editor@farmingscotland.com

farmingscotland.com October 2024 • Issue 153

Celebrating 21 Years of Publication

Contents

BUSINESS

Health Hut Emma following in Doddie’s Bootsteps Hutton joins AMAST to Battle AMR £425 000 Community Funding Appin Show

18 21 22 23 52

Ayrshire Monitor Farm FAO urges Action Agriculture and Scottish Island Life Movers & Shakers

14 20 24 34

British Wool Update Hexel High Voltage at Lanark Hebridean Sheepdog Trial Circuit Cambwell Hulk Outmuscles Competition New Ambassadors for British Wool

26 30 28 32 37

Why are Wheat Yields so Variable

49

EDUCATION /MONITOR FARMS

SHEEP / SHEARING

ARABLE

MACHINERY

Fendt – 100 000th Tractor BKT Tyres New MF Forage Range New Dealer for Bobcat Three new Tractors for John Deere Cultivators from Kuhn

38 40 42 44 46 48

DOG TRIALS / ROUND THE REGIONS

Scottish National Dog Trials Katie’s Life on the Farm Top Chef Cooks up Interest in Red Meat

4 12 22

Importance of Old Farm Buildings for Bats

24

BUILDINGS

WORLD TRAVELS/ INTEREST Book Reviews

50

34

6

Editor

farmingscotland.com

Eilidh MacPherson

52 44

Eilidh MacPherson Editor/publisher farmingscotland.com Magazine The Old Bank Ardvasar Isle of Skye IV45 8RS

0797 7897867

www.farmingscotland.com farmingscotland.com on facebook

Photos by Eilidh MacPherson unless otherwise stated on page 21

Scttish Nation

nal Dog Trials

by Eilidh MacPherson

by Eilidh MacPherson

F

arr Estate in Strathnairn, near Inverness, set the scene for the Scottish National Sheep Dog Trials over four days last week.

One hundred and fifty men and a record number of women and their trusty canine cohorts were vying for a place in the Scottish team. With only ten per cent making the cut for the fifteen positions in the singles event, competition was fierce.

Kenny and John Matheson, who farm a staggering 31 000 acres at the base of the Monadhliath Mountains, including Milton of Aberarder, Old Town of Leys, Viewhill and Farr, provided the sheep for the event. The Blackface cross Swaledale ewes, had plenty hybrid vigour and proved very challenging over the duration. The Mathesons are well known for producing and selling 900 Highland Mule ewe lambs in a day at Dingwall and Highland Marts, which this year were being sold on the Monday following the trial.

The taxing sheep caused mayhem for many, with only just over a third of the field (56) making the scoreboard!

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Singles Day One

Dumfries and Galloway based Dean Aitken (no. 6) and Tweeddale Viki were first to set a reasonable score of 162 and secure standing in the coveted fifteen man qualifiers. They were in third place by the end of the first day and slipped to fifth overall.

It was a poignant moment for many when Billy Welsh took to the podium with Brobar Rock. The late Jim Thomson qualified for the National with Rock, but sadly lost his battle with cancer mid May. This pairing stood in eighth position (139 points) at the end of play on day one and remained in the top 15 until mid way through the second day.

Billy’s cousin William Welsh, who captained the team in 2022, competed with Jan. Apparently there was a complete downpour during his run and he went on to win the Jack Fraser Trophy for the best sportsman, scoring a commendable 142 points regardless of the conditions.

Retired Shetlander Jerry Ramsay made his journey with Josie worthwhile scoring zeros on the lift and pen. He

was second at the end of the day and fourth placed into the Scottish team for the first time.

Dab hands Neil McVicar and Ian Brownlie with Balemund Pete and Lark respectively both qualified once more for the International. Lark soared to third place overall, while Pete settled for tenth. Both handlers went on to have success on other days with Neil and Mark taking out second spot overall (174), making it the 18th time in the team for Neil. Ian and Boyd scored 151 and chalked up 11th place.

Singles Day Two

Fraser Shennan, who won the Supreme with Belle at Blessington, Co Wicklow last year, was on early doors on Saturday. Running this year with Fred, he had a nail-biting wait near the end of the trials to see if he would qualify once more, as three duos were sitting on 144 points. His travelling companion Wullie Welsh, who captained the Scottish team six years ago, (son of the aforementioned Billy

SCOTTISH TEAM

Singles: 179 Elinore Nilsson Midderry Kid 174 Mark Neil McVicar 164 Lark Ian Brownlie 163 Josie Jerry Ramsay Tweeddale Viki 162 Dean Aitken 158 Alexander Kent Lucy 158 Kemi Sia Ian Lockhart Michael GallacherHill Runner Bee 157 156 Michael Shearer Mirk Baledmund Pete 151 Neil McVicar 151 Boyd Ian Brownlie 148 Banjo Emma Gray Heyshaw Fletch 147 Wullie Welsh 144 Fraser Shennan Fred 144 Hamish Mitchell Dan Reserve: Ian Sutherland

Heilan Cap

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Brace: Elinore Nilsson Avon Jacob & Midderry Kid 212 177 Laura Hinnekens Gum and Eira Young Handler: Donnie MacDiarmid and Rab

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Welsh) was in a similar position as he was sitting on 147 points with Heyshaw Fletch. Both were relieved to make it in, in 13th and 14th slots respectively.

Twenty-eight year old Alexander Kent from Dunoon, who works on power-lines for SSE, had a stellar run and stood in second place by the end of the day. He qualified sixth into the team for the first time and lifted the Miss MacFarlane Trophy.

Well kent trailers Ian Lockhart and Kemi Sia and Irishman Michael Gallacher and Hill Runner Bee ended on 158 and 157 points, taking 7th and 8th places.

Third last run of the day Swedish lass Elinore Nilsson made her mark with Midderry Kid, topping the scoreboard on 179 points and remaining there for the duration. Elinore, who shepherds at Alyth, was competing at the National for the fourth time making the team for the third time. Elinore also took out the Brace event on the Thursday afternoon giving her the double win. She is only the second woman to win the Scottish National in the history of the event.

Julie Hill took it out in 1991 and again in 2014. Julie also swept the Scottish National Brace five times, taking out the double in 1991.

‘The sheep have been good and have been testing for everyone all week,” commentated Elinore who been competing for eight years and was delighted to take out both titles.

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Singles Day Three

ith a change in the weather, trailers and spectators basked in sunshine on day three.

Caithness farmer and successful dog trialler Michael Shearer was in the middle of a decent run with young dog Mirk (2yrs 4 months) when a dog jumped the fence and started rounding up the sheep! No one seemed to know whose dog it was until Duncan Robertson leapt up out of the stand to retrieve his collie. Totally unfazed Michael carried on, scoring 156 and gaining 9th place. Needless to say Duncan didn’t return to the stand all afternoon!

Well known for his competitive drive and success on the sheep shearing scene, Hamish Mitchell has had a keen interest in sheep dog trialling from an early age. Running Dan at number 129 on the final day saw a near perfect outrun and lift but the sheep then took off to the left, missing the set of gates on the fetch. Followed by a testing first shed, which was well executed and an amazing pen, Hamish unfortunately ran out of time at the final shed. He ended on a score of 144 and waited nervously while the rest of the day played out to see if he could remain in the top fifteen

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and gain a place in the Scottish Team.

Hamish and Dan were last into the team, squeezing ahead of Ian Sutherland with a lower OLF score (Outrun, Lift and Fetch).

Hamish will be chairing and hosting the Scottish National Dog Trial 2026, courtesy of JR Cheape and Co, Letham Farm, Glenfarg, on the farm he manages.

Emma Gray and Banjo worked in harmony to pull off an almost textbook run. Emma, who offers an online Sheepdog School, took her time at the first shed, waiting for the perfect opportunity to separate two ewes from the pack, losing no points, but using up valuable time. From the sidelines their pen looked perfect, but four points were dropped on the tally sheet. Moving

swiftly back to the sawdust ring for the single shed, the Isle of Bute based pair were timed out losing 20 penalty points.

With a total score of 148 they took third place for the day and were 12th into the Scottish team.

Young Skye man, Donnie MacDiarmid (16), who ran Rab on day two, was awarded the Orumclog Cup for the youngest competitor in the Trial.

Donnie was also presented with the Logan Whistle, which is given to the Young Handler representing Scotland at the International.

The full team will be competing against England, Ireland and Wales from Thursday 12th – Saturday 14th September at Syde Farm, Carmichael, Biggar. Lanarkshire, ML12 6NQ.

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Kati

F

rm a F e h on t e f i L e’s

or anyone new to my little articles about life at Westwood Lane Farm near Stirling, here is a quick update. My name is Katie Brisbane and up until September 2023, I was a farmer’s wife and partner in A & K Farming, a small beef and arable farm near Stirling. My husband Alan and I have 4 grown up children, none of whom farm yet and we were planning an easier life. Tragically Alan died on the farm in September 2023. This is the story from then…

First, a little about Alan the farmer, bold but not arrogant, confident and knowledgeable but not complacent, passionate but not infatuated, tidy but not OCD. He was incredibly practical and very skilled, he built the sheds, made the gates, serviced and fixed the machines, calved the cows, drained the land, fixed the fences, created the spreadsheets, designed the management programmes, filled in the never ending forms, followed the wheat future markets, the list could go on! But probably his greatest skill, which our neighbours will miss the most, was his ability, or intuition, to get the weather forecast right.

Now, a little about me. Optimistic, energetic and very enthusiastic with a great lifelong love of farming. We were a great team and the combination of our personalities and the fact that we had been a team for 35 years, mean that I am enduring a far easier journey than many others who are in a similarly unfair and sad situation.

A & K Farming is a successful business, Alan planned and I changed the plans often. On night number 3 following Alan’s passing, I was thinking

12

about how we had done it and my future became as clear as the full moon that was shining through the bedroom window. I wasn’t going to farm alone; I didn’t have the skills, so Westwood Lane was going to be mothballed.

The next day, I booked the 2 bulls into the market. By selling them, if I changed the plan at a later point and decided to breed cattle, I’d have to actively go out and buy new ones.

Furthermore, if my son or daughters decided they wanted cattle, they would also have to be committed and not feel they had to stick with their father’s breed choice.

Now with the first decision made, it was time to focus on farming the farm and implementing operation mothball.

Day 1, have a bonfire! I was overwhelmed with kindness and received hundreds of cards, so thought to safely dispose of the envelopes I’d start the bonfire, which looked like a pile of wood from the shed clearance Alan had done during the non-harvest days. To paint the picture, the fire was situated fairly close to the silage bales and Alan, being practical, had used the bales made from cleaning the ditch banks as a protective wall. Armed with matches, I topped up the loader bucket full of envelopes and lit the fire.

My daughters commented that it went up fast, but I figured it would also burn out fast. An hour later, we had a bit of a problem… the supposedly wet bales were now glowing red… time to phone a friend in the fire service! I called it in as a controlled burn and was told to stay with it and let them know when it was out.

The fire was still burning on day 2

and on day 3, when the alarm went off at 4am as daughter Jane was heading back to Australia, I could hear the wind.

As we came out of the house, all we could see in the stack yard was a semicircle of 8 glowing round bales with smoke billowing into the straw sheds!

I needed help so phoned the useful number the fireman friend had given me and explained that the controlled burn was not out and that although not at the present causing danger, this might change if the winds reached the forecasted storm force levels...

This call was followed by a call to warn the two daughters that were in the house that the firemen were coming.

