FARMING SCOTLAND MAGAZINE (September - October 2025)

Proud to support Scottish farming, and agriculture throughout the five nations

Scottish Ploughing Championships

Ploughs

Grain Dryers

Muck Spreading

Combines

Seeds & Seeding

Anaerobic Digestion

Precision Farming

In Focus

Perry of Oakley

Artisan with The Crafty Antler, Andrew Fothergill

Included inside

Shooting Scotland Magazine

Packed with features & News

Articles

British red meat needs to speak up Orkney farmer’s legacy to RSABI

Meat on the Margins

Travel Scotland

Pitching up at Dalraddy plus

Flavour of Scotland • Ffermio Cymru

Beatha an Eilean • Book Serialisation

Women in Agriculture • Cooking with Game including our regular news areas and columns

Tuathanachas Alba

editor's bit

Stop ripping off stand holders with ‘silly money’ internet charges!

Throughout this summer I attended a number of rural events, catching up with clients and people I know in the crafts area too, all great fun, except for the one constant complaint.

They all felt they were being treated rather badly to say the least, when it came to actually trying to earn money and get paid online – as is normal these days.

I heard stories of very high daily fees for passwords, and even of signal blockers being used, which not only effected the stand holder, but visitors too!

This fee was often only known about once the event started, leaving the event client with no option but to pay up –this is no way to run an event in my personal opinion.

Quite angry, is how I would describe the responses given to me, and I agree with them all.

If you are running a show, and you have a single ‘on cost’ for internet access, then I suggest you spread that single fee out amongst the number of stands you have at your event.

Thus reducing the individual burden for each.

Some of the daily fees I have been told about are quite frankly – a money making scheme.

The internet providers must be making huge profits at the exhibitor’s expense?

I would be happy to hear from anyone on the subject, as this area does need looking at before exhibitors start voting with their feet and walk away!

And none of us want that.

Slàinte, Athole.

arable

Care with cover crop choices will help minimise forage gaps

With winter feed stocks likely to be depleted for many farmers following an exceptionally dry growing season, careful consideration should be given to late summer and autumn drilled catch crop options that have potential to fill forage gaps.

So advises independent forage seed specialist Francis Dunne, who says factors such as drilling date, future grazing or cutting requirements, and evidence of varieties’ performance in UK conditions should all be taken into account.

“Given the very real threat of forage shortages this winter, farmers can ease the pressure by making the right drilling choices in the coming months,” he says.

“Short term ryegrasses, including Italian or Westerwolds, are a viable option up to the middle of September, but if the drilling window is any later, with the catch crop perhaps following maize for example, then it will be better to grow a forage cereal, such as rye or triticale. Drilled as late as mid-October, these forage

cereals have the vigour and low temperature active growth to build maximum root mass to support big, early spring yields.

“In any case, my advice to farmers is to play safe, not only in terms of drilling date but also with variety choice. It’s important that varieties are proven and have a good UK track record.

By mid-August, the opportunity to establish a crop that will deliver a significant autumn silage cut is diminishing, but there is still time for crops to provide some late season grazing, says Mr Dunne.

“Italian and Westerwolds ryegrasses could still potentially provide as much as three tonnes of dry matter per hectare as autumn grazing, drilled into early September,” he adds, “but it’s important not to overgraze if the aim is to use this as an early silage cut in the spring. Also, take care with variety choice, as not everything will have the winter hardiness to perform in the UK.”

Forage cereals become the best option for later drilling, with

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the New Zealand-bred forage triticale T101 Wintermax offering the most yield potential and at a reasonable cost, according to Mr Dunne.

“This variety is now considered the ‘go to’ cover crop for following maize in New Zealand,” he says, “and it has been a proven performer in the UK over the past two seasons. It establishes very quickly and is extremely winter hardy, and the earliest drilled crops can provide the option of a light, late autumn grazing. In most cases, however, the main grazing period will be the end of February to mid-April.

“Alternatively, from a September sowing, this forage triticale could provide a silage cut from as early as mid-April, with similar nutritional quality to Italian ryegrass. It will deliver up to five tonnes of dry matter per hectare and has been shown to out-perform forage rye in the UK. Also, with a large volume of seed now in production, it is a cheaper drilling option than forage rye.

The James Hutton Institute joins €4.9 million project to develop sustainable alternatives to harmful pesticides

The James Hutton Institute is proud to announce its participation in Crop Protection Strategies for the Transition to Environmentally-Friendly Agriculture (CROPSAFE), a €4.9 million project funded by the EU’s Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking and its members (CBE JU) and led by University of Alicante.

The four-year initiative brings together research and technology organisations to develop sustainable, bio-based pest control solutions for key food crops under threat from rising pest pressures and the phase-out of toxic pesticides.

It is expected to produce a new generation of bio-based pest control tools that are both environmentally friendly and economically viable, supporting the EU’s Green Deal and Farm to Fork strategies.

The Hutton is a worldrenowned independent research organisation that works in collaboration with partners across the globe on pioneering projects to find solutions for the challenges posed by the climate and nature crises on the sustainability and resilience of our crops, land, natural resources and communities. It does this through the development

of transformative tools, interventions, products and land management practices.

Plant Pathologist at the Hutton, Dr Lorena Rangel,

said, “It’s exciting to be part of a collaborative effort with researchers across the UK and EU, all working toward finding effective biological alternatives

to synthetic pesticides. This kind of joined-up approach reflects where the field is heading, especially as policy continues to drive change. Embracing sustainable and circular economy solutions is not just forward-thinking, it’s becoming essential.”

Hutton Plant Nematologist, Dr James Price, who is leading one of the 10 CROPSAFE work packages, said, “This project responds to a crucial requirement to manage currently unsustainable pathogen pressures using bio-based alternatives to classic pesticides that are often associated with harmful

off-target effects on the wider environment.

“Rapidly combining testing of the mode of action for these novel bio-based products with scaled up greenhouse and field trials using formulated products separates this project from many others. CROPSAFE also promises to go beyond the laboratory, disseminating results directly to stakeholders at infield events ensuring a legacy for the project past the completion date in 2029.”

According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), approximately 40% of global

food crops are lost annually due to pests and diseases. While conventional chemical pesticides have been effective, they pose significant environmental risks, including soil degradation, bioaccumulation in non-target organisms, and contamination of water sources. Many of these substances are now labelled ‘Substances of Very High Concern’ (SVHC) or ‘Candidates for Substitution’ (CfS) by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) and are being progressively withdrawn from the EU market.

This regulatory shift has left many farmers without

viable crop protection options. Despite this, the development of commercial biopesticides (pesticides derived from natural organisms or substances) is lagging behind the demand, with bio-based products accounting for only 5% of the current market by value. CROPSAFE aims to fill that gap by developing costeffective, bio-based alternatives that could increase yields by up to 20% and reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with crop protection.

More information can be found here http://www.linkedin. com/company/cropsafe-project/

Delay drilling to reduce damage

Planting oilseed rape (OSR) later and using biostimulant treatments has proved an effective strategy against cabbage stem flea beetle (CSFB). Trials carried out on RGT Black Moon and RGT Paparazzi by biostimulant specialist Orion FT have shown that plants treated with silicon biostimulants Deneb and Sirius had wider stems, sustained less damage and had a higher plant count.

Planting later reduces larval pressure by delaying emergence until after adult CSFB have laid eggs. This, combined with cooler conditions, has helped growers to slow beetle damage. However, with the threat still apparent, Orion’s trial has shown that taking a biological approach can improve plant resilience and reduce reliance on expensive chemical treatments.

“Planting later increases the risk that plants will not establish fast enough to endure early cold

“Using vigorous, fast establishing hybrids that are better suited to late drilling is becoming more popular. However, the threat of CSFB does not diminish entirely for those looking to delay. Our trial showed OSR that was treated with silicon established thicker and wider stems and a thicker cuticle that made the plant less appealing to CSFB,” says Orion’s research and development agronomist Kate Finlayson.

weather. Biostimulants help mitigate this risk by helping OSR to take up more nutrients faster. Silicon helps to improve the nutrient availability in OSR, enabling the plant to establish faster with stronger stems and deeper seeking roots,” she says.

In trials, OSR treated with a 0.25 l/ha and 0.5 l/ha Deneb showed stem widths were significantly increased by 38% and 56% respectively after two and four weeks of treatment. While the average CSFB damage for both applications was similar, after two weeks the 0.5 l/ha application showed a smaller range of CSFB damage after four weeks.

“It is not just flea beetle damage that silicon helps with. We have carried out similar trials with slugs which also saw a significant reduction in plant damage. By making OSR stronger using biostimulants it helps to toughen and thicken the cuticle and increase leaf hair density. It also increases phytoliths in the plant which make it less attractive to insect herbivory,” she says.

For those planning to plant OSR later, the risk of CSFB is lower, but focusing on plant health to see the crop establish fast enough is still a challenge.

“Planting late is emerging as a good strategy in the UK, but OSR establishment can be boosted by biostimulants to help it against pests and to establish faster to stand up to cold and challenging growing conditions,” concludes Finlayson.

New KWS varieties could take 25% of winter wheat area this autumn

As many as one in four wheat crops sown in autumn 2025 could be one of the new KWS wheat varieties added to the AHDB Recommended List (RL) for the first time this year.

Seven new KWS winter wheat varieties were included in the 2025/26 RL with demand from growers and trade alike suggesting 20-25% of this year’s winter wheat area could be down to the new varieties, KWS wheat UK product manager Olivia Bacon says.

“This is quite an achievement for such new varieties, we’ve worked hard to make sure we have good supplies of seed available, and interest has been significant across all Groups.

“The new Group 1 milling variety KWS Vibe, Group 2 KWS Arnie, Group 3 KWS Solitaire and Group 4 KWS Scope have been particularly popular.

“Alongside established farm favourites such as KWS Extase and KWS Dawsum, we expect 40% of all winter wheat sown this year to be KWS varieties.”

With its excellent combination of yield, disease resistance and grain quality, KWS Vibe is set to make its

mark on UK milling wheat production which has faced a challenging couple of years, she says.

“Vibe has had a great reception from growers and millers with its high protein production potential and consistent yield performance across the rotation and different growing conditions.

“With the best combination of protein and yield available in Group 1 plus a strong agronomic package, we expect KWS Vibe to account for around 6% of the winter wheat area this year rising to potentially 10% for 2026.”

Big hitters Group 2 KWS Arnie is expected to take 5.5% of this year’s winter wheat area rising to 9% next year while Group 3 Solitaire current sits at 3.5% with the potential to increase to 5% in 2026, Olivia believes.

“Group 4 KWS Scope is the other big hitter with its predicted 6.5% market share this year expected to rise to 10% next year.

“It’s the highest yielding variety on the current RL at 108% of controls and fills the need for a dependable barn filler

with good grain quality and high specific weight of 78.9 kg/hl, making it a highly marketable option.

“KWS Scope’s RL yield rises to 111% in West plus it’s got a high untreated yield on par with the best in the Group with strong agronomics across the board with orange wheat blossom midge (OWBM) resistance too.”

The company’s other new varieties – KWS Equipe, KWS Newbie and KWS Flute - will contribute to additional market share – putting KWS in a dominant position for their new winter wheat additions.

How to manage black-grass when returning land to cropping from SFI options

Farms with a history of blackgrass need to be aware of any unintended increase in populations that could have occurred within SFI options and manage this accordingly if/ when land returns to cropping, says Alice Cannon, Hutchinsons Foundation Technical Manager.

For those considering putting land into an SFI option, Miss Cannon says where black-grass is a risk, growers may be better off longer-term from accepting the slightly lower payment and increased investment associated with stacking multi-species cover crop options (e.g. SAM2/ CSAM2, SOH2 and SOH3), that allow for black-grass control, rather than higher paid options

such as winter bird food that do not.

“The first step would be to sow a winter cover in August. That would be sprayed off in March, followed by a spring-sown cover crop, which would remain in the ground from March until June.

The next stage would be the summer-sown cover, lasting from June until August. The total support payment would be £455/ ha per year, which is often better than spring bean gross margins.”

“This regime offers a break in rotation, plus three opportunities to bring black-grass under control and potential to provide a clean and fertile seedbed which would boost first wheat yields,” she says.

Alice Cannon, Hutchinsons Foundation Technical Manager

Ms Cannon points out selecting the right mix is key to maximising cover crop benefits, with multi-species mixes providing more advantages than simple two-way blends, such as mustard and oats.

“Use at least six different plant species taken from three or four families. We have made some bespoke cover mixes that achieve the aims within Hutchinsons Maxi Cover range.”

The diversity of growth habit and root structure helps build a more resilient soil structure, and improves aeration and water management, she adds.

“The soil will have greater ability to store water lower down in the profile in times of prolonged drought. It will also

ensure moisture is not lost closer to the surface through run-off in high rainfall situations.”

If growing legume fallows in black-grass situations, Miss Cannon advises growing a mix containing grasses and legumes to increase competition against black-grass.

“They can be mown as required (no restrictions) within the first 12 months once blackgrass begins to head, however continuous mowing can lead to black-grass growth habit switching to a short profile and becoming more difficult to tackle, she says.

“In year two, fallows can be mown between March and midJune, leaving eight weeks uncut in the summer.”

Online tool for sugar beet growers

The new online tool is designed specifically for farmers who are seeking to optimise crop yields and profitability. With a simple and intuitive interface, the calculator enables farmers to compare the yield and financial returns that Xbeet enrich 300 or the next generation formulation, Xbeet enrich 400, offer over other seed treatments.

“With more seed options now available in the UK, making the best choice in terms of value is more complicated,” explains Germains’ lead scientist, Jordan Long.

“While yield is key, seed rate and sugar beet prices also matter. This new calculator helps growers and advisers estimate potential yields and returns using their own data and UK trial results from Germains. The trials used in the calculator are all conducted under UK conditions by ORETOaccredited organisations.”

Investing in farming

Jim Fairlie, Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity

Anyone close to farming knows that it does not provide a fast return on your investment, so we need to look at what financing options are available and what advice there is for those entering the industry.

been fortunate to be able to meet with farmers, crofters, land manager and rural communities to discuss the issues that matter most to them.

“In this current climate you need those marginal gains to ensure your competitive advantage,” he adds.

Data-driven decision-making for sugar beet

Xbeet enrich 400 is the latest advancement in Germains’ enrich series. Alongside the primer, nutrients and biostimulants found in Xbeet enrich 300, it contains beneficial microbes to help enhance germination, emergence, and early growthespecially when conditions are challenging.

“We are thrilled to introduce this innovative tool to the sugar beet community,” says Jordan. “Our Sugar Beet Seed Calculator is designed to empower farmers to make data driven decisions about their crop management and seed choices, ultimately leading to increased profitability and sustainability.”

New technology tested by farmers Will Hitchcock, who’s responsible for a significant beet acreage across Suffolk says: “The calculator is very good. Just being able to see in black and white, the advantage of Xbeet enrich 300 and 400 is exactly what a grower needs to make an informed decision.

At the Royal Highland Show the Scottish Government confirmed the opening of the £14 million Future Farming Investment Scheme to provide capital support for improving farm productivity, efficiency, and environmental sustainability, with flexible grants of up to £20,000 per business at up to 100% funding.

The scheme came from discussions with crofters, farmers and land managers about needing flexibility and faster access to capital in the support coming from government.

It also supports our ambitious climate and nature targets, including in achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture –without reducing production or livestock numbers.

Over the Scottish Parliamentary recess, I have

Agriculture faces different challenges than when I was an upland farmer, and we need to work together to look at finding modern solutions to the barriers the industry faces.

We do not have all the powers we need to protect the Scottish agricultural industry, but where we do, we are demonstrating that long term policy made in Scotland, for Scotland, can serve this great industry well.

Our agricultural future depends on fresh talent and new ideas, and we are ensuring no one is left behind in the transition to a more sustainable agricultural future.

Championing young farmers is a priority for us, as we want to support the next generation to drive innovation and positive change in the sector, helping to find solutions to the challenges we face.

Join RSABI for a

Celebrity Charity Night

Tickets are now available for RSABI’s ‘Only Fools, No Horses’ fundraising event, taking place on Friday 12 September at Perth Racecourse, a warm-up for the Great Scone Palace Challenge, sponsored by Gillespie Macandrew.

Eventgoers will see celebrity and well-kent farming faces race against each other during an evening of great fun, food and entertainment from the cast and crew of famous TV soap, Emmerdale.

Bets can be placed on the celebrity ‘Runners, no Riders’ who will be racing against each other on foot, with names including Farmer Comedian, Jim Smith, Ben Imrie from Hillhead Farm, and Andrew Morris from Logie Farm in Newburgh. Also taking part is social media sensation Ben Best from Dalscone Farm and some familiar faces from The Scottish Association of Young Farmer Clubs (SAYFC), including National Chair, Jillian Kennedy, Ally Brunton and Jack Simpson.

The latest famous face to join the lineup is TikTok star

Will Murray, who is excited to swap his wellies for trainers as he supports this great cause.

Attendees can place bets on their favourites and cheer them on as they sprint to the finish, followed by a fantastic buffet supper and exclusive musical performance from the multitalented Emmerdale crew.

Pauline Macmillan Head of Fundraising at RSABI said: “Only Fools, No Horses is shaping up to be a fantastic evening full of great sports and on behalf of everyone at RSABI I’d like to thank our sponsors, Gillespie Macandrew; our hosts,

Perth Racecourse; and our amazing runners for making this event possible.”

Tickets cost £35 plus booking fee, include a buffet supper and can be purchased via Eventbrite. Attendees are reminded to place their bets responsibly.

A limited number of tickets are also still available for the Scone Palace evening ball on Saturday 13th September, featuring a three-course dinner, a thrilling charity auction, and live entertainment from The Emmerdale Band. For tickets or more information email nicola.youngson@rsabi.org. uk.

For Will, this point is key: “I know there is currently a huge amount of uncertainty about the price of beet, but as a grower there is a lot we can do to de-risk the crop.

“By knowing what seed treatments are offering, it helps to reassure us that we’re doing everything we can to maximise yield. I can see the calculator being useful for British Sugar account managers, and agronomists too.”

Germains solutions bring success in the field

Hitchcock Farms, Ringshall is a family-run business that drills over 2,000ac and lifts over 3,000ac of sugar beet each year. The home farm has 500ac of the crop and the rotation centres around beet being grown one year in four.

“Apart from haulage, we’ve the machinery dedicated to beet production and that helps us effectively manage such a large acreage with timeliness. It’s everything, especially in a tricky season like this one,” Will explains.

“We’ve gone against the grain with some of the kit. One of the drills, the Kuhn Kosma, is the only one in the country specialising in sugar beet, and we’ve built our own chaser to get crops off the fields in poor conditions.

The Kuhn Kosma was originally designed for maize, however across Europe farmers are using it successfully to drill beet. Its advantage lies in its weight. Being heavier it can maintain coulter pressure, which improves the consistency of drilling depth on heavier land, or after cover crops where seedbeds aren’t ideal.

At the home farm Will says drilling went well overall this year though he admits there was more moisture loss than he would have liked on some of the heavier land.

RSABI provides financial, emotional, and practical support to people in the sector, including free confidential counselling available 24/7 at 0808 1234 555 or via webchat at www.rsabi.org.uk.

“That led to some two-stage germination. However, we did get rain when needed and these crops have now caught up and are now looking good. On the kinder land, there was good plant stand from the word go.”

The majority of Will’s 1915, Harrietta, Katjana crops were treated with Xbeet enrich 300 but where potential was lacking on the light land, he dropped back to the enrich 200 option.

“I’m fairly confident about this year’s crop,” he says. “We’re irrigating where we can - including some of the heavier land at the home farm - thanks to a legacy of irrigation equipment from grass leys for dairy cows in the 70s and 80s.”

Despite the challenges facing sugar beet today, Will is optimistic about its future.

FARMING SCOTLAND MAGAZINE

Next issue out November 2025

“With virus yellows and increasing adverse weather, the yield growth we’ve seen in recent years could well slow. But that just makes it even more important to explore the potential of new technologies and techniques.

“We’re currently experimenting with cover crops on heavier land with an eye on SFI and Countryside Stewardship schemes. Picking up those extra bits of funding where we can just softens the blows as and when they come.

“I was amazed by the yield benefit of the enrich 400. It’s quite exciting going forwards and it’s an example of the innovations that could help us continue to drive yield growth, at least for the time being.

“In the long term, I’d relish yield mapping. Currently the dirt tear factor means nobody has developed the software, but it would add a level of precision to our decision-making.”

FLAVOUR OF SCOTLAND

Aberdeen-Angus dominates steak showdowns at summer shows

Aberdeen-Angus remains the gold standard for beef eating quality, with the breed dominating taste competitions at prestigious summer shows across the UK.

Aberdeen-Angus Cattle Society CEO, Robert Gilchrist, says contest results reinforce Aberdeen-Angus’ position as the beef breed of choice when it comes to meat-eating quality.

“Aberdeen-Angus cattle consistently produce what the consumer wants – high quality

beef that eats very well and that can be produced sustainably,” he adds.

His comments come following the Tesco steak contest, held in conjunction with Kepak McIntosh Donald, at the Royal Highland Show.

The contest, which was open to all beef breeds, was judged by a host of industry professionals including Quality Meat Scotland CEO Sarah Millar and butcher Scott Jarron from Dundee-based Scott Brothers Butchers.

The top prize went to a steak produced from a 22-month-old Aberdeen-Angus cross heifer weighing 353.2kg and graded at R4L from I and A Beaton, East Quartains, Banchory.

Aberdeen-Angus also took centre stage in ABP’s steak contests, held in conjunction with Asda, at the Royal Highland and Great Yorkshire Shows.

The contests, which were open to entries from AberdeenAngus carcasses destined for the

retailer’s Extra Special range, were judged by farmers based on appearance, taste, texture and succulence.

At the Royal Highland Show, the winning spot went to Austin Hoggan from Maryholme Farm, Dumfries, for steak from a 25-month-old Aberdeen-Angus cross steer that weighed 365.1kg and graded at U-3=.

At the Great Yorkshire Show, the top prize went to Stockton on Tees farmer John Grieves for steak from a

27-month-old Aberdeen-Angus cross steer weighing 406.5kg and graded at O+3+.

Mr Gilchrist is encouraging beef farmers to consider introducing Aberdeen-Angus genetics to their herds as a

means of boosting margins and sustainability, while meeting market demand.

“As well as offering multiple production benefits at farm level – including calving ease, easy fleshing, and the ability to thrive

off grass – Aberdeen-Angus also delivers benefits beyond the farmgate in the form of an in-demand, tasty product,” says Mr Gilchrist.

“The is rewarded through a market premium for pedigree

Aberdeen-Angus sired cattle –which currently averages £45/ head – and when combined with these on-farm production efficiencies leads to significantly improved profit margins overall.”

The James Hutton Institute introduces the first Scottish-bred blueberry

The James Hutton Institute is delighted to announce that it has successfully bred the Scotland’s first blueberry at its Invergowrie site.

Highland Charm is the result of 10 years’ research at the Hutton’s breeding programme, during which more than 300 unique blueberry crosses have been made and evaluated to find a selection bred from the native north American species (Vaccinium corymbosum) that can flourish in the Scottish climate.

Blueberry breeder, Susan McCallum, said, “This cultivar is a real standout. It combines high yields, excellent fruit size, outstanding flavour, with a balanced sugar-acid profile and a satisfying bite, and an impressive shelf life.

“It is reliable and has performed well in our trials year after year, with consistent yield, size and taste. Growers are really excited about it.”

The new berry has been successfully trialled in the UK and the EU, constantly performing well across multiple seasons and diverse conditions. Researchers are now exploring how the cultivar fares under different growing conditions and with reduced input systems, aligning with the industry’s goals for sustainability and efficiency.

The Hutton is an internationally renowned research centre whose

breeding programme supports the entire fruit supply chain from growers to marketing organisations and retailers. The soft fruit group works extensively with stakeholders to carry out research proposals to address specific and targeted needs of the sector, using marker-assisted breeding to reduce the time it takes to produce cultivars with the key traits of interest.

It addresses challenges facing the industry, including improved means for pest and disease control that are in line with increasing demand for reduced pesticide use in agriculture, resistance to climate change and the rising cost of production.

Scotland’s fertile soils, abundant clean water, and milder summer temperatures create ideal conditions for producing high-quality berries. Cooler summers extend the ripening period of soft fruit, allowing for greater accumulation of sugars and acids, resulting in a more intense, well-balanced flavour compared to berries that ripen rapidly in hotter climates.

UK consumers buy around 60,000 tonnes of blueberries a year but 90% of them are imported from overseas. Researchers at the Hutton believe blueberry has tremendous potential for expansion and that Highland Charm, will meet the demands of the industry for home grown fruit, and that its

climate resilience represents a significant advance for growers.

Dr McCallum hopes the new berry will encourage consumers to buy in-season, local fruit. She said, “They are fresher with higher health benefits than imported berries that take six weeks to get from the field to the shelves.

“The imported fruit is often picked slightly too early and while

its colour continues to develop, its flavour does not. I guarantee people will taste the difference with in-season, local fruit and will want to go back for more.”

Highland Charm is currently going through the licensing process that will declare it to be a novel and unique blueberry and should be on our supermarket shelves in around two or three years time.

Producers urged to sign up for handson “Meat the Market” workshop to boost livestock profits

Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) is encouraging beef and sheep producers to book their place at an upcoming Meat the Market workshop — a practical, expertled session designed to help farmers improve carcass quality, meet market specifications, and maximise returns.

The next workshop will take place at Dunbia Highland Meats in Saltcoats on Tuesday 16 September 2025, offering a rare behind-the-scenes look at one of Scotland’s leading red meat processing sites.

Participants will take part in a guided plant tour, observe live grading demonstrations, and engage directly with processors and buyers. As part of the session, they’ll assess cattle preslaughter and then compare their assessments with the final carcass grades — providing invaluable insight into how market-ready their stock really is.

Market specialist Adrian Crowe will be on hand to share expert guidance on buyer expectations, including practical tips on how to present animals

that meet key spec — helping producers reduce penalties and improve margins.

Lesley Mitchell, Industry Development Coordinator at QMS, said:

“Clean, well-finished animals that meet buyer specs command better prices. This workshop gives producers direct access to the people grading and buying their livestock — it’s a real opportunity to ask questions, understand the process, and take away insights that can drive profitability.”

Louise Urquhart, a producer from Milton of Auchinhove near Banchory, attended a previous session and said:

“We saw first-hand what buyers look for and how grading works from start to finish. It really helped connect the dots. I’d definitely recommend it to others.”

More Meat the Market events will be announced soon.

For updates or further information, email info@ qmscotland.co.uk.

Scotland The Brand

Scottish Hemp has the potential to feed our nation. We should invest in it.

By

Ruth

It is, in my view, the first duty of any government to feed its nation. Food security is national security, and our farmers are at the vanguard. Added to that, the climate emergency and the collapse of biodiversity – including those wee beasties we need for healthy soils and to pollinate the plants we rely on for food – means we have to find sustainable and resilient crops with good yields.

Hemp is full of potential. It grows in a remarkable range of soils and conditions. It delivers nutrition to fields and packs a punch both as a nutrientdense food for people and for livestock. Recent detailed studies with a leading egg producer show its potential as a locally grown feed which outperforms imported soy in terms of nutritional profile and carbon footprint. Market research with a North-East baker – a major supermarket supplier – showed baked goods with fibre-rich, nutrient dense, protein-packed hemp flew off the shelves. Hemp plants provide a strong alternative to coir and peat

Watson

composts, and offer exciting potential across various sectors, including as a carbon source for the graphene in batteries.

Scotland imports many of the resources we need and our arable land produces little of the food we eat. Global competition means we are vulnerable to market forces exacerbated by the impacts of climate change. Our reliance on soy as an animal feed, for example, leaves us extremely exposed to our reliance on imports; China is a massive and appealing market with enormous clout. Those keeping an eye on international affairs are warning that now is the time to embed food resilience in our national strategy.

Farmers and businesses across Scotland are keen to build on the potential hemp has to deliver across sectors; all that is missing is the necessary central infrastructure. It seems to me, this is exactly the kind of innovation and investment Scotland – and the Scottish Government - should support.

Why British red meat needs to speak up, and has the evidence to do so

For most shoppers, the decision to pick up a pack of beef or lamb takes just seconds. It’s not a detailed analysis of carbon labelling, supply chain credentials or environmental claims, it’s a quick judgement call. As ABP’s Director of Agriculture and Sustainable Sourcing, Phil Hambling, puts it, “Busy consumers want confidence that the job is being done right, that their meat has been produced to high standards of welfare and sustainability - and then they want to enjoy their meal.”

This belief underpins ABP’s £1.5 million investment in PRISM 2030 (Programme for the Improvement in Sustainability of red meat), a farmer-led initiative aimed at helping beef and sheep producers reduce their environmental impact while supporting future policy and procurement decisions with robust on-farm data.

“There’s been a lot of attention on livestock emissions, but it often overlooks the nuance of British systems,” emphasises Hambling. “Unlike many other sectors, agriculture doesn’t operate in a neat production line, it’s part of a complex natural cycle. British farms manage carbon, nutrients, biodiversity and animal welfare in an integrated way and have an incredibly strong sustainability story to tell, but that story has been undersold. With accurate data and academic insight, we can back up the continuous improvements being made and give consumers the confidence they need.”

More than 300 farmer suppliers - from Orkney to the Isle of Wight - are involved in the programme. Each has undergone a detailed carbon footprint assessment using the carbon footprint tool Agrecalc, followed by tailored recommendations on where improvements could be made to their system from The Andersons Centre and Professor

Jude Capper of Harper Adams University.

“It’s not about telling farmers how to farm,” explains Hambling. “It’s about offering tools and information to support confident, informed decisions that benefit their business and the environment, so that they can continue producing a fantastic product.”

Professor Jude Capper, ABP’s Chair of Sustainable Beef and Sheep Production at Harper Adams University and one of the programme’s lead technical partners, emphasises that sustainability isn’t one-sizefits-all.

“There’s no silver bullet,” she said. “Every farm is different, so it’s about finding the small, practical improvements that make sense for your system - whether that’s improving grazing, refining breeding or reducing waste. These changes might seem minor on their own, but when hundreds of farmers are making them, the cumulative impact is substantial.”

That message was echoed at a recent gathering at Balcanquhal Farm in Fife, hosted by PRISM 2030 participants Billy and Anne Cuthbertson. The event brought stakeholders together to reflect on early results and the importance of data-led, achievable improvements at farm level.

Billy Cuthbertson, who runs a 400-acre livestock unit in NorthEast Fife, said, “I got involved because I wanted a better picture of how we were performing. We’d already reduced cereal use and focused more on grass, but I knew we could go further.”

Since joining PRISM, Cuthbertson has tightened calving intervals, refined his breeding strategy and made greater use of performance data. “It’s not about chasing a perfect carbon score. It’s about

finding the improvements that suit your farm, make sense for your individual system, and help the business move forward in a positive manner.”

In Perthshire, Adrian Ivory, who runs a 150-cow commercial suckler herd and a 100-cow pedigree herd and who has long prioritised efficiency, takes a similarly pragmatic approach.

“PRISM gave us a way to test and track our assumptions. We’ve brought down age at slaughter, increased our in-calf rate and introduced rotational grazing. All of that improves performance, which reduces emissions. And when you’re running a commercial farm, you realise that reducing your carbon footprint can often lead to improvements in the bottom line.”

Combining insights from suppliers and scientists, Hambling sees PRISM 2030 as a catalyst for broader industry change. “We’ve already made major gains in our own operations through decades of investment, from switching to renewable energy at our plants and eliminating landfill waste, to cutting plastic use by 60% and reducing water consumption by

47%, he said. “But around 90% of red meat’s carbon footprint sits on farm. That’s where the biggest opportunities lie, and it’s our responsibility to support farmers in making practical, informed improvements.”

“At its core, this is about building confidence,” he said. “It’s a legitimate consumer expectation that farmers are upholding the highest environmental and welfare standards. Our job, as a processor and as a responsible industry, is to validate that and make sure it’s communicated clearly, so people can trust the product and enjoy it with confidence.”

“British red meat has a strong story to tell when it comes to carbon emissions and productivity. We’re improving all the time, and we’ve got the data to prove it. Now’s the time to share that with pride,” Hambling concluded.

For more information on PRISM 2030, visit: https:// abpsustainabilitystory.com/onthe-farm/prism-2030/

To read the PRSIM 2030 Year 2 report, visit: ABP PRISM Year 2 Report 2025 by abp.uk - Issuu

Professor Jude Capper

Phil Hambling, ABP Director of Agriculture & Sustainable Sourcing

food & drink

Top 5 things to consider when buying,

selling or

leasing a farm shop

Specialist advice from Quinton Edwards to mark launch of Farm Retail Association’s ‘More Than Food’ campaign

Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, Patron of the Farm Retail Association, is fronting the More Than Food campaign

With a focus on tasty, local food and sustainable retailing, farm shops have become key players in the rural economy.

Generating an estimated £1.4 billion in sales and employing around 25,000 people, they number around 1,500 across the UK*. But whether you’re planning to buy, sell or lease a farm shop, it is essential to understand the unique dynamics of this specialist market.

As official sponsors of the Farm Retail Association’s justlaunched ‘More Than Food’ campaign, Quinton Edwards, chartered surveyors with over 35 years’ experience in the garden centre and farm shop sector, have advised many businesses on the establishment of farm shops.

Here Quinton Edwards outlines the top five factors every operator, investor or landlord should consider:

1. Freehold vs leasehold –understand your position

Most farm shops operate from leasehold premises, particularly when based on farms or within garden centres. Freeholds are rare and typically capital-intensive. Understanding valuation methods, including asset value, trading performance and concessionary income, is key to achieving or paying a fair price.

2. Lease terms and security of tenure

If taking a lease, pay close attention to duration, rent structure, renewal rights and your obligations. Many farm shop leases are contracted out of the Landlord & Tenant Act 1954, offering no automatic right to renewal. Short leases may limit resale value, while “put and keep” clauses and restricted alienation rights can create long-term liabilities.

Simon Quinton Smith

Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall

3. Planning permission – check for restrictions

Don’t assume broad retail consent. Many farm shops are tied to conditions restricting the geographical origin of goods sold. These restrictions are often overlooked, but a change of ownership can trigger enforcement action. Ensure the existing planning consent matches your intended use.

4. Concession income - a hidden profit driver

Subletting to butchers,

florists, fishmongers and other concessions can generate significant additional income, often over £100,000 per annum. Concession agreements should be carefully structured with turnover-based rents and shortterm licences to retain flexibility.

5. Use specialist advisers

From valuation and planning to rating and lease negotiation, engaging advisers with indepth sector knowledge is vital. Generalist solicitors and surveyors can overlook critical details

specific to farm shops and garden centres, risking costly delays or legal exposure.

Simon Quinton Smith, Director at Quinton Edwards and a leading sector Expert Witness, said: “Farm shops can be extremely successful and valuable businesses, but they sit within a complex property and regulatory framework. The right advice can make all the difference between a smooth transaction and a costly oversight.

“At Quinton Edwards we have long championed the independent farm shop sector.

Whether you are buying your first business, expanding or preparing for a successful sale, it is vital to understand the unique complexities and opportunities that come with farm shops.”

The Farm Retail Association’s ‘More Than Food’ campaign aims to encourage people to shop at their local farm shop and farmer’s market, with 75p out of every £1 spent at a farm retailer staying in the local economy, choosing local food reduces food miles, supports biodiversity and helps rural economies thrive.

A six-month roadshow is underway aimed at keeping the wheels of UK cheese exports turning in Singapore

The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB)funded roadshow will run until mid-December, working with leading Singapore grocery retailer Cold Storage. It represents a big success for AHDB’s inmarket representative Karen Liao with endorsement from the Department for Business and Trade Deputy Trade Commissioner for Asia Pacific, Rhiannon Harries.

Spearheaded by AHDB inmarket representative Karen Liao, it will deliver a series of in-store promotions and cheese tastings to showcase quality British dairy produce.

Cold Storage was founded in 1903, starting as homegrown merchants before opening its first supermarket in the 1960s. It now has four retail brands – Cold Storage, CS Fresh, Market Place and Jasons covering 50 stores across Singapore.

In 2024 the UK dairy exports to Singapore were worth £8.3 million – up 2.9% on 2023. AHDB’s Prospects for UK agrifood exports analysis has identified Singapore as an important dairy importer in the region with premium cheeses being attractive to affluent consumers.

Karen Liao, AHDB Dairy representative in Asia, said: “Following a successful FHA trade show in April, our roadshow with Cold Storage will be invaluable in helping to cement and build on the reputation of quality British dairy produce and the growing appetite for it in this high-value market.

“Our promotions and tastings over the next five months will provide the perfect shop window to shine the spotlight on the world class produce we have to offer consumers. We are delighted to have the support of UK Government in our efforts on behalf of our levy payers to fulfil the potential for cheese exports in Singapore.

“We look forward to continuing working collaboratively with industry and UK Government to help ensure our world class dairy produce thrives in this highvalue market.”

DBT Deputy Trade Commissioner for Asia Pacific (Southeast Asia), Rhiannon Harries, said: “We are bringing a taste of the UK countryside to Singapore. The AHDB have partnered with Cold Storage to showcase some of the UK’s

finest dairy – from creamy Cheddars to Stilton, supporting our exporters. UK dairy is known for its exceptional quality, thanks to generations of farming expertise and high animal welfare standards; and there is a growing appreciation for that here in Singapore. The Singapore

market was worth £8.3 million to UK dairy exporters in 2024 – up 2.9% from the previous year – making it an important, high-value destination for our producers. We are proud to see British dairy make its way from our shores in the UK, to shelves in Singapore.”

New seed varieties prove popular

As drilling of oilseed rape gets under way across the country, new varieties are proving to be popular amongst arable farmers this season.

Harvest began early across most of the UK this summer due to the warm and dry weather. While this means many farmers are preparing for a prompt start to drilling later in the season, most won’t begin drilling cereals until mid-September, according to Matt Shand, Head of Seed at Wynnstay.

“Despite the early harvest not many people have made early decisions on what varieties they are going to put in the ground, however, we have seen more people selecting new ones which have been added to the recommended lists,” he says.

“In group one winter wheats we have seen huge demand for KWS Vibe, which is new this year. The whole industry has been waiting a number of years for this seed to become available. It’s not necessarily the highest yielding but it has better genetics and disease resistance. We have nearly sold out of it due to its popularity.”

In group two winter wheats, KWS Arnie is another new variety that has attracted a lot of interest. “This is a high yielding variety,” says Matt. “It is a step above for Group 2 quality wheat. We only had a limited amount available, but it will be a good one for people to try to compare yields.”

KWS Extase and KWS Palladium continue to be popular choices and pick up repeat orders in this category as well. Meanwhile in group three, the new KWS Solitaire has had some interest, although there is not much availability in the marketplace.

In hard wheats, many seem to be turning to familiar varieties like KWS Scope and LG Beowulf. “Scope is brand new this year; it is one of the stiffer varieties and it has a high yield,” Matt says. “It’s disease resistance is also strong and it has a high specific weight at around 78kg/hl, so it’s a classic barn-filler in which we’ve had strong interest.

“Beowulf has had a good year,” he adds. “It also has high specific weights with the added bonus of orange wheat blossom midge resistance.”

Kitty from Senova is a new addition to the winter barley market which is now available. “It’s a good variety for mixed farms, which produces a big, bold grain and the highest specific weight of 72.7kg/hl,” Matt explains.

“We also have LG Capitol, which is an exclusive variety for the Alliance Group, a conglomerate of five different businesses of which we are part. It’s been on the recommended list for around two years and we are seeing strong demand as it fits a lot of our customers, so we will increase availability next year.”

Also in its first year is KWS Inys, the first six-row hybrid from KWS, while SY Kingsbarn is also available. “We have a limited supply of Inys,” says Matt. “Hybrid barleys continue to appeal to growers looking for consistency across variable

seasons, and Inys offers a promising option with the latest genetics.”

New to the shelves is KWS Hinsta. “Our OSR market is quite small but we have taken orders for Hinsta. A popular variety we sell is LG Aviron, and LG Academichas gained a lot of attraction due to its higher yields,” he adds.

“We also have Bayer’s DK Excentric, which is tried and tested, and KWS Campus, our

conventional variety offering. I anticipate a small growth in the OSR area this year.”

Wynnstay advises growers to secure newer varieties early to avoid disappointment, as demand is already being seen. For technical information or pricing, contact either a local Wynnstay office or representative.

Wynnstay Seed Astley 01939 210777

Wynnstay Seed York 01904 202607

ASPRO Front Tank with folding 6m DTEK RAPIDO Power Harrow and Seeding Bar Combination Drill

The most popular Alpego drill on the market in the UK is the 6m folding combination drill, which combines the use of the ASPRO front tank system and a folding 6m DTEK RAPIDO power harrow and seeding bar.

