MAKING A MARK YOUNG FARMER PURSUING HER PASSION – P76
February 23 2024 | £4.10 | Become a member from £2.09 | farmersguardian.com
THE HEART OF AGRICULTURE MACHINERY
FARM PROFILE
SALES
On test: Case IH Puma 260 AFS Connect
Traditions key to fell farm’s future
Averages up at Stirling bull sales
FINAL PLEA PAGE 68
PAGE 22
PAGE 32
● Prime Minister keen to woo farmers ● Labour pitches new farm deal PRIME Minister Rishi Sunak assured farmers he ‘had their backs’ as his party now attempts to claw back the support of rural voters. Addressing the NFU Conference on Tuesday (February 20), he outlined his vision to take the farming sector forward, including £220 million for innovation and productivity grants, cuts to planning red tape, new legislation around dairy contracts and a promise to maintain the £2.4 billion agricultural budget. But what was trailed as a ‘major new package of support for British farming’ fell flat, with many farmers and industry figures questioning what was new and highlighting there was no extra money. Daniel Mead, a mixed tenant farmer from Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, said: “I would describe the Government’s announcement on more grant funding as a real-term snub of the challenges farmers face.” Patrick Blythe, a dairy producer from Ashford, Kent, said that he felt farmers were being treated with ‘contempt’ and that Mr Sunak’s
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PICTURE: NFU
By Rachael Brown
Rishi Sunak addressing delegates at this week’s NFU Conference.
appearance was purely a bid to win rural votes. Outgoing NFU president Minette Batters, who was succeeded by Tom Bradshaw this week, expressed her frustration around Mr Sunak’s use of language, after he said farmers ‘were not farming for the money’, suggesting they were not serious businesses. Ms Batters said: “The Prime Minister in his speech said he knew farmers farmed ‘for the love of it’. But farming is a business. Farmers are business owners.”
Speaking to Farmers Guardian, Defra Secretary Steve Barclay suggested the words had been ‘taken out of context’ and moved to reassure farmers the Government was on their side. Responding to Ms Batters’ warning about an imbalance between environment and food production in Government policy which must be addressed ‘before farms simply disappear’, Mr Barclay said they would not ‘cross that red line’ and reduce livestock numbers. Against a backdrop of farmer-led
protests and with continuing unrest over the direction of policy in Wales, Farming Minister Mark Spencer looked to capitalise on the criticism of Welsh Labour. He said he ‘pitied farmers in Wales; they will face an army of regulators with tape measures crawling all over them’. The Shadow Farming Minister Daniel Zeichner said it was not his place to comment on Welsh policies. But when pressed on whether a Labour government would introduce a 20 per cent target in England to take land out of food production, he said: “I am not going to do what they do in Wales, I can give that guarantee.” Labour pledged a ‘new deal for farmers’ which included cutting red tape at borders, a food procurement plan, ‘rewiring Britain for renewables’ and to make the Environmental Land Management scheme work. Mr Zeichner criticised the Government for ‘prioritising flowers over flour’. He said: “We need both – and we need farm businesses to survive and prosper.” MORE FROM THE CONFERENCE ON PAGES 2-8, 10 AND 26.
21/02/2024 16:57
Mike Nixon is proving that you can succeed in farming no matter your circumstance. See p92-93.
Political heavyweights were out in force at the Rachael Brown, Chris Brayford, Jane Thy and Olivia Midgley report from the ICC in Birm
INSIDE
February 23 2024 2
NEWS
Red lines drawn over Sustainable Farming Scheme
6
WORKING DOGS
Latest trial results and diary
10 COMMENT 11
LETTERS
14
BUSINESS
19
Recovery for Arla in second part of 2023
GLOBAL AG VIEW Nigerian farms see thefts as inflation bites
20 LCA PREVIEW
Learn more about the upcoming Low Carbon Agriculture 2024 event
22 FARM PROFILE Traditions key to fell farm’s future
25 ARABLE
Five top tips for winter wheat disease control
31
SALES
Skipton show potentials to £4,400 high
68 MACHINERY
On test: Case IH Puma 260 AFS Connect
75 LIVESTOCK
Avoiding health issues at spring turnout
84 MARKET PRICES 92 #FARMINGCAN
Farming discipline and a very strong mindset gets farmer through
94 IN YOUR FIELD With Helen Stanier, Yorkshire, and James Robinson, Cumbria
94 WEATHER 95 CROSSWORD 96 FARMING MATTERS
‘I was uncertain as to whether I could carry on’, says Phil Latham, dairy farmer and former member of the Government’s Bovine TB Partnership
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Arable
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IPM IN SUGAR BEET PRODUCTION An insight into ongoing research by the British Beet Research Organisation BeetTech24.
EA chair under fi ongoing flood is rNo support for
‘natural floodplains’ ENVIRONMENT Agency (EA) chair Alan Lovell has come under fire over the impact flooding has had on the health and finances of farmers. Storms which have ravaged the country since September last year – including Storm Angus and Babet – have left farmers feeling the ‘costly consequences’, with concern over the support they have received and the effects on their businesses. Andrew Ward, in an impassioned plea to Mr Lovell on behalf of his godson Henry, whose farm in Fiskerton, Lincolnshire, has been under water for several months, accused Mr Lovell of treating him ‘like a doormat’. He said: “How are we meant to carry on without any sort of money or compensation? “We are protecting thousands of properties by holding that water and we need a proper agreement in
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place with the EA and Government to recognise that.” Mr Lovell said the EA would support flood storage areas but could not use public flood money for areas that were already ‘natural floodplains’. He added farmers would have to use other routes through Environmental Land Management schemes
Government failing to make sure su THE Government has been criticised for designing a farming scheme which has failed to stop support going to corporations rather than farmers. Speaking as part of the political session alongside the Farming Minister Mark Spencer and the Shadow Farming Minister Daniel Zeichner, Liberal Democrat Rural Affairs spokesperson Tim Farron accused the Government of failing to deliver on a ‘Brexit opportunity’ and designing a scheme that was ‘morally wrong’.
Referring to the Landscape Recovery Scheme, Mr Farron was applauded by conference delegates when he said: “Landscape recovery has been tailored to reward big corporatess who are evicting tenants. “The Government chooses unfairness over fairness. Food security is crucial but fairness is key to food security.” Mr Spencer said strong guidance had been issued and action would always be taken where landlords and
Farron highlights ‘outrageous’ uplands cover up TIM Farron said he would hold the Government to account over its treatment of upland farmers. Speaking following recent revelations that Government officials ‘buried’ a post-Brexit analysis of the future of upland farmers as it was deemed too negative, Mr Farron said the fact the Government remained silent reflected the ‘disastrous’ nature
2 | FEBRUARY 23 2024
Outgoing NFU president Minette Batters and Environment Agency chair Alan Lovell.
of the findings. The situation was brought to light after a Freedom of Information request was submitted by The Guardian. According to the newspaper, the insight was supposed to reveal how farmers in upland areas would benefit from the UK’s withdrawal from the EU. However, it was revealed it may not be worth publishing as it had ‘no pathways to success’ as these
farmersguardian.com
21/02/2024 16:55
NFU CONFERENCE NEWS
e at the NFU Conference. ane Thynne, Alex Black C in Birmingham.
er fire for d issues
BRADSHAW ELECTED TO LEAD NFU’S TOP TEAM
PICTURE: NFU
TOM Bradshaw (pictured above, centre) was elected as the NFU’s new president, with former vice-president David Exwood (right) becoming deputy president and former West Riding county chair Rachel Hallos (left) taking the role of vice-president.
to deal with flooding. After listening to farmers detail the EA’s failings on flood prevention, Mr Lovell hit back. Referencing the work farming had to do on water pollution, he said: “This is a two-way street. “I will take my medicine on flooding and other aspects. But please will you take yours?”
RPA inspection reform ‘is underway’ DEFRA Secretary Steve Barclay has said he has met with the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) and ‘changes have been made’ following the tragic death of farmer Rocky Poulson. Farmers Guardian reported on Mr Poulson’s family’s campaign to reform the inspection regime earlier this month. Speaking to FG at the NFU conference, Mr Barclay said: “I have
personally been looking at it. I had a meeting with the RPA about it. “Already changes have been
made and we have discussed further changes around cross compliance, streamlining is one aspect.”
ure support schemes help farmers land agents ‘took the mickey’, by kicking tenants out or putting whole blocks of land into wild feed mix. He said that sort of activity was ‘less than 1 per cent’.
Nothing being done Mr Zeichner stressed this activity was already happening and questioned why nothing was being done. He said: “I do not understand why you cannot act more quickly. [Mr Spencer] you have incredible power
with [the Sustainable Farming Incentive] as there is no accountability. You do not come to Parliament on what you are doing, you just do it, so do it.” Mr Farron pointed to a ‘Lakeland clearance’ in his constituency, where corporates were ‘raking in the money by turfing off tenants’. He said he would write to the Farming Minister, adding: “I will not embarrass you with the names, but you will be familiar with the names of people doing it in Cumbria right now.”
NEW DAIRY CONTRACTS farmers faced financial ruin. It was also found that officials believed the sector was the most resistant to environmental changes. Mr Farron said: “Where to start? The Government has finally admitted there was some impact assessment done. They just chose to not to show us. If it was not disastrous, they would surely have told us.”
farmersguardian.com
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NEW legislation was laid out in Parliament this week (February 21) to ensure ‘fair and transparent’ contracts for all dairy farmers in the UK, after a decade of lobbying the Government. But the NFU warned there was still ‘more work to be done’ to improve the negotiating position of dairy farmers, adding ‘legislation will not do it on its own’. FEBRUARY 23 2024 | 3
21/02/2024 16:42
THE HEART OF AGRICULTURE Farmers Guardian, Unit 4, Fulwood Business Park, Caxton Road, Fulwood, Preston, Lancashire, PR2 9NZ Editor Olivia Midgley, 07787 240 750 olivia.midgley@agriconnect.com Head of News and Business Alex Black, 01772 799 409 alex.black@agriconnect.com Chief Reporter Rachael Brown, 07974 039 778 rachael.brown@agriconnect.com News and Business Reporters Jane Thynne jane.thynne@agriconnect.com Chris Brayford, 07773 110 733 chris.brayford@agriconnect.com Business Reporter Cedric Porter cedric.porter@agriconnect.com Arable Technical Specialist Ash Ellwood, 07786 190 188 ashleigh.ellwood@agriconnect.com Head of Machinery and Farm Technology Toby Whatley, 07583 054 831 toby.whatley@agriconnect.com Machinery Reporter James Huyton, 07787 242 185 james.huyton@agriconnect.com Head of Livestock Katie Jones, 07786 856 439 katie.jones@agriconnect.com Head of Livestock Sales Angela Calvert, 07768 796 492 angela.calvert@agriconnect.com Livestock Specialists Ellie Layton, 07814 997 407 ellie.layton@agriconnect.com Katie Fallon, 07815 003 227 katie.fallon@agriconnect.com Online Editor and Features Editor Emily Ashworth, 01772 799 446 emily.ashworth@agriconnect.com Head of Creative Services Gillian Green, 01772 799 417 gillian.green@agriconnect.com Picture Editor Marcello Garbagnoli, 01772 799 445 marcello.garbagnoli@agriconnect.com Sales Director Stephanie Ryder, 07917 271 987 Stephanie.ryder@agriconnect.com Group Publisher Ben Briggs ben.briggs@agriconnect.com Circulation Subscription hotline 0330 333 0056 help@subscribe.farmers-guardian.com Newstrade enquiries 01772 799 434 UK print subscriptions £189; Europe: £226.80; RoW: £283.50. FG digital subscriptions: £109 News trade distribution Seymour Distribution Ltd, 2 East Poultry Avenue, London, EC1A 9PT. Tel 0207 429 4000, Fax 0207 429 4001 Published by Agriconnect The plastic used to wrap Farmers Guardian can be recycled. If you do not have access to plastic recycling, please send to: Polyprint Ltd, Unit 7D, Wendover Road, Rackheath Ind Estate, Northwich, NR13 6LH. Farmers Guardian is printed from FSC approved sustainable sources.
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NEWS
Red Tractor review highlights ‘mistrust’ rCommunication and
governance issues By Rachael Brown
FARMERS’ lack of trust in Red Tractor is ‘serious and potentially damaging’ and the assurance scheme could face an ‘existential crisis’. That was the warning from Campbell Tickell, the independent consultancy firm leading the governance review into Red Tractor. Its report, released on Tuesday, (Feb 20) found the scheme was ‘not capable of dealing with the challenges’ it is currently confronted with. Campbell Tickell found it made ‘no procedural breach’ in the events leading up to the commissioning of the governance review. However, the firm noted there was a ‘gulf in perception’ which was ‘damaging’, with issues around communication and governance to be dealt with ‘as soon as practicable’. But farmers face further uncertainty around what role farm assurance plays in the future, with the second review not expected to be concluded ‘for a year or more’. In the interim, Campbell Tickell has made five recommendations which include creating a governance handbook; a formal appraisal process for board and committee members; a Code of Conduct; and improving stakeholder engagement as a ‘matter of priority’. The attempt to develop and introduce the Greener Farms Commitment (GFC) module had received ‘considerable opposition’ from farmers, with many left questioning why they were not told sooner, if the development of the module was ‘agreed by the Red Tractor board in March 2021.’ The report added the module’s de-
Consultants have said a gulf in perception has damaged Red Tractor.
velopment followed a ‘different process’, including piloting of 40 farming enterprises and customer surveys, rather than technical advisory committees and sector boards first. It made the point that the NFU was involved in the process and ‘duly briefed’ at formal meetings.
Contradict It appeared to contradict a social media post from newly elected NFU president Tom Bradshaw, who, at the time the GFC news was released in a British Retail Consortium press release, said, ‘The NFU has not been involved in the development of the bolt-on module, I know some are reading the statement and wilfully assuming that we have’. An NFU spokesperson said: “While the farming unions are represented on the Red Tractor board which had ultimate oversight of the GFC, they were not involved in the detailed development of the standard. “Farmers and growers were rightly
concerned that they had not been involved closely enough in the process and that was why the NFU Council led calls for a review in to the governance of RT, and indeed a further, larger, review in to farm assurance more generally.” Campbell Tickell found 70 per cent of respondents did not agree that the board took decisions ‘collectively’, with accusations of individuals being ‘over-forceful’, and decision-making influenced by those who ‘shout the loudest’ in board meetings. In response, the review recommended the development of a Code of Conduct, which would manage behaviour and confidentiality, with comments raised about the board being ‘leaky’. Red Tractor chair Christine Tacon said the board would consider the review before agreeing next steps, adding: “We now have an essential opportunity to reflect and refresh the way RT delivers its role for all stakeholders across the entire food chain.”
Relaxation of bluetongue-3 control zones welcomed TEMPORARY Control Zones (TCZs) which have limited the movement of livestock to control the spread of bluetongue have now been removed, easing difficulties for many sheep and beef farmers in south east England. The removal of the zones, announced by Defra, came in to force on Monday (Feb 19), but certain restrictions do remain to reduce
the risk of the spread of the bluetongue-3 (BTV-3) strain. As from Monday, February 19, any farm in a former TCZ that is as yet untested will be placed under an individual holding restriction requiring a vet attestation that any animal being moved is not pregnant, or entire in the case of males. These animals will require nega-
tive BTV-3 tests prior to being moved. Castrated males and non-pregnant females will be free to move to live and to slaughter. National Sheep Association said while the update was positive news farmers should remain vigilant and aware of the risk of bluetongue, especially as the weather warms up into spring. farmersguardian.com
21/02/2024 15:52
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20/02/2024 13:30
NEWS rUnions meet with
Rural Affairs Minister By Jane Thynne THE Welsh Government’s proposed Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS) is nothing short of ‘economic suicide’. That was the message from NFU Cymru president Aled Jones, speaking after entering into crisis talks with Rural Affairs Minister Lesley Griffiths alongside Farmers’ Union of Wales’ president Ian Rickman. The leader said the unions had been asked by the Minister to bring ‘something new’ to the table which they felt that had. However, the Minister’s response, which was published shortly afterwards, was described by Mr Jones as ‘disappointing and sadly underwhelming’.
“Today we thought we had climbed a mountain, but in fact we are still at the bottom of the hill,” he said. Mr Jones said farmers in Wales were ‘ambitious and proactive’, but warned without a rethink or amendments, the SFS would lead to a collapse in the sector which would deliver nothing but ‘food insecurity’. “In my mind, the current form of SFS would lead to economic suicide. “We are facing 5,500 job losses, which could be doubled if you count those that would go as part of the wider supply chain.” He added this would mean the loss of family farms and take away a future from many young farmers. “All we can do now is remain focused and keep the pressure on — and you can be sure we will.” In her response to the meeting,
Priorities set out for new No Farmers, No Food campaign A NEW farming campaign has been launched which seeks to give a voice to farmers who it says have been ignored or forgotten ‘for too long’. No Farmers, No Food was founded online by James Melville, who describes himself as a ‘communications specialist and political pundit’ and has garnered support from influential social media farmers including Olly Harrison, Gareth Wyn Jones and Andrew Ward. Mr Melville said the aim of the campaign was to create a ‘unified and non-partisan campaign’ which
ensures farming remains ‘viable’ as an industry while at the same time promoting sustainable food production. Mr Melville said: “For far too long the voices of farmers have been ignored or forgotten. This campaign intends to give our farmers an amplified voice. Our food security depends on them.” The campaign’s mission statement said it wanted farmers to receive a fair price for their produce, while keeping it affordable for hard-working families while maintaining a sustainable environment.
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Welsh farming unions say SFS proposals would cost 5,500 rural jobs.
Ms Griffiths said it was good to hear the feedback from union events and they would consider this in addition to the feedback from their own events.
Genuine She added it was a ‘genuine consultation’ and urged people to share their views. Speaking after the meeting, Mr Rickman said they understood the current strength of feeling among farmers and expressed these ‘deep concerns’ to the Minister. “We have called for an independent assessment to take place on the socio-economic impact and bureaucratic burden of Welsh Government agricultural policies,
to include the SFS, bovine TB and the Control of Agricultural Pollution ‘NVZ’ regulations.” Outgoing First Minister, Mark Drakeford, had earlier caused outrage when he said although he recognised farmers were facing huge changes, it was not up to them to decide how ‘millions of pounds of subsidies should be spent’. At the NFU Conference, former president Minette Batters said the comments were ‘unfair and unhelpful’. “What is happening in Wales is devastating. We are looking at losing 20 per cent of farms. It is a red line that we will not cross. [Government] needs to come back to the table. This is not okay.”
Working dogs trials diary ENGLAND February 24. FUNDRAISING OPEN TRIAL for the Four Nations Nursery Final. Slindon House Farm, Slindon, Stafford, ST21 6LX, 8am start, pre-entry first 40 dogs, limited to two per handler. Running order to follow, catering, contact G. Bonsall, tel: 07749 298 682.
SCOTLAND
FREE LEGAL ADVICE * BOUNDARY & TITLE
PICTURE: GETTY IMAGES
SFS ‘food insecurity’ fears
February 24. FUNDRAISING OPEN TRIAL, Knocknagael Farm, Inverness, IV2 6AJ, entries £10 per dog on the field, all proceeds from the trial will go towards the 2024 Scottish National Funds, raffle and catering on the field, start time
8am, for further information, contact John, tel: 07767 736 867. February 25. FUNDRAISING TRIA, Open Hill trial, Birthwood Farm, Biggar, ML12 6QD, entry fee £6, no prize money, all proceeds to the 2024 International, entries to birthwoodbordercollies@ yahoo.com or Hazel Brown, tel: 07590 480 688, four-wheel drive advisable.
IRELAND February 24. LIMAVADY, Open sheepdog trial at Ballymaclary Farm, 616 Seacoast Road, BT49 0LG, first 35 dogs pre-entered by phone call only, tel: 07719 067 400.
Working dogs results ENGLAND SURREY, Shabden Park Farm, Chipstead, Open trial, 1, Mark Banham, Foxridge Brooke, 77 of 100; 2, Mark Banham, Jon, 71 OLF; 3, Nij Vyas, Leicester, Cai, 71; 4, Ray Edwards, Smithymoor Tan, 70; 5, John Wheaton, Kate, 66 OLF; 6, Harry Plant, Leicestershire, Sally, 66. SOUTH EAST, winter series, championship trial Nursery (Judge, Ray Edwards, South Molton) 1, Jed Watson, Scott, 82 of 100; 2, Jed Watson, Floss, 75 time; 3, Elaine Anstey, Ben, 68 time. Novice, 1, Jed Watson, Don, 80 of 100; 2, Grace Gower, Kelsal, 79; 3, Tracy Carter, Brew, 69. Winter series aggregate results, Nursery, 1, Mark Banham, Jon; 2, Jed Watson, Scott; 3, Wendy Cole, Gipping Valley Lil. Novice, 1, Jed
Watson, Jan; 2, Grace Gower, Kelsal; 3, Jo Dorrell, Rhydale Tip.
WALES COED OWEN, Farm open champion (Steve and Gareth Lewis), AM, 1, Claire Slater, Jan, 24; 2, John Wheaton, Meg, 26; 3, Tim Thewissen, Kate, 26; 4, David Howells, Pip, 29; 5, Rob Ellis, Pip, 31; 6, Misena Dubenova, Kemi Kurt, 34. PM, 1, Kevin Evans, Mist, 22.5; 2, Bleddyn Charles Lester, Jill, 23; 3, Misena Dubenova, Mo, 23.5; 4, Kevin Evans, Thornbury Max, 25; 5, Chris and Steve Lewis, Mist, 25; 6, Misena Oak, Jazz, 26. Championship, 1, Kevin Evans, Mist; 2, Claire Slater, Jan.
farmersguardian.com
21/02/2024 13:28
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FEBRUARY 23 2024 | 7
20/02/2024 13:37
NEWS NFU CONFERENCE
MORE FROM THE CONFERENCE For more the NFU Conference, see pages 1-3, 6 and 26.
Concern over UK’s lack of ambition for horticulture rGovernment snubs
recommendations By Jane Thynne
UK GROWERS have hit out at the Government’s lack of ambition for the sector, pleading with policymakers to end the ‘Groundhog Day’ approach which is holding horticulture back. Addressing the NFU Conference this week, horticulture and potatoes board chair Martin Emmett said the industry desperately needed answers and solutions.
Need Mr Emmett said at last year’s conference the NFU launched the UK Horticultural Growth Strategy, inspired by the Henry Dimbleby Report, to set out how the industry could grow and to stress the need for a Government strategy, but had received nothing from Government. “It is beginning to feel like we are in Groundhog Day. We need Government to show its ambition – we heard the Prime Minister speaking today [February 20] about food security, but does he really get it?”
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Mr Emmett explained in the face of Government apathy, the NFU was now relaunching its strategy. This includes measuring its own performance against the UK Horticultural Growth Strategy, including fairness in the supply chain, confirmation of the Seasonal Worker Scheme for 2025, planning rules, in particular the new requirement of 10 per cent biodiversity net gain for all builds, plus border controls which he dismissed as currently ‘not fit for purpose’. He also highlighted there was no announcement on the Seasonal Worker Scheme numbers. “Critically, we need those numbers and we need them to be accompanied by news of a rolling five-year plan.”
Disappointment The disappointment with Defra follows the Government’s dismissal of a raft of House of Lords recommendations published in its report, ‘Sowing the Seeds: A Blooming English Horticultural Sector’, in November 2023. The document concluded the sector was ‘under-prioritised and unappreciated by policymakers’,
Growers say a UK strategy is needed for horticulture.
which was ‘leaving holes in the UK’s food security’, as well as its ability to meet net zero goals. The report made key recommendations, namely that the Government needed to make good on its promise to publish a Horticulture Strategy, as well as address labour shortages and support innovation. However, in its response, the Government failed to agree to
adopt any of the points and, in most cases, offered a perfunctory response that issues were being reviewed or considered. Lee Stiles, secretary of the Lea Valley Growers, said the Government did not have a plan for horticulture and seemed to have a ‘severe lack of will to formulate one’. “Dimbleby, Efra and now the Lords have all been dismissed. It is almost as if they have given up on British food.”
Radical rethink needed over organic farming A RADICAL rethink is needed for the UK to reap the benefits of the organic market, with the sector achieving 12 years of consecutive growth, but organic farming stuck on 3 per cent of UK farmland. There was more positive news from Scotland, where organic land grew by 6 per cent. According to the Soil Association’s Organic Market Report 2024, the total market grew 2 per cent in 2023, ending the year at £3.2 billion, almost double its value in 2011. But the sector had a ‘heavy reliance’ on imports. Soil Association Certification commercial director Alex Cullen said: “Organic has delivered a positive and resilient performance despite challenging financial and political conditions and without the support that organic food and farming receives in Europe and elsewhere in the world.” He called for a ‘radical rethink’ for the organic sector to reach its
full potential, with the whole supply chain working together, and taking lessons from Europe. Joe Rolfe, managing director of Burgess Farms, said organic growers needed to be rewarded with fair prices and supported by ‘effective environmental schemes that balance environmental outcomes with food production’.
Supported “When you look at places such as Denmark and Germany, growers are supported in a more proactive manner by the Government.” Organic Farmers and Growers chief executive Roger Kerr said globally there was much ‘greater impetus’ within the organic sector and the UK must capitalise on the momentum. He highlighted the support in EU member states for organic conversion in national Common Agricultural Policy strategic plans. “It truly is time to seize the day in the UK,” he said. farmersguardian.com
21/02/2024 14:49
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LEADER
Olivia Midgley, Editor – olivia.midgley@agriconnect.com
Conservatives launch charm offensive, but is it too late?
And finally... Mike Nixon’s inspirational story shows how determination and a passion for farming has helped him overcome some of the most challenging circumstances. Read #FarmingCAN, pages 92 and 93.
IT could be seen as Minette Batters’ parting gift to the NFU or a last ditch attempt to win back farmers from the clutches of Labour, perhaps both, but the importance of the rural vote to all parties was clear. Rishi Sunak’s appearance at the NFU’s conference came hot on the heels of CLA polling reported in Farmers Guardian last week and Deltapoll statistics revealed on the second day of the conference, which showed 32 per cent would vote Conservative at the next General Election, down from 58 per cent in 2019. A cynic might say the Prime Minister’s speech and package of announcements was a last ditch attempt to woo farmers, but judging by the reaction of those speaking to FG, his attendance fell a little short. While many attributed Sunak’s appearance – the first Prime Minister to attend since Gordon Brown in 2008 – to the work of Minette Batters in tactfully taking the priorities of farmers and rural communities to the doors of No. 10, others felt it was a ‘last gasp’. As Defra Secretary Steve Barclay and Farming Minister Mark Spencer used day one of the confer-
ence to seize on Labour’s failings in Wales and pitch their party as the only option to deliver for farming, on day two it was Labour’s turn. Shadow Farming Minister Daniel Zeichner pulled no punches when he highlighted a catalogue of Defra failures, from lacklustre participation in the Sustainable Farming Incentive to effectively enabling ‘corporate mining’ of environmental funding. But it was his on-stage reference to FG’s analysis (February 16) showing production across all sectors in freefall, which landed one of the heaviest blows. Political posturing is par for the course in an election year, but the reality is that farming is in a precarious position, with feelings of uncertainty and frustration reaching boiling point. And these issues will not be solved simply by a change in Government. Whichever political party triumphs at the ballot box, it needs to listen to those who know agriculture best, not those who think they do. And as the NFU enters a new era with a new president, all eyes will be watching to see if warm words and conference soundbites translate into meaningful action.
YOUNG FARMER FOCUS ‘My main passion is tending to livestock’ Childhood: I grew up on a National Trust farm, outside the small village of Sherborne in the Cotswolds, where my parents make apple juice. We had a few animals around the farm while I was growing up, including a handful of breeding ewes, a ram, ducks, dogs, chickens and two horses - but the farm has mainly produced juice since. The company’s name is Benson’s Apple Juice, and we make lots of different flavours of juice, iced lollies and fruit cider. The brand is well-known locally around Gloucestershire, and the products are sold in pubs, restaurants, National Trust attractions and Jeremy Clarkson’s Diddly Squat Farm Shop. Whenever I am home and have time, I always help my parents – whether that is doing deliveries, pressing apples or helping in production – but my main passion is tending to livestock. 10 | FEBRUARY 23 2024
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I am the eldest of four siblings, and I would confidently say at least one of us will want to take over the enterprise my parents started 20 years ago. However, we all have different interests and are going down our own different routes. University: I am now in my final year at Harper Adams University studying agriculture, and have just returned off my placement year where I was working on Downton Estate, a mixed farming estate near Ludlow. I picked this placement because of the variety of things happening on the estate, but also because of the amount of breeding ewes they have. However, I never anticipated being so interested in the dairy side of things when I started the job, and have left 12 months later with an eagerness to learn more. Like any farm, there were lots of challenges to face at Downton. With it
Archie Benson Sherborne, Cotswolds Archie Benson, 22, is studying agriculture at Harper Adams University, and has just returned from a placement year at Downton Estate near Ludlow, Shropshire.
Archie Benson being a mixed farm, there were plenty of early mornings and late nights in the dark, wet and cold. Outdoors: Growing up in the countryside, I have always enjoyed working hard and being out in the elements; it makes you feel like you are achieving things when others are indoors in the warm. I would much rather be doing jobs with the livestock rather than being sat inside a tractor cab, where I seem to get bored very quickly. The nature of our apple juice business
means I am in a bit of a different position from many agriculture students who live on farms at home, but I see this as motivation to do the best I can. Future: The end goal is to have a farm of my own in the future, whether that is a farm tenancy, a council farm or a smallholding. Other options I am weighing up include working as a farm manager or estate manager. Getting a farm tenancy could be difficult, but I will make sure to give it a good go if I can succeed as a farmer. MORE INFORMATION If you would like to be featured, email chris.brayford@agriconnect.com farmersguardian.com
21/02/2024 16:25
Write Letters to the Editor, Farmers Guardian, Unit 4, Caxton Road, Fulwood, Preston, Lancashire, PR2 9NZ Facebook facebook.com/FarmersGuardian Twitter @farmersguardian Email fgeditorial@agriconnect.com
LETTERS
Undermining farmers ACROSS Europe, farmers are increasingly struggling to keep in business, because of masses of paperwork, high costs and cheap imports. Here in Wales, farmers have been responsible for looking after the landscape for centuries. The Welsh Government has now made it conditional upon receiving any due grants, that farmers must set aside 10 per cent of their land for trees and 10 per cent for rewilding. Suddenly farmlands will decrease by 20 per cent, and there will be a concomitant decrease of farm animals and farm employees – if farmers can stay in business. No cost-benefit analysis has been commissioned, it seems. Planting trees seems to be a strange policy for the Welsh Government – upon just four sites around Brechfa, Carmarthenshire, 3.8 million trees were chopped down in exchange for just four windfarms. Because of the opacity, or nonavailability of information, we have no idea how many more millions of trees have been lost in exchange for dozens of windfarms. About 400 more wind towers will be soon built by a foreign company, each a massive 820ft, fourfifths of the height of the Eiffel Tower, with hundreds more on the way, and thousands of associated pylons. We are seeing our farming industry being smashed, and our only other real industry, tourism, cannot survive any more of these ineffective, inefficient wind monsters. As a proud Welshman, I can
Contact us ■ IF you would like to send us a letter for consideration, please note that our email address has now changed to fgeditorial@agriconnect.com
FG CLASSIC ★★★
1940s
Women potato picking at J. Ward and Son Farms, Carrington, Lincolnshire. A Lincolnshire bonnet can be seen, along with dungarees, dresses and wellies. Sent in by Rowena Smalley.
If you have a classic picture you would like to share, please email it to marcello.garbagnoli@agriconnect.com
honestly say that the Welsh Government has already helped drive Wales down to the lowest socio-economic, health and education levels in Britain. Over the past two years and in the 2024-25 proposed Budget, Wales will have spent the same amount upon climate change (£12.6 billion) as upon education (£12.7bn), 12.7 per cent of all Government spending over three years. It may be impossible to discover where this money has gone, as developers are responsible for carrying out groundworks, building new roads, etc. This equates to an incredible £42 a week for each household in Wales for three years. There will have been no independent cost-benefit analysis of the destruction of farming in Wales. It also seems that any cost-
benefit analyses for building wind and solar ‘farms’ are carried out by the developers, not independent experts. Unsurprisingly, they always produce positive outcomes for the developers. In the Bristol Channel, despite the loss of sand and gravel for more than 60 years from South Wales beaches, scientific surveys show this is not due to dredging. The surveys are carried out by British Dredging. Terry Breverton Penarth, Cardiff.
Family farms under threat I NO longer farm, but a recent
article in The Times newspaper (Nov 23, 2023) by Paul Johnson, head of the Institute for Fiscal Studies, which apparently directs the Government-made proposals which, if enacted, could put an end to family-owned farms in Britain. Said article clearly slipped under the radar, hence this letter. He proposes the end of farmland relief with any value above £500,000 with 40 per cent tax above this. Given the profitability of farming, this would be out of the question and the only landowners would be the state and corporations. Could this be allowed to happen in a so called property-owning democracy? William Uttley Bury, Lancashire.
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FEBRUARY 23 2024 | 11
21/02/2024 09:46
NEWS With England considering a tenant farming commissioner, Rachael Brown spoke to Scotland’s Dr Bob McIntosh about the sector north of the border.
England’s tenanted sector seven years behind Scotland rScottish experience
reveals the benefits
THE tenanted farming sector in England finds itself in a similar place to where Scotland was seven years ago and England would ‘benefit’ from its own tenant farming commissioner. That was the message from Scotland’s tenant farming commissioner, Dr Bob McIntosh. It follows a tenant farmers’ survey conducted in England and Wales which found more than 90 per cent of farmers were in favour of appointing a commissioner, with more than a third stating they felt bullied by their landlord or landlord’s agent. Dr McIntosh said: “I cannot see
why England would not benefit. The issues are very much the same, trying to maintain these good relationships. “It does depend a lot on how the tenant farming commissioner chooses to do the role. It is hugely important you are seen as an independent person – I am not the tenants’ man or the landlords’ man.”
Mediator More than 23 per cent of agricultural land in Scotland is tenanted and, since the role was introduced in 2017, Dr McIntosh has acted as a ‘mediator’. He said things were ‘calmer out there’ and tenants and landlords now have a route’ to resolve disputes. Dr McIntosh’s work is supported by a
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England would benefit from an independent tenant farming commissioner, Dr Bob McIntosh says.
Statutory Code of Practice, which has been approved by all stakeholder bodies. “It would be open to the landlord/ tenant/agent to complain if another party had breached that Code of Practice and I would have the powers to then investigate and make a determination. “I could not penalise anyone. The penalty would be to be named and shamed on the Scottish Land Commission website.” In England, tenant farmers have repeatedly shared their frustration at not having an independent regulator. At present, if a tenant is unable to resolve an issue with their landlord or landlord’s agent, legal action is often the only route, which many tenant farmers say they cannot afford. Dr McIntosh also runs a mediation scheme — a panel of approved mediators where a proportion of the
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Dr Bob McIntosh
cost is subsidised, if ‘both parties agree’ to go through mediation. “When I took over this role, there were three long-running difficult cases, between landlords and tenants. We persuaded all three of them to go through mediation, some kicking and screaming, but it all got resolved.” Dr McIntosh stressed the importance of trust, adding it needed to be a partnership. “It is just infuriating how quickly it turns into an antagonistic relationship, where they are butting heads rather than working together. The tenant will meet the landlord’s agent, various things are said, but there is often no written record of the meeting.
Minority “The tenant will say they are bullied, but where is the evidence? It is very hard to get to grips with.” He added whatever happens there will always be the minority of bad landlords, agents and tenants. Dr McIntosh was confident disputes were less frequent. But he was worried Scotland’s tenanted sector was on a slow ‘downward trajectory’, with a limited supply of tenanted land. “There is a continual fear of absolute right to buy in Scotland,” he said. “No landlord is going to let land if they think they might be forced to sell it to their tenant. The Government keeps saying it has no plans to introduce it, but it sits there as a worry, which does not help landlords to come forward with land.” farmersguardian.com
21/02/2024 10:35
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20/02/2024 13:48
BUSINESS
Edited by Alex Black – 01772 799 409 – alex.black@agriconnect.com
Arla was expecting a strong first half of 2024, but it was difficult to see what lies further ahead in a volatile market. Cedric Porter spoke to Arla UK’s new chief executive Bas Padberg.
Recovery for Arla in second part of 2023 rReturn to growth in
branded sector welcomed
REVENUE growth was much less in 2023 than 2022, but there were signs of a recovery in the second half of the year, according to Arla Foods. UK sales for the dairy sector were up 2.4 per cent on the year to £2.6 billion, which compared with growth of 17.5 per cent in 2022. The UK performance was better than for international sales, which fell by 0.7 per cent to €13.7bn (£11.9bn). Total profits were €380 million (£331m) or 2.8 per cent of revenue, which was at the bottom range of the company’s expectations.
Despite the squeeze on profits, Arla producer members will receive a €0.021/kg supplementary payment rather than the €0.015/kg originally envisaged from a pot of €270m (£235m).
Average The average milk price for all Arla producers in 2023 was €0.47/kg, down 15 per cent on 2022, but 15 per cent higher than the five-year average. The standard UK manufacturing milk price began 2023 at a record 52.2ppl before falling to 35.2ppl in June and is now at 39.2ppl. Bas Padberg, Arla UK’s new chief executive, said: “There was consumer inflationary pressure in
the early part of 2023, but that has now eased. “We see a strong first half of 2024 but predicting performance beyond that in what remains a very volatile business environment is difficult.” He welcomed a return to growth in the branded sector which had taken a knock amid high inflation earlier in 2023. At 2.2 per cent growth, UK branded volumes outstripped those globally, with its Arla Protein range of yoghurts and shakes growing by two-thirds. Mr Padberg added that UK results were not significantly impacted by Sainsbury’s decision to withdraw Arla as a supplier of own-label milk, with the relationship with the super-
market to build branded sales still very strong. He also said that a decision on Arla’s ownership of the Melton Mowbray cheese creamery will be made in April.
First Milk acquires Dorset-based dairy company FIRST Milk has confirmed an agreement to acquire Dorset-based chilled dairy products company BV Dairy. The co-operative announced the agreement on Thursday (February 15) Shelagh Hancock, chief executive of First Milk, said she was delighted to complete the acquisition of BV Dairy.
“BV is a successful family-owned business, which shares many common values with First Milk – a focus on people and community, environmental performance, exceptional quality and long-term value creation,” she added. “The BV Dairy business has strong customer relationships and a reputation for quality and
service across food manufacture and foodservice.”
Platform Ms Hancock said the acquisition would offer a platform for ‘further growth and development’ of First Milk moving forwards. Mike Smith, farmer director and vice-chair at First Milk, said the pur-
chase reflected a ‘great step forward for the company’ to extend its regenerative positioning into a broader range of dairy products and customers. Jim Highnam, managing director of BV Dairy, said it had been a difficult decision to sell the company but he was confident First Milk would provide a ‘secure future’ for its customers and farmers.
Here for the rainy days as well!
