when you take out a subscription to Farming Country magazine for a year
• Broad top band to minimize calf pressure
• Shrink controlled for easy care
• Shin protection
• 70% Merino wool for comfort and absorbency, 30% nylon for wear
• ‘Y ’heel with additional support in Achilles tendon and arch region
• Additional dense terry cushioning sole, heel and toe
Send a cheque for £30 to SUBS, farmingscotland.com, Marbrack Farm, Carsphairn, Castle Douglas, DG7 3TE and fill in your details.
NAME:
ADDRESS: START ISSUE: SOCK SIZE: please tick
- 4-5
5.5-7.5
8-10.5
2015 Holstein UK Presidents Medal SRUC Shortlisted SRUC Finalists
Michael Yates from Scotland South Holstein Young Breeders was announced as the winner of the prestigious 2015 Presidents Medal Award. The announcement took place during the Semex Dairy Conference in Glasgow, attracting over 200 farmers from all over the UK and overseas. National HYB Coordinator Rebecca Kirk introduced the award: “our 1400 and growing HYB members are the future of the dairy industry and whilst we are consistently faced with challenges such as unsustainable milk prices, devastating floods, and persistent disease, we still see the next generation strive forward into the industry with incredible enthusiasm and passion.”
Randolph Miller, Holstein UK President announced the winner. He said, “We were looking for a well-grounded individual with a good understanding of the industry and Holstein breed, who is involved in farming and has made a big contribution to their Holstein Club and Holstein Young Breeders.”
Winner Michael Yates is responsible for the day to day running of his family’s Logan herd, having worked on the home farm since leaving school. He has enjoyed numerous successes in both HYB and Young Farmers. He is a perfectionist in everything he does with a forward thinking approach to the industry.
All nominees were required to submit and essay titled ‘My Agenda for Dairy Farming’, and it was Michael’s following statement that drew the attention of the judges. “My agenda is about the promotion of the dairy industry’s products and their corresponding health benefits….However, in order to keep dairy farms in business, the farmers need to look at areas that can be improved on farm so that a healthy herd and profitable income can be achieved.”
Nicola Lockyer (Devon HYB) and Andrew Patton (Northern Ireland HYB), were the two reserve finalists of this prestigious award.
As part of the winner’s prize, Michael will be heading to the Royal Ulster Winter Fair later this year courtesy of Semex.
Scotland's Rural College (SRUC) has been shortlisted for a prestigious College Development Network Marketing Award - under the category of 'Promotional Literature', for the 2016 Prospectus.
SRUC's Marketing and Student Recruitment team will go head to head with City of Glasgow College and NESCOL as they compete for the Promotional Literature Award. The winners will be announced at the black tie Awards Ceremony on 3 March in Glasgow. The awards celebrate excellent marketing and communications activities taking place in colleges across Scotland and recognise their innovative, creativity and effectiveness. SRUC's 2016 Prospectus was judged on criteria including costing of design, production and printing, overall objectives, rationale and evaluation of effectiveness.
Commenting on being shortlisted for the award, Marketing and Student Recruitment Manager Hannah D'Mellow said: "My team and I are really delighted by this recognition. We are extremely proud of the 2016 prospectus, which we worked very hard on. The 2016 prospectus was for the first time produced as a combined FE/HE brochure, which was a huge, yet exciting challenge. We introduced many new features in order to present the information to the wider range of audiences that this prospectus serves.
"The prospectus is a critical part of our r ecruitment material – a recent survey of all new students to SRUC cited it as the second most used interaction with the College, after the website. The promotional literature c ategory is very competitive and all brochures and leaflets produced by Scottish colleges are eligible, so to be shortlisted for a general prospectus (against competition from more specialised leaflets and booklets) is really fantastic and rewarding."
David James, SRUC Assistant Principal/ Head of Education said: "I am absolutely delighted to learn that the 2016 Prospectus has been shortlisted for the CDN Marketing Awards. This is a great achievement and I would like to congratulate the team."
An Environmental student from Stirling, a land-based engineering apprentice from Buckie and a horse care student from Glasgow have all made the finals of the prestigious LANTRA Learner of the Year Awards. All three studied at the Oatridge campus of Scotland's Rural College (SRUC) in West Lothian.
SRUC's finalists will learn if they have won during the annual LANTRA awards ceremony at the Hilton Dunblane Hydro Hotel on Thursday 3 March.
Ryan Binnie (19) from Stirling works as an apprentice Fisheries Baliff with Stirling Council and is studying SVQ 2 in Environmental Conservation. team. He is nominated in the Fisheries Management/ Environmental Conservation Category.
A finalist in the Land-based Engineering category, Steen Durno (19) from Buckie completed his Modern Apprenticeship in land-based Engineering and has recently taken up full time employment with Mark Garrick Ltd in Elgin. Last year Steen was a finalist in the Skills Development Scotland Modern Apprenticeship Awards, and won best student award, in SVQ3 Land Based Engineering 2014/15 at Oatridge.
Studying an Advanced Certificate in Horse Care and nominated in the Equine category, Lorna MacBride (18), from Glasgow is in her second year at Oatridge campus. Having ridden a horse for the first time aged 3 Lorna has a clear passion for the Equine sector.
The three Oatridge campus students will join three other SRUC finalists from the Ayr, Dumfries and Fife based campuses. Liam Anderson from Shetland (24) studied at SRUC Elmwood, Fife and is nominated in the Horticulture category. Sophie Ward (27) from Angus studied Agriculture at Ayr was entered in the Higher Education Award category, and based at the Barony, Michael Rolfe (19) from Lanark is a finalist in the Land-based Engineering category.
Dairy Diversification
The UK’s first Skyr producer has successfully manufactured around three tonnes of the Icelandic cultured dairy product, similar to strained yoghurt, since the opening of their on-farm production facility this summer.
“We’ve been thrilled with the uptake of the product so far,” says Sam Moorhouse of Hesper Farm, near Skipton. “Before the diversification we were selling all of our liquid milk to a processor, but like many we were feeling increased pressures on farm income.
“I knew that I wanted to add value to the raw product we were producing and as a result I made my first trip to Iceland in January 2014 after reading an article about the Icelandic cow and the production of Skyr.”
Sam returned to the UK convinced this was a viable option for the future of his family farm.
The Moorhouse’s have since launched four flavours of Skyr and are pleased with uptake, which they attribute to health properties of the product.
“The product is being recognised in the UK and worldwide now, as more and more consumers want high protein and virtually fat free products,” explains Sam “Cow nutrition has played a vital role in producing milk constituents of 3.3 per cent protein and 4 per cent butterfat, which in turn has produced consistent milk suitable for manufacture into Skyr.
“We feed our herd with the view of keeping yields up and milk quality stable. The TMR consists of grass silage, brewer’s grains, caustic wheat, sugar beet feed, soya and soya hulls.
“We’ve always included sugar beet feed from Trident Feeds in the ration as it’s a healthier form of energy than the energy gained from starch. The cows really benefit from it, and we’ve had less health issues such as clinical acidosis since including it in the diet.”
Dr Michael Marsden, head of technical at Trident Feeds supports Sam’s view. “Sugar beet feed is one of the most effective sources of digestible fibre-based energy available for ruminants,” he explains.
“It’s a highly palatable feed and can be used in combination with less palatable feeds to stimulate intakes and increase yields, while the slowly available energy helps buffer against digestive upsets.
“This obviously helps improve feed conversion efficiency as well as increasing animal performance which are both really important to the success of Moorhouse enterprise.”
HELP - CALL RSABI
The Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS) has announced it is making a donation to the tune of £14 000 per year, for the next three years, to the Royal Society Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RSABI).
The Ingliston based agricultural charity, which has a remit to support and encourage the best of Scottish agriculture and its practice, is making the donation at a time when use of the ‘rural Samaritans' services has almost doubled. The funds will cover the running costs of the RSABI's helpline for three years.
Global issues that are impacting on Scotland's agricultural sector, such as in dairy and arable, are putting individuals in the industry under huge pressure. As a result, more people are reaching out for assistance from RSABI.
RSABI provides a single point of enquiry for anyone involved in the agricultural
industry, regardless of age or circumstance, handling everything from questions about the benefits system and sources of help on farming issues, to delivering support on critical personal matters, including money troubles and emotional distress. The charity acts as an entry point for anyone who may require financial assistance.
Nina Clancy of RSABI said: "With an increasing number of calls to the newly launched RSABI helpline, the award of funds from RHASS to contribute to the running costs of this important service over the next 3 years is welcomed by RSABI."
The helpline allows the RSABI to focus more resources to support those who need it most, which is likely to include some of our own members. "
The RSABI helpline number is 0300 111 4166 and is open every day from 7am-11pm. Out of hours provision is given by the Farm Community Network. www.rhass.org.uk
Organic Plans
An ambitious new action plan to help organic food and farming build a more sustainable future, regenerate the rural economy and conserve biodiversity and natural resources is being launched for Scotland.
"Organic Ambitions: Scotland's Organic Action Plan 2016 – 2020" Outlining an Organic Vison for 2020, the Action Plan identifies the key challenges facing the development of Scottish organic food and the actions required to address them. Key to the strategy is spreading KNOWLEDGE about the economic, environmental and social value of Scottish organic produce, increasing the STRENGTH of the whole supply chain and boosting SKILLS through knowledge of best practice and training. Building RESILIENCE by strengthening the ability of the sector to conserve and enhance Scotland's natural capital will also be vital. Work begins early this year on a programme to deliver these desired outcomes.
Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Food and the Environment Richard Lochhead said: "Scottish food and drink is a phenomenal success story and, as interest in organic produce increases, that sector clearly has an important role to play in continuing that trend. Much has been achieved over the past few years but there is the potential to do so much more.
"I want to see a strong organic sector in Scotland, one that is strategically supported and that can compete with the rest of the UK, EU and, indeed, the world. I also want to see a Scottish organic sector that is making an
important contribution to Scotland becoming a Good Food Nation, by being self-sustaining, adding value to our environment as well as the economy. Partnership and positive collaboration are key to achieving these aims and this new action plan will surely assist in realising these ambitions."
"Organic Ambitions" was funded by Scottish Government and produced by the Scottish Organic Forum following an extensive consultation. SOF members include Scottish Government, Soil Association Scotland, Scottish Organic Producers Association, Organic Growers Alliance, Caledonian Organics, Scottish Organic Milk Producers, the Scottish Agricultural Organisation Society, SRUC and SAC Consulting, which also provides the secretariat.
Wendy Seel, Chair of the Scottish Organic Forum and founder of Aberdeenshire-based Vital Veg, said: "Organic Ambitions will build knowledge about organics, strengthen the organic supply chain and increase skills throughout the organic sector. It will also strengthen the capacity of Scotland's organic farms to preserve and enhance natural capital (soil, clean air and water, biodiversity) and in turn to create a more resilient food supply chain. Making change happen will involve partnership working between all those concerned about the future of food, farming and the environment in Scotland".
Organic Ambitions has been well received by those involved in Scotland's Food and Drink economy.
Pete Ritchie, Director Nourish Scotland,
said "This ambitious plan charts a course for Scotland –like Germany, France, Denmark and many other countries –to develop a vibrant, co-operative, innovative and wealth-creating organic sector, which produces excellent food while also helping Scotland meet its aspirations on climate change, biodiversity and water quality."
James Withers, CEO, Scotland Food and Drink commented: "There are real opportunities for our organic sector in the coming years and this action plan can create a foundation to grasp the clear opportunities ahead."
Scotland currently imports a significant proportion of produce, especially organic, and Scott Erwin, Member Director of Glasgow-based Greencity Wholefoods stated: "as a wholesaler we can see the demand that exists for organic produce within Scotland. The Organic Action Plan will provide a platform to ensure that in years to come, a higher proportion of the organic produce that we sell will be grown within Scotland."
Food production has a very significant impact on the natural environment and on greenhouse gas emissions related to climate change. Environmental organisations support the initiative. Claudia Rowse, Head of Rural Resources Unit Scottish Natural Heritage believes Organic Ambitions "will help contribute to the vision of Scotland becoming a world leader in green farming. It can also help contribute to achieving some of the objectives for sustainable land management and farmland biodiversity in Scotland's Biodiversity Route Map 2020."
The Crofting Commission is encouraging crofters to regulate their Common Grazings effectively by providing a standard set of regulations, along with detailed guidance, for Grazings Committee to use when setting out the terms of the committee.
Traditionally common grazings is land shared, mainly by crofters, predominantly for grazing stock, but also, peat cutting and a place to keep their boat. The Commission wants to encourage good shared management of common grazings to help foster stronger communities, deliver economic benefits and to reduce the likelihood of these areas being abandoned or overgrown.
Crofting Commissioner, Murdo MacLennan, explains:
“There are over 1,000 common grazings covering over 500,000 hectares across Scotland and approximately only 50% of those are protected by law by having a properly constituted grazings committee recorded with the Commission.
“We have created a standard set of regulations to give clearer guidance for committees and shareholders about how their common grazings is regulated. Grazing Regulations are a set of rules detailing the management and use of a common grazing and provide details of each person who is entitled to use the common grazing and the number of stock they are allowed to graze
“We are urging Grazings Committees to read the guidance and template regulations to ensure they are working within the scope of the crofting legislation and that any other activities that fall outside of crofting legislation are kept separate from the duties of the Grazings Committee.
“The role of common grazings is central to the contribution crofting can make to the sustainable development of crofting communities and properly constituted grazings committees are the most effective way to safe guard the future common grazing land for the benefit of all crofters.”
More information can be found on www.crofting.scotland.gov.uk/ commongrazings.asp
Regulate Common Grazings
Research published by Scotland's Rural College confirms that under the new Common Agricultural Policy payments most of Scotland's intensive beef farms will suffer financially, while for many of Scotland's breeding sheep farms there will be a positive financial effect. The new regime will also have an impact on Scottish dairy farms but it is the world market price for milk that will have a more direct effect on future viability.
The Research Briefings, which help inform policy makers, were produced for SRUC's Rural Policy Centre by the Colleges' Policy, Innovation and Behavioural Change Team. They used details from the Scottish Farm Accounts Survey which the College administers on behalf of Scottish Government, together with data from Quality Meat Scotland and a survey of farmers intentions that was carried out with partners from the James Hutton Institute and examined farmers' reactions to various scenarios.
They processed the data through 'Scotfarm,' SRUC's own economic computer model. It produces an optimised net profit for each farm taking into consideration resources such as land, labour, feed and livestock replacements to produce an optimised net profit for each farm and including their CAP Pillar1 and 2 payments.
"We considered farm level performance before the new reforms and compared that with farm performance post-reform," says SRUC Senior Agricultural Economist Steven Thomson. "Whilst the model did not allow for the five year transition process, we believe the results offer policy makers a good indication of the long-term effects on key enterprises."
Specialist beef producers are most affected, with Scotfarm predicting over three-quarters of the FAS businesses would be in a worse financial position. Of those affected, around a third are expected to suffer reduced profits, whilst another third would move from a profit to a loss. Around 20% of the farm businesses, already making a loss, are likely to see greater losses under the new reforms. Only 13% of farms, on more extensive systems, are predicted to make gains.
When asked about their intentions, farmers
Post CAP Reform Profitability Problems
indicated that if they experienced a 25% increase in payment they would enlarge their herds. However the same intention survey suggests that faced with a 25% cut in subsidy payments over half of those surveyed would decrease their livestock numbers.
