

Floating solar panels ready in first for Scotland Array tested before deployment this year

Scotland’s first array of floating solar panels will be installed this year as part of an innovative move to generate renewable energy and reduce carbon emissions.

First Minister Humza Yousaf toured the manufacturing facility of Nova Innovation in Leith where the panels are being tested before their launch.

The company installed the world’s first offshore tidal turbine array in Shetland in 2016 and subsequently received £6.4 million from the Scottish National Investment Bank in September 2021 to boost production of innovative renewable energy generators.

It has since established project sites in Canada, France and Indonesia. Its floating solar panels build on its expertise in tidal energy and an official launch of the installation will take place later this year with a multi-megawatt international order already in the pipeline.

The First Minister said:

“These panels give a fascinating glimpse into the opportunities for Scotland’s future energy system and are the first step towards harnessing our significant potential for floating solar.

“The investment by the Scottish National Investment Bank in Nova Innovation helped

expand its manufacturing base here in Leith and aligned strongly with the Scottish Government’s priority of supporting innovative technology that will help us achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2045.

“Scotland is already one of the most advanced hubs in Europe for the testing and demonstration of marine energy technology and I look forward to seeing where the panels will be launched in the near future.”

Chief Executive of Nova Innovation Simon Forrest said:

“With record-high energy prices and growing concerns over security of supply, there is

an immediate need for Scotland to focus on homegrown energy from our abundant natural resources.

“Scotland is at the heart of the tidal energy revolution and Nova continues to lead the sector with proven technology and unrivalled reliability. With the addition of floating solar to our portfolio, we are ideally placed to help drive the race to Net Zero.

“We were honoured to welcome the First Minister to discuss the economic benefits, job creation opportunities and the part Scotland can play in the global supply for renewable energy.”

Recycling broken wind turbine parts could create 20,000 UK jobs and multi-billion-pound supply chain

Tens of billions of pounds could be generated for the UK economy from the re-use, refurbishment and re-engineering of broken wind turbine parts, according to a new coalition set-up to drive the creation of a circular supply chain for renewables in the UK.

Building the capabilities to refurbish wind turbine parts in the UK could also generate more than 20,000 full-time equivalent jobs by 2035, and prevent more than 800,000 tonnes of parts from being scrapped.

The group, which so far comprises Scottishheadquartered energy company

SSE Renewables, the University of Strathclyde, the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS) and Renewable Parts Ltd, made the statement as they launched CWIC, the new Coalition for Wind Industry Circularity.

Responding, Nick Sharpe, Director of Communications and Strategy at Scottish Renewables, said:

“As we approach 2030, a significant number of our wind farms will reach the end of their 20 to 25year lifespans.

“We know that 80% of a modern wind turbine is

recyclable so there are clear opportunities for wind farm operators to harness a circular economy by increasing the reuse of component parts from decommissioned projects.

“The formation of the Coalition for Wind Industry Circularity sends a clear signal that the wind industry is committed to delivering a renewable energy circular economy for Scotland, and we look forward to working with more of our members as they join the Coalition and this initiative gathers pace.”

89% of supply chain firms say renewable energy is biggest economic opportunity in Scotland, new study finds

Almost 90% of Scotland’s renewable energy supply chain believe renewable energy is the biggest economic opportunity facing Scotland, a study for Scottish Renewables Supply Chain Impact Statement has found.

Scottish Renewables launched the fourth edition of its Supply Chain Impact Statement, an annual showcase of the businesses and organisations working across Scotland’s flourishing renewable energy industry.

Supply chain businesses provide products and services

which enable renewable energy projects to be built and operated. Examples include the Old Library, a family hotel in the Scottish Borders, Blargoans, a family-run business that provides industrial supplies, transportation, recruitment and PPE, and subsea experts Balmoral.

The Statement highlights how Scotland’s supply chain, which stretches from the Borders to the islands, is utilising its expertise, skills and capabilities to deliver specialist work across all renewable energy

technologies, including on and offshore wind, solar and energy storage.

Of the 45 organisations featured in this year’s Supply Chain Impact Statement:

• 89% think renewable energy is the largest economic opportunity for Scotland

• 94% said they have invested in upskilling as a result of clean power opportunities and;

• 83% said they have recruited new employees as a result of opportunities in the renewable energy industry.

New Bobcat Machine IQ Telematics System for Customers

Bobcat has launched the company’s new Machine IQ telematics system, connecting customers to their machines’ information at any time, anywhere and from any device.

The Bobcat Machine IQ telematics system allows customers to check the health of their machines and remotely track information that enhances maintenance, security and performance, all from smart devices or laptops. This simple and powerful tool empowers customers to get the most out of their Bobcat equipment, achieving more while protecting their investment at the same time.

There are various ways for Bobcat customers to connect with Machine IQ. They can join up by going on the web at my.bobcat. com, creating an account and logging in. Alternatively, the Mobile App for Machine IQ can be downloaded from Google Play/ Apple store, where there are also QR codes that can be scanned using the camera on a mobile device to sign up to Machine IQ. Key benefits of Machine IQ

• The Power of Information at a Customer’s Fingertips - getting 24/7 instant access to critical information on a smartphone or computer, including GPS

location and history, fuel level, hours worked, fault codes and more.

• Optimum Machine Usage and Efficiency - Machine IQ allows the customer to plan jobs for maximum profitability by optimizing machine use, keeping idle times to a minimum and tracking fuel consumption

• Improved Security and Peace of Mind - Customer machines can be protected by setting up geo-fences, motion alerts or curfew hours. In this way, they are the first to know about any issues, thanks to customizable notifications.

• Service Planning Made Easy

- time and money can be saved using Machine IQ by efficiently scheduling machine service. The system allows the customer to leverage planned downtime to smoothly manage job sites. Machine IQ can easily be installed on compatible Bobcat machines already in the field. Customers should contact their local dealer to check compatibility. Bobcat dealers can also explain what Machine IQ can do to help customers’ businesses and how to link their Bobcat machines to their account.

For more information about Bobcat and its products, visit www.bobcat.com.

New irradiance sensor improves irrigation management

A new irradiation sensor will enable all arable and vegetable producers to manage their irrigation, fieldwork and disease protection more precisely, helping to curb costs and boost productivity. The low-cost system operates with exceptional accuracy, large reach and is userfriendly.

Sencrop’s new Solarcrop irradiance sensor, which has just been launched in the UK, means producers can link up realtime solar irradiation, rainfall, humidity, temperature and wind data, as well as accurate weather forecasting, in one simple app. Based on crop type and growth stage, this accurately predicts evapotranspiration rates and soil moisture availability, helping farmers to identify when and how much to irrigate without the need for expensive and very localised soil probes.

“Much of the UK is getting drier – and more extreme weather

events are becoming the norm,” says Martin Ducroquet cofounder of Sencrop. “In addition, the environmental issue around irrigation is no longer in question; producers can massively reduce their water consumption by optimising irrigation systems. We want Irricrop to change the world of irrigation, by making this new solution accessible to all. This evolution is completely consistent with our original mission, to standardise precision agriculture.”

One sensor can monitor up to 10 fields across a range of 10 miles, explains Thibaut MatheyBony, product innovation manager at Sencrop. “Based on two years of research and development and patented technology, Solarcrop measures solar irradiation to a unique accuracy of 2%.” When combined with the Raincrop and Windcrop sensors, as well as individual field and crop information, it

can accurately predict the soil moisture surplus or deficit over the coming seven days, enabling producers to better plan their irrigation or field work.

“Solarcrop is Sencrop’s third pillar of hyper-local data for farmers, helping them to make the best choices for their crops,” says Mr Mathey-Bony. “The firm

now has a network of more than 2,000 connected stations across the country, generating ultraprecise and local information like temperature, humidity, wind speed and rainfall. Now farmers can also measure solar irradiation, it maximises their ability to manage climatic risks, as well as diseases and pests.”

HARVEST ASSIST app: Pöttinger optimises forage harvesting

Pöttinger, the grassland specialist, always focuses on achieving the best working results and optimising processes when developing its machines and digital solutions. HARVEST ASSIST is a new, innovative app that helps to simplify and optimise logistics while harvesting forage.

The innovation

HARVEST ASSIST optimises forage harvesting by taking into account harvesting volumes, the distance between the field and the clamp, and optimising compaction performance in the clamp, to achieve the best quality forage. In addition, the app enables

real-time communication using existing hardware. Available for iOS and Android, every member of the harvest convoy can install the app on their smartphone for free. This provides an intuitive overview for straightforward control of all the grassland harvesting machines.

The app makes it easy to add fields and assign them to each of the machines. There is a very clear overview of the fields to be harvested and also their status, e.g. whether they have already been raked and the crop collected.

algorithm that calculates the optimum harvest sequence is especially innovative. The

The

harvest volumes, the distance between each field and the clamp

and the compaction performance in the clamp are superimposed

on the display. This provides the tractor drivers with information on the optimised harvesting sequence so that they deliver crop to the clamp at regular intervals and avoid delivery peaks. Thanks to the intuitive display of the individual fields in the app, it is also easy for people who are not familiar with the farm to find each field and drive back to the clamp quickly using the integrated navigation system.

The features at a glance

In the app, the machinery portfolio consists of loader wagons, rakes, mowers, tedders, mergers and round balers. Everyone involved in each stage of the process gets an overview of the work progress in the field. The current status can be displayed for each field, showing whether it is being mowed, tedded, raked or collected. As soon as each stage is finished, the tractor driver can change the field status. This provides a structured view of which fields are ready for the next stage. These are then indicated to the driver with the next machine as soon as the field status has been changed.

In the live location view, each member of the harvest convoy is shown on an intuitive map along with the relevant machine and process. All locations are transmitted in real time, which greatly simplifies communication.

HARVEST ASSIST not only optimises forage harvesting but also compaction performance in the clamp. The compaction vehicle at the clamp has time to neatly distribute and compact each load of crop one by one.

FARMING SCOTLAND

FarmCentre gains Agrirouter compatibility

Kverneland’s IsoMatch FarmCentre fleet management and wireless telematics solution has been upgraded to include greater functionality, along with the ability to communicate with the universal data exchange platform, Agrirouter.

With FarmCentre, operators can use their IsoMatch Tellus Pro

and Tellus Go+ universal terminals as a gateway to link Kverneland Group implements to cloud-based services. This enables real-time data exchange for sending and receiving tasks.

By adding communication to Agrirouter, implement data access is also available to those using third party terminals, improving

cross-manufacturer compatibility between tractors and implements.

Among the new features of FarmCentre is a dedicated dashboard that corresponds to the implement and the task controller, simplifying evaluation of in-field performance, either with specific tasks or throughout the machine’s lifecycle.

John Deere updates Precision Ag Technology

For many years, John Deere has offered reliable and highperformance Precision Ag Technology. In 2023, all essentials of the advanced equipment will receive an update to be prepared for the future. Important components are the brand-new John Deere G5 display family and the new

JDLinkTM M modem. These updates make the John Deere Precision Ag Technology faster, more powerful, and more affordable for every farmer and contractor.

The New John Deere G5 Display Family

With the brand new G5 display family, John Deere

delivers the latest technology directly to customers. Full HD resolution, additional memory and increased processing power make the G5 monitor one of the most powerful displays available. It comes with two portable versions, which can be used on all brands, two integrated monitors for specific

John Deere machines and an Extended Monitor option. The G5 display is 10.1 inches and the G5Plus is 12.8 inches, meaning the G5 display family offers up to 33% more space for maps and information compared to its predecessors. Both portable displays offer additional protection through their water resistance (IP65). The John Deere G5Plus comes with AutoTrac™ and Section Control as standard. Of course, the full AEF ISOBUS compatibility remains.

All G5 displays will retain the reliable and familiar user interface from Generation 4 displays. The combination of modern technology and

Nature Based Solutions to Combat Drought and Flooding

By Harry Fisher, SAC Consulting

familiar user interface provides an immediate performance boost without the need for lengthy re-learning. The new license program for advanced features means that farmers and contractors only pay for what they need, and upfront costs are reduced. Regular software updates are being developed and ensure that the G5 display family is already equipped for the future.

The G5Plus Universal display and the G5 Universal display will be available for order later this year. The G5Plus CommandCenterTM and G5 CommandCenterTM will be available on John Deere machines from Model Year 2024.

The increased risk of drought and flooding are becoming ever more realised with climate change. Longer periods of heat coupled with a lack of rainfall during the summer is set to increase drought events. While simultaneously more intense rainfall events are expected to increase floods from one event every 20 to every 3 years.

Working with nature offers a method of building resilience to these extreme weather events and offers land managers a sustainable method of ensuring agricultural production can be maintained.

Nature based solutions to increase resilience to extreme weather events can include the following:

Increase soil organic matter: Through spreading bulky manures and organic fertilisers, and growing cover crops, the organic matter of soils can be greatly increased. Organic matter in soils

allows greater water flow and retention. This lets water flow to deeper levels during wetter periods, where it can be retained and accessed again during drier periods.

Multi-species swards: Diverse plant communities mean diverse tolerances to water availability. In times of drought, deeper rooting plant species can access water deeper in the soil. While this diversity of root structures also increases water infiltration and therefore decreases risk of flooding.

Targeted tree planting: Extensive root structures break up soil, add organic matter and increase infiltrability. Canopy and branches slow down the rate rain reaches the soil. Trunks and overground roots slow the rate of overland flow. These are all examples of how trees planted in the right place can be used as a tool to increase soil resilience to extreme weather events.

NFU Mutual provides additional funds for rural security scheme roll-out in Scotland following successful trial

Forensic marking scheme funded by NFU Mutual shown to deter farm thieves

NFU Mutual additional funding will enable Police Scotland to widen scheme after successful trial

SelectaDNA marking enables stolen farm property to be identified across the world

A farm property marking scheme has proved so successful at reducing rural crime in areas of Scotland that NFU Mutual is providing additional funding to assist rolling out the initiative in other parts of Scotland.

Police Scotland has reported that a trial of SelectaDNA marking on South Lanarkshire farms was a huge success, with repeat thefts on farms previously targeted by thieves almost eliminated.

The scheme uses a forensic liquid with a DNA code which can be ‘read’ by police to identify

property suspected of being stolen. It has been shown to both deter thieves and aid recovery of stolen machinery and tools.

NFU Mutual initially funded the SelectaDNA kits for the trial and is now providing an additional £2,000 for the roll-out, taking its total funding up to £6,000. This investment is part of the leading rural insurer’s funding of more than £400,000 for Rural Crime initiatives across the UK.

It will enable Police Scotland to provide kits in areas which are suffering repeat rural thefts including the Scottish Borders, Ayrshire and Aberdeenshire.

NFU Mutual is providing the funding as part of its ongoing support for the Scottish Partnership Against Rural Crime (SPARC).

NFU

Manager Mark McBrearty said:

“Rural crime is hugely disruptive to Scotland’s farming community, and we are determined to do all we can to stamp it out.

“We’re delighted that SelectaDNA marking is proving so effective at reducing thefts from farms and are backing the speedy roll-out of the scheme by providing additional kits for distributions to Scottish farms.

“Since Police Scotland set up SPARC five years ago to bring together all those involved in the fight against rural crime, we’ve put our full backing into the initiative.”

Police Inspector Alan Dron, Scotland’s National Rural Crime Coordinator, said: “SelectaDNA is proving to be an excellent addition

to the numerous initiatives and tactics we utilise when trying to prevent, reduce and tackle rural crime throughout Scotland.

“NFU Mutual’s additional funding means we can deploy yet more kits quickly and in other parts of Scotland, where thieves would potentially target agricultural and forestry machinery, plant, quad bikes, other all-terrain vehicles and expensive tools.”

Farmers, crofters and land owners keen to protect their tools and vehicles with SelectaDNA should contact their local Partnership Against Rural Crime group on how to obtain a kit.

For more information on rural crime trends and advice, visit: www.nfumutual.co.uk/ ruralcrime

Mutual Scotland

NFU Mutual provides additional funds for rural security scheme roll-out in Scotland following successful trial

Insight from claims statistics help prevent horse trailer theft

Following a sustained rise in trailer theft over the past year, Ecclesiastical, the insurer behind SEIB Insurance Brokers’ bespoke horse trailer policies, has provided some statistics on claims made during this period. These statistics are proving useful in offering suggestions to help prevent future trailer theft.

Since new trailer towing laws were introduced in the UK in December 2021, horse trailer ownership and usage has never been more popular. Data from horse trailer claims made by SEIB clients shows that 95% of stolen horse trailers were taken from a location away from the clients’ home address. A spokesperson for Ecclesiastical said: “The rise appears to be in thefts conducted by groups who come fully prepared to cut and remove wheel clamps and hitchlocks, and most appear to be at night when there is nobody around.”

SEIB Schemes Technician

Kathryn Purcell said: “We’re sharing these statistics to give our customers the best possible chance to avoid a horse trailer theft. SEIB are equestrian specialists, our customers can rely on our expertise to keep their passions and investments safe, whether that’s through the insurance protection we provide or our market insights and guidance.”

Of the horse trailers insured through SEIB and Ecclesiastical that were stolen in the past year, 20% only had a hitch lock, 63% had a hitch lock and a wheel clamp, 11% had just a wheel clamp and 6% had unknown security, suggesting that locks alone do not offer comprehensive security.

Adam Watts of Ecclesiastical said: “We hope that by releasing these figures it may help prevent

trailer thefts going forwards. Keeping the trailer in a secure yard and ensuring a hitch lock and wheel clamp are in place are all ways in which thieves can be deterred.

Horse trailer security tagging or tracking devices are offered by several companies. Whilst not a deterrent in themselves, they offer an increased chance of recovery should the trailer be stolen. It is important that security tags are registered with an official database. Security tags including microdot transponder technology are available for as little as £50.00.

A spokesperson for Cesar and Datatag who offer this tagging service said: “Our system is very straightforward, you can simply purchase an online horse trailer kit, attach to your trailer as per the instructions and then register it with us. Some brands of trailer come pre-marked and registered with us as standard. When the trailer is sold, it is necessary for the new owner to register with us to update the records. Should the trailer be stolen the registered owner needs to report it to us.”

More costly tracking devices offer a greater level of protection with companies offering theft

alerts and global real-time tracking from a phone or computer if a trailer is stolen. One trailer in the Ecclesiastical claims statistics had a tracking device fitted. Following its theft, the trailer was later recovered.

With thieves often targeting trailers parked in yards at night, or at quiet times of the day, yard security has been highlighted as a potential issue by the Ecclesiastical statistics. In regard to yard security for trailers, Mike Bullman of Safe Security Solutions said: “We would always firstly advise to hide trailers, ideally they should be kept in a barn. If this isn’t possible a trailer should at least be kept out of the way. As trailers are by nature easily moveable, blocking them in is effective – and making sure wheel and hitch locks are on. It is all about slowing the thieves down.

“Pre-warnings and pre-alerts are invaluable in preventing theft by scaring intruders away from yards, either through the activation of a security light or alarm. The sooner an intruder is detected the better – if the yard has a long driveway, it is always better to be alerted when the intruder is at the entrance at point a - it can be too late by the time they’ve made

it into the yard, to points b or cwhen the chances of damage to property or theft are increased.”

In the event of a trailer theft, it is generally agreed that taking to social media can do no harm, and possibly even help prevent the theft of other trailers in the area. A spokesperson for Ecclesiastical added: “I’ve seen a number of the claimants tell the Loss Adjuster that they have posted on social media sites in order to raise awareness of their own particular theft. This can only help to try and recover the trailer so we would encourage this.”

Kathryn Purcell added: “Insurance is there to protect you against the unforeseen. Should the worst happen you know you want to be insured with a company that deals with your claim fairly and efficiently. Here at SEIB, since 2019 we have paid 97% of horse trailer theft claims, the other 3% were horse trailers that were recovered.”

SEIB have over the years won several national industry awards including Broker of the Year, the National Insurance Awards and the British Claims Awards. Most recently SEIB were awarded the Marketing and Customer Engagement Award at the UK Broker Awards 2022.

SEIB are celebrating their 60th anniversary this year. As part of the celebrations, the company is offering a free prize draw in which one lucky winner will receive a brand new, Cheval Liberté Touring Country two horse trailer worth over £8,500. To enter the prize draw please visit www.seib.co.uk/ win-a-trailer.

To find out more about SEIB and the insurance policies they offer please visit www.seib. co.uk.

Celebrating 90 Years: How a Family Business Has Built its Success on Staff Development, Supplier Trust & Customer Satisfaction

by Justine Fourny

Multi-specialist dealership the Hamilton Ross Group is celebrating its 90th anniversary in 2023. Still a family-run business, thriving under the direction of second-generation leader Eric Gardiner and son Jamie Gardiner, it now operates from six strategically located depots in the Central Belt of Scotland, under two trading companies: Hamilton Brothers in Bishopton, Tarbolton, Campbeltown, and Perth; and R&R Machinery in Lanark and Cupar. Their range of activities spread across six divisions: Agriculture, Groundcare, Construction, Garden Power, Forestry & Arboriculture and Animal Health.

Staff retention

The company currently employs around 140 staff and boasts an impressive average service of over 10 years. In their Bishopton depot, Groundcare engineer Willie Bilsland has reached his 62-year anniversary, while fellow teammate Andy Reid just passed the 59-year mark. These milestones are proof that their dedication to Hamilton Brothers has never faltered over the years. In senior roles, Eric Gardiner, Managing Director, and Tommy Smith, Group Parts Manager, both celebrated their 40th work anniversary earlier this year.

In November 2022, the Hamilton Ross Group said goodbye to one of its longstanding leaders, Bryce Smith, who was appointed Director in 1982 and retired after a staggering 46 years of service. His charisma and legacy were an integral part of their Lanark depot.

Bryce Smith, Ex-Director: “I’ve been incredibly lucky in my working career. I’ve had some great people who’ve given me tremendous support over the years with genuine hard work and endeavour.”

When you join the Hamilton Ross Group, you’re likely to stay on for decades – judging from the experience of staff, the variety of the job is what keeps them going, along with the friendships they’ve made over the years. The values Accountability, Collaboration, Respect and Efficiency, coming under the acronym ACRE, reflect the inclusive culture that is shared across all the depots.

There is definitely a role for everyone, depending on their skillset and experience, from sales, parts, service, animal health, through to office-based positions such as IT, accounts, warranty & marketing. A strong work ethic, problem-solving ability and customer empathy are the key skills to being successful.

The Hamilton Ross Group is more than just a place to work –it’s a lifestyle. Staff are passing the baton from one generation to the next, as we’ve seen with Service Managers, having their sons working as apprentices, before moving on to become full-time engineers. Throughout the workplace, friendships

Jamie Gardiner, Bryce Smith & Eric Gardiner at Bryce’s retirement party (2022)

have formed, while staff have recommended the company to family members and relations who have subsequently joined.

The family culture is clearly felt all throughout the business. Group management have an open-door policy, and circulate around the depots on a weekly basis, to make sure that they’re up-to-date with the operations and get a sense of the teams working in each location.

Tommy Smith, Group Parts Manager: “The management colleagues we’ve got are very good, very open – never afraid to answer a question if you ask it, which I think is very beneficial to everybody involved.”

The agricultural industry is known to be very insular, but the Hamilton Ross Group prides itself on attracting people from multiple backgrounds, from the automotive industry to food and drink.

Synergies between longstanding staff and newer recruits Tommy Smith & Eric Gardiner celebrating their 40th anniversary (2023)

HAMILTON ROSS

HAMILTON ROSS GROUP

is what helps the business grow – there is a strong focus on apprenticeships, with about 15 positions being available across the depots and 10 currently filled, being placed either at the SRUC Oatridge Campus or the SRUC Barony Campus, where AGCO recently launched their new apprenticeship scheme.

Two of their apprentices are part of this programme: Charlie Houston at Hamilton Brothers in Tarbolton and George Lang at R&R Machinery in Cupar. Both at college and at the depots, they can benefit from hands-on experience on machines from AGCO brands Massey Ferguson, Valtra and Fendt.

The Hamilton Ross Group had two nominees who were rewarded with prizes at the ALBAS (Awards for Landbased and Aquaculture Skills), which took place on Thursday 9th March in the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Dunblane Hydro. The Awards are organised by Lantra Scotland, the sector skills council for the land-based, aquaculture and environmental conservation industries.

Danny Cook, who won “Land-based Engineering Learner of the Year”, finished his apprenticeship in Land-based Engineering through SRUC Oatridge Campus while training at their R&R Machinery depot in Cupar. Max Morrison is currently doing an SVQ in Landbased Engineering Groundcare through SRUC Oatridge Campus while training at their Hamilton Brothers depot in Bishopton and ended up “Runner-up” in the same category.

Michael Rolfe was an apprentice in their R&R Machinery depot in Lanark before becoming a full-time Product Specialist. His father, Bryan Rolfe, Service Manager in the same depot, is the one who inspired him to pursue a career in land-based engineering.

Michael Rolfe, Product Specialist: “It is a familyrun business, so you’re more than just a number within the company – they’re amazing to work for and the opportunities are endless.”

Jim Steel, Sales Director, started himself as an apprentice, and worked his way up to a Senior Management position. He now directly assists Eric Gardiner as his right-hand man, and he is prime example that you

can start at the bottom and climb the ladder all the way to the top, if you’re willing to put in the hard work and dedication.

Richard Maxwell, Group Service Manager: “As a company, we like to grow our

own. We identify your skillset, and if there is an opportunity for you to take, then we’ll support you.”

Despite operating in a maledominant industry, the Hamilton Ross Group doesn’t shy away from promoting females into

International Women’s Day at the Bishopton depot (2023)

Lisa Rennie & Jan Davidson at the Animal Health market shop in the Craig Wilson Livestock Auctions Mart (2022)

senior and customer-facing roles, as witnessed by Carol Myatt, their Group Accountant,

who’s been with the company for 14 years and is based at their Lanark depot.

Carol Myatt, Group Account Manager: “When I first joined, I had no knowledge

of the agricultural world. Today, I have the knowledge, understanding and skills to

Bessie Gardiner outside Paisley Town Hall with the service vans (1960s)

succeed and help the company build a better future.”

Jan Davidson, who started working with Hamilton Brothers Tarbolton 13 years ago, switched from Animal Health Sales to Agricultural Sales in 2022. The support from management has been tremendous to help her transition smoothly into her new role. As she’s increasingly working with staff from other depots and departments, she’s found the camaraderie makes her really appreciate her job on a daily basis.

Jan Davidson, Area Sales Manager: “If you put your mind to it, you are capable of doing anything that you want, and being female doesn’t stop you from doing anything that you want.”

Company history

The company originated from the two Hamilton brothers, who started out their business in Marshalls Lane, in Paisley, Eric

Gardiner outside the Bishopton depot with Massey Ferguson tractors (1993)

selling bicycles, cars, and lorries. When they split up, Hugh Hamilton kept the Rootes franchise, which moved to Ralston and became the head office. Bessie Gardiner, his wife and Eric’s aunt, took over the business and subsequently appointed a Managing Director, Norrie Burnside, who ran the company until the eighties.

At the time, the Group was composed of four hotels located in England and Scotland, five car garages, and four agricultural garages. Norrie ran the car division with his son, while he delegated both the responsibility of the agricultural division and the hotels. The company became 100% family-owned in 1986, and George Spark, Eric’s predecessor, then took over the role of Managing Director.

But Eric’s career journey was not an obvious one: before he joined the company, his experience included working as a chef in France, and as a broker in petrochemicals in England. When he was offered a place within the family business, he spent some time working at Lanark, where he went through training in accounts, working in parts, car sales and even car service, before he moved to manage the Tarbolton depot in 1986. In 1993, he took on the role of Managing Director, but since then he’s also been heavily focused on Groundcare sales, a business he thoroughly enjoys.

The Hamilton Ross Group has grown since its infancy mainly through acquisitions

– taking over Daniel Ross of Lanark in 1978, Tarbolton tractors in 1981 and more recently G Reekie Group (Perth and Cupar) in 2016, each time gaining new contracts with brands, divisions and staff expertise. The Hamilton Ross Group has grown from a farming-focused dealership to become a one-stop shop for six whole divisions, which complement each other with different offerings.

On the agricultural side, AGCO brands Massey Ferguson, Valtra and Fendt account for the majority of sales, along with JCB Agriculture. The Hamilton Ross

Group has developed strong ties with local councils and golf courses since the seventies, first selling Groundcare Kubota machines and now being one of the Scottish dealerships retailing another Japanese brand Baroness. In the Construction division, the Hamilton Ross Group works in partnership with local plant-hire businesses, and all six depots stock Wacker Neuson machinery.

The Hamilton Ross Group caters to the all-year-round needs of both a professional customer base, as well as your next-door neighbour. Their country stores offer a wide range of hardware, tools, electrical components, outdoor clothing, footwear and a range of toys for all ages; including garden machinery from well-known brands Stihl, Husqvarna and Honda.

The continuity of the business is assured with the third generation stepping in. Jamie Gardiner, who is now Operations Director, was brought up with succession in mind – he spent many a holiday and a weekend gaining valuable experience in different departments, including Parts and Sales, before going away to join a leadership

programme in a multinational pharmaceutical company, implementing manufacturing and business systems all over the world.

Eric Gardiner, Managing Director: “Having a family member I can trust, and onto whom I can rely, is crucial for the future of the business.”

Since coming back permanently in 2019, he’s brought a fresh perspective to the business, and has made it his mission to bring the business up to speed with the latest technologies, and his priorities to harmonise the data management systems, and centralise the decision-making processes.

Jamie Gardiner, Operations Director: “I’m very lucky that me and my dad get along very well. We have quite a lot of fun together in the office, which I think rubs off in the overall culture of the business.”

It’s also reassuring that the business has been extra resilient during the pandemic and has flourished during unprecedented times of uncertainty. Financially, the last two years, between 2020 and 2022, are the two most successful years that the company’s had. Despite

supply chains issues occurring worldwide, the Hamilton Ross Group was able to keep the flow of machinery running for their customers.

Supply chain Staff retention, relationships with supplier brands and customer satisfaction are the pillars of the Hamilton Ross Group’s success, as their tagline “Driving Growth Together” and their mission statement highlights.

“We create, develop and maintain long lasting and trusting relationships across our whole supply chain. We pride ourselves in fostering a culture of highly trained and dedicated workforce to provide our customers with a first in class sales and servicing experience.”

Massey Ferguson, a brand synonymous with farming over the world, has played a key part in the company’s history for almost 70 years. The old sales ledger, dating back to 1946, bears the testimony to the first ever Ferguson sale in 1946 – a demo tractor sold to the Ranfurly Golf Club for a mere £343. Since then, 20,000 tractors have been sold, including one to Sir James Paul McCartney CH MBE and

Jamie Gardiner officially joining the family business (2019)

wife Linda for their property High Park in Campbeltown.

Jim Steel, Sales Director: “Business is all about people, and it’s about having that trust and understanding – if you do your best by them, the business happens naturally.”

In 2022, Massey Ferguson, proud to celebrate their 175th anniversary, embarked on a UK tour labelled “Born to Farm”, taking the opportunity to showcase their full range of machinery, including the 5S Series, Winner of the Farm Machine 2023 Award at the SIMA Show, and the latest addition 8S Series, boasting an impressive 305hp and the new Dyna VT transmission system.

In Scotland, the Hamilton Ross Group was one of the chosen dealerships to organise two of these events – the latter one was hosted at the Donald Malcolm Heritage Centre in Linwood, Group Head Office of the Malcolm Group. The choice of the venue boasted great significance, as the Malcolm Group is another successful family-run business embedded in the local community. Throughout the day, a steady flow of over 300 tractor enthusiasts came through the door.

Lindsay Haddon, Advertising & Sales Promotion Manager at Massey Ferguson: “The Hamilton Ross Group has been a fantastic dealer for a very long time. The relationship that we’ve got with them is this really great synergy between business and a bit of fun.”

Customer service

Their history spanning across almost a century, the Hamilton Ross Group has been serving generations of loyal customers, who always come back again and again to the dealership. The business prides itself on customer retention, thanks to excellent sales advice, customer service, and availability of parts. At the end of the day, most dealerships sell similar machines, so the relationship with customers is indeed paramount to differentiate them from competitors and create the preference.

Jamie Gardiner, Operations Director: “The predominant industry that we work with is agriculture, and obviously family is a big part of that. For us, it’s nice that we share that same kind of ethos.”

The Hamilton Ross Group has witnessed major changes, the first one being the evolution of technology in the agricultural industry. Simple tractors and balers that could be fixed with a toolset have morphed into very complex machines using the latest intelligence software, and precision farming is becoming increasingly prominent, and expected.

There’s fewer people working on farms than there was at the beginning of the last century, so in this sense farmers need to be able to do more, with

fewer resources. AGCO brands Massey Ferguson, Valtra and Fendt machinery all feature precision farming solutions which are designed to help make farmers’ jobs more efficient, reduce their fatigue and the costs spent on products such as fertilisers.

In the same line, the profile of customers has changed, from small family farms to bigger farms and independent contractors. With the evolution of machines and higher horsepower meaning bigger costs, it’s becoming increasingly rare for customers to pay the price of their machine upfront, and most of them are opting for finance schemes, along with warranty – both being powerful tools for customer retention.

Jim Steel, Sales Director: “Ideally, we would be looking for a bespoke type of financing in agriculture, similar to the “PCP” model in the automotive industry.”

The Sales team is offering full support when it comes to deciding on a model for the first time, and the customer is often given a machine to demo for a few days before they make up their mind. The link between an account and their Sales representative is one that goes both ways.

Andrew McIntee, Course Manager at Pollok Golf Club: “Hamilton Brothers has got that sort of family feel, that you can immediately grasp when you go into the workspace area. You’re not only buying the machine, you’re buying the people that are around it.”

Jim Steel at the Massey Ferguson “Born to Farm” Event at the Donald Malcolm Heritage Centre (2022)

Brian Hamilton with a Valtra customer (2023)

While the business originally focused on agricultural machinery, there is now a wide range of machinery that needs looking after, with technology ever evolving and new models being released. Staff benefit from regular training and workshops to bring to them the newest and most efficient ways of working and stay ahead of the competition. In the workshops, the engineers are trained to look upon the machines as if they were theirs, and to provide the service at that level.

The customers are getting a premium, professional experience all the way throughout their sales journey, starting with key advice from the salespeople on the choice of the model and its possible customisation, all the way to the aftercare and the next purchase.

Brian Hamilton, Sales Manager: “As part of the sales journey, the customer will be introduced to the key staff and the dealership for any aftercare

they may require. But in reality, in the community that we’re in, everyone knows everyone!”

The Hamilton Ross Group has a proven track record in their industry, with many technicians

having worked with their customers and machines for decades. They have a continuous

Hamilton Brothers service van with the old Massy Ferguson brand identity (1980s)

investment programme in their fully equipped workshops, ensuring service and repairs are carried out to the highest standards required for today’s machinery. As of 2023, the Hamilton Ross Group stocks over £3m worth of spare machinery parts.

Sam Mercer, Sales Manager: “For me the sales team may sell the first machine, but aftersales sells the second, the third and hopefully many more after that.”

Their service departments are ready to deal with breakdowns, planned maintenance, contracts and service agreements. Currently operating a fleet of 70 vehicles, including fullyequipped service vans, staff are able to tend to jobs on the go, from city surroundings all the way to some of the most remote islands on the West Coast. Those vans, which are like workshops on wheels, allow the engineers to maintain their presence in the

field, and to give that important on-call response.

Jim Steel, Sales Director: “We focus on the areas around our depots, because aftersales is really important – there’s no point selling a machine if you’re not able to offer that ongoing service to your customer.”

Community engagement

As a family-run business, the Hamilton Ross Group is always looking to assist and enhance the local communities and their surroundings. Depot management are encouraged to assist with local causes, and to participate in local events and activities taking place throughout the year. This can vary from loaning and donating machinery, to sponsoring or taking part in local shows, or attending Scottish Ploughing Matches.

The Hamilton Ross Group is a great believer in paving the way for the new generation to step in. Ties with Young Farmers Clubs are as strong as ever, with many of their staff being active members in them. Michael Quinn, Product Specialist, took a Massey Ferguson 5711 with a front loader to the “Young Farmer of the Year” event along with a basketball ring for participants to have a play with. Michael Rolfe, Product Specialist, was awarded

with the “Unsung Hero” prize at the ceremony on the same day.

The Sales team members at Bishopton and Cupar work in close proximity with RHET (Royal Highland Education Trust) and take part in some of their educative days. In November, Michael Quinn brought a Fendt 314 tractor to show the kids of Rimbleton Primary School (Glenrothes), during the food and farming day organised at the Cluny Activity Centre in Kirkcaldy.

