Farmers Guardian 24th December 2025

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Championing agriculture since 1844

December 24, 2025

Toyota’s latest ANALYSIS: Farm Profitability Review pickup Baroness Batters calls for more certainty, joined up thinking and a revaluation of farming’s contribution unveiled

‘If you have enough passion, you can make it work’

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YOUNG SHEEPDOG TRIALLIST PROVES HIS WORTH

A Lancashire family talk about how they developed their own farm-to-fork business £4.25

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T IN O P N O S IA T T E S IN POt one of the UK’s top growers of this festive favourite Mee

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Farmers Guardian, Unit 4, Fulwood Business Park, Caxton Road, Fulwood, Preston, Lancashire, PR2 9NZ Editorial Director Olivia Midgley, 07787 240 750 olivia.midgley@agriconnect.com Editor Katie Jones, 07786 856 439 katie.jones@agriconnect.com Deputy Editor Alex Black, 07880 490 486 alex.black@agriconnect.com Head of News and Business Jane Thynne, 07882 219 917 jane.thynne@agriconnect.com News and Business Reporters

Business Reporter Cedric Porter cedric.porter@agriconnect.com Head of Arable Ashleigh Ellwood, 07786 190 188 ashleigh.ellwood@agriconnect.com Head of Machinery and Farm Technology Toby Whatley, 07583 054 831 toby.whatley@agriconnect.com Machinery Reporter James Huyton, 07787 242 185 james.huyton@agriconnect.com Head of Livestock and Features Editor Angela Calvert, 07768 796 492 angela.calvert@agriconnect.com Livestock Specialists Ellie Layton, 07814 997 407 ellie.layton@agriconnect.com Katie Fallon, 07815 003 227 katie.fallon@agriconnect.com Digital Editor Emily Ashworth, 07977 706 711 emily.ashworth@agriconnect.com Picture Editor Marcello Garbagnoli, 07815 003 236 marcello.garbagnoli@agriconnect.com Sales 01772 799 500 ewa.bailey@agriconnect.com Circulation Subscription hotline 0208 955 7064 help@farmersguardian.com Newstrade enquiries 01772 799 434 UK print subscriptions £189; Europe: £226.80; RoW: £283.50.

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Llion Harries, a sheepdog triallist from Pembrokeshire, is proving age is no barrier to success. See p64-65.

Welcome from the editor Katie Jones, Editor – katie.jones@agriconnect.com

Recognising your hard work and resilience during 2025 AND just like that, it’s Christmas Eve and this is work with stock to feed, cows to be milked and the last edition of Farmers Guardian for 2025. outside jobs to be done.

As we look back on the past 12 months, it’s However, I do hope that you are also fair to say there’s been a lot going on and a lot able to take some time over the festive period for the industry to contend with. But once again, to recharge after another busy 12 months, the farming industry has shown incredand to spend quality time with family ible resilience in the face of policy and friends. change, tumultuous market conAnd let’s hope that as families ditions and weather challenges. around the country tuck into MERRY Just this last week, we their traditional Christmas CHRISTMAS finally saw the publishing of lunches, they take the time to AND A HAPPY the much-anticipated Farm think about where their food NEW YEAR Profitability Review from has come from. From the turkey Baroness Minette Batters. This to the sprouts, the pigs in blan155-page report includes 57 reckets to the roast potatoes – this is ommendations for Government. down to you and We must be clear: there is no silver your hard work. bullet in all of this, but the report does raise the So from all of us important themes where action is needed and at Farmers Guardian, sets out how it can be achieved. The hard work thank you for your conbegins now to make sure this report is listened tinued hard work. to and acted upon.

And finally, merry But back to Christmas. I know first-hand Christmas and a that for many of you tomorrow will be a day of happy New Year.

COVER PICTURE: MARCELLO GARBAGNOLI

Mia Willemsen, 07483 408 561 mia.willemsen@agriconnect.com

PICTURE: RUTH REES

Chris Brayford, 07773 110 733 chris.brayford@agriconnect.com

Speaking up for farming since 1844 On this week’s cover: Toyota pickup, p57; Farm Profitability Review, p4; Lancashire farm-tofork business, p16; Young sheepdog triallist, p64; Calf accommodation, p60; Poinsettias, p19.

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What’s inside?

December 24, 2025 4

NEWS & BUSINESS

12

LETTERS

13

COMMENT

16

19

Christmas staples face unpredictable year

FARM PROFILE

Making the most of opportunities pays off for a Lancashire couple

ARABLE

Poinsettias make their presence felt at Christmas

24 SALES

Herefords set new record in Northumberland

26 STOCKJUDGING Test your skills and win up to £200

52 MACHINERY

Gone with the wind: Six battery blowers on test

58 LIVESTOCK

From first gimmers to Royal Highland Show glory – the journey of a farm in North Lanarkshire

64 WORKING DOGS

Welsh sheepdog triallist proves age is just a number

66 MARKET PRICES 74 FARMING: THE BACKBONE OF BRITAIN

Farmers’ Choir brings a rural community together

76 IN YOUR FIELD

With James and Isobel Wright in Devon and Dan Jones in North Wales

77 CROSSWORD 78 FARMING MATTERS ‘Let’s hope there are good returns for farmers in 2026’, says Brian Richardson, head of agriculture at Virgin Money

Plus

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News & Business As Baroness Minette Batters’ Farm Profitability Review is published, Jane Thynne reports on the likely impact.

Will report deliver what farming needs? l Broad welcome for 50,000-word review

BARONESS Minette Batters’ much-anticipated Farm Profitability Review was published last week following a flurry of accusations – and subsequent denials – that it had been ‘buried’ by Defra and/or the Treasury.

Despite criticism that it did not do enough to challenge the Government on the impact of the family farm tax, the 50,000-word document was broadly welcomed for its comprehensive overview of the sector, covering everything from public health to a boost in pulse production.

Speaking in front of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee on December 16, Farming Minister Dame Angela Eagle said the department had been ‘enthused’ by the report and would be delivering a more detailed response in the new year.

To mark the launch of the document, Defra also announced it had immediately acted on Baroness Batters’ recommendation for greater collaboration between the agricultural industry and the Government, with the formation of a new Farming and Food Partnership Board to drive growth, productivity and long-term profitability.

Minette Batters

Emma Reynolds

Chaired by Defra Secretary Emma Reynolds, with Dame Angela as deputy, the board will bring together senior leaders from farming, food production, retail, finance and Government to take a practical, partnership-led approach from farm to fork, to strengthen food production.

Ms Reynolds said: “When farming thrives the whole country benefits.

British farmers are central to our food security, our rural economy and the stewardship of our countryside.

Baroness Batters’ review underlines the need for Government, farming and the food industry to work much more closely together.

“That is exactly what the Farming and Food Partnership Board will do.

This is about serious action to remove barriers, unlock investment

and make the food system work better, so farm businesses can grow, invest and plan for the future with confidence.”

Thanks Baroness Batters thanked those who had responded to the Farm Profitability Review and encouraged everyone to read it in full.

“I am pleased the Secretary of State recognises the need to establish a new approach to growing the British brand at home and abroad by producing, creating and selling more from our farms in a measurable way,” she said.

“With ever more extreme weather, the horrific, ongoing war in Ukraine, and 69.7 million people in the UK, now is the time to deliver food security as national security.”

Key takeaways of the Farm Profitability Review THE Farm Profitability Review takes a broad brush approach in its attempt to address issues across the sector, containing 57 recommendations and stretching to 150 pages. While concluding that profitability is under pressure from geopolitics, prices, policy and the climate, Baroness Minette Batters warned that the pressures of day-to-day farming were preventing farmers from creating a profitable business.

Key issues included: n Uncertainty over policy Concerns over the Inheritance Tax and a lack of clarity around key schemes such as the Sustainable Farming Incentive in England created ‘significant ongoing concern’. n Role in food security The UK farming sector is the

foundation of a £150 billion agri-food supply chain, 6% of the economy, and a cornerstone of national food security, meeting about 65% of domestic demand (dropping from 78% in 1984). n Fairness in the supply chain n More streamlined planning Defra said it was already on this road, thanks to an announcement made in the Planning Policy Framework, which advocates for priority on-farm applications for buildings and reservoirs. n Raising the value of farming Again, Defra said it had already actioned the new Farming and Food Partnership Board, to drive growth, productivity and profitability. n Health benefits Baroness Batters highlighted how

much could be saved in NHS funding by supporting those who produce sustainable, healthy food.

She pointed out the need for procurement contracts to source locally grown food – one of Labour’s pre-election promises – to benefit the health and wealth of the nation. n Productivity and pricing The need for investment in a skilled workforce and a fairer supply chain must be actioned to enable farmers to earn a decent return. n There is no silver bullet From the health aims and procurement to support schemes and supply chain fairness, the report concluded there was no ‘silver bullet’ and that a swathe of actions must be adopted to put farmers on the path to profitability. farmersguardian.com

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ALONGSIDE the launch of the Farming and Food Partnership Board, Ministers are setting out immediate actions to back farm businesses, including: n Proposed changes to the National Planning Policy Framework, which will help speed up delivery of key infrastructure such as on-farm reservoirs, greenhouses, polytunnels and farm shops, making it easier for farmers to invest and expand n Stepping up action on supply chain fairness, including continued scrutiny of unfair practices and consideration of changes to Groceries Code Adjudicator oversight n Tackling barriers to private finance, bringing together farmers, agri-food businesses and major financial institutions to attract investment n Supporting new markets, with Ministers leading dedicated trade missions to showcase British food and drink overseas

PICTURE: GETTY

Other actions

BOOST FOR MORALE AS TREE SHOWCASED OUTSIDE NUMBER 10 THE Christmas Tree Grower of the Year award was won by Cadeby Tree Trust, which said it was ‘good for morale’ after a tough growing season.

The Leicestershire-based Christmas tree wholesaler, which was established 40 years ago by Alex Theobald and is now run by Thomas Theobald and his sister Sarah, provided the tree for 10 Downing Street, after being crowned champion grower with its Norway spruce.

Members of the British Christmas Tree Growers Association enter their trees in several categories. The Cadeby Tree Trust placed first or second in five out of the six categories.

Foreman Matt Allan-Stubbs said: “To win anything is always a bonus but to win this year, particularly when it has been such a tough growing year, has been really good for morale.”

Following months of speculation, the farming industry gets its say on the Farm Profitability Review NFU president Tom Bradshaw said Baroness Minette Batters’ report was complex and he would be analysing the recommendations.

“Changes that will drive competitiveness and profitability, which are critical elements of thriving farming businesses, are crucial to achieving the Government’s own targets for economic growth,” he said.

“This is about enhancing the financial resilience and long-term sustainability of British farming – the bedrock of the nation’s largest manufacturing sector, food and drink, worth £153 billion to the

economy and an industry that supports four million jobs.

Mr Bradshaw, who was previously Baroness Batters’ deputy at the farming union, said the NFU had set out key priorities in its submission and was ensuring priority areas singled out by Defra were consistent with what the NFU had been calling for.

He said: “The ball is now in Defra’s court. Ministers have to drive these priority areas forward.”

George Dunn, chief executive of the Tenant Farmers Association, said he believed the report filled the brief of the Farming Roadmap that Defra has long talked about.

He said: “This report gives us all a huge opportunity to drive and deliver a sustainable, resilient and profitable industry for the benefit of us all. To that end, it is good to see Defra has already responded by establishing a new Farming and Food Partnership Board. This must become a true workhorse for change.”

CLA president Gavin Lane said the time had come for ‘urgent action’ and a ‘joined-up approach’.

He said: “We need a stable policy environment, clarity on schemes, planning reform and recognition that a joined-up approach to rural affairs is needed across Government.”

Rare Breeds Survival Trust chief executive Christopher Price said the report fell short of recommending specific initiatives to place native livestock breeds at the heart of UK farming.

“Profitability and conservation go hand in hand […] This support must include farming with native breeds. Encouraging more farmers to rear native breeds will help improve biodiversity, protect against future animal diseases, support the production of high-quality local produce, and help secure sustainable livelihoods in marginal landscapes.”

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News & Business ● Customers leave turkey purchases late DESPITE a year of unpredictable weather conditions for growing crops and avian influenza control zone restrictions, farmers have worked hard to produce quality Christmas staples.

Alan Steven, who farms near St Andrews in Fife, hoped the rain stayed manageable as the harvesting of his Brussels sprouts crops began.

Mr Steven had been spending 16 hours a day working hard to get the sprouts into the factory and ready for supermarkets.

In East Devon, the dry summer proved to be a challenge for Oliver White, putting real pressure on grass growth which required careful management of grazing and forage throughout the season. The impact was felt most strongly across his sheep and cattle enterprises, which he runs near Exmouth.

Poultry In contrast, Mr White’s poultry – including chickens, geese and turkeys– fared very well, highlighting the resilience that comes with running a diverse farming operation.

He said: “Our turkeys and geese are slow-grown outdoors from May through to November, and despite the challenging conditions, bird health, welfare and growth rates have been excellent. Bird flu remains an ongoing concern for all poultry producers, but by slaughtering our birds in early November and selling them frozen, we significantly reduce the period of highest risk as we move into winter.

“In terms of turkeys specifically, the biggest challenges have been rising input costs, particularly labour and processing, and balancing affordability for customers with

PICTURE: GETTY

By Mia Willemsen

Farmers have worked hard to produce high-quality Christmas food despite unpredictable weather.

Christmas staples face unpredictable year the true cost of producing food to a high welfare, organic standard.”

As Christmas was Mr White’s single most important trading period, he said it was encouraging to see customers spending more than last year. While sales were strong, they were increasingly concentrated into a shorter window, with customers tending to leave decisions later than they used to.

For Susan Gorst in Northamptonshire, her turkey sales had been like no other year, with sales dropping off and picking up very last minute.

Housing “They [customers] have perhaps left it to the last minute because they have been working out the budget,” she said.

Having to house the free-range

turkeys was a challenge due to a temporary avian influenza control zone, with additional entertainment, fruit to peck at and extra straw needed.

“The highlights are that actually the bird weights have come out quite nice, which is good. The plucking went well, and the eviscerating is going okay as well,” said Ms Gorst.

Bird flu causes devastation ahead of Christmas AVIAN influenza has devastated a farming business just days before Christmas turkeys were due to be slaughtered and sent to the butcher.

Steve Childerhouse, a farmer from Great Grove Poultry near Norfolk, found a dead bird among his flock of 9,000 turkeys on November 7.

He said it was one of the most painful moments imaginable when Defra confirmed the bird had died from avian influenza and that his 9,000-strong flock would have to be culled as a result.

Just a day before, Defra had introduced compulsory England-wide housing measures for poultry in 6 | DECEMBER 24 2025

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response to increased findings of highly pathogenic avian influenza in wild birds and recent cases in poultry and kept birds.

Mr Childerhouse reluctantly told customers on the business’s social media pages that he would no longer be able to supply festive orders.

Loss The Norfolk farmer said the virus had led to the business missing out on ‘tens of thousands of pounds’.

Having been in the trade for over 30 years, Mr Childerhouse said that this was the second time avian influenza had plagued the business in the last four years.

“To see what has happened here has been devastating for me and the whole family,” he added.

“Standing in the yard on the night after they [the birds] had all gone was so eerie. There was nothing left. I was so upset. To see all your year’s work go completely just like that was absolutely heartbreaking.”

The business faced a 12-month quarantine period because it could not clean the buildings to Defra standards, which could leave Mr Childerhouse missing out on income next Christmas as well.

He called for a vaccine to help farmers against the disease.

I was so upset.

To see all your year’s work go completely just like that was absolutely heartbreaking STEVE CHILDERHOUSE farmersguardian.com

22/12/2025 11:54 am

News & Business

NFU scheme convinces MP to push for IHT rethink l Farm visits highlight impact of policy changes

By Jane Thynne A LABOUR MP has described how spending time on-farm helped convince him to speak out against the Government’s family farm tax proposals.

Josh Newbury, who represents Cannock Chase in Staffordshire, said being part of the NFU’s Food and Farming Fellowship Scheme gave him the confidence to speak up about the challenges faced by the industry.

The scheme, launched in partnership with organisations such as the Association of Independent Crop Consultants, Arla and the British Egg Industry Council, aimed to showcase the industry and enable MPs to gain hands-on experience of British food

Josh Newbury

and farming across a variety of sectors.

It was hoped the year-long programme would create a new group of MPs to champion the industry.

Mr Newbury, who was elected in 2024 and is a member of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee, said that although he did not come from a farming background, as

a semi-rural MP he believed it was his duty to learn as much as he could about the industry for his farming constituents.

“I attended all six farm visits and I found it really useful and enjoyable.

Each were themed around a particular sector and by speaking to the farmers in their workplace I got a sense not only of the challenges but their hopes for the future,” he said.

As a Labour MP, Mr Newbury said the Inheritance Tax (IHT) issue had inevitably ‘overshadowed’ the visits but that he and other Labour MPs had been keen to hear the views of those affected.

“Although I do think we need reform, I believe the way we have gone about it could be massively damaging to the rural economy as well as people’s livelihoods,” he said.

Mr Newbury was one of 30 Labour

members to abstain during a recent vote on IHT and said being part of the NFU scheme ‘opened his eyes’ to the ‘human impact’ of the proposal.

He said: “A lot of what we had talked about was big numbers and broad outlines. But I met a lady whose 93-year-old father was on suicide watch because of IHT. She said it was horrific that we have got farmers who are now in that mindset.

That stuck with me and I just could not forget about it. I have since tried to push for change – you cannot ignore people’s desperation.”

Mr Newbury added: “The scheme has really helped me to get that grounding. It does not replicate the experience of those MPs who have a farming background, but it has given me the confidence to go and find the people I need to talk to and to ask the questions I think needed to be asked.”

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DECEMBER 24 2025 | 7

22/12/2025 13:37

News & Business A PLEA to better support Scottish dairy farmers has been issued following a severe downturn in milk prices.

NFU Scotland said action was urgently needed as most farmers were now being paid less than it costs to produce their milk, forcing some to consider scaling back or exiting production altogether.

NFUS vice-president Robert Neill said: “We have seen highs and lows before, but the speed of this price drop is unprecedented. Farmers are under real pressure, and the supply chain must act responsibly.”

Milk prices had been falling rapidly over the previous few months owing to a global oversupply.

According to Susie Stannard, lead dairy analyst at AHDB, milk supplies for 2025 had been running well ahead of the five-year average since autumn 2024. For the milk year to November 30, GB milk supplies were 5.9%, or 453 million litres, up on last year.

In a show of unity, the four UK farming unions wrote a joint letter to milk processors, urging fairness, transparency, and responsible behaviour.

The letter reminded buyers of their obligations under new Fair Dealing regulations, including the right for farmers to request a clear explanation of how prices are calculated. It also marked the first real test of the contract regulation adjudicator.

NFUS was also speaking directly to banks and retailers, calling for support and flexibility.

UFU questions imports’ safety THE Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) has written to the Food Standards Agency (FSA) in Northern Ireland seeking urgent clarification on the checks and controls for imported beef.

A number of EU member states have recalled Brazilian beef after findings consignments contained banned growth-promoting hormones.

The UFU asked the FSA in Northern Ireland to outline what specific checks were being applied to Brazilian beef products entering Northern Ireland, whether additional controls had been introduced following the recall, and how the agency was assuring itself imported beef meets the same standards as local producers.

A spokesperson for the FSA said it was aware of the UFU’s statement and correspondence.

They added: “This is an important issue and we are carefully considering the points raised.”

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Pigs and poultry in focus for reforms in Animal Welfare Bill ● Consultation set to look at CO2 stunning

The Government’s new Bill will end the use of farrowing crates.

By Mia Willemsen ENDING the use of farrowing crates and cages for laying hens, as well as a consultation into the use of CO2 to stun pigs, are among the measures announced as part of the Government’s reformed Animal Welfare Bill.

Countryside groups also reacted with anger after the Government unveiled plans to ban trail hunting amid concerns that it was being used as a smokescreen for illegal hunting.

In response to the Bill, the National Pig Association (NPA) said its close engagement with Ministers during early development of the strategy meant it would be following the next steps on farrowing and CO2 stunning closely.

“We have set out our own position on a transition towards flexible farrowing, informed by the various challenges that need to be addressed and been clear about what is and is not feasible, all evidenced with commercial data,” said a spokesperson for the NPA. “The slaughter of animals is quite rightly one of the most regulated and closely monitored practices in our industry. Despite this, we acknowledge concerns expressed that slaughter could and should be more humane.

PICTURE: MARCELLO GARBAGNOLI

NFU Scotland calls for urgent action on dairy

“However, there is as yet no commercially tested alternative which could replace CO2, so we encourage the Government to listen to industry concerns and take a pragmatic approach.”

Evidence-based The NPA added: “We welcome the Government’s overarching strategy on animal welfare, but continue to urge an evidence-based approach,

Farmer fined after cow attacks A FARMER from Cornwall has been ordered to pay more than £10,000 after walkers were attacked by cows.

Beverley Chapman of Tembleath Farm, St Columb Major, pleaded guilty to breaching Section 3(2) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, at Bristol Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, December 16.

Following the case brought by the Health and Safety Executive, Ms Chapman was fined £5,260 and ordered to pay costs of £4,650 and a court surcharge of £2,000.

A walker and his dog were attacked when walking on the South West Coast Path at Park Head, with the walker releasing the dog’s lead and the cattle giving chase, during which time he was trampled and butted.

Ms Chapman was told about the cattle attack on the same day – however, rather than remove the cattle and calves, she added more.

A month later, two local residents were walking their dogs when they were attacked by the same herd, with Ms Chapman only removing cattle from the path four days later.

taken in conjunction with industry expertise, to design and implement future policies, which deliver for both animals and producers.”

The British Poultry Council (BPC) said the Government needed to make two commitments if it was serious about promoting slow-growing breeds, after the Bill raised the possibility of outlawing fast-growing alternatives.

These were to fast-track planning approvals for new poultry farms – as 50% more farm space is needed to increase the national flock from 120 million to 180m – and to ‘put their money where their mouth is’ by stipulating that all public procurement will purchase to these standards.

Richard Griffiths, BPC chief executive, said: “Welfare will continue to be a top priority for our members and we are happy to have a constructive dialogue with Government.

“However, welfare does not exist in isolation from all the other pressures we face, and our guiding light right now has to be feeding the nation through supporting our food producers, not hindering them.” farmersguardian.com

22/12/2025 4:11 pm

farmersguardian.com

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Mr Ward added: “When you see food sold at this price it is not at all surprising that food and farming makes up so little GDP. We need a much better assessment of what the fresh produce sector brings to the economy.”

Elevated beef price reshapes meat trade from a dry summer on lamb growth rates and lower lamb crops.

“Average prices at Scottish marts are expected to finish 2025 about 5% higher than last year and approximately 25% above the five-year average,” Mr Macdonald added.

“Export demand has continued to provide strong support, with UK sheepmeat exports up more than 11% year-on-year in the first 10 months of 2025, equivalent to 32% of domestic production compared to 29% in 2024.”

Store steer prices peaked about £600 higher than autumn last year.

Carcases Farmgate pig prices were approximately 10-15% above the fiveyear average, with processing disruption during the autumn leading to a backlog on-farm; increasing the proportion of carcases outside target weights and weighing on producer confidence.

Looking ahead to 2026, global supply constraints are expected to continue shaping trade, with beef supported by tightening global production.

“Sheepmeat fundamentals remain firm due to constrained supplies across Great Britain, Europe and Oceania, but we are likely to have a high carryover of hoggs in Scotland,” said Mr Macdonald.

“The global outlook for pork is more subdued, but reduced sow numbers point to tighter domestic supplies once current backlogs are worked through.”

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RECORD prices, volatility and rebalancing has marked what was a year of ups and downs in the red meat sector.

Iain Macdonald, market intelligence manager at Quality Meat Scotland, said 2025 highlighted the balance of producer returns, processing capacity and consumer affordability.

GB deadweight steer prices peaked at the start of May, reaching 703.4p/kg for the week ending May 3, according to AHDB. Store steer prices peaked about £600 higher than autumn 2024, outpacing year-on-year increases in finished values, which has placed pressure on finishing margins as winter progresses.

Mr Macdonald said beef price volatility underlined just how elevated the market remains in terms of reshaping supply, demand, producer confidence and trade.

“As the year-end approaches, finished cattle prices remain about 8% below their spring highs, but are still approximately 18% higher than a year earlier and about 45% above the five-year average,” he added.

“Higher farmgate prices have fed through to retail, with households spending much more on beef, but buying less volume and switching towards cheaper cuts.”

Reduced throughput and margin pressure has increased reliance on imports from outside the European Union, particularly Australia and South America.

The sheepmeat trade for 2025 has entered the festive period on a relatively firm footing with growth in trade outweighing challenges

about how much hard work and risk goes into producing this food.”

The survey, carried out by OnePoll.com, revealed that – along with sprouts – carrots, potatoes and parsnips were also on the top 10 unpopular foodstuffs.

PICTURE: MARCELLO GARBAGNOLI

By Chris Brayford

Shoppers are expected to overbuy discounted seasonal vegetables.

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● Sheepmeat on firm footing for new year

with retailers price-cutting vegetables to just 5p per bag, it was to be expected that consumers would see nothing wrong in overbuying or throwing items away.

“Discounting does represent a seriously good deal for consumers,” Mr Ward said.

“But it devalues the amount of work that goes in to producing what are superfoods. Vegetables should not be regarded as disposable or throwaway.

“These are the one thing over Christmas we should be eating a lot more of.

“They are sold as a disposable commodity and that is really sad. It communicates the wrong message

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MORE than 50 million individual sprouts will end up in food waste bins this Christmas, new research has claimed.

A survey of 2,000 adults found 15% expect to bin the vegetable variety this festive season, with each throwing away seven sprouts on Christmas Day alone. The next item destined for the dustbin was broccoli (10%).

The survey – conducted for surplus food waste marketplace Too Good To Go – also found 56% admitted to overbuying elements of the Christmas dinner.

Jack Ward, chief executive of the British Growers Association, said

PICTURE: GETTY

Study claims 50 million sprouts will be binned this Christmas

Green Solicitors

07970 404 536 supporting the Farming Community.

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DECEMBER 24 2025 | 9

22/12/2025 4:14 pm

MAY

JANUARY AMY Longworth lives on her family’s farm in the Kentmere Valley, where her relatives have worked the land for generations.

With her parents taking a step

back, she and her husband have taken on more responsibility. They now care for about 500 sheep, mainly Rough Fell – the hardy hill breed in this photo, picked for January.

CATTLE by the Cornish Coast was the pick of the judges for the month of May. Taken by Antony Munday of Cornwall, the photo shows cows and the sweeping views near Lizard Point.

Antony was 29 when he first got into farming. He has worked his way up to a herd manager position and says he could not imagine any other way of life.

The people and places at the heart of UK farming are celebrated in RABI’s 2026 calendar, created in partnership with Farmers Guardian. We look at the stories behind the shots.

T

he theme for the 2026 calendar from the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI) is ‘Our Farming Life’, with the 12 winning photos capturing everything from calving to silage-making and ploughing matches to lambing. The images highlight the everyday moments, dedication and resilience that define farming life.

Every sale helps RABI provide practical, financial and emotional support to farming people, ensuring no-one faces those challenges alone.

The wall calendar is priced at £10 and the desk calendar at £8, and both can be purchased by visiting rabishop.org.uk/calendars.

Celebrating British farmers’ dedication NOVEMBER SHEPHERDING Together, the picture chosen to represent November, was taken by Gemma Dobson of Raikes Farm near Burnsall in the Yorkshire Dales.

Gemma and her family manage about 162 hectares of farmland, keeping pedigree Hereford cattle and Texel cross sheep on a tenanted farm.

This photo was taken last year and shows Gemma’s three children – Jessie, Edward and James – helping to guide the family’s sheep.

OCTOBER AMATEUR photographer Charlotte Prigmore from Essex took the picture titled Good to Catch Up before the start of a ploughing match at the Countess of Warwick Country Show in Little Easton, Essex.

Although not from a farming

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RUNNERS UP background, Charlotte says she loves the countryside and being able to support farmers where she can. She says this photo captures how these events bring generations of farmers together to connect and share a break.

THERE were also two highly commended pictures, which both feature a new generation of farmers.

The first (below left) is a picture of Charlotte Atkinson’s four-year-old son Adam Welford, who was taking

part in the young handlers class at the North Yorkshire County Show.

The second (below right) is of Sarah Clark’s four-year-old daughter Olivia helping in the lambing shed on her family’s farm in Cumbria.

farmersguardian.com

18/12/2025 9:41 am

News & Business The festive season can bring with it many mental health challenges, but help is available for those who are struggling. Mia Willemsen finds out more.

Fighting the winter blues LONELINESS is one of the biggest concerns this winter, owing to isolation, longer working hours and business stresses. While farmers are often the last to ask for help, they are also often those who need it the most.

Staying connected and stepping off-farm on occasion could make a real difference.

The Farming Community Network (FCN) offers an all-year-round helpline, alongside hosting local community events to encourage farmers to get off-farm.

Alex Phillimore, head of operations and communications at FCN, said there was a lot of uncertainty about the future, which came with a lot of stress, worry, and anxiety, all of which could contribute to mental health struggles.

He said: “But I think it is true that in many respects a problem shared is a problem halved. We would encourage people, where they can, to talk, whether that is to your vet, to a family member, to a friend, a neighbour or indeed a charity like FCN.”

Events FCN FarmWell events are free and bring farming and rural communities together, providing opportunities to exchange information and experiences, to catch up with friends, meet new people in the area, and enjoy some delicious local produce.

Having done about 65 of these events in the past 18 months, with more than 2,250 attendees, the feedback was that without these gatherings farmers would not have got off-farm that week.

As many live and work on the farm, spending any time away can be challenging.

Many local organisations, such as the Exmoor Hill Farming Network, Field Nurse, Cheshire Agricultural Chaplaincy and plenty more are holding events over the Christmas period. All have meet-up spaces, with some including on-site nurses.

Farming is a year-round job, and it is understandable that getting offfarm is not always easy, but there are things farmers can do to boost morale, even from the comfort of their own homes.

For those seeking connection, farmersguardian.com

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Many organisations run events to promote activities and better communication in the farming community.

PICTURE: GETTY

● Helplines are open for those in need

helplines are available. And there are also other on-farm activities that can bring up the spirits.

Starting a new hobby can help people to unwind and take focus away from the stresses and pressures of life, giving them something to look forward to each day. It can also be a good way to become part of a community.

Another technique farmers have been encouraged to try is writing their troubles down. As minds can become very clouded by the pressures of daily life, jotting down notes can aid with processing things and maintaining balance.

As farmers, time is often a restricted resource. A lack of sleep can affect the ability to process thoughts, emotions and actions and can, therefore, have a significant impact on mental health.

Further help PLEASE reach out to any of the following: ■ Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution: 0800 188 4444 ■ RSABI: 0808 1234 555 ■ Farming Community Network: 03000 111 999 ■ Addington Fund: 01926 620 135 ■ Samaritans: 116 123 ■ You Are Not Alone: 0300 323 0400

Advance your career in agriculture with expert training Discover the opportunities waiting for you. As the only awarding body in the UK and Ireland dedicated to the land-based sector, Lantra connects you with the training, qualifications, and guidance you need to move forward in your career.

Explore our Careers Hub Visit lantra.co.uk or scan:

DECEMBER 24 2025 | 11

22/12/2025 14:30

Letters A poetical look back at the year GATHER in, take a seat, Warm your hands, rest your feet.

Let’s look back at the farming year, And try to laugh through the pain, with some cheer.

Oh, 2025 began so bright, Sun-filled days and warm spring nights.

Lambing easy, spirits high, Then came the heat and dust-dry sky.

Too bloody warm, too bloody dry, Fields cracked up, grass tried to stay alive.

Becks dried up, crops sat still, Too dry to spread slurry, topped the bill.

Usually we pray for rain to stop, This year we begged for a single drop.

Then Inheritance Tax, the groan and grief, A farmer’s headache, plain and brief.

Every meeting, every chat, “Will anything be left… after that?”

Rachel Reeves thinks we’re thick as thieves, Doesn’t quite grasp what we all achieve, How much graft we daily get done Would do her no harm, being a part of the fun.

Write Letters to the Editor, Farmers Guardian, Unit 4, Caxton Road, Fulwood, Preston, Lancashire, PR2 9NZ Facebook facebook.com/FarmersGuardian Twitter @farmersguardian Email fgeditorial@agriconnect.com

Social media reactions READERS had their say on social media after farmers raised thousands for charity during festive tractor runs: ■ “It just shows the kind of people farmers are, they have worked a long day already getting up earlier to make sure jobs are finished, then going out to raise money for good causes all the while not knowing if they are going to be able to make next month’s

finance payments. And for a lot of them, this will be classed as a night out, getting themselves and their other half dressed up – and by that, I mean their favourite tractor.”

RICHARD DRAKE ■ “I like going to watch the tractors drive past, they all look amazing.”

TOR STIMPSON ■ “Brilliant, keep up the good work.”

LOUISE ANN MARLOW

■ “Looks outstanding. Love seeing these Christmas tractor runs, I hope it’s a lasting tradition.”

AMANDA ELSTOB ■ “Farmers don’t just feed us, they do a lot for charities and are always ready and willing to help when snow arrives. Such a shame the Labour Government don’t appreciate them as they should.”

KAREN

But trouble came, what else to lose?

Bluetongue spreading, shocking news.

Zones and rules that made us groan, Another burden for farmers to own.

Bird flu swooped again, and hit poultry flocks, Another big blow to the farmer’s money box.

Farming’s tough, we know it’s so, Some days your spark is running low.

It’s not always easy to stay upbeat, When rain keeps falling and bills repeat.

