Farming Scotland Magazine (March - April 2019)

Scotland’s national farming & rural lifestyle magazine

Tuathanachas Alba

magazine

Balers Sprayers Irrigation Fencing Northern Shooting Show Scottish Wildcat Action Beef Expo 2019 Made in Scotland Cairn O’Mohr Winery In Focus Gladman Scotland

Farming Travel Guide Scotland Fochabers, Findhorn & Forres

New to Market With Pronar UK Ltd

£3.50

Topic Farm Research & Development

April 2019

World Farming Croatia

Interview with Patrick Krause Country Woman Featuring Fiona Tweedie plus Trainview Talk s Book Serial Part 2 Scottish Country Life s Beatha an Eilean s SWI including our regular news sections and columns

contents

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April 2019

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30

73

MAIN FEATURES

IN FOCUS

NEWS

20 32 40 63 72 74 98

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6 11 18 27 46 52 56 59 62 65 68 76 78 80 81 84 100 109 110 112

Sprayers Irrigation Balers Fencing Northern Shooting Show Scottish Wildcat Action Beef Expo 2019

FLAVOUR OF SCOTLAND 15

COOKING WITH LAMB 17

With Wendy Barrie

WORLD FARMING 28

Croatia

MADE IN SCOTLAND 30

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Diary by James Cameron

EXOTIC FARMING The Exotic Aberdeen Angus

BOOK SERIAL 66

Part 2 of ‘Calum’s Road’

SCOTTISH COUNTRY LIFE 77

With Linda Mellor

NEW TO MARKET 82

Cairn O’Mohr Winery

TOPIC 34

TRAINVIEW TALK

50

The Galloway Pie!

Gladman Scotland

Research & Development

With Pronar UK Ltd

COUNTRY WOMAN 104 Featuring Fiona Tweedie

INTERVIEW

BEATHA AN EILEAN

35

106 Life on the Islands

With Patrick Krause

TRAVEL GUIDE 36

Fochabers, Findhorn & Forres

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

SWI 107 Cooking up a Storm!

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

Arable Potatoes Food EU News Beef Livestock Dairy Sheep Pigs Future Farmer Estate Forestry Environment Renewable Energy Science & Technology Machinery Finance Horses @Home Lifestyle

COLUMNS 6 7 10 13 14 16 19

Editor’s Bit In my view R.S.A.B.I. Hutton Institute Crofting Farmers Market Scottish Government

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

74 48 55 57 61 69 70 79 103 105 109 114

Quality Meat Scotland The Vet NFU Scotland N.S.A. Scotland Scottish Land & Estates Conservation Matters Farming for the Climate The Money Man Southern Belle Equine Angle People on the Move

114 Book Review

SUBSCRIPTION 108 Order your own copy here.

Now taking card payments by phone.

NEXT ISSUE Out on 1st May featuring: Royal Highland Show Preview, Scottish Game Fair, Cereals 2019, Milkjing & Dairy Equipment, Potato Equipment and much more.

ADVERTISING Please call 01738 639747.

We will be delighted to hear from you and help in any way we can.

COVER IMAGE: Green tree growing from bulb.

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

Scottish cereal farmers call for spring barley competition

We are growing!

I am delighted to announce that from now on, Farming Scotland magazine will be available in every single Livestock Market in Scotland, and that will also include the seasonal markets when they are open.

We are also now available in six markets covering the north of England down as far as Aklington and Kirkby Stephen.

We have also spread our wings to cover Northern Ireland with six markets taking copies of the magazine.

Perhaps not “Tomorrow the world” but we are delighted to announce this expansion to our growing distribution network, which will make the magazine easier to find once sold out in your local newsagent.

We also have a couple of new features being launched in this issue.

‘Trainview Talk’ is a diary page of life with livestock by James Cameron, while ‘Made in Scotland’ will be a regular feature promoting locally sourced produce that is of 100% Scottish origin.

We also bring you a news area for ‘Food news’ from all around the UK and farther afield, as we continue to take an outward looking approach to all stories relating to farming and food production that may be of interest to Scottish farmers and our rural readership.

So I hope that you enjoy this Spring issue of Farming Scotland, and we’ll be back in May with our Royal Highland Show Preview edition, see you then.

Slàinte, Athole.

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Scottish cereal growers are working with ADAS on adding a new spring barley category to the national yield competition– the Yield Enhancement Network (YEN).

At the inaugural meeting of the Scottish YEN Growers Group – funded and facilitated by AHDB – the members discussed how a new spring barley category, which focused on grain quality as well as yield, would give them a better understanding of the crop, and get more Scottish growers taking on YEN. Scottish Group Chair, Aberdeenshire farmer, Peter Chapman explains: “We’ve really gotten a lot out of YEN over the past few years, you get such detailed information on the crop you are growing that you are then able to make changes to your management which results in genuine improvements to yield.

“However, I know that up here a category dedicated to spring barley would allow us to make even bigger improvements both in terms of yield and grain quality.”

As well as in depth technical support and free soil and grain testing, farmers taking part in the YEN can also enter the national competition which awards

prizes not just for the highest yield but to those farmers getting closest to their own farm’s yield potential.

It’s thanks to this success that the Scottish YEN Growers Group has been formed, consisting

of farmers competing in YEN, agronomists supporting the competition, and representatives from AHDB and ADAS. Registration for YEN 2019 is now open, more information can be found at www.yen.adas.co.uk

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In my view

arable New Biostimulant products produce excellent results in 2018 drought conditions

By John Cameron Balbuthie, Kilconquhar, Fife

A range of views!

British biotechnology company, AminoA Biostimulants launched their new liquid range of biostimulant products In July 2017, so harvest 2018 was an excellent test of their performance in extreme conditions.

AminoA FLO is a highly concentrated l-isomer aminoacid complex developed for the large scale arable farmer, and is manufactured in the UK. It contains synthetics and the latest crop penetrant technology to make it suitable for mixing with other agrochemicals.

There are no restrictions on its use, apart from in organics, and it is competitively priced against comparable products. It is recommended for use in all fungicidal tank-mixes at a rate of 1 litre ha.

In the case of severely stressed crops or to encourage protein synthesis in Wheat, pod fill in OSR or other key target growth stages it is recommended to apply 2.5 litres ha.

The Company have also launched AminoA GRO, a liquid L-isomer amino-acid complex formulated from vegetal source material and fluvic acid to maximise plant uptake. AminoA

GRO is fully approved for use in Organics. The recommended application rate is between 2-5 litres ha. ‘’Our products are deliberately designed to have broad spectrum activity as they contain every essential aminoacid that plants synthesise throughout their growth cycle.

Therefore, if applied to the plant at any stage from sowing to maturity they can contribute positively to yield and quality if the plant is not already producing an optimal level of amino-acids itself.

We are satisfied that repeated use of our products in combination with other agrochemicals will enhance their effectiveness and produce a yield response in the crop.

Most of our customers are conventional arable farmers who have realised that the judicious use of biostimulants can boost yields and profits whilst at the same time sustaining the fragile ecosystem in our soils.

We have been delighted to work with Triton Farms across their 5000 acres in the UK (including 1500 acres near Kelso), and it is very rewarding to see that they have achieved

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The title of this column is ‘in my view’. Well for this edition I am going to give you the view of others in this industry whose views I respect and believe they should be listened to at this time.

Firstly however an overview of the first week of the annual Stirling Bull Sales. With the exception of the Aberdeen Angus – breed averages were markedly down.

What is perhaps more worrying is the number of bulls which were unsold.

Even the Angus clearance rate was less than three quarters of bulls presented.

I mention these sales – not to favour any particular breed – but to indicate what I believe to be a reflection of a lack of confidence for the future, caused by the present Brexit saga and its possible effect on our industry.

The present prime cattle trade is well back on the 2018 price level and that ‘doyen’ of finishing cattle Jim Brown of Airdrie is of the opinion that ‘Scotch’ premium beef has virtually disappeared. Again the worrying feature is that although cattle producers’ costs have risen substantially for both feed and bedding the end price of beef shows no sign of any proportionate increase.

The long term Eurofile Journalist, Richard Wright has

recently drawn attention to the lobby from the USA to try to weaken the food quality standards in the UK. That would include the use of hormones in beef, the use of GM crops and what they maintain to be an over cautious use of pesticides.

These of course were all achieved in the context of EU policy and are part of our general promotion campaign to our consumers. What happens when – or if – we leave the EU will be up to the UK Government to decide on any new trade deals and on where priority lies between agriculture and food prices.

Finally I read that my good friend Jeremy Moody of the Central association of Agricultural Valuers is speculating that any proposals to protect Hill Farmers from the proposed LFA cuts would logically come from BPS recipients on the better quality agricultural land.

Moody is an experienced operator on both Brexit and CAP negotiations – but if he is correct in his views, the possible damage to industry harmony and income will certainly not help total output.

I apologise to readers for being somewhat negative in this edition – perhaps by the time the next one is published things may be better – but they may not?!

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arable farm record yields with a very low input system.’’ Richard Phillips Managing Director AminoA Ltd. AminoA FLO applied as a foliar spray on emerging seedlings has really been a game changer for late sown crops and enabled them to establish vigorously.

The programme used successfully at Triton Farms this season, in OSR and WW was 3 applications of 2 litres of AminoA FLO. For crops sown at traditional timings it is important to make applications in the Autumn before growth stops and then again as early as possible in the Spring. For late sown crops apply as soon as the crop has emerged and there is sufficient leaf area to take up the product.

AminoA Biostimulants are available direct or through selected distributors, for more information see www.aminoa. co.uk call 01633894300 or email enquiries@aminoa.co.uk

Barley opportunities for growing whisky exports Spiralling demand for Scotch whisky in overseas markets means distillers, maltsters and growers all have an opportunity to gear up output. But growing the right type of variety will be key.

Those were the main messages from an inaugural malting barley conference held in Fife recently, organised by plant breeder Syngenta.

Speaking at the event, Keith Headridge, commercial director for Scotgrain, the grain procurement division of Bairds Malt, said that while UK whisky consumption is static, increasing demand is being predicted in many areas of the world, and distillers are increasing spirit production.

“With spirit for Scotch whisky having to be laid down

for a minimum of three years, or much longer in the case of premium products, which can be 12 to 30 years or even longer in some instances, distillers take a long term view,” said Mr Headridge. “The last few years have seen significant increases in both production and the number of new distilleries being commissioned.

“Distillers are building new capacity and laying down stock for longer in anticipation of increased demand for aged Scotch whisky. This process cannot be accelerated.”

In line with this, Mr Headridge said Bairds is

boosting its malting capacity with a £50 million investment in new plants at its existing sites in Arbroath and Inverness. All the malting barley required to meet this increase will be “sown, grown and malted in Scotland”, he added.

Due to be completed in 2019 and 2022 respectively, he said these new plants will add to the company’s other malting facility at Pencaitland, east of Edinburgh - taking Bairds’ total Scottish malting capacity from 200,000 to 300,000 tonnes a year, and Scotland’s total annual malting barley requirement to around 950,000 tonnes.

Online spring crop protection resource launched ADAMA Agricultural Solutions UK has launched an online precision crop protection resource to provide arable growers with up-to-date advice on how best to protect barley and wheat crops from key disease threats this spring.

The new Precision Crop Protection knowledge hub will provide a wealth of useful information, all of which has been designed to enable arable growers to deal effectively and efficiently with the key diseases affecting barley and wheat.

The key message throughout the hub will be that growers need to use a diversity of modes of action in their spring spray programmes, not only to provide robust protection against disease

threats, but also to prolong the effective life of key SDHIs, azoles and strobilurins which are under increasing pressure from sensitivity shifts and resistance.

The hub will provide weekly crop management advice and seasonal updates on a range of topics: from the prevention and cure of key barley diseases such as rhynchosporium, ramularia and net blotch, to septoria in wheat, and will include the latest industry thoughts on how, when and what to use at the key crop protection timings.

Subscription to the Precision Crop Protection spring hub is totally free and can be accessed via www.adama.com/uk/en/precisioncrop-protection-hub

Next Issue FARMING SCOTLAND MAGAZINE May 2019 8

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arable Lessons learnt in 2018 highlight the importance of good spring barley establishment

By Paul Tinson

An extremely challenging spring in 2018 has highlighted the importance of optimising crop establishment in spring barley, notes leading plant breeders Limagrain UK. Despite the topsy-turvy spring, there were success stories, with good yields achieved where growers used windows of opportunity in both early March and April to drill into good seedbeds and plenty of moisture, says Ron Granger, Limagrain’s arable technical manager.

However where these chances weren’t taken, rapidly drying seed-beds towards the end of the drilling window in April saw crops establish poorly and suffer as a consequence, particularly on heavier soils.

It is known that drilling in late February or early March can boost yield potential, so growers should aim to drill earlier if the season allows.

“My view is that drilling should not be delayed if both weather and soil conditions allow for rapid emergence and unchecked plant growth.

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“If growers are pushed later, like we saw in 2018, it’s vital to wait for the right seed-bed conditions to allow good crop establishment. The last thing you want is for a crop to start growing, run out of moisture and grind to a halt,” explains Mr Granger.

Flexible seed rates In addition to getting drilling date spot on, seed rates were also important for optimising yield in 2018, particularly as many crops were not established well into April.

Mr Granger says flexibility is key when calculating spring barley seed rates and Limagrain trials have shown a good starting point for most varieties is 350 seeds/ m2 when sown into optimum conditions in mid-March.

This should be adjusted down if drilling earlier and in very good conditions. Conversely, growers need to push up seed rates when drilling after the end of March, as varieties have less time to tiller and reach the optimum final ear count of 775 ears/m2.

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Last autumn Doug Avery, a New Zealand Farmer toured Scotland delivering his message to farmers that it’s okay not to be okay. Doug suffered from depression after an eight year long drought where he found himself working harder for less. He found himself slipping into debt and desperation. “I always thought someone should do something about that….then I realised I am someone.”

Doug sees similarities with Scottish and New Zealand farmers, the thinking that working hard will get them there in the end. Doug advises farmers to step back and ‘work smart.’

Farmers can spend a lot of time worrying and concerning themselves with things they can’t influence like Brexit, sale prices and the weather to name a few. “It is important that farmers concentrate their energy on the things they can influence, like how to make their business strong. “

RSABI – Stay Well Farm Well He encourages farmers to embrace change. “There is winning and learning; failing or losing is only when nothing has been learned. It is the periods of adversity where the greatest learning can occur.”

RSABI has seen a six fold increase in the amount of working farmers and crofters seeking support since April 2018.

Nina Clancy the CEO urged farmers to contact the charity if they are struggling.

She said: “The feedback from the tour has been phenomenal. I would like to thank Doug for highlighting the importance of farmers’ health and well-being for all the family, and for the business too. I hope that people will not ignore signs that things are not going so well and that they will seek the support they need.

RSABI supports people in Scottish agriculture emotionally, practically and financially. Helpline 0300 111 4166

potatoes Tong announces new next generation Barrel Washer Tong Engineering has announced its next generation Barrel Washer as the company continues to advance its complete range of vegetable washing solutions.

Built with efficiency, reliability and ease of maintenance in mind, Tong’s proven barrel washer design has been enhanced with a number of new and advanced features as standard.

Tong’s Blue Inverter Technology continues to play a pivotal role in ensuring maximum energy efficiency and minimal maintenance on Tong barrel washers. One of the key advances in the new barrel washer design is a new direct-drive, invertercontrolled barrel drive shaft with heavy duty coupling.

“By replacing the chain and sprocket drive system with a new direct-driven shaft, we have really made a significant development in the simplicity, and ultimately longevity, of the barrel washer’s drive system,” explains Edward. “Our Blue Inverter technology direct drive systems mean power from the motor is being used efficiently, with no reductions and fewer moving parts, resulting in a very energy efficient and low maintenance machine.”

An all-new washer door will now bring users even greater control of crop flow from the washer, with a unique split-door design that is easily and fully adjustable via electric actuators.

Like the new barrel shaft drive

system, this new door design also ensures a chain and sprocket-free mechanism that is exceptionally efficient and very low maintenance.

The next generation Tong barrel washer also features a new, thicker stainless steel barrel drum. As standard, all new Tong barrel washers will be fitted with the new stainless steel drum, which is uniquely perforated for the gentlest handling of crop.

Alongside the introduction of the above features as standard, Tong’s new barrel washer will also be available to order with a number of new and advanced options to further-increase the specification of the washer to suit specific requirements.

A simplified top-shaft design

incorporating Cooper split bearings will now be available as an option to eliminate the need for shaft removal when changing bearings, making maintenance even easier. Other new features include the option of a new heavy-duty direct-driven auger, a newly designed floatingdebris remover, and centralised greasing point; all with minimal maintenance and maximum performance in mind.

Manufactured in barrel lengths ranging from 1.2m – 5m and barrel widths from 600mm – 1500mm, the Tong Barrel Washer can be specified as a stand-alone unit or integrated into a new or existing handling line. The washer is available in a wide range of

specifications as standard, or can be fully customised to suit exact washing requirements to suit all throughputs, however large or small.

“The new design developments on Tong barrel washers are bringing users an unrivalled washing solution that is even more advanced than ever before,” says Edward. “Our next generation Barrel Washer design, alongside our proven Auto-Touch HMI controls which include intelligent diagnostics and safety modules, mean when our customers choose a Tong washer, they can be sure of a high-performance, low maintenance machine that brings optimum washing results.”

Your produce will stay fresher for longer with our wide range of energy efficient storage solutions

BRADLEY REFRIGERATION LTD 929 Abbeydale Road Sheffield S7 2QD Tel: SHEFFIELD 0114 553 7780 Email: agriculture@bradley-refrigeration.com www.bradley-refrigeration.com

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potatoes New online granule nematicide training module launched With potato planting in mind, the launch of the second granule nematicide training course module is set to help operators and growers refresh their knowledge on best practice use of nematicides.

The new module, developed by the NIAB training platform, ARTIS, explores in detail the stewardship steps that should be taken when applying these products, while offering BASIS and NRoSO points for participants.

Patrick Mitton, chair of the Nematicide Stewardship Programme (NSP), explains this free module is a welcome addition to the suite of NSP-funded online courses, which aim to ensure these important products are being used responsibly.

“The course is suitable for all farm staff and operators who apply nematicides, to ensure that they’re applied efficiently, accurately and safely,” he says.

“The module explains how to reduce the risk to the operator. It also explores how to minimise the environmental impact of nematicides, including implementing an environmental checklist, the process of cleaning down the equipment and post application field assessment,” he says.

By commissioning this project, the NSP aims to help raise awareness of the NSP protocol among a wide range of people and ensure that a permanent training resource is available.

“These products are vital to the UK potato industry and

by adopting these practices we hope that they will be available for many seasons to come,” says Patrick.

To sign up to the granule nematicide e-learning course visit the NSP website: nspstewardship. co.uk.

Tong expands dealer network with new appointments in the UK and overseas As part of the company’s continued focus on providing the highest levels of customer service, sales and aftersales support throughout the UK and overseas, Tong Engineering is pleased to announce a number of new representative appointments in its home and export markets.

Currently exporting to over 50 countries worldwide, Tong has recently appointed sales and engineering professional Eddy

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Deschuymer to develop sales of the company’s advanced range of potato and vegetable grading, washing and handling equipment in the French, Belgian and Dutch markets.

“We are very pleased to welcome Eddy on board our expanding network of dealers and representatives in our export markets,” says Charlie Rich, Export Sales Manager at Tong Engineering. “Over the years we have built some very strong

relationships with customers in France and bordering countries.

Having a new dedicated representative to focus on taking care of these customers and developing relationships with new customers, will allow us to be even more responsive to those market demands. In addition, Eddy is fluent in speaking the language of each country, which will be invaluable to improving our communication with our market.”

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Based in Kortrijk, Belgium, Eddy will be responsible for visiting customers to discuss their handling equipment requirements, generating new business leads whilst providing local sales and service support for existing customers.

“I am very proud to be representing Tong; a wellrespected and Internationally expanding equipment manufacturer,” says Eddy. “Due to my previous roles within the

potatoes

Get digging! Best Soil in Show 2019 now open for entries

industry, I already have many connections with customers of Tong, and look forward to building these relationships and working closely with customers as they look to increase the efficiency of their handling processes with advanced equipment from Tong.”

Closer to home in the UK, Ken Jackson, of Jackson Machinery Services near Taunton, has been appointed official dealer for Tong Engineering in Somerset.

“Ken is a very well-known agricultural machinery specialist in the South West of England,

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Farmers: show us your soil!

If you’re doing all you can to ensure it’s healthy and fit for purpose, then it could be a candidate for the James Hutton Institute’s Best Soil in Show competition, which is now open for entries.

The Institute and partners NFUS and the Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs are offering cash prizes in this year’s competition, as well as the Best Soil in Show trophy and a full soil analysis.

Grass pasture - as well as arable soils - are in scope, and the competition is open to all farmers across Scotland, with an additional category for Young Farmers.

Judges will assess all entries on their physical and chemical properties and look at the husbandry as much as the inherent cultivability of the soil type, to identify the winner on the 21st of June at this year’s Royal Highland Show.

Professor Colin Campbell, Chief Executive of the James Hutton Institute, said: “Best Soil in Show aims to highlight the importance of maintaining healthy soils and the many basic agricultural and ecological benefits they deliver.

“There is more to be done and we can do this by putting soil health at the heart of government policy. Right now, going through the UK Parliament is the Agricultural Bill 2017-19, which will for the first time put in ambitious

measures and targets in place to preserve and improve our soil health. Our soil health is under threat and once it’s gone, it’s gone - we need to take action now.”

Andrew McCornick, NFUS President, commented: “Healthy soils are fundamental to sustainable and profitable farming, so we are delighted to be supporting this very worthwhile competition – and in particular the category for young farmers, who will need the next generation of farmers and custodians of Scotland’s soils.

“I encourage NFU Scotland members to get involved in this competition and show the good work they do to protect and improve their soils.

“Healthy soils are precious and vital to the future of our industry. I’m delighted that the Union is supporting this competition which will help ensure that the health of Scotland’s soils is sustained and improved for the future.”

This year, the closing date for entries is the 12th of April. For full details, application forms and related documentation, visit http:// bit.ly/BSiS19.

To learn more about the James Hutton Institute’s research on Scotland’s rural economies and sparsely populated areas, visit www. hutton.ac.uk.

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potatoes having serviced Tong equipment for many years,” says Nick Woodcock, UK Sales Manager at Tong. “Appointing Jackson Machinery Services Ltd as an approved Tong dealer to continue to provide excellent local service support, as well as new equipment and spare parts sales, has been a natural partnership for us. I look forward to work alongside Ken in this area, where he has a great understanding of the ongoing requirements of our customers,” says Nick.

Of the new appointments, Edward Tong, Managing Director at Tong Engineering comments “Maintaining an active network of approved dealers and representatives helps us to ensure the very best customer experience for Tong customers throughout the UK and worldwide,” commented Edward. “I am very pleased to announce the new appointments.

Both Eddy and Ken are very committed to our company

growth strategy, and their capabilities and reputations will bring added value to our current and future customer bases in their respective regions.”

The latest appointments are part of a wider growth strategy at Tong Engineering to increase export sales and regional customer support.

In 2018, Tong announced International expansion with the opening of a new Tong USA spares, service and sales facility based in Fremont, Michigan.

The Tong USA office provides additional support to Tong’s USA-based customers, with very responsive spares and service backup, including a wide range of spare parts available with a quick turnaround, when they are needed the most. “The Fremontbased office is proving to be the ideal meeting place for Tong and customers who operate locally, as well as a base from which we can visit customers all over the USA,” adds Charlie.

crofting Crofting facing unique challenges

By Patrick Krause, Chief Executive, Scottish Crofting Federation The UK Parliament has taken us further along the road in the UK / EU divorce saga with Teresa May now asking Brussels for the Withdrawal Agreement to be reopened up for negotiation. Meanwhile, the Scottish Affairs Committee of the Westminster Parliament has been taking evidence on the future of Scottish agriculture into their consideration.

The main themes of the SCF submission included the need for Scottish policy to be decided in Scotland because of the differences between Scotland and the rest of the UK – even Scottish agriculture is not homogenous.

Crofting is quite different from the more industrial farming, and therefore there needs to be maximum flexibility within the UK common framework for agriculture. There is also the need to look at multiple outcomes, not just production but also social and environmental. Crofters ensure that remote rural communities can continue to survive. And the need to maintain funding to support crofters and farmers producing food at below production costs is essential.

Scottish Government is having to consider contingency plans should the worst case scenario become a reality – that we ‘crash out’ of the EU without a formal withdrawal agreement. The main issues immediately will be transport disruption, tariffs and the lack of staff in the meat industry, especially vets and abattoir staff. Tariffs are probably the biggest worry as this could very quickly lose us the European markets, which would be extremely difficult to restore.

Providing compensation to ensure the market is maintained is being considered.

Crofters are also having to contemplate there being a sea-change in how the Scottish livestock industry operates, with the possibility that the store market will no longer be the main market for croft lambs and calves. A recent SCF survey showed that there was much uncertainty with crofters, and they are not investing, as they are faced with cuts to Less favoured Area support payments as well as a possible fall in lamb prices if a no-deal Brexit goes ahead.

www.crofting.org 14

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FLAVOUR OF SCOTLAND

The Galloway Pie Launched The Galloway Cattle Society and the current World Scotch Pie Champion have developed The Galloway pie which was launched recently at the Castle Douglas Galloway Sale.

The pie is the first Galloway Cattle Society accredited product to be developed as part of the Real Galloway Beef quality assurance scheme. The pie has been created by Dumfries baker Kerr Little of The Little Bakery, who was named the World Scotch Pie Champion last month. Kerr originally ran butchery businesses and has extensive knowledge of meat product development, as well as a growing reputation as one of Scotland’s top pie makers.

The Galloway pie incorporates succulent quality assured Real Galloway Beef in a rich, traditional gravy, encased

in a scotch pie shell with a puff pastry top. The pie was launched at the Galloway Sale, Scotland’s major Galloway cattle event, where it sold out, with high demand from the farmers attending the sale from all over the UK. Kerr Little commented: “Galloway beef is truly exceptional and it has been a privilege to work with the Galloway Cattle Society in developing a pie that showcases the succulent, flavoursome nature of the beef.”

Dorothy Goldie, Secretary of the Galloway Cattle Society, said: “Part of our LEADER funded ‘Defining Galloway Beef’ project is about working with industry partners to make Galloway Beef identifiable and more accessible for consumers.

Creating a Galloway pie seemed

like an ideal way to kick start our supply chain development project. Kerr’s pie making skills are well known and his pies are a real highlight at local events and farmers’ markets. Working with him was an obvious way to

make Real Galloway Beef more accessible to people.”

Food and hospitality businesses interested in working with the Galloway Cattle Society should contact Dorothy Goldie on info@ gallowaycattlesociety.co.uk

Granite North – a Gin with the highlands in its heart Developed for the modern adventurer, Granite North is a smooth London gin packed with flavour. A juniper-forward gin, its fresh, citrus taste is smooth enough to drink on its own or with a light tonic to release even more of its zesty flavour and is robust enough to stand up and stand out in cocktails. Its outdoor personality is revealed in the subtle infusion of Grand Fir needles that complement the native taste of its juniper www.farmingscotlandmagazine.com

cousin, helping to summon the fresh aromas of the pure mountain air. Handcrafted in small batches in the Highlands of Scotland, Granite North Gin is distilled using water from its Cairngorm Mountain range home. With its rich contour of flavours capturing the essence of the rugged Highland landscape, Granite North Gin will warm on the coldest winter nights and refresh on the balmiest of summer days.

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FLAVOUR OF SCOTLAND

Scottish red meat industry urged to unite behind new initiatives

magazine Supporting

FARMERS MARKETS IN SCOTLAND Aberdeen Country Fair www.aberdeencountryfair. co.uk Alford Farmers’ Market www.spanglefish.com/ alfordfarmersmarket Argyll Country Markets katie@barbreckfarms.co.uk Ayrshire Farmers’ Market www.ayrshirefarmersmarket. co.uk Balerno Farmers’ Market www.balernovt.org.uk Blairgowrie Community Market www.strathmoreglens.org

People working in every area of the Scottish red meat industry are being urged to rally behind a raft of new initiatives to raise awareness of the excellent credentials of meat from Scotland.

Following the success of the Scotch Lamb marketing campaign in autumn 2018, Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) is launching several new campaigns in the coming months. And Kate Rowell, who took over as QMS chair in October 2018, is urging everyone involved in the production of red meat in Scotland to get behind the new campaigns.

Among these is a brand-new marketing and public relations campaign behind Scotch Beef PGI which is set to increase consumers’ understanding of what sets quality assured beef from Scotland apart.

“Since taking up the role of QMS chair I have made a point of travelling the length and breadth of Scotland to meet and hear the views of the hardworking people dedicated to their roles in this very special industry,” said Kate Rowell.

“As a farmer and vet, I am well aware of the challenges faced by our industry and equally aware of the dedication and sheer hard graft that goes into producing the nutritious food source that is quality beef, lamb and pork.

“Having spoken with hundreds of people in my first few months in post I am also very aware of 16

the huge frustration being felt at grassroots level given the wave of unbalanced, and very often totally inaccurate, media coverage driven by some very well-funded organisations with an anti-red meat agenda.”

Around 50,000 jobs in Scotland are dependent on the red meat industry and Mrs Rowell urged all those involved - from farmers, processors and butchers to auctioneers, feed companies and hauliers - to support the forthcoming QMS campaigns.

“We are producing a brandnew TV advert as part of our ‘Know Your Beef’ campaign and we would like to involve people from all parts of the industry in this. Whether they are taking part in the TV advert or supporting via social media, everyone can all play a part in raising awareness of the facts behind our industry.

“Our aim is to collectively showcase all that we have to be proud of as producers of high quality, natural protein underpinned by world-leading quality assurance schemes which make animal welfare a priority,” Mrs Rowell added: “There is a real opportunity ahead of us to unite as an industry to communicate our commitment to sustainable farming and, indeed, our moral obligation to produce nutrient dense food source in Scotland from a land with abundant water which is ideally suited to converting grass into food.”

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Cairndow and Loch Fyne Farmers’ Market katie@barbreckfarms.co.uk Campbeltown Farmers’ Market katie@barbreckfarms.co.uk Clarkston Farmers’ Market enquiry@ lanarkshirefarmersmarket. co.uk Cupar Farmers’ Market www.fifefarmersmarket.co.uk Dundee Farmers’ Market lorna.mckenzie@dundeecity. gov.uk Dunfermline Farmers’ Market www.fifefarmersmarket.co.uk Edinburgh Farmers’ Market www.edinburghfarmersmarket. com Edinburgh - Stockbridge Farmers’ Market www.stockbridgemarket.com Falkirk Farmers’ Market howard.wilkinson2@btinternet. com Fencebay Farmers’ Market fencebay@aol.co.uk Forfar Farmers’ Market www.angusfarmersmarket. co.uk Glasgow Farmers’ Market Mansfield Park www.citymarketsglasgow. co.uk Glasgow Farmers’ Market Queen’s Park www.citymarketsglasgow. co.uk

Greenock Farmers’ Market matthewmcs2000@aol.com Haddington Farmers’ Market pjdesign@dunbar.org.uk Hamilton Farmers’ Market www. lanarkshirefarmersmarket. co.uk Hawick Farmers’ Market eg.sangster@btinternet.com Inverurie Farmers’ Market e: ronreid2@aol.com Kelso Farmers’ Market www.kelso.bordernet.co.uk Kirkcaldy Farmers’ Market www.fifefarmersmarket.co.uk Linlithgow Farmers’ Market forumevents@yahoo.co.uk Loch Lomond Shores Farmers’ Market forumevents@yahoo.co.uk Lochwinnoch Farmers’ Market david.oneill@clydemuirshiel. co.uk Lockerbie Farmers’ Market www.lockerbiefarmersmarket. co.uk Milngavie Farmers’ Market matthewmcs2000@aol.com Montrose Farmers’ Market www.angusfarmersmarket.co. uk Oban And Lorn Markets admin@lorn.org Overton Farm Farmers’ Market www. lanarkshirefarmersmarket. co.uk Paisley Farmers’ Market enquiries@ayrshiremeats.co.uk Peebles Farmers’ Market johnbolton1@btconnect.com Perth Farmers’ Market www.perthfarmersmarket. co.uk Portpatrick Farmers’ Market foodstore@auchenree.co.uk St Andrews Farmers’ Market www.fifefarmersmarket.co.uk Stirling Farmers’ Market StirlingFM@aol.com.

Stornoway Farmers’ Market kennylhhp@btopenworld.com

For your market to be listed mail@farmingscotlandmagazine.com

cooking with lamb

Slow Cooked Lamb Shanks with Caramelised Red Onion

By Wendy Barrie

Recipe & photography Š Wendy Barrie

We have an Arran theme for this month’s recipe! Arran Fine Foods employ twenty folk in the pretty village of Lamlash, making tasty chutneys, mustards, preserves and dressings. Famous for its produce and ‘Scotland in Miniature’ Arran is a braw wee place for a grand day out! When selecting your lamb shanks, do ask the breed of sheep – you’d be amazed how many don’t as breed and feed determine weight and flavour of your shanks. Last but not least what better than flavoursome Arran Victory potatoes, named in celebration of the end of WW1 in 1918, to complete the dish. With deep purple-blue skin and whiter-thanmost flesh it is both distinctive and delicious. Andrew Skea of The Potato House will help with your seed potato requirements.