Starting at the front of the tractor, the ASPRO front tank holds and distributes seed. The seed is then pneumatically transported down the side of the tractor to the rear tool bar and coulters that are mounted on a rear 6m folding DTEK RAPIDO power harrow.

The ASPRO front tank, with a CAT ll linkage, has a standard hopper capacity of 1,400 litres,

extendable up to 1,900 litres if additional capacity is required. The hopper extension is a useful option for farmers and contractors who want to reduce loading frequencies by adding additional capacity.

The ASPRO is designed with a hydraulic drive fan, 2+2 tramlines, electric half-width shut-off and front LED lights and markers.

The ASPRO front tank is specified with a stainless DOSAL electronic metering unit which is capable of 2 to 450kg/ha. The metering unit includes a single segmented roller suitable for large and small seeds. The flexible DOSAL metering unit is designed

for maximum volumes of large seed alongside precision for small seeds. It utilises an adjustable metering roller and adjustable selectable gears to achieve unbeatable accuracy.

Additional options like front press wheels or weight kits are also available to add to the versatility and usability of this front tank system.

Moving further backwards in the operation, the ASPRO front tank and combination drill system is supplied with an RDS SuperPlus control box and GPS speed sensor which enables the control of the drilling process from within

the tractor cab. The control box monitors the fan, metering roller, seed level and provides on the move seed rate adjustment. A pre start metering function is also builtin. ISOBUS is offered as an option to control all functions from the tractor’s screen.

Moving to the rear of the tractor, the 6m DTEK RAPIDO is an extra heavy-duty folding power harrow suitable for tractors from 150-350hp, however when working with a front tank and seeding bar, more horsepower is recommended. The DTEK RAPIDO features Alpego Twin Force TEK matched pairs of rotors fitted with calibrated Timken taper bearing sets, which ensures consistent build tolerances across the power harrow trough and in turn, reliability and longevity.

The 6m DTEK RAPIDO features four rotors per meter which offers close 250mm rotor spacing, ensuring a finer tilth is created easier compared to wider rotor spacings, thus creating

excellent conditions to encourage improved seed establishment. The model is also specified to include RAPIDO quick fit drop forged tines which provide superior strength and durability, they are harder wearing for longer life and reduce overall running costs and downtime.

Another useful feature the DTEK RAPIDO power harrow has is that not only do the rotors have a high clearance, which reduces soil build up and maintains a constant depth, in addition to this, the frame can float by 10 degrees on its wing sections which when seeding, helps provide a continuous consistent cultivation depth, and in turn seeding depth.

Consolidation is important for consistent establishment. Alpego offer two rear rollers; the commonly chosen Packer roller or the alternative Trapeze roller which has notched rings which provide additional drive in soft soils and targeted consolidation.

Above the power harrow within this combination drilling system is the distribution head, which includes a Turbo Rotal impeller. The Turbo Rotal system is an innovative solution for an issue that affects all drills especially when using long seed pipes at wider working widths and working on sloping grounds. It consists of a spinning impeller located in the centre of the

distribution head that promotes more uniform distribution of the seed to the individual outlets. This system improves the consistency of seed volume delivered to each outlet by 50% which, coupled with Alpego’s attention to detail throughout the other elements of the metering and distribution system, provides market leading accuracy.

Avoid damage to an on-farm AD plant

Adding an anaerobic digester can bring a new income stream to a farm looking to diversify, and power the farm itself. But the last thing the plant manager needs is pipework or equipment damaged due to the foreign matter and stones that come up so often in farmyard feedstock.

The range of feedstock that a farm uses often has damaging foreign matter; energy crops such as sugar beet grown in stoney fields, or farmyard muck with broken parts from machinery. These can cause serious and expensive problems leading to equipment needing to be replaced and plant downtime.

Vogelsang’s dedicated biogas engineering team in Essen, Germany, has produced what is widely believed to be the gold standard in feed systems. The PreMix 4-in-1 feeder has been

developed specifically for a range of feedstock used in on-farm plants, and can benefit from the Debris Removal System (DRS) to prevent foreign matter making its way into the machinery or digesters.

The owner of an on-farm biogas plant in Dumfries & Galloway said: “When we designed our AD plant, we specified Vogelsang’s solid matter feed system - which includes the PreMix and Debris Removal System. This feed system has been excellent for us. The equipment is strong and works hard, particularly as we have a varied feedstock, and rocks and pieces of scrap metal can’t be avoided. The DRS is excellent; it helps us to avoid so much stoppage time and equipment failure by preventing the foreign matter from getting any further into the system.”

Slurry Power: The Micro-AD Revolution

Transforming UK Dairy

Anaerobic digestion (AD) has long been associated with large-scale dairy operations — maize-fed mega-herds, hefty infrastructure, and multi-millionpound investments. But that’s changing fast. A new generation of compact, slurry-only microAD systems is now delivering clean, reliable energy and real savings to farms with as few as 100 cows.

Installed in days, not months, these systems turn slurry into round-the-clock renewable energy — reducing emissions, lowering fertiliser bills, and cutting electricity costs directly on the farm.

Why slurry, and why now?

Slurry is rich in methane - a greenhouse gas 27 times more potent than CO². Left in store, it escapes into the atmosphere. But when run through a micro-AD plant, that methane is captured and turned into biogas to generate electricity and heat.

Unlike solar, output is constant. Control systems can align production with on-farm demandfrom milking and washdowns to heating water and powering calf sheds. In future, the energy could even power nutrient recovery systems or nitrogen strippers.

How it works on the farm

Slurry is pumped from a reception pit into a sealed digester tank, where bacteria naturally break it down. The resulting biogas is used to fuel a combined heat and power (CHP) unit. The remaining digestate is returned to the farm’s slurry store - now with more plantavailable nitrogen.

Biolectric’s micro-AD systems are designed for herds of 100 to 400 cows, producing between 22 and 74 kW of electricity. No slurry volume is lost, and many farms report a reduction in purchased nitrogen fertiliser. Daily maintenance takes around 10 minutes, with remote monitoring and servicing handled by the supplier.

“Our systems are designed for farms with 100 to 400 cows and

a consistent slurry supply,” says Gary Hague, UK Sustainability and Development Manager for Biolectric, a specialist in smallscale anaerobic digestion.

“They fit neatly between sheds and slurry stores, and once up and running, can cut methane emissions from slurry storage by up to 82%.

The power output matches typical dairy energy profiles, and UK farms are now seeing up to 99% efficiency with minimal daily input.”

Even without grants, payback can be under five years, with total savings worth up to 4p per litre of milk.

Case study: Slurry savings in Yorkshire

Will Kitching and his family milk 240 Holsteins near Northallerton, Yorkshire. With rising energy bills and a year-round slurry supply,

Will installed a Biolectric 33 kW unit in October 2023 - part-funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

“Compared to solar, the output is constant and matches our needs. It’s been a very worthwhile investment,” says Will. “We’re taking a waste product and turning it into something that fuels business performance - it’s a win-win.”

The system saves around £2,500–£3,000 per month in energy costs and is helping reduce fertiliser inputs by making better use of on-farm nutrients.

Case study: High-efficiency AD in Cumbria

Cameron Steel’s family dairy farm in Cumbria installed a 74 kW Biolectric unit in early 2025. From day one, it exceeded expectations.

“Our 74 kW Biolectric AD plant has been a real step forward for the farm. It has enabled us to turn the slurry from our cows into a valuable source of renewable energy, that virtually eliminates our electricity costs and significantly improves our environmental footprint.”

“The system is straightforward to operate, fits easily into the dayto-day running of the farm and requires minimal maintenance -

ANAEROBIC DIGESTION

just 30 minutes of servicing per month. In fact, if it wasn’t for the 30 minutes per month, we would have no electricity bill.”

“Since day one we have operated at over 98% efficiency, which has more than exceeded our generation forecasts. We’ve got other renewables on the farm, but nothing else has delivered this level of performance or benefit.”

Installation took just three weeks, with the containerised CHP unit delivered fully built and tested at the factory.

Biogas

A wider win for farming Lucy Hopwood, Business Development Director at Alder BioInsights - a consultancy advising government and industry on sustainable agriculture - says energy is only part of the value.

“Energy is almost a secondary or tertiary benefit. It’s about the wider advantages on-farm AD delivers, including improved soil health through production of high-quality digestate, reduced emissions from slurry storage, and economic stability for farmers

through energy self-sufficiency. Currently these aren’t recognised or rewarded in legislation.”

Research from Alder BioInsights suggests that if all suitable UK dairy farms adopted slurry-only AD, the result could be a 150-fold increase in installations - generating up to 5 TWh of energy per year and saving over 70 million tonnes of CO² equivalent over their lifetimes.

Is it right for your farm?

Micro-AD works best where

there’s a consistent slurry supply and a strong on-farm demand for power - whether for robotic or rotary parlours, heating, or water use.

“If you’ve got 100 cows and regular slurry, micro-AD can significantly cut emissions, reduce fertiliser bills, and slash your electricity costs,” says Gary Hague. “With energy prices high and buyers starting to reward lowcarbon milk, it’s becoming a smart, practical solution. Our farmers describe it as a no brainer!”

industry calls for recognition of biomethane as a Net Zero fuel within UK ETS in open letter

The Anaerobic Digestion and Bioresources Association (ADBA) alongside leading businesses from UK industry and the biogas sector, has written to the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, Ed Miliband MP, calling for the urgent recognition of biomethane as a Net Zero fuel. The letter warns that failure to act swiftly risks jeopardising the UK’s Net Zero targets and putting over £8 billion of private sector investment at risk.

The letter, co-written by Chair and former Secretary of State Chris Huhne and Chief Executive Charlotte Morton OBE, has been signed by over 95 industry representatives and businesses, including one of the UK’s biggest trade unions, the GMB, and each of Great Britain’s and Northern Ireland’s gas distribution networks. The signatories call on Ed Miliband to confirm that biomethane will be treated as a net zero fuel within the UK Emissions Trading Scheme (UK ETS) to fully recognise its value within our net zero ambitions, and to unlock global investment in this primed and ready to grow green sector.

Commenting on the letter, ADBA Chair Chris Huhne said “The UK biogas industry is being unfairly penalised under the current rules of the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS). Biomethane – an

to Secretary of State Ed Miliband

often carbon negative technology – is treated the same as climatewrecking fossil gas. It makes no sense, and it’s holding back investment in the infrastructure we need to reach net zero.”

Andy Prendergast, National Secretary of the GMB, said of the union’s support for the letter: “The gas network not only heats and powers millions of homes and businesses, it also supports hundreds of thousands of well-paid jobs. Recognising green gases like biomethane as Net Zero fuels under the UK Emissions Trading Scheme not only gives us a path towards net zero, it also provides a way to protect those livelihoods whilst building a viable export industry. We need to seize this opportunity with both hands.”

The letter highlights the important role biomethane could play in net zero if ETS recognition is granted, particularly in the hard-to-decarbonise areas such as chemicals and manufacturing sectors.

It states. “[Biomethane] supports rural economies, displaces fossil fuels, and cuts methane emissions. […] It also plays a critical role in decarbonising high-value industrial sectors that are essential to the UK’s national security and economic resilience.”

Through this open letter, ADBA and the biogas industry call on the Secretary of State to:

• Confirm that biomethane injected into the UK’s gas grid will be eligible under the UK ETS as a net zero fuel in the same way as sustainable aviation fuel

• Ensure UK ETS rules fully reflect biomethane’s full value

• Set out a clear timeline for implementation to give the market confidence,

They conclude: “Developers and investors urgently need clarity and confirmation that the full net zero value of biomethane will be recognised. Further delays threaten to stall a sector that is ready to scale and deliver.”

“This is an immediate opportunity to unlock growth, accelerate decarbonisation, and bring forward billions in private investment. We urge you to act now.”

Amazone brings precision farming to the drilling season

A strand of Amazone’s precision farming portfolio is the ability to apply seed at variable rates across the field. All Amazone ISOBUScontrolled drills, including the Cirrus Grand, can seamlessly integrate multiple variable rate maps created from soil analysis or yield data. That means; seed rate, fertiliser rate and coulter pressure can all be automatically controlled, separately!

This approach recognises that no two parts of a field are the same. By tailoring seed rates to match soil potential, growers can avoid under-sowing lighter patches while reducing unnecessary spend on areas that historically struggle

to perform. The outcome is a more even crop, better resource efficiency, and the chance to lift yields across the whole field rather than focusing only on the best ground.

For contractors, it adds another layer of service to offer customers, demonstrating not just an investment in machinery but in smarter farming practices.

Efficiency, sustainability, and the bottom line

Crucially, all of these precision farming tools are built on a common platform. Amazone’s complete range of drills and cultivation equipment are fully ISOBUS-

compatible, giving operators the flexibility to run them through any compliant terminal or to make use of Amazone’s own AmaTron 4 interface.

The financial argument for precision farming is compelling. Seed saving alone makes it worth it but when drilling fertiliser too it’s a no brainer to bring wastage down as much as possible. By cutting overlaps to virtually zero and optimising seed rates, the Cirrus Grand can deliver savings that quickly add up. For

large arable outfits or contractors covering thousands of hectares, those savings become significant. For growers and contractors alike, the message is clear: every seed counts. And with Amazone, every seed is placed precisely where it should be.

Simon Quinton Smith

Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall

Ffermio Cymru

Mae gwyddonwyr Prifysgol Aberystwyth yn datblygu offer deallusrwydd artiffisial newydd sy’n mesur hadau a phodiau hadau planhigion yn awtomatig er mwyn bridio mathau gwell o gnydau.

Dan arweiniad ymchwilwyr o Athrofa’r Gwyddorau Biolegol, Amgylcheddol a Gwledig ac adran Cyfrifiadureg y Brifysgol, mae’r astudiaeth yn dangos pŵer cymwysiadau wedi’u targedu o ddeallusrwydd artiffisial i wella ansawdd ein cnydau.

Mae ffyrdd traddodiadol o gofnodi nodweddion ffrwyth planhigion, fel eu siâp a’u maint, yn llafur-ddwys, yn cymryd llawer o amser, ac yn dueddol o wallau dynol.

Mae ymchwilwyr wedi mynd i’r afael â’r her gydag offeryn newydd wedi’i bweru gan ddeallusrwydd artiffisial sy’n dadansoddi delweddau i adnabod podiau hadau a’u mesur gyda chywirdeb uchel.

Gall yr offeryn newydd fesur amrywiaeth o nodweddion, gan gynnwys hyd, lled, arwynebedd a chyfaint y cod, ac mae pob un ohonynt yn cyfrannu at gynnyrch ac felly at broffidioldeb.

Mae’r ymchwil yn cysylltu’r nodweddion ffisegol hyn â rhanbarthau genetig penodol sy’n dylanwadu ar siâp a maint podiau, gan helpu gwyddonwyr i nodi genynnau.

Mae adnabod y genynnau hyn yn helpu gwyddonwyr i ddeall yn well sut mae planhigion yn tyfu ac yn datblygu. Mae darganfyddiadau o’r fath yn darparu targedau gwerthfawr ar gyfer bridio cnydau, gan ei gwneud hi’n bosibl gwella nodweddion fel cynnyrch, siâp a gwydnwch.

Gallai’r offer deallusrwydd artiffisial newydd hyn mewn egwyddor gael eu defnyddio ar ffrwyth unrhyw blanhigyn, ac

Offeryn AI yn awtomeiddio

mesur ffrwythau planhigion er mwyn bridio cnydau gwell

mae ymchwilwyr wedi bod yn eu profi ar hadau llawer o gnydau gan gynnwys rêp had olew, bresych, a hyd yn oed grawnfwydydd fel ceirch, haidd a gwenith.

Dywedodd Kieran Atkins, ymchwilydd doethuriaeth ac arweinydd prosiect o IBERS ym Mhrifysgol Aberystwyth:

“Mae gan offer deallusrwydd artiffisial fel yr un rydyn ni wedi’i ddatblygu’r potensial i chwyldroi sut y gallwn ni ddatblygu mathau newydd o gnydau. Mae wir yn newid y gêm. Casglodd ein algorithm ddata ar dros 300,000 o ffrwythau unigol - gan amlygu gallu dysgu dwfn fel offeryn cadarn ar gyfer ffenoteipio poblogaethau mawr iawn.”

“Un o agweddau mwyaf cyffrous y gwaith hwn yw pa mor hygyrch y mae’n gwneud

ffenoteipio ar raddfa fawr. Drwy gael gwared ar rwystrau technegol a rhwystrau amser, mae dysgu dwfn yn galluogi mwy o ymchwilwyr i astudio nodweddion planhigion ar raddfa nad oedd yn ymarferol o’r blaen. Mae’n ymwneud â datgloi posibiliadau newydd ar gyfer darganfyddiadau ac arloesedd mewn gwyddor planhigion.”

Ychwanegodd yr Athro John Doonan, Cyfarwyddwr y Ganolfan Ffenomeg Planhigion

Genedlaethol:

“Mae’r canlyniadau’n dangos y gall deallusrwydd artiffisial dysgu dwfn ddarparu data o’r ansawdd a’r cywirdeb sydd eu hangen ar gyfer dadansoddi genetig a bridio. Mae hyn yn dangos sut y gall delweddu uwch a deallusrwydd artiffisial

drawsnewid y ffordd rydyn ni’n cysylltu ffurf planhigion â swyddogaeth genetig. I ddechrau, fe wnaethon ni ddatblygu’r offer ar gyfer planhigyn chwynnog bach sy’n aml yn cael ei ddefnyddio fel model mewn labordai ledled y byd, ond mae dulliau tebyg iawn yn gweithio’n hynod o dda ar gnydau bresych. Mae hwn yn gam pwysig tuag at ffenoteipio ar raddfa fawr a chyfoethog o ran data, sydd nid yn unig yn cyflymu ymchwil ond hefyd yn cefnogi dulliau mwy rhagfynegol o wella cnydau.”

Mae’r tîm wedi gwneud eu offeryn MorphPod ar gael arlein, gan alluogi ymchwilwyr ledled y byd i ail-greu neu addasu’r system i’w defnyddio gyda rhywogaethau planhigion eraill.

Kieran Atkins

Helpu ffermwyr i fynd i’r afael â chlefyd parasitig difrifol mewn da byw

Mae angen canllawiau gwell ac offer ymarferol i helpu ffermwyr i fynd i’r afael mewn ffordd gynaliadwy â’r broblem fawr o heintiau llyngyr yr iau mewn da byw, yn ôl ymchwil newydd.

Mae gwyddonwyr ym Mhrifysgol Aberystwyth wedi siarad yn eang â ffermwyr ledled Cymru ac yn dweud bod eu canfyddiadau cynnar yn dangos bod yna gryn ansicrwydd ynghylch rheoli’r clefyd parasitig yma sy’n effeithio ar y rhan fwyaf o ddiadelloedd defaid a buchesi gwartheg yn y Deyrnas Gyfunol.

Credir bod yr haint yn costio hyd at £300 miliwn y flwyddyn i ddiwydiant da byw’r DG yn sgil lefelau cynhyrchiant is, cyfraddau marwolaethau uwch a chostau milfeddygol.

Yn ogystal, mae ymwrthedd cynyddol i’r cyffuriau a ddefnyddir i drin y clefyd tra bod newidiadau yn yr hinsawdd yn creu amodau mwy ffafriol lle gall y parasit ffynnu.

Fel rhan o brosiect tair blynedd a ariennir gan Gyngor Ymchwil y Gwyddorau Biotechnoleg a Biolegol (BBSRC), mae ymchwilwyr yn datblygu dulliau newydd o reoli’n fwy effeithiol y llyngyren parasitig sy’n achosi llyngyr yr iau.

Maen nhw’n torri tir newydd trwy ddefnyddio technegau DNA amgylcheddol i ganfod yn fanwl gywir bresenoldeb malwod mwd ar dir fferm. Y falwen hon sy’n gweithredu fel llu canolradd rhwng y parasit a da byw.

Maen nhw hefyd yn cynnal dadansoddiad manwl o amodau pridd ar y fferm i nodi ble mae’r falwen mwd yn fwyaf tebygol o fyw a ffynnu.

Prif Ymchwilydd y prosiect, Dr Rhys Aled Jones o Adran

Gwyddorau Bywyd y Brifysgol, sy’n amlinellu buddion posibl yr ymchwil:

“Ein nod yw datblygu strategaethau cynaliadwy, arloesol a rhoi gwell canllawiau ac offer ymarferol i ffermwyr fel eu bod yn cael gwell cefnogaeth yn eu hymdrechion i reoli llyngyr yr iau, sydd wedi datblygu’n broblem ddifrifol ar ffermydd ledled Cymru a gweddill y Deyrnas Gyfunol.

“Os gall ein hymchwil helpu i reoli’r parasit hwn yn fwy effeithiol, bydd manteision economaidd drwy gynhyrchiant gwell yn ogystal â manteision amgylcheddol. Mae llyngyr yr iau yn haint niweidiol felly bydd manteision hefyd o ran lles anifeiliaid ac mae sicrhau bod anifeiliaid yn iach yn un o’r ffyrdd mwyaf effeithiol o liniaru effaith amgylcheddol systemau cynhyrchu da byw.”

Fel rhan o brosiect FlukeMAP, a lansiwyd yn 2023, mae parasitolegwyr a gwyddonwyr milfeddygol y Brifysgol wedi bod yn gweithio’n agos gyda 16 o ffermwyr defaid o bob cwr o Gymru.

Mae eu hymchwil helaeth wedi cynnwys cynnal cyfweliadau manwl gyda’r ffermwyr, cynnal arolygon cynhwysfawr yn asesu risgiau haint ar draws tir fferm a monitro lefelau haint mewn defaid sy’n pori.

Mae sawl thema gyffredin eisoes wedi dod i’r amlwg o ddadansoddi’r cyfweliadau a’r data a gasglwyd fel rhan o’r prosiect, fel yr eglura Dr Gwen

Rees o Ysgol Filfeddygaeth

Aberystwyth:

“Mae llyngyr yr iau yn glefyd cymhleth, ac mae’r cyngor sydd ar gael i ffermwyr gan filfeddygon a’r diwydiant yn

gymysg ac weithiau’n gwrthdaro. Nid yw’n syndod efallai ein bod wedi canfod bod llawer o ansicrwydd, gyda ffermwyr yn aml yn ansicr ynghylch sut i wneud diagnosis, pryd orau i drin, pa ardaloedd allai fod yn gynefin tebygol i’r haint ac a oes ganddyn nhw broblem llyngyr yr iau ai peidio.

“O ganlyniad i’w hancsicrwydd ynghylch risg clefydau a’r ffordd orau o’i reoli, roedd ffermwyr yn aml yn nodi bod angen defnyddio cyffuriau lladd llyngyr yr iau fel mesur rhagofalus, ond gall hyn arwain at ymwrthedd i’r driniaeth yn ogystal ag at weddillion meddyginiaeth yn yr amgylchedd.”

Amlygwyd ansicrwydd pellach gan arolygon a wnaed i asesu ardaloedd ar ffermydd lle roedd yr haint yn risg, meddai Dr Rhys Aled Jones:

“Mae risg llyngyr yr iau fel arfer yn gysylltiedig ag amodau gwlyb. Fodd bynnag, mae amseriad a hyd yr amodau gwlyb hyn yn hanfodol wrth bennu risg haint. Gwnaeth ein hymchwil ganfod hefyd gysylltiadau cryf rhwng nodweddion pridd, yn enwedig lefelau pH a deunydd

organig a phresenoldeb y falwen mwd sy’n gyfrifol am drosglwyddo llyngyr yr iau i dda byw. Anaml y byddai ffermwyr yn ystyried y ffactorau yma wrth asesu risg ar eu tir ac mae hyn yn dangos yr angen i ddarparu canllawiau gwell i gefnogi asesiadau risg mwy cywir.”

“Gall nodi’n fanwl gywir ardaloedd lle mae llyngyr yr iau yn risg ar ffermydd gefnogi strategaethau rheoli mwy cynaliadwy. Mae’r rhain yn cynnwys gwneud y defnydd gorau o brofion diagnostig a thriniaethau, a gweithredu arferion rheoli tir a phori wedi’u targedu i leihau’r tebygolrwydd o haint.”

Mae ymchwilwyr yn rhannu eu canfyddiadau diweddaraf gyda chynulleidfa o ffermwyr a chynrychiolwyr y diwydiant ar faes Sioe Frenhinol Cymru ar ddydd Mercher 23 Gorffennaf. Wedi’i ariannu gan y BBSRC a Phrifysgol Aberystwyth, mae FlukeMAP yn brosiect ymchwil cydweithredol sy’n dwyn ynghyd bartneriaid allweddol gan gynnwys Cyswllt Ffermio, Canolfan Gwyddor Filfeddygol Cymru, Undeb Amaethwyr Cymru a chwmni Ridgeway Research.

Ffermio Cymru

environment

£1.87m in funding to drive nature investment

Projects across the country which are expanding woodland, restoring saltmarsh and peatlands, and protecting threatened species have been awarded a share of £1.87m from NatureScot and The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

The Facility for Investment Ready Nature in Scotland (FIRNS) fund is aimed at projects that will help establish a marketplace for private investment in Scotland’s natural capital - habitats and ecosystems with social, environmental and economic benefits for people. The fund fosters collaboration among local communities, investors and land managers.

Since its launch in 2023, there have been 44 successful FIRNS grant awards, sharing almost £6.5m. Eleven projects have been successful in this third round of the fund, with innovative ideas to attract investment for peatland, woodland, coastal and marine and urban areas, helping to create healthy air, soil, water, forests, fisheries and seas to halt nature loss and tackle climate change.

Examples of the projects funded include the Arkaig Natural Capital: Regenerative Investment in West Lochaber project, led by Achnacarry Estate near Spean Bridge. The project will support the recovery of some of Scotland’s most depleted habitats at scale and pace with private investment. Its ambitious plans include woodland creation, peatland and saltmarsh restoration, species recovery, and regenerative deer management with a longer-term aim of reintroducing missing species.

The Galloway Fisheries Trust’s River Annan Restoration Project is developing a catchmentscale network of river restoration works across the River Annan, and Sylvestris Land Management’s Moray Farm Cluster: Farming with

Nature Finance project balances sustainable nature-friendly farming with profitable long-term income streams.

NatureScot Director of Green Economy, Robbie Kernahan said: “This wave of funding for nature investment shows the national will to reverse nature loss is a shared and passionate one. Strong partnerships with communities are at the heart of our success, with private investment essential if we are to meet the immediate challenges of climate change for Scotland’s environment and its people.”

Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon said: “It is essential that the Scottish Government, our agencies and partners all work together to invest in Scotland’s natural capital, including its

Warm

biodiversity, forests, peatlands, water, and soils. Restoring nature offers some of the best ways to protect us from the worst impacts of climate change and private investment allows us to carry out more work at a faster pace. I want to congratulate all of the successful projects and look forward to seeing their results.”

Caroline Clark, The National Lottery Heritage Fund Director for Scotland said: “Scotland has a huge wealth of natural capital. FIRNS projects are supporting communities to unlock this potential through responsible and sustainable investment with benefits for people and communities at its heart.

“We are already seeing influential projects initially supported under the FIRNS

programme driving progress and innovation throughout Scotland. This latest cohort will continue to build on a strong foundation for a more inclusive, effective and high-integrity capital market that we know will deliver positive benefits for nature and community.”

temperatures and specific water levels are needed to restore

European

peatlands – new study

European peatlands, which contain around half of Europe’s soil carbon, need a combination of warm temperatures and a water table of around 10 cm to thrive, a new study by Queen’s University Belfast researchers has found.

Peatlands form where there is a sustained build-up of partially decomposed plant matter, and they play a very important role in locking away greenhouse gases and absorbing industrial pollution.

In Europe, peatlands contain approximately five times more carbon than its forests. However, they have been damaged by human activities including pollution, draining and climate change.

In a bid to understand the conditions needed to restore

peatlands, Professor Graeme Swindles from the School of Natural and Built Environment at Queen’s University has been leading a team to calculate peat accumulation rates over the past 2,000 years. They have been studying cores from 28 peat bogs across Europe.

The study, which has now been published in PLOS One, reveals that the fastest peat accumulation –nearly 0.5 cm per year – occurred around the Baltic Sea, at sites in Denmark, Poland, Sweden, and Finland which experience warm and humid summers.

The slowest peat accumulation was measured in northern Sweden, which experiences cold winters and a short growing season.

Across all sites, peat accumulated fastest in regions with warm summer temperatures, which improves plant growth, and a water table around 10 cm below the surface. If the water table is too high, plants struggle to grow, and if the water table is too low, decomposers can rapidly break down peat as it develops.

Professor Swindles comments: “Our study suggests that warmer summer temperatures could boost growth rates in European peatlands – but only if the water table stays high enough.

“We also found that maintaining a water table around 10 cm below the surface is key to allowing peat to grow quickly and store carbon over the long term.

renewable energy

Growing offshore wind

Consent and marine licences granted for Berwick Bank wind farm

One of the world’s largest offshore wind farms has been granted consent by the Scottish Government.

Located approximately 38km from the Scottish Borders coastline at St Abbs, Berwick Bank wind farm will have an estimated capacity of 4.1 gigawatts (GW) which, with current technology, could generate enough electricity each year to power every household in Scotland around twice over.

In recognition that the site of the development is also

considered a highly important area for wildlife, consent for the construction and operation of the wind farm is subject to the developer, SSE Renewables, producing a detailed sea bird compensation plan outlining how adverse impacts on seabirds will be compensated for.

This plan will need to be approved by Scottish Ministers ahead of Berwick Bank proceeding.

Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said: “Ministers have

given the Berwick Bank wind farm application extremely careful consideration.

“The decision to grant consent to Berwick Bank is a major step in Scotland’s progress towards achieving net zero and tackling the climate crisis, as well as supporting national energy security and growing our green economy.

“It is also an important decision for Scotland’s renewables sector, and this investment will be further built

upon through the delivery of Scotland’s significant future pipeline of offshore wind projects under the ScotWind and the Innovation and Targeted Oil and Gas (INTOG) leasing rounds.

“We will continue to work closely with the developer and key stakeholders, including those working in fishing and conservation – to minimise the impact of the development on the marine environment and other marine users – and balance the needs of people and nature.”

Orkney Farmer Leaves £470,000 Legacy to Support Work of RSABI

Orkney farmer Charles (Charlie) Gorn, who died in November 2023, has left a £470,000 legacy from his estate to Scottish agricultural charity, RSABI.

Charlie, who farmed at Weddell, near Holm, left around half of his estate to the charity which provides emotional, financial and practical support to people in farming and crofting in Scotland. The remainder was gifted in his will to several charities involved in supporting people with cancer.

Charlie, who was 82 years old when he passed away, was born and brought up in Holm. As a young man he ventured away from Orkney and was employed as a stockman in Perthshire for the estate of Sir Torquil Munro, where he worked with the famous Lindertis Aberdeen-Angus herd.

He was very well respected in this stockman role - where he kindled an enduring love of the Aberdeen-Angus breed – and it was while he was in Perthshire that he was encouraged to save and put some money aside for the future.

He started pension and investment plans from a young age and went on to work in

Aberdeenshire in plant and machinery for a period.

When he returned to Orkney years later in the 1970s, he was employed at Weddell, just a few miles from where he was born, and in time he had enough savings to buy the farm. Charlie farmed there on his own account, adding to his farming enterprise with the purchase of some additional land over the years and continuing to run Aberdeen-Angus cows on the property.

He travelled to Australia at one point to visit AberdeenAngus farmers there, and won a tremendous number of show cups in his own right, which he later donated to the local agricultural society.

RSABI Chief Executive Officer Carol McLaren recently spent time in Orkney learning more about Charlie’s background and how he came to leave this incredible legacy to the charity from executor Steven Metcalf and other friends.

“This legacy means a huge amount to RSABI and it was a great privilege to be able to learn more about Charlie’s life and how he came to choose to support the work we do, to help people during tough times in farming and crofting, in this incredible way,” said Carol.

“It was humbling to visit the area where Charlie was born and later farmed, and to pay respects at his grave, on behalf of all the team at RSABI. We are extremely grateful to Charlie for recognising the value of the work we do and choosing to kindly gift a significant part of his lifetime savings to support the charity.

“We are committed to ensuring many people facing dark times receive our support, helped by the funds he has so kindly entrusted us with.”

In recent months RSABI has delivered a number of initiatives in Orkney. Following two Mental Health First Aid training courses in Kirkwall, the charity was

pleased to bring the Jim Smith #KeepTalking show to Orkney at the start of 2025, followed by a Planning for the Future roadshow date this spring. This summer, RSABI is attending both Dounby and County shows and is looking forward to bringing its Health Hut to the Orkney Mart sale on August 11th.

RSABI’s free confidential support service is available 24 hours a day, every day of the year, by calling 0808 1234 555 (calls won’t show up on phone bills) or through a confidential webchat service, available on RSABI’s website www.rsabi.org.uk.

Information about legacies and gifting to RSABI is available on the website at https://www. rsabi.org.uk/support-us/leave-alegacy/ or email legacy@rsabi. org.uk. Gifting in this way has a major positive impact on the work the charity can undertake and its long-term financial security.

Steven Metcalf and Carol higher

Charlie Gorn

The Scottish Ploughing Championships 2025

It has been a long time coming but Ploughing Championships (Scotland) Ltd are delighted to be making a welcome return to the east coast this year, heading to the fertile farmland of Angus

The 61st Scottish Ploughing Championships will be held at Arbikie Farm, Lunan, Montrose by kind permission of the Stirling

Family, on the 24th & 25th October 2025. Kverneland UK are once again taking on the mantle of the main sponsor of the match.

Chairman of the SPC this year is local farmer and championship plougher Gordon C Beattie from Aberlemno. Vice chair is Willie

Grieve from Ladybank in Fife who, like Gordon, also has a wealth of experience behind him having ploughed for Scotland

SCOTTISH PLOUGHING CHAMPIONSHIPS

on the World stage in 2023. They are ably assisted by a further 5 directors on the board who each represent their areas: Gavin Robertson, covering the far north, Gordon Hepburn Jnr for the north-east, Brian Baxter for the central region, Colin Crawford in the south-east and Hugh Currie in the south-west. A further two representatives from each area make up the management committee. The organising committee would not be complete without our two Honorary Presidents –Dave Carnegie and Andrew Mithchell Snr who have been to many World Championships and have a wealth of experience at all levels of competition. We are also delighted that our past chairman Derek MacIver is the Scottish representative on the World Ploughing Board and has been selected to join a smaller group to spearhead the way forward for the future of the World Championships.

Local arrangements for this years’ match are undertaken by a local committee which is being led by Brian Baxter. They have put together sponsorship packages to meet all budgets whether it be for a banner on display or something more substantial up to the highest level of a platinum sponsorship.

It may be quite daunting for many to come and compete at the Scottish Championships, but nothing could be further from the truth – we want them to come, learn and enjoy the experience. It is imperative that we encourage younger folk to develop their ploughing skills, and this year we have altered one of the conventional classes, so newer tractors are permitted, and increased the horsepower level in the horticultural class. We have also invited some younger folk to come along as probationary judges so they can learn from experienced judges.

Over the 2 days, competitors will be taking part across17 classes from World Style Conventional & Reversible, Vintage, Classic and Horticultural through to high-spec modern day technology using GPS. However,

modern technology can never have the same draw of spectators as the much-loved horses do, they are always a highlight for many a visitor and we are hoping to have at least 4 pairs of horses ploughing this year.

Over the last couple of years’, the board of directors and

management committee have realised the need to broaden the appeal of the championships to encourage a greater crosssection of visitors to the match.

With this in mind, we now have trade stands from local agricultural dealers, craft stalls and, in conjunction with the

Royal Highland Education Trust, an education area for young children. It is hoped that with the help of RHET we will host 200 local school children for a tour of the ploughing and show them the importance of this stage in the process of getting food on their table.

Scottish ploughers have had a very successful year both internationally and nationally and it is great to see Scotland firmly back on the world ploughing stage again.

The winners from the 2023 Scottish championships qualified to represent Scotland at the 2024 World Ploughing Championships which were held in Estonia. Scotland’s Conventional Champion, Andrew Mitchell Snr, came second overall at the World Championships and Brian Baxter who was competing in the World Style Reversible Class was the highest placed, first-time competitor. It was a fabulous achievement from them and having both won their respective classes again at last years’ Scottish Championships they are heading off to the Czech Republic at the end of August to represent us at this years World Ploughing Championships. We are very hopeful that they will

manage to take some silverware home again.

The European Reversible and European Vintage Championships were staged a wee bit closer to home this year. In March a team of 7 ploughers made their way down to Nottingham with great results achieved again. James Tait was placed 3rd in the Reversible Butts and Scott Alexander 10th. The classic reversible class saw Colin Crawford placed 3rd and Steven Fowler 4th. In the vintage mounted George Black came 3rd, Doug Stewart was 5th in vintage trailing and Rory Scott came in 4th in class conventional.

The national competitions continued in April with 8 ploughers making their way down to Doncaster to the 6 Nations competition. Douglas Stewart and Ed Bennie in Vintage Trailing, John Griffin and Ian Henderson in Classic

SCOTTISH PLOUGHING

Conventional, Neil Ramsay and Richard Henderson in Classic Reversible and David McCulloch and David Veitch who competed in the Vintage Mounted. Another successful competition with Neil winning overall champion and Richard second overall in their class.

John Griffin was 3rd overall in his class, and both Ed and Ian were in the top 3 in their classes on one of the 2 days.

Mark Skea and Gordon C Beattie are representing Scotland at the Five Nations competition in Northern Ireland in September. Mark will be ploughing in the Conventional class and Gordon in the Reversible - we wish them well on their travels.

We are extremely grateful to all these competitors – it is a big commitment in both time taken away from their work and the financial costs incurred to get to these competitions. We hope that they will continue to

represent Scotland in the years to come.

So this year lets hope that competitors will not be too distracted by the stunning views across Lunan Bay and that the mighty North Sea will be kind to us with a light sea breeze and no liquid sunshine. We can be rest assured that we can always unwind at the end of the competition with a wee glass of whisky, gin or vodka distilled at Arbikie!

All in all, the Scottish Ploughing Championships is a great day out for all the family, and we look forward to seeing you there.

FARMING SCOTLAND MAGAZINE

Next issue out November 2025

The art of the straight line!

The latest news on some of the ploughs currently available

Turning Over a New Leaf in Ploughing with Amazone

As harvest draws to a close, post-harvest cultivations come into focus. For breaking up compaction, creating drainage channels and burying crop residues, ploughing remains a reliable choice. Amazone’s latest models—the Teres 200 mounted plough and the Tyrok 400 onland semi-mounted plough, bring solid build quality and ease of use to your field.

Teres 200

Built for tractors up to 200hp, the Teres 200 is available in 4 or 5 furrows. Its SpeedBlade mouldboards are designed to cut wear on the leading edge while keeping a clean, consistent furrow, even at higher speeds. SmartTurn technology ensures fast, smooth rotation on the headland, and operators can choose between shear-bolt or hydraulic stone protection. The reinforced turnover shaft and bearing-mounted headstock cross-shaft, boost durability, while the modular build allows for straightforward customisation.

Tyrok 400 On Land

For high-horsepower tractors up to 400hp, the Tyrok 400 On Land offers 6 to 9 furrows and the flexibility to work either in-furrow or alongside the furrow, on-land. The latter option is ideal for tractors with wide tyres or tracks, reducing compaction and improving traction. A massive 150mm square, heat-treated beam forms

the backbone, resisting twisting even in tough conditions. Like the Teres, it features SpeedBlade mouldboards and rapid SmartTurn turnover in just 9 seconds.

Both models put ease of adjustment, build strength, and consistency at the forefront, ensuring high work rates without

MASTER M from Kuhn

for tractors up to 240hp. It’s available with four to six bodies, in variable or fixed widths, and

with T or NSH safety protection. Among the main features are innovative headstock designs

Operator Focus

compromising quality. For those looking to set their soils right after harvest, the Teres 200 and Tyrok 400 deliver reliable performance for seasons to come.

KUHN’s MASTER L plough range has been expanded with the addition of MASTER M models

to improve operating comfort during work and transport.

Two additional headstocks are optional across both models to upgrade from the standard unit. A GODRIVE headstock features an oscillating system for road transport, allowing a +/- 40º steering angle during transport at speeds up to 40kph.

The OPTIDRIVE feature supports road transport movement of GODRIVE as above, but with OPTIDRIVE mechanical front suspension for additional comfort on headlands and increased lifespan of the plough’s major components.

An EasyDrive option, which is compatible with the two systems above, makes is easy to switch between work and transport without the need for tools. A large diameter ‘Work and Roll’ wheel ensures safety on the road and allows hydraulic depth management from the cab when in work.

VARI-LEADER T-safety

A T-bolt safety feature has been added to KUHN’s range of large Vari-Leader ploughs, offering users a cost-effective option for load protection. Aimed at growers farming light soils with low stone content, it has a load protection of 4,700kg.

