Farmers Guardian 5th April 2024

PRACTICAL LUXURIES ISUZU D-MAX UTILITY ON TEST – P62

Driving a potato-based boost on-farm

● Growers defiant despite delays ● Crop disease threat exacerbated SLOW PROGRESS

By Ash Ellwood

PROBLEMS are mounting for growers as fieldwork is hit by further delays, the rising threat of disease and decreased yields.

As the extended rainfall period looks set to continue across much of the UK, soils in many regions remain waterlogged, severely hampering planting on heavier land as farmers simply cannot get on to the fields.

The mild and wet weather has also been highly conducive to the development of foliar diseases, such as yellow rust and septoria, according to Rebecca Joynt, senior consultant in crop pathology at ADAS.

She said: “The wet weather could pose problems for fungicide programmes depending on what the weather does over the next few weeks.

“The timing of early sprays where fields are not fit to travel might be a concern for some growers, particularly where yellow rust is already present in susceptible varieties. If this warm wet weather continues through spring, control of septoria and yellow

rust will be difficult even with the most robust chemistry and significant yield losses could be observed.”

The timings of T0 fungicide applications should ideally be three weeks prior to T1 applications, enabling the T1 fungicide to be applied at leaf 3 emergence, she said.

Spunhill agronomist Harry Gibson said in the north west of England in particular growers have expressed mounting concerns about the practicalities of applying upcoming fungicides.

He said: “In the earlier drilled crops we are seeing increased septoria with

some crops getting forward and suffering from poor rooting. If we do end up in a drought year, this will cause problems as the crops will struggle to access the necessary resources due to the poor rooting structures.”

ADAS soil scientist Paul NewellPryce said farmers should also resist the temptation to ‘break the soil’ to allow it to dry out, as it is likely to cause ‘more harm than good’. Instead he has advised growers to check the soil is friable at the depth of cultivation prior to completing any fieldwork.

On top of the wet, warm February, the fact much of the country failed to hit 12degC over the past week means soil temperatures have fallen back towards 7degC, leading to a slowdown in crop growth for both winter and spring drilled crops.

Independent agronomist Sean Sparling said: “The recent cold weather has really slowed things right down resulting in little change in cereal growth over the past week.”

Planting on heavy land has been severely hampered across much of the UK.

PICTURE: GARY NAYLOR

‘To buy our own farm after a decade is a dream come true’, says James Wright. See p86.

Lib Dems call for more rural police

By Jane Thynne

THE Liberal Democrats have accused the Conservative Government of ‘neglecting’ rural communities as new data revealed only 258 police officers and staff are dedicated to rural crime teams across England and Wales – just 0.1 per cent of the overall workforce.

According to the figures, sourced via a number of Freedom of Information requests, fewer than one in 1,000 police officers around the country is dedicated to rural crime teams.

Nine police forces, including the rural counties of Norfolk, West Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, admitted to having no specific rural crime team in place.

Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey said the role of the Police and Crime Commissioner should be scrapped, enabling the savings to be invested in frontline policing, including ensuring every police force has a properly resourced rural crime team.

The Liberal Democrats said this would save around £150 million every four years.countir

Mr Davey said: “Local communities are worried sick about the impacts of rural crime, and to have

such a small number of officers dedicated to tackling this serious issue is shocking.”

The call came as the Government unveiled new rules regarding fly tipping. As of this week, money raised from fixed penalty notices (FPN) for fly-tipping and littering will be spent on local clean-up and enforcement.

Recycling Minister Robbie Moore said money paid by criminals in fines will go directly back into repairing the damage from these crimes, or into enforcement efforts to prevent similar incidents from happening again.

This could also include the funding of additional enforcement officers to crack down on litter and fly-tipping, a move welcomed by the NFU.

Incidents

NFU vice-president Rachel Hallos said a lack of funding had allowed the issue to spiral out of control.

She said: “There were more than one million incidents on public land alone last year. This excludes the incidents on privately managed land.

“This announcement confirms the Government is listening, and we hope the revenue from FPNs will help prevent damage to the environment, farm businesses and the health of those that enjoy our countryside.”

Private Members’ Bill introduced to amend handling of SSSI status

A CONSERVATIVE MP has proposed a piece of legislation which could stipulate the handling and designation of Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

Derek Thomas, MP for St Ives, introduced a proposal to change the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 proposed bill amendment during a Private Members’ Bill in Parliament last month.

Mr Thomas said he had been concerned by the handling of Natural England’s formal designation of West Penwith Moors and Downs as an SSSI last year which had ‘united’ farmers and environment groups in ‘opposition’ to the process, the quality of data, the

original inclusion of 405 hectares of pasture land and risk of pollution. The Act was last amended in 1981.

Mr Thomas said: “If my Bill was adopted, the main change would be that Natural England would still identify sites for designation and collate the data and scientific evidence to support this level of protection.”

The Defra Seretary would then scrutinise the evidence.

“I suspect that, if the Secretary had been the one to formally confirm the designation of West Penwith Moors and Downs, they would have asked to see the calculation and paused the confirmation until the evidence was robust,” he added.

rConcern as farm takes up BNG scheme

By Charlie Hawes

A MAJOR rewilding project on a farm in Wiltshire has sparked outrage from farmers who have raised concerns over food security and the impact on the next generation.

Details about the large-scale project at Lower Pertwood Farm, a 1,133-hectare arable unit in Hindon, Wiltshire, were released in a Guardian newspaper article over the weekend.

But farmers have reacted angrily on social media, with many highlighting the ramifications projects like this will have on the country’s ability to feed itself, with production already down across the board on previous years.

Paul Temple, board member of the Global Farming Network and East Yorkshire farmer, said: “Rewilding is the ultimate folly. It is not a natural act in any form and it relies solely on subsidy. Inevitably, those who rewild are wealthy landowners.”

The project allows Lower Pertwood Farm to receive payments through Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG).

Through the scheme, developers are legally obliged to buy or create natural areas to ensure every new housing estate leads to an uplift in biodiversity.

Rich Clothier, managing director at

Rewilding project sparks industry fears

Wyke Farms, Somerset, said a mixed farming approach was better for both food production and nature.

“The solution is regenerative farming, while producing food for a growing population, not ‘farming’ BNG credits so that developers can put more productive farmland under concrete,” he said.

Mr Temple highlighted the impact such schemes were having on the next generation and pointed to a 2022 survey conducted by the National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs which revealed more than 70 per cent thought it was ‘difficult’ or ‘impossible’ for new entrants to enter the farming industry.

Food inflation falls for 10th month in a row

FOOD inflation decelerated to 3.7 per cent last month, down from 5 per cent in February.

The decrease marked a 10th consecutive fall and helped overall inflation fall to 3.4 per cent – its lowest point since April 2022.

According to the British Retail Consortium (BRC), fresh food inflation slowed further in March to 2.6 per cent, down from 3.4 per cent in

February. This is below the threemonth average rate of 3.6 per cent. However, high sugar and cocoa prices meant shoppers were paying more for Easter treats.

Helen Dickinson, BRC chief executive, said: “Dairy prices also fell on the month, as farmgate prices eased and retailers worked hard to lower prices for many essentials.”

Head of retailer and business

insight at NielsenIQ, Mike Watkins, said: “The slowdown in inflation continues and a key driver for this month was a further fall in food prices.

“A year ago, food inflation was 15 per cent so this was to be expected. But it was also helped by intense competition among the supermarkets as they looked to drive footfall.”

He added: “The reason why I find these situations absolutely frustrating is that we are struggling as it is to bring in another generation of younger people into farming and if you take land out like this you also take the people out of it.”

Lower Pertwood Farm described the scheme as ‘enormously exciting’, with high profile backer Defra non-executive director Ben Goldsmith posting on X: “We are utterly deprived of functional, vibrant ecosystems in Britain. The idea that this project has any bearing on our food security is nonsense.”

Oliver Dowding, organic farmer in south east Somerset, said: “We have 67 million people in the country who need to be fed from British produce and the rewilding people can do all the good they think they are doing but will lead to us importing more food from around the world to an unknown standard.”

Farmers have reacted with anger over a major BNG project starting on arable land in Wiltshire.

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Farm vets must be part of bluetongue response

rVaccine the only way forward

By Rachael Brown

PRIVATE farm vets will need to play a significant role in tackling bluetongue should it arrive on a large scale this summer, especially if the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) continue to be overstretched with limited resources to tackle the disease.

That was the message from new livestock board chair and Gloucestershire beef suckler farmer David Barton, who added the ‘unpredictability’ of BTV-3 was worrying.

Mr Barton warned bluetongue had the potential to have a ‘massive strain’ on resources and urged the Government to properly support APHA and ensure it had the vet staff needed.

Burke trophy locations

TWOcattletrophieswillbepresented attheRoyalThreeCountiesShow inWorcestershiretoguardagainst furtherbluetongueoutbreaksin theeastofthecountry.TheBurke PerpetualChallengeTrophies,which wereduetoawardedattheRoyal Norfolkevent,willnowbepresented attheMalvernvenue,following discussionsbytheRoyalAgricultural SocietyofEngland,theRoyalNorfolk AgriculturalAssociationandthe ThreeCountiesAgriculturalSociety.

PROPOSALS from Scottish Government of a ban on the use of enriched cages to house laying hens for egg production was not practical and ‘unenforceable’, and would lead to retailers importing eggs from elsewhere with ‘no better or potentially worse welfare standards’.

NFU Scotland’s poultry working group chair Robert Thompson said a huge demand for value eggs from retailers and catering outlets was

He said: “Still got to do the dayto-day stuff, we cannot forget what we are doing with TB. Those things still need to happen.

“What does happen sometimes, those things get put on hold for a minute while other things are prioritised – and that is not good enough.”

Taking questions at last week’s EFRA Committee, Defra Secretary of State Steve Barclay said the threat of bluetongue was something his department was ‘very alive to’, and upgrading APHA’s centre in Weybridge in Surrey was a ‘priority’.

Biosecurity

Tamara Finkelstein, permanent secretary at Defra, confirmed a business case would be laid out before the summer, and while she admitted there was still some debate

surrounding the £2.8 billion required, she said it was ‘clear we have to do this work, as it is critical for biosecurity’.

Mr Barton said there were lessons to be learnt from last autumn in the handling of bluetongue, criticising the ‘disproportionate’ impact of the surveillance zones.

He said it was a tricky ‘challenge’ to balance out between ‘slowing down the disease’ and ensuring farmers have the ability to still trade and move stock.

Mr Barton said the only way to control this strain of bluetongue was through a vaccine, adding that at best it could arrive ‘late summer, or early autumn’.

He said: “We want to be at the front of the queue when a vaccine becomes available.”

Proposals to ban enriched cages ‘unenforceable’

largely met by imported eggs from enriched cage systems in other parts of Europe.

He said: “The imposition of a unilateral ban on enriched cages in Scotland by the Scottish Government opens that market to imports, not only to eggs from other parts of the world, including Europe, but to other parts of the UK by creating regulatory divergence in the UK internal market.”

The industry has been asked to sub-

Farming Minister knighted

FARMING Minister Mark Spencer has been given a knighthood in Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s ‘surprise’ hon-

ours list announcement. The Sherwood MP is one of just four MPs to be recognised in the Easter list.

mit their views to the consultation by June 25.

The Scottish Government said as of February 2021 more than 1.1 million hens were housed in cages in Scotland.

Mr Thompson argued this figure was ‘likely to have been overestimated’. He said the ‘improved welfare benefits’ to the birds since the move to enriched cages from ‘outdated conventional cages’ must be recognised.

Scotland’s Agriculture Minister Jim Fairlie said: “We have seen the EU put forward legislation to prohibit using cages for all farmed livestock, with Luxembourg and Austria already banning them and others phasing them out.” He added there would also be calls for evidence in the gamebird, quail egg and meat sectors in the coming weeks.

APHA has urged the Government to ensure any bluetongue response is correctly staffed.

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Industry condemns plans to make farmers pay for SWS

rRecruitment and transport costs fear farming and growing businesses are fully understood.

By Jane Thynne

INDUSTRY leaders have called for a halt to proposed changes to rules requiring farmers to pay the recruitment fees of seasonal workers, warning it would have a substantial financially damaging impact on farm businesses.

Recently unveiled requirements to SMETA (SEDEX Members Ethical Trade Audit) workforce audits will require UK farming and growing businesses to pay for the recruitment and transportation fees of the seasonal workers they employ.

The NFU is calling for the change to be paused until there has been proper industry consultation, details on how it will be fairly implemented and the financial cost impacts and risks to

NFU president Tom Bradshaw said: “I am shocked that a decision such as this, which could have detrimental financial implications on our farmers and growers – already struggling with high input costs, extreme weather events and challenges in the supply chain – has been decided without the consultation of the people and businesses it will affect.”

Failing

Richard Griffiths, chief executive of British Poultry Council, said should the proposals be allowed to go ahead, it would be another example of how the UK Government was ‘failing to grasp’ the concept of food security.

He said: “We cannot have self-sufficiency or food security if there is not sufficient labour available.

“The whole situation is a mess and

Role of red meat in a healthy diet highlighted

RED meat as part of balanced and healthy diet is essential.

That was the message from Hybu Cig Cymru chair Catherine Smith ahead of World Health Day (Sunday, April 7).

The day, which is led by the World Health Organisation (WHO), this year focuses on ‘My health, my right’ with the right to health of millions of people increasingly coming under threat.

Ms Smith highlighted the role of red meat as part of a balanced diet.

Variety of foods

She said: “The simplest way to a healthy lifestyle is to eat a variety of different foods and red meat is one food group that can help us keep on top of our intakes of iron, potassium, magnesium, zinc, B vitamins, and vitamin D at all stages of life.”

Concerns

it needs fixing. I hope a future Government is listening to this.

“The seasonal worker scheme [SWS] is very costly for the poultry sector and for smaller producers it is just not viable at all.

“These proposals would make it just about impossible to secure workers for many in the industry.”

Mr Bradshaw added: “It is vital

that the proposed changes are paused until there is a full consultation with all stakeholders and a full assessment on the impacts the proposed audit changes will have to the commercial viability of growers, food inflation and UK food security.”

SEDEX was contacted for the purposes of the article.

TV programme praised for raising tenancy profile

A NEW television programme in which the winner receives a 10-year National Trust farm tenancy has been praised for raising the profile of the sector.

Tenant Farmers Association chief executive George Dunn said the programme, Our Dream Farm with Matt Baker, which starts on April 6 at 8pm, has given the sector a ‘platform’ from which to ‘showcase’ the work of tenant farmers and their importance to the agricultural industry.

Lookout

While series one of the Channel 4 programme, which is hosted by the Countryfile presenter, kicks off this week, its production company, Big Circus Media, is already on the lookout for prospective applicants for series two. The programme will see seven shortlisted applicants battle it out for a decade-long farm tenancy

on the Wallington Estate in Northumberland.

Mr Dunn said they had been involved throughout and Mr Baker had made it clear he did not want this to be ‘something flippant and headline-chasing, but a good demonstration’ of what it means to be a tenant farmer.

Mr Dunn admitted there would be those who criticised the ‘competition’ element of the programme, but he saw it as a ‘good opportunity’. He said: “We have always been what you might call a ‘critical friend’ of the National Trust and I think it is actually quite brave of the organisation to open itself up to scrutiny.”

Sally Richards, general manager at the National Trust-owned Wallington Estate, said the programme gave the public an ‘up-close look’ at the letting of a farm with much of what was shown was a ‘real reflection’ of how it let its farms.

have been raised over increased seasonal worker costs.

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‘Frustration’ for family over solar farm appeal

rCampaign continues against development

By Rachael Brown

A YORKSHIRE tenant farming family said their ‘heart sank’ after being told an appeal had been lodged against a decision to block a solar farm being developed on half of their farm.

Rob and Emma Sturdy, and their two children Sebastian and Lizzie, had spent the last three years tirelessly

campaigning to prevent almost half of their arable farm being taken out of food production to accommodate the solar farm development.

In October last year, they won their case convincingly to stop the development going ahead.

However, they received an email from their landlord’s agent last week confirming the landlord and Harmony Energy wanted to launch an appeal.

Ms Sturdy said: “It is devastating. It was the email I wish I had not opened as we were on holiday with the family.

“We felt emotional, worried and angry that the landlord’s agent sent the email at 4.39pm on the brink of the Bank Holiday weekend.

“It is clear that Harmony Energy and the landlord have known there will be an appeal for some time.”

Impact

Ms Sturdy added she was frustrated that they did not consult with them or consider the impact an appeal would have on their business and well-being.

The Sturdy family said they must

Tenant meeting addresses ‘unease’ in Cumbria

CUMBRIAN tenant farmers attended a joint meeting at Penrith auction mart this week (April 3) hosted by The Farmer Network and the Tenant Farmers Association (TFA), after a ‘growing sense of unease’ about the future of their tenant farming businesses.

Speaking ahead of the meeting, TFA chief executive George Dunn

said many tenants in Cumbria had been told by their landlords that existing tenancy agreements would not be renewed because the landlord ‘was looking to take land back in hand to assist with their tax planning’.

Mr Dunn added: “Some tenants may be approached by these estates to enter into partnership agreements or other forms of joint venture

which will take them into wholly uncharted waters.

“The meeting will be to look at what has been achieved so far from the Rock Review in terms of building better landlord tenant collaboration and looking at what rights and opportunities are available to tenants in individual negotiations with their landlords.”

now wait to receive formal notification from the local council as to what grounds Harmony Energy will make their appeal.

“We are hugely frustrated and worried about another year of uncertainty and the expenses that will be incurred in defending our position,” Ms Sturdy said.

“This whole experience is incredibly sad and unnecessary. I cannot express how deeply it affects us, but as always, we must remain hopeful of a positive outcome.”

Harmony Energy said it had decided to appeal because it believed the proposed solar farm would provide a ‘vital piece of energy infrastructure’ which would support the net zero transition.

It added being located next to an existing substation was important.

A spokesperson said: “The tenant farmers have been offered far in excess of the statutory compensation, which includes a sizeable lump sum and an annual, index-linked, payment which will exceed what they are likely to earn from the loss of farmland.”

Rob and Emma Sturdy (pictured with their children) have spent years campaigning against a solar farm development.

As tenant farmers wait on Defra’s next move on recommendations to improve the sector, Rachael Brown spoke to new Tenant Farmers Association chair Robert Martin.

Tenant Farming Commissioner an ‘easy win for Defra Secretary’

A TENANT Farming Commissioner (TFC) is an easy win for any Defra Secretary and Labour is unlikely to throw away the idea if the party comes to power at the next General Election.

That was the message from newly appointed Tenant Farmers Association (TFA) national chair and Cumbrian tenant farmer Robert Martin, who backed recent remarks by Scotland’s Tenant Farming Commissioner about the role’s success and urged Defra to ‘get on with it’.

Speaking to the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee last week, Defra Secretary Steve Barclay confirmed a decision on both the TFC and the outcome of the code of practice for the sector will be made before the Prime Minister holds his next Farm to Fork summit.

Although no official date has been set yet, last year’s summit was in May.

When probed around criticism of whether the code of practice would have ‘enough teeth’, with it being a set of rules rather than legislation, Mr Martin said he was confident it would help tackle bad practice once implemented, adding that many across the sector were engaged in the idea.

But he questioned the irony of having to implement something that ‘told people how to behave’.

Mr Martin takes on the new role after

joining the TFA over 22 years ago, when he found there was no representative for tenant farmers in the North West.

He said his priority was to ensure TFA is a ‘one-stop shop’ for farmers with tenancy issues.

He said: “I also need to see completion of the Rock Review and get everything from that implemented.”

The TFA hosted a joint meeting with The Farmer Network in Cumbria this week (April 3) to discuss issues of bad practice and poor relationships between landlords and tenants.

That followed Cumbrian MP Tim Farron’s remarks in the House of Commons warning of a ‘Lakeland clearance’ with tenants being ‘turfed off the land’.

Mr Martin said it ‘concerned’ him

when he heard of tenants farming for 60-plus years being served notices to quit for the landlords to access large payments from agri-environment schemes.

“A Tenant Farming Commissioner could look into this,” he added.

Defra announced last week limits on the amount of land which could be taken out of production under the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI).

This was in a response to what it said was a small number of cases where these payment options were being maxed out across whole farms.

Mr Martin said such actions showed ‘they are listening’.

“There is an understanding now that the tenanted sector has different needs compared to owner occupied,”

he said. “We cannot go into certain things, there are restrictions on tenancies. That is very much at the top at what Government is looking at, especially with the recent SFI announcement.”

But Mr Martin urged any tenant farmers who had concerns to speak to them, adding ‘at the moment people will not put their head above the parapet, especially if succession is in place’.

Communication

“But if tenants come off the land and have nothing to lose, I think they will start to tell their story,” he added.

Mr Martin praised the many examples of successful landlord and tenant relationships in the sector and said at their core was ‘communication’.

“You need to show respect to the landlord. It is their asset,” he said.

“But you also need respect down from the landlord and land agent to the tenant. That is where the code of practice comes in.”

As well as getting the Rock Review recommendations passed, Mr Martin will have to navigate a possible political change at the next General Election.

“You have just got one lot trained and then you have to train the next lot on what your thoughts are. We will take it in our stride,” he said.

“The week before the Brexit vote, the TFA had put a plan forward for the next 20 years in agriculture. There is nothing in that plan I would change today.”

Robert Martin

rCould help tackle bad practice if implemeted

LEADER

Olivia Midgley, Editor – olivia.midgley@agriconnect.com

And finally... New entrants often come into the industry armed with enthusiasm and a will to innovate, and hill farmers Eden and John Hill are the perfect example. Read about their journey on p19-21.

WITH food production at home and abroad under increasing strain, decisions to ‘rewild’ will undoubtedly cause tension and prompt many questions.

But with the attractive terms on offer through Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), as taken up by businesses like the one in our p3 story, who could blame them?

The incessant rain and poor start to the season will have seen many assessing alternative income streams, with the risk-versus-reward test not stacking up. For many farmers, land will sit fallow for the first time in generations. This is all at a time when pressure on production will inevitably push food prices higher, leaving households struggling even more.

While no scheme (although a robust flooding policy would have helped) could have guarded against the extreme rainfall – which has seen some areas deluged with the equivalent of 5.5 feet (1,695.9mm) in the 18 months up to March 24 – extreme approaches could do more harm than good.

When large areas of land are effectively set aside for a 10-year BNG scheme, it is unlikely that land will ever return to food production, which not only

Mixed farming approach is surely the most sensible path

impacts food security but decreases opportunities for young people and new entrants too. It is a fine balance the Government has attempted to strike and why it announced a 25 per cent cap on the amount of land taken out of direct food production through the Sustainable Farming Incentive.

But the proponents of regenerative farming think there is another way, and I bet the majority of industry stakeholders and the public would stand with them.

Rather than promoting extremes and a binary choice of one method or another, surely a mixed farming approach, which treads a fine line between food production and conserving the natural environment, is the more sensible path.

There is a reason regenerative methods have been trumpeted in recent years, with mixed farming almost becoming the new ‘standard’ to aim for. Many businesses are already showing that reverting back to a mixed approach can benefit nature, productivity, and profitability. Nature and food production have one thing in common – farmers. Take the latter out of the equation, and the other two will undoubtedly take a hit.

YOUNG FARMER FOCUS

‘The hands-on learning experience is enriching’

Background: Imightnothavegrown uponafarm,butmypassionfor farminghasalwaysbeenevident fromayoungage.

My journey with animals began at the age of 11 when I started volunteering at Goldthorpe Primary School in Barnsley to work with a variety of creatures, including poultry, over a three-year period.

At14,Istartedworkingformyuncle onapigfarm—witnessingallthehard workanddedicationfarmersputinto theirbusiness.Itwastrulyinspirational toseethisfirst-handanditfuelled mydeterminationtopursueacareer intheindustry.

