Issue 150 – farmingscotland.com

farmingscotland.com Issue 150

Celebrating 20 Years of Publication

The Cooshed – South Corton World Sheep Shearing Venice – More than a Holiday Destination World Shearing Records Love Milk Latest Machinery and much more...

48

BUSINESS

Contents

AHDB & UK Gov at Anuga Kuwait Trade Misson SRUC Launches New PhD Programme Rising Costs Threaten UK Food Production Wool Board Supports YFC Royal Highland Show Judges

14 14 15 16 17 24

Movers & Shakers

31/33

Una Goes for World Record Wool Board Supports YFC Biosphere Blackie Wool Project

28 17 26/27

Spring Barley

46

EDUCATION /MONITOR FARMS SHEEP / SHEARING

ARABLE

MACHINERY

Kverneland Launches New Weeding Machines Lemken Presents First Weeding Harrow Claas Unloads New Axos Tractors Two Powerful Claas Xerion Tractors Versatile Claydon Evolution Drill First 13m Mounted Tedder – Kuhn

34 36 38 40 42 45

Coo Shed Love Milk

4 10

Donald Ross, Highland Johnny Templeton, NZ

18 20

DAIRY

AROUND THE REGIONS

WORLD TRAVELS/ INTEREST Book Reviews More Than a Holiday Destination – Venice

30 48

10

31

4 34

Editor

farmingscotland.com

Eilidh MacPherson

4 Eilidh MacPherson Editor/publisher farmingscotland.com Magazine Marbrack Farm Carsphairn Castle Douglas DG7 3TE

016444 60644 0797 7897867

www.farmingscotland.com farmingscotland.com on facebook

Photos by Eilidh MacPherson unless otherwise stated on page 21

D

THE COO Shed

iversification has been the buzzword in farming circles for at least two decades, but it is a term, which the Kerr family of South Corton, Ayr don’t use.

“We feel that we have not changed direction and that dairying is still our core business. We refer to any add-ons to the business as ‘modifications,’ “ stated Alison, who farms in partnership with her husband Willie.

The couple met when serving as Chair and Secretary of Ayr Young Farmers, “and I have been keeping him right ever since!” laughed Alison.

The first modification that the Kerr’s branched into was a plant nursery in 2004. “Gardening was always something I was interested in,” stated Alison, who was a bank manager with the Bank of Scotland for 15 years prior to rearing a family.

Starting out with one poly-tunnel and an honesty-box, enabled Alison to work from home when the children were

4

young. She went on to graduate with a Horticultural degree from SAC Auchincruive and the business blossomed, specialising in bedding and hanging plants and containers.

Today the nursery boasts seven growing tunnels and another two, which house the retail shop.

In April 2017 the next ‘add-on’ to the farm business was born – the Coo Shed Coffee Shop. “We have worked with William Yuille Builders for many years and I described what we were trying to achieve. Ian Yuille came to the table with fantastic ideas, which didn’t break the bank.”

As the name implies the cafe is stylishly decked out in dairy cow themed decor – milking cluster lights, black and white cow door hooks, signs, udder mugs, cow art – the list goes on!

The team offers a first come, first serve basis and as it is so popular there is always a queue at the door – a great sign of a quality establishment. It is

ideally located on the outskirts of Ayr and just off the main A77 trunk road to Stranraer, but as Alison says, “if it is good enough people will travel.”

A full breakfast menu is available until 11am daily and noon on weekends.

Small and large plates of main courses are offered for lunch alongside baked potatoes, wraps, sandwiches and toasties.

But it is the sweet selection that is totally tantalising – it is a sugar rush heaven. My go to is millionaire

FARM FACTS Farmers:

Willie & Alison Kerr

Location:

Ayr

Farming: Area:

Cattle: Sheep: Crops: Staff:

Other:

South Corton

650 acres (400 owned) 280 Holstein Friesian milking cows use AA bulls 200 ewes

Wheat & Barley

William Yuille Ltd

Grangeston, Girvan Would like to thank the Kerr family of South Corton for their custom over the years and wish them every success with their ventures

32 employees (15 full t) Plant nursery The Cooshed Cafe Gift shop Milk Vending Machines Vending Machines Contract silage making Daughter Joanne (21) and son David both full time in business

by Eilidh MacPherson

01465 713527

BUILD YOUR BEST BUSINESS WITH SEMEX

Semex is pleased to be associated with The Kerr Family

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shortbread and while I was interviewing Alison in the cafe I was treated to one with a brownie base – delicious!

All food is prepared on site, using local ingredients as much as possible and of course all the milk and cream content is home produced and pasteurised on farm.

On the run up to Christmas the cafe closed on the 23rd and the staff prepared 500 cakes and desserts for customers to pick up on Christmas Eve. It was run like a military operation. “Christmas Day is very low key for us after such a hectic shift! We then take two weeks off over the festive period, which gives all the staff and us a break and a chance to reset.”

Wreath making classes with 20 in each session is another Christmas money-maker in the gardening section with over 300 wreaths sold in December.

“A friend made a promotional video for the Coo Shed when we started out and we had 18 000 views on the first day and have been busy ever since,” said Alison who feels that social media plays a huge part in the success of the venture.

With 46 000 followers on Facebook and more on Instagram and Tiktok the

team at South Corton have daily updates online to keep their presence fresh and the customers coming. The videos use drone footage and are all dairy cow themed.

Milk vending machines were introduced in May 2018 and proved very popular, with a steady stream of customers coming to refill their bottles, but when Covid hit, “it was mind blowing just how well-liked our milk and milkshakes became from customers all over the country.”

Since then many flavours of milk shakes have been added into the mix, with 24 flavours on offer, varying from season to season – mince pie, Irn Bru and pina colada in the summer to name but a few. A Tiktok video highlighting the milkshake machine went viral with millions of views.

With three milk vending machines in operation 24/7 in the Milk House, another shed was erected to house fresh and frozen goods vending machines.

Tray bakes are the biggest seller with, tarts, sponges and cuddly cow toys available alongside frozen soups, ready meals and ice cream in the near future.

“People come at all times of the day

and night, with some only coming to buy out of the vending machines. So we are constantly refilling the fridges.”

Although the Coo Shed is busy enough during the day, they do cater for some ‘steak pie & pudding’ evening events for agri businesses, including the NFU and SRUC. While Alison and daughter Joanne (21) are managing the retail, gardening and catering divisions, husband Willie and son David (25) crack on with the farming side.

Milking 280 Holstein Friesian cows in a 20/20 GEA parlour takes three hours twice a day. A good percentage of the milk is now used on farm and sold direct to end users and the balance heads to Nestle at Girvan.

“We are quite active through the Nestle Regenerative Farming Scheme – we try to achieve most of the targets set,” said Willie, “for example, rotational grazing practices, reduced hedge cutting, planting of hedges and reduced antibiotic usage.”

While the top end of the dairy cows are AI’d in-house with black and white semen, from Semex and Mastergen, the Kerr’s use Aberdeen Angus and

Award-winning Scottish Gin, Vodka and Rum, crafted in small batches from locally foraged botanicals on on the Hebridean Isle of Coll.

Limousin beef breeds to chase up so the calves have better conformation and are more saleable. The beef cattle are sold as store or are fattened on farm and go direct to Stoddart’s at Ayr. Grass production is key at this South Ayrshire property and a rotational grazing system, is in practice to maximise yield and avoid tramping.

Reseeding is also done on a rotational basis, with wheat and barley grown for home use.

Once their own silage is cut and pitted the father and son team have a large contract silage run within a ten mile radius.

“We invest when we can and take opportunities when they are in front of us. Working with David is great as he has a younger outlook and is more tech-savvy. We try to be labour saving and more efficient” commented Willie.

Another fairly recent investment is a heave of solar panels on the calf shed to dramatically reduce the ever-increasing electricity costs on farm.

Historically the only sheep on South Corton have been wintering Blackface hoggs. But David was keen to have some sheep and 200 Texel cross and Cheviot crosses, who start to lamb in

8

February, now graze the lush pastures on this Ayrshire dairy unit. They are mated with Texel and Beltex rams and all lambs are fattened on farm and sold through the ring at Craig Wilsons, Ayr. A total of 32 staff is employed across the enterprises at South Corton, with 15 fulltime. “Staff is a huge problem in both farming and hospitality industries.

We are lucky in that they are all local and a great crew.”

The team has won a clutch of farming awards over the past few years, including 2018 FG British Farming Family Award, Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce 2018, Silver Great British Food Award (Milk) 2023, Winner N Region British Rural Business 2022. “It is great for PR and gives the staff and family recognition and a boost,” said Alison.

One of the main on going challenges for The Coo Shed is the erection of Brown Tourist Signs. This has been an on going battle between South Ayrshire Council, Ayrshire Roads Alliance and Transport Scotland, but Willie and Alison are confident that this will be resolved soon and will therefore direct tourists who are unfamiliar with the area to try out their five star location.

On the dairy side a new milking parlour is on the wish list!

Next year the Kerr family will be celebrating 100 years at South Corton, with David and Joanne the fifth generation to farm there. This Ayrshire farming family have certainly embraced change, not afraid to invest heavily in their farm business and moved with the times from a traditional dairy.

I look forward to the 2025 social media celebrations and what modification comes next! www.cortonplants.co.uk www.thecooshed.co.uk

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SRUC is a charity registered in Scotland: SC003712

Love Milk

A

iming to constantly improve their herd and diversify in any way possible to maximise their returns is the Love family of Bridge of Aird, Stranraer, who have held the farm tenancy for 97 years.

Currently 130 Holsteins are milked

by Andy, Christine and their daughter, Kayleigh, along with one full time tractor man.

Aiming for the perfect picture the cows are outside for as long as possible during the summer months (normally seven months) to help promote the milk the family sell locally.

“Instead of super-sizing the business we wanted to explore how we can get more of a margin on the milk we sell and that is that is why we turned our focus to local customers,” said Kayleigh, who ventured into selling their own milk on farm in October 2021, with the milk vending machine arriving in December 2021. The whole process was filmed through This Farming Life.

“We were selling pasteurised milk over the door hatch for a couple of months, but it was very time consuming as we had to be there all the time,” said Kayleigh, who really pushed the idea of the vending machine to the family.

“We spoke about it for years but of course Covid came around, so things did take a little longer than anticipated.

Where we are located is a hard place to

10

farm so we have to make the most out of our location and engaging with tourists is the way to do that.

“I have always said it is about getting more for what you produce as opposed to doing more to get more,” she added.

The hefty six figure investment to start pasteurising the milk, seems to have been money well spent for the family.

Providing their own milk is time consuming, with the Love family drawing the milk from the first couple

of sides of cows in the morning, depending on how much they require that day. It is pasteurised by means of a long time and a low temperature (LTLT) method and non-homogenised to retain the flavour and protein. All the machines in the milk hut need cleaned along with bottles filled up for the day and the 12 different milk shake flavours checked.

On top of that, there is also a home baking machine and local produce machine too, along with providing milk to numerous local trade and hospitality businesses.

On average 230litres of milk goes through the milk machine, which of varies with the time of year, but equates to around 5-10% of the milk produced on farm. Last year the farm produced 1.2million litres of milk, the bulk heading to Lactalis for cheese making.

The cows are milked twice a day through a 12 a side swingover parlour, which was installed in 2007.

“Since our milk is going for cheese making, they pay heavily on protein, so it is important we get the quality of our milk as well as the volume,” said Andy, who informs that the milk is achieving 3.4 Protein and 4.2 Butter Fat. Kayleigh added: “Even selling directly to the public you want the ButterFat to be high, as you can really taste the difference, with the milk being

a lot creamier and tastier.”

To achieve this high-quality milk, perfecting the diet is essential and the Love team work with Davidsons Dairy Tech consultant Michael Carruthers.

Michael analyses the silage of which the family do two cuts each year. The first cut analysed well at 28%DM, 68 D value, 10.9ME and 14.5% Crude protein.

Michael then makes up a partial TMR diet to feed, which is supplemented with compound through the parlour, fed according to the yield of each individual cow.

Currently the cows are being fed Elite 16, which is a highly palatable, high energy nut with top quality starch and protein raw materials formulated for high yielding dairy cows.

“Our cows are doing a lot better after making the switch to Davidsons Animal Feeds, the cake seems to work well with them and we have seen vast improvements in the milk both quality and quantity. Our mastitis cases have dropped and our cell counts have improved,” said Andy.

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11

Kayleigh added: “If you keep their stomach right, everything else seems to follow.”

“The service is also second to none at Davidsons Animal Feeds, I am very good at being a typical farmer and realising the feed bin is low when I need it the next day and the girls in the office are very good at fitting us in the best they can,” added Andy.

