Issue 156 farmingscotland.com

farmingscotland.com Autumn 2025 • Issue 156

Sheep Shearing Lowline Cattle in Ireland National Dog Trials Hebridean Dog Trials Virtual Fencing and much more...

Celebrating 22 Years of Publication

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BUSINESS

Contents

Human Fungus Farming Future?

AHDB Safeguarding Market China Important for Pignmeat Zinc Oxide Ban Survey Cheese Nuffield & AHDB Renew Partnership RHET Launches Campagin to Raise £50K farmdrive New Product Innovation

32 33 34 34 35 36 36 37

Scottish Team Bound for NZ Double National Teams for Hamish Scottish Trial Team International Silverware returns to Skye Highland Sheep Gavin Mutch in Scottish Team

4 9 10 12 38 40

SHEEP / SHEARING

EDUCATION /MONITOR FARMS Nuffield Scholarship Movers & Shakers

32 44

SHEEP DOGS

Hebridean Dog Trial Scottish Trial Team

22 10

De Laval Doubles Size of Home Farm

20

DAIRY BEEF

Virtual Fencing on Monitor Farms AHDB Safeguarding Market

14 33

Kuhn Widens Megant Tine Drill Range

48

MACHINERY

WORLD TRAVELS/ INTEREST Mirrored Glamping & Lowline, Co. Antrim

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Photos this Issue:

Editor

Eilidh MacPherson

QMS Page 16 – Page 18 – QMS Page 20 – De Laval Page 21 – De Laval Nuffield Page 30 – Page 33/34 – AHDB Page 36 – RHET Page 37 – Balmoral Sho Page 40/47– Provided Page 48 – Kuhn Page 50/51 – Chris McCullough

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

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www.farmingscotland.com farmingscotland.com on facebook

Photos by Eilidh MacPherson unless otherwise stated on page 54

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he Scottish Sheep Shearing and Wool Handling Team 2026 was finalised at the Black Isle Show last week.

There are two new-comers to the squad – wool handler Katie O’Sullivan (nee Reid), Crieff, who has had an out standing season on the wool handling circuit and first time blade competitor Murray Craig, Biggar, who clipped his way onto the team.

GAVIN MUTCH Noted shearing athlete Gavin Mutch qualified at the Royal Highland Show.

Although he was runner up in the Scottish National to Calum Shaw, who due to family and farming commitments decided not to travel to New Zealand this time, Gavin had the highest circuit points, at that juncture, before he headed back to his New Zealand home.

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Gavin, who won the World Individual title in 2012, was second in 2014 & 2017 and also has two fifths and a sixth to his name equals the six appearances in World Individual finals with both Scottish legends Geordie Bayne and Tom Wilson.

Gavin will be flying the Scottish flag as a team member for an eighth time.

The Scottish machine team has lifted the World Title on three occasions since its inception in 1977. Tom and Geordie won it in New Zealand thirty years ago in 1996, then Gavin teamed with Hamish Mitchell in Ireland 2014 and Gavin with Calum Shaw in France 2019.

HAMISH MITCHELL The remaining machine shearing position was contested over eight qualifying events across the country with the shearers tallying their best five

places. Thirty-four year old Lewis Harkness, who farms near Dumfries has shorn his way up the grades, taking out the Junior, Intermediate and Senior Circuits, had a good crack at the Open circuit with attention to detail. But well seasoned shearer Hamish Mitchell, twenty years his senior, had the edge and took his place on the team for the tenth time.

Hamish, who has connections to the Isle of Skye, now manages a sheep and beef farm in Perthshire and owns his own farm property near Stirling. He has been a member of the Scottish team every time this millennium, apart from Le Dorat, France 2019. He has a third in 2014 and fifths in 2008 and 2017 in Individual finals to his credit as well as the team win previously mentioned.

But it was Fifer Calum Shaw who

by Eilidh MacPherson

Scottish Team bound for World Shearing Champs - New Zealand ‘26 topped both the 16 strong Open heats and 8-stand semis into the 4-man open final. He had the lowest board scores in both rounds (1 and 6 points respectively), but independent shearing instructor Robbie Hislop was the cleanest out the back (32) in the heats.