Education: Iamnowstudying Level2AgricultureatBarnsleyCollege and,Ihavetosay,ithasbeenamazing experience.

Everydayisdifferent.The handson learning experience is incredibly

enriching and provides me with a deep understanding of animal husbandry which I can use in the future, when I can care for and nurture the animals.

Icurrentlyworkwitharange ofanimals,includingpigs,sheep, llamas,cows,goatsandpoultry,with afocusontheirhealthandwelfare.

WhenIgrowup,Iwanttobe ashepherdessandshowsheep.

Skills: Learningskillssuchas daggingsheeptoremovefaeces fromtheirwool;haltertrainingfor safemovement;andadministering injections,foottrimsandhealth checks,arecrucialforachieving mycareergoals.

Somepeoplehavegainedthese skillsbygrowinguponafarm,butI amlearningitnowbystudyingata workingfarm,whichisfantastic.

Iamalsogaininginsightsintoanimal

enrichmentpracticesandtheirdietary needsandconsumptionpatterns.

Collaboration: I was also part of a group of students which built an enclosure for pigs, which has enhanced my abilities in fence installation and developed an awareness of potential hazards and risks in field and enclosure management. Despitethenumerousrewards farmingoffers,itcomeswithseveral

Barnsley, South Yorkshire

challenges,includingenvironmental concerns,financialconstraintsand thepeopletryingtochangefarming. Farmersplayacrucialrolein sustainingtheenvironmentthrough foodproductionandlandmanagement andoftenfacealackofrecognition andfinancialcompensation.

Despitethesechallenges,Iam determinedtopursuemydreamof owningafarminthefuture,where Icanproducecropsandkeepsheep.

Ilookforwardtoworkinginthe agriculturalindustry.Itisasector whereIcancontinuouslylearn, developandcontributepositively totheenvironment.

MORE INFORMATION

If you would like to be featured, email chris.brayford@agriconnect.com

Emma Hanson

Emma Hanson, 18, is a student from Barnsley College and comes from Barnsley in South Yorkshire. Emma Hanson

Storage plight

AS we come to the end of one of the wettest winters in decades, it appears that extreme rainfall events are here to stay, and there are going to be many challenges to come as farming works out how to adapt.

In Wales, Nitrate Vulnerable Zones are due to come in across the whole country this August.

As part of the regulations is a requirement for five months of slurry storage. While we have no doubt that this level of storage is necessary, the introduction of these regulations by Welsh Government appears entirely out of touch with the situation on the ground.

Most farms we visit to give our free and confidential advice do not have anywhere near this capacity.

Smaller farms do not have the profit margins for the large investment needed for new storage.

This means spreading in closed seasons will be unavoidable, with the alternative of overspilling being worse for rivers.

Tax breaks, Government support and supply chain investment will be needed to bring storage up to standard.

However, there are steps which can be taken to increase capacity with smaller scale investment.

Many farms we visit have missing or damaged guttering, downpipes and drains, and subsequently much of their storage space is filled with clean water.

While installing rainwater goods is an upfront investment, preventing water from entering slurry stores can dramatically cut storage requirements, reducing capital expenditure, contractor costs and time spent spreading.

A dairy herd with 100 cows would

■ IF you would like to send us a letter for consideration, please note that our email address has now changed to fgeditorial@agriconnect.com Contact us

1947

Joseph Dewhurst and his three sons – Ted (holding up the mouse), John and Jim – at Chaigley, Clitheroe, Lancashire. The image was sent in by John’s granddaughter Katie Dewhurst.

If you have a classic picture you would like to share, please email it to marcello.garbagnoli@agriconnect.com

produce about 5.8cu.m of slurry every day over winter.

Assuming an annual rainfall of 865mm, every square metre of concrete yard or roof would produce 865 litres of runoff a year. Have a look around your farm and think about where the water goes – consider roof water, yard slopes and dairy washings, and separate the clean and dirty water areas, sources and destinations.

Harriet Alvis West Wales Rivers Trust.

Under threat

WHILE measures which ensure the Sustainable Farming Incen-

tive (SFI) supports farmers to produce food sustainably alongside improving the environment are welcome, Organic Farmers and Growers believes farmers would benefit from a consistent and a coherent agricultural strategy.

It does seem a bit of a nonsense for the Farming Minster to say Defra is ‘taking action to clarify’ that ‘food production is the primary purpose of farming’.

Recent protests outside Westminster and the Senedd would indicate that farmers are acutely aware their livelihoods are under threat.

Constant revisions and policy updates only serve to undermine the precarious position that many farmers find themselves in.

This latest announcement is a

timely reminder that the organic farming industry consists of a brilliant food and farming system, which operates within the highest level of compliance which delivers on four key fronts: climate; nature; economy; and food.

With only 15,000 SFI applications received, it seems the Government’s endless flip-flopping only serves to alienate those it should be supporting; those who are working to deliver food sovereignty while preserving the environment for the benefit of the nation.

Roger Kerr, Chief executive, Organic Farmers and Growers, Albrighton, Shropshire.

printed form when entering the Competitions. If you have entered the Competitions via our site we may also collect some technical information about how you use our site, for example, the type of device you are using, your operating system, IP address, uniform resource locator (URL), clickstream and length of visit. How we use the information you provide: We will use your personal information: • to administer the Competitions, on the basis that the use of your personal data for this purpose will be necessary to enter you into the competitions and, if you are successful, contact you to notify you of your prize; and, • if you are new to Farmers Guardian and where you have agreed to this, to provide you with news and updates from time to time about our services; and, if at any point in the future you do not wish to receive any news and updates from us or from, you can unsubscribe from our marketing list at any time by following the steps below. To unsubscribe from any communications using the link on the email we send you or by emailing us at dataprotection@farmersguardian.com. We will not use your information for any purposes except those listed in this policy without letting you know and getting your permission, if necessary, first. Who do we share your information with? We will not disclose your information to any third parties without your consent, except where:

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Edited by Alex Black – 01772

rGB steer prices hit all-time high in March

By Cedric Porter

DEADWEIGHT beef prices began 2024 very strongly, although they have slipped over the past few weeks. However, the buoyant liveweight trade suggests that beef’s bull run is not over just yet.

GB steer prices hit an all-time high of 498p/kg at the beginning of March, according to AHDB. That was 3.2 per cent more than in 2023. Since then, values have fallen to 493p/kg. Last year, deadweight prices climbed for longer – although not so steeply – peaking at 494p/kg in May before falling to 455p/kg by mid-August. Meanwhile, deadweight heifer prices were similar to those achieved a year ago, averaging 488p/kg in the week to March 23.

The supply of deadweight cattle was higher than last year, which put pressure on prices. In the six weeks to March 23, throughput of GB deadweight heifers was 7.3 per cent more than in 2023 at almost 67,400 cattle. Steer numbers in the same period were 1.7 per cent lower at 86,235 head,

according to AHDB. A desire to sell a flush of bulls before they reach 16 months was also increasing supply and impacting prices, alongside the supermarkets’ need not to see inflation in retail beef prices.

Auction prices

While deadweight trade might have taken a downward turn, prices remained robust in the ring.

Jeremy Eaton, manager of CCM Auctions in Skipton, North Yorkshire, said: “Live auction prices of cattle have been particularly strong, especially for suckler-bred, heavy cattle and the short weeks due to the Bank Holidays.

“Supply of suckler-bred animals in the beef ring is tight, and these are precisely the animals needed by wholesalers who support the live ring because they are ideal for the commodity market.

“As spring-born bulls reach finishing at the 16-month cut off age for deadweight buyers, there is the potential for backlog and discount, but numbers will always be tight because of the reduction in specialist beef cows.”

In last week’s prime stock sale at Skipton, prices averaged 335.5p/kg, with the top performing heifer making 346.5p/kg. Feeding cows were making between £1,400 and £1,600. In the

Liveweight beef trade trumps a deflated deadweight market

week to March 23, the Livestock Auctioneers Association reported an average liveweight price of 275.2p/ kg, which was 0.2 per cent more than the week before. Cull cattle prices were up 1.9 per cent to 170.7p/kg.

“For farmers who sell deadweight, it is worth taking a look at what is happening in the ring, because it could give them more options to sell and maximise the value of their cattle,” added Mr Eaton.

Retail demand for beef remained stable. According to data from Kantar for AHDB, sales in the 12 weeks to February 18 were down 0.6 per cent by volume, but were up 6.1 per cent by value.

Auction

Farmers who understand how their milk price is generated are best placed to manage their longterm resilience, said Paul Tompkins.

Farmers need more clarity on milk prices

rGreater transparency needed from processors

He added: “I do not think that is true; the processors pay us what they are able to achieve from the marketplace.”

By Rachael Brown

PROCESSORS need to show clear reasoning for the change in direction of the milk price, as those farmers who understand how their milk price is generated are best placed to manage their long-term resilience.

That was the message from the new NFU dairy board and Vale of York dairy farmer Paul Tompkins, who said he was not going to provide a ‘running commentary’ every time the milk price changed, but instead called for greater transparency from processors on what market realities were dictating the price.

He said: “As sure as eggs are eggs, milk prices will go up and down, so I am not going to provide a running commentary every time it changes. Up is good, down bad – especially on the back of such a challenging winter.”

Mr Tompkins said he was often frustrated by the wording in press releases on milk price announcements, suggesting the milk price changes were being made in recognition of the ‘difficult winter’ farmers had been through.

MILK PRICES

OVERthepastweek,Freshways announceditsJuneprice,whichsaw thestandardpricerisefrom35ppl to37ppl.FirstMilkalsoissuedamilk priceriseof0.75pplforMay,taking itslitrepriceto39.5ppl,including memberpremium.Barbersreleased atwo-stageincreaseforitsfarmers,

Mr Tompkins said that if farmers knew what was influencing their milk prices, they would understand the ‘risk profile’ of their milk and be able to make ‘business decisions’ based on that.

He warned that sometimes farmers could become ‘blinded’ by the happiness of seeing a milk price increase, without an understanding of why it has happened.

“What I am really keen to see is a greater understanding of why it has gone up or why has it gone down. I appreciate there is commercial sensitivity included in [milk price] discussion. That is what the sentiment behind the dairy contract regulation is asking processors to be clear on –how a milk price is being formulated or why it has changed,” he said.

“Tell us why your milk price has gone up: Is it because you have been able to sell additional branded products, or you have been able to secure future contracts, or is it because you have been flogging on the Global Dairy Trade and it has been successful in the last month?”

uppingthepriceforMayby 0.50pplto38.15ppl,whichwasto befollowedbyanotherriseinJune to39.15ppl.

Both Arla and Muller held firm, with Arla unchanged for April at 40.02ppl and Muller announcing it would remain at 37.5ppl for May.

PICTURE: TIM SCRIVENER

Slow recovery for pig market

rBut prices up on five-year average

By Cedric Porter

THE rise in pig prices appears to have run out of steam, but there is some reason for limited optimism, according to Iain Macdonald, market intelligence manager at Quality Meat Scotland.

He said: “Despite evidence of a slight seasonal upturn, prices have slipped behind 2023 levels for the first time in two years.

“Still, they were up 35 per cent on their five-year average in midMarch, reflecting the sharp market rebound between spring 2022 and 2023.”

He reported both heavier and lighter spec pigs were holding the average price back, with the price

of those between 70kg and 105kg edging up in the past six weeks to 212.5p/kg.

A drop in animal feed price of more than 25 per cent over the past year has also improved profitability.

Rising wages, high energy and borrowing costs are still putting pressure on finances and there is a long way to go before there is a full recovery from the hugely damaging 2021/22 pig market crisis.

Down

Prime pig slaughter numbers were down 4 per cent in the first two months of 2024, which followed an 11 per cent decline in 2023.

However, there are signs of a recovery, especially in Scotland.

“In the first two months of 2024, while still down on 2022, the number of pigs leaving Scottish farms

for slaughter rose by 14 per cent from the lows of 2023,” Mr Macdonald said.

“Nevertheless, Scotland is home to only around 8 per cent of GB finishing pigs, so a faster rate of recovery here will have a limited impact on overall market conditions.”

A large gap between EU and British pig prices had also helped to

hold UK prices in check, but the gap is now narrowing from 20 per cent in January to the current rate of 13 per cent.

The EU pig herd is 7 per cent smaller than pre-Covid-19 levels.

In the 12 weeks to February 18, the volume of UK retail pork sales was down 1.4 per cent, with value up 5.3 per cent.

The gap between EU and British pig prices has narrowed to 13 per cent.

Labour shortages must be tackled by a national strategy, say farmers.

National workforce strategy call

rYoung turn away from land based roles

By Chris Brayford

FARMERS and industry figures have called for a national approach from the Government to help tackle problems regarding the retention and recruitment of a skilled workforce, as set out in last year’s independent review into labour shortages in the food supply chain sector.

Hampshire farmer Jeremy Gibbs, who founded Forces Farming which finds ex-service men and women careers in agriculture, also highlighted challenges in recruitment stemming from a ‘lack’ of a clear pathway for people leaving the armed forces to enter agriculture.

“The main challenge from the landbased sector is taking a viewpoint from the inside out in trying to encourage people to enter the sector,” he said.

“If you look from the outside in, it can almost be intimidating with the amount of work and skills needed to enter farming.”

Martin Emmett, NFU national horticulture and potatoes board chair,

speaking to the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee committee, said the problem had roots in the Government’s lack of a national view of land-based careers.

“Government strategy and education is based around local skills improvement plans,” Mr Emmett said, but added agriculture was rarely seen as an important sector within a particular locality.

“There are gaps we still need to fill in providing opportunities in the landbased sector through a comprehensive strategy which provides the skills they need.”

Negative

Nina Prichard, head of sustainable and ethical sourcing for McDonald’s UK and Ireland, highlighted its research with people aged between 15 and 22, which showed around 66 per cent would not consider a potential career in agriculture due to the negative perception and called for a cohesive strategy.

Farming Minister Mark Spencer said he understood first-hand how rewarding a farming career can be and the Government would continue to encourage uptake with support from the New Entrant Support Scheme.

Tesco offers financial support to boost farmers’ sustainability

TESCO is offering 1,500 of its farmers preferential rates on finance to help them switch to more sustainable farming methods.

The move, which is being carried out in partnership with NatWest, includes projects such as installing renewable energy sources and fossil fuel-free heating or cooling systems.

Yara Quality Silage Grades

Tesco said the voluntary programme has been designed with farmers’ input and will enable members of its Sustainable Farming Groups for beef, lamb and dairy to take part in the scheme, and gain access to Tesco preferred suppliers, with potential volume discounts offered on renewable energy assets.

Our essential products for grass silage:

• True uniform compounds for accurate application

• Sulphur up to 15% yield increase

• Potash for high demand silage crops

• Immediately available, reliable and consistent source of N

urged to sign up to SFI

rAdvice to pick elements specific to farm system

By Jonathan Wheeler

FARMERS would be ‘mad’ not to sign up to Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) schemes, but should make sure they select those elements that are most appropriate for their farm.

That was the advice from Richard Means and Charlie Ireland, of Ceres Rural, at a meeting of the East Midlands Farm Management Association.

Mr Means said: “Most farmers could earn £50 per hectare quite

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easily, depending on which elements fit your system.”

He suggested a combination of final Basic Payment Scheme payments, Countryside Stewardship schemes and SFI would enable farmers to maintain income from the Rural Payments Agency over the next few years.

But using the schemes to take land out of production was not always appropriate. Last week, Defra announced changes to limit the amount of land which could be taken out of production.

“We need to be positive. We will have more mouths to feed in the future and there is a job for farming to do,” said Mr Means.

One third of the calories that farming

Farmers could easily earn £50 per hectare through the Sustainable Farming Incentive, said Richard Means of Ceres Rural.

generates comes from a relatively small proportion of the farmland available, and a lot of farmland makes only a small contribution to the overall produce.

“We need to improve productivity on the farms that can do it,” he added, pointing out that efficient production was also likely to be environmentally sound too.

Take advantage

He urged farmers to take advantage of the money on offer, describing SFI as a ‘carrot’ which might be replaced with a ‘stick’ if the schemes did not achieve their aims.

On the issue of land tenure, Mr Ireland predicted a fresh generation

of landowners could be expected to introduce more innovative forms of tenancy agreements.

He said: “We are seeing a fresh generation of landowners with a different mentality and mindset.”

That could include new forms of contract farming and more inventive forms of Farm Business Tenancies.

“That could enable people to structure their businesses more freely,” he added.

Mr Ireland – who is best known as ‘cheerful Charlie’ in the TV series Clarkson’s Farm – admitted he had given Jeremy Clarkson some advice on the subject of SFI, although he could not reveal any details.

PICTURE: GETTY

Avian flu confirmed in US dairy cattle

rFarms in Kansas and Texas affected

By Alex Black

US officials have confirmed the presence of highlight pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in dairy cattle.

Diagnostic samples of unpasteurised milk from affected cattle collected from two dairy farms in Kansas and one in Texas were confirmed to be positive for HPAI on March 25.

Another Texas dairy also confirmed the presence of HPAI through an oropharyngeal swab test.

Cattle impacted by HPAI exhibited flu-like symptoms, such as fever and

thick and discoloured milk accompanied by a sharp reduction in milk production.

Texas agriculture commissioner Sid Miller said: “This outbreak has quickly grabbed the attention of the agriculture industry on a national level.

Top priority

“Understanding the details surrounding the transfer of avian virus to livestock is the top priority of animal health professionals and agriculture agencies. While troubling, this outbreak is not currently expected to threaten our nation’s commercial dairy supply.”

The virus may have been introduced by wild birds, and the National

Samples of unpasteurised milk from affected US cattle were confirmed to be positive for avian influenza on March 25.

Veterinary Services Laboratories has not found alterations to the virus which would make it more transferable to humans.

He said the current risk to the public remained minimal.

“Our producers in the Texas Panhandle have already endured enough,” said Mr Miller.

“The Texas Department of Agriculture [TDA] will use every resource available to maintain the high standards of quality and safety that define Texas agriculture.”

It emphasised milk from affected

dairy cows would not enter the food supply chain. HPAI has not been detected in beef cattle, but all producers were encouraged to implemented enhanced biosecurity measures.

“This new confirmed infection of dairy cattle is an unprecedented development,” Mr Miller added.

“What we are doing now is working to get the facts straight. We anticipate more developments in the coming days. The TDA and other state and national agencies are working around the clock to ensure the safety of our food supply.”

DIVERSIFICATION Campsite sector growth in Wales slows

By Alex Black

The growth in Welsh campsites has slowed in the past 12 months, despite Wales being the most popular UK country for outdoor holidays.

Flintshire was the most popular place in the UK to camp last year, according to Pitchup.com, but just 33 new Welsh pop-up campsites have been added to its site in the last 12 months, down from 53 the previous year and 97 the year before that.

Welsh landowners are turning away from camping, even though recent data from VisitBritain revealed that 34 per cent of holidays in Wales involved camping or caravanning

compared to just 20 per cent in England and 21 per cent in Scotland.

Dan Yates, founder of Pitchup.com, said pop-up campsites – those run for a limited length of under permitted development rights (PDR) – were the cheapest and easiest form of diversification for farmers and landowners looking to realise extra revenue.

Unsurprised

But Mr Yates added he was not surprised the growth in pop-up sites was declining, suggesting the issue lay firmly at the door of the Welsh Government. Currently, PDR allows farmers and landowners in Wales to run a temporary campsite for 28 days per year without applying for further planning permission, yet just across the border in

Farmers in Wales are allowed to run a temporary campsite for 28 days per year without applying for further planning permission, yet English sites can operate for 60 days/year.

England, pop-up campsite owners can legally operate for 60 days a year.

The Welsh Assembly ran a public consultation on extending PDR to help farmers diversify and boost the rural economy, but more than two years after the consultation ended, Ministers have yet to make an announcement on the issue.

Mr Yates said: “There is a huge opportunity here. Wales is a rural country and outdoor tourism is massive. Allowing farmers and landowners to run temporary campsites for the summer season means they can earn extra income, more people can camp in Wales and rural communities can feel the impact of holidaymakers spending in the local area.”

He added they had been hopeful when the consultation was launched, but said the lack of an announcement was a ‘snub’ to Welsh farmers.

“As a consequence, a sector that should be absolutely flourishing is rapidly slowing down and likely to go into reverse over the next couple of years if something is not done.”

Susan Allen, who runs the Moss

Lane Cottage campsite just a mile from the English border in Wales, said the disparity in regulations threatened the survival of the Welsh pop-up camping sector.

Frustrating

She said: “It is very frustrating that the Welsh Government does not seem to want to follow suit and extend PDR as in England, as campsites there get five or six more weekends than we do.

“I am not saying that if we got 56 or 60 days we would use them all, but to be able to open more weekends across the summer would make a big difference to us financially.”

Freda Shaw, who runs highly-rated pop-up campsite The Boat House on land alongside the River Severn, right on the Welsh border near Welshpool, highlighted a campsite just over the border which could open for 60 days.

She said: “It is just ridiculous that we are being punished by the inaction of the Welsh Government.

“Campsites like mine are bringing much-needed money into rural communities.”

SECTION HERE SECOND BROW FARM PROFILE

Edited by Angela Calvert – 07768

A move from Sussex to Lancashire has enabled Eden and John Hill to pursue their long-term farming goals. Angela Calvert finds out more.

Hill farm provides opportunity for new entrants

The route into farming in your own right is never easy and Eden and John Hill have faced their fair share of challenges, but they are determined to make a success of their new life.

In August 2021, the couple moved from Sussex to Littledale in the Forest of Bowland, Lancashire, after securing a farm tenancy on the Claughton Hall Estate.

John has always had a passion for sheep, buying his first ewes – five Jacobs – at the age of nine and keeping them on his uncle’s farm. Over the years he built up numbers but had to rely on rented grazing, as most of the farm had since been sold, and in

the meantime worked as a mechanic. Although not from a farming family, Eden had always wanted to work with animals and was working in a vet practice when she met John eight years ago. She quickly embraced the farming way of life, helping John with his sheep and then going on to work as a shepherd on other farms.

The couple’s dream was to have a farm of their own, but with tenancies hard to come by this was a challenge. Eden says: “Initially, we applied for a farm tenancy in Shropshire, which we did not get, but we really learned a lot from the application process. “We were prepared to move anywhere but ideally wanted to be somewhere within a day’s travelling of

Sussex, so that we could get back to family if we needed to.

“We then saw this farm advertised on Facebook, applied again and came up to visit. We were not too hopeful as there were 130 applicants, but after a nerve-wracking wait, we were told we were successful.”

Livestock

The couple sold their house and moved to the farm, along with 40 ewes, in August 2021. The farm, which extends to 222 hectares (550 acres) with the rights to having 350 sheep on the fell, had hosted a number of shortterm tenants over recent years and was very run down and neglected.

John says: “The grass had not been managed properly. There was a lot of moss and tufted grass, very little fencing or gates and the buildings were run down.”

There was no livestock on the farm so John and Eden had to start virtually from scratch, buying-in 13 pedigree Belted Galloway cows and heifers as well as ewes, which were a mix of hill breeds including Swaledales, Lonks, Dalesbred and Herdwicks.

In the first year, they put 550 ewes to Dalesbred and Swaledale rams but did not have a particularly good lambing.

John says: “One of the issues was

there were no sheep hefted to the farm, so they had no immunity to the environment. There was also a lot of campylobacter on the land as a result of the number of pheasants.

“We are also learning which breeds suit the farm. Last year, we lambed 450 and will have 400 to lamb this year, but the farm has the potential to hold 600-700 ewes.

“Eventually, I would like to run a fell flock based on Herdwick, Lonk and Dalesbred crosses, and also have a farm flock to breed white-faced lambs.

