Farmers Guardian Scottish 16th February 2024 by Farmers Guardian LTD

S ER TT BA TE ET IN M ON WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS FOR THE NFU AND HER HIGHS AND LOWS OF TOP JOB – SEE PAGE 8

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BUMPER SALES SECTION STARTS ON P25

THE HEART OF AGRICULTURE DAIRY

Special supplement focusing on animal health

SCOTTISH EDITION

FARMING: THE BACKBONE OF BRITAIN

MACHINERY

Cheviots still at the heart of breeder’s passion

Maize providing a useful income

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CLIFF EDGE INSIDE BUY & SELL

● £46m deferred to future budgets ● Yousaf leaves farmers deflated By Chris Brayford SCOTLAND’S First Minister Humza Yousaf left farmers feeling ‘at the bottom of the pile’ after he failed to pledge to immediately return the promised £46 million to the agricultural budget. Addressing more than 400 delegates at the NFU Scotland Conference in Glasgow last Friday (February 9), Mr Yousaf said the SNP/Green Party coalition had not taken the decision ‘lightly’ to defer a proportion of the total £61m to future budgets. It means only £15m will be allocated to the 2024/2025 budget – a decision which NFUS said left farmers facing a ‘cliff edge’. NFUS president Martin Kennedy said: “If the Scottish Government wants to continue to support the biggest part of our economy and genuinely cares about our fantastic environment, then I urge them to listen to us as the true economic drivers and custodians of the land.” Mr Kennedy also suggested the SNP ‘ditch the Greens’, as he said the party had been the ‘biggest threat to the very environment we want to protect’.

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Humza Yousaf addressing the delegates at the NFU Scotland Conference.

“Their severe lack of understanding of how the countryside works is staggering. “Providing adequate support to, and investment in, the sector right now will provide a clear signal that the Scottish Government is committed to the long-term future of the country’s primary producers in our endeavours to produce high-quality food, address climate change and support biodiversity recovery. We can have the best

agricultural policy in the world, but if there is no meaningful funding to deliver it, that would be a cliff edge for our members.” Alan MacLellan, an arable farmer from Dundee, said he had been ‘let down’ by the First Minister’s speech. Mr MacLellan said: “Farmers are fighting on the front line of a battle to keep producing food while being demonised for their impact on the environment. Mr Yousaf, you have to roll

up your sleeves and fight for farmers. We have no clarity or direction about where we sit other than to simply do more for the environment. “Greenwashing farmers with more broken promises has left us feeling like we are at the bottom of the pile. It certainly will not be forgotten about at the next General Election.” Graham Shannie, a beef and sheep farmer from Auchlyne, Stirling, added: “Farmers are tired of being placed out to dry by Governments who cannot match the ambitions we have to deliver food for the public and to maintain our beautiful countryside.” Mr Yousaf insisted farmers would see the full £61m returned to the portfolio to support farmers as part of future budgets. “It is the biggest financial constraint I have had to deal with. We had £500m taken out of the budget over the last two years in real terms.” Mr Yousaf has already announced funding for Tiers 1 and 2 in the new support scheme would constitute at least 70 per cent of the overall funding to support farming, crofting and land management from 2027.

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John and Sarah Yeomans’ annual rainfall has nearly doubled since 2010. See p18-20.

Recognising consumers’ and supermarkets’ themes running throughout the NFU Scotland last week. Chris Brayford reports from

INSIDE

February 16 2024 2

SCOTTISH EDITION

NEWS

Minister must act over HCC bullying claims

WORKING DOGS

Latest trial results and diary

10 COMMENT 11

LETTERS

BUSINESS

17 18

UK farm production in freefall, plus ‘urgent’ need to support farm investment

GLOBAL AG VIEW

Stranded livestock forced to return to Australia

FARM PROFILE

Changing weather patterns increase farming challenges

ARABLE

Seed concerns continue despite supply assurances

25 SALES

Luing bulls to £18,900 at Castle Douglas and North Country Cheviot females reach £2,000 at Lockerbie

62 MACHINERY

Including a maize establishment special and highlights from the Yorkshire Agricultural Machinery Show

70 LIVESTOCK

Ewe nutrition focus in late gestation vital, SRUC webinar hears

76 MARKET PRICES 84 FARMING: THE BACKBONE OF BRITAIN

Cheviots still at the heart of breeder’s passion

86 IN YOUR FIELD

With updates from Kate Beavan, Monmouthshire, and Ian Garnett, Cheshire

rVital farmers supply as many outlets as they can

A GREATER awareness of shoppers’ behaviour could help secure new market opportunities and growth for farmers in Scotland. Lesley Ann Gray, strategic insight director at Kantar, provided farmers and crofters with an insight into the ways they could boost profits in 2024 at the NFU Scotland Conference in Glasgow. Ms Gray said farmers could achieve profitable growth for their businesses by understanding consumer behaviour and getting to the heart of how

88 FARMING MATTERS

FARMERS have addressed concern at the impact retailers have on their businesses in the face of growing pressure to keep them from ‘sinking’. NFU Scotland provided a session alongside the UK’s Groceries Code Adjudicator (GCA) Mark White looking at the regulator’s responsibility to ensure retailers comply with the supply code of conduct in order to support a ‘vibrant farming industry’. However, farmers reacted to the session with ‘disdain’ after experiencing ‘poor treatment’ in the past. Harry Sproat, a sheep and arable farmer from Glencoe, said the GCA needed to do more to back farmers who have struggled for ‘far too long’ at the hands of retailers. “Scottish farmers need to be supported even further by the GCA because it sometimes feels like the power politics of the retailer and supplier relationship is strongly favourable to those who are in the buying position,” he added.

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YELLOW RUST IS MOVING WEST

The disease is increasingly posing a threat to wheat crops in traditionally wetter regions in the west of the UK.

Hold the cards “They hold the cards and can play farmers at their behest or they will go to someone else who can do it cheaper. Bringing costs down to the level of a pittance is driving down farming businesses where they are no longer viable. “The GCA needs to reform the 2 | FEBRUARY 16 2024

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they think in order to identify opportunities to appeal to more shoppers. The research from Kantar had taken farmers back to the year 2019 as the shopper research was ‘normal’ before Covid-19 and the instability it caused on the markets. Ms Gray added: “The average grocery item now costs 23.3 per cent more than it did in 2019. Food inflation had increased to 17.5 per cent during that time. “Volume decline in the market since has affected farmers, food manufacturers and food packagers which has affected consumer behaviour. “They are shopping differently through different channels through

GCA NEEDS TO BACK FARMERS

Arable

Understanding c behaviour key to

87 CROSSWORD ‘Increase workforce diversity to bring in new insight’, says Hugh Pocock

rol Co the

relationship between supplier and retailer to give farmers a fair chance of operating a sustainable business. “Farmers should not be taken advantage of by retailers anymore. “If not, they will simply die and fade away like so many other farming businesses of late,” he said. However Mr White insisted farmers and growers across Scotland played a vital role in the grocery sector. “They make such a fantastic contribution to the food and drink sector. But I have heard of the challenges Scottish producers face. “My role is to ensure retailers treat farmers fairly. I take a collaborative approach to regulating 14 retailers intervening as soon as I become aware of an issue. “The risk of a fine and the imposition of a fine is an important motivator for retailers to act fairly. “If I act as arbitrator in a dispute, I have similar powers to the court in determining how long a de-list notification would be, as well as costs. “Buyers are aware of the need to be fair in their approach to negotiations whether prices go up or down. “I am sure extending the scope of the code to farmers and growers would be welcome. but added: “I am not sure a change in the GCA is the best way to secure improvements, or whether another mechanism such as review by Defra would suffice.”

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CONFERENCE NEWS roles in broken supply chains were Conference and annual general meeting the two-day event in Glasgow.

Martin Kennedy

g consumer y to farm growth online and discounters, influenced by the cost of living pressures.” Ms Gray said there has been a big movement towards discounter stores eroding the supermarket share of the market. “If 2020 and 2021 belonged to e-commerce, 2023 definitely belongs to discount stores,” she said. “Consumers are no longer buying the premium private label products, they are most likely buying the value option. “Within the last year 19.7kg of meat, fish and poultry have moved from supermarkets to discounters.” Kantar’s research found dairy products, fruit and vegetables, fresh meat (including poultry) had equated to 27.9 per cent – more than a quarter of total consumer total grocery spend. Ms Gray said farmers could increase potential earnings by ensuring the supply chain is maximised to as many outlets as possible. “There had been double digit growth in out-of-home channels including coffee shops, McDonald’s, quick service restaurants and takeaways,” she added. “Consumers are buying food in imaginative and new ways including on their phone. “The overall out-of-home growth in Scotland had risen by 13.6 per cent since 2019 to £5.3 billion. “Meat, dairy, fruit and vegetables

If 2020 and 2021 belonged to e-commerce, 2023 definitely belongs to discount stores LESLEY ANN GRAY still play a pivotal role in a category’s importance to consumers.” Ms Gray said the agricultural industry has more impact when it comes together. “If farmers can influence what people eat in and out of the home. “I am taking you to the very end of the supply chain.

Minimal effort “We need to help provide consumers with the means to cook ingredients which is minimal effort and maximum convenience. “It is really important to supply to as many outlets as you can. “Do not restrict the channels you will supply to because there are movements within those channels. “The more places you are the more opportunities shoppers have to buy your produce,” Ms Gray said.

SUPERMARKETS MUST BE MORE TRANSPARENT SUPERMARKETS have been called upon to be more transparent with their labelling on food as NFU Scotland revealed the results of its first Shelfwatch survey. Shelfwatch has compiled research to see which supermarkets were stocking Scottish produce, including beef, lamb, pork, chicken, eggs and dairy products, to provide a clear picture of where consumers can purchase locally-produced goods. Over a 48-hour period in January, an independent research firm reviewed 150,000 products and visited 71 stores across mainland Scotland including Tesco, Asda, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, Co-Op, Marks & Spencer, Aldi and Lidl.

Analysis Initial analysis of the research revealed Aldi had the largest percentage of Scottish produce overall with about 48.7 per cent. Sainsbury’s had the lowest percentage of Scottish produce overall at 7.6 per cent, while Tesco

and Asda also had 10 per cent less Scottish products overall. NFUS president Martin Kennedy said the campaign had highlighted the need to adopt labelling in support of food producers and to stop ‘food fraud’, while providing consumers with ‘confidence and understanding’ of where their food came from. NFUS chief executive John Davidson said the Shelfwatch survey had unveiled a ‘completely mixed bag’ of what is going on in shops across the country and available to Scotland’s consumers. “Nobody wants to rely on cheaper, imports exacerbating a deepening food security crisis,” he said. “Our farmers and crofters can deliver on so many levels given the right conditions to support and help deliver a thriving economy, environment and rural communities.” All the retailers were notified and invited to join a panel session at the conference to discuss the results. Chris Brown, Asda’s senior director of sustainable supply chains, was the only retailer to attend.

Here for the rainy days as well!

Chris Day on Tel: 07769 705004 Tenant Farmers farmersguardian.com

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chris.day@abfltd.co.uk FEBRUARY 16 2024 | 3

14/02/2024 17:27

Farmers Guardian, Unit 4, Fulwood Business Park, Caxton Road, Fulwood, Preston, Lancashire, PR2 9NZ Editor Olivia Midgley, 07787 240 750 olivia.midgley@agriconnect.com Head of News and Business Alex Black, 01772 799 409 alex.black@agriconnect.com Chief Reporter Rachael Brown, 07974 039 778 rachael.brown@agriconnect.com News and Business Reporters Jane Thynne jane.thynne@agriconnect.com Chris Brayford, 07773 110 733 chris.brayford@agriconnect.com Business Reporter Cedric Porter cedric.porter@agriconnect.com Arable Technical Specialist Ash Ellwood, 07786 190 188 ashleigh.ellwood@agriconnect.com Head of Machinery and Farm Technology Toby Whatley, 07583 054 831 toby.whatley@agriconnect.com Machinery Reporter James Huyton, 07787 242 185 james.huyton@agriconnect.com Head of Livestock Katie Jones, 07786 856 439 katie.jones@agriconnect.com Head of Livestock Sales Angela Calvert, 07768 796 492 angela.calvert@agriconnect.com Livestock Specialists Ellie Layton, 07814 997 407 ellie.layton@agriconnect.com Katie Fallon, 07815 003 227 katie.fallon@agriconnect.com Online Editor and Features Editor Emily Ashworth, 01772 799 446 emily.ashworth@agriconnect.com Head of Creative Services Gillian Green, 01772 799 417 gillian.green@agriconnect.com Picture Editor Marcello Garbagnoli, 01772 799 445 marcello.garbagnoli@agriconnect.com Sales Director Stephanie Ryder, 07917 271 987 Stephanie.ryder@agriconnect.com Group Publisher Ben Briggs ben.briggs@agriconnect.com Circulation Subscription hotline 0330 333 0056 help@subscribe.farmers-guardian.com Newstrade enquiries 01772 799 434 UK print subscriptions £189; Europe: £226.80; RoW: £283.50. FG digital subscriptions: £109 News trade distribution Seymour Distribution Ltd, 2 East Poultry Avenue, London, EC1A 9PT. Tel 0207 429 4000, Fax 0207 429 4001 Published by Agriconnect The plastic used to wrap Farmers Guardian can be recycled. If you do not have access to plastic recycling, please send to: Polyprint Ltd, Unit 7D, Wendover Road, Rackheath Ind Estate, Northwich, NR13 6LH. Farmers Guardian is printed from FSC approved sustainable sources.

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NEWS

Minister must act over HCC bullying claims rAction not taken

Six employees of the levy board levelled separate complaints at one member of staff.

swiftly enough By Jane Thynne

THE Welsh Government was being urged to intervene after multiple claims of bullying were made against a member of staff at Hybu Cig Cymru (HCC). Llyr Gruffydd, Plaid Cymru Member of the Senedd for North Wales, has demanded Rural Affairs Minister Lesley Griffiths ‘intervene’ as a matter of ‘public interest’. The call came after it was revealed six employees of the levy board had levelled separate complaints at one member of staff, alleging multiple instances of bullying which have taken place on numerous occasions. A document, which has been shared with Farmers Guardian, revealed the nature of the complaints, which were grouped into five categories by external investigators. Following the inquiry, the complainants were told the member of staff concerned had been found to have committed three of the five, but was cleared of issues surrounding threats and discouraging individuals from progressing. According to a source, those affected were then offered mediation or given leave to appeal. However, it has been claimed action was not taken swiftly enough, as employees were left awaiting an outcome for about 14 weeks. Mr Gruffydd said he had concerns about how the matter had been handled by the board, which had prompted him to raise the matter with Ms Griffiths. However, after failing to receive a satisfactory response, he was compelled to issue a second letter urging Ms Griffiths to publicly

PICTURE: ALAMY

THE HEART OF AGRICULTURE

share what action had been taken. The letter stated: “I urged you to explain your understanding of the current situation and to outline what action the Welsh Government has taken to ensure these allegations have been properly investigated and responded to appropriately. Your response does not provide me with the reassurance I was seeking.”

Transparency Mr Gruffydd said, in the ‘interests of transparency and accountability’, he would now be taking the matter further and would be writing to the Economy, Trade and Rural Affairs Committee of the Senedd to ask them to hold an inquiry. He added: “I fear that the increasing levels of concern about the internal issues at HCC are undermining the confidence of levy payers and the wider public in its ability to deliver its remit effectively. “I therefore urge you to intervene,

Working dogs trials diary

primarily to protect the welfare of all those involved in these allegations, but also to guard against any potential wider damage to the red meat sector in Wales.”

Uncertain NFU Cymru deputy president Abi Reader said there was no place in the industry ‘for bullying’, especially as farmers in Wales were facing an uncertain future. It was vital, she said, that ‘we all stand together’. She said: “If there has been bullying then I hope it is dealt with in the correct manner. It is a reminder to everyone that if you have been behaving inappropriately, then you will be found out.” A Welsh Government spokesperson said: “We do not comment on staffing in arms-length bodies. The Minister will respond to the correspondence in due course.” HCC said it could not comment on internal matters.

Working dogs results

ENGLAND

WALES

ENGLAND

February 17. SURREY, Open, Shabden Park Farm, High Road, Chipstead, Surrey, CR5 3SF, limited to 40 dogs. Contact Elaine Anstey, tel: 07778 677 955, vernonanstey@btinternet.com. TRAWDEN, Championship, The Hawthornes, Old Fold Rd, BL5 2BY, 9am start. Run second dogs if time allows. Pennine rules apply. February 18. MID SHIRES, Intersociety Trial, Camp Farm, Denford Ash, Kettering, Northamptonshire, NN14 4EW. Contact Gill, tel: 07950 738 732.

February 17. LLWYNBEDW, Llanpumsaint, Carmarthen, SA33 6JU, 8.30am start. Spectators welcome. February 18. COED OWEN, Open, Cwm Taff, Merthyr, CF48 2HY, 8am start. Entries on field, contact Kevin, tel: 07814 139 347.

SOUTH EAST WINTER SERIES, Surrey, Shabden Park Farm, Chipstead (Judge, Suzy Frost, Horley) 20 ran. Nursery, 1, Mark Banham, Jon, 95.5 of 100; 2, Jed Watson, Floss, 94; 3, Jed Watson, Scott, 91; 4, Mark Banham, Shabden Glen, 88.5; 5, Hazel Long, Canterbury, Wren, 82.5 OLF; 6, Elaine Anstey, Joy, 82.5. Novice, 1, Jed Watson, Don, 95 of 100; 2, Jed Watson, Jan, 94; 3, Grace Gower, Kelsal, 67 time up; 4, Roger Levy, Ellan Vannin Meg, 55.

SCOTLAND

February 25. FUNDRAISING TRIAL, Open Hill trial, Birthwood Farm, Biggar, ML12 6QD. Entry fee £6, no prize money, all proceeds to the 2024 International. Entries to birthwoodbordercollies@yahoo.com or Hazel Brown, 07590 480 688. Four-wheel drive advisable.

farmersguardian.com

14/02/2024 17:28

NEWS

Take a break for mental health rMore action to be

taken in the sector By Chris Brayford

FARMERS have been urged to take a break and open up about their mental health this Mind Your Head week. Andrew and Lynda Eadon have championed mental health in farming and have raised more than £170,000 since their son Leonard Eadon died on January 1, 2022, after taking his own life. The Warwickshire farmers have asked people across the industry to take a moment to contemplate on the importance of safety and well-being with the 10th Mind Your Head campaign this week (February 12-16). According to research from the Farm Safety Foundation, 94 per cent of UK farmers under 40 rank poor mental health as the biggest hidden problem facing farmers today. Mr and Mrs Eadon have requested farmers, families, livestock markets, Young Farmers’ Clubs, universities

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and colleges to host a ‘Big Farming Tea Break’ as an opportunity to get the industry talking about health and safety on a week which would have marked their son’s 25th birthday. Mrs Eadon said: “Since Len died at the age of 22, we have talked to many families and communities who have also lost loved ones, sharing the overwhelming heartbreak and surrounding impact of losing a loved one.

Adversity “In the midst of adversity, we have made it our mission to bring communities together, to get people talking and champion British farming. “Everyone has a voice, a value, a family and a community to be part of and, ultimately, to be proud of. “Respect is something we all desire and deserve, and is the mainstay of positive mental health. I urge you to come together to be positive and proud of our industry. We need to talk about how we are really feeling.” Stephanie Berkeley, manager at the Farm Safety Foundation, has advocated for more action to be taken

Lynda and Andrew Eadon.

in the sector with ‘thousands of farmers’ struggling with long-term ill-health and poor mental health in the industry. She added: “Urgent action is needed to support the ongoing

mental health of our farmers. We need to take the pressure off these rural support groups and charities which are increasingly relied upon to provide support for those in crisis situations.”

FEBRUARY 16 2024 | 5

13/02/2024 17:26

NEWS Farming Minister criticised over tenant bullying comments FARMING Minister Mark Spencer has been criticised after he called for further evidence of bullying in the tenanted sector, despite a Tenant Farmers Association (TFA) survey revealing a third of tenants felt bullied. Mr Spencer was asked about the survey, which the TFA shared exclusively with Farmers Guardian,

when he appeared at the East Midlands Farm Management Association’s conference in Nottingham (February 8). Mr Spencer said: “I hear anecdotally about farmers being bullied by landlords. If anyone can send me specific claims, I will look at them. To date, I do not think we have had anybody come forward.

“That is not a denial that it is happening – but I do need that evidence.” TFA chief executive George Dunn said the Minister had ‘clearly not caught up’ with the details of the survey, which were submitted as part of the TFA’s response to the Minister’s own call for evidence from Defra to inform whether a

Tenant Farming Commissioner was necessary. Mr Dunn said: “We provided Defra with all of the free text comments written by the 25 per cent of respondents who took the trouble to express their views and concerns. Many of those highlight the appalling treatment that some tenants are receiving.”

rGovernment’s plans for new scheme under fire

TENSIONS boiled over in Wales this week as the Welsh Government stood accused of ‘trying to wipe out’ centuries of family farming traditions with its proposed Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS). Growing anger among industry members led to one man being arrested after a group of farmers formed a 30-strong tractor blockade around Rural Affairs Minister Lesley Griffiths’ Wrexham office. Yet despite the increasingly heated situation, Ms Griffiths insisted SFS would not undermine food security and that she was ‘listening’. Speaking to Farmers Guardian, Ms Griffiths said: “The whole point of the SFS is to secure food production systems. We absolutely want to keep farmers farming on land. The important thing is to make sure, we safeguard our farmers and farming for future generations. The scheme is absolutely to be designed for all our farmers right across Wales in every part of Wales. “Farmers know I have always been a Minister who listens. If anybody wants to contact me, I am readily available.” However, according to many Welsh farmers, ‘listening’ may not now be

PICTURE: DAN LLOYD

By Rachael Brown and Jane Thynne

A group of farmers formed a tractor blockade around Rural Affairs Minister Lesley Griffiths’ Wrexham office.

Welsh farmers protest outside Griffiths’ office enough, with thousands travelling to meetings in Welshpool and Carmarthen to share their fears as to what the proposed SFS would mean for them and future generations. At Carmarthen mart on February 8,

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a parade of more than 70 tractors led a mock coffin into the market, with a plaque reading, ‘In memory of Welsh farming’, which was then laid at the entrance of the mart. About 3,000 farmers stood among the livestock pens to listen to speeches from influential farmers and organisations who came together to say, ‘Enough is enough’. Issues such as the controversial 10 per cent tree planting and habitat creation schemes were discussed along with long-standing issues such as Nitrogen Vulnerable Zones, subsidy cuts and the devastation caused by Welsh Government’s approach to bovine TB. Ms Griffiths said she ‘understands’ farmers are worried about their future and also pointed out that in terms of a final farming policy, now in its fourth consultation phase, there was ‘still a long way to go’. She said: “I am sure there will be changes. I have never participated in a consultation where there has not been changes come forward.” The proposals have been repeatedly

questioned by Welsh farming unions and this week the Farmers’ Union of Wales said the Scottish Government’s confirmation that direct farm support will continue in Scotland highlighted the fundamental flaws inherent in Wales’ SFS proposals. But for NFU Cymru deputy president Abi Reader, the ‘despondency’ displayed by many farmers at the meetings was at times ‘overwhelming’. Ms Reader said: “We are very concerned for our farmers, particularly at the moment when we have got short daylight hours and farmers will be lambing or calving alone or worrying about getting crops in the ground. “The thought of them going home to their farms where all they might face is an empty shed at night when they feel so low is very worrying.” However, she urged farmers to keep engaging with the Welsh Government: “We cannot lose sight of the fact we must respond to this consultation,” she said, adding that the unions were working tirelessly to secure the best outcome for farmers. FGinsight.com

14/02/2024 16:42

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FEBRUARY 16 2024 | 7

13/02/2024 17:00

NEWS As Minette Batters stands down as the NFU’s first female president, she speaks to chief reporter Rachael Brown about what the future holds for the union, her tips for the next president and why they should keep a distance from social media. rMinette Batters recalls

‘I will not become a grumpy backbencher’

OUTGOING NFU president Minette Batters has said she will be watching the union’s new top team ‘like a hawk’, but will not become ‘a grumpy backbencher from the sidelines’. Reflecting on her six-year tenure, the post-Brexit fallout, Covid-19 and wholescale agricultural policy reform, the Wiltshire tenant farmer said she was looking forward to spending more time back at home and leaving the NFU to ‘do what it does’. Her next steps have been hotly anticipated by farmers celebrating her achievements in a round of farewell speaking engagements over the past few weeks, with many suggesting a career in politics could be on the cards. But when probed about her immediate future, Ms Batters said she would continue her ambassadorial work with Farm Africa and her support for other farming charities and that she looked forward to being president of her local Gillingham and Shaftesbury Show in 2025. She did make it clear she was not interested in taking on another official position in the industry, adding, ‘You will not see me as the next chair of AHDB, put it that way’. “I do not have an opinion yet on what I want to do, until I get out of this role. I have been 24/7, I have never turned my phone off nor my emails,” said Ms Batters. Following a fraught period amid the furore over Red Tractor and the NFU’s handling of the Greener Farms Commitment, Ms Batters has previously described her last few months in charge as ‘frustrating’. When asked if she had any regrets and if she would have stood down

I have made loads of mistakes, I would be first to say that, but I have given everything I personally can to this organisation MINETTE BATTERS 8 | FEBRUARY 16 2024

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PICTURE: NFU

highs and lows of top job

Minette Batters

earlier if she knew of the backlash to come, she said ‘no’ to both, adding now was the right time for a review of Red Tractor. “I put a marker down that it is happening and now we need to make it work,” she added. In recent weeks, some farmers have called for Red Tractor’s chief executive Jim Moseley to step down, criticism which Ms Batters said was ‘incredibly unfair’. She said: “Whether we like it or not, currently the Red Tractor board is whole chain owned.

Vested interests “You have everyone from the farming unions right through to the British Retail Consortium, and everybody in the middle, all with vested interests, all who want different things. But you cannot blame one man – play the ball in all of this and not the person.”

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST To listen to the chat with Minette, scan the QR code:

After taking the reins in 2018, the shocks came thick and fast: a growing climate emergency; a global pandemic and a war in Europe. Not to mention, four Prime Ministers, six Defra Secretaries and the introduction of the Environmental Land Management scheme. But when it comes to her legacy, it was reaching one million signatories on the food standards petition which sits high up there as one of her biggest achievements. “I feel that played a massive part in us never importing chlorine-washed chicken or hormone-injected beef, and the now Prime Minister has put that in writing,” she said.

But Ms Batters said she also wanted to be remembered as someone who ‘spoke truth to power and put solutions forward’. She added: “When the NFU was founded in 1908, it was about restoring credibility and integrity with Government. “I think as leader of the NFU those two words are as important now as they were in 1908. If you lose integrity and credibility, you cannot influence. “So often people think anger, and effectively thumping the table sorts it out. You can lose your cool, you can resign but what do you do the next day? “I have made loads of mistakes, I would be first to say that, but I have given everything I personally can to this organisation, that is what I do feel.” When it comes to holding the Government to account, she admitted there was work still left to be done on agri-environment schemes in England and the devolved nations. With the debate over livestock’s role in climate change never far from people’s minds, she added there was no compromise. She said: “Our red line, is we are not downsizing livestock and dairy. “This is about investment in climate smart agriculture. Not about taxing us out of existence.” When asked what tips she would share with the next NFU president, Ms Batters highlighted the ‘accusatory and unpleasant’ side of social media, pointing to the abuse she has received on online platforms.

Social media She said: “It is not the sort of thing that you want to see before you go to bed, off the back of a busy day, entering into another busy day. It is important to look after your own mental health. Do not manage your own social media. It is difficult.” Working as a team has been key, she said, adding, ‘You are only one player in that’. Asked what three words would sum up her time at the top, she said: “Extraordinary, the toughest and a privilege.” farmersguardian.com

14/02/2024 13:53

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13/02/2024 18:23

LEADER

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

Minette Batters: A figurehead and farming’s champion

And finally... Our bumper Dairy supplement is crammed full of features and expert advice, including top tips on boosting animal health. See inside Buy & Sell.

LOOKING back at the Farmers Guardian front page the week Minette Batters made history by becoming the NFU’s first female president is a reminder of agriculture’s journey over the last six years. It has been a tumultuous period to say the least – the fallout from Brexit, a global pandemic which nearly brought supply chains to their knees, an economic meltdown and wholescale reform of agricultural policy. One thing has remained constant throughout – and whatever your opinion of the NFU – Minette Batters has been the figurehead farming did not know it needed. A powerhouse of industry knowledge, her charm coupled with a straight talking, honest approach made her a hit with broadcast producers and national newspaper and magazine editors alike. Her steeliness also enabled her to hold politicians and other leaders to account, while

remaining poised even at the most testing of times. She has fought farming’s corner, raising its profile by being visible. And she has blazed a trail, not only for women but all leaders who come after her. While pride and passion will always radiate from farming’s core, the industry is now grappling with its next biggest challenge and the disquiet and fear emanating from the protests taking place across the UK in recent weeks shows farmers have reached their limit. Yes the past few years have been tumultuous, but the heartfelt pleas to save farming at the meetings held in Carmarthen last week have truly hit a chord and must not be ignored. Speaking to FG’s chief reporter Rachael Brown this week, Rural Affairs Minister Lesley Griffiths assured farmers she was listening but in the face of such obvious despair, it may be time to take a leaf out of Ms Batters’ book and stand up and fight for farming’s future.

YOUNG FARMER FOCUS ‘Asking for help is not a weakness, it is a strength’ Farming: Having been brought up on a working beef suckler herd, farming has always been part of my life. My whole world changed completely after the death of my dad in 2019. Both my mum and I took the hard decision to sell the cattle on the farm and venture solely into arable farming. It was a steep learning curve and a huge challenge to take on during that time and being so young. Health: That is why I think it is important to open up about the challenges surrounding mental health because it has always played a pivotal role in my life. I am not ashamed to say I have had my own battles with mental health, but I always try to be positive about my feelings. However, mental health continues to rip through our industry as well. The story of Rocky Poulson, a farmer who took his own life after a farm inspection, highlights the incredible 10 | FEBRUARY 16 2024

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pressures the farming industry faces from day-to-day. Juggle: On top of running a business, farmers must juggle the unknown of the weather, the health of their herd, staffing pressures and increased demands from processors. All while trying to make enough to put food on their own plates. It is no wonder the Yellow Wellies Farm Safety Foundation found that 95 per cent of farmers believe mental health is the biggest hidden challenge our industry faces to date. So therefore, what is our industry doing, and what can we as individuals do to help our mental health? Openness: I believe it starts with just talking. Asking for help and talking to someone about how you are feeling is not an easy or instantaneous process, but seeking help is not a weakness, in fact, I believe it is a strength. There are so many different

Zoe Legg Exeter, devon Zoe Legg, 24, is from Exeter in Devon, and is currently studying agri-food marketing and business at Harper Adams University.

Zoe Legg resources out there to help people working in the agricultural industry. There are charities including Yellow Wellies, the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution and the Farming Community Network – where I volunteer – which offer helpline and in-person support. But it is having the courage to make that call or begin that conversation which is where I truly believe farmers fall short. The unknown is always scary, especially when an individual is in such a vulnerable mental state, but I cannot

emphasise the feeling of relief which occurs after reaching out. As the farming industry begins to share stories of mental health and de-stigmatises it, more farmers will find the courage needed to ask for help and begin talking. I can only describe it as a domino effect; once you begin to talk, it is like a snowball that gathers momentum. You begin to feel less alone and very slowly but steadily you begin to feel like a human being again. Farmers deserve to have access to mental health resources so they can enjoy their industry and livelihoods. MORE INFORMATION If you would like to be featured, email chris.brayford@agriconnect.com farmersguardian.com

14/02/2024 17:23

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

No respect from agent

FG CLASSIC

REGARDING your front page ‘Bullied’, (Farmers Guardian, February 2). I witnessed an experienced land agent walk around upstairs and downstairs a fully carpeted family home, never once offering to remove dirty outdoor wellington boots. I can only assume what was inside was worse than the outside. No respect. This, from a premium national land agency; what hope have tenants got? Who would employ such arrogance?

★★★

Mark Corner, Northallerton, North Yorkshire.

Contribution of farmers missed IT was a tragic story on the Farmers Guardian front cover last week about the death of Rocky Poulson – a situation I am sure has been close to happening on more farms than we would really like to admit. The teacher Ruth Perry made national headlines last year in January after her school’s Ofsted inspection led to her tragic death. The reason to bring this comparison is to show how little the nation cares about our industry and the people working in it. A generation ago we had food shortages and rationing. That is now long forgotten and this generation enjoys more choice,

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

1954

Janet Bagley nee Kibble, aged about 18, with her dad Oliver Kibble, in his late 50s. They farmed at Hornwood, Meriden, North Warwickshire. Sent in by Janet’s daughter Heather Ross.

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

quality and availability, which also costs less out of a wage packet than ever before. Those pleading poverty and using food banks, I bet, manage a vape/smoke, takeaway, high tech phone, Playstation, lottery ticket, a pint or a six-pack at home – after all, those things are more important than a healthy meal. The cheapest foods, such as fruit and vegetables do not appear, but food wrapped in plastic, processed along a factory production line and full of E numbers do. Most ‘real farmers’ will be working 70 hours a week, all year round if the enterprise involves hundreds of animals. Now we are supposed to diversify, which means running another business to sideline farming and financially support the farm.

Is that what agriculture has turned into? Talking of being efficient to turn a profit, I did manage to make it to Dairy-Tech. There were loads of different ways to spend money to meet endless legislation, as well as working smarter with technology, or leaving it to a pre-programmed robot, but no decent comfortable chairs with a backrest to sit on. I guess that is one way to keep you moving around the exhibits. My fear is that the ones left, running more efficient and producing more from less cost, will be on a conveyor which they will have no speed control over. Oversupply always has been the way to drive down prices. Name and address supplied.

Good sense I AM writing to thank Ian Howie for his excellent opinion piece (Farming Matters, February 2). Not only for his opinion, but also for the historical context in which his opinion is put. It really was excellent and identified clearly the true importance of farming and farmers to the rural scene, while also drawing attention to the nonsensical and idiotic stance taken by some elected politicians. Thank you Ian, as ever a source of good sense in a sea of rubbish. John Thorley, Chair of Association of Independent Meat Suppliers and The Henry Plumb Foundation.

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.

farmersguardian.com

p11 Feb 16 MB OM.indd 2

FEBRUARY 16 2024 | 11

14/02/2024 09:44

BUSINESS

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

UK output of major crops and livestock products fell significantly in 2023 as high costs, extreme weather and changing political support increased the risk of producing. Cedric Porter reports. Wheat maintained its position as the dominant grain crop, accounting for 60 per cent of total sales.

UK farm production in freefall

rFigures not keeping up with population growth

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ANALYSIS of Defra figures for beef, sheepmeat, pork, poultry, milk, cereals and oilseed rape revealed falls in UK output for every product apart from milk, which was similar to 2022. The biggest drop came in oats at 17.6 per cent, but there was a reduction of more than 10 per cent for pork, OSR and wheat. Longer-term figures also showed that agricultural production was not keeping up with the growth in UK population, which was at 0.3 per cent per year. Between 1984 and 2023, the UK population grew by 19.6 per cent, but beef, sheepmeat and pork production was down 22 per cent, 5.8 per cent and 3 per cent respectively. Last year, wheat production was 6.5 per cent less than in 1984, with barley output 37.1 per cent lower. There have been increases over the years. Oat and OSR production were 60.5 per cent and 31.6 per cent higher than in 1984, while production of poultry and milk was greater than in

the mid-1990s, when Defra figures for those categories began. Poultrymeat production jumped by more than 40 per cent, with eggs up almost 20 per cent and milk output being 9 per cent higher.

Five-year cycle Looking at individual years could be misleading, so comparing fiveyear cycles might be useful. They revealed slowing crop production, with average wheat output in the five years to 2023 down 8.5 per cent and OSR production down 42.1 per cent. Barley and oat production rose, but that might be due to difficult autumn weather and pest attacks resulting in growers choosing alternatives to wheat and OSR. UK livestock production fared better. Beef output in the five years to 2023 was 2.2 per cent more than in the five years before, with sheepmeat production down 1 per cent. Beef and poultrymeat production was up by more than 9 per cent, milk production up 2.7 per cent and egg output up 4.4 per cent. Poultrymeat production in 2023 was 1 per cent off its high of 1.967

% CHANGE IN PRODUCTION 2022-2023 SOURCE: DEFRA

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farmersguardian.com

14/02/2024 14:40

BUSINESS

million tonnes in 2021, and accounted for a record 48.2 per cent of all UK meat production in the year. Milk was also only 1 per cent off its all-time high of 15.002 billion litres set in 2020. But every other product was at least 10 per cent lower than the record, with OSR output less than half of what it was in 2011. Poultrymeat covered an increasing proportion of UK meat production. In 2023, it made up 48.2 per cent of total meat output; up from 37.3 per cent in 1994. Total UK meat production (beef, sheepmeat, pork and poultry) was at its lowest point in 2023 since 2018, with the largest drop in annual production since the foot-and-mouth year of 2001.