“We do find the diet needs to be managed carefully when the cows are put out to grass as the milk quality does dip slightly, however it is a lot less labour intensive keeping them outside and it is also a bonus point having free range cows,” said Andy.

Through the winter cows are be housed in the cubicle shed with mattresses and are be bedded twice a day with sawdust. An automatic scraper keeps them clean. Cubicles are scraped down and rebedded twice a day and are spread with an anti-bacterial product twice a week to help kill any infections in the shed.

“As we do everything ourselves, we make sure everything is cleaned every morning and night to improve cow health,” said Kayleigh. “With cows being wiped and cleaned down in the parlour, we are able to see any signs and are able to treat for anything early.”

Udder health and hygiene are very important to the farm and their aim of producing a quality product for their

12

customers to enjoy. Somatic Cell Counts are currently running at an average of 60 and the Bactoscan figure at 10.

The Genus herd-monitoring pedometer helps flag up any health activity. The system is used to maximise the herd’s performance, aiming to improve fertility, health and well-being.

The pedometer allows for more detailed monitoring of lying standing time. The placement of the tag on the front leg allows for extremely accurate monitoring of behaviour and changes in activity, which could be indications of an oestrus event or very early onset of disease. The pedometer also allows you to also install the ‘Feed Face’ function, which monitors cow’s eating behaviour at the feed fence.

The main reason of course is when the best time to AI the cows is, which is all done through Genus. Calving takes place all year round, with heifers calving down at 26 months of age. This is the first year the family have gone completely sexed semen for the 30 heifers that are retained annually. The rest of the herd are all covered with beef semen as a different income source.

“We only breed dairy calves that we need to retain, we are restricted for housing youngstock and it is very time consuming rearing the calves. We would prefer to focus on our milking herd,” said Christine.

The beef calves – whose mothers are

all AI’d to the British Blue sire and followed up with an Aberdeen-Angus bull – are sold between three and four weeks of age at Ayr auction market.

Looking at the future of Bridge of Aird farm, the family aim to keep improving the herd and developing the diversification side of the business.

“When things get tough rather than trying to produce more, we need to get more out of what you are producing.

We are restricted by acres here and with the cow numbers we have we are able to look after the herd ourselves.

“We are always going to continue to focus on our bespoke produce that local people support and being as sustainable as possible,” concluded the Love family.

Hutton Co-leads Major Research Investment into National Land Use Transformation

T

he James Hutton Institute in Aberdeen is to co-lead a first of its kind consortium of 34 leading research and stakeholder organisations set up to help all four UK administrations address land use and agriculture as a major greenhouse gas emitting sector.

The “Land Use for Net Zero” (LUNZ) Hub, backed by £6.5 million funding from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), will provide UK and devolved nations timely evidence around land use, from renewable energy to soil carbon and green finance, to help drive the land transformations needed to achieve net zero by 2050.

The hub, co-led with the University of Leicester and with consortium partners including the University of Aberdeen and SRUC, will also play a pivotal role in helping to communicate more widely the critical importance of land and how it’s used as a major carbon sink or source.

As well as co-leading the hub, the Hutton will be its main administrator, lead the innovative £1.5 m Agile Policy Centre and provide project management and core research and expertise. Other Scottish consortium members are the University of Aberdeen, leading the soil health and carbon dynamics topic advisory group and SRUC, heading the Scottish national team on the hub.

Hub co-lead Professor Lee-Ann Sutherland, from the Hutton, explains: “The science behind land use is highly complex. It is influenced by a range of economic, social and environmental

factors and complicated further by a changing evidence base, novel market forces, the emergence of new data and models and disruptive technologies such as artificial intelligence. Our aim is to bridge the gap between researchers and policy makers and our work will be focused on meeting specific policy-maker needs, giving them the evidence they need in the format and timeframe they need it.

“Our consortium has developed a series of innovative mechanisms to do just that – an Agile Policy Centre, Net Zero Futures Platform and Creative Methods Lab – each tailored to generate clear, robust answers to urgent questions.”

Agriculture and land use have a major impact on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, as well as a wide range of other environmental, societal and economic outcomes, but progress towards decarbonisation is lagging behind other sectors.

The declaration recently announced at COP28 on sustainable agriculture, resilient food systems and climate action states the UK government’s intent to act on land use and climate change by increasing public financial support and scaling science-based solutions and the LUNZ Hub will be a key conduit for these actions.

Achieving the transformational change in land management needed will depend on government access to world-class research and innovation and a novel approach to collaboration across a variety of critical stakeholders.

Because of this, the hub is also taking an innovative approach to stakeholder participation, as hub co-lead, Professor Heiko Balzter (University of Leicester), explains: “Creating a fair, realistic path to net zero in the land use sector can only be achieved with the involvement of a wide range of stakeholders throughout the process – to provide their expertise, share the hub’s outputs and ensure its proposals work in practice as well as theory.

“Our consortium reflects this – ranging from those at the cutting edge of climate change modelling to farmers groups, advisory organisations, non-governmental organisations and an arts collective. Their range and profile will ensure the hub’s impact extends throughout society – so everyone can engage in land use transformation – from the food they buy to their holiday, housing and investment decisions.”

The LUNZ Hub was launched at an event in Leicester 16 January.

At the heart of the challenge is understanding how transformative change can be achieved and predicting the impact of proposed approaches against multiple environmental, societal and economic outcomes. A central strand of the hub’s approach will be the development of plausible and innovative net zero scenarios and associated pathways – novel tools based on advanced modelling methodologies that can predict the impacts of different policy interventions across a variety of metrics.

13

AHDB & UK Gov at Anuga

T

he Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) and Government have underlined their commitment to help UK red meat and dairy exporters shine on the global stage.

Kevin Hollinrake MP, Minister for Enterprise, Markets and Small Business at the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) threw his support behind red meat and dairy exporters show casing their products at Anuga in Cologne – the biggest agri-food trade show.

Mr Hollinrake met with exporters on the AHDB stand in the British Meat Pavilion and the jointly organised AHDB and Government Dairy Pavilion stand at the event which attracts more than 100 000 influential visitors from around the world. The red meat stand includes dedicated meeting areas and features high-end dishes for visitors to sample quality meat and dairy products sustainably produced by British farmers.

Addressing around 300 key industry stakeholders at the AHDB British Meat Dinner, Minister Kevin Hollinrake said: "Across the UK, our agriculture, food and drink sectors help create thousands of well-paid jobs and grow our economy. I'm delighted to be here at Anuga, and to meet with UK businesses selling their products around the world.

"The UK is home to world-class food and drink and this government is committed to supporting our producers and manufacturers as they look to expand further into the overseas market."

Anuga, provides th ideal platform for

14

exporters to connect with international buyers, build new relationships and expand their presence in the global market. Earlier this year the Government committed to invest £2 million to boost its programme of global trade shows and missions, £1.6 million for the GREAT food and drink campaign and a new £1 million bespoke export support fund for the dairy sector.

Last month, the Government also launched a recruitment drive to appoint five extra agri-food attachés to help boost the UK's agri-food exports, bringing the total number of dedicated UK agri-food attachés to 16. The new attachés will cover Northern Europe, Southern Europe, Australia/New Zealand, South Korea and Africa.

UK red meat export for this year January to June were worth £860 million – up marginally on the same period in 2022. This was due to increased demand for sheep meat in the Middle East. Dairy exports value for the same six months period was £983 million.

Dr Phil Hadley, AHDB's Director of International Trade Development, said: "We are excited to host the Minister this year. AHDB's participation aligns with the Government's commitment to support British food and drink exports.

We are committed to delivering on our objectives as outlined in our export strategy – Beyond Borders and helping to attract international markets for our levy payers. Through the trade show, we are able to strengthen existing partnerships and establish new connections for our levy payers as stated in our export campaign."

A

Kuwait Trad

trade mission to Kuwait hosted by the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) explored export opportunities for British lamb in the Middle Eastern market and highlighted AHDB's commitment to backing the Halal sector.

Ten delegates from 7 different organisations joined AHDB in Kuwait to set up partnerships with local companies and importers, promoting how sustainable British lamb can perfectly complement Kuwaiti cuisine.

The visit followed the launch of AHDB's new export strategy Beyond Borders, which is aimed at increasing market access and export sales while encouraging and supporting more businesses to export.

The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) and the Agri Counsellor for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) joined the mission and the trip started with a meeting with Ernest and Young staff to discuss taxes and trade barriers.

The group were also hosted by the Kuwait chamber of commerce with the British Ambassador, Belinda Lewis, who spoke with them about the significance of the Kuwaiti market and the importance of strengthening bilateral relationships.

The Head of Kuwait Customs was also in attendance, giving UK exporters the opportunity to ask questions on import regulations and AHDB's Halal Sector Senior Manager, Dr Awal Fuseini, gave a talk on Halal assurance in the UK. The AHDB Shape the Future vote in 2022 allowed levy payers to share their views and goals for future AHDB levy spend. The results showed that exports

de Mission

ranked very highly in their priorities, scoring 4.4 out of 5 for importance in the lamb sector.

Dr Fuseini explained why the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) market is a key target market for exporters.

He said: "MENA offers significant opportunities for UK exporters, especially for the lamb and dairy sectors, due to the region's strong population growth with a high disposable income, together with limited domestic production capacity, driving food imports higher over the next decade.

"The GCC region is a high value market, which presents new opportunities for UK exporters. The Kuwait gross domestic product increased by 8.2% in 2022 and is forecast to increase by a further 2.6% in 2023.

The UK is well placed to capitalise on this increased demand with the UK brand associated with quality and heritage in these markets.

"We had an amazing experience of Kuwaiti culture and hospitality while exploring the enormous business opportunities in the country. I'm looking forward to returning with more exporters in January for the Kuwait Horeca Show."

Export development is one of AHDB's key strategic objectives, working collaboratively with industry and government, to cultivate further opportunities for its red meat and dairy sectors. Export opportunities for UK producers is detailed further in AHDB's region-by-region analysis Prospects for UK agri-food exports, launched earlier this year, examining both the opportunities and challenges of trading in different parts of the world.

SRUC Launches new PhD Programme

I

n a significant step towards shaping the future of agriculture, rural and environmental studies, Scotland's Rural College (SRUC) has launched a new PhD programme.

The Doctor of Philosophy degrees, validated by the University of Edinburgh, will enable students to delve into pressing global issues such as food and nutrition security, one health and climate change.

The inaugural group of PhD students will tackle a wide range of topics including a genomic study examining life in the belly of a whale, a project looking at the role UK pet owners can play in reducing the environmental footprint of their animals and research into the impacts of larger litter size on the robustness and resilience of pigs.

They will be based at SRUC campuses across Scotland, from

Photos this Issue:

Cover – Editor – Page 4 – Page 9 – Page 10 – Page 11 – Page 14 – Page 15 – Page 16 – Page 17 – Page 18 –

Inverness and Aberdeen to Edinburgh, emphasising a nationwide approach to research.

Collaborations with industry partners are a key aspect of the projects, ensuring the research has real-world applications.

Eileen Wall, Head of Research at SRUC, said: "Our new PhD programme is not just an academic endeavour but embodies SRUC's pledge to nurture the next generation of researchers.

"By equipping them with the necessary tools, guidance and platform, we are keen to forge solutions for the pressing challenges of our era."

The new PhD programme is an important part of SRUC's journey towards becoming an enterprise university at the heart of a sustainable natural economy.

For more information about studying at SRUC, visit: Study With Us | SRUC.

Claas Page 20/21 – Anna Munro Caitriana MacPherson Page 26 – G&SA Biosphere The Coo Shed (small) Page 28 – Doug Laing (sm) The Coo Shed (2small) Page 30/33 – Provided Davidsons Feeds Page 34/35 – Kverneland James Hutton Inst.

Page 36 – Lemken AHDB Page 38/40 – Claas SRUC Page 42 – Claydon Virgin Money Page 45 – Kuhn BWMB Page 46 – Limagrain Donald Ross Page 49/50 – Petra Jacob

T

he latest annual survey carried out

by Virgin Money highlights growing concern in the UK Agri industry over input costs, but greater confidence in Scotland.

Underlining their deep long term commitment to the UK agricultural industry, in 2020 Virgin Money initiated their first annual survey to sound out the views and concerns of their farming customers. The profound effects of a turbulent few years of major change for the UK agricultural industry are reflected in the responses to the recent third annual survey, which indicate significantly more confidence in the future in Scotland than in England.

The survey was carried out with an online questionnaire sent to all Virgin Money agricultural customers in April and June this year. Over 300 responded to a wide range of questions covering key current issues including the impact of Brexit, new UK farming policy, input cost inflation and how these factors might affect future plans for farming businesses.

