Dealers for Honda ATV, Kawasaki Mules and Logic Equipment
(New & Used) - Keith Robertson - 07920 747 057 Service - Robbie Robson - 07918 558 180
doing repairs across a wide range of trailers - livestock, horsebox and flatbed
Here at Glendale Engineering, we are proud to be able to say that we have over 35 years’ experience designing and manufactur ing Agricultural Buildings & Equipment.
• Special offers available on Cattle & Sheep Hurdles, Gates & Water Troughs •
Suppliers of:
Suppliers of:
-Cattle Handling & Feeding Equipment
• Cattle Handling & Feeding Equipment
-Sheep Handling & Feeding Equipment
-Sheep Portarace
• Sheep Handling & Feeding Equipment
- ATV Trailers
• Sheep Portarace
- Agricultural Buildings
• ATV Trailers
-Electronic Cattle & Sheep Weigh Systems
• Agricultural Buildings
- Large quantity of box section and pipe, Phone for special offers
We know the challenges and complexities of the agricultural industry and have insider knowledge of all aspects of farming businesses - from subsidies and environmental law through to tenancies and contract farming agreements. Whether you’re a farmer or a landowner, our team are well placed to help you achieve goals and maximise returns.
RENEWABLES
We help our clients in tendering new sites for onshore wind farms, solar farms, battery storage and negotiating heads of terms for leases and for options, as well as negotiating between third party access/export cables agreements for landowners.
VALUATIONS – RICS REGISTERED VALUERS
Valuations for a variety of purposes including lending, tax (returns), probate, internal business reorganisations, tenancy assignation, sales, and purchases.
AGRICULTURAL LANDLORD & TENANT
Sale and purchase of landlord’s heritable interest; rent review negotiations, dilapidations claims, way-go valuations and ongoing tenancy matters.
Get in touch with your local property experts.
FERGUS THOMSON MRICS FAAV
Tel: 01289 305158
fergus.thomson@rettie.co.uk
HUGH RETTIE
Tel: 01896 824070
hugh.rettie@rettie.co.uk
AMY BROWN
Tel: 01289 334532
amy.brown@rettie.co.uk
MACHINERY RING BENEFITS!
ELEVATED PERFORMANCE
From the 633 with 6.1 m reach, to the work-hungry 4,200 kg max capacity of the 742 and the enormous 9.1 m reach of the 935, and plenty of models in between, there’s a machine to meet every need in the Farmlift range.
Ask your dealer about exclusive rebates available for members of Scottish Machinery Rings.
DEALERS (MAIN DEPOTS)
AL Agri, Forfar, 07709 215713
Davidson Tractors Ltd, Newton Stewart, 01988 840272
Everitt & Marshall Ltd, Hexham, 01434 603194
G Marshall Tractors Ltd, St Boswells, 01835 823240
The Old Smiddy, Graden, Kelso, TD5 8BS Telephone : 01573 430338 Email : info@walkergroundworks.com
Northumberland and the Lothians
Our
and
Walker Groundworks are a long-serving company, established in 1996, covering a working area including but not restricted to the Scottish Borders, Northumberland and the Lothians.
Our highly skilled and dedicated team are here to help with any of the following works:
• Earthworks/Site Preparation/Roads
• Crushing
• Groundworks/Plotworks
• Deep Drainage
• Field Drainage & Ditching
• River Works
• Concrete Flooring for Agricultural/Industrial Shed (Laid with highly accurate Laser Screed, with finish to meet clients' requirements)
• All Timber work undertaken – including Harvesting, Hand Cutting, Thinnings & Clear Fell
• Haulage including Heavy Plant Movement, Timber Haulage & Hiab Hire
• In house Welding Engineer/Steel Fabricator
• In house setting out engineer/surveyor
• Ad Bl ue & ERG Sol ution s
• H GV Tr actor & Vehicle Tun in g
• Br ake Roller Testin g
• Pr eventative M ain tenance In spection
• Full Ser vicin g facil ities
DRONE CROP
PRECISION
•MINIMIZE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT: Targeted drone applications reduce runoff and protect ecosystems, applying treatments only where needed.
•COST-SAVING: Focus resources where they are most needed, saving on chemical costs and improving yield efficiency.
SOIL HEALTH & PRESERVATION
•REDUCED SOIL COMPACTION: Our drone services eliminate the need for heavy machinery, preserving soil structure and preventing erosion, safeguarding future productivity.
SUSTAINABLE BIOFERTILIZER APPLICATION
•BOOST SOIL FERTILITY NATURALLY: Efficient drone-based biofertilizer spreading enhances soil fertility, reducing chemical dependence and promoting long-term sustainability.
COST-EFFECTIVE SUSTAINABILITY
•MAXIMIZE ROI: Achieve higher yields using fewer resources with precision applications, cutting costs and supporting environmentally friendly practices.
ECO-FRIENDLY SEEDING
•RESTORE NATURAL ECOSYSTEMS: Reforest and regenerate peatlands and woodlands through drone-assisted seeding that enhances biodiversity and supports ecosystem recovery.
CLIMATE-SMART AGRICULTURE
•REDUCE GREENHOUSE GASES: Minimize nitrous oxide release and greenhouse gas emissions with precise, low-impact drone applications that support sustainable farming practices.
DRONE MAPPING & BIODIVERSITY PRESERVATION
•ACCURATE LAND ASSESSMENT: Utilize advanced drone mapping for reforestation, erosion control, and peatland recovery projects. Spot-spraying preserves biodiversity and promotes ecological balance.
ADVANCED MULTISPECTRAL DATA INSIGHTS
•OPTIMIZE RESOURCE USE: Analyse plant health with cutting-edge multispectral sensors to reduce waste, enhance productivity, and make informed decisions for better crop management.