Ingredients:

Method:

15mls Summer Harvest rapeseed oil 1-2 lamb shanks from your local butcher - depending on breed Half an onion, peeled and chopped 1 medium carrot, peeled and diced 1tbsp Arran Fine Foods Caramelised Red Onion Chutney 500mls water Freshly milled black pepper and Isle of Skye Sea Salt to taste A generous sprig of rosemary 1 heaped tsp Arran Fine Foods Wholegrain Mustard 2-3 potatoes per person - Arran Victory are particularly tasty 25g butter

s (EAT OIL IN CASSEROLE DISH ON HOB AND SOFTEN ONION s !DD SHANKS TO PAN TO SEAL AND COLOUR s !DD LIQUID ROSEMARY SPRIG AND SEASONING #OVER AND SLOW cook for 1.5 hours at 160 C. Check occasionally so dish remains moist, adding water as necessary. s 2EMOVE FROM OVEN AND ADD A HEAPED TABLESPOON OF Caramelised Red Onion Chutney. Stir to blend into juices and spoon over shank. Remove the rosemary sprig. s 2ETURN TO OVEN FOR MINUTES 4HE LAMB IS READY WHEN IT falls from the bone. Taste and adjust seasoning. s -EANWHILE PREPARE AND COOK POTATOES DRAIN AND MASH with Wholegrain Mustard and butter. Serve in heated bowls.

Serves 2

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. www.farmingscotlandmagazine.com

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food Pioneering ‘Ethical Butcher’ kicks off carbon negative ‘craft beef’ revolution The founder of a successful London-based meat wholesaler is looking to revolutionize the UK meat market with a pioneering new venture which aims to see carbon negative meat delivered to households across the UK. Farshad Kazemian, the CEO of new venture ‘The Ethical Butcher’, is planning to launch the new service in the coming months, following a crowdfunding campaign which went live last night. The business will see the delivery of ethical meat boxes to homes nationwide via what has been dubbed an online ‘craft beef’ service.

The Ethical Butcher will work with the Pasture for Life Association and their certified farmers to help take a number of farmers a year through a specialised Holistic

Management course, which will support them in better managing

their grasslands in order to offset carbon emissions and work

towards the production of carbon negative meat.

Changing tastes of cheese – but Cheddar still makes the cut Cheddar remains the ‘big cheese’ with UK consumers – but continental varieties are taking a large slice of the market as popularity for the exotic continues to grow.

With over a third of consumers viewing soft continental cheeses, such as Brie or Camembert, as good for special occasions, sales rose by

6.4 per cent in the first half of last year.

But cheese-lovers don’t have to look too far from home to satisfy their taste-buds with the UK now producing over 700 different varieties of cheese – more than France and Switzerland combined.

This hunger for more exotic flavours could provide further

opportunities for the dairy industry, according to a new report from the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB).

It reveals that Cheddar continues to be the nation’s most popular cheese, accounting for around half of UK cheese sales - with 86 per cent of households purchasing it in the three months to October 2018, according to Kantar Worldpanel.

However, sales of this great British favourite has failed to keep pace with the overall market over the past year.

AHDB’s Analyst Amey Brassington said: “In contrast, continental cheeses enjoyed volume and value growth, with sales volumes of hard continental cheeses up by 6 per cent and soft continental cheese up by 6.4 per cent in the year to July 2018.

“Whatever your preference, what’s clear is that despite calls by a minority to reduce dairy intake, cheese is considered a staple food in the UK. According to Mintel, nearly 90 per cent of consumers eat cheese every month and two-thirds eat cheese at least twice a week.”

We’re seeking your views on allergen labelling Would you like to see clearer allergen information on all the food you buy, including upfront and easily visible allergen information?

Tell us what you think in a new 18

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consultation on plans to improve allergen labelling laws in Scotland and across the UK. The consultation is open to 29 March 2019, and Food Standards

food Scotland is working with the Food Standards Agency and Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) in reviewing current allergen information.

The consultation concerns labelling rules for foods which are prepacked for direct sale, which are currently not required to display allergen information.

This could be an issue for people who assume that no allergen information on food packaging means that the food does not contain allergens, which may not be the case.

Food Standards Scotland’s Chief Executive, Geoff Ogle, said: “This is an important opportunity for people to have their say. It’s a matter that affects thousands of people at risk of allergic reactions daily, who have to be particularly careful when eating outside of the home.

Food businesses have a duty of

LFASS care to protect people with food allergies and many have made real progress to do so.

“This review is about what more can be done to keep their customers safe. Everyone with a food allergy should have the information they need to stay safe, and I encourage everyone to give their views.

“After the consultation, all responses will be shared and considered by Food Standards Scotland’s Board alongside the other agencies involved. We will then provide independent advice to Scottish Ministers to consider the next steps.”

Public Health Minister, Joe FitzPatrick, said: “Allergen information is important for the protection of the health of consumers who suffer from food allergies. The Scottish Government welcomes this consultation and we look forward to considering the responses that come forward.”

Consultation on amending allergen information provisions for food prepacked for direct sale Food Standards Scotland is working with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and the Food Standards Agency (FSA) in England , Wales and Northern Ireland in reviewing the legislation and guidance on the provision of allergen information for food supplied to consumers on a prepacked for direct sale (PPDS) basis.

As part of this work, we have today launched a joint consultation on non-regulatory and regulatory options aimed at improving the availability and

accuracy of allergen information for consumers.

In the UK, it is estimated that 1-2% of adults and 5-8% of children have a food allergy. This equates to around 2 million people living in the UK with a food allergy, but this figure does not include those with food intolerances.

There is no cure for food allergies and intolerances. The only way to manage the condition is to avoid food that makes the person ill. Therefore, it is very important that consumers are provided with accurate information about allergenic ingredients in products to allow them to make safe food choices.

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By Rural Affairs Secretary Fergus Ewing “I am acutely aware of the continuing importance of LFASS for farmers and crofters operating in the most remote and marginalised areas, which is why I was delighted to attend a recent meeting of the NFUS LFASS, where I once again made clear my absolute commitment to maintain LFASS funding at least at 80% in 2020.

“This year’s LFASS payments will be at 100%, which we are entitled to do so under EU rules. For scheme year 2019 (payment spring 2020) the rules stipulate a maximum of 80%, but I am determined to provide funding by other routes which maintains the real level of support at approximately 100% rather than see funding reduce to 80%, which would apply were we simply to follow the LFASS rules and do nothing more.

“We shall also for scheme year 2020 (paid spring 2021) apply that determination to avoid funding reducing to 40% as stipulated by EU rules, again finding a working solution to deliver funding through other routes. This means, that as far as it is possible, the real level of funding support will continue at approximately 100% for the next two scheme years.

“With the ongoing uncertainties around Brexit

and the possibility of a “No Deal” which would effectively cut all ties with the EU and bring real challenges to the rural economy, I can confirm that we will be offering eligible farmers and crofters a loan of up to 90% of their LFASS2018 entitlement, with payments beginning in April.

By making loans available, I am guaranteeing up to £57 million will enter the rural economy providing funding certainty to enable farmers and crofters to plan their business effectively during these uncertain times.

“Importantly, as I have previously said, any additional funding that could arise from Lord Bew’s review will be prioritised for this purpose – if there is sufficient funding to allow for the reinstatement. I strongly believe that the UK Government should return the £160 million due to Scottish farmers as soon as possible. It was Scottish farmers who earned that money, so it is only right that it should be returned to them for their benefit.

“It should be remembered though, unlike England and Wales, who discontinued their equivalent schemes some years ago, Scotland continues to provide additional financial support due to the difficulties hill and upland area farmers and crofters experience.”

SPRAYERS

SPRAYERS An array on the market today New UF 1602 mounted sprayer from Amazon AMAZONE now broadens its range of UF 02 mounted sprayers with the new, ISOBUS compatible, UF 1602 with a nominal volume of 1,600 l and an actual volume of 1,700 l. The UF 1602 can be equipped with all Super-S2 booms from 15 m to 30 m.

The UF 1602 features a specifically shaped, polyurethane tank with a favourable centre of gravity. The very smooth tank walls allow the effective interior and exterior cleaning of the tank.

The operation of the spray agent circuit of the UF 1602 is carried out via the centralised SmartCenter operator centre.

This is positioned, well protected from dirt and splash water, behind a large hinged door found on the left hand side of the machine. In addition to the operator centre, also the new, highly-effective 60 l induction bowl is positioned behind this door. Its conical shape and the high suction capacity ensure its quick, trouble-free and complete emptying. Also granules, such as

Epsom salts, etc. can be inducted without any problem thanks to the mixing nozzle, positioned in the suction aperture, and the high capacity rinse ring.

For the remote control and automation of the liquid circuit, the UF 1602 offers the optional Comfort-Pack which comes complete with automatic fill stop of both the suction hose filling and, if fitted, also that of the bowser fill port. During application, the agitation regulates itself automatically, depending on the tank level.

As the fill level decreases, the agitation capacity reduces down eventually to a complete shutoff. In addition, auto-dynamic agitation control is also included.

This means that, if a large application rate is required from the boom, the agitation capacity is automatically regulated down for a moment. Then, on the headland, as soon as all the nozzles are shut off, the agitation can then operate again at full capacity.

Bargam Sprayers now available from Merse Agriculture in Duns Merse Agriculture is the distributor for the whole of Scotland and Northern England for Bargam Sprayers and are based in Duns Berwickshire.

Bargam offer sprayers from 200lt tractor mounted machines through to a 5000lt self propelled. Bargam have become known as the mechanical drive sprayer specialist in the UK over the past 10 years. Many customers across Scotland and Northern England have opted 20

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for the popular Grimpeur range which offers two models to the market. The Grimpeur JR series which is available at 2500 & 3000lt with booms from 20m to 28m, and the Grimpeur J series which is 3500lt and 4000lt with booms from 24m to 36m.

Standard specification includes GPS section control and large plumbing so they are ready for liquid fertilizer application.

Both the Grimpeur models have a 50kph road speed which is

SPRAYERS essential for customers with long distances between jobs. Why choose the mechanical drive – capability! On hills and in wet terrain, the Grimpeur models out perform all other sprayers.

There are 2 trailed options being offered to the UK market which are the new Compact range. One is a simple specification with auto rate control and a mechanical tracking. The other is a higher specification machine with a steering axle, heavy duty booms and GPS fitted as standard. We also offer full ISOBUS systems for both trailed and mounted sprayers which utilises the tractor screen and the tractor’s GPS to operate the sprayer. This can be a cost effective way to operate your sprayer.

Merse Agriculture prides itself on knowledge, ability and willingness to support our customers. We operate country wide and provide NSTS testing and servicing on all makes of sprayer.

Chafer upgrades for its trailed sprayers Chafer Guardian and Sentry trailed sprayers feature a number of upgrades for 2019.

The boom suspension assembly offers improved contour following, allowing it to run closer to the ground (below 50cm) on even the largest diameter wheels.

The sliding frame is equipped with an additional set of rollers and can now pass the extremities at both the top and bottom of the mast, allowing an increased range of travel whilst improving crop clearance under the mast itself.

All rollers feature sealed bearings to ensure smooth, reliable vertical travel, isolating the boom from tramline undulations and ensuring spraying target heights are maintained. The reaction time of the lift and lower hydraulic functions have been reduced, further improving boom control.

The advanced ePlumbing system has been updated to use

CANbus valves that offer operators real time information of the valve’s status and position, which is essential during automatic filling, rinsing and general plumbing functions. Unlike other systems on the market, this gives ePlumbing the ability to alert the operator if a valve does not reach its intended target position, therefore removing the chance of cross contamination.

Variable tank agitation is also featured with automatic shut off at low tank volumes to eliminate foaming, all controlled from the ePlumbing screen. The move to intelligent valves has provided

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an opportunity to lower chemical dead volumes by reducing the total number of components in the system, reducing wash out time and total washings that require disposal.

The steering system on ‘e’ spec machines has also been updated, moving from a potentiometer and linkage between the tractor and the sprayer, to sensors mounted to the sprayer itself. This system increases steering sensitivity and assists tractor following. No connection to the tractor is required, reducing time taken to hitch and unhitch as well as improving reliability.

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SPRAYERS

Mounted sprayers from FarmGem Continued demand for a mounted sprayer with a 24 metre gull wing boom has led FarmGEM to invest in developing the Protector mounted sprayer. The Protector offers a 1600 litre tank and 12/20, 21 or 24m gull wing boom and when combined with the NEW FT1500 front mounted tank provides a very versatile 3100 litre machine. Although several manufacturers have stopped manufacturing a mounted sprayer with a gull wing boom and now focus on only a vertical fold boom on their mounted machines. Cliff Buck FarmGEM’ Sales Director says “This is not the answer for everyone, many farmers and contractors do not like the light weight design of the vertical fold boom along with all its wearing

fold joints. But prefer the stronger more robust build of a gull wing boom.

The Protector 1600 Mounted Sprayer features a heavy duty contractor level of construction and comes with a three-year warranty. The close coupled frame and narrow profile polyethylene tank ensure weight is kept close to the tractor for enhanced stability. The Protector has the latest “Series 3” boom which is the same as fitted to trailed models. The “Series 3” boom offers widths out to 24m and all boom movements are controlled by electro hydraulics via operators control box. The “Series 3” boom can be folded and operated at half width (e.g 24m boom fold to 12m). Nozzles

and stainless steel spray lines are fully protected within the boom structure, and a multi-directional 2m break away tip protects against accidental damage. The boom also has tilt correction and boom lock as standard features and the booms can also be specified with

independent variable geometry and independent outer boom fold.

They are manufactured using a highly durable “lattice style” construction from 3mm & 5mm thick high tensile steel which is then treated with a protective oven baked powder coat finish.

New HORSCH Leeb 4 AX – entry-level trailed sprayers

Following the success of the market-leading Leeb LT and Leeb GS trailed sprayers, HORSCH has introduced the new entrylevel Leeb 4 AX to its line-up.

Featuring the same award-wining boom technology and built to HORSCH’s high standards, the Leeb 4 AX provides a more basic specification ideal for smaller farming operations.

Positioned just below the 4000 litre Leeb 4 LT, the 3800 litre Leeb 4 AX comes equipped with HORSCH’s BoomControl system. “We’ve had many requests from farmers looking for a smaller yet high performance and reliable sprayer that uses our renowned BoomControl system.

BoomControl sets the standard for keeping the boom steady and close to the crop and the new Leeb 4 AX features BoomControl Eco 22

with up to 30m booms and 50cm nozzle spacing,” explains Stephen Burcham, General Manager for HORSCH UK.

The 3800 litre plastic spraying tank is complemented by a 400 litre fresh water tank and is designed for easy cleaning.

A PTO-driven piston diaphragm pump is available with an output of either 270 l/min or 400 l/min.

Two multi-way valves control the suction and the pressure sides of the machine respectively and offer clear and simple control.

The 35 litre induction tank of the Leeb AX is similar to the one used in the larger trailed Leeb models and enables powders and

granules to dissolve quickly and thoroughly.

BoomControl Eco enables the new Leeb AX to maintain a 50cm distance to the crop at operational speeds of up to 15kph. The working boom widths range from 18 to 30 metres, divided in five to nine sections and feature 50cm nozzle spacing as standard.

The Leeb 4 AX is available to order now and will be available for delivery in spring 2019 with retail prices starting from £43,000.

Knight’s new 1800 series sprayers Knight Farm Machinery is introducing a new model to its selfpropelled range, which includes a number of equipment up-grades that are designed to make operation and maintenance of the machine easier for operators.

This will also give buyers the option of a lower positioned cab which will lower the centre of gravity of the machine and additionally allow Knight to offer a greater range of booms with the machine.

The re-design includes repositioning the Ad-Blue tank

from the front to the side of the machine, where it is located near the main sprayer controls,

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and near the new tool box and storage area which are being added to the range.

SPRAYERS David Main, Knight’s Sales Manager, says the changes continue the company’s policy of continuous improvement designed to help operators achieve accurate applications and trouble free maintenance of the machine: “The new tool box and storage area will enable

operators to carry all the tools and spare/replacement parts they need into the field with them, which will make in-field maintenance much simpler and quicker.

“Everything will be protected inside robust panels which will keep all the controls clean and

dry – something we are sure operators will appreciate. “With the conventional cab position the current 1800 series can only be fitted with wider booms of the tri-fold design. “The lower cab position opens up the option of fitting wider two-fold booms, which will speed up unfolding

and folding time and reduce the machine’s overall weight – an important consideration for some customers”.

The new model is expected to start from £153,000, with eventual price depending on tank size, boom width and ancillary equipment.

OCEANIS 2 - New trailed crop sprayer for Kuhn KUHN Farm Machinery has recently added four new models to its range of OCEANIS trailed crop sprayers: the OCEANIS 5002, 5602, 6902 and 7702 machines have tank capacities of 5000, 5600, 6900 and 7700 litres respectively and are available with compact, all-aluminium booms in widths of 24 to 48 metres.

The new sprayers are fully ISOBUS compatible, enabling them to be controlled from a single in-cab terminal such as KUHN’s CCI 1200 console. A separate

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ISOCLICK control box which places the key sprayer controls (section control, boom height and angle) within fingertip reach can also be used. The new sprayers are also CANBUS compatible and can be operated via KUHN’s VISIOREB or REB3 controllers.

Each new model is available with KUHN’s MULTISPRAY system which uses electric nozzle holders to enable in-cab nozzle selection, automatic nozzle selection to suit the forward working speed and to maximise

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SPRAYERS the accuracy of variable rate applications, plus individual nozzle control to reduce overlapping.

KUHN’s e-SET cleaning system automates the tank rinsing sequence, making the OCEANIS 2 extremely safe and efficient to use, while a new Closed Transfer System (CTS) chemical induction

bowl – the EASYFLOW system – further enhances operator safety by enabling chemicals to be added and chemical containers to be cleaned without the risk of the operator coming into contact with any harmful substances.

KUHN’s self-levelling boom system – BOOM ASSIST TOTAL

PRO – keeps the spray boom in the optimum position and height irrespective of field and crop conditions, thereby increasing spraying precision and reducing spray drift. This system is equipped with a ‘HYBRID mode’ which uses three sensors to distinguish between crop canopy and ground

level, thereby improving spraying accuracy in high density crops such as oilseed rape or potatoes, or where the crop has lodged.

All four new OCEANIS models are fitted with easy-rinse polyester tanks with internal baffles for improved machine stability.

in all spraying situations but especially in small fields.

High torque, 12 stud wheel motors offer smooth acceleration and

deceleration/braking on demanding road and in-field conditions.

The CV is powered by a 228 hp, Mercedes MTU Ad-

CV228 Self Propelled Sprayer from Landquip Landquip enters the large self propelled sprayer sector with its all new CV228 model which is offered with spray tank capacities of 4000, 4500 and 5000 litres.

The chassis layout is based on a 3.6 metre long wheel base enabling the unique tank design to be positioned so as to achieve even weight distribution, a pre-requisite for efficient traction. Unladen weight is 8300 kilos.

Light-weight aluminium booms from 24 to 44 metres

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also contribute to the machine’s overall balance and performance.

A generous 1.1 metre under chassis clearance, when fitted with 380/85 R34 rowcrops, is beneficial when spraying rape, beans, maize, etc – reducing to 1 metre when on its 600/60 R30 flotation wheels. Tight turning on these wheel options + the compact design enable a 9 metre turning circle giving one of the most manoeuvrable machines in its class, optimizing outputs

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SPRAYERS blue 4 cylinder, Tier 4, turbo charged diesel engine resulting in a power-to-weight ratio equal to other high capacity machines.

When the corrosion resistant aluminium boom is fitted with Landquip’s Umbrella fertilizer nozzles, fertilizer application rates up to 1000 litres/

hectare at up to 16 kph can be achieved utilizing a 700 litre/ min. centrifugal spray pump which is fitted as standard. The hydraulically driven pump also

doubles up as a high capacity fast filling system loading the 5000 litre tank in around 8 minutes for fast, efficient turnarounds. Prices from ÂŁ173,000.

Lemken trailed sprayer update launched LEMKEN’s Primus and Albatros trailed sprayers have been given technical and handling improvements, which will be available this autumn.

The Primus 10 and 12 has tank capacities of 2400 to 4400 litres and boom widths of 15m to 30m, while the Albatros 10 and 12 has capacities of 4000 to 6200 litres and boom widths of 15m to 39m respectively.

The smaller entry-level Primus has been completely overhauled inside and out, with clearer controls and all major connections are centrally integrated behind protective covers. The attractive design is enhanced by a more rounded profile, LED lighting and colour scheme.

The updated cab interior is now equipped with an intuitive graphical user interface on the CCI-50 terminal. A Differential GPS receiver can be retrofitted for use with proven CCI apps for automatic width section control or parallel tracking assistance. The Primus 12 and all Albatros models feature ISOBUS as standard and can be operated using any compatible terminal.

A circulation line on the basic Primus means uniform spray fluid is instantly available across the full boom width.

EES models feature automated water hydraulics, and cleaning procedures can be controlled from the cab. A new flexible drawbar allows operators to

attach the sprayer either at the top or bottom position. The clean

water tank capacity has also been increased to 320 litres.

Trailed Sprayers lead the way for Team Sprayers Cambridgeshire based sprayer manufacturer Team Sprayers are reporting a surge in demand for their trailed sprayers as sales of

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their range of Leader sprayers have exceeded their mounted sprayer range for the first time. Managing Director Danny Hubbard said,

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SPRAYERS “Our Leader 3 and Leader 4 trailed sprayers have outperformed expectation this year, it’s been a great start to 2019. Both models are available with Müller GPS which has been a popular choice with customers.”

Both the Leader 3 and Leader 4 come with boom widths up to 32M, the Leader 3 comes with tanks up to 4000L, whilst the Leader 4 goes up to 5000L. Both models steering systems (Leader 3 drawbar, Leader 4 axle), boom stabilisation and computerised boom switching, with GPS and steering options.

They also feature electrohydraulics enabling boom folding

combinations while self-levelling tilt and anti yaw mechanisms which increases boom stability and application accuracy. Variable boom geometry and computerised spray rate control are available as optional extras.

Farmer Tim Scott from Comberton in Cambridgeshire bought a Team Leader 3 with Müller GPS section switching to replace his Leader 2. Mr Scott said: “We wanted a simple, but effective trailed sprayer, which would be easy to use and maintain - without lots of complex valves! As well as our sprayer requirements on farm, we conduct spray trials on a variety

of crops for Syngenta, who also run a Team 12m Sprayer for trial use.

Obviously accuracy is key with all spray application, but particularly

so with trial work. It’s imperative that we have effective and reliable sprayers, I have been really pleased with the Team machines.”

Vicon goes high-tech with latest trailed sprayer iXtrack T3 is the first of a new generation of high-tech trailed sprayers from Vicon. Available with 2,600 and 3,200-litre tank capacities, Vicon says this allnew range has been engineered to deliver a low, short and highly manoeuvrable trailed sprayer.

Key to the design is a central frame produced from high strength, low alloyed heavy-

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duty steel. This affords a low centre of gravity with higher flexibility and durability than previous designs, making it more suited to the stresses of field work, and high-speed road transport.

Specification includes a suspended parallelogram rear frame that also remains active on the road, in addition to the field.

This innovative design combines stability with soft boom balancing to minimise spray height deviation above the crop canopy and improve application accuracy.

A revised tank design, new chassis and rear frame all combine to deliver an overall width of 2.55m and an overall height of 3.2m. The steering axle provides adjustable track width in 5cm increments from 1.5-2.25m. Tyre choices extend up to 1.9m in diameter, giving a longer footprint for reduced compaction.

Developed with operatorfriendliness in mind, iXtrack T3 is fully ISOBUS compatible and with new iXspray hardware and software, operators can take advantage of an intuitive touchscreen with smart

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electronics. IsoMatch Grip adds further control, with up to 44 fully customisable functions available from a single joystick.

ErgoDrive headland management is part of the standard specification, and allows boom raise/lower and axle steering to be managed by a single button press. Optional GEOLIFT with the advanced IsoMatch Tellus Pro terminal can transform this into an automated function, taking its commands from a GPS signal.

Nozzle control includes pneumatic or electric operation, suiting those using GPS for automatic section control and auto start/stop at headlands. The introduction of GEOSPRAY takes this a stage further, and brings individual nozzle control to the iXtrack T3

EU NEWS

By Chris McCullough

New Japanese export deal indicates boost for European farmers A new trade agreement between the European Union and Japan takes effect from February and should provide an economic boost for EU farmers.

The EU say efforts to reduce the barriers that have restricted agricultural exporters from reaching Japan’s 126 million consumers in the past have paid off.

One of the key components of the deal is that 85 percent of tariffs on agricultural imports have been reduced or removed.

Additionally, there have been a number of non-tariff barriers that will also no longer apply, helping to minimise red tape and simplify the export process, which the EU says is a particular benefit for small producers.

Surprisingly, the EU’s wine industry is one of the biggest beneficiaries of the negotiations,

with tariffs falling from 15 percent down to zero. Not only will this save 134 million (US$152 million) for EU producers, it will also make EU wines more competitive, allowing European wines to expand their market share.

However, it is not only tariff reductions that are set to benefit European vineyards, as Japan has also agreed to authorise a number of oenological practices which are common within the EU, reducing administrative costs for exporters.

There is also good news for EU meat farmers, with pork receiving a boost from a change in the Japanese system of tariffs and beef producers receiving a lift through a reduction in duties.

The previously complex Japanese gate price system is due to be replaced, increasing the confidence and certainty amongst European exporters whilst

providing practically free access to the market.

Regarding beef, the tariff reduction for beef products will be more gradual but will ultimately lead to a significant fall of 25.5 percent.

The EU said: “These reductions, making EU imports to Japan considerably more competitive, will open up a new range of opportunities for European producers and will allow the strong reputation of EU agri-food goods to shine through.”

Japanese consumers will also be able to enjoy European cheeses at more competitive prices in future, with tariffs on hard cheese gradually dropping to zero percent over a 15-year period and soft cheese enjoying a new duty free quota equivalent to the current quantity of European exports.

Many products benefit twice from the agreement, with the European Union also securing Japanese recognition of over 200 geographical indications (GIs). GI recognition, which protects the traditional know-how of producers, will reassure Japanese consumers that when they buy Camembert de Normandie or a bottle of Chianti they will be receiving the genuine article. It will also extend the protection available to culturally significant local foods, protecting diversity within the EU. For European agricultural, the EU-Japan EPA represents a notable opportunity. With recognition of EU geographical indications, tariff rate reductions and the removal of a number of technical barriers for trade, the agreement represents a significant breakthrough for European producers and Japanese consumers alike.

Denmark builds a fence to keep out wild pigs In fear of having its lucrative pork industry wiped out, Denmark is building a fence along its border with Germany in a bid to keep out wild boar and prevent them bringing African Swine Fever in.

Denmark has around 3,000 pig farms with 12 million pigs there. The industry is rated among the top in the world in terms of breeding, quality, food safety, animal welfare and traceability.

Exports of porkmeat are worth around £3.5 billion to the Danish economy and the

government wants to protect that.

Considering the fact ASF is rampant in other parts of the world, the Danes are not taking any chances and have already begun construction of the 40 mile (70kms) barrier between them and Germany.

Even though there is no ASF in Germany, Denmark is taking no chances and insists the fence, costing 4.1 million (US$4.7 million), is excellent value for money.

It is being erected to stand 1.5 metres tall and 50cms below

ground level so that the pigs cannot bury under it.

The Danish government has also introduced 24 hour surveillance for wild boar and intensified control of wild boar on public and private land. Fines have been hiked for various offences, including improperly cleaned or disinfected animal transport vehicles, and signs have been erected at motorway rest areas warning against throwing away food waste.

A high density of Denmark’s pig farms are located close to

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the German border hence the urgency to protect them.

However, the fence is not without its controversy as some critics on the German side say the virus is mainly spread by people during the transport of animals and infected food.

ASF has already been detected in the Baltic States, Poland, the Czech Republic and Hungary as well as a few cases in Belgium.

Danish officials say the fence project is due for completion in Autumn this year.

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CROATIA A COUNTRY WITH A PAST AND A FUTURE

WORLD FARMING While Croatia has a long history, as part of the former Yugoslavia, it is a relative new-comer on the world stage. Following the demise of communism, after the Yugoslav Wars, Croatia became an independent republic in 1991. As part of Yugoslavia and its most fertile region, Croatia provided almost half of the GDP for that country but as a country in its own right, it has suffered from the economic and social scars of the wars, taking a long time to settle and develop and has

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struggled with an unemployment rate of around 10% within its 4.1 million population.

With a sea border with Italy on its long west coast, it also borders Slovenia and Hungary to the north, Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina to the east and Montenegro to the south.

It therefore commands a good geographic position in the area and trades well with its near neighbours, who take most of its produce. Becoming a member of the EU in 2013, allowed

By Fiona Sloan

further trade, particularly in agriculture which occupies 25% of the country’s land but only contributes around 10% of GDP. The transfer of stateowned land and the migration of some ethnic groups to other countries, together with difficulties in establishing land ownership, has allowed large areas of land to remain dormant waiting for a solution. Much of the land previously under social ownership, has been nationalized by the Croatian government and

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is leased to farmers through the municipal and state authorities on a 20-50-year lease. Farming also attracts farm subsidy payments.

The temperate through Mediterranean climate in the country, allows for the production of good root crops such as sugar beets, maize, wheat, potatoes, barley, soybeans and sunflowers.

Oats, rye, millet, rice, beans, peas, and chicory are also grown.

Pigs, sheep, cattle and poultry are still important to the economy of the region and fruits grown, include plums, apples, pears, sour cherries, sweet cherries, peaches and apricots.

The Adriatic coast is characterised by rocky soil and suffers from long periods of drought. With small parcels of arable land and poor pasture, sheep and goats are raised here, while grapes, olives, almonds, figs, tangerines, and other Mediterranean fruits and vegetables characterise the agriculture of this region.

Beekeeping is also of some commercial importance, especially on the islands.

Croatia’s large forests cover around 40% of the country’s area and form the basis of a significant wood and pulp industry. Fish and shellfish are harvested commercially in the waters off the Adriatic coast with fish exported all over the world both fresh and in cans.

WORLD FARMING With its geographic position in central Europe, Croatia is an easy trading partner for more advanced countries like Germany and Italy, resulting in a huge trading deficit in agricultural produce.

Croatia cannot produce enough carrots, onions, lettuce and other vegetables, which bring more income in comparison to corn and wheat, so some farmers are starting to change from these traditional crops, to the likes of camomile and lavender.

The old communist tradition of only growing the right crops in the right place, is being left behind by some individuals, who are appreciating that there is no success in not investing and future-proofing your business and that hard work pays off.

Producers of medicinal plants, new varieties of berries, nuts and asparagus, are beginning to see the benefits of their investment in these new varieties and the new knowledge and markets, which come with them. This will

ultimately help the balance of payments and provide a welcome spin-off in agritourism, which is also important to the country.

Foreign companies, forced to take their investment elsewhere

during the wars, are beginning to future buy produce and reinvest in the country.

Croatia is a good example of a country, which quickly discovered on independence, that today is the

first day of the rest of your life and despite its hangovers from a tragic beginning, it has pulled itself up by its boot strings and is investing in its future agricultural industry, whatever it may be.

Dairy Innovation Summit 3rd – 4th April 2019 in Amsterdam, Netherlands 2019’s instalment of Dairy Innovation Summit is set to be bigger and better than ever, with new speakers, new content and new innovations in the everexpanding industry of Dairy. The dairy industry is emerging as one of the big players in soft drink

production, and with new juice and protein infused beverages, dairy is truly milking all of its benefits!

Providing exclusive insights into all modern innovations within the dairy industry, the summit will spotlight the latest

updates in ice cream production, touching on everything from low fat to low sugar products in each filed, displaying the vast capabilities within the market.

The Summit will bring together more than 100 industry experts to exchange ideas and meet

like-minded peers over two days of exclusive case studies, interactive roundtables and panel discussions.

More information can be found at http://www.arenainternational.com/dairy

Brazil Agribusiness Outlook 2019 For Brazilian (agri)business, the change of government following the election of Jair Bolsonaro is viewed with optimism. In 2019, Rabobank expects local demand to rise on the back of improving economic growth, although freight and trade issues pose risks.

Brazilian politics experienced a profound shake-up following the election of Jair Bolsonaro, who took over as president on 1

January 2019. This development is viewed with optimism by Brazilian business, which is rooted in the fact that the new president’s economics team has sent the right signals about fiscal reforms. The markets appear to have given the new government the benefit of the doubt, but they will want to see real progress in reforms in the first six to 12 months of the new

presidency. This represents the pivotal challenge for the new government in 2019.

Assuming that significant progress on reform is indeed achieved, the outlook is positive.

Inflation should remain below the Central Bank’s target, while Rabobank projects GDP growth of 2.2% in 2019, vs. an estimated 1.3% for 2018. Under these circumstances, the benchmark

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SELIC interest rate would remain stable, at its lowest-ever level of 6.5%.

Taking key internal and external factors into account – i.e. the execution risk associated with fiscal reform, plus uncertainty regarding US interest rates and global trade – Rabobank projects the exchange rate at USD/BRL 3.70 for the end of 2019.

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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.

Cairn O’Mohr

By Wendy Barrie Anyone who has visited Cairn O’Mohr will have had an unforgettable experience – in the nicest possible way! For this is a unique place in both character and products… and quintessentially Scottish. This creation of Ron and Judith Gillies at East Inchmichael is where Ron’s grandfather farmed and Ron himself was born nearby, a few miles east of Perth.

