Issue 154 farmingscotland.com

farmingscotland.com Nov 2024 • Issue 154

Beef Special Sheep Shearing Kosovo, Montenegro & Albania Mutch Wins Raihania Shears Dog Trials Latest Machinery and much more...

Celebrating 21 Years of Publication

52

Contents 56 Editor

BUSINESS

Budget Implications Stress Awareness CC Takes Action on Vacant Crofts New Health App for Farmers

42 44 44 45

Movers & Shakers

44

International Dog Trials Wilkinson Award International Young Handlers Scottish National Finals Skye High for Mark Scot Placed in Senior at Plesant Point Gavin Mutch Wins Great Raiania Clicking Up the Tally

24 28 32 34 40 41 42 43

EDUCATION /MONITOR FARMS

SHEEP / SHEARING

ARABLE

Oxford Ag Trials

55

MACHINERY

Worlds First Lidar Drone Avant - New Loader Range Lemken – Weeder Harrow Kuhn – Optipoint PRO Fleming – Floating Trailling Shoes New Volto Tedders for Claas New Design for Farmall C Case IH

BEEF

Dynamic Duo Diversify Charolais to the Fore at Cowfords Drumhill Angus AA Calf Registrations Beef Shorthorns – Princess Ann

WORLD TRAVELS/ INTEREST Hiking in Kosovo, Albania & Montenegro

44 46 47 47 50 52 51

48

41

Eilidh MacPherson

pictured with Machinery guru Chris McCullough in Italy

I

4 12 16 21 22

56

farmingscotland.com

t is been a busy couple of months and the articles are stacking up! So plenty to come in the next issue.

A press trip to Italy was a welcome break and catch up with fellow agri journalists from across Europe. It was interesting to visit a sheep farm and see first hand the issues that the farmers have been having since wolves were reintroduced to Italy four years ago.

Full story in the next issue.

Nearer home I was horrified to see the video footage of Seumas Campbell’s

collie being attacked by a Sea Eagle while gathering on Skye. These birds have been increasing in numbers over the years and wreaking havoc across the island. Up to 17 were spotted near an inland loch a few years back. With too many predators, foxes included, the pickings are slim and sheep flocks have been anilated, but a dog attack is taking it to a new level.

Maybe now the powers that be will take heed and regulate numbers.

Eilidh MacPherson Editor/publisher farmingscotland.com Magazine

0797 7897867

The Old Bank Ardvasar Isle of Skye

www.farmingscotland.com farmingscotland.com on facebook Photos by Eilidh MacPherson unless otherwise stated on page 54

Dynamic Duo Diversify

by Eilidh MacPherson

FARM FACTS Farmers:

Gavin & Anna Brown

Location:

Penicuik, Midlothian

Farming:

Area:

Cattle: Sheep: Other:

6

Springfield Farm & Rose Mae Farm

300 acres owned – of which 190ac grass 60ac woodland 50ac grade 2/3

12 pedigree Highlands 30 pedigree Simmentals 30 breeding Suffolks 200 commercial ewes

Livery yard - 16 horses Springfield Farm Holiday 4 pods planning for 14 Sportsmaster grass business - 16 staff Wind Turbines Springfield Game and Country Meats Twins Josh & Logan (4)

E

nterprising young couple, Gavin and Anna Brown, who invested in 140 acres south of Penicuik in 2010, now have an impressive portfolio of diversified enterprises.

“When we took on Springfield it had been grazed by horses and the soils were sick and completely depleted,” informed Gavin, who was brought up about five miles away on Stonefieldhill Farm, Rosewell. His wife, Anna hails from Blackface sheep country at Muirkirk, where her family still farm.

The couple had previously rented Upper Dalhousie, lived at Wester Middleton village and had a farm office in an old saw mill.

“Not many farms come on the market around Edinburgh and at 140acres it wasn’t really a viable agricultural unit,” commented Gavin, who runs a sports grass and artificial turf business.

The possibility of having a house, office and land altogether was a real draw card.

Springfield is sandwiched between Penicuik Estate and Whim Peat Farm, off the A701, Peebles Road. “We have a peaty loam soil, with moorland each side, it has taken a long time to get the land back into a workable state.”

With only one farm building on the property the couple established a livery business with an arena and stabling for 16 horses for an initial income stream.

“As we were both under forty at the time we applied for funding as new entrants, but failed at every hurdle. We fell into a black hole of being not big enough and not small enough had no sheds and no livestock. The fact that we had invested and bought land didn’t count!”

“We appealed as we were told about the scoring system after we had applied. It is EU law in the tendering

process to give everyone the information beforehand,” informed Gavin, who tenders for projects, mainly school playing fields, for his Sportsmasters UK turf business on a regular basis.

“Initial finance for the farm was difficult, we could easily get a mortgage on the house, which formed a large portion of the sale. Anna had worked for the Clydesdale Bank for a few years so we ended going with them.”

Seven years ago the neighbouring farm of Rose Mae (160 acres) came on the market and the couple doubled their landmass, enabling them to up their livestock numbers significantly.

They hope to have the land paid off in the next seven years.

Highland cows were the first livestock purchase and a dozen now

graze the poorer pastures (pictured below). A solid brindle coloured bull was purchased from the Nelsons of Glengorm on the Isle of Mull. “Laorin of Glengorm did great guns for us and we sold him as a 9 year old to Ewen MacMillan at Lurg, Fintry.”

Initially the Browns kept every female to increase numbers but have sold at Oban three times and recently sold eight females privately, “at good money,” to Alan Mack, who was taking on a croft in Sutherland.

Simmental cattle were next on the agenda. “I had always liked the look of the Simmental and they are known to be an easy handled breed. I wanted to be able to run a pedigree herd on a commercial, low input system and it’s fair to say that the Simmental has lived up to my expectations,” commented

Gavin.

Foundation females were purchased from Hector MacAskill, Woodhall – two heifers and then two cows from the Hazelden dispersal. Since then the herd has grown to thirty breeding cows, by retaining female stock.

Over the decade two bulls have featured at Springfield. Gavin spotted the first – Shilo Freedom in a bull calf show on Facebook. He bought him privately from Ireland for 4000 Euros.

“He was well fleshed with good cover and bred well.”

Their second sire – Islavale Jabba was purchased from breeders WS Stronach & Son, Berryleys, Keith, Banffshire from the May 2020 Stirling Bull sale.

“Unfortunately due to the pandemic the sale was cancelled so we gambled 6000gns, having only seen videos and

7

photographs of him!”

It was a sound investment as the couple feel that Jabba has, “done an phenomenal job,”and improved their herd.

Jabba won the 2023 Simmental Champion of Europe. The European Championship is held within the Simmental Champion of the World Competition’ run by the Texas, USA based Simmental breeder.

“We are over the moon with the result. In this online competition Islavale Jabba has been judged on his presence and by breeders from different parts of the world who will have different takes on the values of the Simmental breed in terms of colour, fleshing, and muscle definition. So to be picked out as Champion from all of these entrants is very special. The coverage this competition has over a social media and online platform is massive and it can only be good for the breed in the UK to have British Simmental genetics again recognised internationally,” commented Gavin online, after the win.

Jabba was also Senior Male Champion at the 2023 Scottish National Simmental Show.

To extend the time using Jabba, the Browns sold their first consignment of five females at Stirling in 2021 to a top of

6800gns, averaging 4800gns. Jimmy and Vicki Wood of the Pope’s herd, Preston purchased four of them.

On the bull front 10 000gns for a bull bound to a commercial breeder in Orkney, is top dollar for this Midlothian pedigree herd, at this years February bull sale.

At the end of April the Browns purchased Bighill Plato in conjunction with the Newbie Mains herd, Annan, at Tullamore market in County Offaly in the Republic of Ireland. This Scottish joint partnership set a new Simmental Breed Society record for the Irish livestock market, bidding 12 200 Euros for this stylish sire from Fergal Doherty, Carrigart, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal.

Springfield Simmentals have certainly made their presence known in showing circles. “We like to take young stock to Agri Expo, Livescot and Stars of the Future. It is easy to take four or five calves in a trailer,” stated Gavin who won Agri Expo two years and took reserve last year. They won Stars of the Future and were also champions at Livescot.

Back on farm, calving is aimed for May/June, “It gives the opportunity for selling Junior bulls in October and still make the May sale for the Intermediate

class,” informs Gavin.

The bull is only out for two turns to keep a tight calving window, which is now paramount with the new regime coming in next year. From 2025, a cow must have a calving interval of 410 days or less, for her calf to be eligible for SSBSS payment.

“We cull if they don’t hold to the bull or if there are any other problems.”

The cattle are housed, in sheds built

by Hugh Stewart Construction, a week before calving so they can be monitored by camera, installed by a rugby mate – Safe, Simple, Secure. “It is a massive saving as I can carry on with my ground care work and keep an eye on the cattle,”says Gavin who has turfed for the London Wasps, Murrayfield, Hearts and the Glasgow Warriors.

Utilizing the peat production next door, Gavin has switched from bedding the cattle on straw to using peat. At £300 a month for peat compared to near £2000 for straw, it is a no brainer. “We find that the cattle are cleaner and there are less foot problems on peat than on straw. And it has the added bonus in that it can be spread on the fields.”

Inside the cattle are fed haylage, before being liberated, as soon the grass and climate are favourable.

)5$0( &21',7,21 32:(5 ]5Y(; Y ʼnS'Aiʼn 5 < PROFIT THROUGH EFFICIENCY

UPCOMING SALES

*SIMMENTAL = THE UK’S NO. 1 CONTINENTAL BREED FOR AGE AT SLAUGHTER

STIRLING BULL SALE

21ST OCTOBER 117 BULLS

,ƋūŞöIJöīƌ ÎūūŞÎêūĕƅö IJĕƋ ļċ ċīÎĨöð IJÎĕƕöƽ śöÎŤƽ éöÎijŤ Îijð éÎŞīöƌ ƆĕūĒ Î ĒĕČĒ ĕijêīŰŤĕļij ļċ éööū śŰīś Îijð IJļīÎŤŤöŤƽ ŤśöêĕċĕêÎīīƌ ðöŤĕČijöð ūļ IJÎƋĕIJĕŤö ċööð ĕijūÎĨöŤƽ IJŰŤêīö Îijð ċŞÎIJö ČŞļƆūĒǂ

FOLLOWED BY BROOMBRAE HERD DISPERSAL SALE Gordon Clark, Auchtermuchty, Cupar, Fife 16 cows with 17 calves at foot, 2 in calf heifers, 3 heifers free of the bull.

DENIZES HERD PRODUCTION SALE MA Barlow & Sons, Four Oaks, Nr Leyland, Lancs 11 cows with calves at foot, 11 heifers, 2 cows, 1 bull

* NATIONAL BEEF EVALUATION AUGUST 2024

+44 (0) 2476 696 513

information@britishsimmental.co.uk

www.britishsimmental.co.uk

Y<YʼnS]L OʼnS'Aiʼn<]Y Ēö ŰīūĕIJÎūö ĒĕČĒ ŤūÎŞêĒ ċļŞIJŰīÎūĕļij ļċ IJÎĕƕöƽ éööū śŰīś Îijð ŤļƌÎƽ ČŰÎŞÎijūööð ūļ ÎêĒĕöƅö śŞĕIJö ŤĒļƆ Îijð ŤÎīö êļijðĕūĕļijƽ ČĕƅĕijČ ƌļŰ ūĒö ŞöŤŰīūŤ ƌļŰ ƆÎijūƿ

&$// 72'$<

S OË ³¨§ Ûv®Èv OË ³¨§ à À ¨v­ ® À và à â³ËÀ ¨³ §

I L$?L9 : I?S :S* 4 IL?$*S

®â 9˨ e OË ³¨§ Ǔ IËÈ È ÃÈv­½ ³® â³ËÀ ¨³ § Ǫ À v½ È À ÜvÀ à SƝ ŬŮŴ ŮűŲů ŮůŰŮ

`Ɲ ÜÜÜƛÃË ³¨§Ã ½ƛ³À

Ɲ ®¿Ë À ÃǩÃË ³¨§Ã ½ƛ³À

Davidsons Ultimate Show blend is crept fed to the calves till they are ten months old. “We use it for the pedigree lambs, shearlings and ram lambs and to finish any cattle. There is just one bin – it is easier to keep it as simple as we can.”

When selling stock the Browns have a bottom line of £3500. In the early days Anna started selling their own meat direct under the Springfield Game and Country Meats. It gives them an extra income of around £12 000 a year.

Initially she sold at farmers markets and local deliveries, but since they have introduced pods onto the farm they are now also selling BBQ packs and breakfast packs to their guests.

With uninterrupted views across the moors of Penicuik Estate onto the Pentland Hills, this dynamic young

duo has hit the jackpot. Only thirteen miles south of the capital – Edinburgh – and 16 miles to the airport, they are in an ideal location to attract city slickers and international guests alike.

So far four pods, which can sleep up to six people are in operation and the groundwork has been carried out for the next four. They have planning for 14 in all, which will be sited on otherwise unproductive land.

Each pod sports a hot tub, which is sectioned off for privacy, a deck with seating and a BBQ for outdoor living. (see full feature on page 50) Other enterprises on this exposed windswept property include a couple of 125kV wind turbines and the planting of 60 acres of hardwoods on poorer land.

Gavin and his brother Scott kept a small flock of pedigree Suffolks when

they left the tenanted farm Stonefieldhill.

Their consignment of shearlings averaged £1100 this year at Kelso.

Unsurprisingly this energetic, driven partnership are in the shortleat for Diversified Farm of the Year, sponsored

by SAC at the Scottish Agricultural Awards 2024 at the Double Tree Hilton, Glasgow on Thursday. They are up against Marshall’s Farm Shop, Boghead Farm, Kintore, Aberdeenshire and on farm experiences at Jacksons of Jedburgh at Kersheugh Farm.

In my opinion the Brown family would be worthy winners of the title.

Over the past 14 years they have achieved more than many can dream of and have also become first time parents to – double trouble – twins Josh and Logan, now aged four!

SUBARU FORESTER E VOLVED TO EXPLORE.

