Agrimart March 2025 Issue

Page 1


Searching for a Farm Secretary?

Here at Glendale Engineering, we are proud to be able to say that we have over 35 years’ experience

& 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

• Electronic Cattle & Sheep Weigh Systems

• 9”x3” Timbers & 6”x3” Timbers In Stock

• Big Six Fibre Cement Sheets In Stock

Wooler : 01668 281464

Hexham : 01434 603078

Email : info@glendaleegineering.co.uk

Graeme Wilson : 07971 880275

Web : www.glendaleengineering.co.uk Wooler : 01668 281464

John Common : 07981 890999

Bob Clapham : 07954 363979

Octoposts
Calf Creep

TWEEDBANK, GALASHIELS TD1 3RS EMAIL SALES@ADAMPURVES.COM

WEBSITE WWW.ADAMPURVES.COM

LAND DRAINAGE

LAND DRAINAGE

LAND DRAINAGE

RIVERBANK PROTECTION/REPAIRS

RIVERBANK PROTECTION/REPAIRS

RIVERBANK PROTECTION/REPAIRS

TRACK RESTORATION WORKS

TRACK RESTORATION WORKS

TRACK RESTORATION WORKS

RIDING ARENAS

RIDING ARENAS

RIDING ARENAS

DRAIN JETTING/CCTV

DRAIN JETTING/CCTV

DRAIN JETTING/CCTV

FABRICATION/ENGINEERING WORKS

FABRICATION/ENGINEERING WORKS

FABRICATION/ENGINEERING WORKS

SNOW CLEARING SERVICES

SNOW CLEARING SERVICES

SNOW CLEARING SERVICES

PLANT HIRE

PLANT HIRE

PLANT HIRE

360° / 180° TRACKED/ WHEELED EXCAVATORS

360° / 180° TRACKED/ WHEELED EXCAVATORS

360° / 180° TRACKED/ WHEELED EXCAVATORS

D61PXI (GPS) DOZER

D61PXI (GPS) DOZER

D61PXI (GPS) DOZER

REAR TIPPING DUMP TRUCKS

REAR TIPPING DUMP TRUCKS

REAR TIPPING DUMP TRUCKS

TRACTORS & DUMP TRAILERS

TRACTORS & DUMP TRAILERS

TRACTORS & DUMP TRAILERS

WORKS

Rhymers Mill Industrial Estate, Earlston, Berwickshire TD4 6FA

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

EARTHWORKS/GROUNDWORKS

BORING/UTILITY WORKS

DRAINAGE

CEMENT STABILISATION FOR ROAD RESTORATION WORKS PLANT HIRE

360° / 180° TRACKED / WHEELED EXCAVATORS

PROTECTION/REPAIRS RESTORATION WORKS

D61PXI (GPS) DOZER

JETTING/CCTV FABRICATION/ENGINEERING WORKS CLEARING SERVICES

REAR TIPPING DUMP TRUCKS TRACTORS & DUMP TRAILERS

STORES

TRACKED/ WHEELED EXCAVATORS DOZER

DUMP TRUCKS

DUMP TRAILERS

GRADER & EQUIPMENT

• Safety Boots & Clothing

• Tools and Accessories

RESTORATION WORK

• 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.

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

Ford and Etal Sawmill

Quality timber supplies for all your agricultural fencing needs

Creosoted Machined Rounds:

1.65m x 90mm

2.4m x 100mm

2.4m x 150mm

2.4m x 180mm

For more information on new & used farm machinery, contact

Alnwick Tel: 01665 604555 I Stuart Allen Mobile: 07770 736778

Carlisle Tel: 01228 536331 I Steven Hunter Mobile: 07768 031666

Carnforth Tel: 01524 730915 I Mick Hall Mobile: 07595 281741

Dumfries Tel: 01387 255328 I Chris Higgins Mobile: 07920 793180

Newcastle Tel: 0191 264 7000 I Stuart Allen

Mobile: 07770 736778

SAS Mobile Seed Cleaning

We offer a high output service producing 10 - 14 tonnes per hour of gravity separated seed We use gravity tables, the only real method, not gravity selectors

We supply 2 men per machine - farm input only 1 man*

We have long serving members of staff who are time served and highly skilled

Our full time staff are employed from the local community

We will be processing spring barley, spring wheat, oats, spring osr plus peas & beans this Spring with:

Redigo pro - treatment for barley covering loose smut, leaf stripe & fusarium

Prepper - treatment for fusarium in spring wheat & oats

Signal - for wireworm & slug deterrent in all cereals

Manganese - for enhanced root establishment in all crops

Phosphite

Wintercrop reformulated

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

£16,500+VAT 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

Road – Belford (01668) 213

Suppliers of Quality Assured

MIXED CONCRETE

Steven Birdsall (01668) 213 733 Mobile: 07970 112761

& CIVIL ENGINEERING

Suppliers of Quarry Materials, JCB Hire, Drives, Agricultural Buildings, etc. Tel: Belford (01668) 213433