Back in Renfrewshire, Thomas Connor, Groundcare Area Sales Manager, took a Kubota L2622 tractor down to the car park of Dargavel Early Learning & Childcare Centre, where some of the Bishopton staff have placed their children. In both those instances, the children were able to sit in the tractors, and ask questions about the numerous features.

Thomas Connor, Groundcare Area Sales Manager: “The excitement in the kids’ faces and eagerness to tell us the names of various components on the tractor was brilliant. Hopefully we’ll pick up some new apprentices on the way…”

At Christmas time, over the years, the Hamilton Ross Group has loaned a tractor to pull Santa’s sleigh for handing

Massey Ferguson tractors being serviced in Bishopton (2023)

out gifts to children in Ayrshire. Another example was the volunteering of an employee and

telehandler participating in the “Bonnie Bishopton” campaign, by helping to lift and reposition

plant tubs around the town, and the associated donation towards the campaign.

The Hamilton Ross Group makes a conscious effort to support other successful

Inside the R&R Machinery Lanark agricultural workshop (2023)

Scotland-based family ventures: within their supplier base, the likes of Marshall Trailers and JCB; and within their customer base, the Malcolm Group.

Andrew Malcolm, Chief Executive Officer of the Malcolm Group: “Hamilton Brothers have a lot of strong individuals who most importantly understand the sector, believe in the product that they sell and give you a very straight answer to your questions.”

For 2023, the Hamilton Ross Group appointed RSABI (Royal Scottish Agricultural Benevolent Institution) as their chosen charity, who provides vital emotional, practical and financial support to people in Scottish agriculture. As part of the Supporter Scheme, the company will sponsor activities of the “Keep Talking” campaign, and a selection of staff will go

through Mental Health First Aider training.

Sustainability

Another cause close to heart for the Hamilton Ross Group is the environment. It’s paramount to them that the business stays embedded in the localities, and that it remains a safe and sustainable place to work, for the future generations. As such, the Hamilton Ross Group is engaging with the Energy Saving Trust (Business Energy Scotland) to find out about initiatives they can put in place to work towards Net Zero.

The depots are currently undergoing refurbishment to modernise the space and make it more environmentally friendly. Changes include the utilisation of solar panels (Bishopton), the utilisation of a biomass boiler (Tarbolton) and upgrading internal lighting to LED to

reduce energy consumption across all their locations.

Most of the business model is based on circular economy. As they regularly replace their vehicles and plant equipment, most are sold on to traders as second-hand vehicles for use in the UK or export. Their fleet of vans has recently been renewed, ensuring that the new vehicles have lower carbon emissions than those being replaced; it now includes both hybrid and electric vehicles.

The Hamilton Ross Group has also aligned with a new waste management firm to help improve recycled waste whilst minimising waste sent to landfill. Their current electricity contracts are with suppliers who source 100% of their energy from renewable sources, ensuring that they are minimising their environmental impact with their day-to-day electric consumption.

Conclusion

Next on the list for the Hamilton Ross Group is launching a brand-new website, to truly align their online presence with their premium image. Exciting times are ahead as the business is reaching the beginning of a new era, with a few long-standing staff approaching retirement. In the next years, before stepping down, Eric will set up a team of forward-thinking leaders in which Jamie can place his trust for the future developments of the business – and assure its continuity with the generations to come.

Along with hiring new staff, the Hamilton Ross Group will be on the lookout for the next opportunity to complement and strengthen their business; while making sure it ties in with their family ethos and overall management culture.

Food & Farming Day at Cluny Activity Centre in Kirkcaldy organised by RHET Fife (2022)

Farmers reflect on life-saving service of Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance as it marks its 10th anniversary

This summer, Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA) marks its tenth anniversary.

Farmers and agricultural workers injured by machinery, livestock or falls line up alongside those who suffer strokes, heart attacks or other life-threatening illnesses to sing the praises of SCAA as it reaches this first decade milestone. And rural families across the country and on our many islands reflect on the part this charity-funded service played in saving their loved ones’ lives.

For, since May 2013, the charity has provided a lifeline for

hundreds of Scotland’s farmers when serious injury or illness struck.

From bases at Perth and Aberdeen, SCAA’s aircrews stand ready to respond 12 hours a day, 365 days a year. They take paramedic or doctor-led care straight to the scene of agricultural emergencies, stabilising the patient before airlifting them rapidly and comfortably to the most appropriate advanced hospital care.

Unfortunately, agricultural accidents can often involve major trauma such as limb damage,

internal injuries or broken and fractured bones – emergencies where literally every second counts.

The speed of SCAA’s helicopters can turn journeys to hospital of hours by road to just minutes by air which, along with the rapid intervention of expert care at scene and in the air, can literally prove life-saving.

To mark 10 years of service by this amazing charity – funded entirely by public donation –Farming Scotland features the stories of two Scottish farmers who can testify to the life-saving and supporting role played by SCAA when things went horribly wrong for them during a routine day on the farm.

Wrong place at the wrong time

When Fife farmer Euan Baird and his cousin were administering routine medicine to young calves,

an anxious mother decided she didn’t want to be separated from her youngster - a move that would almost prove fatal for the 52-yearold farmer.

For, as the 800 kg cow crushed against Euan in a funnelled metal barred handling area in a desperate bid to reach her calf, he felt the bones snap in his pelvis amid excruciating pain.

“I knew straight away that something was seriously wrong - I could feel that something had snapped inside me,” he said.” I roared and the cow pulled back. If she’d pressed on she would have rolled me over and crushed me to death - I had nowhere to go.”

Luckily the cow pulling back allowed Euan and his cousin to escape the handling area and call an ambulance.

“My wife and cousin got me into a chair but the pain was getting even worse and I felt I was going to pass out,” recalled Euan. “I was

Euan Baird Euan’s farm

frightened - I didn’t know how badly injured I was or what the outcome would be. It’s a terrifying situation and I was near total collapse with the agonising pain.

“Then I heard a helicopter approaching and as it circled overhead I knew it was an air ambulance - Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance goes over here all the time so it’s a familiar sight.

“I’ve never been so relieved to see it.”

SCAA landed in a field beside the farm and paramedics were quickly assessing Euan’s injuries and administering welcome pain relief.

“They were amazing - so professional and caring,” said Euan. “I was so glad to be in their hands and so relieved. I dared to think I would survive this and come through it OK thanks to their help.

‘They came to my aid so quickly and then flew me to hospital in just minutes. I don’t want to think what that journey would have been like in a road ambulance - I would have felt every bump in the road.”

X-rays and cat scans revealed that Euan had snapped his pelvis front and rear, severing it from the spine. Complex surgery followed to stabilise the bone while pins and

plates were inserted to graft the pelvic structure back together.

“I’m out of action for a while as far as farming goes but doctors expect me to make a full recovery in time,” said Euan following a two-week stay in hospital.

“I was in the wrong place at the wrong time that day and I paid the penalty,” he said, “but it could have been a lot worse and I owe a huge debt of gratitude to SCAA for coming to my aid so quickly. It’s an incredible charity and I’ll be forever grateful.

“I don’t want to think what could have happened if they hadn’t been there.”

Crushed beneath concrete trough

As the two-tonne concrete feeder crashed down towards him, Graeme MacLeod leapt to get clear.

His quick reactions avoided more than a glancing blow to his head but the weighty trough struck his chest and legs, pinning him to the cement floor in the empty cattle court.

Lying in the wet slurry that the farmer was clearing after sending the cattle out to pasture, Graeme (48) managed to wriggle his chest free but his legs were trapped.

“I didn’t know what injuries I had suffered,” he said. “Adrenaline kicks in initially and you think everything is fine - but I was held fast. I was all alone, I was cold and wet and the pain was starting to set in down my whole body.”

Graeme, who farms in the Scottish Borders, called his partner to come from her work and help him shift the offending trough.

“She managed to get the weight off me but I found I couldn’t move,” he said. “I was worried I had broken my back - it was a terrifying feeling.”

The trough had fallen around nine feet from the prongs of a forklift truck which Graeme had used to raise the feeder so that he could clean it from underneath.

“I had done it many times before but it just takes one time for things to go wrong and you’re in a whole load of trouble,” he said.

“When the ambulance arrived they got me cleaned up a bit and into the vehicle while calling on support from Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA).

“I felt a huge sense of relief when I heard the helicopter coming in to land nearby,” recalled Graeme. “SCAA

paramedics were at my side in seconds and reassuring me. They were comforting, professional and decisive. They’re exactly who you want to see when you’re frightened and in pain.”

Graeme was airlifted smoothly, comfortably and swiftly to the major trauma unit at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, minimising any threat to his injuries.

“Miraculously, I escaped with severe bruising and muscle damage to my legs,” explained a relieved Graeme, “and left hospital 10 hours later.

“I watched the accident on the farm CCTV and saw how quickly this sort of incident can happen. It’s the sort of thing that happens to other people, never you - or so I thought.

“If I had broken my neck or back, a one-hour-plus jarring road journey by ambulance to hospital would have been terrible. SCAA flew me in minutes without any more trauma.

“It’s vital for rural workers that SCAA is available to fly to our aid when we need them most and Scotland is hugely fortunate to have such a charity as part of our emergency response network. I can’t thank them enough for all they did for me.”

Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance has always been there for the country’s farming community.

Can YOU be there for them?

To find out how you can help fuel their life-saving flights into the next decade, visit www.scaa.org.uk

Graeme Macleod

Graeme’s airlift

Union welcomes beef calf scheme payments starting

Scheme highlights need for voluntary coupled support to be part of Scotland’s future agricultural policy.

Scottish farmers and crofters have started to receive valuable payments as part of the Scottish Suckler Beef Support Scheme (SSBSS). The Scottish beef industry, with an estimated output of £849 million, is a vital pillar of our rural economy.

The scheme, worth £40 million, helps underpin Scotland’s iconic beef sector, supports farmers and crofters breeding beef calves from suckler cows, ensuring that herds remain at a level that sustains Scotland’s commercial beef industry. From that pot, £34 million is for eligible mainland calves and £6 million for Island calf claims.

For the 2022 scheme year, there was an encouraging small increase in the total number of mainland and island businesses making a claim, up from 6503 to 6519, and a more significant increase in the number of beef calves claimed, which was up from 372,508 to 379,999. With more animals claimed, that means a small decrease in the payments per head, with mainland beef calves receiving £101.42 and Island calves receiving £144.47 per head.

However, NFU Scotland has concerns about the impact that the cost of production crisis is having on beef herds and the likelihood that beef cow numbers are currently falling, suggesting total calf claims made in the 2023 scheme year

will be down. Analysis of figures from NFU Scotland’s intentions survey, conducted with support from Quality Meat Scotland at the start of the year, pointed to an average beef herd size reduction of four per cent versus last year.

NFU Scotland’s Livestock Policy Advisor, Lisa Hislop said: “NFU Scotland welcomes the timely and prompt payments of the SSBSS this year. While it is encouraging to see a two per cent uplift in animals claimed for 2022 compared to 2021, it’s important to note the number of beef calves claimed and the number of farms and crofts claiming is still below 2020.

“When combined with our intention survey results, which

points to a declining beef herd and low levels confidence, our iconic beef sector still faces ongoing uncertainty and vulnerability despite the very robust prices for store and prime cattle being seen just now.

“It is in the interests of our food and drink sector and our rural economy that farmers and crofters see a future in beef. It is clear that coupled support schemes such as SSBSS, which reward active farming and support our suckler beef herd, remain an anchor for farmers and crofters in these turbulent times.

“That is why targeted support schemes must remain a key element of Scotland’s future agricultural support package from 2025 onwards.”

Pioneering livestock claims system launched by independent insurance broker

AN INNOVATIVE new system which dramatically reduces the time it takes to process livestock claims has been launched by an award-winning independent insurance broker.

Carlisle-based H&H Insurance Brokers (HHIB) is the only broker in the UK to offer the fully automated system which can settle farmers’ claims for fallen stock in minutes.

Developed by global claims management firm Crawford & Company®, the online system covers the full claims cycle and uses the latest data on livestock valuations both regionally and across the UK.

Once contacted by the client, the HHIB team will submit information on the location,

peril and animal type, as well as relevant documentation including animal passports, fallen stock removal details, veterinary reports and salvage information, into the system for an instant claim settlement validation.

The process takes approximately ten minutes compared to traditional claims processes which can take weeks and in some instances can require a loss adjuster to assess and value fallen stock.

After an initial trial period, the technology will be rolled out for use by HHIB clients, who will be able to input their own data into the system and, where appropriate, have their claim approved immediately.

The system will be accessible 24/7 to process claims and is

underpinned by a range of security measures to detect and manage fraudulent activity.

Stuart Torrance, Claims Manager at H&H Insurance Brokers, said: “We’re delighted to exclusively offer this service to our clients, which reinforces our ethos of being a leader in the insurance broking sector.

“The management of livestock in the UK is a much more technology driven, data led operation than ever before.

“Automated claims solutions for livestock-related losses are therefore a natural evolution in how the insurance industry manages these and enables us to enhance our customer service offering by introducing Crawford’s automated settlement system.”

H&H Insurance Brokers operates across the North of England, the Scottish Borders and Wales and arranges a broad portfolio of insurance for clients in all types of businesses across sectors including agriculture and rural, commercial, property, and tourism and hospitality.

The new livestock claims system forms part of its H&H Distinction: Farm Complete insurance product, which offers clients access to industry-leading products and services which are not readily available on the market.

Max Perris, Agricultural Consultant at Crawford® and product lead, is working with H&H Insurance Brokers on the launch and adoption of the new system.

Record animal performance to make better business decisions

Weighing livestock is a powerful performance measurement tool and should not be regarded as a thankless task.

Done regularly, monitoring weight gain or loss can help:

• Assess if calf weaning weights are being achieved

• Determine the best time to sell finished cattle or lambs

• Monitor animal health. Healthy livestock increases in weight throughout the season. Any that are going backwards need investigating

• Make sure the dosing of medicines such as anthelmintics is done accurately, to ensure the product works and reduce the risk of parasite resistance

• Assess if target heifer weights are being reached prior to mating

• Record and evaluate breeding performance for future genetic selection.

The value of weight information goes further than just being able to make better decisions for animals being weighed on a certain day. The larger the database of weights and liveweight trends there are,

the better position the farmer is in for future decision making.

“We were recently at a farm open day where farmer visitors were asked to guess the weight of two or three animals of different sizes,” says Suzanne Potter, regional account manager for Gallagher in Scotland.

“The range of results was staggering, with most farmers massively under- and overestimating. This could have led to real issues in terms of future feeding, dosing with veterinary medicines or selection for market.”

Weighing and Electronic Identification (EID)

While sheep EID is compulsory, and the likelihood of it becoming mandatory for cattle in future, having a weighing and EID system that works together makes sense.

Combined weighing and identification reduces time and effort, as the ear tag reader reads fast and efficiently, automatically matching weight to the animal ID number.

Gallagher Weigh Scales and Data Recorders range from an entry level automatic weighing model through to the most advanced weighing and data collection system available.

Wireless Loadbars

Loadbars are an integral part of a livestock weighing system, positioned under a platform or a crush to take the weight of the animal. Manufactured using heavy galvanised steel makes them waterproof and gives them long life. However, until now, the most common failure point has been the electric cables that connect to the weigh scale reader, which is usually mounted on the side of the crush.

“Fifty per cent of loadbar failures are thought to be caused by damage to the cables,” says Suzanne. “They can be chewed by rodents, caught and damaged in gates, or suffer from exposure to water, mud or dust. So the inventors at Gallagher came up with an answer – the first ever Wireless Loadbars. These were launched in the UK last year.”

They are powered by a longlasting lithium battery with up to ten years working life – based on four hours weighing a week. Smart battery algorithms means the battery only works when the loadbar senses a weight.

The wireless design makes the platform or crush easy to transport and move to different weighing locations, as there are no wires to trail behind.

These loadbars can be connected directly by Bluetooth to a Touch Screen Weigh Scale or a producer’s mobile phone can be turned into a weigh scale with the Animal Performance mobile App.

“Weighing and collecting animal performance data is an increasingly important element of any livestock business,” says Suzanne. “Many beef or sheep farmers may just want to weigh their animals at key points in the year.

“For others, having individual life histories at the touch of a button, on their phone, out in the field or on their laptop in the office, is super helpful for making management decisions. Whatever level is required, Gallagher has weighing and EID options for them.”

Contact Suzanne Potter on 07802 510177 or email: Suzanne. potter@gallaghereurope.com for details of all Gallagher fencing and weighing products.

Estimating the weight of cattle and sheep by eye can never be as accurate as weighing individually with a weigh scale. And with new technology, recording animal weights is becoming easier

Gallagher Wireless Loadbar under a cattle crush

Gallagher’s Animal Performance app presenting data on a desktop and iPhone

Liver fluke study delivers win-wins for animal and environmental health

Routinely treating sheep and cattle for liver fluke has led to overuse of treatments, increased resistance and costs to farmers and the environment which could be avoided through testing.

A seasonal study carried out on Islay, has demonstrated that treating ‘as little as possible, but as much as necessary’, can deliver win-wins for animal and environmental health.

The fourth in a series of case studies, developed as part of the RHASS Presidential Initiative (PI), exploring the science behind food and drink production, will look at how a collaboration between Moredun Research Institute, Elanco

Animal Health, RSPB and Islay farmers has come up with a plan to boost animal welfare, reduce flukicide resistance, improve soil health and help promote local wildlife populations.

Monthly monitoring of blood and faecal samples from a select group of animals found that timing of liver fluke infection has changed, in part due to changes in weather patterns, yet many farmers are prophylactically treating their livestock with flukicides, unnecessarily. This is leading to increased resistance to the few working products left in a veterinary toolkit and leaching of chemicals into surrounding soil and dung, which has the

potential to impact on wildlife.

One of the farmers involved in the study, Stuart Lamont, had been routinely treating his sheep at set times of year, but since his results showed very low levels of fluke in the summer and

autumn, he was advised not to treat until January. He has since moved to a testing over treating programme.

“By listening to the science, we have been able to make informed decisions about when

to treat our livestock, which has led to benefits for animal welfare, as well as significant chemical savings.

“I’m now not having to unnecessarily handle my sheep to run them through a race every six weeks and by treating more sparingly, it means the products are more likely to work when we need to use them.”

Moredun Parasitologist, Philip Skuce, added that there is a careful balance to be struck between responsible treatment and conserving biodiversity on farm.

“On Islay, we were looking at how we could ensure optimal treatment for livestock whilst also addressing issues around product resistance, improving soil health, and supporting local wildlife,” said Philip. “The role of science is so important to provide evidence to back up what you are doing is safe and healthy.

“There is increasing pressure on the agricultural industry to reduce chemical usage and the most simple and effective way to do this is to ‘test, don’t guess’ and with patterns of parasite epidemiology shifting, more than ever scientists need to be monitoring these changes and bringing farmers along with us.”

New weapon in combatting coccidiosis

A new weapon has been introduced by Zoetis to combat coccidiosis - a constant challenge on many poultry farms with the full extent of the problem often not appreciated.

The pathogens Eimeria maxima, Eimeria acervulina and Eimeria tenella are three species that commonly cause coccidiosis in broilers, which can have very significant economic impacts. Ionophores are widely used for control, but resistance can start to build up over time.

The new synthetic coccidiostat Avi-Deccox is now available from Zoetis to counter this build-up of resistance as part of an overall control programme.

This is a reformulation of ‘Deccox’, containing decoquinate as the active ingredient, that brings a number of benefits including uniformly sized, dust-free granules and increased flowing ability. This makes the product easy to work with and ensures even mixing and hence dosing of birds.

The removal of soya bean oil makes it easy to ensure the GMO-free status of Avi-Deccox and in addition, the product benefits from having wide safety margins and a zero-day withdrawal period.

“Many businesses rely very heavily on ionophores in their control programmes and there’s often a reluctance to rotate treatments, adding to the risk of resistance building up” said John Kenyon, Zoetis National Veterinary Manager.

“When using an ionophore, you should carefully consider how long it is used for before switching to a product from another anticoccidial class. The different mode of action with synthetic or ‘chemical’ coccidiostats such as Avi-Deccox achieves a greater knock-down in the short term, and they can be incorporated for brief periods into a rotational programme before switching back to an ionophore”.

Mr Kenyon recommends the use of lesion scoring alongside

coccidiosis control programmes.

“If you suspect a problem, arrange for your vet or area manager to do lesion scoring at key periods in the cycle when you would expect to see clinical signs of coccidiosis infection – typically with the birds at three to four weeks of age. This will give you the best insight into the challenges being faced by the birds”.

“Other indicators of possible coccidiosis issues can be inferior gut health, birds flicking feed from the pan and undigested feed in the droppings. You may see mucus or gut lining within the droppings or in older broilers even large amount blood in their droppings and increased mortalities. There can also be more subtle signs such as water consumption irregularities”.

Coccidiosis is ubiquitous in poultry production. The highly resistant features of oocysts in the house environment, coupled with the extremely high replicative capacity make it unfeasible to completely remove the challenges from poultry houses, so businesses need careful planning of intelligent coccidiosis control programmes. With the release of Avi-Deccox, businesses now have a very effective and user friendly coccidiostat option to incorporate into their long-term control plans.

A guide to supplementing colostrum at calving

Industry research has found 61 percent of dairy calves and 20 percent of suckler calves left to suckle the dam for colostrum did not receive enough IgG antibodies for successful passive transfer.

This data outlines opportunities both dairy and beef farmers can take to improve the short and long-term health and performance of their herds, says Emily Hall, livestock farmer and product manager for Nettex.

“Passive transfer of diseasefighting antibodies from the dam is reliant on feeding enough high quality of maternal colostrum as quickly as possible after birth,” says Ms Hall. “Simple management measures can be taken to ensure more passive transfer success rates to give

calves a stronger start to life.”

For successful passive transfer of IgG antibodies, colostrum quality needs to be a minimum of 50g/l IgG, which equates to 22 Brix when measured with a refractometer.

In new guidelines, it is now recommended calves receive a minimum of 3 litres within the first two hours of life and additional 3 to 4 litres within six to 12 hours of birth – for a total of 6 to 7 litres of high quality colostrum within its first 12 hours of life.

“To be delivered to the blood supply, IgG molecules are absorbed by the small intestine, and rapidly decline after 12 hours of life. This makes timing critical to maternal colostrum absorption,” adds Ms Hall.

Improved management options

To meet the recommended benchmarks for passive transfer, Ms Hall recommends producers stop relying on calves to suckle unsupervised and to test colostrum quality with a refractometer.

“Studies have found 2025 percent of calves don’t feed from the dam within the first 8 hours of life and few consume enough colostrum within the peak absorption window,” says Ms Hall. “Feeding colostrum via a bottle is preferable since

the sucking reflex allows milk to go straight into the abomasum for fast absorption by the small intestine. While tubing is preferable to leaving the calf to suckle the dam, it will delay absorption by 2 to 4 hours due to being delivered into the rumen.”

When colostrum quality is below the recommended 22 Brix or below the minimum 6 litres, supplementation is required to boost antibody availability and energy supply to the calf.

Supplementing colostrum

To capture the benefit of passive immunity from on-farm pathogens, Ms Hall recommends maternal dam colostrum from a cow on the same farm as the best option.

When it is not available or is going to take too long to

thaw out for the first feed, she recommends supplementing with a full fat colostrum powder sourced from UK herds like Nettex’s Calf Colostrum Double Strength.

“Calf Colostrum Double Strength can support calf performance when calves are not receiving sufficient good quality maternal colostrum. It also contains growth factors, hormones, vitamins and minerals,” she explains.

Collected from Scottish farms specifically for UK herds, Nettex’s colostrum range is free from TB, Johnes and EBL. It is also of known quality and has been tested for safety and efficacy – giving producers a quick and convenient colostrum supplement that will support the health of calves.

Sheep scab on the rise

By Madeleine Brady Northvet Veterinary Group

Forage

genomics

key to mitigating ruminant agriculture’s climate impact

With the growing focus on climate change mitigation across agriculture, Germinal sees the application of genomics technology as vital to the future of sustainable ruminant livestock production.

As part of its ongoing investment in cutting-edge science relating to the breeding of new agricultural grass and forage seed varieties, Germinal, in conjunction with Aberystwyth University, has today announced the appointment of Professor Gancho Slavov as the Germinal Chair of Crop Genomics at Aberystwyth University’s Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS).

The academic’s appointment is the result of a 30-year collaboration between Germinal and the world-leading grassland research centre IBERS, which has seen them jointly developing market-leading seed varieties with public-good traits.

Their innovative work continues, currently developing novel varieties suited to the increasing demands of sustainable food production and progressing towards net zero from productive forage.

Commenting on Professor Slavov’s appointment, Paul Billings, Managing Director, Germinal UK & Ireland, said:

“We’re delighted to welcome Professor Slavov to this senior research position funded by Germinal. His experience and expertise reflect the future of plant breeding in genomics and phenotyping.

“Whilst well established in animal genetics, and increasingly used in other crops, genomics has not been widely used to date in grass and forage breeding. We believe that the accuracy of breeding, and the potential rate of gain that it offers, mean that it is vital to the rapid mitigation of climate change in ruminant livestock.”

There has been a lot of talk recently in Orkney regarding Sheep scab. After being clear for many years cases are on the rise. Any farmer who has seen the devastating impacts of scab will know it is worthwhile taking precautions to prevent it.

Scab is caused by the mite Psoroptes ovis which causes intense itching, leading to wool loss and crusty skin lesions. Left untreated sheep can become so itchy and restless that they waste away and die. Scab in growing lambs will lead to a significant reduction in weight gain.

Any farmer buying in sheep is at risk of buying in scab – sheep can carry the mite without showing signs. Quarantine any new sheep including tups for at least 4 weeks. Neighbouring sheep may also be a risk for your flock if fencing is not maintained.

Testing for scab involves taking skin scrapes from affected animals to examine for mites. We can also blood sample for antibodies to scab. This is useful when

adding new animals to your flock or when skin scrapes are negative but there is still a strong suspicion of scab.

Under the Scottish government ‘Preparing for Sustainable Farming’ scheme farmers can claim £250 for a sheep scab screen to determine their scab status. There is also funding available for implementing sustainable parasite prevention and control plans.

Treatment options for scab are limited to organophosphate plunge dipping or injectable macrocyclic lactones (MLs). Resistance to MLs is reported and dipping is often the most effective treatment. Pour on treatments for lice are not effective against sheep scab. Scab must be considered in itchy sheep that have failed to respond to pour on treatments and veterinary advice should be taken.

Don’t let scab take a hold of your flock, practise good biosecurity and quarantine, be aware of the signs of scab and the testing options – test those tups!

Hartpury pioneers breeding more ‘sustainable’ cows as the future for the dairy industry

Professor Matt Bell, Hartpury University’s Director of Agriculture, has created a ‘breeding index’ to select dairy cows based on traits that are key to enhancing sustainability such as milk production, health, fertility and lifespan. The Hartpury Herd Index can be replicated on any dairy herd to select and breed cows that are best suited to their farm conditions.

Matt explained: “As part of our journey to net zero, we’re trying to identify cows that are more sustainable for Hartpury’s farm conditions, so we developed our own Hartpury herd index to select cows that are not only productive over their lifespan but also have lower carbon emissions.”

The study used information from the genetic background of cows to formulate the index based on individual cow profitability and carbon footprint. Hartpury carries out carbon foot printing across the entire farm and can use these figures to estimate the carbon outputs per cow as well as selecting cows that are best suited to its farm conditions. This in turn ensures cows live a healthier, longer life. By selecting more sustainable cows, it is hoped that the carbon emissions from each cow can be reduced by 10% or more if we are more selective.

“We estimate that around 80% of our cows are sustainable under our index terms, so we’d be looking at ultimately

replacing the other 20% with younger animals that are more sustainable for the future based on our selection index.”

The study has already had an impact with the farm’s younger cows already showing a reduced carbon footprint.

Breeding for feed-efficient dairy cows

The largest UK study of its kind aims to enhance breeding for feed efficient dairy cows.

Feed accounts for around half of the operating costs in dairy production and improving feed efficiency, without sacrificing milk production or animal health, could save the industry millions of pounds a year.

The research project, led by Bingjie Li at Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC), could also

mitigate methane emissions from cattle, contributing to the reduced environmental footprint of the dairy population.

Based on newly generated data and the 50-year longitudinal database at SRUC’s Dairy Research Centre, it will use innovative methods to provide novel and comprehensive knowledge of genomic and regulatory variants underlying feed efficiency, informing large-

scale genetic improvement of dairy cattle.

Bingjie, an SRUC Challenge Research Fellow, said: “This is the largest population-level study of its kind in the UK on dairy feed efficiency, and will empower sustainable dairy breeding for feed efficient and environmentally friendly animals.

“The dairy industry is worth about £703bn globally and

£9.2bn in the UK. Research outcome from this project has the potential to deliver at least 1 per cent extra genetic progress for UK dairy industry, worth millions of pounds per year for the UK dairy industry and notifying dairy breeding worldwide.”

The three-year project is funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) Responsive Mode - New Investigator Award.

National Show judges confirmed for UK Dairy Day 2023

The National Ayrshire and Brown Swiss Shows return to the ring at UK Dairy Day 2023, along with the National Holstein Show.

This year’s judges will be Colin Christophers from Cornwall for the Ayrshire classes and Brian Weatherup from Fife for the Brown Swiss classes.

The Ayrshire Cattle Society have selected Colin Christophers from Truro, Cornwall to judge the National Ayrshire Show.

With wife Jenny, son David and help from daughter Debbie and Granddaughter Megan, Colin runs the Rosehill Ayrshire herd. The 300-acre Cornwall Council farm has a herd of 300 with 170 milking cows and followers. Recent investment on the farm has seen a new slurry system installed, collecting and converting methane from the herd to power tractors, vehicles, and generators.

The Rosehill Ayrshire Herd has shown all over the

South West and previously up to the Royal Show. Their greatest accolade is winning the Royal Show with Rosehill Black Velour. In addition to showing Colin has had the honour of judging all over the UK, including at Balmoral & Antrim in Northern Ireland, The Highland Show and AgriScot in Scotland, The Welsh Dairy Show, Royal Welsh and the Royal and Royal Welsh Shows.

UK Dairy Day will welcome Brian Weatherup as the judge chosen by the Brown Swiss Cattle Society for their National Show. Brian Weatherup jnr of the Parkend herd in Fife runs the family farm with his parents and wife Gillian. They milk 220 pedigree cattle with a focus on proven genetics, aiming for exceptional udders and feet and legs, always pushing for highyielding, long-lasting cows.

The herd won back-to-back Scottish herds competitions in 2020/2021.

Brian has judged at shows across the UK and Ireland, including at the Royal Highland, Great Yorkshire and Irish National calf shows. Showing highlights for the family include four Royal Highland championships, champion heifer at the National Holstein Show and winning the red and white championship at UK Dairy Day.

The National Holstein Show judge was announced in December as South Wales dairy farmer Iwan Morgan who with his father Edward runs the Erie herd of 150 Holsteins and 30 Jerseys.

Returning as UK Dairy Day 2023 cattle infrastructure sponsor is NWF Agriculture who continues to support the free entry for cattle exhibitors.

The cattle schedule will be released at the beginning of July with the stall booking deadline being Friday 4th August 2023.

Plan ahead to avoid heat stress production losses

Dairy producers are being urged to start thinking about heat stress ahead of the warmer weather to help avoid significant production losses.

Speaking recently at The George Farm Vets Cow Convention conference, Nico Vreeburg, Lallemand’s ruminant technical support manager, warned that heat stress is becoming a bigger problem and encouraged farmers to start planning mitigation protocols now.

“Production losses occur long before cows show any signs of heat stress. Drops in milk yields, poor fertility and increased health challenges such as lameness and ketosis can all be seen as a result of heat stress. Cows start to express signs of heat stress at 21oC, but losses start to occur as early as 18oC,” said Mr Vreeburg.

“With the hotter summers we have been experiencing, temperatures at this level are occurring much more

frequently than in the past, so heat stress needs to be a fundamental part of any cow management plan.”

Mr Vreeburg said a proactive approach to heat stress is key and recommended farmers look at cow housing, nutrition and water access as starting points.

“Cows spend 75% of their time inside, so it’s worth investing in good housing. Badly designed sheds could be 5oC hotter than the temperature

outside, however in a good shed, the temperature could be 5oC cooler,” he said.

“Ventilation is a really important factor – there should be fresh air 24/7 in the barn. Cows also need access to a reliable source of fresh water as they will drink more in the heat.”

As an example, Mr Vreeburg said a cow producing 21 litres of milk per day will drink 103 litres of water when the temperature is 21ºC and 109 litres of water when the temperature is 27ºC.

Judge - Colin Christophers Judge - Brian Weatherup

sheep

European sheep researchers go down under to discover best practices

Members of a European sheep network, which shares knowledge and expertise on flock nutrition and health management, have visited New Zealand to identify best practice in these areas.

EuroSheep, which was initiated by SheepNet, enables knowledge exchange based on the industry’s current needs between stakeholders in Ireland, the UK, Spain, France, Italy, Hungary, Greece and Turkey - representing 80 per cent of sheep production in Europe.

Dr Brid McClearn, from Teagasc in Ireland, visited New Zealand with members from another EU thematic network

– Sm@RT: Small Ruminant Technologies – led by Claire Morgan-Davies at Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC).

New Zealand has 25.7 million sheep, is a major exporter of sheep meat and wool and has recently initiated a dairy sheep industry.

The objective of the visit was to identify best practices in flock health and nutrition from the large meat, wool and milk sheep flocks in New Zealand, which operate in a range of climatic conditions.

Dr McClearn and colleagues visited farms with flock sizes of between 800 to 29,000 sheep on both the South and North islands

where she interviewed farmers about the health and nutrition management of their flocks.

More information about Eurosheep can be found at:

www.eurosheep.network

Maximising lambcrop performance

SAC webinars deliver support for sheep farmers

A new series of webinars, designed to assist sheep farmers maximise lamb performance from birth to weaning, has emphasised the importance of colostrum at lambing to reduce antimicrobial resistance on Scottish farms.

The series also highlighted new developments and techniques available for castration and tailing of lambs.

SAC Consulting, part of Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC), hosted three webinars featuring the key stages of lamb growth from lambing to eight weeks and, finally, weaning which featured advice from researchers, vets, specialists and farmers,

The webinars attracted 300 viewers across the series, with the two key messages which followed in each virtual session, being, manage condition score of ewes throughout the year and only measure and record data that will make a positive impact on the flock.

Lamb losses from Scottish flocks between scanning and weaning is widely quoted as 1520 per cent, meaning in a 500ewe flock scanning at 170 per

cent, typical losses are between 127-170 lambs per year. The largest number of losses are often found at lambing, which can be reduced through targeted nutrition, condition score, health and management.

SRUC’s Veterinary Investigation Officer, Fiona Crowden, led the discussion on the webinar around a number of important issues, including reducing reliance on antibiotics during lambing. She urged participants to avoid antibiotics when possible, and to look at animals on a caseby-case basis, rather than using prophylactic treatments on all animals.

While the use of antibiotics has reduced across the agricultural sector, the position has stalled in recent years, and the farmers on the webinar were advised that there are some ‘low hanging fruit’ they can take advantage of.

Among those were improving colostrum intake and good hygiene during lambing, which will reduce the risk of neonatal disease and reduce the amount of antibiotics which need to be used.

Across the country there are farmers who blanket treat lambs with antibiotics, but it is felt there is a need to move away from this and look at examples of good practice on farms where the use of antibiotics has almost been eliminated.

Professor Cathy Dwyer, Animal Behaviour and Welfare Researcher at SRUC, looked at the latest research and developments around lamb castration and tail docking. This research was commissioned by DEFRA to assist the industry in mitigating the pain associated with the typical management practice.

The study compared the pain-related behaviours in lambs for the first hour after treatment, to understand which method caused the least pain.

The four methods used included a method available in Australia, where a local anaesthetic (Procaine) is given as the rubber ring is placed on the site, a Scottish developed clamp that desensitises and interrupts the nerves, rubber rings and the fourth was simply handling the

lambs. The clamp was used on young lambs less than seven days old, as well as older lambs.

“The results were promising, showing high effectiveness against pain for tailing lambs in the two newly developed methods. However, only one of the new methods was effective against pain for castrating the younger and older lambs,” added Prof Dwyer.