"It will be important to consider the future resilience of the sector with so many farms predicted not to show a profit," comments Steven Thomson. "With lower support payments we believe that the sector will become increasingly polarised as farmers respond by either focussing on environmental support and reducing herd sizes, or simply become more intensive."
For sheep the situation is less stark, with 70% of the farm businesses predicted to have a financial improvement in the post-reform period. However this is often due to the fact that they will receive an uplift in support payments.
“Whilst these figures suggest a healthier future for the sheep sector it is still heavily reliant on support payments to maintain incomes, and these business need to have an increased commercial outlook to sustain long term viability," explains Steven.
Under CAP reform, the majority of specialist dairy farms in the sample will have reduced levels of profitability. However, because CAP support represents a lower proportion of overall incomes in the sector, the modelling suggests that whilst the impact is very real, it is the future volatility of the milk price and input costs that will have a greater impact on long-term viability.
Nevertheless, when questioned, dairy farmers stated a reluctance to maintain expansion plans under a reduced CAP support regime, indicating that support payments still have an influence on decision-making in the dairy sector, particularly following falls in the world milk price.
This research work was funded through Theme 4: Economic Adaptation of the Scottish Government's Environmental Change Strategic Research Programme 2011-2016.
To access the Briefing notes use this link http://www.sruc.ac.uk/downloads/download/1034/post_2015_cap_reforms_impacts_and_responses_from_sheep_beef_and_ dairy_farmers
For more information contact Claire Gordon at the SRUC Rural Policy centre 0131 535 4193, Claire.gordon@sruc.ac.uk or http://www.sruc.ac.uk/ruralpolicycentre Steven Thomson is available at steven.thomson@sruc.ac.uk or 0131 535 4192
Argyll –Fiona Boa
2015 was a heart breaking year for the farming community of Mull losing some of the finest members of our fold. I think we all have some lessons and knowledge they taught us that we can take forward, whether it is having passion and pride in what you do, or simply not leaving the house without baler twine, they will always be with us.
Something we were glad to welcome at the end of October was the introduction of the RET. Before it came in, for me to make a return journey to the market in Oban, it would cost me £75.00 and now it is half of the cost, which is a great help when you have hundreds of lambs and a fair few calves to shift. It adds up and gives us an extra few pounds that we can perhaps chase up that tup that we want. It also helps the customers that come from the mainland to use our slaughterhouse, who are on the increase, and hopefully it will bring a lot of visitors to the Island next year, boosting our economy.
Missing from our diary last year was the Island calf sale –normally held in the first week in October, some of you reading this may have frequented. It was originally a two day sale, but over the years, as cattle numbers decreased, it could be done in one. The trend has continued so it really is not feasible now and even since October, two more herds have dispersed. I often hear my father talk of
Around the Regions
cutting down and I had been led to believe, we were this winter but the phrases: “I am not in a hurry to sell her,” and “she is a good cow, I will maybe wait until she calves,” have become all too familiar!
Although tupping time was wet and wild, it was exceptionally mild. I would say we weathered the storm and when you look at some areas of the Country, we can only be thankful. Our total rainfall for last year was 70 inches and my friends at Loch Buie, only forty miles away had 130 inches –so a signifant difference even on the Island.
There are a few small isles off Mull and to get the tups over to them it was very much a case of seize the moment, even if it is a week early. I helped gather for Iain Thomson on the small island of Eorsa and they managed to get a day to get the tups across, but it was a couple of weeks later that we returned to dose the ewes as wild weather and short days dictate everything. With it being mild, I would say that there was an extra bite of grass and ewes were in good order so there was no fear there.
During November and December and every other month, to be honest, a place that is a hive of activity on Mull is the Mull and Iona Slaughterhouse. Last year I put 70 pigs through it and my neighbours at Glengorm, famous for their Highland beef, put 30
Highland cattle beasts through. As well as lots of us locals, there is a great number coming from the mainland and with a fabulous packing and butchering service, I think they not only prove, a wee slaughterhouse can not only survive but it can also go from strength to strength.
I may moan about the mission it can sometimes be getting to market with the ferries and weather and the extra cost of getting feed in, but I feel I really landed on my feet having the slaughterhouse twelve miles from my door. When someone stops you on the road to tell you what an amazing dinner they had last night, with your own produce, I would say that is real job satisfaction!
FARM FACTS
Farmer: Fiona Boa farming in partnership with her father Farming: Antuim,Dervaig Isle of Mull
Land: 2000 acres owned, 1000 acres rented
Cattle: 45 cows
Sheep: 830 Blackface ewes
Pigs: 40 pigs and buy in extra weaners
Perthshire –Iain Wilkinson
As I sit here in front of a roaring fire, we’re coming to the end of the so-called big freeze that we were supposed to get. I don’t think it got much below -3C here but it was welcome after the constant rain we had for the previous six weeks.
The cold dry weather has allowed us to get all the cattle courts and outside corrals mucked out, which has certainly improved the look of the cattle to see them back down where they belong. A lot of the straw we use is from neighbouring farms, which we get on a straw for dung contract with them supplying a man, tractor and trailer to help with the mucking out.
Early January saw us gathering up the tups, they had had it tough trying to do their job in all that rain. They never had a dry back the whole time they were out.
The ewes however have faired much better than expected; I was quite pleased with their condition when handled for their trace element bolus. We have tried a bit of rotational grazing with them this season, keeping them in larger mobs and moving them to fresh fields every week. Scanning will soon be here and then we will know whether it has worked or not.
Calves settled in well after weaning in
November with very little respiratory problems –which is a first as we usually get one or two batches that we have to blanket treat. Haemophilus seems to be the main cause of our respiratory problems but it hasn’t reared its head this year, which is surprising considering how mild it has been.
We are now well into selling our prime cattle, which for want of a better word is depressing. The price just seems to keep coming back every week. Hitting the right spec has never been a real problem for us but I did put away one stot this week that graded a U1 at 350kg, I remembered at the time of loading them, thinking he would have been a right beast for the live ring at Forfar and have no idea how he could have been classed as a one. It must be hell for those producers that are finishing those big cattle that have to sell them lighter than normal and then getting slammed by the graders for not having enough finish on them.
I just hope that the buyers of our store calves in the spring last year managed to get them finished and away before the price really started to slide. One thing is for sure, they will want to buy this years cattle a good bit cheaper, but the suckled calf producer needs all he can get to cover the cost of production.
FARM FACTS
Manager: Iain Wilkinson
Farming: Murthly and Strathbraan Estate
Owner: Peter Alexander
Cattle: 500 Limousins
Sheep: 1100 Blackface & Mules
I think the future holds a big change in the national cow herd, back to a more native bred smaller cow, which can help us keep her through the winter, and produce a finished animals in her lifetime with a lighter carcass and enough finish on it to reach the top spec in the abattoir.
Our lambs have worked away with all the Texel lambs away off grass by the end of November. The first draw of Blackies went away off grass just before Xmas. The rest of the Blackies will now be housed and finished on pellets, now that we have a spare court for them and the price has finally started to go in the right direction. We need to have them all gone by March, as we need the court for the heifers calving.
On a lighter note, we were rudely awakened the other night by the dogs barking. The bedroom window was opened and they were told in no uncertain terms to be quiet. This worked for all of 5 minutes; Jen decided she would have a go (she enjoys her sleep!) Anyway she opened the window and stuck her head out about to give the dogs a real blast to see a calf standing looking up at her in the pouring rain, as if to say “would you bloody well get up and let me back into the shed?!”
After a fantastic start to the winter months with temperatures most days in double figure the grass continued to grow and stock looked well but the ground now has got too wet for the in lamb pedigree Texel sheep to stay out any longer. With a great scan result and 3 months of nothing but rain here on the Isle of Man, they were tramping in more than they were eating and with no less than 3 weeks to go, the poly tunnel is now fit to burst!
After resting for the past couple of days they've finally re gained their mojo and look a lot less depressed, the mud that was caked up their legs starting to flake off and their wool is tightening up again. It wasn't just us that was sick of the rain obviously!!
Generally the island is procted by the bigger isles surrounding us, escaping from the worst of the flooding and heavy snow falls, having the coastline only a couple of miles away the salt air makes short work of shifting any shallow snowfalls on our land. Where we live in the south of the Island it has a lot of heavy clay ground with our home farm situated on a higher shaley out crop it
FARM FACTS
Farmer: Kirree Kemode in partnership with brother Thomas and parents Pip & Carol
Farming: Orrisdale Farm Balasalla, IOM
Cattle: 250 cows, mainly Angus cross also pedigree Limousins, Angus & Charolais. Use Blue bulls
Sheep: 2000 ewes pedigree and commercial
wasn't too bad to out winter stock but this last 5 years or so the longer, wetter winters have put a stop to that. Three sheds have been erected and even a poly tunnel to lamb indoors but all that brings added costs, with buying in extra bedding and feed stuffs but we couldn't farm without them now!
Our TB test is just around the corner and with no badgers (foxes or squirrels) present on the Isle of Man it never has been too much of a worry, our island is in process of achieving it's TB free status as we speak, so fingers crossed it will help with future sales of breeding stock.
We are a family business keeping suckler cattle alongside 2000 pedigree and commercial sheep. We run 250 cows mostly Angus x along with a large herd of pedigree Limousin, a few Aberdeen Angus and a couple of Charolais, using Blue bulls for crossing to get a couple of flashy calves for our prime stock show. We try and sell locally when the markets are good but some years when it's not so great, we will live export, mostly weanlings or stores, retaining Angus cross heifers for breeding. Exporting isn't
Isle of Man –Kirree Kermode Around the Regions
ideal with pre movement TB testing, veterinary inspection and basically waiting on a fair day with no wind for the ferry to sail. Adding to the pressure the paperwork expires after 72 hours, it can be very small window at times!!
We only have one auction market and one meat plant, which isn't always a great thing when trying to get the best price for your stock. Competition is healthy. Some of the older farmers are happy to take what's going but my brother Thomas and I support our parents Pip and Carol in the search to find better prices, in some cases doubling what we are offered here but it's swings and roundabouts!!
I think as a younger person in agriculture it's a good idea to keep an open mind and be flexible about what you produce, markets can change over night and you have to be prepared to change with it. We find quality plays a massive roll in what ever product your trying to sell from cull ewes to prime beef it's important to have the right types, which the market demands.
Galloway World Congress
The 11th Galloway World Congress is to be staged in South West Scotland from the 5th-10th August. The congress is open to breeders and anyone who is interested, from around the world, whether Belted, Dun, Red or Black Galloways are your passion.
Dumfries Show and the Galloway National on 6th August is the first port of call for International delegates, followed by the conference at Gretna Hall Hotel - the main venue –on the Sunday.
Tim Olivers, East Farm, Offthewall, Great Whittington Newcastle upon Tyne is the first of the on farm visits, which farmers are welcome to join (any or all of them). Tim has 80 Belties and White Galloways and also pedigree Shorthorns. Alan McClymont, Kirkstead, Yarrow, Selkirk, is the second stop on Monday 8th August. He runs 40 Black Galloway cows with followers and 2000 Blackface ewes.
Travel to Edinburgh for shopping in Princess Street and sightseeing for 2-3 hours before attending the world famous Edinburgh Tattoo.
Tuesday 9th August 2016
Bus to Mr D Bertie’s Mochrum herd at Old Place of Mochrum, Port William, Newton Stewart – his 60 cow herd is one of the oldest established herds in the Belted Galloway herd book. Klondyke Farms Ltd, Shancastle, Moniaive, Thornhill, is next on the agenda. Farm Manager Mr Scott McKinnon will show you Klondyke Estate and the 100 pure Black Galloway cows and 450 cross cows also 500 cross bred sheep.
Wednesday 10th August 2016
Cast your eye over Robert Ross’s, Speddoch & Muil herds, with 45 Belted Galloway cows at Speddoch and 20 cows at Muil. He also runs a total of 1170 Blackface ewes grazing 2800 acres in total. Jim and Selina Ross, Romesbeoch, Shawhead, Dumfries run 23 Black Galloways, 140 cross bred cows and 550 ewes. Lunch will be served at Drumlanrig Castle, home of the Duke of Buccleuch and Queensberry. The Duke is President of the Galloway Cattle Society and member of the Belted Galloway Society. Last farm of the day, but by no means least, John and Anne Finlay and their son Iain, run 120 quality Black Galloway cows and 720 Blackface Sheep at Blackcraig, Corsock, Castle Douglas.
Green Light for Red Meat!
Reduced meat consumption might not lower greenhouse gas emissions from one of the world's biggest beef producing regions, new research has found. The finding may seem incongruous, as intensive agriculture is responsible for such a large proportion of global greenhouse gas emissions.
According to research by University of Edinburgh, Scotland's Rural College (SRUC) and Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa), reducing beef production in the Brazilian Cerrado could actually increase global greenhouse gas emissions. The findings were published in the journal Nature Climate Change.
Lead author Rafael Silva, of the University of Edinburgh's School of Mathematics, explains: "Much of Brazil's grassland is in poor condition, leading to low beef productivity and high greenhouse gas emissions from cattle. However, increasing demand for meat provides an incentive for farmers to recover degraded pastures. This would boost the amount of carbon stored in the soil and increase cattle productivity. It would require less land for grazing and reduce deforestation, potentially lowering emissions."
While grasslands are not as effective as forests at storing carbon, Brazilian grass –mostly Brachiaria genus – has a greater capacity to do so than grass found in Europe, due to its long roots. High quality grasslands will cause more carbon to be stored in the soil, which will lead to a decrease in CO2 emissions. Grassland improvement involves chemical and mechanical treatment of the soil, and use of better adapted seeds along with calcium, limestone and nitrogen fertilisers. Most Brazilian grassland soils are acidic, requiring little nitrogen.
In the case of the Brazilian Cerrado, reduced meat consumption could remove the incentive for grassland improvement and therefore lead to higher emissions. The researchers worked out that if demand for beef is 30% higher by 2030 compared with current estimates, net emissions would decrease by 10%. Reducing demand by 30% would lead to 9% higher emissions, provided the deforestation rates are not altered by a higher demand. However, if deforestation rates increase along with demand, emissions could increase by as much as 60%.
Beef West Country Lambs hit Italy
West Country Lamb bearing the Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) banner has made a breakthrough in the Italian market.
The lamb range, including leg, loin and shoulder products, has been listed by the SMA retail group in Italy, which has 200 stores trading under the Simply fascia.
It represents the first foreign listing for West Country Lamb under the PGI, which was secured in 2014 after years of work carried out behind the scenes by Meat South West (MSW) and other organisations.
To meet the criteria for West Country PGI status, beef and lamb must be at least 70 per cent forage fed and come from stock born, raised and finished in Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, Gloucestershire, Dorset or Wiltshire.
Ed Green, chairman of MSW, said: “This is an important breakthrough for West Country producers and processors. The support of AHDB Beef & Lamb during months of negotiations to get to this point has been immeasurable and we are delighted with the outcome.
“The Italian market is tough for expensive proteins such as beef and lamb. However, it still rewards quality and the great taste of West Country Lamb has been a deciding factor in securing this breakthrough.
“We are confident that West Country Lamb will be a huge success in the Italian market and will establish a platform on which we can build as interest in our products gathers momentum.”