“We want to breed our own replacements, but what is good for the farm in the long-term is not good for cashflow – trying to build up numbers does not leave much stock to sell.”

Cashflow was the biggest obstacle facing the couple. Once they had the tenancy, they applied to the Countryside Stewardship scheme, but had just missed the deadline so they did not get their first payment until January 2024.

As part of the scheme, the couple host educational visits to the farm, which fits in with Eden’s passion for educating the general public about farming.

She says: “There are not a lot of schools around here, so we mainly focus on families and home-schooled kids and the parents come along with

PICTURES: JOHN EVESON

Eden and John Hill

Belted Galloways were the breed of choice when Eden and John Hill moved to the farm.

FARM PROFILE LANCASHIRE

them. Although the children enjoy it, we find it is the parents who are really interested in what we are doing and ask lots of questions.”

Eden had always used social media to educate people, but it also became a means of turning the farm around when the financial situation became serious.

Lamb boxes

She says: “When we were in Sussex, we had always done a few lamb boxes and delivered them locally.

“We were not sure it would work here as we did not think people would pay in advance for meat.

“However, it became clear we had to do something else to generate income. I realised that we are always asking the public to support British farmers, but they do not always know how they can do that.

“So, in November 2022, I posted a video on TikTok about meat boxes, saying that if you want to support farmers, buy something from them.

“We were overwhelmed by the response – the video had 90,000 views and we got 45 orders straight away.

“Fortunately, I already had some packaging which we were planning to trial. Having a website is important so people know you are reliable, so we built one overnight.”

It did not all go to plan immediately;

Farm facts

■ Tenanted farm on the Claughton Hall Estate

■ 222 hectares (550 acres) with rights to put 350 sheep on the fell

■ 130 head of cattle, mainly Belted Galloways and Aberdeen-Angus/Hereford crosses

■ 400 ewes which lamb outside at the end of April

■ Finished livestock slaughtered locally and sold through meat boxes

■ Shepherd’s hut on-farm which is used as a holiday let

■ Welcomes visitors on Open Farm Sunday as well as hosting year-round farm visits

We hope that in the future we will be less reliant on social media, but it has certainly helped us on our farming journey so far

EDEN HILL

out of the first batch of orders, one in four did not get delivered due to courier errors. But since then, new couriers have been appointed and the process has been refined.

Orders and payment are taken well in advance to allow for management of stock, and Lancashire Lamb Boxes are now the major source of the business’ income, selling both through the website and the TikTok shop.

They offer beef, lamb, mutton and pork in a variety of combinations and price ranges. There are now a few crossbred sows on the farm, which are put to a Pietrain boar to produce pigs for pork and bacon, with additional pigs bought-in locally to meet demand.

Although the farm does not have organic status, Eden and John farm extensively using organic principles, keeping in mind what is best for the stock, with the meat marketed as native-bred and grass-reared.

Livestock is slaughtered and butchered locally, and then packed in WoolCool boxes with icepacks and dispatched.

Eden’s social media profile has continued to grow across a number of platforms, with 111,200 followers on TikTok alone. Last December, they posted a livestream of an Angus cow in the run up to and calving which attracted 250,000 views.

Eden says: “It was unbelievable –some people were watching it for up to 15-16 hours at a time.”

While social media has undoubtedly helped to turn the farm’s finances around, it does have its drawbacks.

Eden says: “If you want to build up a good profile, you have to put a lot of time into it. Sometimes, I might spend four to eight hours a day on TikTok answering people’s questions.

“I have learnt that it is best to keep things on separate platforms. If people are buying meat, they do not want to see photos of lambs. So, I tend to use Instagram for nice animal photos, Facebook for the meat boxes and TikTok for education about farming.

“But there is still abuse and death

threats because we sell meat, which most other people in similar situations get. I know that they are mostly empty threats, but it can be very unsettling.”

The success of the meat boxes has enabled them to push on with the mainstream farming business, and improvements are gradually being made to the farm. A fencing grant has allowed them to erect 1,800 metres of fencing, which has enabled them to keep the cattle off the fell and manage other ground more effectively.

John says: “We have mowed rushes and done some weed wiping, so gradually we are improving the land. There are 70 acres which we can mow for silage, but because of stewardship we cannot do anything until mid-July.

“We also have to keep the cattle inside from December until February, but on March 1 they are back out before calving.”

Drone

The couple have also been working with Innovate UK, Defra, Myerscough College and UCLAN in developing a prototype drone to assist in managing livestock.

John says: “The aim is for it to not only count livestock, but highlight spikes in temperature, which, for example, might indicate heifers in bulling or with mastitis, or lame sheep.”

Cattle numbers have grown to 130

LANCASHIRE FARM PROFILE

head, and while the Belted Galloways were initially kept pure, John is planning to use an Aberdeen-Angus bull.

He says: “Ease of calving is a priority, but I think they will also finish quicker and produce more deadweight. There is also the option of selling them as stores.”

As a result of the success of the meat boxes, John and Eden are now buying in reared calves – mainly Herefords and Aberdeen-Angus – which are finished at about 24-28 months old.

Store lambs are also bought in to finish, and most of the lambs are wintered away from the farm.

John says: “Most of our lamb is sold as hogget and there is no rush to finish them, so we can buy in smaller, poorer lambs and give them some time and they will still return a profit through the meat boxes.”

They now sell 100 meat boxes a week, which equates to 11-18 sheep and one to one-and-a-half beef carcases a week, and have been able to take on an employee, Jack Rose, to help with both farm work and packing the boxes.

Eden says: “There is a big difference between using social media to talk to the public, which has no financial return, and using it to sell meat. We hope that in the future we will be less reliant on social media, but it has certainly helped us on our farming journey so far.”

The couple have been working with Innovate UK, Defra, Myerscough College and UCLAN in developing a prototype drone to assist in managing livestock.

Eden and John Hill are aiming to build up sheep numbers by breeding their own replacements.

There is a shepherd’s hut on-farm which is used as a holiday let.

The farm is located in Littledale in the Forest of Bowland, Lancashire.

Edited by Ash Ellwood

A break in the weather has allowed more growers to get on with drilling, but in some areas

Steady drilling progress amid challenging conditions

rHeavy soils still too wet for drilling

By Ash Ellwood

IN the Vale of York, Nick Wilson has drilled 10 hectares of Laureate spring barley on medium soils, with a further 60ha of the crop planned.

Within the dry window offered over the Bank Holiday weekend,

he also managed to drill 10ha of fodder beet.

He says: “Part of the problem is we cannot get near the heavy soils and so the 25 acres of spring barley went into medium soils and I only nearly got stuck three times, so that was not too bad.”

The remaining crops are hoped to be planted using a strip-till drill straight into last year’s stubble.

“We have 70 acres of last year’s

STIMULATING SATURATED CROPS

MANY cereal crops have suffered root stress due to the wet winter. However, biostimulants can aid crops in restoring root systems and overcoming stresses, as well as improving tiller health and stimulating growth.

Mike Stoker, agronomist at Orion FT, says: “Prolonged soil saturation impacts rooting and can cause roots to die off. However, using a silicon biostimulant to strengthen the root can improve the plant’s ability to obtain nutrients and recover from the lack of oxygen caused when soils are saturate.”

Silicon can also improve root nutrient uptake and how efficient the plant is at converting nutrients, according to Mr Stoker.

“Providing winter wheat grown in waterlogged soils with supplementary silicon changes its

tolerance to stress and improves leaf and tiller growth, which will set the plant up to photosynthesise more effectively in spring and summer,” he says.

Plants that have sat in wet soils over winter, and into spring, will have ‘lazy’ roots, says Mr Stoker. He adds that a spring or summer drought is still possible based on previous years’ weather patterns.

“Weather extremes are becoming more common, and it would not be extraordinary for cereal crops to soon be experiencing drought, as many did in June last year.

“Lazy roots fail to reach deep enough in these conditions to find sufficient moisture, and so the plant suffers – both having been starved of oxygen in saturated soils and of water in periods of drought.

“This will have a significant impact

cover crops. All of the lighter land will be grazed with sheep prior to spring drilling, and anything heavy was sprayed off two months ago so we are hoping to strip-till straight into that,” says Mr Wilson.

During the next dry spell, Mr Wilson hopes to continue planting spring barley on his limestone soil type land.

He says: “With the current weather forecast, I am not saying

on yield if not addressed,” he says.

Once silicon is absorbed into the plant, it is deposited within and between the cells of the plant, also encouraging crops to absorb beneficial elements such as nitrogen, calcium, and zinc.

Using a silicon biostimulant to strengthen the root can improve the plant’s ability to obtain nutrients

MIKE STOKER

we are out of time yet for spring barley, but if we get to the third or fourth week of April, it is marginal whether it is worth doing or not. We have not mauled anything in, and we do not want to.

“It is going to be challenging enough this season so we need to get it in the ground in reasonable conditions so that the crops can root properly and get away.”

Spring beans

Based in North West Lincolnshire, Malc Parr has drilled just short of 25ha of spring beans on his lightest, sandy soil type at the farm standard of 250kg/ha seed rate.

He says: “The spring beans seem to have gone in okay, but we have never been in this [wet] situation before; we still have lots to go in, but the land is just too wet to access.”

Last October, Mr Parr drilled 120ha of winter wheat, of which only 6ha has survived, adding a further 114ha requiring planting. This is on top of 16ha of spring beans, 60ha of spring barley and 60ha of wild bird seed to drill this spring.

“Most of our machinery is minimal disturbance, so we are hoping to use our Weaving Sabre Tine seed drill where we can go straight in on the lighter land. But on the heavier land, we are unsure what we are going to do yet as it is just so wet,” he says.

the land is too wet to access.

PICTURE: GARY NAYLOR

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ARABLE

Improving sustainability and efficiency go hand-in-hand at Herefordshire-based Gatley Farms, as the rotation benefits from cover cropping, machinery changes and livestock integration. Farmers Guardian reports.

Driving potato-based improvements on-farm

At Gatley Farms, Ludlow, growing potatoes one year in every six in the 550-hectare arable rotation on valley ground does not make managing clay loam soils, with silt contents of over 60 per cent in places, particularly easy.

However, changes to cropping practice and increasingly close integration with the 250-cow pedigree Stabiliser herd are enabling substantial all-round improvements.

Farm manager James Oliver says: “Our Stabilisers thrive on permanent pasture that gets no fertiliser nitrogen, and calve effortlessly with little or no assistance.

“They fit perfectly with our cropping too. The winter barley we grow means we only have to buy in protein and minerals for our 14-month, silage-based bull beef ration and our grass-fed, 18-24-month heifers.

“All the cattle bedding comes from the cereals in our rotation. The farmyard manure goes on the land ahead of the potatoes, and surplus potatoes are welcome extra stock feed.”

Having the beef business is also allowing the team to make the most of cover cropping introduced ahead of potatoes. Spun onto disced wheat stubble, a mix of Westerwold ryegrass and vetch, developed through a Severn Trent Water project, creates

an excellent cover. Half is then grazed on contract by a local shepherd and the other half is silaged for beef feeding in April.

Agrii agronomist Digby Oliver says: “Add the Sustainable Farming Incentive [SFI] payment and environmental bonus received from McCains and this makes cover cropping worthwhile.

“Even with the excessive rainfall of the past winter, it has successfully prevented any soil movement on sloping ground.

“Two years in and we have yet to encounter significant free-living

nematode problems either. But this is something we are keeping a close eye on.”

Cultivation

While ploughing remains standard practice ahead of potatoes, Gatley Farms has been able to eliminate a separate establishment pass by using the tiller to create the ridges. Introducing GPS has also avoided overworking the ground by maximising the accuracy of bed formation and all subsequent operations. Switching standard cereal and

oilseed rape establishment from ploughing or Sumo cultivation and combi-drilling to Mzuri strip tillage has provided major savings in machinery, diesel, and labour costs. At the same time, it is helping improve soil structure and resilience.

Agronomist Ben Burgess, who works alongside Digby at Agrii, says: “Very high silt contents makes some metal at depth vital. But it is equally important to move as little soil as possible, so the Mzuri is ideal. We have seen no reduction in yields since introducing it and the strip-tilled ground typically allows you to travel a good week earlier in the spring.

“With the potato rotation and increasingly uncertain weather, James has, however, very wisely hung onto his old cultivation kit. Although the majority of the cereals and all the OSR went in with a single Mzuri pass this season, 80ha of wheat had to be combi-drilled following the plough and a further 30ha after the Sumo cultivator.”

Another recent machinery addition making a big difference is the John Deere Hillmaster combine with a draper-style header. It works across 25 feet against the 30ft of the rotary it replaced, but its superior sloping ground capability has massively improved crop flow, reduced losses, and given much cleaner samples. It

AGRII iFARMS

AGRII iFarms and Technology Centres are hosted by Agrii clients to form a network of sites across the country for research and knowledge sharing.

OPEN DAY

SEE the progress Gatley Farms is making and the results of the variety and agronomy trials at the annual June iFarm Open Day. Information about the invitationonly event can be found on the Agrii website: agrii.co.uk

Left to right: Ben Burgess, James Oliver and Digby Oliver.

Integrating 250 pedigree Stabiliser cattle is enabling substantial all-round improvements to the arable system.

has also cut combining hours noticeably and put much less pressure on the ground, according to James.

SFI options

As well as multi-species cover crops (SAM2) ahead of potatoes, a number of other SFI options are adding value to the business where they offer sensible returns for minimal management disruption. These include herbal leys (SAM3) for much of the temporary grassland, low-input grassland (LIG1)

Westerwold ryegrass and vetch mixes are planted before the potatoes; half are grazed by cattle and half are silaged for winter forage.

for less suitable pastures, and blocks of winter bird food (ALH2) and grass field areas (ALH3) on the more marginal arable land.

“The extensive wheat variety and disease management trials we are involved in as an iFarm are also invaluable in helping us grow the most suitable varieties for our conditions and making the best use of biostimulants alongside conventional chemistry in our crop protection,” says James.

“The Agrii tussock trials are really

useful in alerting us to the varieties which need special yellow rust care here too, especially as we consider moving more to quality instead of our traditional feed wheat growing.

“For us, progress is all about putting the best local research and experience to use in taking every opportunity to be more productive in our existing business. We are also looking firmly ‘outside the box’ by diversifying into peony-growing for the cut flower market.”

Farm facts

■ BasedinLudlow,Herefordshire

■ 550-hectare arable rotation

■ Predominantly clay loam with silt soils

■ 250-head Stabiliser beef herd

■ Potato system improvements include: reducing machinery passes with strip tillage establishment, cover cropping, herbal leys and GPS integration

Potatoes are grown on a one-in-six rotation at Gatley Farms, Herefordshire.

ARABLE Maize inclusion offers flexibility

rFarmers may turn to crop after tricky season

By Ruth Wills

ARABLE and livestock producers who have struggled to get crops in the ground should consider drilling maize.

The continuous wet weather has impacted the drilling of winter and spring crops. Coupled with a shortage of spring cereal seed due to a tricky growing season, many farmers could be turning to maize as a suitable alternative.

However, growers considering maize should not delay in purchasing seed, as there could be a shortage in the market.

Dr Simon Pope, crop protection manager at Wynnstay, says: “We know that autumn planting – particularly of cereals – is way down and that a proportion of that has failed.

“There is also a real shortage of spring seed because of the wet harvest last year, with crops that did not yield as expected or did not make the grade,” he adds.

This has meant a lot of head-scratching about cropping.

“And that is where maize comes into its own.”

Sowing period

The sowing period for maize has not started yet, and hopefully this will allow time for the weather to dry up and temperatures to rise.

Dr Pope says: “The earliest-sown crops would not be drilled until mid-April, so we have huge potential for maize.

“It is a flexible option; it can be grown for forage for livestock or for an anaerobic digester – particularly if there is a shortfall in other cereal crops. But growers should not delay sowing much later than the third

Early maize sowing does not usually start until mid-April, allowing time for the weather to dry and temperatures to rise, says Dr Pope.

week of May, otherwise harvest could be delayed.”

It is important to factor in that maize seed availability may change.

“We have just experienced the highest weekly sales for this season and anecdotally, it is suggested that a large proportion of maize growers have still not placed their seed order,” says Dr Pope.

“But there is only so much seed to go around, and if it turns into a big maize season, as we have seen in other wet seasons, it can be a lastminute scramble.”

Those who have not purchased maize seed yet should choose the best variety traits.

“Most maize growers look at maturity, yield and feed value when choosing a variety, but it is important to also consider standing power and disease resistance. It could prove to be an expensive decision if plants are lost by lodging or yield is reduced by eyespot.”

[Maize] is a flexible option; it can be grown for forage, livestock or for an anaerobic digester

DR SIMON POPE

One variety Dr Pope does recommend is Prospect, from Limagrain.

“It is early, high yielding and with a high eyespot rating, good standing strength and high feed value. It does not have any weaknesses; it ticks all the boxes.

“But do not delay in purchasing, as the market can change very quickly,” he adds.

Concerns around SFI’s potential impact on pulse crops

CONCERNS are growing that wellintentioned Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) agreements could negatively impact future pulse production opportunities.

With legumes being included in some SFI options it could mean that they are left in the ground for a number of years – or are very frequently present – increasing the likelihood of soil-borne diseases in future pulse crops, according to the Processors

and Growers Research Organisation (PGRO).

Viability

Due to a number of SFI options encouraging long-term or frequent short-term use of legume species, the potential green bridging effect and risk to future pulse cropping is significant, as disease and pest levels build in the soil and may seriously impact future viability of the crops.

PGRO chief executive Roger Vickers says: “Factoring in that the Chemicals Regulation Division now considers beans to be a major crop and excluded from the EAMU system for ag-chem use, and the already minimal portfolio of crop protection products available for pulses, this adds to the increasing jeopardy for their future production.

“Many of the greatest threats are soil-borne disease for which there

are no seed treatments available. These unintended consequences are not certain as insufficient research has been conducted, but are a logical potential outcome based upon lifecycle and alternative host considerations.”

PGRO is asking growers to complete a survey asking farmers what their intentions are this year with regards to growing pulses in light of the SFI.

Ruby Red Devons reach 8,200gns peak

r100 per cent bull clearance at Sedgemoor

AT the Devon Society’s spring show and sale at Sedgemoor there was a 100 per cent clearance rate for bulls.

Leading the trade at 8,200gns after standing top of the line in its pre-sale show class was Dira Yeoman from R.D. and J.L. Youngman, Crediton.

This April-2022 born polled son of Priorton Useful (SC) out of Tilbrook Gracious sold to Daylesford Organics, Moreton in Marsh.

Next at 6,200gns was Priorton Yawl from Crediton-based, John and Sue May. By Dira Halcyon EX93 and out of Priorton Show Lassie 70, this polled April 2022-born bull caught

the eye of the Joe Dufosee, Warminster. Making 5,700gns was Champson Bullion from the Dart family, South Molton.

April 2022-born and out of Champson Tulip 119, this one found a new home with Keith Francis, Bude.

Bulls

The Dart family then followed at 4,000gns with second prize winner and reserve champion, Champson Premium. This March-2022 born son of Colleton Thorven out of Champson Clara 321 sold to Ross May and family, Exeter.

A trio of bulls then hit the 3,600gns mark, the first being male champion Larkbarrow Accomplished by Bollowal Back Row VG88 from Wellshead Estates, Exford, which went home

Dira Yeoman, from R.D. and J.L. Youngman, Crediton, which sold for 8,200gns to Daylesford Organics, Moreton in Marsh.

with W.J. Watkins and Son, Holsworthy.

Next was the polled Tilbrook Red Hot by Longwells Uptown Funk EX91 from G. M. Hunter, Cambridge, which was the pick of R.M. Gray, Stafford.

The final bull at 3,600gns was another from the May family, Priorton Yankee 2 by Champson Diamond, which sold to T.G. and A. Durston, Glastonbury.

Females sold to 1,800gns for the female champion Rocknell Azalea, a May 2022-born heifer by Knowstone Showboy EX92 from Graham Summerhayes, Tiverton, which was knocked down to Daylesford Organics.

AVERAGES

11 bulls, £4,381; 2 show heifers, £1,627.50; 7 non-show heifers, £1,200; 1 cow and calf, £1,680.

Auctioneers: Greenslade Taylor Hunt.

Young Farmers cattle sell to £4,000 at Thainstone

AT the Young Farmers overwintering competition at Thainstone, the Calladrum Cup for collecting points for highest feeder margin, highest average daily liveweight gain, best presented and paraded animal and best quality animal, went to Amara Nairn, Ballindalloch from Keith Young Farmers’ Club.

Overall bullock also went to Finn Christie for his 570kg Limousin cross bullock which sold for £2,120 to the judge Derek Nelson, Edzell.

Title

The overall home-bred title went to a 666kg Charolais heifer from Harvey Stuart, Ballindalloch, which sold for £3,100 to J.B. Wilkie and

Finn Christie, Pitcaple, won the best quality animal with a 642kg British Blue cross heifer which also claimed the overall heifer prize and went on to sell for the top price of £4,000 to Miller Farms, Midmar, Inverurie.

Sons, Westhill.

Graeme Rhind, Kinloss, won first place in the best presented and paraded section.

The second top price of £3,800 was for a 474kg Limousin cross heifer from Finlay Hunter, Culsalmond which sold to Miller Farms, which also paid £3,500 for a 522kg Limousin cross heifer from Amara Nairn, Ballindalloch.

Bruce Forbes, Little Kildrummie, Nairn sold his 470kgs British Blue

cross heifer for £3,400, to J.S. Youngson, Westhill. A 558kg Limousin cross heifer from Jack Stuart, Letto Braes of Glenlivet achieved £2,500, being purchased by Ian Grant, Seaview Cottage, Slattadale.

AVERAGES

67 heifers, £3.732p/kg (£1,841.11); 21 bullocks, £3.278p/kg ); overall, £3.61p/kg (£1,823.41).

Auctioneers: Aberdeen and Northern Marts.

Pedigree heifer tops sale Store cattle at Pateley Bridge

THE Western Holstein Club supported show and sale at Market Drayton topped at £2,500 for winning pedigree heifer Penrikka King Doc Haulwen from R.A. and J.E. Williams, Hayon-Wye.

The second prize pedigree heifer, Rowmar Adorable Duchess, made £2,350 and was one of 11 heifers from A.A. Winstanley and Partners, Audlem, who sold others at £2,450 and £2,380 to average £2,145.

Their cows included the first prize

pedigree cow, second calver Rowmar Adror Snowdrop, which made £2,400, and second calver Rowmar Martini Zoe 7, which topped the cow category at £2,420. The five Rowmar second calvers averaged £2,324.

Commercial heifers sold to £2,380 for J.L. Atherton and Co, Baldwins Gate. The Brindley family, Adderley, sold heifers to £2,250 and £2,200 and D. and E. Monk, Ormskirk, to £2,180.

Auctioneers: Gwilym Richards with Barbers.

TOP price at the Easter show and sale of store cattle at Pateley Bridge was £1,845 for a Limousin heifer from J.W. Stockdale and Sons, Burnsall.

The judge, Liam Rodney, Masham, awarded the overall championship to a Limousin steer from R.D. Anderson, Middleham, which made the leading steer price of £1,780 to Messrs Robshaw, Tadcaster.

Reserve champion was a British

Blue heifer from S.A. and T.L. Fawcett, Drebley, which sold for £1,780 to D. and C. Newhouse, Horton in Craven.

The top price bull at £1,825 was from J. and K. Harker, Harrogate.

AVERAGES

40 bulls, £1,474.14; 61 steers, £1,413.09; 79 heifers, £1,269.28.

Auctioneers: Barnard Castle and Teesdale Farmers Auction Mart Co.