WHEAT, BARLEY, OAT AND OSR PRODUCTION SOURCE: DEFRA

30,000

60 20,000

15,000

40 30

10,000

Production

2022

2018

2020

2016

2012

2014

2010

2008

2006

2002

2004

1998

2000

1996

1992

1994

0 1988

Average deadweight steer price in 2023, which rose 40p/kg.

20 5,000

1990

£4.90/kg

Wheat as % of total

25,000

1984

to the AHDB, with lamb prices up 26 per cent to £6.15/kg. The average pig price was up 32p/kg over the year to 212p/kg, but that represented a fall from 225p/kg in the middle of the year. Egg prices were up 28 per cent over the year, according to the British Free Range Egg Producers Association, but the increase in poultrymeat prices was less than 10 per cent, according to Defra figures.

1986

THE reduction in UK cereal and OSR output did not translate to higher prices, as larger global stocks pushed down values. The average ex-farm feed wheat price at the end of 2023 was more than £35/tonne less than the start of the year at £190/t, according to the AHDB, with barley down more than £50/t. Prices have continued to fall in the early part of this year. Delivered OSR prices tumbled 28 per cent to £365/t over the year. A lack of British and European potatoes meant a doubling in prices over the year. There was more strength in the livestock markets. The average deadweight steer price rose 40p/kg to £4.90, according

Thousands of tonnes

PRICES HIGHER FOR LIVESTOCK BUT LOWER FOR GRAIN

Wheat as % of total

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Wheat Wheat maintained its position as the dominant grain crop, accounting for 60 per cent of total production. Total cereal (wheat, barley and oats) and OSR production was at 22.989mt; 9.1 per cent down on 2022. The 2023 total was 2.8 per cent less than the 40-year average and 16.3 per cent lower than the record set in 1984. The figures did not include other important crops because data was not available. Defra’s vegetable area figure for 2022 was at its smallest on record at 107,000 hectares; 44 per cent less than it was at its peak in 1991. The fresh fruit area in 2022 was also the smallest on record at 32,000ha; down from 51,000ha in 1985. Higher costs, a pressure on margins and lack of labour likely resulted in another drop in the UK’s fruit and vegetable area in 2023. Potato production might have also been the smallest on record in 2023 due to the combination of a small planted area and a very wet autumn.

Continues over the page. farmersguardian.com

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FEBRUARY 16 2024 | 13

14/02/2024 15:16

BUSINESS Uncertain outlook THE AHDB has published its sector outlooks for 2024, which suggested that output for most farming goods would remain under pressure for the rest of the year and beyond. In the introduction to outlooks, economics and analysis director David Eudall said: “This is a picture of

the demand pattern being stretched and being met with a domestic supply side under risk of erosion from unpredictable climate, higher costs and environmental schemes implemented in isolation from food production – something must give.” This page is a summary of those outlooks for 2024.

OILSEED RAPE THE poor 2023 harvest and low prices meant that UK growers planted only 317,000ha of winter OSR in the autumn, which was 19 per cent down on 2023 and the smallest area since 2021, said the AHDB. Production could be as low as 900,000t or up to 1.1mt.

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DAIRY PRESSURE on farmgate milk prices, labour shortages and higher borrowing costs were expected to limit milk production during 2024. The AHDB predicted a 1.1 per cent decrease in total output in the

year to the end of March 2024, with production in the first half of the calendar year down 1.8 per cent. A stabilising of the market might mean production slips by 0.4 per cent in the second part of the year.

WHEAT AND BARLEY AN AHDB survey in November anticipated a 3 per cent drop in wheat plantings for the 2024 harvest and a 7 per cent fall in barley area. However, more heavy rain in December could mean that the decrease was greater than those figures. Wheat production could be as small as 10.2mt and no more than 14.8mt if trends in previous

wet autumns, including the 2020 and 2013 harvests, were repeated. In 2013, the final wheat area was 9 per cent less than the November survey and down 15 per cent in 2020. The total barley crop could be boosted by increased spring barley planting.

PIGS

BEEF

THE year could see a 0.6 per cent increase in production driven by a 0.8 per cent increase in slaughtering, forecasted the AHDB. Disease outbreaks and extreme weather could snuff out any recovery, while producers, stung by months of losses, would continue to be cautious in reinvesting, which would limit expansion in 2024 and 2025.

A SMALL increase in the number of 12- to 30-month-old cattle could result in a 1 per cent increase in slaughtering to 2.06m head in 2024, the AHDB predicted. But tighter supplies of younger cattle could mean reduced supplies at the end of the year and into 2025.

SHEEP A SMALLER carry-over of lambs from 2023 to 2024 could reduce numbers by 10 per cent of 430,000 head, according to the AHDB. It expected the

number of new season lambs slaughtered in the first half of the year to be down 4 per cent to 1.6m, but a 5 per cent increase in the second part of the year to 6.6m head.

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farmersguardian.com

14/02/2024 14:41

6R 250

“JOHN DEERE WINS THE BATTLE OF THE TITANS”¹ “ THE B EST CA B I N TERIOR” 2 “M OST F U E L- E FFIC IE N T IN T H E P RAC TIC A L TRA N S P ORT M E A S U RE M E N T S” 2

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In their most comprehensive tractor multi-test to date, TREKKER MAGAZINE (09 and 10/2023) compared seven tractors in the 300 hp category: Claas Axion 870, Deutz-Fahr 8280 TTV, John Deere 6R 250, Massey Ferguson 8S.285, McCormick X8.631, New Holland T7.300 and Valtra Q285. The 6R 250 model not only won, but also received many enthusiastic statements. ¹ TREKKER 09/2023 and 10/2023 (www.trekkermagazine.nl) ² PROFI 12/2023 (www.proﬁ.de) Proﬁ magazine took over excerpts from the tractor multi-test “TREKKER” article

p15 Feb16 FP.indd 2Guardian.indd 1 AS13560_1_Farmers

13/02/2024 02/02/2024 17:02 15:45

BUSINESS rCAAV highlights tax

ahead of Budget By Olivia Midgley

UK FARMING will only increase its productivity, efficiency and be able to adapt to current and future demands if the Government brings in measures to encourage farm investment. As the Spring Budget looms, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt must do more to encourage farm investment, according to a submission to the Government by the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers (CAAV). The 16-page document urges the Chancellor to consider a number of proposals including a recommendation to include an income tax relief to encourage letting of land and changes to inheritance tax to remove a bar to environmental uses. The paper also urges a review of capital allowances to stimulate investment in buildings, to help farmers adapt to climate change and invest in new technology.

Tax Jeremy Moody, secretary and adviser to the CAAV, said: “Our fundamental concerns are that the tax system supports farming in achieving a renewed pace of productivity improvement, and so contributes to economic growth and resilience. “In practice, this means enabling the most proficient farmers to have use of the land and to support them in investing and innovating at this time of great technological advancement.” Recent messaging from Government and funding packages have been around improving buildings and structures and adapting to the impact of climate change. While grant schemes are welcome, longer term changes to the tax structure will enable better use of private money to achieve Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s aims of greater capital invest-

Need to support farm investment is ‘urgent’ Farm buildings are distinctive in the wear and tear they face, meaning they have shorter lives than other sectors JEREMY MOODY ment in businesses, said Mr Moody. Specifically, the CAAV has called for partnerships and sole traders to benefit from full expensing (writing off investment in plant and machinery against profits), which companies already have. If not, the Annual Investment Allowance should at least be increased in line with inflation, which has been 24.4 per cent since January 2019, when the £1 million limit was set. The CAAV also argues that the Structures and Buildings Allowance is ‘not fit for purpose’. “Farm buildings are distinctive in the wear and tear they face, meaning they have shorter lives than found in other sectors,” said Mr Moody. “Obsolescence is also a factor with new technologies, increasing standards and regulation, and changing equipment.” BUDGET The Spring Budget is due on March 6.

The CAAV is hoping the Spring Budget will bring tax relief for farmers.

QMS website to show more Scottish price data FARMERS will be able to see more Scottish auction market and livestock prices on the Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) website from this week. The Institute of Auctioneers and Appraisers in Scotland (IAAS) said it had partnered with QMS and ScotEID to allow more Scottish pricing data to be published on QMS’ Market Prices online page. It comes after a change in con-

Down on the Farm

tractual arrangements between the Livestock Auctioneers Association in England and Wales and AHDB meant the levy board will no longer publish liveweight mart data from around GB on its website. IAAS executive director Neil Wilson said he recognised the importance of farmers being able to access the latest price information for business-making decisions on livestock farms across the country.

with Philip Cosgrave Agronomist, Yara UK Ltd.

Preparing for turnout this spring It’s a busy time on farms at the moment and finding the time to walk and measure the grazing platform is one job worth doing. After completing this, identify the first 30% of your farm that you want to start grazing this February. Have your reels and pigtails ready to go. Animals should start grazing on grass covers of ideally 2,200 – 2,500kg DM/Ha to ease animals back into grazing. The first animal groups to turn out to grass should be young growing cattle or freshly calved dairy cows. As animals are turned back out to grass, allocating the correct area can be difficult. For beef animals use 2% of body weight as a good guide for intakes. A 350kg beef animal being turned to grass, allocate 7kg DM/Ha per day. A crossbred dairy herd after calving with 20% heifers will start 01472 889250 16 | FEBRUARY 16 2024

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@Yara_UK

f Yara UK

agronomy.uk@yara.com

off at about 13kg DM/Ha intake so factor this in when allocating grass. If feeding 3kg meal and 3kg silage, then allocate 7-8kg of grass DM. You can increase this allocation by 20% twice per week. Prioritise slurry for silage ground or on grazing paddocks which have low soil P & K indices. Try and apply more dilute slurry on grazing (~ 20m3/ha). If applying N fertiliser, soil conditions need to be good, with minimum soil temperatures of 6 degrees. Hold off spreading if heavy rain is forecasted. We recommend 80kg/ha of YaraBela Nutri Booster (20kg N/ha) for this first application on paddocks that haven’t received slurry.

For more information please visit www.yara.co.uk/agronomy-advice farmersguardian.com

14/02/2024 16:33

GLOBAL AG VIEW

Stranded livestock forced back to Australia rNearly 17,000

animals on board By Alex Black and Jane Thynne THOUSANDS of sheep and cattle which have been stranded out at sea for more than four weeks have been returned to Australia after an application to re-export them was rejected. About 15,000 sheep and 1,750 cattle were trapped aboard the Israeli-owned MV Bahijah after it was deemed too dangerous for the vessel to enter the Red Sea owing to the presence of Houthi rebels. The exporter, Israeli-based Bassem Dabbah Shipping, had applied to re-export the animals to the Middle East, but this was rejected. Several hundred head of cattle were previously discharged from the vessel on February 3. According to Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF), four cattle and 60 sheep have died since the vessel set sail on January 5. The department said veterinary and biosecurity officers will be on hand to ensure requirements are met. After embarking on its journey the MV Bahijah was ordered to return to Western Australia 15 days later. DAFF then refused the exporter’s applica-

tion to ship them to the Middle East via southern Africa, because export control rules had not been complied with and the department said it was not satisfied the animals’ health and welfare could be assured on the journey. The department said: “The decision was made to refuse the exporter’s Notice of Intention to re-export as the decision-maker was not satisfied all the requirements in subsection 8-6 [3] of the Export Control Rules 2021 were met.” A spokesperson added: “The department is working closely with the exporter to support this planning and continues to receive daily reports on the welfare of the livestock aboard the vessel and they remain in good health.”

Main factor Lower prices paid to farmers and increased costs were the main factor impacting incomes. AFBF president Zippy Duvall said: “Farm families are suffering through farmersguardian.com

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he-va.co.uk

Distributed by

Suspensions Animal welfare organisations have repeatedly called on exporters to suspend any extended journeys to or through the Red Sea, while the risk of attack remains and to suspend any extended journeys to the Middle East. The Alliance for Animals said what had happened regarding the MV Bahijah was a ‘concerning example’. “Under no circumstances should these animals, which have already endured so much, be forced to face another export journey,” a spokesperson said.

US farm incomes set to drop FARMERS have been warned to expect the largest recorded year-toyear drop in net farm income in 2024, with incomes expected to be nearly $40 billion (£31.7bn) lower this year, according to American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) economists.

The Alliance for Animals said what had happened regarding the MV Bahijah was a ‘concerning example’.

the same economic hardships as all families in America. “High inflation is making the food farmers grow more expensive to produce and is cutting into the income farm families rely on to pay bills, provide an education for their children and reinvest in their community. “We urge Congress to focus on bringing costs down and passing a new farm bill, both of which will help ensure farmers can continue meeting the needs of a growing nation.”

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FEBRUARY 16 2024 | 17

14/02/2024 14:47

SECTION SECOND BROW FARMHERE PROFILE Edited by Angela Calvert – 07768 796 492 – angela.calvert@agriconnect.com

In spite of unpredictable weather, farmers just have to get on with it, as do John and Sarah Yeomans, whose annual rainfall has nearly doubled since 2010. Gaina Morgan reports.

Changing weather patterns increase farming challenges

igh rainfall is a feature of life in Mid Wales, as John and Sarah Yeomans can testify. For the last 20 years, Sarah has been measuring the rainfall at their 115-hectare (284-acre) farmstead, Llwyn y Brain, Adfa, near Newtown. The farm sits at 244-274 metres (800-900 feet) above sea level, with the hill land rising to 433m (1,420ft). This winter, while the UK has been reporting widespread flooding and increased rainfall, the statistics at Llwyn y Brain give a clearer picture. Last December saw more than twice the amount of rain than the previous year, with 249.5mm (9.8 inches) compared with 103.5mm (4.1in) in 2022, but January has seen only 112.5mm (4.4in) compared with 152.5mm (6in) last year. Sarah is meticulous about her rainfall findings. Each day she records the measurements on the rain gauge

outside their 17th century farmhouse, recording in millimetres and then converting to inches. She says: “It can become an obsession. I worry if it rains a lot and I go out in the middle of the day to read it, because I would not want it to overflow – I want to know exactly what it is. “It is interesting to think about the farming pattern. It gives an indication of our rainfall and it is part of the record of our lives here. “There has been a marked increase in rainfall, with last year totalling 57.3in, compared to 30.1in in 2010.” It is the

peaks and troughs which interest Sarah. Last June was so dry that they had to regularly transport water to the stock on the hill. Then, on June 13, a deluge of 57mm (2.2in) of rain replenished storage on the hill and carried them through summer.

Ups and downs Sarah says: “It is the ups and downs and you just cannot plan really, but it is just interesting and it is nice when people make comments about the weather to be able to show the data.” John came home to farm 40 years ago after studying agriculture in Aberystwyth. He is originally from Birmingham, where his parents ran a butcher’s shop be-

I worry if it rains a lot and I go out in the middle of the day to read it, because I would not want it to overflow SARAH YEOMANS fore buying the original 27ha (68-acre) farm in 1973. Additional land was bought in 1981 and they have purchased a few blocks since. Sarah is originally from London, but studied librarianship in Aberystwyth. One of their three sons – Tom, Jack and Joe – may eventually take on the farm and they are all involved in major decisions.

John and Sarah Yeomans at Llwyn y Brain, Adfa, near Newtown. 18 | FEBRUARY 16 2024

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MID WALES FARM PROFILE John and Sarah Yeomans run a closed flock of 540 mainly pedigree Beulah ewes and 180 replacement ewe lambs.

The farming system focuses on quality breeding and squeezing every possible income stream. They sell pedigree breeding stock and cross bred stores, as well as delivering boxed beef and lamb direct to consumers. Additionally, John is a Farming Connect mentor and Sarah runs the local ATB and farming discussion groups. She also has four off-farm part-time jobs and runs the farm holiday let. They run a closed flock of 540 mainly pedigree Beulah ewes and 180 replacement ewe lambs, of which 300 are put to a Beulah ram to produce a good carcase lamb at about 20-21kg deadweight. The rest go to a Bluefaced Leicester ram to produce Mules. They also have some Texels which are pure-bred, but not pedigree and go to a Texel and a Bluefaced Leicester to produce breeding rams. All of the

sheep are performance recorded, as well as back fat and muscle scanned. Some of the breeding stock is sold directly from the farm, with surplus Beulah ewe lambs and Mule ewe lambs sold at Welshpool market. The suckler herd comprises pedigree and cross-bred Limousins which are put to a Limousin or a British Blue bull. There are also a few Canadian Speckle Park cross-breds, with emphasis on easy calving. Heifers not kept as replacements are sold at Knighton market as stores.

There is little shelter and the deep peaty soil means cattle are taken off in winter. The land is split with electric fencing into a total of 13 blocks on the hill, with the stock rotated, ideally every three days in a 28-day period. Plantain and red clover leys were trialled on the hill, followed by a multi-species and herbal ley on the home farm. A Farming Connect study tour which took in Finland five years ago led to the Yeomans introducing four different grass leys on eight blocks, half of it scratched in and half slot-seeded, with Timothy imported from Finland, increasing from 0 to 40 per cent. A spell of wet weather rotted much of the clover and the Timothy seed,

Two blocks The hill land is split into two blocks, one of 31ha (78 acres) and the other 22ha (54 acres), with fencing and new roads installed over the years. The view takes in six of the old counties of Wales and stretches to Snowdonia, as well as to England.

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John describes the weather, especially on the hill, as testing. He says: “We have had snow when we could not get the sheep down and we have had snow when we could not get the sheep up to the hill. “Then when we had stock up on both hills with heavy snow. It was taking around five hours to come up with the loader, when the boys were a

PICTURES: RUTH REES PHOTOGRAPHY

with native broadleaf species, including flowering cherry and damson to encourage more pollinators and improve biodiversity ■ About 40,000 tree and hedge plants and a wildflower meadow have been planted ■ Solar panels on the sheep shed roof ■ Silage-making and fencing is contracted out ■ Solar-powered water system on one of the hill blocks to assist with rotational grazing

Testing

Last December saw more than twice the amount of rain than the previous year.

Farm facts ■ 115 hectares (284 acres), with 111ha (275 acres) owned and 4ha (9acres) rented ■ Closed suckler herd of about 80 pedigree and cross-bred Limousin cows and replacement heifers, calving at two years old ■ Closed flock of 720 mainly Beulah ewes and replacement ewe lambs ■ Sell breeding sheep, finished lambs and rams ■ Sell boxed beef and lamb boxes direct to consumers ■ Small acreage of woodland

but the grass ley still yielded about 10 tonnes of dry matter (DM)/ha (4t DM/acre). The following year they scratched in higher amounts of Timothy into another two blocks and achieved almost 13t DM/ha (5.3t DM/acre) in a relatively short grazing season.

FEBRUARY 16 2024 | 19

13/02/2024 17:04

FARM PROFILE MID WALES lot younger, to try and clear the road and feed the stock. “We would have the tractor with a bale on it and the bike with feed and blocks. We just could not get them home. You cannot get them to move through deep snow.” In spite of the weather challenges, ewes spend most of their time on the hill. John says: “Ewes come home for tupping around October 17, then we take the tups out in early December and they return to the hill, keeping any leaner ewes at home. “They rotate around these blocks, all reseeded since about 2018, and then we have another bunch on the other hill. It is so wet they start making a mess if you are not careful, so then we put them on a rougher piece and give them fodder beet. “When they come back home for housing in mid- to late-January, the dry ewe lambs return to the hill.”

The suckler herd comprises pedigree and cross-bred Limousins which are put to a Limousin or a British Blue bull.

Lambing The aim is to finish lambing by the end of April. Calving starts at the beginning of January and lasts until the end of April. Once the weather is right, they move up to the hill land and graze rotationally. Harnessing natural energy and lowering the farm’s environmental impact is important. Ironically, water can be a problem on the hill in summer and a solar-driven water pump system has been installed. There are also solar panels on the shed roofs. John says: “Carbon sequestra-

tion was measured and the Glastir no inputs piece [of land] is the worst up here for sequestering carbon. The best is the neighbour’s native unreclaimed hill, but it is, of course, a very low stocking rate. “Not far behind is this reseeded ground. Economically, it is miles better, because obviously it is supporting massive numbers of stock. But also, carbon-wise, it is a

lot better as well. Fast-growing grass well utilised is a lot better than trees and there is plenty of research to show that.” John is a keen communicator, but feels strongly that it is important to share the downs of farming life, as well as the ups, especially on social media. The business is resilient, but the couple says there are more than weather challenges on the horizon. The new Welsh Government Sustainable Farming Scheme proposals are ‘worrying’, John

says, and do not take account of the potential toll on farm incomes, as well as the threat to ancillary jobs and to the rural economy.

A solar-driven water pump system has been installed on-farm. 20 | FEBRUARY 16 2024

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13/02/2024 17:04

ARABLE

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

Yellow rust is increasingly posing a threat to wheat crops in traditionally wetter regions in the west of the UK. Teresa Rush reports. rZyatt and Skyfall on RL as weakest resistance

TRADITIONALLY viewed as a disease of wheat grown in the UK’s eastern regions, yellow rust is moving west, spurred on by changing agronomic practices, farming systems and climate. That was the view of Todd Jex, speaking at the annual UK Cereal Pathogen Virulence Survey (UKCPVS) stakeholder meeting in Cambridge. Mr Jex is an Agrii agronomist advising growers across Somerset, Dorset, Hampshire and south Wiltshire, and the firm’s national technical lead for regenerative farming. He continued to rank septoria as the number one wheat disease threat but said that, in some seasons, yellow rust was challenging for the top spot further west. “We have gone from a situation of rarely seeing yellow rust in my

Yellow rust a growing threat in the West part of the world to regularly seeing yellow rust every spring, and in varieties we were not necessarily expecting to see it in,” said Mr Jex. Climate change was playing a role, and only time would tell whether the wet spring of 2023 was a one-off and if the pattern of dry spring weather would resume. “But if we are going to return to that pattern of very dry springs, I think we are going to see more yellow rust for sure,” added Mr Jex.

Continues over the page.

Better decisionmaking on-farm is only ever going to come from having accurate and upto-date information TODD JEX

Changing agronomic practices, farming systems and the climate are factors pushing yellow rust into western UK regions.

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FEBRUARY 16 2024 | 21

14/02/2024 15:26

ARABLE There were agronomic factors coming into play too; delaying drilling for grass-weed control, while reducing septoria pressure, increases the risk of yellow rust infection. More maize was being grown and, in general, where maize was brought into the rotation, wheat was planted later, said Mr Jex. While oilseed rape remained an important part of the rotation in central southern England, problems with the traditional winter wheat-spring barley-OSR approach meant that second wheats were becoming more common. Mr Jex said: “That is significant because the two most popular [second wheats] will easily be Zyatt and Skyfall, and these are number one and number two on the Recommended List [RL] currently for weakness to yellow rust.”

Regenerative As the transition to regenerative farming systems gained pace, long-standing agronomic practices were being challenged. Questions over how fungicides were affecting earthworms, mycorrhizal fungi and soil biology in general meant there was increasingly a desire to avoid applying strobilurins, in particular, at early crop growth stages when the crop was not providing total ground cover, he added. This would load more pressure onto the T1 spray, which could lead to problems where spray timing

UKCPVS PLANS FOR A FASTER SERVICE

There is new chemistry on the horizon, which is positive because we are going to need it. But rust control is probably going to get more expensive TODD JEX was compromised by wet or windy weather. Changes to farming systems were influencing variety choice, hence disease management. Mr Jex said: “In my area, there has been a move back to Skyfall and move into Extase, because these two varieties have performed exceptionally well in a direct drilled scenario; they get off the ground quickly and seem to get away from slugs, which is one of the most problematic issues we deal with in a direct drill system. “I think that is quite interesting from a yellow rust point of view, because Skyfall is the second most susceptible variety currently on the RL, and Extase was the most

TAKE-HOME MESSAGES FROM UKCPVS RESULTS from the 2022/23 UK Cereal Pathogen Virulence Survey (UKCPVS) were shared in midJanuary at the annual stakeholder meeting in Cambridge. NIAB plant pathologist Amelia Hubbard reported that no major varietal breakdowns to yellow rust were seen, and that the yellow rust population remained diverse.

Yellow rust ■ Majority of samples came from KWS Extase ■ One isolate carried virulence for Yr8 ■ Red Group dominated population

Brown rust ■ Virulence for Lr24 rose to 40 per cent ■ Candidate variety RGT Goldfinch was resistant to five isolates at seedling stage Source: UKCPVS 22 | FEBRUARY 16 2024

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Amelia Hubbard

Advice for growers ■ Refer to AHDB RL 2024/5 for resistance ratings (young plant and adult) and AHDB Watchlist when making variety choices ■ Have the confidence to reduce fungicide use on resistant varieties ■ Pathogen populations are dynamic and diverse; keep a close eye on all varieties and spray if needed ■ Monitor any unusual sightings and send a sample to UKCPVS

NIAB pathology programme lead Dr Charlotte Nellist outlined how UKCPVS planned to deliver a faster service in the 2024 harvest season, with several new developments. These included: ■ In-season sample updates, including a heat map of sample locations ■ Updates shared via X (formerly Twitter) and the AHDB website ■ In-season RL plus Candidate variety seedling tests planned for 2024; aiming to have information ready for first edition of following year’s RL booklet ■ Earlier stakeholder’s meeting (January instead of March) and dissemination of results

sampled variety [samples submitted to UKCPVS] last year. “I am not surprised by that because, in the crops I saw, there was much more yellow rust in Extase than expected.” The toolkit for effective yellow rust control remained relatively limited and was set to be even more so if tebuconazole’s approval for use was revoked. While a decision on its future had been delayed until 2028, its loss would be a significant blow as it offers useful – and cheap – activity against yellow rust.

Tebuconazole Without tebuconazole, growers would effectively be left with SDHI benzovindiflupyr, the strobilurin pyraclostrobin and the new Bayer active isoflucypram, said Mr Jex. He said: “So, we will be relying on a small number of actives to control yellow rust, which is not ideal. There is new chemistry on the horizon, which is positive because we are going to need that new chemistry to help us. “But rust control is probably going to get more expensive. In the absence of tebuconazole, we are going to see rust control programmes becoming more like septoria programmes in terms of their cost.” He highlighted the importance of submitting samples to the

Dr Charlotte Nellist

UKCPVS from crops badly or unexpectedly affected by yellow or brown rust, and the value of the information generated by the survey in decision-making. “I think it is important that work continues on juvenile versus adult plant resistance. For the last three or four years, we have noticed Extase and Graham, to pick two varieties, have had a huge amount of yellow rust in the early growth stages, and that has petered out by time we have got towards T2. “It is really important we try to understand the difference in the disease and the different growth stages of the crop,” he said. Agrii’s ‘tussock’ trials on a range of varieties at 12 sites across the UK, while focused on the RL, also included commonly used parent material. Complementing the information provided by UKCPVS, these could be a useful tool if there was a breakdown in a variety’s disease resistance, said Mr Jex.

Data More in-season data from UKCPVS was on his wish list, as was the establishment of industry partnerships so that more information and data could be shared. “Better decision-making on-farm is only ever going to come from having more accurate and up-todate information,” said Mr Jex.

How to send a wheat yellow or brown rust sample ■ Place the leaf samples in a paper envelope - do not use a polythene bag ■ Send the sample along with a copy of the sampling sheet (which you can download from the UKCPVS page at niab.com) the more information provided with this, the better

■ Post the sample to FREEPOST UKCPVS. Alternatively, if using a stamp, post the sample with a first class stamp or next day delivery to: UKCPVS, NIAB, Park Farm, Villa Road, Impington, Cambridge, CB24 9NZ Source: NIAB

farmersguardian.com

14/02/2024 14:56

Seed concerns continue despite supply assurances r‘Long way to go’ for a

PICTURE: TIM SCRIVENER

ARABLE

seed was still being processed although they admitted there was ‘a long way to go’ until there was a clear picture of seed supply. “They were confident that processors and merchants would be able to meet the needs of the cereals sector this spring, and that seed availability would continue to evolve,” Mr Cox said. The scramble for supplies has been blamed on months of wet weather which severely hampered autumn planting as heavy rains either washed away seed or rendered planted crops useless.

clear picture of supplies

By Jane Thynne CONCERNS over spring seed shortages continue to be raised, despite industry leaders’ assurances that the market will soon stabilise. NFU senior crops policy specialist Luke Cox said at a meeting with the Agricultural Industries Confederation (AIC) and the British Society of Plant Breeders, both organisations stressed

The certified seed sector remains confident it can satisfy the exceptional demand for spring seed this season.

Mr Goodwill said: “Supplies of spring seed are very tight, with many varieties already sold out, and while it is possible for some farmers to use farm-saved seed, it is illegal for it to be traded between farms. “Many farmers did not grow spring crops this year or, indeed, sell their crops at harvest. Is there a solution to the problem?” In response, Defra Secretary of State Steve Barclay said: “I am very alive to this matter... We need to look at what we can do constructively, working with them [farmers], to deal with what is an entirely legitimate issue.”

However, AIC’s head of seed Rose Riby said: “The certified seed sector remains confident it can satisfy the exceptional demand for spring seed this season. “While demand pressures have been compounded by recent erratic ordering trends, merchants are working tirelessly to meet the needs of their customers.”

Parliament The matter has also been raised in Parliament by Defra chair Sir Robert Goodwill who asked the Government what it proposed to do about the problem.

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14/02/2024 10:26

ARABLE Understanding the relationship between organic matter and connectivity can help growers improve the soil structure, health and water capacity. Ash Ellwood reports.

Connectivity might be the secret to healthy soils

he more connected your pore space, the healthier your soils will be. This was the advice of Prof Andy Neal, microbiologist and research scientist at Rothamsted Research. Building a connected pore space starts with the inclusion of organic matter in the soil, as the complex process of breaking down the larger plant material into smaller plant material enables the soil to accumulate molecules and build biomass. Speaking at Hutchinsons’ agroecological conference in late January, Prof Neal said: “This is the very important part for organic matter sequestration in soil, getting molecules which are small enough to associate with mineral surfaces and then become in tuned, so that no further microbial activity can happen.” As the molecules are locked away into the soil through seques-

tration, the soil has the ability to create a ‘structure’. However, Prof Neal said to understand that structure, growers must first understand the scale. When analysing pore space, the scale is somewhere between one and 100 microns. “If that does not make much sense to you, it is smaller than the diameter of an average human hair,” said Prof Neal.

Water Pore space is important for a selection of soil health benefits including water holding capacity, as once the water drains, the reservoirs created by the pores increase the holding capacity of the soil. Pore space is also where the greatest enzyme and microbial activity takes place and also home to fine crop roots. The way soils behave is largely dependent on their texture. Prof Neal compared two trial

At 1 per cent organic matter, you have little porosity of about 5 per cent, so there is very little connectivity PROF ANDY NEAL 24 | FEBRUARY 16 2024

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The more connected your pore space, the healthier your soil will be, said Prof Andy Neal.

sites analysing the difference between clay and sandy connectivity between the pore spaces. Each soil type also had a range of organic matters including a site that had less than 1 per cent organic matter, as the trial had deliberately prevented any plant growth for more than 50 years. “We intentionally starved the soil to test the limits and, at 1 per cent organic matter, you have little porosity of about 5 per cent, so there is very little connectivity between those pores. “The more connected your pore space, the healthier your soil will be,” he said. As the organic matter is incr-

eased, Prof Neal said there was a sudden jump in the connectivity between the pores. “Soils with a reasonable amount of clay have a very dynamic soil structure, but it is very dependent on the amount of organic matter you are pushing through the soil.” However, another Rothamsted Research trial demonstrated that organic matter has very little influence on the structure of a sandy soil. “That is because sandy soil is made up of large particles that are similar in shape and size, so you end up with huge voids which cannot form structure meaning sandy soils are very un-dynamic.”

VALUE OF INCREASED ORGANIC MATTER A HUGE benefit of increased organic matter is the soil’s improved ability to hold water, this is due to microbes breaking down to a form that is able to stick to mineral surfaces and build pore structures, increasing the connectivity of the soil. Using a rough calculation, Prof Neal explained that a 1 per

cent increase in organic matter could give the soil a 354,000-litre water storage increase in the top 30cm per hectare. “That is a real advantage to increasing your pore space, but that is just an example and do not go home and trust that number will be right on every soil,” said Prof Neal.

farmersguardian.com

14/02/2024 09:45

SALES Carlisle sees flying trade for Limousins

Edited by Angela Calvert – 07768 796 492 – angela.calvert@agriconnect.com

Store cattle record smashed at Shrewsbury

Charolais Heifers peaked at £1,560 (303p/kg) for pure Charolais from R.J. and G.D. Talbot, Staffordshire. Limousin heifers from W.S. Powell and Sons, Alberbury, sold to £1,530 (273p/kg). Top price per kilo at 320p were homebred Limousins from Messrs Croft. Dairy-bred heifers sold to £1,470 for 630kg Simmentals from Pat Price, Bicton. A 555kg British Blue cross heifer from S.L. Lawrence, Crickheath, sold for £1,430. Auctioneers: Halls.

Bentham hoggs THE sale of 4,220 hoggs at Bentham averaged 315p/kg, up 79p/kg on the year and included the Super Two competition. The first prize hoggs from A.L. Thompson, Foulridge, topped the sale at £238 (490.7p/kg). The second prize hoggs from R.A. Cowperthwaite, Malham Moor, sold at £220/head. Away from the show, hoggs sold to £208, with best price per kilo from J.M. Hall, Skipton, at 465.9p. Plenty of the very best handy weights were around 400p/kg, with others 340-380p/kg. Auctioneers: Richard Turner and Son.

rSale sees record

clearance rate of 93pc LIMOUSIN bulls were in demand at the breed society sale at Carlisle which saw a top price of 35,000gns, a record average of £9,590 which is £1,360 up on 2023, and a record clearance rate of 93 per cent. The sale topper at 35,000gns was the pre-sale show champion, Loosebeare Tommy, which gave the Quick family, Crediton, their best price to date. The August 2022-born son of Ampertaine Jeronimo out of the Wilodge Jetsetter daughter, Loosebeare Nandy, had a mystatin combination of F94L/ Q204X and sold to Jimmy and Donald MacGregor, Milton of Campsie, and Archie and John MacGregor, Kilsyth. Next, at 32,000gns, was the reserve senior champion, Gorrycam Turbo, an April 2022-born son of Gorrycam Phantom out of a Ronick Hawk-sired Gorrycam Pink from Stephen Peel, Cullyhanna, Co Down. It sold, with a myostatin combination of F94L/Q204X, to Gordon Cameron, Acharrade, Argyll.

Pre-sale show champion, Loosebeare Tommy, from the Quick family, Crediton, which sold for 35,000gns.

PICTURES: MACGREGOR PHOTOGRAPHY

A NEW store cattle record of £2,070 was set at Shrewsbury for a 32-monthold 755kg Simmental bullock from A.K. and C.E. Lloyd, Welshpool. A 795kg Aberdeen-Angus bullock, also from Messrs Lloyd, sold for £1,900, two 720kg Charolais bullocks from T.D. Jones, Newtown, made £1,860/ head and another 565kg bullock from the same vendor made £1,690. The best Holsteins sold to £1,550 for a 620kg entry from B. and S. Tomlins, Craven Arms. In the younger cattle, a nine-monthold Limousin bullock from Lewis Davies, Buckley, sold for £1,630 (329p/ kg). Top price per kilo was 331p/kg (£1,390) for a home-bred Limousin bullock from K.M. Croft, Worthen.

Junior and overall The junior and overall reserve champion, Foxhillfarm Terminator from Mike and Melanie Alford, Cullompton, then made 28,000gns. By Ampertaine Elgin and out of Foxhillfarm Natasha, it sold to Andrew Gamie, Laurencekirk. Pado Tommy, an August 2022born son of Whitehall Larry out of Pabo Nigella from W.P. Hughes and Son, Anglesey, then sold for 23,000gns to Messrs Howatson and Son, Denbigh. Two bulls sold for 18,000gns. The first was Cowin Talisman by Ampertaine Elgin out of Cowin Prulove from Dyfan James, Carmarthen-

Reserve senior champion, Gorrycam Turbo, from Stephen Peel, Cullyhanna, Co Down, which sold for 32,000gns to Gordon Cameron, Acharrade, Argyll.

shire, which was knocked down to Morris Brothers, Shropshire. The other at this money was the reserve junior champion, Whinfellpark Topnotch by Whinfellpark President out of 250,000gns Wilodge Poshspice consigned by Messrs Jenkinson, Penrith. It sold to Kedzlie Farms, Halifax. Females topped at 13,000gns for Foxhillfarm Tequila, an Ampertaine

Foreman daughter out of Foxhillfarm Mamamia from the Alfords, which sold to Messrs Behan, Ballyfin. AVERAGES 28 senior bulls, £8,332.50; 33 intermediate bulls, £9,749.09; 25 junior bulls, £10,789.80; overall 86 bulls, £9,590.40; 21 females, £3,325. Auctioneers: Harrison and Hetherington.

