The Monitor Farm Scotland programme is gearing up for a jam-packed season of events, aimed at sharing knowledge and innovation within the industry. Scheduled across various regions, these gatherings are farmer-led and farmerdriven, reflecting the dynamic nature of Scotland’s agricultural landscape.
30 October 2024
Roxburgh
Balancing the ‘Sweet Spot’ of Output and Profit
Venue: Cowbog Farm, Morebattle
20 November 2024 East Lothian
What is the Financial Future of Arable Farming?
Venue: Whitekirk Hill, North Berwick
5 December 2024
Roxburgh
Regenerative Agriculture: Hope or Hype?
Venue: Buccleuch Arms, St Boswells
5 November 2024
Argyllshire
What to Expect from an Inspection
Venue: Craigens Farm, Islay
20 November 2024
Strathspey
Vet Special: Pneumonia
7 November 2024 North Cluster
Succession, Tax and Legal
Venue: Strathspey Vets, Aviemore
Venue: Thainstone Centre, Inverurie
21 November 2024 Banff & Buchan
Shaping Up: the Roles of Body Condition Scoring, Genomics and Nutrition
Venue: Sauchentree, New Aberdour
Save the dates and stay tuned for more information on speakers and locations. Keep an eye out for updates and be sure to pencil in these events for exciting insights and discussions! Head to the website monitorfarms.co.uk for more information on the programme and follow Monitor Farm Scotland on Facebook and on Instagram @monitorfarmscotland
For more information on new & used farm machinery, contact
Alnwick Tel: 01665 604555 I Stuart Allen
Carlisle Tel: 01228 536331 I Steven Hunter
Carnforth Tel: 01524 730915 I Mick Hall
Dumfries Tel: 01387 255328 I Chris Higgins
Newcastle Tel: 0191 264 7000 I Stuart Allen
Mobile: 07770 736778
Mobile: 07768 031666
Mobile: 07595 281741
Mobile: 07920 793180
Mobile: 07770 736778
to discuss your requirements.
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
● 2014 Kuhn TF 1500 front hopper c/w tyre press, road lights, delivery tube, control box. 2014 Kuhn Venta TF 1500 with hopper extension, disc drill 4M, control box. 2014 Kuhn HR4004D power harrow, disc marker arms. £15,500
● 2017 Kuhn Vari-master 5 furrow auto reset, rear disc, very tidy plough well metaled. £12,000
● Kverneland 5 furrow slat vari width, rear disc, manual front furrow adjuster, 200 head stock, rear depth wheel, good tidy plough £7000
● Kverneland ED85 / 160, 5 furrow auto reset plough, no. 8 solid bodies, with hydraulic front furrow width ADJ standard skimmers, depth wheel, needs work £3750
● Kverneland Geo Spread 2800LTR cap hopper with sieves & inspection windows, hydraulic controls, twin - 8 vaned discs, spread from 12M-45M, intelligent disc control ISO11783, Centerflow system, 4 weigh cells, exactline spread kit, folding hopper cover, dual input gearbox + PTO clutch, LED road lights £4900
● Kubota variable chamber,1.20 x 0.6-1.25, 2.20m wide pick up, Supercut 14 chopper system, parallelogram, drop floor, intelligent density, 3D bale chamber with auto chain lubrication, Easyload Powerbind Netwrap system, on 500/50-17 wheels with hydraulic brakes, Isomatch Tellus Go Terminal £26,000
● Kverneland DTX ex-demo unit, 3.0M/9'10" working width, 3 point linkage mounted, 5 legs AT60cm spacing with hydraulic protection auto-reset, STD 250mm Prolift wing tines, followed by 24 discs in two rows, hydraulic depth control, fitted with DD600 double disc rear roller with scrapers, unit weight 2970kg, 600mm DD roller £24,300
● Kverneland E-Drill S-Series 3.0m wide grain and fertiliser pneumatic drill, Isobus 11783, 2000l ADJ. hopper, HYD. Fan drive, 24 x CX11 coulters @ 12.5cm, on HYD. lift bar, half width shut-off following harrow, LED r-lights, 301 euro S-Series power harrow, 12 rotor, 575 euro packer roller carbide scrapers, PTO drive shaft hopper extension, 5000 pre-emergence marker £45,000
● Broughan 16t dump trailer up and over rear door 560/60x 22.5 wheels £21,750
● Broughan 16 ton high speed monocoque, body size: 20'L x 8'3"W x 5'H, hydraulic up and over rear door, grain chute, front window and side ladder, sprung drawbar, twin 10 stud commercial axles, on tyres 560/60R22.5, air and hydraulic brakes, load sensing, STD LED road lights and top door lights bar £21,300
● Househam Sprint self-propelled sprayer, with 2000l capacity tank, 24m boom, 4 section control, 2 sets of wheels - 540/65x24 and 340/85x28 £5500
● Deutz 8280 TTV 268HP/197KW 6-CYL stage 5 diesel SCR system and Adblue, 4WD, 60KPHTTV compound transmission, 12" I-Monitor 3 and Agrosky GPS ready, Maxivision 2 cab + air suspension cab, front linkage & PTO, 5 electric spool valves, PUH, front axle suspension, air & HYD brakes, 600/70R30, 710/70R42, ex-hire £162,000 remaining SDF warranty.