SALES

Good profit margins for juniors at Darlington

rAnimals average £372.15/head profit

THE championship at Darlington’s junior farmers overwintering competition went to 19-year-old Harry Askwith, Crook, with a Limousin heifer which had been bought from T.H. Mace and Sons, Esh, in December.

The reserve ticket went to a British Blue heifer from eight-year-old Ava

Wilson, Lanchester, which was bought at the November suckled calf sale from the Stones family, Marrick.

The prize for showmanship and presentation was won by Michael Brannen, Temple Sowerby.

The animals in the competition averaged a £372.15/head profit, with the biggest gain of £710 achieved by 23-year-old Elliot Grieves, Oakdene, with his Beef Shorthorn steer.

Tied at the top of the heifers,

Flying trade for ewes and lambs at Skipton

TOP price per outfit was £340 for Texel ewes with single lambs from John Midgley, Luddendenfoot, who also sold Beltex cross ewes with singles at £300.

A large proportion of twin outfits achieved £290 and above, peaking at £330 for Texel crosses from Chris Craven, York, who was also responsible for the first prize pen of five Continentals, three and four-shear Suffolk cross ewes with February-born single lambs, which made £250/outfit with another pen at £260, along with Suffolk crosses with twins to £320.

The best of the North of England Mules from David White, Hebden, realised £305, the same vendor also selling Mule shearlings with twins to £300.

Winning the show class for pens of five Mule ewes and lambs were James and Deborah Ogden, Austwick, with four-crop ewes and Charollais cross twin lambs which made £300.

The Ogdens also sold Mules with singles to £222. Richard Umpleby, Killinghall, sold Texel cross shearlings with single lambs to £315.

Auctioneers: CCM.

WORKING DOGS

English results

PENNARE (Judge, L. Ireland) Nursery, 16 ran, 1. D. Cole, Juno, 71; 2. R. Edwards, Spot, 67; 3. C. Worgan, Mouse, 63; 4. V. Pitts, Jypsy, 59; 5. T. Hopper, Sam, 49t; 6. J. Tucker, Tess, 45.

gaining £590 profit, were Elliot Grieves and Ava Wilson with her reserve champion.

Others gaining more than £500 profit were Mindi Dawson, George Wearmouth, Robert McAneney and Abi Hill. Ponteland based Emma Watson and Imogen Davies, Bolam, joined Elliot Grieves with a more than £500 gross gain with both of their

overwintered cattle. In the sale of store cattle, bullocks averaged £1,283 and heifers £1,124.

Top price was £1,730 for an 18-month-old British Blue heifer from N. Wilson, Darlington. Steers sold to £1,690 for a 15-month-old Limousin from J.S. Foster and Son, Bowes.

Auctioneers: Darlington Farmers Auction Mart.

Limousin heifer tops Caithness YFC sale

AT the Young Farmers’ overwintering competition at Caithness Livestock Centre, Quoybrae, the overall championship went to a 505kg Limousin cross heifer from Halkirk club member, Hannah Levack, Dunbeath, which sold for the top price of £3,600.

The reserve championship also went to Hannah, this time with a 501kg Limousin cross heifer which made £3,000 to W. Robertson and Sons, Tomintoul.

Both heifers were bred by U. MacDonald, Lower Cairnglass.

Achieving the best daily live weight gain of 1.247kg/day was a 512kg Limousin cross heifer from Sophie Gunn, Hill of Forss.

The best gross margin heifer section was won by Katie Gunn, Halkirk, with a 501kg Limousin heifer.

The best daily liveweight gain and best gross margin bullock prize went to Sophie Tucker, Wick, with a 532kg British Blue bullock with a daily live weight gain of 1.213kg.

The award for best paraded and presented animal also went to Sophie Tucker, while the prize for highest placed Charolais cross by a registered Charolais bull went to Sophie Gunn.

In the sale, a 501kg Limousin cross heifer from Katie Gunn, made £2,050 to H.M. Sutherland, Golspie.

Next at £1,900 was a 494kg Limousin cross heifer from William Campbell, Watten, which sold to A.M.M. Polson, Wick.

A 532kg British Blue bullock from Sophie Tucker, Wick, realised £1,700 to W. and J. Cameron, Keith.

Auctioneers: Aberdeen and Northern Marts.

Trials diary

IRELAND

April 21. CO MAYO, OpensheepdogtrialsinaidofMayo RoscommonHospice,heldatPortagh,MayoAbbey, Claremorris,CoMayo,F12XC64,8.30amstart,threeor moredogsby10am,twoormoreby11am,entriesclose at12noon,contactMichaelorMaryHopkins,tel:0868 590482,or0876116376.

ENGLAND

April 20. AVON VALLEY, OriginallyMarch16trialbut postponed,morningandafternoonsessions,30dogs

persession,what3words:foster.vanish.originals,LE17 6DH,bykindpermissionofFrankandDeeHodgkin,limit offourdogsperhandlerpersession,samedogscanrun ineachsession,£8perrun,cateringavailable throughouttheday,pre-enter,contactCaileigh,tel: 07860716467,entriesonlyacceptedonreceiptof payment,entriesfortheoriginaltrialwillautomaticallybe transferredtothenewdate.

WALES

April 6. LLYWYNBEDW, Llanpumsaint,Carmarthen, SA336JU,8.30amstart,spectatorswelcome.

GARNDOLBENMAEN, NorthWalesSheepdogSociety AffiliatedSocietiesTrials,Opentrialonly,LL519AJ,8am start,tel:07876552285.

April 13. POWYS, OrwerthDaviesMemorialTrial,held inBrecon,contactA.Prothero,tel:07795178451,email: anna_prothero@hotmail.com.

April 20. FFOS Y FRAN, heldinCarmarthen,contactA. Prothero,tel:07795178451,email:anna_prothero@ hotmail.com.

April 27. LLANGADOG, heldontheoldracecourse fieldsonA4069towardsLlangadog,pre-entryrequired, contactC.Price,tel:07815289410.

The Limousin heifer from Harry Askwith, Crook, took the Darlington junior farmers’ overwintering competition championship.

PICTURE: ROBERT SMITH

rLimousin heifer awarded championship

AT the Farmers Guardian -supported show and sale of store cattle at Wharfedale, the judges, Steven and Sam Eastwood, Emley, awarded the championship and the Steven and Ruth Priestley Trophy to the winning Limousin heifer from Phil Walmsley, Thorner. It went on to sell for £1,390 to David Bailey, Longlee.

Reserve champion from Robert

Strong store cattle trade at Wharfedale

and Sally Gray, Langbar, was a young Limousin steer. It sold for £1,400 to Jonathon Atkinson, Seaton Ross, who also paid £1,370 for

the second prize steer from the same home and £1,400 for the third prize winner from C. and A.G. Wills, Knaresborough.

The top price heifer at £1,810 was consigned by R. Wilson, Scholes, and the top price steer at £1,760 was from F.A. Caton, Weston.

The second prize winning heifer from D.R. Hanson, York, made £1,500 to Messrs Eastwood, and the third prize winner from M. Ryder and Sons, Haverah Park, sold for £1,670 to G.H. Crapper and Son, Billingley.

Bulls sold to £1,560 for A. Kunz, Ingmanthorpe, who also had the winning bull which sold for £1,230 to Messrs Eastwood. The winning

Calves were in demand, selling to £480 for continental bulls and £490 for heifers, both from D. and A. Potter, Aldborough, with stirks to £585 for C. Johnston, Green Hammerton.

Auctioneers: Wharfedale Farmers Auction Mart.

To find out where we will be next, go to farmersguardian.com/mth-roadshow

feeding cow from Messrs Wilson sold for £1,480, also to Messrs Eastwood.

Store cattle champion, a Limousin heifer from Phil Walmsley, Thorner, which sold for £1,390 to David Bailey, Longlee.

Reserve champion, a young Limousin steer from Robert and Sally Gray, Langbar, which sold for £1,400 to Jonathon Atkinson, Seaton Ross.

PICTURES: ADRIAN LEGGE

Auctioneer Ian Smith.

Cattle penned up ready for the Farmers Guardian-supported show and sale at Wharfedale.

Steven Eastwood (centre) judging the cattle.

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Market Results

Dairies to £1800, Cull Cows 183p/kg - £1637.85, Pigs -246p/kg - £254.66, Calves BB Bull to £488, Lambs 453p/kg - £244.76, Ewes £210

Vac & Johnes monitored. All by Genus Sires. Herd Av

8358kg 4.81%F 3.38%P cc74.

THIS TUESDAY 9TH APRIL 2024 11AM (Following the Usual Commercial Entry) For Further Details & Catalogues Contact (01889) 562811 Ref: MEE

Store Cattle Sales

500 STORE CATTLE

SATURDAY 13TH APRIL 2024 – Further Entries Invited

Fat/Barrens: Graham Watkins 07976 370894

Dairies: Meg Elliott 07967 007049 Stores: Mark Elliott 07973 673092

Monday 8th April SALE OF REARING CALVES Sale 10.30am PRIME, CAST & FEEDING CATTLE

Sale 11.30am (TB exempt section available)

SALE OF SPRING LAMBS

Sale 12.30pm followed by SALE OF PRIME HOGGS & CAST EWES

Sheep Scanning available onsite 12noon – 1pm

Sale of EWES WITH LAMBS at FOOT Sale 11.30am

Followed by INLAMB EWES & STORE SHEEP (Entries to the office by Friday for Online Catalogue)

Wednesday 10th April

100 FEEDING BULLS Sale 10.00am followed by 10 PRIME CATTLE, 20 BEEF FEEDING COWS & 250 STORE BULLOCKS & HEIFERS

Inc Beef Feeding Cow Show & Monthly Primestock Show

Dairy Cattle

MONDAY 15TH APRIL

FORTNIGHTLY DAIRY SALE OF IN MILK COWS & HEIFERS & SPRING

COLOURED BREEDS SALE

Jersey consignments of in milk, in calf and calves including a major reduction of youngstock from the Knayton herd of Pam Crosby, as well as entries from the Regatta, Clanel and Greyleys herds –there will be lots of choice of all classes of stock

Catalogues available soon

MONDAY 29TH APRIL

FORTNIGHTLY DAIRY SALE OF IN MILK COWS & HEIFERS

For more details on either sale contact Sarah Liddle on 07710 795585

Wednesday 24th April

Sale of FEEDING BULLS, PRIME CATTLE, BEEF FEEDING COWS, STORE & BREEDING CATTLE

(Entries close Wednesday 17th April)

BLUE WEDNESDAY

Show & Sale of 35 PEDIGREE BRITISH BLUE

BULLS & FEMALES

& NATIVE CATTLE

Special Sale of 15 NATIVE BULLS & FEMALES

Inc Aberdeen Angus, Hereford, Beef Shorthorn & Lincoln Red

Pedigree Cattle Sale

Wednesday 8th May –CRAVEN LIMOUSIN DAY

Annual SHOW & SALE OF PEDIGREE LIMOUSIN

BULLS & FEMALES

(Entries via Taurus, close Monday 8th April)

Inc Tuesday 7th May - NORTHERN LIMOUSIN

EXTRAVANGANZA

(Entries close Monday 29th April)

Wednesday 22nd May –LINGFIELDS BEEF CATTLE FAIR

MULTI BREED SALE OF PEDIGREE BEEF BREEDING CATTLE

(Entries close Monday 6th May)

Saturday 25th May - PEDIGREE BELTED GALLOWAY CATTLE (Entries to the society)

Saturday 1st June

AIREDALE ANGUS ON FARM SALE

Draft Sale of 80 head of Cows with Calves or In Calf, Young Bulls & Embryo’s

For D & J Isherwood

Claiming Dates

ON FARM SALES – CRAVEN AREA

SATURDAY 4TH MAY

On Farm Dispersal of Machinery & Implements at Owlet Hall Farm, Austwick for JR & DL Ogden

TUESDAY 21st MAY – NORTH CRAVEN

THURSDAY 6th JUNE - SILSDEN

SATURDAY 28th SEPTEMBER - SKIPTON

WEEKLY SALES

PRIME SHEEP

Every Thursday at Thrapston

STORE & BREEDING SHEEP & CATTLE, CALVES, PIGS & GOATS

Every Saturday at Thrapston

ALL CLASSES OF SHEEP & PRODUCE

Every Tuesday at Stratford

Thrapston Livestock Market

Saturday 6th April

Smallholders Sale

To include: Goats, Pigs & Sundries

No pets can be sold, due to our local Councils instructions.

A Quality Sale of Poultry – 12.30pm

This is a Single Vendor Poultry Sale

To include 300+ head of Chickens, Ducks, Guinea Fowl, Pheasants & Peafowl

Saturday 27th April

A Collective Sale of 600+ Lots of Horse Tack & Sundries

Thrapston Collective Machinery Sale

Friday 26th April

Entries close Tuesday 16th April

THRAPSTON STRATFORD www.bletsoes.co.uk

Chris

Mark Lee: 07980924179

Simon Lamb: 07815 188125

Ryan Spackman: 07725 653542

Mark@nortonandbrooksbank.com

TUESDAY 9th APRIL (11:00 AM)

Tom

HIGHER KINGSTON FARM, STINSFORD, DORCHESTER,DT2 8QE

HOLLANDS FARMS DAIRY DISPERSAL(260 HEAD)

Dispersal sale of the milking herd together with in calf heifers, the property of Hollands Farms Dorchester Ltd. A truly superb herd of modern and highly productive Holsteins and certainly a herd capable of being compared to some of the top breeders herds. If classified the vast majority would be VG / EX as a guide on the conformation throughout. Exceptional production of 11,520kg 3.92fat 3.24pro SCC150. All cows housed in cubicles and milked 2x daily. All year calving with large proportion due through the Summer months. OVER 100 SELL IN THEIR 1st & 2nd LACTATION!! Pregnancies to top sexed sires along with beef. High health status being BVD free, Lepto & IBR vaccinated. Rigorous Johnes screening over many years. Recent full herd TB clear with good TB history. A hidden gem of superb modern cows and highly recommended!! Sale in conjunction with Symonds & Sampson. Live on Marteye. Transport available to all parts of UK.

Tom

FARMSTOCK AUCTIONEERS, BROKERS & VALUERS

Brockholes Arms

BORDERWAY MART, CARLISLE

Tel: 01228 406200

500 STORE CATTLE

Wednesday 10th April – 10.00am

Ring 4 Spring Stampede Sale of WEANERS & YOUNG BULLS – 12.00pm

Prize money for best bullock/heifer –12m and under Best bull 12m and under & over 12m Top price pen of 4 or more YOUNG CALVES – 10.00am

BORDER & LAKELAND ANNUAL SPRING BULL SHOW & SALE

Wednesday 10th April

Show 9.30am Sale 11.30am

32 Holstein & British Friesian Bulls Sell

The very BEST Holstein & British Friesian bulls are represented in this SPECIAL sale and are consigned from the following herds: Belaw, Errolston, Gerrard, Lillyhall, Nerewater, Nortonhill, Northshields, Panda, Stowbeck, Whinnow, Winnoch, Warnelview.

This fantastic bull sale has top sires suitable for all markets, so commercial milk producers, breeders, and farmers who have heifer rearing units, will find something to suit their own specific requirements. All bulls selling have been tested free of BVD.

Please order your catalogue 01228 406230 or view it online at www.harrisonandhetherington.co.uk

PEDIGREE DAIRY DAY

220 DAIRY CATTLE SELLING

Wednesday 17th April

Show 10.00am Sale 11.00am

FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK TO VIEW SALE LOTS PRIOR TO SALE

No.1 source for quality milkers in the UK

DISPERSAL SALE the sale includes the first sale to disperse the URCHANY Pedigree Holstein herd with 70 of the most recently calved cows and heifers selling.

SPRING SELECT SALE

This is a SPECIAL select group of heifers from the WOLFA, WOODCATT & DROINTON herds. All bred from ELITE pedigrees this exciting group also features several top end show heifers. (full details next week)

Show and sale of HOLSTEIN FEMALES

Wednesday 17th April

On behalf of Border & Lakeland Holstein Club

May Fair Society sale of PEDIGREE EWES with LAMBS

Friday 24th May

Blue Texel Spring Spectacular, Badger Face Texel, Dutch Spotted and Beltex Belles Entries close

Friday 19th April

MIDDLETON MART

Tel: 01833 640281

100 STORE CATTLE

Tuesday 9th April – 11.00am

ON SITE & ONLINE

LANCASHIRE’S LEADING

MACHINERY SALE

Saturday 6th April – 10.00am

Sale of farm machinery & implements also plant At Woodacre Lodge Farm, Hazelhead Lane, Scorton, Preston PR3 1BN

40 Tractors - 40 Big Implements - 10 Loadalls, Skidsteers & Diggers- 2 ATVs – 15 Trailers - 10 Buckets & Grabs Etc - 25 Livestock Handling Equipment - 180 Small Tools

Small selection of entries:

Ford 5640 SL - L719 NTV, 2002 Massey Ferguson 230, Massey Ferguson 265, Case International 484 (GRM 854V), Massey Ferguson 390 FWD (P822 CEC), Massey Ferguson 690 FWD (GTL 31Y), Massey Ferguson 165 (OJM 314L), Massey Ferguson 590 2WD (RRT 499W), Massey Ferguson 135, Nuffield 460 (TES 893), Fordson Super Dexta (CAO 287B), 2011 VALTRA Model N121, 2003 JOHN DEERE 6320 Tractor 40K, 2007 JOHN DEERE 6930 Premium tractor, 40Kph, 2008 MASSEY 6475 Tractor, 40Kph Case JXU105 & Q40 Loader 5800 Hrs, Kubota M135 GX Tractor & Loader, Massey Ferguson 165, Multipower 1966, Kubota 2.7 Ton Excavator KX61-3 20206, 2020 John Deere 6120R, 1 x 2ft Race Gate , brand new, 5 x 6ft Drinker Hurdles Pin Type Brand New, Teagle 1010 Straw Bedder, Deutz K430, New Holland T7 – 200 Auto Command, Merlo P30-10, Case Puma 160, Front Links & PTO, Dumper 5.5 Ton Compair Holman Swivel, 14 Tonne Tipping Trailer, Broughan 16T Silage Trailer, Accord Optima 6 Row Maize Drill, HI Spec 2600Gallon Vacuum Tanker, 2017, 18ft Ifor Williams KFG 35 Tri-axle Flat Bed Trailer, Claas 1300T, 10 Rota Tedder, 2020, 2013 (63) John Deere 855d Gator, 2019 (69) Weidemann T6027 Telehandler, 10ft Wide Toe Tip Bucket, Mastenbrook 20/20 Draining Machine, Wylie 14 Litre Push Off Buckrake, Ifor Williams TT3621 12 ft Tipping Trailer. Please go to website for full list.

ON FARM SALE & ONLINE sale of TRACTORS, MACHINERY & LIVESTOCK EQUIPMENT

Friday 19th April – 10.30am

At Gretnahouse Farm, Gretna DG16 5HF

Sale includes 68 Reg Manitou, 21 Reg, McCormick X4.60 4wd tractor, 16 Reg McCormick X4.60 4wd tractor; 2021/2022 Abbey VF1050 single auger tub mixer, Lucas Castor +30R straw chopper, JF walking floor muck spreader 12ft Graham Edwards

Teagle XT48 fertiliser spreader, Honda Quad Bike, Kabota RTV X1110, 20ft Joskin scariflex grass harrows, Abbey 9ft trailed topper, Porta quip silage trailer, Bale spikes, Full list available on website – Input lots invited

Auction Mart

Claughton On Brock, Preston PR3 0PH

01995 640280 www.garstangmart.co.uk

Auctioneer: Ian Atkinson 07944 237516

Tuesday 9th April 2024

9.00 a.m Prime Hoggs & Cast Sheep

10.30am Sale of 45 Sheep with Lambs at Foot

10.30 a.m. Sale of 100 Store Cattle

11.30 a.m. 60/80 Rearing Calves, Weanlings & Stirks

Wednesday 10th April, 2024

10.30 a.m. Weekly Sale of Cast Cows & OTM Cattle Followed by TB Exempt Cattle

Wednesday 17th April, 2024

Monthly Show & Sale of Dairy Cattle

Entries close Thursday 11th April at 10.00 a.m.

Tuesday 23rd April, 2024

Dugdale Nutrition Spring Calf Show & Sale

Wednesday 24th April, 2024

Dispersal of 169 Pedigree Holstein Friesian Youngstock from R & A Jolleys, Robanne Herd

Saturday 1st June 2024

Early Summer Sale of Machinery & Implements

Farm to Farm

200 Mule Ewes w Tex Lambs (Can be split) Herd Reduction of Fleckvieh & Norwegian Red Dairy Cows & In Calf Heifers TB 4

An exciting opportunity has arisen at Brockholes Arms Auction for a motivated and enthusiastic Auctioneer & Market Manager To discuss in confidence please contact Company

Chairman Bill Myerscough 07583457755 or Ian Atkinson 07944237516

Monday 8th April

Usual Fatstock Sale

Friday 12th April @11.00am

50 Ewes with Lambs @foot 30 Store Hoggs, 300 Store Cattle Inc Young Bulls & Feeding Cows 30 Calves/Stirks inc 4 Hol Fr Heifers Suitable for Breeding

Ian Smith - Mart Manager 07738043771

Office 01943 462172 wfam @auctionmarts.com

O ce: 01325 464529

E: info@dfam.co.uk

The Darlington Farmers Auction Mart

Humbleton Park I Darlington I DL2 2XX

We are delighted to be instructed to conduct a Full Farm Dispersal on Behalf of J W Lowe & Sons, Bolam Grange.