Leyburn British Blue day realises top price of £2,000 AT Leyburn’s British Blue day the store cattle were judged by Liam Rodney, Masham, accompanied by Hayley Baines, who bought the three main prize winners, the champion and reserve British Blue and the winning feeding bull. farmersguardian.com

p25 Feb 16 MB AC OM.indd 2

The overall champion was a British Blue heifer from Stephen Potter, Thirsk, which made £1,880. The first prize-winning British Blue-cross bull from the same home sold for the day’s top price of £2,000. Reserve champion was a British

Blue steer from Bainbridge Brothers, Marrick, which sold for £1,640. The rearing calf show was judged by Robin Williamson, Hamsterley, with the champion and reserve going to Stephen Sowray, Bishop Thornton. The champion, a bull, re-

ceived the Tim Raw Trophy, with Mr Raw there for the presentation and then sold for £570 to Val and Thomas Pattison, Northallerton, The reserve, a heifer, sold to Paul Johnson, York. Auctioneers: Halls. FEBRUARY 16 2024 | 25

14/02/2024 09:45

Highland bulls to 12,000gns high at Oban show and sale rDay’s champion

sells for 6,500gns

BREEDERS from around the world attended the Highland Cattle Society spring show and sale at Oban on Monday, where prices topped at 12,000gns and for the first time a Danish-bred bull was sold. Top seller was three-year-old bull Glen of Applecross, from Oli Harrison, Alston, Carlisle, and bred by the Applecross Trust. This bull is by Angie Beag of Miungairigh, and it sold to Morven Coghill, Wick, Caithness. This was followed by a 10,000gns bid for Muran Buidhe of Ardbhan from the MacDonald family’s Ardbhan fold, Bayhead, North Uist. The bull was knocked down to Andrew Ewing, Dumbretton, who was buying on behalf of Angela Long, of the Highland Spice fold, Buffalo, Wyoming. This three-year-old bull is by the

16-year-old bull Gilleaspuig of Tiretigan and out of dam, Muran Sonraichte, which was born twin to a bull but defied the odds of being a freemartin to become one of the herd’s most prominent breeders. The same buyer bought another by the same sire and from the same fold, Muran Erchie 3 of Ardbhan, for 5,000gns.

Son At 7,000gns was Thomas of Callachally, bred by the late Hugh MacPhail, Aros, Isle of Mull. This son of Tomintoul 1st of Glengorm sold to R.S.T. Farming, Hadham, Pulborough. In the pre-sale show, the bull championship ticket went to Harry of Sguir Mor, from Willie MacLean, Barcaldine, Oban. It went on to sell for 6,500gns to Alfie Cheyne, Mayen Farms, Huntly. Mr MacLean was the buyer of the Danish-bred three-year-old bull,

PICTURE: MACGREGOR PHOTOGRAPHY

SALES

Top price, Glen of Applecross, from Oli Harrison, Alston, Carlisle, which sold for 12,000gns to Morven Coghill, Wick, Caithness.

Hassel of Agervig, from Jorn and Elin Uhre, which made 4,000gns. Heifers sold to a top price of 8,000gns for the three-year-old heifer Claggorm 62 of Glengarnock, from Andrew Kirkpatrick, Glengarnock, Beith. The champion female, Una Ruadh 13 of Craigowmill, an heifer in-calf to a German bull Lasgaire 21 Von Lehstener Moor, consigned and bred by Ken and Eva Brown, Ledlanet, Kinross, made 7,000gns. AVERAGES 12 two-year-old bulls, £4,915; 7 senior bulls, £6,851.25; 5 yearling bulls, £2,423.40, 4 senior heifers, £5,375; 7 three-year-old heifers, £4,236.75; 18 two-year-old heifers, £3,050.25; and 21 yearling heifers, £2,714.25. Auctioneers: United Auctions.

The Mart’s the Heart Roadshow As part of Farmers Guardian’s ongoing support for auction marts, we are once again sponsoring sales across the country as part of our Mart’s the Heart campaign. Look out for coverage in the coming weeks and months. 1. JANUARY 9: Dolgellau 2. JANUARY 27: J36 Kendal 3. FEBRUARY 5: Kirkby Stephen 4. FEBRUARY 10: Brecon 5. FEBRUARY 10: Clitheroe 6. FEBRUARY 20: Barnard Castle 7. FEBRUARY 24: Pateley Bridge 8. FEBRUARY 29: Bishop’s Castle 9. MARCH 18: Dumfries 10. MARCH 23: Melton Mowbray 11. MARCH 20: Market Drayton 12. APRIL 5: Louth 13. APRIL 13: Shrewsbury 14. APRIL 17: St Asaph 15. APRIL 20: Broughton in Furness

26 | FEBRUARY 16 2024

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16. MAY 1: Ruswarp 17. MAY 4: Gisburn 18. MAY 15: Bentham 19. JUNE 6: Thirsk 20. JUNE 13: J36 Kendal 21. JULY 9: Exeter 22. JULY 26: Ashford 23. AUGUST 8: Longtown 24. AUGUST 15-16: Carlisle 25. SEPTEMBER 6: Lanark 26. SEPTEMBER 16-17: Hawes 27. SEPTEMBER 26: Welshpool 28. SEPTEMBER 28: Sennybridge 29. OCTOBER 3: Hawes 30. OCTOBER 18: Hexham 31. OCTOBER 11: Working dogs at Skipton 32. OCTOBER 28-29: Cutcombe 33. NOVEMBER 2: Castle Douglas 34. DECEMBER 1-2: Bakewell

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Carlisle dairy cattle top £2,400 THE entry of almost 300 dairy cattle Carlisle topped at £2,400 four times with the 137 milking heifers averaging £1,946. The first to sell for £2,400 was Mansebrae Dreambig Carefree by Kings Ransom Dreambig from the Watt family, Lanarkshire, which went to Messrs Watson and Co, Cumnock. Matt Gemmell, Dumfries, sold five heifers to average £2,200, with two selling for £2,400. The first was Brownfield Applejax Elfeda, which sold to Messrs Dent and Son, Darlington. Next was Brownfield Mercedes Agnes, which went to Messrs Green and Son, Northwich, who also paid £2,400 for Petteril Adorable Carol from Messrs Morley, Carlisle. The third sale to disperse the ESK pedigree Holstein Friesian herd for Robert Byers, Canonbie, topped at £2,300 for Esk Brilliant Bety by Inch Brilliant. The Dent family, Kirkby Thore, sold 12 Pro Cross heifers, topping at £2,300 for a Danish Red heifer by Vimo. Ayrshire heifers from the Stevenson family, Stranraer, sold to £2,000 for a daughter of Palmyra Power Remsberg. In-calf heifers topped at £1,680 for Coppside April, in-calf to an Angus bull from Messrs Jackson, Dumfries. AVERAGES 137 Holstein heifers in-milk, £1,946.64: 37 Holstein cows in-milk, £1,721.03; 14 Pro Cross heifers in-milk, £1,939.28; 2 Ayrshires in-milk, £1,925; 2 British Friesian cows in-milk, £1,510; 27 faulted/three-quartered cows, £1,120.37; 15 Pro Cross dry cows, £1,238; 27 Holstein in-calf heifers, £1,441.82; 8 Jersey and cross-bred in-calf heifers, £1,020; 6 Holstein bulling heifers, £1,041.66. Auctioneers: Harrison and Hetherington. farmersguardian.com

14/02/2024 16:34

MORE PICTURES farmersguardian.smugmug.com/MTHBrecon-Show-Potentials-Feb-2024

MART’S THE HEART SALES

Auctioneer Jenny Layton-Mills (inset, left) in action at the Farmers Guardian-supported sale of show potential cattle, which drew a great crowd.

Miss Dior proves luxury at Brecon show potentials r17 heifers sold to an LOCAL breeders stole the show at the Farmers Guardian-supported sale of show potential cattle at Brecon, which had a 91 per cent clearance rate. Claiming the pre-sale champion title for the second year in a row was the Jones family, Tyisaf, Builth Wells, this time with a May 2023-born Limousin cross heifer, Miss Dior. By Millgate Rob, which they bought at Carlisle in 2021, and out of a British Blue cross cow, it went on to top the sale at £9,200 when snapped up by Colin Harris, Devon.

Sale leader The sale leader caught the eye of the judges, Stuart and Lyndsey Bett, Ayr, who said: “This was a stylish and correct heifer. She oozes show potential and no doubt will have a bright future.” The reserve heifer and reserve overall champion which made the second top price of £6,100 was a home-bred May 2023-born Limousin cross heifer from the Davies family, Caebetran, Brecon. Out of a home-bred British Blue cross cow and by their stock bull, farmersguardian.com

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Ritchies Seryl, Smokie heads north with Blair Dufton, Aberdeen. Also joining Mr Dufton at £,5,300 was the heifer, Faidre You Lucky, from H.G. and I.W. Rees, Caersws. This May 2023-born pedigree Limousin heifer is by Sarkley Lordship and out of a home-bred cow from their pedigree Limousin Faidre herd. G.G. and C.B. Morris, Brecon, sold their first prize winning July 2023born heifer by Garrowby Rembrant for £4,250 to P. and L. Calcraft, Devon. Topping the consignment of calves from J.M. and A.M. Lewis, Carmarthen, was the eight-month-old Limousin heifer, Cheeky Vimto, which sold for £4,200 to Mr Harris. Davies and Millichap, Glamorgan, bred and exhibited the top price steer, which sold for £3,700 after winning its class. By a home-bred bull, Rhymil Rizzle Kicks, the four-month-old steer was the youngest calf in the sale and was bought by Mr Dufton. Tip Top 2 from Colin and Wendy

PICTURES: COUNTRY GIRL MEDIA

average of £3,101.18

Sale leader, Miss Dior, from the Jones family, Builth Wells, which sold for £9,200 to Colin Harris, Devon.

Phillips, Hereford, sold for £3,000 after being tapped out as reserve champion steer when shown by their son Owen. This April 2023-born steer is a full brother to Tip Top by Powerhouse Elite, which won the Royal Welsh Winter Fair in 2016. R.H. Naylor, Ashbourne, made the final bid. J.M. and A.M. Lewis, Carmarthen, sold their champion steer, Pocket Rocket, for £2,600. The eight-month-

old Limousin cross steer caught the eye of the judges, who took him back to Scotland. G. Jones, Builth Wells, sold their first prize May 2023-born British Blue cross heifer by Du Grand Bon Dieu for £2,700 to R.G. Davies, Leicester. AVERAGES 15 steers, £2,040.67; 17 heifers, £3,101.18. Auctioneers: McCartneys. FEBRUARY 16 2024 | 27

14/02/2024 09:47

SALES

Luing bulls sell to £18,900 at Castle Douglas top price of £4,410/head

THE Luing Cattle Society sale at Castle Douglas topped at £18,900 twice, with bulls averaging £7,832, up £502 on the year, with a clearance rate of 96 per cent. The first bull to sell for £18,900 was Craigdarroch Becks, a heterozygous polled March 2022-born son of Harehead Yogi from W. Graham and Son, Sanquhar, which sold to Kedzlie Farms, Galashiels. The other bull at this money was the slightly later born Blackhouse Bundee-Aki, also heterozygous polled, and by Nunnerie Zenon consigned by T. Renwick and sons, Yarrow. The buyer was David Harker, Carnforth.

Ervie Herefords realise £5,600 THE sale of rising two-year-old Hereford bulls at Dumfries on behalf of John Douglas and family’s Ervie herd, Stranraer, topped at £5,600 for Ervie L1 Advance 702984, a light birth weight bull with strong estimated breeding values from the Noreen family. It sold to Black Baldie breeder R. Parker, Drumdow. Next, at £5,400, was Ervie L1 Achiever 503003 which sold online to Messrs Lewis, Anglesley. R.C. Shearlaw and Son, High Garphair, paid £4,000 for Toward L1 Achiever from the Ervie Unitarian Family.

Caught the eye Ervie L1 Achiever 302987 caught the eye of T. McMillan, Eskechraggan, Isle of Bute, who paid £3,800. Aberdeen-Angus bulls sold to £4,000 twice. Firstly, for Airies Sholto 203147 bought by D. Sidebottom, Derbyshire, and then for Airies Sholto 603158 which went to Messrs March and Lobban, Kirkcudbright. Messrs Reid, Saltcoats then paid £3,800 for Airies Sholto 703159. AVERAGES 40 bulls, £2,835. Auctioneers: C. and D. Auction Marts. 28 | FEBRUARY 16 2024

p28 Feb 16 MB OM AC.indd 2

Messrs Graham also sold Craigdarroch Banksy, a homozygous polled Kirkland Yorkie son for £17,850 to Hindmarshe Partners, Rochester, and had the top herd average of £12,469 for four bulls sold. C.C. MacArthur and Co, Elvanfoot, sold Nunnerie Buzzard by Finlarg Tornado for £10,500 to A.C. and A.L. McCall, Golspie, who themselves sold Culmaily Brora for £9,450 to R. and H. McNee, Over Finlarg. Also selling for £9,450 was Benhar Blacksmith by Benhar Zephyr from Robert McNee, Armadale, which went to Neil Anderson, Harehead. Bulling heifers topped at £4,410/ head for a pair from Messrs Graham which sold to Dalchirla Farms, Crieff, with their six bulling heifers achieving the top average of £3,955, all going to Dalchirla Farms.

Craigdarroch Becks, from W. Graham and Son, Sanquhar, which sold for £18,900 to Kedzlie Farms, Galashiels.

PICTURES: WAYNE HUTCHINSON

rBulling heifers make

Bulling heifers D. and A. Barr, Peebles, sold 13 bulling heifers from their Milkieston herd to a high of £2,940 to David Clarkson, Lanarkshire, and averaged £2,512. Mr Anderson sold 22 heifers peaking at £2,625 and averaging £2,339. In-calf heifers sold to £3,780 for a summer 2021-born heifer by Lammermuir Tremendous and in-calf to Benhar Adonis from Robert McNee.

Blackhouse Bundee-Aki, from T. Renwick and sons, Yarrow, which sold for £18,900 to David Harker, Carnforth.

The buyer was Allanton Farming, Ayrshire. Mr McNee also had the first prize-winning pair of polled heifers by Milkieston Xavi, which made £2,625/head.

AVERAGES 47 bulling heifers, £2,474 (+£889 on 2023); in-calf heifers, £2,233 (+£398); bulls, £7,832 (+£502). Auctioneers: Wallets Marts.

Lockerbie North Country Cheviot females top £2,000 TOPPING the sale of North Country Cheviot females at Lockerbie at £2,000 was the Park champion, a gimmer by Allandshaws Ammarilo, inlamb to Kingside Chianti from George Milne’s Kinaldy flock, St Andrews. The buyer was Messrs Jones, Llangollen. Another gimmer from the same home by the same sire and in-lamb to Chianti made £1,300 to Messrs Head, Ayrshire.

Leading the hill section at £1,800 was the winning gimmer and section champion, a Badanloch Xtra Special daughter, in-lamb to Sorbietree Captain from the Attonburn flock from Robert and Becca Rennie, Bowmount Farming, Yetholm. It sold to Messrs Ellis, Corwen. This was closely followed at £1,700 by a gimmer by Badanloch Wildfire, Park champion, a gimmer from George Milne, St Andrews, which sold for £2,000 to Messrs Jones, Llangollen.

in-lamb to Badanloch Xtra Special from the same home, which was knocked down to Messrs MacDonald, Sutherland. Another Wildfire daughter, in-lamb to Xtraspecial from the Rennies, then made £1,600 to Messrs Mackenzie, Fearn by Train. The winning Park ewe by Allanshaws Aristocrat and in-lamb to Gilston Duke from C.R. Graham, Lockerbie, sold for £1,200 to Messrs Sleigh and Son, Turriff. The top price hogg at £1,100 was a Wandylaws X-Factor daughter from Jennifer Cowan’s Hightae flock, Lockerbie, which went to Messrs Head. AVERAGES: 34 gimmers, £684.70; 12 ewes, £512.50; 22 hoggs, £381.81; 68 head overall, £556.32. Auctioneers: Harrison and Hetherington. farmersguardian.com

14/02/2024 10:57

MORE PICTURES Visit: farmersguardian.smugmug. com/Clitheroe-MTH-Gritstonesand-Lonks-Feb-2024

MART’S THE HEART SALES

rMart hosts first sale of Whitefaced Woodlands

THE Farmers Guardian-supported in-lamb sale at Clitheroe was held in conjunction with the Derbyshire Gritstone, Lonk, North Country Cheviot and Whitefaced Woodland breed societies and the Rare Breed Survival Trust. Derbyshire Gritstones topped the sale at 750gns for a shearling from J. and M. Redfern, Stockport, scanned with twins. It sold to B. Bainbridge, Carnforth. A two-shear ewe scanned with twins from the same home sold for 520gns to A. Redfern, High Peak. The first Whitefaced Woodland sale at the mart topped at 600gns for a shearling carrying a single from A. and R. Crampton, Grassington, which sold to the Redfern family, Stockport. A shearling in-lamb with twins from C. Campbell, Holmfirth, made 500gns.

Aged ewe Top price ewe at 320gns was an aged ewe in-lamb with twins to a Paul Thorpe ram from R.T. Smith, Sheffield. Lonks sold to 500gns to R. Day, King’s Lynn, for a shearling scanned with twins to a S. Bosworth ram from N. Brown, Lancaster. G. Morton, Waterfoot, sold a three-shear ewe scanned twins to a home-bred ram at 380gns to W. Beattie, Newton-in-Bowland.

PICTURES: JOHN EVESON

Auctioneer Jeremy Greenhalgh.

farmersguardian.com

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Clitheroe Auction Mart saw Derbyshire Gritstones in the ring.

Derbyshire Gritstones to 750gns at Clitheroe North Country Cheviots topped at 750gns for a one-crop ewe carrying twins from K.O. Stones, Richmond, who also sold a shearling carrying a single for £525 to N. Pagett, Tarlton. In the commercial section the dispersal from Eddie Deacon topped at £230 for Texel ewes. Winsbury Farm Partners, Leyburn, sold Beltex ewes to £250 and A.D. Mares, Darwen, sold Mule ewes to £158 per head. A.L. Thompson, Foulridge, topped at £300 for a Blue Texel shearling ewe.

Top price Derbyshire Gritstone, an in-lamb shearling, from J. and M. Redfearn, Stockport, which sold for 750gns to B. Bainbridge, Carnforth.

AVERAGES North Country Cheviots – 1 ewe, £786.50; 3 shearlings, £420; 1 ewe hogg, £315; Lonk – 2 ewes, £315; 1 shearling, £525; Derbyshire Gritstone – 18 ewes, £207.79; 9 shearlings, £350; 2 ewe hoggs, £110.25; Whitefaced Woodland – 23 ewes, £142.43; 12 shearlings, £238; Bluefaced Leicester – 1 shearling, £399; 1 ewe hogg, £189; Herdwick – 1 shearling, £157.50; Greyfaced Dartmoor – 2 ewe hogg, £126. Auctioneers: Clitheroe Auction Mart.

Top price Whitefaced Woodland, an in-lamb shearling, from A. and R. Crampton, Grassington, which sold for 600gns to the Redfern family, Stockport.

Top price North Country Cheviot, an in-lamb onecrop ewe, from K.O. Stones, Richmond, which sold for 750gns to N. Pagett, Tarlton.

Top price Lonk, an in-lamb shearling, from N. Brown, Lancaster, which sold for 500gns to R. Day, King’s Lynn.

FEBRUARY 16 2024 | 29

14/02/2024 17:03

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Leek Smithfield • Barnfields • Leek • Staﬀordshire • ST13 5PY • www.leekmarket.co.uk

Market Results

GENUINE HERD DISPERSAL SALE

Upon Valued Instructions from James and Diana Moores, Linley Estate mccartneys.co.uk

At LINLEY ESTATE, LINLEY, BISHOPS CASTLE, SHROPSHIRE Follow us on ‘QUALITY MATERNAL HIGH HEALTH STATUS BREEDING STOCK’ Comprising 120 Organic In-Calf Purebred Stabiliser Suckler Cows PD in calf to a Homebred Stabiliser Bull - Calving from beginning of Regulated by RICS April for 8 weeks On SATURDAY 9th MARCH 2024 Commencing at 12noon prompt Catalogues and Further Enquiries Craven Arms 01588 672385 / 07815 099802 Email: joanna.wall@mccartneys.co.uk Kindly Sponsored by Liquid Mineral Services (LMS) mccartneys.co.uk 015

Leek Smithfield • Leek • Staﬀordshire • ST13 5PY-174p/kg • www.leekmarket.co.uk Dairies to £2320,• Barnfields Cull Cows 229p/kg - £1820.55, Pigs - £211.41, Calves Char Bull to £470, Lambs 370p/kg - £191, Ewes £180

Pedigree Sale

70 HOLSTEINS & AYRSHIRES

Fully Catalogued Sale from some of the Leading Herds in the Midlands and Surrounding Counties. A TREMENDOUS ENTRY already received from:

Bentygrange (2), Braemarhouse (4), Broomhouse (9), Chardan (3), Critstone (9), Honeycroft (4), Shieldhouse (8), Also 15 Fresh Cows & Heifers from Messrs Needham and an Entry of In-calf & Bulling Heifers from Messrs Darwin (4TB)

THIS TUESDAY 20TH FEBRUARY 2024 11AM

For Further Details & Catalogues Contact (01889) 562811 Ref: MEE

Store Cattle Sales

mccartneys.co.uk

530 STORE CATTLE THIS SATURDAY 17TH FEBRUARY 2024

015 015

Regulated by RICS

Fat/Barrens: Graham Watkins 07976 370894 Dairies: Meg Elliott 07967 007049 Stores: Mark Elliott 07973 673092 Sheep: Robert Watkins 07929 946652 Visit us at www.leekauctions.co.uk

015

Penrith Auction Mart 01768 864700 8am Follow us onCast Ewes and Rams followed at 10am with mccartneys.co.uk Prime Hoggs (Ballot 10am) Follow us on Monday 26th February Regulated by RICS

Sale of Store Cattle and Feeding Bulls of all classes Entries close noon Monday 19th February

Regulated by RICS

015

Wednesday 28th February Sale of Store Hoggs of all classes Entries close noon Wednesday 21st February Friday 1st March Sale of Dairy Cattle of all classes including a Special Section for Dairy Shorthorns Entries close Noon Monday 19th February

www.penrithauction.com Andrew Maughan 07717 611952 Paul Gardner 07552 589141

| February 16, 2024

p032.indd 32

Tuesday 20th February 1500 Prime Hoggs at 10am 300 Cast Ewes & Rams Saturday 9th March Spring Show & Sale of Store Cattle, Beef Breeding Cattle & Cull Cattle Entries close Tue 27th Feb Tuesday 12th March In-Lamb Ewes & Gimmer Hoggs (Please Enter) Telephone: 01969 667207, 015396 20895, 07974 126397. 07711 469280

The Livestock

HAWES, NORTH YORKSHIRE, DL8 3NP

Auctioneers Association

Wednesday 21st February mccartneys.co.uk

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

Regulated by RICS

A marketplace throughout the year

FGbuyandsell.com FGinsight.com

14/02/2024 14:37:14

Call 01772 799500 and place your ad today TM

E’S NATIONAL CLASSIFIEDS

Call 01772 799500 and place your ad today 51-52 Property 52 Finance 52 Motors 52-61 Tractors & Machinery For more Dairy adverts, see our Dairy Supplement!

NORTH WEST AUCTIONS

BENTHAM AUCTION MART

LIVESTOCK AUCTIONEERS � VALUERS

www.nwauctions.co.uk

info@nwauctions.co.uk

LANCASTER AUCTION MART Tel: 01524 63308 Monday 19th February 10.30am PRIME HOGGS & CAST SHEEP -------------------------------

Friday 23rd February 10.15am 150 REARING CALVES & WEANLINGS 10.15am 150 CAST / OTM CATTLE 11am DAIRY CATTLE 11.15am 300 STORE CATTLE & STIRKS -------------------------------

Monday 4th March 12noon OPENING SALE OF SHEEP WITH LAMBS AT FOOT Followed by Special Sale of IN-LAMB SHEEP Catalogue Entries by Monday 26th February

J36 RURAL AUCTION CENTRE Tel: 015395 66200 Tuesday 20th February 1pm 2000 PRIME HOGGS & CAST SHEEP -----------------------------

CLITHEROE AUCTION MART www.auctionmart.co.uk • T:01200 423325 Jeremy: 07815 727993 • George: 07412 165873 WEEKLY Tuesday 20th February 12.30pm PRIMESTOCK SALE Prime Hoggs & Cull Ewes FORTNIGHTLY Thurs 22 February 12.30pm STORE CATTLE SALE Sale of young Bulls, Store Heifers + CALVES/ STIRKS & Steers. Rearing calves 12 noon nd

ONLINE Thurs 22nd - Sat 24th February MACHINERY SALE Viewing of items Thurs 22nd Fri 23rd 9-4pm & Sat 24th 9- 12noon

Thursday 22nd February 10am 150 REARING CALVES & WEANLINGS 10.30am 100 CAST / OTM CATTLE 11.15am 300 BEEF BREEDING, STIRKS & STORE CATTLE -------------------------------

Thursday 29th February 10.30am Fortnightly Sale of IN LAMB SHEEP & 2000 STORE HOGGS -------------------------------

Tuesday 27th February 10.30am ALL CLASSES OF PIGS -------------------------------

Tuesday 12th March 11am OPENING SALE OF SHEEP WITH LAMBS AT FOOT

ONLINE MACHINERY SALES Online Sale of Large Items of Machinery Delivery: Monday 4th & Tuesday 5th March Sale to Commence: Friday 8th March LIVESTOCK Viewing: FridayPEDIGREE Saturday S 8th E R(9am-4.30pm) V I C E S L &I M I T E D9th (am only) Online Bidding: www.nwa.auctionmarts.com Sale to Conclude: Monday 11th March We specialise working in partnership with PEDIGREE LIVESTOCK Livestock S ESocieties R V I C E Sproviding L I M I T EaDbespoke support service. SUPPORT – we can support recognised Livestock Societies with their day to day administrative work and support. DELIVER – we can deliver and assist with your requirements as we offer over 150 years combined

We specialise in agricultural partnership with experience in the working livestock and industry. Livestock Societies providing a bespoke MANAGE – we can manage everything from support service.

administrative support, registrations, annual publications, catalogue work, promotions, equine SUPPORT – we can support recognised Livestock passports, meeting and event support. Societies with their day to day administrative work and support.

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

Tuesday 20th February 10.30am 40-50 Feeding & Cast Cows & OTM Cattle

20 Suckler Breeding Cattle

Inc. 6 Shorthorn x Cows IC due May/June & 2 Here x Cows due April/May, 2 Stabiliser Cows with AA Calves, 10 Blue Grey Hfrs FTB

FARMERS STIRKS & YOUNG STORES Inc. 60 Young Bulls

900

Wednesday 21st February 11am 100-150 REARING CALVES 11.30am 50-100 SHEEP WITH LAMBS AT FOOT Entries inc. 20 Suffolk/Texel Ewes with Char/Tex Lambs 35 Texel/Suffolk Ewes with Texel x Lambs 2.30pm 2000 Cast Ewes followed by 2500-3500 Prime Hoggs Tuesday 27th February 2nd Winter Sale of In Lamb Breeding Sheep Entries inc. Flock Dispersals on behalf of P & C Charnley 90 Swaledale 2-4 Shr Ewes due April 1st to BFL & 13 Texdale Shlgs due April 1st to Charollais and on behalf of C Gibson & Son 300 Swaledale 2-4 Crop Ewes due 22nd March to BFL Annual Consignment T Crick 150 Mule Shlgs & 150 1-2 Crop Ewes due March 28th Followed by STORE HOGGS Entries for catalogue close Friday 16th February Wednesday 28th February I’Anson Dairy Day Tuesday 5th March Great Annual March Show & Sale of Store Cattle Annual Special Sale of Bulling Heifers Monthly Sale of Suckler Breeding Cattle

RTS Richard Turner & Son AUCTIONEERS VALUERS & ESTATE AGENTS

Est 1803

DELIVER – we can deliver and assist with your requirements as Dale, we offer over 150 yearsCA4 combined Holme House, Ainstable, Carlisle 9RH experience in the livestock and agricultural industry.

t: 07801 868856

e: info@pedigreelivestockservices.co.uk

MANAGE – we can manage everything from www.pedigreelivestockservices.co.uk administrative support, registrations, annual publications, catalogue work, promotions, equine passports, meeting and event support.

February 16, 2024 |

FGbuyandsell.com

Holme House, Dale, Ainstable, Carlisle CA4 9RH t: 07801 868856

p033.indd 33

e: info@pedigreelivestockservices.co.uk

www.pedigreelivestockservices.co.uk

14/02/2024 12:49:40

FGBuyandSell.com Auctions

Thursday 29th February New for 2024 - Two Shows, One Day Spring Show of Store Cattle & Suckled Calves at 5pm YFC Show of Overwintered Store Cattle at 6pm

Friday 1st March

At 10.00am Sale of Store Cattle Spring Show Champion & Reserve will be sold at 12pm YFC Overwintered Store Cattle at 1pm in Balloted Order At 9.00am Sale of Cast Ewes & Rams, Breeding Sheep & Store Hoggs.

Entries to:

Office-01434 605444 Chris Armstrong-07808 721957 Drew Patrick-07854 361967 Jack Walton-07739 440457 Harrison Collingwood-07895 761102

Brockholes Arms Auction Mart

Claughton On Brock, Preston PR3 0PH BARNARD CASTLE AUCTION MART TUESDAY 20TH FEBRUARY

01995 640280 www.garstangmart.co.uk Auctioneer: Ian Atkinson 07944 237516

...Yorkshire’s Friendly Mart SATURDAY 17TH FEBRUARY 150 Breeding & Store Cattle of all classes inc

Saturday 17th February 2024

40 ContX Strs/Hfrs, Foley Bros

10.00am Sale of Machinery & Implements See Website & Social Media for Entries

4 Lim Hfrs, 12mths, J&L Cardwell

Tuesday 20th February, 2024

6 BBX Hfrs/Strs, 22mths, J & L Cooling 3 Ped Linc Bulls, 6-13mth, Hall Farms

PATELEY BRIDGE AUCTION MART

9.00 a.m. 750 Prime Hoggs & 180 Cast Ewes/Tups 10.30 a.m. Sale of 100 Store Cattle 11.30 a.m. 60/80 Rearing Calves, Weanlings & Stirks

Sale of 15-20 OTM Cattle & 7 Breeding Cattle 565 Store Cattle (inc. 40 Bulls) Inc. Annual Prize Show & Sale of Show Potential Cattle ***24 Haltered & 47 Un -haltered Show Calves*** Sale at 10am

SATURDAY 24TH FEBRUARY

Wednesday 21st February, 2024

Sale of 30 OTM, Prime & 170 Store Cattle Inc. Prize Show & Sale Of Show Potential Cattle 25-30 Haltered Calves & 20-25 Un-Haltered Calves Sale at 11am

10.30 a.m. OTM Cattle Sale PLEASE NOTE NO TB EXEMPT CATTLE TODAY 12.00 noon Show & Sale of Dairy Cattle To inc. In-Calf Ped Holstein Heifers

BROUGHTON AUCTION MART

“BROCKHOLES BEST OF BRITISH” SALE OF 55 PEDIGREE NATIVE CATTLE Consisting of 11 Ped Aberdeen Angus Bulls & 25 Ped Aberdeen Angus Females 7 Ped Hereford Bulls, 9 Ped Hereford Females See website for catalogue or text your name & address to 07944237516 for a posted catalogue

TUESDAY 27TH FEBRUARY Sale of OTM Cattle Prize Show & Sale of 27 Feeding Bulls & 140 Store Cattle Entries close Monday 19th February 5pm – *****PLEASE NOTE SALE AT 10AM*****

www.barnardcastleauctionmart.co.uk

11.00 a.m. Saturday 24th February 2024

4 Lim Hfrs, 11mths, SH Dyson

Store & Breeding Sheep inc 13 Gimmer Hoggs, Been with Tup, S Wisher 40 chev Mule Ewe Hoggs, P Poole 120 Store & Breeding Pigs Pigs 9am Sheep 9.45am Cattle 10.45am Entries Welcomed Contact Office for Details WEDNESDAY 21ST FEBRUARY MART OFFICE: 01757 703347 RICHARD HAIGH: 400 Prime Cattle 410 Prime07768 Sheep594535 175 Prime Pigs Pigs 9am Sheep 9.45am Cattle 10.30am www.selbymart.co.uk Contact Office for Details MART OFFICE: 01757 703347 RICHARD HAIGH 07768 594535 www.selbymart.co.uk

Libby Bell Auctioneer on 07818 435728

| February 16, 2024

p034.indd 34

FGbuyandsell.com FGinsight.com

14/02/2024 12:51:32

Call 01772 799500 and place your ad today FARMSTOCK AUCTIONEERS, BROKERS & VALUERS

BORDERWAY MART, CARLISLE Tel: 01228 406200 Monday 19th February PRIME CATTLE & BULLS – 11.00am PRIME & CAST SHEEP – 9.45am including PRIME HILL HOGG DAY Special sale of Blackface, Swaledale & Cheviot hoggs 500 STORE CATTLE Wednesday 21st February – 10.00am BEEF BREEDING CATTLE – 12.00noon WEANERS & YOUNG BULLS – 12.30pm YOUNG CALVES – 10.00am PEDIGREE DAIRY DAY 204 DAIRY CATTLE SELLING Wednesday 21st February Show 10.00am Sale 11.00am 18 Cows & 112 Heifers In Milk – 38 Bulling Heifers (2022) – 36 Yearling Heifers (2023) No.1 source for quality milkers in the UK QUALITY MILKERS Quality milkers producing oceans of milk sell in this sale all bred from herds with excellent health status. Prefixes include: Ashberry, Bankview, Berryholme, Boclair, Chapelhouse, Clifton, Crowdundle, Dalserf, Denmire, Downview, Drumtall, Dunnerdale, Enbridge, Ernespie, Errolston, Espland, Feizor, Heathersgill , Kepculloch, Kingcaird, Liscabank, Meiklefirth, Newabbey, Newtonmoss, Northhill, Ploughlands, Stowbeck, Woodcatt, Wormanby BREEDERS CHOICE Several top end animals sell including PEAK DARLING RHAPOSDY a direct daughter of GOLDWYN RHAPSODY EX97!! plus heifers from the APPLE, ROXY, GLORIETTE, DANDY, ERLE, COSMOPOLITAN, ATLEE, MARIE, ROYALITY, PAMMY & STORM FLO families. LARGE GROUPS include 15 from STOWBECK 11 from ESPLAND 9 from DENMIRE (Followed by the) THE NEWCROFT HEIFER SALE W&S Airey, West Hall, Whittington, Carnforth, Lancashire 38 Bulling Heifers (2022) – 36 Yearling Heifers (2023) The Newcroft Pedigree Holstein is a highly productive herd averaging 10606kgs 3.94% bf 3.23% p. Due to stock numbers growing rapidly and the current re-development of the buildings at West Hall Farm the decision has been made to reduce youngstock numbers. This is an elite Holstein Pedigree herd with its foundation built of prolific and highly valued cow families. The best breeding lines are the Quinn, Lulu and Rinze other highly valued families include, Ceilica, Kay, Ella, Roxe, Sweet, Belle, Pamela, Adeen, Elegance and all feature in this special event. Many of the dams are either Excellent or Very Good and the depth of the pedigrees selling are outstanding. We highly recommend these heifers to all milk producers they will develop into great cows that will produce oceans of milk.