MSW is a strategic advisory body, which liaises with the industry and government on the priorities and needs of a profitable and productive regional meat and livestock sector. The board represents the whole supply chain, from farm to fork, and is committed to the success of the sector.
Professor Dominic Moran, of SRUC's Land Economy, Environment and Society Group, says: "The message of our research is to beware of unintended consequences. In some production regions, shifting to less meat-dependent diets would help curb climate change, but it is important to understand the nature of different production systems before concluding that reduced consumption will have the same effects in all systems."
Michelin-starred chef Tom Kitchin, one of Scotland's most revered chefs, is taking the message of what makes Scotch Beef PGI a cut above the rest, from the heart of rural Scotland to the city centre of London.
The top chef, who regularly appears on Saturday Kitchen and The One Show, is reminding consumers of what sets Scotch Beef apart, in a new Quality Meat Scotland campaign launched this week.
The 13 week campaign will showcase Scotch Beef and the flavour, provenance, traceability and integrity which underpin the brand's PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) status.
With the strapline of "There's beef, there's Scottish beef, then there's Scotch Beef," the campaign will target 10 million consumers across Greater London and the Home Counties during February, March and April and aims to inform, educate and inspire them to use Scotch Beef when they cook. The campaign will also run in Scotland during March and April.
Mr Kitchin, whose cooking philosophy is "From Nature to Plate," has a passion for using the finest, freshest Scottish seasonal produce and serves Scotch Beef in his Michelin star restaurant The Kitchin, as well as Edinburgh gastro pub The Scran & Scallie.
Mr Kitchin said: "I firmly believe that Scotland's natural larder is without doubt one of the best in the world, we're lucky to have such outstanding produce here on our doorstep and Scotch Beef is a perfect example of this."
"As a chef, it's one of my favourite ingredients because it's so incredibly versatile. From a roast sirloin steak to slow cooked beef cheeks, it never fails to disappoint. This campaign is the perfect opportunity to showcase just how good Scotch Beef is and will hopefully encourage the rest of the UK to try the wonderful produce Scotland has to offer."
A key objective of the 2016 campaign is to clearly differentiate Scotch Beef, and the marketing push will include billboard and press advertising as well as on-line activity.
Three hundred independent butchers, who are members of the Scotch Butchers Club, will also receive promotional packs with steak sauce recipe cards and resources to help them boost their sales of Scotch Beef steaks.
Free
pair of Milford 70 Mile Bush Merino Woollen Socks
worth £14 from KIWIKIT
when you take out a subscription to Farming Country magazine for a year
• Broad top band to minimize calf pressure
• Shrink controlled for easy care
• Shin protection
• 70% Merino wool for comfort and absorbency, 30% nylon for wear
• ‘Y ’heel with additional support in Achilles tendon and arch region
• Additional dense terry cushioning sole, heel and toe
Send a cheque for £30 to SUBS, farmingscotland.com, Marbrack Farm, Carsphairn, Castle Douglas, DG7 3TE and fill in your details.
Invercargill –capital of New Zealand’s deep south –Southland – is to host the 17th World Sheep Shearing and Wool Handling Championships on February 9-11th 2017.
Five times World title holder and current Shearing Sports New Zealand chairman –Sir David Fagan –along with Scotsman Tom Wilson, who took out the World title in 1984, will be in charge of organising the event.
“Agriculture is the backbone of Southland’s economy and as such, I am thrilled that Invercargill will be hosting the World Shearing Championship in 2017.
“Farming activities occur behind the farm gate every day but this is an opportunity to elevate this to a new and exciting level.
Competitive shearing and woolhandling is something else – these people are athletes, they train, they refine their skill and they are dedicated to advancing their trade.
“It will be phenomenal to see the world’s best competing in our region and our region looks forward to hosting them,” commented Sarah Dowie, Member of Parliament for Invercargill.
Rowland Smith, New Zealand
Current Champion, Gorey, Ireland 2014
by Eilidh MacPherson
The first World Sheep Shearing Championship was held at the Bath and West Show in 1977 –so the 2017 event will be marking the 40th anniversary.
Kiwi, Roger Cox won the inaugural show down, with Peter Nitz (Austria) in hot pursuit in 2nd palce, John Hutchinson (Australia) 3rd, Godfrey Bowen (NZ) 4th, Steve Pittaway (Australia) 5th and our own Andrew Dodds from the Borders of Scotland in 6th place.
New Zealand sheep numbers are at their lowest level since World War II, after dipping below 30 million last year. In 1993 there were over 50M sheep in the Land of the Long White Cloud, dropping over 20M in just over 20 years. Southland is not immune, with a further 6.9 per cent decrease in the region's
Shannon Warnest, Australia
Winner 2000 in S Africa & 2004 in Australia
lamb population last year. But New Zealand still boasts the highest number of sheep per-capita (outside of the Falkland Islands).
At the last World Champs staged in Ireland 2014, Christchurch was announced as the venue for the 2017 extravaganza. But due to earthquakes and such like in the interim, Invercargill and ITL Stadium Southland will now be hosting the event. The venue, which holds 8000 people, regularly hosts sporting events.
Competition will be fierce in Scotland this summer as shearers and wool handlers vie for places in the Scottish team to travel to South Island New Zealand. Two machine shearers, two wool handlers and two blade shearers will be selected at the Royal Highland Show and thereafter from the Scottish Circuit.
New Zealand shearers and woolhandlers aiming for a place in the Kiwi team have had to register their interest for selection before the circuit started on the 15th-16th January.
Gavin Mutch, Scotland Winner 2012, at Masterton, New Zealand
Tom Wilson, Scotland Winner 1984, at Bath & West, England
SIR FAGAN
Sheep shearing icon David Fagan (54), who recently retired from competition shearing with 642 wins from 11 countries, over a 33-year career, will now be known as Sir David Fagan KNZM, ONZM, MNZM after being made a Knight in the 2016 New Zealand New Year Honours.
The Te Kuiti shearing legend and new Shearing Sports New Zealand chairman, in charge of the next World Championships feels –“it’s not about me,” –“it’s big for shearing, ” while many others considered it long overdue. David, received the MNZM in 1999 and ONZM in 2007.
He said there are 60 competitions on the Shearing Sports New Zealand calendar. “That’s about 2400 people running these events, all voluntarily,” he says. “A bit of this is for each of them. It’s not so much about me, as for the sport, and the rural industry which supports our sport.”
But he was also quick to thank those close to him – father Chris (who died in 2002), mother June, now 90, still driving and living in Te Kuiti, brothers Robin, John, Ken, Geoff(deceased) and sister Helen, wife and the new Lady Wendy Fagan, son and shearer Jack, and daughter and air hostess Jenna.
“Dad and Geoff would have been beside themselves, and it’s good that mum is here to experience,” said Fagan, whose lineage includes two others who carried the title of “Sir” – Mayors of Dublin Sir John Fagan and Sir Richard Fagan, 16 generations ago in the 1300 and 1400s.
It was the modern-era John, particularly, but also his brothers who propelled him onto the global shearing stage as he set about a record-breaking career, with many milestones likely to never be repeated.
His succession of World nine-hour day records from1985 to 1994 would not have been possible without the efforts of his brothers, he said.
His global reputation is based around his competition shearing triumphs at the World Championships, the Golden Shears in Masterton, and the New Zealand Championships he helped establish in Te Kuiti, the records, and global travel including dozens of trips to the UK where he had more than 140 of his victories.
While having been a Golden Shears senior finalist in 1981, the big arrival was in 1984 when he was just beaten by brother John in the Open final.
New magazine The New Zealand Shearer (now Shearing Magazine) was concise when it was first published later that year with the cover photo and story on the rising gun: “DAVID FAGAN. Destined to be champion.”
The following year he represented New Zealand for the first time, and at Waitanguru
shore a new World Record of 748 lambs in nine hours, one of the earliest attempts under a new records regime, in which he would set seven records, with bests of 810 on lambs in 1992 and 702 on ewes in 1994.
He had at least 43 wins on Golden Shears stage in Masterton’s War Memorial Stadium, including two of his record five World individual titles, one of his record seven World teams titles, his record 16 Golden Shears Open titles from 1986 to 2009, and his record 9 wins in the final of the national circuit, currently known as the PGG Wrightson National.
Sir David has also won a record 16 New Zealand Open Championships finals in front of his home crowd in the Waitomo Cultural and Arts Centre in Te Kuiti, where he was a founding member of the King Country Shears committee in 1985 and has seen it through all 30 years of the New Zealand Championships that the event became.
He shore at least once in almost every competition in the country – there used to be at least 85 – and he made last season’s swansong a geographical and triumphant epic, with finals at 28 venues from Winton to Auckland, including 13 wins.
His last was in the New Zealand Shears Circuit final at Te Kuiti in April. But, having initially announced the championships were his last, he was lured back for a swansong in the UK, shearing the last five of over 120 tests for New Zealand.
Usually in the same sentences as rugby great Sir Colin Meads, also from Te Kuiti, Sir David is idolised in Wales where he had a record 14 wins in the Royal Welsh Show Open from 1988 to 2014, which was this year won by his son.
Sir David was unable to secure one last individual win on the tour, but had the pleasure of shearing five finals with his son, and shearing a four-test series against Wales, among more than 120 tests he shore for New Zealand.
Among Fagan’s prouder moments were his two-stand record of 1603 lambs in 1988 with Alan MacDonald, the pair having been born just days apart and growing up together around Pio Pio, near Te Kuiti, the pair reaching two more pinnacles in 1994-95 when they won the World teams title in Wales and were recognised at home with the Waikato Sports Team of the Year Award.
Sir David has also shorn and won hundreds of speedshears, many held in pubs and clubs, setting a World record for the fastest single sheep, while his Golden Shears performances include in 2003 a 15min 27.4sec Open final, still the fastest time for the 20-sheep, six man showdown.
It was always done with quality, which Sir
David displayed in a different form over the last week when overwhelmed by media, who had been allowed to contact recipients under embargo ahead of the announcement at 5am (NZST) on December 31.
Returning from two days’ break at Whangamata to take care of the cows and water and help three shearers prepare for a World record attempt in a King Country woolshed next, Sir David wondered for a moment who had put him up for the honour, and asked: “It wasn’t Shearing Sports New Zealand, was it?”
Possibly not, he’s been chairman of the sports’ national body since August, and wasn’t aware of any moves. But he is aware there’s a lot of hard work ahead currently planning the next World Shearing and Woolhandling Championships, in Invercargill on February 9-11, 2017, with funding targets of several hundred thousand dollars.
The suspects would have been many, with widespread grievance in the shearing sports and industry that his lack of recognition at New Zealand sport’s Halberg Awards over many years may have reflected a lack of public acceptance of competition shearing and woolhandling as sport.
Sir Colin Meads commented earlier this year to the Waitomo News: “They tried years ago to have him included in the Halberg Awards when he was the World champion but back then shearing wasn’t considered a sport.”
Agricultural broadcasters Jamie McKay and Dominic George backed both an Halberg Award and a Knighthood in on-air campaigns on rural radio programme The Farming Show. And in the Wairarapa Times-Age, in an editorial claiming the gun as “one of Wairarapa’s most celebrated sporting identities,” sports writer Gary Caffell wrote in 2013: “Surely the day will come –and sooner rather than later –when David Fagan joins the likes of Brian Lochore, Colin Meads and Richard Hadlee, men who have reached the very pinnacles of their sporting pursuits and been knighted for their efforts. Sir David Fagan has a nice ring about it, doesn't it?”
Sir David once wondered aloud, commenting after his 2007 MNZM was announced that the greatest media interest seemed to have come from that honour and his battering in a 2004 Fight for Life charity boxing match with actor Manu Bennett.
Perhaps next was his 2000 Golden Shears win – the 11th of 12 in a row – which came just 10 weeks after he broke his collarbone in a farmbike accident.
He’s a finalist in the Waikato awards again in February, after winning his local Waitomo District award in November for a seventh time.
SWILSON WINS AT WINTON
cotland’s Golden girl –Claire Wilson –of Broughton, Biggar has been on winning form this year again, taking out the Junior Wool Handling title at Winton A&P Show, in Southland, New Zealand recently. Last year she won the Novice Woolhandling title at the coveted Golden Shears in Masterton, New Zealand.
Claire is currently working for Jamie McConnachie’s shearing gang, operating out of Winton, half an North of Invercargill, where the World Sheep Shearing Champs take place in February 2017.
Since the early 1990’s many Scots have treaded the shearing boards around Winton and the Hokonui Hills.
Other Scots who are making their mark in the competition arena this year include Gavin Mutch, who was fourth in the New Zealand Crossbred Lamb Shearing at Winton, behind, Rowland Smith, Johnny Kirkpatrick and Nathan Stratford and sixth at Northern Southland Community Shears. Stuart Davidson of Biggar was fourth in the Senior event there.
ASHEARING RECORD LOSS
sheep shearing family, from Taranaki, who were set to attempt a new world shearing record recevied a devestating blow a fortnight before the event. Michael Herlihy (20), a former Junior National Lamb Shearing champion died. He and his five older brothers, Paul, Mark, Craig, Tim and Dean Herlihy, had planned to tackle the SixStand Strong Wool Lamb record at Gisborne.
The brothers aimed to shear 3000 lambs in just eight hours, 90 more than the five-stand record, which would require each of them to clip one sheep every 50 seconds.
Shearing Sports New Zealand chairman Sir David Fagan said: "He was certainly one of
the up-and coming guns in the lower
he said.
The son of former long-time shearing contractor John Herlihy and wife Pat, who now farm at Whangamomona, Herlihy's biggest single win in New Zealand was the National Lamb Shearing Championships Junior final at Raglan in 2013. Last season, he finished in second place on the Shearing Sports New Zealand Intermediate rankings
Fagan said the brothers record attempt would have been a one-of-a-kind performance. "They weren't trying to break a record, they were setting one," he said.
Ayrshire Feed Mill at Coylton Cutting Costs for Farmers
May 2015 saw the “much-anticipated” opening of the Shieldmains Mill, at Coylton, Ayrshire. Costing in the region of £7 million, this animal feed production business is an innovative partnership between farmer-owned business Mole Valley Farmers and family-owned business, John C. Fergusson.
The mill is the most efficient and low cost within Mole Valley Famers. Since opening, the mill, which services a wide area across Northern England to the central belt of Scotland, output has gone from ‘strength-to-strength.’
”We are constantly looking to minimise production complexities and maximise production runs,” says John Fergusson.
Equipped with the latest technology including the first two PTN progress 1000 presses in the UK, this automated feed manufacturing system is already meeting increasing demand for pelleted and blended feeds. “Auto-controlled systems are the future of animal feeds and each press is capable of producing up to 18 tonnes per hour of finished 6mm pellets,” explains John.
Until the opening of Shieldmains, most of the feed used by livestock farmers in the area
had been produced in England and transported from as far away as Cheshire. At a time when milk prices are at an all-time low, the financial benefits of reduced transport costs and greater efficiencies in manufacturing are being passed directly back to farmers.
Helping to reduce costs of production is part of the ethos of Mole Valley Farmers, especially when farmers are facing a combination of economic challenges with falling milk, red meat and cereal prices.