From Source to Supply

Haddington

1st choice

FENDT 720 POWER PLUS 68 Reg, 6000 Hours

FENDT 718 POWER PLUS 20 Reg, 5500 Hours, Due in March

FENDT 718 PROFI PLUS 69 Reg, 5000 Hours, Due in March

FENDT 828 PROFI PLUS 22 Reg, 1950 hours, Due in April, Excellent Condition

FENDT 828 PROFI PLUS 67 Reg, 7700 Hours

FENDT 828 60kph, 16 Reg, c/w 6000 hrs, front linkage, 5 rear spools

MASSEY FERGUSON 5S.115 71 Reg, 690 Hours, Due in Feb MERLO TF30.9-PLUS 20 Reg, c/w 5300 hrs, air con, boom suspension

SECONDHAND MACHINERY

AGRIWELD 4M FIXED MANTIS Front mounted Low Disturbance

AGRIWELD 3M MANTIS MOUNTED CULTIVATOR c/w 5 legs £18,850+VAT

FENDT 1290XD TANDEM AXLE SQUARE BALER c/w air brakes EX DEMO

KVERNELAND 853 PRO BEDDER 2012 build

KVERNELAND 853 BEDDER 2012 Build

MASSEY FERGUSON RB 4160V XTRA 17 Knives Bale Control box, 2022, 28,300 Bales

Fendt 312 Ex Demo, 47 hours, Power Setting 2, Front Loader4X75, Boom Suspension, 110l/min hydraulic pump, Cab Suspension £95,000+VAT

NC 316 Dump Trailer 16 Tonne, High Speed

Commercial axles, Front Stone Guard, Hydraulic rear folding door, 5mm Hardox floor

BOMFORD HAWK EVO 6.5 2018, 1250 hours

SULKY 3M GRAIN & FERTILISER COMINATION UNIT full spec EX DEMO

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

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

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

David Edgar 07774 423569

david.edgar@paxtons.co.uk

MACHINERY

RABBIT MOWER

MCCONNEL SR460, 4.6M BAT WING TOPPER

KVERNELAND 7710C MOUNTED BALE WRAPPER

KVERNELAND NG301 & 3M POWER HARROW AND DRILL

KUHN 4004 POWER HARROW, C/W MAXI PACKER & TRAILER

TRAILED CHAMBRIDGE ROLLERS

KVERNELAND TL1500 GEO SPREADER

VICON RO XL EDW TWIN FERT SPREADER, WEIGH CELL, TELLUS GO DISP., HOPPER COVER, 3 EXT, 4000L

AMAZON ZA-X PERFECT SPREADER, 24M HOPPER COVER

BARGAM MOUNTED SPRAYER, X2 1500L TANKS, LEDS, ELEC CONT., RATE CONT., BOOM LEVELLING

MX BOLT ON TOOL CARRIER BRACKET, FOR MX AUGER BUCKET

LEVEL 3 GPS

KUHN HR4004D POWER HARROW, C/W LEVELLING BOARD, Q-FIT BLADES AND PACKER ROLLER

JCB 980/A9985, Q-FIT, 2.34CU GRAIN BUCKET

HORSCH TERRANO 4FX FOLDING CULTIVATOR, C/W FLEXRING PACKER

LELY 320 SPLENDIMO MOWER CONDITIONER, WORKING CONDITION

SULKY DPX TWIN DISC SPREADER, HOPPER COVER, 24 METRE VANES, 2000L

AUTO/MANUAL TRANSMISSION, SWING ARM SUSPENSION

2/4WD, C/W MUD FLAPS

MANUAL TRANSMISSION, POWER STEERING

MANUAL, POWER STEERING

AUTO/MANUAL TRANSMISSION, INDEPENDENT SUSPENSION

C/W ROAD REGISTRATION

AUTO TRANSMISSION, INDEPENDENT REAR SUSPENSION

2/4WD, C/W TOW BALL, DIRECTIONAL INDICATOR KIT & ROAD REGISTRATION

C/W ROAD REGSITRATION

MANUAL SHIFT TRANSMISSION

C/W ROAD REGISTRATION, MANUAL TRANSMISSION, NO POWER STEERING

AUTO/ELECTROSHIFT TRANSMISSION, INDEPENDENT SUSPENSION

AUTO/ELECTROSHIFT TRANSMISSION, INDEPENDENT SUSPENSION

AUTO TRANSMISSION, INDEPENDENT REAR SUSPENSION, ROAD REG

MANUAL/AUTO TRANS, POWER STEERING, INDEPENDENT SUSPENSION

ROAD REG, MANUAL/AUTO TRANSMISSION, INDEPENDENT SUSPENSION

FULL CAB, HEATER POWER STEERING

OUTLANDER, CVT, INDICATOR KIT, HEATED GRIPS, WINDSCREEN MANUAL SHIFT GEARBOX

CASE FARMALL 55A

CASE FARMALL 95A

CASE PUMA 150 CVX

CASE PUMA 220 MC

CASE OPTUM 300 CVX

CASE PUMA 150 CVX

CASE PUMA 175 CVX

CASE PUMA 170 CVX

CASE PUMA 200 MC

CASE PUMA 220 MC

CASE PUMA 175 CVX

CASE PUMA 240 CVX

CASE PUMA 240 CVX

CASE PUMA 240 CVX

CASE MAXXUM 110

VALTRA T152

MF 7718S

NEW HOLLAND T6.140

JOHN DEERE 6150R

DEUTZ 6215 TTV

CLAAS

4WD, AIR CON, 40KPH, 3 REMOTE VALVES 4WD

50KPH, 4 SPOOLS, GUIDANCE READY, PRO 700 SCREEN AXLE/CAB SUS., 50KPH, ACCUGUIDE READY, PRO 700 SC GPS COMPLETE, 50KPH, FRONT LINKS