● Deutz 6135 RV ex-demo less than 100hrs, 136HP/99.8KW 4-CYL Farmotion 45 stage v diesel, turbo intercooler SCR and Adblue, 4WD, 50kph with RV shift 20F + 16R, automatic powershift, arm rest joystick, control, 5" info-centre, stop and go system, suspended front axle, cab suspension, dual mode HYD trailer brakes, PUH, rear lift 7000kg front linkage with spools,540/65R24, 600/65R38 £72,000
Agriculture | Horticulture | Servicing | Parts www.hendersongm.co.uk all prices shown are excluding VAT
Wats on Hog g Feeder
Bateman Sheep Gri p Mc Cauley
Leading the field.
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
The Old Smiddy, Graden, Kelso, TD5 8BS Telephone : 01573 430338 Email : info@walkergroundworks.com
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
If you have any fields that you feel are not performing to their full potential, we can help with our expert knowledge of soil fertility Call us on 07977 139242 Everything on your farm depends on healthy balanced soil. Therefore understanding your soil allows you to reach your soil’s potential Our Advanced Cation Exchange Rebalancing soil survey will enable you to better understand your best asset and achieve a healthy balanced soil - maximising productivity and profit
The plant absorbs 70% of the cations it needs through the cation exchange process, hence imbalances of Cations on the clay colloids, prevents the plant from taking up a proper balance of essential nutrients, which leads to higher fertiliser costs and reduced natural fertility.
“Your soil is your most precious resource” We can help you achieve the best balance to get the best results from your soil, using our Cation Exchange Rebalancing Soil Survey and our expert knowledge.
Sawn Posts & Rails
Sleepers
Gates Round Posts & Strainers
Treestakes
BLINKBONNY QUARRY
• ALL GRADES OF AGGREGATE PRODUCED
• DELIVERY
• COLLECTION
ADVANCED DRYING of timbers to produce the very best treatment results
Other Products Available:
Tanalised End Grain
Preservative
Fencing Wire
Gates & Fittings • Post Crete Various Types of Firewood
Ford & Etal Sawmill, Letham Hill Farm, Cornhill-on-Tweed, Northumberland TD12 4TP forestry@ford-and-etal.co.uk
• 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
I didn’t think I would find myself saying this but I have to admit that for once he has gone to great lengths to make sure I am happy. We went up to Longniddry three weeks ago to pull four hen houses at Gosford Organics. I have done this many times before and have always struggled with the effort required. I break out in an embarrassing sweat as I strain to move the last two, my winch gearbox overheats, the oil boils and emits quantities of smoke. This was not good for my health, the water he poured over the gearbox did help cool me a bit but never enough to prevent potential catastrophic damage. At last the message has got through to him and this time I only pulled two before he stopped, left me there for a couple of nights and then came back to move the other pair. This did wonders for me, I felt so much fresher and found the job a breeze. We drove back home with a spring in my step and a real satisfaction of a job well done.
I did have a very auspicious start when I started to pull the first shed. The cable went tight, the spades disappeared in the deep black soil, and as I thought the shed must move under the tension the wire went slack as the towing frame sprung round. My first reaction was a repeat of last month’s disaster at Langshaw. Fortunately there was no damage apart from a broken towing eye which was replaced by the time I returned on the return visit.
This morning we made the journey back there to pull the sheds into position as they have been washed and the muck removed. Again the job has been spread over three days, fitting in with his social life! I pulled two back this morning, she then arrived in the electric car, collected him and left me there reversed up to shed no 3 ready for his return.
Two pulleys make it easier
New for Spring 2025 - Full Scottish supply chain with
Davidson Land Services Ltd. are delighted to announce the following new services:
CONTRACT WORKS
PUBLIC & PRIVATE WATER MAINS SPRING SUPPLIES
CONTRACT CRUSHING / SCREENING WORKS
Producing drain-fill / aggregates and other materials to customer requirements
SEPTIC TANKS/PUMPING STATIONS
TREATMENT WORKS
EARTHWORKS/GROUNDWORKS WORKS
PROTECTION/REPAIRS
RESTORATION WORKS
DRAIN JETTING/CCTV
INTER-DRAIN 2040 GP TRENCHLESS PLOUGH
FABRICATION/ENGINEERING WORKS
SNOW CLEARING SERVICES
Following the announcement from Glendinning Groundworks Ltd. Davidson Land Services Ltd., Earlston, have agreed to take on their Inter-Drain Trenchless machine, along with members of their current Drainage Team.
PLANT HIRE
360° / 180° TRACKED/ WHEELED EXCAVATORS
The Inter-Drain 2040 GP Trenchless Plough can install up to 150 mm diameter to various depths. Drainage schemes are installed with a gravel infill to underside of topsoil for maximum effect. The Inter-Drain is mainly designed for land drainage but can also be utilised in other sectors such as cable and pipeline laying. The machine also incorporates a Topcon laser system which allows us to lay drainage systems to minimal gradients.