Before I even came off the motorway on my way back from the airport, I knew I needed to pop a wee ’don’t panic’ note on the neighbours WhatsApp group, as all I could see when I looked towards home was a large red glow and lots of blue flashing lights! By 8am, the fire was out, the neighbours were at ease, and we enjoyed a laugh about what Alan would have been saying if he were watching us!

Thankfully things settled a little after the fire episode. I could again thank Alan for his organisational skills as most of the grain in the cattle sheds had been sold ahead and he had done all the winter field work. His diary and spread sheets were proving an easy map to follow. Family, friends and neighbours were going over and above to help me.

A month in, and it was time to get the cattle in. I had decided to sell the year-old calves store instead of finishing them. This would mean I’d have more space for calving our 35 cows, which was due to start at the end of November.

We have bred our Limousin cross herd to be easy handled and calved, so I thought more space would eliminate the need for strength to move gates and thus daughter Hannah and I would manage it. Oh how wrong was I! The first helpless blow was the bedder. By week 2 of cows inside, I knew I would never get to grips with steering the tractor in the passage with one hand, while working the tiny joystick at my right shoulder with the other hand AND looking around to avoid collision with the barriers… too many actions at once. Hannah, who could work the bedder, was heading back to Australia in January so I booked in a young farmer to take over bedder duty from then!

Calving began with some new experiences. The second oldest cow (number 123) was just not right, she

wasn’t eating, was very uncomfortable but with no signs of starting to calve, the vet was called and suggested steroids and a caesarean the next day.

123 had other ideas and dropped dead in the night so new experience 1, never had we lost a cow pre-calving.

We got her out of the pen and then witnessed new experience 2, a cow riot!

With the matriarch of the herd gone, everyone wanted to be in charge.

Later that day, calving actually began.

Number 22 had a tiny calf, so Hannah and I headed in to pen her off. Helpless blow number 2, we had neither the strength, speed or knowledge to separate the mother and calf in amongst the rioting cows. After what seemed like hours of shouting, sweat and tears we gave up and walked away, knowing that we would probably be faced with a dead calf in the morning.

5.30am November 26th, I am up, having not slept much. I managed to pen 22 and her tiny baby off, all the while thinking ‘why did it have to be this hard?’ The emotions got the better of me and for the first time, I doubted that I could do it. However, my special friend, who I walk with every morning at 6am, reminded me that I can because I am not doing it alone. I did get some good news that day, my son’s daughter was born meaning I became a Granny for the first time!

A couple of days later, and it was new experience number 3, the first of the heifers was calving and not getting anywhere, so C section it was. At this point I felt enough was enough, it was time to have a chat with cows. I introduced them to advent, explaining that December had 31 days and there was 32 of them left to calve so let’s go

one a day and anyone planning to make it two needed to do so during daylight hours and in a different shed!

December 1st and the oldest cow is calving at 5.45am so I pen her off, go for my walk and on my return, there is a calf born and on its feet – perfect! Err no, new experience number 4, that calf and the next 3 calves were all born easily and got up, only to not drink from their mothers! By now, both Hannah and I were convinced that we were done with calving cows.

My Dad’s saying was ‘always walk tall, walk straight and look the world right in the eye’... mid December 2023 was the time to take a breath and do just that. Calving was busy, the one a day plan went out the window, but nothing new there. We did have one more new experience (number 5), a blind calf, which got up and drank from its mother.

This thankfully signalled the end of the non-drinkers! and by the start of January when Hannah headed off down under, I just had 2 left to calf.

The new year saw operation mothball take shape. I sold the last few loads of wheat and barley and organised for the land to be contract farmed by neighbours. I sold all but 11 of the cows with calves at foot in March. These 11 old cows will run empty until September when they will go cast and their calves will go store.

The drive to mothball the farm was founded on the fear of being helpless and unable to maintain the farm to the Brisbane standard. I have kept this fear at bay with a newfound passion for power tools! At first, it was just going to be a hedge cutter, but it quickly became clear that I also needed a power saw, strimmer and leaf blower to keep the

farm tidy! I thoroughly enjoy using them all, however none come close to the joy I get from Buzz.

Buzz is a tiny Weidemann telehandler and is the only agricultural vehicle left on the farm. It has been a game changer! I can do just about anything I want with Buzz’s help, the gutters are cleaned, the sheds mucked out, now I am painting the house and I’ve taken down an old garage. The farmers with the big machines that have helped, at first laughed, but now wish they had a Buzz too. It just makes you smile when you drive it, so much fun.

Before I go, I need to tell you about what without doubt has been the hardest part of my journey to date. It was selling Alan’s farm equipment.

Some of it I had grown to enjoy using, like the loader tractor for feeding the cows, other I dreaded, that Manitou, which just seemed to beep and freeze or jerk about! Nothing was going to be needed and there was no point letting them sit in the sheds.

I knew a live farm sale would finish me. Years earlier when my family closed the Farm Life Centre, the sale was hard, watching your things getting put onto trailers and disappearing is tough. This time I was also going to get hit with a massive reality check, selling the kit would mean acknowledging that Alan is definitely not coming back.

We decided an online auction would be an easier option. It possibly was, but I cannot tell you how horrendous the end of the auction was. It was several hours later before I could bring myself to look at the list of who had bought his machines and even now, I have no idea what each item made. I feel like I don’t deserve or want the proceeds, this apparently is known as “Imposter Syndrome”.

That aside, I am doing good, Alan planned meticulously and the farm was a very good business. I am trying to contain my energy and enthusiasm for new plans and focus on the next stage of life, being a granny and supporting my kids with their plans and ideas. I have a brilliant network of friends, family and work colleagues who are always keeping an eye on me. I won’t look back, it’s not something I have ever done and one of Alan’s favourite songs was Fleetwood Mac’s ‘Don’t Stop’ which is very apt. I will continue to walk every morning, talk to my animals and enjoy a challenge. My next article will be more useful, I will have done year one and will be able to share advice on planning for the worst-case scenario.

Ayrshire Monitor Farm

by Emma Penny

There is plenty happening at the South Ayrshire Monitor Farm, with long-term cattle and sheep projects well underway and a focus on soil health.

F

or South Ayrshire Monitor Farmers John and David Andrew, the first phase of the project – data gathering and discussion – is over and now the business is starting to put the ideas and plans into action.

David says: “Initially, we had an Integrated Land Management Plan done

by SAC and as result of that, we identified two areas – our suckler cows and soil health – where we have had follow-up specialist plans done.”

The suckler cow plan identified two main issues – improving calving percentage and the opportunity to extend the grazing system – both of which will help improve returns.

“We knew we wanted to increase the calving percentage and the Monitor Farm project has allowed us to access

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ideas from the management group and consultants. Now, we are starting to change our breed policy as a result, and have recently bought 12 pedigree Luing heifers.”

David explains that one of the main issues with the current herd is that the mixed breeds the farm runs weren’t well suited to the hill ground. He believes the Luing’s hardiness and fertility will help and it is a breed, which will work well with extended grazing. The farm already runs a Luing bull so has some experience of the breed and he is also aiming for more uniform finished progeny.

“We are 50/50 spring and back end calving and we want all our spring calvers to be Luings, with the back end Sim-Luing cows. The new heifers will

speed the process and we aim to calve them at two years old, rather than our current 30 months. They are strong and well grown, so they were fit to go to the bull.

“Our heifer management was also highlighted as an issue as we sometimes struggled to get first calvers back in calf, which we think was mainly to do with nutrition. Once the Luings have calved, they will go outside onto good deferred grass which will help. They will also be able graze the hill for longer in autumn before housing.”

At Rowanston, the lowland grazing and silage ground is set to receive lime after initial soil mapping and testing identified pH as an issue. The Andrews have been reducing fertiliser use and this is set to fall further still after correcting the pH and slurry analysis, says David. “Anecdotally, we thought the slurry from the fattening shed was good, but analysis showed it was better than we thought. Having that knowledge gives us more confidence to use less fertiliser.”

The farm has also been trialling min-till on its arable ground alongside ploughing. It’s produced some mixed results so far, but he says that while this

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Farming:

Location: Area: Cattle:

Sheep: Crops:

John and Allison Andrew in partnership with son David Rowanston & Blair

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Rowanston – 420 ac owned and rent 1350-acre hill farm of Blair 150 hill suckler cows homebred replacements all finished on farm further 200 store cattle bought for finishing 1000 ewes in total; 550 hill ewes and 450 lowground

NEWTON STEWART – FRIDAY 13th SEPTEMBER 2024 At 11am Sale of Store Cattle

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year’s min till crops look less good, the story may be different once they’re harvested. “There is already a saving in fuel, labour and time by not ploughing, so it will be interesting to see what the results are.”

This autumn will also see a focus on fertility and feet in the farm’s sheep flock in an effort to improve the scanning percentage. Ewes have been blood sampled, with low selenium, cobalt and iodine identified as issues; now a trial on the hill ewe lambs is looking at the impact of a bolus, a bolus plus Liquithrive drench and just Liquithrive. Regular weighing plus scanning and lambing results will help identify the best approach, he says.

Tackling lameness will be a key project in the lowland flock, which will be vaccinated with Footvax this autumn for the first time. “Vaccinating will help us clear the problem and get a good base. Going forward, we will need to have a culling policy if we continue to have issues as it may be a genetic problem.”

While there is already lots happening, David is keen to explore other opportunities, especially no fence cow collars. “There is a significant

16

financial cost, but they would be really good for our hill. We calve out there and we can easily spend half a day looking for a cow who has taken herself off somewhere to calve. The collars would be really helpful for this, and they’d also allow us to move cows to specific areas where we can improve the grazing for sheep.”

As well as the technical benefits, he says the social aspect of being involved in the Monitor Farm programme has been very positive, especially in such a challenging year. “The meetings and WhatApp groups have really helped, as we are all speaking and being open and honest about our problems – it has made a difference to me.

“We are enjoying being part of the programme and would really like more ideas from everyone too. I’d like to see more results on paper, but some of the things we are doing are long-term. The proof of the work we are doing this autumn will be in our percentages going forward.”

More on the South Ayrshire Farm, including meeting reports and technical info here: https://www.monitorfarms.co.uk/farm /south-ayrshire-monitor-farm/

Monitor Farm meeting – sheep special The latest South Ayrshire Monitor Farm open meeting is on Wednesday 11 September at 2pm, hosted by Management Group members, Francis and Marion McMillan, by kind permission of Hew Dalrymple-Hamilton.

With the challenging weather conditions this year, and a potentially long winter ahead, come along to Shallochpark Farm as Francis and Marion discuss the sheep system and flock health at Dalamford, Bargany, and Shallochpark. The meeting will also involve the Andrews, and a discussion about what’s next for their flocks.

• 2pm on Wednesday 11 September - Shallochpark Farm, Girvan, Ayrshire, KA26 0HW • Booking is essential

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Down to Earth Advice

Health Hut

A

Highland doctor is combining her passion for farming and health by playing a key role in the growth of an exciting Health Hut initiative aimed at improving the wellbeing of people in Scotland's agricultural community.

The Health Hut initiative brings health and wellbeing expertise to markets and other events in the farming community at a time and place convenient to them, in an environment where they feel comfortable. Dr Louise MacLarty is working with RSABI, the charity, which supports people in Scottish agriculture, on the initiative as it is rolled out to auction markets around the country.

A recent recruit to the RSABI Health Hut team, Dr MacLarty lives on a small farm in the Black Isle and has been helping the charity with the initiative at agricultural shows during the summer.