Please note the sale will be held at Darlington Farmers Auction Mart

Humbleton Park DL2 2XX

Genuine farm dispersal sale due to retirement Sale Starts 10am

Vehicles 2004 New Holland CX720 combine with 17ft header 2008 JCB 526.56 Loadall (3162 hours may increase) 2019 Massey Ferguson 4709 (132 hours may increase) 2009 Massey Ferguson 6490 Dyna 6 (5252 hours may increase) 2006 Massey Ferguson 5470 Dyna 4 Loader Tractor (3900 Hours)

Mark Dent Chairman 07711 198641

Scott Ferrie Auctioneer/Director 07557 260653

Daniel Lynn Auctioneer 07887 653442

Paul Gentry Auctioneer/Director 07940 330907

MONDAY 8 APRIL & TUESDAY 9 APRIL

AT FIELDS FARM, CHOLMONDELEY, MALPAS, CHESHIRE, SY14 8HN (on A49 Whitchurch to Tarporley road)

DISPERSAL SALE OF THE PEDIGREE CHOLMONDELEY HERD OF 800 HOLSTEIN FRIESIANS

DAY ONE - MONDAY 8 APRIL (10.00am)

★ 540 milking cows and heifers to be sold in calving order ★

★ 9,574kgs 4.20%F 3.33%P cc139 ★ CUBICLES ★ HERRINGBONE ★

★ Low yielders graze Spring to Autumn ★ All year calving to HF/BB/AA ★

DAY TWO – TUESDAY 9 APRIL (11.00am)

★ 90 in calf heifers ★ 100 maidens ★ 70 calves ★

★ On Behalf of Willis Dairy Farmers Ltd ★

MONDAY 22 APRIL (10.45am)

AT MARKET DRAYTON MARKET, TF9 3SW (moved from Bank Farm, Ellesmere, for sale convenience)

DISPERSAL SALE OF THE COMMERCIAL BANK FARM HERD OF 225 HOLSTEIN FRIESIANS

★ 132 milking cows and heifers to be sold in calving order ★

★ 15 in calf heifers due April/May ★ 40 served heifers ★ 20 maidens ★ 18 calves ★

★ 8,318kgs 4.73%F 3.47%P cc127

★

CUBICLES ★ HERRINGBONE ★

★ Grazed herd Spring to Autumn

★ All year calving to BB/AA ★

★ On Behalf of JH & AB Hall ★

Stephen Dodsworth Fieldsperson 07946 514154

Tracey Gilhespy Fieldsperson 07867 974688

Field Items Kverneland FXJ Power Harrow, Flexi Farm Rollers, JCB Grain Bucket, Marshall 11ton Trailer year 2007, Flat Roller, Marshall 10ton Tipping Trailer, Sumo GLS Grass & Arable legs, Marston 03 RT Trailer, x2 Galvanised Ring Feeders, Quantity of Galvanised Troughs, Turn Over Crate, Yard Scraper, Amazone Special SBS ZA-M 1001, X3 Cradle Feeders, McHale 991 LB Bale Wrapper, Amazone 4m Folding Power Harrow KG4001-2, Tarup 2424 Mower, Tarup 8064 Tedder, Acrobat, Hydraulic Chain Harrows, Marshall 12ton Bale Trailer, Marshall GT Tipping Trailer, Tudor Brackets, Single Bale Spike, Masan Double Bale Spike, CW Rollers, Bale Squeeze, Tarup 9039 Rake, Hardi Crop Sprayer LX800L

Save the date Wednesday 15th May

Full farm dispersal sale on behalf of H D Marks Gilly flats far , Bishopton Friday 7th June

Livestock Markets

Livestock Markets

▪ Bridgnorth, Carmarthen & Newcastle Emlyn

▪ Bridgnorth, Carmarthen & Newcastle Emlyn

▪ Private & deadweight sales

▪ Private & deadweight sales

▪ Primestock & store markets

▪ Primestock & store markets

Bridgnorth:

Bridgnorth: Weekly primestock sales and fortnightly store sales

Weekly primestock sales and fortnightly store sales

Carmarthen:

Carmarthen: Weekly dairy, calves & weanlings sales; weekly barren cows, store cattle and all classes of sheep; monthly weaned calves, suckler cows and breeding bulls; monthly orange TB restricted cattle sale; monthly Holstein South Wales show & sale

Newcastle Emlyn:

Weekly dairy, calves & weanlings sales; weekly barren cows, store cattle and all classes of sheep; monthly weaned calves, suckler cows and breeding bulls; monthly orange TB restricted cattle sale; monthly Holstein South Wales show & sale

Weekly calves, weanlings, cull cows & sheep; fortnightly store cattle sales

Newcastle Emlyn:

Weekly calves, weanlings, cull cows & sheep; fortnightly store cattle sales

Rural Professionals ▪ Specialising in property sales, lettings & management; dispute resolution & planning; environment al schemes & grants; valuations

Rural Professionals

▪ Specialising in property sales, lettings & management; dispute resolution & planning; environment al schemes & grants; valuations

Auctioneers & Valuers ▪ Growing crops & fodder; rural land & property, farm dispersal; machinery sales; annual valuations

Auctioneers & Valuers

All dates for markets are on the Nock Deighton Agricultural website

▪ Growing crops & fodder; rural land & property, farm dispersal; machinery sales; annual valuations

Bridgnorth Market Contacts: Martin Clack 07977 0675198, Ollie Clack 07891 343673 or Mark Burgoyne 07831 192603

Welsh Mart Contacts: Llŷr Jones 07812 934964 or Paul Taylor 07815 509504. Bidding available on “Marteye” in Welsh marts

All dates for markets are on the Nock Deighton Agricultural web

CLITHEROE AUCTION MART

NORTH WEST AUCTIONS

LIVESTOCK AUCTIONEERS � VALUERS

www.nwauctions.co.uk

info@nwauctions.co.uk

LANCASTER AUCTION MART

Tel: 01524 63308

Monday 8th April

10.30am SPRING LAMBS, PRIME HOGGS & CAST SHEEP

Followed By SHEEP WITH LAMBS AT FOOT

Friday 12th April

10.15am 150 REARING CALVES & WEANLINGS

10.15am 150 CAST / OTM CATTLE

11.15am 300 STORE CATTLE

Monday 15th April

Show & Sale of Ewes & Shearlings with Lambs at Foot

J36 RURAL AUCTION CENTRE

Tel: 015395 66200

Tuesday 9th April

10.30am ALL CLASSES OF PIGS

11am SHEEP WITH LAMBS AT FOOT

12.30pm STORE HOGGS

1pm SPRING LAMBS, PRIME HOGGS & CAST SHEEP

Tuesday 16th April

Show & Sale of Ewes & Shearlings with Lambs at Foot

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 6 April

330+ HEAD

451+ HEAD

9.30am WEEKLY CAST SHEEP followed by PRIME LAMBS & PRIME HOGGS Please call Matthew Middleton 10.00am 1 BREEDING BULL, 10 IN CALF & OUTFITS, 59 YOUNG BULLS, 259 STORE STEERS & HEIFERS catalogue now online. Enquiries to Jack 10.30am 1 SHEEP DOG, 158+ OUTFITS OF SHEEP & LAMBS, 55 IN LAMB EWES catalogue now online. Enquiries to Rachel

Thursday 11 April

10.30am PRIME BEEF followed by CULL CATTLE

10.30am REARING CALVES

11.00am WEEKLY DAIRY

12.30pm STIRKS entries by Tuesday 9th 12noon

Saturday 13 April

9.30am WEEKLY CAST SHEEP & PRIME HOGGS

10.30am SHEEP WITH LAMBS & IN LAMB SHEEP

Entries please for the catalogue by Tuesday 9th 12noon

Thursday 18 April

10.30am PRIME BEEF followed by CULL CATTLE

10.30am REARING CALVES

11.00am SEMEX UK & WE JAMESON FEEDS

SHOW & SALE OF DAIRY including ‘Stepping into Spring’ Youngstock sale entries to Eleanor please

Saturday 20 April

9.30am WEEKLY CAST SHEEP & PRIME HOGGS

10.00am BREEDING & STORE CATTLE SALE

10.30am SHEEP WITH LAMBS & IN LAMB SHEEP

www.gisburnauctions.com |

Thursday 18th April

10am 150 REARING CALVES & WEANLINGS

10.30am 100 CAST / OTM CATTLE

11.15am 300 BEEF BREEDING, STIRKS & STORE CATTLE

Wednesday 8th May

Annual Show & Sale of Hoggs with Lambs at Foot PEDIGREE SHEEP DAY

Sale for Pedigree Ewes with Lambs & Gimmer Hoggs

Thursday 16th May PEDIGREE BEEF DAY

Sale for all Breeds & Classes of Pedigree Bulls & Females Entries Close Friday 12th April

MACHINERY SALES

SALE LIVE ONLINE & Concludes

Monday 8th April

Viewing: Friday 5th (9am-4.30pm) & Saturday 6th (am only)

Collection: Tuesday 9th & Wednesday 10th April

Saturday 27th April

Farm Dispersal on behalf of R&EA Gardner, Kendal

To Inc: 4 Massey Ferguson Tractors & a range of well maintained grassland machinery & livestock equipment. Please see Website for full list of details.

Owned by Farmers. Run by Farmers.

Hall Road, Norwich, NR4 6DW

01603 502690

THE COUNTRY’S LARGEST ALL TB 4 MARKET

Saturday April 13th.

Sale of 300 store and breeding cattle.

Special entries include :Suckler bred cattle: 50 conti stores 8-14 months plus 30 conti heifers for bulling/ feeding from Margaretting Hallworthy of attention from buyers. 35 BBX, AA x 10 mo - SG Lutkin. 60 conti x steers and heifers, 10-14 mo from Davis Dairies, A Hurn and partners, Mills On Wheels, Erpingham House.

Saturday May 11th.

Dispersal Sale of 60 Ped and purebred LR, Blonde, X-bred Cows with Blonde x Calves at foot (up to 2 months). These are quality cattle and considered well worthy of attention.

On behalf of Mr Colin Reeve, Frostenden, Suffolk. Please see the website for more details.

www.norwichlivestockmarket.com

www.auctionmart.co.uk • T:01200 423325

Jeremy: 07815 727993 • George: 07412 165873

HORSES & TACK SALE

WEEKLY

PRIMESTOCK SALE

Saturday 6th April 10am

Monthly Sale of Tack, Saddles, Rugs & Horses

Tuesday 9th April 12.30pm

Prime Hoggs & Cull Ewes

Monthly Sale of Sheep with Lambs at foot, In-lamb Ewes, Geld Hoggs & Goats

Saturday 13th April 10am

To include all breeds Ewes & Lambs,In-Lamb Sheep, Geld Hoggs and Goats. Further entries accepted on the day

FARM SALE OF MODERN FARM MACHINERY, POULTRY PROCESSING EQUIPMENT AND USUAL MISCELLANEOUS SUNDRIES

Saturday 20th April 10.30am

JCB 527.58 Agri Reg WK63 VTO, 7500 Hours, Ford 5610 Series 3 1550 Hours ,Bobcat 5100,Ford 7810,Grain 8 Ton Feed Bin (Split) c/w Auger, Mixer & Weigher ,Full Wet Chicken Processing Line 500 Birds per hour, Poultry Processing Equipment, 2 x 40ft Freezer Containers, 2 0ft Fridge Container, Large Hopper, Hopper Bins ,Mesh Sided Trailer x 2, 8 Ton Twin Axle Tipping Trailer, Blue Bale Trailer, Vacuum Tanker, Cushman Turf Truckstar, Towable Toilets/ Office,2 0ft Wagon Body, MG Project, Kestrel Caravan, Qty Game Feeders, JCB Loadall Buckets, Avery Scale, Futton Steam Boiler 1000IB pressure, Qty of Steel, Diesel Tank, Plastic Water Tank, 2 Deck Vibrating Industrial Sieves, Qty Kingspan, Shaker, Incinerator, Qty Super Singles, Vintage Boat, Bird Watch Tower, Qty of Poultry Crates, Qty of Stainless Steel, Qty of Concrete Railway Sleeves, Qty of Large Feed Bins, Snap on Welder, Broom Bucket, Quantity Game Rearing Heat Elements, Qty of Water Fittings, Qty of Plastic Trays, Mexican Pig Trough Plus the usual Selection of small tools.

ONLINE

MACHINERY SALE

Thurs 25th - Sat 27th April

Intake of items from Tues 9th – Thurs 18th April

Wednesday 17th April

Annual Show & Sale of Shearlings with Lambs at Foot

Wednesday 1st May

Spring Spectacular

Individual Elite Breeding Females with Lambs at Foot

Saturday 4th May

Great Annual Show & Sale of Hoggs with Lambs at Foot & Geld Gimmer Hoggs

Tuesday 7th May

1st Special Sale of Cows & Heifers with Calves, In Calf Cattle, Bulling Heifers & Breeding Bulls

T HURSDAY LUNCHTIME WEEKLY SHEEP SALE

Entries/Enquiries, contact

Peter Oven:

WEDNESDAY 10 APRIL – 11AM

HOLSWORTHY MARKET, HOLSWORTHY, DEVON. EX22 7FA

Herd Dispersal Sale of approx. 100 Holstein Friesian Cows and Heifers from the pedigree ‘Elstone’ herd on behalf of Ellicott & Partners of Chulmleigh. Sale to include 70 In Milk Cows and Heifers, 6 In Calf/Served Heifers and 16 Bulling Heifers. Closed herd. Robot milked and cubicle housed. Vaccinated for BVD. Johnes monitored with no high or mediums in the herd. Cows are fed maize and grass silage. High genetic merit, top AI Holstein Friesian bulls used on the herd. All year round calving pattern. Herd is averaging approx. 10,000Kgs. Average cc of cows in the sale cc101 and average yield of cows in the sale is 32Kgs.

FRIDAY 12 APRIL – 11AM

EXETER LIVESTOCK CENTRE, EXETER, DEVON. EX2 8FD

Sale of 130 Dairy Cattle. To include freshly calved Cows and Heifers, In Calf Heifers and a consignment of pedigree Youngstock. PLUS Herd Dispersal sale of 80 Autumn Calving Holstein Friesian & Crossbred Cows & Heifers from Messrs RG Amor & Son, Yeovil. Cubicle housed and herringbone parlour milked.

WEDNESDAY 17 APRIL – 11AM

Classes to include:

HOLSWORTHY MARKET, HOLSWORTHY, DEVON. EX22 7FA Spring Challenge Show & Sale of Dairy Cattle.

hampion.

Best Cow In Milk, Best Heifer In Milk, Overall & Reserve Champion. Entries to date include a super quality entry of freshly calved Cows & Heifers.

Further entries to 01409 253275 or dairy@kivells.com by 10am Thurs 11th April.

ONLINE BIDDING AVAILABLE FOR ALL SALES VIA Full details & Catalogues www.kivells.com

For further information, please contact: Mark Bromell 07966 430001

Mark Davis 07773 371774, Robert Speck 07909 538520 or Olly Murrain 07467 437288

COMPLETE DISPERSAL SALE AT FIR TREE FARM, FIR TREE LANE, AUGHTON, ORMSKIRK, LANCASHIRE L39 7HH

SATURDAY 20TH APRIL 2024 at 10.30AM PROMPT

To include: Fiat Agri ATR Laverda 3650 Combine 12ft Header 1988, McCormick MC115 4WD Tractor, frt links and pto, 40kph, 3 spools, 3,400Hrs 2012, McCormick CX80 4WD Tractor with Trima 260 Pro Loader 2002, Manitou Hvy Duty Fork Lift, Mecmar 12t Electric Grain Dryer 2015 as new, Rau Vicon Deltra 34 2,800l Trailed Sprayer, Excellent Range of Arable Equipment

ASHLEY WALLER AUCTIONEERS

HORTICULTURE | FURNITURE | PRODUCE MACHINERY

Next Tuesday 9th April

Entries include DB780, Case 4230 +FEL, wide wing Standard, Krone FL314D Mower, Marshall 7.5 Manure Spreader, Vehicles to include Disco, Transit Hores Trailers, Flat Trailers, Grain Trailer, Teagle Spinner, Buckets, 12 Ride-on-Mowers, 70 Lots of Timber, Buckets, Last Sale 1500 Lots. 19th April Hazel Grove, SK7 6NW Sale of the Season.

2019 J.D. 6115RC, 2019 Kubata U48-4, 2021 MF RB 3130 Baler, 2018 McHale S307 Wrapper, 2022 KRI22 Krone Vendo 1020, MF RK662 Rake, 2018 Krone R320 Rear Mower, Baileys Herbst Bateson & IW Trailers etc.etc.

info@ashleywaller.co.uk www.ashleywaller.co.uk www.easyliveauction.com

GENUINE DISPERSAL SALE- TO COMMENCE AT 10.30AM SATURDAY 20TH APRIL 2024

REDACRE HALL FARM , SIMPSON LANE, POTT SHRIGLEY, MACCLESFIELD, SK10 5SF

Tractors - 2016 Deutz-Fahr 50800 Tractor c/w Trima Loader only 1034 hrs, Lamborghini 105 Power Speed Tractor, Lamborghini 874-90 Tractor c/w Loader, Ford 6600 Tractor, Massey Ferguson 35 Tractor, International 674 Tractor, International 674 Tractor c/w Loader, International 785 Tractor c/w Loader Diggers - JCB 3CX Turbo 1986 Year, JCB 8027 Digger 2005 Year, 1777 Hours

USUAL RANGE OF FARMING EFFECTS AND SUNDRIES

All Enquries to 07375105985 or auctions@grahamwatkins.co.uk

McCartney’s Worcester

Aberdeen-Angus Show & Sale

Saturday 20th April 2024

The Heath Meadow, Nunnery Way, Worcestershire WR4 OSQ

Business Development Manager

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.

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.

We are now looking for a motivated and driven salesperson to join our

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

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

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

World Wide Sires UK are looking for experienced and highly motivated Genetic Consultants to work within their successful Northern Sales Team.

Desirable candidates will be capable of working both individually and as a team. The ability to solve problems, think quickly, and effectively communicate with others is crucial. Complete job description available with Farmers Guardian.

For further information about this role or to apply please email Northern Sales & Business Development Manager, Richard Graham at rgraham@wwsires.co.uk

Senior Herdsperson - North Devon

Salary - £38,000 - £45,000 per annum, plus benefits

Closing date - 5 Apr 2024

NOTE – You will be working directly for the farm, not through REAL Success.

Due to new developments and growth in our business, we are looking for a Senior Herdsperson to join our established team.

Our farm We have heavily invested in our farm, to provide modern equipment and facilities. We are currently installing a new 60-point rotary parlour, shed and offices, overlooking the stunning North Devon hills. Our farm is 1100 acres, and we have a 1000 cow flying herd who are milked three times a day, rearing 150 of our own each year. Our milk is supplied to Saputo and our cows are housed all year round, with a team of 20 operating the farm as a mix of full-time and part-time. We are looking to grow our herd soon and are offering a brand-new opportunity to somebody, to be part of a growing farm with the opportunity to develop.

Your Role As a Senior Herdsperson, you will be working closely with our Farm Manager supporting with the day-to-day running of the dairy operation and ensuring that our high standards of hygiene, cow health and welfare are maintained. This is a brand-new role, offering the opportunity to design your own job tasks whilst leading a team.

• Company pension

• Housing allowance

• Free parking

• On-site parking

• Relocation assistance

For more information on any of these vacancies or to see all our current roles, please go to: JobsInAgriculture.com

Experienced Livestock Auctioneer.

This leading auction company based in West Cumbria is looking for an experienced and enthusiastic livestock auctioneer to join the team. The full time role will involve rostrum selling and canvassing of all classes of livestock.

A competitive package will be offered depending upon experience. For more information and an informal, confidential chat, please phone Ian Powley on 07889 458252.

LKL’s CURRENT VACANCIES

We currently have a wide range of positions available nationwide to include:-

• Working Herd Manager, Derbyshire, 500 cows

• Herdsperson, Surrey, 330 cows

• Farm Business Manager, Nottinghamshire, 500 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.

Farm Operations Manager

Employer: Farms for City Children

Location: Gloucestershire

Salary: £38,000

A new opportunity has arisen for a full-time Farm Operations Manager to join our worthwhile charity, which exists to remove the barriers that prevent children and young people having meaningful access to the natural world. Through a week on one of our three heritage farms, Nethercott House in Devon, Lower Treginnis in Pembrokeshire and Wick Court in Gloucestershire, children and young people experience increased learning and engagement, improved connections and wellbeing and leave us with enhanced environmental citizenship. Visiting children are immersed in the natural world of countryside through a food and farming offer that allows them to participate in the seasonal tasks of the day: sowing, growing and harvesting in our kitchen gardens; caring for livestock and looking after the land; and cooking up a home-grown feast in the farmhouse kitchen. Spending time working alongside real farmers fosters children’s independence and helps them to grow in confidence, develops their self-esteem, and encourages them to become more resilient. In partnership with our commercial farming neighbours, children experience the benefits of collaboration, enjoy plenty of physical activity, good food, and fresh air, and discover the magical rural environment that is full of new words, sounds and experiences to inspire their creativity.

ABOUT THE ROLE

This is a hands-on role responsible for the management of the farm, including buildings, equipment and livestock at Wick Court, a 50-acre smallholding raising pigs, beef cattle, poultry and sheep.

The role will set and deliver the direction of the land management of the farm. It will ensure that animals are cared for in line with the charity Animal Welfare policy and that biosecurity measures keep our beneficiaries and animals safe. The postholder will spend a proportion of their time delivering fun and educational sessions on the farm to the young people we work with.

The Farm Operations Manager is an integral role and as part of the operations team, will support also maintenance and management of the 16th century manor house, and may be asked to support all areas of operations of the charity at Wick Court.

The successful post-holder will have experience working directly with livestock, including administering veterinary medications, and lambing. They will be passionate about nature friendly farming and be looking for environmentally sensitive ways of managing the land for food production. They will also have experience working in partnerships, managing budgets and suppliers.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

Be responsible for all farming operations at Wick Court, currently a smallholding raising pigs, poultry, sheep, including managing equine and our horticultural enterprise

• With the Farm School Manager, develop and deliver a sustainable and environmentally sensitive land management strategy for Wick Court

• Work closely with the Farm School Manager to ensure the farming environment and farming activities for visiting children are safe, stimulating and purposeful

• Oversee and lead on animal husbandry, ensuring animal welfare standards are maintained in line with our policies, and further developing our veterinary health plans and procedures

For more information on any of these vacancies or to see all our current roles, please go

to: JobsInAgriculture.com

Recruiter Spotlight

Christopher Murray

Latest jobs from Christopher Murray

Agricultural Recycling Manager

Our client - a fast growing and expanding leader within the environmental consultancy, compliance and by-product recycling sector - is seeking to appoint an experienced, energetic and highly motivated Agricultural Recycling Manager to take responsibility for the day to day management and delivery of their recycling service contracts. This key and crucial rolepart of a wider expansion of the business - offers huge variety and requires a candidate who thrives in a fast paced, multilayered environment, able to balance multiple elements culminating in the application of recycled waste material to agricultural land. You will be the point person from the outset - sourcing and securing farm land - through to spreading operations of the products and, working alongside the rest of the team, everything in-between which includes, but is not limited to, the following tasks: selling the benefits of the products to potential farmer clients and land owners, gathering of key data for spreading applications such as collection of soil, product and water samples, previous fertiliser application data, topographical information, cropping details and storage management plans alongside field mapping, pollution risk assessments and health and safety assessments. Liaising with the land owner, producer, transport & spreading operator you will ensure all elements come together in a safe and timely manner and within contract budgets.

Location: North of England

Closes: 27 Apr 2024

Job Sector: Dairy

Contract Type: Permanent

Salary: Highly competitive salary plus benefits

Principal Environmental ConsultantSoil Health & Fertility - National Role

Our client - a fast growing and expanding leader within the environmental consultancy, compliance and by-product recycling sector - is seeking to appoint an experienced, energetic and highly motivated Principal Environmental Consultant to lead and develop their rapidly expanding consultancy services, whilst providing technical leadership and support across the groups complimentary sub divisions.

Since its formation in 2006, the award winning business has enjoyed sustainable and profitable growth, adapting and enhancing its range of services to its client base that includes farmers and growers, public bodies and multinational industrial corporations.

Building on success to date, this new role - part of a wider expansion plan - will further enhance and develop the business ensuring that the company remains at the forefront of this niche industry.

Location: Nationwide

Closes: 27 Apr 2024

Job Sector: Arable & Agronomy, Consulting work, Crop science, Management, Sales & Marketing, Technical

Contract Type: Permanent

Salary: Excellent salary plus benefits

For more information or to apply, head to JobsInAgriculture.com

Calling all farmers seeking companionship! Cultivate lasting connections with Friends1st, the premier Christian introduction agency for rural hearts. Sow the seeds of love in fertile soil as we match you with like-minded souls. Join us to plow the fields of friendship and let romance bloom in the heartland. Your perfect harvest of happiness awaits at Friends1st – where love grows naturally. Call 0121 405 0941 and let us introduce you to your soul mate. wwwfriends1st.co.uk

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

www.livestocksupplies.co.uk

farm, very quiet, easy calving. Also females available. Health monitored, closed herd, full pedigree with each animal, Red tractor. Semen Available.

REGISTERED RED ANGUS & BLACK ANGUS BULLS

24-36 months. Home bred and of good temperament. Easy calving & all calves will be naturally polled. BVD & Johnes accredited. £1800 - £2250. Carol Field, Karimba Angus

Tel: 01584 810424 Worcs (P)

Hay

Richard Tomlinson

Top quality hay and straw. All types of big bales and conventional bales. All areas considered.