D61PXI (GPS) DOZER
REAR TIPPING DUMP TRUCKS
TRACTORS & DUMP TRAILERS
STORES
Here at Davidson Land Services Stores, we have a wide range of stock including:
• Consumables (Sprays, Paints, Nuts & Bolts Ect)
• Safety Boots & Clothing
• Tools and Accessories
• Chrome North West Cleaning Products
• Drainage Coils, Twinwall, MDPE & Soil Pipe
• Exol Oil, Grease, Brake Fluid Ect
• Viking Johnston Fittings
• Philmac Water Fittings
Unit 2-3 Rhymers 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.
RIVERBANK PROTECTION/REPAIRS TRACK RESTORATION WORKS
RIVERBANK PROTECTION/REPAIRS
RIVERBANK PROTECTION/REPAIRS
TRACK RESTORATION WORKS
TRACK RESTORATION WORKS
CRUSHER, GRADER & COMPACTION EQUIPMENT
RIDING ARENAS
RIDING ARENAS
JETTING/CCTV
RIDING ARENAS
DRAIN JETTING/CCTV
DRAIN JETTING/CCTV
CEMENT STABILISATION FOR ROAD
DRAIN JETTING/CCTV
FABRICATION/ENGINEERING WORKS SERVICES
FABRICATION/ENGINEERING WORKS
FABRICATION/ENGINEERING WORKS
FABRICATION/ENGINEERING WORKS
RESTORATION WORKS
SNOW CLEARING SERVICES
SNOW CLEARING SERVICES
SNOW CLEARING SERVICES
PLANT HIRE
PLANT HIRE
PLANT HIRE
PLANT HIRE
360° / 180° TRACKED/ WHEELED EXCAVATORS
360° / 180° TRACKED/ WHEELED EXCAVATORS
360° / 180° TRACKED/ WHEELED EXCAVATORS
TRACKED/ WHEELED EXCAVATORS
360° / 180° TRACKED / WHEELED EXCAVATORS
D61PXI (GPS) DOZER
DOZER
D61PXI (GPS) DOZER
D61PXI (GPS) DOZER
REAR TIPPING DUMP TRUCKS
REAR TIPPING DUMP TRUCKS
REAR TIPPING DUMP TRUCKS
D61PXI (GPS) DOZER
DUMP TRUCKS
TRACTORS & DUMP TRAILERS
TRACTORS & DUMP TRAILERS
TRACTORS & DUMP TRAILERS
REAR TIPPING DUMP TRUCKS
DUMP TRAILERS
CRUSHER, GRADER & COMPACTION EQUIPMENT FOR ROAD RESTORATION WORK
CRUSHER, GRADER & COMPACTION EQUIPMENT FOR ROAD RESTORATION WORK
TRACTORS & DUMP TRAILERS
GRADER & EQUIPMENT
CRUSHER, GRADER & COMPACTION EQUIPMENT FOR ROAD RESTORATION WORK
RESTORATION WORK
Scottish Borders Council Approved Contractor
Scottish Water Approved Contractor
SGN Approved Contractor
£52,500+VAT
NEW McCORMICK X5.100 REDPOWER LOADER READY, POWER SHUTTLE, AIR CON, LED LIGHTS, ELECTRIC LIFT, AIR SEAT, WHEEL WEIGHTS, 4+44 MONTHS @ 0% FINANCE OFFER
NEW McCORMICK X6.415 50K P6 TRANS, AIR BRAKES, FRONT AXLE SUSPENSION, CAB SUSPENSION, SMART JOYSTICK, MULTIFUNCTION ARM REST, 12” DSM, ISOBUS, ELECTRIC SPOOLS, STOP & ACTION, 600/65R38 REAR TYRES, 480/65R28 FRONT TYRES, 4+44 MONTHS @ 0% FINANCE OFFER £79,500+VAT
£97,000+VAT
NEW McCORMICK X7.618VT RED POWER 175HP, VARIO TRANS., LED LIGHTS, FRONT LINKAGE, CAB & AXLE SUS., AIR BRAKES, 6 SPOOLS, 3 WAY ELEC. DIVERTER, 650/65R38 REAR TYRES, 540/65/R28 FRONT TYRES, ISOBUS, AUTO STEER READY, TELEMATICS,12” DSM, MY5 PROG. BUTTONS, HEATED & ELEC. MIRRORS, 4+44 0% FINANCE SPECIAL OFFER
USED 2018 McCORMICK X5.40 115HP, 3 SPEED POWERSHIFT 40K TRANSMISSION, POWER SHUTTLE, 3000 HOURS, FRONT LINKAGE & PTO, 3 SPOOL VALVES
£29,500+VAT
NEW M-TEC 12FT LIVESTOCK C/W DECKS & SUMP TANK, QUALITY BUILT
£9,950+VAT
NEW MASCHIO TIGRE 280 HYDRAULIC OFFSET, SIDE SKIDS, HAMMER FLAILS
£7,500+VAT
USED 2021 McCORMICK X7.690 225HP, P6 TRANS. 50K, 2400 HOURS, 6 SPOOL VALVES, MIDMOUNT, FRONT LINKAGE, FRONT LOADER, ISOBUS, AUTO STEER, ELEC. MIRRORS, 12” DSM, 710/70R38 REAR TYRES, 600/65/R28 FRONT TYRES
£79,500+VAT
NEW DIECI AGRI STAR 37.7 C/W HYDROSTATIC TRANSMISSION, 150HP, PIN & CONE HEADSTOCK, LED LIGHTS
£89,000+VAT
£19,500+VAT
NEW 2024 McCAULEY LOW LOADER HYD. BEAVER TAIL, 24FT, AIR/OIL BRAKES, HIGH SPEED GRANNING AXLES, 445/45R19.5 TYRES, JCB YELLOW
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 PROGLIDE R3100 REAR MOWER CONDITIONER MECHANICAL BREAK BACK, PATENTED CONSTANT GROUND PRESSURE, UNIQUE CUTTER BAR PROTECTION, 3D GROUND CONTOUR TRACKING
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
£16,500+VAT
NEW QUICKE ATTACHMENTS IN STOCK
0% FINANCE ON ALL MASSEY FERGUSON EQUIPMENT* 1+3 and 3+33 @ 0% (Up to 45% on RRP)
*Offer excludes Combines. Ts/Cs apply. Full details available on request. The
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, 129 Hours, Tractor in use, hours might change.