•No pesticide at present, but coming very soon
Based In Scottish Borders, Melrose
Storage Tank Sales & Hire UK-Wide Service
Specialising in the supply of high quality used storage tanks and bowsers for sale and hire throughout the UK. We keep a varied stock of fully bunded and singleskinned mild steel, stainless steel, plastic and GRP tanks and bowsers ideal for storing fuels, oils, water, effluents, fertilisers and feed products
We also purchase tanks - please get in touch to discuss your requirements.
Andy mobile: 07853 905018 Tel: 01334 827 090
www.best-tanks.co.uk
info@best-tanks.co.uk
Northbank Farm, Cameron, St. Andrews, Fife, KY16 8PE
AND USED COMBINE HARVESTERS in stock now
VADERSTAD RANGE IN STOCK Cultivators, drills and more.
SERVICE & PARTS
Our expert engineers and parts advisors are here to support your machinery needs, from genuine parts to scheduled servicing and repairs, to keep your machinery working at its best when you need it most.
Contact your local Lloyd Ltd Service Department now for your competitivelypriced servicing quote.
NEW TRACTORS IN STOCK Exceptional prices. Finance available*.
AMAZONE RANGE IN STOCK From drills to sprayers and spreaders.
Billy Fortune 07971 491 059 billy.fortune@lloyd.ltd.uk
Stuart Dodsworth 07971 491 058 stuart.dodsworth@lloyd.ltd.uk
Alex Wight 07721 333 828 alex.wight@lloyd.ltd.uk
Whitecraig, EH21 8NE 0131 322 8765
*Finance for UK business purposes only. Subject to acceptance and affordability checks. Applicants must be 18 or over. Offers subject to change without notice. Finance on new equipment only. Lloyd Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority for consumer credit activities under FRN 669526 – we are a credit broker not a lender. For full details visit www.lloyd.ltd.uk/offers. Hunters Hall, Kelso TD5 8BQ 01573
Fuelling UK Farms
move forward in Partnership to Morayshire and West to Skye for the
Machinery team and Mainline experience will cater for all Sales and Case IH customers as well as their own
Mark Garrick Ltd with their dedicated Ag’ Machinery team and Mainline Machinery and Tractor manufacturer experience will cater for all Sales and Aftersales needs of our current and new Case IH customers as well as their own loyal customer base.
620 rated hp QuadTrac, combines balers as well as the 4 Model Farmlift premises at Birnie near Elgin.
423447 07974 757588
Through a good friend I managed to get a sneak preview of the 2024 accounts that have just been finalised. There are 10 enterprises costed and gross margins calculated, I accept that arable, cattle and eggs are worthy of such analysis and maybe even this publication should have its own results but why I am left out when solar panels and crash barriers each have a page dedicated to their contribution. After a considerable amount of investigation I found my blood, sweat and tears lumped together with toppers and skidsteer under the heading of other sales labelled as contract and hire. Further research has revealed that I contributed £6000 net to the bottom line working on the assumption that he operates me for the pleasure of being in my company and needs no financial reward. I also pulled 4 hen sheds on this farm which is classed as voluntary work.
A full line of tractors from the 50Hp to the 620 rated hp QuadTrac, combines from 312HP to 634HP and a wide range of balers as well as the 4 Model Farmlift handler range will be offered through their premises at Birnie near Elgin.
For Sales contact: IVAN NICOL on 07879 423447 For Service contact: MARK GARRICK on 07974 757588
The outlook for 2025 does not look good as he has single handily persuaded my biggest customer that they would be better off buying their own winch. I could not believe it when I heard the news. It is like Coca Cola telling their consumers they should be drinking Pepsi.
I had an enjoyable run out to Bonchester Bridge last week to pull a hen shed for Stephen and Nicola Brown. You could not get a nicer couple, always enquiring after my well being. The silly fool got so carried away, he forgot to close the catch on my pulley which ended up with a visit to young Andrew Wight to straighten out the bend caused as I pulled the house off the muck! P.S. sadly no contribution from New Zealand this month.
Birdsall (01668) 213 733 Mobile: 07970 112761
& CIVIL ENGINEERING Suppliers of Quarry Materials, JCB Hire, Drives, Agricultural Buildings, etc. Tel: Belford (01668) 213433
(photo Nicola Brown)
Root P Phos+
Root P Phos+ is a highly efficient Phosphorus foliar liquid designed to help plant rooting. Produced using a unique process of production making it highly available to the plant via the leaf, also contains Magnesium. Zinc, Sulphur, Biostimulants to aid rooting and plant growth.
Increased Root Mass
OSR treated in November 2 weeks later root mass increased helping uptake of all nutrients and aiding recovery of plant tissue
Cool damp soils in the Spring will effect uptake of even soil applied phosphate
Please get in touch for more info
Mobile: 07977 139242
Works on all crops any time of the year
We are a local company with over 20 years of experience. Call us for a free estimate on work in planning, grant work & any other projects before taking the package deal as our prices are very competitive.
Agricultural & industrial concrete floors. Professionally laid by laser. All types of finish. All types of groundworks & building work can be undertaken.
Regrooving of old concrete
Heb 07977 765 529 Paul 07854 969 471 Jason 07714 022 741
H.E.Builders Ltd
Kincraig, 9 Broompark, Kelso TD5 7SN
Web:www.franklinsoilfertlity.com
Email: david@franklinsoilfertility.com
Concrete line pump for hire (50m reach)
"Ease the pain, let the pump take the strain"
Enquiries welcome for price & details Jason 07714 022 741
If you require dependable, plentiful source of
our fantastic generators won’t let you down. Marshall Green’s expert team offer generators for sale to a diverse range of clients through out northern England and Scotland. We are available 24 hours a day and 7 days a week to make sure you have all the power you need, when you need it.
Nugent heavy duty plant trailer £3600 3500kg, internal size: 3.14m x 1.87m x 240mm closed-in sides, 18mm anti-slip plywood floor, Knott brakes, spare wheel, LED road lights.