Next week she will start a monthly Health Hut at Dingwall Mart, supported

by RSABI staff.

With 18 years' experience as a

18

qualified general practitioner, Dr MacLarty has been a GP and occupational health doctor in the Inverness and Dingwall area since 2007.

She is very much looking forward to working with RSABI on the Health Hut initiative which she feels offers a huge opportunity to make a very substantial contribution to the wellbeing of farming families around the country.

"Farmers give so much to their communities but unfortunately, they don't tend to take the best care of themselves – the farm takes priority," said Louise.

"With long and demanding working hours, too often farmers' own health takes a back seat, so the Health Hut provides a hugely valuable and convenient opportunity for them to focus on their wellbeing and speak about any concerns they may have."

"I'm excited to be part of this initiative that is truly making a difference and I am looking forward to promoting better health and wellbeing in the farming community."

Through the Health Hut initiative, RSABI hopes to encourage farmers and others in Scottish agriculture, to think about how they can improve their health and provide them with an opportunity to discuss any mental or physical health concerns they might have.

Since August last year Health Huts have been held at many of the main sales at ANM's Thainstone Centre and in recent months the initiative has been rolled out to auction marts including United Auctions markets in Stirling and Lochboisdale and Caithness Mart last week.

The Health Huts have also appeared at Lawrie & Symington's mart at Lanark and more venues are planned for the coming weeks including United Auctions' Dalmally Mart.

Welcoming Louise to the vibrant Health Hut team of health professionals, Carol McLaren, RSABI Chief Executive, said: "Louise's extensive experience and dedication to both the farming community and healthcare make her an invaluable addition to our team of

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FAO Urges Action as New Variants of Avian Flu threaten Asia and the Pacific

he Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is calling for urgent regional efforts to combat a rise in avian influenza cases across the Asia-Pacific region. The appeal follows a consultation of regional experts in Bangkok, supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Recent developments are alarming.

After a prolonged period of minimal human infection, 13 new human cases have been reported in Cambodia, with additional cases in China and Viet Nam since late 2023. The situation is further complicated by the emergence of a new variant of avian influenza, presenting new challenges for scientists, public health authorities, clinicians and communities alike.

Globally, the highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 virus has spread more widely geographically than ever before, reaching as far as South America and Antarctica. It has also begun infecting new wild and domestic animals, including scavenger species, marine mammals, carnivorous domestic pets, mammals farmed for fur and recently,

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farmed ruminants such as dairy cattle.

While the Greater Mekong Subregion, Indonesia and the Philippines are facing heightened scrutiny due to their diverse ecological landscapes and limited biosecurity measures, other regions also remain at risk. Notably, Thailand and Myanmar have not reported outbreaks in years. India, Nepal and Bangladesh are currently battling avian influenza outbreaks.

"The recent surge in avian influenza outbreaks is deeply concerning," stated Kachen Wongsathapornchai, Regional Manager of FAO Emergency Centre for Transboundary Animal Diseases (ECTAD). "Since late 2023, we have observed a rise in human cases and the virus spreading to new animal species.

The emergence of novel A/H5N1 strains, which are more easily transmissible, increases the pandemic threat. Immediate, coordinated preventive measures are essential."

FAO emphasizes the urgency of a unified response. Member Nations must work together to implement comprehensive surveillance systems, including full genome sequencing, to track the novel virus's spread and evolution. Building capacity for rapid

diagnostics and bioinformatics is crucial for analyzing virus data. Enhanced cross-sectoral data sharing is vital for a holistic approach to disease management.

Governments, international organizations and the private sector must collaborate and share information transparently and in a timely manner to devise effective containment strategies.

Strengthening biosafety and biosecurity measures in the poultry industry is imperative, including vaccination strategies and promoting good farming practices. Creating awareness in health providers and the public is essential to reducing the risk of transmission from sick or dead poultry to humans and ensuring that people with symptoms receive timely treatment.

With USAID's dedication and support to building and strengthening resilient health systems and communities, FAO is working with 13 Member Nations and partners in Asia and the Pacific to strengthen animal health and One Health capacities, aiming to enhance prevention, detection and response to health threats at the human-animal-environmental interface.

Emma Following in Doddie's Bootsteps

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rising star of women's rugby has credited her college tutors with helping her to successfully balance her studies with a call-up to the Scotland World Cup squad.

Outside centre Emma Orr, who has recently signed for Bristol Bears, is among more than 350 students graduating from Scotland's Rural College (SRUC) today Monday 26 August.

She was the youngest member of the Scotland squad which competed in New Zealand in 2022.

By balancing her fledgling rugby career with studying agriculture, the 21-year-old – who grew up on a farm near Biggar in South Lanarkshire – is following in the footsteps of other notable SRUC alumni.

Doddie Weir, who lost his brave fight against Motor Neurone Disease at the

age of just 52, graduated with an HND in agriculture in 1991, having earned his first Scotland call-up the previous year.

Meanwhile, Alex Dunbar, who earned 31 caps for the national side, graduated with an HNC in agriculture in 2008. More than a decade later, he returned to SRUC to gain an HND via distance learning.

"I've absolutely loved my time at SRUC and I've made friends for life here," said Emma. "My rugby commitments kind of took over and SRUC allowed me to do both at the same time, which was brilliant.

"Probably my greatest achievement to date is eventually graduating with a BSc in agriculture alongside being a professional athlete."

Emma will join her fellow graduands at Glasgow's Bute Hall today.

Professor Wayne Powell, Principal

and Chief Executive of SRUC, said: "Our courses consider the innovative science that supports land-based and rural industries, the way they interact with and support the environment around them, as well as the businesses that rely on them.

"Juggling study with professional sport isn't always easy, but it is testament to Emma and our wonderful staff at SRUC that she is graduating with her well-earned degree today. I would like to congratulate Emma and all of today's graduates. Whether they are leaving with qualifications in agriculture, environmental management, veterinary nursing or any of our many other land-based courses, this is a day for collective celebration."

To find out more about studying at SRUC, visit www.sruc.ac.uk/study

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Hutton joins AMAST Network to battle AMR in the Agrifood System

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he James Hutton Institute is part of a new UK research network launched to understand how antimicrobial resistance impacts to UK food production from farm to fork.

AMAST – the AMR in Agrifood Systems Transdisciplinary Network will, for the first time, bring together various agrifood communities with academic researchers from different disciplines, to identify from the bottom up the challenges AMR poses within agrifood, and then collaborate to develop solutions.

The Hutton, which is part of the AMAST management team, brings its strengths in AMR in the environment and transmission to the food chain, as well as understanding attitudes and behaviours towards antimicrobial use in the agrifood sector.

Hutton will also take the lead on policy engagement within Scotland and ensure ethics and responsible research and innovation.

The four-year project, which is being coordinated by Dr Matthew Gilmour, based the Quadram Institute, with an international expert advisory panel providing oversight, has £650 000 funding from UK Research and Innovation.

Dr Eulyn Pagaling, senior environmental microbiologist at the Hutton, says, “AMR presents a major threat to society as more and more microbes become resistant to the drugs

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we use to control them, threatening our ability to prevent or cure disease in the future. So we’re really excited to be part of this new community.

“It aligns well with Scottish Government-funded work we’re undertaking, where we have been working towards understanding how environmental and behavioural aspects affect AMR prevalence in agrifood systems using a variety of approaches.”

National and international governments and health agencies are taking action to combat this. AMAST is one of eight UKRI supported transdisciplinary networks set up to tackle AMR. Dr Matthew Gilmour, says, “We’re really excited to be part of this new community,” says Dr Gilmour. “The agrifood system is incredibly complex with a diverse community of key players that are involved in the production of safe and nutritious foods.

So understanding the challenges of AMR requires a non-traditional approach.”

The AMAST Network will involve members from different agrifood production systems, such as crop, livestock and aquaculture, from primary production through to the consumer. It will also bring in transdisciplinary academics, including bioscientists and social scientists as well as other areas that may not have previously engaged with AMR as a challenge.

The AMAST Leadership Team is made up of the Quadram Institute, Newcastle University, Royal Veterinary College, University of Stirling, Royal Holloway University of London, Cranfield University, James Hutton Institute, Royal Agricultural University, Scotland’s Rural College, University of Bristol, University of Leicester and University of Southampton.

Partners on board the AMAST Network include ADAS, the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board, the Animal and Plant Health Agency, CAB International (CABI), The Environmental Research Institute (University of Highlands and Islands), the FAI Farms, Fera Science, the Food Industry Initiative on Antimicrobials (FIIA), Menter a Busnes, NHS Highlands, Ricardo, UK Agri-Tech Centre and Vet Sustain.

Through interviews, workshops and themed community meetings, all members of the network will be able to bring their perspectives on the key threats of AMR in agrifood. The network will collectively identify and prioritise areas of opportunity, as well as understanding where more research is needed to plug gaps in our understanding.

You can find out more and sign up to the network by visiting the website: www.AMAST.org.uk

Communities Across Scotland Urged to Apply for £425 000 Funding

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£425,000 fund designed to support projects and ideas which benefit the environment and local communities has opened for its fifth round of applications.

Crown Estate Scotland's Sustainable Communities Fund, set up in 2020, has already delivered more than £1.4m in valuable support to people across the country, including 12 affordable housing projects, which have shared in more than £400 000.

The Fund consists of two grant programmes: Community Capacity Grants - open to all communities within five miles of Scotland's coastline, or one of Crown Estate Scotland's four rural estates.

Early-stage financial support is available for community projects that will contribute to local regeneration and sustainable development. Grants will range between £20 000 and £50 000, with a total of £300 000 being made available in this year of the programme.

Environment Grants - available to Crown Estate Scotland tenants, providing grants of between £5000 and £20 000 for projects, which can deliver demonstrable environmental benefits within 18 months of an award being made. A total of £125 000 is available this year.

The success of the Fund in bringing about major improvements to communities across the country has led Crown Estate Scotland to increase the level of funding, with an extra £100 000 being made available in recent years.

A wide range of projects and

initiatives have benefitted from the Sustainable Communities Fund in recent years. These include: Uig Development Trust, Highland – Development of modern, affordable, energy efficient workspaces for local businesses via seven steel-fabricated business units.

Love Oor Lang Toun, Fife – A community initiative to regenerate Kirkcaldy town centre by repurposing and filling vacant shops.

Iona Energy, Argyll & Bute – A community-owned energy company, which is planning to install a ground source heat network to provide islanders with clean, green, sustainable energy.

Hope Cohousing Community Interest Company, Orkney – Support for a long-term plan to provide accessible and affordable rented housing for older people in St. Margaret's Hope.

The Three Hares Community Woodland, Midlothian – Establishment of a community orchard to provide more biodiversity and educational opportunities around tree growing and importance of fruit trees in nature.

Ullapool Harbour Trust – Installation of a 32,56kW solar photovoltaic (PV) array, incorporating a 33kWh battery storage unit, with estimated annual CO2 savings of almost 12 000KG. Craignish Mooring Association, Argyll – Community-led seagrass planting across 1000sqm is helping 'seawilding' efforts to encourage a wide range of organisms.

One area to have benefited from the Sustainable Communities Fund is Edinbane in Skye, where local people received £25 000 to support their plans to reopen a derelict shop as a new community centre, offering services for residents and visitors alike. Alistair Danter from the Edinbane Community Company said: "The money is invaluable because doing a community shop – when all eyes are on you – is even more difficult than trying to set one up as an individual. Applying to the Sustainable Communities Fund was straightforward and I would encourage anyone to apply."

