Farming Scotland Magazine (September - October 2019) by Athole Design & Publishing Ltd

Scotland’s longest established national farming & rural lifestyle magazine

Tuathanachas Alba

magazine

Scottish & European Ploughing Championships Ploughs Grain Dryers -UCK 3PREADERS 3LURRY -ANAGEMENT -ADE IN 3COTLAND Tweeds, Tweels and Twills Topic Diversification

Farming Travel Guide East Lothian Breed Profile Auchnacloich Blackface Flock Book Serialisation Part 5: Calum’s Road

In Focus Meat with integrity

Country Woman Featuring Caroline Campbell

£3.50

World Farming China

October 2019

Bowhouse A ‘Foodie’ hotspot in Fife

plus 0OLARIS 3IDE X 3IDE !46 2ACING s &LAVOUR OF 3COTLAND "EATHA AN %ILEAN s ,IVESTOCK -ARKET 2EVIEW Cooking with Game including our regular news sections and columns

contents

14 22 34 50 62

MAIN FEATURES 17

October 2019

Scottish & European Ploughing Championships Ploughs Grain Dryers Muck Spreaders Slurry Management

BOWHOUSE MARKET 44

A ‘Foodie’ haven in Fife

TRAVEL GUIDE 58

East Lothian

FLAVOUR OF SCOTLAND

BEATHA AN EILEAN

BREED PROFILE

Buffalo cheese!

COOKING WITH GAME 16

With Wendy Barrie

Tweeds, Tweels and Twills

Part 5 of ‘Calum’s Road

NEWS 6 12 13 30 39 40 42 46 57 68 70 76 78 81 83 86 94

Arable Winter Cultivations Organics Food Anaerobic Digestion Environment Renewable Energy Potatoes Science & Technology Beef Livestock Dairy Sheep Pigs Market Review Estate Finance

Machinery

COUNTRY WOMAN COLUMNS 92

Diversification

IN FOCUS 31

Diary by Valerie Orr

BOOK SERIAL

TOPIC 29

Auchnacloich Blackface Sheep

TRAINVIEW TALK 82

MADE IN SCOTLAND 20

Life on the Islands

Meat with integrity

Caroline Campbell

SIDE BY SIDE RACING 96

Great fun with Polaris ATV’s

WORLD FARMING

RURAL STYLE

112 Tweed Inspirations!

China

All Editorial & PR enquiries to EDITOR Athole Murray Fleming Tel. 01738 639747 E-mail: mail@farmingscotlandmagazine.com

All Advertising enquiries to ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Athole Murray Fleming Tel. 01738 639747 E-mail: mail@farmingscotlandmagazine.com

6 7 11 13 15 41 49 69

Editor’s Bit In my view R.S.A.B.I. Crofting Scotland the Brand Farming for the Climate Hutton Institute Scottish Government

ADVERTISING MANAGER Barry Tweed Tel. 01738 550157 Email: barry@farmingscotlandmagazine.com

92 71 75 77 80 87 89 91 93 95 114 114

Quality Meat Scotland The Vet NFU Scotland Next Generation Scottish Wildcat Action Conservation Matters Scottish Land & Estates Southern Belle The Money Man People on the Move Book Review

SUBSCRIPTION 61

Order your own copy here.

NEXT ISSUE Out 1st November. Featuring Agri Scot Preview, ATV’s, Diet Feeders, LiveScot, Farm Security, Milking & Dairy Equipment and much more.

ADVERTISING Please call 01738 639747 or email: mail@farmingscotlandmagazine.com

COVER IMAGE: Scottish strawberries

ADVERTISING MANAGER Trevor Knights Tel. 01738 447378 Email: trevor.knights@farmingscotlandmagazine.com

PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Christina Fleming Email: christina@atholedesign.com COPYRIGHT This publication has been produced and published by ATHOLE DESIGN & PUBLISHING LTD who are the copyright owners. No reproduction, copying, image scanning, storing or recording of any part of this publication without the permission of ATHOLE DESIGN & PUBLISHING LTD. Contents disclaimer: FARMING SCOTLAND MAGAZINE is not responsible for any factual inaccuracies within press information supplied to us. Any concerns regarding such matters should be directed to the supplier of the materials. FARMING SCOTLAND MAGAZINE is designed, produced and published by Athole Design & Publishing Ltd., Tolastadh, 18 Corsie Drive, Kinnoull, Perth, Scotland PH2 7BU. Tel. 01738 639747 est 1994

ISSN: 2041–918X

©ATHOLE DESIGN 2019

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arable editor's bit Crash bang wallop! The smell of an overheating and burning hard drive is not a pleasant experience, especially when I realised that it had completely crashed with all our editorial contents and client postal databases lost. Yes, that’s right – we hadn’t backed up our system properly. So with Armageddon staring us in the face we left my main iMac in the hands of a retrieval tech geek. The longest week in over 28 years in business!! The good and bad news was that we managed to salvage 90% of our contents and we could produce the magazine – a little bit late…but the databases were gone. We are now in a re-building process with our subscriptions and clients lists for both of out titles, so we’re getting there! We are now fully backed up on all systems and working with a new database software, a new much faster Mac and the light at the end of the tunnel is clearly visible. Actually, the old Mac is back too with new hard drive, so in the face of this techno melt down, we are shaping up to have a much cleaner and leaner database and mailing system going forward. To paraphrase, ‘In the face of adversity, lies opportunity’.

Slàinte, Athole.

Perthshire growers learn the secret of improving efficiency by 40% Growers at a recent AHDB strategic SmartHort Centre workshop were given an insight into how horticulture is ideally suited for Lean management. The group were shown the tools and techniques that can be implemented to improve productivity by increasing efficiencies in processes such as picking, packing and transportation. Staff being able to differentiate between the processes that add value and those which are classified as waste is crucial to a successful operation, according to Neil Fedden, owner and Managing Consultant of Lean business specialists, Fedden USP. Perthshire fruit growers Thomas Thomson Ltd hosted the August meeting, where Neil highlighted to attendees the importance of staff-led continuous improvement techniques. This ensures improvements achieved are not only sustainable but members of staff are equipped to identify future improvements. He said it is not unusual for a business to see potential efficiency improvements of up to 40% from the training delivered. Attendees from the local horticultural businesses

participating were taught the theory behind process flow and mapping techniques. They focus on improving productivity by identifying the individual steps involved in a task, and how to simplify the activity. Neil stressed the importance of creating a ‘flow’ approach versus the traditional batch and queue process. The group got to apply the newly taught principles to the Thomas Thomson cherrypicking process, in which the team used tools such as waste walks, process mapping and activity sampling to review the current state of the process. This allowed the group to identify steps that add no value,

which can be removed or reduced in their duration. Grace Emeny, AHDB’s Senior SmartHort Knowledge Exchange Manager said: “A business is only as good as the processes underlying it, and the staff’s ability to continuously review and improve them. Staff see the operations daily and knowing the Lean methods and techniques to improve these will help address the concern over labour availability in the industry. Continuous improvements are vital for the long-term success of a company.” For more information on AHDBs SmartHort campaign please visit https://ahdb.org. uk/smarthort

Harvest is one-shot opportunity to lock ‘goodness’ into maize silage There is enough energy in a hectare of fresh forage maize to support about 30,000 - litres of milk production in dairy cows, once animal maintenance needs are met. But decisions at harvest can have a huge impact on how much of this energy is actually preserved in the silage. Also, unlike grass, which is harvested multiple times a season, there’s only one chance to get maize harvest and preservation right.

Those are the messages from Volac silage expert, Peter Smith, who says it is easy to underestimate how much milk can come from maize, but it’s also easy to underestimate the losses in its feed value that can occur during storage. “Typical losses are around 15% of the maize dry matter ensiled,” explains Mr Smith, “but they can be much higher. The most obvious loss occurs when maize silage heats up,

caused by yeasts and moulds ‘feeding on’ the silage in the presence of air. But losses from poor fermentation can typically be 8%, or potentially much more. “The starting point to good preservation is to harvest maize at the correct time and in the correct way. You should harvest when the whole plant is at 3033% dry matter and chop it to 1.5 - 2cm lengths. Also, don’t cut the crop too low.”

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In my view

arable By cutting at the correct stage and using the correct chop length and cutting height, Mr Smith says it not only optimises nutrient content but also sets the crop up for a better preservation. High dry matters and long chop lengths make it more difficult to squeeze the air out of the crop in the clamp, he says, which encourages

heating from the growth of yeasts and moulds. “Over recent seasons, many farmers have reported that maize silage dry matters have been high. This suggests crops have been harvested a bit late. To avoid this, keep regular checks on plant maturity before the expected harvest date, and keep your contactor regularly informed”.

Don’t Forget Soil Sampling – It Could Cost You! By Natalie Wood, Country Arable Agronomist at Yara UK

With harvest in full swing it’s also time to think about soil sampling once crops have been taken off. UK soils have changed a lot in the last few decades; whether it’s the 97% sulphur deficiency found in soils sampled or the low organic matters across arable land. Everyone knows the importance

of taking a soil sample; but should you be investing in more than just basic soil analysis? Basic analysis will give you P, K, Mg and pH; which is a good start, but what about other nutrients and microorganisms? All these aspects are important for healthy plant growth and efficient nutrient uptake; are you

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By John Cameron Balbuthie, Kilconquhar, Fife

The only certain thing right now…is uncertainty! Well, we are now told that we are to be leaving the EU ‘do or die’ at the end of October. Nothing could be clearer than that and coming from our British Prime Minister should set the seal on the matter. But doubts still linger! It is gradually becoming clear to many other sectors of the economy that all may not be straightforward. It is certainly becoming clearer to farmers, - particularly the livestock sector that in the absence of an agreement – and Brussels has made it abundantly clear that the current agreement is not negotiable – then those who currently export lamb and beef to the EU are going to face a substantial tariff on their produce. Both prime lamb and prime cattle prices are well below last year’s levels and the store cattle price has clearly followed suit. It is early days yet for the store lamb sales but that trade is perhaps being masked by the large amounts of grass that are currently available for feeding lambs. However after attending the annual sale of lambs at Lairg recently – which is usually a good barometer – it was clearly evident that although the wether lambs averaged roughly the same as last year, the average for the breeding ewe lambs was down by some £17 per head. To me that was clear evidence of a lack of future confidence in the sheep sector. However it is in the cattle sector that things are becoming really difficult with present prime beef prices leaving

feeders with substantial losses which have now manifested into the store cattle sales, leaving both feeders and breeders with substantial losses. The Scottish Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture has clearly been made aware of this situation and has gone on record as saying he will take action but has so far stopped short of explaining the exact nature of any payments and who will be the recipients? The matter is made worse for the Scottish Beef Sector by the substantial amount of compensation recently agreed between Irish Cattlemen and the Irish Government and the EU. Ironically during a visit to Scotland by our new Prime Minister he announced that Scotland – after all – would receive the benefit of the convergence fund to equate basic Scottish farm payments which the EU announced some years ago. However he did not say when or how this would apply! It is little wonder therefore why a cloud of uncertainty and lack of confidence hangs over the industry. We have absolutely no idea what Brexit will mean for us – with or without an agreement. Some would say ‘we have been through difficult times before’ – but in my now sixty years of farming I have never experienced such a major period of genuine concern and anxiety that we are going through at the moment. I only hope that both our politicians and our consumers appreciate the implications before it is too late! 7

arable aware that your soils are low in one or more of these elements? Yara Analytical Services have processed over 20 million samples since the early 1980s. This huge dataset has shown that after removing all the soils with limiting factors such as P < index 2, pH <6.5 and micronutrient deficiencies then there is only a minority of soils that are sufficient in what a crop needs to grow to its full potential. By taking a broad spectrum soil sample you’ll know about these issues before it’s too late – when symptoms appear the yield is already taking a hit. Remember Leibig’s Law of the Minimum which states “A deficiency of any single nutrient is enough to limit yield”. With yields being pushed further, whilst costs savings are sought (such as P and K holidays) you could be limiting the effectiveness of any increased nitrogen applications. For more information on soil sampling or any Yara products then please visit http://www.yara. co.uk/crop-nutrition.

Alert to light leaf spot risk With light leaf spot causing greater issues for brassica growers over the winter, the Syngenta Brassica Alert disease warning system is now spore trapping for the pathogen - to provide valuable notification of risks, to better manage spray timing. Managed by the Allium & Brassica Centre, Brassica Alert forecasts pathogen risks through a combination of weather data and active spore trapping for ringspot, white blister and now light leaf spot at sites in Lincolnshire. By registering for Brassica Alert growers and agronomists can incorporate the information to devise appropriate fungicide strategies and timing, advises Syngenta field technical manager, Simon Jackson. “Historically growers would maintain fungicide programmes using Amistar Top

for ringspot and white blister until temperatures dropped consistently below 10°C typically around mid-November, but could be extended in mild autumn. “However, light leaf spot remains active at far lower

temperatures, down to 4°C, so continues to cause outbreaks right through the winter,” he warned. To sign up for Brassica Alert texts, visit www.syngenta.co.uk/ brassica-alert

Managing seed rates to push for higher yields

Achieving higher yields is all about having enough plants and ears per square metre, and creating and maintaining that crop biomass to push for the higher yields, says David Howard, Farmacy’s technical manager. “As agronomists and growers we need to understand how 8

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we can manipulate the crop to achieve this through seed rates, nutrition etc on different soil types and the impact of varietal differences in growth habit,” Even though plants can tiller well at lower seed rates, that only goes so far, as genetically every variety is programmed to tiller

arable differently, and tillering is highly dependent on good conditions throughout the growing cycle, he says. “We know that soil type has the biggest impact on establishment, however working out variable seed rate calculations for a soil type alone can be a rough science.” “If you start with the incorrect basic rate, adjusting this by 10 or 20% is not going to make the difference that is needed.” “As seen this year, tiller initiation was good but lack of rainfall caused high tiller loss later in the season. In many cases, targeting low seed rates and high tillering will not match the benefit of having the optimum number of seeds from the outset.” Guessing is just not good enough, says Mr Howard. “For example if you use typical low seed rates on a light sandy soil, without knowing what your establishment percentage is then you risk never having the number of plants needed in the spring.”

“You have to get out there in the spring and work out the establishment rate by counting the number of plants/m2 and build up a

picture over 3-4 years and this can mean big differences in yields.” “The difference in ear number between the lowest and highest

establishment percentages in our trials given standard grain no and TGW equates to 1-1.5t/ha, he added”.

Innovation inspiration!

The Farm Business Innovation Show makes its return for the seventh year running, on 6th and 7th November. Head on over to the Birmingham NEC for two days of seminars, demos, exhibition stands, and networking opportunities, to capture your imagination. Become inspired by the industry experts to cease the endless opportunities on your doorstep, and take control of your business or land. With the ever-evolving nature of the farming industry, and the constant threat of letting

your land go to waste, inspiration must come to the forefront. Whether you’re looking to branch out into glamping, children’s play areas, alternative crops and livestock, or events, like festivals and marathons, we have everything you’ll need to explore the endless possibilities your land can offer. Our event features handpicked experts in the industry, to exhibit their products and services, and speak at our 200 specialised seminars. Your FREE ticket provides access

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to all of these opportunities, so don’t miss out! The Farm Business Innovation show is not alone, as your ticket also enables you to have a browse around our adjoining shows, which may be of interest to you. These complementary exhibitions include the Family Attraction Expo, Holiday Park & Resort Innovation and, for the first time, our Leisure Food and Beverage event. By exploring everything these four shows have to offer, you’ll have access to the largest array of sport, leisure, and

arable hospitality experts, all under one roof, for all your diversification needs! Want to join our fantastic group of exhibitors? We’d love to add you to our list of amazing industry experts, so get in touch with our Event Director, Reece Morris, using his email address reece.morris@prysmgroup. co.uk, or call +44 (0)117 929 6087 if you’re interested.

FARMING SCOTLAND MAGAZINE Subscription details on page 61

New app offers aphid spraying alerts against Barley yellow dwarf virus A new app designed to help boost the timeliness of insecticide spraying against aphid vectors of Barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV) in the absence of being able to use a neonicotinoid seed treatment this autumn, has been launched by Syngenta. Developed for use with the company’s pyrethroid insecticide, Hallmark Zeon, the new app, BYDV Assist, alerts users once a spraying threshold is reached for given locations. This is based on cumulative daily temperatures reaching 170 day degrees after crop emergence. This 170 day degree figure is important, says Syngenta field technical manager, Max Newbert, because it signals the point when second generation aphids are able to expand

the spread of the virus in the crop from plants with initial infection. “Without effective control, BYDV can reduce yield by 1530% in wheat and 50-75% in barley,” says Dr Newbert. “In the absence of being able to use

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a neonicotinoid seed treatment, growers need to find alternative ways to manage this damaging problem. “A recent survey of 106 growers showed 98% rated BYDV as a potential risk for cereal crops, with some 73%

arable expecting to use a pyrethroid spray against BYDV aphid vectors. “By providing alerts, we hope the app will make effective spraying against BYDV much more achievable. Users will also be able to set the app to give advanced warning of a spray threshold approaching. It will still be vital to inspect crops to monitor aphid numbers. However, 94% of respondents in the survey said a user-friendly BYDV prediction tool would be helpful in making BYDV spray application decisions.” Once the spraying threshold has been reached and the

pyrethroid applied, Dr Newbert says the accumulated daily temperatures can be reset on the app, so that further alerts can be issued if temperatures again reach 170 day degrees. This will help stay on top of subsequent aphid generations, he notes. “We have also incorporated weather forecasts into the app,” says Dr Newbert, “to help predict available aphicide spraying windows.” With BYDV being such a damaging virus, Syngenta marketing manager, Mark Bullen, says it is also important to reduce aphid risks by using cultural methods.

Field needs met by SlurryKat

SlurryKat is distinguished as the trendsetter in slurry handling equipment and slurry management solutions sector for agriculture and AD biogas digestate. Exporting quality slurry tankers, umbilical slurry systems and farm trailers worldwide as well as locally. They pride themselves in being able to produce exceptional slurry handling equipment and accessories, which are engineered with design and quality at the forefront of their minds. All products are thoroughly trailed and tested though their Contractor Division before market launch. SlurryKat have 2 ranges of tankers; ‘The Premium Plus Tanker’ and ‘The Panterra’, launched in 2016 as a budget range tanker, pioneered to offer less intensive clients a lower specification tanker range while still maintaining vital reputable build quality and reliability - a

trait associated with all SlurryKat products. The Premium Plus range is specifically designed for the spreading technology system. The engineers merge the chassis and spreading technology in a unique way so the slurry tanker fully compliments the overall system. Unlike other slurry tankers, the SlurryKat system provides a unique state of equilibrium, enabling a smooth on-road journey and optimum field performance. Every tanker is totally 'bespoke' to each customer's individual requirements. Range of sizes to meet the needs of small and large farms. Models available range from 1600 - 5500 gallons. SlurryKat offer a range of umbilical equipment for slurry spreading ranging from 6m – 24m widths. For more information please contact SlurryKat on 01179 866 163 or sales@slurrykat.com

Meet the RSABI Development Team Your business can support people in Scottish agriculture from as little as £12.50 a month! The dynamics of RSABI are changing with the demand for emotional and practical support amongst the working farming community ever increasing. We need your help to raise funds by joining our Supporter Scheme. Supporting your industry’s charity will make a real difference to people’s lives, it may even save one! Margo who covers Angus, Central Scotland and slightly beyond was brought up on the family farm in Clackmannanshire. She has recently moved to Kinross-shire with her husband Brian and two boys Robbie & Murray who are both at SRUC after living in Angus for the last 14 years. She combines this with working as a self-employed agricultural secretary. Contact Margo on 07342 880357 or margo. wills@rsabi.org.uk Mary Anne covers South West Scotland. Having grown up on an arable and livestock farm in South Ayrshire, she has lived on a

dairy farm in Wigtownshire with her husband Alastair for the past 32 years. She has three grown up children and two border terriers. Mary Anne worked as an Animal Health and Welfare Officer for Dumfries and Galloway council for the past 13 years and saw firsthand the many problems facing farmers in her area. Contact Mary Anne McWilliam on 07875 775184 or Maryanne.mcwilliam@ rsabi.org.uk Andrew who covers South East Scotland and Lanarkshire lives with his wife Ali and son Robin on the family farm at Corstane, nestled in the Upper Tweeddale area of the Scottish Borders where they breed pedigree Beltex & Texel sheep. A keen rugby man, Andrew spent the previous 10 years on the west coast playing rugby for Ayr. Contact Andrew on 0774 6677423 or andrew. dunlop@rsabi.org.uk If you would like to learn more about RSABI and the good work we do please contact the Development Officer in your area. Also, look out for them contacting you!

Call the helpline on 0300 111 4166

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Winter Cultivations

Smart valve system boosts drill versatility Universal tramlining and instant blockage detection are amongst the benefits of the new Vistaflow seed flow monitoring system developed by KUHN and available on its Venta, Espro and Aurock pneumatic drills. Located within the seed distribution head, the Vistaflow valve works by monitoring seed passage in each tube and enabling automatic shutdown of any of the seeding lines. This allows the drill to be quickly and easily adjusted for any tramline and tyre width configurations, and for other adaptations such as half-width or alternative row shut-off to be facilitated, all from the tractor cab. Operated through the ISOBUS terminal, the system allows up to five different configurations to be saved and used at a future date. As such,

the Vistaflow system is seen as a particularly useful development where machines are used in

varying tramline systems, such as in contracting or machinery co-operatives. For drilling in any

circumstances, fast and effective detection of blockages is a significant advantage.

High capacity seeding with DG II Kverneland has increased its drill portfolio with the introduction of the high-capacity, high-output, trailed DG II seed drill. Available in 9m and 12m working widths, and lending itself to controlled traffic systems, the DG II uses Kverneland’s proven double-disc CD coulter. Where the 9m unit gets 72 coulters, the wider

12m version is equipped with 96 coulters. Both models produce 12.5cm row spacings. A number of key improvements have been made with the introduction of the DG II. These include improved folding and machine balance to maintain a positive weight on the tractor; transport dimensions include a 3m

width and 4m overall height; road speed capability is now 40kph; and dual metering units supply simplified, hydraulic folding seed distribution heads. “The DG II’s cross-shaft is carried on the tractor’s lower link arms, and it gains a hydraulic weight transfer system that automatically tightens under the

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lower link arms as the drill is folded and unfolded,” explains Kverneland product manager Graham Owen. “This clever weight transfer system also makes it easier to operate the DG II with a much smaller, lighter tractor – typically, 200-250hp.” A new toolbar feature called Active-on also balances and maintains pressure, both laterally and longitudinally, across the full working width of the DG’s coulter bar to improve seed placement depth, while delivering up to 80kg of coulter pressure. The ISOBUS-controlled seed drill offers dual ELDOS electrically driven seed metering units to feed each half of the drill from the grainonly 6,000-litre seed hopper. Seed rates extend from two to 320kg/ ha, and include variable seed rate control. The dual distribution heads that supply the coulters can be equipped with a seed flow monitoring system to warn of blockages, and simplifying the use of this high-performance drill. The Kverneland DG II is priced from £90,347.

organics Organic producers can now benefit from approved biostimulants

crofting Getting what is due to us By Patrick Krause, Chief Executive, Scottish Crofting Federation

Organic farmers can now make use of two unique biostimulants to improve crop health and productivity, following their approval by Organic Farmers & Growers. “C-Weed 50 and C-Weed AAA are the first OlmixMicromix products to achieve organic certification, meaning farmers can now use them to improve crop establishment, protect against disease and drought stress, and stimulate growth and overall yields,” explains sales manager Chris Gamble. “Interest in our biostimulants has soared in recent years, as comprehensive trials data and scientific research has proven their benefits beyond all doubt. I’ve had many discussions with organic farmers in the UK who are keen to adopt this technology, so I’m delighted that we have now secured official approval.” Both products contain a highly concentrated extract of the algae Ascophyllum nodosum, which has unique marine-based compounds that alleviate stress and stimulate growth in land plants. C-Weed AAA also has additional plantbased amino acids which are essential for cell growth. “Olmix harvests the algae only during periods of rapid growth, and uses a cool extraction process – this ensures that the natural biostimulant

compounds remain intact and are not denatured by heat,” adds Mr Gamble. “C-Weed has been extensively trialled and is proven to be far more active than any other algae-derived products on the market, meaning it can be used at significantly lower application rates, saving both time and money.” Both products can be used in a tank mix with micronutrients or other organic treatments, and can be used throughout the season to support the plant at different growth stages, from establishment and rooting to flowering. “Proven results include increased rooting and leaf growth, higher yields and quality, and elevated resistance to pests and diseases,” says Mr Gamble. “C-Weed also has strong anti-stress properties, boosting plant health and productivity during times of drought or other abiotic stress.” Many conventional farmers across the UK and Europe use C-Weed to support crop health and productivity, particularly at times of stress – now organic producers can do the same, he adds. “We are now in the process of securing certification for a wide range of other natural products, meaning we’ll soon be able to offer organic producers a complete package of plant care.” For more information visit www.micromix.com.

During the leadership contest, Boris Johnson made it clear that he supported the return of the £160 million ‘convergence uplift’ that has been denied Scotland. To remind you: the CAP set a threshold of 90 per cent of the EU average payment rate per hectare that all member states should reach. The UK’s average rate per hectare fell below the 90 per cent threshold because of Scotland’s very low average payment rate - which is only about 45 per cent of the EU average. As a consequence, the UK will now receive an extra 223 million (about £190 million) over a six-year period. Scottish Government and stakeholders have long argued that the refund should come to Scotland in its entirety as it is our low payments, particularly those to crofters and hill farmers that bring the UK average down low enough to justify the refund. The UK government stance has been that the refund gets divided up amongst the four UK nations, with Scotland getting £30 million, despite this approach not being in line with the European Commission’s rationale for the uplift.

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Mr Johnson has pledged that Scottish farmers and crofters will get the £160 million in “back payments”. The Prime Minister also pledged the Scottish Government will be consulted on ways to deliver this funding to Scottish farmers and crofters as quickly as possible. We would argue that this is the opportunity needed to direct funding to the ‘Fragile’ and ‘Very Fragile’ areas of the Less Favoured Areas that are particularly vulnerable to the reduction to the Less favoured Area Support Scheme. It is logical also because the low Scottish average and therefore the uplift is due to the extremely low payments received by region 3 land. Mr Johnson has also promised Scotland “millions in subsidies” once the UK leaves the European Union as “Scottish farmers have been particularly poorly treated”. He confirmed that the country’s most remote areas would receive the same per hectare payment as the UK average. Will Prime Minister Johnson honour these pledges? Our Cabinet Secretary for agriculture, Fergus Ewing, recently wrote to remind him.

www.crofting.org 13

FLAVOUR OF SCOTLAND

Buffalo farm launches crowdfunding bid to become Scotland’s first producer of buffalo Mozzarella Well known Fife farmer and star of the BBC’s ‘This Farming Life’, Steve Mitchell, has launched a ‘Founders Club’ crowdfunding campaign to turn his buffalo mozzarella dreams into reality. Steve’s ambition is to provide Scotland with its first ever homeproduced buffalo mozzarella, at the same time giving founding investors a 10 per cent return on investment. Steve, the 6th generation of the Mitchell family to farm in Fife, has been rearing and nurturing his buffalo herd since 2005, providing unique and delicious buffalo meat to Scotland’s foodies. He is now turning his attention to making buffalo mozzarella and offering supporters of his newly launched crowdfunding campaign, called the ‘Founders Club’, the chance to secure rewards comparable to a 10 per cent return on investment, delivered in buffalo vouchers, in addition to a host of other benefits. With an ambitious crowdfunding target of £800,000 to build a manufacturing facility, milking parlour and slurry store, new or existing fans of The Buffalo Farm can help to make the buffalo mozzarella dream come true in one of three ways: • Buffalo Farm Supporters Club – get in with the bricks with a £100 donation and see your name on the walls of the new production facility • Buffalo Farm Founders Club – enjoy rewards equivalent in value to a 10% Annual Return on Investment paid in Buffalo Farm vouchers (minimum investment £1,000) • Buffalo Farm Founders Executive Club – enjoy rewards equivalent in value to a 12% Annual Return on Investment paid in Buffalo Farm vouchers (minimum investment £10,000) 14

Find out more at www. thebuffalofarm.co.uk Speaking of his ambitions, Steve said: “We run three butchers shops, an event catering business, our own bistro and we also supply into a growing number of hotels and restaurants and feedback has always been fantastic. However, I have always felt that something is missing and so now the time is right to launch this crowdfunding Founders Club so that we can give our customers access to their first soft, smooth and deliciously Scottish mozzarella. “My plans will create up to six new jobs and produce a quality and delicious product. There is a current UK market of £79 million and a 12 per cent year on year growth within the mozzarella market and so I strongly believe that Scotland needs a quality home produced alternative to imported mozzarella. “The funny thing is that if I had a pound for every time that someone has asked me if I would make mozzarella I wouldn’t need to be crowdfunding at all! “But I do need your help. We have a fantastic customer base and I would love those loyal fans, as

well as new ones, to get behind the creation of another emerging Scottish premium product, head

over to our website and participate today. We’ll make it worth your while!”

Campaign Backing Scotch Lamb Gets Double Award Nod Scotland’s leading public relations awards shortlist was announced recently, with Quality Meat Scotland’s latest Scotch Lamb PGI campaign recognised in two categories. ‘Scotch Lamb, Naturally’ is shortlisted in the ‘Corporate And Business Communications’ and

‘Consumer Relations’ categories at the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) Scotland PRide Awards, which take place in Glasgow on 3 October. Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) worked with integrated marketing communications agency Weber Shandwick to devise and develop

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the ‘Scotch Lamb, Naturally’ campaign to encourage consumers in Scotland to eat more Scotch Lamb PGI and learn more about its welfare and sustainability credentials. The nine-week campaign saw a combination of television advertising along with billboard,

FLAVOUR OF SCOTLAND press, digital, social media, radio and PR, and resulted in a 27% increase in spend per buyer and a 20% increase in volume purchased per buyer during the 12-week campaign period, according to figures from Kantar Worldpanel to the week ending 4th November. Alan Clarke, Chief Executive of QMS, said: “The brilliant results of the ‘Scotch Lamb, Naturally’ campaign speak for themselves, delivering not only an increase in sales but also helping challenge traditional perceptions of how lamb is prepared and served. “This success would not be possible without the work delivered by the entire QMS marketing and communications team in helping share the industry’s hugely positive messages and raising the profile of Scotland’s world-renowned Scotch Lamb PGI brand.” The shortlist adds to recent success at the PRCA Dare Awards, where QMS took home In-House Team of the Year as well as the Consumer

Relations award for Scotch Lamb, Naturally (with Weber Shandwick). Moray Macdonald, managing director of Weber Shandwick Scotland, said: “We’re really proud of our inaugural campaign with Quality Meat Scotland, which drew upon the expertise of an integrated team from all areas of the business working together to deliver a strong campaign with real impact. “‘Scotch Lamb, Naturally’ has already enjoyed awards success this year, and the whole team are thrilled to again be recognised at this level.” The CIPR PRide Awards are the UK’s leading regional PR awards, recognising the outstanding work delivered for clients and employers across the UK. For Scotch Lamb recipe videos and inspiration visit www. scotchkitchen.com or follow Scotch Kitchen on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.