Herd Health The herd is vaccinated for IBR, BVD and Lepto and is tested for Johnes each quarter and is regarded as a low risk herd. The herd is in a four year TB testing area and there has never been TB within the herd. FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK TO VIEW SALE LOTS PRIOR TO SALE WHITEBRED SHORTHORN CATTLE Friday 1st March Show 9.30am Sale 11.30am 6 bulls and 3 females GALLOWAY CATTLE Friday 1st March Show 10.00am Sale 12noon 51 pedigrees (10 bulls & 41 females) and 15 non-pedigrees (14 bulling heifers, 1 crossbred) Show and sale of CONTINENTAL CROSS STORE CATTLE Friday 1st /Saturday 2nd March Entries close Wednesday 21st February

ONLINE SALE SALE OF MACHINERY, IMPLEMENTS & HEAVY PLANT items Sale bidding starts 10.30am Wednesday 6th March until 10.30am Thursday 7th March online entry form available on website – Entries close Wednesday 28th February or contact David Holliday 07710 189804, or Iain Dick 07713 599791

p035.indd 35

Tel: 01756 792375 www.ccmauctions.com

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

Saturday 17th February 300 STIRKS, WEANED/SUCKLED CALVES, BREEDING & CULL GOATS & SHEEP Inc SALE OF 25 IN-KID GOATS Sale 10.00am SKIPTON MACHINERY SALE FARM MACHINERY, IMPLEMENTS, LIVESTOCK EQUIPMENT & all classes of STONE, TIMBER, VINTAGE & RECLAIM, MISC ITEMS & TOOLS RECLAMATION: Sale 10.00am 300+ Lots Inside MACHINERY LINES: Sale Approx. 11.00am 350+ Lots Outside. Lambing Time Equipment, Livestock Equipment, Implements, Grassland/Muck Equipment, Trailers, ATVs Etc, Plant Equipment STONE & WOOD: Sale Approx 12.30pm 150-200 Lots of Stone, Wood & Builders/ Landscaping Supplies FULL LIST OF ITEMS CAN BE FOUND ON THE CCM WEBSITE & FACEBOOK PAGE. Pre-Sale Commission Bidding Available until 8.00am Saturday Monday 19th February SALE OF REARING CALVES Sale 10.30am PRIME, CAST & FEEDING CATTLE Sale 11.30am (TB exempt section available) SALE OF PRIME HOGGS Sale 12.30pm followed by CAST EWES Weekly Sale of EWES WITH LAMBS at FOOT Sale 11.30am (Entries to the office by Friday for Online Catalogue) Wednesday 21st February

Online sale of pedigree dairy cattle, embryo lots and semen Entries close Friday 23rd February Sale bidding starts Monday 11th March closing from 12noon Friday 15th March Further details available on our website

KIRKBY STEPHEN MART Tel: 01768 371385 Dispersal sale of 200 IN-LAMB SWALEDALE FEMALES on behalf of PE&KA Sowerby, Oakbank Farm Saturday 24th February – 2.30pm Monday 4th March Show and sale of STORE CATTLE Also cast/feeding cows & OTM cattle also Special spring show and sale of BEEF BREEDING CATTLE Entries close 10am Monday 26th February

PLEASE SCAN TO VIEW OUR ONLINE CATALOGUES

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

FGbuyandsell.com

SKIPTON AUCTION MART

1000 STORE HOGGS & BREEDING SHEEP Sale 10.30am Lingfield Ring Inc 60 Beltex/Texel In Lamb Shearlings to Blue Texel/Beltex, 60 Texel/Beltex Shearlings & Ewes Scanned In Lamb to Beltex, 20 Texel x Ewes R/W Texel & 8 Lleyn Ewes In Lamb to Lleyn/Blue Texel Wednesday 28th February Sale of FEEDING BULLS, PRIME CATTLE, BEEF FEEDING COWS, STORE & BREEDING CATTLE (Entries close Wednesday 21st February) Dairy Cattle Monday 19th February Show & Sale of 25 DAIRY CATTLE Sale 12noon Monday 4th March Show & Sale of DAIRY CATTLE Entries and Enquiries to Sarah 07710 795585 Working Sheep Dogs Friday 1st March FIELD SALE OF 40 WORKING SHEEP DOGS Tuesday 12th March ONLINE TIMED AUCTION OF WORKING SHEEPDOGS (Entries close Wednesday 28th Feb) Claiming Dates ON FARM SALES – CRAVEN AREA SATURDAY 4TH MAY TUESDAY 21ST MAY SATURDAY 28TH SEPTEMBER

February 16, 2024 |

14/02/2024 12:57:45

FGBuyandSell.com Office: 01325 464529 E: info@dfam.co.uk

Auctions

The Darlington Farmers Auction Mart Humbleton Park I Darlington I DL2 2XX

VEHICLES We are delighted to be instructed to conduct a Full Farm Dispersal On Behalf Of Mr M Jackson Brawnsden Farm, Crook Genuine sale due to retirement Sale Starts 10am Friday 1st March Viewing day Wednesday 28th February 1.30pm till 4pm

Bakewell Market Results - Monday 12th February 687 Cattle & 959 Sheep - Full report available on our website Store Cattle Entries for Monday 19th February Please call the Bakewell Office on 16th February before 12 Noon Call 01629 812777 Watch the livestreamed cattle sales on www.streaming.auctionmarts.com PRODUCE AUCTION 19th February - See our Facebook page for further details ********************** THURSDAY LUNCHTIME WEEKLY SHEEP SALE Entries/Enquiries, contact Peter Oven: peter.oven@bagshaws.com or 07973 982443 Or Ivor Lowe: ivor.lowe@bagshaws.com or 07977 449126 *********************** A Date for your Diary: Friday 15th March: HPLS Store Cattle Sale Tel: 01629 812777

www.bagshaws.com

07946 514154

FIELD ITEMS Daniel Lynn Tracey Gilhespy Vaderstad Rapid 300s Seed Dril,2.5m Power Harrow, 3m Power Auctioneer Fieldsperson Harrow, Kuhn Axis 30.1 Fertiliser Spreader, Weeks Tipping 07867 974688 07887 653442 Trailer, Major Slurry-Vac 1100 Tanker,10t Tipping Trailer, Opico 555xl Grain Dryer, 10T Hopper, 10T Dump Trailer, Vaderstad Carrier 425, Vaderstad Cambridge Rollers ,4 Furrow Kvernerland Reversible Plough,Knight 2000L Trailed Sprayer, Allman Sprayer, Ifor Williams twin axle plant trailer 20,000L Rain Water Collection System, Shelbourne Reynolds Pick Up Header, Strimech Grain Bucket, 100m- Core 16mm Armoured Cable, Kuhn VKM 240 Flail Mower , Bomford B508 Hedge Cutter , Grays Flat Roller, Indespension Twin Axle Plant Trailer, Qty Stone , Crate Of Slate, Concrete Pipes, Qty of Digger Buckets, Yard Brush ,Man Basket , Wagon Body/Container ,Wessex CR Series Mower , Grain Pusher, Grader, Hay Racks, Tipping Skip ,Water Tanks, Road Plates Dual Wheels, Stone Flags, Spring Tine Cultivator, Pz 270A Mower, Kvernerland Three Leg Subsoiler, Various Diesel Tanks, Bird Scarer, Palisade Fencing, 4x4 are recommended. Scott Ferrie Rebecca wilson Office Auctioneer 07593975163 01325 464529 07557 260653

Oliver Chapman Auctioneer 07887 653442

Tracey Gilhespy Fieldsperson 07867 974688

Megan Dowson Trainee Auctioneer 07471 823606

Stephen Dodsworth Fieldsperson 07946 514154

| February 16, 2024

p036.indd 36

965

HEAD

catalogue online now. Enquiries to Rachel Capstick

Thursday 22 February 10.30am PRIME BEEF followed by CULL CATTLE 10.30am REARING CALVES 11.00am DAIRY CATTLE 12.30pm STIRKS entries please by Tuesday 20 February Saturday 24 February 9.30am WEEKLY CAST SHEEP & PRIME HOGGS 10.30am BREEDING & STORE CATTLE entries please Thursday 29 February 10.30am PRIME BEEF inc Month End show followed by CULL CATTLE 10.30am REARING CALVES 11.00am DAIRY CATTLE Saturday 2 March 9.30am WEEKLY CAST SHEEP & PRIME HOGGS 10.30am SHEEP WITH LAMBS, IN-LAMB, STORES Tuesday 5 March MONTHLY MACHINERY SALE entries to the office for pre-advertising please Thursday 7 March 10.30am PRIME & CULL CATTLE 10.30am REARING CALVES 11.00am DUGDALE NUTRITION with LELY LONGTOWN SHOW & SALE OF DAIRY

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

07557 260653

Enquiries to Matthew Middleton

10.00am 2 SHEEP DOG PUPS, 7 GOATS, 103 OUFITS OF SHEEP & LAMBS, 217 IN LAMB SHEEP, 448 STORE HOGGS

A marketplace throughout the year

2009 JCB 536.60 Loadall 5928 hours (will increase before sale) LOLER certificate expires February 2025 1992 New holland TX36 combine with 20ft header Paul Gentry Mark Dent 2008 JCB 3CX site master 5500 hours (will increase before sale) Auctioneer/Director Chairman LOLER certificate expires February 2025 07940 330907 07711 198641 2017 Case puma 150 1175 hours (will increase before sale) Stephen Dodsworth Scott Ferrie 2011 Case puma 140 3280 hours (will increase before sale) Auctioneer/Director Fieldsperson Ride On Lawnmower

Tom Greenow - Market Manager 01200445376 Rachel Capstick 07713075659 Jack Pickup 07710708326 Eleanor O’Neill 07706347505 Matthew Middleton 07860659803 Saturday 17 February 9.30am WEEKLY CAST SHEEP & PRIME HOGGS

The Livestock Auctioneers Association

GISBURN AUCTION MARTS Auctioneers, Valuers, Agents

Auctioneers always on hand to discuss how best to market your stock. Dispersals and reductions catered for; whether it be livestock or machinery, please feel free to contact our knowledgable and aproachable team.

www.gisburnauctions.com | 01200 445376

FGbuyandsell.com FGinsight.com

14/02/2024 14:43:48

Call 01772 799500 and place your ad today

On instructions from Ireland’s Farm Machinery due

On instructions from Squire House Ltd, due to retirement

to semi-retirement of principals and new management structure

SQUIRE HOUSE, KNOWLE GREEN, PRESTON, LANCASHIRE, PR3 2YS

MAIN ROAD, CARRINGTON, LINCOLNSHIRE, PE22 7HX AUCTION SALE OF 20no. AGRICULTURAL TRACTORS, 4no. TELESCOPIC LOADERS, GRASSLAND MACHINERY, IMPLEMENTS, 16no. TRAILERS AND UTVS

To include: Tractors: John Deere: 2021 6250R, 2021 6215R, 2021 6195R, 2021 6155R, 2018 6155R (7), 2017 6155R (2), 2016 6155R, 2021 6310R (2). Kubota: 2022 M7173, 2021 M7173 (2), 2021 L1452. JCB: 2020 536-95, 2020 542-70, 2019 536-95, 2017 541-70. Trailers: 2023 Stewart GX20CM, 2022 Stewart GX14-17R (7), 2020 Bailey 16 root (5), 2022 Stewart GX 15ft (3). Machinery: Spearhead Trident 4000 mower, Wessex CMT210 mower, Kubota GR2120 ride-on, John Deere X354 ride-on, Eliet XC shredder, Dowdeswell ploughs (3), Vicon RO-EDW fert. spreader (2), Grange FLL AR cultivator, 2020 Kverneland H Series power harrow 3m (unused), 2015 Kverneland NG-S 101 power harrow 4m, Also: UTVs, weight blocks, wheels and tyres

WEDNESDAY 28TH FEBRUARY 2024 AT 10.00AM Sales and valuations undertaken nationwide Catalogues available from the auctioneers two weeks prior On Instructions from Barton Contractors (NW) Ltd, due to ongoing fleet renewal

PARKSIDE, MELLOR BROOK, BLACKBURN, LANCS, BB2 7PY TIMED ONLINE AUCTION OF 10NO. AGRICULTURAL TRACTORS & 6NO. VACUUM TANKERS

TIMED ONLINE AUCTION OF WELL-MAINTAINED TRACTOR, TRACKED DUMPER, GRASSLAND MACHINERY AND DRAINAGE EQUIPMENT

To include: Tractors: 2020 Valtra N174 Direct (360hrs), Massey Ferguson 35, Tracked Dumper: Marooka MST-800VD, Implements: 2020 Krone EastCut R360 mower, 2011 Kverneland Taarup 8076 6rotor tedder, 2012 Kverneland Taarup 9472C 2rotor rake, 2014 Kuhn VB2160 round baler, 2011 Massey Ferguson 1839 in-line conventional baler, 2007 McHale 991BE round bale wrapper, 2002 McHale 995LM square bale wrapper, Jar-met 1,000ltr mounted sprayer 12m, c1977 Kverneland 4furrow plough, Kverneland NGM/301 powerharrow, 2009 Kverneland Exacta-CL fertiliser spreader, 2012 Horn 10t bale trailer, Jackstra 10tonne trailer, 2012 Logic CTF250 weed wipe, 2003 Opico Vari-Disc Giant cultivator, Twose 3bank Cambridge rolls, 2000 AFTT100 trencher, 2006 Shelton 7tonne gravel trailer, Teagle TA/ TS250 flail mower. Also: spares, waste compactor, attachments etc

COMMENCES: MONDAY 26TH FEBRUARY 2024 AT 9.00AM FINISHES: TUESDAY 5TH MARCH 2024 AT 10.00AM VIEWING DAY: FRIDAY 1ST MARCH 2024 FROM 10.00AM - 4.00PM

CONSIGN NOW TO

EUROPE’S

LARGEST

MONTHLY AGRICULTURAL MACHINERY SALE NEXT SALE: MONDAY 11TH MARCH Buyers from over 50 countries 30,000 registered bidders worldwide Up to 500 tractors for sale every month 1,500 lots of agricultural and horticultural machinery sold at every sale

To include: Tractors: New Holland: 2021 T7.230 (2,700hrs), 2020 T7.230 (4,400hrs), 2021 T7.210 (3,162hrs), 2020 T7.190 (4,886hrs), 2020 T7.190 (4,087hrs), T7.190 (4,200hrs), 2021 T6.180 (2,419hrs), 2019 T6.175 (3,643hrs) Case: 2001 MX240 (9,185hrs), 2018 Puma CVX 150 (5,367hrs) Vacuum Tankers: 2020 HiSpec VT 3000SA-R (2), 2020 Abbey 2750, 2017 Abbey 2250R Premium Plus (2), 2014 Connor 2500

COMMENCES: MONDAY 26TH FEBRUARY 2024 AT 9.00AM FINISHES: WEDNESDAY 6TH MARCH 2024 AT 10.00AM VIEWING DAY: FRIDAY 1ST MARCH 2024 FROM 10.00AM - 4.00PM

Cambridge Machinery Sales, The Saleground, Sutton, Ely, Cambridgeshire CB6 2QT machinery@cheffins.co.uk

AUCTIONS AND VALUATIONS UNDERTAKEN NATIONWIDE

cheffins.co.uk

FGbuyandsell.com

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Property | Land | Fine Art | Farm Machinery

01353 777767

February 16, 2024 |

14/02/2024 12:59:36

FGBuyandSell.com Auctions

YORK YO O MACHINERY RY SALE TIMED ONLINE AUCTION STARTS: FRIDAY AY 16 FEBRUARY RY CLOSES: MONDAY AY 19 TO WEDNESDAY AY 21 FEBRUARY RY

On instructions from Paul and Debbie Richrdson (who are retiring). A complete farm dispersal sale at Corley Hall Farm, Rock Lane, Corley, Coventry, CV7 8BH. To include: 2015 New Holland T5.115 4WD tractor, 2010 Bobcat S70 skid steer loader, 1993 Massey Ferguson 399 4WD tractor, 1984 Massey Ferguson 690 tractor, 2018 Keenan MechFiber 250 Diet Feeder, 2020 Honda TRX250-TM 4WD quad bike. Together with: AW Trailers 8 tonne grain trailer, AW Trailers 7.6m bale trailer, Ifor Williams 3m livestock trailer, 250 Round Bales 2023 1st Cut Silage. Plus: Livestock & General Farm Machinery, Dairy & Parlour Equipment, Livestock Equipment, Agricultural Requisites. Also: A large number of entered lots from outside vendors to include: 22m cattle handling facilty, 1990 John Deere 2850 4WD tractor, 1988 Case 956XL 4WD tractor, 1973 International Harvester 454 tractor, 2007 Ssangyong Rexton 4x4 estate car, Marshall 16 tonne root and grain trailer, Kawasaki Bayou 4WD quad bike. FOR SALE BY AUCTION ON SATURDAY 24th

50 TRACTORS: Challenger MT765C (11); JD 6110M c/w loader (20); JD 6610 (T); JD 5100M (835hrs; 67); JD 5075E (17); MF 6480 Dyna 6 (56); MF 4255 (Y); MF 690 & 699; NH TS110 & TM150; Ford TW10 & TW25 24 FORKLIFTS: JCB 538-60 (69); JCB 526-56 (12); 2 JCB 530-70 ; Kramer Allrad 312SE; Thomas 105 Skidsteer; Volvo EC15 mini dig 4 HARVESTERS: Claas 106 combine ; NH FX450 forage 21 QUADS: Cam-Am Traxter AD8; JD XUV 865M Gator (70); Honda TRX420 (20); CF Moto 450 (72) 64 GRAIN TRAILERS: Bailey CT17 Contract; Bailey 18T bulk (18); Larrington Majestic 18T; Bailey 15T; Herbst 14T dump; 3 Bailey 12T; Marshall & Western 14T; McCauley 14T dump 14 BALE TRAILERS: Staines 28ft (23); Stewart & Bailey 26ft; Marshall BC32 12T; Linden 32ft 39 STOCK TRAILERS: IW DP120 c/w decks (23); IW TA510 c/w decks (19); Arm. Holmes 20ft hyd.; GE GET14WT triaxle (16); IW HB505 & 510; IW TA510 triaxle 108 GP TRAILERS: Chieftain low load; Herbst & JPM low load 21 MANURE SPREADER: Greencrop 12m dribble (20); Storth reeler (19); Samson Flex 16 (13); Bunning Lowlander 120; KTwo Duo 1000; Joskin 3000 tanker 147 CULTIVATORS: Simba SL400; 2 Simba Solo 380; Ilgi 5.5m disc; Watkins 3m cultipress; Sumo LDS 3m sub.; Heva 3m disc roller; McConnel Discerator ; Simba 3.3m Cultipress; NRH 3m front press; Tulip Multipress; Cousins 8.3m rollers; Vad 9m rollers; Watson RH336–14 roller; Kongskilde Delta (13) 26 PLOUGHS: Greg Besson 6F; KV EG85 5F; Lemken 4F slat (07) 20 POWER HARROWS: Kuhn HR3004; Kuhn HD3003 & 4004; Amazone KG3000 39 GRASSLAND: Shelbourne 6m; Opico 5m & 6m; Carre 6m; Ritchie aerator 33 DRILLS: Vad Rapide 400F; Lemken Solitaire 8; Amazone ADP 402 comb. 75 SPREADERS: Amazone ZAM2001 (19); Amazone Profis SBS; 6 Kuhn Axis 30.1; Kuhn Axis 40.1W; Sulky DX30 22 SPRAYERS: Kuhn Altis 1800 (19); Knight 24m trailed ; Team Arien 21m 18 BALERS: Claas 540 RF (19); NH 4990 & Case 530; Welger D4000 ; Welger RP180V (17) 115 HAYTIME: Pott. Novacat (15); Kuhn FC284; Claas Liner 3000; Malone 4 rotor tedder; NH Proted 660 (21) 237 HEDGERS, BUCKETS: Homberg jetter (14) 551 STOCK REQUISITES: Trioliet 1400 feeder; BVL Vmix 15/25; Teagle Telehawk (18); Lucas Castor & 80R; KV 853 Pro; IAE & Unistock cattle systems; Bateman Devon crush; Keltec cutter 925 SPARES & WHEELS: Special stock reduction sale from Peter Shepherd Tyres 180 GROUNDCARE: 520 PLANT & WORKSHOP: White 100KVA gen; Hirox HDX breakers 570 BUILDING MATERIALS: 60 X 40 portal building PRODUCE: 2000 bales inc. hay, haylage and silage

MURTON, YORK, YO19 5GF Tel: 01904 489731 or online at www.ylc.co.uk

FEBRUARY AT 10.30AM. Catalogues & Information Tel: 01788 564749 7 – 11 Albert Street, Rugby, CV21 2RX www.howkinsandharrison.co.uk/auctions

Your one stop shop for all agricultural sales Search by sale type, mart, auctioneer or region

| February 16, 2024

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FGbuyandsell.com FGinsight.com

14/02/2024 14:46:36

Call 01772 799500 and place your ad today STAFFORD TRUCK, PLANT & SALVAGE AUCTION

Auctions

Saturday 24th February 2024 - 9am

TRUCKS, TRAILERS & PLANT ONLINE AUCTION DUAL LANE AUCTION STARTING AT 9.30AM

Viewing Friday 23rd – 9am to 4pm Hixon Airfield, Hixon, Stafford, ST18 0PF

To Include a Large Parcel Of Over 300 Trucks, Trailers Coaches, Agricultural Machinery & Construction Plant Plus 100+ Engines, Gearboxes, Axles & Chassis Parts

TUESDAY 20TH FEBRUARY

CT E RE C Y DI NANPAN FI OM C

2015 Case IH105U 4wd Tractor

Equipment Listed From 16th Feb & Added Daily Thereafter. Check Our Website For Details Visit our website www.malcolmharrison.co.uk

FREE ONLINE BIDDING AVAILABLE for full details or contact Charlie Foyle,

Chris Hanmer or Debbie Ormerod. 01948 667700, www.malcolmharrison.co.uk, auctions@malcolmharrison.co.uk All overseas buyers & buyers not known to the auctioneer must lodge a refundable deposit of 10% of expected spend, £1000 minimum, on registration by cash/credit/debit card.

2019 & 2016 Haas 2019 Case Tyron 2000 XL 2.0 CX130D Tracked Shredder Tracked Excavator

2021 JCB 8026CTS Midi-Excavator 2020 Toyota Tonero 20 Forklift Truck 2017 Scarab Presinct Sweeper 2015 Case IH105U 4wd Tractor 2015 Yanmar SV15 Mini-Digger 2022 & 2021 Brian James Tandem Axle Plant Trailers

Hustler Raptor XDX Zero Turn Ride-On-Mower

Order Of Sale 9.00am Salvage Section 12 Noon Truck & Plant (Non-Salvage) Section Followed by Remaining Salvage Section

2001 Vicon RV1601 Round Baler

2003 & 2001 Linde S50 Side Loading Forklift

*New & Unused* 2023 Herron 14 Tonne Grain Trailer 2007 TCM FD30T3 Forklift Truck 2005 JCB JS190 Tracked Excavator 2003 & 2001 Linde S50 Side Loading Forklift

COOPER AND TANNER Public Auction Dispersal For D & G A’Bear Farming Ltd (Retiring)

TRACTORS, FARM MACHINERY & LIVESTOCK EQUIPMENT

Inc: Case 95A Farmall 4wd (2020), Case Farmall 115c 4wd (2018) c/w MX U408 Loader & Case 105u Farmall 4wd (2016 Tractors, Tipping Trailers, Marshall 9T Rear 2022 JCB Discharge Muckspreader (2yo), Teagle SX3 Accu Rate Dumpster HTD-5 1800kg Centreliner (2021 vgc) & Teagle XT48 Ferti Tracked Dumper Spinners, Teagle 2.5m Side Shift Flail Topper, Kidd 806 Choice of 2 2022 Still EK X Highlevel Picking Semi-Mtd Straw Chopper (2013)(vgc), Browns Box 7ft & 2003 Hyster Platform 6ft Yard Scrapers, MX 7ft Bucket Grab, 2x 7ft6in Loader H4.00XM-5 Forklift Truck 2020 Messersi Buckets, 1x 5ft Loader Bucket, 7ft Muck Grab, Albutt M-16U 2001 Eureka Rider Muck Grab, Bale Spike, Adaptor (Euro Brackets), Mini-Digger 1201 EB Parmiter Chain Harrows (not hyd), Cambridge Ring Rolls Floor Scrubber 2019 Kobelco (not hyd), Bateman Foot Trim & General Crush, Choice of 2 1999 Ken Wooton SK500 LC-10 Assorted John Shepherd Feeders, GI Calf Ring Feeder, 2019 Ransomes 14 Tonne Tipping Trailer Tracked Excavator Batwing Mower Calf Bucket Gates, Troughs, Gates, Barriers & Hurdles, *Flood Damaged* Nissan Elec Fencing Equip, 4x 600kg Bags 25-5-5-5 (S) Fertiliser, 2018 Chieftain 1.8 Tonne Forklift Truck 20 Tonne Dump Trailer Ecolab Foam Washer, Green Silage Net Covers, Glass Parlour Jars, Dump Bucket, Parlour & Dairy Stores, Feed www.cva-auctions.co.uk Trolley, Auger Pipework, Air Compressor, Assorted Workshop Tools, Vintage Bench Vice, Castrol XXL Oil Tank & Hand Pump. Farm & Antique Fireman Ladders. Inc by kind permission: Welgar Round Bale Wrapper, Farmers Guardian 200224 - DM240008 - v2.indd 1 13/02/2024 09:30Parmiter Hyd Bale Squeeze/Spike, JF900 & JD3765 Trailed Foragers, Car Trailer. Choice of 2

AT KNIGHTSMEAD FARM, SEEND, MELKSHAM, WILTSHIRE SN12 6RX

TUESDAY 27th FEBRUARY 2024 Commencing at 11am. Viewing from 9am.

Catalogues online inc Conditions of Sale & Payment Terms. Enquiries 01373 831010(3). FUTURE SALE DATES:

Thurs 18th April – Collective Machinery, Frome Market

www.cooperandtanner.co.uk/forthcoming-sales

ASHLEY WALLER AUCTIONEERS FARM SALE

FRIDAY 23RD February 2024 at 10.30am HAREBARROW FARM, OVER ALDERLEY MACCLESFIELD CHESHIRE, SK10 4SW.

On behalf of Messrs Gorton retiring. 2001 MF 4370 4WD Tractor +FEL,2 Bale Grabs, Bale Spike, Pallet Forks, 1995 MF 390 2WD Tractor One Owner, MF 565 Tractor, 463 Bob Cat 3’, 2007 JCB 1.4T Mini Digger, O & K 13T Excavator/Slew Loader none runner, D-Bat 4wd Quad Bike, Fleming 7cu.yd. Manure Spreader, Slurry Tanker, Crop Sprayers, Cattle Trailer, Flat Trailer, Bale Trailer, AG 3metre Harrow, Dutch Harrow, Cultivator, Twose 10’ Ballast Roller, MF Corn Drill, Kuhn Fert Spinner, Kuhn 10 Mower & West Duel (For full infantry please go to the catalogue with all photographs on www.easyliveauction.com)

HORTICULTURE

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

CT Y RE AN DI MP CO

1982 MasseyFerguson 20B 2wd Tractor

CT IL RE C DI UN CO

A marketplace throughout the year

2021 John Deere 6120M 4wd Tractor

CT E RE C Y DI NANPAN FI M CO

CT IL RE C DI UN CO

The Livestock Auctioneers Association

CT IL RE C DI UN CO

9.30am Every Wednesday Entries include barerooted trees

FURNITURE PRODUCE Every Monday at 12.30pm MACHINERY

Next Sale 28th & 29th February

Next Sale Tuesday 12th March - Entries Invited (Last sale 1764 lots)

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

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February 16, 2024 |

14/02/2024 15:57:59

FGBuyandSell.com Breed Societies

UPCOMING SALES 19

Red Ruby Devon Cattle

t: 01404 47863 e: dcbs@redrubydevon.co.uk

FEBRUARY

STIRLING BULL SALE

£500

offered to purchaser of highest priced bull on the day.

165 BULLS 10 FEMALES Followed by Part One of the Broombrae Dispersal Sale (Approx. 37 animals)

PROFIT THROUGH EFFICIENCY *SIMMENTAL = THE UK’S NO. 1 CONTINENTAL BREED FOR AGE AT SLAUGHTER * NATIONAL BEEF EVALUATION DECEMBER 2023

Telephone +44 (0) 2476 696 513

28TH FEBRUARY ABERDEEN & NORTHERN MARTS

information@britishsimmental.co.uk

Something for all from Top Show Cattle to Commercial Stock

Society Show & Sale of pedigree registered Red Ruby Devons

Tuesday 26th March 2024 - Show 10:30am & Sale 12:00 Sponsors Shearwell Data & Harper Farm Supplies Sedgemoor Auction Centre J24 M5 Catalogues will be available from GTH

www.redrubydevon.co.uk

www.britishsimmental.co.uk

Scottish Auctions Sim FG Ad_98mm x 70mm_01_24.indd 1

16/01/2024 17:14

Be sure to visit the Royal Northern

In association with Aberdeen & Northern Marts

Thainstone Centre, Inverurie Aberdeenshire AB51 5XZ

Wed, 28th February, 2024 Show and Sale of 45 Exhibition Haltered and Unhaltered Cattle Show @ 11.30am Sale @ 2.30pm An excellent selection from noted exhibition cattle breeders from throughout Scotland, and provides an excellent opportunity to purchase cattle for summer and Christmas shows. For further information contact John Angus on 07801 18631 Sponsored by JDW Agri Ltd

Annual multi-breed Show and Sale of Pedigree Bulls and Females Show @ 8.00am Sale @ 12 noon Under the auspicies of the British Charolais, British Limousin, British Simmental and Aberdeen-Angus Cattle Societies. For further information contact John Angus on 07801 186312 Sponsored by Serco Northlink Ferries Buyers will be able to use the online bidding auction system to purchase animals. Register for online bidding at anmarts.co.uk For details contact: Fiona Davidson, Secretary, Royal Northern Agricultural Society, Tel: 07593 227847 or email: secretary@rnas.info

| February 16, 2024

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FGbuyandsell.com FGinsight.com

14/02/2024 13:12:13

Call 01772 799500 and place your ad today Brand new website Visit jobs.farmersguardian.com for the latest job vacancies in agriculture

Business Development Manager

Myerscough Lodge Farm, PR3 0RT

HERDSPERSON

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Herdsperson at Myerscough College. Average 48 hours per week. 750 acre mixed farm, 190 Dairy Cows, 200 Beef & 1000 Lambing ewes. Working in the Robotic Dairy Unit. Good Stockperson & ability to drive diet feeder. Salary in the region £32,217 - £37,037 plus accommodation. Closing Date: 29/02/2024. For an informal conversation contact Farms Director M: 079210 20655

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: • •

• • •

SKILLS & EXPERIENCE: • • •

Published March 1, 2024 Advertising opportunities now available in our

CAREERS SPECIAL Get your brand seen by decision makers, influencers, farm owners and managers!

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.

• • • • • • •

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.

Speak to Katie O’Hagan today 01772 799 454 | katie.ohagan@farmersguardian.com

FGbuyandsell.com

p041.indd 41

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

February 16, 2024 |

14/02/2024 13:21:23

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

Recruiter Spotlight Recruiter National Milk Records PLC

Latest jobs from National Milk Records PLC About Us

It’s an amazing time for you to join the NMR team as we continue to enhance and progress our business. Since its formation in 1997 and subsequent flotation in 2006 as a plc, NMR has grown and developed into an integrated service provider, working for farmers and milk buyers, as well as being an independent source of data for advisors including vets, farm consultants and breed societies. Our Strategic Plan and Core Values are embedded in our organisation and are the framework of the daily activity.

Working for us Working at NMR is so much more than just a job! We offer a wide range of career opportunities, particularly to those who are attracted to the ever-changing and modernising farming industry. Our teams are dedicated in providing high levels of value and customer service. We do this by both retaining our existing experienced people and by attracting and developing the next generation people. As an employer, we are committed to providing opportunities to:

Area Field Manager (North Wales)

The role may involve supporting and providing the robot shuttle hire service in terms of organising, transporting, setting up, taking down, cleaning and storage of robot shuttles. This role will be salaried and will be home based. Your weekly hours will be flexible to allow early morning starts/late evenings and milking patterns of customers. Driving will be a significant aspect of the role. You will need to be located within the area or willing to relocate. You will be provided with the relevant equipment to undertake the role including a choice of company van or car. Location: Closes: Job Sector: Contract Type: Salary:

North Wales (GB) 9 Mar 2024 Dairy Permanent £32,844.21

Area Coordinator (Cumbria)

The Area Coordinator/Shuttle Technician (North Devon) will be responsible for delivery of a full milk recording service in a defined area as allocated by their AFM. This involves visiting the farms on an approximately monthly basis and collecting event data about the individual cows and updating the NMR database. It will also involve taking milk samples from each cow as they are milked as and when required. The role may also involve supporting and providing the robot shuttle hire service in terms of organising, transporting, setting up, taking down, cleaning and storage of robot shuttles, holiday cover and box deliveries/collections. The role will be salaried and home based. You will need to be based within the area or willing to re-locate. Your weekly hours will be flexible to allow early morning starts/late evenings and milking patterns of customers. Location: Closes: Job Sector: Contract Type: Salary:

Cumbria 14 Mar 2024 Dairy Permanent £22,560.23

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

| February 16, 2024

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Assistant Herdsperson Cheshire Salary - £31,000-£36,000 per annum, plus benefits Closing date - 12 Mar 2024

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an Assistant Herdsperson to join our existing dairy team in Lach Dennis, Northwich, Cheshire.

Our farm is around 800 acres with a herd consisting of 800 Holstein cows who are milked three times a day by using a 60-point rotary milking parlour. Our milk is supplied to Sainsburys and the herd average is 12,600 litres. Our herd is calved all year round and all our records and data are kept up to date using Uniform. We have a great team of 6 full time staff plus part time staff and we also utilise an evening milking team. We have 3 groups of cows, our highs and heifers are housed, and our low cows are grazed through summer April – September. We pride ourselves on our modern facilities and equipment and have an additional farm 7 miles away. You - The right person will need to be a strong and effective communicator with a willingness to support the team in different aspects. You will be polite, patient, and keen to work whilst valuing the relationships you have on the farm with other staff and the herd. You will be a proactive self-starter who is happy to take on extra responsibilities. You will need to demonstrate experience in dairy farming, but we are willing to support your development. The Benefits - In return, we offer a competitive salary depending on experience, and a 3-bedroom house in the local village. We value our team highly and seek to offer a long-term, stable position for somebody. We are willing to invest in the right individual and offer on the job training and support • Company pension • Free parking • Housing allowance • On-site parking • Relocation assistance

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

14/02/2024 14:50:11

Call 01772 799500 and place your ad today

Personal Services DATING

SUCCESS

Calling all farmers! Cultivate companionship with ‘Friends1st’, the premier introduction agency for rural hearts. Plant the seeds of love in fertile soil as you connect with like-minded farmers seeking meaningful relationships. Let your heart harvest the joy of companionship with our personalised matchmaking. Join ‘Friends1st’ – where genuine connections grow like crops in a field of endless possibilities! Call: 0121 405 0941 today to find out more. www.friends1st.co.u

A New Route to Market

THE QUICKTHORN NURSERY

Quickthorn (hawthorn)

20/40cm 0.32 40/60cm 0.43 40/60cm bushy 0.68 60/90cm 0.59 90/120cm 3ft /4ft bushy 1.41 Blackthorn 40/60cm 0.41 60/90cm 0.53 Beech 40/60cm 0.82 60/90cm 1.19 90/120cm 1.90 Privet 40/60cm 0.60 60/90cm 0.95 Hornbeam 40/60cm 0.55 60/90cm 0.70 90/120cm 1.75 Box 20/30cm 1.28 30/40cm 1.62 English Yew 30/40cm 2.15 Cherry Laurel 40/60cm 1.95 60/90cm 2.45 Rabbit Guards 0.28p Canes 0.12p Trees, Specimen Plants, Hedging, All Sizes Available. A standard delivery charge may be added. Quotes given for Countryside Stewardship Scheme. Ring for native tree whips availability and prices. All Prices Exclude VAT. Prices are subject to change. 269 Southport Road, Ulnes Walton Leyland Lancs PR26 8LQ

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.

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

Milking Equipment

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

New & Used Bulk Milk Tanks Second hand tanks currently available: Mueller 8000ltr, 9000 & 12,000 ltr Packo RMIB 3800ltr & RMIB 6000 ltr New Heat Recovery units in stock

01772 780806 www.ddcooling.co.uk

Browse. Sell. Buy at FGBuyandSell.com

Nursery Fresh For Planting Success

TOP QUALITY TREES & HEDGING PLANTS

N R O H T K IC U Q

Cold stored for freshness Also rabbit guards, canes, stakes and ties.

WATER WELL DRILLING

• Borehole Drilling • Treatment &

Filtration • Water testing

01625 878411 www.blairdrilling.co.uk

Call now for professional advice Growing Since 1973

Woodgrow Horticulture Ltd

BURTON ROAD, FINDERN DERBY DE65 6BE

Tel: (01332) 517600 www.woodgrow.com

Animal Health

Calf Jacket “Quality without Compromise” from

Fertilisers t: 07718 617433 e: billingtonfarms@yahoo.com

Chicken muck and pig slurry excellent cheap fertilisers, delivered in artic loads to the North West and Midlands areas. Anaerobic digester feed stocks also available.

www.billingtonfarms.co.uk

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EN T A

Horticulture

J.P WHITTER (WATER WELL ENGINEERS) LTD

FGbuyandsell.com

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

Fabdec 4000ltr & 6000ltr

Contractors

• 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

MARTLANDS

PH TE

Everglades Nurseries Ltd

YL O

Renowned Ayrshire cattle breeder, formerly of Ellerton Grange and Sheriffhales Manor passed away peacefully after a short illness on 25th January, 2024 aged 96 years. He will be sadly missed by Heather and the family. A Thanksgiving Service will be held at St Mary’s Church Sheriffhales, Shifnal TF11 8QY on Thursday 22nd February at 12.00 noon. Family flowers only please. All enquiries to John Williams Funeral Service, 28 Bradford Street, Shifnal TF11 8AU, 01952 460669.