£103,500+VAT
Serial No. 011005
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
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 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
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
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
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
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 15/08/2026 or 1200 hours. 729 Hours, Tractor in use, hours might change
£99,500+VAT
Serial No. 340034
2023
MASSEY 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
Loader sold separately
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
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
2022
MASSEY FERGUSON 8S.205
DYNA-7 EXCLUSIVE
54KPH, Front Axle & Cab Suspension, Front Linkage And One Hyd Service, Rear Linkage, 4 Electric Services, Air Over Oil ABS Trailer Brakes. Novatel Centemetre Guidance With ISOBUS, 540F & 650R Tyres. Warranty to 04/05/2026 or 1800 Hours, 1,033 Hours, Tractor in use, hours might change.
£114,000+VAT
Serial No. 131047
Washers, Floor Cleaners, Wet/Dry Vacs, Sweepers & More.
• Fully stocked trade-counter & showroom
• Full range of machines to suit every need
• Mobile, static, reconditioned hot or cold pressure washers available
• Next day call-outs and service guaranteed
• Full authorised dealers for Karcher & Nilfisk
borderaggregates.com
AVAILABLE FOR HIRE WITH
Competitive rates Contact Paul Robson on 07766 502434 at Border Aggregates
•
•
•
TRACTORS
John Deere 6120R, 2017
John Deere 6120R, 2018
John Deere 6130R, 2017
John Deere 6150R
John Deere 6155R, 2021
John Deere 6155R, 2018
John Deere 6155R, 2022
John Deere 6175R, 2019
John Deere 6175R, choice
John Deere 6195R, 2016
John Deere 6195R, 2017
John Deere 6195R
John Deere 6195R, 2015
John Deere 6210R, 2014
John Deere 6215R, 2019
John Deere 6215R, choice
TRACTORS
John Deere 6215R, 2020
John Deere 6215R
John Deere 6220 SE, 2007
John Deere 6250R, choice
John Deere 6250R, 2021
TELEHANDLERS/WHEELED LOADERS
Kramer KL30.5T, 2021, Wheeled Loader
Kramer 5085T, 2016, Telehandler
Kramer KT276, 2019, Telehandler
Kramer KT407, 2021, Telehandler
John Deere 6900, 1997
John Deere 6930
John Deere 7310R, 2020
John Deere 7330R, 2021
John Deere 8360RT, 2013
John Deere 8370RT, 2015
Class 500 Xerion, 2016
Class 650 Arion, 2016
Fendt 415 c/w loader
Massey Ferguson 7719UE, 2020
Valtra T194, 2019
TELEHANDLERS/WHEELED LOADERS
JCB 526S, 2007, Telehandler
JCB TM320S, 2007, Telehandler
JCB 541/70, 2018, Wheeled Loader
MACHINE OF THE MONTH
TRACTORS
John Deere 6120R, 2017
John Deere 6120R, 2018
John Deere 6130R, 2017
John Deere 6150R
TRACTORS
John Deere 6215R, 2020
John Deere 6215R
John Deere 6220 SE, 2007
John Deere 6250R, choice
John Deere 6155R, 2021
John Deere 6155R, 2018
John Deere 6155R, 2022
John Deere 6175R, 2019
John Deere 6175R, choice
John Deere 6195R, 2016
John Deere 6195R, 2017
John Deere 6195R
John Deere 6195R, 2015
John Deere 6210R, 2014
John Deere 6215R, 2019
John Deere 6215R, choice
John Deere 6250R, 2021
Strimech BSD 9 Buckrake
TELEHANDLERS/WHEELED LOADERS
Kramer KL30.5T, 2021, Wheeled Loader
Kramer 5085T, 2016, Telehandler
Kramer KT276, 2019, Telehandler
Kramer KT407, 2021, Telehandler
John Deere 6900, 1997
John Deere 6930
John Deere 7310R, 2020
John Deere 7330R, 2021
John Deere 8360RT, 2013
John Deere 8370RT, 2015
Class 500 Xerion, 2016
Class 650 Arion, 2016
Fendt 415 c/w loader
Massey Ferguson 7719UE, 2020
Valtra T194, 2019
TELEHANDLERS/WHEELED LOADERS
JCB 526S, 2007, Telehandler
JCB TM320S, 2007, Telehandler
JCB 541/70, 2018, Wheeled Loader
MACHINE OF THE MONTH
R30
All types of agricultural and industrial engineering, groundworks and concrete undertaken.