Tel: 07933 783232

competitive prices

TEL: (01625) 531629 OR (01625) 522249

One Tonne Bags Delivered UK & Wales

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 NEW STORE IN CUMBRIA

One Tonne Bag Collections

Mixed Pellets (Approx. 18% Protein/13 ME) £275 ex store

Biscon Meal (Approx. 12% Protein/14 ME) £225 ex store

CALL NOW 01949 844700 www.midlandfeeds.co.uk

CALL NOW 01949 844700 www.midlandfeeds.co.uk

1m Gallon Store

Easy Lamber Licks

Nationwide Delivery any Quantity

LAND AT LONG LANE, GAMLINGAY, CAMBRIDGESHIRE

333.50 acres (134.97 hectares) of Grade 2 Arable Land

Situated within a ring fence on the Cambridgeshire/Bedfordshire border

For sale by private treaty as a whole

Guide Price: £3.1 million

LAND AT CHAPMANS FARM, BOURN, CAMBRIDGESHIRE

157.06 acres (63.56 hectares) of Grade 2 Arable Land

Available to let as a whole on a 5-year Farm Business Tenancy Agreement from 29th September 2024

LAND AT BARTON, CAMBRIDGESHIRE

170.32 acres (68.93 hectares) of Grade 2 Arable Land

Available to let as a whole on a 5-year Farm Business Tenancy Agreement from 29th September 2024

Tender Deadline: 12 noon on Friday 17th May 2024 FOR FURTHER DETAILS, PLEASE CONTACT 01480 213811

Tender Deadline: 12 noon on Friday 17th May 2024

A further 51.96 acres (21.03 hectares) of arable land adjacent to the Land at Barton is available on a 2-year Farm Business Tenancy Agreement from 29th September 2024

PROPERTY LANDSCAPE Be ready for a post-election housing boom

Supply currently not matching demand

No matter who wins the next election, the number of new homes to be built on greenfield sites is set to rocket. The opportunities for landowners in key locations will greatly increase, but there will be winners and losers.

Politicians have played football with the housing market for years.

In one breath, they voice support for first-time buyers wanting a home at an affordable price and criticise the house building industry for failing to increase production.

In the next, they vow to protect the countryside from unwelcome development, pretending that new homes can all be built on brownfield sites and allowing local authorities to fail to plan for sufficient new houses.

Both main parties aim for about 300,000 new homes per year, but for decades they have barely provided two-thirds of that number.

Meanwhile, the population continues to grow and houses remain unaffordable to many; supply is not matching demand.

Shortfall

But what is causing this shortfall? The Competitions and Markets Authority has recently submitted a major housebuilding market study, concluding:

n The planning system requires a root and branch overhaul

n Local councils and housing associations may have to play a greater role in housebuilding (perhaps utilising compulsory land acquisition at agricultural values?)

n Local authorities must be given ‘clear targets’ by central Government and must have up-to-date local plans

Nothing will change until after the election, but whoever wins, it is likely that our housing shortage will be a growing political problem. Both main parties know that housing is the second basic need for the populace, after putting food on the table.

The backlog has now grown too large to be ignored and, one way or another, housebuilding will be increased over coming years, driven

by central Government. Most of the increase will be on greenfield sites adjoining existing settlements.

Some will mourn the loss of parts of our cherished countryside, and that is understandable. However, for some landowners, a windfall from a development scheme can be a much-needed shot in the arm for a farming business or an expanding family.

Many of our farming clients have benefited from modest developments on the edge of a larger village or town, and often those developments prove to be well-built while providing valuable contributions to community facilities by way of a Section 106 agreement.

The process of promoting land for future development is very specialised and must be handled with skill and care. There are many pitfalls, including the possibility that land could be compulsorily acquired at agricultural values. The development world is populated by many who will take advantage of the unwary.

Nevertheless, there are many professional land agents and land promoters across the country who work together to produce the best possible results for landowners, and I would advise anybody who has land with potential to take professional advice at an early stage.

There is no doubt that opportunities for the right land must increase considerably in coming years.

In terms of housing supply, the next General Election cannot come too soon.

David Jones is partner and head of agency at Robinson and Hall. Call 01234 362 906, or email djj@robinsonandhall.co.uk

Planning Consultancy. Property Sales. Architectural Services.

GUIDE PRICE: £415,000 (Ref: C391)

Planning Applications. Appeals. Enforcement Notices. Certificates of Lawfulness. Dwelling Design. Equestrian Agricultural Buildings. Agricultural Occupancy Conditions.

ESSEX, Saffron Walden

Planning Consultancy. Property Sales. Architectural Services. Planning Applications. Appeals. Enforcement Notices. Certificates of Lawfulness. Dwelling Design. Equestrian Agricultural Buildings. Agricultural Occupancy Conditions.

PROPERTIES FOR SALE

SUBJECT TO AN AGRICULTURAL OCCUPANCY CONDITION

GUIDE PRICE: £530,000 (Ref: C385)

ESSEX, Stock

An attractive four bedroom detached farmhouse with attached single storey one-bedroom self-contained annexe all set in a good-sized plot with ample parking, large garden, and three small outbuildings located to the south of the popular village of Stock.

SUBJECT TO AN AGRICULTURAL OCCUPANCY CONDITION

GUIDE PRICE: £1,160,000 (Ref: C386)

NORFOLK, North Tuddenham

Well presented traditional 1970s 3 bed detached bungalow with large garden, double garage/workshop, parking located in sought after village of North Tuddenham.

SUBJECT TO AN AGRICULTURAL OCCUPANCY CONDITION

GUIDE PRICE: £305,000 (Ref: C375)

SUFFOLK, Bradfield St George

Well appointed large detached farmhouse with up to 9 bedrooms set over 3 floors inc attached self contained 1 bed annexe. Set in rural location with views over open countryside and a large garden.

SUBJECT TO AN AGRICULTURAL OCCUPANCY CONDITION

GUIDE PRICE: £760,000 (Ref: C374)

WEST SUSSEX, Cowfold

A well-presented three bedroom detached bungalow with large garden, garage, land, outbuildings and parking located in a sought-after countryside location

0345 340 5215

SUBJECT TO AN AGRICULTURAL OCCUPANCY CONDITION

GUIDE PRICE: £650,000 (Ref: C390)

0345 340 5215

We take a farmer-centric approach to media. Our job is to help farmers run their farms more efficiently and make better purchasing decisions

David Jones

Finance: Terms & Conditions

Farmers Guardian, Fginsight.com and fgbuyandsell.com (hereinafter referred to as ‘Farmers Guardian) may contain advertisements, links to other Internet websites or online and mobile services provided by independent third parties, including websites and telephone contacts of our advertisers and sponsors (what we call “Third Party Sites”), either directly or indirectly. It is your decision whether you purchase or use any third party products or services made available on or via Third Party Sites and you should read below carefully. Our Privacy Policy does not apply to Third Party Sites. In no circumstances do we accept responsibility for your use of Third Party Sites or in respect of any Third Party products. By Third Party Sites we mean websites, online or mobile services provided by third parties, including websites of advertisers and sponsors that may appear in Farmers Guardian. By Third Party Products we mean products or services provided by third parties.

Farmers Guardian contains advertising and sponsorship. Advertisers and sponsors are responsible for ensuring that material submitted for inclusion on Farmers Guardian complies with international and national law. Farmers Guardian (nor its websites) is not responsible for any error or inaccuracy in advertising or sponsorship material.

Any agreements, transactions or other arrangements made between you and any third party named in, on (or linked to from) in Farmers Guardian and its websites are at your own responsibility and entered into at your own risk.

Farmers Guardian promises to develop and operate with reasonable skill and care and will use reasonable efforts to promptly remedy any faults of which it is aware.

Farmers Guardian does not provide any other promises or warranties about its products and services. Farmers Guardian is provided on an “as is” and “as available” basis. This means that Farmers Guardian does not make any promises in respect of Farmers Guardian or the services and functions available on or through Farmers Guardian, Fginsight.com and fgbuyandsell.com or of the quality, completeness or accuracy of the information published on or linked to from Farmers Guardian, Fginsight.com and fgbuyandsell.com other than as expressly stated above.

The above disclaimers apply equally to your use of Farmers Guardian, Fginsight.com and fgbuyandsell.com without limiting the above; Farmers Guardian and its websites are not liable for matters beyond its reasonable control. Farmers Guardian does not control third party communications networks (including your internet service provider), the internet, acts of god or the acts of third parties.

Farmers Guardian liability will not be limited in the case of death or personal injury directly caused by Farmers Guardian negligence in those countries where it is unlawful for Farmers Guardian to seek to exclude such liability.

Any individual, who is in doubt about entering into a loan agreement, should seek professional advice or consult an authorised person who can assist in relation to entering into a credit agreement. Before acting on any information you should consider the appropriateness of the information having regard to these matters, any relevant offer document and in particular, you should seek independent financial advice.

All loans, loan participations and financial products or instrument transactions involve risks, which include (among others) the risk of adverse or unanticipated market, financial or political developments and, in international transactions, currency risk. Lending against non-traditional physical collateral exposes investors to specific risks such as the potential for fraud, theft, damage and illiquidity.

NEW KRONE RAKES.

SWADRO 420 Single rotor, three point linkage.

SWADRO 460 Single rotor, three point linkage.

SWADRO TC640 Twin rotor centre delivery, trailed.

SWADRO TC760 Twin rotor centre delivery, trailed.

NEW KRONE TEDDERS.

VENDRO 560 Linkage mounted 4 Row Tedder.

VENDRO 790 Linkage mounted 6 Row Tedder.

NEW KRONE MOWERS & MOWER CONDITIONERS.

EASYCUT F320 CV front mounted push type headstock mower conditioner.

EASYCUT F320 CV front mounted pull type headstock mower conditioner.

EASYCUT R320 CV rear linkage mounted mower conditioner.

EASYCUT R360 rear linkage mounted mower without conditioner.

EASYCUT TC320 CV trailed mower conditioner.

ACTIVEMOW R240 rear linkage mounted mower without conditioner.

ACTIVEMOW R280 rear linkage mounted mower without conditioner.

DEMO BIG PACK 1270 LARGE BALE + MULTI BALE SYSTEM (up to 9 small bales) Steering tandem axle, 620/40 R22.5 tyres, LED work lights, call for full spec.

COMPRIMA V150 XC PLUS VARIABLE CHAMBER ROUND BALER, 17 blade cutting system, hydraulic brakes, LED working lights, 500/50-17 tyres, DS500 terminal.

KRONE BIG X 770 FORAGE HARVESTER, Easy collect 903. 2016, 1425 hours.

metre reach, 1.5m head, hydraulic roller, linkage mounted, Mini Pilot controls, oil cooler.

JCB 50Z - 2 Excavator, 2021, 575 hrs, 2021, Quick hitch, 3rd service

JCB JS131 Excavator, 2017, 4100 hrs, Quick hitch & buckets, piped.

JCB 531-70 TURBO TELESCOPIC FORKLIFT ‘64 ‘ reg. 1915 hours, pallet forks & bucket, 3rd service. Ex owner user.

JCB 520-40 TELESCOPIC FORKLIFT, 2017, choice of machines from 2785 hours, c/w pallet tines.

JCB 86 C1 Excavator c/w buckets, rubber tracks, 2016, 4537 hrs.

JCB JS130 Excavator, 2017, 5800 hrs, Quick hitch & buckets, piped.

JCB 8055 Excavator c/w buckets & grab, 2014, 3200 hrs, ex owner user

JCB 8080 Excavator c/w buckets, rubber tracks, 2008, 4080 hrs.

NEW PROLINE Multicut 480 Flexwing 6 blade mower. SPEARHEAD MULTICUT 430 Batwing mounted topper 2014.

NEW TWIGA S 55 CLASSIC hedge /verge cutter, 1.2m head, hyd roller, linkage mount, Mini Pilot controls.

Edited by Toby Whatley – 07583 054 831

Toby Whatley tries out Isuzu’s D-Max Utility offering.

Bigger and SUV-like pickups are the premier offering from most manufacturers, but there is still a strong demand for practical, work-focused vehicles.

On test: Isuzu D-Max Utility – Practical luxuries

The pickup truck has been on an interesting journey in the last decade as multiple manufacturers have pulled out of the market and others have used this product vacuum to introduce increasingly large and expensive models. Originally offered as a practical off-road vehicle with the capacity to transport more than two people, many of the double-cab pickups available can be purchased with SUV-levels of luxuries and price tags to match.

A decade ago, the top spec from most manufacturers would tip the financial scales at somewhere near £30,000, but versions today are priced somewhere near £60,000.

Isuzu is a long-established player with the Japanese manufacturer claiming sales figures for 2023 of more than 6,300 vehicles.

The current offering to the UK market is centred around the D-Max range which can be purchased in five variations with prices from £25,000 to more than £50,000.

Originally launched in 2012, the D-Max has now replaced previous pickup iterations with the highest spec V-Cross model accounting for the majority of vehicle sales.

This demand in high-spec vehicles is reflected in other manufacturers, as many customers utilise the tax advantages of commercial vehicles when operated through businesses.

Despite this price escalation, demand from practical users of these vehicles in agricultural, horticultural and contracting businesses has remained where budgets are

not limitless and the vehicles are still required to travel offroad, pull trailers and carry cargo.

The entry-level Utility version on test was firmly focused at the practical workhorse buyer and can be purchased as a single, crew or double cab variant with either a four wheel or two wheel drive layout.

Balance

Historically, an entry level pickup from all suppliers could appear somewhat sparse in creature comforts and driver aids, however Isuzu’s Utility appears to have struck an attractive balance of delivering a product suited to working conditions, with the addition of some luxuries.

Our test vehicle was supplied with a six-speed manual transmission and an electronic locking rear differential. This represents the

mid spec option in the Utility range with a lower priced version supplied without a locking diff and an automatic variation also offered, which pushes the retail on-the-road cost just above £30,000.

The same 1.9-litre, four cylinder diesel 164hp engine is offered across all models which, combined with the six-speed manual transmission, did not feel underpowered during our near 400 mile testing time.

When cold, the engine did provide an audible rasp, but once warmed up the driving experience was comfortably quiet and much improved from the work-focused pickups of previous generations.

Four-wheel drive and the low-range gearbox were engaged using a rotary dial, with the diff lock activated through a separate switch.

For users choosing the auto-

The D-Max Utility is the Isuzu’s work-based pickup offering.

ON TEST MACHINERY

matic version, the diff lock option is still available.

The truck’s fuel consumption, or lack of, was a surprise, with the unit averaging 42mpg during longer motorway runs.

In general use with shorter journeys, we would expect a figure closer to the high 30s and, although not dramatically frugal, it could be more than 10mpg better than some of its rivals.

Cloth seats, rubber floor mats and tough, durable plastics, highlight the intention of the vehicle being thoroughly washed out and occasionally intensely cleaned.

With the likelihood of most units spending their lives with seat covers permanently fitted, the seat material appeared durable and able to tolerate the abrasion of dirty overalls.

The rear seats could be folded up

Specification

n Engine: 1.9-litre 164hp 360Nm

n Transmission: 2WD/4WD; six-speed

n CO2 emissions: 220g/km

n Load capacity: 1.1 tonnes

n Towing capacity: 3.5t

n Wheels: 265/60R18

n Colours: White, silver, grey, black

n Price: (as tested) £29,099

to allow more internal storage and included small lockers underneath for items such as straps or gloves. For those fitting auxiliary switches for winches, work lights or beacons, a helpful layout of switch blanks were positioned in front of the gearstick.

Isuzu says that several switchge-

ar options and external accessories, including numerous additional LED lighting packs can be dealer fitted, with a range of switch controls available to fill the blank positions.

The supplied infotainment system included a DAB radio, with Bluetooth hands free and audio connection.

Although perfectly functional, this system was the biggest disappointment with the unit.

Visually dated and functionally quite vague, a direct replacement by a touchscreen unit which incorporates Apple or Android connections would be the first change for our team.

The double DIN space in the dash would allow this relatively easily and would also introduce the ability to use phone-based satellite

navigation if occasionally required.

Isuzu says an option pack is available on the Utility and DL20 models which provides upgrades to the overall audio system and includes a phone integrated touchscreen console.

The standard fit of air conditioning, cruise control with steering assist, automatic brake assist, trailer sway control, hill-start assist, five air bags, automatic wipers and auto high beam headlights did not leave much to add to a Utility focused vehicle.

For many users, some of these features maybe rarely used, but it did highlight the ambition from Isuzu to deliver a vehicle with features which were once the preserve of luxury manufacturers.

Standard wheels are 18in steel that can accommodate 265/60R18

The 1.9-litre, 164hp engine proved frugal during our test.

Three Utility models are offered with manual and automatic transmissions.

Additional storage space was available behind and below the rear seats.

The interior used hard-wearing, durable plastics, however the audio system proved a little disappointing.

MACHINERY ON TEST

tyres, this allows the fitment of a wide range of tyre designs, including some fairly extreme off road variants.

In addition, the steel wheels should tolerate a mild rural collision or crevasse-sized pothole without too much trouble.

FG verdict

IN a market where many pickups have moved away from their practical roots with luxuries and costs making them undesirable for core agricultural work, the D-Max Utility presents itself with a lot to like.

The standard offering comes with a range of driver aids, air conditioning, and a durable interior combined with an extensive warranty and towing capacity.

The initial impressions of a basic truck are unjustified with a comfortable driving experience and plenty of space for rear passengers. The fit and finish of the interior could be improved

LIKES AND GRIPES

■ Economicalengine

■ Towing/carryingcapacity

■ Durablebuild

■ Rangeofdriveraids

ALL ELECTRIC D-MAX PREVIEWED

ISUZUhasunveiledanelectric prototypeofitsD-Maxpickup withtheBatteryElectricVehicle (BEV)modelofferingaonetonnepayloadand3.5ttowing capacity,withfull-timefourwheeldrivevianewlydeveloped e-axlesfrontandrear.

Its lithium-ion battery has a capacity of 66.9kWh and maximum output of 130kW, with an acceleration feel characteristic of BEVs and a maximum speed of 81mph.

However, as it is currently in development, a spokesman for Isuzu says its range is ‘unconfirmed at the moment’.

With Isuzu building most of its pickups in Thailand, the prototype is on show at the Bangkok Motor Show.

The company says it plans to launch the D-Max BEV in ‘select mainland European markets in 2025, with further expansion to the UK, Australia, Thailand, and other countries based on market demand and the development of electric vehicle charging infrastructure’.

The 1.1-tonne capacity rear bed was supplied with an interior liner and a rear damper.

A simple addition, the gas strut, significantly reduced the force required to open and close the rear door.

Eight tie-down positions across

in places, but the overall material felt durable and should tolerate a less-forgiving service life.

For users requiring vehicles for specific tasks, the manufacturer still offers several practical options for lighting, towing, powering accessories and rear covers.

With a retail price of just less than £30,000, the cost of the unit does reflect the increase in basic specification from previous models, but in comparison to other vans and pickups in the sector, it could present a decent value for money purchase, particularly when the warranty and lower running costs are factored in.

offeredasstandard

■ Functionalinterior

■ Tailgatedamper

■ Five-year/125,000-milewarranty

the sides and floor were permanently fitted, with the overall bed width allowing the unit to carry a euro pallet across the rear bed.

Access to the rear bed was improved with an integrated step built in behind the fixed, 3.5t capacity towbar.

■ Basicaudiosystem

■ Fitandfinishonsomeparts

■ Halogenheadlights

■ Limitedrangeofcolours

Designed for rural environments, the Utility offered an attractive mix of practicalities and useful features. Inset above, 18-inch steel wheels offer durability and a wide range of tyre choices.

Eight tie-down locations are fitted, plus a damper strut on the tailgate.

From electric HGVs to hydrogen power, it all seems to be about alternative fuels for commercial vehicles, but there is a diesel surprise. Emma Penny reports.

Commercial vehicle developments ramp up the pace of change

While many electric trucks and vans are aimed at short-haul, urban use, there is plenty of progress in both trucks and infrastructure for long-haul operations.

On the truck side, Mercedes-Benz has just launched its eActros 600 tractor unit which it says will cover more than 500km without intermediate charging; it can do more than 1,000km a day where charging is done in drivers’ official breaks, it says.

Technology

With a redesigned chassis, the truck’s three battery packs, totalling 600kWh, are key to its long range, and are based on lithium iron phosphate cell technology (LFP).

In contrast to other battery cell technologies, about 95 per cent of the installed capacity can be used with LFP technology, says Mercedes. The tractor unit has

recently completed cold weather testing in the Arctic Circle, as well as being put to use pulling a tanker spreading brine (an alternative to grit) on a section of Autobahn this winter.

However, the eActros 600 is two and a half times more expensive than its diesel equivalent.

Mercedes says that in France and Germany, a low electricity price and a new CO 2 -based truck toll will have a positive effect on the operational costs of battery-electric trucks.

This means that it ‘may be more profitable than a diesel long-haul truck at around five years, or after around 600,000km’.

It adds: “Government subsidisation of e-trucks and charging infrastructure is a key lever providing support in ramping up the market.”

Germany’s other large truck manufacturer, MAN, has also launched a flagship eTGX tractor unit.

Its battery capacity is up to 480kWh, and, as long as breaks

and charging times are taken, it will have a range of up to 800km per day, the company says. It relies on the firm’s new ‘Megawatt Charging System’ which gives the truck a charging capacity of up to 750kW; 45 minutes of recharging is enough for about 350km of range, it says.

It has just completed a public demonstration of its protoype charging technology at 700kW, provided by ABB E-Mobility.

Standard

The new MCS megawatt charging standard is technically designed for charging capacities of up to 3.75MW at 3,000 amperes (A), and will result in a significant improvement in charging times.

Current charging stations with the CCS standard (Combined Charging System) which can be used by cars and commercial vehicles offer a maximum charging capacity of 400kW at 500A.

Continues over the page.

DRIVERLESS TRUCKS ON THE ROADS

MANisworkingondeveloping driverlesstransportbetween logisticshubs,whichitsays hasthepotentialtoreducefatigue accidents,alleviatetheshortage ofdriversandmaketransport moreefficient.

“Theaimistoincreasingly integratedriverlessdrivingwith practicalprojectsinconcrete hub-to-hublogisticstransport andacceleratetheintroduction ofautonomousdrivingsystems,” saysLukasWalter,headofsales atMANTruckandBusSE.

Ithasalreadybeeninvolved indevelopingadriverlesstruck forcontainerhandlingatthe PortofHamburgandanother projectondigitalintegrationof anautonomoustruckintothe logisticsprocessofcontainer handlingfromroadtorail.

Inthepasttwoyears,ithas beenworkingwith12partners intheATLAS-L4projecttodevelop anautonomoustruckforusein motorwaytransportbetween logisticshubs.

Theprojectmakesuseofthe lawonautonomousdrivingpassed inGermanyin2021,whichallows driverlessdrivingondefinedroutes withtechnicalsupervision. Practicalprototypetest driveswithasafetydriveronthe motorwayareplannedfortheend oftheproject.MANsaysitwillalso betakingonadditionalprojects forspecificcustomertransport applicationsnextyear.

Mercedes’ eActros 600 aims to exceed 500km without the need for intermediate charging.

MACHINERY

While the well-known manufacturers are making progress, there are some new challenger brands in the market, but it can be tough going to become established.

Volta Trucks, one of these new brands, has been bought out after filing for bankruptcy in October.

It said it had been badly affected by the collapse of its battery supplier, which had a significant impact on its manufacturing plans.

Now owned by a US-based hedge fund, it has confirmed that Steyr Automotive will be its production partner.

SCANIA LAUNCHES UPDATED BIOGAS ENGINES

SCANIA has launched its latest generation of biogas engines, which it says offer a 5 per cent fuel savings over its predecessors.

The new 13-litre biogas engines are available with either 420hp or 460hp, and use components from the latest generation super diesel powertrain to help it improve its fuel saving potential.

Ola Henriksson, senior product manager for renewable fuels at Scania Trucks, says: “Biomethane fuels are the solution for customers who want to start a decarbonisation journey without any delay.