But there’s a cure for that, that never fails, Head to the auction, chat to mates, lean on’t rails.

Laugh about this, moan about that, Watching trade, in’t old flat cap.

British farming’s future is definitely bright.

Family farms will stand their ground, Through every storm that comes around.

Keep the faith, keep holding on, Whatever stress we’re forced upon, Raise a cheer, enjoy the night, ’Cos farmers, for sure, do it right!

So here’s the message, clear as light,

Joe Gorst, Kendal, Cumbria.

FG

CLASSIC

★★★

Clarkson gives the nation laughs, Showing farming’s pain, with his comical staff.

Buying a Lamborghini tractor makes no sense, Dun’t quite show how skint farmers are, at that expense.

But something’s shifting across the land, Shoppers are starting to understand, That food doesn’t grow in a supermarket’s tin.

They’re thinking of farmers – imagine!

Prices strong, calves bold and bright, Some ‘too hot to handle’ at seller’s delight.

1920s

Paul Roscola sent in this photo of a turkey farm in Roche, Cornwall, in the 1920s. The cast iron trough in the centre was the kind popular for years and several are still in use today.

If you have a classic picture you would like to share, please email it to marcello.garbagnoli@agriconnect.com

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We will not disclose your information to any third parties without your consent, except where: • it is necessary to enable any of our staff, employees, agents, contractors, suppliers or commercial partners to provide a service to us or to perform a function on our behalf; • we have a legal obligation to disclose your information (for example, if a court orders us to); or • there is a sale or purchase of any business assets, or where Farmers Guardian or any of its group companies are being acquired by a third party. Where we use third parties as described above to process your personal information, we will ensure that they have adequate security measures in place to safeguard your personal information. For how long do we keep your personal information? We keep your personal information for 36 months for the purposes for which it was collected or for any period for which we are required to keep personal information to comply with our legal and regulatory requirements, or until you ask us to delete your personal information. Your rights: You have a number of rights in relation to your personal information. These include the right to: • find out how we process your personal information; • request that your personal information is corrected if you believe it is incorrect or inaccurate; • obtain restriction on our, or object to, processing of your personal information; • ask us not to process your personal information for our own marketing purposes; and • obtain a copy of your personal information which we hold about you. We will take steps to verify your identity before responding to your request and will respond as soon as possible and in any event within a month. If you would like to exercise any of your rights or find out more, please email us at dataprotection@farmersguardian. com. Complaints: If you have any complaints about the way we use your personal information please contact us at dataprotection@farmersguardian.com and we will try to resolve the issue. If we cannot resolve any issue, you have the right to complain to the data protection authority in your country (the Information Commissioner in the UK). If you need more information about how to contact your local data protection authority please let us know. Contact us: Please read this policy carefully and if you have any questions, concerns or comments about this policy or, specifically, how we might use your personal information, please contact us by email at dataprotection@farmersguardian.com.

12 | DECEMBER 24 2025

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farmersguardian.com

22/12/2025 1:17 pm

Leader Dangerous plan THE letter from Ian Howie, mentioning Defra’s dangerous plan to reduce productive farmland by 9% by 2050 and thus also reduce food production by 5%, shows just how out of touch this Government is (‘Food security is being neglected’, FG December 12). They do not seem able to make the connection between the growing population and the vital need to produce more food.

Just to add to this country’s woes are the plans to close veterinary courses at Cambridge University and The Queen’s Veterinary School Hospital. This at a time when the likelihood of increasing threats from Russia and China that could cause very significant problems for livestock and plant health seem very real.

We need vets – think foot-and-mouth.

It seems building homes and covering productive land in solar panels is the Government’s priority, but feeding the nation and keeping it safe should be their first and foremost aims.

Suzanne Greenhill, Gloucestershire.

Contact us ■ IF you would like to send us a letter for consideration, email fgeditorial@agriconnect.com

Jane Thynne Head of News and Business – jane.thynne@agriconnect.com

Review must lead to more collaboration SO, with just hours to go before the parliamentary Christmas recess, Defra published the long-awaited Farm Profitability Review. Described as ‘thorough and complex’ by NFU President Tom Bradshaw, the 150-plus-page document has certainly left no stone unturned in its quest to raise both the profile and the profits of the nation’s farmers.

As teased by Farming Minister Dame Angela Eagle, Defra announced it would action key aspects in the near future with further responses to come.

To coincide with the launch, it announced the formation of a Farming and Food Partnership Board, to drive growth, productivity and long-term profitability. The board (a bit like Defra) will be headed by Secretary of State Emma Reynolds and Dame Angela, along with some yet-to-be-named industry representatives.

Defra also pledged to unlock food and farming infrastructure through planning reform – as announced in the National Planning Policy Framework a day or so before the review was released.

It also said it would step up action on supply chain fairness – as revealed the previous week for the combinable crops sector.

Just in case you think I am being too cynical, it also pledged to tackle barriers to private finance and to support exports and new markets.

Whether farmers will be disappointed with the outcome is hard to tell. They will surely be aware that there is no one-size-fits-all policy that will put farmers on the path to profitability. But if it leads Defra to a more open, honest and collaborative road, then it may just have been worth the wait.

Young Farmer Focus ‘Like so many family businesses, we adapt’ Circus: Growing up on a camel farm in the Warwickshire countryside is a childhood unlike most.

My father comes from one of the oldest circus families in the UK, Fossett’s, and trained wild animals by trade.

After meeting my mother, who famously ran away to join the circus, they moved away from lion-taming and bought camels instead.

In 2000, my parents founded Joseph’s Amazing Camels, providing camel hire for events across the UK. From camel racing at agricultural shows in the summer to preparing them for Nativity scenes at Christmas, our animals have done everything from polo to private parties to films and TV, including Aladdin and The Nativity.

Although we lived on an arable farm and were very much part of the farmersguardian.com

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farming community, we were not farmers ourselves.

Dairy: That changed in 2021 when we became the UK’s first and only camel dairy.

Daisy’s Dromedairy had been an idea for more than a decade, which led to studying international business and agrifood at the Royal Agricultural University in Cirencester.

Camel milk is a popular superfood in the Middle East, and diversification into a dairy always felt like the next step. The timing, however, was never quite right; until Covid-19 stopped the camel hire business overnight.

Suddenly, we had both the time and the necessity to act.

In summer 2020, I travelled to Europe to collect three pregnant camels.

Milking: They calved in February 2021 and we were milking by March.

With fewer than 50 commercial

Daisy Fossett Shipston, Warwickshire Daisy Fossett, 25, is a camel farmer from Shipston in Warwickshire.

Daisy Fossett camel dairies worldwide, and little shared knowledge, we relied heavily on local dairy farmers for advice, imported a milking machine from Saudi Arabia and developed our own systems.

After two years, we ceased production in winter 2023 due to several factors, including bluetongue restrictions preventing the importing of a breeding bull.

Generosity: Although the dairy chapter is closed, it has given me a deeper respect for the farming industry and the generosity of the farming community.

Neighbouring farmers gave their time, advice and encouragement when we needed it most.

Today, we distribute camel milk from two European dairies and have refocused on camel training and entertainment, where our strengths lie.

This past year has been challenging, but like many family businesses, we adapt.

Looking ahead to 2026, I see a year of growth, diversification and new direction. I am excited for what is next.

MORE INFORMATION If you would like to be featured, email chris.brayford@agriconnect.com DECEMBER 24 2025 | 13

22/12/2025 1:18 pm

News & Business With lab-grown meat being touted as a competitor to the traditional meat industry, Olivia Midgley reports from the World Meat Congress on the potential implications.

● 24% willing to try cultivated meat THE rise of lab-grown meat is a trend the meat industry is right to watch closely, but consumers are voting with their feet, delegates at the World Meat Congress heard.

Speaking at the congress – which was hosted by the International Meat Secretariat, and held in Cuiaba, Mato Grosso, holder of Brazil’s largest cattle herd (32.83 million head) – Tom Rees, global insight manager at Euromonitor International, presented on consumer willingness to eat cell-cultured meat.

He said while the technology was advancing, price, scalability, regulation, sustainability debates and consumer acceptance meant that cultivated meat was unlikely to become a major competitor to conventional meat any time soon.

At best, it would supplement – not replace – traditional meat.

He highlighted a global 2025 consumer survey (with more than 21,000 respondents) which asked people whether they would be willing to try cultivated meat, seafood, milk, cheese and other dairy products, accompanied by a brief explanation of the technology.

In the survey, 24% were willing to try cultivated meat, 25% were willing to try cultivated dairy and 21% were willing to try cultivated seafood.

Ethics Openness varied significantly by region, with the highest in Asia and Latin America, and the lowest in Europe. Younger adults and those concerned about the climate and ethics were more open to trying these products.

Production remained costly and consumer hesitation was linked to perceived unnaturalness, uncertainty about long-term health effects and lack of transparency – especially in Europe and North America, said Mr Rees.

In 2024 survey data, 42% of vegans and 40% of vegetarians said they would be willing to try cultivated meat, largely because it did not involve slaughter.

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PICTURE: GETTY

Is there consumer appetite for alternative proteins?

Regulatory approvals remained limited, with only Singapore and certain US states having fully approved products for sale in 2025. Israel, the US and the UK had approved some products but they were not yet commercialised. Several other countries had pending applications.

Meanwhile, optimism in the US was thought to be waning and seven states banned cultivated meat, with more considering similar bans.

Asia was leading in the number of production facilities and companies developing such products.

Mr Rees also presented several market scenarios.

In the most optimistic projections, sales could grow significantly by 2030.

In more conservative scenarios, this would not happen until 20452050 – and even then, cultivated meat would represent no more than 10% of total meat volume.

Dr Paul Newman, chief executive of the US National Pork Board, delivered an inspiring talk about

Only Singapore and some US states have so far approved lab-grown meat for sale.

how strategic use of consumer insight and business analytics was essential for strengthening the meat sector’s position, especially among younger consumers.

Presenting a case study from the National Pork Board, Dr Newman said: “We need to stop and listen to our consumers.”

He stressed the importance of not only understanding what people bought, but what they felt, thought, heard, said, searched for online and ultimately did at the point of purchase.

Taste, nutritional value and value for money remained the top drivers.

Decline Mr Newman highlighted that Generation Z (those born in the late 1990s to early 2010s) in the US ate significantly less fresh pork than older generations – and that this was part of a long-term generational decline.

This required new messaging and new promises from the industry.

The National Pork Board had

segmented US consumers into seven groups (market share in brackets): ■ Confident meat eaters (20.2%).

■ Culinary adventurers (16.9%).

■ Mindful choicemakers (15.4%).

■ Tasty value seekers (17.6%).

■ Meat minimisers (10.2%).

■ Simple feeders (11.2%).

■ Culture celebrators (8.5%).

This framework supported targeted communication, brand building and product development.

As the national butchery manager for Pao de Acucar Group, one of Brazil’s largest and most important retail chains, Ernesto Fernandes represented the crucial retail perspective in discussions about meat quality, consumer trends, and the interface between production and consumption in the Brazilian market.

He said trust and transparency in the meat chain would be more important than ever as competition from alternative proteins ramped up and retailers competed against each other to reel in consumer footfall. farmersguardian.com

18/12/2025 9:58 am

Demand up for coloured vegetables ● Opportunity to plant new varieties

By Mia Willemsen ROCKETING demand has been seen for different coloured vegetables in recent months, as consumers look to get more colour on their dinner plates.

Tesco reported increased demand for vegetables including rainbow carrots and pink onions, with demand up 100% this autumn versus last. Rainbow chard demand was up 70%, cavolo nero (a variety of kale) was up by more than 30%, and purple broccoli was up 10%.

This trend prompted growers to

plant more of these colourful vegetable varieties to meet demand.

Fresh produce supplier AH Worth noticed the trend within its kale sales.

The Lincolnshire-based vegetable growers launched a new Tesco Finest Red Kale range, available exclusively in 275 Tesco stores nationwide and online from December 15.

Red kale Selected for its striking purple-red leaf and slightly sweeter flavour, red kale offers strong versatility across a wide range of cooked dishes. While the colour naturally softens during cooking, it still brings depth and visual appeal that helps elevate everyday meals.

Tesco reported that demand was up 100% this autumn versus last.

Darren Huxtable, commercial manager at AH Worth, said: “Kale has never been more popular in the UK and shoppers are finding it a very versatile vegetable that is equally delicious in salads as it is with a traditional roast dinner.

“But we are also hearing that it has become a favourite with the younger generation, who are whisking it up in smoothies.

“In the spring, we decided to trial planting red kale as this variety is slightly sweeter, and the bold colouring helps brighten up salads and smoothies in the dark winter months.”

Nearby brassica specialist grower TH Clements, in Boston, had also

seen demand for its coloured veg such as its purple sprouting broccoli.

It was growing three times as much as it did in 2022.

Vitamins Tesco company nutritionist Natasha Maynard said coloured vegetables not only looked better on the plate but contained different vitamins and minerals the body needed to maintain good health.

“To get the most benefit, try to eat one portion from each colour group,” she said.

“Choose from red, green, yellow, white, purple and orange varieties of fruits and vegetables.”

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This month, headed to Agri-TechE’s REAP Conference in Peterborough and caught up with some speakers, industry professionals and researchers to find out what the key takeaway messages were from the conference, what research and innovations are on the way into the industry and what technology is currently being utilised on farms.

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DECEMBER 24 2025 | 15

22/12/2025 14:46

Farm Profile Edited by Angela Calvert – 07768 796 492 – angela.calvert@agriconnect.com

PICTURES: MARCELLO GARBAGNOLI

For more features, go to farmersguardian.com/farm-life

Ian O’Reilly and Emma Robinson run Gazegill Organics.

T

he phrase ‘every cloud has a silver lining’ has never proved truer than for Gazegill Organics.

This traditional family farm in the Forest of Bowland has turned every crisis into an opportunity, and the result has been a highly successful diversified business.

Emma Robinson’s family has farmed at Lower Gazegill for generations, evidenced by the mention of Gazegill in the Domesday Book.

Now, Emma farms with her husband, Ian O’Reilly, and daughter, Izzy, who will soon be followed into the business by their son, Oliver.

The diversified business has grown from humble beginnings after Emma decided direct sales were where the business needed to focus.

She says: “Like many, in 2009 we woke up to the news that Dairy Farmers of Britain had gone out of business. Overnight, we were left with no milk buyer. We took a lifeline with Organic Milk Suppliers Cooperative [Omsco] but the market price collapsed so we took out a bank loan and put in a bottling plant to sell our own milk.

“Within weeks we secured a contract with Organic North and the Organic Pantry, which were selling organic milk to London and Edinburgh. We invested in a pasteuriser to enable us to sell to third parties

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Delivering a farm-to-fork journey has proved a winning formula for a Lancashire farm. Chloe Palmer reports.

Making the most of opportunities pays off but the direct sales of our raw milk were growing rapidly, so this is what we concentrated on.”

Shorthorns The milk is produced by their milking herd of Northern Dairy Shorthorns, which are all-year-round calving and yield around 3,400 litres a year from an almost entirely forage-based diet. The 4,000 litres of milk produced each week is sold direct from the farm.

Emma says: “We have never ploughed, and our ridge and furrow grassland is testament to this, illustrating 700 years of history. We make a late cut hay or haylage from our species-rich meadows, which have between 60 and 80 species of herb and grass.

“The cows are out at grass for as long as possible, usually from

March until November. We try to turn them out on to one of our drier banks over the winter to allow them a leg stretch.

“We keep the calves with cows for the first week after they are born.

After this, we manage the calves with shifts of calved cows and nanny cows in the calf pen.

“Regular shift changes ensure cows are with calves as much as possible to manage separation anxiety.

We take the hit on yield but, owing to a limited supply of organic milk powder, the net financial result is positive as demand for our raw milk grows.

“We calve the heifers at three years of age because Northern Dairy Shorthorns are slow growing, but we have several cows in the milking herd still in their late teens. We introduce the heifers to the main milking

herd a few weeks ahead of their calving date in December, so they are used to being with the cows and their new surroundings. It is a very stressful time for them so we want to make it as easy for them as possible.

“Calving heifers in December gives a production boost at a time of year when milk volumes are dropping off. When the cows come in, yield falls slightly but butterfat increases to 5% as the main diet is hay.”

The family has milked the Shorthorns for generations, although Emma’s father, Tony Robinson, milked British Friesians for a while.

“The Northern Dairy Shorthorns are a wedge-shaped cow and have wonderful, quiet temperaments.

I am looking for a cow which is easy calving, has good feet, is intelligent and does well off forage with very little hard feed,” Emma says. farmersguardian.com

17/12/2025 12:33

Lancashire Farm Profile

PICTURES: MARCELLO GARBAGNOLI

Lower Gazegill Farm extends to just under 100 hectares (240 acres).

“As we are organic, having a low cell count is crucial – our average is 123 somatic cell count, which is very low for a herd with as many old cows as we have. We rarely use antibiotics as the cows are very healthy and we only treat calves in exceptional cases.”

Breeding sows Pigs have always had a presence at Lower Gazegill Farm but the herd has now grown to 400, of which 18 are breeding sows.

Ian says: “We have increased pig numbers during the past three years as after the start of the Ukraine war we found it increasingly difficult to source the numbers we needed from other organic farms. We finish our pigs at a year old because they are a slow-growing native breed and organic, so we have to sell them at a premium. You can only kill an animal once so we would rather take them through to 120kg than 60kg.

“Initially, we sold at farmers’ markets but we were selling out so quickly that people asked if they could buy direct from the farm. This was the start of our farm shop and now we are sending between 10 and 20 pigs a week, with 20 to 30 fat lambs. This will increase in the run-up to Christmas.”

He adds: “Our pigs are totally free-range and when the weather is fit they wander all over the farm.

They self-medicate on herbs, which helps to build their immune system.

We have mainly Oxford Sandy and Blacks because they are placid and are an excellent all-round baconer and cutting pig, with a couple of inches of back fat that adds flavour.

“Our pork, bacon and ham are in the top 10 sellers online and are all nitrate-free and home-cured with our own recipe, including organic sea salt, our own honey and raw cane sugar. farmersguardian.com

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Fed on an almost entirely forage-based diet, the family’s Northern Dairy Shorthorns yield around 3,400 litres of milk a year.

We are on target to sell one tonne of gammon this festive season.”

With all the many demands on their time, the family no longer lambs their own sheep flock. Instead, they buy in mainly store and a few fat lambs from farms they know and trust, which are slaughtered and sold through the shop and restaurant.

A small flock of free-range geese are a festive favourite, and Gazegill is also home to a herd of Pygmy goats, owned by Oliver who sells them mainly as pets on Preloved.

With the phenomenal volume of online sales, Emma and Ian have to source beef, lamb and pork from other organic family farms. They buy from almost 35 different farms,

including King Charles’ Dumfries House farm.

“We buy from farms like ours that share our values regarding the environment and animal welfare, and conserve wildlife habitats and species. We ask the farmers what they want to be paid for their animals and once we have agreed a price we stick to it. We want our suppliers to be in business next year,” Ian says.

Restaurant The off-grid Eight at Gazegill restaurant was the next big diversification project at Gazegill, and Ian recalls it made slow progress at the beginning.

He says: “We started building the

restaurant in 2018 but had to pause construction because when Covid restrictions came in the online shop went crazy and we had to focus on fulfilling orders. The extra income we made provided vital revenue for developing the restaurant.

“We wanted to create a menu that reflected the nature and the food we produced here. The menu changes every few weeks because it is a seasonal take on what is going on outside.

“Our head chef, Doug Crampton, uses meadowsweet to make an almondy vanilla cream, which has a marzipan-like flavour. This is infused into the honey produced on the farm to serve with duck. We pick DECEMBER 24 2025 | 17

17/12/2025 12:33

Farm Profile Lancashire

The farm now has 400 pigs, of which 18 are breeding sows.

sweet cicely, an aniseed-flavoured umbellifer for a syrup, and hogweed plants are ground up for a spice.”

He adds: “When we cook an animal, we use every bit of it from nose to tail. We even use the blood from the pigs to make black pudding. Our raw milk will be in the kitchen less than 24 hours after milking and we use it to make cottage cheese, ice cream, and we use the whey in whey caramel.

“For Christmas this year, we have teamed up with Fairfax Distillery to produce our own signature gin, which will include eight different botanicals from across the farm.

They are also making a calvados for us with our own apples.”

If someone has enough passion for something they will make it work EMMA ROBINSON

The restaurant has now secured a Michelin listing and has won a range of awards. The next diversification project will be building a farm shop next to the restaurant, with the existing shop becoming a preparation kitchen.

Emma is optimistic for their future, but in the short term they face another challenge.

She says: “If someone has enough passion for something they will make

Head chef Doug Crampton keeps the restaurant menu seasonal with produce grown on the farm.

it work, as we have done, even though we did not see much of our children or sleep much in the early days. Now we have the change to Inheritance Tax to worry about. This is terrifying for us.

“I have been through hell recently trying to secure our future here.

My advice to any other family farms would be to start the succession conversation early.

“We wish we had arranged for a

valuation to be done at the start of our business ventures because everything developed on the farm since 2006 is our making. We want to be able to secure the future of our business so we can pass it on to our son and daughter.”

Farm facts ■ Lower Gazegill Farm is the home of Gazegill Organics. The farm extends to just under 100 hectares (240 acres) and is entirely permanent grassland, most of which is species-rich, including several ridge and furrow medieval field systems ■ The farm, restaurant and shop are now almost entirely ‘off-grid’ as electricity is provided by a wind turbine, solar panels and a generator that runs on waste cooking oil from the restaurant.

Batteries have recently been installed to store surplus electricity to provide for times when the renewable sources are less productive ■ The businesses at Gazegill employ 39 people, including a full-time butcher and three apprentices, chefs and other restaurant and farm staff

The farm shop is going to be moved next to the restaurant.

On-site restaurant Eight at Gazegill has a Michelin listing.

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farmersguardian.com

17/12/2025 12:34

Arable Edited by Ash Ellwood – 07786 190 188 – ashleigh.ellwood@agriconnect.com For more arable content, go to farmersguardian.com/arable-news-hub

The size and number of flowers is controlled by picking the leaves and tops during the growing period.

It may surprise you to learn that the commercial bestseller in supermarkets over the festive shopping period is a bright red plant. Michael Wale finds out more.

Poinsettias make their presence felt at Christmas

T

he festive red poinsettia is one plant that many families take home.

While it looks a simple enough plant, it is in fact incredibly fussy for commercial growers to produce on time. It does not like too much water, too much

heat or cold or even draughts. But one thing is almost certain, your poinsettia will have been grown under the horticultural eyes of one man, Vasile Agache.

Mr Agache is the head grower at Bridge Farm Horticulture, just one section of the giant nursery, based in Spalding, Lincolnshire, where they produce 1.25 million poinsettias each year for Britain’s supermarkets.

Colours

Vasile Agache farmersguardian.com

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He confirms that 95% of those flowers will be coloured red, because that is what the customer wants, although there are pink and white versions too.

Bridge Farm has two sites for poinsettias, one under 14 hectares of glass, the other under 4ha of glass.

And most of the crop is grown from cuttings brought over from the Netherlands and Germany.

The plant is then grown to meet the particular demands in height and number of flowers that the

supermarket has ordered. They are put into three differing sizes of pot – 10.5cm, 13cm or 17cm.

The growing flowers are massed together on multiple growing benches, as close as possible, with their first leaves touching. As they start to enlarge, they are gradually given more space, and their size and the number of flowers they end up with are controlled by picking the leaves and tops during the growing period.

Their time of flowering is controlled by the amount of light they are allowed – if exposed to too much light, it does not flower. So, to make the flower ready for the market, a complete blackout is required.

The greenhouses have LED lights and biomass boilers. The temperature at the start of the growing process is 20-22°C. Although the temperature is gradually cooled down, it must be no lower than 15°C, and certainly no draughts.

Looking after these precocious plants, under Mr Agache’s guidance,

requires a permanent workforce of 200-250, supplemented by a temporary workforce of 50-100 for busier periods.

Crops Wayne Eady is managing director of the Volmary Group, a German family-owned international growing group with a nursery in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire. He has been in the business for 30 years, and controls a Christmas crop of 500,000 poinsettias, under 5ha of glass, for supermarkets from Sainsbury’s to Marks & Spencer, Asda and Waitrose.

He says he finds it both fascinating and challenging. The biggest issue he faced this year was the lack of rain, which caused their 15-million-litre reservoir to empty.

He says: “Normally, it is good enough, but this year we needed a lot of mains water. It does not have the minerals, and it cost us £30,000, all of which added to our costs.”

DECEMBER 24 2025 | 19

17/12/2025 12:31 pm

Arable Tests are ongoing at Strategic Farm East to look at ryegrass and BYDV control, along with nitrogen management in cereal crops.

● Models examine aphid numbers EXPLORING how varietal resistance and decision support tools can help manage barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV) in cereal crops is a key strand of ongoing work at AHDB’s Strategic Farm East (SFE).

Results from last season’s trials showed no significant yield difference between insecticide-treated and untreated winter wheat fields at the farm near Wymondham in Norfolk.

David Jones, farm manager for SFE host Morley Farms, is keen to get a better understanding of the impact of the accepted practice of including an insecticide for aphid control when sprayers are applying autumn herbicides.

He said: “Maybe we can do better than that. I am not opposed to spraying, but only when it is necessary.

“Hopefully, with some better decision-making tools, we can decide when to spray, when not to spray and use less insecticide.”

Last season’s trials were

We did not see any effect on yield between where we had applied insecticide and where we had not DR DUNCAN COSTON 20 | DECEMBER 24 2025

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Insights from trials designed to inform BYDV and ryegrass control and improve nitrogen management were shared at the recent Strategic Farm East results day. Teresa Rush reports.

Strategic Farm East shares findings from second year of trials conducted in two fields on BYDV-susceptible winter wheat variety KWS Dawsum and resistant variety RGT Grouse.

Aphid numbers, BYDV levels and yields were compared between tramlines that received no insecticide treatment and those where insecticide decisions were guided by one of two decision support tools – the free-to-use T-Sum model or a pilot decision support system formerly known as Acrobat.

Risk These tools were used to assess the risk of BYDV spread and determine whether insecticide applications were necessary.

Dr Duncan Coston, entomology research consultant with ADAS, said: “The two models work in slightly different ways, but they both predict when aphids are likely to be in the field.”

T-Sum estimates when the second

David Jones

Dr Duncan Coston

aphid generation, which is most associated with BYDV spread, is likely to be present, based on accumulated daily air temperature.

A drawback of this model is that it assumes all aphids are carrying BYDV. The pilot (former Acrobat) model takes into consideration

additional parameters, including aphid data from aphid suction traps (including the number of virus-carrying aphids), enhanced temperature data and additional crop information.

Dr Coston said: “We ran the three different treatments so that we could farmersguardian.com

17/12/2025 14:46

Arable CULTURAL CONTROL STRATEGIES FOR ITALIAN RYEGRASS ALTHOUGH glyphosate-resistant Italian ryegrass (IRG) has not been identified at Strategic Farm East (SFE), farm manager David Jones is keen to help improve his understanding of cultural control approaches, with the aim of significantly reducing the weed population and its impact on yield and cost of production across the farm.

Three experiments are in place, which aim to: n Evaluate use of non-chemical and cultural control strategies n Determine the impact of these strategies on weed species density within the crop, soil seedbank, crop performance and cost of production n Increase information available on the biology of IRG

Insights While wet weather has disrupted trials with mechanical weed control approaches, further insights have been gained into seedbank monitoring techniques and limitations of spring cropping as a control option for IRG compared to black-grass.

Niab research agronomist Jack Poulden said: “We want to identify the density of the weed species

look at aphid populations, BYDV levels and ultimately yield and do a cost-benefit analysis where insecticide was applied.

“We did not see any effect on yield between where we had applied insecticide and where we had not, but we would not have expected to see a huge effect, because we did not see much BYDV pressure.”

The results, he adds, raise the question of whether applying an insecticide at SFE last season in fact damaged the levels of natural aphid enemies present.

Predators He said: “In applying an insecticide for aphid control, are you putting the crop at more risk by harming the natural predators of that aphid?”

Work will continue this season to monitor the abundance of aphid BYDV vectors and their natural enemies together with subsequent BYDV levels in susceptible and resistant varieties.

The potential for using drone imagery to identify BYDV infection will also be further assessed following first use of the technology last season.

MORE INFORMATION David Jones hosts the second Strategic Cereal Farm East (2023– 2029) at Morley Farms (Norfolk).

Find out more at ahdb.org.uk/farmexcellence/strategic_cereal_farm_east farmersguardian.com

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We want to identify the density of the weed species present, looking particularly at the soil seedbank JACK POULDEN present, looking particularly at the soil seedbank.

“I think every grower knows where weeds are; it is ‘that field’, ‘that spot’, that continues to be a problem.

“We want to dig into that a little bit more to improve our decision-making through the year. It is not just about that weedy patch, it is about what is going on through the soil profile, because ultimately, it is about managing seed return.”

Work at SFE shows there is

potential in using soil sampling at 0-5cm, 5-10cm and 10-20cm as a tool on-farm to identify where weeds are in the seedbank, but there is a need to make it more manageable for growers.

Several approaches to germinating weed seeds collected from these soil layers were investigated, including growing in soil trays on windowsills, as well as in polytunnels and in glasshouses.

Results showed there was little difference between the latter two,

but growing in soil trays on windowsills was not an option.

Mr Poulden said: “There was not a huge amount of difference between what weeds were emerging [in the glasshouse and polytunnel]. There is promise in turning this into a tool that we could bring on to farm, but we need to make it more precise.”

Detailed monitoring of severe IRG infestations in winter wheat and spring barley at SFE revealed differences in the pattern of the weed’s development throughout the season.

Maturity In the winter wheat, IRG seed matured quickly from low to high viability between the end of May and the first week in June, while in the spring barley, the IRG reached maturity later and more slowly.

“It is interesting to note that the final number of [IRG] seeds per plant from winter and spring crops is similar, reinforcing findings from elsewhere about how spring cropping as a [control] approach is not as robust or reliable in this species as others,” said Mr Poulden.

NITROGEN USE EFFICIENCY A REPLICATED split tramline trial has been used to evaluate the efficiency of polymer urea product MZ28 at the final nitrogen application timing at Strategic Farm East (SFE) across two years.

The trial area received 55-60kg of N per hectare in mid-March and 95-100kg N/ha in mid-April, prior to final treatment applications.

Final N applications were applied on May 8 in 2024 and May 9 in 2025.

Treatments at the final application timing were no additional N (untreated); 40kg/ha soil-applied N (farm standard prior to 2022) and foliar-applied polymer urea MZ28, used at a rate of 25 litres/ha (claimed to substitute 36kg N/ha of soilapplied nitrogen).

David Clarke advises experimenting with various nitrogen treatments on-farm.

Polymer The polymer urea product produced no improvement in yield or grain N over the untreated (no final N dose) in two years of trials.

Soil-applied N gave a yield response of 0.4 tonnes/ha over untreated and increased grain N uptake by 15kg, with a grain N recovery efficiency of 38% and margin by £22/ha over untreated.

In contrast, the foliar-applied polymer urea reduced margin

£42/ha compared to untreated (wheat at £165/t, MZ28 at £1.62/ litre, plus £10/ha application cost).

Niab soil and farming systems technician David Clarke told growers at the meeting: “I think David [Jones] has probably got all the evidence he needed that this product [MZ28] is not delivering the sort of responses he was hoping for in his system.

“This is one farm and one system and it may work better on different crops and in different systems, but I would encourage you to do these sort of experiments on-farm when bringing in new products just to check, against your current farm practice, that they are delivering the responses you expect or are happy with.”

DECEMBER 24 2025 | 21

17/12/2025 14:47

Arable British Sugar opened the doors of its Bury St Edmunds factory to the media to talk about projects to benefit all stakeholders. Martin Rickatson reports.

Beet processor shows off progress after investment l Improvements made to facilities INVESTMENTS at British Sugar’s factories in time for the beginning of the start of the annual beet campaign are resulting in significant savings and environmental gains that will benefit the industry as a whole, as well as the wider public.

That was a key message at the company’s recent media day at its Bury St Edmunds factory in Suffolk, where recent spending has been topped by a new reception area, opened earlier in the year and capping the facility’s centenary (the Wissington plant also celebrated 100 years of operation in 2025). Investment in welcoming public and industry visitors to the site, though, is only the most visible element of a deeper behind-thescenes spend on processing.

With a new 2026/27 deal having been agreed back in August between NFU Sugar and British Sugar, the company says it is keen to show how its investments are supporting the sector, and are helping it retain and attract growers.

Next season, the two parties have agreed a one-year fixed price contract at £30 per tonne for up to 65% of the contract, and a one-year contract with a guaranteed base price of £25/t, plus a market-linked bonus for up to 100% of the contract.

Recent investments at the Bury St Edmunds factory include a new reception area and three evaporators.

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With the 2025/26 beet harvesting campaign at the halfway point, this is the second highest recorded year for sugar content, averaging 17-18%.

In addition, there is an index-linked contract – formerly known as ‘futures-linked’ – for up to 50% of the contract, and a yield protection contract at a £1/t reduction on the fixed and market-linked bonus contract prices.

“This season has shown just why beet can be such a valuable crop in the rotation,” said Dan Green, British Sugar agriculture director.

“With sufficient soil moisture,

the dry spring weather produced ideal establishment conditions, and despite the continued lack of rainfall through much of the year – only 4-5% of the crop is irrigated – we have seen some good yields.

“Averages are around 75t per hectare, but some crops exceed 100t/ha, and we have even seen certain crops reach 130t/ha. And this is the second-highest recorded year

for sugar contents, averaging 17-18%, bringing a further boost to the 22% increase in sugar yield we have seen over the past 15 years.”

