Farmers Guardian Scottish 22nd December 2023 by Farmers Guardian LTD

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THE HEART OF AGRICULTURE

SCOTTISH EDITION

DIVERSIFICATION – FESTIVE FOCUS

Fruit farm boosts business with seasonal event PAGE 16 AGRICULTURAL businesses have overcome one of the most difficult years to produce high-quality food for the nation’s Christmas dinner plate. But uncertainty remains around the future of food production and an ‘imbalance’ in the relationship between the consumer and where their food comes from. Many farmers have been hit hard by heavy rainfall which wiped out swathes of crops. Fife farmer Alan Steven, who grows vegetables including brussels sprouts and parsnips, said the wet weather and labour shortages in the industry had made farming a challenging enterprise in 2023. Mr Steven said the main problem had been finding labour to harvest crops. He said: “Heavy rainfall and flooding has led to fields being placed out of production due to the level of damage to crops.” There had also been problems with pests. He added pressure on the business meant farmers were already facing an ‘uphill task’ next year.

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Family expands turkey production PAGE 62

CHRISTMAS CHALLENGES

● Hurdles overcome in 2023 ● Farmer dedication hailed “Farmers have worked tirelessly to ensure enough vegetables are on people’s plates for Christmas and we need to somehow keep going while working under difficult conditions.” Vegetable grower Peter Thorold from Spalding, Lincolnshire, said his farm had been ‘devastated’ by the year’s rainfall, but he remained positive about the work farmers put into the Christmas period. Jack Ward, chief executive of the British Growers Association, said: “The UK has some of the best growers CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

The British Growers Association’s Jack Ward has said the UK has some of the best growers in the world.

PICTURE: ALAMY

By Chris Brayford

Trees create additional Christmas income PAGE 20

20/12/2023 15:26

Find out why one dairy farm has stepped back from robots and returned to parlour milking. See p59-61.

INSIDE

December 22 2023 2

SCOTTISH EDITION

NEWS

Diversification project blocked in council planning dispute

10 COMMENT

69 WORKING DOGS

Robbie Welsh and Fly win double at Barr

70 MARKET PRICES

LETTERS

BUSINESS

78 FARMING: THE BACKBONE OF BRITAIN

GLOBAL AG VIEW

82 IN YOUR FIELD

FARM PROFILE

Tips for negotiating a divorce settlement Lack of African fertiliser ups global poverty

Fruit farm adds extra season to business with festive event

ARABLE

Early disease suppression opportunity for potato seed

22 SALES

Whatmore flock tops Dutch Spotted sale at Welshpool, plus Blue Texels top Skipton females

56 MACHINERY

Tines save time and money, plus a look at how tractor sales are showing changeable outlook

62 LIVESTOCK

Top five sustainability tips revealed

In Your Field

DAN JONES

Christmas in the Countryside special

Updates from Dan Jones, North Wales, and James and Isobel Wright, West Sussex

83 CROSSWORD 84 FARMING MATTERS

‘We are shifting the conversation to a positive space’, says Farming Community Network’s Dr Jude McCann

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SSSIs need overhaul By Chris Brayford

AN overhaul of the dismantling of farmland and removal of cattle on Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) is needed to protect the future of food production and the environment, farmers have warned. Following the publication of the independent review into Dartmoor, which made 42 recommendations to Defra Ministers, farmers have called for changes, claiming SSSIs were not serving their purpose. Robin Milton, a farmer in Exmoor and NFU Uplands Forum representative, said SSSIs were an outmoded form of land management – especially when it came to farming. He said: “SSSIs no longer serve their purpose. Stripping land for SSSI is not the way forward to achieving the Government’s environmental targets in the future. Commoners cannot continue their work without being rewarded and compensated both for what they do in the preservation of the land and the work they do to feed the nation. “However, it is very difficult to see where any payment will come from, which will leave many farmers worried about their future on the land.” Eric Murley, of Higher Bojewyan Farm in Pendeen, Cornwall, said he was devastated when West Penwith

Moors and Downs was designated as an SSSI, which would put a portion of his 81-hectare farm into the land management protection scheme. He said: “It is the farmers across the country who are getting letters in St Just and Penzance from Natural England [NE] asking to undertake surveys which concerns me a lot. This is how it started for us and we had no way of fighting NE once it started.” He added farmers could not be seen ‘as the villains’ when it was their livelihoods being sacrificed. “Our farm has not been compensated for the loss of land and I do not think we ever will be,” he said. He said SSSI had worked against them, taking away land which would have been used for livestock farming, adding he would not be surprised to see many farmers giving up. Dr Tom Greeves, a cultural environmentalist from Cornwall who has written extensively about land management in Dartmoor, argued the designation of SSSI was ‘completely unnecessary’ and had created an imbalance in approaches to land management and the value of land to society. Tony Juniper, chair of NE, said farmers hold the key to the success of West Penwith in tackling species decline, recovering semi-natural habitats and improving water quality.

Planning rules to protect farmland NEW planning rules which are said to protect prime agricultural land have been unveiled by Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove. The former Defra Secretary announced a raft of measures this week, promising to tackle councils which appear to be ‘dragging their feet’ over planning rules. He also told MPs the Conservatives would commit to a programme of housebuilding amounting to 300,000 per year, once interest and mortgage rates have stabilised. However, his actions have sparked accusations of ‘nimbyism’ after it was also revealed rural local authorities would be able to block plans for homes on prime agricultural land. Victoria Vyvyan, CLA president, said that while tackling planning delays was welcomed, the countryside required a more ambitious approach to housebuilding to meet growing need. “Unless some villages can build a

small number of homes, young people will be driven out of the countryside and more of our schools, businesses and community spaces risk closing for good,” she said. The move also found support with countryside charity CPRE which said existing policies ‘have done little or nothing’ to tackle the rural housing crisis. Roger Mortlock, CPRE chief executive, said speculative development had ‘wreaked havoc’ in the countryside and bypassed local democracy. “It is right to say we can build the homes we need and protect the countryside, valuable farmland and nature around our cities at the same time,” he said. Mr Mortlock went on to call for a ‘brownfield-first’ policy alongside realistic targets on social-rental houses to deliver affordable homes close to where people live, work and go to school. farmersguardian.com

20/12/2023 15:23

NEWS

PICTURE: GETTY IMAGES

Tributes paid to Olive Clarke

TWO TURTLE DOVES FARMERS are being thanked for their efforts in restoring habitats, as numbers of turtle doves have been given a welcome boost. Operation Turtle Dove was launched in 2012 to provide better nesting and feeding habitats for the rare birds across southern and eastern England. According to the RSPB, having farmers on board has meant an estimated 2,100 breeding territories remain in the UK. This year has seen record involvement for the project, with more than 260 farms and 107 land managers participating. Over the past 12 months, the scheme has led to the creation of 620 foraging and supplementary feeding sites — almost doubling the number provided in 2022.

TRIBUTES have been paid to National Federation of Young Farmers’ Club (NFYFC) life vice-president and British Farming Awards 2023 Lifetime Achievement winner, Olive Clarke, who has died aged 101. NFYFC chair Rosie Bennett said she was a ‘remarkable woman, committed to the development of YFC and industry’. “She has been a huge part of the Cumbria Federation for nearly nine decades and a pioneer in the industry. She was the first female president of the CLA and the Westmorland County Show — among holding many other roles,” she said. She added Ms Clarke had been an ‘inspiration’ to her and all women in agriculture.

False promises from Holyrood rFurther cuts labelled

‘potentially devastating’ By Jane Thynne NFU Scotland has condemned the Scottish Government over its latest budget, saying further cuts will have a ‘potentially devastating’ effect on farmers. Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Finance Shona Robison unveiled a raft of measures in Holyrood affecting farmers. However, there were some positive messages: a £1 million boost for rural services, a £4m increase for Forestry and Land Scotland, retention of the

Small Business Bonus Scheme, changes to planning laws and a commitment to maintaining direct support for farmers and crofters at pre-Brexit levels. NFUS president Martin Kennedy said that, coupled with existing cuts and the question of the £33m awarded to the Scottish Government following a 2019 UK-wide review into fair allocation of farming support (which was then redistributed across departments to ease the cost of living crisis), the budget would have a ‘devastating’ impact on farmers and reflected Hollyrood’s ‘hollow promises’. He said: “Not only has Scottish Government failed to return a total of £61m of withdrawn agriculture funds in the draft budget as demanded by

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NFUS, but we have yet to receive clarity on when that will happen. “In addition, it appears further essential funding streams are also being cut.” Delivering the statement to MSPs, Ms Robison said: “We recognise the vital role agriculture plays in the rural economy and the opportunity to become more productive and sustainable. “In November, I wrote to the NFUS president to reiterate my commitment that the funds which had been released to support the cost of living crisis would be returned, in full, to be spent on the right agricultural priorities at the appropriate time.” Mr Kennedy added: “We recognise

chris.day@abfltd.co.uk

the wider pressure on public finances, but the agriculture budget still only represents a tiny proportion of the Scottish Government’s overall expenditure, and therefore the impact of such cuts has an extremely disproportionate and potentially devastating impact on the industry’s confidence levels and scope for investment. “Providing adequate support to, and investment in, the sector right now would have provided a clear signal that the Scottish Government is genuinely committed to the longterm future of the country’s primary producers in our endeavours to produce high-quality food, address climate change and support biodiversity recovery.”

Chris Day on Tel: 07769 705004 DECEMBER 22 2023 | 3

20/12/2023 15:44

Farmers Guardian, Unit 4, Fulwood Business Park, Caxton Road, Fulwood, Preston, Lancashire, PR2 9NZ Editor Olivia Midgley, 07787 240 750 olivia.midgley@agriconnect.com Head of News and Business Alex Black, 01772 799 409 alex.black@agriconnect.com Chief Reporter Rachael Brown, 07974 039 778 rachael.brown@agriconnect.com News and Business Reporters Jane Thynne jane.thynne@agriconnect.com Chris Brayford, 07773 110 733 chris.brayford@agriconnect.com Business Reporter Cedric Porter cedric.porter@agriconnect.com Arable Technical Specialist Ash Ellwood, 07786 190 188 ashleigh.ellwood@agriconnect.com Head of Machinery and Farm Technology Toby Whatley, 07583 054 831 toby.whatley@agriconnect.com Machinery Reporter James Huyton, 07787 242 185 james.huyton@agriconnect.com Head of Livestock Katie Jones, 07786 856 439 katie.jones@agriconnect.com Head of Livestock Sales Angela Calvert, 07768 796 492 angela.calvert@agriconnect.com Livestock Specialists Ellie Layton, 07814 997 407 ellie.layton@agriconnect.com Katie Fallon, 07815 003 227 katie.fallon@agriconnect.com Online Editor and Features Editor Emily Ashworth, 01772 799 446 emily.ashworth@agriconnect.com Head of Creative Services Gillian Green, 01772 799 417 gillian.green@agriconnect.com Picture Editor Marcello Garbagnoli, 01772 799 445 marcello.garbagnoli@agriconnect.com Sales Director Stephanie Ryder, 07917 271 987 Stephanie.ryder@agriconnect.com Group Publisher Ben Briggs ben.briggs@agriconnect.com Circulation Subscription hotline 0330 333 0056 help@subscribe.farmers-guardian.com Newstrade enquiries 01772 799 434 UK print subscriptions £189; Europe: £226.80; RoW: £283.50. FG digital subscriptions: £109 News trade distribution Seymour Distribution Ltd, 2 East Poultry Avenue, London, EC1A 9PT. Tel 0207 429 4000, Fax 0207 429 4001

NEWS rFarmers left in

limbo, says NFU By Rachael Brown

PUBLICATION of the anticipated land use framework (LUF) has been postponed until next year, Farmers Guardian understands. A date has still not been confirmed, despite previous promises by Government the strategy document would be ready for publication by the end of the year. A source suggested the delays were due to the change in the Defra Secretary, saying that the new Secretary and his ministerial team wanted to better understand the framework and its outcomes, given the strategy’s cross-departmental links. Responding to the delay, NFU chief land management adviser Sam Durham said farmers and growers needed an ‘end to the uncertainty’ and a thorough consultation on the proposals and alternate options. Mr Durham said: “Defra has been promising to publish the LUF for months. “Food and energy security is more important than ever. Any land use strategy must safeguard the productive capacity of farmland and maximise land use efficiency so the countryside

Land use framework delayed can remain a multifunctional, dynamic space. “This means enabling farmers to continue providing climate-friendly food while also caring for the environment, producing renewable energy and contributing to the UK’s net zero ambitions.” Organic Farmers and Growers chief executive Roger Kerr said he hoped the strategy would be delivered imminently, emphasising the need for organic inclusion. Mr Kerr added: “We are hopeful Defra’s anticipated land use strategy is delivered soon. “Having been recognised in the Sustainable Farming Incentive, we are keen to see organic included in an integrated, multifunctional land

use framework given it is a distinct and defined farming system that can deliver low-carbon, people-positive and nature-friendly solutions while producing nutritious food.”

Environmental targets A Defra spokesperson said: “Our land use framework will set out how we can use land more effectively to meet our environmental targets and wider net zero and food security objectives. It will be published in due course. “The framework will help to inform how we manage any tradeoffs and maximise the co-benefits of land, thereby supporting the delivery of resilient, multifunctional landscapes.”

Vets to carry out ‘remote’ bird flu inspections VETS will now be allowed to carry out inspections of premises in avian influenza disease control zones via remote video, Defra has announced. The change from solely in-person checks followed a four-week targeted consultation with members of the poultry industry and veterinary organisations, in which 97 per cent of respondents said they were in favour of allowing remote inspections. Deputy UK chief veterinary officer Ele Brown said highly pathogenic

avian influenza H5N1 remained a global threat, but the Government was committed to helping the industry navigate the ongoing problems posed by the disease. Dr Brown said: “Remote video inspections will provide bird keepers and vets more flexibility, allowing important movements to take place as soon as they can while not diminishing the need for their professional independent opinion that licence conditions are being met.”

British Poultry Council chief executive Richard Griffiths welcomed the decision amid the ongoing shortage of vets and the impact of avian flu on farmers, and urged farmers to maintain good biosecurity. Defra said a pilot in November 2022 showed these checks were just as effective as physical checks on commercial poultry for this strain of avian influenza. Owners and vets would still be able to request physical inspections. PICTURE: GETTY

THE HEART OF AGRICULTURE

Defra said a pilot in November 2022 showed remote checks were just as effective as physical checks.

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NEWS European Commission rethinks on biofuels SIGNIFICANT disruption to the UK biofuels market has been avoided after the European Commission announced it will not implement major changes to its assurance scheme recognition process from the end of 2023. It comes after months of lobbying efforts from the Agricultural Industries Confederation (AIC). Following discussions with industry, the European Commission has told the AIC it would postpone a move which would have ended accreditation recognition for UK-based voluntary schemes assuring materials for biofuels under the Renewable Energy Directive (RED) II. Rose Riby, AIC head of arable marketing, welcomed the decision. “This positive development will be of significant relief to UK farmers, growers and businesses trading in the biofuels market and should offer some reassurance,” she said. “AIC’s engagement with the European Commission, stakeholders, members and scheme participants on this matter will continue into 2024 as all parties seek a more permanent solution for the industry.”

FARMING COMMUNITY NETWORK For more about the FCN and the support it can offer farmers, see Farming Matters p84.

Focusing on mental health of farmers rFestive season call

to talk about issues By Chris Brayford

RAISING the profile of mental health in farming has never been more important, with warnings that the pressures of adverse weather, loneliness and worries for the future could have major veffects on mental health if people feel isolated and alone at Christmas. Leighton Snelgrove, county chair of Sussex Young Farmers, has worked as a volunteer at the Farming Community Network for over four years.

Struggling “Farmers are struggling massively at the moment when it comes to both their businesses and their mental health,” he said. “Often facing soul destroying days, when it feels like all their issues come together at once, it can feel like the pressure of the world is on their shoulders.” He added being able to talk to another person can be very helpful. “There is nothing wrong with admitting when you are struggling or just simply need help. This is why we

DIY waste rules changed HOPES that a reduction in flytipping could be in sight have been raised after the Government announced charges relating to the disposal of household DIY waste are to be scrapped. The move, which comes into effect on New Year’s Eve, has been welcomed by rural groups. NFU vice-president David Exwood said: “We very much wel-

come this announcement which will hopefully encourage anyone who has DIY waste to dispose of it easily at a recycling centre and reduce the chances of it being flytipped illegally.” CLA president Victoria Vyvyan said it was good news for farmers who end up ‘bearing the brunt’ of illegal fly-tipped materials dumped on their land.

Farmer support groups say it is time to look at tackling mental health and loneliness issues.

really need to look out for farmers — both young and old — at Christmas and beyond because their mental health is so precious to us all.” Lynda Eadon, a farmer from Napton on the Hill in Warwickshire, said the hurt of losing a child has spurred her on to help other farmers to talk openly about their mental health. Her son, Len, died in January 2022 after battling mental health struggles. “When Len died, our first priority was to help other young farmers as Len was only 22,” she said.

Ms Eadon and her husband, Andy, have raised over £166,000 to raise the profile of mental health. “I think it is important for young farmers to be aware of their mental health and the importance of checking in on each other because it is all right to not be okay. “We want to keep that conversation going.” MORE INFORMATION For more from Leighton Snelgrove, see Young Farmer Focus on page 10.

Horticulture gets energy help THE horticultural sector will have access to the Government’s energy help scheme, in what the NFU has describing as a triumph for farmer lobbying. Defra announced this week that growers will now be able to benefit from the Industrial Energy Transformation (IETF) Fund offering help to cut energy bills.

The NFU said the need for greater energy security for the horticulture sector was a key theme during this year’s Downing Street Farm to Fork summit and Defra’s announcement followed continued NFU lobbying. However, the union was disappointed that the poultry sector has not been included.

year without disruption. Covid-19 was possibly one of the worst times to be a farmer and the cost of living crisis over the past few years has raised operational costs for the business to the limit. “It really has placed pressure on our business and we need to keep our heads above water year in year out.” Charlie Deller, who farms in Saffron Walden, Cambridgeshire, said he had

to give up turkey rearing last year, with the business not able to secure the labour required. “People just did not want to do it, which forced us to make better use of the land by giving up the turkey business,” he said. “Farming is getting harder and it is difficult to make an affordable living; not just at Christmas, but all year round.”

From page 1 in the world who are dedicated to putting food on our tables. “They have struggled with a changing climate over recent years and they are contending with business conditions where there is a scramble to sell below the cost of production, which is not sustainable for farm businesses. “We should not forget the dedication of farmers who have, and 6 | DECEMBER 22 2023

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still are, working flat out this Christmas.” Turkey producer Oliver White, of Clinton Devon Estates near Exeter, said running a business in the run-up to Christmas provided its own set of stresses and struggles. “The biggest problem being a turkey farmer is the sheer volume of competition there is,” he said, adding in the four years they had raised turkeys there had never been a

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NEWS

Diversification project blocked in council planning dispute rFarmers have incurred

costs of £18,000 already By Rachael Brown

A FARMING family has been forced to close down its three farm shops after a long running planning row with its local council. Sian and Kevin Rickard opened up Castle Farm shop at their farm in Bishton, Newport, and two subsequent shops in Newport city centre, after the success of offering a local food service for the community during the Covid-19 pandemic. The farm shop was initially set up without necessary planning permission from Newport City Council, as the couple said the council ‘let it go at the time’. Following the success of the shop

during the pandemic, Mr and Mrs Rickard chose to expand the offerings of their main farm shop, as well as adding a vending machine, selling their own produce and buying-in from local producers. They argued the farm shop was an ancillary to the farm business, but the council has rejected this claim and denied planning permission for the main shop. Mr and Mrs Rickard said without the home farm shop, the other businesses cannot remain open.

Stumbling block Diversification has been highlighted as an important part of family farms being fit for the future, but planning permission has been a stumbling block for many. Mr Rickard said: “We are selling our own produce into the shop, such

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The Rickard family at their farm in Bishton, Newport.

as ice cream and our own eggs. The vending machine is 100 per cent our own produce, but the council is still trying to shut it down.” A spokesperson for Newport City Council said it had received complaints from local residents about the farm, dating back to April 2020, but at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, no action was taken due to the circumstances and regulatory dispensations. The spokesperson said: “The main issue is that the shop/vending machine are not ancillary to the farm and, therefore, require planning permission. The evidence in the council’s possession, and in the public domain, shows that the retail activity on-site is more than an ancillary, or ordinarily incidental, activity to the agricultural use. “No such planning application has

been submitted, despite repeated requests from the authority.” It added residents had complained about increased traffic and floodlighting and wanted the council to take action.

Disappointed But Mrs Rickard said a lot in the local community were disappointed to hear the farm shop was closing and the family would now have to find parttime jobs to keep the farm viable. The Rickards said the cost of the ongoing dispute to date has mounted to more than £18,000 and they had decided not to appeal. The Newport City Council spokesperson added the council had offered to meet Mr and Mrs Rickard and their planning agents to try and find a way forward.

SFI applications suspended over Christmas and New Year THE Rural Payments Agency (RPA) has confirmed it will be suspending Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) applications between Christmas and New Year to carry out ‘essential and significant technical updates’ to the online service. The application portal for SFI will be closed between December 27 and January 2. Midnight on December 26 will be the final time applications for SFI can be started and midnight on December 31 is the final time applications for SFI can be submitted. Any draft SFI applications which are not submitted before December 31 will be lost and not recover-

able when the portal reopens again next year. Farmers who are part way through their applications are encouraged to save all their information on their computers. Tenant Farmers Association (TFA) has expressed its frustration over the situation and does not understand why RPA was not able to save existing applications by downloading them as a batch. TFA has advised members to either submit their applications as soon as possible or to wait for the service to open back up again in the New Year before starting a new application. farmersguardian.com

19/12/2023 11:41

uccession and inheritance have presented unique difficulties for farming families for hundreds of years. Often farming families are large, and the impossible question of how to share out an indivisible farm among a number of children in a fair way has been an impossible question. Historically, tradition dictated that the farm would be left to the first born son and all the other children would have to marry well. In more modern times, life is not that straightforward and commonly one or two children might remain at home working on the farm while their siblings leave to take up occupations elsewhere. Sadly, disputes among the children or sometimes between child and parent arise where one family member claims they were ‘promised the farm in due course’ and frequently the courts have to grapple with this very complex and upsetting area of law. A High Court trial recently took place between Luigi Nicodemo Vasami and his wife Grazia Vasami and his nephew Tony Hack and his wife Arlene Hack. His Honour Judge Jarman KC heard evidence over three days in September and delivered judgement on October 5, 2023, finding in favour of the Vasamis.

Summary

In summary, the Vasamis are a second generation Italian Welsh farming family, the farming dynasty was started by Luigi’s father Antonio, when, following the end of the second world war, he made Wales his home, having been detained there as a prisoner of war. His love for Wales was such that having married in Calabria, Italy, he moved back to Wales with his new wife to work on and subsequently buy a dairy farm in Emlyn. He devoted his working life to farming and bringing up the couple’s two children, Luigi and Maria. In later years, Luigi with his wife Grazia took over the farm, growing it substantially while simultaneously

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Inheritance – was there a promise? Vasami versus Hack: Nephew’s claim for farm from his uncle fails in the High Court

Luigi Nicodemo Vasami and his wife Grazia Vasami. looking after his ageing parents and his sister’s young son Tony. The court heard that Luigi and Grazia brought Tony up alongside their own son, also called Tony, and their daughter Jessica. In adult life, Tony Vasami helped out on the farm and also established a successful career as a restaurateur (now running an award-winning Italian restaurant – La Calabria from the family farm near Ffostrasol), while Tony Hack pursued a number of different career paths before settling down on one of the Vasamis’ farms, working its dairy herd and also for Semex. Relations soured more recently, however, when Tony Hack began to make claims to the farm in which he was living. The court heard that through a family arrangement the Vasamis permitted the Hacks to live and work at the farm on terms which became the subject of dispute. Eventually the Vasamis asked the Hacks to leave the farm so it could be sold. The Hacks refused to leave and court proceedings were instigated. In their defence, the Hacks claimed that the Vasamis had made promises to Tony Hack that the farm would one day be his and they brought a counterclaim asking the court to force the Vasamis to

discharge any borrowings on the farm and then transfer it to the Hacks. In his judgement handed down on October 5, 2023, His Honour Judge Jarman KC refused the Hacks’ claim to the farm and made an order for possession in favour of the Vasamis. The Hacks were ordered to leave the farm and were given six months to do so. The judgement of the court can be seen in full at bailii.org/ew/cases/EWHC/ Ch/2023/2431.html.

Family disputes

The Vasamis’ solicitor, Ian Procter, of Green Solicitors in Clitheroe, Lancashire, said afterwards that cases like this, which involve family disputes, are distressing but sadly not uncommon. He said: “Farming presents unique challenges to families and farmers in particular are very good at not writing anything down, years and years go by and then somebody says I was promised this or that and if they are able to persuade a court that they are correct and the circumstances accord with the law of estoppel, they might very well have a case to take ownership of the farm or other property. “In this case the court was not prepared to accept Tony Hack’s case. It did not agree that promises had been made

and the judge found in favour of my clients the Vasamis. “There are other occasions when a farming family might assure one of their children that in lieu of their hard work on the farm over many years for little or no wages and at considerable personal cost in one way or another to that child, the family farm would pass to them eventually, either on their parents retirement or death. “In those circumstances. the law will keep the promise and the child will have a valid claim to that farm. “This is the law of estoppel which is derived from the French word meaning to stop or in legal terms to prevent the promisor going back on the promise. These are a recognised and fairly common type of action through the courts. “People are often surprised that the courts will intervene in a dispute like this and still more surprised that the courts will give a farm to one of the children in certain circumstances, but the law seeks to establish fairness where it can and this particular law is an example of that. “On this occasion, our clients, the Vasamis, were successful in defending a claim of this nature, but where the evidence is appropriate and promises have been made, the courts will frequently make the kind of order that Mr and Mrs Hack were seeking. “Here at Green Solicitors we never charge to speak with someone and see if we can help. If you have any problem with this type of situation you should call us on 01254 822 330 and ask to speak with specialist solicitor Ian Procter personally or email ian@greensolicitors.co.uk.”

Royal Courts of Justice.

For a free down to earth opinion on any land or commercial dispute, please contact specialist Ian Procter (solicitor) direct on 01254 822 330. farmersguardian.com

p9 Dec22 OM MB KR SIGNED OFF.indd 2

Moor Lane, Clitheroe, BB7 1BE. DECEMBER 22 2023 | 9

18/12/2023 13:44

LEADER

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

Christmas brings opportunities and time to connect with others

And finally... The December 29 edition of Farmers Guardian will be careers-focused to mark the launch of our new Jobs in Agriculture platform. Don’t miss it!

AS the Christmas chaos ramps up or draws to a close depending on how organised you are, the holidays are often a time for thinking ahead to the New Year and putting plans in place. Cost pressures, which have ramped up a gear since the pandemic, have seen naturally agile farming enterprises seek alternative income streams and diversification is a trend which is likely to continue in 2024 and beyond. While the festive period, for some, may be a time to take the foot off the gas ever so slightly, for others it presents opportunities and new ways of working and with them, new revenue sources. Fourth generation farmer James Taylor, featured in this week’s Farm Profile (see p16-18), is seeing the fruits of a foray into Christmas onfarm ‘experiences’, adding an extra season to his business at what would have traditionally been a quieter time of the year for his great-grandfather. Our arable spotlight on Jamie Stokes shows how he has adapted and grown his diversification

enterprise in line with customer demand, enabling him to have a clearer plan for the future. He is also using his business to send an important mental health message to his local community – to talk to and support each other. At a time when the stressors facing farming businesses seem never-ending, it is hard to see a chink of light at the end of the tunnel, but it will be there. It is why the messages of Sussex Young Farmers’ county chair Leighton Snelgrove and Lynda Eadon, mother of young farmer Len, who died last year, are so poignant. Do not underestimate the power of simply checking in on someone. Agriculture is only as strong as its people and that is why looking after each other and looking out for each other is so important, and undoubtedly trumps anything on farming’s wish list. From all of us at Farmers Guardian, we wish you a happy and peaceful Christmas and a healthy, prosperous New Year.

YOUNG FARMER FOCUS ‘Farmers never complain – they get on with the job’ Career: I am a farm manager at an organic beef farm in Sussex. The farm turned organic in 1999 and we run 40 breeding pedigree Sussex cows, producing beef for Duchy Waitrose. I also have my own flock of sheep which deliver succulent grass-fed lamb boxes. Learning new ways to farm, increasing our cattle numbers and farming to the highest standards of animal welfare is at the heart of everything we do. We have recently converted to regenerative farming, where we are mob grazing the cattle with a focus on soil structure. Hopefully, we will be able to outwinter our cattle to reduce costs for the farm. Background: Originally, I am not from a farming background. My interest in being a farmer arose during farm visits with my grandmother 10 | DECEMBER 22 2023

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when I was five years old. I realised I belonged in the outdoors, with livestock and the natural environment. As I got older, my passion for farming grew even stronger, so I chose to study agriculture at college to learn more about the industry and make valuable connections, which eased me into working life. We all have to start somewhere, and if it is at the bottom then the only way is up. I have been Sussex Young Farmers’ Club’s county chair for two years. It is a privilege to be part of an organisation which educates, inspires and helps so many Young Farmers achieve their goals while making friends along the way. Volunteering: I also volunteer for the Farming Community Network because I understand just how

Leighton Snelgrove Nutley, Sussex Leighton Snelgrove, 22, is a beef and sheep farmer from Nutley in Sussex.

Leighton Snelgrove important mental health is in our industry and how integral the charity’s work is in alleviating the stresses faced by farmers. Farming is an arduous task where you have to be a bookkeeper, a vet, a midwife, an agronomist and so much more. But farmers never complain - they get on with the job because they love

their way of life and helping to feed this country. Over the past few years, farmers are facing challenges from dry summers, harsh winters and the cost of living crisis, which has affected the growth of their businesses. Farmers can see the climate and nature crisis happening in front of their eyes, and they are trying to do so much to prevent it from getting worse. Support British: As a country, we need to educate people on where their food comes from, how it is farmed and, most of all, understand the importance of buying British and how it supports British farmers. MORE INFORMATION If you would like to be featured, email chris.brayford@agriconnect.com farmersguardian.com

20/12/2023 16:27

Write Letters to the Editor, Farmers Guardian, Unit 4, Caxton Road, Fulwood, Preston, Lancashire, PR2 9NZ Facebook facebook.com/FarmersGuardian Twitter @farmersguardian Email fgeditorial@agriconnect.com

LETTERS

Farm education key for walkers I WAS upset to read that a dog walker had been injured and a farmer fined for allowing suckler cattle in a field with a footpath through it (Devon farmer fined after cow attack, December 8). A field is essentially an enclosure for animals and it is, perhaps, an odd state of affairs when the farmer cannot use it for this purpose. The problem originates from the days when postmen and farming neighbours walked from farm to farm, going to deliver post or to help each other and walk children to school. They were not public paths, but they were turned into public paths in the mid-20th century by the Government which was keen to provide access and equally keen for the votes, so it asked ramblers to survey the tracks. Obviously, they were not impartial and I did look at some of the original depositions, one of which suggested where the route went, rather than following it. We ended up with paths going inappropriately through farmyards. Farmers had to prove the paths were private by having a notice to say so and, of course, they did not and one cannot prove a negative. At the time, most farmers who had cattle had milk cows, which did not have the maternal instinct and were used to being fed and patted by human beings. The people using the paths were not taking pet dogs with them. When the Milk Marketing Board was closed, which was another political decision, many farmers turned to beef production and suckler cattle and, as things stand, members of the public may not understand the difference. The question remains as to what we can do to prevent these accidents and also the result of dogs attacking or chasing livestock and it comes down to education. The BBC’s Countryfile

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

CLASSIC ★★★

1970

Plucking turkeys at Bradshaw Farm, Longsdon, Staffordshire, home of Jim Heath. Left is Tom Heath (Jim’s cousin), on the right is Tom’s wife Betty and Jim. Sent in by John Wooley.

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

presents the countryside as entertainment and has a lot to say about nature, but not about the natural behaviour of farm animals and dogs. I have kept elderly sheepdogs as pets at the end of their lives and understand the importance of them as companion animals, but would not want to take them through any cattle. I am aware even if the dog is on a lead, the sheep in a nearby field will panic and move away. Current advice to let one’s dog off the lead if cattle come near does not necessarily deal with the problem, as the dog will probably stay near its owner for protection and suckler cattle are trying to evict it. I can also see the need for access for walking and recreation. This is currently seen as a problem of land ownership, but it is actually giving the public access to property such as livestock, woodland, machinery and old buildings and crops, which includes grass which is the actual problem for the farmer.

It would be useful if the politics was left out and there was some honest discussion about the issues and, perhaps, the countryside programmes had a better balance. Rather than concentrating only on wildlife, it would help to tell the public about the natural behaviour of farm animals which are there in the countryside scene as well. Hilary Wilson, Via email.

TB traffic lights THE National TB Conference report (December 8) included comments from vets and auctioneers flagging up the benefits of the TB history of cattle sellers’ farms being made available at auctions. New Zealand cattle farmers have also fought a long battle with TB. While working in NZ’s South Island in the last century, I spent a joyful day at a cattle sale at Mt Benger Saleyards.

As each group of cattle entered the auction ring, the auctioneer’s rostrum displayed either a large, conspicuous red, orange or green board. Each colour represented the TB history of the seller’s herd and farm, which I understood was verified by the farm’s vet. Anybody who had successfully negotiated road traffic lights could easily translate the colours into TB language. This was before the days a farmer could access the world from a handheld gadget. This provided meaningful, clearly understandable information at point of sale to potential purchasers for the cattle in front of them in the ring at the time, without interrupting the auctioneer’s flow to make atmosphere deflating announcements/answer TBflavoured questions from the rostrum. Claire Powell, Forteviot, Perthshire.

Privacy Statement and Terms & Conditions Farmers Guardian is part of the Arc network (we, us, our) and we are committed to protecting and respecting your privacy. We are registered under company number 07931451 and have our registered office at Unit 4, Caxton Road, Preston, Lancashire, PR2 9NZ. For the purposes of this policy, we are the data controller of personal data provided to us. We are a UK company specialising in providing information services including news, analysis, data, pricing, insight and market intelligence to agribusiness professionals across the globe. This policy sets out how we do this and applies the use of your personal data that you disclose to us by entering into our competition to win £200 for the Stockjudging Competition or £20 Love2Shop vouchers for the weekly Crossword Competition, referred to throughout this statement as the “Competitions”. How we collect your information: We collect the personal data you have provided to us by filling in the form on our website www.fginsight.com OR 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: • it is necessary to enable any of our staff, employees, agents, contractors, suppliers or commercial partners to provide a service to us or to perform a function on our behalf; • we have a legal obligation to disclose your information (for example, if a court orders us to); or • there is a sale or purchase of any business assets, or where Farmers Guardian or any of its group companies are being acquired by a third party. Where we use third parties as described above to process your personal information, we will ensure that they have adequate security measures in place to safeguard your personal information. For how long do we keep your personal information? We keep your personal information for 36 months for the purposes for which it was collected or for any period for which we are required to keep personal information to comply with our legal and regulatory requirements, or until you ask us to delete your personal information. Your rights: You have a number of rights in relation to your personal information. These include the right to: • find out how we process your personal information; • request that your personal information is corrected if you believe it is incorrect or inaccurate; • obtain restriction on our, or object to, processing of your personal information; • ask us not to process your personal information for our own marketing purposes; and • obtain a copy of your personal information which we hold about you. We will take steps to verify your identity before responding to your request and will respond as soon as possible and in any event within a month. If you would like to exercise any of your rights or find out more, please email us at dataprotection@farmersguardian. com. Complaints: If you have any complaints about the way we use your personal information please contact us at dataprotection@farmersguardian.com and we will try to resolve the issue. If we cannot resolve any issue, you have the right to complain to the data protection authority in your country (the Information Commissioner in the UK). If you need more information about how to contact your local data protection authority please let us know. Contact us: Please read this policy carefully and if you have any questions, concerns or comments about this policy or, specifically, how we might use your personal information, please contact us by email at dataprotection@farmersguardian.com.

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DECEMBER 22 2023 | 11

19/12/2023 11:46

BUSINESS

Edited by Alex Black – 01772 799 409 – alex.black@agriconnect.com

Noted London restaurant hails its Scotch beef A TOP London restaurant has credited the Scotch beef it serves for helping win rave reviews, with Michelin-starred chefs and food critics flocking to The Devonshire. Charlie Carroll, founder of the Flat Iron steak restaurants, was behind the Soho venture with business partner Oisin Rogers and stated the ‘exceptional taste’ came from a combination of factors including the husbandry, climate and grass. “It is no exaggeration to say the Scotch Beef we are serving stands toe-to-toe with the finest anywhere in the world,” said Mr Carroll. Jim Fowlie, who farms 809 hectares in Aberdeenshire, is one of the farmers whose cattle have ended up on the plates at the restaurant. He said it was ‘a real feather in the cap’ to hear about the restaurant’s acclaim and ‘great to have the effort we put in recognised’.

Time to champion Scottish livestock rSector underwent

By Alex Black IT is time to promote and support the Scottish livestock industry in 2024, with industry groups looking to champion the sector. The Scottish Association of Meat Wholesalers (SAMW) said it was unnerving how much change had taken place over the past 12 months, while little had been achieved in terms of policy advances or delivering solutions for the supply chain. SAMW president Ian Bentley said 2023 would be noted for upheaval, driven by changes of ownership,

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SAMW has called for more Government support for the meat industry in Scotland.

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although it was encouraging to have suffered no loss of processing capacity. He said the continuing decline in livestock numbers was a concern. “While the decline in 2023 has been small in percentage terms, the drip, drip, impact on our shrinking breeding herd is approaching a critical point,” said Mr Bentley.

Incentivising He added this should be a concern to the Scottish Government, but they were yet to see any proposals for policy recognising the importance of the meat industry and incentivising increases in sustainable production. He expected continued uncertainty would lead to a further reduction in numbers in 2024. Mr Bentley was also hoping for ‘sensible moves’ on regulation, highlighting that regulatory friction often inhibits trade giving the example of the delays and uncertainty on vet attestation. Neil Wilson, executive president

of the Institute of Auctioneers and Appraisers in Scotland (IAAS), said auctioneers across Scotland had seen an increase in both buyers and sellers in 2023. He added the value of a sale day on the Scottish Islands could not be underestimated, with the community benefits ‘often overlooked’. Looking ahead to 2024, Mr Wilson said IAAS would continue to champion the sector. He highlighted the lamb for St Andrew’s Day campaign success with Scotch Lamb on the menu in the Scottish Parliament and at a dinner, attended by the First Minister, at COP28 in Dubai, as well as in 150 Scottish schools. Mr Wilson said auction marts would continue to be a key part of the sector ‘well into the future’ with markets also being ‘real social hubs’. “The RSABI Health Checks at Thainstone have been a real hit and I would like to see this kind of engagement extended out around the country, if we can find the resource to make it happen,” he said.