Senior Sheep and Beef Consultant at SAC Consulting, Kirsten Williams, said the webinars were designed to highlight new research, new thinking, and practical tips to help maximise the number of lambs reared on farms.

“With the rising costs of inputs associated with sheep production, the webinars are focusing on increasing efficiency and reducing waste on farms,” she said.

“The management of the ewe throughout the year is essential to provide good quality and quantity of colostrum for the lamb, to help fight against bacteria and disease and minimise lamb losses.”

Maximising lambcrop performance SAC webinars deliver support for sheep farmers

Quarantine and drench sheep returning from grazing

Farmers are being reminded to treat all incoming sheep with a group 4 wormer and quarantine them to prevent resistant worms being brought onto farms.

While it is generally common practice to treat and quarantine newly purchased stock, sometimes this process can be overlooked for sheep that are returning from grazing.

Matt Colston, Elanco ruminant technical consultant, says it is vital not to forget these animals because they pose the same risk as newly bought stock.

“Whether sheep are grazing common land or rented ground, unless a farmer has had sole use of that land for a minimum of two years, it’s important to treat these animals as ‘incomers’,” says Mr Colston.

Below, Mr Colston outlines the best practice protocols for quarantine dosing:

Weigh stock and calibrate drenching equipment

To ensure sheep are dosed accurately, do not guess the weight of sheep. Calibrate your scales, then select and weigh the biggest sheep in the group to determine the correct dose. Split the group if you need. Underestimating the weight of sheep can cause them to be underdosed.

Treat all incoming stock with a group 4 wormer

group 1-BZ (white), 2-LV (yellow) and 3-ML (clear) is growing rapidly.

“Once resistance to wormers has developed it’s irreversible,” says Mr Colston.

He recommends using the newer group 4 (orange) wormer Zolvix as soon as possible after the sheep arrive back on the farm as this will clear out any resistant worms the sheep might have been picked up while grazing land away from the farm.

Quarantine sheep

The quarantine period should start as soon as sheep arrive.

Ideally sheep should be yarded for 24-48 hours to allow the treatment to work and prevent worms being passed on pasture. Turn sheep out to dirty pasture Following the quarantine period, sheep should only be turned out to dirty pasture.

“If resistant worms survive the treatment, this ensures they are diluted by other worms,” says Mr Colston.

For more advice on treating sheep for worms go to: www. farmanimalhealth.co.uk/sheep/ sheep-worms/sheep-wormerchecker.

More information on quarantine dosing:

At the March meeting of the NSA Scotland General Purposes and Policy Committee meeting we welcomed three speakers which covered various policy topics. Undoubtedly interests were peaked when Dr Lucy Coyne, Senior Technical Policy Manager, National Office of Animal Health Ltd (NOAH) provided an update on the supply of animal medicines in the UK which included time critical products such as Heptavac P Plus. NSA have received many queries from members on the availability and cost of this product in recent years. Despite continued communication of these difficulties, farmers and crofters still find themselves in the same predicament of having to open a large 500ml bottle or potentially increasing their reliance on antibiotics and compromising overall animal health and welfare on farm. As a direct result of the meeting, NSA has again highlighted these issues and many other implications on the sheep industry from a four-nation approach by writing an open letter to NOAH members.

Our sheep farmers across the country work tirelessly to ensure animals are kept in the best possible conditions yet we have a minority of the population who simply will not take responsibility for their or their dog’s actions. Despite increasing awareness of the consequences of sheep worrying by dogs in Scotland aided by strengthened laws in recent years, occurrences are still a very real fact and we cannot allow complacency to overrule responsibility. NSA Scotland hosted a webinar in early April which looked at the strengthened laws in Scotland surrounding Sheep Worrying by Dogs and complemented the national NSA campaign.

NSA Scotland Chair Peter Myles was joined by PC Mike Urquhart, North East Crime Reduction Officer and Ramsay Hall, Senior Associate Brodies LLP who discussed this most serious topic and provided guidance on what sheep farmers and crofters can do when incidents occur. In addition to this, statistics were provided from the recently completed annual survey carried out by NSA.

For further information, please visit https://www. nationalsheep.org.uk/webinars/

UK Government announces plan to ensure fairness and transparency across pig sector supply chain

• Regulation for written contracts will provide fairness and certainty for the sector as it responds to global challenges

• Call for evidence shows clear support for the government’s approach

• Support will help the pig sector to thrive in the future

The government has provided a boost to the UK’s pig sector by committing to regulate pig contracts to support the supply chain and provide greater certainty across the whole sector.

These new regulations will help to bring stability and security to the pig supply chain, strengthening the sector’s ability to deal with the challenges currently being faced around

the world, such as rising costs and labour shortages caused by global pressures.

The move follows a public consultation last year, which received nearly 400 responses from producers, processors and others in the supply chain. It revealed popular sentiment in the sector that legally required written contracts would remove uncertainty and ambiguity, with the majority of respondents supporting the governments approach to implement this through legislation.

Farming Minister Mark Spencer said: “The pig sector has faced unprecedented challenges over the last year, with rising costs and global labour shortages putting real

pressure on producers and processors.

“We are committed to working with the sector, and the regulations set to be introduced will ensure fairness and transparency across the supply chain – from pig to pork to plate – to help the sector to thrive in the future.”

The regulations will be developed using the regulationmaking power in section 29 of the Agriculture Act 2020, with further engagement with industry to ensure that they meet the needs of the sector and properly address the challenges the sector faces.

As well as regulation on written contracts, the government will develop regulations to collect and share more supply

chain data, particularly in relation to wholesale price transparency and national slaughter numbers. Increasing the availability of this sort of data within the supply chain will help market reporting services be more reflective of the entire UK market, and will therefore help to further reduce ambiguity for all within the supply chain.

The consultation has also revealed pig producers’ concerns about market consolidation in the processing sector, and the impact this has had on producers. In response to this, the government will be sharing the consultation’s findings relating to the alleged negative consequences of market consolidation with the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA).

Here we go!

It is always a privilege to be able to publish this Preview of our great Royal Highland Show for 2023 after a recent break of two years and ‘coming back’ last year, normality feels good!

Along with the Scottish Game Fair and Open Farm Sunday, we have certainly got a few events covered in this issue.

RHS is a fantastic event for us all, and I cannot wait to be visiting all the stands and attractions once again this year.

The Royal Highland Show is of course our biggest farming event of the year, and I would like to wish everyone who have helped to organise it all.

To those exhibiting at the show, all I can say is, “Good luck, enjoy it, and may this be a very profitable few days for you”.

To the visitors, both farming and general public, I hope you enjoy sampling the fab produce on display and for sale, there really is nothing better than locally produced quality food to lift the spirits.

And talking of spirits, I am sure there will be quite a few opportunities to sample the latest concoctions of offer on various stands over the event.

Enjoy it all folks!

Slàinte.

Athole Murray Fleming

Publisher/Editor

Farming Scotland Magazine

Welcome to our 2023 Royal Highland Show Preview

It is indeed a great honour to be welcoming everyone to ‘Flock to the Show’ for 2023.

I have had the privilege to meet many people around the country at shows, sales, events and viewing the magnificent painted sheep which have been well received up and down the country. The massive machine that allows the RHS to take place has been preparing since the last member departed the RHS200 - so with this in mind, I must thank sincerely the magnificent team employed in the production and our wonderful volunteer directors and stewards. These Directors wear their badges with pride, willingly giving up their time to ensure we can all enjoy the great event that is the Royal Highland Show. Thanks must also go to our Show sponsors, who dedicate their support to ensure we can showcase the best in farming, food and rural life.

This year our Flock to the Show sheep are welcoming you to the Golden Shears World Championships which is being held during the Show. Many thanks must go to Directors past and present who have been working on this for several years. I for one am eagerly anticipating this world class event and welcoming shearers and their families from across the world.

By now in farms and homes across Scotland and further afield, cattle will have been selected for some time, sheep have been classified over and over again, handcrafts and produce tried and tested, and innovations will be complete - all to make a fantastic display for all of us to witness, purchase and taste! This is ably assisted by every department within RHASS and we all have same goal that your visit to the Show in June will be a great success.

The Royal Highland Show is first and foremost a platform for showcasing the very best in food, farming and rural life. But it is also our flagship fundraising event, with revenue generated by the Show supporting the work of the RHASS as a charity and allowing us to do more for the advancement of our sector.

Many children from across Scotland will visit us for the first time and make lifetime memories. This is arranged by our RHET team, who I am sure will have many surprises in store for these children and in turn sharing with many our pride in Scotland’s farming.

Whether you are meeting old friends, making new friends, (or wishing you were still stockjudging!), a warm welcome is extended to you and your families. Without you, none of this would be possible.

Have a great time and see you around the Show.

Yours, Jim Warnock RHASS Chairman

Jim Warnocky, RHASS Chairman

Fresh from a barnstorming return to form last year, in just over a month’s time the gates of Ingliston will open once again for the Royal Highland Show 2023.

There’s plenty to get excited about this year, from the Golden Shears championships to the Royal Highland Hoolie –showgoers are in for a treat!

Flock to the Show & Golden Shears

Of course, we can’t tell you what’s new at the Royal Highland Show for this year without mentioning Flock to the Show and the Golden Shears World Sheep Shearing and Woolhandling Championships.

The full flock of decorated sheep sculptures will be at the Show and there will be an interactive trail around the showground for you to find them all!

Meanwhile there will be some woolly exciting action on the shearing stages with the return of the Golden Shears. You do not want to miss what will be a thrilling showcase of the world’s best shearing and woolhandling talent.

In the competition rings

Nowhere else in the country

The Royal Highland Show 2023

will you find the best of the best livestock and equines on display! The competition rings are a testament to the hard work and dedication competitors put in year-round so that their stock is in prime condition on show day.

In an exciting announcement for 2023, there is to be a 25% increase in prize money across classes.

Following on from the success of introducing Valais Blacknose and Dutch Spotted classes in the sheep section last year, we are excited to welcome back these popular additions to the show rings.

In an addition to the schedule, an extra day of Goat showing will take place this year, with the Scottish Dairy Goat Show featuring on Saturday’s schedule in addition to the Friday classes.

There are also additions to equine classes across the board, including a new Driven Heavy Horse qualifier and new Intermediate Show Hunter and Show Riding Types, Lead Rein and First Ridden Pony, Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) qualifiers. This brings the total number of HOYS qualifier classes to 57 for 2023.

Showcasing agri-innovation Farming and the agri sector are continually evolving and innovating to meet the challenges of today, and this innovation will take pride of place this year in the new Agricultural Demonstration Arena.

In the agri demo arena, the winners of this year’s RHASS Technical Innovation Awards will be presented with their awards, and their winning entries will also be on display for visitors to examine.

Designed to showcase innovation in agriculture, big and small, as well as hosting family friendly entertainment, the new arena will be situated in the south side of the showground, attracting footfall to this area. The Technical Innovation Awards will also move to this area, with the winning products on display. Make sure to pay it a visit this June!

Scotland’s Larder on display

A highlight of any day at the Highland is a visit to the famous food hall, Scotland’s Larder. Here, you’ll find an abundance of top-quality, delicious produce from Scotland and around the UK.

There is a big focus on Scottish produce of course,

with the majority of exhibitors in Scotland’s Larder based in Scotland.

As always, the Scottish Dairy and Honey Championships will offer producers a chance to shine and win that coveted gold award. In the Scottish Dairy Championship, classes have been split to introduce several new classes, including best flavoured yogurt, cheeseboard and celebration cake made out of cheese – yum!

Meanwhile in the Scottish Honey Championship, there’s a new wax wrap class and school bee keeping club entries and being encouraged to engage with the next generation of beekeepers. There was also be lots to sink your teeth into in the Food for Thought marquee, with demonstrations and talks from chefs, producers and food technicians.

Music & entertainment

Fresh from the excitement of the Big Top concerts last summer, this year showgoers will have the chance to dance the night away at the Royal Highland Hoolie!

Hosted in partnership with legendary and sell-out country music phenomenon Farmers Bash, Royal Highland Hoolie will showcase some of Scotland

Judging the cattle

Scotland’s best on parade

& Ireland’s best homegrown talent – including Skerryvore, Derek Ryan and Laura McHugh.

The line-up of artists represents the vibrancy of the intrinsically linked Scottish & Irish music scene, from traditional Scottish folk music to Irish Country - there will be something for everyone at this exciting new event!

Of course, there will be the usual entertainment offerings

across the showground –everything from pipe bands and ceilidhs to choirs and pop music will be on show!

Keeping the kids entertained

As always, there is so much to engage young minds at the Show. Whether it’s the fascinating beekeeping tent (complete with real queen bee!) the chance to get nose-to-muzzle with the animals, the fantastic RHET Discovery

Tent or the engaging Countryside Area – there’s something around every corner. And don’t forget, kids aged 15 and under go free to the Show!

Getting there

As usual, there is a comprehensive travel plan in place to ensure visitors can get to and from the Show as efficiently as possible.

Hopping on public transport remains the easiest and most

sustainable option for getting to the Showground. Travel by tram, train, or get dropped off at the gates by the bus.

If visitors do want to take the car, booking your parking tickets in advance is required – there will be no parking tickets available on the day!

Be sure to visit the Royal Highland Show website to view the full public transport travel plan: royalhighlandshow.org

The A-Z of the Royal Highland Show 2023

A – Agricultural equipment

– See the fantastic display of farm machinery and take the opportunity to visit the stands – the new agri demo arena this year is a must-visit

B – Beer – Enjoy a pint from the Royal Highland Show’s brewery partner and principal beer supplier, Innis & Gunn

C – Countryside – Set by its own loch, the Countryside Arena is home to exciting demonstrations, including birds of prey, sheepdog and ferret displays.

D – Dairy - The Scottish Ice Cream, Cheese and Butter Championships all at the Show. We are in for a treat!

E – Equestrian - The Show always welcomes an impressive range of horse

breeds, from the adorable Shetland Pony to the majestic Clydesdale.

F – Flock to the Show – Visitors can view our Flock to the Show sheep in one place at the Show this year – marvel at the colourful display!

G – Golden Shears – This year the Show will host the Golden Shears World Sheep Shearing and Woolhandling Championships – see the best of the best talent on display in the MacRobert Theatre!

H – Highland Cattle – Witness one of Scotland’s most iconic animals, the gorgeous Highland Coo, up close and in the flesh!

I – Innovation – the latest labour, time and moneysaving gadgets for rural

businesses can be seen in the RHASS Technical innovation Awards, which are presented at the Show.

J – Judges – The Show attracts some of the top judges in the UK, who come from all over, from Orkney to Cornwall, to judge livestock, food and drink and much more.

K – Kids go free – Kids aged 15 and under go free when accompanied by an adult.

L – Logs - Make sure to visit the Forestry Arena, which is home to the Scottish Pole Climbing Championships along with action-packed forestry and wood carving demonstrations.

M – Music - the Show caters for all musical tastes, you could be disco dancing one minute, doing a ceilidh the next,

before enjoying a traditional Scottish pipe band later on!

N – New – One of the Show’s highlights is the bountiful shopping opportunities on offer, and as always you will be spoiled for choice with an exceptional array of country fare on display on Avenue 13.

O – Online - Get all the latest up-to-date information on the Show on the official Royal Highland Show app, website and social media channels for the latest updates.

P – Presidential Initiative - The 2023 Show will celebrate Perthshire, showcasing the unique heritage and culture of the region.

Q - Queen Bee – Find out all you need to know about honey and the importance

Shetland pony class

Kids can learn about animals up close

of bees in the Show’s Honey Marquee by the West Entrance, and don’t miss the prize giving at the Honey Championships!

R – RHS TV – Once again the Show will be broadcast live through the RHS TV platform – if you can’t be there in person, watch online via the Royal Highland Show website.

S – Scotland – the very best of our country’s food, farming and rural life is on display at what is one of Scotland’s best showcases.

T – Taste - The Show is renowned for its culinary delights – check out chef demos and walk around the food hall to enjoy some free samples

U – Unwind – The Show is the perfect place to catch up with friends, relax and simply enjoy a good day out.

V – Variety – Cattle and sheep, farriery at The Forge,

show jumping, heavy horse turnouts, ceilidh bands, choirs, shopping, artisanal food and drink – there’s SO much to see and do.

W – Wool – This history of this valuable textile will be celebrated as part of the Golden Shears World Championships.

X – Xcitement - There’s plenty of excitement at the Show – make sure you get your programme so you don’t miss out on a single thing!

Y – Youth – The RHET Discovery Tent is home to activities and exhibits designed to engage young minds. Pay it a visit if you have little ones in tow!

Z – Zones - To make the most of your visit we want to ensure you can get around the Showground easily. Watch out for the coloured zones on your map and RHS App to help guide you around the Showground!

Food for Thought at the Royal Highland Show

Food, farming, and celebrating the people in rural Scotland is what the Royal Highland Show has celebrated for over 200 years.

The Food for Thought Theatre prides itself in showcasing the heritage of Scottish food and drink enjoyed at the Royal Highland Show and across the country. The theatre will promote everything that Scottish produce, cooking skills and food culture has to offer.

Treats for foodie fans

There will be an exciting crosssection of food experts, including culinary chefs, development chefs, food technologists and cooks, who will demonstrate and

discuss their favourite foods, share their skills and knowledge - and provide those all-important tasters! Come and meet them, taste their food, and share your feedback at the Farmhouse Table with the audience, or just savour the moment. If you are a foodie, you need to make this a part of your day out at the Show.

An exhibit of farmhouse kitchen equipment will show how innovation and consumerism have changed how we prepare or cook our staple foods over the centuries. Demonstrations will show how to use modern air fryers and slow cookers to efficiently lower energy consumption and explain

economical ways to love food (and hate waste!).

The young farmers and SAYFC will be cooking up a storm with their Ready Steady Country Cooks competition, sponsored by QMS. Budding chefs will be challenged to a mastermind a main dish using Scottish produce as well as selection of mystery ingredients. With one hour to impress the judges, the live cook-off will take

place in the Food for Thought Marquee.

The Scottish Dairy Championships will make their home in the Food for Thought Theatre this year, come and experience the best of the best across all dairy products - from wheels of cheese to flavoured yoghurt and even cakes made of cheese! Make sure this is on your check list for the Show, and find

out who will has taken the Dairy crown for 2023.

The story of Scottish seeds & grains

Oats and grains have long been a staple part of Scottish diets throughout the centuries. Throughout the last year, Scottish children learned about modern seeds and grains, with the Royal Highland Education Trust (RHET)

organising teacher CPD, visits to farms or arranging classroom visits for schools. Today’s trend of ‘food on the go’ offers products like oat snack bars or instant porridge pots - both are examples of how we have developed traditional Scottish oat products for today’s lifestyle and consumers. We will be comparing and discussing their differences and similarities with experts this year.

Great range of food and drink

Fresh hot smokies

In celebration of Golden Shears World Sheep Shearing and Woolhandling Championships, hosted at the RHS this year, we will explore some delicious, simple ways to enjoy the range of foods that grass-fed hill sheep provide - from Scotch lamb to award winning cheese made from their milk. There are products to suit most consumers and occasions; whether buying lamb from a butcher to prepare a meal from scratch, or a value-added lamb product from a farm shop, or perhaps a ‘ready to cook’ lamb meal from a retailer, the options available are impressive and tasty.

Exploring the Science of Food & Drink

The RHASS Presidential Team this year hail from the Perthshire region, and they have been exploring the Science of Food & Drink for their initiative this year. Producing a series of case studies exploring how science is helping to advance agriculture and food production of all kinds, topics covered have included water quality and livestock health in Glenlivet, blackcurrant production in Tayside and innovative seed potato trials in South Aberdeenshire. Science is inextricably linked to our food and drink sector and Perth is a fantastic showcase of where science has already fed into developing a thriving food and drink larder, spanning its numerous farming sectors. Together we will discuss, and importantly taste, the results of this innovation!

To celebrate the region, we will also hear from agritourism business in Perthshire, who will share their produce and experiences with us. There will be delicious tasters to enjoy while we chat about how Scotland’s food and agritourism sector helps attract visitors to our country at large.

Something for every taste

Choosing food and drink at the Show is something that every visitor will do, from receptions in the magnificent Pavilion, to the many restaurants and bars, and the ever-popular ‘Scotland’s Larder’ food hall where traders offer ‘try before you buy’ tasters. This year, the Food for Thought

team want to learn more about what this means to you. What is your foodie highlight at the Show - do you a ‘must have’ traditional breakfast snack when you arrive, or is eating an ice-cream whilst watching competitions in the Main Ring your favourite experience? So much to choose from, but your choice is unique to you - we want to know what makes your visit memorable so that we can report what was the favourite Royal Highland Show food experience of 2023. We will be gathering feedback in the lead up to and during the Show so watch out for your chance to contribute!

Bring your appetite for what you know and love or explore what’s new and different at the Royal Highland Show this year. Join us and make it a Show to remember!

McBeath to place the champion Young Handler The choice of judges rotates around the different sections each year, with Sarah

Flock to the Show

RHASS launches Scotlandwide art trail. Earlier this year, RHASS launched its ‘Flock to the Show’ campaign, a public art trail that is travelling across Scotland this April and May.

The campaign celebrates the return of the Golden Shears World Sheep Shearing & Woolhandling Championships to the Royal Highland Show.

The art trail features 38 specially designed sheep sculptures, decorated by artists from across the UK. Designed to engage visitors of all ages, the trail is also raising awareness of different causes related to farming, including regenerative agriculture, rural isolation and climate change.

Following the tour, the flock shall return to the Royal Highland Show during the Golden Shears in June this year, which will be the only time the sheep sculptures will gather together in one location.

The flock will then be auctioned in September to raise

funds that will support the Royal Highland & Agricultural Society of Scotland Bicentennial Fund, which supports projects dedicated to sustainability in the rural sector.

The tour covers four main areas – Northern Scotland; Dundee, Fife and Perthshire; Strathclyde and Dumfries & Galloway; and Lothian and the Scottish Borders.

Find out more about Flock to the Show on the Royal Highland Show website: royalhighlandshow.org/flockto-the-show/

Meet the Flock

Doddie’s Sheep

Doddie’s Sheep was designed by Hamilton-based mural artist Megan Reilly in a tribute to rugby legend and MND

Cheese wedding cake by I.J Mellis

Doddie’s Sheep

campaigner, the late Doddie Weir. In Doddie’s signature blue and yellow tartan, this sheep’s design is eye catching and bold.

Megan has painted over 1000 murals in her artistic career, and says it is ‘any artist’s dream come true’ to have their work auctioned off to raise funds for a charity. Megan also designed the ‘Shepherd’s Delight’ sheep, which depicts a shepherd tending to his flock during a vibrant sunset.

The cause attached to Doddie’s Sheep is the topic of food security – you can learn more about this topic on the Royal Highland Show website.

Sheep Will Rock Ewe

Adriana De Matos designed Sheep Will Rock Ewe, which was based on the concept of a ‘black sheep’ and is inspired by the glam rock and metal bands Adriana idolised as a teenager.

Adriana was born in Portugal where she trained as a professional artist before moving to Scotland in 2014, where she fell in love with the beauty of the country’s fauna and flora and set up her own wildlife illustration business.

Sheep Will Rock Ewe is aptly sponsored by Greatest Hits Radio, and is raising awareness of the concept of ‘aglflation’the increasing costs of goods and services related to agriculture.

Be More Alan

Charlotte Brayley’s design was inspired by Alan, her beloved Suffolk sheep. Charlotte, who

is based in Comrie, says: “The wonderful thing about Alan was he wasn’t just a sheep. He brought happiness to thousands

Agricultural crop sprayer specialists in supplying quality equipment New

Sheep Will Rock Ewe

Be More Alan

Davy Baa-wie

of people.” Charlotte’s artwork featuring Alan even helped to pay for her wedding!

The design incorporates her signature style; a mix of broad brushstrokes

Be More Alan is sponsored by SRUC and is raising awareness of the associated issues of isolation in rural Scotland, including access

to health services due and poor mental health.

Davy Baa-wie

Knitwear designer Jenny McHardy inspiration for Davy Baa-wie came from her love of music legend and style icon David Bowie, with the design based on the iconic knitted

jumpsuit designed by Kansai Yamamoto for him during the Ziggy Stardust tour in 1974. Working from her studio in Fife, Jenny runs her own busy knitwear label, Nervous Stitch, and is passionate about keeping Scottish textiles relevant, contemporary and conversed about.

Golden Shears

31 countries flock to Scotland this summer to compete in Golden Shears sheep shearing world championships

Shearing teams from over 31 nations around the world will flock to Edinburgh this summer to take part in the 2023 Golden Shears Sheep Shearing & Woolhandling World Championships at the Royal Highland Show’s MacRobert Theatre.

Countries including Japan, South Africa and New Zealand will send their top shearing and woolhandling talent to compete in the event, which is held in a different location around the globe every three years.

The Golden Shears is the world’s premier sheep shearing and woolhandling competition. The 2023 competition was secured in 2019 following an intense bidding process,

The cause attached to Davy Baa-wie is the economic impact of significant job losses in rural communities, and the challenge of attracting new business to rural areas. Meet the full flock on the Royal Highland Show website: royalhighlandshow.org/flockto-the-show/

Royal Highland Show 2023

ultimately won by the Royal Highland & Agrigultural Society of Scotland, Scotland’s leading agricultural charity. As well as a huge investment financially and logistical support by the Society this year, Golden Shears is also sponsored by Lister Shearing, British and Ulster Wool, Elanco, The MacRobert Trust, Hoggs of Fife and Taylors Snacks Ltd.

With more than 200,000 visitors expected to pass through the gates of the Royal Highland Show, the Golden Shears stage will be watched by a huge in person audience, in addition to tens of thousands of online viewers on the Show’s streaming platform, RHS TV.

This is only the second time that Scotland has hosted the Golden Shears since its launch in 1977, the first being in 2003 again hosted by the Royal Highland & Agricultural Society of Scotland.

More information on the Golden Shears 2023 can be found

on the Royal Highland Show website: royalhighlandshow.org/ golden-shears-2023

Jim Warnock, Chairman of the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS), commented:

“Scotland is the perfect stage for the Golden Shears and we are delighted to be welcoming shearing teams from over 30 countries to the Royal Highland Show this June. “The Golden Shears is an exciting addition to what is already Scotland’s best day out – if you’ve never experienced the thrill of the shearing tent before, make sure to pay it a visit this year as the world’s top talent will be on display.”

Veronica Baena Fraca is competing at the Golden Shears as part of Spain’s national team. She commented: “I’m really looking forward to reconnecting with the people and friends I’ve met at the Golden Shears over the years. I’ll be happy just to

do my best, have a good time and enjoy spending time with my teammates. “Back in 2019 I was working as a wool handler at the Royal Highland Show and I had the chance to see my friends

compete, so I got to look around the site. I loved it! Seeing so many different breeds of sheep, cows, agricultural machinery, craftworkers, food… it blew my mind and was very cool!”

RHET at the Highland Show

Scottish education charity the Royal Highland Education Trust’s (RHET) role at the Royal Highland Show is to provide an engaging education programme for attending schools and visiting children about food, farming and rural life. Children aged 15 and under are admitted free of charge to the show and RHET also facilitates school bookings on Thursday and Friday at highly discounted rates.

Over the four days of the show the ever-popular RHET

Discovery Centre on avenue Q is filled with hands-on activities and offers drop in and bookable sessions on a variety of food and farming topics designed to help curious young minds learn more about the working countryside and where their food comes from.

Some of the planned activities include scone baking, exploring the life of soil using your senses, wheat grinding, cold pressing oil seed rape, make your own sheep, rosette making,

Royal Highland Show 2023

take part in the sheep shearing light race, ‘Match the miles’ with our chairmans challenge and much much more.

The RHET Discovery Centre will host the finale for the charity’s ‘Journey of Food - Seeds and Grains’ year long project, creating several interactive experiences for families and school pupils focusing on seeds and grains. Be sure to pop in and meet our cereal heroes and vote for your favourite cereal based snack!

We will also be introducing the next academic year’s project ‘Journey of FoodSheep & Wool’. As part of the Golden Shears competition and celebrations, RHET will be in the British Wool Board marquee with the story of wool display.

If you pass the Countryside Cottage in the west of the showground, be sure to pop in and see our activities around composting, visit our mini beast trail in the cottage grounds and

discover more about growing your own food.

During June, the Chairman of RHET will cycle around Scotland to raise money and awareness in support of the charity’s work. Alistair Marshall, a dairy farmer from Dumfries and Galloway who has been Chair of RHET since 2021 will be cycling through each of the 13 RHET Countryside Initiatives. Alistair hopes the Chairman’s Challenge will raise at least £10,000 to support RHET to continue to provide free educational activities and experiential learning for young people aged 3 – 18 years.

Alistair said “Like a lot of charities and businesses, the pandemic hit hard, and this challenge is one way to help raise money to ensure we can continue to take the classroom to the countryside.

“Thankfully, I won’t be doing this challenge alone as volunteers from across RHET’s network will be cycling parts of the challenge

with me. We will also be joined by the RHET sheep, which will be decorated by school children and sit alongside the RHASS “Flock to the Show’ art display at the Royal Highland Show,” RHET’s presence at the show also gives the opportunity to showcase the work we do year round which includes a multitude of offerings such as farm visits, classroom talks by farmers, providing our comprehensive

online resource portal, multi school food and farming events, online Talk to a Farmer sessions, teacher training and providing early years boxes.

All of our activities are made possible by our network of volunteers who cover the whole of Scotland and we hope to see as many of them as possible during the show, please pop in, take the weight off your feet and join us for a cup of tea.

Judging the 2023 Royal Highland Show

The judges tasked with placing the country’s top cattle, sheep, horses and goats come from far and wide to judge Scotland’s biggest and best display of livestock at the Royal Highland Show.

Overall Young Handler

The choice of judges for the Dalchirla Trophy for Overall Young Handler award rotates around the different sections each year, and this year the task falls upon John and Kate Dykes,

of Mendick Highland Pony Stud near West Linton. John and Kate have previously judged Highland Pony classes at the Show, with John also judging cattle and sheep. They have had their own success at the Show too, having won the Highland Pony In-Hand class in 1996.

Beef Section

The Overall Beef Interbreed and Teams is in safe hands this

year, with Keith Redpath lending his over 50 years of judging experience to choose the 2023 champion. Having judged at all of the major UK shows as well as bull sales, Keith’s Redpath Nobleman was also part of the winning Interbreed team at the 2022 Royal Highland Show.

Member of the renowned Goldie family, Hamish Goldie, will judge the Beef Breeder & Junior Beef Interbreed.

Hamish runs the unit at South Bowerhouse, home to the highperforming Goldies Charolais cattle and lleyn sheep.

Judging the Herefords will be Carolyn Fletcher, President of the Hereford Cattle Society. Her own stock has won the UK sire of the year trophy on two separate occasions.

British Farming Awards 2021 Beef Farmer of the Year winner, Colin Davidson is judging the

Beef Native Interbreed Team. Skaill Farm has been home to the Davidson family for 75 years in Sandwick, Orkney, and is one of the most easterly farms in the British Isles.

Another well-kent face is Jane Landers, judging Beef Shorthorn. Jane manages the Cairsnmore herd with husband Billy and son Bobby at their farm in Newton Stewart. Having made a name for herself within

the Beef Shorthorn and Belted Galloway breeds, Jane took 2004 RHS Champion with Cairnsmore Trisha.

Dairy Section

Hugh Kennedy is taking charge of Overall Dairy in 2023. Heading the well-known Stair Holstein herd from Tarbolton in Ayrshire, they have had a fantastic 2022, winning the West of Scotland’s inaugural Winter Herd’s Team of Six, the Billy Scott Memorial Trophy, and the reserve in the Summer Herd’s Team of 10.

The top prizes for Ayrshires will be awarded by Ian McLean, who runs a herd situated only a stone’s throw from the Giants Causeway in Northern Ireland. Farming pedigree Holstein milkers and 200 youngstock with a sprinkle of colour in the form of 16 Jerseys, 30 Ayrshires and 9 Dairy Shorthorns, the milking herd are housed on waterbed cubicles.

David Hodgson will judge the Holsteins – David is a double award winner of the Holstein Master Breeder Award and a 2015 National Herd Champion of Holstein UK.

Heading up Any Other Breed is Robert Fleming, who won Young Farmers Stockman of the Year in 1969, the first winner of the competition in its current format.

Sheep Section

The well-known and respected Ian Hunter will judge the Overall Interbreed for 2023. As well as holding the record price for a Blackface ram at £200,000 and joint second of £160,000, Ian was a RHASS Sir William Young Award winner in 2018 and also donated the Dalchirla Trophy to the Show for the Overall Young Handler competition.

Former RHASS Director and Chairman Keith Brooke will oversee the Sheep Pairs section. Keith holds many

mantles, being also a former President of the Blackface Sheep Breeders’ Association, (currently Honorary President), Chairman of the British Rouge de l’Ouest Sheep Society and has served on the Boards of Wallets Marts and Scottish, English and Welsh Wool Growers.

Judging the Sheep Young Handlers will be Hannah Jackson, who in partnership with husband Ali bred the 2022 RHS Dutch Spotted champion that went on to be Reserve Overall Interbreed and part of the Interbreed Pairs Champions.

Flor Ryan will cast his experienced eye over the Texels – Flor has been involved with Texels for over 35 years, having judged for over 20 years and exported Texels all over Europe. Meanwhile Honorary President of Blackface Sheep Breeders Association, John MacPherson, will head that section. John farms 10,000 acres across five different farms.

Pat Greaney will tap out the champion Suffolk, having previously judged Interbreed Pairs at the Show back in 2019. Pat won the Suffolk section in 2006, and in 1999 won four out of five of the Royal Shows with a Suffolk lamb.

Mary Dunlop will judge Beltex in 2023. Mary established the first Beltex flock in Scotland, and farms with son Andrew and Michael. She is current treasurer of NSA Scotland and won RHS Beltex Champion in 2014.

Goat Section

Dairy Goats, Kids, Milking & Boer Goats will be judged this year by Nick Parr. Nick is the current Chairman of the British Goat Society and has over 40 years of judging experience, both at home and further afield in Australia and South Africa.

Heavy Horse Section

The Queen’s Cup will be awarded in the Heavy Horse

Royal Highland Show 2023

Section for 2023. The Male and Female Clydesdales In Hand will be judged by Christine Halliday and Thomas Clark respectively. Christine is a twotime winner of the Cawdor Cup and has a long history of success at the Show with Howgillside Clydesdales.

Thomas has had many successes of his own with Muirton Spirit – winning Cyldesdale Male Champion and Overall Champion at the Show for the past two years and the Cawdor Cup also. The Clark family have a long history with the Show, having won their first champion with Rising Star in 1920.

Mother and daughter team, Vivien and Abigail Hampton, will preside over the Shetland Pony sections, having extensive judging experience both at home and abroad.

Jean Ralston of Moss-side Stud will take the reins of the Highland Pony In Hand Males

class. Along with husband Willie, Jean established the Moss-side Highland Pony stud in 1991, and has since bred over 130 foals, including many RHS champions.

Cameron Ormiston, better known as Dochy, will be judging the Highland Pony In Hand Females. Dochy has had a long involvement with Highland ponies, but also Highland Cattle and Blackface sheep.

The Sanderson Trophy will be awarded by Beth Sibbald, who has been breeding Highland ponies for over 50 years. Along with extensive experience with Clydesdales and Shetlands, Beth brings a wealth of knowledge to the Overall Heavy Horse Champion judging.

Mother and daughter team Gillian and Kirsten McMurray will be judging Highland Ponies Under Saddle (Conformation & Ride respectively). Gillian has been breeding Highland ponies under the Trailtrow prefix for

many years, with previous In Hand and Ridden Champions at the Royal Highland Show, and having judged at major shows throughout the UK and in Europe.

Kirsten enjoys producing and competing her home bred ponies, previously competing at the Horse of the Year Show, the Royal International, the London Olympia Horse Show and National Dressage championships.

Light Horse Section

One of the country’s leading show horse producers, Allister Hood, will be judging both the conformation of the Working Hunter Ladies Side Saddle Horse and Overall Light Horse In Hand. Alongside son Oliver and wife Anne, he has produced over 75 Horse of the Year Show winners, in addition to countless victories at the Royal International and all other major county shows. Retiring from the

ring in 2021, we are delighted to welcome Allister to the Royal Highland Show as a judge.