Clayton Barber, Head of Feed product Management says; “As a farmer-owned business, we have a strong sense of purpose, as was laid out over 55 years ago. We feel that we have created a competitive presence in the area, preventing other supply companies from profiteering. We firmly believe that the industry needs a strong farmer-owned business, operating to true co-operative principles.”
A full range of compounds and blends have been created at Shieldmains, to meet the specific needs of the various farming systems throughout the region the mill services. Furthermore, The Mole Valley team of highly qualified, specialist nutritionists are
formulating feed rations that meet the nutritional needs of the cow, whilst maintaining herd health and performance.
The mill is only 40 minutes away from Glasgow Port meaning that large stocks of raw materials can be transported easily. Grain can be also sourced locally and from the central belt of Scotland – another benefit to local farmers. Quality by-products can be obtained from Scottish distilleries, which also benefits the local economy.
The raw material intake system is designed to incorporate total flexibility by maximising both on floor and bulk bin raw material storage, giving a total raw material storage capacity way in excess of 1000 tonnes. This system lends itself very effectively to produce a comprehensive range of blends, which can be mixed conventionally or via the high speed mixer and molasses system in the factory.
“Our progressive farming customers are already seeing savings due to cost reduction, plus the handling and delivery expertise at JC Fergusson. These farmers are also benefitting from both the marketing and nutritional expertise of the Mole Valley Team,” concludes John.
Kidney Stone Risk
Kidney stones in lambs can account for as much as 35 per cent of all fattening lamb deaths, with male lambs making up the largest proportion and can be a particular risk in cold weather says Dugdale Nutrition ruminant consultant, Adam Collantine.
Kidney stones –urinary calculi –in lambs occur when insoluble salts (mostly magnesium ammonium phosphate) are deposited into the kidney or the bladder. These kidney stones can ultimately lead to death from kidney failure (uraemia), or from toxins entering the blood stream (septicaemia).
Removal of the calculi is an expensive veterinary procedure, and so prevention is definitely better than cure through both dietary and livestock management, he says.
“Drinking an adequate amount of fresh, clean water is the single most important factor in the prevention of kidney stones.
This dilutes the urine and prevents it becoming saturated with magnesium and phosphorus, reducing their deposition.
“Maintaining water temperature at around 10°C, can help maximise water intakes, especially when ambient temperatures are very low, whilst adding something like a tennis ball to a water trough can encourage inquisitive lambs to go to the trough and drink.
“Having enough water trough space, at the right temperature is important, but so is ensuring that lambs have easy access to that trough. Freezing temperatures or troughs that are too high will restrict water intakes, so make sure the water is easy enough for stock to get to.
“Offering lambs a supplementary supply of salt, or salt licks, encourages them to drink more water. Making sure the salt is accessible by all of the animals is crucial.”
“Turning to diet he says: “Making sure
lambs have access to enough functional fibre helps them to ruminate and produce saliva. This increases the amount of phosphate excreted in the urine and therefore slows down the formation of the stones. Access to good quality straw, separate from the bedding, can help to achieve this. This will be especially important if lambs are drinking more and bedding is wetter.
“Diet is very rarely a factor that triggers problems with Urinary Calculi, but certain factors can be considered to help prevent them forming. Firstly, no additional magnesium or phosphorus should be added to diets and the calcium to phosphorus ratio should be approximately 2:1.
“Ammonium chloride should also be added to concentrate diets. This acidifies the urine and helps to prevent the formation of the stones, as long as there is enough water intake.”
Five Top Tips for controlling kidney stones in lambs:
1 Make sure water is clean, fresh and accessible
2 Consider slightly warming the water and adding a ball to the trough to encourage drinking
3 Provide salt licks to make lambs more thirsty
4 Provide a source of roughage, such as straw, as well as providing enough bedding
5 Ensure that the mineral balance of concentrate feed is appropriate, including the addition of Ammonium Chloride
From Thistle to Fern
The Story of the Scottish Pioneers and the New Zealand High Country Sheep Stations
by Eilidh MacPherson
Ten years ago, the book –From Thistle to Fern –came to fruition and landed on the shelves of book shops across the country, both here and in New Zealand. I’ve decided to print a chapter each month in the coming issues of the magazine.
Having shorn in New Zealand for several seasons, I always longed to visit and shear on a High Country Sheep Station. During my time writing for the New Zealand Farmer magazine, this dream came true. I took a stand in the renowned 12-stand Mount Linton shearing shed for six weeks and travelled the country visiting Sheep Stations and unearthing their ‘Scottish’ history.
From Thistle to Fern
LGlenaray
ying directly opposite Argyle Station in the Waikaia Valley is Glenaray – the largest pastoral property in Southland. It started off as Run No 328 in February 1860 and had five Scottish owners before being purchased by the Pinckney family in 1898. Scotsman, David Hood was granted the licence for 14 years for this run, which is estimated to have been 36 000 acres. The boundaries, as with neighbouring Runs 326 and 327, remained “to be fixed,” ran up to the top of the Umbrella Mountains near the now township of Waikaia.
Born in Haddington, East Lothian in 1818, to William (a shipmaster) and Ann (nee Simpson) Hood, David emigrated to New Zealand in 1852. Little information could be found on him, other than he died at Halfway Bush, Roslyn aged 76.
David Hood sold Run No. 328 to John Gow of Invermay, East Taieri in 1861. John Gow (aged 51, born at Caputh, Perthshire, 1801), had also arrived in New Zealand in 1852, but initially took up land on what is now the town of Mosgiel on the outskirts of Dunedin. He travelled out from Scotland with his sister Isabella, brother John and his wife Catherine on the Agra, which docked at Port Chalmers on 4 May 1852. The Gow family had previously been tenants of the Duke of Atholl, farming ‘Fungarth’ near Dunkeld, Perthshire. Gow comes from the Gaelic ‘gobha’, meaning blacksmith and is a sept of the clan MacPherson.
In John Gow’s time the station was referred to as Gows’ Run. He had stocked the run with cattle and topped the Dunedin markets for several years. On his death in August 1873, the property was handed over to trustees, who sold out the following year to David McKellar of Waimea Plains, who also purchased neighbouring Waikaia Downs –Run no.424, some 19 000 acres from Francis Fielding.
David McKellar who was born at Achahoish, Argyllshire on 28 July 1829 grew up on Lockhead, on the Duke of Argyll’s land, where his father was tacks man. David trained as a surveyor and civil engineer before travelling to Australia, where a cousin – Dugald Macpherson had a sheep property in Victoria. It was 1855 before he moved to New Zealand to join his brother Peter. Initially they owned Longridge and Waimea runs in Southland. The purchase of Waikaia Plains in August 1867 followed the sale of Waimea earlier in the year to G.M. Bell of Tasmania for £65,000.
David’s surveying background was an added bonus during his explorations of the Wakatipu area in 1857. He is considered to be the first European man to see the North arm of Lake Wakatipu when he was exploring the Von and Oreti rivers. McKellar Flat, which is now on Mount Nicholas Station, still bears his name.
David McKellar relinquished the run (both Glenaray and Wakaia) to his cousin John
McKellar after only 13 months of ownership. He then lived outside Invercargill for ten years, before buying Brooksdale, Tapanui from his brother John in 1887. Following a trip to Mexico in 1880, David sold Brooksdale in 1882 and moved with his wife Jane Catherine (nee Skene) to pastures new –300 000 acres in New Mexico. His wire fences apparently did not go down well with the neighbouring Mexican farmers and David was assassinated on 29 July 1892.
It is assumed that it was John McKellar who changed the name of the station to Glenaray. He was also of Argyllshire origin, fifth son from a family of seven boys and two girls, born at Kilmorich on 6 June 1839. His father Donald was Tacksman of Stronchullin, on the shores of Loch Fyne, South Knapdale, Argyll. The township of Inveraray lies at the head of Loch Fyne with Glen Aray nearby.
He too had been a surveyor and arrived in Dunedin in 1859 where he was employed by the Survey Department of the Otago Provincial Council. After a couple of months working around Dunedin, he was taken into the office of the head surveyor, JT Thomson, and shown a map of the Otago province, with huge blank spaces of uncharted back country – some 8000 square miles of it. The Land Office wanted McKerrow to survey it as quickly as possible as pioneers were submitting claims from every corner and the authorities had unreliable mapping on which to register each new run.
Setting out on 11 Dec 1861, with two others to help him: John Goldie and James Bryce, he mapped Hawea and Wanaka areas then Te Anau and Manapouri districts, Lakes Hauroko and Monowai and the Takatimiu Mountains. On 3rd June 1863 they viewed the Sounds on the West Coast for the first time and named what they saw, Caswell Sound. James also named the mountain on which they stood Mt Pisgan after where Moses had viewed the Promised Land. The trio encountered many dangers and I’m sure they would have had a tale or two to tell!
John McKellar ran Glenaray (now including Runs 424 and 436A) until 1883 when he was declared bankrupt. The disastrous winter of 1878, followed by an infestation of rabbits ruined him and from this point on, the station was taken over by the Bank of Australasia. Run 436A – the ‘Lakes’ – which covered some 25 000 acres was leased by John McKellar. It was also
passed on to the Bank and has remained a part of Glenaray ever since.
There was one more Scottish run holder at Glenaray – this time in the shape of – John Walker in 1890. It was claimed that he was a son of Johnny Walker of the red and blue label whisky fame, but it was more than likely an old wives’ tale.
By 1895, Glenaray had changed hands once again – to Frank D. Morrah, who in turn sold out some three years later to George Pinckney in partnership with his two brother-in-laws, the Tripps. George Pinckney had married Edith Howard Tripp, whose brothers; Bernard Edward Tripp farmed at Woodbury, Geraldine and John Mowbary Tripp at Richmond, Tekapo.
Part of Moa Flat, which had originally covered 63 000 acres was also included in the sale of Waikaia Plains in 1904 and was then bought by Edith Howard Pinckney in 1905. This 34 500-acre block was Run 436.
Another 662 acres were acquired in 1907 –Run 326A – from Finlay Stanislaus Murchison (born 1834), an exile of Ardnarf, Lochalsh, Ross-shire. He married a daughter of Angus McDonnell of Glengarry and came out to New Zealand with a family of eight. Three of the sons: Alex, Angus and John were renowned for their gold mining and illicit whisky distillation.
George Pinckney hailed from Millford Hill, Salisbury where his father was manager of Pinckney’s Bank, which eventually became Lloyds. He was sent to Exeter College, Oxford to further his education but did not enjoy the academic side of things, preferring rowing at which he excelled. It was there he met Howard Tripp from Orari Gorge, South Canterbury and following a short spell working in his father’s bank – he emigrated to New Zealand to fulfil his ambition to become a sheep farmer.
Orari Gorge Station was the first position for this ‘green’ young Englishman as a farm cadet. Soon after his arrival he was sent out to a backcountry hut with the head shepherd, Murdoch MacLeod, for two weeks, to learn the finer points of shepherding. Further down the track, George said, “I learnt more about sheep in those two weeks than I was ever to learn from any other man.”
George moved on from Orari to gain experience on other properties and to see a bit of the country. Riverslea, owned by J Brown and Murdoch McKay was one property on which he worked. Apparently McKay came from the Highlands of Scotland and was renowned for his good stockmanship and agricultural knowledge. He was always well presented in tailored Harris tweeds, with a shirt and tie and carried a ‘cromag’ (shepherds crook). His dog Glen at his heel, received all his commands in his native Gaelic tongue.
When George Pinckney took over Glenaray, he turned to Murdoch McKay as manager, as he had realised he had so much to learn about the running of such a huge operation. Murdoch held the fort while George took his new bride and two young children home to England. On their return, McKay moved on to manage Hyde Home Station just five miles away and then in 1903 he purchased the homestead block of Hyde Home. He remained a close friend and advisor for George and came to be “boss of the shearing board” every shearing season. Murdoch McKay discussed and advised the best breed of sheep to run on the property. Although the production of wool is of paramount importance to the run holder, other factors have also to be taken into consideration when deciding upon the type of sheep from which it is intended to breed; it is sometimes necessary to make alterations in policy. The aim at Glenaray
has been to breed a sheep that will suit the type of country, that will produce a fleece as fine as possible, and yet, having both these characteristics, will be attractive to the farmer on the lower country, who will eventually buy the cast ewes.
When the run was first acquired sheep were of a rather mixed breed and were found unsuitable for the proposed system of management. To standardise the type of sheep Mr G Pinckney introduced Merino rams, which were used until 1908, when Romneys were brought in to play for 10 years. From 1918 to 1933 both Corriedales and Romneys were used, 60 Corriedale and 30 Romney rams being purchased each year during this period. From 1933 Romney rams have been the chosen sire since. At present the Romney influence is strong, but the type of sheep being bred is fulfilling the three qualifications mentioned previously: an active sheep, producing a fine but heavy fleece and attractive to the sheep and dairy farmer as a cast ewe.
To attain this almost dual type has not been by any means easy, particularly because sheep must be of a sound constitution and be agile to make full use of the high country.
NZ Journal of Ag. 1950
All shearing at Glenaray was done with blades until the Second World War broke out, forcing run holders to shear by machine, as there was such a shortage of blade shearers. There were no significant increases in sheep losses following the move to machine shearing.
Some of the risk and damage and loss from snow may be gained from the records of Glenaray, where in 1945 there was a loss of 3700 sheep owing to heavy snow in April. In 1939, although heavy snow was recorded, losses were comparatively light, as the sheep were all in winter country. One of the worst years was 1933 snow fell in April and snow raking had to be done from 20 April until 1 June. Between April and June 2000 ewes, 3000 lambs and 1000 wethers were lost. In 1918 and 1923 there were also heavy snow and losses of sheep, although neither year was as bad as 1933. Snow is one of the extremely unpleasant phases of life on a high-country run, and besides being a source of heavy financial loss, snow can, in a relatively short period of time, nullify the work of many years.
NZ Journal of Ag. 1950
George Pinckney started to buy up neighbouring lowland farms to provide winter feed, utilise the high country and increase stock numbers. He began liming the Glenaray pastures to improve fertility in 1906. George had seen the wonderful results that Erskine Bowmar ( another Scot) had achieved liming his Waimumu property, near Gore.
Prior to 1918, when the station was fenced, numerous boundary keepers were employed over the years to keep watch over the sheep. Archie McDonnell, Ralph Thomson and Julian Jackson, were a few, who spent months on end in the high country. The latter alias Jack Mac, because of the cape he wore, has become a legend and one of the huts still bears his name to this day.
George and Edith Pinckney had ‘eight daughters and three sons’ – the title of a book on Glenaray by Barbara Harper. The eldest son, Jack, was killed in action in 1918. It was Kathleen, the fourth daughter, who married Bill Pinckney, one of George’s nephews, who came out from England as a cadet in 1922, who took over the running of Glenaray in 1948 when George died. Bill had served four years with the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, two years in France and two in Ireland.
By 1950 a new company, made up of: Bill and Kathleen Pinckney, her brothers Harold and Bindy and her sons Peter and George, was formed to manage the station, the first time since 1898. W (Bill) Pinckney Ltd, who had first purchased shares in 1925, bought the station for £100 000.
Bill went on with developing the property, fencing and subdividing paddocks, increasing the holding capacity of the station all the while as well as improving stock quality and wool weights. He handed over the running of the station to his two sons, Peter and George before he passed away in 1973.