Brexit remains a major issue for UK farmers, with just 6% of respondents feeling that leaving the EU has had a positive impact and 50% reporting it was negative for their business. There were significant regional differences in the reported impact of Brexit, with 58% anticipating new agricultural policy to affect them negatively in Scotland whilst that figure rose to 86% in England.

Looking forward, 37% of Virgin Money farming customers felt that UK agriculture would be worse off as a result of Brexit over the long term and just 16% believed prospects for farming would be better. 20% of farmers cited increased costs, with 19% anticipating less industry support and 17% mentioning labour shortages.

With a growing focus on net zero and the natural capital agenda, the survey reports half of businesses have carried out a carbon audit, but there is significant difference between Scotland and England with 61% in Scotland compared to just 38% in England. Over a quarter (26%) of those customers surveyed have been asked by suppliers to show evidence of their efforts to reduce emissions.

Despite much talk of the development of tree planting on farms, there was actually a drop in the year of those intending to plant trees, down from 43%

16

Rising Costs Threaten UK Food Production

to 39%.

The industry’s bounce back from Covid appears to be continuing, with 71% of respondents saying they are no longer being impacted. Although 40% did indicate that Covid had some negative impact on their business – mainly costs, labour shortages and disruption to supply chains – only 6% described the impact as severe.

A massive 82% of farmers believed that higher input costs had not been reflected in higher farm gate prices. 24% of respondents said they were very likely to cut production if prices do not represent those higher input costs more fairly, and 47% said they will consider it.

In response to questions concerning technology and investment funding, the Virgin Money survey found that 51% of farmers have made investment in their business in the last 12 months, versus only 34% who anticipated investing next year, perhaps indicating some uncertainty from farmers as to the economic landscape ahead. Over a third of that potential investment (38%) will be subject to securing some form of grant support.

Areas of investment remain focused on automation and equipment at 67%, followed closely by precision farming at 55% and a third of those respondents planning to invest looking at renewables.

Diversification continues to be a fundamental strategy for farmers with 26% having created some diversification in the last 12 months, slightly down on the year before, with tourism being the main focus, taking advantage of the growth in staycation holidays.

When it came to the future, more than 1 in 5 (22%) farming customers have considered leaving the industry, principally due to age, proximity to retirement and lack of succession as the main reasons. The 78% who said no to leaving the industry were committed to

the sector citing job satisfaction, family heritage and the next generation as reasons for their continuation.

Stephen Buchan, Head of Agriculture Scotland at Virgin Money, thanked all the bank’s farming customers who responded to the survey: “This annual survey provides us with great insight into our farming customers’ thinking, their concerns and plans, and it also demonstrates the profound resilience of the sector, particularly in Scotland.

Despite the challenges of Covid and the slow emergence of policy post Brexit, the majority of farmers are still focused on the future and looking to do as good a job as possible. What stands out from the responses this year is the challenge for farmers of not being able to pass on higher input costs and the potential squeeze that will have on farm incomes in the coming year, but it is clear that Scottish farmers are taking a more positive view on issues such as new support schemes and Carbon Net Zero.”

“From the number and detail of the responses we can see the importance of having clarity on new support policy and how that will be funded going forward.

Farming is a very long term industry and it is critically important farmers can make long term plans to future-proof their businesses.

“The survey gives us an invaluable window on the industry we serve, and we are very grateful to all our customers who took the time and trouble to complete the questionnaire. It is a huge help to us in planning how we can best support our customers going forward and where their investment focus will be. We remain very optimistic about the sector but the coming years will clearly be challenging and once again we encourage every farmer to look hard at their business, talk to their advisors, and create a plan to deal with the changes that are coming.”

B

ritish Wool and the Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs (SAYFC) have enjoyed a strong relationship and collaborated in many different areas over the years including the Young Farmers Clubs (YFC) training offer.

This will be the 7th year British Wool and SAYFC have worked together and this year the training offer for young farmers has been extended. In previous years, British Wool offered young farmers an opportunity to attend a beginner shearing course if this was a first-time course.

This year this exclusive offer has been extended to include all young farmers, regardless of level and how many courses they have previously attended.

A young farmer can benefit from 50% off British Wool Shearing Courses for the duration of their membership. This offer includes participation in both machine and blade shearing courses. These courses will be over two days, covering all the essential aspects of achieving a successful shearing season including the use of shearing equipment and hands-on shearing practice to develop your technique.

The exclusive price YFC members will pay for this training offer is £100 plus £20 VAT – the normal cost for this course would be £200 plus £40 VAT. This offer is valid for YFC members registering before 31st March 2024.

Excellent fleece presentation is key in ensuring wool is presented correctly and to a high standard. British Wool is extending its training offer for YFC members to participate in its wool handling course. This one-day course will be delivered by a competitive wool handler at a discounted price of only £50 plus £10 VAT – the normal cost for this course is £60 plus £12 VAT. Richard Schofield, Shearing Manager

Wool Board Supports Young Farmers at British Wool, said: “We are once again delighted to be working with SAYFC in extending our training offer to all young farmers. Supporting the training and development of the next generation of shearers is important to us at British Wool and we feel very proud in the quantity and quality of shearers and wool handlers we have her in the UK and We look forward to welcoming young farmers onto our courses once again this year and encourage any interested YFC member to contact the SAYFC before the 31st March end date.”

Eloise Moulton (19) of Stranraer and

Rhins YFC who partook in a shearing course last year: "I went on the course having had only one experience in hand shearing and was a bit worried about trying electric shears, but truly enjoyed it. I had a great experience with some great advice from the instructors on the course. I now shear our sheep with electric and have been asked to shear for our neighbours with small holdings as well. The course gave me a lot of confidence but without the discount I wouldn't have been able to do it. So, I would like to thank British Wool and Young Farmers for the opportunity."

British Wool – training the next generation of shearers and wool handlers

For over 20 years British Wool has provided four stages of shearing certificates enabling UK shearers to safely and effectively shear British wool.

Providing an exclusive training offer to the young farmer movement to help encourage more young farmers into the field.

Silver to Platinum courses in shearing and wool handling are now accredited by Highfield – a global leader in work-based and apprenticeship qualifications.

Working in partnership with key stakeholders – supporting the UK shearing sector.

To find out more call us on 01274 688666 or email shearing@britishwool.org.uk

britishwool.org.uk Together we’re growing something special.

17

T

yping this out tonight, my thoughts are with those farmers and non-farmers suffering at the hands of the latest Storm.

It’s been a tough backend for us all but those who are still harvesting grain and tatties or are having to shift animals away from burns or rivers it’s particularly difficult.

To those who are struggling, for goodness sake, speak to someone!

Friends, neighbours or speak to the RSABI or other bodies who have specialist people who can help. You aren’t alone people don’t judge and will be happy to help. I was there almost 25 years ago, an enterprise I put my heart, soul and more into failed and I reached a point where I couldn’t cope. Fortunately I had good friends and neighbours who slowly got me back on my feet. At that time it was tough there was less knowledge about what I assume was depression, ‘a keep calm and carry on’ mentality if you like.

Personally I find it better to talk, chatting is good, the craic is better. We

have a local farmer group chat on the phone, which is generally full of banter, we try and meet up occasionally for lunch, which can be extended, I am hoping all is ok tomorrow so we can have a full complement and an extended lunch!

In general harvest has gone according to plan, spring barley and oat yields are back 10-15% on average but barley all made spec and I await with bank account open for our final payment from Highland Grain.

Oilseed Rape has done well again.

Wheat has again done very well and I broke the 1000 tonnes harvested for the first time this year. Betsie our 31 year old Case combine didn’t really disgrace herself too much although I did disintegrate a chopper bearing or 3.

Marketing said wheat was going well until load 1 and 2 went in yesterday rejected at 15.1-15.3% at our local distillery. My calibrated meter is perhaps not as well calibrated as first thought. However although this is a cost to me it occurred to me it also has an

environmental cost of around 4l diesel per tonne by the time its hauled back dried and re loaded. Would it not be better if the wheat was accepted up to 15.5% and a charge of say £2/tonne per point of a percentage was deducted. I find seeing the cost on paper is much more of a rude awakening than re drying and the time involved.

Our bean experiment with Scottish Agronomy and LG seeds was a dead heat. Winter Bean Tundra and Spring Bean Raptor were both drilled on October 20th and yields tied at 5.2t/ha.

I will be growing beans again once I get the cows off the stubble at the start of November. Peas are on a sticky wicket as they can be more difficult to harvest although they did 6.8t/ha, which is a record for Rhynie, so do I stick or twist?

Answers in March I think.

I love using Twitter or X as its now called, I go by the “handle” @Vaderbogger as the day I joined in 2011 was the day after I bogged our Vaderstad drill for the 1st time, my father christened it the Vaderbog! Well I

did it for the 3rd time, its always the same scenario. After tatties and I push my luck a little too far. I had to call the 4th emergency service in the shape of one of our local contractors to use his power harrow to finish and to add insult to injury sow through where I buried the Vaderstad.

We have had a bit of fun too, I got my American import 1981 International 6588 and Kvernerland 7 furrow plough out, which caused a bit of a stir locally.

Colin who helps me out was in his element, leavers, gear sticks and black smoke. No use in having them if you don’t work them.

Animal wise the sheep have all had an MOT and bolus ready for the tup they will get oats 10 days either side of the

Donald Ross Rhynie Tain Easter Ross

tup going out to make sure the lambers are busy come Easter Holidays. We have a lot more culls mainly due to bad udders but they did milk well and there was more fly about any other ideas on why please get in touch. Lamb wise we had ¾ of our lambs away fat and the remainder were away by August 15th, store. As good as it gets for me.

The cows came off the grass on the 7th October as we had 75mm and our peat on top of clay turns to soup, they are happy on the stubble on silage and pea straw. Although I will be happier to see them inside so I can feed early morning and head off to winter meetings and catch up and get the craic with everyone.

H

ello Scotland.

Well where do I start,well as for you people the Rugby world Cup didn't go to plan for the All Blacks, as like in farming too many rules and people wanting to enforce them, but that is history now abit like the markets we sell in there today gone tomorrow.

We had a general Election recently and got a National Government, so hopefully there is some change. NZ has probably never been in such a state after our Labour Governments antics. Covid and rara has been blamed, world economy, people not spending on luxury items, Meat and Milk apparently and the list goes on.

NZ inflation is at its highest since the 80s and interest as well. Prior to Covid we had about 30 Billion debt, now 90B and expected to be 130B in 3yrs so "we are going good," haha.

On farm costs have sky rocketed Diesel $2.80/L, fertilizer about a 40-50% increase in some products and to round it off we have had a 25% drop in sheep

20

meat prices. Bankers and consultants are saying some farmers will struggle to pay down debt and maybe not even interest.

Well back to the stuff I know a little more about – our farm. The spring has been very windy and cold, soil temp struggling to get above 12 degrees still, so growth has been patchy. Took a draft of early lambers 2 days ago and got 50% away for slaughter an average of 38kg/lw dont know what they killed yet,so not a bad result these started lambing in 1 August so about 100days old. We are expecting about $120/hd back about $40 on last year.

Cattle prices remain firm around $2.70/kg/lw to $3.15/kg/lw depending on age and and class of stock.

We planted Peas yesterday for human consumption and Beans go in December its very tight parameters for preparation, weeds, timing etc as close as being told what day to plant, if you miss for weather for example you loose your place to someone else to fill the

gap. Last year our bean pd yeilded 27/ton to the Ha, which was great and the best around, not sure how we did it!

Wool is still in dire straits but they are talking a come back, it baffles me in todays world of plastic clothes how wool is so over looked and in just about every other segment you can think of; totally natural, bio-degradable, carbon neutral maybe even consumes carbon.

A great story behind it, warm, durable, versatile and the list goes on, but not worth a penny – bewildering to say the least.

Johnny Templeton Sudeley Angus Cattle & Sheep Genetics Te Anau, NZ

Our stud cows have finished calving and looks like another great crop of calves. We have also just sorted out yearling bulls to follow up an A.I programme and we are spoilt or choice with them looking exceptionally even and figures to back them as well as scanning data we have just collected,looks like all the stars are aligning!

The influence of DNA and Genomics together as well as bloodlines leaves them very true to pedigree. Our 2yr old Bull sale went well averaging their highest ever at $11987 and a full clearance with a top price of $50k.

Have ram sales coming up later this month Romdale,Texel and Suftex so not much spare time ahead.

Our local show is next week, which is the biggest in country and goes for 3 days,we don't show any stock, but I am involved with Dog Trials there. Just on that note it maybe of interest to some that a Guy in Wales Ellis Rees has imported a dog from here that is very well bred and a good dog,just in case someone is after a Huntaway Sire,well thats about it from me too you, hope this finds all well and you have a great winter.