£2,000 SUBARU DEPOSIT CONTRIBUTION*

5.9%

APR REPRESENTATIVE†

3 YRS £299

SERVICING FOR **

3 YRS

ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE#

We typically receive commission or other benefits for introducing you to International Motors Finance Ltd. This may be a flat fee or percentage of the amount you borrow. Vehicle shown is a Forester 2.0i XE Lineartronic, OTR price of £38,590. Model shown price includes optional special paint finish at £595.

CALL OR VISIT TO BOOK YOUR TEST DRIVE TODAY STOCK AVAILABLE FOR IMMEDIATE DELIVERY

A F Noble & Son 01968 678002 2A Eastfield Farm Road, Penicuik, Midlothian EH26 8EZ

Search: A F Noble & Son A F Noble & Son (Penicuik) Ltd, Trading as A F Noble & Son acts as a credit broker and not a lender.

SUBARU FORESTER e-BOXER fuel economy and CO2 results (WLTP): Combined 34.7mpg, CO2 emissions 185g/km. Mpg figures are official EU test figures for comparative purposes & may not reflect real driving results. Fuel consumption achieved in real life conditions & CO2 produced depends on a number of factors including accessories fitted (post-registration), variations in weather, driving styles & vehicle load.

Offers available until 30.09.2024. Stock subject to availability. Subaru reserves the right to amend or withdraw offers at any time without prior notice. Private customers only, not available in conjunction with any other offers. Excludes Personal Contract Hire and Business Contract Hire. Available at participating dealers only. *£2,000 Subaru Deposit Contribution (incl. VAT) on a 2.0i XE or XE Premium Lineartronic Forester e-BOXER. †Credit is subject to status. Must be 18+. This credit offer is only available through Subaru Finance provided by International Motors Finance Limited, St William House, Tresillian Terrace, Cardiff, CF10 5BH. **3 services for £299.00 (incl. VAT) offer applicable when you purchase a brand-new Subaru Forester e-BOXER, XV e-BOXER or Outback. All services should be taken at the relevant service intervals - either 12,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes sooner. All services must be completed by an authorised Subaru Retailer. The customer’s failure to redeem the services within the designated mileage or time will void the manufacturer’s warranty. Available to retail customer only. Does not cover any non-service related parts or repairs or general wear and tear. Servicing is transferable with the vehicle. #A comprehensive 3-Year Recovery and Assistance Programme is included, valid in the UK and Europe. ^The traction battery (Lithium-ion) is covered by an 8 year / 100,000 mile Warranty (whichever is sooner).

Subaru (UK) Ltd is a subsidiary of International Motors Limited.

suppliers of

Round and square stobs, posts, rails, fencing wire and netting Large range of gates for field, farmyard and buildings Cattle handling gates and hurdles cattle crushes/calf de horners etc Cattle and sheep feed rings Creep feeders Feed troughs for cattle and sheep

Cow cubicles Electric fence equipment Plastic water troughs, foot baths & calf feeders

Lambing hurdles

ryanoneilayr@gmail.com

Free delivery Call anytime for a competive quote.

07860 708824 01292 263374 www.oneilofayr.co.uk

Agents for

Plus many independent manufacturers........

10

AFTER SALES SERVICE WE PROVIDE SERVICING, REPAIRS, BODYWORK, ACCIDENT REPAIRS & PARTS SUPPLY.

WE OFFER COURTESY VEHICLES WITH TOW BARS, AS WELL AS COLLECTION & DELIVERY SERVICES FOR CUSTOMER VEHICLES.

A F Noble & Son

01968 678002 ALEXFNOBLE.CO.UK

Ƨ ,ÎŤūƞöīð @ÎŞIJ ļÎðƽ öijĕêŰĕĨƽ eĕðīļūĒĕÎij ,GƧƫ ƭ,Ê

11

Charolais to the Fore at Cowfords

by Lesley Eaton

FARM FACTS Farmers:

Sandra & John Middleton

Location:

New Pitsligo Aberdeenshire

Farming:

Area: Cattle: Other:

F

Cowfords, New Pitsligo, Fraserburgh

97 acres owned down to grass

30 pedigree Charolais Hollywell Charolais herd 15 pedigree Simmentals Moved from Northern Ireland Son Robert has machinery business

or pedigree cattle breeder Sandra Middleton, it was love at first sight when she first encountered the Charolais breed as a child in Northern Ireland.

Her rural upbringing brought her into contact with a local farmer and it was here that her lifelong love of the breed began.

Husband John is also a fan of the breed and his family have a long connection with it, indeed his grandfather was one of the first to use it in AI in Northern Ireland.

As a couple, John and Sandra established a small herd of mainly cross bred Charolais, which they farmed alongside pure bred Texels and a small herd of Simmentals. Then in 2000, former veterinary nurse Sandra fulfilled her dream to establish a pedigree Charolais herd when a trip to Kilrea Livestock Market saw them bring back two heifers – Rich and Reba – from vendor Brian Mullen and the Hollywell Charolais herd was born.

Rich and Reba’s first calvings with the Middletons produced bulls who had their first outing at Dungannon and won their respective classes – Hollywell Untouchable went on to win the intermediate championship at the first attempt.

Selling bulls at auction and keeping heifers in the herd for their mothering ability, milk and temperament, the couple steadily grew their reputation with the breed in Northern Ireland until 2019 when the realisation of John’s long-held ambition to move to Scotland was more lock, stock and cattle than lock, stock and barrel!

Son Robert had previously moved to the North east of Scotland, with John, Sandra and their livestock following to a rented house, yard and land at Turriff until pandemic restrictions relaxed enough for suitable options to appear on the market.

They were delighted when Cowfords at New Pitsligo near Fraserburgh became available and after the initial

disappointment of missing out on the property, were successful just a few months later after the original sale fell through.

Since then, the two dwellings at Cowfords have become home to John, Sandra, son Robert and his wife Kirsty and four-year-old daughter Rebecca – meaning there’s plenty of extra hands during the busy showing season and allowing Robert to balance helping with the cattle with running his own machinery business.

A total of 97 acres of land at Cowfords is mainly grazing for the cattle, with hay and silage cut.

Since arriving in Scotland, the Middletons have expanded their numbers by keeping a few more heifers sourced from sales at Stirling and Thainstone. Numbers now sit at 30 head of Sandra’s Charolais and a dozen of John’s Simmentals which have grown from the two her brought over from Northern Ireland.

Prior to moving to Scotland, they

13

were already making their mark on this side of the Irish Sea and visits to Stirling yielded success such as a junior champion in the 9600gns Hollywell Mojito whilst two bulls and a heifer sold for 7000gns each at Carlisle.

Since arriving in Aberdeenshire, the Hollywell reputation has been further enhanced by notable success in the show and sale rings, including the overall championship at the 2024 Royal Northern Spring Show at Thainstone, Inverurie where Hollywell Taco achieved 11 000gns. This Whitecliff James son out of a heifer called

Hollywell Orla was 22 months old at the time and John and Sandra were over the moon to take top spot at the event at their first time attending.

Also earlier this year, Hollywell T20 out of Hollywell Italy realised 16 000gns at Stirling after taking reserve junior championships at Turriff and New Deer Shows the previous summer. Hollywell Sol also had a successful summer on the show circuit and went on to sell for 10 000gns at Stirling last October.

At the upcoming Stirling sales, John and Sandra will exhibit Hollywell Utah, who was out at New Deer Show and got

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

14

second at Turriff. Also in their line-up and also by Northampstead Judas will be Hollywell Uwin and Hollywell Uncle Bob. Meanwhile representing the Hollywell Simmental herd will be Hollywell Pipe out of a heifer bred at home, Hollywell Korea.

After that, attention will return to the Royal Northern Spring Show and the planning will begin to see if the Middletons can do the double and retain the title they won this year.

Breeding Quality Bulls a priority at Drumhill Angus

by Chris McCullough

-0;u7;;mŊ-m] vĺ1oĺ h ƏƐƕƒѶ ѵƑƑƓƕƕ

S

INCE its formation back in 2008 the Drumhill Angus herd has become widely regarded for turning out top quality livestock to customers across the UK and Ireland.

Started by Jonathan and Lisa Doyle, the herd initially eased into production with just 20 pedigree cows on a small holding of 20 acres outside Cookstown in County Tyrone.

As the years have progressed the herd has currently tripled in size to 60 cows and the farm extended to over 250 acres.

For the Doyles the last 16 years have been a journey filled with pride, not just boosted by achieving top prices at bull sales, but also in the knowledge that their stock is performing well for other farmers.

Jonathan’s main occupation is running his civil engineering company, JD excavations, which takes him all over the UK for weeks at a time.

However, he makes sure to return home most weekends to concentrate on

18

FARM FACTS the cattle breeding and choosing bulls for the next sales.

Jonathan said: “I’m away from home 70 per cent of the time and get back as often as I can to see the stock. I have a good herd manager, Philip Montgomery, who has been working for me for the past five years.”

Drumhill Angus has entered two Angus bulls for the October bull sales at Stirling, both homebred, born in March 2023 and ready for new homes.

The first one is Drumhill Exchange Rate, who is sired by Galcantry Jedi Eric; a bull Jonathan bought for 15 000 guineas in partnership with Blelack at Stirling a few years back.

Galcantry Jedi Eric has proved to be a good purchase for Jonathan as he has sired a number of bulls that have caught the eyes of discerning buyers at sales.

“That includes a bull I took to Stirling in February this year, which was the reserve junior champion achieving the second highest price that day,” said Jonathan.

“I sold another son of his at a local sale in Dungannon that made a record price of 8400 guineas.

“Drumhill Exchange Rate was the junior male champion, and overall male champion, at the Northern Ireland calf show last year.

“He was the junior male champion and reserve overall male champion at Balmoral Show this year.”

And the second bull entered at Stirling is Drumhill Lord Hot Talk, a homebred bull sired by Drumhill Evo. “That sire was sold to a pedigree herd in the Republic of Ireland,” Jonathan said. “I collected a number of straws of semen from him before he left.

“Both these young bulls are already in Scotland ahead of the Stirling sale. I will be there to see how they get on,” he added.

Jonathan has a goal to reach 100 cows in the herd and with that in mind he does not sell any heifers. There are normally around 30 bulls born in the herd each year.

“We keep all the females that are born in the herd,” said Jonathan. “The best ones are kept for breeding and those that just don’t make the grade are culled.

“Of that total of 30 bulls born each year I’d say I probably sell 15 to 20 of them to private buyers and at scheduled sales. The remainder would either be castrated and sold as forward stores, or would be finished as bull beef,” he added.

For Jonathan the Aberdeen Angus breed has worked efficiently on his farm and was the right choice when he started out in farming.

Jonathan said: “I’m a first generation farmer and when I bought the small mountain holding all those years ago I needed cattle that suited that particular environment.

“As I was away quite often with work I wanted a breed that was easy to look after, was easy calving and good mothers. Aberdeen Angus ticked all those boxes and more for us and have

proved to be the right choice for our farming system.”

Looking back since he started the herd Jonathan says he prefers not to concentrate on the show rings as this can be too much of a distraction from breeding.

“I prefer to concentrate on building up a good cow herd and producing bulls that go on to do well for other farmers in both commercial and pedigree herds.

“From very humble beginnings I bred my first champion bull in 2011 that was sold at Dungannon Bull Sales. This trend repeated itself in 2011 and 2013 winning more supreme championships.”

However, in 2016 everything started to change for Jonathan at the Stirling Bull Sales as his bulls won the intermediate champion, the senior champion and the overall champion on the same day.

Jonathan added: “At that point we got a real hunger for competing at the highest level against the long

Farmers:

Jonathan & Lisa Doyle

Location:

Cookstown, Co.Tyrone, NI

Farming: Area:

Cattle: Staff:

Drumhill

250 acres owned

60 pedigree Angus Drumhill Angus herd

Herd manager Philip Montgomery

established big names in Angus breeding.

“We started upping our game, trying just that bit harder to achieve more success. That day I sold the senior champion to Willie Robertson of the Nightingale Angus herd near Birmingham.

“After that we developed a super relationship and Willie became a mentor of mine. He quite often would take me through the Angus bloodlines and talked about the famous herds.

“Willie gave me good advice on where I needed to go as a breeder, on understanding the back breeding of cattle and how I was going to breed consistent and predictable cattle,” he said.

Willie sadly passed away in 2020 but Jonathan took his advice onboard and has bred many champion bulls ever since. His passion for the breed stands strong today and he is quite proud of what the family has achieved.

“We have come a long way in this breeding world and even managed to sell bulls for stud to AI Services. One is called Drumhill Lord Highway, sold during the Covid years in February 2021 and Drumhill Explorer in 2022.

“Lisa and I have two children, Jack, 12 and Jessica, 10, who are also showing good interest in the Angus breed. Lisa and I travel to all the shows together and discuss any potential purchases thoroughly before any new stock is bought.

20

“Our breeding style and bloodlines are working well. Long may it continue,” Jonathan concluded.

Aberdeen-Angus Calf Registrations Lead Way for Third Year in row

T

he latest registration data shows that Aberdeen-Angus lead the way for the third year in a row, with 10% growth over the last six years.

With over 15 000 more calf registrations in 2023 compared to 2022, Aberdeen-Angus calves made up 27% of total registrations.

This is 7.7% more registrations than the next closest breed, according to the BCMS data.

Robert Gilchrist, CEO of the Aberdeen-Angus Cattle Society, says that both the beef and dairy sector are increasingly turning to Aberdeen-Angus genetics as the focus on sustainability sharpens.

“We’ve been the beef sire of choice in the UK for the last three years and it’s very positive to see continued growth,” he explains.

When it comes to beef production, Mr Gilchrist says there is no doubt that margins within suckler production are tight, but many of the key advantages of Aberdeen-Angus genetics align with profitability.

“High-growth rates and the ability to convert low quality feed into a high-quality product that commands a premium in the market, are vital traits when it comes to efficient and profitable production,” he says.

“Traits such as calf vigour, being polled, easier handling due to their natural docility, are also becoming key drivers for Aberdeen-Angus genetics, especially as farm labour tightens.”

The breeds exceptional maternal and terminal traits have resulted in significant growth in Aberdeen-Angus registrations from the dairy sector.

Mr Gilchrist says that short gestation, calving ease and calf vigour are some of the Aberdeen-Angus traits that dairy farmers value.

“The gestation length can be seven to 10 days shorter than some continental breeds, which means you can get cows milking quicker and back in-calf sooner.”