Peter married Ann Lowry and raised their three children: David, Thomas and Anna at
Glenaray. Unfortunately Peter and Ann were tragically killed in a helicopter accident on 14 May 1982. Peter’s brother George then ran the property until he retired and his nephew, David, was old enough to take the reins.
David, the present day owner, is the fourth generation to farm the Pinckney kingdom, which today covers some 68 000ha of which 5450ha in the valley floor are freehold and the rest is leased from the Crown. Glenaray runs along the top of the Garvie Mountains (6000ft), with a 50km boundary with Nokomai Station to the west. It neighbours, Carrick, Cairnmuir and Earnscleugh to the north, Department of Conservation land, Gem Lake and Argyle Station to the east and Glenlapa and several smaller holdings to the south.
There are a few changes afoot on Glenaray, David is moving from the traditional half-bred sheep, on the mid-altitude tussock country, to running Perendales. “There is more emphasis on meat production now so there are 15 000 Perendale ewes, with a quarter of them covered by terminal sires. The Perendales are more aggressive foragers –they control more gorse and broom than the half-breds,” said David. “We realise that the wool cheque will drop, but the cast ewes will be worth more than the half-breds and they are more prolific.”
With a total sheep count of around 52 000, the 19 000 Romney ewe flock, which graze the lower ground, including 1000ha of improved pasture make up the lions’ share. On the high ground the wethers, which were historically a Merino/Romney cross, are now Merinos.
Each year 10 000 ewe hoggets are wintered for replacements and are strip fed on swedes and kale.
A major deer expansion, near completion, has been underway for the past three years. Initially, there was a velveting unit near the homestead, of some 200ha, which carried 500 stags and a further 1000 Red hinds were
by Eilidh MacPherson
running on another 200ha block near Gow Burn. This block has been extended to run 4500 hinds on an extensive basis, set stocking and handling only once a year to reduce costs.
“It is our long term intention to finish all our own deer. Presently we sell store. On the velvet front, we harvest 2.5-3kgs/hd annually, which is OK for a commercial herd but we are aiming higher.”
Glenaray differs from the majority of high country stations in the way it is run – as a business with a board of directors. A complete annual budget is drawn up, business plan drafted and goals set. The station mission statement is: PLANNING –PEOPLE – COMMUNICATION. The board is chaired by George Pinckney (David’s uncle) and includes: John Tavendale, Rodger Bonifart, Tom and David Pinckney.
David is the Managing Director and feels that making a point of interaction with his permanent staff of 15 is very important. He is constantly liasing with his management team: station manager, Horace Miller, East End Farm manager (finishing farm), Thames Prouchman and administration manager, Barbara Wilson.
All the beef and lamb from the station is finished on a 270ha property near Gore and goes direct to the meat works. “If the store markets are strong, we are quite flexible and may sell some – it is basically down to the best economic decision,” said David.
“The cattle play a major role in pasture management by keeping the grass down to the right condition for sheep between October to March due to excessive growth during that period.” The 4440 head of Hereford cattle are made up of 1800 rising 3-year old cows, 1720 rising 2-year old heifers, 920 1-year old heifers. The 920 1-year old steers also run on the property before heading down country to the fattening unit. Some 43 bulls are used to cover the cattle, with a quarter being covered by Charolais sires.
Genetic diversity of livestock can help feed a hotter, harsher world
Despite growing interest in safeguarding biodiversity of livestock and poultry, genetic erosion continues
Livestock keepers and policy makers worldwide are increasingly interested in harnessing animal biodiversity to improve production and food security on a warmer, more crowded planet, according to a new FAO report. The agency nonetheless warns that many valuable animal breeds continue to be at risk and calls for stronger efforts to use the pool of genetic resources sustainably.
According to The Second Report on the State of the World's Animal Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, some 17 percent (1458) of the world's farm animal breeds are currently at risk of extinction, while the risk status of many others (58 percent) is simply unknown due to a lack of data on the size and structure of their populations. Nearly 100 livestock breeds have gone extinct between 2000 and 2014.
Country data shows that indiscriminate cross-breeding is considered as the main cause of genetic erosion. Other common threats to animal genetic diversity are the increasing use of non-native breeds, weak policies and institutions regulating the livestock sector, the decline of traditional livestock production systems and the neglect of breeds considered not competitive enough. Europe and the Caucasus and North America are the two areas in the world with the highest proportion of at-risk breeds. In absolute terms, the highest number of at-risk breeds can be found in Europe and the Caucasus.
Both areas are characterized by highly specialized livestock industries that tend to use only a small number of breeds for production.
Why biodiversity matters
Genetic diversity provides the raw material for farmers and pastoralists to improve their breeds and adapt livestock populations to changing environments and changing demands.
"For thousands of years, domesticated animals, like sheep, chickens and camels, have contributed directly to the livelihoods and food security of millions of people," said FAO Director General José Graziano da Silva, "That includes some 70 percent of the world's rural poor today."
“Genetic diversity is a prerequisite for adaptation in the face of future challenges," according to the Director-General, who added that the report will, "underpin renewed efforts to ensure that animal genetic resources are used and developed to promote global food security, and remain available for future generations."
Among the future challenges are climate change, emerging diseases, pressure on land and water, and shifting market demands, which make it more important than ever to ensure animal genetic resources are conserved and used sustainably.
Currently, some 38 species and 8774 separate breeds of domesticated birds and mammals are used in agriculture and food production.
Rise in national gene banks and improved management
A total of 129 countries participated in the new global assessment, which follows nearly a decade after the release of the first global
assessment of animal genetic resources in 2007.
"The data we've collected suggests there's been improvement in the number of at-risk breeds since the first assessment," says Beate Scherf, Animal Production Officer at FAO and co-author of the report. "And governments overall have definitely stepped up efforts to halt genetic erosion and more sustainably manage their national livestock breeds."
The study finds that governments are increasingly recognizing the importance of sustainably using and developing the genetic resources embodied in livestock.
When FAO published the first global assessment in 2007, fewer than 10 countries reported having established a gene bank. That number has now risen to 64 countries, and an additional 41 countries are planning to establish such a gene bank, according to the new report.
And these efforts are bearing fruit, experts say: "Over the last decade, countries across Europe have invested heavily in building shared information systems and gene banks as security measures," according to Scherf.
Regional collaborations like the new European Gene Bank Network (EUGENA) are key to managing and improving breeds in the future, she says and should be supported by in situ conservation of live animals in their natural habitat.
In situ conservation also recognizes the cultural and environmental value of keeping live populations of diverse animal breeds.
Some 177 countries additionally have appointed National Coordinators and 78 have set up multi-stakeholder advisory groups to aid national efforts to better manage animal genetic resources.
Increasing global trade in animal genetic resources
This comes at a time of expansion in the global trade in breeding animals and livestock semen, often for cross-breeding purposes, with many developing countries emerging as significant importers and some also as exporters of genetic material.
Increasingly, farmers and policy makers in developing countries have embraced imports of genetic material as a way to enhance the productivity of their livestock populations –growing their milk output, for example, or decreasing the time needed for an animal to reach maturity.
But if not well planned, cross-breeding can fail to significantly improve productivity and lead to the loss of valuable characteristics such as the special ability to cope with extremes of temperature, limited water supplies, poor-quality feed, rough terrain, high altitudes and other challenging aspects of the production environment.
Challenges to management of genetic resources
In order to better manage livestock diversity going forward, animal breeds and their production environment need to be better described, according to the report, which shows genetic resources are frequently lost when limited knowledge leads to certain breeds going underused.
More also needs to be done to monitor population trends and emerging threats to diversity, according to the report.
internationally agreed framework of its kind.
But international collaboration remains relatively underdeveloped among countries implementing the Plan, the report cautions. Cooperation should be stepped up to move beyond the limited number of bilateral and regional research programs that are currently in place.
Saving the special traits of Brazil's Pantaneiro cattle (above)
Trendspotting will be critical
Among the major changes to the sector over the last decades has been the rapid expansion of large-scale high-input livestock production systems in parts of the developing world, accompanied by growing pressures on natural resources.
South Asia and Africa –two very resource-constrained regions that are home to many small-scale livestock keepers and a diverse range of animal genetic resources –are projected to become the main centres of growth in meat and milk consumption.
Trends like these are grounds for concern because similar rises in demand in other regions have come with a shift away from small-scale production that supports local genetic diversity to large-scale production that is more likely to use a limited number of breeds and can create major challenges for the sustainable use of animal genetic resources.
Changes in food systems are among trends that should be carefully tracked to predict their impact on demand for particular species and breeds, according to the report, along technology, climate changes and government policies.
Need for greater international collaboration
At the same time, the report stresses that international cooperation remains an area requiring improvement in order to support future livestock biodiversity.
Since 2007, countries have been implementing the Global Plan of Action for Animal Genetic Resources, the first
Pantaneiro cattle have lived in Brazil's Pantanal Biome since their introduction by the Portuguese some 400 years ago. They are believed to be resistant to various parasite induced diseases, worms and ticks. They are also able to survive under the challenging ecological conditions of the Pantanal, which include both floods and droughts, as well as coarse native pastures and jaguar predation.
At the beginning of the twentieth century there were several thousand Pantaneiro cattle, but the breed's population has since fallen to 500 pure-bred animals. This small population size and the accompanying loss of genetic variation threaten to erode the breed's capacity to adapt and survive.
Commercial breeds have lost some gene variants associated with fitness and survival in harsh environments, and intermixing with commercial breeds is the main threat to the Pantneiro's survival.
To protect the Pantaneiro breed, the ecosystem to which it is adapted and their own livelihoods and culture, indigenous people from the Pantanal region have teamed up with scientists from several Brazilian research institutes to develop the Pantanal Biome Cheese Project. As the tradutional "Nicola cheese" is prepared with the milk of Pantaneiro cows, it is threatened with extinction along with the breed. But it may also hold the key to the breed's conservation, providing the Pantaneiro people with regular income and helping them conserve the local ecosystem.
Scientists working on the Pantanal Biome Cheese Project help identify the cattle's valuable genetic resources, with an eye on conserving, certifying and distributing those resources. Including a conservation program that boosts its special traits through selected breeding.
words by Fiona Turnbull photos Rebecca Lee
Sweet Smell of Simmental Success
Fife Simmental breeder, Colin Inglis and his Greencap herd are now firmly established and gaining a reputation for producing good quality versatile bulls from the 26-cow pedigree herd based at his family farm, Dalachy, near Aberdour.
In 2004 when he was just 18 years old, Colin took the decision to start his own herd of Simmentals. Since then he has built up the numbers whilst holding down a full time job at Longloch, a large scale beef and arable farm, about ten minutes from home.
The breed was a natural choice, his Dad’s uncle was one of the first to have Simmentals back in the 1970’s.
Colin chose his first investment carefully and it was an in calf heifer, Orlando Tanya, who caught his eye at the Perth sales in 2004. Tanya came from Pat and Mary Forrester at Perth and went on to produce six more calves, which laid the foundation of his Greencap herd.
The Simmental breed has since become an integral part of the commercial herd at Dalachy with the Greencap bulls now used along with Angus bulls on their 100 mainly Angus and Simmental cross suckler cows.
Colin’s dad Tom looks after the commercial herd and is a fan of the docile traits and milkiness of the Simmental crosses retained for breeding and for the quality of the
carcasses of the finished cattle.
The farm extends to 700 acres and is split between grass and cereal production, 300 ewes also graze the land, which has amazing views across the Forth to Edinburgh. Tom sells nearly two thirds of his Angus beef production through farmer’s markets and a retail outlet in Fife so the quality of the end product is always at the top of their agenda. Tom points out that the finished cattle from the commercial herd produce carcasses with an exceptional meat yield.
Colin’s first few calvings were from the on-farm Simmental bull, or by AI, which he still uses from time to time, so it wasn’t until 2009 that he purchased his own stock bull Slievenagh Wyatt from Robin Boyd, Northern Ireland, at UA’s October sale.
Colin now returns to the Stirling Bull Sales as a vendor and also sells privately to local farmers. “We aim to produce bulls that are hardy and will go on and deliver good results within commercial herds like our own,” he says.
However one of the 2009 born calves, Greencap Ace, attracted the attention of well-known and respected pedigree breeder, Iain Green of Corskie at the Forfar Calf Show, when Mr. Green spotted the young bull shown by Colin.
Recognising his potential, he was so keen
to secure the bull that he bought him privately within a few weeks of the show. Greencap Ace headed north to join the pedigree herd at Corskie and has gone on to sire calves that are renowned for being very fleshy with good confirmation. The demand for his sons is high with prices moving into five figures early on. “It is good that Ace is breeding well for Iain at Corskie and is producing sons good enough to be bought by other pedigree breeders.” All of Ace’s sisters were retained and remain at Dalachy so he’s just pretty chuffed that he has performed so well.
It’s the female side that Colin is most pleased with at the moment and he hopes, as he gets better known he can bring out more bulls from these strong female lines.
The 2015 showing season reflected this as it was his yearling heifer, Greencap Fay, sired by Kilbride Farm Chieftain and out of Greencap Bounty that scooped the prizes at the summer shows taking second at Fife Show, reserve champion at Central and West Fife Show, another second at Kelso National Show and coming fifth in her class at the Highland.
The year finished well at the Stirling Sales in October, where he sold two bulls sired by Kilbride Farm Chieftain, who is also from Northern Ireland, purchased in 2012 for
BRITISH SIMMENTAL CATTLE SOCIETY
Promoting Health in Breeding Cattle
The highest performing dual purpose suckler breed in the UK, producing unrivalled weight for age to fit any system, and females to calve at 2 years old!
Stirling
February Bull sales 14th & 15th February
200 Bulls & 90 Females to include drafts from Fishwick, Kyleston, Sterling & Skerrington. Also to include sale of the complete adult portion of the Broombrae Herd on behalf of Mr G Clark.
Sunday 14th – 12noon show of females followed by the bulls
Monday 15th – 10.30am sale of females followed by the bulls at 1pm
All vendors are members of CHeCS approved health schemes. All entries vaccinated for BVD. All herds testing for Johnes.
Telephone
10,000gns –Greencap Forth, a traditionally coloured bull with positive EBV’s for calving ease but also suited for finishing with good figures for 200 and 400-day growth and Greencap Figo, a much darker bull also with good EBV’s. Colin has nothing entered for February but has already chosen three for October 2016.
“I’m now more selective and only the bulls I think have good potential are retained for the Stirling sales,” says Colin. “I’m particularly pleased with Greencap Governor, also out of Chieftain. He’s the one that will be doing the show circuit this year.”
Juggling his job with running the herd wouldn’t be possible without the support of his Dad and Mum as they keep an eye on everything when Colin is at work. Tom points out that the inclusion of the pedigree Simmentals within their farming system has been a very positive development for the commercial herd. This is now closed apart from purchasing an occasional Angus bull with the Greencap bulls used regularly as the sire to the Angus cows as the resultant Simmental cross suits the system very well. In line with Colin’s approach to health, Tom has also been quick to adopt the BVD accreditation scheme and everything is vaccinated for Lepto and tested annually for Johnes.
“I’ve already surpassed the size of herd I set out to create. Now, I’m going to keep the numbers at about this level and focus even harder on selection to improve the genetics,” says Colin.