His parents emigrated for a life in Canada only to return a few years later when invited to take on the farm. Ron recalls his first term in year 1 at Errol Primary where he was the only kid with a Canadian accent! Meanwhile at the other end of Scotland, Judith grew up at Rainton, the family home and dairy farm, well known these days for organic Cream O’ Galloway ice cream and The Ethical Dairy range of cheeses, where Judith’s brother David and his wife Wilma have gone down a different – and equally delicious – route of farm diversification. Judith went on to study and qualify as a doctor before finding her destiny in this wine collaboration. It all started with garden sheds! The on-farm business was progressing well and indeed taught them the basics of entrepreneurship however with an interest in wines and the great outdoors it become more tempting to follow the path of winemaking! What originated as a hobby has become a thriving business, known and respected across the country. Their wines are used in dishes in Scotland’s 30

Bob and Judith

top restaurants and are on many a wine list.

Ron and Judith’s love of nature made them trail blazers in fruit and oak leaf wines at a time when folk lauded Beaujolais Nouveau with little thought of Scottish alternatives! Since 1987 they have been brewing ‘berry loaded, blossom scented, leafy layered’ country wines in

Perthshire and have won many awards over the years. Scotland has a fascinating heritage of food and alcoholic beverages often, although not exclusively, associated with monastic times when abbeys were textbook examples of sustainable agriculture and to this day you find ancient fruit trees left from a bygone age that would have

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given a bounty of food and wines for their community.

One could call Ron and Judith lucky but I rather think it is their dedication and work ethic that has resulted in only one fiasco to date, when an undetected leak in a tank resulted in one thousand litres of Oakleaf Wine returning to nature! They still make Oakleaf along with other popular originals, Strawberry, Raspberry, Elderflower and Elderberry.

Over the years their fascination for tinkering and experimenting has resulted in wonderful combinations and new lines including mulled variations for wintery evenings and sparkling wines and ciders for that bubbly moment!

The farm is eclectic and has great character, not least from the impressive wood sculptures created by Ron. Not only is Cairn O’Mohr home to imaginative and flavoursome wines it is also a popular visitor attraction where you can take a tour, viewing their production process from fruit pressing through fermentation to bottling; peep into their archive room and see displays of every variety ever produced; experience their tasting room and shop.

AliBob @ Cairn O’Mhor offers delicious coffees, baking and light meals. Both Slow Food devotees, Ali and Bob’s café is in harmony with the philosophy here.

One of many special features at Cairn O’Mohr is the The Wee Elder Orchard Walk, leading

The reception, shop and cafe

you through a gap in the bushes to a veritable bank of Elders, maybe fifteen or more, each with a signpost ranging from ‘Dinner Plate’ to ‘Car Door.’ Ron calls this living genebank his Library of Elders. You are allowed to be mystified as the story is intriguing! This pair are not just dedicated foragers but passionate about tastes, flavours and nature so wherever they came upon a particularly juicy Elder they took a small cutting and twenty five years later they have an avenue of

The elder orchard

sturdy trees and two acres of their progeny where you can stroll at your leisure. When gathering from one such wild tree the blooms were so enormous they made a clunking sound like a car door when they hit the bucket…need I say more!

Every name tells a story!

The fruits for their production are locally sourced: they forage from the wild, grow on farm or purchase from local growers.

Folk often come by with surplus apples over autumn. Foraged meadowsweet works particularly

well with apples for cider. The apples used for their fine cider are from orchards across all of Perthshire however there is one that is an interesting exception, sold as single variety cider, The King Jimmy. As the River Tay passes Perth you may have spotted an isle in the river, Moncreiffe Island, these days home to an allotment community, King James VI Golf Club … and a fine old orchard of apple trees, hence the cider’s name.

The origins of this particular apple variety remain hazy, the investigation of their heritage on the ‘to do’ list, but they are perfect for making great cider and a little piece of history too.

As a region famed for apples, and indeed with a resurgence of interest in heritage varieties such as Bloody Ploughman and James Grieve, I can reassure you apple stocks are in good health however fashion trends and commercial demands among local farmers can have knock on effects on product lines at Cairn O’Mohr: raspberry growing has declined in the region, a pity in a district famous for

this soft fruit but blueberries and cherries are on the increase so there is always something interesting to enjoy. There is a wonderful symbiosis between grower and winemaker: in a bumper year Cairn O’Mohr will take extra berries or when too many ripen at the same time they can ensure none are wasted. It is after all a delightful form of preservation!

Cairn O’Mohr East Inchmichael, Errol, Perthshire , PH2 7SP www.cairnomohr.com Wendy Barrie is the 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.

Production in full swing

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IRRIGATION

Keeping the water flowing Providing crop care and many other logistical solutions for farmers, sports grounds and gardeners etc

Greencrop Pump Sets for Drip Irrigation gun or boom, also for increased use of drip or tape irrigation, where existing pump sets on the market are over capacity for these applications.

We can offer two models, the GCEP51WIR and GCEP75WIR, both with bunded tanks and control panels as standard.

The GCEP51WIR unit is powered by a water cooled Perkins 404D22 (TIER 111) 51hp 4 cylinder with a Rovatti F43K8090/3E pump, which is ideal for running drip or tape irrigation but still be able to run one irrigator.

Greencrop have introduced a new range of budget irrigation pump sets, including economy diesel

engines and irrigation pumps that will drive a single hose reel irrigator fitted with either a rain

Standard specification. * At 2200 rpm: 66 m3/h - 89m * At 2000 rpm: 66 m3/h – 69m * At 1750 rpm: 66m3/h – 48m Control box model Elcos CEM250 (standard control & protection) Flow switch Manual priming pump Delivery butterfly valve Roof to protect the engine from rain Special bunded chassis - internal capacity 800 liters Lockable fuel cap Wheels 11.5/80 with mudguards The GCEP75WIR unit is powered by a water cooled Iveco F32MNSX00.00 (TIER 111A) 75hp 4 cylinder engine direct coupled to a Caprari MEC-MR 652/4A 1 - centrifugal multiple-stage pump with horizontal shaft (Q: 64.67 m /h H: 109 m).

Optional extras for both pump sets are: Suction and delivery fittings Electric primer Acoustic lockable engine cabinet.

73db @ 7m GSM control.

These pumps stand alongside our renowned main irrigation pump sets 125hp and 170hp. The Iveco 4 cylinder 125hp turbo

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engine unit has proved to be a very good choice with good engine torque and fuel efficiency.

The pump sets have a complete fully covered acoustic cabinet and has had an official sound test with a decibel reading of 72db at 1 metre.

The side doors open to gain total non-interference of the engine and pump, plus a front storage compartment.

Greencrop have also had a successful time with the Elite irrigator from Irrimec designed with the professional grower in mind.

The attention to detail starts with each machine being steel shot blasted, then painted in epoxy anti-corrosive primer, with a final coat of oven baked polyurethane paint for a superb long lasting finish. Trolleys are hot galvanized The drum is driven from a cut gear ring positioned on the outer diameter of the drum. Unlike a chain drive, the hose drum is driven by a low-torque gear drive, which is positive and low wearing.

The new Dosicontrol pro computer has built in GSM, ability to record hours worked and water used among other diagnostics.

The chassis’ are constructed of large steel frames using a 5mm thick box section. The hydraulic legs are 50% larger with built-in internal rams for improved weather resistance and are designed to exert a central push against the drum for added stability. It is supplied with a full hydraulic system with the control levers now mounted on its own adjustable stand at the front of the machine.

The hose guide has not one but four metal bearing rollers guiding the hose onto the drum. Gun trolleys are self-pivoting, have been made 50% stronger.

For further details contact howard@greencrop.co.uk or check our website www.greencrop.co.uk

IRRIGATION

Blowing blocked drains away by Fentons of Bourne The Hurricane drain cleaner has been part of the Homburg product range since early in 2013, points out UK importer Fentons of Bourne, which offers a range of drain cleaners that includes Junior, Delta and the Senior models.

The main difference with the Hurricane, compared with other models, is its entirely hydraulic operation, says the dealership.

The operation of the drain cleaner is via a control box (standard) or a remote control (optional). Hydraulic functions were previously controlled via three joysticks however these have now been replaced with programmable touch buttons.

The main functions on the Hurricane are carried out automatically. For instance, the machine has an electronic counter and the operator can enter the endpoint which will stop the hose automatically, prior to starting its way back along the drain.

The HDD system (Homburg Dynamic Drive) is a sensor which detects the oil pressure on the manifold block. Pressure over 60bar could indicate a blockage and therefore, after a short delay, the machine will retract the hose and make a new attempt to progress along the length of the drain.

The Hurricane repeats this cycle three times and, if the

Family run irrigation business marks 25 years in business

Turf Irrigation Services (Scotland) Ltd is a well established family run irrigation company who have served the sport and agricultural industries for 25 years.

They aim to provide the materials and expertise to meet the needs of those doing personal, small installations and large scale multiple contractor projects. They have connections with the big names in irrigation (Toro, Rainbird & Hunter) and

problem remains unresolved, the machine will automatically turn off and give an audible alarm, adds the Lincolnshire based firm.

Another “smart” feature of the Hurricane is slip detection, says Fentons. Two sensors detect the speed of the drive wheel and the measuring wheel. If the percentage of slippage becomes

too high, the machine will automatically turn off.

The Hurricane can be fitted with several extras such as road and work lights, a toolbox and a reel for the suction hose. The hose guide is a standard feature however the machine can hold up to 500m of HPE hose in one piece, or up to 900m in all.

in pumps (Caprari, Calpeda & Xylem).

“We hope our vast range of products and expertise will encourage you to use us to meet all of your watering needs – whether you need an engineer to visit for maintenance, supply of replacement parts, or a whole new system! Please contact us on 01506 848494 or email tis@ turfirrigationservices.co.uk. We are here for all your irrigation needs!” www.farmingscotlandmagazine.com

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topic

Farmers should be getting more credit for R&D

By Mark Tighe, CEO of specialist tax consultancy Catax

Farmers in Scotland face tough challenges with volatile markets, cheaper overseas production, rising costs and falling wholesale prices in a complicated food supply chain, headed by the big supermarkets.

For farmers to survive and thrive in Scotland, they must innovate. Many of the most successful farmers have done so through a combination of creative thinking, capitalising on new food trends and markets, and using cutting edge technologies to streamline their processes and increase efficiency.

Agri-tech has become a buzzword since the focus shifted to increasing productivity through technology and data rather than developing more land for agricultural use.

Farming is the oldest of all human industries yet it is now one of the most technically advanced of all sectors with innovation at its heart.

However, farmers are missing out on hundreds of thousands of pounds in unclaimed Research and Development (R&D) tax relief.

We know not enough farmers are coming forward because the numbers reaching our door are dwarfed by those in other industries such as engineering and manufacturing.

This could be because many farmers do not realise that much 34

- Biotechnology - Drones - Soil management & smart irrigation

of what they are doing can be categorised as R&D under the government’s rules, making them eligible for the valuable tax relief that was designed to reward and encourage innovation.

R&D is not just for scientists, it applies to a huge range of new products, services and systems.

HMRC recognises that there is R&D in every field.

The HMRC test for genuine R&D is whether an ‘appreciable improvement’ can be shown, addressing a ‘scientific or technological uncertainty’.

So agri-tech and farming generally with its focus on feeding growing populations, increasing efficiency, minimising or mitigating environmental threats, reducing energy use, waste management and reuse and much more, is a prime candidate for R&D tax relief.

The average tax relief benefit for farmers we have worked with has amounted to £50,000 – a significant sum which could be reinvested in the business to fuel further innovation and growth rather than going into the government coffers.

Areas where R&D is most likely be found in agriculture include: - Development and use of new technologies and processes in farming - Use of big data and the Internet of Things - Robotics & AI - Monitoring, satellite imagery & remote sensing - Increasing yields – including crops - Improving labour productivity through robotics and machines - Resource management

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The R&D doesn’t even have to have been successful to qualify and claims can be backdated two years.

Too many farmers still think that R&D is all about science labs and test tubes and simply do not relate it to their own innovations.

We need to get away from this way of thinking. Many farms invest tens of thousands each year, if not more, on developing new processes using advanced technology. It is time they started reaping the full benefits.

Less than half the companies that are eligible for R&D tax relief nationwide have ever claimed, our research shows.

Farming is no different.

Farmers looking to improve margins and efficiencies should take a proper look at their R&D tax relief entitlements. Most good R&D tax relief specialists will work on a commission basis so cost concerns can be dismissed.

If farmers capitalise on R&D tax relief to fuel further advances, the benefits will be felt not just to their businesses but across the whole economy.

IN THE BEGINNING Q1) Where were you born?

Worcestershire, but moved to the island of Guernsey when very young.

Q2) What is your earliest memory?

One of my earliest memories is digging up parsnips from our garden and taking them in my wheelbarrow down to the local shop. The shopkeeper gave me a thrupenny bit but told me he wouldn’t be needing more. I was 4.

Q3) How would you describe your childhood upbringing?

Happy and hard work! We lived on a smallholding and everyone was expected to help. But I learnt a lot and enjoyed it. We had a lot more freedom and responsibilities than many young folk seem get to have now.

I run (if the weather is ok), otherwise read or watch a film.

My favourite relaxation though is to ride my Triumph Sprint.

THE INTERVIEW up close & personal Your Name: Patrick Krause Your job title: Chief Executive Company name: Scottish Crofting Federation What you do for the company?

Mainly facilitate to working of the organisation

MOVING ON Q5) What were you into during your teenage years?

The usual boy stuff (the fascination of girls; and pop music) and also motorbikes, as they were the affordable transport.

Q7) College, University or straight into work?

I went to work as soon as I could.

Q8) Any unusual working experiences from those early years?

Q15) What is the best advice you have given and would like to pass on to our readers?

Something I read that has always stuck is that life is a dance. We are not trying to get from A to B. To try to reach a certain place on the dance floor would be to waste the music. I like that.

INTO BUSINESS Q16) Your current job, can you tell us a little more about what you do?

I work for crofting, something I believe in passionately. My job is a bit of everything, I facilitate the working of the organisation. I am very lucky to work with a great group of people, all of whom are passionate about the work we do. Probably what takes up most time on a day to day basis is writing (email over-load, articles, papers etc).

Q4) How was school for you?

I didn’t like the academic stuff very much. I would have preferred doing something practical. Homework was particularly unwelcome on top of the milking and feeding.

Q6) Who was the first influence in your life?

I guess the strongest early influence came from my father – he seemed to be able to do anything he put his mind to and that has made me feel that I can too (unfortunately not always borne out in reality!).

Q14) How is life today for you?

Life is a bowl of cherries.

Q17) Is there a ‘dream job’ out there waiting for you?

I am in the perfect job for me.

But, were I to do something else I would be a sailor, moving yachts around the world for rich folk.

I got a traineeship as a blacksmith in a village forge. We made wrought ironware and also fixed agricultural machines.

GROWING UP Q9) What was your first car?

My first transport was a Grieves 250cc motorcycle. I didn’t get a car until after I was married – that was a Vauxhall Cavalier.

Q10) Be honest now, did you pass your test first time?

No. I failed my bike test first time, deservedly. Car test I did

manage first time – being older and a bit more sensible!

Q11) Can you remember your first love or passion?

My dog Charlie, a black collie x lab.

LIFE & LEISURE Q12) Do you have a talent that you would like to share with us?

I can play the didgereedoo.

Q13) Away from work, how do you like to relax?

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LAST THOUGHTS Q18) Is there was a single person (Alive or dead) you would love to meet?

Douglas Adams (the writer of ‘Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy’).

Q19) And finally, is there one thing in the world you would like to change?

Look, I really didn’t want to mention the B word; but what a catastrophe! I would certainly change that if I could.

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Farming travel guide Scotland Fochabers, Findhorn and Forres

by Janice Hopper Discover spooky goings on in the north of Morayshire! Head to rural Brodie and meet a farmer’s daughter who has opened very comfortable glamping pods at the site where Shakespeare’s Macbeth is said to have met the three witches.

The hillock in question is a simple mound of earth, with Shetland sheep and Shetland/ Charollais cross grazing peacefully on the grass. It’s ideal for a quirky romantic getaway, or a short break where children can let off some steam, run to the top of the hill for ‘King of the Castle’ status, as parents set up camp. But as night falls, and the flames and embers crackle in the firepit, the word ‘atmospheric’ is a bit of an understatement. The lines ‘Double, double toil and trouble; Fire burn, and caldron bubble’ spring swiftly to mind. This innovative new glamping site, in a unique historic location, is the labour of love of local woman Karen Sutherland.

“The field we bought from my dad was part of the family farm’, says Karen, ‘It was purchased from Brodie Estate in 1927 by my Great Grandfather. I grew up here and wanted the same rural lifestyle for my children. We couldn’t afford to get into farming in a bigger way, so this was a happy medium.

Gordon Castle Walled Garden

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The field we bought included the intriguing Macbeth’s Hillock, the site where Shakespeare’s Macbeth was said to have met with the three witches who told of his rise to the throne and future demise.’

‘As such, this literary site has been visited by tourists for hundreds of years, and was even highlighted

by Johnson and Boswell in 1773 during their grand tour of Scotland. While still attracting visitors it was undervalued, so we decided to turn part of the field into a glamping site, allowing us to develop Macbeth’s Hillock as a tourist attraction and tell the story of Shakespeare’s Macbeth and the Real King Macbeth.’

Whilst a rural hideaway, each glamping pod at Macbeth’s Hillock is comfortably kitted out with an en-suite shower-room, kitchen and dining area, and heaters that keep the cabins unbelievably cosy. Four happy glampers can be accommodated in each pod - with one double bed and two single beds available. Outdoors, a dedicated picnic table and a firepit keep the camping vibe alive.

After one of the warmest nights glamping imaginable, the following morning a recommended stop is Woodside Farm in Kinloss.

Here, visitors can meet the Aberdeen Angus cattle and feed

Bewitching glamping at Macbeth’s Hillock

the chickens, before ducking into the Farm Shop to pick up local produce. There’s also a relaxed, informal coffee shop where members of the local community meet for a catch up, and it boasts a spacious play area for youngsters, with toys, jigsaws and apparatus to entertain them.

The enterprise is run by farmers’ wives Moira and Carrol Rhind. The women run the shop and café whilst the men work on the farm, which specialises in seed potatoes and beef. One of Moria’s children is undertaking an agricultural HND in Edinburgh and another is at Craibstone in Aberdeen studying Rural Business Management. Carrol’s children are equally hands-on: one daughter already works on the farm alongside her father, and the second daughter is a trained butcher. This family will clearly be part of the farming community for some time to come.

Other large land owners in the region were the Brodies of Brodie.

Today, it’s possible to visit their country seat, the elegant Brodie Castle, home to the clan for 400 years and now maintained by the National Trust for Scotland.

Visitors can book guided tours of the castle and wander the grounds, which in Spring are carpeted with

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over 100 varieties of daffodils. Or dip into its new ‘Playful Garden’: as well as encountering Scotland’s biggest rabbit sculpture, there’s a mini version of the castle to clamber into, rabbit holes to crawl through, and xylophones to play on. With a woodland adventure playground, soft-play area and a café, Brodie Castle works in all weathers.

A second castle where the harvest is a key concern for the landowners, is Gordon Castle near Fochabers. The estate grows its own botanicals within the Walled Garden to create gin with notes of lavender and garden mint, and a range of plum and raspberry gin liqueurs.

Across Scotland it’s becoming noticeable that distilling has become increasingly big news amongst landowners and the farming community as a form of diversification. The estate also creates ciders crafted from the castle’s own apples and pears.

Jams and chutneys, straight from the vines and fruit trees, can be purchased online or in the gift shop. Several lines of bath and body products have been created, with toiletries inspired by the Flower Garden, Herb Garden and Orangery. And, with a motto of ‘Plant-Pick-Plate’, the

Farming travel guide Scotland castle’s seasonal fruit and veg is dished up in a fresh, modern café. Gordon Castle is a prime example of utilising the harvest in a myriad of profitable ways.

As you tour around the Moray region it’s apparent that local produce is king. This is possibly because there are no cities in Morayshire. Small towns and the rural way of life dominate the culture, and its larder is the pride of the area.

Many gastronomic attractions have stories that link back to the land. For example, Baxters of Fochabers is renowned for its Scottish soup and jams. It turns out the founder was originally a gardener on the Gordon Castle Estate, and the Baxters business came about using surplus fruit from the castle gardens. The story is told in the Fochabers Visitor Centre, which offers a modern foodie shopping experience and a quaint 19th century ‘Old Shop’ so guests can experience a grocers of bygone years.

A final recommendation is the Findhorn Foundation, known for working ‘in co-creation with the intelligence of nature’. This alternative community is known for its sustainable approach and

The ‘Old Shop’ at Baxters of Fochabers

produce. The Phoenix Café cooks up excellent vegetarian dishes, and the Phoenix Shop specialises in local, organic, Fairtrade, ethical and artisan foods. Exploring the ecovillage and whisky barrel houses is a morning out in its own right.

The inspiring aspects about visiting this corner of Morayshire are, not only the flavours, but the individual and creative ways that the people are using the fertile land on their doorstep. From organic produce and bewitching hillocks, to giant bunnies and relaxed farm

shops with original play areas, the locals are dismissing dull templates and rule books to create something personal and unique.

Where to Stay Macbeth’s Hillock macbethshillock.co.uk For spacious self-catering accommodation consider Carden Cottages in Alves - home comforts within a converted steading. carden-cottages.co.uk Where to Eat For a taste of the local larder try:The Old Mill Inn, Brodie - Under new management, enjoy quality dining in a relaxed country pub atmosphere. oldmillinnspeyside. co.uk The Mosset Tavern, Forres - For modern, hearty family-friendly dining. mossettavern.com Factbox Brodie Castle - nts.org.uk/visit/ places/brodie-castle Gordon Castle Walled Garden gordoncastlescotland.com Baxters of Fochabers - baxters. com The Findhorn Foundation findhorn.org For further info on Forres, Findhorn and Fochabers visit morayspeyside.com

The Café at Gordon Castle Walled Garden

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IN

Agriculture is under constant pressure. With Brexit looming and the reliance on EU subsidies, further uncertainty is ahead. A farmer’s largest asset is often their land, however land prices have continued to increase (by over 300% in the last 20 years); and these values now significantly outstrip the returns taken from the land.

Many landowners can see opportunities ahead to adapt their farming business to help safeguard their future. This could be done by generating other income streams from changing farming practices, or potentially from diversifying their asset portfolio to help bolster the ever changing agricultural market place they now face.

There is an ever constant demand for housing of all tenures UK wide. There is currently a need across Scotland to build 30,000 new homes each year. Less than 18,000 are presently being built per year. In order to achieve this level of housebuilding, up to 2,500 acres of greenfield and brownfield land need to be brought forward. Now is the time for landowners to review their

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land assets, seek advice and look to unlock the value in their land from selling land with residential permission. This could unlock a multi-million pound injection into a farming business, allowing it to invest in its other farming assets as well as diversifying the asset base, so that the business is better placed to deal with a more uncertain agricultural future.

Strategic Land Gladman adopts an innovative partnership approach to strategic land, focusing on the landowners requirements and optimising value by securing planning consents on potential residential development land. Our in-depth knowledge of the complex and rapidly evolving planning system makes us the ideal partner for landowners keen to promote their land. Through rigorous research and an analytical understanding of housing land supply, we are able to identify and promote sites which are often suitable for early housing delivery. Our success rate currently stands at over 80% across the UK. We have a growing reputation in the industry for our professional and honest approach.

Once planning permission has been secured, Gladman works with the landowner to offer the land for sale to a range of house builders through a competitive tender process, ensuring the landowner receives the true value of their asset.

The Gladman Scotland Strategic Land Team With a dedicated team of inhouse town planners, Gladman Scotland has the skills and ability to quickly assess opportunities and develop the correct strategy to successfully promote residential schemes.

Being based in Scotland, our team is well placed to respond to the particular challenges and knowledge of the Scottish planning system and local housing markets. The expert in-house team of professionals includes planners, surveyors, solicitors and engineers who work with a dedicated external team of master planners, ecologists, highway consultants and specialist planning lawyers.

Why Partners with us?

The landowner and Gladman agree a relatively short period of time within which to successfully promote the land. All the landowner’s costs of entering into the Promotion Agreement (PA) are met by Gladman.

Included within the Agreement is a planning strategy which sets clear targets for when an application/plan representations will be lodged, early on in the process. Once signed, Gladman coordinates and fully funds the in-house team and external consultants to implement the planning strategy. At all times

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the landowner is kept updated and prior approval secured to the content of planning applications and representations made to emerging strategic and local development plan processes.

At the point of successfully securing a planning permission or local plan allocation for residential development a sales strategy is agreed with the landowner. Because this is on an open market basis, best value for the land is achieved. With the exception of the eventual land sale fees Gladman is responsible for all of the costs incurred throughout the whole process all of which are neither refundable nor deducted from the eventual land sale price. The costs of promotion typically range between £100,000 and £250,000, often more if an appeal is necessary. We are rewarded only when the land is sold. The title of the land remains with the landowner up until the point of sale and the landowner can continue to use the land as before throughout the process.

Following our successful track record of delivering early planning permissions we are looking for new opportunities throughout Scotland typically of between 5 and 20 acres. We are a well-resourced team able to appraise land quickly and thoroughly, providing outline planning strategies to those parties interested in unlocking value from their land. If you have land that you would like Gladman to look at then please contact.

Email: land@gladman.scot Tel: 01506 424920 www.gladman.scot

BALERS

BALERS A look at some of the baler models for the 2019 season

Case IH RB and LB balers The RB 545 from Case IH is an excellent hay, silage and straw round baler, capable of making firm, well-formed bales which keep their shape during storage.

In Silage Pack format, the RB 545 is equipped with an integral wrapper, turning the complete silage-making process into a oneman operation, saving precious time and money. Improved crop feeding and a new roller design means that more air is squeezed from every layer of material that goes into the bale and the quarter turn option available on the wrapper model allows bales to be deposited on one end, ideal for sloping ground. Bale

dimensions are 122 x 125cm and come with 0, 10 or 20 knives with a theoretical chop length of 52cm and a spring tensioned drop floor. All models are equipped with large, lowpressure flotation tyres to ensure minimum field damage, while the tandem axles on wrapper models further reduce ground pressure.

The LB 4 series is designed to be the most robust and reliable yet, with dozens of features built in to produce consistent bales with ease.

A heavy-duty rotor option for rotor cutter models prevents premature rotor wear in abrasive crop conditions, extending rotor life by

as much as four times the lifespan of the standard rotor. Protection of the balers themselves has also been improved, with balers now featuring a hardened pick-up

drive shaft, a new safety clutch, plus a stronger packer chain and tensioner on non-chopper models, and a new packer slip clutch and longer packer shaft.

ROLLANT 540 – maximum strength for maximum reliability The latest addition to the ROLLANT fixed chamber round baler range, the ROLLANT 540, features new rollers and a stronger chassis, with the choice of net or film wrapping. A new drive concept and outstanding ease of maintenance ensure high performance and a long service life.

The ROLLANT 540 makes bales with a diameter of 1.25 m and width of 1.22 m. The new redesigned baling chamber

has 15 new redesigned rollers which made from 4-mm-thick steel plate. The serrated profile of the rollers maintains optimum bale rotation even under moist conditions. Bearing and power transmission functions are performed via new specially hardened stub shafts 50-mm in diameter on the input drive side.

These new stub shafts are now bolted to the roller body, and can be individually replaced if necessary. The rollers which have

the most load are now also fitted with new double race bearings to ensure a longer service life.

To transmit power to the new rollers, the drive sprockets now use a new spline system to maintain reliablity even in the most difficult of conditions.

The tailgate closing rams are located horizontally on both

Fendt Rotana: The new generation of round balers The Fendt Rotana introduces a new generation of round balers.

In the future, it will replace Fendt balers 1125 F, 2125 F and 2125 F ProFi and complement the variable balers Fendt 4160 V and Fendt 4180 V. Launched in time for the Field Day in Wadenbrunn, Fendt presents the new series consisting of chamber

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sides, resulting in high baling pressures. The new design also reduces the pressure and stress exerted on the tailgate and ram components. For maximum bale density, pressure of up to 180 bar can be applied to the rams.

The ROLLANT 540 can be supplied with the MPS II system as optional equipment.

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press Rotana 130 F and baler/ wrappers Rotana 130 F Combi and Rotana 160 V Combi.

To keep wear and tear as low as possible, all Rotana models have a freewheel sprocket that can rotate a full 360°. If the baling process is suddenly jammed, the sprocket continues to spin and the bale can slow down and run

BALERS out. The new freewheel function protects all chamber and drive components from additional wear in the event of a jam.

The new drive concept of the Fendt Rotana also promises longer durability and a better transmission of power from the gearbox to the baler rollers.

The main drive is now divided into two chains. The power is

distributed more evenly and the drive is even better protected against abrasion.

All new Fendt Rotana Solid chamber models have redesigned press rollers and the diameter at the chamber inlet was reduced.

The new position of the rollers means the bales rotate safely, bales are denser and feed throughput is higher.

New variable chamber round balers from John Deere John Deere introduced a complete range of new V400 Series variable chamber round balers for the 2018 season, to replace the previous 800 and 900 Series models. These high capacity balers have been designed to work more efficiently and productively in all crop conditions from wet grass to dry, brittle straw, offering

farmers and contractors increased versatility and ease of operation.

Key features include a durable, extra heavy duty welded frame and a proven feeding system with a larger diameter 2.2m RotoFlow or 13/25-knife MaxiCut pick-up and one-piece in-line auger rotor for improved intake and crop flow. Heavier duty

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BALERS components such as bigger drive chains, oversize roller bearings, a new bale density tension system and Hardox steel rotor tines have also been incorporated in the new designs.

The V451G is a basic specification, entry level baler primarily for use in hay and straw, while the mid-specification V451M and V461M multi-crop balers are ideal for medium to high volume use where the focus is on producing uniform bales as quickly and consistently as possible. The V451G has a four tine bar pick-up with 5mm tines, while the two M model balers also offer the option of a heavier duty, higher capacity five tine bar pick-up with 6mm tines, which is standard on the R models.

High volume, high quality and premium specifications are the key features of the V451R and V461R balers, which have been developed to meet the high output requirements of contractors and larger livestock farms.

Krone launch first bale collector Krone’s BaleCollect 1230 is 4.3m wide, 3.2m long and carries up to three 2.7m long bales and features a unique telescopic hydraulic drawbar that breaks the connection between the bale collector and the baler. This allows the collector to track behind the baler like a second trailer (3.9m total transport length) and ensures safe castering in road transport.

A great advantage of this bale collector over competitor models is that the type approval is issued for the baler-collector combination and not for the tractor-balercollector combination, giving machine owners maximum flexibility in the use of the tractor.

Krone BaleCollect also speeds up collection and reduces traffic on the field by allowing bales to be deposited on the headlands.

The system offers superb operator comfort too, courtesy of the BaleCollect data management which is integrated in the hydraulic

and electronic system (BUS system) and which allows the baler and collector to be operated from the same terminal.

In transport position, the sides fold in to reduce the transport width to less than 3m. BaleCollect is compatible with all Big Pack models and can be approved for 50km/hr.

In the field, the hydraulic drawbar is retracted and the bale

collector runs in line with the bale chamber. Also, the wheels are unlocked hydraulically and turn freely. After the sides are lowered hydraulically BaleCollect is ready to collect bales.

When a bale leaves the bale chamber and moves on to the BaleCollect, it passes over a detecting sensor which signals to push it to the side.

D-K-R

WILKS BROTHERS

AGRICULTURAL SERVICES LTD. Main Dealers for John Deere Balers

Main dealers in Perthshire for KRONE Balers

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

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

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BALERS

Silver award for patented film binding system KUHN Farm Machinery’s twin-reel film binding bale wrapping system won a silver award in the Livestock Innovation category of the 2019 LAMMA Innovation Awards.

Unlike other film binding systems which use wide mantle rolls to perform the bale binding function, the KUHN system uses two standard 750mm stretch film rolls to fully encapsulate the bale. As well as improving silage preservation and making the recycling of waste plastic easier, this system also reduces plastic usage by up to 30% by pre-stretching the wrapping film by 70% prior to application. Film loading is also quicker and easier as each roll weighs just 27kg, compared to the wider rolls which can weigh between 40-90kg.

The film binding system is available on KUHN’s i-BIO+ and FBP 3135 BalePack round balerwrapper combination machines,

both of which also use KUHN’s IntelliWrap system which enables the operator to wrap the bale with 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 layers of film as appropriate. Both machines can also be used with conventional net binding: switching between film and net binding is quick and simple as the two systems are separate, with enough space available to carry film and net rolls at the same time, therefore making it easy to switch from one system to the other for different crops or between different fields.

McHale V660 Variable Chamber Round Baler On the V660 Variable Chamber Round Baler the left hand side of the gearbox drives the belts and rollers in the bale chamber, while the pick-up and chopper unit are

driven from the right hand side of the machine. This system ensures evenly distributed power to both the bale chamber and the pick-up and chopper unit. The

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McHale V660 variable chamber round baler is equipped with a 2.1 metre galvanised pick-up which lifts even the shortest of crop. Accurate height control

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BALERS can be achieved through a spring balanced hydraulic lifting system. The V660 variable chamber round baler comes standard with pneumatic guide wheels, which contact the ground on exactly the same line as the tines and guide the pick-up perfectly over uneven ground.