For the personal touch ring Chris Day on Chris705004 Day on Tel: 07769 705004 Tel: 07769
Tenant Farmers 14 | FEBRUARY 23 2024
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chris.day@abfltd.co.uk Only available in England, Wales & Scotland farmersguardian.com
21/02/2024 10:22
BUSINESS
he-va.co.uk
Distributed by
Arla has seen a strong start to 2024, according to Bas Padberg.
One machine multiple uses
GRASS-COMBI Designed as a true multi-tasker with a combination of levelling boards, heavy duty spring tines, seeder unit and option of towing a roller, the new Grass-Combi is capable of rejuvenating grassland but also acting as a cover crop establishment tool. Arla’s UK agriculture director Paul Savage said the company continued to see consolidation in the dairy industry as producers exit, but it has been able to maintain a stable milk supply. Globally, production rose by 200m kg to 13.9bn kg.
Weather “A reduction in UK production in 2023 may have had more to do with weather than anything else, but we continue to monitor levels of output, particularly as producers look at alternative sources of income.” Globally Arla producers reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 3.6 per cent, with emissions at 1.08kg of carbon dioxide equivalent per kilogram of milk produced by Arla farmer members. Figures for
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UK producers are among the top performers when it comes to reducing carbon emissions
farmersguardian.com
p14 15 Feb 23 MB OM AB.indd 3
• Fitted with Cat II linkage hooks and clevis hitch • Folds to within 2.5m for transport
BAS PADBERG individual countries will be available in coming months. Mr Padberg said: “UK producers are among the top performers when it comes to reducing carbon emissions and have a role in sharing lessons across the world.”
Graham’s expands UAE presence GRAHAM’S Family Dairy has significantly expanded its product range in the United Arab Emirates in response to growing demand for quality and high-protein dairy products. The dairy started supplying Spinneys, one of the UAE’s leading supermarket brands, in August 2023, with 11 new product listings added in only six months. The dairy supplies 55 Spinneys stores and also supplies the 15 Waitrose stores in the UAE, which are also part of the Spinneys business. Robert Graham, Graham’s Family Dairy managing director,
• Hydraulically adjustable spring tines
said: “Working with an exceptional business across the globe is not only something we are very proud of, but it is testament to our Grandpa who founded Graham’s Family Dairy 85 years ago – who always had an eye for innovation.
Protein products “For the first time on record we saw our protein products outperform sales of conventional milk and sales of Protein 25 pouches increased by 800 per cent last year.” He added the dairy had an ‘incredibly strong range and brand presence’ in the UAE.
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FEBRUARY 23 2024 | 15
21/02/2024 10:23
BUSINESS
Consolidation for agritech investment rFuture still strong
for farming technology By Cedric Porter THE demise of the Small Robot Company has thrown investment into agritech into sharp focus. A lack of funding meant the company was forced to stop work on its trio of crop monitoring and spraying robots with a loss of 30 jobs. The boom in agritech investment has certainly cooled. Website CropLife calculated that global agritech companies attracted US$1.5 billion (£1.19bn) in funding during the third quarter of 2023, which was 6 per cent less than the same three months in
2022 with a 42 per cent drop in the number of deals. Agritech portal AgFunder said that the investment for all types of farm and food technology peaked in 2021 at US$44.8bn (£35.59bn), plunging by 44 per cent in 2022, with a further decline expected in 2023. It calculated that investment in cultivated meat in 2023 was at only US$177 million (£141m), a drop of 78 per cent on 2022 and just 18 per cent of the US$989m (£786m) invested in 2021.
Specific issues Professor James Lowenberg- DeBoer, the Elizabeth Creak chair in agri-tech economics at Harper Adams University, said: “The failure of individual businesses is often related to specific
A lack of funding meant the Small Robot Company was forced to stop work on its trio of crop monitoring and spraying robots.
issues, so I would not put too much emphasis on the winding up of the Small Robot Company. “However, both worldwide and in the UK we are seeing the beginnings of some consolidation in the crop robot ecosystem through some mergers, the buying out of start-ups and the winding up of some others. But that does not mean that there is not a strong future for agritech systems. “I like to compare where we are now in terms of agricultural technology as where we were in the late 19th century with the emergence of steam tractors and engines. We knew something more effective was coming, but we did not know what shape it would take and how long it would take.” Prof Lowenberg-DeBoer said that the UK’s long reputation as a developer of agricultural technology is a benefit,
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but it lags behind the EU when it comes to public-sector support for agritech investment and behind the US when it comes to venture capital funding. “There is some uncertainty about the UK’s current agricultural direction that does not help investment. The UK Government needs to make it clear that it takes domestic food security and the development of exports seriously and indicate its support for technology that will help farmers farm more effectively. If it does that, investment and the development of world-leading technology will follow.” He also predicted that while there is currently a dip in global agritech investment, with artificial intelligence not robots attracting attention at the moment, it is inevitable there will be another wave in investment in upcoming years.
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20/02/2024 17:03
BUSINESS
Farmers have spent £1.45 billion more on fertiliser since February 2022 than they would if gas and fertiliser prices had remained at pre-crisis levels.
Extra £1.4bn fertiliser bill since invasion of Ukraine rPrices expected
to stay high By Alex Black
BRITISH farmers have been hit by additional fertiliser costs of £1.45 billion since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, new analysis has revealed on the second anniversary of the invasion. Fertiliser prices spiralled ahead of and following the invasion, hitting unprecedented highs in summer 2022. Prices for ammonium nitrate, the main fertiliser used by British farmers, hit £870 per tonne in September 2022, compared to an average of £217/t in 2020. Based on an analysis of monthly fertiliser price and usage data, the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU) has calculated farmers spent about £1.42bn on fertiliser in 2022 and £964 million in 2023.
Comparison Compared to the £470m spent in 2020 – the last year of ‘normal’ prices – this means farmers have spent an estimated £1.45bn more on fertiliser since February 2022 than they would if gas and fertiliser prices had remained at pre-crisis levels. Tom Lancaster, land analyst at ECIU, said: “Farmers have been paying a ‘gas price penalty’ on fertiliser farmersguardian.com
p17 Feb23 AB KH.indd 2
and the bad news is that seems set to continue into 2024. “The Government’s new green farming schemes which incentivise soil health should help to reduce the UK’s need for and dependence on foreign fertiliser imports.” Although fertiliser prices have come down from the peak of 2022, they have plateaued at 50 per cent above pre-crisis levels since May 2023. If this higher price is maintained throughout 2024, farmers were projected to spend £755m on fertiliser this year, 60 per cent more than they would have spent in 2020. With gas prices projected to remain high for the rest of the decade, it was likely higher costs were here to stay. Farmers are also increasingly looking at alternatives to build up fertility in soil and reduce their reliance on chemical fertilisers. Colin Chappell, who manages a 645-hectare arable farm on heavy clay soils in Lincolnshire, said: “The gas price crisis has revealed that a lot of UK production is dependent on imported fertilisers and pesticides. Farming with nature to improve the fertility of our soils can give farmers independence, increase the resilience of our food production and help build more genuine food security.” He suggested he could ‘get paid to achieve more sustainable crop nutrition through these new schemes’.
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FEBRUARY 23 2024 | 17
20/02/2024 17:05
By John Wilkes, Washington
UK beef quota hopes dashed rQuota already
86 per cent full
UK beef exporters have not been offered any hope for sustained access to the US market by US Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack. Mr Vilsack spoke at a press conference following the opening session of the 100th USDA Outlook Forum in Arlington, Virginia, on February 15. UK beef has access to the US by means of an annual 65,000 tonnes other countries tariff rate quota (TRQ). The TRQ is shared between the UK, Ireland, Japan, Netherlands, Brazil and, most recently, Paraguay. When the quota is full, imports are subject to a 26.4 per cent tariff. In 2022 and 2023, Brazil moved aggressively from January 1 to export unprecedented volumes of beef under the TRQ. In 2022, the TRQ was satisfied by March 28, and in 2023, realisation was May 1; with only 1 per cent available between April 1 and May 1. This year, Brazilian exporters are in
UK beef has access to the US by means of an annual 65,000 tonnes other countries tariff rate quota.
overdrive with the quota 86 per cent full by February 12. The speed of uptake by Brazil makes trading difficult for UK exporters. The Foyle Food Group exports UK and Irish beef. It was hit with tariffs in 2022 and will likely be subject again in 2024.
For beef in transit often experiencing long shipping times, it is impossible to predict when the quota will be met. For Foyle’s US customers, this means they can only purchase products for a limited time and therefore are unable to grow their business.
A continuous supply of British beef is necessary. Mr Vilsack offered little hope for an acceptable negotiated end to UK frustration. He said: “It is incredibly difficult to have this conversation with some of our friends in the UK and EU about access to our market when we do not have access to their market. It is called trade.” He said it was challenging to restructure quotas previously negotiated through extensive discussion. This was especially so when ‘dealing with multiple nations and multinationals; a lot of promises have been made tied to various quotas’. Mr Vilsack described what a challenging proposition it was to facilitate quota changes – made even more difficult ‘in the context of a market (UK) which has been closed for what we believe unscientific reasons’. Mr Vilsack added: “This has been expressed repeatedly to our friends in the UK and Europe and, so far, there has not been much movement.”
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GLOBAL AG VIEW
Nigerian farms see thefts as inflation bites rProtests against
cost of living By Alex Black
LARGE-scale theft of farm produce has been taking place across Nigeria before farmers can harvest their crops amid a food crisis in the country. Nigeria’s inflation rate hit a three-decade high above 28 per cent. According to the Nigeria National Bureau of Statistics, rice prices have increased by 81 per cent year-onyear, with bread up 64 per cent and onions up 123 per cent. According to Nigerian newspaper LEADERSHIP Weekend, farmers
in southern states were facing petty thieves while the insecurity in the north was encouraging large-scale criminality. In response, the Government has released 42,000 tonnes of grain from the National Food Reserve and Rice. It comes as the World Bank has warned of increased food insecurity in seven states in the north west and north east regions of the country, blaming insecurity, armed conflicts and the reduced standards of living.
Severe food crisis The World Bank said states under threat of severe food crisis included Borno, Adamawa, Kaduna, Katsina, Yobe, Sokoto and Zamfara.
Nigeria’s inflation rate has hit a three-decade high above 28 per cent.
Last week, Borno state Governor Babagana Zulum urged residents to take part in a one-day statewide fast on Monday in response to rising food prices and landmine explosions in the region. He called for ‘divine intervention’ on the economic and security situation. People were also turning to poor grade rice, usually rejected by millers or sold to fish farmers as feed, to feed their families. LEADERSHIP Weekend also suggested the crisis was being worsened
by sanctions on Niger Republic and the exchange rate, which were making sending foodstuff to neighbouring countries more profitable. It comes as protests took place across Nigerian cities Oyo and Ibadan against the rising cost of living, following similar demonstrations held in northern areas two weeks ago. The protests have criticised the Government’s decision to end a long-running fuel subsidy, with protestors also angry at inflation, which has been mainly driven by high food prices.
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20/02/2024 15:11
LCA PREVIEW
A profitable and susta in T
he UK is committed to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, and the agricultural sector is uniquely placed to be part of the solution. But where to start? The Low Carbon Agriculture Show 2024 (LCA), which is taking place from March 6 to March 7 at the NAEC Stoneleigh, will explore ways to address climate change through generating renewable energy, implementing low-carbon technology and best practices in both carbon and environmental land management. Showcasing low-carbon practices, technology and energy solutions, the event aims to help farmers, landowners and industry operators create a profitable and sustainable farming future. The show includes four co-located events: Energy Now Expo, Environmental Business Expo, Farm Technology Expo, and Low Emissions Vehicle Expo. Over two days, more than 100 expert speakers will provide insight and practical guidance on topics including clean energy generation and use, environmental best practice, regenerative farming, the integration of low/zero-carbon technologies and current policy. The Energy Keynote discussion will feature prominent industry figures sharing their thoughts on the role of agriculture in the energy and environmental transition,
including whether agriculture could save the planet. In addition, there will be a range of sessions designed to help visitors make the most of their energy, featuring methods and technologies aimed at reducing costs. The conference will offer practical advice by exploring relevant policies and changes, such as how farmers are adjusting business models to meet the demands of modern farming alongside aiding nature’s recovery. A session focused on natural capital will also help visitors identify key assets and explain their economic and environmental value, before examining the natural capital approach to policy and illustrating the importance of embracing these assets as part of an overall sustainability plan.
REGISTER FOR YOUR FREE TICKET Scan the QR code below to register for your free ticket, or visit lowcarbonagricultureshow.co.uk
List of speakers THERE will be more than 100 expert speakers at Low Carbon Agriculture 2024, including: ■ Jack Bobo, director of Food Systems Institute, University of Nottingham ■ Helen Browning, chief 20 | FEBRUARY 23 2024
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executive, Soil Association ■ Chris Hewett, chief executive, Solar Energy UK ■ Adele Jones, executive director, Sustainable Food Trust ■ Susan Twining, chief land use policy adviser, CLA
farmersguardian.com
21/02/2024 14:17
PREVIEW LCA
a inable farming future
ELECTRIC VEHICLE TEST DRIVE AREA Boss Off-Road Vehicles BOSS Off-Road Vehicles are the sole UK distributors of Corvus UTV, Paxster, Faunamaster and Powerland ATV – visit Stand LEV 8 at LCA to find out more. The Corvus New Terrain EX4 will be available for visitors to try out in LCA’s Electric Vehicle Test Drive Area. This electric UTV can efficiently tackle even the toughest working days, thanks to its off-road capabilities. The new Terrain EX4 offers high
load capacity, low maintenance costs and strong vehicle durability, with precise power for your every working need.
Polaris
VISIT Polaris at Stand LEV 4 at LCA to learn more about the Ranger XP Kinetic. This all-electric, three-seat UTV delivers uncompromised capability, unrivalled durability and refined performance, thanks to its impressive electric powertrain designed for off-road use. Polaris’ 10-year partnership with Zero Motorcycles has allowed the Ranger XP Kinetic to push the industry
forward, incorporating a class-leading 110hp and 140lb-ft instantaneous torque. Providing maximum power and quick acceleration when needed, the Ranger XP Kinetic can effortlessly tow up to 1,134kg, and boasts an industry-best 680kg payload capacity. MORE INFORMATION To find out more, visit polarisbritain.com
MORE INFORMATION To find out more, visit bossorv.co.uk
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FEBRUARY 23 2024 | 21
21/02/2024 14:17
SECTION SECOND BROW FARMHERE PROFILE Edited by Angela Calvert – 07768 796 492 – angela.calvert@agriconnect.com
V
Traditions key to fell farm’s future
isit any upland farm and you are almost certainly going to find a rich, historical story attached to it; many of these farms are bound by generations, and Harry’s Place Farm is no different. Nestled into the fellside in Great Langdale – a popular, picturesque valley in the Lake District National Park – Jonathan Benson and Nicola Marsh are the second generation to farm there. did not come without its own But Jonathan’s farming lineage obstacles, given it is a rare and quite goes back even further: his granfather old tenancy: a three-generation originally farmed at Hawkshead on a tenancy, or 100 years, meaning as National Trust farm, and in 1972 his long as you meet the criteria, you father came to Great Langdale. can pass it on to the next generation. Originally, the farm was predWith some exceptions, only tenominantly dairy, but in 1987 the famancies granted before July 12, 1984, ily stopped milking, sold the cattle, are capable of succession. In spite of kept the sheep and started a holiday this, the couple had to spend money cottage. seeking professional advice before Jonathan and Nicola took over they were able the National Trust to secure the tenancy 10 years tenancy. ago. But this Jonathan Benson and Nicola Marsh.
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Jonathan is one of six siblings, so he is quite lucky to have ended up taking over the family farm given he is the youngest, he says. Farming has always been part of who Jonathan is, and over the years, he built up his own herd of British Blues and Limousins, taking on bits of work for other farmers in order to build up his stock numbers. He says: “I was always on the lookout for tenancies while I was doing other work like gathering and clipping sheep. “Farmers would happily give me 50 bales or some grass or silage in exchange for work, and then I sold my calves and built up that way. Then, my dad wanted to slow down a bit, so I came back and took over.” When Jonathan returned home, he brought
his cattle with him and continued to run the sheep. The couple have rights to 800 fell sheep, with about 81 hectares (200 acres) of in-bye land. Draft ewes are sold with lambs at foot – they are not, as Jonathan says, as good as the ewes that have come off the high fells. He sells a lot privately through social media, but also through Cockermouth and Penrith markets.
Lambing The flock is a mix of mainly Herdwicks and Cheviots, plus some Badger Face Welsh Mountains, with most lambed outdoors in spring. He says: “We want just one lamb per sheep. If we have 100 per cent scanning then it is perfect for us because we just want them to go back out on the fells. “This year has been the best ever year for scanning – it was 140 per cent. And 200 sets of twins in my fields does nobody any favours.” The couple are currently looking at
farmersguardian.com
21/02/2024 13:30
PICTURES: MARCELLO GARBAGNOLI
Jonathan Benson and Nicola Marsh have introduced glamping pods to their fell farm, but history and heritage are still at the heart of their business. Emily Ashworth finds out more.
CUMBRIA FARM PROFILE
PICTURES: MARCELLO GARBAGNOLI
The couple have rights to 800 fell sheep, and lambing mostly takes place outdoors in spring.
schemes – there are 11 active grazers on the common, but they do not want to cut sheep numbers, which many schemes require, because it would be ‘unviable’. They bring the lambs off in October and fatten to anything between 28kg to 39kg. Gimmer hoggs get sent to other farms from October to April. “Lots of schemes want off-wintering, but that is getting harder to find. The schemes are set up to take sheep off the uplands,” says Jonathan. However, their thoughts eventually turned to how they could secure the farm for the next generation, especially given the traditional nature of fell farming. They applied for a Fells and Dales Leader grant to convert a building to a cafe, but that fell through and Jonathan decided to
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sell the cattle and invest back into the business at home. “Covid-19 then happened, so maybe it was a blessing,” says Nicola. But such a setback did not deter the couple and, after three children, Nicola wanted to work at home on the farm. Nicola is not from a farming background, and is originally from Liverpool, working for many years as head of retail for the phone company Three. Then, 14 years ago, she came to the area for New Year’s Eve and that was the beginning of the couple’s journey together. She says: “I was a city girl; I had the heels and the handbag. I think he took me to the shop to buy some suitable farm clothes on our first date.”
They settled on the idea of glamping pods: Great Langdale Glamping. The pods are neatly tucked behind the farmhouse and look over the Cumbrian fells. Each of the four pods are named after the fells they look out onto: Harrison Stickle, Crinkle Crags, Pavey Ark and Bowfell.
Diversification Since opening in July 2021, they have been fully booked. Although these pods are financial security for the family, they also give the couple a chance to share their love of the area and this way of life with visitors. And, they joke, with their kids as well, who can sometimes be found taking visitors on walks dressed
in just their wellies and pyjamas. But this is part of Jonathan’s DNA, says Nicola. He ‘belongs here’ and they have done everything they can – confronting obstacles within their tenancy, battling planning and general backlash from the wider community who opposed the pods – to ensure Harry’s Place has a fighting chance. “We have a lot of people come to the farm now – Defra, for example, and the University of Cumbria,” says Nicola. “You have to showcase that you have a commercial element to go along with the environmental side.” Through the National Trust, they have had the opportunity to talk
Harry’s Place Farm is in Great Langdale - a popular, picturesque valley in the Lake District National Park.
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FARM PROFILE CUMBRIA about their successful business venture and speak to new entrants. Keeping this way of life alive is something they are both passionate about. Nicola says: “When people stay, they have that overall experience and engagement. “If someone catches Jonathan, they can talk for hours about the sheep on the fell and the breeds. Getting people on farm is a big part of [education]. “To get young people into farming and keep them in these traditions, they need the capital to take that step. “There are grants, but they cannot get them if they do not have the capital.”
Since opening in 2021, the farm’s diversification, Great Langdale Glamping, has been fully booked.
Environment The farm is part of the Mid-Tier Countryside Stewardship scheme, and Jonathan has planted a lot of hedges and put a few riparian strips in. He also constructed a new building just down the road from the farm, which has given him somewhere to bring the sheep in for shearing and to carry out general duties and sheep maintenance. Finding their place in a changing agricultural era has led the couple to hold on to the traditional side of the farm business, while adding an extra financial string to it. They are hoping this will give their children – Isabelle, 13, Harrison, 10, and Lochlan, five – the chance to continue
Harry’s Place, should they wish to. They hope the future of farm policy does not steer areas such as these towards losing what they are all about. Jonathan says: “Millions of people come to this landscape because of how it looks. Now, during winter, it does not look as good, and you are going to get those who call it ‘sheep-wrecked’.
I fully enjoy what I do; I am happiest when I have my dogs and I am off on the fell gathering
“But come June, the colours come through and it will be full of wildflowers. I fully enjoy what I do; I am happiest when I have my dogs and I am off on the fell gathering. “People come on holiday, and they are in awe of you coming down the fell with hundreds of sheep in front of you.”
Farm facts ■ Rights to 800 sheep on the fell – most are Herdwicks and Cheviots, plus Badger Face Welsh Mountains ■ Lambing takes place in spring, with much of it outdoors ■ Opened Great Langdale Glamping in July 2021 and now have four glamping pods ■ Aim for single lambs – this year scanning was 140 per cent Fell farming is part of Jonathan Benson’s DNA, says Nicola Marsh.
JONATHAN BENSON
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farmersguardian.com
21/02/2024 10:41
ARABLE
Edited by Ash Ellwood – 07786 190 188 – ashleigh.ellwood@agriconnect.com
Wide variations in drilling dates affecting crop growth can cause risks of early disease challenges. Mike Thornton, head of crop production at ProCam, offers his five top tips.
Five top tips for winter wheat disease control 1 REMEMBER IMPORTANCE OF EARLY DISEASE MANAGEMENT
WHILE it might be tempting to ease back on early fungicide inputs if crop potential has been compromised by delayed drilling or poor winter growth, diseases are already present and a T0 fungicide provides a wider management tool, says Mike Thornton, head of crop production at ProCam. “Yellow rust is already being found in crops, particularly in the southern half of the country, and it
becomes more difficult to control later. Similarly, septoria is easy to find in early-drilled crops.
Level of insurance “As well as targeting diseases present at application, a T0 fungicide provides a level of insurance in case the follow-up T1 fungicide is delayed. We saw this in 2023; in fields where T0 fungicides were omitted, septoria exploded once the rains arrived in March.”
2 EXERCISE CAUTION WITH SPRAY TIMINGS
ACCURATELY timed fungicide sprays are essential to maximise yield protection, but with drilling dates varying widely from September to February this season, and varieties having different speeds of development, crop growth stages will be all over the place. Mr Thornton says: “Do not
assume that just because one field has reached the correct growth stage for its T1 spray, for example, that its neighbour will also have. Fields will need checking individually – splitting stems to expose the developing leaves and counting back from the ear to identify which leaf layers have emerged.”
A T0 fungicide provides a level of insurance in case the follow-up T1 fungicide is delayed MIKE THORNTON
4 DO NOT ASSUME DISEASES HAVE GONE AWAY
JUST because a disease has not been a problem for a few years, do not assume it has gone away, says Mr Thornton. “The root-rotting effects of take-all could be exacerbated this year if second wheat has small roots because it has sat in wet soil. “If we have a dry spring and
3 ACKNOWLEDGE CROP STRESS
BACKWARD and poorlyrooted plants are likely to be under increased stress this spring, which could make them more vulnerable to yellow rust, says Mr Thornton. “Use accurate soil testing to
5 KEEP YOUR EYE ON THE BALL
EVEN varieties with good septoria resistance, when drilled early, are at risk from the disease, says Mr Thornton, so do not let variety resistance ratings make you complacent. Similarly, last year’s hot, dry June brought sudden yellow rust outbreaks in some areas, illustrating
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summer, take-all effects are worsened. “With more crop debris left on field surfaces due to minimum tillage, eyespot can also be a hidden threat, which increases lodging risk. Several varieties chosen for their good septoria resistance have low eyespot ratings. Make sure you know what your varieties are susceptible to.”
Even varieties with good septoria resistance, when drilled early, are at risk from the disease, says Mike Thornton.
identify which nutrients need topping up. But do not just test for the nutrient levels present in the soil. Use testing which shows the levels actually available to the plant. And consider a phosphite-based treatment to encourage rooting.” Backward and poorlyrooted crops are likely to be under increased stress this spring, which could make them more vulnerable to yellow rust.
Mike Thornton
how disease pressures can suddenly change. “The lesson is to ensure you have all likely disease threats covered. As a national company, we are able to monitor disease development around the country. Having persistent protection from the fungicide is also important,” he adds. FEBRUARY 23 2024 | 25
20/02/2024 17:07
ARABLE NFU CONFERENCE This week’s NFU Conference saw a panel of industry experts discuss the rotational benefits and market opportunities offered by protein crops. Ash Ellwood reports.
Protein crop opportunities rFava market strong
despite crop challenges WHEN planning protein crops into the rotation, typical challenges can include variability of yield, accessing plant protection products and, more recently, the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) monetising alternative break crops. This was the message from Matt Culley, chair of the Combinable Crops board, speaking at a combinable crops commodity session at NFU Conference. Stephen Belcher, principal technical officer at the Processors and Growers Research Organisation (PGRO), described combining peas
and field beans as a ‘classic break crop’ and the sustainability angle of growing pulses was connected to the fact growers do not need nitrogen (N) applications to grow the crop. He said: “You can also leave legacy N behind for the following wheat crop, peas and beans form an ideal entry for the following first wheat crop.”
Limited acreage Pulse production is challenged by a limited acreage of arable land and an increased pressure to utilise the land available effectively. “In 1987 the UK grew 107,000 hectares of peas which by 2012 had reduced to just 23,000ha. We have had a slight increase last season to
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Fava beans are a high protein crop which could compete with chickpeas, says Andy Bury, of Frontier.
69,000ha but still, a huge reduction in area grown,” said Mr Belcher. In 1985 the peas Recommended List (RL) featured three varieties acting as yield controls; one a yellow pea variety named Bertie and the other two marrowfat pea varieties named Progreta and Maro. Mr Belcher described the two marrowfat varieties as being considered lowyielding varieties in the 80s. He said: “The yield back then was 4.55 tonnes per hectare and if we jump forward to 2024 Descriptive Lists [DL] where we use not three varieties, but a large basket of varieties that have been trialled for four or five years, the yield in 2024 is 3.81t/ha, so we have lost 0.7t/ha over a period of 30 years.” Beans are a bit less volatile, with the current DL yield data suggesting 4.27t/ha which is only showing a gradual decrease compared with historic data. Mr Belcher described UK pulse producers as ‘among the most efficient in the world’ but the trajectory of declining yields highlights the need to increase productivity and production. Policy changes often influence production, as demonstrated in 2015
Pulse pioneers
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THE British On-Farm Innovation Network (BOFIN) is scouting ‘pulse pioneers’ to run in-farm trials to research ways to improve pulse crop performance. The trials will be paid and BOFIN founder Tom AllenStevens told the conference: “We have £370,000 available to pay farmers to host on-farm trials.” MORE INFORMATION For more information, visit bofin.org.uk/the-ncs-project
when the Government introduced the ‘three crop rule’, meaning growers with 30ha or more needed to grow three or more crop species. “This rule change saw a large increase in peas and beans production and new initiatives released in 2023, such as AB15, Environmental Land Management and SFI, provide opportunity, but none are deemed as long-term or sustainable,” he said. The UK is among the top producers of fava beans due to having the correct climate and access to developing markets, according to pulse trader Andy Bury, of Frontier.
Global producers Top global producers include China, growing 1,700t annually which are consumed domestically; Ethiopia, producing 1,100t annually, consumed in North Africa; and the UK, producing 700t annually but our production is mainly for stock feed industries. The UK also exports fava beans to countries such as Egypt for human consumption. However, this growing market is consumer-driven, said Mr Bury. “The French market has reduced from 500,000t produced annually to 180,000t per year, mainly due to a changing climate and increased insect activity moving from the south of France to the North.” This would be an option to move fava bean production forward as we have large demands in animal feed, mainly within dairy, beef and pig diets, but human consumption is not currently a UK demand. “We import chickpeas by the thousands and thousands of tonnes which we pay three times as much for, for less protein than we do for our fava beans, then we export our beans to Egypt.” MORE ON NFU CONFERENCE See pages 1, 2, 3, 6 and 8. farmersguardian.com
21/02/2024 15:34
FG
with Simon Nelson
Spring cropping in the main has been decided
L
and remains far too wet to travel as I write this in mid-February. Many of my customers are immersed in Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) literature, judging by the phone calls I have been getting recently. With so many SFI options on offer, it can be a bit of a minefield sorting out which ones best suit your farm to make up, as much as possible, for reductions in Basic Payment Scheme income. It helps that we agronomists are very familiar with many of the farm businesses we look after, so we can pave the way for one of our rural consultants to make a visit, saving time and money all round. Most interest centres around where to establish herbal leys or stitch in clover. Rotations with cereals usually revolve around grass reseeds, so if we see a real swing towards rejuvenating swards instead, will it reduce the overall productivity of grassland in the region? Something to watch.
Kinder weather Spring cropping in the main has been decided. We have had much kinder weather than the east of the country – 85 to 90 per cent of planned winter cropping has been drilled. The acreages are not big, so most has established, with hopefully only a few small areas to patch. Most crops have tillered satisfactorily and are going to need 40-50kg
FAN JET
About Simon Nelson SIMON Nelson advises farmers on a wide range of arable and forage crops across Cumbria, north Lancashire and into south west Scotland. He has worked for Agrovista for 23 years.
per hectare of nitrogen and potash as soon as land will travel. Being a livestock area, phosphate levels are generally fine. Winter barley is drilled earlier than wheat and benefited from the relatively mild winter. Some manganese deficiency can be seen on less consolidated areas. Quite a bit of late-drilled winter wheat after maize or grass will require herbicide to control annual meadow-grass and broad-leaved weeds. Sowing was a snatch-andgrab operation, ploughing and drilling on the same day, and there has been no chance to spray anything since. Spring cropping is pretty much business as usual. The maize area might increase to replace some spring barley in cow rations. Memories of last spring are still fresh – maize did extremely well but spring cereals were diabolical due to the drought. The trend to plant ultra-early maize varieties without film is set to grow. The expense of film puts some people off, and they have seen others succeed without it, although on a good favourable site nothing beats a high-yielding, medium-maturing variety under film. I hope three good years have not lulled us into a false sense of security.
With so many SFI options on offer, it can be a bit of a minefield sorting out which ones best suit your farm
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FEBRUARY 23 2024 | 27
20/02/2024 15:19
ARABLE With a focus on integrated pest management, the British Beet Research Organisation BeetTech24 events provided an insight into ongoing research. Teresa Rush reports.
Why IPM is at the heart of sugar beet production
I
ntegrated pest management (IPM) underpins the British Beet Research Organisation’s (BBRO) work on new and novel strategies for virus control in sugar beet. Virus yellows disease also provides an opportunity for the sugar beet sector to spearhead good IPM strategies into the future. That was the message from BBRO crop protection scientist Dr Alistair Wright to growers and agronomists attending BeetTech24 at Newmarket in Suffolk. An IPM approach does not aim to keep a beet field completely green, but instead seeks to minimise secondary spread of aphids and colonisation of the crop.
Eradicate Dr Wright said: “Of course, IPM does not seek to completely eradicate a virus and we are still going to have to learn to live with all three of them [BChV, BMYV, BYV]. “But we can do what we can as effectively as possible to limit their effect in our crops.” Good hygiene is one of the foundations of the IPM triangle and one practical piece of advice is to clear up on-farm spoil heaps from last harvest, which act as a source of virus and carry virus over into future crops. Looking further ahead, virus-tolerant varieties are set to be useful in
Dr Alistair White 28 | FEBRUARY 23 2024
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Investigating novel approaches to virus yellows management include the use of coloured dyes to deter aphids and the use of odours to manipulate aphid behaviours.
the IPM toolkit for sugar beet as breeders make progress with boosting yields of resistant material. Some growers have been growing KWS Maruscha, which has been available since 2022 and offers partial tolerance to beet mild yellowing virus (BMYV), albeit accompanied by a yield lag compared to susceptible varieties on the sugar beet Recommended List. But there is promising new material in the pipeline, with 24 varieties tested in BBRO’s Goliath and Verde trials in the 2023-24 season. Results from these trials highlight the progress being made in terms of yield uplift, but also how these VY-tolerant varieties will start to fit into an IPM approach. There is, for example, new material being tested which has delivered yields equal to susceptible elite varieties in the absence of virus. However, these varieties, some of which may reach the sugar beet Recommended List within the next couple of years, are not a complete solution for virus yellows control.
“We will still see loss of yields to virus, so the other IPM approaches we are putting forward are still vital until we have truly immune varieties, which may come from gene editing approaches,” said Dr Wright.
Companion cropping Companion cropping is another IPM tool for use in beet and BBRO work is investigating a range of options. “They could be attractants to pull aphids away, or repellents to push them away. “We are looking at endophyte grasses that will actively kill the aphids by releasing alkaloids. We are also looking at our ‘camo-cropping’ approach with cereals,” said Dr Wright. Providing beneficial insects with habitat and a nectar source by growing wildflowers is a good and easy option on-farm, he added. “We are glad the Government is looking to reward you for that through the Sustainable Farming Incentive and there are some attractive payments there.
We are looking at endophyte grasses that will actively kill the aphids by releasing alkaloids DR ALISTAIR WRIGHT “But make sure that the species mix you put in is of benefit to pollinators as well as beneficial insects,” said Dr Wright. Decision support is a key IPM tool, and the Rothamsted Virus Yellows Forecast has underpinned virus yellows management in sugar beet since the 1960s. To date, the modelling work behind the forecast has focused on just two suction trap sites, which means that growers do not get a farmersguardian.com
21/02/2024 10:23
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20/02/2024 13:53
ARABLE forecast which is local to their farm. That could change however, following research just getting underway at Rothamsted Research and the University of Keele which is aiming to localise forecasting based on Myzus persicae (peachpotato aphid) first flight and VY risk. BBRO will continue to offer its winged aphid monitoring service in the coming season, deploying 17 yellow water pan trap sites, and conducting plant counts at another 30 sites. Results will be available via the BBRO website. This information should not be used in isolation as a trigger point for any insecticide control measures – there is still a need to get down on hands and knees and look for aphids in crops, said Dr Wright.
Imagery But this might become less of an onerous chore in future if BBRO/ Lincoln University PhD student Xumin Gao’s work on automatic aphid recognition and counting using field water trap imagery and deep learning comes to fruition. More novel approaches to virus yellows management being investigated include use of coloured dyes to deter aphids from landing on beet and the use of odours to manipulate aphid behaviour and prevent them finding host plants. Evidence to date indicates that this latter approach can delay the point at which crops reach the threshold for an insecticide treatment by up to two weeks. “It is not mad science, there is some solid data. You are allowing the beneficials much more time to build up, with another hatch of ladybird larvae, for example, and perhaps you are starting to replace that first aphicide or maybe even two with an odour intervention. “Hopefully by delaying the aphid build-up, we can really help the beneficials do a good job,” said Dr Wright.
Plants affected by beet moth will typically have black heart symptoms.
BEET MOTH HERE TO STAY BEET moth devastated crops in some areas of the beet-growing region in 2022 and, unfortunately, it seems likely that the pest is here to stay. Prof Mark Stevens, head of science at BBRO, said: “It may be patchy and sporadic, but unfortunately because of climate change, it is here and it is quite easy for it to overwinter.” Affected beet plants, with typical black heart symptoms are still being received into the BBRO plant clinic.
Not difficult “It was not difficult to find the larvae of beet moth in these samples,” he said. Last year BBRO deployed commercially-available
pheromone traps in 12 locations to start to collect more data on beet moth incidence. “Beet moth was not a major problem in 2023. “The weather patterns that we had, despite some very hot weather in July and early September, meant that the crop was not under the same levels of stress as when we saw problems earlier. “But what we did see at several of the sites was an early invasion around the latter part of June into early July,” said Prof Stevens. BBRO is assessing several chemical control options and alternative options such as endophyte grasses should also be considered. “We do need to find those tools
because it is a difficult pest potentially to solve through breeding,” said Prof Stevens.
Prof Mark Stevens
REVIEWING DECISION SUPPORT FOR VIRUS YELLOWS
Dr Sacha White 30 | FEBRUARY 23 2024
p28 30 feb 23 OM AE KH.indd 3
WITH the shift to IPM and a growing desire to reduce the level of chemical inputs applied, historical weed, pest and disease thresholds used to trigger spray applications are being examined across a range of crops. In sugar beet a review is underway of the models and data used in the virus yellows decision support system. “We have got some thresholds, but there is a question about how robust these thresholds are; what
is the basis for them; are there grounds for updating them and, if we are going to update them, should we make them more dynamic?” said ADAS senior research entomologist Dr Sacha White, who is conducting the review.
Population Crop condition together with the effect of weather on population growth of Myzus persicae aphids and the proportion of aphids
carrying virus are among the variables that could be important, he added. “Ultimately, we will be providing some recommendations on the structure of a possible future decision support system that can help guide sprays for virus yellows control, and also identify where there are any knowledge gaps or where we might need to generate our own data for building a decision support system,” said Dr White.
farmersguardian.com
21/02/2024 10:24
SALES Skipton show potentials to £4,400 high
Edited by Angela Calvert – 07768 796 492 – angela.calvert@agriconnect.com
rShow champion
leads day’s prices
MARK and Fee Ewbank, Middlesmoor, claimed both the supreme and reserve championship with a brace of 10-month-old halter-led British Blue-crosses at Skipton’s show and sale of show potential cattle. Their champion was the British Blue-sired heifer and female champion, Panda, which sold to the judge,
Michael Wynne, Matlock, for the top price of £4,400. In reserve was Bulletproof, their male champion which sold for £2,800 to Nick Dalby, Hartwith. The first prize un-haltered bullock, 10-month-old Bang On from the same home, made £1,850 to K.W. Ludgate, Bedfordshire. All three of the Ewbanks’ prize winners were by Brennand Jimmy. The first prize haltered Limousin-sired heifer and reserve female champion was a 12-month-old
Overall and female champion, Panda, from Mark and Fee Ewbank, Middlesmoor, which sold for £4,400 to the judge, Michael Wynne, Matlock.
daughter of Hunters Hall Odyssey, which headed the consignment from the Walker family, Dunsop Bridge, at £3,100 when selling to Chris Wright and Sarah Harryman, Boston. The Walkers also stood runners-up in the same show class with
a heifer which sold for £1,900 to Howard Barker, Menwith, and had first and second in the un-haltered heifer class, selling £2,300 and £2,000, respectively, to the Brass family, Kirkby Stephen, and John and Jean Bradley, Giggleswick. Auctioneers: CCM.
Gisburn dairy sale tops at £2,700
Moli, a fully trained bitch from Dewi Jenkins, Talybont, which sold for £12,500 to a buyer from Suffolk.