C/W FR LINKAGE, SPEC'D TO 175CVX, FULL ACCUGUIDE

FRONT LINKAGE, 4 REAR ELECTRIC VALVES, ISO BUS FRONT LINKAGE, 2 MID 4 REAR REMOTES, GPS READY

POWER SHIFT, MECHANICAL REAR SPOOL VALVES

MULTI CONTROL

FRONT LINK. & PTO, 4SPOOLS, 2MID MOUNT, LEATHER SEAT

FR LINKAGE, 1 MID MOUNT, 4 REAR REMOTES, L3 GPS

FR LINKAGE, FR PTO, REVERSIBLE FAN, 2MID, 4REAR, L3 GPS

FR LINKAGE, 4 ELEC REMOTES, JOYSTICK 2 GPS

16X16 TRANSMISSION 40KPH CAB SUSPENSION

CAB SUSPENSION, FRONT LINKAGE, FRONT SUSPENSION

DYNA6, 50KPH, LINKAGE & PTO

C/W LYNX LOADER, DUAL COMMAND, 40KPH, 3 SPOOLS

4WD, C/W FRONT LINKAGE, DIRECT DRIVE

FRONT LINKAGE PLUS + PTO, 4 REAR + 1 FRONT REMOTE 40 KPH CAB SUSPENSION

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

Machinery

Haddington Selkirk 01620 823171 01750 725725

Trailedline 4.0 premium 18cu.m, weigh system, cross conveyor, heavy duty steering, air brakes, 2020 Y.O.M.

Nugent heavy duty flatbed trailer £3750 2700kg, internal size: 3.05m x 1.84m marine ply flooring, Knott brakes, “silent” dropsides, lockable ramp store, LED lights.

Contact a member of our sales team:

Ian Chalmers: 07793 589 678 ic@hendersongm.co.uk

Allan White: 07501 088 177 apw@hendersongm.co.uk

William Smith: 07793 589 661 ws@hendersongm.co.uk

Nugent general flatbed trailer £2950 2000kg, internal size: 2.54m x 1.5m, 18mm marine ply flooring, 340mm "silent" dropsides, fully galvanised and LED lights.

3500kg, internal size: 4.27m x 1.80m x 1.93m, treadplate floor, inspection side door, fold-up sheep decks with dividing gates, 2 cattle dividing gates, reinforced loading ramp.

Get in touch with Allan White at our Selkirk depot about Suzuki and Kymco and what we can offer youapw@hendersongm.co.uk

price!

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.

machines in stock right now and ready to go!

Agriculture | Horticulture | Servicing | Parts www.hendersongm.co.uk

Ambrogio Twenty, robot mower New

MY TURN TO GO TO KENYA?

How could he go away again leaving me languishing in another cold barn? Before he went, I pulled a shed here off the muck for washing. That went well enough, but I was left out for over a week with my cable taut. The weather was appalling with frost, wind and rain - talk about being frozen to the core. I asked for someone to send a message to him asking for some sympathy but he is so much out of sight, out of mind that I might as well not exist.

I have heard that he has been walking with camels carrying all his needs. Lazy or what? I have always carried all my own gear. Anyway, why couldn’t he take me? Anywhere a camel can go surely, I could. We were both bought up to survive in the desert.

I’ve just heard that his new best friend, Helen, who led the camel Safari has suffered with a broken half shaft in her Land Cruiser. Not only can she fly her own plane, she also owns 100 camels and is a hero in his eyes. I am not the jealous type, but I do worry where I am in the pecking order.

IPC RIDE

ON SWEEPER

1050 RIDE ON SWEEPER

* POWERED BY 24v BATTERY OR PETROL ENGINE

* LARGE CAPACITY 70lt HOPPER

* 1050 mm BRUSHING WIDTH

* 2 SIDE BRUSHES + MAIN ROLLER BRUSH

*OTHER MODELS AVAILABLE

IPC PEDESTRIAN SWEEPERS

512 & 712 PEDESTRIAN SWEEPERS

* POWERED BY 24v BATTERY OR PETROL ENGINE

* LARGE CAPACITY 50lt HOPPERS

* 500 & 700 SWEEPING WIDTHS

* ONE SIDE BRUSH + MAIN ROLLER BRUSH

* OTHER MODELS AVAILABLE

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.

VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO VIEW THE COMPLETE RANGE

MOBILE 07860 261088

E: info@lbpressurewashers.co.uk

W: www.lbpressurewashers.co.uk

Helen - can we meet?
Poor camels carrying his stuff
Must be thirsty work
sponsor Event riders: Olivia Wilmot, Laura Swinnerton, Laura Mitchell, Ellie Bryce, Sarah Hutchison & Morag Sutherland

Plan for Posterity

Inheritance tax planning may require changes to title deeds or registration of land with Registers of Scotland:

With over 20 years of experience, Landmaps specialises in creating detailed, precise land registration and title deed plans tailored to meet its customers needs.

Other services include:

• GIS Mapping Solutions

• Custom Mapping Services for Farmers & Landowners

• Land Registration Plans

Dog Pen Panels from £60
Troughs
Sheep feed barriers & troughs ATV Snacker and Trailers

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 Serial No. 011014

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 Guidance Ready, 12 Months Warranty, 264 Hours, Tractor in use, hours might change.