Interest rates on hold once again INTEREST rates have been held at 5.25 per cent by the Bank of England, as falls in the rate of inflation continue. At its meeting on December 13, the Monetary Policy Committee voted by a majority of six to three to maintain the bank rate. Three members voted instead to

increase the bank rate by 0.25 percentage points to 5.5 per cent. It is the third consecutive rate hold. Sterling found support on the back of the decision, with UK wheat futures prices falling under pressure from exchange rates at the end of last week despite price rises in the US markets. farmersguardian.com

20/12/2023 12:06

BUSINESS Divorce can be one of the most stressful times a farming family may ever face. Lawyer Ayesha Vardag, founder and president of Vardags, spoke to Farmers Guardian about the common pitfalls of divorces in the farming community.

Negotiating a divorce settlement LARGE-scale, high-value farming divorces can be incredibly complex. But with good reason: civilisation began with farming, and while the world has completely changed since then, we remain utterly dependent on the country’s agriculture sector and all that it provides. Agricultural enterprise is not just wheat prices, livestock marts and Land Rover Defenders – and neither are farm divorces. And because of the sheer size of these significant enterprises, divvying up farming assets is not your go-to option. However small the cog, you are still removing it from a well-oiled, longstanding, dynastic farming

FORMING A LIMITED COMPANY MAY SOLVE ISSUES dragged in where there is not enough to go round and meet everyone’s needs. Whether you are the primary farm owner or their spouse, specialist legal advice is imperative in ensuring you secure the most favourable outcome. Compromise is always an essential feature of any equitable divorce. Not only will you collectively save swathes of money otherwise lost to lawyers in an acrimonious divorce, but you will also limit the emotional toll taken on family members affected and reduce disruption to farm operations. Yes, divorce is hard, and it can also be very complex. It is a beginning, but it is also an ending, and a loss. Until new things come into your life, all you have is the loss, and it can be overwhelming. But the new things come. Keep breathing, keep moving and it will all fall into place.

Motivation Fortunately, no-fault divorce removes some of this motivation for nit-picking and mudslinging, especially at the earlier stages of a divorce. But the financial side can still encourage bitterness and hurt and resentment. As the maxim goes: you do not just marry the individual, you marry the whole family. And this maxim probably rings most true when you marry into a farming family. But divorce is hard enough without family members weighing in

to take their pound of flesh, and when the past has already fractured amicable relations between the couple. Like a business meeting with no agenda, any chance of constructive negotiation falls loose when everyone is ‘dragged’ into it, which is why I sometimes encourage members of the wider family to seek their own independent advice. Using the divorcing parties as pin cushions for wider familial problems and stresses does more harm than good. Divorce, in this way, ought to be treated most like a commercial exercise and, in commerce, you would not put all your eggs in somebody else’s (more fragile) basket. Fairness is the hallmark of modern divorce. Any attempts to transfer, hide or dispose of money and assets form serious financial misconduct in divorce which the court will penalise.

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THERE are numerous ways in which members of a farm-owning household can work towards a visibly fair outcome during the process of a divorce Setting up a Limited Liability Company (LLC) may be desirable if farming is the sole source of income for both parties. An LLC created for both parties to retain shares in the typically illiquid assets of farming households may be a means of avoiding potential issues over who keeps the farm, with the associated risk of having to sell. The shares would be deemed personal property and not subject to division during the divorce. Seek specialist advise if your farm is inherited or part of a trust as this can further complicate matters. In some, but not all, cases, farms which have been inherited or are part of a trust may be deemed non-marital assets and therefore not subject to a division upon a divorce, though they may be

is ours, kicks in. The problem with acrimonious proceedings is that they socialise two people who once loved each other into believing that they are now in a boxing ring, and the timer is running out. Things can easily get terribly, nasty in this climate and, truthfully, nothing good comes out of it.

* PARTNERSHIP & INHERITANCE PROBLEMS * DIVORCE & SEPARATION

Yes that’s right! FREE LEGAL ADVICE on all matters involving land and business disputes. Whether it’s a new matter or a second opinion on an existing case call now and find out what we think and where you stand. For a FREE down to earth opinion on any land or commercial dispute please contact Specialist, Ian Procter (Solicitor) direct at

01254 822330

constructive process

machine. In farming divorces, like any other, spouses have claims to income, capital, property, pensions and against any (farming) businesses owned by either party – but the extent and realisation of this entitlement is a question far, far broader. The tip of the iceberg is the financial settlement, and what you cannot see is everything else underneath: long-term viability for the farm, complex ownership, financial security for future generations, multiple properties on the land. It is unfortunate, but it is understandable: divorce deals with the things that are most valuable to us – children, money, property. And when we no longer ‘like’ the person who threatens to take those things away, our biological urge to pounce and hiss and protect what

rAdvice on a fair and

Ayesha Vardag says fairness is the hallmark of a divorce.

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DECEMBER 22 2023 | 13

19/12/2023 14:13

BUSINESS

AHDB looks to balance negativity rRefreshed campaign

launches January 1

PRESENTING a more balanced view amid January messages of veganism and dieting will be central to AHDB’s refreshed Let’s Eat Balanced campaign as it launches on January 1. The campaign will kick off at the same time as the annual Veganuary campaign, as well as at a time of year where consumers are watching their wallets and their waistlines after indulging at Christmas. Carrie McDermid, head of domestic marketing at AHDB, said: “In a world filled with dietary

trends, we are looking to balance the narrative.” Consumer research showed a more positive response from consumers to a direct call to action, leading to a ‘tweak’ in the name from the previous We Eat Balanced campaign. Ms McDermid said promotion was a clear priority for levy payers in its Shape the Future research. The campaign will include three television ads, focusing on the theme of ‘this and that’, highlighting how beef, lamb and dairy can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet. AHDB was also working with eight retailers on in-store promotions, alongside social media campaigns targeting Gen Z.

The campaign will begin at the same time as the annual Veganuary campaign.

The adverts highlight the vitamins available in meat and dairy, with vitamin B12 the ‘unique selling point’ for meat.

Champion British Ms McDermid added one of the things which had changed was they now had the ability to ‘champion British’. “We can say really boldly about British meat and dairy,” she said. She added the campaign had a bright and bold feel, to make it stand out in a competitive market place. Representation and diversity had also been a key consideration in the campaign, with AHDB looking to

reach out to a wide range of people in modern Britain. Comedian and television presenter Richard Ayoade, known for television programmes including Travel Man and The IT Crowd, voices the television adverts. Ms McDermid said he helped to ‘elevate’ the adverts, with his distinctive wit, charm and charisma. “It is a recognisable voice. It gives us endorsement and credibility,” she added. Farmers can also get involved in the campaign by sharing on their own social media, with AHDB also looking for case studies on-farm.

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19/12/2023 14:14

GLOBAL AG

Lack of African fertiliser ups global poverty rWar and Covid-19

increase food insecurity By Cedric Porter DISRUPTION to the supply of fertiliser caused by war, Covid-19 and climate change has led to a rapid increase in global poverty and food insecurity, according to African development organisation the Thabo Mbeki Foundation, which is named after the former South African president. Speaking at a recent conference in South Africa, the foundation’s chief executive Max Boqwana said: “We are at a critical crossroads, the world is facing the worst food crisis in decades, particularly in several regions of Africa. “The reduction of fertiliser supplies together with their increased prices leads to a surge in global food prices and to a multidimensional crisis: degradation of farms’ crop yields, rising poverty and health issues, decreased access to food, regional GDP slowdown, political unrest, and social conflicts. We are fast approaching a

tragic situation. We need to act collectively and urgently.” A report by the foundation estimated that 16 million tonnes of fertiliser was lost to the global market in the year to April 2023 as a result of disruption to global market, including war in Ukraine. It was the poorest countries who suffered the most, with richer farmers in Europe and the US drawing 2mt of fertiliser away from the SubSaharan African region.

Farm profits The report estimates that under-fertilisation in the region could reduce farm profits by $20 billion (£15.8bn) a year for the next five to 10 years. It added that the fertiliser crisis has increased the number of people facing acute hunger in sub-Saharan Africa to 262m, which could rise to 418m if no support measures are taken. The foundation urged the adoption of sanctions on companies and banks that facilitate the movement of fertiliser out of sub-Saharan Africa and for the development of finance systems and fertiliser production facilities in the region to increase fertiliser security.

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The adoption of sanctions on companies and banks which facilitate the movement of fertiliser out of sub-Saharan Africa has been urged.

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DECEMBER 22 2023 | 15

19/12/2023 15:07

SECTION SECOND BROW FARMHERE PROFILE Edited by Emily Ashworth – 01772 799 446 – emily.ashworth@agriconnect.com

Although fruit is still at the heart of Lathcoats Farm, which is one of the last remaining fruit farms in Essex, events throughout the year allow it to thrive - particularly at Christmas. Jack Watkins finds out more.

Fruit farm adds extra season to business with festive event

James Taylor

ownsizing the orchard hectarage but increasing the sales value of the end product has helped an Essex fruit farm adjust to an increasingly challenging market for the small- to medium-sized grower. Additionally, by taking advantage of its location on the doorstep of a large urban community and actively engaging with the public, the farm has ensured it continues to draw income in what would be the Christmas off-season on a more conventional farm. James Taylor is director of Lathcoats, and has taken over the day-today management of the farm from his father, Stephen, within the last 10 years. He is the fourth generation of his family to run the farm. James’ great-grandfather, William Lawrence Taylor, bought the 55-hectare (135-acre) farm at Galleywood, on the outskirts of Chelmsford, in 1912. He planted the first fruit orchards and used

the area’s good transport links to supply London markets, including Covent Garden. By the final decades of the last century, the farm was mainly supplying Cox and Gala varieties to wholesalers, but James’ father and his uncle, Philip, began moving towards a more localised focus in the 1990s. “Historically, all 55ha were apples, but over the last few decades that has declined, mainly due to the price of apples per kg not increasing at all,” says James. “At the same time, there has been a large rise in production costs. Being a relatively small farm, we cannot compete with the bigger farms in terms of economy of scale, so we have had to diversify, putting more produce through our farm shop, as well as stocking the products of local suppliers of meat, milk and other groceries. “Our biggest deduction in apple orchard hectarage was about 20 years ago when we practically

Lathcoats Farm has introduced ‘rent-a-tree’ scheme, where pot-grown trees can be rented for three weeks over Christmas. 16 | DECEMBER 22 2023

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ESSEX FARM PROFILE A children’s Christmas trail is run on-farm, which links through to the animal enclosure where there are pygmy goats, plus a pig, donkey and chickens.

JAMES TAYLOR halved in size, but we have since halved it again. We now have 10ha of apples, but we also grow 0.5ha of pears, as well as soft fruit including strawberries and smaller amounts of raspberries, blackberries and gooseberries. “We have also started growing pumpkins and vegetables to extend our shop range. The rest of the land is rented out to an arable farmer.”

Apples In a county where many farms once took advantage of the dry, sunny climate and loamy soils to grow fruit, urban development has meant the loss of 75 per cent of orchards in the last 30 years, according to the East of England Apples and Orchards Project. Lathcoats Farm is now one of the last fruit farms in Essex, yet 90 per cent of its income comes through its farm shop and cafe sales. Although the farm has been annually harvesting 300 tonnes of Gala and Cox for wholesale suppliers of

PICTURES: COUNTRYWIDE PHOTOGRAPHIC

Apples and fruit will always remain in the DNA of the farm [...] but bringing people in is important going forwards

independent retailers, it is likely to move away from its commercial output and concentrate on growing for its own sales outlets. “If we have a bad year on the commercial orchards, it is a big negative for the bottom line, whereas if we have a good one, we will probably just make a small profit or break even,” says James. Instead, they are moving towards growing varieties for their points of difference in terms of taste and colour, rather than yield and storage qualities. These can be sold through the farm shop at about £2.50/kg, in contrast to the 70-80p/kg average

Alpacas are also part of the ‘12 Days of Christmas’ trail, which includes activity sheets for children.

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paid by a commercial wholesaler. The farm now grows 50 different apple varieties. These include local heritage varieties like Chelmsford Wonder, Queen, Discovery and D’Arcy Spice, as well as newer varieties which include Colina, Navajo, Wellant and Santana.

Orchard James says: “We planted a new orchard two years ago which we dedicated to showcasing modern varieties, which have been developed to be more resistant to diseases like scab. “The orchard is chronologically structured in terms of when a

particular variety is ready to harvest, meaning [harvesting moves] successively from the end of July to November, which suits the ‘pick-your-own’ days we run.” It was Stephen and Philip who initiated the farm’s first ‘pick-yourown’ scheme, initially with an honesty box in the yard. A small farm shop was then created in one of the former cold storage areas, but has since been substantially enlarged. The cafe, The Bee Shed Coffee House, opened at about the same time the farm celebrated its centenary in 2012. James says his return to the farm in 2015, initially on bookkeeping duties before gradually assuming fruit growing responsibility, was timely given the direction of travel. He says: “I had worked for 10 years as a physiotherapist, but I had gone as far as I could go with that and the challenge of running a business was appealing. Deep down, I think I always knew I was going to come back. But fruit growing is only a part of the business now. Today, it is also about the farm shop and cafe, running events and talking to the public. “My father was very much about fruit growing and he taught me a lot, but I have taken on board the businesses’ transition from pure fruit growing towards also being a service and retail outlet. I enjoy seeing the farmyard busy. I do not think I would cope as a farmer running a farm with just two other employees.” The ‘pick-your-own’ days are now ticketed so that the car park, cafe and shop are not overrun. But although June, July and August are the peak times of year for custom though the shop and cafe, various events extend DECEMBER 22 2023 | 17

19/12/2023 14:15

FARM PROFILE ESSEX visitor interest across the year. Orchard experiences encompass the entire growing season, from blossom walks in April or May to harvest time walks in autumn. James says: “We also saw the pleasure people got from the guided blossom walks, so have created selfguided, signposted walks.” A major innovation has been a series of activities linked to Christmas. “It all started about eight years ago when a company approached us to hire the barns for a ‘Christmas frost’ experience,” says James.

Christmas “It was popular, so we decided to take it on ourselves. We found a local storyteller, Mike Dodsworth, and we came up with a storyline and trail linked to our animal enclosure, in which we keep a pig, donkey, chickens, pygmy goats and alpacas. “Mike made it into a magical experience for children, but we have since started to run it entirely by ourselves, enlarging the numbers we can accommodate on the trail. This year, we are doing the ‘12 Days of Christmas’, with all the days linked to a children’s activity sheet.” They have also started selling Christmas trees – but with a twist. James says: “Just before he retired, my father planted 400 Christmas trees, including the spruce varieties Norway, Serbian and Blue Colorado. Last year, we cut the first one and were pleased yet sad at

the same time. It had taken so long to grow, and then we just chopped it down.

Rent-a-tree “So, we have decided to launch a more sustainable rent-a-tree scheme. A pot-grown tree is rented out for three weeks over Christmas, after which it is brought back here, and we grow it on for another year. “The hope is people will rent the same tree year after year, so that effectively it grows up alongside the family. At the end of five years, they can forego the return of the deposit and keep the tree and plant it in their garden, or we will plant it here.” Despite the events side of the business, James says the farm remains true to its heritage. “We are still growing 20ha of fruit in total. Apples and fruit will always remain in the DNA of the farm. We planted another orchard this year, and we are looking to expand the strawberry growing side. But bringing people in is important going forwards. “We are so fortunate in our location, but we also draw in regulars from outlying Essex towns like Basildon and Southend. And the good news for us is that my sister Katie is joining the business shortly. She did project management for Tesco and Dyson, so she will be a real asset to the retail side of the business.”

There are 15 apple varieties which are pressed on-farm for their own branded Lathcoats apple juices.

Farm facts ■ Crops grown: 10 hectares (24 acres) of apples; 0.5ha (1.5 acres) of pears; soft fruit, including strawberries and smaller amounts of raspberries, blackberries and gooseberries; and pumpkins and vegetables ■ Three full-time staff involved with the farming side, plus four part-time throughout the year. A further 20 or so seasonal workers

employed at harvest. About 25 employees on retail side ■ Of the farm’s 50 apple varieties, 15 are pressed on-farm for branded Lathcoats apple juices. Biddenden Vineyard, Kent, processes the farm’s branded carbonated cider ■ The farm also runs a series of animal experiences for schoolchildren from disadvantaged backgrounds

The farm shop stocks produce grown on-farm and also local meat, milk and other groceries.

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ARABLE

Edited by Ash Ellwood – 07786 190 188 – ashleigh.ellwood@agriconnect.com

rApprehension about

treating the whole crop By Ash Ellwood SEED potato producers are urged to treat disease-susceptible stocks with a fungicide during the first grading window after the tricky harvest hindered earlier applications. It has been a challenging season in all seed-growing areas of the UK in 2023, with regular rainfall leading to some wet and sticky harvesting conditions late in summer. With producers keen to get crops dried and cured, few applied an early fungicide seed treatment to suppress storage diseases, such as dry rot, gangrene, skin spot and silver scurf, before store loading. There is also apprehension about treating the whole crop, as seed tuber treatments are not approved for use on ware potatoes and this restricts the ability of seed producers to sell oversized seed or ‘tops’ later on. The lack of fungicide use this year is a concern for independent potato consultant Paul Overton, who says many popular potato varieties are susceptible to dry rot and gangrene, and both have been on the rise in recent years. He says: “The focus at the moment is inevitably on soft rots because of the ideal conditions for bacterial infection during the growing season. “However, we are consistently seeing more dry rot and gangrene and they account for more of the throwout percentage at grading than people realise. “There are no silver bullets. Pre-planting treatments applied later

Growers are advised to apply protectant fungicides such as Gavel (imazalil) at the first opportunity to dry rot-susceptible varieties.

Early disease suppression opportunity for potato seed are stronger on rhizoctonia, so will have little impact. It is risky to rely on those to get you out of trouble.”

Mr Overton advises growers to apply protectant fungicides, such as Gavel (imazalil), at the first oppor-

tunity to dry rot-susceptible varieties, and for most this will be imminent at first grading, when seed is split into saleable seed fractions and tops. Treatment is especially important for pre-basic producers, as it suppresses disease in the earliest field generations, reducing proliferation further down the multiplication chain. “In the riskiest situations, mixing Gavel with Storite Excel [thiabendazole] can also help and it is also a good anti-resistance strategy to have two actives in the tank,” says Mr Overton. Applying the fungicide to clean, dry tubers over a correctly set up and calibrated roller table will maximise coverage and subsequent disease suppression. Boxes should go back into a well-ventilated store straight after treatment for drying.

Considering a digital grain passport MEMBERS of NFU Scotland are being asked to consider the introduction of a digital grain passport (DGP) despite union concerns over costs and implementation. NFUS challenged the proposed introduction of DGPs in November 2022, following extensive consultation with its membership. While the union’s combinable crops committee said it found some potential advantages in adopting DGPs, it also revealed concerns remained over value for money, future cost increases and extension of their scope. NFUS vice-president Andrew Connon, who sits on the DGP development group, says: “The direction of travel on DGPs in spring 2023 had the potential farmersguardian.com

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to establish an over-complicated ‘monster’ which would have potentially transformed the grain marketing process in this country. “NFUS stood firm in saying such complexity was unacceptable and only a simple replacement of the current paper passport merited consideration.

Involvement “Our involvement sought to ensure any new version of DGP will be in line with the criteria set by our committee and not just accepting what others in the supply chain would ask of us.” Over the past year, NFUS has been part of the leadership, development and data stakeholder groups looking at the business case for implementing

Six criteria THE union has set out six criteria which it is asking members to consider: 1 Is it accessible? 2 Is it efficient? 3 Is it fit for purpose (does its scope remain within paper

passport requirements)? 4 Are costs proportionate to benefits? 5 Will the data be owned by those who provide it? 6 Will the farming sector have a say in how the data is used?

a digital passport for combinable crop movements. A consultation on the latest proposals opened in late November 2023 and will close on Friday, February 2, 2024. The union’s combinable crops committee discussed the proposals at its November meeting and the wider

membership will now be consulted. Mr Connon says: “The next few months will see much debate on the subject and AHDB’s sector council will decide on whether to proceed with DGP development. In the meantime, we will fully consult with our members and submit our views in February.” DECEMBER 22 2023 | 19

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ARABLE

he 1,000-hectare farm started as a Royal Air Force bombers site in the second world war, which was decommissioned in the late 1960s and bought straight from the military by Jamie Stokes’ grandfather, John Stokes. To this day, the old runways are still visible throughout the farming landscape, providing useful roads to different arable fields. The arable enterprise has always been the key focus of the business. However, in 1977, Jamie’s father, Richard Stokes, first had the idea of selling Christmas trees directly from the farmgate while travelling in Sweden. When he returned home to Tithe Farm, Richard began implementing this new idea in the hope of creating an alternative income stream, and soon opened Warboys Christmas Tree Centre. Since then, the diversification has grown substantially, with high turnovers of trees and increasing customer popularity requiring the centre to be open seven days a week within its annual slot of the last weekend in November to December 20. Jamie took over much of the family farm 10 years ago, including the management of the arable enterprise, Warboys Christmas Tree Centre and additional diversifications including a ‘DIY’ equine livery yard, residential and commercial lets, on-farm shooting and a block of land rented to a model aeroplane club. The business has been positioned as selling high-quality trees, which is what the customer base wants. The trees vary between four and 14ft, with the 6-7ft needle-retaining Nordmann Firs being the most popular. Jamie says: “One in every three trees we sell will be six or seven feet high, but the quality is the most important factor. If you imagine that trees are graded A, B or C – with A being the highest quality – we would not be able to sell any B or C grades here; our customer base only wants top quality trees.

Located just outside Warboys in Cambridgeshire, one arable enterprise has been significantly expanded after a holiday to Sweden sparked a diversification idea. Ash Ellwood reports.

Jamie Stokes

Creating a festive income stream “The tree orders also look slightly different each year, depending on what sold well last year. When I took over we were 50 per cent Norway Spruce and 50 per cent Nordmann

NUFFIELD FARMING SCHOLAR JAMIE Stokes is one of 23 newly elected Nuffield Farming Scholars for the 2024 programme, with his research title: Doing more with less – learning from the small to teach the big. He plans to focus on urban farming, learning about how people farming smaller parcels of land view food production, and study the different mindsets in order to produce solutions that can be utilised on his home farm. Jamie says: “Our average field size is 36-37ha, which means the kit has got bigger to be more 20 | DECEMBER 22 2023

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efficient to farm the scale we do. This means some of our kit for example, the sprayer - cannot access all the corners and parcels of land we have, which makes farming odd sections difficult. “I want to see how people farm on the complete opposite end of the size spectrum. “At the moment, my travel plans include Japan and Singapore to see how they are farming smaller parcels of land, and see what I can bring back to help large-scale arable farms such as this one.”

Fir, but now everyone wants to put their trees up early so we are closer to 90 per cent Nordmann Fir and 10 per cent Norway Spruce.” The diversification currently sells to a localised market. Historically, Jamie has marketed the business through local newspapers, with large banners on the front gates to gather customers.

Marketing More recently, they have pushed online marketing through social media and paired with a local clothing company with which they hosted a shared event called ‘Cars, coffees and Christmas trees’, where local car enthusiasts meet at the farm. “The event benefited both businesses as people who had bought t-shirts from Takona got a discount on the Christmas trees. The idea [was prompted by how] we both use our businesses to promote a strong mental health message, and my site

provided the opportunity to have a gathering where people could come and talk. Everyone is welcome to come along and meet and talk to people over a shared love of all things automotive,” says Jamie. The Warboys Christmas Tree Centre is run as a stand-alone business to the arable enterprise, utilising the space at the front of the yard. Jamie says: “The enterprise must stand on its own feet as it is quite a financial commitment to stock the shop and staff the site. It is never going to make me a millionaire, but it certainly makes the effort worthwhile.” Alongside the Christmas tree business, Jamie also manages 1,000ha of combinable crops based upon a rotation of winter and spring wheat, winter and spring barley, winter and spring beans, spring oats and rotational grasses across three blocks of almost ring-fenced land, roughly 12 miles end to end. farmersguardian.com

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ARABLE The [Christmas tree] enterprise must stand on its own feet as it is quite a financial commitment to stock the shop and staff the site

The trees sold at Warboys Christmas Tree Centre vary between 4ft and 14ft, with the 6-7ft needle-retaining Nordmann Fir being the most popular.

JAMIE STOKES The soils are mainly heavy clay and Jamie has changed his cultivations to a non-inversion tillage system. “We currently use a Vaderstad TopDown 400 fitted with breakmix points. This allows us to mix the top 2-5cm of soil while ‘shattering’ the subsoil in one pass,” he says. “We want to keep any weed seeds on the surface where they can germinate, while helping our subsoil, which is mostly self-structuring.” Winter wheat is the main crop on the farm and Jamie looks to drill between 400-600ha each year, depending on the rotation. Everything is drilled with a nine-metre Dale Eco drill, as he believes this is the best drill for all situations on-farm, instead of having separate drills for different seasons and yearly soil conditions.

Drilling Drilling windows can be challenging when rainfall is increased. However, Jamie chooses his wheat varieties based on the optimum drilling window given by each breeder. He says: “We start drilling with a high yielding variety like KWS Siskin and will get as much of this in as the conditions allow. When heading into November, we will switch to something with a later drilling window such as RGT Skyfall. Any later than that we then swap to Belepi, and then into a pure spring variety to ensure a later germinating variety is used.” Drilling is never started before October due to a historical blackgrass problem, and the main driver for the delayed drilling is to ensure any emerging black-grass can be sprayed off with glyphosate before drilling. “We also use a Claydon Straw Harrow throughout the season to encourage black-grass flushes and spray off accordingly,” says Jamie. For this autumn, drilling has nearly been completed, with all the combinable crops in and only 30ha of beans left to drill. However, this is being exchanged for spring beans farmersguardian.com

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due to the wet soil conditions experienced this year. When marketing the cereals, Jamie produces the crops with a feed market in mind, but if any reach the quality required for a premium market he will switch over and sell the grain for human consumption. “This year, our oats hit the human consumption market and our barley also made malting for the first time. “We always budget our inputs and outputs based around feed spec and see how the crop gets on in the season,” he says.

Organic matter After harvesting the cereals, almost all of the straw is turned back into the soil to allow organic matter to build. Jamie says: “Finding organic matter to bring onto the farm is very difficult in our area. We have one muck for straw deal, where we can swap the straw for farmyard manure, but there are so few livestock businesses in the vicinity that we can swap with.”

The diversification currently sells to a localised market, but there has recently been a push for more marketing through social media.

PROVIDING HABITATS AS the farm was historically a Royal Air Force bombers site and has been used for commercial farming ever since, it does not have much opportunity for wild bird habitats. Therefore, on any unproductive or awkward corners of the farm, the family have planted various habitats. The largest habitat created on-farm comprises 4ha of miscanthus, which was planted over 10 years ago and has flowered for the first time this year. Jamie says: “We wanted a block of permanent ground cover here, as this block contains roughly 300ha without a single ditch or tree. “This has been popular with wildlife as there are both taller

and shorter parts of the miscanthus, meaning it can be home to a variety of different species.” The miscanthus is left alone for most of the year, and is managed when required by a flail mower to cut it down, which tends to be every couple of years.

“I do not worry about what is in the bottom of the miscanthus as it all seems to provide different habitats for different species; I would only really worry if it got smothered by a particularly invasive weed like brambles,” says Jamie.

The miscanthus plot has been popular with wildlife, as taller and shorter sections provide homes for a variety of species.

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19/12/2023 11:47

SALES Whatmore flock tops Dutch Spotted sale at Welshpool Edited by Angela Calvert – 07768 796 492 – angela.calvert@agriconnect.com

3,700gns for the pre-sale show champion, Merryboro Gold Duster; a ewe lamb by McDermott’s Fireman and out of the imported dam Clover which went to the same buyer. Making 2,800gns, from Mrs Gibbons, was the in-lamb gimmer and reserve champion, Whatmore Fly by Whatmore Earshot, which had run with Forty Winx. The buyer was C. Simpson, Llandovery. At the same money was another from the Nash family; an imported gimmer, Firestorm, which was in-lamb to McDermotts Fireman and sold to W.W. Bowen, Brecon.

top price of 4,100gns

BRECON-BASED Sara Gibbons’ Whatmore Eclair led the Dutch Spotted trade at Welshpool’s multibreed in-lamb sale at 4,400gns. By Glencoy Chance and out of the imported dam Candy Floss, it sold – in-lamb to Forty Winx – to J. and J. Bugden and Sons, Southampton. At 4,100gns was the in-lamb gimmer Merryboro French Fancy from Tom and Louise Nash, Haverfordwest. By Merryboro Cracker, out of the imported dam Annabelle and in-lamb to Dutch Magic Man, it sold to Sebastian Ghiorghita, Wellingborough. The same vendors then took

AVERAGES 38 head, £1,189.54. Auctioneers: Welshpool Livestock Sales.

Whatmore Eclair from Sara Gibbons, Brecon, which sold for 4,400gns to J. and J. Bugden and Sons, Southampton. PICTURE: MACGREGOR PHOTOGRAPHY

rGimmer takes second

Blue Texels head up Skipton females Pre-sale show champion, a shearling ewe from David and Jennifer Alexander, Galston, which sold for 1,600gns to the Lythe family, Bacup.

PICTURE: ADRIAN LEGGE

BLUE Texels led the trade at Skipton’s winter sale of pedigree females at 1,600gns. This was the pre-sale show champion, a shearling ewe by a homebred ram going back to Beili Blues Dylan, from David and Jennifer Alexander’s Millside flock, Galston. It sold – in-lamb with twins to Towerview Grand Prix – to the Lythe family, Bacup, who also paid 1,000gns for the reserve champion from the same home. This was a shearling ewe by Beili Blues Dylan, carrying twins to Dragon Fab. Gordon Gray, Selkirk, topped the Northern Area Texel Sheep Breeders sale at 1,200gns twice. Firstly, for the pre-sale show champion; a shearling ewe by Holtridge El Primo. It sold,

carrying twins to Clarks Grey Goose, to James Robertshaw, Bradford. Also making 1,200gns from the same home was a shearling ewe

by New View Electrifying, again carrying twins to Grey Goose, which was knocked down to J. and A. Hartley, Grindleton.

Beltex topped at 1,200gns for the second prize in-lamb shearling ewe; Matt’s Hendrick by Murrays Expert, from Matthew Burleigh, Enniskillen, which sold to Henry Bailey, Keighley. The champion was the winning shearling ewe, Tercrosset Hannah; an Artnagullion Feux daughter from the Whiteford family, Brampton, which sold – in-lamb with twins to Lurg Hangman – for 1,000gns to Daniel Thackray, Fewston. AVERAGES Blue Texels - shearling ewes, £553; aged ewes, £735; ewe lambs, £267; Beltex - shearling ewes, £645; commercial females, £281. Auctioneers: CCM.

New calf record set at Bentham Barnard Castle sale peaks at £2,050 A FLYING trade for calves at Bentham saw the pre-sale show champion, a British Blue bull from A.J. and A.J. Gibbons, Out Rawcliffe, sell for a new mart record of £730 to Paul, Dorothy and Richard Roskell, Pilling. They also paid £600 for the reserve champion, an Aberdeen-Angus bull from Brian Barnes, Kirkby Lonsdale. Best of the heifers came from Mike 22 | DECEMBER 22 2023

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Packham, Kendal, with his first prize weanling at £545, while Trevor Hodgson, Dent, had the winning continental heifer, which made £540. A run of weaned Blues from D.E. Wood and Son, Ulverston, topped at £550 for a steer. Overall, 18 calves sold for more than £500, with a further 19 at £400 or more. Auctioneers: Richard Turner and Son.

THE show of suckled calves at Barnard Castle was judged by Matthew Brown, Bridlington, who awarded the championship to a nine-month-old Limousin heifer from Paul Walton, Harwood in Teesdale, which was sold for the top price of £2,050 to I. Swales, Goole. The reserve champion was a nine-month-old Limousin heifer also from Messrs Walton which sold for £1,550 to the judge.

The top price steer, at £1,805, was a Limousin from P.J. Dixon, Langleydale, and the top price bull, at £1,845, was a Charolais from T. Watson, Frosterley. AVERAGES Steers, £1,390.04; heifers, £1,245.58; bulls, £1,319.32. Auctioneers: Barnard Castle and Teesdale Farmers Auction Mart Co. farmersguardian.com

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SALES

PICTURE: MACGREGOR PHOTOGRAPHY

A shearling gimmer from Boden and Davies’ Sportsmans flock, Stockport, which sold to Alan Blackwood, Muirkirk, for 35,000gns.

rSportsmans flock

takes top price

THE Christmas Stars sale of Texel females at Carlisle topped at 35,000gns for a shearling gimmer by Plasucha Big Gun from Boden and Davies’ Sportsmans flock, Stockport. It sold, in-lamb to 170,000gns Knap Grumpy and with

a top 1 per cent texelplus index, to Alan Blackwood for the Auldhouseburn flock, Muirkirk. The Sportsmans flock averaged £7,935 for seven gimmers. Next, at 28,000gns, was a New View Electrifying daughter, in-lamb to Auldhouseburn Gazza, from Robert Cockburn’s Knap flock, Crieff. The buyer was Messrs Teward for the New View flock,

Texel Christmas Stars reach 35,000gns Darlington. The Knap flock averaged £6,533.33 for nine gimmers. Messrs Blackwood then paid 21,000gns for a Cressage Enforcer daughter carrying twins to Auldhouseburn Fancy Pants, from the Innes family’s Strathbogie flock, Huntly. A gimmer by Rhaeadr Entreprenuer – in-lamb to Strathbogie Gladiator – from Jack Arnott’s

Haymount flock, Kelso, sold for 10,000gns to Danny Fair for the Drmbreddan flock, Stranraer. At the same money was a gimmer by Seaforde Empire King – in-lamb to Knap General Lee – from Messrs Boden’s Mellor Vale flock, which was knocked down to Messrs Cockburn. AVERAGES 70 gimmers, £3,255.75.

Exeter sees strong dairy trade THE dairy sale at Exeter topped at £2,500 for the first prize heifer and overall champion, Bartinney Dealmaker Scarlett, from D.W. and R.J. Warren, Penzance, who sold other heifers to £2,000 and a second calver at £1,800. The reserve champion was Barnowl Miad Celandine, a pedigree Jersey heifer from Charles and Andrew Reader, Northamptonshire, which made £2,350. Other Jerseys from the same home sold to £1,550 twice with five averaging £1,680. Other Holstein heifers sold to £2,050 for Paul and Joy Harvey, Kingsbridge, who are dispersing their Tunley herd. They also sold cows to £1,850 and £1,750. Organic heifers sold to £2,280

for R.L. Persey, Broadhembury. Dave Hunt, South Brent, sold organic cross-bred heifers to £1,500. Norwegian Red cross Montbeliarde cross heifers sold at £1,550 and £1,520 for Trela Farms, Camelford. A.R. Hooper and Partners, Spreyton, sold their annual consignment of fresh grazing type cows, which fall outside of their calving block, to £1,920 for a fresh British Friesian heifer. Their younger cows sold to £1,820 and their older cows saw eighth calvers sell to £1,600, with the consignment averaging £1,613. In-calf heifers topped at £1,500 for S.M. and E.J. Ball, Exmouth. Auctioneers: Kivells.

Blue Texels to 1,050gns CARYL’S Blues Glory, an in-lamb gimmer from Caryl Howells, Carmarthenshire, took the top call of 1,050gns at the sale of Blue Texel females at Welshpool. By Cairnrock Fully Loaded and out of a home-bred dam by an imported sire, it sold – in-lamb to Auchmantle Flock Star – to C.A. Jessop and Sons, Leicestershire. They also paid 1,000gns for Dovery Golden Girl by a Hackney sire, from Messrs Comer and Simpson, Llandovery. At 850gns was Caryl’s Blue Fflur farmersguardian.com

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from Caryl Howells. Fully import-bred on both sides, and again carrying to Auchmantle Flock Star, it also headed home with Messrs Jessop. At the same money was Whatmore Ebony-e from Sara Gibbons, Brecon. The Whatmore Chaos daughter out of a dam by Hackney X-Factor, sold – in-lamb to Titanium Game On – to Mike Harding, Abermule. AVERAGES 27 head, £707.30. Auctioneers: Welshpool Livestock Sales.

Left to right: Frank and Ann Jackson with their first prize pair of pork pigs, and judge Charles Ashbridge of Taste Tradition.

Christmas pigs at Thirsk AT Thirsk’s Christmas show and sale of prime pigs and sows, the championship went to Frank and Ann Jackson of F. and H.L. Jackson, Whitby, with their first prize pair of pork pigs under 90kg. The pigs sold for 290p/kg (£261/head) to the judge, Charles Ashbridge of Taste Tradition, Hutton Conyers. Mr Ashbridge also paid 255p/kg (£246/head) for the reserve

champions, which were the winning pair of bacon pigs over 90kg from Coline Piercy, Stillington, and 222p/kg for the second prize pair of pork pigs from Matthew Keel, Bagby. First prize sow from A.H., P.A. and R. Myers, Stanghow, sold for 125p/kg (£376/head) to Cheale Meats, Essex. Auctioneers: Thirsk Farmers Auction Mart. DECEMBER 22 2023 | 23

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33-37 Livestock

37 Feedstuffs & Bedding

38-41 Buildings & Building Materials

HAWES, NORTH YORKSHIRE, DL8 3NP

SPONSORED BY

www.showtime-supplies.co.uk

Return the form opposite, scan this QR code or enter online at farmersguardian.com/ showtimestockjudging

ANIMAL

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20/12/2023 11:41

Call 01772 799500 and place your ad today HOW TO ENTER Return the form below or enter online at farmersguardian.com/showtimestockjudging

ANIMAL

Stockjudging competition entry form

Fill in and return this form before January 15, 2024, or go to farmersguardian.com/showtimestockjudging

Completing Section A of the form enables you to be entered into our free prize draw. However, we’d like to know a little more about you to help us provide information about relevant products. Fill in Section B if you would like to provide this additional information.