Overview Following two years of gradual introduction and development, last year saw the full rollout of the Lifted and Delivered apps/web portals, designed to aid campaign

British Sugar was on track to cut 30% from its 2017/18 greenhouse gas emissions level by the end of 2025, said Phil McNaughton.

farmersguardian.com

18/12/2025 11:39

Arable Both the Bury St Edmunds site (shown here) and Norfolk’s Wissington factory celebrated 100 years of operation in 2025.

co-ordination and provide a realtime overview of the harvest, collection and delivery status of crops.

“This knowledge enhances our planning capabilities to help the operations of growers, contractors, hauliers and the factories run smoothly,” said Mr Green.

“With more than 14 million data points collected in every campaign, we have been developing better ways to use this data optimally, and these apps allow us to do that, getting more of the info quickly back on to farms to determine yields per field and relate this to drilling date, variety, plant protection and other variables, to help growers drive yield potential.

“Until their development, we had little idea about how much beet had been lifted at any one time.

Now that has improved considerably, with data recording and availability becoming completely digital and instant. This year, we have developed a tablet format of the Lifted app for use in harvester cabs, with mapping and progress reporting all in one place to create a digital harvesting record, and we have received good feedback from users in terms of how the apps help them as well as us.

“The Delivered app/web portal for hauliers shares field maps and clamp locations, along with estimated tonnages from the harvester. Once a clamp has been cleared, the system creates a digital record.

New features include the mapping of power lines for maximum safety

during loading. We have seen uptake of the apps rise from 60% of the national area last year to 85% in this campaign.”

Decarbonisation The Bury St Edmunds factory accounts for about 2mt of beet from growers across Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire, with an average distance between farm and factory of 28 miles.

Some 700 growers of the 2,400 who supply British Sugar’s four sites send their beet to Bury St Edmunds, and at the height of the campaign 600-700 deliveries arrive each 12-hour day, with 630t per hour processed into 60t/hr of sugar, or 320,000t annually.

Significant recent investments include £19.5m in three new evaporators, commissioned for the start of the current campaign, reducing what are known as Scope 1 carbon dioxide emissions – those resulting directly from a company’s activities – by 20,000t.

Elsewhere across the company, a new gas turbine at the Cantley factory’s combined heat and power plant has enabled a carbon reduction of about 16,000t, and 50,000t of Scope 1 carbon emissions are set to be removed from Wissington’s site footprint via a £43m investment into a new steam drying project, with construction underway and commissioning due for autumn 2026.

Bury St Edmunds also continues to operate an on-site anaerobic digestion plant, processing gases from the breakdown of waste plant material into steam that drives a turbine to create 15MW of electricity, used on-site and exported to the National Grid.

We are working with other parties on areas such as genetic editing CHARLIE CURTIS farmersguardian.com

p22 23 Dec24 AE R.indd 23

The Lifted and Delivered apps have helped vastly improved British Sugar’s ability to track harvest operations and feed data back to growers, says Dan Green (right, with Phil McNaughton).

Phil McNaughton, head of decarbonisation at British Sugar, said the company would have cut 30% from its 2017/18 greenhouse gas emissions level by the end of 2025, with Scope 1 and 2 emissions – the latter defined as those a company causes indirectly, through the sources of the energy it purchases and uses – having been reduced by 21%.

“There are three main contributory factors to this reduction,” he said.

“Firstly, we have moved away from coal to natural gas for drying pulp. We have also boosted the thermal efficiency of our evaporators and have reduced CO2 emissions in particular across multiple areas.

“The bigger challenge is how to replace natural gas, used as a fuel in a number of factory processes.

But we are working on this, and our target remains to be a net zero business by 2050.”

Earlier this year, truck manufacturers, gas providers and hauliers convened at the Bury St Edmunds factory to explore the possibility of

building a shared biogas fuelling network across East Anglia. British Sugar has switched seven of its sugar tankers from diesel to biofuels, with more trucks to make the move in 2026.

The business is also targeting reduced road miles and increased payloads to reduce its Scope 3 (logistics) emissions.

Rotation At field level, British Sugar is also working to help growers minimise environmental impact, said Charlie Curtis, the company’s agricultural sustainability manager.

“Sugar beet is, of course, just one crop in growers’ rotations, and through the British Beet Research Organisation we are working closely with parties who focus on other crops to understand whole rotation issues and barriers to adopting certain practices, particularly with regard to areas such as aphids and virus yellows protection, which costs the industry around £63m annually,” she said.

“Emergency authorisation for seed treatment use is harder to obtain, and we are working with other parties on areas such as genetic editing, taking advantage of the scope offered by the Genetic Technology [Precision Breeding] Act to enhance the plant’s natural defences.

“In areas from soil health management to the encouragement of beneficials and pollinators, and from artificial intelligence use in weed beet management to the use of drones post-harvest for cover crop application, we have a number of ongoing projects that will further help to minimise the crop’s environmental impact and protect growers’ returns.”

DECEMBER 24 2025 | 23

18/12/2025 12:14 pm

Sales Edited by Angela Calvert – 07768 796 492 – angela.calvert@agriconnect.com For more sales content, go to farmersguardian.com/shows-sales

Herefords set new record l Top of 22,000gns at Designer Genes A BULL from Tom and Di Harrison’s Northumberland-based herd set a new Hereford breed record of 22,000gns at the Designer Genes sale at Shrewsbury.

The record setter was the reigning UK Polled Hereford Bull of the Year, the 21-month-old Moralee 1 Big Time. It was sired by Moralee 1 Rebel Kicks and out of Moralee 1 Kylie, Big Time. It sold to

S.C. and G.L. Hartwright’s Spartan herd, Oxfordshire.

Females peaked at 10,000gns for Pulham 1 Lucy 7, a Solitude 1 Vantastic daughter from Paul and Laura Vincent, Norfolk. Selling to S.J. and H. Smith, Welshpool, this 15-month-old is out of an Appel 1 Kaboom daughter.

Heifers

11-month-old heifer is by Sky High 1 Take-A-Chance.

Two females sold for 7,000gns apiece – five-year-old Dendor 1 Ruby 38, from Messrs Jones, Powys, sold to R. Moore, Northumberland, and Grifford 1 True Beauty, from N.J. Griffiths, Stafford, sold to M.J. Sharlot, Warwickshire.

Semen sold to 580gns per straw

for Panmure 1 Henry, while embryos peaked at 560gns each for embryos from Sky High 1 L’amour Lucy.

AVERAGES 1 bull, £23,100; 1 pick of the 2025 calves, £5,775; 11 females, £5,937.27; 25 embryos, £486.36; 100 straws of semen, £116.92.

Auctioneers: Halls.

Sky High 1 Louis Vuitton Lucy, from Boomer and Millie Birch, Staffordshire, sold to A. Baxter, Lancashire, for 7,500gns. The

PEDIGREE females peaked at 1,200gns for Matthew Burleigh’s Beltex champion at the multi-breed offering at Skipton. From the Northern Irish flock and carrying twins to Todhall Hurricane, Kyra by Woodies Razzledazzle sold to Daniel Thackray, Fewston.

Three Blue Texels hit 800gns, including Pendle Kylie, the champion, a ewe lamb from Elaine and Issy Hartley, Roughlee, which sold to

the judge, Matthew Collin, Middleton-in-Teesdale. Elsa McKechnie, Wigglesworth, sold the others at 800gns – Silver Birch Just in Time to G. Renfree, Launceston, and Silver Birch Kitty to Paul Rylatt, Bingley.

The Texel champion, a ewe lamb from Paul and Amanda Sykes, Holmfirth, headed the Texel section, selling for 750gns to David Bell, Cowling.

Auctioneers: Craven Cattle Mart.

PICTURE: CATHERINE MACGREGOR

Females to 1,200gns at Skipton

Moralee 1 Big Time, from Tom and Di Harrison, Northumberland , which sold for 22,000gns to S.C. and G.L. Hartwright’s Spartan herd, Oxfordshire.

Dutch Spotted champion leads Borderway fair THE champion Dutch Spotted led the Borderway pedigree in-lamb fair, when Lara Reid’s Elite Iskra sold for 4,000gns. The January-born lamb, from the Dumfries-based flock, is by Diamond Gypsy King and sold to Messrs Cornish, Devon.

Messrs Stanford, Leicestershire,

paid 2,500gns for a Dutch Spotted, Barquhill Hana, a Westbroad Diegosired gimmer, from M. and R. McCornick, Wigtown.

Blue Texels peaked at 1,800gns for the reserve champion, Knockmult Janessa, from Russell Millen and Seamus Killen, Coleraine.

By Beili Blue Hulk and in-lamb to Sams Houdini, it sold to Messrs Nicholls, Ashbourne.

An aged ewe from the Knockmult team led the Badger Face section, when Ardstewart Ember, in-lamb to Diamond Jumbo, sold to Messrs Nicolls, Stoke-on-Trent, for 1,500gns.

Beltex duo realise £1,120 at Kirkby Stephen Champion pair of Beltex, from Messrs Askwith, Crook, which sold for £1,120 to Shafiq Alam, Lancashire Direct Halal Meat; and reserve Texels, also from Messrs Askwith, Crook, which also sold to Lancashire Direct Halal Meat for £380/head.

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THE champion pair of lambs went on to set a market record at the Christmas show and sale at Kirby Stephen. The 54kg Beltex duo from Messrs Askwith, Crook, sold for £1,120 (£20.74/kg) when knocked down to Shafiq Alam, Lancashire Direct Halal Meat.

The reserve, a 56kg pair of Texels, also from Messrs Askwith, sold to Messrs Alam, for £380/head (678.6p/kg).

With more than 40 pairs forward for judging by Alan Beecroft, the continental show lambs averaged £246.83/head (530p/kg).

Auctioneers: Harrison and Hetherington.

The Texel entry peaked at 2,800gns, from Northern Ireland’s Messrs Priestley and Messrs Branagan, who paid that for a Knap General-sired Knap gimmer, inlamb to Duncryne Hakuna Matata, from Robert Cockburn, Crieff.

Messrs Foster paid 2,000gns for a Texel gimmer in-lamb to Buckholm Hangover from Messrs Whiteford’s production sale.

A Warwicks gimmer carrying a pair to Bessiebell Guinness, from Ali Jackson, Annan, topped the Suffolks at 1,800gns when selling to Messrs Johnson, Northumberland.

AVERAGES Dutch Spotted – 5 aged ewes, £588; 39 gimmers, £850.76; 23 ewe lambs, £749.61. Badger Face Texel – 2 aged ewes, £1,417.50; 6 gimmers, £393.75; 3 ewe lambs, £315. Blue Texel – 5 aged ewes, £619.50; 53 gimmers, £683.49; 3 ewe lambs, £455. Suffolk – 5 gimmers, £1,123.50. Bleu du Maine – 4 gimmers, £406.87. Texel – 28 gimmers, £1,201.97 Tercrosset production – 22 gimmers, £866.25.

Auctioneers: Harrison and Hetherington. farmersguardian.com

18/12/2025 5:05 pm

Sales ENTRIES from the dispersal of Derek and Cindy Steen’s Whitcastles flock, Moffat, headed the Kerry Hill Christmas Cracker sale at Borderway.

Selling for the top price of 3,800gns was Plaish 43956, a threeshear stock ram. Bred by FW Jones and Sons, by a Crugiau ram, out of a Penybont-sired Plaish ewe, it sold to Messrs Croose, Leominster.

Undisclosed buyers bought the next highest priced Whitcastles entries. At 2,700gns was a 2023-born ewe by a Pengwern ram, which had run with the sale leader.

Also at 2,500gns when selling to Messrs Cunninham, Lanarkshire, was Wester Ella, in-lamb to Top Spot Enderman, from A. Smith, West Lothian.

Making 2,400gns was the dearest of the ewe lambs, Hassockrigg First Class, by a Pentrenant ram, from Sophie McCarlie, Shotts, which sold to Messrs Kinloch, Dumbartonshire.

Consignment

PICTURE: WAYNE HUTCHINSON

Whitcastles dispersal leads Kerry Hill sale

l Three-shear stock ram sells for 3,800gns

Plaish 43956, a Kerry Hill ram, from Derek and Cindy Steen, Moffat, which sold for 3,800gns to Messrs Croose, Leominster.

AVERAGES 18 shearling gimmers, £1,341.67; 46 ewe lambs, £572.48. Whitcastles dispersal – 27 ewes, £1,144.11; 13 shearling ewes, £848.08; 25 ewe lambs, £666.54; 4 stock rams, £1,456.88.

Auctioneers: Harrison and Hetherington.

The main consignment reached 2,500gns twice, firstly for Woodhouse 2 31589 from J. and P. Owens, Leominster. By Woodhouse 2 Diamond, it sold to Messrs Morrison, Ayrshire, having run with Pentrenant Dayfed.

Whatmore flock a hit amid many breeds at Welshpool Angharad Francis, Abergorlech. It sold, in-lamb to a home-bred Pistyll ram, to W.L. Williams, Bridgend.

Blue Texel The Blue Texel section was led at 1,150gns by the champion, Hardy PICTURE: PAUL BACKEN

DUTCH Spotted gimmers from Sara Gibbons’ Whatmore flock, Brecon, led the way at the Merry Belles multi-breed sale of pedigree females at Welshpool.

Hitting 4,000gns was Whatmore Hairspray, a Whatmore Forty Winx daughter carrying twins to Tri-Lands High Tower, which sold to J. Radnor, Bucknell.

From the same vendor at 3,800gns was Whatmore Hot Coffee, while at 3,500gns was Whatmore Hickory.

The champion, from Louise Nash, Haverfordwest, was Merryboro I’m Unstoppable by McDermotts Fireman, which sold to Lora Jen Pritchard, Pwllheli, for 2,500gns.

Pistyll Fiona claimed the Badger Face Texel championship before topping the section at 1,500gns for

Blues Jane, a shearling by Hardy Blues Golden Boy, from M.P. Harding, Montgomery, which sold to P. Miles, Monmouthshire.

The Beltex champion also topped the section at 750gns for Dafydd Owen, Rowen, with a Smart

Whatmore Hairspray, a Dutch Spotted gimmer, from Sara Gibbons’ Whatmore flock, Brecon, which sold for 4,000gns to J. Radnor, Bucknell.

the reserve champion. That was Callacrag Keara from Andrew and Cameron Baillie, Carstairs.

By the 8,000gns Wannop’s Reserve champion, Callacrag Keara, a Beltex in-lamb, from Andrew and Cameron Baillie, Carstairs, which sold for 3,200gns to Messrs Dunlop, Innerwick.

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AVERAGES Dutch Spotted – 13 aged ewes, £577.50; 21 shearling ewes, £1,520.40; 29 ewe lambs, £628.95; Badger Face – 1 aged ewe, £441; 12 shearling ewes, £863.63; 2 ewe lambs, £1,013.25; Blue Texel – 2 aged ewes, £614.25; 11 shearling ewes, £777.95; 5 ewe lambs, £459.90; Beltex – 3 shearling ewes, £707; 4 ewe lambs, £595.88.

Auctioneers: Welshpool Livestock Sales.

Second-calvers lead dispersal of dairy herd

Firecracker and out of the Lamington Fandango daughter, Callacrag Grage, it sold to Messrs Dunlop, Innerwick, carrying a pair to the 16,000gns Faughhill Kaiser.

Messrs Baillie also took the champion ticket with another Wannop’s Firecracker daughter, Callacrag Kirstyn, carrying a single to the Faughhill ram. It sold to the judge, Mark Wattie, Alford, for 2,500gns.

SOME 36 cattle sold for more than £2,500 at the dispersal of Angela and Douglas Rhodes’ commercial dairy herd, Warwickshire, held at Market Drayton.

Top price at £3,100 was a Danish Red second-calver, which had recorded 10,158kg as a heifer and was bought by a producer from Mid Wales.

A West Wales buyer went to £3,050 for a Montbeliarde cross second-calver giving 49kg.

A second calved Holstein Friesian

by Rager Red sold to a Warwickshire buyer for £3,000.

AVERAGES 22 gimmers, £1,083.41; 1 ewe lamb, £735.

Auctioneers: Lawrie and Symington.

AVERAGES 166 milking cows and heifers, £2,070.

Auctioneers: Gwilym Richards and Market Drayton Market.

Reserve champion tops Beltex Belters BELTEX females met a 100% clearance rate at the Beltex Scotland Club’s Beltex Belters sale at Lanark, which peaked at 3,200gns for

Ass Dark Horse-sired ewe lamb which sold to D. Morgan, Talybont.

DECEMBER 24 2025 | 25

18/12/2025 15:35

Stockjudging Competition To be in with your chance of winning up to £200, test out your judging skills by entering our annual beef stockjudging competition.

Test your stockjudging skills and win up to £200

T

his year’s beef stockjudging competition is now open for entries. Our annual competition is once again sponsored by Show Time, supplier of specialist livestock products for cattle, sheep, horses and other animals, covering the UK and Europe.

How to take part Take part by pitting your judging skills against those of our professional judge to be in with the chance of winning one of three cash prizes.

The first correct entry to be drawn at random will receive our top prize

of £200, while two runners-up will each win £50. To be in with a chance of winning, you need to rank the four animals pictured (one being the animal you rate most highly), in the same order as our judge.

Complete the entry form opposite and return it to: Showtime Stockjudging Competition, Farmers Guardian, Unit 4, Fulwood Business Park, Caxton Road, Fulwood, Preston, Lancashire, PR2 9NZ, by January 30, 2026.

ENTER ONLINE Alternatively, you can enter online at farmersguardian.com/ showtimestockjudging

Could your stockjudging skills win you one of three cash prizes?

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HOW TO ENTER Return the form below or enter online at farmersguardian.com/showtimestockjudging

ANIMAL

ANIMAL

X

Y

Stockjudging competition entry form Fill in and return this form before January 30, 2026, or go to farmersguardian.com/showtimestockjudging Completing Section A of the form enables you to be entered into our free prize draw. However, we’d like to know a little more about you to help us provide information about relevant products. Fill in Section B if you would like to provide this additional information.

Section A Title:

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1-19

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g

Beef (livestock numbers): Sheep (livestock numbers): Privacy Statement: Data protection – your personal data will be collected and processed in accordance with our Privacy Statement which can be viewed on p12 or at agriconnect.com/policies. From time to time, Agriconnect would like to use the personal data you have provided in this form to contact you via email, post, phone and text about Agriconnect goods and services that we think will be of interest to you. If you would like to receive this communication, please confirm this by ticking this box. Your personal data will not be shared with third parties. If you have any queries or concerns about how we hold your data, please write to the Data Protection Co-ordinator, Agriconnect, Unit 4, Caxton Road, Preston, PR2 9NZ, or email dataprotection@farmersguardian.com.

Please return by January 30, 2026, to: Showtime Stockjudging Competition, Farmers Guardian, Unit 4, Fulwood Business Park, Caxton Road, Fulwood, Preston, Lancashire, PR2 9NZ Terms and Conditions: 1. The competition (prize draw) is open to UK residents (aged 18 years or over), with the exception of ‘employees’ or ‘relatives of employees’ of Agriconnect. 2. Inclusion in the prize draw is subject to entry to the competition. 3. Entry to the draw will close January 30, 2026. 4. Only one entry per person is permitted. 5. Winners will be selected at random from all valid and correctly answered entries. 6. The judge’s decision is final. No correspondence or discussion shall be entered into. 7. Prize is non-refundable and no prize alternative is available. 8. Completion of the entry form implies acceptance of these terms and conditions.

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DECEMBER 24 2025 | 27

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Unlock your farm business’ potential with an FG membership A Farmers Guardian membership provides the tools and insights needed to keep you ahead of the curve in an ever-changing industry.

Keep informed with breaking news and analysis from our award-winning editorial team, understand the latest market trends and regulatory updates and benefit from expert advice. Stay connected to the heart of farming with Farmers Guardian.

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Call 01772 799500 and place your ad today TM

E’S NATIONAL CLASSIFIEDS

Call 01772 799500 and place your ad today 41-45 Buildings & Building Materials 45 Motors 46-51 Tractors & Machinery

BENTHAM AUCTION MART

015242 61444 - Sale Days 61246 Stephen 07713 075 661 Greg 07713 075 664 Will 07590 876 849 www.benthamauction.co.uk

Tuesday 23rd & Wednesday 24th December MARKET CLOSED Saturday 27th December at 9am CHRISTMAS WEEK PRIMESTOCK SALE 3000 Cast Sheep followed by 4000-5000 Prime Lambs Inc. Young Farmers Singles Competition Tuesday 30th & Wednesday 31st January MARKET CLOSED Tuesday 6th January Feeding & Cast Cows & OTM Cattle SUCKLER BREEDING CATTLE & STORE CATTLE Entries for catalogue close Friday 19th December Wednesday 7th January 10.30am Fortnightly Dairy Sale 11am 100-150 Rearing Calves & Weanlings 2.30pm 2000 Cast Ewes Followed by 3000-4000 Prime Lambs Tuesday 13th January FORTNIGHTLY SALE OF STORE HOGGS Entries for catalogue close Friday 2nd January Wednesday 14th January TWO AUCTION MART SHARES FOR SALE Tuesday 20th January Farmers Stirks, Bulls & Store Cattle

RTS Richard Turner & Son AUCTIONEERS VALUERS & ESTATE AGENTS

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Merry Christmas from Farmers Guardian!

LEYBURN MART Friday 2nd January 9.30am Sale of Prime sheep including YFC Lamb competition Weekly sale of Rearing Calves at 11am followed by monthly sale of Dairy Cattle also, this day.

Sale of approx. 50 cattle on behalf of JC & VA Lancaster to include 35 Stirks/Store cattle & 15 In calf cattle & 10 British Blue Stirks from Page Farms.

Wednesday 7th January Weekly sale of Prime & Cast Cattle at 10am followed by Sale of Prime & Cast Sheep Friday 9th January New Year Sale of 300 Farmers Store Cattle Entries close 12 noon Monday 5th Weekly sale of Rearing Calves & Stirks ~ The Directors & Staff would like to wish all our customers a Very Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year.

Mart Office: 01969 623167 Auctioneer Jack Pickup 07802 442891

GISBURN AUCTION MARTS Auctioneers, Valuers, Agents Market Manager / Auctioneer: Libby Bell 07818435728 Rachel Capstick 07713075659 Eleanor O’Neill 07706347505 Eli Tattersall 07955288800 Saturday 27th December 9:30am CAST SHEEP followed by PRIME LAMBS 11:00am CAST & PRIME CATTLE All enquiries to Libby Bell Office open Monday 29th for Store Lamb entries Offices closed 30th to 2nd January inclusive Monday 29th December 11am SALE OF DAIRY – All enquiries to Eleanor O’Neill Office open for Store Lamb entries for 3rd Jan - please call us

WE WISH YOU ALL A HAPPY NEW YEAR !

Saturday 3rd January 9:30am CAST SHEEP followed by PRIME HOGGS 10:30am OPENING NEW YEAR SALE of STORE HOGGS Entries to the office or by email by Mon 29th Dec Thursday 8th January - Massey with Lely Show & Sale of Dairy Saturday 10th January - Opening Sale of Store Cattle Tuesday 13th January FIRST MACHINERY SALE OF 2026

www.gisburnauctions.com | 01200 445376

Farmers Guardian

NEW YEAR DEADLINE Friday 2nd January 2026 Copy deadline: Monday 29th Dec 10am PLEASE NOTE The Farmers Guardian be open for one day on Monday 29th December and will remain closed until Friday 2nd January 2026

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22/12/2025 15:01:15

FGBuyandSell.com Auctions

View from the Rostrum

Look after yourself this Christmas Alastair Sneddon on important acronyms

I

have written about livestock trailers in the past, making observations about reversing and parking at sales. This time I have had some thoughts about sheep trailers, the sort with a ramp giving access to the top deck.

They fall into two basic designs: the spring-loaded variety, which either requires a dose of Viagra to stay up, or like the Greek god of fertility Priapus, refuses to go down after unloading.

The locking mechanism is controlled by little metal tabs operated at your peril if you want to retain fingers.

The other sort of trailer requires brute strength to lift and then fold the ramp section. The perfect recipe for a hernia or lumbago.

One thing is certain, and that is that the man who designed either of these contraptions never planned to use it.

Acronyms are all the rage and the one we hear about all the time is ‘AI’.

The uplifting carol service saw singers take to the showring.

I had a letter published some months ago in Farmers Guardian commenting that AI was nothing new for farmers, who had been using it for years, although their version required plastic gloves. Now AI seems to have infiltrated my mobile, turning voicemails into the written word. One message I received recently read: ‘I’ve got three black and white freezing balls.’

It all sounded very seasonal until I realised that the caller wanted to book in three Friesian bulls for a sale.

Acronyms I use include STBG and

WCPGW. The first is essentially the Countryside Code, but also important in a market, and stands for ‘Shut the blooming gate’ – always good advice.

The other is a message that more of us need to heed.

There have been 26 farm fatalities since April, making this likely to be a record year, all the wrong reasons.

The other sobering statistic is that 48% of those killed were over 65.

The really depressing thing is that most of the accidents were predictable and preventable. So back to the

acronym WCPGW, which stands for ‘What could possibly go wrong?’.

A few seconds’ thought could stop you doing something dangerous and is all that it takes to avert a disaster.

We, like many auctions, raise money for the air ambulance service.

Farmers always give generously and I cannot help myself wondering whether they look upon such donations as they would when buying insurance and do dangerous things in the hope of getting their money back.

Let us finish on an uplifting note, we had our combined primestock show and carol service this month and it was heartwarming to see our main ring packed with families.

So, a merry Christmas and a happy new year to all, and whether you are carving the turkey or setting light to the Christmas pudding, do not forget to ask yourself: WCPGW? Alastair Sneddon is a consultant with Bagshaws. Call 01629 812 777 or email Alastair.Sneddon@ bagshaws.com

A New Route to Market

Farmers Guardian has a rich history of connecting buyers with sellers, FGBuyandSell.com offers you a new and improved route to market.

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Call 01772 799500 and place your ad today Auctions

FARMSTOCK AUCTIONEERS, BROKERS & VALUERS

SKIPTON AUCTION MART

Tel: 01756 792375 www.ccmauctions.com Auctioneers: Jeremy Eaton - 07747 780481 • Ted Ogden - 07855 958211 • Kyle Hawksworth - 07538 539077 • Matthew Middleton – 07860 659803

Monday 29th December Sale of PRIME LAMBS & CAST EWES ONLY Sale 12.30pm

BORDERWAY MART, CARLISLE Tel: 01228 406200

PRIMESTOCK Monday 29th December 9.30am Cast Sheep Sale 11.30am Prime Hoggs & Lambs Sale 11.00am with Prime Bulls, Prime Cattle, Cast Cows 10.00am Crop Final Reduction sale of the

Enquiries to the Auctioneers

DUHONW TEXEL FLOCK

Wednesday 7th January

Monday 29th December - 4.00pm 28 shearling gimmers

NEW YEAR OPENING SALE OF

CARRY HOUSE FINALE

120 FEEDING BULLS Sale 10.00am

including guest consignors Monday 29th December – 5.00pm Including guest consignors Blarnavaid, Dawyck, Macqueston, Midlock, Shitlington & Steel flocks Comprising 52 Bluefaced Leicester shearling gimmers and 38 ewe lambs

followed by 50 BEEF FEEDING COWS & 500 STORE BULLOCKS & HEIFERS Sale by Auction of 100 Craven Cattle Marts Ltd Ordinary £1.00 Shares – Wednesday 7th January 2026

Tuesday 30th – Thursday 1st January No Sales – MART & OFFICES CLOSED

at 12.00 Noon

CLASSY LASSIES – 26 CROSSING TYPE

Shares are sold subject to memorandum of Articles of the Company and transfers are subject to the approval of the Board Prospective purchasers should preregister their interest with the Company Secretary by Wednesday 31st December 2025 Wednesday 14th January Sale of STORE HOGGS & FEEDING EWES (Entries close Monday 5th January) Xmas Office Opening Hours Tuesday 23rd December – Friday 26th December – OFFICE CLOSED Monday 29th December – Sale of PRIME LAMBS & CAST SHEEP ONLY Tuesday 30th December – Friday 2nd January – OFFICE CLOSED The Directors & Staff would like to

Saturday 3rd January Show 9.30am Sale 11am 11 gimmers, 15 ewe hoggs

BLUE BELLES – 118 TRADITIONAL TYPE Saturday 3rd January Show 9.30am Sale 11.30am 42 ewes, 54 gimmers, 22 ewe hoggs

“BORDER BEAUTIES” 42 BORDER LEICESTER INLAMB FEMALES

Show and sale of

PEDIGREE BRITISH BLUE CATTLE Wednesday 28th January Entries close Friday 2nd January

ONLINE SALE MACHINERY, IMPLEMENTS & HEAVY PLANT items Sale bidding starts 10.00am Wednesday 7th January until 10.00am Thursday 8th January Entries close Friday 2nd January

KIRKBY STEPHEN MART Tel: 01768 371385

PRIME LAMBS & CAST SHEEP Tuesday 30th December – 4.00pm New Year show and sale of

STORE CATTLE also Cast/Feeding cows & OTM cattle Monday 12th January Entries close 10am Monday 5th January

LOCKERBIE MART Tel: 01576 202332

NORTH COUNTRY CHEVIOT INLAMB FEMALES Saturday 7th February Entries close Friday 9th January

MIDDLETON MART Tel: 01833 640281

Saturday 3rd January Show 9.00am Sale 11.00am MV Acc 6 inlamb ewes, 17 inlamb shearling gimmers, 15 empty hoggs, Non MV 2 inlamb ewes, 1 shearling gimmer, 1 ewe lamb

Tuesday 13th January (Young handlers summering competition sale) Entries close 10am Monday 5th January

INLAMB EWES

ON SITE SALE

Monday 5th January Please advise entries Special January show and sale of

STORE CATTLE Wednesday 14th January Entries close Thursday 8th January Also Special show and sale of WEANED BULLS & STIRKS Show and sale of

PEDIGREE HOLSTEIN CATTLE

STORE CATTLE

JALEX FESTIVE FEMALES Tuesday 30th December – 5.00pm 90 spring calving heifers At 88 Gloverstown Road, BT41 3HY

NEW SALE FIXTURE Online clearance sale on behalf of Charlton Fencing, Mount Pleasant Farm, Edmondsley. DH7 6DA To include tractors, implements, fencing equipment and tools Bidding starts 10am Friday 30th January finishing from 10am Tuesday 3rd February

wish all our customers a Very Merry

Wednesday 21st January On behalf of Border & Lakeland Holstein Club Entries close Tuesday 6th January

Christmas & a Prosperous New Year

Visit www.harrisonandhetherington.co.uk or follow us on Facebook & Instragram

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Penrith Auction Mart 01768 864700

Christmas Arrangements Sunday 28th December 8am - Sale of Cast Ewes and Rams followed at 10.30am with Prime Lambs Sunday 4th January 8am - Sale of Cast Ewes and Rams followed at 10.30am with Prime Lambs Monday 5th January Sale of 250 Store Cattle and Feeding Bulls of all classes Entries close noon Sunday 28th December Monday 5th January Sale of 1000 Store Hoggs of all classes Entries close noon Sunday 28th December

www.penrithauction.com

Andrew Maughan 07717 611952 Paul Gardner 07552 589141 34

| December 24, 2025

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Bakewell Market CHRISTMAS/NEW YEAR MARKET DATES Monday 29th December - Market Open Thursday 1st January - NO Market ********************** THURSDAY LUNCHTIME WEEKLY SHEEP SALE Entries/Enquiries, contact Ivor Lowe: on 07977 449126 or Peter Oven on 07973 982443 BAKEWELL LIVESTOCK MARKET THURSDAY 8TH JANUARY 2026 - APPROX 12 NOON

On Behalf of Mr C G Buckston, Sutton-On-The- Hill, Derbyshire Large Sale of In Lamb Ewes and Stock Rams Approx 300 Head Comp: 190 Main Flock Ewes Predominantly Texel & Beltex x, due February 2026 70 Shearling Ewes, due March 2026 onwards 24 Homebred Ewe Lambs (r/w Blue Texel Ram) 6 Stock Rams All Fully Vaccinated Also Entered: 65 NC Mule Ewes, Scanned in lamb to Texel - Further Entries Invited

www.bagshaws.com

Your one stop shop for all agricultural sales Search by sale type, mart, auctioneer or region

auctionfinder.co.uk

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Call 01772 799500 and place your ad today  Auctions

Breed Societies

NORTH WEST AUCTIONS

BELTEX

LIVESTOCK AUCTIONEERS & VALUERS

www.nwauctions.co.uk info@nwauctions.co.uk LANCASTER AUCTION MART Tel: 01524 63308 Monday’s: 10am Prime Lambs, Store Lambs & Cast / Feeding Sheep

“Breed Belters with Beltex”

Friday’s: 10:15am Cast / OTM / Prime Cattle 10:15am Calves & Weanlings 11:15am Store Cattle

IN-LAMB SALE DATE 2026

Monday 29th December 9am Young Handler Prime Lamb Show

Kendal: Saturday 3rd January

J36 RURAL AUCTION CENTRE Tel: 015395 66200

Tuesday’s: 1pm Prime Lambs & Cast / Feeding Sheep Tuesday 30th December 12noon Young Handler Prime Lamb Show Saturday 3rd January 10.30am (MV Accredited) SALE OF 123 PEDIGREE FEMALE SHEEP

Show & Sale of 56 Texel Females On behalf of the North West Texel Breeders Club To include 4 Ewes, 41 Shearlings & 11 Ewe Lambs ---------------------------Beltex Society Show & Sale of 15 Females ---------------------------Badger Face Texels Society Sale of 11 Females ---------------------------Dutch Spotted Society Sale of 35 Females ---------------------------Also Individual: Charollais, Blue Texels & Dutch Texels Catalogue’s available to view at www.nwauctions.co.uk Online bidding facilities available.

