Farmers Guardian 24th May 2024

AROUND THE RINGS –

BALMORAL BEAUTIES

MAKING PROGRESS

● More actions open to tenants ● Concerns remain for uplands

By Jane Thynne

AN ‘improved and expanded’ Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) has been unveiled by Defra, offering 102 actions, a greater number of which have been designed to appeal to tenant and upland farmers, as well as new entrants.

The announcements were described by Defra as the last ‘big change’ for SFI, with the scheme just ‘allowed to evolve’, and it has received a positive response from farming groups.

But as with many of the policies launched at last week’s Farm to Fork Summit, leaders have also expressed their concerns over the lack of detail and timing.

Available from July, the new SFI will initially comprise 102 actions, which Defra said have been designed in collaboration with the agricultural sector.

There are more than 20 new options to support more sustainable food production; a wider range of offers for upland farmers and more actions for tenants on short-term contracts.

There will also be payments for precision farming and agroforestry. For upland and common land farm-

NFU deputy president David Exwood described the announcement as ‘encouraging’ and said it answered the union’s calls for a ‘broader and more flexible’ approach, as well as a greater number of opportunities for moorland farmers.

Martin Lines, chair of the Nature Friendly Farming Network, said: “This will restore confidence for farmers. It is particularly good news [the actions] are going to be available to those who have not claimed the Basic Payment Scheme and to new entrants.

Available from July, the new SFI will initially comprise 102 actions.

ers, Defra said as their situation was more ‘complex’, discussions will begin soon as to what is available and how farmers can negotiate. It said applications were expected to open in autumn, with actions offered from 2025.

Announcing the updates, Defra said it was ‘sticking to the plan for agriculture’ by offering actions which will help farmers to reduce input costs and boost yields.

Alongside this, 50 simplified actions from Countryside Stewardship

Mid-Tier will be merged into SFI to streamline the application process for farmers. There will also be a reduction for some tasks from five to three years to align with the needs of tenant farmers.

Farming Minister Sir Mark Spencer said: “The new expanded SFI offer gives farmers more choice, makes things easier and pays out more, so they can get on with the important job of producing high-quality food in a sustainable way.”

“It is also positive this announcement has come out early enough for farmers to plan their crop rotations and the year ahead. Businesses will be more resilient which will benefit food production.”

However, Exmoor farmer and trustee at the Foundation for Common Land, Robin Milton, said once again it appeared that upland and common land farmers would be the last to benefit.

He said: “It is an impressive announcement, but there is absolutely no detail. It is very frustrating. It sounds like progress, but without

PICTURE: GETTY

Next Generation: How to enter the Young British Farming Awards. See p100.

MORE INFORMATION

For more from the Pig and Poultry Fair, see p70-71.

Red Tractor chair set to step down

By Rachael Brown

RED Tractor chair Christine Tacon has announced she will be stepping down to ‘avoid perceived conflicts’, following her appointment to the Co-op board.

In a statement to members, she said taking on the position ‘created a dilemma’ with her role as chair, adding she was ‘acutely aware’ of reservations about supermarket power in general and the lack of trust in Red Tractor from some quarters which needed to be repaired.

Ms Tacon said it was a move that she did not welcome in ‘any way’, adding she was confident she could have executed both roles ‘without compromising either organisation’.

“However, I do not want to risk giving oxygen to those intent on criticising Red Tractor, or for this to be the cause of any negative publicity,” she said, adding that despite ‘current bumps in the road’ with Red Tractor it was a ‘unique and valuable asset to us all’ and issues were being addressed.

The announcement followed a request last month for a vote of no confidence brought forward in Red Tractor’s beef and lamb board meeting. The vote has reportedly

been delayed until July to give Red Tractor scope to make changes.

North Devon sheep farmer and vice-president of the National Sheep Association, Bryan Griffiths, believed now was a ‘golden opportunity to change things’ and that co-design and fair representation was key.

He said: “We have this opportunity to build [Red Tractor] and relaunch it with a sense of ownership, so that farmers have some sense of buy-in, rather than sit down, as has been the case, with a very retail-centric body saying what we want farmers to do – we have to move away from that concept.”

Not surprising

Tenant Farmers Association national chair Robert Martin said Ms Tacon’s departure was ‘not surprising’ given her previous comments on the implementation of the controversial Greener Farms Commitment being a matter of when, rather than if. He added the next chair needed to focus on open governance, avoiding mission creep and work to demonstrate farmers and growers were fairly rewarded for compliance.

Ms Tacon said she will remain in the position at the ownership body’s discretion until a new or interim chair was appointed.

‘Lessons are being learned’, assurance body tells farmers

RED Tractor farm assurance needs to ‘work for the agricultural industry’ and was ready to support the sector in anything environmental should it feel assurance has a role to play within that.

That was the message from the Red Tractor team at this year’s Pig and Poultry Fair.

Red Tractor’s head of operations, Philippa Wiltshire, stressed lessons were being learned, especially in areas important to farmers — ‘value, audit efficiency and transparency’.

She said farm assurance was ‘constantly evolving’, adding ‘it will look very different in five years time’.

“The main board is committed to doing a lot more member communication,” she said, adding it wanted to make sure it works for the

farming industry, but to do that it needed to ‘stay ahead of tomorrow’s challenges and work collaboratively’.

Red Tractor’s pig sector director, Stewart Houston, said with ‘diverging customer and market demands’ audit tension was rising and Red Tractor was ‘keen to iron out those complexities’.

“We are always keen to facilitate joint inspections with other schemes and customers to help streamline the process,” he said, adding the focus should be on pigs ‘not the paperwork’.

In a panel discussion with RSPCA Assured’s head of certification Neil Scott, Mr Houston asked how the two assurance schemes could potentially work together. Mr Scott said ‘nothing was off the table’, but stressed there was no commitment.

1964 DOE TRIPLE D MAKES £70,000 AT AUCTION

SOLD for £70,000, this New Performance Doe Triple D was described by auctioneers Cheffins as an original example fitted with a Fritzmeier cab, wheel weights, rear linkage and with original engines. It was initially supplied to F.H. Dennis, Home Farm, Clare, Suffolk, in 1964. The UK buyer was not disclosed. It was in a classic tractors and machinery auction by instruction of Johnson Bros, Harvington, Worcestershire.

Plaid Cymru ends co-operation deal

rPressure on for Welsh First Minister

By Rachael Brown

PLAID Cymru has pulled out of its co-operation agreement with Welsh Government, with the party’s leader Rhun ap Iorwerth ‘deeply concerned’ by recent controversies surrounding the First Minister Vaughan Gething.

The agreement was set to last for three years and although Plaid Cymru was in opposition, it was established for the party to work with Government on a set of policies.

In a statement, Mr Iorwerth said: “I remain deeply concerned that the First Minister has failed to pay back

the £200,000 donation to his leadership campaign from a company convicted of environmental offences, and believe it demonstrates a significant lack of judgement.”

Worrying circumstances

Mr Iorwerth added he was also ‘worried’ by circumstances around the decision to sack former minister Hannah Blythyn over allegedly leaking messages to the media, which she denied.

The move to separate themselves from Welsh Labour, comes at a critical point of transition in Welsh agriculture with the delayed launch of the Sustainable Farming Scheme.

Plaid Cymru rural affairs spokesperson Llyr Gruffydd said: “From staving off the full implementation of

the Water Quality Regulations, through to significantly strengthening the Agriculture Act and most recently securing a delay in the introduction of the Sustainable Farming Scheme, Plaid Cymru is proud of the way we have used our co-operation agreement with the Welsh Government to fight for the interests of rural Wales.”

Mr Gruffydd said the party will continue to fight ‘farmers’ corner’ with ‘renewed vigour and a clear commitment to holding Labour to account.’

The Welsh Conservatives said discussions were ongoing around seeking a vote of no confidence.

Leader of the Welsh Conservatives Andrew RT Davies said the end of the ‘coalition’ was ‘an attempt to save face’ and the move meant ‘nothing’.

On-farm bovine TB slaughter changes

FARMING figures have welcomed changes made to Wales’ bovine TB on-farm slaughter rules, which aims to reduce the number of cattle slaughtered on-farm.

Under the changes, farmers will be able to delay the removal of a cow or heifer in the last 60 days of pregnancy and animals that have given birth in the previous seven days, subject to biosecurity conditions.

There will also be limited flexibility, on a case-by-case basis, to isolate cattle and delay their removal if they are within a few days of the end of a medicine-withdrawal period.

Dai Miles, Farmers’ Union of Wales deputy president, welcomed the ‘pace’ of the decision, but called it an ‘ineffective’ eradication programme.

He added this was remedying the ‘symptom’ not addressing the cause.

Plaid Cymru rural affairs spokesperson Llyr Gruffydd said he had been contacted by ‘disappointed farmers’, who ‘felt let down by this outcome’ and urged the Cabinet Secretary to publish the TAG advice.

Mr Gruffydd said: “The prospect of having to keep bTB infected cows on the farm is hardly welcome and it will leave many with no choice, but to suffer the horror of on-farm culling.”

He called for clarity on isolation requirements, such as whether it would be practical or advisable for infected cattle to be milked in the same parlour as clean cattle.

He said these ‘very practical concerns underlined the importance’ of ensuring farming representation on advisory groups.

Mr Gething said: “While it was always a time-limited agreement, we are disappointed Plaid Cymru has decided to walk away from their opportunity to deliver for the people of Wales.”

THE HEART OF AGRICULTURE

Farmers Guardian, Unit 4, Fulwood Business Park, Caxton Road, Fulwood, Preston, Lancashire, PR2 9NZ

Editor

Olivia Midgley, 07787 240 750 olivia.midgley@agriconnect.com

Head of News and Business

Alex Black, 01772 799 409 alex.black@agriconnect.com

Chief Reporter

Rachael Brown, 07974 039 778 rachael.brown@agriconnect.com

News and Business Reporters

Jane Thynne jane.thynne@agriconnect.com

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

Business Reporter

Cedric Porter cedric.porter@agriconnect.com

Arable Technical Specialist

Ash 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

Katie Jones, 07786 856 439 katie.jones@agriconnect.com

Features Editor and Head of Livestock Sales

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

Online Editor

Emily Ashworth, 01772 799 446 emily.ashworth@agriconnect.com

Creative Services

Mike Begley, 01772 799 405 mike.begley@agriconnect.com

Katie Haydock, 01772 799 561 katie.haydock@agriconnect.com

Picture Editor

Marcello Garbagnoli, 01772 799 445 marcello.garbagnoli@agriconnect.com

Sales Director

Stephanie Ryder, 07917 271 987 Stephanie.ryder@agriconnect.com

Circulation

Subscription hotline 0330 333 0056

help@subscribe.farmers-guardian.com

Newstrade enquiries 01772 799 434

UK print subscriptions £189; Europe: £226.80; RoW: £283.50. FG digital subscriptions: £109

News trade distribution

Seymour Distribution Ltd, 2 East Poultry Avenue, London, EC1A 9PT. Tel 0207 429 4000, Fax 0207 429 4001

Published by Agriconnect

The

NEWS Mental health needs to be top of agenda

rRenewed urgency to find solutions

By Chris Brayford

INDUSTRY leaders from across the farming and political spectrum have been urged to place mental health and farm safety at the top of their agenda in order to tackle the problem with the sector’s safety record.

At the Farm Safety Foundation’s (FSF) 10th anniversary conference in Solihull on Thursday (May 21), a number of representatives were in attendance from political parties, agricultural organisations and charities to discuss the role of farmers in improving the sector’s health and safety.

With a renewed sense of urgency to provide solutions to the problems the industry faces, FSF manager Stephanie Berkeley praised the optimism of farmers and politicians in wanting to see improvements in the near future.

James Chapman, a contract farmer from Long Itchington, Warwickshire, and chair of trustees at FSF,

said the paramount importance of farm safety and mental health had been underlined by the volume of attendees – believed to be over 100 – who were taking the issue seriously and making positive steps towards addressing the problem on-farm.

David Exwood, NFU vice-president, said the industry was at a major turning point in rectifying its problem with farm safety after a ‘generation without change’ and he was optimistic about the role played by farmers to progress positive change.

“Now has to be the moment where we are doing things differently because we have not seen the change we need, which is really disappointing,” he said.

Propel the message

Andrew Connon, vice-president at NFU Scotland, praised the work of charities including RSABI and Farmstrong Scotland, but he urged farmers to work with Government to propel the message of farm safety on the same level as that of mental health.

Farming Minister Sir Mark Spen-

Now has to be the moment where we are doing things differently because we have not seen the change we need

DAVID EXWOOD

cer said it was positive to see the industry encouraging conversations about the topic, but admitted the Government had to make changes in order to reach out to people facing a mental health crisis.

“One thing we need to do better in Government is to find ambassadors from across the industry to go onto farms, to tune in to the people who are really struggling with their mental health and to offer the support they need.”

Industry leaders have been urged to place mental health and farm safety at the top of their agenda.

From page 1

access to any real information –that seems to typify Defra’s approach.

“I hope there is progress. We seem to be getting a more complete offer than SFI 24. If the application portal works as it should do, that would be a distinct improvement.”

He added that questions

remained around the upland and common land areas.

He said: “These actions come with so many unknowns regarding tiers, Countryside Stewardship and so on. What is even more concerning is to what extent do these actions mean destocking?

“This is something those who manage moorland will be

particularly worried about.” In further political news, as Farmers Guardian went to press on Wednesday (May 22), the Prime Minister was expected to announce a General Election on July 4.

MORE INFORMATION For more from Martin Lines, see this week’s Farming Matters on p104.

PICTURE: GETTY

Supply Chain Adjudicator will have ‘teeth’ to alter sector

rNew role will initially focus on dairy

By Jane Thynne

THE appointment of a Supply Chain Adjudicator marks a ‘big step forward’ in the Government’s commitment to achieving fairer prices for farmers, MPs have been told.

Speaking at the final Efra Select Committee evidence session looking into fairness in the supply chain, Farming Minister Sir Mark Spencer said the ‘primary role’ of

the new adjudicator Robert Thompson when he takes up the post on June 1, will be to enforce powers outlined in the new dairy regulation legislation which comes into effect on July 9.

Work together

He also said Mr Thompson would work ‘hand in glove’ with Groceries Code Adjudicator Mark White.

“This is a big step forward and there is a lot of work to do in building relationships across the sector,” Sir Mark added.

The Minister also said farmers would have direct access to the adjudicator

and that he would be free to investigate without political interference.

“I do not want to box him in. He needs the freedom to go and do what he needs to do, with the power to back that up and the teeth to make changes.”

Sarah Evered, Defra’s deputy director for innovation, productivity and science, added Mr Thompson would be able to issue fines and penalties, with his role initially focusing on the dairy sector, but then extending to pigs before being further rolled out.

Extra cash ringfenced to support smaller abattoirs

THE smaller abattoir sector has received a further boost this week, following an announcement at the recent Farm to Fork Summit that Defra is set to provide £3 million to support the creation of new and mobile abattoirs.

Writing on the department’s blog, Red Meat and Dairy Team leader Owen Marlow revealed grants available via the Smaller Abattoir Fund would be raised from £60,000 to £75,000, while the intervention rate will be increased by 10 per cent to 50 per cent.

Megan Perry, head of policy and campaigns at the Sustainable Food Trust, said it was ‘delighted’ the Government had taken such ‘significant steps’ to support the sector.

More ‘viable’

She said it made the fund much more ‘viable’ for smaller operators and the trust would be reaching out to eligible abattoirs to ensure they had heard and check if they needed support.

Last week it was announced at

the Downing Street summit that Defra was to provide £3m to support the creation of new and mobile abattoirs in England through the Farming Investment Fund.

This funding was in addition to the existing £4m set aside as part of the Smaller Abattoir Fund which was launched in December 2023 to try and help the struggling sector which – between 2018 and 2022 –saw the closure of a quarter of its smaller red meat abattoirs.

Following up on other announcements made at the recent Farm to Fork Summit, committee chair Sir Robert Goodwill asked the Minister how issues raised in the publication of the first Food Security Index were being addressed.

Sir Robert suggested its findings could be considered ‘complacent’ in the face of global and domestic challenges and that its definitions and methodologies had been criticised as not being ‘sufficiently rigorous’.

No use

Sir Mark rejected the allegation and said it would be of no use to anyone if the Government highlighted too publicly the challenges the country faced in terms of food security. The Government was, he said, thinking ‘very seriously about those challenges and the mitigations we put in place’.

“Global food chains are interwoven. Getting that balance right between what we do produce and what we should produce in terms of seasonality, but also making sure our supply chains internationally are robust and secure, is the balance we are trying to strike.”

Robert Thompson’s primary role initially will be to enforce powers outlined in the new dairy regulation legislation which comes into effect on July 9.

PICTURE: GETTY

A worrying amount of illegally imported pigmeat is being seized at the Port of Dover, raising concerns about the possible spread of African swine fever.

Pig farmers are ‘sitting ducks’, NPA chief warns

rSector lockdown ‘one ham sandwich’ away

By Rachael Brown

BRITISH pig farmers are ‘sitting ducks’ when it comes to the increased risk of African swine fever (ASF) following changes to UK border security, industry leaders have warned.

National Pig Association (NPA) chief executive Lizzie Wilson told visitors to the Pig and Poultry Fair in Birmingham that worrying amounts of illegally imported pigmeat being seized at the Port of Dover increased the UK’s exposure to ASF.

Until the implementation of phase two of the Border Trading Operating Model, Dover Port Health Authority (DPHA) had received a grant to carry out biosecurity checks. However, DPHA said funding was halved as the new checkpoint – some 22 miles away at Sevington – became operational on April 30.

Campaigned

DPHA has consistently campaigned to have the cut reversed as it revealed since 2022 more than 85 tonnes of illegal meat had been stopped upon entry at Dover.

Sir Mark denied the cuts, and insisted the cash had instead been ‘split’.

“There is more cash going to Sev-

Do not panic. Nothing has changed, but the number of outbreaks across the EU are increasing

LIZZIE WILSON

ington, but that does not mean we are reducing the cash that is available to the Port of Dover to inspect

NZ trade body ‘strongly rejects’ welfare claims

TRADE body Beef + Lamb New Zealand has hit back at claims the country’s animal welfare standards are inferior to those of the UK.

Alex Gowen, regional manager UK and Europe, said producers ‘strongly rejected’ suggestions made by UK industry bodies that New Zealand lamb was produced to a lower standard than British meat. The rebuttal came following a decision by supermarket chain Morrisons to trial New Zealand lamb alongside domesticallyproduced lamb in 39 of its stores following consumer concerns over price.

The NFU said it was ‘disappointed’ with the decision that meant ‘home-grown lamb is likely to be replaced by products from overseas with significant food miles and produced to potentially lower standards’.

Ideal partner

Mr Gowen said: “New Zealand upholds high animal welfare and environmental standards, making it an ideal partner for providing safe, nutritious and high-quality lamb to United Kingdom consumers.

“New Zealand and the UK share common values and a commitment to

rigorous production standards and robust regulatory and quality assurance frameworks, so it is really disappointing to see these false claims promoted by the NFU. It is important UK customers know the facts.”

Mr Gowen added the country boasted some of the highest animal welfare standards worldwide, backed by the RSPCA, which had said in written evidence to the House of Lords on the potential trade deal between the two nations, ‘New Zealand is the one country globally to be judged to have better farm animal welfare standards than the UK’.

those daily trips. We are still in conversation with the Port of Dover to ensure they have enough resource.

“We are now inspecting those transit vans that are coming in and we are finding stuff.”

He added this was a ‘positive step forward’ and with the help of ‘intelligence-led inspections we will be in a stronger place’.

A report published by the European Food Safety Authority found in 2023 there was a ‘five-fold increase in ASF outbreaks in domestic pigs compared to the previous year’, with the virus hitting Sweden, Croatia and new areas of Italy for the first time.

Speaking on a panel, Ms Wilson stressed the need for the sector to prepare for the risk of ASF now.

“Do not panic. Nothing has changed, but the number of outbreaks across the EU are increasing. These large geographical jumps are a concern.”

Lack of clarity

A report by the National Audit Office this week, highlighted challenges over a lack of clarity on when controls would be in place, adding the loss of access to EU surveillance and alert systems ‘reduced the UK’s awareness of impending dangers like ASF’, and the ‘phased approach to introducing full controls has increased biosecurity risk’.

Mark Haighton, of Sofina Foods, said the industry was ‘one ham sandwich away’ from a total lockdown.

“Keep biosecurity high and on a wing and a prayer we will get through.”

Ministers told solar must not be built on good farmland

rEnergy targets must not hit food security

By Rachael Brown

THE E nergy Security Secretary Claire Coutinho told Parliament last week that the best agricultural land must be protected for food security and they should reject planning permission for solar farms on high-quality farmland.

Ms Coutinho said while it was important to reach solar targets in a ‘sensible way which delivers clean, cheaper energy’, it should ‘not compromise our food security’.

It was suggested that larger solar projects will be developed on; brownfields, contaminated, industrial, and lower quality agricultural land.

Solar energy will continue to play a key part in the Government’s plans for energy security and net zero – with more than four times the yearly increase in solar development expected by 2035.

Ms Coutinho said: “We are taking further steps today to make sure we can get that balance right. I want to see more solar on rooftops and where that is not possible, for agricultural land to be protected; and for the cumulative impact on local villages to be considered where they are facing a high number of solar farm applications.”

Dr Neil Hudson has been an advocate for protecting farming land against developments that would compromise food production.

He said he would like the development ban to be expanded to ‘both the greenbelt and grade 3b land’, which he said were capable of growing grass and cereals.

Tireless campaign

North Yorkshire tenant farmers

Emma and Robert Sturdy spent over three years tirelessly campaigning to prevent almost half of their arable farm being taken out of food production to accommodate a solar farm.

In October last year, they won their case convincingly to stop the develop-

Derogation period for free-range eggs removed

DEFRA and the Scottish Government have agreed to remove the 16-week derogation period for the labelling of free-range eggs produced by hens which are under mandatory housing measures due to avian flu.

The announcement was made at last week’s Farm to Fork Summit at Downing Street. It means producers in England and Scotland will no longer have to change how their eggs are labelled during housing orders, saving farmers from ‘costly labelling requirements’.

It follows an industry consultation, lobbied for by the NFU, alongside further asks around avian flu compensation and the publication

ment going ahead. However, their landlord and Harmony Energy has since appealed the decision.

In September there will be a public inquiry – a process instigated by Harmony Energy against the decision made by North Yorkshire Council.

“While Harmony Energy have had six months to prepare their case, as lifetime tenant farmers, we have less than four weeks to do the same, demonstrating the complete inequality and disparity against us,” said Ms Sturdy.

She added a ‘formidable amount of money, time and energy’ had been

spent on this appeal ‘by all parties’, which would have been ‘better served finding a suitable site’.

A Harmony Energy spokesperson highlighted national renewable energy policy which said there was ‘an urgent need for new electricity generating capacity’.

It added the majority of the district area comprised higher-grade land so it was hard to avoid when planning new development.

It added the site took up 0.012 per cent of farmland in Yorkshire and the Humber.

of a long-term strategy for insurance and vaccination.

NFU poultry board chair James Mottershead said he welcomed the news, but urged the Welsh Government to follow, adding the union was ‘disappointed’ at the absent response from the Welsh Government in the consultation.

“The removal of the 16-week derogation period will be welcomed by producers in England and Scotland who have previously faced significant practical challenges and costs. We continue to urge the Welsh Government to align so that producers in Wales are not disadvantaged.”

Energy Security Secretary Claire Coutinho is calling for steps to be taken to prevent high-quality farmland being taken over for solar farms.

Rail company plans a ‘crime against the countryside’

rTrainline to be

built on nature-rich farmland

By Jane Thynne

A RURAL group has accused a railway company of committing a ‘crime against the countryside’ over plans to build a trainline across nature-rich farmland in Cambridgeshire.

The Countryside Regeneration Trust (CRT) has sent an open letter to East West Rail (EWR) criticising its planned Bedford to Cambridge route.

The route will cut directly through the CRT-owned Lark Rise Farm near Barton in Cambridgeshire – an area known as Westfield which comprises regeneratively-farmed arable land and a waterway, Bourn Brook, as well as a range of species, including otters, voles, and farmland birds.

The letter stated: “These plans will destroy farmland effectively managed as an agricultural ‘nature reserve’ for specialist farmland birds and other endangered species for the past 24 years.

“More than ever before, we need to ensure farmland allows wildlife to flourish and Westfield has been farmed in a way that helps regenerate habitats for critically endangered species that have been in decline for decades.”

Unsuitable

CRT said it estimated the proposed railway line will make at least half of Westfield’s 48 hectares unsuitable for both agriculture and wildlife and

The Countryside Regeneration Trust has sent an open letter to East West Rail criticising its planned Bedford to Cambridge route.

that the environmental impact of the railway would have a ‘lasting negative impact’.

A spokesperson for EWR said: “We recognise the important role agriculture, the environment and biodiversity play in the local community and that is why we are committed to delivering 10 per cent Biodiversity Net Gain along the East West Rail route.”

The group has also called into question EWR’s impact survey results and has asked the rail company to meet directly with the CRT conservation team to discuss why the route was chosen over more obvious al-

ternatives and to discuss their concerns more fully.

“At every stage, we have assessed the environmental impacts on important areas like farmland and countryside and we are focused on finding solutions that avoid or reduce negative impacts to the environment,” the EWR spokesperson added.

CRT’s conservation officer Vince Lea said: “A large part of the wildlife at Westfield is farmland birds and no amount of ecological compensation sites can mitigate for their loss of habitat.

“EWR may believe its ecological compensation sites tick the right en-

Ban of live exports receives Royal Assent

LEGISLATION has been passed into law which will ban the export of live animals including cattle, sheep and pigs for slaughter and fattening from Great Britain.

The Animal Welfare (Livestock Exports) Act received Royal Assent on May 20.

Live exports in specific circumstances, for breeding and competitions, will still be allowed provided animals are transported in line with legal requirements which protect their welfare, according to Defra.

Steve Barclay, Defra secretary, said the Bill could boost the value of British meat and help grow the economy by ensuring animals no longer have to endure stress, exhaustion and

injury on long and unnecessary export journeys with animals slaughtered domestically in high welfare UK slaughterhouses.

Thrilled

RSPCA chief executive Chris Sherwood said the animal welfare charity was thrilled to see the live export of animals banned from the UK after more than 50 years of campaigning.

“This means British animals will no longer be sent on gruelling journeys abroad for further fattening and slaughter in cramped and poor conditions with little or no access to food or water,” he said, adding it was a ‘vital step’.

National Sheep Association chief

executive Phil Stocker welcomed the ban.

He said the export trade for live animals for finishing or slaughter had effectively been closed since Brexit.

“Fortunately, market conditions in the UK have been favourable without this and so we have seen little negative impact of not having exported lambs for slaughter or further finishing – and exports of British lamb/sheepmeat via carcasses and cuts into the EU continue to remain strong,” he said.

He added the legislation would ensure animals were ‘slaughtered domestically in high welfare UK slaughterhouses’.

vironmental boxes, but many of the species we are talking about need open fields to thrive, as well as access to suitable foods.”

CCTV in Wales’ slaughterhouses

THE Senedd has approved new regulations for CCTV cameras to be installed in all slaughterhouses in Wales, where live animals are unloaded, kept, handled, stunned and killed.

Most slaughterhouses in Wales already have CCTV in place, but this requirement ensures all are adhering to the same regulations.

Requirements to install, operate and keep CCTV footage will come into force on June 1, with regulations enforced on December 1.

Six months

A six-month period will be given where the Food Standards Agency will work with slaughterhouse operators to ensure they are compliant.

The Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs Huw IrrancaDavies said: “The network of slaughterhouses in Wales provide essential services to farmers, butchers and consumers. They also provide skilled jobs and support local supply chains.

“Mandatory CCTV for all our slaughterhouses further supports consumer confidence that welfare standards are being delivered.”

PICTURE: GETTY

A sheep farmer looking to add cattle without investing capital has succeeded with top quality cattle finishing business

Livestock farmer, George Herdman lambs a ock of 1100 ewes on his 500acre farm which he runs with his wife Josie and has now added cattle to the business. George and Josie have farmed together for more than 20 years, with predominantly sheep experience, though both having grown up with cattle.

A er purchasing the farm, they wanted to introduce cattle but had little capital le to invest in additional livestock. at’s when George heard about Gamechanger. George’s cousin, Nick, lives eight miles away and is rearing Aberdeen Angus sired calves for Gamechanger. He recommended Gamechanger for providing well-bred, healthy calves and a sound payment system, with good support from their local Gamechanger representative, Scott Millar. George says:

“Nick understood what we wanted to achieve and thought it would suit our farming system to grow on and nish the young cattle reared on his farm. We’ve got the buildings here, so that’s what we decided to do, and we haven’t looked back.”

When calves reach 100kg, they are moved in batches onto George’s farm, grazing out in summer and being housed during winter.

George explained:

“We currently have 100 Gamechanger cattle on our farm and we are really pleased with them. Cattle arrive vaccinated, they’re healthy, and they are nice and quiet to handle - we have not had any problems at all. It is up to us how we get the cattle to nishing weight, so long as 70% of the diet is grass & forage based. We grew 12 acres of a pea and barley mix last year which we whole cropped for winter feed, the cattle grew well on this so we will grow it again. In a normal year, cattle are housed in late September and return to grass in April. Scott keeps in touch with us and is always on hand when we need him. Our aim is to keep about 120-30 cattle on the farm at one time.”

George spoke about the bene ts of Gamechanger:

“ e genetics of these cattle are very good, the bulls being used are creating consistent calves, which helped me to get my rst batch out at 290kg/dw at 17 months old. One of the reasons we joined Gamechanger is that we know how many cattle we can nish each month, which really helps us with cash ow. We know the income we will receive when the cattle are nished, which supports our farming business and o ers an opportunity for our two children to join the business if they wish to.”

George is keen to optimise the grass growing capabilities of the farm, so is re-seeding paddocks and implementing rotational grazing to grow cattle e ciently, which he believes is good for both the grazing and for cattle health. e cattle work well with the sheep enterprise, both o ering manure for fertiliser, and George nds this is a simple way of keeping cattle without taking on extra sta . Batches of cattle are always available and the reasonable nishing time ensures cash ow is consistent for the business, allowing for growth and re-investment.

“ ere is also a local group of farmers involved in rearing and growing cattle through Gamechanger, we meet up and we recently went on an interesting live-to-dead day at Ellesmere, arranged by ABP, which taught me more about cattle grading. I would encourage anyone interested in taking on cattle to contact the Gamechanger team for more information.”

To find out more about the different models and how you can get involved with Gamechanger see gamechangerintegratedbeef.com or call on 01458 259413 It’s low risk and a steady income.

LEADER

Alex Black, Head of News and Business

And finally...

Show season is well underway, with the first of the major shows taking place last week. See our report on Balmoral Show pages on 86-89.

ANOTHER week, another tranche of Defra announcements, which depending on who you speak to, are either the best thing since sliced bread or simply just a group of sweet soundbites that quickly turn sour once you delve a little deeper.

The 102 new actions added to the ‘extended and improved’ Sustainable Farming Incentive scheme has quadrupled the number offered last year.

Defra said it will give the sector a ‘clear path forward and boost farm business resilience’, with many actions targeted at tenants, upland farmers and, for the first time, new entrants.

Countryside Stewardship and all the various tiers have been simplified, meaning more farmers can access more actions, more easily.

Added to the pledges made last week at the Farm to Fork Summit – more money for horticulture, the publication of the Food Security Index, the promise of a Tenant Farming Commissioner and support for the egg sector and processors – it does look like English farming at least is heading in a more positive direction. But with the goalposts constantly

Defra announcements are welcome, but detail is crucial

changing, and the prospect of a General Election hanging over us, farmers are still feeling uncertain. Although, many of English farmers’ counterparts in the devolved nations may disagree, with far more detail available in England than in Scotland and Wales. Farmers will be hoping governments there can unveil oven-ready schemes, unlike the changing picture produced by Defra. And while all this fervour has been welcomed by industry leaders, they have all pointed out the devil will be in the detail. And, as ever, that detail is yet to be confirmed.

Exmoor farmer Robin Milton said while he genuinely hoped this time progress was being made, he urged the Government to back up its statements with some substance that can truly put the sector on the road to success.

And while we are on the subject of success, it is great to hear positivity on Scotland’s red meat sector. With sheep prices remaining high and ABP unveiling its latest investment in Perth, the value of the industry to the country’s economy and social fabric is hopefully clear for all to see.

YOUNG FARMER FOCUS

‘The next generation will be the backbone of this

fantastic industry’

Farming: I had never taken an interest in agriculture growing up.

However, my parents had urged me to attend a Young Farmers’ Club in order to make new friends locally. At the time, I was unaware this would go onto shape more than the next decade of my life.

My parents grew up on smallholdings, but the farming lifestyle was never pushed onto myself or my brother.

When we began to take an interest in agriculture, we initially felt isolated to our friends who had grown up and lived on farms.

I went on to attend agricultural college after school, taking advantage of any opportunities I could gain.

Since I started my educational

journey at Harper Adams University four years ago, I have worked with the reproductive management system team at Genus ABS on the Insights Programme, as well as undertaking an ABP placement at Bromstead Hill Farm last year, which is a dedicated research and demonstration farm. These opportunities have aided my career aspirations to work within the beef and genetics industry in the future.

Confidence: I am now in the final year of my studies and as I reflect back on my journey, finding the confidence and self-belief to apply for these opportunities did not come easily initially.

It was not really until my second year of university where I stopped

viewing my non-farming background as a set back, when, in fact, it was actually an advantage.

It has been my driving force.

I am finding a place in the industry, not just as a relatively new entrant, but also as a woman.

I think the industry has a responsibility to push for greater awareness of agricultural careers into the education system.

Ipstones, Staffordshire

Meg Beswick, 23, is from the village of Ipstones, in Staffordshire, and she is an agricultural student at Harper Adams University.