Michael and Amanda Bowlby will be taking the lead for the Retraining of Racehorses class. Bringing his long experience of the racing industry and having previously judged the ROR final at Aintree, Michael is also a former jockey, having ridden in the Grand National on six occasions.

Judging the Overall Mountain & Moorland In Hand will be Erik MacKechnie-Guire. Erik has been involved with para-equestrian dressage teams for many years and is currently the Para-Equestrian Dressage Pathway Manager at British Equestrian. He is also a Fellow of the British Horse Society and in much demand for training clinics.

Well-known producer and breeder Jerome Harforth will be judging the Show Ponies alongside Dawn Christie.

Jerome has had much success with Stanley Grange stud for over 45 years, and bring a wealth of knowledge having judged at shows all over the world.

Dawn is an experienced judge of Show Ponies & Show Hunter Ponies, has been Chief Steward at all the BSPS Championship shows and is an executive member of the British Show Pony Society Council.

RHASS Head of Show, David Tennant commented: “After a much-anticipated 2022 Show, we are very much looking forward to welcoming back competitors and judges to the show rings once again. “Our esteemed line up of judges include some of the most experienced names in the UK and international showing circuits, and I’m sure everyone will recognise more than a few well-known names on the list. I and the whole team can’t wait to see them and our competitors in action next year.”

Horses at the Highland Show

The Royal Highland Show is the largest equestrian event in Scotland, with almost 2000 horses and their riders travelling from across the country to compete.

This year in the equestrian rings there are some great additions to classes across the board, including a new Driven Heavy Horse qualifier and new Intermediate Show Hunter and

Show Riding Types, Lead Rein and First Ridden Pony, Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) qualifiers. This brings the total number of HOYS qualifier classes to 57 for 2023.

From the mighty Clydesdale to cheeky Shetland Ponies, a whole spectrum of breeds from across the UK and around the world are on display. Watch

the refined skill of the side saddle riders and marvel at the impressive heavy horse classes with their exquisite harnesses and carriages. And no trip to the Show is complete without a visit to the showjumping rings – from the lower levels all the way up to the thrilling Grand Prix, the finest in equestrian talent will be on display this year.

The RHASS Technical Innovation Awards

Designed to recognise design and innovation across the agricultural and rural sectors, the RHASS Technical Innovation awards showcase inventions and innovations that demonstrate a

positive impact on agriculture, horticulture, equestrian, forestry, renewable energy and estate activities.

The oldest RHASS award, having been in place since the

formation of the Society in 1784, the Technical Innovation awards were formerly known as the ‘New Implements Award’. The awards are sponsored by Hillhouse Quarry Group.

Royal Highland Show 2023

Entries for the awards can come under the categories of machines, appliances, technical components or important ancillary equipment and should be commercially available or prototypes in development.

New for 2023, winners will be presented with their awards and have their winning products displayed in a new arena dedicated to agricultural innovation at this year’s Royal Highland Show in June. Partnered with the Royal Bank of Scotland since 1981, the Show is a unique shop window for winners to take advantage of, with nearly 200,000 visitors expected over the four days.

Last year, two Gold, five Silver and three Certificates of Commendations were awarded. Gold awards were presented to Pollock Farm Equipment for their Pollock Rope Scraper System and Penderfeed Livestock Equipment for their Arrowquip Q-Catch 86 Series Squeeze Cattle Crush.

RHASS Chief Steward of Technical Innovation, Christopher Shepherd said: “There is a strong focus on agricultural innovation this year at RHASS and that will be reflected with the Royal Highland Show’s new agri demo arena. Innovations of all kinds will be on display there, with our award winners taking pride of place. “The Technical Innovation Awards are a real selling point for those businesses who can say they have won, as well as recognising the innovators who continue pushing the boundaries of improving our rural industries. I’m looking forward to seeing the entries from businesses who are leading the way in agricultural innovation this year.”

Richard Vernon, Chairman of award sponsors Hillhouse Quarry Group, added: “We are once again delighted to be supporting the RHASS Technical Innovation Awards. As a sector it is vital that we keep innovating – from saving

farmers time out in the field to improving safety or enhancing animal welfare, there is always such an exciting array of entries.

It will be brilliant to see all of the winners on display in a special new agri arena at the Royal Highland Show later this year.”

Scottish Beekeepers at the Highland Show 2023

By Alan Riach SBA Education

The Scottish Beekeepers Association (SBA) have a full honey tent planned for this year with the usual honey, wax, honey baking and associated bee product entries. Under the guidance of the Highland Show Steward Jackie McCreery we have planned for the tent to be designated the Scottish Honey Championships.

Dr Jill Tidman is arranging a full cohort of guide stewards to help answer questions that visitors may have about honeybees and other pollinators and as usual the bees will be there flying from their glass sided observation hives. Hopefully it will be warm and sunny and we will be able to observe their dance language routines as they tell their colleagues where the best nectar sources are around Ingliston. The honeybees can inform their sisters of the precise geographic direction of the sources and the richness of the source.

In addition to the bee product entries, we will have

entries for photos on beekeeping subjects and plan to have as many young people helping in the tent as possible. Last year we had young beekeepers explaining beekeeping to the schoolchildren and as young children regard older children as the best sources of cool information there was rapt attention being paid to the explanations of how bees operate.

As usual the shop will be selling delicious local honeys and other bee products.

The artisan sections will be showing demonstrations of skep making (ruskies for the Scots speakers), We also hope to have wax moulding demos and of course for the children the ever-popular candle rolling and honey tasting.

The Royal Highland Education Trust (RHET) is arranging school visits to the honey tent on Thursday and Friday and we look forward to meeting some of the school

Royal Highland Show 2023

children who always show a keen interest in the bees.

The Scottish Education Qualifications body now has a N5 qualification in beekeeping on offer which can be taken up by schools and colleges, based on the SBA’s Basic Beekeeping syllabus and many Scottish schools have chosen to offer this course, having trained teachers in beekeeping, and have set up their own small apiary run by a school bee club.

There has been a welcome increase in the interest in bees from the farming communities and a great willingness to improve the lot of pollinators by leaving wild margins around fields. The bees have simple needs – “give us plenty of flowers, as free of man-made chemicals as possible”. Bees don’t have a word for weeds, if it flowers we’re interested. We should remember that our largest flower sources are the hardwood trees, so plenty of sycamores,

chestnuts, hawthorns, and limes are good. And let us not forget, we love a bite of Canola (low acid oil seed rape) and white clover. Local beekeeping associations

are always interested in farms that may be able to provide a corner of land for a few beehives for their members, so do make contact if you can help – there’s

sure to be a jar or two of honey available in exchange.

So please do visit the honey tent, located by the West Gate, you’ll be made most welcome.

2023 RHASS Presidential Initiative

The 2023 RHASS Presidential Initiative is already proving its worth by drawing attention to the vital role of science and technology in advancing the efficiency of Scottish agriculture.

Much attention is given to the politics of farming, particularly just now as a new agricultural support policy begins to take shape but, important as it is the route to profitability will always lie in innovation. History proves as much.

With these thoughts in mind this year’s RHASS presidents, led by Aberfeldy farmer Ian Duncan Millar decided that their initiative should simply be entitled “The Science of Food and Drink.”

It has turned out to be an endlessly fascinating topic. We knew that Scotland punched above its weight in terms of scientific expertise - Ian is a former chair of the Moredun Foundation and others of us have worked closely with the James

Hutton Institute and Scotland’s Rural College. Even then I do not think we had quite realised how quickly much of that research was being taken up and applied at farm level.

The chain from scientist and engineer to the farm and then to the consumer is actually remarkably short, and thank goodness, strong. Everyone is a winner.

As we developed our project over the autumn and winter, we realised that there

Royal Highland Show 2023

were stories out there which simply had to be told. The process has started already as RHASS members may have noticed. Since the beginning of February, we have released fortnightly stories connecting science with farming. Prepared on our behalf writers from Jane Craigie Marketing each story is backed up by a comprehensive case study. The farming press has kindly used the stories as they have been released. They can also be read in full on the RHASS website (rhass.org.uk/ presidential team).

At the time of writing topics covered have included water quality and livestock health in Glenlivet, blackcurrant production in Tayside and innovative seed potato trials in South Aberdeenshire. As we near the Royal Highland Show these and others will accumulate to become an

accessible online archive of ten fascinating stories

But that is only the preamble to our activities at the show itself. These will be based around a marquee on a prime site just opposite the entrance to the Members’ Pavilion. Here over the four days of the show we and our sponsors will be exhibiting and demonstrating some cutting edge technology.

We have been backed by some fantastic sponsors and we are more than encouraged by their suggestions for exhibits. Much of it is under wraps at the time of writing but suffice to say were are beyond excited at the prospects.

The idea is that we will not run seminars or set piece talks but instead offer conversations with the experts in each field. There will be something for everyone with all ages catered for. We look forward to seeing you there.

The Royal Highland Hoolie

Fresh from the excitement of the Big Top concerts last summer, this year showgoers will have the chance to dance the night away at the Royal Highland Hoolie!

Hosted in partnership with legendary and sell-out country music phenomenon Farmers Bash, Royal Highland Hoolie will showcase some of Scotland & Ireland’s best homegrown talent – including Skerryvore, Derek Ryan and Laura McHugh.

The line-up of artists represents the vibrancy of the intrinsically linked Scottish & Irish music scene, from traditional Scottish folk music to Irish Country - there will be something for everyone at this exciting new event!

Of course, there will be the usual entertainment offerings across the showground –everything from pipe bands and ceilidhs to choirs and pop music will be on show!

Jim Warnock, Chairman of Royal Highland Show organisers, the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS), commented:

“After such a fantastic line up of top-tier music events last year, we are really looking forward to expanding on the entertainment offering of the Royal Highland Show with the addition of the Royal Highland Hoolie. “With such an exciting line up of top Scottish and Irish musical

talent, there will be something for everyone at this new event, which offers a chance for Royal Highland Show visitors to extend their day out. Tickets are selling fast so book now to avoid disappointment.”

Farmer’s Bash organiser, Nigel Campbell, added: “We

Handcrafts

The Royal Highland Show sees an annual celebration of Scotland’s traditional rural handcrafts.

Makers of every kind gather from across the country to marvel at the artistic talents on offer and compete in the Scottish Handcrafts Championships.

A showcase of creativity, the Handcrafts Championships include categories for a wide a variety of art forms, from porcelain and beadwork to

baskets and walking sticks. Taking place in association with the Scottish Women’s Institutes (SWI), the Handcrafts exhibition in the Craft Zone is well worth a visit.

The theme for entries this year is ‘Rainbow’. Some of the more unusual classes on the schedule for 2023 include ones for creating a unicorn toy, a fan inspired by the colours of the sky, and a sock puppet.

know from experience that there is a huge demand for events like these and the Royal Highland Hoolie is the perfect opportunity for bringing rural communities together. It promises to be a terrific night of rousing Scottish and Irish music - get your dancing shoes ready!”

A look at some of this years exhibitors

Abbey Machinery

Abbey Machinery, a leading manufacturer of agricultural equipment, is set to showcase their innovative products at the upcoming Royal Highland Show. Among the range of machinery on display, Abbey Machinery’s slurry tankers, diet feeders, and grassland equipment are expected to be a highlight, particularly due to their sustainability features and technology additions.

Abbey Machinery’s slurry tankers are designed to efficiently

manage nutrient dense slurry while minimizing environmental impact with our range of LESS applicators. These tankers are built with durable materials and advanced optional features including NIR sensors and ISOBUS solutions, which help farmers apply slurry with precision, reducing the risk of pollution and maximizing nutrient utilization on fields.

Abbey Machinery’s low emission slurry spreading range includes Band Spreader, Trailing Shoe, Premium Plus Trailing Shoe, and Shallow Disc Injector applicators all in a variety of widths. New options include new 9.2m and 12m band spreader widths. The mounted stand-alone low emissions slurry spreading applicators efficiently deliver slurry to the ground complementing the Abbey tanker

range. All Abbey Band Spreaders come fully umbilical ready. With the addition of the Abbey Machinery umbilical frame, band spreaders can be easily mounted to the tractor for additional spreading options.

Abbey’s Plus Range of Diet Feeders were recently updated adding a variety of features to support the farmer’s feed management plan. New features include front access platform, door canvas, hose arm and hose storage, indicator arm, wider tray, and elevators, feed out arm, light brackets, wear plates and the new TMR tracker. New digital TMR trackers support ingredient stock tracking, operator accountability, managing feed costs and performance improvements.

Abbey Machinery’s innovative agricultural equipment is designed to enhance farm productivity and

reduce environmental impact making them a top choice for farmers seeking modern and efficient solutions for their farming operations.

Visit UK North Sales Manager Martin McWilliam and the Abbey team at the RHS on Agricultural Ave.

Argo Tractors UK

of the Year (Best Utility)

Taking pride of place on the McCormick stand will be the 2023 Tractor

the new McCormick X6.4. A new range from the ground up, featuring McCormick’s own P6 Drive transmission, a new cab, and the Smart Pilot joystick, this tractor is equally at home in the open field or round the yard as the ideal loader tractor. Bouyed by recent new dealer appointments in Scotland, the McCormick brand is growing at a rate of knots, with a wide range of machines that now span 50-310hp with a choice of both technology laden down to simple straightforward specifications. With up to 5 years factory warranty available, with finance packages to suit every farm, there’s never been a better time to try a new McCormick. Coupled with a TopCon guidance system for complete control the latest award winning McCormick tractors will stand up against any other brand – and we are happy to prove it so book your demo today !

Landini will be at the RHS with tractors in the stunning

Blue Icon livery, an eye catching addition to the proven Landini range – simple, easy to use reliable machines built in one of the most modern factories in Italy. Whatever your need, Landini has a range of jump on and go tractors, ideal for the crofter or smaller farm. If you are needing something more powerful, Landini also offer a range of tractors up to 230hp with a choice of powershift or CVT transmissions.

ALO UK

Quicke brand, owned by Ålö and JOST Agriculture, has seven decades of experience developing innovative solutions with front loaders and associated implements.

Renowned for its classleading front loaders and implements, they offer a complete range for the compact tractor market. With worldleading design and performance, the C series is ideal for your compact tractor and a full complement of implements, including standard lifting forks, a bale handling range, a full selection of buckets, and a complete range for silage and manure management.

For those looking for something a little bigger, the recent launch of the new Powergrab L+ and XL+

implements are powerful bucket grabs for silage handling with large front loaders, telehandlers and wheel loaders. As highly efficient tools for silage removal, the new Powergrab models are ideally suited to farms with high feed rates. Their powerful cylinders can handle all types of silage – grass and corn silage, loose feed and liquids.

The unique tine geometry on the grabber and the impressive opening width of 200 cm / 214 cm creates an even block of silage without causing air pockets or heat in the silage –and the residue-free intake of silage “down to the last corner” of the silo.

As a tried-and-tested partner of the agricultural industry, the

The Powergrab L+ is for loaders with a lift capacity of up to 5.5 tonnes, and the Powergrab XL+ is for loaders with a lift capacity of up to 10 tonnes. The

Both new Powergrab models securely hold the silage load in place: The bucket’s side plates and side tines are designed to efficiently prevent the load from falling out at the side. The bucket body also features an integrated spill guard at the top to avoid spillage.

Royal Highland Show 2023

AMAZONE

Also on the stand will be the new Avant front tank combinations.

BDC Systems Ltd

Dual Rotary Cleaner, Skandia grain handling equipment and a range of aeration solutions for crop storage.

This year sees AMAZONE Ltd celebrating 40 years since its inauguration in 1983. The REV 30 reciprocating harrow with a D7 Super-S drill on a piggy-back system was the go-to drilling system to have in those days. 40 years on the focus is very much still on seeding systems as the targeted use of fertiliser with the seed or the application of a companion crop alongside the cash crop to alleviate disease or pest issues plays an important role in Integrated Pest Management systems.

The 2023 Royal Highland Show will see AMAZONE showcase its new Centaya-C, -CC and-FC drill ranges. The Centaya-C has a split rear seed hopper and twin metering rollers but just a single distribution head and so places the fertiliser in the row with the seed – a technique known at AMAZONE as Single-Shoot. For higher rates of fertiliser, and in drier drilling conditions where seed scorch could be an issue, the CentayaCC uses the same split tank with its twin metering rollers but sends the fertiliser down a separate seed pipe to avoid direct seed contact, known here as Double-Shoot.

Alternatively, the Centaya can be used in conjunction with the FTender front tank which can again be supplied with a single open tank or as the FTender-C with a split pressurised seed hopper. The FTender can then supply one or two additional products rearwards through either the first or second seed head on the Centaya depending on the demand. For the application of grass seed, microgranular herbicides or slug pellets, the 110 litre micro-plus applicator is also available. This means that a total of up to 5 different materials can be sown simultaneously into three different delivery points.

The good 2022 harvest weather reduced the need to dry grain and therefore reduced drying costs.

Many farmers took advantage of the savings achieved, combined with good cereal prices, to invest in a new grain drier or to upgrade their drying facilities, mindful that difficult harvesting weather will return.

This has resulted in increased sales of BDC Systems Ltd’s Svegma continuous flow driers. The Svegma’s improved energy efficiency allows the drying of crops via inverter-controlled fans.

Improved fuel usage via automated burners using alternative fuels including HV02 vegetable oils or cleaner fuels such as Kerosene oil, can be achieved.

BDC Systems continues to develop its drier control system technology allowing its customers remote access to the PLC from BDC’s Moisture Monitoring System (MMS).

Remote access from the farm office or even the combine, eliminates the need for on-site monitoring of the drier, saving on costly labour.

BDC Systems’ MMS also prevents over drying of grain reducing drying costs and ensures that crops go into storage at the optimum temperature.

Aeration fans, controlled by wireless probes, and extraction fans from BDC Systems help to maintain the correct temperature so that stored grain is kept in the best condition to achieve premium prices.

Visitors to the BDC Systems’ stand will be able to take a close look at a Kongskilde KDC 400

BDC Systems’ sales director, Andrew Head and regional manager for Scotland and Northern England, John Wilson will be available to talk ‘all things grain handling’ during all four days of the show – Stand 22, Avenue C, Agriculture Zone.

“Each of our projects are designed and installed to meet customers’ exact grain processing requirements for today, and crucially those of the future,” said Wilson.

BD Supplies

With expansion into a thriving Biomass Wood Pellet delivery business, becoming fully BSL and Hetas registered and offering both bagged and bulk deliveries into the domestic and commercial market.

Agriculture is still a huge part of our business and we are always looking at bringing new products to the UK market and promoting products which we feel have a benefit in the UK farming industry.

We pride ourselves on customer service and to us ‘the customer does come first’.

Bomford Turner

BD Supplies was established in 2000 as an Animal husbandry and Hoof trimming equipment supplier.

Specialising in anything hoof trimming we can offer a range of goods from a basic knife right through to the KVK hoof trimming chutes which has been developed and is made in Denmark and offers both comfort for the cow and the user. Ergonomically designed for easy and safe use. B D Supplies are the sole importer of the KVK for the UK and Ireland. We have also developed our own hoof block adhesive which sticks both wooden and rubber blocks.

We offer a comprehensive range of animal husbandry equipment including the MediDart injection system for injecting cattle whilst they are out at grass, taking away the stress of bringing in a field of cattle when only one may need medication.

At the 2023 Royal Highland Show we shall be showcasing Rapid walk behind tractors, Graham Edwards Trailers, Welding Equipment and a lots more.

A leader in green maintenance technology for more than 100 years, Bomford Turner is recognised around the world for its high-performance Hedgecutters, Boom mowers, Remote controlled flail mowers and Cultivation Machinery.

Bomford Turner prides itself on quality and innovationdelivering durable and productive machines that are a firm favourite with farmers, contractors and governmental departments.

Key products include: Reach arm boom mowers, Reach arm boom mower attachments, Remote controlled flail mowers, Flail mowers and rotary toppers, Forestry mulchers and Soil preparation machinery.

Bunning and Sons

Bunning shows increased output option for smaller HBD spreaders

Royal Highland Show 2023

at The Royal Highland Show. G T Bunning and Sons will be showing a Lowlander 120 Hybrid (HY) Horizontal beater and spinning disc (HBD) model that offers users the option to increase output and improve material shredding on smaller spreaders.

The smaller Lowlander 105, 120 and 150 MK4 HBD spreaders are equipped as standard with a 1,500mm-wide beater design. However, users looking for greater output from these machines can choose a 1,830mm HY beater option, that uses the same processing design fitted to the bigger spreaders from the Lowlander 150 HD (Heavy Duty) up to the tri-axle Widebody 380 HD HBD.

The HY option uses the Widebody beater design on the three Lowlander 105, 120 and 150 MK4 HBD models, and Ben Johnson, UK and Ireland sales manager for Bunning, says the upgrade is a useful addition for operators requiring increased output, but wishing to retain the benefits of a smaller machine.

“Upgrading to the Widebody beaters allows greater output from a smaller spreader and means more material can be processed on to the discs than with the standard system. The increased width of the beaters can deliver a more even flow of some products at high rates, which, in turn, can give wider and more consistent spread patterns.”

Bunning’s HBD range uses horizontal beaters to break down material before spreading via the 1.1m wide spinning discs. The design allows a wide variety of products, such as chicken litter and sewage sludge, to be spread accurately to 30m+.

A Lowlander 120 HY HBD will be part of Bunning’s display at The Royal Highland Show on stand H111.

British Charolais Cattle Society

Overlooking the main arena, the British Charolais Cattle Society (BCCS) stand will be the focal point for hundreds of members gathering at the Royal Highland Show to celebrate one of the most successful commercial beef breeds in recent UK farming history.

The RHS will once again attract the very best of the Charolais breed to its show rings from all over Scotland and the North of England. Scottish Exhibitors took home most of the Charolais championship rosettes last year, but at least one went as far south as Essex, and the competition at the RHS this year between Scots and Sassenachs will be friendly but ferocious.

The BCCS will host a drinks and buffet reception at their stand on Wednesday evening before the opening day to welcome their members to this wonderful show, and the stand will remain a hive activity for meetings, networking, congratulations and commiserations throughout the four days of preparation and showing.

The size and commitment of the Society’s membership reflects the popularity and importance of a breed that has revolutionised the beef industry in Britain since its introduction in the late 1950s. Fiercely resisted by the champions of traditional British breeds, the Charolais quickly proved its commercial superiority in growth rate, conformation and killing out percentage. By 1970 it was regarded as the leading international terminal beef sire, and in the 80s and 90s Charolais bulls were setting price records they have continued to break to the present day.

Established in 1962, the BCCS redefined the Charolais as a British Charolais recognisably distinct from the cattle bred in other parts of the world. The beautiful examples on show at the RHS are the proud product of 60 years of forward-thinking, conscientious breeding that has kept the British Charolais at the forefront of the beef industry – a perfect showcase, says the BCCS, for its unrivalled value to the farmer, the plate and the planet.

CLAAS look forward to welcoming visitors to its stand at this year’s Royal Highland Show. We hope that you will take the opportunity to come and visit us and see on display the wide range of machines from across the extensive CLAAS product range.

This year CLAAS is celebrating 25 years of XERION, which was officially launched on the market in 1997 after more than 20 years of development. In recognition of this CLAAS has released a limited edition version with decaling that reflects that of the original XERION 2500.

Last autumn saw the introduction of the new CEMIS 1200 control terminal, which going forward is the new standard terminal for the LEXION, TRION, JAGUAR and all CLAAS tractors. Developed in conjunction with Trimble, in addition to GPS steering CEMIS is capable of handling online documentation, ISOBus and TASK controller applications, section control and variable applications.

The CLAAS LEXION range was also subject to a few upgrades last autumn and the range was expanded with the addition of the new entry level HYBRID – the LEXION 8600/8600TT, plus MONTANA versions of the LEXION 5500 and 7700. All LEXION models benefit from a new cab design, which is more spacious but also has thinner ‘A’ pillars for improved visibility across the cutterbar.

Latest additions to the CLAAS baler range include the new VARIANT variable chamber round baler that features a new baling pressure control system for even denser bales. The QUADRANT big square baler now comes with a new design of

flywheel that helps cushion peak loads for a smoother feed into the baler.

Three new mid-range TORION models – the 1285, 1611 and 1611P – are now available which benefit from more engine and hydrostatic power, plus a redesigned Z-kinematics mast with greater lifting power and transfer height.

CT Scott Ltd

C T Scott Ltd are an application technology based company specialising in sprayers and fertiliser systems. With our Head office in Aberdeenshire and a second depot in Angus we are delighted to return for our second Royal Highland Show. We shall be taking the opportunity to showcase market leading self-propelled sprayers from Agrifac and Bateman as well as mounted and trailed machines from Landquip. From Agrifac we will have a Condor V fitted with Agrifac’s own Strict Spray, Strict Height and Fast Fold. From Bateman we will have a RB35 on display with Batemans BBL boom levelling, the new E-Drive transmission and Capstan PinPoint 3 PWM system. From Landquip we will have a trailed Intrac and a mounted Crop Master for viewing. We shall also have the SP600 lime spreader and a 12,000ltr bowser on display from Spread point. There will be a bespoke made liquid fertiliser front tank to show customers who are interested in applying placed liquid fertiliser into potato, veg and cereal beds. There will be slug pelleters on display with many options for every farmer. In our marquee tent we will have nozzle displays from Lechler and a wide range of hospitality to welcome current, new and future customers.

All machinery reps shall be in attendance. We look forward to seeing you for a successful RHS2023

Bryce Post Drivers

As is the norm Bryce will be featuring upgrades to existing machines - plus the introduction of something different.

Over the years Bryce have won countless prestigious Awards for their post drivers, and now with a proven formula for high performance and durability, the focus is on producing post drivers that are as near bombproof as possible. Like everything in agriculture nowadays, performance and output is the key to moving forward with efficiency. Good labour is scarce so getting more done in the shortest time with less man hours available is what it is all

about. Jock says “ today we have sprayers with 40mt booms and hill men need livestock handling systems that allow high throughput of animals with speed, safety and efficiency, and that’s what we are doing with Bryce post drivers.” Bryce have post drivers now that will drive strainers in hard ground in less than 60 seconds and press stobs in rather than hit them with multiple strokes of the hammer. Not only are these machines much quicker but they reduce wear and tear, as bigger hammers mean less strokes which of course means less wear.

The Bryce 180 PRO Mk2 one-man tracked fencing machine is proving hugely popular both at home and overseas with strong reviews and demand from north America. “Everyone is looking for ways of making the job easier - but only if it doesn’t give you grief” Jock adds. It’s easy in today’s hi-tech world to get sucked into electronics and the like. That costs more money and

then the big reliability factor kicks in when you may be left high and dry in the middle of nowhere with a dysfunctional machine – going down that route isn’t in the mindset of Bryce.

Bryce Post Drivers have a 2-year unconditional guarantee with 5-year guarantee on the main frame and post cap. Prices remain held for the duration of 2023.

C-Dax Systems

It can be difficult maintaining a weed management program with conventional spraying. Windy days often rule out spraying ats times, when we really need to be out on the land keeping the weeds in check. Controlling drift and run off in sensitive areas can also be an issue that forces us to consider alternatives to the normal tank and boom concept.

C-Dax Weedwiper (Eliminator)

As Weed wipers become a more effective means of applying herbicide, the practice of wiping, as opposed to spraying, becomes an increasingly popular alternative for many farmers and growers.

International research strongly suggests that to build an effective weed wiper, we need to take into account the need to break the waxy surface which coats a number of target weeds. By scratching through this, we assist the process of chemical intake, much in the same manner as the human body would if the skin was broken. The Cdax weed wiper ‘Eliminator’ incorporates a bruise bar the length of the leading edge for precisely this purpose.

The Eliminator incorporates long geometrically shaped wiping arms, designed after extensive trailing to determine the best

Royal Highland Show 2023

possible shape and size for wiping weeds. The Eliminator comes complete with all fittings and an electronic controller allowing the user to control the chemical output of the wiper, relate to the immediate level of infestation.

Supplying an equal amount of chemical to both sides , irrespective of the angle of operation, is very important, other wipers are notorious for dripping on the downhill side, while being bone dry on the high end. The Eliminator however has a patented feed system that ensures both sides are fed equally on even the toughest terrain.

The Eliminator has proven and effective weapon in the war against Rushes, Ragwort, Thistles and Bracken.

UK

At DALBO we’re delighted to be at the Royal Highland Show this year, Since DALBO UK was formed in 2010 the growth has been staggering. It’s very pleasing that, in such a competitive market, DALBO UK’s market share has grown year on year. The most popular product sold in the UK by DALBO is the 12.3m Power Roll, closely followed by the 6.3 and 8.3m Maxiroll. The Maxiroll is commonly known as a ‘system’ roll as many attachments can be mounted to this frame enabling the machine to suit multiple applications. The most popular attachments are the hydraulically adjustable cracker boards and seeder units. One massive advantage of the Maxiroll is that the brackets necessary to take an attachment are always included in the ‘base’ machine, so it’s simple to add on an attachment. We will be displaying our Maxiroll with crackerboard attachment at Highland show this year.

A machine which has continued to grow in popularity is our DALBO Greenline. The Greenline is fitted with ballast drums and comes in 6.3m & 8.3m. The ballast drums have a curved edge to prevent scuffing at the headlands, and like the Maxiroll can be fitted with attachments and seeder units enabling it to be more than ‘just’ a roller.

DALBO has always been an innovative company as time after time it has launched market changing products. DALBO takes great pride in being at the forefront of technology and the introduction the snowflake Cambridge ring was a typical example of this. Offering the world market a 6 year guarantee on a Cambridge ring was unprecedented but the new snowflake design hasn’t disappointed.

We look forward to welcoming you onto our stand at the Royal Highland Show 2023.

DALBO - where originality matters.

this package includes: superb +/- 2.5cm accuracy, single GNSS Antenna module, terrain compensation features, large 410mm steering wheel with huge steering power, GNSS RTK / EGNOS technology as standard, fitment for over 90% vehicles... straight out of the box, IP66 / IP65 rated, amazing Return on Investment and increased driver welfare, as Autosteer can help reduce fatigue.

At DGPS4U our ambition is to give you higher profitability with less environmental impactthat is good for everyone! Using our selected “BV” products and technology has you covered for all seasons…Ploughing with Tractors, Sowing with Seed Drills, Fertilising with Sprayers, Harvesting with Combines and much more!

Interested in the DGPS4U autosteer BV or for more information on our other products, including guidance systems, antenna, mobile DGPS, cameras and monitors. Please call us today on +44(0)1339 883361 / Mob +44(0)7770 765411, email info@dgps4u. com or visit our website www. dgps4u.com.

Greencrop

The 300 and 400 plus series headers to fit Claas and Krone machines optimise harvesting throughput with 6 to 12 Row-independent harvesting technology, meaning the field can be worked from any side regardless of the Row spacing and chopping drum width, with the highest chopping quality, and continuity.

Grass Pick-ups are also offered by Greencrop in the UK to fit New Holland and Claas machines. We are particularly excited about this product due to its reliability and strength. Its special auger design allows an easy crop intake, with an even flow that stays in the pickup, meaning little to no-mess and it’s so easy to reverse. This pickup is designed to require very few man hours in terms of maintenance. All parts are easily removed, fixed or replaced and cost effective with the Kemper step-by-step YouTube tutorials on maintenance and repairs.

We are pleased to have dealers across the UK stocking and ordering both Pickups and Forager Headers, with a view of entering the Irish market this year.

We look forward to seeing you for the 2023 Royal Highland Show 22nd-25th June.

Harry West (Prees) Ltd

It is true…Autosteer has just become affordable!

The new DGPS4U Autosteer BV (Best Value) demonstrates, that in just 60 minutes you could have a great autosteer system installed on your current machinery... and for much less money than other “premium” systems. Now is the time to move your field driving practices up to the next level!

The precision guidance and driving the DGPS4U Autosteer BV offers, will deliver savings in fuel, optimise machine hours, and will help to avoid expensive waste with accurate delivery of fertiliser, seeds and other consumables. Supplied with all you need to program and use, including the simple to follow interface and graphics,

Greencrop will be Exhibiting at the Royal Highland Show with our full product Range Including newly acquired franchise, Kemper.

In 2022 We Introduced Kemper headers and Grass Pick-ups to the UK market. The introduction went extremely well for us in the UK and our first year as the Sole distributor was more successful than we could have imagined. We now have Both Headers and Pickup’s in stock and home, running successfully in the UK.

Maelstrom Rear Discharge Muck Spreader.

Built to a very high specification and capacity the Harry West spreaders are capable of achieving a spread width of up to 12m (40ft), the Maelstrom Rear Discharge Muck Spreaders are particularly suitable for most types of farmyard manure. With the optional hydraulic rear gate they can also be used with poultry manure and semi-solids.

DGPS4U

Dalbo

The twin rear vertical rotating beaters operate at a powerful 400 rpm from the PTO drive input of 1000 rpm. For trouble free maintenance the rear beaters are fitted with replaceable blades, and feature a protected two-piece drive-line with a slip clutch and wide angle PTO. Reversing of the machines bed chains can be controlled by either the standard manual controller or an optional electro/hydraulic control unit when fitted. The “Y” shape body and low loading height allows for a quick and easy fill with any material handler. The Maelstrom 8/10/12 models run with two 14mm bed chains and the Maelstrom 14/16/18 models with two 18mm bed chains. The bed chains are fitted with padless connections attached to each bed slat making the job of replacement much easier. LED lights are fitted as standard and the Maelstrom 14/16/18 are fitted with a multi leaf sprung drawbar. An optional slurry door and light protectors are available for all

models. Also available as options are weighing systems and GPS spreading facilities.

JMT Honda

Royal Highland Show 2023

forestry and ground care applications. Visit us at E72 in the Outdoor Agricultural stands to view the Honda ATV range, a display of Logicproducts and our range of trailers, sprayers and ATV accessories.

John Kerr Farm Equipment

In 2023 JMT Honda celebrates 40 years of Honda ATV specialist supply and service to the farming community in central Scotland.

As Honda Authorised Dealers we supply, maintain and repair your ATV and PIONEER using genuine Honda parts and Honda-trained service technicians.

We are also agents for Logic Products for ATV & UTV vehicles, supplying and maintaining Logic machinery for agriculture, equestrian,

John Kerr Farm Equipment, Central Scotland’s well established farm machinery dealer will once again be exhibiting at this year’s Royal Highland Show. You will find us on stand 121, Avenue F, where we have been based for many years. We will be displaying a large range of implements from prestige brands such as JCB, Deutz Fahr, Same Tractors, Amazone, Krone, McHale, Fleming, Marshall etc. We have technical experts on hand to assist you with any queries you may have, and we are always keen to do a deal on the day. We hope that you can find the time to visit us over the four days.

Knight Farm Machinery offer a complete range of industry leading mounted, trailed and self-propelled sprayers that combine technology, precision, reliability, safety and low cost of ownership. All of which are supported by top quality sevendays-a-week support.

Through our extensive range of mounted, de-mount, trailed and self-propelled machines we now offer tank capacities from 1,500litres to 12,000litres and boom widths from 12metres to 42metres.

At this year Royal Highland Show we will show our latest 1850 series self-propelled sprayer with its best-in-class cab,

Knight Farm Machinery

Royal Highland Show 2023

automatic tank fill system and air-suspended cab and chassis assembly.

“Our latest self-propelled sprayers really do take operator comfort and convenience to the next level”, says Brian Knight, Knight’s owner and Managing Director. “As part of our drive to give customers and operators the very best spraying technology available, we have incorporated many new systems into our 2023 range – one of which is Vario-Select. A fournozzle cluster assembly, it is completely integrated into the ISOBUS system; is air operated on/off and incorporates variable rate application. Curve-Control is also available which ensures exact application when following meandering field boundaries where boom acceleration/ deceleration would normally affect spray application rates”

All machines feature our patented MAXImizer plumbing system which keeps plumbing to a minimum but fluid circulation to a maximum. Through smart plumbing and valve control, we ensure chemical residue is kept to a minimum/eliminated, avoiding contamination, nozzle blockages and downtime. An air purge system, auto-clean water tank fill and new induction hopper system that aids effective cleaning of the whole system after work and minimises risks to both the operator and environment are also part of the 2023 product offering.

Krone UK

The innovative technology is what makes the Krone BiG X the benchmark in terms of performance, chop quality and overall efficiency. From the camless Pick-Up on the EasyFlow header to the VariStream system that provides a consistent and smooth operation. When working in varying volume crops, the whole machine design is based around maximising output with consistent chop quality allowing operators to utilise the forager to its limit, whilst using less fuel per hour.