Calum, Irish team member Dennis O’Sullivan and Henry Cornthwaite all tied on 33 pen marks, while well-tattooed Stuart Paterson gunned for the time points in the heats, finishing his six in six minutes 28 seconds, ensuring himself last qualifier into the semis ahead of Lowlander Harkness.

Shaw, O’Sullivan, Mitchell, Cornthwaite, Hislop, senior shearer Duncan Adams, influencer Cammy Wilson and Paterson headed for another shear in the semis, in that order.

The tempo was stepped up a notch in

the semi-finals, as shearers blasted their dozen Texel cross lambs, from the Scotts at Fearn Farm, out and down the porthole in an average time of 1 minute 3 seconds compared to one minute 11 seconds in the heats.

Heat one saw Hamish Mitchell, true to form, find overdrive and leave the relative new comers to open level semis; Adams, Wilson and Cornthwaite in his wake. Credit to Duncan Adams who managed synchronised shearing with Hamish until number four was on the board. By the sixth Mitchell was half a sheep ahead of Adams, one round Wilson and as he launched in for his seventh, Cornthwaite was heading in for his fifth.

Mitchell pulled his cord on 11 mins 32 seconds, averaging just over 57seconds a lamb. Adams finished on

by Eilidh MacPherson 12m 25s –Wilson still had one in the pen when Mitchell took his last blow.

Irish team member Dennis O’Sullivan, who is married to Scottish Shearing Association Secretary Katie Reid, led the way for the first few in heat two as Calum Shaw coped with a wriggler. By number five Stuart Paterson was in first and Shaw was last out on the board. As expected Shaw found his turbocharger and finished his twelth only blows behind speedster Paterson – 12mins 10 and 12mins 17 respectively. O’Sullivan and international shearing school instructor Robbie Hislop, photo-finished on 12mins 26secs, making it an exciting spectator round.

Shaw topped the leader board into the final ahead of Mitchell, O’Sullivan and Adams.

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Twenty well crutched Texel cross lambs were penned for each competitor as they took to the podium for the final showdown. Hamish set off at breakneck speed and was a quarter of a sheep ahead of O’Sullivan at number six. By the twelfth he had a half sheep lead, powering his score out speed shear style – 46.15 seconds a lamb. With a hand-piece change at number 15 he had one round stands one and two – Shaw and O’Sullivan. Finishing his quota in 15 mins and 23 seconds, Mitchell leant on the gate chatting to judge and team manager Wull Dickson, waiting on the others to complete.

O’Sullivan and Shaw fought it out for second finish, with the Irishman just 8 seconds ahead on 16 mins 7 seconds.

Senior shearer Duncan Adam, who recently represented Scotland in the Netherlands stepped up well to Open grade and kept his job tidy, surpassing that of Mitchell both on the board and out the back.

When the scores were tallied, the cleanest pen won the day and the Scottish Circuit for Calum Shaw (55.550). Irish Internationalist O’Sullivan took second on 55.800, Mitchell third and Adams fourth.

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KATIE O’SULLIVAN (REID) Legal lass, Katie (Reid) O’Sullivan, swapped her robe and wig for shearing pants and moccasins following graduating as a lawyer. Since then she has followed her dreams and the seasons shearing round the world.

Normally Katie competes in the sheep shearing events, but this year, with selection for the World Sheep Shearing and Wool Handling Championships 2026 she switched her focus to wool handling and the possibility of a place in the Team.

With first places on the circuit at Balmoral and Staffordshire followed by the double win in Wales – the Royal Welsh and Corwen – Katie was unbeatable and secured her seat to New Zealand before the Black Isle Show.

Current World Wool handling Champion Rosie Keenan, who was late to the party on the 2025 circuit, competing for the first time this year at the Royal Highland Show had two firsts and two seconds to her name, while Isla had a first, two seconds, three thirds and a fifth before the Black Isle Show decider.