Penny Coles, Head of Partnerships for Crown Estate Scotland, said: "Over the past four years the Sustainable Communities Fund has provided an incredible £1.4m in the form of practical support to a diverse array of projects across Scotland, helping people and their communities to achieve the priorities most important to them locally.

We're now looking for new applications so that even more people can get the support to turn their aspirations and ideas into reality."

The deadline for Expressions of Interest for the Community Capacity Grants Programme, which is administered by Foundation Scotland, is Monday 23 September. The deadline for the Environment Grants Programme, which is administered by Crown Estate Scotland, is Monday 23 October.

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Report Highlights Unique Role of A

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new report produced by Scotland's Rural College (SRUC) has highlighted the unique role agriculture plays in island life and calls on Government to use this new evidence in policy decisions.

Rural and Agricultural Development: Maximising the potential in the islands of Orkney, Shetland and Outer Hebrides offers new analysis of Scottish Government data, and details insights from farmers and crofters, agricultural supply chain businesses, communities and stakeholders.

The research found that, in their current form, future policy proposals present some risks for some island economies, environments and communities.

The study also confirmed that agriculture accounts for a higher share of private businesses, turnover and employment, as well as the proportion of total adult population, in these communities compared to other local authorities in Scotland and that there are differences both within and between the island groups.

In this context, it identifies that islands agriculture faces some unique challenges: Agriculture has important local

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multiplier effects on island economies, along local supply-chains and into the wider rural economy. Moreover, farming and crofting are important aspects of local culture.

The Island areas contain a high proportion of nationally and internationally important habitats, species and peatlands reflecting the unique interaction between land management and nature. A prosperous farming and crofting sector matters economically, environmentally and socially.

The agricultural sector across all three island groups is constrained by several critical factors, including: the unreliability and higher costs of haulage of inputs to and selling outputs from islands; uncertainty over future provision of ferry services; an ageing and shrinking workforce: and inflation impacts that have eroded the Government's financial support for farmers and crofters.

There has been long term consolidation of the number of farms and crofts receiving agricultural support across the three island areas, with some localised declines in agricultural activity, most notably the decline in sheep production in the Outer Hebrides.

Complexity and compliance costs of policy proposals may lead to further withdrawal from support structures and activity, particularly for small scale producers.

Practical and policy solutions need to be found to retain agricultural and environmental activity in respect of crofting and common grazings, particularly in Shetland and the Outer Hebrides.

Evidence on the impacts of peripherality and distance from markets must be embedded in future support schemes such as evolutions of, for example, the Less Favoured Area Support Scheme (LFASS) & the Scottish Suckler Beef Support Scheme (Island Calf Scheme) The report findings indicate that a thorough Islands Community Impact Assessment (ICIA) is likely to be needed in relation to the combined effects of different strands of future agricultural policy interventions and the delivery of the 'Rural Support Plan'. Future ICIAs should be place-based and should take into account differences within island groups, acknowledging the additional costs of e.g. transporting goods to outer isles.

Community Led Local Development

Agriculture in Scottish Island Life (CLLD) has a critical role to play in sustaining island communities, particularly by sharing solutions and experience across island groups. This is amplified by the low business base meaning that community solutions are all the more important to overcome challenges. The current allocative model for funds from Scottish Government places limits on capacity building and leads to uncertainty for paid staff and volunteers. A return to multi-annual funding is needed.

Funded by the Scottish Government's Community Led Local Development Collaboration Fund, as part of the Scottish Rural Development Programme, the project was c ommissioned by the Orkney, Shetland and Outer Hebrides Local Action Groups in collaboration with Orkney Islands Council, Shetland Islands Council, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and Highlands and Islands Enterprise.

The work coincided with the progress of the Agriculture and Rural Communities Bill through the Scottish Parliament. The findings have been welcomed by Councils in Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles.

Speaking on behalf of the three island areas, Orkney Islands Council's Leader

Heather Woodbridge commented: "We welcome the publication of this research from SRUC that highlights the critical role the agriculture sector plays in our island communities.

"The report demonstrates clearly that our agricultural sector is woven into the fabric of our communities and the role it plays in managing the environment of our beautiful islands. I would urge the Scottish Government to factor this report into their evidence-based policy making approach when forming the Rural Support Plan, Rural Delivery Plan and National Islands Plan, as well as other secondary legislation accompanying the Agriculture and Rural Communities Bill.

"What is abundantly clear, is that our farmers are proud of the very important role that they play in our communities and that with appropriate policy and other support, agriculture can contribute to buoyant island economies and strong island communities."

Professor Steven Thomson from SRUC, who led the research, said: "This work was an opportunity to utilise a wide array of data and learn from the lived-in experiences of locals to stress-test some of the thinking on future agricultural policy in Scotland through

an island community lens. I personally gained a deeper appreciation of the challenges faced by farmers and crofters in these islands."

"Importantly, the study allowed space to consider how, for example: conditional support may impact common grazings; how compliance costs may have disproportionate impacts on the smallest farms and crofts, and that opportunities to deliver better policy solutions such as redistributive support or small-recipient schemes exist.

"We hope this new evidence can act as a catalyst for considering placed based impacts in a just transition as policy decisions are pondered in coming months and years."

Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon said: "I welcome this important report. Evidence based policy making is crucial to addressing the unique challenges and opportunities faced by our island communities.

"This report offers valuable insights that will help us to make informed decisions around how we continue to support the sustainable development of our islands."

The report can be found here – www.ruralexchange.scot/projects/island-agriculture/

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British Wool Update

B

ritish Wool has announced a strategic investment in NexGen Tree Shelters Ltd., a pioneering company specialising in bio and environmentally degradable tree shelters, hedging and vole guards made from British wool.

The investment will enable NexGen to commence full production of its eco-friendly tree shelters, which have undergone extensive development and testing since winning the Innovation in Wool award in 2020.

This strategic partnership aims to transition NexGen’s innovative products from development to market, enhancing sustainability, eliminating single-use plastics and driving demand for British wool.

NexGen has committed to sourcing wool through British Wool’s collective marketing scheme. Additionally, British Wool will secure a seat on the Board of NexGen, ensuring close collaboration and alignment of goals.

Andrew Hogley, CEO at British Wool, said: “British Wool is delighted to partner with NexGen and support the

26

by Gareth Jones

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company in bringing this innovative, new wool-based product to market.

NexGen tree shelters will take single use plastic out of the environment and have the potential to drive significant demand for undervalued types of British wool over the medium to long-term.”

Gary Hurlstone, Founder of NexGen Tree Shelters, added: “This is an exciting partnership for the company and will allow us to progress to the full production of our innovative products.

We have so much interest in the product from a variety of sources and can’t wait to start seeing our British wool tree shelters all over the UK and in international markets.”

This investment not only underscores British Wool’s commitment to sustainability, but also promises to create value for its members by opening new markets for British wool. The introduction of environmentally friendly tree shelters marks a pivotal development in sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation. www.britishwool.org.uk

Photos this Issue:

Page 12 – Katie Brisbane Page 14 – QMS Page 18 – RSABI Page 20 – FAO Page 21 – SRUC Page 22 – Hutton Page 26 – BWMB Page 30-33 –Jonathan Long Page 34-37 – Provided Page 38 – Fendt Page 40 – BKT Tyres Page 42 – Massey Ferg Page 44 – Bobcat Page 46 – John Deere Page 48 – Kuhn Page 49 – Hutchinsons Page 50 – Provided

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

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

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

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

HEBRIDEAN SHEEP DOG TRIAL CIRCUIT

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he Hebridean Sheep Dog Trial Circuit ran over five venues across the Isles of Skye, Berneray, Harris and Lewis from the 12th -17th July.

Men, women and their canine cohorts travelled from across the Highlands, Lowlands, the rest of the UK and Europe to partake.

The event kicked off in Staffin, on the Trotternish peninsula, on Friday 12th, judged by Hugh Munro. Despite the typical Skye weather 56 dogs ran.

Aberdonian Ian Wilkie, who will be the sheep steward at the Scottish National at Farr Estate, Inverness next month, topped the billboard (94) with suitably named ‘Skye.’

The ladies were putting on the pressure as Swede Anna Andersson and Butch claimed second (92) and Ruthie Newsome (England) and Maya (91 OLF) third. Swedish contract shepherdess Lisa Hansson and Lemon were 4th and Yorkshire lass Carol Mellin with Bet in 6th (90). Tommy McPhee was fifth.

Organiser, Ian MacDonald and Ben were top local pairing on 89 points and took the Calum Gilles Trophy for best pen and shed, while Seumas Campbell,

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Balnacnoc, Uig lifted the John MacKenzie trophy for the best drive with Queen. £3480.00 was raised and divided between Cancer Research and The Children's Ward at Raigmore Hospital.

Waternish Farm was the venue for the second day of trials and under sunny skies sixty dogs and their owners ran the undulating course with tricky Cheviots, under the auspices of Ewan MacKinnon, Lochcarron.

Local man Seumas Campbell, who has taken out the Scottish National Brace Title (running two dogs) for the last two years and the International Brace Title in 2022 won the Waternish Cup for best local and was placed third on the leader board (82), behind Laughlin Conn and Tess of Northern Ireland (86) and Englishman Alf Kyme and Meg (83). Belgian bloke Geurt Van Dyke, who shepherds in the Highlands, took 4th on 80 with his dog Rhum, followed by Lochaber dog handler and Chair of the Scottish National 2024, Mike McNally in fifth who was awarded the KC McKinnon Cup for the best outrun. Young Mark McQueen (22) of

by Eilidh MacPherson

Braes, but who is now living and working near Thurso, came sixth with 14 month old Tess.

Day three saw competitors cross The Minch to the Island of Berneray, where John MacKillop judged 48 dogs.

Life certainly didn’t give Swede, Lisa Hansson lemons, when her dog ‘Lemon’ squeezed top score of 90 out of a possible 100! Blackburn based Alf Kyme and Meg (86) marginally bet Ian MacDonald and Ben of Staffin. Carol Mellin, Seumas Campbell and Laughlin Conn, who all had made the top six previously at other venues filled fourth, fifth and sixth slots on 84, 82 and 77 points respectively.

Mellin, Campbell and Conn upped the ante at Scarista in Harris on Day Four with Skye man Seumas Campbell and Queen sealing the deal on a technicality. They drew on 88 points with Carol Mellin, but with a 1 point advantage on the fetch the Islander team took the win.

“Queen had a tidy run, she covered the sheep well at the top of the field as some packets were happy to drift off line, wanting back to their home

ground. A good fetch and drive followed, negotiating all gates. The sheep were happy to test the dogs at the pen, but Queen responded well. The shed came at the first time of asking.

The sheep were good and testing all day, giving everyone a chance of a decent run,” commented Seumas.

Laughlin Conn and Rick 3rd on 86, Tommy Long and Gem 4th on 85, Anna Andersson Butch on 81 and Scott Renwick, Inverbroom, Ullapool 6th on 79 points with Dell.

The fifth and final day of the Hebridean Sheep Dog Trial Circuit ended in Ness on Lewis, judged by Phil Rigby, with around 45 dogs running.

Carol Mellin, who farms 300 Herdwicks on the Yorkshire/Lancashire border had top dog scoring 83 out of 100 with Pentre Bet. Young fifteen-year old Grace Gower and her canine companion

Kelso, from Geddinge, Canterbury, were only one point behind. Lachlan Conn and Tess were third once more (79).

Organiser Donald MacRitchie and Moor Lodge Nell (a litter sister of Carol’s Moor Lodge Ben) were fourth on 78.