£109,500+VAT Serial No. 011019

2024 MASSEY FERGUSON 7S.180 DYNA-6 EXCLUSIVE

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 Hours, Tractor in use, hours might change.

£127,500+VAT Serial No. 318023

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

2021 MASSEY FERGUSON 8S.205 DYNA-7 EFFICIENT

2023

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

FERGUSON 7S.180 DYNA-6 EXCLUSIVE

54KPH, Front Axle &Cab Suspension, Front Linkage And One Hyd Service, Rear Linkage, 4 Electric Hyd Services, Air Over Oil ABS Trailer Brakes, Novatel Centimetre Radio Guidance, 540F & 650R Tyres. Warranty to 1200 Hours or 15/03/2027, 609 Hours, Tractor in use, hours might change.

£116,000+VAT Serial No. 023001

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

Loader sold separately
MASSEY
Ritchie Bale Handler
Calf Creep Grain Pusher
Bateman Bespoke Cattle Handling
Ritchie Draft Pro Weigher
Mobile Sheep Handler 26’ Trailer Special Offer
Earlston
Thorburn Group, Duns
Lower Mansfield Road, Hawick, TD9 8AW
Willowford Farm, Jedburgh
Thorburn Group, Duns

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

Web:www.franklinsoilfertlity.com

Email: david@franklinsoilfertility.com

Agriparts Borders Ltd

Oxford Welders & Plasmas

230v Mag Drill @ £289 + vat 21 pc x 3/4 dr Socket Set @ £69 + vat Tungsten Coated P/H Tines in Stock

TRACTORS

John Deere 6110RC, 2016

John Deere 6120R, 2017

John Deere 6125R, 2012

TRACTORS

John Deere 6250R, choice

John Deere 6250R, 2020

John Deere 6250R, 2021

John Deere 6145R, 2017

John Deere 6155R, 2021

John Deere 6155R, 2021

John Deere 6155R, Choice

John Deere 6175R, Choice

John Deere 6175R, Choice

John Deere 6195R, Choice

John Deere 6195R, 2022

John Deere 6195R, 2015

John Deere 6210R, 2014

John Deere 6215R, 2019

John Deere 6215R, choice

John Deere 6215R, 2021

TELEHANDLERS/WHEELED LOADERS

John Deere 6900, 1997

John Deere 6930, 2010

John Deere 6930, 2010

Kramer 5085T, 2016, Telehandler

Kramer KT276, choice

Claas Scorpion 7035, 2014

John Deere 7310R, 2020

John Deere 7310R, 2020

John Deere 7R 330, 2021

John Deere 8360RT, 2013

John Deere 8530, 2006

Massey Ferguson 7726, 2019

New Holland T6070, 2011

New Holland T6180

New Holland T7.260, 2016

Valtra T194, 2019

TELEHANDLERS/WHEELED LOADERS

JCB TM320S, 2007, Wheeled Loader A

JCB 528/70, 2002, Telehandler Ha

JCB 541/70, 2018, Telehandler

MACHINE OF THE MONTH

6 auto-reset subsoiler legs

26 x 520mm scalloped discs

Border discs for level finish

Double D packer roller

Hydraulic depth control Requires 180hp

EX-DEMO MACHINE

0% Finance subject to Terms and Conditions available by request.

TRACTORS

John Deere 6110RC, 2016

John Deere 6120R, 2017

John Deere 6125R, 2012

TRACTORS

John Deere 6250R, choice

John Deere 6250R, 2020

John Deere 6250R, 2021

John Deere 6145R, 2017

John Deere 6155R, 2021

John Deere 6155R, Choice

John Deere 6175R, Choice

John Deere 6175R, Choice

John Deere 6195R, Choice

John Deere 6195R, 2022

John Deere 6195R, 2015

John Deere 6210R, 2014

John Deere 6215R, 2019

John Deere 6215R, choice

John Deere 6215R, 2021

TELEHANDLERS/WHEELED LOADERS

John Deere 6900, 1997

John Deere 6930, 2010

Kramer 5085T, 2016, Telehandler

Kramer KT276, choice

Claas Scorpion 7035, 2014

John Deere 7310R, 2020

John Deere 7310R, 2020

John Deere 7R 330, 2021

John Deere 8360RT, 2013

John Deere 8530, 2006

Massey Ferguson 7726, 2019

New Holland T6070, 2011

New Holland T6180

New Holland T7.260, 2016

Valtra T194, 2019

TELEHANDLERS/WHEELED LOADERS

JCB TM320S, 2007, Wheeled Loader

JCB 528/70, 2002, Telehandler

JCB 541/70, 2018, Telehandler

MACHINE OF THE MONTH

u DRILLING

u

u DGPS LIME & FERT SPREADING

u HEDGECUTTING

u SMALL SEEDS DRILLING – Einbock 12m (grass/kale/oilseed rape) CONTACT:

OFFICE : 01890 840 251

MOBILE : DAVID 07971 409 367 KENNY 07971 409 371

E.MAIL : rwoodandsons@btconnect.com

WEBSITE : www.rwoodandsons.co.uk

Variable Lime Spreading

Soil testing & lime delivery also arranged

Contact Doug Thomson 07967 193438

SELF DRIVE HIRE

MICRO TO MINI DIGGERS 1t to 3t

Micro/doorway excavators (new Bobcat E10) to 1.5t and up to 3t (Bobcat E27)

ROAD ROLLER Terex 1200 2.9t

vibrating ride on, 1.2m wide

Drive away with our 3t trailers to suit or delivery by us

From £60+VAT to £90+VAT per day

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.