Family run businesses with over 30 year’s experience. We pride ourselves on our expertise and extensive knowledge of the groundworks and agricultural building trade, to enable us to give you a personal service tailored to your
• Steel Frame Buildings (New or Refurbishing)
Gates & Hay feeder
All types of agricultural and industrial engineering, groundworks and concrete undertaken.
All types of agricultural and industrial engineering, groundworks and concrete undertaken.
• All aspects of Concrete Work & Agricultural Buildings undertaken
• Doors, Gates or Feed Barriers (Made to Order)
• Supplying and Fitting Roller Doors
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• Steel Frame Buildings (New or Refurbishing)
• Doors, Gates or Feed Barriers ( Made to Order)
• Steel Frame Buildings (New or Refurbishing)
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• Supplying and Fitting Roller Doors
• Doors, Gates or Feed Barriers ( Made to Order)
• Doors, Gates or Feed Barriers (
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J Hepburn & Co
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FLAIL TOPPING HEATHER, BRACKEN ETC. TRACTOR 285-305 HP / DRIVER HIRE
John Deere 6155R (Vario)
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Broughan 16T dump trailer
Unimog U530
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Minimum of 1 week hire
Other Services Include:
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Please see website or call Gavin for more information on 07950 023813
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Tel: Kelso 01573 225249 Mobile: 07793 361023
e-mail: enquiries@gwcwateranddrainage.co.uk
UStor Business units, Unit 8/1 Spylaw Road, Kelso TD5 8DN
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
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
CONTRACTORS SERVICES
On Our Farm
October 8th 2024
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. We finished harvest on the 12th September which was a huge relief especially as Bogdan left the next day for a two week holiday in Romania. The following weeks were pretty crazy as we moved bales, spread muck, lime, ploughed, drilled, rolled, sprayed, slug pelleted, cut silage and moved a pullet shed. The final wheat field was drilled on 25th September just as the ground started to dry out. Crops have been relatively slow to emerge which is expected with soil temperatures being so low for the time of year. Slug pressure in winter wheat following oilseed rape seems particularly high this year with the pellets disappearing fast. A second dose has just been applied and hopefully that will do the job although I am slightly sceptical.
The first mob of cattle were walked home and housed last week. Their growth rates have been ok but nothing spectacular which is not unsurprising considering the summer we have had. Cattle, like crops, always do better with sun on their backs. A huge thank you to Yurii, who helped clip thirty three fat cattle whilst Bogdan was on holiday. Yurii’s not a massive fan of cattle ever since the old man decided to try and re-enact the Pamplona Bull run with him last year whilst I was away!
It appears to be inspection season for the hens again which I dread. With three booked in over the next week many an hour will be spent in the office ensuring the eleven lever arch files are all up to date. There is always something that despite my best efforts I have missed. However it is so hard to keep up with the standards which seem to change endlessly to meet supermarkets ever increasing demands.
Every year I try to do a little bit to improve the farm we bought a couple of years ago. We have just finished clearing out and tidying up the old derelict silage pit. The next project was to try and tackle a badly blocked main drain which had become completely choked with willow roots. Unfortunately the drain which is over 200m long and up to 2.5m deep in places also runs under the gas main which supplies Jedburgh. I have had quotes to replace the drain and have looked into cutting the roots out with a jetter both of which are unbelievably expensive. I am finding it very hard to justify spending all that money on a 6.5ha marginal field. However if I do nothing it will just turn into a wet bog. Any help/advice would be greatly appreciated.
My positive article from last month appears to have gone down well. However, I have not heard any feedback from the old man and his Agrimart critiques. Hardly surprising as he appears to have taken up professional holidaying; Greece, Yorkshire, London, Northumberland, Fife and Dumfries to date.
STOP PRESS 7am email from the old man on a train heading north!
“In his defence he has rolled, sprayed, fed cattle and pulled sheds. Without his help I don’t know how we would have managed.”
Maybe I was being a little bit harsh, but it makes for a good story
BYREWALLS FENCING
All types of Agricultural Fencing, Garden Fencing and Decking
A & E Brown, Byrewalls, Gordon, Berwickshire TD3 6JU
Contact: Andrew 07725 583737 Euan 07774 004622 Evenings 01573 410260
KENNY HALL & SON
John Renton
Also on-site hydraulic hose repairs
wire hose from 1/4” - 1”
JIC, ORFS, metric & flange fittings etc.
& Q/R couplings
I wish my rape looked like this every year!
Sunrise over the hen field
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.