Section A Title:

First name:

I think the judge will select:

Surname:

Address:

First

Postcode:

Second

Year of birth:

Third

Mobile/telephone number: To keep up-to-date with the latest news, enter your email address to receive our electronic newsletters:

Fourth

Email address: Select which newsletters you would like to receive:

Auction Finder e-newsletter

Buy and Sell e-newsletter

Jobs in Agriculture e-newsletter

Section B Are you the main decision maker on farm? Primary occupation (tick one box only): Farm Owner Contractor

Yes

N/A

Farm Manager Agronomist/Adviser

Farm Worker Student

Tenant Farmer Other

Farm Manager Agronomist/Adviser

Farm Worker Student

Tenant Farmer Other

Secondary occupation: (tick one box only): Farm Owner Contractor 0

1-19

20-49

50-99

100-199

200-299

300-399

400-499

500-999

1,000+

Total farm size in hectares: Dairy (livestock numbers):

Beef (livestock numbers): Sheep (livestock numbers): Privacy Statement: Data protection – your personal data will be collected and processed in accordance with our Privacy Statement which can be viewed (see p11). From time to time, Agriconnect would like to use the personal data you have provided in this form to contact you via email, post, phone and text about Agriconnect goods and services that we think will be of interest to you. If you would like to receive this communication, please confirm this by ticking this box. Your personal data will not be shared with third parties. If you have any queries or concerns about how we hold your data, please write to the Data Protection Co-ordinator, Agriconnect, Unit 4, Caxton Road, Preston, PR2 9NZ, or email dataprotection@farmersguardian.com.

Please return by January 15, 2024, to: Showtime Stockjudging Competition, Farmers Guardian, Unit 4, Fulwood Business Park, Caxton Road, Fulwood, Preston, Lancashire, PR2 9NZ. Terms and Conditions: 1. The competition (prize draw) is open to UK residents (aged 18 years or over), with the exception of ‘employees’ or ‘relatives of employees’ of Agriconnect. 2. Inclusion in the prize draw is subject to entry to the competition. 3. Entry to the draw will close January 15, 2024. 4. Only one entry per person is permitted. 5. Winners will be selected at random from all valid and correctly answered entries. 6. The judge’s decision is final. No correspondence or discussion shall be entered into. 7. Prize is non-refundable and no prize alternative is available. 8. Completion of the entry form implies acceptance of these terms and conditions.

FGbuyandsell.com

Class Showtime Stockjudging Oct27 AC OM KR GG SIGNED OFF.indd 3

December 22, 2023 |

20/12/2023 11:42

FGBuyandSell.com Auctions

GISBURN AUCTION MARTS Auctioneers, Valuers, Agents

FARMSTOCK AUCTIONEERS, BROKERS & VALUERS

The Directors & Staff of Harrison & Hetherington Ltd would like to thank you all for your custom during 2023 and wish you all a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year BORDERWAY MART, CARLISLE Tel: 01228 406200

CHRISTMAS SALE ARRANGEMENTS Monday 25th December Wednesday 27th December Monday 1st January

54 TEXEL SHEEP On behalf of the Solway & Tyne Sheep Society Friday 5th January Show 3.30pm Sale 5.30pm Comprising 24 gimmers and 4 ewe lambs and dispersal sale of the Callerton flock On behalf of MD Sym, comprising 20 ewes and 6 gimmers

NO SALES – MART and OFFICES CLOSED

“Classy Lassies”show and sale of registered crossing type inlamb

Tuesday 2nd January Sale of PRIME SHEEP – 1.00pm Sale of PRIME BULLS, PRIME CATTLE, CAST COWS 11.00am Wednesday 3rd January 11.00am STORE CATTLE followed by

Monday 15th January Entries close Tuesday 2nd January

WEANERS & YOUNG BULLS DISPERSAL SALE OF THE USK VALE, PROCTERS & TATHAM HALL FLOCKS Friday 29th December – 10.30am Usk Vale Texel Flock 13 Flush ewes, 69 Recips carrying embryos, 6 Flock ewes, 40 shearling gimmers, 21 ewe lambs Procters Texel Flock 80 Recips carrying embryos, 32 Flock Ewes, 28 shearling gimmers, 35 ewe lambs Tatham Hall Texel Flock 35 Recips carrying embryos, 37 Flock ewes, 19 shearling gimmers, 18 ewe lambs Procters Beltex Flock 37 Flock ewes, 30 Recips carrying embryos, 14 shearling gimmers, 12 ewe lambs

TRILOGY SALE - PART 1 Sale of 35

DUTCH SPOTTED inlamb females From the Hazelberry & Tiptop flocks Friday 29th December – 11.00am

BORDERWAY MONTHLY DAIRY DAY Wednesday 3rd January Entries close Tuesday 2nd January

BLUEFACED LEICESTER FEMALES

PEDIGREE BRITISH BLUE CATTLE Friday 19th January Entries close Tuesday 2nd January

CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR SALE ARRANGEMENTS Wednesday 27th December Prime Sheep – 9.30am Tuesday 2nd January – Prime Sheep

ON SITE SALE TRILOGY SALE - PART 2 Major Production sale from the

CLEENAGH FLOCK

Of Dutch Spotted, Badgerface & Blue Texel inlamb females Friday 5th January – 7.00pm At Ballymena Market, BT42 4Q All sheep are for immediate export to the UK mainland and will be delivered free of charge to Borderway Mart for collection on Saturday 6th January from 8am

PLEASE SCAN TO VIEW OUR ONLINE CATALOGUES

CONTACT YOUR LOCAL LIVESTOCK MARKET AT www.laa.co.uk

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www.gisburnauctions.com | 01200 445376

Tel: 01768 371385

The Livestock Auctioneers Association Value your marts efficiency | December 22, 2023

Ammended festive sale dates SATURDAY 23RD DECEMBER – NO SALE THURSDAY 28TH DECEMBER – NO SALE SATURDAY 30TH DECEMBER – NO SALE TUESDAY 2ND JAN – NO MACHINERY SALE Office closes Friday 22nd December reopening Tuesday 2nd January Thursday 4 January 10.30am PRIME & CULL CATTLE 10.30am REARING CALVES 11.00am DUGDALE with LELY SHOW & SALE OF DAIRY entries emailed or texted to Eleanor by Tuesday 2nd Saturday 6 January 9.30am OPENING NEW YEARS SALE OF CAST SHEEP & PRIME LAMBS 10.30am BREEDING & STORE SHEEP SALE entries emailed or to the office on Tuesday 2nd January Thursday 11 January 10.30am PRIME & CULL CATTLE 10.30am REARING CALVES 11.00am WEEKLY DAIRY 12.30pm STIRKS entries to the office by 12noon Tuesday 9th Saturday 13 January 9.30am WEEKLY CAST SHEEP & PRIME LAMBS 10.00am OPENING NEW YEAR SALE OF BREEDING & STORE CATTLE entries by Tuesday 9th

KIRKBY STEPHEN MART

Visit www.harrisonandhetherington.co.uk or follow us on Facebook & Instragram

Tom Greenow - Market Manager 01200445376 Rachel Capstick 07713075659 Jack Pickup 07710708326 Eleanor O’Neill 07706347505 Matthew Middleton 07860659803

SKIPTON AUCTION MART

Tel: 01756 792375 www.ccmauctions.com

Auctioneers: Jeremy Eaton - 07747 780481 Ted Ogden - 07855 958211 Kyle Hawksworth - 07538 539077 Rob Cloughton 07496 278828

Xmas Office Opening Hours Monday 25th December – NO SALE Thursday 28th December – Sale of PRIME LAMBS & CAST SHEEP ONLY Arrival from 8.30am Sale 1.30pm Monday 1st January – NO SALE The Directors & Staff would like to wish all our customers a Very Merry Christmas & a Prosperous New Year Wednesday 3rd January New Year Opening Sale of 600-700 YOUNG FEEDING BULLS, BEEF FEEDING CATTLE, STORE BULLOCKS & HEIFERS & BREEDING CATTLE Sale 10.00am Wednesday 10th January STORE HOGGS & FEEDING EWES (Entries close Tuesday 2nd January) Dairy Cattle Monday 8th January Show & Sale of DAIRY CATTLE Monday 22nd January Show & Sale of DAIRY CATTLE Entries and Enquiries to Sarah 07710 795585

FGbuyandsell.com FGinsight.com

20/12/2023 12:44:04

Call 01772 799500 and place your ad today Auctions

SEDGEMOOR AUCTION CENTRE 01278 410250 | livestock@gth.net Derek Biss 07850 932555 | Andrew Clements 07769 904704 | Sally Mitchell 07764 817998 | Tom Mellor 07929 649195

Our specialist sales team would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

Weekly Dairy Sales Monthly Catalogued Dairy Sales Collective Machinery Sales at Sedgemoor Auction Centre and across the South West Dispersal, Reduction and Liquidation Sales

Exceptional trade on farm for Dorset Dispersal

The Withers Machinery Sale Malmesbury, Wiltshire

Shakira’s Shine in Spotlight Sales selling to 9100gns

GREENSLADE TAYLOR HUNT www.gth.net

BENTHAM AUCTION MART

NORTH WEST AUCTIONS LIVESTOCK AUCTIONEERS � VALUERS

www.nwauctions.co.uk

info@nwauctions.co.uk

LANCASTER AUCTION MART Tel: 01524 63308 Friday 29th December *NO SALE* -------------------------------

Monday 1st January *NO SALE* -------------------------------

Friday 5th January 10.15am 150 REARING CALVES & WEANLINGS 10.15am 150 CAST / OTM CATTLE 11.15am 300 STORE CATTLE -------------------------------

Monday 8th January 10.30am PRIME HOGGS & CAST SHEEP Followed by STORE HOGGS

J36 RURAL AUCTION CENTRE Tel: 015395 66200 Tuesday 26th December 12noon 2000 PRIME LAMBS & CAST SHEEP -------------------------------

Thursday 28th December *NO SALE* -------------------------------

Tuesday 2nd January 1pm 2000 PRIME HOGGS & CAST SHEEP -------------------------------

Thursday 4th January 10.30am Fortnightly Sale of 4000 STORE HOGGS

FGbuyandsell.com

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Saturday 6th January 10.30am Show & Sale of 104 Pedigree Texel Females On behalf of North West Texel Breeders Club Show & Sale of 46 Pedigree Beltex Females On behalf of Beltex Sheep Society Society Sales of Pedigree Females for 6 Blue Texels & 8 Badger Face Texels -------------------------------

Thursday 11th January NEW YEAR SHOW OF STORE CATTLE 10am REARING CALVES & WEANLINGS 10.30am 100 CAST / OTM CATTLE 11.15am STIRKS & STORE CATTLE Entries Close Wednesday 3rd January -------------------------------

Saturday 27th January DIAMOND DELIGHTS Rough Fell Females on behalf of the RFSBA Swaledale Females on behalf of the SSBA Bluefaced Leicester Females Also this day Multi-Breed Sale of Individual In-Lamb Breeding Sheep & Commercial In-Lamb Sheep Entries Close Friday 5th January North West Auctions would like to wish all our customers a Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year.

015242 61444 - Sale Days 61246 Stephen 07713 075 661 Greg 07713 075 664 Will 07590 876 849 www.benthamauc on.co.uk

Today, Friday 22nd December at 6pm CHRISTMAS SALE OF DRESSED POULTRY

Wednesday 27th December *SHEEP ONLY SALE * 2.30pm 2000 Cast Ewes followed by 2500-3500 Prime Lambs YOUNG FARMERS SINGLES NIGHT Prizes for Best Single Prime Lamb (Lowland & Hill Breeds) & Best Presented Prime Lamb & Vendor (Show by a Young Handler (Under 27yo)) Wednesday 3rd January Fortnightly Dairy Sale Weekly Sale of Rearing Calves, Cast Ewes & Prime Hoggs Tuesday 9th January Feeding & Cast Cows & OTM Cattle Suckler Breeding Cattle

NEW YEAR SALE OF STORE CATTLE FORTNIGHTLY SALE OF STORE HOGGS

Entries for catalogue close Tuesday 2nd January Wednesday 10th January 11am 100-150 REARING CALVES 2.30pm 2000 Cast Ewes followed by 2500-3500 Prime Hoggs

RTS Richard Turner & Son AUCTIONEERS VALUERS & ESTATE AGENTS

Est 1803

December 22, 2023 |

20/12/2023 12:26:15

FGBuyandSell.com

Penrith Auction Mart 01768 864700

Auctions

The Directors and Staff would like to wish all their customers a Merry Christmas and New Year Wednesday 27th December 8am – Sale of Cast Ewes & Rams & followed at 10am with Prime Lambs (Ballot 10am) Wednesday 3rd January 8am – Sale of Cast Ewes & Rams & followed at 10am with Prime Hoggs (Ballot 10am) Wednesday 3rd January 2pm- Sale of 800 Store Sheep of all classes Friday 5th January 10am- Sale of 250 Rearing Calves and Weaned Stirks Monday 15th January Bonanza Prize Show and Sale of Store Cattle and Feeding Bulls of all classes Entries close Noon Monday 8th January

www.penrithauction.com

Value your marts efficiency

CONTACT YOUR LOCAL LIVESTOCK MARKET AT www.laa.co.uk

(3 Miles from Junction 20 of the M1 Motorway)

Auctioneers Association

THE 91st MIDSHIRES PRODUCE AUCTION. Approx 5,000 Tonnes on Farms and Estates in the Central Midland Counties. To include a comprehensive selection of HAY, STRAW, HAYLAGE & SILAGE. in all sizes, easily accessible to towns including Banbury, Coventry, Daventry, Hinckley, Lutterworth, Northampton, Nuneaton, Rugby, and Warwick. Together with: 200 Round Bales Organic Silage, 200 Tonnes Maize Silage at Cosby, Leicester, 200 Tonnes Maize Silage at Sapcote, Leicester, 200 Tonnes Grass Silage at Rowington, Warwick, 50 Tonnes Fodder Beet at Anstey, Coventry. Plus: Hay and Straw for delivery. TO BE SOLD BY AUCTION ON Tuesday 2nd January 2024 at 2.30pm. Lutterworth Rugby Football Club, Ashby Lane, Bitteswell, Lutterworth, Leicestershire LE17 4LW

The Livestock

Andrew Maughan 07717 611952 Paul Gardner 07552 589141

Catalogues & Information Tel: 01788 564749 7 – 11 Albert Street, Rugby, CV21 2RX www.howkinsandharrison.co.uk/auctions

STIRLING BULL SALES 18th & 19th FEBRUARY 2024 / 23 BULLS

| December 22, 2023

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FGbuyandsell.com FGinsight.com

20/12/2023 13:02:01

Call 01772 799500 and place your ad today Auctions

Tuesday 2nd January @approx 4.00pm Usual Fatstock Sale GATES OPEN 1PM Friday 5th January @11.00am Opening Sale of Store & Breeding Stock Inc Store Cattle Show Sponsored by Nigel Slater of Laverton Finance & Martin Ellis Feed Solutions 900 Ordinary Auction Mart Shares To be sold in the Main ring at 12.00noon Wishing all our Customers a Merry Christmas & a Happy & Prosperous New Year!! Ian Smith - Mart Manager 07738043771 Office 01943 462172 wfam@auctionmarts.com

February

BROUGHTON AUCTION MART We are pleased to announce that commencing 1st January 2024 All Livestock sales & collections held at Broughton Mart will be operated by Barnard Castle & Teesdale Farmers Auction Mart Co.Ltd Tel Libby Bell Auctioneer on 07818 435728

October

BELTEX

BELTEX IN-LAMB SALE

Kendal Jct 36

Brockholes Arms Auction Mart

Claughton On Brock, Preston PR3 0PH

01995 640280 www.garstangmart.co.uk Auctioneer: Ian Atkinson 07944 237516 PLEASE NOTE WE WILL BE CLOSED ON THE 26th & 27th December 2023

Saturday 6 Jan 2024

(46 Entries) Show: 9.00am Sale: 12noon Details: NWA 015395 66200

office@beltex.co.uk

www.beltex.co.uk

Tuesday 2nd January 2024 Weekly Sales Resume as Normal Wednesday 24th January 2023 Monthly Show & Sale of Dairy Cattle New Sales Fixtures Saturday 17th February 2024 Early Spring Sale of Machinery & Implements Saturday 24th February 2024

“BROCKHOLES BEST OF BRITISH” SALE OF NATIVE PEDIGREE BREEDING BULLS & FEMALES Entries to date include 40 Ped AA Entry Forms Available Online Entries close 31st January The Directors, Auctioneers & Staff would like to Wish all Customers a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year

By Instruction of Messrs V.E. Kirk & Sons

60th ANNUAL PRODUCE SALE THURSDAY 4th JANUARY 2024 SALE BY AUCTION OF APPROX. 1800 TONS of HAY, BARLEY & WHEAT STRAW & A QUANTITY OF GRASS SILAGE in 82 Lots on two farms Commencing at 1pm at SPRING GRANGE FARM, BARKBY ROAD, BEEBY, LEICESTER, LE7 3BQ Catalogues on Application or download from our website

Call 01772 799500 and place your advert today FGbuyandsell.com

p031.indd 31

0116 233 6433

100 Regent Road, Leicester LE1 7DG www.ealane.com email: auctions@ealane.com

ASHLEY WALLER AUCTIONEERS HORTICULTURE No Sale 27th Dec FURNITURE Next Sale 3rd & 4th January PRODUCE No sale Monday 25th December, 1st January Special sale Tuesday 2nd January at 12.30pm MACHINERY Next Sale Tuesday 9th January - Delivery on 2nd January info@ashleywaller.co.uk www.ashleywaller.co.uk www.easyliveauc on.com

Personal

HOUSEKEEPER Mature

person required to help out & join a team for a retired Farmer. Must be able to drive & cook. Excellent private accommodation provided. I am a Shropshire farmer with a small team around me and I am looking for someone to help out when required. All replies answered in confidence.

beech55@hotmail. co.uk Retired Farmer, living in the North of England, would like to meet and correspond with a likeminded lady aged between 60 and 75 years old. All replies will be answered PO Box 1039 Farmers Guardian, Caxton Road, Fulwood, PR2 9NZ

Personal

CHRISTIAN PARTNER Have your pray-

ers for a soul mate not been answered yet? Would you love a partner who shares your Christian faith? Then let ‘Friends1st’ introduce you to all the fantastic members on our books – like we have for so many other farmers across the UK. With our membership support team we are the fertiliser that gets your prayer answered! Let us introduce you to someone special today. Call: 0121 405 0941 today for a friendly chat or book a Discovery call with us here: www.friends1st. co.uk/book-a-call

FARMING

ROOTS

Lady seeks profess bachelor farmer businessman. 58-68, tall slim nice looks, company. I’m solvent no ties pretty lady. Prefers simple life, old fashioned values, loyal. Young at heart and looks. Genuine written replies, photo SW Mids/Welsh borders PO BOX 1042

Farmers Guardian, Caxton Rd, Preston PR2 9NZ

December 22, 2023 |

20/12/2023 12:23:48

FGBuyandSell.com Brand new website Visit jobs.farmersguardian.com for the latest job vacancies in agriculture

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.

THE ROLE: •

We are now looking for a motivated and driven salesperson to join our Sales team. The main function of the role is to develop business through growth in revenue, yield, and to increase customer numbers. You will be required to identify new opportunities and influence companies’ media buying habits within the agricultural sector. Due to the ever-changing nature of the industry, this person will have the ability to spot new avenues and exploit market trends. Hours: 35 hours per week – Mon – Fri Location: Preston – temporary hybrid remote Salary: Competitive, dependant on experience.

•

• • •

SKILLS & EXPERIENCE: • •

Own, support and fully develop specific market sectors Conduct sales presentations by telephone, email or face to face to existing and prospective clients in order to develop existing business and generate new business wherever possible. Advise existing and new customers on the most effective solution to meet client needs within the Agriconnect portfolio. Continually seek and develop new sales & opportunities. Ability to accurately forecast future sales Keep abreast of all current trends, activities and relevant news within agriculture and specific sector An interest in agriculture Highly motivated & driven, with an ability to meet ambitious performance goals Be enthusiastic and motivated to continually explore new opportunities, whilst possessing a natural inquisitive nature Excellent communication written and interpersonal skills

• • • • • • • •

We offer an excellent package including: • • • • • •

A competitive basic salary 25 days holiday increasing to 27 after two years An extra day off on your birthday Free life assurance Contributory pension scheme Employee assistance programme

Arc has ambitious plans for growth, and this is an opportunity to be part of our continuing success story whilst enjoying a fabulous work/life balance. We strive to create a culture that is open and respectful, where differences are valued and celebrated. We want everyone to be able to reach their full potential, so we are committed to cultivating a company that promotes inclusion and belonging.

To apply for this role, please email amber.tabiner@agriconnect.com

Head of Youngstock Rearing Area: Sutton Bonington, Loughborough Salary: £27,584 to £33,804 per annum Farm Worker, Herdsperson The University of Nottingham Centre for Dairy Science Innovation (CDSI) and Arable Farm form part of the Agri-Tech National centre for Dairy research. This role is an opportunity for an experienced applicant looking for a new challenge. You will manage the Youngstock department including two direct reports and will be responsible for the care and welfare of animals from birth to first calving. There will also be occasional work with the adult cattle You will have excellent organisation and record keeping skills and will be responsible for maintaining high standards of cleanliness and hygiene in all calf buildings. You will contribute to the overall running of the farm in all aspects of animal husbandry, including machinery operations (operation of telehandlers and driving of farm vehicles and tractors) animal handling and care. The role requires both excellent stock-management and team-working skills as well as an ability to contribute to the animal welfare and the health Candidates should have a minimum of two A-Levels in relevant subjects or have equivalent vocational qualifications with some relevant experience or have considerable experience in a relevant role. Due to the frequency with the role holder will be required to drive farm vehicles a full, current driving licence is also essential for this post. Further information regarding the duties for this post can be found on the attached job role profile. What’s in it for you • Ongoing support to develop your skills and gain industry recognised qualifications to further your career ambitions that may lead to different career paths and career progression. • An excellent holiday allowance of 26 days, plus additional university closure days and bank holidays • Employee Assistance Programme and Counselling Service - 24/7 support. • Supplier discounts, travel, and reward schemes. • Staff Networks, events and activities and state of the art sports facilities. • All the tools you need to do a great job. • Uniform provided. • Excellent pension scheme This is a permanent, full time post. The successful candidate will work a minimum of 36.25 hours per week plus regular overtime paid at x 1.5 rate for any hours worked over 36.25 per week and at x 2 rate for bank holidays and university closure days. The farm operates on a 10 on 4 off rota, days off are Friday – Monday every other week. Hours include early mornings and some evenings. Regular weekend work is expected. Job share arrangements may be considered. This post comes with a three-bedroom house with a large garden located on the Sutton Bonington Campus. The house is around 10 minutes walk from the farm.

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

Enthusiastic Livestock Supervisor Location Hartshorne, Swadlincote Salary £39000+ | Closing date 18 Jan 2024 Join Our Team as an Enthusias c Livestock Supervisor Are you passionate about animal welfare and experienced in livestock management? If so, we have an exci ng opportunity for you to make a meaningful impact. At Pickstock Foods, we are looking for a dedicated **Livestock Supervisor** to join our team and play a vital role in ensuring the smooth and efficient opera on of our lairage facility. **Pickstock Foods is an equal opportunity employer.** We celebrate diversity and are commi ed to crea ng an inclusive environment for all employees.

For more information or to apply, head to JobsInAgriculture.com 32

| December 22, 2023

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FGbuyandsell.com FGinsight.com

20/12/2023 12:28:39

Call 01772 799500 and place your ad today

• Treatment &

Filtration • Water testing

01625 878411 www.blairdrilling.co.uk

J.P WHITTER (WATER WELL ENGINEERS) LTD • BOREHOLE DRILLING FOR DOMESTIC AND COMMERCIAL PURPOSES • WORK CARRIED OUT TO A VERY HIGH STANDARD • WATER SYSTEMS INSTALLED • BOREHOLE PUMPING INSTALLATIONS • 24HR BREAKDOWN SERVICE • FREE QUOTATIONS AND SITE VISITS THE POTTERIES GARAGE SMALLBROOK LANE, LEIGH, WIGAN, LANCS, WN7 5PZ. TEL: 01942 871900. FAX: 01942 896843. Out of office: 01942 893660 Visit our Website www.waterwellengineers.co.uk Email: sally@waterwellengineers.co.uk

THE QUICKTHORN NURSERY

Quickthorn (hawthorn)

20/40cm 0.32 40/60cm 0.43 40/60cm bushy 0.83 60/90cm 0.59 90/120cm 3ft /4ft bushy 1.41 Blackthorn 40/60cm 0.41 60/90cm 0.50 Beech 40/60cm 0.82 60/90cm 1.19 90/120cm 1.90 Privet 40/60cm 0.60 60/90cm 0.95 Hornbeam 40/60cm 0.55 60/90cm 0.80 90/120cm 1.75 Box 20/30cm 1.28 30/40cm 1.62 English Yew 30/40cm 2.15 Cherry Laurel 40/60cm 1.95 60/90cm 2.45 Rabbit Guards 0.28p Canes 0.12p Trees, Specimen Plants, Hedging, All Sizes Available. A standard delivery charge may be added. Quotes given for Countryside Stewardship Scheme. Ring for native tree whips availability and prices. Delivery will commence the week of the 13th November. All Prices Exclude VAT. Prices are subject to change. 269 Southport Road, Ulnes Walton Leyland Lancs PR26 8LQ

www.evergladesnurseries.com sales@evergladesnurseries.co.uk Tel: 01257 450533

Complete new/used cooling solution

Quality used milk tanks available along with refurbished ice builders & condensing units. We also supply quality batch & the latest flow pasteurisers. This allows you to add more value to your milk in the way of vending or creating your own branded cream & milk.

KRISTAL D&D LIMITED ESTABLISHED 1978 3 Porthouse Industrial Estate Bromyard, HR7 4NS Tel: 01885 483576 | Email: info@kristaldd.co.uk

Our ice builders & plate coolers are built in our factory along with our condensing unit & heat recovery systems

South West Refrigeration Ltd

The UK’s No.1 Milk Cooling Specialist NEW AND REFURBISHED MILK TANKS

For further details please call S. W Refrigeration

01392 210344 or Paul on 07974 140949

info@britmilk.co.uk www.britmilk.co.uk METERS,FEEDERS

New & Used Bulk Milk Tanks Second hand tanks currently available: Mueller 8000ltr & 9000 ltr Fabdec 4000ltr & 6000ltr

clusters, pulsators, jetters, pumps ACRs and robot spares 01260 226261 (T)

Livestock Services

Packo RMIB 3800ltr & RMIB 6000 ltr New Heat Recovery units in stock

01772 780806 www.ddcooling.co.uk

Portable Milking Machine

Daily collections of all types of fallen stock throughout the North of England.

Tel: 01524 261144 or 01524 263022 or 01274 833196

COLLECTORS OF DEAD ANIMALS THROUGHOUT LANCASHIRE AND CHESHIRE Competitive prices PLEASE CALL: 01704 893161 or 07768 051800 (24 hrs) Martland’s the name, knackering’s the game Established over 100 years

EN T A

Plain, Cows & Bulls Wanted. Also casualty collection service with veterinary certificates direct to our own abattoir. 24 hours a day 7 days a week collection for emergencies BAMBER BRIDGE Lancs, Cumbria, Cheshire. Yorkshire.

YL O

The only UK company that solely specialises in On Farm Cooling Equipment & Heat Recovery Systems Nationwide.

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01387 750459

MARTLANDS

ADDRESS

FGbuyandsell.com

BRITMILK

ROBINSON MITCHELL LTD

Complete solutions from milk storage tanks, to ice builders, plate coolers, condensing units, heat recovery systems, glycol systems, tank wash systems. We also buy used tanks & part exchange.

www.kristaldd.co.uk

For further information contact:

Livestock Services

NEW / USED TANKS FROM 50-50,000 LITRES, HORIZONTAL OR SILO

WEBSITE

CALF DEFENDER is an energised Calf Milk with an extensive package of health promoting ingredients to stimulate the immune system and promote a healthy gut.

Complete with Honda engine and Electric motor. This unit is ready for work and can be delivered anywhere in the UK. Livestock Supplies LTD Ashley: 07831 887531, Office: 01829 260328, Will: 07769 974476 www.livestocksupplies.co.uk

Milking Equipment

CONTACT

(TRANSITION MILK) “HEALTHY CALVES”

PH TE

• Borehole Drilling

Everglades Nurseries Ltd

CALF DEFENDER

WATER WELL DRILLING

Milking Equipment

Trees & Shrubs

Contractors

Sheep Scanning across the North of England Call Simon 07767 437065 CONCRETE GROOVING Neil O’Donnell -Tel: 01900 817009 or 07759 194600 Nationwide (T)

Poultry Rooster Booster

12-volt lighting system for free-range poultry Battery operated with end of day dimming. IDEAL FOR ALL TYPES OF POULTRY HOUSES

Tel: 01722 413440

www.roosterbooster.co.uk

FG Buy and Sell 01772 799500

TEXT OR TELEPHONE STEPHEN: 07860 636 605 OFFICE: 01772 626 951

December 22, 2023 |

20/12/2023 11:46:54

FGBuyandSell.com

Livestock Equipment •

BILDABIN

LIVESTOCK_EQUIPMENT_3x3.indd 1

V-Mac Silos

07/07/2016 13:54

Steel and Fibreglass Silos Multi-purpose flex augers Pig & Poultry Feeding & Drinking Systems Automatic Poultry Nesting Systems

A Winder & Son Cumbria

0777 9444 174 ND Jeans Somerset

01963 370 044

WYNNSTAY RETAIL Wales

01691 662690

www.vmacsilos.co.uk

Tel: 01772 690575 www.bildabin.co.uk AGRI SILO

KEEPING YOUR FARM GROWING

The Captive Bolt Stunner that’s also humane on your pocket! ORDER YOURS NOW!

For further enquiries and for telephone orders please contact Calton Moor Farm 01538 308697 Used for the humane You can pay by Cheque made destruction of animals, no payable to M Dickinson, Bank firearms permit is required card over the telephone, or BACS, to use one and at only please ring for bank details. £320.00 (inc VAT & p&p) BRNO Guns UK this has to be the best value Calton Moor Farm, Captive Bolt Stunner on the Swinscoe, Ashbourne, Derbyshire Market! DE6 2BU. The Bolt gun come with a box of 50 blanks a carry TRADE ENQUIRIES WELCOME E&OE www.brnoguns.co.uk case and postage

FIBERGLASS FEED SILOS AUTOMATIC FEEDING SYSTEMS

07903 663715

£2,195 +VAT

SmartStakka is a portable silo designed for the easy, safe storage and controlled discharge of bulk, dry, granular products for all proposes. • Stackable

sales@agrisilo.co.uk

agrisilo.co.uk

• UV Stabilised • Weather proof • Rodent Proof

BRAND NEW & UNUSED Fibreglass

CALF-O-TEL

Calf Hutches. Complete with fencing. A large selection of all animal and calf feeding equipment and all other associated products also available. Massive saving on list price Livestock Supplies Ltd. Ashley: 07831 887531 Office: 01829 260328

www.livestocksupplies.co.uk

| December 22, 2023

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• Food and health grade

OUR MOBILE shearing

and handling system may be eligible for government grants Cordless sheep/cattle clipper £220 plus VAT Yoke for stand up dagging £225 plus VAT British made singlets, moccs, hoodies The George Mudge & Co. www.georgemudgeshearing.co.uk tel 01822 615456 (T)

£1,650 +VAT

• Heavy duty steel f rame

Tel: 01544 230661

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20/12/2023 12:43:18

Call 01772 799500 and place your ad today

ALSO NEW SIZES to fit gates and hurdles

SOLWAY-BOARD RATED THE NO 1 FARMERS LIVESTOCK BOARDING

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LAMB WARMING BOX

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Beat the Price of Metal Pens

MEMBERS OF

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December 22, 2023 |

20/12/2023 11:47:58

Beef Cattle

Ribble Aberdeen-Angus

FGBuyandSell.com

Lora

Dairy Cattle

Sheep

Buckhurst Aberdeen Angus A range of genetics from the top family lines in the UK and America. Please feel free to contact Richard – 07816 173689 John – 07885 739120

Easy calving, high growth, hihealth YOUNG BULLS top EBV’s Choice of 20 from our 180 cow herd TB4 BVD & Lepto vacc. Call Henry 07866 222062 - details on website www.ribbleaberdeen-angus.co.uk

Gilmartin Pedigree Polled Hereford Bulls 3 Well bred, Halter trained Bulls 18 months - 2 years. Vaccinated for BVD + IBR, TB 4 Area

Reaching deeper and further into UK farming than any other media group Dairy Cattle

DAIRY CATTLE FOR SALE A weekly selection of freshly calved & in-calf dairy cattle sourced from the UK. All guaranteed and delivered anywhere in the UK Finance can be arranged.

Livestock Supplies Ltd Ashley: 07831 887531, Office: 01829 260328, Will: 07769 974476

www.livestocksupplies.co.uk

BIDLEA HERD

Holstein Freisian Bulls For Sale

John Procter, Waterbeck. Tel: 01461 600257 or 07729 405369 Lockerbie (P) Beef Cattle

FRESH REARING CALVES Available in suitable batches delivered to most parts of the country Continental Bull and Heifer calves 3-5 weeks old available now. Quality store cattle sourced directly from Welsh/Shropshire Borders Farms, delivered to your farm. Delivery Nationwide. Livestock Supplies Ltd Ashley: 07831 887531 Office: 01829 260328

www.livestocksupplies.co.uk

PEDIGREE HEREFORDS

Five Red and Black Limousin stock bulls 17-22 months. Some Semen tested. BULLS FOR SALE TB4 area. Excellent choice. Great conformation, colour and temperament. Ready to work. High health Younger accredited for IBR, Lepto, BVD and Johnes 1, bulls TB4 also available North Yorkshire 01756 720210 - 0777 99 20202 More details 07770 visit: www.whitehillherefords.co.uk Tel Edward: 457453 N. Yorkshire (P) AA ABBERTON ANGUS bulls &

biobest 60 heifers,TB1, | June 29, 2018 Black & White and some Red & White elite health 15 years accreditation IBR, BVD, Plenty to choose from - first come first served! Lepto Johnes - Tel: 01386 462534 or 07592 Tel: Ray Brown 01477 532220 abbertonaberp060.indd798555 60 deenangus.co.uk or 07885 652718 Cheshire (T) 36

| December 22, 2023

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PEDIG

Bulls and select Females for Sale from a high health herd, with fully registered pedigrees. Further details can be seen on: www.lowergroveherefords.com Contact: Paul on 07730095062 or paul@lowergroveherefords.com

SEAFIELD PEDIGREE FOR SALE FROM ABERDEEN ANGUS BULLS LEESEMANOR BEEF Ready to work, delivered direct to your farm, Quality, home-bred very quiet, easy calving. Limousin cross British Blue young cows and heifers, Also females available. Lim x and BB x calves at foot. Healthwith monitored, closed Also two excellent Lim herd, full pedigree with x British Blue bulls. Eager work, all quiet, each animal, Redfor tractor. TB tested and ready to go. Semen Available. ALWAYS64351 NEGATIVE FOR TB Tel: 077157

Wilf Lomas - 01606 832142 or 07769704628

Animal Health

TOP PEDIGREE REGISTERED HEREFORD BULLS AND HEIFERS.

Homo P

C G

Tel: 0

PEDI

North Y

All home bred, quiet to handle. Delivery available.

07885 594143 or 01394 460408 (East Anglia)

Call 01772 799500 and place your advert today

FGbuyandsell.com FGinsight.com

20/12/2023 11:49:51

Tel

Call 01772 799500 and place your ad today Dogs & Pets

Feedstuffs & Bedding

PURE HUNTAWAY DOG PUPS 8 weeks, well marked Black & Tan. Good working parents with excellent temperaments. £450.

Tel: 07990 580075

Biscon Meal (Approx. 12% Protein /14 ME) £200 ex store Cereal Mixture (Approx. 14% Protein /13 ME) £215 ex store Cereal Blend (Approx. 16% Protein /13 ME) £235 ex store Mixed Pellets (Approx. 18% Protein /13 ME) £255 ex store

Mid Wales Borders (P)

NEW STORE IN CUMBRIA

WELL TRAINED SHEEPDOG for sale 2 years old

One Tonne Bag Collections Mixed Pellets (Approx. 18% Protein/13 ME) £275 ex store Biscon Meal (Approx. 12% Protein/14 ME) £225 ex store

SUNSHINE

www.sunshinefarmfeeds.co.uk Nick Wilkinson Mobile 07952 078732 Growth Promoter Licks Fertility Licks Easy Calving Licks Wormer Licks Coccidiosis Licks Orf & Ring Worm Licks Staggers Licks Pneumonia Licks Easy Lamber Licks Nationwide Delivery any Quantity Design your own Licks or bagged minerals to your own farm and requirements Store Open at Gisburn Auction Mart on Thursday & Saturday

Quality Pays Everytime We do same day delivery We will respond to your enquiries the same day! We deliver to every area twice a week.

R.F FIELDING Hay & Straw for Sale in all types of Bales. Good quality. Reasonable prices. TEL: (01625) 531629 OR (01625) 522249

FGbuyandsell.com

p037.indd 37

Tel: 07933 783232 Very competitive prices

LOWER YOUR VET BILLS WITH WASHED SILICA SAND CUBICLE BEDDING * Helps to eradicate mastitis problems and lowers your milk count * Equestrian sand also available

Feedstuffs & Bedding

FARM FEEDS BURNLEY

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

CALL NOW 01949844700 844700 www.midlandfeeds.co.uk CALL NOW 01949 www.midlandfeeds.co.uk

Telephone Thomas Longton 07970 836186 Lancs (P)

SHINE LICKS SUN

Richard Tomlinson

Tel 07730 897138 / 01484 603130 LIQUID

F E E D S to encourage forage intake. Molasses and molasses blends plus additional minerals if required. J E Morten: 01663 734621 High

If it’s not our name on the bag, It’s NOT our salt!