Anna Andersson and Butch and Seumas Campbell and Ceit were fifth and sixth on 77 and 76 respectively.

Carol Mellin lifted the Lord of the Isles Trophy, having accumulated the highest number of points (15) with a 6th placing at Staffin, 4th at Berneray, 2nd at Scarista and winner of Ness. “My wildest dreams have come true,” exclaimed Carol, who has been competing at trials for 32 years and represented England at World level twice. She shared top spot in 2019 with Tommy Long and was delighted to win it outright.

“I love it up here, we are made to feel

very welcome and I look forward to coming to the Islands all year. On Berneray there are smaller flocks so it is chance whether you get Cheviots or Blackies, but no one complains.” Back home Carol buys in Herdwick gimmers and covers them with Beltex and Texel sires. She also buys 2 crop ewes, which she hefts to the moors. Her sheep are used at local trials and at the world-renowned Skipton dog sale, which she helped instigate.

Seumas Campbell who competed at all five trials for the first time was runner up with Queen on 12 points.

Northern Irish competitor Laughlin Conn and Tess were third with 11 points. 4th Alf Kyme and Meg (10), 5th equal Swedes Anna Andersson and Butch (9) and Lisa Hansson and Lemon, 6th Ian Wilkie and Skye (6).

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Hexel High Voltage Electrifies Trade at Lanark

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onald and Sarah MacPherson’s ram lamb, Hexel High Voltage, was the high powered seller at the Scottish National Texel Sale, Lanark, when he was knocked down for 70 000gns.

Unshown in the pre-sale show due to Donald being on judging duties, this son of the £120 000 private purchase Strathbogie Gladiatior is out of a homebred dam by Haymount Crackerjack and is from the same family as Hexel Born To Be Wild and Hexel Django.

Buying the sale topper were a quartet of breeders, Kenny Pratt, Hilltop, Stuart Barclay, Harestone, Jim Innes Strathbogie, all Aberdeenshire and Messrs Harkin, Loughash, NI. Alan Blackwood’s Auldhouseburn flock took the day’s second top call when his ram lamb, Auldhouseburn Hercules UK sold at 60 000gns.

This son of the 16 000gns Scholars Governor is out of a Knap-bred dam by Sportsmans Cannon Ball and sold after a frenetic period of bidding, to Eamonn Vaughan, for his Partridge Nest flock, Staffordshire, with a share taken by Ben Vernon for the Charben flock, also Staffordshire.

Third best of the day at 45 000gns was the champion from the pre-sale show, young breeder James Porter’s Saltcotes He’s A Belter. This lamb, which had been reserve male champion at the Society’s 50th Anniversary Textravaganza National Show earlier in the summer, is by Hexel Geronimo II and out of a homebred dam by Craig Douglas Dancer. Charlie Boden and family bought this classy lamb for their Sportsmans and Mellor Vale flocks, Macclesfield.

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Next in line at 35 000gns was Danny Hair, selling Drumbreddan Hard Ass. This son of Craig Douglas Gangster is out of a Craighead-bred dam by Usk Vale Crackerjack and was knocked down to four breeders – the Aberdonian trio joined this time by Mark Priestley, Seaforde, Northern Ireland.

Alan Blackwood then took 20 000gns for his second lamb in the ring, Auldhouseburn Hanky Panky. Sired by Scholars Governor, he is out of a Lakeview-bred dam by Castlecairn Doodlebug and was bought by another three-way consortium, Messrs Arnott, Haymount, Mike Turner, Okehall and Barney Richardson, Fernyford.

Then came another 20 000gns bid, this time for Mellor Vale Hercules from Charlie Boden and family. Sired by the 170 000gns Knap Grumpy, he’s out of a dam by Castlecairn Doodlebug and was

taken by Auldhouseburn, Ayrshire.

Another from the same home, Mellor Vale Huntsman, made 17 000gns, another by Knap Grumpy and out of a Procters El Presidente daughter. With a top 5% texelplus index he found a new home with Robert Evans, Hope Valley, Nick Legge, Thornbury and Tom Morgan, Morwood.

Four then sold at 12 000gns, with the first of these being Milnbank Hercules from Robbie Wilson. Sired by the 30 000gns Clanfield Golden, he’s out of a dam by Harestone Eldorado and was bought by Keith, Allan and Roy Campbell, Cowal, Argyll and the Knox family, Haddo, Aberdeenshire.

The next at this money was Wedderburn Highlander from another young breeder, Sandy Hunter. A son of Sadlerhead Fury is out of a Teiglum-bred dam by Knock Yardsman

he had been reserve male champion at the Royal Highland Show. He sold to James Draper for the Claybury flock, David Dunlop, Holtridge, both Shropshire and Robert Pierce, Oldford, Cheshire.

Following at the same price was Clanfield Han Solo from James Theyer, Oxfordshire. This son of the 160 000gns Rhaeadr First Choice is out of an Auldhouseburn Expression-sired dam and sold with a top 10% texelplus index when bought by J Gray, Scrogtonhead, John Connell, Lauder and Ruaridh and Isla Graham, Craigdarroch.

James Theyer then spent his earnings when buying the last of the 12 000gns lambs, Okehall Hot Shot from Mike Turner – a son of Holtridge Golden Arrow, out of a dam by Haymount Earth Wind and Fire.

The same buyer also paid 11 000gns

just a few lots earlier for Holtridge Honky Tonk from David Dunlop and family, Shropshire from Duncryne Geronimo and Mullan Armani breeding.

Also making 11 000gns was David McKerrow’s best of the day, Uppermill Hotshot. Another by the 30 000gns Clanfield Golden, he’s out of a dam by Ettrick Earthquake and carries a top 5% texelplus index. Taking this one home was Ewan MacTaggart, Rascarell, Dumfries and Galloway.

And, making 10 000gns was one of the early lots of the day, Teiglum High Flyer from Andrew Clark. Sired by Brackenridge Fly Half and out of a dam

by Teiglum Entertainer, he had been first prize lamb at Biggar Show and was bought in a three-way split by Messrs Wight, Midlock, Keith and Andrew Campbell, Overburns and Hartside Farms, Hartside.

by Jonathan Long

31

Cambwell Hulk Outmuscles Competition at Worcester

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obert Laird’s ram lamb Cambwell Hulk overpowered the competition to claim the top price of 7000gns in the ram lamb sale at the Texel Sheep Society’s English National Sale, Worcester. Trade, saw an 88% clearance and a third best centre average.

Hulk, a son of Deveronvale Fastrac out of a dam by Waen Déjà vu had stood second in his class in the pre-sale show and sold with a top 1% texelplus index when bought by Tomos Adams for the Ty-Medi flock, Cowbridge.

Biggar-based Robert Laird then reinvested some of his earnings (6000gns) in the second best priced lamb Overburns Highland Spring from Keith and Andrew Campbell, also Biggar. He is by the 42 000gns Ettrick Grey Goose and out of a dam by Sportsmans Dirty Harry. Sold with a top 10% texelplus index he had been first in his class and reserve overall champion in the pre-sale show.

Next best at 4500gns was another Scottish lamb – Midlock Hardman from the Wight family, again from Biggar.

He’s by the homebred Midlock Fury and out of a dam by Hexel Django and sold to Peter and James Vaughan for the Kingspark flock, Leominster.

Then making 3800gns was Nick Legge’s best of the day, Thornbury Humdinger. Another by Ettrick Grey Goose, he’s out of a dam by Midlock Dynamo and carries a top 25% index.

John Lea, Market Drayton, purchased him for his Blore View flock.

And a duo then traded at 3000gns, the first of which was another from Nick Legge, Thornbury Hammer. He is the same way bred as the last and carries a top 5% index. He was the pick of Anthony Carter, Dawlish, for the Millcroft flock. Second at this price was James Innes’ Strathbogie Hollywood, a son of the homebred Strathbogie Gladiator out of a dam buy Sportsmans Benchmark. He was knocked down to Georgie Helyer for the Langford flock, Salisbury.

Another of the Overburns lambs –

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Overburns Hedgehunter, a Hexel Get Lucky son made 2600gns. He’s out of another Sportsmans Dirty Harry daughter and was taken by Ian Heard, Okehampton, for the Yealland flock, with a top 10% index.

2400gns then secured Gordon Gray’s best of the day, Ettrick Haggis. This first prize winner is by Sadlerhead Fury and out of a dam by Clinterty You Cracker.

Selling with a top 25% index he headed away in a two-way split to Nick Gibbs, Bettonfield and Messrs Martyn, Barnage.

A pair then made 2200gns; Sandy Hunter’s lamb, Wedderburn Highflyer

by Sadlerhead Fury, he out of a Teiglum-bred dam by Knock Yardsman and sold to E J Gwyn, Wolvershill.

The second to make this money was from Robert Laird, Cambwell Highlander. This son of the homebred Cambwell Godfather is out of a dam by

Ettrick Yom Kippur and has a top 5% index. He was bought by Ian Campbell, Thurso.

Close behind at 2100gns was the best of the sale from Andrew Clark, Teiglum – Teiglum Hamlet, a Mullan Governor son out of a dam by Procters Chumba Wumba. Mark Davis, Tiverton, bought him for the Canalside flock.

Next in line at 2000gns was Cambwell Hector, another by Cambwell Godfather and out of a dam by Cambwell Trademark. Sold with a top 1% index he went to Peter Mitchell and family Avon Vale. And at the same price was Strathbogie Hurricane from James Innes. This one is by Allanfauld Fancy Pants and out of a dam by Mullan Armani and was taken by previous buyer Ian Heard.

Averages; 98 ram lambs £1315.18 (McCartneys).

SCOTS SHINE DOWN SOUTH Of The Best. She sold to A and R Colledge, Standish.

After that came a 1500gns call for Nick Legge’s Thornbury gimmer LEN2301627. Sired by Glenside Forever II and out of a Rhaeadr-bred dam by Clinterty Yuga Khan, she has a top 1% texelplus index and was taken by J Qunica, Wessington.

And selling at 1400gns was one from the Morgan family’s Blaencar flock, YME2311451. This one is by Sportsmans Dare Devil and out of a dam by Usk Vale Crackerjack and was bought by James Greaney for the Claddagh flock, Usk. Averages; 36 gimmers £1257.08 (McCartneys).

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Mossknowe Focus-sired gimmer from Archie and John MacGregor’s Allanfauld flock topped the gimmer trade at the Texel Sheep Society’s English National Sale, Worcester, making 4500gns.

Sale topper XMM2325752 is out of a Procters Chumba Wumba-sired dam and sold with a top 25% texelplus index.

She had stood fifth in the pre-sale show and was bought by Tom Ayrton for the Ayrtons flock, Lancaster.

Next best at 4200gns was the female champion from the pre-sale show, a gimmer from David Dunlop and family’s Holtridge flock. This was DJJ2300283, an Auldhouseburn Freaky Friday daughter out of a dam by Garngour Craftsman. She was knocked down to Dave and Helen Smith for the Tockington flock, Bristol.

Then making 3500gns was the reserve

female champion from Gordon Gray’s Ettrick pen, GGH2315215. Another by Mossknowe Focus, she is out of a dam

by Clinterty You Cracker and sold with a top 1% texelplus index. Buying this one was Jordon Green for the Drumburn flock, Aberdeenshire.