HOGARTH

GARY HOGARTH

AG - Bag Sealed Storage Systems

General Contracting Services

•Two high capacity mobile mills for Dry rolling & Crimping

•Ag-bagging Services

•Direct drilling / Pasture rejuvenation

•Ploughing (4 & 5) furrow

•Fertiliser spreading

•Spraying

•Topping & mulching

•Agri Haulage

•Tubelining / Bale wrapping

•Product supply : clamp sheets, silage rings, protective nets and silage additives

• ALL GENERAL CONTRACTING WORK • CULTIVATIONS • BED TILLING • DE-STONING

• IRRIGATION • HEDGE CUTTING • MULCHING • TRIPLE SAWBLADE • DRAINAGE • DITCHING • TRACK/ROAD GRADING • FOUNDATIONS • PONDS

• AGRICULTURAL & COMMERCIAL CONCRETE WORK • FABRICATION WORKS • FENCING (WITH TRACTOR OR DIGGER OPTION) • SNOW CLEARING

FOR HIRE

• TRACTOR HIRES UP TO 360HP, GPS • DIGGER HIRE 9T, 13T, 14T

• TWIN DRUM VIBRATING ROLLER 80, 120 • D4 DOZER • DUMPER 1T, 3T, 9T

• DUMP TRAILERS UP TO 20T • GRAIN/SILAGE TRAILERS UP TO 18T • FLATBED TRAILERS 32FT

• LOWLOADER 32FT TRI AXLE • TOPPER HIRE, BATWING & FLAIL • IRRIGATION REELS & PUMPS

85 SPRINGWOOD RISE, KELSO TD5 8BE 07590 592300 • gbhogarth@hotmail.com

CONTRACTORS SERVICES

On Our Farm

February 12th 2025

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.

For over a year now the main road up to the farm has resembled a river every time it rains. We thought this was due to a collapsed culvert under the road which takes a large majority of the farms field drains. Not only was the blockage flooding the road it was also backing up flooding the field next to it and during seriously heavy rainfall it caused some field drains to blow. I had reported it to the council numerous times over the past year and nothing happened. Eventually I managed to get hold of Doug, brother of Paul who repairs our cars. He is a roads engineer for the council and within in a month he had sorted it. A large stone had lodged in the pipe and completely blocked it under the road. Stone removed, pipe jetted and fingers crossed it has worked. Only time will tell when we next get a huge downpour, but so far so good!

The cattle market has gone crazy with talk of fat cattle getting to £7/kg by March. The huge increase in price is a good thing and the breeders really do need every penny they can get. I am just worried when or if the bubble will burst. Having just spent over £100,000 for 58 AAX store cattle I pray that the price continues to go up. Grazing cattle are going to be seriously expensive at well over £4/kg come March. I have to admit to a few sleepless nights over the last week concerned that we could be overexposing ourselves if the market is suddenly going to collapse. I am reassured by people far more knowledgeable than myself that there is a worldwide shortage of beef and demand is very strong. The big question will be if, or when, beef will simply become too expensive for the consumer.

Staff are our most important asset at Sandystones. As a late Christmas present, I gave them a clay pigeon shooting lesson at Braidwood. None of them had shot before and despite holding it like a machine gun to start with they all did really well. Bogdan came out as the eventual winner despite an incredible start by Shaun who hit his first eight clays in a row. For the first time both my dad and I are away at the same time (Kenya and Norway) as Shaun, Bogdan, Yurii and Diana are all very capable. I have heard nothing so far, so hopefully no news is good news…!

Another hen shed has been emptied, washed and moved. We are currently rearing our eighth batch of point of lay pullets which are doing well having survived storm Eowyn relatively unscathed. We did have to rachet strap the pullet shed roof down as it was threatening to take off and secure a cattle court roof which was flapping around. Thankfully we managed to prevent any long lasting damage but it is not a day I would like to repeat anytime soon!

Hopefully ground conditions dry up to allow us to get the first round of Nitrogen on the winter crops. We have just taken on another 160 acres of arable this year, so I am praying for a drier spring than last year. However, in the meantime I am relishing the snow conditions in Norway.

Yurii, Bogdan, Shaun and (coach) David

Contact:

Connon Construction Ltd.

Christopher07843 208 544

Patrick07701 040 681

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

Connon Farms / Connon Construction
Connon Farms / Connon Construction

CONTRACTORS SERVICES

J & J Grant

Scotland’s Spreading Specialists

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 Mob 07703 113178 Email john@j-jgrant.co.uk

Talking

......New Zealand

February 10th 2025

Ian Mackenzie is an arable and dairy farmer from the Canterbury Plain in the South Island of New Zealand. He runs a number of fully irrigated intensive cropping farms, producing grain, vegetable and grass seeds with some stock finishing.

It has been a miserable summer for arable farming and tourism. Persistently grey shitty damp days have frustrated the harvest and our tourists alike.