FARM FACTS
Farmer: Colin Inglis & his father Tom
Farm: Dalachy Farm Aberlour, Fife
Interviewing: Colin Inglis
Size: 700 acres
Cattle: 26Pure Simmentals 100 AA & Simmental cross cows
Sheep: 300 ewes
Crops: Grass & Cereals
Other: Colin works at a nearby farm –Lochlong –for the Wylies
Margins Squeezed but Spirits not Squashed
Achange in carcass weights demanded by supermarkets and abattoirs is squeezing margins for finishers across the country.
Aberdeenshire farmer, Doug Davidson, who farms Sinsharnie Farm, Cairnie, Huntly in a four-way partnership with his wife, their son Doug and their grandson Scott, buys in 550 store calves, sourced from the Isles of Skye, Tiree and Islay and more locally at Huntly and Dingwall.
“When you buy in from Islands, what you see is what you get –you know they have had no feed. At Thainston the calves, on the whole have been pushed and that is not what I’m after.”
Doug revealed that his gross margin per beast is now around £60, compared to £150 per head three years ago.
He buys in calves weighing in at 300-350kgs liveweight and tends to purchase the top end, choosing Limousin and Charolais crosses and has more recently added Aberdeen Angus to the mix as he feels they are improving as a breed. Eighty percent of the Sinsharnie steers and heifers grade as U’s.
“In the last six months Morrisons have dropped the carcass weight to 430kgs dwt,” commented Doug, who puts all his cattle through Woodhead Brothers, owned by Morrisons. “Maybe I’m going to have to change my strategy now with the weight restrictions as if you buy the top end of cattle
they won’t finish right and you are penalised for being over weight. It is 10p/kg off for 435-445kgs over, and 20p off if the beast is over 445kgs cold. Their excuse is that the steaks are too big and won’t fit in the packaging! I feel it would be easier to change the size of the packaging or cut the steaks in half as, calf breeders have a five year cycle and the supermarkets expect us to be able to change in a month or two!” exclaimed Doug.
“Genetic improvement is wasted as cattle aren’t getting finished to their genetic potential.”
When calves arrive at Sinsharnie, they are given a thorough once over, have their back clipped, a nasal spray, Ivomec pour on, Trodax injection and are logged onto a management program on the farm computer.
Young Scott (22) is in charge of the Siloking feed wagon and calves are batched according to their weights; 350-450/470kg calves are fed a mix of: a bale of peas, bale of straw, 2 bales silage, 300kg pot ale syrup and 2t pit silage. “They get no barley in their first year,” he commented.
The 480-570 kg bovines have a similar potion, with an added 300kgs of barley and an extra 100kgs pot ale syrup.
The finishing heavies receive: 200kgs straw, 800kgs pot ale syrup, 200kgs barley, 400kgs tatties and 400kgs pea straw, with a finishing mineral from Harbo.
“This year there was a shortage of tatties
by Eilidh MacPherson
locally so we fed them bread instead,” informed Scott, who joined the family business at 16 and became a partner last year. “It seemed to go down well, but I think they finish better with the tatties.”
The Davidsons as a rule don’t weigh them too often as Doug feels it is stressful, but since the investment of a purpose built, state of the art, cattle and sheep handling shed, three years ago, they now weigh the older ones every three weeks. “The shed is the best investment we ever made,” smiled Doug, “One man operate it alone if need be.”
It boasts an IAE designed cattle and sheep facility with curved, fully clad stockboard races and a step running the length of the cattle race –very much Antipodean style –certainly the best set of cattle yeards I have seen in this country. A Premier Livestock crush is teamed with Ritchie weigh scales and an IAE Super Scoop for ease of handling.
Weights are recorded on the computer, so Doug knows to the penny, how much each beast has cost him to rear.
“Three years ago we were averaging £1850 per finished beast, now we are lucky if we are getting £1550. At that time the calves were costing £950 a head and this year I was paying £925 on average.”
One cost that has dropped dramatically is the cost of fuel. The Davidsons had been spending £3000 per month on fuel, which was “horrendous” but that bill has now halved.
Looking to the future Doug Snr. has recently had two 225 windmills erected on the property by RM Energy as a means for Succession Planning. He went on to explain that as well as son Doug, he has two daughters –Julie (Scott’s Mum) and Karan and the income from one windmill be will used to pay them out of the farm. The other turbine is rented out to RM Energy. It is a relatively recent diversification, but Doug has been told to expect an annual income of around £100 000 for the turbine.
The Davidsons carry out all field work themselves and use their machinery to contract for a furhter 500 acres for two neighbours and another farm near Buckie.
50-500kW wind turbines
Planning & grid in place?
Looking to selffund, develop or lease your site?
Contact us today
FARM FACTS
Farmer: Doug Davidson snr., & his wife, with their son Doug & Scott their grandson
Farm: Sinsharnie Farm Crainie, Huntly
Interviewing: Doug Davidson, Snr.
Size: 600 acres owned
Cattle: Buy in and finish 550 calves from Huntly, Skye, Tiree, Islay & Dingwall
Other: Recently erected two windmills, income to be used for succession plan
Contracting: The Davidsons operate contracting for 2 neighbours and also at Buckieon a further 500acres
Scottish Suzuki Winner
A19-year-old ATV apprentice with a Scottish Suzuki dealership has won a prestigious national award for his ‘outstanding’performance during training.
Dillan Macaskill from Dingwall, in North Scotland, who has worked at the Frank Nicol Suzuki Dealership for two years, beat rivals from across Britain to the title of Outstanding 2nd Year Apprentice of the Year after completing Suzuki’s rigorous ATV training programme with flying colours.
Suzuki’s 3-year Motorcycle Apprenticeship Programme, which has included the ATV network since 2006, is a nationally recognised qualification for technicians coming into the industry.
Dillan is one of around 100 apprentices currently training with Suzuki across all its products and specialisms. Each year, outstanding apprentices are recognised for the dedication and exceptional standards they display while training.
We asked Dillan to give us the inside view on how he scooped the award in the Motorcycle and ATV Category. How did you feel when you first heard that you had won Outstanding 2nd Year Apprentice of the Year?
It was great to know that all my hard work has paid off! My apprenticeship combines work at the dealership with travelling to the Suzuki college in Doncaster for training, followed by tests based on what I have learned while training and the work I have undertaken at the dealership. Did you always want to work in the industry?
I’ve been into off-road motorbiking (currently I’ve got a Fantic 301 trials bike) but when I left school at 17 I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do. I knew that I wanted to learn lots of skills, gain hands-on experience and
Suzuki GB is pleased to announce its partnership with Mole Valley Farmers, which means members of the farm supplies outlet can benefit from 10% off RRP on all Suzuki utility ATVs.
Designed to take riders wherever the work takes them, whatever the weather and terrain, Suzuki ATVs come packed full of features and technology that offer the ultimate reliability, easy manoeuvring and all-day comfort. Plus, Suzuki is the only ATV manufacturer to feature the CESAR ATV Security System – the number one theft deterrent by Datatag – for free on all of its new utility ATVs.
In addition to the 10% off RRP offer – Mole Valley Farmers is running a prize draw to win
earn money at the same time. Then a friend told me that he had been on the Suzuki apprenticeship programme and recommended I go for it. The timing was perfect as when I applied to the dealership, I was taken on immediately and the training programme started the following week. Did you have any experience in ATVs before you started your apprenticeship?
I didn’t have any knowledge of what I was going to do at all! I literally started from the ground up – sweeping floors and getting to know about all the machines and what technicians were dealing with. I moved onto shadowing someone with experience and then began working on a variety of machines while being supervised, before specialising in ATVs.
What are the most rewarding parts of your job?
I really enjoy working on the Suzuki ATVs – they are packed with the latest technology so they’re interesting to work on and are great fun to ride as well. What has been the most difficult part of your training?
The ATVs can be quite complex to work on so getting to grips with the electronics was difficult at first, but I got used to it quickly.
What does winning this award mean to you?
To be named as ‘outstanding’ is great! The training I have received during my apprenticeship has been great along with getting loads of experience at the dealership, and this award gives me even more of a good starting point for a career in the industry. Would you recommend the apprenticeship to others who are thinking of pursuing a similar career?
Undertaking an apprenticeship with Suzuki has been a really rewarding experience, I would recommend it to anyone.
SUZUKI SPECIALS
Polaris Finance Deal
Polaris has extended the 0% finance offer on new ATVs and UTVs for a limited period.
From 6th January 2016 business users can arrange interest-free finance on new Polaris ATVs and Ranger models through Polaris finance partners Rural Finance. The scheme offers payments over 22 months at 0% up to a maximum 80% of the Recommended Retail Price. There is a wide range of accessories available for Polaris ATVs and UTVs and the finance offer can also include up to £1000.00 (excluding VAT) on genuine Polaris accessories.
In addition to this farmers union members of the NFU, NFU Scotland and Ulster Farmers Union will benefit from 5% discount on selected new Polaris ATVs and utility vehicles. The world leader and European No.1 in ATV and Side x Side utility vehicles, Polaris has the widest choice of proven All-Terrain options and recommends visiting your nearest Polaris dealer to see the range and accessories, for full details and any special additional deals available. The availability of the 0% finance is subject to status and terms and conditions. Polaris Britain 0800 915 6720 www.polarisbritain.com
a Suzuki KingQuad 400, which delivers smooth power and torque for farm, forestry, estate and equestrian work. The KingQuad 400 Manual also tackles steep, wet and uneven ground with ease as it boasts a high/low range gear box, twin shock suspension and dual hydraulic disc breaks.
As well as treating riders to the most confident and comfortable of rides, each Suzuki ATV boasts a number of additional benefits, including friendly, expert advice, servicing and aftersales support from Suzuki’s extensive dealer network, free courtesy ATVs when customers’ ATVs are in for service or repair, plus, free EASI training to keep customers and their ATVs safe and productive.
Claim the 10% member discount, customers should quote their Mole Valley Farmers membership number when speaking to an authorised Suzuki ATV dealer who, upon quick verification from Mole Valley, will apply the fantastic discount against the final purchase.
Act now to counteract the impact of wet weather on soil nutrient availability
Test the nutrient status of your soils over the next few weeks and prepare to make up any shortfall in recommended levels through spring application of N, P, K and S, is the advice, which CF Fertilisers UK Ltd is currently giving arable farmers following exceptionally wet weather and flooding across many parts of the UK.
"Record breaking rainfall in December brought the UK average for 2015 to 1270mm, making it the second wettest year on record since 1910, beaten only in 2000 when 1337mm fell," Allison Grundy, an agronomist for one of the UK's leading fertiliser manufacturers states.
"Statistics from the Met Office revealed a marked contrast in rainfall across the UK, with December the wettest on record in Scotland (333.1 mm) and Wales (321 mm), while regions such as North West England also set new highs. December was also notable for its record breaking average temperature and almost complete lack of frost in most areas, which has impacted on the canopy size of crops going into the spring.
"The sheer weight of water that has landed on soils is likely to have had a serious effect on their structure and nutrient status. Some areas received as much as 30cm in a single day, equivalent to 333kg of water falling on every square metre, which will have caused compaction, affected nutrient flows and in extreme cases even removed topsoil from fields. With crop returns under pressure and farmers looking to maximise the productivity of their land, a key factor this spring will be to ensure that sufficient nutrients are available to crops throughout their growing period.
"The main objective for growers now should be to accurately assess the situation on their own farms so that they are able to take action in good time and avoid jeopardising their crops' yield and quality potential. They should examine their soils over the next few weeks, commission nutrient tests, be ready to adapt or change their fertiliser plans and if necessary, make up for nutrients, which have been lost by applying more than in a normal season.
"Leaching will have moved Nitrogen and Sulphur further down the soil profile, critically out of the rooting zone, and any surface run off from fields is likely to have moved Phosphorus (P) out of the system
along with other essential nutrients such as Potassium (K) and nutrients such as Magnesium (Mg). These will need to be replaced, so it is advisable to carry out both a standard soil test and an N-Min® (www.cffertilisers.co.uk/n-min) analysis to determine how much N is present and how much needs to be applied to optimise yield and quality.
"Calculating the optimum level of Nitrogen to apply is complex and depends on numerous factors, including winter rainfall, soil type, organic matter, soil temperature and previous cropping. The current crop, yield and quality expectations, the amount of Nitrogen taken up during the spring, together with many other factors also play a role in calculating the Nitrogen requirement.
"CF Fertilisers N-Min® is a unique, patented soil Nitrogen analysis service, which takes the guesswork out of Nitrogen application. It measures not only the amount that is present in the soil but also the amount that will become available to the crop between spring and harvest, known as Additional Available Nitrogen (AAN). This enables us to advise the optimum level to apply and when to apply it. The best time to take N-Min soil samples is in the spring before the first fertiliser application and at least six weeks after the last manure has been applied.
"Traditionally, Phosphate, Potassium and Sulphur were applied in the autumn, but putting them on in the spring has significant advantages in terms of simplicity, flexibility and timely applications, resulting in financial savings and increases yields, so growers should not worry that they have missed the opportunity.
"Providing that sufficient fertility exists, encouraging and maintaining root development to support early crop growth, spring NPKS application using CF Fertilisers' Heartland Sulphur (24-8-8 (8SO3) for example, at the time the crop requires these nutrients, will encourage rapid uptake and maximise the response. Doing so has been proven to increase the average cereal yield by 0.3t/ha*, worth £33/ha with grain at £110/t.
"Spring application is also much more convenient and results in overall operational cost savings. Taking into account the total field operation costs coupled with the yield
gain, the overall financial benefit of using Heartland Sulphur over straights amounts to £14,620* across a wheat area of 400ha, equivalent to £36.55/ha. Farmers who want a highly flexible approach to Sulphur application, where P & K soil indices are healthy could opt for CF's SingleTop® granular compound (27N 12SO3) every time N is required to boost Sulphur reserves."
MANAGING CROPS IN 2016
Tom Land, Regional Fertiliser Manager for Agrii adds: "The unprecedented weather in terms of sheer water volume and higher than average soil temperatures has resulted in many farmers asking how they should manage their crops during 2016.
"The warm soil temperatures will have mineralised Nitrogen and Sulphur, which in some cases is being expressed in terms of the LAI (Leaf Area Index) of cereal and OSR crops. My underlying concern is actually how much N will we measure in our soils, for several reasons. The first is that because of mineralisation, soil levels could measure high but then again high rainfall levels could have reduced this N supply. Second, if the measurement is low how do I manage a crop with such a high leaf area index? Thirdly, what happens if I am starving a crop with potentially eight well developed tillers?
"Part of my advice to customers is to take CF N-Min samples, when soil conditions are suitable –when it is not waterlogged to understand how much Nitrogen remains in the soil. Agrii also have a network of strategic regional weather stations, which amongst other things we use to monitor soil temperatures and rainfall.
"It is also essential that we understand the rooting capabilities of this season's crops. Due to weather conditions soils will have been more anaerobic and roots will not have penetrated deep into the soil. In my opinion, crops will not have developed as extensive root systems as we might have hoped for at this stage, which means that we need to understand timing of N so as not to build too bigger canopy, which cannot sustain itself when soils dry out, which they will. This means that farmers may have to adopt more of a little-and-often approach to improve Nitrogen utilisation."
The effect of puberty on reproductive performance and improving embryo survival are just two of the sheep related projects being undertaken by the AgResearch Animal Reproduction team at Invermay.