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AG - Bag
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•Two high capacity mobile mills for Dry rolling & Crimping
Concrete laying and blockwork can now be undertaken no matter what size of job
Contact: Office 01573 440314 Stuart 07970 450720 or Jock 07970 730567
R L SMITH & SONS LTD SKIP HIRE
Monday 28th October 2024 7.30 pm at the Cross Keys Hotel
Farming in the Spotlight
We are delighted to invite you to the first of our winter meetings. We will be joined by two speakers, who are using their high profiles to promote farming
Laura Millar: Director of strategy at Harrison & Hetherington
Brought up on her family Borders farm, Laura is now based near Lockerbie with her husband who is a dairy farmer. Laura initially joined the H&H team as livestock schemes manager and has transformed the company’s marketing focus as head of communications and marketing Laura is passionate about helping farming communities navigate the many challenges which lie ahead Laura is also a co-host on “The One & Only” podcast
Tom Carlisle: Coxons Farm
A 5th generation sheep & beef farmer in the Yorkshire dales, farming 420 acres, with recent diversification into glamping pods Tom is better known to his 17,000 + social media followers as the “dalesfarmer” and is quickly becoming one of Britain’s top farming influencers! Tom is passionate about using his profile to advocate farming!
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MACHINERY
KVERNELAND TAM3232 MOWER CONDITIONER, 3.2M
KVERNELAND 4332LT MOWER CONDITIONER
RABBIT MOWER
MCCONNEL SR460, 4.6M BAT WING TOPPER
KVERNELAND 7710C MOUNTED BALE WRAPPER
KVERNELAND NG301 & 3M POWER HARROW AND DRILL
KUHN 3 METRE COMBI LINER, POWER HARROW AND BOX DRILL COMBINATION
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 month makes. The catchy weather of August and early September has made way for a fine dry spell in this part of Scotland. In fact, it has been so dry that irrigators have been working locally in carrots, broccoli, sprouts and potatoes right into October. Potato lifting has been hampered by dry conditions causing skinning and bruising. Irrigating ahead of the harvester is an option to allow more soil to stick to the potatoes to cushion them during lifting. Messing around with reels, pumps and hoses at any time of year is a hassle but I’d imagine during tattie howking is a particular nuisance. Rain is forecast so this should ease some pressure.
Combining was wrapped up by 19th September. Wheat was a mixed bag. Growing hard wheats (Incitor) for the first time I was expecting great things but actually the soft varieties, (Stokes, Colosseum, Skyscraper) held their own and yielded well in places. Unfortunately, the areas that suffered from the wet autumn, winter and spring have dragged the average way, way down. With no weigh bridge I can only guess at this time, but I suspect average will be as low as 7t/ha our lowest since 2012. This was always on the cards but makes it no less galling. Wheat after potatoes was particularly poor with grass weeds making combining difficult - the final insult. Spring barley that wasn’t sold ahead on contract remains on farm with no buyers looking for extra tonnage. We will have to sit and wait for harvest movement to be fully completed and see if maltsters have an appetite for more. It would be a shame to sell it for feed as the quality is fantastic, but we can only wait so long for the malting trade to make up its mind. The good spell of weather has allowed sowing to move apace, and all rye and wheat sown. Only wheat after potatoes remains to be done. I have even managed to apply all outstanding herbicides in good order with slightly higher rates adopted to counter the rise in grass weeds.
Sowing has consisted of a mixed approach with three different drills being utilised. Keen for better timeliness, reduced workload and costs in this autumn period we are experimenting with direct drills. The plough was still used but only in those fields needing a complete reset.
A 5m Sumo LDS was used for rye, wheat and WOSR and a demonstrator 4m Mizuri Pro-Til was unleashed on wheat after WOSR. The plough battered through some rock-hard wheat stubbles to allow a 6m Lemken Solitair 9 combination drill to sow the second wheats. All the drills had their merits, and all had huge work capacity with the help of some serious horse-power. I really hope the direct drilling works because it has saved a serious amount of time and hassle at this time of year and meant the crops are sown probably a week to ten days ahead of normal. I will keep you posted.
Lemken Solitair 9 Sumo LDS
Blowing out the combine post-harvest.
A horrible, dirty, itchy job
Mizuri Pro-Til
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.
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Talking......Business with SAC Consulting
Donald Dunbar at SAC Consulting St Boswells Making More of Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
October 2024
The unsettle and wet weather of the last 12 months has made it a particularly challenging year for all farming sectors. For the arable farmer it has brought unprecedented levels of foliar disease in winter wheat which has significantly reduced grain yield and quality. The 2024 season has shown that in a high pressure year even the modern fungicide chemistry is unable to contain the disease pressure of yield robbing Septoria Tritici or Yellow Rust fungus.
As a new page is turned and next seasons crops goes back in the ground I hope that many growers will be using the management tools available to them and selecting wheat varieties with greater natural disease resistance. Each year AHDB fund cereal variety trials in the United Kingdom and publish the data to allow growers to make informed decisions on a range of plant characteristics. SRUC also publish the Scottish Recommended list for Cereals which focus on varieties that perform the best in the north and are aligned to the needs of the Scottish market.