Telephone: 01981 250301 www.ballofmadley-hereford.co.uk

Peak, Derbyshire (T)

BEST QUALITY FODDER BEET for sale. Delivered in 28/16 Tonnes loads. Payment on delivery. Tel: 07710 016442

CLEANED / WASHED

Fodder Beet. Carrots and Potatoes. All delivered I D Bailey & Son Tel: 01772 690002 / 07968 362227 Lancs

(T)

DAIRY, BEEF Nuts & FODDER BEET

Clean & stone free. Ray Darley 07860 212800 Nationwide Delivery (T)

Blends. Fodder beet, Potatoes and Carrots now available Tel: 07837 485652 Cheshire

(T)

COSISAN

Ultimate Bedding Conditioner Containing a DEFRA APPROVED Disinfectant Drier Beds • Sanitised Beds 01387 750459 www.britmilk.co.uk

Tomlinson Bros

ABBOTT & CO (WESSEX) LTD

All types of big

HAY, STRAW & SHAVINGS BOUGHT AND SOLD trading for 130 years 01285 653738 abbottwessex@btinternet.com

Top Quality

Hay & Straw. bales delivered. 01829 782378 or 07710 933681

AK SHARPE & SONS ALL TYPES OF HAY AND STRAW FOR SALE & WANTED Competitively Priced Andrew 07970 052 419 Phillip 07973 208 384 LANCS (T)

FODDER BEET Cleaned, Competitive Prices, Direct from the grower Collect or Delivered in all sizes of loads Tel: 07843 012225 Lancs

Call 01772 799500 and place your advert today December 22, 2023 |

20/12/2023 12:48:17

FGBuyandSell.com Building Materials

Panel Systems

CRETE

ON SSED C ESTRE

S BLOCK

NELS CK PA IN STO

01270 258076 ACTURER OF P ANUF

er RS E Ov A C YE IEN 10 ER P EX

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ING STACK & S L E N

ING M

A LEAD

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crete

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su r e d C

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INSULATED ROOFING AND SIDE CLADDING SHEETS MANUFACTURED TO YOUR LENGTHS Range of colours, thicknesses, 20mm, 30mm, 40mm, 60mm 80mm + lowest prices. ICP Ltd. Tel: 07702 701776 www.icproducts.co.uk

CONCRETE SECONDS PIPES AND RINGS

Various sizing and priced accordingly

Tel 07976 103807 jim@beaverfit.com 38

| December 22, 2023

p038.indd 38

CRASH

BARRIERS

Telegraph poles, Sleepers, Concrete Panels, Security fencing. Henmans Tel- 07768 533741 Nationwide Delivery (T)

FREE HARDCORE Col-

lected. Must have U1 exemption. Ring Martlands 01704 893161

FGbuyandsell.com FGinsight.com

20/12/2023 11:51:19

Call 01772 799500 and place your ad today Building Materials

AINSCOUGH METALS

SUPPLYING EVERYTHING EXCEPT THE FRAME

01695 364210 Nationwide Delivery New & Used Steel, Crash Barriers and Roofing Sheets for Sale

Please visit our website for our daily deals on the Farmers Corner

Working direct with British farmers British farming family owned manufacturer 30 year guarantee on all EUROSIX fibre cement sheets

www.ainscoughmetals.co.uk

Fast 3-5 day delivery in the UK with offload included

Apply for an account

Supporting British farmers for over 40 years

CUMBRIA CONCRETE PRODUCTS LIMITED

www.cumbriaconcreteproducts.com

HIGH QUALITY PRE-STRESSED CONCRETE PANELS

01934 641 446 briarwoodproducts.co.uk

For a competitive price please contact

01228 674 561

sales@briarwoodproducts.co.uk

or email: carlisle@cumbriaconcreteproducts.com

Pre-Stressed Concrete Wall Panels Inspired by the latest technology in Pre-stressed Concrete Wall Panels and with the desire to continue in meeting our customers’ requirements regarding Quality, Design, Volume & Delivery ... ... we have opened a new & improved manufacturing facility in Greenfield, Flintshire, North Wales

• Brand new precision • Selection of Concrete built moulds & tooling Lego Blocks • Larger range of sizes & • Increased capacity loadbearing options • Made to measure (95, 145, 200 & • Shorter lead-times new 240, 280mm)

• Established Quality Assured CE marked products • Design & Bespoke Project capability

t: 01352 719182 f: 01352 837690 e: tracey@jonesbrothersconcrete.co.uk www.jonesbrothersconcretepanels.co.uk

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

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Composite Panels Made to order Choice of colours and thickness Nationwide Delivery Very Competitive Prices Full Range Of Accessories For Friendly Advice and a Quotation Call Tel: 01246 858222

Farmers Guardian the best environment for your brand message December 22, 2023 |

20/12/2023 11:53:42

FGBuyandSell.com nBuildings

SPRAY FOAM INSULATION To Crop & Livestock Stores, Poultry Sheds, Cattle & Pig Buildings, Workshops & Barns. Frost & Condensation Protection. Temperature Control Energy Saving

Tel: 01405 812682 www.webstersinsulation.com info@webstersinsulation.com

TRICKETTS LANE, WILLASTON, NANTWICH, CHESHIRE, CW5 6PY

OVER 40 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE WORKING NATIONWIDE • STEEL FRAMED BUILDING MANUFACTURERS • INDUSTRIAL & AGRICULTURAL SPECIALIST • KIT FORM • DESIGN & BUILD • REFURBISHMENTS

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| December 22, 2023

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FGbuyandsell.com FGinsight.com

20/12/2023 12:51:56

Call 01772 799500 and place your ad today Buildings

Don't miss our latest podcast Sponsored by

We manufacture, supply & build... • Cubicle Buildings • Lambing Sheds • Dairy Units • Equestrian • Workshops • Grain Stores • Industrial Units • Bespoke Design • Nationwide Coverage

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'A very red Christmas' farming and family with the Red Shepherdess

Design, fabrication and installation

Talking all about her new role as a mother and the growing farm. And, of course, Hannah's love of the festive season.

For further details and a no obligation quote, please contact us:

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01829 423 123 info@acjackson.co.uk

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S U P P LY I N G A N D E R E C T I N G S T E E L F R A M E D B U I L D I N G S F O R O V E R 3 0 Y E A R S

Agricultural buildings

Equestrian buildings

Available from December 22, 2023 farmersguardian.com/podcasts

Industrial buildings

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26/01/2021 18:39

• Specialists in Steel Framed Buildings • Design, Fabrication & Installation • The best quality materials are used within our manufacturing process for all buildings

We know farming. Farmers Guardian brands are embedded in the agricultural community and have a position of authority and trust

Advice /Consultancy Office: 01630 409009 Mob: 07498 357997 Email - sales@bridgewater-construction.co.uk www.bridgewater-construction.co.uk

Tanks

www.arcadianestates.co.uk

Diesel, Oil & Water Tanks • Septic Tanks • Diesel Dispensers • Bunded Oil Tanks • Waste Oil Tanks • Water Tanks • Diesel pumps, hoses, filters & nozzles

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FGbuyandsell.com

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Browse. Sell. Buy at FGBuyandSell.com

Sites of 1- 1000 acres required for residential development. If you think that your land has potential for development, or you have been approached by a developer, then you will need expert advice that is not available at traditional sources. Michael Rutherford is a specialist agent acting and negotiating for landowners. Contact me for a confidential and expert consultation at no cost. All areas of the UK covered.

Telephone: 01625 890000 Email: michael@arcadianestates.com December 22, 2023 |

20/12/2023 11:59:12

FGBuyandSell.com Farms & Property

PROPERTY LANDSCAPE

Agriculturally Tied Dwelling

Planning applications: A postcode lottery

The Cheese Press

Apply for new buildings sooner rather than later

Chadwick Lane, Hartlebury, Kidderminster DY11 7YH • Detached 5-bedroom property

f you are wanting a new agricultural building for Christmas, I would not want to bank on which Christmas. Traditionally, applications for full planning were determined within eight weeks and the permitted development (prior approval) within the 28-day period. However, where you live and which local council determines the application can influence whether these standard timescales are met. Regrettably, it can take nine months for a planning officer to be appointed. Some planning authorities are still working from home and using Covid-19 as an excuse, despite it being almost two years ago. The budgets for councils continue to be slashed and, in the past, some have employed external consultants to deal with the backlog of applications, which worked well. A short-sighted view, some may say, was to terminate this, given that when approvals are received it generally results in building work and business growth – both of which create Government revenue.

Approval Applicants are finding it harder to obtain approval, especially for anyone wanting to house livestock. Natural England seem to have it in for anyone with a cow or chicken. Despite most applications being designed to both improve and modernise stock and employee welfare, Natural England seem hell-bent on scrutinising any application that houses livestock due to ammonia and odour. In one case, the council’s environmental health department was more concerned about the potential noise or smell produced by livestock. Fortunately, in this instant, my client was able to breed silent, odourless cows. My advice for anyone looking to erect a building is to start it

| December 22, 2023

p042.indd 42

• Subject to Agricultural Occupancy Condition • For sale by private treaty • Set in 1.12 acres with the opportunity to purchase additional garden area • Guide price £585,000

Please contact Chris Jones on 01743 267063 or email chris.jones@berrys.uk.com berrys.uk.com

4 x 4s

Tom Selby

sooner rather than later. The fact you are able erect a shed up to 10,000sq.ft under permitted development every two years is hugely beneficial. It is also significantly easier to get approved than a full planning application, plus it only takes 28 days (this is something most councils can adhere to).

Biodiversity For those applications submitted in 2024, some may also have to adhere to the biodiversity net gain regulations, ensuring that the scheme sees at least a 10 per cent improvement in biodiversity. However, this is slightly easier for those farmers and landowners who have land at their disposal to provide such habitats. In the past, some applications have requested the planting of orchards to reflect the loss of biodiversity, even on a retrospective building. Overall, I love receiving a ‘granted’ decision notice and getting to see a shed or building once erected. Having a passion for the industry helps, but understanding why the building is required and the benefit it can provide to a farming business all needs to be explained in simple terms to those making the final decision. Tom Selby is founder and rural chartered surveyor of Selby Rural. Call 01829 423 183, or tom@selbyrural.co.uk

Discover a wide selection of high quality vehicles on our Website! 2019 (69) Toyota Hilux Invincible 2.4 Blue Auto Canopy A/T Tyres.............. £20,950 2019 (19) Toyota Hilux Invincible X 2.4 Black Automatic 70,000 .................. £19,950 2021 (21) Toyota Hilux Invincible 2.4 Black Automatic 37,000 ...................... £24,450 2019 (69) Toyota Hilux Active 2.4 Lockable Canopy 19,000......................... £17,950 2019 (19) Toyota Hilux Active 2.4 Grey Lockable Canopy 98,000................. £13,950 2017 (67) Toyota Hilux Active 2.4 Silver Manual Canopy 62,000 ................. £14,950

www.cheshirecontracting.com 07885 193 278 - 07568 386 348 NATIONWIDE DELIVERY SERVICE PLUS VAT UNLESS STATED MITSUBISHI

L200

Titan, 67 plate double cab pickup, 79,500 miles, very good condition. Selling owing to new pickup purchase. £10,000+VAT. MOT September 2024. Tel: 07768 691 312 Lancs (P)

BPS Entitlements, BNG, NN, Carbon & Water

Farmers Guardian is the largest multiplatform agricultural information business in the UK

For Sale

Water Abs. Licence Cam & Ely Ouse

BNG

1st National Open Market Tender ______

2nd February 2024

Informal Tender 29.2.24 Abstraction all year 21,000m3/year

01392 823935

______

FGbuyandsell.com FGinsight.com

20/12/2023 12:50:44

Call 01772 799500 and place your ad today Parts & Servicing

> THE GENUINE PARTS PEOPLE

AGRISPARES

Agricultural Replacement Parts & Accessories

TELEPHONE: 01380 850001 EMAIL: sales@agrispares.co.uk www.agrispares.co.uk

These axle and transmission brands are commonly found on: Agco/Case

Fendt

Komatasu

McCormick

Caterpillar

Fermec

Landini

Mecalac

Valmet Volvo

Claas

Foton Laval

New Holland

MST

Wacker Neuson

CNH

Ford

Matbro

Same

Xcmg

Cukrova

Hydrema

Mahindra

Sonalika

Xtreme

Duetz-Fahr

JLG

Manitou

Terex

Zetor

Escourts

John Deere

Massey Ferguson

Valtra

BREAKING MASSEY 699, 575, 3070, 3080, 3095, 2645, 6140, 3680 & 8120 Also tractors wanted for breaking Tel: 07710 153603 W.Yorks

masseyfergusontractorbreakers.co.uk CLAAS John Deere, and

T: 01452 733106 E: ag@grouphes.com W: tractec.grouphes.com @HESTractec

HESTractec

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NEW & USED

CLASSIC & MODERN

other makes, combine harvester 2nd hand and new spares. www.jmtcombinehire.co.uk. Tel: JMT Engineering 01926 614345 (T)

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MASSEY FERGUSON

Replacement tractor parts Direct to your door Phone for best quotes Mobile: 07971 243668 or 01545 570 810

F.G. ROWLAND LTD Clitheroe Lancashire Tractor Hire & Sales New Tractor & Handler Spares for all Makes New Michelin & Kleber Tyres most sizes in stock

Tel 01254 826295

www.rowlandtractors.co.uk

Brought to you by Farmers Guardian, FGBuyandSell is the platform for you to sell your items to a responsive farming community.

Delivered to your door • Across the UK • Next day delivery

PARTS, ACCESSORIES, LUBRICANTS & WHEELS

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From tractors, sprayers, atvs and everything in between, you’re sure to find what you need on FGBuyandSell.com. Start listing your items FREE today!

Browse. Sell. Buy at FGBuyandSell.com December 22, 2023 |

20/12/2023 12:07:27

FGBuyandSell.com Muck & Slurry

SLURRY LAGOON LINERS AND FLOATING COVERS OVER 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE

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Materials meet EA and SEPA requirements, installed and fully tested by TWI / CSWIP CERTIFIED TECHNICIANS Covers comply with EA and SSAFO legislation

Full UK & Ireland Coverage

SLURRY LAGOON FLOATING COVERS

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‘HOT & COLD PRESSURE WASHERS & AIR COMPRESSORS’

Professional Cold Water Pressure Washers, Hot Water Pressure Washers, Electric Pressure Washers, Petrol Pressure Washer or Diesel Pressure Washers, you’ll be sure to find the best deals here and we won’t be beaten on price! W. Bateman & Co. GARSTANG ROAD, BARTON, PRESTON, LANCS TEL: (01772) 862948 FAX: (01772) 861639

www.bateman-sellarc.co.uk

| December 22, 2023

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FGbuyandsell.com FGinsight.com

20/12/2023 13:08:11

Call 01772 799500 and place your ad today Muck & Slurry

Generators, Pressure Washers & Pumps

SLURRY INFRASTRUCTURE GRANT ROUND 2 - ENGLAND

Gantries

Dry-Matter

Hot and Cold P.T.O. Pressure Available to Hire and Buy 3000 p.s.i. 16-30L/min 2nd Lance Available Fully Tractor Powered Hot & Cold Water Pressure Washers Find us landywashers

Tel: 01756 794291 Skipton. N.Yorkshire www.LandyPressureWashers.com

GENERATORS PTO & DIESEL On the second round of the grant, you can get a contribution towards a slurry separator and gantry as part of your project to increase storage capacity. Separators can make slurry easier to store, move around the farm and apply in line with a nutrient management plan. You can apply for this grant now! www.storthmachinery.co.uk

Tel: 01524 781900

PTO

& Diesel Generator Specialist. Quality new & used. Est 25 yrs. JSPUK LTD. Tel: 01432 353050 (T)

SALE’S, HIRE & REPAIRS. LARGE STOCK

P COWELL & SONS 01772 653569

FG Buy and Sell 01772 799500

Generators, Pressure Washers & Pumps

BRAND NEW UNUSED

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175KVA

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www.affordablegenerators.co.uk

FGbuyandsell.com

p045.indd 45

December 22, 2023 |

20/12/2023 12:10:30

FGBuyandSell.com

www.nnvs.co.uk Ivan: 01263 861197 07810 561230

Rhino Excavators - Simplicity at its best

St oc k

Parts warehouse on site. One years parts warranty on all machines. Next day delivery available on most machines This is a small selection of our stock, please see website for full range

BRAND NEW HZM 8018 1.8 ton Cabbed Diggers

VSM 800 KG MICRO/MINI DIGGER

Back in stock. 3 cylinder Kubota pumps, expanding tracks 3 buckets, unbelievable value £9,495 + VAT

hyd quick hitch slewing front arm, heated cab, rubber track, 3 buckets, 3 cylinder Kubota engine, piped for hammer excellent value and in stock ready to go, finance available £13,995 + VAT

Cheapest in the country, one off price, Yanmar engines, full spec, supplied with 3 buckets finance available subject to status Yanmar engine £15,995+vat Kubota £14,995+vat

VA T

780/900mm Wide, Koop Euro 5 Engine, Manual quick hitch, comes with 3 buckets as standard £5,850/£6,250+vat £4,950+vat

VSM 1.2 EXCAVATOR WITH SLEW

TWO TON BRAND NEW EXCAVATORS

JM 3 TONNE EXCAVATOR, full spec, Yanmar engine, hyd thumb, comes with three buckets as standard, in stock ready to go £19,495+vat

2019 Peugeot 3.5 ton with Equitrek 2 horse body and storage area horse box from new which has only covered 15000 miles with full history very clean and tidy damage free truck £34000

NEW IN BRAND NEW TOP SENSE 48 V FORK LIFTS with side shift 3 m mast two ton lift ,two speed transmission , silent clean running 8 hours constant work time on a single charge 48v/360ah heavy duty batteries quick charge supplied .One year parts warranty smart nippy little things, in stock ready to go £9,995 +vat

Rhino XN85 rubber duck Yanmar power plant Italian pumps, stab jacks, rear stability legs, two digging one levelling bucket, rotator and selector grab, solid tyres weighs 8.4 ton figs to 4 metre depth, front dozer blade, top spec machine and absolute value for money £40,000 plus vat full 12months parts warranty

Here is our new They are available as Euro 3 standard, and have a 4.5m lift height with side shift. They have full EU approval on solid of pneumatic tyres. A full backup service is available and, as standard, the forklift will come with one years parts only warranty. They have proven to be very reliable over the last ten years and are only £13,995 + vat, Euro 5 £15,995 + vat 7 Tonne £29,995+vat

2022 MODEL VSM 1300 kg double drum ride on vibrating roller KUBOTA TWIN CYLINDER diesel superb creep control and excellent build quality with one years full parts only warranty in stock and ready to go £9,950 + VAT £8,995 + VAT ST200 2 TON Model also available £12,495 PLUS VAT £11,250 PLUS VAT

2023 GOODSENSE three ton rough terrain forklifts 4.5 metre lift height, Isuzu copy engine. machine weighs 5.4 ton 14_17.5 lug tyres excellent off road capability tried and tested £19,450 PLUS VAT one years parts warranty

7 TON FORKLIFT, The ultimate solution for your heavy lifting needs. With dual front wheels and a wide head carriage fork positioning, these forklifts offer exceptional stability and manoeuvrability, allowing you to handle even the most challenging loads with ease. Lift Height 4.5 Metres Max Lift Capacity 7000kg £29,995 +VAT

| December 22, 2023

p046.indd 46

VSM GOODSENSE THREE TONNE DIESEL FORKLIFTS.

HZM 45/17 mini jcb 3cx very versatile machine, comes with standard front bucket, waste grab bucket and pallet forks, rear arm on 40 mm pins and piped with twin line aux hyd £21995 plus vat

HZM 825 T TELESCOPIC ARTIC STEER 2.5 TON LOADERS

100hp four cyl turbo quick hitch 4.5m level bucket height diesel aux cab heaters full vision cab two speed torque converter, 3.5m front reach comes with bucket & pallet forks £29,500 + VAT £28,000 + VAT OPTION CUMMINS ENIGNE, High speed road gear £32,500 + VAT, £30,000 + VAT 1.6T £21,995 + VAT

BRAND NEW 810BT 3.5 METRE LIFT XINCHAI (perkins copy) engine 48hp electronic shuttle torque converter two speed permanent four wheel drive, hyd quick release head stock available with floatation tyres. £16,500+vat fixed arm £13,995+vat

2021 TRACKED POWER BARROWS 400kg £2,250 + VAT 600kg hi-tip £5,650 + VAT 1000 kg hi-tip £7,995 + VAT Electric power barrow £1450 + VAT

FGbuyandsell.com FGinsight.com

20/12/2023 12:52:56

Call 01772 799500 and place your ad today Tractors & Equipment

Row Crop Wheels and Tyres 480 / 80 R50, 10 stud, as new. 4 tyres/wheels in total. Telephone:

07890028469 N.Yorks (P)

QUICKFENCER Manual

and hydraulic clamping available. Hydraulic, nothing to lift off www. quickfencer.com Tel 07966 285240 Lancs

ATVs SHEEP SNACKERS

Ground drive sheep feeders, all types of atv trailers single and tandem axle, Delivery anywhere Rob Astley trailers ltd Tel 01938 810393

(T)

DECEMBER NEW TRACTOR SPECIAL OFFERS Deutz 5105G GS full spec c/w Stoll loader, 4 yr 0% ...........£56,750.00 Deutz 5090D Keyline, air con, manual tractor, c/w Quicke X3S loader, 4yr 0%......................................................................................£43,950.00 2022 Kubota L2452 cabbed, air con, turf tyres, unused.....£24,950.00 Kioti DK5020C, 50hp cabbed, air con, ag tyres, 5 year warranty ..................................................................................................£26,500.00 0% finance NEW MACHINE OFFERS Kioti K9, UTV, cabbed, heater, hyd tip.............................£18,500.00 Amazone Zax Perfect 1402 fertiliser spreader..................£3,250.00 Alo buckets, silage grabs, shear grabs ......................................POA Ritchie heavy duty yard scraper .................................................POA Vicon Fanex 524, 4 rotor tedder .................................................POA Sovema 2.4 finishing mower c/w roller..............................£2,750.00 S/H TRACTORS & MACHINES 2022 Deutz 5090D keyline, ideal scraper tractor............£26,250.00 21 reg Deutz 5100G GS c/w FS20 loader, 500 hours only.......POA 20 reg Deutz 5090 Keyline, full spec, o/s tyres, Quicke X3S loader, 450 hrs only ......................................................................£32,500.00 2019 Deutz 5110G, 113hp c/w Stoll loader, v tidy...........£36,500.00 2015 Kubota RTVX900 rops utility vehicle .....................£10,250.00 2008 Kubota M6040 rops, ag tyres, tidy ........................£12,950.00 2008 Kubota L5040GST cab, ag tyres, very tidy............£13,500.00 2018 KV 2324, 8’ mounted plain mower, as new .............£4,250.00 Millcreek 6 ton manure spreader.......................................£4,000.00 Amazone ZAM3000 fert spinner, very tidy........................£2,900.00 Kuhn Primor mounted straw chopper bedder...................£1,650.00 Vicon haybob, very tidy ......................................................£1,350.00 Alo 130 muck grab, euro fittings, little use.........................£1,150.00 Alo 1.2m shear grab euro brackets, very tidy....................... £975.00 S/H GROUNDCARE Kioti CX2510H rops tractor, 25hp, hydro, turfs, 5 year warranty ...........................................................................................£14,250.00 Kioti CS2520H sub compact rops tractor, 25hp, turfs, 48” mulch deck, 5 yr warranty ...........................................................£14,400.00 Kubota G23, 23hp, 48” cut, collection, tidy........................£5,500.00 Kubota G21HD, 21 hp, 48” cut, collection, tidy.................£4,500.00 Kubota GR1600II, 14hp, 42” cut, collection, choice from.£3,250.00 Longdog GP Quad trailer as new ......................................£1,295.00

Forklift Trucks

Strickworth 3 ton Diesel forklifts available 3.0m & 4.5m models available c/w sideshift. Container spec. 12 months warranty

from £10,500+ VAT T: 07703 444341 www.strickworth.com

FGbuyandsell.com

p047.indd 47

Browse. Sell. Buy at FGBuyandSell.com

A New Route to Market

FGBuyandSell

LEEK ROAD, WATERHOUSES, STOKE-ON-TRENT, STAFFORDSHIRE ST10 3HS Tel: 01538 308436 Fax: 01538 308751 www.parnhamtractors.co.uk info@parnhamtractors.co.uk

Farmers Guardian

CAUTION Personal Details Please note when publishing personal details in your advert your details are available to the general public. You may receive calls that are not legitimate. 12ft Rotating End Tow

3m Spiral Blade Aerator

6.3m Hyd-Folding Ballast

Hogg Feeder

Bull Feeder - (Creep Gates Optional)

Stock bale Transporter

Calf Creep Feeder

Silage Feeding Trailer

Bunker Feeder

Farmers Guardian can not be responsible for these calls.

DEUTZ-FAHR 5110G 4WD, 114BHP, No Ad Blue, StollFZ30 Loader, 2021, 40speeds, good tyres, shuttle valve, aircon, extending pickup hitch, only 200 Hrs, Sale due to lack of work, Location near Newark on Trent £38,000

Contact Peter 07766 475799

email: agri@walter-watson.co.uk

December 22, 2023 |

20/12/2023 12:12:24

FGBuyandSell.com Tractors & Equipment

01995 606969 - Office www.cornthwaites.co.uk 07712 783905 - Mark Dixon John Cornthwaite Farm Machinery Ltd Elm Farm, Station Lane, Nateby, Preston, PR3 0LT

dd After a

DRIBBLE BAR READY

STUD ADR – SPRUNG

SPRUNG DRAWBAR

- IN STOCK

DRAWBAR

£6,950

PHONE FOR PRICE

£5,750

£19,500

TRIFFIT 7 TON TRAILER TANDEM AXLE – HYDRAULIC BRAKES – COMPLETE WITH REMOVABLE GRAIN EXTENSIONS £4,150

MAJOR LGP2400

SLURRYKAT 3500

2600 – 2400 GALLON

STEERING AXLE -

MARSHALL VES-1500 9 TON – LIKE NEW – REAR DISCHARGE

FRONT LINKAGE AND PTO £44,250

MASSEY FERGUSON 4345 4WD – 2 SPOOLS – 2 SPEED PTO – CAT 2 LINKAGE £17,975

HURLIMAN XB Max 100 40K 20/20 GEAR BOX – LEFT HAND FWD – TELESCOPIC HITCH – ‘07’ £18,350

McHALE C460 STRAW

MALGAR 20FT MIXER

SPREADER

CASE PUMA 185

FULL POWERSHIFT –

GALLON TANKER

challenging year across the board, KEN WOOTON 10 TON We TRAILER SPRUNG TANDEM appreciate AXLE 8 STUD – your HYDRAULIC BRAKES – ONLY USED continued FOR GRAIN support and £6,250 wish you well for fingers crossed, a brighter and REDROCK 1600 better 2024! GALLON TANKER

TANKER

MERRY CHRISTMAS,

VACUUM TANKER –

2001 – SINGLE AXLE 8

JCFMLTD

4 TON DROP SIDE TRAILER TIPPING TRAILER -SINGLE AXLE 6 STUD – NO LIGHTS – NO BRAKES £1,600

CHOPPER

2014 – ELECTRIC CONTROLS – SWIVEL

20FT – LAGOON MIXER – NEW WIDE

SPOUT

ANGLE PTO

£8,000

£1,750

Published January 12, 2024

Advertising opportunities now available in our next

MACHINERY AND TRACTOR MAGAZINE incorporating The Official

show preview

Speak to Eva Bailey today 01772 799 500 | fgclassified@farmersguardian.com 48

| December 22, 2023

p048.indd 48

FGbuyandsell.com FGinsight.com

20/12/2023 12:53:39

Call 01772 799500 and place your ad today nTractors & Equipment

Jpm 22 19 Ton Tandem Marshall 2000gal Vaci Tank Axle Plant Trailer................ Trailer ................ £15,000.00 .......................... £10,000.00 Good Solid Tank (Poor Paint Spreader. Tidy Condi on. Jpm 24 19 Ton Tandem On New 750/70 R26 Tyres. ............................................... NEW 24 JPM Livestock Work) ..................................... Axle Plant Trailer................ Very Tidy. .............. £6500.00 ............................ £14,000.00 ............................. £7800.00 Trailer................. £16,000.00 .......................... £10,500.00 ................................£5500.00 Marshall 2000 Gallon Vaci

Major LGP2400 Gal Vaci Tank. Shelborne Reynolds Duel

NEW 22 JPM Livestock

Tank. c.w hyd Top Hatch Lid. c.w Injector............................

NEW Hustler Shear Plus JPM Hyd Beaver 28 Flat Kvernland DUO 3022 Siloking, New Portaquip Twin Axle LX160, 3 in 1 Shear Grabs, Bale Trailers c.w Galv Sheep Dipper........................ c.w Hardox Tines, Feed Trailer ................................. 22 m3, Twin Rotor Tub Mixer Angled Hay Racks, 23 on Bucket, Big Bale Cu er 12.5........................£7500.00 & Air Brakes........................ ............................................... ............................................ c.w Front Cross Conveyer. which holds Net & Wrap. 27 on Super Singles........... .......................... £19,000.00 ............................ £22,000.00 1.6 Meter ............. £5800.00 ......................... £16,500.00 Good condi on..... £10,000.00 ................................£9500.00 New JPM 18 Ton Heavy

NEW Portequip Road legal

New Ktwo Rear End

Cross- Super Spread 900

Duty Dump Trailer c.w Oil

Discharge Spreader.

Ring for details & Prices Part Ex Welcome

NEW Wessex BF-BFX-180 Self Loading big Bale Unroller ..................£4500.00 new ........................................ c.w Decks ............£14,000.00 Flotashion wide Wheel....... Hand Elevator & Steer Axle.. NEW Bridgeway Big Bale .............................£18,500.00 Power Decks.......£16,000.00 ............................. £2850.00 ................................£6000.00 Unroller ..................£1100.00 Rear Discharge Spreder as

NEW Graham Edwards 20 NEW Belmac 4.5 cyd Twin Axle Livestock Trailer

Rotaspreder on 400

RMH Mixell 14 Tub Mixer. c.w Cross Conveyer, Le

Please call our used sales team on 01704 468009

JOHN DEERE 6R 185 2023, 480 Hours, CommandPro, F/Links + PTO, Air Brakes, PowerGard, £148,000 + VAT

CASE PUMA 175 CVX 2022, 3514 Hours, 50kph, Air Brakes, Full Guidance, F/L PTO, 710/600, £95,000 + VAT

MF 6713S

£96,500 + VAT

JOHN DEERE 6155R 2020, 1300 Hours, Ultimate CPro, F/L PTO, 650/42, 50kph, Air, TLS Cab Sus, £112,500 + VAT

NEW DALBO TRIMAX 300 LED Lighting, 275mm Tine Spacing, Coupling CAT 2&3 £12,900 + VAT

NEW MASCHIO TIGRE 280 REAR FLAIL TOPPER 540rpm, 6 Spline PTO, Hyd Offset, £6,750 + VAT

NEW SPEARHEAD TWIGA CLASSIC S60 HEDGECUTTER Pilot Joystick, 5.9m Reach, 1.2m Head with float, £24,950 + VAT

NEW KTWO 600 DUO REAR DISCHARGE SPREADER 6T, 540rpm, Slurry Door, Manual Bed Speed Control, £23,450 + VAT

NEW SIP STAR 850/26T RAKE 1.15-2.13m swath, 2100kg, hyd rotor lift, wide angle pto, 3yr warranty, £25,250 + VAT

JOHN DEERE 6120R

JOHN DEERE 6155R

2019, 2296 Hours, AQ,

2021, 1661 Hours,

40kph, TLS, 3 Spools,

AQ, 50kph, Air, TLS,

600 Tyres,

Cab Susp,

£65,000 + VAT

NEW REDROCK 16T DUMP TRAILER Fixed Axles, Air Brakes, Magic Door, 385/65R22.5 £19,850 + VAT

FGbuyandsell.com

p049.indd 49

2022, 836 Hours, Dyna 6, Full Susp, Air Brakes, £73,000 + VAT

December 22, 2023 |

20/12/2023 12:54:17

FGBuyandSell.com

John Bownes Ltd 01606 592639 Court House Farm, Winsford, Cheshire CW7 4BS

2019 VALTRA T254 VERSU, Twin Trac, Front Links & PTO, Guidance, Front & Cab Sus, 4098 Hours ......... ........................................... £85,000

2017 VALTRA T234 VERSU, Twin Trac, Front Links & PTO, Front & Cab Sus, 4 Rear Spools, 4248 Hours ................................. £65,000

2022 VALTRA T175 DIRECT, 50kph, Front Links & PTO, Front & Cab Sus, 4 Spools & Power Beyond, 1906 Hours ...................... £103,000

2019 VALTRA T174 VERSU, 50kph, Front Links & PTO, Front & Cab Sus, Guidance, 710/60 R39 Tyres, 1348 Hours ........................ £78,500

2015 VALTRA N143 HITECH, 50kph, Front Links, Valtra 56 Loader, Front & Cab Sus, 4 Spools, 8892 Hours ......... £49,500

2000 VALTRA 8550 HITECH, Delta Power Shift, Front Sus, 2019 Botex 570C Roof Mounted Crane, 8311 Hours........... £45,000

2002 VALTRA 8350 HITECH, Delta Power Shift, Front Links, Front & Cab Sus, Air Brakes, 10456 Hours .................... £24,000

2000 NEW HOLLAND TL90, Power Shuttle, Dual Power, Front Links, 3 Speed PTO, 4141 Hours. ......................................... £21,000

2019 JOHN DEERE 6145R, Auto Power, TLS & Cab Sus, Front Links & PTO, Guidance, 5295 Hours ........ ............................................ £69,000

2023 JOHN DEERE 6110M, Power Quad, MX T410 Loader, 540/65 R38 Tyres, Only 101 Hours, As New....... ............................................ £67,000

2021 NEW HOLLAND T5.140, Dynamic Command, Front Links, Loader Brackets, 4 Spools, Only 456 Hours........................... £58,000

2011 NEW HOLLAND T7.260, Power Command, Front Links, Front & Cab Sus, Power Beyond, 7855 Hours.................................. £39,000

2018 FENDT 824 POWER, Front Links & PTO, 710/70 R42 Tyres, Extended Warranty, 3491 Hours .... ........................................... £98,500

2020 JCB 560-80 AGRI SUPER, Q-Fit Headstock, 6 Tonne Lift to 8 Metres, 982 Hours ............. £84,000

2019 JCB 532-70 AGRI SUPER, 145hp, Q-Fit headstock, 3.2 Tonne Lift to 7 Metres, 1561 Hours ........... ........................................... £72,500

1989 FORD 7610 Series III. £19,500 1987 FORD 5610 Series II.. £12,500 2wd, AP Cab, Both in Excellent Condition

2021 CASE PUMA 240 CVX, Front & Cab Sus, Front Links & PTO, Guidance Ready, 4 Spools, 1134 Hours .... .............................................. £108,000

2015 RICHARD WESTERN SF16 HS, Sprung Axle & Draw Bar, Hyd. Rear Door, 560/60 R22.5, Air Brakes......... .............................................. £16,500

2016 WARWICK WB 16M, Hydraulic Brakes, Hyd. Rear Door, Grain Chute, 560/45 R22.5 Tyres................ £16,900

21 MARSHALL ST1200 VACUUM TANK, 6 Stud Axles, Suction Hose, 1220 Gallons, 8000ltr Pump .... £7,900

All Prices Ex Yard and subject to VAT 50

| December 22, 2023

p050.indd 50

www.johnbownes.co.uk FGbuyandsell.com FGinsight.com

20/12/2023 12:13:50

Call 01772 799500 and place your ad today 34357

65 NEW

INDUSTRIAL AIR COMPRESSORS

Top quality belt driven air compressors for industrial & commercial users inc; garages, factories, workshops and farms. 10 bar/145psi max working pressure FROM ONLY HEADER

SCREW COMPRESSORS UPTO 371 CFM

X-LARGE, HEAVY DUTY GARAGES/WORKSHOPS

AIR. DISP MOTOR AIR MODEL CFM (HP) RCVR EXC.VAT INC.VAT XEV16/100 (OL)†* 14 3 100ltr £589.00 £706.80 XEV16/150 (OL)†* 14 3 150ltr £659.00 £790.80 XEV16/200(OL)†* 14 3 200ltr £719.00 £862.80 XEV16/150(400V)† 14 3 150ltr £699.00 £838.80 XE29/270 (OL) 28 6 270ltr £1399.00 £1678.80 SE46C270 (400V) 40 10 270ltr £2129.00 £2554.80 XE37/270 (OL)* 36 2x 4 270ltr £1479.00 £1774.80

32' LO

40'

ONLY DOUBLE .00

exc.VAT 1099 DOUBLE FOOTER £1318.80 inc.VAT

Model CIG1432 CIG1640#

B = Bench mounted exc.VAT 99 DOUBLE FOOTER £119.94 inc.VAT F = Floor standing CDP102B FROM ONLY

£ DOUBLE .95

WAS inc.VAT inc.VAT £119.94 £139.14 £251.98 £250.80 £322.80 £406.80 £406.80 £358.80 £934.80 £838.80

WORKSHOP CRANES

size (LxWxH) 9.7x4.3x3.65m 12x4.9x4.3m

DUAL VOLTAGE

Offering low cost, efﬁcient heating

VOLT IN STOCK FROM £226.80 inc.VAT

230&

110

CFC100

219

£ FROM ONLY .98 DOUBLEexc.VAT DOUBLE £263.98 FOOTER inc.VAT

FOOTER £113.99 inc.VAT

Max. Output kW exc.VAT inc.VAT 10.3 £94.99 £113.99 15 £119.98 £143.98 24.9 £159.98 £191.98 36.6 £189.98 £227.98 49.8 £269.00 £322.80 131 £479.00 £574.80

PRICE CUT £ DOUBLE.00

5 TONNE FORKLIFT/TRACTOR JACK - CFT5B

£634.80 inc.VAT DOUBLE

529exc.VAT

WAS £682.80 inc.VAT

Model CFC100#

Desc. exc.VAT 1 Tonne Folding £219.98 Workshop Crane CWGC1000‡ Gantry Crane 1T £529.00

inc.VAT £263.98 £634.80

MIG WELDERS

PRICE CUT DOUBLE.00

239exc.VAT LOW HIGH

£286.80 inc.VAT DOUBLE

WAS £298.80 inc.VAT

HUGE RANGE OF JACKS IN STOCK

LIFTS FROM 70mm

IG2200A

ALSO

FROM ONLY HEADER

135TE * WAS £356.39 inc.VAT Model Min/Max Amps exc.VAT PRO90 25-90 £249.00 135TE Turbo* 30-130 £289.98 151TE Turbo 30-150 £345.00 160TM 30-150 £359.00

inc.VAT £298.80 £347.98 £414.00 £430.80

CIG1640

Honda engine models available

DIESEL GENERATORS UP TO 125kVA exc. Model Volts HP VAT PG2500A 230 5.6 £219.00 PG3800A 230 5.6 £269.00 PG3800ADV 230/110 5.6 £299.00 PG6500ADVES 230/110 9.7 £539.00

DIESEL/PARAFFIN HEATERS

WAS inc. inc.VAT VAT £270.00 £262.80 £346.80 £322.80 £370.80 £358.80 £658.80 £646.80

FAN HEATERS 2.8kW

Ideal for fast efﬁcient heating Extra-long run fuel tanks – up to 53 litres Variable heat output with thermostat control

2850

LIFTS

exc.VAT 189 £227.98 inc.VAT

PW50A * WAS £358.80 inc.VAT # WAS £478.80 inc.VAT Max Outlet exc. Model Type Flow Size VAT inc.VAT PW50A Standard 550L/min 2" £189.98 £227.98 PW80A Standard 1100L/min 3" £199.98 £239.98 PS75A* Semi-trash 750L/min 3" £279.00 £334.80 PF75A# Full-trash 1300L/min 3" £379.00 £454.80