Ambrogio Robot Mowers
L20 Deluxe special price £600 L20 Eliet special price £900 4.36 Eliet special price £2500
Contact William Smith on 07793 589661 or ws@hendersongm.co.uk
Deutz
6135 RV Demo unit 100 hour
Inheritance
With
Other
• GIS Mapping Solutions
• Custom Mapping
& Landowners
•
TRACTORS
John Deere 6115M, 2013
John Deere 6120R, 2016
John Deere 6120R, 2017
TRACTORS
John Deere 6215R, 2019
John Deere 6215R, choice
John Deere 6250R, choice
John Deere 6155M, 2020
John Deere 6155R, 2021
John Deere 6155R, 2021
John Deere 6155R, 2018
John Deere 6155R, 2018
John Deere 6155R, 2018
John Deere 6155R, 2018
John Deere 6175R, Choice
John Deere 6175R, Choice
John Deere 6195R, Choice
John Deere 6195R, Choice
John Deere 6195R, 2022
John Deere 6195R, 2022
John Deere 6195R, 2015
John Deere 6195R, 2015
John Deere 6210R, 2014
John Deere 6210R, 2014
TELEHANDLERS/WHEELED LOADERS
Kramer KT276, choice
TELEHANDLERS/WHEELED LOADERS Kramer KT276, choice
KT357, 2022
Kramer KT357, 2022
Kramer KL38.5 Wheeled Loader
John Deere 6900, 1997
John Deere 6920S, 2007
John Deere 6920S, 2007
John Deere 6930, 2011
John Deere 6930, 2011
John Deere 6930, 2010
John Deere 6930, 2010
Deere 7R 330, 2021
John Deere 7R 330, 2021
Deere 8360RT, 2013
John Deere 8360RT, 2013
Puma 165
CaseIH Puma 165
JX90, 2006
CaseIH JX90, 2006
T194, 2019
Valtra T194, 2019 C
TELEHANDLERS/WHEELED LOADERS
KL38.5 Wheeled Loader
Kramer KL38.5 Wheeled Loader J JCB 541/70, 2018, Telehandler C
MACHINE OF THE MONTH
MACHINE OF THE MONTH
CROP SPRAYER
CROP SPRAYER
JOHN DEERE 4140I 32m Registered 2021 3,285 hours Boom 32/18m 8 sections Terrain Command Pro 5 sens Quadcontrol transmission 40k
display screen
Deere PowrSpray
row crop wheels
John Deere XUV855D, choice
John Deere XUV855M, 2019
John Deere XUV865M, 2021
COMBINE HARVESTER
John Deere S785 combine, 2017
John Deere T670 combine, 2017
John Deere T560 combine, 2017
John Deere XUV865M, 2023
John Deere T560 combine, 2021
John Deere XUV865M, choice
John Deere 6155M, 2020
John Deere XUV865M, choice
CULTIVATION
LC4000/HR4004 Combi Drill
NC4000 combination unit
10.3 folding rollers
front press 4m
Kverneland ES100/200 plough
6.3m hyd folding rollers
8.2m folding rollers
KL38.5 Wheeled Loader
John Deere M732i Sprayer
John Deere 724 Sprayer
John Deere R732i Sprayer
John Deere R952i sprayer
John Deere R4040i SP Sprayer 2015
John Deere R4140i SP Sprayer 2021 C
John Deere R4040i SP Sprayer
Kuhn Axis 40.1W fert spreader
MISCELLANEOUS
Kuhn 3570M Straw bedding machine
Kuhn 3570M Straw bedding machine J
Kuhn 3570M Straw bedding machine S
Kuhn 5570M Straw bedding machine J
Richard Western D12 Muck Spreader A
John
Deere V451M Round Baler
Deere V451R Round Baler
Deere V461R Round Baler
Kuhn GF6502 Tedder
Kuhn PZ190 Drum Mower
KUHN power harrows are renowned for being robust, reliable, and long-lasting. Reinforced frame, heavyduty Duplex gearboxes, carbide-coated tines, cleverly designed rotor-drive system, etc. So many great features that ensure a very long life and low maintenance costs. Some models in stock for immediate delivery!
5 spreaders available to meet your precision spreading requirements
High output LGP machines to minimise soil and crop damage
Weighing systems and auto steer fitted
We supply our own loader and fuel to minimise disturbance to the customer Blanket or variable rate lime spreading compatible with all mapping systems The following can be supplied and accurately applied
Lime, Compost, Slag, Henpen, Fibrophos, FYM, Gypsum, other organic materials
Soil Mapping service
• correct variations across fields
• independent analysis
• 4 samples/ha for accurate pH maps
• all nutrients can be tested
• recommendations to suit your enterprise
Contact us to discuss how we can help reduce your costs with the use of organic products Tel 01875 320363
IF YOUR FARM TRACK OR FOREST ROAD NEEDS SOME ATTENTION, WE HAVE THE SKILLS, MACHINERY AND EXPERIENCE TO DELIVER A LASTING SOLUTION.
• REDUCES OR ELIMINATES THE NEED TO IMPORT MATERIALS.
• IMPROVES DRAINAGE TO PREVENT FURTHER DAMAGE.
• QUICK AND EFFECTIVE SOLUTION THAT MINIMISES DISRUPTION TO TRAFFIC MOVEMENTS.
Contact Stephen Amos 07584 254680
J Hepburn & Co
Northhouse Farm Agricultural Contractors
Film binding instead of net wrap results in more plastic where the bale needs it most on the barrel, only one recycling stream as well. 25 knife bank giving 45mm chop length with bale getting wrapped immediately out the bale chamber. Onboard bale weighing giving average bale weight and total weight of crop baled. Application of inoculants or additives.