Having said that, the boys have got some grasseed, all the peas and most of the wheat in. Yields are, I think, pretty bloody average.

I’ve been allowed out of the back paddock to drive a combine a couple of times and can report that the wheat seems to be running around the 10t/ha mark which is probably a couple of tons shy of where the crop might have been.

The tourists keep coming regardless of the weather but we’ve stopped pretending snow in February is an aberration.

There has been some light relief. A wandering Scotsman arranged for me to meet an enterprising farming couple from Fife, Robert and Jane Stewart, who’ve turned their dairy farm into an awardwinning artisanal cheese business.

We had a great evening discussing farming, marketing food and stuff but in that conversation I was really sorry to hear that John Campbell of Glenrath Farms had died last September. The ship carrying that news to the antipodes has clearly got lost.

I met and stayed with John (and Cathie) when I was travelling on my Nuffield Scholarship and since then we’ve travelled with them to other parts of the world and they’ve stayed with us at Akaunui. We were having a discussion one evening about “adding value” and dealing with the market for the food we produce as farmers, with special reference to dealing with supermarkets. John said the secret to success (and making money) was to understand the buyer’s needs. Make their life easy by guaranteeing without exception quality, quantity and reliability of supply every day of the year and you then set the price.

That was probably the most valuable advice I was given on my study tour. The 2nd most valuable advice was not to trust wealth created by government decree by a lovely man who sold his milk quota for £1.5m 18 months before a change in government policy rendered it valueless. Both timeless truths that should not be forgotten.

SURFACE DRESSING WITH NATURAL STONE FINISHES

SILAGE PITS, FARM ROADS, DRIVEWAYS, ESTATES

BLOCK PAVING OF PATHWAYS, DRIVEWAYS & CAR PARKS

SCHOOL PLAYGROUNDS, PATHWAYS, CAR PARKS

TARMACADAM, ASPHALT, PATCHING & POTHOLE REPAIRS

DRAINAGE, KERBING, GROUNDWORKS

PRIVATE & COMMERCIAL WORK UNDERTAKEN

Warreners House, Morpeth
The Stiel, Yarrowford
Broad eld Farm, Symington
Langtonlees Farm, Duns

Talking......Business with Edwin Thompson February

2025

Jack Frater is an Agricultural Consultant at Edwin Thompson, based between their offices in Berwick and Galashiels. Jack specialising in Farm and Estate Management. 2024 was arguably the most import year in terms of global politics there has ever been, with over 40% of the world’s population voting in one way or another, resulting in a new Labour Government in the UK, and Donald Trump returning to the White House. 2025 brings with it the consequences of those results, then in 2026 we have the Holyrood elections to look forward to.

Treasurer Rachel Reeves and her planned changes to inheritance tax rules has caused uproar across the countryside with protests happening on what feels like a weekly basis. Public engagement is paramount in terms of lobbying for a rethink, however it important to bear in mind that until these changes were announced, a significant proportion of the population had no idea that agriculture benefited from such reliefs. So, if you are engaging in any way, shape, or form the message needs to be clear that this change is unsustainable financially At this stage there are varying estimations on just how many businesses these changes will impact, the Labour line is only 500 per year, but AHDB have the figure at closer to 42,000 overall, which is nearly 77% of the farms in England and Scotland. There is also now a risk that if you believe the whispers, the Spring Statement could bring with it the removal of the 7-year gifting rule, meaning that handing down the farm, or any asset, to the next generation may not longer mitigate any inheritance tax implications. The advice is as it was back in October, speak to your accountant as soon as you can, and have the difficult family conversations early. Details around how trusts will be impacted are not expected until early April, but this shouldn’t stop you starting to plan ahead. In terms of your farming business, the message is to make sure you are in the best possible position in terms of physical and financial performance. Funding is still available for Scottish farmers through the Farm Advisory Service to assist with an analysis of your business and provide advice as to how improvements can be implemented.

For Scottish producers, the BPS application window is fast approaching and with it comes new conditionality as part of your claim, including the requirement for such things as a carbon audit or biodiversity plan. The application window opens on the 15th March so again the advice is to start early, it is also important to note that the deadline for entitlement transfers is the 1st April. On the plus side the Six Nations has started and I hope by the time Agrimart goes to press Wales are still on for a another Wooden Spoon.

To discuss your BPS claim, or if you would like further information on grant funding available through the Farm Advisory Service, please get in touch on 01896 751300 or email j.frater@edwin-thompson.co.uk.

BEAT THE TAXMAN

Do you want to delay this change until 2029? Contact us today to secure a new pickup on the

Calving / Lambing Cameras

Pan/tilt/zoom systems from £495

Read ear-tags from the comfort of your sofa!

Long-range wireless links and 4G systems a speciality.

Complete farm systems also available.

Book your calving camera installation ASAP.

Talking......Organic

Alarms for Farms (Kelso) Ltd

Long-range Monitoring & Security Systems 01573 440761

www.CalvingCameras.uk www.AlarmsForFarms.com

February 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.

Yesterday we scanned the sheep and are quite pleased with the results. Numbers will be back on last year, but with 200 less ewes that’s the plan to fit in with HT countryside stewardship commitments. The good news is we have a third less triplets than last year – so small wins. With reduced ewe numbers, in theory there should be more feed and hopefully by the time we all get to start lambing the wind will be in a different direction, the rain will have stopped and the temperatures warmer… I’m not asking for too much.