21

by Eilidh MacPherson

W

CAN-AM TRAXTER

e trialled a CAM-AM TRAXTER DPS HD9 on farm for a week before Christmas and were well impressed.

Of all the side-by-side UTV’s we have trialled over the years for the magazine, it is the only one we have seriously asked for a quote. We currently operate two Honda quad bikes but with inclement weather in a west coast Scottish winter the thought of a cosy cab and heater sounds very appealing.

Unfortunately we had the model with just a roll bar cab, open to the elements this time. The material ‘doors’ were hazardous and we agreed that solid doors are a must.

The cab fits two adults and a child with plenty room to spare, even with a broad-shouldered passenger. The cab is extremely comfortable with a VERSA PRO bench seat and the passenger seats flip up if more room is required for gear or dogs. From the drivers seat there is good visibility all round. There is also plenty legroom in the foot wells and the door entry is wide – easily access.

The petrol HD9: Rotax® 976 cc V-twin, liquid cooled engine made for a much quieter driving experience compared to the many diesel ones tested on farm. And it certainly had oomph,

22

with a top speed of 60km/hr on bitumen – apparently.

The twin tube gas charged shocks, both front and back teamed with the front double A-arm and rear TTA with external sway bar gave a smooth more even ride over our notoriously rough terrain.

Dynamic Power Steering (DPS) makes for a workhorse that drives well at every turn. On our lower hill ground, up to the 2000ft mark and the grassy undulating paddocks, the buggy was capable of going everywhere that the quad bikes go, with ease. It has good ground clearance of 28cm.

The Can-Am website boasts; “When you have industry-leading towing capacity (1134kgs) and storage space (454kgs), heavy work gets a whole lot lighter.”

An integrated front steel bumper HMWPE central skid plate comes as standard protection.

Dual 220 mm disc brakes with hydraulic twin-piston callipers are installed at the front with a single one at the back.

All models are available in Tundra Green and come with a BRP limited warranty.

This model is proving very popular

with agriculturalists and foresters across the country. The basic model starts at £18 099, but it can be customised to your own specification with various cabs, bumpers, cargo beds, racks, winches and more.

Call your ATV Services dealer now to book a test drive or get a quote.

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ROYAL HIGHLAND SHOW JUDGES 2024

BEEF

OVERALL Overall Young Handlers Robin Orr & Caroline Morton, Dunfermline BEEF CATTLE Beef Native Breeds Inter Breed Team Championship Mr Danny Wylie, Tamworth Beef Breeder Competition & Junior Beef Inter Breed Championship Mr Robert McNee, Dundee, Angus Inter Breed Team Competition and Overall Beef Inter-Breed Champion Mr Peter Watson, Banchory, Aberdeen Beef Inter-Breed Pairs Competition Mr Iain Millar, Port of Menteith, Stirling Young Handlers Miss Stephanie Dick, Cowie, Stirling Beef Shorthorn Mr Nigel A Miller, Stow, Scottish Borders Aberdeen Angus Mr John Elliot Jnr, Kelso, Roxburghshire Galloway Mr Jimmy Wallace,Castle Douglas Belted Galloway Mrs Caroline Montgomery, Cumnock,Ayr Highland Mr Stuart Campbell, Dalmally, Argyll Hereford Mr George Harvey, Balfron, Glasgow Lincoln Red Mr Scott Donaldson, Carlisle, Cumbria British Charolais Mr Neil Barclay, Banchory, Aberdeen British Simmental Mr Michael Durno, Ballindalloch, Banff British Limousin Mr Stephen Priestley, Brampton, Cumbria British Blonde Mr William McElroy, Dromore, Co. Down British Blue Mr Paul Walker, Diseworth, Leicester Salers Mr Colin McClymont, Newton Stewart, Wigtownshire Commercial Cattle Mr Harry Brown, Peterhead, Aberdeen

24

SHEEP

Overall Sheep Inter Breed Championship Mr Jimmy Warnock, Lanarkshire Overall Sheep Pairs Inter-Breed Championship Mr Clark Lamont, Dumfries Sheep Young Handler Miss Kirsty Morton, Denny Blackface Mr John Murray, Crossflat, Muirkirk Suffolk Mr Alistair Gault, Co. Durham Lleyn Mrs Bethan Vaughan, Pembrokeshire Ryeland Mr John Robert Morgan, Presteigne, Powys Commercial Sheep Mr Gavin Ross, Fraserburgh Border Leicester Mr Coote Geelan, Co Leitrim, Eire British Berrichon Mr Peter James, Ditton Priors Jacob Dr Nicola Fletcher, Co Wicklow, Eire North Country Cheviot Mr M Williams, Isle Of Anglesey North Country Cheviot Hill Mr William Thomson, Kelso Cheviot Mr Syd Anderson, Roberton, Hawick Texel Mr James Draper, Shrewsbury Hampshire Down Mrs Alison Halcrow, Northamptonshire Swaledale Mr John Stephenson, Eggleston, Barnard Castle Bluefaced Leicester – Traditional Mr Scott Thomason, Barrow In Furness, Cumbria Bluefaced Leicester – Crossing Mr Jimmy Bell, Lanark, Lanarkshire Charollais Mr Graham Foster, Co Tyrone, N I Hebridean Mr David Braithwaite, Newcastleton

GOATS

Dairy Goats, Kids, Milking & Boer Goats Mr Tim Baker, Holt, Norfolk Scottish Dairy Goat Show Mr S Thomas, Hadleigh, Suffolk

HEAVY HORSE

North of England Mules Mr John Smith-Jackson, Haltwhitle, Northumberland British Rouge Mr George Knox. County Antrim Beltex Mr Will Evans, Bodorgan, Anglesey Zwartbles Mr Arfon Lloyd, Llanrwyst, Conwy Scotch Mule Mr Jimmy Sinclair, Heriot, Midlothian Bleu Du Maine Mr Simon Norman, Brompton Ralph, Somerset Shetland Mr Barry Watson, Holmbrook, Cumbria Blue Texel Mr Frances Baird, Tetbury, Glos Dutch Spotted Mr Liam Campbell, Ballymena, Co. Antrim Valais Blacknose Mr Julian Walters, Okehampton, Devon Kerry Hill Mr Will Evans, Pembrokeshire

Clydesdales In Hand Males Mr James Tennant, Forth, Lanark Females Mr Graffin Hanna, Ballymoney, Co. Antrim Clydesdale Young Handlers & Young Stockmen Mr Peter Keron, Crieff, Perthshire Ridden Clydesdales Mr John Cookson,Cheshire Conformation - Mr Peter Keron, Crieff, Highland Ponies In Hand Males Mrs Gilean Docherty, Forth, Lanark Females Mrs Jane McNaught, Darvel, Ayrshire Shetland Ponies In Hand Mrs Wendy Toomer-Harlow, Basildon, Essex Miniature Shetland Ponies In Hand Mr Julian Walters, Okehampton, Devon The Sanderson Trophy Mr Hugh Duncan, Turriff, Aberdeenshire

HARNESS, GROOMING, TURNOUTS Heavy Horse Turnouts Mr Charles Beardmore, Blackburn, Lancashire Harness Grooming & Decoration Mrs Annette Noble, Peggyslea Farm, Nine Mile, Penicuik, Midlothian Working Native Pony in Harness Mr Bill Mearns, Blairgowrie, Perthshire Private Driving & Pleasure Driving Mr Robert Robertson, Ayrshire

LIGHT HORSE

Hunters In Hand Miss Sara Leatherbarrow, Lancashire Hunter Under Saddle Weights and

DAIRY CATTLE Overall Dairy Interbreed Mr David Hastings, Nantwich, Cheshire Ayrshire Mr Iwan Thomas, Llanelli, Carmarthenshire Holstein Mr David Booth, Barnoldswick, Lancashire Dairy Shorthorn Mr Rob G Kite, Milwich, Stafford Red and White, Jersey & Dairy Any Other Breed Mrs Jane Steel, Glasgow Dairy Calf and Showmanship Mr Will Horsley, Penrith, Cumbria Smalls & Sports Horses (In Hand) Mr Nick Collins, Warfield, Berkshire Conformation- Miss S Leatherbarrow, Working Hunter Ladies Side Saddle Ms Michelle Underwood, Suffolk Conformation - Mr Jack Cochrane, Retraining of Racehorses (Final) Mrs RL Abba, Cumbria Conf - Miss Julia Furness, Lauder Highland Ponies Under Saddle Miss Ruth Darling, Humbie, E Lothian Mrs CL Hawes, Cambridgeshire Coloured Horses & Ponies In Hand Mrs Gillian Beattie, Kilwinning, Ayrshire Welsh Mountain Ponies (Section A) Mrs Lotti Stephens, Hereford Welsh Ponies (Section B) Mr Mark Northam, Avon, Somerset Welsh Ponies of Cob Type (Sect C) Mr John Morris, Colwyn Bay, Conwy Welsh Cobs (Section D) Mr E R Davies, Carmarthenshire Part Bred Welsh Mr Tom Best, Saline, Fife Mountain and Moorland In Hand Mr Russell Sutcliffe, Darwen, Lancs Connemara Ponies In Hand Mr Matthew Lawrence, Bristol Overall Mountain & Moor’d In Hand Miss Elizabeth Briant, Wiltshire St John's Wells Trophy Mrs Jill Graham, Newcastleton Overall Light Horse In Hand Mr Jack Cochrane, Harrogate Pony Breeding In Hand Mr Anthony Perkins, Avon, Somerset Arabs & Part Bred Arab in Hand & Under Saddle Mrs N Mellor, Derbyshire Riding Horses & Cobs Ms Michelle Underwood, Newmarket Mrs A Varley, Retford, Nottinghamshire Mountain and Moorland Working Hunter Ponies Miss Debbie Spears, Buckinghamshire Mrs Gillian McMurray, Lockerbie Side Saddle Mrs Jo Jefferson, Harrogate, Yorkshire Intermediate Show Hunter, Show

25

T

he Galloway & Southern Ayrshire Biosphere’s landmark Crowdfunder campaign raising funds for the launch of a new high end, sustainable knitwear brand came to a close last week, with the team announcing that an astonishing £13 292 had been raised in 30 days.

Merrick Scottish Blackface Knitwear developed through the GSA Biosphere’s pilot project exploring new uses for local wool from Blackface sheep, Scotland’s most numerous native breed. Blackface fleece is typically sent abroad for use in carpet and mattress manufacture and sells for such a low price that it does not generate any profit for farmers. The GSA Biosphere, which works in cross-sector partnerships towards global Sustainable Development Goals, believed that more could be done to make Blackface wool part of a more sustainable local textile industry.

With funding support from the Scottish Blackface Sheep Breeders’ Association and working with leading knitwear designers, the GSA Biosphere created a first collection of outerwear garments using the finest grade Blackface wool, all of it sourced within the UNESCO-designated region. A business plan was developed to launch a pioneering social enterprise model that would return all profits from sales back into the Biosphere’s ongoing programme of conservation, education, climate action and community initiatives.

26

As a non-profit organisation the Biosphere looked for creative opportunities to take the wool project to its next stage, opting for the participatory and ‘feelgood factor’ of Crowdfunder. By the time it closed, the month-long campaign had received donations from 131 unique supporters, with 79 ‘Rewards’ being claimed, including more than 80 skeins of Blackface wool for hand knitting.

Merrick’s 100% Blackface wool jumpers proved to be the most popular garment, with pre-orders for the first production run completely selling out.

Project lead Marie McNulty said: “The success of our crowdfunding campaign demonstrates the incredible level of enthusiasm that’s felt far and wide, not only for preserving Scotland's rich rural heritage but for finding more varied, innovative, and sustainable uses for Scottish wool. We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who supported, shared and promoted the Merrick campaign, all of whom have contributed to our broader vision of celebrating historic industry and crafts here in the UNESCO Biosphere region.”

During the Crowdfunder campaign

Merrick charcoal gilet and natural shawl-necked cardigan were shown on the catwalk at the ReDress Scotland Slow Fashion Festival in Dumfries, the second time the Biosphere’s knitted garment designs have appeared in a fashion show, following their showcase at the Royal Highland Show last June.

The Merrick Knitwear team were also invited to speak to subscribers to The Journal of Scottish Yarns, while images from Merrick’s latest photo shoot (using local volunteers as models) was published in national print press, attracting even more donations from right across the UK. Now that crowdfunding has concluded the Biosphere team are focused on next steps: building the Merrick brand and getting the clothing range on general sale. The donations received through Crowdfunder are being used to programme factory days for micro-production and to create a sample garment set for trade shows and exhibitions. The digital development side will include professional photography, marketing and an online shopfront and branded artwork for eco-friendly packaging.