It features KUHN’s innovative shearing design which prevents broken bolts becoming stuck in the plough’s framework as they break. Rather than snapping like a traditional shear bolt, the bolt is fixed in the direction of travel, as opposed to 90 degrees to it, so when an

obstacle is encountered, the bolt shears with the leg’s travel when the limit is reached and avoids bolts becoming lodged in awkward positions.

The semi mounted VariLeader range is available in 6-8 bodies and suited to tractors from 135hp to 360hp.

Kverneland’s slatted mouldboards suit dry conditions

According to Adam Burt, Kverneland’s product specialist for ploughs, 2025 is very much a season where customers should be considering slatted mouldboards.

“Ground is already fractured and broken, simply because we’ve had so little rainfall,” he

says. “Land is so dry and hard, that the soil can have a tendency to just push along and not invert simply because it is already broken.”

While these types of condition can make trash burial more challenging, he believes the

answer comes from putting less metal in the ground.

“When using conventional mouldboards, this kind of broken ground won’t shear at the share and hinge over, in quite the same way that damp, moist soils will. So our number 30 and number

40 slatted mouldboards are the way forward for such very dry conditions.”

The number 40 is based on Kverneland’s full-bodied 38. The slatted 40 however, sits on a narrower saddle than its stablemate, but offers a much deeper construction. As a result, the 40 is well-suited for working depths that range from 15-38cm.

The finger-type construction is said to be both longer and taller, and suits wider tyres working infurrow. With a 38-degree angle, it is said to be less aggressive than the number 30, and in this revised construction, is said to be

easier to pull and provides better inversion than the 30.

Adam says that slatted boards flex and move much more than solid mouldboards, and they can also operate with a cheese grater effect, helping to process the soil as it passes over those flexing fingers.

An example of this is the recently introduced 6300S, in its eight-furrow configuration. Equipped with number 40 slatted bodies, auto-reset and hydraulic vari-width,

In addition, the XHD range of tungsten parts will be a game changer this year, given the

dry, offering extended working periods compared to original metal, and that equates to far less downtime.

LEMKEN Diamant 18 with integrated furrow press

Unique combination for demanding operating conditions

By introducing the integrated FlexPack furrow press for the Diamant 18 semi-mounted plough, LEMKEN is extending the range of applications for professional ploughing technology, including in dry and stony soils. This makes the 6- to 8-furrow Diamant 18 the only single-wheel semimounted plough on the market that can be combined with a directly mounted furrow press as standard. This solution is ideal for farms and contractors who prioritise efficient work processes and precise tillage, particularly in challenging site conditions

More stability and efficiency

To make the combination of the LEMKEN Diamant and FlexPack technically possible in the infurrow version, the design of the transport wheel was changed and the wheel was moved behind the base frame with the introduction of the Diamant 18. This new position of the wheel provides a low centre of gravity, reducing torsional loads and ensuring high tipping stability at the headland, smooth running

on the road and low loads on the wheel arm. The rearmost plough body therefore reliably maintains the set working depth, even in hilly terrain, producing an even ploughing result regardless of the topography.

Reconsolidation to promote capillary action

Immediate reconsolidation of the turned soil is crucial to reduce evaporation and soil erosion, especially in dry conditions. Crumbling of the soil and

seedbed preparation additionally ensure good seed-to-soil contact for the subsequent sowing. The LEMKEN FlexPack, which runs parallel to the plough frame, impresses with its maximum adaptability: it achieves consistent reconsolidation at any working width setting, with no overlaps or unworked areas

Flexibility and simplification in practice

This new combination offers advantages not only to large farms

with extensive fields, but also to sizeable businesses in regions with smaller field structures, as there is no need to couple or uncouple the furrow press, or to transport it separately with an additional tractor driver. This is particularly relevant where drivers need to cover long distances between fields or switch between fields frequently. Seed can be drilled directly after ploughing. In times of staff shortages and high efficiency requirements, this significantly increases efficacy.

XPERIENCE Reversible Plough –Smart Ploughing

Ovlac’s XPerience Reversible Plough range is made up of 3 series’, the 130 series, 150 series and 180 series, making it possible to find the ideal solution for the HP you have available and the soil conditions. The 130 series is available in either four or five furrows (rated up to 200hp), the 150 series is a higher strength plough, again available in four or five furrow configurations and is rated up to 225hp, whilst the 180 series is the pinnacle of the mounted range, available as a five, six or seven furrow (seven only available as a shearbolt) configuration. The range topping mounted plough is capable of remarkably high work rates and is rated up to 300hp.

Ovlac XPerience “XP” models (XPF and XPH) can be manually adjusted. There are four different working widths with

2inch increment adjustments. XPerience “XP-V” (XPFV and XPHV) come with the wellknown Ovlac Varilabor variable working with as standard. This allows the working width to be hydraulically adjusted from the tractor cab between 12-20 inches (30-50cm) per body, depending on model.

To take into account different working conditions, Ovlac Classic ploughs can be equipped with two alternative protection systems; a shearbolt system (F) or the non-stop hydraulic reset system (H).

The shearbolt system is the simplest of both options. The shearbolt thickness, steel grade and position are calculated so that it breaks under a pressure of approx. 3000kg exerted at the plough point. The nonstop hydraulic reset system – a

regulated trip mechanism – allows adaption of release pressure according to soil conditions. In heavy or compacted soils, the pressure can be increased in order to guarantee penetration and maintain an optimal working position of the bodies.

Onland/infurrow “OL” variants are available for 5, 6 and 7 furrow versions (7 furrow only available as a shearbolt) of the 180 model for those who want the best of both worlds, enabling the opportunity to eradicate tyre compaction in the furrow bottom.

SERVO 2000 Compact Reversible Plough

With the introduction of the SERVO 2000 series, arable specialist Pottinger has given its range of ploughs a complete makeover. The lightweight SERVO 2000 hitch-mounted reversible ploughs now round off the range for compact tractors up to 130 hp.

The SERVO 2000 ploughs are available with 3 to 4 furrows, as well as various underbeam clearances and point-to-point spacings. And with the SERVO 2000 P, Pottinger presents its first lightweight reversible plough with hydraulic furrow width adjustment. In addition, the SERVO 2000 N features the wellknown NOVA hydraulic stone protection.

The clearly laid-out and intuitive Servomatic control centre makes it quick and easy to set up the plough correctly. This

means the plough can be adjusted for different tractors in just a few steps. When changing the furrow width with the Plus furrow width adjustment, the pulling point and front furrow width are altered accordingly.

For tough operating conditions on stony ground the SERVO 2000 is equipped with NOVA hydraulic stone protection. To respond to the prevailing conditions, triggering pressure can be adjusted from 1,000 to 1,350 kg. With vertical trip clearance of up to 36 cm, the force in the system increases to ensure rapid soil re-entry of the plough share.

The best working results and a “clean slate” provide the basis for getting the next crop off to a good start. To achieve this, Pottinger offers mouldboards for every type of soil that have proved their quality for many years and are available in various shapes and materials. A wide range of additional tools such as skimmers and coulters are also available.

The design of SERVO 2000 models stays true to that of the larger SERVO 3000 and SERVO 4000 and completes the new Pottinger plough series.

GRAIN DRYERS

What is available in the grain drying world

Two new moisture systems from KENTRA

Kentra, the Yorkshire-based manufacturer of mixed flow dryers, has introduced two new moisture measurement and recording systems adding to its existing range of grain moisture management devices.

The high-accuracy products come from Canadian manufacturer Dryer Master, whose long established DM510 control system fully automates the grain drying process with minimal manual intervention.

The DM100 is a lower cost, less sophisticated version that still provides an element of control to relieve the workload of whoever is managing the dryer. Grain moisture is measured at the discharge point and adjustments to the discharge rate are made automatically when operator-set high, low and target moisture levels for each of three discharge speeds are hit.

Unlike the fully automatic DM510, the DM100 requires the speed set points and moisture targets to be adjusted periodically to maintain optimum performance.

The Moisture Monitor Pro records grain moisture and temperature at the discharge –with the option to add an intake sensor as well – to help operators achieve consistent results from fully manual control.

As with the DM100 semiautomatic system, values are shown on a colour display, can be accessible remotely using a mobile phone and downloaded for analysis on the farm computer.

Our ever-changing climate ensures it has never been more challenging to produce a consistent quality harvest.

Kentra has been at the forefront of continuous flow grain drying technology for well over 30 years. Today, the range of mixed

flow dryers are produced from heavy-duty galvanised steel and feature a unique column design for effective drying of all free-

flowing combinable crops. The modular construction of the dryer allows for maximum flexibility in model selections.

Master Farm Services –over 40 years of experience

With over 40 years of experience, knowledge and on farm installation Master Farm Services can be proud of its achievements. With over 4000 driers commissioned and maintained throughout the UK we are “first in the field” when it comes to your grain drying requirements.

With every harvest that passes it’s important to extract as much value as possible out of your on-farm grain drying.

More and more farmers are turning to Master Driers as they offer capacity, efficiency, flexibility, durability and reliability as standard, coupled with an in house experienced and comprehensive service back up team with over many years of experience, these mobile driers are a serious, cost effective and viable alternative when it comes to on farm and contract drying.

With various options including our innovative Mastermatic Remote Access Touch Screen Control System now included as standard on Automated Electric Drive Models the savings in both time and money mean that it soon starts paying for itself. For further piece of mind, we have included our Automatic Lubrication System, another positive labour-saving device that sets us apart from the rest.

As well as the benefits of full automation, our tried and tested Master Dust Extraction, Gravity Cleaning System and Hoover Kit will soon add financial value to your cereal crops as well as giving you a cleaner working environment, and not forgetting full galvanizing to keep your drier looking good for the next 25 years!!

And lastly, we offer a 3-year full manufacturers parts and labour warranty as standard meaning that we stand by the quality of our products longer than anyone else.

But before all this…., the importance of planning.

As with all things in life planning is essential especially when it comes to siting your new Mobile Grain Drier.

Throughout the whole process Master Farm Services will fully

discuss with you all the options available making sure we take all your requirements into account and come up with the best drier that suits your needs in the most cost-effective way.

The positioning of the drier is critical to drive up

productivity and keep costs down.

Existing buildings and equipment are taken into consideration again enabling costs to be kept to an absolute minimum so whether it’s a new, refurbished or a short term hire we have the solution to help.

OPICO Diesel Magna 4810 Grain Dryer Electric or Automatic

The 4810 is effectively a fixed dryer but allows a significant increase in the size of the drying zone which means the drying capacity increases in proportion with its holding capacity unlike large winch up machines. The fan, burner and auger capacities have all been increased in line with the holding capacity to achieve the highest throughput possible whilst still retaining all the other features common to the Magna range.

When set up in conjunction with a wet holding facility the automated versions are amongst the most efficient and highest throughput batch dryers on the market.

• Stainless steel perforated screens, 1.5mm on the outside and 2.5mm on the inner plenum providing maximum airflow without compromise (particularly important when drying OSR)

• DUAX Heat Core – clean, efficient drying

• Low level burner – easy access for servicing and setting

• Bolt on plenum top – large drying zone

• 45cm, 160tph main auger – fast recirculation and unloading for quicker drying

• Fixed stainless steel screens – longevity

• All susceptible components

are supplied in stainless or galvanised finish

Key Features:

A highly efficient modulating diesel burner is easily accessible for servicing, simply remove the securing nut and slide the burner out for ease of maintenance

In the servicing position the high and low flame jets are easily accessible. The air mixture can be altered when in working position

Controls are protected with a weather and dust proof case with touch screen for easy monitoring

All Magna dryers are fitted with a DUAX Heat Core burner. This uses heat retaining bricks similar to those in a storage heater, to heat the air as well as the burner. Inside the burner chamber is a steel barrel which is lined with the heat bricks. As the heat bricks build up temperature, the whole burner core heats air as it is drawn past into the fan.

Smart control system available for the latest automatic diesel dryer models - the easy to programme new control panel gives greater flexibility and clarity

7” HMI interface, userfriendly touch screen display, designed to operate in harsh environments

On-screen crop recipe selection and management

Customise machine operation to suit individual installations

Operator batch progress reports and machine alarms via SMS or email messages

Remote connection via smart phone/tablet/office PC for real time monitoring dryer operation and adjustment of settings as required

Works with any mobile network or wi-fi; 4G or above recommended for live data transfer

Remote monitoring and fault diagnosis support from OPICO/ manufacturer for technical backup

Key Specifications (of the 4810):

Drying capacity (21-16%)* - 20t/ hr

Holding capacity 48t - 63m³

Throughput per hour assumed 5% moisture reduction from 21% to 16%. Includes loading, heating, cooling and unloading time.

Precision Grain Drying for Peak Profit

Grain drying is an expensive process.

If you contract it out you are paying to generate profit for someone else.

If you do it yourself you’ve got the costs of buying & operating your own drier.

But with modern technology Perry of Oakley can save you up to 35% of your drier operational running costs per season, making your own grain drying operation more profitable & realistic.

That’s a chunky number but what does it actually equate to?

With a throughput capacity drier of 30tph on wheat, drying 6000T per season, during an average UK summer, based on removing 6% of moisture the saving would be ~£17,000 per season.

That goes up to £40,000 for a 60tph drier drying 15,000T per season. Please go to our website for a full description of how this figure is compiled.

What would you do if you saved that much each harvest? What difference would that make to your operation?

What technology creates those savings?

There are two key drier add-ons that deliver that big saving and drive your grain profit up:

1. Grain Sentry. This is an Award-Winning automated PLC moisture sampling & drier control system. It uses moisture samples automatically obtained from the drier filling & discharge equipment to adjust the speed of the drier which optimises the drier performance, driving up your profit margin.

The Grain Sentry is an intelligent drier operator so lessens the impact should your experienced drier operator leave. Plus, it lessens the amount of time a farm operator needs to be checking the drier.

Grain Sentry can be retrofitted on to any make of shutter or roller discharge continuous flow grain drier so not just Perry ones!

2. Hot Air Recirculation with insultation. It costs money to heat up the air to dry the

grain so by recirculating the optimum air fraction in the drier you reduce your fuel costs by up to 24%. Nice!

Worried about Drier Fires?

Another key challenge with operating a grain drier is drier fires. Add in our patented Fire Detection System and the system will automatically shut down the drier if it detects abnormal heating in the drying column.

What size drier do I need

The two Perry drier ranges span throughput capacities from 5tph

up to 150+tph on wheat and can dry a wide range of combinable crops.

The Mistral: lower end of the capacity range with 5-30tph on wheat. Ideal for farms wanting to start their own grain drying.

They are a great alternative to mobile driers.

Comes with roller discharge and a hard-wired control panel but can be upgraded to include the Grain Sentry & Fire Detection add-ons.

The Savannah: Designed for large farms and commercial grain stores. Capacities range goes up to 150+tph.

Shutter discharge comes as standard for greater control of the drier performance, along with a touchscreen PLC for drier control. Add-on Grain Sentry, Fire Detection and Hot Air Recirculation for optimal performance and control.

Why Buy From Perry of Oakley?

We design, manufacture, support & innovate right here in the UK. We are proud to be a family business who have supported the British Farming industry for over 78 years.

We supply everything from drying, handling, storage, cleaning & control for your grain processing needs giving you easier integration. We are known for producing a quality product that lasts. We answer our phones outside working hours as we know farming is not a Monday – Friday 9am to 5pm business. If you want peace of mind that comes with British quality then Perry of Oakley is the answer.

Mobile Trayler Driers from Tey Farm Systems

If you a considering a mobile drier, then there is only one real option if it has to be truly mobile and that’s a Trayler Dryer from Tey Farm Systems.

The Trayler Dryer is, as the name suggests, a drier built on a trailer chassis. It is therefore the only really mobile drier on the market today.

It does everything all the other “mobile” driers do, i.e. it dries, cools, and it could be claimed “cleans” all combineable crops.

The other big advantage the Trayler Dryer has over its competition is that it doesn’t matter what moisture content you are trying to dry down from and to, it will do it so long as you can get it out of the combine.

The Trayler Driers have been marketed by Tey Farm Systems since 2008, and we continue to import new machines today. However, they have been manufactured since the midnineties and like all agricultural equipment the considerable price increase in recent years has made the trade in USED machines more attractive. This has meant that some people who bought a machine back in the nineties are realising the same price today that they paid for it when new! “I don’t believe there are many pieces of agricultural machinery that can lay claim to that” says Roger Fairs, Managing Director of Tey Farm Systems.

The Trayler Drier is not for everyone, as like all batch driers

its output is well below that of a continuous flow drier or indeed a large-scale floor store. It is however a viable addition to any large-scale producer that needs flexible additional grain drying on outlying land with now infrastructure. Likewise for smaller scale producers

the Trayler Drier can easily be shared amongst a group of farmers of indeed used to generate additional income drying neighbours’ crops. For more information please contact our local Dealer, Lyle Laird of LGL Agri, Glenrothes on 07585 120331

Holmedale Valley invest in new upgraded grain drying facility from Tornum

Holmedale Valley, based in North Yorkshire, currently farms 1400 ha of combinable crops with additional crops purchased to support their pig enterprise. The original 30tph grain drying plant was supplied by Tornum (formerly JW Installations) in 2004, with a further additional 30 tph drier installed in 2012 to increase drying capacity. With increased demand and a requirement to dry and store up to 38,000 tons of wheat, their original grain drying plant was under considerable pressure, especially as the grain rarely comes in below 15% moisture, the decision was made to upgrade the existing facility ready for harvest 2025.

After many years of working together, Tim Westgarth of Holmedale Valley chose Tornum to supply their new plant, he states “We have always had good service

from the company, and they are right on our doorstep, so every time we have looked to increase capacity of our system we have always gone to Tornum”.

The new grain drying plant incorporates two Tornum TK416 continuous flow grain driers, giving a combined output of 92 tph, extracting 5% moisture. A new Skandia H Line intake and handling system was supplied, plus an additional Simeza silo to speed up tipping times and reduce double handling of the crop.

The new plant is controlled by a SCADA control system incorporating the Tornum Intelligent Drier Control (IDC) system, which has proven its capabilities both in the UK and across Europe. The automated system aims to reduce over drying of the grain and can

record the moisture levels, spot any fluctuations, and aims to equalise them ready for the long-term storage. The target moisture level is 14% but if this is to drop to 13% or 12%, there will be additional costs of 30%

and 50% respectively, due to weight loss and increased energy consumption. The Intelligent Dryer Control System will keep costs down, improve efficiencies and produce a more consistent product

NORTHERN ISLES News

New

powers which would enable farmers to protect their livestock by shooting juvenile ravens are set to come into force before next spring

After a spate of deadly attacks on livestock, an “area licensing scheme” for controlling the raven population in Orkney has been announced.

The new scheme, which aims to streamline the current licensing process, would also address a loophole in the current system, previously described as “bonkers” by one NatureScot boss.

In May, Scotland’s nature agency met with concerned Orkney farmers on the devastation that mobs of young ravens were inflicting on livestock, particularly newborn lambs.

The organisation is responsible for issuing licences for shooting the protected species, and these are only granted as a last resort.

But the permission only applies to specific areas, meaning the ravens could fly to the safety of another field to avoid being shot.

Earlier this year, NatureScot agreed to reconsider its approach, and report back this month.

This week, a spokeswoman for NatureScot told The Orcadian: “We’re currently working with stakeholders to gather data and plan to introduce an area licensing scheme for Orkney before next spring.

“We will update farmers and stakeholders on this and a range of measures later this summer.”

An area licence would apply to wider areas of ground where adjoining land holdings, experiencing ravens attacks, can be covered by a single collaborative licence.

NatureScot says this is already possible to some extent, and it is looking to improve this by making the process more streamlined and flexible.

Welcoming the news, Orkney’s MSP Liam McArthur told the newspaper that the data-gathering part of the work should provide a better understanding of the overall size of the raven population, and the problem posed by the groups of younger birds.

“I note that NatureScot appear confident that a licensing scheme can be introduced ahead of next spring,” he added.

“That is encouraging and hopefully will allow targeted and proportionate action to be taken to address any problems locally with attacks on livestock.”

The update coincides with a visit to Orkney last Thursday from Scotland’s agricultural minister, Jim Fairlie.

During a trip to UHI Orkney, he told The Orcadian that, at present, people still have to go through “due process” to acquire a licence to shoot ravens.

“For someone who has lived through raven predation, I am well aware of what the issues are,” Mr Fairlie added.

“NatureScot, my own personal experience of them, has been that

they get that and a licence will be issued.

“Sometimes folk look and say ‘let us just get on with it.’ It can’t be as simple as that. There has to be a full understanding of all the implications of the things that you’re doing.”

Last November, Mr Fairlie had been involved with discussions about a new abattoir for Orkney, a long-running project first reported by this newspaper in 2022.

In February, First Minister John Swinney announced a grant of £15,000 to develop the business case for the slaughter facility.

The work on this is continuing, with a final decision on whether the project goes ahead expected soon.

Does the agriculture minister foresee any more support going towards the development?

but all I can say is [we] 100 per cent understand the need to have the ability to be able to slaughter cattle and sheep as locally as you possibly can.”

The minister added that he was “not in a position to talk about any budget at this moment in time.”

The Orcadian also asked Mr Fairlie about the Future Farming Investment Scheme (FFIS), which has a deadline for applications on August 22.

The £14 million capital grant scheme is designed to help farmers and crofters improve the environmental performance of their business in terms of climate change and biodiversity benefits.

Mr Fairlie expected the fund to be a one-off, once the scheme was fully allocated.

In association with www.orcadian.co.uk

Tel: 01856 879000

“I get the absolute requirement for abattoir facilities and I’ve had various conversations with the local MSP about what that would look like,” Mr Fairlie said.

“I’m not in a position to talk any more about what’s happening — where we are at this time —

“We took the view that what we were looking to do was make sure that folk could get access to that funding to make resilience and environmental benefits to their business in as short and as simple a way as possible.

“Personally, I think it’s a great scheme.”

Agriculture and connectivity minister Jim Fairlie spoke to The Orcadian during a visit to UHI Orkney last Thursday. Pictured, from the left, are: James Wylie (OIC), Inga Burton (OIC), Susan Pirie (Scottish Agricultural College), Alison Barclay (OIC), Henry Creissen (UHI), Victoria Moar (UHI), Mr Fairlie, Marty Hay (farmer) and Stevie Hay (regional NFU board chairman)

Let there be a harvest!

Three of the current combine harvesters available today

Case IH AF10: big tank, bigger rotor

Flagship Axial-Flow fulfils its first full UK harvest with more capacity, more reach, and a familiar single-rotor design

Case IH’s AF10 is in its first full UK harvest season, following last year’s launch alongside the AF9 and the updated Axial-Flow 160 and 260 series. It represents the largest capacity in the AxialFlow range, built for large farms and contractors seeking high throughput without changing from the proven single-rotor concept Case IH introduced in 1977.

At its core is a 20,000-litre grain tank – the joint largest in the industry – with an unloading rate of 210 litres/second. That’s a clear step up from the AF9’s 16,000 litres and 159 litres/ second, cutting time spent stationary and helping to make the most of short weather windows. Cross-auger shutoff ensures the auger empties cleanly when part-unloading, and a half-rate option makes topping off trailers easier.

The new AFXL rotor measures 762 mm in diameter and 3.67 m in length, making it the largest single rotor in the sector. Its design improves crop flow, maintains straw quality, reduces fuel use, and minimises grain damage. The rotor’s combination of rasp bar types and remote vane adjustment allows operators to fine-tune performance from the cab.

Up front, the AF10 can be matched with headers up to 18.6 m (61 ft) wide, supported by a stronger feeder house with

increased lift capacity for large headers.

Inside, the revised cab features a larger Pro1200 screen and improved connectivity, enabling yield and performance data to be sent directly to the farm office. This supports realtime decision-making and more efficient harvest management. With more capacity, refined crop handling, and modern control systems, the AF10 pushes single-rotor harvesting to new limits.

New engines and additional model for LEXION combine harvesters

More grain tank volume, new engines and additional model for LEXION high performance combine harvesters from CLAAS

In its 30th anniversary year, CLAAS is giving the LEXION high-performance combine harvester a makeover and introducing an additional model. The main changes are to the grain tank volume, engine power and cab. The LEXION 7500, LEXION 8700 and LEXION 6800 are also getting new engines.

At Agritechnica 1995, CLAAS took combine harvester performance to a new level in

terms of power, efficiency and comfort with the LEXION 480. Today, 30 years and more than 75,000 LEXIONs built later, the four LEXION 8000, 7000, 6000 and 5000 series with their unique range of equipment inspire

customers all over the world with their unrivalled harvesting performance and efficiency as well as maximum comfort.

With a view to the upcoming Agritechnica and the 2026 harvest, CLAAS is introducing a number of important innovations to the top combine harvester class. In addition to further improved performance, the focus is primarily on operator comfort.

New LEXION 8500 and MAN engines throughout the LEXION 8000 series.

From the 2026 model year, the LEXION 8000 series will now comprise five performance classes in both wheel and TERRA TRAC versions:

The new LEXION 8500 / 8500 TERRA TRAC rounds off the lower end of the series, resulting in a narrower power range and giving customers

a wider choice of suitable configurations in terms of engine power and grain tank volume. The new entry-level model in the LEXION 8000 series features the familiar MAN D26 six-cylinder engine with a displacement of 12.4 litres and 549 hp as well as DYNAMIC POWER and DYNAMIC COOLING - which is now also used in the LEXION 7500 / 7500 TERRA TRAC with a rated output of 466 hp. The 8700 and 8600 models, on the other hand, are equipped with the MAN D38 six-cylinder engine with a displacement of 15.2 litres, which impresses even more with its strong and stable torque as well as fuel efficiency. The rated output is 646 and 598 hp respectively.

In terms of separation, all models work with the APS SYNFLOW HYBRID system with a feed channel width of

1,700 mm, three drums, a 755 mm threshing drum and two axial rotors that are 445 mm in diameter and 4,200 mm long. The LEXION 8500 / 8500 TERRA TRAC is equipped with five rotor concaves with a maximum rotor

speed of 1,000 rpm, while the larger LEXION 8600 TERRA TRAC to LEXION 8900 TERRA TRAC models offer even more separation performance with six rotor concaves and a maximum rotor speed of 1,200 rpm.

New Holland CR11: designed from scratch

First full season for New Holland’s

new flagship, built from the

ground up with more capacity

The CR11 is New Holland’s first clean-sheet combine design in a generation, and this season marks its first full harvest in the UK. It is aimed squarely at large-scale farming operations seeking high daily throughput with minimal grain losses.

Power comes from a 15.9-litre FPT Cursor 16 engine producing 775 hp. This drives a 20,000-litre grain tank that unloads at a rate of 210 litres/ second. Cross-auger shut-off allows the auger to empty fully even with grain still in the tank, and an optional reduced-speed mode helps when topping off trailers.

The combine’s capacity is built on twin 24-inch rotors of increased diameter and length, designed to process heavier crops at higher speeds without compromising grain quality. Feeding them is New Holland’s Dynamic Feed Roll, which can

be reversed from the cab in the event of a blockage.

A standout feature is the TwinClean cleaning shoe. This double-sieve system uses crossdistribution and side-shake mechanisms to maintain even loading and can compensate for side slopes up to 28%.

Airflow from a high-power fan, combined with pressure sensors across the system, ensures the cleaning shoe works at maximum efficiency in all conditions.

With a high capacity fine chop system as standard, residue management options include a radar-controlled distribution system that ensures that chaff and chopped straw is evenly spread across the entire cutting width.

In the cab, twin IntelliView 12 touchscreens, three standard cameras, premium seating, and multi-zone climate control make

and slope-handling technology.

for a comfortable, well-informed operating environment. Many key adjustments — from rotor speed to chopper engagement — can be made without leaving the seat.

With its combination of power, capacity, and advanced crop-handling technology, the CR11 sets a new benchmark in New Holland’s flagship range.

Duncan “Over the Moon” as Fundraising Total

The outstanding fundraising efforts of north-east farm worker, Duncan Maclellan, in support of agricultural charity, RSABI, have been recognised by The Wiseman Family Charitable Fund, which has doubled the total raised to £20,000.

Duncan recently completed a 370-mile challenge travelling from John O’Groats to Gretna Green on foot to raise funds for RSABI and shine a light on mental health in the farming community.

After 12 days of running and walking the length of Scotland, the thirty-one-year-old from Turriff – fondly referred to as Scottish farming’s Forrest Gump -completed his latest challenge on 12 July.

This summer’s challenge followed a 184-mile coast-to-coast walk by Duncan wearing a pair of wellies, from Aberdeen to Morar, and a 24-hour challenge climbing Bennachie a staggering 17 times, the equivalent height of Mount Everest. Duncan raised £8800 through his trio of challenges, with all proceeds going to the agricultural charity.

The Wiseman family, longstanding supporters of

Doubled to £20,000

the work of RSABI, were so impressed with Duncan’s endeavours they got in touch to offer to double Duncan’s total, as a show of support, taking the total he has raised to a brilliant £20,000.

“Duncan’s efforts in support of RSABI and to raise awareness of mental health in Scottish farming, have been quite exceptional,” said Alan Wiseman.

“We were very moved to hear about all he has done and the determination and resilience he has shown and we are pleased to be able to make a contribution, very much inspired by Duncan’s efforts. Well done!”

RSABI were delighted to share the news with Duncan, who said he was “over the moon.”

“This is incredible news – I am so touched by this generous gesture and hugely grateful to the Wiseman family for this recognition.

“For those who don’t know my story, I’ve struggled with depression for more than 15 years. I hid it for the most part, but things really spiralled in 2022, and I attempted to take my own life. Since then, I’ve made a big effort to talk more openly and honestly about how I’m feeling.

“There’s still some stigma around mental health, particularly for men, and that needs to change. Farming can be a very lonely

and isolating job. There’s a lot of pressure, whether it’s financial, the weather, or the wider challenges the industry is facing. We’re not always great at looking after ourselves or talking about it, and I want to do what I can to help others speak up and get support when they need it.

“The work done by RSABI to support those in the farming industry is a lifeline and very close to my heart. I want to thank everyone for their support and donations over the past year, as well as the support I received from the team at RSABI.”

Carol McLaren Chief Executive of RSABI said “We’re incredibly proud of Duncan and beyond delighted that his efforts have earned this recognition from the Wiseman family, who have consistently supported the work of the charity over many years.

“Our thanks to everyone who has donated to and supported Duncan’s challenges, and a special thanks to Alan Wiseman and family for their generosity in doubling Duncan’s total and helping us provide vital support to people in agriculture enduring difficult times.”

RSABI Seeks Applications for Trustee and Trainee Trustee Roles

RSABI, the charity which supports people in Scottish agriculture, is inviting applications for two new Trustees to join its board, along with one Trainee Trustee.

The charity, which provides emotional, financial and practical support to individuals working in Scottish farming and agriculture, is looking to strengthen its board with fresh insight and experience as it continues to expand its positive impact across the sector.

The Trustee appointments will bring expertise and commitment to RSABI’s governance and

strategic leadership. The charity is particularly interested in applications from individuals with a strong background as a practical, working farmer and also from individuals with professional experience and in-depth knowledge of mental health.

The role of Trustee involves playing a key part in shaping the future of the charity’s work, supporting and challenging the leadership team, and ensuring robust governance and financial oversight.

RSABI is also recruiting a new Trainee Trustee as part of its ongoing work to encourage greater involvement of young people in its governance. This 12-month voluntary programme offers individuals aged 25–45 a chance to gain first-hand experience of charity board work.

Starting in December, the successful Trainee Trustee will shadow the RSABI board, attend meetings and events, and benefit from mentoring by Trustees and senior staff. While the role

is non-voting, it provides a valuable platform for developing governance skills and contributing to RSABI’s mission.

RSABI offers free practical, financial, and emotional support including counselling services, delivered quickly after receiving the initial enquiry. Its free, confidential support service is available 24 hours a day, every day of the year, by calling 0808 1234 555 or through a confidential webchat service, available on RSABI’s website www.rsabi.org.uk.

Beatha an eilean Atharrachadh air faire dha obair na mointich

Tha oighreachd coimhearsnachd ann an Leòdhas dol a chur pròiseact air chois far an tèid trèanadh a thoirt seachad son dèanamh cinnteach gu bheil sgìrean croitearachd deiseil airson na “cothroman mòra” a tha dol a thighinn le ath-leasachadh na mointich.

Thatar ag ràdh le bhith athstèidheachadh boglaichean gun cuidich e le bhith cumail carbon, a tha milteach dhan àrainneachd, glaiste anns an talamh.

Gu seo, tha a’ chuid mhòr dhen taic-airgid a tha ri fhaighinn air a dhol gu oighreachdan mòra air tìrmòr airson an obair a dhèanamh.

Ach, thatar an dòchas gu bheil atharrachadh air fàire agus gum faigh croitearan is uachdaran croitearachd an làmhan air na cothrom a tha tighinn leis an obair.

Tha Urras Oighreachd Chàrlabhaigh air cead dealbhachaidh iarraidh bho Chomhairle nan Eilean Siar airson pròiseact ann am Breascleit a “sheallas an obair a tha an luib a bhith athstèidheachadh na mointich agus

na sgilean sin a thoirt dha luchdobrachd ionadail”. Tha an làrach faisg air faing a’ bhaile.

Thuirt Dòmhnall Macfhionghuin, oifigear leasachaidh an Urrais: “Tha feum mhòr air trèanadh a thoirt dhan luchd obrachd leis na tha de dh’obair dol a thighinn sìos an loidhne.

“Thairisgrunnsheachdainean bidh cothrom aig companaidhean an cuid luchd-obrachd a chur chun an làraich seo son na sgilean fhaighinn agus faodaidh iad an uairsin na sgilean sin a thoirt air falbh agus an cur an sàs air pròiseactan.”

Thuirt e gum bidh na sgilean cuideachd freagarrach airson an cur an sàs ann a bhith togail cruinn gaoithe.

Dh’innis e cuideachd barrachd mu carson nach eil an obair seo air tachairt ann an coimhearsnachdan croitearachd gu seo.

“Tha beagan de chnapstarradh air a bhith ann nuair a thig e gu fearann croitearachd nuair a thòisicheas thu feuchainn ri riaghaltan a leanntainn,” thuirt e. “Ach, thatar ag obair airson fuasgladh fhaighinn air an seo.

“Ma tha sinn dol a ghabhail brath air na cothroman ann an Leòdhas feumaidh sinn tòrr a bharrachd de luchd-obrachd le na sgilean ceart agus tha cothrom mòr gu bhith ann dha na companaidhean.”

Tha am pròiseact ann an Leòdhas a’ tighinn aig àm nuair a

chaidh £20 millean de dh’airgead fhoillseachadh airson obair dhen sheòrsa seo a chur air adhart am bliadhna.

‘S ann tro Nàdar Alba a thig an airgead a’ sgaoileadh a-mach agus iad ag ràdh gur e seo an suim bhliadhnail as motha a thig a thoirt a-mach fhathast, bho thòisichear air an leitheid.

Thuirt Claudia Rowse, iar stiùiriche na h-eaconamaigh uaine dha Nadar Alba: “Tha mi air leth toilichte gun tig an airgead seo a chleachdadh airson uimhir dhan mhointeach athleasachadh thairis a’ bhliadhna a tha romhainn.

“An rud is fheàrr mu dheidhinn an obair seo ‘s e gu bheil a h-uile duine a’ faighinn buannachd. A thilleadh air a bhith math dha nàdar is dha atharrachadh na sìde, tha e cruthathachadh obraichean, glè thric ann an sgìrean dùthchail is iomallach, agus a’ toirt dion dha coimhearsnachdan bho thuiltean is teintean monaidh. Tha e na bhuannachd dha daoine, dha nàdar is dhan àrainneachd.”

Tha sgilean a dhith airson brath ceart fhaighinn air na cothroman

It’s a mucky business!

A look at some current muck spreading options and management systems

New screen option for Bunning spreaders

A new ISOBUS touchscreen is now an option across the full range of Bunning manure spreaders, offering users faster processing speeds, variable rate application, and creating as applied maps after spreading.

The 7in Topcon iD1 touchscreen replaces the ISOcan screen as the smallest control unit for Bunning spreaders. Benefits of the iD1 screen include the powerful Horizon ISO operating software, producing clearer graphics and delivering faster processing speeds than the ISOcan system.

Variable rate application of manures in accordance with prescription maps is also possible. Operators can monitor field requirements

and generate as applied maps following applications, which can be helpful for compliance and job recording. The screen operates Topcon GPS separate to the tractor, while the iD1 is compatible with other machines for versatility across farming operations.

Ben Johnson, UK and IRE sales manager for Bunning, says the addition provides more options for recording work outputs. “ISOBUS control is an option on all our spreaders, so offering users improved interfaces that work seamlessly, is essential. Greater flexibility, improved job recording accuracy and variable rate application are essential, and this option allows users to select the

correct touchscreen to suit their requirements.”

The iD1 touchscreen is available alongside the larger 12in Topcon XD+ touchscreen

and both are compatible with the full range of Bunning Horizontal Beater and Disc (HBD) and Twin Vertical Auger (TVA) spreaders, from 6t up to 40t.

Fleming Muck Spreaders

Fleming Agri offer a range of side discharge muck spreaders with capacities from 1 cubic yard to 9.5 cubic yards covering both compact/ small holder and agricultural uses. The bodies of all Fleming Agri muck spreaders are welded both internally and externally to give added support under load.

In the agricultural range, Fleming Agri offers 3 models; the MS450 has a capacity of 4 cubic yards, the MS700 with a capacity of 6.5 cubic yards and the MS1000 which has a capacity of 9.5 cubic yards. The new and improved MS1000 comes with a heavy duty galvanised, hydraulic opening lid. The drum is now fabricated from 5mm plate and it is fitted

with 6mm end plates. It has 8 stud axles with 550x60x22.5 wheels as standard. The MS1000 has 36 chains to give an accurate and even spread. Fleming Agri muck spreaders offer value for money with high output, and an even shred and spread of muck. Suitable for all types of manure, including semi-solid and poultry litter as well as farmyard manure.

There are 2 models in the compact range, the Minimuck which is three-point linkage mounted and has a capacity of 1 cubic yard and the MS150 trailed model which has a capacity of 3.35 cubic yards. Both models have a reinforced 3mm body and starter bars for quick start up. The power requirement is geared

down through a simple chain and sprocket drive line mounted on heavy duty bearings to reduce the power demand on the tractor

and increase fuel efficiency. The compact range of muck spreaders are suitable for tractors from 25hp upwards.

All Fleming Agri products are designed and manufactured in house, with a range of options to suite a wide range of uses. Here at Fleming Agri we manufacture products with simplicity and strength at the core, with a growing global dealer network, currently spanning over 20 countries.

A full list of our machinery and any optional extras can be found on our website www. fleming-agri.com. If you would like more information or images please don’t hesitate to get in contact with your local Fleming Agri rep and we will point you in the direction of your nearest Fleming dealer.

FARMING SCOTLAND MAGAZINE

Next issue out November 2025

West Maelstrom Rear Discharge Spreaders from Harry West

Built to a high specification and capable of achieving spread widths of up to 12M (40ft), the West Rear Discharge unit is particularly suited for farmyard manure. Fitted with an optional hydraulic rear door it can also be used with poultry muck and semi-solids.

The twin rear vertical beaters operate at a powerful 400 rpm from the PTO input drive of 1000 rpm. For trouble free maintenance the rear beaters are fitted with replaceable blades and feature a protected two-piece drive-line with a wide angle PTO c/w slip clutch.

MUCK SPREADERS

The rear discharge machine has large diameter tyres (580/70R38) to minimise any ground pressure and is fully equipped for road use with standard hydraulic brakes, hand brake and lighting.

The wide mouthed design of the main body allows for easier loading with modern telehandlers and larger buckets. The introduction of body extensions alters the model number to reflect the increased load capacity.

Additional options are available for these machines including electric in cab controls for the bed chains, mudguards & weighing systems/GPS.

Six different models are available in the West Maelstrom

Rear Discharge line up, ranging from 8cuM-18cuM.

Introducing to the Maelstrom range are two new models, the M10+ & M12+ , which carry combined features from the M10 & M14 models

HiSpec side and rear spreaders

The range of spreaders from HiSpec Engineering include both the XCEL 2050 and 1250 rear discharge spreaders and two side discharge machines. The HiSpec XCEL 2050 and 1250 are unique in that they use a rotary chain and flail system to achieve a good break up of material, which is then spread using a pair of spinning discs.

The shredding rotor carries 22 heavy duty chains, which in turn carry 12mm Hardox flail heads, mounted under a 4mm Hardox hood, that shred all the material to an even consistency and ensure no lumps are deposited onto the spreading rotors. An adjustment plate on the shredding rotor hood, evenly places the manure onto the spreading discs to ensure an even spread.

The XCEL 2050 and 1250 have a capacity of 20 and 12 tonnes respectively and can evenly spread material up to 24m. Typical discharge time is 3-5 minutes and they are able to spread all types of material.