In addition, Mr Gilchrist says the high market demand and premium prices for registered Aberdeen-Angus

sired calves also make them the preferred choice.

“Buyers of dairy cross calves will be reassured knowing the sire of a registered Aberdeen-Angus bull, not only because it will secure a premium at the point of sale but because the cattle will grow-on well and finish quickly from lower quality inputs.

“These traits are becoming increasingly important as we shift towards more sustainable methods of beef production, where efficiency, the environment and economics all need to be considered.”

Aberdeen-Angus calves made up 27% of total registrations in 2023, data shows

21

I

t was a picture-perfect day for the recent Beef Shorthorn Development Day with masters of the breed, Charles and Sally Horrell along with son Harry, welcoming HRH the Princess Royal to Podehole Farm with over 100 fellow breed enthusiasts in attendance.

The afternoon of events started off with the attendance of HRH the Princess Royal, where she was welcomed by the Horrell family to the farm, which has been home to the renowned Podhole herd since 1997 before joining guests to present this year’s National Herd Competition award to winners, Geoff and Chris Riby from the Stonehill herd, Yorkshire.

Princess Anne acknowledged breeders for their hard work and dedication, which has resulted in a vast development of the breed over the last number of years as well as highlighting the work alongside Morrisons, helping make the Beef Shorthorn one of Britain’s fastest growing native breeds.

Guests were then spilt into four workshop group with HRH the Princess Royal overlooking various parts of each workshop during the tour of the farm with Charles and Beef Shorthorn president Tim Riley.

22

Chairman of the Scottish Beef Shorthorn Club Vic Watson said: “We were delighted to be welcomed to Podhole for the Development Day as part of our Scottish Club tour in the area and it was great to see the herd, which is undoubtably one of the top Beef Shorthorn herds in the country.

“Charles and Sally are a credit to the breed along with stockman Roy and always make time to speak to new and old members.”

Guest speakers for the day included Seth Wareing and Harriet Bunning from AHDB who discussed the benefits of performance recording and genomics; Ian Robertson from Hutchinson’s highlighting soil health and growing grass; Freddie Watchorn from Farm Veterinary Solutions who demonstrated the benefits of pelvic measuring heifers prior to calving and Meurig James from NBDC who did a demonstration on linear classification.

“Our development days are events designed to provide education and support for our members, supporters of the breed and industry professionals who are involved with or interested in Beef Shorthorn cattle,” says Operations Manager of the Beef Shorthorn Society,

Clive Brown.

“The aim of these events is to improve the overall quality, productivity and sustainability of the Beef Shorthorn herds by sharing knowledge and innovations. They foster networking and collaboration amongst breeders, helping to advance the breed’s reputation and commercial success in the beef industry.”

The afternoon of workshops was then followed by a scenic evening walk through the herd of cows at Podhole where members discussed genetics used in the herd, changes being made to the age of heifers at calving, technology introduced to help herd management and challenges of grass growth on the reclaimed quarry land the cows’ graze.

“We have been asked what makes the herd ‘tick’ and the truth is it’s the team’s passion for the breed and the job, its being very objective about the cattle, culling hard and never looking with rose coloured spectacles,” highlights Sally.

“Never being afraid to make a change if things haven’t worked as expected which they don’t always. We try to breed cattle we like to look at and that suit our environment.”

International Dog Trials -Biggar

by Eilidh MacPherson

24

by Eilidh MacPherson

INTERNATIONAL

Singles: 511 W Kemi Jack Kevin Evans 494 W Tod Robert Ellis 487 W Kinloch Taz Angie Driscoll 464 I James McCloskey Dollar Roeldog Becca 395 I James McGee 378 I Marshall Michael Glynn 368 S Fraser Shennan Fred 361 S Lark Ian Brownlie James McLaughlin Eirie Rock Mae 343 I 322 E Kirby Ben Smith 288 S Mark Neil McVicar 287 W Neffinn Boy Ross Games 286 I Ben Martin Feeney Michael GallacherHill Runner Bee 227 S S 0 Boyd Ian Brownlie Brace: Angie Driscoll John McGinn

Kinloch Taz Kinloch Carlos Rose and Jess

Young Handler: Oisin McCullough & Jan Andrew Davies & Mac Donnie MacDiarmid & Todd Oliver Watson & Pen-Y Roy

S

heep dog enthusiasts from across the UK converged on Syde Farm, Carmichael, Biggar last week, to contest for the coveted International Titles.

With a biting wind spectators at the Scottish International were wrapped up like double fleeced sheep, huddled in the grandstand.

Renowned sheep shearer Hamish Mitchell was number one to the post with Dan. They were having a reasonably good run, managing the first shed, but a close encounter at the pen unfortunately saw the first Scottish pairing disqualified.

Last year’s Supreme winner and 2018 team captain, Fraser Shennan, of Knockgerran Farm, Girvan, who comes from a line of successful dog triallers and breeders was next Scot up (fifth) with young dog Fred (2y 11m). He lost valuable points on the outrun but his lift and shed were classy and although he was timed out before the pen, his score of 269 put him momentarily to the top of the leader board.

26

Singles Day One The Blackface hill sheep were proving tricky to shed and many triallers and their dogs were running out of time at this juncture. Only nine competitors from the Day One line up managed to pen the sheep.

Irishman Michael Glynn and his Paw Patrol named dog – Marshall – were up eighth. Their perfect outrun and lift teamed with a walk in pen, put them in prime position on 315 points, which they held all day.

Wullie Welsh who farms at Burnfoot, Sanquhar with his wife Margaret, in Dumfries and Galloway was timed out on the shed, but with a clean outrun and only seven points lost on the lift Wullie and Hayshaw Fletch went into third place on 259 points. They stood in seventh by end of play on day one.

Emma Gray of This Farming Life fame and Banjo were 13th to the post – unlucky for some but not this Bute based duo. Well-tuned Banjo played a blinder on the outrun, lift and fetch – the best of the event – sweeping The Captain Whittaker Trophy with an OLF

of 19. Unfortunately they ran out of time at the pen, but took eighth place that day.

Emma has represented England twice in the past with Roy and Jamie and this was her first foray in the Scottish Team.

Two times winner of the Supreme, in 2012 with Gus and 2013 with Mo, local Chairman of the event, Ian Brownlie is a seasoned dog trialler, having competed for three decades. This time teamed with Boyd time management was of the essence. A stream-lined lift and speedy single shed saw the East Lothian based twosome notch up a tally of 271 and into second place on the leader board.

Irishman Michael Gallacher, running for Scotland with Hill Runner Bee secured his place between south west friends Fraser Shennan and Wullie Welsh in eighth at the end of play.

With failing light the last few competitor’s runs were postponed till the following day. Once they ran in the morning Scotland had five in the to 15, England five, Wales four and Ireland one – Michael Glynn – in pole position.

397 W 376 I 277 I 236 W 227 S 170 E

Wilkinson Sword Award

P

rincess Anne presented Hugh and Marlene Munro of Cradlehall, Inverness with the Wilkinson Sword. The Sword is awarded annually to someone who has made an outstanding contribution to the Society, sheepdogs or sheepdog trials in the country where the International is being held. It was first awarded in 1980.

Hugh, who was brought up at Kinlochbervie in North West Sutherland was given his first collie pup to train at aged nine. His initial shepherding job was at Stronechrubie, Lairg followed by Cullachy near Fort Augustus, where he met Marlene, who was teaching locally.

Hugh and Marlene married in Killin and then moved to Mid Fearn, Ardgay before heading to Leys Castle for 34 years.

Hugh’s successes include winning the Grampian Television Sheepdog Trial, the Wilson Shield in Ardgay and the Highland Nursery League.

The Munros became involved with the Tomatin Sheepdog Society from its inception in 1974, helping in the running of the Open, Hill and Nursery Trials and the Dog Sales. “We also were heavily involved in the National, International, World Trials and Nursery Final when they were held in the North.”

The couple have been running a charity dog trial at the Scottish Governmentrun bull stud farm at Knocknagael for over thirty-five years. “Over all those years trialling has given us so much pleasure, we have travelled many miles, made lots of friends and enjoyed the banter. First time we went to a hill trial on Skye the rain was horizontal all day, you couldn’t recognise which green oilskin-clad figure was at the post and then to cap it all, the ferry was off!”

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

Combi® Medium

SET Tags

Primary and secondary

Call 01643 841611 Full range online www.shearwell.co.uk

£595

S.Scotland James Hickson 07714 744 686

Ask about our FREE replacement tags

EID Stick Reader Easy, single-button operation

Call your local rep:

Excellent Retention

Medium - perfect if you like a smaller primary tag

£1.23

Breeding pairs from

98p

Slaughter tags from

75p

N.Scotland & the Isles Jane Thomson 07788 209 438 All prices exclude VAT & delivery

ALWYN EVANS GALVANISED DOG KENNELS 07776298832 / 01745 860691

T

Singles Day Two

he bar was lifted on the second day of the International Trials, as the 32 contenders vied for a slot in the coveted top 15.

Irishman James McCluskey and Dollar staked their claim early doors as they had a flawless lift and a near perfect pen, resulting in knocking their team mate Michael Glynn, who topped the first day of trails, off his perch, with a five point lead (320).

Competitors 34 and 38 for Wales Dewi Jenkins and Nigel Watkins had decent runs but unfortunately did not quite make the cut for the final day, both running out of time.

Irish farmer, James McLaughlin, fortieth to run, teamed with Elrie Rock Mac had the perfect shed (0) but over ran on time. With lower than average penalty points to that juncture he scored 272, 8th on 2 day and 9th into the final.

Robert Ellis and Tod were next up for Wales. They had trouble up the top of the field and were heavily penalised but rectified the situation with a quality lift and pen scores (zeros) and the best cross drive of the day. With a score of 287, they came 7th on Friday and 8th into the Supreme.

Irishman Martin Feeney and Ben,

30

who had suffered foul play the day before didn’t have the best outrun but scoring zero penalty points for the lift and shed, their tally of 263 gave them 9th position for the day and last into the Supreme.

Apparently Martin had gone to let his dog out of his pick up and spotted rat poison next to Ben. A local vet induced vomiting and thankfully he was unharmed.

English born, but New Zealand raised Angie Driscoll had an amazing run with Kinloch Taz for Wales. Their outbye work received an average score, but near at hand the pair excelled. Both sheds were faultless and only eight points were dropped at the pen. They ended on 306, in third place and fourth into the Supreme.

Ian Brownlie and Lark soared once more into fourth place on 301 points.

They ran out of time on the single shed but were still in fifth overall to qualify.

With Boyd in tenth on the combined two day score board, Ian was the only competitor to run two dogs in the Supreme.

Scottish team mate Neil McVicar, from Dunoon, who won the Supreme in 2005, was running for Scotland for the

18th time. He and canine cohort Mark pulled out all the stops to take top spot of the day and overall into the final on 345 points.

The final two competitors to make the grade for the Supreme were Welshman Kevin Evans and Irishman James McGee. Both penned well but ran out of time at the final shed. Evans scored 297 and McGee 295, pushing Scots Wullie Welsh and Emma Gray into 16th and 17th slots and out of the running of the International Title.

Made to order one and two bay slatted floor dog kennels Very easy to keep clean – removeable floors and parts Ply Roof – Warm in winter, cool in summer Insulation in sleeping area an optional extra Can be moved using loader Comes with feeding bowls and cover Can be fed inside or out

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

SCOTTISH INTERNATIONAL

S

Young Handlers

kye lad Donnie MacDiarmid was first to the post in the International Young Handlers Final, at Syde Farm, Biggar on Saturday, with Todd.

Donnie (16) who has been running Rab at dog trials for the past year was sorely disappointed that he broke his leg while working on the Isle of Raasay the week before the trial.

With Rab out of action Donnie ran Rab’s homebred son Todd (3y 9m). “I’ve only ever run Todd at a trial once before. I prefer using him as a working dog,” commented Donnie, who contract shepherds on Skye and on the Isle of Raasay.

A shortened version of the International course had been set for the youngsters, who ran at lunchtime.

Donnie and Todd completed the outrun, fetch and drive with relative ease. The sheep were not so willing in the shedding ring however. The Island

32

team managed to shed off the required sheep but unfortunately ran out of time at the pen.

North Welsh lad Andrew Davies (17) was up next with Mac. They had a decent run and were followed by Oliver Watson and Pen-Y-Borough Roy, from the Lake District, running for England.

Last but by no means least was Oisin McCullough and Jan from Castlewellan, County Down, representing Northern Ireland. Oilsin, who has been running dogs for two years, comes from a trialling family. His rather Kevin ran in the Young Handlers, on the same course in 1998 and his Grandfather Frankie won the National in 2010 and been in the team a few times.

Oilsin and Jan worked well together,

manoeuvring the sheep through the gates with ease. They completed the shed and although the sheep were tricky to pen, they managed within the allocated time.

This Irish pairing lifted the Scott Morris Silver Plate, the Silver Logan Whistle and the International Young Handler Title on 277 points.

The Welsh, in the shape of Andrew Davies and Mac took second on 236, the Scots – Donnie and Todd a commendable third on 227, considering Todd was a stand in for Rab and the English last on 170.

The Young Handlers were filmed and interviewed by Adam Henson and will undoubtedly be on Countryfile at some point in the near future.

SCOTTISH INTERNATIONAL

T

Brace

he Brace event was run over two days at the International Dog Trial held at Syde Farm, Biggar recently.

The winner and reserve from each of the four nations competed for the coveted title.

Day one saw Angie Driscoll with Kinloch Carlos and Kinloch Tas top the leader board for Wales on 397 points.

Angie had the best fetch of the event and also the best pen scores.

Irishman John Maginn, who was one of the Singles judges, teamed with Rose and Jess excelled at the combined OLFD was second for the day on 376.

Megan Hutchinson, whose husband Ricky was running on day two, was heavily penalised on her drive, but completed the course on 315 points.

Scotland’s reserve Laura Hinnekens, who farms locally unfortunately ran out of time at the pen.

Day two was a disaster with all four contestants retiring. Scotland’s National winner Elinore Nilsson pulled out at the lift, Kevin Evans early doors and Ricky Hutchinson following the fetch.

Angie Driscoll is only the second woman to win the International Brace Title in the history of the event. Julie Hill took it out in 2013.