HVS is developing commercial vehicles using fuel cell technology.

Scania sees biogas vehicles playing a crucial role in helping the industry decarbonise and switch away from diesel, with the ability to reduce CO2 emissions by up to 90 per cent from a ‘well-to-wheel’ perspective.

It adds that gas infrastructure across Europe and in the UK is also rapidly expanding and becoming more mature, thanks to the increasing demand.

“Our biogas engines cover a wide span of industries and applications. A 40-tonne tractor and trailer combination can achieve ranges of up to 1,800km when specified with the biggest Bio-LNG tank solutions that we offer.”

VOLVO UNVEILS MOST POWERFUL DIESEL TRUCK

WHILEmostoftheattentionison alternativefuels,dieselisstillking, andVolvohaslaunchedEurope’s mostpowerfultruckenginefor itsflagshipFH16.

The17-litreEuro6enginecomes withthreepowerlevels–600hp, 700hpand780hp–whiletorquelevels havebeenincreasedto3,000Nm, 3,400Nmand3,800Nmrespectively.

Volvosaysthistranslatesinto fasterengineresponse,better driveability,maximisedproductivity andimprovedfuelefficiency.

MarcosWeingaertner,product manageratVolvoTrucks,says: “The780hpversionisthestrongest engineintheindustry.”

Theengineiscertifiedtorunon HydrotreatedVegetableOil(HVO) inallpowerratings.The700hpversion isalsocertifiedtorunon100per centbiodiesel(B100).

SalesfortheVolvoFH16with thenewenginestartinmid-2024, withproductionduetostartinthe secondhalfof2024forEuropean marketsandAustralia.

HYDROGEN HGVS MAKE PROGRESS

CLOSE to home, Glasgow-based specialist Hydrogen Vehicle Systems (HVS) is developing a hydrogen-powered HGV, using hydrogen fuel cell technology.

It has recently unveiled a second engineering prototype test vehicle.

Its X2.0 — one of several prototypes in testing — has just completed its first trailer pull at the Millbrook vehicle test track in the Midlands.

The ‘real-world’ test track data will be added to its dyno test data, helping the company to refine its vehicle set up and calibration, says the company.

HVS says its technology offers fast refuelling, heavier payloads and long range, plus a comparable performance to diesel-fuelled commercial vehicles, but only emitting water from the tailpipe.

With hydrogen technology being less commercially

advanced than battery electric vehicles, there are a number of companies across the globe racing to build and prove prototypes.

American start-up Hyzon is trialling a truck which runs on liquid hydrogen, which will offer a 350-mile driving range and take only 15 minutes to refuel.

In Spain, alternative fuel system specialist Westport Fuel Systems has developed a prototype hydrogen-powered HGV which has been used for fresh produce distribution duties in Madrid, according to the website Freight Carbon Zero.

And, more usually known for its cars, Toyota is now working on developing a more cost-effective fuel cell for commercial vehicles, which is expected to be 20 per cent more efficient and 50 per cent less expensive than the current technology.

The 17-litre Euro 6 Volvo FH16 is claimed to be the most powerful dieselpowered truck in Europe.

LIVESTOCK

Edited by Katie Jones – 07786 856 439 – katie.jones@agriconnect.com

Dan and Catherine Mercer, who run a suckler herd on the Salisbury Plains, have had great success implementing adaptive multi-paddock grazing. Farmers Guardian reports.

Switch to AMP grazing works wonders for suckler herd

Aiming to grow their 140-cow herd by improving the grazing system and retaining more home-bred heifers, Dan and Catherine Mercer have transformed their beef business.

The Mercers have been implementing an adaptive multi-paddock (AMP) system for just a year and, despite denouncing themselves as experts, have made big leaps in pasture productivity for their Hereford cross Aberdeen-Angus suckler herd and halved their grassland nitrogen use.

Within a group of beef farmers being supported by McDonald’s UK and Ireland, and sustainability experts FAI Farms, the couple are being guided on their regenerative transition.

the couple to shake things up on-farm.

“When the grazing pastures have been like a concrete floor in summer with no vegetation there, it has impacted cattle health and productivity, causing us stress too,” says Mr Mercer.

“That was the driving point to change our system – it was not working for our suckler herd or the business.”

Breeding factors at the centre of their intensive system also contributed to this decision, he adds.

“For the past 20 years, I have reared purely continental breeds, predominantly Limousin and Charolais. They were hard work; wild-tempered stock with high forage demand that required a labour-intensive system.

The Mercers had considered altering their system since taking over Mrs Mercer’s 400-hectare (988acre) family farm in 2021, of which two-thirds is rented from the Ministry of Defence, and another 800ha (1,977 acres) grazed on licence across the chalky Salisbury Plains.

It was the knock-on effects of recent summer droughts that prompted

“On the Salisbury Plains, there was a huge worry the continental youngstock might take off and never come back, so we used to keep them in during summer.”

Having long bought in dairy calves, the Mercers decided to solely fatten these rather than retaining any for breeding, instead pursuing more native breeds.

Mr Mercer says: “We always carry between 400 and 500 animals, and in

Continues over the page.

PICTURES: NIGEL GOLDSMITH

Dan and Catherine Mercer

The new AMP system has helped the couple make big leaps in pasture productivity for their Hereford cross Aberdeen-Angus suckler herd.

LIVESTOCK

time, are hoping to push cow numbers up a little more, introducing homebred Shorthorn cross heifers to boost beef traits within the herd’s genetics.”

With the freedom and flexibility to make changes after taking over the Westhill Farm business, Mr and Mrs Mercer were keen to explore how a switch to more native breeds would work in tandem with a regenerative approach.

The Mercers invested time in understanding soil science and the ecological principles behind AMP grazing as part of on-farm and online workshops, training sessions and one-to-one consultancy provided to the group of farmers.

Mindset

A change in mindset was the biggest obstacle, says Mr Mercer.

“We initially felt apprehensive about implementing an AMP system and were a little overwhelmed by the changes involved, but we were reassured by the team at FAI and the consultants that it was doable,” he says.

Fundamentally, an AMP system uses short duration grazing followed by long periods of rest to help protect pastures, improve recovery rates and increase plant biomass.

The Mercers were encouraged to

start by splitting a few fields up into paddocks to graze groups on, making regular moves.

“It took considerable time for us to set up a grazing plan to start with in the spring, but gradually the principles have clicked into place and we can see the benefits on-farm – cutting costs while maintaining productive and healthy cattle,” says Mr Mercer.

“We are now moving the cattle at least once a week, sometimes twice. Before, we were letting one group graze the same field for three months without moving them.

“We also saw it as wasteful to leave longer grass, and would always go back to mow it or top it, but last summer we left the grass long and six weeks later there was even more grass there.”

In stark contrast to the previous year, Mr Mercer says they still had six or seven weeks’ worth of grass available for the sucklers throughout the summer, despite it being very dry.

With such success, the family are aiming to cut N use again this year and, long-term, establish more herbal leys to finish the cattle on a 100 per cent pasture diet.

“It is working really well together; the switch to AMP grazing and breed changes,” he says.

“The native breeds are built for our

GRASS GROWTH ACROSS THE UK

Scotland

14.8kgdrymatterperhectareperday (6kgDM/acre/day) 29.3 4.4 28.2

The North

18.8kgDM/ha/day (7.6kgDM/acre/day) 30.1 6.0 25.3

Wales

18.9kgDM/ha/day (7.6kgDM/acre/day) 28.7 6.5 38.2

The South

16.8kgDM/ha/day (6.8kgDM/acre/day) 33.3 6.9 35.1

Grass growth Soil moisture (cb)

Soil temperature (degC) Rainfall (mm per week)

DAILY GROWTH FORECASTS

Region Seven-day forecast

NorthEngland

Scotland

51.7kgDM/ha(20.9kgDM/acre)

GRASS QUALITY

14-day forecast

The Mercers are also exploring a switch to more native breeds in tandem with a regenerative approach.

climate, and we can graze a lot more of our livestock outside now. The suckler cows look so much healthier, with cracking calves at-foot.”

Native breeds

The native breeds seem to cooperate well with the regular moves embedded within the AMP system, says Mr Mercer.

He says: “Now it is part of the day-today routine, we can move the cattle much more easily following the quad bike, and they are quieter, whereas before it was a big worry.”

Regular movement should not deter farmers from adopting a paddock-based system, he says.

“It is not as labour-intensive as you think – we actually need fewer members of staff now than we did before implementing AMP grazing.”

Although it is not easy to start with, Mr Mercer encourages others to have a go.

He says: “Within our farmer group, everybody is on a learning curve – there is always the opportunity to ask the FAI experts and other farmers questions. For us, the biggest challenge has been working out the infrastructure needed; mainly water supplies and electric fencing. We bought a big bowser to ensure we can always get water to cattle.

“Once you get your head around a grazing plan, you can get prepared, ensure you have got enough fencing equipment and water pipes in place, and start with trialling the AMP system on a small scale.

“You have to be adaptive, take the principles and adjust them to the land you farm on to make it work for your business.”

Week beginning April 1

GROWTH RATES

MANAGEMENT NOTES

■ The wet weather across a large part of Great Britain has seen lower growth rates than hoped for, however the predicted increase in temperature and sunshine offers a more promising outlook over the next fortnight

■ Should the soil moisture be too high to sustain the

full stock, consider on-off grazing as a first step, turning them out for a few hours to test the waters

■ Alternatively consider splitting the herd/stock into multiple groups and also make the best use of sheep to utilise the growing grass

GrassCheckGBisacollaborationbetweenTheUKAgri-TechCentre,Agri-FoodandBiosciencesInstitute,RothamstedResearch,AHDB,HybuCigCymru,Germinal, HandleyEnterprises,SciantecAnalytical,Yara,Pilgrim’sUKandQualityMeatScotland.Regularupdateswillappearin Farmers Guardian.

Note: Graph represents last year’s data until more data is available.

LIVESTOCK BULL PROOFS

Captain sons dominate PLI rankings

rDG Peace shows outstanding efficiency

By Katie Jones

SONS of Genosource Captain now dominate among young genomic Holstein bulls, securing the first four positions in the ranking for Profitable Lifetime Index (£PLI), published this week by AHDB.

DG Peace is the new number one, with outstanding efficiency –including Feed Advantage at 281 and Maintenance feed index of -25 – helping to secure this top spot.

With a PLI of £908, this bull moves up from sixth place thanks to gains in already high production credentials.

Ability

A predicted transmitting ability (PTA) for protein of 41.3kg is breed-leading, which is combined with 1,080kg milk and 46.9kg fat.

In second place, with a PLI of £873, is DG Space, one of the highest HealthyCow (HC) index bulls among the top 20 sires.

This bull’s HC of £259 means the better health he will transmit is worth, on average, £259 to each of its daughters over their lifetimes, compared with a bull with a HC of zero. The bull earns this through

1

excellent udder health (-22 SCC, -2 Mastitis), high daughter Fertility Index (9.3) and strong Calf Survival (2.9).

DG Dillion moves up to third position from just outside the top 20 in the last index run, earning a PLI of £868. This bull also transmits good Calf Survival (3), and has a high Lameness Advantage (2.7).

With a PLI of £865, Cogent Koepon Rocky is the final of the leading four Captain sons, also demonstrating the outstanding efficiency traits for which Captain is renowned.

Rocky’s PLI is £865, Maintenance is an impressive -24, and it has an EnviroCow index of 4.5.

Peak AltaMorpheus, a son of

Winstar Curfew, now ranks fifth, with a PLI of £863 and featuring a PTA fat of +0.21 per cent and a very high daughter Lifespan Index of 159 extra days

Marco Winters, head of animal genetics for AHDB, says: “Genosource Captain has proven himself as a transmitter of high and efficient milk production, so it is no surprise to see his sons now dominating the young sire ranking.

“With a range of maternal bloodlines also influencing their genetic potential, these young bulls have much to offer UK producers.

“Other sire lines in the top 10 offer excellence across a range of traits, giving producers selection options to address a variety of

needs, whether lifting butterfats, improving daughter fertility or cutting rates of mastitis.”

1

New blood in the rankings for spring and autumn block calvers

WITHinseminationsnowinfullswing inspringcalvingherds,andautumn calvingsomemonthsaway,breeding decisionsforblock-calvingherdsmay beeithermade,oronthedistant horizon.

However,asAHDBpublishes thenewacross-breedsirerankings basedonSpringandAutumnCalving Index,(£SCIand£ACI),thismaybe theproofrunfromwhichautumn calvingproducerswillmaketheir breedingdecisions.

Ifso,theywillfindanewnumber oneleadingthe£ACIranking,inthe shapeofGenosourceCaptain(ACI £713),afamiliarnamewhichhasledthe genomicrankingsformanyyearsandis alsonowtheleaderonPLI.Biggainsin

productionandfavourablemaintenance havecontributedtoCaptain’simproving performance.

AlsoclimbingupthelistisAardema Pistolero(ACI£700),withlasttime’s numberone,andaleadingmilkquality improver,ProgenesisWimbledon, edgedintothirdposition(ACI£689).

Thosestillcontemplatingmatings forspringcalvingswillfindthreefamiliar bullsatthetopofthe£SCIrankings, despitesomereshufflingwithinthe restofthetop10.

TheJersey,VJGroenbjergLobo Lobster,continuestolead.Thisbull’s highmilkcomponentscombinedwith excellentdaughterfertility,lifespanand maintenanceindex,allhelptoincrease itsSCIto£597.TheHolsteinsire,

Top five bulls ranked on

1 Genosource Captain (Holstein) £713

2 Aardema Pistolero (Holstein) £700

3 Progenesis Wimbledon (Holstein) £689

4

5 Westcoast River (Holstein) £682

ProgenesisWimbledon,remainssecond (SCI£594),withhighermilkyieldsand equallyimpressivedaughterfertility andgoodsomaticcellcounts.

Top five

1 VJ Groenbjerg Lobo Lobster DJHB (Jersey) £597

2 Progenesis Wimbledon (Holstein) £594

3

4

5

Third-rankingDenovoInvictus (SCI£580)isthebestudderhealth improverinthetop10andalsoscores wellformaintenance.

Top 10 Holstein bulls with genomic indexes ranked on £PLI

bulls ranked on £SCI

£ACI

Top 10 daughter-proven Holstein bulls ranked on the latest £PLI

Vikings dominate among non-Holstein sires

TRANSMISSION of high health and efficiency are hallmarks of a new wave of leading Jersey bulls in the breed £PLI rankings.

The new number one is the Danish-bred VJ NR Hauggaard Nibali Nibiru, which is an impressive udder health improver (-22 SCC, -2 Mastitis) and climbs six places, with a PLI of £462.

Second

The high milk quality VJ Groenbjerg Lobo Lobster edges upwards into second place, with Predicted Transmitting Abilities (PTAs) for fat and protein of +0.37 per cent and +0.26 per cent respectively.

The bull has a PLI of £431 and 137 UK daughters contributing to its production figures, also earning an outstanding daughter Fertility Index of 14.0.

The Ayrshire list also sees a changing of the guard, with VR Venom taking over the lead, up from second place, last December. This sire’s PLI now exceeds £500 for the

Captain maintains lead while new graduates join proven sires

ACONTINUEDstrongleadbythe Holsteinsire,GenosourceCaptain, plustwonewgraduatesinthetop10 arefeaturesofthedaughter-proven ProfitableLifetimeIndex(£PLI)ranking.

Captain’sPLIclimbsto£874,despite theimpactoftherollingbasechange whichtakesplaceeachApril,asthe bullcontinuestoexcelinPTAsfor production.

Combiningthiswithoutstanding FeedAdvantage(289),thisbullearns itsstripesfromcloseto500daughters milkingintheUKandmanymore internationally.

Captain’sTypeMeritof1.85also ranksithighontheconformationlists. Climbingaplacetosecondis WestcoastRiver(PLI£778),with329 UKmilkingdaughters.

RiverhasoneofthebestHealthyCow ratingsat£286,thankstooutstanding udderhealth(-32SCC)andhigher daughterfertility(FertilityIndex10).

Rankingevenhigherfordaughter fertilityisthirdplacedAardema Pistolero,witha12.3FI.Thisbulltoo scoreswellforHealthyCowat£275 andhasaPLIof£722.

Thehighest-rankingnewgraduate movesintofourthpositionintheformof PeakAltaZazzleson,WinstarGreycup.

Thisbull’sPLIof£717reflectsa well-balancedprofile,includinghigh fatPTAs,at40.4kgand+0.19percent.

Fifthtoseventhplacesareoccupied bythreeDe-Su14222Kenobisons, thefirstbeingFBKenobiTargaryen, withaPLIof£710andexcellentprotein transmission(36.2kg).

first time and despite an annual base change, weighing in at £513.

The longstanding VR Vilano has been edged down into second position with a PLI of £428, sharing this score with new entrant, the UK-bred Whinnow Origin.

A largely unchanged Friesian list sees Bloemplaat Hoeve Ewoud retain first place with a PLI of £318.

Inch Hearty retains second place (PLI £281), now with 102 daughters, and a strong Lifespan Index (110). Other dairy breed indexes are published online (ahdb.org. uk/knowledge-library/dairybreeding-and-genetics), where the Montbeliarde, Brown Swiss, Guernsey, Shorthorn and Fleckvieh are all represented.

DG Peace is number one in the genomic index ranked on £PLI.

Genosource Captain leads the daughterproven index.

VJ NR Hauggaard Nibali Nibiru leads the non-Holstein £PLI rankings.

LIVESTOCK MAIZE

Growers are advised to pin down the costings and consider benefits before committing to either of the maize under-sowing/winter cover options offered within the Sustainable Farming Incentive. Wendy Short reports.

IMP3, the spring SFI option for under-sowing maize with a grass and clover mix, offers £55/hectare (£22/acre) in funding.

Options for SFI maize under-sowing

The two maize under-sowing/winter cover options within the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) in England have the potential to mitigate loss of income through the decline in Basic Payment Scheme support, says Tom Turner of seed breeder, KWS.

The spring SFI option for under-sowing maize with a grass and clover mix is IPM3, which offers £55/hectare (£22/acre) in funding.

Meanwhile, the SAM2 option can be implemented post-harvest. It pays £129/ha (£52/acre) for stitching in or establishing a multi-species seed mix, says Mr Turner.

“Uptake of the IPM3 option will cost about £100/ha, to cover seed, fuel and labour,” he says.

“Nevertheless, it comes with a range of wider potential advantages, including improved soil structure and reduced compaction, as well as easier travel at harvest time.

“It should also leave roughly 30kg of nitrogen/ha for the following crop. IPM3 will provide an opportunity to take a cut of silage or provide grazing for livestock.

“In favourable maize-growing areas with a milder climate, the under-sown crop could be utilised over the winter, although it may be best to wait until spring on farms in colder regions, and/or where soil conditions are challenging.

“White clover could be a useful addition to the mix, if the plan is for early spring livestock grazing.

“The option can be implemented after the maize crop has been sown, regardless of the selected row width.

“The only proviso is that the drill for the under-sown crop must have the flexibility to operate without causing damage to the maize plants.”

The greatest risk associated with IPM3 is lack of soil moisture, he says.

“Young maize does not cope well with weed competition and therefore under-sowing should be delayed until the five to six-leaf stage, which is normally in June,” he says.

Moisture

“This period is associated with low rainfall and it is vital that the grass cover does not rob moisture from the maize plants.”

Maize growers have two main choices within the SAM2 option, which can be taken up in conjunction with IPM3.

Mr Turner says: “If the maize was under-sown after planting, SAM2 could involve stitching in a multispecies seed mix for compliance and for improving winter cover.

“The option can also be used where maize has been grown as a single species, to fund the establishment of a new winter cover crop. The payment is higher for SAM2, reflecting the additional expenditure compared with

IPM3, as the seed mix is likely to be more expensive.

“The input costs associated with SAM2 will depend on the multispecies mix that has been chosen and access to the appropriate machinery for cover crop establishment.

“The savings on fertiliser for the following crop should be taken into account, as well as the other benefits to overall soil quality.”

The SAM2 option must include a minimum of two different species from a list divided into brassicas, herbs, grasses/cereals and legumes, explains Mr Turner.

“One example would be to sow white clover coupled with Westerwolds ryegrass, while another would be to combine sainfoin with Italian ryegrass.

“I would advise caution if including Italian ryegrass as part of a winter cover mix within an arable rotation, as it is a highly competitive grass weed, similar to black-grass.”

Short-season hybrids are appropriate for SAM2, because their early harvest date potential will allow time for stitching in or establishing a multi-species mix, he says.

They are particularly appropriate on farms where harvest is routinely delayed due to bad weather and give a wider sowing window for an autumn cereal crop.

“Bringing the harvest date forward, to reduce the risk of high rainfall that is typical in late season, is a priority for some growers.

“It can also minimise soil damage and on large acreages, short-season hybrids can be included in the varietal portfolio to help with spreading the workload.”

Rules

There is a move towards the possible introduction of rules which would prohibit farmers from leaving soils bare over the winter, he says.

“The authorities are trying to tackle water pollution, among other issues.

“There is no doubt that bare soils are more vulnerable to physical soil losses due to wind erosion and run-off, while they will also increase the likelihood of nutrient leaching into nearby watercourses.”

Tom Turner

CLOSE JULY 5, 2024 There is often a perception when entering that you have to be the biggest and the best, but we aim to showcase innovation, dedication and adaptability, no matter the size and scale of the business.

Good quality maize silage is the basis of the total mixed ration which is key to Edward

Beef growth rates boosted

Maintaining target growth rates in a beef finishing enterprise requires a yearround ration that is well-balanced, high in energy and easily digestible.

For Edward Liversidge, based at Primrose Hill Farm, High Catton, Yorkshire, the key is to feed a total mixed ration (TMR) based on high quality maize, with the crop being grown as a fully integrated part of the farm’s arable rotation.

Success comes from the Liversidge family’s years of experience of growing maize and it starts with selecting the right variety for the job.

Mr Liversidge says: “First and foremost, we want a variety that is going to perform in our situation, which means it needs to be compatible with our soils and location.

“Alongside this, we are looking for good D-value, ME and starch,

Success with the maize crop means the bigger proportion of what we are feeding the cattle is homegrown

EDWARD LIVERSIDGE

The cattle enterprise involves buying-in strong stores, usually British Blue or Aberdeen-Angus crosses from dairy herds in the 400-500kg range.

because it is the nutritional value that will drive growth rates.”

York-based agricultural trading company Argrain is the farm’s seed suppliers, with seed specialist Lucy Leedham being trusted to make the right recommendations due to her local knowledge and experience.

For the 2023 season, she introduced Limagrain’s first choice early variety Conclusion, highly ranked for ME yield and cell wall digestibility and with the right maturity class for this area.

Ms Leedham says: “Conclusion has performed well in our local trials, and we have generally had good feedback on it in our area.

“It is a very good all-round variety, offering the combination of high yields alongside nutritional quality that this farm demands. It

also has the attributes to be grown successfully for grain, in that it is not quick die back and has good standability, which is an option that I know the Liversidges like to have.”

Policy

Growing as much as 60 hectares (150 acres) of maize each year, the policy at Primrose Hill Farm is to grow two varieties, partly to spread risk, but it is done in a way which ensures a consistent feed is available all-year-round.

Mr Liversidge adds: “We tend to split the contractor’s eight-row drill to grow alternating four-row strips of two different varieties, which – when cut with a 12-row forage harvester – creates a consistent blend in the clamp.

“We have combined Conclusion with another high energy variety of similar maturity and achieved an overall fresh weight yield of between 19-20 tonnes/acre.

“It has analysed as we had hoped, with high starch and digestibility, and is feeding well. It is exactly what we need to achieve our target growth rates.”

Most of the maize grown at Primrose Hill Farm is in rotation within the arable acreage, and usually follows an over-winter cover crop that will have been grazed by sheep on tack.