The material to be spread is moved rearward by a marine grade floor chains. Individual floor chain tensioners are placed to the front of the machine and drive to the floor chain is via a hydraulic motor with overload protection and variable speed adjustment. Hardox hard wearing plate is used in all the critical wear zones throughout the spreading system for added durability, reliability and minimal downtime.

A hydraulically operated, vertical slurry door can be used to regulate flow of material to the shredding rotor, and at the spreading discs an option of lighter vanes can be specified for low density material, such as chicken compost.

As part of its standard specification, the XCEL 2050

has a hydraulic drawbar and is fitted with a wide-angle PTO. To keep compaction to a minimum, it features a tandem steering axle that is fitted with 710/50 R26.5 tyres and air brakes. It also features central greasing for both the driveline and the tandem axle. The XCEL 1250 comes with 580/70-R38 radial tyres for low rolling resistance and low compaction, and a commercial axle fitted with hydraulic brakes.

To ensure that an accurate application rate can be set and maintained, the XCEL 2050 can be fitted with the ISOBUS compatible RDS Apollo spreader control system. The required application rate is set and maintained using the Apollo colour touch screen terminal, which also allows work records to be stored, recalled and exported.

Weigh cells in the spreader ensure that the weight of manure in the spreader is constantly maintained and the speed of the heavy-duty chains is also monitored and constantly adjusted to ensure that the correct

application rate is maintained, irrespective of forward speed.

Side discharge spreaders

Two HiSpec side discharge spreaders are available – the 8m3 SS800 and the 10m3 SS1000. As with the tankers, HiSpec manure spreaders are built using heavyduty 5mm thick British steel and feature a 3mm lid.

The lid is hydraulically operated and once engaged, the 168mm diameter flail rotor

rotates at approximately 230rpm, resulting in a constant and even spread of material at up to 8.0 metres width.

The rotor is driven by a single chain, with manual tensioning and is fitted with 12mm, 15-link hardened chains and toughened flail heads. Standard specification includes a ring hitch, hydraulic braking and LED road lights, while the SS1000 also incorporates centralised greasing., which is an option on the SS800.

Tramspread launches new Combination dribble bar

Slurry and digestate management specialists Tramspread have introduced the Suffolk range 12m Combination dribble bar. This new development consists of a redesigned 12m dribble bar with the ability to carry a Tramspread 1000m random wrap reeler.

This makes it possible for the spreading tractor to carry a hose reeler in the front linkage and another on the back of the dribble

bar when travelling between fields or jobs. Clear access to the tractor pickup hitch also allows a Tramspread engine driven pump unit to be towed at the same time.

Tramspread has always been known for its high specification premium quality products. But the company also recognises there are scenarios where some of these design features are not always fully utilised. Consequently, the

Combination dribble bar has a streamlined specification and is intended to offer a more costeffective option where this type of machine is appropriate.

The new dribble bar features a heavy-duty front-mounted 5” swinging arm allowing U-turns to be made in the field. Pipework is 5” throughout, from the swinging arm to the T-piece manifold, to accommodate high flow-rates. It

is a twin macerator machine, with Alrena units supplied as standard and the option of Vogelsang equivalents at the customer’s request. Both offer excellent even distribution and high accuracy.

The main frame has been redesigned, with integral linkage mounting points to allow closecoupling and a lighter overall weight. The booms are also lighter, whilst retaining strength, to keep overall weight as low as possible. They also feature new breakback end sections.

The reeler is easily droppedoff from the dribble bar, with

quick couplers are provided for the hydraulic hoses. The booms are folded vertically using the usual Tramspread electrohydraulic controls. Options include a purge valve with spreading tail.

“We have designed this new machine to suit the requirements of quite a specific sector of the market,” explains Tramspread sales manager Jim Peachey. “We think it represents a very competitive option, and customers may be pleasantly surprised at the pricing.

“It is very much the result of listening to our customer’s demands

and feedback, and we hope it will also expand our customer base into new areas too,” he continues.

“A lot of customers are already partway there to running a full Tramspread umbilical system with a Tramspread reeler on the front of the tractor, which is the best-selling reeler in the country, and the Combination dribble bar allows them to complete the outfit.”

Slurry equipment that meets FFIS objectives

The new Future Farming Investment Scheme (FFIS) grants offer opportunities for farms to invest in technology and equipment that delivers against at least one of four criteria. Vogelsang’s Andy Hayhurst looks at how slurry management investments could be

among the best to apply for because new equipment could apply to not one, but all four of the criteria.

“The latest grants focus firmly on the environmental and sustainability benefits of the grants being offered. The message is clear; these grants are

aimed at improving efficiency in a sustainable way,” he says.

The four objectives set out by the scheme include:

• Improve business efficiency and sustainability

• Protect, restore or enhance the environment and/or

• Reduce greenhouse gas emissions and/or

• Mitigate the effect of climate change

“These can all be achieved by improving slurry management. Slurry that is collected, separated, stored and applied

MUCK SPREADERS

with greater efficiency will tick off all these objectives,” says Mr Hayhurst.

Vogelsang is a world leader in slurry separation and offers both fixed and mobile models of the XSplit separator which all have the potential to remove 40% dry matter. The liquid fraction is, therefore, easier to store and apply because it puts less stress on pumps, macerators and applicators, while the solid can either be used as a green bedding material or a soil top dressing.

“A separator is an obvious choice to apply for with the FFIS grants because it is a lower cost item that can make a big difference to storage capacity, slurry quality and can contribute to reducing emissions and on farm costs. A good liquid slurry also has the potential to be absorbed more easily, which will reduce run off and provide more plant available nutrients,” he adds.

For those looking at larger investments, the grants offer an opportunity to buy for the longterm and truly invest in equipment that will last. The FFIS states that up to 100% of the cost of an eligible item can be applied for.

“It is the perfect opportunity to invest in best of breed equipment. Instead of settling for a cheap alternative, farms are being actively incentivised to spend on technology that will make a long-term difference to the Scottish government’s goals around greenhouse gas emission reductions, climate change mitigation and nature targets,” he says.

Vogelsang offers classleading dribble bar and trailing shoe applicators that have variable rate and auto shut-off technology coupled with reliable and hard-wearing macerators.

“Vogelsang has developed six ranges of tanker mounted applicators including the award-

winning BlackBird trailing shoe. Using a trailing shoe, especially in the extreme conditions farmers are facing now, can help to place slurry on the soil to reduce run

off, improve absorption and make more nutrients available to the crop. Now is the time to invest and this technology ticks all the boxes,” he concludes.

Country Sports Tourism in Scotland

The legality of gun ownership

Grouse season in Scotland

Muirburn or (com)bust?

Firearm licensing in the UK

Viewpoint with Andrew McCaig

Scottish Venison

Getting an upgrade

The Artisan with Andrew Fothergill, The Crafty Antler

Deer Management

By Tom Turnbull, Chair ADMG

Scottish Country Life with Jake Swindells

Rural Training

Cooking with Game

Wendy Barrie’s Venison Shank Soup plus News • Country Store and our regular columns

By Stewart Blair

Gun Dogs with Stuart Dunn

The Ghillie with Bob Whyte

editor's bit

Spreading the word

I have been absolutely delighted by the response, help and advice Christina and I have had on bringing back our Shooting Scotland title after five years away.

Shooting Scotland will be back again in 2026, with publications in early March, July and September.

Only three issues, so we can’t break anyone’s advertising budget… LOL.

We thank all our supporters and contributors for your participation and help.

We are expanding our distribution network for both Shooting Scotland and Farming Scotland, in that we are now available in NFU Offices all over Scotland, including the Hebrides and Northern Isles.

You can visit our website to see all of our locations where we distribute to.

It is a bespoke network, and created to ensure you all that we go to all the right places for those who work and live in the rural world.

The really exciting thing for me, is that we have lots more to do and lots more to add to this title going forward.

We will support events and clients as before – new products, great stories, important news etc –we will grow again.

So please feel free to contact me directly with any ideas for the magazine.

Slàinte, Athole.

Scottish DTL Shooting Team Makes History with Home International Victory

Glenmoriston Estate, Scotland

– The Scotland Down The Line (DTL) Shooting Team has made history, winning the prestigious Home International competition for the first time since 1982. The event, held on Friday, July 18th at the scenic Glenmoriston Estate Shooting Ground, saw the Scottish Senior Team clinch victory by a narrow margin of 2 points over

England, ending a 43-year wait for the title.

The Home International brings together the best shooters from Scotland, England, Ireland, Northern Ireland, and Wales. The Scottish squad proudly fielded a full team comprising:

• 20 Seniors

• 5 Ladies

• 5 Juniors

• 5 Veterans

• 5 Super Veterans

Each category delivered an outstanding performance, with the Senior Team’s determination and consistency proving decisive in securing the overall win.

“This victory has been decades in the making. It’s a proud day for Scottish shooting and a testament to the hard work, focus, and passion of everyone on the team,” said a team representative.

This triumph marks not just a return to the top, but a new era for Scottish DTL shooting, inspiring the next generation of shooters across the country.

Next issue of Shooting Scotland out March 2026

Now to name them all… here goes

Back row L-R Alvaro Pieri, Marcus Munro, Darren Murray, Alan Wilson, David Galloway, Marcas Robertson, John Galloway, Richard Greenlaw and Jamie Bain Front row L-R Kenny Jones, Leighton Reid, Angus Brims, Mark White, Iain Hepburn, Willie Smith (manager), Ivar McBay (captain), David Taylor, David Caithness, Don MacKay, Chris Welsh and Andrew Youngers.

Save Our Skills - new partnership to safeguard rural skills and promote land-based careers

A new partnership has been launched to promote rural careers for young people, raise awareness of available opportunities and safeguard skills and knowledge for future generations.

The Game and Wildlife Management Skills Group (GWMSG) will be chaired by Scottish Land & Estates (SLE) with Lantra acting as the secretariat.

The group combines the expertise and resources of 19

organisations and its aim is to ensure young people are aware of opportunities in their area and have access to appropriate support and guidance.

Skills such as deer management, grouse moor management, muirburn, moorland ecology and gamekeeping are among the many aptitudes that contribute to sustainable land use.

Nic MacLeod, acting policy adviser for Scottish Land & Estates, said: “We are delighted

to be able to join forces with partners from across the game and wildlife sector to help the next generation to embark on a rural career.

“In Scotland, we have a thriving game management and conservation sector and there are numerous opportunities on offer all over the country, with training and apprenticeships available, whether for schoolleavers or those who are new to the sector. These skills are of vital importance to enhance

biodiversity, create cohesive rural communities, boost the economy and use the land sustainably. By working together we can enable skills transfer to the next generation and also actively protect and improve some of our most precious landscapes and habitats.”

Liz Barron-Majerik, Scotland Director for Lantra, said: “The next few years are a critical time for both preserving and developing skills, and improving access to careers in

this sector. By working together we can help ensure the vital role that land-based industries play in the Scottish and UK economy is more widely recognised. This partnership is an excellent way to collaborate, share knowledge and invest in the next generation.”

There remain considerable barriers to entry for certain land-based careers partly due to misconceptions about the sector

and in some cases a lack of suitable role models.

One of the aims of the Game and Wildlife Management Skills Group is to promote a broader understanding of the role that the game and wildlife management sector plays in ecosystem health, biodiversity conservation and sustainable land management.

In addition the GWMSG will help bridge the gap between

school-leavers and employers as well as highlighting options for diversification of skills for those already working in the sector.

The other members of the partnership are: British Association of Shooting and Conservation, Borders College, Countryside Learning Scotland, Cairngorm National Park Authority, Developing the Young Workforce, Forestry and Land Scotland,

Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust, Moray Estates, NatureScot, National Trust for Scotland, Royal Highland Education Trust, Scottish Association of Country Sports, Scottish Countryside Alliance, Scottish Funding Council, Scottish Gamekeepers’ Association, Scotland’s Regional Moorland Groups, Scotland’s Rural College and University of the Highlands and Islands.

Gamekeepers attacked every 12 days

The shocking statistic has been revealed in previously unreported figures from The Grouse Moor Gamekeeper in England in the Twenty-First Centuryreport, commissioned by the Regional Moorland Groups and National Gamekeepers’ Organisation.

In addition to physical assaults, over 1,000 separate threats were made to gamekeepers, while over 1,500 instances of insults were recorded.

These attacks on gamekeepers have had knockon effects. 94 keepers suffered a financial loss over the yearlong study period, while 33 have experienced mental health issues.

The majority of keepers affected both by attacks and also by subsequent problems were based in the Peak District.

Nor is it just direct attacks that are facing gamekeepers. Wildlife and property crime has also negatively impacted keepers and their families, with over 268 incidents of wildlife poaching, 68 of farm animal poaching, and 198 of livestock worrying taking place over the 12-month period. On average, incidents of damage to estate property happened almost twice a day.

Such abuse is, of course, vile. Gamekeepers’ Welfare Trust (GWT) Chief Executive, Helen Benson, has branded it “totally unacceptable”, and rightly so.

Gamekeepers are vital guardians of our countryside, and frequently help members of the public, all while having to deal with people acting irresponsibly. In addition to their work and its associated conservation management, gamekeepers rescue walkers, give first aid, and help stranded drivers nearly daily. Keepers had to ask visitors to extinguish fires, which could cause catastrophic damage, more than 2,300 times in just one year. They also had to clear areas of litter on nearly 5,000 occasions in this time.

As Moorland Association chief executive, Andew Gilruth, puts it: “Imagine

being assaulted for protecting wildlife, threatened for stopping wildfires and insulted for saving ground-nesting birds. That’s the daily reality for our moorland gamekeepers.”

He further points out: “Much of this hostility is being stirred up deliberately by organisations whose relentless rhetoric paints hardworking keepers as villains.”

Roger Seddon, Shooting Campaign Manager at the Countryside Alliance, stated:

“The frequent attacks that are being made on gamekeepers and the wider gamekeeping community are utterly reprehensible. Gamekeepers and their families deserve to be

treated with just as much respect as anyone else.

“Gamekeepers perform a crucial role in conservation efforts as part of their job, and on top of that, they regularly both assist members of the public in need of aid, and also manage the irresponsible behaviour of others. The moors and their communities would suffer without them.

“The invaluable work of organisations such as the GWT and the NGO does much to help gamekeepers and their families, who have to face unique and trying challenges. But keepers’ lives would be made much easier if visitors to moorland areas act in a responsible and respectful manner.”

Promoting country sports tourism in Scotland

By Kirk Norbury Project Manager for Country Sport Scotland

Country Sport Scotland is the national platform for promoting country sports tourism across Scotland. Proudly owned and operated by the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC), it has grown into a trusted voice for one of Scotland’s most distinctive rural industries. But its roots go back further.

The organisation was originally established in the early 2000s under the name Scottish Country Sports Tourism Group (SCSTG). Its founding aim was simple but important: to promote Scotland as a leading destination for fieldsports, and to ensure that sporting tourism was recognised for the economic and cultural value it brings to rural communities.

For more than two decades, that mission has remained constant. What began as a small working group of like-minded organisations has evolved into a national initiative that now connects visitors with sporting providers, estates, accommodation businesses and guides across the country.

The transition to the name Country Sport Scotland marked a new phase in its development a clearer, more accessible identity for a wider audience, without losing the specialist knowledge and respect built up over the years. The name may have changed, but the focus remains firmly on promoting authentic, sustainable and high-quality sporting experiences.

Now, with the full support of BASC, the organisation has entered a new chapter, one grounded in ambition, strategic partnership and a stronger voice within Scotland’s tourism landscape. Country Sport Scotland continues to advocate for the sector, helping raise its profile among decisionmakers while championing the businesses, traditions and people who keep it thriving.

Whether it’s red deer stalking in the Highlands, salmon fishing on renowned rivers, or walkedup shooting on heather moorland, the experiences promoted through Country Sport Scotland are rooted in heritage, shaped by the land, and delivered with

professionalism and pride. And while the organisation celebrates that tradition, it also recognises the need to evolve, reaching new audiences, embracing digital tools, and ensuring the sector remains relevant and resilient in the years ahead.

In May of this year, Blair Castle in Perthshire played host to a landmark event for Scotland’s country sports tourism sector. Organised by Country Sport Scotland, the inaugural Scottish Country Sports Tourism Conference brought together over 60 estates, sporting agents, accommodation providers and rural tourism operators for a day of discussion, collaboration and forward planning.

Set against the backdrop of one of Scotland’s most iconic sporting estates, the conference marked a first for the industry, a national gathering focused entirely on the future of country sports tourism. With activities like stalking, fishing and game shooting forming a key part of Scotland’s rural economy and visitor appeal, the event aimed to strengthen partnerships and explore sustainable ways forward.

The day featured a range of keynote speakers, panel sessions and breakout discussions covering business development, marketing strategies and adapting to shifting tourism trends. While each session highlighted its own

Two deerstalkers spying for stags in the Highlands. Credit Kirk Norbury

challenges, the underlying theme was clear: growth will depend on collaboration, modernisation and better public understanding of the sector’s economic, environmental and cultural value.

Guests heard from a wide range of speakers, from policy makers and tourism experts to estate owners and sporting providers. Discussions touched on everything from attracting overseas visitors to making better use of digital tools, as well as how to navigate regulation and support local communities.

While the topics were broad, the mood throughout was upbeat. With so many people from across the sector in one room, it was a chance to swap ideas, make new connections and look ahead. The event felt less like a formal conference and more like the start of a much-needed conversation — one that’s set to continue.

The momentum from the conference carried through to July, when Country Sport Scotland hosted the 2025 Scottish Country Sports Tourism Awards at the GWCT Scottish Game Fair at Scone Palace.

Now in their third year, the awards shine a light on the individuals and businesses championing sustainability, conservation, and community engagement within the sector. Held on the BASC stand, the ceremony brought together estates, agencies, hospitality providers, and industry leaders to celebrate the very best of Scotland’s country sports tourism.

This year saw the introduction of two new categories: one recognising leadership in fishing experiences, and another celebrating the growing influence of women in the sector. These additions reflect the continued evolution of the industry and the increasingly diverse voices shaping its future.

Winners in 2025 included Findrack Sporting, named Best

Sporting Estate, and S.A.C Shooting, who took home Best Sporting Agency. TwinPeakes Fly Fishing received recognition as Best Fishing Provider, while Logiealmond Estate was awarded Best Sporting Accommodation. Charlie Blance was named Best Sporting Influencer, and the Women in Country Sports Award went to Abbie Wilson for her inspiring work in promoting

female participation across the field.

A number of others were highly commended for their contributions, including International Hunting Scotland, Gordon Castle Estate, Dunkeld House Hotel, Chris Dalton, and Cara Hutchens.

The awards not only celebrate achievement, but also help raise the profile of those

driving the sector forward. From long-established estates to new innovators, the stories behind each winner reflect a shared commitment to excellence — and a sector that continues to thrive. Country Sport Scotland is committed to supporting this important industry and promoting the very best of Scotland’s sporting experiences. Through our website, events,

The Inaugural Scottish Country Sports Tourism Conference held at Blair Castle - May 2025. Credit Kirk Norbury

Abbie Wilson, winner of the Women in Country Sports Award, with Ian Bell, Chief Executive of BASC, at the Scottish Country Sports Tourism Awards during the Scottish Game Fair. Credit Kirk Norbury

and advocacy work, we help connect visitors with genuine, high-quality opportunities while encouraging greater recognition and support across the country. There has been clear progress this year, but it’s only the beginning.

Country sports remain a vital part of life in many rural areas, attracting visitors from near and far while supporting thousands of jobs. These activities help sustain local communities and preserve traditions that have been passed down for generations. Yet the sector still faces challenges, including changing regulations and public perception. With increasing interest from international visitors seeking authentic experiences, there is real potential to build on Scotland’s strong tradition and ensure the sector continues to grow. Country Sport Scotland is proud to be at the heart of this

effort, helping to keep country sports a thriving and valued part of Scotland’s future.

For more information about Country Sport Scotland, our awards or how to explore the best of Scotland’s country sports www.countrysportscotland.com

Highland Ponies carrying a Red Deer stag through the Perthshire Highlands. Credit Sarah Farnsworth

The legality of gun ownership

By David McKie, Partner Levy & McRae Solicitors LLP

It is a great pleasure to write this article for Shooting Scotland magazine.

I have had the privilege of acting for many certificate holders over the years, with particular focus on gamekeepers, landowners, factors and farmers.

I hope that I am able to assist anyone who has issues arising from their day to day lives and who unfortunately end up on the wrong side of the law.

By far and away the most inquiries I get in my rural practice come from firearm and shotgun certificate holders.

You would be surprised how innocuous some issues arise which can lead to police involvement. I keep thinking that I have covered every possible eventuality in the world of shooting, but something new or different arises probably on a monthly basis.

This article is to provide you with an overview of the types of

areas where the law is relevant for firearm certificate holders.

1. Security

A breach of security is a criminal offence. It also almost inevitably will lead to guns being removed and possibly even certificates revoked.

The common security breaches are: -

• Keeping guns in vehicles.

• Taking guns back into the house and leaving them propped up.

• Leaving bullets in jacket pockets, glove compartments etc.

• Leaving keys in a place where partners know where they are and have access to them.

• Losing guns while out and about.

I have dealt with many hundreds of such cases. Most of them involve simple carelessness.

Experience tells me that you need to be religious and disciplined in keeping guns and ammunition secure and locked up at all times.

2. Conduct

As a certificate holder, you are expected effectively to be above the law. You are not treated the same as someone who golfs, fishes or carries out other pursuits. A golfer can leave his golf clubs in the boot of his car 24/7. Certificate holders do not have that luxury. If an angler gets involved in a domestic argument, their rods are not removed from them. It is different for certificate holders.

Examples are: -

• Domestic arguments and physical fights. Police are taking these very seriously.

• Arguments and fights with alcohol taken.

• Driving offences, including speeding, careless or dangerous

driving. Isolated minor speeding offences are not normally determinative, but if there are a few of them within a short period, they can be. Historic road traffic convictions are often referred to in revocation letters.

• Inappropriate social media content.

• Memberships or associations with groups whom the police regard as nefarious.

• Neighbour disputes or ongoing feuds.

• Altercations with members of the public who are out (dog) walking.

These cases need to be extremely carefully managed. Certificate holders are effectively placed to a higher standard than other members of the public because the police use their common law powers to remove weapons and certificates, often in cases where they do not end up revoking certificates.

David McKie

3. Application/renewal

Individuals are expected to be transparent both in providing details of any previous convictions (if in doubt include them) and disclosing medical conditions. The guidance notes on the forms are ambiguous, but if in doubt, include anything of relevance on the form. Speak to your GP before completing the form to ensure you understand what the GP will tell the police in their report. Many people have been caught out in applications for certificates and then prosecuted with criminal offences for failing to disclose material information about their medical history.

You should be fully transparent with the police and if you have a condition midway through your five year term, you should probably disclose this to the police. I appreciate there is some nuance and discretion in each individual case and all

cases must be treated on their merits.

This article is designed principally to confirm that I will be happy to assist with any queries arising. I do not charge for a preliminary call (however long it takes!). If you are approached by the police for whatever reason, always take legal advice and, if possible,

before speaking to the police. If it is not possible, take legal advice as quickly as possible thereafter in order that you are aware of your rights and the best way of handling any issue.

The vast majority of certificate holders have never had contact with the police other than every five years when they come in to check the cabinets

David McKie

deal with renewals. By far and away the majority of my clients who come to the attention of the police are law abiding, decent people who have made mistakes or a misunderstanding has arisen. All that remains is for me to wish you an enjoyable season ahead and to say that I hope you do not have to call me! If you do, my details are below.

Glorious 12th marked the start of the grouse season in Scotland, with focus on conservation

By Neil Gunn Wildlife Estates Scotland Project Manager

On the 12th of August, the first guns took to the heather-clad hills to celebrate the start of the grouse season in time-honoured tradition.

At West Glenalmond Estate, near Crieff, members of the Newton family travelled from Sussex to enjoy the very first drives of the year amidst the beauty of the moors. West Glenalmond is renowned not just for its excellent sport, but also for its commitment to conservation and biodiversity. Gamekeepers and land managers work year-round to protect and enhance habitats for a diverse range of birds and mammals — many of which are declining in other parts of the UK.

One of the shooting party, Marc Newton, who is also the CEO of John Rigby and Co, highlighted the variety of wildlife surrounding them on the moors, adding that West Glenalmond’s breathtaking landscape is a huge part of the appeal. West Glenalmond’s commitment to conservation has been recognised with Level 2 accreditation from Wildlife Estates Scotland (WES) since 2023. WES is the national branch of a prestigious European initiative promoting sustainable land use that incorporates 19 countries. Impressively, Scotland is currently second place in the league table of Wildlife Estates accredited land in Europe, with only Spain ahead.

The estate’s careful management supports a wide range of species, with over 100 bird species recorded. These include red-listed birds such as Lapwing, Greenfinch, Curlew, Swift, Golden Plover and Oystercatcher. These birds thrive thanks to dedicated predator control, habitat restoration and environmental stewardship.

West Glenalmond is also a key partner in the Riverwoods project, a multiorganisation initiative focusing on the headwaters of the River Almond. This collaboration prioritises ecological outcomes such as natural flood management, improved water quality, carbon sequestration, enhanced biodiversity and increased countryside access - with benefits for both the environment and local communities.

The careful combination of targeted predator control, lighttouch land management and controlled burning in the colder months which all help grouse to breed successfully, also create the right conditions for all kinds of other wildlife to thrive, from waders and songbirds to hares and butterflies.

This year, as in previous years, initiatives undertaken by three recently WES accredited estates (Finzean, Glen Creran and Reay Forest), further demonstrate how integrated and sustainable land management

can provide a win-win for both the environment and the objectives of rural businesses.

Finzean Estate, nestled in the Grampian hills, balances sustainable business and tourism activities with wildlife conservation, protection of the environment and the provision of local amenities.

The woodlands at Finzean are of great biodiversity value, home to rare species including Black Grouse and Capercaillie, which are in decline in other parts of the country. Natural expansion of the native woodland and hedgerows is another encouraging sign that conservation measures are working well. In addition, the estate works with local people and groups to provide sites for housing at low cost; this sustains local communities and enables people to continue to live in the area.

In Argyll, the land at Glen Creran Estate rises from near sea level to over 900 metres in places. While limited by the topography, Glen Creran’s efforts to encourage mixed native woodland regeneration have yielded positive results. For the past five years, Glen Creran has been working on the reintroduction of wild salmon in the River Creran and the Ure, in close collaboration with the Argyll Fisheries Trust. The estate uses a hatchery to support the wild population, eventually returning the fish and any new eggs to the rivers from which they were caught.

Reay Forest Estate in Sutherland is one of the three rural estates in the Grosvenor Estates’ portfolio.

A traditional rural estate, famed for its deer, trout and salmon, the extensive work

conducted includes measuring the soil’s ability to store carbon and water – as well as an innovative pilot investigating whether environmental DNA in soils can be used as an indicator of soil health.

Reay Forest is also working in partnership with the Atlantic Salmon Trust to restore critically endangered wild Atlantic salmon populations. It is hoped the project will restore 118km2 of the landscape – an area the size of urban Manchester –with up to a million trees being planted, thereby enhancing biodiversity and benefitting the whole ecosystem.

Many landholdings are already following best practice in all aspects of game and wildlife management, and indeed have sought to do so for generations. Whenever I talk to land managers in Scotland, they tell me that protecting rare species and the fragile habitats

they rely on is not only a duty, but a joy.

The advantage of WES membership is that it is an opportunity to formally demonstrate a commitment to sustainable land management that supports and enhances biodiversity, which includes a requirement to follow best practice. WES Accreditation is rigorous and independently assessed, requiring members to consider holistically all aspects of their land management and monitoring activities.

The success of the grouse season, and a commitment to active conservation, are two sides of the same coin. Accreditation through WES demonstrates how active conservation and sporting interests can go hand in hand. If you are interested in learning more about WES, please visit our webpage at: https://www. scottishlandandestates.co.uk/ wildlife-estates-scotland.

Deer Management Groups can be proud of what they continue to achieve

By Tom Turnbull, Chair, ADMG

ADMG has been working hard on behalf of its members to ensure that their voices and concerns are heard as the Natural Environment Bill progresses through the Parliamentary process. I gave evidence to the RAI Committee in April having previously participated earlier in the year as part of a Committee panel discussion, and we continue to liaise with this Committee and MSPs in respect of the Bill and its Business and Regulatory Impact Assessment. We do have some significant concerns around the Bill - in particular the use of restoration and enhancement as triggers for intervention by NatureScot. We have requested that NatureScot provides case studies, showing how this new trigger might be implemented as well as various scenarios as to how it applies in differing landscapes.

It would be easy to have fears about the future, but I am inclined to consider instead some of the positives that we have seen develop over the last few years. I believe we are already delivering much of what is being asked of us by Scottish Government. Considerable woodland creation is being undertaken and peatland restoration continues to be carried out all over the Highlands, we are collaborating, delivering culls and monitoring habitat.

Deer Management Groups are working hard to ensure that their members work together to deliver sustainable deer

management with deer welfare to the fore. Despite a more diverse set of land management objectives DMGs are finding ways to continue to discuss deer management. The Common Ground Forum has grown and has helped difficult discussions, but most importantly has helped bring deer managers together. The stalkers’ events at Glen Quoich, Fealar and Glenfalloch have been particularly helpful, allowing the upland stalkers’ voices to be heard by MSPs and civil servants. The CGF stalkers committee should be commended for all its hard work on these events. I would also like to encourage all DMGs to sign the Common Ground Accord.

We have held two meetings for DMG Chairs in the last year to discuss the challenges of enabling collaborative deer management and to provide ADMG with feedback on how we can better represent and support our members. We continue to support Scottish Venison which is gaining cross sector support from producers and some processors and continues to raise awareness for venison and represent the venison sector with some significant steps forward.

We have heard that our members would like to see us more on the front foot when it comes to messaging, and with this in mind ADMG has expanded its social media presence to Instagram and LinkedIn. This will enable

us to get some more positive messaging across to our members on the work that we undertake for them and also to a wider audience to promote and educate about the work that deer managers do in the public interest. Much of what DMGs do goes unnoticed and we will be engaging with all our member Groups for their positive news and images which we can then promote far and wide.

Despite discussion and debate that continues at Holyrood around the Bill, it remains absolutely clear to me

that we are a forward-thinking sector that has pioneered collaborative land management. We are delivering on targets for Scottish Government whilst not losing sight of the importance of the people and heritage within our deer management community. As a sector, deer managers and in particular Deer Management Groups can be very proud of what they continue to achieve.

This Article was first published in the ADMG magazine SCOPE, July 2025.

Tom Turnbull

Muirburn or (com)bust?

By Hugh Webster Rewilding Relations

Scotland – The Big Picture

The growing impact of wildfires in Scotland’s warming climate has reignited debate around muirburn and the new legislation controlling its use. Muirburn advocates argue that controlled burns prevent the natural build-up of vegetation, so if a wildfire occurs in an area that has already been burned, there is less fuel available to feed the fire. Fresh muirburn scars may also serve as firebreaks.

But there are other ways that muirburn may increase the risk of wildfire. It’s well documented that muirburn causes a significant number of wildfires, whenever these ostensibly controlled burns escape our control. Over time, muirburn can also increase the dominance of molinia grass and heather vegetation over blanket bog vegetation, creating and maintaining a more fire-prone environment.

Nonetheless, a recent study that mapped Scottish wildfires between 2015 and 2020 found very limited overlap between those areas affected by wildfire and those showing a visible history of muirburn. This pattern supports the idea that reducing fuel loads lowers fire risk, but the study’s authors noted that it could also be explained by other factors, such as better fire

prevention efforts on managed estates, or fewer people lighting campfires in those areas. Notably, the study also found that while the area affected by wildfire was generally lowest in areas of low to medium intensity muirburn, it was often higher in places of higher muirburn intensity. If nothing else, muirburn interrupts the development of natural habitats, including

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native woodlands which, as the influential ecologist Oliver Rackham noted, ‘burn like wet asbestos.’ It’s why most firewood has to be seasoned. Put a fresh log on the fire and the most you can hope for is a smokey hiss. It’s not a coincidence that the largest UK wildfires occur on moorlands, heathlands and grasslands, petering out when confronted with damp woods. The one species of native tree that does burn easily whilst alive is Scots pine. But pinewoods in the milder, more humid west of Scotland typically include stands of birch, rowan, alder, willow, holly and hazel. In these more diverse environments, wildfires come up against natural firebreaks. And even if pinewoods in the drier east may be relatively vulnerable to wildfire, it hardly follows that we should abandon our ambitions for the restoration of these cherished habitats.

Furthermore, while muirburn may offer one way to reduce the risk of wildfire, it comes with its own costs. After both controlled burns and wildfires, peatlands can develop waterrepellent crusts and blocked microchannels, which increase surface runoff, raise streamflow peaks and worsen erosion. And of course, muirburn prevents woodland regeneration, with naturally wooded catchments serving to reduce flood risk by intercepting rainfall and helping water soak into the ground. We might then ask, which is the greater risk – or bigger threat –in our changing climate: wildfire or flooding?

Spring muirburn also threatens ground-nesting birds, amphibians and reptiles - one reason the existing muirburn period is being shortened - while muirburn’s negative impacts on wildlife can extend even beyond the moors. A study in

Northern England compared the diversity of large invertebrates across ten rivers, five draining burned catchments and five draining unburned catchments. It showed that rivers draining burned catchments supported significantly lower taxonomic richness, with especially reduced abundance and diversity among mayflies.

Carbon is another concern. Peatland soils in the UK uplands are an important carbon store - or at least, they should be. Thanks to their poor state, our peatlands have become net carbon emitters, a disaster partly attributed to the inappropriate use of muirburn. Muirburn also causes air pollution, with no clear data supporting claims that muirburn in Scotland may cause a net decrease in airborne pollutants (such as has been documented following controlled burns in the very different environment of California). If every square inch

of ground subjected to muirburn would otherwise burn in a larger wildfire, then muirburn would certainly mean a net reduction in air pollution, but this simply isn’t the case.

Ultimately, questions about pollution and carbon sequestration depend not only on whether muirburn helps prevent wildfires, but also on whether there are alternative ways to achieve the same benefits - and we know there are. Whilst not practicable everywhere, mowing offers a fire-free approach to reducing fuel loads, while carefully managed grazing provides another. But the best option for making vulnerable peatlands more resilient is through rewetting. Blocking drainage ditches, adding dams and removing any extractive pressure helps to secure the carbon these peaty soils contain, buffering them against the risk of fire. Unlike muirburn, rewetting

also reduces flood risk, slowing runoff into rivers.

There are those who do not recognise Scotland’s biodiversity crisis. But in the end, a perspective that sees natural vegetation only as potential fuel, and dismisses the public appetite for ecosystem restoration, misses the point. There may be times when muirburn remains a useful tool, but its negative impacts should not be ignored. It is wholly right that the new legislation seeks to address these impacts. Scotland cannot abandon all its ambitions for restoring ecosystems simply because such restoration may bring a short-term increase in wildfire risk in some areas. Rather than retreating from restoration, we must step up our efforts to prevent wildfires – by rewetting perilously dry moorlands, expanding naturally fire-resistant habitats, and cracking down on avoidable ignition sources like campfires, carelessly discarded

cigarettes and bottles, and disposable barbecues. More than anything, we need a more integrated approach to fire risk management.

More than 95% of wildfires in Europe are caused by human activities, a powerful reminder that the simplest way to prevent wildfires is not to start fires in the first place. But if some wildfires are inevitable, there’s more than one way to reduce their threat. An increasingly holistic approach to landscape planning is now being adopted in many European countries, integrating the restoration of naturally fireresistant habitats with traditional tools like prescribed burns. This is helping to build resilience, boost biodiversity and secure the ecosystems which we depend on for our own wellbeing. Rather than depend exclusively on muirburn to manage wildfire risk, Scotland should develop a similarly holistic approach.

Tying land managers’ hands means everyone loses

By Kenneth Stephen, The Scottish Gamekeepers Association

Why is it that there is tonnage more talk about the negative impacts of land managers’ work and comparatively little about the myriad benefits?

Open a draft Bill on Climate or Environment, or a Government report, and it can be guaranteed that there will be countless recommendations on how things must be changed.

Seeking progress is a good thing. People understand that but questions are rightly asked when legislation makes it harder and harder for land managers to do their job, whilst bringing about negligible gains.

What is lacking is a thorough understanding of the tipping points and when, by making new law, the country – and its environment and landscapes- actually lose.

At the SGA, we have been talking to MSPs about the value of land manager work which is given to Scotland largely free of charge.

What would happen to farm incomes if gamekeepers didn’t control foxes at lambing time? What would the negative

environmental impacts be if river ghillies didn’t volunteer to set their Mink traps? Which part of the stretched public purse could have met the bill for the free fire management resource given by gamekeepers at the recent Cairngorms wildfires? Without thorough trapping regimes across Scotland’s uplands, what costs would be felt by red listed species? What value can you place on the skilled deer management which means less members of the public being forced into insurance claims due to deer/ vehicle collisions?

Where land managers work, other things benefit, whether it is the cows depositing their dung into the soil or moorland gamekeepers keeping tick at bay by treating sheep.

There is very little gains to be made, either economic or environmental, from making it so hard for land managers to do their work that they consider whether it is worth continuing at all. Decision makers need to understand this and stop pushing people to the brink.

www.scottishgamekeepers.co.uk Scottish Gamekeepers Association, Inveralmond Business Centre.

SCOTTISH COUNTRY LIFE

Are coastal communities next to suffer?

By Jake Swindells

Sea fishing has been my greatest passion for as long as I can remember. I class myself as a Countryman and, apart from a small portion of my existence, I have lived in a rural area for most of my life. I helped out on a shooting estate during my school years and am a keen deer stalker to

this day, but I will often return home, to the West Coast of Scotland to wet a line on the rugged coastline whenever time allows.

There’s something about returning to the secret spots that you discovered as a child to see if it still holds the number of fish that it used

to. Cooking your catch on a beach fire as the sun dips down behind Northern Ireland and the skies glow Orange is hard to beat.

This kind of upbringing has created such a strong love of coastal living for me, and this is something that I am very happy to have passed on to my

Jake Swindells

daughter Ettie. She is 7 years old and, at the time of writing, is 4 fish ahead of me for the year. She also caught her first fish on a fly rod just a few weeks ago and so has clearly got the bug. Could all this be coming to an abrupt end, though?

Our UK coastal areas depend largely on fishing

West coast slipway sunset

and agriculture to survive. In South-West Scotland, The Mull of Galloway Sea Angling Festival has become one of the biggest events in the UK’s angling calendar. It brings in vital revenue for the local (and extremely rural) economy and has put a long-forgotten corner of Scotland on the map. Local businesses, from cafés to fuel stations, all benefit, but this is now potentially under threat.

A recent report published by the Scottish Animal Welfare Committee (SAWC) has suggested that fish should be given the same welfare considerations as other sentient animals. The report states that the public do not see fish as creatures with feelings - “Humans may have different affective responses to fish, for example, they may be seen as less ‘cute’ than some other species or because of particular human affective responses to species such as sharks”.

The majority of us already practice high levels of care and welfare when fishing. We have minimum size regulations when targeting fish and are sensitive to seasonal restraint in many cases. The majority of recreational anglers do not want to jeopardise the welfare of any fish being returned or their beloved pastime being adversely affected by intentionally harming any fish they have caught. We advocate for self-regulation and continued improvement, but what if The Scottish Government decide to act on the SAWC report, as they have done previously within the hunting and shooting industry? A heavy-handed approach by the Scottish Government is not the way forward and the potential introduction of what could be devastating legislation for our way of life may follow. Just imagine the impact if we are told that we are no longer allowed to fish

for recreational purposes and only commercial outfits can operate as they are not fishing for sport.

The sea fishing industry employs around 4,000 people in Scotland and brings in £335m into the economy north of the border. A good percentage of this is made up of recreational angling and business contributions, such as tackle shops and charter boats. Our commercial fleet has also taken a battering of late with Labour using our waters as a bargaining chip when overly restrictive contracts were about to come to an end. Not only are commercial fishing fleets having to contend with revised fishing rights imposed by the UK government, SAWC have

suggested that all catches should be individually counted! A preposterous idea, which does not take into account bycatch rules imposed by Marine Scotland or the additional expense from new machinery onboard vessels to count the fish being landed.

In addition, we cannot underestimate the positive impact that recreational fishing has on the mental health and wellbeing of anglers, with the effect during the Covid pandemic proving to be significant. Angling was permitted at the time as it was recognised as a real health benefit. It is well known that fishing is a healthy outdoor activity, improving mental well-being, increased social

interaction and allows us to be at one with nature in the great outdoors.

Whilst we agree that fish are somewhat sentient creatures, imposing restrictions on an already heavily impacted industry is not the way forward. With the Scottish elections looming in 2026, the SNP Government would be wise to think long and hard before imposing further legislation on the fishing industry and throwing yet another rural sector under the bus. My organisation will be meeting with MSP’s and Ministers in the coming months in an attempt to halt this before it gains traction. This is something I will be keeping a very close eye on.