Hugo Lee farms in partnership with his father, Guy, at Sandystones, near St Boswells. Arable crops of wheat, oilseed rape, malting barley and oats are grown, 500 Angus cattle are finished annually, 8000 organic hens produce eggs for Waitrose and 8,000 organic point of lay pullets are reared each year. It is great to finally have a period of settled dry weather and long may it last. I don’t think I have seen field conditions this good for a long time. I really hope that the old saying ‘in like a lamb out like a lion’ doesn’t come true as we really don’t need a repeat of the spring 2024 drilling campaign. All winter crops have had their first dose of nitrogen and are looking well. The oilseed rape which had been hit hard by pigeons in January is absolutely flying. After the disaster of last year it is already looking a lot more promising. I am slightly concerned how forward it is, not helped by the unseasonably high temperatures we experienced over the weekend. It could be in flower by the end of the month!
All silage ground has had a small dose of fertiliser to give it a kick start before the main dose in early April. We have even managed to get the hen muck spread on the organic silage ground which should really help with first cut yields.
We have more cattle than ever on the farm and have had to convert another machinery/fertiliser store in order to house them. I really hope that we can start turning some out at the start of April as we have a further 200 head arriving next month and nowhere near enough room to house them!
As is often the case, the past few weeks have been full of meetings, conferences and rugby. The less said about the latter the better. I still can’t understand how England managed to beat us! I have just come back from a very interesting few days in France where I attended the first ever European Game conference. The presentations were fascinating and some excellent scientific papers were presented. The French certainly know how to host, the food and wine never stopped flowing!
One thing you can say about world politics at the moment is that there is never a dull day. The tariffs that Trump is imposing are causing major economic issues across the globe. Closer to home the proposed tariffs on whisky are terrible news for an industry already under strain. This is not good for Scottish cereal growers; all we can hope for are good yields to make up for the low price.
Good luck to everyone lambing and calving, I hope that the weather is on your side. I feel we are due a good spring after the past few years. Fingers crossed, next time I write my article the grass will have started growing, cattle will be turned out and all spring cereals sown. It is looking like a very busy few weeks ahead!
Variable Lime Spreading
GARY HOGARTH
AGRI ASSIST & GROUNDWORKS
• ALL GENERAL CONTRACTING WORK • CULTIVATIONS • BED TILLING • DE-STONING
• Public sewer connections • Adoptable sewer installations
• Pumping mains/stations installations
Tel: Kelso 01573 225249 Mobile: 07793 361023
e-mail: enquiries@gwcwateranddrainage.co.uk
UStor Business units, Unit 8/1 Spylaw Road, Kelso TD5 8DN
Contact:
Connon Construction Ltd.
Construction of shuttered slurry tanks and silos (all built to SEPA requirements)
Christopher07843 208 544
Patrick07701 040 681
Contact:
Christopher07843 208 544
Slurry spreading available with umbilical, dribble bars and ferry tankers. Tractors on floatation tyres
Dung spreader hire or complete service
Complete silage service
All types of digger work undertaken
Patrick07701 040 681
Connon Farms / Connon Construction
Connon Farms / Connon Construction
NEW SERVICE
NEW McCORMICK X6.415 HD 155HP, 4 RANGE 6 POWERSHIFT TRANS, AIR & OIL BRAKES, FULL VISION CAB, ISOBUS, DSM, ELECTRIC SPOOLS, SMART PILOT JOYSTICK AVAILABLE ON HP OR LEASE FROM £1300 PER MONTH
USED 2017 McCORMICK X7.650 165HP, 4000 HOURS, 60KPH TRANSMISSION, 6 RANGE 4 POWERSHIFTS, 1 ELECTRIC & 3 MECH SPOOL VALVES, FRONT LINKAGE, NEW FRONT TYRES, CAB & AXLE SUSPENSION
£42,500+VAT
NEW 2024 McCAULEY LOW LOADER HYD. BEAVER TAIL, 24FT, AIR/OIL BRAKES, HIGH SPEED GRANNING AXLES, 445/45R19.5 TYRES, JCB YELLOW
£19,500+VAT
• McCormick X7 165hp, 60KPH transmission, front linkage £150 per day | £500 per week
• McCormick X5 Front linkage & front PTO, 115hp
per day | £400 per week
• Dieci Agri Telehandler 4 tonne, 7 meter
per day | £600 per week
USED 2018 McCORMICK X5.40T 115HP 3000 HOURS, 36 SPEED POWER SHUTTLE TRANSMISSION, 3 SPOOL VALVES, FRONT LINKAGE & PTO VERY GOOD CONDITION
DEMO 2022 McCORMICK X7.624 240 HP 2022, 1000 HOURS, FRONT LINKAGE, 6
£52,500+VAT
£16,500+VAT
NEW 2024 McCAULEY LOWER LOADER 23FT, AIR/OIL BRAKES, HIGH SPEED ADR AXLES, SOLID HYD. RAMPS 815MM, SOLID BEAVERTAIL, MUDFLAPS
NEW McHALE C460 TRAILED SILAGE FEEDER & STRAW BEDDER 3.65M2 OF LOADING VOLUME, 1.7M CONVEYOR, 300° 3 STAGE FEED CHUTE, INDEPENDENT ROTOR DRIVE WITH HYDRAULIC ACTIVATION £9,950+VAT NEW M-TEC 12FT LIVESTOCK C/W DECKS & SUMP TANK, QUALITY BUILT
£16,500+VAT
FENDT 720 POWER PLUS 68 Reg, 6000 Hours
FENDT 828 PROFI PLUS 22 Reg, 1950 hours, Due in April, Excellent Condition
SULKY 3M GRAIN & FERTILISER COMINATION UNIT full spec EX DEMO
New Sumo Trio c/w auto reset legs, twin row of discs, packer roller, LED rear lights
Second Hand Sumo LDS 4m Folding 2023, c/w Auto reset legs, Front straight disc, Flat packer, LED rear lights, Stocks seeder unit with Sumo SDO units