Following her were a brace at 1800gns, the first of which came from the same pen as the top priced lot from the MacGregors. This was XMM2325705 another by Mossknowe Focus and this time out of a Glenside-bred dam by Fordafourie Big Ben. She has a top 25% texelplus index and headed home to Cumbria With Frazer Bell for the Greenknowe flock.

Second at this level was the second last lot of the sale, from Messrs Boden and Davies’ Sportsmans flock. This was BGS2306489 a Rhaeadr First Choice daughter out of a dam by Rhaeadr Best

by Jonathan Long

33

MOVERS & SHAKERS – RHASS

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cotland's foremost agricultural charity, RHASS, is now under the Chairmanship of James Logan, as it also unveils its Presidential Team.

James has an extensive background in agriculture and has been actively involved in various aspects of the industry. After studying agriculture at Edinburgh University, he returned to the family farm in East Lothian. Over the years he has transitioned the business from a traditional farm into a larger scale operation that has diversified into potato processing and seed potato sales to garden centres across the UK. Serving at board level for the

National Farmers' Union (NFU) and chairing the organisation's East Lothian Branch and Lothians Area, James refined his knowledge of the agricultural profession. He gained insight into the advantages of collaborative working when attending the Worshipful Company of Farmers Advanced Business Management Course and went on to establish two co-operatives, embodying his commitment to uniting farmers for the benefit of strengthening their collective market position.

James' dedication to the agriculture community extends beyond business operations. He contributes to the education of the next generation by opening his own farm for school visits through his support of the Royal Highland Education Trust (RHET).

James said: "Having served as Honorary Secretary of RHASS for three years, I've had first-hand experience of the crucial work of the charity. The diverse experiences I have gained so far in my career has emphasised the importance of fostering connections and finding solutions to challenges farmers face today. With a strong focus on communication and commitment to the agricultural sector, I am looking forward to bringing this ethos to my new role and working alongside the new Presidential Team to continue RHASS's journey."

Along with James as the new Chairman, George Lyon has been appointed as President of RHASS. Former MSP and MEP, George is the

previous president of NFU Scotland. He was also chair of Meat and Livestock Commercial Services Limited, a subsidiary of the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board. The new Presidential team also includes: Andrew Malcolm, Margo McGill Scott, Lord George Robertson of Port Ellen KT GCMG, Rob Wainwright OBE and Isabell Montgomerie who has taken on the role as Chaplin.

Alan Laidlaw, RHASS Chief Executive added: "Announcing James as our new Chairman feels very much like a natural next step following his involvement as a Board Member and Honorary Secretary of RHASS in which he has brought a wealth of knowledge, advice and support to the organisation.

James is someone who inspires those across the industry and we are very much looking forward to working even more closely with him during his tenure as Chairman as we continue to shape the future of RHASS to successfully support those across the sector for generations to come."

The newly appointed RHASS board consists of 11 new members ranging from a variety of agricultural and rural sector backgrounds: Blyth Brewster – Stirling, Nina Clancy - Borders, Ken Fletcher – Dumfries & Galloway, John Jamieson – Dumfries & Galloway, David Lyle - Stirling, Alice Mullen Shanks Strathclyde, Freda Newton - Aberdeen, Sam Parsons - Perth, Karen Shaw Strathclyde, Alix Sutherland – Highlands, Alan Thomson - Lothian

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hearing Sports New Zealand has a new chairman after the retirement from the position of former shearing great Sir David Fagan.

The new leader is Raglan farmer and shearing contractor Warren Parker, who had been chairman of the organisation's North Island committee for the last 10 years and a northern delegate to Shearing Sports New Zealand for more than two decades.

Mr Parker was elected to the national position ahead of two other nominees at the Shearing Sports New Zealand annual meeting held in Te Kuiti.

Sir David became chairman soon after his last Open final of a shearing career which spanned more than 30 years. He was at the top of the global shearing competition world, where he won more than 640 titles, including multiple World, Golden Shears and New Zealand Shears wins. He stepped down from the chair after nine years.

Mr Parker came from a contrasting

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SABI, the organisation supporting people in Scottish agriculture, has announced the appointment of two new trainee trustees to its board.

The charity, which provides emotional, financial and practical support, introduced the trainee positions to encourage more younger people to get involved with the charity at board level.

Beth MacKinnon and Karen Stewart have joined the year-long programme during which they will shadow the charity's trustees and participate in board, committee and staff meetings, receiving support and mentoring from the charity's senior staff and board.

background and he says: "I was just an average shearer and never entered competitions."

He became involved in the shearing industry when he left school and after more than 10 years working abroad, in the UK, the US and Australia, returned to Raglan and was approached to help organise the local shearing competition the Western Shears, which incorporated the New Zealand lamb-shearing championships.

Despite the end of the competition, a victim of dwindling support amid the decline in sheep numbers and shearers in Waikato when it was last held in 2013, Mr Parker remained involved at a North Island and national level.

He became part of the organising committee for the 2017 Golden Shears World Shearing and Woolhandling Championships in Invercargill, an operator of the shearing sports North Island electronic scoring system, and chairman of its committee and has Passionate about supporting the agriculture industry, Perthshire beef and sheep farmer Beth MacKinnon has over five years' experience working with Quality Meat Scotland, most recently in her current role as Monitor Farm Programme Manager. Beth has an Agribusiness Management Honours degree from Newcastle University, where she graduated in 2019.

An experienced Ruminant Nutritionist working for SAC Consulting, Karen Stewart is a partner in a Perthshire family farm where she also runs a self-catering let. She has a BSc Hons in Agriculture and Animal Science from the University of Aberdeen and a Postgraduate Certificate in Farm Business Management from Robert Gordon University. With a keen interest in farming business, Karen is looking forward to expanding her knowledge of the industry during her stint on the RSABI board.

RSABI's trustees play a vital role in the running of the charity, using their experience and insight to help it best support people in Scottish agriculture.

Beth and Karen have taken up their positions following two successful previous trainee trustees who have now completed their time with RSABI. "Through our trainee trustee programme, we have found that having younger people volunteering with the charity at board level has a hugely

helped upgrade the system.

He has also been a Raglan Junior Rugby chairman and a chairman of the Waitetuna School Board of Trustees. positive impact on the work we do.

Beth and Karen are both enthusiastic young people who have already got stuck in. While they are here to experience what it's like to sit on a charity's board and learn from our more experienced board members, we are certain we will also learn plenty from them," said Jimmy McLean, Chair of RSABI. They will complete a 12-month programme designed to increase confidence, skills and insight about what it's like to be on a charity board.

They will not have voting rights but will participate in board and committee meetings, meet with staff teams and have the opportunity to contribute to the running of RSABI.

MOVERS & SHAKERS

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P Seamus Logan has been appointed as his party's spokesperson on agriculture, fisheries and the environment and will shadow the work of DEFRA (the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) at Westminster.

Commenting on his appointment, Seamus Logan MP said: "I am delighted to have been appointed as spokesperson on these matters by the SNP Parliamentary Leader Stephen Flynn MP. "The DEFRA brief encompasses two of the most important industries in the

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cotland's Rural College (SRUC) is celebrating the long-term achievements of two of its senior staff in driving forward agricultural and rural progress, after being elected to one of the UK's most prestigious fellowships.

Professor Jamie Newbold and Professor Christine Watson have been elected as Fellows of the Royal Agricultural Society (FRAgS) in recognition of their outstanding and continuing individual contributions to the understanding, efficiency and wellbeing of UK agriculture.

Prof Newbold and Prof Watson join just 800 individuals admitted to Fellowship by the Council of Fellows of

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North-east which are major contributors to the local and national economy. The environment as well is – rightly – assuming more importance in government and local decision-making and this is already being reflected in my inbox as a new MP. "I will be undertaking regular engagement with the various industry bodies and stakeholders as part of my role and I look forward to playing my part in scrutinising the new UK Government's legislation as it affects Scotland."

Royal Agricultural Societies (CARAS) since 1983.

Hugh McClymont, former South and West Faculty Farms Manager who retired last year after more than 40 years with SRUC, has also been awarded a Fellowship.

Prof Newbold, Provost and Deputy Principal of SRUC, is globally respected in the field of animal sciences, having published more than 230 regularly cited papers and filed eight patents, four of which are currently licensed to commercial partners for further development. His past appointments include President of the British Society of Animal Science and Editor in Chief of PNS for the Nutrition Society.

Prof Christine Watson is a renowned expert in soil science and agronomy. Her work in sustainable farming systems, particularly that of nitrogen cycling, is widely celebrated for its impact on modern agricultural practices in a world aim to achieve net zero targets. As well as holding the position of Professor of Agricultural Systems at SRUC, she also holds a visiting professorship at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences in the Department of Crop Production Ecology.

Prof Wayne Powell, Principal and

Chief Executive of SRUC, said: "We are immensely proud of Jamie and Christine for receiving these distinguished fellowships.

"Their dedication, throughout their entire working lives to date, and the groundbreaking work they've achieved exemplify and typify SRUC's mission to drive sustainable and innovative advancements in agriculture. This recognition is a testament to the years of hard work they've both put in, and to the impact of their research on the global agricultural community."

U

nited Auctions is pleased to announce the appointment of Richard Henderson as a Director to the Company's Executive Team.

At Scotland's leading livestock auctioneers, Henderson is one of the main sheep auctioneers and is a fellow of the Institute of Auctioneers. His promotion reflects United Auctions' commitment to nurturing leadership talent from within the business.

With an impressive 36 years of experience in auctioneering and the red meat industry, Henderson joins a robust board that includes Managing Director George Purves, Group Directors Christopher Sharp, John Roberts and

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he Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers (RABDF) is delighted to announce the appointment of Hayley Campbell Gibbons as its new Chief Executive.

With over 20 years of experience in agricultural policy, advocacy and leadership, Hayley brings a wealth of experience and passion for the dairy industry. Her extensive background includes serving as the Chief Dairy Adviser for the National Farmers' Union (NFU), where she played a pivotal role in shaping policies and initiatives to support dairy farmers and most recently as Head of Sustainability for Kite Consulting. Hayley has also held several non-executive director positions, including for AHDB and is a current board member of the Food Standards Agency.

In her new role, Hayley will lead

Donald Young and David Brown.

United Auctions' Managing Director George Purves said: "Having known and worked with Richard throughout his career, I understand first-hand the value he will bring to our Board. His knowledge, skills and experience across the agricultural sector will be a huge asset in helping to steer the strategic direction of the business as well as further strengthening and growing the company."

The appointment of Henderson is part of a broader strategy by United Auctions to develop and promote leadership from within, ensuring continuity and sustained business growth.

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ory Christie was announced as chair of the Scottish Agricultural Organisation Society (SAOS) at their AGM earlier this month.

Rory, a well-known figure in Scottish agriculture through various roles, farms in partnership with his brother Gregor at Dourie Farming Company Ltd near Newton Stewart in Southwest Scotland.

The business drives best practice in soil health, cow health and welfare and genetics – he is a founding member of the collaborative fast-breeders program, which looks to optimise cow performance and create a low-methane cow.

He is a passionate about working together to tackle many of the challenges facing the farming and food

RABDF into a strong position of influence and growth; boosting its ability to positively impact on the dairy industry's prospects. Her vision aligns with RABDF's mission to support and represent dairy farmers, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs are met in an evolving agricultural landscape.

"I am honoured to join such an esteemed and well respected organisation as RABDF," said Hayley.

"My priority will be to get to know the people who make the organisation tick – the staff, members, trustees and stakeholders – as well as building links with key industry players. I look forward to helping reshape RADBF and to driving positive changes that will ultimately contribute to a vibrant future for British dairy farming."