Cod and Pollock in Shetland

scottish venison

Scottish Venison gets upgrade

There’s a lot happening with Scottish Venison. From 1 July the trade organisation the Scottish Venison Association (SVA) which represents all Scottish venison producers and processors, wild and farmed, public and private sector, merged officially with the quality mark Scottish Quality Wild Venison (SQWV). This has resulted in a new business, Scottish Venison Ltd with two separate but closely related functions, representation and quality.

In addition, Scottish Venison has a new look - gone is the old logo for a new modern, crisp design much more in keeping with today’s food sector, and coupled with that comes a new website www. scottish-venison.com launched

officially on Scottish Venison Day 4 September where much more emphasis has been placed on engaging with the consumer. A suite of new recipes, all with ‘how to’ instructions and bright and engaging photography has been curated by venison ambassador and acclaimed chef Tim Maddams. These range from the simple to the more complex and for everyday use –casseroles, barbecues, venison mince, haunch and steaks with a lot of different ways to cook and present them. There will be new seasonal additions (watch out for Christmas!)

For those who stock or sell Scottish venison, whether over the counter or mail order, a listing on the website is free. If this would benefit you to find

out more contact mail@scottishvenison.com

In addition to the website there will be much higher visibility with Scottish Venison on Instagram, Facebook and X (twitter), plus those interested can subscribe via the website for regular news.

The priorities for Scottish Venison are driven by its strategy Beyond the Glen Revisited which was updated and then relaunched at a Scottish Venison summit at Birnam in 2023. It outlines the importance of building effective supply chains in addition to those that service the main markets of multiple retail, food service, events and catering, and independent retail. The drive is on to encourage more venison to be processed and available locally and, as the number of deer harvested per annum gradually increases (Government has set targets for an additional 50,000 deer in Scotland to be culled annually) then there will be a ready source of healthy raw material available, but it’s important that this is then processed safely and legally to meet local demand, building

further on venison’s recognised low-carbon credentials.

Local processing has been supported by Government funding via the covid recovery fund for three new pilot processing projects in south west Scotland, north Argyll and Morayshire, and a second round of funding has just been made available from NatureScot via SAOS to support smaller scale local processing across the low ground predominantly roe deer populated areas with grants of up to 50% made available for purchasing new kit or improving existing facilities. 13 new projects were supported through round 1 earlier this year and it is hoped that a similar number or more can be given a leg-up with funding from round 2.

A lot of time is currently also being dedicated to opening up new channels in the public sector to service and supply schools, hospitals and other public sector opportunities, and the SVA is working very closely with the Scottish Government, Scotland Food and Drink and others to support this important development.

Asian spiced venison rice bowl. The recipe is on the new website.

Firearms Licensing in the UK Change…

By Fraser Lamb

Scottish Association for Country Sports (SACS)

Over the last few months, you may have noticed that significant changes are occurring in the world of firearm legislation. Firstly, the fees for firearms licensing matters have been significantly increased to include full cost recovery. In fairness, the fees hadn’t risen since 2015 and were overdue an increase; however, the clear political intention was to cover

the public costs of the firearms licensing system. It is still too early to submit the required FOI request to identify how many panda cars have been purchased with the extra money. That will be for next year.

Another change will be the move away from lead ammunition, which will occur in 2029. Sound moderators are also being removed from

certification. On 5 August 2025, the Home Office published the new statutory guidance on firearms licensing law, which Chief Constables must have regard to. There have also been changes to the application process.

The Government is keen to reinforce its intention to bolster public safety. To be clear, certain recent atrocities have

been committed with legally held firearms. It’s a sad fact, but it’s true. However, these events are incredibly rare and they can be surprisingly hard to quantify. It turns out that official statistics don’t differentiate between gun violence perpetrated by certificate holders and organised criminality undertaken by those who have gained access to prohibited weapons. This is an

important point, paraphrased (but not qualified by any data) in the National Crime Agency’s 2025 National Strategic Assessment, which explains that “legally-held firearms are rarely used criminally by the lawful owner”.

It is against this backdrop that the Government has signalled an intention to consult on a review of the firearms licensing process. An item of specific review will be the suitability of the processes surrounding the licensing of Section 1 firearms (rifles, etc) and Section 2 firearms (shotguns).

As it stands, these two processes are quite different. The tests set out in the Firearms Act 1968 (as amended) are different for each type of firearm. A person in the UK must have a good reason to possess each Section 1 firearm and its ammunition, and they must have an authority to possess such a firearm and ammunition. In contrast, a shotgun certificate holder can have as many shotguns as they wish. Having repeatedly asked a number of policy officials with decades of experience in the firearms licensing world, none have ever been able to provide a reasonable explanation for why these tests were different.

The world has changed since 1968, but despite constant tinkering, the fundamental building blocks of the old Act remain. Technology has been improved to a unimaginable extent over the last fifty seven years, and certificate holders are now under constant passive surveillance through various means and channels. The police will immediately know if there have been calls to a certificate holder’s address, if holders are alleged to have committed any offences or have been linked to criminality. They’ll also know if there are any health concerns via the GP process. Since COVID, there has been an acceptance of risk-assessed renewals, whereby people don’t get a visit from the police at renewals. It is clear that the authorities have access

to significant information about all of us, and perhaps certificate holders should simply accept this as the price of having access to their guns. A tiny number of people fall foul of the system each year, and while some are justified, others are not.

There are strong arguments against changing the application processes for Section 1 and 2 firearms. Both include ‘danger to the public safety’ clauses already, and this is an overarching intention of the legislation. To introduce a specific “good reason” clause for each shotgun would not only be bureaucratically overbearing for the police, it would catastrophically impact the gun trade in respect of sales and servicing. It would also have far-reaching effects on people who pose no danger whatsoever to public safety – and may lose access to their property. It is essential that when the consultation appears, the shooting community’s voice is clear and emphatic. It is everyone’s responsibility to ensure that our views are heard – apathy is not an option.

It is perhaps not widely known that there are different tests for revoking a Firearm Certificate (FAC) and a Shotgun Certificate (SGC). It is easier for the police to revoke a FAC than an SGC - in the former case, the police only need to have a reason to believe that someone is ‘a danger to public safety or to the peace’. In the case of an SGC, the police have to be satisfied that a person is a danger to public safety or to the peace. The difference in the words reason to believe and satisfied is significant - and in certain cases it has led to people having an FAC revoked but not an SGC. This is nonsensical, and it is agreed that these sections of the 1968 Act should be reviewed.

There is now an opportunity for the Government to take a radical step. It may be considered that the greatest threat to public safety is the organisational structures of the firearms licensing functions of the 43 English and Welsh

www.farmingscotlandmagazine.com

By Ian Clark WPA Member & Trustee

Since it was first established in 1975, the World Pheasant Association (WPA) has grown into a highly focused, forward-thinking body of conservationists, with satellite groups around the world. In September 2025 the WPA will celebrate having successfully been protecting Galliformes for 50 years.

A UK registered charity, The World Pheasant Association is committed to the conservation of Galliformes and the habitats they depend on, promoting their conservation worldwide through scientific research, population management, local community education and in-situ projects. Initially founded by a small group of aviculturists interested in the conservation of pheasants and game birds, the charity’s remit has since expanded to encompass the Megapodes, Cracids, Grouse, Partridge, Francolin and Quail of the World. Conservation Breeding Groups manage studbooks and genetic bloodline records, and the Scientific Advisory Committee assist in population analysis, genetics and field monitoring. Fundraising,

International Symposia, open days, charity clay shoots and other events allow like-minded aviculturists to get together for the conservation cause.

Following the successful 2025 charity clay shoots, at the time of writing the WPA is gearing up for it’s 50th Anniversary Celebrations –a weekend of bird-centric events, visits, tours and talks. Highlights of the weekend include an illustrated talk from acclaimed science writer Matt Ridley and a behind the scenes tour at ZSL to look at their carefully managed breeding programmes and contribution to the Extinct in the Wild species recovery programmes.

Further afield, projects such as the reintroduction of the Vietnam Pheasant, the community-based conservation Pipar Project in Nepal and many more all continue to benefit from the fundraising efforts and collective knowledge of the WPA and plans are forging ahead as they step into their 51st year. Events, project and membership details can be found on the website: www. pheasant.org.uk

forces, who each interpret the legislation and guidance in differing ways. Some are exceptionally good, while others are poor in providing firearms licensing services to the public. There is a view that a wholesale top-to-bottom review of firearms licensing processes is required now. Radical decisions are needed to prevent further tragedies, and while it’s easy to blame the person who has perpetrated a crime with a firearm, the immediate follow-up question is why that person was allowed to have the gun in the first place. Too often, the firearms licensing staff are blamed as well - and more often than not, it turns out that these people are overworked, under-resourced and badly supported.

The provision of regional processing centres based upon local delivery is certainly achievable, efficient and effective. Scotland is perfect proof of this, and progress towards similar processes in other parts of the country should certainly be examined. This will not only likely lead to a better service for certificate holders, but the chances are that it will

also provide for a more robust and professionally curious process, with knowledgeable and experienced centrally located managers being able to advise Chief Constables in respect of matters of refusal or revocation. Given that this Government wants to effect change, there is now an opportunity to drive this forward. Claiming that “it’s too complicated” is not an option.

Scottish Association for Country Sports (SACS)

Tel: 01350 724 228

Charity announces new ambassador for the Highlands & Islands

The Gamekeepers’ Welfare Trust is delighted to announce Stewart Blair has taken up the role of GWT Ambassador for the Highlands and Islands.

Stewart, who is a Programme Leader for UHI North, West and Hebrides, has considerable breadth of experience to draw on in his support of the charity. GWT’s CEO Helen MJ Benson says “Stewart has worked in gamekeeping and other rural sectors as well as education which is invaluable in supporting young people. He has a superb combination of professional and personal experience and we are thrilled he has agreed to become our Ambassador in Northern Scotland .”

Stewart has been involved shooting and pest control all his life. His journey began as a YTS student in 1988 at Mèoble Estate in Lochaber. Following this he worked on a range of estates, including Loch Choire, and spent time with the former Red Deer Commission before joining the Forestry Commission in Argyll. From there, he moved to Aberdeenshire where he was a gamekeeper at Dunecht Estate, before crossing the hill to Kinveachy to become Head Keeper. Following Kinveachy Stewart was self-employed for several years, an experience that ultimately led him into education, working with North Highland College (now known as

UHI North, West and Hebrides).

Stewart says “Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to have the support of various employers. I also fully understand the pressures that come with keepering—from long nights on the hill after a fox, to battling the elements when releasing poults, all while juggling legal responsibilities and family life. I have no regrets about my time in keepering. It’s a way of life I’m proud of, and I’m committed to supporting others in the wider keepering industry. It’s an absolute honour to be asked to take on the role of GWT Ambassador, and I look forward to giving back to a sector that has given me so much.”

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ARTISAN The

Introducing the craft work of Andrew Fothergill

The Crafty Antler Bio Andrew Fothergill has enjoyed working with natural materials since leaving school. Andrew went on to be a French Polisher where he excelled in the refurbishment of antique furniture which he also bought and sold. Unfortunately, he was diagnosed with heart disease and could no longer follow this career.

With Andrews love of wildlife and the countryside he has invested the last 30 years following his passion in

shooting and fishing. Andrew is part of a shooting syndicate that rear pheasants in Fintry, Stirlingshire. How and when did

The Crafty Antler begin, as like most cottage craft businesses it was because of an item that was made. Andrew had previously made walking sticks for many years. In this instance

Andrew and his wife Sharon were having friends over for a Burns Supper and looking for a suitable table decoration. Andrew had been crafting in his

small workshop in their garden in Perthshire and said he had just the thing for the Scottish celebration. Andrew produced a stunning Antler candle centrepiece which his wife loved. Friends arrived and made comment to the centrepiece stating that it was such a beautiful and bespoke piece that Andrew could easily sell to the public.

The sourcing of the deer antlers is one of the most compelling aspects of Antler Crafts, Deer shed their antlers

annually and can be collected without harming the animals or the environment making it a very sustainable and an eco-friendly resource.

Each of the pieces Andrew creates evoke the rugged beauty of the Scottish Highlands and his craftsmanship is evident in the intricate detail and finish of every item including and exclusively adding a pewter pin to the crown. Andrew honours each antler understanding everyone holds a unique story, whispering of the

stags’ journey through beautiful and mysterious land.

The Crafty Antler is in the very beginning of its adventure

this includes showcasing at Country Fairs, gift shops such as The Queens View in Pitlochry and Etsy.

The feedback from customers has been amazing, keeping in mind his health Andrew is taking things at his pace and its very important

to him that quality remains paramount. He is looking forward to up-and-coming events and meeting more potential customers.

Two piece carving set with eagles head £260

Sgian Dubh £135

Red Deer Candle Centrrepiece £175

Six Steak Knives £175

The River Is Within Our Grasp Why Scotland’s Current Salmon Strategy Fails Both the Fish and the Industry

The story of Scotland’s Atlantic salmon is one of romance, tradition, and heartbreak. No other species embodies the wild soul of our rivers quite like the salmon. But beneath the poetic language of conservation, the cold truth is this: our salmon numbers are in crisis, and much of this decline is the result of political choices — not ecological inevitability.

Scotland’s current salmon conservation strategy, while noble in intention, is fundamentally flawed. It is failing both the fish and the people who depend on them. At its heart lies a purist philosophy that prizes “wild salmon” above pragmatic proactive management, and in doing so, it ignores both the industrial reality of our rivers and the economic model required to sustain a vibrant, self-funding fishing industry.

Let’s take the River Spey — our national jewel — as the

By Andrew McCaig

perfect example. At first glance, it appears wild and untamed. But look closer and you’ll see one of the most industrial rivers in Scotland. This is a working river — harnessed for hydropower, intensively managed for public and private water supply, and flowing through a landscape of farming, manufacturing and whisky production that generates a GDP greater than many small countries. This is something to be proud of — a river that drives national economic value while supporting local livelihoods.

And yet, our salmon strategy treats the Spey as if it were an untouched wilderness. Enhancement, stocking, and predator control are treated as taboo, relics of the past. It’s as though we want to benefit from the river’s industry — but conserve it as though it were pristine. That contradiction lies at the heart of our failure to recover stocks.

The Politics of Decline

The reality is this: the everdiminishing salmon returns we see today are not just the result of natural cycles or climate change — they are a political outcome. Decision-making has been hijacked by groups more concerned with perception than outcome. Boards have become risk-averse. Many professionals are entangled in relationships with public funding bodies, NGOs, and agencies. Taking bold steps — be it predator control or targeted enhancement — risks upsetting those relationships. The result? Paralysis.

And all the while, vast sums are being levied from beat owners across Scotland. These funds could finance the very interventions that would turn things around. Just look at the Carron in Wester Ross, where Bob Kindness has demonstrated the power of river-specific, careful stock enhancement. Even

in the face of in river and marine losses, local intervention has yielded a measurable increase in returning adults.

We have the funds. We have the tools. What we lack is the will to act.

In-River Loss: A Hidden Crisis

Perhaps the greatest scandal is the scale of juvenile loss within the rivers themselves. Up to 50% of migrating juvenile salmon never even make it to sea. Predation, competition, poor habitat, and lack of flow management all play their part. Yet the available tools — from local predator control to structural improvements — go unused.

One of the clearest examples of this inaction is the rise of brown trout populations in the Spey. Once in balance with salmon, brown trout have flourished under blanket catchand-release policies. This is a textbook case of unintended

Fly fishing on

consequences: juvenile brown trout dominate prime spawning and nursery areas, outcompete young salmon, and in many cases directly predate on salmon eggs and fry.

Many scientific journals describe this as a “predatory pit” — a state where the predator species thrives while preventing the recovery of its prey. And yet, despite clear evidence, no mitigation stocking or management has been pursued. No argument has been made by the Spey board to counteract the imbalance. We’ve allowed good intentions — catch-and-release — to undermine the recovery of the very species we aim to protect.

Harvesting trout isn’t an act of destruction — it’s part of restoring balance.

Unintended Consequences

The same dynamic of well-meant intervention backfiring plays out throughout the river and marine environment. When Scotland’s netting stations were bought out — at significant cost — the hope was simple: more salmon would return to our rivers. What wasn’t fully understood was the ecological function those stations performed in managing seal populations.

Without the netting stations, seal numbers have soared. Predation pressure on returning salmon and especially sea trout has increased dramatically. But we now find ourselves unable to respond. A trade agreement with the United States blocks any meaningful seal control, lest it jeopardise access to farmed salmon export markets.

Even before that agreement, many boards refused to act — not due to lack of evidence, but due to fear of public backlash. That’s a clear conflict of interest, where river managers prioritised optics and career safety over the long-term health of the fishery.

No Fish, No Industry

We must be honest about the link between salmon numbers and economic viability. On the Spey, a handful of the beats catch the majority of fish. These beats drive

the whole river’s economy. If they fail to deliver catches, clients stop coming. If clients stop coming, there is no money — not for bailiffs, not for ghillies, not for river work, not for science.

We cannot preserve salmon by simply not catching them. That’s not conservation — that’s abdication. If we continue down this road, we won’t just lose a species — we’ll lose an entire rural economy, a heritage, and a way of life.

Take Back the River

We know what to do. It’s not complicated:

• Protect juvenile stocks. Manage avian predators, suppress invasive fish, build smolt screens, deepen channels, restore margins.

• Control trout, perch and pike. Harvest them. Restore balance. Take pride in eating what you catch.

• Where problems cannot be mitigated — enhance. Stock the river. Do it with care, evidence and scale.

• Call out the conflicts of interest. Demand transparency from boards and agencies. Ask who benefits when action is delayed.

• Celebrate the river’s industry. The Spey is not a national park. It is a national asset. Let’s manage it like one.

The fashionable techniques for river restoration and passive conservation will take many years before delivering measurable benefits — if they deliver them at all. And it must be made clear to the fishing community that there is no intention to return us to abundance, because those days are now viewed as engineered. No matter the method — rewilding, regulation, or enhancement — the complexity of river and marine ecosystems means there is no silver bullet.

But every action has a reaction. And passive management often amplifies existing problems. Doing nothing can be worse than doing something imperfect.

What we will not return to is blanket stocking and engineered river systems to allow salmon to be harvested. But we can and must

pursue a hybrid strategy: focused river restoration, active in-river management, and careful, targeted stocking to ensure more juveniles make it to sea. That is the most direct, scalable, and controllable intervention available to us — and one we’re currently failing to maximise, especially on our big rivers.

We stand at a crossroads. One path leads to more committees, more delays, and fewer fish. The other path leads to action, accountability, and the recovery of our rivers.

The river is within our grasp. It always has been. But only if we stop pretending we don’t know how to save it.

crates, drinkers & incubators available.

tel: 01473 823598 day, evenings and weekends mob: 07879 496970 email: storeypoultrysupplies@btopenworld.com www.storeypoultrysupplies.co.uk

Leaping salmon

game cooking with

Venison Shank Soup

By Wendy Barrie

We love a good soup chez nous and, as the nights draw in, here’s an easy slow-cooked solution for an evening by the log stove. Rewilders would have us bring back wolves to combat deer populations. Not in our house! With personal experience of Swedish friends living within reach of a wolf pack, we would warn of unintended consequences, added to which Scotland is simply not big enough for these top predators that require vast swathes of land. Rather promote venison as a tasty healthy red meat packed with valuable protein, vitamins and minerals – perfect for school lunch menus too, as bangers, bolognaise and burgers. What’s not to love? Venison is readily available from Winston Churchill Venison, Rothiemurchus & Carmichael Estates.

Ingredients:

2 venison shanks

1 tsp mixed herbs – I use our home-dried marjoram and add a bayleaf

A good pinch of Blackthorn Salt

A few twists of black pepper

50g butter with a drizzle of Summer Harvest Rapeseed Oil

1 medium leek, rinsed & sliced

2 carrots, scrubbed & diced

1 parsnip, peeled & diced

3 medium potatoes, peeled & diced

150g pearl barley

Method:

• Place shanks in a soup pan, and cover completely with water. Simmer for 1½ hours, lid on, with bayleaf, salt and pepper.

• Meanwhile prepare vegetables by cleaning and slicing. Set aside.

• When the shanks have been cooking for an hour, add barley and continue cooking for further half hour. Leave simmering gently on the hob.

• In a separate pan, use the butter and oil to soften leeks and carrots a few minutes for a buttery flavour.

• Check the shanks and barley – the meat should be nearly ready and the barley al dente. Top up water if required.

• Next add remaining ingredients and simmer for another half hour until the vegetables are soft, the barley cooked and the meat falls from the bone.

• To serve, either go rustic or shred the meat from the bone using a spoon and fork and return to pan.

Serves 2 as a generous meal with buttered artisan bread. Alternatively set aside to cool then chill overnight – it is just as delicious the following day.

Wendy is a cook, food writer & campaigner for local sustainable produce & biodiversity. Founder Director of award-winning Scottish Food Guide, Scottish Cheese Trail & Scottish Farm Shops, Wendy is also Leader for Slow Food Ark of Taste & Cooks Alliance in Scotland, IGCAT Global Experts Network member, International Judge & co-founder of Scottish Bread Championship. She has co-written “Meadows: The Swedish Farmer & The Scottish Cook,” with her husband, on regenerative food production, available online & from selected farm shops.

Photograph © Wendy Barrie

Change and Challenge in the Modern Land-Based Sector: An Educational Perspective

By Stewart Blair Lecturer, UHI North, West and Hebrides

Land & Rural Studies

Since my last contribution, we’ve seen significant shifts across the sporting and environmental sectors—changes that have inevitably rippled into the world of education. The combined impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing climate emergency have fundamentally altered how we live, manage land, and deliver training and education.

At UHI, we found ourselves at a crossroads. With declining applications to our longstanding HNC in Gamekeeping and Wildlife Management, it was clear that the needs of the sector—and the aspirations of prospective students—were changing. In consultation with employers and industry professionals, we made the bold decision to cease delivery of the

old programme and replace it with a new offering: the HNC/D in Conservation and Wildlife Management.

A Calculated Gamble That’s Paid Off

This change was not without risk. However, the response has exceeded expectations. Applications have surged, with many students coming into the sector later in life or seeking to upskill for future roles in conservation and land use. Crucially, the new qualification is not just for keepers—it’s built for a wider audience working across sustainable deer management, ecological survey techniques, and upland ecology.

The course is delivered fully online, improving accessibility across rural and remote areas, but we still value hands-on experience. Students attend field trips and take part in Land Use Conferences, ensuring practical learning remains embedded within the curriculum.

Legislation Driving Change

The educational landscape is being shaped not just by student demand, but by an evolving legal framework. The passing of the Wildlife Management and Muirburn Bill, and the addition of mountain hares to Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act, reflect a growing commitment to biodiversity and animal welfare. Likewise, national priorities around peatland restoration, tree planting, climate-resilient agriculture, and nature-based solutions are influencing how we think about land use and environmental management.

We’ve also seen how rapidly events—such as the recent wildfires in Morayshire—can highlight both the vulnerability of our landscapes and the need for genuine collaboration. Whether it’s government bodies, ENGOs, or private landowners, success now depends on a willingness to work together, listen, and share

knowledge.

New Tools, New Skills

Further change is coming in the form of practical deer management. The removal of the male deer close season, alongside moves towards non-lead ammunition and the legalisation of thermal and night-vision optics, represents a major shift in how deer control is carried out in Scotland.

These tools offer clear ecological and welfare benefits—but only when used responsibly. That’s why training and education are critical. We need to ensure that anyone using advanced optics or transitioning to new calibres is properly prepared and supported.

Smarter Learning for a Smarter Sector

There’s increasing recognition that traditional, one-size-fits-all qualifications don’t always meet the needs of a fast-changing workforce. Modular Continued Professional Development (CPD) awards, offering focused and flexible learning, may be a better fit for busy professionals already working in the field. UHI and other institutions are now exploring how best to deliver this kind of education.

A Sector Under Pressure—But Still Full of Promise

Let’s be honest—there has never been more pressure on those working in the gamekeeping and environmental sectors to “get it right.” Public attitudes are shifting. Legislation is tightening. The margin for error is narrowing.

But this is also a sector that has proven time and again its ability to adapt, evolve, and endure. There is still a future here—but it’s a different one, and it will require new thinking, new partnerships, and new skills.

Education is, and must remain, at the heart of that journey.

If interested, call us now on: 01847 889000, or look at our website: www.northhighland.uhi.ac.uk

www.farmingscotlandmagazine.com

There are always negative stories around the beginning of the grouse season designed to malign the gamekeeping profession, but the reality is that never should we have been so proud of our gamekeepers than in the here and now.

Recent extremes in weather which have contributed to wildfires devastating large areas of the Highlands brought responses which were nothing short of heroic in rural communities. Farmers, Gamekeepers, Stalkers and other local workers came together at considerable personal risk to support firefighters as they battled to bring raging fires under control. High winds have brought trees across roads and cut off power lines, and again it was often those same people who cleared the way with chain saws and bare hands. These recent examples and other community work keep people out of danger and rescue the unwary on a regular basis. Lost or unprepared hill walkers, vehicles bogged down, the list is endless of those who regularly assist

without expectation of any recognition or response other than making people safe. There are those who have changed the title of gamekeeper to respond to the demands of public opinion which is often based on misperception and a lack of understanding. There are those who are considering a change of title. The role of gamekeeper has changed over the centuries, that is true but fundamentally remains a job which encompasses a wide range of skills. Above all, that of conserving wildlife and environment with a deep understanding of ecology, fieldcraft and the balance of nature.

The Gamekeepers’ Welfare Trust similarly encompasses a wide range of support from health to housing, employment to retirement, relationships to family assistance, financial help to planning and budgeting. Gamekeepers, Stalkers, Ghillies; all these titles and more are within the remit of support from the Trust and are nothing short of national treasures.

www.thegamekeeperswelfaretrust.com

Second round of funding open for low ground venison supply chain

A second phase of the Low Ground Venison Supply Chain Pilot Project opens in midAugust, encouraging low ground deer stalkers to apply for assistance to improve their carcass handling facilities, in turn enabling them to cull more lowland deer and increase throughput.

The pilot fund, secured by NatureScot and SAOS (the Scottish Agricultural Organisation Society) sees SAOS administer the project working closely with Lowland Deer Network Scotland and Scottish Venison.

Phase two of the Pilot, with a fund of £95k, goes live on 15 August. Fourteen applicants have so far been awarded grants as part of the pilot scheme. These have predominantly been for match funding towards new chiller facilities and other larder improvements to facilitate a more professional approach throughout the supply chain.

Applications should:

• Demonstrate best practice for carcass handling and the potential for increased throughput.

• Demonstrate a sound business case and how the facility will be sustainably managed for the future.

• Be based and delivered within Lowland Deer Network Scotland (LDNS)’s Scottish operational lowland area, showing no conflicts with other facilities and potential benefits to multiple actors.

• Demonstrate willingness to supply follow-up details on how the facility performs.

Richard Cooke, Chair of Scottish Venison, commented: “There was a good level of interest in the previous round of this scheme, and we are optimistic that confidence will grow in this initiative to deliver

support for low ground deer managers for handling their carcasses. Low ground supply of venison into the food chain has been a challenge that we have recognised in the Scottish Venison strategy and this project, which we welcome, has a valuable role to play in supporting how we overcome that.”

Pete Moore, from NatureScot’s Wildlife Management Team, said: “We’ve listened to the views of the deer management sector seeking increased funding for venison supply chains, particularly in low

ground parts of Scotland. We hope that this grant will allow more smaller producers of venison in these areas to improve their handling and storage facilities.

“We think it’s a good offer that will help to raise standards and safeguard the supply of venison to the public. We have been at pains to make the application and claim process as simple as possible and look forward to hearing from many more applicants in this round of funding.”

John Bruce, Chairman of Lowland Deer Network Scotland, added: “I’m really

proud that after surveying low ground stalkers and evidencing their need for improving their chillers, that we have worked with partners to be able to run this grant scheme. I hope that many stalkers take up this opportunity.”

The scheme is open to stalkers and groups and will run until 26 September with successful applicants notified by the mid-October.

SAOS staff are available to help with applications and initial enquiries should be directed to venison@saos.coop

Rural Scotland’s fibre network set to expand following £40m bespoke lending solution from AlphaReal

AlphaReal, the real assets investment manager, has agreed a bespoke lending solution with Highland Broadband, which will enable rural communities throughout Scotland to benefit from a new £50 million investment in Highland Broadband’s ultrafast broadband network. This includes £40 million from AlphaReal and £10 million from the Scottish National Investment Bank.

Scotland’s Deputy First Minister, Kate Forbes, recently announced the new capital secured, as the company prepares for a significant expansion of its fibre network.

Highland Broadband has already connected 50% of rural premises in the Scottish Highlands to full fibre infrastructure. The new funding

ensures that the company can continue expanding its fibre network across rural Scotland, aiming to reach over 150 small towns and villages in the coming year.

Brad Bauman, Head of Alternative Credit at AlphaReal, said: “We are delighted to provide this initial facility to Highland Broadband. We have extensive experience in providing bespoke lending solutions across the debt spectrum, and as we expand into digital infrastructure, we look forward to working with Gavin and his team at Highland Broadband.”

Kate Forbes, Scotland’s Deputy First Minister said: “This is a significant success story for Scotland. The roll-out of Highland Broadband’s network has made a real difference to people and businesses in rural

areas, supporting jobs and boosting economic growth. I am delighted to see substantial new investment flowing into the company and the rural communities it serves, including a further £10 million from the Scottish National Investment Bank. This takes the Bank’s total investment to £60 million, which has helped Highland Broadband raise an additional £40 million of private capital.”

Gavin Rodgers, CEO of Highland Broadband, said: “This injection of £50 million of new capital means we have the funding as well as the capability to continue network expansion throughout rural Scotland. We are delighted to secure the backing of AlphaReal as a new funder and also welcome the ongoing support of the Scottish National Investment Bank.”

By Bob Whyte Ghillie on Catholes, Pitlochrie, Benchil and Luncarty on the River Tay

The Ghillie

It has been a far better summer, weather wise, which has impacted Salmon fishing throughout Scotland It has been much warmer, and rainfall has been at a premium

Firstly, it was a very dry spring with record low levels in some rivers and that had a continuation into the summer, impacting flows and making life difficult.

The Tay is a far bigger river than many, so even in dry periods there is still enough water for fish to run which is a blessing. However, it is still impacted by high water temperatures, at times, in very hot periods which we have seen this summer.

The Spring run was poor again this year and we were pinning our hopes on another good summer run like last year.

As July approached, the summer run started and we began to catch in much better numbers, which was encouraging.

Normally, the bigger multi sea winter fish appear first and then the grilse arrive a few weeks later. At the end of June and in the first week in July some good salmon, up to 20 pounds, were caught and lost but we quickly saw grilse arrive in good numbers.

I personally lost a really good fish at Benchil on the fly that I played for 30 minutes before it parted! I have been very busy through July and August with full

parties, and catches have been encouraging although not in the numbers of last year.

We finished with 32 in July, and August started well. Some good fish have been landed, up to 18 pounds, but it has been dominated by lovely plump grilse from 4 to 6 pounds and, after all, a grilse is a salmon as well! Better to land a grilse than nothing at all!

We have had 3 anglers that have caught their first salmon, which is tremendous.

Simon Bell had a few days with me having never caught a salmon and having no experience.

On his first day, he successfully caught 2 salmon to 11 pounds and lost a couple of others on a spinner, then caught his third the following day!

He must have wondered what all the fuss was about!

In the following week, Andy King caught his first salmon, fly fishing from the boat in the Long Shot at Benchil, weighing 12 pounds.

He was very excited and could not believe his achievement which was amazing to witness. I get more pleasure being able to make that happen than catching myself.

SHOOTING SCOTLAND

I do love teaching people and imparting my experience to give back something for all the pleasure I have had over the years on the river.

Lastly, Steve Beswick caught 2 up to 11 pounds with me at Luncarty, spinning from the boat, completing a hat-trick of firsts.

He really appreciated his success because on his first day all he could get was tangles in his line! The host of the party, Steve Peck and myself took 1 ½ hours to undo a bird’s nest in a braid he managed to cause!

We christened him “Steve the Knot”! There was another first for Charlie Chamberlain, landing his first ever Tay salmon after around 30 years trying on various beats. He smashed that one, landing 3 fish on the fly during a 3 day visit. July and early August have been very busy with reasonable catches which has been heartening with lots of stories to tell and all wanting to return next year. I have been extremely busy having 4

beats to run myself but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Hopefully it will continue for the remainder of the season although we are witnessing another heat wave with temperatures up to 28C currently, which is impacting catches.

In June, I met Helen Benson from the Gamekeepers’ Welfare Trust when they were doing their Scottish River Tour. They help Gamekeepers, Ghillies and Stalkers in various ways and are there for advice on many spectrums. I would encourage anyone in our field to contact them for anything that you are unsure about as they would love to help in any way they could.

I went to thank them at Scone Game Fair and became a guinea pig!

I had my pulse and blood pressure taken to find out I had very high blood pressure! Anyway, they advised I visit my doctor to get it checked out. It was still high, but after blood tests and an ECG all is

good, however I am on a morning pill to keep it down.

I would never have known this problem if it had not been for Helen’s organisation and it could have led to something far more serious.

Lastly, further news on my Shochie burn temperature work. I did a further walk on the upper parts of the burn in heat wave conditions, getting more extreme temperatures as high as 75F/24C which are danger levels for Juveniles. I witnessed lots swimming around the pools looking for deeper, cooler places. Not too long ago around 1000 salmon ran this catchment system so it is extremely important to protect them for the future.

Our Trust has put in applications to scope this part of the burn for tree planting to cool the burn down and also a scoping project for further areas of the catchment. Let us hope this is successful as we have to urgently mitigate against climate change with more regular heat waves becoming the norm.

The challenge of training a gundog

By Stuart Dunn Chairperson Caledonian Retriever Club

So, what does it take to train your own gundog? Everyone involved in shooting, trialling or working tests, picking up or beating, wants a well-trained biddable gundog companion, but how do you get there!

Buy a trained dog, nowadays there seems to be a multitude of gundog trainers who offer a fair selection of “readymade” dogs fully trained and normally for a sizable fee, and a little bit effort on your part can get yourself a dog that will bring you endless days of enjoyment, and lifelong memories, possibly.

Not everyone has the time, ability, or even the desire to train their own dog, therefore putting your hand in your pocket, and buying a fully trained gundog, or a competition dog could be seen as the best option.

Personally, there is a great sense of satisfaction, and enjoyment training your own dog, to what ever level meets your requirements.

The main problem new owners trying to train a dog come up against can be numerous, namely how to start training, what method of training suits you, and the dog best, time, many owners and handlers underestimate the huge amount of time it takes to train your

chosen breed of dog to a high standard, and in many cases it can become all consuming.

So, where, or how do you get started, you’ve decided what type of gundog you want to own, you’ve bought the pup, so what do you do now?

Should you decide to have a go at training the dog yourself, start off simply getting to know your dog, and let it get to know you. Simple socialising and getting the dog to trust you can be key to what unfolds within the coming months and years. Try to introduce your dog to simple things, retrieving its favourite toy, ball or rolled up sock, or anything else it likes to run around with, and see if it will pick it up once throw it or roll it about, and if it’ll come back to you with it. These early play situations if done in a easy going manner, can prove hugely beneficial on the long road ahead, and having trust in each other will pay dividends later in training. Many years ago I was lucky enough to helped out training my own dogs, by a great gundog trainer, who over the years nurtured many a Fifes gundog trainers, he had a couple of training nights sayings especially when your dog was working away trying to pickup scent, or working in cover, and nervously you’re not sure whether leave it alone, and see what happens, or jump in, and start blowing the whistle like a piper at the Military Tattoo. He would simply, and sometimes harshly yelp out, “trust your dog”. It’s a saying that stuck with me for decades, and on more than one occasion when the pressure is on, I’ve often said to myself “trust your dog”.

So, during the early weeks and months of your pup’s life, try and get a bond of trust between you both, and build upon this as you go forward.

Training your first dog can be a bit daunting, on your own, so you may wish to join some of the Scottish Gundog Clubs, some of which offer training classes, with like minded people, and opportunities to join in with experienced handlers who can help with advice or other opportunities.

The Caledonian Retriever Club was primarily started 13 years ago to encourage new people into the sport, and give opportunities, for handlers of all ages, and abilities the chance to learn and improve.

The sport generally didn’t have the best reputation across the board, at welcoming new participants into competitive side of clubs, but generally its gradually changing, so look up your local club and see what help they may be able to offer.

Other avenues you may think suits you better, is to go for oneto-one training with a reputable trainer and although cost will be a consideration, there are numerous excellent trainers who will be only too happy to help you train your dog. But be careful because nearly every street corner has a “gundog” trainer on it nowadays, many of whom are not shy at charging

ridiculous fees for what is at best mediocre advice, so, choose carefully.

I would suggest for handlers who wish to train their dog for competitions, seek advice from a trainer with a proven record of “winning competitions”. Too many “street corner” trainers have never won themselves with a dog, so training you to know how to win, probably won’t happen! So ask around, join a few clubs, go to a few working tests, get involved, and you’ll soon find out what standard is required, and who

is best placed to help you out in which every way suits you, your budget, and most importantly your dog.

Training methods have changed dramatically over the years, and getting your dog to trust you is a key requirement for the months of training that lay ahead.

Which ever method of training you embark upon, either individually, or one-to-one, or group sessions, try to make it fun, interesting and enjoyable.

Too many people I’ve seen over the years make sessions

too difficult, too aggressive, and negative, there’s very few corners you can cut when training your dog, encouragement, repetition, and many many hours of time and imaginative thinking goes into successful training sessions, problem solving, and success. Therefore, whichever way you decide to train your dog it will tale lots of time, it will be exhilarating at times, it will also be exasperating at times too, but when it all works it will bring you memories that will last a lifetime too!!

Good luck!

The Country Store

Caesar Guerini Invictus

ArtCo Specialist 12ga 34 inch(657) PSA East

New Caesar Guerini Invictus ArtCo Specialist 12ga. Features new titanium extended choke 34 inch barrels with flat sporting rib. Engraved receiver featuring ArtCo pattern with black accents and fixed selectable trigger. Highly figured right hand Sporting stock with adjustable comb and Round Sporting forend. Comes in factory case.

Price on request https://pacificsportingarms.com

Bird Puller 5kg Tub

Available from Collins Nets, Bird Puller is a unique blend of natural spices which you add directly into your feed.

No need to add any liquids as Bird Pullers own blend of natural oils that allows it to stick to your feed without clogging up your feeders or turning the feed mouldy.

1 x 5kg tub will treat up to 2.5 tonnes – up to 1 scoop per 25kg sack of feed

Price: £40.00

https://collinsnets.co.uk/product/gamekeep-bird-puller

Stoney Creek Microplus Hoodie

Warm and Ready for the Hunt

You know that moment when you’re tucked into the hedge line, perfectly still, waiting for a deer’s ear to flick or a fox to break cover? That’s when the right clothing isn’t just about comfort – it’s about staying hidden and staying ready. The Stoney Creek Microplus Hoodie is one of those rare bits of kit that just works in the field: light, warm, quiet, and cut to move with you.

Lightweight Warmth You Can Rely On

Made from hydrophobic micro-yarn fleece, the Microplus traps heat without weighing you down. It’s warm enough to take the edge off a frosty morning but thin enough to work as a mid-layer under a smock or jacket. Breathable and fast-drying, it’s the kind of hoodie you can wear from dawn sessions through to last light.

Hunting-Friendly Features

The fit is snug without being restrictive, so it won’t snag or flap when you move. The close-fitting hood keeps the wind off without blocking your view, and thumb loops stop the sleeves riding up when you’re climbing fences or shouldering your rifle. A zipped chest pocket gives you a safe spot for calls, gloves, or even a small thermal monocular.

Two Camouflage Options

TCF (Tuatura Camo Forest) – Best suited for woodland, forestry blocks, and mixed farmland. Its darker greens and shadowed tones break up your outline in leafy cover. Perfect for roe stalking, pigeon shooting in the woods, or fox control around copses.

TCA (Tuatura Camo Alpine) – Lighter and more open in pattern, with more earth tones and muted greys. This makes it ideal for open moorland, rocky ground, or reed beds. It blends beautifully in coastal environments too, so if you’re wildfowling on the foreshore or working near estuaries, TCA will help you disappear into the background.

Built Tough for Real-World Hunting

This isn’t a hoodie that’ll stay “nice” for long—it’s built to be worn, worked, and washed again and again. Whether you’re crawling into position through bracken, sitting for hours in damp grass, or moving between hides in a biting wind, the Microplus keeps its shape and performance.

Available from Wild & Moor in sizes Small to 4XL. Stoney Creek Microplus Camo Hoodie - £59.95 www.wildandmoor.co.uk Tel: 01535 611688

Passenger Carrying Trailers

The Country Store HIKMICRO Alpex 4K Lite LRF – Small Package, Epic Performance!