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Scotland The Brand

Brexit, Trade, and Scotland’s Name for Quality Food and Drink By Ruth Watson In August, the European Union released a list of 172 food names it intends to protect under a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) being negotiated with Australia. Two of our most famous Protected Geographic Indicators (PGI), Scotch Beef and Scotch Lamb, are on that list. There is, however, a catch. Before our healthy Scotch beef pushes the hormone-treated Australian ‘Scottish fillets’ - what we call ‘rib eye’ - off Aussie shelves there are years of negotiations ahead and the European Union will only protect our food names and tariff-free access to the Australian market while we continue to be members of the EU club. Trade deals are a lengthy process. The Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) talks between the EU and Canada took 7 years to negotiate but were 22 years in the making. The EU – Japan deal was completed this year. It first was discussed in 2001 with negotiations starting in 2011. For now, Scotland’s food and drink producers enjoy

tariff-free trade with 1/3 of the world’s economy, a market of 635 million people. Brexit means uncertainty over our food name protections and the valueadded income which derives from customers prepared to pay more for produce with the PGI guarantee. The precedent of NOT protecting Scotland’s 15 PGI has been set by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). For reasons still unclear, DEFRA did not submit even one of the 65 PGI from across the UK for protection in trade deal negotiations with Japan, Canada, or Mexico. Other European nations submitted 3000 PGI which now enjoy legal protection in the completed Canada and Japan deals. Scotland’s producers have spent decades developing our name for quality, recognised and valued around the world. As we face the economic and marketing challenge of a lifetime, our reputation for a commitment to excellence matters more now than ever. We must keep Scotland the Brand.

cooking with game

Roast Mallard with Rhubarb Compote & Hasselbacks By Wendy Barrie

Recipe & photography Â© Wendy Barrie

With mists of mellow fruitfulness in the air it is a time to think of game birds and rich harvests from our fields, hedgerows and rivers. Border Country is a great place to experience such riches and at Burts Hotel in Melrose they will arrange your shooting and fishing â&#x20AC;&#x201C; then even cook your catch for you! https://www.burtshotel.co.uk Come the autumn Burts features game dishes on their menus or, if you fancy cooking yourself, source from Macbeths of Forres, Butcher & Game Dealer https://www.macbeths. com as I did for this roast Mallard recipe. The carcasses will make a great stock too.

Ingredients: 1 pair of Mallard Ducks Isle of Skye Sea Salt and crushed black pepper 4-6 new potatoes per person 4 slim sticks of rhubarb 2tsps of Orkney Meadowsweet Vinegar A generous pinch of ginger 2tsps muscovado sugar A knob of butter Summer Harvest Rapeseed oil

Method: s 0RE HEAT OVEN TO Â°C. Place ducks in a lined roasting tray. Prick with a skewer and season. Seal for 15 minutes then cover with lid/foil and oven roast for 40 minutes, less if you prefer your duck pink. Set aside to rest for 10-15 minutes after cooking. s -EANWHILE PREPARE YOUR POTATOES BY SLICING lNELY PARTWAY THROUGH IN READINESS TO ROAST IN THE OVEN n ) LIKE TO BRUSH WITH A little of the duck fat before seasoning. These will take about the same cooking time, depending on their size, until golden and tender. s 4O MAKE COMPOTE SLICE MOST OF THE RHUBARB AND PLACE IN A PAN WITH A SPLASH OF WATER GINGER SUGAR AND VINEGAR 3LOW COOK swirling occasionally. Stirring breaks up the rhubarb unnecessarily. Set aside. s 4HE REMAINING STICK OF RHUBARB CAN BE SLICED LENGTHWISE AND CARAMELISED IN A KNOB OF BUTTER WITH A DRIZZLE OF OIL AND A SPRINKLE of muscovado. A lovely garnish over the duck breasts. Serves 4 Scottish Thistle Award Regional Ambassador (2018/19) for Central, Tayside & Fife, Wendy Barrie www.wendybarrie.co.uk is a highly respected campaigner for local sustainable food, popular cookery show presenter and food writer. Founder & Director of award-winning www.scottishfoodguide.scot & www.scottishcheesetrail.com Wendy is Leader in Scotland for Slow Food Ark of Taste & Member of Slow Food Cooks Alliance. 16

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Scottish & European Ploughing Championships The 57th Scottish and 22nd European Vintage Ploughing Championships are being held at Bowhouse Farm, St Monans, Fife on 26th and 27th October 2019 by kind permission of the Anstruther Family. Kverneland UK is main sponsor of the Scottish Ploughing Championships with LEMKEN UK as sponsor of the European Vintage Ploughing Championships. It is twelve years since the Championships were held in Fife. This year there will be the addition of the European Vintage Ploughing Championships, last hosted by Scotland in 2010 when they were very successfully at Upper Nisbet, Jedburgh, by kind permission of the Neill family. The format of the majority of classes all ploughing on the first day in the World Style Conventional, Reversible (Butts and Multi Furrow), Classic Conventional, Classic

Reversible, Vintage Mounted and Vintage Trailing with the top ploughers in each of these classes going through to the Plough Offs on the Sunday with the points scored each day added together to select the Scottish champions introduced in 2017 has been well received. The Junior ploughers (under 26 years) will now also be included in this format with their Saturday class being split conventional and reversible and the top placed ploughers going through to the Sunday Plough Off to select the Scottish Junior Ploughing Champion. Junior ploughers will be allowed a mentor or coach to offer advice and give verbal assistance. Horses, High

Cut and Horticultural continue to plough on both days. The Young Ploughers Development Programme is now in its sixth year and the ploughers selected this year are from Caithness, Angus, Fife and Galloway. Young ploughers are nominated at the end of the year by societies affiliated to the Scottish Ploughing Championships. The Executive Committee selects young ploughers from each area and an experienced plougher in their district is appointed as a mentor to work with them over the winter. The successful young ploughers also receive a contribution to their travel expenses to compete at the Scottish Ploughing Championships.

Andrew Mitchell Snr

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The last weekend in October will see over 200 ploughers compete in the different classes for modern, vintage, classic and horse ploughing - conventional (general purpose), classic, multi furrow reversible butts, classic reversible, Ferguson TE20, vintage mounted, vintage trailing, high cut, horticultural, horses broken furrow and whole furrow, with the champions in each section going on to represent Scotland at World, European, Six and Five Nations championships around the globe. The European Reversible Ploughing Championships took place on 30th & 31st March in County Wexford, Republic of Ireland. Scotland’s representatives were Jamie Dick from Falkirk and Andy Greenhill from Perth. This year the Republic of Ireland also organised an invitation Conventional Five Nations class and Scotland’s representative was the Scottish Ploughing Championships’ Chairman Willie Grieve from Cupar. This year’s World Ploughing Championships are being held at Lake of the Woods, Minnesota in the United States of America on 30th & 31st August. Scotland’s representatives are Dave Carnegie from Laurencekirk and Andrew Mitchell Snr from Forfar. Dave is Scotland’s first World Ploughing Champion, having won in 1996 and he has represented Scotland eight times at the World Ploughing championships. Dave farms in 17

Scottish and European Ploughing Championships partnership with his brother Brian and son Derek at Laurencekirk where they grow barley, oilseed rape, wheat and potatoes. Andrew Mitchell Snr is six times World Reversible Ploughing champion, a feat unrivalled by any other plougher, and this year will be representing Scotland in the Conventional section. Andrew has ploughed 10 times at the World Ploughing Championships, winning 6 times, runner up 3 times and 3rd placed once - an exceptionally consistent record of achievement. Andrew works with his son Andrew Jnr, partner at AL Agri, McCormick and Pottinger dealer, Forfar. The tractors and ploughs departed via container and ship in July to arrive in time for the World Ploughing Championships. Andrew and Dave are being supported with their travel costs by the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland, local ploughing societies and the Scottish Ploughing Championships. The Six Nations Vintage and Classic Ploughing Championships are being hosted by Llanwarne Agricultural Society on 14th & 15th September at Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire. Scotland’s representatives are George Black, Earlston and Robin

Gordon Beattie

Forsyth, Dunbar in the Vintage Mounted, Doug Stewart, New Deer and Eric Proctor, Alford in the Vintage Trailing and Stuart Forsyth, Berwick-on-Tweed and John Rennie, Kirkcaldy, in the Classic Conventional. The Five Nations Challenge (World Style Conventional and Reversible) is being held at Ballintrane, Fenagh, County Carlow alongside the Irish National Ploughing Championships which

has an attendance of over 240,000 people, on 17th & 18th September. Scotland’s representatives are Brian Baxter from Forfar in the Reversible and Hugh Currie from Mauchline in the Conventional. The European Vintage Ploughing Championships are being held alongside this year’s Scottish Ploughing Championships at Bowhouse on 26th & 27th October. Scotland’s representatives are David Wood

Horses Resting

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from Coldstream in the Classic; Raymond Middleton from Elgin and Neil Ramsay from Earlston in the Classic Reversible; Keith Robertson from Lauder in the Vintage Mounted and Davey Kirkpatrick from Dumfries in the Vintage Trailing. A training day was held in January at Bowhouse, Fife, by kind permission of the Anstruther family and this was very well attended with over 90 turning up on the day. Experienced ploughers were on hand, including multiple World Reversible Champion Andrew Mitchell Snr, to offer advice and information on how to improve their ploughing as well as what the judges are looking for when they award the marks. Kverneland also attended to demonstrate setting up and adjusting the plough. It was a very enjoyable and informative day. Points League trophies are presented at the social evening held on the Saturday evening of the Scottish Ploughing Championships. The George Mutch Trophy is presented to the plougher achieving the most points in vintage and classic classes at matches affiliated to the Scottish Ploughing Championships in the previous season. Ian Harvey, Mindrum

Scottish and European Ploughing Championships was the worthy recipient for the 2017-18 season. The Rab Birrell Conventional Trophy was presented to Willie Grieve for gaining most points in conventional classes and the Dave Carnegie Reversible Trophy was presented to Gordon Beattie, Insch for gaining most points in reversible classes. Ploughing commences at 9.20 am each morning, and finishes at 2 pm, so make sure you go along early to see all the action. On Saturday there are the Conventional, Classic, Classic Reversible, Multi Furrow and Reversible Butts, Horses - Broken Furrow, Horticultural, Vintage Mounted, Vintage Trailing and Junior classes. On Sunday are the Plough Offs to select the Scottish Champion Conventional, Reversible, Classic Conventional, Classic Reversible, Vintage Mounted, Vintage Trailing and Junior ploughers as well as High Cut, Horticultural, Ferguson TE20 and Horses - Whole Furrow.

View of tractors ploughing

Alongside the competition ploughing there will be machinery stands, demonstrations by modern farm machinery, steam ploughing demonstration and a display of vintage tractors and stationary engines on site. The 57th Scottish and 22nd European Vintage Ploughing

Championships take place at Bowhouse, St Monans, Fife, by kind permission of the Anstruther family on 26th & 27th October. Ploughing commences at 9.20 am and finishes at 2 pm each day. Admission is ÂŁ8 for adults, Concessions ÂŁ6, accompanied

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children under 14 free and free car parking. More information is available on the website at www.scotplough. co.uk and you can also keep up to date with the latest news via the Scottish Ploughing Championships Facebook page.

Scotland our brand Scotland is blessed with its fair share of the world’s best produce when it comes to natural heritage foods indigenous to our climate. We benefit, by enlarge, from steady rainfall and reasonable sunshine, the Gulf Stream and maritime breezes. Sure we have midges and haar but who has beef, lamb, shellfish, berries and game like us? Our dairy farmers are diversifying into high quality ice creams, cheeses and yoghurts and we have Scottish heritage grains grown commercially for the first time in over a century! Indeed over fifty Scottish foods have been officially recognised as among the world’s valued heritage foods on Slow Food’s International website. With such fabulous and intrinsically Scottish foods, past, present and future, this regular feature will focus on Scotland’s natural bounty and the folk who have used their ingenuity, passion and business acumen to use the produce in their own imitable ways.

Tweed, Tweels and Twill By Wendy Barrie Scottish Thistle Award Regional Ambassador (2018/19) for Central, Tayside & Fife Director of Scottish Food Guide With a resurgence of interest in Scotland’s rich history, undeniably recently assisted by the Outlander effect, there has never been a better time to look at tweed. With its inspiring designs, natural fibres and hard-wearing characteristics what could be more environmental, sustainable and better for Scotland’s economic future? The history of the word is wonderful and recalled by Lovat Mill, a stone’s throw from where it all began in Hawick. A misread label for a shipment of ‘tweels,’ (Scots word for ‘twill’) for a Hawick weaver named William Watson, resulted in it being recorded as ‘tweed.’ When the misunderstanding continued Watson saw the merit in perpetuating this error as his fabric was primarily used

Setting up to make Harris Tweed

by menfolk partaking in the gentlemanly sport of fishing on the River Tweed! Watson wasnae daft and a brand was born! In a world of trading markets and commodities it is important to value our culture, heritage and traditions; the people who maintain them and the skills that could have been lost without them. Tweed is synonymous with Scotland yet cheap imitations can pull the wool over the eyes of an unsuspecting tourist so let us explore some of our tweed heritage: past, present and future, in Scotland. Harris Tweed is famous across the world and one of the earliest Trademarks registered in UK with its certification mark, the Orb, since 1910, and regulations updated in the Harris Tweed Act of 1993. After a near collapse in

2009 it is now revitalised and a great asset to rural employment. Harris Tweed has three elements to its Orb, all interdependent and equally fascinating: Harris Tweed Authority: the statutory body that promotes and protects the brand and industry. Private mills: of which currently there are three, the largest of which is Harris Tweed Hebrides at The Shawbost Mill. Raw scoured Pure New Wool from British Cheviot is spun, fibre dyed and blended to 150 shades for over 1,000 patterns. This is then passed on to the weavers along with details of the particular order required for that batch. The weavers: individuals who must be self employed and working at their own homes, of which there are currently 200

A Harris Tweed weaver

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registered, weaving tweeds in 50 metre batches that are then returned to the mills for finishing and inspection. Harris Tweed is not only a magnificent example of resurgence but also has inspired young designers, resulted in start ups in tourism and hospitality, and allowed communities to flourish in Scotland’s rural economy. https://www.harristweedhebrides. com Campbells of Beauly was founded in 1858 but by 2015 the remaining three siblings were all over eighty so the business was bought by husband and wife team Nicola and John Campbell. Nicola is a farmer’s daughter from Ardgay, north west of Tain and John’s career was established in menswear. The couple were attracted to the history and

above all the provenance of this long established company and were drawn to Scotland and its heritage. They hold a Royal Warrant and indeed HRH Prince Charles visited very recently to officially open their latest extension, a modern tailoring workshop for bespoke garments. They buy yarns direct from spinners and design tweeds, also commissioning weavers, many of whom are in Scotland, the remainder being in Yorkshire. Campbells are proud of their unique knitwear range too, and are particularly passionate about working with suppliers that are privately owned, indeed actively prioritising family owned businesses. Having had experience of business owners knowing little about their investment, so called ‘absentee landlords’ are a no-no in business collaborations here! https://www. campbellsofbeauly.com Lovat Mills are geographically and historically the Home of Tweed! Stephen Rendle, MD and co-owner of this historic mill feels ‘they keep the lamp burning for Willie Watson.’ With forty years’ experience in the industry, he and Alan Cumming, both designers, bought Lovat Mill twenty years ago when it was truly in the danger zone, an all time low point for tweed. They fought tooth and nail, working long hours to resurrect the industry in Hawick and three extensions later are a substantial employer in the area. They preserve the original integrity of its founders, continuing original designs yet also moving forward offering

innovations customers seek. With the origins of tweed right on their doorstep they ensure the continuation of the craft will flourish and skills passed on for the future. They form long term relationships with customers across the world, understanding their needs and appreciating their business. Estate Tweeds are one of their core products, with over 190 landowners as clients. Interestingly, whilst Scotland’s tartan history is embedded in family clans, the history of tweed is forever linked to the lands. Military Tweeds for Regiments are perhaps less known to those of us outwith the forces but play a major role in Lovat’s portfolio. With a military career a way of life, officers require ‘informal wear for dress down occasions’ such as weekends on estates and gatherings with civilians. On such occasions their Regiment’s Military Tweed comes to the fore as essential kit. Tweed started out as a working fabric, strong and steadfast, and is still purchased for a great range of uses for which ‘Bunches,’ a range of tweeds retained in stock, can be purchased alongside their made-to-order collection. Many of the yarns used are Scottish, even from as far north as Peter Jamieson on Shetland, where he uses wool from Shetland Sheep. Alan and his colleague Ruth still create the designs and whilst there are no tours as in whisky distilleries there are exhibition panels to view and accessories to purchase so visitors are not disappointed. The future is bright and last year James Fleming,

Nicola and John Campbell of Campbells of Beauly

former star of Scotland’s rugby, joined this successful team, looking ahead to taking the company forward to the next stage. https://lovatmill.com Islay Mill is open to the public and a great wee place to visit whilst taking a break from whiskies! Family owned, their tweeds have featured in Hollywood on the backs of Mel Gibson, Tom Hanks and Liam Neeson in Braveheart, Forrest Gump and Rob Roy respectively! https://www. islaywoollenmill.co.uk Ardalanish Mill is essentially a farm however when the opportunity arose to save old weaving looms from the scrapheap, Ardalanish offered to house them in one of their sheds, found a weaver who could train a new generation and the rest, as they say, is history! Originally adding value to the fleeces from their own Hebridean flock, they now source from around Mull and native breeds from other islands, using natural dyes to create yarns, clothing and tweed.

http://ardalanish.com Araminta Campbell grew up in Aberdeenshire on the family estate by the River Dee, so tweed has always played a role in her life. These roots have proved useful in her work designing estate tweeds: creating new designs for clients, inspired by local landscape and history, and revisiting century old designs, where originals have been diluted in the mists of time and are in need of revitalisation to restore them. Sometimes in this quest, new yarns need created where original sources no longer exist. Araminta offers a bespoke service for a piece of family history translated into tweed. https://www.aramintacampbell. co.uk Other family owned weavers in Scotland include… Lochcarron of Scotland https:// www.lochcarron.co.uk Jamieson’s of Shetland https:// www.jamiesonsofshetland.co.uk Skye Weavers https://www. skyeweavers.co.uk

Araminta Campbell and her Heritage Service

Samples from Lovat Mill

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Ploughs

The cutting edge The latest technology in ploughing the fine line

The Amazone plough range The Amazone plough range has continued to expand since its introduction in 2015. The high-specification Cayron range continues to fill the 5 & 6 furrow markets for tractors up to 290 hp whereas the Cayros range now starts from the 2-furrow M series and goes through to the 6-furrow XS-Pro and thus suits tractors from 50 hp up to 380 hp. On the Cayros, options of three different point to point clearances of up to 1,050 mm, two different heights of beam, 9 different mouldboard choices and 5 types of skimmer mean that the plough can be specified to suit any individual application

and amount of organic material present. For stony conditions, the hydraulically-actuated S ploughs can be set for trip force either centrally or individually meaning that the front furrow can be given more penetration potential without putting too much strain on the whole plough. The new 690 mm wide, tractor-profile combi-depth wheels aid carrying capacity and selfdriving when working in premoved stubbles and the further options of hydraulic front furrow width adjustment, press arm, road lighting help make the setup of the plough handier. For use in grassland, the Cayros

WILKS BROTHERS Main dealers for Ovlac Ploughs & Cultivation Machinery

3ALES s 3ERVICE s 0ARTS Repairs for a wide range of Agricultural Machinery Murthly, Perthshire, PH1 4HG Tel: 01738 710381 Fax: 01738 710581

www.wilksbrothers.co.uk 22

Prepare the soil better for tomorrow www. gregoire-besson.com

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Ploughs ploughs can be specified with discs all-round for that cleaner cut when ploughing down swards. The V variable working width ploughs, on both the Cayron and Cayros models, again bring a higher degree of flexibility and inversion quality depending on the soil type and the application, a key factor when trying ensure the best burial of persistent grass weed seeds in a variety of differing soil types. 2018 saw the introduction of the semi-mounted Hektor range in 6-8 furrows as a shear bolt plough and up to 7 furrows maximum with stone release. The manual stepped furrow width adjustment Hektor is an in-furrow plough that offers great headland manoeuvrability and reduced lift capacity requirement and yet maximises the output in the field. Conversion to road transport is quick and safe with its integrated lighting.

Kuhnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s automated control makes precision ploughing possible

Full control of plough functionality through the ISOBUS terminal has allowed

KUHN Farm Machinery to develop its GPS-based Smart Ploughing technology.

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First demonstrated on the Vari-Master L range of reversible ploughs, Smart Ploughing offers

Ploughs unprecedented control, efficiency and operator comfort, with several levels of performance now available. At its most basic level, Smart Ploughing accelerates the setup of the plough prior to work. All plough settings, including working width, offset, working depth, levelling, etc, are controlled from ISOBUS and can be saved to simplify subsequent startups. Configuration of the plough becomes relatively simply, as Smart Ploughing is intuitive and easy to use, allowing the operator to concentrate solely on driving the tractor. Using GPS to determine the automatic raising and lowering of each plough body individually allows the elimination of the Z-shaped furrow edge and minimises overlap at the end of furrows. This not only reduces the number of times the tractor passes over the headland, thereby reducing soil compaction, but also ensures all surface trash at the furrow/headland interface is buried effectively. Establishing a clear, undisturbed boundary between the ploughed furrows and undisturbed land also reduces jolts and bouncing when turning on headlands. The new technology also makes ploughing easier and less timeconsuming as the automated lifting and lowering of the plough bodies leaves the operator free to concentrate fully on driving the tractor. It also makes it easier for less experienced operators

to create the perfect seedbed and eliminates the need for the tractor to slow at the end of each pass, thus speeding up the whole ploughing process.

Automatic adjustment of working width, from GPS data, ensures uniform ploughing regardless of any field irregularities. This feature is fully integrated into

the plough design and controlled by the ISOBUS terminal, allowing correction of any curves in the field to leave perfectly straight ploughing.

Premium finish from Kverneland with i-Plough With contract work on top of an 800-acre arable farming operation and an on-farm AD plant, Andrew Rennie of Gask Farm, Turriff, Aberdeenshire, is a keen advocate of the plough. “We plough around 1,000 acres/year, which is a combination of autumn seedbed production with a press, and over-winter ploughing ahead of spring planting,” says Andrew (pictured, left, with operator Gary Clark). “And we pride ourselves on leaving a tidy, level finish. It improves the quality of subsequent passes.” With an older five-furrow Kverneland reversible due for replacement, he considered all the options, before choosing the innovative i-Plough from local dealer HRN Tractors at Turriff. “Mounted ploughs have always been a challenge to transport, and as soon as I saw the i-Plough’s swivelling headstock, I knew it was the best solution for road transport,” he says. “It tows like a trailer, there is no tailswing and it is very stable at speed.” He adds that the quality of furrows from a Kverneland

plough was never in doubt, but the i-Plough’s in-cab adjustments have helped the business to create an even better finish. “It’s so easy to adjust the rear depth wheel and turn-over stops from the ISOBUS control screen,” he says. “And this makes it easier for us to deliver a much better finish with headlands, without having to leave the cab.” With a wide variety of soil types encountered – and many fields with seams on running sand, clay and medium loams – he says the GPS-guided Furrow Control feature really comes into its own. “Adding technology to a plough has made the operator’s life easier,” says Andrew. “There’s no

need to constantly adjust and tweak – or compromise on the finish in different soil types. This plough leaves a great finish, and arrowstraight furrows, in all conditions “Depending on the soil type and the following crop, we’ll plough from 14-20in furrow widths,” he says. “It’s a very impressive plough to see working.” For all its technology, the i-Plough remains a highly capable tool. But opting for full GPS-guided capability can be step too far for some. As a result, Kverneland now offers the i-Plough in a ‘standard build’ package complete with Tellus GO control terminal, but without the furrow control option.

The new LEMKEN Diamant 16 Semi Mounted Plough The LEMKEN Diamant 16 is a new addition to the Diamant plough range from LEMKEN and will be at the 2018 Scottish Ploughing Championships. One new feature ‘OptiLine’ now

provides the first and to date only adjustment system for this type of plough design to prevent lateral pull during ploughing – a new feature that has already been awarded a DLG Silver medal.

The range of applications for this plough has also been broadened to cater for larger tractors with greater pulling power. From the Diamant 11 range the traction increase system, has been expanded by a feature for reducing pressure at the headlands contributing to even greater fuel savings. This allows higher system pressures, which result in even more weight being shifted from the plough and front tractor axle to the rear tractor axle. As a result, the tractor/plough combination gains even greater pulling force.

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The dimensions of all main bearings have been enlarged and the onland version has also been updated, allowing the implement to be used with tractors with an external width of up to four metres. This ensures that the wheels always maintain a sufficient distance from the furrow edges, even in difficult conditions. The continuously variable hydraulic working depth adjustment is yet another innovation and the proven Hydromatic overload protection ensures disruption-free ploughing in rocky soils.

Ploughs

Maschio range of ploughs From a brand well-known for its solid build quality, the Maschio UNICO range of mounted reversible ploughs does not disappointed. The UNICO M is the mid-range line suitable for tractors up to 200hp and running three, four or five furrows. The heavy duty UNICO L is built to cope with up to 300hp and is available in four, five and six furrow formats. Both models have been robustly engineered and feature shearbolt or hydraulic reset models to remove the challenges created by stony ground. A centralised hydropneumatic circuit with piston nitrogen accumulator ensures a faster leg reset, with the first body being fitted with a larger diameter cylinder, for a higher trip pressure, as the leading point goes into unbroken ground. This non-stop system is particularly useful in rocky ground and can be controlled whilst on the move

with adjustable pressure settings. The harness of the plough leg, allows both vertical and horizontal movement to allow any obstruction to pass through the plough without damage. In addition, front furrow width can be controlled through a mechanical or hydraulically adjustable parallelogram linkage, ensuring the line-of-pull remains true. This works alongside the ability to vary the working width, either mechanically or hydraulically. Bolt adjustment provides fine-tuning in 5cm increments, between 27cm54cm (depending on plough specification), whilst on the move hydraulic adjustment runs from 25cm-55cm. Turning the plough is equally simple, with a memory function (optional on 3 furrow models) on the beam alignment ram extending automatically when turning the plough over to ensure nothing hits the ground. Once

back in its working position it returns to the preset position. Using the beam alignment ram means the pins, bushes and link

rods of the vari-width do not get worn with every turnover and results in less maintenance requirements to the plough.

Ovlac continues to grow its presence in Scotland Ovlac is a family owed company which has been manufacturing farming machinery since 1936. Since its beginnings Ovlac has focused its activity in the production of Mouldboard ploughs. The Ovlac brand continues to grow its presence across the UK

with a growing dealer network and customer base. With five series and five ranges. Increasing sales in Scotland coming from three series 4 furrow up to 160hp, 5 furrow up to 220hp and 6 furrow up 300hp, opting then for either a

classic leaf spring leg protection as the plough body elevates when going over an obstacle leaf-spring pressure diminishes. A system used by Ovlac for 3 decades. Or Hydraulic non stop regulated trip mechanism which

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allows for adapting pressure according to soil conditions. In heavy or compacted soil pressure can be increased, on the contrary under stony conditions pressure can be set lower so as not increase stones on the surface. Hydraulic vari width or manual furrow width can be opted allowing for 12-20incs farrows. Shifting support bolt on manual with 2inch increments. Vari width ploughs are fitted as standard with automatic memory drawing the plough in to its narrowest setting And then returning to original working width. Vari width pivot points are located external to the main beam with case harden bushes and grease points to ensure long lifespan and ease of maintenance. 8mm case harden mouldboards are used throughout the range with the number 56 mouldboard being the most popular choice leaving a wide furrow bottom to accommodate up 710 tyres.

Ploughs

Pottinger make significant investment in wearing part technology Pottinger a name more readily associated with grassland equipment has been a plough manufacturer for 42 years, having acquired the German plough manufacturer Landsberg am Lech in 1975. The Landsberg name is synonymous across continental Europe with a high quality robust plough that could handle large amounts of post harvest trash with ease. Today the POTTINGER SERVO plough range is manufactured at the companies modern facility in Vodnany, Czech Republic. The Servo range encompasses models from 2 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 9 furrows with fully mounted and semi mounted models available. The inside of the beam on SERVO 35 and 45 ploughs is strengthened by

two bolted reinforcement bars. This increases the resistance to flexing by up to 25% and forms a high-strength unit. Wearing metal plays an important part in the purchase on any soil engaging implement and the plough is no exception. This is why POTTINGER have made significant investment in plough wearing part technology. Since 2013 all POTTINGER plough wearing parts have been manufactured in our Vodnany production facility. This facility utilises a carbonising process that reduces friction on soil engaging parts and increases the potential service life of components by up to 40%. When combined with the unique vacuum hardening process, the POTTINGER plough range is equipped with

the highest possible quality of wearing parts. This results in

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offering an excellent service life and low overall running costs.

topic Stay ahead of the field and be in the know about tax implications of diversification Cheese shops, camping barns, golf driving ranges, clay pigeon shooting, brewing, renewable power and riding centres – farm diversification comes in many different guises. Diversification plays a crucial role in the modern agriculture and rural business sector and has become an increasingly likely consideration to futureproof business from market and economic changes. New enterprises often complement the existing business model, drawing upon the existing skills, experience, buildings, machinery, and land capabilities. In fact, more than almost a fifth of farmers plan to diversify to make their farms sustainable post-Brexit, according to the NFU Mutual Diversification Report 2018. Reasons for choosing diversification The headline statistics showed that 60% of farms had already – and there are many reasons why landowners choose farm diversification. Most commonly it’s chosen to earn extra income (62%); to provide a business opportunity for a partner or family member (26%); or to protect the enterprise for

future generations (24%), the same NFU report found. However, some diversified farm businesses are leaving themselves exposed to paying more tax than they need to because they have failed to consider the inheritance tax implications of their changing business. The survey found that less than a third of diversified businesses had taken Inheritance Tax (IHT) reliefs into consideration when drawing up their business plans. Tax implications of diversification Derek Mair, a partner at Aberdeen-based independent accountancy firm Hall Morrice, said that before diversifying, farm owners need to consider the full tax implications of their undertaking. He said: “Getting the right structure for the diversified business could help preserve important Inheritance Tax reliefs. “It is critical to seek advice to maximise the reliefs available when there is a mix of trading activities within the business.” Additional thought must be taken around setting up the new diversified enterprise as a separate entity because of the financial implications of such a move. Agricultural property can

qualify for relief from inheritance tax at 100% or 50%, both on death and in respect of lifetime transfers. This is known as Agricultural Property Relief (APR) which has certain restrictions that should be kept in mind. Agricultural property is defined as agricultural land and pasture. It may include woodlands and buildings used in connection with livestock or fish farming. A controlling shareholder in a farming company will qualify for Agricultural Property Relief if the agricultural property forms part of the company’s assets and part of the value of the shares and securities can be attributed to the agricultural value of the property. Cottages, farm buildings and farmhouses along with the land occupied by them, may qualify as agricultural property. In addition, agricultural property must either be farmed by the owner for two years or more or owned by the individual for seven years before and farmed by someone else during that time. Seek professional advice before diversification Derek continues: “Changes resulting from diversification can alter reliefs that may have previously been in place.