The cover crop is geared to meeting the needs of all parties, including the grazier, and would typically include grazing rye and stubble turnips.

Edward Liversidge says that good quality maize silage is the basis for the ration, so growing a mature crop is essential.

Liversidge’s beef finishing business. Farmers Guardian reports.

by nutritional maize

Once cover crops have been grazed off, there is plenty of time to spread farmyard manure and pre-

pare a seedbed ahead of maize drilling, which will usually be towards the end of April.

One of the routine jobs well ahead of drilling is soil sampling, with the analyses being used to determine any additional fertiliser applications.

Nutrient maps

Mr Liversidge says: “We are testing our soils in order to create soil nutrient maps, which then allows us to apply phosphate and potassium at variable rates. We have been doing this for three or four years now, to improve our use of fertilisers and save costs where we can.

“We are also applying a slow-release liquid nitrogen pre-emergence. This ensures that the crop can draw on nutrient reserves in the soil at the important growth stages, well beyond the point where it is possible to drive into the crop to top-dress with a granular fertiliser.”

Herbicides are used according to the weed burden in any particular crop, with either one or two applications required.

With nutritional value of the maize the main priority, harvest is determined by cob maturity, and took place in 2023 just before the end of September.

It was a bumper crop, and with the clamps at Primrose Hill Farm full, the decision was taken to cut some of the maize for grain.

“We used a local contractor’s machine with a specialist header to harvest some of the maize for crimping,” says Mr Liversidge.

“This worked out really well and, thanks to the variety being suited for taking as either grain or silage, has given us an additional high energy feed for the ration.”

The Liversidge’s cattle enterprise involves buying-in strong stores, usually British Blue or Aberdeen-Angus crosses from dairy herds in the

Cows are finished on a total mixed ration, which is based on high quality maize.

400-500kg range. These are finished on a TMR, to achieve finished liveweights of 670-720kg.

“We aim for a finishing period on the farm of 90-120 days, so we need a ration that is going to drive good growth rates,” says Mr Liversidge.

“Good quality maize silage is the basis for the ration, so growing a mature crop is essential. Success with the maize crop means the bigger proportion of what we are feeding the cattle is homegrown.”

All prices quoted in p/kg.

SCOTLAND

Figures show livestock numbers first, then average price per head.

Source: LAA/MartEye

Source: IAAS/ScotEID

WALES

Knighton

Source: LAA/MartEye

LIVESTOCK AVERAGES MARKET COMMENT

Primestockthroughput,priceandpricechange(p/kg).

WeekendingMarch31,2024.

AUCTION marts in England and Wales experienced an increase in sheep and pig prices this week despite downward movement in the cattle rings after the Easter break.

Heifers were down the most by 3.6p/kg to 280.2p/kg, while cull cows decreased by 1.3p/kg to 153.7p/kg.

Steers also dropped in value by 1.0p/kg to 276.4p/kg, but young bulls were the only cattle category to improve in price by 8.4p/kg to 274.2p/kg.

Lambs received a boost to grow in price by 10.3p/kg to 383.2p/kg.

Pigs also increased by 2.0p/kg to 172.6p/kg.

As Farmers Guardian went to press on Wednesday (April 3), UK LIFFE wheat prices for May 24 were trading at £170.00/tonne, which was a £0.50/t increase on the previous week.

MARKET PRICES

DEADWEIGHT CATTLE

STORE SHEEP ENGLAND

DEADWEIGHT SHEEP

O/SdeadweightpricesfortheweekendingMarch30,2024.

Source: AHDB

(1)

Medium 2 3L 3H 4L 4H

E 838.1 (61) 832.7 (127) 832.7

DeadweightsheeppricesarecollectedfromasampleofGBabattoirs.Thesampleaccountsforabout one-thirdofdeadweightsales;pricesquotedp/kgareaveragesforallqualities12-21.5kg.

WALES SCOTLAND

CULL COWS

MARKET PRICES

UK DELIVERED PRICES – SUMMARY

FUTURES MARKETS (WHEAT)

*FortradingDelinkagerefamounts;25p-80pper£1 ofDelinkagereferenceamount.**Estimates.

ENGLISH DELINKAGE REF DATA: averageof 2020/21/22claims.Seller’s2023claimnotneeded. Estimatedreturn£1.20/£1refamountwithbuyer’s delinkpaymentlessthan£30,000post-transfer. SubjecttoDelinkagevalues2025-27.

BIODIVERSITY NET GAIN: English:Defra estimates£25,000-£200,000/unitexcluding VATandassociatedfees,subjecttolotsize. LasttenderMarch8,2024,nextApril19,2024.

NUTRIENT NEUTRALITY: Long-termsales alltypesagricmanexcludingspecialisthabitat 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.May2023WCG reverseauctionaverage£19.76. WATER: English abstractionlicenceslessthan£3-£15/cu.m.

Source: Townsend Chartered Surveyors

CORN RETURNS EX-FARM PRICES

UK DELIVERED WHEAT PRICES

DAIRY CATTLE PRICES

HAY AND STRAW: REGIONS

LastupdatedApril2,2024

Source: AHDB/LAA/IAAS

Key:Allpricesinpoundssterling.Currency,£/$1.264;£/€1.171 Guidepricesindicatedincludedeliverychargeof£6/tonne. ✸ =Aftersafearrival; F =Firsthalf; S =Secondhalf; ● =March; ✥ =April; ✦ =November/January; ◗ =November/December; ▲ =March/June; ✧ =May/June; ✪ =August/October; ❊ =June.

MILK PRICE LEAGUE TABLE

January2024

Source: AHDB

1.Thiscontractwillreceivea1.33pplguaranteedminimumpayment.

2.Thiscontractwillreceivea0.50pplmemberpremiumpayment.

2.Thiscontractwillreceivea1.54pplTescocheesegrouppayment.

3.Thiscontractwillreceivea1.00ppldirectpremiumpayment.

4.Thiscontractwillreceivea0.40pplactual13thpayment.

5.FormerlyGlanbia-Llangefn.

Retailerpricesupplementsareincludedwhereapplicable.Supplementslistedareinadditiontolistedmilkprices.

UK MONTHLY MILK PRODUCTION

UK milk deliveries in December 2023 were down 0.2 per cent on the year at 1,226 million litres. Cumulatively, this was 0.4 per cent down on the year to date.

December 2023 GB milk deliveries were down 0.4 per cent for the same period at 1,021m litres. GB milk deliveries for the year to date

In print, in pocket, informed, in profit.

FARMING: THE BACKBONE

After claiming the Champion Shearer of the World title at the Golden Shears last summer, Gwion Lloyd Evans reflects on his career so far before this year’s shearing season ramps up. Ellie Layton reports.

The Golden Shears are the shearing equivalent of the Olympics. Held at the Royal Highland Show last June, Welsh shearers were on fire when the team claimed top prizes in the machine, blade and wool handling classes.

But there was one North Wales shearer, Gwion Lloyd Evans, who took the title that many shearers dream of: Champion Shearer of the World in the most popular category – machine.

Gwion’s journey started from humble beginnings on the family farm in Bylchau, Denbeigh, where Welsh is his first language.

Over two holdings, he runs a beef and sheep system alongside his brothers and father.

The herd is made up of continental crosses, predominantly British Blue cross dairy cows and they also rear 50 calves on an automatic feeding system.

Their flock is split into two systems with 1,000 cross-bred ewes and 400 pure Welsh Mountain ewes which graze the common hill.

Breeding rams are something the family have a great passion for, and success has followed with their flock record standing at 23,000gns.

All stock is sold in local markets through the store trade.

Learning

Gwion has worked in farming his whole life, starting on the home farm before working on a neighbouring farm and, in later years, shearing in New Zealand and Norway.

Shearing is a large part of rural culture in Wales, with competitions being a spectacle at most local shows.

But Gwion believes its success is because of it being a deep-rooted skill performed on sheep farms every year.

Gwion says: “Not only is shearing a sport and a huge spectacle, but it is also

I have worked hard to get to this point, but it is the enjoyment I get from shearing which keeps me in the game

GWION LLOYD EVANS

a vital husbandry task on sheep farms. Wool is a sheep’s natural product and the welfare of sheep is improved by them being shorn every 12 months.”

The sport is a family passion and Gwion started to learn to shear from the age of 12 on the home farm.

He was taught by his father, who was a keen shearer and his brother, Gareth, who has since claimed the title of Champion Shearer of Wales.

Gwion says: “They guided me to help learn the basic style and footwork involved with the sport.

“I gained experience when I worked on local farms as I shadowed Gareth, which helped build up numbers on my tally.

“By my 16th birthday, I reached the milestone of shearing 300 in a day.”

It has helped build his determination, which he believes is crucial in making a good shearer.

He wanted to push his career further and, at 18 years old, he completed his first season in New Zealand at Hakes Bay.

Shearing across the globe also allowed him to see varying sheep systems.

“This gave me my first taste of freedom away from home.

“However, after two seasons, I stayed in Wales to shear for a few years due to back pain,” he says.

“In New Zealand, the sheep are larger with more wool and there are often shearing sheds which are set up with machines ready.

“We were shearing from seven in the morning until five in the evening.

“Even if there were 50 sheep left at the end of the day, we would turn the machines off, which is very different to over here.”

When shearing for a term in Nor-

way, the sheep were even bigger, he says.

With a partner, he was working 12-hour days, shearing for a slaughterhouse.

The lambs were big, killing out at 24kg and he sheared 2,500 in one week.

These extensive days gave him time to build on technique and fitness.

His first competition shear was at 14 years-old at the Royal Welsh Show.

“I arrived too late to enter the juniors, so I went straight into the intermediates,” he says.

“But this did not put me off. The atmosphere and experience instantly gave me the bug.”

He competed at local shows and speed shears and soon found himself climbing the ladder until he reached the open level at just 19 years old.

“I climbed my way up at a young age, but once I reached the open level,

“I soon halted. It took me five years to start qualifying for open finals, so if I made a semi-final, I was chuffed,” he adds.

Gwion realised if he wanted to be the best, he needed to practice the more intricate elements.

He had always been quick, but he says there is a lot more than speed to becoming a successful shearer.

To gain points for cleanliness, he worked on holding the bottom tooth of the comb down and his breathing to improve endurance.

“It is not all about speed, you need to have both,” he says.

Once he started to perfect his technique, he soon started making finals, leading him to win Corwen Shears five times.

New Zealand

This was not Gwion’s first world championship.

His success on the circuit enabled him to apply for the 2017 Welsh shearing team, which saw him compete in New Zealand.

“For both world championships, I was selected with North Wales shearer Richard Jones as my teammate, who I have competed against for most of my career.

“Richard won the champion title at the Golden Shears in 2019 when it was held in France, so I have been in good company.

“At my first championship, I put a lot of pressure on myself.

“I completely stopped drinking and got to peak fitness, but mentally it was too much.”

Ahead of last year’s competition he took a more relaxed approach.

He kept his fitness levels up, but did this predominantly through starting his shearing season earlier up in Scotland with fellow shearer Lance Armstrong.

He says shearing in the locality of where the Golden Shears was being held helped his preparation, as it allowed him to shear the sheep local to the area and which were used in the competition – Scottish Blackface.

But during his season, Gwion was carrying a knee injury and awaiting ACL surgery in the winter.

“Being part of the Welsh team, we had an opening ceremony at the start of the show before the main competition.

“This gave us the opportunity to compete in the Royal Highland Show’s shearing competition before the Golden Shears. I was conscious that I did not want to strain my knee,” he says.

Kicked

But while helping out the back, he was kicked in the knee by a ewe. He felt a ‘pop’ and feared he had damaged it. Luckily, he hadn’t. Halfway through the final, he says he started to feel tired, but this is where a pen-mate’s support is vital, giving advice and words of encouragement.

“The event was an emotional roller-coaster. So many friends and family had come to support me and my fellow shearers.

“My children and some of my close family had to stay home to keep the farm running, but they were cheering along from there.

“Your whole shearing career comes down to this 20 sheep final, balancing endurance and style,” he says.

Gwion achieved the fastest score on the board at 14 minutes and 56 seconds.

The atmosphere was electric and the crowd was a big part of spurring him on through the competition, but especially in the final, thanks to the significant attendance of Welsh supporters who raised the roof of the shed.

And, of course, Gwion has no intention of giving up the handpiece following his world title.

He says: “I have worked hard to get to this point, but it is the enjoyment I get from shearing which keeps me in the game.

“I am incredibly grateful to have got where I am and would like to thank everyone who has helped me on my journey so far.”

Gwion won his title in only his second world championships.

Journey to the Golden Shears

Gwion achieved the fastest score on the board when he won his world title – 20 sheep in 14 minutes and 56 seconds.

IN YOUR FIELD

Every

week we follow the ups and downs of farmers around the UK

JAMES AND ISOBEL WRIGHT

West Sussex

James and Isobel, with their two young children, recently bought their first farm, and plan to run beef and sheep over 13.8 hectares (34 acres), renting a further 44.5ha (110 acres). James works for tech firm Breedr as a product manager. You can follow them on Twitter @jpbwfarm.

It has been a longer road than anticipated, but after six months of solicitors and agents, we have finally sealed the deal on our own farm.

We have bought a farmhouse, 13.8 hectares (34 acres) and are renting a further 44.5ha (110 acres) from two neighbours.

When I became the first farmer in my family for 100 years when I bought two pigs with my student loan, I always wanted to own my own farm. To achieve that after a decade is a dream come true.

It would not have been possible without my day job at Breedr.

Most of the people we employ in the UK, US and Australia in our customer support and operations teams are farmers themselves or are from farming families, so to work for a company which values farmers is fantastic.

We have bought a herd of Stabiliser cows and are looking for ewes or ewe lambs, although the prices this year are looking a bit steep.

I have promised our three-year-old we will be selling these at market and he is already practicing his sales pitch.

We will likely be selling the cattle as wintered stores for the first few

Farmers

‘To finally buy our own farm after a decade is a dream come true’

years before we can work out if we can grow anything to finish them. It feels like a good time to buy a farm with the public waking up about food security. There was news last week that Defra is restricting Sustainable Farming Incentive actions which take land out of production to 25 per cent of a farm’s

Weather by Dr Simon Keeling

total area, with the budget instead focused on actions that improve nature which complement food production.

Last month, the Prime Minister announced that £427 million will be spent this year on improving on-farm productivity.

This underlines the commitment

Summer depends on El Nino and La Nina

DESPITEMarchbeingoneofthe

wettestonrecordformanyareas,I seethat The Guardian hasalready reportedtheriskofwatershortages duringthesummermonths.

The story states that despite the British Isles having the wettest October to February period on record (that is back to 1890 — and well done to The Guardian for referencing this), the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology is concerned that a three month period of belowaverage rainfall could put pressure on areas where there is limited groundwater storage.

There is frequent mention of

‘all or nothing’ rainfall periods but, although undoubtedly circumstantial evidence would back this statement, I have not seen published papers to truly confirm that this is the case.

My guess is that these are referring to stories about the jet stream more frequently getting ‘trapped’, bringing a prolonged weather pattern. These are peer reviewed papers and so do have scientific backing.

While the warning is real, it does seem to be a little like publishing the opposite case of a continued period of wet weather that could lead to major flooding problems during

summer, so I am not sure how we can act upon this.

One major factor which could come into play this summer is the change from El Nino to La Nina conditions in the Pacific Ocean.

There is now a downward trend of temperatures in the region of the Pacific where El Nino/La Nina occur and the forecast is for this change to take place as soon as early June.

Once this happens we may see a major shift in global weather patterns, but as usual, nature will keep us all guessing.

We are watching this closely at weatherweb.net

that money is available where it needs to improve profitability and the food-producing capacity of our farms.

It is a privilege to own a farm and we are excited for Arthur and George to be able to grow up on one. There is a lot of work to do, but we are incredibly excited for our next adventure.

For location specific forecasts visit farmersweather.co.uk and for video updates go to weatherweb.net or call the number below.

NEXT WEEK

Cornwall Alan Carter

Kent Dan Hawes

‘The

sweltering heat and humidity were relentless’

DAN JONES

North Wales

Dan Jones farms 650 ewes at the National Trust-owned Parc Farm, which sits on the Great Orme, a limestone headland which rises up 208 metres (682 feet) on the North Wales coast near Llandudno. His Farm Business Tenancy covers the 58 hectares (143 acres) at Parc Farm, plus 364ha (900 acres) of grazing rights on the hill.

Have I mentioned my Nuffield Farming Scholarship once or twice already? Sorry!

To me it is one of my proudest achievements, up there with the National Trusts’ £1 farm tenancy and Anglesey junior schools’ chess champion of 1989.

So a heads up, this article is all about

the Nuffield Farming Contemporary Scholars Conference, hosted by Nuffield Brazil and attended by the 2024 Scholars from all over the world.

Today I am writing from the Pantanal Wetlands region, the last stop on our journey across Brazil. The Pantanal is the world’s largest tropical wetland, covering some 75,000sq.m.

It is an area so large, it has its own ecosystem and is home to an array of wild plants and animals, many endangered. So it was a surprise to me to learn that in this vast and fragile landscape are supersized beef herds.

Grazing

The Pantanal has been home to grazing ruminants for centuries, before commercial farming arrived.

Today there are more than four million cattle and 3,500 ranches there. While talking with farmers, it is clear to see their commitment to working alongside nature. Traditional grazing practices have secured 83 per cent of the Pantanal Wetlands as they were

before commercial farming started.

Brazil is the number one exporter of both beef and soyabean. It is difficult to comprehend the quantity it takes to be the largest producer of any one foodstuff, let alone two.

During our time in the Mato Grosso region, this became easier to envision.

As I arrived at the soyabean farm, I was struck by the sheer scale. The vast fields stretched as far as I could see.

The sweltering heat and humidity were relentless, but it is this very climate that enables such incredible output, and proof of Brazil’s position as a global agricultural powerhouse.

Later, I found myself on a bustling beef farm, where the magnitude of the operation was equally astounding. I was struck by the unique combination of challenges and advantages that make Brazil the largest beef and soyabean exporter. The farms may not be

CROSSWORD 1239

the most efficient, but the vastness of land makes up for any shortcomings.

As my time in Brazil comes to an end I am reflecting on what a truly unforgettable experience it has been.

I have connected with scholars from around the world, exchanged ideas, and learned about the latest developments in the field of agriculture.

The conference featured presentations from industry leaders, researchers, and practitioners, covering topics ranging from sustainable farming practices to emerging technologies.

I also had the chance to explore Brazilian culture, visit indigenous communities. The visit challenged my preconceived ideas about Brazil’s environmental stance and the well-documented deforestation of the Amazon, however there are many farmers and organisations working to balance production, traditions and nature.

Sendinyourcorrectentriestobeinwithachanceofwinning£20worthof Love2shopvoucherseverymonth.Sendto:CrosswordNo.1239,Farmers Guardian,Unit4,FulwoodBusinessPark,CaxtonRoad,Fulwood,Preston,PR29NZ.

ACROSS

1 Small carnivore’s streak round second half of nose (6)

5 Bilge circling, right? No: just a small rodent (6)

10 Endlessly crafty little insectivore (5)

11 Highly-desirable billion, oddly English way of identifying what is upright (5,4)

12 Surprisingly no herding needed for way of making cattle less dangerous (9)

13 Knowing otherwise conceals oblong metal block (5)

14 In favour of drawn out stretch (7)

16 Pathetic person, uninteresting, needing little care (after a wash) (4-3)

18 Leave in a hurry five principally angry American elk (7)

20 Violently pull local girl back, a dawdler (7)

22 Vertical pipe in car I serviced (5)

24 Eccentrically grunt once in agreement (9)

26 Wandering Italian worker going round in heart of Iberia (9)

27 Dirty dog decapitated water creature (5)

28 Restrained constant speed (6)

29 Some apprenticeships attract (6)

DOWN

2 Angler’s bait; poor creature (9)

3 Drain of female sheep coming up before end of winter (5)

4 Paw around in heather for type of plover (7)

5 Bag finally dragged heavily made hollow gurgling sound (7)

6 Talking in rambling way, hunting burrowing pests (9)

7 Committing murder in Chicago, taking risks removing dead (5)

8 University dupes surprisingly exhausted (4,2)

9 Directed railway guard (6)

15 Old US rose sadly lacking smell (9)

17 Logical Celtic ad I sorted out (9)

18 Very expensive white fur cut back for obnoxious people (6)

19 First lady welcoming cycling group’s culturally distinct territory (7)

20 Unfinished written communication about one French crescent-shaped thing (7)

21 Language about old time fellow who’s losing his marbles (6)

23 Stylish small desire (5)

25 Marsupials must finally settle for the night (5)

Answers to crossword 1237: Across: 1 Frightening, 7 Unchain, 8 Ruffles, 10 Douse,

FARMING MATTERS

Forthright opinions from throughout the world of agriculture

egenerative is the new buzzword in farming and with good reason; it is for everyone.

In discussions with farmers, retailers and processors, it is clear that ‘regenerative’ represents a huge opportunity for change at scale, with the potential to reverse the negative impacts of intensive agriculture and offer new opportunities for farmers.

But if regenerative farming is ever to achieve its true potential, we must define the term and robustly certify farming systems using the regenerative claim. We must ensure farms really are progressing towards building healthy, biologically diverse

soils that produce healthy food while enhancing the environment and farmers’ livelihoods.

‘We must robustly certify farm systems using regen claim’ R

Greenwashing

Given the environmental and social challenges we now face, there is no place for rubber stamping or ‘tickbox’ certifications, nor ‘greenwashing’ claims that risk undermining consumer confidence.

Regenerative certification must be accessible and inclusive to farms of all sizes and backgrounds. If we are going to achieve change at scale, it cannot become another exclusive club for a handful of farms producing artisan food for a well-off minority. Unfortunately, we are currently

WAYNE COPP

Executive director (Europe) at A Greener World and a North Devon livestock farmer

witnessing a growing tension between promoters of organic and regenerative practices when there really is no need. To be clear, I believe in the spirit of the organic principles. Many of A Greener World’s (AGW) farm standards have roots in the EU organic standards and I have great respect for organic farmers – I am one myself.

That said, as an organisation dedicated to meeting farmers where they are, we have always argued that there is space for both approaches.

Organic

Certified organic land represents less than 3 per cent of total UK farmed area and just more than 9 per cent in the EU. Less than 1.6 per cent of all global farmland is certified organic.

With the overwhelming environmental and social challenges facing us, what if we could reduce agrochemical use, increase soil cover and biodiversity, lower tillage and emissions, and improve worker and animal welfare on the other 98.4 per cent?

While people often assume organic principles are ‘regenerative’, organic standards do not require the benchmarking of things like soil health, water quality, air quality, wildlife species/habitats, or social fairness, nor measurement over time to ascertain improvements (or otherwise).

Certified Regenerative by AGW

addresses all these metrics, and more. Certified Regenerative by AGW complements – and arguably enhances – organic certification, and farms can apply both organic and regenerative approaches simultaneously to maintain both certifications. Indeed, we already certify many farms around the world that hold both.

In our post-Brexit world, trusted farm certifications will become increasingly important, particularly as consumers seek-out British products and make ‘better’ food choices. In this context, the regenerative claim represents an opportunity to create change at scale, reconnecting food producers and the public in a fair, respectful and transparent way.

Farmers and stakeholders must come together to achieve consensus about regenerative baseline standards and certification procedures.

If we allow regenerative to be co-opted by the marketing ‘greenwashers’, we will have wasted this opportunity to rebuild our soils, restore and protect our waterways, ensure the highest levels of animal welfare and achieve fairness for both farmers and consumers.

Farmers and stakeholders must come together to achieve consensus about regenerative baseline standards and certification procedures.

PICTURE: GETTY