The powerful twin-arm on the EasyWrap 165 T operates at a rate of up to 40 rpm ensuring maximum work rates. The wrapping unit is sensor controlled for ease of use for the operator, whilst ensuring the wrapper offers maximum precision applying tightly stretched layers of film for the highest-quality forage.

A full collection of Krone will also be available to purchase throughout the show from our shop.

Lambert and Dyson

the equivalent electric machine would need a hefty three phase power supply to run. Our basic one lance unit, built on a sturdy galvanised frame which will fit rear or front linkage, supplied with a 15m high pressure hose with gun and lance. From that base unit we can supply with one or two reels either for two operator use (popular with pig and poultry enterprises) or with a 100m drain jetting hose and nozzle additional to a pressure washing hose. All models are supplied with a PTO shaft to fit the customer’s tractor and a 4m suction hose with filter to draw from a bowser.

We can also supply the above machines with their own on board water tank, up to 1200 litres on the three point linkage mount, and 2000 litres on a slow tow trailer. Additionally again we can supply the same machines above but with a burner unit to provide up to boiling water at high pressure for hot water steam cleaning in remote areas. All models are delivered to anywhere mainland uk. Off shore islands will be delivered to onward shippers. See us at the Royal Highland Show Avenue Q opposite the R.H.E.T. building.

To ensure good reconsolidation in the first working step, the new Solitair DT features a leading tyre packer. For the second step of seedbed preparation, the Solitair DT is equipped with a compact disc harrow with relatively large 465mm diameter concave discs, that are individually protected against overloads by leaf springs. If a reduced intensity of tillage is required, vertical wavy discs can be used instead of the concave discs, which penetrate the soil in line of the seeding coulter.

At the heart of the Solitair’s seeding technology are individual electrically driven, fertiliser-proof metering units, each of which supplies one distributor with seeds. The seed metering wheels are combined into seed wheel sets, eliminating the need to switch seed wheels on and off.

Join the Krone team at the Royal Highland Show! You’ll find us on stand T 204(A).

We’re excited to be back with a full line up of machines including the new BiG X 980 Forage Harvester and the trailed EasyWrap 165.

We are a long established, family run, small but far reaching firm based in Skipton north Yorkshire specialising in High pressure cleaning and drain jetting equipment primarily for the agricultural market. Our most popular range of equipment are tractor PTO powered meaning that they can be used literally out in the field for land drain jetting, or around the farm yard for building and machinery maintenance, all without the need for a separate power source. Indeed our PTO powered pumps are so powerful (3000psi, 200bar at up to 30 litres per minute) that

Lemkens’Trailed Seed drill with low disturbance options.

Minimal draught resistance, an integrated compact disc harrow, comfortable operation and a large, divided seed hopper – that is LEMKEN’s new Solitair DT seed drill. With this machine, LEMKEN, the specialist for professional crop production, has completely restructured its range of trailed seed drill combinations, focusing all its developments even more strongly on profitability.

The DT seed hopper holds a volume of up to 5,100 litres and is available in a dual hopper version. The dual hopper allows the Solitair DT to be used for combined seeding with fertiliser or for sowing different seed types or companion cropping for example. Two variants are available: with the single-shot version, the fertiliser and seeds are placed in a shared seed furrow, whereas the double-shot version places fertiliser or seed in a line below the seed level via separate fertiliser double disc coulters, this is well suited to a larger seed requiring deeper placement and a smaller seed through the normal disc coulter at the rear of the machine..

LEMKEN’s new Solitair DT is available in four and six metre widths with demonstration machines available around the UK and Ireland for autumn 2023.

Lemken UK

Lynx

Lynx to showcase awardwinning Deere 6800 restoration at the Royal Highland.

A near 30-year old John Deere 6800 fully restored by Lynx Engineering and equipped with the latest add-on technology, is set to make its Scotland debut on the Lynx Engineering trade stand at the Royal Highland Show 2023.

Having received rave reviews from visitors to LAMMA at the NEC in January, the tractor has since made an award-winning appearance at the classic tractor show, Tractor World, where it won the Best Restored Tractor award in the 1976-2000 class.

The restoration project was undertaken to mark the company’s 30th Anniversary and to demonstrate how an old, tired and well used tractor can be restored and re-equipped with new components to enable it to take on the demands of modern-day farming.

When the tractor arrived on site, stripping it down

to the chassis revealed underlying problems that had to be addressed. Amongst many others, these included an engine that only ran on five cylinders, a turbo requiring a full rebuild and a gearbox that was virtually completely replaced with new parts. Work was needed on front and rear axles and there was much more cleaning, blasting and painting than originally projected.

The tractor has been fitted with the latest Stoll ProfiLine FZ43-27 front loader, painted appropriately in the Stoll colours that would have been applied back in 1994, and equipped with the latest Pro Control electronic joystick. A new up to date Zuidberg front linkage was fitted along with a front PTO, the linkage also being employed to carry the Zuidberg front override protector. The original Dromone rear pick-up hitch was sent back to Dromone for a complete overhaul. Lynx have

Royal Highland Show 2023

also replaced the original viscous fan with a brand new Flexxaire reversing cooling/cleaning fan.

Manitou Group

the NewAg XL range, previously shown at Lamma this year. With a load capacity of 5 tons and a working height of 7.6 meters, this new model completes the existing range to meet the needs of large farms and cooperatives, but also the food industry and the recycling sector. Designed for very intensive use, in particular the loading of bulk cargo, cereals, wood chips and silage, the MLT 850 is also perfect for handling straw bales and big bags.

Manitou group, a world leader in rough-terrain handling, is returning to the Royal Highland Show. Manitou Group presented their newest ‘Oxygen’ range of 100% electric machinery at Bauma, and will be showing the new products at the Royal Highland Show in June along with the newest Agricultural models added to their ‘Newag XL’ range.

MLT 850

The MLT 850-145 V+ telehandler is the fourth model in

ULM 415

Targeted at a number of sectors, such as construction, agriculture and landscaping, this ultra light Manitou telehandler has a width of just 1.49m and a height of 1.92m, thus enabling users to fit into the most narrow and compact areas with ease. Regardless of its small compact size, the ULM still offers a lifting capacity of 4.30m, as well as being towable on a trailer due to its lightweight design which

offers users two choices of the 1.25t or the 1.5t model.

Oxygen Range

With higher pollution and noise levels rising, the energy transition via low or no carbon emissions is part of Manitou’s strong commitment to sustainable development. As a result, Manitou has manufactured a new machine labelling strategy, called Oxygen, dedicated to the implementation of low-emission solutions. Showing for the first time in Scotland, Manitou will be showing their new MRTe, MT 625e and the 160ATJe.

For more information, please visit: www.manitou.com

compatible with the option of using McHale’s ISO-PLAY 7 or ISO-PLAY 12 terminals, to allow the operator to experience the highest level of customisation and machine performance. With a focus being put on operator comfort and friendliness, McHale still ensures the reliability and heavy-duty build quality that McHale is renowned for remains.

McHale have developed the ISO-Play terminal software in a way that allows full ISOBUS compatibility, but also benefits the McHale proprietary autoswitching camera functionality (as used in the existing iTouch terminals). Auto-switching of cameras makes the baling process easier for operators and also reduces the in-cab clutter as a second camera monitor is no longer required.

McHale sales and service personnel will be on hand to discuss the latest products and technologies on their stand on Avenue S.

Merlo bucket hats. Exclusive to the Royal Highland and Royal Welsh Shows this summer, these sizzling fashion statements are set to be a huge hit at this year’s Royal Highland Show.

Part of an international group with its global base in Cuneo, Italy, Merlo leads the market in telehandler innovations. With nearly 60 years of experience in manufacturing agricultural and construction machinery, Merlo remains an innovative and wellrespected technology leader in the design of telescopic handlers, tracked carriers and forestry tractors.

Murray Machinery

Murray Machinery gravel road grader is now able to carry out four different functions in the same machine. With careful adjustment of the levelling beams the road grader is able to leave the road surface high in the middle or the machine can also put a camber or a slope on the whole width of the roads therefore helping to take care of rain water management. In utilising stone from the existing road surface, great savings can be made on time, effort and money spent on maintaining your gravel road.

At the end of 2022, Murray Machinery Ltd was delighted to announce the completion of a management buyout by Graeme Duncan and James Burnett. Between them, Graeme and James have been involved with Murray Machinery for over 55 years. Graeme and James very much look forward to working with you as they enter this exciting new chapter of the business.

McHale are looking forward to the return of the Royal Highland Show and will be exhibiting a wide range of machinery on their stand throughout the 4 days. This year, McHale has increased their stand size and will be showcasing a number of machines which will include the McHale Centre Delivery Rake, the McHale Pro Glide range of mowers, the McHale Fusion Vario with single belt, the new McHale Fusion 4 Plus with ISOBUS, round balers from their F5000 fixed chamber range, and a selection of both round & square bale wrappers along with the C4 straw blower & silage feeder.

Also, at the Royal Highland Show, the new McHale V6760 and V8960 will be added to the popular V6 & V8 variable chamber range of machines. Over time, these ranges have developed to provide higher output and density. The new McHale V6760 and V8960 are fully automatic balers adding to the operator’s comfort and friendliness.

These fully automatic machines are ISOBUS

Visit

Merlo’s extensive product range, including: Turbofarmer, Merlo’s original agricultural solution, Multifarmer, a telehandler with rear 3-point linkage, eWorker, Merlo’s first fully electric telehandler and Cingo, Merlo’s range of versatile tracked carriers

A wide range of genuine Merlo merchandise will be available from Merlo’s stand at the Royal Highland Show, including t-shirts, hoodies, die cast models, and more.

Also on the Merlo stand at this year’s Royal Highland Show will be a giveaway of brand new, limited edition

Established in 1979, Murray Machinery Ltd has been operating from within Aberdeenshire for over 40 years, manufacturing material handling attachments to fit telescopic handlers, forklifts and tractor loaders for the UK agricultural sector.

We have an extensive product range of over 40 machines with numerous variations such as bale handling equipment, muckgrabs, grain buckets, push-off buckrakes, stone forks, snow blades, access platforms and quick hitch adaptors as well as our award-winning gravel road grader.

Our gravel road grader won the Silver Award at the Royal Highland Technical Innovation Awards 2020. The purpose of the Murray Gravel Road Grader is to reinstate gravel roads which have fallen into a state of disrepair, to a new and pristine condition.

The grader has various options available including bolt on hardox edges, hydraulically operated ripper teeth, hydraulically operated tilting frame, marker boards and rear lights. With the addition of a rear compactor roller, the

Ness Plant started in 2002 from our premises in Laurencekirk. Agricar then took the decision to move Ness Plant to the head office at Forfar to help meet the demand of our customer base and also the demand from the manufacturers. With Ness Plant expanding again, Agricar saw an opening in the market place and relocated Ness Plant to new premises in March 2006 which are located in Brechin. September 2010 sees the opening of a new branch in Kinross to meet customer demand and further our commitment to providing a better service. In June 2021 we opened a further Depot in Bridge of Allan to further support our existing customer base and help increase our ever growing

McHale

Merlo

Merlo on Stand T300 at the Royal Highland Show to find out more about

Ness Plant

Aftersales business. From these premises Ness Plant are best placed to provide a complete service using the depots to their full potential to show new units and latest information. Along with the additional workshop which can meet all your service demands from basic services to complete machine overhauls. We also have our comprehensive stores department with a large stock inventory. Please call us to discuss your requirements.

Perry of Oakley

list of decisions can be long and knowing which is bets for your specific requirement can be a challenge.

At Perry of Oakley we offer a range of mobile driers and two different ranges of continuous flow driers to suit a variety of budgets and requirements so we can help you make the right decision for your needs.

Royal Highland Show 2023

is a cost effective solution, designed to be an entry level static drier for farmers looking to dry up to 30tph of combinable crops. It comes with roller discharge as standard but can be upgraded to shutter discharge.

or email sales@perryofoakley. co.uk, and receive a free, no obligation quotation.

Pottinger

Not Sure Which Grain Drier To Buy?

Mobile? Batch or continuous flow? What fuel option? The

The AGREX mobile drier range spans from 5 to 55 cubic M. Models from 7.5 to 25T have the unique feature of an external auger which means that access for servicing is easier, especially if there is a problem when the drier is full, and it is quicker to collapse down if moving the drier. With no centre auger the heated airflow is more uniform in the cone plenum. This increases performance and provides more uniform drying. In addition no heat is transferred to the centre auger which means less fuel usage.

The Mistral Series Continuous Mixed Flow Drier

The Savannah Series is also a Continuous Mixed Flow Drier with a heavy duty commercial specification built to BS6399 and BS5950. With widths from 2m to 8m single and 12m dual column with capacities from 5 to 150tph.

All the grain drier ranges offer remote monitoring and operation via semi-automatic or fully automatic control panels, saving you significant time.

All the drier ranges are fully compatible with the Perry handling and comprehensive range of storage options from tote bins through to hopperbottom and flat-bottom silos.

Contact Perrys for all your handling, storage & drier requirements on (0)1404 890 300

Pottinger, the specialist for grassland machinery will be displaying the new Mergento VT 9220 merger at this years Royal Highland Show. The new machine has been available from the beginning of the year however the Royal Highland show was allocated as the first UK event where it should be publicly displayed.

The Mergento (with working widths of up to 9.20 metres for a central swath and 8.70 metres

Royal Highland Show 2023

for a side swath) is designed for alfalfa, clover, and a wide variety of crops from permanent grassland to straw. At the heart of the Mergento is its conveyor unit which consists of the pick-up, crop press roller and the cross conveyor belt. The perfectly coordinated system ensures a consistent flow of forage and impeccably formed swaths even with short crop material.

The six-row controlled pickup delivers maximum collection performance with minimum forage contamination. Crop is gently collected from the ground by the successive pick-up tines and fed to the cross conveyor belt. The cam track ensure the tines are retracted just before the belt which guarantees timely release of crop. The transfer point is 120 mm higher than the cross conveyor belt, this allows the forage to fall freely onto it.

The rotational direction and the position of the two cross conveyor belts can be adjusted from the comfort of the tractor cab. Depending on the shape of the field, volume of forage and the follow-up harvesting machine, the Mergento can place a centre swath, swaths to the left or right, two single swaths, convey from the inside out, and even load forage for a short period.

The new Mergento exhibits its expertise in delivering the best working results and will be demonstrated during the 2023 season. We look forward to welcoming you to stand 129 where we can show you the new Mergento and discuss its advantages.

Powerwasher Services

business with three generations of the family specialising in the sale, service, hire and repair of a variety of equipment, including Powerwashers, Scrubber Driers, Floor Sweepers, Industrial and Commercial Vacuums, Generators, Compressors, Heaters, Water Pumps, Dust Suppression Units, Cleaning Chemicals and more.

We pride ourselves on providing high quality products at very competitive prices along with a second to none back-up service to our Scotland wide customers. Operating all over Scotland with a fleet of 12 service vans and 2 sales representatives out on the road daily, our friendly and knowledgeable team of specialists are at hand to deal with all of your sales, service, hire and repair requirements.

This year we celebrate 40 years of delivering award-winning service to our customers and are proud to say that hard work, determination and the supply of quality products has put us miles ahead of competitors and number one for our loyal customers.

Back in 1983, PWS was started by Jack Whitecross, a dairyman at the time, Jack has a vast understanding of the Agricultural market. Over the years we have made our way in to other industries and now have machines and equipment suitable for most industries, including Transport & Haulage, Hospitality & Leisure, Engineering & Manufacturing, Oil, Gas & Marine and more.

We have big plans for the future and have plans to build an extension at PWS HQ. We had hoped to do this in 2021, however, Covid unfortunately has put this on hold for the time being.

We will have a team on the stand at the Royal Highland Show and hope to see you for any enquiries or just for a chat and a cuppa!

Shearwell Data

Shearwell Data - Celebrating 30 years: “From small beginnings with shearing and dipping sheep on Exmoor, to the international scale of business we now run, it has been an exciting journey to date.”

Richard Webber, Director,“When shearing sheep in an abattoir in Norway, I was looking for a sheep tag with good retention, as most of my flock at home were losing theirs! The light bulb moment was “here I am with thousands of older sheep going through the lairage, showing me the actual tag that had the best retention rates”. Richard then bought the machine that made them! This was the start of the journey, and in 1992 Shearwell Data was established, with seven local members of staff. Shearwell’s own SET sheep tag was developed in 2002 and is now Britain’s favourite sheep tag. Over the past 30 years, a complete system was developed, with EID readers, software, handling equipment and in 2020 the MET tagShearwell’s revolutionary metal electronic cattle tag.

Shearwell has been a pioneer in Electronic Identification, initially for management information and we could never have envisaged it being used as widely and extensively as it now is. It has been an enlightening journey, meeting many people along the way with a desire to use detailed knowledge and technology to help manage and improve their cattle and sheep farming business. In 2022, Shearwell celebrated its 30th Anniversary, quite an achievement for a family, farmer owned business whose mission has and continues to be “Working to help the livestock farmer”.

Shearwell can help your farming business. For more information call our Scotland Representative Jane Thomson 07788 209 438 or email jane. thomson@shearwell.co.uk

Spread-a-bale

Powerwasher Services Ltd celebrate 40 years!

Here at Powerwasher Services Ltd we are a family run

Spread-a-Bale’s new spreader head option - the HR throwing straw up to 15m

Livestock farmers can now spread straw up to 15 metres with minimal dust generation by investing in Spread-a-Bale’s new spreader head option, the Horizontal Rotor (HR).

The HR’s head features a single horizontal rotor which delivers the straw in a linear spread pattern, two metres wide and thrown up to 15 metres. One round or one rectangular bale can be spread within one minute, thereby saving time and labour, as well as straw. Only one materials handler is required to operate.

The HR head can be fitted to any of Spread-a-Bale’s M range – the Micro, Mini, Midi or Maxi and is available on both front end and side mounted models, green or galvanised.

Spread-a-Bale’s Michael Hughes explains: “The spreader head’s single horizontal rotor is an alternative option to Spread-aBale’s two contra rotating rotors enabling straw to be thrown longer distances and subsequently compete with turbine machines. The HR is particularly suitable for side mounted materials handlers.”

The option is available from Spread-a-Bale’s dealer network; www.spread-a-bale.com

Further information from Spread-a-Bale’s Michael Hughes on 07917 303535.

Terrington

Visit our stand at the Highland, in the NSA tent (close to the MacRobert Theatre - where the Golden Shears competitions will be held).

AEROSTAR-FUSION: The ultimate superstar in the tined weeder industry

Royal Highland Show 2023

Einböck is expanding its weeding technology product program with a completely newly developed precision tined weeder. The AEROSTARFUSION demonstrates its advantages particularly in special crops such as vegetables and herbs, but also in hill-crops. The premium weeder scores with indirectly spring-loaded tines that can be set very easily and precisely for sensitive operation. Furthermore, common field crops such as maize, beets, soya, etc., can of course be weeded in extremely early stages of crop growth with excellent results.

In all aspects, such as tine arrangement, adjustment and mounting, wheels, frame design, etc. the premium weeder is the ultimate superstar in the tined weeder segment. Just like its AEROSTAR siblings, the adjustment of aggressiveness is done without pressure cables. This makes the “FUSION” userfriendly and reliable in equal measure. Working in higher crops (cereals, soy and maize) is no problem at all. The special frame design ensures smooth operation and durability at the same time. Extreme flexibility is also provided by the individually placeable support wheels and the unique, adjustable frame. The AEROSTAR-FUSION is the next step Einböck is taking to build its status being the manufacturer with the widest range of machines for mechanical weed control. The 9th machine in the range will be available in the UK for demonstration from Terrington Machinery for the next season.

Call David on 01553-828083 or 07966-417720 details or demonstration enquiries.

Vaderstad

Väderstad, one of the world’s leading companies in tillage, seeding and planting, introduces the new disc cultivator Carrier XT 425-625.

Carrier XT is equipped with rotating disc axles and an easy machine setting, designed to optimize tillage results depending on the working depth. The Carrier XT features a strong tube frame and heavy-duty joints, ensuring it can withstand heavy stresses and deliver exceptional working results in the field. With its long working life, the Carrier XT is a reliable and efficient farming solution.

Available in three different working widths (4.25m, 5.25m, or 6.25m), the Carrier XT can be delivered as either a trailed or mounted version, offering versatility and convenience to farmers. It is a high-speed primary tillage and seedbed preparation cultivator, equipped with a wide range of front tools, discs, and packers that enable it to handle the versatile challenges of modern farming. The Carrier XT can perform ultrashallow cultivation or deeper incorporation, saving passes, decreasing machine cost per hectare, and providing the best start for the coming crop.

The Carrier XT can be fitted with three different types of discs, including the 450mm disc, 470mm TrueCut disc, or

the ultra-shallow CrossCutter Disc, which are all built from high-quality Swedish V-55 steel at the Väderstad Components Genuine Parts factory. Additionally, optional front tools like the CrossCutter Knife and CrossBoard Heavy provide versatility to meet different farming requirements, whether it’s stale seedbeds, levelling of ploughed land, or cover crop incorporation.

The Carrier XT is also equipped with a range of packers suitable for a wide range of field conditions. These include the Single SteelRunner, Double SteelRunner, CageRunner HD, Single SoilRunner, and Double SoilRunner, offering flexibility to farmers to adapt to their specific field requirements.

Zetor UK

the updated engine maintains all these attributes, whilst ensuring that emissions meet the current legislation through a combination of a particulate filter (DPF) exhaust gas recirculation, selective catalytic reduction (SCR) and oxidation catalyst (DOC). With a number of other improvements - including to the control layout on the dashboard - the new-look Proxima range is definitely worth checking out.

Farmers and contractors looking to add a front loader to their tractor will also be able to see a selection of Traclift front loaders. Engineered to fit a wide range of tractors, the loaders are available to order for new or existing machines. Topping the range is the TL340SL, with an impressive 2.2te lift capacity to a height of 4.05m. Designed with operator comfort in mind, the HYDRAC hydraulic system provides high speed operation, reaching full height in an impressive 4.5seconds.

Also on display on the stand are the Metal-Fach round balers, providing a cost effective and simple way of baling, particularly for farmers wanting to do their own.

Zetor UK Ltd is delighted to be continuing its longstanding relationship with the RHS this year, showcasing the breadth of its product ranges.

Customers will be able to see representatives from each of Zetor UK’s three main ranges: the Major, Proxima and Forterra. Making its debut at the show this year is the new Proxima tractor with a new, stage V Deutz fourcylinder turbo charged diesel engine. With a reputation for low fuel consumption, high reliability and ease of operation,

Nigel Wilson, Zetor UK LTD MD, said: “We always really enjoy coming to the RHS as it’s a great opportunity to meet our existing network of Scottish customers, who have a really good understanding of their own needs and the machinery market; as well as potential new customers.

We’re looking forward to welcoming everyone on to our stand over the four days. “

For more information on Zetor UK’s product range visit: www.zetor.co.uk

Royal Highland Show 2023

Royal Highland Show

Visitor Information

Showground Opening and Closing Times

Visitors are advised of the Conditions of Entry which are published on the Royal Highland Show and RHASS websites and are displayed at the public entrances to the Show.

Thursday 22nd June

General Public Opening Time: 7:00 - 20:00

• Restaurants with bar: from 11:00

• Home & Gift Hall / Scotland’s Food & Drink Hall: 9:00-18:00

• General Trade Stands: 9:00 - 18:00

• RHET Discovery Centre: 9.00 -17.00

• Main Ring: 7:30-20:00

• Countryside Arena: 9:45 - 18:00

• Forestry Arena: 8:30-19:00

• The Forge: 8:45 - 18:30

• Entertainment Stages: 11:00-18:00

Friday 23rd June

General Public Opening Time: 07:00 - 20:00

• General Public Opening Time: 7:00 - 20:00

• Licensed Premises: from 11:00

• Restaurants with bar: from 11:00

• Home & Gift Hall / Scotland’s Food & Drink Hall: 9:00-18:00

• General Trade Stands: 9:00 - 18:00

• RHET Discovery Centre: 9.00 -17.00

• Main Ring: 7:45 - 20:00

• Countryside Arena: 9:45 - 18:00

• Forestry Arena: 8:30-19:00

• The Forge: 8:45 - 17:00

• Sheep Shearing: 13:30-17:00

• Entertainment Stages: 11:00-18:30

Ticket information

Saturday 25th June

General Public Opening Time - 07:00 - 20:00

• General Public Opening Time: 7:00 - 20:00

• Licensed Premises: from 11:00

• Restaurants with bar: from 11:00

• Home & Gift Hall / Scotland’s Food & Drink Hall: 9:00-18:00

• General Trade Stands: 9:00 - 18:00

• RHET Discovery Centre: 9.00 -17.00

• Main Ring: 7:45-20:00

• Countryside Arena: 9:45 - 18:00

• Forestry Arena: 8:30-19:00

• The Forge: 08:30–17:30

• Sheep Shearing: 8:00-17:00

• Entertainment Stages: 11:00-18:00

Sunday 25th June

General Public Opening Time: 07:00 - 18:00

• General Public Opening Time: 7:00 - 18:00

• Licensed Premises: from 11:00 - 17:00

• Restaurants with bar: from 11:00 – 17:00

• Home & Gift Hall / Scotland’s Food & Drink Hall: 9:0017:00

• General Trade Stands: 9:00 - 18:00

• RHET Discovery Centre: 9.00 -17.00

• Main Ring: 7:30 - 17:30

• Countryside Arena: 9:45 - 18:00

• Forestry Arena: 8:30 - 17:00

• The Forge: 9:00 - 15:00

• Sheep Shearing: 8:00-17:00

• Entertainment Stages: 11:00-17:00

All tickets, including car parking, must be bought in advance from the Royal Highland Show website, with none available to buy on the gate this year. Tickets are limited in number and are expected to sell out, as they did for the Friday and Saturday last year.

Adult day single admit: £35

Adult day single Flexi Farming ticket: £38.50

Accessible ticket: £35 plus one accompanying carer goes free

Children aged 15 and under will go free with a paying adult (*max 3 children per paying adult)

Standard/Accessible Parking £15 per day, two-day parking £20, four-day parking £25. Tickets must be bought in advance from the Royal Highland Show website. Ticket price increases may apply once current ticket tiers sell out.

Scottish Inspirational Young Person Award 2023

Leading insurer NFU Mutual has partnered with industry body Scotland

Food & Drink to launch the 2023 ‘Inspirational Young Person Award’

The award seeks to uncover inspiring examples of talented people aged 16 to 26 who own, work, or study in the food and drink sector and who are a driving success in their field.

The award will highlight the innovation young people bring to Scotland’s food and drink businesses, as well as the important contribution they make to the sector’s long-term future.

Entries and nominations are now open and the closing date is 3rd July. The first, second and third place winners will be announced during Scottish Food & Drink Fortnight (5-20th September) and awarded cash prizes of £500, £300 and £200 respectively.

In recognition of the challenges the industry has faced economically in the last year and the part it can play environmentally such as cutting

down on food waste, this year’s judges are looking for entrants who are adapting the way they work and contributing to the resilience of Scotland’s food and drink sector.

Last year’s winner was 23-year-old Craig Chambers, a Distiller at Dunnet Bay Distillers based in Thurso. He impressed the judges with his natural flair for the distillery business and the way he identified improvements and helped create new recipes designed to reduce energy consumption during distilling by 90%, which helped the business maintain the original price point for customers as energy prices increased.

Since winning the award, Craig has expanded his horizons and is presently on a placement at a distillery in South America. Craig said: “Winning this award was an amazing highpoint for me. I have since been on a placement at a distillery in

Argentina to learn even more about the industry and other food and drink cultures. The prize money came in very handy for my travels too.”

Mark McBrearty, NFU Mutual’s Regional Manager in Scotland and one of the judges for the award, said: “The importance of young people to Scotland’s food and drink sector cannot be overstated. This special award illustrates just how wide a contribution they make and how valuable their drive and innovation are to business success.

How to Enter

The NFU Mutual and Scotland Food & Drink Inspirational Young Person Award 2022 is open until 3rd July 2023. Submit your entry or make a nomination to https://www.nfumutual.co.uk/ campaigns/inspirational-youngperson-award-2023/

Any individual between the ages of 16 and 26 who owns, works, or studies within a food and drink related business, organisation or institution can be nominated or enter on their own behalf. The winner will receive £500, with the second and third place finalists receiving £300 and £200 respectively. Winners will be announced in September 2022.

Demand for emotional support sees trebling of counselling provision by RSABI

During the past year, RSABI has trebled its counselling provision in response to increased demand from farmers, crofters, and others working in Scottish agriculture.

February was the busiest month in 2022/23 in terms of people reaching out to the charity, which provides emotional, financial, and practical support. During January and February the charity also made 312 outbound emotional support calls and since April 2022, it has funded 170 counselling sessions.

During the past year the charity has also noted a trend of working age people seeking emotional support due to stress, anxiety and isolation, with a noticeable increase in those concerned about their financial situation, compared with the final two months of 2022.

The charity is currently expanding its team of staff to ensure it is well resourced to respond to a further increase in demand for its services, as pressure on the industry continues with high input prices and general anxiety about cost of living and the future of agricultural support.

RSABI, which offers emotional, financial, and practical support to the agriculture industry, is experiencing a high number of people seeking emotional support with 88% of the welfare teams’ time dedicated to providing emotional and practical support.

According to Chris McVey, Welfare Manager with RSABI, while spring might seem like a season of bustling activity, it can be a very tough time of

year for farmers and crofters who, emerging from winter, can sometimes feel the scale of the workload is overwhelming.

He welcomed the fact that more people are contacting the charity via its Helpline and urged others who may feel they are not

coping, not to hesitate to seek support.

For more information or to sign up to RSABI’s supporters’ scheme, please visit the RSABI website www.rsabi.org.uk, where you can also find a 24-hour confidential webchat service.

2022 winner, 23-year-old Craig Chambers, a Distiller at Dunnet Bay Distillers with award trophy and certificate

NFU Cymru responds to Welsh Bovine TB Programme Second Delivery Plan 2023-2028

Farmers in Wales will be left frustrated by Welsh Government’s new plan for tackling bovine TB in Wales, according to NFU Cymru.

Following the launch of Welsh Government’s Welsh Bovine TB Eradication Programme Second Delivery Plan 2023 – 2028, NFU Cymru says the plan does not offer any progress towards a comprehensive strategy that will effectively tackle the disease across all its vectors.

NFU Cymru Deputy President Abi Reader said: “The announcement of this new fiveyear delivery plan is light on detail and will do little to inspire confidence in Welsh farmers. While the plan points at positive progress and downward trends in some areas, this will be of little consolation to those farmers who have had cattle culled after seeing their herds ravaged by this disease. Despite the industry implementing stringent protocols to keep the disease out, we still have hundreds of farm businesses under bTB restrictions and thousands more living with the fear of what their next on-farm TB test will bring.

“Given the rising levels of disease in some of the lower risk areas of Wales, it is right that this plan has a focus on preventing the further spread of the disease into these areas. While we still need time to assess the full details contained within the plan, on first reading it does not appear that its contents offer much hope for farmers in Wales’ High TB

Areas, nor that efforts are being prioritised to tackle the disease across all sources of infection.

“We welcome the Minister’s reference to working in partnership with the industry and Welsh Government’s acknowledgement that communication with the industry needs to be improved. Actions speak louder than words, however, and today’s proposals are likely to leave farmers unconvinced

that they will be central to future decision making.

“We are pleased that some positive progress has been made on a number of the proposals put forward by the NFU Cymru TB Focus Group. If there is any realistic hope of achieving the target for Wales to be TB-free by 2041, we believe more of these recommendations need to be adopted.

“We are mindful that a new Chief Veterinary Officer for Wales has only recently been appointed before the publication of this new five-year plan. We hope to work closely alongside the new Chief Veterinary Officer to help improve the bovine TB picture for Welsh agriculture and, in particular, for those farming families whose lives are blighted by this disease.”

ABP welcomes Welsh Affairs Committee call for UK Government to turbocharge floating offshore wind in the Celtic Sea

Commenting on the publication of the Welsh Affairs Select Committee’s report into Floating Offshore Wind in Wales, Henrik L. Pedersen, Chief Executive of Associated British Ports said: “We warmly welcome this considered report from the Committee.

“The opportunity of floating offshore wind (FLOW) in the Celtic Sea offers a once in a lifetime opportunity for Wales in terms of jobs, inward investment, innovation and new technology. This is a legacy that could last

for decades to come, both in Wales and beyond.

“We welcome the Committee’s recognition that

with the right policies and investment, FLOW could spark a wider economic and industrial transformation in South Wales.

Ffermio Cymru

“ABP’s port at Port Talbot will play a crucial role in supporting the deployment of FLOW in the Celtic Sea. But in order to maximise the many benefits of the Celtic Sea and FLOW, we must have port infrastructure that is ready to secure first-mover advantage and capture the global market.“Delivering this significant opportunity requires close collaboration across industry, communities, and the UK and Welsh Governments. We look forward to working constructively with all partners to deliver the scale of ambition outlined in this important report.”

Associated British Ports’ submitted written evidence to the Welsh Affairs Select Committee’s inquiry.

Plan published to build on steady progress to eradicate TB

A refreshed five-year Delivery Plan to build on the steady progress achieved to date to eradicate bovine TB in Wales has been published by Rural Affairs Minister Lesley Griffiths.

The picture of bovine TB in Wales is ever changing, but the important, long-term trends show good progress. Between 2009 and December 2022, new TB incidents fell by 49% in Welsh herds while prevalence decreased by 32%.

94.7% of herds were TB free at end of December 2022

Partnership working is at the heart of the new plan. It emphasises the eradication of bovine TB in Wales cannot be achieved by the Government alone, without the support, engagement and ownership

Plan published to build on steady progress to eradicate TB

The picture of bovine TB in Wales is ever changing, but the important, long-term trends show good progress. Between 2009 and December 2022, new TB incidents fell by 49% in Welsh herds while prevalence decreased by 32%.

94.7% of herds were TB free at end of December 2022.

Partnership working is at the heart of the new plan. It emphasises the eradication of bovine TB in Wales cannot be achieved by the Government alone, without the support, engagement and ownership of the farming industry and veterinary profession.

The plan builds on what is already in place to set a course to make further progress towards a TB-Free Wales by 2041.

Points from the plan include:

• Integrating further into our Programme a greater level of partnership working, codesign and co-delivery to build trust, dispel inaccurate information, empower keepers to take control of their TB situation and protect their business.

• Benefits of the partnership approach to be explored through a project in

Pembrokeshire which will involve collaborative working at a local level, empowering vets and farmers to make informed decisions and show leadership in disease control.

• New governance arrangements including publicly appointed Programme Board and Technical Advisory Group to be established which will provide technical expertise on key policy areas including a review of the management of in-calf TB affected cattle.

• Bring forward legislation to reintroduce PreMovement Testing for cattle movements within and from the Low TB Area.

• Extend the requirement for Post-Movement Testing in the Intermediate TB Areas and enabling the display of TB Free herd information on ibTB to support farmers to understand the TB status of cattle they wish to purchase.

• Engagement on TB Payments and Informed Purchasing will begin over the coming months to explore policy options with stakeholders and agree a way forward, making the necessary links with the Sustainable Farming Scheme. Further legislative

changes will be required to bring in new policies in these areas.

Minister for Rural Affairs

Lesley Griffiths said:

“I am very aware of the impact of bovine TB on our farming community and the emotional and financial consequences of this disease. It is extremely distressing for farmers who have an outbreak in their herd. That’s why I am clear we must maintain momentum and build on our already extensive programme of measures, to make further progress towards the eradication of bovine TB in Wales.

Good progress has already been made, with the long-term trends showing a decrease in cases. We must build on this. However, Government cannot do this alone. Partnership working is needed with our farmers and vets to reach our goal of a TBfree Wales.

The plan I have published today, outlines what we can all do together over the next five years, to build on what has already been achieved. We must all unite to succeed in eradicating this disease”.

The Minister will provide an annual update on the progress of the delivery plan.

Ffermio Cymru

of the farming industry and veterinary profession.

The plan builds on what is already in place to set a course to make further progress towards a TB-Free Wales by 2041.

Points from the plan include:

Integrating further into our Programme a greater level of partnership working, co-design and co-delivery to build trust, dispel inaccurate information, empower keepers to take control of their TB situation and protect their business.

Benefits of the partnership approach to be explored through a project in Pembrokeshire which will involve collaborative working at a local level, empowering vets and farmers to make informed decisions and show leadership in disease control.