My time at university has been the best four years of my life. From joining the rugby team, to becoming female final year Lioness captain, the confidence and skills it has equipped me with for a future in the industry has been invaluable. Talent: There are many opportunities across various sectors and as an industry we need to find that talent to fill these roles.

The next generation will be the backbone of this fantastic industry. I know I have been equipped with the skills to guide me and look forward to what is to come.

MORE INFORMATION

If you would like to be featured, email chris.brayford@agriconnect.com

Meg Beswick

Meg Beswick

Grateful to be out of wool trade

FURTHER to the article on British Wool (p16, FG May 17), as an EasyCare fleece shedding sheep breeder who was only a 20-minute tractor drive from the wool board, we made the change nearly 20 years ago. Our last clip of 400 Lleyns lost us £500, not including labour.

We were having to use chemicals to prevent flystrike in sheep three or four times a year and, as we have parcels of land dotted around, gathering, setting up and shearing was a substantial cost.

I have lived in the Bradford district all my life. Over 50 years ago, my grandad told me not to go into the wool industry; he said the same to my father. My grandad was a card-carrying member of the Yorkshire Association of Power Loom Overlookers. Bradford had gone from 2,000 textile mills in 1925 to 15 working textile mills in 1975.

I say ‘textile’ as the endless fallacy is that all of Bradford’s mills were wool, when in fact a lot were cotton, velvet, cashmere, alpaca and silk.

British Wool is now saying folk should pay over the odds for British wool, which, for the main part, is only suitable for making carpets.

The days of fully fitted wool carpets ended years ago. My parents lived with floorboards for five years to save up for a wool carpet; we have a wool carpet down in the non-farming bit of the house, but in the mucky end we have hard flooring. Even the ocean liner trade in wool carpets could be dubious as the carbon footprint for an ocean liner is not very good.

I have increased my flock welfare:

the fleece that sheds in small clumps from mid- to late March will line bird nests and not get tangled in their feet. It also acts as a natural nitrogen and opens the soil structure up. This increases the worm count and, in the uplands, reduces flooding. They can be run under solar panels, on arable enterprises, and are ideal for contractors or those with another job.

The late Iolo Owen MBE was lowering his carbon footprint and reducing his inputs back in 1965.

At his funeral in early March, there were plenty of enlightened farmers sitting in the chapel sending up a silent prayer to thank him for transforming their businesses.

As he said: “I have had a long and interesting life during which I have made mistakes, but hopefully I have not made the same mistake twice.”

I am happy to go with that idea.

I do not get wool sheets delivered anymore, and for that I am thankful – and so are my sheep.

Louise Hobson, Secretary at The EasyCare Sheep Society.

Knock-on effects of Brexit

ONE thing shocked me – but did not surprise me – in the May 10 edition of FG, and two separate articles also struck me.

The letter from Mrs Perkins Morris regarding sheep worrying and police reaction is appalling. It demonstrates how the public sector, not in all but in many aspects, is failing the people it is meant to be serving. It is all the wrong way round and, excuse the pun,

but the gun is pointed in exactly the opposite direction it should be.

I was not surprised Rishi Sunak did not highlight the detrimental effects of Brexit on farming, but were he an objective individual it would have been good for him to show some humility and admit Brexit has not been the success Brexiteers had hoped.

However, it did strike me that Dr Richard Byrne (p8, FG May 10) did not mention the knock-on effects of Brexit.

Eight years on, the ramifications are still being felt and will be for a long time. Scottish Government still have not come up with a detailed agricultural funding scheme. How are we expected to run our businesses without that critical information?

Patrick Harrison, Grantown-on-Spey, Scottish Highlands.

Privacy Statement and Terms & Conditions Farmers Guardian is part of the Arc network (we, us, our) and we are committed to protecting and respecting your privacy. We are registered under company number 07931451 and have our registered office at Unit 4, Caxton Road, Preston, Lancashire, PR2 9NZ. For the purposes of this policy, we are the data controller of personal data provided to us. We are a UK company specialising in providing information services including news, analysis, data, pricing, insight and market intelligence to agribusiness professionals across the globe. This policy sets out how we do this and applies the use of your personal data that you disclose to us by entering into our competition to win £200 for the Stockjudging Competition or £20 Love2Shop vouchers for the weekly Crossword Competition, referred to throughout this statement as the “Competitions”. How we collect your information: We collect the personal data you have provided to us by filling in the form on our website www.fginsight.com OR printed form when entering the Competitions. If you have entered the Competitions via our site we may also collect some technical information about how you use our site, for example, the type of device you are using, your operating system, IP address, uniform resource locator (URL), clickstream and length of visit. How we use the information you provide: We will use your personal information: • to administer the Competitions, on the basis that the use of your personal data for this purpose will be necessary to enter you into the competitions and, if you are successful, contact you to notify you of your prize; and, • if you are new to Farmers Guardian and where you have agreed to this, to provide you with news and updates from time to time about our services; and, if at any point in the future you do not wish to receive any news and updates from us or from, you can unsubscribe from our marketing list at any time by following the steps below. To unsubscribe from any communications using the link on the email we send you or by emailing us at dataprotection@farmersguardian.com. We will not use your information for any purposes except those listed in this policy without letting you know and getting your permission, if necessary, first. Who do we share your information with? 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 •

A car-to-tractor conversion at Home Farm, Deanscales, Cumbria. Seated from left: Tommy Hutton and Anthony Fisher. Standing from left: Jonty and Tom Fisher. Sent in by Malcolm Pattinson.

Edited by Alex Black – 01772

With grain prices rising again after easing last week, Cedric Porter takes a look at the factors currently affecting the world markets.

Selling opportunities appear on back of Black Sea woes

rRussian weather drives world market

GRAIN prices eased a little last week as weather prospects improved, but they were back on their way up earlier this week.

By the middle of Monday, all the losses of late last week had been wiped out.

The November 2024 feed wheat price on the London ICE exchange jumped by £5.10/tonne on Monday to a little short of £220/t, but slipped on Tuesday.

It has been Russian weather which has been driving the market, with late frosts and a lack of rain impacting supply.

Estimate

The latest wheat crop estimate from the Russian Union of Grain Exporters is for a 2024 harvest of 86.8 million tonnes, down nearly 3mt on the last estimate from consultancy Sovecon and 6mt, or 6.5 per cent, lower than in 2023.

Almost a million hectares of land may have to be replanted, according to the Russian agriculture ministry. By May 7, planting of spring wheat was 1.3m hectares behind last year.

The uncertainty over the Russian crop has pushed up export prices.

Consultancy IKAR said 12.5 per cent protein wheat was being shipped this week for US$239/tonne (£189), an increase of 8.1 per cent on the week.

Despite this, wheat exports for this

DREWRY WORLD

Russia’s ongoing attacks on Ukraine have jeopardised Black Sea grain shipping routes, driving prices up.

May are still expected to equal last year’s record of 4.1mt.

“A largely dry fortnight is forecast in the key southern growing region where there are concerns about dryness,” said Mike Verdin, senior market consultant at CRM Agri.

“There are also reports of dryness and frost in Ukraine, while its attack on the Russian port of Novorossiyk are a reminder of the impact of the conflict in the region.”

While there were weather fears about the Russian and South American crops, the US crop is faring better.

Almost 80 per cent of the spring wheat crop had been planted by May 19, according to the US Department of

CONTAINER INDEX

SOURCE: DREWRY

Agriculture, compared to 65 per cent planted for the 2019 to 2023 average. Emergence is also ahead of recent years.

Almost half the winter wheat crop is in good or excellent condition, compared to only 31 per cent this time last year.

US corn or maize emergence is at 40 per cent, similar to a year ago, with planting 70 per cent complete, similar to 2023. Soyabean planting and emergence is slightly ahead.

Mr Verdin said the market would remain responsive to weather reports, as well as geopolitical factors and risks.

“It does mean there will be opportunities to sell for those who monitor the market,” he said.

There has been more support for oilseed rape prices. The August 2024 delivered price at Erith was £405.50/t

HIGHER SHIPPING COSTS

IN the week to May 16, world shipping prices rose by 11 per cent, according to the World Container Index, calculated by supply chain advisors Drewry.

A 40-foot container cost an average of US$3,511 (£2,774) in the week, the highest price since late February and more than double the cost a year ago.

in the week to May 17, according to AHDB.

On Monday, November 2024 rapeseed futures prices on the Paris Euronext exchange rose by €6.75/ tonne (£5.80/t) to €493.50/t (£424/t).

There were conflicting factors in the vegetable oil market, according to Olivia Bonser, senior analyst at AHDB.

The Brazilian Government has raised its estimate for the size of the soyabean crop by 1.16mt to 147mt, but flooding has impacted on quality.

The US soya oil crush for April was at a seven-month low, with committed export demand from the 2024 harvest at a 19-year low.

The market was buoyed by much stronger Chinese demand for Brazilian and US soyabeans in April, with China buying 8.57mt.

Renewed tension in the Middle East and higher Chinese shipping costs have driven the increase.

Reports of more attacks in the Red Sea have forced ships to go round Africa rather than through the Suez Canal. Meanwhile, passage through the world’s other strategic canal in Panama is difficult because of dry weather.

Are you a Young British Farming Awards c hampion?

New for 2024 the British Farming Awards are looking to crown six worthy young farmers in the new ‘Young BFAs’! The Young BFAs are open to all young farmers aged between 6 and 16 years. The awards launch with four new categories:

Young Farming Hero

Are you a young farmer who has gone above and beyond to provide support on their family farm under exceptional circumstances?

If you’ve stepped up or know a young farmer who has, enter now!

* Please note the nominee does not have to be a member of a registered young farmers club.

Young Innovator of the Year

Junior 6 -10 / Senior 11-16

Are you a budding inventor or engineer in the making?

This award is looking to champion a young innovator who has an idea on how to make farming more efficient. This can be across any farming activity, but you need to be able to provide drawings with an explanation as to how your idea would work on the farm.

* Please

Young Handler of the Year

Junior 6 -10 / Senior 11-16

Are you a upcoming champion in the show ring?

The Young BFAs are looking for a young handler who has consistently performed within the show ring and being actively involved in rearing the livestock that has been shown.

* Please note the nominee does not have to be a member of a registered young farmers club.

Young Farmers Club of the Year

Are you a member of a Young Farmers Club that has gone above and beyond to serve their local community or raise significant funds for a charity? If your club has made a impact then let the Young BFAs know!

* This award is

Visit the Young BFA website for full details! The deadline for entering the Young BFAs is Sunday 14th July. Shortlist winners will be announced in August.

rTight supplies set to keep prices high

By Chris Brayford and Jane Thynne

PRIME lamb prices have seen a firm start to the new season, with a tight market continuing to underpin farmgate prices.

And there has ‘never been a better time to be a sheep farmer’, according to Lawrie and Symington auctioneer Nick Woodmass in Lanark.

“The spring lamb trade is building slowly with prices at 450p/kg to 555p/kg’, he said.

“The hogg market is drying up but those with plenty of flesh are still making 400p/kg while leaner, plainer ones are bringing in around 320p/kg.

“We expect demand to remain tight until after the Muslim festival in mid-June.”

Unbelievably dear

Mr Woodmass said breeding sheep were ‘unbelievably dear’, with prices at least £25 up on usual trading prices of between £90£100 a head.

Iain MacDonald, the market intelligence manager at QMS, said after a firm start to the new season, prime lamb auction prices have made a strong impression at Scottish marts, averaging 436p/kg in the second week of May, while hogg values continued to hold close to the highs reached at Easter and Ramadan, clearing at 370p/kg.

He said the strong figures to the start of the new season had provided confidence and a boost for the sector moving forward.

“For new season lambs, this represents a year-on-year increase of 26 per cent and an uplift of 54 per cent on the five-year average, while hoggs were valued 35 per

Lamb prices see firm start to new season

cent higher than last year,” he added.

“This suggests that there could be a stronger supply of store lambs from the hills this year.”

Tight domestic supply has been one of the factors supporting farmgate prices.

Last year’s GB lamb crop was around 6 per cent lower than in

Production suggests UK has passed spring peak

THERE was a downturn in GB daily milk deliveries in the week ending May 11, suggesting the peak may have been passed.

According to the latest data from AHDB, the highest daily figure was 36.92 million litres on May 8 alongside the seven-day rolling average which appears to have peaked at 36.54m litres.

In 2023, the spring flush was reported as being subdued, meaning that it was annualising on an already weak picture.

Deliveries data for the month of May so far, to May 11, suggest production is back 2.1 per cent year on year.

AHDB said the lack of availability of milk throughout Europe could be a key theme, with other markets such as Ireland encountering similar issues.

Margin pressures will not encourage farmers to feed to push production until milk prices improve with processors watching this situation closely.

2022 but, between June 2023 and February 2024, prime sheep slaughter at GB abattoirs had still risen marginally on a year earlier, highlighting an earlier marketing pattern.

It means fewer hoggs were available during peak demand.

Looking forward, Mr Macdonald said domestic supply was likely to remain tight until the 2024 lamb crop reaches the market in greater numbers.

“The market could become particularly tight in the first half of June as Eid al-Adha starts on June 16, resulting in a surge in demand ahead of this festival,” he said.

The market could become particularly tight during the first half of June as Eid al-Adha starts on June 16

IAIN MACDONALD

Cranswick boosts profits

FRESH food producer, Cranswick has reported a 26 per cent rise in profits for the latest financial year, following investments in the business.

Revenue increased by 11.9 per cent to £2.6 billion in the 53 weeks to March 30, 2024. Adjusted profit before tax increased to £176m in

the last financial year, which was a 26.1 per cent increase on the £140m recorded in 2022/23.

Cranswick said that its expanded pig farming operations had delivered a strong contribution, alongside tight cost control and robust returns from the effective deployment of capital.

Tight domestic supply has seen sheep farmers get good prices for their lambs so far this season.

The importance of Scotland’s red meat sector has been highlighted as a major processor showcased the results of £24.5 million investment. Chris Brayford reports.

ABP unveils modern facilities

rDrive for Scotch Beef creates 80 jobs

EXPANSION at one of the largest beef processors in Europe signals Scotland’s importance in delivering some of the ‘finest red meat products in the world’.

That was the message from Scottish Agriculture Minister Jim Fairlie after ABP Food Group unveiled its £24.5 million investment into one of the most advanced and modern animal processing facilities at its Perth site on May 17.

With the creation of 80 new jobs at the site, Bob Carnell, ABP chief executive, had also spoken of the proud tradition the company had held in working with farmers to help promote quality Scotch Beef to the UK retail and foodservice sectors.

Reputable

He said: “Scotland is one of the most sustainable and reputable places in the world to produce beef and we are proud to be part of that story.

“This investment is about looking to the future.

“It is also an opportunity to build on the strong credentials of Scotch Beef and we look forward to working with our customers.”

Speaking to farmers at the official opening ceremony of the site, Mr Fairlie said the investment had been made possible with help from Scottish Government’s Food Pro-

cessing, Marketing and Co-operation grant scheme, which supports businesses within the Scottish food and drink sector.

“We are committed to rural Scotland as a whole including where we can help to reinforce the quality and the brands of the businesses to make sure Scotch is recognised,” he added.

“Agriculture plays such a huge part in Scottish landscape and livestock production.

“The Scottish Government is absolutely committed to ensuring farmers can continue to farm.

“That message is loud and clear,” he added.

Mr Fairlie said it had been important to recognise Scotland was one of the best countries in the world to produce sustainable and healthy red meat, with farmers playing a vital role in the journey from farm gate to consumer.

“The red meat sector is and always will be a vital part of the Scottish economy with the beef sector serving as the real powerhouse for the agricultural community,” he said.

He added it was vital the country

Down on the Farm

Is soil K fertility in crisis?

Since 2022 soil potash (K) usage on grassland farms has plummeted. The latest British Survey of Fertiliser Practice shows that the average K use on grassland farms dropped from 11 kg/ha in 2020/21 to just 6 kg/ha in 2021/22.

This is no surprise considering the volume of K fertiliser sold in 2021/22 fell by 25% from the previous year. This reduction in potash use is being reflected in soil K data from Yara’s soil testing laboratory – Lancrop. Nearly 45% of grassland soil samples reaching the lab in 2023 were below the optimum index.

This reduction in potash use can’t be offset completely through better use of organic manures as some might suggest. Current grassland K advice

continued producing the high-quality red meat Scotland is known for.

“The sector has shown great resilience, and I would like to acknowledge the strength and spirit shown by everyone in the industry.

“It has been challenging, impacting all of us at the same time.

“The Scottish Government is operating within difficult financial constraints, but where we can, we will support Scotland’s journey in becoming a good food nation.

“The expansion of ABP is not only a credit to business, but to the entire supply chain.”

with Philip Cosgrave Agronomist, Yara UK Ltd.

in RB209 does not adequately reflect current offtakes and is partly responsible for the general poor state of soil K fertility on UK grassland farms. It should be remembered that K is also lost through leaching, the scale of which might be greater than we think and it leaves the farm in milk (1.3 kg per 1,000 L) and livestock sales.

The upshot of declining soil K fertility is poorer grass growth, and reduced nitrogen use efficiency which hits both the pocket as grass is the cheapest feed source and potentially water quality and nitrous oxide emissions. If farmers apply the same amount of nitrogen on fields with declining soil K fertility, then lower yields capture less nitrogen, leaving more residual soil nitrogen at risk of soil denitrification and leaching!

Left to right: Site manager Frank Ross shows Jim Fairlie MSP and Bob Carnell the ‘beefed-up’ ABP facility.

Food price inflation falls, but still some shopper caution

rHabits may take longer to ‘unwind’

By Cedric Porter

GROCERY price inflation has fallen to its lowest level since October 2021, but shoppers are still being careful with what they buy.

The price of groceries rose by 2.4 per cent over the year in the four weeks ended May 12, according to Kantar Worldpanel, which helped boost sales by 2.9 per cent during the period.

The current grocery inflation rate was still 0.8 per cent higher than the 10-year average rate of 1.6 per cent which was seen before the 2022 price spikes.

Fraser McKevitt, head of retail and consumer insight at Kantar, said: “Typically, an inflation rate of about 3 per cent is when we start to see marked changes in consumers’ behaviour, with shoppers trading down to cheaper items when the rate goes above this line and vice versa when the rate drops.

Faster

“However, after nearly two-and-ahalf years of rapidly rising prices, it could take a bit longer for shoppers to unwind the habits they have learnt to help them manage the cost of living crisis. Own-label lines are proving resilient, for example, and they are still growing faster than brands, making up over half of total spending.”

The desire to watch the pennies has boosted discounters Aldi and Lidl. They have a combined share of 19.1 per cent of the grocery market, according to Kantar – up from 17.8 per cent a year ago. Tesco increased its share by 0.5 per cent over the year to 27.6 per cent.

There were still shoppers with money to spend, with sales of premium ranges up almost 10 per cent on the year. Meanwhile, upmarket

Government announces changes to planning rules

THE Government has announced new planning rules to make it easier for farmers to diversify and convert their unused buildings into new homes and shops, without having to spend time and money submitting a planning application.

From May 21, the Government has extended permitted development rights to give farmers greater freedoms to convert agricultural buildings to commercial uses without needing to submit an application.

The changes are set to include doubling the amount of floorspace that can change from agricultural

to ‘flexible commercial use’ from 500sq.m to 1,000sq.m, and increasing the size of new buildings or extensions that can be built on farms more than five hectares from 1,000sq.m to 1,500sq.m.

Double

The changes will also double the number of homes that can be delivered through the conversion of agricultural buildings from five to 10. READ MORE

p54.

online retailer Ocado outpaced rivals with sales increasing by 12.4 per cent, compared to growth of 5.4 per cent for total online sales.

Sport

Mr McKevitt said shoppers were keen to shake off the dull weather and spend on barbecues whenever the sun appeared. A summer of sport, including the men’s football Euros and the Olympics, could also boost sales.

Own-label are proving resilient and they are still growing faster than brands

FRASER MCKEVITT

Clarkson’s Farm effect on sausages and mushrooms

ONLINE supermarket Ocado has seen a boost in sales of British produce following the release of Clarkson’s Farm

Sales of British pork products, including sausages, bacon and gammon, have soared, with ‘M&S Select Farms 12 Free Range Pork Chipolatas’ at a 134 per cent increase in sales, following the release of the new episode, Ocado said.

Produce trading manager at Ocado retail, Martha Springham, said: “Programmes like Clarkson’s

Farm show consumers just how hard Britain’s farmers work, so it is brilliant to see our customers supporting them.”

Lion’s mane mushrooms

Another introduction to the farm has been lion’s mane mushrooms, which Mr Clarkson is growing and selling in his Diddly Squat Farm Shop.

Ocado data shows searches for lion’s mane increased by 482 per cent this week.

Shoppers were keen to spend on barbecues whenever the sun appeared, which could boost sales, said Kantar’s Fraser McKevitt.

PICTURE: GETTY

Irish meat factories accused of ‘taking advantage’ over prices

rIFA urges farmers to resist reductions

By Rosie Stead-Brennan

FARMERS have been urged to ‘resist attempts by factories to reduce the price’ of their cattle.

That was the message from Declan Hanrahan, chair of the Irish Farmers Association, who has spoken out against meat factories taking advantage of farmers, following the difficulties experienced this spring.

He said the EU market was expected to push on as supplies tighten and demand increases for beef over the summer months.

He highlighted the UK market also remained very strong, at almost 70c/ kg (60p/kg) above the Irish price.

Expensive

Mr Hanrahan said: “Some farmers were forced into earlier and expensive finishing on beef cattle, due to the weather conditions in spring, and factories are now attempting to take advantage of these farmers by dropping the price. This approach is unacceptable and must stop.

“Farmers should strongly resist attempts by factories to reduce the price.

“Demand is strong and factories are very anxious for cattle, despite the negative propaganda from the usual sources.”

If the Bord Bia projections are correct for the remainder of the year, there will be 70,000 fewer cattle compared to last year.

The strong performance of live

SECURING a multi-million contract for monthly shipments with a leading South Korean company, Dawn Meats has welcomed the opening of the South Korean market to Irish beef.

The agreement, which will see beef supplied to foodservice, retail and manufacturing customers across the country, follows the announcement by the Minister of Agriculture, Charlie McConalogue, that South Korea has agreed to open its market to Irish beef for the first time.

Dawn Meats is already a supplier of Irish beef into markets in the Philippines and Japan.

Irish farmers have been urged not to accept reduced prices from factories for their beef.

exports this year will also reduce supplies to factories.

With exports of store and finished cattle up 7,000 and predicted to grow further, Northern Irish buyers are currently very active in marts and driving the trade for store and finished cattle.

Mr Hanrahan said prices of 5c/kg (4p/kg) to 10c/kg (8p/kg) above quotes are freely available, bringing base prices for steers and heifers to between €5.10/kg (£4.38/kg) and €5.25/kg (£4.50/kg) despite lower quotes.

Cow prices remain strong, ranging from €4.30/kg (£3.69/kg) to more than €5/kg (£4.29/kg) depending on grade.

The contract comes after a successful visit by representatives of the South Korean company to Ireland in January of this year.

Dawn Meats chief executive, Niall Browne, said: “We welcome this new market access to South Korea and we are delighted that two of our sites have received South Korean approval.

“It is a testament to the high-quality beef supplied by our family farm suppliers and it is a significant step in developing new market opportunities for our products.”

Irish beef heads to South Korea

AGRI-TECH INNOVATOR OF THE YEAR

Problem-solving and perseverance led to success for ADF Milking and its InVent system. James Huyton speaks to the rm’s founder James Duke about winning Agri-Tech Innovator of the Year.

Raising UK market awareness of ADF Milking’s innovative teat-by-teat venting liner was a key focus and major plus from winning Agri-Tech Innovator of the Year at last year’s British Farming Awards, says company founder James Duke.

“It is always good to be recognised for the work that has gone into the InVent product,” says Mr Duke.

“All the products we design and manufacture start by recognising a problem that needs to be resolved. As the liner is adaptable to different teat sizes, this was no different.

“The important thing here was to understand what caused the problem and work out a solution to suit that; realising that high mouthpiece chamber vacuum levels were caused by inconsistency in the size of cow teats resulting in external and internal teat swelling.”

The internal swelling, known as congestion, restricts the capacity of the teat canal, slowing down milk flow and preventing full milk-out.

Mr Duke adds: “We always start a new project with some rough ideas; everyone has their failures, but perseverance is important to make a change.”

ADF Milking created a solution with InVent, which can detect when the vacuum level rises above a threshold.

When the threshold is crossed, a valve in the liner mouthpiece chamber opens, injecting clean, food-grade air into the mouthpiece and reducing vacuum. Each liner is then the perfect fit on every teat during milking.

That ability to recognise

an industry need and provide a solution to the problem was something that impressed the judges on the day.

With intelligent venting technology aimed at improving dairy cow teat health and speeding up milking times, ADF Milking now operates across 34 countries with owned subsidiaries in New Zealand, Australia, North America and Germany. The British Farming Award has been pivotal in building brand awareness in the UK.

Mr Duke says: “We design and manufacture all our InVent systems in the UK – something we are particularly proud of at ADF.

“Although it is difficult to attribute sales to an award win, we certainly closed a lot more orders following the award.

“Sales have continued to grow, leaving us 30 per cent up on the previous year; something that is perhaps not reflected in other areas of the industry and a great achievement for the team.”

Growth

The business is continuing a steady trajectory of growth and now employs 42 staff.

Winning the award was a real boost to staff morale, says Mr Duke.

Not one to stand still, he adds: “We are currently working on some more exciting new projects we hope will be industry game-changers.”

As a keen promoter and supporter of UK innovation, Mr Duke urges anyone with an idea to come forward and enter the British Farming Awards.

“For me, these things are always worth applying for because there is nothing to lose,” he says.

BUSINESS FACTS

X ADF Milking now sells its InVent product to 34 countries around the world

X All design and manufacturing takes place at the firm’s UK facility

X The InVent system is fully compatible with older generation InVent products

X When milking, the InVent system can detect when the vacuum level rises above a threshold and control the pressure round the teat

X The manufacturer claims the system aids milk flow

X Business continues to grow, with sales up by 30 per cent

James Duke

AGRICULTURAL INFLUENCER OF THE YEAR

The Agricultural Influencer of the Year Award is brand new for 2024 and will celebrate those who use social media to bridge the gap between farmers and consumers.

As the success of social media initiatives, such as Farmers Guardian’s 24 Hours in Farming campaign, has shown, the power

HOW TO ENTER

X Content creation and the introduction of social media influencers in farming are booming, with more and more farmers recognising the benefits of multimedia platforms to grow their business, communicate with new and existing customers, plus improve overall public perception.

If you are a champion of our industry who is using digital mediums to raise the profile of farming or to educate wider audiences, then tell us your story by entering this award.

For more

The rise and importance of farming in uencers or ‘ag uencers’ has been marked with a dedicated new British Farming Award category. Farmers Guardian reports.

of farming influencers is vital to sharing agriculture’s message with a wider audience.

With a combined reach of millions of followers, British farming’s influencers play a key role in promoting food

Entry criteria:

X You can be using platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, X, YouTube, TikTok, plus podcasts and websites

X You will be able to demonstrate how you have used digital media and platforms to raise the profile of farming or to educate the public

X Paid partnerships and earnings do not affect eligibility for this award

X Entrant or nominee must be aged over 18 years old at the time of entering

and farming, highlighting what really goes on behind the farmgate and, in doing so, using their authentic voice to tackle misinformation and mistruths.

Engagement

Through their reach and engagement, they can not only impact consumer buying habits and their impressions of farming, but influence policy decisions too.

Speaking at a recent Farmers Guardian Young Farmers Conference, held in Blackpool, farming influencers Tom Pemberton, Becca Wilson, Charlotte Ashley and Olly Harrison said their passion for the industry, plus a desire to ‘tell their own story’ and show the realities of farming, was what drove them to creating a massive combined social media following.

Their success has led to lucrative partnerships

with agricultural brands and organisations, which has effectively become a diversification of their farming businesses.

Farmers Guardian editor Olivia Midgley says: “Farming influencers play a crucial role as ambassadors for the industry, tapping into that genuine public appetite to learn more about agriculture.

“Through their social media channels, they do an important job in disseminating knowledge, promoting innovation and advocating for the industry –reaching millions upon millions of people completely outside of farming.

Asset

“Agricultural influencers are a valuable asset to the modern agricultural landscape and the British Farming Awards is right to honour their contribution.”

Tom Pemberton (third from left) with family and friends at the British Farming Awards 2023.

Edited by Angela Calvert – 07768

Andy Wear and Jen Hunter produce much more than just sheepmeat from their Somerset-based ewe flock. Wendy Short finds out more.

Somerset farm maximises the value of every sheep

The flock of 1,260 ewes at Fernhill Farm, Compton Martin, near Bristol, also grazes numerous rented land parcels in the locality and, alongside hogget and mutton, Andy Wear and Jen Hunter sell blade-shorn fleeces, a variety of woollen products, and sheepskins.

The flock is split into several groups and contains a mix of breeds, says Andy.

The commercial flock of 1,100 ewes is dual-purpose, with Romney bloodlines graded up from the Shetland. The remainder are described as ‘lustrewool’ sheep.

“The lustrewools are a combination of six British breeds, including Teeswater and Shetland,” he says.

“They are similar to a Masham and produce our highest value wool, which is blade-shorn and commands a price of £20/kg.”

The grazing system is ‘nomadic’ and electric fencing is used extensively. The farm spans 65 hectares (160 acres), plus a further 32ha (80-

acre) block at the nearby holding where Andy grew up. In addition, up to 809ha (2,000 acres) of lowland are rented on a variety of arrangements which operate at various times of the year.

Andy says: “The grazing land

parcels are all within a half-hour drive of the farm and are managed under a range of different agreements.

“From our viewpoint, sheep are the most efficient land management tool in the region.

“The duration of the arrangements varies, with one providing us with just 50-60 days of annual grazing, for example.

“There has been discussion with some landlords about a rent rise.

“However, the low stocking rate that is generally operated, leaves very little room for manoeuvre on our part, so we are moving these blocks of land into Sustainable Farming Incentive agreements.”

Lambing takes place outdoors in April and May and about 10 per cent of the sheepmeat production is sold direct to the public, with the remaining animals finished and sold through the auction mart, along with cull ewes.

The business does not buy-in feed or fertiliser and soil fertility is maintained through a mob grazing and ‘no-plough’ policy, along with achieving a balance between grazing and rest periods.

Andy says: “Depending on the time of year, we might leave a group of about 100 sheep grazing a paddock measuring between five

Wear’s 1,260-strong

Wool is highly prized at Fernhill and sheep are blade-sheared to maximise its quality for the range of products in the farm’s shop.

Andy

flock contains a mix of breeds.

SOMERSET FARM PROFILE

Nothing is wasted from the shearing process and we have a team of people we have helped to train in the art of sorting the wool ANDY WEAR

and 15 acres for two or three days at a time. In summer, it will be followed by a rest period of seven or eight weeks. Our approach to the grazing system is highly flexible and is guided by grass growth and the weather.”

Wool is highly prized at Fernhill and the sheep are shorn in spring and autumn, while lambs are kept on for a second year and their meat sold as hogget.

The commitment to blade shearing makes the wool harvesting process slower, compared with the use of mechanical clippers, but it adds value and is far better for preserving wool quality, says Andy, who also works as a shearing instructor for British Wool.

“Jen is a farmer’s daughter and she has a long-held passion for wool, completing a Nuffield scholarship in 2014 on global wool trends,” he says.

“Her research reinforced our shared goals of trying to reposition wool as a primary product, rather than a by-product.

Benefits

“We also like to spread the word about its benefits, compared with synthetic products.

“Our shearing days attract expert blade shearers from all over the globe and spectators are welcomed. The events speed up the shearing process and offer educational opportunities.

“They also provide a shop window for sales of everything to do with wool, from raw fleeces, to felt and fibre and knitted clothing,

which are also sold online. Nothing is wasted from the shearing process and we have a team of people we have helped to train in the art of sorting the wool as it comes off the sheep.

“The belly wool is used as acoustic insulation for example, and contaminated wool from the crutch is set aside for mulching the

vegetable garden and new hedgerows. Prime fleece from the neck, shoulders and back is graded and sorted for our wool processor contacts, who turn the fibres into knitting yarn.”

Workshops are held on a range of wool-associated topics and almost a dozen students who are studying textiles and fashion have

A small number of Saddleback pigs are woodland-grazed.

Lambing takes place outdoors in April and May.

The farm also supports a herd of 30 Aberdeen-Angus cows.

One

FARM PROFILE SOMERSET

Farm facts

■ The farm also supports 30 Aberdeen-Angus cows, marketing breeding bulls and heifers and finishing some steers for boxed meat sales

■ The calving period runs from November to February

■ The holding hosts about 15,000 visitors annually

■ A small number of Saddleback sows are woodland-grazed, with their piglets reared to produce meat for breakfast and barbeque boxes for the guests

■ The wool product element of the business trades as Fernhill Fleece and Fibre

recently been staying at Fernhill for their internships.

“They have reported a burgeoning interest in the provenance of fibre in their industry and that is very encouraging,” Andy says.

“It has been really satisfying to witness their enthusiasm and, from our perspective, there is huge scope for increasing the value of wool from the standard price of about 70-80p/kg.

“Top-quality yarn can be worth as much as £70-£120/kg and a knitted jumper can sell for a few hundred pounds; given the right marketing.

“Even socks, which require only 350g of wool, can attract prices of £25/pair.

“Obviously, these are retail figures and do not represent profit, but they reflect the potential for maximising returns.

“British wool and hand-made products are growing in popularity, along with the ‘slow food’ movement.”

The couple host social events on the farm, with up to 800 schoolchildren camping on site during annual gatherings based on food provenance and nature education.

One of the old stone barns has been converted to a venue using farm resources and reclaimed materials.

Glamping

Meanwhile, part of the farmhouse serves as guest accommodation and there are dormitory-style bunk beds, as well as homemade glamping pods.

Having a regular stream of visitors requires a specialised insurance policy, but event organisers arrange their own risk assessments

and public liability insurance, he says.

Dirty water from the farm and event facilities is filtered through a series of six linear ponds spanning about 1ha (2.47 acres) in total.