Derek Mair, partner at Aberdeen-based accountants Hall Morrice, at Drumsleed Farm with farmer Gerald Smith. www.farmingscotlandmagazine.com

“This is a concern as some types of diversification can alter the tax treatment of land and buildings. “As farmers diversify and find different income streams, Agricultural Property Relief may disappear as the land is no longer being used for agricultural purposes. For some activities, Business Property Relief may apply. “If the business activity falls into the category of a rental or investment business, this relief will not be available. “An example of this would be renting out former farm cottages privately to people not working with the business. Depending on the amount of income generated, this could impact on both the APR and BPR available. “My advice would be to seek professional advice in advance of any undertaking to ensure the tax implications are fully understood.” Adapting to market changes and reinvention has always been a way of life for farmers. This will continue to be the case, with changing consumer demand, the weather, and the impact of political policies all playing a part, but regardless, the agricultural sector will continue to be an important part in Scotland’s economy. Hall Morrice has assisted many farming families with diversification, growth or succession planning, including tax-efficient strategies for passing farming assets on to the next generation, helping these operations be tax-efficient and compliant. Founded in 1976, Hall Morrice is one of Scotland’s leading independent firms of chartered accountants and has offices in Aberdeen and Fraserburgh. Based at 6 and 7 Queens Terrace in Aberdeen, Hall Morrice can be contacted on 01224 647394 or at accounts@hallmorrice.co.uk 29

food

Aldi celebrates anniversary of supporting Scottish farmers Scotland’s fastest growing supermarket, Aldi, is celebrating the first anniversary of its three-year partnership with The Prince’s Countryside Fund, a charity that supports farming families across Scotland grow and develop their businesses. This year also marks the 25th anniversary of Aldi opening its first store in Scotland and the 10th anniversary of the creation of its dedicated Scottish Buying department. As part of the partnership with The Prince’s Countryside Fund, Aldi is supporting The Prince’s Farm Resilience Programme, which provides family farms across Scotland and the rest of the UK with free business skills training and practical workshops to help them develop the management and technical skills required to

continue growing and producing. As well as this, programme participants receive one-to-one sessions with their programme co-ordinator to create an action plan for their business. One family taking part in the programme is Patrick and Abby Harrison, who own Balliefurth farm in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park. Originally from Glasgow, Patrick and Abby moved to the picturesque village of Nethy Bridge ten years ago to take over the farm, later opening Balliefurth Farm Shop. They joined the programme to help them take their business to the next level. Speaking about The Prince’s Farm Resilience Programme, Patrick said: “We’d been looking for some outside assistance to help us focus our efforts into productive

and profitable enterprises, so The Prince’s Farm Resilience Programme came along at a very opportune time. “The biggest benefit is that it makes you think about your business in the longer term. Its problematic in farming that you’re always busy with the day-to-day activities of running the farm, and not taking time away from the livestock to think about things. The programme is brilliant for helping you take a step back.” Aldi has been praised for its commitment to the Scottish red meat industry and for its strong relationships with local farmers and suppliers. Recent NFU Scotland ‘shelf watch’ surveys revealed Aldi topped the charts for availability of Scotch Beef burgers, Scotch Beef PGI, Scotch Lamb PGI and Specially

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Selected Pork products on its shelves. Aldi was also crowned Scottish Sourcing Business of the Year at the recent Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards, with the judges commending the supermarket for its commitment to its Scottish suppliers. Fritz Walleczek, Managing Director of Corporate Responsibility at Aldi UK, said: “We’re committed to backing Scottish farmers and our partnership with The Prince’s Countryside Fund has enabled us to help provide the support they need to grow and be sustainable. “It’s been a fantastic year of working with the organisation and supporting The Prince’s Farm Resilience Programme, which is leading the way in ensuring that Scotland’s farms continue to be a success both now and in the future.”

Meat With Integrity Campaign Creatives Unveiled The creatives which will be used in a new campaign to raise the profile of the Scottish red meat industry’s positive sustainability and animal welfare credentials, were unveiled at a media launch in Perthshire back at the end of July. A host of organisations, with links to food, farming and animal welfare, are committed to backing Quality Meat Scotland’s new “Meat With Integrity” campaign, including NFU Scotland, the Scottish Association of Meat Wholesalers, the Scottish Beef Association and the National Sheep Association of Scotland. The campaign is also being supported by the Institute of Auctioneers and Appraisers in Scotland (IAAS) and the Scottish Federation of Meat Traders Associations, as well as Scotland Food & Drink, the Royal Highland Agricultural Society of Scotland, the Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs, Scottish Pig Producers, Scotlean, Scottish Land & Estates and the Scottish SPCA. Along with others including a chef and butcher, four farmers – Hazel McNee from Tealing, Joyce Campbell from Sutherland, Bruce McConachie from the Cairngorms and Fraser Shaw from Dumfries and Galloway – are the public “faces” of the campaign. The campaign, which launched on 29th July will cover all three brands - Scotch Beef PGI, Scotch Lamb PGI and Specially Selected Pork - and include billboard, print, social media and digital activity. Kate Rowell, Chair of QMS, said the campaign complimented a range of activity which QMS

undertakes throughout the year to communicate the nutrition, animal welfare and sustainability credentials of the Scottish red meat industry. This includes year-round activity in schools, partnerships with the Royal Highland Education Trust, the Scottish SPCA and LEAF’s Open Farm Sunday and initiatives such as the Meat Voucher Scheme which means every secondary school in Scotland can apply for a voucher to buy local, quality assured Scotch Beef, Scotch Lamb and Specially Selected Pork. Mrs Rowell also thanked everyone who is getting behind

the campaign for their support, saying she is delighted the entire industry is committed to supporting the initiative, resulting in a collective push which would add valuable weight to the campaign. “A huge amount of care has gone into developing the campaign which will also raise awareness of the heritage and expertise in the industry, along with the priority given to robust traceability and quality assurance,” said Mrs Rowell. “Almost everyone in the industry shares a sense of frustration about the lack of balance and accuracy in the

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media and social media in recent months but now we have a real opportunity to pull together as an industry in a concerted effort to get the facts out,” she added. The campaign will also highlight the industry’s worldrenowned quality assurance schemes which cover the entire production process, including farms, hauliers, feed companies, auction markets and processors. Mrs Rowell urged everyone to throw their collective weight behind the campaign in the weeks ahead and in particular to help raising awareness by sharing #meatwithintegrity social media content.

China The economics of scale By Fiona Sloan

WORLD FARMING China has the largest agricultural output in the world. With a land mass of 9.6 million square miles, populated by 1.3 billion people, it had 700millions farmers until the economic growth of the past decade, which has seen that reduce to around 425 million farm workers in 200 million farms. The agricultural workforce represents 35% of the population, in comparison to 1.5% in the UK and 2.5% in the USA. China’s agricultural output is the largest in the world, although only 12.5% of its total land area can be cultivated and its arable land represents just 10% of the total arable land in the world. supporting over 20% of the world’s population. Between 1949 and 1978 the communist government’s

diktat of a planned agricultural economy was driving the country toward bankruptcy and poverty, so much so that some forecasters in the 1970s predicted that starvation was going to kill millions of people. In 1978, Deng Xiaoping, a leader who had successfully ousted the traditional Maoist style leaders of the politburo, began a series of economic reforms, transforming the economy from a planned to a market economy. This reversed the declining performance to such an extent, that GDP growth has been measured above 10% per annum for more than 30 years and has transformed the nation into one of the largest economies in the world. The first reforms were made in agriculture, where the

collective farms were dismantled and given to local farmers in small land packages to enable them to work for themselves, providing they sold a portion of their crops to the government for central use. Land was allocated according to the number of people in the family with allocation of farmland close to cities around the size of a small garden, while those further from large cities allocated 20 to 30 acres, with a lease period of 30-70 years. Those inclined to grow their farm size to increase productivity, have been able to rent land off those less motivated to engage in agriculture. Perhaps the principal change has been in the country’s pig production, which was traditionally confined to family farms, slaughtering under 500

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pigs a year. Now the country’s new production programme, has 700 million pigs in mega farms, running up to 10,000 sows each and this strategy is set to see China move into a strong export position in the pork markets. The largest dairy farm in China is 50 times bigger than the largest UK dairy farm with 100,000 cows, supplying milk and milk products to the Russian market. China is the world’s leading producer of rice, accounting for 30% of the entire world production and the crop makes up almost half of the country’s total grain output. The rice crop grows primarily in provinces along the Yangtze River and in the south. The second most prevalent grain crop is wheat, which is

WORLD FARMING grown in the northern provinces together with corn, millet, oats and potatoes. Unsurprisingly, China is also the largest producer of potatoes in the world, although in recent years, its population has steadily moved towards an increase in rice consumption,

with less dependency on potatoes and millet as a primary food. Oil seeds are important too, supplying edible and industrial oils and forming a large portion of agricultural exports. In North and Northeast of the country, soybeans are grown to be used in tofu and

cooking oil. China is also a leading producer of peanuts and other oilseed crops such as sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, rapeseed, and the seeds of the tung tree. Citrus is a major cash crop in southern China. With a booming economy it is not difficult to predict that

China has the scale and ability to become a major player in the world’s export market and it will be interesting to see how this manifests itself in the near future. Next issue we’ll continue our look at the Chinese farmers.

Chinese and Scottish researchers establish collaborative links at Potatoes in Practice 2019 Chinese and Scottish researchers have agreed to work together and explore joint solutions to potato breeding and crop pests and diseases that cause major losses to farmers and industry across the world. A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed between the Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, part of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, and the James Hutton Institute, during Potatoes in Practice 2019.

IVF-CAAS is the largest national agricultural research institution undertaking agricultural research in China on flowers and vegetables including potato. The agreement seeks to strengthen collaboration on potato research and breeding. It is hoped that the new links will result in the development of improved potato varieties, as well as the exploration of novel disease resistance sources to late blight using modern biotechnology.

Professor Jin Li-ping, chair and Chief Scientist of the National Potato R&D Centre, China Agriculture Research System, signed the agreement on behalf of the visitors and commented: “Potatoes in Practice is a prestigious and remarkable event for the potato sector in the UK and abroad. We are excited to attend and be able to talk to so many scientists and potato industry representatives. “We hope that this agreement with the James

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Hutton Institute will boost our ongoing collaborations by developing a joint laboratory. It’s our expectation that this collaboration bears fruit in the near future, for the benefit of the potato sector in both UK and China.” Professor Colin Campbell, Chief Executive of the James Hutton Institute, added: “Our intention is to establish formal collaborative links to bring together different aspects of the research at each institution on potato breeding and diseases. The agreement provides a framework for these linkages to be formed.” The delegation also visited the Institute’s Dundee site and enjoyed presentations which detailed research on different aspects of potato genetics and pathology. China produces the largest amount of potatoes in the world, and the Chinese government has recently designated potatoes as a staple food for the burgeoning nation of 1.3 billion people. Potatoes in Practice is the UK’s largest field-based potato event, bringing together new variety trials, latest research, machinery demonstrations and trade exhibits in one place. It is organised annually by the James Hutton Institute in partnership with AHDB Potatoes, SRUC (Scotland’s Rural College) and Agrii, and is also supported by Potato Review. 33

Grain Dryers

GRAIN DRYERS Have the right drying solution on your farm Grain is often wetter than preferred when it comes in from being harvested, which is less than ideal. As in 2018, the grain can be dry enough not to need drying. To cope with unpredictable UK weather and to ensure their crops are safe for storage, farmers need to have the right solution to remove the high moisture content levels from their crops. Here we look at a selection of driers on the market today.

Alvan Blanch grain dryers Alvan Blanch continuous flow driers can handle moisture levels as high as 50% so farmers can rest assured in the knowledge that, whatever the weather, the equipment will produce top results. There are two things needed to dry grain: airflow and heat. The higher the temperature the faster you can dry grain. However, higher temperatures can scorch the bottom layer of grain closest to the heat source. Therefore, airflow is paramount to successful drying. By providing an even, high level of airflow to all parts of the drier,

scorching can be avoided and also thermal energy consumption can be reduced because the greater the airflow, the less thermal energy will be required. Over the years, Alvan Blanch engineers and designers critically consider these aspects of drying and continually improve the driers performance. Through careful design and automatic operation, our modern technology provides even drying whilst requiring little supervision. Driers can run at the most efficient airflow, bed depth and temperature, whilst emitting very low noise

levels and even keeping the farm tidy thanks to a dust house. This enables your drier to reach its full capacity and achieve optimum final grain condition, without fuss or costing any more than is needed. During the drying process it is beneficial to have a system that allows full control and efficient monitoring. You can save time and energy by having a continuous automated process with simple setting, no downtime, and instant crop follow-on. Driers from Alvan Blanch can use multiple energy sources, which save costs. For

instance, adding a heat exchanger that can be fed from either a biomass boiler or other waste heat sources is now very popular. On top of this proven technology, the new Inline Smart Moisture System (that can be retrofitted to existing Alvan Blanch driers) increases your drying accuracy and saves fuel. Once dried, it is vital to send the grain into storage efficiently and quickly. In a continuous process wet grain is transferred to the drier, by using the correct conveyors and elevators. Handling the grain in and out of the drier is made easy. In alliance with SĂ¸by, Alvan Blanch offers a wide range of handling equipment with capacities from 5 to 120 T/hr with many options, offering ideal storage solutions for any farm and covering the whole drier range.

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Grain Dryers

Another busy year for BDC Systems and its major suppliers BDC Systems Ltd has had a very busy season with the proven Svegma continuous flow grain driers and Skandia handling equipment being at the forefront of most projects. This year we have supplied driers from Dorset in the south of England right up to Fife in Scotland with sizes ranging from 18-52tph. The attached photo is of an installation of a 52tph Svegma continuous flow grain drier with vertical turboclean dust extraction fans and touch screen

control panel. All the elevating and conveying equipment is 80tph from the Skandia “H” line range of heavy duty kit. A complete dust extraction system was designed and supplied by BDC Systems which had a JKF filter at the centre of the plant. All of the elevating, conveying, cleaning and drying machinery is controlled from a 5m long PLC control panel incorporating 2 x 22” plc screens with remote access and viewing. This installation was carried out by local company Edwards Engineering from Perth.

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Grain Dryers Svegma driers are available in a variety of sizes from 5tph to over 100tph. They are of fully galvanised construction and suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications. Available with electric pulse roller or shutter discharge units, 2 or 3 stage burners, digital or touch screen control panels, there is a model to suit all applications. New for 2019 is BDCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own MMS System which allows real time monitoring of the moisture content of grain on the inlet and outlet elevators of the drier. Skandia handling equipment is available exclusively in the UK from BDC Systems. Skandia offers three 3 ranges of equipment, from general farm use 30-60tph right through to commercial use equipment at 600tph. Belt and bucket elevators, chain and flight conveyors, belt conveyors, silo sweep conveyors and dust and chaff extractors are all available, generally only on a 4-5 week delivery period.

OPICO Magna Grain Dryer Speed and efficiency are key features of the OPICO range of recirculating batch dryers, with automated features allowing farmers to keep pace with harvest and larger capacity combines, whilst reducing the time needed to manage the dryer. Available as gas or diesel fuelled models and with 3 phase or PTO drive these selfcontained units constantly recirculate the grain to ensure thorough, consistent and economical drying. Loading time and unloading time are also minimised with high capacity loading augers, recirculating augers and unloading augers to keep grain flowing. The diesel fuelled Magna range of dryers offer high volume, with the largest having a holding capacity of 48t, drying up to 480 tons of grain per day on automatic versions. Unique

to the Magna range is the Duax heat core â&#x20AC;&#x201C; heat retaining bricks that ensure a more even and consistent drying temperature with the added benefit of saving up to 10% on diesel costs.

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The gas fuelled GT range of dryers provide clean, cost effective, controllable heat. Liquid propane is vaporised in the dryer and burnt in a ring burner to achieve high

Grain Dryers temperatures and an even safe heat. Both gas and diesel fuelled dryers can be specified for fully automated operation. These models load, dry, cool and unload automatically giving unattended drying hour after hour, seven days a week and require minimal labour allowing more efficient use of farm resources. Furthermore, the mode of action of a recirculating batch dryer cleans and polishes the grain whilst also removing chaff, weed seeds and broken grains. This results in higher hectolitre weights and in turn the value of the crop; giving an advantage over on-floor stores or continuous flow systems. A Sky Vac dust extractor can be added for even more impressive results. The lower capital investment needed for a mobile dryer already makes an OPICO dryer an attractive purchase, recent improvements to extend

working life include galvanized or stainless steel components in areas that are susceptible to corrosion will help reduce

ownership costs and result in a higher residual value. Easy to install and relocate when necessary, OPICO

recirculating mobile batch grain dryers start from £36,409 gas fuelled range and from £35,794 for the diesel fuelled range

Perry’s Savannah Series Dryers The Perry of Oakley Ltd Savannah series driers are capable of capacities from 5tph to 150tph. The driers come with Perry’s own advanced PLC panel, which is designed and programmed in house, and the auto control, which uses both the exhaust air temperature and hot grain temperature to give advanced control of the drier with feedback, to maintain a consistent moisture content of the discharged grain. If connected to the internet, the panel can send you email and text alerts including drier status updates and it will alert you to any issues that may have occurred while drying. The PLC panel can also be connected to an app (available

free on Google Play & iStore). While connected to the app, you can see your control panel and

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control it from the app. It provides a direct link to your control panel, meaning you can control your drier

Grain Dryers from anywhere you have a mobile phone signal or a WiFi connection. To ensure drier longevity the Savannah Series driers are built with a 2mm thick grain column for additional strength, and 3mm thick top ducts in the grain column to help prevent deformation and wear. To promote consistent movement of the grain down the grain column, even in very wet conditions, all Savannah Series Driers are fitted with pneumatically controlled Shutter discharge. This year this has been upgraded to phosphor bronze bushes on all wearing parts. These improvements, and the other key features of the Savannah range, provide a truly commercial specification grain drier for use on farms and commercial grain stores. Perry of Oakley Ltd also manufacture a full range of 10tph â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 1000tph handling equipment including chain & flight conveyors, belt & bucket elevators, augers & screw conveyors, aspirator precleaners, belt conveyors & much more.

Turbodan Mobile Dryers

Having successfully commissioned the last of the pre-season ordered Turbodans for 2019 the possibility of further sales, in England at least, is fading with each fine day. Should conditions change however, they do have refurbished units available from stock. The Turbodan has seen little change since its initial launch onto the market place in the early 90s. The ethos behind its invention was that it should not only be simple to operate but also offer great flexibility. Tey Farm believe it is those very principles which have helped it to maintain its unique position in an otherwise crowded marketplace. Whilst it may be difficult to call the tradition tub dryer mobile given the array of intake hoppers on offer and the fact that many

are either gas fired or electric the Turbodan stays true to its roots as a mobile. Based on a trailer chassis the Turbodan is quickly and easily moved between farmsteads, it requires no auxiliary power supply and has its own on board fuel tank. Whilst it does not offer a bolt on pre-cleaner any dust and chaff is simply blow out of the trailer during the drying process. It does not require any fixed handling equipment, you simply load it with a loading shovel or telehandler and unload it by tipping it up in the grainstore. Turbodans can be, and indeed are, used for drying a great array of combinable crops from Quinoa to Wheat, Peas to Field Maize.

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Anaerobic digestion

Anaerobic digestion trade bodies welcome IPCC report on climate change and land Recently, the Inter-governmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) released its latest report, Climate Change and Land, which not only states that better land management is needed to address climate change, but also that reducing GHG emissions from all sectors, especially from food waste, is essential to keep global warming to 1.5̊C or well below 2̊C. The World Biogas Association (WBA) and the UK Anaerobic Digestion and Bioresources Association (ADBA) welcome the report and, in particular, the acknowledgement that future land use will need to support bioenergy to ensure that global warming is limited to 1.5̊C. This would need to be integrated into a portfolio response to

the climate crisis, including reforestation, afforestation, reduced deforestation, and a reappraisal of our existing food system. The WBA recently published a major report on the Global Potential of Biogas, which sets out the contribution biogas can make to climate mitigation, and last year published a landmark report on Global Food Waste Management. David Newman, President of the WBA, said: “This latest IPCC report illustrates how important it is to address climate change across multiple sectors - and this is where anaerobic digestion (AD) and biogas can play a significant role. Our recent research shows that AD and biogas can help reduce global GHG emissions

by 10-13% and in some of the hardest to decarbonise sectors: agriculture, transport, and heat. We’re currently only processing 2% of the organic feedstock available into green energy and bio-fertilisers. There’s so much that this industry can do, and world governments need to ensure that they integrate it not only into their Nationally Determined Contributions to meet Paris Agreement targets, but also in their strategies for developing a sustainable circular economy across the world. Biogas has been shown to make a significant contribution towards 9 of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals. It needs to be recognized and supported as a key player in the global sustainability agenda.”

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Charlotte Morton, Chief Executive of ADBA, a founding member of WBA, said: “On-farm AD is a key growth area in the UK and an essential part of achieving the UK’s Net Zero emissions target by 2050. It enables the development of a sustainable farming model in which organic wastes are recycled into natural fertilisers, to restore our depleted soils; and biogas to generate power for electricity or biomethane for the hard-to-decarbonise transport and heat sectors. We are feeding in our views to help shape the UK’s Agriculture Bill, among other policies, to ensure the UK can take the lead in revolutionising farming, food waste and sustainable land use. This IPCC report is welcome in emphasising the very urgent need to do so.”

environment Scottish farming’s success story on tackling climate change lost in global report Scottish farming’s responsible approach to tackling climate change is being lost in the headlines generated by the latest report into Climate Change and Land Use from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Scotland’s farmer and crofters, who produce food in a highly sustainable way, present solutions to Scotland meeting its ambitious targets on climate change. Scottish farming is green, and President Andrew McCornick said: “Here we have a headlinegrabbing global report that, by its very nature, takes no account of an individual nation’s environmental credentials, farming systems or the steps it is already undertaking to tackle climate change. “Climate change is a critically important issue for Scottish farming because farmers and crofters are on the front line in experiencing the impacts of climate change. They are increasingly having to adapt to changing weather patterns

and increased volatility at farm level in order to maintain their businesses and still produce high quality food. “We also take our environmental responsibilities incredibly seriously and continue to adopt practical, workable solutions and improvements to the challenge of climate change. “Government figures on reductions in emissions show that Scottish farmers and crofters are already playing their part in reducing emissions from farming. We must go further if Scotland is to meet its challenging net-zero emission target by 2045 but efforts by Scottish farmers and crofters must not be at the expense of producing food or exporting our emissions by relying on unsustainable food imports. “The IPCC report only deals with the global scale and it is too simplistic to just take high level global messages and apply them to Scotland. That needs some media outlets to undertake a reality check before applying

the report recommendations to a nation like ours. “While it makes little sense from a climate change perspective to cut down tropical rainforests to create grasslands to rear livestock, other parts of the world like Scotland are ideally suited to growing grass, rearing livestock, and turning that grass into valuable, tasty protein that remains at the heart of balanced diets. “Our ruminant livestock are part of a virtuous cycle. They act as ‘air scubbers’. There is no methane being produced by our cattle and sheep that has not originated in the atmosphere and

Hillers Farm Shop takes delivery of groundbreaking energy solution A UK innovation that takes items previously destined for landfill and uses them to heat water has successfully been installed at Hillers Farm Shop in Worcestershire. Hailed by the BBC as potentially ‘The Next Dyson’, the HERU, in addition to diverting “waste” from the 40

rubbish tip, has the potential to help users save up to 15% on their fuel bills while reducing their overall carbon footprint. According to environmental consultants Ricardo, the HERU also has 300% less global warming impact than co-mingled recycling collections and 280% less than kerbside recycling www.farmingscotlandmagazine.com

been processed through the grass they graze. That converts long life carbon dioxide into methane, with a significantly shorter lifespan, with the huge benefit of tasty, affordable meat and milk. “In Scotland, it must also be borne in mind that the good land that is suited to growing crops is already being used sustainably in this way and, in most cases, it is not possible for livestock farmers to switch to their land to crop and vegetable production because of the geography, nature and vegetation of the land. “These are facts around Scottish farming all too often ignored in the coverage afforded to such global reports.”

collections compared to traditional “waste” collections, the HERU The HERU unit at Hillers will be used as part of continuing technical trials, following a recent operational HERU at Wychavon District Council. The unit will be monitored remotely in real-time, in order to assess the progress around energy efficiency, usability and qualification criteria for

the Renewable Heat Incentive for cardboard, paper, food and trimmings. Emma Taylor from Hillers Farm Shop said: “We have been looking forward to taking delivery of the HERU, which we are happy to announce is now in situ at our restaurant - we are filling the HERU daily with food offcuts and packaging, thus greatly reducing the waste that has to be collected.

New natural pesticide alternative in development Researchers are developing a natural pesticide alternative to target pests without harming pollinators such as honeybees A natural, sustainable alternative to pesticides which targets specific pests without harming pollinators is currently in development. Estimated global crop loss to pests – including insects, plant viruses and fungi – is around $100 billion every year, equating to a 40 percent loss in global agricultural production. But there is a significant need for innovative approaches to crop protection, driven by the need for greater food production, pest expansion linked to climate change and the push for more sustainable farming practices. The new pesticide alternative, being developed by the University of Sheffield and Syngenta, could help achieve food security whilst protecting vital pollinators. Researchers are helping to develop a pioneering biocontrol that uses dsRNA-based biocontrols to target plant pests. RNA is a molecule essential for the coding, decoding, regulation and expression of genes. RNA-based biocontrols exploit a naturally occurring process called RNA interference

(RNAi) in which double stranded RNA (dsRNA) essentially stops the production of a critical protein in the target pest. New research published by the scientists in Analyst, a Royal Society of Chemistry journal, suggests this new approach could be key to addressing the threat to food security posed by plant pests. Professor Mark Dickman, from the Institute for Sustainable Food and Director of Research said: “The RNA biocontrols we are working on with Syngenta can help to address the sustainability challenge for farming. “The idea is that dsRNA is applied to the crops, then along comes the pest, which eats the crop. “The dsRNA molecule then kills the pest by triggering the RNAi mechanism. The advantage of this is that we can be highly selective. “We have the ability to target a specific pest while protecting beneficial species, such as honeybees. Professor Dickman added: “A key challenge will be making enough of these biocontrols which are natural, biodegradable and sustainable, and to deliver them to the crops.

Earthworms for Soil Health Dr Samantha Dolan, Soils Consultant, SAC Consulting Photo courtesy of J Cloy, SRUC

environment

A healthy soil will have good biodiversity (biology), optimum pH level and nutrients (chemistry) and good physical structure (physics). By ensuring all three aspects of the soil are maintained, soils can support crop yields and be more resilient to climate change. More recently, new practical indicators of soil biological health such as earthworm abundance have been developed to help farmers have an idea of how their soil biology is doing. There are three main types of earthworms: epigeic, endogeic and anecic and the presence of all three types of earthworms has many benefits to soil health. For example, earthworms create channels in the soil which allows water to flow and drain, and plant roots to extend throughout the soil to access nutrients. They incorporate leaf litter and crop residues from the soil surface which can improve organic matter and carbon content. Earthworms are also an important source of food for birds, having a wider ecological benefit beyond the soil. The casts left behind from earthworms improves soil stability and provides a nutrient-rich source of food for microorganisms.

However, earthworm populations are at risk when soils are heavily tilled, compacted or when acidic products such as certain fertilisers are applied. To improve populations, optimum pH levels should be maintained between pH 6.0 and 6.2 on mineral soils. A Visual Evaluation of Soil Structure (VESS) can be performed in-field to check for compaction which can reduce oxygen availability and restrict earthworm growth. Improving soil organic matter content through crop residue incorporation or use of manures provides food and helps retain soil moisture which is also important. Commercial soil health tests may offer an earthworm count along with advice from an agricultural adviser. Identification and counting instructions are also available for free online. Earthworm counts and identification should be performed in the spring or autumn, when the soil is moist and warm. Scotland’s Farm Advisory Service (FAS) have a Technical Note on “Soil Biodiversity and Soil Health” (TN721, 2019) summarising the importance of improving soil biodiversity to increase soil resilience – see www.fas.scot

For more ideas on improving farm efficiency and to read how other farmers are protecting and enhancing farm soils, visit www.farmingforabetterclimate.org, find us on Facebook and Twitter @SACFarm4Climate. Farming for a Better Climate is funded by the Scottish Government as part of Scotland’s Farm Advisory Service www.fas.scot

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renewable energy

The Scottish Green Energy Awards

There is still time to make nominations for the eleven categories. The awards, now in its 17th year, is open to all renewable energy technologies, from wind, hydro and solar to wave, lowcarbon heat and more. Categories this year include Outstanding Project, Best Community Project and Best Innovation. The awards ceremony, on December 5 in Edinburgh, will be hosted by comedian Jo Caulfield. Claire Mack, Chief Executive of Scottish Renewables, said: “Scotland’s renewable energy industry is at the forefront of the global shift to a low-carbon energy system. “With almost three-quarters of the electricity consumed in Scotland now coming from renewable sources The Scottish Green Energy Awards allow us to come together and celebrate the innovation, determination and commitment of those who are making this industry happen. “The awards showcase the very best in the industry, generate real passion for renewables and inspire those within the sector to continue their ground-breaking 42

efforts towards both achieving a low-carbon future and meeting some of the world’s toughest climate change targets.” The event, headlinesponsored by EDF Renewables, will take place at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre. Nominations are now being accepted in the following categories: Best Community Project Award (sponsored by SSE Renewables) Best Engagement Award (sponsored by Xodus Group) Best Innovation Award (sponsored by Red Rock Power Limited) Best Practice Award (sponsored by Natural Power) Carbon Reduction Award (sponsored by SmartestEnergy) Champion of Renewables Award (sponsored by National Grid ESO) Contribution to Skills Award (available to sponsor) Outstanding Contribution Award (sponsored by Highlands and Islands Enterprise) Outstanding Project Award (sponsored by innogy Renewables UK Ltd) Outstanding Service Award

(sponsored by Aberdeen Renewable Energy Group) Sustainable Development Award (sponsored by ABB) Young & Inspiring Award (sponsored by WSP)

Nominations for the 2019 Scottish Green Energy Awards must be made before the deadline of 5pm on Friday September 20 at https://www.scottishrenewables. com/events/sgea19/.

Is the agricultural sector missing out on significant grid payouts? Writes Ruth Chapman, Managing Director of Dulas, an award-winning renewable energy installer and consultancy British farmers are facing a dilemma. Whilst agriculture must take a central role in ensuring the UK meets its pledge to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050, it can’t be ignored that the sector

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is facing a period of great change and uncertainty as it anticipates life beyond the EU. These challenges do not sit together comfortably. Whist many agricultural businesses

renewable energy

and land owners are looking to reduce the carbon footprint of their operations, the long-term commitment of developing onsite renewable energy generation in such an uncertain time for the sector feels difficult to justify. However, there still remains a business case for generating renewable energy on-site. Energy independence and long-term control over electricity bills are just a few reasons to consider the technology as a way to provide extra business security, but what’s often forgotten is the opportunity for renewables to diversify revenue streams. By parking investment in onsite-generation and selfconsumption, agricultural businesses may be missing out on substantial additional revenue streams. Specifically, by using on-site

renewable energy systems to provide services to the National Grid. Put simply, the National Grid and other off-takers pay businesses to support the national electricity system by providing balancing services as well as energy to the grid when needed. For some businesses, providing these services can result in additional revenues exceeding £10,000 per megawatt each month. Whilst industrial users have been ahead of the curve in taking advantage of this payment system, there’s no reason why land owners and agricultural businesses that use and produce a high volume of electricity can’t do so too. If you’re considering a renewable energy system on site, make sure your consultant assesses your site for:

• Site energy consumption patterns • Available wind, solar, and hydro resources

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• Opportunities for additional revenue through grid services payments.