If you spend any time out in the countryside with an air rifle or rimfire slung over your shoulder, you’ll know how much kit weight can matter. A few hours trudging across fields for rabbits or clambering through farm buildings after rats, and you soon appreciate anything that shaves off a few ounces. That’s why the new HIKMICRO Alpex 4K Lite LRF is Night Master’s best seller this month – it’s a proper day/night digital scope with some clever tricks up its sleeve, but in a lighter, handier package than you’d expect.

Access Trailers specialize in designing and selling passenger carrying trailers. A large number of which are used for farm /estate tours. We offer a range of models from lightweight ATV Off Road models to large heavy duty tractor drawn units.

All our trailers are fabricated and assembled by Graham Edwards Trailers and are built on proven chassis. Ease of access for young and old is a key feature of our designs along with an option pack to carry wheelchair users on selected models. Depending on use customers can choose from a number of different seat layouts.

The chassis and steelwork are fully galvanized and trailers come with fixed alloy roofs, powder coated green alloy sides along with see through roll up side curtains which are standard on our lightweight ATV and medium range GP models.

Access Buggy Off Road models can be towed by an ATV. Fitted with low pressure tyres they are designed for softer ground and are good for accessing remote or sensitive areas of countryside.

GP models are built on tandem axles with an overrun braking system. They are incredibly versatile and a number of models have removable tops. The trailer base can then be used as a general trailer when the passenger carrying top is lifted off (forklift required).

To carry larger numbers of people we produce a heavier range of Access Trailers built on a 3,500kg chassis or heavy duty tractor drawn TDM models units plated at 8 tons fitted with hydraulic brakes. These units are offer improved ground clearance for operating across more difficult terrain.

For more information visit our website www.accesstrailers.co.uk or email sales@accesstrailers.co.uk You can also contact Ian Longden at Access Trailers of 07854085880

Let’s start with the obvious: the picture quality. The Alpex 4K Lite is built around a 4K UHD sensor and a 40mm lens, which basically means everything looks pin-sharp whether you’re in bright sunlight or complete darkness. During the day you get a crisp, full-colour image that makes spotting rabbits against patchy grass a breeze. When the light fades, it switches into black-and-white night mode. Add a Night Master NM1 CL infrared illuminator to it and you’ll have crisp, clear, detailed views of your quarry.

What makes the “Lite” so appealing is the size. It’s roughly 60% lighter and noticeably shorter than the original Alpex models, and it mounts up on a standard 30 mm tube – so it’s easy to balance on an air rifle or lightweight rimfire. You’ll really notice the difference if you’re shooting on the move or from awkward positions in barns, hides, or hedgerows.

Then there’s the LRF bit – Laser Range Finder. Built into the side of the scope, it pings distances out to 1000m (though for air rifles, we’re talking much shorter) and ties into an on-board ballistic calculator. In plain English, that means it can work out your hold-over on the fly, so if a rabbit pops up at 37m instead of your zeroed 30m, you’ve got the right aim point instantly.

You also get a choice of imaging modes – Day, Night, Auto, plus Green and Yellow if you prefer a softer view for certain conditions. Startup is quick, so you’re ready to go almost instantly, and the high refresh rate keeps moving targets smooth and easy to track.

Available from Night Master: Alpex 4K Lite LRF – £649.95

NM1 CL IR Kit - £129.95

www.nightmaster.co.uk

Tel: 01535 610066

The Country Store Venison Processing Units

A Venison Processing Unit from Fisher Game Larders offers an efficient and cost-effective solution for upgrading or establishing a modern, high-throughput facility.

Our expert team provides a comprehensive concept-to-installation service, covering all aspects of both internal and external design. Each unit is carefully tailored to ensure a practical layout that suits your operational needs whilst meeting relevant industry regulations, compliance standards and best practices.

Bespoke Venison Handling Facilities

Our custom-designed units allow you to create a fully functional, multi-purpose Venison Processing Facility tailored to your specific requirements. Features can include:

• Intake & Preparation Room

• Carcass Chiller

• Processing & Packing Area

• Hygienic, Food-Safe Internal Walls

• Aluminium Meat Rail System

• Electric Hoists & Integrated Scales

• Hot/Cold Wash Down Systems

• Integrated Drainage Solutions

Each facility is designed with efficiency, hygiene and regulatory compliance in mind, ensuring a streamlined workflow from intake to dispatch.

Rapid Installation & Ready-to-Use

Once delivered, your Venison Processing Unit can be up and running quickly, with fully commissioned electrics and plumbing included as standard.

We can also supply any additional equipment required to suit your specific operational needs, ensuring a seamless transition to full functionality.

Link to website is: Game Larders - Fisher Group

Irish Setter Elk Tracker

10 inch Boots 3982

Made from US Trout Brook leather with a Ultradry waterproof lining and TempSens Swiss temperature control technology they are guaranteed to keep your feet snug & dry. Comfort & unparalleled grip are assured with CuShin Comfort tongue technology, enerG rebound material & their Cork EVA/memory foam footbed, premium welt construction & Bulls-Eye Air Bob aggressive dual density sole, up to size 13. This is your chance to own a pair of Irish Setters latest High Tech boots.

RRP: £319.90

Call 01460 221720 or visit www.footwearcountry.co.uk

Meat on the Margins: Why UK Shelves Are Changing and What It Means for Scotland

By Ian Bentley, QMS Board Member

For many families across the UK, the food centrepiece of most meals is some form of protein, be it red meat, poultry, fish or even pulses. Because of its importance, retailers pay close attention to their protein ranges, because they know that if they can attract customers to their stores for their meat purchases, they can also sell the accompanying products to them.

In today’s economic climate, consumers are looking for good value wherever they can find it, and value of course is a combination of quality and price. The cheapest product seldom represents good value, nor does high quality at exorbitant prices. It is in this context that we see changes in some retailers’ approach to their offer of red meat products, with different countries of origin appearing on the shelves.

Why is this happening? Well, as highlighted in Quality Meat Scotland’s recent beef sector modelling, cattle and sheep numbers in Scotland and across

the UK have been declining slowly but steadily for many years. A number of factors are to blame – historic low profitability of livestock farming, lack of succession in farming families, and uncertainty about levels of Government support for livestock farming. This tightening of supply has led to significant hikes in the price paid to farmers, rising to record levels which are significantly higher than world averages. Those price rises are working through the supply chain, resulting in prime cuts on retailers’ shelves costing tens of pounds per kilo, with fillet steak for example regularly commanding over £50 per kilo for the best quality. How many ordinary working families can afford to pay such prices? Not many, I would suggest.

This has led some retailers to reconsider their approach to sourcing. In recent years most major retailers have committed to sourcing from UK, and

supporting of branding such as Scotch Beef and Scotch Lamb for their premium quality and standard ranges. But as prices have risen, retailers have, understandably, been looking at ways to offer affordable meat cuts to their customers, and this has led some to introduce meat from cheaper sources, often from the Republic of Ireland, but now from countries further afield such as Australia. It is important to say that no major retailer has abandoned UK supply, and UK origin including Scotch still has the majority of shelf space. However, looked at over the long term, these changes are not good for the industry or the national economy.

We know there is strong loyalty on the part of consumers to products from their own country of origin – highlighted in QMS’s recently commissioned survey for example. In Scotland we know they want to buy Scotch Beef and Scotch Lamb.

If supply continues to dwindle, our rural economy will suffer, not to mention our national food security (which actually means “producing enough food to feed ourselves”). If domestic prices continue to rise, the temptation to look elsewhere for cheaper (and possibly lower quality) alternatives will grow stronger, and we will see even greater presence of meat from around the world on our shelves.

The answer is for our Scottish farmers to have the confidence to increase livestock numbers (hence QMS’s Meating Our Potential initiative encouraging productivity, profitability and herd growth), in the knowledge that they will be supported by long term agreements with processors and retailers, and wider decision makers. If we get this right, retailers will be quick to return to full support for domestic meat products at reasonable prices which consumers can afford.

Ian Bentley

New modelling on rising prices for beef forecast to impact consumer demand

Rising beef prices have outstriped general inflation, driven by a constrained supply. New research from the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) and Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) explores the potential impact of further beef price increases on consumer shopping behaviours both in-store and when dining out.

The levy boards worked with Worldpanel by Numerator (formerly Kantar) to look at past consumer behaviour when beef inflation hit its highest point and used these insights to model what could potentially happen if beef inflation was to hit a similar level again.

In retail, beef inflation reached 9.1% in May 2025, with prices averaging £9.39 per kilo for total beef (Worldpanel by Numerator UK, 12 w/e 18 May 2025). In the past, retail beef inflation hit a high of 16% in October 2022 and modelling showed that if inflation were to hit 16% again now, it would lead to a potential decline in retail beef volumes of -12,500 tonnes (Worldpanel by Numerator UK estimates).

In the out-of-home (OOH) market, including all restaurants, cafes, bakeries and fast-food chains, average prices per dish for beef have also been steadily increasing, now averaging over £6 per dish. Foodservice beef inflation hit a high of 12.8% in November 2024 and modelling showed that if inflation were to hit 12.8% again now, it would take the average price per dish to £7 and cause foodservice beef volumes to potentially decline by -5,100 tonnes (Worldpanel by Numerator UK OOH estimates).

Emma Wantling, Retail and Consumer Insight Manager at AHDB, said: “As a general rule, as prices rise, demand from consumers drops. Consumers typically respond to price increases by reducing the amount and frequency at which they purchase

beef, swapping to cheaper beef cuts, stores and proteins and even turning away from beef altogether.”

Iain Macdonald, Market Intelligence Manager at QMS said: “Research conducted by QMS in 2024 found that a lack of profitability was a major contributor to the reduction in Scotland’s beef herd in recent years. While a higher level of farmgate prices in 2025 may have gone some way towards addressing that balance, the size and speed of the step-up in prices has squeezed the volume of demand as it has quickly passed through into consumer prices.”

The AHDB and QMScommissioned research explores how food processors, retailers, food service operators and the wider supply chain could minimise inflationary sales losses though promotional activity, communicating red meat quality, taste and reputational credentials and working to ensure robustness in domestic supplies, as this will help to stabilise beef inflation for consumers and support demand across beef cuts.

Emma added: “Marketing will be crucial to support beef demand, and communicating the unique

benefits of beef cuts that are not easily replaced by other proteins should be prioritised. AHDB’s ongoing Let’s Eat Balanced consumer campaign highlights the great taste and nutritional benefits of British beef to British consumers. Our work to open and develop export markets is also critical to support demand and maximise returns for the whole carcase.

“AHDB is working with partners across the industry to understand what we can do collectively to support an efficient, profitable and resilient domestic supply base. Building a more

resilient supply chain will help minimise the negative impacts of market volatility in the future.”

Iain added: “Our latest modelling highlights that Scotland’s beef sector alone could generate an additional £281 million in output and £76 million in GVA for our economy by 2030. QMS, in partnership with the Scottish Red Meat Resilience Group, has been running the Meating Our Potential campaign to highlight this opportunity and provide support to grow a resilient, productive and profitable sector for the future.”

Ring remains king for putting confidence back into the beef sector

Buoyant beef trade at Scotland’s livestock marts is keeping confidence strong in the sector.

Even though cattle prices are down from the highs seen earlier in the year, they are still well up year on year, instilling ongoing confidence among beef producers, says Andrew Hunter-Blair, auctioneer at Craig Wilson Ltd in Dumfries & Galloway:

“Prices hit a peak in June, with store cattle being sold for £400600 more on the year and heifers with calves at foot averaging up to £1000 more. We’d anticipated the

price would drop over the summer, which it has, but it’s still higher than it was last year and from sales last week it looks like prices are starting to pick up again.

“This could partly be due to low numbers as a result of a lot of forward selling in the Spring. It’s a new age of pricing and we need to get used to it. Demand is strong and it’s really good to see producers rewarded for the work they put in with prices where they should be. There’s definitely positivity among our customers.”

Andrew has also seen more livestock bought and sold through the ring this year.

“There have definitely been more folk around the ring and trading. They are seeing the value. There also seem to be fewer private sales on farm. In the mart, there’s the competition that you don’t get with a private sale, with say 6-8 buyers bidding, which widens the market potential and you get the best price on the day. Many wouldn’t dream of asking those prices at home.”

Murray Steel, auctioneer at United Auctions, and who, like Andrew, represents young auctioneers with the Institute of Appraisers and Auctioneers in Scotland (IAAS), agrees that he has never seen trade like this in his nine-year career to date:

“There’s a lack of numbers in the suckler herd both domestically and globally. It’s an older industry and many have come out of beef as they weren’t getting the returns. We’re seeing now the impact of the low supply and rising demand. While fat cattle prices are back at the abattoirs, they are going from strength to strength in the ring. Those who have stuck at beef are now reaping the rewards. Everyone is upbeat and in good spirits.”

The last 4-5 years has seen a number of dispersals, and while there may not be many new producers coming into the industry, Murray is seeing a positive attitude among customers:

“Those who are staying in cows are keeping their numbers

up and buying more which will help stabilise the national herd. The current values will hopefully encourage them to continue to invest.”

While prices for fat cattle have levelled out over the summer, Murray predicts the back end of the year will be sharper:

“The value of the marts really shows at times like this. The ring’s been paramount in the way trade has risen, and the marts are a pivotal part in getting store and fat to where it is today. The processors may see tight trade in the Spring which will trickle down but there’s definitely a bright future for breeders and sellers at the marts. There’s never been a better time, the trade is going from strength to strength.”

Neil Wilson, Executive Director of IAAS, said:

“The marts are agile and remain dynamic and active to meet market demand. Despite the challenges of US trade deals, policy changes,

economic uncertainties, and more recently, BTV, it’s excellent to see the beef trade as strong as ever. The marts have a significant role in safeguarding a competitive marketplace, and never is it more obvious than when balancing supply and demand.”

While UK beef production is expected to decrease by

5% this year, AHDB forecast 1% rise in demand for beef in 2025. The Red Meat Resilience Group, of which IAAS is a member, is working together with Quality Meat Scotland on the industry-wide campaign, Meating Your Potential, to promote future red meat production in Scotland.

Summer 2025 Red Meat Snapshot

By Iain Macdonald, Market Intelligence Manager

at Quality Meat Scotland

Beef Market

Prime cattle prices edged higher in July, following a period of lower slaughter which helped to rebalance the market after a volatile spring. Despite prices being ten percent below their spring peak, they remained about a third higher than last year in late July. Attractive finished cattle prices and reduced numbers supported a stronger store trade compared to 2024. Cow prices have stabilised around six percent below their spring peak, with low seasonal slaughter and demand for manufacturing beef underpinning the market relative to prime beef.

In the Republic of Ireland, a sharp reduction in slaughter during July pushed prime cattle prices up to Scottish levels. Slaughter is still expected to increase seasonally again in autumn, but it could struggle to match 2024 levels, potentially affecting competition for cattle. However, higher prices are likely to have some impact on demand.

Defra figures show a nearly five percent reduction in GB prime cattle slaughter in the first half of 2025, contributing to higher farmgate prices. Lower cow beef production also helped reduce overall UK beef production by nearly four percent in the same period.

A tight UK market in spring led to lower exports and a rise in imports from non-EU countries, which eased supply chain price pressures. Low slaughter in Scotland through June and July suggests a build-up of stock on farms, with a rebound in the kill in late July likely to continue through August and September. However, overall numbers are expected to tighten year-on-year due to a smaller pool of prime cattle under two years old. A slight rebound in calf registrations suggests

production could stabilise in 2026 and 2027, supporting long-term demand driven by population growth.

The QMS and Scottish Red Meat Resilience Group’s partnership campaign, Meating Our Potential, highlights this domestic opportunity.

Sheep Market

Lamb prices remained close to their new season peak in late July despite increases in auction and abattoir throughput over 2024 levels in Scotland. However, numbers remain soft compared to pre-2024. In England and Wales, lamb throughput has been more stable than usual, possibly due to delayed finishing caused by sluggish grass growth, supporting firm prices.

UK lamb exports surged in the spring supported by a fall in EU sheepmeat production. However, wholesale prices in Paris fell seasonally in July, tightening export margins but not affecting GB farmgate prices.

UK sheepmeat imports increased in spring but may have slowed in June and July due to tighter supply in New Zealand. Higher lamb prices in the Southern Hemisphere, reflecting lower production and strong demand, likely pushed UK import prices higher, potentially setting a stronger market floor. The impact of upcoming US tariffs on Australian and New Zealand lamb remains to be seen.

Pig Market

Pig prices followed a normal seasonal rise in July, narrowing year-on-year declines to within one percent. Prices remain ten to fifteen percent above the fiveyear average and slightly above production costs, supporting producer confidence.

Defra data shows increased prime pig slaughter in GB in the first half of 2025, continuing the rise from 2024, though still below the five-year average. Scottish pig numbers sent for slaughter fell slightly, but the abattoir kill in Scotland rose, signalling strong demand. UK pig supply grew by about four percent in 2024 and increased further in early 2025 due to higher domestic production, with sluggish EU imports and modest export growth mostly to China. Improved market access and reduced US pork shipments to China supported this export growth.

Economic Outlook

US trade policy and exchange rate volatility may cause commodity price swings in 2025. A lower US dollar could reduce input costs but may also affect export margins. Energy prices remain elevated in Europe, especially natural gas

and fertilisers, while feed costs face downward pressure thanks to positive harvests.

ONS data shows earnings growth remained above inflation in the spring, supporting spending on red meat despite higher prices limiting volume growth. Business surveys continue to point to a fairly flat economy, indicating weak demand and some private sector job cuts, with consumer confidence remaining low as some positivity around personal finances is offset by economic uncertainty.

US Import Tariffs

US tariffs on beef and lamb from several countries, including Brazil, Argentina, Australia, Uruguay, and New Zealand, have introduced complexity to global trade and are likely to result in market disruption as supply chains react. China’s higher tariffs on US pork and beef have squeezed margins and volumes, while the export approval for

China for many US beef sites has been allowed to lapse. These shifts present opportunities for UK exporters as gaps open in the US and other

markets as product is displaced. The UK’s new thirteen thousandtonne beef quota to the US, with favourable tariffs, may open in 2026, offering further potential.

Farmers encouraged to review breeding protocols to reduce risk of cattle caesareans

CATTLE farmers are being encouraged to take steps to improve their breeding selection protocols to reduce the incidence of caesarean sections in their herds.

The advice comes from farm vet Mel Julian from Cross Counties Farm Vets, part of the VetPartners group, comes following publication of the group’s first ever audit of

more than 600 cattle caesarean sections on farms across the UK.

The VetPartners Cow Caesar audit, which covered 631 caesareans from 461 farms served by 25 of the group’s farm practices across the UK, found 77% of the procedures were carried out on beef cattle and almost two thirds – 62% – were caused by the calves being too big for the pelvis of the cows or heifers birthing them.

The study also found that 61% of the caesareans were performed on cows aged three and under – highlighting the opportunity for improvement when it comes to selecting replacement heifers.

“These figures show how more focus needs to be placed on selection and management of replacement heifers and bulls,” says Mrs Julian.“As a starting point, keep accurate records during your next calving period so you know which cows required assistance, the level of

assistance and why; this will help when selecting cows to keep replacements from.

“For recording the level of assistance, you could use a five point scale, with number one equalling no assistance, two meaning slight assistance using no equipment, three meaning assistance was required using equipment - such as a calving aid - followed by four which represents vet assistance, and five which is surgical vet assistance.”

Agriculture Minister Supports Native Livestock Breeds at RBST Scotland Conference

Agriculture Minister Jim Fairlie showed strong support for native livestock breeds at the Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST)

Scotland Conference, which saw more than 100 people gather at Guardswell Farm in Perthshire on 31st July.

Mr Fairlie delivered the keynote speech at the conference. He said: “Our rare breeds are an important part of Scotland’s agriculture heritage and future, they are increasingly recognised

as potentially valuable reservoirs of genetic diversity, making them useful for breeding livestock with characteristics that may be needed to respond to climate change and other changing agricultural practices. Many of these breeds come from small producers who benefit from the increased high quality

Resilience of Scotland’s Red Meat Sector Highlighted in New Industry Report

The continued socioeconomic importance and resilience of Scotland’s red meat sector were underlined at Quality Meat Scotland’s (QMS) presentation to stakeholders at Turriff Show (4 August 2025), following the release of its latest Red Meat Industry Profile report.

The report – a key statistical tool supporting decision makers – shows that 2024 brought a more settled year for Scotland’s red meat supply chain, with combined farming and processing output for cattle, sheep, and pigs estimated to have risen by 2% from 2023, exceeding £2.7 billion. Including wider economic effects, the sector’s total impact could have reached £3.5 billion of output and £1.05 billion of GVA in 2024.

Strong consumer demand for beef, lamb and pork continues, but perpetual declining livestock numbers remain a critical risk. Beef cow numbers were 3.6% lower in December 2024 than a year earlier, down nearly 15% in a decade. The ewe flock fell 2.3% in June for a third consecutive year.

local produce they provide for a range of markets. These small producers are a vital part of our agricultural and rural sectors, contributing to their local economies and supporting the resilience, diversity and sustainability of farming and our food systems.”

The RBST Scotland conference featured engaging speakers and passionate discussions across a range of important topics. These included:

• Lynn Cassells detailed how native breeds contribute to farming that focuses on sustainable stewardship and responsibility to the land at Lynbreck Croft (near Tomintoul in the Highlands).

• Jan McCourt, founding farmer-producer of the modernday incarnation of London’s Borough Market, shared his

personal experiences of farming and high quality produce with native breeds.

• Orkney Boreray flock owner Jane Cooper inspired the audience as she explained a community-driven project underway that is seeking to bring new TTA (Tiny Trailer Abattoir) technology to Scotland’s islands as a solution to help tackle the abattoir crisis.

The conference closed with a superb expert butchery demonstration by Euan Simpson from the Balcaskie Estate’s Butchery at Bowhouse, showcasing the unique qualities and stand-out characteristics of native Red Poll cattle and discussing with conference chair Jock Gibson (Macbeth’s Butcher and Game Dealer) the superiority in appearance, texture and flavour of native breed meat.

QMS Chief Executive, Sarah Millar, said: “With record high economic contribution in 2024, Scotland’s red meat sector remains a cornerstone of rural communities and a key contributor to the national economy. Demand is strong, with abattoir output rising 5% to an estimated £1.14b. We will continue to work closely with partners to keep Scottish beef, pork and lamb at the heart of our sustainable food system.”

Iain Macdonald, Market Intelligence Manager at QMS, said: “Despite record prices and strong demand, high input and labour costs have driven further herd and flock reductions. Stabilising breeding numbers, improving productivity, and retaining more store animals within Scotland are key steps to protect rural jobs, support food security, and unlock the sector’s full potential.”

QMS and the Scottish Red Meat Resilience Group’s Meating Our Potential campaign highlights this domestic beef supply gap as a major opportunity.

Read the full Red Meat Industry Profile report herehttp://bit.ly/40YIVMj

Find out more about Quality Meat Scotland at qmscotland.co.uk and follow @qmscotland on social

New accredited biosecurity training programme available for poultry teams

The first eLearning Poultry Passport accredited biosecurity course has been launched by Livetec Systems to help improve on-farm practices, reduce costly disease outbreaks and build resilience in the UK poultry sectors.

Amy Davies, biosecurity adviser and trainer for Livetec, says this course is the first in a series of accredited and certified content being developed by the expert biosecurity advisory team at Livetec.

With Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) and African Swine Fever (ASF) posing significant risks to the agricultural industry, this farm-tailored training will prove a valuable tool for producers.

She explains: “Developed to help sectors facing complex

and evolving biosecurity threats, our blended training programme includes eLearning short courses, in-person workshops and live online sessions – which enables in-house training programmes to be tailored to suit each business’s needs.”

Supporting employee development across the industry,

the training programme is on offer for those working in organisations of all shapes and sizes and will be adapted to each business’s unique needs.

For more information about Livetec becoming your training partner visit: Farm Biosecurity Training Courses and Workshops.

£3m project to examine digital innovation

A new multinational project will highlight how digital technologies –and other innovative ways to collect livestock and environmental data –could be better tailored to the needs of livestock managers and wider communities in moorland areas.

Known as rangeland outwith the UK and Ireland, moorland covers over a third of the globe and provides the forage resource for a range of extensively managed grazing systems, where the livestock convert the vegetation into meat and dairy products suitable for human consumption.

SRUC is the UK partner in a £3 million EU-funded project called DIGI-Rangeland (Digital innovation and data technology network for rangeland livestock farming systems), which is led by the French Livestock Institute with partners from organisations, in addition to the UK, in Bulgaria, Croatia, France, Greece, Iceland, Norway, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland and Romania.

Dr Claire Morgan-Davies from SRUC’s Hill & Mountain Research Centre near Loch Lomond said: “Not only is the majority of rangeland vegetation considered to be of high nature conservation value – because of the vegetation itself and the wildlife it supports –but also the health of that vegetation is intimately linked to, and so depends upon, the continuation of the grazing systems.

To find out more, visit www. digirangeland.eu

The VET Protecting your Flock: the Importance of Quarantine

At this time of year where many sheep farmers turn their attention to purchasing new tups and replacement females, we must bear in mind the importance of an adequate quarantine protocol to protect the health of our flocks. After all, boughtin stock is by far the most convenient route for disease to sneak its way onto farm. It is recommended to quarantine bought-in stock for at least 3-4 weeks. During this time, the incomers should be kept well away from the rest of the flock (separate airspace, water supply, equipment etc.). Whilst in quarantine, the animals should be monitored closely for signs of disease and specific treatments should be used, as detailed below, to avoid the introduction of any unwanted passengers:

Worms

- Incoming stock could potentially harbour worms resistant to wormers, or worms that your flock are previously unexposed to (e.g. Haemonchus). Quarantine treatments aim to minimise this risk.

- On arrival, sheep should ideally be treated with BOTH of the newest generation wormers (orange and purple); however, if this is not feasible, treatment with

By Balfour S Hay BVMS MRCVS

orange wormer plus a clear wormer is acceptable

- The sheep should then be yarded for ideally 48 hours to allow time for the worm treatments to work, avoiding contamination of pastures

- The sheep should then be turned out onto a “dirty” pasture, with the aim of “diluting” any surviving resistant worms with local susceptible worms

Fluke

- Emerging triclabendazole resistance is a concerning threat to the sheep industry, as this is the only flukicide to kill the early stages of the parasite, which causes acute infection

- Avoid introduction of triclabendazole-resistant fluke by treating with closantel or triclabendazole on arrival, followed by a closantel treatment 6 weeks later

- During this time, keep the stock on well-drained land to prevent any fluke eggs they may shed from

progressing through their aquatic lifecycle

Lameness

- Infectious causes of lameness (e.g. scald, foot rot, CODD) are easily bought-in: feet should be examined closely for signs of these conditions and appropriate treatment given where necessary

- Footbath sheep on entry and prior to exit of quarantine (10% zinc sulphate or 3% formalin, using as recommended)

- Bring animals up to date with foot rot vaccination if applicable

Sheep Scab

- Treating for sheep scab on arrival is advisable (ideally dipping, or an injectable product)

- Alternatively, the sheep may be blood tested after 2 weeks to check for antibodies to the scab mite, with treatment then being used if the results come back positive

Other Diseases

- a variety of other infectious diseases can also be bought in, including infectious ovine keratoconjunctivitis (pink eye) and caseous lymphadenitis (CLA), emphasising the importance of inspecting sheep closely for any signs of illness during the quarantine.

Dairy Farmers Urged to Disinfect Water Lines Pre-Housing After Hot Summer

Dairy farmers preparing to house cows for winter are being urged to clean and disinfect water lines to remove harmful pathogens that may have built up during the hot summer.

Troughs and pipelines left stagnant over summer –particularly in hot weather –can quickly become breeding grounds for bacteria and biofilms. These not only clog up water systems but also reduce palatability, intake, and could harm herd health, warns biosecurity specialist Nigel Bennet from Roam Technology.

“Left unchecked, contaminated water becomes a hidden reservoir of disease that can damage herd health and eat directly into milk yields and farm profitability,” he says.

“PathogenslikeCryptosporidium parvum can survive six months in water, Salmonella for 50 days, and E. coli for up to a year. Campylobacter and enteric viruses, such as rotavirus and norovirus, thrive in biofilms inside water lines, creating a constant source of reinfection.”

Biofilm forms when freeswimming microbes, such as bacteria, attach to surfaces in water systems and secrete sticky, glue-like substances that create a protective matrix. This allows bacteria to multiply and form persistent communities, creating potential reservoirs for pathogens as well as management issues like blocked lines.

Mr Bennet stresses that water is too often overlooked: “Water is the most critical nutrient for dairy cows – yet it’s often ignored. Highyielding cows can drink up to 250 litres a day. Contaminated water reduces intake, disrupts rumen function, and can damage fertility – all of which directly affect production and profitability.”

Carson Pridham of Intemax, specialists in livestock water systems, adds that problems are

widespread: “The water in the majority of troughs I see is far from potable– you can see the build-up of biofilm in the drinker. Other times, farmers report reduced intakes without realising water quality is the cause. When we test water and take bacterial samples, the results are often a shock.”

Roam Technology and Intemax are working with increasing numbers of dairy farmers to help improve water hygiene and support production. Their recommended approach is to thoroughly clean the water system and then keep it clean

with constant dosing - a process routinely seen on pig and poultry farms.

Intemax uses Huwa-San TR-50, a 50% silver-stabilised hydrogen peroxide disinfectant from Roam Technology. It destroys bacteria, viruses, fungi and biofilms, while safely breaking down into water and oxygen with no harmful residues.

“Regular water treatment protects herd health and maximises water intake and milk production,” adds Mr Pridham. “Calves also need clean water from day one to develop a

healthy rumen. By weaning, they may drink up to 12 litres a day – hygiene is critical for lifetime performance.”

Animal welfare regulations also require livestock water to be of sufficient quality, and retailers are increasingly monitoring standards.

“But clean water is not just about compliance – it pays off in healthier cows, higher yields, and improved fertility. If you aren’t prepared to drink the water yourself, then you shouldn’t expect your cows to drink it,” adds Mr Bennet.

Accurate feed data unlocks carbon-cutting potential for UK dairy farms

A more precise understanding of feed-related emissions is opening new opportunities for UK farmers to cut carbon without compromising productivity, according to experts.

Analysis by data specialists Map of Ag shows that on an average UK dairy farm, bought-in feed accounts for approximately one third of the total farm emissions. Yet despite its significant impact, many carbon calculators and environmental assessments still rely heavily on generic values for ration components, limiting the potential for targeted action.

“To drive meaningful

reductions, we need more accurate, farm-specific data that reflects the true environmental impact of what’s actually being fed,” says John Warburton, Sustainability Consultant at data specialists Map of Ag.

“Emissions from feed are the second largest contributor after enteric emissions – accounting for an average of 30% of total farm emissions based on our data.

“If we use true feed data –tonnages, constituent analysis and sourcing - better decisions can be made at both farm and retailer level to mitigate emissions.”

To address the issue, Map of Ag has been working with over 100 feed companies to facilitate the capture of more accurate feed data. Algorithms have been developed to calculate emissions from individual feed tickets, based on actual ingredients and inclusion rates.

“The variation between feeds is striking,” says James Husband, Senior Livestock Consultant at Map of Ag.

“Some standard 18% protein compounds and blends can carry

up to three times the embedded emissions of others. That can make a substantial difference when you’re looking to reduce your feed-related emissions.”

Using generic data has also led some food businesses to introduce blanket bans on ingredients such as soya,

especially where provenance can’t be verified. While concerns around deforestation are valid, Mr Husband cautions against generalisations.

“When responsibly sourced, soya can be a very cost-effective and efficient protein source that can even carry environmental

advantages over other sources,” he says.

“Soya delivers more protein per hectare than many alternatives and, as a legume, helps fix nitrogen. That’s why accurate, feed-specific data is essential to correctly account for responsibly sourced materials.”

Technidrive delivers 1,000 dairy control systems

Energy-saving dairy technology gains traction across UK and Ireland

Technidrive, a leading provider of intelligent drive and control systems, has reached a significant milestone with the delivery of its 1,000th bespoke control solution to the dairy sector. With advanced technologies like TechniVac and TechniFlow, the company has been transforming dairy operations across the UK and Republic of Ireland (ROI), helping farmers enhance energy efficiency, product quality and overall performance.

This latest milestone is more than a number — it underscores Technidrive’s growing role in an

industry where precision, hygiene and reliability are essential.

Designed and engineered in-house, the company’s flagship systems have become widely recognised as a benchmark for energy-efficient milking and milk transfer.

TechniVac is Technidrive’s vacuum pump system, intelligently adapting output to meet real-time demand during milking. By significantly reducing energy use — up to 60 per cent — and delivering quieter, low-maintenance operation, TechniVac ensures consistent

vacuum performance in a compact hygienic design.

Meanwhile, TechniFlow optimises milk transfer using true variable speed control. Its gentle, controlled flow helps maintain milk quality, reduce refrigeration costs and minimise water usage. With compatibility across 95 per

cent of existing dairy setups and installation time of under six hours, TechniFlow is proving to be a favourite among dairy farmers and processors alike.

“Reaching the 1,000-systems milestone reflects the consistent demand for more intelligent, energy-efficient solutions in

dairy operations,” said Andrew Ritchie, technical sales manager at Technidrive. “Farmers are facing increasing pressures from rising energy costs and the need to adapt to ever-evolving industry standards.

“TechniVac and TechniFlow have been developed in close

collaboration with farmers and processors to solve real operational challenges — from energy consumption to milk quality and uptime. This kind of feedback-led engineering is what drives continued adoption across the UK, Ireland and further afield.”

NFU Scotland welcomes Müller UK & Ireland announcement on yew tree contracts

NFU Scotland has welcomed Müller UK & Ireland’s announcement of a £45 million investment in its Skelmersdale site, describing it as a positive step for the sector.

The announcement also includes contractual changes for those Scottish dairy farmers supplying the former Yew Tree

site. Negotiations by Yew Tree producer representatives will see the new contract take effect from 1 November 2025, rather than 1 January 2026. While the contract marks an improvement for most producers, it will still leave them receiving a price that is likely to be significantly below the national average.

For NFU Scotland, the plight of Scottish dairy farmers on Yew Tree contracts - who have endured some of the lowest milk prices in the industry - has been a long-standing concern and a priority issue. The Union has repeatedly raised the alarm about the unsustainable pricing model and the pressures it places

on farm viability and farmer wellbeing.

NFU Scotland Milk Committee Chair Bruce Mackie said:

“At a time when many milk producers in Scotland have experienced welcome price and market stability, those supplying under Yew Tree contracts have been left behind, struggling to survive on

dairy

a milk price that is both unprofitable and unsustainable.

“The average milk price in Scotland hides a stark inequality. The gap between the highest and lowest-paid producers is now over 16p per litre, with Yew Tree suppliers persistently anchored at the bottom. This is unacceptable and has pushed several businesses to the brink, both financially and mentally.

“While Müller’s planned investment at Skelmersdale and the introduction of revised contracts from November represent steps in the right direction, the timeline offers little immediate relief to those already under immense strain. We welcome progress but stress that urgent interim price increases should be considered.”

NFU Scotland President Andrew Connon, who wrote directly to Müller’s UK CEO in June seeking a meeting on this matter, added:

“We’ve made it clear to Müller that change is needed, not only to support Scottish Yew Tree suppliers but to provide clarity on the company’s future commitment to its Scottish milk field. To date, we have received no reply to our letter or request for dialogue. That silence is disappointing.

“Yew Tree suppliers are family farming businesses currently on the bottom rung that deserve to hear vision and ambition from Müller UK & Ireland on their route to a profitable milk price. It is in all our interests that all producer suppliers are confident of a future in milking cows and I would wish to discuss with Müller UK & Ireland its plans to engage constructively and work with the sector to build a sustainable future for Scottish dairy.

“Scottish farms offer processors like Müller UK & Ireland strategic advantages in climate resilience and biosecurity, especially during prolonged drought and climate instability. These contributions to national food security must be recognised more directly in the milk cheque.”

With the new Fair Dealing legislation on milk contracts now in place, NFUS is also calling on major processors like Müller to show industry leadership by offering fair contracts across all their farmer suppliers.

Fighting for Farming: highlighting rural realities and building strategic alliances

By Andrew Connon, President, NFU Scotland

Inheritance Tax Analysis at HMRC, had been crowned “Expert of the Year” for IHT reform, I thought it must be fake. Sadly, it wasn’t - a reminder of just how out of touch government can be.

The UK Finance Bill shows the Treasury holding firm on IHT changes. With other farming unions, I am lobbying MPs hard ahead of September’s debates, and I urge you to do the samewrite or speak to your MP.

This fight is about more than tax. When I hosted Cabinet Secretary Mairi Gougeon MSP and Minister Jim Fairlie MSP on our farm in the North East, from the

Hill of Skilmafilly, we looked out on a 360-degree view of productive agriculture, underpinned by woodland and biodiversity. I highlighted how essential it is to have a viable agricultural industry if we are to deliver on Government’s biodiversity and nature ambitions. This also gave me the opportunity to raise the uncomfortable truth that apex predators, which, left unchecked, are destroying the very wildlife we are tasked to protect. We have all seen it - the decimation of the hedgehog and bumblebee by the badger.

But we’re building alliances. I met with

www.nfus.org.uk

Baroness Minette Batters on her profitability review, NatureScot’s Nick Halfhide for frank biodiversity talks, and had constructive discussions with the RSPB. I’ve also met with merchants and maltsters on grain imports, pressed SSEN on pylon and land access concerns, and arranged meetings to address ongoing milk sector challenges with Muller Yew Tree producers. The message is clear: profitable, productive farming is the foundation for delivering both food security and environmental ambitions. Without it, neither can thrive.

Andrew Connon, President, NFU Scotland

The secret to pedigree sheep success

Lowri Williams is renowned for the exceptional quality of her pedigree sheep and consistent show ring success. So, to what does she attribute this success? One key element to the condition and performance of her flock is nutrition, and Wynnstay’s Tamar Finish and Fleece Show Mix plays a central role in that, she says.

Farming 20 acres with her family in west Wales, Lowri manages around 100 pedigree Texels, 20 Bleu du Maines, and has recently begun breeding Badger Face Texels. Her family’s involvement with Texels dates back to the late 1980s, and since establishing her own flock of Bleu du Maine in 2014, she has

become a familiar name on the show and sale circuits.

Among her achievements are multiple wins at the Royal Welsh Show, including Male Champion in 2024, and headline-making sales. These include a Texel shearling ram that sold for 52,000 guineas at Worcester in 2021, and another that made 22,000 guineas at NSA Builth in 2023. Throughout many of these milestones, the Tamar blend has been a constant part of her feeding regime, she says.

“We started using the Finish and Fleece Show Mix about three years ago,” says Lowri, who is also the store manager at Wynnstay’s Tregaron branch. “At first, we brought a few bags

in just to try, and it quickly became popular with customers. The sheep thrived on it, and it stayed.”

Designed as a versatile, highspec blend, the feed includes molasses, maize, linseed, soya, sugar beet and fish oil for fertility and coat condition. It also has sheep-specific minerals and ammonium chloride, making it safe for both rams and ram lambs. This mix not only improves condition but helps maintain it throughout winter or during critical show and sale preparation.

“It’s particularly good for bringing rams into the right condition for breeding,” Lowri explains. “People often

overlook the health of the ram, focusing only on the ewes. We start feeding it in May ahead of turning the rams out with the ewes in September. It’s not intensive feeding, just enough to keep them right. For sale rams, we’ll increase the ration to push them a little more.”

Lowri’s success has driven growing interest in the blend locally. “People often ask what I’m feeding because the sheep always look in top shape. It gives them confidence to try it themselves,” she adds. “Now, more customers are using it, not just for rams or show prep, but to finish lambs too. It’s a really adaptable feed that performs across the board.”

The Campaign for Wool Marks 15 Years of Championing Nature’s Smartest Fibre

A series of UK-wide Pop-Up and Industry Events are planned this October to inspire a Shift Away from Synthetic Fibres

This October, the Campaign for Wool proudly celebrates its 15th anniversary with a powerful call to action for consumers: ‘Check It’s Wool.’As part of a nationwide and international series of events, the Campaign is urging the public to make informed choices and opt for wool, one of nature’s most innovative, sustainable and planet-friendly fibres, over synthetic alternatives.

Launched in 2010 by His Majesty King Charles III - then

HRH The Prince of Wales - the Campaign has grown into a globally recognised initiative, which now unites over 1,000 global companies across farming, textiles, fashion, interiors, and design. From woolgrowers, processors and weavers to iconic brands, the UK has played a pivotal role in redefining the value and versatility of wool in modern life. “As we mark this milestone, our mission remains more relevant than ever,” says Peter Ackroyd, Chairman at the Campaign for Wool. “Wool is not only natural, renewable and biodegradable, the simple act of buying wool products is also one of the easiest things

we can do to help the planet. It biodegrades in soil and water, leaving no harmful microplastic trace, making it one of the most responsible fibres we can choose today.”The anniversary celebrations spotlight wool’s role in circular design, soil health, marine safety, and in creating sustainable and healthier living environments. Events will range from interactive installations and educational showcases to retail pop-ups and artisan-led workshops, inviting the public to learn about the many ways wool can improve our lifestyles.