New governance arrangements including publicly appointed Programme Board and Technical Advisory Group to be established which will provide technical expertise on key policy areas including a review of the management of in-calf TB affected cattle.

Bring forward legislation to reintroduce Pre-Movement Testing for cattle movements within and from the Low TB Area.

Extend the requirement for Post-Movement Testing in the Intermediate TB Areas and enabling the display of TB Free

herd information on ibTB to support farmers to understand the TB status of cattle they wish to purchase.

Engagement on TB Payments and Informed Purchasing will begin over the coming months to explore policy options with stakeholders and agree a way forward, making the necessary links with the Sustainable Farming Scheme. Further legislative changes will be required to bring in new policies in these areas

Minister for Rural Affairs Lesley Griffiths said: “I am very aware of the impact of bovine TB on our farming community and the emotional and financial consequences of this disease. It is extremely distressing for farmers who have an outbreak in their herd. That’s why I am clear we must maintain momentum and build on our already extensive programme of measures, to make further progress towards the eradication of bovine TB in Wales.

“Good progress has already been made, with the long-term trends showing a decrease in cases. We must build on this. However, Government cannot do this alone. Partnership working is needed with our farmers and vets to reach our goal of a TBfree Wales.

“The plan I have published today, outlines what we can all do together over the next five years, to build on what has already been achieved. We must all unite to succeed in eradicating this disease.”

The Minister will provide an annual update on the progress of the Delivery Plan.

Gallai pori alpacaod helpu taclo newid hinsawdd ymchwil

Prifysgol

Aberystwyth

Mae gwyddonwyr ym

Mhrifysgol Aberystwyth yn ymchwilio a allai pori alpacaod ochr yn ochr ag anifeiliaid eraill helpu ffermwyr i fynd i’r afael â newid hinsawdd.

Bydd y prosiect newydd yn edrych ar effeithlonrwydd a buddion amgylcheddol pori gwahanol rywogaethau gyda’i gilydd, megis defaid, geifr ac alpacaod.

Bydd y gwaith yng

Nghanolfan Ymchwil yr Ucheldir Pwllpeiran y Brifysgol yn adeiladu ar ymchwil blaenorol, a ganfu fod pori cymysg o ddefaid gyda gwartheg wedi gwella cyfradd tyfiant ŵyn, iechyd anifeiliaid a lleihau allyriadau nwyon tŷ gwydr. Fodd bynnag, er gwaethaf y buddion hyn, mae niferoedd gwartheg yn yr ucheldiroedd yn parhau i ddisgyn.

Bydd yr astudiaeth newydd yn canolbwyntio ar y potensial, sydd heb ei ymchwilio eto, o ddefaid yn pori gyda rhywogaethau llai cyffredin, megis alpacaod a geifr, a’r gallu i wella effeithiolrwydd y defnydd o dir pori a mynd i’r afael â newid hinsawdd. Fel gwartheg, mae arferion pori’r rhywogaethau hyn yn wahanol i ddefaid.

Bydd treialon bwydo ar gyfer yr ymchwil yn dechrau’r mis hwn i gasglu data ar effeithiolrwydd treuliadwyedd cymharol gwahanol fwydydd mewn alpacaod, geifr a defaid, a monitro eu hallyriadau methan. Dilynir hyn gan dreialon pori yn ystod gwanwyn a haf 2023 a 2024. Dywedodd yr Athro

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Mariecia Fraser o Athrofa Biolegol, Amgylcheddol a Gwledig (IBERS), Prifysgol Aberystwyth:

“Mae Alpacaod wedi cael eu hanwybyddu fel porwyr cadwraeth posibl. Mae’r prosiect hwn yn edrych

ar ffyrdd newydd o bori’r anifeiliaid hyn a sut y gallen nhw helpu mynd i’r afael â newid hinsawdd. Mae’n cyd-fynd yn berffaith â’r brif flaenoriaeth ymchwil yma yn IBERS yn Aberystwyth i leihau allyriadau nwyon tŷ gwydr amaethyddol a helpu i gyrraedd targedau sero net.

“Mae alpacaod wedi addasu i oroesi ar ddiet o ansawdd gwael. Gallan nhw hefyd fod o fudd i fioamrywiaeth glaswelltiroedd gan eu bod nhw’n bwyta rhywogaethau ymledol sy’n doreithiog ar ucheldiroedd Cymru. Mae cael gwared ar y rhywogaethau ymledol hyn, fel Molinia, hefyd yn cael effaith gadarnhaol drwy sicrhau bod bwyd sy’n well gan ddefaid ar gael. Yn yr un modd, mae gofynion hwsmonaeth a seilwaith alpacaod yn debyg i ofynion defaid, a allai ganiatáu addasu systemau ffermio ucheldir presennol yn gymharol hawdd.

“Mae taliadau cymorth amaethyddol yn newid ac yn parhau i symud oddi wrth gynhyrchu cynradd tuag at reoli cadwraeth. Felly, gallai fod cyfle i gynnwys y rhywogaethau da byw amgen hyn mewn cynlluniau ariannu yn y dyfodol.”

Ariennir y prosiect gan Ysgoloriaeth AberDoc a Chyllid Canolfan Ymchwil Ucheldir Pwllpeiran.

Agritourism

New data from outdoor booking platform Pitchup, reveals that more than 50% of UK campsite owners on its platform are women

This is one of the highest figures across Europe, with women making up just 26% of campsite owners on the platform in Germany, 28% in Spain, 36% in Italy and 41% in France.

Brodie Farrow, Brand Marketing Manager, commented on the results: “The feedback we’ve heard from site owners in the UK is that our sector provides enjoyable and often lucrative careers for women, so we’re glad to see that the results reflect this. In fact, our top earning campsite so far this year is owned by a woman, with sales topping £160,000. Pitchup itself is made up of 60% women, many in senior leadership roles, which we are very proud of.”One such woman taking the lead in campsite ownership is Harriet Cunningham, owner of Benville Manor Camping, which she runs alongside her daughter.

“We really got into it because of Covid. We’d already spent about 10 years turning a former cattle field into a wildflower meadow and then my daughter decided it would be the perfect place to offer wild camping, since no one could holiday abroad. Everyone got involved - it was

a multi-generational family project.“It was extraordinary really how many people turned up unprepared. A lot of young families came from Bristol for their first ever camping trip, in order to escape the city. In the beginning we lent out a lot of wellies, jumpers and extra pairs of socks! Once people got the hang of it, it was lovely to see how everyone embraced being out in the wild.

“I think it’s a great industry to work in as a woman. It’s not easy - you have to clean a lot of toilets and clear up a lot of rubbish - but it’s very sociable and so rewarding seeing how much people enjoy the experience you’ve created.”

The role of women in agritourism:

More than 33% of the campsites listed on Pitchup are on working farms, with agritourism becoming a popular form of diversification, supporting farms through the turbulence of reductions in subsidies, increasing costs and unpredictable weather.

Although 80% of farm holders are men, agritourism and the outdoor accommodation sector

appears to be offering equal opportunities for both men and women. In fact, a recent study in Ireland argues women have played a key role in the growth of agritourism.

According to the study’s leading researcher, Dr Maura Farrell, women in the farm sector “are much more open to farm diversification and they’re much more open to going beyond that productivist type of thinking in agriculture.“Women are willing to go beyond the tradition and engage in diversification, giving rise to this idea of a progressive feminism within agriculture for women.”

For Lesley Nicholas, owner of Girt Down Farm in Devon, this was certainly the case.

“I am part of a women in farming group on Exmoor and we meet regularly and look at ways that we can make a difference to our farm income - always the main topic of conversation since the government is cutting payments to farmers and we are trying to make up the shortfall.

“I first came across Pitchup in the summer of 2020. With the pandemic meaning no one could

go abroad, I knew there were problems getting accommodation locally. Always looking for ways to diversify, I thought a campsite could work for us.

“I decided to fill in an application, having told my husband I was doing so (who wasn’t too keen on losing a farming field!). After adding some pictures, I was advised that it would be live on the website by tea time.

“I thought I would be lucky to get 5 or 6 bookings a week, little did I know by the time I went to bed that evening I had 30 bookings with the first arriving in the morning!

“This first family still visits every summer, along with many others who return as they love the beautiful views and friendly farmer (my husband) who actually interacts with everyone knowing most by name, like he does the sheep. Despite his initial scepticism, he is now totally sold and is always answering questions about life on the farm and all it entails which visitors really enjoy.

“We have been open for 3 summers now and have enjoyed it immensely.”

Benville Manor

Lesley Nicholas

Keith’s ground-breaking experience

By Mark Harcus

A ploughman who turned over ground for Scotland believes there is nothing to stop more Orcadians from representing their country in the skill.

Keith Marshall competed in the conventional class at the Five Nation Challenge in Shropshire at the weekend, testing his skills against the very best ploughmen from England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Ireland.

It was an experience he relished in the most prestigious competition in half-a-century of ploughing for the farmer from Cotland in St Ola.

“If I managed to do it, anybody in Orkney can do it,”

said Keith, after returning home this week. “It’s just setting your mind to it.”

A practice day was held last Thursday to allow the competitors to get a feel for the soil and fine-tune their set-up.

Friday and Saturday saw the ploughers compete in two days of intense competition, ploughing maize and turnip stubble, with the soil light and sandy.

Around 120 ploughers were in competition in a variety of classes, with Keith one of five in his class, ploughing 100x20m plots on both competition days.

Keith, 65, said: “I was very happy with my ploughing on the first day; it was good and straight. It’s probably the best I’ve ever ploughed.

“But the finish was a bit trickier. My plough didn’t really have enough adjustment on it to make a good finish, so I had to make the best of a bad job.

“In hindsight, if I had only practiced more finishes at home, I would have altered the plough and made things

for the plough to help me, but obviously when you’re away, you can’t do that.”

Up against an impressive and daunting array of ploughing talent in his class, despite the illustrious list of opponents, Keith more than held his own, finishing fifth overall.

He has taken a lot away from his first experience of representing Scotland at the spectacle, something which he enjoyed immensely.

Keith Marshall

Competing for his country was a “different ball game” to the matches he is accustomed to in Orkney, with his work being meticulously judged and scrutinised by top class ploughmen.

Happy with the overall standard of his ploughing, it was the technical aspects and the finer details which cost him points in the end.

“My ploughing was good enough, but the wee bits that

you can lose a lot of points on, I got crucified on that.”

Despite the talent on show, Keith still caught the eye with his Fiskars two-furrow plough.

The only Fiskars plough in the Five Nation competition, every other plough was a Kverneland, the most commonly used these days.

“There was a fair bit of interest in my plough, because when I bought that plough, I bought it from down that neck

of the woods,” said Keith, on his 20-year-old plough used specifically for matches.

“It’s done me well. I’ve won a lot with it. It’s done well and a few other boys have went with it as well. It’s not missed many matches.”

Ploughers qualify for the Five Nation Challenge by performing at the Scottish Ploughing Championships, which this year are held in Ayrshire.

This makes it difficult for Orkney competitors, but Keith has not ruled out giving it another crack in the future.

“It has been a learning curve and I’ve really enjoyed it. A bit stressful, but I’m quite happy with the way I ploughed although I came in fifth.”

Keith expressed his gratitude and thanked all the sponsors and supporters who assisted him compete at the Five Nation Challenge.

TV experience for North Isles crofter Helen Hart

A North Isles crofter has spoken of her experience working with television crews to highlight her work.

Helen Hart was featured in the Ben Fogle series New Lives in the Wild in 2021.

Ms Hart, who moved to the isles in 2016, said it was a “great experience” to go allow the film crews on to her holding in Cullivoe, Yell.

“This was an opportunity to show off the amazing place that we now call home,” she said.

“It was also quite cathartic, as we had been struggling to work the croft and renovate the house, whilst holding down full time jobs.

“When the programme aired in February 2021, we had an overwhelmingly positive response from folk. Last summer, we even hosted a couple from Wales for six weeks, who had seen us on the programme and wanted to come up and help us.”

Ms Hart had taken up a job as an English teacher across the two North Isles junior high schools.

She had experienced an initial struggle to find a croft, but subsequently found “a house that needed renovating and land that had not been worked in years”.

“Within a few years, we went from knowing nothing about crofting, to now caring for 40 Shetland sheep.

“We bought our first flock from Chris Dyer of Garths croft in Bressay, who advised us on how to look after them – and we owe much gratitude to other local crofters who have helped us since.”

Since setting up in her Yell croft, Ms Hart has created a niche for herself with what she calls “cruelty-free” rugs made from the clipped wool of her own flock.

“These rugs look like traditional sheepskin rugs, but are felted on the reverse, not skin.

“The show also brought in a great deal of interest in my

rugs, which helped me make the decision to give up my teaching post to concentrate on developing the croft into a business. We are hoping to turn an outbuilding into my workshop

with an attached shop to enable me to be part of the Shetland Craft Trail in Yell. She said she had become “smitten” by the isles on her arrival.

Helen Hart

Mercedes-Benz Unimog gains traction in Scotland as AM Agri joins its Dealer network

Mercedes-Benz Trucks UK has announced the appointment of agricultural specialist AM Agri (Alan Mackay Machinery) as its new Unimog Dealer in Scotland.

The Forfar-based company, which also operates from a second branch in Aberdeen, is proud to be adding the legendary 4x4 to the impressive portfolio of farm equipment brands it already represents.

While AM Agri will be selling as well as servicing Unimogs, the manufacturer has also recently added another three names to the roll call of those authorised to provide maintenance, repair and parts back-up for these uniquely capable vehicles.

The appointments of Blackburn’s Ciceley Commercials, Ferndown Commercials, of Wimborne, Dorset, and Rossetts Commercials, of Aldershot, in Hampshire, underscore MercedesBenz Trucks’ determination to extend its Unimog network and thereby ensure that operators receive the finest aftersales support.

AM Agri is jointly owned and managed by Alan Mackay and Ross Anderson, who, as Service Director, is also directly responsible for the smooth running of the workshop.

Ross Paterson, Head of Special Trucks at Mercedes-Benz Trucks UK, commented: “We are delighted to be welcoming AM Agri (Alan Mackay Machinery) to the Unimog family. As a highly experienced and trusted supplier to the agricultural community, our new point of representation in Scotland is well placed to

grow the Unimog’s share of a key market.

“We now look forward to working with the company team to develop opportunities in some of the other sectors in which the multi-talented Unimog also excels. There will certainly be a focus on forestry, but the Unimog is also ideally suited, for example, to utilities operations, highways management, and special emergency services applications.”

The Unimog range encompasses gross weights from 7.5 to 16.5 tonnes and is built around two core variants: the UGE implement carrier and the UHE extreme off-roader, which can be fitted with many different types of body. Both offer an unrivalled combination of all-terrain performance, onroad speed, fuel-efficiency and flexibility.

The Unimog complements perfectly the array of tractors,

cultivators, hay, grass and potato equipment, silage wagons, diet feeders and other miscellaneous farming machinery that AM Agri (Alan Mackay Machinery) already sells and supports.

In line with MercedesBenz Trucks’ Dealer standards, which are designed to ensure that franchisees can meet, and indeed exceed, the requirements of the most demanding Unimog customers, the new franchisee has invested heavily in productspecific tooling, parts inventory and technical training. It also looks forward to the imminent arrival of its first demonstrator, a U435 implement carrier.

The area AM Agri covers from Forfar is mainly arable, with wheat, barley, oats, rape and potatoes the predominant crops, while the Aberdeenshire region is home to a more mixed farming regime. Meanwhile, at more than a million hectares Scotland’s conifer woodlands are the biggest in the UK, and the forestry and timber processing industry is vital to the nation’s economy.

Initially, AM Agri will run the Mercedes-Benz franchise from its head office. However, as Managing Director Alan Mackay revealed: “We plan within the next year or so to open at a third location, to the south of Forfar –this will be our Unimog hub, and the base for our dedicated sales executive.”

Mr Mackay approached Mercedes-Benz Trucks UK after being invited to put a customer’s Unimog through its paces. “I

was mightily impressed and quickly realised the vehicle’s commercial potential,” he recalled. “If you stand still in business then you’re actually going backwards, so I was keen to grasp the opportunity and contacted the Unimog team to enquire about franchise opportunities.

“Unsurprisingly, given the size of the organisation and alanmackay.co.uk

its premium brand reputation, Mercedes-Benz Trucks’ representatives are extremely professional – a lot more so than we’ve been used to – and the process has been quite lengthy. Having cleared the final hurdles, though, we’re now a fullyfledged Unimog Dealer and very much looking forward to the next, exciting chapter in the story of our business.”

AM Agri (Alan Mackay Machinery) –key contacts:

Unimog Sales, Brian Thomson, Sales Manager, 07976 097035 brian.thomson@alanmackay.co.uk

Unimog Service, Ross Anderson, Service Manager, 07881 652206 ross.anderson@alanmackay.co.uk

MAGRI LTD

AGarthfield, Padanaram, Forfar DD81PF – 01307 462081

The Workshop, Kinbroon Farm, Rothienorman, Inverurie, AB51 8UH – 01651 260030

Introducing the Mercedes-Benz Unimog

Contact:

Alan Mackay – 07710 783114 - Forfar Brian Thomson – 07976 097035 - Forfar

Ritchie Connon – 07815 969367- Rothienorman Paddy Neville – 07939 595861 - Rothienorman

The GWCT Scottish Game Fair is set to return once again to Scone Palace in Perthshire this summer, from Friday 30 June to Sunday 2 July, with a jam-packed itinerary of displays, demonstrations, havea-go attractions and exhibitors covering everything from fishing, ferrets and falconry to gundogs, game cookery and guns

First held in 1989, the largest and longest-running game fair in Scotland attracts upwards of 30,000 visitors across three days and is an important fundraiser for the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT), a charity that conducts vital research into Scotland’s most vulnerable species such as capercaillie and salmon. The

GWCT plays a curatorial role at the annual event, providing the educational content and raising awareness of conservation issues through its exhibition stand and talks.

With so much to see and do during the family-friendly event, visitors will invariably need a helping hand to make sure they don’t miss any of the highlights, so here’s a handy insider’s guide…

First up is the Nick Nairn Restaurant. After the runaway success of last year, the effervescent Scottish chef is returning with a bespoke gamebased menu for his 300-cover riverside restaurant. Set in a breathtaking waterside location perched on the bank of the river

Tay, he will be serving breakfast and lunch throughout the weekend. As well as mingling with diners, Nick will also be taking part in live cooking demos.

The Main Ring is a central focal point where an array of demos, including twice-daily displays from two local pipe bands, will take place from gundogs, falconry, Highland dancing, dog agility and thrilling lumberjack displays. Be sure to arrive early to secure a ring side seat.

The Highland Pony Society is set to celebrate its 100th anniversary at The GWCT Scottish Game Fair this year. To mark the milestone, the charity is launching a commemorative

hardback book which will be for sale on their stand. As well as exhibiting, they will showcase the rare breed in the main arena as well as oversee the Fred Taylor Memorial Trophy for Working Hill Ponies. The popular showing competition will take place on the third day and attracts entrants from all over Scotland. Last year, Balmoral Alpine, a 17-year-old grey mare owned by the late Queen, took home the top prize. Scotland is a world-class destination for fishing so The Fishing Village will take centre stage to showcase casting demonstrations from leading Scottish names such as Stuart Sutherland and Scott McKenzie. Plus there’s one-to-one lessons on offer to help fix any quirks in

Viscount Stormont casting on bank of river Tay Clay shooting

your own casting. For competitive visitors, there’s distance and accuracy casting competitions for ladies, gentlemen and junior anglers. There will be dozens of exhibitors on Fisherman’s Row selling the very latest angling equipment, accessories and experiences on the market. Plus visitors will find a dedicated fly tying area with some of the country’s finest tiers such as Hamish Young and Conan Fyvie.

For those interested in game shooting and deerstalking, Gunmakers’ Row will showcase an enormous range of new and used shotguns, rifles, airguns, optics, accessories and clothing from all the leading brands and newer, lesser-known names. Sponsored by Pulsar, Gunmakers’ Row always attracts the highest footfall - there is something so wholesome about spending a weekend diving in-and-out of stands that catch your eye and speaking to everyone from small-scale leather workers and artisan gunmakers to upmarket optics brands. Clay shooting will be on offer, including flurries and other shooting competitions to ensure there’s something for competitive visitors to get their teeth into.

The World of Gundogs is a place where visitors can deep dive all things four-legged. Hosted by Mordor Gundogs, there will be displays and experts on hand to answer questions plus a range of competitions throughout the weekend including

scurries, junior handler tests and open tests. On the Saturday, the prestigious Four Nations International Gundog Competition returns to bring together the very best gundogs and handlers from England, Ireland, Wales and of course Scotland. Under Kennel Club rules, spaniels and retrievers are tested on their hunting, marking and retrieving abilities as well as their steadiness to shot. Handlers are judged on their skills in directing and controlling their dog. Sponsored by Kronch dog food, the competition always attracts huge crowds of spectators to see how the dogs work under pressure.

And lastly, for those visitors looking for that polished tweedy look, the GWCT Scottish Game Fair is a one stop shop for country clothing, footwear and accessory brands. With more than 400 exhibitors on site, this unique pop-up high street becomes one of the biggest retail areas in the UK for three days.

The GWCT Scottish Game Fair has a very clear identity and mission. It is a showcase of fieldsports and country life, designed to educate those that are curious in an open and accessible way. Nothing quite compares to this event. Somehow it survived the pandemic and is still alive and kicking. More than ever it has a carnival feel where everyone is in a relaxed, holiday mood. The GWCT Scottish Game Fair is a national treasure which everyone should attend at least once.

GWCT Scottish Game Fair, Sunday

Nick Nairn

Pipe band, GWCT Scottish Game Fair

Ferrets

Beautiful Loch Ness farm and land for sale

Galbraith is bringing to the market an established livestock farm of nearly 575 acres and a neighbouring block of land and woodland of over 1,100 acres in a superb location at Drumnadrochit, above Loch Ness.

The two landholdings, either separately or together, offer outstanding potential in one of the most beautiful parts of Scotland.

Claire Acheson, a partner with Galbraith, said: “This is an excellent opportunity to acquire a delightful Highland farm with potential for a wide range of uses, in an absolutely beautiful location with far-reaching views towards the loch and the hills. In addition, the purchaser may wish to also consider the neighbouring land which would further augment the potential to establish a rural business, forestry, or a tourism enterprise, subject to planning permission. Jointly the land holdings would also create an excellent small sporting estate.

“Although the area is a popular destination for visitors, the surrounding countryside is unspoilt and tranquil, providing

a haven for wildlife and offering excellent sporting and leisure opportunities. The purchaser would be able to enjoy a wonderful rural lifestyle, all within easy reach of Inverness.”

Garbeg Farm by Drumnadrochit extends to 574 acres (232 hectares), with a mixture of non-crofted and owner-occupied croft land and offering potential for a

variety of uses. The farm is an established livestock farm and there is the opportunity to develop the sporting or natural capital interests. There are also two traditional cottages in need of full renovation.

The land includes hill ground, permanent pasture (ploughable), rough grazings and woodland, and is principally classified by the James Hutton Institute as

Grade 5.2 with some Grade 5.1 and 4.2 land.

The farm is equipped with a range of agricultural buildings in a mixed state of repair.

The property is in an excellent location about 3 miles north of Drumnadrochit and 19 miles south west of Inverness.

Garbeg Farm is for sale through Galbraith for offers over £1,100,000.

SLE statement on Wildlife Management and Muirburn Bill

Scottish Land & Estates has issued the following statement following publication of the Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Bill at the Scottish Parliament.

Sarah-Jane Laing, chief executive, Scottish Land & Estates, said: “We are

disappointed that after so many years of deliberation on the issue of grouse moor management,

the Scottish Government has introduced a draft bill that proposes to take a legislative

sledgehammer to a community which delivers very substantial social, economic, environmental

and conservation benefits –many of which are recognised by Scottish Ministers.

“This legislation was originally considered to address the issue of raptor persecution – even though Scotland already has the most stringent laws in place to deal with such incidents. This Bill goes well beyond that by introducing punitive civil sanctions for other types of activity without justification. It is deeply regrettable that the Scottish Government appears not to have taken on board the massive strides that have been achieved in tackling raptor persecution over the last decade, resulting in incidents being at an all-time low.

“Serious questions now have to be raised about the legality, proportionality and workability

of the proposed licensing scheme. It seems a licence to shoot grouse may be refused or revoked for reasons that are unconnected to raptors or indeed grouse moor management. We also have huge concerns about the lack of safeguards for licence holders, which are essential to good law.

“We also have deep concerns about the restrictions on muirburn which plays such a vital role in preserving habitats and preventing the spread of wildfire – something that is recognised by the Scottish Fire & Rescue Service.

“We will be making robust representations to the Scottish Government and opposition parties to ensure that the legislation is made fit for purpose.”

Genetics fears if South Uist eradicates its red deer

The nation’s largest deer management body says a vote to eradicate South Uist’s deer would represent a ‘symbolic’ blow for the last remaining genetically pure red deer in Scotland.

The residents of the community owned island will vote at a historic EGM on Monday evening (20th March) on whether to kill all the remaining deer on the island, numbering around 1000 animals.

Whilst respecting local concerns around deer impacts, The Scottish Gamekeepers Association (SGA) has asked residents to be mindful, when voting, of the wider impacts such a step would have on the nation’s biodiversity - and the species.

South Uist represents one of the last named ‘refugia’ for genetically pure Scottish red deer, with zoologists recognising the long-term threat to the species posed by cross-breeding with Sika deer.

The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 was amended to reflect those fears, Section 9 making it

News on two fronts

The waders are back: Auchnerran set for busy breeding season and expanded research

The waders have returned to Auchnerran, the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust’s Scottish demonstration farm.

First it was the lapwing that started to come back with their characteristic ‘peewit’ call drifting over the fields. Then Dyfan, the farm’s new shepherd and his partner Bronté, the farm administrator, were woken during the night to the sound of piping oystercatchers. Soon after that, our placement student Adam spotted curlew flying overhead, returning to nest here for another year.

investigations into the predators on site. We hope this research will further contribute to the ongoing conservation of these species and help preserve our iconic waders, so future generations still get the joy of being woken in the night by piping oystercatchers.

Legacy of PARTRIDGE project secured through new funding

a criminal offence to introduce deer of other species onto South Uist and other named west coast islands.

With scientists predicting there will be no genetically distinct red deer left on the Scottish mainland by 2050, the importance of the remaining island refugia carry significant weight when viewed through a conservation lens.

Efforts to save Scottish wildcats, for example, are conflicted by a lack of pure cats in the wild.

Red deer are listed on the Scottish Biodiversity List- a roll call of species Scottish ministers regard to be of principal importance to the nation’s biodiversity.

The return of the waders signals the start of our busiest period on the farm, as we get set for another year of monitoring and studying their nesting season. We began our pre-breeding wader counts, and on just the third count had already recorded 164 individual lapwing. This is substantially more than recorded on these counts in the last two years and hopefully suggests there will be more nests and, with a bit more luck, more fledged chicks. As well as this, we counted 106 curlew in a single large group nearby, so we remain hopeful that the area will have more nesting curlew contributing to the adult population.

This is an exciting year for wader research at Auchnerran, as we aim to expand on all areas of our research to date including colour ringing more wader chicks and expanding our monitoring, with more

As the EU Interreg PARTRIDGE project comes to an end in Scotland this year, co-funding for a new project to build on its legacy has been secured for the next two years. The PepsiCo FAB (Farming Arable Biodiversity) project will work with six farmers spread across Fife and Angus and aims to demonstrate how you can have productive farmland alongside measures for biodiversity.

Partners for the project include PepsiCo, GWCT, Scottish Agronomy and NatureScot, who GWCT will be working with to test new tools that could be part of an agri-environment scheme of the future. The project builds on the achievements of the PARTRIDGE project and means that most of the highquality habitat established at our Balgonie demonstration site will remain.

Fiona Torrance, GWCT Research Assistant and the project’s facilitator welcomed the funding. She said: “This project will ensure that we can take the approach we have developed during the PARTRIDGE project and scale it up so that we can demonstrate its potential across Scotland.”

www.gwct.org.uk/auchnerran/

The listing also confers a statutory duty on all Scottish public bodies, through the Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004, to further the conservation of those listed species.

“We have already made it clear in previous media comments that our principal interest in the South Uist eradication proposal lies in protecting the jobs of our deer stalking members in the local community, and their families. It is our duty to do so. We also realise and respect that the local community must decide what it considers to be best,” said SGA Chairman, Alex Hogg, MBE.

“That said, there is a wider dimension and it is important people are aware of what that is.

“A great deal of work went into genetic testing of deer before islands like South Uist were formally classified as refugia. The areas represent the future survival of genetically pure Scottish red deer. This

is a case, therefore, where a local decision will have a wider and deeper impact in terms of conservation. Losing a refuge would be symbolic, certainly, but not in a positive way.”

Prior to South Uist becoming one of the few named red deer refugia in 1999, 317 deer from seven islands were tested for hybridisation with Japanese Sika deer in 1998/1999.

DNA markers were investigated and the report to the Deer Commission (now NatureScot) concluded that there was ‘no evidence for recent hybridisation with sika on any island.’

Josephine Pemberton FRS, who was involved in that work and now conducts red deer research on Rum, stated: “One way to keep at least some pure animals would be to make the Hebrides a sanctuary for red deer.”

A retired former stalker, who worked on South Uist at the time, hopes residents consider all

the issues. “While not everyone likes them, red deer on South Uist hold a special place in the future survival of the species. They are a precious asset, in that regard.”

Stalkers on the communityowned estate Storas Uibhist are presently undertaking the biggest

Helping

cull on the island since the 2006 community buy-out, with 329 animals taken as of 16th March.

Individuals driving the petition to eradicate the deer cite crop and vegetable damage, car accidents and Lyme Disease prevalence as principal reasons for precipitating the vote.

it Happen

Awards

2023 launched with revamped set of categories

Stories of success from rural Scotland celebrated in annual awards

Rural communities are being urged to share success stories from their local regions as the nominations for the Helping it Happen Awards 2023 are launched.

Estates, farms, rural businesses, individuals, charities and projects can all be nominated for awards which focus on the key role these parties play in

helping the Scottish countryside to thrive.

Now in its seventh year, the annual awards are organised by Scottish Land & Estates and have become one of the leading rural accolades in Scotland.

The Helping it Happen Awards 2023 are once again supported by returning headline sponsor NatureScot and this year has a revamped set of categories, with two new additions and one expanded category.

The Award for Outstanding Contribution to Rural Scotland, the first of two new categories, aims to celebrate those who have spent their lives working in and for Scotland’s countryside, whilst the Rural Rising Star Award is designed to shine a light on those who have achieved success through determination and growth, making themselves ones to watch in the rural sector in years to come.

The Rural Property Award, which was previously the Rural Housing Award, has been adapted to include not only those developing much needed rural housing, but additionally to consider outstanding design and architecture.

Sarah-Jane Laing, chief executive of Scottish Land & Estates, said:

“SLE’s Helping it Happen Awards seeks to highlight the vital contributions made by land-based businesses, organisations and individuals to their communities across rural Scotland and I’m excited to be launching the nomination process for 2023.

“Whether it be helping the environment and nature, supporting employment and the local economy or undertaking crucial work across sectors such as farming, housing or education, these awards have celebrate the impact that many unsung heroes provide to society.

“Once again we would urge people from all over Scotland to submit their nominations for this year’s awards. We were delighted with the quantity and quality of entries last year and I await this year’s crop of nominations with great

‘Your Dog – Your Responsibility’

By Simon Ovenden, Policy Adviser (Access and Visitor Management) at Scottish Land & Estates

anticipation. Going by previous years, I know our judging panel will have a difficult task ahead of them when it comes to selecting our finalists.”

Nominations must be submitted via the Scottish Land & Estates website by the deadline of 30 June, with judging taking place shortly after. The awards are open to all rural organisations and businesses, not just members of Scottish Land & Estates. A gala awards ceremony where the winners will be announced for 2023 will be held in the autumn.

The full list of categories for the Helping it Happen Awards 2023 are as follows:

Conservation Award sponsored by Anderson Strathern Education Award Education

Award sponsored by Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC)

Enhancing Our Environment through Land Management Award sponsored by NatureScot

Innovation in Farming Award sponsored by Douglas Home & Co

Iver Salvesen Award for Combatting Climate Change sponsored by Murray Beith Murray

The Award for Outstanding Contribution to Rural Scotland

Rural Business Award sponsored by Shepherd + Wedderburn

Rural Property Award

Rural Rising Star Award

Tourism & Visitor Management Award sponsored by GLM

Working with Communities Award sponsored by Hampden & Co

An increase in visitors to rural Scotland is a welcome scene that usually means spring and summer has arrived – but also, sadly, can bring the added spectre of an increase in dog attacks on livestock.

According to statistics released by Police Scotland, a total of 301 incidents of livestock attacks by dogs were recorded in Scotland in 2021, with yet to be finalised statistics suggesting that number dipped, but only slightly, to 262 incidents in 2022.

With that in mind, Scottish Land & Estates, alongside other police and other rural bodies, have been reiterating to dog owners that it is ‘Your Dog –Your Responsibility’ and to keep them well away from livestock, especially around lambing season.

No greater reminder was needed of the devastating impact of attacks than 16 lambs being killed by a dog at a farm in Fife in-mid April. The farmer spoke not just of the financial impact on his business but also the trauma suffered by his children who witnessed the aftermath as well as the emotional distress he was experiencing after working tirelessly to build his small flock over many years.

This has been the second lambing period

since tougher legislation for livestock attacks under the new Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) (Scotland) Act 2021 has been in force. Dog owners could face up to a £40,000 fine or even be sent to prison - or both - for allowing their dog to attack or worry farmed animals, including alpacas and game birds.

Yet, a recent survey by NFU Scotland of more than 1,100 dog owners found that despite 64% of owners admitting their dogs chased other animals, almost half of those (46%) believe their dog is not capable of injuring or killing livestock.

This failure to recognise what a dog can do is why the sector needs to keep hammering the responsible ownership message as often as it can. We will continue to repeat why dog owners should try to stay as far away from livestock as possible – even aggressive behaviour from a dog such as barking can cause a pregnant sheep to die or miscarry. It is also important that farmers and land managers do what they can to inform the public – to help, a range of signage is available for free download or to order at www. scottishlandandestates. co.uk.

Forestry back at the Cabinet table in Scotland

Forestry once again has a seat at the Cabinet table in Scotland after it was confirmed that it will be included in the Rural Affairs portfolio of Mairi Gougeon MSP.

Confor has welcomed the announcement in a letter to the new Cabinet Secretary, who has experience of the sector from her time as Minister for Rural Affairs and the Natural Environment between June 2018 and December 2020.

The 2019 Scottish Forestry Strategy was passed during her time in the post.

Previously, forestry policy was in the hands of Màiri McAllan, as Minister for Environment and Land Reform. She has now been promoted to Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Just Transition, and the responsibility for forestry has passed to Mairi Gougeon in the reshaped role of Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands.

Stuart Goodall, Chief Executive of Confor, said: “This is very welcome news. Not only does forestry and wood have a seat back at the Cabinet table, but we will also be dealing with Mairi Gougeon, someone who knows the sector well.

“During her time as Minister for Rural Affairs, she visited Jerah, the largest new productive planting site in Scotland at the time and made clear that she understood the wide-ranging benefits of modern forestry.”

After her visit to Jerah in early 2019, Mairi Gougeon said it was “a great example of multi-purpose forestry that we want to see for the future, delivering woodland creation, carbon sequestration, timber production, recreation and flood management”.

In his letter to Ms Gougeon, Mr Goodall praised her predecessor - but stressed that Scotland had lost momentum and was off the pace on its ambitious tree planting targets.

He wrote: “I am delighted that the £1 billion forestry and wood processing industry is again represented by a Cabinet

Secretary. Confor considers this appropriate, not just because of the 25,000+ jobs the industry supports across rural Scotland, but also because of the challenges ahead - not least meeting woodland creation targets from the 2021 SNP manifesto.

“As you will be aware, the government’s aim is to increase targets for new woodland creation up to 18,000 hectares per year by 2025 - but Scotland is not on track to achieve these targets. Last December, the Climate Change Committee said; ‘While Scotland’s tree-planting rates are higher than those in the rest of the

UK combined, rates have recently plateaued and are off track (to meet the 2024/25 target).’