Seven Open wool handlers competed for the straight two-stand final and at the last competition of the season. Amy McNeil, who is representing Norway at

the World Champs had quality work on the board (32) and secured top spot (64.800) into the final marginally ahead of Katie (65.000).

Beth Logan and Rosie Keenan tied on the board and table marks, but with a speedier time Beth came third and Rosie fourth with Isla Shaw in fifth.

ROSIE KEENAN The fourth place ahead of Isla, gave Rosie, who lives on a croft in Sutherland with her shearing partner Henry Cornthwaite and their wee daughter, the edge and sealed the deal for her to head to New Zealand and defend her world title.

Rosie, who is half New Zealander, has wool handled in Norway, Scotland and New Zealand and is looking forward to catching up with family and friends out there.

To date a wool handler from the Northern hemisphere has never won the World Individual Championship in the Southern Hemisphere. But two New Zealanders, Joanne Kumeroa and Sheeree Alabaster have won in the Northern hemisphere, at Scotland 2003 and Norway 2008 respectively.

In the Open final only four seconds separated the pair, but four seconds count and teamed with the lower table mark Amy McNeil claimed the win and the silverware (99.800).

WILLIAM CRAIG Blade shearers or hand shearers as they are usually called in this country had six events on their circuit, with the best four scores tallied for places.

William Craig, who manages Gosland Farm at Biggar, had maximum points – four wins by Lochernhead – with two qualifying rounds to go so became the first blade shearer for the 2025 team, making it for the fourth time.

“My first was in New Zealand in 2012, where I came sixth in the Individual final, in France in 2019 and at the last one in Scotland 2023. I missed out on Invercargill, New Zealand 2017 as I had a hip replaced in 2016.”

“I was always teamed with Mark Armstrong and we came fourth in New Zealand and sixth in France.”

Willie has shepherded and managed

the 1200 Blackface ewes on Gosland, near Biggar for 32 years and sold a Blackie tup to a top of £18 000.

Willie is hoping to have his second hip replaced before the World Championships in March!

MURRAY CRAIG His son Murray, who worked for Matty Blair at Shap, Cumbria until recently and left to go full time shearing was in second place with a win, two seconds a fourth and a sixth ahead of Tomus Palmer of Oban and Blair Moffat from Peebles.

The blade shearing was staged on the Wednesday night with only six contestants vying for a place in the four stand final. George Mudge, who has represented England on many occasions raced Anna McTaggart for the time points. But she had the quickest snip

and beat him off by 7 seconds. More experienced Mudge took top spot followed by Murray and Willie Craig.

Anna’s speed and low board score gave her a place in the finale.

In the final Mudge out paced the pack to take out the title. The Craigs swapped places and Anna was fourth.

Scottish Shearing has its first father and son team – but not a world first as George Mudge and his son Andrew have previously represented England and will be again.

WILLIAM DICKSON Scottish Team manager and judge for the 2026 World Championships in New Zealand is shearing contractor Wull Dickson. Wull, third generation contractor, employs 12 shearers for the season. He also manages a large sheep and beef farm in the Scottish Borders.

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Double National Teams for Hamish

by Eilidh MacPherson

N

oted sheep shearer Hamish Mitchell, who secured his place on the Scottish Sheep Shearing team for the tenth time qualified for the Scottish National Dog Trial team for the second time at the weekend – only 16 days after his shearing success at the Black Isle Show.

One hundred and fifty dogs and their owners ran over three days at Meikleholm Farm, Moffat in the singles and five canine pairs were forward for the Brace event.

Hamish ran early on day three of the singles with Dan. They had a good run only dropping points at the fetch and shed, securing third place for the day and fourth overall.

“I was cautious till after the fetch as the previous days sheep would take off if over flanked. But I realised that my packet went well being flanked and we got on great on the drive,” commented Hamish.

“I was nervous at the shed as Dan is good at taking the back two off, but there was an opportunity at the front and he hesitated and looked at the back three first.”

“He showed power at the pen and then excelled at the shed as he is capable of taking a single off the back or front of the pack.”