For full details of the October programme and information, visit www.campaignforwool.org

Test regularly to get the most out of wormers this season

Regular testing is key to getting the most out of wormers and maintaining their long-term effectiveness on sheep farms for years to come.

That is the message from independent sheep consultant, Nerys Wright, who emphasises that testing is vital to ascertain if, and when, a wormer treatment is required, and to then check the treatment has worked.

“No two years are the same for worms, and you don’t necessarily need to use a wormer at a specific time just because it’s what you’ve done previous years or your neighbour has done it,” explains Mrs Wright.

“Once you factor in the added complexity of climate change and hugely variable weather patterns, it’s clear that testing is the best way to find out what you need to do.”

She recommends faecal egg count (FEC) testing each management group of sheep every three to four weeks.

“In an ideal world, I’d choose a day of the week for testing and test one management group on that

day every week, so each group is being tested on a rotation,” adds Mrs Wright.

“Once you have the results, it’s important to interpret them properly, so speak to your vet or RAMA for advice on analysing the results, whether a wormer is required, or if it’s best to test again in a set time.”

Similarly, Mrs Wright advocates carrying out posttreatment FEC tests to assess the effectiveness of the wormers when they are used, and to establish an understanding of wormer resistance in the flock.

“An efficacy test after every treatment will help build up a picture of any resistance far sooner than waiting to see any clinical signs of the issue,” she explains.

“This can be carried out seven days after treatment for yellow drenches, and 14 days after treatment for all other wormer groups.”

She adds: “By testing, you gain an understanding of what wormers work in your flock at different times of the year, and you can then

From Public Service to Pasture: My Journey to the NSA

By Faye Brice Scottish Regional Policy Officer

Joining the National Sheep Association as Scottish Region Policy Officer has felt like a natural evolution of my career—one rooted in public service, now branching into rural advocacy.

My background spans the NHS and education, both sectors where listening, clarity, and community engagement are paramount. These experiences taught me how policy shapes lives, and how vital it is to ensure voices are heard—especially those working on the ground. Transitioning into agricultural policy, I’ve found those same principles apply, but with a new rhythm: one shaped by seasons, livestock, and the land.

Since stepping into the role, I’ve been struck by the depth of knowledge and resilience within the farming

community. My focus is on policy engagement— responding to consultations, attending stakeholder meetings, and working with colleagues to communicate key issues clearly and constructively. I contribute to making NSA’s policy work accessible and engaging, through newsletters, press releases, and social media. My aim is to ensure that policy doesn’t feel distant or abstract, but relevant and responsive to the realities of farming life.

Being part of the NSA means being part of a team that values tradition, innovation, and collaboration. I’m proud to contribute to that mission and look forward to continuing to support Scotland’s sheep farmers in navigating change, celebrating success, and shaping the future.’

For further information, please visit https://www.nationalsheep.org.uk/webinars/

Faye Brice

crofting

By Donna Smith

Last time I mentioned that SCF were continuing to pressure for a proportionate, workable approach for crofters with the new conditions applied to the Scottish Suckler Beef Support Scheme (SSBSS) and so we were delighted when The Royal Highland Show in June saw some great news for those with small cattle herds with Mairi Gougeon, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Islands, announcing that, subject to legislation, from 2026 any business claiming 10 calves or less through the in the scheme year will receive a derogation from the new calving-interval condition that makes calves only eligible for support when they are born no more than 410 days since the last time their mother gave birth.

The SCF had been campaigning hard for this change, given the various challenges crofters can face when it comes to complying with the condition due to circumstances out with their control, such as issues around bull hire and ferry disruptions, as well as animal welfare concerns.

Over the last few months we had discussed it with Jim Fairlie, Minister for Agriculture, raised it with members of the Rural & Island Affairs Committee and discussed it with Scottish Government officials and we are delighted that they have taken the concerns on board.

Our focus also remains on the Crofting Bill as we prepare our response to a call for views from the Rural and Island Affairs Committee. Again, Mr Fairlie took on board our concerns about various aspects of this and neither dual tenancies nor the standard security provisions have been included in the draft bill. The assignation process instead has been changed to streamline family assignations only, with the normal assignation process remaining unchanged.

Does this Bill set the crofting world alight and fix all the issues? No, but it’s a step forward and can hopefully generate some discussion about what next steps are with many, including SCF, calling for wider crofting reform to follow.

work out the best way of using them.”

Having anthelmintic resistance is not a sign of poor farming and can be managed to maintain flock productivity.

Mrs Wright adds: “Knowing how effective the different groups are on-farm can help them be used successfully when they are most effective and prolong their useful life.”

To help slow down the rate of resistance to the group 1, 2 and 3 wormers, she advocates using the newer group 4 and 5 wormers, such as Zolvix™, for quarantine and mid to late season break doses in lambs.

“When you’re buying in sheep, you don’t know the resistance status of the flock they’ve come from, so I’d treat them with a group 4 or 5 because we know they have the highest

efficacy, and they will effectively remove resistant worms in those new sheep,” she explains.

“And when you’re getting into the mid-late grazing season and there’s a high worm count in your lambs, that’s when you go in with the break dose to kill off any resistant worms and stop them being carried over to the next season.”

Mrs Wright warns against delaying the use of newer wormers until older ones fail completely, calling it a false economy.

“If we wait until groups 1, 2, and 3 are no longer effective, we’ll end up relying too heavily on groups 4 and 5, which will accelerate resistance to them,” she says.

“By using the newer wormers strategically now, we can extend the useful life of all wormer groups.”

Upland livestock farming must be part of the environmental solution

The National Sheep Association (NSA) has responded to Chris Packham’s recent Guardian column (Tuesday 15th July), which claims sheep are ‘destroying’ Britain’s upland habitats, by calling for a more evidence-based and balanced conversation around the complex issues affecting protected landscapes.

NSA accepts Britain’s uplands face many challenges, but states that it is simply incorrect to blame sheep, or upland farming more broadly, as the root cause of environmental decline.

Site condition in designated protected areas is influenced by a multitude of factors, and reducing grazing levels alone, a strategy driven by environmental schemes over the last 20 years, has not yielded the improvements of ecological recovery many expected. In fact, evidence shows that inadequate grazing, whether from sheep, cattle or ponies, has often allowed damaging encroachment by bracken, gorse

and purple moor grass, degrading biodiversity and habitat quality.

NSA says the Guardian article paints a one-dimensional picture of the uplands as overgrazed and barren and questions that if they were indeed in such desperate condition why they remain as some of the most loved landscapes by the British public and those visiting the UK from overseas.

NSA Chief Executive Phil Stocker says: “Appropriate grazing at the right intensity and with the right species remains essential to managing and maintaining the mosaic of habitats valued by ecologists, land managers and local communities alike.

“Upland landscapes are multifunctional. They are vital not just for biodiversity, but also for water retention, carbon storage, access, wellbeing, and food production. Upland farmers are already taking huge strides in developing creative, collaborative, and nature-friendly management approaches.

New quiet and compact clipper launched

Heiniger has launched the Opal Horse, a new battery-powered, much quieter clipper designed specifically for horses. With up to 180 minutes of cordless operation on a single charge, the Opal Horse delivers power, comfort, and precision in a compact, ergonomic design.

Supplied with a 10WF blade and compatible with a wide range of snap-on blades, the Opal Horse also features a softtouch, non-slip coating, making it comfortable for both the user and the horse.

“This clipper is reassuringly powerful, with a sleek design that incorporates the classic Opal features — including a twospeed motor and battery level

indicator on the base. However, the real standout is just how quiet this machine is. We know how challenging it can be to clip horses, and a noisy clipper only makes the task harder,” says Pete Hansford, Heiniger’s equine product lead.

At just 210mm long (including the blade), 50mm wide, and weighing only 425 grams, the Opal Horse is among the lightest battery-powered clippers on the market. Its slimline profile fits neatly in the hand, reducing fatigue during extended use and making it ideal for professional grooms as well as younger or less experienced users.

“Heiniger has equipped the Opal Horse with a new soft-

touch anti-slip coating, making this lightweight clipper very easy to grip. The design is tailored specifically for the equestrian sector, reflecting the practical needs of horse owners and grooms,” adds Mr Hansford.

Despite being compact and light, the Opal Horse is a powerful machine with two speeds settings offering 2600 and 3100 double strokes a minute. Crucially, it can maintain this for up to three hours and only requires one hour to recharge.

“For those with more than one horse, the clipper is available with two batteries to enable continuous use, although we recommend that the blades are kept well-oiled when operating for long periods. The

hardwearing case also keeps the clipper and accessories clean and protected when not in use,” says Mr Hansford.

Like all Heiniger clippers, the Opal Horse is designed and manufactured in Switzerland, with meticulous attention to detail. It features the latest lithium-ion battery technology and a brushless motor which has made it one of the quietest handpieces in the Heiniger equestrian range.

“It’s easy to handle, has better ergonomics for prolonged use, and delivers the cleanest cut for the animal. The Opal Horse combines all the qualities a groom looks for in a clipper, and we expect high demand in the UK this year,” concludes Mr Hansford.

Carse

Weathering the Storms

Gray Estate employee recognised for 25 years of service

Ernie Crighton, Overseer of the Carse Gray Estate in Angus for 25 years and now due to retire, has been recognised with a Long Service Award, presented at Cortachy Highland Games by Lord Airlie.

The Long Service Awards, led by Scottish Land & Estates, are designed to pay tribute to employees who have made an outstanding contribution to a rural business.

Carse Gray Estate in Angus is a mixed landholding, with a wide range of arable crops being grown by farming tenants as well as by the substantial in-hand farming operation. Extensive commercial and policy woodlands frame the estate making it a wonderful place for a large number of let house tenants.

Ernie Crighton said: “It has been a great pleasure working here at Carse Gray for all these years. We have felt very much part of the estate community throughout and will hold precious memories having raised our family here too”.

James Gray-Cheape, of Carse Gray Estate, said: “For almost 25 years, Ernie’s dedication, calm leadership, and good humour have shaped Carse Gray. He joined us with immense forestry knowledge and he also has practical wisdom, and a true countryman’s spirit. Under his care, the gardens have flourished, the grounds have thrived, and standards have never slipped.

It has certainly not been all plain sailing during this period. Ernie joined the Gray-Cheape family in 2001, during the Foot and Mouth crisis, and since

then he has had to contend with Storms Arwen, Corrie, Malik, and Babet, each devastating the woodlands. He has dealt with every disaster with the same

quiet resilience, patience and hard work. He has been the heartbeat of day-to-day life on the estate. We wish him a very happy and peaceful retirement.”

Rural Scotland’s fibre network set to expand following £40m bespoke lending

solution from AlphaReal

AlphaReal, the real assets investment manager, has agreed a bespoke lending solution with Highland Broadband, which will enable rural communities throughout Scotland to benefit from a new £50 million investment in Highland Broadband’s ultrafast broadband network. This includes £40 million from AlphaReal and £10 million from the Scottish National Investment Bank.

Scotland’s Deputy First Minister, Kate Forbes, recently announced the new capital secured, as the company prepares for a significant expansion of its fibre network.

Highland Broadband has already connected 50% of rural premises in the Scottish Highlands to full fibre infrastructure. The new

Tax reforms risk choking rural investment – and our food security

By Eleanor Kay, Senior Policy Adviser Agriculture & Climate Change at Scottish Land & Estates

The UK Government’s planned overhaul of Agricultural Property Relief (APR) and Business Property Relief (BPR) is more than just a technical tax tweak – it is a policy misstep that could strip millions of pounds from rural economies and undermine the very foundations of our food security.

Since the reforms were announced, Scottish Land & Estates (SLE) has been on record that investment in farming infrastructure has stalled, sales of machinery have dropped, and expansion plans are being shelved. This isn’t speculation; it’s the lived reality for family farms and rural enterprises already making painful decisions.

The most alarming aspect? The government pressed ahead without meaningful consultation and without a proper impact assessment. Even in their most recent policy paper (Agricultural Property Relief and Business Property Relief Reforms), published in mid-July, it appears there is little understanding of the real-world impact of the tax reforms due to come into force on 6 April 2026.

There is no data underpinning its assumptions, no transitional arrangements for older farmers, and no

funding ensures that the company can continue expanding its fibre network across rural Scotland, aiming to reach over 150 small towns and villages in the coming year.

Brad Bauman, Head of Alternative Credit at AlphaReal, said: “We are delighted to provide this initial facility to Highland Broadband. We have extensive experience in providing bespoke lending solutions across the debt spectrum, and as we expand into digital infrastructure, we look forward to working with Gavin and his team at Highland Broadband.”

areas, supporting jobs and boosting economic growth. I am delighted to see substantial new investment flowing into the company and the rural communities it serves, including a further £10 million from the Scottish National Investment Bank. This takes the Bank’s total investment to £60 million, which has helped Highland Broadband raise an additional £40 million of private capital.”

recognition of the already tight margins on which many farms operate.

Worse still, the reforms ignore the knock-on effects. Domestic food security –ensuring a steady supply of high-quality, locally produced food – should be a national priority. Instead, these changes risk pushing us towards greater reliance on imported produce, with higher food miles and often lower standards.

There is also a human cost. Farming is already a stressful profession, with financial uncertainty weighing heavily on mental health. Industry bodies have warned that the reforms could worsen anxiety and instability in farming families – a risk the government blithely dismisses.

SLE has long called for mandatory rural impact assessments. This situation shows why they are essential: without them, policy can blunder into rural communities like a bull in a byre.

It is not too late for ministers to rethink. A sensible, phased approach – developed with input from the people on the ground –could avoid lasting damage to the farms and businesses that keep Britain fed.

Kate Forbes, Scotland’s Deputy First Minister said: “This is a significant success story for Scotland. The roll-out of Highland Broadband’s network has made a real difference to people and businesses in rural

Gavin Rodgers, CEO of Highland Broadband, said: “This injection of £50 million of new capital means we have the funding as well as the capability to continue network expansion throughout rural Scotland. We are delighted to secure the backing of AlphaReal as a new funder and also welcome the ongoing support of the Scottish National Investment Bank.”

Rise in demand for tick testing amid Lyme disease fears

A Scottish laboratory is seeing a rise in demand for a test that can detect the presence of bacteria in ticks that can cause Lyme disease in humans.

Lyme disease is transmitted by bites from infected ticks which live in many different outdoor environments, but they are particularly common in grassy and wooded areas.

Scientists at Biobest are able to perform molecular analysis on ticks removed from people or animals to detect the presence of Borrelia bacteria.

The presence of certain Borrelia species is a risk factor for infection and potential serious illness, and the results of the test can enable people to seek urgent medical help.

It is believed that ticks need to be attached for more than 24 hours in order to transmit the bacteria so prompt removal is important in minimising the risk of exposure to infection.

When a tick sample arrives at Biobest’s laboratory on The

Edinburgh Technopole site in Scotland, the first step of the process is to extract DNA from the tick which is then tested for the presence of Borrelia DNA. The person sending the tick then receives a positive or negative result.

Demand for the test from people worried about Lyme disease has more than doubled in the past 12 months, with 75 ticks being tested in June 2025 compared to 29 in June 2024.

Approximately 4% of the ticks tested were positive for Borrelia.

Biobest Chief Operations Officer Stuart Marshall said: “People enjoying the outdoors over the summer holidays are more at risk of being bitten if taking part in activities such as hiking, cycling or camping. However, people can also be exposed to ticks while on a walk in some urban parks and gardens.

“Most people will not realise they have been bitten at the time and will only realise when they see a tick embedded in their skin, or when a ‘bullseye’ rash develops weeks later. If left untreated, symptoms can include heart palpitations, facial palsy, severe joint pain and short-term memory loss.

“A positive result from our test does not mean the individual will definitely go on to develop Lyme disease, but it does show the causative agent is present. This allows discussion with the individual’s GP to enable early preventative treatment.”

Although primarily intended as a test for ticks from humans, the laboratory can also test ticks removed from dogs and other animals. However, Lyme disease in dogs is complex and results would need to be discussed with the animal’s vet.

What to do if you find a tick embedded in your skin:

• Ticks should be removed steadily and evenly using a specialist tick removing tool or fine tip tweezers. Do not use any alcohol-based products when removing the tick as this can interfere with the testing process

• Once removed, place the tick in a rigid container to reduce the risk of it being crushed in transit. Please do not use sticky tape as this can interfere with the testing process.

• The tick can be killed by freezing it for 48 hours prior to shipping to Biobest.

• If the test result is positive, it should be discussed with your doctor at the earliest opportunity so you can receive appropriate treatment and minimise the risk of long-term illness.

GWCT Big Farmland Bird Count in Scotland shows farmer-led conservation is working

The results of this year’s GWCT Big Farmland Bird Count (BFBC) show that agri-environment schemes are needed and make a strong case for the Scottish Government continuing to invest in farmer-led conservation, in order to meet nature recovery targets.

The 2025 Big Farmland Bird Count was launched on 7 February by farmer and TV personality Adam Henson.

Run by the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) since 2014, sponsored nationally by the National Farmers Union and supported in Scotland by NFUS, the BFBC encourages farmers and land owners to go out and count the species and number of birds on their land during a two-week window in February every year.

During the 2025 BFBC 72 Scottish farmers and land managers counted a total of 13,345 birds, belonging to 97 species, across 77,962 acres

(31,550 hectares) of farmland. The most abundant species recorded were wood pigeon, jackdaw, chaffinch and rook.

In total 3,667 red-listed birds were counted including 19 different species. Of these the most abundant was lapwing.

Of the 72 farms in Scotland where counts took place this year, 29% were in agrienvironment schemes, 58% undertook supplementary feeding of birds in winter and many had planted wild bird seed mixes on their land to provide food.

GWCT’s Director for Scotland Nick Hesford said: “We need to demonstrate as a sector that schemes such as the Agri-Environment Climate Scheme deliver value for public money. One of the ways farmers can do this is by taking part in the annual BFBC.

“We were delighted to see so many farmers taking

part, and we would encourage many more to come onboard next year.

Our farmland birds continue to decline and we will only reverse that trend if farmers, who manage more than 70% of the countryside, are encouraged and properly funded to implement conservation measures on their land.”

More widely across the UK a total of 358,913 birds, belonging to 125 species, were recorded across 699,869 acres (283,227 hectares) of farmland by 1,369 farmers, land managers or their helpers.

There were notable decreases in sightings of some species, including red-listed fieldfares which were down 52%, long-tailed tits which were down 27%, and curlew with a 25% drop, year-on-year. On a positive note, recordings of red-listed common gulls were up 112% and sightings of amber-listed kestrels had increased by 182%.

land & property

Exceptional estate in the Scottish Borders

West Leas, now on the market through Galbraith, is an exceptional amenity estate with panoramic views of some of the most scenic countryside in the south of Scotland.

The estate includes a beautiful principal residence, extensive areas of woodland, mixed arable land, pasture and grazing ground as well as secluded stretches of double riverbank on the Rule Water. The landholding extends to about 482.79 acres (195.3 hectares) in all, extending to the western slope of Rubers Law, with the highest point being 400m.

Duncan Barrie, a Partner with Galbraith, said: “This is a wonderful mixed amenity estate offering significant potential to expand the sporting, recreational, natural capital and environmental interests, as desired. The main house, the glasshouse and the surrounding grounds have been imaginatively developed and designed to create a superb property in an idyllic and tranquil location. The privacy, the setting and the views are second to none.”

The principal residence provides elegant accommodation including three public rooms and four bedrooms, all beautifully designed and appointed. The superb master bedroom suite with bathroom and dressing room is accessed by its own beautiful galleried staircase.

There is an attractive courtyard to the rear of the house leading to a delightful modern glass house with temperaturecontrolled garden rooms housing a collection of exotic plants, along with further ancillary garden stores and an office. The glasshouse and the excellent range of modern outbuildings at West Leas may offer potential for alternative forms of business or

amenity use, subject to obtaining the necessary consents.

The garden and grounds at West Leas have been creatively landscaped and extended, to provide a beautiful backdrop to the house. The gardens include several areas of manicured lawns and a dramatic cascading stream, contrasting with slow water pools and a lily pond.

The grounds are enclosed by several areas of mixed amenity woodland and a small orchard plus a collection of perennials and shrubs providing an abundance of colour. There is a paved decking area adjacent to the kitchen, which is an ideal area for entertaining in the summer months, and enjoying the superb views to the south and east.

A number of land parcels have been acquired at West Leas over a period of almost 30 years, including a productive area of farmland extending west from the Rule Water with further areas of commercial and broadleaved

plantations to the west and north of the main house and buildings.

The adaptable farmland and the combination of amenity woodland and commercial forestry offers the potential to expand the sporting and environmental opportunities within the land holding. The farmland and woodland are situated in three separate parcels separated by the public road to the west, and the Rule Water to the east and all benefit from an excellent level of access via a number of internal tracks which lead from the main road.

The land rises from its lowest point at 112m at the Rule Water, a tributary of the Teviot which in turn flows into the Tweed, to its highest point just below the summit of Rubers Law at around 400m above sea level. In between lies a productive mix of arable and pastureland, offering diversity of landscape which is one of West Leas’ greatest

charms. The majority of the ground extends north and east from the main house.

The estate is close to local services, with the village of Denholm less than four miles, the attractive town of Jedburgh about six miles, with Edinburgh and Newcastle about 50 and 60 miles respectively.

West Leas is offered for sale through Galbraith for Offers Over £2,995,000 as a whole; or in three lots as follows.

• Lot 1: West Leas House, Buildings and about 36.14 Ha (89.30 Acres) of pasture, woodland, and riverbank on Rule Water - Offers Over £1,395,000

• Lot 2: About 118.42 Ha (292.62 Acres) of woodland and farmland - Offers Over £1,200,000

• Lot 3: About 40.82 Ha (100.87 Acres) of Farmland and Woodland Offers Over £400,000

woodland

Beautiful Farm at Port Of Menteith on the Market

Galbraith is handling the sale of Auchyle Farm, a picturesque farm in a beautiful setting, just outside Port of Menteith and close to the eastern shore of Lake of Menteith.

The property includes land of about 45.99 hectares (113.64 acres), an attractive C-listed farmhouse and a range of useful agricultural buildings.

Auchyle Farm is situated in a stunning rural yet accessible location, within a short drive of the A811 leading to the M9 motorway and major road networks. The farm is bisected by the A81 which also acts as the boundary with the Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park.

Alistair Christie of Galbraith, who is handling the sale, said: “This is an excellent opportunity to purchase a manageable farming unit, ideally suited to grazing livestock, or as a lifestyle unit in a beautiful area of central Scotland and bordering the Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park. Both Stirling and Callander are easily accessible and there is the added advantage of the potential to develop an area of the land for residential development, if desired, subject to all necessary consents. The opportunity here is likely to interest a wide range of buyers.”

Auchyle Farmhouse is an imposing traditional C-listed property, with well-presented accommodation including three double bedrooms, two reception rooms plus utility room, kitchen, and two shower rooms, with an attractive area of garden ground to the south.

Auchyle Farm has a good range of farm buildings including a cattle court, cattle sheds, kennels, lean-to and store. The mains sheds are modern and would be well suited to

agriculture or indeed stabling.

The farm is offered for sale as a whole or in two lots, with the property and lots being split by the A81 which links Stirling to Aberfoyle and the southern end of the National Park.

Lot 1 is located within Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park and extends to approximately 22.10 Ha (54.61 Acres). The land is classified as a mix of Grade 3.2 and Grade 4.1 by the James Hutton Institute and is all used for grazing livestock. Within Lot 1, all of the fields are bound by stockproof Rylock fencing. Lot 1 also includes the farmhouse and agricultural buildings. This lot could provide a compact agricultural or equestrian unit in its own right.

A small area of land within Lot 1, close to Port of Menteith may be suitable for rural residential development as a Gap Site in the future as outlined in

the Proposed Local Place Plan, although this would be subject to obtaining the necessary consents.

The land in Lot 2 extends to 23.89 Ha (59.03 Acres) and is classified as predominantly Grade 3.2 and Grade 4.1 by the James Hutton Institute with a small area of Grade 5.3.All of the land at Auchyle Farm has been classified as severely disadvantaged for the purposes of support under the Less Favoured Area Support Scheme (LFASS).

Auchyle Farm is located a third of a mile east of Port of Menteith and 15 miles west of the city of Stirling. The village of Port of Menteith offers access to a local primary school, with secondary schooling located six miles north (McLaren High School). The attractive town of Callander, situated on the River Teith, is about six miles away and offers an excellent

range of amenities. The town is very popular with tourists and provides a range of shopping outlets, pubs and cafes.

Agriculturally the surrounding area of West Stirlingshire provides an attractive location on the edge of the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park and directly northeast of the Lake of Menteith. The farm is all down to grass and the local area is utilised for farming and forestry.

Auchyle Farm, Port of Menteith, is for sale through Galbraith as a whole for Offers Over £975,000, or in two lots as follows:

• Lot 1 (Farmhouse, range of agricultural buildings, 54.61 acres located within Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park) Offers Over £775,000

• Lot 2 (59.03 acres) Offers Over £200,000.

forestry Small but mighty!

BRYCE Suma may be best known for its award winning post knockers, but the founder of the Kelso-based family firm, Jock Bryce, has added a new string to his bow and it’s turning heads in woodlands and beyond.

He has now retired from the Bryce Suma Company, which is run by his sons Andrew and Stuart.

The newest arrival at their Kelso base is the compact but highly capable Avestavagnen Ranger Pro micro forwarder, a Swedish-made machine designed to revolutionise work in private forestry and woodland. Nicknamed ‘small but mighty’ by Jock, the Ranger Pro is his latest investment and Avestavagnen has granted him the sole UK distribution rights.

Founded in 1973, Bryce Suma has built an international reputation for innovation, exporting machines to 23 countries and collecting a host of awards over the decades.

“We’re the only company to have won three Gold Awards in one year for innovation and excellence at the Royal Highland Show, the Royal Show and the Royal Welsh,” says Jock proudly.

“We’ve also had LAMMA awards in 2008, 2009, 2012, and 2016, plus a further Gold at the Royal Highland Show in 2014.”

It’s that same eye for quality and ingenuity that drew Jock to the Swedish made Ranger Pro, produced by Avestavagnen, pioneers of the ATV forwarder concept, with nearly three decades of experience behind them.

Jock explains: “It is extremely well engineered. Seventy percent of Sweden is covered by forests, with 87 billion trees and 320,000 forest owners, and all this has helped create the demand over the last three decades for small but capable forwarders.

“Everyone that sees the Ranger Pro in action is very impressed. Typical comments

have been, ‘It’s an incredible piece of kit’ and ‘I cannot get over the power that it has.’”

Jock adds: “I’ve moved a fair bit of timber with this outfit myself, and what it can do is quite remarkable.

It punches well above its weight.”

Despite weighing just 790kg, crane included, the micro forwarder can carry up to two tonnes. Its reach extends to 5.45 metres, with a 1m telescopic jib extension and 240-degree crane rotation and a maximum lift capacity of 420kg. The bogie axle system offers impressive ground clearance, contact, and control – effectively creating an eight-wheeldrive setup when combined with a quad bike.

Built for rugged work, the Ranger Pro features a steerable chassis and a sliding twin bogie axle system that can also be moved forwards and backwards by 60cm, allowing for even weight distribution when transporting long or short timber.

With the Honda 420kg lift capacity at 5.45m reach Power Pack located upfront, the result is a balanced unit with improved traction and stability.

While it’s been designed primarily for private woodland management, Jock sees possible potential for fencing contractors looking to diversify or offer additional services.

Prices start at around £17,900 for the Ranger Pro, including electrohydraulic dual controls and a 14hp Honda Power Pack. With easy-to-operate button controls mounted on the quad bike’s handlebars and minimal maintenance requirements –mainly regular greasing - the system is built for simplicity and durability.

Lower-cost ATV forwarders are available.

There’s also a wide array of optional extras, including:

• Tipping body and clamshell bucket for soil, gravel or manure handling Vulcan VR800 post knocker delivers

up to 175 tonnes of impact force

• Demountable body with optional high-sided forest brash insert

• 100mm or 150mm scissor grapple

• 25m hydraulic winch

• Chainsaw holders, lighting kits, hand throttle extensions, ATV suspension stabilisers and more.

Planting for the Future: Frank P Matthews

Trees – Supplying Trees for Agroforestry across the UK

Agroforestry is fast becoming a cornerstone of sustainable farming practice in the UK, this sustainable land management system combines trees and shrubs with crops or livestock in two main formats.

Silvoarable integrates trees with arable crops in wide alleyways. This enhances soil fertility, reduces erosion, provides wind protection, and increases crop yields. For example, rows of walnut or apple trees with cereals, vegetables, or herbs grown between them.

Silvopasture integrates trees with livestock and pasture allowing animals to graze in, under and around trees. This method provides shade and shelter for animals, improving animal health and welfare

Free help to farmers to get planting trees

Farmers and land managers in the central belt, who are interested in planting trees are now offered free assessments by Scottish Forestry.

A free Farm Woodland Assessment gives farmers a detailed report with valuable information on identifying potential areas for planting, which forestry grants are available, and financial information on projected income and expenditure.

tree planting is right for their farm.”

The assessments can also advise on how best to manage a new woodland, right up to the first financial returns from harvesting the trees.

while reducing stress, boosting biodiversity and soil health.

Both methods add long-term value and creates extra yields from timber, nuts or fruit and grants are available to pay for establishment of these systems.

At the forefront of supplying high-quality trees for these projects is Frank P Matthews Trees, one of the UK’s leading tree nurseries. Founded in 1901 and based in Tenbury Wells, Worcestershire, Frank P Matthews Trees has over a century of expertise in growing and supplying trees to farms, estates, and conservation projects nationwide. With more than 2,000 varieties grown across their 500acre nursery, they are uniquely placed to deliver the right species for any agroforestry system.

Farmers and land managers from Ayrshire and Inverclyde to Fife and Stirling, right through to Fife and the Lothians in the east, are all being invited to register their interest in an assessment now.

Will Chadwick, Woodland Creation Officer with Scottish Forestry said:

“Planting trees is a great way to add value to an agricultural business. The benefits are many and can include shelter and shade for livestock, an improvement in biodiversity, a possible wood fuel resource and importantly a future income.

“The Farm Woodland Assessments are totally free and on a no obligation basis. They are an easy way to help anyone considering if

Matt Imrie farms at Hillhead Farm in Torrance, which is near Glasgow. He previously undertook a free Farm Woodland Assessment and said it provided him with the right information to help him decide that tree planting made sense.

Matt added: “The consultant who carried out the assessment for Scottish Forestry arrived at the farm one day and was so great to deal with. We walked the site and discussed different options and more importantly, the farms objectives.

“It didn’t take long for the report to arrive through the post which detailed a couple of different design options, the benefits each would bring to the farm, the funding available and the next steps.”

To register an interest complete and return the application form on Scottish Forestry’s website.

forestry

The nursery offers a comprehensive range of trees suited for farm use, including:

Fruit trees: traditional orchard, juicing and cider apple varieties, pears, plums, cherries, and damsons.

Nuts: walnut, sweet chestnut, cobnut, hazel, and almond, providing long-term yields.

Native broadleaf: oak, alder, birch, hazel, willow and more for hedgerows, shelterbelts, and biodiversity corridors.

In recent years, Frank P Matthews Trees has supplied

trees for several high-profile agroforestry and woodland projects. These include collaborative work with largescale mixed farms introducing rows of walnut and apple trees into arable rotations, and livestock farms using alder and willow to create shaded grazing and browse systems. The nursery has also partnered with conservation bodies to restore traditional orchards and hedgerows, boosting pollinator habitats and landscape connectivity.

Agroforestry is not only about the environment – it makes business sense too. Trees can diversify farm incomes through fruit, nuts, timber, and carbon credits, while also future-proofing farmland against climate change. With expert advice on species selection and planting design and distances, Frank P Matthews Trees helps farmers choose the right trees for the right place. Every order comes with the assurance of quality, backed by generations of horticultural expertise and a

passion for supporting British farming.

For farmers looking to integrate trees into their systems, there has never been a better time due to the grants available from the Scottish Government. Whether you’re planning a shelterbelt, new orchard, a fully integrated silvo system or would like further information on Agroforestry, Frank P Matthews Trees is ready to help bring your project to life.

Contact Frank P Matthews Trees on Tel; 01584 810214

Cairngorms Estate passes

2,000 acres of emerging new woodland milestone

Invercauld Estate in the Cairngorms has announced they have recorded over 2,000 acres of emerging new naturally regenerating native woodland.

The Estate, which neighbours the Royal Family’s home at Balmoral in upper Deeside, currently manages around 12,000 acres as woodland, one of the largest such areas in the Cairngorms National Park.

In a process that has used GPS and mapping technology, since 2017 the Estate’s forestry department has been measuring the areas where new naturally regenerating woodland has started to appear. This spring they surpassed the 2,000 acre milestone with 2,082 acres mapped. The area is equivalent to 1,180 football pitches or nine settlements the size of nearby Ballater.

Angus McNicol, Invercauld Estate’s chief executive, explained: “This has been a tremendous effort by our head forester and stalkers, with the support of fencers and tenant farmers. Some of the new woodland that is being created is being funded with assistance

from Forestry Scotland for which we are also grateful.”

John Mackie, Scottish Forestry’s Operations Manager for Deeside, added: “It’s great to see the excellent work that has been undertaken by Invercauld’s forestry team coming to fruition. I have been observing the progress of the naturally regenerating woodlands on the estate for over a decade now and it’s amazing to see the positive impacts on the landscape, ecological diversity and recreational use in what is in forestry terms a relatively short timescale. The Estate should be rightfully proud of what has been achieved and Scottish Forestry has been pleased to help support this work through the Forestry Grant Scheme.”

The Estate includes a wide range of land types from the high mountains and moorland to woodland, grassland and riverside habitats. The overriding desire of the Estate is to achieve the long term sustainability of the environment, local economy and community.

Mr McNicol continued: “It is absolutely essential for us that our naturally regenerating

woodland has not only environmental benefits but economic and social ones as well. All our woodlands are managed for multiple purposes including timber production, recreational stalking, public access and, in many places, agriculture. This multi-purpose land use is fundamentally important to ensure the socioeconomic, as well as the ecological, sustainability of what we are doing.

“People sometimes think of the countryside can only be used for one thing or another. That has lead to a lot of polarisation in discussions about land

management in recent years, particularly in upland Scotland. I think what the emerging new native woodland at Invercauld demonstrates is that several land uses can operate in one place, with more overall benefits resulting.”

The evolving new woodland is entirely located within the River Dee valley between Ballater and Braemar and most is within the Deeside and Lochnagar National Scenic Area. The predominant tree species are native, particularly Scots pine and birch although others are found as well including willow, alder, aspen and oak.

Headline: Changes through Time

By Robin Noble

Assynt is full of surprises; I cannot remember the first time I walked up the Leraig burn, but I have, since, taken a few new visitors that way. Having swung round the end of the Back Park dyke, and into the wood proper, most of them, walking through the birches with the occasional hazel and rowan, enjoying the falls and rapids beside them, believe that they are in a natural woodland. It is very easy to miss the footings of a narrow bridge which once crossed the burn, or the lynchet – a ridge formed by ancient ploughing across the slope – above them, and the strange hazels

above the dark water always pass unnoticed. But just a little further on is a very obvious field wall, one side sloped for stability, the other steep to keep animals out. Up to this point, we have been walking through what was once the in-bye land, the productive ground of the community whose houses are above, on the hill beside the road. And, within sight at this point are the visible remains of the little mill which used to process the cereals grown on exactly that land; it all stopped with the Clearances in 1812, just a little over two hundred years ago. Assynt, which many folk want to be a ‘wilderness’, has

been inhabited and worked for thousands of years.

To understand how this and any landscape has evolved, it is important to have a clear idea of the presence (or otherwise) of a human population, and what they were doing at any time throughout its history and prehistory. In the past it was all too common for an ecologist to blame human activity for any changes in the landscape which he or she could not otherwise understand. I have read old research papers which established that the far north-west of Scotland was the first area in Britain to be substantially ‘deforested’, and

that this must be due to human activity. This could only make sense if you ignore totally the geology, which is one, largely, of ancient and impermeable rock, and the climate with low summer temperatures, high winds and high rainfall – all of which impact on the vegetation. And, if the archaeology and common sense suggest that this area was sparsely inhabited, probably among the last in Britain to be settled, then the conclusion of these studies becomes very difficult to support.

It used to be thought that sometime after the last Ice Age had scraped the Highlands bare,

My view in 2000: impenetrable bracken

and the late, cold period called the Loch Lomond Readvance had caused peat to form in many locations, as the climate recovered an army of bushes and trees advanced northwards. It was then often suggested that the result was a primeval forest that stretched even in the Highlands from coast to coast. This was often summed up in the airy assertion: ‘The Highlands were covered in trees, and we cut them all down.’ For many of us this received opinion seemed too simplistic, somewhat improbable and maintained in ignorance of the fluctuations in climate which archaeology has made quite clear. The New Stone Age, when all those chambered tombs in the ‘limestone corridor’ of Assynt testify to a flourishing agriculture, was followed by a prolonged climatic downturn. This lasted perhaps for several hundred years, led to the formation of widespread blanket bog, and is likely to have fragmented any existing woodland. Other discoveries slowly ate away at the simplistic view, amongst which was proof that some exposed areas began to lose their woodland before there was any evidence of human agricultural activity. And, again through archaeology, it became clear that continuing and regular volcanic activity in Iceland has deposited microscopic glass shards, coated in toxic chemicals, over our area. It is impossible that this can have been repeated without having impact on the vegetation; I have heard it suggested that the disappearance of the existing, and apparently poor, stressed pine in Caithness, followed exactly such a major eruption of Hekla.

Also, in recent years, Frans Vera has set out a strong case that the ‘Wildwood’ of the popular imagination was far from the reality. It is his view that large herbivores worked their way northwards with the advancing trees and bushes, and maintained a complex, mobile and dynamic mosaic of woodland, scrub and open spaces. (Again, the interested reader is referred to Isabella Tree and her Wilding, a useful and very clear account of this important theory.) To many of us, this makes a lot of sense, and it is an argument which is supported

by the natural processes which are being worked out at Knepp. The lack of big herbivores, or of active management of the trees, may go far to explain the rather uniform, dense, and some- what moribund appearance of some of our muchvaunted woodland nature reserves. All too often, these are hemmed in by agricultural land, managed moorland, or human infrastructure, with the result that the woods have, to use a simple but critical phrase: ‘nowhere to go’. It is often forgotten that many of our tree species regenerate best in open ground, so woods in a natural situation move around the landscape, ebb and flow up and down the hillsides. So often this is impossible; whatever their problems, this is far less true of the Assynt woods than of some others.

In our parish, it seems entirely fair to suggest that after the Ice Ages and the Loch Lomond Readvance, there would be many lochs and lochans, some or many basins of peat, and quite a lot of bare rock; this inevitably means that the native woodland would be fairly fragmented, whether you wish to invoke Frans Vera’s ideas or not. As I have indicated, the first significant human population of which we have any proof is in the Neolithic, when farming

communities worked the limestone land. These farmers did what all farmers do; they grew crops and kept stock. In any Highland or Island location they would have continued at least some of the hunting and gathering activities of any people they found already living in the area; the game and fish, for instance, must have been irresistible. Sadly, there really seems to be nowhere in Assynt with well-preserved field systems from this period, so trying to assess the extent of worked, as opposed to grazing, land at this time is rather difficult. It may be fair to suggest that the ‘good’ land, so much of which remains visible in Knockan, Elphin, Stronchrubie and Inchnadamph, would have provided room for both the required cultivation and herded grazing.

As areas of this good land, listed above, are bordered to the west by bog or the inhospitable slopes of quartzite which lead up to Cul Mor, Canisp and Quinag, it again seems most unlikely that herded animals from the limestone corridor would have had any impact at all on the Lewisian hinterland beyond the mountains. We also have virtually nothing which might

prove contemporary occupation of the coastal strip, despite the patches of good land which do exist there. I therefore incline to the view that the area west of the mountains remained largely unaffected by human activity throughout the Neolithic. And, judging by the relative scarcity of remains from the subsequent Bronze Age, one might argue that human impact on the natural vegetation was still low. The prolonged climatic downturn from perhaps around 2000bc will probably have had a much more significant effect in increasing the fragmentation of the existing woodland. There certainly seems to be evidence of considerable change around this time; particularly in Coigach to the south, as in many other places in the Highlands, there will often be found in eroding peat the well-preserved stumps of pine. The first of these which I really noticed is on the margin of one of the small lochs near Drumrunie which my father fished after moving from Glenleraig. They look very fresh, they sometimes even still smell of resin, and it is quite difficult to credit that many of them have been found to be around four thousand years old.