Sheepdogs make £12,500 online THE online sale of sheepdogs hosted by Farmers Marts (R.G. Jones) Dolgellau, topped at £12,500 for Moli, a fully trained bitch by Clwyd Bob from Dewi Jenkins, Talybont. It sold to a buyer from Suffolk. Next, at £10,000, was Preseli Bob, a two-year-old dog which had been Pembrokeshire nursery champion in 2023 from Ll Harries, Crymych, which went to a Mid-Wales buyer. A North Yorkshire buyer then paid £7,100 for Clodduau Fly from A. Thomas, Aberystwyth. Making £6,500 was Thisledown Molly from D. Heard, Devon, which will be heading to Germany. Topping the partly-trained section at £7,000 was Cass, a 10-month-old bitch by Midderry Frank from Kevin farmersguardian.com
p31 Feb 23 AC MB.indd 2
Evans, Brecon, which went to a Carmarthenshire buyer.
Pup section Mr Evans also topped the pup section at £6,200 for Beacons Billy, also by Midderry Frank, which heads to Lanark, and also sold Elan Valley Sky for £2,500 to a buyer from Switzerland. Huntaways sold to £3,000 for Mince from E. Rees, Rhayader, who also sold the three-month-old bitch, Tux, by the imported stud dog, Tone, for £2,300. AVERAGES Trained dogs, £3,555; partly-trained dogs, £1,898; pups, £774; overall, £2,139 with a 65 per cent clearance rate. Auctioneers: Farmers Marts (R.G. Jones).
PEDIGREE newly-calved heifers sold to £2,700 and pedigree cows £2,300 in Gisburn’s dairy sale when more than 70 went under the hammer. Sale leader was a Nortonhill R2 D2 daughter from Aireburn herd owner G.B. Moorhouse, Skipton. From the herd’s highly classified Freedom family, it sold to the judge, David Coulthurst, Goosnargh, who also bought the second top priced heifer, Friedmar Hailed Marina 112, at £2,300 from G. and M.A. Smith, Samlesbury. Two pedigree heifers sold at £2,280, the first a Seagull-Bay Applejax daughter from the Coba family in N.E. and E.M. Bargh and Son’s Osbar herd, Blackburn, which went to B.F. Blezard, Ribchester. The second was an Ingleview heifer from R. and E. Butterfield, Bentham. By Delaberge Pepper and out of the Promis family tracing to Sterndale and Windy-Knoll-View, it sold to a Wrexham
buyer who also paid £2,200 for a Yewbarrow heifer from B. and J.M. Crowe, Witherslack.
Pedigree cows Topping the pedigree cow trade at £2,300 was Belaw Farming, Northallerton, with an OCD Brennan Mirror-sired second calver which went to Wrexham along with a third calver by Seagull-Bay Silver at £2,200 from Messrs Crowe. Highest non-pedigree heifer at £2,150 was a 30kg entry from P. Knowles, Kendal, which joined the Wrexham consignment. AVERAGES Pedigree newly-calved heifers, £1,925; pedigree newly-calved cows, £1,855; non-registered newly-calved heifers, £1,585; non-registered newly-calved cows, £1,980. Auctioneers: Gisburn Auction Marts.
Cull ewe record smashed at Thirsk THE cull ewe record was smashed several times at Thirsk where the entry of 775 averaged £120/head, which included horned and lean ewes. Top price of the day, breaking the centre record twice, was James Simpson, Givendale, who sold a pure Texel ewe at £335 followed by another at £325, to Victoria Speed, West Auckland. Three Texels from Derek Pickles,
Green Hammerton, sold at £305/ head to the same buyer. The best bred ewes, Texels and Beltex sold to extreme rates with big, framed cross-bred ewes regularly trading past £160, with all well-meated, not fat, continental ewes past £140. Suffolks sold to £168 for a pen of three from R.C. Robinson, Tadcaster, who also sold Charolais to £188. Auctioneers: Thirsk Farmers Auction Mart. FEBRUARY 23 2024 | 31
21/02/2024 14:33
PICTURES: ADRIAN LEGGE
SALES STIRLING BULLS
Harestone Tyrone, from Stuart and Neil Barclay, Insch, which sold for 22,000gns.
Ricnick Tyson, from Richard McCornick, Newton Stewart, which sold for 18,000gns.
Averages were up at the second round of Stirling bull sales, with Simmentals achieving a Febru ary s
Strong Charolais trade tops a r29 lots each made in
excess of 10,000gns
A BID of 22,000gns topped the Charolais trade with 107 bulls sold to an average of £8,470, up £436 on the year, with a clearance rate of 80 per cent. The British Charolais Cattle Society chairman, Ian Miller, said the unbelievable trade was reflective of the current store trade, showing confidence among the mostly commercial buyers.
With 29 lots selling for more than 10,000gns, it was Neil and Stuart Barclay of the Harestone herd, Insch, who led the bidding with Harestone Tyrone. By Goldies Oasis, which the Barclay family bought from Stirling for 23,000gns and has bred sons to a high of 30,000gns, it sold to J. Price, Hereford. Next at 18,000gns was Ricnick Tyson, from Richard McCornick, Newton Stewart. By Castellmawr Rocketman, which was purchased privately from Wales, this bull is
Carwood Trojan, from Colin Wight, Biggar, which sold for 15,000gns.
the first of its sons to be sold at auction and marks Mr McCornick’s top price to date. It was knocked down to John Jeffrey, Kelso. Not far behind at 16,000gns was Hollywell T20, the reserve junior champion from John and Sandra Middleton, Frazerburgh.
Stars of the Future By Nuthampstead Judas, which was bought from the Westcarse herd dispersal and has bred sons to 10,000gns, this bull was senior male champion at the Stars of the Future show in November 2023. Out of Hollywell Italy, which has bred sons to 11,500gns, it sold to W.J. Millar, Tealing, Dundee. The intermediate champion, Carwood Trojan, from Colin Wight, Biggar, was one of four bulls to sell for 15,000gns. By the 12,000gns Maerdy Magestic, which has bred sons to average more than 9,000gns at a high of 16,000gns, it sold to G.T. Wordie, Huntly. Next at 15,000gns was Glenericht Tavernier, the first of nine bulls from Alan Drysdale’s consignment, Blairgowrie. By Caylers Oxford, which was bought privately at 10 months old and has bred sons to
20,000gns, this bull sold to D. Bryce and Son, Kilry, Alyth. David Timm of the Wensleydale herd, York, was the third at this money, with a June 2022-born bull, Wensleydale Tomahawk. Son of Balthayock Nominee, which has bred sons to 10,000gns, and out of Hillviewfarm Margaret, it was knocked down to D. and R. Durno and sons, Ballindalloch. The overall champion, Solwayfirth Tierney, from Ian Goldie, Annan, also sold for 15,000gns. By the 11,000gns Glenericht Majestic, this bull placed second in its class at last year’s Royal Highland Show and was sold to H.R. and C. Dalrymple, Ballantrae. The first of five bulls to sell for 13,000gns was Marwood Trigger, a May 2022-born bull from Neil and Roy Blyth, Elwick, Hartlepool. One of the first sons from the homebred stock bull Marwood Odin, this bull was junior male champion at last year’s Great Yorkshire Show and was knocked down to Richards and Son, Maesteg. The second at this money was Glenericht Topper, another from the Drysdale consignment. By the homebred stock bull, Glenericht Limpet, which has bred sons to 17,500gns,
Spice soars to 20,000gns at Harestone p THE Barclay family, Insch, presented their entire 2021 and 2022 crop of heifers from their Harestone herd, in a production sale which followed on from the Charolais bull sale. Harestone Spice a July 2021born in-calf heifer led the bidding at 20,000gns, marking the first 32 | FEBRUARY 23 2024
p32 33 34 Feb23 KF AC OM MB.indd 2
homozygous polled female the family have bred up to now.
Sharpshooter Full brother to the £20,000 Harestone Sharpshooter, which was exported to France last year, it sold to John Tuohy, Whitegate, Galway. Making the next top price of
14,000gns, was Harestone Singsong, an October 2021-born in-calf heifer and full sister to the 30,000gns Harestone San Diego. Out of Harestone Jean which was purchased as an embryo from France, it was knocked down to Boden and Davies, Stockport. Harestone Sophia was next in at
11,000gns. In-calf to Harestone Hercules and full sister to Harestone Spartacus which sold last February for 18,000gns, the heifer sold to Claire Ferris, Newtownards.
Harestone Symphony Also at 11,000gns was Harestone Symphony, an October 2021-born farmersguardian.com
21/02/2024 13:26
Salers champion Rednock Seb, from Gill and Malcolm Pye, Stirling.
Hollywell T20, from John and Sandra Middleton, Frazerburgh, which sold for 16,000gns.
ebru ary sale record average. Katie Fallon reports.
s at 22,000gns it sold to P. Cooper and Son, Forfar. Another at 13,000gns was Inverlochy Thunder from Raymond and Johnny Irvine, Tomintoul. By the 12,000gns Caylers Napoleon, which the family bought in partnership with the Firhills herd, Dundee, and bred last year’s 15,000gns interbreed champion, this bull sold to Greystoke Castle Farm, Penrith. The fourth at this money was the reserve intermediate champion, Goldies Titan, from Hamish Goldie, Dumfries. Out of Goldies Goldengirl, which has bred females to 10,000gns, it was knocked down to Colin Morrison, Isle of South Uist.
The fifth and final bull at this money was Elrick Trident from Mike and Lisa Massie, Auchnagatt. By Westcarse Houdini, which was bought in a threeway split and has produced bulls to a high of 25,000gns, it sold to Ross Farms and Co, Midlothian. Haughhead Tam, an April 2022born bull from the Wardlaw family, Balerno, was next at 12,000gns. By Gretnahouse Pimp and out of Haughhead Obvious, it sold to J. Warnock and sons, Broughton.
Salers to 7,500gns WITH 16 bulls forward, the Salers averaged £5,178, up £943 on the year, and sold to a high of 7,500gns. Gill and Malcom Pye of Rednock Salers, Stirling, topped the trade with the overall champion, Rednock Seb at 7,500gns. By Drumaglea Kes, which was bought at Stirling in 2017 for 12,000gns and has bred bulls to 6,000gns at Castle Douglas, this bull sold to Messrs Austin, Castle Douglas. Next at 7,200gns was Rednock Shamrock, the reserve overall champion, also by Drumaglea Kes
and from Gill and Malcom Pye. Brought out by their stockman Alfie Mcgregor, it sold to Edwards and Co, Machynlleth, Powys. Cleuchhead Superman, from Ian and Sarah Livesey, Carnwath, was next at 7,000gns. By Nomad, a French import bull which was bought in 2017 and has bred bulls to 11,000gns, it was knocked down to A. Jones, Cwynedd. AVERAGES 16 bulls, £5,178 (+ £943 on 2023). Auctioneers: United Auctions.
AVERAGES 107 bulls, £8,470 (+ £436 on 2023) Auctioneers: United Auctions.
8,500 8,000 7,500 7,000 6,500 6,000 5,500 5,000 4,500 4,000 3,500 3,000
100 Clearance rate (%)
Average (£/head)
AVERAGE PRICES AND CLEARANCE RATES
Simmental
80
40 20 0
Charolais 2020
2021
Finlarg Boss, from Robert and Hazel McNee, Dundee, which sold for 14,000gns.
60
2022
Simmental 2023
Charolais 2024
ne production sale Goldies Oasis daughter, which goes back to the Royal Highand Show champion, Harestone Ronsard. Sold in-calf to Harestone Sportsman and due to calve in August, it was knocked down to Macpherson and Sons, Berwick Upon Tweed. Harestone Sybil sold for 10,000gns to the Barlow family, farmersguardian.com
p32 33 34 Feb23 KF AC OM MB.indd 3
Leyland. By the 40,000gns Maerdy Newman, and out of Thrunton Socrates, the 25,000gns Perth champion, this heifer is due to calve to Harestone Sportsman in August. AVERAGES 33 females, £7,570. Auctioneers: United Auctions.
Luing’s first society sale at Stirling realises 14,000gns THIS February saw the first Luing Cattle Society sale take place at the Stirling bull sales event, with five Luing bulls selling to an average of £10,458. Hazel and Robert McNee, Dundee, led the bidding at 14,000gns for an April 2022-born bull, Finlarg Boss. By Backmuir Whisky which was bought from Castle Douglas for 7,000gns and has bred sons to 18,000gns, it was knocked down to B. Ridland, Orkney. Next at 13,000gns was another from Hazel and Robert McNee, Finlarg Braveheart. Also by
Blackmuir Whisky and out of Finlarg Bracken, the March 2022-born bull was knocked down to D. Hamilton, Allanton Farming, Ayrshire.
Benhar Bobcat Making 12,000gns was Benhar Bobcat from Andrew McNee, Tealing, Dundee. By Finlarg Zemen and out of Benhar Tulip R13, it was knocked down to Douglas and Angus Estates, Douglas. AVERAGES 5 bulls, £10,458. Auctioneers: United Auctions. FEBRUARY 23 2024 | 33
21/02/2024 13:26
PICTURES: ADRIAN LEGGE
SALES STIRLING BULLS
Denizes Nugget, from Michael and John Barlow, Leyland, which sold for the top price of 37,000gns.
r95 bulls sold to
average of £7,498 THE Simmental breed achieved a record average for a February Stirling bull sale with 95 bulls sold to an average of £7,498, up £238 on the year. With a clearance rate of 77 per cent and 21 bulls at five-figure prices, it was Michael and John Barlow, of the Denizes herd, Leyland, who topped the trade with a bid of 37,000gns for the reserve intermediate champion, Denizes Nugget 22. The first of the five bulls from the Denizes consignment, it marks the Barlow family’s top price to date having previously sold bulls to a top price of 30,000gns. By the home-bred stock bull Denizes Hamish 16, whose first 19 sons have averaged £9,578, and only the second calf out of Ashland Topaz Janet, which was previously
Denizes Simmentals realise 37,000gns
champion at Dungannon Show, this bull sold to Jimmy and Vicky Wood of the Popes herd, Preston. Next at 17,000gns was Wolfstar Nobleman 22, from Alec and Ross King, Ormiston. By the AI bull Curaheen Bandit and the second son from Wolfstar Forget-me-not, whose first son Wolfstar Ivan bred bulls to 11,000gns, it sold to T. Lyth, Orkney.
Trixie Belle Two bulls sold for 14,000gns. The first at this money was another from the Denizes consignment, Denizes Newton 22. Another Denizes Hamish 16 son and out of Den-
Broombrae dispersal sells to 5,800gns twice IN the part dispersal of the Broombrae herd from Gordon and Fiona Clark, Fife, two bids of 5,800gns topped the sale. The first was for the September 2019-born in-calf cow, Broombrae Rosina K16 with its September 2023-born heifer calf at foot, Broombrae Rosina P22. It sold to Richard McCulloch, Overhill House, Armadale. The second at this money was the 10-year-old cow, Broombrae Rosina E40. Sold with its sixmonth-old twin bull calves at foot, it was knocked down to Macfarlane Farms, Berwickshire. 34 | FEBRUARY 23 2024
p32 33 34 Feb23 KF AC OM MB.indd 4
Wolfstar Nobleman 22, from Alec and Ross King, Ormiston, which sold for 17,000gns.
Broombrae Delight N9, an August 2022-born maiden heifer, was next at 5,400gns. By Wolfstar Kolisi 19 and out of Broombrae Delight J1, it sold to Knox Farms, Crookwell, Australia. Next at 5,200gns was Broombrae Cathy K22, sold with its five-monthold heifer calf at foot, Broombrae Cathy P23. It sold to Craighill Farms, Duntrune, Dundee. AVERAGES 12 cows and calves a foot, £5,005; 1 cow, £3,000gns; 3 in-calf heifers, £3,185; 6 maiden heifers, £3,430. Auctioneers: United Auctions.
izes Trixie Belle 10, from the Trixie Belle bloodline which has bred sons to 20,000gns, it sold to K. Park and sons, Sanquar. Next at this money was another from the King family, the reserve junior champion Wolfstar Nasa 22. A November 2022-born bull by the privately purchased Islavale Guy 15 and out of Wolfstar Ivy, it sold to Pitgaveny Farm, Elgin. A further three bulls sold for 13,000gns. The first to make this money was the reserve overall champion, Backmuir Nate 22 from Reece and Andrew Simmers, Keith. Only the second crop of calves by the 2020 February Stirling champion, Wolfstar Jackaroo, which sold for 18,000gns and has bred bulls to 15,000gns, this bull sold to D.C. Houldey, Lockerbie. Next at this money was another from the Denizes consignment, Denizes Neff 22. Also by Denizes Hamish 16 and out of Denizes Melody 32, which is maternal sister to the 10,000gns Denizes Melody 52, it sold to John Jeffrey, Kelso. The third at this money was Kilbride Farm Nebulus 22, from Norman Robson and family, Ballyclare. By the home-bred stock bull Kilbride Farm Jetstream 18, which has bred sons to 13,000gns, and out of Kilbride Farm Eunice 175F, which is maternal sister to the 20,000gns Kilbride Farm Comber, this bull sold to Delfur Farms, Aberlour. Four bulls sold for 12,000gns. The first was Rockytop Nero 22, a May 2022-born bull from Gary and Angela Christie, Huntly. By Glenturk Kingpin 19, which was bought
with its dam Glenturk Flake, as a calf at foot, it sold to B. and S. Grant, Inverness. Next at this money was the fourth from the Denizes consignment, Denizes Nacho 22, a full brother to Denizes Magic, which sold for 12,000gns at Stirling last February. Another by Denizes Hamish 16, it sold to J. Drysdale, Forestmill Farm, Clackmannan. The third bull at 12,000gns was Corskie Nitrate 22, from the Green family, Fochabers. The September 2022-born bull by the 10,000gns Kilbride Farm Haka, was knocked down to T. Clark and sons, Crieff.
Weanling champion Corskie Newry 22, another from the Green family, was the last bull at 12,000gns. Out of Tawley Hanna, which was bought for €10,700 (£9,100) when it stood weanling champion at Roscommon in 2017, it sold to J.M. and J. Goldie, Annan. Simmental females sold to a high of 2,300gns for Fallahills Nikki, an April 2022-born hefier from Bruce Lambie, Penicuik. By Wolfstar Just Do It 18 and out of Fallhills Katie, it sold to Knox Farms, Crookwell, Australia. Next was Blair Natasha, a Ranfurly Jackall daughter from Colin Fordyce’s Blair herd, Blairgowrie, which was knocked down to Laura Anderson, Banchory, for 2,100gns. AVERAGES 95 bulls, £7,498 (+ £238 on 2023); 4 females, £2,074. Auctioneers: United Auctions. farmersguardian.com
21/02/2024 10:38
PICTURES: MACGREGOR PHOTOGRAPHY
SALES
Barquhill Thor, from the McCornick family, Wigtown, which sold for 13,000gns to Eskdalemuir Forestry, Langholm.
Galloways top at 13,000gns three times rMale champion sells
of Over Barskeoch-sired, Urma 12 of Fingland for the same money to Exmoor Forest Farms, Minehead.
AT the Galloway Cattle Society show and sale at Castle Douglas three bulls sold for the top price of 13,000gns. The first was 29-month-old Barquhill Thor, the first son of Bonanza of Nether Cleugh to be sold, out of Barquhill Polly, a Barquhill Coca Cola daughter from the McCornick family, Wigtown. The buyer was Eskdalemuir Forestry, Langholm. Next, at 13,000gns, was Glenrath Rocky, a March 2022-born Troloss Nimrod son, from Glenrath Farms, Peebles, which was bought with his dam, Diamond 1 of Trolss, a Blackcraig Dec daughter from Joe Cockburn, stockman at Grimmet. It sold to Jimmy Wallace, Dalry, who then sold 22-month-old Alcarax of Fingland by Kirkstead Vindicator out Ulysses
Male champion
for 12,000gns
The male champion, Kirkstead Gattuso, from Alan McClymont and sons, Sam and Oliver, Yarrow, was next at 12,000gns. This Kirkstead Commander son sold to Robert McTurk, Barlaes, Dalry. James Campbell, Strathaven, had his best sale to date, realising 10,000gns for his 22-month-old bull Kypehill Dutton, a Troloss Impeccable son, which also went to Mr McTurk. Females topped at 10,000gns for the champion, Blackcraig Blondchen D1308 from John, Ann and Iain Finlay, Corsock. This Barlaes Rivellino daughter out of Blackcraig Blondchen V485 was bought by Willie Maclean, Oban. Next, at 4,000gns, was the reserve
Glenrath Rocky, from Glenrath Farms, Peebles, which sold for 13,000gns to Jimmy Wallace, Dalry.
Alcarax of Fingland, from Jimmy Wallace, Dalry, which sold for 13,000gns to Exmoor Forest Farms, Minehead.
champion, Diamond Q019 of Trolosse from Glenrath Farms and bred by Joe Cockburn. This April 2021-born Troloss Nimrod daughter, sold incalf to Trolosse Olympian to Carolyn Logan and husband Dexter, Stirling.
AVERAGES: 24 bulls, £5,508.13 (+£269.83 on 2023 with a 77 per cent clearance rate); 11 bulling heifers, £1,765.91 (-£323.59); 11 heifers having run with bull, £3,455.45 (+£1,250.45). Auctioneers: Wallets Marts.
Records smashed at Bishops Castle A NEW store cattle record of £2,170 was set at Bishops Castle for a Limousin steer from T.L. Bennett and Co, Manafon, who also topped the heifers at £2,100 (341p/kg) with a British Blue. Top price per kilo for steers was 403p for a Limousin from NPTC Group of Colleges, Newtown. Overall,
steers averaged £1,380/head and 290p/kg, while heifers averaged £1,285/head and £280p/kg. Bulls averaged £1,205/head, with top prices of £1,650, £1,535 and £1,440 for W.K. Watkin, Sarn and £1,400 for H.S. Davies and Son, Kerry. Auctioneers: Halls.
Averages up at Middleton Store hoggs in demand at Bentham AT the show and sale of 220 store cattle at Middleton in Teesdale steers averaged £1,283.01, which is £50 up on the year. Heifers were up £40 with an average of £1,269.30. J.C. and J. White, Lunedale, topped the sale at £2,250 twice with British Blue-sired heifers which sold to Messrs Bradley, Settle, and Messrs Johnston, North Yorkshire. Judges, Georgia and Charlotte Davies, Leicestershire, awarded the farmersguardian.com
p35 Feb 23 MB AC.indd 2
championship to J.D. Bently, Lanehead, with a Limousin steer which went on to sell for £1,800 to Messrs Nicholson, Carlisle. The reserve champion was the winning Limousin-sired heifer from Messrs White, which made £2,200 to Messrs Marsh, Dover. Messrs White also topped the steers at £2,100, selling to Messrs Keel, Thirsk, with their consignment of 20 averaging £1,640.74. Auctioneers: Harrison and Hetherington.
ONE of the dearest sales of store hoggs at Bentham saw the entry of 2,617 average £103.84, including several horned and tail end consignments. Topping the sale at £205 was a pen of Texels from G. Wilson, Hawick, whose whole consignment averaged £135 including Cheviot Mules. The best bred hoggs were £130£150, with smaller farming sorts £100£120. The strongest Texel and Suffolk cross hoggs were well over £120, with plenty £130 plus.
Medium sorts were around £110, with longer keep sorts depending on breed, £80 plus. Hill hoggs saw Cheviots to £117 for a pen of 50 from M. and C. Booth, Kentmere. A pen of 53 Scotch Blackface hoggs from Coward Bros, Kirkby in Furness, sold to £119, with hoggs from the same home to £121.50. A mixed entry of Swaledales saw the best pens £80-£90. Mules sold to £125.50 for C.R. Jackson, Ingleton. Auctioneers: Richard Turner and Son. FEBRUARY 23 2024 | 35
21/02/2024 10:27
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AGRICULTURE’S NA
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FGBuyandSell.com 38-47 Auctions
47-49 Careers
50-53 Livestock 53-54 Feedstuffs & Bedding 55-59 Buildings & Building Materials
Penrith Auction Mart 01768 864700 Monday 26th February 9.30am- Prime Bulls, Clean Cattle & Cast Cows. Special Section for TB area 1 cattle. 11am- Sale of 190 Store Cattle and Feeding Bulls of all classes Wednesday 28th February 8am – Sale of Cast Ewes & Rams & followed at 10am with Prime Hoggs (Hogg Ballot -10am) Wednesday 28th February 2.30pm- Sale of 500 Store Hoggs of al classes Friday 1st March 10am- Sale of 250 Rearing Calves and Weaned Stirks Friday 1st March 12noon - Sale of 30 Dairy Cattle of all classes including a Special Section for Dairy Shorthorns
www.penrithauction.com Andrew Maughan 07717 611952 Paul Gardner 07552 589141
01630 652926 enquiries@barbers-auctions.co.uk www.marketdraytonmarket.co.uk
MARKET DRAYTON LIVESTOCK MARKET FARM DISPERSAL SALE
• Saturday 2 March 2024 at 10.30am At Scar Farm, Whitewood Lane, Malpas, SY14 7DL • Tractors, Trailers, Farm Machinery, Produce, Horse Tack, General Equipment & Sundries • Online Bidding Available (Marteye) • Contact Jonty 07595 453306.
BI-MONTHLY MACHINERY SALES • • • • .
Friday 15 March / 17 May at 10.30am ENTRIES WANTED Collective Sale of Tractors, Machinery, Equipment and Sundries At Market Drayton Market Contact Ben 07791 791356.
KELSALL COLLECTIVE MACHINERY SALE At Churches View Farm, Kelsall, Chester CH3 8BH
Friday 22 March 2024 ENTRIES WANTED
Agricultural & Plant Machinery, Tractors, Trailers, Equipment and Sundries Online Bidding Available (Marteye) Contact Jonty 07595 453306 Or email kelsallsale@barbers-auctions.co.uk Leek Smithfield • Barnfields • Leek • Staffordshire • ST13 5PY • www.leekmarket.co.uk
Market Results 133 Dairies to £3000x2 (23 Over £2000), Cull Cows 190p/kg - £1270.50, Ewes £168 Lambs 354p/kg - £193.20, Pigs – 162.21p/kg - £166, Calves BB, Sim, Lim Bull £395
DEDICATED DISPERSAL TEAM
Enquiries For All Machinery/Dispersal Sales Market Drayton Agriculture Centre 01630 652926 Bernie Hutchinson 07778 164274, Ben Baggott 07791 791356 Mark Jones 07813 625787 & Jonty Cliffe 07595 453306
Store Cattle Sales
The Livestock
400 STORE CATTLE SATURDAY 2ND MARCH 2024 – Entries Invited
Auctioneers
Fat/Barrens: Graham Watkins 07976 370894 Dairies: Meg Elliott 07967 007049 Stores: Mark Elliott 07973 673092 Sheep: Robert Watkins 07929 946652 Visit us at www.leekauctions.co.uk
Association A lifeline to choice CONTACT YOUR LOCAL LIVESTOCK MARKET AT www.laa.co.uk
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| February 23, 2024
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NORTH WEST AUCTIONS LIVESTOCK AUCTIONEERS � VALUERS
www.nwauctions.co.uk
info@nwauctions.co.uk
LANCASTER AUCTION MART Tel: 01524 63308 Monday 26th February 10.30am PRIME HOGGS & CAST SHEEP -------------------------------
Friday 1st March 10.15am 150 REARING CALVES & WEANLINGS 10.15am 150 CAST / OTM CATTLE 11.15am 300 STORE CATTLE -------------------------------
Monday 4th March 12noon OPENING SALE OF 100 SHEEP WITH LAMBS AT FOOT Followed by Special Sale of IN-LAMB SHEEP Catalogue Entries by Monday 26th February
J36 RURAL AUCTION CENTRE Tel: 015395 66200 Tuesday 27th February 10.30am ALL CLASSES OF PIGS 1pm 2000 PRIME HOGGS & CAST SHEEP -----------------------------
Thursday 29th February 10.30am Fortnightly Sale of IN LAMB SHEEP & 2000 STORE HOGGS -------------------------------
Thursday 7th March SHOW & SALE OF STORE CATTLE (Under 12 Months) 10am 150 REARING CALVES & WEANLINGS 10.30am 100 CAST / OTM CATTLE 11.15am 500 BEEF BREEDING, STIRKS & STORE CATTLE Catalogue Entries by Wednesday 28th February -------------------------------
Tuesday 12th March 11am OPENING SALE OF SHEEP WITH LAMBS AT FOOT Catalogue Entries by Thursday 7th March
ONLINE MACHINERY SALES
Online Sale of Large Items of Machinery Delivery: Monday 4th & Tuesday 5th March Sale to Commence: Friday 8th March Viewing: Friday 8th (9am-4.30pm) & Saturday 9th (am only) Online Bidding: www.nwa.auctionmarts.com Sale to Conclude: Monday 11th March
THE 93rd MIDSHIRES PRODUCE AUCTION. Approx 4,500 Tonnes on Farms and Estates in the Central Midland Counties. To include a comprehensive selection of HAY, STRAW, HAYLAGE, SILAGE & FODDER BEET in all sizes, easily accessible to towns including Coventry, Leicester, Lutterworth, Market Harborough, Northampton, Nuneaton, Rugby and Southam. Together with: 200 Tonnes Maize Silage at Sapcote, Leicester, 80 Tonnes Grass Silage at Wormleighton, Southam, 50 Tonnes Fodder Beet at Ansty, Coventry, 100 Tonnes Crimped Maize at Kenilworth, Coventry Plus: Hay and Straw for delivery. TO BE SOLD BY AUCTION ON Tuesday 5th March 2024 at 2.30pm. Lutterworth Rugby Football Club, Ashby Lane, Bitteswell, Lutterworth, Leicestershire LE17 4LW (3 Miles from Junction 20 of the M1 Motorway)
Catalogues & Information Tel: 01788 564749 7 – 11 Albert Street, Rugby, CV21 2RX www.howkinsandharrison.co.uk/auctions
HAWES, NORTH YORKSHIRE, DL8 3NP
TUESDAY 27TH FEBRUARY AT 10.30 AM SALE OF 87 IN-LAMB EWES & 88 EWES WITH LAMBS AT FOOT FOLLOWED BY 250-300 STORE LAMBS & FEEDING EWES SALE OF 25 IN CALF COWS & HEIFERS AT 12.30PM FOLLOWED BY 300 STORE CATTLE Entries invited for all sales, full details of sales on our website/facebook Tel: 01845 523165 Fax: 01845 526604 Auctioneers: Tony Thompson: 07860 766571 Emma Coupland 07808 271218
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Tuesday 27th February 1500 Prime Hoggs at 10am 300 Cast Ewes & Rams
Monday 26th February Usual Fatstock Sale
Friday 1st March 11am 20 Suff/Tex Ewes with Lambs @ Foot 50 Store Hoggs, Young Bulls, Feeding Cows, Store Cattle Calves at 11.30am inc 14 Hol Fr Heifer Stirks Suitable for Breeding Ian Smith - Mart Manager 07738043771 Office 01943 462172 wfam@auctionmarts.com
20 Calves at 10.30am Saturday 9th March Spring Show & Sale of Store Cattle, Beef Breeding & Cull Cattle Entries close Tues 27th Feb Tuesday 12th March In-Lamb Ewes & Gimmer Hoggs (Please Enter) Telephone: 01969 667207, 015396 20895, 07974 126397. 07711 469280
February 23, 2024 |
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FGBuyandSell.com Auctions
Thursday 29th February New for 2024 - Two Shows, One Day Spring Show of Store Cattle & Suckled Calves at 5pm YFC Show of Overwintered Store Cattle at 6pm
Friday 1st March
At 10.00am Sale of Store Cattle Spring Show Champion & Reserve will be sold at 12pm YFC Overwintered Store Cattle at 1pm in Balloted Order At 9.00am Sale of Cast Ewes & Rams, Breeding Sheep & Store Hoggs.
Entries to:
Office-01434 605444 Chris Armstrong-07808 721957 Drew Patrick-07854 361967 Jack Walton-07739 440457 Harrison Collingwood-07895 761102
VIEW FROM THE ROSTRUM
Strong start for sheep sales cliff for the reasons mentioned above and, while the early lambers are now in full swing, some horrendous stories of Schmallenberg appearing now, coupled with the terribly wet weather, the spring lambs will be lucky to arrive on time, let alone early this year. The supermarkets’ favourite cheap imported lamb has arrived, but given the dangers of transporting the stuff around a turbulent, war-torn world, I understand that it is unlikely to appear in massive quantities.
Stephen Dodsworth on worries ahead
T
his year has started strongly for us at Darlington in the sheep rostrum, numbers of both prime and store hoggs are exceeding last year’s levels despite what is surely a lack of sheep on the ground. The drought in the summer of 2022 resulted in some pretty ordinary scanning percentages and my fear was always that the sheep numbers by now would directly suffer.
40
Booming
Returns
Stephen Dodsworth
Thus far, it is not the case here in Darlington. Trade always finds them, it always has and seldom have we seen such high returns. Prime hoggs are trading at an unbelievable 100p/kg ahead of last year’s levels.
It is both deserved and needed by the producers, but as well we know, in farming that does not always count for much. The signs to me look promising for the hot trade to continue. Numbers will inevitably fall off a
| February 23, 2024
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So all things considered, the sheep trade looks good, the beef trade is also booming, yet still we are conducting flock and herd dispersal sales almost weekly. We also have more complete farm machinery dispersal sales to stage this year than ever before. Why is this? The nonsensical Government
herbal lay and tree planting schemes must carry significant blame. Land is now undoubtedly worth more to the owner if it is not producing food. As ridiculous as it seems, that is currently the situation we are seeing in the UK. You could not make it up, I could not make it up, good grief, Enid Blyton could not make it up and yet, somehow, the powers that be have made it up. Britain’s population is growing and its food producing area is shrinking. So, you do not need to be Isaac Newton to realise that unless the people who are putting the food on the table start to be properly rewarded, some very hungry days lie ahead. Stephen Dodsworth is a fieldsperson at Darlington Farmers Auction Mart. Call 01325 464 529, or email stephen@dfam.co.uk
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Call 01772 799500 and place your ad today Auctions H&H Group plc (H&H)
FARMSTOCK AUCTIONEERS, BROKERS & VALUERS BORDERWAY MART, CARLISLE Tel: 01228 406200
9 WHITEBRED SHORTHORN CATTLE
Monday 4th March Show and sale of
STORE CATTLE Also cast/feeding cows & OTM cattle also Special spring show and sale of
Friday 1st March
BEEF BREEDING CATTLE
Show 9.30am Sale 11.30am
Entries close 10am Monday 26th February
SALE OF 4901 SHARES OF £1 EACH IN H&H GROUP PLC BY AUCTION Wednesday 6th March 2024 at 12.00 noon In Ring 1 at Borderway Mart, Carlisle If you are unable to attend the auction you can make alternative arrangements to purchase shares either by phone or by leaving commission bids with Margaret Irving on 01228 406334, 07912 485326 or margaret.irving@hhgroupplc.co.uk Please note that copies of the Annual Report for the period to 30th June 2023 and Interim Report to 31st December 2023 will be available on our website at http://hhgroupplc.co.uk/share-news/
6 bulls and 3 females
66 GALLOWAY CATTLE Friday 1st March Show 10.00am Sale 12noon 51 pedigrees (10 bulls & 41 females) and 15 non-pedigrees (14 bulling heifers, 1 crossbred) Show and sale of
800 CONTINENTAL CROSS
MIDDLETON MART Tel: 01833 640281
STORE CATTLE Tuesday 12th March Entries close 10am Monday 4th March
ONLINE SALE
Evening Show Friday 1st March – 6.00pm
SALE OF MACHINERY, IMPLEMENTS & HEAVY PLANT items
Sale Saturday 2nd March – 9.00am
Sale bidding starts 10.00am
STORE CATTLE
Kindly sponsored by Sponsored by
Wednesday 6th March
AW Jenkinsons, Tynedale Farm Supplies,
until 10.00am Thursday 7th Marchonline entry
Tithebarn & R&J Mulholland Butchers
BORDERWAY MONTHLY DAIRY DAY Wednesday 6th March Entries close Wednesday 28th February Show and sale of
PEDIGREE LIMOUSIN CATTLE
form available on website – Entries close Wednesday 28th February or contact David Holliday 07710 189804, or Iain Dick 07713 599791 }Sale includes Dispersal sale of Farm Machinery,
SATURDAY 16TH MARCH
Equipment & Small Tools on behalf of Robin Hood
borderwaydairyexpo.uk
Farm, Bassenthwaite CA12 4RJ On Farm Viewing of lots Saturday 2nd March 11am - 3pm
Friday 3rd /Saturday 4th May
KIRKBY STEPHEN MART
Dispersal sale of
200 IN-LAMB SWALEDALE FEMALES
PRESENTATION EVENING Within Exhibition Hall Tickets now available £25 to include hot buffet Tel: 01228 406232
Entries close Monday 4th March
Tel: 01768 371385
Please note that only existing shareholders or restricted investors will be permitted to bid for these shares. If you are Interested in purchasing shares you should contact Margaret Irving to establish whether they meet the eligibility criteria under relevant legislation. Investments in shares are for the long term. The value of your investment and the income derived from it can go down as well as up and you may get back less than you originally invested. If you are in any doubt about purchasing shares, you should consult an independent financial advisor author-ised under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000. This financial promotion has been approved by SPARK Advisory Partners Limited (“SAPL”) under s21 of the Financial Services and Markets Act. SAPL is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. SAPL makes no recommendation as to the suitability of shares in H&H Group plc as an investment.