SUMO 3M TRIO c/w 6 leg auto reset and packer. Straight leg model £9,500+VAT
SUMO 3M FRONT MOUNTED MULTIPACKA c/w tines
SUMO 6M TRAILED MULTI-PRESS c/w leading tines and press rings £39,950+VAT
SUMO LDS 4M FOLDING 2023, c/w Stocks seeder unit & Sumo SDO units
TEAGLE 8100 TRAILED STRAWBEDDER c/w swivel chute, 2012 model
3 POINT LINKAGE WEIGHTS selection of new and used
NEW / EX STOCK
FENDT FORMER, SINGLE ROTOR RAKE 351
NEW NC FORK MOUNTED YARD BRUSHES 2.5m & 3m EX STOCK
NEW NC 16 TONNE DUMP TRAILERS (316 model), full spec EX STOCK
NEW TEAGLE 8500/9500/1010 STRAW/SILAGE BEDDER FEEDERS EX STOCK
SUMO 5-4-3 LEG SUBSOILERS c/w auto reset EX STOCK
SUMO 3M TRIO EX DEMO
NRH 5 LEG SUBSOILERS auto reset c/w packa roller EX DEMO
NEW SUMO FRONT WEIGHTS 1000kg, 1500kg, 2000kg EX STOCK
Fendt 828 Profi Plus 22 Reg, 1850 Hours, Front PTO, 5 Rear Valves, RTK, Section Control
Valtra Q305 73 Reg, 1558 Hrs, Front PTO, RTK, Pneumatic Front & Cab Suspension, 200L Min, Hydraulic Pump, Remainder of 3 years 2400 Hour Warranty (option to extend) £170,850+VAT
YOUR LOCAL INDEPENDENT TYRE SUPPLIER
ALL LEADING BRANDS & SIZES OF TYRES & WHEELS
AGRICULTURAL TYRES
COMMERCIAL TYRES
CARS / VANS / 4X4 TYRES
PURPOSE BUILT DEPOT
FULLY EQUIPPED BREAKDOWN VEHICLES
COMPUTERISED 4 WHEEL ALIGNMENT
For a free quotation or technical advice ring 01573 225454 or e-mail sales@candrtyres.co.uk
C & R TYRES LTD
STATION YARD, SPROUSTON ROAD KELSO TD5 8EU www.candrtyres.co.uk
BLINKBONNY QUARRY
• ALL GRADES OF AGGREGATE PRODUCED
• DELIVERY
• COLLECTION
• READY-MIX CONCRETE
• AGRICULTURAL MIXES FOR ALL PURPOSES
• DELIVERY AND COLLECTION
FOR SALES AND ORDERS CALL BLINKBONNY WEIGHBRIDGE: 01573 460200 or 07974 968148
PART OF BREEDON GROUP– FOR OTHER LOCATIONS PLEASE VISIT: https://www.breedongroup.com/location-finder
Talking......Business with Bell Rural Solutions March 2025
Michael Bell is Managing Director of Bell Rural Solutions, based in their office in Earlston. Michael provides professional advice to clients on a variety of issues throughout Scotland and Northern England, is a Member of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors, an RICS Registered Valuer and Agent for the AMC.
Important Changes to Universal Credit
(UC)
and Rent Caps
Starting April 2025, UC changes will impact tenants’ rent payments. Fair Repayment Rate will decrease from 25% to 15%, limiting available funds for debts, inc. housing costs. This change will significantly affect tenants’ finances, particularly those with rent arrears. The DWP will also reform automatic rent payment deductions following a court ruling declaring the current practice unlawful. Currently, Alternative Payment Arrangements let landlords receive direct payments from a tenant’s UC, potentially taking up to 20% of benefits for rent arrears without consent. This system aimed to prevent evictions by ensuring landlords are paid. The upcoming reforms will require tenant consent for such deductions, providing tenants with more control over their finances. The Fair Repayment Rate reduction will help around 1.2 million households, increasing disposable income by £420 p.a. This lower cap means tenants will repay arrears more slowly, causing financial strain for landlords due to delayed payments and increased unpaid rent risk. Since 2022, landlords in Scotland have faced strict rent restrictions. Tenants have had the ability to challenge mid-tenancy rent increases through a rent officer or tribunal, where a tapering formula was applied to limit increases. From 1st April, significant changes will come into effect that will give landlords greater flexibility, but also require careful planning. Key changes include:
1. From 1st April, landlords will regain full control over setting rent increases for existing tenants. Tenants will no longer be able to challenge rent increases through the tapering formula which limited the amount landlords could raise the rent. Instead, if tenants wish to contest an increase, appeals will be based on market rent assessments.
2. When tenants challenge a proposed rent increase, the rent officer or tribunal will assess the rent based on the current market value, meaning that if the rent officer or tribunal finds that the market rent for the property is higher than the proposed increase, the new rent could exceed the landlord’s proposal and be set at market value, even if that amount is higher than what the landlord originally proposed.
3. The 12-month rule will still be in effect, meaning landlords can only increase rent once p.a. for existing tenants. As a result, landlords will need to carefully plan rent reviews to ensure they stay compliant with the law
Importantly, new tenancies have never been affected by rent caps. Landlords were always free to set market rents for properties advertised on the open market during the rent cap period. With the rent cap being lifted, landlords will have the flexibility to adjust rents for existing tenancies, bringing them in line with current market levels.
For many landlords, the end of the rent cap is an opportunity to align rents with current market rates after years of stagnation. It’s important to keep in mind that the Scottish Government is still pushing for permanent rent controls in the future. Landlords should approach rent adjustments cautiously and with a long-term strategy in mind.