The pick-up on the V660 variable chamber round baler is fitted with lateral feed augers that smoothly guide the crop into the chopping unit.

The pick-up features: - Four rows of tines - Double raced cam bearings - Slip clutch protection

- Cam side inspection port for checking/ changing pick up bearings A crop compression roller is also available as an optional extra on the McHale V660 variable chamber round baler.

This roller evens out lumps in the swarth and minimises the risk of blockages, when working in heavy swarths.

The McHale V660 variable chamber round baler is equipped with a 15 knife chopper unit. As crop enters the spiral rotor, pairs of rotating tines feed the crop through the chopping unit. The double tines on the rotor ensure high output

while the spiral layout reduces the load peaks as the machine works in heavy swaths. The rotor design encourages a uniform crop

flow, which reduces the risk of blockages, thus maximising the V660 variable chamber round balers output.

New Holland’s BigBaler Plus New Holland Agriculture put its BigBaler 1290 Plus to the test, teaming it up with a T7.315 Heavy Duty Auto CommandTM tractor in a challenge that saw the machines work 17 hours over two days in real contracting conditions in France.

The challenge was overseen and the results certified by SGS. Simon Nichol, Head of Hay & Forage and Crop Production Product Management, said: “With its performance in the challenge the BigBaler exceeded our expectations, which were already high. It delivered exceptional productivity with an impressive bale count of 1254 – and every

single bale was of consistently excellent quality and weight.

It achieved this outstanding performance in the real conditions straw contractors operate in, with hot and dry weather and long hours.

This challenge clearly shows how the BigBaler can benefit straw contractors, large scale arable farmers, hay and forage operations and biomass businesses.”

The challenge took place over two days, on 26 and 27 July 2016 at the La Duranderie farm of New Holland customer Mr. Landais, located in Nalliers, in the Pays de la Loire. The fields baled in the challenge were sown with Durum

wheat of the Miradoux, Sculptur and Anvergur varieties. The two day’s activities were overseen by the leading certification company SGS Agriculture, Food & Life, who certified the results.

On the first day, the BigBaler and T7 worked in sunny

conditions with temperatures ranging from 19 to 270C, completing three fields for a total of 84 ha. The second day, while temperatures where similar, weather conditions were changeable, having completed 31 ha.

Vicon pushes output with baler developments FastBale is Vicon’s non-stop round baling and wrapping solution, which eliminates the need to stop and wait while net wrap is applied to finish each round bale.

Based on a fixed chamber principle, FastBale uses a pre-

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chamber, a main chamber and an integral wrapping table, to manage crop flow and deliver a true non-stop round baling process.

Producing 1.25m diameter bales, Vicon’s flagship baler,

the FastBale, offers outputs of around 100 bales/hour.

Other models in the range continue to benefit from enhanced technology, and the variable chamber Vicon RV5200-series gets ever more refined with drop floor and PowerBind net application.

Using a drop floor mechanism suspended on a parallelogram linkage, the RV range now offers shorter unblocking times from improved clearance at the front of the baler - the area most at risk of blockage.

The RV5216 and RV5220 produce bales with diameters of up to 1.65m and 2.0m respectively.

Models use five endless belts and a closed chamber system that affords immediate bale starting.

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Vicon RV balers are equipped with PowerBind, which eliminates the need for feed-in rollers and has been engineered to avoid interference from external factors such as wind and crop.

Net is injected directly into the bale chamber using the PowerBind arm, which maintains net tension at all times and delivers repeatable accuracy with consistent net injection.

Its operation starts when the bale is 90 per cent complete, as the PowerBind arm moves forward, in preparation to inject net. This functionality adds to reliability and productivity, simply by eliminating time the bale might need to pick up the net.

beef Industry Rallies Behind New Campaigns People working throughout the Scottish red meat industry are rallying behind a raft of new initiatives being launched by Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) to highlight the excellent credentials of meat from Scotland.

Over the past few days QMS has been inundated with offers of support from farmers, farm workers, vets, butchers and others keen to get involved in the activities and share the industry’s positive messages.

This includes signing up to potentially take part in a new TV advert for Scotch Beef. The TV advert, being created by a BAFTA-winning director, is being filmed as part of a brand new marketing and public relations campaign behind Scotch Beef PGI set to increase consumers’ understanding of what sets quality assured beef from Scotland apart.

“We’re absolutely delighted with the level of support we are receiving from a very wide range of people, located throughout Scotland, by email, phone and via social media,” said Carol McLaren, QMS Director of Marketing and Communications.

“Our new campaign ‘Know your beef’ communicates all the care and commitment behind the Scotch Beef PGI brand and the TV advert will celebrate the people who are behind the brand.

“Our industry has a huge amount to be proud of in terms of producing nutritious, healthy food and there is no better way of telling the story of our sustainability and animal welfare credentials than through the dedicated people at the heart of our industry.”

Around 50,000 jobs in Scotland are dependent on the red meat industry and there is an opportunity for everyone

involved - from farmers, processors and butchers to auctioneers, feed companies and hauliers - to get involved in the QMS campaigns.

The Scotch Beef campaign will follow a marketing and PR campaign behind Specially Selected Pork which for the first time includes TV advertising and airs for the first time today

(21st January, 2019). This pork campaign is being supported by £125,000 from the Scottish Government.

For more information on how to get involved please follow QMS on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. If you would like to be considered for the Scotch Beef TV advert filming please email info@qmscotland.co.uk

Beef efficiency scheme errors frustrate farmers Farmers and crofters taking part in the Beef Efficiency Scheme (BES) have been left frustrated by recent errors in the administration of the scheme.

Many Scottish beef producers taking part in the scheme were sent warning letters relating to BES. These letters, most received early this week, told farmers that they were in breach of the scheme requirements to enter the weights of their cattle into the relevant section of ScotEID database. Some of those letters were genuine but others were incorrect and Scottish Government is now writing to those affected to clarify the situation.

BES requires beef farmers and crofters to undertake several on-farm activities such as tissue sampling, weight recording and collecting calving data. Late last year, some scheme members also

reported that they were being asked to collect tissue samples over and above those actually required by the scheme rules.

Commenting on the recent problems, NFU Scotland President Andrew McCornick said “The Beef Efficiency Scheme has always been one backed by the sound principles of improving the productivity of the Scottish beef herd, while providing support to hardworking farmers and crofters.

“However, the recent errors involving the recording of weights and tissue sampling will have further soured the experience of participating in the scheme. While several farmers received warning letters in error, we understand that some will also have received genuine ones.

The Scottish Government is now writing to scheme participants to clarify the situation.

“Moving forward, we hope that the scheme administration can be improved and that the Scottish Government will dedicate the necessary resource to provide a high level of support to beef producers taking part in BES. “Longer term, we are working hard to develop a

future support policy for Scottish agriculture that includes the ambition to build a truly functional support system that delivers for the Scottish beef sector, while building on the BES work already undertaken by farmers through tissue sampling and data recording.”

Mineral ‘budgeting’ for the pre-calving season In a recent project, funded by Livestock Health Scotland, David McClelland, Norvite and Beth Wells, Moredun have been investigating the relationship between diet and

neonatal calf health in beef herds.

The vast majority of spring calving cows will have a planned diet based on forage analysis which is balanced to meet their (continued on page 48)

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beef Scotch Beef Announced as Healthy Eating Partner of Scottish Rugby

requirements over winter and in the lead-up to calving. This is good practice to manage cow condition but can also be applied to the mineral and micronutrient portion of the diet.

David McClelland, Norvite explained, “Farmers are being encouraged to pay attention to supplementing cows in the precalving period and farmers are being advised to monitor and manage trace elements at this key stage, in a similar manner to the rationing of energy and protein levels in diets.”

A focus on improved micronutrition can lead to increased colostrum quality.

Colostrum quality is one of the 3 keys to a successful start, commonly referred to as the 3 Q’s of colostrum: Quality, Quantity and Quickly. However, even farms that focus on this good practice experience problems, so clearly many factors are involved in the first few hours following birth. At this time there is competition between colostral antibodies and pathogens, the former to transmit immunity while the latter try to establish in the gut.

Research carried out by Professor Tommy Boland and his team at University College Dublin, has highlighted that over supplementation of iodine in ewes during the pre-lambing period can cause Failure of Passive Transfer (FPT) of colostral antibodies in new-born lambs. A clear cause and effect established that the permeability of the gut to these antibodies, 48

which are large molecules, was adversely affected by high levels of Iodine in the ewes’ diet prelambing and prevented adequate absorption of colostral antibodies in the lambs.

This detrimentally affects the immunity of neonatal lambs and their ability to fight disease, as they rely on antibodies acquired via colostrum in the first few weeks of life.

Despite this phenomenon being replicated in sheep, it has not been clearly demonstrated in cattle. Interest in investigating whether over supply of iodine could adversely affect antibody absorption in calves led to a collaboration between Moredun Research Institute, Norvite and Livestock Health Scotland.

Total dietary Iodine was calculated pre-calving and a sample of calves from each participating herd were blood sampled within a week of birth to establish antibody absorption levels.

A survey of iodine supplementation was carried out on eight farms at the beginning of 2018 from Orkney to Lanarkshire. Although this was a small pilot study, the iodine levels represented a variety of geographical areas and mineral supplement regimes (figure 1). The variation between the farms in the contribution of forage to iodine intake is large and illustrates the importance of individual farms carrying out an annual forage analysis before mineral supplementation is discussed with their nutritionist.

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One of Scotland’s bestloved food brands, Scotch Beef PGI, has been announced as the Official Healthy Eating Partner of Scottish Rugby in a new sponsorship recently unveiled at BT Murrayfield Stadium.

The new partnership will see Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) deliver a range of activities with Scottish Rugby in the coming 12 months, including an initiative to raise the profile of the importance of healthy eating as part of Scottish Rugby’s schools programmes.

The Scotch Beef brand’s sustainability credentials will also be highlighted in the partnership, which will see the brand profiled at home international matches.

Fans arriving early at the matches will see the Scotch Beef mascot “Hamish” joining the prematch revelry and the “Scotch Beef Fan of the Match” will be announced at half-time.

The brand will also be showcased via pitch-side LED advertising during the matches as well as engaging with fans at the forthcoming open training sessions.

This announcement comes as QMS gears up to launch a major marketing and PR campaign behind Scotch Beef with the simple and clear objective of increasing consumer awareness of what is behind the brand.

Carol McLaren, Director of Marketing and Communications, believes the partnership with Scottish Rugby is an exceptional opportunity to further communicate all that sets quality-assured beef from Scotland apart.

She said: “Scotch Beef is at the heart of Scotland’s larder and our partnership with Scottish Rugby will help us to communicate, not only its value in a healthy diet but also its excellent sustainability credentials.

“It is vital that consumers are informed of the facts about Scotch Beef, given the confusion being caused by misinformation, so they can make informed purchase decisions.

“Our message is very simple – if people look for the Scotch Beef label they know they are buying a quality product underpinned by world-leading quality assurance and produced by people who care.”

TRAINVIEW TALK

Its three weeks now since I got the call asking me to write a diary for this magazine and a week for it to sink in it wasn’t a hoax! I better start by introducing us and what we’re all about…. My name is James Cameron and farm with my partner Valerie Orr and two boys, Alec, 21 months and the latest one has been our first arrival of 2019, born only on 6th February so life in the last week or so has got a little busier.

We run Trainview Livestock, a small herd of 16 pedigree Beef Shorthorn and Irish Moiled cows plus followers with the boys sharing an Aberdeen Angus cow, we think this must make them the youngest Angus breeders in the world! The herd runs with our homebred shorthorn bull Prince with a lot of use of AI to introduce new genetics. As we build up numbers we aim to produce bulls and females for the likes of Stirling with the Irish Moileds already showing good demand for private sales, any surplus steers are finished off grass and sold direct to local butchers Rennies in Forfar.

The beef from this rare Irish breed is second to none and we always have some in the freezer.

We don’t quite make things easy for ourselves as we are what is classed as ‘landless keepers’ farming without any permanent ground, sheds or Basic Payment Scheme subsidy, with everything kept on short term lets in the County of Angus.

I also work as a selfemployed stockman and seasonal Ghillie. The vast majority of my work is with the Soutar family at Kingston farm near Forfar with their native Dunlouise Aberdeen Angus herd with Ghillie work

DIARY

Trainview Talk Our new diary page

By James Cameron who runs Trainview Livestock with partner Valerie Orr on a north Perthshire estate during the grouse and deer season.

The herd started in Valerie’s native Northern Ireland in 2014 with the addition of Shorthorns to Valerie’s herd of Irish Moileds.

Opportunity saw the herd move over to Scotland in early 2016 as both of us secured work here. Small family run farms in NI mean there is not much work for a self-employed stockman like me. It’s been a gamble and since the move, the cattle have been in 3 different steadings for winter however now we are at a farm just 2 miles from home. 20 years ago this month an Aberdeen

angus bull left this steading with the legendry Bert Rugg at the halter to make 20 000 gns for the Auchterforfar herd some of that would be nice but we have to be realistic too!

For grazing we have been very lucky to have the same grazing fields for the last 3 summers. We secure this every April at the Angus grass lets, bidding at an open auction is always a worrying day as we can never tell how the prices are going to be. We buy in all our fodder and this year secured a straw for dung deal which is a great saving and beneficial for both parties and in a winter like this a god send to the people in our

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situation.

This month has seen the winter routine continue with feeding and bedding with a welcome break for the 1st week of Stirling bull sales.

The trade was hard going for the shorthorns and we were happy not to have anything there, taking a hard stance last spring on a couple of young bulls. Bulls and females were hard to cash, the cost of feed and perhaps uncertainty over Brexit taking the blame but still a big crowd of people there to watch which is still encouraging to see, although it isn’t the great event in the social calendar it was in the 1950s and 60s when fortunes were won and lost on the drop of a hammer!

For spring calving we have mucked out the shed and look to sell our store steers at the end of the month to ease space. We have already sold our two highland cows to lighten the load and just today two Shorthorn x Irish moiled heifers headed off to a repeat customer in Caithness to join 2 pedigree Irish Moileds purchased from us 2 years ago to establish a new herd.

January also brought our annual herd health scheme tests and TB test, thankfully great results achieved with us now Johnes Level 1, and continue to be IBR, BVD and TB free. Over the next couple of weeks we have lined up to get up to date with our EBV scanning and weighing including our two shorthorn bulls planned for the Stirling May sale along with some summer show season preparations. Some of the cows are already looking heavy with bags starting to fill so it might not be too long to the next new arrivals of the year.

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exotic farming scotland

Surprisingly Rare Aberdeen-Angus Cattle Janice Hopper Aberdeen-Angus cattle may not sound particularly rare to most people, but native AberdeenAngus certainly are, highlighted on the lists of the Rare Breeds Survival Trust.

To be on this list isn’t good news for any creature, but the RBST has five categories: Minority, At Risk, Vulnerable, Endangered and Critical. Aberdeen-Angus cattle are up there in second most severe category of ‘Endangered’.

This means there are only 150250 registered breeding females producing pure bred offspring in the UK. The only cattle fairing worse in the UK are Chillingham Wild Cattle, Dairy Shorthorn (Original Population), Northern Dairy Shorthorn and Vaynol cattle.

The general public would probably, and understandably, assume there were thousands of Aberdeen-Angus cattle roaming around, especially in Scotland.

This may be because the cattle are so well known, with a global reputation, and also due to the fact that British cattle are classed as Aberdeen-Angus if they are sired by an Aberdeen-Angus bull. Whilst the UK is very well populated by Aberdeen-Angus, it’s desperately short of the native pure bred variety. But does it matter?

Let’s face it, native AberdeenAngus are naturally stockier and smaller than most AberdeenAngus cattle. Naturally the meat yield from the larger beasts is more profitable, so why take the trouble to rear pure bred Aberdeen-Angus?

Geordie Soutar of the Dunlouise herd, in the heartland of Angus, is one farmer passionate about going native.

“These cattle are indigenous to this area,’ says Geordie. ‘After two decades of fattening cattle, I decided to breed Angus, and

Aberdeen-Angus Bull

found the cattle were nothing like the animals I remembered from my youth. The grass-eating, grass-finished Aberdeen-Angus had been transformed into large grain-consuming animal with mixed genetics. It felt like the Holy Grail was about cattle

Dunlouise Aberdeen-Angus

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size rather and red meat yield. I wanted to go back to the old way.’

‘Grain yields have plateaued in many corners of the world,’ continues Geordie, ‘so it’s increasingly essential to grow cereals for human consumption and rear low-input cattle such as Aberdeen-Angus that, merely by foraging, convert grass into beef.

It’s no longer sustainable to feed cattle 10/15kgs of grain to get a 2kg gain in live weight.”

The Dunlouise herd is named after Geordie’s children Louise, a local vet, and son Duncan.

Based near Kingsmuir, Forfar, their animals graze in the Angus countryside, and follow a long line of esteemed animals.

“The original AberdeenAngus were of such high quality they populated the world,’ says Geordie. ‘They adapted to the climate wherever they went, were bred with indigenous populations around the globe, vastly increasing the meat quality in one generation. In the current economic and environmental climate there’s been a resurgence in farmers seeking out the original Aberdeen-Angus genetics.”

exotic farming scotland Geordie’s herd can be traced back to the original Herd Book, and they are coveted for their DNA. He sells live animals to Europe (Dunlouise do not vaccinate their animals so live cattle can be exported to Europe), and he sells Aberdeen-Angus semen, but his main market is sending embryos overseas to the Americas, especially countries such as Uruguay, which hosted the World Angus Secretariat Technical Meeting in March 2019.

In terms of breeding, Geordie believes native Aberdeen-Angus are second to none.

“The provenance of these original Angus can be traced back 180 years, they are the blueprint of the breed, producing a high quality carcass on grass alone.

We’re talking British bloodlines.

The animals have shorter gestation periods and can calve themselves. They are docile, friendly, sociable animals too.”

Geordie acquired his first Native Angus in 1995, but building up the herd wasn’t an easy process.

“One of the first two cows we bought was a Native Angus and realising the merits and rarity of these beautiful animals, it took twelve years of persistent searching to finally acquire all nine families left in existence.

This rare and valuable breed was almost completely extinct.”

Maintaining the proud history, the long line of Aberdeen-Angus,

Daughter Louise shows the animals - Duncan watches from the gate

also inspires Geordie. The cattle’s Herd Book dates back to 1862 and the Aberdeen-Angus Society was founded in 1879. The story, naturally, has its own heroes.

Hugh Watson was the tenant farmer of Keillor Farm in Angus from 1808. He laid the foundations of the breed, producing Aberdeen-Angus cattle of renowned quality. Two other key characters developed and continued Watson’s work. William McCombie of Tillyfour, Aberdeenshire and Sir George Macpherson-Grant of Ballindalloch, dedicated

themselves to refining the breed.

Glamis Castle is another location on the Aberdeen-Angus radar. It was the childhood home of the late Queen Mother who was famously the patron of the Aberdeen-Angus Cattle Society.

The castle had its own proud herd, including champion beasts such as ‘Minx’ and ‘Ju-Ju’.

Geordie’s efforts, too, may in time be added to the annals of history. To distinguish and protect the pure bred Aberdeen-Angus he met with the Aberdeen-Angus Cattle Society and the Rare Breeds Survival Trust in 2001.

Geordie and his associates agreed on the term ‘Native Angus®’ to demarcate those cattle that can be continuously traced back to the origin of the breed, with no imported bloodlines, and are marked on the pedigree and in the herd book ‘Native bred’.

“Our Dunlouise Native Angus have safe guarded the future of these native animals, both at home and abroad. I’d encourage any Angus breeder to use these genetics to actively make a difference to their herd, particularly in the current climate,’ concludes Geordie, ‘And when I fall off my perch, daughter Louise will take up the Native Angus reins!”

Organisations Geordie Soutar’s Herd dunlouiseangus.com Native Angus® Preservation Society - nativeangus.org Aberdeen-Angus Cattle Society aberdeen-angus.co.uk Rare Breeds Survival Trust rbst.org.uk Dates for the Diary European Angus Forum - The next European Angus Forum will be held in Germany in 2020.

World Angus Secretariat Forum 2021 to be held in Sydney, Australia - worldangussecretariat. com

Geordie and Julia Soutar with their herd

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livestock Raise the standard of your cattle handling to a new level ARROWQUIP cattle handling equipment has been developed by practical people applying animal behaviour characteristics to their products.

Quietness is achieved throughout the crush by using nylon bushes on the hinges and rubber absorbers on all the access panel slam bolts. The moulded heavy duty rubber floor provides cattle with sure footing and silence when they are in the crush. The ratchet type rump bar fingers are made of nylon which are quieter than steel but provide the same level of security. All sheet metal panels are caulked to stop the panels from rattling to help make ARROWQUIP crushes the quietest on the market.

Safety for the cattle and the operator. The curtain style straight headgate opens a full 760mm. top to bottom ensuring the animal will not choke and the operating handle can be used anywhere along the side of the crush. The hygienic rubber floor reduces stress and is supported by a 5mm. steel floor pan which has drainage holes.

The full length parallel squeeze ranges from 197mm to 750mm. ensuring safe handling of all sizes of animal.

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Access. Removeable and reversible access panels and side access doors allow unobstructed access to the animal on both sides. The neck access panel is also removeable. The split door vet cage provides the handler with increased safety and the foot operated bottom gate locks in position when engaged and can be squeezed with the crush.

The sliding rear gate protects the stockman from cattle waiting to enter the crush. An optional head holder is available.

Quality. All locking mechanisms have a lifetime guarantee. Q-catch models have a 5 year warranty and the rest is guaranteed for 12 months. Every piece of equipment undergoes extensive testing by ARROWQUIP engineers who are specifically dedicated to livestock handling. The research and development team are continually designing the equipment to make it the best it can be to help farmers handle their livestock.

ARROWQUIP has been manufacturing cattle equipment for 30 years and PENDERFEED has been supplying farmers with handling and feeding equipment for over 30 years carefully selected to the needs of stockmen and women.

livestock Joint call to end non-stun slaughter The RSPCA and the British Veterinary Association (BVA) have joined forces to call on the UK Government to repeal a legal exemption that permits animals to be slaughtered without prestunning, causing unnecessary pain and suffering.

The latest figures* from 2017/18 reveal that over 120 million animals were slaughtered without being stunned first - more than three animals slaughtered every second on average.

In an open letter to Environment Secretary Michael Gove, the BVA and the RSPCA urge the UK Government to change legislation in England which currently allows non-stun slaughter for religious purposes, and provide further public transparency on this issue by releasing the comprehensive 2018 slaughter survey results, which were originally due for release Autumn 2018.

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The letter follows a recent, high profile decision to ban the slaughter of animals without prior stunning in the Flanders region of Belgium which came into force at the start of the year.

Belgium joins several other European countries, including Iceland, Sweden, Switzerland and Denmark in making this decision, demonstrating that a full ban on non-stun slaughter is possible within EU law.

RSPCA chief executive, Chris Sherwood said: “We’re opposed to non-stun slaughter and we’re calling for an end to the practice as it seriously compromises animal welfare.

“Our concern does not relate to the expression of religious belief but the welfare of animals.

“Until there is a change in the law to end non-stun slaughter, there are several measures the UK Government could introduce

to reduce the suffering involved in this practice. For example, by ensuring trade deals with other countries do not include non-stun meat or live animals for non-stun slaughter, clear labelling should be adopted to enable consumers to make an informed choice about the meat they buy and how it was slaughtered.”

BVA President Simon Doherty said: “The UK Government has repeatedly

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stated it would prefer to see all animals stunned before slaughter but has taken no action to address this critical welfare issue that affects millions of animals every year. It is doubly disappointing that data that would have provided a valuable benchmark for levels of non-stun slaughter in the UK has yet to see the light of day despite assurances throughout last year that it would soon be made public.

livestock Boost animal health and productivity the natural way

The

VET Thinking Inside the Box

By Andy Cant Northvet Veterinary Group

Prevention is better than cure when it comes to animal health – and British producers can now access cutting edge global technology to reduce the need for antibiotics and other medicines.

French firm Olmix, which specialises in marine biotechnology and uses algae to improve animal, plant and human health, recently acquired Nottinghamshire-based Micromix, to offer a complete package of animal and plant care.

“The key to good animal health and productivity is providing optimum nutrition and a clean, hygienic environment,” explains Robert Hamilton, animal care manager at Olmix UK. “Olmix has a complete range of natural products which are scientifically proven to aid digestion, strengthen immunity, and improve hygiene – and now British farmers have access to all of that technology.”

Producers can learn how research into biosolutions is feeding through to practical benefits on farm at the Dairy-Tech show, Stoneleigh, on 6 February, where Olmix and Micromix are exhibiting for the first time.

“Micromix has received a lot of funding for research and development - most recently from Innovate UK - and when combined with Olmix’s research budget of 8-9m (£7-7.9m) a year, the benefits to farmers are considerable,” says Wilson Boardman, managing director at

Micromix. By isolating different active ingredients derived from sustainably sourced algae, the firm can target specific areas of animal health. Solutions include Diet – a micronised clay mixed with algal extracts and electrolytes, which both protects against digestive disorders and revives calves suffering from diarrhoea.

Other products include MMi.S - which binds a wide range of mycotoxins in feed, thereby preventing mycotoxicosis – and Mistral; a clay-based sanitiser which reduces incidence of mastitis, digital dermatitis and calf infections.

But it’s not just about the animal – nutrition is derived from plants, and Olmix offers a truly holistic approach to animal and plant health, with a range of biostimulants and foliar nutrients proven to boost crop yields and quality.

“Instead of feeding low quality grass or silage, topped up with expensive supplements, surely it’s better to grow better quality forage in the first place,” says Chris Gamble, sales manager at Micromix. “For example, applying Micromix Essential – a foliar fertiliser containing all the essential micronutrients required for animal health and growth – to pasture is proven to increase forage quality, leading to higher blood nutrient levels in the livestock, alongside better growth rates and feed conversion efficiencies.”

Older maps of the UK often had Orkney and Shetland in a wee box somewhere in the North Sea east of Peterhead so the map would neatly fit on a page. Inside the box thinking that provided a solution.

With the lambing season upon us shepherds should also be thinking inside the box. How does that work, well…

Hypothermia is the greatest cause of mortality in lambs and having a quick way of warming them up and getting energy into them can save them if done in a timely manor. Circulating warm air has been shown to be the best way of doing this. So an insulated closed box with a lid that will hold one or two lambs, a raised mesh floor to allow fluids to drain and air to circulate and a fan heater blowing in underneath is a neat solution. Severely hypothermic lambs may need intraperitoneal injections of glucose, a technique worth learning if your not familiar with it.

Another solution from inside the box, that bottle of antibiotic, we have to be responsible about using.

What do I mean, well…

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Reduction in the use of antibiotics will prevent the chance of resistance occurring and preserve the efficacy of them when needed. Prophylactic use of antibiotics for control of infectious lameness, control of enzootic abortion of ewes and whole flock treatments of lambs for neonatal infectious disease constitute the bulk of antibiotic use in the sheep flock. Being responsible means that you will have instituted other control measures first before reaching inside that box, namely: vaccination, biosecurity, hygiene measures, nutrition and good management, and hopefully wont need to go in that box.

That other large European box, wherein lies the market for all these lambs we are about to rear, it seems we are about to leave. I did talk with someone recently who was thinking outside the box to stay inside the box.

What did he say, well…

England should become an independent country and leave Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to be the United Kingdom.

How would that work, well…

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dairy Graham’s the family dairy secures multimillion pound deal with ALDI Scotland’s biggest independent milk producer, Graham’s The Family Dairy, has entered into a new five-year partnership with ALDI. The investment, which extends the retailer’s existing long-term partnership with Graham’s, will see fresh Scottish milk continue to be supplied to all 85 stores across Scotland in a deal worth approximately £55 million.

The deal is part of ALDI’s wider commitment to supporting Scottish farmers and sourcing high quality local produce.

Based in Bridge of Allan in Stirlingshire, Graham’s has been working with ALDI since 2010 supplying stores across Scotland and the UK with a range of products, including Skyr yoghurt, Cottage Cheese, and Quark. In Scotland, Graham’s also supplies ALDI with fresh Scottish milk, butter, natural yoghurt, and cultured creams.

Robert Graham, Managing Director at Graham’s The Family Dairy, said: “Since 2010, we have enjoyed a close working relationship with ALDI and we are delighted to have agreed a new five-year deal to extend this partnership to the end of 2023.

Long term thinking, being innovative and fast to market is important to our family business, all qualities which ALDI share. This is the largest contract we have agreed to date and is worth roughly £55 million over the five-year period. It is also very positive news for our farming partners and around 700 colleagues across Scotland.

We look forward to continuing to build and grow our already strong relationship with ALDI, both in Scotland and across the UK, to deliver exceptional quality Scottish dairy products to consumers.”

Graham Nicolson, Group Buying Director ALDI Scotland commented: “This new five-year deal with Graham’s the Family Dairy will allow ALDI to continue to stock milk sourced from local farms in all our Scottish stores.

This deal forms part of ALDI’s ongoing commitment to Scottish

farmers and the Scottish dairy industry, which forms an integral part of our supply chain.

“Scottish milk and dairy products are among the highest quality in the world, and we hope that by working closely with local farms it will help sustain and grow this vital industry.”

New ALKA feed options highlight versatility of alkalisation Many UK dairy farmers could boost significantly their use of highly cost-effective homegrown cereals in cow diets thanks to a range of versatile ‘alkalising’ feed options.

FiveF Alka is now able to offer every milk producer in the country a bespoke alkalised feed solution designed to help them make the most of what they can grow on their own farm.

“Many farm users of our alkalising technology are now feeding 20-40% more of their home-grown feed materials, cutting feed costs whilst also increasing milk output and improving longer-term profit factors such as cow energy status and fertility,” said FiveF Alka general manager Rob Smith.

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To complement the alkalising technology developed over the last 30 years allowing farmers to make their own Alkalage, Alkagrain and Alkastraw, the company is also now helping partner feed companies to make a range of innovative new Alka feeds.

“A great example of this co-operation is new Alkafibre.

This new product is a joint development between HJ Lea Oakes and FiveF Alka, which can be distributed nationally.

Alkafibre is made from oatfeed pellets, a feed ingredient perceived to be of low nutritional

value. However, the alkalisation process improves the rumen degradability of this fibre, adds valuable protein and makes it highly alkaline, making it a very cost-effective alternative to more conventional ration fibre sources such as beet pulp and soya hulls,” Rob Smith said.

Up to one third of dairy feed variable inputs lost in feed waste Although feed is the single biggest cost for UK dairy businesses, accounting for 60 percent of variable costs, industry research suggests it is one of the most under-utilised

inputs, with as much as 45 percent of its potential lost from field to cow.

Ian Leach, Alltech retail programmes manager, explains that this equates to a feed waste

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value of almost £1 for every £3 spent.

“The preliminary results from a pilot study1 carried out by Alltech, in conjunction with leading industry experts,

Support and unity for farming in Scotland

By former Vice President Gary Mitchell

reinforces the scale of the issue,” he explains.

“The study assesses a variety of different critical control points where feed wastage occurs, including in the field, during storage, at feeding out and inside the cow.”

Explaining the preliminary results, taken from 34 farms, Mr Leach says the study has confirmed that it is likely there is scope for huge improvement across the spectrum of UK dairy farms.

Storage. “Results show that the average loss of dry matter (DM) in silage clamps is in the region of 25 percent,” says Mr Leach.

“On most farms, it was identified that the greatest losses were in the most nutritive part of the silage resulting in the undigestible proportion

increasing. Not only does this cause a reduction in dry matter intake (DMI), it has potential to lead to health issues, such as SARA, as the balance of the ration can be disrupted.”

Cow health is a key area where efficiencies can have a big impact on feed wastage and the bottom line.

“For example, for a unit with average incidence rates of mastitis, lameness, metritis and milk fever, the total financial impact of losses equates to around £39,995 (3ppl),” says Mr Leach.

“Calving intervals of 419 days and service conceptions of 2.6 could also be costing units around £47,161 (3ppl).”

“We ultimately want to help farmers take greater control of feed waste to cut costs and improve margins.”

Supply chain must adapt to maximise farm efficiencies says Deosan In order to ensure future farm efficiencies are maximised, the supply chain must adapt and look at new ways to provide more effective and convenient products and services to farm businesses according to Rob

NFU Scotland

dairy

Kelly, Deosan Agricultural Marketing Director.

“It’s time to look at the whole supply chain and devise new ways to support the future prosperity of UK farms.

Collaboration among suppliers is

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The support and unity provided by an organisation like NFU Scotland are a vital tonic to the many challenges faced by Scotland’s farmers and crofters writes former Vice President Gary Mitchell.

Gary writes: “It is 10 years since I got first elected on to NFU Scotland’s milk committee. I can still remember that first meeting at the rural centre. It was a daunting experience and fellow Dumfries and Galloway dairy farmer Kenny Campbell was the only person in the room that I knew.

“As I look back over the years, it blows me away how many farmers I’ve now met across all sectors in Scotland through working for NFUS. That platform for networking provided by the Union is why it has been so successful down through the years.

“I never experienced university, but folks who have generally make life-long friends there. I believe the Union is where I have met many of my life-long friends, for which I’m very grateful.