ONLINE SALE OF PEDIGREE DAIRY CATTLE, EMBRYO LOTS AND SEMEN Entries close Friday 23rd February Sale bidding starts Monday 11th March closing
on behalf of PE & KA Sowerby, Oakbank Farm
from 12noon Friday 15th March
Saturday 24th February – 2.30pm
Further details available on our website
PLEASE SCAN TO VIEW OUR ONLINE CATALOGUES
Visit www.harrisonandhetherington.co.uk or follow us on Facebook & Instragram
The Livestock Auctioneers Association A lifeline to choice CONTACT YOUR LOCAL LIVESTOCK MARKET AT www.laa.co.uk FGbuyandsell.com
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February 23, 2024 |
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FGBuyandSell.com Office: 01325 464529 E: info@dfam.co.uk
JOINT DISPERSAL SALE OF FARM MACHINERY Friday 1st March 2024 Hall Farm, Picklescott, Church Stretton, SY6 6NR
The Darlington Farmers Auction Mart Humbleton Park I Darlington I DL2 2XX
VEHICLES We are delighted to be instructed to conduct a Full Farm Dispersal On Behalf Of Mr M Jackson Brawnsden Farm, Crook Genuine sale due to retirement Sale Starts 10am Friday 1st March Viewing day Wednesday 28th February 1.30pm till 4pm
On instructions by Mr J. A. Brunt, Hall Farm Consisting of: 2010 New Holland TD5050 c/w Quickie Loader. 2012 Volkswagen Amarok Pickup Truck. 2009 Kawasaki Mule 4010. Plus a large amount of sheep handling equipment. Including dispersal from Mr J. J. G. Dale:2022 Valtra M115 Active. 2010 Same Explorer 3 – 100. AW 8ft Twin Axle Trailer. 2021 Flemming TR 6 Tonne Trailer. Also including a 2023 Morris Cattle Crush, Ferguson TED20 and Nuffield 3/42 tractors. Live and Online Via Marteye Contact: David Giles – 07855 250787 • Henry Hyde – 07398 137343
DISPERSAL SALE OF FARM MACHINERY Saturday 2nd March 2024 Overfields Farm, Ellesmere Road, Wem, Shrewsbury, SY4 5TU
2009 JCB 536.60 Loadall 5928 hours (will increase before sale) LOLER certificate expires February 2025 1992 New holland TX36 combine with 20ft header Paul Gentry Mark Dent 2008 JCB 3CX site master 5500 hours (will increase before sale) Auctioneer/Director Chairman LOLER certificate expires February 2025 07940 330907 07711 198641 2017 Case puma 150 1175 hours (will increase before sale) Stephen Dodsworth Scott Ferrie 2011 Case puma 140 3280 hours (will increase before sale) Auctioneer/Director Fieldsperson Ride On Lawnmower
07557 260653
On Instruction of G. M. Dickens & Son to Include: Matrbo Terex T250. MF 4225 4WD. 2 x MF 135’s. Variety of implements and workshop tools. Contact: David Giles – 07855 250787 • Henry Hyde – 07398 137343
SHREWSBURY AUCTION CENTRE “BLUEGENES GENES” SALE OF PEDIGREE BULLS BLUE
SATURDAY 6TH AND HEIFERS MARCH 2021 Saturday March SHOW & SALE2nd OF 29
22 Head on BRITISH Behalf of BLUE the British Blue & British PEDIGREE Blonde Cattle Societies, BULLS AND HEFIERS, plus a Limousin Bull Stock from leading hi health herds catalogue online. inc EMBRYO PACKAGES from leadingAuction herds Centre inc SY4 3DR Shrewsbury Barleyclose, Delhorn, Show 9am - Sale 11am Graymar, Littlewood, Newpole, Old Stackyard, St Clements, Stoneleigh, Trencrom, Ty Isaf, Ruthall. Also 3 PEDIGREE LIMOUSIN 01588 638755 BULLS from Dinmore & Twemlows Herds bishopscastle@hallsgb.com AT SHREWSBURY AUCTION CENTRE SY4 3DR hallsgb.com/auctions Show at 9.00am - Sale at 11am
42
BISHOPS | February 23, 2024 CASTLE AUCTION Thursday 4th MARCH 2021
p042.indd 42
A Prize Sale of Store Cattle for the Andrew
07946 514154
FIELD ITEMS Daniel Lynn Tracey Gilhespy Vaderstad Rapid 300s Seed Dril,2.5m Power Harrow, 3m Power Auctioneer Fieldsperson Harrow, Kuhn Axis 30.1 Fertiliser Spreader, Weeks Tipping 07867 974688 07887 653442 Trailer, Major Slurry-Vac 1100 Tanker,10t Tipping Trailer, Opico 555xl Grain Dryer, 10T Hopper, 10T Dump Trailer, Vaderstad Carrier 425, Vaderstad Cambridge Rollers ,4 Furrow Kvernerland Reversible Plough,Knight 2000L Trailed Sprayer, Allman Sprayer, Ifor Williams twin axle plant trailer 20,000L Rain Water Collection System, Shelbourne Reynolds Pick Up Header, Strimech Grain Bucket, 100m- Core 16mm Armoured Cable, Kuhn VKM 240 Flail Mower , Bomford B508 Hedge Cutter , Grays Flat Roller, Indespension Twin Axle Plant Trailer, Qty Stone , Crate Of Slate, Concrete Pipes, Qty of Digger Buckets, Yard Brush ,Man Basket , Wagon Body/Container ,Wessex CR Series Mower , Grain Pusher, Grader, Hay Racks, Tipping Skip ,Water Tanks, Road Plates Dual Wheels, Stone Flags, Spring Tine Cultivator, Pz 270A Mower, Kvernerland Three Leg Subsoiler, Various Diesel Tanks, Bird Scarer, Palisade Fencing, 4x4 are recommended. Scott Ferrie Rebecca wilson Office Auctioneer 07593975163 01325 464529 07557 260653
Oliver Chapman Auctioneer 07887 653442
Tracey Gilhespy Fieldsperson 07867 974688
Megan Dowson Trainee Auctioneer 07471 823606
Stephen Dodsworth Fieldsperson 07946 514154
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SHREWSBURY AUCTION CENTRE
Auctions
Buttington Cross, Buttington, Welshpool, Powys SY21 8SR
T: 01938 553438 F: 01938 554607
Bakewell Market Results - Monday 19th February
www.welshpoolsmithfield.co.uk SATURDAY 24TH FEBRUARY Live On-site Machinery Sale Collective Sale of Vehicles, Trailers, Implements, Livestock/Workshop Equipment etc. 800 lots, with Machinery also sold on ibidder.com Sale to commence at 10am TUESDAY 27TH FEBRUARY Sale of Store Cattle Sale to commence at 10am
600
SATURDAY 27th APRIL Sale of Pedigree Bulls & Females on behalf of: British Charolais Cattle Society Salers Cattle Society And British Blonde Cattle Society Entries now required
BISHOPS CASTLE SHREWSBURY AUCTION CENTRE AUCTION
Store Cattle Entries for Monday 26th February Please call the Bakewell Office on 23rd February before 12 Noon Call 01629 812777 Watch the livestreamed cattle sales on www.streaming.auctionmarts.com ********************** THURSDAY LUNCHTIME WEEKLY SHEEP SALE Entries/Enquiries, contact Peter Oven: peter.oven@bagshaws.com or 07973 982443 Or Ivor Lowe: ivor.lowe@bagshaws.com or 07977 449126 Follow on Facebook for up to date details on Special Entries *********************** A Date for your Diary: Friday 15th March: HPLS Store Cattle Sale Tel: 01629 812777
www.bagshaws.com
The Livestock
BENTHAM AUCTION MART
Auctioneers Association
THURSDAY 29TH FEBRUARY 2024
A lifeline
BLUE PRIZEGENES SALE OF STORE CATTLE
SATURDAY 6TH To include a Show Potential Show and Sale MARCH 2021
to choice
Sale commences SHOW & SALE OF 29 10.30am PEDIGREE BRITISH SPONSORED BY BLUE FARMERS GUARDIAN BULLS AND HEFIERS, Catalogues/Enquiries: 01588 638639 inc EMBRYO PACKAGES from01588 leading herds inc 638755 Barleyclose, Delhorn, bishopscastle@hallsgb.com Graymar, Littlewood, Newpole, Old Stackyard, St Clements, hallsgb.com/auctions Stoneleigh, Trencrom, Ty Isaf, Ruthall. Also 3 PEDIGREE LIMOUSIN BULLS from Dinmore & Twemlows Herds AT SHREWSBURY AUCTION CENTRE SY4 3DR Show at 9.00am - Sale at 11am
BISHOPS ...Yorkshire’sCASTLE Friendly Mart AUCTION WEDNESDAY 28TH FEBRUARY
687 Cattle & 959 Sheep - Full report available on our website
CONTACT YOUR LOCAL LIVESTOCK MARKET AT www.laa.co.uk
PEDIGREE PEDIGREE LIVESTOCK LIVESTOCK SS EE R M II TT EE DD RV V II C CES LIM
Thursday 4th 2021 400 Prime Cattle 410MARCH Prime Sheep 175 Prime Pigs
A Prize Sale of Store Cattle for the Andrew Pigs 9am Sheep 9.45am CattleBY 10.30am Edwards Cup. SPONSORED FARMERS GAURDIAN. Sale commences 10.30am
Wespecialise specialise working working in We in partnership partnershipwith with Livestock Societies Societies providing providing aa bespoke Livestock bespoke support service. support service. 01743 462620 (Shrewsbury) 01588 638639 (Bishops Castle) 150 Breeding & Store Cattle of all classes inc
SATURDAY 2ND MARCH
market@hallsgb.com 2 Lim Hfrs, 10mths, I Wilkinson hallsgb.com/auctions
Store & Breeding Sheep inc 120 Store & Breeding Pigs
Pigs 9am Sheep 9.45am Cattle 10.45am Entries Welcomed Contact Office for Details Contact Office for Details MART OFFICE: 01757 703347 MART OFFICE: 01757 703347 RICHARDHAIGH: HAIGH 07768 07768 594535 RICHARD 594535 www.selbymart.co.uk www.selbymart.co.uk FGbuyandsell.com
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SUPPORT – we can support recognised Livestock SUPPORT – we can support recognised Livestock Societies with their day to day administrative work and Societies with their day to day administrative work and support. support. DELIVER – we can deliver and assist with your DELIVER – we canoffer deliver and your requirements as we over 150assist yearswith combined requirements as we offer over years combined experience in the livestock and 150 agricultural industry. experience in the livestock and agricultural industry. MANAGE – we can manage everything from MANAGE – we support, can manage everything from administrative registrations, annual administrative support, registrations, annual publications, catalogue work, promotions, equine publications, catalogue promotions, passports, meetingwork, and event support.equine passports, meeting and event support.
Holme House, Dale, Ainstable, Carlisle CA4 9RH
Holme House,e: Dale, Ainstable, Carlisle CA4 9RH t: 07801 868856 info@pedigreelivestockservices.co.uk t: 07801 868856 e: info@pedigreelivestockservices.co.uk
015242 61444 - Sale Days 61246 Stephen 07713 075 661 Greg 07713 075 664 Will 07590 876 849 www.benthamauction.co.uk
Tuesday 27th February at 11am
1200 IN LAMB BREEDING SHEEP
600 Swaledales, 400 Mules, 200 Texel x & Others
Entries inc. Flock Dispersals on behalf of P & C Charnley 90 Swaledale 2-4 Shr Ewes due April 1st to BFL & for C Gibson & Son 300 Swaledale 2-4 Crop Ewes due 22nd March to BFL Reductions RM Wilson 80 Swale 2-4 Crop due April 1st Annual Consignments J Nutter 70 Swale due April to BFL, JC Wade 80 Mule & 30 Swale due April, T Crick 150 Mule Shlgs & 150 1-2 Crop Ewes due March 28th Followed by at approx. 12.30pm 1250 STORE HOGGS Wednesday 28th February 10.30am I’Anson Dairy Day Show & Sale of 30 Newly Calved Cows & Hfrs followed by 12 Pedigree Bulling Hfrs from J & N Young, Youngbro Holsteins 11am 100-150 REARING CALVES 11.30am 50-100 SHEEP WITH LAMBS AT FOOT 2.30pm 2000 Cast Ewes followed by 2500-3500 Prime Hoggs Tuesday 5th March MARCH SHOW & SALE OF STORE CATTLE Annual Special Sale of Bulling Heifers Monthly Sale of Suckler Breeding Cattle Tuesday 12th March In Lamb Breeding Sheep Fortnightly Sale of Store Hoggs Tuesday 19th March March Show & Sale of Farmers Stirks & Young Stores Wednesday 20th March Easter Spring Lamb Show & Supreme Hogg Competiton Saturday 23rd March Spring Collective Sale of Farm Machinery & Equipment Entries Invited. Contact Will on 07590 876849
RTS Richard Turner & Son AUCTIONEERS VALUERS & ESTATE AGENTS
Est 1803
www.pedigreelivestockservices.co.uk www.pedigreelivestockservices.co.uk February 23, 2024 |
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21/02/2024 14:07:46
FGBuyandSell.com SKIPTON AUCTION MART
Tel: 01756 792375 www.ccmauctions.com
Auctioneers: Jeremy Eaton - 07747 780481 Ted Ogden - 07855 958211 Kyle Hawksworth - 07538 539077 Rob Cloughton 07496 278828
Monday 26th February SALE OF REARING CALVES Sale 10.30am PRIME, CAST & FEEDING CATTLE Sale 11.30am (TB exempt section available) SALE OF PRIME HOGGS Sale 12.30pm followed by CAST EWES Weekly Sale of INLAMB EWES, EWES WITH LAMBS at FOOT & STORE SHEEP Sale 11.30am (Entries to the office by Friday for Online Catalogue) Wednesday 28th February Sale of 130 FEEDING BULLS 10.00am followed by 10 PRIME CATTLE, 50 BEEF FEEDING COWS & 350 STORE HEIFERS & BULLOCKS BREEDING CATTLE 12.30pm Main Ring Saturday 16th March LIVESTOCK SALE Sale of STIRKS, WEANED/SUCKLED CALVES, BREEDING & CULL GOATS, STORE & BREEDING SHEEP (ent by Monday 11th March)
Auctions
GISBURN AUCTION MARTS Auctioneers, Valuers, Agents Tom Greenow - Market Manager 01200445376 Rachel Capstick 07713075659 Jack Pickup 07710708326 Eleanor O’Neill 07706347505 Matthew Middleton 07860659803 Saturday 24 February 9.30am WEEKLY CAST SHEEP & PRIME HOGGS Enquiries to Matthew Middleton 10.00am 15 BREEDING & FEEDING CATTLE, followed by 83 YOUNG BULLS, HEAD 268 STORE STEERS & HEIFERS
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catalogue online now. Enquiries to Jack Pickup
Thursday 29 February 10.30am PRIME BEEF inc Month End show followed by CULL CATTLE 10.30am REARING CALVES 11.00am WEEKLY DAIRY CATTLE
Saturday 2 March 9.30am WEEKLY CAST SHEEP & PRIME HOGGS 10.30am SHEEP WITH LAMBS, IN-LAMB, STORES Entries please by 12noon Tuesday 27th
Tuesday 5 March MONTHLY MACHINERY SALE entries to the office for pre-advertising please all entries accepted in the yard Monday 4th 8am to 2pm
Thursday 7 March 10.30am PRIME & CULL CATTLE 10.30am REARING CALVES 11.00am DUGDALE NUTRITION with LELY LONGTOWN SHOW & SALE OF DAIRY
Saturday 9 March 9.30am WEEKLY CAST SHEEP & PRIME HOGGS 10.00am BREEDING & STORE CATTLE 10.30am SHEEP WITH LAMBS & IN LAMB SHEEP Auctioneers always on hand to discuss how best to market your stock. Dispersals and reductions catered for; whether it be livestock or machinery, please feel free to contact our knowledgable and aproachable team.
www.gisburnauctions.com | 01200 445376
Brockholes Arms Auction Mart
Claughton On Brock, Preston PR3 0PH
01995 640280 www.garstangmart.co.uk Auctioneer: Ian Atkinson 07944 237516 11.00 a.m. Saturday 24th February 2024 “BROCKHOLES BEST OF BRITISH” SALE OF 55 NATIVE PEDIGREE BREEDING BULLS & FEMALES Consisting of 11 Ped Aberdeen Angus Bulls & 25 Ped Aberdeen Angus Females 7 Ped Hereford Bulls, 9 Ped Hereford Females See website for catalogue Tuesday 27th February, 2024 9.00 a.m. 750 Prime Hoggs & 180 Cast Ewes/Tups 10.30 a.m. Sale of 100 Store Cattle 11.30 a.m. 60/80 Rearing Calves, Weanlings & Stirks Wednesday 28th February, 2024 10.30 a.m. OTM Sale & TB Exempt Cattle Tuesday 5th March, 2024 Opening Sale of Sheep with Lambs at Foot The Livestock Auctioneers Association A lifeline to choice CONTACT YOUR LOCAL LIVESTOCK MARKET AT www.laa.co.uk
Dairy Cattle Monday 4th March Show & Sale of DAIRY CATTLE Monday 18th March Show & Sale of DAIRY CATTLE Entries and Enquiries to Sarah 07710 795585 Working Sheep Dogs
SHOW & SALE OF 18 BRITISH BLUE CATTLE
10 BULLS & 8 FEMALES
Friday 1st March FIELD SALE OF 55 WORKING SHEEP DOGS (48 Field Dogs & 7 Pen Dogs) Sale 10.00am Internet Bidding available
From: Blue Mist; Hawthorn; Trencrom; Dymond Blue; Rhymil and Delhorn Herds
Tuesday 12th March ONLINE TIMED AUCTION OF WORKING SHEEPDOGS (Entries close Tuesday 5th March)
Show 9am Sale at 11am
Claiming Dates ON FARM SALES – CRAVEN AREA SATURDAY 4TH MAY TUESDAY 21ST MAY SATURDAY 28TH SEPTEMBER
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Saturday 2nd March 2024 SHREWSBURY MARKET
OTHER SOCIETY SPRING SALES Dungannon 22nd March • Melton Mowbray 23rd March Worcester 27th April • Carlisle 11th May THE BRITISH BLUE CATTLE SOCIETY • 01768 870522 • info@britishbluecattle.org • www.britishbluecattle.org FGbuyandsell.com FGinsight.com
21/02/2024 15:40:34
Call 01772 799500 and place your ad today Auctions
If you are missing going to your weekly auction market, then simply browse from home through listings from your auctioneers and private advertisers.
PATELEY BRIDGE AUCTION MART TOMORROW SATURDAY 24TH FEBRUARY Sale of 30-35 OTM, Prime & Cattle 190 Store Cattle Inc. Prize Show & Sale of Show Potential Cattle 31 Haltered Calves & 20-25 Un-Haltered Calves Sale at 11am BROUGHTON AUCTION MART TUESDAY 27TH FEBRUARY Sale of 180 Cattle 8-10 OTM Cattle 1 Cow & Calf & Limousin Bull Prize Show & Sale of 28 Feeding Bulls & 140 Store Cattle ***PLEASE NOTE SALE AT 10AM*** www.barnardcastleauctionmart.co.uk Libby Bell Auctioneer on 07818 435728
Farmers Guardian has a rich history of connecting buyers with sellers, FGBuyandSell.com offers you a new and improved route to market.
Browse. Sell. Buy at FGBuyandSell.com UPCOMING LEEDS, UK AUCTION 6th - 9th March 2024 @ 8.00am Roall Lane, Kellington, Nr Goole, Leeds, DN14 0NY | +44 1977 662 255
2019 JCB FASTRAC 4220 - choice
2019 New Holland T7.260
2013 Massey Ferguson 5610
2017 Schäffer 9660T (775 Hours)
2020 Scania R500XT 6x4 - choice
2019 Volvo FH500 6x4 - choice
2013 Land Rover 110XS
2023 Volkswagen Amarok
ACCESS A GLOBAL AUDIENCE LIKE NO OTHER, CONSIGN TODAY! George Goodwin: +44 7436 035 479 Jim Malia: +44 7738 457 496
Chris Rankin: +44 7739 641 518 Chris Osborne: +44 7769 204 732
David Betts: +44 7834 600 040 Dermot O’Connor: +44 7741 906 132
Neil Sanders: +44 7821 090 500 Rikki Edwards: +44 7442 755 785
www.euroauctions.com
FGbuyandsell.com
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FGBuyandSell.com Auctions
FARM MACHINERY DISPERSAL SALE Thursday 7th March 2024 at 10.30 a.m. Terrington St Clement, Nr Kings Lynn
ON FARM DISPERSAL SALE BY AUCTION OF QUALITY GRASSLAND & LIVESTOCK MACHINERY On joint instructions from Peter Findlay (Retiring), Stooprigg Farm, Simonburn, Hexham, NE48 3AU.
Genuine Dispersal Sale including 5 Tractors, Combine, 2 Teleporters, Site Digger, Pick Up Truck, Cultivation Eqpt, Miscellaneous Etc.
Machinery and Equipment including:
2011 John Deere T550 Combine, 2019 New HollandT7 195S, 2013 New HollandT6 175, 2003 New Holland TS115, 2007 New Holland TL1200A, 1999 New Holland 8360, 1987 JCB Sitemaster3CX digger, 2007 Manitou MLT 735-120 teleporter, 2007 VW Touran TDI, 2015 Mitsubishi L200 Pick-up Truck, 2013 Toyota Pick-up Truck, 2009 New Holland LM5060 Tele-Loader, 2012 Richard Western SF14 Trailer, 2x Ken Wootton 10T trailers, 1996 Dowdeswell DP120 Plough, Berthoud Racer Trailed Sprayer, Maschio Power Harrow, Hydraulic Yard brush, Sulky X40+ twin disc fertiliser spreader, Simba Express Cultivator, Blythe 3 leg Subsoiler, Nordsten 3m Combination Drill, Etc.
Equipment and Miscellaneous including: 2010 Opico 555 Excel mobile drier, Reco Ferri ZMTE 2000 Offset Mower, Kubota F2400 4wd mower, Toro 72” Diesel Cylinder Mower, Wheels & Tryes, Workshop Equipment, Spares, Miscellaneous Items, Etc.
Tractors & Quads: Claas Arion 440 tractor, reg AW19 FRV, 604 hrs, c/w Quicke Q4S loader. International 574 tractor (1976). Honda TRX520 quad (2023), 380 hrs (as new). Honda Foreman 500 quad (2015), 1,354 hrs. Trailers: Stewart CX18FT trailer c/w Stewart GX32CF cattle box (both 2019). Stewart GX13-17SS trailer with silage sides (2015). Richard Western 11T trailer with silage sides (2004), Implements/ Machinery: Abbey 2250R tanker (2012). Lely Storm P300 Profi trailed forager (2017). Lemkin Zirkon8 3m power harrow (2018 - as new). KRM M2Plus fertiliser spreader (2016). Spread-a-Bale Midi (2018). Hustler bale unwinder. Rollers. Jar-Met 1000L sprayer. Oxdale road leveller. Bale squeezer. Kvern. 5F conv. plough. Front and rear bale spikes. Livestock & General Equipment: ATV snacker & sprayer. ATV trailers x2. Harlequin 5000FS Fuel Station. MTB Log splitter (2020). IAE cattle crush. Cattle/sheep gates. Troughs & feeders. Lister clippers x2. Stone troughs. Small tools, spares and sundries etc. Full listing and further images on websites.
SALE DATE; 10.30AM, SATURDAY 9TH MARCH 2024 Further Information Available at: www.crusowilkin.co.uk
i-bidder.com
Alex Ison at The Estate Office, Church Farm Hillington PE31 6DH
ai@crusowilkin.co.uk | 01553 691691
PLEASE NOTE - THIS WILL BE A LIVE AUCTION SALE WITH AN ADDITIONAL ON-LINE BIDDING FACILITY AVAILABLE USING THE ‘MART EYE’ BIDDING PLATFORM. Enquiries to Richard Brown 07974 706 133 or Chris Armstrong 07808 721 957
LIVE ONSITE & ONLINE AUCTION at Vaughan Plant Haulage Ltd., Denham, Uxbridge UB9 4DG
ONSITE & ONLINE AUCTION
RUISLIP PLANT HIRE LTD
VAUGHAN PLANT HAULAGE LTD
SATURDAY 23RD MARCH - STARTING AT 10:00AM
Caterer in attendance and we strongly recommend that you register to bid at least 48hrs prior to the sale to ensure your account is live before the start of the auction
RUISLIP PLANT HIRE LTD
VAUGHAN PLANT HAULAGE LTD
FLEET RENEWAL
UNRESERVED
2020 Putzmeister BSA
2020 Betonstar 14.90
2021 Putzmeister BSA
2004 Schwing SW1250
2019 Putzmeister BSA
2020 Putzmeister SP20 THF (PH9 TCL)
2109 H D5 Concrete Pump 1409 D5 Concrete Pump
1409 HP D Concrete Pump
5 Axle Extendable Semi Low Loader Trailer
Concrete Pump
4 Axle Extendable Semi Low Loader Trailer
2022 Toyota Land Cruiser 2.8 D4-D Active Commercial
2021 Putzmeister SP25 DHF
(Choice of 5)
4x4, Alloy Wheels, Climate Control, 35,223 Miles
Flow Screed Pump
2021 & 2020 Putzmeister BSA
2018 Scania S650 V8 Euro 6
(Choice of 3)
1006 D5 Concrete Pump
2020 Putzmeister BSA
2019 & 2018 Putzmeister SP11 TMR
(Choice of 2)
(Choice of 7)
(Choice of 11)
6x2 Tractor Unit, 72 Tonne Plated, Highline Cab
2018 Scania R580 V8 Euro 6
Grout Pump
6x2 Tractor Unit, 72 Tonne Plated, Topline Cab
25 Concrete Mixer / Agitator Barrels Schwing, McPhee, Putzmeister, Hymix, CIFA & Others
6x4 Tractor Unit, 150 Tonne Plated, Topline Cab
2020 MAN TGE 3.180
1994 Sumitomo SC500-2
(Choice of 2)
Loadall 533-105 T4i IIIB Telehandler
1005 D5 Concrete Pump
(Choice of 12)
2016 Faymonville Max 100
3 Axle Extendable Semi Low Loader Trailer
(Choice of 4)
1407 D4 Concrete Pump
1005 D3B C Concrete Pump
2018 Faymonville Multimax
Flow Screed Pump
2019 Putzmeister BSA
2020, 2018 & 2017 Putzmeister BSA
2019 Faymonville Multimax
Concrete Pump
2019 CIFA PC 506/309 D5LP Concrete Pump (Choice of 3)
7m3, 8m3, 10m3 & 12m3 MWB Panel Van, Auto, A/C
2015 Scania R580 V8 Euro 6 2001 Volvo FH12 Version 1 6x2 Tractor Unit, Sleeper Cab Lattice Boom Crawler Crane
2014 JCB
For further information on this auction, to pre-register or to book a viewing, please call Jonathan Earp on 01302 732602 or 07745716007
www.cva-auctions.co.uk
Farmers Guardian 270224 - DM240009.indd 1
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FGbuyandsell.com FGinsight.com
21/02/2024 11:59:17
Call 01772 799500 and place your ad today Auctions
THE PREES PLANT, AGRICULTURAL, TRUCK & TRAILER AUCTION Saturday 2nd March 2024, 9.00am
Viewing: Thursday 29th February / Friday 1st March 9am – 4pm
Hangar 2, Prees Airfield, A41, Prees, Shropshire, SY13 2JL
11am Prompt - Parcels of Equipment Due to Liquidation & Company Closures, Plus Manufacturer Part Exchange Parcel.
Ring 1 – Buckets Followed by Construction Plant, Agricultural, Vintage & Misc Equipment Ring 2 – Skips & Bins Followed by Trailers, Tractor Units, Skip Loaders, Hook Loaders & Tippers
Business Development Manager
FURTHER ITEMS BEING ADDED DAILY
Visit our website for full details or contact Charlie Foyle, Chris Hanmer or Debbie Ormerod. FREE ONLINE BIDDING AVAILABLE
01948 667700 www.malcolmharrison.co.uk auctions@malcolmharrison.co.uk
All overseas buyers & buyers not known to the auctioneer must lodge a refundable deposit of car10% of expected spend, £1000 minimum, on registration by cash/credit/debit card.
Since 1844, the brands of Agriconnect have been the trusted source of information for farmers and with brands like Farmers Guardian, events, like LAMMA and Farm Business Innovation, and digital platforms, like FG Insights, Agriconnect continues to bring together the British farming community.
Acklington - Morpeth - Northumberland - NE65 9BU Acklington- -Morpeth Morpeth--Northumberland Northumberland -- NE65 Acklington NE65 9BU 9BU
THE ROLE:
COLLECTIVE MACHINERY SALE COLLECTIVE MACHINERY MACHINERY SALE COLLECTIVE SALE SATURDAY 10.00AM SATURDAY2ND 2ND MARCH MARCH --10.00AM
• •
ASHLEY WALLER AUCTIONEERS HORTICULTURE
9.30am Every Wednesday and from 7th March 5pm every Thursday evening Entries include bare rooted trees, shrubs, bedding plants, logs etc..
FURNITURE
Next Sale 28th & 29th February
PRODUCE
Every Monday at 12.30pm
MACHINERY
Next Sale Tuesday 12th March - Entries already include New Holland 6030, Kuhn SC314D Mower, Keenan MechFIBER 320 Feeder Wagon. (Last sale 1764 lots)
info@ashleywaller.co.uk www.ashleywaller.co.uk www.easyliveauction.com
Our brands reach deeply into all the major agricultural sectors arable, dairy, livestock, agricultural machinery, finance and equipment
FGbuyandsell.com
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CONTACT YOUR LOCAL LIVESTOCK MARKET AT www.laa.co.uk
Buyers Premium Andrew Brown 07818 55 25 55 - Mart Office 01670 760 331
A lifeline to choice
Buyers BuyersPremium Premium Andrew 01670760 760331 331 AndrewBrown Brown07818 0781855 5525 2555 55 -- Mart Mart Office 01670
The Livestock Auctioneers Association
SATURDAY 2ND MARCH - 10.00AM
SALE INCLUDES PART FARMDISPERSALS DISPERSALS SALE INCLUDESSEVERAL SEVERAL PART PART FARM FARM SALE INCLUDES SEVERAL DISPERSALS View on line at : www.acklingtonmart.co.uk (Gallery Page) View on line at : www.acklingtonmart.co.uk Page) View on line at : www.acklingtonmart.co.uk (Gallery (Gallery Page)
Agriconnect is a business unit within the Arc network, a global events, data, and media platform. Arc is a fast-growing global events, data, and media platform with a varied portfolio content led portals, magazines, and events.
• • •
We are now looking for a motivated and driven salesperson to join our Sales team. The main function of the role is to develop business through growth in revenue, yield, and to increase customer numbers. You will be required to identify new opportunities and influence companies’ media buying habits within the agricultural sector. Due to the ever-changing nature of the industry, this person will have the ability to spot new avenues and exploit market trends. Hours: 35 hours per week – Mon – Fri Location: Preston – temporary hybrid remote Salary: Competitive, dependant on experience.
SKILLS & EXPERIENCE: • • • • • • • • • •
Own, support and fully develop specific market sectors Conduct sales presentations by telephone, email or face to face to existing and prospective clients in order to develop existing business and generate new business wherever possible. Advise existing and new customers on the most effective solution to meet client needs within the Agriconnect portfolio. Continually seek and develop new sales & opportunities. Ability to accurately forecast future sales Keep abreast of all current trends, activities and relevant news within agriculture and specific sector An interest in agriculture Highly motivated & driven, with an ability to meet ambitious performance goals Be enthusiastic and motivated to continually explore new opportunities, whilst possessing a natural inquisitive nature Excellent communication written and interpersonal skills
We offer an excellent package including: • • • • • •
A competitive basic salary 25 days holiday increasing to 27 after two years An extra day off on your birthday Free life assurance Contributory pension scheme Employee assistance programme
Arc has ambitious plans for growth, and this is an opportunity to be part of our continuing success story whilst enjoying a fabulous work/life balance. We strive to create a culture that is open and respectful, where differences are valued and celebrated. We want everyone to be able to reach their full potential, so we are committed to cultivating a company that promotes inclusion and belonging.
To apply for this role, please email amber.tabiner@agriconnect.com
February 23, 2024 |
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FGBuyandSell.com Brand new website Visit jobs.farmersguardian.com for the latest job vacancies in agriculture
Arable Farm Manager A 2,000Ha family run agricultural business in the Northeast of Scotland, farmed by an extensive range of agriculture machinery and equipment. The candidate must hold strong people management skills to lead a permanent team of 10, as well as seasonal staff. The successful candidate should have experience, knowledge and a strong interest in large scale arable farm management. Including mechanical planting, harvesting, irrigating, cultivating and storage of our farming enterprise produce including grain, potatoes, and bulbs. They should have enthusiasm to address future challenges and suggest and implement modern farming methods and technology to constantly better the business. Responsible for planning crop rotations, and the purchase of farm inputs and sale of farm produce. The candidate will be forward thinking and hold good problemsolving skills. Full driving licence, agriculture machinery and basic maintenance experience is essential. Ensure health & safety compliance and create a positive H&S culture. A competitive package will be offered dependant on experience, company vehicle and family home are available for the right candidate. Flexible working hours and patterns dependant on busy periods. To apply, please send your CV to Serena@slainspark.com.
John I Forbes & Partner, Slains Park Farm, Kinneff, Angus, DD10 0SY.
TW CATTLE SERVICES Stranraer, Dumfries and Galloway Our requirements: • A previous agricultural background • Full UK driving licence • Previous AI experience is an advantage, but full training will be provided for the right candidates Competitive rumination package including company vehicle, phone and competitive salary
FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CALL 07453 273213 For more information on any of these vacancies or to see all our current roles, PLEASE GO TO: JOBSINAGRICULTURE.COM
GENERAL FARM WORKER REQUIRED
for family run dairy, beef and sheep farm in Kendal, South Cumbria. Full or part time hours considered, can be flexible, varied role including milking, livestock and tractor work, experience is essential. No accommodation.
Tel: 07976 884168
LKL’s CURRENT VACANCIES
We currently have a wide range of positions available nationwide to include:• Tractor Driver/Stockman, South Leicestershire, 650 cows • Herdsperson, Cumbria, 300 cows • Herd Manager, West Sussex, 135 cows Relief Herdspersons Nationwide LKL provides the perfect solution for finding the very best herd carers and managers. Visit our website for a full list of our current vacancies.
Web: www.lklservices.co.uk Tel: 01722 323546
Published March 1, 2024 Advertising opportunities now available in our
CAREERS SPECIAL Get your brand seen by decision makers, influencers, farm owners and managers!
REGENERATE OUTCOMES LTD Remote; West Midlands, East Anglia or South West England based Job title: Area Sales Manager Location: Remote; West Midlands, East Anglia or South West based Renumeration: Competitive salary package Hours: 1 day per week (0.2 FTE), flexible hours Closing date: 15th March 2024 Regenerate Outcomes (RO) support British farms to improve soil health. We are the leading UK provider of regenerative agriculture education through our collaboration with Understanding Ag, who deliver bespoke farm mentoring. We also enable farmers to earn revenues for the environmental benefits they are delivering, by monitoring and verifying environmental outcomes such as carbon credits.
FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CALL 07453 273213 For more information on any of these vacancies or to see all our current roles, please go to: JobsInAgriculture.com 48
| February 23, 2024
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Speak to Katie O’Hagan today 01772 799 454 | katie.ohagan@farmersguardian.com FGbuyandsell.com FGinsight.com
21/02/2024 14:38:07
Call 01772 799500 and place your ad today Brand new website Visit jobs.farmersguardian.com for the latest job vacancies in agriculture
Recruiter Spotlight Recruiter National Milk Records PLC
Latest jobs from National Milk Records PLC About Us
It’s an amazing time for you to join the NMR team as we continue to enhance and progress our business. Since its formation in 1997 and subsequent flotation in 2006 as a plc, NMR has grown and developed into an integrated service provider, working for farmers and milk buyers, as well as being an independent source of data for advisors including vets, farm consultants and breed societies. Our Strategic Plan and Core Values are embedded in our organisation and are the framework of the daily activity.
Working for us Working at NMR is so much more than just a job! We offer a wide range of career opportunities, particularly to those who are attracted to the ever-changing and modernising farming industry. Our teams are dedicated in providing high levels of value and customer service. We do this by both retaining our existing experienced people and by attracting and developing the next generation people. As an employer, we are committed to providing opportunities to:
Area Field Manager (North Wales)
The role may involve supporting and providing the robot shuttle hire service in terms of organising, transporting, setting up, taking down, cleaning and storage of robot shuttles. This role will be salaried and will be home based. Your weekly hours will be flexible to allow early morning starts/late evenings and milking patterns of customers. Driving will be a significant aspect of the role. You will need to be located within the area or willing to relocate. You will be provided with the relevant equipment to undertake the role including a choice of company van or car. Location: Closes: Job Sector: Contract Type: Salary:
North Wales (GB) 9 Mar 2024 Dairy Permanent £32,844.21
NML Account Manager (9 Month Maternity Cover)
The NML Account Manager is a 9 Months Maternity Cover position and will be part of a team responsible for managing the provision of payment testing services to milk purchasers. NML places huge emphasis on the quality of its service provision through which it differentiates itself from competitors. The role of the account manager is critical in this regard, ensuring that key clients are completely satisfied with the service provided by NML and are kept fully aware of the full range of offerings from NML and the wider NMR Group. The role is UK homebased, but you maybe required to travel from time to time for meetings Hours of Work: Monday to Friday, 37 hours per week. Location: Closes: Job Sector: Contract Type: Salary:
Homebased 29 Feb 2024 Dairy Contract £22,560.23
For more information on any of these vacancies or to see all our current roles, please go to: JobsInAgriculture.com
FGbuyandsell.com
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Recruiter Spotlight Christopher Murray Latest jobs from Christopher Murray Commercial Manager - Pharmaceutical Venom - United Arab Emirates Our client - a respected and exciting UAE based biotech company is seeking a highly skilled, highly motivated and highly experienced individual to join their senior team as commercial manager. The well funded and resourced company is a leading specialist in snake and scorpion venom extraction and the production of peptides, toxins, enzymes and proteins derived from venom. With a core set of values and strong vision, the business aims to be at the leading edge in their sector through utilising technology, having exceptional management at all levels and by being agile and adaptable to the demands of the market. As Commercial Manager you will be responsible for leading and executing the sales and marketing strategies for the company and the role requires a deep understanding of the pharmaceutical and biotech industries coupled with excellent communication skills and a track record of commercialisation and business development. Location: Closes: Job Sector: Contract Type: Salary:
United Arab Emirates (AE) 9 Mar 2024 Dairy Permanent Excellent salary plus benefits
Livestock Chief Operating Officer (Multi Species) - United Arab Emirates Our client - a respected and exciting UAE based investment company is seeking a highly skilled, highly motivated and highly experienced individual to join their senior executive team as Chief Operating Officer for livestock. The well resourced company, founded in 2019, has seen exceptional but sustainable and profitable growth in its portfolio and has multiple brands, businesses and interests across the Middle East, Africa and Asia - all within the agri food sector and across multiple disciplines of agriculture. As COO for livestock you will be the key executive responsible for overseeing the efficient and effective operation of a diverse portfolio, which includes poultry & bird farms, wild animal facilities, dog kennels, sheep, and goat farms, as well as dairy farms, each spread across multiple regional and global locations. This role involves strategic planning, execution, and optimisation of all activities related to the livestock operations, ensuring efficiency, profitability, and adherence to industry standards. Location: Closes: Job Sector: Livestock, Contract Type: Salary:
United Arab Emirates (AE) 19 Mar 2024 Animal Health, Animal Nutrition, Avian, Dairy, Pig and Poultry, Sales & Marketing, Technical, Sheep Veterinary Permanent Excellent salary plus benefits
For more information or to apply, head to JobsInAgriculture.com February 23, 2024 |
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FGBuyandSell.com Trees & Shrubs
Contractors DRILLING
M&D
Specialists in Borehole Drilling
• Water testing
20/40cm 0.32 40/60cm 0.43 40/60cm bushy 0.68 60/90cm 0.59 90/120cm 3ft /4ft bushy 1.41 Blackthorn 40/60cm 0.41 60/90cm 0.53 Beech 40/60cm 0.82 60/90cm 1.19 90/120cm 1.90 Privet 40/60cm 0.60 60/90cm 0.95 Hornbeam 40/60cm 0.55 60/90cm 0.70 90/120cm 1.75 Box 20/30cm 1.28 30/40cm 1.62 English Yew 30/40cm 2.15 Cherry Laurel 40/60cm 1.95 60/90cm 2.45 Rabbit Guards 0.28p Canes 0.12p Trees, Specimen Plants, Hedging, All Sizes Available. A standard delivery charge may be added. Quotes given for Countryside Stewardship Scheme. Ring for native tree whips availability and prices. All Prices Exclude VAT. Prices are subject to change. 269 Southport Road, Ulnes Walton Leyland Lancs PR26 8LQ
01625 878411
Fertilisers
M&D Drilling Co. Ltd
07930 823645 or 07976 634802 www.md-drilling.co.uk • mail@mdboreholes.co.uk
J.P WHITTER (WATER WELL ENGINEERS) LTD
Personal Services DATING FOR FARM-
ERS Are you farming in a remote area and finding it difficult to meet kindred spirits to connect with? Let ‘Friends1st’ transform this for you. As specialists in introductions for Christians we can introduce you to loads of lovely people. Here’s what one member James said of his membership with us: “‘Friends1st’ provides a real personal touch with a genuine desire to help members. I am being supported every step of the way.” Ring us today 0121 405 0941 to find out more. www. friends1st.co.uk/christian-farmers-dating
WATER WELL DRILLING
• Borehole Drilling • Treatment &
Filtration
www.blairdrilling.co.uk
Farmers Guardian the best environment for your brand message
TOP QUALITY TREES & HEDGING PLANTS
N R O H T K IC U QWoodgrow Horticulture Ltd
canes, stakes and ties.