“The trials committee gave us an outstanding course, as true Scots can, which was a fantastic test of the working dog. The outruns were tricky and the sheep wily,” commented Angie.

“My boys, Carlos and Taz, were running in their fifth brace, so they are pretty inexperienced. Both are good out runners so I thought if we got our sheep, then we had a chance. I had seen the singles competition in the morning and saw how difficult the sheep were to shed. I was praying I could count to five in the shed!

“My boys are good penning dogs but Taz was tested repeatedly by one ewe and he never let me down. It was a surprise to win the competition but a big thrill to do so for my country – Wales.”

T

Supreme

he top fifteen from the previous two days of single runs took to the field once more – this time faced with a double lift.

The first 10 sheep were liberated some 800 yards on the horizon to the left, where the dog had to lift and fetch them through the first set of gates and leave them at a post. The dog was then redirected to lift the second 10 on the right hand side and join them with the first 10. The course was then as before, but fifteen sheep were to be shed off leaving five collered ones in the ring. The contestants had then to pen these five within the allocated half hour time.

Only four managed to successfully pen the sheep: Angie and Kevin from Wales and Irishmen James McGee and James McLaughlin.

With a perfect second lift, text book shed and not much hassle at the pen, Welsh farmer from the Brecon Beacons, Kevin Evans, lifted the Supreme for the fifth time. Scoring 511 out a possible 680, he pushed his team mate Robert Ellis and Tod into second place on 494.

Angie Driscoll and Kinloch Taz, who had scooped the Brace the previous day, came third on 487 points.

The next three places were taken by the Irish; James McCloskey, James McGee and Michael Glynn.

Scots Frazer Shennan (last year’s winner) and Ian Brownlie and Lark were seventh and eighth respectively.

by Eilidh MacPherson

D

Drive

unoon farmer Neil MacVicar, who represented Scotland for the eighteenth time, topped the 60 Singles who ran over the first two days. Teamed with Mark this Argyllshire duo flew the flag for Scotland at the top of the leader board on 345 points – a full 25 points ahead of next man in James McCloskey of Ireland. They were awarded the Poltalloch Cup and the Duchess of Devonshire Farmers Challenge Cup. Although they came eleventh in the Supreme, Neil and Mark, the Scottish representatives for the Driving Trials, still had fuel in the tank and took out the Drive event, lifting yet more silverware – The JB Bagshaw trophy and £25.

35

Budget Implications Ayrshire – What You Need to Know Monitor

by Alex Docherty Farm

T

he Budget Announcements delivered by the Chancellor Rachel Reeves will have a significant impact on succession planning for rural businesses writes Alex Docherty, head of private client tax at Johnston Carmichael Up until now, farmers could die holding their farm business and up to 100% Inheritance Tax relief could be available on death. Going forward from 6 April 2026, changes will be introduced to the rate of Agricultural Property Relief (APR) & Business Property Relief when assets exceed a certain value.

Whilst there were some positive announcements on 30 October for rural business, which we touch on later, on the whole it was a rollercoaster of a day for the sector and the after effects will be felt over future years. The key changes coming into plare are: APR and BPR reform The far-reaching change of the day was in relation to APR and BPR. From 6 April 2026 there will be a combined allowance for both reliefs of £1m relieved at a 100% rate (subject to the relevant conditions for the reliefs being met). Any value related to the business over and above £1m will receive a maximum 50% relief.

The Chancellor advised that this new approach to the rules should protect “small farms,” however given the value

36

of land, livestock and machinery and the average size of a commercial farm being around 200 acres, then these changes are likely to see a significant number of farm businesses brought within the scope of IHT. For instance, if someone dies after 6 April 2026 owning a an IHT qualifying farm with a value of £4m, then £1m will be relieved at 100% relief, the remaining £3m will receive 50% relief, seeing £1.5m subject to IHT at a 40% rate. This would result in this example in a £600k IHT bill, required to be settled to HMRC. Although the payments can be spread over 10 years, the first £60k will require to be paid within 6 months of death.

The relief currently proposed is also not transferrable, so if it’s not used on first death, perhaps due to the Will leaving assets to the surviving spouse and so spouse exemption in point, the relief of the £1m at 100% cannot be transferred as such to the surviving spouse. Surviving spouse therefore has only £1m on death at 100% relief and the remaining value of the farm banks 50% relief.

Going forward, farming families will need to weigh up passing on the farm to the next generation in lifetime versus the IHT impact of continuing to own the farm on death. The anti-forestalling measures introduced in the budget also need to be considered now when structuring any farm transfers in lifetime. The new rules will apply for lifetime transfers on, or after 30 October 2024, where the individual making the gift subsequently dies on or after 6 April 2026 and within 7 years of the gift. Care should therefore be taken in considering who makes any gift. Transfers between spouses prior to a transfer of a farming interest to the next generation may be an option to consider if the owner of the land is currently less likely to survive the gift by 7 years.

Once 7 years has elapsed from the date of the gift, then the value of the farm will fall outside of the death estate for IHT purposes. Care will however require to be taken to ensure the tax anti-avoidance Gift with Reservation of Benefit rules do not apply, otherwise the gift from an IHT perspective could be ineffective.

The residence nil rate band of £175 000 per individual is retained and may assist in taking value out of an individual’s estate that would otherwise be subject to IHT on death. However, this is only available for estates passing on the main home to direct descendants and is withdrawn by £1 for every £2 where the value of the estate (before IHT reliefs such as APR and BPR) exceeds £2m.

Impact on Trusts The use of trusts in family tax planning should not be overlooked and may be a favoured option over the outright gift in some cases. The £1m allowance will also apply to trusts, yet care should be taken as the value of the trust is reassessed for IHT purposes every 10 years. The maximum IHT rate here is only 6%, but the IHT rates and relief applicable at that time would be in point and there could be an IHT charge arising on the 10 year anniversary where APR and BPR are restricted to 50% relief on value in excess of £1m.

Those with farmland in trust at present should consider if there is an upcoming 10 year anniversary charge and if there is merit in the trust continuing, or whether assets should be extracted prior to that charge.

Inheritance Tax Inheritance Tax (IHT) is a tax usually paid on death at 40% on the value of assets, which are not covered by reliefs and exemptions. The nil rate band, which provides for part of the estate to be free from IHT, is frozen at £325 000 until 2030. Inevitably, assuming property values continue to rise, this may bring more estates into IHT. APR and Environmental Land Management Agreements The Chancellor announced a relaxation to the scope of APR from 6 April 2025 on approved environmental land management schemes will go ahead as planned by previous Government.

This measure was brought in to protect landowners and ensure they can obtain APR even if their tenant is keeping the land out of agricultural use, provided it is being used for approved environmental land management schemes.

Whilst this is welcome news, the other wide scale changes made to the level of APR and BPR available from 6 April 2026 deals a harder blow to the sector than this relaxation that was granted.

Capital Gains Tax rates Not only were major changes announced to IHT but also to Capital Gains Tax (CGT). One major change, which applies with immediate effect, i.e. for disposals on or after 30 October 2024, was the increase to the CGT rates for the disposal of assets other than residential property. In effect, these are aligned with the rates for residential property, an increase from 10% to 18% for gains within the basic rate band and from 20% to 24% for gains arising to higher rate taxpayers.

For those who are at the closing stages of selling assets (other than residential property), this will be a significant increase and unexpected cost.

Whilst the aligning of the rates with the higher residential CGT rates may simplify the position in terms of offsetting losses and the annual exemption, it will still be necessary to determine the residential element of gains as the residential gains will continue to be reported, as well as the CGT paid on these within 60 days of the completion of the disposal.

Business Asset Disposal Relief (formerly Entrepreneurs’ Relief) For farmers who have not already used their lifetime business asset disposal relief (BADR) of £1m of qualifying gains, then this relief has been given a further lifeline.

The rate charged on qualifying disposals, such as a sale of a farming business, can still bank the 10% BADR relief. This rate remains at 10% until 5 April 2025, thereafter the rate increases to 14% until 5 April 2026 when it increases to 18%.

Anti-forestalling measures are introduced via draft legislation to

prevent individuals entering into unconditional contracts with a view to banking the lower rate of 10%.

For those looking to sell the farm in the near future and benefit from BADR, securing a sale prior to 6 April 2025 will allow the sale at the lower 10% rate, subject to the £1m lifetime limit.

It is worthwhile noting that the rules for BADR are complex, and farmers can be caught out if the availability of BADR is not considered in advance and disposals need to take place in the right order as the rules differ for assets owned personally or as a partnership asset.

Other budget changes impacting the rural sector Double cab pickups – U turn From 1 April 2025 for Corporation Tax and 6 April 2025 for income tax, Double Cab Pick Ups (DCPUs) will be treated as cars for the purposes of capital allowances, benefits in kind, and some deductions from business profits.

The existing capital allowances treatment will apply to DCPUs purchased before April 2025 which, where applicable, would allow a 100% Annual Investment Allowance deduction and so full tax relief in the year the DCPU was acquired. DCPUs purchased after 1/6 April 2025 will be treated as cars and therefore writing down allowances of 6%/18%, based on CO2 emissions of the vehicle will apply, and tax relief for the purchase will be spread over a much longer period.

Transitional benefit in kind arrangements will apply for employers who have purchased, leased, or ordered a DCPU before 6 April 2025. They will be able to use the previous treatment, until the earlier of disposal, lease expiry, or 5 April 2029.

Employer’s national insurance increases For farming businesses employing staff salary costs will increase from 6 April 2025. The employer’s national insurance rate will also increase from 13.8% to 15%. In addition, the

employment income threshold at which that kicks in has been reduced from £9100 to £5,000, impacting on the overall costs of employing staff.

Summary All in all there has been significant change announced, in particular to IHT. This leaves many family businesses in an unknown space, not knowing how best to manage succession of the business in an organised fashion, whilst still protecting against the exposure of a punitive IHT charge on death, which could lead to the break up of the family farm.

Do speak with your advisor before undertaking any changes. It will be important to consider, the commercial, legal and tax implications of any decisions in the round.

In addition, there may still be scope for the Government to row back some of these changes prior to 6 April 2026 and it will be important for the sector to get together to put forward a strong case evidencing the damaging impact of these IHT proposals.

The rural team at Johnston Carmichael are also on hand should anyone want to discuss any of this in more detail. www.jcca.co.uk

NFU Scotland Tax Helpline. NFU Scotland members are entitled to 20 minutes FREE advice from our dedicated helpline, operated by Johnston Carmichael. Please call Freephone 0800 023 2368 to access help and please have your membership number to hand.

Johnston Carmichael is holding a Budget implications webinar – What You Need To Know on Tuesday 5 November at 12.00 noon. The Zoom meeting will be addressed by taxation specialists Alex Docherty, David Ward and John McAuslin. Register for your place at: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/1717290761964/WN_deg Thu0CRlKKnADS__psOw#/registration

37

Stress Awareness Week: 4 to 8 November 2024

M

any people still don't realise that it's a legal duty to include work-related stress in risk assessments. You can help change that during stress awareness week by supporting HSE's Working Minds campaign.

The campaign helps raise awareness that all employers are required by law to prevent work-related stress and support good mental health by doing a risk assessment and acting on it.

You could: * talk about it at your next one-to-one with a staff member * bring it up at a team meeting * encourage others to do our free bitesize online learning

Crofting Commission Takes Action on Vacant Crofts

T

he Crofting Commission has announced a new initiative to address the issue of vacant crofts across the crofting counties. This proactive approach aims to revitalise under utilised croft land, strengthen crofting communities and ensure the long-term sustainability of crofting in the Highlands and Islands.

Recognising the significant economic, social and environmental benefits that crofting provides, the Commission is committed to maximising the productive use of croft land. Vacant crofts represent a lost opportunity, particularly in areas where demand for crofts outstrips supply. By bringing these vacant crofts back into active use, the Commission aims to create new opportunities for housing, livelihoods, and community development.

The Commission's initiative focuses on two key areas:

38

* download and share resources, such as our one-page summary of support, a campaign poster and social media graphics, with your colleagues and networks sign up to the monthly campaign ebulletin for updates and new resources Recognise the signs

Stress affects people differently.

What impacts one person may not impact another, but signs of stress in a team can include arguments, higher staff turnover, more sickness absence or decreased performance.

Get to the root cause Try looking for common themes that may need addressing. If you spot a

problem or something that might be bubbling, do something about it that will address the root cause.

For example, if someone is struggling with too much workload, consider how that work is allocated or prioritised.

Find out more about the 6 main causes of stress and ideas to tackle them in the Talking Toolkit HSE's Stress Indicator Tool is an online survey available for free for up to 50 employees Make a difference Help reach as many workplaces as possible by sharing information on work-related stress.

Find out more at HSE's website, which has advice and guidance on stress and mental health at work.

Communication and Awareness: The Commission is engaging with both landlords and owner-occupiers of vacant crofts to clarify their responsibilities under crofting legislation. Landlords are being reminded of their obligations to re-let vacant crofts promptly, ensuring that this valuable land resource contributes to the local economy and community.

The Crofting Commission will now also differentiate between Landlords of a Vacant Croft and Owners of a Vacant Croft on the Register of Crofts.

Enforcement and Compliance: The Commission has implemented new procedures to monitor vacant crofts and investigate reports of non-compliance. This includes a focus on owner-occupiers who may not be fulfilling the requirements of active cultivation or residency. The Commission will take appropriate action

to ensure that croft land is utilised in accordance with the law.

"Vacant crofts represent a missed opportunity for new entrants to crofting and for economic activity in rural communities," said Gary Campbell, Chief Executive of the Crofting Commission. "This initiative will provide landlords and owner-occupiers with clear information and support, while also highlighting the vital role they play in maintaining a thriving crofting sector."

This initiative is part of the Commission's broader efforts to promote crofting and enhance its long-term sustainability. By tackling the issue of vacant crofts, the Commission is taking a significant step towards ensuring that crofting remains a vibrant and thriving way of life in the Highlands and Islands for generations to come.

New Health App For Farmers

A

dynamic new web application has been designed to enhance health risk management for beef and sheep farmers and their vets.

Developed by SRUC's Veterinary Services team and funded by the Scottish Government, HerdPlan empowers farmers and vets to collaboratively create proactive health plans, efficiently and in an organised manner, ultimately enhancing productivity and increasing farm income.