ELECTRIC HEATERS

FROM ONLY

EXC.VAT 69 DOUBLE BEST FOOTER £83.98 inc.VAT

£ DOUBLE .98

FROM ONLY £ DOUBLE.00

229exc.VAT

XR80

DOUBLE £274.80 FOOTER inc.VAT

model XR60 XR80 XR110 XR160 XR210

MAX output 14.7kW 20.5kW 29.3kW 46.9kW 61.5kW

exc.VAT £229.00 £279.00 £329.00 £399.00 £459.00

inc.VAT £274.80 £334.80 £394.80 £478.80 £550.80

SELLER

2800PTC-B

Max. Model Output exc.VAT inc.VAT DEVIL 2000PTC-B 2kW £29.98 £35.98 Devil 2850 2.8kW £42.99 £51.59 Devil 2800PTC-B 2.8kW £49.98 £59.98

FROM ONLY £ DOUBLE .98 exc.VAT DOUBLE FOOTER £107.98 inc.VAT

Superb range ideal for DIY, hobby & semiprofessional use UP TO 7938KG CAPACITY IN STOCK

JUMP STARTS

Provides essential home, garage and roadside assistance Integral work light 910 /JS1100C include air compressor FROM ONLY Long life battery £ DOUBLE .99 exc.VAT 96 DOUBLE EXTRA LONG 1m LEADS

Heat Model Voltage Output exc.VAT Devil 6003 230V 1.5-3kW £69.98 Devil 7003* 230V 3kW £76.99 Devil 7005# 400V 5kW £98.99 Devil 6009 400V 4.5-9kW £124.99 Devil 7009 400V 9kW £152.99 Devil 6015 400V 5-10-15kW £189.98 Devil 7015 400V 15kW £229.98

inc.VAT £83.98 £92.39 £118.79 £149.99 £183.59 £227.98 £275.98

Model Motor 8/260 2HP 11/550 2.5HP 16/550 3HP 16/1050 3HP

CFM 7 9.3 14.5 14.5

Tank 24ltr 50ltr 50ltr 100ltr

FROM ONLY DOUBLE.98 exc.VAT DOUBLE £143.98 FOOTER inc.VAT

119

exc.VAT £119.98 £179.98 £249.00 £309.00

Honda & Diesel engine models in stock

Starting Peak Boost Amps exc.VAT 400 900 £96.99 500 1100 £96.99 1100 2200 £164.99 1000 2000 £179.98

inc.VAT £116.39 £116.39 £197.99 £215.98

inc.VAT £143.98 £215.98 £298.80 £370.80

PETROL & DIESEL CAN DRAW PRESSURE OWN WATER WASHERS

FOOTER £116.39 inc.VAT

Model 910 JS1100C 4000 JS12/24

DEVIL 7003

TURBO AIR COMPRESSORS

20SPS12

FROM ONLY £ DOUBLE .98 EXC.VAT DOUBLE FOOTER £35.98 inc.VAT

FROM ONLY HEADER

.00 exc.VAT 279 £334.80 inc.VAT

PLS265B *Diesel Diesel Pressure Engine Model BAR/Psi HP exc.VAT inc.VAT Tiger1800B 110/1595 3 £279.00 £334.80 Tiger2600B 180/2610 4 £379.00 £454.80 Tiger3000B 200/2900 6.5 £399.00 £478.80 PLS195B 180/2640 5.5 £499.00 £598.80 PLS220 230/3335 9 £679.00 £814.80 PLS265B 225/3263 13 £769.00 £922.80 248/3600 13 £998.00 £1197.60 PLS360 DLS200AL* 200/2900 8.5 £2399.00 £2878.80

VISIT YOUR LOCAL SUPERSTORE Open Mon-Fri 8.30-6.00, Sat 8.30-5.30, Sun 10.00-4.00 BARNSLEY Pontefract Rd, Barnsley, S71 1EZ 01226 732297 B’HAM GREAT BARR 4 Birmingham Rd. 0121 358 7977 B’HAM HAY MILLS 1152 Coventry Rd, Hay Mills 0121 7713433 BOLTON 1 Thynne St. BL3 6BD 01204 365799 BRADFORD 105-107 Manningham Lane. BD1 3BN 01274 390962 BRIGHTON 123 Lewes Rd, BN2 3QB 01273 915999 BRISTOL 1-3 Church Rd, Lawrence Hill. BS5 9JJ 0117 935 1060 BURTON UPON TRENT 12a Lichﬁeld St. DE14 3QZ 01283 564 708 CAMBRIDGE 181-183 Histon Road, Cambridge. CB4 3HL 01223 322675 CARDIFF 44-46 City Rd. CF24 3DN 029 2046 5424 CARLISLE 85 London Rd. CA1 2LG 01228 591666 CHELTENHAM 84 Fairview Road. GL52 2EH 01242 514 402 CHESTER 43-45 St. James Street. CH1 3EY 01244 311258 COLCHESTER 4 North Station Rd. CO1 1RE 01206 762831 COVENTRY Bishop St. CV1 1HT 024 7622 4227 CROYDON 423-427 Brighton Rd, Sth Croydon 020 8763 0640 DARLINGTON 214 Northgate. DL1 1RB 01325 380 841 DEAL (KENT) 182-186 High St. CT14 6BQ 01304 373 434 DERBY Derwent St. DE1 2ED 01332 290 931 DONCASTER Wheatley Hall Road 01302 245 999 DUNDEE 24-26 Trades Lane. DD1 3ET 01382 225 140 EDINBURGH 163-171 Piersﬁeld Terrace 0131 659 5919

* WAS £466.80 inc.VAT Max Weight model Output KG exc.VAT inc.VAT IG950D 800W 9.3 £219.00 £262.80 IG1200D 1100W 12.4 £279.00 £334.80 IG1700F 1700W 22 £259.00 £310.80 IG2000D 1800W 19.4 £399.00 £478.80 IG3500AF* 3400W 35 £379.00 £454.80 IG2200A 2200W 26.6 £429.00 £514.80

NEW

2.8kW

Model Capacity exc.VAT inc.VAT 20SPS12 907kg £89.98 £107.98 25SPS12 1134kg £124.99 £149.99

Delivery & Suction hose in stock *Can pump solids up to 15mm dia. #Can pump solids up to 28mm dia.

.00 exc.VAT 249 £298.80 inc.VAT

14.5' HIGH

UPTO 730mm

PETROL ENGINE FROM ONLY HEADER WATER PUMPS £ .98

Quality machines from Britain’s leading supplier See online for included accessories

12V battery charging facility

DEVIL 6003 Propane gas ﬁred

exc.VAT

Model Little Devil II Devil 700 Devil 900 Devil 1600 Devil 2100 Devil 4000

ONLY INVERTER £ FROM .00 DOUBLE exc.VAT 219 GENERATORS DOUBLE £262.80 FOOTER inc.VAT

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Motor (W) model Speeds exc.VAT CDP5EB 350 / 5 £99.95 CDP102B 350 / 5 £115.95 CDP152B 450 / 12 £209.00 CDP202B 450 / 16 £269.00 CDP352F 550 / 16 £339.00 CDP452B 550 / 16 £299.00 CDP502F 1100 / 12 £699.00

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EXETER 16 Trusham Rd. EX2 8QG 01392 256 744 GATESHEAD 50 Lobley Hill Rd. NE8 4YJ 0191 493 2520 GLASGOW 280 Gt Western Rd. G4 9EJ 0141 332 9231 GLOUCESTER 221A Barton St. GL1 4HY 01452 417 948 GRIMSBY ELLIS WAY, DN32 9BD 01472 354435 HULL 8-10 Holderness Rd. HU9 1EG 01482 223161 ILFORD 746-748 Eastern Ave. IG2 7HU 0208 518 4286 IPSWICH Unit 1 Ipswich Trade Centre, Commercial Road 01473 221253 LEEDS 227-229 Kirkstall Rd. LS4 2AS 0113 231 0400 LEICESTER 69 Melton Rd. LE4 6PN 0116 261 0688 LINCOLN Unit 5. The Pelham Centre. LN5 8HG 01522 543 036 LIVERPOOL 80-88 London Rd. L3 5NF 0151 709 4484 LONDON CATFORD 289/291 Southend Lane SE6 3RS 0208 695 5684 LONDON 6 Kendal Parade, Edmonton N18 020 8803 0861 LONDON 503-507 Lea Bridge Rd. Leyton, E10 020 8558 8284 LUTON Unit 1, 326 Dunstable Rd, Luton LU4 8JS 01582 728 063 MAIDSTONE 57 Upper Stone St. ME15 6HE 01622 769 572 MANCHESTER ALTRINCHAM 71 Manchester Rd. Altrincham 0161 9412 666 MANCHESTER CENTRAL 209 Bury New Road M8 8DU 0161 241 1851 MANCHESTER OPENSHAW Unit 5, Tower Mill, Ashton Old Rd 0161 223 8376 MANSFIELD 169 Chesterﬁeld Rd. South 01623 622160 MIDDLESBROUGH Mandale Triangle, Thornaby 01642 677881

NORWICH 282a Heigham St. NR2 4LZ 01603 766402 NORTHAMPTON Beckett Retail Park, St James’ Mill Rd 01604 267840 NOTTINGHAM 211 Lower Parliament St. 0115 956 1811 PETERBOROUGH 417 Lincoln Rd. Millﬁeld 01733 311770 PLYMOUTH 58-64 Embankment Rd. PL4 9HY 01752 254050 POOLE 137-139 Bournemouth Rd. Parkstone 01202 717913 PORTSMOUTH 277-283 Copnor Rd. Copnor 023 9265 4777 PRESTON 53 Blackpool Rd. PR2 6BU 01772 703263 SHEFFIELD 453 London Rd. Heeley. S2 4HJ 0114 258 0831 SIDCUP 13 Blackfen Parade, Blackfen Rd 0208 3042069 SOUTHAMPTON 516-518 Portswood Rd. 023 8055 7788 SOUTHEND 1139-1141 London Rd. Leigh on Sea 01702 483 742 STOKE-ON-TRENT 382-396 Waterloo Rd. Hanley 01782 287321 SUNDERLAND 13-15 Ryhope Rd. Grangetown 0191 510 8773 SWANSEA 7 Samlet Rd. Llansamlet. SA7 9AG 01792 792969 SWINDON 21 Victoria Rd. SN1 3AW 01793 491717 TWICKENHAM 83-85 Heath Rd.TW1 4AW 020 8892 9117 WARRINGTON Unit 3, Hawley’s Trade Pk. 01925 630 937 WIGAN 2 Harrison Street, WN5 9AU 01942 323 785 WOLVERHAMPTON Parkﬁeld Rd. Bilston 01902 494186 WORCESTER 48a Upper Tything. WR1 1JZ 01905 723451

TIGER 16/1050

HEAVY DUTY SUBMERSIBLE WATER FROM ONLY PUMPS £ DOUBLE .98

exc.VAT DOUBLE FOOTER £107.98 inc.VAT

*Pumps solids up to 35mm dia. #Clean/ dirty water (solids up to 5mm dia.) †Sewage cutter pump PVP11A Max Flow Max Model LPM Head PVP11A* 258 11.0m HSE130A# 140 7.0m HSEC650A 290 9.5m HSE1400A† 430 13m

HSEC650A exc.VAT £89.98 £119.98 £249.00 £389.00

inc.VAT £107.98 £143.98 £298.80 £466.80

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p051.indd 51

December 22, 2023 |

20/12/2023 12:55:00

FGBuyandSell.com

WARDMANS (MATLOCK) LTD MATLOCK, DERBYSHIRE, DE4 5FY • T: 01629 56678 • M: 07966 670953 • M: 07825 914643 • W: www.wardmans.co.uk

KUBOTA RTV IN CAMO Ym 2017. 1620hrs. Load liner. Tidy machine. Price: £13950

NEW X DISPLAY PORTEQUIP NC 16T DUMP TRAILER 22’ BALE TRAILER C/W sprung draw bar. on 8 stud sprung axles. Welded Magic back door. head board. Strap box. Led lights. Commercial axles. Super On 435/50 R 19.5 wheels. C/w single wheels. Good order!! alloy cattle container. 1 slam shut partition. C/w tank. Very well made. Price: £13250

JPM 14T DUMP TRAILER Low sides . Super single wheels. Hyd door. Price: £6850

MARSHALL 10T GRAIN TRAILER On 12.5 wheels. Sprung axles. Only ever done grain. Really smart!!! Price: £4950

IFOR WILLIAMS 12’

GRAHAM EDWARDS 12’ CATTLE TRAILER C/w decks . 3 partitions. Price: £4950

BUNNING 60 REAR DISCHARGE SPREADER

BUNNING 105

Price: £6200

Extension sides. Slurry door. Wide angle pto. Ym 2021. Extremely good condition. Still got paint on the rotors. First to see will buy.!!!! Price: £19000

BUNNING LOWLANDER MK4 120 HBD SPINNING DECK Weigh cells. Ym 2015 on 650/65R 38 Alliance wheels. Wide angle pto. Good order. Price: POA

BUNNING 90 REAR BUNNING 90 9T REAR DISCHARGE SPREADER DISCHARGE SPREADER Slurry door. Wide angle pto. Wide angle pto. In john deere green. Ym 2011 1 farm from new. Proper job!! Slurry door. Ym 2009. Price: £16000 Price: £13500

KTWO 10T REAR DISCHARGE Wide angle pto. Slurry door. C/w wood Extension sides. Ym 2009. Price: £12500

HARRY WEST 1300 DUAL SPREADER Price: £12250

HISPEC 3000G SLURRY TANK

HISPEC 1600G SLURRY TANK On 750 alliance wheels. Sprung draw bar. Ym 2015. Very good order!! Price: £11200

BELLE SKID STEER 7250 c/w bucket and grab. Price: POA

CATTLE TRAILER c/w decks 3 partitions. Ym 2015. 650 wheels.

AS MARSTON 15 CUBE TWIN AXLE ROTOR SPREADER

Proper job!!! Price: POA

HISPEC 1000 ROTOR SPREADER On 550/60- 22.5 wheels. On Sprung axles. 560-45/22.5 wheels. C/w new chains. Ym 2011. ym 2016 Tidy order. Price: £6200 Price: £7500

FRASER 550 ROTOR SPREADER 12.5 wheels. Good chains. Ym 2010. Price: £3000

HISPEC 2000G SLURRY TANK Sprung draw bar. A lliance tyres. Ym 2014 Good order Price: £9500

SLURRY GUZZLER 2200 GALLON Galv. On new alliance tyres. Tidy order. Price: £6000

Galv Ym 2020 On 560/60 flotation wheels. Sprung draw bar. Steering rear axel. Sight tube . Hyd drive pump. Good order. Price: £19000

PRIMEX 2000G TANK On 800/65-32 alliance wheels. Sprung draw bar. 2 fill points. Tidy order. Price: £10000

MCHALE C460 STRAW BLOWER Electric controls. Ym 2015. Price: £9250

| December 22, 2023

p052.indd 52

Sprung draw bar. 6” auto fill. Air/hyd brakes. On bkt 750/60 R 30.5 tyres. Ym 2014. Tidy order.

Price: £17500

Slurry door. Wide angle pto. Air brakes. Steel mudguards. Spinner deck ready. Flared extension sides. On Alliance 650 wheels. Ym 2017. Nice machine!! Price: £26000

MAJOR 3500G TANDEM TANK PRIME X 3000 G SLURRY TANK 6” auto filler. Tandem axle. Rear steer axle. Hyd drive pump. Tidy tank.!! Price: £11950

REDROCK ROCK 2000G TANK on 30.5 wheels. Rain gun . Sprung draw bar. Tidy order. Price: £12000

MCCONNEL

MOORE UNI-DRILL

KW AUGER BUCKET 1.5T

HEDGECUTTER PA 500 E

4m t railed.

ym 2021.

Electric controls.

Price: POA

Price: £6500

Price: £5750

FGbuyandsell.com FGinsight.com

20/12/2023 12:14:56

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LATEST USED STOCK

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HUNDREDS OF ITEMS IN STOCK ,0 25

,9 111

£1

Stock No: 91049096

Stock No: 91045061

Stock No: 21050004

Stock No: 41051282

New Holland T7.270

New Holland T7.315HD

AUTO COMMAND 50KPH ECO, 2022, 1204 HOURS,600/65R28 & 650/75R38 TYRES

New Holland T7.260

50KPH, 2021, BLUE POWER,3100 HOURS, 650/60R34& 710/75R42 TYRES

New Holland T7.270 AUTO COMMAND, 2022, 1119 HOURS, 650/65R42 540/65R30 TYRES

Call Tom Fawcett t: 07779 793 039

POWER COMMAND SIDE WINDER, 2022, 449 HOURS, 50KPH, 650/65R42 & 540/65R28 TYRES.

Call Tom Fawcett t: 07779 793 039

Call Dave Muir t: 07580 982 487

Call Jim Nash t: 07734 550 400

£1

Stock No: 41050114

New Holland T7.315HD Call Jim Nash t: 07734 550 400

New Holland T7.315HD,2022, 50kph Eco, 845 hours, Bluetooth Radio,Joystick with 2x MMV, Bar Axle, ISOBUS Rear breakaway, Radar, Front Linkage and Couplers, Hyd Top Link, Rear Camera, 12 LED’s, High Mount Roadlights, 4 Remotes, VR and AGR with Full RTK, Intelliview Pro, Twin Beacons, Intelligent Trailer Brakes, 165L Pump, Power Beyond, 710/70R42 & 600/70R30

,9 84

Stock No: 91049082

Stock No: 91049087

Stock No: 41049943

Stock No: 41049551

New Holland T7.225

New Holland T7.210

AUTO COMMAND, 2022, ELITE PACK, 50KPH ECO, 650/65R38 540/65R28 TRELLEBORG

AUTO COMMAND, 2022, 834 HOURS, 50KPH ECO, 650/65R38 & 540/65R28 TYRES.

POWER COMMAND CLASSIC WITH CREEP, 2022, 457 HOURS, 50KPH

AUTO COMMAND, 2022, 50KPH ECO, 1150 HOURS, 650/65R38 & 540/65R28 TYRES.

Call Tom Fawcett t: 07779 793 039

Call Jim Nash t: 07734 550 400

,0 76

,50

6 £7

Stock No: 91047740

Stock No: 41049996

Stock No: 41049621

New Holland T7.260

AUTO COMMAND, 2021, 2982 HOURS, 50KPH ECO, 540/65R30 & 650/65R42 TYRES.

New Holland T6.180

2020, POWER COMMAND 50KPH CLASSIC, 3000 HOURS, 650/65R42 &540/65R30 TYRES.

New Holland T6.180

DYNAMIC COMMAND, YEAR 2020, 837 HOURS, 50KPH, 480/65R28 & 600/65R38

ELECTRO COMMAND, 50KPH, 2020, 600/65R38 & 480/65R28, APPROX 1900 HOURS

Call Tom Fawcett t: 07779 793 039

Call Rich Green t: 07867 746 672

Call John Mycroft t: 07920 589 737

Stock No: 91059095

New Holland T7.225 Call Tom Fawcett t: 07779 793 039

,0 65

,95

9 £6

,0 69

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Stock No: 41048252

New Holland T7.225 Call Stuart Dixon t: 07506 595 873

,50

9 £2

Auto Command, 50kph Eco, 2022, 1326 hours, Front/links PTO and Couplers to 2xMMV, AGR, VR with RTK, Power Beyond, Radar, Exhaust Brake, 4 Remotes, Intell Brakes, High VisPanel, ISO Rear Breakaway, Wide fenders, 12 LED’s,160L Pump EPL, Bluetooth radio High Mounted Headlamps, 2 beacons, 650/65R38 & 540/65R28

7,0 £6

Stock No: 41051364

Stock No: C1045296

Stock No: 91049460

Stock No: 21050631

New Holland T6.160 DCT

New Holland T6.155

New Holland T6010

New Holland T7.210

2022, 40KPH ECO, 866 HOURS, 600/65R38 480/65R28

DYNAMIC COMMAND, 50KPH, 2021, 650/65R38 540/65R28 MICHELIN

DELTA C/W 120FL NEW HOLLAND LOADER, SELF LEVELLING, 2009

RANGE COMMAND CLASSIC, 2019, 50KPH, 650/65R38 540/65R28

Call Jim Nash t: 07734 550 400

Call Edward Greaves t: 07976 464 028

Call Tom Fawcett t: 07779 793 039

Call Nev Kirby t: 07970 805 369

,0 56

,70

New Holland T7.225

,5 79

£1

Stock No: 91045053

2022, 862 hours, Elite Pack, 50kph eco, AGR, Power Beyond, Joystick, 2 MMV, 4 Remotes, Front linkage PTO and couplers, Intelligent Trailer Braking, Cab Pack 2, 710/70R38 600/65R28 Trelle, L3 AG, HTS2, ISOBUS breakaway.

Call Jim Nash t: 07734 550 400

4 £9

Ex Hire New Holland

,0 05

,0 112

Stock No: 11038880

21 Plate, 2000 hours, 50kph Eco, ABS Socket, VR & AGR, 210L Pump, Power Beyond, Joystick and 2xMMV, 4 Remotes, Hyd Top Link, Front Links and Couplers, Intell Braking, Climate Control, Dynamic Comfort, FHM, High Head, 2 Beacons, 16 LED’s, Elec Mirrors, Blue Power, 710/70R42 & 600/70R30

£1

,95

9 £8

,0 05

,9 39

£1

,0 09

, 20

,0 38

9,9 £4

Stock No: 21048381

Stock No: 11051301

Stock No: 21051022

Stock No: 11050478

New Holland T7.210

New Holland T7.270

RANGE COMMAND CLASSIC,2019, 3010 HOURS, 50KPH, 650/65R38 540/65R28

New Holland T7.185

2013, AUTO COMMAND, 50KPH , 5000 HOURS, 650/65R42 540/65R30.

New Holland T7.270

2012, 6500 HOURS, AUTOCOMMAND, 480/70R28 & 520/85R38 TYRES.

AUTO COMMAND, 50KPH, YEAR 2013, 6708 HOURS, 600/65R30 AND 710/70R38

Call Nev Kirby t: 07970 805 369

Call Phil Maw t: 07966 067 240

Call Nev Kirby t: 07970 805 369

Call Stuart Dixon t: 07506 595 873

,9 89

Stock No: 31049950

New Holland T7.210 Call Sam Colebatch t: 07543 506 612

50kph Eco, 2021, 470 hours, Auto Command, Exhaust Brake,ABS Trailer Socket, Customer Steer & AGR, Joystick, 2x MMV, 4 Remotes, Front Linkage to MMV, Intelligent Trailer Braking, Climate Control, Cab Pack 2, High Vis Panel, Twin Beacons, 12 LED’s, Radar, Elec Mirrors, 710/70R38 & 600/65R28.

Errors and omissons excepted. All prices + VAT

,0 27

russells.uk.com FGbuyandsell.com

p053.indd 53

December 22, 2023 |

20/12/2023 12:15:44

FGBuyandSell.com Unit 4 | Brook Mill | Wrea Green | Preston | PR4 2PH

01772 684222 | 07506 191880 | 07432 030594

Contact: Harry Boardman | www.hbmachinery.co.uk | sales@hbmachinery.co.uk www.hb-parts.co.uk for ONLINE parts Follow and like us on Facebook

NEW Bailey TB16 Grain trailer c/w roll over sheet and commercial axle ... POA

Teagle 1010 Trailer straw bedder c/w blue tooth controls ......................... £8250

Bailey 14T Root trailer c/w roll over sheet 500/45R22.5 Wheels ...........£POA

Bailey 9Ton Silage Trailer Year 2016 lovely condition ................................ £8250

Kramer 1245 Year 2015 2800hrs Hydraulic locking ................... £28750

NEW Bailey CT14 Stone trailer, Full commercial axle and 560 Wheels POA

NEW Bailey CD10 Dump Trailer in BLUE ................................................ POA

Major 2400g Year 2023 Hydraulic drive Galvanised tank................. POA

NEW Bailey Flat Trailer c/w hay racks................................................... POA

Bailey 27ft Trix axle Low loader c/w Air brakes............................. £POA

Star1500g tanker c/w Sludigator pump...............................................£1850

NEW Bailey Low loader Air brakes Hard Wood Floor Sprung Draw bar .........POA

John Deere 5100M 69 plate 1543hrs JD6120R TLS axle Cab Suspension 540/65R38 tyres ....................... £POA 4300hrs 600/540 Wheels £49750

MF135 5995hrs been resprayed in nice condition and ready for work .£7750 ono

Case Farmall 115 4wd Year 2018 Hours 2051 with 4 weights ..... £POA

Weidemann 1380 Year 2020 Hours 2957 and Pallet tines ............. £26750

JCB531.70 Year 2021 2235hrs, Air Condition, Joystick controls .......£44750

USED AVANY 635 Year 2022 c/w Bucket .........................................£28500

Teagle 2.8m Front/Rear Fails Mowers c/w Rollers ..................£POA

Bucket Brush 7ft JCB brackets ....... .......................................................... £1550

LWC Scraper c/w weidemann brackets ...........................................£750

LWC Bucket Grab 7ft6” Weidemann brackets ...............£1250

NEW Bucket 7ft c/w euro brackets ..............................................................£875

Teagle 8ft Topper Year 2017 ............ .......................................................... £1000

VEC Cherry picker c/w Multi lift basket with test and Iveco full MOT £6250 ovno

NEW Pallet tine c/w euro brackts.. .............................................................£750

NEW Alliance Wheels and tyres 560/60R22.5....................... £750 each

| December 22, 2023

p054.indd 54

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p055.indd 55

December 22, 2023 |

20/12/2023 12:17:27

MACHINERY

Edited by Toby Whatley – 07583 054 831 – toby.whatley@agriconnect.com

The wet autumn has challenged most drilling campaigns, but in Nottinghamshire, Simon and Adrian Cartwright have appreciated their new Kverneland ts-drill.

Tines save time and money

akring Field Farm is a 138-hectare arable enterprise on clay loams with soils varying within fields. The focus is mainly on autumn-sown crops – first and second wheats, winter barley and oilseed rape – although spring barley has been introduced to help tackle grass-weeds. Adrian Cartwright says: “Once our soil gets wet, it takes a long time to dry out, so the more we can get done in the autumn the better.” His son Simon says they have worked closely with their agronomist to plan a regime which moves away from the plough. He says: “We were ploughing, power harrowing and then combi

The tine is a new development for Kverneland, so we will see how it stands the test of time SIMON CARTWRIGHT

drilling with a four-metre Accord and it was a slow, costly process. As the weather deteriorated, the combi drill would block up and, as we have moved to chopping straw, it was hard to get residues to flow through.” With plenty of horsepower available from a Case Magnum 7220 and New Holland T7, a wider drill to increase output was an option and moving less soil was high on the list of objectives.

Goals Simon says: “We have gone towards our goals over the last two years, ploughing less and using a Sumo LDS subsoiler ahead of Great Plains Express discs where possible. “The next step was to find a more versatile drill which could work in a range of conditions with the aim of going into stubble or direct drilling eventually.” All of this suggested a tine drill would be the way forward and the Kverneland ts-drill was demoed alongside another similar machine. Simon says: “The ts-drill had the standard tine fitted for the demo, so there was more soil movement and it was not suitable for direct drilling. But both drills offered a comparable finish and establishment.” Kverneland then came back with

The ts-drill is IsoBus-controlled using Kverneland’s Tellus Go monitor.

the development of the low disturbance tine, a 15mm-wide point set at 167mm spacings, making the most of the stagger and frame clearance offered by the five-row layout. Adrian says: “We had a further demo in chopped straw and we could see how the trash flowed through more easily. The dry autumn in 2022 meant some of the straw had not broken down even after the LDS and discs, so it was a good test.” The keen price point, along with eligibility for a grant under the Farming and Equipment Technology

Fund’s direct drill category sealed the deal and the 6m ts-drill arrived on-farm this autumn.

Hardened plates Simon says: “The tine is a new development for Kverneland, so we will see how it stands the test of time. But there are hardened plates on the leading edges and we are not on particularly abrasive soils.” The Accord had been on-farm a long time, so the new drill brings plenty of innovations. Simon says: “Modern metering sys-

A level, weatherproof finish with a following harrow behind the tines.

M DV -55 E A 3 ER p4 RN H

F Y O ER ES IN S G H T PA AC ER

p56 57 Dec22 MB TW BB.indd 2

farmersguardian.com

20/12/2023 12:43

MACHINERY The Kverneland ts-drill has clocked up some challenging acres in its first season at Eakring Field Farm.

tems are a new experience – calibration is simply achieved using the Tellus Go terminal and a measuring bag under the hopper, so it takes five minutes rather than half-an-hour and the screen even tells you which cartridge to choose when changing crops.” The Case 7220, Adrian’s preferred tractor, is from the pre-IsoBus era, but Simon says it is simple enough to connect up the cabling to control the drill from the Tellus Go. Seeding depth is manually adjusted using spacers on each side, then the outer wings are levelled. He suggests it probably takes longer to check the depth of the seed in the ground than to make the adjustment.

“But as we get used to the drill and how it works in different conditions it will be quicker. We have found the seed rates to be very accurate; we work at about 10kph, which gives a good flow through of trash.” The continual rain means the drill has only covered 32ha so far, but the pair say they were able to get back in the field sooner than with a combi drill. Simon says: “We planned the hybrid barley for early September, but then it was too wet. Previously we would have had to open up the soil with the power harrow to dry it out before we could go, but we were able to get on as soon as it stopped raining. “We may need to redrill a few

headlands and, if it dries up a little, I am confident the ts-drill will be able to do that. “It will also be useful in spring as the low disturbance tines will keep the moisture in and avoid the soil drying out too much.” He adds that caution is still needed in wet conditions. “We thought about doing a bit more before Storm Babet came in, but the crop would not have grown with the amount of rain we had. You still need to think about the growing conditions, not just whether the drill will go.” Most of the land is level, but Adrian says the floating wings of the drill coped well with one large hill on-farm.

“We would normally take two or three days to get that top field, which is 28ha, done – ploughing, power harrowing and combi drilling. But we did it easily in a day. The savings on fuel and time are clear to see.”

Logistics Extra capacity is offered by the 1,700-litre hopper, but the increased output means a rethink of logistics for next year so Simon can fill in the field. Adrian says: “He was getting through the seed before I realised I needed to go and fill the drill up.” On their journey to low-till, the ts-drill is giving the Cartwrights a vision of the future.

Simon (left) and Adrian Cartwright have been impressed with the outputs offered by the drill.

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MACHINERY Demand for the purchase of the latest model may only reflect a small proportion of the overall UK market.

rUnusually strong sales throughout October

By James Huyton A SIGNIFICANT drop in tractor unit registration for November made a dent on the strong overall performance of 2023. After unusually strong sales in October, unit numbers saw a drop of 43.1 per cent in November compared to the previous year. Although the market has been strong overall, with sales up 1.6 per cent to 11,123 units for the year to date, November only contributed 414 units to that figure. Could this be a turning point in

Tractor sales show changeable outlook demand for new machinery reflecting on high interest rates and the cost of new machinery? This data may not sit easy with many manufacturers who are only just returning to pre-pandemic production levels. A number of recent farm sales have also returned some

well-maintained low-hour equipment to the marketplace, which could introduce another factor in the lower sales figures.

Agritechnica The recent Agritechnica event in Hanover saw a number of manufacturers refreshing their tractor

lines, but it could be some time before these new models reflect in UK sales figures. With many of the updates sitting in the high horsepower bracket, demand for the purchase of the latest model may only reflect a small proportion of the overall UK market.

High-capacity slurry separation set for LAMMA SET to unveil its latest high-capacity slurry separator at LAMMA Show, Bauer Group has announced the new Fan press screw (PPS 8) machine. It offers greater market options for large-scale dairy enterprises and anaerobic digester plants looking for a press screw separator. The manufacturer says it has an input volume of 65cu.m/hour for processing cattle slurry at 7-9 per cent dry matter (DM). Operator adjustment of processed product moisture content can be adjusted through several 58 | DECEMBER 22 2023

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counterweights and regulator systems. The manufacturer claims this system will maintain a consistent DM output of processed material with up to 36 per cent content in solids. Operators familiar with the Fan press screw system will be familiar with the PPS 8 concept, which uses the same design format of smaller machines, but with enlarged components. The 350kg 2,200mm-long auger screw is surrounded by a 400mm-diameter screen.

Bauer Group’s FAN press screw PSS 8.

The auger system is powered by 30kW electric motor running at 400V. Separating the solid and liquid aspects of slurry could give the opportunity to both export nutrients off-farm when not needed and extra liquid store capacity with solid material extracted from the slurry. Optimising slurry storage capacity with a slurry separator could

provide much-needed space in seasons of heavy rainfall. Covering storage may prove an initial port of call for most farms. Both aid the reduction of atmospheric emissions and help reduce rainfall entering the store. With Slurry Infrastructure Grant funding on offer, farm businesses may also consider slurry separation as a way of improving store capacity. farmersguardian.com

19/12/2023 12:02

MACHINERY After migrating from a traditional parlour to a multiple robot milking system, a Worcestershire dairy has reverted back to a parlour, as its business follows a process of efficient herd expansion. Geoff Ashcroft reports.

Stepping back from robots

or those faced with a shortage of labour, the rise of robotic milking machines has been a viable solution for many dairy farms seeking to continue or expand production. For Louis Staddon of A.G. Staddon and Sons, that process was put into full swing when the family business looked to replace a 40-yearold parlour in 2011. “We bought two of DeLaval’s robot milking units for our 120-cow herd,” says Mr Staddon. “The robots offered a short-term milking solution, as at some point we were also faced with relocating our farming business. “At that time, there seemed little point investing heavily in a parlour, knowing we had to move. So the robots gave us the flexibility to bring them with the herd.” Initially, the farm had two units installed, but when the Staddon family started its relocation to Westwood Farm – part of the Shakenhurst Hall Estate at Mamble, Worcestershire – a third robot milking unit was bought. “The third unit was the first robot to be installed at Westwood Farm,” he says. “And as the herd was moved in stages, so too were the other milking units. “We never stopped milking throughout the relocation, and then we pushed cow numbers up to 150.”

Louis Staddon (left) with herdsman Jack Adams.

However, the experience of robotic milking has not been plain sailing, or entirely positive. Mr Staddon was then the only one receiving alarm calls, and the need to be close by for incomplete cows, mastitis issues or breakdowns meant a member of staff was always available on-site.

The 40:40 parlour offers high comfort and convenience for both cows and staff.

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“The robots did work well for us, and they provide a huge amount of cow information if you want to make use of the data,” he says. “But you cannot simply put them in and walk away, as they still demand an amount of your time – it is just not spent carrying out the physical process of milking.

“On a more positive note, there is more time available for livestock husbandry.”

Efficiency As a 526-hectare mixed farm with 283ha of arable cropping, Westwood Farm has to use its resources effectively and efficiently to ensure its mixed farming enterprises complement each other, and return a profit. When it came to dairy herd efficiency, and the long-term plan to more than double the herd size and increase milk production, there had to be further change. “As we prepare for a time without the Basic Payment Scheme, we need to be milking more cows,” he says. “But doing so means becoming much more efficient in the way we run and manage the process. Our robots were 10 years old, and had become more expensive to run and also more unreliable. All three were costing £3,000/month on a service contract, and with a pending energy price hike, we faced an estimated monthly running cost of about £14,000 just to stand still.” He says that each robot had its own vacuum pump, its own water heater, and there was a constant need to cool milk. “Electricity consumption was not DECEMBER 22 2023 | 59

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MACHINERY frugal, and it all adds up when kit works for longer,” says Mr Staddon. “And with our long-term plan to expand the herd number to 500 cows, we asked ourselves: should we replace our three robots at a cost of £100,000 each, and then add another three robots to handle the size of herd we want? Or was there a better, more efficient solution for our circumstances?” He says that adding three more robots would have also required another building. So the decision was made to return to a parlour, in a new building complete with collecting yard and an automatic backing gate. In addition, the installation could incorporate races for AI and hoof trimming, plus a foot bath and automatic drafting gates that could divert cows, triggered by their transponders. “We did not want the cost or complexity of a multi-point rotary, but more importantly, we wanted a comfortable working environment that was beneficial for the cows and our staff,” he says.

Rapid exit That criteria led the Staddons to tradein the three robots for DeLaval’s P100 parallel parlour in a 40:40 format with rapid exit on both sides. “It is a future-proofed design that has given us the capacity to milk up to 500 cows for the equivalent cost of just three robots, with a service contract that has one third of the cost needed to run the robots. We are also using a lot less electricity too.” The parlour has been built around a wide, open pit where two staff could work without tripping over each other. Lighting is provided by low-energy LED and the floor spaces – in the pit and around the parlour – are dressed

It is a futureproofed design that has given us the capacity to milk up to 500 cows

Automated segregation is part of the exit strategy for Westwood Farm’s parlour installation.

LOUIS STADDON in soft, rubber matting to make the site comfortable, including secure footing for cows leaving the unit. Currently, the farm has 210 cows in-milk, but with heifers in the programme, herd numbers are expected to reach 350 by the end of spring 2024. The 500-cow target is on track to be reached within three years. “It is proving to be a great setup for us,” says Mr Staddon. “We are milking twice a day on a 14/10-hour split, which sees morning milking completed in 90 minutes, with afternoon milking taking just an hour and 10 minutes. And it is currently achieved with just a single member of staff.” Herdsman Jack Adams carries out 95 per cent of Westwood Farm’s milking, and says the parlour is a joy to use. Mr Adams says: “Cows are milking up to 50 seconds quicker, using DeLaval’s integration of robot technology that sees vacuum increased progressively as milk flow increases from the udder. “The whole process is smooth, easy on the cows, and with kick guards and muck protection, being in the

pit is no longer such a high-risk task.” He says that downsides are few, and while a slow milking cow can hold up one side of the parlour, the installation of rapid exit stalls with water jets at foot level encourages the cows to exit. Animals do not need to make a sharp turn on exit, so can meander out and loiter as the rapid exit gates close for the next batch of 20 cows. “By the time you get the third cluster on, all 20 cows are in their place,” he says. “It is a high-tech setup that also includes cluster flush, post-dip, yield meter, conductivity and blood monitoring, with data reconciled to cows through transponders. There is

no cell count capability, though we have all but eliminated mastitis thanks to high-quality sand bedding.” Mr Staddon says that where robot milking used to average 2.6 times, going back to twice-a-day milking has brought the herd average up by an additional 1,000 litres.

Circling “With the robot setup, our cows were on their feet too much – circling, walking about waiting to be milked,” he says. “Now, they are resting for longer, are quieter and just seem to be generally much happier and far more content.”

The pit is said to be a spacious, bright and comfortable place to work.

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MACHINERY

Moving from robot milking to twice-a-day parlour milking has helped the herd average increase by 1,000 litres.

caseih.com farmersguardian.com

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LIVESTOCK

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

A Devon farm has grown its turkey enterprise from humble beginnings to it now being the farm’s main source of income. Ellie Layton finds out more.