Willows

Pumped into the first pond, it moves through a series of swales planted with willows, which feed on the nutrients.

The chemical-free system leaves the final pond clean enough to be used as a breeding ground for the white-clawed crayfish, which is an endangered species.

Andy ran a contract shepherding enterprise, before buying Fernhill in 1997 as a derelict, grade-two listed farmstead.

The family is ‘making a decent living, although he admits that the many elements of the business

mean that the couple usually work seven days a week. They have two sons, 19-year-old Kyle, and Seth, 17. He says: “It has taken two decades to build the connections and links that we need to successfully market all our farm products.

“We also rely on a team of local people who help with the event management, as well as with the cleaning and maintenance of the guest areas.

“We are lucky enough to have support, allowing us to take some time off on occasion to satisfy our other passion, which is exploring other countries and new business ideas.

“Our sons have had the chance to see a variety of possible options for the farm’s future and they both help out whenever they can.

“It took me a long time to save up enough money to buy my own farm, and it has allowed us to run the business in our own way.

“That means a focus on ethical farming, using natural products and local labour and, above all, increasing our knowledge about how to farm with natural patterns, rather than working against them.”

The farm has home-made glamping pods for visitors.

Andy Wear and Jen Hunter host blade-shearing days and workshops on a range of wool-related topics at the farm.

Edited by Ash Ellwood – 07786

While mid-May’s cooler weather saw lower early aphid counts in sugar beet crops, late-drilled crops are likely to present an easy target for aphid colonisation and challenges for insecticide targeting. Martin Rickatson finds out more.

Options available for sugar beet reaching aphid threshold

rInsyst second spray authorisation granted

WITH aphid numbers slowly rising as the weather warms in May, growers must be fully aware of control options this season, according to British Beet Research Organisation’s (BBRO) Prof Mark Stevens.

At the mid-May BeetField24 event in Norfolk, he provided growers with a reminder of the choices open to them for controlling beet virus-carrying aphids.

He said: “By mid-May, aphids were on the move, but counts here on the morning of the meeting were not at the threshold, with only two green wingless on 20 plants examined, although other winged types were evident.

“Demonstrating the potential threat, while aphids do not normally fly until temperatures are around 13-15degC, the first winged myzus persicae nationally was caught in the Rothamsted Research trap network in the third week of March, nearly a month ahead of what was anticipated – daily monitoring does not usually start until April 1.”

Cooler weather in March and April managed to suppress aphid activity, and Prof Stevens said that yellow water pan traps across the beet-growing region saw low aphid numbers, below treatment thresholds.

BBRO had tested more than 250 winged aphids by early May and so far only one was found to be carrying beet mild yellowing virus.

He added: “Only by mid-May did an uptick begin. On the upside, we are also seeing beneficial insect populations increase, and in testing of over 250 winged aphids coming into our lab by early May, only one was found to be carrying beet mild yellowing virus.

“But what is very different to then is that now we can use seed protection, and 60 per cent of the crop is protected via seed treatments, meaning from drilling through to 10 weeks in, those crops should be guarded sufficiently from aphids once they

The first winged myzus persicae nationally was caught in the third week of March, nearly a month ahead of what was anticipated

PROF MARK STEVENS

have fed, but from eight weeks growers should be checking for green wingless aphids.”

However, primary infection cannot be prevented and if a feeding aphid is carrying the virus it will transmit that into the plant, but the aphid will then die and there will therefore be no progeny to continue the transmission.

Largest concern

Prof Steven’s largest concern was now looking after crops from seed that were not treated with Cruiser (thiamethoxam).

“Even with cooler mixed weather those aphid numbers will continue to build and any brassicas nearby will have been a great overwintering home for aphids, so take these into account.

“If aphicide application is necessary, there are different options depending on whether you have used Cruiser. If you have, you should get that 10-week protection, but crops should still be monitored and counts made from about eight weeks post-sowing.”

If the threshold was reached within crops and growers were able to identify one green wingless aphid per four plants up to the 12-leaf stage, moving to one per plant from 12-16 leaves –Prof Stevens said there were two spray options.

“The first needs to be flonicamidbased, whether Teppeki or Afinto. If a second spray is required, that should be Insyst [acetamiprid]. There are no third spray options, but a seed treatment and two sprays should hopefully provide sufficient length of protection.”

In terms of crops not from Cruisertreated seed, in late January BBRO submitted an emergency authorisation request for an additional spray and on May 9 approval was granted for a second spray of Insyst, meaning three sprays are possible on nonCruiser crops.

“Those who have had to use three sprays in recent years will probably have used Movento [spirotetramat] in the third slot, but for various reasons that is not now an option, so your sequence if using three sprays should be Insyst followed by a flonicamid-based product and then a second Insyst application. It is not ideal but that is the situation we are in.

“The biggest challenge is that late drilling and emergence means that, while the threshold stands, small plants represent a very small target. Remember that this may compromise application and product efficacy, cutting it perhaps down to as little as two-five days from the expected 10-15 on larger plants,” he added.

with Simon Nelson

‘Nature tends to compensate’

Much-improved weather over the past month has helped farmers make real progress with the spring workload and we are now in a much better position than this time last year.

Back then, conditions were bone dry after a cold start to spring and many crops were struggling. This season, temperatures have warmed but soils remain moist.

Most spring barley was sown in the second half of April, though a few wetter fields had to wait a week or two.

Seedbed conditions were generally good, and plants have emerged quickly from warming damp soils. Some spring barley is nearly covering the ground just a fortnight after the drill left the field.

A lot of people applied fertiliser on seedbeds, which has undoubtedly helped to keep things going, and some have also applied herbicides and foliar nutrients.

Maize drilling began in earnest in the last week of April and is now all but complete. Although a laterthan-ideal start, waiting for reasonable conditions has paid off.

We have some big contractors up here with several drills apiece, so they can soon forge ahead.

No cold weather

Plants are emerging nicely and maize crops look well set up – it all depends now on what the rest of the season holds, but at least for now there is no cold weather in the forecast.

Quite a lot of silage was taken in the second week of May where growers had been able to get fertiliser and slurry on to fields early enough. Others that planned to cut early have been delayed, especially on heavy ground, while traditional three-cut growers were planning to start last weekend, similar to their usual timing, once a spell of showers passed through.

Winter barley is now coming out in ear, but it will not break any rec-

Winter barley is coming out in ear, but it will not break any records… a cold, wet April took its toll along with delays with nitrogen and potash dressing

SIMON NELSON

ords. There are a few good crops around, but not many; a cold wet April took its toll along with delays with nitrogen and potash dressings, causing tiller loss.

Winter wheat is all over the place regarding growth stages, depending on drilling date and/or soil type. Some crops were ready for a flag leaf spray last week, whereas others had only just put out leaf 3.

All in all, we have not fared too badly in the northwest, considering at the time of my last report we’d hardy had a week without rain since last June. Nature does tend to compensate, and we have longer day length on our side this far north to help chase later-drilled spring crops on.

ARABLE

Blight strategy reviews needed

rRethink required as mancozeb phased out

By Jane Thynne

POTATO growers in the UK are being urged to develop alternative protection strategies to control potato blight in 2025 and beyond following a raft of regulatory changes.

The withdrawal of mancozeb –the mainstay multi-site fungicide active ingredient for the control of potato blight – is being phased out by November 2025, growers will therefore need to modify blight protection programmes accordingly.

Agronomists have warned rules and regulations surrounding the use and application intervals are not entirely straightforward and are further complicated by confirmed cases of resistance to some key blight actives.

ProCam agronomist Harry James says: “Instead of being able to apply three consecutive applications of carboxylic acid amide [CAA] fungicides, the latest Fungicide Resistance Action Committee guidance is that these should now be limited to a maximum of two consecutive applications.

“That is a sensible recommendation, with crop protection manufacturers advocating the use of

Growers must modify blight protection programmes due to the withdrawal of mancozeb by November 2025.

mandipropamid in alternation with fungicides, with a different mode of action.”

Resistance to oxathiapiprolin has also been confirmed in some parts of northern Europe including the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany, with the post-application interval being reduced from 10 days to seven as a result. It must also be used in alternation with non-CAA chemistry.

Time-consuming

Mr James adds: “This will make it more labour-intensive and time-consuming to keep crops clean, especially as this key active no longer provides a curative effect. Instead, it can only be relied on to deliver preventative activity which means sprays will need to be applied on time every time for crops to remain protected.”

Growers should also be aware that although fungicide resistance has not yet been confirmed in UK crops, the risk remains high and is further escalated by the shortfall in British seed potatoes which creates a risk of resistant strains being introduced by imported seed stock.

“The high incidence of foliar and tuber blight in continental seed crops means there is a very real risk of resistance affecting British crops,” Mr James says.

SIMON Nelson advises farmers on a wide range of arable and forage crops across Cumbria, north Lancashire and into south west Scotland. He has worked for Agrovista for 23 years.

About Simon Nelson

Advertising Deadline: Friday 16th August

ARABLE

A Dorset farm has identified six key areas to safeguard oilseed rape establishment, securing successful yields and a firm place in a profitable rotation. Farmers Guardian reports.

Establishment recipe maintains OSR’s key rotational role

Despite serious pressures from cabbage stem flea beetle (CSFB), slugs, game birds, as well as the wettest winter on record at Eastbury Estates based near Blandford, Dorset, 100 hectares of DK Exsteel is going through to harvest this season, in gratifyingly good condition.

This success among the challenges faced proves the value of the six-point establishment recipe which has been carefully developed through almost a decade of research on the Farquharson family’s 480ha Dorset iFarm, ensuring the crop maintains its key role in the downland rotation.

Operations manager Dave Thompson says: “Winter OSR is crucial in keeping on top of black-grass here.

“It allows us to make the most effective use of clethodim and propyzamide both ahead of, and after, the first cereals that are our number one earner.

“In recent years we have stretched the rotation and included an extra break. We now follow the OSR with wheat or hybrid seed barley, a second cereal [either wheat or spring barley], spring beans, then wheat or seed barley again before going back to OSR. That way we get at least two good grass-weed clean-ups every six years.”

Back in 2019, with only 33ha of the 70ha of planted OSR surviving to harvest and averaging just 3.3 tonnes per hectare, there were serious question marks over the future of the crop at Eastbury.

A 3.9t/ha average wherever the crop established well enough in the very challenging season coupled with a disappointing experience with winter beans, persuaded the family to stick with it and do everything they could to improve their establishment success.

Establishment

Mr Thompson says: “As part of the Agrii iFarm network, we have learned a huge amount about establishing winter OSR from the Agrii trials we have been involved with over the years.

“So, to keep the crop in the rotation we knew we would have to double our efforts to improve the establishment on which its performance depends.

“Working closely with our agronomists, we now focus on six key areas of establishment and agronomy that we have found to be most crucial.

“We drill the fastest-developing hybrid we can into a long cereal stubble with the least possible soil disturbance.

“We avoid drilling either too early or too late, place fertiliser with the

Farm facts

■ Based in Tarrant Gunville, Blandford, Dorset

■ 480 hectares arable land with 100ha into oilseed rape on average

■ Rotation includes OSR, wheat, hybrid seed barley, spring beans and companion crops

■ Minimum disturbance drilling techniques including a disc-based Unidrill and Horsch Sprinter direct drill

seed and, wherever possible, sow a buckwheat-based companion crop around 10 days ahead of the OSR.”

Mr Thompson aims to leave four to six inches of stubble, into which the companion is drilled with a Moore Unidrill – aiming for mid-August, or as soon as the cereal straw is baled and removed.

Chosen hybrid

He says: “Then, towards the end of August, we drill our chosen hybrid at 50 seeds/sq.m and a starter fertiliser placed in the row using our six-metre Horsch Sprinter with Dutch openers, disturbing as little of the soil and emerging companion crop as possible.

“This and our no pre-em/no early graminicide policy means the emerging crop stays well concealed from both beetles and game birds until it bursts through covering canopy, by which stage it is safely established.”

This recipe has proved highly effective, allowing the Eastbury Estates’ OSR to consistently average between 3.7t/ha and 4.2t/ha – depending on conditions – since 2020.

In a season where the challenge from both CSFB and slugs has been particularly intense, this year’s crop of DK Exsteel is underlining the value of the approach.

A local deer problem and 10 days of hot, dry weather in early September 2023 did not help. However, it powered away from late September to

reach 75 per cent crop cover and a green area index (GAI) of 2.0 by mid-November. The crop also managed to survive the wet winter with a population of around 30 plants/sq.m to develop a nicely-branched, well-podded canopy, according to Mr Thompson.

Agrii agronomist Jazzmyn Jex says: “We have found that fast autumn development rather than just vigour is one of the most important things in getting a good crop.

“OSR’s ability to tolerate flea beetle and slug damage is all about how much leaf area it puts on ahead of winter. And fast development is equally important in helping the crop grow through its companion.”

The right start is essential to allow

Eastbury Estate’s six-point OSR establishment recipe

■ Leaving a long enough cereal stubble

■ Establishing a strong buckwheatbased companion ahead of the crop

■ Minimising soil disturbance at both companion and OSR drilling

■ Employing the fastest developing hybrid variety possible

■ Placing a specialist starter fertiliser with the seed

■ Drilling the crop neither too early nor too late

Jazzmyn Jex and Dave Thompson checking on the OSR.

the variety to succeed, which is why the estate’s companion crop-based establishment approach is so important.

The team have tried out a range of companion crop varieties at Eastbury over the years, including phacelia, which proved good at both deterring pests and encouraging bees.

However, the companion was too competitive in a mild winter, cutting crop yields by 1.4t/ha.

The farm has since settled on 10kg of buckwheat as their standard companion crop with OSR, and this season have found a combination of fenugreek with buckwheat and vetch particularly valuable, as the smell has seemed to put off game birds that are usually a challenge.

Soil disturbance

Minimum disturbance companion crop drilling into stubble with a discbased Unidrill reduces the initial attractiveness of the ground to adult beetles, according to Mr Thompson.

Direct drilling the OSR into the emerging companion crop, with the least soil movement to attract pests, means the crop can emerge well-disguised beneath a two- to three-week-old companion and volunteer canopy.

Ms Jex says: “The companion dies back just as the OSR grows away strongly and clethodim deals with any cereal volunteers and holds back the black-grass which we hit hard with

propyzamide at its best timing, together with Belkar (Arylex + picloram) for extra broad-leaf control wherever necessary. This is a really effective strategy for the rotation as much as the crop itself.”

Placing a fertiliser to provide 30kg/ha of nitrogen, protected phosphate and added boron with the OSR at drilling, has also proved a valuable element in the establishment jigsaw; especially in seasons where early rooting and crop growth has suffered from either too little or too much soil moisture.

The final element of the recipe is to drill neither too early nor too late.

Drilling in the first half of August has resulted in big spring problems with CSFB larvae in the past, while sowing beyond the first few days of September has given the estate game bird and slug challenges.

“The last week of August is invariably our optimum timing,” Mr Thompson says.

“It means the OSR emerges com-

Uncertainty in the future of OSR in the farm’s rotation sparked development of the six areas of OSR establishment.

fortably after the initial peak of CSFB migration. This works well alongside everything we do to discourage the adults on the one hand and get our crop up and away fast on the other.

“We think we may be able to improve our recipe further, by drilling the OSR as well as the companion crop through discs rather than tines as we do with our Sprinter direct drill.

“That way we would disturb less soil to attract beetles and cause less disturbance to the earlier-sown companions. But since this would require a

new two-tank drill, it all depends on the finances.”

Eastbury Estates has found a reliable way of ensuring winter OSR retains its key grass-weed control role in a profitable cereal-based rotation that would otherwise be hard to maintain.

The crop certainly does not come without risk but the establishment approach the team has developed helps minimise the risk of the crop failing to turn a profit, while fulfilling its important agronomic place in the rotation.

Edited by Angela Calvert – 07768

High of 10,000gns for Aberdeen-Angus bulls

rOverall champion sells for 9,000gns

IT was the overall reserve champion, Carruthers Equador Z229, which led the trade at 10,000gns at the Aberdeen-Angus show and sale at Carlisle. The March 2023-born son of Auchincrieve Exodus U285 out of Carruthers Eleanor was consigned by D. and K. Graham, Lockerbie, and sold to Messrs Carmichael, Newcastle upon Tyne.

Next, at 9,000gns, was the overall champion, December 2022-born Wensleydale Black Voltage Y140 by Gretnahouse Blackboot V082 out of Wensleydale Black Vision V148 from Chris Timm, Pickering. It was knocked down to Michael and Melanie Alford, Cullompton.

Tree Bridge Parthenon Y988, a May 2022-born son of Linton Gilbertines Elgin T149 from D. Evans, Middlesbrough, then sold for 7,500gns to Messrs Rutherford, Hexham.

First prize winner

Close behind, making 7,000gns, was first prize winner, March 2023born McCornick Energy Z998 by McCornick Evening Express T379 from Martin McCornick, Newton

Stewart. The buyer was Messrs Massie, Finzean.

Another first prize winner, Stouphill Blaze Y445, a September 2022-born bull by Stouphill Murphy’s Prince W301 consigned by William Allen, Alnwick, made 6,660gns selling to Messrs Hendrie, Galashields.

Topping the female section at 3,000gns was the reserve cham-

pion, Crook Hill Blackbird Y067, an October 2022-born heifer by QHF West Coast SGR C403 from William and Margaret Taylor, Stocksfield. It sold, in-calf to Fordel Ma Puma, to Messrs Massie.

AVERAGES

31 bulls, £4,877.42; 11 females, £1,872.73. Auctioneers: Harrison and Hetherington.

Denmire Diamonds peak at 8,000gns

THE Denmire Diamonds sale at Carlisle on behalf of the Dennison family, Ulverston, featured four Excellent cows and 43 Very Goods, which included 19 Very Good twoyear-olds. These were topped at 8,000gns by Denmire Ferraro Reba, which sold to the Innes family, Nairn.

The same cow family produced the next top price of 4,200gns for Denmire Sound System Reba which went to the Dixon family, Wigton.

The Marie cow family featured in the leading prices, with Denmire Sidekick Marie selling for 3,800gns to Baltier Farming Company, Newton Stewart – no less than five 100-tonne cows featured in this heifer’s pedigree.

Top grades

Messrs Oldfield, Gisburn, paid 3,500gns for Denmire Apps Marie which had recently classified VG88 in its second lactation completing

10 generations of cows to classify in the top grades. Also selling for 3,500gns was another VG88 second lactation cow, Denmire Pursuit Chrissy, which was bought by the MacKenzie family, Black Isle.

AVERAGES

70 cows and heifers in-milk, £2,747.50.

Auctioneers: Harrison and Hetherington.

THE North West Midlands and North Wales Club show and sale of pedigree Limousins at Welshpool topped at 7,800gns for Pabo Timeout from W.P. Hughes and Son, Anglesey. The October 2022-born bull carrying two copies of the F94L pairing, by Pabo General and out of a home-bred cow by Derrygullinane Kingbull, found a new home with Messrs Moyle, Llanbrynmair.

The pre-sale show male champion was November 2022-born Garyvaughan Tango from the Lewis family, Buttington. By 10,500gns Barrons Oslo, out of Plumtree Deus-sired Garyvaughan Mingo, and carrying two copies of the F94L gene, it sold for 7,500gns to Messrs Lloyd, Bettws Y Coed. From the same stable and taking the reserve male championship was Garyvaughan Tonca, another November 2022-born bull, this time by Strathearnred Nidge. It sold with a myostatin of F94l/ Q204X for 6,500gns to Messrs Jackson, Oswestry.

Next, at 7,000gns, from D.G. and M.J. Edwards, Llandovery, was Dyfri Toreador, an August 2022born son of Dyfri Pele, which was knocked down to Messrs Best, Welshpool.

Bulls

Two bulls sold for 6,000gns. Firstly, another from Messrs Edwards, Dyfri Tornado, a May 2022-born son of the imported French bull Hirohito, which sold to Messrs Jones, Bala. The other was Pabo Trebor, an August 2022 bull by Pabo Rocknroll, from Messrs Hughes, which sold carrying copies of the F94L/Q204X genes to Messrs Williams, Pwllheli.

AVERAGES

26 bulls, £4,870.38; 1 heifer, £2,730. Auctioneers: Welshpool Livestock Sales.

Market Drayton sees best dairy trade of the year as heifer makes

£2,500

THE best dairy trade of the year at Market Drayton Market topped at £2,500 for a heifer from M.W. and J.M. Trevor-Jones, Oswestry, with cows to £2,420 for a third calver from C. and B. Slater, Whitmore.

John Rees, Brecon, sold his heif-

ers at £2,450, £2,400 and £2,250 to average £2,367 for three.

Jeremy Platt, Lachstone Farms, Northwich, averaged £2,400 for four heifers peaking at £2,420.

Heifers

Second quality heifers sold to £1,850 and third quality to £1,580.

Heifers from J.L. Atherton and Co, Baldwins Gate, sold to £2,400, with H.S. and A. Callwood, Knutsford, selling to £2,250.

Cows were a very good trade, with heavy milking third calvers to £2,350 for R.J. and J.E. Hall, Norton in Hales. M. and S. Wilson, Crewe, sold fourth calvers to £2,100 and fifth calvers to £1,900. Auctioneers: Gwilym Richards and Market Drayton Market.

Carruthers Equador Z229, from D. and K. Graham, Lockerbie, which sold for 10,000gns to Messrs Carmichael, Newcastle upon Tyne.

Store cattle reach £1,710 at Gisburn

rLimousin cross named overall champion

A CROWDED ringside saw 400 steers, heifers and young bulls under the hammer in the Farmers Guardian -supported store cattle show and sale at Gisburn.

The first prize heifer and overall champion was a 12-month-old Limousin cross from R.A. Gumbley, Littleborough, which sold at £1,600 to Martin and Thomas Wilcock, Ashton-in-Makerfield.

The judge was Stephen Eastwood, Emley, whose choice for second prize in the heifer class was a 13-month-old

To find out where we will be next, go to farmersguardian.com/mth-roadshow

Parthenaise from M.E. and C.A. Duerden, Dalton-in-Furness, which realised £1,350, while the yellow rosette was awarded to a British Blue cross from Frankland Farms, Rathmell, which made £1,280.

A Limousin cross from J. Feather, Oxenhope, took the red rosette in the young bull class and sold for £1,570.

In the steer class, Messrs Duerden won with another Parthenaise which

There were 400 steers, heifers and young bulls under the hammer in the Farmers Guardian-supported store cattle show and sale at Gisburn.

sold at £1,370. They also had the second and third place steers, also Parthenaise, selling at £1,320 and £1,350 respectively. However, the Duerdens topped the sale at £1,710 with another Pathenaise heifer, which was bought by A.L. Thompson, Foulridge.

British Blue

British Blue crosses led the way in the young bull averages at £1,174, while Charolais cross steers levelled at £1,260. British Blue heifers averaged £1,370, followed by Parthenaise at £1,145.

Auctioneer Jack Pickup said the younger grazing cattle definitely looked the trade on the day, with plenty of suckler-bred yearling steers at £1,200 plus and heifers to the top side of £1,000.

The sale also saw the dispersal of a 67-head suckler herd for E.A.

and H. Hanson, Grindleton, Clitheroe, whose home-bred Limousin stock bull topped an entry of 10 stock bulls at £4,900.

A pedigree 28-month-old Limousin from J.R. and C.J. Greenwood, Bradley, sold at £4,200 and a fouryear-old British Blue from J. and S. Howorth, Bacup, realised £3,400.

The show and sale of hoggs with lambs at foot, held on the same day, saw first and second place in the Texel class awarded to K.G. Stapleton and Sons, Skipton, whose first place pen won the championship. It went on to sell for £390/ outfit and £370/outfit, with other pens from the same home at £360 and £358.

In the Mule class, the red rosette went to a pen from K. and M. Berry and Son, Thornton-in-Craven, selling at £270.

Auctioneers: Gisburn Auction Marts.

PICTURES: ADRIAN LEGGE

The show and sale of hoggs with lambs at foot was held on the same day.

Gisburn auctioneer Jack Pickup.

First prize heifer and overall champion, a 12-month-old Limousin cross from R.A. Gumbley, Littleborough, which sold for £1,600.

Boclair herd leads way for dairy trade

THE top price of 5,000gns at the Border and Lakeland Holstein Club show and sale at Carlisle went to the second place senior heifer Boclair Rubels Apple Red, a great-granddaughter of the two-time All American winner Apple, consigned by the Brewster family, Glasgow.

It sold to the Hastwell family, Kirkby Stephen. The Boclair herd sold another five heifers to average £3,307.

The champion, Boclair Lambda Celebrity, bred from the PR Barbie cow family – also from the Brewster family – sold for 3,100gns to the judge, Ewan Paul, Johnstonebridge.

The reserve champion from Skirwith Hall Farms, Penrith, was Stowbeck Ferraro Mavis by OCD Ferraro, which sold for 2,800gns to St. Main Dairy Farming Company, Perthshire. The Stowbeck herd sold another 10 heifers to average £2,394.

The third prize winning senior heifer, Wormanby Hanley Ricki by Siemers Hanley, from the Hodgson family, Carlisle, made 3,000gns to Messrs McCulloch, Stranraer, who also paid 2,900gns for another heifer from the same home by King Doc.

AVERAGES

8 cows in-milk, £2,283.75; 79 heifers in-milk, £,2441.17.

Auctioneers: Harrison and Hetherington.

Beef Shorthorns see 8,000gns at Carlisle

rReserve champion made 5,500gns

SCORPIO of Skaillhouse, the pre-sale show champion, sold for the top price of 8,000gns at the show and sale of Beef Shorthorns at Carlisle. The March 2022-born bull, by Podehole Rock Nebula out of Eva Wildeyes 13 of Skaillhouse, from C. Macadie and Son, Caithness, was knocked down to Messrs Reeves, Ipstones.

Next, at 7,500gns, was Headlind Stockman, a November 2022-born son of Dunsyre Horatio out of Headlind Holly Nutmeg, from Allan Jackson, Headlind Partners, Kirkfield Bank. The buyer was Messrs Sleigh and Son, Turriff.

Selling for 5,800gns to Messrs Foy, Conder Green, was Stonehills Sandy Lane, a December 2022born bull by Podehole Rock Master from G.L. Riby, Bridlington.

The reserve male and reserve overall champion, Hallsford Snowstorm, a March 2022-born son of Meonside Northern Light from A.N. and H.S. Tomkins, made 5,500gns when selling to Messrs Hagon, Ulverston.

First prize winner, Redstones

Pedigree heifers to £2,480

PEDIGREE newly calved heifers sold to £2,480 twice, and pedigree newly calved cows to £2,280 twice at Gisburn’s dairy sale.

Jennings Farmers, Ripon, sold their Sandley President-sired Abbeyhouse President Tracy, out of an Impression dam, for the day’s joint top price. They also took a £2,450 bid on a Mr D Apple Diamondack heifer.

A Manunited fresh heifer by Koepon OH Robin Red, from M. and J. Bristol, Newton-in-Bowland, reached £2,480.

A run of six heifers from the Fortland herd of J. and N. Hull and Sons, Garstang, reached £2,320 for a 36kg Denovo Citizen-sired entry from their Trudy family, while Fortland Lotto 37 by Stantons Adorable realised £2,250.

Leading the cow trade at £2,280 were a 41kg second calver from R. and M. Cowgill’s Hoole herd,

Preston, and a Delta Jacuzzi Red daughter from Gargrave breeders H.J. and K.L. Blackwell’s Stainhill herd. The Hoole cow, by Double W Ranger, is from their long-lasting Akregloss family – boasting yields up to 12,668kg – while from Stainhill was a 34kg second calver, out of the high fatting Vicki family.

Non-pedigree

Non-pedigree heifers sold to £2,300 for a 38kg entry from N. and K. Forshaw, Alston, Preston, and to £2,250 for one from R.H. Close, Upper Wharfedale. The incalf heifer trade was led by entries from R.A. Kirkham, Nateby, two of which sold at £1,750 and £1,720.

AVERAGES

Pedigree newly calved heifers, £2,104; pedigree newly calved cows, £2,044; non-registered newly calved heifers, £1,762; in-calf heifers, £1,555. Auctioneers: Gisburn Auction Marts.

Pre-sale show champion, Scorpio of Skaillhouse, from C. Macadie and Son, Caithness, which sold for 8,000gns to Messrs Reeves, Ipstones.

Snowman by Napoleon of Upsall, from Charlie Fletcher and Jack Kay, Lockerbie, sold for 5,000gns to Messrs Longlands, Northumberland. Females topped at 4,200gns for the champion, Langhams Gypsy Summer, an April 2022-born heifer by Langhams Nebraska out of Podehole Gypsy Hyacinth, from Andre Vrona, Rutland. It sold, in-calf to Sowerbyparks Superstar,

to Messrs Page, North Humberside. Crichton Ballerina, a June 2022born daughter of Coxhill Panther, from T. and I. Walling, Selkirk, made 3,800gns to Messrs Hodgson, Holmrook.

AVERAGES

17 bulls, £4,805.29; 25 females, £2,641.80; 10 Ballard herd females, £2,299.50. Auctioneers: Harrison and Hetherington.

Sheepdogs sell to

THE top price of 7,900gns at Skipton’s sale of working sheepdogs was, once again, Dewi Jenkins, Talybont. This time it was with his 20-month-old black and white bitch, Aran Mia, by his own Clwyd Bob, which had been bought, part-broken, from Alun Jones and his father, Bala. The buyer was Jon Arne Sand, Viken County, Norway.

Tony Birkett, Carnforth, took 6,000gns for his March 2021-born black and white dog, Spot, by Kevin Evans’ red Spot, a German import. It sold to Jock Sutherland, Sangormore, Durness.

Arfon Roberts, Abergele, Conwy, made 5,000gns with Tan, a 15-month-old red, white and tan bitch by Andrew Procter’s Jed, which went to a Midlands buyer.

First time vendor, 18-year-old Caleb Russell, Keighley, sold his June 2021-born black and white bitch, Nell, for 4,000gns to Ian

7,900gns

Lancaster, Ribble Valley, on behalf of a customer.

AVERAGES

Broken - 8 registered dogs, £3,018.75; 7 registered bitches, £5,040; 1 unregistered dog, £1,050. Unbroken pen - 1 registered dog, £682.50. Auctioneers: CCM.

Aran Mia, top price sheepdog, with seller Dewi Jenkins, Talybont.

PICTURE: WAYNE HUTCHINSON

Breeding cattle to £3,600 at Barnard Castle

THE show and sale of breeding cattle at Barnard Castle topped at £3,600 for a British Blue heifer with a Limousin sired bull calf at foot from P. J. Donnelly, Great Ayton.

Judges, Geoffrey and Peter Wilson, Marwood, awarded the championship to a British Blue cross heifer with a bull calf at foot, from D.W. and D.M. Elliott, Mungrisedale, which sold for £3,550.

In the store and feeding bull section, top price was £1,725 for a Limousin bull from D. and P.H. Brown, Aldbrough St Johns.

Store steers sold to £1,705 for a Limousin consigned by T.M. Bellas and Son, Barnard Castle, and heifers peaked at £1,695 for a Limousin from the same home. Over-30-month cattle sold to £2,544.90 (249.5p/kg) for a British Blue stock bull, from B. and J.D. Beadle, Staindrop.

Top price per kilo was 269.5p for a 34-month-old British Blue heifer, from M.F. and K.C. Stobart, Lunedale.

AVERAGES

Bulls, £1,426.50; steers, £1,356.60; heifers, £1,249.43.

Auctioneers: Barnard Castle and Teesdale Farmers Auction Mart Co.

Darlington Limousin bulls make 6,500gns

rPedigree heifers sell to

2,150gns

AT the North East Limousin Breeders Club show and sale at Darlington, bulls topped at 6,500gns with a 95 per cent clearance rate.

The sale topper was the pre-sale show champion, Wanthwaite Rolo, a four-year-old bull by Kingshaugh Nice, which carries two copies of the F94L gene.

Bred by the Bell family, Keswick, and consigned by Willie Barron, Burnhope, it sold to R.A. and S.L. Wearmouth, Long Newton.

Double

Next, at 5,500gns, was September 2022-born Longhirst Trevor, another double F94L carrier from the Jordan family, Morpeth, which was knocked down to R. Falconer and Son, Milham.

Making 4,800gns was Holywell Tyson, a December 2022-born son of Plumtree Fantastic, from

WORKING DOGS

Trials diary

WALES

May 24. ACORNS CHARITY NOVICE, Suckley, Worcester, restricted to novice handlers, contact Anna Prothero to pre-enter, tel: 07795 178451, email: anna_prothero@hotmail.com.

May 26. OBLEY NOVICE, Obley, Craven Arms, restricted to novice dogs and handlers, contact Anna Prothero, tel: 07795 178451, email: anna_prothero@hotmail.com.

May 27. NORTH WALES SHEEP DOG SOCIETY AFFILIATED SOCIETIES TRIALS OPEN TRIALS Berwyn, pre-entry, LL20 7LH, 8am start, tel: 01691 600 860.

June 1. NORTH WALES SHEEP DOG SOCIETY AFFILIATED SOCIETIES TRIALS OPEN TRIALS, Ruthin, LL15 2AL, 8am, tel: 07799 444 773.

June 2. LLANARTHNE. Llanarthne, Carmarthen, SA32 8HN, 7am start. Open national with top three from each session qualifying for a double fetch final. Contact Meirion Owen, tel: 07779 600 112, please pre-enter, closing May, 4. June 4. GRIFFIN LLOYD, Knighton, LD7 8LG. Open national, two sessions. 7.30am start. Contact Karin Haker, tel: 07400 608 952, enter on field.