“It’s so valuable if you have a person you can phone outside your area or local circle, where you can seek independent advice or even talk about an issue you are struggling with.

To have a willing, listening ear at the other end of the phone is invaluable.

“In my time as milk chairman, through the crisis in 2012, I received many calls from farmers with many concerns and sometimes a listening ear was all that was required.

“It is so important to talk.

Good mental health relies on

it. We naturally want to feel part of our society or industry, and we all struggle at times with the fear of failure.

“Nowadays, we have access to so much information online.

Last November, I attended an AHDB leaders’ forum at Edinburgh where one of the speakers, Sir John Jones, told us if we were to read a quality newspaper for sven days, we would gain more information than someone would have in a lifetime in the 18th century.

“The reality is that our minds have had to adapt to this new world.

“The two days I spent at the NFU Scotland AGM, conference and dinner each year was a tonic for my mental health which was badly needed.

“I found 2018 a very difficult year for various reasons and, at this year’s NFUS AGM, I shared some of my experiences at a personal level about how I arrived at my decision not to stand for vice president this year.

“In my role as Vice President, I thank everyone I’ve met over the past two years for their support and hospitality.

“It has been a lifechanging experience and a great eye-opener to all the issues that NFU Scotland deals with daily. The size and scale of that workload is something that I share with every non-member I meet.

“A big thank you to all the staff at NFUS and, of course, to my President Andrew and fellow Vice President Martin.

“So with that ‘I’m oot!’.”

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dairy critical and we need to see a shift to closer working relationships within the supply chain.

“Farmers have worked extremely hard over recent years to improve efficiencies and sustainability and I feel the supply chain can do more to maximise the gains already made.

“As an industry we need to take a step back and create new approaches to working with farmers to offer them easy and effective products and services that improve their farm performance.

Explaining how Deosan aim to do this Rob adds, “Deosan are the leaders in dairy hygiene, and we are looking at a range of ways in which we can ensure our customers have access to high quality, cost effective and proven products and services across

the whole farm business as well as peace of mind that they are working with companies that offer them professional support as needed.

“Although Deosan specialise in hygiene, we see our role extends to support our customers with all management decisions for a whole farm approach.

As such we are delighted to announce a new initiative; a collaboration with CowAlert, the leading fertility and health monitoring system for dairy herds.”

The CowAlert system uses a combination of highly accurate data analysis software and robust wireless sensors to provide the most reliable heat, lameness and mobility detection capabilities on the market.

Willie Cuthbertson, National Account Manager for CowAlert,

“CowAlert is cutting edge technology which is helping dairy farmers across the globe to better manage their herd health.

The system provides a wealth of accurate data on fertility lying time, mobility and lameness, notifying the farmer at the earliest

possible stage – and often before the problem is visible to the eye.

“This means action can be taken before certain health issues impact on the farm business resulting in reduced health costs, improved fertility and easier management.”

Allflex announces new distribution partnership with Fabdec Allflex Livestock Intelligence is pleased to announce a new distribution partnership with Fabdec which has been appointed as a main dealer and distributor of Allflex’s automated milking parlour components and SenseHubTM livestock monitoring systems.

SenseHub, the recently upgraded version of Allflex’s proven Heatime livestock

monitoring system, measures dairy cow activity and rumination to deliver accurate, reliable and actionable information on the reproductive, health, nutritional and wellbeing status of individual cows and groups of animals. The system offers a choice of intelligent neck collars or lightweight electronic ear tags – both of which collect data based on a range of key animal

behaviours – and uses advanced algorithms to accurately identify heats and silent heats as well as providing an early indication of poor health or welfare conditions such as irregular heats, anestrus cows, suspected abortion, heat stress and reduced feed intake.

“The primary benefit associated with using an intelligent livestock monitoring system such as SenseHub is that it enables herd managers to make datadriven management decisions to maximise their herd’s productivity, to promote greater animal welfare, and to improve farm profitability,” explains Johnny Mackey, Commercial Manager for Allflex Livestock Intelligence. “We look forward to working alongside the team at Fabdec and helping their customers to implement the latest cow management technologies to maximise their herds’ potential.

From its base in Shropshire, Fabdec will also provide sales, installation and aftersales support through a UK-wide network of sub-dealers for Allflex’s range of milking automation components which includes everything from smart pulsators and electronic flow meters to full milking parlours.

“Fabdec offers a comprehensive range of technologies for professional milk production: from complete parlours and efficient milk cooling systems, through to the latest cow management systems,” explains Chris Powell, Managing Director of Fabdec. “SenseHub and the Allflex range of milking automation components fit perfectly within this sphere of activity and complement our current cow and dairy herd management solutions.”

Order your FARMING SCOTLAND MAGAZINE Subscription Form see page 108 58

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sheep Ensure energy needs are met for a successful lambing season With the lambing season upon us, sheep farmers are being asked to consider if they are supplying adequate energy to ensure the nutritional demands of the ewe are being met.

Commenting on the best approach to nutrition, Dr Kenton Hart, Caltech Crystalyx Technical Manager, says, “Throughout an ewe’s pregnancy, regardless of system, the nutritional demands follow the same pattern, and its vital farmers focus on the timely needs of the pregnant ewes to reduce losses and maximise performance.

“Nutrition in mid pregnancy should be sufficient to optimise placental growth. Foetuses undergo very little growth in mid pregnancy, but growth of the placenta continues and is completed by the end of the third month of gestation. The placenta provides all the nutrients for the unborn lambs in late pregnancy and poor placental development will result in low birthweight lambs with poor viability – irrespective of late pregnancy feeding.

“So, mid pregnancy feeding should aim to maintain ewe condition as far as possible.

Loss of body condition in mid pregnancy will only reduce body reserves available for milk production in early lactation.

“Research work by SAC showed that a sub-clinical deficiency of cobalt in the first half of pregnancy resulted in lambs which were slower to stand and suckle and much more susceptible to neonatal diseases.

All these symptoms occurred irrespective of late pregnancy feeding, so it’s important not to put all your efforts into late pregnancy nutrition – mid pregnancy efforts will be rewarded.

“Access to dry hay in mid pregnancy is always beneficial and can be complemented with a high energy feed block together with trace elements, minerals and vitamins to stimulate forage

digestion and fermentation in the rumen and help bridge any dietary shortfall. This is a proven and very easy practice to put into place.

He adds, “Lamb survival is largely dependent on a good birthweight and high lamb vigour, coupled with good maternal care and a swift onset of lactation by the ewe. With 70% of foetal growth taking place in the final 6 weeks of pregnancy, all these factors are dependent on good late pregnancy nutrition.

“As the unborn lamb grows, so does the energy demand placed on the heavily pregnant ewe. The more lambs she carries, the greater her daily energy requirement. But as the volume of the uterus increases with growing foetal size, rumen volume is decreased due to a lack of available space in the abdomen, illustrating the need for effective nutrition. It’s all about quality and not quantity.

“If the ewe is fed an energy deficient diet in late pregnancy, to maintain the growth rate of her unborn lambs the ewe supplies them with extra energy from her

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Catch and hold sheep automatically No noisy compressors to freeze up with our self contained 12v hydraulic system Work on any location and work lambs to rams with no adjustment for dosing, dagging, tagging, weighing, foot trimming, horn branding, pour on and any other sheep care needs “effortlessly” “For work ability and value for money it has to be the Scotsqueeze” - Ian Green, Corskie and fifty others at public demonstration After the Royal Highland Show judging, a judge Ewan Brewis awarded a silver medal and immediately bought one for himself

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sheep own body reserves – her own backfat. The fat is transported to the liver where it is broken down into useable units called ketone bodies.

“However, if the energy deficit is too great and the ewe mobilises too much fat, the level of ketone bodies in the blood actually begin to poison her and she goes down with twin lamb disease (pregnancy toxaemia). Most cases of twin lamb are caused by under feeding of multi-foetate ewes – a true dietary energy shortfall.

But twin lamb can also occur in well-fed over-fat ewes they become “lazy feeders” - and their appetite falls more quickly in late pregnancy than it does with fit ewes. Getting the balance right is critical.

“Research shows that feeding energy feed blocks on a self-help system allows ewes to regulate their intakes according to their requirements. Because it is licked, a feed block provides a continual “trickle feed” of nutrients to stimulate rumen fermentation and forage digestion.

“The time of introduction of supplementary feeds in late pregnancy is dictated by forage quality and lamb burden. Singlebearing ewes can be left outside and fed hay and high-quality feed blocks with no further supplementary feed necessary – and this can reduce the risk of over-sized single lambs.

“Twin and triplet-bearing ewes will need supplementary concentrate feeding; and the timing of their introduction will depend on the quality and quantity of available forage.

“With forage stocks proving a challenge this winter, it is especially important to utilise it as effectively as possible. Look for products that are proven to stimulate forage intakes and digestibility – resulting in better use of home-grown forage and potentially delaying the introduction of supplementary feeds. This will ultimately see a reduction of overall costs.”

Visit the Crystalyx website for more information or call 016973 32592

Accurate worm control critical to minimise methane emissions from sheep production With research suggesting worm burdens in sheep can increase methane output by as much as one third, the sheep sector is being encouraged to take a proactive approach to parasite control to help achieve the best possible environmental standards.

Findings by SRUC and the Moredun Research Institute showed parasite infections in lambs can lead to a 33% increase in methane output1 and that parasitism is one of the top three livestock diseases which increase greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions2 and is cost effective to manage.

According to Eurion Thomas, European operations manager at Techion, despite current emissions from sheep being overexaggerated, the sector will need to act if the NFU’s aspiration for net zero emissions from agriculture by 2040, is to be achieved.

“While targets to further reduce GHG emissions may appear to be burdensome, there are some simple steps farmers can take that’ll help minimise emissions while also improving business profitability.

This includes incorporating regular faecal egg counts (FEC) into routine flock management to increase the accuracy of worm control,” says Mr Thomas.

“Worms reduce performance, in particular feed conversion 60

ratio (FCR) meaning animals take longer to finish at lower weights. In addition, the research shows animals with worms release more methane per day due to the upset they cause to the digestive system.

“Better parasite control can therefore reduce number of days to finishing, improving production efficiency and lowering methane emissions per unit of meat produced,” he says.

“The number of days to slaughter and FCR are also correlated to profit margins,

providing an opportunity to improve the bottom line.”

Mr Thomas says one of the reasons endemic diseases such as worm burdens, are so detrimental to production efficiency and subsequently emissions, is because often, the disease has significantly impacted animal performance before it has been identified.

Regular faecal egg counts (FEC) and an accurate treatment programme is therefore crucial and the latest in diagnostic technology is making

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management quicker, easier and more effective.

“FECPAKG2 is the latest in image based, internet connected, FEC technology and means testing can be carried out virtually anywhere by anyone, including on-farm by the farmer,” says Mr Thomas.

“Because digital images of parasite eggs are produced, analysed and stored online, FECPAKG2 provides rapid results while offering greater quality control and auditability.

This is encouraging more

sheep frequent testing and better decision making at farm level.”

A collaborative research project between Sainsbury’s and Techion3 showed accurate treatment of the right animals, with the right wormer, at the right time, improved daily liveweight gains (DLWG) while reducing wormer use in sheep by up to 50%.

“Addressing the environmental impact of red meat production is arguably one of the biggest challenges the sector faces and introducing FEC is one simple way farmers can proactively work towards this, while improving business profitability,” concludes Mr Thomas.

Farmer feedback pinpoints surplus lamb health improvement opportunities Only one in five UK sheep producers rearing surplus lambs artificially are feeding these newborns enough colostrum in the first 24 hours of life.

This uneasy finding is based on a Volac Lamlac survey of 443 sheep producers conducted post lambing in 2018.

“Whilst the survey highlighted that the majority (85%) of sheep farmers always make sure they administer colostrum to any fostered lambs before they are a day old, a concerning finding is that a lot (80%) are still not feeding enough to give these surplus lambs the best start in life,” points out Volac technical officer Abi Erian.

“All foster lambs must be fed good quality colostrum or a high-quality replacement, such as Volac Volostrum, as soon as possible after birth.

Ideally, colostrum needs to be administered within the first two hours of life, with 210ml/ kg liveweight being taken on board within the first 24 hours as a minimum. Unfortunately, in our most recent feedback survey, only 26% of farmers with more than 250 ewes and 21% running smaller flocks (less than 250 ewes) said they managed to feed more than 200ml/kg liveweight during the first day. This is definitely a concern,” Ms Erian says.

As the UK sheep industry moves into its peak lambing season, Volac is urging sheep

producers to pay particular attention to early life colostrum feeding.

“Typically, a newborn lamb needs at least a litre of colostrum in its first 24 hours of life to give it essential levels of natural immunity,” she says.

“Colostrum is the key to survival for newborn lambs.

It is a highly nutritious energy source that not only provides vital antibodies to protect against disease, but also gives the lamb energy to get up onto its feet and get going. The first few hours are key, as this is when the gut wall is at its most permeable, allowing the large antibody molecules to be absorbed.”

More detailed advice on rearing 2019 surplus lambs effectively is available at www. lamlac.co.uk Alternatively speak to your local Volac business manager.

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Brexit and Policy issues

By George Milne As I write my report, the Prime Ministers Brexit deal seems to struggle to be accepted by Parliament, party politics continue while we as a sheep industry try and continue to work, feed and maintain our flocks prior to lambing with no idea where we will be when we come to sell our lamb crop. Last week I attended a meeting to discuss the consequences for a “No Deal” exit. The meeting covered a number of issues including, lamb exports, export certificates, labelling, export controls, animal medicines, tariffs and imports. It is critical that under a No Deal we as an industry are prepared for the consequences and have measures in place to deal with the possibility of no exports for a period of time. This will be followed up this week with a meeting in London to discuss similar issues for the UK flock. We will continue to do what we can to ensure the best outcome for the sheep industry, whatever the outcomes are under Brexit.

Recently NSA Scotland submitted written evidence to the UK Parliament Scottish Affairs Committee.

The committee asked for several comments, including our views on priorities for future agricultural support

in Scotland, what funding Scottish agricultural sector would require post Brexit, and how should future policy seek to accommodate different sectors of farming. We have submit strong evidence to support the sheep sector going forward and we look forward to continued dialog with the committee as Brexit developments occur.

NSA Scotland attended the first meeting of the working group in order to establish a set of possible climate change related pilot schemes to be run in Scotland to collect evidence on GHG emission at a practical farm level. Initial progress has been made to identify areas to be targeted, these include soil management, livestock efficiency, grassland management, arable efficiency, nitrogen reduction and slurry management. It is important to be involved in these discussion going forward to make sure any GHG options for a pilot scheme are workable for those farmers how which to take part in a pilot scheme.

So many policy issues continue to affect our industry and it is more important than ever that we have a clear, united voice to establish a way forward for farmers.

pigs Prime Pig Prices Follow Seasonal Trend

Farmgate prime pig prices are following their traditional seasonal decline, with producer prices dipping slightly since the start of the year, according to the latest market analysis by Quality Meat Scotland (QMS).

According to Stuart Ashworth, QMS Director of Economics Services, when compared to a year ago GB prices are 6% lower, a steeper decline than that seen in the current beef market, where prices are 4% down on the year, and the prime sheep market where prices are very similar to last year.

“The largest cost faced by pig producers is the price of feed, said Mr Ashworth.

“With cereal and protein prices running higher than last year through late 2018 and into 2019, financial margins for prime pig producers will have come under pressure.”

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Contributing to the weakness of farmgate prices has been an increase in pigmeat production.

In recent weeks, around 1% more pigs have been slaughtered than last year and their carcase weights are just over 1kg heavier.

In contrast, according to Mr Ashworth, the wider European average price has also drifted lower in past month but has generally lacked direction for the past quarter and currently stands around 1% higher than last year.

However, major producers like Denmark, Germany, Spain and France are all currently benefiting from prices higher than a year ago.

“UK producer prices are well above the EU average, making the UK an attractive tariff-free destination for many European producers, said Mr Ashworth.

“Like many others, however, pig producers in the UK and

Europe will be nervous of what sort of Brexit materialises and whether the UK adopts tariffs on pigmeat imports or not.”

Other major pigmeat producers are, however, seeing farmgate prices under pressure.

The United States is currently reporting prices 25% lower than a year ago, while Brazilian producer prices are 1015% lower than a year ago.

Both the United States and Brazil have been impacted by trade disputes or health-based restrictions, the US with China and Brazil with Russia, which have restricted their export opportunities.

Even China is seeing prices down around 10% on the year, despite production being affected by measures to control African Swine Fever (ASF) and the trade dispute with the US, which has reduced imports from this source.

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UK and EU exports to China have also slowed in late 2018, although China has been buying more Brazilian product.

The presence of ASF in China is expected to reduce Chinese production during 2019 and increase demand for imported pigmeat helping to stabilise global prices.

Nevertheless, what late 2018 has shown is how susceptible pig meat, and other commodity, prices are to trade disruptions.

“In the current climate, UK pigmeat exports will be affected by how EU and nonEU countries react to the UK leaving the EU and the status of approvals to export,” said Mr Ashworth, “Similarly, European exports to non-EU countries may be affected by restrictions imposed on member states affected by ASF,” he concluded.

FENCING

Buccleuch Estates cuts the cost of fencing Dave Rogerson,In-Hand Farms & Fencing Manager of 90,000 acres on the Thornhill part of Buccleuch Estates says “as everyone knows, one of the biggest factors in the cost of fencing is labour.”

“Everything now has to be more mechanised and efficient in order to be cost-effective.

More labour does not mean more output in a cost-effective sense. Investing in machinery and equipment that allows less reliance on labour has to be coupled with an increase in output. “This means as far as fencing is concerned that you have to erect more metres per day per man. It is the only way to survive.

Central to this big turnaround are Bryce post drivers Dave says “we use Bryce because they give performance, reliability and low wear rates. They also have extremely good residual values.”

After working their way up the scale using various models of Bryce tractor-mounted machines since 2003, it is the Bryce 180 Pro tracked post driver that has transformed the whole operation.

Mr. Rogerson continues “the 180 Pro has allowed us to go from 4 men to now only 2 and maintain the same daily output.

Jock Bryce is very passionate about what he does and that can be clearly seen by anyone in what he produces. All Bryce post drivers have the hallmark of quality and the 180 Pro is no exception. We can go anywhere on the Estate and erect any type of fencing - from the hilltops to the river valleys the 180 Pro always gets the job done.”

James Anderson and David McFadzean are the two highly capable men that erect the fences.

James and David praise the 180 Pro’s amazing versatility whether it be driving posts in woodland, pheasant pens, stock handling pens or all types of net fences including deer fencing on Buccleuch Estates recent new deer farming enterprise.

Both men highlight the exclusive Bryce features of the 180 Pro. “When working on steep hard hill country round here, you need the hitting power, safety and stability of the Bryce machine “.

David recently went to drive in strainers for a local fencing colleague who had a different make of tracked machine which had suffered a breakdown. As James said “ the guy was seriously impressed and mesmerised as he had never seen a Bryce working before”.

Bryce powershift handles delicate task on Buccleuch Estate

The final word comes from Mr. Rogerson “ when you consider the cost of a tractor and knocker versus

a quality high performance tracked machine, it’s a no-brainer. Look no further than the Bryce 180 Pro.”

Bryce Powershit in action on Buccleuch Estate

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FENCING

Fencing and timber materials sourced in the heart of Scotland Based by the picturesque village of Gargunnock in the heart of Scotland, Peter & W E Cramb offer an efficient, friendly timber supply service to all business customers and private individuals alike.

Their family business has been supplying timber and related products country-wide for three generations, while avoiding over-expanding, meaning they are able to maintain a policy of providing tailor-made product sizing rather than being limited to producing “mass market� products with little flexibility.

Peter & WE Cramb can cut from sizes 0.5m x 38mm x 19mm to 6.1m x 300mm x 300mm in various types of timber, and also stock a regular supply of spruce,

douglas fir, pine, larch and noble fir.

They also take environmental and social responsibility extremely seriously and are committed to developing a business towards ecological, social and economic sustainability. That commitment to the environment in business operations broadly falls under the following areas: * Sourcing Supplies of Sustainably Grown Timber * Making it their business to ensure that the majority of timber is sourced from Agents utilising sustainably grown UK forests.

Their hauliers work closely with the Forestry Commission to comply with all current

legislation in regard to working hours and practices.

Recycling is another pivital point. With practically no waste, using the central portion of the log for fencing with the outer portion being chipped and distributed for use in floorboard

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Bryce Powershit in action on Buccleuch Estate

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manufacture, gardening mulch etc.

The sawdust is then collected and distributed for use in wood fuel pellets, animal bedding, etc, a wide ranging product and service orientated business indeed.

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Subscription Form see page 108

futurefarmer Sharing inspiration and building resilience together as the farming future A group of 16 SAYFC members recently graduated from the Cultivating Leaders Programme after being provided with invaluable guidance from sponsors on various thought provoking topics over the last few months.

These graduates showcased their willingness and ability to deal with change on the finale day of the course last Friday, rounding up their time with each other by presenting their future goals and thoughts for the future.

Young people within the industry are increasing being required to highlight their leadership and business skills to future employees, sources of funding and their peers. From completing this course, these future farmers can invest in not only their business at home or work, but invest in themselves as by armouring and preparing themselves for what their future

may hold and be able to value themselves enough not to be held back by barriers in the often volatile market of farming.

The group activities covered; leadership, visions and goals, succession planning, business management (cash flows, accounts, budgets and understanding the market place), practical applications and presentations (tenancies, bank loans, long term business plans). The group also captures true leadership in action by visiting Angus Soft Fruits Ltd

by Arbroath, The Hideaway Experience by Dundee and Lundie Farming Ltd by Dundee.

The group are hopeful to continue to boost the morale of the future of farming in taking their network opportunities further, creating an alumni for graduates of Cultivating Leaders and encourage positive and

forward thinking discussions at home, the grassroots.

Many thanks to our sponsors Ledingham Chalmers, Royal Bank of Scotland, Galbraith and Campbell Dallas for their continued support, providing delegates year on year with an abundance of advice on accountancy, building capital

and governance, legal practices, markets and volatility, tenancies and buying land, succession, and facing external pressures.

The graduates give thanks to NFU Mutual, Mains of Loriston Trust, RHASS and Scottish Enterprise for the continued funding towards the running of the programme.

Massey Ferguson spearheads Machinery Maintenance and Safety Workshops for young farmers Massey Ferguson, a worldwide brand of AGCO, gave young farmers from South West England the opportunity to boost their knowledge of farm machinery maintenance and safety in a special

workshop held at Alan Snow Agricultural Engineers in Cornwall.

Twenty Eight members from Callington Young Farmers Club gathered at the Launceston premises of the MF dealer for

Cornwall and West Devon in the first of a series of workshops set to be held for Young Farmers’ Clubs (YFCs) in England, Wales and Scotland this year.

“Following the great success of our pilot workshop in Wales in 2018, our plan is to roll out the programme across the three nations,” says Lindsay Haddon, Massey Ferguson Advertising and Sales Promotion Manager.

“As a leading manufacturer of agricultural equipment, MF is committed to the promotion of safety and the correct use and maintenance of machines. These workshops are an excellent way of building awareness, sharing good practices and communicating a strong farm safety message to young people.”

With support from The Farm Safety Foundation and AGCO

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Parts, the evening workshops feature both theory and practice.

Topics covered include why farm safety matters, the importance of an annual tractor safety check and guidance on how to carry out daily checks on machinery.

Participants also learn how to get the most from a tractor and operate it in a safe manner. To test awareness skills, members may also be asked to carry out an assessment on a tractor which has been set up with a number of faults.

James Yeoman of Callington YFC commented, “We had a fantastic evening and learnt a lot.

Good knowledge of maintenance and safety is important to help minimise the hazards of working on the farm. Many thanks to the MF team for making us feel so welcome.”

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BOOK SERIALISATION

An island home In the second part of our exclusive serialisation, Roger Hutchinson looks at the childhood and family of Calum MacLean, the road-building protagonist of his acclaimed book Calum’s Road

turf, birch and hazel. To his right, green pastureland rolled down to the sea. There were sheep on this pasture, and, close to the shore, a small group of waist-high stone rectangles which once, a century ago, had been the thatched cottages of a community called Castle. The vestigial masonry of a medieval keep teetered on an outstanding crag a few yards from the deserted homesteads, melding into the bedrock so naturally that, 500 years after they were first erected and 300 years since they were last occupied, it had become difficult to tell from a hundred yards away

where the remnant walls of the man-made fortress finished and the natural stone began.

He had, in fact, accomplished slightly more than onethousandth of a task which would take him twenty years to complete Then, alone in an empty landscape, he began to build a road. He started by widening his workspace. He cleared the scattered clumps of wind-blasted native woodland which lay on either side of the old track.

He chopped the dwarf trees down, and then he dug up their roots. He gathered the detritus carefully into piles at the edge of his planned route. He worked a long day. He was accustomed to working long days.

And at the end of that first long day, when he reassembled his equipment in the wheelbarrow and began his walk home, he had denuded several yards of ground. He had, in fact, accomplished slightly more than one-thousandth of a task which would take him twenty years to complete, which

Copyright David Carslaw

On a spring morning in the middle of the 1960s a man in his fifties placed into his homemade wooden wheelbarrow a pick, an axe, a shovel and a lunchbox. He trundled this cargo south from his crofthouse door, down a familiar, narrow, rutted bridle path, up and down rough Hebridean hillsides, along the edge of hazardous clifffaces, through patches of bent and stunted hazel and birch and over quaking peat bogs.

After almost two miles he stopped and turned to face homewards. Before him and to his left were steep banks of bracken,

The view south from Brochel Castle

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would pay him not a penny and would cost him little more, but which would leave his manifesto marked in stone upon his people’s land.

His name was Calum MacLeod. He belonged to the township of South Arnish in the north of the island of Raasay.

In 1841, when a detailed official census was taken, 987 people lived in Raasay. Fifty years on, the island’s population had fallen to 430. The cause of this depopulation? Central and southern Raasay, the bulwark and the foodstore of the population of this island group since the Stone Age, had been turned into a sheep run. Perhaps half of the population, were evicted by force from Raasay in that period, or by the relentless attrition of unnecessary poverty.

Some were transported to Skye, some to Australia, some to Canada, and others to unrecorded corners of the earth. Those who left the nearby islands of Fladda and Rona and Arnish, on the north of Raasay, after 1891, tended not to emigrate so far. More than anywhere else, they went to Clydeside, Two such emigrants, typical of their time, were Donald MacLeod ofArnish and Julia Gillies of Fladda.

Donald worked as a merchant seaman in Glasgow, where the couple married and appeared to settle. On 15 November 1911 a son was born to them in the city. They christened him Malcolm, which in their Gaelic-speaking household was rendered as Calum.

They might, like so many others, never have returned. But Calum MacLeod was a sickly infant, and within a year or two Donald and Julia were advised to remove him for the sake of his health from the urban fumes. Upon the outbreak of the First World War in 1914 the young MacLeod family returned to the birch trees, scrub, inlets and rough croftland of northern Raasay, to Donald’s father’s township of South Arnish, where they raised four children.

On Raasay, Calum MacLeod’s strength returned. He would always thereafter appreciate northern Raasay as the apotheosis

Copyright David Carslaw

BOOK SERIALISATION

The road to Arnish

of both physical and moral health and vigour, in direct counterpoint to what he perceived as the endemic corruption of urban society. Between the ages of six and fifteen he attended Torran public school, along with thirtytwo other pupils from all across north Raasay and Fladda. At this time, more than 100 people still lived there.

Beyond the woodlands, arable plots and green pasture of Arnish, Torran and Fladda it was a bare and unpromising few square miles of earth. Round hills rolled from coast to coast, covered with heather and black peat bog and broken by blisters of bedrock. The small hills were dotted with lochans and serrated by shallow crevasses, apparently offering little to the settled pastoralist. But to the handful of families who remained there, it was almost enough. Those hills offered rough grazings for cattle and for sheep, and their peat bogs gave fuel. Small plots of sheltered land could be reclaimed, fertilised and cut into corrugated channels deep enough for a few vegetables to take root. And around them, all around them, there was always the sea, with its lobsters and its shoals of fish, its broad inviting avenues to distant wage-paying fisheries, to the merchant navy

and to the manufactories of the south and east.

Within this microcosmic culture the small but separate villages retained their own identities in idiosyncratic ways.

Some communities ate “braxy mutton” (not slaughtered but apparently dead from natural causes) and dried dogfish, which would be rejected by the handful of families in their neighbouring town- ships. The people of Arnish were partial to conger eel, despite the bones and despite the fact that this delicacy was judged unsuitable for pregnant women. Calum MacLeod’s mother, Sheila, put raisins in her mealie puddings, which was also unacceptable in Torran, where they preferred steamed cod’s head stuffed with cod’s liver, oatmeal and onions, while spurning, as also did many in Kyle Rona, the conger eel which was popular elsewhere. Calum MacLeod himself retained a lifelong fondness for “the lovely dark meat” of cormorant, or “scart” as the species was known locally.

He would shoot the birds – with notable accuracy – from a high rock beside Loch Arnish, after which they would be skinned, the tail-end chopped off – otherwise it had an overly fishy flavour – and made into “excellent broth’

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which was deemed particularly efficacious in the treatment of the common cold.

These were antique diets, but Calum MacLeod grew up in a world where the distance between history and the present was often truncated; where large fragments of the past were tangible and everyday. There was no piped water. It was drawn daily from a number of ancient wells. The wells were often specialised: one would provide good quality drinking water; another might be used only for washing.

There was a postal and telegram service, but no tap water. There were local government rates, but no electricity. There was a telephone wire, but no vehicular access road.

One day, said John Cumming, Calum’s schoolfriend from Kyle Rona, “I found an old musket hidden in the heather on a ledge above the well from which we got our drinking water.

I can’t remember anything about what happened to that gun. How long that gun was hidden there is anybody’s guess, probably from after Culloden when people were prohibited from carrying guns.”

The Battle of Culloden was fought in 1746. In this place, in some ways, it was closer than the twentieth-century mainland.

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estate Productive farmland with planning permission for sale in Perthshire Galbraith is pleased to bring to the market a productive block of Grade 3 arable and pasture land, with planning permission for a substantial detached house and a modern shed.

The land at Drumbauchly Farm extends to 95.4 acres (38.61 Ha) and is situated in a peaceful and scenic location in rural Perthshire, approximately 1.5 miles from the village of Methven and some 6.5 miles from Perth. The land benefits from good access on to the minor public road which links Methven to Glenalmond.

Duncan Barrie, partner with Galbraith, said the opportunity offered by acquisition of the land is excellent: “The current owners have secured consent to build a substantial five-bedroom home on the land, in an elevated position, which will benefit

from panoramic views. The purchasers will therefore be able to build a property in a style of their choosing in a very private spot, surrounded by attractive countryside. This is a desirable part of Perthshire but it is also very accessible to Perth and the major roads network.

“The agricultural land is a mix of rolling pasture and arable, all of which is currently down to grazing but has historically been used for cereals and potatoes. The land has been classified as Grade 3 by the James Hutton Institute and the individual fields are of a good size and are enclosed by stock fencing. The land benefits from good access from the minor public road known as College Road which splits the holding and leads north west out of Methven towards Glenalmond.

“It is rare to have a development site accompanied

by larger area of farmland within the local area, and we expect a considerable degree of interest in this property.”

Traditionally the Strathearn Valley is known for its fertile land, capable of producing high yields of an extensive range of crops and the surrounding area is well suited to livestock.

In the last 12 months, more than 100 agricultural properties totalling over 15,000 acres, with a value in excess of £100 million, were marketed by Galbraith in Scotland.

The land at Drumbauchly Farm is for sale as a whole for offers over £760,000 or in five separate lots. Contact Galbraith for further information.

SRUC to invest in Hill and Mountain Research Centre A new teaching and events space is planned for Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) Hill and Mountain Research Centre, near Crianlarich in the Loch Lomond

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and Trossachs National Park.

The upgrade will include a new space for up to 50 people.

The space is required to meet the growing demands on the Hill and

Mountain Research Centre for teaching, tourism, research and events. The new facilities are expected to open in 2022.

The Hill and Mountain Research Centre, based at Kirkton and Auchtertyre Farms, is a 2,200-hectare Highland estate with accommodation, a small events space, a farm shop, as well as 1,600 sheep. The centre specialises in studying economically, environmentally and socially sustainable upland management systems.

The investment is part of the £35 million plan for SRUC’s South and West Faculty. By creating new facilities at the Hill

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and Mountain Research Centre, SRUC will enhance the site with digital teaching technology, faster internet, better facilities and room for more people.

Students visiting the centre will benefit from a new digital classroom. Researchers will be able to use the space as a base and site for knowledge transfer. SRUC also plan to make the space available to local community groups, external partners and colleagues in SRUC Consulting.

Guests staying at the SRUC managed wigwam, lodges and farmhouse will also be able to use the building as a gathering spot for

estate corporate retreats. The team at the centre also hope to attract more schools visits to promote careers in the rural sector.

Professor Davy McCracken, SRUC’s Head of Integrated Land Management (South and West), said: “Over the past five years we’ve developed the Hill and Mountain Research Centre as a

site of international excellence.

The upgraded centre will have so many benefits for the future of our research, for the local community, for student outreach and for people staying on site to enjoy the wonderful scenery.

We’ll be keeping everyone up to date with the progress over the next few years.”

Supplying machinery solutions Rural Services Scotland matches a shortage of machinery and labour capacity on some farms with a surplus on other farms.