Hamish was honoured to win the Tom Gilholm Trophy for the best driving dog. The judges Billy Welsh and Murray McTeir only took one point off Dan on the drive.

“I’m honoured to represent Scotland

at the International in Wales in the driving competition. Apparently you have to drive 50 sheep in a straight line from the post through gates 800m away,” stated Hamish, who is hosting the National Dog Trials on the farm he manages in Perthshire next year.

Hamish’s ran his first dog – Ardagh Bray – on day one, scoring 159 points.

They were still in the top 15 on the final day, but with a few more classy runs were pushed into 20th position by the end of play, so missed out on running at the International.

For the World Team, the top 19 dogs from the singles, the 20th position for reserve and both judges get a free pass in the team. The two Brace places will qualify at next years Nationals. Hence Hamish has two dogs heading to the World Championships at Lauder.

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rishman Chris Toner, who shepherds 1000 ewes for the Campbells at Drumsynie, Lochgoilhead topped the leader board on 206 points out of a possible 220 with Nico Mace. It is his second time to lead the Scottish team to the International and then to the World Championships, which will be staged at Huntington Farm, Lauder, in the Scottish Borders 16-20th September 2026. Chris and Nico scored zeros for the outrun, lift, pen and single shed.

Young Wullie Welsh (son of the judge Billy Welsh), who has recently moved with his young family to farm at Loch Urr, where he grew up had almost flawless work close at hand with Heyshaw Fletch. He lost 14 points on the drive and 4 a piece on the lift and fetch. Wullie captained the team in 2017 when he was 26.

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Scttish National T International 2025 & World 2026

Team

S

kye crofter Seumas Campbell, from Balnacnoc, lifted the Brace/ Doubles Title at the International Dog Trial for a second time at the weekend.

Seumas and his wife Maggie and the two trial dogs – Queen and Shadwell Ceit – made the ten-hour journey down to Brynkinalt, Chirk, Wrexham on the Welsh side of the border with England last week.

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Reigning champion Angie Dri was first at the post with her hom dogs Kinloch Carlos and Kinloch representing Wales. Both dogs w penalised on the outrun (55 & 53 drive (72) and further points wer accumulated at the pens resultin points out of a possible 560.

Northumberland farm manag Bevis Jordan, representing Engla teamed with Judge and Chase w severely marked down on the ou & 59). They gathered points acro board but were the only trio on d to have the perfect pen – double Their final score was 322.

James McCloskey of Ireland h sticky start with Dollar and Oak with one dog stronger than the o the off. They gained momentum progressed and shone at the shed four penalty points lost there foll by one dog penning to perfection tally for the Irish contingent w points.

iscoll mebred h Taz, were 3) and re ng in 312

Seumas was fourth and last to run on day one. “The field was about a 100 acres and luckily the dogs saw the sheep. I sent Ceit left and Queen right.

The best possible outcome is for them to go pear-shaped and land out behind the sheep together,” explained Seumas.

“They ran out okay. I had to give a ger, whistle of encouragement to one of the and, dogs and Queen arrived slightly in front ere also of Ceit.” utrun (70 The island team had by far the best oss the result at this juncture, losing minimal day one points compared to the competition. (15 zeros. & 1 on the outrun and a 3 for one dog on the lift) had a “They lifted the ten sheep from there Bruce and down through the fetch gates then other at round the post. We lost some points on m as they the fetch (24) and 50 on the 400 yard d – only drive.” lowed “The sheep are then brought into the n. Final shedding ring and the aim is to split the was 339 ten sheep into two packets of five with one of the dogs. There was a slight bother there as the sheep went marginally out of the ring and we lost 28 points.”

The penning was almost flawless resulting in the Skye team topping the

leader board at the end of Day one on 409 – a full 70 points ahead of second place James McCloskey.

The second day saw local Welshman Tim Thewissen retire with Kate and Fflandrys Cadi.

Sassenach James Gilman, who farms Pye Ash Farm, Bosley near Macclesfield, Cheshire had an average run but ran into real bother at the pens. This English trio – including Bosley Jim and Hollie – scored 319.