Welsh results

FFOS Y FRAN, Morning (Aurwen Price) 1, David Millichap, Lyn, 8; 2, Heddwyn Thomas, Jet, 9; 3, Karin Haker, Case, 10; 4, Kelvin Broad, Kinloch Bode, 12; 5, Llion Harries, Preseli Jock, 13 OLF; 6, Steve Currie, Glen, 13. Afternoon (Karin Haker) 1, Heddwyn Thomas, Jet, 12; 2, John Bowen, Patch, 13 OLFD; 3, Bleddyn Lester, Nantcelyn Jet, 13; 4, Iwan Rees, Pentre Meg, 13; 5, Angie Driscoll, Kinloch Carlos, 14 OLF; 6, Llion Harries, Teifi Taff, 14. SOUTH SHROPSHIRE, Morning session (Lorna

ENGLAND

May 24. TRAWDEN, Spring Open Trial. Cold Weather House Farm, Blacko, BB9 6NH. First 50 dogs to contact Meg, tel: 07824 644 099, 9am start, no two dogs on run over sheep, last booking in time 12pm. Pre-entry only. CROOKHILL OPEN TRIAL, Crookhill Farm, Derwent, Hope Valley, S33 0AQ. 8am start, entry £10. Email: lyndawood73@gmail.com, tel: 07866 586 280, what3words: refrain.spins.tumblers. May 25 – June 2. PENNINE CIRCUIT 2024 OPENS, Peter Simpson, Woodmanwray farm, Dacre, Harrogate, HG3 4AR. Those with two dogs, one to be booked in by 11am and take the next available run. Refreshments on-site.

May 25 – June 1. NORTHUMBERLAND LEAGUE OPEN, Shirlaw Hope, NE65 8EN. Enter on field, 8.30am start, no second dogs run after 12.30pm, tel: 07375 397 106. May 26. ROSELAND , Pennare Farm, Veryan, TR2 5PH (Off the A3078 near Veryan) classes: open, driving, novice. 9.30am start, entries close May 21. Contact Trevor Hopper, email: trevor_ hopper01@btinternet.com, tel: 01872 501 886. May 27. BAMFORD SHEEPDOG ASSOCIATION, Water Lane, Bamford, Hope Valley, S33 0DA. Open,

Owen) Open, 1, Ian Jones, Erwood Ray, 9 OLF; 2, Angie Driscoll, Kinloch Carlos, 9; 3, George Bonsall, Jake, 10 OLF; 4, Karin Haker, Case, 10; 5, Iwan Rees, Pentre Meg, 18 OLF; 6, Angie Driscoll, Kinloch Taz, 18. Novice, 1, Iwan Rees, Pentre Meg, 18; 2, Wendy Jones, Maid, 27; 3, Yvonne Abrey, Leah, 36. Ladies, Angie Driscoll. Afternoon session (Vic Morris ) Open 1, Iwan Rees, Pentre Jax, 9; 2, Karin Haker, Case, 15; 3, Alun Jones, Cass, 16; 4, Emyr Jones, Sam, 17; 5, Iwan Rees, Pentre Meg, 18; 6, David Evans, Kemi Gin, 19. Novice, 1, Iwan Rees, Pentre Meg, 18; 2, Tony Mallon, Mylie, 23; 3, Kelvin Broad, Kinloch Bode, 24. Ladies, Karin Haker.

Pre-sale show champion Wanthwaite Rolo, from Willie Barron, Burnhope, sold for 6,500gns to R.A and S.L. Wearmouth, Long Newton.

Mark Marley and Jo Gibson, Northalleton, which sold locally to Peter Jopling and family. Pedigree heifers sold to 2,150gns for 14-month-old Barrons Unifloss,

from Willie Barron, Burnhope, which sold to local breeder Eileen Wilson.

Auctioneers: Darlington Farmers Auction Mart.

local, brace, entry in advance on website, bamfordsheepdogtrials.com. Contact Malcolm Sowerby, Eccles View, Smalldale, Bradwell, Hope Valley, S33 9JQ. MID SHIRES SHEEPDOG SOCIETY. The Colin Turland Open/Novice Memorial Trial, Eastcote Hall Farm, Solihull B92 0JA. Members, £8 per dog; non-members, £10/dog. Entries will be accepted only on receipt of payment. Entries open May 8, maximum three dogs/handler. Running orders to be sent out one week ahead of trial. Contact Gill Burbidge, tel: 07950 738 732. TREGONY, Pennare Farm, Veryan, TR2 5PH. 9.30am start, entries close May 21. Contact Trevor Hopper, email: trevor_hopper01@ btinternet.com, tel: 01872 501 886. May 28. CASTLE VIEW AM AND PM TRIALS. Greenacres Farm, Biddulph Road, Harriseahead, Staffordshire, ST73PU. Pre-entry, £10 per entry, tel: 07484 066 932. June 1 and 2. ISLE OF WIGHT. Rowlands Farm, Havenstreet, PO33 4DE. Please follow Facebook page and isleofwightsheepdogtrials.co.uk for more details.

SCOTLAND

May 25. LESMAHAGOW FARMERS SOCIETY. Opposite show field, ML11 9PS. Enter online

English results

through Lesmahagow Farmers society web page at lesmahagowfarmerssociety.co.uk. Maximum two dogs per handler, £6 per dog, limited to 50 dogs. KINROSS SHEEPDOG TRIAL. Held at KY13 0NX, entries to Kirsty 07979 012 569. Open trial, first 70 paid dogs, £10 per dog, spectators welcome. PENTON DISCUSSION GROUP SHEEP DOG TRIALS. Shieling Moss, DG14 0RP, Harelaw, near Canonbie. Open, novice and friendly. Entry in advance, £5 per dog, Email: becky.pentonsdt@gmail.com. Spectators welcome, refreshments and facilities available.

June 1 GREAT GLEN, Achindaul Farm, Spean Bridge, PH34 4EX. First 60 paid entries at £7 per dog, contact Linda Campbell, Dykelands, Camaghael, Fort William, PH33 7NF. CARSPHAIRN SHOW, Field at the Crofts, Carsphairn, Castle Douglas. DG7 3TQ, 8am start. Entries on the field, no double dogs after 1pm. Confined first to third prizes for runners from the parishes of Carsphairn, Dalry, Kells, Dalmellington and Balmaclellan. Young handler prize and rosette. Refreshments on the field. Contac Jim White, tel: 07765 160 309. June 2. PEEBLES, Hamilton Hall, EH46 7DB, 8am start, entry on field. For further information contact Davie Wallace, tel: 07788 998 196.

TRYINGHAM ARMS (Frank Richards) open driving, (48 ran) 1, Ray Edwards, Astra Gale, 87; 2, Ray Edwards, Kelly, 85. 3, Ray Edwards, Smithymoor Tan; 4, Julian Mills Milly 78 OLF; 5, Daniel Heard, Taff, 78; 6, Sophie Mills, Beti, 76. Young Handler, 1, R. Heard, Fly. Maltese Cross Open 16 ran (T Hopper) 1, J. Nicholls, Maud, 62; 2, W. Carter, Lad, 53; 3, R. Edwards, Corries Nap, 52; 4, F. Richards, Bee, 51. Novice, 1, C. Worgan, Mouse, 69; 2, S. Short, Fever, 47; 3, R. Edwards, Penny, 45. 4, W. Carter, Frank, 35. New Handler, 1. A. Beard, Mae, 42. WEST ROSE, (David Cole) Open driving, 1, Ray

Edwards, Kelly, 80; 2, Jim Nicholls, Lil, 73 TOLF; 3, Carol Worgan, Terry, 73; 4, Ray Edwards, Astra Gale, 71; 5, Carol Worgan, Black Jack, 63; 6, Sophie Mills, Beti, 61. Maltese cross, novice (14 ran) 1, D. Cole, Juno, 84; 2, D. Cole, Jasper, 83; 3, J. Nicholls, Meg, 81.5; 4, J. Tucker, Tess, 78. Open, 1, J. Nicholls, Maud, 80; 2, D. Cole, Tan, 79; 3, W. Carter, Lad, 60.

Market Results

Dairy Sale

Hoggs 403p/kg - £183.37, Lambs 494p/kg - £196.37, Ewes £215 THIS SATURDAY 25TH MAY

On behalf of Messrs Waterfall, Underhill Farm, Stanford on Soar, Leics 50 NZ FRIESIANS

All Fresh. Vac Lepto, BVD & IBR & Johnes Monitored. Cubicles & Herringbone. Herd Av 6000kg 4.10%F 3.55%P cc183. 12 monthly TB & never had a case! TUESDAY 28TH MAY 2024 (Following the Usual Commercial Entry)

Store Cattle Sales

700 STORE CATTLE THIS SATURDAY 25TH MAY 2024

Fat/Barrens: Graham Watkins 07976 370894

Dairies: Meg Elliott 07967 007049 Stores: Mark Elliott 07973 673092

Sheep: Robert Watkins 07929 946652 Visit us at www.leekauctions.co.uk

Tuesday 28th May 2024 at 11.00am

The Dispersal Sale of the Spring Calving NMR Herd being

228 DAIRY CATTLE

Comp: 139 Dairy Cows & Heifers Inmilk &/or Incalf; 41 Calved Heifers; 47 A Lot Heifer Calves & Aberdeen Angus Bull

✰ NMR HERD AV: 5716KGS, 4.48%BF, 3.77%P; SCC=198

✰ HERRINGBONE Parlour; CUBICLE Housed

✰ YOUNG COWS: 111 1st – 3rd Lactation

✰ BREEDS INC: Ayrshire, British Friesian, Holstein Friesian, Jersey X & Norwegian Red X

✰ SPRING CALVING: Feb-Mar (148); Apr-May (23); Oct (7) For G Edwards (End of Tenancy)

(Removed from Langdon Manor Farm, Beaminster, Dorset for convenience of sale)

** Live bidding on MartEye, please register in advance at gth.marteye.ie **

SEDGEMOOR AUCTION CENTRE

Saturday 1st June 2024 at approx. 12pm following the commercial fresh milk entry

To include The Dispersal Sale of the NMR Herd being

67 DAIRY CATTLE

Comp: 64 Dairy Cows & 3 Incalf Heifers

✰ NMR HERD AV: 6242KGS, 4.88%BF, 3.46%P; SCC=158

ABREAST Parlour; CUBICLE Housed

YOUNG COWS: 42 1st – 3rd Lactation

BREEDS INC: Holstein Friesian & Dairy Shorthorn

CALVING: Feb-Mar (16); May-Jul (13); Aug-Oct (12); Nov-Jan (17)

SERVICES TO: Aberdeen Angus & British Blue

For MS & JG Hall

(Removed from Bloomers Farm, Gillingham, Dorset for convenience of sale)

& The Dispersal Sale of the NMR Herd being

35 HOLSTEIN FRIESIANS

✰ NMR HERD AV: 7000KGS, 4.48%BF, 3.30%P; SCC=178

✰ ABREAST Parlour; CUBICLE Housed

✰ ALL YEAR ROUND CALVING

For FG Payne & Sons

(Removed from Woodford Farm, Wellington, Somerset for convenience of sale)

In conjunction with the Weekly Dairy Market of approx. 40 Dairy Cattle

** Live bidding on MartEye, please register in advance at gth.marteye.ie **

SEDGEMOOR AUCTION

NORTH WEST AUCTIONS

NORTH WEST AUCTIONS

NORTH WEST AUCTIONS

NORTH WEST AUCTIONS

LIVESTOCK AUCTIONEERS � VALUERS www.nwauctions.co.uk

LIVESTOCK AUCTIONEERS � VALUERS www.nwauctions.co.uk info@nwauctions.co.uk

LIVESTOCK AUCTIONEERS � VALUERS www.nwauctions.co.uk

10.30am SPRING LAMBS, PRIME HOGGS & CAST SHEEP 11.30am SHEEP WITH LAMBS AT FOOT

10.30am SPRING LAMBS, PRIME HOGGS & CAST SHEEP 11.30am SHEEP WITH LAMBS AT FOOT

Monday 27th May 10.30am SPRING LAMBS, PRIME HOGGS & CAST SHEEP 11.30am SHEEP WITH LAMBS AT FOOT

Friday 31st May

Friday 31st May

Friday 31st May

10.15am 150 REARING CALVES & WEANLINGS

10.15am

10.15am 150 REARING CALVES & WEANLINGS

10.15am 150 CAST / OTM CATTLE

DAIRY

CATTLE & FARMER

Tuesday 28th

11am SHEEP WITH LAMBS AT FOOT

10:30am ALL CLASSES OF PIGS 11am SHEEP WITH LAMBS AT FOOT To Inc SECOND SHOW & SALE OF HOGGS WITH LAMBS 1pm SPRING LAMBS, PRIME HOGGS & CAST SHEEP

10:30am ALL CLASSES OF PIGS 11am SHEEP WITH LAMBS AT FOOT Inc SECOND SHOW & SALE OF HOGGS WITH LAMBS 1pm SPRING LAMBS, PRIME HOGGS & CAST SHEEP

10:30am ALL CLASSES OF PIGS 11am SHEEP WITH LAMBS AT FOOT To Inc SECOND SHOW & SALE OF HOGGS WITH LAMBS 1pm SPRING LAMBS, PRIME HOGGS & CAST SHEEP

To Inc SECOND SHOW & SALE OF HOGGS WITH LAMBS 1pm SPRING LAMBS, PRIME HOGGS & CAST SHEEP

Tuesday 28th May 12.30pm Prime

Prime Hoggs & Cull Ewes

Thursday 30th May 12.30pm Sale

Saturday 8th June 10am

Entries close Wednesday 29th May Saturday 25th May

Thursday 30th May 10am 150

Thursday 30th May

10am 150 REARING CALVES & WEANLINGS

Thursday 30th May 10am 150 REARING CALVES & WEANLINGS 10.30am 100 CAST / OTM CATTLE 11.15am 300 STIRKS & STORE CATTLE

Thursday 30th May 10am 150 REARING CALVES & WEANLINGS 10.30am 100 CAST / OTM CATTLE 11.15am 300 STIRKS & STORE CATTLE

Thursday 13th June ANNUALSHOW & SALE OF COWS & HEIFERS WITH CALVES AT FOOT Plus In-Calf, Bulling Heifers & Breeding Bulls

On instructions from Messrs SA & E Friswell (who are streamlining their farming operations). West Farm, Brinklow, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV23 0LY.

Thursday 13th June ANNUALSHOW & SALE OF COWS & HEIFERS WITH CALVES AT FOOT Plus In-Calf, Bulling Heifers & Breeding Bulls

Thursday 13th June ANNUALSHOW & SALE OF COWS & HEIFERS WITH CALVES AT FOOT Plus In-Calf, Bulling Heifers & Breeding Bulls

Thursday 13th June ANNUALSHOW & SALE OF COWS & HEIFERS WITH CALVES AT FOOT Plus In-Calf, Bulling Heifers & Breeding Bulls

MACHINERY SALES

MACHINERY SALES

MACHINERY

MACHINERY SALES

Special Online Sale of Vintage & Classic Tractors, Vehicles, Farm Machinery, Equipment & Rural Bygones SALE LIVE ONLINE: www.nwa.auctionmarts.com Sale Concludes: Tuesday 28th. Collection: Wednesday 29th

Special Online Sale of Vintage & Classic Tractors, Vehicles, Farm Machinery, Equipment & Rural Bygones SALE LIVE ONLINE: www.nwa.auctionmarts.com

Sale Concludes: Tuesday 28th. Collection: Wednesday 29th

Special Online Sale of Vintage & Classic Tractors, Vehicles, Farm Machinery, Equipment & Rural Bygones SALE LIVE ONLINE: www.nwa.auctionmarts.com

Sale Concludes: Tuesday 28th. Collection: Wednesday 29th

Special Online Sale of Vintage & Classic Tractors, Vehicles, Farm Machinery, Equipment & Rural Bygones SALE LIVE ONLINE: www.nwa.auctionmarts.com Sale Concludes: Tuesday 28th. Collection: Wednesday 29th

June Online Machinery Sale Delivery: Monday 3rd & Tuesday 4th June Sale Commences: Friday 7th June Sale Concludes: Tuesday 11th June

June Online Machinery Sale

Delivery: Monday 3rd & Tuesday 4th June

June Online Machinery Sale Delivery: Monday 3rd & Tuesday 4th June

June Online Machinery Sale Delivery: Monday 3rd & Tuesday 4th June Sale Commences: Friday 7th June Sale Concludes: Tuesday 11th June

Sale Commences: Friday 7th June

Sale Commences: Friday 7th June

Sale Concludes: Tuesday 11th June

HAWES, NORTH YORKSHIRE, DL8 3NP

Tuesday 28th May

500 Prime Lambs & Hoggs at 10am

300 Cast Ewes & Rams

Auction Mart Pasture to let (crop or graze) until 14th July 2024 at 11am

2 Auction Mart Shares at 11am 100 Ewes with Lambs at Foot at 11:30am.

Tuesday 11th June

Sale Concludes: Tuesday 11th June Farmers Guardian the

Show (for pairs) & Sale of Spring Lambs. Sponsored by Horner Shearing. Telephone: 01969 667207, 015396 20895, 07974 126397. 07711 469280

To include: 2017 Massey Ferguson TH7038 Telescopic Handler, 1993 Matbro TS260 Turbo Telescopic Handler, 2011 Massey Ferguson 7620 Dyna-6 4WD Tractor, 2002 Massey Ferguson 4365 4WD Tractor c/w MF 945 power loader, c.1955 Fordson Major Diesel Tractor c/w Cooks two-speed forestry winch. Together with: Kuhn 313FC mower conditioner, Kuhn GF10601 TD 10-rotor tedder 2003 Mitsubishi Equippe SWB Shogun. Plus: Livestock, Commercial & Farm Trailers, Grassland, Livestock & General Farm Machinery, Arable Machinery, Massey Ferguson Spares, Contractors’ Plant & Machinery, Livestock Equipment, Agricultural Requisites, Workshop Equipment and Poultry Equipment.

Also included: A dispersal sale on behalf of Brian Evans to include 2009 Massey Ferguson 7485 Dyna VT 4WD Tractor, 2008 Hitachi ZX80 SBLC Excavator, 2015 NC beaver tail low loader, c. 2002 Bomford Falcon 6T hedge cutter, 2007 Ifor Williams TT2515 Power Tipper 2.5m twin-axle trailer.

Included in the sale: 2002 Massey Ferguson 6280 4WD power control tractor, 2017 Shelbourne Reynolds 18 Power Mix diet feeder, 2020 Bailey 20T low loader, 2016 Ifor Williams 4.3m tri-axle livestock trailer.

Sectional freestanding weighbridge suitable for weighing articulated lorries (3m x 18m).

And: A complete stock dispersal sale on behalf of Modulamb Ltd of new sheep equipment to include handling systems and trailers, sheep handling aids, hurdles & gates, lambing and feeding equipment and dog runs.

To be sold by auction on the premises Saturday 1st June 2024 at 10.00am.

Beef bulls and bluetongue VIEW FROM THE ROSTRUM

James Little on the highs and lows of May’s sales

May is always a significant month in the sales calendar at Harrison and Hetherington. It is traditionally bull sale month, and we are lucky to host a wide range of breeds with some of the finest cattle from all over the UK travelling to Carlisle to come under the hammer.

This year, however, has not been without its challenges. The post-Brexit politics rumble on and the strong run of cattle we usually see from Northern Ireland has been cut back in the last few years. Now, the inability to pass animals to take home has been compounded by the bluetongue outbreak in Kent and surrounding counties. This has resulted in animals from mainland UK being unable to cross the water to Ireland.

Of course, this had a significant impact on trading conditions for both

vendors and purchasers. The fact that cattle from the EU, where bluetongue clearly originated last summer, are allowed to travel through England and Scotland before boarding a boat to Ireland is rubbing salt into wounds. Perhaps politics is more to blame for these restrictions than the disease prevention we are all led to believe.

This upheaval has contributed to the trade across all breeds being

slightly more reserved than we have seen of late, with sale percentages taking a slight fall – which was always going to be the case.

Our Limousin sale on the first weekend of May met with a good demand, although the quality was not quite at the levels seen in recent years. This was especially evident with the younger bulls, which made trading more difficult as the sales progressed.

A total of 80 bulls went under the hammer with a clearance rate of 73 per cent. This was the same total as was sold as last year, but with more being presented for sale: something which often happens on the back of such a fabulous February of sales.

Topping the sale at 38,000gns was September 2022-born Cowin Tequin, from Welsh breeders Dyfan, Carol and Rheon Jame of the Cowin herd, which sold to Messrs Adam and Messrs McNee from Perthshire.

Last weekend, the second weekend in May, we hosted four breeds in our bull sale at Borderway: Blondes, Simmentals, Charolais and British

Blues. It was wonderful to see a packed market of both cattle and people, which certainly demonstrated to all the power of the live auction system.

The leading price of the day was claimed by the British Blues with Messrs Morgan of the Almeley herd selling their pre-sale champion at 25,000gns to Coul Estates in the Scottish Highlands. Charolais peaked at 10,000gns, with Simmentals to 7,200gns and Blondes to 6,200gns.

This was followed by the traditional breeds, where we welcomed the Aberdeen Angus, Beef Shorthorns and Herefords. Aberdeen Angus has taken the top spot nationally as the most popular breed. An accolade held by the Limousin for many years, this is driven heavily by the dairy herd. So, demand was expected to be good.

James Little is pedigree sales and business development manager at Harrison and Hetherington. Call 07872 840 685, or email james.little@borderway.com

James Little

Mark Lee: 07980924179

Simon Lamb: 07815 188125

Ryan Spackman: 07725 653542

Mark@nortonandbrooksbank.com

THURSDAY 30TH MAY-10:30AM PALEFENCE FARM, SHOTTLE, BELPER, DERBY, DE56 2DP

DISPERSAL SALE OF THE ‘HAZE’ HERD OF HOLSTEINS (370 HEAD)

Dispersal sale of the entire HAZE herd of Holsteins, the property of J F & S J Hayes. Sale includes almost 240 cows in milk together with youngstock of all ages. A truly superb herd of high yielding cows displaying great strength and body condition along with super udders, making them ideal modern dairy cows. Breeding over many years for the ideal medium stature cattle capable of high yields with huge components. Exceptional production of 11,400kg 4.4%fat 3.4%pro SC108. All cows housed in cubicles and milked 2x daily. Simple grass/ whole crop TMR with emphasis on quality forage, COWS RECEIVE NO MAIZE! All cows also graze during the Summer. All year calving with large proportion due through the Summer months OVER 120 SELL IN THEIR 1st & 2nd LACTATION!! Pregnancies to top sexed sires along with beef. High health status being BVD, Lepto & IBR vaccinated. Rigorous Johnes screening over many years. Recent full herd TB clear with very good TB history. Live on Marteye. Transport available to all parts of UK.

MONDAY 3 JUNE (10:45am) AT MARKET DRAYTON MARKET, TF9 3SW (moved from Pontrilas, Hereford, for sale convenience) DISPERSAL SALE OF THE COMMERCIAL ROWLESTONE COURT HERD OF 90 DAIRY CATTLE

★ HOLSTEINS, FRIESIANS, SCANDINAVIAN RED X & JERSEY X ★ ★ 90 milking cows and heifers to be sold in calving order ★ ★ Young herd ★ 29 heifers ★ 11 2nd calvers ★ 22 3rd calvers ★ ★ 7,847kgs 4.11%F 3.43%P cc180 ★ CUBICLES ★ HERRINGBONE ★ ★ Grazed herd Spring to Autumn ★ All year calving to Beef and Holstein ★ ★ On Behalf of JB & Mrs M & MA Williams ★

MARKET DRAYTON MARKET LTD

01630 652 926 | marketdraytonmarket.co.uk

Jonty Cliffe 07595 453 306

dairy@barbers-auctions.co.uk

MARKET DRAYTON MARKET

Catalogues by post on application only

01630 652 926 | marketdraytonmarket.co.uk

Cliffe 07595 453

GWILYM RICHARDS & CO LTD

grichards.co.uk | 01600 860 300

Gwilym Richards 07768 020 393

Jason Brown 07774 816 384 info@grichards.co.uk

All catalogues available by request, call, text, email for catalogues.

WHO’S GOT YOUR BID?

Back again for 2024, the Mart’s the Heart Awards are open for entries. Could you be one of this year’s winners?

Auctions are essential to the success and well-being of any livestock farm and auctioneers are, in many ways, at the forefront of the livestock industry. Their purpose is to bring farmers together to achieve the best price for whatever they are selling.

This year, the Mart’s the Heart Awards are back, with the aim of celebrating this vital sector of British agriculture. This is your opportunity to shout about those within the industry who you feel deserve special recognition.

The Mart’s the Heart Awards were launched in 2015 and the campaign proved to be an outstanding success and was incredibly well received.

In 2023, the awards generated 450 nominations and 19,700 votes were cast for the shortlisted finalists. The closing date for entries is Friday, June 28, 2024.

We cannot wait to celebrate the winners of Auction Mart of the Year, Auction Cafe of the Year and New Auctioneer of the Year at the British Farming Awards. We hope you will help us to reward marts and cafes which are doing a great job for the industry.

For more information and to make your nominations, scan the QR code or visit: britishfarmingawards.co.uk/ MartsTheHeart

A WORD FROM THE SPONSORS

THE Livestock Auctioneers Association is delighted to sponsor the awards, which acknowledge the role auctioneers and their businesses play in the livestock industry and the wider agricultural and rural community, a key part of which is ensuring farmers get a fair and true price for their stock.

The last year has demonstrated the importance of the live market when demand outstrips supply, driving prices and creating trends. This is a great opportunity to recognise the role

auctions play within the industry.

SHEARWELL Data is delighted to be continuing its support of the Mart’s the Heart Awards.

Livestock markets are an integral part of the livestock farming community. Not only are livestock markets a place of business, but also a space where farmers can seek advice and see friends.

CHRIS DODDS

Livestock Auctioneers Association.

Livestock markets and the live sale rings are key to a buoyant and competitive livestock farming sector and the future of the UK red meat sector.

RICHARD WEBBER Director, Shearwell Data.

2023 WINNERS

2023 winners were Eleanor O’Neill (New Auctioneer of the Year), Auction Eats (Cafe of the Year), and Sedgemoor (Auction Mart of the Year).

THIS YEAR’S JUDGING PANEL

HOW TO ENTER

THE PROCESS

CHRIS DODDS

Executive secretary for the Livestock Auctioneers Association which represents livestock markets in England and Wales.

RICHARD WEBBER

Director of Shearwell Data, the UK’s largest animal tag manufacturer, based at Whedmoor Cross, Exmoor. He also farms 405 hectares.

MYSTERY JUDGE

This year’s mystery judge of the Auction Cafe category will remain anonymous until the awards evening.

Friday, May 10 NOMINATIONS OPEN

Friday, July 26 VOTING OPENS

Friday, June 28 NOMINATIONS CLOSE

Wednesday, August 28 VOTING CLOSES Thursday, October 17 AWARDS NIGHT

WHAT WILL THE FINALISTS RECEIVE?

ALL finalists will have their status raised, with a profile in print and online during public voting. Winners of all three awards will be guests at the British Farming Awards, with their awards presented by Farmers Guardian, the Livestock Auctioneers Association and Shearwell Data.

Photographs of the presentation will be made available to winners and their companies for their own use and will appear in FG.

Each winner will feature in an in-depth profile in print and online, and will receive a prestigious, cast iron commemorative plaque.

g g g

MART’S THE HEART AWARDS 2024 NOMINATION FORM Go to britishfarmingawards.co.uk/MartsTheHeart, or fill in and return this form

YOUR DETAILS

Title: First name:

Surname:

Address:

Postcode:

Landline number:

Mobile number:

Email:

Tick box to sign up to the Auction Finder

email newsletter

Tick box to receive email updates of the Mart’s the Heart Awards

Tick box if you are a current Farmers Guardian subscriber

Please return by Friday, June 28, to: Mart’s the Heart Awards 2024, Farmers Guardian, Unit 4, Caxton Road, Fulwood, Preston, Lancashire, PR2 9NZ.

AUCTION MART OF THE YEAR

Name of auction mart you are nominating:

Reasons for nomination: (Continue on separate sheet - up to 400 words)

AUCTION CAFE OF THE YEAR

Name of auction cafe you are nominating:

Reasons for nomination: (Continue on separate sheet - up to 400 words)

NEW AUCTIONEER OF THE YEAR

Name of new auctioneer you are nominating:

Reasons for nomination: (Continue on separate sheet - up to 400 words)

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 not like to receive these communications, please email us at dataprotection@farmersguardian.com. If you have any queries or concerns

Jeremy Eaton - 07747 780481

Ted Ogden - 07855 958211

Kyle Hawksworth - 07538 539077

Harrison & Hetherington

Will be attending Northumberland County Show –Saturday 25th May

You are invited to visit us in our Marquee for Refreshments and Meet the H&H Team

BORDERWAY MART, CARLISLE

Tel: 01228 406200

Friday 24th May – 10.30am 500 BEEF BREEDING CATTLE

10.30am 300 cows and heifers with calves 12.30pm bulls followed by 200 bulling heifers

MAY FAIR Society sales of PEDIGREE EWES with LAMBS

Friday 24th May 12.30pm VALAIS BLACKNOSE 11.00pm

Show and sale of EWES & HOGGS with LAMBS & FOOT

Monday 27th May

Show 10.00am Sale 11.00am

Hoggs with lambsclasses for pens of 5 Continental, 5 Suffolk and 5 Mules

Ewes with lambs – classes for pens of 5 Continental and 5 Mules

Please advise entries Joe Bowman 07736 883670, Rory Livesey 07535 001541

BORDERWAY MONTHLY DAIRY DAY

Wednesday 5th June

Entries close Wednesday 29th May

CONTINENTAL CROSS STORE CATTLE

Wednesday 5th June

Entries close Wednesday 29th May

MULTI BREED PEDIGREE BULL SALE

Wednesday 26th June

Entries close Monday 27th May

CHAROLLAIS SUPREME SALE

Saturday 29th June

On behalf of Charollais Sheep Society

Within Borderway Mart & Online

Entries close Friday 31st May

ONLINE SALE

SALE OF MACHINERY, IMPLEMENTS & HEAVY PLANT items

Sale bidding starts 10.00am Wednesday 5th June until 10.00am Thursday 6th June

Wednesday 29th May or contact David Holliday 07710 189804, or Iain Dick 07713 599791

Tel: 01768 371385

100 STORE CATTLE, CAST/FEED COWS & OTM CATTLE

Monday 27th May – 9.30am

Evening sale of

105 SWALEDALE GIMMER HOGGS

Friday 31st May - 5.00pm

Being part of the dispersal on behalf of PE&KA Sowerby, Oakbank Farm, Barras.

NEW SALE FIXTURE

WORKING SHEEPDOGS AND UNBROKEN PUPPIES

Thursday 1st August At Lazonby Mart

Entries close Friday 12th July Entry forms available on website

ON FARM & ON LINE SALE

JALEX SELECT 24

Saturday 8th June – 1.00pm At 88 Gloverstown Road, Randalstown BT41 3HY

Sale of 60 top quality heifers with calves at foot followed by 150 show stopping in calf heifers, 5 young breeding bulls

Saturday 25th May

Show & Sale of 27 PEDIGREE BELTED & WHITE GALLOWAY CATTLE

Show 10.30am Sale 12noon

SALE OF POULTRY, HATCHING EGGS & EQUIPMENT Show 10.00am Sale 11.00am

Monday 27th May

SALE OF REARING CALVES Sale 10.30am

Entries & Enquiries to Kyle PRIME, CAST & FEEDING CATTLE

Sale 11.30am (TB exempt section available)

SALE OF SPRING LAMBS & PRIME HOGGS

Sale 12.30pm followed by CAST EWES

BANK HOLIDAY BLUES

Annual Sale of 23 Pedigree Blue Texel Empty Gimmer Hoggs Sale 10.30am followed by

Weekly Sale of EWES with LAMBS AT FOOT Inc 2nd SHOW & SALE of HOGGS with LAMBS AT FOOT & PENNINES FAIR SALE Horned & Hill Going Ewes with Lambs & Foot & Geld Gimmer Hoggs

Saturday 1st June

AIREDALE ANGUS ON FARM SALE

Production Sale of 74 head of Cows with Calves or In Calf, Young Bulls, Embryo’s & Semen For D & J Isherwood Sale 1.00pm

ONLINE

Tuesday 4th June

FEEDING BULLS,

CATTLE, BEEF FEEDING COWS, STORE & BREEDING CATTLE To Inc Production sale of 20 Contx/AAx Hfrs & Young Cows with Lim/Char Calves at Foot for S & CR Battye (Entries close Wednesday 29th May)

6th

ON FARM SALE On Farm Dispersal of Machinery & Equipment on behalf of TJ Crocker, Hayhills Farm, Silsden List of Entries Online Sale 6.00pm

Sale of STIRKS, WEANED/SUCKLED CALVES, BREEDING & CULL GOATS, STORE & BREEDING SHEEP (Entries close

Dispersal Sale of the Dale Herd of 90 Beef Shorthorn Cows & Calves, Heifers & Bulls For JC Bellerby

KIRKBY STEPHEN

Bakewell Market Results - Monday 20th May

803 Cattle & 1,400 Sheep - Full report available on our website

Store Cattle Entries for Tuesday 28th May

Please call the Bakewell Office on 24th May before 12 Noon Call 01629 812777

Watch the livestreamed cattle sales on www.streaming.auctionmarts.com

Please Note: Monday 27th May - CLOSED Tuesday 28th May - Market Open

T HURSDAY LUNCHTIME WEEKLY SHEEP SALE

Entries/Enquiries, contact

Peter Oven: peter.oven@bagshaws.com or 07973 982443

Or Ivor Lowe: ivor.lowe@bagshaws.com or 07977 449126

Follow on Facebook for up to date details on Special Entries

POPLARS FARM, BARTON IN THE BEANS CV13 0DJ

SATURDAY 8TH JUNE 2024 AT 10.30AM

Deutz Agrofarm 100, JCB 4CX & MF 4255

Sanderson Teleporter, Trailers, Machinery County 1124 and 3 Classic Tractors Collectables, Anvil, Non-Vat Items Together with Over 120 Lots

From Local Vendors Including 12 Tractors Inc MF 35, 135, Nuffield 154 Mini, Ford 3610, 5000, Leyland 245 Fordson Super Major, Fordson Dexta and many more BRUMLEA FARM, BONSALL, MATLOCK, DE4 2AW

FRIDAY 14TH JUNE 2024 AT 10.30AM

John Deere 6155R 4WD c/w 643R Power Loader (21’) JCB 526-56 Agri Plus Telehandler & Attachments (19’)

John Deere C441R Combi Round Baler/Wrapper (19’) Grassland Equipment, Trailers Livestock Equipment, Workshop Tools Catalogues are available to download at www.bagshaws.com Email: olivia.fernihough@bagshaws.com

Buttington Cross, Buttington, Welshpool, Powys SY21 8SR T: 01938 553438 F: 01938 554607

www.welshpoolsmithfield.co.uk

MONDAY 27TH MAY

PRIZE SALE OF 125 COWS & CALVES

“IF ITS QUALITY YOU’RE AFTER YOU WON’T BE DISAPPOINTED” TO INCLUDE

19 - 1st Calvers from MM & R Morris, Maestanyglwyden

12 - 1st Calvers from A W Jones, Pwllcoch Uchaf

25 – 1st Calvers from JS & JT Evans & Son, Upper Cefn Penarth

10 – 1st Calvers from G S Mathias, Buarth Yr Oen

24 – 1st Calvers – GL, JS & A Howells, Shadog Farm

12 – 1st Calvers from I P Jones, Maestyddyn

10 – 1st Calvers from Ryan Martin Ltd, Old Ffinant Farm

18 – Dispersal Sale of Clifton Mill Herd from John & Denise Davies

Sale to commence at 11:30am

PRIZE SALE OF 350 EWES & LAMBS & 400 HOGGS & LAMBS

Sale to commence at 11:00am

Kindly Sponsored by Cadwallader & Co LLP

TUESDAY 28TH MAY

SALE OF 340 STORE CATTLE

Sale to commence at 10am

Farm Dispersal Sales

BENTHAM AUCTION MART

Brockholes Arms

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

Saturday 25th May at 10.30am

O’Neill 07706347505 Matthew Middleton 07860659803

Saturday 25 May

WHITSUNTIDE SHOW & SALE OF 1250 HOGGS WITH LAMBS AT FOOT

Viz. NofE Mules, Mashams, Texel x, Suffolk x Chev Mule Inc. Numerous Top Quality Annual Consignments

Wednesday 29th May

11am 100-150 Rearing Calves

11.30am 300-400 SHEEP WITH LAMBS AT FOOT

Entries inc. 80 Swale/Herd Ewes with Texel/Mule Lambs

2.30pm 1500 Cast Ewes followed by 750-1250 Spring Lambs & 3000-4000 Prime Hoggs

Tuesday 4th June

10.30am Feeding & Cull Cows & OTM Cattle Followed by STORE CATTLE

12.30pm JUNE FAIR OF SUCKLER BREEDING CATTLE

Annual Consignment from A & ED Booth of 35 Hereford x Friesian Hfrs with Hereford Calves, From AT Rogerson

20 BB/Lim Cows/ Hfrs with Lim/BB Calves, From T & E Priestley 2 Ped Lim Bulls, 3 Ped Lim Maiden Hfrs (All the above BVD Tag Tested & Vac.)