Bowhouse

Farm Diversity - Bow Down to Bowhouse By Janice Hopper Bowhouse is a foodie hot spot, situated in vast open-plan sheds in the rural greenery of Fife. It aims to provide the missing link between farm and fork, satisfying both producer and consumer. Eight independent food businesses are permanently based at the venue, and its renowned Market Weekends attract thousands of visitors through the doors each month. In many senses, Bowhouse is the Russian doll of farm diversity. It starts with Balcaskie Estate who own and manage Bowhouse. Owned by the Anstruther family, the estate stretches from St Monans to Kellie Law and into the hills. The Anstruthers are organic farmers, starting the process in 2016, with around 750 ha of the farm dedicated to livestock production. There are over 900 cattle in hand throughout the estate, with a mixed herd including Simmental, Aberdeen Angus, Short Horn and Lincoln Red, and a 350 strong Luing breeding herd. The estate boasts around one thousand sheep, primarily Suffolk and Texels. In terms of cereals, winter distilling wheat is the main crop. The estate also lets out several farms, renting approximately one third of the estate, with tenants including traditional family

farmers, and businesses such as Ovenstone Equine. In 2016 the Anstruthers invested in The Kinneuchar Inn, due to open later this year. Diversification is clearly second nature to this family. Bowhouse launched in the summer of 2017. Located just off the A917, it provides easy access to the best ingredients from the East

Neuk of Fife, and it’s a colourful foodie day out in its own right. Toby Anstruther says, “I was struck when talking to one local chef who said, though he was very keen to use local ingredients, he ended up sourcing his vegetables from the Glasgow veg markets or even from Holland, because, despite seeing the vegetables

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growing in Fife’s fields all around his restaurant, there was no way to connect the field to his business. Bowhouse is intended to be part of the answer to this challenge.” The next layer of the Russian Doll are the producers based within Bowhouse itself. During the Market Weekends, when the producers aren’t busy baking,

Bowhouse butchering or nurturing, they can be very much front of house, meeting the public, offering samples, selling their wares, and actually getting their fruit and veg directly to local consumers. Examples include Connie and Tom of East Neuk Market Garden; a two acre, agroecological farm, growing vegetables, salads, herbs and fruit. “As market gardeners we rely on selling direct to market as much as possible,’ say the gardeners, ‘and Bowhouse is a great vehicle for meeting the public and networking with others in the food industry, both locally and nationally.” Other in-house producers include The Cakery, Keeping the Plot, which sells cut and edible flowers grown in the fields around Bowhouse, Scotland the Bread is a not-for-profit organisation, Langoustine the Box works with Fife shellfish fishermen to make langoustine, lobsters and crab available to the public, Minick Butchers experiments with maturation techniques at Bowhouse, and East Neuk Organic Brewing & Distilling specialises in farmhouse ales and offers a brewery tap room that hosts live music with a select drinks list of cocktails and whisky. The tap room certainly adds atmosphere to any Market Weekend - shoppers can sit and have a pint, listen to some tunes, and catch up with people. Or head to The Millhouse, an onsite café that showcases the diverse, home-grown food and drink being produced at Bowhouse.

The third layer in the farm diversity Russian doll comprises of the visiting traders or stallholders who bring their wares to the Market Weekends, be it a one off appearance, or a relatively regular date in the diary. Think names such as Falkland Kitchen Farm, St Andrews Farmhouse Cheese, Woodmill Game, Wild Hearth Bakery, or Rola Mor, which is known for a mean line in sausage rolls. For those interested in more than just food, roughly half the markets are Craft Markets. On these weekends artists, jewellers and potters can book stalls and sell their creations. The most petite Russian doll is the consumer - a consumer who is seeking out diversity, quality and low food miles. A shopper who

can browse around 40-50 stalls over one leisurely weekend (closer to 70 during a craft weekend), and grab lunch while they’re at it. Bowhouse offers a relaxed environment, that’s bustling and busy enough to be engaging. Whilst it’s perfectly acceptable to leave empty handed, you could easily spend a small foodie fortune here. The markets naturally celebrate the seasons. September’s Market Weekend will celebrate the harvest season at Bowhouse, and Scotland the Bread will be offering handson workshops making sourdough and breads. Bowhouse’s October Market Weekend will focus on orchard fruits, with demonstrations on making the most of autumn’s crop by pressing them for juice.

Keeping the Plot will be leading workshops in designing your own autumnal wreath. Looking ahead to the colder months, the November Market Weekend will celebrate the increasing popularity of game meat. Fife Food Ambassador Christopher Trotter will lead live cooking demonstrations, and November will also host a craft market, with stalls carefully curated for early Christmas shoppers. Whatever season, whatever time of year, this generation of landowners, farmers and producers realise that growing, rearing or creating produce isn’t necessarily enough. They often have to work to find new ways to get their products in front of potential buyers, and discover rare or innovative products (such as edible flowers) to tempt a discerning public. With a backdrop as convivial, lively and modern as Bowhouse, diversifying, experimenting and connecting with customers takes on a new modern meaning. The forthcoming food markets fall on:Saturday 14th – Sunday 15th September, 10am-4pm Saturday 12th – Sunday 13th October, 10am-4pm Saturday 9th – Sunday 10th November, 10am-4pm Discover more at bowhousefife. com.

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potatoes Best practice for potato in-furrow treatment New recommendations to help growers optimise Amistar infurrow applications may soon be on the way, reported Syngenta technical manager Michael Tait, speaking at this year’s Potatoes in Practice. Displaying a new design of planter nozzle set up at the Dundee event, he highlighted previous models had cone nozzles built in at both front and back of the shoe. That design sprayed into the furrow as it was opened, before placing the seed potato, and again onto the soil as the tuber was covered. However, feedback from growers had pointed out that the front nozzle could be prone to clogging with soil. The new design, instigated by Syngenta, Team Sprayers and Grimme, has come up with a configuration that has both nozzles strategically placed to spray and mix into the soil after the potato has been planted.

“We have been doing intensive testing to see whether hollow cone or low drift nozzles work best for application, and what are the optimum water volumes?” said Michael. “Particularly on modern belt planters operating at higher speeds. “Previously planters were typically smaller and slower, standard practice was to recommend the minimum possible water volumes. It was often a trade-off of the need for efficacy, with the capability of machinery,” he pointed out. “Today’s machines are bigger and faster, with the capacity to carry more and with growers geared up to efficiency of operations to get the best possible results. With the ability to apply at a water volume of 100 l/ha, we can potentially move towards optimum efficacy.” After application trials with the new equipment at the start

of the season, they have been assessing effects of different techniques on emergence and ground cover, as well as monitoring disease throughout the season. Data from independent VCS trials on rhizoctonia control should be available for BP2019 at Harrogate, whilst reports on diseases which develop over

time in storage, such as black dot, will be released at next year’s Potato Science meetings, Michael advised. “Our intention is to improve disease control by working with machinery specialists and evolving growers’ recommendations, to achieve the best possible disease control in practice.”

Tong USA’s first year brings US growers & packers more bang for their buck International vegetable handling equipment specialist Tong Engineering is celebrating one year of successful business since the opening of its Tong USA spares, service and sales facility in Fremont, Michigan.

Whilst the leading UK manufacturer has been exporting equipment to the USA for many years, the new office has strengthened Tong’s position in the US vegetable market, whilst bringing US growers and packers

a dedicated division for more streamlined communication and quick turnaround on spare parts and support. Charlie Rich, Head of USA Sales at Tong Engineering said: “The past 12 months have

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been very exciting; building relationships with new and existing Tong customers, resulting in a very positive first year for Tong USA.” “Tong is very highly respected as a worldwide leader in quality

potatoes designed and manufactured handling equipment, and our Tong USA office ensures our expanding USA customer base receives the very best customer service every step of the way. Even the simplest things like being in the same time-zone as our customers, allowing us to respond immediately to their requirements, has made such a big difference to how we do business in the USA.” “We have had a great response from USA growers and packers looking for advanced, custom built vegetable handling solutions, with new sales ranging from individual machines such as our industry leading box and bin filler, the EasyFill, to complete turnkey grading and washing lines.” One grower in Pennsylvania, Nate Richards of Scattered Acre Farms, appointed Tong USA to supply their new potato washing facility, which was commissioned in June and now

sees the farm washing up to 30 tons of crop per hour. “We traditionally sourced our handling equipment from US manufacturers, but when we went into bin storage and handling two years ago, we researched the market and found Tong Engineering’s range of advanced bin handling equipment would best meet our requirements,” explains Nate. “We worked closely with Tong and their east-coast US dealer Modern Produce Equipment, and they designed a custombuilt bin handling system which included the Tong EasyFill bin filler and heavy duty bin tipping equipment.” “I was very pleased with the equipment from Tong; the system works great, so when specifying our new potato washing line, we were very keen to work with Tong again, and utilise their expertise to achieve an equally efficient handling system that integrated well with our current

Tong equipment. Having the Tong USA office on hand this time round made the process

from initial specification to installation and commissioning even easier.”

No-till potato trials show role in soil regeneration

No-till potatoes grown under a straw mulch could help farmers to restore degraded arable soils cost-effectively if used as a cash crop within a regenerative cropping rotation, according to ProCam agronomist Richard Harding. Presenting results from a four year trial at the recent Groundswell conservation agriculture event, Mr Harding said revenue from the potatoes www.farmingscotlandmagazine.com

would offset the cost of importing straw, creating a viable route to more sustainable production. “Our first step was to grow a high biomass cover crop,” he said, “as this is an essential entry into the no-till potatoes. Then, we placed the potato tubers on the surface and created a mulch by unrolling and fluffing up round bale straw at a rate of around 34t/ha. Through this method, we achieved a potato crop of 46t/ha 47

potatoes of saleable tubers, so about 75% of a normal crop yield but without the high cost of conventional cultivations. Tuber size range was more variable than from a crop grown conventionally, so finding a market for mid-range potatoes will help to maximise the returns, or the system would work well for producing seed potatoes. “Following potatoes, we’ve strip tilled the ground and established wide-row crops, such as maize or pumpkins, using a drill with row cleaners to overcome the remaining straw residues.” From this proof-of-principle study, Mr Harding believes there is enough evidence to now look at commercialisation of the methodology.

Haith’s plans for 2020 Visitors to this year's Potatoes in Practice were the first to hear about Haith Group's plans for 2020. As well as talking about the company's plans for next year, Haith's team also promoted the company's most recent innovations, the SupaFill 400 Pro, Rota-Tip S and the programmable sample washer along with mobile graders and washers, for which Haith is synonymous. Available in stainless steel bead blasted or painted mild steel finishes, Haith's 2019 Sample Washer can handle up to 20Kg loads. The machine features an intuitive energy-efficient inverter, 30 seconds to ten

minute wash times, automatic front door opening and closing, and automatic produce discharge onto a sample tray via an elevator. Haith's designers have been keen to minimise water and energy use. The sample washer needs just 400 litres of water to operate, much of which is returned to the washer tank once the wash cycle is complete. Energy use is also low, with the Haith Sample Washer requiring just 1.12Kw to run and a full load requiring only 3.1 Amps. Capable of filling up to 40 boxes per hour, Haith's Supa-Fill 400 PRO is the most advanced box filler on the market. The

Supa-Fill's Omron NB 3 HMI control screen gives users fingertip access to the machine's class-leading functions, including manual and fully automatic box filling, box height selection, lifetime and batch counting for stock recording and assisting with maintenance scheduling. Variable speed control and a flat belt with fall retarders provide better crop cushioning compared to machines using cleats or door stops. The Supa-Fill 400 PRO Box Filler accommodates 900mm to 120mm high boxes, and its self-levelling sensors deliver consistently even filling.

Tong’s new MonstaFill high capacity filler ticks all the boxes Tong Engineering has announced a new twin-head box filler which is already minimising labour requirements and almost tripling throughput for an established seed potato processor in Tasmania. Built to combine high capacity and gentle box filling, with reduced forklift movements for maximum efficiency, the new MonstaFill box filler is the latest in a series of new product developments from the industry’s leading manufacturer of vegetable handling equipment.

“As a company we are very proud to be unveiling a number of new products for 2019, and the new MonstaFill box filler is the first of two advanced and exceptionally gentle box filling solutions that we are bringing to the market this year,” said Edward Tong, Managing Director at Tong Engineering. Manufactured to gently and evenly fill 1 or 2 ton boxes, the new filler from Tong is maximising throughput capacity for Cherry Hill Coolstores, based in northern Tasmania.

Processing over 15,000 tons of seed potatoes annually, Cherry Hill operate between the seed grower and the main crop grower. “For the potato seed grower we unload, apply fungicides, grade and prepare their seed for certification,” explains Andrew Langmaid of Cherry Hill Coolstores. “For the seed buyers and main crop growers, we store the seed until planting season, and then prepare the potatoes for planting.” “With the volume of seed coming to Cherry Hill, we

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needed to upgrade our intake system,” says Andrew. “The new installation from Tong features a very similar set-up, albeit it much higher capacity, more advanced and energy efficient than our previous intake system, but it is the new MonstaFill box fillers that have really taken our capacity potential to the next level. Most notably, the MonstaFill has significantly reduced forklift requirements, which has had a huge effect on how quickly we are processing crop into boxes,” says Andrew. “By taking four forklift

potatoes

Wild potato genes may be key to stronger spuds movements per ton out of our seed potato unloading process; that’s a staggering 120 less movements for every 30 ton load and a throughput of around 55 tons per hour.”

For more information contact Carole Metcalfe at Tong Engineering on 01790 752771 or email carole@tongengineering. com

FARMING SCOTLAND MAGAZINE Subscription details on page 61

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Dr Ingo Hein

Potatoes have been a staple of Britain’s diet for half a millennium, but new research suggests that limited genetic differences in potato lineages has left British and American spuds vulnerable to the disease that caused the Irish potato famine. Plant scientists at the James Hutton Institute and the University of Dundee have revealed that commercial potato crops are under constant threat of late blight, the pathogen behind one of Europe’s most devastating famines, but wild potato genes might be the cure. Dr Ingo Hein, a senior scientist based at the Institute’s Cell and Molecular Sciences group, says that by using tools his team has developed they could put potato breeders at ease, helping farmers produce fit fritters instead of the frail. “These tools are making it possible to track, for the first time, the historical and geographical patterns of resilient genes in American and British potatoes,” Dr Hein said. “Our preliminary data suggests that the most commercially valuable potato

varieties grown in the UK and US contain a maximum of four genes already defeated by the late blight pathogen, P. infestans. “Crucially, we have also been able to identify new genes that remain effective against this disease which are not current used in commercial potato production and so by combining these effective genes we can prolong the longevity of individual resistances to the disease and reduce the need for chemical sprays on plants. “This is highly relevant for breeding as currently the control methods for late blight in most parts of the world are based mainly on the use of chemical sprays which can be environmentally hazardous and expensive.” Dr Hein has been awarded £625k in funding from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) to continue identifying the more resilient potatoes with industry partners McCain, Greenvale and James Hutton Limited. For more information, visit www.hutton.ac.uk.

Muck Spreaders

Spreading it around A look at some of the Muck Spreaders on the market today

Abbey Muck Spreaders Accurate and precise muck spreading improves soil fertility, increases humus levels and helps the soil to retain more moisture. There is a cost in applying the manure, but there is also a value in the manure. The table below comes from Abbeys Slurry Management Guide. The data is from Teagasc (National Agricultural Research and Advisory service in Ireland). Farmyard manure in terms of N, P and K content is worth around 8/tonne and broiler litter is worth around 26/t. Abbey Machinery have a range of 6 x Side Spreaders (2060 6 yd3; 2070 7yd3; 2090 9yd3; 2100 10yd3; 2250 12yd3; 2550 15yd3) with hydraulically operated door with strengthened baffles to provide the maximum loading area and ideal spread pattern. Th chassis design gives optimum strength to the drum, eliminating vibration and increasing working life. 1.25” drive chain and splined centres for ease of fitting.

Hydraulic brakes are an optional extra to give extra control to handle all types or terrain. Rotors from all models are made from seamless construction of 12mm x 115mm rotor tubing on all models up to 2090 and 15mm x 165mm rotor tubing on models larger than this. Chains are fitted with heavy duty replaceable heads and plates from 28” x 3/8” up to 38” x inch. The chains are specifically placed along the heavy-duty rotor for accuracy of speed pattern and ease of start-up when full. On the 2070, 2090, 2100, 2250 and 2550 models they are placed in a spiral dimension giving perfect results. A unique feature is the specifically designed starter flails, strategically positioned at both ends of the rotor. They assist the start-up procedure and reduce horse power requirement. Abbey Machiney’s All Purpose AP900 (1650 gallon) has direct auger drive, with reversable gear box. The discharge rotor is fitted with shear bolt protection.

There is an open/close indicator at the discharge rotor which is visible from the tractor cab. The auger flight draw the material towards the front of the spreader and the spring paddles ensure an even flow to the discharge rotor. For additional strength the body is double skinned and the unique floor design minimises blockages and ensures ease of emptying. There is positive weight transfer

to the tractor, which minimises compaction. The fins on the auger are 10mm thick and their design ensure low power demands. The access hatch is situated at the base of the machine and allows for easy removal of unwanted obstructions. Along with external shear bolt protection on augers and drive shafts. There is also the option of a slurry spreading kit for liquid materials.

Bunning rear discharge spreaders Bunning manufacture a wide range of rear discharge spreaders with capacities ranging from 6 to 40 tonnes. The Norfolk based firm has been engineering for agriculture since 1906 and introduced its first manure spreader in 1986. At this time the company’s focus was on agricultural trailers. Today spreaders take up all of the agricultural manufacturing capacity with machines being in strong demand both in the UK market and overseas. There are 2 models in the Farmstar range, a 6 and an 8 tonne 50

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version. Incorporating many features of the larger machines, they have been designed for the smaller farmer with a light weight high strength body and reduced length for better manoeuvrability around small farm yards. The Lowlander Mk 4 range has 6 models from the 7.5 tonne capacity Lowlander 75Mk4 to the 15 tonne capacity Lowlander 150Mk4. Of a heavier design than the Farmstar range with welded body pressings, larger axles and drawbars; the Mk4 range is suited to larger scale farmers and contractors.

Muck Spreaders There are 2 models in the “Heavy Duty” range, the Lowlander 150 Mk2 HD with 15 tonne capacity and the Lowlander 175 HD with 17.5 tonne capacity. These 2 models incorporate 20mm floor chains which have a 50 tonne breaking certificate and are certified lifting chains. They also have an extra 100mm (4 inches) body width and vertical auger models have the same augers for the TVA versions and beaters for the HBD versions as the Widebody range of spreaders. The Widebody range has 4 models, an 18 tonne single axle, 23 tonne tandem axle, 32 tonne and 38 tonne tri axle models and is available in both TVA and HBD versions. All spreaders can be factory fitted with weigh cells and 3 different levels of in cab control box - from a simple read out of weight screen to wide screen touch control and full isobus compatibility. A wide range of other optional equipment is also available for all of the spreader ranges. Bunning offer a 3 year warranty.

Robust spreaders from Conor

The Conor Rear Discharge Spreader is a robust heavy duty machine designed for extensive use. It is a very well specced machine with features such as wide angle PTO shaft, swivel hitch, viewing ladder, cross line relief on gearbox, external grease points, speed control for the floor, commercial axle with 420 x 180 brakes, grade 80 16mm heavy

duty chains and light protectors as standard. It is designed with strength and durability in mind; as standard it is fitted with 15mm hardox tips and the base of the beater is made from 15mm plate. The floor is made from hard wearing 5mm. It also has a torque clutch on the drive line fitted as standard to protect the rear beater gearbox in case

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something lodges in the rotors. Extensive testing was carried out in the design stage to ensure the beater gives a wide and uniform spread. This has been achieved by using a combination of straight and curved tips and the correct spacing between the beaters. Conor also make a range of high quality side spreaders with 3 models to choose from – 750, 900 and 1000.

Muck Spreaders

Fleming Muck Spreaders The Fleming range of Muck Spreaders come in a variety of sizes from the Minimuck with the capacity of 1 cubic yard all the way to the MS1000 with the capacity of 9.5 cubic yards. The Minimuck is perfect for the smaller, more compact Tractors with a horsepower between 30 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 50. The Minimuck is the only model that does not come on wheels and is directly driven from the PTO and gives a smooth even spread. The MS150 was specifically designed to fit between the

Minimuck and the MS450 models, this gives a good choice for the Small Holder, Equine or the Horticulturist Markets. The required horsepower is between 25 and 50 and like every Fleming Agri Machine manufactured, goes through a five stage paint and heat treatment for better durability and protection against corrosion. The MS450 previously mentioned is the next in line, welded and painted inside and out, manual opening cantilever reinforced lid and a reinforced

loading edge makes this machine a suitable addition to the farm. The next two Muck Spreaders in the range are the MS700 and the MS1000. These are designed for use on large farm lands. The MS700 has a 7 cubic yard capacity and a hydraulic galvanised heavy duty reinforced lid. The body is made from reinforced 4mm body again welded inside and out. An optional extra on this model is the larger wheels, 550 x 45 x 22.5 and a large wash out

bung comes as standard for easy cleaning. The MS1000 is the biggest in the fleet of Muck Spreaders. 550 x 45 x 22.5 standard Wheels, reinforced 4mm body, welded inside and out with reinforced 6mm end plates, a pick up eye, shoe rest and PTO as standard, making this the perfect addition for a larger workload. Images and Videos of the Muckspreaders in operation can be found on the Fleming Agri Products Website â&#x20AC;&#x201C; www. fleming-agri.co.uk

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Muck Spreaders

New rear discharge spreader from Harry West Harry West machinery are introducing their new “Maelstrom”8 rear discharge spreaders. The Maelstrom unit incorporates the new “Y” shape body giving additional volume but allowing a low loading height of 1.95m. This allows for a wider loading access of 1.9m and 4.5m long allowing for quick and easy fill with any material handler. The rear spreader benefits from the care and attention giving to all West machines ina and consistent spread pattern and handles all types of manure, waste and are driven by new highly rated gearboxes. This coupled with two 14mm hardened chain drives rated to 65ton strain and pad less connectors connecting the bars to the chain ensures a long and productive life. LED lights are fitted as standard as well as wide angle p.t.o. which is driven through a

slip clutch unit giving additional protection to the machine.

The optional extras - In cab electrical controls for the bed

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speed, Slurry door with light protectors and Mud guards.

Muck Spreaders

Hi-Spec Xcel 1250 rear discharge spreader Unlike other rear discharge spreaders, the Hi-Spec XCEL 1250 is unique in that it uses 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 1250 has a capacity of 12 tonnes and can evenly spread material up to 24m. Typical discharge time is 3-5 minutes and it is able to spread all types of material such as farmyard manure, sludge cake, muck lime, wood mulch and chicken compost. The material to be spread is moved rearward by a single slat marine grade floor chain that incorporates closely spaced floor slats. 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. Drive to the shredding rotor is via a PTO drive through heavy

duty (200hp) Comer gearboxes. At the rear, 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. Galvanised steel is used extensively for the lower chassis, access ladder, rear hood and slurry door, while the Xcel 1250 body is shot blasted and finished with two pack epoxy paint. The standard specification includes 580/70R38 radial tyres for low rolling resistance and low compaction; it also includes a commercial axle fitted with hydraulic brakes.

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Options for the Xcel 1250 include a weigh cell and application rate monitoring system to enable users to follow best practice and advice provided in RB209 when spreading solid manure, especially when working within an NVZ. To ensure that an accurate application rate can be set and maintained, the Xcel 1250 can be fitted with the ISOBUS compatible RDS iSOCAN Apollo spreader control system. The required application rate is set and maintained using the iSOCAN Apollo colour touch screen terminal, which also allows work records to be stored, recalled and exported.

Muck Spreaders

Jeantil Muckspreaders For more than four generations Jeantil has designed and built machines dedicated to livestock and agriculture. A trailblazer in the realm of precision spreading Jeantil are widely recognised as a market leader in muck spreading. Jeantil are the first company to be awarded the DLG (German Agricultural Society) award for regularity and quality of environmental spread pattern of manure. This is the most demanding certification available. This certification was made possible by the way in which the two vertical beaters operate at the rear of the machine. They are dynamically balanced with anti-abrasion fingers ensuring a wide and even spread pattern and a high work rate. The main body of the machine is shaped in a curved fashion with no

bends which compliments the way in which the beaters distribute the product and prevents bridging of manure. Also being made of S355 steel guarantees strength and durability. The transmission operates by way of an industrial spec gearbox designed for extremely hard work and a long maintenance free life span. Available with many options some of which include, electric controls, flow rate regulation, field mapping, 14mm or 16mm chains, fully commercial axles, automatic spread regulation and weighing system Jeantils range can accommodate any farmer or contractors needs. In its vertical beater form the range starts at a capacity of 6 tonne payload and moves upwards of 25 tonnes.

Ideal for lighter volume material horizontal beater machines are also on offer from Jeantil. This range includes the same options as their vertical auger counterparts but are set aside by the beater

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configuration and the fact that spinning discs at the base of the auger allow for precise and extra wide spreading. Models in this range start at 11 tonne payload and go upwards of 25 tonnes.

Muck Spreaders

Titan Muckspreaders from Teagle Teagle Machinery originally launched the Titan rear discharge range of muck spreaders, manufactured at their production site in Cornwall, in the 1970s. Subsequent side discharge machines followed. In 2013 following extensive development Teagle brought a completely new range of rear discharge machines to its domestic and international customers, again under the Titan banner. Two years later a new Production Hall was commissioned dedicated to their manufacture. Since their introduction, sales of Titan machines have continued to grow year-on-year and now command a significant share of the UK market in every region. The range can broadly be split into three groups. Starting at the lower end, 6 and 8 cubic meter models are ideally suited

to smaller units and offer outstanding manoeuvrability. The 10 and 12 cubic meter models, extendable up to 15cubic meters with side extensions, are suitable for heavy users and contractors. A crossover model, the 9 cubic meter Titan 9, offers an economic alternative. In 2016 the range was extended to top-out with the Titan 15 and 17 with a maximum loading capacity of 20 cubic metres. All models have received continual improvements since their launch and this year is no exception. All 2019 Titan 15/17 models now incorporate the extra heavy duty 18mm diameter bed chains, a 60mm rear drive shaft and a number of features to reduce the time required for routine maintenance. To ensure that operators of Titan spreaders gain the greatest

benefit from the nutrients in their manure, the focus of development has always been the design of the discharge beaters to ensure that muck is effectively shredded and evenly spread behind the machine. For greater driveline protection from foreign objects, a set of swinging flails sit at the

base of the beater have been developed to fold back under excessive loading. From 1st July 2019 all Titan 10 / 12 / 15 / 17 models will incorporate Heat Treated Boron Auger Flight as standard specification to provide users with the benefit from longer service life.

D-K-R

AGRICULTURAL SERVICES LTD. Main Dealers for Jeantil Muck Spreaders

D-K-R AGRICULTURAL SERVICES LTD. Westfield, Coulter, Biggar, Lanarkshire ML12 6HN 4EL s &!8 E-Mail: dkrcoulter@hotmail-com

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science & technology

Sensing technology set to enhance tests for livestock disease Penicuik based veterinary diagnostics specialist Biotangents is using sensing technology to enhance the accuracy of its pointof-care testing platform, which will help to detect common infections in livestock and reduce the use of antibiotics in farming. Livestock disease costs the UK economy an estimated £1 billion per year in lost productivity and mitigation, and is a major issue for the global industry. Common infections in dairy and beef cattle, such as bovine viral diarrhoea (BVD), can cause serious immune suppression, bovine pneumonia and calf mortality, and often expensive treatment of secondary infections with antibiotics. In collaboration with the University of Strathclyde and CENSIS – Scotland’s Innovation Centre for sensing and imaging systems, and IoT technologies – Biotangents is developing an electrochemical sensing system to upgrade its prototype on-farm testing equipment. Currently, the kit is used to test for BVD and relies on individual interpretation of test results, but this could be replaced by

the updated technology. Specialist sensor systems have the potential to provide a more definitive result, helping to increase the accuracy of diagnosis. Historically, diagnostic test results for livestock diseases could take up to one week to be returned from a central lab. However, Biotangents’ test system can produce BVD test results

on the same day and potentially within one hour. By allowing vets to extract DNA from a blood sample on site and detect infection quickly, any affected animals can be isolated quickly for remedial action, preventing the spread of disease. The point-of-care test also aims to make the use of antibiotics more targeted, lessening the risk of livestock resistance to treatments.

Biotangents are aiming for future iterations of the Moduleic Sensing system to be able to test for a number of different infections and diseases at the same time, from BVD to mastitis. The business recently secured £1.5 million of new investment for the development of its technology, following a second round of fundraising.

Scottish agri-tech company reaches for the SKAI SoilEssentials, the precision farming solutions pioneers, based in Angus, Scotland has announced an exciting new artificial intelligence platform aimed at safeguarding food production and the environment. SKAi, the SoilEssentials KORE Artificial Intelligence project, is developing re-trainable smart camera vision in order to recognise, map and precision apply agrochemicals to crops. SoilEssentials Managing Director Jim Wilson stated: “We

are encouraged by the findings of our feasibility project, Grass Vision, which successfully developed a low-cost machine vision system to recognise and precision apply herbicides to broad leaved weeds in grassland.” “The SKAi project will build on this success and take it to the next level. The aim is that in the very near future we will have technology available which can ensure accurate differentiation between crop and weed species

and therefore enable precision targeting of agro-chemicals.” “Ultimately this targeting technology will allow farmers, agronomists and agrochemical applicators to dramatically reduce the total amount of protection products applied to crops across Britain and worldwide.” “The SKAi technology will be integrated into our existing KORE precision farming platform, extending its functionality to allow the support

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of in-field smart cameras using image transfer and machine learning.” The three-year SKAi project, which is supported by Innovate UK, brings together agricultural practitioners with space industry technicians, agronomists and electrical engineers. Project lead SoilEssentials Ltd is partnered in the project by Deimos Space UK Ltd, Peacock Technology Ltd, Scottish Agronomy Ltd and the University of the West of England. 57

Farming travel guide Scotland

Exploring East Lothian by Janice Hopper East Lothian is a hub of unexpected and fascinating slices of farming history. A recommended place to start the journey, in order to learn more, is the John Gray Centre in Haddington. Here, visitors learn about new, experimental farming methods, such as Lord Belhaven pioneering larger fields and Sir John Cockburn introducing long leases for tenant farmers to enable them to development their land. The previous runrig system meant that there had been absolutely no incentive for tenants to invest or improve, as other farmers would most likely benefit from such efforts and expenditure. Sir Cockburn didn’t stop there. In 1735 he went on to create Scotland’s first planned village, Ormiston, focusing on housing for cottage industries

Lobster Shack dinner by the harbour

such as spinning and weaving. Then, in 1736, he started the Ormiston Society, which brought together owners and tenants to discuss the merits or difficulties of his improvements and developments. Another East Lothian agricultural claim-to-fame is the first meeting of the Scottish Women’s Institutes (SWI) in Longniddry. This was organised and established by Catherine Blair of Hoprig Farm in Gladsmuir. She was a farmer’s daughter and a farmer’s wife, respected and known in her own right as a suffragette. Although Catherine was a peaceful protester, during the height of the movement it’s said she used her farm’s remote location to hide suffragettes newly released from prison, to allow them to

recuperate from force-feeding and avoid rearrest. Blair was also behind the celebrated Mak’Merry pottery, a ceramics project that supported rural women’s creativity and provided them with an income stream (and thereby an element of independence). But it’s Blair’s establishment of the SWI that pushed her into the history books, and it’s recounted in her autobiography of 1940, ‘Rural Journey’. Catherine noticed the extreme isolation and loneliness of many working country women, and equally noticed how rural men had space to meet, people to talk to and business to conduct. Mental health issues are now well recognised, documented and more openly talked about, but in the early 20th century Blair recognised the importance of granting women a space for social intercourse and the opportunity to mingle with others who shared their struggles and concerns. Supported by the Board of Agriculture for

Preston Mill East Lothian

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Scotland, the SWI held its inaugural meeting in 1917, and it’s made a contribution to rural life ever since. Other quirky details covered at the John Gray Centre include the very unexpected topic of pineapple farming. As a tropical fruit, bringing a pineapple to the table was the ultimate way to impress an 18th or 19th century dinner guest. From the 1780s pineapples were lovingly nurtured at Amisfield Walled Garden, taking around two years to reach fruition. The painstakingly produced crop was grown in a glasshouse known as a ‘pinery-vinery’ and the fruit was so expensive (around £3000 in modern money) that people used to rent a pineapple rather than buy them outright. With the colourful East Lothian farming history under your belt, it’s time for leisure. For a family friendly day out nip to East Links Park, set on a twenty acre farm just outside Dunbar. Kids can interact with cattle, sheep, pygmy goats, deer,

Farming travel guide Scotland pigs, horses, donkeys, llamas, chickens and guinea fowl in the outdoor farm areas. Or head indoors to meet rabbits, degu (brush tailed rats) and guinea pigs; animal handling sessions are held regularly. The Haybarn encourages kids to explore, climb and tunnel through straw bales, then young visitors can hop onboard a toy John Deere tractor and take a spin. The park also offers a train safari, fortress play area, crazy golf, soft play, trampolines and more. The Education Barn explains to children where their groceries come from, and reveals the production process from farm to fork. Youngsters see how cows are milked in the replica dairy, and wee ones can create their own farm with miniature agricultural buildings, animals and vehicles. A more adult destination is the National Trust for Scotland’s Preston Mill and Phantassie Doocot in East Linton, one of the oldest mechanically intact, water-driven meal mills in Scotland. A mill has been on this site from at least 1599, and with its unusual Dutchstyle conical roof it’s attracted architects as well as painters and photographers over the years. For a period in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, East Linton attracted a number of noted Scottish artists and became known as the ‘Scottish Barbizon’ after a village in France that attracted a similar following. The mill was used commercially

Outside a Gilsland Studio lodge

until 1959, it was the region’s last working watermill, but the declining demand for oatmeal and the increasing mechanisation of agriculture contributed to its diminishing viability. Just across the River Tyne, a 15-minute walk along a wellmarked track, is an equally unusual structure. The Phantassie Doocot was built in the 16th century to house 500 pigeons. Pigeon was an additional food source for landowners in the days when there was little fresh meat in winter. The doocot provided ventilated shelter, nest sites, protection from vermin and ease of access for both owner and pigeon. The birds could be killed and eaten at any time, furthermore they found their own feeding grain from the fields of neighbouring farmers. Access to the mill is by guided tours only, which take place approximately every 45 minutes. Visitors can see and hear the mill mechanisms in action, and learn about the millers who worked there. Younger visitors are welcomed with Explorer Packs and learn about Wee Bob, the miller’s horse. Wildlife enthusiasts may spot otters, kingfishers and herons on the riverside walk to the doocot, and true Outlander fans will be aware that the mill featured in the popular television series. After a busy day of sightseeing a relaxed option is retiring to Gilsland in North Berwick. This high end caravan

National Museum of Flight

park offers smart family studios, lodges with hot tubs, a range of glamping options, and caravans (sleeping up to eight people). Gilsland initially opened in the 1930s, and in the early days the grass was mown by sheep, goats nibbled the guests’ wellies, and donkeys and peacocks provided colour and entertainment. To allow expansion, pigs and vegetables were cleared for further development. The end result is informal yet luxurious. After a short break in East Lothian it’s clear that the farming links are full of character and characters, quirks and innovation. Add the bountiful larder and the seaside location, and visitors are spoiled for choice... Where to Eat Drop by The Waterside in Haddington, for informal bistro dining by the riverside.