The Biosphere also aims to continue its efforts to improve returns for producers: they pay above the market rate for Blackface fleece and hope that raising awareness of its quality and versatility could lead to a higher market value.

Welcoming the initiative, Alec Telfer, President of the Blackface Sheep Breeders’ Association, said: “With an increasing awareness of the huge pollution issues brought on by micro plastics in our atmosphere and oceans

coming from oil based man-made fibres, wool must begin to be taken much more seriously. It is an extremely sustainable, natural and biodegradable product with outstanding environmental credentials, produced in the most natural environment in the world. It is vital that the fashion industry begin to use more wool and lead the way.

“The Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere’s exciting Blackface Wool Project, which is aiming to produce high end garments entirely and exclusively from the very best of Blackface wool, is what has been needed for a very long time.”

Evidencing the market appeal of Merrick Knitwear, Kyle Thomson, a shepherd from the Scottish Borders, who modelled some of the protypes at the Royal Highland Show, said: “It is brilliant to see a product that was previously seen as little to no value being turned into comfortable high-end clothing.

"When I put the jumper on, I was pleasantly surprised at how comfortable it was to wear. I tried on around six garments that day, and the Blackface wool jumper was definitely my favourite.

“Not only does the wool create incredibly stylish clothes, but it has a low environmental impact due to the way Blackface sheep are traditionally farmed. It is eco-friendly as it is a natural fibre with a plentiful supply in Scotland.”

More information about Merrick Scottish Blackface Knitwear is available at www.gsabiosphere.org.uk or by emailing info@gsabiosphere.org.uk.

Hunter Ponies, Lead Rein of Hunter Type and First Ridden Pony of Show Hunter Type Miss Phillipa MacInnes, Kilmarnock Mr Anthony Perkins, Avon, Somerset Intermediate Show Riding Type, Show Ponies, Lead Rein & First Ridden Show Pony Ride – Mr M Lawrence, Bristol Mrs Nicola Jones, North Yorkshire Mountain & Moorland Lead Rein and First Ridden Ponies Ride - Mr Mark Northam, Avon, Somerset Miss Elizabeth Briant, Wiltshire Junior Mountain & Moorland Ridden Miss Debbie Spears, Buckinghamshire Mrs Gillian McMurray, Lockerbie Donkeys Ms Sarah Prior, Outwell, Norfolk Working Hunter Ponies Ride - Mrs Chris MacMillan, Airdrie Mr Jack Cochrane, Harrogate, Yorkshire Part-Bred Ridden Pony Mrs Joyce Coltart, Kilmaurs, Kilmarnock Miss Kirstine Douglas, Dumfries Mountain and Moorland Ponies Under Saddle Large Breeds - Main Ring Ride - Miss Elizabeth Briant, Wiltshire Mr Mark Northam, Avon, Somerset Small Breeds - Thistle Ring Mrs Kathleen Scott, Peterhead, Aberdeen Mr Russell Sutcliffe, Darwen, Lancashire Coloured Horses and Ponies Under Saddle Mrs Marion MacLennan, Croy, Inverness Conformation - Mr John Gilliver, Chorley, Lancashire

27

T

his back end/ NZ summer has seen a monumental number of sheep shearing record attempts in the Land of the Big White Cloud – the majority of which have been successful.

Two have been of particular interest here in Scotland. Amy Silcock had a crack at the women’s 8-hour full wool ewe record at the beginning of January.

She cleared the inaugural record set by English lass Marie Prebble (370) by 16 – tallying 386 for the day.

Her triumph was short lived, as only three days later, Catherine Mullooly raised the standard pumping out a steady 116 a run and one run at 117, taking the tally well over the 400 mark and earmarking her place in the record books, with 465 on the counter.

Scottish lass, Una Cameron of St Boswells, who is currently shearing near Fielding in the North Island, NZ and in training for her record attempt on 7th August this year, is ‘keeping her powder dry’ on whether she will go for the 8 hour or 9-hour full wool ewe record.

All eyes will be on ‘gold fingered’ Bond – Sacha Bond – who is going for the 9-hour women’s full wool ewe record on the 9th of February.

28

by Eilidh MacPherson

Una Keeps Her Powder Dry!

ATTEMPT SHEARER RECORD/ PREVIOUS DATE TALLY HOLDER

TALLY

DATE

10/1/24

CATHERINE 8hr strongwool AMY MULLOOLY ewe – 465 SILCOCK

386

7/1/2024

7/8/24

8 or 9 hour UNA CAMERON strongwool ewe

452

2018

19/12/23

9/2/24

SACHA BOND

9-hour lamb MEGAN 720 WHITHEAD

SACHA BOND

9-hour strong wool ewe

Sacha, who is at the top of her game, extremely toned and fighting fit, broke the 700 barrier pre Christmas and clocked off on an amazing 720 lambs at the end of her 9 hour marathon, 59 round her predecessor Megan Whitehead.

We will all be waiting with baited breath to see where she takes the 9 hour ewe record.

Watch this space!

KERI JO TE HUIA KERI JO TE HUIA

661

452

2021

2018

A New Model We believe there is a simpler and fairer way to work together with wool farmers, and that’s why we are challenging the traditional UK wool sourcing systems.

GALASHIELS: 15th June through to the 28th of July PERTH: 18th June through to the 25th September 07836 547987 MUIRKIRK: 1st July through till end of September 01290 661258 HUNTLY: 4th August through to the 12th of August 07836 547987 LAIRG: 18th August through to the 26th August 07836 547987 Please phone to book your wool in to each depot.

If you would like to supply Brannach Olann with your wool please contact Alan Walsh: (+44) 7836 547987 (Scotland, Ireland & Wales) Tom Watson (+44) 7950 314319 (England)

BOOK REVIEWS

F

T

he author explores better ways of relating to time and the ever increasing demands of modern life. We assume that the only answer must be to become more efficient, driving ourself harder, or working for longer, as if we are a machine! Instead of asking whether the demands themselves might be unreasonable.

We have to learn to accept, that tough choices are inevitable, because we won't have time for all what we are interested in. One of his great thoughts: Stand firm in the face of FOMO, the fear of missing out, because the act of having to make decisions, makes our choices meaningful in the first place.

We live in a world, which provides an inexhaustible supply of things that seem worth doing, having, seeing,

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ield Fork Fashion – Bullock 374 and a designer’s journey to find a future for leather by Alice V Robinson, published by Chelsea Green (2023) is a gem of a book. Priced £27, at all major bookstores and online.

I read it from cover to cover and absolutely loved it. Alice, a rural vet’s daughter and designer to trade, started to question the material she worked with. Across the world leather is acknowledged as a luxury material, but unlike meat each skin is not traceable back to source. So Alice bought a bullock off farm and followed it’s path to the abattoir, butcher and tannery, photographing and documenting the journey. Every piece of meat and meal is accounted for culminating in a dinner for members at the Victoria and Albert experiencing. Especially since the internet, the gap between what we ideally like to do and what we actually can do grows at an overwhelming speed. But the more we are able to fit into our lives, the more we shift the goalpost.

This book is an important reality check on our culture, our rushing through life, our demands on productivity and living a fulfilled life. It challenges us to think about our habits and makes us question our ways. And remind us, just because it is all around us, it does not mean it is healthy.

The book is full of practical ideas, how to find a life more peaceful and meaningful – and in the end you get probably still more done than you ever thought possible.

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ublished by Chelsea Green in 2023; The Lost Flock by Jane Cooper retails at £20.

A must read for sheep breeders, shepherds, shearers, spinners and anyone else in-between.

The Lost Flock is the story of the remarkable and rare little horned sheep, known as Orkney Boreray and the wool-obsessed woman who moved to one of Scotland’s wildest islands to save them.

It was Jane Cooper’s passion for knitting that led her to discover the world of rare-breed sheep and their wool. Through this, Jane uncovered the ‘Orkney Borerary’ – a unique group within the UK’s rarest breed of sheep, the Boreray and one of the few surviving examples of primitive sheep in northern Europe.

As her knowledge of this rarest of

Museum.

As a beef and sheep farmer, I found this book extremely interesting and thought provoking. I was amazed at how many wonderful leather goods Alice managed to make out of one hide.

Her collection consisted of a suede coat with leather belt, low-heeled mules, a jacket, small handbag, low-heeled boots, a large bag, knee-high boots, a purse, 2 belt bags, 2 card holders and 2 key fobs. She even utilized some bone and horn.

Her leather collection was exhibited at the V&A for six months – FOOD: Bigger than the Plate.

This book will be gladly added to my farming library and will undoubtedly be re-read.

Burkeman Oliver: Four Thousand Weeks. Time Management for Mortals, Vintage, Penguin Random House, 2022, £ 10.99

heritage breeds grew, she took the bold step to uproot her quiet suburban life in Newcastle and relocate to Orkney, embarking on a new adventure and life as farmer and shepherd.

Jane was astonished to find that she was the sole custodian of this breed in the world and so she began looking into their mysterious and ancient history, tracking down the origins of the Boreray breed and its significance to Scotland’s natural heritage.

From Viking times to Highland crofts and nefarious research experiments in Edinburgh, this is a so-far untold real-life detective story. It is also the story of one woman’s relentless determination to ensure a future for her beloved sheep and in doing so revealing their deep connection to the Scottish landscape.

A book well worth reading.

MOVERS & SHAKERS

he Crofting Commission is delighted to announce the appointment of Gary Campbell as its new Chief Executive.

Gary has a wealth of experience in the public and private sectors, including a strong track record of working in the Highlands and Islands. He is a Chartered Accountant and member of

the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS). He trained with EY in their Inverness office and spent 30 years working with the company across the Highlands and Islands, advising commercial businesses. He has worked for the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) for the last 11 years and is currently a member of the Senior Management Team.

Gary also has previous CEO experience, having run a Tain based manufacturing company with a worldwide customer base.

Mr Campbell is based in Inverness but grew up in Taynuilt, Argyll where he was brought up on the family croft, which has been the family home for as far back as records are available.

For the past four years he has also been a Trustee of Inverness Harbour, where he currently also holds the non-executive role of Vice Chair.

Mr Campbell will take up his new

role as Chief Executive of the Crofting Commission on the 3rd of January 2024.

Commenting on his appointment, Gary said: “I am delighted to have been appointed as Chief Executive of the Crofting Commission. I have a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing crofting and am passionate about supporting crofters and their communities to thrive.

“I look forward to working with the Commission’s Board, staff and stakeholders to deliver on the Commission’s strategic plan and to help shape the future of crofting in Scotland.”

Chairman of the Crofting Commission, Malcolm Mathieson, said: “We are delighted to welcome Gary as the new Chief Executive of the Crofting Commission. He brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the role and is passionate about supporting crofting and rural communities.

he National Beef Association is delighted to confirm the appointment of Robert Venner as the new Chair of the only organisation representing the interests of British beef farmers.

Current Chair of the NBA SW region and a recent Member of the AHDB Beef and Lamb Council, Robert comes to his new role with a track record of effective action on the industry's behalf. He also brings an agenda to tackle some of the industries thorniest issues, including the development of post-Brexit export markets and Red Tractor assurance.

A farmer's son who remembers many happy days showing at the Royal, Robert Venner still keeps a "handful" of pedigree Aberdeen Angus on his Woodington Farm in Devon, but his career in the livestock industry has centred on the auction ring. After completing his education at the Royal Agricultural College, he began his career as an auctioneer with Bruton Knowles at Gloucester market. In 1992 he joined Greenslade Hunt to work at the Taunton and Bridgewater markets.

In 2008 he moved with Greenslade Taylor Hunt to Sedgemoor Auction Centre where he is the Partner in charge of Sedgemoor Auction Market.

He chaired the set-up of 15 badger cull areas, resulting in a dramatic reduction in the incidence of TB in cattle in those areas and a resurgence in the dwindling hedgehog population.

In his recently completed six-year term on the AHDB Beef and Lamb Council, he focussed the Council's attention on marketing, something previously overlooked with respect to beef. Robert helped to initiate the Call for Views and subsequent Levy Payer Survey that persuaded the leadership of the AHDB to listen to their Levy Payers.

That experience has helped shape the new NBA Chair's commitment to listen to the membership of his organisation, and to leverage as much influence as possible in high places.

"I look forward to my time as Chair of the NBA primarily for the political access it will give me. Potential trade deals will be a particular interest.

Encouraging access for exports but not undermining home production with imports will be the objective – Liz Truss's antics in the Southern hemisphere being a glaring example of how not to do it."

Finding a pragmatic solution to the Red Tractor problem will also be on Robert's agenda. "This might be an unsolvable conundrum and one which is probably wiser left to someone else to sort. But the NBA should never shy away from difficult situations and 'do what is right, come what may' has always been a guiding principle I have found to be reliable."