Chicken muck and pig slurry excellent cheap fertilisers, delivered in artic loads to the North West and Midlands areas. Anaerobic digester feed stocks also available.
www.billingtonfarms.co.uk
Milking Equipment
Portable Milking Machine Complete with Honda engine and Electric motor. This unit is ready for work and can be delivered anywhere in the UK. Livestock Supplies LTD Ashley: 07831 887531, Office: 01829 260328, Will: 07769 974476 www.livestocksupplies.co.uk
Milking Equipment
Nursery Fresh For Planting Success
Also rabbit guards,
www.evergladesnurseries.com sales@evergladesnurseries.co.uk Tel: 01257 450533
t: 07718 617433 e: billingtonfarms@yahoo.com
Horticulture
Cold stored for freshness
THE QUICKTHORN NURSERY
Quickthorn (hawthorn)
• Borehole and Geothermal drilling • Agricultural borehole drilling • Water treatment solutions • Borehole Installations • Borehole Maintenance
• BOREHOLE DRILLING FOR DOMESTIC AND COMMERCIAL PURPOSES • WORK CARRIED OUT TO A VERY HIGH STANDARD • WATER SYSTEMS INSTALLED • BOREHOLE PUMPING INSTALLATIONS • 24HR BREAKDOWN SERVICE • FREE QUOTATIONS AND SITE VISITS THE POTTERIES GARAGE SMALLBROOK LANE, LEIGH, WIGAN, LANCS, WN7 5PZ. TEL: 01942 871900. FAX: 01942 896843. Out of office: 01942 893660 Visit our Website www.waterwellengineers.co.uk Email: sally@waterwellengineers.co.uk
Everglades Nurseries Ltd
Orders for Insertion of advertisements in Farmers Guardian are accepted subject to the following conditions: 1. Advertisement copy shall be legal, decent, honest and truthful, and shall comply with the British Code of Advertising Practise and all other codes under the general supervision of the Advertising Standards Authority: and shall comply with the requirements of current legislation. 2. While every endeavour will be made to meet the wishes of advertisers, the publisher does not guarantee insertion of any particular advertisement. 3. In the event of any error, misprint or omission in the printing of an advertisement or part of an advertisement the publisher will either reinsert the advertisement or relevant part of the advertisement as the case may be, or make a reasonable adjustment to the cost. No reinsertion, or adjustment will be made where the error, misprint or omission does not materially detract from the advertisement. In no circumstances shall the total liability of the publisher for any error, misprint or omission exceed a) The amount of a full refund of any price paid to the publisher for the advertisement in connection with which liability arose. OR b) The cost of a further corrective advertisement of a type and standard reasonably comparable to that in connection with which liability arose. 4. The publisher reserves the right to withdraw, amend or alter any advertisement it considers necessary. 5. Cancellations or advertisements are accepted providing they comply with the cancellation deadlines which are published at regular intervals. 6. Advertisement orders are issued by an advertising agency as a principal and must be on the agencies official form (when copy insutructions not constituting an official order are issued they must be clearly marked at the head “Copy Instructions – not an order”. 7. Advertising Agency commission will only be granted to those Agencies who are currently recognised by the Newspaper Society at the time of placing an advertisement order and copy. The rate of commission is determined by the publisher. 8. When credit is allowed payment is due within 7 days. Monthly accounts are due in full each month. “We reserve the right to charge additional costs and interest for non payment within our credit terms”. 9. Only standard abbreviations are permitted by the publisher. List available on request. 10. Classified display advertisements must be at least 3cms in depth for every column wide, and the minimum size of any advertisement is 2 lines. 11. Every endeavour will be made in order to forward replies to box numbers to the advertisers, as soon as possible after receipt by the publisher, but the publisher accepts no liability in respect of any loss, or damage alleged to have arisen through delay in forwarding or omitting to forward such replies, however caused. Circulars and the like should not be distributed through publisher’s box number facility. 12. The placing of an order for the insertion of an advertisement, is an acceptance of these conditions and any other conditions stated on any type of order form by an agency or advertisers are not applicable if they conflict with any of the above.
Call now for professional advice Growing Since 1973
MULLER 16,800L bulk tank, inside or out, single phase, available soon -
Tel: 07970 048328 Wales (P) METERS,FEEDERS clusters, pulsators, jetters, pumps ACRs and robot spares 01260 226261 (T)
South West Refrigeration Ltd
The UK’s No.1 Milk Cooling Specialist NEW AND REFURBISHED MILK TANKS The only UK company that solely specialises in On Farm Cooling Equipment & Heat Recovery Systems Nationwide.
For further details please call S. W Refrigeration
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BURTON ROAD, FINDERN DERBY DE65 6BE
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| February 23, 2024
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FGbuyandsell.com FGinsight.com
21/02/2024 12:14:59
Call 01772 799500 and place your ad today Milking Equipment
Livestock Equipment
Poultry NOVA RED White Star & Purebreds now available. -Tel: 07768 790962
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ROTTWEILER PUPPIES Farm born. Tel: 07754 809830 Huddersfield (P)
Livestock Services
ROBINSON MITCHELL LTD Daily collections of all types of fallen stock throughout the North of England.
Tel: 01524 261144 or 01524 263022 or 01274 833196
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EN T A
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Plain, Cows & Bulls Wanted. Also casualty collection service with veterinary certificates direct to our own abattoir. 24 hours a day 7 days a week collection for emergencies BAMBER BRIDGE Lancs, Cumbria, Cheshire. Yorkshire.
S
TEXT OR TELEPHONE STEPHEN: 07860 636 605 OFFICE: 01772 626 951
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+ BIOSTART Quality lamb milk suitable for all feeding systems BIOSTART:- Probiotic, Prebiotic and Egg proteins for improved health
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Feeds 150+ lambs/kids Feeds 60 calves 25kg Hopper Simple to install Water supply from mains or header tank Labour saving, cost effective, healthy youngstock For further information contact Info@britmilk.co.uk www.britmilk.co.uk Ballantrae House, Collin, Dumfries, DG1 4PT
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Calf Hutches. Complete with fencing. A large selection of all animal and calf feeding equipment and all other associated products also available. Massive saving on list price Livestock Supplies Ltd. Ashley: 07831 887531 Office: 01829 260328
www.livestocksupplies.co.uk
FGbuyandsell.com
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BIDLEA HERD
Holstein Freisian Bulls For Sale Black & White and some Red & White Plenty to choose from - first come first served! Tel: Ray Brown 01477 532220 or 07885 652718 Cheshire (T) February 23, 2024 |
51
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FGBuyandSell.com
FGBuyandSell.com
Published March 1, 2024Beef Cattle Advertising opportunities now available in our
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SHEEP SUPPLEMENT
Buckhurst Aberdeen Angus
Get your brand seen by decision makers, influencers, farm owners and managers!
A range of genetics from the top family lines in the UK and America. Please feel free to contact Richard – 07816 173689 John – 07885 739120
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Gilmartin Pedigree Polled Hereford Speak to Gemma Thorpe today and start converting our readers to your customers. Bulls 01772 799500 | fgclassified@farmersguardian.com Dairy Cattle
DAIRY CATTLE FOR SALE A weekly selection of freshly calved & in-calf dairy cattle sourced from the UK. All guaranteed and delivered anywhere in the UK Finance can be arranged.
Livestock Supplies Ltd Ashley: 07831 887531, Office: 01829 260328, Will: 07769 974476
3 Well bred, Halter trained Bulls 18 months - 2 years. Beef Cattle Vaccinated for BVD + IBR, TB 4BULLS Area PEDIGREE LIMOUSIN NO DE-HORNING REQUIRED ALL CALVES WILL BE BORN WITHOUT HORNS
John Procter, THE TREDON HERD - (Limousins) Waterbeck. HOMOZYGOUS POLLED CHOICE OF 6 RED OR BLACK • Good conformation & muscling • Exceptional temperament.Tel: 01461 600257 • High health status. TB4. • Ready For Work • Semen tested Prices start from £3,000 or 07729 405369 Also available a selection of cows and heifers for sale. Lockerbie (P) Tel: 07849 153733 or 01223 426412 PEDIGREE HEREFORDS
FRESH REARING CALVES
www.livestocksupplies.co.uk HERD OF CROSS BRED COWS FOR SALE (HOLSTEIN X FLECKVIEH X NORWEGIAN RED) Closed herd for many years. Low replacement rate, profitable herd. 220+ milkers plus followers.
Tel John 07710 122187 or Stuart 07719 616741 Shrops (P)
Beef Cattle
At Your Service
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airedaleangus@outlook.com 52
| February 23, 2024
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Available in suitable batches delivered to most parts of the country Continental Bull and Heifer calves 3-5 weeks old available now. Quality store cattle sourced directly from Welsh/Shropshire Borders Farms, delivered to your farm. Delivery Nationwide.
BULLS AND HEIFERS FOR SALE
Excellent choice. Great conformation, colour and temperament. Ready to work. High health accredited for IBR, Lepto, BVD and Johnes 1, TB4
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Adrefelyn Aberdeen Angus
Ashley: 07831 887531 Office: 01829 260328
Has a selection of working bulls and bulling heifers for sale From a closed herd. Easy Calving.
PEDIGREE FiveSEAFIELD Red and Black Limousin stock bulls ABERDEEN ANGUS17-22 BULLS months.
Telephone: 01978 780368 or 07986 113221 Wrexham (P) PED AA
BULLS for sale. Hi Health. TB4. Suit commercial & ped breeders. Oakmoor Angus, Tel: 07563 339979 York (P)
FG Buy and Sell 01772 799500
www.livestocksupplies.co.uk
Ready to work, delivered direct to your farm, Some Semen very quiet, easy calving. tested. Also females available. TB4 area. Health monitored, closed Younger herd, full pedigree with bulls also each animal, Red tractor. available Semen Available.
Tel: 077157 64351 Tel Edward: 07770 457453 N. Yorkshire (P)
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FGbuyandsell.com FGinsight.com
21/02/2024 14:08:53
Bulls a hig
F w
Co pa
F LEE
Q Br w Also t
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Call 01772 799500 and place your ad today Beef Cattle
Solo Herd
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R.F FIELDING Hay & Straw for Sale in all types of Bales. Good quality. Reasonable prices.
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Biscon Meal (Approx. 12% Protein/14 ME) £245 del Cereal Mixture (Approx. 14% Protein/13 ME) £265 del Cereal Blend (Approx. 16% Protein/13 ME) £285 del Mixed Pellets (Approx. 18% Protein/13 ME) £305 del
TEL: (01625) 531629 OR (01625) 522249
Three 9 month old pedigree charolais bulls Sires are Whitecliffe highlight, Balthayock musketeer. Excellent figures SAC Premium cattle health scheme Being sold at Carmarthen market SA33 5DR on Monday 4th March.
One Tonne Bag Collections Mixed Pellets (Approx. 18% Protein/13 ME) £275 ex store Biscon Meal (Approx. 12% Protein/14 ME) £225 ex store
Contact Rob: 07970 006945
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• Quality breathable/water repellent materials to maintain body heat • Strong metal buckles for Longer life • Crossover straps for secure fit • Machine washable Tel. +44 (0)1387 750459 E: info@britmilk.co.uk | W: www.britmilk.co.uk
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w w w. m i d l a n d fe e d s . c o . u k
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Tel 07730 897138 / 01484 603130
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ROUND BALE Wheat,
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Clean & stone free. Ray Darley 07860 212800 Nationwide Delivery (T)
HAYLAGE
for sale www.haylageforsale. co.uk. Round bales & square bales. Tel: 07785 361396 (T)
STRAW & HAYLAGE
Large square bales. Tel: 07785 361396 Bolton /
Wigan (P)
(P)
Brought to you by Farmers Guardian, FGBuyandSell is the platform for you to sell your items to a responsive farming community.
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From Tups, Wethers, ewes and rams and everything in between, you’re sure to find what you need on FGBuyandSell.com. Start listing your items FREE today!
Browse. Sell. Buy at FGBuyandSell.com February 23, 2024 |
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21/02/2024 14:58:50
FGBuyandSell.com
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www.edfmanliquidproductsuk.com @EDFMan_Molasses
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| February 23, 2024
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Feeding Britain’s Farms
FGbuyandsell.com FGinsight.com
21/02/2024 12:27:16
Call 01772 799500 and place your ad today Building Materials
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Call now for fast, friendly advice & a quote direct from a family firm member. EST 2003
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FGbuyandsell.com
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February 23, 2024 |
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21/02/2024 13:41:42
FGBuyandSell.com nBuilding Materials
CUMBRIA CONCRETE PRODUCTS LIMITED
www.cumbriaconcreteproducts.com
HIGH QUALITY PRE-STRESSED CONCRETE PANELS For a competitive price please contact
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INSULATED ROOFING AND SIDE CLADDING SHEETS MANUFACTURED TO YOUR LENGTHS
SUPPLYING EVERYTHING EXCEPT THE FRAME Working direct with British farmers British farming family owned manufacturer 30 year guarantee on all EUROSIX fibre cement sheets Fast 3-5 day delivery in the UK with offload included
Apply for an account 01934 641 446 briarwoodproducts.co.uk sales@briarwoodproducts.co.uk
Supporting British farmers for over 40 years
Range of colours, thicknesses, 20mm, 30mm, 40mm, 60mm 80mm + lowest prices. ICP Ltd. Tel: 07702 701776 www.icproducts.co.uk
Composite Panels Made to order Choice of colours and thickness Nationwide Delivery Very Competitive Prices Full Range Of Accessories For Friendly Advice and a Quotation Call Tel: 01246 858222 CRASH
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FREE HARDCORE Col-
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| February 23, 2024
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FGbuyandsell.com FGinsight.com
21/02/2024 12:30:08
Call 01772 799500 and place your ad today Buildings g in ck Ba
AGRICULTURAL, INDUSTRIAL & EQUESTRIAN BUILDINGS
it Br h is
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sured B As u
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Agricultural, Equestrian and Industrial Buildings
Farmers Guardian
CAUTION
• Specialists in Steel Framed Buildings • Design, Fabrication & Installation • The best quality materials are used within our manufacturing process for all buildings.
Office: 01630 409009 Mob: 07498 357997 Email - sales@bridgewater-construction.co.uk www.bridgewater-construction.co.uk
FGbuyandsell.com
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We are currently aware of a number of fraudulent advertisers attempting to sell items within the classified section. Whilst we endeavour to protect our readers and pull these adverts before going to press, sometimes they may unfortunately appear in print. Please be mindful before entering into any deals you PROCEED WITH CAUTION with the seller and do not part with money until goods are received. Farmers Guardian are NOT responsible for any part of the transaction that takes place with the seller and the buyer.
February 23, 2024 |
57
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FGBuyandSell.com Buildings
IMPORTANT NOTICE TO ADVERTISERS Although every advertisement is carefully checked, occasionally mistakes do occur.We therefore ask advertisers to assist by checking their advertisements carefully and advise us immediately should an error occur. We regret that we cannot accept responsibility for more than ONE INCORRECT insertion and that no re-publication will be granted in the case of typographical or minor changes which do not affect the value of the advertisement. While every endeavour will be made to meet the wishes of the advertisers, the publisher does not guarantee insertion of any particular advert.
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Published March 15, 2024 Call 01772 7995
Call 01772 799
GR
ECIAL
00 and place
your ad today 500 and plac e your ad toda y
ANTS GRANSPT ECS IAL SP
Edited by Alex Black alex.black@ agriconnec t.com 01772 799 409
In this special, we farmers and the take a look at the gran Editedts lable to frustrations over byavai Alex Black alex.black@agr iconnect.com
uncertainty and delays. In this special, we farmers and the take a look at the grants ava ilab frustrations ove r uncertainty and le to delays. 01772 799 409
The extended timelines by the Rural Payments issued Agency and Defra to the Sustainable Farming Incentive have deepened farmers’ distrust.
Farmers’ distr deepens over ust in RPA SFI delays
By Rachael Brown
K
The extended timelines issued by the Rural Paymen ts Agency and Defra to the Sustaina Farming Incentive ble have deepened farmers ’ distrust.
opportunities within the scheme which could appeal eeping up to speed The start of the to some farmers in this ‘controlled roll-out’ and landowners shifting landscape for SFI was promised . its computer of future farming Mr Mullins said: for the systems. In SFI22 of August, but payments “We prepare for appeared that it that has since end one thing and is a challenge this postponed to then for many but now the RPA had been resolved, September 18. been does not happen. it is delayed or farmers has applications. This reverted to paper The extended and landowners. the RPA cancelled If you missed it, Sudden changes timelines issued all previous SFI associations will means that common by the Rural Payments agreements with Mr Mullins said: Agency (RPA) for SFI until laternot be able to apply and Defra to the it to provide its no warning to enable Sustainable Farming in the year, at least changes in dates “These sudden new 2023 offer. October, if not November-D Incentive (SFI) and schemes “This has certainly have deepened not help give do ecember.” ers’ distrust – farmThe RPA hoped not been the us smooth transition the RPA – the exact confidence in the system available to have an online these Governmen very thing both of thing they are for, but the 2023the RPA had hoped t bodies to trying restore. It makes are desperbut Mr Mullins in spring 2024, ately trying to restore. good, with more offer does seem said ‘we will have provide assurance it very difficult to wait and see’, This was the message to for applicants actions available adding that he will not happen to clients that this from H&H to would continue to help Land and Estates again.” why it has scrappedchoose, although prepare chartered Despite this, he applications the name ‘standand ‘put pressure’ eyor and environmen survards’ remains a on positive to take said there was one t adviser, Nick mystery.” Mullins, who All these issues the RPA. away, suggesting Deadlines and criticised the application believed SFI couldaside, Mr Mullins ing of the ‘standards’ the scrappprocess appeared that shifted last minute dates have also ‘less onerous’ to be terminology too. The Mid-Tier option’ for some prove a ‘better within SFI and compared to previous deadline was extended grant applications farmers than Countryside Stewardship of further delays.the announcement by four weeks, . But this was a day before the the exception (CS), with agreements only But despite the of common land. with be submitted, applications had to being for three ongoing problems after what were making it more years, with SFI, he insisted to have been Struggle appealing for tenant there were still technical issues said farmers in particular. the RPA online with “It has long been system. “The restrictions and requirement struggled to mapknown the RPA has for each option s common land are on enabling farmers less prescriptive, to deliver the action opportu
Farmers’ distru deepens over st in RPA SFI delays
By Rachael Brown
K
Call to find out more 01772 799 500 58
| February 23, 2024
p058.indd 58
nities within
the scheme which could appeal eeping up to speed The start of the ‘controlled roll-out’ and landowners. to some farmers shifting landsca in this for SFI was promise its computer pe of d for the future farming Mr Mullins said: systems. In SFI22 of August, but payments “We prepare for appeared that it that has since end one thing and is a challenge this postponed to then for many but now the RPA had been resolved, September 18. been does not happen. it is delayed or farmers has applications. This reverted to paper The extende d and landowners. the RPA cancelle If you missed it, Sudden chang timeline s issued associations will means that common by the Rural Payment es agreements with d all previous SFI Mr Mullins said: s Agency (RPA) for SFI until laternot be able to apply and Defra to the it to provide its no warning to enable Sustainable Farming in the year, at least changes in dates “These sudden new 2023 offer. October, if not Novemb Incentive (SFI) and “This schemes do have deepened has certainly not help give ers’ distrust – farmThe RPA hoped er-December.” not been the us smooth transitio the RPA – the exact confidence in the n system availabl to have an online these Governm very thing both of thing they are for, but the 2023the RPA had hoped ent bodies are despere trying to restore. It makes but Mr Mullins in spring 2024, ately trying to restore. good, with more offer does seem said ‘we will have provide assuranc it very difficult to wait and see’, This was the message to for applicants actions available adding that he will not happen e to clients that this from H&H to would continue to help Land and Estates again.” why it has scrappedchoose, although prepare applicati Despite this, he the name ‘standand ‘put pressure eyor and environm chartered survons ards’ remains a ’ on ent adviser, Nick positive to take said there was one mystery.” Mullins, who All these issues the RPA. away, suggestin Deadlines and criticise the application g believed SFI couldaside, Mr Mullins ing of the ‘standar d the scrappprocess appeared that shifted last minute dates have also ds’ terminology ‘less onerous’ to be too. The Mid-Tier option’ for some prove a ‘better within SFI and compared to previous deadline was extended grant applicati Countryside Stewardfarmers than of further delays.the announcement by four weeks, ons. But this was a day before the the exception ship (CS), with with applicati agreeme But despite the of ons had common land. nts only being for be submitted, ongoing problem three years, after what were to making it more with SFI, he insisted s to have been Struggle appealing for tenant there were still technical issues said farmers in particula the RPA online with “It has long been system. “The restrictio r. struggled to mapknown the RPA has for each option ns and requirements common land are on enabling farmers less prescriptive, to deliver the action
FGbuyandsell.com FGinsight.com
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Tenants must get geared up for succession Strict procedures follow rule changes
W
ith changes to succession rules on the horizon, it is important to ensure early
planning. If you are an agricultural tenant and the tenancy was granted before September 1, 1995, it is likely to be an Agricultural Holdings Act (AHA) tenancy. This means that it may be eligible for two successions if the tenancy began before July 12, 1984. Following the passing of the Agriculture Act 2020, changes to legislation mean that succession can take place on retirement, at any age, as well as on death of the tenant. To succeed, strict procedures must be followed. Firstly, the tenant’s personal representatives must notify the landlord in writing of the death. If the landlord wishes, they have three months to serve a notice to quit.
Tribunal Within three months of the date of death, or one month from service of a retirement notice, the proposed successor must also apply to the First Tier Tribunal, Property Chamber, England. At this point, the landlord must also be notified of the succession application. The landlord then has one month to respond if they wish to dispute the application. At the hearing, the tribunal will consider the application and whether the applicant is eligible and suitable, or whether to uphold the landlord’s notice to quit. To be eligible for succession, three tests must be met: ■ Close relationship test: The applicant must be a child, spouse or civil partner, or someone who is treated as a child of the tenant. ■ Principal source of livelihood
FGbuyandsell.com
p059.indd 59
XX | FEBRUARY 23 2024
Class Prop Feb 23 KH OM.indd 2
Melanie Holt
test: Agricultural work on the subject holding must have been the applicant’s sole or primary source of income for five of the previous seven years. ■ Commercial unit occupation test: The applicant must not occupy another commercial agricultural unit. Suitability must also be demonstrated in addition to eligibility. A successor must have sufficient training and experience. Health and financial standing will also need to be proven.
Test For succession applications where the date of death or retirement notice will be given after September 1, 2024, the commercial unit test will be repealed and replaced with a new suitability and business competency test. This test will require demonstration that if the tenancy was available on the open market, the successor is of a standard that a prudent and willing landlord would wish to shortlist for the tenancy. Until then, the existing rules remain. Melanie Holt is a senior chartered surveyor with Berrys. Call 01743 267 062, or email melanie.holt@berrys.uk.com
February 23, 2024 |
59
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FGBuyandSell.com Land
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North Lancashire Market Place, Garstang, Preston, PR3 1ZA T 01995 603 180 E garstang@abarnett.co.uk Cumbria Lane Farm, Crooklands, LA7 7NH T 01539 751 993 E cumbria@abarnett.co.uk South Lancashire 59 Liverpool Road, Burscough, L40 0SA T 01704 895 995 E burscough@abarnett.co.uk Ribble Valley 5 Church Street, Clitheroe, Lancashire, BB7 2DD T 01200 411 155 E clitheroe@abarnett.co.uk
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To Be Let Abbots Bromley, Staffordshire A well-located grassland farm in a most desirable location extending to about 122.91 acres (49.74 ha) • Four-bedroom three storey farmhouse • Modern and traditional farm buildings • Grassland, woodland, and ponds • For Sale as a whole or in 2 lots • Lot 1 - Farmhouse, buildings and about 59.2 acres • Lot 2 - About 63.71 acres of grassland, woodland and ponds
£
Guide price – £2,250,000 (as a whole)
ALTON, HAMPSHIRE
– 6000 sq ft modern grain store offering approx. 1500 m3 of bulk grain storage. No drying facilities available. Guide Rent: £12,000/ annum + site service charge and insurance contribution. All enquiries to Giles Wheeler-Bennett Ltd – (01489) 896977. (T)
We take a farmer-centric approach to media. Our job is to help farmers run their farms more efficiently and make better purchasing decisions
Central Agency 01785 257011 centralagency@fishergerman.co.uk
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| February 23, 2024
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Call 01772 799500 and place your ad today Advice /Consultancy Finance: Terms & Conditions
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Sites of 1- 1000 acres required for residential development. If you think that your land has potential for development, or you have been approached by a developer, then you will need expert advice that is not available at traditional sources. Michael Rutherford is a specialist agent acting and negotiating for landowners. Contact me for a confidential and expert consultation at no cost. All areas of the UK covered.
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The extended timelines by the Rural Payments issued Agency and Defra to the Sustainable Farming Incentive have deepened farmers’ distrust.
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Farmers’ distr deepens over ust in RPA SFI delays
By Rachael Brown
K
GENERATORS PTO & DIESEL P COWELL & SONS 01772 653569
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| February 23, 2024
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opportunities within the scheme which could appeal eeping up to speed The start of the to some farmers in this ‘controlled roll-out’ and landowners shifting landscape for SFI was promised . its computer of future farming Mr Mullins said: for the end systems. In SFI22 of August, but payments “We prepare for appeared that it one thing and is a challenge this postponed to that has since been then for many but now the RPA had been resolved, September 18. does not happen. it is delayed or farmers has applications. This reverted to paper The extended and landowners. the RPA cancelled If you missed it, Sudden changes timelines issued all previous SFI associations will means that common by the Rural Payments agreements with Mr Mullins Agency (RPA) for SFI until laternot be able to apply and Defra to the said: it to provide its no warning to enable Sustainable Farming in the year, at least changes in dates “These sudden new 2023 offer. October, if not November-D Incentive (SFI) and schemes “This has certainly have deepened not help give do ecember.” ers’ distrust – The RPA hoped not been the us smooth transition the very thing farmRPA – the exact confidence in the both of system available to have an online these Governmen thing for, but the 2023the RPA had hoped t bodies are desperto restore. It makes they are trying but Mr Mullins in spring 2024, ately trying to restore. good, with more offer does seem said ‘we will have provide assurance it very difficult to wait and see’, This was the message to to clients that this for applicants actions available adding will that not from to he would happen again.” continue to help Land and Estates H&H why it has scrappedchoose, although prepare applications chartered survDespite this, he the name ‘standand ‘put pressure’ eyor and environmen ards’ remains a on positive to take said there was one t adviser, Nick mystery.” Mullins, who All these issues the RPA. away, suggesting Deadlines and criticised the application believed SFI couldaside, Mr Mullins ing of the ‘standards’ the scrappprocess appeared that shifted last minute dates have also ‘less onerous’ to be terminology too. The Mid-Tier option’ for some prove a ‘better within SFI and compared to previous deadline was extended grant applications farmers than Countryside Stewardship of further delays.the announcement by four weeks, . But this was a day before the the exception applications (CS), with agreements only But despite the of common land. with had be submitted, being for three ongoing problems after what were to making it more years, with SFI, he insisted to have been Struggle appealing for tenant there were still technical issues said farmers in particular. the RPA online with “It has long been system. “The restrictions and requirement struggled to mapknown the RPA has for each option s common land are on enabling farmers less prescriptive, to deliver the action
FG Buy and Sell 01772 799500
Call to find out more 01772 799 500 FGbuyandsell.com FGinsight.com
21/02/2024 14:24:46
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FGbuyandsell.com
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LEEK ROAD, WATERHOUSES, STOKE-ON-TRENT, STAFFORDSHIRE ST10 3HS Tel: 01538 308436 Fax: 01538 308751 www.parnhamtractors.co.uk info@parnhamtractors.co.uk YANMAR CT75 CRAWLER TRACTOR YANMAR CT80 CRAWLER TRACTOR £12500.00 EACH Tel: 01253 701688 Lancs mike.wilkinson@btinternet.com
Call 01772 799500 and place your advert today February 23, 2024 |
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21/02/2024 12:53:17
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New & Used Tractors, Telescopic Handlers, Machinery & Equipment RICHARD ECCLES. 07977 932948 ED TINKER. 07977 932950 STEVE BENNETT. 07770 890760 JOHN CRAIG 07971 599185
NEW BROUGHAN 16T CLAAS Liner 3600, 4 MANITOU MLT-X 737silage trailer rear push 130 PS+ 69 reg only 1991 rota rake, 2019, very tidy .. bar+hitch 2 available ......... .............................£26,000 ................................£POA hrs ex cond .........£60,750
MANITOU MLT 841-145 CLAAS 9200 rear triple MF 6S.155 73 reg only PS+ELITE, 71 reg only 87 mower year 2020 great 150 hrs f/links + PTO hrs-as new top spec.......... cond ...........................£25,000 immaculate, as new cond . .............................£88,000 also CLAAS 3200F...£11,000 ................................£POA
CLAAS Direct Disc 500P MF 7718S 70 Reg 3970 ALBUTT 16FT folding Wholecrop Header year hrs 50k air brakes 4 fork year 2021 Volvo/JCB 2020 as new condition ...... .............................£36,750 spools mint cond £65,000 brackets v tidy…£7,950
PAUL 07713 128783 DAN 07791 527935
www.woodacreparkfarms.co.uk
64
| February 23, 2024
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New NH T7.210RC 165HP+ 50K F/Links Exhaust & Air Brakes F/Axle & Cab Susp 650 Tyres .............. POA 0% Finance 3+33 Months T&C’s Apply.
New NH BOOMER 25 Compact Tractor 25HP 2 Speed Hydrostatic 4WD Rear PTO & Linkage ROPS Frame ........................................ POA 0% Finance 3+33 Months T&C’s Apply
NEW NEW HOLLAND T6.160DCT 130HP-160HP 6 Cyl 24x24 40K Air Con & Seat 4 Valves Cab Susp LED ......................................POA 0% Retail Finance 3+33 Months T&C’s Apply.
JCB 403 AGRI-PLUS 50HP 2 Speed Hydrostatic Full Cab Heater Road Lights LED Work Lights EURO .......... POA. 0% Retail Finance T&C’s Apply
New NH DURADISC 280 Plain Disc Mower .......................................... POA 0% Finance T&C’s Apply
2012 JCB 8025ZTS
2016 FENDT 718 VARIO 2490Hrs 180HP 53K Air Brakes F/Links FENDT P/Loader 710 Tyres Excellent ................. POA
2016 POTTINGER 6510 TORRO COMBI-LINE Auto-Cut 710 Tyres Steering Rear Axle Low Load Count OBOC .......POA
2019 JD 6115RC 2230Hrs 115HP Command Quad Plus 40K Air Brakes TLS QUICKI Q4 P/Loader Excellent ........................POA
2300Hrs Rubber Tracks Q/H Piped 3 Buckets............. POA
Please see website www.townsontractors.co.uk for full details Telephone: 01729 850374 Email: sales@townsontractors.co.uk
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21/02/2024 13:37:32
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Other products Buckets, Buck Rakes, Grain pushers, Muck Forks, Grabs, Livestock handing systems, Silage rakes
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FGBuyandSell.com Tractors & Equipment
Contact us: Sion Williams
sion@jrileyagri.co.uk 07919 214788 www.jrileyagri.com
USED SLURRY MACHINERY
VREDO VT3936
HOLMER TERRA VARIANT 585
HOLMER TERRA VARIANT 650
CLAAS XERION 4000/ KOTTE PTLX 32000
PLOEGER AT4103
Hours: Year:
Hours: Year:
Hours: Year:
Hours: Year:
Hours: Year:
10500 2012
3200 2021
3820 2022
7149 2017
4058 2020
TERRA GATOR 1703
TERRA GATOR 8333 US
CLAAS XERION 4000
CLAAS XERION 4000
HYDRO TRIKE XL
Hours: Year:
Hours: Year:
Hours: Year:
Hours: Year:
Hours: Year:
1996
7600 2013
6500 2013
5337 2015
9700 2015
Unit 4 | Brook Mill | Wrea Green | Preston | PR4 2PH
01772 684222 | 07506 191880 | 07432 030594 Contact: Harry Boardman | www.hbmachinery.co.uk | sales@hbmachinery.co.uk www.hb-parts.co.uk for ONLINE parts Follow and like us on Facebook
66
Bailey 24ft Flat trailer ....................................................... ....................................................... .........................................£7850
John Deere 855D Gator Full cab Heater Alloys P/S ....................................................... .........................................£9850
John Deere 4046R 411hrs AC, Turf Wheels, PUH ......................................£26750
John Deere 5100M 1411hrs AC,540/440 Wheels, 9 plate .......................................£41750
Manitou 420 354hrs Pallet tines as new condition ..................................... £42500
Bailey 8Ton Silage trailer Hyde brakes & grain door, Year 2018, 24ft c/w hay racks ....................£8250
Green Mec Wood chipper Year 2007, 9” feed............... .........................................£6850
2023 Major 2400g Galvanized, Air brakes, 800 Wheels Hydraulic drive............................£19250
2017 Major 2600g Tanker PTO Drive 800Wheels, Syclone,8000ltr pump .......................................£12750
ACE Marston 14T grain trailer 385/65r22.5 wheels ................................. £5850.00
Kongskilde Delta 3000 rear roller, lovely machine ........................................ £4250
Weidmann 1380 Year 2020 2800hrs and Pallet tines ......................................£26750
Case 115C Year 2018 2051hrs (same as T5 NH) ......................................£26750
John Deere 6120R Year 2017 AC, PQ, Creeper,4200hrs TLS,Cab, 600/540...........£51500.00
Star 1500g Tanker BN3 Wheels and Sludigator pump… ..........................................£1850
Teagle Topper 8ft wide Year 2018 ....................................................... ..........................................£1250
John Deere X950R Diesel 54” Cut, High Tip collection....................£8850
Kramer 429 Year 2023 354hrs, Warranty Till 2026…!! AS NEW….......................POA
| February 23, 2024
p066.indd 66
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21/02/2024 12:57:50
Call 01772 799500 and place your ad today
RICHARD WESTERN SF24HS PLUS ex Demo Tri axle Silage trailer, rear steer.
RANGE ROVER SPORT HSE, 2019, 45000 miles, metallic blue, just serviced £32,000
CASEIH 742 FARMLIFT TELESCOPIC, 2022, 2266 hours, pin & cone headstock. CaseIH Warranty.
MERCEDES UNIMOG U100 c/w Versalift man platform & front winch.
ISUZU DMAX UTAH AUTOMATIC, 2020, 40000 miles, nice spec. £22,995 + VAT.
MERCEDES BENZ GLC 350D 4MATIC AMG G-TRONIC, 2018, 53626 miles.
ISUZU DMAX UTAH DOUBLE CAB + CANOPY. AUTOMATIC, 2019, 44129 miles. £24,995 NO VAT.
ISUZU DMAX EIGER DOUBLE CAB + CANOPY, 2018, 57910 miles. £15,995 + VAT.
JOHN DEERE 6320 POWERQUAD 4WD. 2004, 5883 hours, front weights.
JOHN DEERE 6195R DIRECT DRIVE 50KPH. Front linkage & pto. 2017, 7416 hours, 90% tyres.
JCB JS130 EXCAVATOR. Quick hitch, 2 buckets, 2018, 5900 hours.
JCB JS131 EXCAVATOR. Quick hitch, 2 buckets, 2017, 4100 hours.
JCB 520-40 TELESCOPIC, 2017, 2800 hours, pallet forks, 3rd service.
WEIDEMANN T4512 COMPACT TELESCOPIC FORKLIFT, 2023, low hours, pallet forks, brilliant machine.
AMAZONE ZATS 4200 PROFIS TONIC HYDRO ISOBUS, 2019, hydraulic hopper cover.
KVERNELAND EXACTA TL FERTILISER SPREADER, 2016, isobus.
NEW SPEARHEAD T65 CLASSIC LINKAGE MOUNTED, Pilot control, 1.5m head, hydraulic roller.
NEW SPEARHEAD S60 VERGE / HEDGE CUTTER, 1.5m head, hydraulic Roller, Pilot controls.
NEW AMAZONE ZAM ECO 10-16 BASIC FERTILISER SPREADER.
KVERNELAND EXACTA HL FERTILISER SPREADER, 2018.
NEW SPEARHEAD SNIPER, linkage mount, hydraulic side shift, most widths in stock.
NEW SPEARHEAD MULTICUT 480 PRO BATWING MOWER, 6 blades per rotor.
STARTIN TRACTORS LTD
TWYCROSS CV9 3PW
Tel: 01827 880088 Email: sales@startintractors.co.uk
*Finance offered subject to Terms and Conditions.
FGbuyandsell.com
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February 23, 2024 |
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21/02/2024 13:36:50
MACHINERY
Edited by Toby Whatley – 07583 054 831 – toby.whatley@agriconnect.com
Taking the flagship position in Case IH’s popular Puma range, the new 260 offers plenty of power and a high-spec cab. Toby Whatley finds out more.
B
uyers of 300hp tractors have traditionally been limited to a narrow selection of very large and long arable prime movers, predominately assembled in the United States. This background created a design focus on repetitive field passes and high tractive pull, with tasks including haulage or high pto demand grassland work taking second place. With increasing workloads for contractors, mixed farming and core arable farming businesses are now requesting more power in a smaller wheelbase, and manufacturers have steadily created higher horsepower and smaller frame tractors from European factories to address this need. Launched in mid-2023 as the
Specification ■ Engine: FPT NEF six-cylinder, 6.7-litre ■ Rated power/max power: 281hp/302hp ■ Transmission: CVXDrive CVT 56kph ■ Hydraulic pump: 150 litres/ min (170 litres/min option) ■ Tyres (F/R): VF 600/70 R30/ VF 710/70 R42 ■ Wheelbase: 2,884mm ■ Linkage capacity (F/R): 5,129kg/10,463kg ■ Gross weight: 14,500kg ■ Price as tested (October 2023): £298,390
On test: Case IH Puma 260 AFS Connect new flagship of the Puma CVXDrive AFS Connect range, the 260 offers a crossover with the lower-powered models in the brand’s larger Optum range. Providing a maximum boosted output of 302hp, the model has some strong competition, with the 301hp 6R 250 from John Deere and the 303hp 728 Vario from Fendt offering similar power and specification options.