Hayley will assume her role as Chief Executive on 11th November 2024.

sector. He worked closely with SAOS to form the Milk Suppliers Association, of which he is chair, bringing together over one hundred dairy farmers to strengthen their power in the supply chain.

Rory said: “I’m very proud to take on the role of SAOS Chair. Co-operation and working together effectively is paramount to tackling the major challenges facing food producers and their supply chains. SAOS have a joined-up approach to tackling vital issues and turning a problem into an opportunity. I’m passionate about the business, it punches well above its weight for a relatively small organisation and I’m keen to help spread the word about them to a wider audience.”

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Milestone for Fendt 100 000th 700 Vario Tractor

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by Chris McCullough

ENDT reached an important milestone in its history with the 100 000th 700 Vario tractor model rolling off the production line on July 25, 2024.

Following 25 uninterrupted years of manufacture, the tractor was manufactured in the Fendt plant at Marktoberdorf in Germany.

The Fendt 700 Vario has become a reference tractor for farmers, contractors and operators outside the agricultural sector. A small turning circle and high performance coupled with low fuel consumption has seen the 724 Vario become Germany’s longest-standing top model. Since its conception in 1999 it has received 33 awards in nine categories from nine countries.

Fendt retail market manager, Ed Dennett, said: “The Fendt 700 series is a true allrounder. It has evolved over the last 25 years to provide more power, improved fuel economy and better manoeuvrability whilst being the epitome of comfort.”

Launched on August 30, 1998, Fendt presented the Favorit 700 Vario series with its stepless transmission and range of four-valve engines. Fendt was the first manufacturer to introduce machine operation via joystick and terminal in the 115 to 160 hp power class.

A total of 10 000 of the first model were manufactured and the series won the Tractor of the Year 1999 award.

In 2003, the ‘Favorit’ name was dropped and a new Tractor Management System (TMS), which controlled the engine and transmission, optimised the injection quantity and engine speed, was introduced.

Ed added: “At low loads, the engine speed was lowered, which improved fuel consumption. The Variotronic headland management system memorised and automated function sequences at the headland and just one

push of a button could trigger 13 functions. This saved time and money and made the second generation a bestseller.”

The ensuing third generation brought track guidance and a fully automatic guidance system, which made precision field work the norm.

Generation four had a new appearance featuring the curved VisioPlus cab and a multifunctional armrest for the first time. New SCR technology saved up to 10 percent diesel and in 2012 the 724 Vario, had the best result in the DLG-PowerMix Test performance class.

The fifth generation 700 featured a Coated Soot Filter (CSF) and external exhaust gas recirculation, reducing diesel consumption and halving AdBlue consumption. However, the sixth generation broke the mould again with its new FendtONE operating system.

“FendtONE brought a new multifunction armrest and the 3L joystick,” Ed said. “This was a completely new approach to Fendt operation, enabling function buttons on the armrest and joystick to be freely assigned. In addition, FendtONE onboard and offboard provided Smart Farming options.

“As it did 25 years ago, development started on a blank sheet of paper with the aim of building the most manoeuvrable, fastest and most efficient 700 of all time.

“The Gen7 makes the technologies of the larger Fendt tractors accessible to the compact class up to 300hp. A new single-stage Fendt VarioDrive drive train, integrated VarioGrip tyre pressure regulation system and a licence for speeds of up to 60 km/h made the 728 Tractor of the Year 2023, and it is just as groundbreaking as the very 700 series was 25 years ago,” said Ed.

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BKT’s FL 695 trailer tyre sets high performance standards

KT has added a new tyre specifically designed for trailers working in construction and agri-transport sectors, adding to the company’s already bursting tyre portfolio of over 3600 products.

As global demand for agricultural products increases and advanced technologies are adopted, tractors and trailers are becoming more and more crucial as versatile tools.

These types of equipment, traditionally used in agricultural operations, are now also employed in construction because of their flexibility, power and adaptability to different applications.

Operators in agriculture and industry are making growing efforts to optimise the use of their machinery and implements in order to avoid periods of inactivity, taking full advantage of their potential in various operating contexts.

This trend is supported by breakthroughs such as precision farming, robotics and electric tractors, which enhance the efficiency and sustainability of operations.

The BKT steel belted FL 695's centre-block tread design ensures excellent stability and endurance under all conditions, while also facilitating excellent self-cleaning during use on road, field or other types of terrain.

The tread depth contributes to a longer product life cycle, while the robust casing and steel belts provide effective protection against punctures.

In addition, the special compound employed in the manufacturing process increases its puncture resistance, thus ensuring reliability in the most demanding operating conditions.

One more strength of the FL 695 lies in its versatility, emerging as the ideal solution for road transport operations in winter as well as soil fertilisation activities in summer.

The FL 695 is presently available in four sizes: 600/55 R26.5, 650/55 R26.5, 600/60 R30.5 and 710/50 R30.5.

This tyre expands BKT's already highly diversified product range, confirming the company's strategy of providing high-quality solutions even for the heaviest applications.

by Chris McCullough

Choosing the right tyre for each task means preventing premature wear and tear, ensuring greater product durability, which in turn results in a lower environmental impact and improved cost efficiency.

Denis Piccolo, product manager at BKT, said: "With FL 695, we have wanted to create a tyre that meets the specific needs of agro-industrial applications, where trailers play a key

role in overall productivity as well as having a strong impact on performance and operational efficiency.

“That's not all. The FL 695 also responds to the demand in terms of reliability, versatility and durability in all operating conditions, proving to be an unrivalled tyre, outcome of a careful research and development process, meant to provide operators with a long service life.”

BOOK – 200 Farmers of Scotland – £25 including postage

Every farmer has a story to tell. This book covers the diverse range of Scottish farmers and crofters from those farming the rugged hills of the Highlands to the sandy loams of the Lowlands. From owner occupiers, tenant farmers, share farmers, crofters, farm managers, starter farmers, to new entrants, farming from 10 acres to 31 000 acres – the people are as diverse as the landscapes and environment in which they work.

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.

New for MF Forage Range

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total of 12 new heavy-duty butterfly mowers and six new twin rotor rakes have been added to Massey Ferguson’s hay and forage range of equipment.

Designed and built for large farmers, professional users and contractors, the MF DM 9614 and MF DM 10114 butterfly mowers are available with a range of features to suit every requirement.

The new models are an addition to the MF DM range, but the existing MF DM 8612 TL and MF DM 9614 TL models are still available for those requiring a lighter or a smaller butterfly mower with conditioner.

The new mowers offer working widths up to 9.6m on the MF DM 9614 TL models that are fitted with a 3m wide headstock, while the MF DM 10114 TL, with a 3.5m headstock provides working widths up to 10.1m.

All models are equipped with the latest heavy-duty, spur gear cutterbar, with 14 discs, which have blades positioned at 90 degrees to those adjacent. These cut against a shearbar, which helps provide a superior cut and material flow.

A conditioner is fitted as standard on all models. There is a choice of the tined KC version, or RC roller, which now comes with drive to both rollers and a

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by Chris McCullough new, more aggressive ‘steel on steel’ option for heavier, dense crops, like lucerne.

To deliver optimum forage quality a novel system can vary the conditioning intensity to exactly match the crop density to produce a uniform dry matter. Operators can set and adjust the system conveniently from the cab.

All ‘Pro’ models are also available with a belt grouper, that moves the material to the centre to form swaths from 1.6m to 3m wide. New sensors on the system monitor the belt units’ position and automatically adjusts this to maintain the optimum centre of gravity.

Other updates see a more powerful hydraulic motor to drive the belts, which enables them to work faster, if necessary. The belts are now mounted flatter on the mower, which improves feed across the whole belt and moves the material more evenly.

Six new twin rotor rakes

MF has also added six new, twin rotor, centre swath rakes, offering working widths from 6.9m - 7.6m up to 8.8m - 10m, to its RK range.

As well as incorporating existing well-proven designs, these new models introduce a range of new features,

including unique Isobus operation, speed dependent height adjustment as well as section control and maintenance-free rotor heads.

Also new is the flexHIGH speed dependent raking height adjustment system, which automatically raises and lowers the machine to maintain the optimum working height.

A new MyMemory option, makes it faster and easier to change between fields by saving the height, working and swath-widths used before switching to the transport position.

Further improving convenience and control is Section Control which increases accuracy and eases the load on the operator by automatically lifting and lowering the rotors according to GPS position information.

For efficient road transport, a new patented gearbox allows all models, except the largest MF RK 1102 TRC Pro, to fold to less than 4m high, without the need to remove any arms. Removing four arms on the largest model enables it to fold to within 4m.

On all models the rotors can be lifted individually, using a standard switch box or with automatic load sensing on the Pro models, helping operators to negotiate obstacles and when working in smaller fields.

Another patented feature,

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steerGUARD, ensures the rake always follows exactly in the tractor track. This uses shafts and stub axles, with just two pivot points, to transfer steering movements to the wheels, providing smooth running, even at high speeds.

MF marketing director, Jerome Aubrion, said: “With these new additions, Massey Ferguson is demonstrating our commitment to customers, from small farmers to large contractors, by providing the widest possible choice to exactly suit each particular requirement.

“Developed to deliver optimum performance for large professional farming operations and contractors, the new butterfly mowers introduce many new features, including the most innovative Isobus control systems.

“Similarly, the new MF RK twin rotor rakes introduce exclusive features and new technology to meet even the most demanding farmers and contractors needs.”

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Bobcat Appoints New Dealer for North of Scotland

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OBCAT has announced the appointment of Inverness-based MacGregor Industrial Supplies as the company’s new authorised dealer for the Highlands and Islands, Aberdeenshire and Perthshire regions of Scotland.

MacGregor Industrial Supplies is a leading provider of industrial supplies and equipment in the north of Scotland, offering a wide range of products and services across the company’s 17 separate divisions, including those in construction, forest, groundcare, fencing and agriculture.

John Christofides, regional sales director for Bobcat EMEA, said: “We believe our new collaboration with MacGregor Industrial Supplies will be very positive for both companies in the north of Scotland.

“With over 300 employees and eight branches in the north, MacGregor Industrial Supplies is an impressive business with a wide array of products and services spanning every market in Scotland.

“I am sure that the Bobcat brand will continue to prosper in the north of Scotland under the stewardship of MacGregor Industrial Supplies.”

In addition to the Inverness headquarters, MacGregor Industrial Supplies has seven further branches in Aberdeen, Elgin, Inverurie, Kirkwall, Portree, Stornoway and Turriff.

John MacGregor, managing director at MacGregor Industrial Supplies, said: “We are excited to become an authorised Bobcat dealer. Under the management of my colleagues, Douglas Fraser and Keith Bremner, I’m sure Bobcat will be even more successful in Scotland.

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by Chris McCullough

“Our team’s extensive experience with Bobcat equipment, combined with our dedication to exceptional customer service, positions us to deliver even greater value to our Bobcat customers.”

The new appointment follows on from the recent acquisition of Balgownie, the previous Bobcat dealer

by MacGregor Industrial Supplies, adding staff with vast Bobcat knowledge and expertise.

The acquisition has ensured that MacGregor Industrial Supplies continues to offer top-tier parts and service support for existing Bobcat owners, maintaining the high standards which Bobcat customers expect.

MacGregor Industrial Supplies has also added a range of Bobcat machinery to the company’s hire fleet, supporting industries including construction, renewables, oil and gas and agriculture.