Robert Venner is grateful to inherit the Chair for an organisation that he is confident will give him a powerful

platform to effect change for the benefit of the UK beef industry.

"I would like to start my tenure by congratulating and thanking Andrew Laughton for his stewardship of the NBA in recent years. Together with our CEO Neil Shand, he has steered the NBA to a position of great efficacy and I look forward to working closely with Neil, my Vice Chair Ben Harman and the existing Board to build on their success.

"The NBA has already created a very strong team, but I hope I can persuade more farmers to join the board. If you're a regionally strategic and industry motivated beef farmer, don't be surprised if you receive a call from either Neil or myself asking you to become involved."

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MOVERS & SHAKERS

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Riley Beet Harvesters (UK) Ltd, well-known as the UK importer of Vervaet machinery, has vastly expanded its slurry machinery portfolio with the addition of Bomech, Vogelsang, Kumm-Technik, TBL and Evers products. To handle sales of the new lines Rileys welcomes Sion Williams as sales director for slurry equipment.

Sion Williams has considerable knowledge and experience of slurry handling and application machinery, having previously handled UK sales

ward-winning Cumbrian dairy farmer Robert Craig has become the new Chairman of the Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers (RABDF), taking over from Devon dairy farmer Di Wastenage.

Robert is a third-generation dairy farmer and operates three dairy farming businesses across Cumbria and Northumberland, milking 1500 spring and autumn calving cows. A past CM of Cumbria NFU, he still maintains an interest in local and national politics both on and off the farm.

He is also a Non-Executive Director of First Milk and is currently the co-op's vice chair. All three of his businesses supply First Milk and he also represents First Milk at Dairy UK, where he chairs the Dairy UK farmer forum.

Robert is a 2012 Nuffield Scholar and has worked with The Sustainable Food Trust since his travels, particularly on the Global Farm Metric project. forVogelsang, and is already very well-known in this sector.

“I’ve been involved in the slurry machinery industry for over 25 years,” says Sion.

“Having dealt with Rileys quite extensively, joining the company has seemed like a natural progression and with the wideproduct portfolio I think there’s considerable opportunity for growth. I’m looking forward to expanding and developing the successful slurry side of the business.”

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He has been active as RABDF Vice Chairman, representing the Association on the Ruminant Health and Welfare steering group, helping inform and guide on general dairy issues and often acting as the spokesperson for wider press matters. He has also been instrumental in delivering a dairy labour roundtable, continuing to focus heavily on this crucial area.

Commenting on his plans during the tenure, Robert said: "There are some exciting projects that we hope to develop as an Association to help overcome labour shortages in the dairy sector and also to do more to promote the industry, particularly to the next generation.

"Undoubtedly, there will also be a focus on the here and now and the impact milk price cuts are having on farmers and ways in which we, as an Association, can help support our members as the pinch is felt," he said.

t the recent 178th AGM of the Royal Northern Agricultural Society (RNAS), mixed farmer Alan Cumming succeeded Billy Stewart in the role of president, an office he will hold for the coming year to oversee the Society’s busy annual calendar of events including the Royal Northern Spring Show on February 28th, 2024.

Stepping into the role of senior vice president is J. Cameron MacIver from Kinloss whilst Brian Ross from Lonmay becomes junior vice president.

Commenting on his appointment, RNAS president Alan Cumming said: “Billy has done a lot of excellent work during his year as president, carrying

out his duties in a consistently conscientious and unflustered way. I am pleased to follow in his footsteps and look forward to working with an incredibly talented and innovative board of directors throughout the year ahead.”

The well attended meeting at Thainstone Centre, Inverurie also heard that the RNAS has distributed more than £50 000 to an assortment of charities in the past year. Attention is already turning to the coming year’s activities, with plans well ahead for a range of initiatives including the annual cereal growing competition which is currently open for entries.

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ndependent research organisation The James Hutton Institute has welcomed four new leading figures from across government, academia and industry to its board.

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ileys are delighted to welcome Richard Sockett, also formerly of Vogelsang UK, who adds a vast array of specialist technical knowledge to the slurry machinery side of the business. Richard will be using his extensive industry experience and know-how to offer high-quality service and back-up to new and existing customers, primarily from the new Shrewsbury depot.

“Good people are extremely important to our business and Sion and Richard bring a wealth of experience and product knowledge with them,” points out Matt. “Their addition

Anne MacColl, an international consultant, Susan Mitchell, Chief Operating Officer & Deputy Vice Chancellor at Glasgow Caledonian University and Lindsay Sim, Senior Manager for Finance and Revenues for Clackmannanshire Council, were recently adopted onto the Hutton board.

In addition, Robin Walker, whose career has included executive roles at household brands including Heinz, Carlsberg and HP, was also adopted onto the board alongside becoming the chair of James Hutton Limited, the Hutton’s commercial arm.

Together, the new directors bring a wealth of organisational and business development, financial and community experience to the Hutton’s work across land, crops, water and the environment at its sites in Aberdeen, Invergowrie, Balruddery and Glensaugh.

Susan Davies, who took over her role as chair of the Hutton board on October 1 and is also Chief Executive of the

Scottish Seabird Centre, says, “I’m delighted to welcome our new board members to the Hutton. This is an incredibly exciting time to be joining this organisation as we work to address some of the fundamental challenges facing us today, across food security, energy and the environment.

“Our new members bring a wide range of skills that will support our major projects, including the International Barley Hub and Advanced Plant Growth Centre, as part of the Tay Cities Deal, and our HydroGlen and Just Transition Hub projects, supported by the Scottish Government.

“I would like to thank former Hutton chair Ian Gambles for guiding the institute's strategic direction and investment in these major new initiatives and Deborah Keith for ensuring that the importance of the Hutton's science at UK and international levels, and its commercial potential, is better recognised.”

bolsters our existing highly capable team, and makes us the go-to company for all slurry machinery. Nevertheless, we remain well-known for sugar beet harvesters and these will always be incredibly important to Rileys, in fact they are part of the company DNA. But these additions of experienced staff will ensure that we can continue to offer excellent service to our customers for both product lines, securing the company’s longevity, whilst also taking advantage of this great opportunity to strengthen and grow the slurry side of the business.”

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new role has been created by the Digital Dairy Chain project to re-evaluate how the dairy industry can attract and retain its workforce.

The government-funded project, led

by Scotland's Rural College, seeks to address the skills shortage via its 'Workforce for the Future' programme.

Lynne Somerville, who is employed

by Digital Dairy Chain partner the University of the West of Scotland, will run the programme in her new role as Skills Lead.

Lynne's aims for the five-year role include establishing a dairy skills forum and conducting a full sector review to

provide a comprehensive understanding of the current landscape and what training provisions and education policies are needed to support the dairy industry over the next 25 years. " It is vital we encourage and support more young people into a career in the dairy sector, not just for economic reasons and to ensure our dairy farmers can stay in business but so that the UK's dairy sector can compete in international markets.

"There are various career paths and roles available in dairy so it's fantastic to be part of a project, which is not only showcasing this but helping to break down barriers to new talent entering."

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Kverneland launches new mechanical weeding machines

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ith global regulations on the use of pesticides tightening up aiming for reductions in use, machinery manufacturers are focusing their attention on mechanical weeders.

Kverneland is one manufacturer that has raised its game in this direction by purchasing the mechanical weeding specialist company BC Technique SAS back in January this year.

Since then the Kverneland Group has worked hard to integrate the new product group into its own portfolio of arable equipment.

Launching the new machines in Germany, the company says its range of rotary hoes, inter-row cultivators and guidance interfaces fit well for the future of sustainable farming and enable customers to achieve efficient, accurate and consistent cultivation and weed control.

Mechanical weeding has become one of the solutions for farmers to meet the new pesticide reduction goals ensuring, at the same time, healthy plant growth as the basis for a successful yield.

Kverneland now offer the Helios rotary hoe range of machines ranging in working widths from 3m rigid to 6.4m folding.

The Helios models are fitted with cast-iron, ground-driven star wheels.

These excel by the special back-of-spoon

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design, which allow a good performance even with low working speeds in difficult conditions without any blockages.

Curved upwards, they work without digging by gravity. Weeds are lifted with no splashes or projections thus reducing the impact on the crop.

In one pass the Helios machines destroy or pull up the weeds, break up the capped soil surface, restructure and aerate the top layer, and consolidate the subsoil while maintaining the water supply of the seedbed.

Selective mechanical weeding demands precision in adjustment to the soil conditions, the weed pressure and the machinery of the farm.

With the Helios, all these adjustments can be easily and quickly done without the need for tools. Equipped either with spring or hydraulic soft control pressure overload protection, the Helios ensures a constant working depth over the entire working width, independent of the surface.

Adjusted to the height of crop emergence and sowing depth, the negative impact on the crops is reduced.

A precise speed management can be set up to work as aggressively as necessary, maximising performance and output.

In order to ensure perfect levelling and to create an even weatherproof

surface, Kverneland offers a one row following finger harrow in the final working zone. The rear-harrow operates over the entire working width of the Helios, finishing the job and preserving the seedbed. It restores the fluids, water, air and stimulates physico-chemical reactions and soil life.

The following harrow supports the weed control as it uncovers and pulls the uprooted weeds out of the soil, leaving them on the surface to dry out in the sun. Regrowth is practically impossible which is particularly important with rhizome and other weeds that could start growing again.

Maxime Georges, junior product manager, said: “Mechanical weeding with the Helios rotary hoe in row crops and on cereals is an efficient tool for weed control and it also works in case of resistance as with Sulfonyloureas and Pinoxaden for example.

“It also extends the option to react when conditions limit the application of chemical crop care. In addition, by cracking the upper topsoil, breaking the surface capping on certain soils after rain, the Helios rotary hoe promotes the seed emergence and restores the water and air flow, stimulating physico chemical reactions and soil life. It will increase mineralisation and biomass by promoting the absorption of nitrogen.”

Kverneland presents inter-row Onyx weeding cultivator with Lynx guidance interface

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he Kverneland Onyx inter-row weeding cultivator is designed for large performance with high accuracy. Fitted with the double H-shaped frame, the Onyx performs well even down to 12.5cm row width.

A constant depth control over the entire working width ensures best results in row crops and cereals.

A wide range of shares in Hardox and Tungsten Carbide quality as well as a full range of accessories such as ridger discs, side deflectors and finger weeders are available. Due to the largest diameter of gauge wheel in the market, any bulldozing effect is avoided.

Each element is working independently, and if fitted with section control, up to 13 sections are automatically lifted by Isobus.

The shallow tillage at 2cm by the Onyx improves aeration of the soil as a prerequisite to physico-chemical reactions, such as humification or mineralisation of organic nitrogen. The crops will benefit from the increased nutrients available with positive impact on the yield.

By the flat-bed weeding, the Onyx creates an isolating layer to stop the capillary rising of water to the surface protecting the soil moisture within the seed layer.

With view to climate change, this is of major importance in dry areas and a general benefit for the crop’s start and growth.

Maxime Georges, Kverneland junior product manager, said: “The Kverneland Onyx inter-row cultivator works in case of resistance and can be used in row crops and cereals.

“It will get as close to the plants as possible without damaging the crops by ensuring the straight line within the row.

For different crops and row widths, a quick adaptation is possible thanks to a strong modular concept on this machine.”

For utmost accuracy also with wider implements and when working in challenging geography on slopes, the Onyx inter-row cultivator can be combined with the Lynx guidance interface Lynx. Due to the lateral movement of up to 25cm either side,

precise weeding is ensured.

Lynx is equipped with an high resolution, colorimetric analysis camera, Tillett & Hague technology and an optional second camera can be added to protect the plants by keeping the machine on track, even in hilly conditions or on odd-shaped headlands.

There is an optional crop feeler for working in developed crops. LED lights allow good working results also in the dark.

In order to extend application possibilities, Kverneland offers combined systems of mechanical weeding with chemical crop care and fertiliser application: The Kverneland Onyx can be combined with the Kverneland iXtra LiFe for band spraying or the application of liquid fertiliser.

In combination with Kverneland a-drill and f-drill, the simultaneous application of solid fertiliser or companion crop in one pass with the mechanical weeding process is possible.

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Lemken Presents First Weeding Harrow

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lso embarking on the mechanical weeding path is Lemken, which has introduced its new Thulit weeder harrow.

With the Thulit, Lemken says it has broken new ground to now launch a new concept with four beams and eight rows of harrow tines. Complex spring combinations are replaced by an innovative hydraulic tine pressure adjustment, which ensures that the tines deliver more even pressure across the full working surface.