Recognising the lure of competitive machines, Case IH has worked hard to present an attractive alternative with an improved and enlarged cab, greater software and technology integration, plus some useful ergonomic features. Case IH says the changes to the whole range, including the new flagship, are the most comprehensive updates since the
range was originally launched in 2008. Tested during mid-October 2023, the challenging autumn conditions presented some limitations to the machine’s range of undertakings, as the tractor was tasked with pulling a three-metre Sumo trio, haulage with an 18-tonne trailer and some light disc cultivations. Some additional work scenarios for a machine of this capacity would have been driving a large butterfly mower combination and the operation of a large square baler. However, the season, weather and pre-series production specification did not allow that to take place. The introduction of the 260 is joined with the update of the smaller four models from the Puma 185 to 240, and includes integrating the AFS Connect operational controller and CVXDrive stepless transmission. The Puma 260 is offered as the new range flagship, with a maximum power offering of 302hp.
TU
F Y O ER ES IN S G H T 7 PA AC ER M DV 2-6 ERE A p6 N H
6 R
p68 69 70 71 Feb23 TW OM KH.indd 2
farmersguardian.com
21/02/2024 11:30
ON TEST MACHINERY ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION THE increase in power by a claimed 11 per cent to 302hp is accessed through the unit’s boosting system. Operating at a base maximum power of 281hp, the additional 21hp is made available provided one of the workload characteristics is met: a pto demand with the tractor moving, an overall travel speed of 20kph, or a significant load of the hydraulic pump. Accounting for the increased power and potential workload, the machine’s 460-litre fuel tank has been redesigned and increased in capacity by 15 per cent. Service intervals remain at 750 hours for engine oil, with transmission set at 1,500 hours. These intervals align with competition machines, which offers an easier calculation of
operational cost for users running higher-hour machines. The transmission interval is both on par and slightly shorter than some competitive units. Unlike the previous generation of Puma, which included a powershift option, the AFS Connect range is only offered with a CVXDrive CVT transmission. The single-speed drive is split into three electronic ranges, which can be preset with maximum speeds depending on the application. Functionally, the full speed can be configured into each range, however it allows users to easily set different profiles for tasks. In practice, the system makes it easy for operators to set up a transmission layout for fieldwork, headland turning and roadwork.
Power is provided by a six-cylinder, 6.7-litre FPT engine, which is shared across all five models in the range.
LINKAGE, HYDRAULICS AND STORAGE FRONT and rear linkage capacities for the 260 are offered at 10,463kg lift at the rear and 5,129kg for the front. These capacities are the same throughout the Puma range, with hydraulic capacities equally as balanced through all models with 150-litre/min pumps and an option to upgrade to a larger 170-litre version. A maximum of five rear spools are offered, in addition to three mid-mount units. The fully integrated front linkage operates
through a mid-mount circuit, which leaves a provision of two front spools – enough for most operators.
Capacity The rear hydraulic capacity includes a power beyond connection, although this was not fitted on our test tractor due to its earlier production build. The hydraulic top link and pickup hitch are fully integrated into the AFS display, and could be assigned
to any of the console controls or the external spool switch. Once set up, this layout could allow an operator to keep the lesser-used functions within the screen control, and utilise the external switch for tasks such as lowering steps or a platform on a drill. It is a time-consuming process to set up and assign to profiles, but very helpful for individual implements when operated regularly. Mounted within the fuel tank
moulding, a large, lockable side locker has been introduced to carry a full-size cantilever toolbox, carried on a sliding rail and a five-litre hand wash tank. With previous generations of tractors getting larger but tool storage remaining unconsidered, this introduction was a valuable addition to the machine and was joined with a smaller toolbox next to the tank filler.
Continues over the page.
Left: The rear linkage provides a maximum lift capacity of 10,463kg, and can be supplied with up to five rear spools. Inset: The mudguard hydraulic control could be assigned to any of the machine’s hydraulic services. Right: Neatly fitted next to the steps, a toolbox and hand wash locker are welcome additions. farmersguardian.com
p68 69 70 71 Feb23 TW OM KH.indd 3
FEBRUARY 23 2024 | 69
21/02/2024 08:33
MACHINERY ON TEST CAB AND CONTROLS THE cab and controls have seen the most significant changes to the Puma range, with the new cabin said to be 8 per cent larger. Compared to the Puma – and general Case IH products of previous generations – the new cab has elevated the brand ahead of many rivals, with automotive-quality fit, finish and switchgear. An initial surprise was the inclusion of an automotive-style keyless entry and start/stop button. Significantly more than an operator gimmick, the system can be configured to allow multiple key fobs to start or limit the starting of different tractors. This improves the security of machines, and also removes the need for individually coded keys. Seasonal drivers can be limited to a single machine, whereas full-time operators can be given access to start all machines in the business using the same wireless fob. Machine operation for the 185-260 CVX range has been updated to the AFS
Connect system. This system introduces a uniform control system from the Puma to the Quadtrac, and includes the manufacturer’s AFS Pro 1200 monitor. Visually, the new monitor offers greater clarity than previous versions, and internally, the processing hardware has been significantly upgraded. The Pro 1200 was very intuitive to use through either the rotary encoder within the armrest or through the touchscreen itself. Operator and implement profiles allow the multi-controller to be set up for specific tasks alongside assignable spools. Auxiliary buttons on the console could be assigned, with the changes extended to unique work lighting groups and the customisation of external mudguard controls. The screen integrated the machine’s guidance system and IsoBus are accessed through assignable pages of the display, which included the ability to operate section control and variable
rate applications. For users requiring further screen areas, a second monitor can be fitted to the display rail. In use, our test team found the screen clear, refined and predictable in its function for establishing where the key information could be found and how to set up specific pages to suit the different operational tasks. A key point of praise was the machine’s ability to quickly and consistently detect an established A-B line when turning on the headland, even when working under trees.
Seating and storage Cab seating and storage have been significantly upgraded, giving the machine a comfortable lead on competitive units. Behind the seat, a larger space has been introduced with two storage boxes on the right-hand side wing. The first contains USB and 110V charging, with the second positioned below the passenger seat capable
of fitment with an optional chiller. Noise level while under load was measured at a comfortable 72dBa, even during road work travelling at 56kph. Case IH claims a figure of 66dBa. Although this is lower than our tested value, the machine was still remarkably quiet during operation. The full-height A-pillar-mounted digital and analogue displays have been replaced with a smaller, high-resolution colour screen, providing gauges for fuel, DEF, oil temperature and air brakes, with the main area used for transmission information. Visibility surrounding the machine was very good, with the ability to comfortably see the edges of wheel arches, the pickup hitch and alongside the bonnet to the front linkage. At road junctions, the integrated front camera provided a good field of vision, and could remain effective with a mower attached – although the headstock dimensions could affect this.
Likes and gripes
■ Cab size and control layout ■ AFS operating system ■ Visibility ■ Toolbox and hand wash locker ■ LED lighting system ■ Effective climate control system
The new cab is said to be 8 per cent larger, and includes automotive-style keyless entry and start/stop button.
■ Poor turning circle ■ Rear window shade protrudes into cab space ■ Radiator access difficult to open and close to clean ■ Rear tinted window reduced nighttime visibility ■ Twin throttle controls added unneeded complexity ■ Harsh ride - even with the front axle and cab suspension
FG verdict OWNERS of previous Puma generations might notice fewer external changes to the machine. However, the cab space, layout and build quality comfortably place the unit ahead of many of its rivals in what is an increasingly competitive wheelbase and powerband. The testing period would have ideally included some heavier pto and power-demanding tasks, but 70 | FEBRUARY 23 2024
p68 69 70 71 Feb23 TW OM KH.indd 4
the combination of weather and season did not allow that. For users looking at a tractor which can be controlled by experienced operators, but also driven by seasonal harvest staff, the controls, security access and intuitive nature of the tractor would lend it to a mix of drivers with a varying demand of the machine. Functionally, the 260 is at the
larger end of the mid-sized tractor market and, combined with its maximum power possibilities, the tested machine appeared to make full use of the 710 and 600 front and rear tyres.
Haulage Users looking for a narrower version to better contend with rural roads for performing haulage might
find the unit presenting a less-thanideal impact on some field surfaces. The combination of an improved digital and control system for fleet operators, the capacity to carry a decent toolbox, and the ability to deliver the power needed for mowers, balers or forage wagons could make the unit attractive for farmers and contractors covering a wider area with diverse workloads.
farmersguardian.com
21/02/2024 08:33
The rear cab locker includes USB and 110V charging ports. Inset: The analogue and digital A-pillar has been replaced with a clear digital display.
The new cab includes the integration of the manufacturer’s AFS Connect operation system.
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MACHINERY
Changes to taxation rules which meant the end of commercial vehicle provision for double-cab pickups has now been dropped.
HMRC U-turn on pickup truck tax rules change
rFarming and motor
industry avoid tax hit
FOLLOWING a guidance update release on February 12 which revealed a planned taxation change for double-cab pickup trucks, HMRC has now issued a further update which reverses this decision and removes any planned changes. The original guidance ruled that, from July 1, 2024, double-cab pickup trucks with a payload of one tonne or more would be treated as cars rather than goods vehicles for both capital allowances and benefit-in-kind purposes. This would have had serious implications for farm businesses which have traditionally purchased a double-cab pickup for tax relief against a businesses’ trading 72 | FEBRUARY 23 2024
p72 Feb 23 KH OM TW.indd 2
profits, alongside its farm-focused practicalities. The proposed change was driven by a 2020 court decision which had focused on the use of commercial vehicles with two rows of seats being treated as a car, not a van. The fallout of this ruling created a push to remove the goods vehicle classification for all commercial vehicles with two rows of seats – double-cab pickups included.
Feedback The Treasury has cited feedback from farmers and the motoring industry about the impact of this planned change on businesses and economic growth. Law changes are planned at the next available Finance Bill on this ruling, but changes are claimed to avoid outcomes which would
inadvertently harm farmers and the UK economy. Commenting on the change, James Parrett, regional sales and Isuzu brand manager for machinery dealer Crawfords, says: “The original announcement created some market instability as some users questioned if they could continue to operate doublecab pickups for their businesses and what the longer term value would be. “At the same time, other customers were pushed to order replacement units sooner than planned to avoid the impact of tax changes. The reversal of this ruling should bring stability back to the market, in a sector which is quickly affected by supply and demand changes, as we saw during the Covid-19 pandemic.”
The original announcement created some market instability as some users questioned if they could continue to operate doublecab pickups for their businesses JAMES PARRETT farmersguardian.com
21/02/2024 13:15
MACHINERY Power-hungry Young Farmers hooked up to a dynamometer to host ther own Dyno-Night and see how their kit performed. James Huyton reports.
Powering up at Dyno-Night rMachines put
through their paces FARMERS young and old attended Rainford Young Farmers’ annual Dyno-Night on February 19. The charitable event was organised to raise money for the club and its chosen charities.
Now in its sixth year, the event saw power-mad farmers bring tractors, both classic and modern, to put them to the test on donated dynamometers. Mathew Webster, the event’s organiser, said: “It is great to see the event so well attended. It has become far bigger than we ever anticipated.”
FENDT 939 VARIO AMONG the more modern machines which were tested was a powerhouse Fendt 939 which certainly looked the part, sporting the brand’s black beauty livery. Hooked up to the dyno, the 939 fell short of its rated
power but still pushed out a respectable 360hp. RESULTS Rated power: 385hp Dyno tested output: 360hp Engine: 9.03-litre, six-cylinder Lift capacity: 12,410kg
KUBOTA B8200 HST TAKING the spot for the lowest power output on the night, a Kubota B8200 boasting a punchy 11.2hp. Raised up on blocks to couple up to the dyno, young farmer Oscar Gilbert was chuffed with the result. RESULTS Rated power: 19hp Dyno tested output: 11.2hp Engine: 0.9-litre, threecylinder Lift capacity: 580kg
CASE INTERNATIONAL 5140 SURPRISES from the night included a 1996 Case International 5140 that kicked out 163hp - more than 40hp more powerful than its factory spec. Owner Ed Houghton said: “I’ve only had the tractor a few months. Its
farmersguardian.com
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power output surprised me, but I knew it must have been doing well with the smiles on everyone’s faces. “All I have done to the tractor since we got it was fit a straight pipe to the exhaust out of the engine but I might look to do a little more on it in the future.” RESULTS Rated power: 117hp Dyno tested output: 163hp Engine: 5.9-litre, six-cylinder Lift capacity: 3,492kg
FEBRUARY 23 2024 | 73
21/02/2024 13:16
LAMMA ‘24 WAS A RECORD BREAKING EVENT DON’T MISS OUT EXHIBITING AT LAMMA 2025
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sheep farmers
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We’ve had a really great show here at LAMMA – Full of quality conversations. Our stand is particularly interactive this year so it’s been really drawing people in. We’re looking forward to next year already! -AGCOLAMMA is a great place to meet up with our existing clients and meet new, it’s what brings us back each year. The show has been very busy for us once again. -Agrifac-
21/02/2024 09:01
LIVESTOCK
Edited by Katie Jones – 07786 856 439 – katie.jones@agriconnect.com
rFat more than just an
energy-dense ingredient
SPRING turnout creates many dietary challenges for dairy herds which can result in butterfat depression and fertility issues. However, negative effects can be reduced by balancing rumen function and energy supply, says Dr Richard Kirkland, ruminant nutritionist for Volac Wilmar Feed Ingredients. He says: “As cows transition from a controlled winter ration to grazed grass, the rumen has to adapt to the differing and more variable forage source. “The diet change alone can cause challenges to rumen function and milk production stability. “In addition, the low fibre and rapid fermentability of early, leafy grass growth can disturb the rumen’s pH balance and cause the grass to pass through the digestive system too quickly, increasing the risk of acidosis. “While early grass growth is high in energy, variable spring grazing conditions make it harder for energy supply to be consistently maximised, with a drop in fertility and milk production key risks.” During early lactation, cows cannot eat enough to meet the high energy demands of milk production, leading to a negative energy balance. This means they rely on body fat stores to support the genetic drive for milk production, resulting in a loss of body condition. Research from the University of Nottingham indicates that for each 0.5-unit loss in condition during this period, conception rates can fall by about 10 per cent. Cereals are commonly supple-
Variable spring grazing conditions make it harder for energy supply to be consistently maximised.
Avoiding health issues at spring turnout mented to increase energy supply, but there is a limit on how much can be used to reduce the risk of the rapidly fermentable starch pushing down rumen pH and with it increasing the risk of acidosis and low milk fat. Dr Kirkland adds: “Digestible fibre sources, such as soya hulls, citrus and sugar beet pulp, will help balance the starchy energy sources and aid
rumen function and milk fat, though offer less of the rumen ‘tickle’ factor than higher fibre forages. “With lower energy concentration than cereals, the greater bulk of forage sources will limit the potential to deliver those vital additional megajoules.” Dr Kirkland says using a combination of digestible fibre sources and
Growth in British Wagyu numbers FIGURES released by the British Cattle Movement Service (BCMS) for 2023 show that British Wagyu has more than doubled its numbers on the year. The figures, for beef cattle born in England, Scotland and Wales, show more than 35,000 Wagyusired calves were born in 2023. Of these, 33,347 were crossbred (sired by a Wagyu bull) and 2,203 pure-bred or full blood. The total compares to 17,083head of Wagyu cattle born in 2022. With a decade of BCMS figures now available, the 10-year trend is one of growth, with just 2,405 Wagyu-sired calves born in 2014. farmersguardian.com
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The breed now represents 1.8 per cent of the 1.9 million beefsired calves born in Great Britain annually.
Consumer demand Chris Dickinson, director at the British Wagyu Breeders Association, says: “Consumer demand for the world’s luxury beef shows no sign of slowing and it is great to see British Wagyu numbers continuing to grow year-on-year. “The profile of the breed has risen dramatically over the past decade and it is the easy-care nature of the cattle, combined with a premium return, which has attracted so many new farmers and
The profile of the breed has risen dramatically over the past decade CHRIS DICKINSON breeders. It also taps into the expansion of beef from the dairy herd backed by integrated beef schemes, such as Warrendale’s.”
rumen-protected fat supplements in buffer rations will help drive milk production and support fertility in early lactation. He adds: “In contrast to other ingredients, rumen-protected fats are not fermented in the rumen and contain about two-and-a-half times the energy content of cereals. This makes them an ideal choice to sustain energy supply at grass where conditions can be unpredictable on a daily basis.”
Buffer rations When selecting a fat supplement to feed in turnout buffer rations, Dr Kirkland says producers need to remember fat is more than just an energy-dense ingredient, with the blend of fatty acids having a primary impact on performance response. Therefore, fatty acid blends should reflect what the farm is trying to achieve and milk contract requirements. Dr Kirkland says: “During the early lactation period, C18:1 [oleic acid] is a key fatty acid, increasing partitioning of energy and nutrients to improve body condition, as well as improving development of fertilised eggs. However, given the challenges of early spring grass, products containing higher levels of C16:0 [palmitic acid] can be considered as effective ingredients to increase milk fat production.” FEBRUARY 23 2024 | 75
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LIVESTOCK
B
orn and bred on an upland sheep and dairy farm in Cumbria, farming was not always the plan for 20-year-old Chloe James, from Roadhead, Carlisle, who originally had her sights set on a career in medicine. But it was while completing her A-levels that the Covid-19 pandemic struck, prompting Ms James to spend a lot more time at home and realise that her future was, in fact, on the farm. She says: “I have always helped on the farm since I could walk, but it was not until the pandemic when I was actually working on the farm, that I thought maybe I do want to do this.”
Family Since finishing college in 2022, Ms James has been working full-time on the family farm, alongside her father Ken and grandparents, Johnnie and Jean. The family runs a 70-head pedigree Ayrshire and Dairy Shorthorn milking herd, alongside a flock of almost 600 sheep. As the fourth generation of the James family to farm at Midtodhills Farm, Ms James explains her family have been there since her great grandfather, Bob, took on the farm tenancy in 1952. Her grandfather then bought the farm some years later. Running 130
North of England Mules have long been the breed of choice for the James family at Roadhead in Cumbria, but it is the next generation whose passion and dedication to the breed is driving the flock forwards. Katie Fallon finds out more.
Young farmer makes her mark with North of England Mules hectares (320 acres) of grassland, alongside a further 20ha (50 acres) of rented grassland, Midtodhills Farm is home to the Todhills Dairy Shorthorn and Midtodhills Ayrshire herds. Ms James says: “We have always milked cows here, but we are now one of only two dairy farms in the local area.” The cows graze from May through to the beginning of October, with concentrates fed in the parlour and a silage ration fed in winter. The cows are milked twicea-day through a 14-unit Herring-
bone parlour, with the herd currently averaging around 25 litres per cow, at 4.3 per cent butterfat and a protein average of 3.36 per cent. “The Ayrshires and the Dairy Shorthorn breeds work a lot better up here and last a lot longer,” says Ms James. All of the herd’s milk goes to Yew Tree Dairy, with the herd calving all-year-round to a British Blue or Dairy Shorthorn bull, with around 20 heifers retained annually for breeding. All dairy cross British Blue and dairy bull calves are sold through
Harrison and Hetherington’s Carlisle auction mart at two months old, with a handful of dairy cross heifers sold privately. While the dairy enterprise is a key part of the farm business, Ms James says her passion lies with the sheep enterprise, particularly breeding North of England Mules. The family runs a flock of 550 Swaledale ewes, alongside 25 pedigree Bluefaced Leicester ewes and 15 North of England Mule ewes, which are kept for embryo work. Everything is bred to the Bluefaced Leicester tup, says Ms James,
PICTURES: RICHARD HODGSON PHOTOGRAPHY
The James family runs 550 Swaledale ewes, 25 pedigree Bluefaced Leicester ewes, 15 North of England Mules, plus 15 Bluefaced Leicester tups.
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farmersguardian.com
21/02/2024 12:43
LIVESTOCK Chloe James has a passion for breeding North of England Mules.
We have always bred Mules and Dad began showing them in his 20s, so it is something I want to continue and keep improving CHLOE JAMES to produce North of England Mules and a selection of Bluefaced Leicester tup lambs and shearling tups, which they sell at the pedigree tup sales in autumn. “We flush two or three Bluefaced Leicester ewes each year to breed replacement females and the tups are either sold or kept for breeding,” she adds. One of the family’s best prices to date for a Bluefaced Leicester tup was 16,000gns, which they sold at Carlisle in 2011. And while they
tend to breed all of their own rams, Ms James says they will on occasion buy tups to introduce new bloodlines into the flock. “At the moment we are using Gragareth P14, which we bought as a half share at Bentham in 2022 as a shearling tup.” When breeding and buying Bluefaced Leicester tups, Ms James says she focuses on the skin and the body.
“You want a good, long sheep, which is well boned, has good legs and a good mouth.” She adds they currently have 15 Bluefaced Leicester tups on the farm, many of which are tup lambs which are tried naturally on the ewes initially, then lifted after 17 days, when the ewes are put to the older tups. Lambing starts in the middle of
March with everything lambed inside, starting with 200 ewes which are artificially inseminated to keep a tight lambing period. Between 100 to 200 second- and third-crop Swaledale ewes are bought each year from Middleton, Kirkby Stephen, Lazonby and Penrith auction marts. She says: “We look for big, strong sheep to start with, before looking
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FEBRUARY 23 2024 | 77
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LIVESTOCK The James family has been farming at Midtodhills Farm since 1952.
at any colour. We prefer the more traditionally marked Swaledales with good skins.” Now in her second year working full-time on the farm, Ms James says breeding Mule gimmer lambs is a big passion of hers and an area of the farm which she is keen to drive forward.
Challenge “We have always bred Mules and Dad began showing them in his 20s, so it is something I want to continue and keep improving. “There are so many things you have to get into one sheep to breed that perfect show lamb, from a bonny face to good skin, leg colour, strength and clean whites, it is quite a challenge. “But that is what I like about the breed.” With the help of her boyfriend Mark Walton, who farms a flock of
300 Swaledale and North of England Mule ewes at his family farm in Alston, Ms James has recently taken over the reins in the showring. Last year was a particularly successful year, showing at Eastgate Sheep Show for the first time, where they took home the champion rosettes for the single Mule lamb, pairs and group of three classes. The single Mule champion at Eastgate then went on to win the championship at the Roman Wall Show, says Ms James, as well as placing fifth in its class at the Royal Highland Show, and first place Mule bred by a Swaledale. “We have showed at Roman Wall nearly every year, but we cleaned up there last year for the very first time,” she says. Ms James says the lamb which stood champion across the show
A pedigree Ayrshire and Dairy Shorthorn milking herd is also kept on-farm. 78 | FEBRUARY 23 2024
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season was sold to James Robinson, Carnforth, after he bought the family’s top pen at Carlisle in September. “The lamb should have been included in the pen, but it damaged its leg a few weeks before the sale. James agreed to take the lamb, with the risk that it might not come right. “The risk paid off as James went on to win the single Mule lamb championship at last year’s Agri-Expo with that very lamb.” The family sell up to 350 Mule gimmer lambs at Carlisle’s first sale in September, with the remaining 120 lambs sold at Lazonby.
Dedication “Last year our top pen at Carlisle was £220 per head and we averaged a price of £136.20 per head across the other sales at Carlisle, as well as an average of £122.69 at Lazonby for running lambs.” Not only is breeding North of England Mules a passion of Ms James’ at home on the farm, but her dedication to the breed has also seen her become one of, if not, the youngest branch secretary for the North of England Mule Sheep Association (NEMSA). With her family having been NEMSA members since its foundation in 1980, Ms James is now two years into the role as Lazonby branch secretary, which she took on at 17 years old. She says: “Being branch secretary has opened up a lot of opportunities which I probably would not have had, if I had not taken on the role.” In the way of opportunities, last year saw Ms James and Mr
Walton’s judging debut, with the pair judging the Swaledale draught ewe sale at Middleton auction mart, Teesdale, last autumn, as well as Ms James’ solo judging debut at Lazonby. Looking ahead to this year’s show season, Ms James says her 2024 goal is to win the show at the Carlisle Mule gimmer lamb sale, as well as having the winning Mule at Alston Show. “This year my idea was to go to a show in each area, including Weardale, Northumberland and West Cumbria, to help advertise our tups and gimmer lambs.” Not only looking to succeed in the showring, Ms James says she also wants to keep driving the farm’s North of England Mule flock forwards, continuing their winning streak into the 2024 season, while pursuing her passion for the breed.
Farm facts ■ 130 hectares (320 acres) of grassland, alongside a further 20ha (50 acres) of rented grassland ■ 70-head pedigree dairy herd including Ayrshires and Dairy Shorthorns ■ Flock of 550 Swaledale ewes, 25 Bluefaced Leicester ewes, 15 North of England Mule ewes and 15 Bluefaced Leicester tups ■ Chloe James is the Lazonby branch secretary for the North of England Mule Sheep Association ■ 350 Mule gimmer lambs sold annually at Carlisle and 120 sold at Lazonby ■ 450 to 500 wether lambs are sold fat at Carlisle auction mart farmersguardian.com
21/02/2024 13:31
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16/02/2024 13:59 11:41 20/02/2024
LIVESTOCK CONFERENCE The system at FAI Farms has built resilience above and below ground, said Silas Hedley-Lawrence.
The recent Rootstock conference, held in Devon, looked at how farmers could build sustainable, profitable businesses in tune with natural processes. Ruth Wills reports.
Building financial and environmental resilience rOut-wintering benefits seen on research farm
AS farm manager at FAI Farms, a research farm in Oxford, Silas Hedley-Lawrence has been managing farms regeneratively for eight years, aiming for both financial and environmental resilience. He said his aims were to use minimal inputs, maximise production from grass and reduce costs. “Our role is to conduct research to help big food brands understand what supply chains look like and what changes could improve them,” he said. Being on a floodplain, the farm had struggled to grow grass in the past, until he introduced a regenerative system for the commercial beef herd. He said: “We now grow lots of grass, having transitioned to paddock
If you can get the system right, the stability and performance of the livestock is consistent SILAS HEDLEY-LAWRENCE grazing. During a four-year project, we have taken 63 metrics from soil health to cattle efficiencies; we soil sample and test soil carbon every year. “We have out-wintered all of our cattle during some of the wettest winters and driest springs on record –
we are now 100 per cent pasture-fed and certified organic.” Despite this change, finishing times over the past four years have averaged 22 months without any feed. “Before, when we were set stocking and housing, with barley creep feed,
they were finishing at 28 months,” said Mr Hedley-Lawrence. “So we have shaved six months off in a system where we are spending less money, just from utilising what is free; our permanent pasture.” The system has built resilience both above and below ground, added Mr Hedley-Lawrence. “If you can get the system right, the stability and performance of the livestock is consistent without relying on inputs. The cost of production also dropped from £2.43 per head per day when housed, to £1.06 for a cow and calf, and 91p for a dry animal. “For us, out-wintering is not just a way to save money; we have increased our production, our cattle have performed consistently despite the climate fluctuations, and every year we are seeing improved biodiversity and soil health.”
Good carbon footprint equals improved efficiency DAIRY gets a bad reputation for greenhouse gas emissions, but one West Country producer has been managing his herds to be more sustainable. Peter Wastenage has been striving for decent efficiencies for the past 30 years, and these efforts have proved to be advantageous. “A good carbon footprint means a good level of efficiency – unless it is being achieved by offsetting,” he said. And he said growing more from less and reducing waste both feed into profit, and the carbon footprint. “Any unit of nitrogen lost out of our system is less profit to us. As a business, we focus firmly on return on capital - the rest will follow.” This, he said, meant investing in 80 | FEBRUARY 23 2024
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Peter Wastenage areas of high return such as soil and genetics. “We are trying to graze 365 days a year through a range of fodder crops
and rotation lengths – although, this is not achieved on every site due to ground conditions and rainfall,” said Mr Wastenage. He added he also tried to optimise weight gain. “We do not believe measuring growth rates is the best way – it is more about the efficiency of gain. An animal that grows by 1.4kg a day but eats twice as much food as one that is putting on 1kg may not be the animal we want. “We are measuring litres per acre rather than litres per cow, and we are trying to do this over a range of different farms.” Mr Wastenage said he took several lessons from former organic production. He said: “Using mixed swards, particularly clover, leads to higher yields
from lower inputs and better quality feed. We grow fodder beet to eke out the shoulders of the seasons; it also means we have green forage available year-round. “We have been rotationally grazing with back fences for 30 years, and anticipate calves to be outside from about two weeks old for the rest of their lives.”
GPS mapping Mr Wastenage explained he used GPS mapping to inform soil management decisions. “We do not believe N, potash and phosphate are the limiting factors, instead we are trying to balance the micronutrients, which are different on every farm,” he said. farmersguardian.com
21/02/2024 12:05
CONFERENCE LIVESTOCK FINDING ALTERNATIVE ROUTES TO MARKET PIPERS Farm founders Peter and Henri Greig were at odds with farming intensification, the loss of small-scale family farms and the homogenisation of supply chains. So, to take back control, they built a market themselves. Speaking at the conference, Abby Allen, farms director at Pipers Farm, said: “We have an amazing small-scale supply chain behind us; we work with 50 mostly
family-run farms, all producing meat in harmony with nature. “It is about putting people at the heart of our business; farmers know they have a guaranteed market and that the food they produce will be valued and appreciated. They become price-makers, not price-takers.” Every farm had a different set of opportunities, according to Andy Gray, of Farm Wilder, MC Kelly and the Farmer’s Dog. Having worked at
the MC Kelly slaughterhouse as a teenager, he later became the owner of the business, which employed about 70 people and supplied 450 West Country hotels and restaurants.
Small-scale slaughter “As farmers, we are exploited by consolidated businesses like slaughterhouses, but one of the critical routes to market is smallscale slaughter,” said Mr Gray.
“I am working with the Sustainable Food Trust and Lady Jane Parker on a mobile slaughterhouse which will hopefully bring small-scale slaughter back, which is critical for sustainable farming. “We cannot produce a beautiful product, have a wonderful story and then become disconnected from it. “As an industry, we need businesses coming up to produce a less monopolised market.” Farmers are exploited by consolidated businesses like slaughterhouses, said Andy Gray.
Farmers become price-makers, not price-takers ABBY ALLEN
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Call 0330 333 0056 and quote H302 FEBRUARY 23 2024 | 81
21/02/2024 12:05
Only a few tools are needed to catch moles, according to James Price.
LIVESTOCK
Despite moles being an issue on most farms, few farmers take mole catching matters into their own hands. Ellie Layton gets advice from an expert.
Best practice for mole catching
S
pring and autumn are the best time to tackle a rodent mole problem, says James Price, a farmer in South Wales and a pest control expert. Mr Price, who juggles the home farm near Abergavenny alongside his pest control business, which was established 15 years ago, says he was taught how to catch moles by his grandmother when he was five years old. By applying these skills he has expanded his mole catching business, which has grown into controlling a range of pests.
Q A
What equipment will you need? For mole catching Mr Price says only a few tools are needed, which require little outlay. The basics he advises having are a trowel, trap of choice, a trap marker, a probe and a pair of gloves.
Q A
What type of trap should you use? Mr Price says there are four types of traps; tunnel, scissor, talpex and putange. He predominantly uses tunnel traps, which can catch a mole at each end. He says: “I use these as they look tidy for clients as you cannot see them underground and I find them the easiest to use.” He explains a tunnel-style breakback trap is for those who desire a highly effective yet discreet treatment for their infestation. The trap allows moles access to the trigger plate from either side of the tunnel. A scissor trap has easy set long handles, which allow for a safe grip. These traps can be seen from above ground, so are easily monitored. The talpex trap humanely kills moles within the burrow. The trap operates by triggering a spring-loaded mechanism when
Traps should be laid in a fresh mole run. You need to use the trowel to dig into the turf once you have found the run JAMES PRICE 82 | FEBRUARY 23 2024
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the mole pushes against it while burrowing through the tunnel. Mole catchers in France have used the putange mole trap for decades and Mr Price says these are recommended for anybody who find the strong springs of a tunnel trap awkward.
Q A
When is the best time to tackle the problem? Mr Price says that the best time of year to target a mole issue is spring and autumn. During the summer when it is warmer, worms are deeper in the ground so the moles follow. He adds there is no specific time of the day when traps should be set, but he says time will need to be allocated the following day to check the traps.
Q A
How should you go about setting a trap? Mr Price says: “Moles eat 70 per cent of their body weight in worms and grubs every four hours, so when molehills go stale, it will not be long before worms return, and the moles follow. “Traps should be laid in a fresh mole run. You need to use the trowel to dig into the turf once you have found the run. “The tunnel should then be cleared using a probe, this does not need to be anything expensive, a hurdle pin will do the job.” He says once the run is clear, the trap can be set. “Each trap is set differently, so read the instructions or watch a video on how to do this safely.”
Mr Price adds the traps should then be covered with earth but not pressed down. “Some people wear gloves to set a trap to stop the smell of humans from putting off moles, but this is an old tale.”
Q A
When can you check the trap for a catch? Mr Price says traps should be marked, and this can be done using a hurdle pin, electric fence stake or something more discreet such as marker spray. Traps should be checked every 24 hours and if successful, the trap can then be re-set.
Q A
Why should moles be controlled? Mr Price says there are four main reasons why farmers want to control moles. The first, he says, is soil contamination. “Diseases such as listeria live in the soil and when it is brought to the surface, it can be ingested by livestock if forages become contaminated with soil. “If it is not spotted early enough it can be fatal and can be a common cause of abortion.” The second reason is damage to machinery or equipment. “Mole hills make the ground less even and if farmers want to flatten them, this takes up unnecessary time.” And the final two reasons are to stop moles disrupting the planting of new seeds and to keep the fields looking tidy. farmersguardian.com
21/02/2024 13:17
LIVESTOCK Routine testing of bull fertility is an essential, but often overlooked, aspect of suckler herd profitability. With funding available, beef specialist Sarah Balfour is urging beef farmers to be on the front foot. Farmers Guardian reports.
Do not overlook bull fertility
S
uckler herd performance relies on optimal fertility. Managing and improving herd fertility is one key route to improve cow margins, while also reducing the impact of beef production on the environment, says Sarah Balfour, who is based at the Elgin office of SAC Consulting, part of SRUC. She says: “Many farmers have taken advantage of the attractive cull cow price over the past 18 months, opting to cull poor and underperforming animals to improve efficiency, but how many farmers have semen-tested stock bulls to identify underperforming and sub-fertile bulls? “Often semen testing is reactive, when a problem is suspected with a bull, but there is significant advantage to testing bulls at the start of the breeding season so you can make management decisions and get the maximum returns from that bull.”
Impact Ms Balfour adds that productive herds also have less environmental impact, which helps Scotland’s beef industry meet sustainability goals. SAC Consulting delivers Farming for a Better Climate, an initiative funded by the Scottish Government, to support farmers to introduce pragmatic practices on farm to both reduce environmental impact and enhance productivity. Managing and improving suckler herd fertility strongly correlates with reduced production
Sub-fertility may be due to testicular size or sperm quality. Changes to diet can also affect semen SARAH BALFOUR farmersguardian.com
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There is significant advantage to testing bulls at the start of the breeding season, Sarah Balfour says.
and environmental costs per kilogram of beef sold, says Ms Balfour. “To achieve industry performance targets for suckler herds, 65 per cent of cows should be calving within the first three weeks of the calving season starting and 90 per cent within nine weeks. “Maintaining a compact calving period makes it easier to manage calves at a similar age and stage. “It reduces the risk of disease spread from older calves to younger vulnerable calves and makes feed rationing easier. “Earlier born heifer calves are also likely to be suitable weight and age for bulling, to calve at two rather than three years of age, reducing the costs of production for replacements, as well as improving their lifetime productivity. “Equally, the more cows in-calf and the greater number of healthy calves, the better for the environment.” Using SAC Consulting data, it was shown that achieving 5 per cent greater calf numbers – reducing barren cows and calf mortality by five in 100 cows bred – could improve finisher cattle sales by more than three tonnes liveweight per 100 cows and reduce
greenhouse gas emissions by 10 per cent per kg carcase weight. A three-year trial run by SRUC vet, Iain McCormick, found that, on average, one-in-five bulls fail a fertility test, irrespective of age or breed, with young bulls failing as much as older stock bulls. With there being no guarantee that a bull will retain fertility from one breeding season to the next, it is vital to know bulls are capable of getting cows in-calf, says Ms Balfour.
Diet “Sub-fertility may be due to testicular size or sperm quality. Changes to diet can also affect semen production and sperm quality. “It is also important to remember that bulls sold at sales which have been semen tested can underperform, if they pick up an infection or have a libido problem.” She adds that for those herds rotating bulls, the severity of bull infertility could be masked, as you may not be aware there is an issue and can still be losing performance. Ms Balfour says farmers should be thinking about carrying out pre-breeding checks and semen tests ahead of bulls being turned
out with cows. The bull breeding soundness examinations help to identify bull problems that might otherwise go undetected until pregnancy diagnosis. Ideally, a pre-breeding check should be carried out four weeks before mating. There is funding available for fertility testing as part of the Scottish Government’s Preparing for Sustainable Farming programme. Livestock farmers can claim £250 a year for up to two animal health and welfare interventions, which includes bull fertility testing.