For the “Supplier” this form of contracting reduces the major costs of machinery ownership.

Machinery therefore becomes more efficient over the period of time. The “Demander” does not need to own an entire range of machinery needed on the farm, thereby reducing his fixed costs.

Most members are Suppliers of some operations and Demanders of others which allows them to fully utilise the machinery they own.

As well as matching up machinery and labour, Rural Services Scotland is also at the forefront of helping to develop different mixes of concrete for specific jobs, from cattle

shed and grain store floors, paved areas and tracks and hardstanding. We work with the customer to develop the product that they want and also to make the product as robust as possible.

This is always carried out to a high standard by working closely with the customer and company delivering the concrete.

We have recently launched our new website which gives it a fresh and exciting new look at www.scotlandfarmer.co.uk.

Here you will find out about the various commodities and services we supply to our members. You will also find information on the company and some of the training courses that we can offer. Our new website is more interactive and can be accessed on desktop, tablets and mobile phones, making it easy for everyone.

Well established family farm park for sale in Dumfries & Galloway rare opportunity for lifestyle buyers Galbraith, Scotland’s leading independent property consultancy, is exclusively marketing the sale of Mabie Farm Park, an awardwinning family farm park nestled beneath the magnificent Mabie Forest with views over the Solway Firth, in beautiful Dumfries & Galloway.

The business, which includes a shop, café, indoor and outdoor play areas, as well as two substantial residential properties all within

83 acres of land, has witnessed growth in recent years, with visitor numbers in excess of 60,000 last year.

The sale also includes two residential properties – an attractive five-bedroom house, Burnside Farmhouse, and The Old Barn, a three-bedroom converted barn house which offers rental potential.

The farmland is predominantly Grade 3 and Grade 4 grassland, currently used for the grazing of

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Supporting upland management

By Eleanor Kay, Policy Adviser (Agriculture) at Scottish Land & Estates How we support upland land management in future decades is of vital importance to the health of both Scottish agriculture and our rural communities across the country.

With more than 85 per cent of Scotland’s land mass designated as ‘disadvantaged’ – almost the exact opposite to England where only around 15% shares this classification – the difficulty in achieving profit has to be recognised, and there are limitations on support schemes focused on productivity and efficiency.

We have known since 2015 that there was to be a reduction in payments through the Less Favoured Area Support Scheme (LFASS) following changes in EU rules and it is vital that payments are maintained for the foreseeable future.

SLE has been forthright in its assessment of the challenges facing Scottish agriculture in the medium to long-term, and the need to acknowledge and tackle the lack of viability and profitability of so many of our farms. After 2020, there will be an undoubted requirement to continue to support upland land management and we are keen to move to a situation

where farmers, crofters and land managers are rewarded for what they deliver to the environment and communities, as well as continuing to provide food and other market goods.

We believe that a vital component moving forward is formulating a proper land use strategy that takes account of all different types of land uses, whether it be farming, forestry, conservation, sporting or tourism.

It means identifying what is the most suitable use of land from a social, economic and environmental viewpoint rather than relying on things being done the way they have always been. Current LFAs are well placed to contribute to government targets with the right support and in many cases, that will be the continuation of extensive upland farming systems, but, in other areas, things may see significant change.

We want to see public funding for active upland management - including our vital farming businesses - maintained in the longterm, but the conversation on what the public purse will support and how we structure that funding needs to begin now.

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

estate

Details announced for GAME Scotland 2019 – the GWCT Scottish spring conference

By Dick Playfair The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust in Scotland has announced the topics and speakers for its spring conference to be held on Friday 29 March at Perth Racecourse.

The keynote address will be given by Edward Mountain, MSP for Highland and Islands and Convener of the Rural Economy and Connectivity Committee of the Scottish Parliament.

Titled GAME Scotland 2019, the event will attract an audience of farmers, land managers, policy makers and practitioners on the ground. Conference topics range from an outline of GWCT research and its importance to game and wildlife management; implications of the ongoing Grouse Moor Management Review; innovative research and advice on conservation cropping; latest legislation on humane trapping standards; wise and fresh strategies for the handling and marketing of shot game; managing reared gamebirds with reduced reliance on antibiotics; and the challenges of adaptive 70

management licences.

Current sponsors of the event are Bidwells, Game & Country Ltd and Thorntons Law LLP. Speakers include GWCT advisory, research and policy staff, St David’s Gamebird Services, Scottish Land & Estates, Kings Seeds and the British Game Alliance.

Hugo Straker, Senior Advisor for the GWCT and event organiser said: “Ensuring that those who invest in and practice game conservation are well briefed on the legal requirements and best practice knowledge that frame their activities is vital for continuing investment in such beneficial activity.

We are delighted to offer such a diverse programme that should raise awareness amongst a range of land management interests throughout Scotland.”

For more information, timings, costs and to book places see: www. gwct.org.uk/ gamescotland2019

a herd of native breed cattle and a flock of commercial sheep. Most of the farm buildings are utilised for the farm park venture and provide a mixture of play areas, tea room, animal petting areas and farm shop. The layout of the farm has been primarily designed around the farm park.

David Corrie, handling the sale for Galbraith and head of the firm’s Castle Douglas office, said: “Mabie Farm Park is of an exceptional standard and has a proven financial track record. It represents a very exciting business proposition in its current form, as well as the opportunity to expand both the farm business and the park venture, subject to planning consents.

“The farm park has been run by the same owners for the past 19 years who have invested greatly in the business to make it the success it is today. There is considerable goodwill between the business and the local community, with recent attractions being created in response to customer demand.

“With two residential properties this sale represents an excellent opportunity either for established farmers or those new to farming as it offers a great worklife balance for a family and the chance to continue an established and successful business.”

An extensive range of indoor and outdoor activities and animal enclosures provide a great day out for all the family. The larger animals range from Shetland ponies to llamas, alpaca, and belted Galloway cows, with donkey rides also on offer. Particularly popular with children are the rabbits, guinea pigs and chipmunks and there are birds including peacocks, ducks and quail. Inside the animal barn there are cows, pot-bellied

pigs and other animals with their offspring.

Indoor fun is found in the straw barn with rope swings and straw bales and the separate play barn which houses a climbing wall, climbing frame and nets, trampoline and bouncy castle, ride on tractors and a seating area with picnic facilities.

Outside, the activities for all ages range from a four-lane slide and jumping pillow, to go-karts, quad bikes, astroturf sledging tracks, and the Mabie Farm ‘Choo Choo Express’ which tours the whole park. There is also a boating pond with two and four-seater paddle boats and a wildlife pond where groups can enjoy pond dipping under supervision.

Many school and group visits are organised at the park where trained staff talk about the animals and conduct handling and feeding sessions in the pets’ corner.

Educational experiences also allow children to explore the countryside and learn about the food we eat.

A variety of events are also hosted throughout the year from birthday parties to seasonal events including Halloween pumpkin picking and a ‘dinosaur invasion’ exhibition with 16 species of dinosaurs on display.

Mabie Farm Park is situated only five miles from Dumfries, which provides a good range of amenities including schools, shops and retail outlets. There is also a good road network servicing the park with the A75 providing access to Carlisle in the east and Stranraer in the west. It also connects to the M74 motorway. Dumfries also has a main line railway station.

Offers over £2,000,000 are being invited for Mabie Farm Park.

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estate Huge opportunity to enhance Scottish farming following CAP departure Leaving the Common Agricultural Policy presents a positive opportunity to revitalise Scottish farming, according to Scottish Land & Estates.

The rural business organisation made the comments within its response to the Scottish Affairs Committee’s consultation, the Future of Scottish Agriculture post-Brexit.

David Johnstone, chairman of Scottish Land & Estates, said: “Brexit presents challenges and opportunities for Scottish land management and in particular our vital agricultural sector. Our departure from the Common Agricultural Policy has its difficulties but it presents a unique chance to revitalise how we support land management and what we must deliver to the

public in return for that funding.

“We need to be bold and innovative in our approach – doing things as they have always been done will no longer work.

Farming needs to be supported where it is unprofitable but provides significant public good.

Yet, on the reverse, we need to curtail public subsidies where there are substandard farming practices still being undertaken.”

SLE’s response calls for steps to break down the barriers that exist between farming, forestry, conservation and moorland management which are all interdependent. In future, farmers and land managers must be prepared to demonstrate the social, economic and environmental benefits that they can provide.

David added: “To deliver real transformation, we need a long-term plan for what our land should deliver and then adopt an evidence-based approach to achieve that. We need to grasp the nettle now and deliver the support to foster a flexible and dynamic rural economy for the next 25 years and beyond.”

Sarah-Jane Laing, Executive Director at Scottish Land & Estates, said: “We need to take steps to equip the sector for the 21st Century and in particular, greater availability of specialist help to allow increased knowledge transfer. We have bodies such as the Farming Advisory Service and if such services were to be widened and enhanced with more general and technical expertise available

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to farmers, we could see a transformation in productivity, sustainability and innovation.

“It’s important that the current and next generation know what is happening at the cutting edge of modern farming.

If this can be achieved, it is also likely to lead to a step change in outlook with more resilient practices being embraced that can serve the sector well.”

Next Issue FARMING SCOTLAND MAGAZINE May 2019

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The Northern Shooting Show 2019 11th & 12th May

The UK’s largest indoor and outdoor shooting show The Northern Shooting Show is back for it’s fourth year on 11th/12th May and will once again be held at the Yorkshire Event Centre, which is perfectly placed just off the A1 to the east of the beautiful town of Harrogate.

It’s the perfect show for anyone involved in shooting sports or shooting as part of their work. It is literally a one stop shop where visitors can see all the latest shotguns, rifles, airguns, optics, specialist clothing, accessories and much more, many having their UK launch to the general public at the show.

Major manufacturers and distributors this year include Blaser Sporting, CSW, Edgar Brothers, GMK, Raytrade, Ruag Ammotec, Scott Country International, Thomas Jacks and Viking Arms

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who will be bringing a huge array of rifle brands including Bergara, Blaser, Haenel, Mauser, Merkel, Remington, Tikka, Sako and Sauer. Last years show saw over fifty UK product launches and there’s expected to be more at the show in May. There’s a huge shotgun manufacturers clayline so you can compare all makes of shotgun with Benelli, Beretta, Blaser, Breda, Browning, Fausti, Longthorne, Marocchi, Miroku, Remington and Winchester which are just some of the brands which you can try on the day. There’s no other place you can try out so many different shotguns on one day.

Some of the optics brands at the show include Hawke, Kahles, Meopta, Minox, Leica, Leupold, Schmidt and Bender, Swarovski,

Vortex, Zeiss and at the show you can actually try out many of them on viewing platforms looking across the showground allowing you to take out the risk of what is usually a big investment. The experiential element of the show really is a unique factor that helps make it so successful. There’s also all the major players in the night vision and thermal world with some exciting UK launches promised.

Smaller specialist companies are not left out with Bolt Open Classis, By Sword and Musket, Oceania Defence, Merseyside Armoury, Tier One and many more attending, together with rifle builders, historic arms, ammunition, moderators and reloading components as well as specialist clothing retailers,

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hearing and eye protection and every type of accessory available.

The Viking Arms team will also be launching their Ballistics Lab with their pro staff experts on hand to advise you on your ammunition choice and use so if you’ve got a problem with yours make sure you pay them a visit.

The Deer Focus Area proved hugely successful last year with talks and demonstrations on everything deer stalking related including a gralloching masterclass from Cai Ap Bryn with venison kebabs being served up for lunch. The Pace Brothers, Darryl and Byron were on hand too to chat and advise about everything hunting related along with safari outfitters if you want to go further than the UK.

THE NORTHERN SHOOTING SHOW There’s a huge Gundog area, sponsored by Gundog Journal, with scurries, competitions, demonstrations and clinics.

The area also has vets, first aid and dog therapy experts. In fact there’s everything for the gundog enthusiast.

There are also airgun ranges with all the top manufacturers where you can try out all the latest airguns and a 22 range so you can shoot all the latest black rifles.

A whole host of retailers are at the show with new and used guns at every budget so you can buy at the show.

Historic guns and military vehicles are on display too, and there are also gunsmith

and engraving demonstrations showing what skills it takes to make the finest guns and shooting related products, and with the best Yorkshire food and drink available, you can make it a day out and bring the family too as there’s lots for them to do.

The show really is a ‘one stop shop’ for shooters one that should not be missed so put it in your diary or better still buy your tickets now.

Discounted adult Early Bird tickets are just £12 with free booking, fast early entry, free parking and free showguide.

Children go free courtesy of BASC. To reserve yours go to www.northernshootingshow.co.uk/ tickets

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Our #GenerationWildcat is the final hope for the Highland Tiger

By Dr Roo Campbell, Priority Areas Manager for Scottish Wildcat Action Scotland’s wildcats remain in a perilous position.

With potentially fewer than 100 left in the wild, it is undoubtedly the UK’s most endangered mammal.

A potted history of the wildcat This iconic species once roamed freely throughout the British mainland, but England and Wales saw their last wildcats in the last half of the nineteenth century.

Scotland too saw declines and by the early twentieth century, the wildcat hung on by a claw in the remote North West Highlands. It was most likely a combination of habitat loss and persecution that drove the wildcat to the brink of extinction. One of humanity’s great tragedies - the outbreak of the First World War - probably

Wildcat and a suspected wildcat behind

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granted the wildcat a reprieve, depopulating the Highlands of able-bodied men, including gamekeepers. Changed economic conditions after the War meant that fewer gamekeepers returned to sporting estates. In the years that followed, the wildcat recovered much of its range in Scotland north of the highland boundary fault Superficially, all seemed well with the wildcat following this recovery. But under the surface, a crisis was brewing. In the 1980s Dr Nigel Easterbee of

the Nature Conservancy Council (the forerunner of Scottish Natural Heritage) showed that hybridisation was becoming a problem, with many cats showing a mixture of wildcat and domestic cat characters. Recent developments in camera-trap technology and genetics have confirmed that hybridisation between wildcats and domestic cats is rife. Camera surveys show that wildcats (or at least, cats that resemble wildcats, [see box]) are outnumbered by cats that are obviously hybridised by at least 5:1 wherever wildcats are found. Even more worryingly,

Identifying a wildcat

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genetic analyses carried out by Scottish Wildcat Action (https:// bit.ly/2DTaNr1) has, since 2013, not yet found a single wildcat that does not show some level of domestic cat ancestry.

How do you identify a wildcat?

Scottish Wildcat Action uses a ‘pelage score’ system established

by Dr Andrew Kitchener at National Museums Scotland and colleagues. This involves looking at seven key characteristics of the cat’s appearance around the nape, shoulders, flanks and, most crucially, the tail. Essentially, a wildcat has thick nape and

SCOTTISH WILDCAT ACTION shoulder stripes, a stripe that runs along the midline of its back without reaching the tail, stripy rather than spotty flanks and a tail that is thick, clearly banded and with a blunt, black tip .

This is a slightly complicated method that requires a really good view of the cat. Consequently, we tell land managers and farmers that if the cat is stripy with a thick, ringed and blunt tail and doesn’t have white feet, they should assume it’s a wildcat.

We don’t believe significant levels of hybridisation occurred following the end of the First World War when wildcats were spreading back out from the North West Highlands.

Instead, evidence suggests that crossbreeding with feral domestic cats may only have become common-place after the 1950s.

Our suspicion is that the wildcat population suffered continued pressure on its population over that period, forcing the remaining wildcats to breed with domestic cats. This pressure might have come about from a perfect storm of factors, including technological advances in predator control, such as the use of powerful spotlights, declines in rabbit from myxomatosis outbreaks, and possibly other changes in landuse practices. Whatever the cause, we are now faced with a situation where continuing hybridisation with domestic cats means that the wildcat is disappearing from Scotland.

Alongside this threat, and despite the wildcat receiving legal protection in 1988, a sideeffect of hybridisation is that a gamekeeper is more likely to mistake a wildcat for a tabby hybrid cat during predator control.

Domestic cats can also transmit diseases to wildcats, further threatening the population.

Scottish Wildcat Action Scottish Wildcat Action – a multi-partner project was launched in 2015 to address the threats to wildcats, particularly from hybridisation and land management.

Working in discrete ‘wildcat priority areas’, the project carried out the UK’s largest ever survey of wild-living

cats in an attempt to gauge the extent of hybridisation, as well as establish the number of wildcats left in Scotland. To counter the threat of hybridisation and disease in these areas, we have been following those surveys up with the trap, neuter, vaccinate and return of feral domestic cats and those that we can clearly identify as hybrids.

We are often asked why we do not conduct lethal control of feral and obviously hybridised cats. Neutering can work as a management tool if done with sufficient intensity. Yes, neutered cats can retain territory that would otherwise be taken by a wildcat, but the converse of this is that the gap created by removing a feral or hybrid cat will more likely be filled by another feral or hybrid cat. The ensuing conflict as the newcomer establishes its territory can also increase disease risk, with scratches and bites a major transmission route for feline diseases such as Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (‘cat AIDS’). We also support cat owners to neuter and vaccinate their pet cats, and rely on their voluntary cooperation to achieve this. Lethal control of cats is a very sensitive issue, and can discourage cat owners from engaging with us. Both methods can contribute to a net reduction in the numbers of feral cats, but if landowners are controlling feral cats through lethal methods, we encourage them to reduce the risk of accidentally killing wildcats by using cage traps.

All the survey work we have conducted and the public sightings of wildcats reported through our website tell us that wildcat numbers are now so low that there may not actually be the numbers left in the wild to sustain future populations, such is the seriousness of the hybridisation threat in Scotland. Fortunately, genetic testing and morphological assessments have shown that wildcats held in captivity have not suffered from hybridisation nearly as much. Those wildcats form the nucleus of a Conservation Breeding for Release programme led by the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland.

Dr Kerry Kilshaw showing BBC Winterwatch presenter Lolo Williams the data she has gathered using GPS collars on our priority area cats this winter.

Despite the problem of hybridisation, there are still some wildcats living wild that have a small proportion of domestic-cat ancestry, which are the very last of our native wildcats. It will be vitally important that they contribute to the future recovery of this iconic species in Scotland.

Wildcats and farming Scottish Wildcat Action has recently been trapping wildcats for DNA testing, pelage assessment, disease screening and the deployment of GPS collars which record where the wildcats roam. The use of GPS collars is a led by the Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, University of Oxford and will provide the project with crucial data that will allow us to better target conservation work in the future.

Far from being an exclusive animal of remote glen and moor, these GPS collars deployed in Scotland and elsewhere in Europe have already shown us that wildcats make use of farmlands, including farm buildings. This means that the actions of farmers and crofters can have a genuine impact on their future.

Wildcat conservation can truly start at home. There are risks to wildcats around farmyards, including crossbreeding with farm cats or contracting diseases from them, and secondary poisoning from rodenticides.

Ensuring your farm cats are all neutered and vaccinated is a hugely important first step in securing the future of the wildcat,

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and is something we may be able to help you with if you live in one of our wildcat priority areas.

Obeying the CRRU code (www. thinkwildlife.org/cruu-uk) on the use of rodenticides is another simple action that can help not just wildcats, but other wildlife too. We are also continuously updating our sightings database, so please send us details of any wildcats or hybrids you have seen on or around your farm. We haven’t surveyed every corner of Scotland and the more information we can collate on locations of current wildcats and hybrids (data on hybrids give us clues as to where wildcats have existed in the very recent past), the better we will be able to help protect them. We are also collecting road and other casualties for detailed assessments of hybrid status and diseases. Your help in collecting these would be greatly appreciated with a record of date and finding locality.

Outside the farmyard there may be other ways you can help wildcats. Our GPS collaring will help us identify the key features that make farmland ‘wildcatfriendly’. Over the next few issues our column will share with you insights and news on the wildcat and show how you can help conserve them. In the meantime visit scottishwildcataction.org and click on #generationwildcat.

We are the last generation that has a chance to save this iconic species. http://www. scottishwildcataction.org 75

forestry Prizes on offer for Scotland’s finest farm woodland Two prizes of £1,000 are on offer for the finest farm woodlands in Scotland The growing interest in farm woodland has been reflected in Scotland’s Finest Woods Awards (SFWA) 2019, with an additional prize on offer to younger farmers (or crofters) who have incorporated tree planting into their business.

Last year, SFWA introduced the Farm Woodland prize, won

by Peter Gascoigne, who farms at Broughton in Peebles-shire.

Expert judges reported that Mr Gascoigne was convinced that woodland shelterbelts on his farm had led to healthier and heavier lambs.

In a strong inaugural year for the award, John Strachan of Tullo Farm, Oldmeldrum, Aberdeenshire, was highly commended for his farm woodland, while Iain Stewart was commended for his work at Gain Farm, Cumbernauld.

“We had very high standard of Year 1 entries and it was clear there was a strong appetite to develop the Farm Woodland competition further,” said Angela Douglas, Executive Director of Scotland’s Finest Woods Awards.

“We are therefore delighted to offer two Farm Woodland Awards for 2019 and thank our sponsors for their generous support.”

The Farm Woodland Award aims “to reward the very best of Scotland’s farm and croft woodlands that form part of good agricultural practice.

There will be exemplary use of both woodland and agricultural practice with benefits being delivered to both the farming/ crofting operation and quality of woodland management.” Details are here SAC Consulting, part of Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC), is sponsoring the Farm Woodland Award for three years, while Scottish Woodlands Ltd is supporting a second award targeted at a younger generation (40 and under) embracing mixed land use, also for three years. The Royal Highland and Agricultural 76

Society of Scotland has also provided support for the Farm Woodland Award in 2019.

Malcolm Young, Senior Forestry Consultant at SAC Consulting, said: “The 2018 competition showcased the high quality of farm woodland across Scotland and we look forward to finding out about other great examples and rewarding them in 2019. There are a growing number of examples of innovative mixed land use and it is really important to highlight best practice.

“Scotland’s Finest Woods Awards are a real landmark in the rural year and it’s very pleasing to see Farm Woodland as an increasingly important part of the programme.”

The winner of the ‘open’ prize sponsored by SAC Consulting will receive £1,000 and the beautiful Lilburn Trophy, while Scottish Woodlands Ltd has commissioned a brand-new trophy (the Scottish Woodlands Trophy for Young People) for the winners of the ‘youth’ prize – who will also receive £1,000.

Ralland Browne, Managing Director of Scottish Woodlands, said: “We are really starting to see

land use barriers breaking down in Scotland – and with increasing integration, we see a growing understanding that farming and forestry can work together very successfully. Woodland can bring less productive areas of a farm into use, improve the health and value of livestock and deliver an additional long-term income stream and a more diversified business.

“Scottish Woodlands wants to recognise the younger generation embracing this approach and creating quality woodland on farms. We are also delighted to be commissioning a new trophy to add to the magnificent collection on offer at Scotland’s Finest Woods Awards.”

The Scottish Woodlands’ Award is open to farmers or crofters and/or their forest or woodland managers aged 16-40 on the closing date (31st March 2019).

Andrew McCornick, National Farmers Union of Scotland President, said: “NFU Scotland was delighted to see the inaugural success of Farm Woodland Award in 2018 and is equally pleased to see further opportunities in 2019

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to recognise high-quality farm woodlands which have shown a truly integrated approach to land management.

“With so much discussion revolving around the environment and agriculture’s role in it, NFUS welcomes the opportunity for good land management through the use of woodlands to be properly rewarded and receive the recognition it deserves.

“It is important that we encourage the younger generation to adopt and utilise these farming practices, which is why it is so encouraging to see a new award specifically for young farmers who are buying into the system and implementing it to the highest of standards.”

Winners will be honoured at a ceremony at the Royal Highland Show on Friday June 21st. There are also prizes for Community Woodlands, New Native Woodlands, Quality Timber, Schools and a special one-off 1919 Forestry Act Centenary Award.

Entries must be in by 31st March and will be assessed by respected, experienced judges.

Full details of awards, criteria and entry forms: www.sfwa.co.uk

Throughout 2018, we saw an increase in the promotion of game meat. It’s great to see lots of positive press coverage about the health benefits of eating game such as venison, pheasant and partridge, duck and goose, rabbit and pigeon.

If you have tried any of them then you’ll know how tasty and versatile game is. However, some of us have been gameeating advocates for many years before it became a trendy topic.

On my travels, I meet lots of people who shoot game and eat it, they’re probably the most generous individuals you’re likely to meet. I recall when growing up there was always a variety of game on the kitchen table. It was back in the days before technology when we all sat down at a table for our family meals times to eat and talk (anyone remember the old days? Haha!). If I’d been out on a shoot with my dad, on the way home we’d drop off birds to friends, family and neighbours.

Everyone was appreciative of the wild meat, and no-one refused it. It was something they looked forward to, and often they shared favourite recipes and you’d always get to hear how much they enjoyed it. That’s one of the many positives about the countryside larder, people are enthusiastic about their food and are keen to pass on game meat to others, and it’s universal.

Wilma Kass, 62 (and proud of it) was brought up in the hills near Loch Tummel, her father, grandfather, uncles and cousins were all keepers.

On of her sons, Ben, runs a shoot at Errol Park, where Wills enjoys cooking lunches for the shooting guests, using the game from the shoot.

‘Cooking the game that is shot is so important to us, it is healthy and tasty. I always promote eating game to others that perhaps are a bit wary of the hunting side of it. I always say to try partridge and roe as they are not so strong in taste, I think people are put off if they perhaps have venison

by Linda Mellor

SCOTTISH COUNTRY LIFE or grouse and the taste is too gamie and strong. My favourite recipe is partridge and pheasant marinated in my own Hawthorn jelly overnight, I add pan fried red peppers, onion and garlic with a little Madeira wine and cornflower to thicken. It’s light and healthy as there’s no fat and it’s delicious. I tend to cook game with a simple home-made jelly in the natural juices, roast potatoes

and vegetables, it’s a perfect Sunday lunch.’

Wills, a grandmother of two, said, ‘nothing better than being out on a shoot with family and friends, meeting up with friends from past seasons, enjoying the fresh air and exercise no matter the weather. We appreciate the all the hard work it takes to make a successful day for clients, beaters, picker ups and of course the cook!’

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Rachel Carrie is a wild game devotee and fitness enthusiast who credits hunting as an ethical method to source high protein meat and an effective way to stay fit. Rachel, a longstanding member of the UK country sports community, ‘I enjoy the stalk and the whole experience of the hunt, it keeps you fit and active, but stocking up my freezer is one of my favourite parts. Venison is a sustainable source of organic protein and anything you do with chicken and beef, you can do with game. If you hunt you will already know the range of benefits in sourcing your own supply of free-range meat but if you are not into hunting you can find venison on sale in farm shops and some supermarkets.’

Rachel loves the versatility of game, ‘cooking game is easy and it can be as simple or as complex as you like. Some people can be apprehensive about cooking it but there are no rules, so you can let your gastronomic creativity flow.’

In 2016, Rachel appeared on TV alongside PETA model and vegetarian Jodie Marsh. She took Jodie out target shooting with a rifle, pigeon shooting from a hide and deer stalking, where Rachel shot a deer and successfully changed Jodie’s misconceptions about hunting (you can view it on Amazon).

There’s nothing more satisfying than hunting and gathering, after all we humans have been doing it for centuries. @rachelcarriehunting 77

environment Move to reduce ammonia emmissions in farming a ‘step forward’ for air quality, says Bureau Veritas Amid ongoing pleas for tougher action to improve air quality, Bureau Veritas has stated government plans to tackle pollution from farming is a ‘step forward’ in cutting ammonia gas and harmful particulates.

Published recently by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), the Clean Air Strategy 2019 is the UK’s flagship policy for addressing poor air quality, which is the leading environmental risk to human health in the UK responsible for up to 36,000 deaths each year1.

For the first time, the strategy includes a greater focus on reducing particulate matter such as PM2.5 – a pollutant linked to lung and heart damage2 – and sets out ambitious plans to reduce ammonia emissions from farming, which accounts for a high proportion of PM2.5 concentrations in the UK. Overall, the government has also committed to halving the number of people living in locations with high PM2.5 concentrations by 2025.

Jamie Clayton, Principal Air Quality Consultant at Bureau Veritas, explains: “Poor air quality is currently one of the greatest threats to public health. And the farming sector accounts for 88% of the ammonia emissions in the UK3, often released during the storage and spreading of manures and slurries, and from the application of inorganic fertilisers.

“Historically, most air quality improvement measures have never targeted agriculture or indeed rural areas. However, the government’s pledge to cut PM2.5 concentrations, of which ammonia emissions are 78

a significant contributor, is a welcome step forward in tackling the level of harmful particulates in the air. The move will require policymakers to work closely with the farming community to limit damaging levels of PM2.5 through the effective reduction of ammonia emissions in agricultural processes.”

The comments come amid mounting criticism that the Clean Air Strategy does not go far enough in tackling road traffic emissions4, which still accounts for the bulk of Britain’s air pollution.

Jamie said: “Reducing PM2.5 concentrations to WHO guideline levels certainly requires a new way of thinking about air quality improvement measures, and the strategy has hinted at potential new legislation to target particulate emissions from tyres and brakes

from road transport, which would previously have been seen as not worth considering compared to tailpipe emissions.”

The leading testing, inspection and certification firm added that changing consumer behaviour will start to play a greater a role in improving air quality, particularly in addressing exposure to toxins in the home.

Jamie adds: “Another area gaining traction is how to reduce exposure to toxins at home. In addition to the much publicised particulate and sulphur dioxide emissions from burning wood and coal, there are increasing concerns over non-methane volatile organic compounds (NMVOCs), a harmful chemical found in carpets, upholstery, paint, cleaning products, personal care products and even scented candles.

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“The government is now calling for better labelling of products containing NMVOCs to raise public awareness the need to increase ventilation when using such products to prevent the harmful buildup of emissions. Changing consumer behaviour in this way is a central tenet of the Clean Air Strategy and promoting personal responsibility for ’doing our bit’ will only help to ensure the air we breathe is clean and safe for generations to come.”

Bureau Veritas offers a team of air quality experts committed to providing best practice consultancy support for customers around how to assess and manage air pollutant emissions to ensure compliance, whilst maintaining economic feasibility. For further information, call 0345 600 1828 or visit www.bureauveritas.co.uk

environment ANM Group goes electric Preparing for Calving

Robert Ramsay, Agricultural Consultant, SAC Consulting.

ANM Group has installed electric vehicle charging facilities at Thainstone Centre, Inverurie as part of its green strategy and wide-ranging customer service offering. Charging an electric vehicle at the site will be free to all users for the next 12 months.

ANM Group received funding from Transport Scotland, through a programme managed by the Energy Saving Trust; private organisations can apply for grant support to install a publicly-available charging points through Transport Scotland’s ChargePlace Scotland project. Home-owners who own or use an electric or plug-in car can also apply for grant support towards the installation of a home charging unit.

Grant Rogerson, Chief Executive at ANM Group, said: “We are pleased to partner with Transport Scotland by installing four electric vehicle charge points at Thainstone. The centre is located just off the A96 and is a natural choice for the charging points, with a large car park and an award-winning restaurant on site, it has all the necessary amenities for drivers and

passengers. The charge points have the capability of charging up to eight vehicles at one time, and will certainly benefit the local community and those travelling across the North and North East.

“The project is in line with our green strategy and supports our business objective of increasing our services to our members, customers and the local community at Thainstone, Inverurie. We look forward to welcoming all visitors and invite them to see what our centre has to offer.”

Matthew Eastwood, Head of Transport in Scotland at Energy Saving Trust said: “We are delighted to provide funding for publicly accessible charging facilities at ANM Group. Sales of plug-in vehicles have been increasing every year, and we have no doubt that this trend will continue due to the substantial fuel cost savings that can be achieved. Facilities like these will help strengthen the national network of charging points and are crucial in supporting the growing number of EV drivers in Scotland.”

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The summer of 2018 will live long in our memories for being dramatically different to the wet summers we have become used to in recent years.

Favourable ground conditions allowed farmers to graze cattle longer into the autumn and generally allowed them to house cattle before they made a mess of grass swards. Although we may still have some wintery weather in front of us, we are steadily heading towards Spring and now is the time to make sure your herd ready for what Spring has in store. Careful planning and management just now will pay dividends for both cow and calf.

It is essential to make sure that your ration is performing. The target body condition score for calving is 2 – 2.5. If cows are looking in good condition, don’t get complacent, make sure that cows are also getting adequate minerals in their diet. At this point it is also important for rations to include a source of good quality protein (DUP).

Consider feeding soya along with good quality silage 4 weeks pre calving, to improve colostrum quality at calving. Metabolic profiles are a powerful tool to assess the energy, protein and mineral balance of a ration. It

is worth discussing the merits of metabolic profiles in a precalving discussion with your vet.

Six weeks pre calving, there is still time to alter rations to address mineral imbalances and make sure protein and energy requirements are being met.

Care must be taken at this point if you are trying to alter the condition of cows that are not in the target condition score.

Under feeding fat cows can be as dangerous as overfeeding lean cows.

If we get calves of to a good start, we are giving them the best chance to survive and thrive in the coming months and years. Minimising losses and maximising output from your beef enterprise will reduce your carbon footprint and importantly, improve your overall profitability.

For more ideas on improving farm efficiency, which can in turn reduce the farm carbon footprint, see www. farmingforabetterclimate. org, find us on Facebook and Twitter @SACFarm4Climate.