Visit The Loft for home cooked food, and fresh baking. For seafood drop by the Lobster Shack at North Berwick for seasonal al fresco dining. For a taste of the local dairy, try Luca’s ice cream in Musselburgh. Pick up bakery treats at Falko of Haddington. Other Key Attractions in the Area Don’t miss the National Museum of Flight in East Fortune - nms. ac.uk/national-museum-of-flight Prestongrange free, open air museum explains the industrial history of the region prestongrange.org Discover more at:johngraycentre.org eastlinks.co.uk nts.org.uk/visit/places/prestonmill gilslandpark.co.uk

The Waterside

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Beatha an eilean

Suirbhidh Croitearachd 2018 Sgrìobhadair, Andy Holt Coimiseanair Croitearachd, Papa Stour, Sealtainn

Còmhla ris a’ Chunntas Croitearachd 2018, chuir Coimisean na Croitearachd an gnìomh agus às dèidh sin dh’fhoillsich iad suirbhidh shaorthoileach gus suidheachadh làithreach Croitearachd san fharsaingeachd, a dhearbhadh. Bha sinn glè thoilichte reat tillidh iongantach de 59% a choileanadh don t-suirbhidh. Bha reat de 18% aig an t-suirbhidh as ùire aig an riaghaltais mu shuidheachaidhean eaconamach Croitearachd, buil nas àbhaistich do phròiseact den t-seòrsa seo. Mar sin, bu mhath leinn ar taing a thaisbeanadh do gach neach a ghabh pàirt. Às aonais beachd air choreigin air suidheachaidhean “aig ìre an t-sluaigh”, tha e ro fhurasta do bhuidhnean leithid Coimisean na Croitearachd sealladh a chall air na tha dharìribh cudromach do chroitearan. Air an leughadh taobh ri taobh, ’s fhiach a thoirt fa-near gu bheil suirbhidh Coimisean na Croitearachd agus suirbhidh “Suidheachaidhean Eaconamach Croitearachd 2015-18” aig Riaghaltas na h-Alba, anns an fharsaingeachd ann an aonta mu mhòran chùisean, cus dhiubh ann airson iomradh mionaideach a thoirt orra an seo. 60

Tha croitearachd a-riamh air a bhith na sheòrsa de dh’àiteachas agus seilbh fearainn bho bheil e comasach dìreach cuid den teachd-asteach iomlan fhaotainn, a tha riatanach dhaibhsan a tha ag obrachadh an aonaid. Tha an t-suirbhidh againn a’ taisbeanadh gu bheil measgachadh farsaing de ghnìomh eaconamach ga chur an cèill ri taobh tuathanas bheathaichean agus àiteachas bàrr; le cuid leithid Leabaidh is Bracaist agus leigeilean shaorlàithean, a’ sealltainn leudachadh cuimseach o chionn ghoirid. Is e raointean eile far a bheil mi a’ faicinn comas air leudachadh, sgeamaichean àrainneachdail, lùth athnuadhachail agus tuathanasuisge. Tha an t-suirbhidh againn a’ sealltainn gu bheil a leithid sin de sgeama gan toirt air adhart mar-thà le àireamh de

chroitearan, ach tha fios gu bheil comas air barrachd a dhol an sàs ann. Tha mi air fhaicinn a-cheana gur e daoine iomairteach a th’ anns a’ mhòr-chuid de chroitearan sam faodar earbsa a chur airson slighean soirbheachaidh agus tarbhach a lorg. Nochd suirbhidh a’ Choimisein gu bheil plana leantainneachd na àite airson na croite aca aig 51% de chroitearan, nì a tha deimhinneach, ach bhiodh an Coimisean a’ brosnachadh chroitearan uile gu planadh airson leantainneachd dìleabach don chroit aca aig deireadh gnothaich. Tha fàillingeadh ann an leantainneachd dìleabach glè thric a’ toirt toinnteachd mhòr am bàrr do na h-uile a tha na lùib. Tha mòran taobhan den dà shuirbhidh air am faodainn cuimseachadh ach is e a’ chùis dheireannach air am

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bu mhath leam togail, ’s e meudachadh ann an aois a thaobh Croitearachd. Tha e soilleir bho aithisg Riaghaltas na h-Alba gur e duilgheadas a tha seo nach tèid air falbh. Mura faighear fuasglaidhean, leanaidh a’ chùis seo leatha fhèin gu bàs dòigh-beatha na Croitearachd aig deireadh gnothaich. Lorg suirbhidh Riaghaltas na h-Alba gu bheil dìreach leth àireamh nan croitearan fo aois 65 no nas sine agus dìreach 3% fo aois 35 bliadhna. A’ faicinn seo ri taobh do-dhèantachd dhaoine òga a’ lorg an ionmhais a tha riatanach a-nis airson Croit no gabhaltas a cheannach, chan eil dòigh air teicheadh bhon chrìonadh san roinn againn às aonais smaoineachadh radaigeach agus gnìomh deatamach a chur an sàs. Tha mi an dòchas gun tèid an dà shuirbhidh a leughadh agus gun tèid gabhail ann an da-rìribh ri buaidhean an toraidhean leis gach neach a tha an sàs ann an Croitearachd, bho ìre an t-sluaigh gu riaghaltas. Gheibhear mion-fhiosrachadh mun seo air-loidhne aig www. crofting.scotland.gov.uk/ agus www.gov.scot/publications/ survey-economic-conditionscrofting-2015-2018/pages/2/

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Slurry Management

Slurry Management In recent years there has been an increased focus on the environmental impact of farm slurry, so the next few pages may provide you with some solutions.

Slurry Management Solutions from Abbey Machinery Attention to detail on the timing of slurry application, choosing the correct application rate to deliver the crops required nutrients and selecting the appropriate application technology will reduce the use of purchased chemical fertiliser. Abbey Machinery have a range of low emission Slurry Applicators to significantly reduce ammonia emissions. These include: Vertical Trailing Shoe, Tri-App Vertical Trailing Shoe, Band Spreaders, Cereal Applicators and Shallow Disc Injectors. The benefits of these machines is how and where they deliver the slurry onto the soil to harness more fertiliser value, shorten rotation length, reduce carbon emissions, minimise crop contamination, reduce smell, reduce fertiliser bills, and much more. Recent trial work carried out by Teagasc in Ireland earlier this year, highlighted 85% more grass growth from slurry

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when applied with Abbey’s Vertical Trailing Shoe vs Splashplate. Abbey Machinery ‘Guide to better Slurry Management’: • Storage & Preparation of Slurry – homogenous mix. • Slurry Transportation - safe transport to the fields. • Application Technology – to maximise the fertiliser value from slurry and reduce environmental emissions. Environmental Considerations – reducing odour and ammonia loss. In the UK it is estimated that 135m of Nitrogen is lost to atmosphere from slurry as a result of method of application. Minimising Compaction – compacted fields can result in £210/ha less output from fields. Tanker size and wheel choice all have a bearing. Nutrient Management – application technology and nutrient sensing to get more from slurry.

Slurry Management

Slurry tanks from Conor Engineering Conor Engineering is one of the leading manufacturers of slurry tanks In the UK and Ireland and have been manufacturing slurry tanks for over 25 years. The Conor tank has built a reputation for being a very robust and strong machine. It is built with an integrated chassis, heavy plated recess and commercial axles. They have a huge range with over 30 different models to choose from with hundreds of optional extras and wheel options. Conor are now fitting their trailing shoe to 75% of all tanks they manufacture. They launched their trailing shoe 10 years ago and have over 500 units sold. It is a simple but strong design and the benefits and cost savings of spreading with a trailing shoe have been well documented. As the average size of the slurry tank has increased over the past number

of yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tandem axle and tri axle tanks have become a lot more common. 40% of Conor tanks now sold are tandem or tri axle tanks. The Conor tandem tank has built a reputation for being one

of the strongest and most stable available. It is built using a tandem suspension and with a full length integrated chassis. The centre of gravity is much lower than its competitors and it is very stable

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and comfortable to pull at speed. The Conor tri-axle tank has also become very popular and Conor have also sold over 20 tri axle tanks in the UK in the last 2 years mainly for Biomass haulage.

Slurry Management

The ’FarmerPlus’ from Storth The method of slurry application, in addition to dry matter, soil type and season, impacts the amount of nutrients available to the crop. Dribble Bars (also known as Band Spreaders) reduce the surface area of slurry exposed to the atmosphere, lowering nutrient losses by as much as 5% in comparison to Spreader Bars (Fertiliser Manual, RB209). Giving careful consideration to both operating costs and slurry potential, Storth have developed a range of fully galvanised Dribble Bars to meet with the most demanding needs of the agricultural market. The “FarmerPlus” Dribble Bar range was designed primarily for the slurry tanker market, Storth have incorporated a QuickFit hitch similar to that of a telehandler which can be matched with either a back door or tanker chassis mounted QuickFit to give a simple piggy back system.

The Dribble Bar is operated by one double acting hydraulic service which makes use of an in-cab control box to switch functions between boom folding and distributor. Slurry feed comes via the tanker manufacturer’s 6” feed port c/w hydraulic gate valve. Retro fitting to existing tankers is made simple with Storth’s extended rear splash plate/feed system. Additional features include LED lighting, manual hydraulic transport lock valves, and hydraulic hose burst protection. For those looking to lower nutrient losses even further, Storth offer a range of Trailing Shoe applicators. The “FarmerPlus” trailing shoe is designed for slurry tankers and attached to the tanker’s main chassis. During operation, the spring mounted trailing shoes float using the frame’s 3D

contour system guaranteeing accurate application of slurry at the soil’s surface. Both the “FarmerPlus” (Tanker) and “Contractor” (Umbilical) ranges of applicators incorporate Storth’s own NovaCut distributer. This guarantees consistent and accurate material processing.

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Mounted horizontally, uniform distribution is guaranteed across all of the 40mm distributor outlets, despite any potential fluctuation in feed. For more information please contact sales@storthmachinery. co.uk

Slurry Management

Vogelsang launches new trailing shoe linkage “BlackBird” Vogelsang GmbH & Co. KG presents its new products for efficient liquid manure spreading and distribution. With its “BlackBird” trailing shoe linkage, the machine construction company from Lower Saxony, Germany, is launching an effective trailing shoe linkage with a flow-optimized liquid manure discharge. “When it came to developing this new technology, we took into account the findings from our flow simulations as well as the flow rates of the liquid manure and tested a number of different shapes. The result is an ideal combination of a flow-optimized discharge that deposits the liquid manure even more precisely and a new skid geometry that separates the crops even better,” explains Henning Ahlers, Head of Sales Germany at Vogelsang. The new, long, beak-like shape helps to ensure a controlled

and even flow of liquid manure through every discharge, thus preventing the crops from getting contaminated during manure spreading. By actively applying pressure, the BlackBird’s pointed skid is better able to penetrate the soil, ploughing a small furrow for directly depositing the liquid manure under the crops. Precision distributor with new service concept The BlackBird incorporates the next generation of Vogelsang’s precision distributor ExaCut ECQ. The distributor is located in the center of the boom – the perfect position for ensuring that the liquid manure is distributed precisely and evenly. Large diameters and flow distribution plates keep the flow under control and ensure a high distribution accuracy of the liquid manure. In order to make maintenance of the ExaCut ECQ quicker and easier, Vogelsang

has also altered its maintenance concept, adding a large maintenance port to allow direct access to all the system’s internal components. As such service work can now be carried out without dismantling the precision distributor or dismounting the cover and the outlet hoses and feed lines connected to it. Thanks to the QuickService concept maintenance on the ExaCut ECQ can be completed in just a few

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minutes. The power requirements have also been reduced – by up to 50 percent. This is due to the new rotor design and lower speeds. There is less strain on the cutting blades because of the reductions in speed and the internal pressure of the distributor, which extends the service life of the unit by up to 50 percent. FEM-calculated supporting structures and sturdy leaf springs for longer service life.

breed profile

The Auchnacloich Blackface flock By Katrina Macarthur There is no doubting that Blackface sheep breeders are farming alongside some of the toughest terrains and climates, but when it comes to breeding today’s most productive and profitable ewe, there is little to beat the hardy Blackie and her popular cross-bred female, the Scotch Mule. Cadogan Estate farm manager, Archie MacKinnon and his family, who are based at Auchnacloich, near Amulree, in Perthshire, have become enthusiasts of both Northtype and South-type Blackfaces,

and focus strongly on commercial lamb production, home-bred Scotch Mule replacements and producing Blackface tups. Archie, along with his son Ben, who is shepherd for the estate, and his daughter Anna, who works as a self-employed shepherdess, are responsible for the running of the 1800-ewe flock which includes 1200 mainly North-type Blackfaces (150 South-type) and 650 Scotch Mules and Texel crosses. Ranging from 900ft to 2500ft above sea level, the

estate is home to 7000 acres of land including 700 acres of ploughable ground, with the remainder rough pasture and hill ground. A further 500 acres of lowland ground at Snaigow is rented each year. Of the 1200 Blackface flock, 180 ewes are crossed to traditional Bluefaced Leicesters tups to breed Scotch Mules, which this year were put to Texel cross Beltex tups for producing prime lambs for United Auctions’ Stirling Centre and Scotbeef.

Ben, Archie and Anna

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“The Blackface is unbeatable – she is very easily managed and produces a profitable Mule ewe and plenty of lambs when crossed,” said Ben. “Mule wedder lambs are a good by-product and they perform just as well as the plainer type cross lambs. We place emphasis on producing a Mule female with a good carcass and skin and the current cross is delivering that”. While only special Blackface females are bought in on the odd occasion, the estate did purchase cast ewes from North Amulree and Ben Lomond, and gimmers from Little Port to increase the flock size for crossing purposes. “Our eventual aim is to keep enough Blackfaces on the hill to be able to breed our own replacements right through the three flocks,” commented Ben. “Each year, around 400 Blackface ewe lambs and 220 Mule and Texel cross lambs are retained, while a number of cast ewes are moved down to the lowland ground for their last two crops of lambs. We never run a big Blackie ewe as the poorer hill ground can only carry a certain size but we do buy tups with good skins and hair, plenty carcases and breed character which will shine through in the ewes.” North-type tups to make a stamp include a £1600 Achdregnie tup which bred the flock’s top price to date of £10,000 in 2016, as well

breed profile as a £7500 tup sold in 2018. Other notable tups include the £6000 Craigneich and £4000 Newmill tups which have done very well on the female side. Among the Southies, the most successful sires to date are a £2800 Crosswoodburn and a £5500 Williamhope, which first batch of gimmers and shearlings look promising. Lambing at Auchnacloich kicks off with the cross ewes on April 10, followed by the Blackfaces on April 18. The cross ewes are brought back from their winter grazing at the beginning of January and are taken inside. “The ewes are easier managed when inside and we can control their diets better,” said Ben. “We used to have them outside in in by parks and fed them with ring feeders but all we were doing was making a mess of the ground and creating problems”. Blackface ewes carrying a single lamb head back to the hill a fortnight after lambing and are treated for tick which has become a major problem on the hill. Twin bearing ewes are kept in fields throughout the summer until weaning before heading back out. Weather depending, those scanned with a single lamb are given blocks out on the hill but because the estate is restricted to grazing throughout the winter, the twins are fed after scanning. Single lambs in the Blackface flock are weaned at the beginning of September and the twins in mid-August. The first of the cross lambs are sold off grass in midSeptember and hit 18 to 21kg spec, achieving mainly U grades with a few Es. Last year, they averaged £85 through the season. “The vast majority of Blackface lambs are fattened on the lowground and then go onto rape or kale at the turn of the year,” explained Ben. “It’s a real advantage running three different flocks as the lambs are all marketed at different times of the year, spreading the cash flow through the winter and taking the risk away from just one breed. “Blackface wedder lambs are performing well, achieving mainly R grades with a few Us through

Blackface ewe

Scotbeef, while the heavier and lighter lambs are sold at UA, Stirling. A Blackie on the hook is as good as any other breed,” he added, pointing out that they averaged £80 and above last year. Despite the huge uncertainties surrounding the industry, the MacKinnons are confident about the future of the Blackface. Ben concluded: “Apart from sheep, there is little scope for any other agricultural land use on the type of ground we farm - it’s sheep or nothing. The Blackie is such an easy managed, low maintenance ewe, yet can still produce a sellable male or female lamb so if there is a need for sheep on the hills and the Mule is in demand, the Blackface will always be needed.”

Prime lambs which this year were sired by Texel cross Beltex tups

Scotch Mules have become a major focus in the enterprise

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beef Union calls for greater origin labelling on processed beef Improved country of origin labelling (COOL) on processed beef products is needed to allow shoppers to support Scottish farmers and crofters In a letter to the Defra Minister George Eustice, NFU Scotland has made it clear that shoppers must have the ability to identify where the beef they are buying comes from, whether fresh or processed. Scottish beef farmers and crofters have specifically raised the issue of origin labelling on processed food products where beef makes up one of the main ingredients of that product as such a measure would enable the consumer to support domestic beef production whilst enhancing transparency in the marketplace.

Scottish beef is an industry leader in quality, animal welfare and in environmental delivery, and it is the view of NFU Scotland that the UK Government should act to allow shoppers to tell through clear labelling whether or not a product contains home produced beef. Scotland’s beef farmers are currently experiencing a three year low in prices for prime cattle and following a national stakeholder meeting held by NFU Scotland last week the Union has produced a six point action plan to drive change that will improve the market situation. One of the six action points is to improve country of origin labelling on processed beef products, which would allow the consumers to

support domestic production no matter what kind of beef product they are buying. NFU Scotland believes this is an area which the UK Government could legislate upon the UK’s departure from the European Union and has written to Defra Minister George Eustice MP. NFU Scotland Livestock Chair Jimmy Ireland said: “Consumers need to be able to be confident when they are buying beef products that they are getting high quality, high welfare, environmentally considerate Scottish beef with low food miles. “Although we have strong regulations on the labelling of fresh beef products there are significant weaknesses in the regulations

surrounding processed beef which too easily allows for imported beef to be used without the consumer being aware. “Improving the country of origin labelling on processed beef products will not only improve consumer confidence, it will also improve the transparency within the supply chain as consumers will have confidence in where all their beef products come from. “Clearer origin labelling should also be progressed for processed lamb, pork and chicken products so that the Scottish public can support domestic livestock production across the sectors “Scottish shoppers want to buy Scottish and we want to guarantee they can week in, week out.”

QMS Response to The University of Edinburgh Study The Scottish red meat industry’s important role as a model of sustainable, nutritious food production on the global stage has been emphasised by Kate Rowell, Chair of Quality Meat Scotland (QMS). Mrs Rowell pointed out that the Edinburgh University study, due to be published on 13 August, looks at worldwide data and focuses on loss of tropical habitat to livestock farming. The report’s blanket recommendations are not applicable to Scotland given the Scottish red meat industry produces quality beef and lamb from the grass and rough grazing which make up around 80% of Scotland’s agricultural land which is not suitable for cereal, fruit or vegetable production. “It is vital to note that Scotland’s sustainable livestock production systems differ to others in other parts of the world,” said Mr Rowell. “Scotland’s grassland acts as a carbon sink and grazing animals provide habitats for 68

wildlife and help to maintain the landscape. “Scotland also has no issue with water use, unlike other emerging countries,” she added. Mrs Rowell also highlighted that it is important to put greenhouse gas emissions from livestock farming in to context and ensure that people are fully informed about the facts on our industry. “According to the Committee for Climate Change, transport, energy and power account for approximately 68% of UK greenhouse gas emissions whilst livestock farming accounts for around 5%,” said Mrs Rowell. Mrs Rowell added that the prevailing media coverage of the plant-based agenda, despite the fact that 95% of people choose to have meat in their diets, is creating public confusion on red meat’s role in a healthy diet. In fact, average intakes of red meat in Scotland are already below the current UK NHS guidelines of up to 70g per

day or 500g per week. “Red meat is a valuable natural source of protein, iron, zinc, B vitamins and essential amino acids and we should continue to enjoy Scotch Beef PGI, Scotch

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Lamb PGI and Specially Selected Pork in the knowledge that it has been sourced from selected Scottish farms where sustainable production methods and high animal welfare are a priority.

beef Maximising carcase value when selling deadweight

The Brexit threat

By Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing

With the majority of prime beef cattle and young bulls now being sold deadweight, more finishers are becoming attuned to the need to avoid out-of-spec penalties. With the Beef Monitor, from Ritchie, average live weight gains (LWG) of finishing cattle are measured every time they drink water, reducing the labour needed to weigh them individually through a crush each week – or eliminate the guess work if they are not weighed at all! Using compatible ear tags, the Ritchie Beef Monitor records the weight and ear tag data every time the cattle walk across the unit to access water and sends this directly to your cloud account. The data can be read on your phone or desktop computer allowing progressive farmers to ensure that their cattle are at optimum weights when sent to

the abattoir. Reducing the risk of receiving over-weight penalties, whilst ensuring the cattle are at their premium weight. With animals visiting 12 or so times in a 24-hour period the readings are averaged for the day and provide a very accurate indication of weight. The system can recognise erroneous weights, like a beast with just a front leg on the weighing platform, and flags this up, as it will an animal which has lost a tag. The tracking of LWG allows the management of cattle nutrition to speed up or slow down the growth to make sure that the cattle are ready when you need them to be ensure that they are hitting abattoir spec with every animal. It can also be an indicator of a potential health problem, if an individual animal stops putting on weight while the rest are still gaining.

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I am clear that Brexit is by far the biggest threat to farming and to our food and drink sector. As I have repeatedly highlighted, Scotland’s farmers would be worse off under every scenario when compared to current trade arrangements, which is why the Scottish Government is arguing for a further extension of Article 50 to facilitate a second EU referendum. But with farmers forming the backbone of Scotland’s rural economy, it is absolutely essential that we provide as much support and certainty as we can as we edge closer to leaving the EU. Recognising the potential catastrophic consequences to our agricultural sector, the Scottish Government has announced a National Basic Payment Support Scheme to provide vital financial support to eligible farmers in advance of Brexit. Under the new scheme, loans have been offered to eligible farmers for up to 95% of their Basic Payment Scheme 2019 payment – an increase of 5% on previous years, and delivering more

money to farmers through this mechanism than ever before. Loan offers have been made to eligible farmers on an opt-in basis and we expect to begin making payments in early October. A similar scheme in 2018 delivered payments worth more than a quarter of a billion Pounds to over 13,500 farmers following months of adverse weather. While the Scottish Government is doing all it can to mitigate the negative impact of a Brexit, we won’t be able to mitigate all the impacts. That is why, I believe there has never been a more important time for rural businesses to take the necessary steps to ensure that they are as prepared as possible for whatever Brexit outcome may be delivered. As such, I would encourage any eligible farmer, crofter or land manager who has yet to accept this loan offer to seriously consider doing so. The quicker we are in receipt of your acceptance, the sooner we can get you payment out to you.

livestock The weekend starts with a drinks’ reception on Saturday followed by the Show, speakers and Ceilidh on the Sunday, with the auction sale on Monday. In attendance over the weekend will be the new breed secretary AnneMarie Thomson as well as trustees and staff who will be happy to help any prospective buyers.

Annual Highland Cattle sale Highland cattle breeders from all over the UK and Europe will shortly descend on Oban for the annual Autumn Highland cattle sale. Exhibitors the length and breadth of the UK and especially Scotland are currently getting their cattle prepared. This will be the 122nd Autumn show and sale and will be held on

13th and 14th October at the Oban Livestock Centre, run by United Auctions. The west coast is the traditional home of these iconic cattle who have now spread across the world. They are particularly renowned for their browsing habits making them the ideal low input hill cattle for beef production and conservation grazing.

Holistic approach needed to tackle Mycoplasma Bovis

Mycoplasma Bovis is becoming endemic in the UK’s beef and dairy herds, and farmers must do more to tackle it. A common cause of pneumonia in calves, the disease also causes mastitis, arthritis, and otitis, and can be difficult to treat, warns Graeme Fowlie, director of Meadows Vets in Aberdeenshire. “UK Veterinary Investigation Diagnosis Analysis data shows a sharp rise in M. Bovis diagnoses since 2013 – it is a serious problem, which needs addressing.” Given that the disease cannot be treated by many common antibiotics, prevention is much better than cure – and with a multi-factoral disease like M. Bovis, it’s important to adopt a multi-pronged approach to tackle it, says Mr Fowlie. Unlike many other diseases, there is no licensed vaccine for Mycoplasma Bovis in the UK; autogenous vaccines are an option, but can be slow and expensive 70

In the past many of the cattle from the sale have been exported across Europe. It will be interesting to see what impact Brexit will have on this export trade. Please contact the Highland Cattle Society on 01786 446866 or email promotions@ highlandcattlesociety.com for further information.

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to produce. Fortunately, he has recently assisted the VMD in securing a license to import Myco-B, a commonly used multistrain vaccine in the US, which can now be prescribed in the UK under the Cascade system. In US trials, vaccinating cattle reduced mortality by nearly 40%, to 5.8% against a control of 9.6%. It also reduced lung lesion scores by 56-64%, and nearly tripled the antibody response. “However, vaccinating is only ever one part of the answer, so it’s important to adopt an holistic approach, including stringent biosecurity measures,” adds Mr Fowlie. “You shouldn’t be living with M. Bovis on your farm – it needs to be the next target for eradication.” Meadows Vets is currently carrying out on-farm trials using the Myco-B vaccine and will report on the results later this year. “I’m extremely

livestock hopeful that it will be the extra tool in the box that the industry is looking for.” Meadows Vets is very positive about this vaccine and is happy to assist in any queries. For further information contact Graeme Fowlie on

01651 872481 or email thevets@ meadowsvets.co.uk. If helpful, Kernfarm (Netherlands and UK-based livestock Pharma company) can also answer any scientific and availability questions via timvanrijn@ kernfarm.com.

New agri-tech project will seek to boost dairy-beef production A new project has been launched to boost production efficiency within the UK’s dairy-beef sector. Well-Calf will develop precision technologies for optimising the production efficiency through improvements in health and management throughout an animal’s life. Approximately 50% of beef production in the UK originates in the dairy herd. There is large variation in productive weightfor-age and health status of young calves entering rearing units from dairy farms. As a result, disease incidence and antibiotic use is high. An animal’s early life health status influences it performance efficiency in later life. Projected industry losses due to suboptimal early-life management is £120M per year, while the impacts of disease costs the industry £80M per year. To tackle such losses, WellCalf will develop the first system for integrating data from different stages of a dairy-beef animal’s life through to slaughter, with an early-warning health detection system specifically designed for

calves to detect diseases such as scour and pneumonia. The aim is that the cloud-based system, the first of its kind, will support decision making at various levels, from on-farm to wider farming policy and practice. Jose Chitty, Chief of Operations for project lead Smartbell, said: “We are very excited to work on calf health. Pneumonia and scours are the biggest calf killers and severely affect an animal’s lifetime productivity. Through the Well-Calf project we will directly address this problem and expect to increase productivity, improve welfare and reduce antibiotic usage.” The project has won support totalling £1 million from UK Research and Innovation, through the Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund, as part of a package to support ‘Productive and Sustainable Crop and Ruminant Agricultural Systems’. It will run for two years. The project lead is Smartbell and the partners are Agri-EPI Centre, Co-op Group Food Ltd, Dunbia (England), Parklands Veterinary Ltd. and Scotland’s Rural College.

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Nominations are currently being sought for two prestigious industry awards, which set out to find and reward Scottish farms which exemplify the best in beef cattle and sheep production. Livestock farmers and others in the industry are being encouraged to enter The AgriScot Scotch Beef Farm of the Year and AgriScot Scottish Sheep Farm of the Year awards, sponsored by Thorntons Solicitors and supported by Quality Meat Scotland (QMS). These awards help to raise the profile of the dedication and passion of the cattle and sheep farmers in Scotland who work hard to produce top-quality Scotch Beef PGI and Scotch Lamb PGI and the fantastic stock management skills the industry is renowned for. Farmers can either apply themselves, or nominate, in confidence, other beef or sheep producers they feel are deserving of either title. Robert Neill, AgriScot Chairman said: “We need to make sure the great achievements by sheep and beef farmers in this industry are recognised and promoted to the wider public. By nominating yourself, or someone you know, you can help promote livestock farming in Scotland.”