Animal Production scientists Sara Edwards and Jenny Juengel have been looking at the timing of the onset of puberty and how that relates to reproductive performance.
Another project the team is working on is embryo survival and having the ability to increase the number of twins born without increasing the number of triplets.
Thousands of ewe lambs have been monitored to see when they actually went through puberty. It was found that a percentage, irrespective of liveweight, failed to go through puberty in their first year. Not only do these late developers miss out on the opportunity to produce a lamb within their first year, they produced fewer lambs over their lifetime.
For those animals not lambed as hoggets, the failure to attain puberty before one-year reduces their lambing rate as a gimmer. This difference, Edwards said, is significant, amounting to 20 lambs produced per 100 ewes. This means that for farmers not mating their hoggets, it could be worthwhile running a teaser ram with a ram harness with the ewe lambs.
This would help determine, which ones had gone through puberty in their first year and might also stimulate puberty onset in others. The ones that have gone through
Reproductive Performance and Improving Embryo Survival
Photos by Jock Sutherland
puberty are likely to make the best replacements in terms of reproductive performance. This also has implications for ewe lamb management during feed pinches as failure to go through puberty could affect their gimmer reproductive performance. This means that irrespective of whether they are mated, replacement ewe lambs should be fed as well as possible within their first year.
In a linked study, the team noted that late puberty was a family trait in their research flock and went hunting for the genetic cause of delayed puberty. They found a strong association between the age of puberty and a naturally occurring gene variant.
“Those ewes that were the oldest when they reached puberty had inherited two copies of the leptin receptor gene variant.
“This was a new finding,” Juengel said.
Leptin is a hormone responsible for controlling fat deposition and regulating appetite, and the hormone receptor is known to be associated with the onset of puberty in mice, humans, and cattle.
While the link between appetite, fat deposition and puberty reflects what is seen in the paddock in terms of heavier ewe lambs conceiving and carrying a lamb, Edwards pointed out that there will also be some big animals that don’t go through puberty and lighter ones that do.
They are continuing their work trying to get a handle on hogget fertility. This includes early scanning at just 30 days after mating to see what is happening with the hogget’s ability to conceive and remain pregnant.
They will also be using biological modelling to help make predictions about hogget fertility and are looking at ways to improve fertility in years when hoggets may
be placed under feed pressure.
The scientists will be working also with the animal genomics team to find out how common the leptin receptor variant is in the national flock. If the genetic variation proves to be the cause of the late puberty, breeding the trait out of the flock could significantly increase lifetime reproductive rates and therefore farm profitability.
Another project the team is working on is embryo survival and having the ability to increase the number of twins born without increasing the number of triplets. This work was initiated by retired scientist George Davis and has involved multiple scientists and technical staff over many years. Working with farmers such as Peter Wishart and Arnie Gray, they observed patterns that suggested a single gene affected ovulation rate and genetics that also affected embryo survival.
Juengel said that while ewes may conceive twins there will be a percentage of ewes that absorb one of the embryos before day 35. The ewes will carry on to bear a single lamb and the farmer will never know that eggs were lost.
Increasing embryo survival provides the opportunity to maximise the number of twins produced.
Scientists have been doing some intensive searching for single gene variations to improve embryo survival but have yet to identify these genes.
While Juengel acknowledges they have hit something of a road-block with this work, she hopes that is temporary and new technologies will allow them to continue the search.
What a scholarship allows you to do:
• Take a step back from day-to day work and look at the
• Gain invaluable both personal and professional contacts
• Improve priceless interpersonal skills
• Look at situations at a different angle
• Enable you to review and knowledge transfer what you
New Horizons
The Nuffield Farming Scholarship Trust is encouraging passionate individuals from rural and agricultural industries, who want to broaden their horizons through study and overseas travel for an 18-month period to take the leap and apply for a Scholarship today.
If this isn’t incentivising enough, Nuffield Farming director, Mike Vacher explains that Scholars will now be provided with an increased amount of bursary for travel and subsistence expenses, with £7000 available to spend. “Not only does the Scholarship provide generous financial support but also training, contacts, briefing at a national level, attendance at an international conference and other priceless lifetime experiences,” he adds.
Every Scholar takes a different journey, however, all gain skills that will stay with them for a lifetime; interpersonal; communication; problem solving; and most of importantly learning that there is always a different way of looking and doing something.
For example, 2014 Aberdeenshire Scholar Alex Fowlie, who researched the topic of ‘Opportunities for farmers in the ‘New Energy’ sector’ explains how his Nuffield experience has provided him with invaluable skills. “My Scholarship lends itself to both my career, working at Muirden Energy LLP and personally as our family farming business has diversified with renewable energy developments,” he adds.
Alex says the journey allowed him to see that there’s always more than one way to approach problems or opportunities, but is keen to point out that sharing these ideas and knowledge is key to the success and future development of the industry.
“On my Nuffield travels, I visited many renewable energy schemes that implemented
businesses bigger picture acts have learnt
different practices, which worked for their individual requirements. Everyone was proud to show their scheme, however, they were all interested to understand what I’d learnt from others and how they could learn from this. I t clearly showed to me that education and knowledge transfer is fundamental and of interest to everyone,” says Alex.
During his Scholarship much of the financial support for renewable energy was removed by the UK government. However through research and learning from other countries, it allowed him to see the wider picture and provided him with the confidence that the industry could stand on its own two feet. “Through first-hand experience, I now appreciate that the UK has an incredible amount to learn from countries, who have made significant advances in this sector. For me this was facilitated by the opportunity presented by the Nuffield Farming Scholarship Trust and my sponsor, The Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland,” says Alex.
A Scholarship lends itself to motivated individuals, who have passion for the rural and agricultural industries, aged between 22 and 45, who are eager to learn from others, and take on an investigation, which would not only benefit your own business but also aid and provide findings that will assist the industry.
Application forms are now available for candidates to apply for a 2017 Nuffield Farming Scholarship. To find out more on how to apply for a Scholarship and further information on Alex’s report, please visit www.nuffieldscholar.org. Alternatively contact a member of the Nuffield Trust on 01460 234012. Please note the deadline for applications is the July 31 2016.
FACTS
Interviewing: Alex Fowlie
Nuffield Subject: Oportunities for farmers in the ‘New Energy sector
Period: 2014 Scholar
Location: Peterhead, Aberdeen
Report Aim: To put the renewable energy industry in the UK into context and understand how farmers can best maximise opportunities going forward
Dairy Dilemma
by Hugh Stringleman
International dairy farmers are coming under considerable strain and those in the country with the largest export volume, New Zealand, are dealing with a second consecutive season of very low milk prices. What giant dairy processor Fonterra calls adverse geo-political forces have disrupted the supply-demand balance --- too much milk and dairy commodities along with weak and uncertain markets. The major causes include expanding milk production in European Union countries, trade bans with Russia, low oil prices affecting Middle East importing and the slowing Chinese economy.
Since the EU and the United States stopped major intervention in world dairy markets, by supporting prices to farmers and stockpiling milk powder and butter when prices were low, international prices for dairy commodities have been volatile.
The historical graph of the price index of Fonterra’s fortnightly auction site, Glodal DairyTrade, shows three peaks and three troughs in the past 10 years. The amplitude is as much as 1000 index points – from 500-700 in the troughs to 1400-1600 peaks. In terms of product prices, that means US$2000/tonne for whole milk powder right up to $5000 (£1400 to £3500). It has taken as little as one year for the market to move from trough to peak, or from peak to trough.
Dairy farmers in countries with domestic markets that take the majority of goods produced, such as the United Kingdom, do not see their farm gate prices move so quickly and to such extremes. But they do have to contend with other major market forces like the pricing powers of the supermarkets. It is the exposure to prices for internationally traded dairy products like whole milk powder, skim milk powder, butter
and cheese that cause big troubles for dairy farmers.
Fonterra’s 10 000 farm suppliers in New Zealand are quickly and fully exposed to all international market movements. The cooperative pays a milk price after all costs of collection, processing, marketing and shipping have been met.
More than 90% of all the milk collected is made into commodities that are exported: Fonterra produces 35% of all internationally traded dairy commodities.
In 2014 that NZ farm gate price went as high as 32p/litre ($NZ8.50/kg milk solids) but presently it languishes at 15p (NZ$4/kg MS). While price volatility has caused considerable pain for NZ farmers, at least they had the comfort of knowing that very bad years would be followed by very good ones. With that knowledge the NZ dairy industry kept on expanding, converting sheep and beef cattle farms into dairying, and the national dairy herd grew from 3.5 million cows in 2000 to 5M today.
Agricultural debt also grew from NZ$12 billion to $58b today (£5.5b to £26b), most of that in the dairy sector. Even in the low interest rate environment that huge dairy debt takes 4.5p/litre to service.
All NZ dairy farms are midway through their second season of low milk payouts and are not breaking even financially. Their on-farm costs plus the debt servicing, plus some living expenses, exceed milk income. Whereas in the past one season like that was bearable with support from their financiers, now two or even three in a row will be crippling for many.
They have cut cow numbers, stopped feeding supplementary, non-farm inputs, grown more maize for silage, reduced staff
numbers, eliminated capital spending and reduced repairs and maintenance to essentials only.
Fonterra expects that milk collection this season will be down 5% on last season. But that one billion litres reduction has been replaced on world markets by Ireland, The Netherlands and Germany, the three largest dairy exporters in Europe.
When world prices were sky-high in 2014, European farmers made plans to grow their milk production when the Common Agricultural Policy dairy quota scheme was abolished from April 2015.
NZ dairy farmers, who are collectively the biggest exporters in the world, were hoping that their volume reduction would restore the supply-demand balance in world markets. But more product volume out of Europe has kept world prices low and recovery has been delayed.
Farm working expenses cannot be cut any further, so farmers are queued at the banks for financial support, either overdrafts, term loans or in some cases capital restructuring and forced farm sales.
Unlike the global financial crisis in 2008-09, NZ and Australian banks are flush with cash and are prepared to extend finance to one sector of agriculture, dairying, while other sectors are doing comparatively well.
Because dairying provides 25% of NZ’s annual export earnings, the delayed recovery will result in low GDP growth. But low interest rates and a falling NZ dollar have helped mitigate the impact on the economy.
Fonterra and market commentators now say that recovery will occur later this year, when European and United States dairy farmers get the message and reduce their own output.
TRIALS
Evanton Nursery held on 23rd Jan 2016 went well the sun shone all day after some early morning showers.
George Simpson led the field with Roy 86 2nd Hugh Johnston and Edwin 81
3rd George Simpson’s Spot 80
4th Sheamus Campbell and Lad 77 5th Sheamus Campbell and Belle 75 6th Ian Mackay and Grit followed by Jimmy MacIntyre and Willie Cormack Open Dogs
1st Jimmy Lamont Craig and 87 Allan MacDonald and Mo 87
3rd Jock Sutherland teamed with Jan 83
The previous Evanton charity trial made £400.20p for the Archie Foundation
SRUC Head of Farms Barenburg Babe
SRUC's new Head of Farms Dr Martin Kennerley is looking forward to getting to grips with the college's network of farms as he takes up his role this month. The college has five farms across Scotland including the Hill and Mountain Research Centre in Crianlarich, Stirlingshire, the Dairy Research Centre in Dumfries, as well as a beef, sheep and pig research units based in at the Bush Estate in Midlothian.
Martin is certainly well qualified to run this array of teaching and research farms having worked as a Research Farm Manager in both the private and public sectors over his extensive career. He started in the pig industry; firstly for a Yorkshire-based feed company, and then for a large multinational based in Kenya. More recently he worked at the Institute of Grassland and Environmental Research for twelve years managing a number of farms including sheep, dairy, grass and cereal.
He says: "This role is challenging due to the size and complexity of the operation but it's also exciting. I was drawn to SRUC because of the relevance of its research, which focuses on pushing farming forward using cutting edge science and technology while still considering other important issues such as biodiversity and greenhouse gas emissions. "Its work is relevant not only in Scotland and the UK but also globally."
There is a huge range of research projects currently ongoing on the farms including work on disease, nutrition and genetics. Precision farming is also a key area of study; at the Hill and Mountain Research Centre they are examining how techniques such as automated weighing and electronic identification of livestock can benefit farmers, while the Dairy Research Unit is assessing the use of robotic milkers in modern day dairies. Martin's immediate priority will be evaluating the farms' structures and processes to ensure they closely match the research needs of the organisation.
"I'm impressed already," he says. "They are in good condition and well managed, but it is important to have that overarching understanding to make sure they are as effective as possible."
Mhairi Dawson, Regional Sales Manager for Barenbrug UK in Scotland, is taking on an additional role with immediate effect. She has been appointed R&D Manager for the UK.
Mhairi’s new responsibilities will see her work closely alongside international breeders across the Royal Barenbrug Group. Assessing agriculture grasses in development across the company, she will select new varieties to take to trial in the UK at sites in Cropvale, Worcestershire; in Aberdeen; and at Loughall, Northern Ireland. She will also make the most of Barenbrug’s global reach, evaluating products already available in other countries to see how they could be adapted for use by UK farmers.
In parallel to her new role, Mhairi will continue to manage her existing work –helping Scottish farmers select grass and forage crop varieties to fit their farm needs. Mhairi’s appointment follows the death of David Long, who passed away in October 2014 following a short illness.
Paul Johnson, MD of Barenbrug UK said: “David’s knowledge of agricultural grass was second to none – but Mhairi was the natural person for the role and we know he would have approved wholeheartedly of her appointment. Mhairi and David worked closely together for a number of years and her qualifications in agricultural science – as well as her own farm and sales experience –will stand her in good stead in the role.
Mhairi joined Barenbrug in 2010. She has a BSc (Hons) degree in Applied Bioscience obtained from SAC. Her experience of managing her own farm business has given Mhairi a real passion for grass. Already an expert in seed selection and forage crops, she plans to become more actively engaged with industry associations and attend key events, giving papers and presentations on technical projects and the latest trends in agricultural grass development.
Barenbrug has research locations in 14 countries and more than 600 experts committed to the development of grass seed species and cultivars for the farming sector, as well as amenity applications and gardening projects.
Happy New Year and best wishes, raising a toast to health, wealth and happiness for the year ahead. Which having just returned from my first conference of the year I may have to settle for the words of a wonderful Meatloaf song, ‘2 out of 3 ain’t bad!’
So what does this year have in store for you, me and the industry? Well, to be honest it looks like this could be the year that changed the world of farming. This is going to be one of the toughest years that many people and business have ever seen or experienced and it will take energy, guts, determination and resilience to weather these next 12 months. Have you got what it takes? Or are you best to get out now? Should we as an industry be encouraging ‘exitability’ as well as ‘stayability?’
Never before have we seen all world commodities so challenged, apparently soft fruit are the only commodity food in Scotland currently making money, can you grow soft fruit on your farm? But also maybe this is the year to look for new opportunities and to have a complete re focus of our values, aims and goals. What is there to lose? There is no time like when your back is pushed against the wall and all you can see are lose/ lose options ahead to try something new. Doing nothing and ignoring the current situation is still the worst option?
According to the speakers at this year’s Semex Conference held in Glasgow it is time for us all to ‘up our game.’ To look for opportunities to:
• Add value
• Diversify
• Cut costs
• Change what it is that we are currently doing.