Thursday 8th January ‘NEW YEAR STORE SHOW’ 10am Weanlings & Stirks 10:30am Cast / OTM Cattle 11am Store Cattle 11:30am Rearing Calves Entries Close Tuesday 30th December Tuesday 13th January 10:30am All Classes of Pigs Thursday 15th January 10:30am 4000 Store Hoggs Saturday 31st January ‘DIAMOND DELIGHTS’ Rough Fell Females on behalf of the RFSBA Swaledale & Bluefaced Leicester Females Also this day Multi-Breed Sale of Individual In-Lamb Breeding & Commercial In-Lamb Sheep Entries Close Wednesday 7th January ONLINE MACHINERY SALE Delivery: Monday 5th & Tuesday 6th (9am-4pm) Sale Live Online: Friday 9th - Tuesday 13th January Viewing: Friday 9th (9am-4pm), Saturday 10th (9am-12noon) & Monday 12th (9am-4pm) Collection: Wednesday 14th & Friday 16th January

www.beltex.co.uk Miscellaneous Auctions

THE 101st MIDSHIRES PRODUCE AUCTION. Approx 5,000 Tonnes on Farms and Estates in the Central Midland Counties.

To include a comprehensive selection of HAY, STRAW, HAYLAGE, SILAGE & FODDER BEET in all sizes, easily accessible to towns in the midlands including: Atherstone, Banbury, Birmingham, Coventry, Leicester, Lutterworth, Market Harborough, Milton Keynes, Northampton, Nuneaton, Rugby, Stratford-upon-Avon, Sutton Coldfield and Towcester.

Together with: 600 Tonnes Maize Silage at Marston, Sutton Coldfield, 200 Tonnes Maize Silage at Sapcote, Leicester, 150 Tonnes Fodder Beet at Grendon, Atherstone.

Also included: Hay, Straw, Haylage, Silage & Sugar Beet for delivery.

TO BE SOLD BY AUCTION ON Tuesday 6th January 2026 at 2.30pm.

Lutterworth Rugby Football Club, Ashby Lane, Bitteswell, Lutterworth, Leicestershire LE17 4LW (3 Miles from Junction 20 of the M1 Motorway) What3words: ///facelift.testing.prevented.

Catalogues & Information Tel: 01788 564749 7 – 11 Albert Street, Rugby, CV21 2RX www.howkinsandharrison.co.uk/auctions

Your one stop shop for all agricultural sales Search by sale type, mart, auctioneer or region

E A Lane & Sons Chartered Surveyors

By Instruction of Messrs V.E. Kirk & Sons

62nd ANNUAL PRODUCE SALE THURSDAY 8th JANUARY 2026 SALE BY AUCTION OF APPROX. 1400 TONS of HAY, BARLEY & WHEAT STRAW & A QUANTITY OF GRASS SILAGE in 68 Lots on two farms Commencing at 1pm at

SPRING GRANGE FARM, BARKBY ROAD, BEEBY, LEICESTER, LE7 3BQ Catalogues on Application or download from our website

0116 233 6433

100 Regent Road, Leicester LE1 7DG www.ealane.com email: info@ealane.com

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Contractors

BEST INTRODUCTIONS Let your New

J.P WHITTER (WATER WELL ENGINEERS) LTD

Year’s hope to find a companion to share your life be actioned with the help of the introduction experts: ‘Friends1st’ – the specialists for people with a Christian faith. Be in a very different place this time next year. Call: 0121 405 0941 today to get us working for you too as we have successfully done for many other farmers. Find out more here: www. friends1st.co.uk/christian-farmers-dating/

• BOREHOLE DRILLING FOR DOMESTIC AND COMMERCIAL PURPOSES • WORK CARRIED OUT TO A VERY HIGH STANDARD • WATER SYSTEMS INSTALLED • BOREHOLE PUMPING INSTALLATIONS • 24HR BREAKDOWN SERVICE • FREE QUOTATIONS AND SITE VISITS THE POTTERIES GARAGE SMALLBROOK LANE, LEIGH, WIGAN, LANCS, WN7 5PZ. TEL: 01942 871900.

FAX: 01942 896843.

Out of office: 01942 893660 Visit our Website www.waterwellengineers.co.uk Email: sally@waterwellengineers.co.uk

December 24, 2025 |

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FGBuyandSell.com Trees & Shrubs

Milking Equipment

Everglades Nurseries Ltd THE QUICKTHORN NURSERY

Quickthorn (hawthorn)

20/40cm 0.40 40/60cm 0.48 60/90cm 0.60 90/120cm 0.90 90/120cm 3ft /4ft bushy 1.42 Hazel 40/60cm 0.57 60/90cm 0.68 Blackthorn 40/60cm 0.42 60/90cm 0.53 Beech 40/60cm 0.80 60/90cm 1.05 90/120cm 1.76 Privet 40/60cm 0.66 60/90cm 2yr 0.87 Hornbeam 40/60cm 0.49 60/90cm 0.70 90/120cm 0.83 Box 20/30cm 1.11 30/40cm 1.22 Cherry Laurel 40/60cm 1.78 60/90cm 2.47 Rabbit Guards 0.28p Canes 0.12p Trees, Hedging, Various Sizes Available.

A standard delivery charge may be added.

Quotes given for Countryside Stewardship Scheme.

BN11 or BN7 All Prices Exclude VAT. Prices are subject to change.

269 Southport Road, Ulnes Walton Leyland Lancs PR26 8LQ

www.evergladesnurseries.com sales@evergladesnurseries.co.uk Tel: 01257 450533

Horticulture

Tel: 01282 779472 or 07710 934133 DELAVAL BLUE DIAMOND

TOP QUALITY TREES & HEDGING PLANTS Cold stored for freshness Also rabbit guards, canes, stakes and ties.

now for O professional H

T

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advice

Growing Since 1973

Woodgrow Horticulture Ltd

New Roka Silos and Tanks available from 500 Ltrs to 50,000 Ltrs!

Special offer on all new Roka Silos & Mik Tanks!

15,000 Ltr Fullwood Packo 10,000 GEA 8,000 Ltr Fabdec 8,000 Ltr Mueller 8,000 Ltr Roka Silo 6,750 Ltr Delaval (holds 7,000 Ltrs) 6,000 Ltr Mueller Model “O” 6,000 Ltr Fabdec 5,000 Ltr Packo 5,000 Ltr Mueller Model “O”, 5,000 Ltr Vaccar Instant Cooling 4,250 Ltr Japy / GEA 3,500 Ltr Japy

01260 226261 (T) HEAVY DUTY replacement troughs, for any parlour. 01260 226261

(T)

1 x Refurbished 1T Ice Builder with new copper coil suitable for 10/14,000 Ltrs every other day

Farmers the best

RN Call

NEW & REFURBISHED BULK MILK TANKS FOR SALE

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environment for your

CUSTOM BUILT HEAT RECOVERY SYSTEMS, TAILORED TO YOUR REQUIREMENTS Smaller bulk tanks available, emergency open & enclosed, loan tanks available to rent, main dealer for new Ro-ka milk cooling systems.

Main dealer for Kilkenny Ice Builders - Making ice while the sun shines & with cheapest electric..

brand

For further details please call S.W Refrigeration specialising in “On Farm cooling Equipment” 01392 210344 or Paul on 07974 140949

message

BURTON ROAD, FINDERN DERBY DE65 6BE

Tel: (01332) 517600 mail@woodgrow.com

Milking Equipment

Portable Milking Machine Complete with Honda engine and Electric motor.

This unit is ready for work and can be delivered anywhere in the UK. Livestock Supplies LTD Ashley: 07831 887531, Office: 01829 260328, Will: 07769 974476 www.livestocksupplies.co.uk

Caution.

Be careful anytime you are asked for personal information. If someone asks, don’t provide the information requested without confirming that they are legitimate.

Farmers Guardian only ever ask for your banking information if you are purchasing a product from us and will always call from 01772 799 500 or 01772 799 400.

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| December 24, 2025

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Livestock Services

MARTLANDS COLLECTORS OF DEAD ANIMALS THROUGHOUT LANCASHIRE AND CHESHIRE Competitive prices PLEASE CALL: 01704 893161 or 07768 051800 (24 hrs) Martland’s the name, knackering’s the game Established over 100 years

CONCRETE GROOVING NEIL O’DONNELL TEL: 01900 817009 OR 07759 194600 NATIONWIDE (T)

ROBINSON MITCHELL LTD Daily collections of all types of fallen stock throughout the North of England.

Tel: 01524 261144 or 01524 263022 or 01274 833196

SHEEP IAN SMITH LIVESTOCK SCANNING SCANNING SERVICES Rowan Pickles

Tel: 07901 907487 Northern England

ACROSS THE NORTH TELEPHONE: 01200 445750 OR 07976 539197 (T)

Call 01772 799500 and place your advert today

FGbuyandsell.com FGinsight.com

22/12/2025 14:18:05

Ribble Aberdeen-An

Call 01772 799500 and place your ad today Livestock Services

Dairy Cattle

Buckhurst Aberdeen Angus

DAIRY CATTLE FOR SALE A range of genetics from

STEPHEN TAYLOR WILLIAM TAYLOR & SON (PS) LTD

Easy calving, A selection of freshly calved & high growth, theweekly top family lines in the YOUNG in-calf cattle sourced from the UK. BULLS top E UKdairy and America.

Choice of 20 from our 180 guaranteed and delivered PleaseAll feel free to contact TB4 BVD & Lepto vacc. Ca in the UK 07866 222062 - details on Richard – anywhere 07816 173689 can be arranged. www.ribbleaberdeen-angu John –Finance 07885 739120

336 STATION ROAD BAMBER BRIDGE PRESTON PR5 6EH EMAIL : w-taylor-and-son@hotmail.co.uk

• Daily collections of all classes of cattle direct to our own local UK abattoir - No middle man involved.

Livestock Supplies Ltd

• On-farm emergency slaughter catered for, supported with a valid veterinary certificate.

Ashley: 07831 887531, Gilmartin Office:Polled 01829 260328, Pedigree Will: 07769 974476 Hereford Bulls

• Same day response guaranteed by fully licensed slaughter men.

• All weekends and bank holidays covered.

• Out of hours, round the clock service, promised at no extra cost to all our customers.

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3 Well bred, Halter trained Bulls 18 months - 2 years.

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• Private cutting service available with our in-house skilled butchers.

• Highly competitive cutting prices.

• Payment 30 days from collection with detailed BACS remittance, including weight, grade and PPK.

• Out of hours emergency number - Mobile: 07860 636605

BAMBER BRIDGE Lancs, Cumbria, Yorkshire.

TEXT OR TELEPHONE STEPHEN: 07860 636 605 OFFICE: 01772 626 951 Livestock Equipment

John Procter, Waterbeck.

Tel: 01461 600257 or 07729 405369 Lockerbie (P) Beef Cattle

FRESH REARING CALVES Available in suitable batches delivered to most parts of the country Continental Bull and Heifer calves 3-5 weeks old available now.

Quality store cattle sourced directly from Welsh/Shropshire Borders Farms, delivered to your farm.

Delivery Nationwide.

BRAND NEW & UNUSED Fibreglass

CALF-O-TEL

Calf Hutches. Complete with fencing.

A large selection of all animal and calf feeding equipment and all other associated products also available. Massive saving on list price Livestock Supplies Ltd. Ashley: 07831 887531 Office: 01829 260328

www.livestocksupplies.co.uk

Livestock Supplies Ltd Ashley: 07831 887531 Office: 01829 260328

www.livestocksupplies.co.uk Ready to work,

delivered directstock to your farm, Five Red and Black Limousin bulls very quiet, easy calving. months.

Also females17-22 available.

Some Semen Health monitored, closed herd, full pedigree withtested. each animal, Red tractor.

TB4 area.

Semen Available.

Younger Telephone: 077157 64351 bulls also SEAFIELD PEDIGREE available

Please note: Our advert booking deadline is 5pm Tuesday for the standard issue.

Any alterations or cancellations can also be processed before 5pm Tuesday of that week.

ABERDEEN ANGUS BULLS

Tel Edward: 07770 457453 N. Yorkshire (P) 60

| June 29, 2018

Bulls and select Females for S a high health herd, with fully re pedigrees.

We take

a farmerFurther details can be seen

www.lowergroveherefords

centric

Contact: Paul on 07730095

paul@lowergrovehereford approach

to media.

FOR SALE FRO LEESEMANOR B OurQuality, job home-bred Limousin

British Blue young cows and h

is towith help Lim x and BB x calves a

Also two excellent Lim x British B Eager for work, all quiet TB tested and ready to g ALWAYS NEGATIVE FOR

farmers

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Quality Breeding, Hi Health 07891 781542

airedaleangus@outlook.com December 24, 2025 |

37

22/12/2025 14:24:33

07885 01394 (Eas

FGBuyandSell.com Animal Health

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5 in One Buffer - including Dead Yeast and Live Yeast (Acisaff) Double action Myco-Toxin binder For further information contact BRITMILK Head Office – 01387 750459 info@britmilk.co.uk www.britmilk.co.uk

Calf Jacket “Quality without Compromise” from

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• Quality breathable/water repellent materials to maintain body heat • Strong metal buckles for Longer life • Crossover straps for secure fit • Machine washable Tel. +44 (0)1387 750459 E: info@britmilk.co.uk | W: www.britmilk.co.uk

Dogs & Pets

CALL NOW 01949 844700

BORDER COLLIE PUPPIES FOR SALE 3 bitches, 1 dog. From working parents. Micro-chipped, wormed, vaccinated.

Parents available to see. £475 each Tel 07980 817880 or 07734 151191 Lancashire (P)

Feedstuffs & Bedding

Direct from the manufacturers.

Very competitive prices, delivered all over the UK. T: 07974 835708 or 01226 781598 Yorkshire (T)

CUMBRIA STORE Biscon Meal Price

CALL NOW 01949 844700 www.midlandfeeds.co.uk

£220 Mixed Pellets £275 1 Tonne Bags Collection available at Workington, Cumbria

Telephone: 01981 250301 www.ballofmadley-hereford.co.uk

Inc. Rolled Barley, Maize Gluten, Hi Pro Soya, Pea & Bean Pellets, Malt Pellets, Oatfeed Pellets & Syrup Suitable for Cattle and Sheep Premium Starter 18% Bulk £235 ex - Bags £250 ex Premium Grower 16% Bulk £230 ex - Bags £245 ex Premium Finisher 14% Bulk £220 ex - Bags £235 ex Bespoke Rations available to your requirements

CALL NOW 01949 844700 www.midlandfeeds.co.uk www.midlandfeeds.co.uk

Sawdust

Clean, kiln dried dry bulk and bagged sawdust CALL NOW 01949844700 844700 www.midlandfeeds.co.uk NOW 01949 www.midlandfeeds.co.uk WOOD SHAVINGS CALL Clean, baled dust extracted Tel: 01772 690966 or 07881 788226 Delivery Nationwide

R.F FIELDING If it’s not our name on the bag, It’s NOT our salt!

NEW Premium Products

Hay & Straw for Sale in all types of Bales.

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Reasonable prices.

TEL: (01625) 531629 OR (01625) 522249

WINTER PRICES

Biscon Meal (Approx. 13% Protein /13 ME) £180 ex store Cereal Mixture (Approx. 14% Protein /13 ME) £195 ex store Cereal Blend (Approx. 16% Protein /13 ME) £215 ex store Mixed Pellets (Approx. 18% Protein /13 ME) £235 ex store CALL NOW 01949844700 844700 www.midlandfeeds.co.uk CALL NOW 01949 www.midlandfeeds.co.uk

FODDER BEET Cleaned, Competitive Prices, Direct from the grower Collect or Delivered in all sizes of loads Tel: 07843 012225 Lancs

CLEANED / WASHED FODDER BEET

STOCK FEED CARROTS AND POTATOES ALL DELIVERED I D BAILEY & SON TEL: 07968 362227 LANCS (T)

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| December 24, 2025

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LOWER YOUR VET BILLS WITH WASHED SILICA SAND CUBICLE BEDDING * Helps to eradicate mastitis problems and lowers your milk count * Equestrian sand also available

Tel 07730 897138 / 01484 603130

LIQUID FEEDS TO ENCOURAGE FORAGE INTAKE. MOLASSES AND MOLASSES BLENDS PLUS ADDITIONAL MINERALS IF REQUIRED. J E MORTEN: 01663 734621 HIGH PEAK, DERBYSHIRE (T)

FGbuyandsell.com FGinsight.com

22/12/2025 13:45:39

Call 01772 799500 and place your ad today

ED&F Man ED&F Man

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Helps increase the effectiveness of conventional fertiliser regimes Stimulate both soil and crop performance with high carbohydrate content Scorch mitigation Protect soil organic matter and maximise its potential A Helps range ofincrease products tothe suiteffectiveness requirements available in IBC’s of conventional fertiliser regimes from 1T to bulk deliveries

Stimulate both soil and crop performance with high carbohydrate content Scorch mitigation Protect soil organic matter and maximise its potential A range of products to suit requirements available in IBC’s from 1T to bulk deliveries

FGbuyandsell.com

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December 24, 2025 |

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22/12/2025 14:18:51

FGBuyandSell.com Feedstuffs & Bedding

Property Landscape Skim Milk Replacer Elevage 50

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(50% Skim Powder)

Crude fat: 25%

Crude fat: 18.5%

Crude fibre: 0.00%

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Elevage 50

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Whey Milk Replacer Hiprolat 26

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Whey Milk Replacer Hiprolat +22.5

Farmers will always rise to the challenges Public support is there for agriculture

Whey Milk Replacer Hiprolat 2+

A

s we head into 2026, I have been reflecting on the change I have seen over my working career that now has spanned almost three decades.

When I started, we had no Agricultural Property Relief (APR) or Business Property Relief (BPR) and Whey Milk Powder Whey Milk Powder Whey Milk Powder we were looking at various arrange(High in Dairy Proteins) Crude proteins: 26% Crude proteins: 22.5% Crude proteins: 23% ments to protect the farming assets, Crude fat: 16% Crude fat: 18% Crude fat: 19% such as long-term tenancies passing Crude fiber: 0.05% Crude fiber: 0.15% Crude fiber: 0.05% on to the next generation, company structures and trusts.

More information: Ashley J Latham • Livestock Supplies Ltd We seem to have gone full circle Office: 01829 260 328 • Ashley: 07831 887 531 • Will: 07769 974 476 More information: Ashley J Latham • Livestock Supplies Ltd with these topics being back front • Email: ashley@livestocksupplies.co.uk Ashley: 07831 887 531 Will: 07769 974 476 Email: ashley@livestocksupplies.co.uk Office: 01829 260 328 • NR. TARPORLEY,• CHESHIRE CW6 9NN BEESTON•GATE FARM, BEESTON, and centre in succession planning BEESTON GATE FARM, BEESTON, NR. TARPORLEY, CHESHIRE CW6 9NN www.livestocksupplies.co.uk following the changes to both APR www.livestocksupplies.co.uk and BPR reliefs.

Back then we had milk quotas and ABBOTT & CO (WESSEX) LTD dairy farming was under pressure.

HAY, STRAW & SHAVINGS We now have no milk quotas and the milk price seems to have gone BOUGHT AND SOLD into free-fall in the past few months. trading for 130 years We have a Government that does CLEAN & STONE FREE. 01285 653738 not seem to want to support farmers RAY DARLEY or the rural economy in any way. abbottwessex@btinternet.com 07860 212800 Recent talk of banning trail huntNATIONWIDE DELIVERY (T) ing, whether you are a fan of hunting or not, just seems to be further emphasis of a Government out of touch.

Interestingly, when talking to othUltimate Bedding Conditioner er sectors of the economy and, Containing a DEFRA APPROVED Disinfectant HAY AND STRAW indeed, those that one would expect FOR SALE & WANTED to be strong Government supportDrier Beds • Sanitised Beds COMPETITIVELY PRICED ers –hard-working individuals in the 01387 750459 www.britmilk.co.uk ANDREW 07970 052 419 self-employed trades or blue collar JACK 07787 576 258 workers in factories, all of whom LANCS (T) have saved and planned for the fuGOOD ture – are now feeling the impact of Land QUALITY the latest policies and feel unloved.

MAIZE SILAGE

FODDER BEET

COSISAN

Can Deliver Contact: 07971 923028 Chorley, Lancs (P)

Property Wanted

WANTED TO RENT OR BUY Poultry broiler unit 95,000-400,000 birds, Any area

TEL: 07723 332333 (P) 40

| December 24, 2025

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AK SHARPE & SONS

RTS Richard Turner & Son AUCTIONEERS VALUERS & ESTATE AGENTS Est 1803

Clitheroe A59 – 3 miles Whalley A671 – 3 miles

37 acre Meadow, Church Lane, Mitton, Clitheroe BB7 9PH Level productive meadowland with roadside entrances from Church Lane.

Guide Price £475,000 for sale by informal tender before 7th January 2026.

Selling Agents Richard Turner & Son, Old Sawley Grange, Sawley. Tel 01200 441351. email sawley@rturner.co.uk

www.rturner.co.uk Sawley Office 01200 441351

Support There is an overwhelming support for our farmers generally and an increasing understanding of what they do in producing high quality food.

Whether that be the vegetables on our tables, the meat or the milk, or the cereal crops that go into the bowl of muesli in the morning.

Provenance and quality are to the fore. One only has to look at the renaissance of farm shops and butchers up and down the country and their social media presence.

In an age where farmers have be-

Tony Rimmer

come disconnected from their neighbours, social media is breaking down barriers.

Whether that is Molly-Mae causing bedlam at our local farm shop The Hollies, or Slackies Butcher and his big chopper in Doncaster, or our farmer influencers with their regular posts, such as Scotty’s Farm, Olly Bloggs or Tom Pemberton. All of them have reached a wider audience and shown what the industry does.

Tractor runs up and down the country have brought joy and entertainment to many families and put smiles on faces that needed a wellearned bit of cheer in the doomy long nights of December.

In the past 30 years farming has had challenges. Each and every time our resilient farmers have risen to them and will continue to do so.

I work in a fantastic industry; I love dealing with farmers and landowners and I would urge you all to think positively. We have been in gloomy days before and we have come through them. We shall again.

To our farmers who feed us, who clear the roads whatever nature has thrown at us, whether that is a snow storm, water that needs pumping away or trees that need clearing, you are the nation’s additional emergency service.

I for one will be raising a glass on Christmas Day to farmers and I, on behalf of all our team, thank you and wish you a very prosperous 2026.

Tony Rimmer is a director at Rostons. Call 01829 773 000 or email tonyrimmer@rostons.co.uk

XX | DECEMBER 24 2025

FGbuyandsell.com FGinsight.com

Class Prop Dec 24 AB R.indd 2

22/12/2025 15:04:38

Call 01772 799500 and place your ad today

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HARDCORE AVAILABLE FREE. Can be

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December 24, 2025 |

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22/12/2025 12:11:45

FGBuyandSell.com Building Materials

NEVER MISS AN ISSUE OF Farmers Guardian TM

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Our job is to For further details and a no obligation quote, please contact us:

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Office: 01630 409009 Mob: 07498 357997 Email - sales@bridgewater-construction.co.uk www.bridgewater-construction.co.uk 42

| December 24, 2025

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FGbuyandsell.com FGinsight.com

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FGbuyandsell.com

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December 24, 2025 |

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FGBuyandSell.com nBuildings

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| December 24, 2025

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CAUTION

We are currently aware of a number of fraudulent advertisers attempting to sell items within the classified section. Whilst we endeavour to protect our readers and pull these adverts before going to press, sometimes they may unfortunately appear in print.

Please be mindful before entering into any deals you PROCEED WITH CAUTION with the seller and do not part with money until goods are received.

Farmers Guardian are NOT responsible for any part of the transaction that takes place with the seller and the buyer.

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22/12/2025 14:20:37

Call 01772 799500 and place your ad today Buildings

Farmers Guardian TRICKETTS LANE, WILLASTON, NANTWICH, CHESHIRE, CW5 6PY

Farmers Guardian, Fginsight.com and fgbuyandsell.com (hereinafter referred to as ‘Farmers Guardian) may contain advertisements, links to other Internet websites or online and mobile services provided by independent third parties, including websites and telephone contacts of our advertisers and sponsors (what we call “Third Party Sites”), either directly or indirectly.

It is your decision whether you purchase or use any third party products or services made available on or via Third Party Sites and you should read below carefully. Our Privacy Policy does not apply to Third Party Sites. In no circumstances do we accept responsibility for your use of Third Party Sites or in respect of any Third Party products. By Third Party Sites we mean websites, online or mobile services provided by third parties, including websites of advertisers and sponsors that may appear in Farmers Guardian. By Third Party Products we mean products or services provided by third parties.

OVER 40 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE WORKING NATIONWIDE • STEEL FRAMED BUILDING MANUFACTURERS • INDUSTRIAL & AGRICULTURAL SPECIALIST • KIT FORM • DESIGN & BUILD • REFURBISHMENTS

Farmers Guardian contains advertising and sponsorship. Advertisers and sponsors are responsible for ensuring that material submitted for inclusion on Farmers Guardian complies with international and national law. Farmers Guardian (nor its websites) is not responsible for any error or inaccuracy in advertising or sponsorship material.

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Any agreements, transactions or other arrangements made between you and any third party named in, on (or linked to from) in Farmers Guardian and its websites are at your own responsibility and entered into at your own risk.

Advice /Consultancy

A www.arcadianestates.co.uk

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The leading independent broker of BNG regulated by the RICS

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Farmers Guardian does not provide any other promises or warranties about its products and services. Farmers Guardian is provided on an “as is” and “as available” basis. This means that Farmers Guardian does not make any promises in respect of Farmers Guardian or the services and functions available on or through Farmers Guardian, Fginsight.com and fgbuyandsell.com or of the quality, completeness or accuracy of the information published on or linked to from Farmers Guardian, Fginsight.com and fgbuyandsell.com other than as expressly stated above.

The above disclaimers apply equally to your use of Farmers Guardian, Fginsight.com and fgbuyandsell.com without limiting the above; Farmers Guardian and its websites are not liable for matters beyond its reasonable control. Farmers Guardian does not control third party communications networks (including your internet service provider), the internet, acts of god or the acts of third parties.

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4 x 4s For Sale

BNG NN Carbon Water Abstraction Rights Scottish & NI Entitlements

National Sale 26th January 2026

by Tender enquiries@townsendcharteredsurveyors.co.uk 01392 823935

NEVER MISS AN ISSUE OF Farmers Guardian

MIDDLE FARM 4X4S

TM

JUST ASK

TRUCK OF THE WEEK

2018 Ford Ranger XLT Only 25000 miles, Ex Network Rail Never towed and comes with a top of the range steel canopy with 3 doors and a draw system which would have cost thousands new. Well serviced and recent MOT. £POA

A New Route to Market

More details pictures and other good Pickups on our website

www.middlefarm4x4s.co.uk

Tel Brian Robinson on 07740 683113 Cheltenham

Browse. Sell. Buy at FGBuyandSell.com

FGbuyandsell.com

p045.indd 45

December 24, 2025 |

45

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FGBuyandSell.com

Winter Feeding & Housing

or

si

n”

The key to unlocking your herd’s potential

do

t ou n” e h oors i t f d “ B rin t “gBirnign the comfort o rthoe ou ging the comfof t

Cowcoon Cowcoon C

12ft Rotating End Tow

complete cow comfort

Flex

New plastic cubicle.

Increased comfort & productivity.

Reduced injuries & associated costs.

Affordable pricing.

Get in touch with your local salesperson for dairy advice, planning services or quotations.

Wilson Agri

Hogg Feeder

Calf Creep Feeder

Silage Compactor

6.3m Hyd-Folding Ballast

Bull Feeder -

Stock bale Transporter

Silage Feeding Trailer

Bunker Feeder

(Creep Gates Optional)

T: +44(0) 28 4377 8711 www.watson-agri.co.uk

www.wilsonagri.co.uk

@wilsonagri1

+(44)28 7086 8430

email: agri@watson-agri.co.uk Greenfield Works, Ballylough Road, Castlewellan, Co. Down, BT31 9JQ, Northern Ireland

Parts & Servicing

VEHICLE LIFTS

BRAKE TESTING

DIAGNOSTIC EQUIPMENT

VEHICLE PITS

WHEEL SERVICING

WORKSHOP FIT-OUT

INSPECTION & SERVICE

ONLINE TRAINING

From column lifts to brake testers, tyre changers to vehicle pits, air conditioning, oil management and almost everything in between, for agricultural vehicle workshop equipment, it really is Totalkare.

GET A QUOTE: T:0121 585 2724 / WWW.TOTALKARE.CO.UK

46

| December 24, 2025

p046.indd 46

Call us for a quote today.

FGbuyandsell.com FGinsight.com

22/12/2025 14:21:02

Call 01772 799500 and place your ad today Parts & Servicing

AGRISPARES

Agricultural Replacement Parts & Accessories

TELEPHONE: 01380 850001 EMAIL: sales@agrispares.co.uk www.agrispares.co.uk CLAAS, John Deere and other makes.

Combine harvester 2nd hand and new spares. jmtcombinehire.co.uk Tel: JMT Engineering

01926 614345 (T)

MASSEY FERGUSON

Replacement tractor parts Direct to your door Phone for best quotes Mobile: 07971 243668 or 01545 570 810

FG Buy and Sell 01772 799500

F.G. ROWLAND LTD Clitheroe Lancashire Tractor Hire & Sales New Tractor & Handler Spares for all Makes New Michelin & Kleber Tyres most sizes in stock

Tel 01254 826295

www.rowlandtractors.co.uk

Skipton. N.Yorkshire www.LandyPressureWashers.com

FG2026

Rob Astley Trailers Ltd

Tel 01938 810393 (T)

Generators, Pressure Washers & Pumps

BRAND NEW UNUSED

DIESEL GENERATORS

FOR SALE T: 01254 476679, 07595 116 466 or 07783 222 309

PTO & Diesel Generator Specialist.

Quality new & used.

Est 25 yrs.

JSPUK LTD.

Tel: 01432 353050 (T)

40KVA £4500 +VAT

20, 30 & 40 SINGLE PHASE

AG275-275KVA £16,995 +VAT

NEW GENERATOR TRAILERS

We take a farmer-centric

60KVA

DG15000 12 KVA £2,150 +VAT

approach to media.

Our job is to

80KVA 100KVA 150KVA 175KVA WEICHAI 20 KVA single phase £4,750 +VAT WEICHAI 125 KVA £11,250 +VAT AG3 - 15 KVA £3,450 +VAT WEICHAI 150 KVA £12,250 +VAT AG3 - 20 KVA £4,750 +VAT WEICHAI 175 KVA £13,250 +VAT AG3 - 30 KVA £5,750 +VAT AG3 - 40 KVA £5,995 +VAT AG50E - 50 KVA £4,750 +VAT AG100 - 100 KVA £7,995 +VAT AG60E - 60 KVA £5,250 +VAT AG150 - 150 KVA £10,995 +VAT AG70E - 70 KVA £5,495 +VAT AG175 - 175 KVA £12,995 +VAT AG80E - 80 KVA £5,995 +VAT AG275 - 275 KVA £16,795 +VAT 70KVA

FULL STOCK OF PARTS AVAILABLE COLLECT SAME DAY! NATIONWIDE DELIVERY AVAILABLE

www.affordablegenerators.co.uk FGbuyandsell.com

p047.indd 47

GENERATORS PTO & DIESEL SALE’S, HIRE & REPAIRS. LARGE STOCK

Ground drive sheep feeders, all types of ATV trailers single and tandem axle, Delivery anywhere

Set up a ‘shop save’ at your local store and have a copy of every edition saved ready for you to collect.

Service available at all good newsagents.

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year!

Find us @landywashers

SHEEP SNACKERS

JUST ASK

Hot and Cold P.T.O. Pressure Washers & Drain Jetters

Tel: 01756 794291

ATVs

NEVER MISS AN ISSUE,

Generators, Pressure Washers & Pumps

help farmers run their farms more efficiently and make better purchasing decisions

P COWELL & SONS 01772 653569

Tractors & Equipment

WHARFEDALE TRACTORS LTD MAIN DEALERS FOR END OF SEASON DEALS ON MCHALE BALERS, WRAPPERS AND ALL FORAGE MACHINERY GREAT DEALS ON NEW MCHALE’S STRAW BEDDERS/SILAGE FEEDERS TRAILED OR MOUNTED, SELECTION OF USED IN STOCK COMPACT TRACTORS & FULL RANGE OF MACHINERY TO SUIT GREAT OFFER ON NEW MCCORMICK X5085 LOADER READY IN STOCK - TRACTOR MOUNTED HYDRAULICALLY OPERATED LOG SPLITTERS USED 4WD TRACTORS SOME C/W POWER LOADERS USED BARRALL 750 MANURE SPREADER IN EX CONDITION For a keen deal please contact TEL: 0113 284 1117 HOME 01423 506326 MOBILE 07850 861527 Visit our website wharfedale-tractors.com

December 24, 2025 |

47

22/12/2025 14:25:30

FGBuyandSell.com Tractors & Equipment 1989 3CX JCB

DECEMBER NEW TRACTOR SPECIAL OFFERS Deutz 5090D GS Keyline, p/shuttle, air con c/w 3820P loader, 5 year finance , 1 only ................................................................................. £45,250 NEW MACHINE OFFERS Kioti K9 2410 ( new model ) UTV, 50k, full cab & heater .....................POA Alo buckets, silage grabs, shear grabs .................................................POA Ritchie heavy duty yard scraper ............................................................POA Browns bale squeeze, round and square .............................................POA Del Morino 8 ft flail mowers, push or pull, hyd side shift, roller extensions, skid options ................................................................................... £4,500.00 S/H TRACTORS & MACHINES 2025 Deutz 5115G GS, 120hp, 132 hours only, immaculate.... £48,500.00 2022 Deutz 5090D keyline c/w new Quicke X3 loader ............. £28,750.00 2021 Deutz 5120 c/w loader, very tidy, 1805 hours..............................POA 2014 Deutz Agroplus 410 ..........................................................£20,000.00 Amazone ZAM3000 fert spinner, very tidy ................................... £1,750.00 Cutlas 8ft topper ............................................................................ £1,650.00 Beaconsfield 6ft topper .................................................................... £700.00 2019 Marshall S10 tandem axle silage trailer .............................. £9,750.00 Yamaha Beartracker 250, road legal, good working order, vat free ........... ........................................................................................................ £2,150.00 NEW & S/H GROUNDCARE New Kioti CS2520H sub compact rops tractor, 25hp, turfs, 48” mulch deck, 5 yr warranty .................................................................................POA New Kioti ZXC54 25hp petrol engine, 54” deck, zero turn mower, 2 year warranty ......................................................................................... £8,750.00 New Kioti CK3530 HST Rops c/w Ritchie yard scraper ............ £17,750.00 Dragone 2m hydraulic side shift flail topper ................................. £2,500.00 Agrimec 1.9m flail topper .............................................................. £1,750.00 Kubota G23LD collection, ride on mower, vat free ...................... £4,150.00 Longdog GP Quad trailer as new ................................................. £1,190.00 Kubota GR2120 ride on mower, 48”, 4wd, power steering ..................POA Kubota GR1600ID ride on mower, fully serviced..................................POA

Option of 4 extra buckets Reasonable condition. £4000 for machine. £1000 for the buckets.