The pressure can be continuously adjusted to up to five kilograms while driving. The tines are arranged with a line spacing of 31.25 millimetres and ensure blockage-free work. Stable,

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true-to-track and wear-free tine bearings ensure optimum weed removal. A straightforward quick-change system makes it easy to replace the harrow tines.

The Thulit features precise and continuous ground contour following with consistent tine pressure, making it a highly versatile implement, even on very uneven ground and in ridge crops.

Due to its generous clearance height and clever design that removes the need for the usual springs, it is almost impossible to find plants getting caught underneath the frame.

The flexible hydraulic system further supports width section control within the frame sections to avoid multiple

passes across parts of the field.

Minimising the frame weight was a core aim in designing this machine. To achieve this, the number of moving parts was significantly reduced in comparison to similar models, ensuring that the Thulit can also be used easily with tractors with low lifting capacity.

The driver has a clear view of the harrow tines during work and therefore a constant view of work results. For transport, the tines fold in automatically for an increased level of safety.

The Thulit harrow will initially be available in limited quantities in working widths of six and nine metres in spring 2024.

CLAAS CMATIC – Performance Driven

Seamless acceleration and deceleration between 0-50kph.

Uninterrupted power for maximum productivity and minimising fuel usage.

3 simple drive modes.

Auto stretch brake.

Tractor implement control.

Engine droop adjustment.

CLAAS CMATIC – the fully stepless transmission that’s performance driven, efficiency driven and with you in the driving seat.

Contact your local SELLARS branch today for a demonstration.

sellar.co.uk

SELLARS Oldmeldrum Tel: 01651 872891

SELLARS Forres Tel: 01309 676708

SELLARS Letham Tel: 01307 818545

SELLARS Cupar Tel: 01334 658210

SELLARS Huntly Tel: 01466 792165

SELLARS Perth Tel: 01738 620549

SELLARS Stirling Tel: 07713 067326

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LAAS has introduced two new compact tractors in the Axos range, namely the 230 and 240 models with 92hp and 103hp respectively.

Ideal for mixed and specialty crop farms as well as small-scale full- and part-time farms, the new Axos 230 and 240 tractors are packed with a host of different technical features relating to performance, power transmission, comfort and payload.

These include a five-speed powershift transmission with Revershift and Twinshift, wheel sizes up to 34-inches, a gross vehicle weight of six tons and a flat floor with a comfortable command centre.

Sliding neatly in below the Arion 400 range, the Axos 200 range has a height of 2.62m, and has a minimum turning radius of 3.79m.

Power for the Axos 200 range comes from the FPT four-cylinder turbo engines with common-rail injection and Stage V emissions standard. The 3.6l engine features 1,800 bar injection pressure, wastegate turbocharger, intercooler and viscous fan, with maximum power output at 2,000rpm.

Maximum torque on the Axos 230 is 366Nm, rising to 406Nm for the 240. The fuel tank capacity is 105l and in addition

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to that is the 10l urea tank (AdBlue) for the exhaust gas aftertreatment system.

The Stage V exhaust gas cleaning system features an SCR catalytic converter, diesel particulate filter (DPF), diesel oxidation catalytic converter (DOC) and externally cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR).

Instead of one engine speed memory, a version with two engine speed memories is optionally available. This is particularly useful when working with PTO-driven or hydraulically operated implements. After saving the engine speed using either the foot or hand throttle and pushbutton, subsequent adjustments can be made with two pushbuttons.

The five-speed transmission in the Axos 200 provides 30 forward and 15 reverse gears, with as many as 10 gears

in the main operating range and a short shift lever for easy car-like shifting.

Twinshift powershift transmission, which increases tractive power by 20 per cent at the press of a button, and the electrohydraulic Revershift clutchless reverser, are included as standard.

Other features include the clutch button on the back of the shift lever, which eliminates the use of the foot clutch in virtually all operations and the optional Smart Stop function, which automatically disengages the transmission to bring the tractor to a standstill when the foot brake is applied at traffic lights, junctions and during front loader work.

Claas Unloads New Axo

With a lift capacity of 3,350kgs, the Axos 200 easily handle standard cultivation or grass management implements and grounds maintenance equipment. Both models can also be optionally fitted with a front loader with a lift capacity of 3200kgs.

The Axos 200 has an open-centre hydraulic system with an output of 87 l/min as standard, with an optional third pump available to increase output to 114 l/min.

The left-hand door opens wide to enable driver and passenger to step into and out of the flat-floor cab safely and

comfortably. Air conditioning and an air-suspended driver's seat are optionally available.

Slender pillars for an excellent all-round view are supplied as standard, while the curved rear windscreen gives a particularly clear view to the rear.

Both front and rear windscreens can be opened.

All relevant information such as diesel consumption per hour, transmission oil temperature or fill level of the diesel particulate filter can be viewed on the 4.2-inch colour display in the steering wheel console.

by Chris McCullough

os Tractors onto the Market

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Two Powerful

Claas Xerion

by Chris McCullough

Tractors Roll Out

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LAAS has added two new Xerion tractors to the series, the 12.590 at 585hp and the 12.650 at 653hp.

The tractors feature the highly efficient low-engine speed drive concept 2.0, the Cemos operator assistance system, an enormous hydraulic pump capacity of up to 537l/min and a new spacious cab with four-point suspension.

These two new more powerful models are designed as highly efficient specialists for the toughest of draught work, such as pulling wide cultivators and seed drills as well as chaser bins.

When it came to engine technology, Mercedes-Benz was again the obvious choice using the 15.6l OM473 LA six-cylinder in-line engine. Turbo compound technology with wastegate turbocharger ensures enormous power development, even at low engine speeds, and maximum efficiency under full and partial load at the same time.

As a result, the maximum torque, an impressive 3100Nm in the Xerion 12.650, is available even at 1300 rpm. The idling speed is set at a low 650 rpm.

The coolers for engine, transmission, hydraulics and axles are generously sized for maximum efficiency and positioned for easy access. The cooling area can be cleaned at the press of a button with the aid of the hydraulic reversible fan.

The fuel tank in the Xerion 12 Series has a capacity of 1,400l, while the AdBlue tanks can hold 90l. The central

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position of the fuel tank means that the tractor's weight distribution does not change during the working day as the fill level falls.

The new Xerion 12 Series is equipped with the latest generation Cmatic continuously variable transmission, maintenance-friendly, durable and perfectly matched to the engine's optimal torque and consumption characteristics.

Thanks to four automatically selected drive modes, the transmission works with a high degree of efficiency, transferring power to both axles continuously.

The low-engine speed concept 2.0 in the Xerion encompasses the power hydraulics as well as the drive. Up to three load-sensing pumps supply external consumers with a maximum 537l/min at 1900 rpm.

This ample output means that even the widest air seeders with a continuously high oil demand can be operated even more efficiently at greatly reduced engine speed.

Up to eight double-acting control circuits continuously supply sufficient oil to cultivation implements, drills and precision air seeders too, with prioritised control circuits able to deliver up to 140l/min to the highest consumers.

Claas Industrietechnik in Paderborn developed new crawler track assemblies with positive drive for the Xerion 12 Series. Sturdy steering axles with two

auxiliary steering cylinders per axle and large drive wheels transfer power gently to the drive belts while simultaneously engaging eight lugs.

The two-part frame construction of the crawler tracks enables the two pairs of mid-rollers, which are mounted on bogies to adapt to ground contours independently of the main frame.

Large rubber blocks between the undercarriage and the main frame of the crawler track assembly effectively buffer bumps and vibrations.

In addition to the multi-pass effect, ideal 50:50 weight distribution regardless of tank level and combined with the efficient drivetrain with low-engine speed concept 2.0, this reduces fuel consumption by 8 to 10 per cent per hour compared with other tractor concepts in this performance class.

The cab has been extended by 27cm at the front, making it currently the largest command centre in the premium tractor segment. Footrests can be factory-fitted behind the steering column and on the right-hand A-pillar. The driver's seat is available in three versions with standard upholstery or optional high-quality cotton or leather upholstery, and can be rotated by 40° to give the driver a perfect view of attached implements.

Both the exhaust gas aftertreatment system and the exhaust system are fully integrated into the right-hand side of the chassis under the cab.

Bruce Farm Machinery

Bogauldy, King Edward, Banff AB45 3LX 01261 821 659 07801595414

MACHINERY RING BENEFITS! Speak to your local Machinery Ring about opportunities when purchasing Case IH tractors, combines and balers.

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LAYDON’S latest range of Evolution mounted drills combined with the Opti-Till technology offer growers the perfect technology wanting to increase sowing efficiency.

With working widths of 3m, 4m, 4.5m, 4.8m, 5m and 6m, Evolution models incorporate 9, 13, 15 or 19 tines and most feature a 1,910 litre hopper, 160 litres more than previous Claydon Hybrid mounted models.

Fertiliser placement models, available with working widths of 3m and 4m, have a 2700 litre tank, an increase of 600

A-share configuration, double rear toolbar and road lights. Typical daily outputs range from 20ha for the 3m Evolution which requires at least 150hp to 40ha for the 6m version which needs a minimum of 300hp.

Seeding depth adjustment is now controlled hydraulically, improved access to the metering unit allows easier calibration, while front-mounted discs which are operated hydraulically from the

tractor seat can be specified for seeding into high residue situations.

Other features include quick-fit knock-on/knock-off coulter options for the standard leading tine and A-Share to

litres, which is split 50:50 between seed and fertiliser.

The larger hoppers reduce downtime and increase output, while second and third hopper options for applying multiple types, varieties and sizes of seed are available to enhance versatility.

All models feature as standard a hydraulic fan, Artemis metering control, tramlining facility, front tine/1,80mm

Versatile Claydon Evolution Dril 42

low disturbance twin disc and tine options.

Multiple seed tool options allow a wide range of crops to be drilled across different soil types and situations, while the quick-change facility allows fast, easy modification when required. A large, easily accessible toolbox

incorporated into the step frame is also standard.

Options include GPS variable seed rate capability, pre-emergence marker arms, front disc toolbar, stone protection, micro fertiliser applicator, low-disturbance twin tine kit, slug pelleter, blockage sensors and a light and vision kit.

A key benefit of the tried and tested two-tine technology, which is at the heart of every Claydon drill is its ability

to cope with extremes of weather that are becoming increasingly frequent.

It delivers exceptional versatility in all climatic conditions, soil types and crops, yet moves soil only in the growing zone. The front tine removes compaction, aerates the soil, and creates drainage in the rooting zone, whilst the seeding tine deposits seeds in the surface tilth.

Zonal cultivation means that the previous rooting and soil structure is not destroyed, allowing worms to thrive and soil biota levels to improve.

by Chris McCullough

l Takes Seeding to Next Level 43

First 13m mounted tedder launched

by Kuhn

A

ccess to those hard to reach fields with a tedder has been made easier with the introduction of Kuhn’s new 13m compact mounted machine.

The GF 13003 is the widest mounted tedder on the market and joins the trailed version that was launched last year. The mounted design places the weight of the tedder over the rear of the tractor, to avoid the implement slipping when working on hillsides, helping to increase accuracy and stability.

Rhodri Jenkins, Kuhn’s grassland product specialist, said: “For users after increased output from a mounted tedder, the GF 13003 offers improved manoeuvrability and the ability reach fields through narrow lanes and gateways.

“The clever design means all 12 rotors fold into a 2.99m transport width and a 2.67m transport height, while the tedder features just one gearbox and two hydraulic valves for simple operation.”

To maintain forage quality and prevent losses on field margins, Kuhn’s Oblique setting pivots the two outer rotors rearwards when tedding on headlands, to ensure all tedded grass is thrown back on to the cut area. The system requires no additional hydraulic

by Chris McCullough

supply.

Uprated arms and heavy-duty tines accompany a new Optitedd rotor to improve longevity of the GF 13003 and reduce servicing and maintenance.

The company says the asymmetrical tines are expected to last twice as long than previous tines and will improve tedding between neighbouring rotors.

A reduced distance between the wheels and tines helps reduce contamination due to closer ground following.

Rhodri added: “Further developments on the GF 13003 include

rotor wheel deflectors as standard to prevent grass build-up around the wheels and column. This is especially useful in long crops and young high-sugar crops that tend to wrap around the wheels during operation.”

Existing Kuhn features are available, such as the Headland Lift Control, which raises the two outermost rotors higher on headland turns to achieve maximum ground clearance and ensure forage is tedded only once. Kuhn’s renowned Digidrive system offering maintenance-free rotors, is also an option.

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recommends considering one of the dual use varieties, such as LG Diablo, which combines decent yield performance, with multiple end market opportunities, offering an advantage over many varieties now listed.