Wednesday 5th June

Fortnightly Sale of Dairy Cattle

June Fair of Hoggs with Lambs at Foot

Friday 7th June

On farm Dispersal sale of the Newsham Hall Pedigree Ayrshire Herd from Cowell & Moore

Consisting of 100 In Milk Pedigree Ayrshire & Holstein Friesian Dairy Cows & Heifers

Annual Summer Field Sale of Working Sheepdogs & Pups

RTS

Turner & Son

...Yorkshire’s Friendly Mart

SATURDAY 25TH MAY

120 Breeding & Store Cattle inc

6 Ped Lim Cows in calf, July onwards & 2 Ped Lim Bulls, 19mths, E Blenkhorn& Son, Elderberry Herd

14 Lim X Bulls 10/12mths, S Nettleton

6 HereX Hfrs/Str, 12mth, P Emmerson

9 CharX Hfr/Str, 8/24mths, D Atkinson

4 BSH Hfrs/Strs, 12mths, JR Gillam

5 Hereford Hfrs, 16mths, G Dickson & son

4 Lim Hfrs, 16mth R Shipley

5 Lim Hfrs/Bull 10mth, AS Green Store & Breeding Sheep

Store & Breeding Pigs inc

14 Store Pigs, 3 Pietrain Gilts In Pig, G Brown Pigs 9am Sheep 9.45am Cattle 10.45am

Contact Office for Details

MART OFFICE: 01757 703347

RICHARD HAIGH: 07768 594535

9.30am WEEKLY CAST SHEEP followed by PRIME LAMBS & PRIME HOGGS Please call Matthew Middleton 10.30am 1 SHEEPDOG, 39 GOATS, 439+ OUTFITS SHEEP & LAMBS catalogue now online. Enquiries to Rachel Thursday 30 May

10.30am PRIME BEEF including Month End Show followed by CULL CATTLE

10.30am REARING CALVES

11.00am WEEKLY DAIRY

Saturday 1 June

Notable On Farm Machinery Sale in the Bury Area to inc a comprehensive and well-maintained set of grassland kit, alongside full selection of cattle rearing equipment. Noted entries: McHale F5400 Round Baler (4700bales), McHale 991 High Speed Wrapper (2600 bales,) Massey Ferguson 571S 2020 Dyna4 890hrs, Deutz-Fahr 5125 2019 cw Stoll Loader 1850hrs, Clough 24ft Bale Trailer, Clough 14ft Tipping Trailer, Major 1300g Slurry Tanker, Major 6ft Grass Slasher, Bateman Crush, 30ft Race, Sliding door, 16ft Slurry Stirrer, McHale Bale Handler, Smart Crop Sprayer Kverneland 2324m Mower, Vicon Fanex 524 Tedder, Vicon Andex 394 Rake, West 1600 Dual Spreader, Ford 3600 scraper tractor, Hackett folding Harrows, Twose 9ft Roller, compl Herringbone Parlour (Jars, Feeders, Framework Units etc) Cattle ring feeders, Calf feeding Equipment, Gates, Cubicles, 3 bags Fertiliser, Stack Wheat Straw, 70 Bales Haylage. Enquiries welcomed to Tom 07572249983

Saturday 1 June

9.30am WEEKLY CAST SHEEP & PRIME HOGGS 10.00am BREEDING & STORE CATTLE SALE

Tuesday 4 June MONTHLY MACHINERY SALE To include strong selection of trailers. Further entries to the office for advertising. All entries will be welcomed Monday 3rd June 8am-2pm

Thursday 6 June

10.30am PRIME BEEF followed by CULL CATTLE 10.30am REARING CALVES

11.00am DUGDALE NUTRITION with LELY LONGTOWN SHOW & SALE OF DAIRY entries please

Saturday 8 June

9.30am WEEKLY CAST SHEEP & PRIME HOGGS 10.00am BREEDING & STORE CATTLE SALE

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

www.selbymart.co.uk

Dedicated Slaughter Market

395 Prime Cattle 410 Prime Sheep 175 Prime Pigs Pigs 9am Sheep 9.45am Cattle 10.30am

Contact Office

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.

SUNDERLANDS

SATURDAY 25th MAY 2024 AT 10.30AM HEREFORD MARKET, HEREFORD, HR4 7AN

Live from 10.30am & Online Lots from 11.30am

To Include: JD 6215R ‘19, JD 2650 4wd, VW Golf GL 1997, Range Rover ‘68 JD 6630 Premium ’07, MF 7620 Dyna-VT ‘63, Manitou ‘51 Reg, Mann Stock Lorry ’02, DAF 19T Stock Lorry, Kubota L1801 Compact T, Leyland DAF 150 7.5T Lorry, Implements: NH 940 Conv, Claas Jag 40 F/H, Griffiths 6T & Wheatley 5T Trailers, Howard 60in, Maschio 3m Rotera, DFKM24CR, PZ GK3000 Harrow, NH 525 F/H, Albutt 1.6m Muck Fork, Maschio Dominator P/H, Fleming & McHale Bale Squeezes, Bomford 3m Topper, JD 456 Baler, JD 545 Baler NH 648 Baler, JD 578 Baler, Parmiter Contractor Post Rammer, SKH 3F, GB 5F Rev ’05,’00, Hi-Spec Super 10 Mix Max. Online Lots at www.sunderlands.auctionmarts.com

Philip Jones - 07895 120404

ONLINE AUCTION

On Instructions from the Pearson Gape Farming Partnership At Pastures Farm, Ermine Street, Caxton, Cambridgeshire CB23 3PF On Thursday 6th June 2024 at 10.30am Viewing from 10am until 4pm on Wednesday 5th June 2024

Case Puma

Hi-Torque

on

Vauxhall Combo van (07), Frazier Agribuggy IID

ET14 15t

AS Marston F10 10t grain (78), Brian Legg fuel bowser; Implements: John Deere 750A 4m drill

Weaving 6m tine drill, Vaderstad NZ Aggressive NZA800 8m (11), Quivogne TM36 3.8m Tinemaster (02), Simba 6.6m Cultipress, Kverneland LO85 5f rev plough, Dowdeswell DP120S 5f rev plough, Cousins V-Form 7 leg subsoiler, Agrimaster Golden Shark R580 hedgecutter; Miscellaneous Equipment: Case 41v 12.5m Varicut

Included by Permission: SAM Vision 4.0 24m self-propelled sprayer (12), Weaving 6.4m tine drill (11), Case International 1455XL (87), Fordson Super Dexta, Ritchie

Quivogne 3.5m discs, Kuhn LSB1290iD baler (19), Honda 350 quad bike etc.

george.watchorn@brown-co.com | 07919 015675 jon.clampin@brown-co.com | 07717 512498

SCAN CODE TO VIEW OUR AUCTION CALENDAR

Including: Tractors:

225CVX

Soucy tracks (10), Claas 75E Challenger (01); Materials Handler: Matbro TS290

(97); Self-Propelled Sprayer: SAM Lowline 24m (01); Vehicles:

(87); Trailers: Easterby

grain (10),

(16),

header (18).

4m chain harrows (23),

THE PREES PLANT, AGRICULTURAL, TRUCK & TRAILER AUCTION

Saturday 1st June 2024, 9.00am

Viewing: Friday 31st May, 9am – 4pm

Hangar 2, Prees Airfield, A41, Prees, Shropshire, SY13 2JL

We invite the entry of your Fleets, Parcels and Single Items of Equipment to include Trucks / Trailers / Plant / Recycling & Agricultural Equipment / Skips & Bins.

Collection, Wash & Preparation Facilities Available if Required. Ring 1 – Buckets Followed by Construction Plant, Agricultural, Vintage & Misc Equipment Ring 2 – Skips & Bins followed by Trailers, Tractor Units, Skip Loaders, Hook Loaders, Tippers & Other Rigids HYBRID ONLINE AUCTION – Monday 3rd June 10am Misc Garage / Yard Equipment & Small Tools FURTHER ITEMS BEING ADDED DAILY Visit our website for full details or contact Charlie Foyle, Chris Hanmer or Debbie Ormerod. FREE ONLINE BIDDING AVAILABLE 01948 667700 www.malcolmharrison.co.uk auctions@malcolmharrison.co.uk

Chartered Surveyors, Estate Agents, Auctioneers & Valuers

BI-ANNUAL COLLECTIVE SALE

SATURDAY 1ST JUNE 2024 - TO COMMENCE AT 9.30AM

WESTBROOK HEAD FARM, THORNCLIFFE, NR LEEK, STAFFORDSHIRE, ST13 8UP Tractors & Machinery & Vehicles, Large Range of Livestock Equipment inc.

Usual Range of Implements & Trailers

Builders & Contractors Equipment, Usual Range of Plant, Livestock & Hay Trailers

Usual Range of Used Livestock Handling Equipment, Fencing Equipment, Sundry Farming & Building Effects & Timber Entries Invited

Tel: 01538 373308 Email: enquiries@grahamwatkins.co.uk www.grahamwatkins.co.uk

Farm Manager - North of England

T Mellor & Son is a fourth-generation family farming business, which has spawned two of the leading drinks companies in the North of England, Wold Top Brewery and Spirit of Yorkshire Distillery.

The family is seeking an energetic and forward-thinking manager, to work alongside them to run the farming business, which is critical to maintaining the provenance and integrity of the ‘grain-to-glass’ and ‘field-to-bottle’ philosophy.

The candidate will continue, amongst other things, the transition to regenerative principles by introducing grazing livestock (possibly as a JV) back onto the farm, therefore a holistic approach to this role is required. They will demonstrate the critical thinking needed to drive the farming side forward as new markets and opportunities appear. Attitude, strength of character and the ability to communicate both in and out of the business are essential.

All aspects of running a farming business are expected.

Please reply by 30th June to Tom Mellor at agricola163@gmail.com with a covering letter & CV.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Hybrid Working, Warwickshire

RABDF (Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers) are looking for a full-time CEO to lead the organisation into the next phase of its exciting future.

Our Business

RABDF was founded in 1876 as an independent organisation dedicated to the interests of dairy farmers, ensuring the industry’s voice is heard. It delivers a range of activities and initiatives central to supporting the growth and development of the industry.

The charity is funded by its membership of dairy farmers, industry personnel and corporate members with further income generated by commercial events.

Your Role

As the CEO you will be leading, inspiring and motivating the staff team to achieve the charity’s strategic objectives. Roles and responsibilities will include but won’t be limited to:

• Develop and oversee the annual budget in collaboration with the Board of Trustees, driving revenue generation through diverse income streams.

• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including dairy farmers, industry partners, government agencies, and policymakers.

• Oversee the planning, organising, and executing of a series of events and activities throughout the year, including Dairy Tech, Down to Earth, Women in Dairy and Entrepreneurs in Dairying.

• Measure and evaluate the impact of RABDF’s programs and initiatives, making data-driven decisions to optimise outcomes and maximise benefits for dairy farmers.

• Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement within the organisation.

• Lead the implementation of RABDF’s strategic plan, working collaboratively with the Board of Trustees and staff team to achieve key objectives and milestones.

This role is a full-time hybrid role which is mainly based at our Warwickshire office but also time will be required with different clients and projects across the UK. An element of working from home will also be acceptable.

For more information or to apply, please go to JobsInAgriculture.com

Brand new website Visit jobs.farmersguardian.com for the latest job vacancies in agriculture

Livestock person Montreal estate

Livestock person required to join a friendly Estate team.

We are a 1000Ha Estate which comprises 400Ha of arable, 400Ha of woodland and 200Ha of grassland. The Estate is based on the fringes of Sevenoaks, Kent.

We are looking for someone to take responsibility for our 60 strong breeding herd of award winning, high health accredited, pedigree Sussex cattle in addition to a 50 strong flock of sheep. We would like additional flexibility to introduce some pigs to support our meat sales locally. You will need to be computer literate.

Reporting to and liaising with the Farm manager, the right person is required to be able to work independently, be a team player with a ‘can do attitude’. The role also involves selling our Estate produce locally to build up the meat brand.

Usual duties would include: Daily feeding, bedding and care of all cattle and sheep (rota system at weekends). Responsibility for calving and lambing.

FGBuyandSell.com

Do you enjoy the countryside? Do you like to socialise and meet new people?

If you are looking for new friends in a relaxed and informal environment, then try Country Link – the social network for the countryside. Open to anyone, and with a national network of local groups, Country Link offers a variety of pre-arranged meetings, events, and activities to suit all tastes, encouraging friendship but is not a dating agency.

Take a look on our website, call 07932 537183, or email contact@country-link.co.uk for more information and to find out what is happening in your area.

• Borehole

•

•

WHITTER

• 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

RILEY

On 11th May 2024, peacefully in Chorley Hospital William Gordon (Gordon) aged 87 years

Beloved husband of the late Audrey, dearly loved father of Christopher (deceased), Richard and Allison, loving father-in-law of Janet and Brian, devoted grandad and great-grandpa. Funeral Service will be held at St. Paul’s Parish Church, Adlington on Thursday 30th May at 2:30pm followed by Interment at Adlington Cemetery. Family flowers only please. Donations, if desired, to British Heart Foundation and Prostate Cancer UK c/o the Funeral Director or via the following link https://william-gordon-riley.muchloved.com (please gift aid if possible)

All enquiries to Messrs B. Livesey Ltd. Tel: 01257 262602

SMALLBROOK LANE, LEIGH, WIGAN, LANCS, WN7 5PZ.

BE FRIENDS FIRST

Let the ‘Friends1st’ team, which has 25 years of experience helping Christians form lifelong partnerships, find you your soulmate. We will provide you with plenty of dates and we will be there to support you throughout your journey, and provide you with powerful resources, helpful coaching and expert advice, so you can find your partner for life sooner. It’s not just what you do, it’s the way that you do it that counts. Call 0121 405 0941 today. www. friends1st.co.uk/christian-farmers-dating

TEL: 01942 871900. FAX: 01942 896843. Out of office: 01942 893660 Visit our Website www.waterwellengineers.co.uk Email: sally@waterwellengineers.co.uk

currently available: Mueller 8000ltr, 9000 & 12,000 ltr Fabdec 4000ltr & 6000ltr

Packo RMIB 3800ltr & RMIB 6000 ltr

New Heat Recovery units in stock 01772 780806 www.ddcooling.co.uk

NEW & REFURBISHED BULK MILK TANKS FOR SALE

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

16,000 Ltr Delaval

16,000 Ltr Fabdec (holds 17,000)

15,000 Ltr Serap

14,000 Ltr Fabdec

10,000 Ltr Roka **NEW SPECIAL OFFER** in stock

Please come and see us at the Royal Cornwall Show –Stand no. 555

10,000 Ltr Fabdec

8,000 Ltr Roka Silo

8,000 Ltr Roka

7,200 Ltr Delaval

6,750 Ltr Delaval (holds 7,000 Ltrs)

6,500 Ltr Mueller

6,000 Ltr Roka

6,000 Ltr Fabdec

5,000 Ltr Packo

5,000 Ltr Mueller Model “O”, 5,000 Ltr Roka

4,000 Ltr Mueller

4,300 Ltr Mueller Model “P”,

2 x Refurbished 1T Ice Builder suitable for 10/12,000 Ltrs every other day

Refurbished 1.3T Ice Builder suitable for 16,000 Ltrs every other day

Refurbished 1.5T Ice Builder suitable for 18/19,000 Ltrs every other day

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

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.

Livestock Supplies Ltd www.livestocksupplies.co.uk

BIDLEA HERD

Holstein Freisian Bulls For Sale

Black & White and some Red & White

Plenty to choose from - first come first served!

Tel: Ray Brown 01477 532220 or 07885 652718 Cheshire (T)

DAIRY CATTLE FOR SALE

A weekly selection of freshly calved & in-calf dairy cattle sourced from the UK. All guaranteed and delivered anywhere in the UK Finance can be arranged.

Livestock Supplies Ltd

Ashley: 07831 887531, Office: 01829 260328, Will: 07769 974476 www.livestocksupplies.co.uk

3 SIMMENTAL BULLS FOR SALE

Good quality, Hi-Health status

Tel: 07801 868856 PENRITH

WHITEHILL HEREFORDS

PEDIGREE BULLS FOR SALE Excellent choice of young bulls to suit pedigree, dairy or beef. Ready to work.

health elite status IBR, Lepto, BVD, Johnes Level 1. TB4. Mark & Gemma Dobson North Yorkshire 07736 461642 - 0777 9920202

More details visit : Whitehill Herefords

PEDIGREE LIMOUSIN BULLS

NO DE-HORNING REQUIRED ALL CALVES WILL BE BORN WITHOUT HORNS THE TREDON HERD - (Limousins) HOMOZYGOUS POLLED CHOICE OF 6 RED OR BLACK

• Good conformation & muscling • Exceptional temperament.

Telephone: 07849 153733 or 01223 426412

• High health status. TB4. • Ready For Work • Semen tested Prices start from £3,000 Also available a selection of cows and heifers for sale.

Buckhurst

Aberdeen Angus

or 01394 460408 (East Anglia)

Have a great selection of 2023 born 12-16 month old pedigree bulls for sale. SAC Hi-Health Member

Tested free of Johnes, BVD, IBR, Lepto, TB 4

Semen Tested, Performance recorded Nationwide Delivery Available Kurt – 07715 448366 Richard - 07816 173689 Lancs (P)

THE MOSS

Pedigree

Aberdeen Angus Young Bulls ready to work. For sale on SAC premium health scheme. High Health Status. Kevin Moores 07949 827928 Paul Lloyd 07834 773079

Ready to work, delivered direct to your farm, very quiet, easy calving. Also females available. Health monitored, closed herd, full pedigree with each animal, Red tractor. Semen Available.

17 - 24 Months, ready to work, excellent EBV’s, temperament & conformation. Sire very easy calving. High health status. Tel John 07502 452866 East Sussex (P)

Five Red and Black Limousin stock bulls Tel Edward:

in market from 3 weeks.

After a busy spring we would like to thank new and returning customers for their custom and invite new customers to try a bull or some semen from

FGBuyandSell.com

Mixed

NEW STORE IN CUMBRIA

One Tonne Bag Collections

Mixed Pellets (Approx. 18% Protein/13 ME) £275 ex store

Biscon Meal (Approx. 12% Protein/14

Glycerine is a cost-effective and highly efficient source of energy in ruminant rations supplying 16MJ/kg

Glycerine is highly digestible, palatable and fermentable making it an excellent source of energy in rations

As a glucose precursor, glycerine is much more efficient than starch at providing energy for the cow

A shortage of glucose = limited milk production!

ED&F Man’s Glyco Range offers four glycerine enhanced blends, worth an extra 1MJ, with high sugar and high protein options to suit all needs

We are

Please

Fantastic opportunity to generate electricity and heat from wood chip. For sale is a pair of CHP units. Commissioned in September 2016. Accredited for wood fuel drying. 12 years of RHI remaining on the OFGEM renewable heat incentive scheme. Current Tariff for heat is 7.78p kWh. No tier 1 and 2 tariffs. Paid for what you produce. Each pair will generate 90 kWh electricity and 180 kWh of heat, making this a great investment. Can be viewed operating. Somerset - Buyer to dismantle. 07860 173293 or 07949 027069

colin@cwpfencing.co.uk Nationwide (T)

35f Status Super Static Caravan

In good condition, valeted and new carpets fitted. Suitable for on farm accommodation. £5900 ONO. Delivery can be arranged. Tel:

PaynettsFarm,CranbrookRoad, Goudhurst,Kent,TN171DY

Tel:01580212141

Mob:07710480259

Email:info@timberspecs.com

Uncertainty with planning

Mobilehomes,holidaychalets,loghomes. Allbuilttoyourrequirements,deliveredand erectedanywhere,weofferbuildsinround, 360mm to up log random and cavity square thick.Housessuppliedtomeetbuilding controlregulations.

Looking at Biodiversity Net Gain options

PBespoke Design Service AndTechnicalData

Tospreadthecostofyourinvestment, wehavepartneredwithiDeal4Finance andTownandCountryFinancetooffera rangeoffinanceoptionstosuityourneeds, includingmortgagesandshorttermloans.

TheNaturalWayToBuild

Formoreinformationonallthebuildingspleasevisitourwebsite. Web:www.timberspecs.co.ukEmail:info@timberspecs.com Tel:01580212141Mob:07710480259

Farms & Property

By Informal Tender

lanning in England has been given a shake-up with the introduction of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) and changes to Permitted Development (PD) rights. This appears to be an example of the Government taking with one hand and giving with the other.

With BNG, the ‘taking’ involves any planning application, save for a few exceptions, with PD and applications for 25sq.m or less being most relevant.

Planning permission for any new agricultural building over 25sq.m will need BNG if it is not granted by PD. BNG involves providing the same environmental benefit plus a 10 per cent gain over the baseline of the area being developed. This can be achieved in one of three ways:

at 1,000sq.m. This will allow farms to expand quicker, with less red tape and avoiding BNG on more developments.

The other major change is to class Q (change of use of agricultural buildings to dwellings), which has increased to 1,000sq.m, and the cumulative number of dwellings that can be developed has increased to 10. The date at which a building must have been part of an agricultural unit to be eligible has been updated to July 14, 2023.

A conveniently situated Dairy/Arable Farm Organic Status, comprising:

Two Period Dwellings (around 5606 sqft in total)

Range of Traditional and Modern Farm Buildings

Productive Arable and Pastureland in one block

Extending in all to approximately 194 acres (78 509 hectares) or thereabouts

For further information and viewings, please contact: James Evans jamese@hallsgb com 01743 450700 Allen Gittins alleng@hallsgb com hallsgb com

■ On-site BNG: To increase the area of the red line boundary of development and undertake the required environmental work next to your development. This can lead to rapid increases in planning fees. It also may not be possible for some developments, such as buildings adjacent to existing yards.

■ Off-site BNG: This is a misleading term as the works can still be undertaken on-farm, but not within the red line boundary of the application. This can incur additional costs, including a Section 106 agreement with the Local Planning Authority and cost of registering the site as a BNG plot.

■ Credits or units: To purchase credits or units either through the Government or a broker. These can be costly but have the benefit of not affecting your property and removing the burden of doing the work.

Both the off-site and on-site options need to be considered carefully, as they can affect the property for 30 years and will need to be taken into account for future land use, having the land valued or selling it.

Any of the above options can add £5,000 to £40,000 to the cost of a typical 1,000sq.m development.

The Government’s ‘give’ is the amendments to permitted development, such as the increase in PD for agricultural buildings from 1,000sq.m to 1,500sq.m. The limit for engineering operations remains

The building no longer needs to have been solely used for agriculture, and small extensions can be added as part of the planning. However, the max size for any class Q dwelling has been reduced to 150sq.m.

Class R (change of use of agricultural buildings to a flexible commercial use) has also been updated; up to 1,000sq.m can now be converted to numerous industrial uses, such as storage and restaurants.

So what does all this mean for farming businesses?

Farmers and landowners may re-access what they wish to do next on-farm.

There are opportunities to convert barns that are no longer essential for agriculture into homes, holiday lets or for industrial use –providing much needed income at a time when subsidies are reducing. There is also the ability to expand agricultural buildings and infrastructure with simpler PD applications. However, gaining planning for anything not covered by PD is more expensive and involved than ever, so careful thought – combined with expert advice – must be given to the next farm project.

Dave Shepherd is a rural surveyor at Hardcastle Rural Surveyors. Call 07398 741 413, or email dave@hardcastlerural.co.uk

Dave Shepherd

154 acres (62.46 ha) Permanent Pasture Farm. 2 Farmhouses, extensive range of buildings. A fertile ring-fenced stock farm that is set in a very private setting and run on organic principles.

Berrys Rural Agency, Kettering 01536 532376 ketteringsales@berrys.uk.com

Pitsford 55 Acres

Harpole 30 Acres

Two parcels for sale separately, close to Northampton and the growth areas. Potential also for habitat creation.

Joanna Gardner 01327 356140 Nick Bowman 01327 356146 towcester@berrys.uk.com Berrys.uk.com

Gillyflatts Farm offers a well equipped, productive ring fenced holding situated within close proximity to the village of Bishopton. The mixed farm extends to 268 acres in total, being mostly productive arable land, a substantial 6 bedroom farmhouse and 2 bedroom cottage.

Category

• Productive arable farm extending to 268 acres

• Substantial range of modern and traditional buildings

• Ring fenced

• 6 bedroom farmhouse and 2 bedroom cottage

• Accessible location

• For sale as a whole by Private Treaty Guide price: £3,000,000 as a whole.

GILLYFLATTS FARM

BISHOPTON, TS21

FGBuyandSell.com

Viewing strictly by appointment with selling agents. Enquiries to Tony Rimmer or James Parton.

Sites of 1- 1000 acres required for residential development.

If you think that your land has potential for development, or you have been approached by a developer, then you will need expert advice that is not available at traditional sources.

Michael Rutherford is a specialist agent acting and negotiating for landowners. Contact me for a confidential and expert consultation at no cost. All areas of the UK covered.

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.

FARM & LAND at THORNEYTHWAITE

Borrowdale, Cumbria, CA12 5XG

A traditional Lakeland fell farm extending to circa 175.91 ha, including a 4 bedroom farmhouse, two bedroom holiday cottage, range of both modern and traditional farm buildings and an existing campsite business. Landlord’s Herdwick flock and common grazing rights

To be let on a 15-year Farm Business Tenancy from the 29th September 2024

An opportunity for a pro-active tenant to work in partnership with the Trust to develop a successful business based on high quality livestock, habitat & landscape management, as well as diversification opportunities.

Viewing by appointment only

For letting particulars please download from www.nationaltrust.org.uk/features/farms-to-let or by e-mailing northwestlettings@nationaltrust.org.uk

Registered Charity Number 205846

FGBuyandSell.com

CASH SOLUTIONS

JOHN DEERE 6155M

2022, Command Quad

40kph, 2948 hours, F/Linkage PTO, LED Lights, £86,500 + VAT

JOHN DEERE 6155M 2022, AutoQuad Eco 40kph, 765 hours, TLS, Cab Susp, F/Linkage PTO, Front Axle Brakes £87,000 + VAT

JOHN DEERE 6155R 2020, CommandPro

50kph, 3784 hours, TLS Cab Susp, F/Linkage PTO, AutoTrac Ready £105,000 + VAT

MULTI CUT 650 PROLINE TOPPER

6.28m cutting width, 25mm-210mm cutting height, 30 steel blades, POA

JOHN DEERE 6250R 2022, CommandPro 50kph, 1515 hours, TLS Cab Susp, F/Linkage PTO, AutoTrac Ready £149,950 + VAT

NEW STRAUTMANN GIGA VITESSE 3602 32-42m3 loading capacity, dual air/ hyd brakes, autolock steering, easy towing, POA

JOHN DEERE 6145R, 2021, CommandPro 50kph, 4263 hours, TLS Cab Susp, F/Linkage PTO, AutoTrac Ready, £102,000 + VAT

NEW STRAUTMANN VERTI MIX 2401

Double VC V Shaped Conveyer Mixer, 19cu/m, 2 Speed Gearbox, POA

JOHN DEERE 6250R

2020, AutoPowr 50kph, 3738 hours, TLS Cab Susp, F/Link PTO, AutoTrac Ready, 710/75R42,650/60R34 £116,750 + VAT

NEW STRAUTMANN VERTI MIX 1801

Hyd Brakes, Single Axle, 2 Speed Gearbox, Hyd Brakes, POA

NEW KRONE RAKES.

SWADRO 420 Single rotor, three point linkage.

SWADRO 460 Single rotor, three point linkage.

SWADRO TC640 Twin rotor centre delivery, trailed.

SWADRO TC760 Twin rotor centre delivery, trailed.

NEW KRONE TEDDERS.

VENDRO 560 Linkage mounted 4 Row Tedder.

VENDRO 790 Linkage mounted 6 Row Tedder.

NEW KRONE MOWERS & MOWER CONDITIONERS.

Easycut F320 CV front mounted push type headstock mower conditioner.

Easycut F320 CV front mounted pull type headstock mower conditioner.

Easycut R320 CV rear linkage mounted mower conditioner.

Easycut R360 rear linkage mounted mower without conditioner.

Easycut TC320 CV trailed mower conditioner

ActiveMow R240 rear linkage mounted mower without conditioner.

ActiveMow R280 rear linkage mounted mower without conditioner.

USED Swadro 38 Single rotor rake.

Demo Big Pack 1270 Large bale + Multi Bale system (up to 9 small bales) Steering tandem axle, 620/40 R22.5 tyres, LED work lights, call for full spec.

Comprima V150 XC Plus variable chamber Round baler, 17 blade cutting system, hydraulic brakes, LED working lights, 500/50-17 tyres, DS500 terminal.

*Finance offered subject to Terms and Conditions.

Farmall 90c 4wd PowerShuttle, ROLL BAR tractor, 2022, 4000 hours, drawbar.

Puma 165 PowerShift 50kph. 2022, 2135 hours, front linkage, trailer air and exhaust brake.

Magnum 340 CVX 50kph. 2020, 2715 hours, Full Accuguide, 800/70 x 38 tyres, rear wheel weights.

Maxxum 150 CVX 40kph. Full Guidance ‘ 72 ‘ reg. 2132 hours, full suspension.

Amazone ZA-TS 4200 Profis Hydro c/w Flow control Argus twin isobus.

Amazone ZAV 3200 Easy set terminal V3. Call for options & specification.

Amazone UF2002 24m 2000L mounted sprayer. Fresh water tank, isobus with comfort pack.

Edited by Toby Whatley – 07583

JCB’s compact telehandler offering has been drawn from a range with some extensive pedigree in its larger cousins. However, users of these smaller handlers have previously had to balance a compromise of lower power, performance and forward reach as a trade-off against lower operating heights and narrower widths.

Users needing machines to handle larger hydraulic-demanding bale processors, or operate within poultry housing to bulldoze and load litter, have often chosen skid steer loaders to provide power and compact dimensions, with the compromise being limited lift heights and virtually zero forward reach.

Genuine alternative

Developed to address some of these user requirements, the 130hp 530-60 Agri Super has been added as the new flagship within the JCB compact range. Providing a 55hp increase over the smaller 525-60, plus an extra 500kg of lifting capacity, the new unit is a genuine alternative to a full-sized machine.

As the largest model in JCB’s compact telehandler

It could suit conventional users who require access into smaller buildings, or operators who might be looking to reduce the number of machines on-farm and require more flexibility from the replacements.

Compared to a similar capacity full-size machine, the 530-60 offers much greater access potential.

JCB 530-60 Agri Super Loadall on test

530-60 Agri Super Loadall is designed to provide compact dimensions with full-size machine power and capacity.

ON TEST MACHINERY

ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION

THE 4.8-litre DieselMax Stage V engine, manufactured in-house, mirrors other Loadalls with a transverse mounting and frontmounted cooling pack.

Partly due to machine and engine size, space was offered a premium in the engine bay with some intelligent positioning of the service points for daily checks, alongside filters and the exhaust after-treatment system.

Vision over the front of the machine was quite good, with a lower radiator and slim air filter providing a decent view of the offside tyres.