On the cattle side we’re just going through the routine and getting ready for calving. The Luing heifers are looking good however, Claire is feeling a tad nervous about calving them this year. It is normally Claire who gets the call to come and help in the middle of the night, if its needed. The black baldy heifers have generally been quiet and easy to work on with. It’s our first year with the Luings – so she’s praying that they’re easy calving and know their own way to the crush!

Hens are doing ok… they’re not amazing, but not awful, just ok. We have a flock at about 55 weeks of age who had some challenges early on. They’re doing fine but look pretty poor as at the time of stress they over preened and took their own feathers out. We need to manage them carefully as their egg size is slightly larger than we would like, which means in the later weeks we may struggle with shell strength. The younger flock looks amazing, has excellent behaviour, no mortality and ok egg numbers. However, we have a significant number of shell-less eggs and weak shelled eggs. Blood tests have revealed ORT and MG, which we had vaccinated these hens against. We need to work out a course of action, because although it’s not drastic now, it could easily escalate. We’ve re-emphasised our biosecurity measures and tried to ensure that all biosecurity protocol is met and more. The increase in avian influenza cases is a concern, mainly in East Yorkshire at the moment, but with cases across the country, it’s pretty much everywhere in the wild bird population. Those that are coming down with it will have good biosecurity, however it’s the poultry owners only means of protection, so, we have to do everything we can. We’ve had the disinfection stations serviced, so at least the wagon drivers delivering feed and collecting eggs have the right tools to do the job properly. We are planning to cover two muck stores this year. One here at Donkin Rigg and one at Rothley East Shield. We have planning for one, but the planners are being very thorough on their assessments of the other. We’ve jumped through the hurdles of water run-off, biodiversity net gain etc. However, now they are wanting to know what habitat will be lost as a result of this project. The site is a scruffy bit of land at the edge of the yard. We all know it’s where not a great deal happens and in terms of biodiversity, any potential loss will be offset by the huge environmental gains of not storing muck outside. Defra want the store, Natural England want the store, Catchment sensitive farming want the store, we want the store (despite it costing a fortune over and above any grant received), yet the planners are slowing the job right down. At the moment they’re suggesting we withdraw our application however, that would mean another extortionate planning fee when we re-submit.

Kelso Agricultural Discussion Society

Monday 24th February 2025 7.30 pm at the Cross Keys Hotel

How I Farm

We are delighted to invite you back to our final winter meeting and AGM. We will be joined by two excellent speakers.

Neil Ramsay: Hamish Morison Farming

Based near Earlston, Neil manages ~ 800ha of arable crops at Hamish Morison Farming Ltd, which in 2024 was an arable farm of the year finalist. The farm grows Winter Barley, Winter Wheat and Winter Oilseed Rape. Neil aims to push his crops to their full potential and in 2023, his crop of KWS Tardis Winter Barley won the YEN nutrition gold award Over the years the business has invested significantly in precision farming technology, infrastructure and machinery

Mark Mather: Haugh Head Farm

Mark runs the mixed farm, situated near Wooler alongside an agricultural contracting business as well as being a county councillor. The business has changed significantly over the last 10 years, after losing a tenancy of the next door farm the business has changed its system to focus on calf rearing for Warrendale Wagyu. In 2008 Mark lost a leg in a farm accident, since then he has had to adapt his system and the machinery, he uses to allow him to continue to farm. He has also taken on the role of a Farm cccccccccccccccccccccsafety Ambassador.

Admission Fee Farmers £15.00 for the whole season (4 meetings) or £5 for a single meeting Farm staff and under 18s £3 for the whole season or £2 for a single meeting

Talking......from the boundary

For the first time ever in my life I have been out of communication with the outside world.

For the past seven days we have been without our phones having signal. No news, WhatsApp, email or messages. Four of us have been trekking with (not on) camels in the Matthews Range in Northern Kenya. A typical day was a wakeup call at 5.45 am outside our tent by the Samburu. A visit to the bush loo, a brush of the teeth and we were soon sitting around last nights fire drinking hot chai, coffee or ginger tea watching dawn break. Around us camp was broken up and packed onto the 34 camels that carried all our needs for the week’s safari. Then we set off led by Burrian our English, Swahili, Samburu speaking guide and wildlife spotter. Ahead was an armed guard and behind was our hostess Helen Douglas-Dufresne with her 5 dogs. An out and out Kenyan, a passionate conservationist and an impeccable organizer in a most understated manner. By 8 am it was getting hotter, as we walked down wide dry luggas (riverbeds) with evidence all round of the power of the water when it does rain. We spotted elephants and warthogs coming down to waterholes, footprints of leopards and hyenas and a huge variety of bird life. By 10.30am we were looking for a shady tree to stop for breakfast, and what a meal appeared from the boxes the camels were carrying. A fire was lit, coffee boiled and then ‘How would you like your eggs?’ always accompanied by bacon, sausage and toast. 45 minutes later we were on the move again, walking for 3-4 hours until we stopped for beers, lunch, siesta and our home for the night. At 5.30pm we would go for a short walk looking for animals appearing after the heat of the day, then back for a hot shower that was rigged up hanging from a tree. As dusk fell the fire was lit and we were offered almost anything you could think of from the drinks table, with ice always available, before an incredible dinner which could have been roast lamb, pork or beef all cooked on a grill over firewood. It was the most magical week. I have just deleted most of the 237 emails in my inbox and read the messages on the family WhatsApp wondering if we were alive!