Con McGarry from County Roscommon, a previous Irish National President, made to the starting post with Mirk and Karven Dave. Their highlight was a faultless second pen leading to a score of 322 point equalling that of Bevis Jordan from the previous day. But with a lower Outrun, Lift, Fetch and Drive scores (196 compared to 202) the Irishman pushed the Englishman into fourth place.

Belgian lass Laura Hinnekens running for Scotland with Gum and Pilot were the final team forward in the Brace event. Unfortunately on this occasion their performance didn’t quite cut the mustard, with a final score of 318, taking sixth place out of the eight.

Seumas, who does sheepdog demonstrations for tourists on his croft near the Fairy Glen, Uig, was awarded the David Stone Brace Aggregate Cup for the highest aggregate National and International Doubles points, The Alan Jones Memorial Cup as winner of the Brace and a Border Fine Art from sponsor Gilbert & Page.

He previously won the title at Castle Howard, Yorkshire two years ago with working collies Bell and Queen.

Fifteen competitors from each nation compete over the two days for a place in coveted fifteen-man Supreme. Eleven men qualified for the final shindig with four of them making the grade with two dogs a piece.

Scottish team captain, Chris Toner was 6th with Nico Mace, who took out the Scottish National and 15th with Nap. Wullie Welsh, who farms at Loch Urr near Moniaive, Dumfries and Heyshaw Fletch, who were second at the National and took 13th position in the Supreme.

The Welsh swept the top three places with Dewi Jenkins and Clwyd Bob taking top spot. Incidentally they also won at Castle Howard 2023 when Seumas won the Brace.

International Silverware Returns to Skye

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Four of Scotland's Monitor Farms are trialling an innovative virtual fencing system on their hill and upland grazing and are already seeing environmental and cattle management benefits, but some challenges have been identified.

he four Monitor Farms involved – Argyllshire, South Ayrshire, Stirlingshire and Strathspey – have 25 collars apiece from Norwegian specialist Monil and are testing them in their herds to assess the cost-benefit in a two-year project.

The farms have all run cattle at grass this summer and have managed their grazing areas using the collars and the associated app. Initially, they started the project by fitting the solar-powered collars, training their cattle to turn away when they hear the collar's signal for the virtual fence and then turned their cows out on upland and hill grazing. The virtual fence is set using the app, where the fence, individual animal location and movement, plus any escapees, are seen. The virtual fences can be moved and any breakouts managed remotely via the app, with notifications sent when cattle don't move for a certain period.

On the South Ayrshire Monitor Farm, David Andrew has been busy calving his collar-wearing heifers, who

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have now moved off the main hill grazing to in-bye land.

"Having the collars means we can find them very easily when it could have taken us hours in the past if we were looking for a missing cow in bracken or on a foggy day with little visibility on the hill, especially if an animal had gone away from the main herd to calve, which often happens.

Now it takes us 15 minutes to find and check the cattle, but took us up to an hour before and I now wonder how we did it before this technology!"

Their in-bye land also has an area, which has been reseeded with a kale and stubble turnip mix and the virtual fencing has been used to successfully exclude cows from this area, he says.

When they were on the hill, the virtual fencing meant they grazed areas they would not normally visit. "When it came to gathering the sheep, I don't think I've ever gathered more ewes off that side of the hill – you can see the good the cattle grazing has done."

South Ayrshire – John and David Andrew are trialling on 25 of the farm's 150 breeding cattle at their Blair hill farm. Their goals are: • Use underused area of hill ground in summer and potentially the shoulders of winter to make more grazing available.

• Ease of management when calving outside. Keep cows to one area.

• Keep bull tight when running with cows.

• Easier to locate cows or quickly see if there is an issue.

• Potential to graze neighbouring woodland - extra grazing is always needed.

Virtual Fencing Summer Progress on Monitor Farms

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t the Strathspey Monitor Farm, brothers Calum and Hamish Smith are also positive, though they have had a few breakouts in recent weeks, something they put down to some disturbance from other groups of cattle.