As well as sales of the entire Bobcat range of machines and attachments, MacGregor Industrial Supplies offers a full selection of genuine Bobcat accessories and parts to support customers in its area. This is backed up by a substantial stock of brand new; certified used and second hand Bobcat machines for sale.

Customers also benefit from MacGregor Industrial Supplies on-site service network, covering everything from emergency repairs to routine maintenance.

The dedicated service team at MacGregor Industrial Supplies will provide comprehensive support, ensuring that Bobcat machinery operates at peak performance.

Customers can expect prompt and reliable service, from routine

maintenance to urgent repairs.

In the last three years, Bobcat has entered the European wheel loader market for compact wheel loaders and small articulated loaders, as well as launching the company’s new generation R-Series telehandlers and compact loaders.

The product portfolio has now been further extended with a new range of compact tractors from 25 to 58hp, together with new lines of mowers and turf renovation equipment. Other additions include a new family of forklifts and warehouse equipment as well as a market-leading range of portable power equipment.

The Bobcat R-Series telehandler range for agriculture and construction provides a choice of 21 models with Stage V engines. There are eight machines aimed at agriculture covering maximum lifting capacities between 2.5 and 4.3 tonne with lifting heights from 6 to 8m, complemented by 13 more for construction covering maximum lifting capacities between 2.5 and 4.1 tonne and lifting heights from 6 to 18m. The Bobcat range also includes a brand new selection of nine rotary telehandler models.

The Bobcat range offers 10 skid-steer loaders including the brand new R-Series S86 model, complementing these wheeled machines with a selection of five compact track loaders, including the latest R-Series T86 top-of-the-range model.

Bobcat also offers an extensive portfolio of mini-excavators from 1.0 to 9.4 tonne, including two electric models and a full range of light compaction machinery.

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OHN Deere has added three new models to its 9RX range of tractors bringing the maximum horsepower up to 913hp.

Powered by 18 litre engines, these new models; 9RX 710 (781hp); 9RX 770 (847hp) and 9RX 830 (913hp), signal the most powerful series tractor ever built

by John Deere.

With unprecedented pulling performance, enhanced operator comfort and the latest precision agriculture capabilities packed in a vehicle width of less than 3m, John Deere says the new 9RX models are well suited to the European and CIS markets.

Under the hood the new 9RX models are equipped with the 18-litre JD18X engine, which provides up to 913

maximum horsepower at low specific fuel consumption and up to 4234 Nm of torque with the top model.

Notably, it achieves full Stage V compliance without the need for Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) /AdBlue. The triple hydraulic pump option with a maximum flow rate of up to 636 l/min and the hydraulic Intelligent Power Management (IPM), which provides up to an additional 40 hp if required, deliver enough power even for the largest, hydraulic-driven implements.

Making moves The new fully-mechanical e21 PowerShiftTM transmission with Efficiency Manager utilises the high engine performance and torque of the

9RX effortlessly, while the automation familiar from the e23TM transmission ensures exceptional driving comfort.

Its 21 gears feature close spacing, allowing operators to easily set the appropriate speed for different tasks.

The new undercarriages with their larger 1200 mm diameter drive sprockets come with a wrapping angle of 110 degrees and 7.5 drive lug engagement.

The maximum ballasting weight of 38 100kgs ensures that power and torque are effectively transferred to the ground. While the increased horsepower dimensions of the new 9RX require a larger vehicle concept, the minimum ground pressure level remains at 0.58 kg/cm², comparable to the current

Three New Tractors for John Deere 9RX Range 46

smaller 9RX models.

Cab comfort With the new CommandViewTM 4 Plus cab, operators will enjoy significantly improved comfort and visibility, as well as a substantial increase in cab floor space.

The new cab suspension, featuring three degrees of freedom, combined with an isolated subframe reduces noise and vibrations. The ActiveCommand Steering (ACSTM) adjusts steering effort based on ground speed, ensuring easy and precise handling. With only 3.5 turns of the steering wheel from lock-to-lock in the field, and a ratio change to five turns lock-to-lock on the road for improved control, the 9RX

tractor facilitates operator productivity and comfort.

The Fast Fuel System allows to refill the 1952-litre diesel tank in fewer than four minutes, further enhancing operational efficiency and reducing daily non-productive time to a minimum.

In addition, daily maintenance points can be easily accessed from the ground or through the new service catwalk around the cab. The extended hydraulic oil service interval of 4000 hours and an optional reversible fan further contribute to an increase in uptime.

Smart tech The 9RX tractor features advanced smart farming capabilities, including the

32.5cm (12.8 inch) high-definition G5Plus CommandCenter and a full integration of John Deere Precision Ag Technology such as Variable Rate Control, 1-Click-Go-AutoSetup, Section Control and full AEF ISOBUS compatibility.

Standard features such as JDLink connectivity, documentation and DataSync increase overall operating performance. The free John Deere Operations Centre serves as a central platform to connect machines, operators, and fields, facilitating data import and cooperation with third parties.

Each of the three new 9RX models measure 8.82m long, 2.99m wideand 3.77m high.

by Chris McCullough

47

Kuhn Adds Three Wider Cultivator Models to Prolander Range

T

HREE new wider cultivators have been added to Kuhn’s popular Prolander range to meet demand from larger farmers and contractors needing a high output machine.

The three models; 9000, 12000 and 14000; offer working widths of 9.2m, 12.2m and 14.2m respectively, which will suit users operating controlled traffic systems.

The new models take the Prolander range to eight in total, offering a versatile stubble cultivator capable of working a range of seedbeds, including ploughed, cultivated or stubble.

Working depths of 3-12cm are possible across the Prolander range and a new 90 x 13mm S-tooth is ideal for ‘tearing’ stubbles to guarantee a c omplete mix of surface material.

Existing tine options are available, including the 70 x 12mm S shaped tine and 60mm or 200mm goose foot tines.

Double U or Double Tube rollers can be specified to suit user requirements.

The five smaller Prolander models, from 4m to 7.5m, are now available with the SH 600; a 600-litre hopper designed to sow cover crops and small seeds in a one-pass system. Seeding options for the new larger models include Kuhn’s TF 1512 front tank.

48

Edd Fanshawe, Kuhn’s arable and connected services product specialist, says the new models allow larger growers to benefit from the Prolander.

Edd said: “The Prolander has grown in popularity over recent seasons due to

its versatility and ease of use. The wider models increase the appeal for growers requiring a tine cultivator capable of a wide range of operations, and with a modest power requirement of 25-35hp/m.”

by Chris McCullough

Why are Wheat Yields so Variable this Season?

by Naimh Tye

A

s harvest is well underway there are several lessons starting to emerge to explain the variability in wheat yields we are now seeing, beyond the obvious reasoning of variable establishment, says Neil Watson, Hutchinsons technical support manager.

"What is most evident so far this harvest is the significant variability in yield with some crops performing well considering the circumstances, whilst others barely reaching half this potential – and occasionally within the same field," he says.

"The trend seems to be better or freer draining soils have maintained their yield capabilities, albeit with no record yields. Conversely the heavier and the poor structured soils have seen their potential plummet.

More significantly it has all been about soil drainage and root development believes Mr Watson. "The ratio of 20:1, the final above ground biomass production to below ground root production tells you everything."

"If you hinder root development, the knock-on effect on biomass will be all too evident. The effects of temporary

root drowning were not only limited to the winter. In some parts of the country heavy rain late on in the season just as the crop approached ripening, caused premature senescence."

This lack of biomass was all too evident from early spring onwards, he notes. "Wet soils hindered uptake of nitrogen at a vital stage."

The lack of sunshine has significantly hindered biomass production, particularly early in the season at the construction phase, which Mr Watson says was never made up through the critical growth stages of the growing season that followed.

"In the latter stages it has not helped with grain fill either, subsequently bushel weights have suffered. Elevated temperatures towards the end of the growing season also led to accelerated leaf aging leading to negative effects in the grain filling phase."

Although he does believe in general, the lower temperatures through most of the critical spring/summer growth period helped reduce the stress on crops.

"Blackgrass control, or lack of it will have impacted yield, not because of

poor residual control in the autumn, quite the contrary, because of the wet spring surviving plants were able to negate the effects of the autumn residuals."

Disease pressure played a key part in most areas, he notes. "Septoria pressure was high in the early part of the season, continuing through the critical months of April and May. The early drilled crops as expected were at the greatest risk with many growers struggling to keep leaf two clean."

"Rust was a major risk this season, both yellow and brown in susceptible varieties, once in the crop in the base of the crop fungicide programmes struggled to hold the disease beyond three weeks," he says.

"Fusarium and ergot are more prevalent this year than most, primarily because of a wet flowering period."

Mr Watson believes partly because the wet soils delayed applications, BYDV was more common among winter than spring crops this season, adding: "The wet winter did not help with take-all in cereals this year either, it has even shown through in first cereals."

"When you consider all of these issues that the season has thrown at crops it's no wonder, we are seeing a range of yields across farms and even fields."

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S

kye at Night – is a gem of a book – capturing the Isle of Skye in the hours of darkness.

Sleat based photographer, Andrew Tobin has over the past five years photographed Skye, its landscapes and its people between sunset and sunrise.

The 165 page full colour coffee table book has a range of stunning photographs from across the island featuring Sgithanachs at work and play, well known landscapes and ones from the path less trodden.

Andrew, who has had a fascinating career as a sports photographer, started out on the polo field and progressed to Premier League and World Cup football and rugby.

He relished the challenge of mastering some extremely difficult shots, sometimes taking three or four outings to get clear moonlit skies, the Milky Way or tides just right. The results are phenomenal with page after page of dramatic images. He has caught this captivating island, its beauty, its tranquillity and its people both native and those who have chosen to make it home, on point.

BOOK REVIEW

From fireworks at Eilean Iarmain under the Northern Lights to the emergency services ready for call out, to a lone tree or landscape under a starry sky – each image is accompanied by a short caption, some history or interesting facts.

As a keen mountaineer he is donating all proceeds from the book to the Skye Mountain Rescue Team.

Jonacks MacKenzie who led a team of local farmers, crofters, ghillies and policemen formed the official Mountain Rescue in the 1950’s. Nowadays 35 volunteers are regularly called out. The team relies on public donations, grant aid and support from other charities to meet the £35 000 running annual costs.

“Skye Mountain Rescue is one of the busiest teams in Scotland and has responded to hundreds of incidents over the years. They are always ready for action 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year,” come rain or shine, he says.

On a personal note both sides of my family were involved with mountain rescue prior to the official Team in the 1950’s. My great uncle William

MacPherson (1890- 1954), who farmed at Crossal, “was a pioneer mountain rescue leader in operations from Sligachan and Glenbrittle. He was a war hero who had taken part in the Battle of Gallipoli as a member of his first regiment, the Australian and New Zealand Mounted Division (ANZAC), which was an army corps of the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force,” says the Great Book of Skye.

In a pioneering rescue in 1937, Dr Allan MacDonald (my maternal Grandfather) was the first Skye doctor to climb 3000 feet in the Cuillin to tend to an injured climber. Many other Skye locals will have similar stories.

Priced at £35, Skye at Night is hot off the press and with only 250 copies on the first print run Andrew will undoubtedly be reprinting very soon. It will be on sale in local shops and online.

Pre-orders can be made from Friday 19th July at www.skyeatnight.com ººSkye at Night will be launched in the first week in August at The Stables, Armadale Castle. Check the website for the confirmed date.

SKYE AT NIGHT

Appin Show

For more info contact Maree on 01806 335577 or info@polycrub.co.uk