Visibility over the rear of the engine was more limited due to the Stage V emissions treatment at the rear of the powerpack and the lower operator seating position.

During use, operators were well aware of the machine’s 130hp and 550N/m power capacity, with fully hydrostatic drive providing spritely acceleration – even with the larger 24-inch tyres fitted. For users requiring a lower, two-metre-high machine, smaller 20in tyres can be chosen. This could present some off-road clearance limitations, but would provide an increase in acceleration in an already nippy unit.

CAB AND CONTROLS

JCB says the new two-speed hydrostatic drive offers a 25 per cent increase in tractive effort compared to its predecessor, and in general yard work the transmission was left in the 0-40kph Hare mode.

A lower speed 0-11kph higher torque mode is available, which is predominately suited for operation in confined spaces and high tractive force pushing.

Changes to the transmission mode are achieved through a dash-mounted toggle switch.

Operating alongside the hydrostatic drive, the unit includes the manufacturer’s VariSpeed control.

This system uses a hand-throttle and is designed to provide separate operation of the hydraulic flow from the set engine rpm and the forward speed of the unit.

In use, our test farm did not have a high-flow hydraulic attachment, such as a bale processor, to fully test the feature. However, its appeal is quite obvious to users who use machines to spread and drive within buildings. Considering the dusty environment many of the machines will be used in, the units are supplied with reversible cooling fans as standard.

OFFERING a similar driver experience to JCB’s full-sized machines, the 530-60 uses a reduced dimension cab to keep the machine within the target by a two-metre working window.

A simple but key change to the internals is the introduction of a smaller diameter steering wheel. This design difference has been added to increase driver access space, and when combined with the unit’s low working height, entry and exit into the cab is a user-friendly experience with

plenty of yellow grab handles.

The switchgear and dash were a thoroughly JCB affair, with large, positive toggle switches mostly grouped around the right-hand console alongside the hybrid analogue and digital dash.

Comfort

Ride comfort was generally acceptable, with the consideration that the smaller diameter, lower profile tyres were never going to win awards for suspended shock absorption.

An in-house JCB 4.8-litre 130hp engine provides power to the hydrostatic transmission.

Our main criticisms of the cab and operator experience were the indicated sound levels of 98.5dB, as the unit was operated in an open yard, and the lack of offside visibility.

The lower and closer seating position to a relatively large engine and hydrostatic drive within a small cab was always going to generate challenges with noise levels.

However, after a few hours using the unit, the in-cab noise difference was noticeable when changing back to the larger, torque converterdriven 532-60 machine.

The lack of visibility was more a reflection of the machine size and lower operator position, and for many users will be an acceptable inconvenience when balancing machine performance.

With the boom partially raised, the combination of the pivot point and overall boom size removed all visibility over the rear of the machine. Wide angle mirrors offered a reasonable workaround, but users in dimly lit buildings could find it very difficult to see pedestrians working near the machine.

The machine can be fitted with 24or 20-inch tyres.

A basic analogue dash was matched with grouped toggle switches.

The smaller cab was comfortable to use and easy to access.

Likes and gripes

■ Compact dimensions

With the boom raised, visibility was very limited over the rear of the machine. Inset: The position of the fuel filler could have been improved.

BOOM AND HYDRAULICS

THE machine operates with a similar capacity and power as the 532-60, so the reduction in size was not reflected in hydraulic performance and speed.

Hydraulic flows of up to 97 litres/minute are offered from the gear pump, which should provide sufficient flow for most of the capacitysuitable attachments. Standard operation features include a constant pumping or automatic bucket shake control.

Reflecting the compact

USERS of the 530-60 will be in no doubt that the unit has been developed with the power and performance of a full-sized machine, with the driving and operation experience very much unlike a compact.

Diversity

Compromises on space and visibility are necessities for a machine to operate within a tighter working envelope, but its abilities to operate in some areas where a skid steer could previously only access – but with much greater lift capacity, reach and road legality – offer much more working diversity alongside significantly greater integration with larger machines.

Potentially a lesser consideration for core poultry users, the ability to work in a wide range of farm applications could generate improved used values for overall machine lifetime costs.

machine market, buyers can opt for a range of headstocks including JCB Q-Fit, tool-carrier, compact tool-carrier, Manitou, Merlo, and pin and cone.

Capacity

The capacity of the unit will likely be reflected in many users taking the full-size Q-Fit carriage to integrate with other attachments for larger machines. This ability to work comfortably with full-sized attachments is a bonus, as many compact machines offered with a quick hitch to easily integrate with

other handlers usually introduce the risk of overloading.

A criticism of the hydraulic layout was the position of the third service connections.

Fundamentally, the boom head siting was fairly standard, but the connectors were mounted so close together that it was very challenging to release hoses, and nearly impossible when wearing thick gloves.

Positioned on the inside of the boom channel and behind the front axle, the diesel filler was in a fairly unhelpful location. Again, this may

■ Full-sized machine power and capacity

■ Function cab layout

■ Varidrive transmission

■ LED lighting

■ Over-boom visibility

■ In-cab noise

■ Fuel filler access

■ Hydraulic connectors

be a reflection of the machine’s compact dimensions with a premium on space, which will have resulted in some design compromises, but the process of refilling the machine was easier with the boom raised to give sufficient access around the front wheels. Avoidable through lowering and extending the boom, our test team felt that the design could be improved with an extension to bring the filler closer to the cab side.

A 130hp powerpack gave significant tractive force when pushing.

FG verdict

The humble bearing plays a pivotal role in the design and manufacture of many agricultural implements. James Huyton takes a look at how cultivation machinery manufacturer Sumo is now incorporating self-lubricating bearing technology into its machines.

Pivot points in Sumo’s Mixidisc range now incorporate self-lubricating bearings, reducing operator maintenance times.

British manufacturer Sumo bearing down on inefficiency

British cultivation manufacturer Sumo has long been recognised for its robust construction and the Trio, its long-running primary cultivation implement.

Now nearly 25 years old, the Trio is still one of the top selling lines in the Sumo portfolio – a testament to its design and meeting of a market need at the time of conception.

Over the years, the brand has expanded its portfolio, moving into strip till and minimal till drill technology.

Following a change in ownership in 2015, the brand has continued to grow as a business, seeing sales growth of 162 per cent since 2017 and reaching its highest sales figures in 2023.

Speaking at the Yorkshire-based manufacturer’s headquarters in Melbourne, York, managing director Steve Ridley says: “We have pulled together a five-point plan to deliver global growth in sales over the next five years.”

Sales

With the manufacturer looking to double sales and production within that time-frame, Sumo has formulated a plan to refine production across its production site, which currently employs 70 staff.

All main components are made on-site with the business cutting, bending and welding raw steel to make the basis of the machines.

Mr Ridley says: “It is important we improve our time of flight through the factory.

“At this time we are continuing to tighten quality control and conditioning the business to run a marathon.

Investment

“This means we are continuing to invest with robotic welding technology and improve work flow patterns to ensure we get the product right first time, every time.”

With strong demand from the UK market, Sumo continues to see a 80-20 per cent domesticexport spilt.

But with plans to boost UK export sales, the business hopes to move towards a 50-50 per cent spilt on the back of sales and production growth.

Constantly looking to improve built quality, machinery longevity and operator experience, Sumo began to look at component improvements.

Working alongside engineering

Pivot points no longer require greasing points through the use of composite bearings.

MACHINERY

Sumo reviewed issues around post-welding distortion before opting for Igutex bearings, with longevity and ease of fitment playing a crucial role in choice.

component supplier Igus, Sumo looked at developments in the humble bearing.

Tim Lord, engineering manager of Sumo UK, says: “We carried out a full analysis on the longevity of bearings within our machines.”

“Historically, we have always opted for copper-alloy Oilite bushings which forms a typical industry standard.

“Naturally as an engineer, there was an amount scepticism on the durability of composite bearings.

“In test conditions, the Igus Igutex self-lubricating bearings proved to run five times longer than a Oilite equivalent, while being lubricated every four hours.

“We have been running Igus composite bearings in a quantity of our machines for a number of years now.

“The plastic fibre-wound product has proved itself time and time again, with machines coming back in the factory for wearing part refurbishment.

“Often the bearings are still like new after years of work, compared to the copper-alloy bearing which

is often distorted and worn over time.”

Mr Ridley says: “For manufacturing and speed of inserting the bearing into machines, the composite bearing is much more time efficient.

“The time savings are not just restricted to the manufacturing process, the self lubrication bear-

COMPOSITE BEARING MANUFACTURER PROCESS

IGUS Igutex bearings are wound on a mandrel not dissimilar to the manufacture of socks.

During the process, the bearings are wound in layers, allowing the manufacturer to build up layers of polymer material.

Unlike with injection-moulded

plastics, Igus says the technique allows them to easily change the size and profile of bearings as per varying specifications. Currently Igus makes bearings up to one-metre in diameter, but there is possibility to make them up to 8m for wind turbine applications.

ing means we no longer need to put as many greasing points on machines.

“This improves operator maintenance times and also has environmental benefits, with the reduction of oil-based products.”

Mr Lord says: “We still carry a lot of stock with copper-alloy bearings and the change to composite bearings across the range will take time as stocks diminish.”

“But with force and load testing all stacking up, it is just a matter of time,” he adds.

Incorporating new bearings is only one aspect of production, Sumo is looking at improving operator experience with the machines.

In turn, the manufacturer hopes the small changes will build to up lift internal processing efficiency within the factory.

Sam Newton, product specialist of Igus UK, says: “People’s perception is that steel bearings are stronger and harder wearing than a plastic product, particularly in the agricultural sector.

Breakdown

“Weather, dust and debris all play a role in the breakdown of bearings. But the composite bearing is extremely durable, capable of operating constantly in temperature ranges of -60degC to +120degC.

“It can also accommodate forces up to 180 MPa, which we believe is more than enough for agricultural purposes.”

Sumo currently incorporates the new bearings into a number of folding pivot points across the brand’s range, including the Mixidisc, DD and DTS ranges.

Steve Ridley, managing director, Sumo UK

Tim Lord, engineering manager, Sumo UK.

Sam Newton, product specialist, Igus UK.

ShowRoyalHighlandSupplement

240TH ANNIVERSARY

This milestone anniversary issue is the perfect platform to showcase your brand to a dedicated and influential audience. To mark this special occasion, we are also launching a brand new glossy magazine cover, making it an even more memorable edition.

With our extensive reach and trusted reputation in the farming community, your advertisement will capture the attention of key decision-makers and passionate agricultural enthusiasts. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to be part of our legacy and connect with those who drive the industry forward.

Don’t miss the opportunity for your brand to feature in the Royal Highland Show supplement, our essential preview of the highly anticipated 2024 show, as they celebrate 240 years at the heart of Scottish agriculture.

Being featured in our SPECIAL 180 YEAR CELEBRATION issue will provide a platform for your brand to;

Reach a targeted audience of farmers, suppliers, and agricultural stakeholders. We will also be stocking this issue in additional stores via our newstrade distribution

Increase visibility and brand recognition within the agricultural community

Promote your products or services effectively through our established channels

LIVESTOCK

Edited by Katie Jones – 07786

rAfrican swine fever remains a huge threat

THE pig industry is in a far better place than it was two years ago at the time of the last Pig and Poultry Fair, but there are still major areas of concern, said Rob Mutimer, National Pig Association chair, speaking at the pig outlook forum.

He added: “Confidence has improved since the autumn. The sow herd is stabilising and there are positive margins to be made.

“But this winter’s weather has been bad for outdoor producers and has affected performance and getting labour, which is one of the biggest issues for the sector.

“African swine fever remains a huge threat and there a major concerns about the lack of checks at Dover and the amount of illegal meat coming into the country.

“There is the review of fairness in the supply chain and it is really important that we get this right, ensuring that any contracts are costed properly, leaving room for inflation and return on capital.”

Mark Haighton, of Sofina Foods, said: “The sow herd is stabilising and, according to AHDB estimates, a slight recovery in UK production is expected in 2024, which will continue through to 2026.”

One of the challenges facing the

There was an air of cautious optimism at the Pig and Poultry Fair, held at the NEC Birmingham for the first time, but industry leaders warned of many challenges ahead. Angela Calvert reports.

Still challenges ahead for pigs and poultry

The sow herd is stabilising and, according to AHDB estimates, a slight recovery in UK production is expected in 2024 MARK HAIGHTON

sector was incoming regulation and legislation, with the EU Deforestation-free Regulation (EUDR), planned for December

2024, stating that all commodities coming into the EU are not linked to deforestation/biodiversity loss or labour and human rights abuse.

Mr Haighton said: “Is there going to be enough compliant soya available, and what is available is likely to have a £100/tonne premium over conventional soya.

“With 76 per cent of exports going to the EU, the UK will have to match the legislation.

“In addition, the UK is also launching its own version [UKFRC] but differences to EUDR could lead to potential trade implications.”

Legislation around the phasing out of farrowing crates was also a cause for concern.

Mr Haighton said: “Again, we

will have to mirror what the EU adopts. We cannot be different or it will affect exports.

“Depending on the minimum space allowance for pen size, we could see a 30 per cent loss of pen space. Due to cost and planning regulations, this is unlikely to be replaced.

“A 10 per cent loss of the indoor sow herd would mean nearly 10,000 less pigs per week.”

Labelling

With the Defra consultation on labelling requirements now closed, Mr Haighton said he had concerns about the method of production labelling, which he felt would not be a true reflection of welfare status and could introduce more cost and complexity into the supply chain.

Incoming legislation and regulation will be a challenge for the pig sector.

PIG & POULTRY FAIR LIVESTOCK

EGG OUTLOOK

AFTER some difficult years, the egg sector is now in a much better place, said Gary Ford, chief executive of British Egg Industry Council.

He said: “We are in a buoyant market at the moment, which provides an opportunity to invest and future-proof businesses, and producers should take advantage of grants available at the moment.

“However, disease remains a constant threat, particularly avian influenza and salmonella – good management and biosecurity, along with rodent control, are key.

“Environment, manure and emissions management, especially given the recent wet winter, are a challenge.

“But compliance with industry standards has to be adhered to. Surveys show that the environment matters to consumers as much as animal welfare.

“But we have a good story to tell and we have to get better at communicating our good credentials.”

POULTRY OUTLOOK

IN the poultry sector, a squeeze on margins was affecting producer confidence, with 15 per cent of broiler producers unsure whether they would remain in production beyond 2025 and two-thirds having no plans to reinvest over the next two years.

North Yorkshire producer Will Raw said reduced stocking densities would improve performance and welfare, but the sector would require 20 per cent more floor space just to stand still.

Rebecca Tonks, of St Ewe Free Range Eggs, agreed that more needed to be done to highlight the benefit of eggs as a cost-effective, nutritious, and versatile food.

Egg consumption

She said: “UK egg consumption is 175 eggs per person per year; in the US it is 279, and in Japan it is 320, so we need to do more to get more people to eat more eggs.

“Securing 100 per cent British sourcing by the public sector would help, along with product innovation, and bringing home economics back into schools.

“We now have three generations who cannot cook – the most visited page on our website is ‘how to boil an egg’.

“Our farming practices are some of the best in the world. We have to share the journey of commercial farming – we have to take the wind out of activism and should be proud of the way we produce food.”

PICTURE:

He questioned if there was time to build additional sheds, even if planning and environmental permitting allowed it.

Production costs

Reduced stocking rates would also increase costs of production at a time when consumers remained very sensitive to price, creating a conflict for industry direction.

Mr Raw said: “We have a race to the bottom on price, alongside a race to the top on welfare.

“Why should an industry with

Keeping African swine fever out

WITH the threat of African swine fever (ASF) entering the UK ever closer, vet Gemma Thwaites, of Garth Pig Practice, explained how the disease spreads and what could be done to minimise risk.

She said: “If the worst happens, we must be prepared. ASF is spread by pig-to-pig contact, from body fluids, ingestion of infected meat and from equipment/vehicles.

“Signs are haemorrhages, fever, mortality, and abortions, but the spread from pig to pig is slow, so initially there may only be one sick or dead pig. If it does arrive, it is not inevitable it will get onto all farms – biosecurity will keep it out.”

Many Nevel, of AHDB, explained what to do and what would happen if an outbreak was suspected.

She said: “ASF is a notifiable disease and not to notify a suspected case is an offence.

“What happens next is governed by legislation and is different for each notifiable disease.”

Protocol

When a notifiable disease is suspected, a call must be made to Defra Rural Services or the devolved authority. Restrictions will then be implemented over the phone, and APHA vets will arrive to investigate/take samples.

Written instructions will then be issued and temporary control zones put in place. Restrictions will remain in place until the investigation is over or disease is ruled out.

We have a good story to tell and we have to get better at communicating our good credentials, said Gary Ford, chief executive of British Egg Industry Council.

such good retail sales have so little confidence? Our greatest asset, namely affordability, is also our greatest weakness.”

Ruth Edge, sustainability manager at KFC, said the changing climate was going to increasingly impact producers in terms of feed supplies and housing environments, with the drive to net zero presenting particular challenges.

“We all need to come together to find out how to meet these challenges,” she said.

What you can do now

■ Ensure staff are aware of signs of ASF and who to call if it is suspected

■ Keep important phone numbers in a visible place

■ Keep all farm movements for the

Ms Nevel said: “Once a notifiable disease has been confirmed the UK, the chief veterinary officer declares loss of disease-free status and actions which could spread disease, such as export and shows, are banned.

“Action is taken on the affected premises to reduce risk of spreading, further restrictions and control zones are put in place and all possible contacts are investigated.

“It is vital that producers have a

Why should an industry with such good retail sales have so little confidence? WILL RAW

last 21 days clearly documented and readily available – digital is best

■ Write a contingency plan considering how the business would manage if it was stuck in a disease control zone

contingency plan in place in case they are affected by restrictions, which could last some time.

Movements

“Prepare for what it means for your business if there was a build-up of pigs on-farm, and how it might affect movements and other businesses on-farm.

“Every farm is different so sit down with staff and have a plan and work out the logistics.”

The Evans family has been involved with the Trawsgoed Estate near Aberystwyth for 500 years, with 400 years spent as farming tenants.

Now, Wyn and Nicole Evans run Nant Byr Uchaf, which was previously farmed by Mr Evans’ maternal grandparents.

Mr Evans explains his immediate family stepped away from farming at the Trawsgoed Estate when he was six years old, after his father was promoted to head accountant with the Forestry Commission.

He says: “It was a big decision to make at the time, but I am glad that it happened that way. But I always felt a big pull to come back.”

And after marrying in 1987, Mr and Mrs Evans took on the tenancy of Nant Byr Uchaf in 1990, following Mr Evans’ uncle’s decision to retire.

NFU

Mr Evans has always worked offfarm and has been heavily involved with the NFU, rising to vice-chair of the England and Wales livestock committee. His press and broadcast interviews for the NFU during Brexit reached a global audience.

It is proving to be quite a year for Wyn Evans, who is fresh from chairing three intense meetings with thousands of farmers angered by Welsh Government proposals. Gaina Morgan reports.

‘I

think we have to move forward into the brave new world’

He has also been able to affect change, by pushing for sheep scab eradication in Wales, persuading supermarkets to stock British during the Covid-19 pandemic and, following the traumatic loss of 15 ewes to a savage dog attack, highlighted the impact of sheep worrying.

As a county councillor, he has a very real insight into the issues faced by non-farming people.

The couple farm 80 hectares

(200 acres), with land rising to more than 274 metred (900 feet) above sea level with the in-bye land providing good grazing for cattle and sheep, as well as cropping land. Panoramic views extend from the Cambrian Mountains across the Ystwyth Valley to Cardigan Bay.

The business runs 300 breeding ewes, with 40 Wagyu calves a recent innovation. The enterprise is split into three different blocks of

land; there is 40ha (100 acres) owned at home, another 16ha (40 acres) six miles away and 24ha (60 acres) of lower ground for summer grazing rented in Carmarthenshire.

Contract

The Wagyu calves are bought through Warrendale Wagyu on contract at two weeks old and taken on to 18 months. It is a departure from

Some of the farm’s Wagyu beef calves.

bucket rearing British Blue calves, which in turn replaced the suckler herd eight years ago.

Mr Evans says: “They are a dif-

ferent shaped calf from the British Blues, so it is a totally different job to what we have been doing.

“They seem to be very placid,

Farm facts

■ This first intake of Wagyu calves came in three batches last August, September and October ■ Calves are bucket-fed morning and night, using a 10-teat bar feeder ■ Home-grown wholecrop to develop

very happy calves and are easy to handle. Calves come in vaccinated against pneumonia and we vaccinate them again after six months.

“It is the same as rearing any calf in that you have to be aware, you have to watch and you have to be really vigilant on a twice-daily basis.”

And Mr Evans adds it has been a learning curve and, with the calves a first cross with Friesian and Holstein from dairy farms, selecting them is a skill which has still to be refined.

The young stores will graze over summer, with a little concentrate, then are brought in and sold back to a Warrendale finisher next spring.

Mr Evans says the weather over the last 12 months has been a challenge.

He adds: “We did all the harvest

the prized marbling, along with haylage and ad lib concentrates, was introduced after Christmas ■ Calves were out at grass by May 2, later than anticipated because of the almost continuously wet winter

in just the two-day window. It was nerve-wracking, as it would have been too expensive to feed boughtin silage all winter. We had to feed a higher level of concentrates through winter because the silage was not as good as usual.”

Machinery

They sow and harvest the wholecrop themselves, as with everything, keeping and maintaining their own machinery.

Fertiliser is used sparingly, with the two upland blocks getting a covering in spring at 50kg/acre of 20/10/10 and the silage ground 100kg/acre.

The reduction of the sheep flock from 400 ewes has improved the system.

Mr Evans says: “The ewes and lambs are enjoying more grass, doing better and keeping disease

Farmers Guardian delivered directly to your door every week including full digital access. Plus, check out our brand-new features exclusive to Farm Futures members.

Future-proof your farm business, gain insight and exchange knowledge with a Farmers Guardian Farm Futures membership.

Insight – Quarterly, in-depth, analytical reports into the latest agricultural trends. Recent topics include, diversification and low carbon agriculture Exchange – A series of digital events focused on learning from real case studies and exchanging knowledge with agricultural thought leaders Weekly Digest email – From the desk of FG’s editor every Sunday morning, discover exclusive insights which impact the business of profitable farming Members’ Lounge – Enjoy an exclusive space for members to network at leading events, such as LAMMA, CropTec and Farm Business Innovation.

Wyn Evans PICTURES: RUTH REES PHOTOGRAPHY

LIVESTOCK

prevalence and worm burden down.”

The Lleyn, improved Tregaron Welsh Mountain and improved Welsh Mountain cross Texel ewes are put to a Charollais ram.

A Dutch Spotted has also produced ‘very good lambs’, adding interest to the job, says Mr Evans.

Most lambs are sold at the end of May off grass, liveweight at 35kg in Devil’s Bridge Mart, with the remainder sold deadweight to Pilgrim’s, Llanidloes.

Ewes were brought in a bit later this year, in February, because of the high price of straw and began lambing in early March. They were urned out about four days after lambing, with just the ewes on hard feed for three to four weeks.

He says: “I think we have to look to be more sustainable and move forward into the brave new world we are going to have to face.

“Post-Brexit, naturally, input costs are quite high and future support will become less and less.

“I think sustainability helps to keep a good quality product on the shelves, but good quality comes at a price and inevitably we have seen food price hikes in the last couple of years.

“I do not think food is going to come down in price. Cheap food and quality food do not go together. I think, personally, the cheap food era is definitely done. Food waste has been a big issue, partly because food has been too cheap.

Environment

“We are producing food to work with the environment, so ultimately that is a more expensive way of producing food, and the consumer will have to appreciate that. It is as it should be really.”

But change can be difficult. Mr Evans has been at the sharp edge of anger among farmers at the Welsh

Government’s demand that 10 per cent of a farm business comprises woodland in order to qualify for support under the proposed Sustainable Farming Scheme.

He chaired meetings of thousands of farmers at Welshpool, Carmarthen and at the Senedd in Cardiff.

Controlling and channelling the highly charged emotions was not easy. However, he says he hopes that the strength of farmer feeling will influence stakeholder meetings.

As well as this, Mr Evans is also chair of this year’s Royal Welsh Agricultural Society’s Sustainable Grass and Muck Event, which will take place

on Thursday, May 30, at the nearby Aberystwyth University Farm, Trawsgoed.

He says: “Trawsgoed is a gem in the Ystwyth Valley and there will be a lot to see, with 110 trade stands, all sorts of demonstrations and informative seminars running all day.

“There will be a classic tractor display, silage equipment and farm tours, taking visitors from the lowlands right up to the highlands, enabling them to see the Ystwyth Valley in its full glory.”

Vitally, he says it

will be an opportunity for farmers to put a dreadful winter behind them.

He adds: “The weather, costs killing the job and political constraints have taken their toll. The event will be a massive lift, a day out, to gather and to meet people.”

Post-Brexit, naturally, input costs are quite high and future support will become less and less

WYN EVANS

Improved Welsh Mountain ewe with Charollais cross lambs.

Nant Byr Uchaf, on the Trawsgoed Estate, near Aberystwyth.

The importance of getting youngstock off to a good start and achieving efficient production were key themes at a conference organised by Trouw Nutrition and held in Coventry. Jonathan Wheeler reports.

rImprovements to sustainability to be made

A PANEL of farmer speakers at Trouw Nutrition’s recent leadership event, looking at themes around sustainability, gave practical examples of how they are improving youngstock rearing and achieving efficiencies in order to improve the overall environmental sustainability of their businesses.

Michelle and Stuart Ley run the 300-head Hoops herd of pedigree Holsteins in North Devon and work closely with their vet Emily Linton, of Torch Vets.

They said they placed a high priority on getting heifers well enough grown to hold to service and calve at two years old.

That starts with ensuring all calves get four litres of colostrum as soon as possible after birth and using highquality milk replacer.

They have noted significant benefits from replacing their former 22 per cent protein/17 per cent fat milk replacer with one containing 22.5 per cent and 25 per cent, respectively.

The Leys are members of Torch Vet’s Youngstock Club and they use the practice’s vet techs to monitor performance and make changes as needed.

Performance

Simple ideas have helped improve performance. For example, Mr Ley has built a frame on which milk buckets are hung so they drain and dry completely, and also a simple set of scales so milk replacer can be measured accurately.

Ms Linton said: “Consistency is king and the scales really help them achieve that.”

She added that consistency of feeding contributes to a calf mortality of less than 1 per cent and has also cut

Getting a sound start

disease incidence and antibiotic usage, which helps more heifers hit their weight targets.

Taken together, it all contributes to a better business and environmental performance, with well-managed heifers likely to get in-calf earlier and give more milk in their first lactation, and can contribute to greater longevity.

These factors all combine to improve environmental performance.

Nigel Armstrong, who manages the University of Nottingham’s dairy unit, has made significant changes to the herd’s diet which also have environmental and cost benefits.

He has phased out soya and replaced barley with ground maize, while increasing the forage portion of the ration from 50 per cent to 56 per cent, which also helps cut concentrate usage.

The resulting ration is 1.1ppl cheaper, while reformulating mineral supplies saved a further £4,240/year and cut CO2 emissions by four tonnes/year.

Mr Armstrong said the farm’s concentration on forage is aided by using a silo compactor, which raises the capacity of their nine silage pits by about 25 per cent, and cover technology to capture the methane coming off slurry lagoons is being investigated.

Groups of calves

Mid-Devon beef producer Ian Pinhey buys groups of calves from local dairy farms.

At the moment, they finish at an average of 20 months old and 650kg weight, but he said his aim was to move those figures to 18 months and 670kg.

And while he said he was not being forced to achieve environmental targets yet, he wanted to be ready for any future demands.

He built a new calf building in 2021 and now monitors many data points, weighing calves regularly and measuring their drinking speed as an indicator of health.

He said: “There is so much we cannot control in farming; that which we can control we should utilise.”

When calves first arrive, getting them drinking is a key aim, added Mr Pinhey.

“We used to feed four litres a day, now it is seven, and they come out of the calf housing like different animals.

“If we can increase daily gains by 0.2kg/day, we can take 150 days off their finishing period. And 0.1kg/day cuts it by 75 days.”

Michelle Ley (left) and Emily Linton.

Farmer speakers at Trouw Nutrition’s leadership event discussed the environmental sustainability of their businesses.

Nigel Armstrong

Ian Pinhey

LIVESTOCK

TIME TO TAKE CONTROL

ALSO speaking at the event, Brian Lindsay, of the Dairy Sustainability Framework, said farmers have both the opportunity and the tools to cut the environmental impact of their activities.

He said the opportunity arises from the fact that – unlike many other sectors – farmers have the ability to sequester significant volumes of carbon through the crops they grow.

And they have plenty of existing tools to help them, with more in development and design.

However, he said one limiting factor was how applicable those tools were to the average dairy herd.

And Mr Lindsay said only 0.4 per cent of the world’s 133 million dairy herds (less than half-a-million) had 100 or more cows.

He said: “The greatest contribution to global footprint is coming from those small herds.”

And the greatest reductions might come from areas like sub-Saharan Africa, where average milk yields were 400 litres/year.

Mr Lindsay said: “If we could double those cows’ yields it would have a huge impact on global emissions.”

Africa

He added this could be crucial as Africa is expected to double its reliance on animal protein between 2020 and 2050.

In more developed nations and regions, the priorities might be a little different.

He said: “We are looking at a biological system and it will take time to change. And the industry must not

GRASSCHECK

GRASS GROWTH ACROSS THE UK

Scotland

79kgdrymatterperhectareperday (32kgDM/acre/day)

The North

Wales

93kgDM/ha/day (37.6kgDM/acre/day)

The South 80.1kgDM/ha/day (32.4kgDM/acre/day)

Grass growth Soil moisture (cb)

Soil temperature (degC) Rainfall (mm per week)

lose focus on the need to continue producing safe, nutritious food while introducing the changes.”

But with many of the countries and regions affected not yet enjoying food security, he suggested farmers there would continue to aim to increase production and pay less attention to environmental targets.

In the developed world, he said the need was to encourage farmers to use the tools available and remove barriers to adoption.

DAILY GROWTH FORECASTS

Region Seven-day

GRASS QUALITY

He said: “If we could fully utilise all the science currently available we could cut our emissions by 40 per cent.”

And he added the adoption of technology could also make dairy businesses more resilient.

Happier staff

“Any improvement in overall health will aid greater feed efficiency and productivity. Staff will also be happier, and it is about the people as well.”

BULLETIN 9

Week beginning May 20

GROWTH RATES

MANAGEMENT NOTES

■ Recentgrassgrowthratehas nowexceededboththe2023and long-termaveragefigureforthesame period,andrapidgrowthispredicted overthenextsevendays

■ Thepredicteddropin14-day growth(especiallyforSouthEngland andWales)mayoccurifsoilsbecome moisture-deficientduetolackofrain andhighevapotranspirationrate

■ Ifsignificantrainfalloccurs,the fastgrowthratewillprobablycontinue ifnitrogenisavailableforuptake ■ Grassqualityisgoodatpresent withametabolisableenergyof11.1 andproteinat18.1percent-maintain highqualitybywatchinggrazing residualsandtop/mowswards wherenecessarytomaintain qualityinfollowingrotations

Brian Lindsay

An improvement in overall health will aid greater feed efficiency, said Brian Lindsay.

NSA Scotsheep visitors can look forward to a busy day, with farm tours and a packed workshop, demonstration and seminar schedule. Farmers Guardian reports.

Scottish NSA event set for ‘red letter day’

Scotsheep is returning to the calendar this year, with organisers hoping the event will be a welcome break for farmers and stakeholders after the challenges the industry has faced this year.

It is organised by the Scottish region of the National Sheep Association (NSA) and attendees can look forward to a packed seminar schedule, as well as workshops, demonstrations and competitions including fencing, sheep dog trials and stockjudging.

The prizes for NSA next generation shepherd of the year competition will also be presented at the event.

The winner and runner-up will have the honour of representing Scotland in the national finals at the NSA Sheep event at Malvern on July 30.

Visitors will have the chance to hear from industry figures and see more than 160 commercial and educational exhibitors, 11 individual sheep

■ 8.45am: Judging of best sheep breed society stand and best indoor and outdoor trade stands

■ 9am: Event open to the public

■ 9am: Judging of show pair of ewe hoggs in pens

■ 9am–3pm: Open and YFC stockjudging competition

■ 9am–3pm: Tour of Aikengall

■ 9am–3pm: Invitational sheepdog trial and Scottish Association of Young Farmers’ Clubs/International Sheep Dog Society national sheepdog final

■ 9am–5pm: Demonstrations on crook making, sheep dressing, fleece presentation and how to maximise the value of your wool, wool spinning and felt making

■ 9.30am-4.05pm: Workshops/ demonstrations

■ 10am: Official opening and presentation of NSA Silver Salver

■ 10am–1.40pm: Sheep shearing and wool rolling demonstrations

■ 10.30am-1.30pm: Fencing competition

Event details

■ When: 9am-5pm, June 5

■ Where: AikengallFarm,Innerwick, Dunbar, East Lothian, EH42 1SG

■ Entry: Adults, £20; NSA members, £10; children 15 and under, free; tickets will be available on the day, but visitors are advised to buy online in advance

MORE INFORMATION scotsheep.org.uk

breeders and 32 sheep breed society stands. This year’s event will be held at Aikengall Farm, Dunbar, which is home to the Hamilton family (see a profile of the host farm on p78-79).

Visitors will have the chance to take in the farm’s views on one of the several farm tours throughout the day including a look at some of the grass trials the family have carried out on

■ 10.45am-11.55am: SeminarFlock fit for the future

■ 11.35am-11.55am: Butchery demonstration

■ 12pm–12.25pm: AddressbyJim FairlieMSP,MinisterforAgricultureand Connectivity,ScottishGovernment

■ 12.30pm-1.45pm: Seminar — Implementation and benefits of changing support

■ 2pm–3.15pm: Seminar – A profitable and sustainable farming future: What will farming in 2030 look like for your business?