Livestock Services

Frank Dodd

Trees & Shrubs

Family announcements

BRITMILK

• Quality breathable/water repellent materials to maintain body heat • Strong metal buckles for Longer life • Crossover straps for secure fit • Machine washable Tel. +44 (0)1387 750459 E: info@britmilk.co.uk | W: www.britmilk.co.uk

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

ICE BUILDERS plate coolers refurbished bulk milk tanks, most sizes available. 01260 226261

(T)

We take a farmer-centric approach to media. Our job is to help farmers run their farms more efficiently and make better purchasing decisions February 16, 2024 |

14/02/2024 14:51:39

FGBuyandSell.com •

BILDABIN

Milking Equipment

Livestock Equipment

“WITH ENERGY COSTS INCREASING CAN YOU AFFORD NOT TO HAVE A HEAT RECOVERY SYSTEM?”

BILDABIN Steel and Fibreglass Silos

L I V E S TO C K S O L U T I O N S

• GRANT FUNDED • ESTIMATED PAYBACK OFTEN WITHIN 12 MONTHS • 60% – 70% REDUCTION TO WATER HEATER RUNNING TIMES • IMPROVEMENT TO THE COOLING UNITS PERFORMANCE • HOT WATER AVAILABLE ALL DAY • DOMESTIC OR OFFICE HEATING • ALMOST ZERO MAINTENANCE • HUGE REDUCTION IN YOUR CARBON FOOTPRINT

Multi-purpose flex augers Pig & Poultry Feeding & Drinking Systems

www.bildabin.co.uk

CALF DEFENDER (TRANSITION MILK) “HEALTHY CALVES”

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.

For further information contact:

BRITMILK

01387 750459

FIBERGLASS FEED SILOS AUTOMATIC FEEDING SYSTEMS

07903 663715

sales@agrisilo.co.uk

Automatic Poultry Nesting Systems

For further details please call S.W Refrigeration specialising in “On Farm cooling Equipment” Tel: 01772 690575 01392 210344 or Paul on 07974 140949

AGRI SILO

KEEPING YOUR FARM GROWING

agrisilo.co.uk

Tel: 01772 690575 www.bildabin.co.uk

Intake pits Elevators Conveyors Floor store Filling systems

BRAND NEW & UNUSED Fibreglass

Telephone

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.

01746 762777 www.danagri-3s.com

FG Buy and Sell 01772 799500

Ashley: 07831 887531 Office: 01829 260328

www.livestocksupplies.co.uk

info@britmilk.co.uk www.britmilk.co.uk

Published March 1, 2024

Get your brand seen by decision makers, influencers, farm owners and managers!

EVESON

SHEEP SUPPLEMENT

Calver t Edited by Angela t.com t@agriconnec angela.calver 07768 796 492

o are SUPP es on farmers wh ting l includes featur ven This sheep specia ductivity, managing and pre gies. pro k ate str floc g g zin maximisin t and gra the Halal marke disease, a look at

PICTURES: JOHN

Advertising opportunities now available in our

ETEP H S EN M LE

2 18

DORSETSnumber Increasing the of lambs per ewe

HALAL

The misconception and opportunites

D S 10 AWAR t Sheep FORAGE CROP Meet AgriSco Alternatives for finishing lambs

Y 20 POLICNSA Scottish

How the involved regional chair is

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DATA CLUBS 24 The value of recording 22 FLOCKthe benefits What are of joining?

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25 BUY & SELL

Sheep-focused classified adverts

MARCH 3 2023

28/02/2023

FGinsight.com

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Speak to Gemma Thorpe today and start converting our readers to your customers. Sheep p1 Mar3

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01772 799500 | fgclassified@farmersguardian.com 44

| February 16, 2024

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

feeding for Special focus on animal health issues, at different robotic systems, farm features looking Dairy-Tech. systems and all the news from this year’s

19 PAGE S

ads of classified starts after p29

ORGANIC

PERFORMANCE 12

ROBOTS

PRODUCTION

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Feeding the rumen

PARLOUR

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20 DEVELOPMENT 24 DAIRY-TECH Products and highlights

29 GENOMICS

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Chris Day on Tel: 07769 705004 Tenant Farmers

chris.day@abfltd.co.uk FEBRUARY 16 2024 | 1

farmersguardian.com 13/02/2024 14:34 Dairy p1 Feb16 KJ MB.indd 3

For more Dairy Adverts, don’t miss our Dairy Supplement FREE with this weeks Farmers Guardian

Livestock Supplies Ltd Ashley: 07831 887531 Office: 01829 260328

www.livestocksupplies.co.uk

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

p060.indd 60

Quality Breeding, Hi Health 07891 781542

airedaleangus@outlook.com FGbuyandsell.com

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Buckhurst Aberdeen Angus

Bulls and select Females for Sale from

Currently have aherd, great high selection of a high health with quality fully registered 9 - 25 month old pedigree bulls for sale. pedigrees. **Females also available** Further canTB4 be seen Highdetails health and area on:

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FOR SALE FROM LEESEMANOR AdrefelynBEEF

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Quality, home-bred Limousin cross Aberdeen Angus British Blue young cows and heifers,

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Exc E

North York w

Wilf Lomas - 01606 832142 07986 113221 Wrexham (P) or 07769704628

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Tel: 077157 64351

| June 29, 2018

At Your Service

Loc

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Cont

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FG Buy and Sell 01772 799500 February 16, 2024 |

14/02/2024 15:46:46

20 FR

Tel: 07

FGBuyandSell.com Feedstuffs & Bedding

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| February 16, 2024

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Richard Tomlinson

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14/02/2024 16:55:21

Call 01772 799500 and place your ad today Advertorial

Provita Lamb Response a Natural Alternative to Help Prevent Watery Mouth The principal causes of early lamb deaths are hypothermia, starvation, and watery mouth. Watery mouth is an E. coli infection and with 45% of early lamb mortality caused by E. coli scours, watery mouth is one of the biggest killers in newborn lambs. This is primarily due to their almost non-existent immunity at birth. There is a direct and absolute correlation between low immunity and watery mouth. Hence an effective, new approach to promote neonatal gut health, better immunity, and prevention of E. coli infection may significantly reduce this high mortality. To date, the use of oral Spectam® Scour Halt (spectinomycin antibiotic) has been the primary method of treatment & prevention. With Spectam® now delisted from the UK & Irish market on account of international policy on antibiotic resistance, alternative methods must be adopted. Prevention of watery mouth is more effective than cure, and this preventative approach must be based on rapidly boosting the lamb’s immune system at birth.

Why is Provita Lamb Response So Effective? Provita’s Lamb Response can help effectively replace spectinomycin and aid in the prevention of watery mouth. Lamb Response contains a combination of 4 highly effective and unique ingredients, not present in other commercial products, which directly combat E. coli, and enhance the newborn lamb’s immunity.

N Spectam?

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James Warwick, a UK sheep farmer provided a recent testimonial to the effectiveness of Lamb Response addressing his issues with watery mouth: “Just wanted to say how awesome the Lamb Response is! We have had trouble with watery mouth this lambing and was recommended this by our vet and since we’ve been using it, we haven’t lost lamb to watery mouth! A fantastic product!” Written by: Dr Tom Barragry PhD MSc MVB,MRCVS. Vet Surgeon, Vet Pharmacologist and Vet Advisor to Provita Animal Health.

February 16, 2024 |

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Although every advertisement is carefully checked, occasionally mistakes do occur.We therefore ask advertisers to assist by checking their advertisements carefully and advise us immediately should an error occur. We regret that we cannot accept responsibility for more than ONE INCORRECT insertion and that no re-publication will be granted in the case of typographical or minor changes which do not affect the value of the advertisement. While every endeavour will be made to meet the wishes of the advertisers, the publisher does not guarantee insertion of any particular advert.

FGBuyandSell

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In this special, we farmers and the take a look at the grants avai lable frustrations over uncertainty and to delays.

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opportunities within the scheme which could appeal eeping up to speed The start of the to some farmers in this ‘controlled roll-out’ and landowners shifting landscape for SFI was promised . its computer of future farming Mr Mullins said: for the systems. In SFI22 of August, but payments “We prepare for appeared that that has since end one thing and is a challenge this had been resolved,it postponed to then for many but now the RPA September 18. been does not happen. it is delayed or farmers has applications. This reverted to paper The extended and landowners. the RPA cancelled If you missed it, Sudden changes timelines issued all previous SFI associations will means that common by the Rural Payments agreements with Mr Mullins Agency (RPA) for SFI until laternot be able to apply and Defra to the said: it to provide its no warning to enable Sustainable Farming in the year, at least changes in dates “These sudden new 2023 offer. October, if not November-D Incentive (SFI) and schemes “This has certainly have deepened not help give do ecember.” ers’ distrust – The RPA hoped not been the us smooth transition the very thing farmRPA – the exact confidence in the both of system available to have an online these Governmen thing for, but the 2023the RPA had hoped t bodies are desperto restore. It makes they are trying but Mr Mullins in spring 2024, ately trying to restore. good, with more offer does seem said ‘we will have provide assurance it very difficult to wait and see’, This was the message to to clients that this for applicants actions available adding will that he would not from H&H to happen again.” continue to help Land and Estates why it has scrappedchoose, although prepare applications chartered survDespite this, he the name ‘standand ‘put pressure’ eyor and environmen ards’ remains a on positive to take said there was one t adviser, Nick mystery.” Mullins, who All these issues the RPA. away, suggesting Deadlines and criticised the aside, the that Mr Mullins application scrappbelieved SFI could ing of the ‘standards’ process appeared shifted last minute dates have also ‘less onerous’ to be terminology too. The Mid-Tier option’ for some prove a ‘better within SFI and compared to previous deadline was extended grant applications farmers than Countryside Stewardship of further delays.the announcement by four weeks, . But this was with a day before the the (CS), exception applications agreements only with But despite the of common land. had be submitted, being for three ongoing problems after what were to making it more years, with SFI, he insisted to have been Struggle appealing for tenant there were still technical issues said farmers in particular. the RPA online with “It has long been system. “The restrictions and requirement struggled to mapknown the RPA has for each option s common land are on enabling farmers less prescriptive, to deliver the action

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We are currently aware of a number of fraudulent advertisers attempting to sell items within the classified section. Whilst we endeavour to protect our readers and pull these adverts before going to press, sometimes they may unfortunately appear in print. Please be mindful before entering into any deals you PROCEED WITH CAUTION with the seller and do not part with money until goods are received. Farmers Guardian are NOT responsible for any part of the transaction that takes place with the seller and the buyer.

FGbuyandsell.com FGinsight.com

14/02/2024 13:42:20

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TO TO LET ON AA10 BUSINESS TENANCY LET ON 10YEAR YEAR BUSINESS TENANCY FROM APRIL2024 2024 FROM1ST 1ST APRIL BroomeyCroft CroftFarm, Farm, Bodymoor Bodymoor Heath, Broomey Heath,B76 B760EQ 0EQ Two farmhouse bed farmhouse withaavariety variety of café and and play play barn barn Two bed with ofbuildings, buildings, café in Circa11.97 11.97 acres acres ofofpastureland. setset in Circa pastureland. Additional 62.74 acres by separate negotiation. AdditionalViewing 62.74 acres separate negotiation. th February day- 20by 2024 Viewing day- 20th February 2024 PooleyCountry Country Park, Park, Polesworth, Pooley Polesworth,B78 B781JA 1JA Two-storey commercialbuilding building with 25.62 acresacres of Two-storey commercial withoptional optional 25.62 of farmland activity fields. farmland activity fields. Please contactthe theagents agents for information Please contact forfurther further information enquiries: 01926 AllAllenquiries: 01926492511 492511 warwick@godfrey-payton.co.uk warwick@godfrey-payton.co.uk

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February 16, 2024 |

14/02/2024 15:00:52

FGBuyandSell.com

PROPERTY LANDSCAPE

Protests rise as we wrestle with big changes Farmers must be aware of consequences

e are seeing an increase in the number of farmer-led protests in Europe, mainly arising from the disconnect between the general population and farmers. Many of us will have seen the images of farmers spraying muck and tipping soil on roads, but much of this is not appearing in the mainstream UK press. The protests are generally reflecting common grievances over debts, price pressures, extreme weather and cheap imports. So, is the position very different in the UK? Last week we saw steps being taken in Wales to gauge the feeling among Welsh farmers who are seeing an increasing burden on their ability to farm with the Nitrate Vulnerable Zone legislation and the Sustainable Farming Incentive which majors on tree planting. Large meetings of farmers took place in Welshpool and Caernarfon with even the ex-rugby referee Nigel Owens speaking in favour of farmers and the issues being created by the Welsh Government.

Biodiversity In England, this week has seen Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) becoming law with any planning applications granted after the February 12, requiring a minimum of 10 per cent BNG other than on exempted schemes. From April 2024, it will come in for small development sites which are defined as residential, between one and nine houses or where the site area is less than 0.5 hectare. And for non-residential, it is where the floor space created is less than 1,000 sq.m or the total site area is less than a hectare. Pleasingly, this is unlikely therefore to affect extensions to farms, but it may affect new greenfield site development. Much has been written about BNG and how for some farms and landowners it could be seen as a major income generator. This may well be the case in certain instances, but

52 | February 16, 2024 XX | FEBRUARY 16 2024

p052.indd 52 16 OM MB.indd 2 Class Prop Feb

To Be Let

Advice /Consultancy

ALTON, HAMPSHIRE

– 6000 sq ft modern grain store offering approx. 1500 m3 of bulk grain storage. No drying facilities available. Guide Rent: £12,000/ annum + site service charge and insurance contribution. All enquiries to Giles Wheeler-Bennett Ltd – (01489) 896977. (T)

Call 01772 799500 and place your advert today

A www.arcadianestates.co.uk

DO YOU HAVE LAND?

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.

T el ep ho ne : 016 25 8 9 0 00 0 Emai l: mi chae l@arcad ian e s tat es .co m

4 x 4s

Finance

FARM LOANS & Tony Rimmer

it will not be suited to all farms. The land will be restricted for 30 years and while the initial payments can seem high, you may in reality be stifling your land for the long-term. Equally, it is clear that many of the planning authorities will wish to see the BNG contribution close, or on, the site for which planning is being granted. The other area, which perhaps provides more opportunity for farmers in river valleys, is nutrient neutrality which looks at the impact of phosphate and nitrogen discharged into the wastewater network and the associated nutrient loading. Therefore, where farmers are looking to quit intensive farming systems and can reduce their annual phosphorus and nitrogen levels, there may be ways to obtain income. Unlike BNG this requires the land to be tied up for in excess of 80 years. If you are a tenant who is considering these possibilities, you are urged to consider your agreement and whether you would be potentially breaching such agreements. My team here at Rostons are seeing a huge variety of different types of access to land for utilities and infrastructure. There seems an increase in demand for battery storage and solar, but much is dependent upon the grid connection. The electricity companies are carrying out major upgrades to their existing networks and, sadly, some contractors still continue to act in a cavalier manner. Tony Rimmer is a director at Rostons. Call 01829 773 000, or email tonyrimmer@rostons.co.uk

RE-MORTGAGES

Bank Said NO? We Usually Say YES! We can quickly arrange loans

3 months - 25 years £10,000 - £5,000,000.

Competitive rates for Farm Finance

Immediate decision in principle - use for any purpose: Consolidation, Tax bills, Crops, Expansion, New equipment, Livestock etc.

Specialist help for Financial Problem Cases Including adverse credit.

We can lend against property

Farms, Farm Buildings, Farm Equipment & Machinery Equestrian Buildings, Shops, Bare Land and Buy-to-Lets.

If it can be done - we can help - call to discuss:

0800 280 06 05 www.brilliant-finance.co.uk

LAND ROVER Free-

lander. TD4. 2006, Diesel, 121,000 miles, 4 door, grey, very good condition inside & out. MOT until Mid May 24. £1,875 ONO Tel: 01772 729702 Lancs (P)

Our brands reach deeply into all the major agricultural sectors arable, dairy, livestock, agricultural machinery, finance and equipment

We are a broker not a lender

Plant Machinery

MANITOU BF MLT 523 Good working order £10,500+vat Tel: - 07785 361396 Wigan / Bolton (P)

FG Buy and Sell 01772 799500 FGbuyandsell.com FGinsight.com farmersguardian.com

14/02/2024 15:03:49 14/02/2024 10:30

Call 01772 799500 and place your ad today

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

2024 BRAND NEW HZM 8018 1.8 ton Cabbed Diggers 2024 VSM 1.2 EXCAVATOR WITH SLEW Back in stock. 3 cylinder Kubota pumps, expanding tracks 3 buckets, unbelievable value £9,495 + VAT

2024 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

2024 NEW IN BRAND NEW TOPSENSE 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

2024 HZM 825 T TELESCOPIC ARTIC

2024 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 £21,995 plus 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

2024 VSM 800 KG MICRO/MINI DIGGER 780/900mm Wide, Koop Euro 5 Engine, Manual quick hitch, comes with 3 buckets as standard £4,950+vat £4,500+vat

2024 TWO TON BRAND NEW EXCAVATORS

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

2024 VSM GOODSENSE THREE TONNE DIESEL FORKLIFTS.

Here is our new They are available as Euro 3 standard, and have a 4.5m lift height with side shift. 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

2024 HZM 916 1.6 TONNE LOADER Xinchai Engine, Hydraulic Quick Hitch, supplied with bucket and pallet forks, 1 year parts warranty. Full parts back up service available £15,995 + VAT

2019 Peugeot 3.5 ton with 2012 Vauxhall Chevel 3.5 ton 2 horse 2022 MODEL VSM 1300 kg double drum ride on vibrating roller KUBOTA TWIN CYLINDER diesel Equitrek 2 horse body and storage w. basic overnight accommodation superb creep control and excellent build quality area horse box from new which has sink/grill storage and sleeping area. with one years full parts only warranty in stock only covered 15000 miles with full Elec/hook up sockets, tow bar, good and ready to go £9,950 + VAT £8,995 + VAT history very clean and tidy damage solid straight little lorry, 950kg payload, ST200 2 TON Model also available free truck £34,000 fresh mot and full valet £18,000 no vat £12,495 PLUS VAT £11,250 PLUS VAT

FGbuyandsell.com

p053.indd 53

2024 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

2024 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

February 16, 2024 |

14/02/2024 13:51:14

FGBuyandSell.com Generators, Pressure Washers & Pumps

BRAND NEW UNUSED

DIESEL GENERATORS

FOR SALE T: 01254 476679, 07595 116 466 or 07783 222 309 AG275-275KVA

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

THE BIG ONE

£19,995 +VAT

www.LandyPressureWashers.com

80KVA 100KVA 150KVA £4,750 +VAT AG100 - 100 KVA

AG60E - 60 KVA

£5,250 +VAT

AG150 - 150 KVA £10,995 +VAT

AG70E - 70 KVA

£5,495 +VAT

AG175 - 175 KVA £12,995 +VAT

AG80E - 80 KVA

£5,995 +VA

AG275 - 275 KVA £19,995 +VAT

COLLECT SAME DAY! NATIONWIDE DELIVERY AVAILABLE

www.affordablegenerators.co.uk Parts & Servicing

P COWELL & SONS 01772 653569

Parts & Servicing F.G. ROWLAND LTD Clitheroe Lancashire

Tractors & Equipment

KEENAN 100

Complete with: Bale handler, Relined with new knives.

Tractor Hire & Sales New Tractor & Handle Spares for all Makes New Michelin & Kleber Tyres most sizes in stock

T: 01260 223273 info@kingfeeders.co.uk

Tel 01254 826295

> THE GENUINE PARTS PEOPLE

Call 01772 799500 and place your advert today

SALE’S, HIRE & REPAIRS. LARGE STOCK

175KVA £7,995 +VAT

FULL STOCK OF PARTS AVAILABLE

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

GENERATORS PTO & DIESEL

60KVA

70KVA AG50E - 50 KVA

SHEEP SNACKERS

(T)

Find us landywashers

Tel: 01756 794291 Skipton. N.Yorkshire 50KVA

ATVs

www.rowlandtractors.co.uk

KING FEEDER EXEL 4000

2015, rotating chute, cab controls, double drum, very clean £7,500

MASSEY FERGUSON

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

BREAKING MASSEY 699, 575, 3070, 3080, 3095, 2645, 6140, 3680 & 8120 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

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

| February 16, 2024

p054.indd 54

HESTractec

@HESTractec

Also tractors wanted for breaking Tel: 07710 153603 W.Yorks

T: 01260 223273 info@kingfeeders.co.uk

YANMAR CT75 CRAWLER TRACTOR YANMAR CT80 CRAWLER TRACTOR £12500.00 EACH

masseyfergusontractorbreakers.co.uk

Tel: 01253 701688 Lancs mike.wilkinson@btinternet.com

NEW & second hand

HISPEC 800 MUCK SPREADER

agricultural wheels and tyres for tractors, trailers etc. axles, rims, centres, dual wheels, rowcrops & floatation Tel: Trevor Wrench on 01925 730274 Mobile: 07976 715896 (T)

CLAAS John Deere, and

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

Little used, very good condition.

£4,150+VAT. Tel:

07876 831141 W.Yorks (P)

QUICKFENCER Manual

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

14/02/2024 13:59:42

Call 01772 799500 and place your ad today 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

4+44%

Finance offer available on CASE IH Farmall C, Vestrum, Maxxum and Puma Stock* (*Subject to T&Cs)

JOHN DEERE 5100M 1723 HOURS - “19” PLATE - 40K - 3 SPEED PTO AIRCON / AIRSEAT + PASSENGER SEAT £38,250

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

BAILEY 10T DUMP TRAILER 8 STUD AXLES – HYDRAULIC BRAKES – 19.5 SUPER SINGLES £8,650

VÄDERSTAD ROLLERS RX 620 – CAMBRIDGE ROLLERS WITH BREAKER RINGS – HYDRAULIC FOLDING – STONE TRAYS £2,850

NC 16 TON LOW LOADER 2018 - 20 FOOT FLAT WITH 4 FOOT BEAVER TAIL - C/W STRAP AND CHAIN BOX. £13,350

SLURRYKAT 3500 GALLON TANKER STEERING AXLE DRIBBLE BAR READY - IN STOCK PHONE FOR PRICE

MAJOR LGP2400 TANKER 2600 – 2400 GALLON VACUUM TANKER – SPRUNG DRAWBAR £6,950

POTTINGER LION 303 POWER HARROW 3MTR POWER HARROW – QUICK CHANGE TINES – PACKER ROLLER PHONE FOR PRICE

Forklift Trucks

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

Call for competitive prices

01254 476697 M: 07703 444341 T:

www.strickworth.com FGbuyandsell.com

p055.indd 55

February 16, 2024 |

14/02/2024 14:00:27

FGBuyandSell.com Tractors & Equipment

NEW ALPLER GSR8

TRANSPREAD

Alper GSR5 5 Ton Lime &

8 Ton Fertilizer & Lime

6 Ton Stainless Steel

Fert Spreader. As New.

NEW 22ft JPM Livestock

Jpm 22ft 19 Ton Tandem NEW Fleming ST2500.00 Gal Axle Plant Trailer �� Trailer �� £15,000.00 �� £10,000.00 Vaci Tank on 28.1 x R26 10 Jpm 24ft 19 Ton Tandem Spreader c.w Stainless Steel Lime Spreader. Very Tidy. �� NEW 24ft JPM Livestock stud Axle, 1 Only at .............. Axle Plant Trailer �� Body and Cover � £18,000.00 ��£11,500.00 �� £10,000.00 Trailer �� £16,000.00 �� £10,500.00 ...........................£16,500.00

NEW JPM 16 & 18ton Silage Trailer in Stock c�w NEW JPM Midi Tandem NEW Portequip Road legal Shelbourne 19 Twin Auger New Portaquip Twin Axle 10 Stud Have Duty Commercial Axle Bale Trailers c.w Galv Axle Plant Trailer �� Sheep Dipper�� Tub Mixer. Good Condition.�� Air Brakes with Load Sensing Valve, Hyd Back Door, Angled Hay Racks, 23ft on Grain Chute, Sprung Draw Bar, 560/60/22.5 Wheels �� 12.5 ��£7500.00 16 Ton �� £22,000.00 27ft on Super Singles �� 18 Ton. �� £23,000.00 ��£8000.00 �� £22,000.00 ��£8,500.00 ��£9500.00

New Ktwo Rear End

Ktwo Duo 1000 MK11

NEW Graham Edwards 20ft Samson FLEX 111.

RMH Mixell 14 Tub Mixer.

Strautmann Verti-Mix 2000

Discharge Spreader.

10 ton Rear Discharge

Twin Axle Livestock Trailer

c.w Cross Conveyer, Left

Double Twin Auger, Tandem

Ring for details & Prices

Spreader c.w Slurry Door +

c�w Decks ��£14,000.00 Spreader �� Hand Elevator & Steer Axle �� Axle Tub Mixer. Very Tidy

Part Ex Welcome

Extension �� £11,000.00 Power Decks��£16,000.00 �� £10,000.00 ��£6000.00 ��£11,500.00

16 Ton Rear Discharge

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

Bailey 24ft Flat trailer ....................................................... ....................................................... .........................................£7850

John Deere 855D Gator Full cab Heater Alloys P/S ....................................................... .........................................£9850

John Deere 4046R 411hrs AC, Turf Wheels, PUH ......................................£26750

John Deere 5100M 1411hrs AC,540/440 Wheels, 9 plate .......................................£41750

Manitou 420 354hrs Pallet tines as new condition ..................................... £42500

Bailey 8Ton Silage trailer Hyde brakes & grain door, Year 2018, 24ft c/w hay racks ....................£8250

Green Mec Wood chipper Year 2007, 9” feed............... .........................................£6850

2023 Major 2400g Galvanized, Air brakes, 800 Wheels Hydraulic drive............................£19250

2017 Major 2600g Tanker PTO Drive 800Wheels, Syclone,8000ltr pump .......................................£12750

ACE Marston 14T grain trailer 385/65r22.5 wheels ................................. £5850.00

Kongskilde Delta 3000 rear roller, lovely machine ........................................ £4250

Weidmann 1380 Year 2020 2800hrs and Pallet tines ......................................£26750

Case 115C Year 2018 2051hrs (same as T5 NH) ......................................£26750

John Deere 6120R Year 2017 AC, PQ, Creeper,4200hrs TLS,Cab, 600/540...........£51500.00

Star 1500g Tanker BN3 Wheels and Sludigator pump… ..........................................£1850

Teagle Topper 8ft wide Year 2018 ....................................................... ..........................................£1250

John Deere X950R Diesel 54” Cut, High Tip collection....................£8850

Kramer 429 Year 2023 354hrs, Warranty Till 2026…!! AS NEW….......................POA

| February 16, 2024

p056.indd 56

FGbuyandsell.com FGinsight.com

14/02/2024 15:49:29

Call 01772 799500 and place your ad today nTractors & Equipment

Please call our used sales team on 01704 468009

CLAAS ARION 630

JOHN DEERE 6130R

JOHN DEERE 6155R

JOHN DEERE 6195R

2019, 1250 Hours,

2020, 3682 Hours,

2021, 2136 Hours,

2018, 5857 Hours, AP,

AutoPowr, 50kph,

DirectDrive, 50kph,

Autopowr, AT Ready,

F/Linkage PTO, 50k,

F/Links,

F/Links, 650/540

50kph, F/Linkage PTO,

Air, AT Ready & Act.

£38,500 + VAT

JOHN DEERE 6100M + 603R LOADER 2023, 530 Hours, PowrQuad, 40kph, Warranty Remaining, £82,250 + VAT.

£87,000 + VAT

£77,500 + VAT

£125,000 + VAT

£78,500 + VAT

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

NEW SIP 775/6 TEDDER 6 rotor, 1170 kg, Lights, 1.7m rotor diameter, Anti wrap shields, 3yr warranty, £12,700 + VAT

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

2011, 6300 Hours, Full Suspension, F/Links,

GIRAFFA XL 210SE 540rpm, 4 belts, 810kg, 212cm working width, £9,250 + VAT

Visit our online store to order or call 07912 970066

Other products Buckets, Buck Rakes, Grain pushers, Muck Forks, Grabs, Livestock handing systems, Silage rakes

FGbuyandsell.com

p057.indd 57

February 16, 2024 |

14/02/2024 15:12:18

FGBuyandSell.com Hardwick Agricultural Engineers Ltd Main Road, Brompton-By-Sawdon, Scarborough, North Yorkshire YO13 9DP Tel: +44 (0)1723 859785 / 859698 Sales: Eric - 07836 630558 Cameron - 07946 335030 Thomas - 07538 390091

www.hardwickagricultural.co.uk

New Deutz Fahr 6160 RC 6-cylinder, 160hp, 50kph, RC-shift – creep gear, 4 spools, front links with spool.

New Deutz Fahr 6230 RC 6-cylinder, 230hp, 50kph, RC shift 54/27, 4 spools, GPS compatible, front links with spool

Used Deutz Fahr m420 4cyl-158hp, 6x4 powershift, 9200kg rear lift, front links and spool, 4 speed PTO, year 2012, 4825 hours

Used Same HI-line 155 Iron Powershift transmission (40x40) 4 electric spools, ASM 3,150 hours, year 2012

Used New Holland T6030 6-cylinder, 115hp, 40kph, 24/24 powershift, year 2010, 5435hrs

New Kubota M6-131 Utility 4-cylinder, 130hp, 40kph, 36/36 powershift

Used Kubota M7-131 4-cylinder, 130hp, 50kph, 36/36 powershift, year 2017, 4,900 hrs

Used Kubota MGX95 4 cyl-104hp, 1950kg loader lift, bi-speed turning, year 2017, 6320 hours

Used McCormick MTX140 6-cylinder, 140hp,32 speed + creep, Year 2002, 4300 hours

Used Case MX135 6-cylinder, 135hp, 40kph year 2001, 8320 hours

New Merlo 33.7 – 115 Boom suspension, 40k-2 speed hydrostatic drive, reverse fan, pick up hitch, DAB radio

Merlo 35.7 – 140 (EX-Demo) Boom suspension, 40k-2 speed hydrostatic drive, reverse fan, pick up hitch, DAB radio

Used Merlo 35.7 – 115 Boom suspension, reverse fan, pick up hitch, EPD, 125 l/min hydraulic system LED lights, year 2019, 2,780 hours

New MX Front weight block Choice of 900kg, 1200kg, 1500kg Bumper kit available In stock and ready for delivery

Used Kuhn VKM 280 Rotor balanced, new flails, 2.8m working width, offset side shift, rear mounted roller, Year 2007

New Kuhn GA7501+ Rake 6.7m-7.5m working width, 1.3m1.9m swath width, 11 tines per rotor, 3D bogie axle

New Kuhn RW1610C Two pre stretch film rollers, RF- Remote control, auto stop

*Don’t miss out on Kuhn’s 0% Finance on grassland machinery* New Kuhn VB 7160 4 belts, weigher, I-dense system, 0.80m-1.85m diameter bales, 2.3m pick up reel with 14 knifes

New Kuhn FC3115 D 3.1m working width, fast fit blades, vertical fold - GMD 280/310 – FF244/284/314 in stock

Used Kuhn MDS 935 Portek blob marker, 12m discs, hopper extensions, year 2005

Used Kuhn Axis 20.2D S4 discs 18m-28m, manual rate adjustment, tungsten veins, year 2017

Amazone 3200 ZA-V Manual rate adjustment, castor wheels, hydraulic shut off, year 2017

New Kuhn Sitera 3m drill 24-disc coulters (12.5cm spacing), 780L hopper, electric metering, seedflex seed unit

New Kuhn Espro 4m disc drill 26-disc coulter (15cm spacing), 3,500L hopper, electric metering, 32 work discs, crossflex coulter

Used Vaderstad carrier 300 HE-VA sheer bolt legs, hydraulic depth adjustment

New Kuhn 500R Prolander 5m working width, 4 tine rows, 33 S-Tines, crumbler roller

New Kuhn L6000 Optimerr 510mm notched discs, hydraulic depth adjustment, + L300& L400

Used Kuhn Hr304D Quick fit tines, levelling board, year 2014

New DalBo 630&830 minimax 55cm snowflake rings, both Cambridge and breaker ring

New AW 16T mono trailer Commercial parabolic sprung axles, air brakes, ULTIMA SPEC

New AW 14T mono trailer Commercial parabolic sprung axles, air brakes, ULTIMA SPEC

New AW 12-ton mono trailer Sprung drawbar, sprung axles, hydraulic back door, body prop

New AW 26ft, 10 Ton trailerr Sprung axles, rear pivoting goal post, LED lights

AW 12T bale trailer Storage shelf, 445/45R19.5 tyres, sprung axles

| February 16, 2024

p058.indd 58

FGbuyandsell.com FGinsight.com

14/02/2024 14:02:30

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

NG 32' LO

ONLY DOUBLE .00

PG3800ADV

IDEAL FOR RAIN & SUN PROTECTION

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

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

Offering low cost, efﬁcient heating

VOLT IN STOCK FROM £226.80 inc.VAT

230&

110

IG2200A

ALSO

exc.VAT 94 FOOTER

219

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

PRICE CUT £ DOUBLE.00

529exc.VAT

£634.80 inc.VAT DOUBLE

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

Propane gas ﬁred

£113.99 inc.VAT

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

CFC100

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

5 TONNE FORKLIFT/TRACTOR JACK - CFT5B 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

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

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

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£ DOUBLE .98

FROM ONLY £ DOUBLE.00

229exc.VAT

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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

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

CFM 7 9.3 14.5 14.5

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

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

CAN DRAW OWN WATER PRESSURE

WASHERS Honda & Diesel engine models in stock

FOOTER £116.39 inc.VAT

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

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

Model 910 JS1100C 4000 JS12/24

DEVIL 7003

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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

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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

CIG1640

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PETROL ENGINE FROM ONLY HEADER WATER PUMPS £ .98

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

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FROM ONLY £ DOUBLE .99 DOUBLE

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12V battery charging facility

exc.VAT inc.VAT £1099.00 £1318.80 £2599.00 £3118.80

TURBO FAN GAS HEATERS

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

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£360

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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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.00 589exc.VAT £706.80 inc.VAT

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 LPM Head 258 11.0m 140 7.0m 290 9.5m 430 13m

Model PVP11A* HSE130A# HSEC650A HSE1400A†

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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MM1 Farmers Guardian 266x196 p2.indd 1

FGbuyandsell.com

p059.indd 59

05/01/2024 12:19

February 16, 2024 |

14/02/2024 15:14:45

FGBuyandSell.com

NEW SPEARHEAD S60 VERGE / HEDGE CUTTER, 1.5m head, hydraulic Roller, Pilot controls.

KRONE BIG X 770 FORAGE HARVESTER c/w Easy collect 903, 2016, 1422 hours.

CASE IH 742 FARMLIFT TELESCOPIC 2022, 2625 hours, Pin & Cone headstock, Case IH Warranty.

NEW FARMALL 55C 2wd PowerShuttle, full cab, Case IH Warranty. From £29,250 + vat.

NEW PUMA 200 CVX 50kph. Choice of Accuguide, Case IH Warranty.

CASE IH PUMA 220 Full PowerShift 50kph. Front linkage & pto. 2018, 5300 hours.

NEW CASE IH FARMALL 55A 2wd Shuttle. Folding ROPS roll bar. Case IH Warranty. From £21,000 + vat.

CASE IH FARMALL 75A PowerShuttle 4wd. 2013, 900 hours, 16.9 x 30 tyres.

CASE IH PUMA 240 CVX 50kph. Front linkage, Accuguide, 2021, 3144 hours.

WEIDEMANN T4512

Compact telescopic forklift, 2023, low hours, pallet forks, brilliant machine.

NEW HOLLAND T5.115 4wd. Loader ready, 420/85 x 38 tyres, 2013, 3425 hours.

| February 16, 2024

p060.indd 60

DEUTZ 5110 FX30 Self levelling loader, 2020, 816 hours, A/C 108hp.

STARTIN TRACTORS LTD

TWYCROSS CV9 3PW

RECO LINKAGE MOUNTED HEDGE CUTTER, cable controls 1.2m head, tidy machine.

NEW KRONE TC640 Twin Rotor Rake, hydraulic width adjustment, central curtain.

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*Finance offered subject to Terms and Conditions.

FGbuyandsell.com FGinsight.com

14/02/2024 14:03:55

Call 01772 799500 and place your ad today

NEW & USED STOCK www.chandlers.co.uk 2022

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p061.indd 61

SALES | PARTS | SERVICE www.chandlers.co.uk February 16, 2024 |

14/02/2024 14:04:50

MACHINERY

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

Looking to boost soil health, one Devon farmer saw the potential in a strip tillage system, which could also help to stabilise soil erosion. Geoff Ashcroft reports.