For more information, please get in touch with Michael Bell on 01896 802252, 07584 644246 or mbell@bellruralsolutions.com
CRUSHER, GRADER & COMPACTION EQUIPMENT FOR ROAD RESTORATION WORK
CRUSHER, GRADER & COMPACTION EQUIPMENT FOR ROAD RESTORATION WORK
CRUSHER, GRADER & COMPACTION EQUIPMENT FOR ROAD RESTORATION WORK
CONTRACT WORKS
CONTRACT WORKS
PUBLIC & PRIVATE WATER MAINS
PUBLIC & PRIVATE WATER MAINS SPRING SUPPLIES
SPRING SUPPLIES
SEPTIC TANKS/PUMPING STATIONS
TREATMENT WORKS
SEPTIC TANKS / PUMPING STATIONS
DEEP EXCAVATIONS
TREATMENT WORKS
DEEP EXCAVATIONS
EARTHWORKS/GROUNDWORKS
THRUST BORING/UTILITY WORKS
360 / 180 TRACKED/ WHEELED EXCAVATORS
D61PXI (GPS) DOZER
MOLE PLOUGHING
Industrial Estate, Earlston, Berwickshire TD4 6FA
REAR TIPPING DUMP TRUCKS
FABRICATION / ENGINEERING WORKS
TRACTORS & DUMP TRAILERS
SNOW CLEARING SERVICES
PRIVATE WATER MAINS SPRING SUPPLIES
TANKS/PUMPING STATIONS WORKS
EXCAVATIONS
CRUSHER, GRADER & COMPACTION EQUIPMENT FOR ROAD RESTORATION WORK
CRUSHER, GRADER & COMPACTION EQUIPMENT
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CEMENT STABILISATION FOR ROAD RESTORATION WORKS PLANT HIRE
360° / 180° TRACKED / WHEELED EXCAVATORS
PROTECTION/REPAIRS RESTORATION WORKS
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REAR TIPPING DUMP TRUCKS TRACTORS & DUMP TRAILERS
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• Safety Boots & Clothing
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• Chrome North West Cleaning Products
Here at Davidson Land Services Stores, we have a wide range of stock including:
• Consumables (Sprays, Paints, Nuts & Bolts Ect)
• Exol Oil, Grease, Brake Fluid Ect
• Viking Johnston Fittings
• Philmac Water Fittings
• Drainage Coils, Twinwall, MDPE & Soil Pipe
SGN Approved Contractor
Scottish Borders Council Approved Contractor
Scottish Water Approved Contractor
Mill Ind Est,
Mill Road, Earlston, TD4 6FA
HYDRAULIC HOSE SERVICE
We also offer a hydraulic hose repair service. We hold a wide range of hose & fittings in stock from 1/4” to 1 1/4” 4 Wire.
We have recently upgraded our machine and are now able to crimp up to 2” 4 Wire.
Talking......North of the Forth
March 10th 2025
Tom Pate farms 240ha of arable on a tenanted farm in Angus. Cropping includes wheat, spring barley, rye and oilseed rape along with land let for potatoes and vining peas. Additionally, around 6500 pigs are reared annually under contract and 600 Christmas turkeys sold directly to the public under the KellyBronze franchise. On his wife’s 380ha family farm in the Angus Glens they also run 200 red deer hinds plus followers for venison production, along with developing a forestry enterprise.
What a difference a year makes. Last March we were still contending with waterlogged soils and miserable looking winter crops. Thankfully we are in a far better position this year. Crops have wintered well and soils have been in far better shape. Winter ploughing was completed by the end of February and fields that have been turned over are looking great. Colin has got the Kevernland absolutely singing and the ploughed ground should give a perfect seed bed for sowing. He even gave the plough a full clean and polish before storing it away until Autumn and it looks like new. Always a morale boost to have shiny kit in the shed.
In an attempt to manage grass better, a secondhand mower has been purchased. Its former life was at Heathrow airport. It could be in for a shock as it heads for the slightly steeper ground of the Angus glens
The merits of ploughing or not ploughing have been discussed recently at a Healthy Soils course run by Scottish Agronomy in conjunction with Ian Robertson of Farmacy. Run over four days the group spent sessions on each other’s farms looking at soil pits and learning how to assess soil structure, health and how to manage these soils going forward. Angus is a small county but the wide variety of soils and subsoils is incredible. It’s been a fascinating study but has left me feeling totally ignorant of the very soil we depend upon. The more I learnt the more I realised I didn’t know as we discussed the balance between physical structure, chemical composition and biological cycles. As an industry we are probably too obsessed with what is going on above ground to consider what is happening below. There is a gap in our collective knowledge, but this seems to be changing as farmers challenged by more extreme weather, rising fertiliser costs and pressures to farm more “environmentally” turn their attention to our greatest asset. Colleges and universities training our future farmers and advisors will hopefully take heed and provide a more comprehensive soil element in courses. Farming with soils at the front and centre does however mean more management time getting to know your soils through testing and analysing. It will also mean more time spent digging holes to understand every field in every season. Time to get “spade fit”. Wheat in store has been moving with five loads away in February under a “pool” contract. Hopefully the grain traders have done a good job over the year and the pool prices will have locked in some of the higher values seen. Unfortunately, the remaining tonnage in store is left unsold and values are slipping daily. I’d rather have an empty store going into harvest but current values are not very appealing. However, given the state of the wider geopolitical situation anything could happen! Perhaps between Trump and Putin the price of grain is the least of our worries... All winter crops have had a dose of nitrogen and P and K applications are ongoing when wind conditions allow. Sowing spring barely should be underway mid-March if soil temperatures can just nudge up a couple more degrees.
Getting “spade fit”
Plough cleaned, polished and ready for Autumn
2021 MASSEY FERGUSON 8S.225 DYNA-7 EXCLUSIVE
54KPH, Front Axle & Cab Suspension, Front Linkage And One Hyd Service, Rear Linkage, 4 Electric Services, Air Over Oil Trailer Brakes. Guidance Ready with ISOBUS, 600F & 50R Tyres.
Warranty to 04/05/2026 or 1800 Hours.
1,286 Hours, Tractor in use, hours might change.