Sarah Balfour FEBRUARY 23 2024 | 83
21/02/2024 13:53
MARKET PRICES PRIMESTOCK ENGLAND All prices quoted in p/kg. STEERS Market day(s) week ending Feb 18
Acklington Th Ashford Tu Bakewell Mo Barnard Castle Bentham Tu Bishops Castle Bridgnorth Tu Brockholes We Carlisle Mo Cirencester Th Clitheroe Cockermouth We Colchester Tu Cutcombe Darlington Th\Mo Exeter Mo\Tu Frome We\Mo Gisburn Th Hailsham We Hallworthy Hawes Hereford Th Hexham Tu Holmfirth Holsworthy Hull/Dunswell Kendal Kington Kirkby Stephen Mo Lancaster Fr Leek Tu Leyburn We Longtown Th Louth Mo Ludlow Mo Malton Tu Market Drayton We\Mo Market Harborough Melton Mowbray We Newton Abbot (Rendells) Northallerton We\Tu Norwich Sa Oswestry We Otley Mo Penrith Ross on Wye Mo Rugby Mo Ruswarp Salisbury Scots Gap Sedgemoor Mo Selby We\Sa Shrewsbury Tu Skipton We\Mo South Molton Stratford Thame Thirsk Th Thrapston Truro We Ulverston Tu Wigton Th\Tu Wooler Worcester We York Mo
HEIFERS
YOUNG BULLS
Total cattle number
Light average
Medium average
Heavy average
Light average
Medium average
Heavy average
Light average
Medium average
15 69 178 97 7 124 1 30 29 225 22 68 98 8 8 26 3 4 1 10 150 63 206 104 246 52 73 93 357 1 10 165 24 82 27 68 205
252.8 190.2 296.7 227.3 217.2 285.0 270.5 232.5 237.0 237.8 295.6 192.5 242.8 228.3 175.0 234.3 282.0 206.0 339.5 276.5 291.3 264.5
271.3 269.5 284.8 304.0 275.5 284.9 283.9 259.0 224.4 281.5 226.0 265.8 279.7 326.4 266.9 258.3 294.4 273.8 275.3 257.5 297.8 335.5 302.0 261.8 304.3 275.7 304.0
259.5 265.1 267.3 267.3 295.8 217.5 256.5 279.6 171.3 273.4 269.5 259.5 218.0 268.0 276.8 314.3 266.0 271.8 289.7 263.2 282.2 245.7 281.2 309.9 282.5 288.0 293.5 262.5 278.6
242.5 249.3 268.1 89.0 272.8 281.2 319.2 254.0 228.5 252.7 301.5 134.5 254.3 225.1 245.5 265.5 170.0 258.8 241.2 269.9 338.5 275.5 239.0 283.5
282.4 274.2 283.4 289.3 151.5 291.2 241.6 283.4 315.8 252.9 235.1 297.2 307.5 237.5 146.0 277.3 284.0 320.6 253.9 269.6 305.2 272.5 291.2 247.5 309.9 332.7 306.6 267.8 288.3 276.2 293.3 297.0
272.2 262.2 288.9 270.2 284.8 217.9 314.0 300.8 247.0 226.1 262.5 278.5 281.5 242.4 224.8 277.5 287.0 317.1 257.4 261.3 299.7 267.8 287.3 252.5 288.3 291.4 275.0 279.6 283.9 294.2 280.8
242.9 231.0 271.2 239.0 245.0 239.1 268.3 245.7 247.5 231.3 129.5 227.7 240.4 238.6
270.00 170.00 294.33 255.50 -
285.50 329.00 256.08 302.78 310.27 201.40 284.50
245.00 227.94 288.54 301.00 287.00
179.20 300.57 173.00
296.10 276.57 323.00 288.91 306.83 306.33 286.08
329.00 284.33 320.25 273.20 305.29 310.63 272.20
255.00 -
CULL COWS
Heavy average
Total cow number
Grade 1 average
Grade 3 average
Dairy sired average
Beef sired average
Total O lambs
261.8 231.4 263.9 253.0 287.5 254.1 271.7 255.8 264.5 256.0 257.8 265.1 249.0 267.5 249.7 237.8 257.5 282.0 251.8
264.1 232.0 266.9 246.4 282.3 278.4 254.5 200.0 278.7 286.3 269.6 260.7 276.7 277.0 299.2 256.7 247.8 262.6 261.8
16 86 109 41 9 37 288 2 58 12 74 8 38 123 2 69 67 7 62 23 12 10 1 12 15 118 33 64 1 4 6 23 19 46 46 16 5 19 13 44 31 12 4
222.5 187.2 170.4 -
171.4 166.5 155.3 -
166.9 144.6 156.1 159.1 139.5 161.2 151.1 168.9 154.5 145.0 158.6 144.2 174.3 120.0 161.6 153.5 160.3 131.3 140.8 146.0 138.8 150.5 164.5 144.0 141.9 146.4 121.5
185.4 154.5 190.2 159.5 120.6 192.2 149.5 193.2 154.2 185.8 165.5 238.5 193.9 192.5 190.1 193.2 223.5 180.5 172.0 189.6 136.3 231.5 175.7 166.8 189.2 177.1 188.1 90.0 181.0 72.0 176.7 190.1 186.5 162.5 195.6 189.7 202.8 172.1 169.8 132.2
384 1726 1272 151 3224 225 678 2515 1099 798 1186 558 219 1968 1186 635 1090 1079 581 1136 1123 896 679 84 840 476 3116 311 745 705 3756 425 970 716 2167 2346 1326 286 1402 362 2269 982 1369 119 724 181 841 1932 717 147 853 2374 311 81 531 831 571 1930 152
247.50 288.00
224.00 269.00 313.00
90 99 7 71 65 83 120 236
-
-
140.40 155.10 148.20 149.70 155.50 163.20
181.10 186.40 151.70 170.60 205.80 171.40 192.90 195.70
1494 1496 486 917 2121 2779 380 1400 1239 6327 3758
SCOTLAND Ayr Mo\Tu Caithness Castle Douglas Tu Dingwall Tu Dumfries We\Mo Forfar Huntly We\Tu Kirkwall Mo Lanark Mo Lockerbie Newton Stewart We Newtown St Boswells Mo Stirling (caledonian) Th\Mo\Tu Stirling (ua) We\Th Thainstone Th
84 | FEBRUARY 23 2024
p84 91 Feb23 MB.indd 84
15 12 3 5 51 125 43 4 52
farmersguardian.com
21/02/2024 16:15
4 5 2
5
6
2 5
2 2
8 5 5 9 5
2
5 5 0 6 3 5
8 2
5 5
6
7 8
8 2
0
40
0 60
80 0 90 70
Source: AHDB/LAA
WALES
SHEEP Total O/S lambs
O/S lambs light average
O/S lambs standard average
O/S lambs medium average
O/S lambs heavy average
O/S SQQ average
Total Ewes
Ewes average
384 1726 1272 151 3224 225 678 2515 1099 798 1186 558 219 1968 1186 635 1090 1079 581 1136 1123 896 679 84 840 476 3116 311 745 705 3756 425 970 716 2167 2346 1326 286 1402 362 2269 982 1369 119 724 181 841 1932 717 147 853 2374 311 81 531 831 571 1930 152
303.1 315.8 253.9 304.7 277.7 302.9 333.2 296.1 293.5 333.0 262.5 287.1 294.1 301.6 270.1 307.5 310.3 224.6 326.9 267.9 278.1 308.0 228.6 289.4 250.0 291.3 100.0 305.9 340.3 211.8 307.6 237.3 299.9 363.5 273.0 278.6 168.8 278.3 329.7 267.6 297.4 -
320.1 356.1 317.2 295.8 282.6 305.7 323.3 355.6 316.0 304.7 300.4 326.4 295.0 313.5 314.0 295.9 310.3 334.7 324.4 287.5 331.2 330.0 299.6 309.2 333.7 327.7 300.6 320.3 293.3 323.3 288.5 321.1 291.2 319.7 316.6 312.1 334.3 323.3 293.8 341.8 309.2 332.3 293.2 344.8 328.9 312.8 314.6 316.5 296.5 292.3 330.9 288.6 342.2 306.9 399.6 293.2 325.6 270.7
318.7 328.6 322.3 295.5 319.3 326.6 343.2 344.2 311.4 316.6 315.4 338.1 312.5 337.3 318.0 308.3 317.5 325.4 330.3 288.7 318.2 334.6 318.5 314.7 325.5 324.8 360.0 321.0 323.0 321.5 328.3 299.6 330.3 316.1 324.2 314.8 324.6 333.0 315.7 320.0 334.9 324.5 322.9 291.6 323.3 328.8 323.1 335.8 318.1 299.9 299.4 333.9 292.6 327.1 328.9 365.7 316.6 328.7 306.6
308.0 310.7 327.6 293.6 327.5 299.8 324.2 327.7 309.6 310.4 323.0 315.2 299.5 321.1 310.9 301.9 313.1 308.3 310.7 295.1 311.8 327.3 306.3 295.1 323.0 317.9 330.0 309.4 315.3 311.7 316.1 301.7 328.1 324.5 323.3 309.1 331.3 315.7 312.1 299.7 317.6 321.5 317.2 294.6 305.2 317.3 323.3 317.4 309.4 292.5 300.4 321.2 291.4 295.1 321.5 330.6 311.3 321.2 301.3
318.8 342.1 319.8 295.6 309.7 316.7 331.5 345.0 313.9 310.0 309.1 334.0 311.8 335.3 316.1 305.7 312.2 326.4 328.4 286.6 319.6 334.0 317.0 314.7 314.8 326.5 345.4 313.1 322.6 316.8 325.3 296.2 329.4 314.9 320.7 315.2 320.3 333.4 316.0 309.2 336.7 322.4 325.1 292.0 324.6 328.8 315.9 328.1 317.4 298.1 298.0 333.1 291.6 331.5 319.9 369.7 313.6 326.7 303.0
157 527 528 35 1742 27 784 492 405 275 317 116 488 1034 103 665 316 1134 1178 175 17 296 123 471 83 255 215 3671 81 163 188 195 1178 309 53 496 52 2538 223 609 77 3 52 198 552 325 48 57 775 63 176 80 22 245 553 44
95.8 89.4 100.4 73.6 101.7 97.2 107.4 119.2 98.2 90.1 81.1 109.0 91.9 112.0 75.4 89.0 102.8 98.3 100.7 77.7 81.4 92.0 76.7 92.6 78.3 101.5 102.6 99.8 106.9 117.4 90.9 99.9 104.9 110.9 114.4 79.8 76.1 123.4 106.8 112.8 80.6 68.0 115.7 134.0 110.0 99.5 113.9 91.3 119.7 96.0 97.1 58.2 123.6 115.0 110.0 122.8
1494 1496 486 917 2121 2779 380 1400 1239 6327 3758
238.67 262.85 219.00 280.54 272.43 275.97 223.79 295.67 210.46 280.36 -
303.15 306.01 286.71 307.43 310.09 315.45 298.92 315.85 275.13 305.08 308.55
318.75 319.06 303.48 321.57 314.64 322.81 313.01 326.88 311.77 323.73 316.13
302.72 313.76 297.11 310.26 305.50 315.19 311.56 317.44 321.39 313.62 302.51
313.52 312.39 302.42 313.31 313.01 317.49 303.85 324.66 295.19 318.44 315.88
farmersguardian.com
p84 91 Feb23 MB.indd 85
Source: IAAS/ScotEID 689 81.46 258 87.03 273 81.57 911 95.34 1168 93.62 295 68.25 464 107.08 392 91.02 2069 79.60 -
Market day(s) week ending Feb 18 Bala Brecon Bryncir Builth Wells Carmarthen Crymmych Dolgellau Gaerwen Knighton Llandeilo Llanrwst Llanybydder Machynlleth Mold Monmouthshire Newcastle Emlyn Rhayader Ruthin St Asaph Talgarth Talybont on Usk Welshpool Whitland
We Fr
Tu
Tu
Mo We Th
Th
Mo Sa
All prices quoted in p/kg. Source: MartEye/LAA Total cattle number 4 5 96 55 1 1
STEERS Light average 225.6 331.5 -
YOUNG BULLS Bala Brecon Bryncir Builth Wells Carmarthen Crymmych Dolgellau Gaerwen Knighton Llandeilo Llanrwst Llanybydder Machynlleth Mold Monmouthshire Newcastle Emlyn Rhayader Ruthin St Asaph Talgarth Talybont on Usk Welshpool Whitland
HEIFERS
Medium average 245.4 313.5 89.1
Heavy average 207.5 265.8 309.3 -
Total cow number 5 50 2 34 24 11 5 33 21
Grade 1 average -
Light average 145.0 227.5 339.0 224.0 -
CULL COWS
Medium average 251.1 320.6 -
Heavy average 209.9 245.0 256.6 315.5 -
Dairy sired average 154.6 144.6 132.4 155.0 133.4
Beef sired average 177.6 182.1 150.0 164.2 179.5 217.3 191.3 190.7
Light average 203.2 284.0 -
Medium average 206.3 -
Heavy average 230.0 314.0 -
Total O/S lambs
O/S lambs light average
O/S lambs standard average
O/S lambs medium average
O/S lambs heavy average
O/S SQQ average
Total Ewes
Ewes average
438 500 1752 200 384 535 131 589 169 240 248 1586 273 914 2738 1759 927 380 2851 333
282.6 287.4 304.9 237.6 308.5 259.8 290.8 220.0 328.2 338.1 268.0 282.3 276.8 303.2 334.8 318.2 315.5 285.1
311.8 310.3 323.1 295.5 330.2 290.6 308.7 305.4 328.2 308.3 331.4 321.5 306.2 316.6 323.4 328.0 323.2 328.6 305.6
326.4 299.1 317.8 295.4 340.1 329.8 295.0 307.3 300.2 329.7 307.5 317.0 316.8 322.9 325.3 330.8 325.5 325.5 323.6 309.9
330.4 292.5 313.4 270.7 311.0 314.0 290.9 299.3 299.3 305.5 309.9 296.7 314.1 316.2 325.2 320.9 321.4 315.3 304.4
317.5 298.6 315.8 293.5 320.6 329.8 287.6 299.9 302.0 328.8 307.6 327.8 314.8 319.8 317.3 326.2 327.1 323.8 323.4 304.0
180 167 715 51 273 251 203 105 77 148 70 21 699 192 144 563 513 215 32 2022 63
91.2 87.8 73.2 105.1 88.7 83.7 69.7 84.2 65.9 87.6 50.8 68.6 83.9 91.3 65.8 81.5 80.5 83.7 108.1 95.8 109.4
Grade 3 average -
SHEEP
Bala Brecon Bryncir Builth Wells Carmarthen Crymmych Dolgellau Gaerwen Knighton Llandeilo Llanrwst Llanybydder Machynlleth Mold Monmouthshire Newcastle Emlyn Rhayader Ruthin St Asaph Talgarth Talybont on Usk Welshpool Whitland
Browse. Sell. Buy at FGBuyandSell.com FEBRUARY 23 2024 | 85
21/02/2024 16:15
MARKET PRICES STORE CATTLE ENGLAND STORES (CONTINENTAL-SIRED) Market day(s) w/e Feb 18
Ashford Tu Bakewell Mo Barnard Castle Bentham We\Tu Bishops Castle Th Bridgnorth Fr Brockholes Carlisle We Cirencester Tu Clitheroe Cockermouth Fr Colchester Cutcombe Darlington Mo Exeter Fr\Tu Frome We\Fr\Mo Gisburn Th Hailsham We Hallworthy Th Hawes Hereford Th\Tu Hexham Fr Holmfirth Holsworthy We Hull/Dunswell Mo Kendal Kington Kirkby Stephen Lancaster Fr Leek Sa\Tu Leyburn Fr Longtown Louth Mo Ludlow Fr Market Drayton We\Mo Melton Mowbray We Middleton in Teesdale Newton Abbot (Rendells) Northallerton We Norwich Sa Oswestry We Otley Fr Penrith Fr Ross on Wye Rugby Mo Ruswarp Salisbury Mo Sedgemoor Sa Selby Sa Shrewsbury Tu Stratford Skipton We\Mo Tavistock Thame Fr Thirsk Thrapston Sa Truro We Ulverston Wigton Th Worcester Sa York Th
6-12 month steers
12-18 month steers
18+ month steers
6-12 month heifers
12-18 month heifers
No. / Av.
No. / Av.
No. / Av.
No. / Av.
-/34/892.7 -/54/1080.7 21/1242.9 3/835.0 -/31/1013.2 2/720.0 -/70/1182.7 -/-/28/1150.9 23/1042.6 22/836.4 -/-/57/1061.8 -/12/1339.6 41/1241.5 -/1/645.0 5/856.0 -/-/-/-/28/969.1 -/-/-/13/866.2 48/726.3 94/1161.3 -/-
6/975.0 17/1041.2 -/41/1041.3 8/1422.5 3/1026.7 -/47/1291.3 9/761.2 -/28/1423.6 -/-/26/1246.2 42/1147.0 24/1129.6 -/-/19/1182.6 -/54/1443.1 33/1492.4 -/9/1237.8 3/1290.0 -/-/-/7/1057.1 55/1174.1 -/-/-/8/1271.9 18/952.2 13/1140.0 -/-/5/1358.0 6/1131.7 4/1310.0 9/1247.2 1/810.0 -/-/-/-/64/1123.4 7/1385.7 -/-/19/1500.0 -/18/1242.8 -/12/1183.3 6/855.8 -/14/1330.7 3/1273.3 7/1313.6
13/1106.2 43/1458.1 -/10/1245.0 30/1488.8 1/1180.0 -/110/1529.7 35/1390.5 -/26/1488.5 -/-/37/1476.0 53/1305.8 7/1127.9 -/-/29/1238.8 -/117/1458.1 34/1649.1 -/2/1282.5 -/-/-/-/30/1575.0 55/1307.6 -/-/-/10/1176.0 34/1246.8 13/980.8 -/-/33/1423.2 7/1352.9 29/1464.3 84/1506.8 -/-/-/-/-/102/1468.6 3/1523.3 -/-/57/1546.5 -/8/1201.3 -/39/1367.3 7/1137.9 -/60/1600.8 16/1373.8 12/1406.7
1/790.0 25/905.6 -/116/1071.8 30/1081.5 18/509.2 -/45/962.2 5/682.0 -/79/970.9 -/-/54/972.3 12/800.8 11/806.4 -/-/36/749.2 -/18/1008.3 13/1062.3 -/4/763.8 -/-/-/-/1/520.0 30/742.7 -/-/-/13/634.6 77/571.3 96/984.7 -/-/10/958.0 10/802.0 9/921.1 3/625.0 4/310.0 -/-/-/-/120/632.8 31/1070.7 -/-/48/1306.9 -/15/762.3 -/1/560.0 17/729.4 -/53/1136.5 1/1130.0 1/1110.0
3/1133.33 -/-/-/21/1460.00 -/13/1286.15 -/-/-/-/-/28/1543.04 190/1647.55 109/1580.64
2/1250.00 -/-/-/45/1348.11 -/25/1314.80 -/-/-/-/-/45/1361.00 101/1629.01 119/1619.62
13/664.62 -/-/-/5/650.00 -/24/1289.38 -/1/590.00 -/-/-/37/1007.57 255/1312.55 127/1216.42
3/1151.7 32/1018.8 13/1250.0 1/1120.0 -/-/-/-/-/80/858.9 20/1065.8 -/-/13/1492.3 -/23/1255.4 -/34/995.4 11/854.1 -/36/1278.1 23/1319.8 -/-
STORES
STORES (NATIVE-SIRED) 18+ month heifers
6-12 mon steers
No. / Av.
No. / Av.
No. / Av.
3/946.7 9/790.0 -/62/862.5 4/956.3 -/-/19/1133.2 9/763.8 -/8/1181.3 -/-/9/1045.0 10/1100.0 32/929.5 -/-/17/1086.5 -/5/653.0 7/1102.9 -/14/780.0 -/-/-/-/10/1159.0 42/788.6 -/-/-/-/29/714.7 19/686.5 -/-/3/888.3 10/777.0 4/706.5 9/851.1 -/-/-/-/-/79/909.4 9/537.2 -/-/4/1137.5 -/42/971.9 -/1/720.0 6/681.7 -/7/770.7 5/753.0 8/845.6
23/949.6 28/959.3 -/37/1076.0 1/1245.0 15/1034.0 -/41/1257.1 8/1090.5 -/13/1306.2 -/-/22/1198.2 29/1007.2 52/1082.9 -/-/16/1155.6 -/19/1116.6 24/1299.8 -/-/1/795.0 -/-/-/28/1374.6 46/1023.2 -/-/-/25/1081.6 31/1074.0 14/882.9 -/-/5/1104.0 3/1396.7 2/900.0 36/1261.1 -/-/-/-/-/121/1155.9 2/680.0 -/-/25/1240.0 -/36/1035.1 -/6/859.2 10/1070.0 -/9/1207.2 7/969.3 4/987.5
-/-/-/25/542.2 -/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/1/330.0 -/-/1/270.0 -/-/-/-/-/2/750.0 -/-/-/-/-/3/475.0 -/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/7/483.6 -/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-
6/723.33 -/-/-/17/1167.65 -/4/1101.25 -/-/-/-/-/9/1002.22 3/1343.33 14/1430.71
-/-/-/-/22/1238.64 -/13/1255.38 -/-/-/-/-/21/1191.90 26/1470.77 76/1414.41
1/640.00 -/-/-/1/600.00 -/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-
18+ month heifers
6-12 month steers
12-18 month steers
18+ month steers
6-12 month heifers
12-18 month heifers
No. / Av.
No. / Av.
No. / Av.
No. / Av.
No. / Av.
No. / Av.
7/1005.7 8/918.8 -/44/1026.4 21/1270.2 3/1170.0 -/34/1142.9 21/776.0 -/37/1277.0 -/-/34/1225.2 13/946.2 37/979.7 -/-/17/1052.7 -/63/1247.3 27/1305.2 -/13/907.3 10/1073.5 -/-/-/8/1042.5 24/939.8 -/-/2/690.0 2/1200.0 22/1020.0 22/938.4 -/-/4/970.0 5/1029.0 3/1138.3 14/1197.9 4/685.0 -/-/-/-/36/1025.4 15/1364.7 -/-/37/1332.4 -/10/995.0 -/6/1056.7 14/706.8 -/24/1179.6 4/1157.5 10/1073.5
18/1040.0 63/1279.0 -/20/1145.5 44/1463.6 16/985.6 -/83/1360.2 16/1210.6 -/54/1438.9 -/-/47/1424.2 34/1253.1 9/1265.0 -/-/33/1127.4 -/211/1343.8 23/1407.0 -/2/1230.0 4/1155.0 -/-/-/22/1404.6 49/1155.7 -/-/-/25/1236.4 36/1195.0 31/1065.7 -/-/44/1327.5 12/1032.5 15/1319.0 41/1393.5 -/-/-/-/-/63/1187.9 5/1316.0 -/-/87/1436.9 -/12/1022.3 -/34/1239.9 24/1327.5 -/91/1461.6 14/1214.3 8/1261.9
8/866.3 9/952.2 -/47/907.0 2/1407.5 -/-/8/950.6 12/657.9 -/37/1119.7 -/-/1/720.0 13/652.3 34/580.9 -/-/17/651.5 -/4/537.5 29/1090.7 -/9/783.3 1/790.0 -/-/-/1/40.0 44/792.3 -/-/-/-/20/598.5 23/645.0 -/-/2/1055.0 13/854.2 -/1/995.0 -/-/-/-/-/62/694.6 4/770.0 -/-/9/850.0 -/66/969.3 -/3/586.7 22/878.9 -/-/30/1003.3 13/1070.8
6/946.7 21/1013.8 -/64/968.8 1/1280.0 -/-/14/1239.6 26/701.8 -/9/1422.2 -/-/2/1272.5 16/1042.5 34/1133.9 -/-/28/1114.8 -/12/1331.3 28/1261.4 -/25/984.0 1/730.0 -/-/-/13/989.2 44/844.2 -/-/-/-/18/925.6 10/693.0 -/-/1/1055.0 10/993.0 -/8/1178.1 -/-/-/-/-/56/1048.0 -/-/-/8/1325.0 -/34/1135.0 -/-/15/873.3 -/10/1173.0 12/1130.0 10/1040.0
27/1083.0 16/1305.0 -/37/1110.0 6/1280.0 3/1138.3 -/36/1482.8 23/1283.7 -/2/1465.0 -/-/11/1428.2 38/1215.3 42/1191.7 -/-/17/1278.5 -/37/1268.0 43/1553.3 -/10/1337.5 -/-/-/-/63/1242.2 28/1068.8 -/-/-/18/1148.3 22/1149.5 6/842.5 -/-/8/1477.5 3/1356.7 7/915.7 39/1419.2 -/-/-/-/-/118/1375.2 5/1084.0 -/-/25/1389.2 -/36/1186.7 -/4/1352.5 8/1309.4 -/11/1427.7 2/1400.0 7/931.4
1/285.0 8/466.3 -/49/735.7 -/1/680.0 -/17/749.4 9/605.0 -/24/875.8 -/-/15/812.0 9/647.8 42/431.2 -/-/26/548.7 -/16/644.4 11/1118.2 -/4/708.8 2/685.0 -/-/-/5/615.0 17/779.7 -/-/-/-/43/508.8 9/524.4 -/-/11/638.2 9/840.6 -/1/620.0 -/-/-/-/-/57/497.7 16/671.6 -/-/3/900.0 -/20/800.0 -/6/554.2 8/538.1 -/4/582.5 28/794.5 -/-
2/760.00 -/-/-/9/1275.56 -/13/1249.23 -/-/-/-/-/20/1312.75 172/1523.26 81/1453.89
1/940.00 -/-/-/37/1402.84 -/16/1425.94 -/-/-/-/-/24/1406.88 125/1540.24 138/1574.64
6/648.33 -/-/-/43/887.67 -/4/1090.00 -/-/-/-/-/36/882.22 32/1211.56 86/1430.12
1/670.00 -/-/-/4/1060.00 -/1/1480.00 -/-/-/-/-/3/766.67 5/1593.00 43/1532.21
-/-/-/-/36/1303.89 -/54/1478.43 -/-/-/-/-/18/1212.78 18/1531.67 76/1470.92
17/598.24 -/-/-/22/769.32 -/9/1135.56 -/-/-/-/-/17/674.12 10/1057.00 17/1241.18
SCOTLAND Ayr Caithness Castle Douglas Dingwall Dumfries Forfar Huntly Kirkwall Lanark Lockerbie Newton Stewart Newtown St Boswells Stirling (caledonian) Stirling (ua) Thainstone
Tu
Mo Th Mo
Mo We Fr
86 | FEBRUARY 23 2024
p84 91 Feb23 MB.indd 86
15/773.33 -/-/-/41/1328.54 -/4/1475.00 -/-/-/-/-/48/1087.71 517/1437.14 284/1497.89
farmersguardian.com
21/02/2024 16:15
Figures show livestock numbers first, then average price per head.
Source: MartEye/LAA STORES (HOLSTEIN FRIESIAN)
+ month fers
6-12 month 12-18 month 18+ month steers steers steers
o. / Av.
No. / Av.
No. / Av.
/949.6 /959.3
-/-/-/25/542.2 -/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/1/330.0 -/-/1/270.0 -/-/-/-/-/2/750.0 -/-/-/-/-/3/475.0 -/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/7/483.6 -/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-
-/1/910.0 -/62/695.6 -/1/635.0 -/2/1045.0 2/798.0 -/4/1085.0 -/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/4/470.0 -/-/-/-/-/8/894.4 -/-/-/-/1/500.0 1/580.0 -/-/-/-/-/7/971.4 -/-/-/-/-/26/836.5 -/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/1/495.0 -/-/-/-/-
1076.0 245.0 1034.0
1257.1 090.5
1306.2
/1198.2 /1007.2 /1082.9
1155.6
1116.6 /1299.8
95.0
/1374.6 /1023.2
/1081.6 1074.0 882.9
104.0 396.7 900.0 /1261.1
1/1155.9 680.0
/1240.0
/1035.1
859.2 1070.0
207.2 69.3 987.5
/1238.64
1255.38
1191.90 /1470.77 1414.41
WALES
Source: MartEye/LAA STORES (CONTINENTAL-SIRED)
CALVES (7-42 DAYS) Black and Continental Continental Native white bulls bulls heifers bulls
Native heifers
No. / Av.
No. / Av.
No. / Av.
No. / Av.
No. / Av.
No. / Av.
1/1090.0 8/875.0 -/7/625.0 -/-/-/16/1188.8 1/1110.0 -/1/1170.0 -/-/-/1/945.0 20/1008.9 -/-/6/993.3 -/-/-/-/5/1030.0 -/-/-/-/4/1312.5 9/957.8 -/-/-/-/12/734.2 -/-/-/-/-/-/6/1153.3 -/-/-/-/-/16/928.1 -/-/-/6/1096.7 -/-/-/2/1075.0 4/895.0 -/-/-/-/-
-/7/46.1 -/2/39.0 -/-/-/18/20.3 3/68.7 -/-/-/-/-/30/11.7 7/47.4 6/117.0 -/-/-/1/50.0 -/-/24/72.7 1/45.0 -/-/-/-/6/63.3 -/-/-/-/64/65.9 15/48.3 -/-/-/3/58.3 2/64.0 2/31.0 -/-/4/15.3 -/14/22.1 11/50.6 -/39/27.0 -/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-
-/10/288.5 -/4/331.3 -/-/-/18/242.8 1/320.0 -/-/-/-/-/20/195.0 30/199.8 33/325.2 7/92.4 3/151.7 -/10/286.5 -/-/57/240.1 2/160.0 -/-/-/2/250.0 13/327.5 -/-/-/-/109/277.0 7/230.7 -/-/-/1/285.0 4/247.5 -/14/191.4 -/10/281.0 -/6/178.8 79/189.4 -/39/269.9 -/9/351.1 -/-/-/-/8/109.6 -/-/-/2/355.0
-/3/221.0 -/7/253.6 -/-/-/19/193.2 2/242.5 -/-/-/-/-/8/151.8 25/142.4 34/260.1 11/144.6 -/-/10/250.0 -/-/48/175.7 1/175.0 -/-/-/3/166.7 21/247.4 -/-/-/-/110/209.4 8/206.9 -/-/-/3/241.7 6/223.7 1/280.0 10/211.0 -/11/220.3 -/4/49.5 63/137.9 -/42/250.2 -/3/366.7 -/-/-/2/250.0 5/127.8 -/-/-/3/365.0
-/4/168.8 -/2/250.0 -/-/-/27/90.0 7/198.7 -/-/-/-/-/12/130.1 16/133.0 23/221.7 6/85.0 -/-/1/280.0 -/-/50/86.1 4/164.5 -/-/-/1/120.0 18/163.1 3/330.0 -/-/-/88/175.1 6/183.3 -/-/-/2/267.5 3/120.0 5/253.0 5/145.0 -/6/160.7 -/6/141.8 57/181.7 -/20/110.3 -/1/270.0 -/-/-/1/240.0 6/183.3 -/-/-/-/-
-/8/59.3 -/3/170.7 -/-/-/9/50.0 6/107.5 -/-/-/-/-/8/109.8 18/103.4 13/159.2 1/95.0 -/-/-/-/-/42/76.6 5/121.4 -/-/-/3/126.7 14/80.7 -/-/-/-/69/99.6 12/140.4 -/-/- -/-/2/245.0 6/101.2 3/236.7 -/-/5/96.2 -/12/91.7 35/120.3 -/13/71.7 -/3/170.0 -/-/-/1/180.0 7/81.7 -/-/-/-/-
Market day(s) w/e Feb 18
Brecon Bryncir Carmarthen Dolgellau Gaerwen Knighton Mold Monmouthshire Newcastle Emlyn Rhayader Ruthin St Asaph Talgarth Welshpool Whitland
6-12 month steers
We\Fr Fr Tu Fr Fr We Th Th
Sa\Tu
12-18 month steers
18+ month steers
6-12 month heifers
12-18 month heifers
No. / Av.
No. / Av.
No. / Av.
No. / Av.
No. / Av.
No. / Av.
-/-/10/965.0 26/1187.9 2/1180.0 26/1277.3 12/728.8 65/979.3 -/-/53/1184.7 -/-/-/7/1050.7
-/-/26/1185.6 56/1406.3 6/1053.3 35/1519.9 34/1116.0 54/1168.2 -/-/40/1378.6 -/-/-/15/1377.0
-/-/39/1493.1 29/1414.5 6/1304.2 10/1483.5 67/1376.0 28/1311.8 -/-/68/1578.6 -/-/-/125/1440.0
-/-/8/722.5 20/1085.3 2/950.0 30/1050.5 2/380.0 57/880.7 -/-/23/1016.1 -/-/-/12/558.3
-/-/27/1063.0 43/1217.6 2/912.5 32/1304.5 16/1013.8 38/1051.2 -/-/16/1035.9 -/-/-/23/1037.4
-/-/19/1260.5 24/1427.1 8/1218.8 27/1414.3 45/1193.0 35/1225.6 -/-/47/1361.6 -/-/-/61/1153.8 18+ month heifers
STORES (NATIVE-SIRED) 6-12 month steers
Brecon Bryncir Carmarthen Dolgellau Gaerwen Knighton Mold Monmouthshire Newcastle Emlyn Rhayader Ruthin St Asaph Talgarth Welshpool Whitland
12-18 month steers
18+ month steers
6-12 month heifers
12-18 month heifers
No. / Av.
No. / Av.
No. / Av.
No. / Av.
No. / Av.
No. / Av.
-/-/2/760.0 2/967.5 -/-/5/300.0 18/1028.6 -/-/4/670.0 -/-/-/3/871.7
-/-/5/1186.0 11/1227.7 2/990.0 -/22/1033.0 3/1068.3 -/-/8/970.6 -/-/-/6/1083.3
-/-/26/1248.5 5/1416.0 4/1281.3 1/1390.0 18/1300.8 8/1696.3 -/-/7/1272.9 -/-/-/53/1331.2
-/-/1/270.0 -/7/690.0 -/7/437.1 12/709.2 -/-/3/621.7 -/-/-/-/-
-/-/3/750.0 3/1073.3 8/848.8 -/5/831.0 16/853.4 -/-/2/1085.0 -/-/-/4/842.5
-/-/24/886.3 13/1131.9 15/1148.3 -/24/1155.0 8/1021.9 -/-/11/1058.6 -/-/-/47/1069.4
STORES (HOLSTEIN FRIESIAN)
Brecon Bryncir Carmarthen Dolgellau Gaerwen Knighton Mold Monmouthshire Newcastle Emlyn Rhayader Ruthin St Asaph Talgarth Welshpool Whitland
Black and Continental Continental Native white bulls bulls heifers bulls
No. / Av.
No. / Av.
No. / Av.
No. / Av.
No. / Av.
No. / Av.
No. / Av. No. / Av.
-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-
-/-/2/750.0 -/-/-/-/1/300.0 -/-/-/-/-/-/1/630.0
-/-/6/1038.3 -/3/1020.0 -/6/1112.5 1/750.0 -/-/-/-/-/-/1/1080.0
-/-/33/57.7 -/-/-/11/69.5 -/-/-/2/137.5 -/-/-/6/36.8
-/-/35/224.8 -/-/-/9/244.1 5/338.0 6/230.7 -/15/336.3 -/-/-/17/231.4
-/-/30/144.6 -/-/-/9/190.9 7/257.9 9/177.1 -/15/223.3 -/-/-/13/237.1
-/-/27/131.5 -/-/-/15/120.0 4/258.8 2/60.0 -/4/230.0 -/-/-/22/128.1
MARKET COMMENT CATTLE prices had fallen at auction markets in England and Wales as vendors ended trading during the last full week of February. Young bulls had decreased the most by 2.7p/kg to 264.1p/kg, while Heifers also dropped by
1/640.00 -/-/-/1/600.00 -/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-
-/-/-/-/1/600.00 -/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/4/1070.00 -/-
-/-/-/-/2/1050.00 -/-/-/-/-/-/-/3/1190.00 5/1488.00 -/-
farmersguardian.com
p84 91 Feb23 MB.indd 87
-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-
-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-
1/210.00 -/-/-/-/-/-/-/1/330.00 -/-/-/-/-/-/-
CALVES (7-42 DAYS)
6-12 month 12-18 month 18+ month steers steers steers
steers fell by 2.4p/kg to 274.3p/kg. Source: IAAS/ScotEID 4/176.25 2/160.00 -/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/1/155.00 -/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-
18+ month heifers
0.6p/kg to 280.2p/kg, but cull cows had bucked the trend to increase by 5.9p/kg to 154.7p/kg.
Native heifers
-/-/28/113.5 -/-/-/14/84.6 1/340.0 3/66.7 -/4/128.8 -/-/-/21/77.9
LIVESTOCK AVERAGES Primestock throughput, price and price change (p/kg). Week ending February 18, 2024. ENGLAND AND WALES Category
Throughput
Price
Change
Young Bulls Steers Heifers All Prime Total NS/OS Lambs (SQQ) Porker (60 - 87kg) Cutter (88 - 97kg) Baconer (98 - 115kg) Other (over 115kg) Cull Cows Dairy Sired Cull Cows Beef Sired
854 776 1486 3116 54448 136 160 186 73 843 1027
264.1 274.3 280.2 274.3 322.5 152.8 172.7 181.2 139.6 154.7 182.6
-2.7 -2.4 -0.6 -1.5 4.6 -8.6 6.9 2.0 -0.4 5.9 1.5 Source: MartEye/LAA
In the sheep pens, prices grew by 4.6p/kg to 322.5p/kg. For pigs, values had decreased
SCAN ME
by 8.6p/kg to 152.8p/kg. As Farmers Guardian went to press on Wednesday (February 21), UK LIFFE Wheat prices for May 24 were trading at £162.75/tonne; a reduction of £4.25/t on the previous week.
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FEBRUARY 23 2024 | 87
21/02/2024 16:15
MARKET PRICES DEADWEIGHT CATTLE STEERS Region
Throughput
Southern 2775 Central 3901 Northern 3929 Scotland 3335 HEIFERS Southern 2336 Central 3773 Northern 2696 Scotland 2723 YOUNG BULLS Southern 74 Central 617 Northern 205 Scotland 176 COWS Southern 1735 Central 3993 Northern 1877 Scotland 1021
Deadweight prices for the week ending Feb 17, 2024.
Average
-U3
-U4L
-U4H
R2
R3
R4L
R4H
O+2
O+3
O+4L
O+4H
-O2
-O3
-O4L
-O4H
490.2 493.4 499.7 505.1
509.6 507.4 508.5 506.9
508.0 501.0 510.3 509.1
509.9 506.0 506.5 509.3
-
500.5 502.7 504.0 506.1
499.2 499.2 507.0 509.9
496.3 500.8 504.8 508.3
-
490.7 491.7 497.1 496.7
486.3 492.3 497.0 502.2
483.1 483.0 491.8 503.2
-
469.2 466.5 474.2 474.3
474.8 467.9 478.6 475.0
470.6 435.3 477.2 484.5
483.9 490.9 496.2 507.1
506.3 512.7 512.0 513.9
507.3 509.2 511.3 511.8
504.1 506.8 504.2 513.6
-
498.6 503.3 503.1 507.9
498.6 502.2 506.1 508.5
496.2 497.7 502.9 509.2
-
483.6 486.5 488.9 492.1
489.2 492.5 498.6 504.8
482.9 488.3 494.0 501.8
-
458.0 450.7 457.1 461.4
464.6 453.5 480.6 480.4
467.9 469.4 467.3 487.2
472.4 472.7 476.6 479.9
493.9 490.8 495.4 498.7
487.2 489.5 489.3
-
489.0 487.4 486.3 485.8
472.1 491.7 485.5 490.0
472.8 489.7 493.0
492.5
481.5 449.4 452.6 465.0
468.2 466.0 460.1 489.2
485.0 469.6 478.1 480.0
483.3
450.8 431.8 440.0 444.8
457.8 437.8 441.8 456.7
422.0 -
-
334.6 342.4 351.9 361.7
-
-
-
-
390.0 390.1 389.5 380.1
388.7 389.9 390.9 378.1
386.8 390.1 388.2 375.8
-
379.8 376.0 379.2 374.0
377.1 375.6 378.7 374.1
370.5 371.8 372.7 368.9
-
365.3 362.5 360.2 356.0
361.4 362.9 360.4 354.1
348.9 352.3 350.3 348.5
STORE SHEEP ENGLAND STORE LAMBS w/e Feb 18
Day
No.