TEL: 07971 673958 (P) Lancs QUICKFENCER Manual

and hydraulic including 2 metre clamping available. Hydraulic, nothing to lift off www.quickfencer.com Tel 07966 285240 Lancs

Kubota 115GX

8100 Hours 2017 £19000 + vat Part ex welcome Jack 07534 347302 Tom 07701 009646

48

| December 24, 2025

p048.indd 48

2023 Suzuki 500 KQ, Power Steering, a tidy ATV, supplied & serviced by ourselves....................... ................................. £7150

2019 Kubota MI25 GX-IV c/w LA2255 loader.

Supplied & serviced by ourselves, good tyres, and in clean condition, 6.1 litre......£48,000 + VAT

New Kubota M5112 (115hp) handy stockman tractor New Kubota M6-141U (143hp) Front suspension New Kubota L1552 52hp Cabless tractor, in stock New Kubota RTV-X1110 c/w heated cab, in stock New Vicon 8ft plain disc mowers, in stock New Vicon 1354H fertiliser spreaders in stock New Kubota / KV 2.3m Heavy duty flail mowers New Chapman Weed wipers Order yours now New Browns Post drivers log chop & splitters in stock New Fleming MS 1000 Muck Spreader in stock New TFM galvanised ATV trailers in stock 2024 Fleming 6T tipping trailer, only done a few loads Logic MFT120 trailed flail topper, like new, due in See website for more equipment

Andrew Woof 07771 360316 | Stephen Strong 07889 288902 Chapel Street, Appleby, Cumbria, CA16 6QR www.pigney.co.uk Townson Tractors Ltd, West End, Hellifield, North Yorkshire, BD23 4HE

New & Used Tractors, Telescopic Handlers, Machinery & Equipment

CALL SALES. TEL: 01729 850374

Browse. Sell. Buy at FGBuyandSell.com

£5,500.00

Contact Arfon Roberts Farm Machinery Conwy N. Wales on 07860952435 Web www.arfonroberts.co.uk

2022 Kubota M5112, c/w LA 1854 loader In excellent condition & only 675 hours. Kubota warranty until 2027 ............ Call for details

H PIGNEY & SON WOULD LIKE TO WISH ALL OUT CUSTOMERS A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR

LEEK ROAD, WATERHOUSES, STOKE-ON-TRENT, STAFFORDSHIRE ST10 3HS Tel: 01538 308436 Fax: 01538 308751 www.parnhamtractors.co.uk info@parnhamtractors.co.uk

NEW Hustler Shear Plus LX160, 3 in 1 Shear Grabs C/w Hardox Tines, Feed Bucket, Big Bale Cutter which holds Net & Wrap. 1.6 Meter

www.pigney.co.uk

2022 NH T6.155AC 1270Hrs F/L PTO 50K Air Brakes Susp Full GPS IsoBus Heated Leather Sea ......................... POA

New JCB TM110 Agri Compact Telescopic, Full Cab Heater Euro 50Hp 30K SRS LED ....................... ....................................................... ............................................... POA

NEW NH T4.75S 75HP C/W NH 555LU P/Loader.12x12 40K Shuttle CNH Ind 0% Retail Finance Available Subject To T&C’s ................................POA

2022 CASE IH MAXXUM 150 3020Hrs F/L & PTO 17x16EC 50K Air Brakes Susp CASE LRZ120 P/ Loader ...................................POA

NEW JCB 4220 ICON FIELD PRO FASTRAC CNH Ind 0% Retail Finance Available Subject To T&C’s ................................... POA

New ALBUTT S191HX, S221HX & S251HX 3 Ram Shear Grabs Bolt On Brackets.............................. .................................................. POA

2017 FOSTER D750 Feeder Wagon Front Discharge V Good Clean Example ............................... POA

2018 KRAMER KT276 2365Hrs Air Con PUH Suspension Pin & Cone Head ...............................................POA

2019 FLEMING 150 Rotor Spreader V Good Condition. Suit Small Holder Stable Yard etc. .........POA

Please see website www.townsontractors.co.uk for full details CALL SALES. TEL: 01729 850374 Email: sales@townsontractors.co.uk

FGbuyandsell.com FGinsight.com

22/12/2025 15:02:44

Call 01772 799500 and place your ad today

NEW & USED STOCK www.chandlers.co.uk 2023

2023

2020

2022

MF 6S.155 EFD6 LESS THAN

454 Hrs,155 HP, Tyres: 540/65R28 (95%) 650/65R38 (95%) Efficient Spec Package, Dyna-6 Transmission

LESS THAN

1500 1000

1000 500

HOURS

HOURS

MF 4710M CAB 532 Hrs, 100 HP, ESSENTIAL Spec, Power Shuffle

MF 5S.115 ESD4 6 Hrs, 115 HP, Tyres: 340/85R28 420/85R38

MF 7718 EFD6

3681 Hrs, 180 HP, Dyna 6 Transmission Essential Spec

£50,000 +VAT

£77,350 +VAT

£72,350 +VAT

NEW

NEW

NEW

£108,000 +VAT

LESS THAN

1000 500 HOURS

NEW

2022

2021

LESS THAN

1000 500

Errors and omissions excepted. All prices +VAT

HOURS

HORSCH SPRINTER 6 DRILL

HORSCH LEEB 1.8CS SPRAYER

Multigrip Tines, Isobus

Version CCS Pro

£110,950 +VAT

£63,750 +VAT

HORSCH JOKER 5RT CULTIVATOR

HE-VA 3M COMBI DISC Trailed Cultivator, Standard Legs 700mm Single V Profile Roller

MF 8S.205 EFD7

MF 8S.265 EXD7

Low Link III, Single Sup Wheels, Double Rollpack

£44,150 +VAT

£31,950 +VAT

£114,850 +VAT

£108,750 +VAT

NEW

181 Hrs, 205 HP, Tyres: 600/65R28 (100%) 650/65R42 (100%)

NEW

1711 Hrs, 265 HP, Tyres: 600/65R28 (90%) 650/75R38 (90%)

NEW

HORSCH AVATAR 12 DRILL Seed Flow Control, Row Spacing, Minidrill, Pneumatic Brakes, Trash Wheels, Worklight Pro 710/70 R38 Tyre

£184,450 +VAT

HORSCH AVATAR 6.16 DRILL

HORSCH AVATAR 6.16 DRILL

Double Hopper, Isobus

Single Disc, Isobus

£129,500 +VAT

£118,450 +VAT

CALL CHANDLERS AG SALES TODAY: Graham Peall: 07970 121109 or Andrew Elms: 07860 464753

SC AN ME

TO SEARCH

USED MACH INES ONLINE

SPRAYERS

TINE SEED DRILLS

DISC HARROWS

DISC SEED DRILLS

SINGLE GRAIN SEED DRILLS

HOEING TOOLS

INTELLIGENT MODERN SOLUTIONS FOR SOIL CULTIVATION, SEEDING AND PLANT PROTECTION

SALES | PARTS | SERVICE www.chandlers.co.uk

FGbuyandsell.com

p049.indd 49

December 24, 2025 |

49

22/12/2025 12:38:24

FGBuyandSell.com 37519

FOR EXCLUSIVE IN-APP OFFERS

SAVE £££s ON THIS WEEK’S

£

PRICE CRASH

DOWNLOAD NOW

BRITAIN’S TOOLS & MACHINERY SPECIALIST SELLING TO PUBLIC AND TRADE FOR OVER 40 YEARS

SEE ONLINE FOR LATEST DETAILS

TURBO AIR COMPRESSORS

HIGH OUTPUT

LOW NOISE AIR COMPRESSORS

TIGER 8/260

Superb range ideal for DIY, hobby & semi-professional use

FROM ONLY 62DB(A)

BUILT TO COMBINE ULTRA-QUIET OPERATION WITH HIGH PERFORMANCE

Model Air Disp. Rec Cap Order Code exc.VAT inc.VAT Shhh 24/150 7cfm 24L 000112440 £139.98 £167.98 Shhh 50/150 7cfm 50L 000112445 £179.98 £215.98 Shhh 50/350 16.9cfm 50L 000112450 £279.00 £334.80

GENERATORS MANY MORE MODELS IN STOCK

£125.99 inc.VAT

8bar 116psi

TIGER 16/550

SHHH 50/350 000112450

3 PRODUCTS IN THE RANGE FROM

The range covers air displacement values up to 16.9cfm Maximum working pressure of 8bar Input supply of 230V/50Hz Adjustable airflow regulator Tank and outlet pressure gauges ALL CLARKE COMPRESSORS ARE FULLY TESTED & EU COMPLIANT

139.98exc.VAT 167

£

£

‡ WAS £347.98 inc.VAT

.98 inc.VAT

RELIABLE SOURCE OF POWER FOR A WIDE VARIETY OF APPLICATIONS PREPARE FOR POWER CUTS! 2.2kW

Model Motor Tank 8/260 2HP 24L 11/550 2.5HP 50L 16/550 3HP 50L 16/1050 ‡ 3HP 100L

Order Code 000119490 000119505 000119510 000119515

exc.VAT £104.99 £159.98 £229.98 £279.00

MIG WELDERS

Quality machines from Britain’s leading supplier

110 VOLT

2.0kW

313.00 exc.VAT 375

£

£

TURBO FAN GAS HEATERS

.60 inc.VAT

379

£

IG2300 010612302

454 exc.VAT

.00

£

inc.VAT

PRICE CUT WAS £466.80 inc.VAT

FROM

DEVIL 900DV 010411175

77 exc.VAT

£

.80

.99

IN STOCK 230& DUAL VOLTAGE 110 FROM £203.98 inc.VAT

HEAVY DUTY SUBMERSIBLE WATER PUMPS

£

Pumps solids up to 35mm dia.

WAS inc.VAT £107.98 £203.98 £239.98 £311.98

inc.VAT £93.59 £105.59 £119.70 £137.99 £197.99 £203.98 £238.80 £227.98 £299.98

10kW

NEW

MODEL DEVIL 500 010415022 HIPPO 2

FROM

BEST

49 exc.VAT .98

SELLER

£59.98 inc.VAT

BARNSLEY, S71 1HA BIRMINGHAM, GT. BARR, B43 6NR BIRMINGHAM HAY MILLS, B25 8DA BOLTON, BL3 6BD BRADFORD, BD1 3BN BRISTOL, BS5 9JJ BURTON, DE14 3QZ CAMBRIDGE, CB4 3HL CARDIFF, CF24 3DN CARLISLE, CA1 2LG CHELTENHAM, GL52 2EH CHESTER, CH1 3EY COLCHESTER, CO1 1RE COVENTRY, CV1 1HT CROYDON, CR2 6EU DARLINGTON, DL1 1RB

inc.VAT

39.98 exc.VAT

£47.98 inc.VAT

WAS £51.59 inc.VAT

BEST

BEST

DEVIL SELLER 7003 ‡ WAS £51.59 inc.VAT # WAS £149.99 inc.VAT DEVIL 2850 + WAS £179.98 inc.VAT * WAS £221.99 inc.VAT Heat Model Voltage Output Order Code exc.VAT inc.VAT Devil 2850‡ 230V 1.4-2.8kW 010415801 £39.98 £47.98 Devil 7003 230V 1.5-3kW 010415450 £64.99 £77.99 Devil 6009# 400V 4.5-9kW 010416009 £119.98 £143.98 Devil 7009+ 400V 4.5-9kW 010415454 £139.00 £166.80 Devil 6015* 400V 5-10-15kW 010416015 £179.98 £215.98

SELLER

SELLER

inc.VAT £161.99 £179.98 £203.98

CEMENT MIXERS

NOW FROM £

exc.VAT £134.99 £149.98 £169.98

Makes easy work and labour saving time of mixing sand and cement

‡ WAS £298.80 inc.VAT

FROM

199.98 exc.VAT

£

CCM125D

£239.98 inc.VAT

Mixing Packaged Model Capacity Weight Order Code exc.VAT inc.VAT CCM125D 79 Litres 47.3g 050210841 £199.98 £239.98 CCM135‡ 100 Litres 49kg 050210865 £239.00 £286.80 CCM160 115 Litres 56.5kg 050210866 £285.00 £342.00

PRICE CUT

XEV16/100

NOW FROM

579.00 exc.VAT

Top quality belt driven air compressors for industrial & commercial users inc; garages, factories, workshops and farms.

10 bar/150psi max working pressure

£

£694.80 inc.VAT

WAS £706.80 inc.VAT

● WAS £706.80 inc.VAT ◆ WAS £838.80 inc.VAT

Max Head Order Code exc.VAT 8M 051016042 £49.98 8m 051010690 £49.98 8M 051016044 £59.98 8M 051016046 £59.98 6M 051010190 £69.98 11.0M 051016060 £89.98 7.0m 051012230 £119.98 9.5M 051011650 £249.00 13m 051010243 £389.00

EASY WAYS TO BUY...

.80

Model Min/MaxAmps Order Code MIG103NG 35-90 010115615 IMIG100NG 40-100 010115610 MIG107 40-100 010114012

INDUSTRIAL AIR COMPRESSORS

BEST

#Auto ON/OFF float switch on these models ‡Sewage cutter pump Max Flow 133L 115L 216L 217L 85L 258L 140 290L 430

£

PRICE CUT

24.9kW

exc.VAT £77.99 £87.99 £99.75 £114.99 £164.99 £169.98 £199.00 £189.98 £249.98

3.0kW

ELECTRIC HEATERS

VOLT

Max. Model Output Order Code Devil 500 10kW 010415022 Little Devil II 10.3kW 010416020 Devil 600 15kW 010415023 Devil 700 15kW 010410182 Devil 900 24.9kW 010410186 DEVIL 900DV 24.9kW 010411175 DEVIL1600DV 36.6kW 010411191 Devil 1600 36.6kW 010410190 Devil 2100 49.8kW 010410194

£161.99 inc.VAT IMIG100NG SEE FULL RANGE OF ARC ACTIVATED HEADSHIELDS IN-STORE/ONLINE

269.00 exc.VAT 322

PROPANE GAS FIRED

£93.59 inc.VAT

FROM

134.99 exc.VAT

£

PG3800ADV 010617854

£

inc.VAT £125.99 £191.98 £275.98 £334.80

See online for included accessories

DUAL VOLTAGE

230 &

IG1900 010617117

Model PSV3A# CSE400A PSV4A# PSV5A# HIPPO 2 230V PVP11A‡# HSE130A# HSEC650A# HSE1400A‡

FROM

104.99 exc.VAT

£

inc.VAT £59.98 £59.98 £71.98 £71.98 £83.98 £107.98 £143.98 £298.80 £466.80

HSEC650A PSV3A

CALL & COLLECT AT STORES TODAY 01226 732297 0121 358 7977 0121 771 3433 01204 365799 01274 390962 0117 935 1060 01283 564708 01223 322675 02920 465424 01228 591666 01242 514402 01244 311258 01206 762831 02476 224227 0208 763 0640 01325 380841

DEAL KENT, CT14 6BQ DERBY, DE1 2ED DONCASTER, DN2 4NY DUNDEE, DD1 3ET EDINBURGH, EH8 7BR EXETER, EX2 8QG GATESHEAD, NE8 4XA GLASGOW, G4 9EJ GLOUCESTER, GL1 4HY GRIMSBY, DN32 9BD HULL, HU9 1EG ILFORD, IG2 7HU IPSWICH, IP1 1UZ LEEDS, LS4 2AS LEICESTER, LE4 6PN LINCOLN, LN5 8HG

Air. Air Model disp RCVR Order Code exc.VAT inc.VAT XEV16/100 (OL)‡*● 14 100ltr 000112270 £579.00 £694.80 XEV16/150 (OL)‡* 14 150ltr 000112272 £659.00 £790.80 XEV16/200(OL)‡* 14 200ltr 000112274 £719.00 £862.80 XEV16/150(400V)‡◆ 14 150ltr 000112276 £689.00 £826.80 XE18/200 (OL)‡* 18 200ltr 000112290 £759.00 £910.80 XE36C200‡ 30 200Ltr 000112360 £1149.00 £1378.80 XE29/270‡* 28 270Ltr 000112350 £1389.00 £1666.80 XE37/270 (OL)‡* 36 270ltr 000112370 £1459.00 £1750.80 ‡Twin SE46C270‡ 40 270Ltr 000114905 £2199.00 £2638.80 *230V

CLICK & COLLECT

VISIT

CALL

OVER 10,500 LOCATIONS STORES NATIONWIDE 0115 956 5555 01304 373434 01332 290931 01302 245999 01382 225140 0131 659 5919 01392 256744 0191 493 2520 0141 332 9231 01452 417948 01472 354435 01482 223161 0208 518 4286 01473 221253 0113 231 0400 0116 261 0688 01522 543036

LIVERPOOL, L3 5NF LONDON CATFORD, SE6 3ND LONDON EDM'TON, N18 020 LONDON LEYTON, E10 7EB LUTON, LU4 8JS MAIDSTONE, ME15 6HE MANCHESTER, OPENSHAW, M11 1AA MANSFIELD, NG19 7AR MIDDLESBROUGH, TS17 6BZ NORWICH, NR2 4LZ NORTHAMPTON, NN5 5JW NOTTINGHAM, NG1 1GN PETERBOROUGH, PE1 2PE PLYMOUTH, PL4 9HY POOLE, BH14 9HT PORTSMOUTH, P03 5EF

0151 709 4484 0208 695 5684 0208 803 0861 0208 558 8284 01582 728063 01622 769572 0161 223 8376 01623 622160 01642 677881 01603 766402 01604 267840 0115 956 1811 01733 311770 01752 254050 01202 717913 02392 654777

SE46C270

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22/12/2025 12:39:56

Machinery Edited by Toby Whatley – 07583 054 831 – toby.whatley@agriconnect.com For more machinery content, go to farmersguardian.com/machinery-news-hub

Once, only a two-stroke-powered leaf blower could blow down combines, balers and grain stores. But as battery technology has increased, several suppliers are making an impact. Toby Whatley put six machines to the test.

Six battery leaf blowers were used to blow-down balers, clean out grain stores, cabs and carry out general yard tidiness.

Gone with the wind: Six battery blowers on test

P T

e 1 m v ad -5 R E 6 HE p4URN

f y s o er ge hin s Pa a c r t

6

Petrol leaf blowers have found an agricultural home away from their original landscaping market with several uses.

They are effective tools for cleaning harvest machinery to reduce weed-seed transfer between fields, and they are also used to help sweep out grain stores ahead of harvest, blow out tractor cabs and clear up after shearing.

However, several downsides have been experienced by many users, including noise, twostroke exhaust fumes, the requirement to pre-mix fuel and the inevitable pantomime of trying to start a machine with stale fuel or a dirty carburettor.

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Advancing battery technology, alongside a rapidly increasing requirement for urban landscaping contractors to move away from dirty two-strokes, has brought several electric versions to the market, many promising to match or exceed their petrol-powered counterparts’ performance.

All provide significantly easier functionality via charging, starting and on-machine storage without the need for fuel containers.

Several of our test machines were taken from manufacturers well-known to agricultural buyers, but all share the same challenge with battery technology – moving air at speed creates the highest demand on batteries in the power tool world.

As a result, none of the machines tested are compatible with the typ-

ical 18-volt battery systems found in most workshops for powering grinders, drills and grease guns.

Apart from the additional cost of investing in a different battery system, this change also mitigates against the existing and sensible strategy of adding tools that share the same batteries.

As a result, the purchase of these machines comes from a more level playing field.

each machine were run time, airflow, on-machine storage, build quality and cost – of both the machine and the battery.

Full specifications of all units tested can be found on page 56.

All machines were carried in the same front locker and crop press; however, we found some units were compact enough to store in a twine locker if required.

Capacities

Testing times

To test the different machines’ capacities, we ran each unit for several days with a baling contractor tasked with blowing down a Claas Quadrant 3300 up to five times a day, in addition to cleaning out grain stores, cabs and carrying out general yard tidiness.

Key requirements used to rate

THANKS go to the team at Morris Bufton of Ludlow, Shropshire, for their help in pulling the test together.

Getting six different tools of comparable specification together at the same time can be challenging, but Morris Bufton provided several of the units tested.

farmersguardian.com

22/12/2025 11:38

Group test Machinery

Each unit was used over the course of several days to regularly clean a Claas Quadrant.

Some units were small enough to be stored in twine lockers.

BEST

BATTERY AVAILABILITY & FLEXIBILITY

DEWALT DCMBL777 THE only tool tested with the ability to operate additional workshop power tools, the DeWalt system operates with the

manufacturer’s XR FlexVolt 54/18V battery.

In larger tools such as the blower, the battery provides 54 volts/3

amp-hours, and when connected to compatible grinders or drills it operates at 18V/9Ah. This system is not compatible with all DeWalt tools, but does allow users some crossover capability within the same battery system.

In operation, the DeWalt delivered the highest claimed airflow of 1,290m3/hour and our team found the unit capable of cleaning the baler thoroughly using 66% of the battery charge, despite it having the lowest power output at 162 watt-hour.

For a full day’s requirement, multiple batteries would be needed for repeated field cleaning.

Replacement batteries retail at £149.91 and are widely available from suppliers including Screwfix and Toolstation, with promotional

pricing often available online. A dedicated 12V in-vehicle charging system is available which makes the DeWalt potentially the easiest unit to recharge directly from a tractor’s electrical system.

Length Frustratingly, the DeWalt did not allow users to reduce the length of the tool without using a large flathead screwdriver to release the blower pipe.

This is intended for cleaning the internal cyclone, and our test team felt that the exposed location of the battery, weighing nearly 1.5kg, could make it susceptible to damage if stored carelessly in a front box or locker.

■ RRP with recommended battery: £404.13.

More products over the page farmersguardian.com

p52 53 54 55 56 Dec 24.indd 3

DECEMBER 24 2025 | 53

19/12/2025 13:52

Machinery Group test BEST

VALUE FOR MONEY

STIGA SAB 500AE KNOWN primarily for ride-on lawn mowers, the Stiga was the cheapest machine tested, but proved very capable and came with a five-year warranty – the longest of all units tested.

The rear intake cover felt less durable than ideal, but careful use should prevent damage.

Airflow The 48V 4amp-hour battery provided a claimed airflow of 677m³/hr and airspeed of 55m/s – the lowest on test – yet still delivered a comfortably baler clean, with three cleans per charge.

Unlike other units, the Stiga

features a gradual start-up.

While less noticeable in buildings, this proved beneficial on machinery, avoiding blowing dust back into the operator’s face – something that the other machines were regularly quite capable of doing.

The intake cover provided the largest opening of all the machines and was more susceptible to sucking in debris through the fan unit.

During use this did not present an issue, but the longer-term effect of this was more unknown.

■ RRP with recommended battery: £344.96.

BEST

BATTERY LIFE

EGO PROFESSIONAL LB6700E GROWING in popularity, EGO is still a relatively new name in power tools, having been established as a battery-only brand in 2012.

Its range centres around a large arc-shaped 54V battery system used across a wide range of tools, including ride-on mowers. The tested blower is

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part of its mid-spec Professional range and was the team favourite.

The 5 amp-hour battery, although large, provided four baler cleans before needing charging.

While the pipe is long, it can be removed to halve the tool’s length for storage.

With a claimed airflow of 1,138m3/ hr and airspeed of 71m/s, the EGO

farmersguardian.com

19/12/2025 16:19

Group test Machinery

BEST

HANDLING & DURABILITY

ECHO DBP-2600 delivered one of the highest outputs on test. Controls were found to be ergonomic, with a rotary speed dial and boost trigger.

A 12Ah battery option is available and could theoretically provide nine to 10 comparative cleans, but retails at £467.

Recharging on-machine would require a 12V/230V inverter.

For on-machine storage, the EGO would likely need to be disassembled to fit into most lockers, but could be stored - as our team would have done vertically in a holster and secured with a strap to the side of a baler or crop press.

■ RRP with recommended battery: £365.83

AS the only tool tested that reflected the same functional design as a two-stroke machine, with a side air inlet and horizontal turbine, the ECHO provided the widest range of handle positions and appeared to resist material sticking to the intake better than other units.

For performance, the ECHO achieved three baler cleans on one charge if used carefully, but in dustier conditions one

charge would realistically provide two cleans. The claimed airflow output of 798m3/hour was one of the lowest on test, but was matched with a claimed airspeed of 79.5m/s – the second-fastest tested.

Our test team found the control switches for power and boost were too close together, occasionally causing the machine to be switched off when attempting to boost airflow in hard-to-reach areas.

Balanced For grain store cleaning, the ECHO felt well balanced and offered ample power, with the pipe fitted with a steel collar – unique among the six tested – which should resist wear when used regularly on concrete.

Blower pipe removal and attachment required a small screwdriver or penknife. This was felt to be under-engineered considering the generally high build quality of the unit.

■ RRP with recommended battery: £647.49.

More products over the page farmersguardian.com

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DECEMBER 24 2025 | 55

19/12/2025 16:19

Machinery BEST

POWER AND AIR SPEED

BEST

FOR STORAGE

HONDA HHB 36BXB

STIHL BGA 250 THE most powerful and most expensive unit on test, the Stihl delivered on brand pedigree with excellent build quality.

With a claimed airflow of 1,039m3/hr and airspeed of 85m/s, it was highly effective at removing heavy debris.

At reduced power, the battery provided enough charge for two baler cleans, but the three-stage

trigger encouraged frequent fullpower use and could be harder to modulate when reaching.

High airflow also made the rear intake more prone to pulling in debris. The main drawback was size and storage, with a curved profile and non-removable pipe making stowage more challenging. However, balance and battery positioning were well considered in use.

Impressive The AP battery system offers impressive performance across Stihl’s range and, while expensive, provides access to petrolequivalent cordless tools, particularly chainsaws.

■ RRP with recommended battery: £684.92.

SPECIFICATIONS Manufacturer DeWalt ECHO EGO Professional Honda Stiga Stihl

Model DCMBL777 DPB-2600 LB6700E HHB 36 BXB SAB 500 AE BGA 250

WELL-KNOWN as a brand, but less so for larger power tools, the Honda was a well-made and compact unit, with the pipe quickly and easily removed using a bayonet fitting.

With the battery attached, it could be stored inside a twine locker with space remaining for a second battery – a feature no other tool offered.

In use, the 36V 6 amp-hour battery provided a respectable claimed airflow of 860m3/hr at 55.5m/s.

The downside was limited capacity, with sufficient charge for just one baler blow-down, and a tendency to cut out under continuous boost due to thermal overload.

Although one of the cheaper machines, replacement batteries

Recommended battery Battery Voltage Amp/hour Watt/h DCB547-XJ 56 3 162 LBP-50-200 50.4 4.5 226 BA2800T 56 5 280 DP3660XAE 36 6 216 B440 48 4 178 AP300E 36 7.2 281

Output Volume M3/h Speed m/s 1,290 71.6 798 79.5 1,138 71 860 55.5 677 55 1,039 85

retail at more than £200. For contractors running large square balers, the Honda would lack capacity, but for users of smaller round or conventional balers or users needing compact cab or locker storage, it could be a sensible choice.

■ RRP with recommended battery: £381.60.

Warranty Net RRP as tested 3 years £404.13 2 years £647.49 2 years £365.83 1 year £381.60 5 years £344.96 2 years £684.92

FG Verdict ACROSS all six machines, the clear team favourite was the EGO, offering double or even triple the working capacity of some rivals, alongside high airflow, speed and good build quality.

However, all the units had considerable plus points and if choosing to move to a new larger battery system, users would be wise to consider the other tools they may need.

Functionally, Stihl offers a comprehensive professional range of capable petrol replacements, but unless the 56 | DECEMBER 24 2025

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business needs to purchase chainsaws, brush cutters and pole saws, the investment into this system is an expensive luxury.

Value Contractors looking to buy multiple units to equip individual machines across a fleet may find better value in the lower cost and longer warranty provided by the Stiga, or the additional power tool flexibility and availability provided by the DeWalt with its extensive range of 54/18V compatible grinders and impact drivers.

The EGO was the team favourite, providing the longest battery run time, and a durable build.

farmersguardian.com

19/12/2025 16:21

Machinery

T

oyota has unveiled its ninth-generation Hilux, marking a significant step forward for the long-running pickup, with the introduction of electrified powertrains as part of the firm’s multi-path fuel strategy.

The new range will include the first battery-electric Hilux, a 2.8-litre diesel 48V mild-hybrid model, and confirmation of a hydrogen fuel-cell electric version is scheduled to arrive in 2028. UK sales of the Hilux are due to begin in June 2026, with specifications and pricing to be confirmed.

Moving to a double cab body style across the range, the new Hilux also adopts electric power steering, alongside permanent all-wheel drive. Exterior styling has been updated with a more angular front-end design, inspired by the latest Land Cruiser, while new features include a rear deck step and revised side steps on selected models.

Interior The cabin has been redesigned with a more digital layout. Depending on specification, this includes a digital instrument display and a central touch-screen of up to 12.3 inches (312mm), wireless device charging and additional rear USB ports.

Connectivity is supported through Toyota’s MyToyota app, offering remote access and fleet monitoring functions.

Safety and driver assistance systems have been expanded, with new features including Proactive Driving Assist, Low Speed Acceleration Suppression and an Emergency Driving Stop System, alongside

The ninth-generation Hilux will only be offered as a double cab, and will include several different engine and driveline options.

Toyota’s new Hilux comes with battery-electric and 48V mild-hybrid powertrains.

Mel Jenkins finds out more.

Toyota unveils ninth generation of Hilux blind spot monitoring and safe exit assist on selected models.

The battery-electric Hilux will feature a 59.2kWh lithium-ion battery with front and rear eAxles providing permanent four-wheel drive.

Pre-homologation figures suggest a payload of approximately 715kg, towing capacity of 1,600kg and a driving range of 150 miles. Toyota says off-road capability has been maintained, including matching the wading depth of current diesel models. It will continue to offer payloads of up to 1,000kg and towing capacity of 3,500kg.

The digital interior picks several design cues from the recently launched Land Cruiser.

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The 2.8-litre diesel vehicle with 48V mild-hybrid will offer payloads of up to 1,000kg and towing capacity of 3,500kg.

The battery-electric Hilux will feature a 59.2kWh lithium-ion battery with front and rear eAxles providing permanent four-wheel drive.

DECEMBER 24 2025 | 57

19/12/2025 14:01

Livestock Edited by Angela Calvert – 07768 796 492 – angela.calvert@agriconnect.com For more livestock content, go to farmersguardian.com/livestock-news-hub

The Hassockrigg flock is predominantly home-bred.

From first gimmers to Royal Highland Show glory After winning the breed championship at the Royal Highland Show, Sophie McCarlie has quickly established the Hassockrigg flock as one to watch. Tom Ryder reports.

A

t Wester Hassockrigg Farm, Shotts, North Lanarkshire, the McCarlie family run 200 commercial suckler cows alongside a busy agricultural contracting business.

Sophie McCarlie’s dad Robert and her brother Robbie manage the farm full-time, while she works as marketing and events co-ordinator at Davidsons Animal Feeds.

Sheep were never part of the system until Ms McCarlie, aged 19, decided to start something she could call her own.

She says: “I have always had a keen interest in the cattle at home but wanted something of my own that I could work with by myself. I had seen Kerry Hills and really liked the look of them.”

In May 2020, she bought her first 10 gimmers from Derek and Cindy Steen’s Whitcastles flock. With Covid-19 disruption casting uncertainty over that season’s sales, Ms McCarlie was fortunate to be given the pick of their gimmers to begin her own flock.

Those first 10 females form the foundation of the Hassockrigg prefix, named after the family farm, which now has about 50 registered ewes. The flock has expanded through purchases at Ludlow, Carlisle and private sales, though it

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All breeders are very welcoming and want you to do well, so it is easy to ask for advice when needed SOPHIE MCCARLIE is now predominantly home-bred thanks to retained replacements.

“The aim is to breed a well-bodied sheep with clean markings and wool,” says Ms McCarlie.

While showing success has come quickly for Ms McCarlie, her focus remains on producing practical, powerful breeding sheep.

“I feel those factors should come before markings. I do not mind a lighter-coloured ewe for breeding,” she says.