£114,000+VAT Serial No. 328001
2023 MASSEY FERGUSON 8S.305 DYNA-VT EXCLUSIVE
54KPH, Front Axle & Cab Suspension, Front Linkage And 2 Hyd Services, Rear Linkage, 4 Electric Services, Air Over Oil ABS Trailer Brakes. Trimble Cenrimetre Radio Guidance, 2nd ISOBUS Screen, 600F & 710R Tyres.
Warranty to 05/08/2026 or 1200 Hours. 334 Hours, Tractors in use, hours might change.
£174,000+VAT Serial No. 151063
2024 MASSEY FERGUSON 6S.155 DYNA-6 EFFICIENT
54KPH, MF4327 Front Loader Ready (FL.4327 Loader Prices Separately), Front Axle & Cab Suspension, Front Linkage And One Hyd Service, Rear Linkage, 4 Manual Services, Air Over Oil Trailer Brakes, 480F & 580R Tyres. 12 Months Warranty, 272 Hours, Tractor in use, hours might change.
£104,500+VAT Serial No. 268030
2023 MASSEY FERGUSON 7S.180 DYNA-6 ESSENTIAL
54KPH, Front Axle & Cab Suspension, Front Linkage And One Hyd Service, Rear Linkage, 4 Manual Services, Air Over Oil ABS Trailer Brakes, ISOBUS and Novatel Submetre Guidance. Warranty to 04/06/2028 or 1200 Hours, 473 Hours, Tractor in use, hours might change.
£103,500+VAT
2021
54KPH, Front Axle & Cab Suspension, Front Linkage And One Hyd Service, Rear Linkage, 4 Manual Services, Air Over Oil ABS Trailer Brakes, ISOBUS and Guidance Ready, 12 Months Warranty, 129 Hours, Tractor in use, hours might change.
Serial No. 011005
FERGUSON 8S.205 DYNA-7 EFFICIENT
54KPH, Front Axle & Cab Suspension, Front Linkage and One Hyd Service, Rear Linkage, 4 Electric Services, Air Over Oil Trailer Brakes, ISOBUS and Guidance Ready, 600F 650R Tyres. Warranty to 17/11/2024 or 3000 Hours, Tractor in use, hours might change.
£97,000+VAT Serial No. 25908
54KPH, Front Axle & Cab Suspension, Front Linkage, PTO And 1 Pair Of Hyd Service's, Rear Linkage, 4 Electric Services, Air Over Oil Trailer Brakes, ISOBUS, Guidance Ready. Warranty to 15/08/2026 or 1200 Hours. 225
2023 MASSEY FERGUSON 6S.180 DYNA-6 EFFICIENT
54KPH, MF4327 Front Loader With Euro Carriage, Manual Locking And One Service, Front Axle & Cab Suspension, Front Linkage And One Hyd Service, Rear Linkage, 4 Manual Services, Air Over Oil ABS Trailer Brakes, 540F & 650R Tyres, Warranty to 15/03/2027 or 1200 Hours, 277 Hours, Tractor in use, hours might change.
£106,500+VAT Serial No. 300018
MASSEY
Loader sold separately
Talking......from the boundary
Guy Lee
Looking South across the Border yesterday’s announcement that applications for the SFI in England suddenly closed with immediate effect came as no real surprise. The enthusiasm with which it was received and the uptake was always going to put pressure on budgets. It appeared that there was no financial upper limit to the scheme, and for many businesses it seemed a ‘no brainer’ putting marginal land into herbal leys and the like. The knock-on effect is a large reduction of food producing crops, a real hit to the machinery sector that have seen sales plummet and overall less activity as inputs are reduced. What is typical of this Government is that it makes these decisions without consultation and always wanting to give the impression they are on our side. The rural economy is being treated like a punch bag, every week there is another announcement that knocks confidence out of the industry.
The man in charge across the Atlantic is even worse, managing the worlds largest economy as though it is a toy. The power invested in the President seems incredible. On a whim he can slap a 25% tariff on goods one day, double them the next and then reverse his decision a day later. The financial markets struggle to cope with such dramatic policy decisions, trying to second guess such an unpredictable administration is not for the faint hearted.
There has been a rapid decline in demand for processed foods, with a corresponding increase in natural ingredients. Waitrose have seen sales of whole milk and full fat yoghurt increase by over 15%. This is really positive news for primary producers with demand for farm ready products such as eggs and milk soaring. Vegan meals made with plant based ingredients have stagnated with many large brands withdrawing products from the market as sales were unviable. We are witnessing unsatisfied demand for fat cattle as the price continues to rise. This flies in the face of climate warriors who see red meat as the scourge of all evil.
DIRT DRIVER HOT/COLD PRESSURE WASHERS. BUILT IN THE UK
4 MODELS IN 110, 240 & 440V, FROM 90 TO 200 BAR and 12 TO 15 LPM 25LT DETERGENT STORAGE, INTERNAL WRAS COMPLIANT WATER TANK, EFFICIENT THERMOSTATICALLY CONTROLLED BOILER, TIMED SHUT DOWN. OPTIONS INCLUDE STAINLESS STEEL OR PAINTED HOOD.
OTHER MACHINES IN THE DIRT DRIVER RANGE INCLUDE COLD PRESSURE WASHERS AND ‘TAMPERPROOF’ CABINET PRESSURE WASHERS, SINGLE AND THREE PHASE.
LOTHIAN & BORDERS PRESSURE WASHERS ARE DISTRIBUTORS OF QUALITY CLEANING EQUIPMENTFOR ALL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS.
ALL TYPES OF PRESSURE WASHERS AND FLOORCARE EQUIPMENT, INCLUDING SCRUBBER DRYERS, SWEEPERS AND VACUUMS
ALL MAKES SERVICED AND REPAIRED REFURBISHED HOT PRESSURE WASHERS ALWAYS IN STOCK.
Will Howe is an arable farmer from Sleaford, Lincolnshire. The soils are predominantly heavy. There is 1000ha of cropping including winter wheat, spring beans, spring oats and oilseed rape. He also manages a contracting business Thorpe Farming Ltd.