Elphin on its limestone ‘island’

Pitching Up at Dalraddy Holiday Park

By Janice Hopper

Accommodation at Alvie & Dalraddy Estates

Alvie and Dalraddy Estates in the Highlands offer a circular, mutually beneficial mix of farming, tourism, forestry and diversification. Most visitors head to the estates’ relaxing Dalraddy Holiday Park, for camping, glamping and chalets. While tourism is one part of the

picture, there’s a lot more going on behind the scenes.

Alvie and Dalraddy are adjoining estates that are operated as one land holding. They run from the River Spey, between Loch Insh and Loch Alvie, north west into the Monadhliath hills. The current

laird is Jamie Williamson, and the land has been in his family since 1927. The estates are home to two quarries but are primarily made up of woodland, with 1,780 acres of conifer forests, 230 acres of broadleaf woods, around 570 acres of unstocked woodland and over 10,000 acres of hill ground.

The trees are incorporated into the visitor experience, as each camping pitch is surrounded by greenery and tall Scots Pine. Wood chip heats the shower and toilet blocks too.

The 812 acre farm is another core part of the estate, an essential income stream

Travel Scotland

and, again, it crosses over into the agri-tourism experience. In terms of livestock the Home Farm houses Beef Shorthorn, and introduced Simmental cows as well. These cows are bred with Beef Shorthorn for pure shorthorn breeds, or with Saler bulls. The large pelvic structure of Salers makes calving easier, they were also chosen for their strong fertility and calm nature. The farm selects livestock appropriate for its northern location and Highland conditions i.e. Saler cattle originate from the mountainous regions of France, making them well adapted to tough, upland conditions and variable weather.

The sheep on site are mainly Blackface ewes crossed with Bluefaced Leicesters or purebred Blackface tups. Alvie estate is also home to Cheviots and Suffolks. Farm Tours are available for guests at Dalraddy Holiday Park (and non-residents too) where guests meet farmer James Law and all the animals. Highlights include rounding up the sheep with sheepdog Ben, coming face to face with Alvie Jock the chief bull, handfeeding hay to the younger bulls, and bottle-feeding milk to the lambs. Then, visitors hop in the farm truck and drive to key viewpoints, and take in paddocks such as the lamb triplet field and the field of lamb twins. Back at the campsite, the reception shop sells venison and beef direct from the estate, so happy campers can start the day frying up venison sausages or tuck into burgers as the sun sets.

Like many estates, Alvie and Dalraddy consider tourism an essential part of their business plan. Six self-catering properties are situated on Alvie Estate, sleeping from 6-10 people, but the main accommodation hub is Dalraddy Holiday Park. Here, there are ample pitches for motorhomes, campervans, and tents, one glamping unit, three static caravans and thirteen chalets to let. To entertain and feed the hundreds of visitors who book into the holiday park, Alvie and Dalraddy have partnered with tenants and/or independent

businesses, adapting their land to offer wild rural experiences, such as zip trek and gorge walking with G2 Outdoor. Cairngorm Quad Treks offers exhilarating quad bike treks (an epic way to explore the land as a family) and archery, Alvie Stables is tenanted and offers horse-riding to visitors, plus

there’s Backcountry Survival for Bear Grylls-style experiences in the heart of the Scottish Highlands. Estate tours, clay pigeon shooting, stag shooting, deer feeding and photography, plus red squirrel photography can all be booked directly with the estate. Food providers at Dalraddy Holiday Park include

NaNa’s Thai Kitchen, Cabin Coffee, the Coyote Cook House for burgers, loaded fries and hot dogs, and G’s Pizza Box pops up throughout peak season. While guests have no need to leave the holiday park, they are spoiled for choice if they do. Headline attractions in and around Aviemore include the

Beekeeping

Quads

Landmark Forest Adventure Park and the Highland Wildlife Park, but it’s the Cairngorm Mountain itself that gives access to the region’s most stunning landscapes. With the funicular now operating again, visitors can rise to 3599 feet above sea level on a scenic journey that takes around ten minutes. At the summit, grab a bite to eat in the Ptarmigan Restaurant, then explore two viewing terraces, a movie discussing the landscape in more detail, and an exhibition. At base level, an Adventure Play Park is a tempting family friendly offering. Kids play with the most staggering mountainous backdrop, taking part in downhill tubing, whizzing down dual ziplines, bouncing high on the inflatable pillow, or playing on a climbing frame and giant marble runs. There’s also a camera obscura to view the land, and a ‘Mountain Garden’ reveals the plants that flourish at these high altitudes.

For those looking for something different, a final foodie/local produce style experience to consider are the beekeeping sessions at the Rowan Tree Country Hotel, under two miles from Dalraddy Holiday Park. Tamasina Cassidy is the hotelier and resident beekeeper. Hotel guests regularly enjoy the honey harvest from the hives, but for those who want to discover more, Tamasina invites visitors to don a beekeeping suit and learn how her bee colony operates. Each hive contains roughly 60,000 bees, and a bee’s brief six-week life contributes towards one teaspoon of honey. If you’re lucky, you may even witness a baby bee being born in the nursery section of the hive. Tamasina calmly answers all the questions these curious creatures inspire, then guests return to the hotel for a honey tasting session, followed by tea and dessert, before returning to their campsite.

Ultimately, Alvie and Dalraddy estates are part of the modern story of how travel, farming and forestry collide, to offer excellent hospitality experiences in the beauty of the Scottish Highlands.

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INFO BOX

Accommodation & pitches at Dalraddy Holiday Park – campinginaviemore.co.uk.

Self-catering cottages - highlandsselfcatering.co.uk

Activities - highlandsselfcatering.co.uk/activities-at-alvie

Cairngorm Mountain - cairngormmountain.co.uk

Beekeeping - rowantreehotel.com/news-offers

Discover more at VisitCairngorms.com

Food area and yurt

Zipline fun

A show stopping Royal Highland Show for Women in Agriculture Scotland

By Iona Smith & Julie McLaren

On Thursday, 19th June, the Women in Agriculture Scotland team proudly hosted their annual breakfast event at the Royal Highland Show in Edinburgh. This year’s theme, “New Entrants: Empowering Women,” brought together over 150 attendees in a sold-out celebration of resilience, ambition, and community.

The morning began with a heartfelt welcome from Iona Smith, Chair of Women in Agriculture Scotland. Iona reflected on the year’s achievements and

set an inspiring tone for the day, highlighting the growing momentum behind women’s involvement in the agricultural sector.

A key moment of the event was the launch of the Women in Agriculture Scotland Mentoring Scheme, introduced by board member Julie McLaren. Open to all members, the scheme offers tailored support across a wide range of areas—from hands-on farming to business development— designed to nurture confidence

and capability. The enthusiastic response underscored the power of collective support, and the strength found in shared experiences.

The event’s speakers exemplified the theme of empowerment, each bringing a unique story of courage and transformation:

Emma Gray, renowned for her appearances on This Farming Life, captivated the audience with tales of her journey as an author, recordbreaking sheepdog trainer, and advocate for women in rural life.

Joanna MacGregor, a former geography teacher turned entrepreneur, shared her inspiring story of building Farm Ness—a thriving farm park on the banks of Loch Ness. From a modest Christmas tree pop-up to a popular destination featuring the Highland Cow experience, Joanna’s journey is a testament to vision and perseverance.

Amelia Lawrence, a qualified vet and recent entrant into dairy farming, spoke candidly about taking on a 312-acre tenanted

Women in Agriculture

farm. With 131 cows and plans to expand to 200, Amelia’s drive and determination reflect the evolving face of modern agriculture.

Each speaker offered honest insights into the challenges they’ve faced, the lessons learned, and the unwavering passion that keeps them rooted in the land. Their stories not only inspired but also reinforced a powerful message: women belong in agriculture—and they are shaping its future.

The breakfast event was further elevated by the presence of Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform & Islands, Mairi Gougeon MSP, who shared an inspiring update on the Scottish Government’s continued commitment to supporting the agricultural sector. Her message was clear: women, new entrants, and small-scale farmers are central to Scotland’s farming future.

Among the key initiatives discussed was the Future Farm Investment Scheme, a transformative £14 million programme designed to boost efficiency and promote climatefriendly farming practices. With upfront payments of up to £20,000 and 100% grant rates, the scheme prioritises support for new entrants, young farmers, smallholders, and tenants—a powerful step toward a more inclusive and sustainable agricultural landscape. The announcement was met with enthusiastic approval from attendees, reflecting the shared optimism in the room.

Closing the event on a deeply personal and empowering note was Alix Ritchie, former Women in Agriculture Scotland board member and Programme Director at Farmstrong. Alix offered a heartfelt update on Farmstrong’s mission to support the mental wellbeing of farmers, crofters, and their families. Her message resonated deeply: taking care of ourselves is just as vital as taking care of the land.

Alix also introduced a new initiative focused on the menopause, a topic often

overlooked but one that affects many in the agricultural community. By bringing this conversation to the forefront, Farmstrong is helping to break down barriers and foster a culture of openness and support. Her words reminded everyone that mental health and wellbeing are essential pillars of a thriving rural sector.

The event concluded on a high note with an inspiring address from Lucy McClymont, Secretary of Women in Agriculture Scotland. Lucy captured the energy and insight from the morning’s discussions, highlighting the powerful role each attendee can play in driving change—not just for themselves, but for the next generation of women in agriculture.

It was truly uplifting to see such a strong turnout at the breakfast, a testament to the passion and commitment within our community. We’re excited to see what’s next and eagerly await the upcoming events from Women in Agriculture Scotland, which continue to spark progress and connection across the sector.

On the scorching Friday night of the show, we teamed up with FAS to host a drinks reception for Women in Agriculture at the SRUC stand. Attendees got to hear from guest speaker Tracey Roan, a dairy farmer from Dumfries and Galloway, about her life in agriculture and how her farming life is influenced by “milk, muscle and mindset”. We also heard from Mary-Jane Lawrie who gave a speech on what FAS Women in Agriculture do, then finishing off with a brilliant poem. Finally, Iona Smith Chair of Women in Agriculture Scotland told the audience what their mission at WiAS is, events coming up and how to join. There was also the chance to network with other attendees while enjoying a drink and nibbles. A massive thanks to all who came along it was a lovely evening.

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Utilising Cow Tracks to Improve your Dairy System

Incorporating cow tracks into a dairy system can have numerous benefits for a business, including boosting herd health, productivity and profitability.

If cattle are able to be moved across grazing ground efficiently via a cow track, grass offtake can be optimised, which will encourage regrowth. With the weather becoming more unpredictable, cow tracks can also help extend the grazing season by preventing poaching and damage to grazing paddocks.

A track free from sharp or loose stones and uneven surfaces can lower the prevalence of claw horn lesions such as white line disease, sole ulcers and sole haemorrhages sustained through injury. Having adequate drainage can help prevent mud and water softening the skin and hoof horn, which can lead to less digital dermatitis and inter-digital infections.

If cattle are walking on a clean track the risk of muck splashing onto udders is greatly reduced, which should help reduce cases of environmental mastitis and other bacterial infections within the herd.

Tips for installation

Under the General Binding Rules, no runoff from a cow track is allowed to enter the water environment. Track design needs to ensure that any water is directed to a swale

for treatment or a field. SEPA guidance and advice should be sought prior to starting work if a cow track is to be constructed within 10m of, or if it is to cross a water course. There are numerous materials available for constructing a cow track and they vary in cost. They range from solid surfaces such as concrete and concrete railway sleepers to softer options such as reclaimed astroturf and woodchip. Before deciding on a material, it is important to consider track gradient, disposal if it is no longer required and weather conditions. Avoid using material that can be trapped in between the claws e.g. gravel and use a membrane to prevent large stones and muck rising to the surface of the track.

The final piece of the puzzle is fencing the track off to stop cows straying when moving around the farm. A gap of 0.3m should be left between the edge of the track and the fence to allow the cows to utilise the full width of the track without encroaching on to the grass.

Millions of pounds of investment ‘scrapped’ as farmers fear impact of tax reform

Rural business organisation

Scottish Land & Estates (SLE) says millions of pounds of investment has already been scrapped and more will follow, as the UK government ignores the concerns of family farms and businesses.

The policy paper published on 21 July (Agricultural property relief and business property relief reforms) shows little understanding of the real-world impact of the tax reforms due to come into force on 6 April.

Eleanor Kay, Senior Policy Adviser (Agriculture and Climate Change) for SLE said: “We know that investment in farming infrastructure is being cut, all kinds of plans are being put on hold and even sales of machinery are significantly down, since this policy was announced. This is mirrored in other rural businesses eligible for BPR.

“There was no consultation prior to the original policy announcement and now the government seems to have completely dismissed the concerns raised by rural stakeholders since the announcement. It is astonishing that there has been no proper impact assessment of how the legislation, particularly changes to Business Property Relief, will affect not just the farming sector, but a range of other rural businesses.”

Other concerns raised by SLE include:

• Lack of impact assessment means the government has no data to back up its assumptions on the consequences of the reforms;

• No transitional arrangements to ease the blow for older farmers who have not yet transferred farms down a generation;

• Total disregard for all the sector reports showing that many farms are operating on very tight margins with decreasing average revenue (including the government’s own figures);

• Lack of awareness of the implications for food security. Domestic food security should be a priority for the government, both to ensure high-quality meat and produce continues to be available, to reduce reliance on lower quality imports and to reduce food miles;

• The government claims the policy is ‘not expected to have a significant impact on family formation, family stability or family breakdown’. A wide range of industry bodies have sounded the alarm over the potential for greater stress and anxiety caused by these changes, with a resulting negative impact on farmers’ mental health;

• No differentiation made in the policy paper between the market value of a farm and the value for IHT purposes, as raised previously by the CAAV.

Eleanor Kay continued: “These tax changes will have a profound impact on the rural sector for decades to come.

“For years we have called for mandatory rural impact assessments to ensure policy decisions are made with proper consideration for their impact on rural communities. This is a prime example of how badly things can go wrong without such an assessment.

“There is still time for the government to make sensible adjustments to this policy so that it avoids considerable damage to working farms. We urge them to listen to rural businesses and prevent the loss of millions of pounds of investment.”

£1m investment fuels UK farming innovation as SugaROx accelerates biostimulant research

SugaROx, a UK-based venture leading the development of precision biostimulants, has today announced a £400,000 strategic investment from a global player in the fertiliser industry, The Mosaic Company, as part of a £1 million seed round extension.

Existing backers, including UK-based angel investors and sustainable growth-focused investment funds Future Planet

Capital and Regenerate Ventures, contributed the remaining £600,000.

Biostimulants are one of the fastest growing crop input sectors, with an estimated 11% compound annual growth rate (CAGR). The £1 million extension follows a £2.4 million grant awarded from the UK’s national innovation agency, Innovate UK, to upscale

manufacturing of SugaROx’s first active ingredient Trehalose6-Phosphate (T6P).

SugaROx’s T6P biostimulant boosts the yields and resilience of crops by inhibiting SnRK1, an enzyme that signals energy scarcity in the plant. Safety tests completed in early 2024 confirmed a promising regulatory outlook for the proprietary T6P and led potential go-to-market

partners to request samples for field trials.

SugaROx is working to launch its T6P wheat biostimulant in the UK market in 2027 and in the EU in 2028. This year the venture launched trials in soybean and maize with a view to enter the US and Brazilian markets shortly after.

Mark Robbins, chief executive officer of SugaROx

said: “In response to increasing demand for product samples, we decided to accelerate our manufacturing timeline, fast tracking the shift from in house lab production to a pilot facility. The Innovate UK grant and additional investment allows us to do that”.

“Our existing investors were quick to subscribe to the seed round extension, which we are delighted to complete with Mosaic as a strategic partner. We have the ambition to transform the biostimulants industry with science-based

solutions – something that is only achievable in collaboration with other players”.

Explaining the benefits of Mosaic’s investment, Dr Cara Griffiths chief technical officer and co-founder at SugaROx, added: “With Mosaic we gain access to an established network of trial sites for validation of our first product in the US at scale. Mosaic will also provide us with access to TruResponse®, a digital platform to visualise field results, which will be extremely valuable for our research.”

Your new farming finance column

Hello from MMG Chartered Accountants! We are pleased to be joining the financial pages of Farming Scotland with our new column, The Bean Counters.

MMG has been part of the Tayside business community for over 100 years. With offices in Perth, Crieff, Dundee, Montrose, Forfar and Brechin, we work closely with farming families, rural businesses and landowners across Scotland.

We understand the pressures facing the agricultural sector. It has been a challenging few years, and careful financial planning has never been more important. Our team has wide experience in areas such as succession planning and inheritance tax, helping families plan ahead and make the most of the reliefs available.

Alongside this, we provide a full range of

services including audit, accounting, tax and advisory, payroll, virtual finance and wealth management. Whether it’s help with the books, advice on business structure or preparing for the next generation, we aim to give practical support that fits the realities of life in farming.

In the months ahead, we’ll use this column to share topical updates, insights and our perspective on the issues that are shaping farming and rural businesses. That might mean explaining a change in legislation, highlighting a new tax relief, or exploring ways to plan for the future.

The Bean Counters

We want to give you relevant information when it matters, along with our take on what it could mean for your business. Here’s to making the numbers side of farming a little easier to navigate.

Mark Robbins, CEO of SugaROx

Merlo SpA acquires the shares of Merlo Deutschland GmbH, reaching 100% ownership of its German subsidiary

Merlo S.p.A. has acquired the shares in Merlo Deutschland GmbH, which were previously owned by the Clewing family, the owners of Heinrichs Holding GmbH. This marks a natural evolution in the long and strong collaboration between the two families.

After 33 years of shared success, a new phase is beginning for the Cuneo-based company, consolidating Merlo’s commitment to the German market: “This decision is part of a history built on trust, common values and a shared vision, ensuring full operational

continuity,” said Paolo Merlo, CEO of the Merlo Group. “Like Henrich Clewing, I believe that this new structure will maximise the company’s potential by strengthening the brand’s presence and ensuring long-term growth and success.”

With a view to continuity and renewal, the Clewing family has chosen to entrust Merlo SpA with full ownership of the subsidiary, while maintaining an operational role within the organisation.

Henrich Clewing will continue to lead Merlo Deutschland GmbH as Managing Director, supported by

a team of 50 highly qualified and motivated employees.

In this context, Merlo SpA’s full acquisition of the German

subsidiary represents a natural and strategic evolution. It is designed to further strengthen the Merlo Group’s presence in Germany and consolidate its relationships with local customers and partners.

Thanks to this new configuration, Merlo will be able to follow the German market even more directly and closely, guaranteeing customers increasingly personalised, timely and effective support. This step recognises the work carried out so far and aims to further raise the standards of quality, reliability and service that have characterised Merlo’s business in Germany for over thirty years.

HORSCH Leeb Xeric 14 FS goes into series production

The HORSCH Leeb Xeric 14 FS, the first pneumatic HORSCH fertiliser spreader, will go into series production for season 2026. After its presentation at the Agritechnica 2023, the machine was used intensively and further developed following on extensive field experience. Series production now starts with new features and optimised technology. In addition to the previous working widths of 36m and 48m, a 39m version now completes the range.

The Leeb Xeric represents a brand-new product in a new sector for HORSCH. Using its proven experience with developing precision sprayers, HORSCH has brought the same

level of productivity and control to granular fertiliser spreading.

The short time window for spreading fertiliser is a challenge for but with a capacity of 14m3, working widths of 36m, 39m and 48m, a powerful metering output and high operational speeds up to 20kph, the new Leeb Xeric sets new standards in the market. Advanced features like a 12-section boom, automatic

section switch-off and curve compensation bring a new level of precision to granular fertiliser application.

Based on the well-proven tandem axle chassis of the Leeb 12 TD sprayer, the Leeb Xeric features BoomControl for precise boom levelling, a metering box with a central metering system and innovative boom design has a smooth passage for the fertiliser. This allows for a precise longitudinal and lateral distribution and precise application regardless of wind and a bad fertiliser quality (fertiliser granulate).

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Kubota parts redefined with Terrako

Kubota (UK) Ltd has introduced a digital marketplace for customers, to streamline ordering of genuine parts using mobile or desktop devices. It is called Terrako, and enables Kubota parts to be ordered through an online portal (http://uk.terrako. com) that also provides instant access to dealer stock levels.

“As an all-new digital marketplace, the development of Terrako has made it very easy and convenient for customers to order genuine parts for their Kubota equipment, even if they’re unsure of who their local Kubota dealer is,” explains Simon Chadbone, Kubota UK’s division manager for parts. “This is particularly useful for those

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Wheeled dumpers, tracked dumpers, excavators, telehandlers, special machinery

Kattrak International Ltd is proud to be an official Scottish dealer & distributor for Sunward, Hidromek, Messeri and Holp Rototop Attachments

Kattrak offers a broad range of wheeled & tracked dumpers as well as other machinery for hire at competitive rates

who are working away from base, for example contractors, as it can save the customer a lot of time while also contributing to a reduction in downtime.”

Access to Terrako requires customers to create a free online account, which also highlights the location of their closest Kubota dealers. Doing so gives the customer direct access to view dealer stock levels and recommended retail pricing, when searching for parts. Terrako also provides access to schematic drawings and parts numbers, simplifying parts identification and ensuring customers order the correct parts for their equipment.

Payment is made at the point of ordering, using secure online payment processes, with customers receiving an email confirmation of their order. Customers can choose to collect parts from their nearest Kubota dealer, or request dealer delivery to site, or seek direct delivery from Kubota.

“It may be that the nearest dealer might be out of stock, but another Kubota dealer within easy reach may have those parts sat on the shelf,” says Simon. “Searching with Terrako will speed up the process of finding and buying the correct genuine parts. And it’s operational 24 hours/day, seven days/week.”

Terrako offers more than just genuine Kubota parts supply. It can also be used to buy service kits, oils and filters, and will enable Kubota dealers to highlight promotional offers and create bespoke promotions for their customers.

“The introduction of our Terrako digital marketplace has now made it much easier for Kubota customers to buy the correct genuine parts without having to take the required items to a dealership for identification,” says Simon. “With an online Terrako account, genuine Kubota parts can be ordered from anywhere, using any mobile device.”

Single Front Hopper

Hopper will be a popular addition the company’s range of Opti-

Claydon’s new 2000-litre SFH2000 Evolution Single Front

Till® machinery and provides customers who are considering its front hopper / rear drill toolbar combination with a wider choice of configuration options, according to David Furber, Sales Manager -UK / ROI.

Priced at £24,971, the Claydon Evolution Single Front Hopper is 150mm lower and 100mm narrower than the company’s Double Front Hopper, which is 2476mm wide, 1803mm high and has a total capacity of 2750 litres, split 45/55%.

Incorporating a large, 1800mm x 750mm, opening lid with a single centred latch and stay strut, it is fitted with removable stainless steel meshes, a single metering unit, two hopper level sensors which provide ‘low level’ and ‘empty’ warnings, together with a ‘metering unit empty’ sensor.

ISOBUS compatible, the Evolution Single Front Hopper can be fitted with small,

medium or large diameter interchangeable metering wheels to suit a wide range of seeds and fertilisers. Supplied

with a single 112mm-diameter transfer tube to transport seed to the rear-mounted drill toolbar, it can be equipped the optional

light and vision kit, 550kg of ballast, packer wheels with passive steering, and wheel scrapers.

NOVACAT F 3100 OPTICURVE now with Profiline comfort control system

The NOVACAT F 3100 OPTICURVE was already a sensation when it was launched in 2024. Now the front mower, which won an AgrarTec Gold medal, has received a decisive upgrade: In the coming season, it will be available with the Profiline comfort control system as an option.

With the Profiline comfort control system, the mower steers left and right automatically depending on the turning angle of the tractor and the inclination of the slope. The information needed to do this is provided by

an acceleration sensor installed directly on the mower. By including the tractor’s turning angle signal, the accuracy of the calculation increases even further.

The mower is controlled either using the tractor’s ISOBUS terminal or a SELECT CONTROL terminal. Hydraulic oil is supplied by a load-sensing or power beyond system.

The special advantages of the side shift system

The side shift system is really noticeable when cornering and on slopes because it provides a perfect overlap with the rear mower and ensures the tractor drives along a clear track free of forage. The curved movement means that the entire working width of the cutter bar can be used and the effective width of the mower combination maximised. By contrast, systems with straight-line side shift leave several centimetres uncovered in this situation.

A special advantage of this technology is the ability to detect changing degrees of overlap between the front mower and the tractor or rear mower(s) and respond

automatically. No grass is driven over, and no feathers are left standing, neither when cornering nor on steep ground. And, because there is no old crop left behind for the next

cut, the follow-up harvesting machines can work undisturbed. Thanks to automatic mode, the operator can focus on driving the tractor while keeping an eye on the surroundings.

Future proofing a demanding dairy operation with investment in Major 2800LGP Tanker

Co. Antrim dairy farmer Richard Millar invested in 2800LGP Major Tanker with 9.6m Trailing Shoe for his 300-head operation. The low emissions slurry applicator and galvanised tanker safeguards his operation from changing regulations while securing his investment.

Richard Millar, a dairy farmer from Ballymena, Co. Antrim, runs a busy dairying operation milking

between 250 and 300 cows, depending on the calving season. Farming on a greenfield site developed 15 years ago, Richard, alongside his son Ben and a fulltime worker, manages a three-cut silage system and grows forage maize for feed. With the fastpaced rhythm of slurry spreading, planting and silage making, equipment reliability is vital.

Richard recently invested in

a galvanised 2800LGP Major Tanker fitted with a 9.6m trailing shoe applicator. “It’s a good, wellbuilt tanker and it’s a reputable company,” said Richard, noting the galvanised finish will help it last the 15 years he intends to keep it. Major tankers are designed for productivity and longevity

The LGP Major Tanker is a robust unit designed with the larger producer in mind. Barrels are

made of 6mm steel which sits on a separate chassis. The position of the axle is relative to the machine length to achieve the optimum balance with 80% of the weight running on the tanker’s axel and the remainder carried on the tractor drawbar. This design preserves the overall integrity of the unit when towing heavy loads.

Baffles inside the barrel prevent ‘wave’ motions during transport. Heavy duty commercial specification axles and rubber buffers on drawbar ensure smooth and safe road journeys.

Trailing shoe applicator meets all the requirements

His choice of the Major trailing shoe was driven both by performance and ensuring compliance with changing slurry regulations. “I didn’t want to buy another slurry applicator in five years’ time so I chose the Major trailing shoe for that reason,” he explained.

The MJ81-960 Trailing Shoe features 38 outlets spaced 25cm

apart for most favourable slurry application. High tensile springs fitted with high carbon steel coulters separate the sward to deposit slurry at the grass root. Spring steel bars on the frame allow the applicator to follow ground contours.

The trailing shoe’s design ensures that it sits neatly behind the tanker and floats well over uneven ground. With a Vogelsang macerator, a trusted component in slurry systems, it ensures efficient delivery, especially on grazing ground. “It gets into the roots of the grass better than a dribble bar,” Richard added. The resulting benefit is having stock return to grazing ground more quickly.

Excellent after sales support by local dealer.

Supplied by local dealer Rea’s of Finvoy, the whole purchasing experience was smooth. “Major delivered on time, which matters to me. And the support from Rea’s has been excellent. It’s a great tanker and we are getting along well with it,” concluded Richard.

Trelleborg Tires demonstrates the power of pressure at BASF Demo Day

At the recent BASF Demo Day, held at Hurcott Farm, Trelleborg Tires showcased the benefits of its advanced VF (Very High Flexion) tyre technology through a live in-field demonstration.

The event, hosted by Mark, Sue, and Andrew Doble, who manage the Hurcott Farm, offered the ideal setting to engage directly with farmers and contractors, and to demonstrate how the right tyre pressure can have a measurable impact on productivity, soil protection, and tyre longevity.

Adapting tyre pressure to the specific needs of fieldwork versus road transport is essential to protect the soil, optimise traction and extend the life of the tyre. It’s a fundamental practice that can make a real difference to a farm’s performance — but it’s often underestimated” said Craig Churstain, Sales Manager Trelleborg Tires, who led the field demonstration.

Trelleborg tyres’ VF technology marks a major step forward in tyre engineering. Designed to operate at lower inflation pressures compared to standard tyres, VF tyres improve flotation by distributing weight

across a wider footprint. The result is minimised soil compaction, better preservation of soil structure, and greater support for long-term yield potential.

Thedemonstrationalsofeatured Trelleborg’s ProgressiveTraction® tread design: a key innovation engineered for both field grip and road comfort. Its dual-anchor lug system enhances traction in both vertical and horizontal directions, reducing slippage, improving fuel efficiency, and boosting operational performance, especially in soft or variable conditions. The Interlug system further enhances selfcleaning and stability.

To support professionals aiming to maximize value over time, Trelleborg Tires offers a certified 5,000-hour performance warranty on selected ProgressiveTraction® ranges (TM1000, TM900, TM800, TM1060), available exclusively through registration in the Premium Care Program at premiumcare. trelleborg-tires.com.

Trelleborg Tires was supported at the event by C&O Tractors, trusted Massey Ferguson specialists, whose contribution reinforced the value of integrating premium tyre technology with high-performance machinery in real working conditions.

“Farmers today are under constant pressure to do more with less,” added Churstain.

“Our mission is to provide tyre solutions that not only perform in

the toughest conditions, but also support a more sustainable and profitable farming model.”

With ongoing investments in technology, product development and added services, Trelleborg Tires reaffirms its commitment to providing advanced, field-ready solutions that support sustainable farming, greater efficiency, and long-term value for professionals in the agricultural sector.

CLAAS further develops TRION series and adds new TRION 760 top model

Four years after its market launch, the TRION series from CLAAS continues to set standards in the mid-sized combine harvester segment. The new models impress with their greater harvesting performance: engine outputs of up to 507 hp further increase throughput, while the larger grain tank volume of 13,500 litres increases productive time by reducing overloading and offers reserves for long fields. As with the LEXION, comfort-enhancing innovations in the cab and in the area of maintenance have been introduced throughout the TRION series.

With the three TRION 500, TRION 600 and TRION

700 series, CLAAS has been offering the most comprehensive and widest range of combine harvesters in the medium power class on the market since summer 2021, meeting the diverse requirements of international customers in a unique way. Farmers and contractors are not only able to choose between 5 straw walkers and 6 straw walkers as well as the powerful APS HYBRID machines – but also have the option of wheel, TERRA TRAC and MONTANA variants. With its wide range of models, simple and proven reliable technology, unbeatable ease of maintenance and intuitive, immediately understandable operation, the new TRION appeals to an extremely broad international customer segment, true to the motto - “Simply fits”.

Samson expands its range of slurry tankers

Following the TG18, TG20 and most recently the TG24 models, SAMSON is expanding its range with the new TG15. In a context of rapid technological development, the TG15 provides users with a machine adapted to market evolutions, suitable both for pumping and for the application of slurry and digestates.

With a 15 m³ capacity, the TG15 is designed to meet the needs of farms, cooperatives and contractors. It reflects SAMSON’s commitment to address a wider audience. The TG15 combines versatility and technical innovations to facilitate daily operations and reinforce equipment reliability. Available with the SAMSON Ejector-system, SAP1 and SAP2 pumps or external filling options, the TG15 offers a truly versatile solution.

The new TG15 model is approved for road use (maximum speed 40 km/h) and complies with European Regulation EU167/2013. Its development responds to the growing demand for slurry tankers capable of operating on roads under increasingly strict weight restrictions. In many countries, these requirements have been strengthened and enforced, pushing manufacturers to design machines that are both compliant and secure.

The TG15 integrates several improvements that benefit the entire TG range. It features a new hydraulic architecture combined with a new ECU controller. In combination with the new SM5000 control terminal, precise proportional adjustments are possible for the pump arm and category 3 lifting. Proportional hydraulics ensure smooth and

accurate movements for SAP and lifting functions, preventing jerky operation. The introduction of rigid pipes under the chassis, replacing flexible hoses, improves equipment reliability and simplifies maintenance in difficult working conditions. Additional innovations include the automatic central greasing system (available

as an option on TG15 and TG24 models). Fully controlled from the SM5000 terminal, this system allows precise configuration and monitoring of greasing cycles directly from the cab. This automation reduces daily maintenance, increases reliability and helps extend equipment lifespan.

New Fortis LT extends the range for the medium power segment

The new Fortis LT extends HORSCH’s successful universal cultivator range with a compact solution for medium-sized farms. The Fortis LT was specifically developed for standard tractors up to 500 hp and is available in four working widths from 4.60m to 6.75m. The cultivator has the flexibility to be used for shallow tillage to primary soil cultivation at depths of up to 30cm.

The Fortis LT’s robust design considers the increase in tractor powers in recent years, harvest residues or catch crops performance and incorporation quality. The combination of a 4-bar design, a 27cm tine spacing and an 85cm frame height ensures an enormous clearance for working without clogging

at a maximum working depth of 30cm. The intensive flow of soil in the machine offers a high mixing quality. The well-proven TerraGrip tine system with large radii on the tine shaft ensures a low horsepower requirement and compared to the proven Fortis AS, the LT is even more compact and shorter.

A special feature is the placement of the levelling tools as close as possible to the last row of tines to allow the flow of soil to be directed into the levelling discs. The chassis can be moved out of the working area and therefore does not prevent the flow of soil from leaving the tine zone. This contributes to the large clearance with perfect levelling quality.

The Fortis LT can be customised to meet individual customer requirements and operating conditions. The wellknown MulchMix coulter system, with its wide range of coulter options and wings as well as the wide range of packer options,

contributes to the flexibility of the machine. The angle of the double packers can be adjusted by means of the proven aluminium clips, a system that is unique in this class. This allows adjustment of the contact pressure of the packer roller, resulti.

Rooting for farming’s future

Passing the baton: Brilliant bunch of farmers join forces to launch British Carrot Day 2025

We meet the fourth generation of a carrot growing family as preparations get underway for a national day to celebrate this often-overlooked hero of the veg rack …

WHILE his classmates were heading off on holiday after sitting their GCSE exams, a 16-year-old Will Hunter was climbing behind the wheel of a tractor and carting carrots from the field.

“I started full-time work on the farm the day I left school,” recalls Will. “My dad was keen for me to get experience of every single job. It was really important to him that I would

never ask anybody to do a job that I couldn’t do myself.”

Will, now 31, is one of a small group of six farm businesses, all members of the British Carrot Growers Association, who have dug into their own pockets to fund a national celebration ofto give them their Sunday name - Carota sativa.

British Carrot Day 2025 will take place on Friday, October 3rd and plans are coming together for this national celebration of all-things carrot.

The farmers dipped their toe into organising a day dedicated to carrots last year and are determined this autumn’s efforts

will become an annual event to encourage people to buy, get creative, eat, and cook with carrots.

“It’s not just recipes and nutritional information - carrots are especially high in Vitamin A, Vitamin K, and fibre - we want to share their field to fork journey; the story of the farmers who grow them,” explains Will.

But why? Surely we all buy and eat carrots anyway …

“Like a lot of good things carrots are often taken for granted,” explains Will, who - as many an allotment holder can testifyreveals they are actually one of the most difficult vegetables to grow.

Too hot (so this year’s heatwaves have caused carnage) and they wilt, while at the other end of the meteorological spectrum sitting in waterlogged soil runs risks of them turning to mush and mould. As if this wasn’t enough, they don’t like frost - requiring swaddling in a straw blanket during the winter - while an infestation of carrot fly can wipe out a whole crop. Yes, for something so taken for granted - the quick snack for children and the easy splash of colour on the plate - the trials, tribulations and downright tear-jerking torment that goes into growing the humble carrot is almost Shakespearean in its pathos.

PEOPLE ON THE MOVE

Ellie Mann

Shearwell is delighted to welcome Ellie Mann as our new local representative for the North of Scotland and the Isles. Coming from a strong farming background, Ellie grew up on her family’s arable farm, which also runs a breeding herd of cattle. This handson experience has given her a deep understanding of the farming way of life and the practical challenges faced by livestock keepers.

Before joining Shearwell, Ellie worked as a receptionist at her local veterinary practice, where she developed a keen interest in animal health. During this time, she completed her RAMA (Registered Animal Medicines Advisor) qualification through Harper Adams University, further strengthening her knowledge and commitment to the industry.

Now a couple of months into her new role with Shearwell, Ellie is enjoying life on the road - visiting farms, attending agricultural shows, and getting to know the local farming community. Her friendly approach, practical knowledge, and genuine passion for livestock farming make her a fantastic addition to the Shearwell team.

If you’d like advice or support with Shearwell products, please get in touch. Call Ellie on 07788 209 438

Melanie Anderson

Laurencekirk-based agricultural cooperative Ringlink has announced the appointment of Melanie Anderson as its new Head of Human Resources (HR), a role that will see her lead a newly created HR division within the company.

In her new position, Melanie will lead a new HR division that will not only support the internal Ringlink business but also provide a range of HR support services to its members.

Melanie brings over 20 years of experience as an HR practitioner to her new role, having been a Chartered Member of the CIPD since 2009.

Her career spans a diverse range of sectors, including senior leadership positions with the Scottish Government, NHS Grampian, the academic sector and the private sector, including oil & gas and hospitality. She also has experience as an employment law consultant, where she provided support to hundreds of businesses.

Melanie said: “I am delighted to join Ringlink at such a pivotal time in its growth. The opportunity to build a new HR division from the ground up, and to provide strategic support not only to our internal team but also to our valued members, is incredibly exciting.

“I look forward to leveraging my experience to create a robust and forward-thinking HR function that contributes to Ringlink’s continued success and supports our growing community.”

Jordan Wilson & Ian Evison

As Tong Engineering continues to expand in home and export markets, the UK’s innovative handling equipment manufacturer has announced key new appointments within its Sales team, reinforcing its commitment to providing exceptional service and support to customers at every stage of their project.

Jordan Wilson has been appointed as Sales Manager following his work developing Tong’s aftersales support division, TongAssist. Well known to many customers for building strong relationships, Jordan brings valuable insight into customer needs and focuses on delivering automated, efficient handling solutions to streamline operations of all sizes.

Also joining the sales team, Ian Evison has taken the role of Sales-Operations Manager after nearly 25 years in Tong’s aftersales department. Bringing deep technical expertise and a long-standing commitment to customer care, Ian will focus on ensuring smooth project delivery and providing knowledgeable support throughout the sales process.

“As a growing business, our teams naturally evolve, and we are committed to upholding our promise of first-class service as we strengthen connections with customers in the UK and worldwide,” says Edward Tong, Managing Director at Tong Engineering. “Our core values have always been built on a Sales team dedicated to providing personalised expertise and project support, working closely with customers to improve the efficiency of their post-harvest handling operations.”

THE BOOK SHELF

Community: People and Wildlife on the West Coast of Scotland

by Jane Smith

Author and Illustrator Jane Smith has been fascinated by nature, ecology and wildlife communities for her entire life. She has spent many years as a nature artist, and a colourful line of stationery products feature her illustrations of recognisable Scottish animals such as otters, seals and Highland cows. But her new book, titled Community: People and Wildlife on the West Coast of Scotland, takes her love of nature to the next level.

Beginning in her own garden in Argyll, Jane has travelled to ten key locations in the west of Scotland –from the towering cliffs of St Kilda and the peatlands of Lewis to the Solway estuary and the urban sprawl of Glasgow – to explore the interaction of people and wildlife in a variety of diverse settings. On her journey she discovers a number of communities who are taking on the job of regenerating their own landscapes and meets a host of fascinating people whose lives are inextricably bound up with questions of sustainability, conservation and landownership.

The book is organised into a chapter for each type of ecological environment – Garden, Peatland, Machair, Farmland, Woodland, Wetland, River, Coast, Sea, City, and, finally, Community. This offers a fairly comprehensive overview of Scotland and the

ways in which people and animals interact in these distinct habitats. On nearly every other page is a brilliant splash of colour, with Jane’s illustrations accompanying her important research and analysis on each community she has visited. Readers will recognise familiar creatures in these pages, such as red deer, owls, and puffins, as well as some possibly unexpected faces, like that of the curled octopus. Each of the locations included also get a full title page illustration devoted to them, and it is interesting to see iconic landmarks like the Duke of Wellington statue in Glasgow or the rocky crags of St Kilda depicted in Jane’s unique style. Overall, the artwork is a lovely addition to the book, ensuring it is as beautiful as it is insightful. Climate issues are at the forefront for many who live in both rural and urban environments alike in Scotland today, and books like Community are valuable instalments in the ongoing discussion of how to live sustainably and in harmony with nature. Jane Smith shares the stories of those living and working in these areas, bringing an important human component to the developing conversation. It is both visually striking and informative and would make a worthy addition to any naturelover’s bookshelf.

Community: People and Wildlife on the West Coast of Scotland by Jane Smith. Published by Birlinn in June 2025 (£17.99) https://birlinn.co.uk/product/community/