Officially launched on Thursday 17 October at the BCVA Congress, Herdplan revolutionises health planning by moving beyond traditional paper methods. This new online tool allows the entire farm team—including farm staff, vets, nutritionists and other advisors—to work together efficiently on health planning and conduct regular risk reviews. By ensuring vaccination strategies, infectious disease protocols, biosecurity measures and other important tasks are prioritised and updated in real-time, HerdPlan enhances overall health risk management.

HerdPlan also simplifies compliance with health plan requirements set by Red Tractor and QMS, ensuring that nothing is overlooked in the approval process. It facilitates vet's approvals, antibiotic reviews and other health and welfare assessments, making it easy for both farmers and vets to meet necessary standards and confirm that all requirements are met.

Dr Foteini Manolaraki, Animal Health Planning Development Manager at SRUC said: "HerdPlan lets you respond to real-world challenges as they arise. Implementing new health protocols into your plan as they are needed, it ensures that your entire team is always aware of the latest farm health information. By prioritising prevention over cure, HerdPlan ultimately keeps more money on the farm and ensures that essential tasks are completed on time."

Farmers and vets can now access HerdPlan to streamline their health planning processes and improve the sustainability of their operations.

For more information about HerdPlan, please visit herdplan.co.uk

SRUC – First Vet Degree Students

S

cotland's first new vet school in over 150 years is already fulfilling its promise to widen access to the sector, with more than half of its first intake of students hailing from rural or remote Scottish locations.

The 45-strong cohort have begun their studies, with Sheila Voas, Scotland's Chief Veterinary Officer, among those to congratulate the group as the Scotland's Rural College (SRUC) School of Veterinary Medicine opened its doors in Aberdeen.

The Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSci) programme is focused on training Scottish, Irish and UK domiciled students from rural backgrounds, who appreciate the challenges and benefits offered by life in the remote and rural communities.

Uniquely, SRUC's School of Veterinary Medicine is built on a tertiary model, providing opportunities for students to progress from HND courses into the veterinary degree programme.

Among them is 20-year-old Abbi Harcus, from rural East Ayrshire, who earlier this year completed an HND in Rural Animal Health at SRUC. "I was about 15 when I knew I wanted to be a vet, but when I started the HND I realised I had a lot to learn," said Abbi.

"When I finish, I want to go into practice as soon as I can, and I'll definitely stay in Scotland. There are so many rural areas that struggle to keep vets, staying in the industry is tough.

I'm ready for it, and I think things are going to start changing soon.

"Everything I've learned with my HND will be really important when I finish and go into practice, it's been the

best start I could have had. Everything has just worked out so well."

The vet school opened following SRUC officially gaining Taught Degree Awarding Powers (TDAP).

Overseen by Professor Caroline Argo, the team has been busy preparing for the first-year rollout of the new BVSci curriculum which seeks to address a number of key issues within the wider rural and veterinary sectors.

Prof Argo said: "It is now recognised that the UK veterinary profession is failing to achieve self-sufficiency in generating and retaining homegrown talent. This has serious ramifications for key sectors of the profession that are central to Scotland's ambitions, economy and the sustainability of our rural communities.

"By aligning the attitudes and abilities of our veterinary students more directly with the needs of the Scottish profession, we hope to train the general practitioners that are so essential for our food sector and mixed practices.

"We are delighted to have welcomed the first cohort of students to SRUC and very much look forward to helping them achieve their ambitions."

Professor Wayne Powell, Principal and Chief Executive of SRUC, welcomed the students and their families to the Aberdeen Campus, saying: "With the launch of this new programme we stand at an historic moment for veterinary education and, as part of this first cohort, you are all making history. You are now on an extremely exciting journey as you begin your studies here in Aberdeen."

To find out more, visit the SRUC website or email svmadmissions@sruc.ac.uk

39

R

Skye High for Mark

elative newcomer to the sheep dog training and trialling world – Skye man Mark MacQueen (22) – seems to have the Midas touch!

Time served joiner, Mark MacQueen from Peinachorran, Braes on the Isle of Skye has lain down his tools and taken up contract shepherding, gatherings and training dogs professionally.

So far his shepherding has taken him from Braes to Carbost Beag on the island and Newtonmore to Caithness on the mainland.

“In the quieter times I still do a couple of days a week working for working for a local joinery contractor,” commented Mark.

He spent his early years helping his grandfather Donald John MacDonald out on the croft and hill with no dog and was “fed up running after sheep,” so decided to train a dog for himself.

“Renowned dog handler Neil Ross and his nephew Zander, Leallt by Kincraig and John MacDiarmid from Brae Eynort have really helped me out on how to train dogs.”

Two years in and this enthusiastic youngster has trained and sold over 40 working sheep dogs to a top of £6000 for Tess, who was placed at the Waternish Trial this summer.

“She went to Neil Ross, for his sheep dog demonstrations, while Don headed to Switzerland for £5500. I advertised him on a video on Facebook,” informed Mark, who has bred four litters of pups at home, but also buys in young dogs to turn around. He did admit that it was hard to part with Tess.

Blackface Sheep Breeder Alex MacPherson of Ballimeanoch, Loch Awe recently purchased a homebred dog from Mark at £4000, while his litter sister went to Mike Watt of Aberfeldy for £6000.

The jungle drums were beating at the Scottish National Trial at Farr Estate, Inverness in August! The chat was that someone from Skye had paid £6700 on

40

Scot Placed in Senior at Pleasant Point

P

an online auction for a dog from Wales.

Apparently a record price for a Sgitheanach to pay!

Mark purchased Ted, rising two, from R Owen Brecon, Wales for the said price and went on to win Lochcarron Trial with him three weeks later. They then took out Moy, Strathnaver and were second at Lieruary. The island duo are now sitting in second place in the North of Scotland Nursery League, on 44 points – no mean feat as Mark only ran his first trial at Waternish 2023.

The top five dogs and their handlers qualify for the North to compete against teams from across Scotland at the Scottish Nursery Final on Sat. 1st March at Daljarroch Holm, Pinwherry, Girvan, Ayrshire. Apparently ten teams and 50 dogs partake.

George Simpson from Aberdeenshire is currently at the top of the North table with Greirston Mick on 50 points.

On Friday Mark was sitting in fifth place with a red dog, Barcroft Brian, that he was considering selling, but following Evanton trial yesterday, they are now in third place on 35 points, so Brian might have a reprieve!

There are another four trials on the roster before the qualifiers are selected – Badanloch, Yonder Bognie, Udny and Inverness. Jasmine Grant is in fourth

with Gael on 34 and Neil Sutherland and Benji in 5th on 31.

Mark is selling two part-trained young dogs at the Dingwall and Highland Marts dog sale on 22nd November and possibly Brian!

“There are quite a few good dogs being sold at the Dog Sale. Iain MacDonald, Staffin, Seumas Campbell, Balnacnoc and John MacDiarmid, Eynort all have terrific dogs forward.”

Well kent dog man, Portnalonger, John Finlay MacInnes, who bides in Invergordon has four canines to be put through their paces. Shearer, McNally and McKillop are other well-known names in the dog world selling there.

With over a score of dogs catalogued at the second sale to be held at Dingwall, there should be plenty to choose from for small croft or extensive hill work.

Last year Scott Renwick, Inverbroom, topped the sale at £4800 with Glenview Jan. Mark, who also spent a year prawn fishing, admits that he is hooked on working dogs and trialling them. “Ted is the best dog I have had, a great listener and has a natural will to please and can hold a single well.”

“I’m learning all the time and would love an opportunity on a big sheep place,”concluded Mark.

GG Wriightson Vetmed National Shearing Circuit champion Nathan Stratford got Canterbury Show Week off to a good start when he won the Pleasant Point Gymkhana Shears Open title for a third time in a row on Saturday.

Already again leading the series, after opening rounds at Alexandra and Waimate, Stratford heads to Christchurch as favouriteHe will also be defending the New Zealand Corriedale championships Open title at the Canterbury Shears, which will be held in Christchurch on Thursday and Friday.

Stratford was scoring his seventh win in a Pleasant Point Open, a unique feature of street-event the Get to the Point Pleasant Point festival and was pitched in a race for the finish of the four-man final over 18 sheep each, won by event organiser and Pleasant Point contractor Ant Frew.

The local won the race by just under three seconds, finishing in 17min 21.35sec, but it was never going to be enough to hold-out the quality of Stratford, who had a clear win by 2.1pts.

The Senior final was won by Aidan Tarrant, from Taumarunui, with a margin of over 3.5pts from runner –up and 2023-2024 Shearing Sports New Zealand No 1-ranked Intermediate shearer Emma Martin, of Wyndham, and NZ-resident Robin Krause, from Germany, the Golden Shears Novice runner-up in 2020 claimed her first win in New Zealand by claiming Intermediate honours. Levi Beedles, of Rangiora, won the Junior final.

The Shears attracted just 31 shearers across the grades, with 11 in the Open, 13 in Senior, three in Intermediate and four in Junior, but on the busiest pre-Christmas Saturday on the Shearing Sports New Zealand calendar, with three competitions throughout the

country, Pleasant Point's issue with smaller numbers was matched at the Marlborough A&P Show in Blenheim, with just 19 shearers cross the four grades.

The Marlborough entries did have an unlikely boost with the arrival of father and son Justin and Tye Meikle, who could have opted for something closer to home 550km away near Oamaru.

They stopped-in on their way to Waikato where 16-year-old Tye will do mainshear in the woolshed with Glen Murray contractor Liam Lowry and hit the road again with winning ribbons from the Open and Junior finals respectively, repeating a double they claimed at the Ellesmere show on October 18.

It was a particularly significant win for Justin Meikle, beating Marlborough gun and three-times National Shearing Circuit Champion Angus Moore, both in the race over 14 sheep each and by 1.78pts overall.

While he will fly home on Monday and has entered the Canterbury Shears' New Zealand Corriedale championships later in the week, work on the farm, where he and partner Renee farm 440ha breeding and finishing cattle and sheep and buying-in and finishing 12-15,000 lambs a year, is likely to keep him away from an event he won in 2006.

Third was Chris Jones, a stalwart of more than 30 years of shearing competitions in the Marlborough, Nelson and West Coast region, where in his first season in the Open class in 1997 he was third in a Marlborough final won by record-breaker and national circuit winner Dion Morrell.

The Senior event was won by local farm manager Seymour Lambert, originally from Wairoa, while workmate Billy Collins took the Intermediate.

Following the Canterbury show only

other pre-Christmas competitions in the South Island are at the Nelson A and P Show and at the West Otago A and P Show in Tapanui, both on November 23.

RESULTS: Open final (18 sheep): Nathan Stratford (Invercargill) 17m 21.25s, 55.4pts, 1; Ants Frew (Pleasant Point) 17m 18.35s, 57.5pts, 2; Eli Cumming (Pleasant Point) 17m 47.38s, 60.81pts, 3; Corey Smith (Rakaia) 19m 7.87s, 75.78pts, 4.

Open Plate (10 sheep): Willy McSkimming (Oamaru) 10m 34.84s, 28.34pts, 1; Alex Clapham (England) 10m 13.85s, 38.49pts, 2; Cory White (Waimate) 10m 52.53s, 39.03pts, 3; Alex Smith (Rakaia) 11m 14.37s, 39.12pts, 4.

Senior final (10 sheep): Aidan Tarrant (Taumarunui) 11m 31.31s, 42.07pts, 1; Emma Martin (Wyndham) 13m 33.72s, 45.79pts, 2; Taelor Tarrant (Taumarunui) 11m 48.47s, 46.32pts, 3; Duncan Adams (Banchory, Scotland) 14m 52.62pts, 4.

Intermediate final (5 sheep): Robin Krause (Hanover, Germany) 11m 7.14s, 47.16pts, 1; Myles White (Waimate) 11m 17.33s, 50.07pts, 2; Ella Caves (Christchurch) 11m 45.25s, 50.46pts, 3.

Junior final (3 sheep): Levi Beedles ( Rangiora) 7m 20.6s, 34.36pts, 1; Holly Crombie (Te Anau) 8m 46.66s, 36.67pts, 2; Jacob Booth (Waimate) 8m 49.4s, 42.47pts, 3; Karn Williams (Pleasant Point) 12m 14.57s, 58.73pts, 4.

Marlborough; Open final (14 sheep): Justin Meikle (Oamaru) 13m 16.94s, 45.28pts, 1; Angus Moore (Seddon) 13m 19.81s, 47.06pts, 2; Lyall Windleburn (Rangiora) 14m 39.93s, 54.57pts, 3; Chris Jones (Blenheim) 17m 22.32s, 58.12pts, 4. Senior final (10 sheep): Seymour Lambert (Ward) 14m 34.22s, 52.61pts, 1; Timo Hicks (Tapawera) 13m 31.25s, 53.56pts, 2; Hamish Barker (Nelson) 15m 52.94s, 62.15pts, 3; Josh Fitzpatrick (Greymouth) 16m 13.69s, 64.38pts, 4.

41

Gavin Mutch wins The Great Raihania

Clicking up the Tally

by Doug Laing

I

t looked a bit painful, but nothing was too much for Dannevirke farmer Gavin Mutch as he added The Great Raihania Shears to a string of Open titles at the Hawke's Bay A&P Show.

Tweaking a muscle in his left leg as he got ready for the start of the twenty sheep, four-man final Scotland international, Mutch held it together to outpace the opposition and beat fellow former World and Golden Shears champion John Kirkpatrick by 1min 46sec off the boards. With a healthy advantage in the shearing-board penalties, Mutch won the showdown, on full wool Romney hoggets by a clear three points.

“I had a really good shear on Friday,” commented Gavin, “I’m back shearing again, for Rodney Sutton, so fitness is definitely helping with 20 sheep finals.”

Brook Hamerton, of Hastings was third and fourth Lionel Taumata, of Gore.

Mutch has won 12 finals in New Zealand since arriving in 1999. He became the No 1-ranked Junior in his first summer down-under in 1999-2000.

Now in his 26th season, Mutch had only ever reached a final at the Hawke's Bay show since the competition was revived in 2004. Apparently it was named after Rimitiriu Raihania, who in 1902 won a Hawke's Bay show title believed to have been the first machine-shearing competition in the World!