Family expands its turkey production for festive feast

hristmas dinner is one of the most celebrated meals of the year. A time shared with family and friends, all centred around a succulent turkey. And although the meal can be devoured in minutes, the Slade family dedicates more than half of the year to ensuring nearly 9,000 tables do not out on miss this Christmas tradition. The business, Best Devon Turkeys, is situated in the heart of

the Devon countryside near Exeter. It is the biggest private producer of turkeys in the South West, supplying high-end customers such as Fortnum and Mason. It is run by Steven and Sarah Slade alongside their two children Elle, 23, and Sam, 21, who have returned home to the farm to become the sixth generation of Slades to farm at Rosamondford Farm. The family runs a mixed 161-hectare (400-acre) farm.

It was originally centred around the dairy herd, which was dispersed in 2003. Focus then switched to the farm’s poultry and beef enterprises.

System Despite being on a much smaller scale, poultry has always been part of the family’s farming system and, in the past, included laying hens as well as the turkeys. Two years ago, the family decid-

ed to convert the sheds where they kept their 20,000 laying hens into storage units. Elle says: “This was a hard choice, but we had decided we did not want to be tied to supermarket contracts.” The move also meant they could expand their turkey production two-fold and today they have 9,000 farm fresh, free-range, bronze and barn-reared white turkeys. The chicks arrive in May at oneday-old and are split between two

Left to right: Steven, Elle and Sam Slade rear 9,000 turkeys at Rosamondford Farm in Devon.

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LIVESTOCK Turkeys are sturdy birds, so we do not vaccinate them, but they are treated for coccidia if needed ELLE SLADE sheds. These first 24 hours are the most crucial time for the chicks as this period presents the highest risk of mortality. The chicks are monitored closely in rearing pens, chick crumbs are introduced immediately and they are given a vitamin and mineral booster through the water lines. Elle says: “They spend five weeks in these pens and they grow unbelievably quickly. The shed looks bare when the chicks enter, but it soon fills up. “We then transition the chicks on to an automatic feeding system with a feed auger and water lines. This saves labour and makes it much easier to medicate the chicks if it is required. “Turkeys are sturdy birds, so we do not vaccinate them, but they are treated for coccidia if needed.” Turkeys are known to bully each other, so to avoid this, Elle explains they make the sheds as engaging as possible by hanging CDs and laying straw bales to keep the birds entertained.

The bronze and white barn birds average 5-7kg, but they rear birds up to 35kg.

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Paddock As part of their free-range status, the bronze and a selection of white birds have access to a paddock outside the shed. Although this has obvious health benefits, Elle explains the birds can find the natural environment stressful. In order to keep the birds calm, which is vital for tender meat, they are given free access to the outside in the day and are shut in at night. During cold and wet weather, the birds remain in the shed. Elle explains their turkeys are killed later than the norm. She says: “Supermarket birds are killed at stage three, this is when the birds are still developing their skeletal structure. “However, we kill our birds once they have finished stage five and have developed greater muscle and fat covering. “This provides an extra five to farmersguardian.com

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LIVESTOCK

The free-range turkeys are carefully managed to reduce stress from outside elements.

10 per cent of breast meat on the carcase. “The greater fat content is shown in the juice between the meat and the skin, and this prevents your turkey from being dry when cooked. “This extra finishing time provides a whole different eating experience when compared to a supermarket bought turkey.” Most of the birds are reared until they reach 5-7kg, but the Slades also supply catering birds. These average 30 to 35kg with the largest they have reared being 45kg. “By mid-November, the birds are ready to start killing. “Some people think this is early,

The extra finishing time provides a whole different eating experience when compared to a supermarket bought turkey ELLE SLADE 64 | DECEMBER 22 2023

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but this helps the meat mature, just like beef. These early birds are also useful for meat counter Christmas displays.” All the birds are killed on the farm, with between 800 and 1,000 birds processed daily with the help of 25 staff who join the family during the run up to Christmas. Once they are killed, the bird is bled before being hung for 10 days, which is vital to keeping the bird fresh as the blood is the first thing to go off. Until a few years ago, birds were plucked by hand, but now wax is used to remove the feathers. This is done on an electrical line to reduce handling time and also to keep handling as hygienic as possible before being packaged ready for the shops. As much of the turkey is used as possible, with the only waste being the birds’ feet. The giblets are vacuum packed and sold with the bird. Miss Slade admits the past few years have been challenging with the threat of avian influenza, but adds the support of their stockists has helped them through the difficult time. “We do not see our income until after Christmas, so the custom we receive from repeat on-farm customers and stockists give us reassurance,” she says. Most of the birds are distributed

to 50 local butchers and farm shop stockists across the South West, but they also sell 300 from the farm gate to be collected on Christmas Eve. Elle says: “This is a hectic day, but it marks the end of the year’s bird production. “We have a well-deserved rest over Christmas before calving starts in the spring, another batch of chicks arrive in May and the cycle starts again.” To help tell the story of how the birds are produced to the customer, Elle works on marketing the turkey business. As a result, she has started a marketing business to help other farmers do the same.

Encouraged As they grew up, she says that boith she and her brother were encouraged by their parents to study and work elsewhere so that upon their return, they could bring new skills and ideas to the family business. This is just what they have done alongside their work on the farm, with Sam driving the poultry shed conversion to industrial units. The farming business also includes a 450-head beef herd which is run in two parts. The first is a mixed suckler herd, which is close to the hearts of Steven and Elle who run the cattle

day-to-day. The herd is a mix of continental-bred and Red Devon cows that are housed during the winter and grazed in the summer on Woodbury Common, which is part of a conservation scheme. Continental sires are used across the cows to produce calves which are sold through Exeter market or privately to a finishing unit where Elle works part-time. A selection of the cows are bred to c ontinental AI sires. Resulting calves are sold at eight months old and have averaged £1,250 this year. The family also rears several batches of continental-sired dairy calves which are purchased from markets around the UK. Bought in at six weeks old, they are reared in groups of 100.

Farm facts ■ Rosamondford Farm is 161 hectares (400 acres) with a suckler beef herd, calf rearing and a poultry unit ■ The Slade family produces 9,000 free-range bronze and white barn reared turkeys ■ The turkeys are all processed on-farm and sold from the farm gate or through butchers and farm shops across the south west of England farmersguardian.com

19/12/2023 15:19

LIVESTOCK

Top five sustainability tips revealed rPRISM 2030 shows

how to cut emissions

ANALYSIS of data collected as part of ABP’s sustainability programme for cattle and sheep farmers, PRISM 2030, suggests there are five top recommendations for beef and lamb production. The carbon footprint data from 350 farmers involved in the programme has been analysed by the PRISM partners, Andersons, Harper Adams University, and Agrecalc, since the programme launched in late autumn 2022. Now, approaches to help farmers markedly change their carbon position, often via

small changes, have been identified. Prof Jude Capper, of Harper Adams University, says: “It is clear there are opportunities to improve on every single farm regardless of the baseline and that these are linked to improving both productivity and profitability.”

Recommendations She adds the top five recommendations are to improve pastures, reduce age at slaughter, improve livestock health and fertility, use by-product feeds and reduce fuel consumption. “If these changes were to be implemented across multiple UK farms, not just those involved with PRISM 2030, the overall greenhouse gas

PRISM 2030 is identifying which performance indicators or farm attributes are most important in cutting carbon footprints.

emission reduction and farm sustainability could be significantly enhanced,” says Prof Capper. Katie Thorley, ABP’s agricultural sustainability manager, says: “Within the suckler beef sector we have seen considerable variation in carbon footprints, from 6.24 — 123.49 GHGe per kg/deadweight, and similar trends within the sheep sector. “The challenge now is to closely examine the dataset, so that we can understand exactly what makes one farm different from another and which key performance indicators, or farm attributes, are most important

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in reducing carbon footprints. Carbon is a good measure of your farm business efficiency and our aim is to ensure the long-term sustainability of British beef and lamb.” All farmers involved have had access to a grant, the PRISM 2030 Sustainability Fund, financed by ABP, to buy equipment to support recommended changes. To date, they have invested in multi-species grass seed for pasture improvement, electric fencing equipment, livestock scales, electronic livestock identification equipment and GPS variable rate and area measurement kits.

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Included in your membership: 52 magazines Farmers Guardian delivered directly to your door every a year week including full digital access. Plus, check out our brand-new features exclusive to Farm Futures members. Insight – Quarterly, in-depth, analytical reports into the latest agricultural trends to optimise your farming practices Exchange – A series of digital events focused on learning from real case studies and exchanging knowledge with agricultural thought leaders Weekly Digest email – From the desk of FG’s editor every Sunday morning, discover exclusive insights which impact the business of profitable farming Members’ Lounge – Enjoy an exclusive space for members to network at leading events, such as LAMMA, CropTec, Future Farming Expo Scotland and Farm Business Innovation.

Become a member today Visit farmersguardian.com/membership farmersguardian.com

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SPONSORED CONTENT

MAIZECROPWATCH Farming on heavy clay land at 550 feet means James Wooldridge of Crosspark Farm, North Devon, is constantly fighting against time and the weather to get his arable and maize crops drilled and harvested successfully, with appropriate variety selection critical to his crops’ performance.

ames Woodridge runs a mixed farm at Burrington, near Umberleigh, where, in addition to 200 ewes, he also milks a small herd of 90 dairy cows, calving from June through to September. As well as a growing a selection of arable seed crops on behalf of a local seed merchant, James also grows eight hectares (20 acres) of high-yielding maize, which is used to feed the dairy herd through winter. James says: “I am in the process of expanding the herd, with plans to eventually reach 120 milkers as and when the farm’s income allows us to build a new cubicle shed.

Lactation

“We have historically averaged 8,500 litres per lactation, although this year the cows are performing above and beyond what I expected, predominantly because of genetic gains, which are the result of a lot of time and money spent over the last three to five years. “My hope is we will reach 9,000 litres this year, although a lot will depend

Earliness of maturity key for marginal maize grower on how well the herd performs when they come back into their winter accommodation.” Key to the herd’s performance during their time inside is the quality and quantity of forage available. With this in mind, James began growing maize five years ago to boost the amount of ensiled forage available and because it complements the farm’s grass silage. James says: “Modern maize varieties are capable of producing upwards of 18 tonnes/ha, but at 550 feet and with heavy clay deposits which extend to 6ft or 7ft deep, there is little chance of us ever achieving those sorts of figures. “A more realistic goal is for us to achieve 15t/ha, but that obviously depends on the kind of year we have.

“We always try to sow maize as soon as we can, but in the last two years we have not been able to drill until the very end of May. “That is simply because our heavy ground remains so wet for so long, but it does give us the chance to graze in spring or to take a first cut of grass silage before going in with the plough to prepare the ground for maize.” With just 8ha (20 acres) given to maize – enough to fill one clamp – James says that it is essential he selects a proven and early maturing variety. He says: “We can see both Exmoor and Dartmoor from the farm which means we are situated in one of the wettest parts of the UK. “We can therefore only realistically

use varieties which will perform in a short growing season, as we often have to drill late and harvest early. “In fact, the first time I grew maize we had to leave two acres uncut as that year’s excessively wet autumn meant we simply could not harvest it.” To minimise the risk of the same happening again, James has switched to earlier maturing varieties.

Yield performance

He says: “I started out growing Reason, which, despite that tricky first year, performed well for me in terms of yield and energy content. However, it is no longer available, so I moved over to Pinnacle and Ambition, which also worked well but were not

VARIETY SELECTION CRUCIAL TO VA

Earliness of maturity is vital when growing maize on heavy clay land at 550 feet.

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SELECTING a maize variety which is ideally suited to the location in which it is being grown and the end use for which it is being produced is crucial to maximising the crop’s value. Tim Richmond, maize manager for LG Seeds, discusses some of the things to consider when selecting next year’s varieties. He says: “As a seed breeder, Limagrain’s primary goal for each new generation of maize varieties is to produce crops which offer better yield, improved nutritional value and increasingly early maturity, so growers can offset purchased feed costs by producing ample quantities of home-grown, high-value forage. “High-performing early varieties, such as Dignity, Prospect, Foxtrot and

farmersguardian.com

18/12/2023 14:01

SPONSORED CONTENT Maize Crop Watch is sponsored by

James Wooldridge grows eight hectares (20 acres) of Dignity to ensure he has ample forage to feed his dairy herd in winter. quite early enough to mature for my specific set of circumstances. “I have therefore been growing Dignity for the last three years. It is only marginally earlier at maturing than my previous choices, but even a difference of just a

few days can be beneficial when the weather is against us.” Dignity has performed well for James over the last two years, with last year’s crop analysed at 34.2 per cent dry matter and 11.4MJ/kg of energy.

Dignity has performed well for James over the last two years, with last year’s crop analysed at 34.2 per cent dry matter and 11.4MJ/kg of energy. To ensure each year’s crop yields well, James feeds his maize ground with farmyard manure plus an application of di-ammonium phosphate, which is applied to the seed bed at about 148kg/ha (60kg/acre). James says: “After that I let the crop take care of itself and cross my fingers that the weather is kind. I am always on the lookout

UCIAL TO VALUE OF MAIZE Gema, all have the potential to fill clamps with good quality maize silage, but it is important to select the one which is best suited to your specific location and soil type and to ensure it offers the correct earliness of maturity to fit into your wider farming calendar.”

Vigour

Whether you are looking to improve early season vigour, dry matter yield, energy content or earliness of harvest, the BSPB/ NIAB Forage Maize Descriptive List is the obvious starting point when choosing which variety to grow, as it uses UK-specific data to assess each variety’s merits. Growers can also use the free LG Seeds Maize Manager App to determine which variety is best suited to their specific location. Tim says: “The maturity manager tool

within the app uses postcode-specific Met Office data to calculate Ontario Heat Unit accumulations for the specified location and uses this information to recommend the optimum variety. The BSPB/NIAB list also provides details of another key factor, cell wall digestibility. Tim says: “With 50 per cent of the total energy in maize contained within the plant’s stem and leaf material, varieties which combine high starch and high cell wall digestibility [CWD] should be at the top of the list of choices. “Varieties with higher CWD will encourage faster rumen throughput and higher feed intakes, resulting in improved productivity either as milk yield or daily liveweight gain. The latest varieties such as Duke and Skipper also offer very early maturity

LG Seeds markets agricultural seed specifically bred for the UK climate by the breeder Limagrain Europe.

for an even earlier variety to take a bit more risk away, but Dignity is not broken, so there is no need to fix it. “It is ready to harvest at least a week earlier than the varieties I have previously used and has the added advantage of growing away vigorously at the start of the growing season, even in years when our heavy clay soils have remained cold.”

BEST SUIT FOR more information about which maize variety is best suited to your specific circumstances, go to lgseeds.co.uk/crops/maize, or scan the code below to download a copy of Limagrain’s maize variety selection guide:

Tim Richmond enabling them to be harvested in favourable conditions and allowing time for a successor crop to be established.”

For more information, go to farmersguardian.com/sponsored-hub/maize-crop-watch farmersguardian.com

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PICTURES: COLUMBA O’HARE

LIVESTOCK ULSTER WINTER FAIR

Reserve inter-breed and Jersey champion, Treasure Andreas Fernleaf, from the Sizzler Syndicate.

Inter-breed and Holstein champion, Hallow Solomon Twizzle 3, from Philip Jones, Hallow Holsteins, Gorey, Co Wexford.

Hallow Holsteins win sixth top Royal Ulster Winter Fair prize rSolomon Twizzle 3

clinches highest title By Richard Halleron

THE Holstein, Hallow Solomon Twizzle 3, owned and bred by the Jones family from Gorey, Co Wexford, took the inter-breed title at the Royal Ulster Winter Fair, held at the Eikon Exhibition Centre, Lisburn. This is the sixth occasion on which the Hallow Holsteins’ connections have taken home this prize. The Solomon daughter calved for the fourth time just over a month ago and is currently giving 55 litres of milk per day. This was her first visit to the winter fair in-milk. The plan now is to take her to the 2024 Balmoral Show.

Philip Jones, who runs the 90cow Hallow herd, which averages 10,000kg, said: “It was pretty much a last minute decision to take the cow, given she only calved a short time ago. “But she was looking very well and we thought she should at least have the chance of competing.” Mike Duckett, Wisconsin, judged the classes and described his cham-

Results Inter-breed (Judge, M. Duckett, Wisconsin) Supreme, Hallow Holsteins, Hallow Solomon Twizzle 3 (Holstein); reserve, Sizzler Syndicate, Treasure Andreas Fernleaf (Jersey). Inter-breed heifer (M. Duckett) Sup., G. and J. Booth, Beechview Crushabull Lou Etta (Holstein); res., Sizzler Syndicate, Treasure Andreas Fernleaf (Jersey). Inter-breed junior (M. Duckett) Sup., Hallow Holsteins, Hallow Alligator Carmen (Holstein); res., P. Hynes, Jones Chief Jay Z (Holstein). Dairy Shorthorn (M. Duckett) Sup., A. Irwin,

pion as an animal which could compete at the highest level in any competitive dairy championship held around the world.

Potential He said: “She is a super cow with loads of potential for the future.” The 2023 winter fair was also a day in which young breeding animal Denamona Conrad Molly; res., A. Irwin, Denamona Victor May 5. Jersey (M. Duckett) Sup., Sizzler Syndicate, Treasure Andreas Fernleaf; res., Clandeboye Estate, Clandeboye Everest Sarah. Ayrshire (M. Duckett) Sup., R. Stewart, Fortfield Nancy 52; res., R. and C. McConnell, Beechmount Ethel 20. Holstein (M. Duckett) Sup., Hallow Holsteins, Hallow Solomon Twizzle 3; res., G. and J. Booth, Beechview Undenied Atlee. Red and white (M. Duckett) Sup., Slatabogie Holsteins, Slatabogie Manana Secure Red; res., Slatabogie Holsteins, Slatabogie Gold Avatar Red.

came to the fore. Both the interbreed reserve and inter-breed honourable mention rosettes went to first calving heifers. Reserve went to the Jersey champion, Treasure Andreas Fernleaf, owned by the Sizzler Syndicate, comprising David Simpson, Lisburn; Andrew Kennedy, Ballymena; Mark Henry, Ballymoney; and Rory Timlin, Ballina. The heifer calved in July and was shown giving 45 litres of milk per day. Fernleaf won the multi-breed dairy calf show, held at Dungannon last year, and is also a former AllBritain calf. Honourable mention went to the Holstein heifer champion, Beechview Crushabull Lou Etta, from James Booth, Stewartstown, Co Tyrone. This marked the heifer’s first show outing.

Inter-breed championship judging underway. 68 | DECEMBER 22 2023

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WORKING DOGS

First time win for Mist and Phil Towler rGood control earns

Windermere top spot England: Elaine Hill

PHILTowler and Mokupuni Mist took their first nursery win at the Windermere trial. In fives, the Cheviot cross hoggs were quite heavy whereas in threes they were more flighty. As they were

turned out from the right-hand side of the flat course, the majority gathered to that side. In miserable, damp weather, Michael Glasgow judged the entry of 50 dogs. Phil chose to send Mist to gather left-handed. She settled her sheep at the lift. The hoggs pulled to the right on the fetch, but she held them on a good line and guided them through the obstacle. Continuing in control over the left-

Kevin Evans and Hendre Tex took to the post. Tex, looking sharp, was sent right-handed up the field. In a bid for freedom, his packet bolted off the let out mark and to their left. Keeping calm and focused, Tex continued his outrun until he came behind them. He lifted nicely and the ewes settled quickly underhand and he brought them down and back on line for the fetch gates. A good turn around the post and a lovely drive were followed by the usual Evans’ finish to win. Heading the beginner class was Radnor’s James Jones with his homebred bitch Brondrefawr Sally. In his first year of trialling, his quiet style has caught the attention of many a judge.

hand drive, Mist caught both obstacles. At the pen, most competitors lost points, but Phil and Mist had one of the better pens. Gaining a score of 73 points they took their first win and first ever nursery ticket. Just one point behind, Peter Simpson and Frank were the runners-up, while Phil Rigby and Kim won the novice class. Kate Nicholas was the best new handler, running Zen. Northumberland League nursery saw Gordon Thompson judge the entry of 17 dogs. The course has a steep gather which was mainly taken right-handed. A wood produced an echo, affecting dogs’ hearing when they were being re-directed. The four Lleyn hoggs were manageable, but unsettled by the wind. Peter Telfer’s Cumhachdach Kiss had a good right hand outrun. Her lines were good over the course with minor wavers of line. Scoring 92 points, Peter and Kiss took their second nursery win of the season. Bevis Jordan and Chase were runners-up with a score of 90. The novice was taken by Grant Rastall and Sassy. The League presentations were made by Mr and Mrs Leach. Michael Davidson and Heather were the winners of the League open with 33 points, while in second place were Bevis Jordan and Judge on 30 points.

WEST COUNTRY, (F. Richards) Driving 1, R. Skelley (Shaugh Prior) Tim, 92 of 100; 2, D. Cole (Ivybridge) Jasper, 75; 3, S. Short (Axminster) Puffin, 71; 4, J. Nicholls (Buckland Brewer) Lil, 66; 5, P. Davies-Russell (Clayhidon) Esme, 62; 6, W. Carter (Davidstow) Belle, 60. (T. Rofe) Maltese cross 1, J. Nicholls, Meg; 2, D. Cole, Juno; 3, C. Worgan (Chulmleigh) Mouse; 4, A. Hendy (Totnes) Spike. NORTH LANCASHIRE, (H. Gorst) Nursery (55 ran) 1, I. Ibbotson (Oakworth) Sal, 87 of 90; 2, Steven Longton (Quernmore) Jake, 86; 3, T. Birkett, Spot, 83; 4, J. Ashworth (Rossendale) Dot, 82 OLF; 5, J. Ashworth, Lass, 82; 6, T. Rome (Whitehaven) Ted, 81. Novice 1, N. McNally (Bewcastle) Astra Robin, 71 of 100; 2, T. Chamberlain, Jet, 70. New Handler 1, A. Booth (Sedbergh) Meg; 2, C. Russell (Oakworth) Nell; 3, S. Bennett (Chorley) George. RYEDALE and SLINDON, Cancelled/Postponed.

77; 3, J. Shennan (Barr) Dak, 76; 4, J. Shennan (Barr) Dash, 75; 5, N. Gillon (Barr) Uno, 69; 6, A. McCulloch (Dalmellington) Guy, 66. LANES BARR II, (J. Paterson) Nursery (10 ran) 1, R. Welsh (Patna) Fly, 90; 2, A. McCulloch (Dalmellington) Guy, 87; 3, J. Shennan (Barr) Dak, 83; 4, N. Gillon (Barr) Uno, 69; 5, B. Welsh (Moniaive) Kate, 67; 6, W. Welsh (Dalcairney) Cap, 66. ARDORMIE, (P. Martin) Nursery (21 ran) 1, A. Wilkie (Glenmoy) Bill, 87 Outbye; 2, M. Gallagher (Alyth) Hillrunner Bee, 87; 3, S. Martin (Cashlie) Cherry, 85; 4, A. Wilkie Outbye (Glenmoy) Seal, 82 Outbye; 5, A.D. Carnegie (Comrie) Dot, 82; 6, M. Gallagher (Alyth) Dalriada Chief, 80. KIRKCOWAN, (W.J. Welsh) Nursery (15 ran) 1, I. McMillan (Newton Stewart) Cat, 83; 2, M. Young (Stranraer) Tandy, 78; 3, S. McCrindle (Stanraer) Play, 77; 4, C. Armstrong (Archbank) Mirk, 89; 5, A. Stewart (Lockerbie) Jim, 58; 6, K. Keith (Lockerbie) Ellie, 55.

Scottish results

Welsh results

CABERSTON, (K. Keith) Nursery (15 ran) 1, S Morgan (Heriot) Mainstay Pip, 94; 2, I. Fleming (Douglas) Wheatwood Ruby, 87; 3, B. Parker (Heriot) Duke, 85; 4, H. Brown (Coulter) Meg, 83 Outbye; 5, I. Fleming (Douglas) Jake, 83 Outbye; 6, G.C. Gardner (Lesmahagow) Glant Bob, 83; Novice (10 ran) 1, R. Reid (Carnwath) Lynn, 77; 2, M. McColm (Leadhills) Viking Lee, 76; 3, G Donald (Carnwath) Glen, 76. TRONEYHILL, (K. Lyon) Nursery (12 ran) 1, J. Foster (Earlston) Cap, 90; 2, I. Jackson (Ancrum) Zac, 71; 3,W.S. Elliot (Yetholm) Roy, 69; 4, A. Dickman (Oxton) Lady, 66; 5, B. McSporran (Wester Middleton) Cass, 64; 6, E. Foster (Brotherston) Glen, 62; Novice / Young Farmer – 1, B. McSporran (Wester Middleton) Cass, 64; 2, E. Runciman (Lauder) Meg, 51. LANES BARR I, (M. Young) Nursery (10 ran) 1, R. Welsh (Patna) Fly, 85; 2, B. Welsh (Moniaive) Kate,

TYNWERN, Llanrhystud. (Gwilym Rhys Davies), AM Open, 1. K. Evans, Thornbury Max, 3; 2. B. Lester, Jill, 3; 3. M. Edwards, Efail Tam, 9; 4. J. Howells, Cydros Boss, 12; 5. A. Owen, Llangwm Tom, 13; 6. J. Wheaton, Erwood Kate, 15. (J. Price), PM Open, 1. D. Howells, Wyverne May, 4; 2. J. Howells, Cydros Boss, 6; 3. O. Lewis, Nel, 12; 4. G. Davies, Gwyn, 12; 5. A. Owen, Llangwm Tom, 12; 6. C. Slater, Whiteley Ted, 15. POWYS NURSERY FINAL, Nantmel, (J. Price), Nursery, 1. K. Evans, Hendre Tex, 4; 2. R. Games, Neifinn Boy, 7; 3. K. Evans, Thornbury Max, 9; 4. D. Evans, Hendre Jet, 11; 5. I. Rees, Pentre Jax, 14; 6. J. Jones, Brondrefawr Sally, 15. Beginners, 1. J. Jones, Brondrefawr Sally, 19; 2. J. Elliott, Jess, 21; 3. M. Evans, Winnie, 36. Novice, 1. P. Tomkins, Fynydd Kylo, 10; 2. G. Davies, Joise, 11; 3. H. Lloyd, Midge, 13; 4. A. Jarman, Lad, 25. Team results, 1. Brecon; 2. Radnor; 3. Montgomery.

Locals top Powys nursery final Wales: Michelle Thomas THE annual Powys Nursery final took place in Nantmel, Radnor, running consistent packets of Welsh ewes over a challenging course. Rising to the top in the novice class was local competitor Paul Tompkins and homebred Fynydd Kylo. Kylo had a calm run round the course, always in control and with a good finish to lead on a score of 10. An early run from Ross Games and Neiffinn Boy set the standard in the Nursery. Their quiet run demonstrated excellent lines and with a good finish they threw down the gauntlet to those who followed. Not to be daunted, but always mindful of the task in hand,

English results WINDERMERE, (Judge, M. Glasgow) Nursery (50 ran) 1, P. Towler (Langcliffe) Mokupuni Mist, 73 of 90; 2, P. Simpson (Dacre) Frank, 72; 3, D. Purdham (Holmrook) Matt, 71 OLF; 4, S. Metcalfe (Sedbergh) Max, 71; 5, T. Birkett (Carnforth) Bob, 68; 6, P. Ellis (New Hutton) Tip, 67. Novice 1, P. Rigby (Skelsmergh) Kim, 69 of 100; 2, T. Fielding (Quernmore) Bob, 60; 3, T. Chamberlain (Todmorden) Britta, 59. New Handler 1, K. Nicholas (Waberthwaite) Zen. NORTHUMBERLAND, League, (G. Thompson) Nursery (17 ran) 1, P. Telfer (Haydon Bridge) Cumhachdach Kiss, 92 of 100; 2, B. Jordan (Whitfield) Chase, 90; 3, B. Jordan, Zoomer, 84; 4, M. Davidson (Alnwick) Jill, 82; 5, P. Telfer, Telf Biff, 79; 6, B. Jordan, Marshall, 67. Novice 1, G. Rastall (Felton) Sassy. MORTON, (L. Kasel-Seibert, Euston) Nursery (22 ran) 1, B. Smith (Harborough Magna) Ben, 81 of 90; 2, S. Mynard (Thrapston) Winston, 79; 3, S. Varney (Kilburn) Jack, 73; 4, S. Varney, Gemma, 69; 5, R. Cure (Alvechurch) Dot, 67; 6, R. Curtis (Grantham) Ru, 65. Novice 1, V. Beech (Byfield) Gypsy, 84 of 100; 2, A. Sayer (Hilderstone) Don, 69; 3, J. Porter (Broughton Astley) Lass, 57; 4, J. McBride (Grantham) Boss, 52. Beginner 1, R. Beeson, Tess. SUSSEX, (M. Banham) Nursery (25 ran) 1, N. Watkins (Llangadog) Nell, 88 of 100; 2, J. Watson (Postbridge) Scott, 85; 3, R. Hawke (Bishopstone) Mirk, 84; 4, J. Dorrell (Dover) Gipping Valley Jack, 79; 5, J. Watson, Floss, 76; 6, E. Anstey (Kirdford) Ben, 75. Novice 1, J. Watson, Don, 81 of 100 OLFD; 2, J. Watson, Jan, 81; 3, J. Dorrell, Rhydale Tip, 74; 4, G. Gower (Lydden) Kelsal, 70. WESSEX, (E. Anstey) Nursery (28 ran) 1, J. Watson, Floss, 88 of 100; 2, M. Banham, Jon, 87; 3, J. Watson, Scott, 85; 4, R. Hawke, Mirk, 83; 5, N. Watkins, Nell, 82; 6, N. Watkins, Jed, 81. Novice 1, J. Watson, Don, 86 of 100; 2, J. Watson, Jan, 80; 3, John Marsh (Golden Cross) Paige, 77; 4, S. Stone (Chalfont St Peter) Jess, 76.

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Trials diary ENGLAND December 23. COME-BYE AND AWAY, Novice Maltese cross followed by open and novice driving (no points), Middle East Street Farm, Pennard, Glastonbury, Somerset, BA6 8NN. MORTON, Nursery, novice and beginner, Merton, Bicester, Oxfordshire, OX25 2ND, 9am start, enter on field by noon. TRAWDEN, Christmas Open, Wenningside Farm, Keasden, Settle, entry closed. December 26. HOLME, Open, Clough Head, Grane Road, Haslingden, Lancashire, BB4 4AT, 8.30am start, enter on field, catering. December 28. HOLLINHEAD, Open, Higher Hollinhead Farm, Caton, Lancaster, LA2 9NA, entry closed. MORTON, Open, Hall Barn Farm, Lower Shuckburgh, Daventry, Northamptonshire, NN11 6EB, entry closed, but there is a reserve list. December 29. HIGH HILLS, Open, Hall Farm, Hilderstone, Stone, Staffordshire, ST15 8SQ, 8.30am start, pre-entry to L. Elkin tel 07772 910087, first forty dogs, maximum two dogs per handler. December 30. NELSON, Christmas Charity Nursery to include young farmers class, raising money for Lyme Disease UK, Cold Weather House Farm, Blacko, Nelson, Lancashire, BB9 6NH, 9am start, enter on field by 1pm, catering, sponsored by Gisburn Auction Market. December 31. RAINOW, Open, Dane Bent Farm, Rainow, Macclesfield, Cheshire, SK10 5XP, 9am start.

WALES December 26. SOUTH WALES, Floyd and Mike’s Boxing Day Trial In Aid of Prostate Cymru. Open trial held over two fields 15 mins apart. 40 runs, one session both fields, enter on fields, 8.30am start. No prize money, no catering. Raffle. Field One: Mike Edwards, Maes Y Eglwys, Morriston, SA6 6NR. Field Two, Floyd Farthing, Nant Y Moel, SA8 4RT.

Robbie Welsh and Fly win double at Barr Scotland: Sine Robertson ROBBIE Welsh and Fly got off to a good start, opening South Ayrshire’s season by winning two trials in one cold, windy day at Barr. The Blackface ewes ran very well if given space on the flat field, but they could bolt if upset. Fly ran out and landed some distance behind her sheep, but lifted cleanly. The line of the fetch wavered, but she made a good start to her drive until she made a wide turn out of the drive away gate and came low on her cross drive. A clean pen followed and although her shed was hesitant, Fly had her first win to her name. At the second trial, Fly landed well behind her sheep again and took some time to lift them, but her fetch was better than her earlier one. Her drive started off with a wide turn from the start post, but she got her gate and once more. Clean work at hand set the seal on Fly’s second win. The EasyCare hoggs at Ardormie ran well on a rising course, but they were not easily kept on line. Allan Wilkie’s Bill responded well to his whistle on his outrun and lifted and fetched nicely. His drive started well, but the hoggs put bends on the downhill cross drive. Bill penned cleanly to win. DECEMBER 22 2023 | 69

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MARKET PRICES PRIMESTOCK SCOTLAND All prices quoted in p/kg. STEERS Market day(s) week ending Dec 19

Ayr Caithness Castle Douglas Dingwall Dumfries Forfar Huntly Kirkwall Lanark Lockerbie Newton Stewart Newtown St Boswells Stirling (caledonian) Stirling (ua) Thainstone

HEIFERS

YOUNG BULLS

Total cattle number

Light average

Medium average

Heavy average

Light average

Medium average

Heavy average

Light average

Medium average

16 7 6 38 93 75 61

211.20 305.00 267.00

222.33 259.60 307.22 300.00

175.20 295.00 293.67 282.30

262.00 129.40 285.33 311.67 290.00

301.88 281.00 306.67 238.60 313.62 301.53 285.07

309.14 271.50 270.65 307.24 295.60 262.96

Th Tu Th\Mo We We\Tu We Tu We\Tu Mo Th Tu We Tu

25 23 103 65 6 121 3 31 32

260.50 226.00 297.00 241.25 170.00 267.67

259.33 262.93 290.93 309.80 243.00 235.50 218.50 276.50

261.50 271.69 268.50 239.00 -

258.00 240.50 227.50 240.00 275.10

253.57 257.00 291.69 290.55 153.33 282.00 182.00 273.90

254.89 275.50 287.25 274.70 170.67 256.05 214.67 297.50

We Th\Mo Mo We Th\Sa We Th Tu We Tu (wk) Tu We Mo Tu Th Tu Fr\Mo Tu We Th Mo Mo Tu We\Mo We We\Tu

196 15 26 75 11 4 11 4 12 3 95 69 163 77 157 5 48 57 1 18 53 434 198 7 92 27 91 166

308.00 237.50 241.50 258.33 220.67 83.33 290.00 239.50 239.50 263.14 172.83 326.00 242.33 206.25 216.00 240.17 285.86 283.83 263.00 266.00 313.50

286.92 242.75 234.00 305.60 264.33 280.00 267.50 310.78 245.10 268.50 295.33 271.67 282.95 190.75 260.10 299.11 289.63 246.00 281.85 248.29 303.92

300.67 261.50 223.00 228.00 265.50 308.50 254.50 234.69 289.82 254.80 276.33 164.00 261.12 288.30 306.63 260.50 277.33 289.50 259.00 297.70

309.00 170.50 190.50 278.38 195.00 227.00 285.64 246.31 195.70 240.00 229.00 226.20 186.50 205.00 282.90 282.20 261.50 287.00 275.10

301.69 246.90 237.10 276.86 264.00 277.94 289.00 193.50 284.47 314.67 251.53 243.32 294.05 255.09 276.70 224.17 251.35 307.25 315.87 215.50 284.86 265.67 272.29 292.86

299.35 233.83 248.17 222.20 239.00 282.00 277.00 204.50 217.00 266.59 292.50 258.55 267.09 278.00 231.50 255.18 279.20 171.00 175.50 257.50 308.38 310.16 237.50 280.91 282.75 280.50 283.50

Mo\Tu Mo\Tu Tu We We\Th We\Mo Mo We Mo Th\Tu We Th

CULL COWS

Heavy average

Total cow number

Grade 1 average

Grade 3 average

Dairy sired average

Beef sired average

Total N lambs

246.00 282.00

242.00 252.80 -

89 51 40 26 64 52 71 168 275

115.90 137.40 130.10 140.40 131.50

156.70 168.50 188.60 136.50 162.60 178.70 133.20 168.00 181.80

2249 1850 321 702 743 1374 3990 1289 1765 1795 1937

227.50 226.00 218.81 238.50 269.50

246.00 257.57 223.00 248.47 260.73 -

245.00 297.91 253.00 287.25 -

19 12 81 29 47 290 5 50 -

152.50 -

143.67 129.89 137.13 136.32 122.50 131.19 -

149.11 163.03 147.91 185.00 176.26 173.00 177.61 -

678 889 1880 484 2855 313 787 595 3210 758 310 2085 467

235.50 240.50 207.23 262.10 226.18 259.50 222.00 224.00 189.50 236.53 199.30 208.06

245.25 239.50 279.88 258.04 301.75 243.96 282.50 270.58 257.50 233.00 264.90 228.47 233.00 253.63

283.18 284.64 266.89 299.00 248.36 266.17 291.57 267.00 297.15 228.15 242.00 275.24

55 17 65 117 16 6 84 1 101 18 27 8 18 99 35 33 2 60 17 3 10 14 9 8 9 15 43 16 56 5

142.83 -

158.00 141.42 115.76 117.00 126.50 135.85 120.61 139.42 96.00 112.77 160.08 133.55 73.50 147.07 134.50 106.28 124.10 141.80 121.00

181.19 126.68 154.22 184.07 97.15 127.17 173.73 182.00 150.45 122.00 144.20 128.56 148.50 141.19 162.62 156.00 170.17 142.35 147.00 161.90 170.25 123.81 125.50 156.50 122.31 163.83 187.97 229.50

664 1788 492 479 2057 339 215 1832 1898 1247 568 635 1240 943 3583 567 860 783 6605 219 1712 252 1534 130 2093 19 1130 2482 1052 2847 1159 1294 172 474 620 310 812 2926 920 166 171 1245 424 50 736 999 603 793 75

ENGLAND Acklington Ashford Bakewell Barnard Castle Bentham Bishops Castle Bridgnorth Brockholes Carlisle Cirencester Clitheroe Cockermouth Colchester Cutcombe Wheddon Cross Darlington Exeter Frome Gisburn Hailsham Hallworthy Hawes Hereford Hexham Holmfirth Holsworthy Hull Kendal Kington Kirkby Stephen Lancaster Leek Leyburn Longtown Louth Ludlow Malton Market Drayton Market Harborough Melton Mowbray Newark Newton Abbot Northallerton Oswestry Otley Penrith Ross-On-Wye Rugby Ruswarp Salisbury Scots Gap Sedgemoor Selby Shrewsbury Skipton South Molton Stratford Thame Thirsk Thrapston Truro Ulverston Wigton Wooler Worcester York

We We\Tu We Mo We\Mo Mo Mo Mo Tu Mo We Tu Mo Th Tu We Th Th We Tu Th\Tu We We Mo

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60 50 60

0 20 00 0

00 26 00

9 68 22 07

3 00

00 20

00 7 35 0

25 81 50

31 83 7

Where stated, data provided by AHDB.