Changing machinery for maize establishment

ames Lee has always had an interest in soil health and, having studied direct drilling at Reading University, he was keen to put theory into practice back on the family’s mixed farming business at Uppincott Farm, near Crediton. He says: “The red soils in this area are prone to erosion when we get heavy downpours, and most of it appears to stem from excessive cultivations. There is nothing to bind the soil together and it was even worse on slopes. “It seemed to me that the less we moved this soil, the better it was, and this led me to find solutions to improve what we were doing to establish our crops. Part of that process was to get away from intensive cultivations, and lean towards direct drilling and cover crops to anchor the soils.” James works in partnership with his dad, Nick, and brother, Jonathan, and says the family’s mixed farm affords

a good supply of manure and organic materials. Cropping is mostly combinable, plus grass and maize, and historically the farm was paying a price for traditional seedbed production involving ploughing and deep cultivations, particularly for wheat following maize. “We switched to a three-metre Claydon SR drill in 2006, and this helped to improve establishment for all our combinable crops,” says James. “We could drill on pretty much any surface, which gave us the flexibility to try different processes. “We were still ploughing after maize, but the ground had already been heavily worked in the spring – it was costly and seemed excessive to plough again for wheat. Fortunately, the Claydon gave us the option of drilling wheat straight into maize stubble.” However, he says that in a wet autumn with slumped soils, results could be much poorer than expected. “This highlighted that the problem

was not with our wheat establishment, but it was down to how we grew maize. I believed that if we could adopt a strip-tillage system for maize, it would be much easier to establish wheat afterwards,” he says. Having tried some of the systems already on the market, James was not convinced existing kit was right for the soil type.

Prototype He says: “Nothing seemed to process enough of the soil in a strip, and looking around at other cultivators, I really liked what Grange Machinery had on its subsoiler as a low disturbance tine. So in 2019, I went to Groundswell and met Rhun Jones and his team, and put my cards on the table. “Grange Machinery built its first prototype of what was to eventually become its Strip-Till Preparator more or less to my specification. “Our first season with that first

prototype saw us strip-till a 20-acre block for maize. The crop was sown using our six-row Kverneland Optima V, matching the 3m, six-row, 500mm row format of the Preparator. “We had put a cover crop into cereal stubbles to help overwinter the soil ahead of maize, and that year, we harvested some mega crops. But at least we had something to compare against our traditional practice of plough, power harrow and drill.” It was a ‘big step forward’ for establishing wheat after maize, says James. “It certainly adhered to the principle of what we wanted to achieve, and the second prototype that followed help to refine the process,” he says. With a 3m working width, the Grange Strip-Till Preparator uses a row of front cutting discs, each followed by a low disturbance loosening leg. A pair of serrated discs follow, called ‘catching discs’, which are infinitely adjustable fore-and-aft to vary the amount of soil flow from

The Strip-Till Preparator uses a combination of vertical and horizontal disc adjustment to deliver zonal cultivation behind a low disturbance sub-soiler leg.

1 M D A 2- 6 R E E p5 RN H

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

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farmersguardian.com

14/02/2024 11:21

MAIZE MACHINERY We have cut our costs using the [Grange Machinery StripTill] Preparator without impacting on yields JAMES LEE the leg into the row being prepared. These two discs determine the maximum width of the soil strip. While this pair of discs can be moved forward towards the loosening leg, or pushed rearwards towards a pair of cultivation discs, their working depth is fixed at about 50mm. The cultivation discs that follow are an offset pair of wavy discs that are hydraulically adjustable for working depth through a range of 100-150mm. This pair works inside the strip of soil and at a greater depth than the catching discs. Their stagger, while adjustable, allows a substantial level of cultivation in a narrower zone and leaves the soil ready for drilling, says Grange Machinery. At the rear, a Guttler prism ring provides zoned consolidation – but only onto the strip of prepared soil, using three press ring sections per strip. “The first prototype was a shearbolt model, which had all its loosening legs inline across the working width,” says James. “It needed a lot of pulling with our New Holland T7 260. Since then, the second prototype saw its legs staggered to reduce the draft required, which is easier to pull at 8kph.” He says that the first version operated very well, and in conjunction with a front-mounted fertiliser tank, James was placing starter fertiliser behind the loosening leg.

Seedbed opportunity “We found ourselves creating a well-prepared 200mm strip of soil at 500mm centres, and with the loosening legs moving everything across the full working width to a depth of about 300mm, we had created the best seedbed opportunity for maize, without risking erosion,” he says. “And we have found it can comfortably handle cover crop residues too.” In 2021 and 2022, he used Grange Machinery’s second prototype to establish 100 hectares of maize each season. Following the Strip-Till Preparator’s launch at the 2023 LAMMA farmersguardian.com

p62 63 Feb16 MB TW OM.indd 3

Show, he swapped to the full production version with auto-reset. James says: “We are gaining knowledge and experience of the system every year, and it is important to understand the risks and the limitations of any system you use. I am not afraid to plough if we have to.

Systems approach “But what we have found is that using strip-tillage for maize is very much a systems approach rather than a single solution. Our cover crop mixes, and how we deal with them, are evolving too. If sheep do not graze them off, we will spray, but it is certainly leading to better root growth, while improving the soil structure across the farm. “We have also put the brakes on soil erosion on maize ground when there is a heavy downpour or summer storm.” He says that a recent investment in an on-farm weighbridge will enable the farm to fully validate yields this season. “We have cut our costs using the Preparator without impacting on yields, according to data that has come from the forage harvester,” he says. “Though, the next stage is to invest in an on-farm weighbridge to fully validate our yields.” James says that strip-tillage continues to bring multiple benefits to the business. “There is the advantage of firmer ground between the rows when it comes to maize harvesting, which helps with supporting trailers and has cut down the amount of mud on the roads,” says James. “And we have also established oilseed rape using the Preparator, dropping seed down between the last pair of discs, ahead of the Guttler rings.” Clearly enthused by the strip-till approach, James is keen to further develop his interest in soil health to make the most of this system. “I believe that, correctly done, a direct drilled crop can be just as profitable as one grown using a heavily cultivated seedbed,” he says. “As with any systems-based approach, it is not a five-minute fix.”

Disc adjustment is said to hold the key to the Strip-Till Preparator’s effectiveness.

FEBRUARY 16 2024 | 63

14/02/2024 11:21

MACHINERY MAIZE Future Biogas uses 400,000 tonnes of maize per year in its anaerobic digesters for energy production.

Despite changes to renewables funding, maize is still a popular energy crop, providing useful income for farmers and contractors. Jane Carley finds out what it takes to grow the crop for one of the leading anaerobic digestion operators.

Kitted out for maize power

aize serves as an important feedstock for anaerobic digestion (AD) and demand for the crop for this use has seen its expansion. Future Biogas runs 11 AD plants across the UK and, at some, maize represents up to 75 per cent of the feedstock. Feedstock development lead Michael Jarmuz says: “Maize is easily digestible and produces a high gas yield. “It is also stable at harvest; once it reaches 30-32 per cent it generally dries down slowly, whereas rye can easily become too dry.”

64 | FEBRUARY 16 2024

p64 65 66 Feb 16 MB OM TW.indd 2

Future Biogas uses some 400,000 tonnes of maize per year and the company has some land under cropping licence and 121 hectares of its own at one plant. The rest is supplied by farmers under both annual and long-term crop supply agreements.

Contractors He says: “Growers may drill their own land, join forces with others to purchase a drill or use a contractor, whereas for harvest, we employ the contractors across the majority of the sites so that we can manage the harvest and control the intakes at the clamp. It is the best time for us to really influence quality.”

He says that the company works closely with the farmers on maize variety choice to maximise the success of maize within a farm’s rotation. “It depends on their yield aspirations – some will opt for a later maturing variety to maximise yield, but if their aim is to provide an entry for first wheats, they will prefer an earlier variety.” Row width also depends on the grower. Mr Jarmuz says that there is no real advantage to growing at 500mm row widths as opposed to the conventional 750mm maize rows, but if the grower can justify the purchase of a drill by also

using it for beet, 500mm suits both crops. “Many growers or grower groups use the Vaderstad Tempo which has high outputs in the right conditions, but we also have growers with the Horsch Maestro and other drills with excellent results. Seedbed preparation is more important than drill choice.” He suggests that rolling before drilling can be useful to consolidate the surface and, while on lighter land, a Sumo Trio might be enough to create the right seedbed, heavier land may well need power harrowing. “We have some experience with strip tilling and we continue farmersguardian.com

14/02/2024 09:50

Clamping is an intensive process which requires specialist machinery, skilled operators and good communication.

MAIZE MACHINERY We are working to minimise cultivations – the key factor is a level seedbed with some tilth and avoiding compaction MICHAEL JARMUZ to look at it; there certainly seems to be renewed interest in strip tilling for maize. We are working to minimise cultivations where we can – the key factor is a level seedbed with some tilth and avoiding compaction.” Maize has received bad press for risking run-off and soil loss, and Mr Jarmuz says the company’s growers have been undersowing grass for several years, with the company sponsoring grass seed in some situations. “All fields where there is a risk of run-off are undersown,” he adds. “We have looked at various methods – from putting the grass seed on with a fertiliser spreader to applying with digestate from a dribble bar. The best way seems to be with a specialist disc coulter drill such as the Weaving. “We have also grazed off the remaining grass, offering winter keep to local shepherds.”

oven at the plant. We will look to do more with harvest data in the future. “Having the near infrared [NIR] sensors on the harvesters is useful, however, as it can be very difficult to gauge the maturity of the crop until you get in the field. “We monitor quality closely – all kernels must be cracked.” “We have a team of feedstock managers to take care of safety, crop quality and dry matter for each site. “Contractors or seasonal staff, operate tractors and loading shovels for clamp loading, but we have

our own fleet of piste bashers for rolling,” Mr Jarmuz says. “The Pisten Bully machines are an expensive option, but they mean that we can roll the sides of the clamp in safety.”

Trailers Contractors also help with haulage either with tractors or lorries, while for one Norfolk site, Future Biogas has the use of Dezeure overload trailers. In Yorkshire another contractor loads with a converted Ropa Maus. Getting the clamps sheeted efficiently is key, Mr Jarmuz says.

“We use some 30 people to get them covered. “A range of sheet sizes and types are used, but we have found gluing them with a German product called Glukon to be successful in preventing wind damage and losses.” Feeding out uses the plant’s own equipment – JCB Wastemasters, a Kramer telehandler and Volvo loading shovel, with Holaras silage rakes giving more capacity than a block cutter.

Continues over the page.

Top dressing Starter fertiliser is followed by a top dressing at the three to four leaf stage. All maize crops get a pre-em, followed by a post-em herbicide before the six-leaf stage, before undersowing the grass. “Where roots are grown after maize, residual chemicals are an issue and we do inter-row hoe at one site, but it is a fairly basic setup and there is no justification yet for investing in a wide hoe with individual share lift. That may change as more chemicals are lost.” Maize is harvested at 30-40 per cent dry matter, with the target being 35 per cent. Chop length is 5-10mm depending on dry matter – at 35 per cent it needs to be as fine as possible, says Mr Jarmuz. “We have no preference for harvester brand and, while some contractors have fairly high tech set ups, we test all samples in an farmersguardian.com

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MACHINERY MAIZE

Row spacing is not critical, offering greater flexibility over drill choice, but good seedbed preparation is key.

THE CONTRACTOR’S VIEW P. RUSSON and Sons offers a contracting service for Future Biogas in Lincolnshire, covering 2,500 hectares of maize. Tim Russon has a finely honed fleet of equipment for the job, which runs alongside a portfolio of other grass and arable work. He says: “We drill at 750mm row spacings and found that in 2023 this yielded three tonnes/ha more than where our other clients, who also need a planter for sugar beet, were drilling at 500mm. “It means we have 30 per cent less wearing metal in the ground and we also find that the crop feeds into the forager better, with the rows easier to follow.” In the wet winter of 2023/4 it also brought the advantage that the crop could be harvested with

While each plant has its own testing equipment for crop values, having an NIR sensor on the forager can be a useful aid to confirming the maturity of the crop and its readiness for harvest. an eight-row header on the combine where the forager had been unable to get in, he says. Mr Russon uses four drills: a Horsch Maestro, Amazone Precea and two Kverneland Optimas and he says they have different strengths.

Handier

Contractor Tim Russon. 66 | FEBRUARY 16 2024

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“The Amazone is mounted and can get into smaller fields; it is handier especially on the back of a Fastrac. “The Horsch is a very good, high capacity machine, but not ideal in smaller fields. We had the Kverneland Optima first and it is a lower cost machine which means

that we can justify having more drills. They are all six-metre and can work at a high forward speed.” Having drills of the same width also helps with undersowing grass, carried out with a six-metre Weaving inter-row drill, and Mr Russon has seen plenty of benefits from this operation. “The clients like it because it allows double cropping with an early crop of grass silage before going back into maize or allows digestate to go on earlier. “It is useful grazing for sheep, too and we find it helpful for moving machinery, keeping the soil in the field.”

Running two Claas Jaguar 970s with 36 blade drums at harvest gives the requisite short chop, with the 24 blade classic drum on a Jaguar 880 for smaller jobs and a Jaguar 970 as a back-up machine. “You need to slow the header and feed rollers down to get the right chop with 24 blades, which is not ideal as chop quality is better with the header and rollers flat out,” says Mr Russon. “However, some varieties will chop better when slightly green.” For the larger growers with 1,000ha of maize or more working together to grow a spread of varieties lengthens the harvest window, he points out.

Logistics P. Russon and Son also provide most of the harvest logistics for their growers, running 18 tractors and 16t Bailey silage trailers with rollover sheets. On the clamp, the team also operates two JCB 435 loading shovels and three tractors and buckrakes plus two of Future Biogas’ Pisten Bully machines. “On long hauls and at busy times, sub-contractors are brought in to help keep the foragers moving, but when you are loading 200t/hour it is important to use experienced drivers, working in communication with the pit team via two-way radio,” Mr Russon says.

farmersguardian.com

14/02/2024 09:51

YAMS MACHINERY The Yorkshire Agricultural Machinery Show returned for its 10th year, giving visitors from across the region an opportunity to catch up with exhibitors. James Huyton reports.

Optimistic outlook rPositivity among

dealers and visitors A RANGE of innovative kit and enthusiastic exhibitors were met by equally keen visitors to the Yorkshire Agricultural Machinery Show. Speaking at the event, founding organiser Richard Tasker, of Stephensons Rural, said: “It is great to see so many visitors and exhibitors return to the event, from the initial beginnings – being approached at the time by local firm Yorkshire Handlers to host a manufacturer machinery demonstration at the mart – to where we are now with about 210 stands is a great achievement.” Among regional dealers, the show also gave the opportunity for Yorkshire-based machinery manufacturers Grange Machinery, Sumo and Bramleys Seed Establishment to showcase equipment to prospective local buyers.

Against a backdrop of European farming unrest, the show still had a feeling of positivity among both dealers and visitors. Winner of the show’s best outdoor stand was Peacock and Binnington, and its sales director Marcus Bourne said: “The award is a great start to our show season and puts us on the right foot with Peacock and Binnington celebrating 130 years in business this year. “The 130th year also brings with it a number of fundraising events raising money for RABI and LRSN, starting with 13 team members running the 16km Snake Lane 10.” McArthur Agriculture – specialists in grain drying, storage and handling equipment – won the award for best indoor stand. Terry Royston, regional sales manager, said: “The award came as a real surprise to us. As attendees to the event from its outset, we are glad to be back at the show and it has made a positive start to the year.”

CERES SUBLINE CAMBRIDGE-BASED machinery manufacturer Ceres showcased its competitively priced grassland subsoiler. Single-leg variants start at £2,525, and the range-topping three-metre, five-leg derivative (pictured) is priced at £6,880. The show model incorporates five inline contoured legs, with working depths up to 450mm.

The Yorkshire Agricultural Machinery Show opened to visitors for its 10th year.

Simultaneous leading disc depth adjustment is through a single side handle. Each leg incorporates interchangeable knock-on points and dual shear bolt protection. The 460mm flat levelling roller uses twin turn buckles for depth adjustment and an adjustable scraper.

Winner of the best outdoor stand was Peacock and Binnington. Left to right: Marcus Bourne, Sadie Richardson, James Clark and Dom Watson.

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MACHINERY YAMS ZONE DIRECT SEED DRILL BRAMLEY’S Seed Establishment picked up interest with its new tine-based direct drill toolbar. The multi-zone system gives options for varying tine, disc and following harrow across four different mounting points. The six-metre folding variant offers contour-following capabilities across two three-metre working areas. Formats include a leading disc, two rows of tines at

250mm row spacing and packer wheels, or a following harrow arrangement. Alternatively, options also include three rows of tines with a rear following harrow. The manufacturer expects to introduce 3m and 4m variants this coming year, with options for interchangeable harrow legs for subsequent crop weed management also available.

SKY X40+ FOLLOWING its late-2023 rebrand, all former Sulky products can now be seen in the new grey-white Sky livery. A model from the manufacturer’s fertiliser range was on show at the event, which features a 3,000-litre tank capacity

and 12- to 44-metre spread widths with hydraulic disc drive independent of engine speed. Control of the implement is fully IsoBus compatible and can be specified with the manufacturer’s EcoNov sectional control system.

SHELBOURNE POWERSPREAD PRO 3200 TA THE range-topping Powerspread Pro 3200 muck spreader features tandem axels and a 14.5cu.m capacity. The system uses a central auger, operating at 13rpm, to feed material the full length of the machine to the discharge rotor. The side-mounted Hardox steel door offers extra durability when acting as a shear bar to material

on discharge. Specified with a power spread nutrient tracker scale, the operator has the ability to specify accurate fieldwork rates. The weigh cell system gives live, on-the-move application rates, with the monitor indicating current gross weight, ground speed, area covered and target weight applied.

It is great to see so many visitors and exhibitors return to the event, said founding organiser Richard Tasker.

McArthur Agriculture won the award for best indoor stand. Left to right: Sarah Willams and Terry Royston.

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06/02/2024 09/02/2024 08:29 17:32 14/02/2024

LIVESTOCK

Edited by Katie Jones – 07786 856 439 – katie.jones@agriconnect.com A ewe’s nutrient requirement is dependent on litter size, the stage of pregnancy and the ewe’s body weight.

Attention should be given to ewe nutrition in late pregnancy to maximise outputs and promote lamb survivability and performance. Katie Fallon reports. rLast six weeks most crucial for development

SPEAKING in the second of a series of lamb crop webinars held by SRUC, research officer Tim Keady, of the Agriculture and Food Development Authority, Teagasc, said when looking to increase flock outputs, a focus on ewe nutrition was paramount, particularly in late gestation. He added that while the mean duration of a sheep’s gestation was 147 days, the foetus itself will not develop until very late in pregnancy, with about 70 per cent of foetal development taking place in the last six weeks of gestation. Mr Keady said it was crucial to get the ewe’s nutrition right in those last six weeks, as a single lamb which was six weeks away from birth would weigh 1.5kg, but at birth six weeks later would weigh 6kg. He added that a set of twins would weigh 3.5kg six weeks from lambing, but 11kg at the point of lambing. Similarly, a set of triplets six weeks out from lambing would weigh 3.5kg collectively, but the ewe will produce 14kg of foetuses at the point of lambing.

Key nutrients When looking at ewe nutrition, Mr Keady said energy and protein were the key nutrients which should be considered, with a ewe’s nutrient requirement dependent on litter size, the stage of pregnancy and the ewe’s body weight. 70 | FEBRUARY 16 2024

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Ewe nutrition focus in late gestation vital He said the metabolisable energy requirement of a ewe carrying a single lamb, six weeks away from lambing was about 12 megajoules (MJ) per day, whereas a ewe carrying triplets would require 15MJ daily. “That is a difference of 30 per cent. But one week before lambing, the ewe carrying a single lamb will require 16MJ and the ewe carrying triplets 25MJ, which is a 60 per cent difference.” Similarly, Mr Keady added there was also a rapid increase in protein requirements in late pregnancy, and when formulating diets, effective rumen degradable protein (ERDP) and digestible un-degradable protein (DUP), were the two main types to be considered. “ERDP is the protein which is readily broken down in the rumen and can be captured by rumen microbes, whereas DUP, is a fraction of the protein which bypasses the rumen but is digested in the intestine.” The two proteins combine to form microbial protein, and six weeks before lambing a ewe carrying triplets will require 120g of microbial protein daily, however, the week prior to lamb-

ing that requirement will increase by almost 40 per cent to 171g daily. Lamb birth weight was another important factor affecting flock output, said Mr Keady, as lamb weight has a large effect on lamb performance and survivability. “Of lamb mortality, 60 per cent happens within the first 24 hours of life, with 19 per cent of deaths due to dystocia.” A recent study carried out by Teagasc, which collected data on nearly 3,000 lambs in Ireland, showed that regardless of litter size, as lamb birth weight increases, mortality decreases. And when looking at the impact of ewe nutrition on lamb birth weight, the D-value of silage has proved to be particularly important. With 60 per cent of sheep in Ireland being in a housed system fed predominantly grass silage, Mr Keady said a study which looked at the effect of silage feed value on lamb performance showed as the silage D-value increased, feed intake, body condition, lamb birth weight and lamb weight at weaning also increased. “The summary of the data would show that for each 5 per cent increase

in silage D-value, the weight of the ewe at lambing increased by 6kg, assuming they were housed in mid-December and lambed in the beginning of March.”

Body condition score Additionally, body condition score increased by half a unit, lamb birth weight by 0.3kg and lamb weight at weaning by 1kg. When looking at how much concentrate ewes in late pregnancy should receive, Mr Keady said ewes carrying twins which are offered precision chop silage with a D-value of 72 would require 12kg of concentrate. However, if ewes were offered precision chop silage with a D-value of 62, nearly 30kg of concentrate would be required. “It is important to note that as you increase chop length you will increase concentrate requirement, as chop length affects intake in sheep,” he said. For ewes scanned with single lambs these figures should be reduced by around 5kg, according to Mr Keady, and 8kg added for ewes with triplets, in the six weeks before lambing. farmersguardian.com

14/02/2024 10:36

Navel ill is a particular problem among suckler calves, said Ben Strugnell.

LIVESTOCK From dirty needles to insufficient navel dipping, some of the most common causes of death identified in sheep and calves can often be easily avoided at little extra cost. Katie Fallon reports.

Common but avoidable causes of death in livestock rVet offers insight into

sheep and calf deaths

SPEAKING at an event at Carlisle auction market, organised by AHDB, Carr’s Billington and Elanco Animal Health vet Ben Strugnell, of Farm Post Mortems, shared some of the most common causes of death in sheep and calves which he sees regularly on his table, all of which can easily be avoided at little or no additional cost.

NEEDLES

DOSING GUN INJURIES

NEEDLE injuries are another common cause of death among sheep, added Mr Strugnell, particularly from dirty needles or needles being used in the wrong place. He said bacteria from a dirty needle could cause an infection in the heart as well as causing abscesses. “There are no hard and fast rules, but you might want to change your needle every 20-30 sheep,” he said. He advised using a small and short needle, as the smaller the needle is the less bacteria can enter the skin. He also told farmers that if they are injecting sheep in the neck, to be mindful that it is very close to the spinal cord, therefore a short needle should be used when injecting anywhere around the neck or ears.

MR Strugnell advised farmers to dose sympathetically when using a dosing gun to dose sheep. He said he often sees abscesses at the back of sheeps’’ throats, caused by dosing guns, which have eroded into blood vessels, resulting in the sheep bleeding out or being unable to swallow.

To ensure the navel dries and shrivels up quickly, Mr Strugnell advised using a navel dip which contains a spirit concentration of 10 per cent. “Calves are not safe until the navel is completely shrivelled up, so you need to keep dipping until the navel is shrivelled and dried.” Colostrum is also important when

preventing navel ill, added Mr Strugnell, and ensuring calves are fed sufficient colostrum quickly is key to protecting the calf against infection. “You have to get at least four litres of colostrum into the calf in the first few hours of life.” Mr Strugnell said a lot of the mortality he sees in calves is caused by navels not being dipped correctly or colostrum not being delivered correctly. “It is surprising how common navel ill is, especially in suckler calves, which is particularly bad when the calf is the only income from that cow.”

THE bacteria causing pulp kidney lives in the small intestine, waiting for an influx of carbohydrates going into the rumen, according to Mr Strugnell. He said a flush of grass or the introduction of concentrate feed causes the carbohydrate levels in the rumen and the small intestine to suddenly go up. This causes the bacteria to rapidly multiply and produce a toxin which is absorbed into the blood stream and goes into the lamb’s kidneys, brain, bladder and heart, therefore killing the lamb. “As soon as the lamb is old enough to be eating grass, it is important to vaccinate, especially if there is going to be a flush of grass as there is a risk of pulp kidney,” said Mr Strugnell. He advised that vaccinating every lamb with two doses of pulp kidney vaccine or a clostridial vaccine at birth will be unequivocally cost effective. “I have seen thousands of lambs die unnecessarily this year because of the shortage of vaccines.”

At any moment pasteurella can come out of hiding, said Mr Strugnell, and either be inhaled into the lungs or go into the blood stream resulting in septicemia. Therefore, sheep should be vaccinated to protect them against infection.

However, Mr Strugnell added that sheep with worms often die of pasteurella whether they have been vaccinated or not. “There is a theory that if sheep are wormy and we vaccinate them, the immune system has two options,

either to deal with the worms or the bacteria in the pasteurella. “And there is evidence to suggest that dealing with the worms directly suppresses the ability to deal with the bacteria. So, if sheep are wormy when vaccinating you really should not vaccinate.”

Ben Strugnell

NAVEL ILL ONE of the most common causes of death in calves is navel ill, said Mr Strugnell. While the navel is extremely important during pregnancy, supplying the calf with nutrients, blood and oxygen, once a calf is born it turns into an ‘inconvenient open door to the outside world’. And as the navel has direct communication with the liver, the bacteria which enters the navel also goes into the blood stream. He said navel ill could not only cause death within the first 24 hours of life, but could lead to the calf developing abscesses in joints and in the brain, causing them to die in a couple of months’ time.

PULP KIDNEY

“Your job as soon as the calf is born is to disinfect all the bacteria. You need to make sure the navel stops being an open tube and shrivels up as soon as possible.”

Navel dip

PASTEURELLA PASTEURELLA lives in the back of a sheep’s throat in the tonsils and the soft pallet, said Mr Strugnell. “It is a normal bacteria and is something every sheep has. But it is opportunistic and waits in the wings to kick sheep when they are down.”

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14/02/2024 12:56

LIVESTOCK ‘Measure to manage’ is the principle behind advice to instigate pregnancy diagnosis for suckler cows, with the process a cost-effective management tool. Wendy Short reports.

Pregnancy diagnosis a valuable tool for suckler herds rEnables informed

decisions to be made PREGNANCY diagnosis (PD) for the suckler herd carries many potential advantages, chief of which is the ability to make informed decisions on breeding, feeding and general management strategy, says vet Keith Cutler, of Synergy Farm Health. He adds: “The vast majority of suckler cows are bred via natural service and the top-performing herds will use PD as means of maximising profitability. It can be used to maintain a tight calving pattern, minimise feed costs and to make best use of labour and housing management. “Feeding the suckler cow is expensive and the early identification of barren cows will allow the focus to switch to a finishing ration which targets a period of high anticipated cull cow prices.” He says PD can be especially useful in a year when forage is in short supply, or when forage quality has failed to meet expectations. And he adds it will also give the option of transferring a barren female from the autumn-calving group to the

spring group, for example, depending on the breeding regime. He says: “A cow that is found to be barren for a second consecutive year can be removed from the main herd in good time. PD will highlight any barren cows that were intended for possible replacement or breeding bull production, so that the mating policy can be adjusted accordingly.” Another motivation for using PD in the suckler herd is to confirm that the bull is working effectively, he adds. Time and money will be lost for every month that an infertile or sub-fertile bull, or one that is not covering the cows at the target rate, is running with the cows. A typical system for introducing PD would be to run the bull with the herd for three months and test the cows within six to eight weeks of its removal, says Mr Cutler. There are two main PD options available to the producer. “The farm vet can be called in to carry out the procedure manually and offer an expert opinion on stage of pregnancy. The diagnosis might determine that the cow has been pregnant, but that the calf has died in the uterus and has been retained. In other cases, the cow might have suffered an infecPD can be especially useful in a year when forage is in short supply, says Keith Cutler.

PD is an important element of managing suckler herds in order to enhance cow performance and business profitability KEITH CUTLER tion and the calf has subsequently been aborted. “In cases where the calf has been retained, hormonal treatment can be administered, so that it is expelled and the cow is brought back into a normal cycle of fertility. More rarely, the cow could be carrying twins, and she can then be managed accordingly. Any remedial treatments that are required can be carried out during the visit. “The alternative, is to book a visit from a ‘lay scanner.’ This is a trained technician who will normally have links to a local veterinary practice and will undertake the procedure using a scanning machine. The scanning information will only produce a positive or negative result, without giving a firm indication of the age of the developing calf.”

Accuracy The accuracy of the veterinary assessment on stage of pregnancy will depend on the timing of the procedure, with greater precision on calving date achievable by scheduling two PD sessions, he says. “A PD at six weeks after service should be able to pinpoint the stage of pregnancy to an accuracy figure of about three to four days,” he says. “By 12-16 weeks following service, the accuracy level will fall slightly to within one month, but it will still be useful for making management decisions. “If the herd manager has opted for two PD sessions, a typical programme would follow a pattern of leaving the bull in with the females for eight to 10 weeks and then carry out the PD. This 72 | FEBRUARY 16 2024

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could be followed by a second examination after a further six to eight weeks. “Cows could be divided into one late and one early calving group and the diet can be adjusted to suit. As each group approaches the known calving date, an iodine supplement could be provided in the last couple of months, for instance. “Foreknowledge of calving date will also assist with vaccination timing for the benefit of the calves, as they will receive the greatest protection against diseases like coronavirus and e.coli, if their dams are vaccinated one month prior to the birth. “And cows that are very close to calving can be given extra supervision, to ensure a safe delivery,” he adds. A realistic target figure for a positive rate following a herd PD is 92-95 per cent, in cases where females have run with the bull for three months, says Mr Cutler. “Individual herd results will depend on a range of factors, but 92-95 per cent should be achievable and 85-90 per cent would be considered acceptable. “I would advise herd managers whose figures fall below 80 per cent to investigate and find out what has gone wrong.” Early PD can also help to pinpoint infectious diseases, he says. “Campylobacter is a relatively common reason for failure to conceive on farms which run a live bull. The risk is greatly increased if hired bulls are routinely used, or where bulls are borrowed from a neighbour, for example. “Other potential disease issues would include BVD and IBR. Johne’s farmersguardian.com

14/02/2024 13:33

LIVESTOCK

Pregnancy diagnosis in the suckler herd can also be used to confirm that the bull is working effectively.

disease will have a lesser impact on cow fertility, but it can affect bull performance.” Failure to achieve target conception rates in suckler cows can sometimes be attributed to an inappropriate ratio of bulls to cow group sizes, says Mr Cutler. “Assuming the cows have not been synchronised for pregnancy,

one mature bull should be able to successfully serve a maximum of 35 cows; 40 head should be considered excessive.

General rule “For young bulls, a general rule is to set cow numbers according to his age. Therefore, an 18-month-old bull should be given 18 cows. It should also

be noted that the various breeds will reach puberty at different ages.” While some larger herds routinely PD their cows, Mr Cutler estimates that only about 50 per cent of farms with a herd size of 50-100 cows are routinely carrying out the practice. “PD is an important element of managing suckler herds in order to enhance cow performance and busi-

ness profitability. The associated cost will depend on individual veterinary practice call-out fees and hourly rates, but it is not time-consuming and an experienced vet will be able to handle as many as 80-90 cows per hour. “I would argue that the expense is not prohibitive, when considered against its valuable contribution towards improving herd management.”

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Call 0330 333 0056 and quote H302 FEBRUARY 16 2024 | 73

14/02/2024 13:34

LIVESTOCK MAIZE

uccessful maize establishment relies on well-aerated soils, as an oxygen-deficient seedbed increases the risk of poor root formation and premature crop senescence, says Andrew Cook, of seed breeder KWS. He says: “Maize favours sandy/loam soils, although it can be grown on heavier land provided compaction issues have been addressed. “Following correct seedbed preparation, the next critical factor is to ensure that the soil is sufficiently warm for planting to go ahead. “The soil must have remained at a consistent 8degC for three to four consecutive days prior to sowing on light soils, while a figure of 12degC is recommended for heavier soils.” Mr Cook reminds growers that premature drilling can have a negative impact on performance, with potential issues including slow germination, uneven plant emergence and reduced nutrient uptake. There may also be a requirement to raise seed rates, with a knock-on effect on input costs. However, he adds that late drilling can delay harvest and heighten the risk of lodging, with subsequent yield losses. He says: “On farms where drilling is late due to a prolonged period of low soil temperatures, early varieties may offer an opportunity to maximise yields. They require fewer days to reach maturity compared with later types, and this can allow for a degree of catch-up in a difficult planting year.” Growers should take a flexible approach to drilling depth, depending on the season, he adds. “As a general rule, crops drilled in early to mid-season should be sown at about 3-5cm, with a drill setting of 5-7cm recommended for midseason sowing.

Delayed drilling “If drilling is delayed until mid-May or beyond, seed should be sown at a depth of 7-9cm to maximise soil moisture access. However, soil type, site location and short-term weather forecast must also to be taken into consideration.” Seed placement has a significant effect on crop performance, so drill

Premature maize drilling can have a negative impact on performance.

As sowing time approaches, growers will need to ensure soil preparation and conditions are correct to ensure good crop establishment. Farmers Guardian reports.

Pinpoint accuracy for maize drilling settings should be calibrated for optimum plant spacing, says Mr Cook. “Accurate seed placement will encourage the development of strong roots and stems, as well as creating uniform light interception by individual plants. “Double planting must be avoided, because it weakens root structure, increases competition between plants and will often produce two smaller ears, which is not desirable. Double planting can also cause yield and maturity irregularities.” Mr Cook adds that another common issue at planting is failure to set the machine so the buttress roots will be covered on 90 per cent of the plant stand.

He says: “A seeding depth which is too shallow on light soils may limit the crop’s drought tolerance capabilities, while on highly fertile soils it can make the crop vulnerable to lodging.” A number of factors will influence seed rates. These include site and yield potential, available heat units typical of the region, planned emergence date and starch content targets, he says. “It is worth studying maize varieties in depth, because matching variety to land type, location and end use is essential for producing good results at harvest. “A seed rate reduction will boost ripening speed and starch yields, but all elements should be considered, before making a final decision.”

RECOMMENDED SEED RATES

Andrew Cook 74 | FEBRUARY 16 2024

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Plants/hectare Units*/ha (Plants/acre) (Units*/acre) 85,000 (34,000) 1.8 (0.72) 90,000 (36,000) 1.9 (0.76) 95,000 (38,000) 2.0 (0.81) 100,000 (40,000) 2.1 (0.85) 105,000 (42,000) 2.2 (0.89) 110,000 (44,500) 2.3 (0.93) 115,000 (46,500) 2.4 (0.98) Source: KWS; Note: * 1 unit = 50,000 seeds

Deposition distance (cm) At 75cm At 50cm 14.9 22.4 14.1 21.2 13.3 20.1 12.7 19.0 12.1 18.1 11.5 17.3 11.0 16.6

Mr Cook says there are pros and cons of 50cm versus 75cm row widths. He says: “It is worth noting that seed rate and row width operate independently of each other. Drilling at 50cm will only change the spatial placement of the plants and not the volume of seed to be planted.

Favourable sites “The technique is best reserved for favourable sites, where it can speed up the closing of the rows and help to prevent weed growth. It also allows for tramlining, which will be seen as a major advantage on some farms. “On the downside, 50cm rows increase the risk of ‘seed bunching’ on units where non-precision systems are adopted. It may also limit the crop’s standing ability on fields which contain high plant numbers. On exposed sites, maize may be more prone to lodging and narrow rows will be more expensive, in terms of drilling costs. “If growers decide to experiment with 50cm row widths for the coming season, I recommend consultation with a FACTS-qualified adviser to review standard starter fertiliser application rates, which may need to be adjusted.” farmersguardian.com

13/02/2024 17:08

MAIZE LIVESTOCK With plans to double his maize acreages this year, Adam Sewell is focusing on picking the right variety for his farm in order to utilise the crop to its full potential for his beef finishing cattle. Farmers Guardian reports.

Maize underpins finishing diet for North Yorkshire unit

rowing maize successfully as far north as Scotch Corner, without the aid of film, requires a combination of experience and the right variety. Add in optimum conditions around establishment and yields such as the 49 tonnes/hectare (20 tonnes/acre) fresh weight achieved by Adam Sewell’s 2023 crop are possible. The bumper crop will make up a significant proportion of the beef finishing ration at Westfield Farm, South Cowton, and, if possible, Mr Sewell will double his maize acreage in 2024. Mr Sewell says: “We grow maize as part of our arable rotation with the biggest limitation to how much maize we drill being the availability of the right land to grow it on.