“Confor and the whole sector wants to work with you and colleagues to do all we can to reverse that trend and get woodland creation back on track - to support both the fight against climate change and Scotland’s rural economy.”

Mr Goodall said: “I met Mairi Gougeon several times in her previous role and she was always positive and constructive about the forestry and wood industry. I look forward to meeting her soon to resume that positive relationship.”

Grant to boost domestic tree production in England re-opens

Investment in domestic tree production in England has been accelerated with applications re-opening for the Forestry Commission’s Tree Production Capital Grant. The funding will drive the production of tree seed

and saplings through developments in machinery, automation and the expansion of facilities.

In line with the aims of the England Trees Action Plan and Government ambitions to treble tree planting rates by the

end of this Parliament, the Tree Production Capital Grant will support efforts to build nursery capacity and grow long-term tree seed and sapling supply.

The grant will enable suppliers to boost production

rates at pace and has been designed to complement the Tree Production Innovation Fund, which provides support for research projects that enhance UK tree production methods.

Previous funding rounds have provided machinery for projects such as the Emmaus Community Tree Nursery in Cornwall to help it meet the need for locally grown trees and provide employment opportunities for homeless people. Funding has also supporting Warwickshire County Council expand and improve their tree nursey expansion and improvement so they can diversify the species they grow and adapt to future climate conditions.

Successful projects will be awarded up to £175,000 in grant funding to cover up to 50% of costs, with money coming from the Tree Production Capital Grant as part of the Government’s £750 million Nature for Climate Fund. In comparison to the 2022 application process, the minimum grant value which can be applied for has reduced from

£10,000 to £5,000 enhancing accessibility for smaller projects.

Examples of eligible projects include investments in seed trays, developments in machinery such as transplanting systems and grading machines, improved polytunnel infrastructure and irrigation systems, or in biosecurity through improved water treatment and refrigeration equipment. Applications are encouraged from tree seed and sapling suppliers of all sizes and sectors, as well as new entrants looking to diversify into the area.

The second round of the Tree Production Capital Grant is now open until 31st May 2023. and will provide up to £1.76 million of funding during 2023/24 and £3.43 million during 2024/25, subject to successful bids. Applicants can apply for projects up to two years long, ending in March 2025.

UK’s first Agroforestry Show to explore the perks of farming with trees

Hundreds of farmers and foresters can discover the benefits of farming with trees for sustainable food production in the UK’s first Agroforestry Show.

The event, hosted by the Woodland Trust and Soil Association and sponsored by lead partner Sainsbury’s, will explore the boost that trees can deliver for nature and climate as well as delivering resilience and productivity for farm businesses.

It will bring together a thousand guests spanning across farmers, foresters, tree nurseries, growers, graziers, advisors, funders, food businesses, policy makers and agroforesters.

Tickets are now on sale for the two-day gathering, on

Public consultation on forestry grant support

Wednesday 6 and Thursday 7 September, which will include:

• Knowledge exchange workshops and inspiring talks

• Farmer and forester led discussions

• Agroforestry field walks

• Live equipment demonstrations

• Exhibitions and market stalls

Soil Association Chief Executive Helen Browning will be hosting the event at Eastbrook Farm, in Wiltshire, where she runs a mixed farm with an agroforestry project that has been running for seven years.

Buy your tickets now (https:// www.agroforestryshow.com/ tickets)

Scottish Forestry is currently undertaking a public consultation to help shape future forestry grant support in Scotland.

The consultation aims to seek views on how the current Forestry Grant Scheme can be invigorated and better integrated with other sources of funding, strengthening Net Zero, biodiversity, economic and community wealth building priorities.

Since the scheme started in 2015 it has supported 5,930 projects, creating around 69,000 hectares of new woodland. This is an area equivalent to the size of East Lothian.

Around half of the current woodland grant applications are for small scale projects, mostly from farmers who are integrating trees into their businesses.

Environment Minister Mairi McAllan kicked off the public consultation saying she is very keen to hear from a wide range of stakeholders through the consultation, including farmers who are interested in planting trees.

The consultation will seek views through a wide range of questions including:

• How can the grants evolve to better tackle the climate emergency?

• How can future grant support address biodiversity loss, including the regeneration and expansion of native woodlands?

• Which measures would help reduce the barriers for farmers and crofters wanting to integrate trees into their business?

• How can the forest regulatory and grant processes evolve to provide greater opportunities for communities to be involved in the development of forestry proposals?

• How could the current funding package be improved to stimulate woodland expansion and better management across a wide range of woodland types, including native and productive woodlands?

The public consultation runs for 12 weeks with all views being sought by 17th May 2023.

It may take you a while before you really notice the wildlife on Carn an Fhidhleir. The good folk of the Walkhighlands online community rank it at only 276th out of the 282 Munros and indeed unless you are serious about bagging Munros or stalking deer, there is no reason to cross its boggy, midgy, cleggy lower slopes.

The creatures that inhabit this unpretentious landscape are remarkably difficult to find. A common lizard breaks cover, an adder basks in an open patch on a sunny day. An eagle flies over a mile or two away, a shorteared owl hunts for voles. The snipe, the dunlin, the golden plovers keep unsociable hours, doing little during the middle of the day, which is when you’ll

The most important plant in Scotland

It holds back floods and climate change, so let’s hear it for sphagnum moss, says Andrew Painting in our latest extract from his acclaimed book, ‘Regeneration’

probably be there, because it’s a long trek to get there from the Linn of Dee, in the heart of the Cairngorms. All those pools of water you’ve spent hours trying to avoid are actually great for dunlin and golden plovers. Meadow pipits are plentiful and feed the merlin which has been there all the time, but you still haven’t noticed somehow.

The one thing that holds all this disparate wildlife together is all too easy to overlook. Sphagnum moss.

Depending on the species, it tends to grow in patches, clumps or hummocks. Each individual plant is capped by a rosette of densely packed leaves. This cap gives way to a long, squishy stem, which gives each individual plant a shape

something like a jellyfish. The closer you look, the richer and more subtle the hues and lines become, a pointillist feast for the eyes.

Sphagnum is one of those geeky things beloved by a very small, very specific group of people, and ignored by everyone else. At least, that was the case until very recently, when suddenly conservationists realised that it may well be Scotland’s most important plant. It is the keystone plant of some of the UK’s most important and (until recently) least-bothered-about habitats: bogs and peatlands. And there is a swingeing renaissance occurring in peatland conservation in the UK.

Throughout history our peatlands have been widely

thought of as a wasteland in need of improvement. They have been drained and burned, the peat used for fuel and to fill our gardens. Humans have tried every conceivable mechanism to make the bogs make money. None of them has really worked, and now the tables have turned. Conservationists and scientists have long realised that restoring the bogs and largely leaving them to their own devices can provide more benefits for both people and the environment than any ‘improving’ management could ever hope to achieve. Now, it seems, the world is beginning to catch up.

Sphagnum takes a very long time to decompose. As it dies, and is replaced by new plants, it creates layers of de-oxygenated,

Sphagnum moss: It holds 25 times its own weight in water, and the peatlands it creates are potentially invaluable in the fight against climate change - though degraded peatland accounts for 5 per cent of the UK’s carbon emissions. Credit: Andrew Painting.

The dotterel: Imperilled by climate change but drawn to the peatlands of the Cairngorms. Credit: Shaila Rao

partially decomposed soil. This acidic, carbon-rich soil is peat. Peatlands, mostly created by sphagnum, cover roughly 20 per cent of Scotland’s land area, some 7,000 square miles. Fifteen per cent of all the world’s blanket bog is in Scotland. Sphagnum can hold as much as twenty-five times its own mass in water. It therefore increases the water-holding ability of the ground, thus reducing flooding downstream and also keeping off the worst effects of drought. But it is the ability of peatlands also to sequester huge amounts of carbon that have led to their renaissance.

Bogs and woods sequester carbon in complementary ways. All those pine trees on the Mar Lodge Estate accumulate carbon between five and twenty times faster than its peat bogs. But trees don’t grow forever, so the total potential amount of carbon a woodland can store is much lower than a peat bog can.

In 2013 the National Trust for Scotland assessed the total peat coverage on most of its upland properties, using satellite imagery and ground surveys. The total store of carbon on trust upland properties was estimated at 27.5 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent, or

the same as about a third of the annual emissions of Scotland. The equivalent figure for trustowned woodland was 2.4 million tonnes. Of this, the Mar Lodge bogs were found to hold about a third of all the trust’s peatland carbon stocks: 9 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent. Mar Lodge Estate therefore holds about the equivalent of one ninth of Scotland’s annual carbon emissions in its peat bogs. By comparison, its woodlands hold a ‘mere’ 666,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent –though this number is increasing year on year.

All of this makes the current state of Scotland’s peatlands all the more tragic. Because peat is so slow-growing, it is very susceptible to erosion. If the sphagnum layer on top is severely damaged by too much grazing or trampling, or by fire, the peat soils may be exposed to the wind and rain, leaching out water and carbon dioxide. Those centuries of attempts to improve the economic viability of our peaty wastelands, often paid for by the taxpayer, succeeded only in wrecking them. Estimates suggest as much as 80 per cent of the UK’s peatland landscape has been damaged. Pristine peat bogs will capture around 0.9 tonnes of

carbon dioxide equivalent per hectare per year, but a hectare of damaged peat will emit between one and 23.8 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent, depending on how much it is eroding. Incredibly, 5 per cent of the UK’s carbon emissions are due to degraded peatlands.

The activity which does the most damage to our peatlands in the here and now is the practice of muirburn on peat soils. The burning of heather promotes the growth of young shoots at the expense of rank, old heather. This is done to create a food source for grouse, which will subsequently be shot for sport. Muirburn creates the open, heathery moorland landscape we all know from the postcards, but it can be highly damaging to peat and emits a huge amount of carbon in the process. Muirburn was traditionally undertaken only on mineral soils, but in recent decades, the practice has encroached onto peat soils. In spite of all this, recent studies have shown that muirburn not only doesn’t actually increase grouse numbers all that much but, when out of control, may be responsible for as many as half the wildfires in Scotland.

The peat bogs of Mar Lodge have not been burned for many

years, but in 2017, the trust committed to stopping muirburn there entirely and in 2020 the Scottish government introduced new restrictions on the practice and the UK’s independent advisory body on climate change recommended that it should be banned altogether and half of the degraded upland peatlands be restored. Such measures would, they argued, be the carbon equivalent of taking around 1 million cars off the road.

Other sphagnum protection work is rumbling along in the background at Mar Lodge. Previous work has been done to block up ditches which were dug in the 1980s, as part of a scheme to ‘improve’ the land. Reducing deer numbers has had its own knock-on impact, reducing erosion caused by trampling. The next phase is restoring the most degraded,‘haggy’ areas of Mar Lodge’s peatlands. This will involve damming and reprofiling hags, some of them several metres deep, with specialist kit, and then reseeding the area with sphagnum and heather. This is part of the Cairngorms National Park Authority and NatureScot’s Peatland Action Program.

All of this is good news for dunlin and golden plovers, and for you and me too.

Readers of Farming Scotland can claim an exclusive 10% discount on copies of Regeneration: The Rescue of a Wild Land by Andrew Painting PLUS free P&P in the UK. Order online https://birlinn.co.uk/product/regeneration-3/ quoting FS23 at the checkout.

The ruins of Geldie Lodge sit below An Sgarsoch on the way to Carn an Fhidhleir in the middle of a vast area of moor and bog. Credit: Andrew Painting

Red House bothy on Mar Lodge Estate, with historic muirburn (the practice was discontinued in 2017) behind. credit: Andrew Painting

Edinburgh University Student Association meat and dairy ban

By Jill Stewart, Scottish Countryside Alliance

It has only been 3 years since Edinburgh University Student Association (EUSA) attempted to ban beef products in all their outlets, a vote which thankfully failed, with 58% voting no to this proposal. Now they have turned their attention to promoting a plant-based diet with a motion put forward to ban meat and dairy from EUSA-run shops and cafes by 2027. This motion, like the one in 2020 not only failed to get enough votes but crashed with a resounding 81% of students rejecting the ban. When we were made aware of this campaign,

the Scottish Countryside Alliance contacted a number of student bodies on campus and asked them to support local farmers, following an alarming rise in university student association members pushing through similar motions. We understand that during the current plantbased debate, there were discussions about how the ban could impact different cultures on campus, particularly for the students where a meatbased diet is both important and necessary. Questions were also raised as to why Scottish Rural University College (SRUC) students

were not allowed to attend this meeting, even though they attend some lectures at a number of Edinburgh University campuses and the majority of them regularly use the on-site catering facilities.

The Edinburgh Farm Animal Veterinary Society (EFAVS) and the Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs took to social media to voice their concerns over this proposal. In an open letter to the EUSA, the EFAVS stated “UK farming is one of the most sustainable agricultural sectors in the world and the land farmed is not suitable for crop/plant growth.

“Freedom of choice in what we eat should be made available to every member of the university body whether they be vegan, vegetarian or meat-eating”.

This letter goes on to further condemn the EUSA, stating that the agricultural students had been excluded from meetings during the 2020 debate, citing that the agricultural students were not members of the student union, did not matriculate at Edinburgh University and were therefore not eligible to vote. Essentially the voice of the future of farming were not allowed to propose

counter arguments on this motion, which could have invited a balanced discussion on relevant topics such as animal welfare.

Talking about these proposals put forward by EUSA, Jake Swindells, director of the Scottish Countryside Alliance said: “Knowing where your food comes from and how it is produced is as important as whether it is animal or vegetable.

“Imposing a ban on meat and dairy would be an unnecessary and divisive attack on our freedom of choice and counterproductive to any debate”

“Edinburgh University should instead opt for sourcing local produce, cutting the distance travelled from supplier to plate whilst not discriminating based on dietary preference”.

Stirling University became the first Scottish university to impose a plantbased diet on their 17,000 strong student population, voting for food outlets to go 100% vegan by 2025. This was successfully pushed through by approximately 100 students attending the union’s November general meeting.

Even the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS) have been in the crosshairs of the animal rights group PETA, who wrote a letter to the Committee, calling for an end to the “outdated cow parades, cruel sheep shearing and food that has been cut or expelled from an animal’s body”, even going so far as to suggest renaming this prestigious show the ‘Royal Highland Grow’. Thankfully this ludicrous idea was most thoroughly

rejected by the show’s chief executive Alan Laidlaw, stating that “This reflects a lack of understanding of what is required for good animal health and wellbeing, and the importance of Scottish agriculture.”

Common sense prevailed again at the EUSA meeting on 29th March, Mo Metcalf-Fisher of the Countryside Alliance said: “This is the second time Edinburgh students have overwhelmingly voted against banning meat and dairy, showing support for UK livestock farming which is the among the most sustainable in the world”.

This sustained attack on our farmers livelihoods and our freedom of choice needs to stop. Does the 2% of the UK population get to dictate what the rest of us eat? Make no mistake, both the EUSA representatives responsible for this motion, and the 100 students who voted on behalf of the 17,000 Stirling students to put an end to meat at the university sites, fall into a category of dictatorship. A plant-based diet may work for some people, but the UK as a whole have a hugely thriving and successful agricultural industry that we should be proud of and proud to support. We need to maintain our agricultural heritage and celebrate this by buying locally produced food and being appreciative towards our farmers for the many hours of work they do each week to ensure we have good quality, sustainable, delicious food on our table every day. Start by visiting the Royal Highland Show and speaking to them in person, we will certainly be there is support!

crofting

High Nature Value Crofting

By Patrick Krause, Chief Executive, Scottish Crofting Federation

It is of no great surprise that much of Scotland’s ‘High Nature Value’ agricultural areas are under crofting tenure. The term ‘High Nature Value (HNV) farming’ is applied as a European concept of land that produces food in harmony with nature, rather than at odds with it, satisfying a range of environmental indicators. It is about food production, not environmental projects. Extensive grazing, for example, has been shown to increase biodiversity if managed well (appropriate stocking numbers, cattle or mixed grazers, native breeds etc).

HNV systems in Scotland are associated with farms and crofts where semi-natural vegetation makes up a high proportion of the available forage and where the livestock graze at low densities. HNV farming is also characterised by a mosaic of land use, which is also associated with more people – communities. Smaller units, crofts, tend to satisfy these conditions much more readily than the industrial model of large, mono-culture farms.

The current agriculture reforms are moving towards food production, and associated support mechanisms, having to be more in-tune with nature, to satisfy conditions laid down for alleviation of the climate change and biodiversity loss emergencies. About 40% of Scotland’s agricultural land is

classified as High Nature Value, which is good on a UK level, but ultimately we want to see the area increase, so that it becomes the majority of our agricultural land.

Crofters, small-holders and extensive livestock hill farms have been creating these positive environments for generations. However, it is common for agri-environment support measures to base payments on reward for improvement. It therefore follows that someone who has not taken care of the land or environment but now decides to do so benefits disproportionately well. Research has shown that the majority of Scotland’s agrienvironment support funding has gone to mitigating the damage in the Nitrogen Vulnerable Zones in the East of Scotland, rather than supporting the High Nature Value areas. What we want to see is reward for having been doing the right thing. Having a scheme that specifically targets High Nature Value agricultural practice with payment for having been delivering a public good would make sense. It would also encourage others to aspire to bringing their land into the scheme by improving their relationship with nature. Scotland’s HNV agricultural areas were mapped out 20 years ago and the indicators need to be developed further to use this in the agricultural support system.

The American DreamFarming Life in Cape Cod

By Janice Hopper

With summer beckoning we brought together a Farming Travel Special, heading Stateside to explore agricultural tourism across the pond.

Cape Cod, with its miles of sandy beaches, chic summer houses and sun, is the stuff of movies, novels and holidays. It’s a unique destination; 440 square miles to explore with a coastline of 586 miles, and temperatures ranging from around 28.4° F in January to a heady 70.4° F in

July. Certain crops flourish here, tourists dine on local produce in style and, historically, settlers had to rapidly adapt to Cape conditions to face a fighting chance of survival. Originally, the Cape was populated by Native Americans, the Wampanoag Nation.

The 1602 visit of explorer Bartholomew Gosnold led the Captain to rename the peninsula Cape Cod after he took ‘great stock’ of cod from the waters near the Elizabeth Islands and Woods Hole. Soon after, the Pilgrims landed in Cape Cod aboard the Mayflower at

Provincetown in 1620. Their first priority was attempting to find land that would sustain life. They discovered a fresh-water spring (Pilgrim Spring in Truro) and, at Corn Hill Beach, they discovered a large metal cauldron and a dozen bushels of corn suggesting which cereals grew well locally.

Pilgrim family in village

Courtesy of Plimoth Patuxet Museums

The Wampanoags taught the newcomers local cultivation hacks, and the resulting feast from the first harvest in 1621 is the basis of America’s ‘Thanksgiving’ celebration.

Today, in Provincetown, it’s possible to visit the Pilgrim Tower and Museum that commemorates the settlers. The Plimoth Patuxet Museum is also unmissable and wonderfully immersive. Walk among the

indigenous people’s homeland known as the ‘Patuxet Homesite’, step inside the homes of a 17th century Settlers Village and meet the occupants, visit the Grist Mill to learn how the settlers learned to grow, harvest and process corn to create flour, cornmeal and grits, and then board a lifesize replica of the Mayflower. Or head to the Wampanoag Museum in Mashpee to learn about the indigenous people’s

history, heritage, knowledge of the land and the price they paid for accommodating the settlers.

In modern times one of the most iconic Cape harvests is the cranberry crop. Recent figures reveal that 14,000 acres in Massachusetts are devoted to cranberry cultivation, half of America’s growers live in

the state, accounting for about 75% of commercial agricultural production, generating $50 million in wages annually. It’s big business. These tiny red fruit grow on vines like strawberries but need exacting bog conditions to flourish. The growing season is from April to November, and the Autumn harvest is a sight to behold.

Cranberry Harvest

Courtesy of Brian Morris

Wellfleet Oyster Festival

Courtesy Lezli Rowell

Nantucket Easy Street

Courtesy Nantucket Chamber-Mike Galvin

The ‘Dry Harvest’, where berries are raked off the vines, is sold as fresh fruit. The ‘Wet Harvest’ provides fruit for juices, jellies and sauces, and is altogether more interesting. The bog is flooded before reels stir up the water, shaking the berries off the vines. The fruit floats to the surface to be gathered in booms. To learn more, sign up for a Cranberry Bog Tour on the Cakounes farm in Harwich. Or

hang out at Harwich’s Cranberry Festival, held annually in September. Other fruity farm destinations to consider include the Hokum Blueberry Farm in East Dennis, a fifty year old business that welcomes visitors to pick their own berries.

Harvesting the sea has also been the backbone of Cape Cod life, whaling in particular. In the 17th century, native people taught the settlers how to spear

whales within distance of the shore, and when a sperm whale was speared in deep water a global industry emerged that helped light up the homes of Europe with Cape Cod whale oil. The scenic and once sleepy island of Nantucket become a global capital of industry, building a wharf in 1723 before becoming the biggest whaling seaport in the world within only five decades. Today, tourists set sail with the Steamship Authority from Hyannis to Nantucket harbour to visit the island’s Whaling Museum, and admire the traditional housing and mansions on Main Street, many of which were built with the eye-watering profits of whale money. Other Nantucket attractions include Bartlett’s Farm for fresh takeaway food, or Moors End Farm for fruit, veg and plants.

Shellfish have also put Cape Cod on the map. Wellfleet Oysters have an international reputation and the town’s Oyster Festival falls on 1415 October 2023. There are numerous places to try this local delicacy. Highlights include the Naked Oyster and Raw Bar in Hyannis, The Wicked Oyster in Wellfleet or the raw bar at The Beachcomber in Provincetown. For an all-round seafood platter head to Tin Pan Alley and order a ‘Taste of the Cape’ featuring mini fish and chips, clam chowder and lobster roll.

With the sea comes the sandy terrain of Cape Cod. It creates a breathtaking landscape

that’s part of the region’s character and story. Glassware gained a reputation in the settlement of Sandwich as the town had plentiful access to silica/sand, salt and firewood. The treasured dunes of the cape gained national protection under JFK in 1961 when the Cape Cod National Seashore bill was passed. To appreciate their beauty, book a tour out of Provincetown with Art’s Dune Tours.

Ultimately, Cape Cod offer so many rural attractions for visitors to enjoy. Consider Cape Cod Winery in Falmouth for tours and tastings from their ten acres of vineyards and five varieties of grape. Coonamessett

Farm in East Falmouth offers events, farm animals, organic fruit and veg, demonstrations, pick your own, ‘Down on the Farm’ classes for kids, plus a café. Visit Taylor Brae historic farm for its 18th century farmhouse and annual sheep festival. Chatham Bars Inn Farm produces over 100,000 pounds and 125 varieties of vegetables a year. For beautifully scented florals, escape to Cape Cod Lavender Farm in Harwich. And, for something completely different, when you want a break from the land, the sand and the earth, take to the water at the Cape Cod Water Park in West Yarmouth and bask in the rays of summer. You are on holiday after all! Discover

Bartlett Farm Truck

Taste of the Sea platter at Tin Pan Alley

Courtesy Mike Galvin

Cape Cod Lavender Farm

Courtesy Cape Cod Lavender Farm

Sgeama spadaidh nam fèidh ann an

Uibhist-a-Deas

Le Murray MacLeòid

Thèid oidhirp mhòr a dhèanamh fèidh a spadadh air oighreachd anns na h-eileanan an dèidh do chroitearan an guth a thogail mun chron a tha iad ag adhbhrachadh.

Chaidh iarraidh air an uachdaran coimhearsnachd Storas Uibhist, cur às dhe na fèidh uile gu leir, ach an dèidh coinneimh poblachd chaidh aontachadh dìreach na h-àireamhan aca a ghearradh gu mòr.

Tha dà thrioblaid leis na h-àireamhan aca ann an Uibhista-Deas: tha duil gur iad is coireach ri bhith sgapadh an tinneas Lyme - tinneas a tha a’ nochdadh anns an sluagh nas motha na àite sam bith eile - agus tha iad a’ dèanamh milleadh air an fhearann.

Thuirt Dòmhnall MacFhionghuinn, cathraiche Caidreachas Croitearachd na h-Alba: “‘S e deasbad gu math sradagach a bha ann an seo aig amanan, le beachdan làidir a’ nochdadh air gach taobh.

“Bha Storas Uibhist gu math soilleir mu dheidhinn, cha robh

cùisean dol a dh’fhuireachd mar a bha, dh’fheumadh na h-àireamhan a thighinn sìos.

“Chan e cail ùr a tha ann dha comh-strì a bhith nochdadh nuair a thig e gu fèidh agus fearann. Tha eachdraidh na Gàidhealtachd loma làn dheth.”

Nochd mòran dhen choimhearsnachd aig a’ choinneimh èiginneach - bha an talla coimhearsnachd loma làn agus bha deasbad gu math beòthail ann.

Bha mu 200 duine air an ainm a chur ri athchuinge a bha ag iarraidh air Stòras Uibhist na fèidh uile a thoirt far na h-oighreachd.

Thuirt Raghnall MacCoinnich, a chuir air dòigh an athchuinge

a’ sireadh coinneimh èiginnich, gum feum iad gabhail ri buil na bhòt.

“Ma dh’fhaoidte gur e rud car doirbh a bh’ ann do dhaoine bhòtadh air a shon.

‘S e rud riatanach a th’ ann, nam bheachd-sa, ach chan eil fhios agam an robh daoine buileach deònach a dhol cho fada ‘s a bha sinne airson a dhol.”

Thuirt e nach dèan iad iomairt ùr san aithghearrachd ach gun robh iad an dòchas gun cùmadh Stòras Uibhist leis an targaid aca airson na fèidh a mharbhadh agus àireamh nam beathaichean a thoirt a-nuas chun ìre air a bheil iad ag amas.

“Tha iad fada, fada bhon sin agus tha mi fhèin gu math diombach gun ruig iad sin codhiù leis a’ phlana aca an-dràsta,” thuirt Mgr MacCoinnich.

Gheall Stòras Uibhist gun tèid na h-àireamhan a ghearradh.

B’ e argamaid an uachdarain phoblaich gun dèanadh e cron eaconomach air an oighreachd agus air a’ choimhearsnachd le bhith a’ spadadh nam fiadh uile.

‘S e fear de stiùirichean Stòras Uibhist, Dòmhnall Iain Camshron:

“An cunntas a fhuair sinn, ‘s e sin na h-àireamhan a tha sinn a’ stiogadh ris.

Le bhith a’ marbhadh nam fiadh air na bliadhnaichean a tha romhainn bheir sinn a-nuas na fèidh gu àireamh a tha daoine toilichte leis.

“Tha sinn an dòchas ma nì sinn sin gum faic daoine diofar sa ghartan a tha a’ dol a-staigh dhan taobh an iar agus gum bi daoine gu math nas toilichte leis an sin.”

Nochd mòran aig a’ choinneamh èiginneach

International Woman’s Day

With the recent passing of International Women’s Day, we asked Women in Agriculture Scotland Committee Member, Alana Black, to reflect on what the day means to her

By Fiona Sloan

I’m from a really small village. When I say small, I mean it. Within the village of Rydal, which is located atop of the Great Dividing Range in New South Wales, Australia, there is a population of just 50 (depending how many of my family are visiting).

And it’s been this small village, in the middle of nowhere, that occupies my mind when reflecting on International Women’s Day. Rydal is a testament to the old adage that ‘size doesn’t matter’.

There’s only one shop in Rydal – a pub of course! But for

one weekend each year, Rydal transforms with local Rydal-ians, farmers, and towns-folk cracking out their best for the ‘biggest little show in the west’.

Our local agricultural show is probably the catalyst to why I’m now writing this blog from Aberdeenshire, Scotland. You see,

Rydal Show, and indeed many others across rural and regional New South Wales, support young women in their professional and personal development through The Land Sydney Royal Showgirl Competition.

Now, I know what you’re thinking, the term ‘showgirl’

Alana, Royal Showgirl State Finalist 2018

Alana and Arthur at Rydal Show

can seem disparaging and dated from an external perspective, and perhaps it doesn’t properly convey the merit of the programme – but hear me out.

Since 1962, the ultimate aim of the competition is to find an ambassador for rural New South Wales and the agricultural show movement, playing a significant role in the overall development of rural youth within the state.

From teachers, nurses, students and communications professionals (like me!), anyone can enter and receive an incredible package of support with access to mentors, development workshops and events.

I participated in the programme in 2017/18 and it’s hard to put into words the life skills, confidence and support it gave me.

It helped me articulate and action a passion project focusing on succession in family farming businesses and gave me a platform to beat on the doors of decision makers about the issues affecting small rural villages like Rydal.

All these skills, combined with the support of my community back home, gave me the confidence to send a coldemail to the Rural Youth Project and subsequently jump on a plane and speak at their 2018 Ideas Festival.

The Ideas Festival brought together 110 young people and organisations from ten different countries to hear from inspiring speakers and to discuss the challenges young people face living in rural areas. Through this event, not only did I find a group of like-minded people, but an entirely new community of cheerleaders.

It also gave me the nerve to back myself (and hope that my frank Australian approach would be taken in good nature) and email Rural Youth Project

Directors and Co-Founders, Jane Craigie and Rebecca Dawes, a month after the Ideas Festival to convince them to take a punt on me to work on both the project. It was a decision that changed my life (for the better!).

Grassroots initiatives cannot be underestimated for the selfbelief they instil into those that participate – helping build the next generation of rural young people empowered to take on the issues that plague rural communities.

We are seeing this in the Rural Youth Project which, even in its infancy, is giving young people who want to live and work in rural areas the skills and confidence they need to build their lives and futures in rural places.

The power of the collective and helping people find their voice is also reflected in the Scottish Enterprise Rural Leadership Programme - which I’ve just completed here in Scotland – striving to inspire women and men to make a difference to our rural places and farming businesses.

Programmes like The Land Sydney Royal Showgirl Competition, the Rural Youth Project and the Scottish Enterprise Rural Leadership Programme might not appeal to everyone, and that’s okay. What I’m saying is, no matter who you are, you need cheerleaders behind you.

Rydal continues to celebrate the achievements of rural women and has built a dedicated footpath with bricks detailing the names of young women who have proudly represented our community.

And although it saddens me that I’ve reduced the village population, I’m comforted by that fact that I know 49 people sitting on their veranda – or at the local pub – cheering me on from afar.

Southern Belle

New Beginnings for the Open Minded

Spring is a time for looking ahead to new beginnings. The geese have left The Solway and the swallows will soon be here. ‘Christ is Risen!’

I did, however, have a wee look back at previous columns at this time of year, to see what was going on then and remarkably little has changed, despite everything we’ve been through in the last three years.

Lockdown, the day of my 60th birthday, saw my husband of six months, move in and as I quite like him, he’s stayed and put with me … to his credit.

I’m still picking up the litter around the village and the ‘white vanmen (people)’ are still throwing their rubbish out of the window. Our village group is still going strong, despite the increased cost of wine and we recently celebrated a 90th birthday for one member, who plays golf once a week! Not entirely sure how that one ended but woke up in my own bed, thanks to my supportive husband (in many ways)!

Three years on and Edinburgh University have had another try at banning meat on campus as ‘it is the only way to save the planet.’

Presumably, drinking water

out of plastic bottles, wearing cotton t-shirts, using palm oil, eating food out of cartons and replacing mobile phones regularly, have no effect at all! The organisers refused to allow interviews, for fear that it would cause undue stress to the campaigners.

Get your heads above the parapet and out of social media to explain the logic to those of us who don’t understand it and be prepared to be challenged on your views. That’s the difference between debate and fait accompli!

Watching Peter Pan, I see it has now received a trigger warning as it refers to ‘American Indians’. Are people so incapable of making up their own minds of what’s right and wrong, past and present, appropriate and not appropriate? The difference between rational thinking and irrational fear!

And finally, having been an avid watcher of the recent First Minister elections, I was horrified, when one candidate was vilified for sticking to her religious and moral beliefs. How bad would it be if we had an honest politician, who is prepared to stand up for what they believe in but also be prepared to listen to the people.

Ingredients:

2 Brand Family Larder pork Tomahawks

A scrunch of Blackthorn salt & milled black pepper

4 medium potatoes – Maris Piper is a good all-rounder

2 apples – Raeburn are lovely for this – washed, de-cored & cut in wedges

A bunch of Italian tomatoes – spotted on a visit to Valvona & Crolla

Pork Tomahawk

By Wendy Barrie

It can be quite a challenge to seek out free-range pork these days but fear not, you will find it on Scottish Food Guide where there are recommended high street butchers and farm shops sourcing outdoor-reared pigs. One such place is the fabulous Brand Family Larder where their Saddleback pigs are reared in family groups. Breed, feed and welfare really do matter when it comes to pork flavours and quality so whenever we visit Jane Brand, it is an opportunity to stock up on fresh and frozen produce. When I saw these majestic Tomahawks I just had to buy them!

50g + 25g butter

A drizzle of double cream

1 head of broccoli, broken into small florets

1 red onion, peeled & sliced Supernature rapeseed oil – grown not far from Brand’s

Method:

• Pre heat oven 200°C and place chops on an ovenware dish. Sear, uncovered for 8-10 minutes until roasted on the surface. Reduce oven temperature to 170°C, add a light splash of water, sufficient to deglaze, season and cover tightly with foil. Return to oven.

• Meanwhile peel and quarter potatoes. Simmer in lightly salted water for 15-20 minutes until tender.

• Place a drizzle of oil in a frying pan or wok and sauté broccoli and onion together until lightly roasted and almost cooked. Push to one side of pan, then add 50g butter and the apple wedges to the space created. Sauté apples on both sides to caramelise.

• Meanwhile mash the cooked drained potato with remaining butter and a splash of cream.

• Fill a piping bag with a wide star nozzle if you wish to pipe the potato on each platter. Pipe around each serving dish and place in oven for 5 minutes to toast edges of the mash.

• Remove vegetables from pan and keep warm. Remove tomahawks from oven to rest.

• Roast tomatoes in a drizzle of oil in the now-empty pan for a couple of minutes over a high heat before assembling the dish.

• Remove hot platters from oven, add tomahawks and surround with vegetables, apple wedges and tomatoes. Lastly skim any fat from the empty pork dish (save for roasting tatties another day) and drizzle the flavoursome residual juices over the tomahawks.

Serves 2 for a feast

Wendy is a cook, food writer & campaigner for local sustainable produce & biodiversity. Founder Director of award-winning Scottish Food Guide & Scottish Cheese Trail, Wendy is also Leader for Slow Food Ark of Taste in Scotland, Cooks Alliance member, IGCAT Global Experts Network member, co-founder of Scottish Bread Championship & pioneer of East Ayrshire Council’s school lunch programme. She has co-written “Meadows: The Swedish Farmer & The Scottish Cook,” with her husband, on regenerative food production.

Photograph © Wendy Barrie

John Deere marks two million Mannheim tractor

The John Deere plant in Mannheim has celebrated the production of its 2 millionth tractor. About 3,300 employees help produce 40,000 tractors a year at the site, before the machines are exported all over the world. The factory is one of the most important employers in the city.

Mannheim is the city of inventors. The car, the bicycle and the tractor were invented there, and while no cars or bikes are produced in the city today, tractors continue to roll off the line in the Lindenhof district. The Heinrich Lanz company laid the foundation stone for one of the most successful tractor factories 102 years ago with the Bulldog.

John Deere tractors have been produced there since 1956.

Due to the sharp increase in production, the factory is now the largest John Deere production facility outside North America. It is also the largest tractor production facility in Germany, as two-thirds of all tractors manufactured in Germany are produced in Mannheim. The factory benefits from its convenient location on the Rhine, via which about 250 tractors are shipped twice a week to Rotterdam or Antwerp, and then overseas - including the UK and Ireland.

However, the plant is not only a production site. It is also a development site for all

medium tractors from John Deere. More than 250 engineers work on the tractors of tomorrow and beyond. The main focus is on performance, comfort and

efficiency. Today’s tractor cabs offer the luxuries of a car with automatic air conditioning, AppleCar Play, comfortable seats, GPS steering and much

Main Dealers for John Deere Tractors

The new 6R Series

more. Developers also put a lot of effort into clean fuel combustion; the same strict exhaust emission standards apply to tractors as they do for other vehicles. At the same time, engineers are working on alternative concepts, such as the use of biofuels. Electric drives are also being developed, albeit only for smaller tractors, as the battery capacity for larger machines is not yet sufficient. In 2026, the first fully autonomous and battery-driven tractor delivering approximately 100hp will be presented.