"Newer recommended varieties certainly offer higher yield potential, and if contracts are offered, then they are worth considering. But dual use varieties offer growers flexibility to grow for more than one market, whether that's distilling, brewing, or feed market sectors."

3. Vigour and tillering capacity

S

pring barley is an important rotational option on many farms and more growers may well be looking to the crop in 2024 if exceptionally wet autumn weather has disrupted winter cropping plans.

Fortunately, there is a good range of varieties to choose from, offering attractive yields, lower growing costs than those typically associated with winter-sown crops and premium potential where malting quality can be achieved.

But, whether the decision to grow spring barley is planned or unplanned, Limagrain UK arable technical manager, Ron Granger, says there are some key things to consider when selecting a suitable variety to grow next spring.

1. Market requirements

Start by fully understanding your grain buyer's requirements in terms of variety and grain quality, especially when looking to supply premium brewing or distilling markets, says Mr Granger.

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In some instances, contract specifications will dictate the variety that must be grown to supply a particular market and criteria such as grain nitrogen content, will have an important impact on agronomic decisions and crop inputs throughout the season.

"This is particularly true for those dependent on hitting a certain grain nitrogen percentage to achieve the contract premium, notably distilling, which requires 1.65% N or lower, brewing 1.65-1.85% and grain distilling at 1.85%+. Grain nitrogen is not a concern for animal feed."

2. Dual use potential

Where variety choice is not dictated by the end user, growers have flexibility to select one that suits their requirements, growing conditions and farm situation.

With 13 malting and four feed varieties on the 2023/24 AHDB Recommended List, there is a good selection available, but Mr Granger

Newer varieties, such as LG Diablo, offer excellent spring vigour and high tillering capacity, which is a valuable trait in spring barley given the relatively short growing period, says Mr Granger.

The best way to maximise spring barley yield potential is to ensure high final ear counts. The AHDB Barley growth guide suggests the final target ear population should be around 775 ears/m2, but even higher final ear counts may be needed to drive yield.

"An 8-9 t/ha crop needs around 800 ears/m2, which at a 350 seeds/m2 rate, equates to around 2.5-3 tillers per plant at harvest.

"However, experience shows optimal tiller and ear counts may be underachieved in many situations, meaning crops fall short of achieving their full yield potential.

"Choosing a more vigorous tillering variety will help, as it will give some reassurance that the optimum tiller count will be reached."

While variety choice, seed rate and drilling date all influence tillering and final ear count, the biggest issue is often the weather, he continues. "Drought will cause tiller loss, so growers must also ensure numbers are high enough at the outset by driving establishment and early rooting with front-loaded nutrition.”

Where spring barley is being used in a black-grass situation, it is important that a vigorous, high tillering variety is selected, as a high tiller number must be ensured for the variety to compete. Later sowings will require increased seed rates to ensure a good canopy is achieved, as tillering ability will be limited due to the shorter growing period.

"Spring barley is a fast-growing crop and if key nutrients are deficient at any time, yield potential will be affected."

It has been shown in Limagrain trials, that higher yielding varieties respond positively to higher nitrogen inputs, due to their increased yield potential and, more importantly, a dilution of grain nitrogen content. Phosphate, potash, magnesium and sulphur, have proven beneficial to tiller retention and final yield, while additional micronutrients, including manganese, zinc, copper, iron, and boron, applied at the stem extension phase into flowering, are also useful, he says.

4. Disease resistance

Strong disease resistance is an important characteristic to look for in any variety, and spring barley is no exception, with mildew, rhynchosporium and brown rust being the main considerations, says Mr Granger.

"Early drilling can significantly

increase disease risk, so it may be particularly important to consider more disease resistant varieties for this situation.

"Spring barley doesn't have a main yield-building flag leaf, so all leaves, including leaves two and three, must be kept clean and green as long as possible."

A Limagrain UK survey of more than 100 growers last year, found that most (70%) usually apply two fungicides, which is the preferred approach in "normal" seasons, with the first at growth stage 31/32, and the second at GS 37/39.

Some may look to make savings in low disease pressure years, potentially putting more reliance on genetic resistance, however Mr Granger cautions that any savings should come from adjusting product selection and rate, rather than omitting sprays.

"If you're only spraying once, it's

difficult to judge the best time to apply it, and you're second-guessing the weather. The key is to remain flexible and react to the season."

5. Resistance to lodging/brackling

Choosing a variety with good straw characteristics, is key to protecting yield and grain quality at harvest and potentially offers another significant output from the crop, be it for your own use, or for sale, says Mr Granger.

However, while a variety's RL ratings for lodging and brackling provide a useful indication, it is also important to recognise the role that agronomic decisions play, notably around seed rate, nutrition, and the use/timing of growth regulators.

For more spring barley advice, see – https://lgseeds.co.uk/crops/cereals/sp ring-barley/

Bruce Farm Machinery

Bogauldy, King Edward, Banff AB45 3LX 01261 821 659 07801595414

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by Petra Jacob

C

avallino-Treporti is a municipality in the Metropolitan City of Venice and lies on a headland between the Venetian Lagoon and the Adriatic Sea. With its 30, mostly huge campsites the municipality is Europe's most important open-air tourism destination and the seaside resort with the second most overnight stays in all of Italy. It has only 13 500 inhabitants and over 6 million overnight stays at peak times! That sounds like mass tourism – and yet the region makes a very rural impression.

The campsites are located along a 15 km long sandy beach on the Adriatic Sea. The pitches and cabins disappear under a forest of pine trees. The former simple campsites of yesteryear have become luxurious holiday resorts. This camping destination all started in the 1950s with German holidaymakers flocking here. They still make up the majority of visitors and there are also many Austrians for whom it is only two and a half hours by car away and its nearest beach.

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More Than a Holiday Destination

Private vegetable and fruit gardens border the camping facilities, as well as larger areas for the commercial cultivation of vegetables and salads.

They remind us that before tourism, it was agriculture – alongside fishing – how people traditionally earned their money.

The Azienda Agricola Valleri Stefano vegetable farm is located in Ca' Pasquali on Via del Vallone. The head of the 6 hectare farm is Stefano Valleri, who took over the company from his father Gino a few years ago. Gino Valleri still remembers how the business started here with his father in 1957 and how he helped his father as a teenager. At that time they still sold their harvest through traders at the famous Rialto market in Venice, he says. But today the market is only “a shadow of its former self.” Mass tourism has turned the old town of Venice into a “Disneyland.” The population has fallen drastically in recent years and young people no longer want to live where millions of tourists push their way through the narrow

streets. Many of the houses have hotels and accommodation and shopping is done in supermarkets and not in open air markets anymore The products of Azienda Agricola Valleri Stefano also end up in Italian supermarkets via wholesalers. But now there is also a farm shop where their holiday guests can shop. The Valleri company owns a few holiday bungalows. “Many holidaymakers have now become friends and come regularly; we have also visited them.”

For many years Valleris have focused on growing fresh herbs, salads and vegetables. In 2008 they started processing the harvest. Vegetables that they do not grow themselves are supplied by other companies with whom they work cooperatively. The brand "Le Delizie del parco" was developed for holiday guests.

“You should have the opportunity to take the flavor of the region home with you,” as Stefano Valleri describes it. The farm shop presents an impressive variety of things preserved in jars.

There are purple artichokes, Jerusalem artichokes, zucchini or eggplants preserved in olive oil or made into spreads. There is also red onion jam, marinated red cabbage or the Italian specialty Giardiniera, a vegetable mixture pickled in sweet and sour vinegar. “We never run out of ideas,” laughs Stefano Valleri. “Every year something new comes along.”

A poster with colorful vegetables bears the message "km 0,"a label that has been used in shops and restaurants in Italy for a few years to indicate regionality and short transport routes.

The agricultural products from Cavallino-Treporti are considered “top-notch” on the northern Italian markets, as Valleris says. It is this location between the sea and the lagoon, the salty soil, water and the salty air that affects the taste.

Francesco Scarpi (44) and partner Silvia Rui (46) market pasta made from their own wheat under the name “Terre Salate” (salty land). “The other farmers told us that it wouldn’t grow in such soil,” says Silvia. “We have proven the opposite.” The key factor for “the unique aroma” of their wheat is the high salt content in the soil. In addition, grinding the grain in a stone mill and drying it at a low temperature makes the pasta particularly tasty. The olives do well with the salty soil, she explains during a tour of the farm. But above all it is the purple artichokes that "take on a

particularly good taste."

Francesco and Silvia Scarpi grew up in the lagoon, but have only been working in agriculture for a few years; at their Azienda Agricola they work according to organic principles. In addition to purple artichokes and olives, they also grow green asparagus and other vegetables on 4.5 hectares of leased land. In addition to wheat, there is also corn and barley (all old varieties).

The corn is ground into polenta semolina, the durum wheat is processed into flour and pastas such as caserecce, calamarata and mezze penne and the barley is used to produce beer.

They are also preparing an old building for ‘agriturismo.’ The location looks quite idyllic next to an orchard with access to the water. Right next door is the old village church of Mesole, which is often visited by cyclists. They have to cycle past the Scarpi farm. That's why Silvia has arranged huge pumpkins on the street as eye-catchers. Large wooden boards say – in Italian and English – what she has for sale in the farm shop. “Ring the bell” says one of the signs.

Azienda Agricola Scarpi Francesco's products are also sold at markets, events and restaurants. With the farm, Silvia fulfilled her lifelong dream. She once worked as a geomatician. "I sat in the office a lot; I wanted to get out into nature, grow tasty food and share it with others." It is also important to her that

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“the region’s agricultural traditions do not disappear,” as she says. "The biggest challenge are the campsites. They have to work with local farmers, otherwise we will die out, they also have to understand that our products cost a little more." There were times when they only offered “bratwurst and French fries.” But in the last years things are changing, more regional and seasonal dishes are being served. Together with her colleague Lisa Vianello – a former work colleague – Silvia Rui visited all of Cavallino Treporti's campsites. So far, only nine of the campsites have included her “Terre Salate” products in their supermarket range. There is clearly still room for improvement.

The vaporetto leaves from Treporti station – the waterbus is Venice's public transport. After a wonderful 25-minute trip through the lagoon, the boat arrives on the island of Mazzorbo. Just 100 m from the pier and right on the water is Matteo Bisol's Michelin starred restaurant "Venissa."

Next to it, behind an old stone wall, is a vineyard. Matteo is the only winemaker who makes wine directly in the Venice area. It was his father Gianluca who located the last vines of

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the local Dorona variety in 2002. There was once an important wine making tradition on the Venetian islands, also on the piece of land that came into the possession of the Bisol family. There have been vineyards here since the 14th century and in the 1800s it was a winery that existed until 1966, the year of the great flood when all of Venice's vineyards were destroyed.

The Bisol winemakers are confident that they will be spared from floods in the future; since the MOSE storm surge barrier was completed in 2003. They prefer to concentrate on producing unique wines. The top wine 'Venissa' made from the Dorona grape says: "A white wine with the character and elegance of a red wine," and with only around 3500 bottles per year, a rarity.

The bottles are decorated with hand-beaten gold leaf labels and a half litre bottle of the most recent vintage is available for €160. The 2010 vintage, "the one and only one that began the story," as it says on their homepage, is recommended to wine collectors not only because of its rarity, but also because of its longevity. The half-litre bottle costs an impressive €1380!

The Bisol company owns four

vineyards in the lagoon. A good portion of the wine is served in their restaurant.

The former manor house also has sophisticated guest rooms and the former country estate is now called a “wine resort.” The program includes guided tours with wine tasting or excursions with one of the last fishermen in the lagoon or to the Battiloro family, who – as one of the last in Europe – produce gold leaf (for wine bottle labels) in the traditional way.

“More and more visitors want to have wonderful experiences on vacation,” says Matteo Bisol. “That includes eating and drinking well, dishes made from regional and seasonal ingredients, preferably with Michelin stars.”

The Venissa concept is very trendy.

The restaurant has not only been awarded one star by Michelin, but also a “green star” for its sustainability.

“We are also proud of our own vegetable garden”, says Matteo Bisol.

They work according to the motto: "Experience a different side of Venice." And those visitors who need to visit all the famous sights like Doge's Palace, St. Mark's Square and the Grand Canal, they are all just a vaporetto ride away.

BOOK – 200 Farmers of Scotland – £25 including postage

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Scotland covers 7.8 million hectares, of that 5.7 million or 73% is farmland, or 79% if common grazing is included.

This book has photographs of 200 farmers and interviews with 109 from across the country from Orkney to Berwick and Durness to Stranraer within its 288 pages. It is available from individual bookshops and farm outlets or direct from the author. To order direct: drop an e-mail to Eilidh MacPherson at editor@farmingscotland.com or private message on facebook – farmingscotland.com for details.

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