Finishing “Maize is a valuable part of our beef finishing system, so we are keen to grow more when and where we can. “We typically expect to achieve 15-16t/acre, but conditions fell just right last year and we have been amazed by how well it yielded.” For the past two years, Mr Sewell has grown the Limagrain variety Dignity, supplied by Jo Holmes of ACT. A very early variety suitable for growing in marginal maize growing areas, Dignity is highly ranked for its yield potential.

Adam and Kerry Sewell. farmersguardian.com

p75 Feb 16 MB OM KJ.indd 2

Maize makes up a significant proportion of the beef finishing ration at Westfield Farm.

“Last year’s maize, which was harvested around October 20, followed a cover crop of westerwold ryegrass, which was drilled into a cereal stubble last autumn,” says Mr Sewell. “We grazed our sheep on the ryegrass ley over the winter and took a cut of silage in April, before spreading a good amount of muck on the aftermath. “Conditions were very wet when we were spreading muck, but the ground dried out sufficiently in time to plough and power harrow and we drilled the maize on May 10. “We had a warm and dry June and then enough rain in July, so an ideal set of conditions for the maize to get a good start.” Mr Sewell has his own maize drill, mounted on a power harrow and has gained experience over the years drilling as a contractor. “I have learned that it is generally not a good idea trying to go too early with maize,” he says. “Instead, it is far better to wait until the soil has warmed up, which is usually into May this far north. “We also find our maize drill mounted on a power harrow works

really well. We can achieve far better consistency of establishment across the rows with this system.” Di-ammonium phosphate (DAP) is usually applied down the spout at drilling, but last year Mr Sewell experimented by drilling half of his crop without. He says he saw little difference, so may consider growing maize without DAP in the future.

Sprayed He does, however, see a benefit from using a fast-acting foliar phosphate with zinc, magnesium and potash, which is sprayed onto the crop before canopy closure. “We also apply herbicides, but generally our crops are pretty clean as we are not growing maize continuously,” he says. Beef finishing is Mr Sewell’s primary enterprise, alongside his other sheep, arable and contracting work. He buys in beef cross cattle – predominantly British Blue crosses from dairy herds – at about five months of age and takes them through to finishing at a carcase weight of around 340kg at 18-19 months.

“Our finishing ration is typically 7kg maize, 8kg wheat, 2.5kg grass silage and 2.5kg biscuit meal,” he says. “We are managing to avoid the need to buy in protein as there is sufficient in our grass silage, with the maize element of the diet boosting energy levels. “Cattle will go on this ration at about 15 months of age and we will achieve average daily growth rates of 1.5kg/day for the period through to finishing.” With Mr Sewell aiming to double his maize this year, growing Dignity again will ensure there is no shortage of high energy feed for the cattle going forward. “Dignity has shown that it can perform exceptionally well in this northerly location, backing up the independent trial data,” says Ms Holmes. “It has certainly been infront of crops of a similar maturity class and is a significant step on from the varieties it has replaced. It is good news for farmers operating this far north that there are opportunities to grow their own high energy crops, consistently and reliably.” FEBRUARY 16 2024 | 75

14/02/2024 10:23

MARKET PRICES PRIMESTOCK SCOTLAND All prices quoted in p/kg. STEERS Market day(s) week ending Feb 11

HEIFERS

YOUNG BULLS

Total cattle number

Light average

Medium average

Heavy average

Light average

Medium average

Heavy average

Light average

Medium average

23 1 14 5 50 109 64 5 76

181.00 165.70 306.30 191.67

315.00 294.50 306.00 311.46 299.27 168.70 329.00

220.10 225.13 311.88 282.13 277.39

229.60 164.40 294.40 -

286.86 305.25 323.00 276.68 306.76 310.30 302.91

280.89 249.78 318.50 232.53 299.64 297.63 194.50 293.84

268.00 204.50 -

8 74 149 78 7 116 9 7 44 183 9 62 78 5 28 10 24 7 8 200 61 180 98 214 2 4 5 71 85 40 87 370 2 176 36 28 84 127

225.1 247.2 301.0 242.5 297.5 291.8 330.0 254.4 253.8 289.5 253.3 231.3 267.3 249.5 256.0 249.0 212.5 238.3 270.9 213.5 227.3 227.2 137.0 268.0

234.5 267.7 265.0 293.0 285.8 276.2 281.5 310.5 266.3 263.7 289.8 263.5 269.5 273.8 322.4 259.3 266.5 319.4 339.5 266.8 282.2 245.9 258.1 285.6 312.6 254.4 273.5 280.9 287.9

238.0 269.7 280.7 259.7 293.7 255.5 310.5 306.3 252.5 251.0 268.0 296.9 254.5 268.1 306.2 255.0 275.6 328.6 283.8 273.2 242.9 250.7 295.5 303.0 274.5 282.0 279.7 314.5

278.5 268.8 287.7 180.0 157.8 271.3 302.0 268.5 233.5 295.6 272.0 214.5 244.5 225.2 284.5 212.6 235.5 292.4 102.0 167.5 270.0 288.7 228.5 204.5 300.4 258.0 228.8 -

310.0 261.2 278.6 294.6 195.0 307.4 297.5 205.0 285.6 323.5 267.8 251.5 286.1 279.0 279.4 189.0 214.5 274.0 288.1 262.9 299.1 268.7 282.6 316.3 209.5 273.8 280.6 245.1 262.6 306.1 313.7 228.8 289.5 277.6 302.1

278.0 256.4 288.5 272.8 194.0 269.4 228.0 272.7 320.1 254.9 248.0 274.5 293.6 225.3 240.2 278.7 303.3 261.9 278.3 307.0 179.0 331.5 268.6 288.5 248.0 254.5 272.3 301.9 241.3 291.9 279.2 299.8

232.1 244.0 212.1 274.0 270.7 212.0 184.5 231.2 234.1 187.5 238.5 287.5 231.8 240.0 300.0 210.3

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

CULL COWS

Heavy average

Total cow number

Grade 1 average

Grade 3 average

Dairy sired average

Beef sired average

Total O lambs

248.00 248.60 -

254.00 224.25 259.00

98 39 159 16 71 69 75 143 231

132.90 143.00 153.00 130.10 154.20 158.50

179.60 183.10 173.10 153.10 194.10 192.00 181.10 188.40 189.90

1831 1721 853 445 1170 525 3859 619 1579 1338 4411 1962

251.0 203.5 259.2 248.2 251.6 275.2 243.9 275.4 161.5 250.2 239.8 245.3 262.0 187.5 160.0 275.5 264.3 257.8 226.8 280.4 270.4

247.5 216.5 284.6 284.5 275.4 270.0 292.6 310.3 149.5 260.2 271.8 261.5 292.3 298.0 293.3 314.3 268.4 227.5 264.7 272.5

9 28 111 1 33 323 6 31 6 93 13 49 82 2 60 1 43 70 33 12 6 6 12 122 39 35 2 52 14 14 18 48 13 18 7 19 24 7 19

186.9 154.1 -

169.2 160.2 158.2 -

154.3 143.2 148.1 148.0 162.5 159.5 148.4 147.5 139.0 138.3 158.5 149.0 164.3 149.0 148.5 173.6 147.5 126.9 147.0 146.6 149.9 154.5 118.4 118.8

181.3 187.1 78.0 152.7 188.7 165.8 189.5 142.7 196.3 164.5 180.5 139.0 181.7 181.9 177.6 148.1 177.3 169.7 145.2 158.9 179.9 191.8 226.0 203.2 182.7 161.5 159.8 166.6 136.0 196.5 171.8 184.9 118.9

372 1184 816 169 3948 392 1087 600 2683 1059 721 989 536 1676 1362 780 1022 659 341 1122 1472 892 503 41 810 481 238 841 687 3720 225 1367 479 1657 3164 1068 1504 438 2485 1209 2171 645 575 250 880 1708 833 81 792 1288 243 61 573 1048 311 1569 133

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

76 | FEBRUARY 16 2024

p76 83 Feb16 OM MB.indd 100

farmersguardian.com

14/02/2024 16:56

0 0

00 0 40 90

7 7 8

5 7

3 5

5 0

2 9 9

2 7

6 0

Source: ScotEID/IAAS

WALES

SHEEP Total O/S lambs

O/S lambs light average

O/S lambs standard average

O/S lambs medium average

O/S lambs heavy average

O/S SQQ average

Total Ewes

Ewes average

1831 1721 853 445 1170 525 3859 619 1579 1338 4411 1962

283.23 270.68 174.57 279.88 242.62 266.65 267.25 245.34 317.19

295.38 296.75 276.00 306.63 289.30 297.38 307.05 273.46 314.54 285.84 322.59 322.36

321.40 315.99 305.20 318.92 310.39 291.11 326.30 305.92 339.10 314.16 321.74 329.58

309.90 314.70 300.84 319.10 299.61 285.69 316.53 297.67 332.85 314.66 318.71 316.30

310.01 306.22 305.15 315.11 304.90 293.16 316.13 295.84 330.00 299.11 321.00 329.01

533 344 442 337 176 1926 227 428 651 2007 -

78.89 94.59 81.66 98.47 77.80 90.82 65.78 112.11 80.22 84.91 -

Source: MartEye/LAA

279.2 206.0 263.4 272.8 254.8 287.2 334.4 265.8 290.1 265.6 251.5 314.8 258.8 317.0 338.8 253.0 307.7 296.4 319.5 282.8 303.3 206.0 301.0 275.6 264.5 311.6 268.1 269.4 287.5 288.8 261.4 347.9 376.5 300.1 -

301.8 326.6 305.9 286.0 300.4 298.8 299.7 304.6 347.9 309.8 299.9 296.9 310.2 332.7 311.2 288.4 310.2 320.4 321.0 291.5 304.2 332.2 280.7 285.3 298.0 301.5 322.1 288.1 331.0 314.1 313.4 279.6 304.2 317.9 313.3 296.5 317.0 340.3 287.4 322.3 308.4 328.5 305.8 334.6 343.3 288.1 294.6 310.2 334.8 314.1 330.7 311.7 399.8 293.8 324.4 298.7

farmersguardian.com

p76 83 Feb16 OM MB.indd 101

301.2 312.7 325.8 292.3 317.8 300.7 314.3 316.6 337.8 301.1 302.7 301.5 322.8 349.3 314.8 295.1 316.4 307.4 324.6 293.7 309.7 321.5 307.0 320.9 304.7 312.1 327.7 329.2 302.3 331.7 301.2 327.4 310.6 306.2 311.2 322.9 310.1 322.8 338.4 320.6 320.9 303.5 322.9 317.1 323.7 345.1 307.0 291.6 303.5 335.8 297.8 313.9 322.3 355.6 295.8 322.7 300.2

280.5 303.5 312.0 301.7 321.3 307.6 313.4 299.2 324.1 304.3 300.9 298.8 306.8 329.6 309.0 299.3 308.7 286.9 302.9 304.0 298.5 315.0 301.6 287.4 307.8 306.9 309.7 327.7 299.5 317.8 302.1 322.2 316.6 306.0 306.5 321.4 304.5 309.2 316.4 320.6 311.2 310.5 298.1 308.8 322.2 321.3 303.1 273.1 296.8 323.6 300.9 285.0 317.1 328.7 297.6 315.4 317.3

301.4 319.9 317.5 287.0 311.0 300.0 308.5 314.3 338.8 304.3 297.5 299.6 319.1 345.0 313.9 293.9 313.1 308.5 323.7 290.3 308.3 323.9 303.6 303.9 296.4 312.1 320.3 325.5 298.1 330.7 304.8 325.1 306.6 304.8 312.7 320.3 303.1 322.0 337.7 316.8 321.1 304.0 323.4 313.7 325.0 343.6 306.4 292.4 303.8 334.3 301.0 314.4 319.1 370.6 295.2 321.7 300.0

145 274 375 159 1491 19 673 48 495 452 249 282 181 432 861 70 314 459 1846 1081 143 348 124 41 385 183 4662 38 297 116 224 1052 320 489 69 2956 163 651 211 18 340 548 335 25 34 373 49 92 61 60 289 887 53

109.2 95.8 85.9 72.6 102.1 101.5 110.8 81.5 105.2 100.0 84.9 79.3 81.0 99.1 107.7 79.1 96.3 86.7 99.5 106.5 82.4 87.8 84.3 74.5 112.3 81.7 99.3 119.6 95.6 128.4 92.7 103.8 107.8 66.9 75.9 108.3 95.3 104.7 93.4 104.3 92.0 92.6 98.9 68.2 103.0 108.9 98.1 90.8 100.7 105.6 109.5 116.8 108.8

Market day(s) week ending Feb 11 Bala Brecon Bryncir Builth Wells Carmarthen Crymmych Dolgellau Gaerwen Knighton Llandeilo Llanrwst Llanybydder Machynlleth Mold Monmouthshire Newcastle Emlyn Rhayader Ruthin St Asaph Talgarth Talybont on Usk Welshpool Whitland

Mo We Th\Tu Tu Th

All prices quoted in p/kg. Source: MartEye/LAA Total cattle number 101 77 4 -

STEERS Light average 226.5 333.5 -

YOUNG BULLS Bala Brecon Bryncir Builth Wells Carmarthen Crymmych Dolgellau Gaerwen Knighton Llandeilo Llanrwst Llanybydder Machynlleth Mold Monmouthshire Newcastle Emlyn Rhayader Ruthin St Asaph Talgarth Talybont on Usk Welshpool Whitland

HEIFERS

Medium average 259.9 313.7 -

Heavy average 269.4 316.1 -

Total cow number 7 3 38 24 16 4 9 25 -

Grade 1 average -

Light average 236.8 -

CULL COWS

Medium average 270.3 312.3 -

Heavy average 264.6 319.6 227.0 -

Dairy sired average 140.0 156.1 150.6 -

Beef sired average 195.3 179.0 152.1 176.6 178.8 199.5 265.6 202.8 -

Light average -

Medium average 200.0 324.0 317.0 -

Heavy average 231.0 309.6 -

Total O/S lambs

O/S lambs light average

O/S lambs standard average

O/S lambs medium average

O/S lambs heavy average

O/S SQQ average

Total Ewes

Ewes average

216 258 199 1794 - - - 300 728 196 313 294 291 112 1242 220 669 3316 1465 665 1014 3315 334

278.5 298.4 285.5 304.1 281.7 248.5 309.9 237.5 318.7 317.8 294.5 259.6 287.4 283.2 304.6 301.3 307.1 284.4

273.4 311.7 297.2 306.1 305.4 293.2 298.2 325.2 306.0 322.2 320.0 309.7 315.4 294.1 311.6 312.7 308.1 319.1 320.6 294.4

275.8 338.1 298.1 318.8 323.2 315.5 286.5 307.0 296.1 315.5 324.0 307.4 320.2 318.7 323.0 324.0 320.7 323.8 321.5 309.4

334.3 297.0 308.4 294.0 304.5 278.4 286.0 295.6 326.1 302.0 312.0 305.4 314.2 322.1 312.3 313.5 314.7 300.2

277.5 323.1 295.6 311.7 307.5 314.0 285.5 318.9 298.0 319.9 323.6 310.6 315.1 314.8 314.3 315.0 314.3 320.2 318.2 299.9

100 170 709 134 335 106 139 241 95 20 946 118 36 496 552 226 148 2381 123

84.6 78.5 63.6

Grade 3 average -

SHEEP

Bala Brecon Bryncir Builth Wells Carmarthen Crymmych Dolgellau Gaerwen Knighton Llandeilo Llanrwst Llanybydder Machynlleth Mold Monmouthshire Newcastle Emlyn Rhayader Ruthin St Asaph Talgarth Talybont on Usk Welshpool Whitland

95.1 72.2 65.0 122.1 76.7 64.4 97.8 81.2 89.5 40.9 73.6 90.2 78.7 62.8 84.5 82.2

Browse. Sell. Buy at FGBuyandSell.com FEBRUARY 16 2024 | 77

14/02/2024 16:56

MARKET PRICES STORE CATTLE SCOTLAND STORES (CONTINENTAL-SIRED) Market day(s) w/e Feb 11

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

Tu\Th Mo We

Mo Tu Tu Fr

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.

65/1149.23 -/110/1164.73 222/1355.77 -/-/-/69/1303.62 118/1254.58 35/1211.14 19/1173.16 -/-/235/1290.11 349/1484.30

58/1383.45 -/8/1402.50 50/1547.80 -/-/-/54/1495.83 31/1315.48 15/1332.67 20/1268.50 -/-/69/1373.91 84/1502.98

114/1509.21 -/40/1514.00 14/1582.14 -/-/-/143/1640.28 75/1523.87 1/1100.00 9/1184.44 -/-/123/1598.90 179/1672.35

73/952.33 -/53/794.91 202/1146.63 -/-/-/15/1127.33 41/1166.10 15/963.33 34/978.24 -/-/144/1116.84 189/1332.25

38/1261.05 -/10/1348.00 36/1260.00 -/-/-/15/1423.00 37/1290.81 15/1234.00 27/1137.78 -/-/88/1301.82 101/1497.62

117/1485.81 -/52/1456.73 18/1384.44 -/-/-/202/1551.96 79/1421.52 4/1457.50 12/1300.00 -/-/187/1490.86 123/1628.37

24/949.17 -/36/1281.94 58/917.24 -/-/-/1/1300.00 35/1178.29 30/1015.00 12/1046.25 -/-/122/1302.34 18/1363.89

24/1253.75 -/11/1464.55 14/1217.14 -/-/-/7/1400.71 42/1287.50 6/875.00 8/1291.25 -/-/38/1466.58 17/1566.18

48/1352.71 -/12/1666.67 2/1020.00 -/-/-/75/1535.20 51/1534.22 14/1375.71 6/1070.00 -/-/73/1626.51 57/1625.70

17/800.00 -/5/980.00 47/741.28 -/-/-/1/1140.00 18/901.67 8/945.00 5/946.00 -/-/45/1020.11 2/1110.00

19/1192.63 -/2/1520.00 15/876.00 -/-/-/6/1212.50 9/1266.67 5/1116.00 2/1285.00 -/-/71/1130.99 11/1430.00

64/1309.06 -/16/1611.88 15/1228.00 -/-/-/44/1460.80 42/1347.86 14/1307.14 2/1080.00 -/-/66/1350.68 52/1620.77

-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/1/785.00 -/-/-/-/-

5/550.0 19/1010.5 -/-/-/-/-/38/1089.5 3/520.0 10/1042.0 -/-/75/1005.3 14/1336.8 26/816.0 54/960.4 32/904.4 9/918.9 25/568.8 -/-/47/1195.1 -/6/994.2 -/74/1019.5 -/-/-/-/42/1310.0 -/-/-/1/930.0 22/928.4 -/-/10/908.5 -/13/1095.8 -/6/1160.0 -/-/10/1011.0 36/921.7 51/902.8 -/48/872.2 -/-/-/23/1012.4 -/11/842.3 13/861.9 -/-/-/-/-

1/1445.0 22/1152.3 -/-/-/-/6/1136.7 35/1330.9 6/977.5 7/1121.4 -/-/1/950.0 7/1313.6 24/1053.3 31/1018.7 11/1214.5 20/1227.5 15/883.0 -/2/1005.0 37/1464.9 -/18/998.3 -/37/1297.6 -/-/5/1192.0 -/25/1310.8 -/-/-/16/991.3 30/1119.2 -/-/11/1199.6 -/5/1251.0 -/15/1339.7 -/-/17/1152.1 43/1119.4 20/1262.5 -/20/1128.5 -/-/-/2/1320.0 -/3/955.0 -/-/-/-/5/1027.0

1/1020.0 62/1322.1 -/-/-/-/2/1530.0 107/1505.5 13/1539.6 19/1312.6 -/-/4/1418.8 13/1690.0 21/1310.5 17/1234.8 43/1343.3 10/1213.0 19/1076.8 -/-/42/1575.7 -/11/1117.7 -/28/1389.6 -/-/40/1574.8 -/4/1255.0 -/-/-/12/1426.7 24/1115.2 -/-/14/1367.9 -/27/1483.9 -/39/1478.7 4/1250.0 -/22/1254.1 112/1306.4 79/1408.5 -/40/1304.0 -/-/-/18/1234.7 -/22/1515.9 3/1386.7 -/-/-/3/1531.7

-/7/870.0 -/-/-/-/-/54/1010.6 7/713.6 3/893.3 -/-/40/939.6 9/899.4 11/752.7 34/818.2 48/780.5 4/797.5 25/494.2 -/18/860.8 25/1176.2 -/6/395.8 -/25/894.6 -/-/-/-/12/1159.2 -/-/-/4/847.5 29/654.5 -/-/6/1175.0 -/3/976.7 -/3/978.3 -/-/12/985.4 31/802.4 29/676.7 -/51/789.4 -/-/-/22/681.4 -/14/725.7 18/793.1 -/11/666.4 -/6/996.7

-/30/913.2 -/-/-/-/10/878.5 27/1178.2 -/3/783.3 -/-/3/975.0 17/1285.0 25/892.0 13/869.2 11/970.9 15/1051.0 19/730.8 -/7/794.3 43/1281.1 -/13/722.3 -/34/1150.0 -/-/2/850.0 -/20/1311.5 -/-/-/31/1024.7 11/1099.6 -/-/7/884.3 -/5/1394.0 -/6/1116.7 4/966.3 -/24/1097.7 35/979.9 34/996.0 -/30/971.2 -/-/-/4/1120.0 -/6/940.0 5/915.0 -/-/-/9/993.9

5/957.0 48/1198.1 -/-/-/-/9/1126.1 94/1365.0 12/1262.4 20/1256.0 -/-/14/1482.9 28/1355.7 36/1081.8 16/1057.0 45/1252.2 21/1180.0 22/976.8 -/-/55/1410.9 -/14/1053.2 -/36/1238.9 -/-/20/1282.0 -/22/1467.3 -/-/-/13/1153.9 30/1039.3 -/-/39/1328.1 -/28/1402.5 -/55/1496.3 18/1177.2 -/30/1175.3 56/1219.8 56/1183.5 -/55/1264.6 -/-/-/24/1118.5 -/21/1128.6 7/855.7 -/-/-/20/1331.5

-/16/963.8 -/-/-/-/-/12/932.5 11/748.2 6/536.7 -/-/6/853.3 4/1093.8 16/772.5 97/950.9 10/723.0 9/638.9 15/574.0 -/-/11/1078.2 -/2/1080.0 -/24/997.1 -/-/-/-/2/1080.0 -/-/-/11/733.6 16/566.6 -/-/-/-/-/-/1/695.0 2/845.0 -/4/1060.0 124/891.7 67/733.5 -/31/700.3 -/-/-/19/781.5 -/5/721.0 21/971.7 -/-/-/2/982.5

4/572.5 12/1103.3 -/-/-/-/10/1171.0 13/1085.4 6/872.0 3/653.3 -/-/-/4/1300.0 24/1054.0 114/947.2 9/1037.8 4/990.0 20/857.3 -/-/5/1112.0 -/26/943.7 -/12/1062.5 -/-/7/1287.1 -/-/-/-/-/17/869.7 16/974.4 -/-/3/1216.7 -/-/-/-/8/947.5 -/8/1164.4 88/1075.3 92/972.1 -/2/795.0 -/-/-/7/1035.4 -/1/815.0 4/987.5 -/-/-/-/-

23/1264.4 24/1315.8 -/-/-/-/6/1196.7 46/1555.9 18/1146.9 4/1215.0 -/-/1/1195.0 7/1472.9 45/1177.7 165/1320.6 28/1202.9 10/1191.0 11/1290.5 -/-/14/1576.4 -/12/1222.1 -/24/1333.3 -/-/40/1443.0 -/1/1290.0 -/-/-/30/1286.3 15/1087.3 -/-/5/1528.0 -/2/1105.0 -/20/1472.3 9/1232.8 -/10/1330.0 191/1234.6 118/1340.8 -/48/1105.4 -/-/-/21/1462.3 -/30/1110.8 25/1279.6 -/-/-/2/1192.5

1/430.0 5/644.0 -/-/-/-/-/12/835.0 3/673.3 3/560.0 -/-/2/717.5 5/751.0 11/559.1 31/722.7 37/643.5 13/638.5 9/208.3 -/4/381.3 9/947.8 -/2/350.0 -/14/719.3 -/-/-/-/7/928.6 -/-/-/8/695.6 18/490.8 -/-/1/660.0 -/3/870.0 -/-/-/-/5/728.0 83/710.2 40/562.8 -/10/574.0 -/-/-/40/758.0 -/5/741.0 7/874.3 -/2/300.0 -/1/580.0

5/795.0 11/910.0 -/-/-/-/3/1050.0 16/1058.1 6/782.0 2/820.0 -/-/-/8/889.4 23/792.6 93/808.9 8/808.8 3/636.7 14/680.4 -/4/820.0 17/1370.0 -/22/839.8 -/8/915.0 -/-/5/1244.0 -/-/-/-/-/20/657.5 11/761.4 -/-/7/1080.7 -/1/1360.0 -/5/1223.0 -/-/9/900.6 59/814.9 104/763.6 -/12/892.9 -/-/-/7/582.9 -/-/5/862.0 -/-/-/7/847.9

19/990.3 29/1032.1 -/-/-/-/7/1017.1 23/1198.3 8/995.5 3/1276.7 -/-/-/22/1159.3 51/1024.8 109/1031.2 35/1048.3 -/26/1106.9 -/-/13/1155.4 -/9/947.8 -/17/1093.5 -/-/25/1168.4 -/3/1225.0 -/-/-/22/932.7 20/1000.3 -/-/22/1237.5 -/3/1260.0 -/27/1208.7 15/1175.7 -/6/1156.7 168/1065.5 75/1207.5 -/14/825.7 -/-/-/2/1085.0 -/4/1102.5 19/1199.5 -/-/-/3/1385.0

-/-/-/-/-/-/-/37/751.1 -/-/-/-/-/-/3/340.0 -/1/510.0 -/3/800.0 -/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/8/370.0 -/-/-/-/-/-/1/915.0 -/-/-/9/397.8 -/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-

ENGLAND Ashford Tu Bakewell Mo Barnard Castle Bentham We Bishops Castle Bridgnorth Brockholes Tu Carlisle We Cirencester Tu Clitheroe Th Cockermouth Colchester Cutcombe We Darlington Mo Exeter Fr Frome We\Fr Gisburn Th\Sa Hailsham Mo Hallworthy Th Hawes Tu Hereford Tu Hexham Fr Holmfirth Holsworthy We Hull/Dunswell Kendal Th Kington Kirkby Stephen Lancaster Fr Leek Tu Leyburn Fr Longtown Louth Ludlow Market Drayton We Melton Mowbray We Middleton in Teesdale Newton Abbot (Rendells) Northallerton We Norwich Oswestry We Otley Penrith Mo Ross on Wye Th Rugby Ruswarp We Salisbury Th\Mo\Tu Sedgemoor Sa Selby Shrewsbury Th\Tu Stratford Skipton Mo Tavistock Thame Fr Thirsk Thrapston Sa Truro We Ulverston Wigton Th Worcester York Th

78 | FEBRUARY 16 2024

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14/02/2024 16:57

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

WALES STORES (HOLSTEIN FRIESIAN)

CALVES (7-42 DAYS)

+ month ifers

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.

/1309.06

-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/1/785.00 -/-/-/-/-

9/1133.33 -/-/-/-/-/-/-/25/1031.20 1/870.00 24/807.29 -/-/3/916.67 3/880.00

36/1193.06 -/4/1680.00 -/-/-/-/-/21/1193.81 -/-/-/-/11/1176.82 -/-

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

/1611.88 1228.00

/1460.80 /1347.86 /1307.14 080.00

/1350.68 /1620.77

Source: MartEye/LAA

990.3 /1032.1

017.1 /1198.3 995.5 276.7

/1159.3 1024.8 9/1031.2 /1048.3

/1106.9

1155.4

947.8

1093.5

/1168.4 225.0

/932.7 /1000.3

/1237.5 260.0

/1208.7 1175.7

1156.7 8/1065.5 /1207.5

/825.7

085.0

1102.5 1199.5

385.0

-/-/-/-/-/-/-/37/751.1 -/-/-/-/-/-/3/340.0 -/1/510.0 -/3/800.0 -/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/8/370.0 -/-/-/-/-/-/1/915.0 -/-/-/9/397.8 -/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-

-/3/893.3 -/-/-/-/3/980.0 -/-/-/-/-/-/-/3/771.7 2/842.5 4/520.0 3/593.3 1/650.0 -/-/-/-/2/410.0 -/3/650.0 -/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/1/880.0 -/-/-/2/970.0 1/855.0 -/2/912.5 4/597.5 2/802.5 -/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-

1/1230.0 2/870.0 -/-/-/-/14/932.9 15/1225.3 -/-/-/-/-/-/4/915.0 17/947.7 2/1020.0 12/682.5 -/-/-/-/-/-/-/2/1000.0 -/-/4/1220.0 -/-/-/-/-/9/1186.7 3/1020.0 -/-/-/-/-/-/4/1025.0 2/855.0 -/-/33/976.5 14/994.6 -/1/950.0 -/-/-/3/1210.0 -/1/1055.0 1/925.0 -/-/-/-/-

farmersguardian.com

p76 83 Feb16 OM MB.indd 103

5/46.4 11/101.0 -/11/32.3 -/-/1/48.0 9/62.6 -/-/-/-/-/-/-/4/73.3 7/81.9 -/-/-/1/60.0 -/-/27/39.0 -/-/-/-/-/12/66.5 -/-/-/-/45/79.7 -/-/-/-/-/4/27.5 -/-/-/-/2/60.0 4/8.3 13/71.0 -/26/38.4 -/-/-/-/-/-/2/38.0 -/-/-/-/-

15/207.3 7/275.0 -/4/380.0 -/-/1/375.0 16/234.1 1/320.0 -/-/-/-/-/27/245.9 17/217.4 22/360.9 -/4/152.5 3/336.7 6/303.3 -/-/36/213.0 -/-/-/-/-/23/326.1 -/-/-/-/96/285.8 -/-/-/-/-/5/297.6 -/-/-/-/26/287.7 -/55/216.9 -/47/299.0 -/7/376.4 -/-/-/-/4/109.0 -/4/315.0 -/5/379.0

12/173.8 7/250.7 -/1/320.0 -/-/3/171.7 18/198.6 -/-/-/-/-/-/16/188.8 13/144.1 15/269.3 -/5/122.4 1/190.0 7/214.3 -/-/32/153.7 -/5/214.0 -/-/-/29/243.7 2/500.0 -/-/-/87/226.1 5/184.0 -/-/-/-/15/170.1 -/-/-/-/15/263.0 -/58/185.1 -/42/255.2 -/3/286.7 -/-/-/-/5/84.0 -/-/-/3/288.3

Source: MartEye/LAA STORES (CONTINENTAL-SIRED)

7/130.7 3/138.3 -/1/270.0 -/-/6/188.3 6/183.3 -/-/-/-/-/-/7/118.7 17/98.0 14/244.9 -/1/185.0 -/5/158.0 -/-/24/104.6 -/-/-/-/-/22/174.7 -/-/-/-/75/199.6 -/-/-/-/-/3/80.3 -/-/-/-/5/167.0 6/183.3 15/174.9 -/12/223.8 -/1/240.0 -/-/-/-/5/140.8 -/-/-/-/-

10/154.0 6/88.3 -/2/230.0 -/-/10/165.0 7/141.4 2/137.5 -/-/-/-/-/2/101.5 15/93.6 8/181.9 -/-/-/3/133.3 -/-/21/81.1 -/4/137.5 -/-/2/150.0 14/85.4 -/-/-/-/67/102.7 3/120.0 -/-/-/-/3/79.3 -/-/-/-/4/145.0 9/90.7 21/81.5 -/13/135.6 -/-/-/-/-/-/2/104.0 -/-/-/-/-

Market day(s) w/e Feb 11

Brecon Bryncir Carmarthen Dolgellau Gaerwen Knighton Mold Monmouthshire Newcastle Emlyn Rhayader Ruthin St Asaph Talgarth Welshpool Whitland

6-12 month steers

Sa We\Mo Tu Fr We Th\Tu Th

Mo Tu

12-18 month steers

18+ month steers

6-12 month heifers

12-18 month heifers

18+ month heifers

No. / Av.

13/1933.1 -/2/600.0 -/3/1070.0 -/-/23/1070.7 21/936.7 -/22/1337.3 -/-/22/1189.8 18/631.9

-/-/-/-/4/1067.5 -/10/1115.0 40/1167.4 17/1057.1 -/11/1303.6 -/-/12/1402.5 2/890.0

-/-/9/996.7 -/3/1256.7 -/20/1314.3 91/1428.0 9/1170.6 -/57/1459.7 -/-/3/1646.7 3/1280.0

13/2649.2 -/-/-/-/-/2/405.0 25/817.6 19/751.6 -/15/846.7 -/-/12/1029.6 40/589.5

-/-/1/1210.0 -/2/922.5 -/9/900.0 20/992.8 6/1155.0 -/17/1267.7 -/-/3/1275.0 2/675.0

-/-/2/1035.0 -/11/898.2 -/16/1262.5 58/1388.8 8/1273.8 -/43/1412.6 -/-/13/1343.5 2/840.0 18+ month heifers

STORES (NATIVE-SIRED) 6-12 month steers

Brecon Bryncir Carmarthen Dolgellau Gaerwen Knighton Mold Monmouthshire Newcastle Emlyn Rhayader Ruthin St Asaph Talgarth Welshpool Whitland

12-18 month steers

18+ month steers

6-12 month heifers

12-18 month heifers

No. / Av.

-/-/-/-/1/580.0 -/-/12/973.8 1/1040.0 -/1/650.0 -/-/1/1020.0 25/780.4

-/-/-/-/1/970.0 -/12/1075.4 7/978.6 7/930.0 -/15/1394.0 -/-/-/1/890.0

-/-/11/1184.6 -/2/1730.0 -/12/1428.3 20/1292.0 4/1252.5 -/3/1356.7 -/-/2/1255.0 1/810.0

-/-/-/-/1/400.0 -/6/503.3 6/685.0 1/740.0 -/3/350.0 -/-/-/12/638.3

-/-/-/-/2/920.0 -/9/583.3 4/840.0 2/975.0 -/9/1355.6 -/-/-/5/400.0

-/-/16/1007.5 -/7/1067.1 -/19/1205.8 28/1022.9 10/918.5 -/5/1370.0 -/-/3/911.7 2/820.0

STORES (HOLSTEIN FRIESIAN)

Brecon Bryncir Carmarthen Dolgellau Gaerwen Knighton Mold Monmouthshire Newcastle Emlyn Rhayader 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

No. / Av.

No. / Av. No. / Av.

-/-/-/-/-/-/-/4/400.0 -/-/-/-/-/-/-/-

-/-/-/-/1/790.0 -/9/617.8 -/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-

-/-/-/-/1/710.0 -/1/655.0 1/1140.0 1/1030.0 -/1/1040.0 -/-/-/-/-

-/-/17/63.7 -/-/-/8/56.4 -/-/-/1/180.0 -/-/-/18/73.1

-/-/39/218.5 -/-/-/9/196.0 -/7/221.0 -/12/261.3 -/-/-/18/189.6

-/-/20/177.0 -/-/-/4/176.0 7/372.1 3/225.0 -/14/207.5 -/-/-/24/154.0

-/-/31/127.3 -/-/-/14/124.7 -/4/172.5 -/9/201.1 -/-/-/14/138.2

MARKET COMMENT IT was a mixed week in the cattle rings as prices fluctuated at auction marts across England and Wales. Young bulls increased by 1.5p/kg to 266.8p/kg, as did steers by 1.5p/kg to 276.7p/kg. Cull cows fell by 148.8p/kg to 2.1p/kg, while heifers decreased by 1.9p/kg to 280.8p/kg. However, new season lambs

Native heifers

-/-/29/84.4 -/-/-/11/55.6 9/57.4 4/122.5 -/16/117.8 -/-/-/17/106.9

LIVESTOCK AVERAGES Primestock throughput, price and price change (p/kg). Week ending February 11, 2024. ENGLAND AND WALES Category

Throughput

Price

Change

Young Bulls Steers Heifers All Prime Total NS/OS Lambs (SQQ) Porker (60 - 87kg) Cutter (88 - 97kg) Baconer (98 - 115kg) Other (over 115kg) Cull Cows Dairy Sired Cull Cows Beef Sired

850 720 1389 2959 51976 54 120 184 67 753 854

266.8 276.7 280.8 275.8 317.3 161.4 165.8 179.2 140.0 148.8 181.1

1.5 1.5 -1.9 -0.2 12.5 -6.6 -13.9 -1.7 -0.6 -2.1 -1.7

had grown in value by 12.5p/kg

Source: MartEye/LAA

to 317.3p/kg. Pigs had reduced in value by 6.6p/kg to 161.4p/kg.

SCAN ME

As Farmers Guardian went to press on Wednesday (February 14), UK LIFFE Wheat prices for May 24 were trading at £167.60/ tonne; a reduction of £4.70/t on the previous week.

The business event showcasing low carbon practices, technology and energy solutions for a profitable & sustainable farming future.