The win was Mutch's 28th Open win in competitions in New Zealand, but there have been some big wins in the 2012 World Championship and the 2015 Golden Shears Open. Other national title events include the National Lamb Shearing Championships at Raglan in 2007, the New Zealand Corriedale Championships in Christchurch in 2020, the Waimate Spring Shears in 2022 and prominent A-grade title the Taihape A&P Show Open in 2021.

He's also shorn in 10 Golden Shears Open finals, four New Zealand Shears

42

G

Open finals and finals of the National Shearing Circuit. He is currently hunting-down a qualifying top 12 position and is in eighth place with 10 points after two rounds.

As well as farming his own property and shearing, Gavin is an Elite shearing instructor, alongside fellow Scot Tom Wilson.

Laura Bradley, of Papatawa, moved a step closer to becoming the first female to be promoted to Open class based on wins in Senior competition when she won the Senior final over eight sheep.

Jasmin Tipoki, of Napier, had the biggest of her three wins in Open wool handling, in crowning a day of successes for Napier-based family shearing operation Puna Shearing, with partner Paraki Puna winning the Open shearing plate, and workmate Te Whetu Brown winning the Senior wool handling final.

It was a close call for Tipoki, a former No 1-ranked Senior who won by less than three points from 2022-2024 New Zealand representative Cushla Abraham, of Masterton, with third place going to defending Great Raihania Shears Open champion Ngaira Puha, of Kimbolton and fourth to Marika Braddick, of Eketahuna.

Blake Mitchell, of Patea, won the Intermediate shearing final and George Peacock, of Waipukurau, won the Junior final, with Gisborne's Jodiesha Kirkpatrick the runner-up and also

winning the Junior woolhandling final, all-but repeating a unique double she had claimed at her home show on October 19.

The competitions attracted 116 entries, comprising 76 in the shearing events and 40 in wool handling. There were 25 in the Open shearing and 16 in the open wool handling.

RESULTS from the Great Raihania Shears at the Hawke's Bay A and P Show, Hastings, on Friday, October 25, 2024; Shearing: Open final (20 sheep): Gavin Mutch (Scotland/Dannevirke) 16m 57s, 60pts, 1; John Kirkpatrick (Pakipaki) 18m 43s, 63pts, 2; Brook Hamerton (Hastings) 19m 23s, 66.25pts, 3; Lionel Taumata (Gore) 19m 3s, 66.55pts, 4.Open Plate (7 sheep): Paraki Puna (Napier) 7m 7s, 30.064pts, 1; Axle Reid (Waipawa) 6m 59s, 32.236pts, 2; Whakapunake Maraki (Flaxmere) 7m 13s, 35.221pts, 3; Cory Barrowcliffe (Piopio) 8m, 36.429p, 4. Senior final (8 sheep): Laura Bradley (Papatawa) 9m 36s, 36.55pts, 1; Jack Hutchinson (England) 9m 29s, 38.325pts, 2; Bruce Grace (Wairoa/Napier) 9m 34s, 38.95pts, 3; John Cherrington (Huntly) 10m 20s, 39.5pts, 4. Intermediate final (4 sheep): Blake Mitchell (Patea) 5m 49s, 25.7pts, 1; Louie Coombe Gray (Waipukurau) 5m 25s, 25.75pts, 2; Jake Goldsbury (Waitotara) 4m 55s, 28.5pts, 3; Ryka Swann (Wairoa) 5m 24s, 28.7pts, 4.

ood numbers of entries in the lower classes continued to be a feature of competitions when the Central Hawke's Bay A and P Show Shears were held in Waipukurau.

Of 128 competitors across the nine classes of shearing and woolhandling, there were 87 shearers, half of them in the Novice and Junior grades, which had 18 and 25 respectively.

Both were won by local rookies, with the Novice final won by Bugs Butler and the Junior by George Peacock, the latter claiming his second win of the season having stepped-up from the Novice grade during last season to finish fourth in the New Zealand Shears Junior final in Te Kuiti in April.

As winners went on Saturday, they were in good company, with the Open final won by Hawke's Bay shearer John Kirkpatrick, who has won more than 200 Open finals, including the 2017 World title and four Golden Shears Open finals since he first appeared at the Waipukurau event in 1994. It was his first season in the open grade, with already two Open wins behind him. He finished third behind King Country legend David Fagan who has been retired now for nine years and the only shearer worldwide to have won more Open titles.

Bouncing back from a shoulder injuryand surgery, Kirkpatrick was claiming his third win in five finals in six competitions in successive weeks at the start of the 2024-2035 season.

He started at the New Zealand Merino Championships in Alexandra, and then finished fifth at Waimate's New Zealand Spring Shearing Championships, before winning at the Gisborne Shears, finishing second at Hawke's Bay's Great Raihania Shears in

Hastings and winning again at the Wairarapa Spring Shears.

It was his 14th win in the CHB Open final, which first he won in 1997 and came by less than four tenths of a point from David Buick, who was also second at Gisborne and Wairarapa. Buick won the NZ Shears Open final seven months ago, on the comeback trail after suffering life-threatening and near crippling injuries in a farm accident three years ago.

Southern Hawke's Bay shearer Laura Bradley claimed latest bragging rights in the Senior grade growing rivalry with Wairoa shearer Bruce Grace. But it was close, with Grace first to finish, shearing the North Island's first 10-sheep Senior final of the season in 12min 40.22sec, almost half-a-minute clear, with Bradley's better quality giving her the red ribbon by just 0.046pts. It was the sixth win of her Senior career.

King Country farmer Keryn Herbert, claimed her third CHB Shears Open woolhandling title and her 58th win in an Open-class career now in its 22nd season, with 2022-2023 New Zealand Trans Tasman series team member Cushla Abraham, of Masterton, in second place and Marika Braddick, of Eketahuna, third, after fourth placings at Gisborne and Hastings.

The Intermediate shearing final was won by Napier shearer Kaivah Cooper, his second win in the grade after being the No 1-ranked Junior nationwide last season. The Senior woolhandling final provided a first win of the season for defending CHB Senior champion Tatijana Keefe, from Raupunga, the Junior final was a first for local Kaylah Ferguson, daughter of 2010 Golden Shears and World shearing champion Cam Ferguson and the Novice wool

handling was won by Caitlin Murphy, of Pongaroa.

The next competition is the New Zealand Corriedale Shearing and Woolhandling Championships at the Canterbury Shears in Christchurch on Thursday and Friday, with no events next weekend.

The Nelson and West Otago A and P Show's will have shearing competitions on November 23, the Taranaki Shears will be held in Stratford on November 30, and the Whangarei A and P Show (shearing-only) and the Rotorua A and P Show (shearing and woolhandling) will end the pre-Christmas stage of the season on December 7.

Open final (20 sheep): John Kirkpatrick (Pakipaki) 19m 28.54s.

67.377pts, 1; David Buick (Pongaroa) 19m 1.25s, 67.7125pts, 2; Hemi Braddick (Eketahuna) 19m 6.91s, 68.2455pts, 3; Brook Hamerton (Hastings) 20m 28.13s, 73.2565pts, 4.

43

MOVERS & SHAKERS

A

L

ivestock housing solutions specialist, Galebreaker has announced the appointment of Chloe Rodriguez as an animal welfare specialist.

Having initially undertaken a scholarship placement at Galebreaker, Chloe rejoins the business after graduating from Harper Adams with a degree in bioveterinary science.

“I’m thrilled to return to Galebreaker and thankful for the opportunities I had through the scholarship placement. The experience really cemented my passion for enhancing animal health and I hope to make a long-term contribution to the

44

lan Laidlaw to Step Down as CEO of RHASS Alan Laidlaw, Chief Executive of RHASS, to step down from his role following eight years with the Society.

Throughout his leadership, Alan has played an instrumental role in the redevelopment of the Ingliston site, delivery of new infrastructure, improved governance and the development of a brilliant team to work on behalf of Scottish agriculture.

James Logan, Chairman of RHASS, said: "Alan is a true champion of rural Scotland; under his leadership, RHASS has taken huge strides, leading the organisation through Covid, delivering our members' Pavilion and playing an instrumental role in establishing The Royal Highland Centre as a live entertainment venue.

"We thank Alan for his unwavering dedication and contribution to RHASS, and we look forward to welcoming him with his family to next year's Royal Highland Show as a life member of the Society."

Alan Laidlaw, Chief Executive of RHASS, said: "It has been a privilege to lead RHASS for the last eight years and work with so many passionate and committed people. I am, and always have been, a huge advocate for Scottish farming, and I am proud to have led a Society that brings agriculture to life for so many."

The Board of Directors has initiated a search for a new CEO and in the meantime Members of the Strategic Leadership Team will carry out the required duties.

industry in my new role,” says Miss Rodriguez.

Galebreaker’s technical director, Andrew Gardener, says “ During her previous time with us Chloe developed excellent consultancy skills and as she rejoins the business will work closely with our farm customers. One of her main priorities will be to demonstrate how improvements to farm building environments can result in positive gains to animal performance, productivity, health and welfare. Much of this will be shown through the ongoing research and development Galebreaker is investing in.”

S

cottish agricultural charity RSABI has announced the appointment of Susan Stewart as its new Case Officer to provide support across Central Scotland.

The charity, which provides financial, practical, and emotional support to those involved in Scottish agriculture, recruited for the new role in response to growing demand for the charity's services.

With rising input costs, widespread concerns about the cost of living, and ongoing uncertainty surrounding the future of agricultural support, those working in the industry are under increasing pressure. As a result, 90% of the RSABI welfare team's time is dedicated to providing emotional and practical support.

Susan grew up in the Perthshire farming community and joins RSABI

with prior experience as a Triage & Community Link Officer with the National Road Victim Service. There she conducted comprehensive trauma informed assessments and provided essential support to those bereaved by road traffic incidents. With a background in mental health nursing, she brings a wealth of experience in managing complex caseloads and delivering compassionate care to vulnerable individuals.

In her new position, Susan will be instrumental in RSABI's welfare team, delivering a wide range of services to support those involved in Scottish agriculture. She will be engaging with local organisations to promote the charity's services and ensuring that the unique needs of the agricultural community in the region are met effectively.

L

aura Millar joined the Harrison & Hetherington team at Borderway in 2017 as Livestock Schemes Manager, and for the past two years she has transformed the company's marketing focus as Head of Communications & Marketing and Strategic Projects.

Now in her new role as the first ever Director of Strategy, Laura will take responsibility for the delivery of the full range of long term strategic projects for the Harrison & Hetherington Senior Management Team, building on the company's continuing success within the UK's livestock trading industry.

Brought up on the family farm in the Scottish Borders, and now married to Dumfriesshire dairy farmer Donald, Laura has livestock farming in her DNA, and an outstanding portfolio of qualifications in her CV. While achieving a BA in Rural Business Management at the Scottish Agricultural College, she served as Secretary of the Agricultural Society at the University of

A

n award-winning Aberdeenshire business celebrated significant investment with a special event in September.

Insch-based agricultural application, engineering and precision farming specialists C T Scott Ltd showcased their new facilities during an open day on September 28th. They include expanded office areas, a parts department, which has doubled in size plus a brand-new 270m² shop stocked with over 2500 product lines. These cover everything

Edinburgh, and laid the foundations for a career in agriculture working with the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society and completing an internship with the Scottish Government Rural Payments and Inspection Directorate.

In 2013, Laura was selected as a delegate for the M&S Cranfield Agri Leaders Programme, and for the Royal Agricultural Society of the Commonwealth Next Generation programme in Singapore in 2016. She joined H&H following five years as Livestock Liaison Manager at Scotbeef Ltd, mediating between Scotbeef, retailers, and grassroots producers.

Managing Director, Scott Donaldson, says that the new role has been shaped to capitalise on the new Director's unique strengths: "Laura is a perfect example of our commitment to fostering home-grown talent, and over the seven years she has been with us she has made an invaluable contribution to our growth and development. She has led the strategic direction of our marketing

from animal husbandry and forestry equipment to hand tools and outdoor clothing and include flagship product lines such as workshop technical sprays.

The opening of the shop is the culmination of a two-year journey from concept to reality and it is seen as a landmark in the company’s exponential growth since it started trading on a full-time basis in August 2016. It is expected that the investment will spark the need for an additional member of staff in the coming year, with ongoing recruitment also seeking to add two mechanics to C T Scott Ltd’s Glamis base, which opened in 2022 to serve a growing client base throughout Angus, Fife and Perthshire.

The company, which was crowned machinery dealer of the year at last year’s Scottish Agricultural Awards, is run by a team of nine headed by former Royal Northern Agricultural Society award winner Craig Scott and his wife and fellow director, Emma. The business covers a wide area from the Forth Bridge to the Black Isle through Agrifac and all of Scotland to look after Bateman, Landquip and Spread Point products. C T Scott Ltd is the sole Scottish importer and distributor of AgLeader GPS equipment.

Commenting on the open day, Craig

for the Farmstock sector of our business during a period when this division has broken the £200 million turnover mark, and she has led the organising team responsible for our highly successful national Agri and Dairy Expos.

“By adding a lot more to the shop than we’re traditionally known for, we hope to better serve the local community by bringing a unique mix of products closer to them.”

Emma Scott added: “Online sales continue to be important in gaining reach but the significant growth in the amount of stock we hold means it is easier for people to come in and get what they need there and then. This blend will be central to future growth both locally and further afield.” visit www.ctscott.co.uk

Lemken introduces its first weeder harrow over 12m width

L

Avant add two new heavyweights to popular loader range

by Chris McCullough

F

INNISH loader specialist Avant has added two new single-speed models to its 800 series, the Avant 855i and the Avant 845.

With these new models entering production Avant says its ‘biggest and strongest loader’ series is now complete.

The Avant 855i is a single-speed version of the most powerful Avant model, the 860i. The new Avant 845 is a single-speed version of the Avant 850.

Aimed at different markets, the Avant 855i complies with the world’s strictest emissions standards (Stage V and Tier 4) whereas the Avant 845 is directed to markets with Stage 3a emission standards.

The new Avant 855i lifts significantly more than the next largest single-speed model, Avant 755.

It has the same Kohler KDI engine, pump package and electrical and mechanical components as the Avant 860i. But the Poclain MSE05 single-speed drive motors (625cc) are new. Thanks to the simpler drive

46

motors, the price of the new Avant 855i is significantly lower compared to the two-speed Avant 860i.