Sarah Millar, Director of Industry Development with QMS, said the organisation is delighted to support the award. She said: “These awards are a fantastic opportunity to champion excellence in the Scottish red meat industry and recognise the commitment and passion producers have in producing top quality Scotch Beef PGI and Scotch Lamb PGI.” Those who supply services or products to the industry, from vets to feed manufacturers, as well as the others involved in the production chain such as processors, hauliers and auction markets are also encouraged to nominate livestock farms which are examples of excellence in the industry. The recipients of both awards will receive a £500 cheque plus a £250 voucher to celebrate their success at a restaurant in the Scotch Beef Club – the club run by QMS with members committed to serving top quality Scotch Beef. The awards will be presented at AgriScot at Ingliston on Wednesday 20 November. To nominate a farm for either award, email the details of the sheep and beef farms which you feel are doing a great job producing Scotch Beef and Scotch Lamb to info@qmscotland. co.uk. The deadline for entries is XX October.

livestock Improve ration digestibility for lower heifer feed costs and higher lactation performance Trials showing the effect of ration digestibility on heifer feed intakes and performance highlight the potential to improve margins, explains AB Vista’s Dr Derek McIlmoyle. It’s widely recognised that reducing age at first calving to 24 months can have a positive impact on milk yields, fertility and lifetime performance. Yet the role that improved ration digestibility can play in achieving this – and reducing overall feed costs – is often overlooked, according to Dr Derek McIlmoyle, AB Vista’s EMEA Ruminant Technical Director. “A recent farm-scale research trial in the United States (US) found that increasing ration digestibility allowed heifers to reach the same pre-service weight in the same number of days, but consuming at least 113 kg/head less feed,” he explains. “Given that rearing replacement heifers has been estimated to account for 20% of total dairy unit running expenses, and that feed is responsible for half this cost, the impact on overall profitability can be considerable.” Successful heifer growth From weaning at around 100 kg LW, typical Holstein heifers need to reach 360–410 kg LW by service (13–15 months) if they’re to calve at the target 85% of mature liveweight (540 kg LW) at around 24 months of age. That’s an average liveweight gain (LWG) of around 0.75 kg/day from weaning to service, and 0.5 kg/day from service to calving. “The challenge for many dairy units is how to achieve 85% of mature liveweight by 24 months

of age,” Dr McIlmoyle continues. “Consistently achieving the target growth rates throughout that time is critical. “What’s needed is fast, efficient growth that builds frame size without excess fat deposition, and that has to be the priority.” Not only are well-grown heifers more capable of the necessary high levels of feed intake once in the herd, they can also more effectively compete physically with older cows. And reducing the age at which this is achieved has considerable benefits in terms of costs, lactation performance and longevity. “Entering the herd at a younger age decreases both rearing costs and the number of unproductive days before milk production begins,” states Dr McIlmoyle. “According to a 2017 study by the Royal Veterinary College, calving at 26 months instead of 30 months, for example, can lower total rearing costs as much as 25%, despite it only being a 13% reduction in terms of days.” Trials have also shown that calving at older than 26 months can reduce daily milk yield by up to 2.4 kg/day and cut first service conception rates by as much as one third (45% versus 64%). Additional downsides include increased somatic cell counts once in the herd, and reduced likelihood that heifers will reach their second lactation without being culled. “Published figures suggest that the average age at first calving in the UK is around 29

liveweight

hip height months. So anything that helps to bring this figure down is definitely worth considering, particularly if it can cut feed costs as well,” Dr McIlmoyle adds. Farm trial results The US farm trial, carried out on a high-performing 8,000-cow dairy unit in central California, ran for 45 weeks (10.4 months) and involved 330 Holstein heifers reared from 70 to 386 days of age. Calves entered the trial at weaning, at which point they were housed in 14-head covered pens, moving to 84-head outdoor pens at 128 days or age. “Following weaning, all the calves received the same starter ration for the first ten days of the trial, then moved onto a high-grain total mixed ration (TMR) that was

reformulated to increase forage levels after 37 weeks, and again after 41 weeks,” Dr McIlmoyle outlines. “For half the calves, however, the digestibility of the TMR was increased by application of a forage pre-treatment (VistaPre-T) prior to feeding. Liveweight and hip height were recorded periodically throughout the trial period, with feed intake monitored from week 16 of the trial onwards.” Figure 1 - Trial data showing matching heifer performance across both treatments Both LW and hip height were similar throughout the trial (figure 1), with heifers reaching the same overall size by the end of the 45 weeks. However, dry matter intakes for those receiving (continued on page 74)

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livestock the improved digestibility ration pre-treated with VistaPre-T were consistently lower (figure 2). Figure 2 - Comparison of heifer feed intake with or without VistaPre-T pre-treatment â&#x20AC;&#x153;The overall result was that over the 29 weeks during which feed intake was measured, 113 kg/head less feed was needed to achieve the same weight and size,â&#x20AC;? Dr McIlmoyle adds. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Calculations done at the time showed that this added up to a saving equivalent to around ÂŁ18/head. â&#x20AC;&#x153;VistaPre-T pre-treatment works by roughening the surface

of the fibre, increasing the rate of microbial colonisation â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and forage digestibility â&#x20AC;&#x201C; once in the rumen. With a cost for pre-treatment of just ÂŁ6/head, the net result was a reduction in overall feed costs in the region of ÂŁ1,200 for every 100 heifers reared.â&#x20AC;? First lactation benefits The benefits of improving ration digestibility extend beyond calving. In a three-month ADASmonitored trial on a commercial UK dairy unit, an increase in TMR D-value from 63 to 65% (again achieved by forage pre-treatment with VistaPre-T) raised average

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dry matter intake (DMI) across 50 first lactation heifers by 2 kg/day, resulting in a 0.6 litre/day lift in average milk yield (28.2 vs. 27.6 litres/day). Greatest gains were seen from day 68 to 84 of the trial, when the average milk yield improvement rose to 1.4 litres/day. And across the three-month trial, overall gain for the 50 heifers was 2,520 litres â&#x20AC;&#x201C; equating to an additional income of ÂŁ730 (at 29ppl). â&#x20AC;&#x153;Improving fibre digestibility can increase both the amount of energy released from the ration and the rate at which feed passes through the rumen,â&#x20AC;? states Dr McIlmoyle. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This can have a big impact on yield potential and ration costs, particularly at higher yield levels, in early lactation and for young heifers â&#x20AC;&#x201C; all situations where feed intake is a major factor limiting performance. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Gaining more from the forage also allows the level of costly, highstarch concentrates to be reduced

for the same level of performance. The subsequent improvement in the ratio between fibre and starch in the ration reduces acidosis and benefits milk fat production.â&#x20AC;? First lactation heifers are particularly at risk of impaired digestion, with studies having shown that bullying can result in heifers ruminating up to 40% less than older cows. With rumination critical to the digestion of fibre (and rumen passage rates), the impact on performance can be dramatic. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The management and feeding of replacement heifers need to be a priority right through until they reach full adult size, which typically doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t occur until the third lactation,â&#x20AC;? emphasises Dr McIlmoyle. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Rations that support more efficient growth â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and performance post-calving â&#x20AC;&#x201C; are critical, and improving those rations by increasing ration digestibility is one of the most costeffective ways to achieve this.â&#x20AC;?

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livestock Stokbord® Sheet provides material solution to farm stock management

The

VET What are you hearing? By Andy Cant Northvet Veterinary Group We need two things pretty desperately… 1. Regain the moral high ground on the subject of meat eating 2. A system that delivers a fair price to producers for their product.

Trusted by generations of farmers for over 40 years, Stokbord® Sheet is one of the sector’s most versatile products for the housing and care of livestock. Manufactured exclusively by Centriforce, Stokbord recycled plastic sheets and boards have been heralded best-in-class for an array of applications, including cattle races and stock pen lining. As the market leader for its proven durability and reliability, the plastic sheeting offers long term advantages over materials including plywood and galvanised steel. One of Stokbord’s key benefits is that it is easy to wash down, making it the perfect partner for

environments where hygiene is crucial. Jonathan Pearce, Head of Sales at Centriforce, said: “Stokbord Sheet is highly chemical resistant, and can be cleaned time and time again. “It can also withstand Defra approved disinfectants, offering farmers the ultimate protection against disease. “Compared with materials such as plywood, which becomes a breeding ground for bacteria when it gets damp, Stokbord Sheet is rot proof and boasts excellent longevity, lowering whole life costs.” Stokbord is also gaining ground due to its acoustic performance and ability to protect livestock from injury.

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Veganism has promoted itself so well. It’s gone from being an eccentric notion to an accepted point. Where is the counter argument? Bovine CO2 and methane outputs now get regularly mentioned as one of the leading causes of global warming. Our population is being persuaded that it is OK to fly half way around the world regularly but it’s not good to drink milk! Antimicrobial resistance problems are down to the use of antibiotics in animals - as if they have no right to the opportunity of treatment. … and what other primary producers sell their output at auction with the price fluctuations and uncertainty that brings – its aye been but its still crazy if you stand back and look at it.

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…and if that wasn’t enough we have a Government hell bent on wrecking established markets and support mechanisms for their own political or personal satisfaction. The livestock industry does of course promote itself very well but it feels like we’re the underdog at the moment up against a very vocal minority. So we have to keep pushing the health benefits of eating animal proteins, we need to show that we have high welfare standards and efficient production figures and that may mean taking a critical look at ourselves and making improvements. We need to listen to the criticism that gets laid at our door and do something about it. Be proactive in educating the urban population of farming methods and the good conditions and high levels of husbandry that exist. Everyone has a right to make up their own mind on these matters but they must hear both sides of the argument to make an informed choice - I think we need to turn up our volume!

dairy Mitigate butterfat depression during seasonal grazing conditions Mid-season grass growth and summer temperatures may require fat supplementation for milk quality recovery Dairy farmers on milk quality contracts need to pay close attention to grass growth and heat stress conditions to mitigate mid and late grazing season butterfat depression, advises Wesley Habershon, grazing consultant and nutritionist for The Farm Consultancy Group. “A combination of weatherinfluenced grazing conditions and an increase in grass growth towards the end of June has resulted in milk butterfat taking as much as a 10 percent dip recently in many herds throughout the UK,” explains Mr Habershon. “As we get into the warmer months, feeding strategies for high temperatures also need to be taken into consideration.” While a surge in grass growth results in reduced fibre content of grass, weather leading up to it can decrease dry matter intake due to damp grazing conditions. According to Dr Richard Kirkland, Global Technical Manager for Volac Wilmar Feed Ingredients, young grass also has a high sugar content, making it rapidly fermentable in the rumen. This combined with the lower fibre levels can compromise rumen pH. Low-fibre pasture can pass through the digestive system much more quickly. “Acetate and butyrate from digestion of fibre in the rumen are the building blocks of milk fat. Without sufficient fibre, rumen pH will drop and can lead to milk fat depression,” explains Dr Kirkland. While high fibre ingredients such as straw are an effective buffer to slow down flow of feed through the digestive system, they also fill the rumen with low feed quality bulk that can compromise energy intake and milk protein. Digestible energy sources such as sugar beet pulp and soya hulls can be good choices in this situation. 76

“High starch energy supplements like cereals will lead to accumulation of acid in the rumen during fermentation, further compromising rumen pH and putting the animal at risk of acidosis, although caustic or other alkali treatment will help,” says Mr Habershon. “Instead, choose a rumen-protected fat supplement that will improve rumen conditions while providing a dense energy source. If unprotected, fatty acids will physically coat fibre and reduce fibre digestion. The dense energy provided by fat supplements also make them ideal during periods of hot weather to protect rumen function as forage dry matter consumption declines.”

It is now known that rumenprotected fat supplements with high levels of C16:0 fatty acids induce insulin resistance to increase partitioning of nutrients to milk. In return, milk and milk fat production will improve. When balanced with a source of rumenprotected C18:1 fatty acids, as with the calcium salt-type fat supplements, energy will also be directed to body condition while also helping improve egg and embryo development. “An optimum balance of C16:0 and C18:1 fatty acids will not only help lift butterfat content and yield, but it will also support reproductive function to help get cows back into calf,” adds Dr Kirkland.

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Preparing for late season grass changes As the grazing season progresses, dairy producers also need to be prepared for the impact a change in grass quality can have on butterfat percentages. “Throughout the end of July and into mid-August, the oil concentration in grass will begin to increase as it comes out of the reproductive (flowering) phase. The result will be a leafier, high oil grass that can trigger a similar rumen response as early-season grass,” concludes Dr Kirkland. “However, being prepared for this ahead of time by implementing an appropriate feeding strategy will help minimise any impact it has on milk quality.”

An innovative Scottish livestock feed firm has teamed up with an award-winning dairy to tackle a major sustainability issue faced by British dairy farmers. The two businesses conducted trials on an Aberdeenshire farm showing that protein rich feedstuffs imported from overseas can be replaced with a home grown alternative with no adverse effects on cow health, milk yield or quality. Dairy farmers in Britain have long relied on imported soybean meal to ensure cows have the required levels of protein in their ration. Conventionally, crops grown here for livestock feed, such as forage and cereals, have fallen short of the relatively high protein requirements of high yielding dairy cows. However, a new feedstuff, developed in Scotland by long established firm Norvite and produced from locally grown oilseed rape crops, looks set to change all of that. Bruce and Jane Mackie, who run a multi-award-winning yogurt business based on their family dairy farm at Middleton of Rora, Peterhead, hosted a trial of the new Norvite product vs imported soybean meal for their 250 pedigree dairy cows. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In our business, we are always focused on reducing the environmental impact of our operations. This is in line with the sustainable ethos of our natural yogurt product and boosts its appeal to wholesale buyers and consumers,â&#x20AC;? commented Jane/ Bruce, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our dairy system here at Middleton of Rora is based around grass, with cows grazing at pasture or on home grown forage throughout the year. However, grass alone cannot meet the protein demands of a milking cow and like most dairy farms we have been reluctantly reliant on imported proteins to keep our cows healthy and our business sustainable.â&#x20AC;?

â&#x20AC;&#x153;With our drive for sustainability firmly in mind, we were delighted when Norvite approached us to trial their new NEOlac product as an alternative to imported soybean meal.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;In trials over a five-month period, our milking cows were fed a ration containing NEOlac for a six-week trial period and the results in terms of milk yield and quality were closely monitored. This was followed by a short transition period before a further six weeks with the herd fed on a soybean meal ration and then the process was repeated.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are pleased with the results. NEOlac, a product made here in Aberdeenshire from oilseed rape grown on local farms, has proven to be great for our cows. They are producing the quality milk required for our natural yogurt, every bit as well with NEOlac as with soybean meal imported from thousands of miles overseas.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our yogurt loving customers often buy our natural Rora Dairy products in order to reduce food miles. It is fantastic that we can now confidently use NEOlac to reduce our livestock feed miles and boost the overall environmental sustainability of our business.â&#x20AC;? Edward Smith, MD of Norvite and the developer of NEOlac commented: â&#x20AC;&#x153;It has been great to work with Jane and Bruce and their high health cows at Middleton of Rora. We have extremely experienced livestock nutritionists in our team and they were able combine their knowledge with independent experts from SRUC (Scotlandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Rural College) to conduct and monitor these rigorous trials.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Prior to this we had every confidence in the quality and value of NEOlac, but it is hugely encouraging to have our work validated in these on farm trials.â&#x20AC;?

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NFU Scotland

dairy Cutting out imported soya leads to better dairy sustainability

The Inspector Calls!

By NFU Scotland Vice President Charlie Adam That 9 am phone call from SGRPID or a car making its way up the farm drive can signal what every farmer or crofter dreads â&#x20AC;Ś an inspection! And they always seem to happen at the worst possible time, when something has broken down, the vet has been called or you are just up to your eyes with other work. Inspectors can arrive unannounced to commence an inspection, or if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re lucky, you may get a maximum of 48 hoursâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; notice. Whatever your thoughts are on the department or the inspector, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not a good idea to refuse access, as this could result in you losing 100 per cent of your BPS payment. At the end of the day they are just doing their job and showing that you are happy to work with them will go a long way to helping the process run smoothly. The inspector will explain the purpose and reason for the inspection, how the inspection will be carried out, what they need from you and how long the inspection will take. There is no need to panic and if there are any issues, such as bringing cattle inside, then speak with the inspector to make suitable arrangements. They will check your records first before inspecting livestock and if extra people are needed to gather stock, they will accommodate this. Livestock identification and record-keeping are always areas where high numbers of breaches are found each year, which can lead to cross compliance penalties on your BPS payment. The most common finds during inspections are: s 2EPLACEMENT EAR TAG DETAILS missing from flock register

which must include old and replacement tag details and date animal was retagged going back three years at least s !NNUAL INVENTORY NOT BEING completed s $EATH FALLEN STOCK DETAILS not kept/entered into flock register s 5NREGISTERED AND OR untagged calves s ,ATE REPORTING OF movements and unreported deaths/additional passports. s 4HESE CARRY PENALTIES SO it is worth doing a regular check to keep on top of these things. s (OW SHOULD ) PREPARE FOR AN Inspection? s 2ETURN THE FAIRNESS AND respect showed by the inspector. s -AKE SURE YOUR RECORDS and documents are up to date and easy to access. s -AKE SURE ANY CLAIMS and declarations are accurate and keep copies of your applications and declarations for reference. s 7HEN REQUESTED AND IF possible, accompany the inspecting officer during the inspection. s "E PREPARED TO PRESENT your animals and make sure handling facilities are safe and suitable. s &OLLOW ANY GUIDELINES THAT need to be changed if noncompliance occurs. With farm incomes under pressure and uncertainty at unprecedented levels, avoiding any reduction in support payments as a result of easily avoided penalties is more important than ever, so a bit of time spent ensuring you are as prepared as possible will reduce stress and pay dividends if an inspector calls!

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sheep RHASS to host World Shearing Council’s Golden Shears 2022 The Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS) has been awarded the bid to host the World Shearing Council’s Golden Shears 2022 competition. Announced at the 2019 Golden Shears World Championships in Le Dorat following a successful presentation by the RHASS project team, the competition will take place during the 2022 Royal Highland Show. Commenting on the successful bid process, Bruce Lang, RHASS Chief Steward of Shearing and a key member of the project team said: “It was a really strong presentation from the experienced RHASS team that built on the experience and knowledge gained from the successful delivery of the Golden Shears competition held at Ingliston in 2003, and of course this year’s recordbreaking Royal Highland Show.

“With the backing of Event Scotland and the Scottish Government, RHASS’ proven event management skills and shearing expertise gave the World Shearing Council the strength of conviction that RHASS is the right organisation to host such a prestigious event. The fact that it will take place in Edinburgh no doubt supported our bid – the city has such appeal with international visitors.” Representing RHASS, Bruce Lang took part in the Golden Shears closing ceremony in Le Dorat, receiving the Championship Shield traditionally held by the host city. Bruce added: “It was hugely exciting to see RHASS’ bid video played to thousands of competitors and spectators at this year’s closing ceremony - the feedback was incredible. Everyone is looking forward to coming to Edinburgh in 2022 for what will be a fantastic competition.”

Protecting lambs from pasteurellosis this autumn Disease diagnostic data from the last five years highlights a spike in the number of lambs succumbing to pasteurellosis during September, October and November.

“Last autumn, pasteurellosis – the pneumonic and septicaemic form – was the most common cause of death in lambs,” points out Dr Katie Waine, who is based

at the University of Nottingham undertaking a three-year training residency to become a veterinary pathologist, jointly funded by AHDB and MSD Animal Health. “As part of the project I collate the information from Farm Post Mortems Ltd on diseases that have been seen over the previous three months and produce quarterly reports. We also talk to the farmers who have submitted dead stock and their vets to try and establish why losses have occurred,” says Dr Waine. Dr Waine says that this farmer feedback suggests that the main reason why so many lambs succumb to pasteurellosis in the autumn is simply because they have not been vaccinated

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against the disease; or sometimes animals have only received the first dose of vaccine and not the second dose 4-6 weeks later that is so necessary to prime effective immunity. “Incomplete vaccination and sometimes no cover at all are often why lambs typically succumb to this devastating disease. Quite often, the dead lambs we see in the autumn also have high worm burdens or trace element deficiencies, which could have contributed to the pasteurellosis.” According to vet Ben Strugnell from Farm Post Mortems, pasteurellosis is an opportunistic disease that can be triggered by many factors, such

sheep as worm burdens, change of diet, border disease, trace element deficiency, adverse weather or overstocking. “Autumn has always been a significant risk period for this disease because of the abundance of these different triggers during this time period. We certainly always see a peak of disease between September and December every year. “The disease diagnostic data clearly shows that this autumn peak of pasteurellosis is consistent and concerning and has important implications for effective control. It suggests that if producers are keeping store lambs during this period they should talk to their vet or animal health provider about vaccinating them correctly,” Mr Strugnell says. “The key take-out message is that it is almost impossible to control the multiple, varied stress-related ‘trigger’ factors for pasteurellosis in lambs at this time of year, so the best advice to farmers is to make sure they have the best vaccination-induced

immunity cover possible for the whole period that they are on the farm.” Mr Strugnell adds that in many cases this will mean giving store lambs, which have had two vaccination doses earlier in their lives, a third booster dose in August/September, so that they are fully immunised in advance of the autumn risk period. “Lambs that have already gone off fat, or which will be gone by then, do not need to be done. For those buying store lambs, it is advisable to try to establish that the incomers have had an initial vaccination course (two doses) and then give them a third one on arrival. However, this can often be difficult to determine,” he says. “If an outbreak of pasteurellosis is encountered, it is important to assess the risk factors, so that disease can be prevented in the following year. This may involve blood sampling of lambs for trace element status and border disease antibodies, and/or egg counting for fluke and worms. Some assessment of dietary adequacy is also useful.”

EWE LAMBS September (EXHAM 7 Stirling 14 Dumfries 17 Stirling (UA) (UNTLY (EXHAM 20 Newcastleton 24 Oban

Deliveries of new season lambs to the UK and EU market are increasing with prices sliding across Europe in line with seasonal trends, according to the latest analysis by Quality Meat Scotland (QMS). The decline in prices over the past few weeks has taken prices below the levels of twelve months ago in the major sheepmeat producing member states of Europe. Prices are 9% lower in Ireland, 7% lower in France and 4% lower in Spain. In the UK, current prices stand 5-6% lower than a year ago and in the most recent week are their lowest level since 2015. Since May, more benign weather and good grass growth, when compared to last year, have influenced growth rates.

The number of new season lambs slaughtered and carcase weights across the UK have been higher than last year. This has led to an increase in meat production through May and June of around 12%. “Auction market throughputs during July suggests an increase in production continuing during July,” said Stuart Ashworth, Director of Economics Services, Quality Meat Scotland (QMS). “However, it is still worth noting that the current level of domestic production is lower than it was in 2017.” Sterling weakness has contributed to stronger exports in first five months of 2019 and particularly firm trade during May. Growth in exports has benefited from reduced deliveries

RAMS 26 St Boswells 27 Dalmally 28 Dumfries October 1 Kingussie 2 Longtown 11 Dingwall 15 Longtown

GIMMERS AND EWES September 13 Newton Stewart 18 Castle Douglas (UNTLY 19 Ayr 20 Newcastleton 21 Forfar 24 Oban 24 Lanark - uncrossed 25 Lanark – crossed 25 Stirling (Cal)

Seasonal Trends Impact on New Season Lamb Market

September Cont. 26 St Boswells 27 Dalmally 28 Dumfries 28 Stirling (UA) 28 Loughash Farm Sale October 1 Kingussie 2 Longtown (EXHAM 10 Fort William 11 Dingwall

October 5 Newton Stewart 6 Ballymena Show 7 Ballymena 11 Dingwall 12 Stirling (UA) (EXHAM

14 Castle Douglas 16 Oban 17 Lanark - Shearlings 18 Lanark – Lambs 19 Dalmally 21 Portree 31 Lanark

7%4(%2 ,!-"3 August Weekly sales of store lambs held at all auctions September 9 Stirling (Cal) Show 10 Oban Show 14 Dalmally Show 15 Longtown Show 20 Dingwall Show 21 Forfar Show 26 St Boswells Show

September Cont. 27 Lanark Show (EXHAM 3HOW 28 Fort William November 1 Fort William

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sheep

GENERATION This column is a collaboration between Colin Ferguson, Next Generation Chair of NFU Scotland to Europe by New Zealand. According to Beef and Lamb New Zealand, their deliveries to Europe were down 22% in the first half of 2019 while their global exports only dipped 1%. “In short, New Zealand is sending more product to China and the USA at the expense of the EU,” said Mr Ashworth. Despite lower breeding ewe numbers last autumn, more favourable weather conditions suggest a lamb crop of similar size to last year across the UK, thus higher slaughterings through May and June may mean, in

contrast to last year, more modest slaughterings through August offering some short-term stability to the market. “However, this is to ignore the lack of clarity that still exists over Brexit which adds to the uncertainty in the market place, short-term adjustment to lamb marketings and the risk that prices would have to fall significantly for UK lamb to remain competitive in the European market - a market which plays such an important part in the sales of Scotch Lamb PGI and UK lamb,” commented Mr Ashworth.

Are you sure that your sheep bolus is still authorised for use in Britain? Dr. Elizabeth Berry BVSC, PhD, MRCVS, Veterinary Director with Animax confirms that all of their Tracesure® boluses contain Selenium Selenite and authorised for use with sheep, lambs, and cattle. Many farmers are unaware that since July 17, 2019 Selenium Selenite is the only Selenium approved by the EFSA (European Food Standard Agency) as a feed additive for use in sheep boluses sold in Britain, Ireland and the rest of Europe. So immediately check that the product you are using complies with these EU regulations. Grass and forage vary widely in trace element content due to soil type, pH, drainage, plant species and fertiliser use. Certain root crops are also known to be low in selenium and vitamin E. 80

Dr Berry says that “Selenium is essential for a wide variety of immune responses in cattle and sheep and a deficiency can impact on overall production. For example, a selenium deficiency can reduce the effectiveness of white blood cells by altering both their numbers, activity and speed getting to the site of infections. Clinical signs of selenium deficiency include late abortion, stillbirth, or weak calves or lambs with enlarged thyroids, retained placenta, low immunity to infection in all ages of cattle and reduced fertility in bulls. For further information please visit https://animax-vet.com/ products/uk/ or contact Jim Adair, GB Sales Manager, 07854 479 511, jim@animax-vet.com

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and Rebecca Dawes, NFU Next Generation Trustee of Royal Agricultural Society of Commonwealth

This month we hear from Colin.

The whole industry is under pressure to change and adapt to better represent the diverse range of people and businesses which come under its umbrella. It is our responsibility both as the next and current generation to play a key role in future policy decisions to ensure the industry we build now is sustainable for the future. The ethos of the Next Generation committee, which supports all rural farming businesses in Scotland, is to discuss and deliver solutions for the now and leave past problems behind us. We believe that support for young people for the industry is important, developing and creating opportunities so we can fix the farming ladder. This allows everyone to thrive and progress whether that may be gaining your first farming tenancy or taking control of your family business. In September the committee will travel to a UK- wide Next Generation conference to look at

how we can steer future policy to place the rural economy and namely agriculture at the forefront of the fight against climate change. Farmers offer the solutions and must lead the way as we move to net zero by 2045. The only way we can do this is by collaboration farmers are the custodians of the countryside and the Next Generation must embrace the opportunity that exists to shape the future of farming. In order to meet market demands rather than historical trends, the industry needs to start putting the consumer at the centre of our production systems so we grow and rear produce that we know has a market, both in terms of quantity and quality. This was highlighted at a recent visit to Aldi where the group learnt about their buying process and thinking ahead to what the consumers is looking for. This is where the opportunity lies for not only the next generation but also the current one.

pigs Scots encouraged to go on a dinnertime adventure with Specially Selected Pork One of Scotland’s top-quality ingredients, Specially Selected Pork, was back in the spotlight recently as Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) successful “Go Places with Pork” campaign returned. The four week campaign, which launched in August, was aimed to reach 3.5 million Scottish adults with the message to make

midweek meals exciting again by adding Specially Selected Pork to recipes that are inspired by some of the world’s favourite dishes. The hit TV advert was back on screens throughout the campaign, along with press, digital and social advertising as well as supporting PR and influencer activity.

Pig industry marketing role for Harper Adams student

Harper Adams student, Bethany Walford, has been given a oneyear’s placement opportunity by Staffordshire-based ARM Buildings and Reading-based technology company, Farmex, to help develop their digital sales and marketing operations. Based at ARM’s Rugeley headquarters, Beth will also progress the companies’ social media presence with the aim of engaging more closely with farmer customers.

Beth is currently studying for a BA Honours Degree in Business Management with Marketing. The joint sponsorship, she believes, will give her an opportunity to focus on her marketing skills while learning hands-on about the British pig industry. Feedback from farmers will be crucial in helping them in a variety of ways. Outside work her hobbies include Tug-of-War via the Young Farmers Clubs.

With Specially Selected Pork available at ALDI and Lidl stores in Scotland, shoppers will be inspired by recipe suggestions encouraging them to mix up their menus by cooking a range of easy to prepare yet adventurous pork dishes. Shoppers at selected Lidl stores will also get the opportunity to sample dishes in store. Members of QMS’s Scotch Butchers Club are also supporting the campaign with counter tickets, a window vinyl and digital assets to use on their social platforms.

Pig industry marketing role for Harper Adams student Scottish pig producers are benefiting from a slow and persistent rise in farmgate prices which have climbed 10% since the beginning of April to stand currently 8% above last year’s level, according to the latest analysis by Quality Meat Scotland (QMS). However, while this is positive for the pig sector and is certainly in sharp contrast to the current declines year-on-year of 12% for prime cattle and 6% for prime lambs, it still masks some significant challenges. “When considered in Euros, the current GB pig price is down 0.5% which is in sharp contrast to the average prime pig price received by European pig producers which is up 23.5% on a year ago,” said Stuart Ashworth, QMS Director of Economics Services.

“Having had one of the highest producer prices across Europe, well ahead of the major pig producing nations like Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain and France, all of these nations, with the exception of the Netherlands, are currently seeing producer prices higher than in the UK. “This change in balance in prices will make the UK a less attractive export destination for these producers,” he added. Across Europe the movement in producer prices for pigs is substantially different to that for beef and lamb. “The European Commission report the average price for prime steers across Europe to be down 9.5%, although this is heavily impacted by the high proportion of UK steers in this average,” said Mr Ashworth.