This years AHDB harvest results show a 19% yield difference across the tested varieties when treated with a robust fungicide programme and a massive 68% difference in the untreated yields, where the differences in the disease resistance of the plant become apparent.
The table below is extracted from the AHDB results and lists the recommended varieties from the SRUC recommended list 2024.
Variety
KWS Extase
Bamford
KWS Palladium
KWS Ultimatum
LG Typhoon
KWS Dawsum
Blackstone
RGT Bairstow
KWS Zealum
RGT Stokes
LG Beowulf
LG Skyscraper
SY Insitor
An integrated Pest Management Plan is designed to “ensure growers do not mis opportunities to improve productivity…. meet the market demand to see more sustainable practice and reduce reliance on pesticides”. It is also one of the requirements of the Whole Farm Plan being introduce for Scottish farmers in 2025. Most growers will already be using IPM as part of their quality assurance. Growers can also complete the Plant Health Centre IPM
using the online tool to meet this requirement at the following web address: https://www.planthealthcentre.scot/scottish-ipm-assessment-plan
If you would like further advice on any of the above speak to a consultant at your local SAC Consulting office.
Talking......New Zealand
October 6th 2024
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.
I think it is the moment we all dread in our farming lives… when your son suggests you should do the heavy rolling.
It is the job traditionally reserved for the unskilled university student who is sent by distant relatives for work experience on the farm. You put them on an old tractor they can’t damage that is only capable of going 10km/hr, towing a 10t roller that is only the width of the tractor so they have a 50:50 chance of getting through a 20ft gate without hitting anything and once in the paddock shouldn’t take out the fence.
Better still if the paddock is big enough it should take them all day so you won’t see them again until the wife asks as you sit down for dinner where her distant relative is.
You go look for him and find he has walked 5kms home because you forgot to fill up the tractor with diesel but you blame him for not watching the fuel gauge that hasn’t worked for 20 years. Then your son asks you the dreaded question and you know you have to say yes but it really is the end!
So as you might gather I’ve been contemplating the end while rolling. The good news is that we are having a great spring.
Agriparts Borders Ltd
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Technical Arc - Ci 253 PRO Inverter Mig Welder 400v - 4 Roll Drive - £1279.00 plus vat
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Perthshire 01764 655 433 West of Scotland 0141 404 2797
Central Scotland 01506 652 255
Talking......Organic
Scottish Borders 01835 823 001
October 9th 2024
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.
We have had a very busy few weeks, but have managed to come out the other side feeling like we’re achieving things. Our new Shepherd, Davy has joined us and he and his partner moved into their brand new home just as the electricians and plumbers were finishing up. It has been a real experience watching the construction of their home, a Finnish log cabin. The speed and efficiency which it has gone up in has been amazing, the quality of the finish and the overall feel has really impressed us. Sheep work has been progressing with ewes getting ready for the tup. We have reduced our sheep numbers to fit in with our Higher Tier Stewardship agreement. Over the years, through the Monitor Farm and other projects we have looked at whether there is a ‘Silver Bullet’ in sheep systems for our farm. We have ‘dipped the toe’ into various different breeds and for our farm, geology, geography, and grazing we have found that the stratified system works best for us.
Fat cattle have come in for the Winter and received a white wormer and will get a fluke in a fortnights time. The amount of rain that’s fallen over these last few days may fast forward the housing plans, however we have had a fortuitous autumn so far on grass growth, so we will hopefully keep the cows out a little while longer. Straw is all in, having pieced together our supply from all corners of the UK over the year, silage is safely stored in our newly roofed silage pit, and in a few days’ time the concreting of the yard will be completed at East Shield, so we can actually access everything. The muck out and cleaning team have been here following the depopulation of one of the hen sheds. We need to spend a little time on maintenance and adjusting the perch poles in this shed as the current position of the perch poles on the top of the system, means that there is a greater volume of muck in the central section of the muck belt. The consequence of this is that when the belt runs, any left over muck drops onto the egg belt, which sits underneath. As a result we have to empty the egg belt completely prior to running the muckbelt, which means we do this after 6pm when the nest boxes are closed. It’s just not ideal, as it means a job that should only take 45 minutes is currently taking two hours, at night when you’re tired and wanting to finish for the day. Hopefully by moving the perch poles the distribution of muck will take the pressure off the central section of the belt, and fingers crossed removing or certainly reducing the problem.
The new pullets will arrive at the beginning of November and the eggs from these hens will go straight to our new packer. This will be our third contract and packer in the eight years we have had hens, which has been disappointing as we like to build relationships and work with people for the long haul rather than short term. Hopefully this move will be the last in a while.
TEVIOT FORGE
Gavin S. Murray Threipland Blacksmith & Agricultural Engineer
Forging, fabrication & repair
Vintage machinery
Mobile service
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Buccleuch Mill, Carnavon St. Hawick TD9 7EB
Advanced Roller Doors (E.K.)
Talking
......from Lincolnshire
October 7th 2024
Will Howe is an arable farmer from Sleaford, Lincolnshire. The soils are predominantly heavy. There is 500ha of cropping including winter wheat, spring beans, spring oats and oilseed rape. He also manages a contracting business Thorpe Farming Ltd.