Avant 855i has the same lift capacity and lift height as the strongest Avant model 860i. Also, the auxiliary hydraulics flow, the external dimensions of the loader and the options are the same as in the 860i.

The single-speed Avant 855i has a maximum drive speed of 15 km/h which is exactly right for short transitions, especially when moving with heavy loads. The pulling force of the machine on standard tires is 1570kp.

The Avant 855i is a much-needed loader model for many Avant users who do not need high driving speed for long transitions but require the lift capacity, lift height and strong pulling force of the Avant 800 series.

Stable and sturdy, the Avant 855i is the perfect choice for yard work on farms or construction sites where heavy loads are moved and transitions from one place to another are not long.

Tuomas Farlin, Avant Tecno Oly commercial product sales manager, said: “The new 855i is Avant’s most powerful loader model. It is the perfect choice for Avant users who demand strong lifting capacity and lifting height but don’t want to pay extra for speed if they don’t need it.”

The new Avant 845 is a single-speed version of the Avant 850 model. Like Avant 850, the Avant 845 loader has the same robust Kubota V2403 engine.

With this simple single-speed version and its new 625cc Poclain drive motors, operators get the strong pulling force and high lifting capacity of the 800 series at a much lower cost.

With a maximum drive speed of 12 km/h, the 845 is an ideal workhorse especially for farms and construction sites where heavy loads are handled but the driving distances are short. The electrical and mechanical components are identical with the Avant 850 model, as well as the dimensions and options.

EMKEN has launched its first weeder harrow with over 12m working width, namely the Thulit MF/1200.

This new model is based on the innovative properties of the Thulit MF product series launched last year. The design with four bars and eight rows of harrow tines and hydraulic tine pressure adjustment is unique on the market.

The tine pressure can be continuously adjusted from 100g to 5,000g across the entire width during travel and remains constant at every setting.

The new Thulit MF/1200 comprises five harrow sections. This means that various folding options are available for different applications. To work with a reduced working width, for example to avoid obstacles or to prevent overlapping, the weeder harrow can be folded into four or three working

sections.

For greater ground clearance at the headland, Lemken offers the option of folding the weeder harrow into a V position. To do this, the outer folding segments are angled slightly upwards to prevent the tools from coming into contact with the ground. For convenient and safe road transport, the weeder harrow can be folded in on both sides to a transport height of 3.3m.

The automatic transport locking system is active in all variants, making manual intervention a thing of the past.

For the frame, Lemken uses torsion-resistant support profiles that guarantee both stability and low weight.

The frame design with six support wheels at the front, distributed across the entire working width, has an extremely positive effect on the smooth running of the machine and thus on the

guidance of the harrow tines to the soil surface.

The Thulit MF/1200 can additionally be operated as a rigid implement or with ground contour adjustment.

Customers opting for the rigid frame will not need the optional support wheels behind the side panels. If the individual working sections of the weeder harrow are to follow the soil horizon at all times, the Thulit must be equipped with additional rear support wheels.

This ensures maximum flexibility and perfect working results on hilly terrain.

Precisely adjustable trailing harrows on the rear support wheels eradicate wheel marks and leave loosened weeds on the soil surface to dry out.

The Thulit MF/1200 harrow is now available in small quantities and series production will start in March 2025.

Kuhn’s Optipoint PRO increases fertiliser spreading accuracy

K

UHN Farm Machinery has introduced Optipoint PRO to its range of Axis fertiliser spreaders to avoid incorrect dosing on headland intersections when applying fertilisers.

The technology changes the drop point of the spreaders to avoid application continuing when the tractor has already begun turning onto the headland tramline.

Instead, the spreading pattern and drop point of the headland pass are modified towards the centre of the field to cover a greater area. This increases the working width from the field-side disc while allowing the outer disc to operate the border spreading

technology. A wider internal headland is created, allowing spreaders to switch-off earlier when applying the field passes.

Tailored settings can be used for different fertiliser characteristics, with an increase of up to a +4 drop point, or up to +60% application rate.

Edd Fanshawe, Kuhn’s arable and connected services product specialist, says the technology also accounts for lateral distribution.

He said: “Lateral distribution of fertiliser granules should be adapted to the working width, product type and disc setup. The Optipoint PRO system adjusts the drop point and rate to ensure

accurate application over the increased width and maintain the spread pattern.

“The system will prevent inaccurate dosing on headland turns, which will be especially helpful for awkward shaped fields and short works. It also allows growers to accurately apply the right fertiliser for their farm and soil, without being constrained by a spreader that can’t spread different products with varying properties.”

Kuhn has added Optipoint PRO to all new Isobus Axis VS PRO fertiliser spreaders and is compatible with all Isobus terminals. A future product update will allow users to view accurate coverage maps using Optipoint PRO.

O

BSTACLES in fields such as poles and electricity cables present a huge challenge to drones when they are working from a height, forcing them to go off route.

However, these challenges have been made a lot easier with the world’s first LiDAR-based drone that can, not only detect obstacles to an accuracy of 2-5cms, but also adjust its height accordingly to continue working.

Hungarian company, ABZ Innovation has launched this drone technology in a bid to improve drone precision and efficiency.

It basically works by the technology generating a high-resolution 3D map of the fields in real times, from which the drone can detect potential obstacles.

After detecting the obstacle, the drone can then continuously adjust its height to meet the specific needs of each operation, whether it be spraying, fertilising, or whatever.

Karoly Ludvigh, ABZ Innovation CEO, said: “Precise drone missions in agriculture are challenging due to obstacles like electrical wires, poles and trees, while maintaining the right distance from crops for efficient spraying.

“Traditional radar systems have poor resolution, making it difficult to detect

small obstacles like wires and to measure the correct distance from uneven canopies, especially in vineyards and orchards where canopy heights vary. This hinders both safety, precision and efficiency.”

ABZ Innovation is hailing their development as a game changer for agriculture and one that is paving the way for the future of drone technology in industrial applications.

Karoly added: “We will be able to integrate the new system into our existing L30 and L10 drone models. For operators already using our drones it will likely be necessary to return the drones to us for the integration.

“We are currently fine tuning the software that creates the maps. Each LiDAR system will have enough memory to store maps for more than a day’s work.”

Karoly highlighted that both GPD, RTK based systems and RADAR vision-based systems require pre-mapping to function and that the data can be low quality.

He said that this is where the LiDAR system can dominate as it creates high-quality 3D maps in real time, which is much more precise, saving the operator time and money.

World’s First LiDAR-based Drone to Avoid Field Obstacles Launched

ABZ Innovation says the new LiDAR system will be commercially available from February 2025.

The Hungarian company is also working on other developments, such as omnidirectional obstacle avoidance, GPS-free operation, automatic line follow and automatic obstacle avoidance.

● ● ●

LiDAR system key features:

Perfect Height Control: Maintains optimal height for even, efficient spraying, reducing chemical usage and promoting sustainability.

Zero Accident Technology: accurate real-time obstacle avoidance, detecting even the smallest wires to prevent accidents.

Real-Time 3D Mapping: High resolution mapping enhances situational awareness and allows for future updates to adjust height and flight paths based on 3D terrain patterns.

by Chris McCullough

●

GPS-Free Navigation: Uses 3D surroundings as reference points, enabling precise navigation in environments without GPS, ideal for indoor or poor GPS conditions.

by Chris McCullough

New Floating Trailing Shoes by Fleming Agri hit the Market

N

ORTHERN Ireland based Fleming Agri has introduced two new floating trailing shoe options with 7.5m and 9.2m working widths.

The company has been manufacturing slurry tankers since 2010 but had always outsourced the making of trailing shoes.

Fleming is now manufacturing its own trailing shoes opting for a close coupled bracket mounted machine for safer attachment and better weight distribution. These machines are compatible with all tankers fitted with suitable brackets and outlet.

Listening to customer demand, the company offer a number of enhanced and unique features. The cantilever lift system allows maximum clearance for

headland management and transport whilst also allowing the machine to float laterally to keep the shoes in constant contact with the ground, even on land that is undulating or uneven.

This system also allows the machine to be dropped down when in transport position to lower than the overall tanker height and will be an advantage where there is an issue with access to low farm buildings.

Spacing of the shoes has been kept down to 250mm to provide a more even distribution of nutrients at the base of the plant.

The shoes are fed via a proven and reliable Truflo macerator to a smooth and unrestricted distribution pipe system avoiding blockages and pipe damage while also ensuring even and

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

50

accurate application rates.

The trailing shoe system has proven to improve nutrient uptake, minimise leaf contamination and extend the spreading season. Slurry applied by trailing shoe during grazing cycles enables clean, available pastures in a timelier manner than a splash plate or dribble bar and also slashes fertilizer input costs.

There is also little atmospheric loss when the material is in contact to the plant base through the shoe, kinder to the environment while also saving money. A significant reduction in odour whilst spreading and the risk of run off is also reduced. After extensive testing on several farms throughout the country the machines are now entering production.

C

by Chris McCullough

ASE IH has refreshed its Farmall C tractor range with a series of updated models incorporating more modern technology arriving in 2025.

From the 90C to the 120C, farmers will experience a new level of control, efficiency and comfort, while benefitting from precision technologies once reserved for larger, more advanced machines.

Features in all the models include the 24-speed ActiveDrive 2 (Hi-Lo) transmission that ensures smoother shifting and control, while the increased hydraulic pump capacity of 82 l/min translates into faster loader cycle times.

Additionally, the newly introduced ActiveClutch feature allows the tractor to be held on the brake pedal without requiring the clutch, making it ideal for front loader applications.

At the heart of this evolution in technology and design is a commitment to operator comfort. Long days in the field demand tractors that not only work harder but also make the job easier on the operator behind the wheel.

A six-post cab offers superior visibility, while the repositioned exhaust maintains the open, unobstructed view farmers have come to appreciate. While driving models specified with the optional new cab suspension system, the operator will immediately notice the difference in comfort.

Further enhancing the operator experience are the newly installed LED lights, which ensure clear vision during early mornings, late nights, or long road journeys between fields.

The increased diesel capacity of 130 litres allows for longer operation times, while the new tank design provides greater ground clearance. The modernized digital instrumentation and adaptive lighting in the cab create an

intuitive, high-tech environment that feels as advanced as it performs.

Case IH knows that today’s farmers are more data-driven than ever, and the 2025 Farmall C models meet that need head-on. With optional factory-fitted telematics available in standard and advanced packages, farmers can now benefit from real-time geo-location, machine monitoring, and wireless file transfer.

This precision is further enhanced with the availability of hydraulic auto guidance, powered by the Case IH Pro 1200 monitor and Case IH VectorPro receiver. This system ensures centimetre-level accuracy, reducing overlap and improving efficiency, even in the most complex field layouts.

Case IH has engineered a suite of intelligent headland management solutions, streamlining operations so farmers can focus more on their fields and less on machinery adjustments.

New Design Farmall C Tractor Range Unveiled

by Case IH The Auto PTO feature automatically engages and disengages during headland turns, making transitions smoother and less labour-intensive.

Paired with the Auto Differential Lock, which disengages the front and rear differentials when the rear lift is raised and re-engages them when lowered, the system provides seamless operation during headland manoeuvres, minimizing soil disruption and increasing efficiency. The newly designed front PTO, now equipped with a wet clutch, offers quieter and more efficient operation.

An increased gross vehicle weight of 7000kg and an upgraded rear lift capacity of 4.7 tons mean heavier implements can be utilized, providing greater versatility.

Larger rear tyres (up to 540/65 R38) further improve traction and flotation, helping to minimize soil compaction and enhance yield potential.

51

F

OUR new Volto tedders have been launched by Claas including models with 13m and 15.1m working widths.

Up until now, Claas tedders had working widths from 4.50m to 13m, but now the Volto 1500 T with 15.1m working width joins the new Volto 1300T .

The slender central frame with innovative Y-axle beam and individual wheel suspension combines several advantages. The long swing arm in relation to the rotor frame achieves unrivalled ground clearance during lifting. Yet the rotor frame’s centre of gravity remains close to the axles, ensuring maximum stability at the headland, even on uneven ground.

A wide axle with large tyres minimises rolling movements when the rotor frame is raised and ensures smooth, safe road travel. The compact length and height improve visibility to the rear and make it easier to negotiate tight bends and narrow spaces in the yard, machinery shed or field.

The TS versions of the Volto 1300 and Volto 1500 are equipped with a unique self-steering chassis. This enables tight bends and headland manoeuvres to be negotiated without lifting the rotors.

It also prevents distortion between the chassis and rotor frames, as well as damage to the sward caused by the rotor wheels. When the rotor frame is raised, the chassis wheels automatically align in the direction of travel.

Tyre sizes from standard 15/70-18 to optional 500/55-20 with 1055mm diameter guarantee soil-friendly driving and tedding on grassland with the rotor frame raised on grassland and safe road travel even at higher speeds.

This makes them ideal for farms with damp, vulnerable grassland. The chassis wheels are multi-functional, also serving as guide wheels and effectively preventing the rotor tines from sinking into the soil.

Large chassis wheels protect the soil by guiding the tedder gently and lightly over the ground. In the TS version, the wheels are equipped with positive steering for even greater manoeuvrability and sward protection.

The new high-performance tedders

also feature tried and tested rotor engineering. The Max Spread technology with spreader arms angled at 29.3 degree has demonstrated its capabilities in many different conditions worldwide. It ensures maximum raking performance with a cleaner rake and optimal spread even in damp, heavy crops.

The Volto 1300 T/TS has 12 rotors, each with a 1.5m diameter and six spreading arms, while the Volto 1500 T/TS has 14 rotors of the same design.

The small diameter and double hinge on the rotor frame ensure first-class pick-up even on uneven terrain. The spreading angle can be adjusted from 12 to 16 degrees on the rotors without tools,

while a crank handle on the left of the chassis frame provides central adjustment of the raking height.

A scale on the lifting ram support acts as a guide. A hydraulically operated edge-tedding crop guard is optionally available.

The Permalink drive has been re-engineered for continuous peak performance from a working width of 13 to 15.1 metres. The development involved several thousand hours of testing both in the field and on the test rig, and focussed on customer satisfaction as well as maximum reliability.