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TRAINVIEW TALK

James has handed the pen over to me this issue and what a busy couple of months it’s been! At Dunlouise James has been helping with silage and hay as well as carting in the 1st of the straw before he heads off to Ghillie for the grouse and stag shooting season. We don’t make any winter fodder opting to buy it in, a strategy that this year that could be even more cost effective as there seems to be plenty about. Despite plenty of grass there is not much to get excited about where beef prices are concerned. Last month myself and Angus headed off to Stirling with three beasts. However a heifer came home again, she will be better in our own freezer in time compared with the price on offer. Due to lack of resources we try not to hold onto stock that don’t make the breeding grade longer than we have to but we can’t afford to give them away either. We’re a bit behind on some jobs mainly due to the neighbouring limmy bull going on a wrecking spree making our makeshift handling pens unusable. This is one of my biggest bugbears that we can waste whole weekends shifting gates and fighting with clever cows who know exactly how to avoid the crush. When working with livestock with your other half it’s always best to leave anything said at the field gate! We often have the 2 boys in tow too, they are well used to nappy changes on the truck tailgate and eating on the move but it comes to a point where it’s just not safe. That hit home when I slipped whilst helping to load cattle with a 3 month old Angus strapped to me, thankfully he was ok but it did leave me a little shaken, some things are just too precious to risk harm. 82

DIARY

Trainview Talk Our new diary page By Valerie Orr who runs Trainview Livestock with partner James Cameron That said getting our stock ready for the shows has been much easier as we have been able to rent a shed all summer and what an enjoyable show season it’s been. Out of the 5 shows we haven’t come away with anything less than a 2nd prize including female champion at Alyth, champion and reserve at Kirriemuir and at Perth reserve female champion and our 4 month old calf Trainview Prince Navid came home with male and reserve overall champion. We have had lots of positive comments on him from breeders of many faiths so hopefully he will

continue to thrive. However the wee rascal is on probation as we had to head home early from Turriff Show for a visit to the vets. We had realised he had eaten the ribbon off his mother’s neck so rather than chance finding him with his heels up we opted to retrieve the 3ft piece of Cameron tartan. The operation was a success, performed much like a caesarean with a piece of bale wrap found for good measure! I’m glad to report he is recovering remarkably well. One thing was clear from the shows we attended was

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the average age of the judges was into its 70’s while I have nothing wrong with any of these individuals putting their experience into practise it would be encouraging to see younger breeders get the chance to learn. I got that privilege heading back home to NI to judge Irish Moileds, Belted Galloway’s and Young handlers at Antrim Show. It was great to go back to a show I once used to exhibit at and get the craic with some old friends. I think it could have been my most challenging judging stint yet particularly with an excellent class of Beltie heifers. With the kids I’m unable to do as much hands on work as I used to and Perth and Turriff shows where a real treat as my parents stayed for the weekend. Even though I’m still on maternity leave we have decisions to make whether or not I return to work. The cost of childcare would cancel out the extra income and we cannot rely on help from Universal Credit due to its incompatibility with self employment. That said we have just took the plunge with childcare and I now have a childfree day in the week, this allows me to catch up on things while James works out almost full time. This month I’m considering attending one of the women in agriculture events, I’m still undecided whether these sort of events actually benefit any cause. But this one on business resilience is local and falls on one of my new childfree days. With a small business like ours we need to think a little outside the box to keep things afloat and networking and learning from others just might spark the imagination.... maybe we need to find the next cute breed to import that takes adorable selfies!

LIVESTOCK MARKET REVIEW

Market outlook By Katrina Macarthur As the first of the store lamb sales kicked off at the beginning of August, prices have been better than anticipated, with increased entries of lambs forward at United Auctions’ Lairg sale and Dingwall and Highland Marts’ Dingwall centre. Fears of a no-deal Brexit may still have been the talk of the day at Lairg on Tueday, August 13, but crofters and farmers selling wethers enjoyed an increase of almost £1 on the year, while ewe lambs met a more selective trade. In contrast to last year, many lowland farmers who travel the length and breadth of the country

to Lairg to buy lambs, have surplus amounts of grass this year and simply need stock to maintain grass levels. It’s likely that ewe lambs were back on the year due to the majority of buyers having purchased their replacement females over the past couple of years. A total of 13,118 lambs sold through Lairg and saw 9644 wether lambs cash in at £52.07 (+96p on the year), while 3474 ewe lambs levelled at £59.51 (-£17.03). The wether lambs topped at £70 for Suffolk crosses from

Achosnich, Dornoch and £67 for Beltex crosses from Achentoul Cottage, Kinbrace, while parktype North Country Cheviots peaked at £66.50 from regular sale leader, Alan Mackay, South Balkeith, Tain. It was a similar story at Dingwall Mart on August 9, when the firm sold 8082 store lambs – an increase of almost 5000 head on the year as 3393 lambs were cashed in at the same sale last year. An excellent entry on offer for both quality and numbers met a strong trade from start to finish, with a top price of £98 paid for

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Suffolks from 91/92, Achvaich, Dornoch. North County Cheviot lambs cashed in at £54.77 and sold to £65 from Rowanburn, Plockton, while a strong entry of 2301 Texels peaked at £84 from Auchmore, Muir of Ord, to average £58.86. On August 9, Aberdeen and Northern Marts’ Thainstone Centre sold store lambs to a top of £68 for Suffolk crosses from Deecastle, Dinnet, while three days later Caledonian Marts’ Stirling cashed in 2070 head at £61.60 (+£1) having reached £73 for Suffolks J and J MacInnes, Culbhuirg, Isle of Iona.

BOOK SERIALISATION

The 9-ton boulder and other obstacles Three wheelbarrows, six picks and shovels, five sledgehammers, four spades and one crowbar: roadbuilding took its toll on Calum MacLeod’s tools. But, as 2OGER (UTCHINSON writes in the penultimate episode of our exclusive serialisation of his acclaimed book, the man himself battled on - singlehandedly - and single-mindedly

boat was moved from Raasay to Portree. With the children, and apparently all prospect of future children, gone Torran School, which had first opened in 1839, was closed for good, and with it went Calum’s wife Lexie’s job. Suddenly – in the space of two years – there was nobody left in northern Raasay, Fladda and Eilean Tighe but the 56- yearold Calum and Lexie MacLeod

of South Arnish. Adding insult to injury, the telephone manager from Aberdeen stepped in that autumn to remove the public telephone box at Arnish. It should have been endgame, and some thought that it was. They did not know Calum MacLeod. His fury, which was far from evident to any casual acquaintance, found a number of expressions. “Is it

any wonder Scots emigrate?” he asked in the correspondence columns of the Stornoway Gazette in April 1967, raging against the closure of rural schools, centralisation of the police and the postal service. He assuaged his anger by building a road. It would no longer assist in preserving his community. “We were sorry that he didn’t start a year or two earlier,” said Picture by Richard Campbell

In 1967, Calum’s mother Julia, his sister Bella and his brother Charles went to live at Portree in Skye. On 15 July 1967 the post office at Torran,was shut down as Murdo and Jessie Nicolson and their family left for the mainland. With that went Calum MacLeod’s parttime job as postman. In the same year the home anchorage of the Rona lighthouse relief

Finlay Welsh as Calum MacLeod in the National Theatre of Scotland production of Calum’s Road, adapted from Roger Hutchinson’s book. Picture credit: Richard Campbell (NOTE: This is the first of the second lot of NTS pics, the one with an actor sitting on a bench with sign saying Calum’s Road behind him)

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BOOK SERIALISATION his former neighbour Jessie Nicolson. “Say, three or four years earlier – maybe we would have never left Torran, I don’t know . . . it was coming too late to save the community.” But if a road could no longer be used for the preservation of a population, it could encourage a revival. And there still was a population: a small one admittedly, of just two middleaged people, but not to be despised for that. “He was building the road because it would be of use to the people and it was of use to himself,” said Jessie Nicolson. “So that he could get around and his wife could get out, you know. To my knowledge he never thought of giving up on it.” In 1967 Calum MacLeod gained his lighthouse keeper’s certificate and his job with the Northern Lighthouse Board was upgraded. He became the local assistant keeper on the Rona light. He would keep this responsibility until the Rona lighthouse was automated in 1975. It required him to work for four weeks in Rona followed by two weeks at home. During that fortnight at home this man, who was then aged between fifty-six and sixty-four years, would complete his crofting chores: his animal husbandry – he had at one time as many as eighty sheep and fourteen cattle – his vegetable garden, his crops and his peat-cutting. He would also continue to build the motor road between Brochel Castle and Arnish. In the latter task he was not left entirely alone. His landlord, the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries for Scotland (DAFS), agreed to assist with the blasting necessary both to create aggregate and gravel for the road’s foundations and rough surfacing, and to clear throughways through certain patches of granite that could not be removed by hand with a pickaxe. Their engineering department provided a compressor, explosives, a driller and a blaster, and subcontracted – and paid – the local county

roads department in Portree to second men from their labour force, men from both Skye and southern Raasay, to blow up those parts of northern Raasay which Calum required blowing up. The whole exercise cost the Department of Agriculture £1,900. It would prove to be the only outside investment made until Calum MacLeod had completed routing, digging and laying his road. “When you saw Calum when he was working on the road,” said former neighbour John Nicolson, “that’s all that was on his mind. He would ask your opinion of things, and then he would tell you, ‘The big rock that’s more or less at the fank there at Tarbert – enough gravel there, boy, to cover the road, a bhalaich, from Castle to Fladda. “That was the type of thing he was seeing. He was foreseeing where he was going to get everything. The boys that used to go over to do the boring and the blasting for him, once every six weeks or so, they were saying to themselves, ‘Och, that will keep him going for two or three months.’’ But by the time they went back, there was nothing – not a stone was to be seen. It was all in place in the road..” When the county men had gone and taken the blasting equipment with them, Calum was once more on his own. “For years he went off in the morning,” his wife Lexie would say, “with his piece [lunch] in his bag, and I wouldn’t see him again until dark. He was determined to build that road.”

It was estimated that the largest single boulder he removed weighed nine tons If Calum was indefatigable, the same could not be said of his tools. He was, on one occasion, levering a large rock out of the hillside over his road. His crowbar took purchase of it and the boulder began to move. It rolled out of the hollow in which it had stood since the Jurassic Age, tumbled down the slope, struck the road, bounced once and landed on top of his wheelbarrow, spatchcocking it

Art from cover of Birlinn edition (Calum with wheelbarrow)

to the ground. In total Calum worked his way through three wheelbarrows, six picks, six shovels, five sledge-hammers, four spades and one crowbar while building the road between Brochel Castle and Arnish. It was estimated that the largest single boulder he removed weighed nine tons. It stood in the path of his road. He used a jack to lift it, then packed it in place with stones, then jacked it up again, then repacked it with stones, then jacked it once more . . . until it had been heaved out of his way and had fallen, defeated, into the sea. He was accompanied on his painstaking travail between Brochel Castle and Arnish by a tiny portable storage hut which edged its way, yard by yard, month by month, year by year, along the verge in line with Calum’s progress. When is a road finished? He was certainly able by 1974 to drive his Land Rover or any tractor in the ample if uneven space between his exquisite stonework from Arnish to Brochel and back again. But

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no doctor’s or nurse’s car, no ambulance, no post office van and few civilian vehicles would last the course of such a two-mile road until it had been properly metalled, surfaced and tarmacked. He wanted it finished and then properly maintained to County Council roads department standards. He did, however drive the Land Rover which he had bought – in careful anticipation of completion in the early 1970s – up and down the stone road. “The first time he drove it,” said his daughter, “he was amazed at how fast the bracken moved towards him! But he never went any further than the end of the road.” That was because, just as Calum had grown tobacco although he did not smoke, and as he cultivated tomatoes without ever eating them, so Calum MacLeod, who would shortly become the most celebrated amateur road builder in twentieth-century Scotland, had never taken and would never pass his driving test. 85

estate Calls for bigger fines and longer prison sentences for wildlife criminals People convicted of wildlife crimes such as deer poaching, hare coursing and bird of prey persecution should receive bigger fines and longer prison sentences than currently available says Scottish Land & Estates (SLE), the organisation which represents landowners and rural businesses. In its response to the Scottish Government consultation on wildlife crime penalties, SLE says that those who undertake illegal acts should face strong penalties proportionate to the

crime, with sanctions applied consistently & clearly to act as a real deterrent. SLE also says that to successfully fight wildlife crime, education of what wildlife crime is and the impact, awareness of the possible maximum penalties along with more training and support for police officers to assist with detection are vitally important. David Johnstone, Chairman of Scottish Land & Estates, said “We need to send out a clear message that wildlife

crime of any kind is absolutely unacceptable, and these reckless acts will not be tolerated. That is why we are calling for longer prison sentences and bigger maximum fines for the most serious wildlife crimes, to act as a deterrent. “By providing clear guidelines to the courts on sentencing and by enabling courts to issue bigger penalties than currently available, we are confident that wildlife crime in Scotland will continue to decrease as it has over the past

five years. Scotland’s wildlife continues to rely on the public, our members and the police to act as eyes and ears to ensure that these heinous crimes are stamped out.” SLE also supports more imaginative and targeted sanctions including community payback orders when appropriate for less serious wildlife crimes that have less of an impact on a species and the environment. SLE’s full response to the consultation can be found on their website.

A romantic connection with the Cotswolds makes historic Woodhead Farm one of Aberdeenshire’s most fascinating properties Presented for sale by Bell Ingram as a whole, or in two separate lots, at offers over £720,000 the beautiful five-bedroom farm cottage was rebuilt in the late 19th century by Sir Arthur Grant, the 9th Baronet of Monymusk. The story goes that Sir Arthur’s young English bride, unused to the architecture of the North East, persuaded her husband to rebuild the home he had earmarked for her in the style of her native Cotswolds. A stone plaque above the front door records that Woodhead farm was re-built by Sir Arthur Grant Bart. of Monymusk in 1889. Woodhead Farm is also understood to be the prototype for the housing designs used in rebuilding the Estate Village of Monymusk. 86

More recently Monymusk was referenced in Trump International’s planning application for its proposed village at Menie, near Balmedie.

Current owners Raymond and Moira Wight moved into Woodhead as a young couple in 1992 and raised their two daughters on the idyllic 43-acre farm.

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Raymond Wight said: “Woodhead is a very special place to live and it would be tremendously satisfying to see another family get as much

estate enjoyment and pleasure from living and working here as we have done over the past three decades. “It’s not been an easy decision to sell. However, the farm is in peak condition and Moira and I feel that the time is right to pass it onto new owners.” With direct access to woodland, Woodhead is also the perfect property for horse lovers. And its location near the famous Pitfichie Trails and the iconic Bennachie range of hills makes it ideal for walking and mountain biking. The C-listed farmhouse provides comfortable family accommodation over one-anda-half storeys and has been extended to the north. The house retains many of the original

features from the Victorian remodelling including the lattice glazing, and double interior entrance doors. The spacious extension provides a beautiful open plan kitchen/ dining room/family room featuring a modern woodburning stove and rangemaster cooker. The property also benefits from double glazing in the extension and has oil fired central heating throughout. There is a large formal garden space including lawn and shrubs in front of the property. The house and garden are surrounded by farmland and woodland, providing a secluded rural haven. For more information or to arrange a viewing, contact James Petty on 01224 621 300 or email james.petty@bellingram.co.uk

Successful Langholm moor community bid could pave the way for community ownership across the region South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth believes that a successful community bid for Langholm Moor could pave the way for more community ownership across the South of Scotland. The local MSP was commenting after a visit to the Moor this week with Wild Eskdale Project Manager Kevin Cumming. Two community groups are currently considering bids for a part of the Moor after Buccleuch Estates announced its intention earlier this year to sell off about 25,000 acres of its estate in South West Scotland, which includes Langholm Moor. Buccleuch Estates opened a consultation on the sale of the land on 30 May with a view to putting the land on the market in August if there was no registered interest. After groups two communities - Langholm

and Newcastleton expressed an interest in different parts of the land, the Estate has agreed to extend the initial period for bids until March next year. Colin Smyth believes this should be extended further if need be to allow the community to develop a detailed bid for the land given that they would also have to secure significant funding. South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth said, “This really is a great opportunity to bring the Langholm Moor under community ownership and we need to do all we can to support that. It is a spectacular site of special scientific interest literally on Langholm’s doorstep and is already well used by the community and visitors alike, including being one of the best places in the country for hen harriers. I know groups in Langholm and Newcastleton

Reducing the risks from Toxoplasmosis By Dr Alice Bacon, MRCVS, BVM&S, MVetSci

Many sheep farmers will have experienced the devastation of toxoplasmosis at lambing time, with the characteristic and demoralising barren ewes, abortions and still births. The disease only becomes apparent at lambing time, but we start thinking about toxoplasmosis now as we prepare for pre-tupping vaccination. Sheep are infected by toxoplasmosis by eating feed contaminated by cat’s faeces. Cats are the definitive host of toxoplasma, meaning the parasites reproduce in cat’s guts and are shed in their faeces. Soil contaminated by cat’s faeces can remain infectious for 18 months. Cats are infected when they prey on rodents and small birds, making outdoor and feral cats most at risk. Ewes can pass toxoplasmosis infection to unborn lambs. Infection early in pregnancy causes abortion, later in pregnancy it typically causes a dead lamb to be born alongside a healthy twin. Once ewes have been exposed to toxoplasmosis they become immune, and are not at risk in future pregnancies. This is why the lamb losses are often seen

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in gimmers. Other mammals, including pigs, can suffer similar losses due to toxoplasmosis exposure and infection. Toxoplasmosis can also infect humans, and is particularly dangerous for pregnant women. Reducing the cat population on your farm down to a few mousers, can help reduce the risk of toxoplasmosis in livestock. Neutering and vaccination of cats keeps them healthy and prevents unwanted kittens. Biosecurity of feed and hay stores keeps feed clean of cat’s faeces and reduces the numbers of rats and mice. Neutering and vaccination of farm cats will also help to protect Scottish wildcats from hybridisation and disease transmission from domestic cats. If you would like help with controlling cat numbers on your farm, SWA can provide vouchers for free cat neutering and vaccination within the 5 SWA Priority Areas (contact us at: hello@scottishwildcataction. org), and your local Cats Protection branch may be able to help. www.scottishwildcataction. org 87

estate

are working round the clock to prepare bids for different parts of the site and they have my full backing.

“Too much of Scotland’s land is still the hands of too few. A community buy out would not only put ownership in the

hands of the local community but would be the best way to safeguard the natural and cultural heritage of this beautiful

landscape. At the same time it will open up new opportunities to provide a real economic boost to the area by developing eco tourism on the site, attracting more people to a part of our region all too often overlooked and under promoted”.

FARMING SCOTLAND MAGAZINE and SHOOTING SCOTLAND MAGAZINE Subscription details on page 61 88

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estate Scotland’s rural organisations ask for the value of grouse shooting to be recognised Rural organisations have appealed to politicians to recognise the value of grouse shooting ahead of one of the most important seasons in generations. The British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC), the Scottish Gamekeepers Association (SGA), Scottish Land & Estates (SLE) and the Scottish Association for Country Sports (SACS) have together issued a joint statement asking for the social, economic and environmental contribution of moorland management to be appreciated. The organisations’ statement said: “The start of the grouse shooting season marks the culmination of a year-round effort in Scotland’s most remote hills and glens to manage land for a wide range of social, economic and environmental benefits. “This season, more than any other, has been accompanied by frenetic activity from anti-grouse moor campaigners seeking to tarnish the vital role grouse moors play in supporting our rural communities. “We appeal to politicians from all parties to recognise the contribution that grouse moors make at a time when the Scottish Government’s review of moorland management should soon be published. “The last 20 years has seen a significant culture change in grouse moor management, and our organisations remain determined to stamp out the remaining incidents of raptor persecution which have already fallen to their lowest recorded

One small step for farmers, one giant leap towards sustainable farming Dr Dave Parish, Head of Lowland Research, Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust, Scotland The loss of biodiversity on farmland has been well documented since the first concerns were raised in the 1960s. This was a time of huge technological advances with the first steps taken by mankind on the moon and, perhaps more mundanely but still of great significance, many new developments in agricultural practices such as the widespread adoption of chemical pesticides. These changes on farmland accelerated through the 1970s and 1980s and have had several unintended consequences. Research shows the link between changing practices and the dwindling abundance of plants, insects, birds and mammals on farmland across most regions of the developed world. Depressing stuff perhaps, but not all is lost. Producers, and importantly the retailers and policy makers who have driven the direction of modern agriculture for decades, realise that change is needed to keep producing food for our ever-growing population whilst maintaining a healthy environment with clean water supplies and other ecosystem services. This is the definition of sustainability – harvesting what we need without breaking the system. There are many proposals at present of how to improve things, of varying degrees of

complexity and radicalism, but one simple measure is the humble cover crop or flower block. This was developed as a game-management tool providing food and shelter for gamebirds, especially through the winter. One of the latest versions of this is being demonstrated in the PARTRIDGE project, supported by the EU’s North Sea Region Interreg fund. Ten farms in Scotland, England, The Netherlands, Germany and Belgium are growing new cover crops which provide crucial resources for Grey Partridge and other wildlife through the year, alongside food production. A simple mix of around a dozen plants are sown in a large block or wide strip. Once established, half is cut to provide short, open cover for foraging chicks whilst the uncut half is ideal nesting and escape cover. The following year the opposite half of the cover crop is cut, and so on. The cut section may require some additional resowing to

Farmer visit to Balgonie

maintain the desired vegetation type and structure, and weed burdens need to be monitored, but that is as onerous as it gets. This kind of habitat will support a wide array of wildlife and can help in managing runoff and soil erosion from fields if sited appropriately. If 5% to 10% of the land is planted in this way – the amount thought necessary to have measurable benefits – it will make a huge contribution to improving the health of our countryside. Recent studies even suggest this kind of semi-natural habitat can increase cropyields in nearby fields. Initial responses of farmers to this measure have been positive but obviously they will need support in implementing this which is why the PARTRIDGE partners are lobbying European governments to try and secure inclusion of this mix in agri-environment schemes, but equally the powerful retailers could help by giving better prices to farmers who incorporate such measures on their land.

estate levels according to official statistics. “This is a hugely important season but also one that we enter with significant optimism for the future. “Repeated claims are made about alternative land uses to grouse shooting but these have already been examined in a government-commissioned scientific report published in the last year. It concluded that the land capability for agriculture is low, as is the forestry capability. It takes into account a range of factors such as Sites of Special Scientific Interest, Special Protection Areas and carbon storage in peatland – all elements ignored by anti-grouse moor campaigners. “Grouse moors continue to provide a rich haven for wildlife beyond red grouse. Studies conducted by international scientists have found more than 100 birds species on grouse moors and last month, a GWCT

report focused on south west Scotland concluded that in one area where gamekeeping had declined there had been an 84% drop in golden plover population, 88% drop in lapwings and 61% drop in curlews. “Managed grouse moorland, which accounts for no more than 10% of Scotland’s land area, also sustains a high population of mountain hares, estimated to be around 135,000 in an SNH commissioned report. In the Highland region, the density of mountain hares on driven grouse moors was 35 times higher than on moors not managed for shooting. “Some politicians have issued statements referring to ‘barren Victorian hunting grounds’ and ‘playgrounds for the privileged few’. In doing so, they expose their own prejudice against the men, women and young people of all backgrounds – especially in rural communities – for whom grouse moors are so important.

“Country sports tourism, of which grouse shooting plays a significant role, is worth £155million per annum to the Scottish economy, with shooting sports supporting the equivalent of 8,800 full time jobs in Scotland. Approximately 60% of visitors come from England, with the remaining 40% from within Scotland and overseas – primarily the USA, Denmark, Belgium, Holland, France and Spain. New markets are opening up in China and India. “A survey of 45 grouse estates across Scotland, conducted by Scotland’s seven regional moorland groups in 2017, found that over £23 million flows directly into local businesses in trade generated by estate activity. That sum, which does not take into account wages paid to gamekeepers or other staff, means downstream businesses, from local garages to building firms, benefit

New book celebrates the love of country sports

‘For the love of country sports’ by Linda Mellor, was recently published via Amazon on 12th 90

from business worth, on average, £514,886 from each estate. “Those who claim the contribution that grouse moors make can be easily replaced put their activist pursuit above the needs of the economic and environmental realities of Scotland. “Despite the often feverish debate around grouse shooting, there is a need for a cool examination of the facts. Rural communities face a multitude of challenges and the impact of turning the screw on grouse moors should not be underestimated. As part of a mosaic of sustainable land uses supporting fragile rural economies, we believe there is a bright future for grouse moor management in Scotland and are committed to working with others to deliver these benefits for rural communities, the natural environment and Scotland as a whole.”

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August, 2019. The book celebrates the passion for country sports and the outdoors.

estate Linda, a longstanding country sports writer and photographer, said, ‘in recent years, there was an increase in companies donating products to be shared on social media in the hope a young, attractive face and slender body increased sales. The market was saturated with pouty, eyelash fluttering images and carefully co-ordinated outfits. No one spoke with heartfelt emotion or shared authentic stories.’

‘For the love of country sports’ shares 40 stories of men and women talking passionately about their involvement, from childhood memories to lifechanging achievements. It’s not about looking good in your colour co-ordinated gear, or catching the light for another selfie with a shotgun over your shoulder. It’s about the love of country sports…and it’s sale right now on Amazon!

New camouflage Dogrobe - the perfect dog drying accessory Award-winning pet accessory company, Dogrobes has added a new camouflage design Dogrobe to its dog drying coat collection. Perfect for drying dogs out in the field or for keeping their muscles warm in-between beats, the coat is also designed to be eye-catching and fashionable with designers such as Jean Paul Gaultier, using this design in their collections. Dogrobes is based in Fochabers, Scotland and owned by Margaret Reynolds, a former marketing and events manager. A great deal of thought has gone into the design of the Dogrobes as she explains: “Dogrobes dry the dogs quickly in around 30 minutes, depending on the breed of dog. They are made from an innovative fabric, which has longer loops on the inside. No one else has the rights to this fabric within the pet market. The longer loops create a greater area for absorbing the moisture from the dog’s coat. Plus it traps the dog’s body heat, which also helps to dry the dog. There is NO Velcro, which spooks some dogs and gets clogged up with dog hair and debris during everyday use and it’s a nightmare to launder too! The ties mean a perfect fit every time. Dogrobes are so easy to fit. Straight over the dog’s head, cross over the ties underneath and tie in a single loop to the side of the spine. Dogs love them because they are so lightweight – even dogs who don’t like wearing jackets.

We are VERY proud that we’re MADE in Britain. We have 1 larger manufacturer and 2 other smaller manufacturers who are all based in Scotland. We also use a team of talented and up and coming designers to design our Exclusive Collection. The company also offer a range of complementary dog accessories to go with the Dogrobes including snoods to dry the dog’s head, neck and ears and soon to be launched, Gauntlets which are used to dry a dog’s paws.” Dogrobes are available in a range of sizes to fit any size and breed of dog and also come in a range of attractive colours and designs. Dogrobes are available to buy from stockists right across the UK or you can find more detail at www.dogrobes.co.uk

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We must support our Scottish farmers By Eleanor Kay, Policy Adviser (Agriculture & Forestry) at Scottish Land & Estates Boris Johnson has made his first visit to Scotland as prime minister and whilst he has been praising farmers, there is now a need to go beyond that and deliver on the headline grabbing pledges he made during his leadership campaign for the Conservative Party. Chief among these pledges, for farmers at least, is Mr Johnson’s commitment to make available £160 million in convergence funding and “address many of the historic injustices that the system introduces, and make sure that Scotland’s farmers get the support that they are owed”. We remain resolute that funding must be fairly allocated, and the previous mechanism was beyond unfair: farmers in different parts of the country are receiving vastly different payment rates for doing essentially the same job. We have responded to the Bew Review calling for recognition of Scotland’s lower than average payment rate and for the £160m to be repatriated to Scotland for its farmers and crofters. Since all parts of the UK have moved to area-based payments there is no justification for continuing to allocate agricultural funding based on historic productionbased entitlements. For the period in question, we need a commitment to a ringfenced agricultural budget allocated fairly across all four devolved administrations. That’s why we have written to Boris Johnson and the new Defra Secretary,

Theresa Villiers, asking to work with them to help secure a strong future for Scotland’s farmers. Collaborative working and strong partnerships are key to creating the right conditions for a thriving rural Scotland. It is imperative that the UK Government, the Scottish Government and all stakeholders who are passionate about rural Scotland work together to ensure we find a solution to these big issues. The UK Government must ensure trade in agrifood products is as free as possible with our principle markets. They should also establish a new system which allows continued access to the seasonal and permanent workforce which is a vital component of the UK food supply chain, as well as guaranteeing that domestic production and environmental standards are upheld as part of future international trade deals. We need new agricultural policy frameworks across the UK which support farmers as food producers, improve productivity and resilience, and properly reward the delivery of public goods. When the Brexit extension was granted back in April, European Council president Donald Tusk said, “please don’t waste this time”. Whether we leave, stay, or delay Brexit again, we need everyone to work together to ensure we have the best possible outcome for Scottish farming.

For more information www.scottishlandandestates.co.uk Telephone : 0131 653 5400

country woman

Caroline Campbell By Linda Mellor

Caroline Campbell was born and brought up in a small village called Uphall in West Lothian, surrounded by the countryside. Caroline said, ‘the family house was as nearer to the village of Eccelsmachan than it was to Uphall. It was very rural so growing up surrounded by countryside meant I would spend lots of time outdoors. Not very far away was Oatridge farm (now Oakridge Campus), I found myself there a lot, other favourites were the Binny Craig and the surrounding fields.’ After leaving school, Caroline went on to college to train as a hairdresser, she said, ‘the place to be was in Edinburgh. I got myself a really good job there in a successful salon, but I never wanted to live in the city or have a city lifestyle, so I was happy to commute.’ Caroline was 26 years old when she was diagnosed 92

with lupus. ‘My life changed drastically. I had to give up my career as the illness effected my nervous system. It was extremely hard coping with the disease, but my positive attitude made me focus and identify my real love, the Scottish countryside. Looking back It makes you realise that life’s journeys are all significant, as my life now may not have been possible if it wasn’t for my determination and positive attitude.’ Caroline developed an interest in dogs, and started looking at pedigrees and going to watch dog shows so she could see what went on and what was involved. ‘In 1996, my then husband, and I, boång to take my chance, and hoped that my eye and gut were right. That was the start of the Binnaig Kennel (this was a shortened version of my childhood haunt - Binny Craig). In 2010, life changed once again for Caroline

when her marriage broke up, ‘I left with my car, 6 dogs and £70. I knew I was never going to go back so my positive attitude had to appear again. I rented a house in Eccelsmachen then six weeks later I found my country cottage on Hopetoun estate.’ Hopetoun Estate became Caroline’s home, ‘I not only live there I also work there too. I work for the Marquess of Linlithgow, he lives in the big country house surrounded by beautiful gardens and countryside. My job varies each day, the running of a country house suits me, I feel content and happy. It really is the best job.’ Caroline’s two passions worked together seamlessly, ‘my job fits in with my dogs. I show them to a high standard now mainly at champion show level’. There are only four championship shows out of 42 in Scotland so Caroline spends

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a great deal of her weekends travelling. ‘I have made up three champions, all homebred, and also judge at a championship level. The making up a dog to become a champion is not easy, labradors have a healthy entry and you must win three challenge certificates to gain ‘Sh Ch’ in front of their name. From my last litter I kept a dog and a bitch, Mani, Binnaig Benavie, and Mo, Binnaig Eskimo Blonde (Blonde always features in my bitches’ kennel names). I really loved Mo’s conformation and outgoing way, and there was always something I loved about Mani, and he has a great head. Pups are eligible to show at six months so the two Binnaig babies went to Manchester champions show in Jan. This show was their only chance to qualify for Crufts in March. Mani qualified and that was the start of a truly wonderful career for this young

country woman lad. My proudest moment being when he won Best Puppy in Breed at Crufts 2019. He has won countless Best Puppy Dogs, Best Puppy in Breeds and also three Best puppy in shows at Breed club champion shows. My aim has always been to try and breed on a quality labrador, keeping up the consistency and holding on to this precious line that has taken me 23 years.’ Involvement with the working side of labradors was something that found its way to Caroline, she said, ‘I sat on The Labrador Club of Scotland Executive Committee and there was a new field trial committee appointed in 2010 so I quickly got involved with training classes and soon became the field trial secretary’s assistant, carrying game at trials, and stewarding. Enjoying the moors and the hills in whatever weather is another passion, ‘it’s amazing to be outdoors making the most of

our countryside. I never wanted to compete in the working side, I just wanted to help out and enjoy the freedom. Training young dogs is a great achievement, again something I found I wasn’t too bad at. My dummy throwing skills are excellent for a woman, so I’m told (LM: I can vouch for that, I’ve seen Caroline in action at dog tests!). Seven years ago Caroline started beating. ‘The shoot keeper moved and started up on his own (CC sporting) on Kippendavie estate. I soon got a season up there and helped out with the cooking, and my speciality, baking cakes, they were truly appreciated by everyone. All sorts of jobs came from that, feeding, making bird pens, again experiences I will truly treasure.’ Caroline said, ‘I have recently been appointed as President for the Labrador Club of Scotland, so I think I can safely say, my life involvement in dogs, be it showing or working, will carry on!’