Source: AHDB/LAA

SHEEP Total N/S lambs

N/S lambs light average

N/S lambs standard average

N/S lambs medium average

N/S lambs heavy average

N/S SQQ average

Total Ewes

Ewes average

2249 1850 321 702 743 1374 3990 1289 1765 1795 1937

222.00 145.50 286.00 194.00 227.15 197.10 129.00 149.25 -

255.51 267.92 201.90 272.24 232.78 248.97 269.10 253.83 263.47 253.10 253.43

274.36 276.59 239.21 270.48 253.28 243.43 274.86 260.34 276.92 273.15 259.95

265.34 270.49 240.78 265.41 252.89 241.01 268.12 256.83 273.71 272.95 253.06

271.83 272.33 235.48 271.14 250.53 243.96 272.51 258.60 273.61 269.47 259.57

539 213 143 788 348 1912 177 616 421 1

67.52 68.92 79.10 88.65 72.99 74.58 64.93 93.58 68.52 50.00

678 889 1880 484 2855 313 787 595 3210 758 310 2085 467

96.00 269.24 257.00 99.85 240.93 217.00 274.00 267.00 194.00 293.50 216.25 200.00

270.24 277.05 265.84 196.97 256.38 247.71 265.85 265.59 299.49 266.88 260.57 247.81 266.22

259.08 264.40 271.85 258.71 267.94 261.47 280.20 265.53 288.37 258.08 256.71 261.72 286.54

245.23 266.14 268.26 257.21 271.40 250.23 271.00 253.89 275.56 268.16 262.50 269.95 293.54

256.93 267.08 270.22 248.18 265.98 259.37 277.64 265.57 290.03 259.67 257.94 254.96 281.02

173 309 724 174 1742 18 1059 101 727 563 102 210 46

95.21 79.83 98.76 56.22 85.30 55.33 105.25 87.33 92.39 88.49 102.62 61.96 78.04

212.02 207.33 245.27 216.98 246.13 103.60 242.21 301.00 297.58 245.25 269.00 223.10 239.00 313.00 218.80 234.79 247.45 281.00 171.22 159.17 244.13 231.30 58.00 279.00 -

245.76 256.89 260.86 258.28 263.79 252.75 253.73 224.61 252.89 253.61 270.51 233.78 264.57 264.32 307.20 255.69 268.60 216.09 254.72 221.86 268.28 305.00 266.69 236.47 282.16 268.51 250.10 263.33 276.06 251.26 291.30 221.20 233.31 261.37 234.29 275.44 276.59 243.41 285.17 191.25 289.19 251.70 264.88 351.05 284.81 276.53 285.00

253.97 267.52 267.32 259.70 263.25 258.16 274.70 245.82 262.37 271.04 275.89 263.06 258.04 268.33 306.68 266.73 284.75 260.88 264.50 263.90 266.34 255.59 280.72 247.45 271.16 206.00 278.50 261.48 267.37 270.79 259.91 278.68 254.81 245.48 262.24 275.35 279.12 280.10 257.07 253.27 254.64 283.01 268.94 290.73 265.81 308.11 262.09 281.60 264.51

255.43 266.63 266.40 258.54 261.76 254.65 272.84 250.29 259.07 259.07 285.09 262.05 257.30 256.60 285.43 263.90 272.00 259.89 261.01 265.42 265.55 255.67 269.70 248.67 264.73 238.18 277.46 257.86 265.73 261.80 266.43 268.53 255.05 257.25 256.20 266.12 274.22 266.88 253.47 249.95 239.25 276.47 267.02 271.51 268.66 291.28 260.18 266.01 279.24

252.63 265.06 266.20 258.59 263.01 257.84 272.18 235.59 256.90 269.79 274.06 259.98 259.93 268.37 306.54 263.85 281.66 253.74 257.97 261.51 266.51 255.93 269.21 241.88 272.98 206.00 275.45 249.61 266.87 271.34 259.01 281.07 245.09 231.94 262.07 273.30 276.11 278.50 255.91 256.85 251.21 283.96 267.00 290.73 265.67 313.68 265.27 279.83 270.66

803 506 80 423 352 1367 4 129 91 749 162 426 63 327 220 4540 98 412 62 245 16 824 300 694 141 3275 252 522 100 68 12 67 687 554 269 31 430 63 70 36 30 200 950 79

86.81 86.35 58.94 78.80 79.68 89.42 125.25 87.02 89.15 71.70 80.41 74.82 95.03 100.06 69.60 88.71 122.35 98.17 75.35 97.44 72.81 101.03 95.90 51.87 97.25 97.68 93.38 111.04 72.73 87.26 69.83 95.88 93.07 89.22 82.30 89.55 98.21 86.37 81.42 92.11 84.33 91.64 93.38 74.11

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WALES

All prices quoted in p/kg. Source: AHDB/LAA

Market day(s) Total week ending cattle Dec 19 number Bala Th Brecon Tu Bryncir We Builth Wells Fr Carmarthen Fr 1 Crymych We (wk) Dolgellau Mo Gaerwen We\Tu Hay On Wye Knighton Th Llandeilo Mo Llanrwst Tu Llanybydder Mo Machynlleth We Mold Mo 112 Monmouthshire We\Mo Newcastle Emlyn Th Rhayader Market Th Ruthin Fr\Tu St Asaph Th 30 Talgarth Fr Talybont-On-Usk Tu Welshpool Mo 6 Whitland Tu -

STEERS Light average 221.44 326.50 -

YOUNG BULLS Bala Brecon Bryncir Builth Wells Carmarthen Crymych Dolgellau Gaerwen Hay On Wye Knighton Llandeilo Llanrwst Llanybydder Machynlleth Mold Monmouthshire Newcastle Emlyn Rhayader Market Ruthin St Asaph Talgarth Talybont-On-Usk Welshpool Whitland

HEIFERS

Medium average 260.61 -

Heavy average 256.90 305.00 -

Total cow number 21 43 3 25 40 8 3 9 -

Grade 1 average -

Light average 256.67 323.00 173.00 -

CULL COWS

Medium average 99.20 253.93 309.64 215.25 -

Heavy average 253.48 310.40 242.00 -

Dairy sired average 120.43 106.92 124.00 134.62 157.67 116.62 -

Beef sired average 150.07 132.02 129.50 165.89 148.32 195.33 182.22 -

Light average 217.64 292.00 -

Medium average 225.33 304.40 -

Heavy average 283.00 -

Total N/S lambs

N/S lambs light average

N/S lambs standard average

N/S lambs medium average

N/S lambs heavy average

N/S SQQ average

Total Ewes

Ewes average

719 663 915 2930 252 205 527 863 207 1250 734 567 207 1712 618 1160 5768 2971 1596 1574 6192 244

232.51 261.38 235.06 237.29 194.00 244.66 241.20 229.00 229.61 222.08 234.36 227.84 253.65 238.80 236.17 248.01 233.72 259.64 251.38 248.48 -

237.15 267.45 247.47 257.60 237.64 250.65 250.54 239.00 240.37 247.41 243.27 246.11 265.00 257.37 241.84 238.26 259.58 254.35 269.09 263.21 265.53 251.76

233.01 267.31 259.34 256.03 241.50 267.31 265.82 249.90 267.12 256.89 245.81 261.42 252.07 258.07 255.65 273.31 276.34 265.28 264.31 267.53 251.56

223.00 264.05 266.43 252.06 234.05 237.00 263.23 258.55 251.41 263.38 255.18 231.00 253.35 250.12 248.96 256.17 264.31 271.76 258.58 267.57 261.12 257.72

233.27 267.07 243.97 249.81 238.45 245.34 252.89 263.89 243.55 241.42 252.05 239.08 261.61 254.86 250.73 250.69 263.83 265.54 265.79 261.86 261.88 251.62

110 263 531 53 454 143 324 125 97 94 19 10 903 191 40 493 711 280 19 3029 107

68.64 78.14 56.72 64.53 67.12 75.98 73.55 75.86 37.30 67.64 29.05 58.20 68.93 83.28 48.94 72.80 65.57 85.52 75.53 82.41 60.52

Grade 3 average -

SHEEP

Bala Brecon Bryncir Builth Wells Carmarthen Crymych Dolgellau Gaerwen Hay On Wye Knighton Llandeilo Llanrwst Llanybydder Machynlleth Mold Monmouthshire Newcastle Emlyn Rhayader Market Ruthin St Asaph Talgarth Talybont-On-Usk Welshpool Whitland

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MARKET PRICES STORE CATTLE SCOTLAND STORES (CONTINENTAL-SIRED) Market day(s) w/e Dec 18

Ayr Caithness Castle Douglas Dingwall Dumfries Forfar Huntly Kirkwall Lanark Lockerbie Newton Stewart Newtown St Boswells Stirling (caledonian) Stirling (ua) Thainstone

Tu Mo

Th Mo

Th We Fr

6-12 month steers

12-18 month steers

18+ month steers

6-12 month heifers

12-18 month heifers

STORES

STORES (NATIVE-SIRED) 18+ month heifers

6-12 month steers

12-18 month steers

18+ month steers

6-12 month heifers

12-18 month heifers

18+ month heifers

6-12 mon steers

No. / Av.

1/820.00 -/4/780.00 -/-/-/5/1030.00 -/-/-/-/-/-/17/860.00 -/-

1/960.00 -/2/1280.00 -/-/-/2/995.00 -/-/-/-/-/-/55/1205.36 17/1397.65

-/-/3/1233.33 -/-/-/4/863.75 -/-/-/-/-/-/64/1333.20 27/1452.78

3/730.00 -/-/-/-/-/6/935.83 -/10/693.00 -/-/-/1/900.00 10/822.50 -/-

-/-/-/-/-/-/1/1340.00 -/-/-/-/-/-/80/1184.50 4/1145.00

-/-/2/1155.00 -/-/-/6/913.33 -/1/600.00 -/-/-/-/80/1275.38 57/1540.35

3/813.33 -/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/47/722.34 -/-

-/-/-/-/-/-/1/885.00 -/-/-/-/-/-/52/1338.46 25/1080.40

-/-/-/-/-/-/4/958.75 -/-/-/-/-/-/56/1311.70 67/1173.58

4/622.50 -/-/-/-/-/-/-/3/436.67 -/-/-/-/24/684.17 -/-

-/-/2/925.00 -/-/-/2/885.00 -/-/-/-/-/-/29/947.24 12/1064.58

-/-/2/755.00 -/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/58/1203.28 35/1168.43

-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-

15/740.7 10/580.0 77/1342.7 -/13/1406.2 -/-/-/18/761.4 -/-/-/-/-

3/676.7 18/1074.4 29/1422.6 -/41/1481.3 -/17/1161.8 3/743.3 18/1145.6 2/1022.5 -/-/-/-

38/951.8 16/1256.3 17/1537.9 -/26/1402.9 -/1/1160.0 10/1420.0 63/1436.7 23/1286.9 -/-/-/-

27/669.3 13/531.5 61/1138.7 1/580.0 1/880.0 -/2/500.0 -/7/768.6 25/620.0 -/-/-/-

3/901.7 8/933.8 36/1236.4 -/35/1269.9 -/15/900.0 -/11/938.2 -/-/-/-/-

35/914.7 23/1300.0 38/1415.1 -/50/1136.1 -/12/780.4 14/1220.0 33/1268.2 13/1107.0 -/-/-/-

46/751.1 5/815.0 -/-/2/965.0 -/-/-/5/626.0 11/860.5 -/-/1/22.0

10/585.0 9/1028.9 -/-/1/940.0 -/1/940.0 -/5/766.0 6/1000.2 -/-/-/-

8/828.8 19/1169.5 2/1485.0 -/6/1560.8 -/9/875.6 13/1258.5 24/1272.3 39/1194.5 -/-/2/415.0

27/714.4 2/580.0 -/-/-/-/5/357.0 5/394.0 8/607.5 11/551.5 -/-/-/-

3/340.0 5/804.0 2/1220.0 -/1/600.0 -/8/670.6 5/770.0 8/678.8 8/910.1 -/-/-/-

19/812.1 18/1061.9 1/1705.0 -/8/1014.4 -/10/715.0 18/1016.1 18/919.4 30/1018.1 -/-/1/380.0

-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/1/560.0 -/-/-/-/-

-/5/949.0 18/653.6 2/670.0 31/793.4 2/760.0 16/590.0 -/59/970.4 5/1404.0 1/575.0 -/-/-/-/-/18/727.2 2/1140.0 24/813.3 4/787.5 -/-/7/452.9 36/692.2 -/-/-/1/900.0 1/635.0 -/-/24/888.8 18/864.7 -/16/670.3 -/-/-/-/36/997.3 -/3/650.0 -/-/-/-/8/890.6

-/9/1218.9 19/1096.6 2/390.0 12/1017.5 2/815.0 -/-/4/870.0 17/1475.3 -/4/983.8 -/-/-/-/6/1083.3 18/993.6 9/1359.4 -/2/1070.0 10/1408.0 9/1138.3 11/1085.0 -/-/-/5/1166.0 -/-/2/1120.0 7/844.3 29/1156.9 4/1206.3 10/1157.0 -/-/-/-/1/1150.0 -/-/-/-/9/1247.2 -/1/855.0

-/7/1297.9 27/1316.9 4/538.8 26/1406.2 3/783.3 2/840.0 -/1/560.0 53/1501.1 4/1247.5 6/948.3 -/-/-/-/26/1329.2 20/1089.5 13/1401.2 1/1060.0 -/25/1230.6 24/1100.0 19/1210.3 -/-/-/23/1300.2 -/-/5/1387.0 7/842.9 4/1168.8 22/1137.5 59/1352.9 -/-/-/-/6/1120.0 -/-/4/910.0 -/24/1527.9 -/-/-

-/12/968.3 11/540.0 13/723.1 26/741.5 4/540.0 9/430.0 -/54/747.6 9/1014.4 1/420.0 2/280.0 -/-/-/-/17/687.1 16/693.1 22/961.8 3/693.3 7/792.1 -/17/522.1 23/569.1 -/-/-/1/860.0 -/-/8/517.5 5/660.0 27/736.1 2/427.5 20/599.5 -/-/-/-/19/696.6 -/-/-/2/700.0 -/-/6/639.2

-/18/1155.6 17/786.5 1/185.0 44/1050.3 1/790.0 1/200.0 -/3/691.7 28/1268.6 1/690.0 2/820.0 -/-/-/-/8/1222.5 8/933.1 6/1343.3 -/2/925.0 3/1056.7 11/877.3 1/710.0 -/-/-/10/996.0 1/555.0 -/7/1077.9 9/735.0 9/938.3 3/555.0 17/787.4 -/-/-/-/-/-/-/1/905.0 -/26/1173.5 -/4/1053.8

-/16/1310.3 30/1057.0 1/470.0 35/1178.1 3/853.3 1/780.0 -/3/860.0 7/1391.4 -/9/947.2 -/-/-/-/31/1305.2 12/982.1 35/1331.1 1/1060.0 2/1002.5 28/1083.0 24/1021.7 23/892.2 -/-/-/37/1173.4 -/-/19/1278.7 5/786.0 18/1021.4 12/993.3 51/1012.1 -/-/-/-/21/1116.4 -/-/1/705.0 -/59/1304.2 -/3/1008.3

-/-/21/289.5 26/899.4 9/605.6 1/390.0 7/435.7 -/8/583.8 4/882.5 3/750.0 3/698.3 -/-/-/-/15/792.0 9/571.1 3/463.3 -/-/-/10/464.5 8/652.5 -/-/-/-/-/-/3/586.7 4/795.0 9/996.7 6/663.3 34/535.7 -/-/1/470.0 -/116/950.0 -/9/872.2 -/-/-/-/-/-

-/-/9/822.2 17/918.5 6/942.5 1/475.0 2/432.5 -/-/12/870.0 -/7/737.1 -/-/-/-/2/995.0 28/876.4 5/1296.0 1/960.0 1/695.0 1/730.0 14/759.3 5/822.0 -/-/-/5/936.0 -/-/2/707.5 7/1171.4 14/975.0 16/803.1 21/771.9 -/-/-/-/14/973.4 -/-/-/-/5/1085.0 -/-/-

-/4/1112.5 16/1015.9 5/970.4 16/1263.8 4/742.5 11/841.8 -/-/56/1423.0 -/4/1010.0 -/-/-/-/48/1429.4 41/1040.5 5/1268.0 3/940.0 2/962.5 9/1150.0 13/1000.0 4/763.8 -/-/-/16/1199.1 -/-/15/1178.3 9/851.1 9/995.0 73/1137.3 93/1240.8 -/-/-/-/42/1282.4 -/1/1300.0 9/970.0 -/6/1215.0 -/-/-

-/8/765.0 18/342.2 14/716.8 5/554.0 -/6/411.7 -/10/366.0 -/1/442.0 4/217.8 -/-/-/-/4/490.0 13/445.4 7/617.1 7/607.1 -/-/16/422.2 24/482.5 -/-/-/2/680.0 -/-/5/497.0 3/820.0 2/540.0 17/429.1 17/395.6 -/-/-/-/66/770.0 -/10/540.0 4/320.0 -/-/-/-/-

-/4/820.0 15/634.0 13/765.6 21/559.8 -/4/400.0 -/5/789.0 8/1068.8 -/11/582.7 -/-/-/-/13/716.2 14/653.2 3/671.7 -/1/700.0 6/746.7 13/513.1 3/671.7 -/-/-/6/836.7 -/-/2/1060.0 3/803.3 15/801.7 25/633.6 24/482.3 -/-/-/-/21/919.5 -/-/1/825.0 -/9/865.0 -/6/855.0

-/3/1361.7 29/805.3 6/1164.2 17/1005.3 5/936.0 22/678.4 -/1/1080.0 25/1214.0 -/7/651.4 -/-/-/-/16/1410.0 15/869.0 9/1184.4 4/717.5 5/865.0 10/1013.0 17/850.6 5/608.0 -/-/-/14/936.1 -/-/6/1121.7 13/811.5 15/728.0 31/945.2 52/986.8 -/-/-/-/34/972.2 -/-/2/950.0 -/8/1258.8 -/9/1127.2

-/-/-/-/18/469.4 -/-/-/-/-/-/2/555.0 -/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/3/343.3 7/248.6 -/-/-/-/-/-/-/3/350.0 -/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-

ENGLAND Ashford Bakewell Barnard Castle Bentham Bishops Castle Brecon Bridgnorth Brockholes Carlisle Cirencester Clitheroe Cockermouth Colchester Cutcombe Wheddon Cross Darlington Exeter Frome Gisburn Hailsham Hallworthy Hawes Hereford Hexham Holmfirth Holsworthy Hull Kendal Kington Kirkby Stephen Lancaster Leek Leyburn Longtown Louth Ludlow Market Drayton Melton Mowbray Middleton-In-Teesdale Newark Newton Abbot Northallerton Oswestry Otley Penrith Ross-On-Wye Rugby Salisbury Sedgemoor Selby Shrewsbury Skipton Tavistock Thame Thirsk Thrapston Truro Ulverston Wigton Worcester York

Tu Mo Tu We Th Fr Tu We Tu

Mo Fr We\Fr Th\Sa We Th Tu Tu\Fr Tu We

Fr Tu\Sa Fr Tu Mo Fr We\Th\Mo We

We We Fr\Mo Th Th\Mo Tu\Mo Sa Tu Mo Fr Sa We Tu Th Th

72 | DECEMBER 22 2023

p70 77 Dec22 AB MB.indd 102

farmersguardian.com

20/12/2023 15:20

Figures show livestock numbers first, then average price per head.

Where stated, data provided by AHDB.

LIVESTOCK AVERAGES STORES (HOLSTEIN FRIESIAN)

+ month ifers

No. / Av.

755.00

/1203.28 /1168.43

6-12 month 12-18 month 18+ month steers steers steers

CALVES (7-42 DAYS) Black and Continental Continental Native white bulls bulls heifers bulls

Native heifers

No. / Av.

-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-

-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/3/1030.00 -/-

2/47.50 -/-/-/-/-/-/-/2/107.50 -/-/-/1/10.00 1/100.00 -/-

4/201.25 -/-/-/-/-/-/-/1/420.00 -/-/-/3/50.00 3/256.67 -/-

3/195.00 -/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-

2/185.00 -/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-

2/105.00 -/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-

Source: AHDB/LAA

812.1 1061.9 705.0

1014.4

/715.0 1016.1 919.4 /1018.1

80.0

361.7 /805.3 164.2 1005.3 936.0 /678.4

080.0 /1214.0

651.4

1410.0 869.0 184.4 717.5 865.0 /1013.0 850.6 608.0

/936.1

121.7 811.5 728.0 945.2 /986.8

/972.2

950.0 258.8

127.2

-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/1/560.0 -/-/-/-/-

-/-/-/-/-/-/-/5/700.0 2/600.0 -/-/-/-/-

2/1050.0 2/970.0 -/-/-/-/-/-/21/1005.7 6/969.2 -/-/-/-

-/3/43.3 -/3/56.7 -/-/-/11/11.9 6/22.5 -/-/-/-/-

-/12/315.8 -/8/381.9 -/-/-/6/178.3 22/274.3 5/229.4 -/-/-/-

-/6/185.0 -/6/330.8 -/-/-/6/139.2 21/171.4 6/95.8 -/-/-/-

-/6/111.2 -/3/376.7 -/-/-/5/108.6 5/224.0 6/199.7 -/-/-/-

-/7/52.1 -/2/140.0 -/-/-/3/130.0 10/149.0 4/66.5 -/-/-/-

-/-/-/-/18/469.4 -/-/-/-/-/-/2/555.0 -/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/3/343.3 7/248.6 -/-/-/-/-/-/-/3/350.0 -/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-

-/-/1/660.0 -/2/430.0 -/-/-/1/1115.0 -/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/7/565.0 1/800.0 -/-/-/1/350.0 1/320.0 -/-/-/-/-/-/-/5/466.0 1/500.0 2/867.5 4/375.0 -/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-

-/-/5/740.0 7/665.3 5/614.0 -/-/-/-/-/-/3/903.3 -/-/-/-/15/853.3 8/790.0 9/988.3 -/-/-/10/854.0 10/860.0 -/-/-/8/1033.1 -/-/-/3/620.0 -/11/649.9 27/1071.1 -/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/1/1195.0 -/-/-

-/-/4/48.3 7/88.7 10/63.0 -/-/-/-/-/-/18/63.1 -/-/-/-/2/20.0 13/45.7 3/86.7 -/-/-/51/70.5 16/37.6 -/-/-/-/1/40.0 -/1/72.0 -/3/26.7 -/10/50.4 -/6/76.3 -/-/-/-/3/5.0 -/2/45.0 -/-/-/-

-/-/29/116.9 48/121.0 36/321.3 3/141.7 -/-/11/304.1 -/1/300.0 74/187.8 -/-/-/-/1/200.0 34/259.2 5/317.0 -/-/-/213/159.6 8/141.3 -/-/-/-/8/239.1 -/3/285.0 -/5/332.0 6/199.2 110/209.9 -/63/230.0 9/355.0 -/-/-/-/12/116.1 -/-/-/2/240.0

-/-/37/87.6 31/97.6 27/300.3 3/81.7 -/-/7/253.6 -/1/295.0 53/114.1 -/-/-/-/2/182.5 25/186.9 2/330.0 -/-/-/194/122.6 7/153.6 -/-/-/-/8/146.3 -/-/-/5/283.0 5/173.0 92/151.9 -/49/182.2 5/334.0 -/-/-/-/14/84.6 -/-/-/1/235.0

-/-/30/70.6 46/108.5 12/247.4 5/142.0 -/-/8/190.6 -/1/50.0 37/95.5 -/-/-/-/2/157.5 26/115.6 -/-/-/-/136/112.0 16/94.4 -/-/-/-/3/111.7 -/3/230.0 -/7/110.0 9/87.4 114/116.6 -/32/122.2 1/290.0 -/-/-/10/134.5 20/72.0 -/-/-/-/-

-/-/27/38.6 45/74.5 9/193.3 4/94.3 -/-/9/170.6 -/-/27/46.8 -/-/-/-/1/130.0 26/52.9 -/-/-/-/118/69.9 13/77.1 -/-/-/-/1/62.0 -/1/110.0 -/8/104.8 12/107.9 72/73.6 -/22/92.9 -/-/-/-/3/93.3 6/38.5 -/-/-/-/-

farmersguardian.com

p70 77 Dec22 AB MB.indd 103

MARKET COMMENT

Primestock throughput, price and price change (p/kg). Week ending December 19, 2023. ENGLAND AND WALES Category

Throughput

Price

Change

Young bulls Steers Heifers All cattle NS/OS lambs (SQQ) Porkers Cutter Baconer Other Dairy cull Beef cull

929 610 1,123 2,662 73,011 175 222 330 63 830 721

261.27 270.98 278.51 270.77 263.94 153.05 196.89 194.13 149.14 130.13 158.46

0.96 1.43 -0.14 -0.09 1.77 -17.14 1.22 0.70 -10.85 -1.06 1.23

GREAT BRITAIN Category

Throughput

Price

Change

Young bulls Steers Heifers All cattle NS/OS lambs (SQQ) Pigs Dairy cull Beef cull

948 664 1,347 2,959 89,287 790 916 1,241

261.04 271.10 280.30 272.06 263.94 182.22 129.61 163.88

1.61 -0.11 0.48 0.24 1.55 -2.43 0.01 2.45

Source: AHDB/LAA/IAAS

CATTLE prices overall increased at auction marts this week despite a decline in steers as farmers prepared for the busy Christmas period. Young bulls increased in price by 1.61p/kg to 261.04p/kg, while heifers were valued at 280.30p/kg, a 0.48p/kg on the previous week. Cull cows grew in price to 149.16p/kg, an uplift of 1.27p/kg. However, steers decreased in value by 0.11p/kg to 271.10p/kg. New season lambs increased this week by 1.55p/kg to 263.94p/kg. Cull ewes jumped by £3.47/head to £83.74/head to round off the sheep rings. Pigs prices reduced by 2.43p/kg to 182.22p/kg. As Farmers Guardian went to press on Wednesday (December 20), UK LIFFE wheat prices for May 24 were trading at £195.50/tonne, with no change in price on the previous week.

WALES

Source: AHDB/LAA STORES (CONTINENTAL-SIRED)

Market day(s) w/e Dec 18

Bryncir Carmarthen Dolgellau Gaerwen Haverfordwest Knighton Mold Monmouthshire Newcastle Emlyn Rhayader Market Ruthin St Asaph Talgarth Welshpool Whitland

6-12 month steers

We\Fr Tu Fr Fr We Th Th

Tu\Sa

12-18 month steers

18+ month steers

6-12 month heifers

12-18 month heifers

18+ month heifers

No. / Av.

-/3/500.0 -/6/716.7 -/-/-/33/1005.8 -/-/19/835.5 -/-/-/2/750.0

-/10/1083.0 -/5/1019.0 -/8/1175.0 4/732.5 15/1067.3 -/-/8/881.3 -/-/-/13/688.8

-/22/1192.0 -/6/1045.0 -/11/1373.2 35/1217.9 7/1180.7 -/-/21/1278.1 -/-/-/25/1272.0

-/-/-/2/840.0 -/1/1015.0 4/787.5 11/798.2 1/430.0 -/5/706.0 -/-/-/-/-

-/11/931.4 -/6/981.7 -/19/1138.7 10/781.0 10/889.0 -/-/21/821.4 -/-/-/18/733.6

-/18/1126.7 -/6/806.7 -/47/1215.9 17/1066.2 11/1058.6 -/-/34/1073.7 -/-/-/9/976.1 18+ month heifers

STORES (NATIVE-SIRED) 6-12 month steers

Bryncir Carmarthen Dolgellau Gaerwen Haverfordwest Knighton Mold Monmouthshire Newcastle Emlyn Rhayader Market Ruthin St Asaph Talgarth Welshpool Whitland

12-18 month steers

18+ month steers

6-12 month heifers

12-18 month heifers

No. / Av.

-/-/-/-/-/-/20/497.3 3/726.7 -/-/4/650.0 -/-/-/-/-

-/-/-/6/917.5 -/2/977.5 3/865.0 -/-/-/1/940.0 -/-/-/15/738.7

-/2/1400.0 -/4/810.0 -/-/27/1134.8 6/1130.0 -/-/7/942.1 -/-/-/46/1058.0

-/-/-/1/750.0 -/-/6/437.5 9/485.6 -/-/6/555.0 -/-/-/-/-

-/5/476.0 -/1/435.0 -/-/13/511.9 1/1030.0 -/-/5/1063.0 -/-/-/3/398.3

-/13/900.8 -/3/1013.3 -/-/2/1170.0 1/1030.0 -/-/15/1019.7 -/-/-/30/833.3

STORES (HOLSTEIN FRIESIAN)

Bryncir Carmarthen Dolgellau Gaerwen Haverfordwest Knighton Mold Monmouthshire Newcastle Emlyn Rhayader Market Ruthin St Asaph Talgarth Welshpool Whitland

CALVES (7-42 DAYS)

6-12 month 12-18 month 18+ month steers steers steers

Black and Continental Continental Native white bulls bulls heifers bulls

Native heifers

No. / Av.

No. / Av. No. / Av.

-/-/-/-/-/-/-/2/770.0 -/-/-/-/-/-/-/-

-/-/-/5/540.0 -/-/4/740.0 -/-/-/1/250.0 -/-/-/2/555.0

-/21/1207.6 -/6/865.8 -/-/24/898.8 5/845.0 -/-/-/-/-/-/10/567.0

-/27/44.0 -/-/-/-/7/49.4 -/4/11.3 -/7/62.9 -/-/-/2/64.0

-/84/188.0 -/-/-/-/5/134.0 2/339.0 13/174.6 -/30/164.2 -/-/-/15/220.3

-/80/136.7 -/-/-/-/5/139.0 3/288.7 14/96.9 -/34/133.6 -/-/-/26/149.2

-/54/103.4 -/-/-/-/15/73.5 -/2/110.0 -/4/180.0 -/-/-/22/140.0

-/37/57.4 -/-/-/-/10/39.6 -/5/81.4 -/6/144.2 -/-/-/11/74.5

DECEMBER 22 2023 | 73

20/12/2023 15:20

MARKET PRICES DEADWEIGHT CATTLE STEERS Region

Throughput

Southern 2553 Central 3689 Northern 3707 Scotland 3211 HEIFERS Southern 2111 Central 3019 Northern 2880 Scotland 2548 YOUNG BULLS Southern 59 Central 766 Northern 274 Scotland 335 COWS Southern 2522 Central 4123 Northern 2208 Scotland 904

Deadweight prices for the week ending Dec 16, 2023.

Average

-U3

-U4L

-U4H

R4L

R4H

O+2

O+3

O+4L

O+4H

-O2

-O3

-O4L

-O4H

474.0 475.4 489.9 498.5

497.1 494.1 497.6 504.8

497.2 489.6 497.6 504.3

496.7 497.1 499.3 503.5

487.3 486.5 493.7 499.4

487.6 484.7 499.8 501.7

496.6 479.0 498.5 501.0

472.6 478.4 485.8 493.2

472.8 475.6 489.3 494.7

472.3 465.0 486.4 494.6

453.8 456.6 467.3 471.5

453.5 449.7 470.7 472.7

460.3 435.0 513.3 500.0

467.5 473.5 484.1 497.0

496.8 498.5 496.7 506.2

496.4 498.1 495.6 504.4

495.3 482.2 493.3 499.3

487.0 488.4 489.6 499.2

489.3 486.6 494.1 500.8

487.7 483.8 497.1 497.2

470.9 467.5 478.9 488.8

472.5 474.0 486.5 494.8

470.4 470.5 486.0 492.5

449.3 443.9 439.8 457.0

453.9 447.6 468.8 464.2

456.8 439.7 474.0 448.6

445.2 457.9 468.2 480.7

493.5 482.5 485.1 492.2

508.0 442.5 485.9

488.0

473.5 476.3 476.4 482.0

483.8 478.3 476.1 485.6

479.2 471.4 483.4

475.0 495.0 505.0

441.4 450.3 458.7 460.7

402.0 450.6 454.1 461.7

444.1 460.9 471.0

410.3 425.2 403.8 430.0

453.0 425.7 429.8 440.0

431.0 445.0 440.0

286.6 282.0 307.2 334.1

340.6 344.2 351.8 364.1

353.7 335.2 349.1 366.6

338.1 341.5 349.1 358.0

339.5 331.9 343.2 351.3

335.9 331.5 342.3 352.1

331.7 324.2 329.9 344.3

326.0 321.1 321.9 331.9

324.4 317.3 325.4 335.8

320.2 311.0 320.1 330.0

STORE SHEEP ENGLAND STORE LAMBS

DEADWEIGHT SHEEP

Source: AHDB/LAA

w/e Dec 18

Day

No.

Ave.

Ashford Bakewell Barnard Castle Bentham Bishops Castle Blackmoor Gate Bridgnorth Brockholes Carlisle Cirencester Clitheroe Cockermouth Colchester Cutcombe Wheddon Cross Darlington Exeter Frome Gisburn Hailsham Hallworthy Hawes Hereford Hexham Holmfirth Holsworthy Hull Kendal Kirkby Stephen Lancaster Lazonby Leek

Tu\Fr Th

4883 47 257 21 270 724 51 8

79.3 57.6 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 80.6 79.3 87.0 79.8 49.7 0.0 36.3

83 563 2245 153 631 90 577 4663 3982 15 125 31 2097 7 -

74.6 86.5 88.0 66.0 0.0 75.8 85.0 54.8 85.9 87.1 85.4 86.2 69.4 78.5 65.4 0.0 0.0 0.0

Fr Tu Mo Th Tu Tu We Mo Fr We We Th Fr Tu Fr Tu We Mo Th Tu

Source: AHDB/LAA

Day

Brecon Bryncir Dolgellau Fr Gaerwen Mo Knighton Fr Llandeilo Mo Mold Monmouthshire We\Mo Newcastle Emlyn Th Rhayader Market Ruthin Th St Asaph Sa Welshpool Mo

74 | DECEMBER 22 2023

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Leyburn Fr Longtown Tu Louth Mo Ludlow Market Drayton We Market Harborough Melton Mowbray Tu Newark Newton Abbot We Northallerton We Oswestry We Otley Penrith Ross-On-Wye Rugby Th\Mo Salisbury Sedgemoor Sa Selby Shrewsbury Skipton We South Molton St Johns Chapel Stratford Tu Tavistock Thame Fr Thirsk Thrapston Sa Truro We Ulverston Wigton Worcester Sa York

No.

264 3962 15 29 1141 25 198 28 691 2304 2219 161 361 144 74 840 -

Ave.

74.3 75.6 55.1 0.0 68.6 0.0 87.5 0.0 79.9 85.4 97.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 86.7 0.0 88.6 0.0 0.0 78.1 0.0 0.0 79.0 0.0 81.9 0.0 72.4 57.7 0.0 0.0 85.4 0.0

SCOTLAND

WALES STORE LAMBS

Source: AHDB

No.

Ave.

838 10 1337 14 454 44 1021 560 760

0.0 0.0 50.0 42.2 89.2 82.9 0.0 70.1 70.2 0.0 66.1 70.6 77.6

STORE LAMBS

Source: IAAS/ScotEID

Day

Ayr Caithness Castle Douglas Dingwall Dumfries Forfar Huntly Kirkwall Lanark Lockerbie Newton Stewart Newtown St Boswells Stirling (caledonian) Stirling (ua) Thainstone

Mo Tu We Th We\Mo

We Tu\Th

No.

Ave.

475 64 140 442 1154 -

89.2 64.9 59.5 88.7 75.2 -

2908 1778

76.9 88.6

N/S deadweight prices for the week ending Dec 16, 2023. SQQ 2 3L 3H E 602.0 (197) 602.3 (668) 596.4 U 597.4 (938) 595.6 (5002) 592.5 R 588.7 (5619) 587.4 (16801) 588.3 O 580.8 (6795) 579.0 (7187) 574.9 P 530.6 (133) 510.0 (9) 475.0

(178) (1816) (7649) (1872) (2)

4L 580.7 569.8 567.2 552.6

Source: AHDB 4H (22) (196) (983) (158)

553.1 537.8 510.0

(8) (52) (6)

Average: 585.3 (57,046) Medium E U R O P

2 602.2 598.1 591.5 582.9 459.0

(194) (879) (4140) (2057) (4)

3L 602.4 595.9 589.2 582.4

3H (658) 596.4 (4858) 592.8 (14241) 589.8 (3590) 576.1 475.0

(178) (1786) (6810) (1292) (1)

4L 580.7 569.8 566.6 550.1

4H (22) (195) (875) (135)

553.1 537.1 503.0

(8) (48) (5)

Average: 588.7 (42,216) Deadweight sheep prices are collected from a sample of GB abattoirs. The sample accounts for about one-third of deadweight sales; prices quoted p/kg are averages for all qualities 12-21.5kg.

DEADWEIGHT PIGS

Latest prices for Great Britain.

STANDARD PIG PRICE (SPP) Week ending December 9, 2023

ALL PIG PRICE (APP) Week ending December 2, 2023.

Weight Number p/kg Change Up to 59.9kg 368 174.67 18.75 60 - 69.9kg 2,013 207.35 2.28 70 - 79.9kg 10,767 216.57 -0.68 80 - 89.9kg 24,876 217.25 -0.96 90 - 99.9kg 21,402 215.90 -1.24 100 - 104.9kg 5,100 213.98 -1.68 105.0kg and over 2,891 196.64 -4.30 All clean pigs 67,417 215.05 -0.94 70 - 104.9kg 62,145 216.40 -1.05 EU spec average 215.05 -0.94 UK spec average 211.34 -0.94

Weight Number p/kg Change Up to 59.9kg na na na 60 - 69.9kg 2,319 209.92 na 70 - 79.9kg 10,971 216.73 -2.13 80 - 89.9kg na na na 90 - 99.9kg na na na 100 - 104.9kg 4,362 211.19 na 105.0kg and over na na na All clean pigs 68,792 213.99 -2.11 70 - 104.9kg na na na EU spec average 213.99 -2.11 UK spec average 210.29 -2.10

PIGS

Source: AHDB

Source: AHDB/LAA

Prices in p/kg.

Market day w/e: Dec 19

Leek Market Drayton Selby Thirsk

Tu We\Mo We Th

Pigs total 173 95 315 71

Porkers average 203.43 110.43 193.41 183.92

WEANER PRICES Please note: AHDB weaner data has been suspended until further notice.