This article from Farming for a Better Climate was funded by the Scottish Government as part of Scotland’s Farm Advisory Service www.fas.scot

For more ideas on improving farm efficiency which can in turn reduce the farm carbon footprint, see www.farmingforabetterclimate.org and 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

Onshore wind energy jobs fall 29%: 2,400 Scottish roles lost Impact of UK Government renewables cuts ‘thrown into stark relief’, says Scottish Renewables Quarter of solar PV jobs also lost - solar PV turnover down 69% More than 2,000 jobs were lost in Scotland’s onshore wind energy sector between 2016 and 2017, new statistics show.

The losses – a 29% year-onyear reduction – reflect a UK Government decision to lock onshore wind projects out of the energy market in 2015.

The fall was mirrored in solar power, where 100 Scottish jobs were lost after that technology was also left unable to access auctions to sell its clean power at scale.

The new survey, conducted by the Office for National Statistics, showed employment

in low-carbon heat decreased by 14% from 2,800 to 2,400.

The offshore wind sector saw a 55% employment increase from 2,200 to 3,400 roles, while energy from waste and biomass jobs also increased by 75%, from 1,200 to 2,100.

Scotland’s total direct turnover from low-carbon and renewable energy activity in 2017 increased to £5.5 billion, up from £5.4 billion in 2016.

Turnover from solar PV fell 69% to £62 million, while onshore wind turnover dropped 4%, to £2.8 billion.

Jenny Hogan, Deputy Chief Executive at Scottish Renewables, said: “Industry has repeatedly

warned the UK Government that locking our cheapest forms of electricity generation – onshore wind and large-scale solar PV – out of the energy market would cost jobs.

“Those predictions have now been thrown into stark relief by the Government’s own figures. 2,400 jobs have been lost in an industry which is bringing enormous social, economic and environmental benefits to Scotland and providing skilled jobs and investment to some of the most remote parts of the country.

“While employment has grown in other parts of the renewables sector which have seen continued government

support, the impact on onshore wind and solar jobs shows the cost of not supporting the industry as a whole.

“We urge the UK Government to recognise these implications and remove the barriers preventing these technologies from competing in the energy market and enable Scotland to harness more of the tangible benefits which renewables are already bringing.”

Onshore wind and solar PV in Scotland produce enough power to meet the equivalent of 47% of the country’s electricity needs.

New onshore wind projects are the cheapest form of any type of energy generation and enjoy 76% public support.

Anaerobic digestion central to Scottish circular economy A thriving Scottish anaerobic digestion (AD) industry is vital for the development of a truly circular economy in Scotland, according to the Chief Executive of the UK’s Anaerobic Digestion & Bioresources Association (ADBA).

Speaking ahead of the ADBA Scottish National Conference 2019, taking place on 28th February in Glasgow, ADBA Chief Executive Charlotte Morton said: “The Scottish AD industry is already delivering a huge amount: there are now almost 60 operational AD plants spread across Scotland, converting a range of wastes and crops into renewable heat and power, clean transport fuel, and soil-restoring natural fertiliser. AD is currently delivering 530 GWh of output 80

in Scotland, enough to power 130,000 homes, and is mitigating around 300,000 tonnes of CO2equivalent emissions each year.

“A thriving Scottish AD industry is vital for the development of a truly circular economy in Scotland. We were pleased to hear just last week that the Scottish Government will be developing a ‘Local Energy Policy Statement’ this year in which it will set out measures it can take to further support AD. Like any other industry, AD in Scotland needs the right policies and regulations in place to support its continued growth, as well as innovation in new technologies to improve plant performance and create new value chains.

“Good practice is also integral to ensure the industry has strong support from

government, regulators, and the general public, and we’re looking forward to seeing which AD operator will be the first in Scotland to certify under the AD Certification Scheme, which ADBA has created along with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency and other stakeholders to recognise good practice in what is such an important industry for the UK’s green economy.”

AD converts organic wastes such as slurries, manures, food waste, and sewage into renewable biogas and digestate, a natural fertiliser than can be spread straight to land.

Scotland has been successful in rolling out separate food waste collections over the past two years, an essential step towards meeting its target to divert all biodegradable

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waste from landfill by 2021.

The Scottish Government has confirmed its commitment to encouraging the growth of renewable technologies such as AD, recognising the role it can play in reducing emissions from waste, energy, agriculture, and transport and in improving energy and food security.

The ADBA Scottish National Conference 2019 will bring together the Scottish AD community to drive forward commercial opportunities and support the industry by providing a platform to discuss pressing issues and policy changes. A programme of panel debates and speeches from leading industry experts will cover a range of topics from Brexit and waste targets through to emerging technologies and farming.

science & technology

Farmdata joins forces with Landmark Systems Landmark Systems has purchased the assets of Farmdata. This includes the rights to all Farmdata’s software. Farmdata staff and the office will continue to be based at Westertown, Aberdeenshire and therefore support will continue as before for both Farmdata and Landmark products.

Mathieu Savalle, Managing Director of Landmark Systems said: “Importantly, clients will still be talking to the same people. We are delighted to welcome Farmdata as part of Landmark, and the wider Isagri group, as we share the same values and priorities but with the advantage of a greater shared

resource particularly in R&D and an extended product range.”

Farmdata and Landmark have combined experience in the rural software market of more than 70 years with both companies started by founders and staff with agricultural roots – a culture which earned mutual respect, and which eventually drew them together. The late Chairman of Farmdata, Maitland Mackie, decided that a computer system was the way forward to control his Farming and Milk Retail business. He could find nothing on the market to meet his requirements and so he hired a

programmer and set off. In 1978 he started Farmdata to market the software to other businesses.

George Paterson, MD of Farmdata, explained the 2019 business decision: “For some time now, management at Farmdata have been considering how to ensure that the business could best continue. As with many farming businesses we had to do a bit of succession planning.

When Landmark approached us, we could see that there were real benefits in joining together.

We have worked together for many years and we have a similar outlook on the market,

which means essentially that we know and trust each other’s software. Landmark has been a longstanding and successful agent for Farmdata’s livestock software.

The informal discussions led swiftly into amicable formal negotiation and this has led to the transfer.”

The Farmdata brand will continue but clients will also have access to Landmark’s broader range of KEYPrime accounting and property management software with links to Geofolia – a crop recording and mapping system adapted for the UK market

by Landmark and Isagri.

Technology meets farming for better management As UK farmers face huge changes in their business environment, making precision all the more critical, Agri-EPI Centre is working with them to develop technologies that help to banish guess work from management decisions.

One of the four Centres for Agricultural Innovation established by Innovate UK through the UK government’s Agri-Tech Strategy, Agri-EPI has teamed up with 28 innovative farms, covering commodities including beef, dairy, sheep, arable, pigs, potatoes and root crops. The purpose of these ‘satellite’ farms is to allow new technologies and techniques to be developed and trialled in commercial farming environments.

One of the farms is Bielgrange in East Lothian, owned and run

by Niall Jeffrey, AgriScot’s 2018 Scotch Beef Farmer of the Year.

Niall has been at the forefront of trialling new Beef Monitor crates

developed by Ritchie Agricultural in conjunction with Agri-EPI. These are effectively modified handling crates with an integrated water trough, which cattle enter voluntarily to drink, indoors or outdoors. As they do so, the crates’ inbuilt sensors record the daily liveweight of each animal. With the correct analysis, this daily data can be hugely beneficial in helping a farmer make speedy decisions to reduce costs and ensure animals are delivered to the abbatoir inspec.

The Beef Monitors have gone through several phases of development as a result of the onfarm trials and this will continue during 2019, with a view to increasing the type of data that can be collected. The important element, says Agri-EPI Centre’s Farms and Commercial Manager Gavin Dick, is that the beef monitor concept has been shown to work. www.farmingscotlandmagazine.com

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new

to market

PRONAR UK LTD are the exclusive importers of PRONAR Machinery in the UK and are growing from strength to strength, year on year. As the brand continues to grow in the UK we were keen to find out a little more about the Polish giant.

Alongside producing a vast array of high specification, quality machinery they are also world leaders in the manufacturing and supply of wheels, axles, rims, hydraulics, pneumatics, side panels and plastic components.

They have most recently just exhibited at YAMS (Yorkshire Agricultural Machinery Show) and had great success at the

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excellent value show exhibiting their new T701 HP 22 ton Half Pipe Dump trailer and their New N262/1 High Specification

Manure Spreader. These 2 machines are a great example of the value and quality that are produced from PRONAR’S

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head office in Narew Poland.

The T701 Dump Trailer caused quite a stir at the show and it’s easy to see why with the quality on offer. The trailer comes as standard with 8mm walls/10mm floor(HARDOX), a loading case width of 5.3m, double line pneumatic brakes, metal wheel covers, rear underrun protection, rear lamps with protective grating, a hydraulic tipping system, and more spec than you can shake a stick at.

PRONAR UK LTD started importing the range 3 years ago seeing the potential in such a quality brand that just needing help in the right direction with key marketing and getting the

NEW TO MARKET machines out there into the UK market. Since then the brand has continued to grow and attract interest through its consistent sales, marketing and attendance at shows such as LAMMA and YAMS (Yorkshire Agricultural Machinery Show). Through this concept they have recently set up AGRI MACHINERY HIRE Ltd which hires a vast range of machinery out for customers to try and see the value and quality before they commit.

When speaking with PRONAR UK’s MD David Orrell he said ‘We have had a record year again with sales continuing to rise year on year. The more we sell, the more great testimonials we get from customers which helps spread the word that there is still quality machinery available in the UK for really competitive prices. The only concerns we hear are some people may have worries over new brands but PRONAR have over 30 years experience selling into over 60 Countries, employing more than 2,200 employees in 7 factories.

The backup is solid, as is our dedication to service and support our UK customers. The company is growing, and going nowhere’.

PRONAR UK Ltd HQ is based at Gisburn Auction, Clitheroe where they are building a new service and parts facility with new showroom to cater for the growth in sales in 2019. They stock over £1,000,000 of Machinery from trailers, grassland and municipal all at affordable prices for such a high-quality brand. They also became approved Bodybuilders for Mercedes Specialist Trucks (UNIMOG) in 2017, working closely with UNIMOG dealers to supply specialist equipment to fit to the UNIMOG. They attended UNIMOG LIVE in 2017 showing their range of Winter Equipment to customers at Millbrook proving ground.

The vast range of trailers are both high quality and meet strict European Guidelines ensuring customers get some of the highest quality trailers now on offer in the UK at competitive prices. Whilst

already known for their highquality cost-effective Recycling Machinery which has stood the test of time now in the UK now the range of grassland, trailers and municipal products are also beginning to follow in these footsteps.

PRONAR UK ltd are continually looking for dealers who want to support the brand as their main focus and be part of the growing network. Benefits include products suitable for all seasons of the year leaving no quiet spots in the year.

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If you are interested PRONAR UK ltd will be holding a factory tour in Poland to see the excellent facilities were these machines are made, all interested dealers are to contact PRONAR UK Ltd on 01200 411415.

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machinery The Scotland Tractor Show doubles in size thanks to the Highland Hall The Tractor World Scotland Show on 23rd and 24th March, is aiming to take the event to a new level, thanks to show organiser Mark Woodward securing the use of the Highland Hall at the Royal Highland Centre – home of the Royal Highland Show.

With its smart foyer, rest area, heating, larger restaurant and good lighting, the Highland Hall doubles the indoor floor space of last year’s show and means that Pentland Livestock Ltd. will have the use of the adjoining Central Hall in its entirety, for the busy Saturday auction.

Themes for Tractor World Scotland 2019 include 80 years of David Brown tractor production, narrow (berry, vineyard and hop

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garden) tractors and implements, tractors manufactured in France and a celebration of the tractor and plough through the ages – with an impressive County

tractor and push-pull plough combination already booked in.

These themes will be well supported by the strong club presence at the show, which

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includes The Ayrshire Vintage Tractor and Machinery Club, Blue Force, DMR Machinery Club, Ferguson Club, Ford & Fordson Association, Friends of

Ferguson Heritage, International Harvester Club of Great Britain, International Harvester Heritage Association, Nuffield and Leyland Tractor Club, Scottish County Tractor Club, Scottish Tractor Pullers Club and Vintage Horticultural and Garden Machinery Club.

As well as examples of the major tractor marques and models that will be present, expect displays of horticultural and garden machinery, models and dioramas, stationary engines and classic commercials present on both days of the show, with a drive-in day on the Sunday for the chance to see even more classic trucks and vans.

A strong presence of both catering and trade is also assured, with a large selection of specialists, including parts suppliers, model and toy retailers, restoration products, tools and garage equipment, tyres, workwear, country clothing and gifts.

machinery New Holland announces winners of 2018 Dealer of The Year Awards Winners of New Holland’s 2018 Dealer of The Year Awards in UK and Ireland have been announced: · Overall dealer of the year: Agricar Ltd of Forfar · Large tractor and harvester dealer of the year: Ravenhill of Elgin · Medium tractor and harvester dealer of the year: Robert D. Webster LTD of Kilham, Yorkshire · Small tractor and harvester dealer of the year: T. Alun Jones of Dryslwyn, Carmarthen · Tractor dealer of the year: Lloyd Ltd

· Combine dealer of the year: Ernest Doe – Ulting · Hay and forage dealer of the year: T H WHITE Agriculture · Service dealer of the year: Fife Tractors Ltd · Construction equipment dealer of the year: T. Alun Jones Ltd · Telehandler dealer of the year: Agricar Ltd New Holland has announced the winners of its 2018 Dealer of The Year Awards, which celebrate excellence in performance and service quality across its extensive UK and Ireland dealer network.

The 2018 awards include new

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product-line categories that reflect the further expansion in product line up, with the successful introduction of the new T5 and T6 DCT Tractors and New Holland Agriculture-branded grass and cultivation equipment.` The 2018 winners represent the best of New Holland’s 53 dealers, which cover 125 locations across the UK and Ireland. The awards were presented by New Holland Agriculture’s Vice President for EMEA Sales and Marketing, Alessandro Maritano, at the manufacturer’s recent Dealer Conference gala evening on 23rd January.

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machinery The Tafe 35DI model tractor available in choice of specifications Dorset based Tractors UK have been importing the Tafe range of tractors and spares for the past 16 years. The Tafe 35DI model is available in Standard and Classic specifications; the Classic mirrors the original Fergie 35’s design with a curved bonnet & fenders, while the rest of the range all have square profile bodywork. Power is supplied from a 37, 47 or 60hp engine driving an 8F x 2R mechanical gearbox. The 45DI models are available as two- or four-wheel drive tractors, and all but the Classic 35 can be fitted with a safety cab in place of the roll-bar.

Standard features include: Roll bar or safety cab, 2WD or 4WD, Hydrostatic power steering** & Oil immersed brakes** (** not on the Classic model). (continued on page 88)

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machinery The oil immersed brakes make them the ideal yard scraper tractor. The simplicity of the build allows people with limited mechanical knowledge to service and repair these tractors, making them one of the lowest running cost tractors on the market. Their basic and simple design makes TAFE tractors suitable for inexperienced operators and are ideal for general farm maintenance and particularly useful when manoeuvering in tight spaces. These versatile tractors can be fitted with front loaders, timber grabs, buckets & transport boxes and are also ideal for operating toppers, flail mowers, slashers, log splitters, wood chippers, post drivers and saw benches at the rear.

By avoiding sophisticated electronics, the TAFE range combines low cost, minimal maintenance with excellent reliability. TAFE tractors have a

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2 year warranty & Tractors UK also provide a comprehensive spares and service back up.

Distributing throughout the country, support is offered directly or via our network of

dealers. Tractors UK offer an in-depth technical backup both on-site and over the phone.

Front mounted frame with Crushboard or tractor wheel mark eradicators for Catros Special or CatrosX For the Catros Special and CatrosXL compact disc harrows in working widths of 3 m, 3.50 m and 4.00 m, AMAZONE now optionally offers a front mounted frame with Crushboard. This option makes these compact disc harrows ideally suited to seedbed preparation as the Crushboard achieves a strong crumbling and levelling effect.

However, also during stubble cultivation, this version offers

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certain advantages, such as, for instance, where the Crushboard presses the rape pods thus strongly stimulating the volunteer rape seeds to germinate. Also rape, sunflower and maize stubbles are pushed over so that subsequent straw rotting is promoted.

The front mounted frame is mounted in front of the discs and so the Crushboard can be adjusted irrespective of the working depth. The adjustment of the working depth – and thus also the aggressiveness of the Crushboard – can be carried out, from choice, either mechanically or hydraulically on the move. With the hydraulic adjustment option, the driver can match the setting to the relevant conditions, conveniently from the tractor seat and is assisted by the easily-visible scale. As an alternative to the Crushboard, the front mounted frame can be also equipped with wheel mark eradicators, which can, on pressure sensitive soils, help to alleviate the tractor wheel tracks once more.

machinery Vaderstad launches rapid drill variable rate option Väderstad pneumatic Rapid seed drills are now able to apply variable rate seed and fertiliser through its Universal Control system, which communicates with third-party suppliers of fieldmapping services. Historically, GPS-controlled automatic variable rate was only possible using ISOBUS Task Control.

To establish the communication, the third-party supplier wirelessly connects to the gateway of the Väderstad seed drill and then through the Universal Control system, provides variable seed or fertiliser rate information related to where the seed drill is positioned in the field.

Väderstad Universal Control is available for the Rapid A 400800S and Rapid A 600-800C/J.

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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

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machinery The first compatible fieldmapping services will be iSoyl

by Soyl and ControlMaster by Dataväxt.

“Väderstad has identified a need for a more open communication between its drill and the software supplied by the service provider,” says Väderstad’s systems and components manager Pontus Nordfeldt.

Case IH Recognized as Innovator in AE50 Awards The ASABE named the AxialFlow® 250 series combine with new AFS Harvest Command™ among the AE50 top innovations.

In January, the American Society of Agricultural and Biological

Engineers (ASABE), which annually distinguishes the 50 most significant product innovations in the areas of agricultural, food and biological systems, recognized the Axial-Flow® 250 series

combine with new AFS Harvest Command™ as a top innovation among the AE50 honorees.

Two further agricultural innovations pioneered by Case IH, not yet available in the

Next Issue FARMING SCOTLAND MAGAZINE May 2019

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machinery Europe, were also named, further solidifying Case IH as an industryleader in agronomic design. The innovations were: * Case IH AFS Soil Command™ seedbed sensing technology and agronomic control technology * Precision Disk™ 500 double shoot (DS) air drill with simultaneous single-pass seeding and fertilizing “While our efforts are always primarily focused on improving the efficiency and profitability of our customers, we appreciate this recognition of our commitment to that goal,” said Scott Harris, Case IH vice president, NAFTA. “We’re also pleased to note that all three products recognized by the AE50 awards this year were developed through our Customer Driven Product Design (CDPD) process. The process supports our High-Efficiency Farming initiative and has been instrumental in providing producers with award-winning agricultural innovations.”

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AGCO Further Expands its Global Centre of Excellence for Massey Ferguson Tractors in France AGCO recently announced that it intends to further expand its Beauvais site.The plans are part of Massey Ferguson’s long-term growth strategy that involves acquiring and transforming a neighbouring site, previously owned and operated by Froneri, which announced its closure on 10th October, 2018.

This proposed acquisition was announced at the opening ceremony of Beauvais 3, an 8ha site with a 30,000m building that houses Massey Ferguson’s new logistics centre. Here the investment of 11 million has created 103 new jobs. But this was only a first step.

The intended acquisition of the 15.7ha Froneri site, which includes 4.5ha of buildings, signals AGCO’s strong appetite for continued investment enabling Massey Ferguson to

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meet growing demand for its equipment. It will also support the integration of new activities through vertical integration, such as the re-integration of outsourced operations including

pre-delivery inspections and a tractor customisation workshop.

At the same time it provides employment opportunities for a skilled workforce following the closure of the neighbouring Froneri plant.

Once the expansion plan is complete, the Massey Ferguson Centre of Excellence for Engineering and Manufacturing in Beauvais will cover a total area of 54ha and employ up to 2,500 people, including in its GIMA and AGCO Finance joint ventures.

This extra space will allow AGCO to roll out a range of new agricultural machinery that is a key part of the company’s growth plans. It will also keep suppliers close by to facilitate a more efficient ‘just in time’ approach to its production, which will help drive value across the manufacturing process. A more efficient site structure will ultimately drive greater value and AGCO’s ability to invest more in the site in the future.

machinery Push-Broom and Bucket Brush from Spaldings provide simple but effective sweeping solutions A pallet fork mounted brush for cleaning up in farm yards and buildings is being added to a new line of farm cleaning solutions from Spaldings, along with a powered sweeper conversion kit for grain and general purpose loader buckets.

Available from the direct sales specialist online, by telesales and through the company’s field sales team in the UK and Ireland, the new sweeping solutions from Spaldings join a range of Padagas sweepers and sweepercollectors already introduced.

The Padagas Push-Broom is a new design with simple parking stands that eliminate the permanent bristle distortion that can result

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from leaving the implement standing on them when not in use.

The pivoting stands are simply lowered over the ends of the brush

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machinery from an upright position and secured with a spring-loaded pin before lowering the Push-Broom to the ground, releasing two securing bolts and withdrawing the pallet tines.

At 2.4m wide, the implement is ideal for sweeping up in grain and other bulk stores without raising much dust, and are especially suited to wooden drying floors where the 11 rows of bristles do no harm.

On wet concrete and similar hard surfaces, the dense mass of bristles works like a squeegee to remove moisture, standing water or slurry with equal efficiency.

Integral fork slots on the upper surface of the sweeper’s chassis, with hand tightened securing bolts to hold it in place, make it easy to mount and dismount the implement on a tractor-mounted or wheeled loader, telescopic handler or industrial forklift.

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CLAAS UK recognise dealer excellence The high level of sales, service and support offered by CLAAS dealers in the UK and Ireland has been recognised by CLAAS UK in their annual Dealer Awards.

Announced at the recent Dealer Council meeting held at the CLAAS Tractor factory in Le Mans, France, the awards recognise overall dealer performance for both CLAAS products in general and also specifically for tractors. At Le Mans the dealers were able to see the substantial investment made by CLAAS both in its Le Mans tractor factory and also nearby in the stateof-the-art testing centre at Trangé.

One Platinum and two Gold Dealer Excellence Awards were announced at Le Mans. These Awards recognise the considerable investments made by the dealers in Training, Parts and Service Support, as well as Sales, Finance and Management. They take into account all aspects of the dealer’s business, and the company’s commitment to its staff and to the CLAAS franchise.

Two further awards specifically relating to CLAAS Tractors were

also announced, one for CLAAS Tractor Sales Performance and one for CLAAS Tractor Sales Growth.

The highest Platinum Dealer Excellence Award was presented to CLAAS EASTERN, which has headquarters at Sleaford, and a total of seven branches, covering Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire and Yorkshire. For a dealership with so many branches and over 100 employees, to win this highest level award is a considerable achievement. Each of the dealership branches would have been individually evaluated as part of the overall assessment, and would have been assessed as reaching the highest standards required to win this award.

Two dealers, HAMBLYS and RICKERBY, were presented with Gold Dealer Excellence Awards.

With a total of six and eight branches respectively, again each of these dealerships and the sales, service and parts support that they offer through all of their branches, would have been appraised as part of the overall dealership assessment.

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Look to the west try Harry West Maelstrom Rear Discharge Spreader

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machinery New Parts Sales Manager for leading tractor brands in Ireland, Scotland and Northern England

A new recruit to the Argo Tractors team handling sales and distribution of Landini and McCormick products in the UK and Ireland has been appointed to focus on parts supply to agricultural machinery dealers.

Stuart Watson’s territory takes in Ireland, Scotland and the north of England, enabling National Parts Sales Manager Tony Burgess to focus on Wales and the rest of England.

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Adrian Winnett, UK and Ireland managing director for Argo Tractors welcomed Stuart’s appointment: “His career specialising in the parts side of the agricultural machinery business gives us a very experienced manager for this territory.

“Having taken on the distribution of Landini and McCormick tractors in Ireland, we wanted to increase our

ability to support our franchised dealers regarding service parts, accessories, lubricants and the other items they sell. With Stuart’s appointment we can now do that while also increasing the attention we can give our dealer parts departments throughout the UK.” As one of Europe’s largest agricultural tractor manufacturers, Argo Tractors maintains a substantial stock at its international parts distribution

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warehouse in Italy, which is backed-up by a near £3 million parts supply held locally at UK and Ireland headquarters in Harworth near Doncaster, South Yorkshire.

Landini and McCormick dealers also hold stock of the service and other parts most frequently needed by customers, with next-day delivery available to dealer premises when parts are needed urgently.

BEEF EXPO 2019

NBA Beef Expo 2019 The National Beef Association has announced their renowned Beef Expo will be held on Thursday 23rd May 2019 at North West Auctions, J36 Rural Auction Centre, Kendal. The National Beef Association, a member led charity who represent beef farmers in government organise the event annually, in different regions, to bring together farmers, exhibitors, agricultural companies and interested members of the public to network, do business and share knowledge.

Over the years the NBA Beef Expo has become a highlight in the beef farming calendar. Representing all the industry has to offer in terms of new developments, breeding expertise and celebrating the work of all beef farmers across the UK regardless of breed or method. The event attracts experts and industry leaders looking to educate both the farming community and the public, encouraging respect and innovation from all corners of the market.

The Beef Expo is considered a major showcase for pedigree and commercial breed societies which want to promote the quality of their cattle. Thanks to this, the event displays some of the finest examples of British breeding anywhere in the UK. Over 20 breed society displays will showcase the pedigree sectors advances in genetics and the National Commercial Cattle Show (NCCS) will, as always, be kicking of the showing season with the ultimate podium for breeders from across the UK

Beef Show Judging NBA Beef Expo

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to showcase their stock and compete for their share of over £6,000 prize money. This year renowned show judges Gavin Scott and Tudur Edwards, both of whom are experienced judges and top commercial cattle breeders, will have the difficult task of selecting prize winners.

NCCS organiser Julie Sedgewick said “we are really looking forward to this year’s event at NW Auctions and welcoming the best of show cattle from across the country.

We are expecting a record number of entries this year, with the event being held in such a prime location”.

Entries are now open for the NCCS, please visit www. beef-expo.co.uk or contact juliesedgewick@btinternet.com for more information.

The Beef Expo, for the fourth year running, will also host the South Devon Herd Book Society Performance Championships in which performance recording breeders from across the country are invited to compete. This technical event is a showcase for Breedplan performance recording South Devon herds, to highlight the importance of Estimated Breeding Values as a tool for breeding selection.

Each class will be judged on inspection of the animals, and on their performance (Quality Beef Index for each bull and Suckler Replacement Index for

BEEF EXPO 2019 each female) and will be placed accordingly. From these winners will be selected the Male, Female and Breed Champions.

The show, which is the largest technical beef event in the UK, will encompass the entirety of the beef industry with over 120 indoor and outdoor trade stands and demonstrations, covering nutrition, genetics, machinery and technologies, highlighting the strength and progression of the industry.

Industry seminars and workshops will be held throughout the day, discussing policy, health, future proofing, profitability and sustainability.

With high profile, industry specialists taking to the stage, the seminar timetable is set to be a must see.

Event organiser Katie Pearson said “We are delighted to be able to host our event at NW Auctions this year, the stateof-the-art mart facilities are superb and a perfect back drop to what is set to be one of our largest Beef Expo’s to date” Visitors will be invited to join the NBA for a day of Beef Expo farm tours on Wednesday 22nd May, giving guests the opportunity to view exceptional beef farms hand-picked from across the region. This forum for knowledge exchange has sold out four years running and is not to be missed - early booking is highly recommended! Coaches will depart from NW Auctions at 9:00am on the 22nd May, taking visitors around the selected farms, the day will also include a hot beef lunch!

The farm tours will be followed by the prestigious Beef Expo Industry Dinner, which this year will be held at the Castle Green Hotel – this has become known as the ultimate networking event for those within the industry. A drinks reception, three course dinner, after dinner speaker and charity raffle make it an evening not to be missed!

Online applications are now open for trade stands, breed societies, cattle exhibitors and visitors wishing to attend the event. Please visit, www.

beef-expo.co.uk to make your booking or email katie@ nationalbeefassociation.com.

The NBA would like to thank their Gold Sponsors for their support; AHDB, Armstrong Watson, Barclays, Boehringer, Breedr, British Simmental, Caltech Crystalyx, Dunbia, Farmers Guardain and NW Auctions.

Visit www. nationalbeefassociation.com and click ‘JOIN NOW’ today!

Overall Champion TA & LC Lyon & Son - British Blue x Heifer

National Beef Association Expo viewers

Large number of visitors expected again this year

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finance JCB Finance: Farmers must move quickly to exploit tax window of opportunity for farm machinery purchases Hidden in the Autumn 2018 budget is a valuable tax relief which could allow farming businesses to invest and grow effectively benefitting from £1 tax relief for every £1 spent – if they act quickly.

The Annual Investment Allowance (AIA) relief allows expenditure on machinery purchases up to the AIA limit to be set against farm profits in the year the expenditure occurs. In 2018 the AIA stood at £200,000 and it has now risen to a new threshold of £1m until January 1st, 2021 – when it reverts to its former £200,000.

With this deadline in mind it is essential farming businesses looking to replace ageing and unreliable kit, consult with their accountant now to maximise any available tax relief. Poor replacement planning could mean missing out on all the available tax relief, or even worse, paying more tax than is required.

JCB Finance Managing Director Paul Jennings, said: “This important tax incentive allows 100% tax relief in the

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first year and is designed to encourage farming businesses to invest in machinery, vehicles and a broad range of other assets.

“Depending on the business’ rate of tax, it is an open invitation

to invest in machinery and secure the equivalent of a 19% to 45% subsidy. Better still – if you acquire the machinery via a Hire Purchase agreement the acquisition, for tax purposes, is

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treated as if cash had been paid - plus any interest payable is tax deductible too.

“However, your yearend date impacts on the amount of relief available. Getting the timing and the amounts right is crucial to your business. We are already recommending to our customers that they speak to their accountant and to our JCB Finance team now, so they can plan the optimum time to take delivery of their machinery.”

By increasing the relief on qualifying expenditure up to a £1,000,000 limit, those farming businesses already spending up to the £200,000 threshold now have a considerable incentive to increase or bring forward their capital expenditure on machinery.

The chart below illustrates the maximum amounts available by showing four different company financial year ends, and how vital it is to spend the right amount within the right periods in order to maximise tax benefits. Given the lead times of some farm machinery from order to delivery, this also needs to be carefully factored in to buying plans.

finance Union welcomes announcement of LFASS loan scheme and requests certainty over future support NFU Scotland has welcomed the announcement from the Scottish Government of a loan scheme for LFASS 2018, delivering vital support to farmers and crofters in April.

An announcement by the Scottish Government that it will once again put in place a loan scheme to deliver 90% of payments under the Less Favoured Areas Support Scheme (LFASS) is welcome news for Scottish farmers and crofters at an uncertain time for Scottish agriculture.

The Scottish Government made the announcement on the eve of NFU Scotland’s AGM and

Conference which will take place on Thursday 7 February and Friday 8 February in Glasgow.

Cabinet Secretary Fergus Ewing will address delegates on Friday morning.

At a time of challenging market returns and significant uncertainty over Brexit, Scottish farmers and crofters want the Scottish Government to maintain the £65 million LFASS budget for the 2019 and 2020 claim years, recognising the regulatory challenges to deliver this crucial element of support.

NFU Scotland President Andrew McCornick said: “This support, via the national loan

Farmers not ready for VAT changes, warns Old Mill Many farmers and rural businesses are not prepared for forthcoming changes to VAT returns, and should act now to avoid financial penalties, according to accountant Old Mill.

The firm has held a series of Making Tax Digital clinics across the South West in recent months, attracting nearly 150 attendees – but the real issue is with people who are still unaware of the changes.

“A recent survey by the Chartered Institute of Taxation (CIOT) revealed that only 12% of people submit their returns via software, as required for Making Tax Digital (MTD),” explains Janet Woodford, rural senior manager at Old Mill. “Although 99% of people submit their VAT return online, a lot need to make big changes to their record keeping and software.”

So what changes are in the pipeline? According to Mrs Woodford, taxpayers will have to keep records of all of their sales and purchases in a digital format, in MTD-compliant software, and submit returns through that software from 1 April 2019. For

farmers, this means keeping the name, date and tax rate of all purchases and sales – from feed and fertiliser to livestock and milk – in one software package.

“Currently, farmers tend to have one bit of software do to their invoicing, a spreadsheet for their accounts, and a paper file for their receipts,” says Mrs Woodford.

“Bringing all of that into a digital format will involve quite a change of approach – but if they don’t do it they won’t be able to submit their VAT return, incurring penalties from HMRC and meaning they won’t be able to claim their VAT refund.”

Although accounting software like Xero, Quickbooks, Sage and Farmplan all comply with MTD, it has to be the latest version – so many people will have to upgrade their software, warns Mrs Woodford.

And it may take time to get used to keeping all of their records online. “As the information is submitted directly from the software it’s vital that all your data is accurate, so it’s worthwhile using the software now to get used to it.”

scheme which will be delivered in April, is critical to ensuring that farmers and crofters can continue to deliver for rural Scotland –providing jobs and opportunities. LFASS support is a key injection of cashflow in to our remote communities, driving growth and tackling the causes of rural depopulation.

“Loan offers will be sent out in batches with the first batch being sent out on 1 March. It’s important that farmers and crofters opt in if they want timely delivery of the support due via LFASS. “This comes after the Cabinet Secretary Fergus Ewing attended a meeting of our Less Favoured Areas (LFA) Committee in January and committed to working towards protecting the

£65 million budget of LFASS in future scheme years. This welcome commitment came after tireless and continuous work from our LFA Committee.