A wise old sage once told me that it is good to pay tax because that means I am making money, with the added advantage of knowing that I am philanthropically propping up a greedy bank or a despot run 3rd world country, or even more excitingly own 20cm of HS2. Whilst all of this is undeniably true there needs to be a balance, so I thought this may be an opportune moment to replace the combine. My current combine is about to embark on its 11th harvest so is a little tired around the edges and has one or 2 inherent faults that compromise output.
Feeling emboldened with the results of my fag-packet budgeting, I picked up the phone to my local used combine salesman. I always buy the same make, from the same man, at 3-4yrs old on a 1+3 hire purchase arrangement. Nothing changes. Unbeknown to me, it appears that it does. My last combine cost £175,000. I have been quoted £345,000 for an equivalent replacement today. This seemed mind blowing. So much so that I ran the numbers through an inflation calculator which showed my £175,000 in 2018 is £225,000 today, then add on a generous £50,000 for improvements and we are still left with £70,000 of “agricultural inflation”. I genuinely fear for the machinery trade because with a first year combining cost on these figures, I will be losing £50/ha. Suffice to say the old combine is going to get treated to some new bearings, lights, and a fancy GPS steering kit.
The good news is that the combine is now going to have more to cut as we have started spring drilling. With 570ha to do it is nice to make a start. The warm weather over the last week has dried things nicely on top but it is very wet and plasticine underneath. This though won’t dry unless it is moved, which will create problems in itself so the drilling continues. The trusty straw harrow and tyre press is following 24 hours behind to fill in any open seed trenches and provide better soil to seed contact.
As anything in the modern world, nothing is simple. Our diesel delivery has been made to the wrong farm, too much barley seed was delivered to one farm, and not enough to another despite being ordered on entirely separate accounts and we are still waiting on starter fertiliser deliveries which might delay the drilling. Does any of this really matter? I don’t have a neighbour to the East trying to conquer me whilst my “friend” on the West is trying to take all my natural resources. So probably not. The positive is that rectifying others errors comes at a cost to me, which means my share of HS2 will remain the same as last year.
Author’s note: to prove I do put some effort into these articles I never knew HS2 cost £245,000/ metre! I can’t begin to imagine how that figure can be arrived at and perhaps proves combines aren’t too expensive Mr Claas...
• Perry Engineering 2014 12m twin leg elevator 60t/hour
• Perry Engineering 2014 4m incline 60t/hour
• Perry Engineering 2014 20m top conveyor 60t/hour
• Kongskilde weigher x2
• Typhoon Cyclone Fan Unit 415 volts, 3 phase, 80 K.W 75hp
Type:TC8F Serial No. 91881 For all enquiries please contact 07590 440857
Fishwick Lord of the Rings
Fishwick Diadem
Ritchie Bale Handler
Calf Creep
Portequip Mobile Dipper
Bateman Bespoke Cattle Handling
10 ton Log Chopper
Mobile Sheep Handler
26’ Trailer
FARMERS’ CLASSIFIED
KERSKNOWE CHAROLAIS & SIMMENTAL
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Honda CRF 300 LA-M 2021, 2150 miles, MOT Aug 25, Light Off Road Use, VGC, Service History. £3700 Inc Vat Tel: 07778 233662 Nr Kelso
Talking
......Organic
March 12th 2025
Simon Bainbridge farms in partnership with his wife Claire and his parents, Ivan and Elisabeth in Northumberland. They run suckler beef, sheep and laying hen enterprises across 650 ha of mainly SDA and moorland - organically.
As I write this the global situation seems to be very precarious with Trump intentionally stirring the wasp’s nest – prodding warring parties and then kicking off a tariff war. It makes everything look a little shaky. You would think that when the global situation is fragile, our own government would look to increase its own security, not only defence, but food and fuel security. That would surely be the sensible thing to do, but no, I’ve got that thought process wrong. Following the budget at the end of last year, many of us were wrong footed by the slashed BPS, IHT changes and the NI changes to name a few. Sensibly, with the reduction in BPS, many looked to secure other support solutions, with SFI being encouraged as the way forward. (A simple online process where support was paid for environmental options. A scheme where so much time, money and effort has already been invested in to. The first step in ELMS, entry for all, a simple process, a simple solution). However, this government has stopped SFI with a moments notice, removed the lifeline that many farms were clinging to. Those that are in, are in, those that aren’t, can’t now apply. The message is vague and wooly. SFI 2024 is closed to new applications, but no mention of when SFI 2025 will open. A hint of new and improved options, but no time frame. The difficulty is that the scheme has been designed with no financial parameters. Its open to all, but if we all apply, there’s clearly not enough budget, so in reality – not open to all. What this government can’t seem to grasp is that farming, unlike other industries, can’t make sharp turns, it can’t stop and start, we can’t reduce production and then instantly ramp up at a moments notice. We are at a peculiar moment where there are too many external variables, and where previously the support system stabilised the ship in rocky waters, its now just got a leaky hull. War, biosecurity threats with F&M, bluetongue, bird flu all rumbling ever closer and increased tariffs, could all lead to increased food prices and possible food shortages… the problem is quite real, but the government doesn’t seem to get this. The daft thing is that we all get back out there doing our very best to produce food and help the environment whilst having our hands tied behind our backs and being kicked at the same time. At a farm level, the world is still barking. We are trying to get planning for our muck store, we need it, catchment sensitive farming has endorsed it, Natural England have approved it, RPA will help fund part of it, but the planners aren’t sure. One hiccup has been the biodiversity net gain – we’ve overcome that, but the project is an environmental gain on every level, but as a development we have to offset the loss of biodiversity with increased diversity elsewhere, but the removal of muckheaps, reduction in environmental impact carting muck everywhere doesn’t seem to count. We’ve had to restart the process, so my plan of getting our muck under cover within the next few months is slipping away – will we get there this year?