Two stock rams, Birsca Caspian and Lowlands 44069, were bought at

Sophie McCarlie (left) winning Royal Highland Show champion, and Angie Burgess (right), who was awarded reserve champion.

Ludlow in 2023, with home-bred Hassockrigg Epic retained for this season. Ewes scanned at about 180% last year, with lambing beginning in early March.

Lambing Ewes are housed a few weeks before lambing and fed ewe rolls six to eight weeks prior.

“Correct nutrition is crucial to ensure lambs get up on to their feet

quickly and that ewes have plentiful quality colostrum,” says Ms McCarlie.

The breed’s reputation for easy lambing has held true at Hassockrigg, with ewes requiring minimal assistance and proving to be great mothers.

Lambs are weaned in July, with all male lambs kept entire. Those not retained for breeding are finished and sold at Lanark auction mart. This year’s fat lambs averaged £150/head when sold in September. farmersguardian.com

22/12/2025 12:26

Support Although she did not come from a showing background, fellow breeders offered support and advice, with Cath Kewley and Angie Burgess proving particularly helpful.

“All breeders are very welcoming and want you to do well, so it is easy to ask for advice when needed,” says Ms McCarlie.

She only began showing in 2024, but 2025 has already been a breakthrough year.

At this year’s Royal Highland Show, which is the event she always dreamed of winning, her gimmer Hassockrigg Easy on the Eye was tapped out as overall breed champion, while another gimmer, Hassockrigg Eliza, was reserve female champion.

“Winning the Highland Show meant a lot to me due to it being my farmersguardian.com

p58 59 Dec24 AC TR R.indd 3

local show and the one that everyone wants to win,” she says.

Alongside showing, Ms McCarlie stepped into the judging ring for the first time this season, officiating at Moffat Show in August and the Carlisle September sale.

Success has extended into the sale ring. At the society’s inaugural sale at Lanark this year, Ms McCarlie sold the shearling ram Hassockrigg Electrify to J. and P. Owens of the Woodhouse flock for 7,800gns, marking her highest price to date.

Her five shearling rams averaged £2,803, and five gimmers averaged £1,103, topping at 1,300gns twice.

“It was a milestone that marked how far the flock has come in a short space of time,” she says.

She also took five ewe lambs to the Kerry Hill Flock Book Society Christmas Cracker sale, taking home the reserve champion rosette in the presale show and topping at 2,400gns for Hassockrigg First Class.

While the Kerry Hills are Ms McCarlie’s own enterprise, they run alongside a significant mixed farming and contracting operation.

The family farms 113 hectares (280 acres), renting a further 154ha (380 acres), with the ground sitting 268 metres (880 feet) above sea level.

The 200-strong suckler herd includes about 40 pure Luings, which are bulled to the Simmental to breed heifer replacements.

Heifers calve at two years old to Salers bulls for easier calving, while

PICTURE: MACGREGOR PHOTOGRAPHY

At tupping, ewes are split into groups and run with a different tup each cycle.

“This year, I used three different tups – a home-bred ram, a Lowlands ram and a Woodhouse ram,” says Ms McCarlie.

As the flock developed, Ms McCarlie began benchmarking it against others. In 2023, she entered the breed’s UK and Ireland flock competition and won best medium flock, a milestone she describes as a turning point.

“This then made me want to get into showing to further profile my flock,” she says.

PICTURE: MACGREGOR PHOTOGRAPHY

Sophie McCarlie (left) winning 2023 Kerry Hill flock competition (medium flock) with chair John Owens and Hannah Owens.

Hassockrigg Easy on the Eye, overall breed champion at the Royal Highland Show 2025.

Hassockrigg Eliza, reserve breed female champion at the Royal Highland Show 2025.

PICTURE: R BAILLIE PHOTOGRAPHY

Livestock

Hassockrigg Electrify, which sold for 7,800gns at Lanark.

the majority of Simmental cross Luing cows are put to the Charolais. Calves are sold as stores at a year old, either privately or through Lanark market.

The contracting business is equally busy, chopping about 1,619ha (4,000 acres) of silage and wholecrop each season, along with handling roughly 12,000 bales annually.

Alongside managing her flock and full-time job, Ms McCarlie has recently been elected to the Kerry Hill Flock Book Society council.

She says: “I am looking forward to being part of the council and bringing new ideas to the society.”

Future goals As for the next five years, her goals are clear and grounded in quality rather than numbers.

“Fifty ewes is a good number for me while working full-time, so I would rather focus on quality,” she says.

“Hopefully I can keep doing what I am doing – selling gimmers and shearlings and hopefully breed another Highland Show winner.”

She would also love to take on the Welsh National, which she describes as ‘the big one that everyone wants to win’, adding it to her bucket list.

For Ms McCarlie, the appeal of the breed remains as strong as the day she first saw them.

“Their presence and cockiness – when a good sheep comes into the show or sale ring and shows itself off, there is nothing better,” she says.

After starting from scratch just five years ago, the Hassockrigg flock has already made a mark in both the showring and the sale ring.

“It has been an incredible journey so far,” says Ms McCarlie.

“I am excited to see where the flock can go next.”

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22/12/2025 12:26

Livestock A new calf shed is not always an option, but small and consistent improvements can help optimise current calf systems. Katie Fallon finds out more.

C

alf housing is essential for calf health and performance, but it does not always require a brand-new, state-of-theart set-up. Chloe Rodriguez, animal welfare specialist at Galebreaker, shares her top tips for improving existing calf housing.

No matter what type of building calves are housed in, Ms Rodriguez says there are six key principles which should be focused on to optimise calf housing: moisture, temperature, fresh air, air speed, hygiene and lighting.

She says: “You do not always need perfect buildings, just the right principles. Small, consistent improvements grow better calves into better cows.”

MOISTURE FIRSTLY, farmers need to think about drainage and keeping bedding dry to reduce moisture in the environment.

Due to the humid UK climate, moisture in sheds can create a breeding ground for pathogens.

Therefore, Ms Rodriguez says it is important to consider where water drinkers are placed.

She says: “Think about having your milk and water drinkers all in one place so that any moisture you are adding to the pen is more controllable.”

She advises using sawdust or lime powder underneath bedding materials to help absorb moisture in the environment. Having a cap on roof ridges can also help to reduce moisture during wet weather.

“Until you put yourselves in the calf’s position, you do not know

Simple principles to improve calf housing HYGIENE IN terms of hygiene and cleanliness, Ms Rodriguez says there are two main questions farmers need to ask: Is it really clean? How easy is it to clean?

“The best thing for calves is consistency. But labour is a massive thing in the industry, and one person on every farm cannot do the calves all the time,” she says.

“It is about making sure that things are easy to do, because if it is easy to do, people will do it.”

She also advises investing in feeding equipment for each pen to reduce cross-contamination, and ensuring pens are mucked out, washed, disinfected and left to dry before putting new calves in.

She says: “In an ideal world you want at least seven days of rest.

But even if you get a few days of rest, just making sure it is dry will help massively.”

Moisture, temperature, fresh air, air speed, hygiene and lighting are the six key areas to focus on, says Chloe Rodriguez.

what the environment is like. Kneel on the bedding, and if your knees are wet, then you have got too much moisture in there,” she says.

TEMPERATURE FRESH AIR AND AIR SPEED THE aim with fresh air is to get it down to calf height, says Ms Rodriguez, which positive pressure tube ventilation systems can help achieve.

“The tube brings in clean fresh air [and] delivers the air at a certain speed. It is not draughting the calves and is exchanging the air about eight times an hour,” she says.

However, she advises tubes must be bespoke to each calf shed.

She adds: “This is because they are designed for how that building is laid out, and to deliver that air down at calf height all measurements must be correct.”

Ventilation systems should ideally be achieving four to eight air exchanges per hour in winter, and 40-60 in summer. This increase in air exchanges can be achieved with good natural ventilation and opening the building up.

LIGHTING LIGHTING is important for calf health and welfare, particularly during the darker winter days. Ms Rodriguez advises shed lighting at 200 lux for 16-18 hours per day.

She says: “Then equally make sure that calves have got that six to 60 | DECEMBER 24 2025

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eight hours of darkness as well.

When you go into lighter buildings, you see more natural behaviours, so it comes from a strong welfare point of view, but it also helps getting hormones right for calves to grow better.”

KEEPING the calf in its thermal neutral zone is key, as when the temperature drops below the calf’s lower critical temperature, it must use resources to keep warm rather than on growth or immunity.

Ms Rodriguez says: “In the first two to three weeks of life, the calf’s lower critical temperature is about 15°C. When you go up to four weeks, it is about 10°C.” Extra growth can be seen by keeping calves in the thermal neutral zones, therefore farmers need to think about temperature from day one, starting with getting newborn calves dry as quickly as possible.

“If we can get that calf dry, it will also help with colostrum absorption.

We work really hard on trying to get good-quality colostrum into the calf, but if it is freezing cold, that colostrum is just going into trying to keep it warm,” says Ms Rodriguez.

Easy ways to get calves dry include hot boxes, heat lamps, hair dryers or even towel drying calves. Ms Rodriguez also advises thinking about the materials the calf shed is built with.

She says: “A lot of calf sheds are built with concrete, but in the first few weeks of life calves wants to lie against a solid wall.

“If she is lying directly against concrete, the concrete is drawing heat away from her. Think about having straw bales in pens, sheeting the bottom of concrete walls, or creating microclimates.”

She also advises keeping straw bedding deep, as calves can lose a lot of heat through their legs.

“Heat lamps are probably favoured over calf jackets now. I think [jackets] still have a place in the industry. But if you are putting on a damp or dirty jacket, you may as well not bother at all,” she says.

farmersguardian.com

18/12/2025 14:25

TAKING PLACE ON 14-15 JANUARY 2026 AT NEC BIRMINGHAM Join us at CropTec 2026 to continue the conversation and knowledge exchange in the arable sector, driving the industry forward towards a positive future.

Recognising that farmers are often time-poor, this year’s show is co-located with LAMMA offering a consolidated, efficient experience where visitors can connect with both machinery experts and arable specialists in a single venue. Streamlining their ability to access critical insights and products essential for their farm’s success and sustainability.

Join us in January at the agricultural event of the year.

Last chance to claim your FREE TICKET

All show day registrations are subject to £10 +VAT entry fee. Register in advance for free entry.

Scan the QR code or visit our website.

croptecshow.com Hosted by

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Co-located with

19/12/2025 10:17:28 22/12/2025 10:17

Livestock High standards backed by farm assurance are integral to the success of cheesemaker Bookham Harrison Farms. Farmers Guardian reports.

Festive boom underpinned by trust in British food

A

PICTURE: BOOKHAM HARRISON FARMS

partnership between dairy farmers the Harrison family and cheesemaker Rob Bookham produces award-winning Sussex Charmer cheese. It features in this year’s Waitrose Christmas TV advert, showing Keira Knightley and Joe Wilkinson falling for each other over their shared love of the cheese.

Tim Harrison, who is one of five cousins involved in the cheese business, alongside milking 1,200 cows across three farms, says the family’s milk is sold to Arla on a manufacturing contract. A small volume of the milk is sold to their cheese business to go towards the production of 70-100 tonnes of Sussex Charmer, which is made in a third-party creamery.

Mr Harrison says: “The Sussex Charmer unique secret recipe combines the production method of a mature Cheddar with that of an Italian style hard cheese, as this is Rob’s background. This gives the cheese a more mature flavour, with a long, clean taste profile.”

The cheese is produced for eight to nine months a year, due to the family’s herds being autumn-calving, and it is sold in many local cheese shops and delicatessens, as well as supermarkets.

“Since featuring in the Waitrose Christmas advert, we have experi-

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Consumers are discerning. The more we can produce to high British standards the better TIM HARRISON enced a jump in sales – up about 15-20% compared with last year,” says Mr Harrison.

“We are proud to say that our farms are Red Tractor-assured because we want to give our customers confidence in how our milk is produced. Lots of customers want to get behind doing the right thing and supporting local farmers, but they want to know that these farmers are part of a wider scheme that they can relate to and understand.

“Consumers are discerning. The more we can produce to high British standards the better. It gives customers more information to help them make the right buying decisions.”

With Christmas the biggest showcase of innovation in British

Tim Harrison.

dairy, farm assurance schemes have a role to play in maintaining trust.

While evidence of dairy products such as flavoured cheese and artisan-style butters being made from British farm-assured milk may not be at the forefront of every shopper’s mind during the festive rush, Tim Lock, Red Tractor dairy sector board chair and Sussex farmer, says this is very much a top priority for processors and retailers, not just at Christmas, but all-year-round.

“Red Tractor plays a year-long role in the dairy supply chain, with our assurance scheme covering 98% of milk produced in the UK. It underpins the whole buying process, and while there are other schemes governing dairy farmers – such as Arla

Bookham Harrison Farms’ Sussex Charmer cheese is featuring in a Waitrose advert.

Tim Lock.

Garden, Muller Advantage or retailer-specific initiatives – the whole lot is underpinned by Red Tractor because it is the foundation standard.

Trust Mr Lock says the surge in sales of luxury and premium dairy products over the festive period is built upon growing consumer trust in British produce throughout the year.

Red Tractor’s latest Trust in Food index, which is based on findings from a poll of more than 2,000 UK adults in June, found 94% of consumers trusted food produced in the UK – a four-year high.

The poll also found that 79% of people considered the UK’s system of assurance schemes a key driver in trust, up from 68% in 2024, and almost two-thirds of shoppers reported that the presence of the Red Tractor logo gave them trust in the quality of a product.

“While consumers think British produce is great, the logo provides that extra assurance the product has been produced in Britain and not just packed here,” says Mr Lock.

As the festive retail rush slows down and consumers return to their usual buying habits, Mr Lock says: “Going forward, animal rights and environmental activism is not going to go away.

He adds: “If everybody upholds the Red Tractor standards for 365-days-a-year, then we are in a better position to push back against these activists who want to close down the industry.” farmersguardian.com

19/12/2025 16:54

Livestock

Judges unveiled for All Breeds All Britain’s Holstein classes ● Event will take place next autumn HOLSTEIN UK has announced the 2026 All Breeds All Britain Calf Show judges for the Holstein Young Breeders calf and showmanship classes. The event will be held at Staffordshire County Showground on October 30 and November 1, 2026.

Izzy Laird will judge the National Holstein showmanship competition, while David Jones will judge the National Holstein Calf Show.

Izzy Laird Mrs Laird will be returning to her Staffordshire roots when she visits the show, having grown up in the county on her parents’ farm, running a Jersey herd under the Fourcrosses prefix. Now living in Peeblesshire,

south east Scotland, with her husband Colin, their two children and her in-laws, the Laird family owns and manages the Blythbridge herd, consisting of 500 head of Holsteins.

Recent showring successes for the herd include champion at UK Dairy Expo and the National Holstein Show with MAG Pandor, which is led by Mrs Laird.

David Jones Mr Jones owns the Wiltor herd of Holsteins at Church Farm, Wilcrick, South Wales, with his wife Claire and son Matthew. Having spent a number of years working as an auctioneer, then running Sahara Holsteins, he bought the home farm in 2015.

Since then, he has held two successful sales, in 2019 and 2024, and is now rebuilding the herd with top cow families, using embryo transfer

Izzy Laird

David Jones

to multiply their best genetics. His aim is to breed a well-balanced, profitable cow of medium stature with a great udder and sound legs and feet.

Farmers Guardian is the gift that keeps on giving.

Mr Jones has officiated at most of the major shows in the UK and Ireland, and he recently returned from judging in Australia.

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30/10/2025 13:56

DECEMBER 24 2025 | 63

18/12/2025 14:22

Working Dogs

Working with

As the next generation takes to the trial field, one young Pembrokeshire competitor is showing age is no barrier to success. Ellie Layton reports.

● Welsh team member for 2026 World Trials LLION Harries farms in the Preseli Hills of Pembrokeshire and has become a well-known name in the sheepdog world – all before turning 30.

Day-to-day, he can be found on the family sheep farm, a ‘tyddyn’ – a Welsh word roughly equivalent to ‘smallholding’. It is an 81-hectare (200-acre) unit which has grazing rights on the Preseli Hills, where the family moved in 1995 after farming elsewhere in the area.

In 2007, Llion’s father, Ian, gifted him five South Country Cheviot ewes, which led to a transformation of their farming system. Before this, the family ran a flock of Welsh ewes, but the other breed’s attributes won them over, and gradually the Harries family found that they wanted to switch the whole flock to Cheviots – they now run 500 pure ewes.

“They are as easy to manage as a Welsh ewe but provide us with a better

Presli Jock, qualifier to the 2026 World Championship Trials in Lauder, practising on some of the South Country Cheviot lambs.

PICTURE: RUTH REES

Welsh sheepdog triallist proves age is just a number reach four to five years old through local markets. For the past 15 years, the best ram lambs have been kept as yearlings and two-year-olds and a bunch of 15 sold at the National Sheep Association ram sale.

“Selling rams has become a real enjoyment, selecting out the best of the crop, and we have been doing it long enough to see repeat customers,” says Llion.

Feeding

carcase lamb and keep their condition well all year round,” says Llion.

The flock is bred pure to rams bought from the annual trip to the breed’s ram sale at Lockerbie, and lambs outside from mid-March.

“By heading to where the breed originates from, we are able to purchase a true-to-type sheep, with all of the breeding from the Scottish Borders, which in turn breeds well in our flock,” he says.

“The replacement ewe hoggs are turned up on to the mountain at the beginning of April, after their winter away on tack.”

The lambs are weaned in July and those not kept on are sold through both Crymych and Whitland markets, or through the local collection centre to Kepak.

Each year, about 180 ewe lambs are retained to replace ewes and the draft ewes are sold when they

The flock is on a forage-only system, grazing grass and fodder beet.

This includes the sale rams too, but they have a small amount of sugar beet pellets and ram mix about a month prior to the sale. Llion says they are the type of rams that do not need much feeding to get that bit of shine on them before the sale.

“We are in the mindset to keep things simple, and with rising costs, this is the way we want to run our business going forward, and a lowinput, strong ewe like the South Country Cheviot can do well off

Llion Harries and his nursery dog, Preseli Cap, who will be stepping up into the open next year.

64 | DECEMBER 24 2025

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farmersguardian.com

18/12/2025 5:19 pm

Working Dogs Farm facts ■ Running an 81-hectare (200acre) farm, which has grazing rights on the Preseli Hills ■ Transitioned from Welsh ewes to South Country Cheviots ■ Sells breeding stock locally and at the National Sheep Association ram sales ■ Four times Wales team member ■ Qualified for the 2026 World Championships in Lauder, Scottish Borders

forage and have the ability to thrive on the mountain,” he says.

It is the hills on which the sheep graze that give Llion’s dogs their prefix, Preseli.

He says: “We have always kept sheepdogs, but I was the first in the family to take an interest in trialling.

I started sheepdog trialling when I was helping out at a local trial, Croswell, and was encouraged by locals to have a go, and the rest is history.”

At age 11, Llion got his first dog, which was unregistered, just to get used to handling and commanding a dog, but he showed natural ability and keenness. It was not long before he bought a registered pup.

He first took part in a trial at 14 years old and that very same year, after just eight months of competing, Llion was nominated to compete in the One Man and His Dog competition, which took place at Balmoral Castle, which he went on to win.

This experience was gained with Cwmadog Bess, a daughter of Aled Owens’ Roy, which he bought from Meirion Jones.

“It was this dog that helped me really gain confidence, and being a few years older, we really started to work well together,” he says.

With this, he followed similar breeding, with Groesfaen Jet, another daughter of Roy, and this was the foundation bitch and mother of his most successful bitch, Preseli Fly, which holds a special place in his kennel.

“Every dog goes back to Preseli Fly, which is now retired from trialling but is still working on the farm. She comes from the same litter as Kevin Evans’ Preseli Ci, which has been crowned supreme champion twice,” he says.

In these early days, Llion was still at school and later attended Gelli Aur College, near Carmarthen, to study agriculture, which meant he bred and trained dogs steadily in his spare time alongside farming and contract shearing.

Following his early trial successes, his confidence grew, and he knew he wanted to make sheepdogs an aspect of his everyday work.

He has since been a part of the Welsh national team four times, winning Welsh Driving Champion farmersguardian.com

p64 65 Dec24 EL reading.indd 3

Preseli Jock, a son of Preseli Fly and Ricky Hutchinson’s Jock, in action.

in 2024 with Preseli Jock. He says that his biggest achievement was winning the international qualifying trials at York in 2022, where he finished fifth in the supreme final.

“I have been given opportunities to travel the world that I would never have if I were not in the dog world. I have ventured to Israel, the Basque Country and Europe to judge trials and give clinics to fellow triallists, as well as around the UK,” he says.

Temperament Llion’s ideal dog must have the desire to work, be a good listener, and have a balance, power and the feeling to handle sheep.

“Temperament is also very important to me. However, the dog’s appearance is not make or break, I prefer to pick a dog on its ability, but if I were picky, I am not a fan of too much white,” he says.

Breeding that reflects this can be found in his kennel, and influences such as Mr Owens’ Roy, a different Roy from Ross Games, and Ricky Hutchinson’s Jock have been found to deliver these attributes.

He says: “At one time, I will be training up to 10 dogs, the majority from a pup. Every dog is slightly different. But, for everyone, it is important to get the basics right, teaching them their name and basic

commands by voice, but not starting rigorous training and whistle commands before six months of age. I choose not to introduce a pup to sheep until it is at least 12 weeks old, as a knock that early on can be a real setback. From six to 12 months, depending on the dog’s willingness to learn things, it starts to step up.”

Llion believes this initial process is arguably the most important, not only seeing the dog’s potential but also getting those everyday commands right.

Llion credits members of the Pembrokeshire Sheepdog Society for helping him develop in his career at

such a young age, as well as looking to Aled Owen, Ricky Hutchinson, and Kevin Evans for inspiration.

“I am also very grateful for the support of my family, especially my dad, Ian, who also does a lot on the farm and with the dogs,” he says.

This year, Llion qualified for the World Championship trial, which is being held next September in Lauder, in the Scottish Borders. He is really looking forward to the experience and shows no signs of lying down to the competition, retaining his desire to train and trial dogs for many years to come.

Llion’s four Welsh caps and many accolades on display.

The ewes running with their ram at tupping, which was purchased from the breed society sale in Lockerbie.

DECEMBER 24 2025 | 65

18/12/2025 14:32

FG Market Prices Hub

Check out the latest market prices online at farmersguardian.com/market-prices

Market Prices Primestock

ENGLAND All prices quoted in p/kg.

STEERS Market day(s) week ending December 16

Acklington Th Ashford Tu Bakewell Mo Barnard Castle Bentham Tu Bishops Castle Bridgnorth Tu Brockholes We Carlisle Mo Cirencester Th Clitheroe Cockermouth We Colchester Tu Cutcombe Darlington Th\Mo Exeter Mo Frome We\Mo Gisburn Th Hailsham We Hallworthy Hawes Hereford Hexham Tu Holsworthy We Hull/Dunswell Kendal Kington Kirkby Stephen Lancaster Fr Leek Tu Leyburn We Longtown Th Louth Ludlow Mo Malton Market Drayton We\Mo Market Harborough Melton Mowbray We Newton Abbot (Rendells) Northallerton We Norwich Oswestry Otley Penrith Mo Ross on Wye Mo Rugby Mo Ruswarp Salisbury Tu Scots Gap Sedgemoor Mo Selby We Shrewsbury Skipton Mo South Molton Stratford Thame Thirsk Th Thrapston Truro We Ulverston Tu Wigton Tu Wooler Worcester We York

HEIFERS

YOUNG BULLS

Total cattle number

Light average

Medium average

Heavy average

Light average

Medium average

Heavy average

Light average

Medium average

25 33 96 59 2 128 7 6 32 176 15 31 89 10 11 17 2 4 9 131 197 79 9 24 38 14 38 303 4 171 40 31 10 117 -

282.8 356.0 356.0 400.0 335.8 290.5 359.0 339.7 292.0 308.0 290.5 412.0 328.5 305.8 340.0 362.7 342.5 270.0 401.0 332.8 278.0 278.0 -

359.3 368.5 352.3 422.0 333.5 367.5 433.0 353.0 332.2 363.4 353.0 339.5 320.0 394.0 344.8 341.5 358.3 367.5 300.8 390.4 467.5 436.8 349.1 382.4 387.0 349.6 -

349.0 362.5 336.1 368.0 381.9 380.0 411.9 336.5 307.1 382.1 360.0 290.0 372.6 324.4 361.6 367.5 383.0 332.0 328.0 393.8 428.7 361.4 362.4 409.5 371.8 -

248.5 306.0 347.2 150.0 365.8 384.0 305.5 367.0 356.0 229.5 260.5 302.0 350.0 322.5 372.0 335.0 357.5 290.5 322.3 381.3 411.0 220.0 332.0 -

321.7 381.9 413.5 361.3 329.5 367.4 441.7 331.3 307.2 353.1 245.0 366.7 313.8 360.0 387.2 350.2 371.0 376.3 382.6 317.1 329.9 430.1 466.0 444.7 280.9 344.0 371.8 -

364.2 357.5 379.9 422.5 240.0 372.2 299.2 369.4 440.6 319.8 354.6 361.0 310.3 360.0 379.9 330.0 372.9 352.4 329.0 266.5 343.0 408.0 461.5 442.6 354.1 376.9 396.9 385.7 -

301.2 387.0 344.5 362.0 310.5 363.0 308.8 334.0 335.6 316.5 200.0 314.7 278.0 -

391.25 342.00 -

364.00 387.67 404.71 325.54

377.67 372.67 388.25 318.35

339.00 362.35 335.67 -

402.26 245.00 402.98 400.30 403.50 372.00

407.08 395.50 394.06 395.33 411.50 365.05

195.00 -

CULL COWS

Heavy average

Total cow number

Grade 1 average

Grade 3 average

Dairy sired average

Beef sired average

Total N lambs

351.0 325.1 354.1 351.1 308.5 357.5 354.5 369.2 339.2 364.9 365.0 240.0 329.5 360.3 359.8 361.7 -

353.1 364.5 362.6 371.5 369.6 271.5 384.0 369.5 314.0 381.5 363.1 361.4 392.5 327.5 384.8 346.4 370.0 388.3 -

4 53 125 53 3 41 312 13 31 8 84 14 39 106 6 34 2 69 30 20 7 187 19 60 59 5 1 36 37 15 9 35 43 36 12 -

254.2 253.9 -

254.3 320.0 196.3 -

216.4 181.1 212.9 223.6 276.5 214.2 202.0 202.8 233.0 141.0 98.0 204.6 200.3 209.6 180.0 211.4 178.0 233.1 222.4 209.0 188.2 187.0 190.9 227.0 -

199.0 227.3 203.4 232.7 247.6 276.4 217.5 251.4 221.4 271.7 216.4 256.3 303.4 229.3 261.8 222.0 276.2 204.1 269.2 139.0 261.9 258.2 274.4 264.6 277.0 210.0 228.5 226.0 292.2 203.0 298.5 194.8 -

716 609 1328 310 3620 251 994 484 2571 766 560 1034 283 1251 798 320 1186 577 313 1646 1130 1400 475 57 1728 588 2777 724 604 720 5941 230 1162 1277 1339 560 2052 984 1119 168 197 267 3026 509 497 1326 333 92 764 1353 572 1353 -

-

299.33 -

108 32 33 56 52 88 33 146 130

-

-

218.40 207.50 179.90 192.30 233.60 200.60 -

252.40 261.90 241.00 228.00 246.60 262.50 251.30 231.00 271.00

2279 2764 230 640 1217 4 4489 1168 1695 811 7285 1487

SCOTLAND Ayr Mo\Tu Caithness Castle Douglas Mo\Tu Dingwall We Dumfries We Huntly Tu Kirkwall Mo Lanark Mo Lockerbie Newton Stewart We Newtown St Boswells Mo Stirling (caledonian) Th\Tu Stirling (ua) We\Th Thainstone Th

66 | DECEMBER 24 2025

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17 1 2 5 41 52 34 48

farmersguardian.com

22/12/2025 12:21 pm

0

3

4

7 6 4

4 4

4 3 4 3

8 0

2 1 2 0

9

2

4

6 0 0

5

0

2

0 5

8

40

90

00

00 60

50 30 00 00

Data across the Market Prices pages provided by

Latest data available.

Source: LAA/MartEye

WALES

SHEEP Total N/S lambs

N/S lambs light average

N/S lambs standard average

N/S lambs medium average

N/S lambs heavy average

N/S SQQ average

Total Ewes

Ewes average

716 609 1328 310 3620 251 994 484 2571 766 560 1034 283 1251 798 320 1186 577 313 1646 1130 1400 475 57 1728 588 2777 724 604 720 5941 230 1162 1277 1339 560 2052 984 1119 168 197 267 3026 509 497 1326 333 92 764 1353 572 1353 -

322.5 374.3 328.4 310.3 339.7 321.3 307.5 376.3 329.1 304.7 271.8 293.8 265.2 320.9 305.0 271.5 272.7 306.7 288.1 220.0 308.8 356.7 283.9 316.5 339.1 330.5 290.6 313.9 314.3 312.5 283.0 326.5 -

332.3 342.1 337.3 319.2 336.1 315.6 334.0 317.6 330.2 317.1 314.5 323.0 345.3 284.7 314.5 314.4 311.3 327.9 317.4 274.1 320.8 319.2 304.4 299.3 292.3 303.8 371.8 316.2 323.6 284.3 327.8 329.3 333.4 323.9 346.1 359.6 331.5 331.4 357.1 334.8 310.8 304.5 327.2 325.6 336.6 329.7 329.1 328.7 340.1 187.0 335.2 -

303.9 351.1 342.6 310.7 326.7 313.1 335.4 350.7 337.8 310.2 309.1 317.0 335.8 314.3 328.8 312.9 310.6 316.8 312.4 298.9 321.9 326.8 308.3 300.1 321.3 311.7 373.9 321.0 336.1 305.7 328.8 324.4 345.5 319.6 338.1 337.7 335.1 342.5 338.5 303.4 329.5 326.6 323.1 323.7 318.0 338.1 324.7 300.6 328.4 353.8 291.3 340.4 -

292.2 339.4 339.4 302.8 310.4 298.1 316.0 331.4 317.7 291.5 301.7 322.9 333.9 307.8 319.5 293.5 290.9 297.2 304.6 289.0 308.0 308.2 306.8 287.6 313.6 302.8 309.2 309.8 324.2 293.4 314.1 310.8 327.6 297.8 314.9 316.5 310.7 328.7 319.9 303.3 310.1 317.6 316.6 306.7 298.9 323.8 312.2 300.3 316.0 327.1 285.3 320.0 -

310.8 351.4 340.5 311.7 328.1 313.8 334.4 348.5 336.8 312.5 309.5 318.9 340.5 311.9 326.6 313.2 309.8 318.5 314.1 292.4 321.5 325.3 307.5 299.9 307.7 309.6 372.6 320.0 335.2 299.6 325.9 325.9 343.7 319.5 340.4 340.6 333.8 341.1 342.4 315.2 328.7 320.5 323.2 323.9 318.0 337.9 325.9 304.6 328.4 350.5 286.4 337.7 -

254 195 591 1805 60 519 133 617 275 85 474 49 148 535 47 502 383 1161 9 89 7 467 367 346 106 204 197 3451 43 327 237 1504 136 2726 191 313 102 70 446 342 111 305 86 42 113 200 256 1019 -

127.2 139.1 131.4 131.7 122.5 127.2 136.1 122.3 117.5 149.9 106.5 145.4 118.7 143.1 126.2 137.1 128.0 124.7 116.0 115.5 122.3 121.6 122.0 130.3 147.8 140.8 119.8 132.2 144.9 151.4 128.9 152.4 141.7 132.6 154.3 142.5 114.8 158.2 132.2 126.2 133.4 131.4 144.7 121.7 118.4 161.7 120.7 153.6 -

2279 2764 230 640 1217 4 4489 1168 1695 811 7285 1487

316.54 269.12 303.06 275.09 148.00 303.39 251.50 256.00 232.76

328.05 303.92 337.90 298.34 328.81 310.23 314.72 278.73 302.61 311.49

326.28 311.65 301.06 323.17 300.93 324.36 313.06 321.80 317.51 327.49 316.98

307.06 292.73 296.96 301.20 291.68 308.00 310.55 291.83 302.84 304.41 311.97 299.66

325.97 308.18 301.06 326.73 300.77 323.14 312.19 319.87 315.89 323.43 316.28

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Source: IAAS/ScotEID 451 117.58 269 136.49 195 152.25 417 136.35 1439 127.64 167 99.49 738 131.90 421 132.03 1991 112.15 -

Market day(s) week ending December 16 Bala Brecon Bryncir Builth Wells Carmarthen Crymmych Dolgellau Gaerwen Knighton Llandeilo Llanrwst Llanybydder Machynlleth Mold Monmouthshire Newcastle Emlyn Rhayader Ruthin St Asaph Talgarth Talybont on Usk Welshpool Whitland

We Fr

Tu

Mo We Sa Th Th

Mo

All prices quoted in p/kg. Latest data available.