Ave.
Ashford Bakewell Barnard Castle Bentham Bishops Castle Bridgnorth Brockholes Carlisle Cirencester Clitheroe Cockermouth Colchester Cutcombe Darlington Exeter Frome Gisburn Hailsham Hallworthy Hawes Hereford Hexham Holmfirth Holsworthy Hull/Dunswell Kendal Kington Kirkby Stephen Lancaster Leek Leyburn Longtown
Tu Th\Mo
1061 115 192 162 525 740 68 36 81 755 2145 156 493 687 217 3483 1298 148 31 49 1 -
103.6 90.9 112.3 96.2 102.9 106.9 93.0 67.1 100.6 101.6 111.6 102.9 100.1 102.2 112.0 106.9 110.0 90.8 87.6 104.6 116.0 -
Mo Th We\Sa Fr Tu We Mo Fr We Sa We Th Tu Fr We Mo Th
We
STORE LAMBS
Source: MartEye/LAA
Day
Brecon Tu Bryncir Carmarthen Fr Dolgellau Fr Gaerwen Mo Knighton Fr Mold Monmouthshire We\Mo Newcastle Emlyn Th Rhayader Ruthin Th St Asaph Th\Sa Talgarth Welshpool Mo Whitland Tu
88 | FEBRUARY 23 2024
Day
No.
Mo
3 38 833
Louth Ludlow Market Drayton Melton Mowbray Middleton in Teesdale Newton Abbot (Rendells) Northallerton Norwich Oswestry Otley Penrith Ross on Wye Rugby Ruswarp Salisbury Sedgemoor Selby Shrewsbury Stratford Skipton Tavistock Thame Thirsk Thrapston Truro Ulverston Wigton Worcester York
We Tu
We Sa We Fr We Mo
Sa\Mo Sa Tu
Fr Th\Sa We Tu Sa
Ave.
41.7 62.8 96.6
-
-
219 47 15 171 281 111 2971 350 127 144 285 136 19 692 -
115.6 122.2 83.9 98.2 104.3 93.3 115.6 96.7 89.1 100.2 91.0 105.5 84.3 104.3 -
No.
Ave.
36 35 405 22 391 592 39 1455 451 395 112
47.0 89.6 71.4 83.8 91.3 92.0 84.0 88.1 81.6 93.9 91.7
STORE LAMBS
Source: IAAS/ScotEID
Day
Ayr Caithness Castle Douglas Dingwall Tu Dumfries We Forfar Huntly Th Kirkwall Lanark Lockerbie Newton Stewart Newtown St Boswells Stirling (caledonian) Mo Stirling (ua) We Thainstone Tu\Th
O/S deadweight prices for the week ending Feb 17, 2024. SQQ 2 3L 3H E 704.7 (69) 711.9 (168) 705.7 U 702.7 (548) 705.0 (2060) 702.6 R 693.4 (3884) 695.0 (10847) 695.1 O 680.0 (3526) 682.9 (4199) 678.0 P 595.8 (142) 601.4 (11) 576.7
No.
Ave.
146 4 196 -
97.2 93.0 103.2 -
273 1472 2438
82.9 99.7 105.8
4L (49) 664.0 (931) 677.9 (5508) 671.9 (1357) 652.8 (3)
Source: AHDB 4H 652.5 (2) 627.0 (5) 646.8 (35) 607.5 (2)
(5) (139) (808) (117)
Average: 689.9 (35,038) Medium E U R O P
2 704.7 702.6 695.2 687.4 588.5
3L (69) 711.8 (523) 705.1 (3305) 695.7 (1851) 685.5 (13) 600.0
3H (166) 705.7 (2035) 702.7 (10077) 695.5 (3148) 679.3 (2) 576.7
(49) (927) (5338) (1159) (3)
4L 664.0 678.1 671.9 652.9
4H 652.5 627.0 646.8 607.5
(5) (138) (793) (110)
(2) (5) (35) (2)
Average: 693.0 (30,039) Deadweight sheep prices are collected from a sample of GB abattoirs. The sample accounts for about one-third of deadweight sales; prices quoted p/kg are averages for all qualities 12-21.5kg.
DEADWEIGHT PIGS
Latest prices for Great Britain.
STANDARD PIG PRICE (SPP) Week ending February 10, 2024
ALL PIG PRICE (APP) Week ending February 3, 2024.
Weight Number p/kg Change Up to 59.9kg 289 149.49 -14.82 60 - 69.9kg 939 201.90 -1.45 70 - 79.9kg 6,344 212.28 -0.76 80 - 89.9kg 20,295 213.44 -0.36 90 - 99.9kg 23,499 212.37 -0.38 100 - 104.9kg 6,303 210.68 -0.50 105.0kg and over 3,286 194.96 1.92 All clean pigs 60,955 211.14 -0.33 70 - 104.9kg 56,441 212.55 -0.43 EU spec average 211.14 -0.33 UK spec average 207.56 -0.33
Weight Number p/kg Change Up to 59.9kg na na na 60 - 69.9kg 1,663 212.84 4.67 70 - 79.9kg 8,723 214.64 na 80 - 89.9kg 24,030 214.14 1.04 90 - 99.9kg 23,788 213.12 0.38 100 - 104.9kg 4,996 211.41 na 105.0kg and over na na na All clean pigs 66,318 212.83 1.16 70 - 104.9kg 61,537 213.60 0.90 EU spec average 212.83 1.16 UK spec average 209.18 1.13
PIGS Prices in p/kg.
SCOTLAND
WALES
p84 91 Feb23 MB.indd 88
DEADWEIGHT SHEEP
Source: MartEye/LAA
Fr
Source: AHDB
Ashford Leek Market Drayton York
Source: AHDB
Source: MartEye/LAA Market day w/e: Feb 18 Tu Tu Mo Mo
Pigs total 47 60 71 64
Porkers average 131.7 163.6 154.9 156.0
Cutters average 146.8 162.0 199.5 150.2
Cull sows Baconers average Total Average 130.0 6 63.0 146.5 2 34.5 151.7 8 89.0 177.4 11 73.5
WEANER PRICES
SLAUGHTERINGS
Please note: AHDB weaner data has been suspended until further notice.
Estimates for GB (per head), W/e Feb 18, 2024 2024 %change (2023) Pigs 155,162.73 -0.13 Sheep 197,355.81 -8.41 Steers 17,522.76 +0.70 Heifers 14,825.62 +10.96 Young bulls 1,869.53 -12.12
HAY AND STRAW PRICES
February 21, 2024
GOOSTREY: Mon, hay, square bale to £134/tonne, round bale to £168/t; haylage, round bale to £124/t, square bale to £128/t; barley straw, square bale to £130/t; wheat straw, square bale to £128/t, round bale to £116/t; silage, round bale to £48/t, loose grass silage to £57/t.
farmersguardian.com
21/02/2024 16:15
LIVESTOCK AVERAGES LIVEWEIGHT STEERS (ENGLAND/WALES)
DEADWEIGHT STEERS (GREAT BRITAIN)
SOURCE: MartEye/LAA
SOURCE: AHDB
520 280 500
270
p/kg deadweight
265 260 255
480 460 440
250
420
Dec
Nov
Oct
Sep
Aug
Jul
Jun
May
Apr
Jan
Dec
Nov
Oct
Sep
Aug
Jul
Jun
LIVEWEIGHT HEIFERS (ENGLAND/WALES)
2023
Mar
2024
400 May
Mar
2023
Feb
Jan
2024
Apr
245
Feb
p/kg liveweight
275
DEADWEIGHT HEIFERS (GREAT BRITAIN) SOURCE: AHDB
SOURCE: MartEye/LAA
520 295 500
285
p/kg deadweight
280 275 270
480 460 440
265
420 2024
2023
LIVEWEIGHT SQQ LAMBS (ENGLAND/WALES)
DEADWEIGHT SQQ LAMBS (GREAT BRITAIN) SOURCE: AHDB
SOURCE: MartEye/LAA
780
320
2024 2023
740
300
700 p/kg deadweight
p/kg liveweight
Dec
Nov
Oct
Sep
Aug
Jul
Jun
May
Apr
Mar
Jan
Dec
Nov
Oct
Sep
Aug
Jun
Jul
400 May
Mar
2023
Feb
Jan
2024
Apr
260
Feb
p/kg liveweight
290
280 260
660 620 580 540
240
500
PIG PRICE INDICATOR (GREAT BRITAIN) SOURCE: MartEye/LAA
SOURCE: AHDB
230
Dairy-sired (2023) Beef-sired (2023)
120
200
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Jul
Jun
May
Apr
Mar
Feb
Jan
Dec
Nov
Oct
Sep
Aug
Jul
Jun
May
Apr
Mar
Feb
Jan
farmersguardian.com
SPP (2023) APP (2023)
SPP (2024) APP (2024)
190
Dec
140
210
Nov
Dairy-sired (2024) Beef-sired (2024)
Oct
160
220
Sep
180
Aug
p/kg deadweight (EU spec)
200
p/kg
Dec
Nov
Oct
Sep
Aug
Jul
Jun
May
Apr
Feb
Jan
Dec
Nov
Oct
Sep
Aug
Jul
Jun
May
Apr
Mar
Feb
Jan
CULL COWS (ENGLAND/WALES)
2023
Mar
2024
460
FEBRUARY 23 2024 | 89
21/02/2024 16:15
MARKET PRICES UK DELIVERED PRICES – SUMMARY Wednesday, February 21, 2024 (£ per tonne).
Source: AHDB
Delivery
East Anglia / London (BW)
Northamptonshire
North-West grains/ Liverpool OSR
Avonmouth feed /South bread
Yorkshire
Fife/Edinburgh
Bread Wheat Price Change Feb-2024 May-2024 Jul-2024 Hvst-2024 Feb-2024 240.00 -5.00 May-2024 244.00 -5.50 Jul-2024 247.50 -6.00 Hvst-2024 250.00 n/c Feb-2024 May-2024 Jul-2024 Hvst-2024 Feb-2024 May-2024 Jul-2024 Hvst-2024 Feb-2024 May-2024 Jul-2024 252.50 n/c Hvst-2024 255.00 n/c Feb-2024 -
Feed Wheat Price Change 165.50 n/c 169.50 -6.00 162.50 n/c 166.50 n/c 170.50 n/c -
Feed Barley Price Change -
Oilseed Rape Price Change 355.50 +8.00 359.00 +8.50 361.50 +9.00 354.50 +7.00 355.00 +9.00 359.50 n/c 362.00 +11.00 355.50 +9.00 -
Source: AHDB May-2024 359.00 360.00 359.50 -
Jul-2024 361.50 362.50 362.00 -
Hvst-2024 354.50 356.00 355.50 -
Nov-2024 364.50 366.00 365.50 -
FUTURES MARKETS (WHEAT) Wednesday, February 21, 2024 (£ per tonne). Price LIFFE £/tonne Mar 24 May 24 Jul 24 Nov 24 Jan 25 Mar 25 May 25 Jul 25 Nov 25 Jan 26
157.00 163.05 166.70 181.05 183.70 186.10 188.50 190.70 185.20 187.40
MATIF
Price €/tonne
Mar 24 May 24 Sep 24 Dec 24 Mar 25 May 25 Sep 25 Dec 25
202.00 197.25 203.25 208.25 211.75 213.75 214.25 217.50
Average prices (2023)
Non-SDA SDA Moorland
£80.59 £99.41 £24
-
BPS ENTS Welsh Deadline – May 15, 2024 Price at deadlines £50**
Average prices (2023) £65
BPS ENTS Scottish Regions 1, 2 and 3 Deadline – April 2, 2024 Price at deadlines
Average prices (2023)
Region 1 Region 2 Region 3
£149.47 £40.34 £15.44
£140** £30** £12**
x 1.0**
Wednesday, February 21, 2024 (£ per tonne). Feb-2024 355.50 356.50 355.00 -
Last updated Feb 20, 2024 BPS ENTS English Deadline – Early 2024* Price at deadlines
BPS ENTS Northern Irish Deadline – May 3, 2024 Price at Average deadlines prices (2023)
UK DELIVERED OILSEED RAPE PRICES Oilseed Rape East Anglia / London Erith Liverpool Hull / Selby
BPS ENTITLEMENTS, BNG, CARBON AND WATER
CME
Price US cents/bushel
Mar 24 May 24 Jul 24 Sep 24 Dec 24 Mar 25
582.75 579.25 580.00 587.50 601.25 613.50
x 1.0
*For trading Delinkage ref amounts; 30p - 80p** per £1 of Delinkage reference amount. ** Estimates. ENGLISH DELINKAGE REF DATA: average of 2020/21/22 claims. Seller’s 2023 claim not needed. Estimated return £1.20/£1 ref amount with buyer’s delink payment less than £30,000 post-transfer. Subject to Delinkage values 2025-27. BIODIVERSITY NET GAIN: English: Defra estimates £25,000-£200,000/unit excluding VAT and associated fees, subject to lot size. Last tender February 2, 2024, next March 8, 2024. NUTRIENT NEUTRALITY: Long-term sales all types agric man excluding specialist habitat creation. Nitrates £3,000-£4,000/unit (£18,000£206,000/ha); phosphates £50,000-£65,000/ unit (£2,000-£169,000/ha). CARBON: Woodland Carbon >£35/WCU >£25/PIU. May 2023 WCG reverse auction average £19.76. WATER: English abstraction licences less than £3-£15/cu.m. Source: Townsend Chartered Surveyors
SUPERMARKET RED MEAT PRICES Week ending Feb 18, 2024 (prices in p/kg).
CORN RETURNS EX-FARM PRICES Wednesday, February 21, 2024 (£ per tonne).
WHEAT Milling Bread
South East South West Midlands Eastern North East North West England & Wales South Scotland Central Scotland North Scotland Scotland Great Britain Northern Ireland United Kingdom Change on last week (£/t)
229.60 229.60 n/c
Other
Feed & Other
BARLEY Malting Premium
Other
Feed & Other
172.80 173.60 173.60 n/c
171.00 171.10 160.30 167.40 167.80 167.80 -3.60
-
-
143.10 147.40 147.40 +3.90
OATS Milling
Feed
-
-
FIELD PEAS/BEANS
Browse. Sell. Buy at FGBuyandSell.com 90 | FEBRUARY 23 2024
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This week Last week
Late Source: AHDB
Feb Mar Apr
Micronising peas
Feb 16, 2024 All prices £/tonne ex-farm Feed Feed peas beans
£328.00 £335.00 £237.00
£230.67 £236.67 £238.67
£231.08 £237.08 £239.08
BEEF Roasting Joint Sirloin Steak Rump Steak Fillet Steak Diced Braising Steak Lean Mince Standard Mince
1141 2034 1611 3404 1043 0 698 500
1086 2034 1611 3404 1088 0 698 500
LAMB Whole Leg Shoulder (Bone-in) Shanks Steaks Chops Diced Standard Mince
1316 1026 1349 1593 1563 1826 1032
1316 1026 1349 1593 1563 1826 1068
PORK Leg (Boneless) Shoulder (Boneless) Fillet (Tenderloin) Loin Steaks Chops Diced Belly Slices Ribs Lean Mince
593 415 791 880 789 809 782 733 549
593 415 791 880 789 809 787 733 549 Source: AHDB
farmersguardian.com
21/02/2024 16:20
CURRENCY WATCH
Last updated Feb 21, 2024
€1=£0.8561
£1=€1.1680
$1=£0.7919
Where stated, data provided by AHDB.
£1=$1.2627
UK DELIVERED WHEAT PRICES
NATIONAL STRAIGHTS PRICES
Wednesday, February 21, 2024. 1. FEED WHEAT Avonrange Central Scotland East Anglia East Devon Lancashire London North Humberside Northamptonshire Oxfordshire South Humberside Southampton Tyne & Wear West Midlands East Midlands
FEB 162.50 -
MAY 166.50 165.50 168.50 -
JULY 170.50 169.50 173.00 -
HARVEST -
NOV 185.00 -
2. FULL SPEC. BREAD WHEAT North-West Northamptonshire South London / Essex Yorkshire
FEB 240.00 -
MAY 244.00 -
JULY 247.50 252.50
HARVEST 250.00 255.00
NOV -
3. FULL SPEC. BISCUIT WHEAT North-West Northamptonshire South London / Essex Yorkshire Scotland
FEB -
MAY -
JULY -
HARVEST -
NOV -
DAIRY CATTLE PRICES GREAT BRITAIN Bentham Carlisle Carmarthen Exeter Frome Gisburn Holsworthy Lancaster Leek Leyburn Market Drayton Norton and Brooksbank Otley Sedgemoor Shrewsbury Skipton Wigton Mold Whitland Ayr Lanark Stirling (ua)
We We We Th We Tu We Fr Th\Sa Tu We\Mo Mo Tu Mo
Last updated Feb 18, 2024 Source: AHDB/LAA/IAAS OTHER
Cows (under
Cows (under
Cows (over 36 months)
36 months)
months)
36 months)
No. / Av.
No. / Av.
No. / Av.
No. / Av.
9/1903.3 -/49/1875.1 -/5/1820.0 62/1811.8 18/1621.7 -/55/1883.3 -/44/1667.3 -/1/1030.0 76/1539.2 46/1787.8 17/1610.6 -/3/1650.0 -/1/2150.00 -/-/-
5/1770.0 -/28/1997.9 -/-/8/1876.3 22/1628.6 -/10/1732.0 -/2/1120.0 -/-/95/1523.2 9/1891.1 5/1538.0 -/6/1278.3 -/-/-/-/-
-/-/1/1950.0 -/-/1/1650.0 2/450.0 -/1/920.0 -/2/1350.0 -/-/1/1480.0 1/1220.0 1/830.0 -/1/600.0 -/1/1600.00 -/-/-
-/-/-/-/-/-/8/443.8 -/-/-/3/980.0 -/-/8/1260.0 1/1550.0 -/-/1/1880.0 -/-/-/-/-
Source: Straights Direct November - April 296.00 273.00
March - April 409.00 409.00 198.00 297 ✸ 288.00
May - October 369.00 369.00 198.00 292 ✸ 267 ✸
268.00 N/A 200 ● 197 ✥ P.O.A. ● 253 ✥ N/A P.O.A.
270.00 N/A 193.00 260.00 ✧ 241.00 ✪ N/A 292.00
N/A 246 ✦ 248 ▲ N/A 296.00
Key: All prices in pounds sterling. Currency, £/$1.2694; £/€1.2757 Guide prices indicated include delivery charge of £6/tonne. ✸ = After safe arrival; F = First half; S = Second half; ● =March; ✥ = April; ✦ = November/January; ◗ = November; ▲ = February/April; ✧ = May/June; ✪ = August/October
MILK PRICE LEAGUE TABLE December 2023
Source: AHDB
Aligned liquid milk Müller Milk & Ingredients M&S Müller Milk & Ingredients TSDG (Tesco) Müller Milk & Ingredients Sainsbury’s Arla Foods - Sainsburys Müller Milk & Ingredients Co-op Dairy Group
Monthly price 44.98 42.27 40.93 40.63 40.01
Annual average 44.91 42.17 40.87 40.37 39.95
Standard Manufacturing Barber’s Cheesemakers Wyke Farms First Milk Manufacture2 Belton Farm Lactalis - Caledonian Cheese UK Arla Farmers Manufacturing1 Leprino Foods South Caernarfon Creameries4
Monthly price 35.67 35.63 35.23 35.00 34.69 34.53 34.53 34.38
Annual average 35.67 35.56 35.19 35.00 34.69 34.30 33.87 33.51
A&B
Monthly price
Annual average
34.66
34.48
Freshways
HOLSTEIN FRIESIAN Cows (over 36
Last updated February 21, 2024 Commodity Hi Pro Soyameal – North Hi Pro Soyameal – South Soya hulls Maize distillers Maize gluten Non-GM HP sugar beet pellets (delivered) Whole maize PCR Negative Palm kernel expellers Rapeseed meal basis Erith Kent Rapeseed meal basis Humber Distillers dark grains
1. This contract will receive a 1.33ppl guaranteed minimum payment. 2. This contract will receive a 0.50ppl member premium payment. 2. This contract will receive a 2.06ppl Tesco cheese group payment. 3. This contract will receive a 1.00ppl direct premium payment. 4. This contract will receive a 0.40ppl actual 13th payment. 5. Formerly Glanbia - Llangefn. Retailer price supplements are included where applicable. Supplements listed are in addition to listed milk prices.
UK MONTHLY MILK PRODUCTION UK milk deliveries in November 2023 were down 2.6 per cent on the year at 1,160 million litres. Cumulatively, this was 0.4 per cent down on the year to date. November 2023 GB milk deliveries down 3 per cent for the same period at 976m litres. GB milk deliveries for the year to date were 0.5 per cent down.
In print, in pocket, informed, in profit.
HAY AND STRAW: REGIONS Week ending Feb 25, 2024. Big bale hay Quality North East E Yorks N Mids E Mids C Mids E Counties S East South S West S Wales SE Scotland
Good 90 90 100 80 75 75 80 90 100 95
Pickup baled hay and straw Seed Meadow Barley hay hay straw Good 130 120
Good 120
125 130
100 100
130
120
Wheat straw
Good 100
Good 80
90
90
75
65
80
80
Big sq. baled straw Barley Wheat straw straw Good 80 78 80 80 80 80 70 88 110 80 78
Good 70 68 70 70 80 75 55 75 100 75 70
App Edition
farmersguardian.com/app
Source: British Hay and Straw Merchants’ Association
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FEBRUARY 23 2024 | 91
21/02/2024 16:15
Farming can offer everyone a career, and Mike Nixon is proving that no matter your circumstance, if you have a passion for the industry you can succeed. Danusia Osiowy finds out more.
#FarmingCAN: Farmer’s resilience and mindset overcomes the impossible
S
elf-discipline is a trait synonymous with farming, and for Mike Nixon it helped turn what could have been a devastating road of darkness into an inspirational journey of discovery. In October 2019, Mike was left paralysed from the chest down after losing his balance and falling 28-feet through an asbestos roof and on to concrete. At 32 years old, doctors confirmed the unthinkable: – that he would never be able to walk again. It was a normal working day, and Mike was managing the calves on the 1,416-hectare (3,500-acre) mixed farm he had been on since leaving Moulton College. It was raining and the gutter needed clearing and, as always, he did not think anything of it. He says: “The job needed doing. I got my mate to put me up in the loader bucket and take me up. I got out and walked along the beams either side of the gutter and, thinking it would be fine, straddled it. “I pulled a shrub that was growing inside, but it snapped off in my hand and I lost my footing and fell back. “I remember hitting the floor like it was yesterday. “My friend came running in from outside and I told him I could not feel my legs. After that, the rest is blank.” Heavy rain prevented the air ambulance from taking off, so Mike was transferred to a road ambulance, which drove 45 minutes to reach the hospital in Coventry. “All my injuries were internal. I had broken my back, seven ribs and my sternum,” he says. “It is ironic as up until that day I had not broken one bone in my body.” Three months later Mike was discharged from hospital and trans-
92 | FEBRUARY 23 2024
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ferred to a rehab centre in Stoke Mandeville, Buckinghamshire, where he began the next stage of recovery, learning to live a new normal. “My arms became my new legs and I worked on my upper body strength. As a farmer I am already an early bird so I would go for a swim at 6am, have my breakfast, go to the gym and physio and then back working on my arms and legs.”
Struggled Mike was discharged from rehab in March 2020, just as the onset of Covid-19 was taking hold and the nation entered lockdown. It was at this time he struggled the most, so he called his friend to ask if he could help him on-farm. He says: “I was amazed at how much I could actually do. I fed the cattle, did some fencing and other jobs and it just felt great to be back with the livestock and doing something physical. It was an absolute lifesaver.” Such is the power of a positive mindset, Mike continued his recovery, achieving new firsts and navigating his way through new territory. Defying the odds, bungee jumps, completing the London Marathon, and securing a place on the wheelchair rugby team, where they won Silver for the UK, all followed. He was also part of a series by AHDB, which aimed to show innovation in farming for a sustainable future, and an ambassador for#FARM24, agriculture’s biggest digital event run by Farmers Guardian. “I have met some incredible people and it is a sport where you sit on that seat, and you are equal to everyone around you.” Farming, though, is in Mike’s blood – his grandfather was a farmer and weekends throughout child-
hood, he says, were spent on-farm. So, through this passion and spurred on by his friend’s encouragement, he began sharing his life after a spinal cord injury on social media, under the name @mikewheelchairfarming, in a bid to help others in a similar position and show how he is making a success of still being able to work in agriculture. “I wanted to show people you can still achieve if you are willing to put the work in and how important your mindset is. I have enjoyed the positivity of Instagram and talking to others who are a mixture of non and able bodied.” Farming looks a little different now, but it is still an important part of his life. He has a battery-powered blower and strimmer, plus an attachment on his wheelchair that allows him to move easier across the uneven ground. Back home in Northamptonshire, he and wife Marie recently secured a 1ha (three-acre) holding and are building up their own enterprise with the intention of securing more land in the future. They run chickens and rare breed sheep, and he helps out on a farm which has a pick-your-own fruit section.
Specialist gym With strength and fitness still key to his everyday life, he opened a specialist gym on-site, which now welcomes 31 members through its doors. “Because of the location of my break, I should not have any working muscles below the chest and down, but I have got a bit in glutes and in my core. “I did not really talk to anyone during my recovery, but keeping active
I remember hitting the floor like it was yesterday. My friend came running in from outside and I told him I could not feel my legs. After that, the rest is blank MIKE NIXON also kept my mind focused, and I honestly believe it is the farming discipline and that incredibly strong mindset it requires which got me through and gave me a very different outcome than could have been. You have to get up and go and do whatever you need to do.” When asked if he would do anything differently on the day that changed the rest of his life, Mike’s advice is simple. “Take that extra few seconds to do your checks and be as safe as you can be. You think it will never happen to you but that one day it did, and I am lucky to be alive.” But the countryside is where his heart is; the animals, the outdoors. And though it is, he says, tough, he is carving out his own farming path and hoping he can inspire others to do the same. FIND OUT MORE To find out more about #FarmingCAN, visit farmersguardian.com/FarmingCAN
farmersguardian.com
21/02/2024 11:21
Mike Nixon credits the farming discipline and the strong mindset it requires in aiding his recovery.
Partners
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Supporters
FEBRUARY 23 2024 | 93
21/02/2024 11:21
IN YOUR FIELD
Every week we follow the ups and downs of farmers around the UK HELEN STANIER
Yorkshire Helen is a fifth-generation farmer who farms with her parents, David and Anne Shaw, husband, Craig, and their children, Alfred and Hattie, at Grey Leys Farm in the Vale of York. The farm comprises 162 hectares (400 acres) of grass, maize and wholecrop for the herd of 240 pedigree Jersey cows and more than 200 followers.
J
ust when you think it is drying up, another deluge hits the farm, and we are back to square one. February has been extremely wet, keeping the fields off-limits for cows and machinery alike. And yet, despite the storm clouds, there are some uplifting signs of spring – lighter evenings, an abundance of snowdrops, and a small increase in enquiries about livestock sales being just a few. My forecast is the cows will be indoors for a while yet, so we have administered another dose of e.coli vaccine to the herd, which helps protect them from serious mastitis, especially while they are in the straw yards in warming weather.
Vending As we entered the new year, my husband Craig had several calls from farmers considering installing milk vending operations on their farms. Our own milk vending story started out as an idea almost 10 years ago when my parents went on a rare ‘holiday’ to Europe as part of the World Jersey Cattle Bureau tour.
‘Fresh milk often provokes memories about growing up on, or near, a farm’ In Austria, Germany and Denmark, they saw vending machines being used routinely on the streets to sell milk direct to customers and they brought the idea back. At the same time, Craig and I wanted a diversification that would support us to stay at the farm. After a lot of research and bank meetings, we decided on a vending machine model, converted an old bull box into a pasteurising room, obtained permits from Environmental Health, completed Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point and food safety training, designed labels and marketing
material, and built a vending shed. We opened in July 2017. Our decision to pasteurise the milk was an easy one: we had decided to sell the milk at a more accessible location in the village, rather than on the farm itself, which meant we had to pasteurise. Also, we wanted to ensure our Jersey milk could be enjoyed by all demographics, including young children and older people, for whom raw milk is not recommended. That said, there is a growing market around raw milk, so it shouldn’t be ruled out at the right location. Six years later, we now have two
vending machines and a wholesale delivery service, and ideally, we would like to expand further. As well as more control of our milk price, we particularly enjoy the strengthening links the machines create with the community. Craig meets so many people while working at the machines and there is a real interest in farming. The fresh milk often provokes memories about growing up on, or near, a farm and there are countless stories about how our product has helped people out in a variety of ways, which is uplifting to hear.
Farmers Weather by Dr Simon Keeling
March shaping up to be drier and colder THERE are times when as a forecaster you have to throw up your hands and admit that you’ve been beaten by the weather machine. It is one of those occasions now as models struggle to nail down forecasts more than five or six days ahead. For some time high pressure has been forecast to build but, as you will be only too aware, it has not happened. This goes to show that despite a news report this week about forecasts for a month ahead becoming as accurate as those for the next couple of days, we still have a very long way to go. As always, forecasts for the coming 94 | FEBRUARY 23 2024
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weeks are at best used only as a guide, and as I have been telling our subscribers at Weatherweb.net, the real value is in comparing forecasts every few days and, if there is consistency, then you can have a fair degree of confidence that the weather pattern will evolve as expected. Should the forecast change each day then that forecast should be treated with suspicion. Strangely, models can sometimes handle events in the upper atmosphere with more accuracy than lower levels where there is much model ‘noise’ caused by oceans and mountains there.
We may be entering one of those occasions now, where the upper stratosphere has been warming and a slow down in the usual west to east wind around the North Pole is forecast to occur from early March. This usually marks a change in weather pattern and, should this occur, then we would expect some drier, probably colder, weather during March. It is very early days of course and the caveats described above all apply, but it is interesting to see these developments and wonder if they could be a sign of a change of weather. Only time will tell.
For location specific forecasts visit farmersweather.co.uk and for video updates go to weatherweb.net or call the number below. Call Farmers WeatherLIVE
0906 599 9308 Calls charged at £1.55 per minute, plus telephone company access charge. Calls from mobiles and some networks may be considerably higher. Average call length two-three minutes. Service available 8am–6pm, seven days a week. Service provided by WCS Ltd. For complaints or queries about the premium rate 090 service, please call 01902 895 252.
farmersguardian.com
21/02/2024 08:49
NEXT WEEK North Wales Dan Jones West Sussex James and Isobel Wright
‘It is like wading through treacle’ Cumbria James farms Dairy Shorthorns east of Kendal, Cumbria, with his parents Kathleen and Henry, wife Michelle and sons Robert and Chris. The fifth generation to farm at Strickley, he is also vice-chair of the Nature Friendly Farming Network.
S
at around the kitchen table were five members of our family, as well as Kirsty our vet, two Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) vets and Helen from the NFU. We were there to get to the bottom of the bovine TB situation here at Strickley, and it was obviously an important meeting as the posh ‘bank manger’ biscuits were out. We had already lost 17 cows as bTB slaughters up to this point, but they are yet to find any visible lesions and have not been able to successfully culture anything either.
This means that even though 28 animals have been identified as reactors or inconclusive, bTB has not been officially confirmed here. Yet APHA tells us that the skin test is ultra-reliable with a false positive rate of onein-5,000. It is no good telling farmers the skin test is ultra reliable and then not using the same logic to control the disease. Because we are yet to have a ‘confirmed case,’ the current policy dictates that we are not eligible for a gamma blood test, which is regarded as the best way to identify bTB positive cows.
Losing However, everyone around the table agreed that it was the best way forward, as we could not keep going as we were, losing five-12 cows per 60-day test without actually having a reactor. A good, solid case was made to do a whole herd gamma test; it was taken by the Government vet to be put to the APHA policy team. We all agreed that plan A would be a whole herd blood test, plan B test all animals in-calf/ milking, and, as a last resort, plan C was to just test the milking herd.
When I eventually got the decision on Friday, after they had sat on it for three days, they appeared to ignore everything and go for plan Z. They would only test the seven inconclusive reactors and nothing else, but if one of the seven returns a positive result, they would do a whole herd blood test. Nobody can fathom the reasoning behind this, not our vets, nor the NFU, not even the APHA vets on the ground. The only people who make decisions are the policy team, who make those decisions based on policy alone, despite the fact that the policy has not been followed in our area for the past two years, which has probably contributed to the situation we are now in around here. A whole herd gamma test would have been a chance to learn what is happening here, help slow or halt the spread of bTB and the potential start of a new ‘hotspot’, it would also have helped inform future policy changes. Maybe if the decision makers looked at the impact their reasoning has on farmers, AHPA vets in the field, farm vets and rural communities, then they would do more than rigidly follow
CROSSWORD 1233
Send in your correct entries to have a chance of winning £20 of Love2shop vouchers each month. Send to: Crossword No. 1233, Farmers Guardian, Unit 4, Fulwood Business Park, Caxton Road, Fulwood, Preston, PR2 9NZ.
ACROSS
1 Fruit peel, causes of difficulty (6,5) 9 Article rejected quotes about Conservative man leading life of austerity (7) 10 Very active, partly won the goal (2,3,2) 11 Show geographical features of the French plant foliage - Canada’s emblem (5-4) 12 Northern essentially gloomy, mentally deranged wanderer (5) 13 Scotland’s fox, extremely large, produces fusses (2-3) 14 Student, unusual Gallic one (9) 16 See 8 Down 18 Going east or west these are unaccompanied flights (5) 20 Gala, perhaps, is big in New York (5) 22 Lent me oil stirred up; a preparation with soothing effect (9) 24 Lover of dark, sweet sherry (7) 25 Pals run carelessly in a tangle (5-2) 26 Metal worker’s nan? A type of 20 across (6,5)
NAME ADDRESS
POSTCODE
policy, they would allow those with the greatest knowledge locally to implement the actions needed and allow them to act faster, because at the moment it is like wading through treacle. So on Tuesday (Feb 20), we gamma tested seven animals rather than a whole herd, which does nothing but delay the control of bTB in this area. It is also the same day that Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced more funding for England’s farmers, including £50 million to support mental health, which is of course welcome, but maybe, they could look at the policies dictating farm animal health control and see beyond their computers and dots on a map, because this is real animals, real people and real communities they are badly letting down.
DOWN
1 Reverse course of action: support exercise with boy turning up (9) 2 Crazy people, ones who gather tree fruit (7) 3 Some upset jeweller can reveal mother-of pearl (5) 4 Icy precipitation, singular now following all frosts finally (9) 5 Concentrated within form of verb indicating time of action (7) 6 Force of special squad (5) 7 Tup and male cat both returning for burrowing rodent (6) 8/16A Clouded sloe gin I adapted for this 20 across (6,9) 14 Nearby and depressed, shut shop (5,4) 15 I will remedy the endless sickness (3,6) 16 Turbulent episodes of adult engaged in whisky tipples (6) 17 Frolicking romance in Italian city (7) 18 Courses of study, in part tribally set up (7) 19 Arrangements of Kentish rams? (6) 21 In favour of new gimmick, principally a projection (5) 23 Fertile patch in desert for English rock group? (5)
Answers to crossword 1231: Across: 1 Aboard, 5 Mutual, 10 Haste, 11 Salesroom, 12 Dalai Lama, 13 Elder, 14 Web page, 16 Donkeys, 18 Barn Owl, 20 Icicles, 22 Befog, 24 Farmhouse, 26 Orchestra, 27 Orbit, 28 Odds-on, 29 Serene. Down: 2 Basil, 3 Americano, 4 Disease, 5 Mallard, 6 Taste, 7 A good deal, 8 Shadow, 9 Smarts, 15 Barefaced, 17 Neighbour, 18 Baboon, 19 Lofoten, 20 Inroads, 21 Sheath, 23 Guess, 25 Urban.
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JAMES ROBINSON
FEBRUARY 23 2024 | 95
21/02/2024 12:57
FARMING MATTERS
Forthright opinions from throughout the world of agriculture
‘I was uncertain as to whether I could carry on’
I
n March 2012 I was notified that one of our cows looked like she had bovine TB in her organs after slaughter. The herd was put under restriction. After a month we had a second slaughterhouse case. A month later and we had another suspected case and again the clock for getting a result started again on a third culture test. Our farm had been clear of bTB for nearly 60 years. My grandfather had sold his entire herd after a bTB breakdown in heifers in 1954, with the whole herd going to Crewe market. My father, who had taken over in 1966, had never had a breakdown. We lost 89 cows during the outbreak in a combination of skin and blood tests. It was heartbreaking to
have such an uncertain future, only partial insurance, massive losses in milk and calf sales, overcrowded facilities and a deep sense of being betrayed by those in authority. When I was interviewed by BBC’s Farming Today I broke down in tears; uncertain as to whether I could carry on. Until badger culling in Cheshire started, nothing shifted the upward trajectory of the county’s bTB. There can be no doubt that farmerled culling, at farmers’ cost and under licence, has been a monumental success and bTB rates have plummeted in participating counties. While Welsh politicians ignore this reality, English politicians trumpet this success as their own, basking in reflected success from a strategy they
Defra no longer wants to attribute TB to badgers in its assessments.
PHIL LATHAM
Cheshire dairy farmer and former member of the Government’s Bovine TB Partnership
have now stopped. TB should never have been allowed to spread like this. When I say ‘allowed’ that is exactly what I mean. The choice is not one about cost to taxpayers; it is about the political costs of control. Politicians of all colours have weighed up the cost to them in votes and weighed that against heaping the unnecessary misery of living with bTB in your herd and many, but not all, have favoured their own careers.
Heavy postbag Knowing that politicians run scared of a heavy postbag, wildlife groups have successfully bombarded Defra with letters and the spines of those in charge have buckled under the pressure. Politicians, rather than devolving themselves from the control programme by devolving some or all of the governance, have sought advantage by choosing sides, making the control programme a political issue, polarised and toxic. Farmers have been sacrificed on the altar of political ambition. Defra no longer wants to attribute TB to badgers in its assessments. It refers instead to the TB burden in cattle and the environment so as not to offend those who prefer to ignore the problem of TB in badgers. Defra wants to ignore the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA)
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epidemiology reports in Cheshire which attribute 65 per cent of new herd infections to badgers. Not only has Defra heaped massive unnecessary cost, suffering and stress on farming families, but it also would prefer that those in distress talk to the Farming Community Network representatives rather than having APHA vets or farm vets front up to discuss the abject failure of strategy for fear that some farmers faced with financial ruin might end their lives and Defra would prefer to not have that on its conscience. When the history of bTB in the UK is written, it should rightly dwarf the disastrous scandal of the Post Office software debacle. We are now in limbo with a new strategy based on hope, badger vaccination which is not proven or scalable and cattle vaccination which will not be deployable for years. In the meantime, the benefits from all that investment in reducing the badger population will dwindle as the population grows. We are being let down. The governance model must change.
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21/02/2024 09:40