■ 2.30pm: Speed shear competition

■ 2.55pm-3.15pm: Butcher demonstration

■ 3.30pm-4pm: Presentation of prizes – next generation shepherd of the year, fencing, sheepdog trial and stockjudging competitions

■ 4pm: Sale of pair of ewe hoggs by United Auctions

■ 4.30pm: Speed shear competition

■ 5pm: Event closes to the public

NSA Scotsheep is back, with more than 160 commercial and educational stands and 32 sheep breed society stands.

reseeding pasture, the sheep and cattle enterprises and a viewpoint looking over East Lothian.

Event chair and agri-business consultant, Colin MacPhail, says: “The brothers are hosting the event as a commitment to their late father and we hope it will be a chance for farmers to get together and socialise after a challenging start to the year.”

As the major sponsor of the event,

Brian Richardson, head of agriculture for Virgin Money, says: “What visitors will see is an excellent example of an enterprise that has stayed ahead of the changing trends in farming and has always taken the right decisions to meet the challenges of change. It will be a privilege to support the event and I have no doubt at all that the NSA and the Hamiltons will make this a red letter day for Scottish sheep farming.”

Preparations are underway at Aikengall Farm, East Lothian, as the

Brothers set to open farm gates to public

Aforward-thinking approach is reaping the rewards for three brothers from East Lothian as they continue to expand their farming enterprise while eradicating problems along the way.

James, Charles and Harry Hamilton, along with their mother Vanessa, farm a combined total of 2,428 hectares (6,000 acres) across six units near Innerwick, Dunbar, which are a mixture of tenanted, contract farmed and owned.

With some 2,800 breeding ewes and a 900-head suckler herd, the family stand in good stead to host the National Sheep Association’s Scotsheep event at Aikengall, on Wednesday, June 5.

The homestead is the 767ha (1,900

acres) Aikengall Farm which is home to a 1,400-strong flock of Blackface ewes as well as 900 spring-calving cows. Simmental genetics feature heavily in the suckler herd, with females crossed to Simmental, Lincoln Red and Aberdeen-Angus bulls.

The Blackface flock is split in two with 700 ewes bred pure, while the remainder are put to the Bluefaced Leicester ram to produce replacement Scotch Mules for the tenanted Nunraw Farm.

Managed by the youngest brother, Harry, the flock of 1,400 Mules at Nunraw are in a high input, high output system with the aim of selling 1,200 Texel-sired lambs before the Royal Highland Show in late June, with the remainder weaned in July and sold thereafter. Next door lies Stenton

Newmains, where the family has recently taken on contract farming 156 red deer hinds and 40 Luing cows over 142ha (350 acres).

The family also runs a 243ha (600 acres) arable unit, Barney Mains, which is managed by Charles, growing spring barley and a variety of vegetables and fodder.

Eldest brother James, who runs Aikengall Farm says: “Our late father John was extremely driven in terms of succession, with the aim to build a business that could be split into three viable farming businesses and to leave us better off than when he began his farming career.”

It is a system that works well for the brothers with outside help only brought in during the tight four-week lambing period, while the regular work is shared between the brothers.

Fattening hoggs and youngstock are grazed on the arable ground, while all ewe hoggs and bulling heifers go to the contract farmed block of 809ha (2,000 acres) at Coreshope for the summer.

The fully stratified system starts with the Blackface ewe at Aikengall Farm and a few bought-in shearlings are used on the nucleus flock, from which ram lambs are used on the pure-bred flock before selling on as shearlings the following year.

A small flock of a dozen or so Bluefaced Leicesters are kept to breed tups for crossing which has enabled the brothers to keep the entire flock as

Farm facts

■ Combined total of 2,428 hectares (6,000 acres) across six units

■ 2,800 breeding ewes, including Blackface and Scotch Mules

■ A small flock of Bluefaced Leicesters are kept to breed tups for crossing

■ Aim to sell 1,200 Texel-sired lambs before late June

■ 900-head suckler herd

■ Contract farm 156 red deer hinds and 40 Luing cows over 142ha (350 acres)

■ 243ha (600 acres) arable unit

closed as possible with only stock rams purchased.

James says: “We do sell some Blackie tups each year, but we are breeding predominantly for commercial attributes, so carcase is the main factor.”

He adds: “We are quite lucky in the respect that we can move a purebred Blackie to the cross-bred flock if she is not right, but we have found that we really need the Blackie and Mule flocks to be the same size to maintain both with home-bred replacements.”

Carcase

The Mules then move to Nunraw Farm where they are bred to Texel rams, with a clear focus on carcase to produce a uniform crop of lambs that can be finished in a relatively short space of time, off grass with minimal creep feeding.

Harry says: “We have tried a few different breeds, but the Texel clicks well with our ewes and our system.

“By avoiding the fashionable sorts with strong heads and opting for big, bare rams with a good carcase we have got the advantages of easy lambing and lambs that grow on well, with a large proportion of them finished in 10-12 weeks.”

Ewes run with teaser rams ahead of tupping then breeding rams are given just four weeks to keep a tight lambing period, resulting in a more uniform crop of lambs but, just as importantly, shed space for calving from April onwards.

Harry says: “We have had good scanning percentages in the past of near 210 per cent, but this year’s 195 per cent is much more manageable, and should allow us to get lambs away quickly.”

The brothers have also been metabolic-testing their ewes ahead of lambing over the past few years. Blood

NSA SCOTSHEEP LIVESTOCK

samples are taken from a couple of ewes in each group and good levels of energy and protein have meant they could hold off on offering supplementary feeding for a few weeks.

The flock health testing does not stop there, after the brothers noticed they were losing a percentage of the

flock each year due to ovine pulmonary adenocarcinoma (OPA).

The entire flock is now tested twice a year by transthoracic ultrasound and, while labour-intensive, the culling of infected animals has brought OPA instances down to less than 1 per cent.

James says: “We are ruthless in

getting problems right and have a tough culling policy so anything with problem feet, bad back or prolapses are gone.

“We firmly believe these issues are genetic, so getting rid of them as we go has made the job easier further down the line and I can say I have not turned a ewe over to sort her feet for about 10 years.”

The enterprise is also home to a wind farm at Aikengall, comprising 54 turbines across East Lothian and the

Scottish Borders, supplying Dunbar.

The brothers say while the business is working well, they are very open to change and would rather talk about their problems than their successes.

They believe transparency is good for the industry.

They have two phrases they live by – ‘never let your farm know you are poor, by constantly investing in it’, and ‘live as though you are going to die tomorrow, farm and breed stock as if you will live forever’.

The Blackface flock is split in half, with 700 ewes bred pure and the rest put to a Bluefaced Leicester ram to produce Mules.

The Hamilton family at Aikengall Farm (left to right): Richie, James, Emma, Hugh, Charles, Jane, Harry and Rebecca.

BREEDING & CALVES SPECIAL

As well as new breeding techniques, this special also looks at the benefits of extended colostrum feeding, along with protocols around young calf nutrition.

Boosting breeding results

By Jonathan Wheeler

Atrial is looking at the effectiveness of using unfertilised (parthenogenetic) embryos in helping freshly served cows hold to service earlier, in this case 70 days post-calving, a time frame which usually sees low conception rates.

The Innovate UK-funded trial is being conducted over three years

on 600 cows divided between six farms.

It involves the University of Nottingham, working with the St Boniface Veterinary Clinic in Devon and Paragon Advanced Breeding in Cumbria.

One group of 300 cows forms the control group, which have been inseminated conventionally.

The second group are inseminated conventionally, but then have two additional unfertilised embry-

os, also known as parthenogenetic embryos, implanted as is used in conventional embryo transfers.

Improve

This trial aims to test how well the presence of parthenogenetic embryos helps the cows’ body recognise the presence of the conventional embryo and whether that trigger helps improve her chances of holding to service.

“If we serve cows before 60-70 days after calving, conception rates tend to be poorer than if we delay insemination until after 80 days”, says Prof Kevin Sinclair, of the University of Nottingham, who serves as academic lead for the project.

Prof Sinclair says: “The embryos being used in the trial are produced by harvesting eggs from slaughtered female animals and developing them into embryos using a lipid-soluble form of calcium. As they only have the maternal complement of DNA, rather than DNA from both parents, they are not viable, but can survive in the uterus for a limited length of time – typically up to four weeks, but sometimes longer.”

Parthenogenesis can occur naturally in some species, he says.

“It happens when the egg activates in the absence of sperm.

“In normal fertilisation, the embryo will carry half of its DNA from the egg and half from the sperm.

Improving the efficiency with which animals hold to early service could help herds maintain tighter calving patterns and cut costs.

“Parthenogenetic embryos only have DNA from the egg, which is why they cannot survive.

A trial aims to test how well the presence of parthenogenetic embryos helps the cows’ body recognise the presence of the conventional embryo.

“They may persist for a time, but will be reabsorbed into the uterus. Usually there is no evidence they ever existed,” he says.

But even that short ‘life-span’ could be valuable because they can help the cow recognise the presence of the viable embryo.

Prof Sinclair says: “One of the problems with artificial insemination in dairy cows is that some of them may return to service, even though they already have a viable embryo.

“In these cases, the problem is most probably caused because their body has not received a strong enough signal from the embryo to tell them it is there.

Signal

“The embryo needs to shout a little louder. If we can help it send out a stronger signal then we raise the chances of the cow becoming pregnant.

“In normal circumstances a cow’s reproductive system starts making the decision whether to recycle or continue with a viable embryo between 16 and 21 days after insemination.

“With this technique, we want to make sure that the embryonic signal is sufficiently strong so that it helps the animal remain pregnant.

“That improves the chances of the embryo surviving.”

Cows in the test group were first inseminated in the conventional way.

A few days later the parthenogenetic embryos were implanted in the side of the uterus in which the

BREEDING & CALVES

cow was believed to be pregnant.

Results from the first year indicate that they do have a benefit, which Prof Sinclair suggests might help herds maintain a tight and regular calving pattern.

“If they are served quite early –fewer than 60-70 days after calving – and the parthenodes are transferred a few days later, early results suggest a 10 per cent or more improvement in conception rates,” he says.

Benefits could be expected to reduce gradually after that, as the conception rate achieved from conventional insemination improves.

While parthenogenetic embryos have been known about and created for research purposes for many years, he says this is the biggest

trial conducted to examine their value.

“It has never been done on this scale before.

“We have been producing parthenogenetic embryos for some years for experimental purposes. But this scale of work is relatively novel.

Benefits

“We are trying to ascertain whether the benefits we have seen in trial work can be replicated on farm in commercial herds.”

The project is due to conclude at the end of this year, with the last of the cows involved due to calve this autumn.

Full results of the trials are due to be published early in 2025. Prof Kevin Sinclair

BREEDING & CALVES

No matter the system, calf health is vital to production later in life, said experts at a recent Wynnstay Calf roadshow held in Pershore, Worcestershire. Ellie Layton reports.

Simple steps to improve youngstock rearing on-farm

The most important meal a calf will consume in its entire life was colostrum, said Dr Adam Geiger, a research nutritionist for dairy and colostrum at Zinpro, who added that vet and medicine bills would be reduced if colostrum management was made a priority.

Dr Geiger reminded farmers that as it can take three weeks for a calf’s immune system to kick in, colostrum was vital to provide passive immunity.

He displayed data which showed that successful passive transfer can lead to a 5 per cent higher survival rate in the first 60 days, improved heifer growth, higher future milk

yields and a higher number of cows making it to the end of their second lactation and beyond.

While ensuring the newborn calf receives high-quality colostrum is important, the amount of immunoglobulin G (IgG) fed is not the only important factor to consider when feeding colostrum, said Dr Geiger, and he reminded producers about the five Qs of colostrum management; quality, quantity, quickness, quite clean and quantify.

Quality

Dr Geiger added: “Causes of cow stress such as heat, handling and movement, or even predatory issues, can decrease colostrum quality. “If a cow is using nutrients to fight against stressors, they will have fewer nutrients available to produce high-quality colostrum for calves. Likewise, if cows are sick, they will require nutrients to mount an inflammatory response, leading to lower-quality colostrum.”

Another issue that can affect colostrum quality is the length of the dry period and he said limited data indicated that cutting the dry period does not allow cows to produce enough IgG into the colostrum and extending it can see reabsorption of IgG.

Quantity

He added colostrum should be considered in terms of grams of IgG and not colostrum volume, as calves require IgG, not liquid volume.

If a cow is using nutrients to fight against stressors, they will have fewer nutrients available to produce highquality colostrum for calves

DR ADAM GEIGER

“Producers need to ensure their calves are receiving enough IgG from colostrum. The amount of colostrum needed will depend on how much IgG is concentrated in the colostrum, indicating the importance of testing colostrum. If the concentration is 50g of IgG/litre of colostrum, they will need at least three litres to achieve passive transfer,” said Dr Geiger.

Quickness

The longer a cow waits to be milked, the faster the quality of colostrum decreases. Dr Geiger said that waiting six hours postcalving to milk can decrease colostrum quality by 20 per cent.

“Waiting too long to feed a calf after birth reduces how efficiently

WHAT IS IN THE WATER TROUGH?

DR Geiger said as well as looking at calf nutrition, the diet of the pregnant dairy cow can have

High levels of contaminants can result in decreased water intake

DR ADAM GEIGER

lifelong effects on the calf –either positive or negative.

Dr Geiger added: “If we do not get the mother’s nutrient requirements correct, and reduce stress for her, the calf can have deformities as a result.”

And he said that a major, yet often overlooked, challenge to cow health could be caused by inaccessible or polluted water.

He added: “High levels of contaminants can result in decreased water intake, negatively impacting health and performance.

“These contaminants can also

the calf can absorb IgG. From the time a calf is born, it can absorb IgG from colostrum at about 50 per cent efficiency, whereas six hours post-calving this can be reduced by 30 per cent,” he added.

Quite clean

If feeding or heating equipment is dirty without heat treatment and colostrum is not pasteurised, Dr Geiger stressed bacteria content of colostrum will increase by six times every 24 hours.

He said: “Bacteria is antagonistic to IgG absorption, and high bacterial loads in colostrum can reduce IgG absorption significantly. Adhering to temperature, contact time and drying of calf-feeding equipment can help manage bacteria.”

Quantify

Dr Geiger added it was important to make sure passive transfer of immunity had been achieved and if not the five Qs of colostrum management should be revisited.

“You can then troubleshoot your colostrum management to improve practices and ensure calves achieve passive transfer of immunity to get off to the best start in life,” he said.

impact the nutrients an animal gets from their diet.”

Uptake

As an example, he said water containing high iron levels could limit the uptake and benefits of trace minerals, which could affect both the cow and its unborn calf, especially in bone and functional development.

As variable weather conditions, such as heavy rainfall, can make water quality issues worse, Dr Geiger encouraged regular testing of water sources.

BREEDING & CALVES

Feeding pre-weaned dairy calves the right amount of a proven highly digestible calf milk formula is economically crucial for making the most of early life feed conversion efficiency. But it is also vital to lay down the right nutritional foundations for better fertility and good milking performance in later life, says Dr Jessica Cooke, of Volac Milk Replacers.

“The digestibility of a calf milk replacer product is influenced by the type of protein and fat source used, along with how these important nutrients are processed during manufacture. Protein sources and quality are vital, as is the fatty acid profile of the fat included and its globule size –which needs to be consistently small for enhanced digestibility [as it is in whole milk],” says Dr Cooke.

When processed correctly, well formulated skim and whey protein-based calf milk replacers will both potentially deliver similar performance. But Dr Cooke says the quality of the respective protein sources really matters.

“For example, natural cow colostrum contains 65 per cent whey protein, which is three times more whey protein than the proportion contained within whole milk. Whey proteins contain the valuable bioactive components for calf development success. These must be harnessed

Unlocking better calf performance

and are important ingredients that are not present in casein,” she says.

“Whey proteins include lactoglobulin, lactalbumin, immunoglobulins, bovine serum albumin, bovine lactoferrin and lactoperoxidase. These are all high biological value nutrients

Hereford females

• Great fertility, longevity and milk ability

• Hardy, low maintenance and moderate size

• Heifers in demand as sucker cows

Hereford bulls

• Short gestation

• Excellent temperament

• Easy calving

• Produce market relevant carcase weights

Find out how Herefords can fit into your system

and functional proteins that need to be retained because they are so essential for supporting a fully functioning immune system, as well as optimal calf growth and development.”

However, Dr Cooke reminds producers that not all whey protein sources are the same.

She says: “Simple whey or whey powder will not cut it in terms of true protein supply. True protein is a measure of the amino acid content of the diet – the vital building blocks of protein – and that is what you really want to know.”

Concentrated whey protein is different to whey powder and is critical in driving the rate of protein synthesis, which is why it is still the most popular protein of choice for high performance human athletes.

Dr Cooke says this concentrated

whey protein base is balanced to ensure calves are fed the optimum amount of true protein in the form of essential amino acids, such as additional lysine and leucine (see table)

“Lysine and leucine are vital amino acids from growth and critical in driving the rate of muscle protein synthesis,” says Dr Cooke.

This concentrated whey protein base includes 16 times the amount of milk fats compared with standard whey or skim milk powders.

“The fat percentage [in the dry matter] of skim milk powder and standard whey powder is only 1 per cent, whereas the percentage fat [in the dry matter] of our concentrated whey protein is 16 per cent,” she says.

But to mirror the highly digestible nature of whole milk fat, well formulated milk replacers should also contain a blend of fatty acids from vegetable oils that are well digested by the calf, as well as the right mix to fuel energy for growth and optimal development.

“Initially, the calf will rely on the breakdown of short and medium chain fatty acids for its energy source, with the digestion of long chain fatty acids becoming more efficient after about three weeks of age.

“Bear in mind that fatty acids are not only a fuel source for the calf – they also carry out important anti-microbial roles against gram negative bacteria, for example E.coli and salmonella, and gram-positive bacteria, for example clostridia.

“Milk fat exists in droplets of oil surrounded by a membrane containing other fats, which support calf gut maturation and help to fight off damaging bacteria.

“For these reasons, never compromise when choosing your calf milk replacer. Proven high-quality and consistency are crucially important for optimum calf performance – and your supplier should always be open to a discussion about these critical success factors,” says Dr Cooke.

KEY AMINO ACIDS FOR CALF

Dr Jessica Cooke

Maximising pre-weaned dairy heifer calf growth requires optimal feeding, says Dr Jessica Cooke.

PICTURE: MARCELLO GARBAGNOLI

Dairy calf rearers can derive a horde of animal health rewards by feeding high quality colostrum for longer.

And a recent farmer survey shows most farmers are open to the practice if it were shown to be beneficial with adjustments to labour, equipment, and facilities.

Dr Katie Denholm, an academic clinician based at the University of Glasgow Veterinary School, says there is an emerging body of evidence highlighting the benefits of extended colostrum feeding.

“While each dairy farm is unique and a tailored approach to extended colostrum feeding will be required, there is no doubt the practice will reap calf performance dividends on units that implement the practice,” she says.

“For example, potential benefits include increasing calf serum immunoglobulin [IgG] concentrations, reduced antimicrobial use, increased immune protection for specific dam vaccinated pathogens, for example rotavirus, coronavirus and E.coli K99, the promotion of sound intestinal villi development, reduced calfhood morbidity and mortality, and the improvement of reproductive and lactation outcomes in later life.”

Important

Dr Denholm says it is important for farmers to recognise that colostrum provides so much more than just immunoglobulins to the calf.

“This liquid gold also contains immune modulators such as oligosaccharides, valuable enzymes, lactoferrin, cytokines, hormones, vitamins, and minerals – all of which are important for long term gut health, function and development,” she says.

“While colostrum immunoglobulin concentrations and other immune modulators are highest in the first milking post-partum – so called ‘true colostrum’ – if practically possible, feeding this valuable first milk beyond the first feed over the first five days of life will certainly be beneficial to the young calf.”

Concentrations of immunoglobulins and other colostrum-specific immune regulators fall with time, as the colostrum ‘transitions’ to whole milk in the first six to eight milkings post-partum. This is known as ‘transition milk’, but is still enormously valuable.

40degC

Dr Katie Denholm advises to warm frozen colostrum to about 40degC using hot water baths before feeding to calves.

BREEDING & CALVES

Benefits of extended colostrum feeding

Feeding this valuable first milk beyond the first feed over the first five days of life will certainly be beneficial to the young calf

DR KATIE DENHOLM

Dr Denholm says that farmers tend to cite supply and storage problems as the main barriers to implementing extended colostrum feeding on farm.

“Farmers tell us it is difficult to harvest enough first milking colostrum to feed this alone in an extended way, so transition milk is practically preferable for longer termfeeding,” she says, pointing out that artificial colostrum replacers and/or supplements are often inferior to maternally derived colostrum and may lack farm specific immunity.

She adds: “These proprietary products can also be expensive.”

She also says that it is possible to add chemical preservatives to both colostrum and transition milk, for example 1 per cent of a 50 per cent potassium sorbate solution, to keep it for longer, or it can be stored at a low temperature.

She says: “In the UK, colostrum is often preserved using low temperature. Depending on initial contamination levels, refrigeration at 4degC for two to five days and freezing in two-litre batches at -20degC for up to 12 months will keep bacterial concentrations low and IgG concentrations high.

“But do not use a microwave to defrost your colostrum in case ‘hot pockets’ form, which could denature the IgG molecules,” she says.

“Better to warm the frozen colostrum to about 40degC using hot water baths. Then it will be ready to feed to your calves.”

Colostrum provides so much more than just immunoglobulins to the calf, says Dr Katie Denholm.

SHOWS BALMORAL

With this year’s show season now in full swing, exhibitors and visitors returned to the livestock rings at Balmoral Show. Katie Fallon reports.

Sensation reigns supreme in Balmoral Show beef line-up

rSimmental takes reserve championship

SUPREME champion in the beef rings at this year’s Balmoral Show was the Limousin champion, Dinmore Sensation, a December 2021born in-calf heifer from Trevor Shields, Newry, Co Down.

Brought out by Shauna Killen, Crossgar, the embryo transfer calf was bought as a six-month-old calf for 30,000gns from the Dinmore Limousin herd, Hereford.

It now resides with Mr Shields’ 50-strong pedigree Limousin herd which he has established over the past three years.

Champion

Out of Dinmore Perfection, which was inter-breed beef champion at the Royal Cheshire Show in 2022 and 2023, breed and continental champion at the Royal Three Counties Show in 2023 and reserve inter-breed champion at the Royal Welsh Show in 2023, it is by the 20,000gns Meadowrig Pedro, which Mr Shields bought from Carlisle in October last year.

In-calf to the €30,000 (£25,642) Carrickmore Schumacher, the heifer was also champion at the Northern Ireland Limousin Club’s

National Show at Antrim Show last year.

This was only Mr Shields’ third time exhibiting in the cattle rings at Balmoral, however, he has been exhibiting pigs at the show for the past 49 years.

Judge Stewart Stronach of the Islavale Simmental herd, Keith, said

his champion was ‘a complete animal which carried itself well and was a worthy winner’.

Taking home the reserve ticket was the Simmental champion, Ballinlare Farm Nikita, a February 2022born heifer from Joesph and Alan Wilson, Newry, Co Down.

By Saltire

Impressive, which has

bred bulls to 20,000gns and heifers to 26,000gns, the heifer also claimed the breed championship at last year’s Balmoral Show and inter-breed champion at last year’s Ballymena Show.

The heifer resides with the Wilson family’s 50-strong Simmental herd and will be a regular on the local show circuit this summer.

Judge Stewart Stronach casts his eye over the beef championship entries in this year’s Balmoral Show.

Inter-breed beef and Limousin champion, Dinmore Sensation, from Trevor Shields, Newry, Co Down.

Reserve inter-breed beef and Simmental champion, Ballinlare Farm Nikita, from Joesph and Alan Wilson, Newry, Co Down.

Standing second reserve was the Beef Shorthorn champion, Cherryvalley Take A Chance On Me, a March 2022-born heifer from Mervin Robinson of Cherryvalley Farms, Crumlin, Co Down.

The home-bred heifer out of Cherryvalley Pearl, which was breed champion at the show in 2021, and by Creaga Rolex, it is in-calf to Creaga Larger.

Junior inter-breed beef champion was another win for the Limousin breed with Aghadolgan Udiva, a heifer from Raymond Savage, Drumahoe, taking the title.

The one-year-old heifer was bought as an embryo from Foxhillfarm Nadiya from the Foxhillfarm Limousin herd, Devon, and by the 22,000gns Gunnerfleet Lion.

Brought out by Jack Hunter and Alan Shortt, the heifer was also senior, pedigree and supreme overall champion at the Northern Ireland Limousin Young Breeder’s Rising Star Calf Show at Ballymena auction market in March this year.

Standing reserve in the junior inter-breed was the Aberdeen-

Angus breed champion, Woodvale Miss Annie Z151, a 16-month-old heifer from Alwyn and Adam Armour, Ballynahinch, Co Down.

The home-bred champion was the overall calf champion at the Northern Ireland Aberdeen-Angus Club’s annual calf show at Dungannon last year.

The heifer’s grand dam was previously inter-breed beef champion at Balmoral Show in 2021, shown with its dam, Woodvale Miss Annie W856, as a calf at foot.

The Charolais championship went to Ritchie and Tom Devine, Strabane, Co Tyrone, with a March 2022born heifer, Brownhill Tara.

It marked the first time out for the heifer, whose dam Brownhill Mo was reserve breed champion at Balmoral Show in 2019.

By the AI bull Newhouse Bigal, the champion resides with the Devine brothers 10-strong pedigree Charolais herd.

It was Beechmount Daisy 6, a seven-year-old cow from Ryan and Caroline Maxwell, Armagh, Co Armagh, which was Irish Moiled cham-

pion. Shown with its eight-week-old heifer calf at foot, the champion was bought as a heifer in 2017 and was previously junior breed champion in 2018 and reserve breed champion at the show in 2023.

Pigs

In the pig rings, Robert Neill, Downpatrick, Co Down, won the inter-breed title with his traditional breed champion, Prestcombe Lady 2.

Results

Beef

Inter-breed (Judge, S. Stronach, Keith) Supreme, T. Shields, Dinmore Sensation (Limousin); reserve, J. and A. Wilson, Ballinlare Farm Nikita (Simmental); junior sup., R. Savage, Aghadolgan Udiva (Limousin); res., A. and C. Armour and Sons, Woodvale Miss Annie Z151 (Aberdeen-Angus). Aberdeen-Angus (D. Johnstone, Banffshire) Sup., A. and C. Armour and Sons, Woodvale Miss Annie Z151; res., W. Porter, Old Glenort Kim W501 Hereford (J. Ludgate, Oxon) Sup., T. Andrews, Kinglee 1 Victorious; res., S. Cherry, Ballypallady 1 Wizzbit.

Charolais (K. Thomas, Carmarthenshire) Sup., Devine Bros, Brownhill Tara; res., H. and H. Heron, Falleninch Sancerre. Simmental (N. Robson, Ballyclare) Sup., J. and A. Wilson, Ballinlare Farm Nikita; res., J.L. and C.L. Weatherup, Lisglass Prince. Limousin (R. James, Carmarthenshire) Sup., T. Shields, Dinmore Sensation; res., S. Killen, Ballygrange Tina. British Blonde (J. Weightman, Peterlee) Sup., Rodgers Livestock, Hillhead Rose; res., Moneyscalp Blondes, Moneyscalp Shauna. British Blue (A. Kay, Ayrshire) Sup., JCB

Inter-breed pig and traditional champion, Prestcombe Lady 2, from Robert Neill, Downpatrick, Co Down.

The five-year-old Saddleback sow, which is due to farrow in a month’s time, was bought from the Radcliffe family, Dromara, last year after it was imported from England in 2021.

The reserve traditional breed champion, a Middle White gilt from 20-year-old Louise Stewart, Crumlin, Co Antrim, stood reserve. It was the first time out for the five-monthold gilt, Dundrod Alma Rose 5, out of Ballygoskin Alma Rose 13.

Commercials, Drumhilla Tik Tok; res., S. Branniff, Lueur D Hontoir. Salers (A. Crockett, Earlston) Sup., Lisnamaul Salers, Lisnamaul Princess; res., Lisnamaul Salers, Sidney.

Beef Shorthorn (G. Sommerville, Dumfries) Sup., Cherryvalley Farms, Cherryvalley Take A Chance On Me; res., Cherryvalley Farms, Meonside Randango. Dexter (S. Darnbrook, Newcastleton) Sup., M. Bloomer, Ballyhartfield Barua; res., M. Bloomer, Frith Dazzler. Irish Moiled (D. Bull, Dumfriesshire) Sup., R. and C. Maxwell, Beechmount Daisy 6; res., Edwards and McCauley, Curraghnakeely Sportsman 0633.

Commercial (T. Jones, Powys) Sup., JCB

Commercials, Dancing Queen; res., Cochrane family, Ginger Nut.

Pigs

Inter-breed (M. Snell, Somerset) Sup., R. Neill, Prestcombe Lady 2 (Saddleback); res., L. Stewart, Dundrod Alma Rose 5 (Middle White). Traditional breeds (M. Snell) Sup., R. Neill,

Prestcombe Lady 2 (Saddleback); res., L. Stewart, Dundrod Alma Rose 5 (Middle White). Large White (M. Snell) Sup., T. Shields, Glenmarshal Dainty Lady.

Second reserve beef and Beef Shorthorn champion, Cherryvalley Take A Chance On Me, from Cherryvalley Farms, Crumlin, Co Down.

Junior inter-breed beef champion, Aghadolgan Udiva, a Limousin heifer from Raymond Savage, Drumahoe.

Reserve junior inter-breed beef and Aberdeen-Angus champion, Woodvale Miss Annie Z151, from Alwyn and Adam Armour, Ballynahinch, Co Down.

SHOWS BALMORAL

Sheep interbreed and shortwool champion, Limestone J-Lo, a Suffolk shearling ewe, from Mark Priestley, Downpatrick, Co Down.

Suffolk ewe crowned champion of sheep rings

rDutch Spotted takes reserve championship

SHORTWOOL and longwool champions went head-to-head in the sheep classes to compete for the overall sheep inter-breed title.

It was the shortwool champion which took the supreme sash, Limestone J-Lo, a home-bred Suffolk shearling ewe from Mark Priestley, Downpatrick, Co Down.

The embryo transfer lamb is by the 33,000gns Castleisle A Kingsman, which bred more than £100,000 of tup progeny last year.

Judge, Malcolm Coubrough, a Blackface and Texel breeder from

Lanarkshire, said the quality of stock at the show was fantastic.

He added: “The Suffolk caught my eye straight away, it is tremendous in size and shape, and moves well.”

Only its first time out, the shearling will reside with Mr Priestley’s 16-strong pedigree Suffolk flock where it will be flushed as part of the flock’s extensive embryo transfer programme.

It marks the third time Mr Priestley has claimed the Suffolk breed championship at Balmoral, having taken home reserve supreme and shortwool champion at last year’s show.

The shortwool reserve champion,

Results

Sheep

Inter-breed (Judge, M. Coubrough, Lanarkshire) Supreme and shortwool, M. Priestley, Limestone J-Lo (Suffolk); reserve and res. shortwool, S. Allen and A. Shortt, Craigdoo Firefly (Dutch Spotted); sup. longwool, J. Aiken and J. Graham, Knocklass Joint Venture (Border Leicester); res. longwool, H. Henry (Mule). Badger Face Texel (N. Hogan, Carlow) Sup., R. Millen; res., A. and J. Carson. Beltex (S. Wood, Aberdeenshire) Sup., J. Keys; res., E. McAllister. Berrichon (C. Gwynne, Powys) Sup. and res., R. McLaren.

Bleu Du Maine (S. Norman, Somerset) Sup., G. Baird; res., A. Wilson. Blue Texel (H. Currie, Carlisle) Sup. and res., R. Millen.

Bluefaced Leicester (R. Loughridge, Ballymoney) Sup., I. Montgomery; res., A.G. Kennedy. Border Leicester (I. Walker, Ayrshire) Sup., J. Aiken; res., H. Dickey. Charollais (D. Agrue, Drumg) Sup., R. Powell; res., D. Christie.

Dorset Horn and Poll (A. Steff, Lancashire) Sup. and res., C. Hill. Dutch Spotted (B. Davies, Pembrokeshire)

Craigdoo Firefly, a one-crop Dutch Spotted ewe from Alan Shortt and Samantha Allen, Strabane, Co Tyrone, stood reserve.

Bought as a shearling gimmer in November 2023 for 6,800gns at the Big Bang Export Sale at Balmoral Park, Sprucefield, it is by Carlaustan Extrovert, which has bred sons to 28,000gns.

The first-time champion will reside with Mr Short and Ms Allen’s flock of 10 pedigree Dutch Spotted ewes under the Derg prefix.

Taking home the title for champion longwool was a Border

Longwool and Border Leicester champion, Knocklass Joint Venture, a shearling ram from James Aiken and Jack Graham, Dromore, Co Down.

Reserve inter-breed and reserve shortwool champion, Craigdoo Firefly, a onecrop Dutch Spotted ewe from Alan Shortt and Samantha Allen, Strabane, Co Tyrone.

Sup., S. Allen and A. Shortt; res., Limestone Pedigree Livestock.

Greyface (I. Walker, Ayrshire) Sup. and res., D. and N. Hamill.

Hampshire Down (A. Rundle, Cornwall) Sup., J. Mercer; res., S. Manson. Ile De France (M. Annett, Ballymartin) Sup. and res., R. Balfour. Jacob (W. Harries, Carmarthen) Sup., J. Maybin; res., A. Colhoun. Kerry Hill (C. Adamson, Lancashire) Sup. and res., S. and F. McAllister. Lleyn (R. G. Wells, Ceredigion) Sup., A. Kennedy; res., J. and C. Kennedy. Mules (R. Loughridge, Ballymoney) Sup., H. Henry; res., P. Donnelly. North Country Cheviot (S. Davies, Selkirk) Sup., A.J. Robinson; res., Castleview Flock. Minority Breeds (J. Blaney, Ballymena) Sup. and res., L.C. Dorman. Rouge De L’ouest (J. Metianu, Ashford) Sup., J.M. Houston; res., J. Tannahill. Suffolk (M. Black, Fife) Sup., M. Priestley; res., L. and M. Liggett. Texel (I. Prys Jones, Denbighshire) Sup., M. Priestley; res., S, McNeilly. Valais Blacknose (D. Hodge, Devon) Sup., H. Morrison; res., R. and E. Conway. Zwartbles (A. Lloyd, Conwy) Sup. and female, A. Bell; res. and male, R. Megarrell.