John Deeres 6R and 6M Tractors

The development department led the way with the introduction of the frame design on the Mannheim tractors. The sturdy bridge steel frame gives the tractors enormous stability when using heavy implements. In addition, the other components of the tractor can be built lighter. For example, the gearbox housings are made of aluminium. After the introduction

of the frame design in the 1990s, production figures went steadily upwards. For more than 20 years, John Deere has been the market leader for tractors in all major

Western European countries. The current success is due, among other things, to the flagship of Mannheim production, the 6R 250. With a maximum output of 300 hp,

it is the largest tractor ever built in Mannheim. Overall, Mannheim tractors cover the range from 90 to 250 hp rated power in the ‘luxury’ class.

New AMAZONE Tyrok 400 Onland

semi-mounted reversible plough

AMAZONE is now offering the Tyrok 400 semi-mounted reversible plough for on land ploughing. The Tyrok Onland provides a high level of flexibility as a result of the quick and easy change between either on land or in-furrow operation. The new models are offered with a choice of 7, 8 or 9 furrows for tractors of up to 400 hp.

The tractor size and the size of the tyres determine, amongst

other things, its operation in the furrow or on and beside the furrow. Specifically, its use with tracks, dual wheels or extra wide tyres larger than 710 mm does not permit driving in the furrow without compaction damage on soil which has already been partly ploughed.

A major advantage of on land ploughing is the reduced soil

pressure as a result of the large contact area of the wide tractor tyres and the possibility of being able to work with a lower tyre pressure. This means that considerably less compaction damage is caused and the formation of any plough pan is prevented. Furthermore, on land operation provides an improved pull line as a result of the reduced lateral pull and more

efficient power transmission. GPS guidance systems can also be used for maximum working comfort and precise match-up to the next furrow. Constant depth control is provided via the front guide wheel, which runs permanently on the unworked soil.

Other factors, such as the soil conditions, have a critical impact on the method of ploughing.

A quicker and easier change between on land and in-furrow operation is therefore extremely important. If the soil surface in the field does not allow for optimum traction as a result of rain or wet conditions, quick conversion to in-furrow operation is possible at any time. A throw of the hydraulic lever on the turnover arm is all that is required for this.

New Bobcat Super Compact Telehandler for Agriculture

Bobcat has launched the new TL25.60 AGRI Super Compact telehandler. This new addition extends Bobcat’s telehandler range for the agricultural market to eight models, offering rated capacities up to 4.3 tonne and lifting heights up to 7.5 m. The TL25.60 AGRI is powered by the D24 Stage V diesel engine providing 56 kW (75 HP) of power, has a rated operating capacity of 2500 kg, maximum lift height of 5.9 m and a fully extended reach of 3.3 m.

Florian Hilbert, Product Manager Telehandlers at Bobcat EMEA, said: “The innovative design of the TL25.60 AGRI is based on intensive analysis of customer and application requirements in agriculture. This ensures the new telehandler is simple to use, offers excellent stability and provides optimum comfort and productivity in any type of work on the farm.”

Superior Comfort and Performance

The arrival of the new TL25.60 AGRI follows on from the successful launch of its counterpart model for construction, rental and associated industries in late 2022. Like the construction machine, the TL25.60 AGRI is compact and agile for optimum manoeuvrability on the farm. Whilst there are similarities, the TL25.60 AGRI offers many more features specifically for agricultural customers, including:

• Front auxiliary with hydraulic flow of 80l/min

• Boom cushion retract as standard

• Three AGRI finishing levels to choose from

• Large variety of tyre choice

• Air suspended seat

• Cab+ AGRI option containing all required AGRI features within the cab

• Electric mirror with de-icing

• Hand throttle

The TL25.60 AGRI offers superior comfort, with a roomy cab which offers easy stepless access via the large entry door with ergonomic handholds. Inside the cab there is a tilting steering column as standard and telescopic as an option, which can be adjusted for the convenience of the operator.

Florian Hilbert added: “The TL25.60’s cab is identical to that of some of Bobcat’s larger models, making it the most spacious compact telehandler on the market today. The intuitive operating system on the TL25.60 AGRI allows operators to quickly master the controls and joystick layout - ideal for both experienced and novice operators. The machine also provides excellent visibility and ease of use, so that all workers can use the machine on the farm.”

Innovative Controls and Functions

Users of the TL25.60 AGRI have industry-leading expertise at their fingertips, enhancing their work with the innovative smart technology found throughout

the machine. This includes unique Bobcat features such as maximum lifting angle and return-to-ground functions, boom suspension, boom float and the automatic fan inverter system on the machine. This is combined with the high

productivity provided by the impressive loading capacity and fast cycle times thanks to the flow-sharing function as standard on the TL25.60 AGRI. The smooth hydrostatic transmission and flow sharing ensure precise control at any height.

Pöttinger opens second phase of plant in St. Georgen

Modern painting line goes into operation

In April, the second hall was officially opened at the new rake and baler plant in St. Georgen near Grieskirchen. Following almost 1.5 years of construction, the agricultural machinery manufacturer Pöttinger has started up a modern cathodic dip priming (CDP) and powder coating line in this second expansion phase.

The highest quality - right from the start

With an investment of EUR 25 million, the first expansion phase of the St. Georgen plant was completed and production began in June 2021. The good

order situation, combined with a large number of new products and the resulting need for increased capacity made the next step necessary: an additional hall for a sustainable priming and coating line. The additional building with an area of 7,900 m2 including the new paint shop represents an investment volume of approximately EUR 33 million. The total production area has therefore been more than doubled. The new priming and coating line now gives the parts for rakes and round balers their colourful coat of paint. These parts were

previously delivered from the painting line at the headquarters in Grieskirchen. In addition, stateof-the-art methods attract contract orders from external firms requiring high-quality coatings. Industrial customers in particular, who have the same high corrosion protection specifications as Pöttinger, are impressed. Thanks to the advanced layout of the paint line, orders can be carried out in black CDP with high wall thicknesses and heavy unit weights. The maximum suspended load is 1,200 kg.

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Boss ORV and Corvus OffRoad Vehicles join forces with Carrs-Billington

BOSS ORV has announced that Carr’s-Billington Agriculture (Sales) Ltd. will represent Corvus Off-Road Vehicles from their Morpeth, Northumberland branch. Carr’s-Billington is a subsidiary of The Billington Group, which also owns English Provender Company, Billington Foods and Criddle & Co. The company came about as a result of the joint venture between Carr’s and Edward Billington & Son Ltd. Since the formation of the venture, the business has become a leading supplier of agricultural products in the UK.

“We’re delighted Carr’sBillington will represent Corvus from their Morpeth branch,” says Phil Everett, MD of BOSS ORV, the UK distributor of Corvus. “We’re excited to work with Dale Shaw, Mark Lodge, Graham Adamson, James Cowan and all the team at Morpeth to grow the Corvus brand in Northumberland and beyond.” He adds there will

be more exciting Corvus/Carr’s Billington announcements soon.

The Corvus Terrain range of 4x4 side-by-side utility vehicles has been a fast-growing presence in the agricultural and groundcare markets since it was first launched in 2019. Corvus was the first European manufacturer to produce an offroad utility vehicle and the range

now comprises diesel, petrol and electric versions of the Terrain.

“We are ideally placed to sell Corvus off-road vehicles in the North,” says Mark Lodge, ATV Brand Manager for Carr’sBillington Agriculture (Sales) Ltd. “We have the people, products and services to support our customers across a broad range of requirements and locations

with retail, feed, machinery, fuel and service. There are 32 Carr’s-BiIllington Country Stores throughout Northern England, Scotland and Wales, several of which have machinery sales and service departments. We are proud we can offer Corvus high-quality vehicles, sales and support in our area as part of the growing Corvus dealer network.”

John Deere sets new standards in Precision Ag Technology and driving comfort

With its model year 2024 tractors, John Deere will take farming to the next level, integrating the new G5 CommandCenterTM displays into all 6, 7, 8 and 9 Series machines, while further enhancing driving comfort.

The new G5Plus CommandCenterTM includes documentation, data sync, JDLinkTM connectivity, variable rate application, section control and AutoTracTM guidance as standard on all 6-cylinder 6R, 7, 8 and 9 series tractors. The 12.8-inch G5Plus CommandCenterTM is 33% larger than the previous display, comes with 1080P high definition and a much faster processor. With this update, customers will achieve the highest levels of precision agriculture efficiency and ease of use while ensuring

their tractors are ready for the future.

The 6R Series

The model year 2024 John Deere 6R brings with it new developments improving driver comfort. The redesigned steering column and new steering wheel provides the next level in comfort, especially in its on-the-road performance. In addition, the new dampening system available on both Premium and Ultimate seats, the 6R model year 2024 sets new standards.

The 7, 8 and 9 Series

The model year 2024 7R features a new steering system with a 50% increase in steering capacity. This is made possible by larger steering cylinders, which are fitted as standard to all 7R. To enhance

operator comfort during transport, the 7R features a new Automotive Type Steering System. It naturally re centres itself and improves line holding significantly. Known as reactive steering, the feature can be easily activated via a softkey

on the CommandCenterTM. Two additional front brake discs enhance the operator’s experience and transport performance. All 7, 8 and 9 tractors have a new highresolution corner post display and a built-in StarFireTM 7000.

Claydon to exhibit and demonstrate its latest Opti-Till® crop establishment machinery at Cereals 2023

European market leader in direct strip seeding technology with its Opti-Till® system, Claydon will demonstrate the latest Evolution mounted drill and Straw Harrow

at Cereals 2023. It will also exhibit a 4.8m Evolution drill, 4.8m TerraBlade inter-row hoe and 6m TerraStar light rotary cultivator on Stand 701 at the

event, which will take place at Thoresby Estate, Perlethorpe, Newark on 13th and 14th June.

It is 21 years since Jeff Claydon invented the company’s

first direct strip seeding drill to dramatically reduce the cost and time involved in establishing crops on his family’s arable farm in Suffolk. Since the V Drill was

launched in 2003 Claydon has continued to develop and perfect the Opti-Till® System, a holistic approach to crop establishment which delivers consistent, high yielding crops at low cost for maximum profitability, combined with progressive improvements to soil structure and health.

The company has continually expanded its product range and now Claydon technology is enabling farmers all over the world to meet their commercial, environmental and sustainability objectives. Increasingly relevant in the face of rapidly rising input costs, the Opti-Till® System is

based around Claydon trailed and mounted drills from 3m to 8m wide, all of which incorporate the company’s unique leading tine technology which provides exceptional ability and versatility. The Claydon range also includes 3m, 7.5m, 9m, 12.5m and 15m Straw Harrows, the 6m TerraStar® light rotary cultivator and TerraBlade interrow hoes from 3m to 8m wide. Claydon products are marketed and sold to customers throughout the world, with approximately 60% of production exported to more than thirty countries, from Europe to New Zealand.

New folding silage fork from ProDig

Leading Irish based attachment manufacturer ProDig Attachments have just launched a completely new from the ground up Folding Silage Fork ahead of this year’s busy grass season.

Based just outside Carlow in central Ireland, ProDig have been building class leading attachments since 2011. In 2022, ProDig made the decision to completely redevelop their ever-

popular Folding Fork range with a particular focus on strength, performance, and weight after listening to the demands of the modern-day silage contractor. Fast forward to spring 2023 and

the Mammoth and Taurus ranges of Folding Forks are born and ready for action. Available in widths starting from 3.6m (12ft) up to an impressive 5.5m (18ft) and with

weights from 1.5-2.2 Ton there is a model to suit all customers and their machines performance.

At the business end the popular 50mm Hardox tines have been increased to 6ft (1829mm) with an option for 7ft (2090mm) tines for larger machines enabling them to carry even more material in one pass. Twin high tensile side tines are bolted in place rather than welded for ease of replacement in the event of damage. For safety the maximum width when folded in transport position is 2.9m regardless of the forks working width and for added road safety an optional tine guard can be fitted.

Up top the spill frame is bolted to the top frame and has been beefed up in line with the rest of the fork, a removable centre section is standard for machines with Z Bar linkage systems, while the entire spill frame can be easily removed for use in low roof situations.

The folding sides now feature an adjustable wing locking system for added strength and support even in the most demanding applications. Each wing is hydraulically held in place with an added double pilot check valve safety system to prevent creep during operation while also protecting against a wing falling during transport in the event of a hydraulic hose failure. Greaseable 40mm pins are fitted to the double clevis ram ends with 40mm x 50mm replaceable bushings aiding efficiency.

The main pivot pins have been beefed up to a massive 80mm x 496mm versions which again are greaseable and feature replaceable bushings to maximise performance and longevity.

The new bottom section is constructed from high yield 12mm folded and fabricated plates with an added 12mm Hardox wear strip fitted along the bottom to increase wear and improve component life. An

angled plate is now fitted to the top of the entire beam both front and back to prevent material retention while also helping material flow through the fork.

The Taurus Folding Fork Range can be specified with

increased tine spacing if desired along with an optional bolt on maize blade. Both the Mammoth and Taurus range can be specified with customer logos or branding in the wing sections as well as custom colour schemes.

New folding silage fork from ProDig

McConnel has expanded its range of Power Arms with the introduction of the new-look 67-Series. Available with reach options from 5.0m to 7.0m and powered by high performance 70hp hydraulic system, the new 67-Series has been designed for farmers, contractors and local authorities and features new design style which marks the arrival of McConnel’s nextgeneration Power Arms.

Among the key new features of the machine is the restyled hydraulic tank that incorporates a two-piece rear guard and sculpted polypropylene top cover. Designed to improve access to the hydraulic system, the new rear guard is hinged at one-side to enable quick opening for easy access for maintenance. The new onepiece top-cover is sculpted from impact resistant polypropylene and designed to minimise material build-up and prevent the ingress of dust and moisture.

Customers can choose from five different armsets including 5.5m and 6.0m straight-arms, 6.5m

and 7.0m telescopic arms, and a 6.0m Variable Forward Reach (VFR) option. VFR enables operators to position the flailhead alongside the cab for enhanced visibility and comfort. VFR also aids manoeuvrability when cutting around obstacles and working in confined environments such as narrow lanes.

Advanced arm features that are synonymous with McConnel Power Arms such as; Hy-reach geometry, parallel arm geometry, and Power Slew are all standard features on the new 67-Series.

At the heart of the machine is a 70hp gear hydraulic system that utilises McConnel’s in-house designed and manufactured hydraulic valve blocked. Designed specifically for McConnel Power Arms, the high-performance hydraulic system includes electric rotor control, Soft-Start rotor engagement and a high-capacity oil cooler as standard.

Three different control packages are available on all models, including the

proportional Motion control, Evolution Control, and the range topping REVOLUTION control system, that offers more functionality and can be specified with EDS, McConnel’s award winning Easy Drive System which significantly increases verge mowing speeds.

All models utilise a heavyduty mainframe that’s designed for 3-point linkage mounting. Users looking to added further

stability or to reduce stresses on tractor linkage can opt for either the 4-point hitch or 5-point axle mounting sub-frame, both of which can be retrofitted.

Precision-engineered in the UK at McConnel’s Shropshire production facility, the 67-Series is available with a comprehensive range of attachments including 1.2m, 1.5m and 1.6m flailheads, sawheads, rotary heads and cutterbars.

New Holland presents brand new Straddle Tractor TE6 Range

New Holland introduces the new Straddle Tractor TE6 Range - TE6.120N and TE6.150Nmultifunction tractors specifically designed for narrow vineyards that require machines with an extreme manoeuvrability and compact dimensions, and that will be available starting from the end of 2023.

The new Straddle Tractor range’s design is inspired by the Straddle Tractor Concept, created by New Holland in collaboration with Italian design firm Pininfarina and winner of the Good Design Award and of the German Design Award in 2022. The Concept tractor featured a futuristic and stylish look inspired by the shape of a glass of Champagne as a

homage to premium wine growers of regions such as Champagne, Médoc and Burgundy.

The new TE6.120N and TE6.150N are in fact specifically designed for some of the most prestigious wine-producing regions, adapting to the narrow French vineyards and to any terrain that has similar characteristics.

The new tractor range is highly multifunctional: it features three independent tool zones for multiple possible implement combinations. They are also designed to grant an extra quick hitch – less than 10 minutes for the sprayer – and to allow the operator to keep the tools attached without leaving the cab, saving time and maximizing efficiency.

Thierry Le Briquer, Grape, Olive and Coffee Harvester Global Product and Platform Manager at New Holland says “Multifunctionality, manoeuvrability,

compact design and power: these are the key elements of the new Straddle Tractor range that is completely revolutionizing our offering in Straddle tractors. The

best quality is ensured by our engineering and manufacturing at the Centre of Excellence in Coëx, France, where these tractors are produced and that is specialized in grape, olive harvesters and straddle tractors, serving customers worldwide.”

Just like the rest of New Holland’s new generation tractor range, the Straddle Tractors are equipped with innovation technology: IntelliviewTM IV Plus display and its rearview screens give a total control of the tractor and My

New AMAZONE incab terminal

AmaSpread 2

AMAZONE is now offering the new AmaSpread 2 in-cab terminal for the ZA-V Profis Control weigh cell spreader. This provides the mid-range segment with a machine-specific terminal which impresses with its comfortable operation and simple menu navigation.

The logical operating structure, combined with the high-contrast 4.3 inch colour display, guarantees high levels of operator comfort with a modern look. All the spreading information concerning application rate, residual quantity and area coverage is clearly and constantly displayed.

The terminal does not need detailed menu guidance as each significant function has its own button. All the important functions such as the application rate and the position of the border spreading device can be actuated directly and comfortably using a back-lit button. This means that one-hand operation during spreading is not a problem.

Material-specific settings for up to 10 different fertilisers can be stored and recalled at any time. In addition, the spread rate, covered area and working time are stored and can be utilised by the operator for easy documentation.

Apart from the forward speed related spread rate regulation,

PLM Connect® allows operators to manage data in real time, on board or remotely, to maximize efficiency and productivity.

The Blue Power livery reflects New Holland’s new styling

lines and balances elegance with comfort. The ergonomics have been completely reshaped with a renovated cab offering comfort and high visibility all around the machine.

The FTP Industrial Stage V engine in the row ensures total stability on slopes and inclines, and the IntelliFlow hydraulic system gives a balanced distribution of power all around the tractor.

AmaSpread 2 also allows, amongst other things, the manual switching of up to 6 part-width sections and the use of the Profis weighing system. In addition, rapid adaptation of the fertiliser rate enables the timely reaction to field conditions. The in-cab terminal also offers precise spread rate regulation thanks to the 200 Hz weighing system. In this way, a constant application rate is guaranteed, even with varying fertiliser quality. Combination with the optional tilt sensor guarantees precise weighing results, even in hilly terrain.

JCB wins its biggest ever UK order as Perthshire farmer invests

JCB has won its biggest ever deal in the UK after a Perthshire farmer placed an order for £87.5 million worth of machines – including a big fleet of iconic 3CX backhoe loaders.

The huge order has been placed by Perth-based Morris Leslie Plant Hire almost 50 years after Founder Morris Leslie started the company on his parents’ farm in the Carse of Gowrie, near Perth, where he began buying and selling construction equipment. Today his company operates across the UK –with many of his firm’s customers working in the agricultural sector, particularly in Scotland.

Morris Leslie Plant Hire’s new machines include a bumper deal for 50 JCB backhoe loaders, at a time when new figures show a

resurgence in demand for backhoes in the UK, with the market growing by more than 12 per cent in 2022. The investment will also see the company take delivery of Loadall telescopic handlers, excavators, site dumpers, and compaction equipment, underlining its commitment to provide customers with the most up-to-date machines possible.

Manufactured at JCB’s factories in Rocester and Cheadle, Staffordshire, all the new machines are powered by the latest Stage V engines which deliver low emissions. They are also fitted with the JCB LiveLink telematics system which enables Morris Leslie Plant Hire and its rental customers to monitor the safety, productivity and

emissions of the machines. The order will be supplied by dealer Scot JCB to Morris Leslie’s 14 nationwide depots throughout 2023.

Morris Leslie, Chairman of the Group, attended Elmwood Agricultural College, Cupar and today he owns and operates four arable farms in Perthshire and Angus covering a total of 2,000 acres.

Morris Leslie said: “Our business was founded on a farm in 1974 and I am proud that farmers and the wider agricultural community continue to be vitally important to the success of the company today . This order ensures we can continue to support them with the very latest and best equipment.

Morris Leslie, whose firm has bought £87.5 m worth of JCB machines

2023 Contracting Prices Survey Launched

The National Association of Agricultural Contractors (NAAC) has released its latest survey of contracting prices and overall results highlight that price rises are inevitable this spring. The new prices survey for 2023 can be found at https:// www.naac.co.uk/pricesguide/

Whilst the UK inflation rate is currently over 10%, the NAAC survey has highlighted

more modest increases in contracting rates. Whilst there is no ‘one size fits all’, overall soil preparation costs have increased at just over 4%, with the drilling category going up almost 3.5% since last year. Within individual services, however, due to the nature of surveys, some prices have increased substantially whilst other have barely shifted.

NI govt issues payments of almost £9m to EFS participants

Payments totalling nearly £9 million have commenced to Northern Irish farmers participating in the Environmental Farming Scheme (EFS).

The Department of Agriculture (DAERA) has announced that payments for claims made in 2022 have started, with over 90% of claims paid on time.

Claims were processed, and payments issued as soon as possible following validations, the department explained.

The scheme offers participants a 5-year agreement to deliver a range of environmental measures.

The agri-environment scheme has three levels: a Higher Level, a Wider Level, and a Group Level. Applications which deliver most environmental benefit for the scheme objectives receive priority entry into the scheme.

A DAERA spokesperson said: “DAERA has announced payments totalling £8.96million have commenced to Environmental Farming Scheme (EFS) agreement holders.

“Payment for claims made in 2022 commenced on 17 April, with over 90% of claims paid on that day.”

The costs of fuel, labour and inputs have continued to increase however, and the NAAC is advising its members to review all their pricing structures to ensure they can remain profitable. Only then can they provide farmers with a professional standard of service, rewarding loyalty with well-maintained kit and skilled, conscientious labour.

Commenting Jill Hewitt, NAAC Chief Executive said, ‘It is simply not defensible for prices to stand still this year. Farmers should be entering into conversation with their contractor to ensure that price rises allow both parties to run sustainable businesses, whilst moving forward in terms of productivity and technology.’

The NAAC is encouraging members to use an NAAC on-

line pricing tool, developed with Andersons Consulting. This allows contractors to evaluate each operation, considering all costs, so that they can see the cold, hard facts for each job. The tool takes account of numerous variables such as depreciation, repair costs of individual machines, yard costs, insurance and office staff, before breaking each job down, taking into account fuel costs, area of work, work rate, labour, downtime and profit. This allows quotes to be made, backed up by statistics, to get to a price that is realistic.

Inevitably contractors must find the right balance to retain a loyal customer base, whilst keeping up with inflation and helping their customers achieve optimal productivity, whilst running safe and efficient contracting businesses.

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Climate Tech specialist HeavyFinance closes 3 million Euro seed funding round

HeavyFinance will use the investment to drive a major expansion and accelerate its sustainable finance options to support the fight against climate change

HeavyFinance, a climate tech investment marketplace for the agricultural industry, has successfully raised €3 million during its seed funding round, led by VC firm Practica Capital.

HeavyFinance is a European Fintech tackling the climate crisis, providing financing and loan schemes for companies in the sustainable agriculture sphere, with the goal of removing 1 gigaton of CO2 emissions by 2050.

The investment will help the company continue their European expansion, currently operating in Poland, Portugal, Lithuania, Latvia and Bulgaria, with ambitious plans to nearly double its current headcount of 33 staff over the next 12 months.

HeavyFinance will also use the funding to accelerate the switch from conventional farming to regenerative practices, to enrol 200,000 hectares of regenerative farmland as part of a carbon farming initiative, and create direct access for businesses looking to offset their carbon footprint.

Laimonas Noreika, Founder of HeavyFinance, said:

“After a successful seed round, HeavyFinance is ready to continue its expansion in the European marketplace, delivering sustainable climate investments to even more investors. Operating in additional markets and expanding our investor suite is an important step in the company’s growth and

the development of new products and schemes, alongside bringing in industry experts to support our journey will be a priority over the coming months.“

“Tackling climate change must be a united effort, and with almost a third of global greenhouse emissions coming from agricultural products, HeavyFinance is here to lead the charge in the agricultural sector. Food growth plays a vital part in the climate battle as a prominent global issue, and connecting investors with farmers and agricultural specialists through our finance platform can help accelerate the adoption of regenerative soil management practices to reduce carbon

emissions output throughout Europe.”

HeavyFinance’s financing supports soil health and maintenance in order to reduce emissions from machinery fossil fuel combustion, remove CO2 from the atmosphere through the biogeochemical pressures of plants, reduce N2O pollution from excessive fertiliser application, improve biodiversity, and help farms become resilient to the effects of climate change such as draughts and high temperatures.

The company has built an underlying infrastructure to score the borrowing capabilities of farmers and agricultural operators to facilitate

transactions and administer loans more effectively.

Arvydas Bložė, Partner at Practica Capital, said:

“HeavyFinance team is committed to transforming the traditional agricultural lending marketplace by incentivizing farmers to adopt sustainable and regenerative farming practices by providing them access to the necessary capital. By connecting farmers in Europe directly and introducing a proprietary soil-based carbon credit methodology, we anticipate creating a new channel for downstream corporates to offset their carbon credits and stimulating institutional capital investments in the green sector.”

Judges Confirmed for Borderway Agri Expo 2023

Harrison & Hetherington is delighted to announce an outstanding line-up of judges for their 17th Borderway Agri Expo, which will take place on Friday 27th October.

Three outstanding members of the British breeding and showing elite are to judge one of the most important UK livestock showsBorderway Agri Expo.

Borderway Agri Expo has established a reputation for attracting the highest quality of livestock to compete in cattle and sheep classes that will be livestreamed to an audience of thousands across the world. This year’s judges are all specialist in their field and together bring with them decades of knowledge and breeding expertise. Judging the main Cattle classes is farmer and

breeder Gwyn Edwards, from north Wales, travelling from Donegal in Ireland to judge the Baby Beef classes is Pearse McNamee and the Sheep classes will be judged by noted sheep breeder John Sinnett.

Borderway Agri Expo has become one of the most important showcases of British livestock breeding excellence, and a vital platform for sharing the latest developments, ideas and advice in the livestock and wider agricultural industries. The event celebrates the best of cattle and sheep breeds, champions of the industry and future stars. It provides a platform

for the promotion of the UK’s full range of commercial breeds, for new technology and innovation, products and professional services.

Above all, the spotlight at Agri Expo will be focused on the show rings, and on the judges who will shoulder the responsibility for choosing the best of the best in the ultra-competitive Cattle, Baby Beef, and Sheep classes.

The H&H team has scoured the country to find the very best judges for the very best livestock. Senior Auctioneer James Little comments: “The credibility and authority of our judges is

absolutely key to the credibility of the competition at Agri Expo. They will be casting their eyes over some of the very best stock from all over the UK and Ireland and making critical judgements on very fine margins of difference. So we are really delighted that three such respected judges have accepted our invitation to take on this task.”

Cattle this year will be judged by farmer and breeder Gwyn Edwards. Highly respected on the show circuit as a winning breeder and as a judge, Gwyn farms 200 head of beef cattle and 600 ewes on

700 acres in North Wales, recently achieving pedigree herd status for his home-bred Limousins. He has shown cattle with consistent success for more than 40 years, winning the English Winter Fair Championship in 2019 and is the only person to date to have wone the Welsh Winter Fair Supreme Championship three times.

“It is such an honour to have been invite to judge. I think everyone who knows me will know what I am looking for,” he says. “My ideal would be meaty and very correct, but the standard at Agri Expo will be exceptional and the winner at Borderway is the envy of all the winter shows, so judging them will be a very challenging task.”

Baby Beef will be judged by Pearse McNamee, one of Ireland’s most successful and respected producers of pedigree Limousin & Commercial show cattle, calves and embryos. A regular seller of top priced show cattle he has won and bred champion calf 5 times and reverse twice at tullamore national Livestock show since 2012 Pearse has also supported Agri Expo every year from its inception and in 2018 he took Reserve Overall Champion with a home-bred Limousin heifer . “It is without doubt the best show of commercial cattle in the UK and Ireland. Agri Expo has set a benchmark where the best of the very best are on show for all to see, and I am over the moon to have been invited to judge the ‘Baby Beef’. I

will be looking for something with style, correctness, show quality, a good head and legs, and lots of character! It will be a challenge, but I am looking forward to it.”

Sheep this year will be judged by John Sinnett, who in a lifetime of farming on the Welsh Borders established a reputation as one of the UK’s outstanding producers of pedigree and commercial sheep, finishing some 20,000 lambs a year by the mid 1990’s. A leading breeder of pedigree Suffolk rams, John was the first in the UK to breed crossbred rams, specialising after foot and mouth on developing a winning combination of good genetics from the most successful terminal sires: Charolais, Suffolk, Beltex and Texel.

Now fully retired from farming, John has moved to Wetheral, not far from Borderway, and remains a dedicated supporter of the sheep industry and its principal showcases such as Agri Expo. “I felt I had completed my judging duties, but I am really honoured to be invited to judge here this autumn. When it comes to picking the best commercial traits, one size clearly does not fit all, but in this case, I will be looking for an easily fleshed, quality article, and judging based on the current demands and criteria of the main commercial finishers and processers.”

Further details will be updated regularly on the event’s dedicated website: www. borderwayagriexpo.uk

New Venue Confirmed for the 2023 ABAB Calf Show

Holstein UK are pleased to announce that a new venue has been secured for the 2023 All Breeds All Britain Calf Show.

We are delighted to be working with NAEC Stoneleigh to host this year’s event which will take place from the 6th to 8th October. The move comes after the ABAB Calf Show’s previous home, the

East of England Showground, announced that it would be unable to host this year’s event. Located in Warwickshire, NAEC Stoneleigh will provide a central base for the 2023 event which will see seven dairy breeds come together and celebrate young breeders from the UK dairy industry. The new venue was agreed by the

Holstein UK Board of Trustees with location, accommodation and general facilities available for the show being carefully considered. The show will take place in Halls 1 & 2, which will provide a clean modern and spacious footprint for the event.

Stoneleigh offers a 58 bedroom hotel on-site which

is in walking distance of the main exhibition spaces. Additionally, there is a huge range of accommodation in the local area, with around 1,000 beds within a ten-mile radius to suit all budgets. There will also still be the opportunity to bring a tent or caravan and stay at the showground, with electric hook-ups available if required.

RABDF Beats off Record Entries in Event Industry’s Largest Awards Ceremony With Down to Earth

The Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers (RABDF) has beaten off a record number of entries in the UK event industry’s most prominent awards ceremony, the Exhibition News (EN) Awards, to win the Rising Star trophy for Down to Earth.

The award was presented to the RABDF last night (30 March) at a prestigious ceremony at ExCel London, where more than

1,000 exhibition industry peers gathered.

EN editor Emily Wallin said the quality of this year’s entries was exceptional, with a record number of entries.

She added: “These winners are a testament to the fact that the exhibitions industry has well and truly bounced back from the pandemic and is going from strength to strength.

“Every one of these winners has overcome unbelievable obstacles whilst truly innovating in ways that will continue to help the whole events sector grow, and everyone here at Exhibition News is delighted to celebrate their amazing achievement with them.”

Down to Earth was launched by the RABDF last summer (2022) as an event showcasing regenerative farming to livestock

farmers. The inaugural event attracted over 1,700 farmers and industry personnel. Such was the demand the charity is running two events this year- Down to Earth North and South.

Tickets are now on sale for Down to Earth South in Somerset and North in Cumbria on 21 June and 6 July, respectively. For more information, visit www. projectdowntoearth.co.uk

PEOPLE ON THE MOVE

JOHN DAVIDSON

NFU Scotland has announced the appointment of John Davidson as its new Chief Executive.

Mr Davidson, who is currently the Deputy Chief Executive at the industry leadership body, Scotland Food & Drink, replaces Scott Walker who stepped down from his post last year. Mr Davidson joined Scotland Food & Drink in 2020 after a lengthy career in various senior roles across the Scottish Government, including Private Secretary to the former Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Richard Lochhead, and most recently as the head of food and drink at Scottish Government for five years.

Mr Davidson, who is well known and respected across the farming and food industry, has been instrumental in supporting the sector’s recovery from Brexit and the Covid pandemic and has recently been leading the development of the new national food and drink strategy for Scotland, which aims to strengthen the resilience of the entire industry and grow its value and reputation domestically and internationally.

JAN-HENDRICK MOHR

The CLAAS Group has announced the appointment of Jan-Hendrick Mohr as its new CEO, in place of Thomas Bock who has stood down after 16 years at CLAAS, four of which have been as CEO.

Jan-Hendrick Mohr joined CLAAS in 1984 and since 2008 has been a member of the Group Executive Board with responsibility for CLAAS’ combine harvester division, which he will continue to lead, and he took up his new role on April 1st.

During his time as Group CEO, Thomas Bock oversaw the continued growth in the business and a rise in sales to over five billion Euros, while also steering the company through the many challenges that the past couple of years have brought about, and leaves the company in order to pursue new challenges.

TRACEY ROAN

NFU Scotland’s new Dairy Policy Manager is well-known industry figure Tracey Roan. Tracey will also take on responsibility for the Scottish Dairy Hub, a successful signposting service for Scotland’s dairy sector that, with Scottish Government support, has been running for almost nine years.

Tracey joined NFU Scotland in May 2022 as Regional Manager for Dumfries and Galloway. She farms with her husband, Steven, and their two children, milking 240 pedigree Holstein cows just outside Dalbeattie.

GEORGE NOWELL

George Nowell has been appointed as Kubota (UK)’s agricultural and groundcare dealer manager for the midlands, north west and Wales. Now in his fifth year in full-time employment with the company, George first came to Kubota in 2015 after getting in touch as he searched for a three-month summer job following completion of his first year at Harper Adams University.

His career path is one that puts the spotlight on opportunities that exist within Kubota. After leaving school, he took a threeyear apprenticeship at Bicton College which saw him working with a tractor dealership in Devon. Eager to immerse himself at manufacturer-level, George set about finding a route into Harper Adams University.

THE BOOK SHELF

The Darker the Night

By Martin Patience

Author and journalist Martin Patience has travelled around the world and reported on political upheaval in many countries throughout his career as a foreign correspondent, yet in his first novel, he returns to his home country for the setting of his dark, fast-paced thriller. The Darker the Night is a Scottish mystery, where the murder of a highranking political official could have disastrous consequences in the ongoing campaign for Scottish Independence. Dive into this engaging thriller when you’re in need of a break from the oftenoverwhelming workload of spring.

Set in the not-so-distant future, a referendum on Scottish independence is only days away, and first minister Susan Ward seems on the precipice of an historic victory. Yet, the untimely death of John Millar, senior civil servant, could threaten everything. His body is discovered in an alleyway in Glasgow, with no real clues except a slip of paper with the first minister’s personal mobile number written on it. Into this chaos enters Fulton Mackenzie, the one reporter determined to get to the bottom of this catastrophic chain of events. Mackenzie is a man himself blighted by tragedy, but also someone adept at seeing beneath the surface to find the truth. Who was John Millar? Who wanted him dead? And why? And the biggest question of all – who is trying to alter the future path of an entire nation?

Martin Patience’s debut novel is dynamic and captivating – an enthralling blend of traditional crime fiction and cutting-edge political thriller. In just about 250 pages, The Darker the Night takes the reader through numerous twists and turns, flipping back and

forth between the First Minister’s handling of the budding scandal to Mackenzie’s unconventional approach to uncovering the story behind Millar’s murder.

Though the book is set against the backdrop of a new referendum on Scottish Independence, Patience writes from a fairly neutral perspective and does not advocate explicitly for or against the issue. Instead, the book is a thorough exploration of a nation divided and just how quickly a country can face sudden, shattering change. It is a compelling account of what can happen when people lose faith in their institutions while becoming more and more polarised. Though he tackles issues of great importance, Patience writes in an incredibly accessible manner, with realistic, witty dialogue, and vibrant characterisation, painting a very honest picture of contemporary Glasgow and its inhabitants. With its twisty plot, and serious, confident tone, The Darker the Night is a strong debut that pulls you in, the kind of book you could easily devour in one sitting.

The Darker the Night by Martin Patience, published by Polygon, an imprint of Birlinn, in January 2023 (£9.99, paperback) www.birlinn.co.uk