Source: LAA/MartEye Total cattle number 2 3 63 52 6 -

STEERS Light average 351.7 -

YOUNG BULLS Bala Brecon Bryncir Builth Wells Carmarthen Crymmych Dolgellau Gaerwen Knighton Llandeilo Llanrwst Llanybydder Machynlleth Mold Monmouthshire Newcastle Emlyn Rhayader Ruthin St Asaph Talgarth Talybont on Usk Welshpool Whitland

HEIFERS

Medium average 365.0 348.6 404.0 -

Heavy average 352.1 412.0 -

Total cow number 9 89 4 28 12 4 32 1 26 -

Grade 1 average -

Light average 325.0 380.7 348.0 -

CULL COWS

Medium average 242.9 368.9 390.0 312.0 -

Heavy average 230.7 345.5 367.7 350.8 -

Dairy sired average 217.3 191.6 120.0 203.9 146.0 -

Beef sired average 276.0 212.1 238.0 244.4 230.5 311.6 252.2 274.0 254.1 -

Light average 270.0 -

Medium average 314.5 371.0 -

Heavy average 366.0 -

Total N/S lambs

N/S lambs light average

N/S lambs standard average

N/S lambs medium average

N/S lambs heavy average

N/S SQQ average

Total Ewes

Ewes average

585 1016 666 1947 170 623 594 539 759 657 780 170 1924 301 4721 2149 926 717 3724 296

304.0 316.7 284.3 302.7 305.2 291.4 283.3 303.4 323.6 294.5 311.9 273.7 308.7 307.7 317.8 298.1 313.2 283.2

310.9 326.2 301.9 317.3 309.6 318.6 306.7 310.0 318.2 322.1 301.4 316.7 319.9 302.3 320.9 319.9 326.6 323.8 327.6 310.8

297.6 327.0 312.1 323.7 310.5 309.8 316.7 304.4 312.8 327.6 302.6 310.5 315.5 304.3 330.6 334.0 326.3 322.1 329.9 318.3

291.7 315.9 302.7 315.1 300.0 304.3 300.2 300.3 303.1 315.8 295.9 297.7 303.3 289.5 315.6 319.3 317.1 313.1 311.4 307.5

304.9 325.8 298.7 317.8 310.2 310.6 305.1 304.1 310.5 325.0 298.8 310.8 317.0 303.2 323.9 325.6 325.1 319.2 324.1 312.9

1 193 366 705 232 88 394 62 197 177 21 1527 72 386 550 323 146 3157 177

50.0 103.7 100.6 97.5 108.5 91.7 106.2 75.5 120.0 71.8 101.4 128.7 130.6 101.8 98.9 125.5 87.8 133.2 133.3

Grade 3 average -

SHEEP

Bala Brecon Bryncir Builth Wells Carmarthen Crymmych Dolgellau Gaerwen Knighton Llandeilo Llanrwst Llanybydder Machynlleth Mold Monmouthshire Newcastle Emlyn Rhayader Ruthin St Asaph Talgarth Talybont on Usk Welshpool Whitland

Browse. Sell. Buy at FGBuyandSell.com DECEMBER 24 2025 | 67

22/12/2025 12:21 pm

FG Market Prices Hub

Check out the latest market prices online at farmersguardian.com/market-prices

Market Prices Store Cattle

ENGLAND STORES (CONTINENTAL-SIRED) Market day(s) w/e December 16

Ashford Tu Bakewell Mo Barnard Castle Bentham We\Tu Bishops Castle Th Bridgnorth Brockholes Tu Carlisle We Cirencester Tu Clitheroe Th Cockermouth Colchester Tu Cutcombe We Darlington Mo Exeter Fr Frome We\Fr\Mo Gisburn Th\Sa Hailsham We Hallworthy Th\Mo Hawes Tu Hereford Tu Hexham Fr Holsworthy We Hull/Dunswell Mo Kendal Th Kington Kirkby Stephen Lancaster Fr Leek Tu Leyburn Fr Longtown Louth Ludlow Fr Market Drayton We\Th\Mo Melton Mowbray We Middleton in Teesdale Newton Abbot (Rendells) Northallerton We Norwich Oswestry Otley Penrith Mo Ross on Wye Th Rugby Th Ruswarp We Salisbury Mo\Tu Sedgemoor Sa Selby Shrewsbury Stratford Skipton We\Sa\Mo Tavistock Thame Fr Thirsk Thrapston Sa Truro We Ulverston Wigton Th Worcester Sa York Th

6-12 month steers

12-18 month steers

18+ month steers

6-12 month heifers

12-18 month heifers

No. / Av.

No. / Av.

No. / Av.

No. / Av.

-/20/1198.5 -/46/1397.6 7/2097.1 -/3/1020.0 19/1535.3 17/946.9 7/1367.1 -/-/14/1468.6 5/1832.0 26/1096.9 20/1589.0 1/1150.0 2/995.0 69/1167.1 -/-/2/1330.0 9/970.0 2/1240.0 42/1339.3 -/-/-/-/-/-/-/1/1850.0 30/1003.8 31/1201.3 -/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/3/900.0 30/1241.7 -/16/1548.8 -/-/-/34/1345.0 -/6/1028.3 -/6/1285.0 35/1146.3 -/-/-/6/1190.0

1/820.0 13/1586.9 -/16/1526.3 15/2173.3 -/-/37/1875.7 4/1388.5 -/-/-/1/1680.0 1/1980.0 21/1899.1 2/1590.0 11/1745.5 3/1223.3 9/1425.6 -/-/13/2020.8 13/1529.2 3/1280.0 11/1665.5 -/-/7/1962.9 -/9/1840.0 -/-/15/1658.0 12/1027.1 10/1460.0 -/-/5/1640.0 -/-/-/9/1592.8 -/24/1627.9 9/1624.4 -/35/1565.7 -/-/-/36/1711.1 -/-/-/6/1443.3 2/1100.0 -/-/6/1568.3 1/1460.0

-/29/2042.8 -/11/1614.6 26/2105.8 -/-/41/2140.0 4/1805.0 11/2148.2 -/-/-/-/51/1992.2 36/2008.9 23/2099.6 10/1549.0 35/1639.4 -/-/40/2210.3 8/1435.0 -/6/2028.3 -/-/27/2385.2 -/10/2145.0 -/-/47/1864.9 35/2060.7 27/1824.6 -/-/24/1956.7 -/-/-/16/1691.9 1/980.0 10/1755.0 8/1807.5 11/1443.6 93/1928.1 -/-/-/69/2144.5 -/5/1782.0 -/2/1800.0 4/1373.8 -/-/7/1764.3 2/1857.5

-/-/-/81/1570.1 13/1610.8 -/3/1226.7 17/1435.9 23/886.3 2/1250.0 -/-/25/1180.4 2/1655.0 8/965.0 7/1292.6 6/1100.0 5/866.0 42/977.5 -/5/802.0 2/1680.0 8/816.3 2/1320.0 14/1212.1 -/-/3/900.0 -/6/1715.0 -/-/25/1326.8 34/867.4 16/1003.1 -/-/-/-/-/-/5/1187.0 1/1260.0 5/1104.0 19/1031.1 -/10/1157.0 -/-/-/37/1143.8 -/6/795.0 -/4/1100.0 9/895.0 -/17/1030.0 -/12/1045.0

-/-/-/-/-/4/1610.00 23/2067.17 -/-/-/-/-/11/1992.73 28/1920.00

1/1280.00 -/-/-/-/-/179/2215.20 -/-/-/-/-/22/1935.00 40/2125.50

1/650.00 -/-/-/-/-/2/1780.00 -/-/-/-/-/9/993.33 6/1735.00

STORES

STORES (NATIVE-SIRED) 18+ month heifers

6-12 mon steers

No. / Av.

No. / Av.

No. / Av.

-/-/-/38/1344.2 1/1580.0 -/-/17/1181.2 2/1035.0 2/1240.0 -/-/4/1945.0 9/1703.3 10/1201.0 34/1212.5 4/1395.0 2/860.0 9/1028.9 -/-/2/1865.0 19/1120.5 2/900.0 5/1036.0 -/-/6/1806.7 -/12/1438.3 -/-/9/1591.1 39/1041.8 3/843.3 -/-/4/1545.0 -/-/-/3/1161.7 1/840.0 3/1013.3 9/1768.9 19/1182.1 41/1076.0 -/-/-/44/1346.6 -/5/1220.0 -/4/850.0 6/1279.2 -/-/5/832.0 4/966.3

14/1050.0 -/-/35/1332.0 7/1688.6 -/6/1300.0 40/1759.5 1/1495.0 9/1682.2 -/3/1370.0 15/1664.0 14/1839.3 27/1515.6 69/1473.9 12/1620.8 6/1128.3 5/974.0 -/-/15/1872.0 9/1605.6 -/11/1394.6 -/-/39/1973.9 -/15/1710.7 -/-/42/1643.3 42/1503.0 9/1256.7 -/-/13/1541.5 -/-/-/11/1782.3 3/1233.3 8/1162.5 20/1667.0 45/1364.3 87/1401.2 -/-/-/31/1625.5 -/14/1515.4 -/1/950.0 6/1235.0 -/-/6/480.0 5/1390.0

-/2/870.0 -/11/1046.4 -/-/-/2/590.0 -/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/1/710.0 -/2/740.0 -/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/1/610.0 -/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/9/730.6 -/-/-/7/717.1 -/-/-/4/552.5 -/-/-/-/-/-

3/1106.67 -/-/-/-/-/4/1075.00 -/-/-/-/-/-/3/1373.33

-/-/-/-/-/-/97/1932.42 -/-/-/-/-/11/1550.91 33/1878.48

-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/1/1650.00 -/-

18+ month heifers

6-12 month steers

12-18 month steers

18+ month steers

6-12 month heifers

12-18 month heifers

No. / Av.

No. / Av.

No. / Av.

No. / Av.

No. / Av.

No. / Av.

-/-/-/40/1383.0 14/1836.8 -/-/23/1698.3 5/1310.0 -/-/-/9/1566.7 10/1710.0 14/1334.3 7/1047.1 4/1850.0 2/1020.0 10/1118.0 -/16/1217.5 16/1886.3 12/1360.0 2/1345.0 32/1470.0 -/-/-/-/12/1780.8 -/-/41/1640.5 21/1262.9 10/1330.0 -/-/3/1280.0 -/-/-/15/1265.7 5/1240.0 10/1492.0 11/1516.4 2/1632.5 34/1365.9 -/-/-/52/1466.2 -/-/-/1/1540.0 5/1163.0 -/3/720.0 1/1260.0 8/1231.9

-/-/-/22/1580.0 22/1849.3 -/4/1730.0 81/1864.3 3/1923.3 20/1909.0 -/-/10/1900.0 9/1630.0 39/1555.6 22/1575.7 19/1936.3 12/1498.3 8/1556.3 -/-/8/1866.3 10/1702.0 1/1200.0 6/1658.3 -/-/28/2113.6 -/44/1846.1 -/-/68/1798.7 57/1708.2 38/1447.2 -/-/17/1994.7 -/-/-/16/1764.4 -/15/1716.7 14/1850.0 20/1268.5 61/1796.2 -/-/-/74/1885.7 -/9/1606.9 -/2/1100.0 8/1728.1 -/-/8/1496.3 3/1471.7

-/20/1176.0 -/19/1300.0 -/-/8/1060.0 7/1067.1 17/1226.2 1/1440.0 -/-/11/1300.9 5/1810.0 35/829.7 47/1076.2 5/808.0 6/845.0 34/640.7 -/3/713.3 2/1755.0 6/905.0 -/6/1090.0 -/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/25/966.4 22/1050.2 -/-/3/1193.3 -/-/-/1/895.0 18/828.3 13/1053.1 18/1306.7 33/699.7 80/1078.4 -/-/-/49/1116.7 -/16/1144.4 -/2/1170.0 12/939.2 -/-/-/-/-

-/24/1390.0 -/40/1428.3 1/1700.0 -/1/1650.0 22/1311.8 9/1518.9 2/1420.0 -/-/6/786.7 4/1762.5 23/1361.3 25/1486.4 5/1414.0 2/810.0 5/678.0 -/1/930.0 4/1630.0 9/1433.3 2/1160.0 9/1520.0 -/-/2/1880.0 -/8/1720.0 -/-/19/1606.8 6/1331.7 11/1011.4 -/-/6/1773.3 -/-/-/1/1075.0 3/1286.7 2/1625.0 8/1407.5 8/1318.8 88/1347.6 -/-/-/25/1482.4 -/1/1100.0 -/1/1160.0 10/1795.0 -/-/4/1130.0 1/1400.0

2/1140.0 24/1613.8 -/8/1447.5 -/-/2/1475.0 35/1873.4 9/1659.6 4/1790.0 -/13/1583.1 5/1460.0 4/1890.0 45/1702.0 62/1516.1 11/1486.4 32/1603.1 8/846.3 -/-/29/2082.1 1/1890.0 -/7/1904.3 -/-/50/2331.6 -/4/2012.5 -/-/34/1866.2 38/1679.6 9/1162.8 -/-/17/1895.3 -/-/-/16/1766.9 5/1384.0 2/1725.0 15/1504.7 25/1418.8 123/1789.8 -/-/-/45/2016.7 -/12/1390.8 -/9/1430.0 12/1930.8 -/-/1/1750.0 3/660.0

-/-/-/6/1050.0 -/-/4/1060.0 7/994.3 10/764.5 -/-/-/10/1102.0 4/1245.0 21/650.5 19/843.3 5/542.0 6/605.0 33/587.0 -/-/-/9/842.2 -/11/949.1 -/-/3/540.0 -/-/-/-/27/916.3 28/734.6 5/1124.0 -/-/-/-/-/-/-/2/770.0 3/980.0 18/843.3 7/998.6 70/847.2 -/-/-/97/911.2 -/8/1111.3 -/6/915.0 9/697.8 -/2/910.0 -/1/900.0

-/-/-/-/-/8/1662.50 19/2091.58 -/-/-/-/-/14/1694.29 15/1772.67

2/1160.00 -/-/-/-/2/2080.00 92/2110.16 -/-/-/-/-/19/1734.74 62/2165.16

1/820.00 -/-/-/-/3/800.00 4/1660.00 -/-/-/-/-/40/1167.75 19/1375.26

-/-/-/-/-/4/1682.50 18/1664.44 -/-/-/-/-/4/1747.50 3/1473.33

-/-/-/-/-/-/67/2090.75 -/-/-/-/-/41/1791.95 24/1881.67

1/600.00 -/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/36/817.50 6/1073.33

SCOTLAND Ayr Caithness Castle Douglas Dingwall Dumfries Huntly Kirkwall Lanark Lockerbie Newton Stewart Newtown St Boswells Stirling (caledonian) Stirling (ua) Thainstone

Tu

Th Mo Mo

Th We Fr

68 | DECEMBER 24 2025

p66 73 Dec 24.indd 84

1/980.00 -/-/-/-/-/14/1916.43 -/-/-/-/-/42/1495.95 18/1703.33

farmersguardian.com

22/12/2025 12:21 pm

Figures show livestock numbers first, then average price per head.

Latest data available.

Source: LAA/MartEye STORES (HOLSTEIN FRIESIAN)

+ month fers

6-12 month 12-18 month 18+ month steers steers steers

o. / Av.

No. / Av.

No. / Av.

/1050.0

-/2/870.0 -/11/1046.4 -/-/-/2/590.0 -/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/1/710.0 -/2/740.0 -/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/1/610.0 -/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/9/730.6 -/-/-/7/717.1 -/-/-/4/552.5 -/-/-/-/-/-

-/3/1176.7 -/28/1309.3 -/-/-/1/1010.0 -/-/-/-/-/-/-/3/1403.3 2/600.0 -/-/-/-/-/4/1065.0 -/2/870.0 -/-/2/1720.0 -/-/-/-/3/1610.0 4/1050.0 -/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/2/1720.0 1/1100.0 8/649.4 -/-/-/14/919.3 -/-/-/-/1/1085.0 -/-/-/-/-

/1332.0 688.6

300.0 /1759.5 495.0 682.2

370.0 1664.0 /1839.3 /1515.6 /1473.9 1620.8 128.3 974.0

1872.0 605.6

1394.6

/1973.9 1710.7

/1643.3 /1503.0 256.7

1541.5

1782.3 233.3 162.5 /1667.0 /1364.3 /1401.2

1625.5

/1515.4 50.0 235.0

480.0 390.0

1932.42

1550.91 /1878.48

WALES

Latest data available.

Source: LAA/MartEye STORES (CONTINENTAL-SIRED)

CALVES (7-42 DAYS) Black and Continental Continental Native white bulls bulls heifers bulls

Native heifers

No. / Av.

No. / Av.

No. / Av.

No. / Av.

No. / Av.

No. / Av.

-/4/940.0 -/17/1303.5 -/-/-/6/1628.3 -/3/1320.0 -/-/-/-/1/1330.0 2/1227.5 4/1195.0 -/2/1820.0 -/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/2/1970.0 -/-/-/-/5/1610.0 13/1563.5 4/1133.8 -/-/1/1100.0 -/-/-/-/-/-/-/1/920.0 4/1292.5 -/-/-/2/1660.0 -/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-

-/3/69.0 -/6/99.7 -/-/5/54.0 1/270.0 1/215.0 -/-/-/-/5/166.0 7/110.4 24/32.7 14/149.3 -/-/1/200.0 -/-/11/121.4 -/5/186.0 -/-/1/250.0 8/183.1 -/-/-/-/51/113.4 -/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/3/130.0 -/-/16/63.2 -/-/-/1/95.0 -/-/-/-/1/80.0 -/2/280.0 -/3/310.0

-/13/381.5 -/24/559.4 -/-/3/543.3 26/526.5 4/307.5 -/-/-/-/6/625.0 20/410.0 43/243.0 21/603.6 4/355.0 -/-/1/725.0 -/61/470.8 -/22/578.2 -/-/9/636.7 41/479.3 1/940.0 -/-/-/222/397.4 26/403.9 -/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/4/437.5 4/507.5 8/504.1 104/460.8 -/-/-/3/673.3 -/-/-/-/12/380.4 -/2/510.0 -/2/540.0

-/8/400.0 -/12/478.8 -/-/1/445.0 25/487.2 4/178.8 -/-/-/-/-/22/356.7 46/206.7 26/496.2 1/315.0 -/2/510.0 14/481.4 -/69/318.2 -/7/465.7 -/-/2/515.0 45/364.9 -/-/-/-/191/330.2 22/335.7 -/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/5/380.0 6/423.3 8/264.8 99/347.9 -/-/-/2/515.0 -/-/-/-/16/393.1 -/-/-/2/497.5

-/2/265.0 -/10/535.0 -/-/3/341.7 18/450.3 7/212.9 3/518.3 -/-/-/6/450.0 28/261.1 62/239.0 18/438.1 2/177.5 -/-/-/-/66/277.4 -/7/427.1 -/-/5/492.0 28/314.8 -/-/-/-/154/323.1 12/314.2 -/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/5/300.0 3/433.3 25/263.2 96/333.1 -/-/-/1/490.0 -/-/-/2/265.0 15/342.0 -/-/-/-/-

-/4/233.8 -/9/421.1 -/-/2/365.0 15/441.3 7/182.6 -/-/-/-/5/354.0 19/198.3 73/188.8 11/275.5 2/157.5 -/-/7/327.1 -/41/157.8 -/15/378.0 -/-/4/422.5 30/236.2 1/590.0 -/-/-/127/221.2 8/248.1 -/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/5/232.0 4/405.0 30/178.7 88/230.7 -/-/-/1/300.0 -/-/-/3/226.7 12/198.8 -/-/-/-/-

Market day(s) w/e December 16

Brecon Bryncir Carmarthen Dolgellau Gaerwen Knighton Llanybydder Mold Monmouthshire Newcastle Emlyn Rhayader Ruthin St Asaph Talgarth Welshpool Whitland

We\Fr Tu Sa\Mo Fr We Sa Th Mo Tu

6-12 month steers

12-18 month steers

18+ month steers

6-12 month heifers

12-18 month heifers

No. / Av.

No. / Av.

No. / Av.

No. / Av.

No. / Av.

No. / Av.

-/-/11/1124.6 -/6/1051.7 -/13/1592.3 8/1231.9 26/1368.9 -/-/17/1385.9 -/-/-/9/924.4

-/-/19/1771.6 -/5/1350.0 -/36/1698.9 10/1431.0 10/1658.0 -/2/2150.0 13/1841.5 -/-/-/-/-

-/-/22/1824.6 -/2/1700.0 -/63/2136.8 44/2067.2 39/1769.5 -/12/2040.0 13/1989.2 -/-/-/-/-

-/-/6/1228.3 -/6/1003.3 -/9/1197.8 4/892.5 17/1143.5 -/-/10/1590.0 -/-/-/3/890.0

-/-/14/1455.7 -/-/-/11/1500.9 13/1175.4 9/1352.2 -/12/1525.0 11/1732.7 -/-/-/-/-

-/-/50/1592.2 -/3/1480.0 -/55/1867.9 44/1922.8 65/1573.7 -/11/1725.5 5/1728.0 -/-/-/2/1260.0 18+ month heifers

STORES (NATIVE-SIRED) 6-12 month steers

Brecon Bryncir Carmarthen Dolgellau Gaerwen Knighton Llanybydder Mold Monmouthshire Newcastle Emlyn Rhayader Ruthin St Asaph Talgarth Welshpool Whitland

12-18 month steers

18+ month steers

6-12 month heifers

12-18 month heifers

No. / Av.

No. / Av.

No. / Av.

No. / Av.

No. / Av.

No. / Av.

-/-/7/1477.1 -/10/1121.0 -/2/1375.0 2/1140.0 25/1096.0 -/-/25/947.2 -/-/-/1/900.0

-/-/25/1435.6 -/5/1580.0 -/25/1450.0 8/1416.9 16/1442.5 -/-/12/1398.3 -/-/-/-/-

-/-/25/1698.4 -/6/1750.0 -/11/1828.2 44/1903.9 12/1647.5 -/-/5/1840.0 -/-/-/-/-

-/-/-/-/-/-/-/2/1020.0 30/987.7 -/-/44/826.6 -/-/-/3/850.0

-/-/4/965.0 -/-/-/6/1521.7 4/1300.0 8/1071.3 -/-/3/1486.7 -/-/-/-/-

-/-/27/1362.2 -/1/1400.0 -/3/1550.0 31/1689.2 25/1320.0 -/-/4/890.0 -/-/-/-/-

STORES (HOLSTEIN FRIESIAN)

Brecon Bryncir Carmarthen Dolgellau Gaerwen Knighton Llanybydder Mold Monmouthshire Newcastle Emlyn Rhayader Ruthin St Asaph Talgarth Welshpool Whitland

Black and Continental Continental Native white bulls bulls heifers bulls

No. / Av.

No. / Av.

No. / Av.

No. / Av.

No. / Av.

No. / Av.

No. / Av. No. / Av.

-/-/-/-/5/850.0 -/-/-/-/-/-/5/676.0 -/-/-/-/-

-/-/-/-/4/1010.0 -/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-

-/-/2/1215.0 -/-/-/-/9/1580.0 1/1690.0 -/-/-/-/-/-/-/-

-/-/53/133.1 -/-/-/-/1/195.0 1/90.0 -/-/1/240.0 -/-/3/121.7 7/167.3

-/-/108/425.6 -/-/-/10/465.5 18/443.6 18/502.2 -/-/22/519.1 -/-/2/455.0 24/450.8

-/-/83/352.6 -/-/-/9/320.6 10/399.0 11/474.6 -/-/25/393.6 -/-/-/41/348.4

-/-/74/242.6 -/-/-/6/365.8 36/409.7 1/380.0 -/-/16/373.8 -/-/-/30/246.9

MARKET COMMENT Latest analysis available.

2/670.00 -/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-

-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/7/1790.00 1/1440.00

-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-

2/500.00 -/-/-/-/-/-/1/620.00 -/-/-/-/-/-/-

3/480.00 -/-/-/-/-/-/1/340.00 -/-/-/1/560.00 -/-/-

p66 73 Dec 24.indd 85

-/-/78/193.3 -/-/-/4/342.5 25/297.4 2/280.0 -/-/8/286.9 -/-/-/42/194.2

LIVESTOCK AVERAGES

Primestock throughput, price and price change (p/kg).

Week ending December 16, 2025.

Latest data available.

ENGLAND AND WALES Category

Throughput

Price

Change

price at auction marts in England

Young Bulls Steers Heifers All Prime Total NS/OS Lambs (SQQ) Porker (60 - 87kg) Cutter (88 - 97kg) Baconer (98 - 115kg) Other (over 115kg) Cull Cows Dairy Sired Cull Cows Beef Sired

676 530 885 2091 52924 161 175 235 119 912 901

359.3 368.5 380.1 370.4 324.1 177.4 200.3 183.5 122.2 212.5 252.4

-0.6 -7.1 -5.8 -4.6 6.9 9.8 8.7 3.5 -13.0 -3.2 8.0

and Wales this week.

Steers were down by 7.1p/kg to

All prime cattle, dairy-sired culls and young bulls rounded off a week of price reductions in the cattle rings.

Source: LAA/MartEye

However, sheep increased by 6.9p/kg to 324.1p/kg.

And all pig categories were up, with porkers gaining 9.8p/kg from the previous week.

As Farmers Guardian went to press on Monday (December 22), UK LIFFE wheat futures for May 2026 were trading at £170/tonne.

farmersguardian.com

Native heifers

ALL cattle categories decreased in

5.8p/kg to 380.1p/kg.

-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/1/1650.00 -/-

CALVES (7-42 DAYS)

6-12 month 12-18 month 18+ month steers steers steers

368.5p/kg and heifers dropped by

Source: IAAS/ScotEID 2/440.00 -/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-

18+ month heifers

A New Route to Market Browse. Sell. Buy at FGBuyandSell.com DECEMBER 24 2025 | 69

22/12/2025 1:01 pm

FG Market Prices Hub

Check out the latest market prices online at farmersguardian.com/market-prices

DEADWEIGHT CATTLE STEERS Region

Throughput

Southern 2748 Central 3720 Northern 3905 Scotland 2620 HEIFERS Southern 2234 Central 3226 Northern 2917 Scotland 2135 YOUNG BULLS Southern 294 Central 633 Northern 255 Scotland 212 COWS Southern 2548 Central 4344 Northern 2768 Scotland 962

Market Prices

Average

-U3

-U4L

-U4H

R2

R3

R4L

R4H

O+2

O+3

O+4L

O+4H

-O2

-O3

-O4L

-O4H

645.1 647.9 659.4 660.0

661.3 664.4 665.9 665.6

660.9 664.5 671.9 664.4

656.3 640.8 658.3 659.5

-

656.6 658.4 669.1 661.6

659.8 659.2 665.2 664.2

664.0 655.0 664.9 667.2

-

645.5 644.0 658.7 646.5

645.5 647.1 654.3 651.4

647.0 635.5 646.8 648.6

-

624.6 620.2 620.2 628.6

619.4 620.0 626.1 638.8

626.7 639.0 666.5 634.0

638.9 646.2 653.4 662.0

664.4 665.5 667.9 664.7

661.7 664.7 662.1 672.1

662.3 662.4 666.4 672.0

-

655.3 658.1 666.4 660.0

656.9 657.5 664.7 665.1

652.9 654.0 658.5 665.6

-

641.1 640.6 652.9 637.3

644.9 643.3 653.1 654.7

645.4 642.9 650.0 647.2

-

610.4 610.1 609.0 606.3

618.3 616.1 613.8 621.1

619.2 616.0 605.3 634.7

644.9 635.3 620.5 618.4

666.3 660.9 630.4 652.5

615.0 658.8

645.0

654.1 647.1 639.6 628.7

658.9 647.7 644.8 642.1

653.3 640.9 644.4 641.9

646.0 619.0 645.0

639.2 623.0 613.1 617.2

637.5 631.8 619.3 627.9

635.0 631.6 617.5 628.4

633.0 623.0 -

621.0 601.5 572.0 599.0

627.5 610.5 593.0 614.2

-

-

479.3 486.8 510.3 525.7

-

-

-

-

544.3 542.4 558.4 552.5

542.6 541.6 564.0 556.5

535.4 536.1 553.4 552.1

-

530.2 533.2 546.8 542.5

526.1 531.4 549.6 545.2

516.4 533.2 543.1 538.9

-

519.7 525.6 526.1 529.2

522.7 524.8 529.6 535.1

511.9 518.8 522.2 530.0

STORE SHEEP ENGLAND Latest data available.

STORE LAMBS

Source: LAA/MartEye

w/e December 16

Day

No.

Ave.

Ashford Bakewell Barnard Castle Blackmoor Gate Bentham Bishops Castle Bridgnorth Brockholes Carlisle Cirencester Clitheroe Cockermouth Colchester Cutcombe Darlington Exeter Frome Gisburn Hailsham Hallworthy Hawes Hereford Hexham Holsworthy Hull/Dunswell Kendal Kington Kirkby Stephen Lancaster Leek Leyburn Longtown

Fr

2858 1737 56 529 5 72 678 2546 75 604 242 3982 4238 119 7 24 3009 211 -

117.9 111.2 84.4 98.2 25.0 79.8 109.0 111.5 92.9 117.7 100.7 112.6 113.6 80.0 97.7 110.7 108.7 106.5 -

Mo

Tu Th Tu Tu Mo Fr We We Th Tu Fr We Mo Th

Sa Fr

Latest data available.

WALES STORE LAMBS

Source: LAA/MartEye

Day

Brecon Tu Bryncir Carmarthen Fr Dolgellau Fr Gaerwen Mo Knighton Th Llanybydder Mo Mold Monmouthshire We\Mo Newcastle Emlyn Th Rhayader Sa Ruthin Th St Asaph Th\Sa Talgarth Welshpool Mo Whitland

70 | DECEMBER 24 2025

p66 73 Dec 24.indd 86

Latest data available.

Source: AHDB

Deadweight prices for the week ending December 13, 2025.

No.

Ave.

48 942 966 53 1 405 857 11 3003 1838 636 1636 -

98.7 97.4 70.1 96.4 110.0 83.5 95.7 83.3 80.5 84.6 83.6 96.6 -

Day

No.

Ave.

Fr We Tu

699 43 722

114.2 100.1 107.7

Louth Ludlow Market Drayton Melton Mowbray Middleton in Teesdale Newton Abbot (Rendells) Northallerton Norwich Oswestry Otley Penrith Ross on Wye Rugby Ruswarp Salisbury Sedgemoor Selby Shrewsbury Stratford Skipton Tavistock Thame Thirsk Thrapston Truro Ulverston Wigton Worcester York

We

Mo Th\Mo

Sa

Fr Sa We Tu Th Sa Th

-

-

247 578 554 1699 112 210 208 10 1345 736 72

110.2 97.6 113.6 106.5 132.5 115.8 102.7 106.4 126.6 107.9 105.3

Source: IAAS/ScotEID

Day

Ayr Mo Caithness Castle Douglas Mo\Tu Dingwall We Dumfries We Huntly Th Kirkwall Lanark Fr\Mo Lockerbie Newton Stewart Newtown St Boswells Stirling (caledonian) Stirling (ua) We Thainstone Th\Fr\Tu

No.

Ave.

2 1257 20 30 890 2117 -

107.5 110.9 78.5 82.2 104.8 97.6 -

2680 1382

88.6 104.2

Latest data available.

N/S deadweight prices for the week ending December 13, 2025.

SQQ 2 3L 3H E 698.3 (67) 705.6 (204) 730.3 (32) U 700.6 (388) 701.6 (1944) 701.6 (671) R 698.4 (3704) 695.7 (14472) 698.3 (5474) O 719.5 (4975) 703.9 (6798) 688.7 (1847) P 735.4 (521) 706.3 (93) 722.1 (7)

4L 730.0 665.2 662.9 655.8

Source: AHDB 4H (4) (104) (781) (216)

625.0 618.3 621.3

(3) (30) (12)

Average: 700.0 (42,949) Medium E U R O P

2 697.4 700.6 695.5 688.0 579.0

3L (65) 705.5 (376) 701.5 (2926) 694.9 (1205) 688.2 (5) 624.7

3H (200) 730.3 (1904) 701.5 (12931) 697.6 (3330) 678.5 (2) 575.0

(32) (668) (5153) (1279) (1)

4L 730.0 664.4 662.7 649.0

4H (4) (103) (752) (178)

625.0 617.9 607.7

(3) (29) (11)

Average: 693.0 (31,298) Deadweight sheep prices are collected from a sample of GB abattoirs.

DEADWEIGHT PIGS

Latest data available for GB.

Source: AHDB

STANDARD PIG PRICE (SPP) Week ending December 13, 2025.

Week ending January 11, 2025. Latest data available.

Weight Number p/kg Change Up to 59.9kg 245 150.57 na 60 - 69.9kg 744 190.68 0.11 70 - 79.9kg 5,093 200.40 -1.23 80 - 89.9kg 17,124 201.10 -1.06 90 - 99.9kg 21,230 199.91 -0.57 100 - 104.9kg 6,427 197.54 -0.83 105.0kg and over 5,491 182.64 na All clean pigs 56,354 198.03 -0.44 70 - 104.9kg 49,874 200.06 -0.74 EU spec average 198.03 -0.44 UK spec average 194.70 -0.46

Weight Number p/kg Change Up to 59.9kg na na na 60 - 69.9kg 1,801 206.06 -2.28 70 - 79.9kg 7,310 211.37 0.98 80 - 89.9kg 20,426 210.80 1.24 90 - 99.9kg 25,528 209.31 0.92 100 - 104.9kg 7,306 207.93 1.12 105.0kg and over na na na All clean pigs 68,410 208.41 0.69 70 - 104.9kg 60,570 209.89 1.06 EU spec average 208.41 0.69 UK spec average 204.90 0.68

PIGS Prices in p/kg.

SCOTLAND STORE LAMBS

DEADWEIGHT SHEEP

Market Drayton Otley Selby Thirsk

ALL PIG PRICE (APP)

Latest data available. Source: LAA/MartEye Market day w/e: Dec 16 Mo Mo We Th

Pigs total 63 2 275 41

Porkers average 199.0 157.4 173.0

HAY AND STRAW

Last updated December 16, 2025.

GOOSTREY: Hay, round bale to £215/tonne; haylage, round bale to £80/t; square bale to £176/t; barley straw, round bale to £140/t; square bale to £140/t; wheat straw, square bale to £125/t; silage to £84/bale; fodder beet to £46/t.