The first step in conquering an addiction is to admit you have one. Well, I have one. I just don’t have the strength to say “no” when the chimp on my shoulder has accessed my inner psyche and is testing my fortitude.
I can’t abide farm sales. There is too little personal grooming and hygiene, too much high-viz and rigger boots and just too much time spent hanging around for a lot you know will make too much money and you don’t really need anyway.
Enter the world of online farm sales and the world is turned on its head. The grooming is back (when I remember to shave), the body odour is my own, I don’t own any rigger boots and the high-viz is kept for special events like taking the spray cans for recycling and you can be doing something productive on the farm whilst you are bidding. The problem is it is just too easy…
Having tuned in to a sale down south in the hope of purchasing a big articulated tractor, I missed out on that but nearly ended up with a 2yr old combine which was £100,000 cheaper than my dealer was quoting. Why wouldn’t you buy it at that discount? Ah yes, cash flow and the eternal question; “Do I actually need it?”
Having gone cold turkey for a fortnight a local dispersal sale came into my emails. Sat there was a 5.5m Cultipress which just looked at me and said, “buy me”. Having always been a sucker for heavy lumps of metal with fading paint I am now its proud owner. What a tool. I have owned one previously but sold it as part of my regenerative push to ease my conscience about going on holiday and using plastic straws. Well in a year like this it takes horses heads and converts them into a seedbed and has paid for itself already. We are 35% through autumn drilling and delayed again by the weather. It is becoming a real nuisance as we just can’t string more than a day or two of fine weather together. In good news I can’t ever remember the seedbeds at Ewerby being better. The fore mentioned horse’s heads were a product of working the land when it was dry, but have had plenty of weather since which has subsequently crumbled to a tilth under the might of the cultipress. Somewhere I need to approach the autumn drilling campaign differently. We have 10 days of drilling to do which needs to be in October for blackgrass control, but we don’t seem to get 10 drilling days in October anymore. I am loathe to start planting in September again but this is something which must be considered, alongside better blackgrass control. Having stopped hand rogueing blackgrass due to the cost, and lack of labour, it may be something we need to revisit. Onwards and upwards.
Proud to sponsor Event riders: Olivia Wilmot, Laura Swinnerton, Laura Mitchell, Ellie Bryce, Sarah Hutchison & Morag Sutherland
Niall Whyte Forestry and Landscaping Services
Niall Whyte Forestry and Landscaping Services
“ The Hedge Planting Specialists”
“ The Hedge Planting Specialists”
For competitive prices on all your woodland requirements.
For competitive prices on all your woodland requirements.
Looking out of the train window crop establishment looks very good North of York. We have been fortunate not to have suffered from the floods and excessive rainfall that the midlands have endured. If we do not have a repeat of the wet we had last winter, we look well set for next year’s harvest, as long as the old gambit ‘Well sown is half grown’ holds true.
Cairnhill Farm, DUNS, TD11 3LT
Cairnhill Farm, DUNS, TD11 3LT
Unit F, Ind Est, DUNS, TD11 3HS
Unit F, Ind Est, DUNS, TD11 3HS
Mob: 07966 029327
Mob: 07966 029327
Office: 01361 883911
Office: 01361 883911
After Hours: 01361 883364
After Hours: 01361 883364
niall@realfirewood.co.uk
Last month I wrote from a plane, this article is being composed on an LNER train travelling at high speed from Berwick to Kings Cross - the joys of modern technology and communication. This morning I drove Wendy up to Longniddry to pull four hen houses at Gosford Estate, although she has no ‘Mod Cons’ not even power steering or a synchromesh gearbox, I listened to ‘The Rest is Politics’ podcast through my hearing aids with ear protectors to keep out her very noisy engine and ineffective silencer. It certainly makes the two hour, 45 mile journey, pass quicker.
A couple of weeks ago a flyer from Scottish Power arrived with the post. It was telling consumers what to do in the event of a power cut which, it said, could be expected at any time without warning. This is obviously the effect of our rush to electrical generation from renewable sources. When the wind blows and the sun shines we have more than enough power. I have personal experience of this. The mobile hen sheds we bought in 2007 were powered by six 110 amp batteries which powered the lights, feeders, egg belt and the wire barriers that shut the hens out of the nest boxes for the 12 hours each day they are not laying. The batteries were charged by a solar panel and a wind turbine. It all worked fine through the summer but a still foggy week in the winter was a disaster with hungry hens and nest boxes not open. We resolved this by running a mains cable to each hen shed, and we no longer have to rely on making our own power. I am sure the same problem will arise on a national level, as there is not the back up electrical generation to fill the gap, and certainly not sufficient battery storage. When the leaflet arrived the electric car was plugged in, the robot mower was in its charging station, my phone was recharging, the batteries on our electric bikes were plugged in, my electric toothbrush was flat and the electric ‘Everhot’ was keeping us warm. Not to mention the bank of chargers I have for hearing aids, fitbit, golf watch, ipods and laptop which were all consuming power.
October 8th 2024
Guy Lee
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