“This week, the Cabinet Secretary will address delegates at the NFU Scotland conference in Glasgow and representatives from communities across Scotland, from Shetland to Stranraer, will want to hear the Scottish Government deliver certainty on it’s ambition to retain this budget for 2019 and 2020 scheme years – with support to be delivered in 2020 and 2021 respectively.

“NFU Scotland remains utterly committed to securing sensible changes to future support, including support to the Less Favoured Areas.”

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finance Vaderstad Group … turnover exceeds 300 million eurofor first time Väderstad Group’s turnover exceeded 300 million Euro for the first time in the company’s history for the financial year 2018, increasing by 27 percent.

Net profit amounted to 11.8 million Euro.

The company also hired more than 150 new employees to keep pace with demand and continued to invest in product development of new and existing products.

Despite some challenging weather conditions – mostly drought – in northern Europe, resulting in lower yields, investment in soil cultivation machines and drills remained high.

A generally positive global economy and low interest rates contributed to a positive volume trend for Väderstad’s products, says Mats Båverud, president and CEO of Väderstad Group.

Order intake for 2018 remained good, 27% better than the previous year for machines and 26% better for spare and wear parts. The market in the industry continues to grow and Väderstad’s sales development has been positive in several parts of the world. Canada, Sweden and Russia top the sales list with the United Kingdom, Germany and Ukraine close behind.

Sales of the precision planter Tempo continue to grow with pre-season sales for 2019 starting strongly.

“Väderstad’s machines save much effort in the field by performing several operations in one pass. This in turn saves resources and finances for the farmer. Our innovative concepts are appreciated by our customers and we are looking positively at the future,” says Mats Båverud.

AF delivers £1m back to members including first general rebate The AF Group – the largest agricultural buying group in the UK and independent provider

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of advice, insight, and services to the farming community – has announced its first general

rebate, delivering £300,000 to members from the profits gained after streamlining the business. This, combined with the £700,000 members received through product rebates, reflects the dramatic progress the business has made over the last 18 months.

“We have focused on the core parts of our business that will directly benefit our members,” said Jon Duffy, CEO of AF, “and I am delighted that we have now delivered the first rebate in our history. Our ongoing progress in restructuring and refocussing the business has laid the foundation for a robust business capable of delivering sustained growth on behalf of our members.

In 2019 we will continue to offer better deals and better relationships in the key areas that our members need. AF have worked hard to increase our efficiency and focus on service, and we’re delighted to share the financial benefits with our customers”.

The AF Group (formerly Anglia Farmers) sources more than £270m of goods every year for more than 3,500 shareholder members. The general rebate is on top of regular contractual rebates, offered on products from fertilisers and machinery

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to mobile contracts and crop protection services.

“We have built up strong relationships in the supply chain,” added Mr Duffy. We don’t manufacture or import – we facilitate the supply of goods and services. We spend time understanding individual business models. Where there’s value to be created, we’ve implemented that value for the benefit of our members.”

Mr Duffy highlighted the need for farming businesses to make sensible decisions in order to weather the financial uncertainties of Brexit – or to put themselves in the best position to capitalise on its opportunities.

“Brexit has caused a great deal of uncertainty and anxiety for many in the industry,” said Mr Duffy. “However, there are aspects that you can control. Your business model, for example. Is your business as robust and costeffective as it can be in the face of Brexit? Are you well positioned to capitalise on any opportunities that arise? These are things that we do have control over, and it’s imperative that business leaders in the farming industry consider how they can continue to produce value.”

Despite the unpredictable political and economic landscape,

finance AF are confident that 2019 will bring opportunities for farming businesses.

“In 2019, we will continue to create value in the supply chain and transfer that value to

THEMONEYMAN our members,” added Mr Duffy.

“By continuing to innovate and joining with valuable partnerships, I believe farming businesses will be able to achieve measurable success in 2019.”

Continued growth for the LEMKEN brand LEMKEN, was able to grow its business in the past year even though conditions proved generally difficult. In 2018 the company’s turnover totalled 380 million, corresponding to a growth rate of 6%. Export sales have remained at an unchanged 77%.

Due to climatic, political and economic conditions, 2018 was a challenge for many farmers, however the year began well with a series of orders, but due to the dry conditions, there was a decrease in orders throughout the course of the year. Considering these conditions, managing director, Anthony van der Ley, is rather happy with the development of sales during the past year: “The turbulent weather has had a massive impact on our planning and schedules, which has put our suppliers under severe pressure.

Fortunately, we are a familyrun company working in close cooperation with our customers and business partners. Our employees’ commitment and flexibility have enabled us to process all orders and service requests as quickly as they came.”

At a turnover increase of 8%, Germany remains LEMKEN’s strongest performing market.

Of all the company’s export markets, France was the most significant market to recover as sales have risen considerably again after a few years. Benelux, Spain and Italy also generated top sales figures for LEMKEN. Other significant export markets include Canada and the U.S., where the increase in profit has resumed double-digit growth. After six years, India’s production facility has become quite successful and LEMKEN is happy to report that in 2018 there was a noticeable increase to its 2 to 3-furrow plough sales.

Ukraine is another successful market where the company has been able to increase its high turnover figures. Russia was the second largest export market for LEMKEN in 2018, although sales expectations were not fully met. The most recent, successful markets include Japan with a significant increase in sales, and Australia with its newly restructured distribution network.

Sales results were generally positive for all product ranges.

The plough and compactdisc harrow sector achieved particularly positive growth while seeder and cultivator sales proved equally successful.

Next Issue FARMING SCOTLAND MAGAZINE May 2019 www.farmingscotlandmagazine.com

When is a Shed not a Shed?

By Charlie Carnegie The title is not one found in a Christmas cracker and neither does it lead to an amusing punchline.

What it does relate to is a very interesting case very recently won by a taxpayer at the First Tier Tribunal.

Until the latest budget there were no tax relief incentives given on the construction of a new shed for agricultural purposes, relief only available on the cost of integral features contained within the shed itself which was fairly limited.

Which brings me to the recent case, which has taken about 7 years to get to this point.

It concerns a farmer who farmed 900 Acres, 700 of which were arable and back in 2010 he decided he required to build a facility for drying and conditioning the grain that he grew after it had been harvested and for the storing of the grain until it had been sold.

In 2011 he had a facility built and the quote from the builder said it was “to manufacture and supply a Grain store building purposely designed for customer to include control of temperature and moisture levels for grain”.

The taxpayer believed this to be a silo provided for temporary storage and therefore Plant & Machinery whereas unsurprisingly HMRC reckoned it was a building.

Capital Allowances were claimed on the basis it was Plant & Machinery.

It should be noted that this was a specially designed facility costing almost double the cost of a general purpose agricultural building and was unsuitable for livestock.It stored 3 different types of grain, wheat, barley and oats and stored grain for about 9 months of the year.

After a site visit by the tribunal and listening to all the evidence the Tribunal decided that even though to a layperson it may look like a shed the tribunal agreed it was not because it was not built to merely store grain, it served a purpose in that it was a process of drying the grain and even after it was dried the facility kept the grain in the optimum condition until it was sold therefore the whole building performed a process and was therefore a silo and qualified as Plant & Machinery.

A word of caution, whilst this was a great result for the taxpayer HMRC may well appeal and as always each individual case has to be considered on its own specific facts.

Charlie Carnegie is a partner in the Perth office of Campbell Dallas and can be contacted on 01738 441666 for any further information

country woman

Fiona Tweedie

By Linda Mellor

Fiona Tweedie, 32 lives near the Campsie Fells in central Scotland and loves spending time outdoors with her 10 year old Spaniel Ben. She enjoys clay and game shooting and helping her father with the pest control on his small game shoot on farmland near Fintry. ‘I love being in the countryside,’ said Fiona. ‘You are surrounded by the breath-taking views. I love the crisp air during the colder months, and there is always lots of local wildlife to see. My favourite countryside activities are being out with my father and my dog Ben at the shoot or clay pigeon shooting.’

Fiona said, ‘one of my earliest memory of the countryside is of my father teaching me how to fish. We would go to different fisheries, rivers and lochs to show me all the different aspects of fishing and the skills I would need to learn to become a good angler. Loch Ard was one of my 104

favourite places to fish in the boat with my father, and being in competition with him to catch the biggest brown trout, pike or perch was always great fun. Fishing the River Tay for salmon was always such an exciting experience, and this year, I am determined to dust off the old fly rod and get back out on the river again.’

She credits her local area as one of her much-loved countryside locations, ‘I am fortunate enough to be able to say my favourite part of the Scottish countryside is where I stay, in a hamlet at foothills of the Campsie Fells. The landscapes are amazing, I am surrounded by beautiful forest walks, waterfalls, rivers and I usually see wildlife every day.

I could never get bored of the scenery here, and throughout the year the colours in the landscapes vary so much with the different seasons. It’s great having this on my doorstep.’

On the shoot at Fintry, they put down about five hundred birds each year for the shooting season and shoot a handful of days. Fiona’s Spaniel, Ben, is in retirement and doesn’t work on shoot days, ‘I think his brain doesn’t realise his body is getting older and can’t do all the same things. My father has a four-year old Springer who does all of the work now, Ben just supervises!’

Fiona enjoys shooting alongside her father and a small group of his friends. For years she has helped keep the fox population down on the shoot, Fiona said, ‘we go out early morning or at dusk, four or five times a month.’ In addition to the pest control, she also helps with the maintenance of the pheasant feeders and fixing the pens: tying up the holes and making other necessary repairs.

‘Nothing is wasted,’ said Fiona, ‘every pheasant I shoot, I then pluck the birds and use the

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feathers to make them into wreaths every Christmas. The variety of colours you can find within each bird is simply stunning.’

Although she had been shooting for years, Fiona felt she wanted to do something positive to progress her skills and improve her shotgun shooting, ‘I hadn’t shot for a while and I realised I wasn’t going to get any better. My dad offered to teach me, but I thought it would be better for my shooting to go to a coach!’ said Fiona, laughing.

‘My closest ground is the National Shooting Centre (NSC) so I booked a lesson with shoot ground manager and top Scottish Clay shot, Stewart Cumming.’

Fiona felt nervous on the drive to the ground for her first lesson, ‘I know there are lots of women in shooting, but I was worried I’d be the only female, and I’d be a rubbish shot.’

Stewart put her at ease then took her to a stand to shoot 25 clays.

country woman ‘I couldn’t believe it, I hit every clay! And went back home on a high, I didn’t want it to end.’

For the last six or seven months, Fiona has shot 50 clay targets most weeks, and is now thinking about entering competitions.

‘It’s amazing feeling going out shooting, it is as though nothing else really matters when you are out on the stand,’ she said. ‘After each shooting session I feel I keep learning, and it boosts my confidence, there is something about shooting that makes everything work in harmony. It’s something everyone should try, I never thought I would be able to shoot but it’s all about confidence.’

Fiona laughed and said, ‘and maybe I’ll out shoot my father!’

‘The choice of stands you have at the NSC is fantastic, so many different layouts and targets, and the setting is beautiful with far reaching

views over the countryside.

My clay shooting has come on in leaps and bounds in the last year. Going up to the NSC every week has really helped me up my game, and being in competition with my father really brings out my competitive side.’

‘I wanted to go to the pheasant shoot and shoot with confidence.

Having clay shooting lessons has really helped my self-belief and it makes me feel great. I really wish more youngsters and people with chronic health issues would take a chance and give shooting a try, and not to let fear stop them. It has been amazing for me and so rewarding and I am sure others could benefit from giving it a go!’

The weather doesn’t stop Fiona from going shooting, she wraps up in many layers, she said, ‘anything to be able to stay out and enjoy my days shooting in the cold is worth it!’

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

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Southern Belle Since my daughter went to University, I have become increasingly concerned at the lack of accurate information filtering through to our younger generation, particularly on farming and ultimately lifestyle issues.

While I am a meat eater, who supports our farming industry, I am happy to accept that others, including some of my close friends, are vegetarian for whatever reason. They don’t try to convert me and any comment from me about liking vegetarians but unable to eat a whole one, is taken as intended…a joke!

At the risk of generalising, vegans, in my experience, are completely focused on promoting their lifestyle by destroying ours, armed with the miss information dealt to them, while they sit staring at their social media accounts.

After confronting a fellow student about the inaccuracies, she was posting on social media about foxhunting, my daughter was subjected to a barrage of abuse, about how foxes would soon be extinct just like the deer! Never having left

the city, never seen a fox or apparently a deer, the girl had joined the growing army of “armchair activists”, who can’t be bothered finding out the facts and take as read the rubbish spread through social media as being the Gospel truth, if indeed any of them knew what the Gospel is.

“Veganuary” as it has been promoted, has really got me going and the push to veganism, is becoming ever more radical and warped. Videos of sheep being dipped, posted as farmers drowning them, calves being dehorned as being killed and even the village of Wool in Dorset has been bombarded by requests to change its name as it “as wool is stolen from sheep.”

If veganism is so great, why is everything a meat substitute which “tastes just like beef.” A sausage roll is sausage meat covered in pastry. A vegan sausage roll is a poor substitute, which is a misnomer. If you want to promote veganism, do so not only on your own terms but with your own terms and promote your way of life, with its benefits and not through trying to condemn ours.

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Beatha an eilean Aig àm sgrìobhaidh tha sinn a’ faighinn aimsir a tha nas seusananail. Reothadh cruaidh is sneachd agus ged nach còrd sin ri cuid, tha e glè fhreagarrach dha stoc taobh a-staigh agus taobh a-muigh na croite.

Air falbh bhon chroit ann an Taigh a’ Ghlinne Mhòir, tha gu leòr obair aig sgioba Coimisean nan Croitearachd ri dhèanamh a chumas a’ dol iad.

Tha mòran shruthan obrach a’ ruith gu làithreach agus taobh ri taobh nan tagraidhean riaghlaidh àbhaisteach làitheil leis am bi a’ mhòr-chuid den luchd-obrach a’ dèiligeadh, tha sgiobaidhean eile a’ dèiligeadh ri fuincseanan deatamach eile leithid - IT, mapadh, gèilleadh, clàradh is còmhnaidheachd agus cleachdadh fearainn.

Tha na sgiobaidhean sin uile ag obair còmhla gus a dhèanamh cinnteach gu bheilear a’ dèiligeadh ri tagraidhean ann an dòigh cho èifeachdach ’s a ghabhas. Mar bhòrd thairis air na 18 mìosan mu dheireadh, tha sinn air codhùnaidhean a thaobh cuid de na cùisean as fhasa a thiomnadh gu an luchd-obrach riaghlaidh taobh a-staigh chrìochan aontaichte.

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Rod MacCoinnich Neach-gairm, Coimisean na Croitearachd Tha an siostam seo de chodhùnaidhean tiomnaichte ag obair glè mhath nuair a tha an tagradh air a thaisbeanadh san dòigh cheart a-mhàin agus nach eil e a’ dol taobh a-muigh nan crìochan aontaichte. Tha mi a’ guidhe air neach sam bith nach eil cinnteach mu dheidhinn dè tha iad ag iarraidh a dhèanamh agus mar a nì iad tagradh riaghlaidh, a dhol tro làrach-lìn Coimisean na Coitearachd far a bheil bileagan stiùiridh agus na foirmean iomchaidh. Ma bhios tuilleadh

cuideachaidh a dhìth, feuch gun cuir sibh fios dìreach chun a’ Choimisein.

Tha an sgioba Còmhnaidheachd is Cleachdadh Fearainn (RALUT) air an obair adhartachadh a thaobh luchdfreagairt a’ chunntais-sluaigh a tha air sealltainn gu bheil iad ann am briseadh air an dleastanasan croitearachd leithid – neochòmhnaidheachd is àiteachas agus cumail suas. Tha RALUT air litrichean a chur a-mach agus air mòran fhreagairtean

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fhaighinn air ais a’ toradh ann an tagraidhean gu gabhaltas na croite aca a shònrachadh, an croit fho-leigeil gu h-oifigeil no ag iarraidh cead a bhith às-làthair.

Bu chòir a thoirt fa-near ged is e eadar-ghluasad maireannach a th’ ann an sònrachadh gabhaltas croite, tha an dà chuid foghabhailean oifigeil agus cead a bhith às-làthair crìochnach agus nam fuasglaidhean geàrramail, agus aon uair ’s gun tig an ùine fo-ghabhail no cead a bhith às-làthair gu crìch, bidh an Coimisean a’ sgrìobhadh chun a’ chroiteir airson ùr-fhiosrachadh mun t-suidheachadh. Bidh an RALUT cuideachd a’ cur fios gu na croitearan sin nach eil gu cunbhalach air am foirmean cunntais-sluaigh a thilleadh.

Tha am bòrd seo miannach agus dealasach air croitearachd a chumail beò, beòthail agus seasmhach. Tha seat de sgilean glè chothromaichte againn air a’ bhòrd. Tha sinn a’ gabhail ris na duilgheadasan a th’ ann taobh a-staigh croitearachd agus tha mòran ùidh agus dìoghras am measg nan uile aig a bheil ùidh san roinn seo. Tha dùbhlain air adhart oirnn gun teagamh sam bith gun a bhith a’ cleachdadh an fhacail “B”!! Is e am bile croitearachd aon dhiubh sin. Bidh Ìre 1 den bhile a’ coimhead ri dèiligeadh ri cùisean glè dhìreach agus tha sinn an dòchas gun gabhar riutha san teirm làithreach den riaghaltas, ach bidh ìre 2 a’ dèiligeadh ri cùisean nas toinnte a bhios ag iarraidh barrachd smaoineachaidh, co-obrachaidh agus co-chomhairleachaidh. Tha sinne aig a’ Choimisean air am pròiseas smaoineachaidh a chur a dhol mar-thà .

The Batch Lady cooks up a storm YOU’VE heard of speed dating…but what about speed cooking?

Imagine being able to save time, effort and thought - and reduce stress levels - by always have something tasty to hand on those busy mid-week evenings when even the thought of cooking up a meal is an onerous proposition.

Well, 80 SWI members have been given an insight into how to do just that by watching as 20 superfast meals were rustled up in front of their eyes in just an hour and a half in a cookery demonstration with a difference

by Suzanne Mulholland, aka The Batch Lady.

They say that necessity is the mother of invention and as a wife and busy mum-of-two, living in a rural location and with elderly parents to provide meals for, Suzanne became adept at using similar base ingredients to create an assortment of different home cooked dishes.

Friends wanted to share her secrets, but Suzanne says it’s about revisiting what people have done for years. These are actions that may have fallen by the wayside, due to pressures on time, and overwhelming choices of different

ingredients on the supermarket shelves.

Suzanne explains: “Sometimes the simple things can be forgotten, and I think batch cooking appears to be one of them.

“I did my first demo for a fundraising event and everyone was soon asking for the recipes and whether I had videos they could watch.

“As a result, The Batch Lady was created and now I have a following of over 50,000 people across social media and am regularly in demand for demonstrations.

“Being in the company of SWI members, it felt like I was about to teach Mary Berry how to cook!

However, whatever our skills or experience, none of us ever stop learning.”

The Batch Lady was invited to give a talk and demonstration to the Scottish Women’s Institutes meeting at Chirnside Community Centre. Numerous Institutes in the area had got together for a centenary charity night in aid of MND and it turned out to be an evening full of laughter, learning

and great enthusiasm to batch cook.

Suzanne started the demonstration by explaining that she was going to show the group how to prepare 20 meals in 90 minutes. These are meals that can be frozen for when they are required, taking the hassle and stress out of wondering what to cook for the next few weeks.

She showed exactly how to make the simple, homemade, portion-controlled meals, all prepared in under 10 minutes, then frozen for whenever they are needed.

It’s a way of regaining control of what you eat that helps ensure healthy choices are made and that will save time and money.

There were a few sceptical looks but those expressions soon changed as Suzanne explained her techniques and gave time saving hacks and money saving tips along the way. By her own admission Suzanne doesn’t love cooking, but she loves saving time.

“Often people really appreciate the benefits of saving a bit of time but all appreciate the need for

Chirnside members listen intently to Batch Lady’s top tips

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eating a healthy balanced diet.

Food is a necessity and learning how to make one’s life a bit easier from time to time is something the SWI members heartily agreed with.”

A graduate of Aberdeen University, Suzanne taught time management and organisational skills in her role as a training manager for a leading pharmaceutical company in London, She became a stay at home mum after the birth of her first child, son Jake in 2006 and daughter Zara followed two years later, also managing the family farm and holiday cottages in the Scottish Borders and helping look after her elderly in-laws.

“That’s why time management is my thing and having spent years cooking for a large extended family, I now have it down to a tee.

I started Batch Lady in Sept 2017 and really it wasn’t planned but just sort of evolved.

“I now work full time on this and I’ve given myself two years to build an influencing brand. I also have private clients who pay per morning to have me come to teach them how to batch cook in their homes and I have I have influencer branding events in London which will determine where the brand goes next.”

If the Batch Lady impressed her audience, then the feeling was mutual as she was in awe of the delicious cakes that were served at the end of the evening – and pleased to know that £710 was raised on the night for MND Scotland.

For more details about The Batch Lady, visit: https://www.thebatchlady.com/ https://www.facebook.com/ thebatchlady/ https://twitter.com/thebatchlady https://www.instagram.com/ thebatchlady/ 107

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horses New equine End of Life service launches in Scotland A new facility providing equine services is being launched in Scotland, assisting with information to better help horse, pony and donkey owners with end of life decision making and the practicality of dealing with it.

Aptly called the Equine End of Life Service, it offers access to experienced, skilled and sympathetic euthanasia and collection professionals by harnessing the network of independent and fully licenced collectors that NFSCo (The National Fallen Stock Company*) currently works with. They adhere to the highest welfare standards, and biosecurity levels are strictly upheld at all times. The web based platform acts as an information source on euthanasia decisionmaking, and the options for removal and disposal of the animal. The website provides a postcode-based quote generating facility, with a friendly experienced team of helpline staff on hand to offer advice and assist with the logistics and payment for the chosen service.

“End of life decision making for any equine or pet owner is an emotional and challenging one, and we hope that this simple and straightforward information

service and facility will help,” says Michael Seals, NFSCo chairman.

“The intention is to provide a smooth, sympathetic and stressfree service to horse and donkey owners and their vets at a most difficult and stressful time.”

Equine organisations and charities are fully behind the Equine End of Life Service, including the British Horse Society, Blue Cross, The Horse Trust, World Horse Welfare and The Donkey Sanctuary.

Scotland’s Chief Veterinary Officer, Sheila Voas, welcomed the pilot: “Both the concept and the website are really good and I am delighted that you are running the pilot in Scotland,” she says. “I know from personal experience how difficult it can be to deal with equine end of life decision making, so I am fully behind the project.”

The website will be piloted in Scotland first, prior to national roll-out, and goes live at the end of January at www.equineendoflife.co.uk.

For more information on The Equine End of Life Service please visit www.equineendoflife.co.uk or contact us on info@equine-endoflife.co.uk or (01335) 320030.

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Equine Angle

By Melanie Scott

Equine influenza outbreak The news that an outbreak of equine flu has led to all British horse racing meetings being cancelled by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) after three vaccinated horses tested positive for the disease, which has lead to the British Equestrian Federation (BEF) advising horse owners to be vigilant.

Since the start of 2019, there have been seven outbreaks of equine flu - in Essex, Cheshire, Derbyshire, Lincolnshire, Yorkshire and Suffolk.

Equine influenza is a highly infectious disease that affects horses, mules and donkeys. It is the most potentially damaging of the respiratory viruses that occur in UK horses and disease symptoms in nonimmune animals include high fever, coughing and nasal discharge.

The outbreak at the infected yard follows the identification of a number of equine influenza cases across Europe and the UK, including several in vaccinated horses.

Following the recent outbreaks, guidance was sent to racehorse trainers to inform them that all

horses that have not had a vaccination against equine flu within the last six months should receive a booster vaccination, and that trainers should be extra-vigilant.

However, equine influenza can be highly contagious and - unlike other infectious diseases - can be airborne over reasonable distances as well as be transmitted indirectly, including via people.

The BHA said there was “significant concern over welfare and the potential spread of the disease” and it was attempting to prevent further cases.

It said “quarantine and biosecurity measures” are being put in place and horse movements restricted.

Now is the time for horse owners to make sure their horse is vaccinated, especially if they have never been vaccinated before or if it is between six and 12 months since their last booster.

It is vital that any horse showing signs of possible equine flu, or horses that may have been in contact with infected horses do not travel to competitions where there will be groups of horses.

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@home The Curvarella Turmeric Velvet Chair

Moroccan artisan Halabala style armchair-haik

Stunningly stylish, deliciously decorative, the Curvarella turmeric velvet armchair is a statement chair for glamorous living. The velvet is in a rich shade of turmeric, with a fabulously oversized curved back that cocoons you in luxury. The gold coloured steel legs give an airy feel despite the large size of this charismatic chair, and if you have the space for it to shine it’s sure to bring Hollywood glamour to your décor. The velvet is made from 90% polyester and 10% cotton.

Dimensions: H81 x W108 x D79cm Frame: Pine with stainless steel legs Fabric: 90% polyester, 10% cotton Price: £708 Stockist information: www.audenza.com

Beautiful Halabala style armchair made by craftsmen in Marrakech.

From an original iconic design by Czech designer Jindrich Halabala these wonderful chairs have the modernist, clean lined design that makes this a stand out piece of furniture.

Covered in Vintage Moroccan Haik fabric with walnut wood frame and arms.

Complete with cushion.

Price: £580 Stockist information: www.medintrading.co.uk

Brighton Sofa in Plush Velvet Peony The Brighton sofa range is an exceptionally attractive, distinctively modern, 60’s inspired American design. Featuring compact proportions and sleek design on raised legs, the Brighton sofa is ideal for small spaces or a beach side home. This model is available with an optional headrest that is removable as and when you need it for added support. Choose from a fantastic range of fabrics and leg colours to make the Brighton your own.

Price: £875 Stockist information: www.darlingsofchelsea.co.uk

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lifestyle

For the Foxxy Lady This gorgeous tweed outfit in a stunning Foxglove Tweed combines exquisite attention to detail with a hint of equestrian style which is undeniable Timothy Foxx signature design.

The Timothy Foxx Isla jacket is a fashionable and pretty take on the classic hacking jacket and teamed with matching Timothy Foxx Astrid Waistcoat; it continues to flatter with a soft feminine silhouette. The Timothy Foxx Ruby skirt with it’s striking luxurious tan corduroy striped sides, button front detailing and comfortable length, this skirt is the finishing touch to a beautiful, wearable combination fit for race day glamour or everyday gorgeous!

Isla Jacket: Sizes: 8-16 RRP: £33 Astrid Waistcoat: Sizes 8-16 RRP: £220 Ruby Skirt: Sizes: 6 – 14 RRP: £9 www.timothyfoxx.co.uk 112

lifestyle

For the Elegant Gentleman For gentleman looking for superb tailoring, the Butler Stewart collection is your ‘go to’ British heritage label. Executed by their Savile Row experienced tailor their collection brings together sleek styling with British milled tweed. The Courtauld Coat in Harvest Brown is a stunning three-quarter length coat which works beautifully when teamed with their Christopher waistcoat, classic plaid shirt and tie and cranberry moleskin jeans.

And for the finishing touch? A silk pheasant and paisley scarf.

Classic staples every Gentleman needs in his wardrobe.

Courtauld Coat in Harvest Brown: Sizes: 38” - 46” RRP: £525 Christopher Waistcoat in Harvest Brown: Sizes: 38” - 46” RRP: £195 Check Shirt: Collar size:15.5”- 17.5” RRP: £79 Moleskin Jeans:Waist: 32”- 40” 32” and 34” leg lengths RRP: £79 Elephant Silk Tie: £55 Silk Paisley & Pheasant Scarf: £115 www.butlerstewart.co.uk 113

PEOPLE ON THE MOVE

Chris Leslie AHDB has recently welcomed a new recruit, Chris Leslie, who will work with cereal growers across Scotland to improve their technical and business practices.

Chris has been appointed as a Knowledge Exchange Manager for the arable sector. He will be part of a small arable team devoted to Scotland, which is led by Senior Knowledge Exchange Manager Claire Hodge. Chris’s focus will largely be on cereals and oilseeds, while Claire will continue to concentrate more on the potato sector.

Andy Findlay Andy Findlay has been welcomed as the newest member of AHDB’s team in Scotland.

Andy will take on the role of Knowledge Exchange Manager specialising in benchmarking which means he will be supporting farmers across Scotland to gain a more in depth understanding of their costs using AHDB system Farmbench.

Currently AHDB run a number of Business Improvement Groups across Scotland and Andy will work with the Scottish team to support the existing groups, as well as developing new groups.

Alastair Orr Horsch has appointed Alastair Orr as its regional sales manager for Scotland, Ireland and Northern England. Alastair is taking over from Jimmie Carver, who is retiring at the end of March after supporting dealers in the area for more than 15 years Raised in a farming family, Alastair worked as sprayer and potato harvester driver at Meikleour Estate in Perthshire for five years before joining Scanstone potato systems. Based out of Forfar, Alastair was responsible for Scanstone’s sales and demonstrations across Scotland. “Having worked for a farming estate and for a machinery manufacturer, I can fully appreciate the pressures and requirements on both customers and dealers.

HORSCH has an amazing range of products and I look forward to supporting their dealers and the region’s highly productive farming operations.”

Diane Heath Leading agronomy firm ProCam has appointed Diane Heath as its UK Managing Director.

Mrs Heath brings more than 20 years’ experience in technical and commercial agriculture – having previously worked for a researchbased crop protection manufacturer and in distribution, including roles in field-based agronomy, sales and marketing and, more recently, as head of crop protection for a distributor.

“This is a hugely exciting time to join ProCam, a company that prides itself on providing agronomy tailored to the needs of individual farmers,” said Mrs Heath.

David Neale Leading Crop Production Specialists Hutchinsons have appointed David Neale as a specialist consultant to their seed business. David will provide consultancy support across several areas of the business, including the development of new opportunities for the fast growing Hutchinsons seed business within a rapidly changing sector for the breeding, production, treatment and marketing of seeds.

Page Turner’s

BOOK REVIEW When I heard the Bell

The Loss of the Iolaire by John MacLeod It was New Year’s Eve 1918. The war was over and the young men from Lewis who had served as reservists for four years wanted nothing more than to be home.

But the Admiralty had failed to make adequate arrangements for their return and that evening they poured from trains at Kyle of Lochalsh onto an overcrowded, badly equipped naval yacht ¬– the HMY Iolaire – with life jackets onboard for less than a third of those it carried. A simple, devastating error of judgement in high winds and dark skies, coupled with the overcrowding and confusion on board, led to the loss of 201 lives as the ship approached the men’s home harbour in rough seas ¬– and a century of pain and grief for the people of the small, island communities who waited to welcome their men home.

The early weeks of 2019 saw, finally, public expression of a very private grief. The sense of devastation and anger had been suppressed by generations of islanders due to the overwhelming distress the merest mention of the Iolaire could cause. No-one living on the island at the time was untouched by the disaster - so they nailed down their emotions and never spoke of their loss.

The centenary has seen a public recognition of the impact the disaster had on the communities and allowed those who lost ancestors and witnessed the longlasting human devastation, to grieve and to recount their stories through a programme of events: a national commemorative service held at the Iolaire Memorial, Stornoway; red carnations dropped into the sea by 201 young people from across the Western Isles; an exact replica of the hull of the boat created in wooden posts by Stornoway Harbour Authority; an exhibition at Museum nan Eilean in Stornoway (displaying the Iolaire panel from The Great Tapestry of Scotland) examining the impact of the tragedy on the island; An Treas Suaile (The Third Wave), a suite of Gaelic music commissioned from Duncan Chisholm and Julie Fowlis, performed at Eden Court.

But the story of this disaster is perhaps best told in words.

The HMY Iolaire (Gaelic for Eagle), sank just yards from safety when the ship struck the rocks known as the Beasts of Holm. The

small island of Lewis had already lost 1000 men during the war, a higher proportion of servicemen than almost any other area of Britain. Only 79 men survived this naval disaster. Of those who died, 174 were from Lewis and seven from Harris. 18 crew and two civilian passengers were also killed.

This was the worst peacetime British disaster at sea since the sinking of the Titanic and nothing since has come close. And yet, how many knew of it? How many without connection to the Western Isles had even heard of it until this year – ‘one of the cruellest events in our history and an extraordinary maritime mystery — a tale not only of bureaucrats in a hurry, unfathomable Naval incompetence and abiding, official contempt for the lives of Highlanders, but of individual heroism, astonishing escapes, heart-rending anecdote and the resilience and faith of a remarkable people.’

A number of books have now been written on the tragedy including Donald S Murray’s haunting, As the Women Lay Dreaming. But John MacLeod’s, When I Heard the Bell, The Loss of the Iolaire, reissued at the centenary, is held in very high regard. Picked out as ‘Forensically detailed’ by the Spectator and ‘Compelling...

MacLeod superbly evokes the homeland of the men who died, and of the much diminished island their deaths left behind’ by The Herald, reading it now is almost as hard as researching and writing it must have been for its author. The pages of this book make you weep but the words it holds help those who cannot ever know, begin to understand.

When I heard the Bell is published by Birlinn, £9.99; As the Women Lay Dreaming is published by Saraband, £8.99