Cutters average 239.5 206.0 176.9 159.0

Baconers average 274.9 206.0 177.1 155.2

Cull sows Total Average 16 10 81

31.1 39.8 38.9

SLAUGHTERINGS Estimates for GB (per head), W/e Dec 13, 2025 Pigs Sheep Steers Heifers Young bulls

2025 179,379.99 271,400.88 16,202.70 13,466.73 2,339.42

%change (2024) -6.07 -20.18 -12.35 -13.30 +1.22

Source: AHDB.

WEANER PRICES Please note: AHDB weaner data has been suspended until further notice.

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22/12/2025 12:21 pm

Livestock Averages LIVEWEIGHT STEERS (ENGLAND/WALES)

DEADWEIGHT STEERS (GREAT BRITAIN)

SOURCE: AHDB

SOURCE: LAA/MartEye

LIVEWEIGHT HEIFERS (ENGLAND/WALES)

DEADWEIGHT HEIFERS (GREAT BRITAIN)

SOURCE: AHDB

LIVEWEIGHT SQQ LAMBS (ENGLAND/WALES)

DEADWEIGHT SQQ LAMBS (GREAT BRITAIN)

SOURCE: LAA/MartEye

SOURCE: LAA/MartEye

SOURCE: AHDB

NOTE: OLD SEASON LAMBS ARE SHOWN FROM JANUARY 1 TO THE THIRD MONDAY IN MAY AND NEW SEASON LAMBS THEREAFTER

CULL COWS (ENGLAND/WALES) SOURCE: LAA/MartEye

DEADWEIGHT PIGS (GREAT BRITAIN)

SOURCE: AHDB

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22/12/2025 12:21 pm

FG Market Prices Hub

Check out the latest market prices online at farmersguardian.com/market-prices

Market Prices

UK DELIVERED PRICES – SUMMARY Thursday, December 11, 2025 (£ per tonne).

Source: AHDB

Delivery

East Anglia / London (BW)

Northamptonshire

North-West grains/ Liverpool OSR

Avonmouth feed /South bread

Yorkshire

Fife/Edinburgh

Bread Wheat Price Change Dec-2025 Jan-2026 Feb-2026 May-2026 Dec-2025 181.00 -1.00 Jan-2026 182.50 -1.00 Feb-2026 184.00 -1.00 May-2026 190.50 unch Dec-2025 191.00 n/c Jan-2026 Feb-2026 May-2026 Dec-2025 Jan-2026 Feb-2026 May-2026 Dec-2025 Jan-2026 Feb-2026 May-2026 Dec-2025 -

Feed Wheat Price Change 170.00 +1.50 172.50 +2.00 174.00 +1.50 177.50 unch 176.00 n/c 178.50 n/c 179.50 n/c -

Feed Barley Price Change -

Oilseed Rape Price Change 426.50 +0.50 428.50 +1.50 429.50 +1.50 432.50 +2.00 427.00 +0.50 429.00 +1.50 430.00 +1.50 433.00 +2.00 -

UK DELIVERED OILSEED RAPE PRICES Friday, December 12, 2025 (£ per tonne).

Oilseed Rape East Anglia / London Erith Liverpool Hull / Selby

Source: AHDB

Dec-2025 426.50 427.50 427.00 -

Jan-2026 428.50 429.50 429.00 -

Feb-2026 429.50 430.50 430.00 -

May-2026 432.50 433.50 433.00 -

Hvst-2026 404.50 405.50 405.00 -

FUTURES MARKETS (WHEAT) Monday, December 22, 2025 (£ per tonne).

Price LIFFE £/tonne Jan-26 Mar-26 May-26 Jul-26 Nov-26 Jan-27 Mar-27 May-27 Jul-27 Nov-27

165.00 167.00 170.00 173.00 172.45 175.35 178.25 181.20 183.95 180.95

MATIF

Price €/tonne

Mar-26 May-26 Sep-26 Dec-26 Mar-27 May-27 Sep-27 Dec-27

186.75 189.25 193.00 199.25 202.75 206.25 208.50 211.75

CME

Price US cents/bushel

Mar-26 May-26 Jul-26 Sep-26 Dec-26 Mar-27

513.75 524.50 534.75 547.75 566.00 581.00

BPS ENTITLEMENTS, BNG, CARBON AND WATER December 16, 2025.

BPS ENTS Welsh Deadline – Closed Price at deadline £55

Average prices (2025) £50

BPS ENTS Scottish Regions 1, 2 and 3 Deadline – Closed Price at deadline

Average prices (2025)

Region 1 Region 2 Region 3

£135 £30 £12

£130-140 £30-32 £10.50

BPS ENTS Northern Irish Deadline – Closed Price at Average deadline prices (2025) x 0.5

x 0.75

*Face Value multipliers ** Estimates.

Notes: Welsh (expected final claim year 2029 with 20% reductions in payment from 2026). Scottish (review in 2027) Flat Rate values. Northern Irish historic based values. Transfers without land subject to VAT if transferor is VAT registered, subject to lot size. 2025 CLAIM VALUES: Scottish R1 £147.22 (plus £75.79 greening).

R2 £32.45 (plus £12.82 greening). R3 £9.42 (plus £4.30 greening). Welsh £117.14/hectare, with an additional redistributive payment on the first 54ha of £111.02/ha.

Northern Irish historic claim value individual to each holding, to be reduced by 6.5% in 2025. BIODIVERSITY NET GAIN: Statutory credits £42,000 - £650,000 (84,000 – 1,300,000 inc. spatial weighting). Offsite Market Average £18,000 (low distinctiveness compensation) - £100,000/unit allocated and delivered to development site plus VAT and associated fees, subject to lot size and LPA. NUTRIENT NEUTRALITY: Long-term sales all types agric man excluding specialist habitat creation. Nitrates £2,000-£4,000/unit (max £112,000/ha) for a 90+ year term plus VAT excluding associated fees, subject to lot size, catchment, soil drainage and rainfall; phosphates £30,000-£75,000/ unit (max £127,500/ha). Both for a 90+ year term plus VAT excluding associated fees, subject to lot size, catchment, soil drainage and rainfall. CARBON: Woodland and Peatland Carbon sales subject to ‘vintage’ and additional benefits. £25-35 PIU. WCC 2024 average prices: Woodland PIU £26.85, Peatland PIU £25.04. No on-market sales of WCUs or PCUs. September 2024 WCG reverse auction average £25. WATER: English abstraction licences less than £3-£15/cu.m plus VAT excluding associated fees, subject to lot size, catchment and Environment Agency local policy. Last National Sale by tender November 3, 2025, next tender December 15, 2025 of BNG, NN, Carbon, Water Abstraction Licences.

Source: Townsend Chartered Surveyors

SUPERMARKET RED MEAT PRICES Week ending December 21, 2025 (prices in p/kg).

CORN RETURNS EX-FARM PRICES Thursday, December 11, 2025 (£ per tonne).

WHEAT Milling Bread

South East South West Midlands Eastern North East North West England & Wales South Scotland Central Scotland North Scotland Scotland Great Britain Northern Ireland United Kingdom Change on last week (£/t)

179.60 179.60 179.60 +3.50

Other

Feed & Other

BARLEY Malting Premium

Other

Feed & Other

165.20 168.60 168.60 168.60 -2.40

170.70 172.50 167.00 173.20 176.70 170.60 170.30 170.30 -0.10

165.40 165.40 165.40 n/c

-

154.50 156.10 134.80 142.60 153.40 153.40 +5.10

OATS Milling

Feed

128.80 128.80 n/c

-

FIELD PEAS/BEANS

Browse. Sell. Buy at FGBuyandSell.com 72 | DECEMBER 24 2025

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This week Last week

Late Source: AHDB

Oct Nov Dec

Micronising peas

Latest available data All prices £/tonne ex-farm Feed Feed peas beans

£151.54 £153.85 £156.15

£97.31 £97.77 £98.23

£97.38 £97.85 £98.31

BEEF Roasting Joint Sirloin Steak Rump Steak Fillet Steak Diced Braising Steak Lean Mince Standard Mince

1560 2974 1884 4699 1189 1304 1057 674

1560 2974 1850 4699 1189 1304 1057 674

LAMB Whole Leg Shoulder (Bone-in) Shanks Steaks Chops Diced Standard Mince

1440 1442 1408 1894 1953 2371 1332

1440 1386 1343 1894 1932 2371 1317

PORK Leg (Boneless) Shoulder (Boneless) Fillet (Tenderloin) Loin Steaks Chops Diced Belly Slices Ribs Lean Mince

619 497 819 840 745 848 840 814 521

611 497 819 840 745 848 840 814 521 Source: AHDB

farmersguardian.com

22/12/2025 12:21 pm

CURRENCY WATCH

Last updated December 22, 2025

€1=£0.8738

£1=€1.444

$1=£0.7445

£1=$1.3432

UK DELIVERED WHEAT PRICES

NATIONAL STRAIGHTS PRICES

Thursday, December 11, 2025.

1. FEED WHEAT Avonrange Central Scotland East Anglia East Devon Lancashire London North Humberside Northamptonshire Oxfordshire South Humberside Southampton Tyne & Wear West Midlands East Midlands

DEC 176.00 170.00 -

JAN 2026 FEB 2026 178.50 179.50 172.50 174.00 -

MAY 2026 177.50 -

NOV 2026 181.00 -

2. FULL SPEC. BREAD WHEAT North-West Northamptonshire South London / Essex Yorkshire

DEC 191.00 181.00 -

JAN 2026 FEB 2026 182.50 184.00 -

MAY 2026 190.50 -

NOV 2026 -

3. FULL SPEC. BISCUIT WHEAT North-West Northamptonshire South London / Essex Yorkshire

DEC -

JAN 2026 FEB 2026 -

MAY 2026 -

NOV 2026 -

DAIRY CATTLE PRICES

Last updated December 16, 2025 Source: LAA/IAAS

HOLSTEIN FRIESIAN

OTHER

Cows (under

Cows (under

Cows (over 36 months)

Cows (over 36

36 months)

months)

36 months)

GREAT BRITAIN

No. / Av.

No. / Av.

No. / Av.

No. / Av.

Bentham Carlisle Carmarthen Exeter Frome Gisburn Holsworthy Lancaster Leek Leyburn Market Drayton Norton and Brooksbank Otley Sedgemoor Shrewsbury Skipton Wigton Mold Whitland Ayr Lanark Stirling (ua)

-/-/31/2419.0 30/1694.3 -/16/2340.0 48/1582.7 -/54/1864.3 -/62/2068.7 -/-/112/1949.5 -/-/15/2586.7 1/1700.0 -/-/-/-/-

-/-/9/2088.9 47/1464.6 -/4/2330.0 146/1363.9 -/17/1935.9 -/73/2134.1 -/-/93/1665.1 -/-/11/1972.7 -/-/-/-/-/-

-/-/-/3/1550.0 -/-/-/-/7/1315.7 -/16/1775.0 -/-/3/2166.7 -/-/6/2850.0 -/-/-/-/-/-

-/-/3/963.3 41/744.1 -/-/-/-/3/1166.7 -/26/2142.3 -/-/3/1693.3 -/-/3/2466.7 -/-/1/1800.00 -/-/-

We Fr Th We Tu We\Fr

Th\Sa

Th Mo Tu

HAY AND STRAW: REGIONS Week ending December 21, 2025.

Quality SE Scotland North East East Yorks N Midlands E Midlands C Midlands E Counties South Wales South East South West South

Big bale hay

Pickup baled hay and straw Seed Meadow Barley hay hay straw

Wheat straw

Big sq. baled straw Barley Wheat straw straw

Good 105 175 125 120 130 140 120 125 130 150 155

Good 200 142 200 140 150 225 180

-

Good 90 95 87 90 90 90 85 100 85 120 102

Good 200 142 200 130 140 180 170

-

Good 85 75 77 80 78 80 70 100 70 108 92

Source: British Hay and Straw Merchants’ Association

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Last updated December 22, 2025 Commodity Hi Pro Soyameal – North Hi Pro Soyameal – South Soya hulls Maize distillers Maize gluten Non-GM HP sugar beet pellets (delivered) Whole maize PCR Negative Palm kernel expellers Rapeseed meal basis Erith Kent Rapeseed meal basis Humber Distillers dark grains

January-April 332.00 332.00 188.00 247.00 223.00

May-October 329.00 ✸ 329.00 ✸ 187.00 239.00 207.00

N/A POA 266.00 265.00 248.00

N/A POA 273.00 272.00 248.00

Source: Straights Direct November-December 338.00 338.00 187.00 244.00 284.00 283.00 254.00

Key: All prices in pounds sterling. Currency, £/$1.340; £/€1.197 Guide prices indicated include delivery charge of £6/tonne. ✸ = After safe arrival; F = First half; S = Second half; ● = December; ✥ = April; ✦ = February/April; ◗ = June/July; ▲ = March/June; ✧ = May/June; ✪ = August/October; ❊ = January.

MILK PRICE LEAGUE TABLE

*These prices reflect the milk supplied to the retailer

October 2025

Source: AHDB

Aligned liquid milk* Müller Milk & Ingredients M&S Müller Milk & Ingredients TSDG (Tesco)4 Müller Milk & Ingredients Co-op Dairy Group Müller Milk & Ingredients Sainsbury’s3

Monthly price 45.79 43.30 43.02 45.50

Annual average 45.71 43.22 42.94 45.42

Standard Manufacturing UK Arla Farmers Manufacturing1 Barber’s Cheesemakers First Milk Manufacture2 Lactalis – Caledonian Cheese Wyke Farms Leprino Foods South Caernarfon Creameries5 Belton Farm

Monthly price 45.23 45.21 43.39 43.91 43.63 42.55 42.62 42.58

Annual average 44.41 45.21 43.46 43.91 43.55 42.42 42.19 42.58

A&B Freshways

Monthly price 41.82

Annual average 41.14

1. This contract will receive a 1.31ppl guaranteed minimum payment. 2. This contract will receive a 0.50pl member premium payment. 2. This contract will receive a 1.81ppl Tesco cheese group payment. 3. This contract will receive a 0.63ppl ave sustainability payment. 4. This contract will receive a 1.46ppl ave sustainability payment. 5. This contract will receive a 0.25ppl actual 13th payment. Retailer price supplements are included where applicable. Supplements listed are in addition to listed milk prices. Milk prices shown are the monthly and annual average price that would be paid on a contract for 12 months going forward if the present price schedule remained the same. Prices listed above exclude capital retentions, administration charges, group subs and VAT but include levy and seasonality adjustments. Milk contracts are provided to AHDB on a voluntary basis. All prices shown are calculated using the AHDB Standard Litre. This reflects the average GB farm and from April 2024 is based on 1.5m litres/year, 4.20% butterfat, 3.38% protein, 160k somatic cell count and 27k bactoscan.* There has also been a slight adjustment to the AHDB levy, which came into force in April 2024. To calculate prices specific to your own milk visit the AHDB Milk Price Calculator. *Please note: This month the AHDB standard litre for 2025/6 has been updated to reflect UK trends for increased levels of butterfat and protein in average milk content and for changing monthly milk production. Monthly butterfat has increased from 4.20% to 4.25% and protein from 3.38% to 3.40%. Monthly milk volumes have been slightly reduced in spring and raised for the winter months.

UK MONTHLY MILK PRODUCTION

Source: AHDB

UK milk deliveries in October 2025 were 6.8% up on the year at 1,309 million litres.

Cumulatively, this was 6.1% up on the year to date. October 2025 GB milk deliveries were up 6.8% for the same period at 1,100m litres. GB milk deliveries for the year to date were 5.5% up.

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farmersguardian.com/app 24/7 news at farmersguardian.com DECEMBER 24 2025 | 73

22/12/2025 12:21 pm

Farming: The Backbone of B rit In Northern Ireland, a farming choir is rebuilding community, fighting loneliness and proving that music can reach places ordinary words cannot.

Danusia Osiowy finds out more.

I

f music is healing, then on a cold Monday night in Ballymena, you can almost see it, never mind hear it. In the hall where the Farmers’ Choir meets, members peel off wet coats, grab a mug of tea and pull chairs into a familiar semi-circle. Tractors are parked up, parlours are washed down, and for a few precious hours the only jobs that matter are breathing, listening and singing together.

What began as an idea to combat rural isolation has become a deeply valued space where people can find understanding, company and purpose. By the time the choir reaches full voice, their efforts are visible, and as one member puts it: “You can tell we are practising hard because you can see your breath in the air when you are singing.”

Musical director Barkley Thompson believes the name – the Farmers’ Choir – is non-negotiable.

“Everyone has a connection, either to farming or to the rural world,” he says of the 55-strong group, which includes active and retired farmers, farmers’ wives, vets, contractors and milk lorry drivers.

Combating isolation With many Northern Irish farms small and family-run, rural isolation is increasing. Barkley, a dairy farmer’s son, remembers working together in the fields as a child, especially during the potato harvest, sharing flasks and conversation.

“Now the machinery has replaced the teamwork and chat; a lot of that connection has gone. The choir is helping to rebuild it, using music as the bridge,” he says.

“Farming is tough and often lonely.

Days can pass without real conversation, and admitting struggle can be harder still in places where everyone knows everyone.”

So, in 2018, the Northern Trust approved a pilot scheme to see if a choir could change that.

Back at the group, rehearsals run from 8pm, but Barkley rarely locks up before 11pm.

“We sing until 9.30pm, then there is tea, traybakes and shortbread.

People want to sit and chat,” he says.

Talent is welcome but optional – you do not have to be the best singer, because this is about connecting and building friendships.

The ages range from early 30s to 74 | DECEMBER 24 2025

p74 75 Dec24 EA R.indd 2

Farmers’ C h a rural com m

In a world with differences and conflict, music brings people together. It connects us, and it lifts us BARKLEY THOMPSON early 80s, with one of the youngest members now arriving with her seven-month-old baby in tow.

Barkley says: “She drives about an hour each way. Her husband keeps the four-year-old home feeding calves, and she comes with the wee one. For her, it is something that is hers but still among people who understand farm life.”

Another member passes several nearby choirs to reach them.

“She said: ‘It is the friendship, it is the fun, it is the light-heartedness.

Some choirs can be quite elitist and sometimes unwelcoming, and we are not that’,” says Barkley.

Ask Barkley why this choir matters, and the personal stories come thick and fast.

There is the farmer who lost his entire dairy herd to bovine TB: years of work wiped away overnight. His wife spotted an advertisement in the paper and encouraged him to go. By week two, she had joined too.

“She told me it was the first thing they had been able to do together for years. For two hours, they travel together, sing together and have something just for them,” he says.

There is a member whose husband died in a farm accident and joined through Rural Support’s Life Beyond programme.

“For her, this is a lifeline, connecting with people who understand the farming world,” he says.

And then there is the man who did not leave his house for eight years after his wife passed away from cancer.

“He just sat in his armchair, swamped in deep grief. Eight years – can you even begin to imagine that?

A member convinced him to come,

The Farmers’ Choir was formed in Ballymena, Northern Ireland.

and somehow he did. He says the choir has given him a life again. He gets out, socialises, and is now on the choir committee,” adds Barkley Of course, these are the kinds of things no audience can see when they clap at the end of a song. But Barkley does, and his emotion is palpable.

Joy and pride “As I tell the choir, I can see what they cannot,” he says.

“When I am conducting them, and they are singing, it is the joy, the fun, the tears, the sense of pride that they are on stage performing. I feel so privileged to stand before them. I have

worked with lots of music groups, but this is different. You really feel it.”

The choir was not formed to chase trophies or applause, but the wider world is beginning to notice.

Their two-night Christmas concerts sell about 500 tickets, drawing crowds for festive singalongs, audience interaction and their now-famous ‘Farmers’ 12 Days of Christmas’.

They also perform for causes close to home, including Northern Ireland Hospice, a local food bank and Rural Support.

And then there was Windsor.

After a lengthy audition process farmersguardian.com

17/12/2025 12:53

f B ritain

Edited by Emily Ashworth 07977 706 711 emily.ashworth@agriconnect.com

C hoir brings m munity together

for BBC One’s Sing for the King, the choir was chosen to perform as part of the Coronation Choir for King Charles III in May 2023.

From more than 1,000 applications, just 18 choirs were chosen to form a 300-strong group representing communities brought together through the power of song.

For the final stage, celebrity choirmaster Gareth Malone visited Northern Ireland to see them in their natural habitat. Barkley collected him in a New Holland tractor and took him to the cow shed where they sang.

“We were told we were going to farmersguardian.com

p74 75 Dec24 EA R.indd 3

Windsor, and I still cannot believe that happened,” he says.

“It was such a wonderful and happy occasion. We rehearsed in St George’s Chapel, and it is a memory that will be in our minds and our hearts forever.”

The choir performed Brighter Days by Emeli Sande, before joining Take That for the final number.

“To have a group of rural Irish folk on stage with Take That singing Never Forget was just awesome,” says Barkley.

Former Northern Ireland Health Minister and president of Young Farmers’ Clubs of Ulster Robin Swann phoned Barkley after watching the

performance on television, and continued to support their journey to charity status in 2024.

Connection For all the milestones, Barkley’s focus remains unchanged.

“Music can express emotions you cannot always say out loud,” he says.

“In a world with differences and conflict, music brings people together. It connects us, and it lifts us.”

This year’s Christmas show will close with The Greatest Gift of All, a song which has been deliberately chosen for reflection.

“The last line talks about love,

peace in our world. That is the greatest gift, for all of us,” says Barkley.

For now, Barkley continues to teach full-time, squeezing choir admin into evenings and weekends, already thinking about next spring’s concerts, the summer shows, and the people he has yet to reach.

He says: “There is a great need for the choir as it continues to bring people from the farming and rural communities together. People get so much from it, and there is so much more we could do. Watch this space.”

MORE INFORMATION Visit farmersguardian.com/farm-life DECEMBER 24 2025 | 75

17/12/2025 12:53

In Your Field Every week we follow the ups and downs of farmers around the UK JAMES AND ISOBEL WRIGHT

Devon James and Isobel, with their two young children, recently bought their first farm, and plan to run beef and sheep over 13.8 hectares (34 acres), renting a further 44.5ha (110 acres). James works for tech firm Breedr as UK country manager. You can follow them on Twitter @jpbwfarm.

T

he farm we own and rent has been clear of bovine TB for 23 years. Just after Christmas, we’ve got our annual bovine TB test.

Our test on the Tuesday will be followed by three nearly sleepless nights, where I will be wondering if my plans to sell our weaned calves, which pay for the year’s rent, all of our inputs, and all our fixed costs, are going to go up in smoke.

Going down with bovine TB would ruin so many plans. Not only would we have to retest the cattle in the middle of calving, but we would also instantly devalue any of the breeding stock we were hoping to sell at the end of next year.

Our vets are brilliant and we only have to do this once a year, unlike neighbours who have to test every six months, but I do almost feel like I am tempting fate writing this.

We will know soon enough.

Landlines By the end of January 2027, all landlines will have moved to voice over internet protocol.

That means the copper cable will be no more and your phone will be

‘Isobel and I are forced to imagine what two cheeky Christmas elves are doing’ provided via your internet. I had a first-hand experience of the beginnings of digital disenfranchisement when one of my wonderful neighbours called me and asked for help filling in his firearms renewal. The form, which I thought would take us 20 minutes, took us an hour.

I could not even imagine someone who is not technology-savvy trying to complete it.

With Government plans afoot to make it harder to gain or renew shotgun licences, I really do worry for the

generation who, through no fault of their own, struggle with technology.

I am the Grinch. Christmas is not for me. However, I now have three sons, eight months, three years, and four years old and I am no longer allowed not to love Christmas.

Christmas The tree is up, Isobel and I are forced to imagine what two cheeky Christmas elves are doing each morning and I’m planning how long I need to make polite conversation

with in-laws on Christmas Day before I can make an excuse that the cows’ silage needs pushing up.

I am, though, looking forward to being awoken by my excited children to tell me that Father Christmas has been and the enormous amount of turkey, stuffing and pigs in blankets, all from a fantastic butcher in Dulverton, that I can eat.

Whether you are on a beach, spending the day with family, or working on the farm or off it, I wish you a joy-filled Christmas and a Happy New Year.

In print, in pocket, informed, in profit.

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10/09/2025 08:45 farmersguardian.com

22/12/2025 07:47

NEXT WEEK Cornwall Alan Carter Kent Dan Hawes

‘Farming can take up so much space in your mind’ North Wales Dan Jones farms 650 ewes at the National Trust-owned Parc Farm, which sits on the Great Orme, a limestone headland which rises up 208 metres (682 feet) on the North Wales coast near Llandudno.

His Farm Business Tenancy covers the 58 hectares (143 acres) at Parc Farm, plus 364ha (900 acres) of grazing rights on the hill.

W

hat a year. When I look back, it feels like we’ve lived through three different climates and five different versions of ourselves.

Yet it began so gently. Spring arrived with a kindness that felt almost unfamiliar, and lambing, for once, wasn’t a battle – it was a joy.

Those bright mornings, ewes settled and content, lambs arriving without drama. It reminded me why we keep going when so many things try to wear us down.

Then summer hit, hard. Dry, hot, and unrelenting, the kind of heat that steals the colour out of a field before you’ve even had time to worry about it.

People said it was drier than 1976, and for once the stories felt true.

Watching the grass disappear was like watching hope shrink by the day.

Rain

By October the skies opened, and they’ve barely closed since. Rain, wind, sideways rain, the sort that tests not just waterproofs, but your spirit.

This time of year can feel incredibly lonely, even when you know others are facing the same battles. But the sheep, as always, take it in their stride.

Tupping is just about finished now and we look forwards to scanning. No matter how many years I’ve done this, tupping still sparks a flicker of some-

Crossword 1329

thing deep – excitement, hope, maybe even the courage to believe next year will be better. That feeling is what keeps a shepherd going when the daylight disappears too early and the hill feels twice as steep.

Outside farming, I’ve never been good at sitting still. I always seem to need another challenge or goal, something to push me on. I used to think this was a flaw, but I’m starting to understand it’s a lifeline. Farming can take up so much space in your mind you forget what else you’re capable of.

This year I achieved one of my lifelong ambitions, completing my Nuffield Farming Scholarship. It was inspiring, overwhelming, and transformative in ways I’m still trying to understand. Now that I’ve presented my findings, I feel slightly emptied out,

Send in your correct entries to be in with a chance of winning £20 worth of Love2shop vouchers every month. Send to: Crossword No. 1329, Farmers Guardian, Unit 4, Fulwood Business Park, Caxton Road, Fulwood, Preston, PR2 9NZ.

ACROSS

1 Issue, say, concerning me returning (6) 5 Biblical prophet in South Africa gets savoury pastry (6) 10 Some rather essential start of toast (5) 11 Person responsible for administration put to death about four (9) 12 24 hours are chilly, we hear, in this educational establishment (3,6) 13 Container for feeding animals, not right.

Unfortunate! (5) 14 Having desire for type of well? (7) 16 Repeated line of umpire dogged by downpours? (7) 18 Class remains disorderly (7) 20 Coutrymen whose business may be growing (7) 22 We wish such a joyous 26ac to all 20 (5) 24 A gay revel spoilt to a certain extent (9) 26 Celebratory season diversifying its charms (9) 27 Occasionally lip-read openings of quite involved language (5) 28 Classy moggie returning consuming cream essentially leaves you with none (4,2) 29 A New York native American greeting in a careless way (6) NAME ADDRESS POSTCODE

like I’ve stepped off a long journey and I’m not sure what to do with the quiet.

Naturally, my thoughts drift to having a go at sheepdog trials or going back to endurance cycling events, and perhaps next year I’ll throw myself into another one.

As the year closes, I want to offer something simple but sincere: thanks.

Thank you to those who read these words, who check in, who quietly support farmers through the highs and lows. This job can be isolating, demanding, and at times brutally unforgiving, but knowing that people care and that they understand, or at least try to, makes it all worth it.

Here’s to weathering the rest of winter, finding light in the dark days, and walking into the next year with hope.

Merry Christmas everyone.

DOWN

2 Compassion can make the compiler cry perhaps (5) 3 Surgical removal concerning portion (9) 4 In a short time dearies regularly yearn (3,4) 5 Excellent sheep enclosure in Scotland, heart of yard (7) 6 After brief time not oddly turns to horse (5) 7 Encourage dreadfully taut smile (9) 8 Female pig circling had an inseparable companion (6) 9 Enclosure round a male showy bird’s partner (6) 15 Gloomy and endlessly gross hats (9) 17 Family rot about ceremonious observance (9) 18 Mother hiding in so great a tree (6) 19 Daughter interrupts ramble, Dad upset plan (4,3) 20 Lets loose first-class fragrant plant (7) 21 Items scattered round rear of city block (6) 23 Eyes estimating partly what nods indicate (5) 25 Venerator embraces love-poetry muse (5)

Answers to crossword 1327: Across: 1 Associating, 9 Outdoor, 10 Tadpole, 11 Commander, 12 Agent, 13 Ditch, 14 Classical, 16 Exclaimed, 18 Ranch, 20 Pours, 22 Operation, 24 Observe, 25 Toilers, 26 Transparent.

Down: 1 Automatic, 2 Stomach, 3 Cured, 4 Afterward, 5 Indians, 6 Grove, 7 Forced, 8 Rental, 1 4 Composers, 15 Continent, 16 Employ, 17 Austria, 18 Realise, 19 Honest, 21 Upset, 23 Extra.

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DAN JONES

DECEMBER 24 2025 | 77

19/12/2025 15:31

Farming Matters Forthright opinions from throughout the world of agriculture

‘Let’s hope there are good returns for farmers in 2026’

A

s the year comes to an end, most farmers will look back at 2025 with some despondency, given the challenge of Inheritance Tax (IHT) overhanging the industry, uncertainty over future support mechanisms and, for many, weather conditions that have reduced yields of combinable crops and forage.

I am hopeful that in the coming year our farmers can get back to focusing on the day job and worry less about what the politicians are up to BRIAN RICHARDSON

Particularly in the case of IHT, those challenges have been a major worry and distraction from the day job of farming, and the professionals have been working hard to advise their farming clients on mitigation and planning succession.

It demonstrates the extraordinary resilience of the sector that, despite these dark clouds overhanging the industry, farmers have very much got on with the job of food production and managing the environment they work in.

Economics Despite the negatives, the economics of farming have seen continuing improvements in returns in most sectors, but the challenges faced by the industry have left confidence low, and that in turn has led to low levels of investment which is not a good thing for the future.

So, if the farming sector finishes 2025 in an understandably gloomy mood, let us look forward positively to 2026.

While adjustments to IHT requirements in the Budget were small, at least we now have some clarity on the rules and farmers can

FG Farm Dog of the Month

put their important succession plans and mitigation in place. If there is one positive thing to come out of this challenge, it is that succession plans have been pushed to the forefront of thinking. This has given many farming businesses a clear focus on developing a plan for the future which, in many cases, will create opportunities for younger family members.

The economics for the meat and egg sector remain very positive as demand is holding up well, and better prices are giving farmers the chance to look at investment for the medium- to long-term.

The arable sector has suffered a double whammy of a poor harvest for many compounded by low prices. Cereals and oilseeds are very much priced on an international basis, so a lower UK yield does not translate into higher prices given big crops are appearing in other parts of the world.

Due to a good autumn planting period, there is the potential for better yields next year, weather willing, which will be needed since forecasters are not indicating any uplift in prices at the present time.

The dairy sector has seen the major processors announcing significant reductions in price for December, and there are no immediate signs that this trend will not continue into the first months of 2026.

This is a sector that is focused on efficiency and cost of production, and while margins have been good, the constant need for investment means there is little fat to carry forward. Careful management will be essential and farmers must understand costs of production and manage cashflow to navigate this challenging environment.

Farmers will continue to focus on producing high-quality food at incredible value for money while managing and supporting the natural environment. Let’s hope there are good returns for farmers in News trade distribution Seymour Distribution Ltd, 2 East Poultry Avenue, London, EC1A 9PT. Tel 0207 429 4000, Fax 0207 429 4001

This month we introduce you to Nellie (standing), a 12-year-old collie cross kelpie, and Peg (lying down), a seven-year-old collie cross kelpie cross huntaway, out in the tractor with Roger Hughes in South Gloucestershire.

If you would like your canine companion to be featured next month, please email pictures to marcello.garbagnoli@agriconnect.com.

78 | DECEMBER 24 2025

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BRIAN RICHARDSON Head of agriculture, Virgin Money

Tell us your views Post Letters to the Editor, Farmers Guardian, Unit 4, Caxton Road, Fulwood, Preston, Lancashire, PR2 9NZ Email fgeditorial@agriconnect.com

2026, allowing them to invest in the future and plan for the medium- to long-term rather than just shortterm survival.

Managing what you can control will be the focus and we must hope support mechanisms that support and complement what farmers are doing appear in 2026. We need a more stable period for the farming sector and no unexpected events that knock that off-course.

Long-term industry Farming is a long-term industry that deserves everyone’s support, and I am hopeful that in the coming year our farmers can get back to focusing on the day job and worry less about what the politicians are up to.

If that happens, 2026 should be a year when a greater level of confidence returns to the farming sector – and I’m sure that’s something we all hope to see.

In next week’s

Don’t miss our focus on family farms, plus a roundup of the record breakers and sale toppers from 2025.

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19/12/2025 16:23

The Agricultural Event of The Year - Now Bigger For 2026, LAMMA co-locates with CropTec and Low Carbon Agriculture to deliver an unrivalled showcase of machinery, agronomy and low-carbon innovation for farmers and industry professionals.

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Last chance to claim your FREE TICKET All show day registrations are subject to £10 +VAT entry fee. Register in advance for free entry.

Scan the QR code or visit lammashow.co.uk

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