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MARKET PRICES DEADWEIGHT CATTLE STEERS Region

Throughput

Southern 2759 Central 4020 Northern 3950 Scotland 2989 HEIFERS Southern 2261 Central 3567 Northern 2762 Scotland 2666 YOUNG BULLS Southern 44 Central 466 Northern 169 Scotland 175 COWS Southern 1989 Central 3951 Northern 2271 Scotland 912

Deadweight prices for the week ending Feb 10, 2024.

Average

-U3

-U4L

-U4H

R4L

R4H

O+2

O+3

O+4L

O+4H

-O2

-O3

-O4L

-O4H

489.4 493.2 499.9 504.0

506.2 508.2 507.6 509.7

509.0 502.5 510.3 507.5

501.1 465.1 506.8 503.0

499.1 503.2 503.9 505.8

497.9 499.5 508.2 509.2

493.6 496.2 505.2 506.0

487.6 492.4 498.8 498.4

486.4 490.3 498.7 499.5

476.3 485.7 490.7 501.2

468.0 468.5 473.8 478.1

475.6 460.9 483.6 478.9

467.9 441.8 524.9 483.0

487.7 489.8 495.5 503.7

508.4 511.5 508.9 511.6

508.8 509.3 511.0 509.6

502.8 502.8 504.7 506.1

498.5 501.4 501.8 505.9

498.9 500.0 506.4 507.6

497.1 498.1 502.8 504.3

486.6 484.4 492.6 495.4

490.2 490.9 494.0 502.9

486.8 483.9 495.3 501.0

461.5 454.8 469.8 453.8

468.8 452.9 471.8 466.4

471.1 461.1 495.8 442.9

468.8 472.3 480.5 474.6

475.7 493.3 498.5 489.6

515.0 492.6 498.0 486.5

461.2 484.2 490.8 482.1

486.5 489.2 492.6 483.8

470.0 485.2 494.6 477.0

484.7 400.0 472.5

417.3 457.0 472.3 461.0

484.0 463.8 478.3 472.7

469.2 470.0 478.0

463.0 442.3 480.0

477.0 432.9 441.7 411.0

441.4 451.7 433.6

449.3 -

338.3 340.6 351.5 361.3

390.7 389.5 387.9 379.5

390.4 390.9 390.3 379.7

384.8 388.8 384.6 378.3

376.7 375.7 377.5 373.4

376.7 376.5 377.4 370.7

370.6 370.1 373.2 365.7

366.1 363.3 360.3 355.7

365.8 362.2 361.9 353.6

365.2 361.5 362.1 362.1

STORE SHEEP ENGLAND STORE LAMBS

DEADWEIGHT SHEEP

Source: AHDB/LAA

w/e Feb 11

Day

No.

Ave.

Ashford Bakewell Barnard Castle Bentham Bishops Castle Bridgnorth Brockholes Carlisle Cirencester Clitheroe Cockermouth Colchester Cutcombe Darlington Exeter Frome Gisburn Hailsham Hallworthy Hawes Hereford Hexham Holmfirth Holsworthy Hull/Dunswell Kendal Kington Kirkby Stephen Lancaster Leek Leyburn Longtown

Tu Th\Mo

1072 25 2613 180 865 795 33 822 1859 136 773 133 4050 1686 63 78 2741 -

100.3 69.5 103.9 107.3 99.8 101.1 87.9 106.2 110.8 89.8 96.4 118.3 109.0 116.6 100.3 90.3 95.9 -

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

Source: AHDB/LAA

Day

Brecon Tu Bryncir Carmarthen Dolgellau Fr Gaerwen Mo Knighton Mold Monmouthshire We\Mo Newcastle Emlyn Th Rhayader Th Ruthin Th St Asaph Th\Sa Talgarth Welshpool Mo Whitland Tu

80 | FEBRUARY 16 2024

p76 83 Feb16 OM MB.indd 104

Day

No.

16 9 797

Louth Ludlow Market Drayton Melton Mowbray Middleton in Teesdale Newton Abbot (Rendells) Northallerton Norwich Oswestry Otley Penrith Ross on Wye Rugby Ruswarp Salisbury Sedgemoor Selby Shrewsbury Stratford Skipton Tavistock Thame Thirsk Thrapston Truro Ulverston Wigton Worcester York

We Tu

We We

Sa Th\Tu Tu We Fr Sa We Tu Th

Ave.

38.9 81.1 98.2

49 52 226 2688 143 48 1222 69 80 79 180 271 -

93.7 90.2 104.5 116.1 91.4 97.1 101.4 100.8 103.6 103.8 87.5 109.5 -

STORE LAMBS

Source: IAAS/ScotEID

No.

Ave.

Day

3 296 20 534 21 1 712 128 842 34

71.3 64.5 71.7 90.0 90.9 94.0 84.9 85.9 82.9 98.0

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

O/S deadweight prices for the week ending Feb 10, 2024. SQQ 2 3L 3H E 680.1 (53) 679.9 (219) 673.6 U 675.9 (567) 675.8 (2403) 673.0 R 667.3 (4160) 666.1 (10454) 666.0 O 651.7 (3400) 655.0 (3811) 650.8 P 589.3 (103) 596.7 (15) 540.0

No.

Ave.

392 419 1214 341 -

101.1 97.5 91.3 90.7 -

1572 2751

100.6 106.6

(41) (916) (5013) (1443) (3)

4L 665.6 648.8 646.4 638.5

Source: AHDB 4H (6) (115) (711) (160)

612.5 608.3 601.7

(6) (43) (6)

Average: 662.2 (34,181) Medium E U R O P

2 681.6 676.8 669.4 658.4 539.2

3L (49) 680.1 (544) 676.1 (3633) 667.3 (1881) 658.7 (13) 562.5

(218) (2377) (9831) (2948) (2)

3H 673.6 673.0 666.4 652.0 547.5

(41) (915) (4899) (1293) (2)

4L 665.6 648.8 646.6 638.3

4H (6) (115) (703) (151)

612.5 609.2 601.7

(6) (41) (6)

Average: 665.3 (29,946) Deadweight sheep prices are collected from a sample of GB abattoirs. The sample accounts for about one-third of deadweight sales; prices quoted p/kg are averages for all qualities 12-21.5kg.

DEADWEIGHT PIGS

Latest prices for Great Britain.

STANDARD PIG PRICE (SPP) Week ending February 3, 2024

ALL PIG PRICE (APP) Week ending January 27, 2024.

Weight Number p/kg Change Up to 59.9kg 218 164.31 na 60 - 69.9kg 935 203.35 1.76 70 - 79.9kg 6,269 213.05 0.11 80 - 89.9kg 20,447 213.79 -0.16 90 - 99.9kg 23,533 212.74 -0.31 100 - 104.9kg 6,231 211.18 -0.36 105.0kg and over 3,662 193.04 na All clean pigs 61,295 211.47 0.11 70 - 104.9kg 56,480 212.99 -0.24 EU spec average 211.47 0.11 UK spec average 207.89 0.12

Weight Number p/kg Change Up to 59.9kg na na na 60 - 69.9kg 1,549 208.17 1.55 70 - 79.9kg na na na 80 - 89.9kg 22,839 213.10 -0.30 90 - 99.9kg 21,799 212.74 0.24 100 - 104.9kg na na na 105.0kg and over na na na All clean pigs 62,761 211.67 0.00 70 - 104.9kg 57,815 212.69 -0.15 EU spec average 211.67 0.00 UK spec average 208.04 0.00

PIGS Prices in p/kg.

SCOTLAND

WALES STORE LAMBS

Source: AHDB

Hull/Dunswell Otley Thirsk York

Source: AHDB

Source: MartEye/LAA Market day w/e: Feb 11 Mo Mo Th Mo

Pigs total 8 3 53 46

Porkers average 159.7 206.0

WEANER PRICES Please note: AHDB weaner data has been suspended until further notice.

Cutters average 133.9 174.8

Cull sows Baconers average Total Average 197.3 29 95.1 185.3 160.8 56 85.2 189.1 -

SLAUGHTERINGS Estimates for GB (per head), W/e Feb 11, 2024 2024 %change (2023) Pigs 153,664.70 -5.02 Sheep 190,344.95 -8.27 Steers 17,264.32 -3.31 Heifers 14,536.66 +7.54 Young bulls 1,494.18 -30.98

HAY AND STRAW PRICES

February 14, 2024

GOOSTREY: Mon, hay, square bale to £110/tonne, round bale to £120/t; haylage, square bale to £114/t, round bale to £80/t; barley straw, square bale to £134/t; wheat straw, square bale to £129/t, round bale to £122; oat straw, square bale to £108/t; silage, wrapped bale to £60/t, loose grass silage to £50/t; fodder beet to £40/t. farmersguardian.com

14/02/2024 16:58

LIVESTOCK AVERAGES LIVEWEIGHT STEERS (ENGLAND/WALES)

DEADWEIGHT STEERS (GREAT BRITAIN)

SOURCE: MartEye/LAA

SOURCE: AHDB

520 280 500

270

p/kg deadweight

265 260 255

480 460 440

250

420

Dec

Nov

Oct

Sep

Aug

Jul

Jun

May

Apr

Jan

Dec

Nov

Oct

Sep

Aug

Jul

Jun

LIVEWEIGHT HEIFERS (ENGLAND/WALES)

2023

Mar

2024

400 May

Mar

2023

Feb

Jan

2024

Apr

245

Feb

p/kg liveweight

275

DEADWEIGHT HEIFERS (GREAT BRITAIN) SOURCE: AHDB

SOURCE: MartEye/LAA

520 295 500

285

p/kg deadweight

280 275 270

480 460 440

265

420 2024

2023

LIVEWEIGHT SQQ LAMBS (ENGLAND/WALES)

DEADWEIGHT SQQ LAMBS (GREAT BRITAIN) SOURCE: AHDB

SOURCE: MartEye/LAA

780

320

2024 2023

740

300

700 p/kg deadweight

p/kg liveweight

Dec

Nov

Oct

Sep

Aug

Jul

Jun

May

Apr

Mar

Jan

Dec

Nov

Oct

Sep

Aug

Jun

Jul

400 May

Mar

2023

Feb

Jan

2024

Apr

260

Feb

p/kg liveweight

290

280 260

660 620 580 540

240

500

PIG PRICE INDICATOR (GREAT BRITAIN) SOURCE: MartEye/LAA

SOURCE: AHDB

230

Dairy-sired (2023) Beef-sired (2023)

120

200

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Jul

Jun

May

Apr

Mar

Feb

Jan

Dec

Nov

Oct

Sep

Aug

Jul

Jun

May

Apr

Mar

Feb

Jan

farmersguardian.com

SPP (2023) APP (2023)

SPP (2024) APP (2024)

190

Dec

140

210

Nov

Dairy-sired (2024) Beef-sired (2024)

Oct

160

220

Sep

180

Aug

p/kg deadweight (EU spec)

200

p/kg

Dec

Nov

Oct

Sep

Aug

Jul

Jun

May

Apr

Feb

Jan

Dec

Nov

Oct

Sep

Aug

Jul

Jun

May

Apr

Mar

Feb

Jan

CULL COWS (ENGLAND/WALES)

2023

Mar

2024

460

FEBRUARY 16 2024 | 81

14/02/2024 16:58

MARKET PRICES UK DELIVERED PRICES – SUMMARY Wednesday, February 14, 2024 (£ per tonne).

Source: AHDB

Delivery

East Anglia / London (BW)

Northamptonshire

North-West grains/ Liverpool OSR

Avonmouth feed /South bread

Yorkshire

Fife/Edinburgh

Bread Wheat Price Change Feb-2024 May-2024 Jul-2024 Hvst-2024 Feb-2024 245.00 unch May-2024 249.50 -0.50 Jul-2024 253.50 -1.00 Hvst-2024 Feb-2024 256.50 n/c May-2024 261.00 n/c Jul-2024 Hvst-2024 Feb-2024 May-2024 Jul-2024 Hvst-2024 Feb-2024 May-2024 Jul-2024 Hvst-2024 Feb-2024 -

Feed Wheat Price Change 175.50 -4.00 -

Feed Barley Price Change -

Oilseed Rape Price Change 347.50 -10.00 350.50 -10.00 352.50 -11.00 347.50 -6.00 346.00 -11.00 351.00 -12.00 346.50 -6.50 -

UK DELIVERED OILSEED RAPE PRICES Source: AHDB

Feb-2024 347.50 348.50 346.00 -

May-2024 350.50 351.50 -

Jul-2024 352.50 353.50 351.00 -

Hvst-2024 347.50 348.50 346.50 -

Nov-2024 357.50 358.50 356.50 -

FUTURES MARKETS (WHEAT) Wednesday, February 14, 2024 (£ per tonne). Price LIFFE £/tonne Mar 24 May 24 Jul 24 Nov 24 Jan 25 Mar 25 May 25 Jul 25 Nov 25 Jan 26

162.25 166.75 171.75 185.00 189.45 191.65 192.25 196.20 190.70 192.90

MATIF

Price €/tonne

Mar 24 May 24 Sep 24 Dec 24 Mar 25 May 25 Sep 25 Dec 25

208.50 203.50 209.75 215.25 218.25 220.50 221.00 224.75

Last updated Feb 13, 2024 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

£145** £35** £12**

BPS ENTS Northern Irish Deadline – May 3, 2024 Price at Average deadlines prices (2023) x 1.0**

Wednesday, February 14, 2024 (£ 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; 30p - 80p** per £1 of Delinkage reference amount. ** Estimates. ENGLISH DELINKAGE REF DATA: average of 2020/21/22 claims. Seller’s 2023 claim not needed. Estimated return £1.20/£1 ref amount with buyer’s delink payment less than £30,000 post-transfer. Subject to Delinkage values 2025-27. BIODIVERSITY NET GAIN: English: Defra estimates £25,000-£200,000/unit excluding VAT and associated fees, subject to lot size. Last tender February 2, 2024, next March 8, 2024. NUTRIENT NEUTRALITY: Long-term sales all types agric man excluding specialist habitat creation. Nitrates £3,000-£4,000/unit (£18,000£206,000/ha); phosphates £50,000-£65,000/ unit (£2,000-£169,000/ha). CARBON: Woodland Carbon >£35/WCU >£25/PIU. May 2023 WCG reverse auction average £19.76. WATER: English abstraction licences less than £3-£15/cu.m. Source: Townsend Chartered Surveyors

SUPERMARKET RED MEAT PRICES Week ending Feb 11, 2024 (prices in p/kg).

Wednesday, February 14, 2024 (£ per tonne).

WHEAT Milling Bread

South East South West Midlands Eastern North East North West England & Wales South Scotland Central Scotland North Scotland Scotland Great Britain Northern Ireland United Kingdom Change on last week (£/t)

Source: AHDB

Other

Feed & Other

BARLEY Malting Premium

Other

Feed & Other

168.60 174.30 164.00 173.90 172.30 170.40 171.40 171.40 -3.10

135.30 143.10 143.30 143.50 -3.20

OATS Milling

Feed

251.50 257.20 257.70 257.70 -5.80

FIELD PEAS/BEANS

Browse. Sell. Buy at FGBuyandSell.com 82 | FEBRUARY 16 2024

p76 83 Feb16 OM MB.indd 106

This week Last week

Late

CORN RETURNS EX-FARM PRICES

Feb Mar Apr

Micronising peas

Feb 14, 2024 All prices £/tonne ex-farm Feed Feed peas beans

£328.00 £335.00 £237.00

£230.67 £237.67 £239.67

£231.08 £238.08 £240.08

BEEF Roasting Joint Sirloin Steak Rump Steak Fillet Steak Diced Braising Steak Lean Mince Standard Mince

1086 2034 1611 3404 1088 0 698 500

1141 2027 1611 3443 1088 0 698 500

LAMB Whole Leg Shoulder (Bone-in) Shanks Steaks Chops Diced Standard Mince

1316 1026 1349 1593 1563 1826 1068

1291 1026 1349 1593 1563 1826 1068

PORK Leg (Boneless) Shoulder (Boneless) Fillet (Tenderloin) Loin Steaks Chops Diced Belly Slices Ribs Lean Mince

593 415 791 880 789 809 787 733 549

593 415 798 880 789 809 787 733 549 Source: AHDB

farmersguardian.com

14/02/2024 16:59

CURRENCY WATCH

Last updated Feb 14, 2024

€1=£0.8538

£1=€1.1713

$1=£0.7968

Where stated, data provided by AHDB.

£1=$1.2551

UK DELIVERED WHEAT PRICES

NATIONAL STRAIGHTS PRICES

Wednesday, February 14, 2024. 1. FEED WHEAT Avonrange Central Scotland East Anglia East Devon Lancashire London North Humberside Northamptonshire Oxfordshire South Humberside Southampton Tyne & Wear West Midlands East Midlands

FEB -

MAY 172.50 -

JULY 175.50 -

HARVEST -

NOV 188.00 192.00 -

2. FULL SPEC. BREAD WHEAT North-West Northamptonshire South London / Essex Yorkshire

FEB 256.50 245.00 -

MAY 261.00 249.50 -

JULY 253.50 -

HARVEST -

NOV 262.00 -

3. FULL SPEC. BISCUIT WHEAT North-West Northamptonshire South London / Essex Yorkshire Scotland

FEB -

MAY -

JULY -

HARVEST -

NOV -

DAIRY CATTLE PRICES

Last updated Feb 11, 2024 Source: AHDB/LAA/IAAS COLOURED

Cows (under

Cows (over 36 months)

36 months)

months)

36 months)

GREAT BRITAIN

No. / Av.

Ayr Lanark Stirling (ua) Bentham Carlisle Carmarthen Exeter Frome Gisburn Holsworthy Lancaster Leek Leyburn Market Drayton Norton and Brooksbank Otley Sedgemoor Shrewsbury Skipton Wigton Mold Whitland

-/-/-/-/140/1889.4 20/1575.5 40/1366.5 1/1900.0 17/1624.7 19/1765.3 2/1225.0 16/1737.5 -/16/1718.8 -/-/68/1573.2 25/1910.8 -/1/1500.0 15/1583.3 2/1150.0

-/-/-/-/34/1602.9 19/1428.4 37/1226.5 25/1152.8 4/1642.5 8/1762.5 15/1225.0 -/-/8/1767.5 -/-/151/1413.6 9/1541.1 -/1/1620.0 3/1396.7 -/-

-/-/-/-/12/1744.2 2/1275.0 21/1031.4 1/620.0 1/1780.0 -/-/-/-/4/1295.0 -/-/7/1589.5 1/1200.0 -/-/-/1/1000.0

We We Fr We\Fr Th We Fr Tu We

Th\Sa Tu Th Mo Tu

No. / Av. -/-/-/-/9/1286.7 4/1222.5 35/818.6 2/1100.0 -/-/-/-/-/2/1550.0 -/-/20/1387.2 3/1550.0 -/-/1/1700.0 -/-

Source: Straights Direct November - April 296.00 273.00

March - April 409.00 409.00 198.00 297 ✸ 288.00

May - October 369.00 369.00 198.00 292 ✸ 267 ✸

268.00 N/A 200 ● 197 ✥ P.O.A. ● 253 ✥ N/A P.O.A.

270.00 N/A 193.00 260.00 ✧ 241.00 ✪ N/A 292.00

N/A 246 ✦ 248 ▲ N/A 296.00

Key: All prices in pounds sterling. Currency, £/$1.2694; £/€1.2757 Guide prices indicated include delivery charge of £6/tonne. ✸ = After safe arrival; F = First half; S = Second half; ● =March; ✥ = April; ✦ = November/January; ◗ = November; ▲ = February/April; ✧ = May/June; ✪ = August/October

MILK PRICE LEAGUE TABLE December 2023

Source: AHDB

Aligned liquid milk Müller Milk & Ingredients M&S Müller Milk & Ingredients TSDG (Tesco) Müller Milk & Ingredients Sainsbury’s Arla Foods - Sainsburys Müller Milk & Ingredients Co-op Dairy Group

Monthly price 44.98 42.27 40.93 40.63 40.01

Annual average 44.91 42.17 40.87 40.37 39.95

Standard Manufacturing Barber’s Cheesemakers Wyke Farms First Milk Manufacture2 Belton Farm Lactalis - Caledonian Cheese UK Arla Farmers Manufacturing1 Leprino Foods South Caernarfon Creameries4

Monthly price 35.67 35.63 35.23 35.00 34.69 34.53 34.53 34.38

Annual average 35.67 35.56 35.19 35.00 34.69 34.30 33.87 33.51

A&B

Monthly price

Annual average

34.66

34.48

Freshways

HOLSTEIN FRIESIAN Cows (over 36

Last updated February 14, 2024 Commodity Hi Pro Soyameal – North Hi Pro Soyameal – South Soya hulls Maize distillers Maize gluten Non-GM HP sugar beet pellets (delivered) Whole maize PCR Negative Palm kernel expellers Rapeseed meal basis Erith Kent Rapeseed meal basis Humber Distillers dark grains

1. This contract will receive a 1.33ppl guaranteed minimum payment. 2. This contract will receive a 0.50ppl member premium payment. 2. This contract will receive a 2.06ppl Tesco cheese group payment. 3. This contract will receive a 1.00ppl direct premium payment. 4. This contract will receive a 0.40ppl actual 13th payment. 5. Formerly Glanbia - Llangefn. Retailer price supplements are included where applicable. Supplements listed are in addition to listed milk prices.

UK MONTHLY MILK PRODUCTION UK milk deliveries in November 2023 were down 2.6 per cent on the year at 1,160 million litres. Cumulatively, this was 0.4 per cent down on the year to date. November 2023 GB milk deliveries down 3 per cent for the same period at 976m litres. GB milk deliveries for the year to date were 0.5 per cent down.

In print, in pocket, informed, in profit.

HAY AND STRAW: REGIONS Week ending Feb 18, 2024. Big bale hay Quality North East E Yorks N Mids E Mids C Mids E Counties S East South S West S Wales SE Scotland

Pickup baled hay and straw Seed Meadow Barley hay hay straw

Good 90 85 100 80 75 75 80 90 100 95

Good 130 120

Good 120

125 130

100 100

130

120

Wheat straw

Good 100

Good 80

Big sq. baled straw Barley Wheat straw straw Good 80 76 80 80 80 80 70 85 110 80 78

Good 70 65 70 70 80 75 55 72 100 75 70

App Edition

farmersguardian.com/app

Source: British Hay and Straw Merchants’ Association

farmersguardian.com

p76 83 Feb16 OM MB.indd 107

FEBRUARY 16 2024 | 83

14/02/2024 16:59

FARMING: THE BACKBONE O After finding his own way into agriculture, David Pittendreigh has made a name for himself as a Cheviot breeder. Ellie Layton finds out more.

hen David Pittendreigh moved to Wales, he brought a flock of North Country Cheviots with him and, 50 years later, has helped to establish more than 50 new flocks. Originally from Peterhead, Aberdeenshire, David was not from farming stock; his parents were in the hotel business, and this is where he spent most of his childhood. But this career route was not for him. After the sudden loss of his father at a young age, he moved away from the hotel industry and started helping on a local farm. Over the years his interest in agriculture grew. His time spent as a salesman for a local agricultural trader and as a shepherd on a farm on the Black Isle, which ran a flock of North Country Cheviots under the Braelangwell prefix, was responsible for giving David the ‘Cheviot bug’, leading him to become well known for the Cheviot breed. In 1971, he made the move to Carmarthenshire and fondly remembers this. He says: “I could not believe the welcome I had to the area. For the first few weeks, I had neighbours visiting daily to introduce themselves and offering help.” To start with, he kept Llanwenogs, a local breed of the Carmarthenshire-Ceredigion border. He soon started exhibiting at shows and recalls just using his car to transport them. During his time at the shows, local farmers found out about his previous experience with the Cheviot breed and were asking if he could help them source rams. He says: “I saw an opportunity to get back into the breed, so in 1973 I looked

My perfect Cheviot would have a sharp eye, clean head and wide muscle. Cheviots should not have brown on them, so that is a big no for me DAVID PITTENDREIGH 84 | FEBRUARY 16 2024

p84 85 Feb16 OM EA EL MB.indd 2

Cheviots still at the heart of breeder’s passion into sourcing rams for local breeders and found that the flock I worked for on the Black Isle was up for sale. “I contacted my old boss and purchased 50 ewes and a ram to go with them. The ewes were £12 and gimmers were £14.” This saw David establish his CoedY-Foel flock, the second pedigree flock of North Country Cheviots in Wales.

Three-day trip The Dingwall-type sheep made the three-day trip to West Wales, starting from Inverness to Gloucester on a lorry and swapping to another lorry for the last leg of the journey to Carmarthen. After such a journey, he says, they did not look anything special, but after a few days of TLC on fresh grass they looked like different animals. The following spring, he sold his first bunch of lambs at the local market in Carmarthen. At the time, Welshtype lambs were making £10, but his ram lambs sold from £20, making profit from the off. He selected ram lambs to sell in another local market, Llanybydder, where at that time lambs were led around the ring on a halter. He had planned to retain one lamb which he thought was special, but was offered £50 and could not refuse, leading to a 100 per cent clearance in his ram lambs that first year. Over the years, his flock peaked at 100 Cheviot ewes, which were run alongside Beulah Speckle, Llanwenogs and Tregaron Welsh at different points, despite cutting down the flock to be a farm manager on a 202-hecatre (500-acre) farm. He always, however, retained Cheviots. Demand for native cross sheep was high at the time, as Welsh farmers were paid hill subsidy to keep native sheep, but that has been removed and David says there has been an impact on ram demand.

He says: “To start, I did not sell many females, so people would have to come to me to buy rams and I built up a demand of 20 a year.” But as he got more requests for females, he started to sell them off and, by the late 1970s, there was a cluster of local breeders. This enabled the breed to make a major step in 1983 and exhibit at the Royal Welsh Show. He says: “Lady Henretta Beaumont kept Cheviot sheep and moved to Pembrokeshire. She initiated the classes at the show and there were six exhibitors to start. “Last year the North Country Cheviots celebrated their 40th anniversary at the show. Over that time, the class sizes have grown and the breed has gone on to compete with success in the inter-breed classes. I enjoyed the showing craic and meeting fellow farmers.” Since then, he has won the yearling ram class at least six times, as well as the breed championship and the inter-breed group of three. David enjoyed many years showing at local shows in West Wales and has built up a reputation for his knowledge, which has led him to judge at four Royal Welsh Shows. He says: “My perfect Cheviot would have a sharp eye, clean head and wide muscle. Cheviots should not have brown on them, so that is a big no for me. They should have clean white hair. But every sheep should be commercially sound with correct teeth, feet and correct in the testicles or udder.” David still sells rams locally and at sales his flock record is 1,800gns for a Royal Welsh winning yearling ram. He says: “Quite often the rams are sold for crossing, which shows their versatility. A ram has sold for 1,400gns to a Beltex flock in Northern Ireland, but the best cross I have seen on a Cheviot is on a Suffolk.”

He says the Cheviot makes a great cross on any breed to get a smart lamb, as they add weight and size to the lamb. His flock is managed day to day from his pocket diaries, which have years of sales and management notes. He currently keeps 43 ewes and, as he looks to downsize the flock, he has sold his yearlings for the last three years. He has always lambed outside in March, as he says it is much healthier. Lambs are sold liveweight, with any selected for breeding sold privately or through sales. In a bid to drive the breed forward, he recorded lamb size and milkiness in 1979, which he carried on until the early 1990s. They were also scanned for back fat and muscle depth.

Difference He says: “I could see the difference in the sheep we were breeding from the selection, but the buyers were not selecting the rams by it, so with the removal of the funding, we were one of the last flocks to stop the scheme.” The recording streamlined David’s type of sheep. One year he selected a pair of lambs for the Welsh Winter Fair by eye and the lambs turned out to be twins and went on to win when shown by young member Carys Haf Davies. David says: “The breed has changed a lot over my time, especially in Wales. But I have always tried my best to help establish new breeders. “When the society started, it was for park-type sheep only, but hill sheep have grown in popularity. “I think the biggest change has been the number of sheep and how the breed has grown in popularity.” MORE INFORMATION Visit farmersguardian.com/farm-life farmersguardian.com

13/02/2024 17:09

E OF BRITAIN

Edited by Emily Ashworth 01772 799 446 emily.ashworth@agriconnect.com

David Pittendreigh was awarded the Michael Peters Quaich Cup in 2015, recognising all he has done for the North Country Cheviot Society. In 2022 he was made an honorary president of the society.

farmersguardian.com

p84 85 Feb16 OM EA EL MB.indd 3

FEBRUARY 16 2024 | 85

13/02/2024 17:09

IN YOUR FIELD

Every week we follow the ups and downs of farmers around the UK KATE BEAVAN

Monmouthshire Kate farms alongside her husband Jim on their farm near Abergavenny, Monmouthshire. Farming 122ha (300 acres), the main enterprise consists of 800 breeding ewes and cider made on-site from their orchards. She is a mum of two, runs Kate’s Country School on-farm and is the woodland creation officer for Stump Up For Trees.

ow many times do we answer ‘fine’ when someone asks how we are? I am not fine. I have just come in from the lambing shed, we have started lambing and, subject to testing, I strongly suspect we have cases of Schmallenberg virus. Unrest is in the air. Already dealing with increased input costs, water quality regulations, bovine TB and Schmallenberg, the Welsh Government’s Sustainable Farming Scheme roadshow was the icing on the cake. With no indication of payment rates, many left the meetings feeling there will be more red tape and reduced payment.

Trees Once more the proposed universal actions of 10 per cent trees and 10 per cent habitat are at the forefront of discussions. There is too much emphasis on area, not tree numbers. We used Agrecalc when undertaking our carbon audit as hedgerow carbon

‘I urge you to please respond, have your say and be part of the solution’ is included, particularly on younger trees. We have planted 3,000 trees this year, numerous broadleaf species in double fenced hedgerows, all sequestering carbon and providing wildlife corridors on the farm. Multispecies grassland is habitat. Welsh Government habitat mapping is out of date and I have concerns about how its data is going to be validated in summer. I think a slow down is required. Could we submit individual universal actions? This could be trees,

hedgerow management, multispecies grassland, peatland, heathland. We have an area with ant hills the green woodpeckers love. Every farm is different and this would allow flexibility. We understand change is needed, 80 per cent of Wales’ landscape is under our care, but there are other options for net zero and there must be choice not enforcement. I am working with the Curlew Connections project. It is developing funding for farmers to improve curlew feeding and breeding

habitat. They do not want trees. I am a tree planter, but understand the importance of grassland. On two sites I have persuaded the landowners of recently bought smallholdings not to plant trees, instead wildflower meadows and ponds are being created. Welsh Government has named this consultation ‘Keep Farmers Farming’. It is a consultation and no decision can be made until all responses have been considered. I urge you to please respond, have your say and be part of the solution.

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13/02/2024 17:10

NEXT WEEK Cumbria James Robinson Yorkshire Helen Stanier

‘On-farm maintenance is the order of the day’ Cheshire Ian farms in partnership with his family near Knutsford, Cheshire. They manage 700 commercial pedigree Holstein/Friesians on 445ha (1,100 acres). Replacements are home-reared and cows are on a composite system. Ian is a representative for Sainsbury’s Dairy Development Group and sits on the AHDB Genetics Advisory Forum.

id-February and nice weather feels a long way off. Onfarm maintenance appears to be the order of the day, from a tractor in two halves parked in the workshop to repanelling some of the old parlour mangers, the list seems endless, but

thankfully we are not on our own, as I believe the chaps who paint the Forth Road Bridge say something similar. New Year brings fresh opportunities to revisit our herd’s breeding programme. Traditionally, we have used proven bulls to standardise the herd. We think this has delivered, broadly speaking, what we have aimed for. Interestingly, the world of polled genetics appears to have gone up a gear in terms of numbers, choices and much improved production.

Genomics The problem is, not so many available bulls are proven as yet, so we are taking a look at the world of genomics to see if we can take a step forward. Certain parts of Europe are the driving force behind polled genetic development as it is part of their country’s aims to improve animal welfare. Talking of Europe, it has been interesting to follow the European farmers’ story and see the impact of their actions. It is such a shame that EU

policy-makers have chosen not to listen to previous calls for a level playing field. As many observers, including UK farmers have pointed out, if we continue planting trees, rewilding and creating low production land, all coupled with population growth, we could be heading for an uncomfortable future. The main concerns of the European farmers as I see it have been that of over-regulation and lack of fairness in the standards applied to them compared with those applied to produce imported from outside the EU. There are parallels within the UK retail industry, in the sense that UK farmers work to Red Tractor standards and yet the retailers have the

CROSSWORD 1232

The first correct entry received by next Friday will receive £20 worth of Love2shop vouchers. Send to: Crossword No. 1232, Farmers Guardian, Unit 4, Fulwood Business Park, Caxton Road, Fulwood, Preston, PR2 9NZ.

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freedom to source produce produced to lower standards from elsewhere. I read earlier this week that one of the concessions the French farmer protests have achieved is ‘that all major supermarkets will be audited for compliance with a law which is supposed to ensure fair prices for farmers’ produce’. Here in the UK, around the kitchen table, there has been a suggestion made that for UK supermarkets to use the Red Tractor logo; they too should undergo a similar audit. As I understand the Red Tractor scheme is currently under review, perhaps the kitchen table comment may prove to be timely.

DOWN

8 Pamphlets about old originally robust farm vehicles (8) 9 Dramatic creations of German car company mostly crash, without limits (6) 10 Discipline flock (6) 11 Language of a Crimean in trouble (8) 12 Easy-going doctor nursing sick for the most part (4) 13 Refined and prepared for crops (10) 15 Unproductive northern meadow’s on an incline (7) 16 Infatuated with violent knockouts not OK! (5,2) 19 Might this incessant talker use a phone kiosk? (10) 21 Stare at skinned dogleg (4) 22 The French politician to mail an illuminating feature (8) 24 Price before artist returns to appear with other top performers (2-4) 25 Concerned with last part in sale of goods to the consumer (6) 26 Mixed gin and tonic cad sadly rejected speaking in a monotonous way (8)

1 Performance to cut cost in exercise of profession (8) 2 How you hope things will go on track (9,2,4) 3 Permit for pet to persistently pursue with lack of restraint (3,7) 4 United States universal friend in normal conditions (7) 5 Fond liking for honey, say? (4) 6 Bird flying over where you can control the light? (7,8) 7 Wild rescue sheltering a pig finally (6) 14 Make drunk in frenzied excitation (10) 17 Van Gogh had such material, producing anguish in hapless toil (3,5) 18 Choose not to drink - ban Asti in other words (7) 20 That woman going round to nag judge maybe (6) 23 Barely commonly half-cut (4)

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IAN GARNETT

FEBRUARY 16 2024 | 87

13/02/2024 17:10

FARMING MATTERS

Forthright opinions from throughout the world of agriculture

‘Increase workforce diversity to bring in new insight’

ost of us are aware of the difficulties farming businesses are facing in trying to find skilled and reliable staff. It is less understood, though, how the skills shortage is being felt across the wider industry too. Organisations across the supply chain are feeling the pressure – and particularly when trying to fill the top jobs. We spoke to more than 20 senior agricultural leaders at the end of

last year to develop our understanding of the problem. Our conversations confirmed there is a lack of talent at this end of the career ladder, and that competition to recruit senior leaders is fierce at a time when the industry desperately needs robust leadership.

Senior roles To succeed in senior roles, candidates need a CV that demonstrates deep understanding and passion for their sector, commercial insight

HUGH POCOCK

Shropshire beef and sheep farmer and director of Cultura Connect

and technical expertise. They need to be decision-makers, have high EQ as well as IQ, and be able to manage people. The skills shortage correlates with a lack of people in the 35-55 age bracket in our industry. As someone in that age category myself, I believe this is due to the industry’s lack of appeal some 20 years ago. Certainly, when I was planning my next steps after school people tried to warn me off agriculture, which they believed had ‘no future’. They were wrong of course, and the industry’s reputation has undergone a bit of a ‘glow up’ since then.

Awareness There is more awareness of the range of careers we can offer ambitious young people, although there is still more to be done. Enrolment at our agricultural colleges and universities continues to increase, and the student population is more diverse too. This is great news for the future, but we need to address the shortages now. Businesses need to take succession seriously, with proactive plans in place to develop existing employees and identify skills shortages. Where new talent is required, businesses need a strong employer

The skills shortage correlates with a lack of people in the 35 to 55 age bracket in our industry, says Hugh Pocock.

Tell us your views

I believe we need to be more open-minded about that. Increasing workforce diversity – in every sense of the word – will bring new insight that we did not know we were missing, as well as much-needed new blood. It is encouraging to see the diversity issue being discussed more widely in the farming press and at events such as the Oxford Farming Conference. At every career stage – from entry level to mid-management to senior leaders – we have nothing to lose from making our industry more inclusive, and so much to gain.

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brand to attract the best people; an extensive network to cast a wide net; and efficient, professional recruitment processes. Looking outside the sector is of course an option, but our discussions indicated reluctance by some to do that, believing incomers to senior roles would not have the same insight and influence.

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