Leicester ram, Knocklass Joint Venture, from James Aiken and Jack Graham, Dromore, Co Down. By a Kinloch ram, it was the first time out for the champion which will be exhibited on the local show circuit this summer.

Reserve longwool was a Mule shearling ewe from Hugh Henry, Broughshane, Co Antrim.

Brought out by Sophie McAllister, Ballymena, it was a first time out for the shearling which was bought as a ewe lamb from the O’Kane brothers, Carnlock, last August.

Reserve longwool and Mule champion, a shearling ewe from Hugh Henry, Broughshane, Co Antrim.

Holstein out on top in dairy categories

IT was the Holstein champion which took the supreme title in the dairy rings at this year’s Balmoral Show.

From the father and son duo, Mark and Tommy Henry, Ballymoney, Co Antrim, it was the fourth calver, Mostragee Bomber Louise 3, which took the sash.

Last calved in January and shown giving 64 litres daily, the home-bred champion gave more than 12,000 litres in its last lactation.

By a home-bred sire, Mostragee Bomber, the cow was first in its class at the Royal Ulster Winter Fair in 2022.

It marked the first breed championship win at Balmoral for the Henry family, who milk 180 Holsteins.

With his champion stood before him, judge Duncan Hunter, Hertfordshire, said: “This was my easy winner, she is so correct from every angle and has so much shape and power.”

The Jersey champion, Layward Cosmo Starry Fizz, from the regular

It marked the 33rd breed championship win for the family who have shown at Balmoral since 1974.

The third-calver was shown giving 35 litres daily and was bought as an embryo from the American dam, Ellitos Action Cosmo, at the online Spotlight sale during Covid-19.

Classified maximum score as a second calver, the champion also bred last year’s Balmoral reserve Jersey champion and this year’s reserve breed champion, Potterswalls VIP Cosmo.

Reserve

Last calved in September, it was the first time out for the heifer inmilk, which was shown giving 26 litres and is projected to give 7,500 litres in its first lactation.

The reserve Holstein champion was Hallow Solomon Twizzle 2, an EX94 cow from Philip and Linda

Last calved in January, it was the first time out for the fifthcalver whose full sister was overall champion last year’s Royal Ulster Winter Fair.

Out of the EX96 Hallow Advent Twizzle 3, the champion will be exhibited on the local show circuit this summer.

The Dairy Shorthorn champion was Beechview Jazz Janelle, a first calver from George and Jason Booth, Stewartstown, Co Tyrone.

On its first time out, the home-bred heifer was shown giving 35 litres daily, having last calved in March.

It was a first breed championship win for the father and son duo who milk 10 Dairy Shorthorns, 200 Holsteins and 10 Brown Swiss cows.

Taking the winning ticket in the Ayrshire section was a fifthcalver, Denamona Clever Lassie 2, from Tommy and Alan Irwin, Clogher, Co Tyrone.

Last calved in December and

Results

Dairy

Inter-breed (Judge, D. Hunter, Hertfordshire) Supreme, T. Henry and Sons, Mostragee Bomber Louise 3 (Holstein); res., Fleming family, Layward Cosmo Starry Fizz (Jersey). Holstein (W. Jones, Carmarthenshire) Sup., T. Henry and Sons, Mostragee Bomber Louise 3; res., Hallow Holsteins, Hallow Soloman Twizzle 2. Jersey (A. Wilson) Fleming family, Layward Cosmo Starry Fizz; res., Fleming family, Potterswalls VIP Cosmo.

Dairy Shorthorn (A. Wilson, Carmarthen) Sup., G. and J. Booth, Beechview Jazz Janelle.

Ayrshire (A. Wilson) Sup., A. Irwin, Denamona Clever Lassie 2; res., R. and C. McConnell, Beechmount Blink Betty 5.

shown giving 45 litres daily, the cow also claimed the breed championship at Balmoral in 2021.

Beechmount Blink Betty 5, a VG86 cow from Robert McConnell, Ballyclare, Co Antrim, stood reserve.

The second-calver, shown giving 38 litres daily was reserve heifer champion at Balmoral last year.

Inter-breed dairy and Holstein champion, Mostragee Bomber Louise 3, from Mark and Tommy Henry, Ballymoney, Co Antrim.

Dairy Shorthorn champion, Beechview Jazz Janelle, from George and Jason Booth, Stewartstown, Co Tyrone.

Ayrshire champion, Denamona Clever Lassie 2, from Tommy and Alan Irwin, Clogher, Co Tyrone.

Reserve inter-breed dairy and Jersey champion, Layward Cosmo Starry Fizz, from the Fleming family, Seaforde, Co Down.

Balmoral front runners, the Fleming family, Seaforde, Co Down, stood reserve.

Jones of Hallow Holsteins, Gorey, Wexford.

SHOWS DEVON COUNTY

Excellent livestock entries were seen at Devon County Show, with more than 1,600 sheep and

Alfords win the double in sheep

rHolstein clinches dairy supreme

AFTER battling off the competition in the Charollais South West Show, it was an aged ewe from Michael and Melanie Alford, Cullompton, which secured inter-breed title in the sheep section.

The three-year-old home-bred ewe shown by their son-in-law, Neville Pitman, is by Rockvilla Ferrari and out of a former show ewe which is grandmother to 16,000gns Foxhill Vavavoom.

Local auctioneer and inter-breed judge Richard Turner, Honiton, said: “I was extremely impressed by the tremendous quality of sheep across the board.

“The champion was the complete package, being very correct with style, length and handled well throughout, very closely followed by the Suffolk in reserve.”

Reserve inter-breed was awarded to a two-year-old Suffolk ewe from Ross Lawrence's Roundacre flock, Winkleigh. By Strathbogie Magic Mike and out of a home-bred ewe, this is its debut in a busy season, after claiming four breed championships last year and two reserve inter-breed titles.

The Hampshire Down took the limelight in the inter-breed ram lamb championship for breeders Henry Derryman and family, Yarcombe, who keep a flock of 100 Hampshire Down ewes as part of their commercial flock alongside their herd of British Friesians and beef cattle.

This was the first show for the December-born lamb, which was also awarded the breed championship.

Home-bred on both sides, it will be heading to the society sale at Shrewsbury at the end of May. Adding to the success of the Alford family, their Charollais ram lamb was awarded reserve champion inter-breed ram lamb.

Beef

In the cattle ring, the Alford family claimed another inter-breed title, this time with their Aberdeen-Angus heifer Foxhill Diamond Mist Z253. The January 2023-born heifer is out of Weeton Diamond Mist M351, which was bought for 13,000gns at John Loftus’ Weeton herd sale in Stirling in 2015 and by the 17,000gns Linton Gilbertines President S021.

Local Limousin breeder Patrick Greed, Exeter, was awarded the reserve title with his May 2021-born bull, Killerton Saunders. Out of the home-bred cow, Killerton Jenny, it is by the herd’s stock bull, Garnedd Neptune, which was bought in 2019 for 7,000gns. Saunders also claimed the junior male championship and continental title.

R eserve native champion was awarded to Willingham Spitfire exhibited by Mary Cormack, Leominster. The polled roan Beef Shorthorn bull is a son of Willingham Lieutenant Commander and out of Willingham Eva Broadhooks.

This May 2022-born bull was bought at Stirling in February for 20,000gns and will be attending a number of shows this year.

The continental reserve went to Charolais heifer, Skysea Tickle, exhibited by Will Glover, Starlight Charolais, Yeovil, and bred by the Tucker family, Swansea. The May

2022-born heifer is a daughter of Foxacre Memnon.

In the commercial section, Michael Kirby, Holsworthy, claimed the highest honours with his homebred April 2022-born British Bluecross heifer, Handsfree, which won the Agrifest title on the showground in November. Reserve was awarded to J.M and S.M Rowlands, Powys, with Limousin steer Fist Full of Dollars.

Dairy

Dairy inter-breed championship went to the Holstein, Hoops Trientje 47, bred and exhibited by Stewart and Michelle Ley and family, Holsworthy. The sixth calver is classified EX95 and is part of their 280-cow

Inter-breed sheep and Charollais champion, from Michael and Melanie Alford, Cullompton.

Reserve interbreed sheep and Suffolk champion, from Ross Lawrence, Winkleigh.

herd of pedigree Holsteins that was established in 1948. The Goodwhone daughter is heading to the Royal Cornwall Show next month and gained the family its second interbreed title and third Holstein championship at Devon County Show.

Reserve inter-breed dairy was claimed by the Ayrshire champion, Greenway Ross Great Jubilee. The nine-year-old cow by Eastchurch Ross is producing 37kg daily. Bred and exhibited by Les and Tracey Rockett, Bridestowe, it was also inter-breed champion at last year’s Royal Bath and West Show.

The Guernsey breed championship was awarded to Greensfield Dandy Dan Claudia, bred and exhibited by Caroline Greenslade,

Reserve inter-breed beef and Limousin champion, Killerton Saunders, from Patrick Greed, Exeter.

Commercial champion, British Blue-cross heifer Handsfree, from Michael Kirby, Holsworthy.

DEVON COUNTY SHOWS

and cattle rings

and Aberdeen-Angus

Inter-breed dairy and Holstein champion, Hoops Trientje 47, from Stewart and Michelle Ley and family, Holsworthy. Cullompton. The November 2019born cow is home-bred on both sides, being by Greensfield Dandy Dan which also sired the 2023 UK Dairy Day Guernsey champion, Greensfield Dandy Dan Butterfly.

Pigs

In the pig ring, the supreme champion pig and Pietrain breed champion was Prestcombe Paperasse, bred and exhibited by Alice Newth, Somerset. The August 2023-born

gilt is home-bred on both sides, being out of successful show sow, Prestcombe Paperasse 12. The Prestcombe herd dominated the pig section, also claiming the Landrace breed championship and Saddleback reserve breed champion title.

The reserve champion was Large Black Framfield Diana 300 from Maria Naylor, East Sussex. The July 2024-born sow is out of a Framfield sow and sired by show boar, Westerly Majestic Eagle 32A.

Inter-breed pig and Pietrain champion, Prestcombe Paperasse, from Alice Newth, Somerset.

Results Sheep

Inter-breed (Judge, R. Turner, Honiton) Supreme, M. Alford (Charollais); reserve, R. Lawrence (Suffolk).

Inter-breed ram lamb (R. Turner) Sup., H.C. Derryman (Hampshire Down); res., M. Alford (Charollais)

Beltex (J. Aiken, Lancaster) Sup., and res., A. Groucott.

Bluefaced Leicester (D. Thomas-Jones, Oswestry) Sup., R. Monague; res., H. Havill.

Blue Texel (K. Gunn, Herefordshire) Sup. and res., Farm Mill Blues.

Border Leicester (V. Grinnall, Worcestershire) Sup. and res., A. Muirhead.

British Berrichon (M. Yeo, Barnstaple) Sup., and res., J. Bett.

British Charollais (T. Newth, Castle Cary) Sup., and res., M. Alford. Devon and Cornwall Longwool (L. Uglow, Launceston) Sup. and res., J.G. and S.J. Tancock.

Dorset Down (R. Wilkins, Beaminster) Sup., C. Parsons.

Dutch Spotted (C. Maguire, Lancashire) Sup., J. Lapthorne; res., Crayola Dutch Spotted. Dorset Horn and Poll Dorset (S. Driver, Derbyshire) Sup. and res., Lower Langham Farm. Exmoor Horn (R. Dart, South Molton) Sup. and res., R. Atkins.

Greyfaced Dartmoor (A. Rickson, Honiton) Sup., South Barwick Farm; res., C. Nuget. Hampshire Down (J. Birkwood, Grimsby) Sup., H.C. Derryman; res., J. Harrison.

Jacob (L. Trumper, Abergavenny) Sup. and res., C. Slee.

Kerry Hill (E. Simmons, Kingston Seymour) Sup. and res., H. Coad

Lleyn (A. West, Kent) Sup., P. Martin; res., A. Carter. North Country Cheviot (I. Graham, Lockerbie) Sup., W.J. Jordan; res., J. Williams.

Rouge (J. Redfern, Leek) Sup. and res., R. Rundle. Roussin (S. Martyn, Launceston) Sup., D. Prouse; res., A.J. Carter

Ryeland (J. Robert Morgan, Powys) Sup. and res., M. Varmen.

Coloured Ryeland (C. Smyth, Wigtownshire) Sup. and res., M. Varmen.

Scotch Black Face (P. Myles, Angus) Sup. and res., W.J. Jordan.

Southdown (M. Chilcott, Bridgwater) Sup. and res., A.C. Brown.

Suffolk (J. Pinny, Northamptonshire) Sup., R. Lawrence; res., Barwick Suffolks. Texel (J. Aiken) Sup., T. Prew; res., A. Carter. Valais Blacknose (R. Irvine, Ballindalloch) Sup., S. Dace; res., Gemstone Valais Blacknose. Whitefaced Dartmoor (P. Mann, Newton Abbot) Sup., P. Abel.

Zwartbles (J. Rowlands, Monmouthshire) Sup. and res., G. Browne.

Beef

Inter-breed (G. Tully, Brixham) Sup., M. Alford, Foxhill Diamond Mist Z253 (Aberdeen-Angus); res., P. Greed, Killerton Saunders (Limousin).

Devon (A.J. Thomas, St. Just) Sup., T. Wilton, Treballywyn Plum 12; res., J. May, Priorton Yeoman. South Devon (G. Sell, Basildon) Sup., Messrs Rowe, Tregondale Dewdrop 180; res., Messrs Bunkum, Tregarrick Montana.

Aberdeen-Angus (J. Coultrip, Faversham) Sup., M. Alford, Foxhill Diamond Mist Z253; res., M. Alford, Foxhill Princess Caroline Y167. Beef Shorthorn (G. Towers, Northamptonshire) Sup., M. Cormack, Willingham Spitfire; res., M. Cormack, Dinmore Zoe Rosina. Dexter (M. Kemmish, Brockenhurst) Sup., J. Ker, Linford Viburnum; res., G. Hamlett, Northbrook Poseidon EX93. Hereford (R. Williams, Helston) Sup., F.J. Wood, Solpoll 1 Pansy; res., Z. Cambridge, Romany 1 Valium. British Blonde (N. Hill, Shepton Mallet) Sup., T. Atkinson, Hallfield Plato; res., T. Atkinson, Newland Santana.

British Blue (T. Bodily, Abergavenny) Sup., A. Haste, Solway View Sassy; res., A. Luxton, Highland Blues Spruce.

British Charolais (B. Harman, Buckinghamshire) Sup., W. Glover, Skysea Tickle; res., W. Glover, Umbrella.

British Limousin (W. Bedell, Powys) Sup., P. Greed, Killerton Saunders; res.,T. Hilsdon, Poole Treasure. British Simmental (D. Sapsed, Hitchen) Sup., D. Olds, Bosahan Nansole 22; S. Hooper, Tregnether Nellie.

Red Poll (D. Jenkin, Thetford) Sup., J. Williams, Pinguis Emily 25th; res., J. Williams, Pinguis Jeremiah. Commercial (J. Richards, Truro) Sup., M. Kirby, Handsfree; res., J.M and S.M Rowlands, Fist Full of Dollars.

Dairy

Inter-breed (P. Berresford, Derbyshire) Sup., S.M. Ley, Hoops Trientje 47 (Holstein); res., T. Rockett, Greenway Ross Great Jubilee (Ayrshire). Guernsey (D. Mann, St Ives) Sup., C.E. Greenslade, Greensfield Dandy Dan Claudia; M. Dawes, Edgehill Latimer Okapi.

Holstein (B. Miller, Bridgwater) Sup., S.M. Ley, Hoops Trientje 47; res., S.M. Ley, Willsbro Emerald Roxy 361.

Jersey (W. Patten, Nantwich) Sup., M. Davis, Rivermead Casino Ceres; res., M. Davies, Rivermead Verdi Pixie EX94.

Ayrshire (P. Berresford) Sup., T. Rockett, Greenway Ross Great Jubilee; res., T. Rockett, Greenway Thea.

Pigs

Inter-breed (J. Sage, Bristol) Sup., A. Newth, Prestcombe Paperasse (Pietrain); res., M. Naylor, Framfield Diana 300 (Large Black).

British Lop (C. Barr, Cumbria) Sup., J. Collings, Liskeard Pride; res., G. Eustice, Bezurrell Thatcher. British Saddleback (D. Finch, Benfleet) Sup., M. Paddock, Prestcombe Lady; res., A. Newth, Prestcombe Golden Arrow.

Pietrain (G. Owens) Sup., A. Newth, Prestcombe Paperasse; res., A. Newth, Prestcombe Vanfred. Gloucestershire Old Spot (C. Bull, Rye) Sup., M. Hicks, Windmill Star; res., O. Lightfoot, Pebblesford Ellen 1950.

Landrace (G. Owens, Llanelli) Sup., A. Newth, Prestcombe Belinda; res., M. Brown, Wjitecross Cordelia.

Large Black (D. Finch) Sup., M. Naylor, Framfield Diana 300; res., A.

Carter, Millcroft Farm Doreen 41. Middle White (D. Finch) Sup., C. Dunstan, Eaves Carnation 10; res., M. Paddock, Eaves Carnation 8. Tamworth (C. Bull) Sup., M.V. Hicks, Stoneymill Golden Rose; res., A. Brown, Valstock Roseleaf.

Inter-breed beef

champion, Foxhill Diamond Mist Z253, from Michael and Melanie Alford, Cullompton.

Jess Maynard showing in the commercial cattle section.

MARKET PRICES PRIMESTOCK

SCOTLAND

MARKET PRICES STORE CATTLE

ENGLAND

SCOTLAND

Figures show livestock numbers first, then average price per head.

Source: LAA/MartEye

Source: IAAS/ScotEID

Source: LAA/MartEye

LIVESTOCK AVERAGES MARKET COMMENT

Primestock throughput, price and price change (p/kg). Week ending May 21, 2024.

AT auction marts in England and Wales, sheep prices saw the largest drop in livestock value this week, while all cattle categories took a dip in value.

The price of sheep decreased by 16.4p/kg to 384.2p/kg.

In the cattle rings, young bulls reduced by 4.5p/kg to 259p/kg, while heifers dropped by 4.1p/kg to 274.4p/kg.

Steers were down by 2.2p/kg to 268.6p/kg, and dairy-sired cows fell in value by 1.2p/kg to 162.7p/kg.

Porkers increased by 9.7p/kg to 185.3p/kg, as did cutters, while baconers bucked the trend and decreased in value.

As Farmers Guardian went to press on Wednesday (May 22), UK LIFFE wheat prices for Nov 2024 were trading at £222.50/tonne, an increase of £2/t on the week.

Brecon

Source: LAA/MartEye

MARKET PRICES

DEADWEIGHT CATTLE

STORE SHEEP ENGLAND

DEADWEIGHT SHEEP

N/S deadweight prices for the week ending May 18, 2024. S

DEADWEIGHT PIGS

WALES SCOTLAND

LIVESTOCK AVERAGES

SOURCE: LAA/MartEye

LIVEWEIGHT HEIFERS (ENGLAND/WALES)

CULL COWS (ENGLAND/WALES)

SOURCE: LAA/MartEye

UK DELIVERED PRICES – SUMMARY

FUTURES MARKETS (WHEAT)

MARKET PRICES CORN RETURNS EX-FARM PRICES

*FortradingDelinkagerefamounts;19pper£1 ofDelinkagereferenceamount.**Estimates. ENGLISH DELINKAGE REF DATA: averageof 2020/21/22claims.Seller’s2023claimnotneeded. Estimatedreturn£1.20/£1refamountwithbuyer’s delinkpaymentlessthan£30,000post-transfer. SubjecttoDelinkagevalues2025-27.

BIODIVERSITY NET GAIN: English:Defra estimates£25,000-£200,000/unitexcluding VATandassociatedfees,subjecttolotsize. LasttenderApril19,2024,nextMay31,2024.

NUTRIENT NEUTRALITY: Long-termsales alltypesagricmanexcludingspecialisthabitat creation.Nitrates£3,000-£4,000/unit(£18,000£206,000/ha);phosphates£50,000-£65,000/ unit(£2,000-£169,000/ha). CARBON: Woodland Carbon>£35/WCU>£25/PIU.May2023WCG reverseauctionaverage£19.76. WATER: English abstractionlicenceslessthan£3-£15/cu.m. Source: Townsend Chartered Surveyors

NATIONAL STRAIGHTS PRICES

1.

2.

MILK PRICE LEAGUE TABLE

3.

DAIRY CATTLE PRICES

Last updated May 21, 2024 Source: AHDB/LAA/IAAS

Drayton We 35/1701.4 15/1488.7 2/1000.0 3/1153.3

and Brooksbank -/- -/- -/- -/-

-/- -/- -/- -/-

Th 59/1997.8 107/1703.9 -/- 13/1423.2

Tu 2/1740.0 8/1767.5 -/- -/-

Mo 8/1787.5 -/- -/- -/-

Th 12/2108.3 9/1728.9 1/2350.0 1/1950.0 Mold Mo 6/1535.0 -/- 14/1891.4 -/Whitland Tu 18/1192.8 25/1216.4 3/1533.3 35/941.7

Ayr Tu 3/1916.70 1/2200.00 -/- -/Lanark -/- -/- -/- -/Stirling (ua) Sa -/- -/- -/- -/-

UK MONTHLY MILK PRODUCTION

NEXT GENERATION

Does your little one love farming? Our Next Generation series has got them covered.

Show season

The weather is finally a little brighter as summer approaches and that can mean only one thing – show season is coming!

Pic of the month

Sophie Long, 13, had a particularly great showing season last year.

Top tips

If you are showing sheep this year, these top tips for getting started will help you succeed:

When halter training, practise putting the halter on correctly as this might be one of the tasks you are asked to perform in the ring

Take care when selecting your animal and make sure the handler is capable of handling it in the ring

The animal should be clean, with any dirt brushed out so the fleece is smooth. Wash and wipe out any stains on the legs and head

Exhibitors will be asked to set up the sheep several times to test how well and how quickly they can set up their animal. Make sure to get lots of practice so it is a smooth process

Most judges will ask you questions, but do not be shy – try to speak clearly and give accurate, concise answers. If you are not sure, do not be afraid to say that not

Show

highlight

The Royal Highland Show is coming and there is lots for children to do, including the nature trail and the kids zone

Get growing

Are you a mini gardener? Each month we will let you know what fruit and veggies are best to plant! This month you should plant: Beetroot Sweetcorn Cucumber

Are you a Young British Farming Awards champion?

Young Farming Hero

We know there are lots of amazing youngsters in the farming community, and we want to celebrate them. This year, the British Farming Awards (BFAs) are looking to crown four worthy young farmers in a new awards ceremony: the Young BFAs. The awards are open to all young farmers aged between six and 16 years old. Take a look at the categories below.

Young Handler of the Year

Are you a young farmer who has gone above and beyond to provide support on your family farm under exceptional circumstances? Perhaps you have supported your community in a special way? If you have stepped up or know a young farmer who has, enter now.

Young Innovator of the Year

Are you a budding inventor or an engineer in the making? This award is looking to champion a young innovator who has an idea on how to make farming more efficient. This can be across any farming activity, but you need to be able to provide drawings with an explanation as to how your idea would work on-farm.

Are you an upcoming show ring champion?

The Young BFAs are looking for a young handler who has consistently performed in the showring and been actively involved in rearing the livestock they show. Livestock reared and shown within this category can include dairy, beef, sheep, goats and pigs.

Young Farmers’ Club of the Year

Are you a member of a Young Farmers’ Club that has gone above and beyond to serve its local community or raise significant funds for a charity? If your club has made an impact, then let the Young BFAs know. This award is open to all Young Farmers’ Clubs that are registered with the NFYFC (England and Wales) or SAYFC (Scotland). There is no limit to the size of the club or the age range within the club.

IN YOUR FIELD

Every week we follow the ups and downs of farmers around the UK

KATE ROWELL

Scottish Borders

Kate is a fifth-generation farmer running the 750-hectare (1,853-acre)

Hundleshope Farm on the Haystoun Estate, Peebles, where the family have been tenants for 150 years. She runs the hill unit with her husband Ed and their four children. She is also a vet and chair of Quality Meat Scotland.

We are down to the last few stragglers of what seems to have been a particularly long lambing time, or maybe it just feels that way as I get older.

Every joint seems to ache far more than it used to and I am getting very jealous of how the sons and daughter, all in their 20s, are able to vault gates, catch speedy lambs and chase down lambing ewes without seeming to get out of breath at all.

It has been a reasonably successful spring. I have definitely seen worse, but also many better, and the cold, wet weather certainly was not much help.

After the usual issues at the start of calving where everything that could go wrong did go wrong, things have settled down and there are not many cows left to go now.

Dream

We have been buying AberdeenAngus heifer replacements locally for the past couple of years, and they have been an absolute dream – the calves just appeared with no fuss and often we did not even spot they were calving until it was all over.

‘They have been an absolute dream –the calves just appeared with no fuss’

The grass is growing like fun now and we have gone from moving stock around to try and find some to moving them about to get on top of it in just a matter of days.

Fields are shut off for silage a week earlier than last year which did not seem feasible at the end of last month and the barley is sown, undersown with grass and rolled.

It is getting to that time of year when there is a bit more time to get the niceto-do jobs done, not just the have-to-do ones. Top of the list is cutting up some of the many trees that fell round about

the farm during the winter. There is a particularly big one that managed to fall right through the hill sheep pens (just upgraded last year at great cost) which is top of the list.

It is always a bit difficult to start thinking about next winter before we are even halfway through spring, but I always find looking at last year’s fuel bills gives a fair amount of motivation.

There is fencing, painting and general tidying up, as well as tackling the garden lawn. Last year, No Mow May stretched to the middle of July and resulted in a choked lawnmower, a big

repair bill and a disgruntled husband. My Quality Meat Scotland work is picking up again after time off at lambing, with visits to both Scottish and UK Parliaments last week to help keep politicians up to date with issues and concerns in the red meat sector. NSA Scotsheep in East Lothian is not far away and the Royal Highland Show will be here before we know it . We will have our usual stand at both. I am really looking forward to getting out and about speaking to farmers again to hear how everyone else’s spring has been.

NEXT WEEK

Monmouthshire Kate Beavan

Cheshire Ian Garnett

‘Not many cars could double as a quad bike’

AMY WILKINSON

Lancashire

Amy works on her family’s tenanted farm at Halsall, Lancashire. Working mainly with her dad, Amy farms 285 hectares (704 acres) of arable crops and 550 beef cross cattle which are all reared through to finishing. You can follow her on Instagram @amygingewilkinson

Like many British farms, a trusty Land Rover Defender has been in residency.

Beforehand, Dad was a Daihatsu man through and through, but bought the tin can on wheels in 2011, with its horrendous ride quality, inability to hear the radio on the motorway and pulling abilities of a large load of cattle comparable to carting loads of

muck with row crop wheels on.

After years of abuse, multiple theft attempts and more than a 100,000 miles on the clock, despite all its faults, it was with a heavy heart we decided to sell.

It is strange to think a vehicle can bring back so many memories.

From the ages of two to 15, my brother said it was the best place to nap – he always fell asleep in it.

There was also the time he wanted to take his bike to the family caravan in Wales, so he and Dad took it in the Defender.

All was going well until the Mersey tunnel and Dad realised his change had rattled out of his wallet and down the front of the dash.

My Mum, who was following, said she has rarely seen Dad so panicked as at the barrier, stood outside, trying to find where his change went.

Dad used the lost change to rationalise any rattling or clanging noises for years to come.

Mum’s most memorable memo-

ry was probably the time she pulled the short straw of taking it to the posh Land Rover garage in Liverpool for a service.

It was clear by the car park farmers were not their usual clientele.

The lady at the desk said to Mum she would go and check for any pre-existing little scratches.

Mum tried to explain she did not think it was necessary.

When she saw our defender, she went to Mum in shock: “Oh, it’s an actual 4x4.”

If she was to make a list of all the little dents and scratches she would have been there a while.

I once walked around the corner

CROSSWORD 1246

while feeding, to find dad attaching a ratchet strap to his clearly bent bull bar and a girder to try and straighten it out.

Not many cars could double as a quad bike, but our Defender definitely did. We were once trying to send cattle out of a field and we got down to one wild one which we could not catch. I remember the steam coming out of Dad’s ears as he stomped towards the yard, I warned the cow she would wish she had walked out with everyone else. Dad came back with his window down shouting ‘out run this’. Lord, could Dad drive that car. It is safe to say she will be missed.

Sendinyourcorrectentriestobeinwithachanceofwinning£20worthof Love2shopvoucherseverymonth.Sendto:CrosswordNo.1246,Farmers Guardian,Unit4,FulwoodBusinessPark,CaxtonRoad,Fulwood,Preston,PR29NZ.

ACROSS

1 Nearness of redesigned huge indoor hob (13)

8 Cooked limes used primarily for breakfast cereal (6)

9 Remodeled tyre returned missing one bit of edge, speedy one (6)

12 Some sub-aqua sites as it were (5)

13 Dreadfully starved, he gathered in the crops (9)

14 The most valuable leader going last, chooses by voting (6)

15 Breakdown of mountain pass with a falling away (8)

18 Failed examination of cold northeast wind circling Italy (8)

20 Alcoholics Anonymous secures esteem, cutting bit of excess drink (6)

23 Bring under control subsidiary prison battles from time to time (9)

25 Northern essentially gloomy, mentally deranged wanderer (5)

26 Unit in Beijing nursing yen for Shanghai’s fruit (6)

27 Fool takes in one student in the half dark (6)

28 Genuine pong to put right - subantarctic birds (6,7)

DOWN

2 Provide instruction for historical gold coin in extremes of Europe (7)

3 Workman installing pipes and heating appliances if targets managed (3,6)

4 Second-class illumination producing disease that withers plants (6)

5 Surprisingly no drudge this one that gets the worst in a fight (8)

6 Draught animal to weed round edges of rows (5)

7 Roofless round enclosure for animals to sleep finally (4-3)

10 Fastidious? Make a noise mostly over minute beheaded fish (9)

11 Lazy hired workers; the Devil finds work for them it’s said (4,5)

16 Mourning over unsatisfactory no trumps in beginning of game (9)

17 Friend has a brief time essentially for type of 6d (8)

19 Underwater craft team sink down (7)

21 One small correspondence I put together for member of Muslim sect (7)

22 Stinging weed to colonise north not south (6)

24 Sunny court regularly not mown (5)

Answers to crossword 1244: Across: 1 Neighbourhood, 8 Donors, 9 Silver, 12 Alive, 13 Elaborate, 14 Hungry, 15 Prospect, 18 Directly, 20 Writer, 23 Abundance, 25 Noble, 26 Tissue, 27 Greece, 28 Demonstration. Down: 2 Erosion, 3 Geometric, 4 Basket, 5 Upstairs, 6 Hello, 7 Operate, 10 Cathedral, 11 Centuries, 16 Strongest, 17 Blankets, 19 Routine, 21 Tobacco, 22 Beggar, 24 Disco.

FARMING MATTERS

Forthright opinions from throughout the world of agriculture

‘The economic model has been skewed against us’

s a farmer who is out in the fields every day, I know the challenges we face.

One of the toughest issues staring us down today is water pollution – a problem where agriculture unfortunately plays a significant role.

Current data indicates that around 60 per cent of the pollution in our watercourses comes from farming.

That is a startling figure, and it stems largely from problems such as inadequate manure and slurry storage on many farms.

Recent statistics underscore this challenge, with the majority of UK dairy farms failing to meet existing pollution standards. With the

Government clamping down on water pollution through unlimited fines, we can no longer turn a blind eye to the impact of our practices on water quality.

Water companies have been ordered to step up their game by investing in their infrastructure – an expense which will be passed on to consumers.

But for farmers, the situation is trickier.

Unlike these companies, we cannot simply hike our prices to cover the costs of these new investments.

We are dealing with increased scrutiny from the Government too, which has boosted funding for the Environment Agency to step up farm inspections.

The truth is, for far too long, the economic model of farming has been skewed against us.

The prices we get for our products barely cover the costs of production, leaving us with little wiggle room to invest in essential new technologies and facilities for managing livestock waste effectively.

Many farm businesses are now facing the reality that we must pour substantial funds into upgrading our infrastructure to meet current and future environmental standards and minimise pollution coming from farming to our watercourses.

Burden

The burden of investment should not fall on farmers alone. It is time for a shift in how the entire agricultural supply chain operates.

For us to put money into better slurry management, we need to see a better return on the products we produce – meaning the supply chain will have to bear part of the cost.

They need to take a hard look at how their contracts and pricing strategies affect the broader environment and climate.

Sustainable trading should focus on cooperation, communication, and trust, rather than just competitive pricing. The current norm of aggressive annual price negotiations mainly benefits supermarket profits at the

expense of sustainable British farming, damaging our countryside, wildlife, and rural communities.

This damage results from unbalanced trade relationships and deceptive marketing, not free market inevitabilities.

Consumers also have a role to play. They have the purchasing power to influence supply chains by supporting higher standards and choosing to buy products that support sustainable practices.

This collective action can make a real difference, creating a market that supports higher environmental standards.

We face myriad challenges, from managing slurry to dealing with the unpredictability of the weather and markets.

It is important that we play our part as custodians of the land, but it is time for the supply chain to step up and play its part in supporting us through fairer practices and better compensation. This is the only way we can meet our environmental responsibilities and ensure the sustainability of the farming industry.

Farmers can no longer turn a blind eye to a business’ impact on local water quality, says Martin Lines.

MARTIN LINES

Nature Friendly Farming Network chief executive