GREEN, CLEAN, SERENE

✓ Automated 3-way draft crate

✓ 36V DC which is silent, stunningly powerful with amazing energy economy

✓ Silent compared to traditional pneumatic drafters requiring no external power source

✓ Labour saving device, can accurately handle up to 600 lambs / hour

Talking......from Lincolnshire

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.

I like to think I am a rational person but there are somethings that bring out the inner Trump in me. Not the proclamations about creating American jobs for American people or trying to regain control of the borders for both drug and immigration control. However, the crazier stuff he comes out with when you just know he is having a quiet 5 mins on the White House porcelain and no aide is comfortable enough to babysit him yet and simultaneously take control of his X feed, whist reassuring him that was indeed the best passing of a stool known to man. For me there are 2 things that turn my hair blond and get me gesticulating like a fake-tanned Millwall Bushwacker. It is people who turn their phones on the minute the tyres screech on the tarmac after their holiday to Benidorm. There is just no need. I can’t imagine there are many MD’s of the FTSE 100 on the red eye flight from Alicante to Stanstead, so enjoy the peace that little bit longer and keep the wretched phone turned off. Even worse are those that are retired who insist on doing their weekly shop on a Saturday. The only time of the week I go near a supermarket is on the way to watch the kid’s sports matches on a Saturday. In the spirit of keeping my carbon footprint down I tie in witnessing another drubbing at netball, or retrieving my son’s battered body from a crumpled heap somewhere near his own tryline, with a ridiculously time consuming shopping experience dancing around fellow shoppers who appear to be having a nap, whilst others are questioning the checkout person if they can split a pack of ham as they only really need 2 slices yet there are 4 in the pack. Please, come back on Mon-Fri when the rest of us are at work.

What a beauty!

To prove I am not ageist, or discriminatory at any level, I have succumbed to my online auction addiction and my latest purchases could be at best described as elderly. We have a problem at Worths filling the sheds in that the 50 year old concrete drying floor is tired, and when using a grain pusher to heap the grain the drying covers move which fills the air vents with grain, whilst also getting the grain too tight to allow adequate air flow. So, much to my horror I have made the backward step of buying a 30+ year old grain elevator, and a 23 year old trailer. The trailer still has the paint on the floor which is a good sign and will allow us to run three trailers therefore easing the pressure on the store and cartmen. With the land too wet to travel, we are fulltime in the workshop preparing for harvest, with every eventuality catered for. As a wise 15 year old told me last year when he found we weren’t carrying a spare disc for a cultivator that hadn’t been used in 14 years; “Fail to prepare, prepare to fail”. Perhaps good advice for his upcoming GCSE revision!

01359 250917
Stanton, Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk, IP31 2AD, UK
Cover crops still doing their thing

Fuelling UK Farms

PLENTIFUL POWER, WHEREVER AND

If you require dependable, plentiful source of power, 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. Supplying dependable and powerful generators in the

Talking......North of the Forth

February 5th 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. Our main farm buildings have, like many steadings, had various uses over the years and been adapted and modified over time. One such shed is where we tip grain off the combine before going through the drier and where we store machinery and fertiliser the rest of the year. At one time it was a potato store with fans and vents and an insulated roof. The insulation consisted of polystyrene sheets nailed onto the purlins. There was a gap between the roof sheets and the insulation that became a preferred sanctuary for the local feral pigeon community. Fed up of these feathered squatters pooping on my machinery and being a general nuisance the decision was taken to remove the insulation and make the shed bird proof. Having been warned just how nasty accumulations of pigeon excrement are to human health (resulting in rather nasty chronic lung conditions) a full hazmat suit and mask were bought and not being able to ask anyone else to do such a dirty task it was left to me to do the job. Armed with a crowbar, cherry picker and three huge skips the job has been completed, and the shed is now a cleaner and brighter place to work. The pigeons are a bit confused, but I am sure they will find suitable lodgings in Dundee!

Winter ploughing has been progressing well and should be finished mid-February. The KV plough now in its third spring season is making a beautiful job in the hands of Colin. The ground is coming up far nicer than this time last year which is a joy to see.

Pigs and prime deer have both moved off farm this month. The deer have spent an extra winter on the farm, so I was particularly pleased to see them heading off. Venison sales are starting to pick up and I get the feeling that this often-overlooked meat is coming in for a bit of a resurgence. Producers of wild, farmed and park deer are working hard to promote venison and with its environmental credentials, health benefits and versatility is a great option for the modern consumer. I am completely biased but a good bit of venison beats lamb and beef every time!*

A deer quality assurance visit and an SQC audit in one week I am now complianced-out**! I am a supporter of Quality Assurance schemes, but it is always a huge relief to get these visits completed. Between pigs, deer, cereals and turkeys I have numerous inspections over the course of the year and am becoming quite proficient at the associated paperwork.

*I think the editor likes when I write controversial things occasionally… **Not an actual word. But it should be.

Beautiful ploughing conditions.
Pigeon Poo PPE
Halfway through the job
Loading pigs in the wee small hours

FARMERS’ CLASSIFIED

• Suppliers of Biomass Timber

Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.