Permits available for local rivers 26 Allan Street, Blairgowrie, Perthshire, PH10 6AD Telephone 01250 873990 email: shop@kateflemings.co.uk

www.kateflemings.co.uk

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Southern Belle There’s no place like home Well, it is the end of another tour season and its been a joy to spend time with the visiting New Zealand and Australian farmers. We had some real in-depth discussions on the B word and it’s good to know the JD obsession is alive and well all over the world, including the jigsaws! Who knew? Most of the time they visit Scotland knowing there is a 50% chance of rain and that there is no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing. Having spent most of the summer in hotels, my views on customer service hasn’t changed sadly and the “this would be a great job if it wasn’t for the customers” attitude is alive and well. One of my Australian group took her old pound coins to the Nat West to change for new ones and was told that she would have to take them to a branch of The Bank of England! My other gripe for the summer is the pointless use of plastic! Farmers are blamed for all things global warming but we are not the ones who attach little plastic bags with a spare button to every blouse shirt and dress we buy. I

would recon that less than 0.001% of people use them and the rest throw them in the bin. Supermarkets have done away with cheap small plastic bags, which you could use for dog poo, sandwich bags (not the same one) and dozens of other things, in favour of large thick plastic bags, which fill your drawers, are useless for anything other than your messages and end up getting binned to make space! In the meantime my online delivery (to save on fuel) arrives and despite asking for no bags, has fruit in individual bags, already wrapped chicken in a bag and a turnip wrapped in plastic! The downside of changing our plastic use is that some companies have started using wooden cutlery, which is useless and gives me the heebie jeebies and worst of all MacDonald’s have introduced paper straws! They are horrible and apparently non-recyclable! Come to any farmhouse and you’ll learn more in a day about real food, real savings, multi-use items and a welcoming attitude.

finance Agricultural tenants encouraged to consider succession planning Succession planning is important in any business and no less so for farming businesses, especially where a tenant wishes to pass on the tenancy to another person, normally someone in their extended family. A new guide published today, 26 August 2019, by the Tenant Farming Commissioner, Bob McIntosh, summarises some of the legal basics and outlines the ways in which an agricultural tenancy can be passed on to another person. It includes information on whether, and how, a tenancy might be assigned during a tenant’s lifetime; bequeathing a tenancy and transfer of a tenancy when someone fails to leave a Will. In a nutshell, a tenant can only transfer a tenancy to another individual. Tenancies cannot be transferred to a company, firm or

club, or to two or more people, unless the landlord agrees can’t normally pass the tenancy to just anybody, unless the landlord agrees. Preferential consideration is usually given to ‘near relatives’ can pass on a tenancy in three main ways: as a lifetime assignation; as a testate transfer through a Will, when someone dies, and an intestate transfer (where someone dies without making a Will) where the tenant’s executors may still be able to transfer the tenancy to another person In each of these situations the landlord has certain rights to object; these are described briefly in the new Guide. Speaking about the new guide, Bob McIntosh said, “It’s important for tenants to have a plan in place for assignation or succession to ensure that at the appropriate time,

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they can make way for the next generation. “I strongly recommend that tenants always obtain independent legal advice that’s relevant to their particular circumstances and seek it in good time as some parts of the process are time-sensitive. “Careful thought needs to be given to when and how to make any transfer. “Which route is chosen will depend on individual

circumstances but, generally speaking, making an assignation to a ‘near relative’ during the tenant’s lifetime is likely to be the most straightforward.” Tenants must follow the correct procedures as failure to do so may, in some cases, lead to the tenancy being terminated. Contact Information: Sara Smith, Scottish Land Commission, 01463 423 310 sara.smith@landcommission.gov. scot

H&H Land & Estates Consolidates its Property Operations We have received recent news of the rebranding of H&H Land and Property to H&H Land & Estates which incorporates three of the foremost rural land and property agencies in Cumbria - Michael CL Hodgson, H&H King and recently acquired Smeatons. This is the new identity for one of H&H Group PLC’s key companies, compromising 9 offices, 65 employees and dozens of services for property and landowners across the North of England and Scottish Borders. The role and face of the land agents continues to change and evolve and over recent years the firm has steadily grown, and H&H Land & Estates now has departments covering agricultural services, development and planning, auctioneering, land, farms, rural and residential sales and lettings. This has resulted in the business identifying the need to have a multi-faceted offering across the wide geographical area in which they operate, and to provide a hub for clients and customers to have access to its full range of professional expertise. Managing Director, Colin Tomlinson explains the decision

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to rebrand and the vision for the future: “After consultation we have chosen a name which embraces all areas of the businesses H&H Land & Estates - to unify all areas under one brand with a strong identity. “Choosing to rebrand is never a decision made lightly but in doing so we are responding to the increasing complexity of the land and property sector, the changing face of land agency work, and the increasing diversity of customer requirements. In looking at our vision we are acknowledging our roots, the needs of clients, the changing marketplace and the demands of the industry.” “A farming or rural business may wish to develop environmental schemes, may need advice on farm diversification, or succession planning. It may be considering grant applications, renewable opportunities or utility claims. An owner may have land to let, may be looking for a tenant, or may have a cottage to let. The list is long and never has it been more important that as rural agents we ensure that we provide the appropriate platform of support.”

finance H&H Land & Estate’s new consolidated business divisions across Cumbria, the north east? of England and Scottish Borders can provide all these encompassing services. With decades of expertise and specialism in each department, the teams really do understand the challenges farmers, landowners and rural businesses face on a day-to-day basis. So, whichever

THEMONEYMAN office clients visit, they will have access to a complete portfolio of professional land agency services such as sales, lettings, planning, development, valuations, estate and land management. The H&H Land & Estate’s head office and base for the forestry, development, environmental and planning departments remain at, Borderway, Carlisle.

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Herd Basis Disposals By Charlie Carnegie At the time of writing there is still great uncertainty as whether we shall be leaving the EU with or without a deal, but a no-deal position is looking ever more likely. A summer that started so well with an abundance of grass and silage has now turned out to be far too damp with heavy rain showers and strong winds giving arable farmers great cause for concern. Its an extremely worrying time for all farmers with the Livestock market in particular having a very hard time. Beef producers are struggling to get anywhere near breaking even and cattle are receiving a very bad press from the media, blaming them for much of the planets environmental issues. With such an uncertain future some livestock breeders may be considering either downsizing or giving up production entirely, which will be a huge decision to make as some herds and flocks have taken decades to build up with a few family generations having been involved. If the decision is made then one small crumb of comfort for breeders is that if an election has been made for the Herd Basis to apply then any profit on the sale of the herd or flock shall be free of any tax charge. As long as you are permanently disposing of at least 20% of the herd then the profit shall escape tax and permanently means

that you cannot replace those breeding animals within five years or the tax advantage is reversed. An election has to have been made within a certain time limit from the time it was decided to have a permanent breeding herd or flock and in most cases these elections will have been made many years ago when cattle and sheep prices were very low. The Herd Basis rules are too complex for this short article but in simple terms lets assume you had a herd of 40 cows and 2 bulls which cost £4500 in total 30 years ago then if you maintained the numbers at 42 then the cost of £4500 sits in your Balance Sheet until you decide to dispose of the herd. Assuming you now sell the entire herd for say £42000 then the profit of £37500 is tax free. This is not a decision to be taken lightly as once made it will be extremely unlikely that anyone would decide to go back into breeding in the future.

Charlie Carnegie is a partner in the Perth office of Campbell Dallas and can be contacted on 01738 441888 for any further information

British SxS Championships

The hidden gem that is the British SxS Championships By John Dale The British SxS Championship is fast becoming a hidden gem in the world of motorsport. With a rapidly growing Youth Championship, and a great family atmosphere, John Dale has been to find out what it’s all about.

Photograph by Catherine Simpson

This sport is split into 3 championships; the Polaris British Short Circuit, the Polaris British Enduro, and the latest edition, the Polaris SxS British Youth, which only started back in 2017. Each of the championships have several rounds at purposebuilt sites across the country; including Kettering, Stockton on Tees and Powys in Wales. These four wheeled buggy style vehicles, some with seating for two, (hence the name ‘side by side,’) race and jump around a dirt track, providing what looks to be the same trills and excitement of motocross, but with the comfort and safety of being harnessed into a seat within a roll cage protected vehicle.

The weekend starts on the Saturday morning with practice and qualifying for the Youth teams, which establishes the starting grid position. This is followed by three 15-minute races to determine best times and winners for the round. It’s a great sight watching the 7 to 15-year olds racing their Polaris vehicles with such determination and precision. As the rounds go by you can see the new comers and younger drivers gaining experience as they work their way up the pack. So how did they get into it? I did a paddock walk to find out. Rio Longdon, 14, from Derbyshire, has been racing for a year in Buggy 8. “My Dad and I went to the NEC and saw Lewis

Scotney’s buggy. I had never raced before, but I had a Kart at home and loved the idea of racing” Rio explained. “I love it…the jumps and corner slides are great…my school friends think it’s really cool. Off the track the competitors are all friends and we enjoy meeting up at the weekends”. Looking forward Rio can’t wait to join the Short Track Championship, where he will be up against his Dad, Darren, who also races under number 8. Following the year of bringing Rio to the championships, Darren’s love of motorsport and the persuasion of the other Short circuit racers got the better of him, and now you’ll find Rio’s buggy has been joined by a Polaris RZR on the trailer, and in the cab they normally have family who enjoy watching the cheering on the two of them. Continuing round I find myself talking with SxS Championship racer Joe, number 710. As a youngster amongst the BSCC, Joe found himself too tall to race in the youth championships and did a trial run with the organisers in the full-size Polaris RZR. Proving more than capable, the organisers agreed he could compete alongside the adults in the Polaris Short Circuit. “My friends think it’s great and

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my school have been really supportive of me … allowing me time out to travel to events abroad, when needed.” Now trialling a Polaris RS1 I anticipate some great success for this young racer. Following on from the BSCC and Endruo qualifying, the teams settle down for a night of BBQs and the odd kick about, as they prepare for the racing on Sunday morning. I caught up with SxS Champion Tom Fletcher who believes the sport to be a “…good step up from motocross…it has the trills and excitement, whether you’re exmotocross or just looking for a competitive motorsport, the SxS Championship delivers…” The Polaris SxS Championship has grown and improved year on year and has now become the UK’s premier racing championship for all makes and models of SxS vehicles. With the British Short Circuit Championships attracting entrants from all walks of life, you will certainly find yourself a spot within the SxS Championship circuit. So, plan a great day out, and you’ll find marshals on hand to answer any questions you or your family may have, and who knows, you might be on your way to becoming the next SxS Champion!

machinery Landini Rex 3 – an all-new tractor design for vineyard, fruit and horticultural operations A new Landini compact tractor has been introduced with high power outputs and heavy-duty build for its size to enable it to undertake serious work in confined spaces such as orchards and vineyards, polytunnels and other horticultural situations. The all-new Rex 3 Series comprises three models powered by 55hp, 65hp and 75hp Kohler diesel engines driving through a 16x16 creep mechanical transmission produced by Landini manufacturer Argo Tractors. Adrian Winnett, managing director of Argo Tractors

operations in the UK and Ireland, said: “This is a welcome addition to the Landini tractor range that very effectively bridges the gap between the lighter 2 Series and the bigger, more powerful Rex 4 Series, which is one of Britain’s most popular fruit and narrow specialist crop tractors.” With an overall length of 3.46m and a minimum width of 1.36m, the Landini Rex 3 Series tractors are similar in size to the 44hp to 51hp 2 Series compacts, which are a favourite among soft- and top-fruit growers for towing harvest trailer trains, spraying and other light duties.

But Steve Cann, Landini area sales manager, whose dealers Horsepower UK in Kent and Richard Tooby Farm Services in Herefordshire specialise in tractors for the fruit sector, points out that the new tractor is a much heavier-duty machine. “It’s seriously chunky, with stronger axles and a cast bolster where a 1000kg front linkage and pto assembly will be available,” he says. “The heavier backend and overall build make the tractor capable of handling implements like a flail mulcher, weeding

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and cultivation machinery, and other implements needing more power and lift capacity.” A longer wheelbase and Category 2 rear three-point linkage with almost twice the lift capacity at 2300kg also help in that respect, as does the 50-litre/min open centre hydraulics system, which is supplemented by a 28-litre/min gear pump dedicated to steering. Operators get to work on an open platform with ROPS rollover protection or in an optional low-profile cab with heating, ventilation and air conditioning available.

machinery Patterson ATV appointed Polaris UTV and ATV dealers Polaris are pleased to announce the appointment of Paterson ATV as its newest UTV and ATV dealer. Long established in Dalbeattie and about to open a second branch in Newton Stewart, Patterson ATV has built a strong reputation in Dumfries and Galloway for quality and service. Mark says, “the team at Paterson ATV are really please to be working with Polaris Britain and are excited about

introducing the range of highly capable machines to our existing and new customers from our new base in Newton Stewart…Both the established team and our newly recruited technicians were all impressed on a ride-out we held recently at just how good the New Ranger Diesel is, in particular and at how strong the range is right through from the petrol and electric machines to the youth vehicles and can’t wait to demo these across the region.”

New Pottinger NOVADISC 222 to 352

Pöttinger has redesigned its proven rear-mounted mowers with side pivot mounting: because they are so smooth running, NOVADISC mowers stand for high cost effectiveness. Their low power requirement is due to their lightweight construction. These advantages really come into play on steep inclines, rough ground and when mowing embankments. Thanks to their low power requirement, NOVADISC models 222, 262, 302 and 352 with working widths between 2.2 and

3.46 m can be operated by small tractors from 40 hp upwards. So, these lightweights are particularly suited to smaller farms in hilly terrain. The NOVADISC rear mowers feature a new optimised centre of gravity, ensuring safe and compact road transport. During transport the mower is folded through 102 degrees. This provides a clear view to the rear in both rear-view mirrors. A low transport height is achieved by the hydraulic folding side guard (optional). In (continued on page 100)

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machinery addition, the mower can be stowed vertically using the new parking stand (optional) to save space. The compact driveline and the drive belt tension regulated by a back tension idler ensure robust and reliable power transmission. Pöttinger also adds to the enjoyment of mowing with the latest eye-catching design of the NOVADISC. The NOVADISC rear mowers with side pivot mounting are highly adaptable: The wide + 22/- 30 degree arc of movement enables easy mowing on rough ground and embankments. Mowing up to + 45 degrees by lifting the interlock latch is also possible for short periods. Thanks to the adjustable mounting pins, these mowers can be hitched up to the tractor quickly and easily. The proven lifting system lowers the mower so that the outer end of the cutter bar contacts the ground first. At the headland, the inside end is lifted first, providing optimum protection of the sward.

Strautmann add RC Dalgliesh to their Scottish dealer network

OPICO Ltd is pleased to announce the appointment of R C Dalgliesh Limited to their Strautmann dealer network. R C Dalgliesh Limited is a family run agricultural engineering business that specialises in the sale, service and repair of new and used agricultural and horticultural machinery. Based in Lockerbie, the dealership has gained a wealth of experience over the past thirty five years and enjoys an excellent reputation in the area. They are ideally located to grow the Strautmann franchise in South West Scotland. Commenting, Charles Bedforth, OPICO’s Sales Manager said, “Robbie Dalgliesh and his

team have a proven history of selling and servicing forage and feeder wagons. They cover a mixed farming area, with a strong dairy tradition, and we are delighted to have them on board.” Robbie Dalgliesh, Managing Director for R C Dalgliesh added, “The market-leading Strautmann range of forage wagons and diet feeders is a valuable addition to our machinery portfolio. We pride ourselves on supplying our customers with first class service and support. Our fully trained mechanics are already fully up-tospeed with the Strautmann product range and personally, along with my team, I’m looking forward to getting the machines out to our customers for demonstrations.”

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machinery New Vario Volume system ensures flexible container volume for BvL mixer wagons Bernard van Maschinenfabrik & Co. KG (BvL) has introduced a new Vario Volume extension system as an option for almost all its range of trailed mixer wagons. The Vario Volume attachment is hydraulically raised to increase the container volume by approx. 30 cm. This effectively increases the volume in a twin auger mixer by up to 3.5 m3. When the feed is mixed and chopped, the Vario Volume extension can then be lowered again in order to be able to drive into low or restricted height buildings if necessary. For components that require a lot of space when mixing, such as straw bales, etc., the Vario Volume is a useful aid as it

simply and effectively prevents feed components from spilling over the container edge.

The new BvL Vario Volume extension can also be fitted to feed mixers with a rear-mounted 2.0 straw blower. The straw blower is mechanically driven and has a

high throughput of about 300 kg of straw per minute, which can be thrown up to 30m. The stone trap and the softstart aid, round off the straw blower product range.

Europe’s first John Deere 9900i goes to Northern Ireland The first John Deere 9900i selfpropelled forage harvester to be sold in Europe has been hard at work in Northern Ireland for contractor Lagan Brothers of Moneymore in County Londonderry. Started in 2003, the business is run by Michael Lagan and his brothers Seamus and Paul, with father James and younger brother Noel also taking an interest. Supplied by local John Deere dealer Johnston Gilpin & Co of Lisburn after a ‘Golden Key’ handover at the Zweibrücken factory in Germany, the powerful 970hp 9900i is the biggest of the new 9000 Series self-propelled foragers launched by John Deere last year. Key features of the range include a new V12 Liebherr engine on the top three models, a new

high performance XStream kernel processor and the latest precision farming technology, including the new HarvestLab 3000 constituent sensing system, with the focus very much on forage quality. Michael Lagan, who operates the 9900i, says: “We needed to upgrade our two year old John Deere 8800i with a more powerful machine. Each year we harvest around 7000 acres of grass and 70 per cent of that is destined for biogas plants. These plants require finely chopped material down to 4mm that is easily digested, so we made the decision to upgrade to a machine with more power and more knives – 64, compared to 56 on our previous model. “It’s more or less the same physical size as the 8800i, but you certainly feel the difference (continued on page 104)

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machinery the bigger engine makes. The grass goes through with ease and the extra knives leave a nice fine chop in the trailer. It’s proved to be a great machine, so investing in the 9900i was the perfect business decision for us.” Michael also highlights the importance of John Deere’s HarvestLab sensor, which accurately measures dry matter and other constituents in real time. All the data, including crop yield per field, is displayed to the operator inside the cab. “We’ve used the system for a number of years now and find it extremely useful in keeping us informed about crop quality and yield,” he says. “Another handy feature is that we use it on the dribble bar when spreading slurry. Here it can give us information such as nitrogen content and works out how much slurry we can apply per hectare to keep within the recommended guidelines and ground requirements.”

Ideal for: - Clearing woodland rides and bracken - Cutting fire breaks in heather on moorland - Contract and clearance work for gorse and rubbish Made in Britain

Foster's range of heavy duty ROTARY SLASHERS and SUPER SCRUB CUTTERS are the ideal machine for the clearance of gorse, heather, bracken and rushes. From 40HP to 150HP+ there is a machine to suit your requirements.

- Cutting wetland rushes

GG2000 Super Scrubcutter fitted with cutting chains and rear deflector

For a leaflet or more info and advice contact: Sales Tel : 07901 338473 email: sales@fostersalescompany.co.uk website: www.fostersalescompany.co.uk 104

The Air Compressor and Pressure Washer Specialists

Manufacturers and suppliers, W Bateman & Co has an enviable reputation for manufacturing and supplying both domestic and industrial pressure washers and air compressors. Nationwide DELIVERY on all orders

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01772 862948 email: sales@bateman-sellarc.co.uk www.bateman-sellarc.co.uk

machinery The all-new RANGER Diesel from Polaris Polaris has introduced the all-new RANGER Diesel for 2019, developed specifically for markets in Europe, Middle East, Africa, Australia and New Zealand. Debuting in dealerships this spring, the new RANGER Diesel redefines refinement with the introduction of a brandnew diesel engine and updated chassis, along with superior levels of comfort, handling and driving capabilities that make it even more durable, dependable and capable. Rodrigo Lourenco, Vice President and General Manager of Polaris Off-Road Vehicles EMEA, said: “We’re very excited to launch the new RANGER Diesel this year. We’ve taken the proven attributes of the existing RANGER Diesel model and upgraded almost every aspect so it’s tougher, more reliable and can tackle anything thrown its way. It’s the result of two years of research and development, fuelled by direct customer feedback and in-depth usage analysis; with a new engine and a new chassis, it is built for hard work.” The new RANGER Diesel is made to perform to the highest standards for years to come. The all-new three-cylinder Kubota diesel engine is the most powerful engine in its class, delivering 24.8 horsepower and 40.8 ft.lb of torque. Paired with more consistent power and better torque distribution for a smoother ride, the new engine offers a lower cost of ownership

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machinery thanks to over 200 hours between service intervals, plus a longer filter life and less oil consumption. With the highest top speed in its class of 65kph, the RANGER DIESEL is built for the heavy-duty long haul. The exterior design captures the essence of RANGER, boasting an aggressive style with its allnew one-piece chassis. More rugged throughout with reduced flex, the new chassis design is even more robust for an improved ride. Internally, the RANGER Diesel has enhanced ergonomics for ultimate comfort; the wider chassis seats three people with plusher seats, increased storage, and more legroom to get in and out of the vehicle easily. With all improvements being the result of customer usage analysis and feedback, the new RANGER Diesel has been developed for less engine noise in-cab and upgraded technology like a new digital gauge for a refined look and feel.

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machinery Online services for KUHN machines up to 20 years old Interactive parts catalogues and operators’ manuals for KUHN machines up to 20 years old can now be accessed through the company’s MyKUHN online customer portal. Any owner or operator can now obtain essential information for maintenance and repairs, simply by registering a machine’s serial number on the site, even when purchasing used equipment. “There’s perhaps a tendency to assume services such as MyKUHN apply only to the new machinery buyer,” says KUHN UK managing director Siân Pritchard, “but the facility is arguably even more valuable to those purchasing a used machine. Having instant access to a userfriendly parts catalogue and up

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machinery to date operator’s manual should give buyers greater confidence and make any ongoing servicing a lot easier and more costeffective.” The MyKUHN online customer portal was first launched in the UK in 2018 and is free to access via any PC, smartphone or tablet where there is access to the internet. In addition to 24/7 technical support, the portal improves KUHN’s post-sales customer service by offering a click and collect genuine spare parts service through local dealers. It also provides a wide range of associated advice and guidance and advanced notice on special offers, product improvements, events and new machine launches. Once registered to use MyKUHN, customers can tailor the type and level of information they receive by customising their own preferences according to their areas of interest. In this

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way, users will be able to build their own library of content and will only receive information that

is of specific relevance to their machinery fleet or applicable to their farming operations.

For more information, or to sign up, go to www.mykuhn.com/ uk

CLAAS launch new 2nd generation LEXION HYBRID Originally introduced in 1995, the CLAAS LEXION revolutionised the way that arable crops are harvested and became the benchmark for cost efficient, high output harvesting of cereals and other crops. Now, 24 years later, CLAAS has announced the introduction of a complete new 2nd generation of LEXION HYBRID combine harvesters. Ten years in development, 1 million hours of development time and with over 6,000 hours of endurance testing, the new LEXION APS SYNFLOW HYBRID range has been completely redesigned from

the ground up to handle all crops and conditions. About 66% of parts are completely different to the current outgoing HYBRID model, which currently accounts for around 75% of all hybrid and rotary combines sold in the UK. Two versions of the LEXION APS SYNFLOW HYBRID are available. The new LEXION 8000 is a wide body machine that comprises three models, including a new flagship 790hp LEXION 8900 model, making this the world’s most powerful production combine, that can be used with the latest 13.8m (45 ft) wide VARIO cutterbar, plus there are a further

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five models in the new narrow body LEXION 7000 range. As part of the development programme for the new LEXION, currently there are about 220 preseries machines working across 10 countries worldwide, including in the UK, which have consistently demonstrated increases in output of around 10% when compared on a like-for-like basis with current models. At the heart of the LEXION HYBRID has been the APS threshing system and it has been the development of the new APS SYNFLOW that is the key to this increase in harvesting capacity.

machinery Other new features include more powerful engines, bigger grain tanks, larger concaves, greater separation control, a new drive system and faster unloading. The operator also benefits from a larger cab, with touchscreen CEBIS, full CEMOS AUTOMATIC and a completely new yield monitoring system. As with current HYBRID models, the new APS SYNFLOW primary threshing system is designed to thresh out 70% of grain, leaving 30% to be removed by the ROTO PLUS secondary separation system. Central to the APS SYNFLOW primary system is a new 755mm diameter threshing drum, which is some 26% larger than the current 600mm drum found on the LEXION 780, and is fitted with 10 rasp bars, compared to 8. Alongside this is a new 600mm diameter feed drum, which is 57% larger than before and the same size as the threshing drum on current LEXION models.

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machinery John Deere updates combines for 2020 John Deere has announced a number of combine updates for the 2020 season, with the focus on increased throughput, automation and easier operation. All the new updates can be ordered from dealers now. The S-Series combine’s automatic regulation of forward speed, HarvestSmart, has been optimised and integrated with the Interactive Combine Adjustment system ICA2. In situations where ICA2 cannot achieve the required grain sample due to high levels of chaff or broken grain, or it exceeds the set loss rate, ICA2 automatically adjusts the HarvestSmart system and the combine’s speed just as the driver would normally do. At

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the same time, engine load is maintained at the desired level for maximum harvest efficiency. To prove the combine’s automation and smooth grain handling features, John Deere will guarantee S700 Series customers a broken grain content of less than one per cent in wheat for the 2020 harvest. If the proportion is higher, the customer will receive compensation for these losses equivalent to the price per tonne of lost grain. Farmers and contractors who would like to participate can find more information and register online at www.deere.co.uk/en/campaigns/ ag-turf/grain-quality-guaranteed/. Side winds can have an enormous effect on the

distribution of combine residues, so it will be possible on S700 Series machines for 2020 for the angle of spread to be adjusted automatically. Using GPS, the new AutoSwap system detects the combine’s direction of travel and automatically mirrors the broadcast pattern once the combine turns at the headland and moves in the opposite direction. Improvement in chop quality is also enabled by remote adjustment of the counter knife. The operator can easily assess chop quality from the comfort of the cab by checking the combine’s reversing camera, and set the counter knife position from the seat.

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The previous introduction of the ActiveYield automatic yield sensor removed the need for manual yield calibrations and relieved the operator of the stress and time involved in waiting to get results, while also increasing their accuracy. From 2020, this system will be supplemented with an even more precise humidity sensor. This will result in a considerable improvement in data collection, especially for both low and high grain moisture contents. Calibration intervals plus yield and humidity data will be recorded along with other important information on the combine’s documentation software.

rural style

“As Scotland’s oldest bespoke tailor, Stewart Christie & Co Ltd, we have looked back through 300 years of design and textiles to dress estates across Scotland and the UK. Now bringing classic shapes and silhouettes from our historic archives, we dress the 21st century man and woman, ghillie and gamekeeper, family and friends to bridge the gap between generations and to keep Scottish tweeds, woollens and textiles alive.”

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rural style

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PEOPLE ON THE MOVE

Stephen Young Scottish Land & Estates, the rural business organisation, has appointed a new Head of Policy. Stephen Young joins SLE from the Scottish Agricultural Organisation Society (SAOS), where he was project manager. In his new role, Stephen will be responsible for managing SLE’s policy team at its Musselburgh HQ, as well as leading development of SLE’s policy positions and guiding the provision of member advice. Stephen studied Rural Business Management at Aberdeen University and went on to work in an assistant manager’s role at the Borders Machinery Ring, dealing with member requests and purchasing farm inputs on their behalf. From there, Stephen joined SAOS, the umbrella body for agricultural co-ops in Scotland, where he was tasked with providing co-operative solutions for a wide range of industry issues as well as facilitating three monitor farms and benchmarking groups for farmers. Stephen also acted as a key representative of the co-op industry, helping them to understand and deal with legislative issues.

Stewart Johnston Stewart Johnston, former head of the Scottish Government’s Rural Payments and Inspections Directorate for Grampian, has joined Galbraith Aberdeen as a farm consultant. Galbraith is one of the leading land agents in Scotland and has recently expanded into the north of England. The firm handles the sale of farms and land valued at £150m per annum and has an established rural consultancy division managing or advising on 3.5 million acres. Tom Stewart, a partner with Galbraith in Aberdeen, said: “We are delighted that Stewart is joining us as a farm consultant. His expertise over more than 20 years will prove a significant asset to our existing clients and will enable us to broaden the services we offer to farmers and landowners. He is well known in the north east of Scotland and is the fourth generation of his family to farm a mixed holding with livestock and crops”.

Alistair Black In recognition of the importance of the sheep industry in the Scottish Borders, Harrison & Hetherington have announced the appointment of Alistair Black as Head of Sheep sales at Newtown St Boswells Auction Mart. Originally from a family farm in West Lothian and having worked in various agricultural roles in the Scottish Borders which included Sheep Procurement for Dunbia, Alistair will be a familiar face to farmers. In making this new appointment, which will be primarily a field based service, Harrison & Hetherington are demonstrating their commitment to sheep farmers across the south of Scotland. Commenting on his new role, Alistair said: “The Borders area is renowned for having some of the best sheep farms in the UK and recognised for producing first class stock. The industry boasts exceptional health status and it’s important this continues to safeguard our industry from future challenges”.

Page Turner’s

BOOK REVIEW North Coast Journey: The Magic of Scotland’s Northern Highlands by Brigid Benson

The dramatic landscapes of the northern Highlands have been a constant source of inspiration to poets, artists, and ordinary folk for centuries. The massy heights of Torridon rising straight from the sea, the solitary peaks of Assynt or the constant play of light on land and sea have produced meditations on this landscape that tend towards the sublime. Writer and photographer Brigid Benson now follows in the footsteps of MacCaig and his ilk with a new book that captures the essence of this breathtaking part of Scotland. Benson’s stunning photographs and enticing prose capture both the wonder of this ancient landscape and the vibrancy of its modern communities. She knows both the land and its people intimately and guides the reader on an unforgettable journey through its passes and gorges, moorlands and mountains, bays and islets. Scotland’s northern highlands have become a global destination, thanks in part to the promotion of the North Coast 500 route. This has been both a blessing and curse for local communities, and the route also presents severe challenges to visitors. Benson’s route diverges from the official path, running anticlockwise around the coastline. She begins in Inverness, weaves westwards to Applecross and then northwards

towards Torridon. From Ullapool it leads to the most northerly points in Britain, passing by Caithness and John o’ Groats before heading south through Dingwall and returning to its startpoint. To alleviate pressure to make the circuit at breakneck speed with time for little more than snapping selfies by the roadside, Benson breaks the route into manageable stages. She suggests where to discover history, observe wildlife, meet great local characters, shop at quirky stores, taste outstanding food, drink in friendly bars and cafes, stand in awe of amazing sights, and recommends places to picnic, swim, surf, walk and stargaze. The book contains essential planning advice for those about to set out on their own north coast journey. Travellers are reminded to respect both local traffic and the degree of difficulty of the driving on single-track or precipitous roads. Packing tips, reading lists, detours, and special ‘curiosities’ are all included. This is a book for armchair travellers, too. The northern highlands are set forth here in all their lights, shadows, seasons and beauty. North Coast Journey: The Magic of Scotland’s Northern Highlands by Brigid Benson is published this month by Birlinn (£16.99, paperback) www.birlinn.co.uk