Cutters average 206.50 121.67 196.86 186.82

Cull sows Baconers average Total Average 183.62 0 0.00 180.00 1 100.00 202.26 68 80.84 166.24 90 86.99

SLAUGHTERINGS Estimates for GB (per head), W/e Dec 19, 2023 2023 %change (2022) Pigs 176,446.75 -14.94 Sheep 291,427.34 -13.83 Steers 16,816.68 -11.88 Heifers 13,960.28 -10.45 Young bulls 2,577.36 -15.49

HAY AND STRAW PRICES

December 20, 2023

GOOSTREY: Mon, hay, square bale to £140/tonne, round bale to £106/t; barley straw, square bale to £122/t; wheat straw, square bale to £116/t, round bale to £109/t; mixed straw, square bale to £124/t; wrapped silage to £46/t; fodder beet to £42/t.

farmersguardian.com

20/12/2023 15:20

GB AVERAGES

Where stated, data provided by AHDB.

LIVEWEIGHT STEERS

DEADWEIGHT STEERS SOURCE: AHDB/LAA/IAAS

SOURCE: AHDB

290

520

280

500 480

260

p/kg deadweight

250 240 230

460 440 420

220

400

210

380

Dec

Nov

Oct

Sep

Aug

Jul

Jun

May

Apr

Jan

Dec

Nov

Oct

Sep

Aug

Jul

Jun

LIVEWEIGHT HEIFERS

2022

Mar

2023

360 May

Feb

Jan

190

2022 Mar

2023

Apr

200

Feb

DEADWEIGHT HEIFERS SOURCE: AHDB

SOURCE: AHDB/LAA/IAAS

300

520

290

500 480

270

p/kg deadweight

260 250 240 230

460 440 420 400

220

380

210

360

2023

2022

LIVEWEIGHT SQQ LAMBS

DEADWEIGHT SQQ LAMBS SOURCE: AHDB

SOURCE: AHDB/LAA/IAAS

780

380

2023

360

2022

740 700 p/kg deadweight

320 300 280 260

660 620 580 540

CULL COWS

Dec

Nov

Oct

Sep

Aug

Jul

Jun

May

Apr

2022

Mar

Feb

2023

Jan

Dec

Nov

Oct

Sep

Aug

Jul

Jun

May

Apr

Mar

460 Feb

500

220 Jan

240

PIG PRICE INDICATOR SOURCE: AHDB

215

230

200

140

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170 160 150

Jul

Jun

May

Apr

Mar

Feb

Dec

Nov

Oct

SPP (2022) APP (2022)

SPP (2023) APP (2023)

140 130 Sep

Jun

May

Apr

Mar

Feb

Jan

110

Aug

Dairy-sired (2022) Beef-sired (2022)

Dairy-sired (2023) Beef-sired (2023)

Jul

125

180

Nov

155

190

Oct

170

210 200

Sep

185

Aug

p/kg deadweight (EU spec)

220

Jan

p/kg liveweight

340

p/kg

Dec

Nov

Oct

Sep

Aug

Jul

Jun

May

Apr

Mar

Feb

Dec

Nov

Oct

Sep

Aug

Jul

Jun

340 May

Apr

Feb

Jan

2022 Mar

2023

200

Jan

p/kg liveweight

280

Dec

p/kg liveweight

270

DECEMBER 22 2023 | 75

20/12/2023 15:20

MARKET PRICES UK DELIVERED PRICES – SUMMARY Thursday, December 14, 2023 (£ per tonne). Delivery East Anglia / London (BW)

Northamptonshire

North-West grains/ Liverpool OSR

Avonmouth feed /South bread

Yorkshire

Fife/Edinburgh

Dec-2023 Jan-2024 Feb-2024 May-2024 Dec-2023 Jan-2024 Feb-2024 May-2024 Dec-2023 Jan-2024 Feb-2024 May-2024 Dec-2023 Jan-2024 Feb-2024 May-2024 Dec-2023 Jan-2024 Feb-2024 May-2024 Dec-2023

Source: AHDB Bread Wheat Price Change 253.50 -1.00 257.50 -1.00 262.00 -0.50 256.00 -1.50 258.50 -1.50 260.00 -1.50 264.50 -1.50 271.00 -1.00 272.50 -1.50 277.00 -1.00 271.00 -1.00 -

Feed Wheat Price Change 188.00 -1.50 193.50 -1.50 188.00 -2.00 189.50 -2.00 191.00 -1.50 195.50 -2.00 -

Feed Barley Price Change -

Oilseed Rape Price Change 365.00 -4.50 366.00 -5.00 367.00 -5.00 371.00 -5.00 365.50 -6.50 366.50 -7.00 367.50 -7.00 371.50 -7.00 -

UK DELIVERED OILSEED RAPE PRICES Source: AHDB

Dec-2023 365.00 366.50 365.50 -

Jan-2024 366.00 367.50 366.50 -

Feb-2024 367.00 368.50 367.50 -

May-2024 371.00 372.50 371.50 -

Hvst-2024 373.00 374.50 373.50 -

FUTURES MARKETS (WHEAT) Wednesday, December 20, 2023 (£ per tonne). Price LIFFE £/tonne Jan 24 Mar 24 May 24 Jul 24 Nov 24 Jan 25 Mar 25 May 25 Jul 25 Nov 25

184.85 189.45 195.50 201.30 207.15 210.30 213.35 215.75 213.65 210.35

MATIF

Price €/tonne

Mar 24 May 24 Sep 24 Dec 24 Mar 25 May 25 Sep 25 Dec 25

223.50 228.00 231.50 235.25 236.00 236.25 231.00 236.00

Last updated Dec 20, 2023 BPS ENTS English Deadline – Early 2024* Price at deadlines

Average prices (2023)

Non-SDA SDA Moorland

£80.59 £99.41 £24

BPS ENTS Welsh Deadline – May 15, 2024 Price at deadlines £50**

CME

Price US cents/bushel

Jul 22 Sep 22 Dec 22 Mar 23 May 23 Jul 23

915.50 930.00 944.00 953.25 957.00 940.25

Average prices (2023) £65

BPS ENTS Scottish Regions 1, 2 and 3 Deadline – April 2, 2024 Price at deadlines

Average prices (2023)

Region 1 Region 2 Region 3

£149.47 £40.34 £15.44

£130** £35** £10**

BPS ENTS Northern Irish Deadline – May 3, 2024 Price at Average deadlines prices (2023) x 1.0**

Thursday, December 7, 2023 (£ per tonne). Oilseed Rape East Anglia / London Erith Liverpool Hull / Selby

BPS ENTITLEMENTS, BNG, CARBON AND WATER

x 1.0

*For trading Delinkage ref amounts; £1 per £1 of Delinkage reference amount. ** Estimates. ENGLISH DELINKAGE REF AMOUNTS: average of 2020/21/22 claims. Seller’s 2023 claim not needed. Estimated return £1.46/£1 ref amount with buyer’s delink payment less than £30,000 post-transfer at 4% interest. Subject to Delinkage values 2025-27. BIODIVERSITY NET GAIN: English: Defra estimates £20,000£25,000/unit post-November 11. Current market £15,000-£90,000/unit excluding VAT and associated fees. NUTRIENT NEUTRALITY: Long-term sales of all types agric man excluding specialist habitat creation. Nitrates £3,000£4,000/unit (£18,000-£206,000/ha); phosphates £50,000-£65,000/unit (£2,000-£169,000/ha). CARBON: Woodland Carbon >£30/WCU >£20/ PIU. Nov 2022 WCG reverse auction average £22.61. WATER: English abstraction licences less than £3-£15/cu.m. Source: Townsend Chartered Surveyors

SUPERMARKET RED MEAT PRICES Week ending Dec 23, 2023 (prices in p/kg). This week Last week

CORN RETURNS EX-FARM PRICES Thursday, December 14, 2023 (£ per tonne).

WHEAT Milling Bread

South East South West Midlands Eastern North East North West England & Wales South Scotland Central Scotland North Scotland Scotland Great Britain Northern Ireland United Kingdom Change on last week (£/t)

Source: AHDB

Other

Feed & Other

BARLEY Malting Premium

Other

Feed & Other

197.90 188.30 192.00 193.40 193.40 -2.10

187.30 184.20 189.90 187.30 194.00 187.60 187.60 +1.40

167.80 166.90 152.60 165.80 160.00 160.40 160.40 -0.60

OATS Milling

Feed

FIELD PEAS/BEANS

Browse. Sell. Buy at FGBuyandSell.com 76 | DECEMBER 22 2023

p70 77 Dec22 AB MB.indd 106

Dec Jan Feb

Micronising peas

Dec 13, 2023 All prices £/tonne ex-farm Feed Feed peas beans

£331.00 £333.00 £335.00

£246.25 £249.25 £251.25

£236.08 £239.08 £241.08

BEEF Roasting Joint Sirloin Steak Rump Steak Fillet Steak Diced Braising Steak Lean Mince Standard Mince

1016 2027 1611 3335 1088 0 707 500

LAMB Whole Leg Shoulder (Bone-in) Shanks Steaks Chops Diced Standard Mince

1254 1026 1349 1593 1559 1873 1085

1223 1026 1349 1593 1559 1873 1075

PORK Leg (Boneless) Shoulder (Boneless) Fillet (Tenderloin) Loin Steaks Chops Diced Belly Slices Ribs Lean Mince

553 445 819 880 789 809 804 750 577

553 445 819 880 789 809 804 750 577 Source: AHDB

farmersguardian.com

20/12/2023 15:20

CURRENCY WATCH

Last updated Dec 20, 2023

€1=£0.8656

£1=€1.1551

$1=£0.7907

Where stated, data provided by AHDB.

£1=$1.2646

UK DELIVERED WHEAT PRICES

NATIONAL STRAIGHTS PRICES

Thursday, December 14, 2023. 1. FEED WHEAT Avonrange Central Scotland East Anglia East Devon Lancashire London North Humberside Northamptonshire Oxfordshire South Humberside Southampton Tyne & Wear West Midlands East Midlands

DEC 188.00 -

JAN 189.50 -

FEB 191.00 188.00 -

MAY 195.50 193.50 -

NOV 208.50 207.50 -

2. FULL SPEC. BREAD WHEAT North-West Northamptonshire South London / Essex Yorkshire

DEC 256.00 253.50 -

JAN 271.00 258.50 -

FEB 272.50 260.00 257.50 -

MAY 277.00 264.50 262.00 271.00

NOV -

3. FULL SPEC. BISCUIT WHEAT North-West Northamptonshire South London / Essex Yorkshire Scotland

DEC -

JAN -

FEB -

MAY -

NOV -

DAIRY CATTLE PRICES GREAT BRITAIN Ayr Lanark Stirling (ua) Bentham Carlisle Exeter Frome Gisburn Holsworthy Lancaster Leek Leyburn Market Drayton Norton And Brooksbank Otley Sedgemoor Shrewsbury Skipton Wigton Mold Whitland

Tu We We Fr Th\Sa

Tu\Sa We

Sa Tu

Last updated Dec 18, 2023 Source: AHDB/LAA/IAAS COLOURED

Newly-calved Newly-calved

cows

heifers

No. / Av.

15/1501.30 -/-/-/100/2477.0 22/1651.8 -/27/1514.8 -/-/10/1149.0 -/26/1689.2 -/-/57/1596.7 42/1989.5 -/-/-/-/-

1/1420.00 -/-/-/7/2332.5 43/1432.3 -/4/1470.0 -/-/46/890.4 -/52/1434.2 -/-/4/1465.0 20/2094.0 -/-/-/-/-

cows

-/-/-/-/-/15/1436.0 -/2/1690.0 -/-/2/885.0 -/2/1250.0 -/-/2/900.0 -/-/-/-/-/-

January 497.00 497.00 230.00 293.00 305.00

February - April 471.00 471.00 230.00 293.00 305.00

268.00 N/A 200.00 304.00 N/A 292.00

270.00 N/A 200.00 281.00 N/A 292.00

No. / Av. -/-/-/-/4/1771.9 21/959.5 -/-/-/-/-/-/22/1448.6 -/-/3/960.0 4/997.5 -/-/-/-/-

Source: Straights Direct May - October 422.00 423.00 225.00 293.00 N/A 200.00 270.00 ✧ 250.00 ✪ N/A 288.00

Key: All prices in pounds sterling. Currency, £/$1.2575; £/€1.1511 Guide prices indicated include delivery charge of £6/tonne. ✸ = After safe arrival; F = First half; S = Second half; =Sept; ✥ = Oct; ✦ = September/October; ◗ = November; ▲ = December/January; ✧ = May/June; ✪ = August/October

MILK PRICE LEAGUE TABLE December 2023

Source: AHDB

Aligned liquid milk Müller Milk & Ingredients M&S Müller Milk & Ingredients TSDG (Tesco) Müller Milk & Ingredients Sainsbury’s Arla Foods - Sainsburys Müller Milk & Ingredients Co-op Dairy Group

Monthly price 46.18 42.27 41.33 40.96 40.35

Annual average 46.12 42.27 41.27 40.78 40.29

Standard Liquid Milk Lactalis - Caledonian Cheese First Milk Manufacture2 Barber’s Cheesemakers Wyke Farms Belton Farm Leprino Foods South Caernarfon Creameries4 UK Arla Farmers Manufacturing1

Monthly price 36.23 35.97 35.67 35.63 35.00 34.21 34.14 33.64

Annual average 36.23 36.04 35.67 35.56 35.00 33.88 33.51 33.43

A&B

Monthly price

Annual average

36.66

36.46

Freshways

HOLSTEIN FRIESIAN heifers

Last updated December 20, 2023 Commodity Hi Pro Soyameal – North Hi Pro Soyameal – South Soya hulls Maize distillers Maize gluten Non-GM HP sugar beet pellets (delivered) Whole maize PCR Negative Palm kernel expellers Rapeseed meal basis Erith Kent Rapeseed meal basis Humber Distillers dark grains

1. This contract will receive a 1.33ppl guaranteed minimum payment. 2. This contract will receive a 0.50ppl member premium payment. 2. This contract will receive a 1.78ppl Tesco cheese group payment. 3. This contract will receive a 1.00ppl direct premium payment. 4. This contract will receive a 0.40ppl actual 13th payment. 5. Formerly Glanbia - Llangefn. Retailer price supplements are included where applicable. Supplements listed are in addition to listed milk prices.

UK MONTHLY MILK PRODUCTION UK milk deliveries in September 2023 were down 1.2 per cent on the year at 1,137 million litres. Cumulatively, this was 0.3 per cent up on the year to date. September 2023 GB milk deliveries down 1.3 per cent for the same period at 963 m litres. GB milk deliveries for the year to date were 0.3 per cent up.

In print, in pocket, informed, in profit.

HAY AND STRAW: REGIONS Week ending Dec 24, 2023. Big bale hay Quality North East E Yorks N Mids E Mids C Mids E Counties S East South S West S Wales SE Scotland

Trade comment: Increased demand for barley straw. Pickup baled hay and straw Seed Meadow Barley hay hay straw

Good 85 80 100 80 75 75 80 90 100 95

Good 130 100

Good 120

125 130

100 100

130

120

Wheat straw

Good 100

Good 80

Big sq. baled straw Barley Wheat straw straw Good 75 66 65 65 80 65 65 74 90 80 78

Good 65 51 55 55 75 50 50 64 75 75 70

App Edition

farmersguardian.com/app

Source: British Hay and Straw Merchants’ Association

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DECEMBER 22 2023 | 77

20/12/2023 15:20

FARMING: THE BACKBONE O The season’s festivities are in full swing, and in this Christmas special we hear from Hannah Jackson about her growing family - and growing farm. Emily Ashworth goes to visit her.

Hannah, her husband Danny and baby Blake.

Christmas in the countryside A very red Christmas

annah Jackson never changes. Years ago, she set up her social media account, The Red Shepherdess, to showcase her journey as a new entrant into farming and share the farming message to those who may not know about our industry. There is no doubt that she has been so successful due to her down-toearth approach and ability to keep it real. There are no airs and graces when it comes to Hannah; she is an open book, and her followers – all 232,000 of them, if you count Instagram, X and TikTok – respect her for that. Many of them are loyal too, especially as she enters into a new chapter of life: motherhood. Hannah and husband Danny welcomed baby Blake seven months ago and, in true Hannah style, she has taken it all in her stride and documented their journey through some extremely testing times. She says: “It is life-changing, and

78 | DECEMBER 22 2023

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I have another job now - I am a farmer and a mum. I had accepted it, but I had to let go of other people’s expectations HANNAH JACKSON everyone tells you that. I cannot imagine life without her – what did I do before her? “We have fallen straight into it, and we love being a family.This time last year we had only just announced [this pregnancy] to the world – we had lost

three before Blake, so it was an anxious time. But as soon as I felt her kick, I felt I could relax. “The first time we lost one it was early on in the pregnancy, and we did not talk about it that much. It makes me sad that people hide [the grief] and sit with it. “I urge others to talk and open up because once you do, you realise how many people are connected to it.”

Social media Her passion for farming will, of course, never fade. Her social content, which is a huge part of who she is, has always been centred around agriculture, but now it is all-encompassing: Blake, marriage to Danny (who is a farrier and has his own strong social media following) and their recent farming venture on a new tenancy. With such a presence, Hannah has not wanted to let anyone down. She says: “I felt a lot of pressure to keep turning up as the person that I was. I was thinking about getting

farming content on there all the time. I had to give my head a wobble and think: no, the people that matter will stick around for the journey that we are going on. “I have another job now – I am a farmer and a mum. I had accepted it, but I had to let go of other people’s expectations. I absolutely love that I get to hold on to a piece of me through this journey of becoming a mum. “I pop her in the carrier, grab the dog and sometimes go and do the sheep for the sake of doing it. “And it is good for Blake – fresh air and a change of scenery.” Although she is now a fully-fledged farmer in her own right, Hannah grew up on the Wirral and had no prior farming experience. She has, however, always loved animals, and the idea of bringing her own family up on the farm is a dream come true. She says: “I was obsessed with animals. My parents took me everywhere where there were animals, which is quite hard on the Wirral. “This was my dream: to have kids where they can run for miles; they can farmersguardian.com

19/12/2023 16:52

E OF BRITAIN

PICTURE: MARCELLO GARBAGNOLI

Edited by Emily Ashworth 01772 799 446 emily.ashworth@agriconnect.com

play in the rain; they can get muddy. It feels super special that we have built this up together. “I do not want to wish milestones away, but I cannot wait to see Blake lamb her own sheep and get her own little dog. There is no way she cannot be animal-mad with me and Dan. “To watch the animals – especially my red collie, Mick – interact with her has been amazing too. “Mick has really taken to the fact there is another little person here.”

Business Hannah still eats, sleeps and breathes farming; her and Danny have built up their business over the years, and last year got the chance to expand. Although they still live in Carlisle, Cumbria, it has been a ‘whirlwind’ year moving to a new 72.8-hectare (180-acre) tenancy close by. Hannah says: “It is so nice, after 10 years, to implement everything that we have learned and create our own systems. Do not get me wrong, there is a lot to do – there are no boundaries or fencing, but it is exciting. farmersguardian.com

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“We now have 400 sheep and have gained a few hobby animals like alpacas and goats – I am still working on Dan to get Blake a pony. “We can put our own stamp on things and get back to what I am passionate about, which is connecting people to farming, to the land and to food.” They also have a pumpkin patch which they started three years ago, and this year had over 3,000 pumpkins. It was, says Hannah, the most ‘wholesome October’. “They twist them off the vine, so the kids understand how they are grown,” she says. “We raised money for Air Ambulance this year too – people would be getting their pumpkins and watching the Air Ambulance take off. “We try and keep it as affordable as possible so that everybody can come to pick a pumpkin and have a good time – we just want people to get on a farm.” With Hannah and Danny, there are always more plans in the pipeline. They are starting alpaca walks up the fell and are hoping to open the farm

up to people who want to learn how to work sheepdogs. Their next big project is a new 38ft shepherd hut, so ‘people can come and experience life on a farm and soak up the atmosphere, and it looks out over the fells’. It is going to be called ‘Boo’s Hideout’ – the nickname they had for Blake when Hannah was pregnant.

Educate All of this, though, is with the view to educate. She says: “I was that person who did not know the difference between hay or straw. I had never been on a commercial farm before, until I decided I wanted to farm. “I shop with a mindset of looking out for British produce – it was something that was not always talked about, so we are now in a position to build that bridge back up. “I think what we have to do as an industry is really consistently share that message of what we do every day. “And what do you do when the Government is ready to throw you

under the bus? I am a positive person, but I am sick of hearing about Australian meat or the latest thing about labour and importing fruit in. “Where do our voices go? Right now, more than ever, our voice is probably the loudest it has ever been, but we are still at the bottom of everybody’s list. “We have these little businesses to try and keep ourselves resilient, but you do sit and think: why should we have to do that? There are not many living solely off the farm, which is sad. “What we want to do is get it in the curriculum. “The only time it is in schools is when farmers take their time off to do it. “When I have done it before, the kids love it and they go home and then they educate another generation. I had a message once from a mum – her daughter had spotted the flag on a leg of lamb, and it was not British. And that is what it is all about.You are never going to change everyone’s mind; people have DECEMBER 22 2023 | 79

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FARMING: THE BACKBONE O many reasons for not eating meat, but as long as people understand the idea of British.”

Christmas Christmas, says Hannah, is a ‘very big deal in this family’. Her family are just across the road, and there is a yearly tradition involving a bell: whoever gets the bell first wins and then wakes everyone else up so they can open their stockings. On Christmas Eve, they take part in something in the village called ‘The Walking Nativity’.

Hannah says: “We meet at the village and there is a donkey, the kids are Mary and Joseph, and we sing. “We go to the pub and knock to see if there is anyone at the inn, and then on to the next pub where there is a little service. This year Blake will be an angel, and Beau – her cousin – will be baby Jesus. “I have always said I cannot wait until we have our own children in the nativity. “Dinner is very traditional: turkey, beef and sometimes a ham. We play games – my sister goes to town with

finding games. We do all our presents, have some breakfast and then go out and do the farm. That is the nice thing about sheep farming – it is very flexible, and all the sheep are outside, so they are not inside waiting for anything. “This year Blake is joining us too, so we are super excited to do our little family shepherding together.” With so much going on already, what will the New Year bring? For Hannah’s little family, it is perhaps time they simply sat and reflected on all they have achieved.

She says: “Sometimes our issue is that we look so far ahead and always want to push to be better, but what we have now is everything we have always wanted. We are not great at soaking it in and giving ourselves a pat on the back. “I am so proud that we have done it together. The biggest changes have happened while we have been together; when you have two people throwing their effort at the dream.” MORE INFORMATION farmersguardian.com/farm-life

A festive feast In this festive food special, social media butcher star Jonny Farrell shares his top tips on what to buy and how to cook it.

onny Farrell, known as Butcher Farrell on social media, never really set out to be a butcher. But 10 years ago, while living in various parts of the world, he fell into the industry and has never looked back. Having eventually moved back home to England with his wife, he took the plunge and opened up Butcher Farrell’s Meat Emporium in

the North West, in a farm shop called Owd Barn at Bispham. He says: “Opening my own shop alongside my wife has been the best thing. I am so proud of my team, the produce we source and my amazing customers. It has given me so much more hope for the butchery industry – we see customers getting excited about our meat and we have the freedom to butcher how we see fit.”

Traditional turkey

BUTCHER FARRELL’S CHRISTMAS TABLE ■ Roast it: “My favourite go-to sides for a Christmas roast are honey roasted carrots and parsnips. I parboil them, then roast with thyme and garlic plus some Jack Daniel’s hot honey over the top to add a little warmth.” ■ Sprouts: “Sprouts are a family favourite for us, but not how I

remember my nana doing them – boiled since the beginning of December. I saute chopped shallots and diced pancetta in a pan with some butter, then add the sprouts, which are chopped in half. Once soft, add chopped walnuts and toss in some chunks of blue cheese and gently turn them, so the cheese slightly melts.”

Try something new ■ Best advice: “Buy the best bird you can afford. Do not stuff your turkey with a load of stuffing as this increases the density of the bird and makes the cooking time much longer, although feel free to add a halved lemon. I treat my turkey just like a big chicken and rub a little oil over the bird and season with salt. “If I am feeling fancy, I whip up a spiced butter [salted butter, nutmeg, garlic, cranberry, sage, rosemary, allspice and a tiny bit of cinnamon and clove] and rub that in between the skin and meat. Cook at 185degC – I 80 | DECEMBER 22 2023

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tend to work on the 30 minutes per kg rule. “I always use a thermal probe as it takes the guessing away. I cook until the thickest part reads 60degC and then cover and rest; the internal temp will rise to about 72degC. ■ Buying a turkey: “A lot of customers come in asking about our turkeys and why they are ‘not as cheap as they used to be’. We source the best bronze birds that have been slowreared, dry-plucked and dry-aged. These turkeys have been looked after outdoors for months by farmers.”

JONNY says: “We are a butchery that specialises in dry-aged beef. This year has been interesting as we have seen a big rise in people ordering a rib roast as opposed to the more traditional turkey. “To be honest, I like to do both. I do think this is partly down to older cooking techniques and people remembering how their turkey was cooked from their childhoods – that is what our customers tell us. “It is the one time of year where everyone wants to really spoil themselves and show off – and if we are

honest, a French trimmed, dryaged rib of beef definitely impresses. I will be cooking one this year, most likely on Boxing Day. I leave it to get to room temperature, season with salt and put into a hot oven for 20 minutes, then lower down to 185degC and allow 11 minutes per 500g for nice pink meat. “Again, I tend to opt for the meat probe to get an accurate temperature and bring the joint out at about 46degC to rest. It will rise to over the 50degC mark for a perfect medium-rare.” farmersguardian.com

19/12/2023 16:53

E OF BRITAIN Winter warmers THESE winter styles are a must when you are out in the countryside this season.

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST Don’t miss the Christmas podcast with Hannah Jackson. To listen, visit farmersguardian.com/podcasts

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Q&A with the Fletchers KELVIN and Liz Fletcher share their farming journey on social media, and their new TV show has been a big success. In this Christmas special, we catch up with the couple to look back on a fantastic year of farming.

Q A

What is the most magical thing about Christmas on a farm? Kelvin: The most magical thing for us this Christmas has been inviting the public to join us. We have got to share really special, magical moments with a lot of people. To play a small part in creating somebody’s Christmas memories means a lot to us, and to be told by so many people how much they have enjoyed coming to the farm and that they have also learnt something makes it even better. We are really proud of that. Liz: This year it was the snow in early December. We had all the Christmas lights up, we had friends over with Christmas music playing and even got the sledges out. To sledge down the hill surrounded by the sheep – that was one of those moments where you sit and go: ‘we never would have had this back in the city’. It makes everything worth it. It was magical, and to get all cold and have all the kids run back into the house and wrap up with hot chocolate felt so special. farmersguardian.com

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WAT THE FLETCH C FAMILY HER’S CHRISTMFARM AS SPECIAL OEVE N ITV ON DECEMBE R 24

Q A

Now that Fletcher’s Family Farm is almost over, what have you enjoyed the most? Kelvin: I think it was watching the first episode; sitting down as a family like loads of others to watch TV, not knowing what we were going to see. It was a special moment for us. It was a bit nerve-wracking, but very exciting, and a real sense of satisfaction at what all the months of graft and filming had resulted in. The feedback has been incredible. We have had so many comments from so many people, and from such a variety of people – not just from farmers or families, but all walks of life. I feel like people have been on this journey with us a bit; they have seen the ups and downs, maybe cried a little, hopefully laughed with us too. It is heartwarming to feel that connection with people. Liz: The first season is over which is sad but, luckily, we do have the Christmas Eve special. It has been such a joy to film and the response from people has been overwhelming. I think people can relate to us because we do feel like everyone is on this journey with us and learning with us from day one. Whether it is inseminating a pig or finishing our first harvest, people have seen that first-hand. That is important to Kelvin and me; we love that people say they never knew

brought over the years and the memories that have been created from a lifetime on-farm.

anything about farms or farming before watching our programme. It means more that people are discovering farming and hopefully its value too. Can you tell us what is in store for 2024? Kelvin: Expanding the farm and expanding our farming knowledge too; watching the kids grow into country life. Marnie will be handling her first flock of sheep, which we are all excited for. She has really taken to

Q A

the farm and is a real natural with the animals. The twins are still so young, but it is going to be interesting to see them grow more independent - we will make farmers of them for sure. Liz: Watch this space. We cannot say a lot but there are lots of changes on the farm – there is plenty to come. Keep your eyes peeled. MORE INFORMATION You can read the full Q&A by visiting farmersguardian.com/fletchers DECEMBER 22 2023 | 81

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IN YOUR FIELD

Every week we follow the ups and downs of farmers around the UK 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.

hile a later lambing mostly suits our farming system, this year’s atrocious weather has had even the rams questioning the delayed tupping. They have battled through endless rain, driving hail and continuous gusts from every direction to get on with the job. I was greeted by the Blue-Faced Leicesters at the gate early one morning, eager to get into the barn. Time to bring out the ‘bomb squad’. These fresh-faced and work- hungry boys are my very own version of the South African rugby subs’ bench.

Motley I assembled the motley crew of sweeper rams, including a retiree, a recovered pneumonia victim, a few homebred ram lambs and, after a couple of phone calls to local farms to bolster the team, they were ready to turn out. The replaced rams can rest easy, they have done a good job and I am happy with the hold rate for the first cycle.

‘These boys are my own version of the South African rugby subs’ bench’ The United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP28, came to a close last week. Hosted by the UAE, world leaders met in Dubai, with fossil fuels high on the agenda. More importantly from a farming perspective there was clear recognition of the impacts of climate change on global agriculture and food systems. Although still in the shadows of the more headline-grabbing conversations, it is an important leap in the right direction. COP28 also recognised the importance of people

and communities who work the land as key to safeguarding 80 per cent of the world’s biodiversity. Identifying the significance of culture and heritage in the context of nature conservation is something I have always thought lacking in UK agriculture. Considering things closer to home, we have all seen and experienced the challenges weather extremes can have. I think building resilience into the farming businesses is a priority Reflecting on 2023, it has

certainly been a challenging, but also hugely rewarding year. Lamb sales have gone well, the conservation objectives for the Great Orme are on target, I came sixth in an ultra-endurance bikes race, and fulfilled one of my lifetime ambitions of becoming a Nuffield Scholar. None of these would have been possible without the support of so many people in my life, my family, friends, and all of you guys that I bump into saying you have enjoyed my articles. A massive thank you to everyone.

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20/12/2023 09:24

NEXT WEEK Cornwall Alan Carter Cardiff Jono Hughes

‘We will spend Christmas in a rented house again’ West Sussex James and Isobel are new entrants and formerly had a 45-hectare (111-acre) fiveyear Farm Business Tenancy at Wiston. That has come to an end and they are looking for a new tenancy. James works for tech firm Breedr as a product manager. You can follow them on Twitter @jpbwfarm.

had hoped that I would be writing this from our new home on a small farm, but alas solicitors’ wheels turn slowly and we are to spend Christmas in a rented house — again. We should be grateful, however, that we are not homeless, but since Isobel and I got married five years ago, we have lived in five houses

and by the time of our sixth wedding anniversary we will have lived in six, I do hope that this will be the last move for a long time. Our three-year-old was delighted at the Anstey Tractor Run. More than 145 tractors took part and raised thousands in aid of Somerset Air Ambulance which has been involved in several rescues on Exmoor this year alone.

Wonderful It was wonderful to see so many members of the public and rural community come together to watch, enjoy and be splashed at the side of fords by festive tractors driven by young farmers — their creativity and sheer organisational talent is impressive. I am deeply concerned about the (at least) four farmers in the South West who have been successfully prosecuted this year because their cows have come into conflict with walkers. They have specifically

been prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive for failing to separate walkers and cows. It is a practical impossibility to expect cows to be separated from walkers on every farm and this is a dangerous precedent. Most worryingly of all, it is not the law, but HSE’s guidance that has changed, this means that in the future, we may be open to further changes without warning. I am disappointed that the NFU has not done more to highlight this issue. I have written several times

CROSSWORD 1224

The first correct entry received by next Friday will receive £20 worth of Love2shop vouchers. Send to: Crossword No. 1224, Farmers Guardian, Unit 4, Fulwood Business Park, Caxton Road, Fulwood, Preston, PR2 9NZ.

ACROSS

1 Briefly summed up where you might find a cashew (2,1,8) 9 Broadcasting riotous gin dens (7) 10 Fine people who provide weapons; those working the land (7) 11 Festive season diversifying its charms (9) 12 Number of beheaded sheep (5) 13 Notable people found in Surinam especially (5) 14 Expressions of acknowledgement of Lanark’s spells of weeping (9) 16 Doctors to come a cropper chiefly (4,2,3) 18 Fortunate one of seven dwarves (5) 20 Fine swindle (5) 22 Postman, perhaps, unusually relieved before end of winter (9) 24 Perhaps we yearn for start of January (3,4) 25 Surprise the French after kick off (7) 26 Recreations of friskily lax senorita (11)

NAME ADDRESS

POSTCODE

but not had a satisfactory answer as to why this is not a priority. One final success of the year was MP Dr Luke Evans’ campaign for a Buy British Button which has been adopted by Morrisons. This button will quickly display food produced in Britain, giving the consumer an easy option to select British only produce. His campaign was backed by a number of organisations and I hope that other supermarkets pick up the opportunity to give the consumer what they want — British Produce.

DOWN

1 Confused or amusing person who knows nothing (9) 2 Other names of rising ocean swallowing keeled-over sail (7) 3 Partly upset smug nurse to remove stickiness (5) 4 Moderate in policy; how you don’t want the eggs to be (4-5) 5 In play it was important to be so solemn (7) 6 Devious fellow climbing emptied out church drain (5) 7 Refuse receptacle, for instance, hospital toilet (3-3) 8 Isis or, put another way, her husband (6) 14 Magnificent pics, we hear about start of race; Formula One perhaps (5,4) 15 Sadly inherits beginning of painful kidney inflammation (9) 16 Instant significance (6) 17 Nothing at breakfast, maybe, but this? (7) 18 Bravely tackle a criminal - give it a bash! (4,1,2) 19 Lacking audience, finally, felt great desire and told stories (6) 21 Put down cow? (5) 23 Hungarian composer is unknown in catalogue (5)

Answers to crossword 1222: Across: 1 Slapdash, 5 Cheese, 10 Breathing, 11 Roast, 12 Triad, 13 Dishwater, 14 Road hog, 16 Sucker, 19 Border, 21 Lasting, 23 Chipolata, 25 Later, 26 Mufti, 27 Innocence, 28 Nurses, 29 Premiere. Down: 1 Sob story, 2 Americano, 3 Dated, 4 Shindig, 6 Herdwicks, 7 Exact, 8 Entire, 9 Egests, 15 Hydroxide, 17 Existence, 18 Aggrieve, 20 Roadie, 21 Learner, 22 Iceman, 24 Infer, 25 Locum.

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CROSSWORD COMPILED BY CHALICEA. SOLVERS MAY EMAIL COMMENTS TO CHALICEA.CROSSWORDS@YAHOO.CO.UK

JAMES AND ISOBEL WRIGHT

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FARMING MATTERS

Forthright opinions from throughout the world of agriculture

‘We are shifting the conversation to a positive space’

s a charity supporting people within the farming community and wider agricultural industry, the Farming Community Network (FCN) is in a uniquely privileged position to hear about the pressures farmers are facing both in public and behind closed doors. We can all find ourselves putting up barriers and projecting an image of success and stoicism to our peers and even our loved ones, but behind the scenes any one of us may be dealing with an array of challenges, obstacles or dilemmas, some of which we may struggle to talk about or address. The FCN is often

credited as being a trusted source for people who are stressed, anxious, worried about the future, or unsure of where to turn. We provide a vital listening ear and we often find that the people we help have never truly felt listened to before – even if they have a supportive network around them. We are non-judgemental and work with farmers and their families to help them find a positive way forward – whether the issue is personal or business-related. This is only possible thanks to our network of dedicated volunteers, who understand farming life and ‘walk with’ people in difficult times. While this area of FCN’s work

Farmers are stoic, but in tough times, help and support is available, says Dr Jude McCann of the FCN.

DR JUDE McCANN

Chief executive of the Farming Community Network

is crucial, we also recognise that it is imperative we work with farmers before they reach a point of crisis. The resilience of our industry is such that farmers will often roll with the punches and engineer solutions to any problem that may arise. Sometimes there may be a problem that is too great for us to tackle alone, but our habit is to find a way around it, or to wade through it and hope for the best.

Options Recognising that support is out there – and that other people may be able to assist us in considering options we may not have thought about on our own – is the first step towards asking for help. Our industry can be one where ‘doom and gloom’ can drive the narrative, with market, labour and environmental pressures beyond our control often dictating our decisions and, at times, scuppering the best laid plans. There is a danger that we end up in a cycle of negativity, which in turn can impact our mental health and create a negative mindset and a reluctance to consider new opportunities. As much as we can be guilty of complaining, the passion we all have for farming life, warts and all, is evident in any conversation you have with a farmer.

Tell us your views Post Letters to the Editor, Farmers Guardian, Unit 4, Caxton Road, Fulwood, Preston, Lancashire, PR2 9NZ J008780_iblon-ad_Together_FG-strip-ad-on-OBC_145x50_AW2.pdf 1 24/11/2023 09:40 Email fgeditorial@agriconnect.com

UNRIVALLED BROAD-SPECTRUM WHEAT DISEASE CONTROL. TOGETHER WE’RE ON IT.

Within FCN, we are hoping to help to shift the conversation into a more positive space – to focus on why farming is a rewarding way of life and a vital industry; to encourage new entrants to study and work in agriculture and bring fresh perspectives; to approach change with an open mind and to explore options and opportunities; to remind everyone that we are part of a truly supportive community like no other. This is reflected through our proactive work – including our FarmWell website (which provides free resources on a wide variety of topics), ‘Yarn in a Barn’ events we have organised across England and Wales to bring farming people together, plus a range of other initiatives designed to foster a healthy, supportive and respectful community in farming. We wish you well this Christmas, and a productive and positive start to the New Year. FCN HELPLINE Call 03000 111 999 for support.

In next week’s

Don’t miss our #FarmingCAN feature with farm social media star, Will Young, AKA Farmer Will. Visit farmersguardian. com/memberships for our latest deals, or call 0330 333 0056 today

cropscience.bayer.co.uk/iblon

Based on 3 years of observations and independent assessments of Bayer and external field trials alongside interpretation of AHDB fungicide performance data. See CropScience.bayer.co.uk/iblon for details. iblon contains isoflucypram. iblon is a registered Trade Mark of Bayer. Use plant protection products safely. Always read the label and product information before use. © Bayer CropScience Limited 2023.

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