Either way the message is harsh and simple. We are all going to need to wear our crash helmets as we are in for a very bumpy, painful ride! We need to stop looking at who to blame and we need to start looking in the mirror and seeing what each of us can actively do to address our own business needs.
In the dairy sector there is currently over 8ppl between the best and the worst dairy farmers cost of production according to Promar figures. This is within your power to change, this is money that you could be throwing away!
So that’s the bad news or the stark reality, but what and where are the solutions? Solutions:
1.You need to know where you are, until you are aware of your own business costs, strengths and weaknesses how do you know where to invest time, energy & resources?
2.You then need to bench mark yourself against the best. Aim to be in the top 3% , below this and your business will just stand still at best.
3.You need to have a personal & business vision, goals & plan. Where do you want to be in 1, 5, 10, 20 years’ time? Who do you need to share this vision with, who do you need to help you get there?
Vision : Communication : Collaboration
4.You need to have an understanding of the industry and what drives the industry. You need to understand your customer. Over supply and under demand is the simple truth for the reason we are in this current predicament
5. You then need to develop a brand. When I say this it’s not a new cheese or dairy product. We are each of us a product and we each exist and operate in a competitive market. Our farm and our personal performance needs to be better than our nearest competitor, whether that be our closest farming neighbour or another country. Are you an attractive proposition for a milk buyer? Have you the best cows, the best farm, the best attitude, the best quality, the best reputation, the best business acumen? Look to grow in value rather than volume
6. How do you tell people about your brand? Do not rely on others to promote what you do. As a dairy farmer or any type of farmer there is no one better to promote your business and your industry than you. You have the story. You have the passion. You need to do it.
7. You need to build a strong team at home. Share your vision and plans with your family and your working team. Communication & vision breeds motivation and drive. You cannot do this alone. Celebrate successes, share the pain, but talk, share and build. Never assume.
8.You need to educate key influencers – schools, politicians, communities. Use RHET, Open Farm Sunday and others.
9.Don’t be the business that only engages with the public and politicians when things are negative. Drive positive engagements, share successes, take the public and community with you 24:7:365
10. Do not kid yourself that people have an emotional connection with dairy. They understand and connect with the words milk, yogurt, and cheese but not necessarily with the term dairy. Understand your market.
11. Milk is a health drink and energy source – there are huge opportunities to engage, promote and market. The science and evidence is there we just need to push and promote more. We all have a responsibility to do this. Do not leave it to others. It is time to reverse the declining trend of young people consuming milk.
12. Selling up and moving to plan B is not failure. Is this the right option for you and your family? Sometimes being a winner is also knowing when to quit. Knowing when you are following the wrong route and its time to stop and take another look at the map and ask for fresh directions.
So, in conclusion: It’s time for a fresh start for fresh opportunities. It’s time to get rid of all of the clutter and baggage that has been holding you and the industry back! It’s time to be brave. It’s time to be honest with yourself and with others.
It’s time to build a plan, to review and possibly change what you are currently doing and to stick to this new plan. Volatility is real. It is here to stay. Those businesses that do survive these next 12 months, will be lean, mean and fit to gorge on the opportunities that will open up and come forward in 2017. Will you be one of these businesses?
Basic Payment Scheme in Scotland: Issues and Uncertainties Surrounding Recent Transfers of Entitlements
Clarification by the Scottish Government Rural Payments and Inspections Directorate (“SGRPID”) last November of the rules regarding the transfer of Basic Payment Scheme (“BPS”) Entitlements under the new Scheme was greatly welcomed. However, the lack of information as to the values of Entitlements and how SGRPID will calculate these before 1 April 2016, has caused, and is continuing to cause difficulties for farmers and landowners involved in the transfer of Entitlements.
Over the last few months, parties on both sides of land and Entitlement transactions in Scotland and their advisers have been faced with trying to second-guess what the final values of their Entitlements will be, so as to allow sales of land and Entitlements to take place.
What parties in a particular transaction have agreed has been largely dependent on the bargaining powers of the parties. Purchasers have been seeking a retention of as robust a value as possible, together with an agreed balancing payments mechanism once the final Entitlements values are confirmed. Only a few have managed to secure such a Holy Grail in their purchase contracts. Even so, where a retention has been agreed to by the seller, there has been much varying advice on what the amount of the retention should be and as there is no current market on current Entitlement values, it has been difficult to know what the right amount in a particular case is. From a seller’s perspective, a fixed low retention figure with no balancing, or better still, no retention at all, has been the preferred option. Some have secured this, and others, where the bargaining power is not theirs, have not.
In addition to the difficulties surrounding values, there has also been concern about the new 50%
siphon on Entitlements. Careful consideration of the structure of proposed deals and pre-purchase checks with SGRPID have been required to ensure that the siphon won’t apply in particular cases, or that it will not be inadvertently triggered if the parties go ahead.
We have come across issues with transactions where farm land is to be purchased by pension funds. As a pension fund does not meet the requirements of an “active farmer,” we are prevented from transferring Entitlements to them upon a purchase. As such, if the intention is to transfer Entitlements to the pension fund’s tenant, the siphon would apply. We are aware of some complex schemes having been proposed to deal with this issue, possibly by granting an agricultural lease to the tenant in advance of the sale of the land with the Entitlements to the pension fund. However, this course of action does not come without its own issues and may yet be shown to be challengeable.
The uncertainties regarding the siphon have also impacted on the grant of recent agricultural tenancies. Landlords and tenants have had to agree what happens to Entitlements on the termination of a lease and it is not clear if, upon return, the siphon will apply. There is a suggestion that the siphon only applies to short leases and that secure 1991 Act tenancies may not be affected by it, but there is as yet, no real guidance on the point.
Lastly, the question of how to ensure that you are eligible for 2016 Entitlements still looms large on the horizon for farmers. As readers will know, SGRPID has stated that Letters issuing Entitlements and confirming their values may not be issued until the end of March 2016. As readers will also know, submission of transfer forms for the Entitlements-including details of the number and value of the Entitlements- have to be
submitted to SGRPID before 2 April 2016.
by Petra Grunenberg
If the Letters are not issued until late March, farmers may find it impossible to complete the transfer by 2 April and the 2016 Entitlements would then stay with sellers. However, those sellers would no longer have land to allocate the Entitlements to, and so they could be lost. SGRPID has indicated that they are accepting transfer forms accompanied by a note stating that the number and value of the Entitlements are unknown. Farmers and landowners should take the appropriate action in this regard.
We are also aware that a large number of the recent Illustration of Entitlement Letters issued by
SGRPID have Entitlements missing. There is a SGRPID Entitlements helpline set-up to deal with farmer queries on Entitlements, however their response can be paraphrased as “The illustration of Entitlement Letters are just that, an illustration, and you shouldn’t worry about anything contained in them/you should ignore them until you receive final payment.” Those final payments could yet be some time away.
If you would like to discuss any of the above further, please contact Gail A. Clarke, Director in the Rural Land and Business Team at Blackadders LLP on 0131 222 8124 or your usual Blackadders contact.
Agri Affairs
Overview
The light frost on the ground and the chill in the air did not stop more than 100 young farmers taking to farms for the Scottish Association of Young Farmers’ Clubs Agri and Rural Affairs Conference. Following the theme of opportunities for young people, “Cultivating Futures” took place in Dundee welcoming members from Orkney, Dumfries and Galloway, Border Federation and everywhere in between.
Still in its infancy with the conference taking place for the first time last year, the event offers an opportunity for members to learn direct from the industry, have a voice among their peers about the agricultural sector and network with experts offering a range of experiences and skills.
Commencing on Friday evening with a welcome dinner that was joined by the principal sponsors Tesco, Massey Ferguson and SRUC, Agri and Rural Affairs Chairman Sarah Allison said; “The theme of this year’s conference is ‘Cultivating Futures,’ and the entire event has been built around just that. It aims to inspire you as the future of our industry to fulfil your potential and make our industry that we work and play in a success in years to come”
She continued “It is fair to say that 2015 has been a farming year that many of us would like to forget, however my motto is that where there is adversity, there is opportunity. As the future of agriculture we have never been better placed to take advantage of the current situation and use it to build a better future. Food and drink are two of the fundamental needs for human life, and we should all be so honoured to be part of an industry that carries so much responsibility”
After Dinner Speakers
Whilst both after dinner speakers Neil Wilson and Wallace Hendrie reflected on their time within the young farmers movement, they both were keen to express that when we face difficulties within agriculture we must look at alternative opportunities. At present many in the sector are production driven, not
consumer focused and this is something that must change in order to have more control within the market place.
Neil briefly focused on AgriHive, an initiative recently brought to Scotland that aims to find solutions in a crisis situation by bringing together a range of industry bodies. SAYFC Agri and Rural Affairs are part of this new initiative and recently attended the first meeting, which was held in London earlier this month. Neil told the group about their new competition where members look at a case study and provide solutions with various classes including one for young farmers (under 30). He was able to officially reveal at the conference that the prize would be a return trip to Australia with flights and spending money.
Travel was a key theme for the after dinner speakers with Wallace talking about his role as Chairman of the Nuffield Scholarship Trust and how the individuals that take part not only grow in confidence but often have that “light-bulb” moment when they are away travelling that allows them to make a change to the benefit of their business. He was keen to encourage members to step away from their farm for a short period to try something different and use the time to gain new skills and reflect on what they want to achieve before returning to their family farm.
Breakout Sessions
A range of breakout sessions were offered to provide some more technical learning with speakers Tesco, Bruce Farms and AHDB §§Cereals & Oilseeds touching on marketing your product and brand. Whilst Tesco’s gave an overview of their business and support for the farming community, Bruce Farms talked about business growth and how a family business can take advantage of more than one opportunity with good planning and support. AHDB Cereals and Oilseeds challenged §members to work out what was important when selling their products whilst encouraging them to use the many free benchmarking resources available to guide their decisions. Turcan Connell talked about
succession and where and how a family business can be protected with careful planning and those much needed discussions, whilst Blade Farming introduced their business, which aims to help maintain a sustainable beef farm business through contract calf rearing units.
Farm Visits
Although it was a 7.30am start all delegates were up and enthusiastic for the farm visits. They had an option of three to attend first and then they all visited Mackies of Taypack.
New Entrants
Around 30 delegates made the journey to visit Kindrum Park, which is farmed by first generation farmer, Jim Fairlie. Despite the cold weather, a lively discussion kept spirits up and it was good to see members asking questions and engaging. Jim described the journey he has made from being brought up in the town to starting out as a shepherd and onto running a successful contract farming beef and sheep enterprise on his Perthshire hill farm. He certainly made it clear to the delegates that with a bit of drive and enginuity, anything is possible. We covered the benefits and the pitfalls of contract farming that he has encountered since he took over the running of the farm.
The delegates were encouraged to streamline their businesses, keep capital costs low and focus on producing top quality produce.
He took us to see his Galloway cows, which he uses to produce to quality beef, which he markets as a niche product at events such as T in the Park. Jim is active in educating the local community in food and farming and was heavily involved in setting up the first farmers market in Perth and gave us an insight into how he has used these markets to his benefit. His passion for the Scottish food industry was clear to see and it rubbed off on the members who visited, with several referencing his experiences in later discussions during the afternoon breakout sessions. His ideas and visions for the future
were of great interest and delegates were left with lots of food for thought. We really appreciated Jim kindly taking time out of his busy schedule to give us an insight into his business
Renewables and Vegetables
The most popular visit of the three was to Peacehilll Farm, where the Forster family have been farming since 1926. The 1500 acre unit comprises of crops, potatoes, vegetables and chickens. But it was the new AD Plant that the group were keen to hear about, which is currently in construction and due to start work in the next few weeks. Ross Forster, who hosted the group explained how whilst the unit was an expensive outlay, the rewards would outweigh these costs. The system is fully computerised allowing him to monitor what goes into the AD plant and the level of output. The group were very impressed by the scale and high level of detail available.
Dairy
The final group visited Ardgarth Farm owned by Lundie Farming Ltd. The dairy farm milks 540-cross bred cattle through a 54 point rotary parlour milking on a grass-based system. The business only took over the farm last autumn and Farm Manager Martin Kearney was keen to express that the business was not without challenges. Some of the land has been re-seeded and concrete steps have been built to allow the cattle easy access to the parlour. It was clear the visit really touched members with many of them coming away with real admiration for Martin and his team, and an enthusiasm to continue farming and looking for opportunities despite the hurdles that may occur along the way. They also heard from Stuart Martin of the Scottish Dairy Hub who reassured the group that through his initiative and other sources there is support and guidance for those within the dairy sector.
Mackies of Taypack
All three groups then visited Mackies of Taypack, where George and Russell Taylor
kindly hosted the group. George was keen to talk the group the background of the business and explained how prior to producing crisps they were very focused on supplying one supermarket with potatoes. When this contract fell through it was clear that by putting “all their eggs in one basket” they had put the business at risk. It was here that they looked at diversification –a common factor within the farming community in their area. After discussions with Mackies, who were also looking to produce crisps, it was agreed there was only room for one quality crisp in Scotland so the two businesses teamed up and today are in the top 10 recognised brands within Scotland. The group then had a rare opportunity to look around the factory and watch the production process hearing about the different methods and choices that the Taylor family made in order to take advantage of an opportunity that has exceeded their expectations and continues to do so.
Lunch and Dinner
A lamb casserole lunch with fresh, local vegetables was kindly sponsored by Royal Bank of Scotland whilst the beef enjoyed at dinner was supported by ABP Perth.
Interactive Session
To end a successful Saturday, members were split into groups and asked to look at the future of Scottish agriculture. This focused on how they see it now, what challenges they feel they face and how they feel these can be overcome. The groups then had to present their thoughts to the full delegation, which created discussion and allowed members to see how similar their views are throughout Scotland.
Other Speakers
Campbell Scott of Massey Ferguson welcomed the group on Sunday morning and talked about the marketing and brand behind their products. He recommended that every business should spend approx. 1% of their turnover on advertising, but this needs to be
by Rebecca Dawes
carefully managed with a good marketing strategy resulting in growth, an increased positive reputation and securing the future of the business. It was clear that this cannot be through one single element as he talked about video footage, attending events and shows, online marketing, print to product research and development.
The Sunday morning was also joined by SAC who talked about the Scottish Enterprise Rural Leadership Programme, which they facilitate and how stepping away to look at your leadership skills and objectives can reap rewards. CKD Galbraith discussed SRDP schemes and Lantra Scotland introduced their Modern Apprenticeship scheme matching potential employees with employers.
In Summary
It was clear from a number of the speakers that it is important to step away from your business / job and look at other business or speak to fellow peers in order to grow and continue thriving within the sector. New Zealand was announced as the destination for the 2016 international study tour. There will then be a shortlist for an interview with successful applicants notified at the end of February.
“I am immensely proud of how all of our members represented themselves and SAYFC over the weekend. The level of discussion on the farm visits and during the breakout sessions exemplified the high calibre of members we have within our association –it was commented on more than one occasion that if these are the future playmakers of our industry, then we are in safe hands.'
The strength of the agri and rural affairs committee is growing year on year. In the past 9 months alone we have held meetings with Phil Hogan, Nicola Sturgeon, Richard Lochhead and David Barnes to express the issues young people in agriculture are having. We are excited to continue this trend and to work alongside policy makers and politicians to create a vision of agriculture for the future,” concluded Sarah Allison, Rural Agri-Affaris Chairman.