The completely redesigned Permalink HD finger clutch and modular, oil-filled

rotor drives are the stand-out features that set it apart from other drives on the market.

The shaft speed has been increased by 50 per cent to reduce the torque on the drive shafts. At the same time, the finger clutches have been reinforced and fitted with new, larger bearings.

As before, they enable 180-degree folding with full power transmission. In addition, the rotors have been given new encapsulated drives, extending maintenance intervals to several years.

The Volto 1300 T/TS and Volto 1500 T/TS fold to a width of under 3m, and in transport position the rotors lie on the chassis frame with an overall height of just 3.29m, with a low centre of gravity

by Chris McCullough

Claas releases new Volto tedders with up to 15.1m working width 52

53

Oxford Agricultural Trials marks 40 years

RSABI provides vital support to r;orѴ; bm oѴ ;7 bm |_; "1oমv_ agricultural industry.

The service RSABI delivers ranges =uol Cm-m1b-Ѵ -m7 ;loঞom-Ѵ v rrou| |o ru-1ঞ1-Ѵ _;Ѵr -m7 bv always given with respect, underv|-m7bm] -m7 1omC7;mঞ-Ѵb| ĺ

ub;m7Ѵ Ň uo=;vvbom-Ѵ Ň omC7;mঞ-Ѵ

Freephone 0808 1234 555

A

= o Ľu; =-1bm] 7bL1 Ѵঞ;vķ rѴ;-v; call RSABI on Freephone 0808 1234 555 – open 24 hours a day, every day of the year – or use |_; 1omC7;mঞ-Ѵ ;01_-| om www.rsabi.org.uk.

Live Webchat 24/7 via www.rsabi.org.uk

New single site trial reveals Recommended Lists' journey from seed to harvest AHDB will showcase how varieties make it onto the Recommended Lists for cereals and oilseeds (RL) at a winter wheat trial site in Norfolk. Levy payers will be able to follow the entire process, from planting to next year's harvest, with ongoing expert site commentary.

The winter wheat on trial initiative is taking place in response to the most recent RL review, in which levy payers asked for more information about the variety trials.

Located near The Wash, the trial is one of 31 dedicated UK winter wheat fungicide-treated yield trials sown for harvest 2025. The trial site features 35 recommended and 15 candidate varieties, replicated three times across 150 variety plots.

AHDB Recommended Lists (RL) Manager Paul Gosling said: "We are telling the story of how we grow one of the UK's most complex winter wheat crops. From deciding which varieties to sow to recommendation decisions, we will bring the processes that underpin the RL trial system to life. It will give

54

by Hannah Erb

To join our Supporters’ Scheme from just £2 a month – and help us deliver our services – please visit www.rsabi.org.uk.

rsabi@rsabi.org.uk

RL users greater confidence in the data and a better understanding of why we take certain approaches."

Several tillage operations (subsoiling, tine cultivations and power harrowing) were carried out on the site's silty soils before the trial was planted on 7 October 2024.

In the first few months, the initiative will focus on how varieties are selected for drilling and the approach taken to design and establish the trials.

The initiative will also describe: * Trial agronomy * Trial assessment and harvest * How trial data is used to make recommendation decisions Mark Bollebakker, a Senior Field

Trials Manager at AHDB, will provide site commentary throughout the growing season, with an initial video that provides an overview of the site already available to view.

A dedicated web page features initial information, including graphics that show how winter wheat sites are distributed across the UK and how the trials are set up: ahdb.org.uk/rl-trials

Follow us on Scottish charity no: SCOO9828

Photos this Issue:

Page 12 – Provided Page 16 – Provided Page 21 – AA Society Page 22 – Shorthorn Soc. Page 23 – Provided Page 34 – Chris Caygell Page 36 – Provided Page 39 – SRUC Page 41/43– Doug Laing Page 44/45 – Provided Page 46 – Avant Page 47 – Lemken / Kuhn Page 48 – AB Innovation Page 50 – Fleming Page 51 – Case IH Page 52 – Claas Page 56/58 – Petra Jacob

O

xford Agricultural Trials (OAT) is thrilled to celebrate its 40th anniversary, marking four decades of exceptional contributions to the field of crop research.

"Since our inception in 1984, we have been driven by a vision to revolutionise agronomic science and empower the industry through excellence in crop research," said Chris Kay, Managing Director of OAT. "Today, we stand proud, having remained steadfast in our commitment to this vision, consistently leading the way in agronomic research."

OAT takes pride in being a trusted and recognised name in the industry, known for delivering independent, high-quality field trials. Over the years, we have conducted trials across a wide array of crops, fostered sustainable farming techniques, and continue to shape the future of the agricultural and horticultural industry every day.

"Our journey has been characterised by relentless innovation, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to our

clients," added Mr Kay. "We take immense pride in our work, but we are not resting on our laurels. As we celebrate this significant milestone, we are also eagerly looking forward to the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead."

In commemoration of this landmark anniversary, we are excited to preview our new 360-degree virtual trials tour capability. This groundbreaking service is ready for launch, with exciting enhancements and features in the pipeline.

"We hope this resource will revolutionise the way our clients and customers can interact with our field trials, making them more accessible to a wider number of colleagues with huge potential for cost savings through reduced travel and time away from desks, said Mr Kay. Our new capability offers an immersive experience, transporting users to our field trials from anywhere in the world. This innovative approach

is designed to supplement traditional trial tours and overcome the limitations of conventional methods. The trial tour allows users to take a bird's eye view, walk around the site and focus in at plot level, providing a comprehensive understanding of our trials.

"We believe that this groundbreaking new approach will not only enhance our field trials but also foster greater collaboration and knowledge sharing. It represents our commitment to leveraging technology to drive advancements in R&D," said Mr Kay. "As we celebrate our 40th, we look forward to continuing to innovate and contribute to the future of the industry where ever it may take us! Here's to the next 40 years!

To explore a demo of our 360-degree tours for yourself, visit www.oxagtrials.co.uk/360trialtour To find out more about our NEW drone technology service, visit: www.oxagtrials.co.uk/drone-tech

55

Hiking Behind the Cow Shed

by Petra Jacob

By joining a hiking tour in the border triangle of Kosovo, Montenegro and Albania you will help farming communities and prevent people from emigrating

I

t is a region that was marked by war until not so long ago. In order to create a livelihood for the people in this area and to offer them alternatives to emigration, the GIZ (German Society for International Cooperation) started a hiking tourism project in 2010 on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development. In the mountains of the border triangle of Kosovo, Montenegro and Albania, hiking routes were marked, maps were created, hiking guides were trained with the help of the German Alpine Club, they negotiated with border authorities about simplified border crossings and mountain farmers

56

were supported and encouraged to open guest houses. The aim was equipping this beautiful but rather unknown mountain region for international hiking tourism.

From 2011 onwards there has been a continuous hiking route of over 190 km; a route that crosses borders, connects former enemies. Many of the paths existed before: they were the paths of shepherds and sheep, smugglers and mountain farmers. Even today, hikers will encounter on their hiking tour lots of sheep, shepherds, farms with cows or horses and entire mountain villages that are only inhabited in summer.

One of the entry points for the classic

10-day tour called "Peaks of the Balkans" is located behind farmer Mustafa Nikçi's cowshed in the mountain village of Rekë e Allagës in western Kosovo.

The taxi ride from the town of Peja takes 40 minutes through the magnificent Rugova Gorge up into the mountains up to 1600 m. The simple houses of Rekë e Allagës are scattered over the hillside. Most of the residents are only here between May and September, when they bring their cows, sheep and chickens up. The village once had 110 houses and was completely destroyed in the Yugoslav war, but now about 30 families live here again. But many of the houses remained in ruins, the people have not returned, now living in the city or abroad.

Mustafa Nikçi rebuilt his family's house that burned down after the war, as well as a guest house that he rents out to hikers. He is one of the farmers supported by GIZ. It is a beautiful location surrounded by meadows with a view of snow-capped mountains. The

scenery is reminiscent of the Swiss Alps.

Mustafa Nikçi knows what it looks like there. In the 1990s, the 59-year-old spent some time working in forestry in Switzerland, when he stayed there as a refugee.

Today, Mustafa runs also a farm in the valley, with 11 ha of arable land, 0.4 ha of apple orchards and vegetables.

The farm has 30 dairy cows, mainly Swiss Simmental, which are raised in summer on the mountain meadows around Rekë e Allagës. Vegetables, meat and dairy products for the catering of the guests come from the farm. "It's all organic," assures Mustafa. His wife Fetije serves dinner on the veranda, cowbells tinkling in the background.

One cow after the other comes trotting out of the forest, followed by a blonde boy. This is son Altin (19), who will take over the farm one day. Behind the house is the cowshed, where the cows are milked by hand. The milk is processed into yoghurt, cream, butter and cheese. On a long nail on the wall of the house hangs fresh cheese curds in muslin cloths for draining. Dairy products play a major role in the diet of people in the Balkan mountains and they are on the table at every meal. Also in the guest houses such as the "Panorama" ten minutes walk up the mountain. Hostess Shoha Kelmendi had the farmer's fresh cow's milk filled into discarded cola bottles. She pays two euros for two liters, she says, and she buys a kilogram of cream cheese for five euros and buys it from farmers.

On the Balkan route, hikers repeatedly encounter pastoral culture.

In lofty heights a shepherd sits on a rocky outcrop and plays a flute, far above him, his sheep grazing on the steep slopes. There are shepherd huts where you can stop and buy a glass of fresh sheep milk or a bowl of yoghurt at 100 lek (0.85 £) each, with a handful of freshly picked blueberries. It's not just the rest that's good for you, but also the feeling of being able to support people here financially. Because in these mountains they often live in the simplest conditions. Like Hedii and her husband, a shepherd. We find them in a particularly impressive mountain landscape below a pass. Hedii being an enterprising wife and opened a "café."

This consists of two wooden benches, covered with an old plastic tarpaulin. In her ancient stone hut, she bakes and cooks on an open flame.

While her husband herds 100 sheep somewhere in the mountains, she entertains tired hikers with mountain

herbal tea at 100 lek a glass, for soft drinks she charges 200 lek a can, five times as much as down in the city. But guests like to sit here for the view of the mountains and the ancient-looking dry stone walls behind, which the sheep are later locked up for the night. "To protect against bears, wolves and lynxes," they find out from her.

Yes, there are problems with bears and wolves, confirm Zog Lekaj (68) and Mustafa Manaj (24), two Albanian shepherds in another place. But not every year, as the older of the two insists. It happens that ten sheep are killed in one year and none at all in another year, he says. In the valley, Zog and Mustafa are neighbours, between June and September they move to the mountains and look after their four hundred sheep together and produce sheep's cheese.

A sheep produces 70 to 100 litres of milk per lactation period, they say, and they pay the equivalent of £300 per season to lease the pasture. Not only can hikers stop by for a bowl of sheep's milk yoghurt, but they can also watch cheese being made. This takes place in a very succinctly built stone hut, where the cheeses mature afterwards on an old wooden bench. Every three days, the cheese is brought down to the valley by mule along a very steep section of the Balkan Hiking Trail, lasting several hours. The shepherds receive around 400 lek (£3.40) per kilo of cheese, in the city it is sold for twice as much, for around 800 lek (£6.84 ).

The hiking trail into the valley leads past strange-looking buildings in the middle of barren mountain landscapes.

For almost fifty years, Albania was under a strict communist regime and had almost no relations with the outside world. The former Albanian dictator Enver Hoxka had over 173 000 of these bomb shelters built out of fear of his neighbors. Today, the country welcomes visitors and is considered an insider tip among travelers. Just like the mountainous region of the Balkans, which still seems to be little commercialized. This is what makes them so attractive to those who are looking for an authentic region to hike.

The Albanian mountain village of Dobërdoll is located in a valley at 1750m and is surrounded by mountains, from where you would have a panoramic view of all three countries of the "Peaks of the Balkans" hiking route, Albania, Montenegro and Kosovo. Next to the mountain huts there are vegetable garden and animal pens, many cows,

57

sheep and horses graze all around. The landscape reminds you of Scotland.

In the Valbonë Valley further on, the mountains are more rugged and it is like being in the Dolomite Mountains. The mountain scene is magnificent and the Kol Gjoni guesthouse in the village of Valbonë is right in the middle of it. It is a beautiful old grey stone house with three floors. When guests come, host family Jupani moves out of their house and live temporary in a simple out building. They also run a small farm, with a fruit orchard, fields, where corn grows and meadows with lots of picturesque traditional haystacks, there are beehives, 50 goats and some young cattle. Here, too, most of the food comes from the farm, including meat, eggs, bread, cheese, herbs, jam and honey.

It is advisable to join an organized tour doing this hiking route or at least hire a mountain guide. On the one hand, it creates jobs and instead of leaving, people stay in the region. On the other hand, the area can be understood much better: the history as well as the people you meet. Because hiking in this region also means being confronted with conflicts and politics again and again.

58

Adriatik Gacaferi has had many offers to go abroad, but he stayed and now works as a mountain guide. The 30-year-old Kosovo Albanian was once a refugee and had to flee as a child with his family to Albania for some time.

Today he lives back in Kosovo, his areas of expertise are mountains, politics and history. He has answers to (almost) everything you come across in the mountains. The garlands of flowers on a rock are in memory of two Albanian shepherds killed by Serbian snipers, he explains. Or the many brown cows there in the mountain meadow, that was a donation from Denmark to Kosovo after the war and the breed is now called "Danish cattle."

And what are the people doing up there on the steep slopes? Question during a rest at almost 2000 m in the mountains of Montenegro. Two men, a woman, a horse and many white plastic buckets can be seen. Mountain guide Adriatik calls across the valley. These are Albanians who pick wild blueberries. "For a kilo of blueberries they could get 2.50 Euro (£2.15), clean and without leaves up to 5 Euro (£4.30), that is a lot of money for them.

"Whether they are allowed to pick in

the mountains, however, is another matter, he laughs. Especially in spring, Albanians come to the mountains across the border and collect medicinal and wild herbs. Then the Montenegrin police are sometimes out and about in the mountains.

Recommended: Balkan Natural Adventure, https://bnadventure.com/ info@bnadventure.com, phone 0039-349661105 Agency based in Kosovo, has very well-trained, English-speaking mountain guides. Good weather for hiking the Balkan Mountains: June to October.

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.

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