"We also had two heifers whose collars came off and it was two or three weeks before we could put them back on. We can see those animals were excessively testing the virtual fencing boundaries after that." The heifers have grown since the collars were first put on, so a few have also needed adjusting.

The Smiths have used virtual fencing to manage their hill land much more effectively and are now able to graze areas with poor physical fencing. They have been rotating heifers round three large 'virtual paddocks' and have found moving them in the evenings when they are settled has worked well.

"The cattle and the hill look well," says Calum. They hope to keep the heifers out for longer this autumn as a consequence and may then put the collars onto cows who overwinter outside.

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F Strathspey – the Smiths at Auchernack are trialling the technology with 13 Shorthorn x Limousin bulling heifers on a hill, which requires targeted grazing for biodiversity and also on 11 heifers in-bye, potentially on species-rich grassland (an important, but undergrazed Strathspey habitat). They may put one collar on the bull with the heifers. Their goals are: • Locate heifers on the hill more easily.

• Heifers will run with the bull in a defined area, so he will potentially catch more and tighten the calving period.

• Targeted grazing across the hill on different habitats.

• Use to monitor cattle movements to check all is well.

• Free up more grazing ground in-bye

or the Stirlingshire Monitor Farm, the trial has been more challenging, with connectivity issues meaning they have not been able to make full use of the technology at their Inveruglas hill unit.

Rebecca Duncan says: "We have ended up using the collars more like trackers, but the signal is very patchy.

We have had one animal who got 'stuck' inside the virtual fence and another group of four who split from the rest too." Work to address the connectivity issue is continuing with the collar and technology supplier Monil.

Stirlingshire – the Duncan family, trialling with 25 native-bred hill cows at Lands of Drumhead and Inveruglas.

Their key goals: • Locate cows and calves more easily.

• Use to monitor cow movements to check all is well.

• Keep herd in safe areas. i.e. away from walking routes, deep cervices.

• Use current under-grazed areas to improve grass quality for sheep grazing.

• Run bull in a defined area with cows to catch more and reduce bulling time.

• Free up more time/labour to focus on production at Lands of Drumhead.

• Improve personal safety (not having to search for cows).

C

onnectivity has also been an issue at times on the Argyll Monitor Farm on Islay, says farmer Craig Archibald.

"Closer to home it has worked better, but certain pastures have been difficult, especially where the cattle have gone into the shadows of the hills. It also means it takes quite a time to update."

However, he says that the system has mostly worked well and animals have grazed down a lot of the farm's rougher, longer grass, especially Molinia. He is also grazing sheep alongside the cattle, and being able to keep the gates open has made gathering sheep much easier.

Grass on the farm was analysed this summer, with a little supplementary feeding given in this first year to compensate for the lower nutritional value of the hill grass. However, grass quality is already improving with grazing this year and will be analysed again next summer; it's thought that in future little to no supplementary feeding will be required.

The cattle have recently been body condition scored, and have maintained their condition, so will be outwintered, calving outside next spring. They are usually housed in winter, but better use of grass means there's an option for outwintering, freeing up indoor space and allowing Craig to bring in other cattle for winter feeding. Outwintering cattle will also test the collars' solar power capability, which has not yet been an issue on-farm.

Providing an update on progress, Monitor Farm regional adviser Christine Cuthbertson says: "It has been really interesting to see how the different farms have found using the collars. The connectivity issues have been a challenge, especially for the Stirlingshire Monitor Farm, but we hope this will be resolved shortly. I am looking forward to seeing how results look this autumn and how the farms might be able to change their approach using virtual fencing."

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Argyll – the Archibald family are trialling with 25 of the farm's 225 Aberdeen Angus cows on hill land at Craigens Farm. Their goals are: • Use hill ground which isn't currently grazed by cattle in summer and potentially the shoulders of winter to make more grazing available.

• Use unused poor hill grazing that sheep don't use to increase herd size

and calf sales.

• Grazing hill will improve grass for sheep.

• Improve biodiversity of the hill, which may lead into future farm support/management schemes.

• Keep herd in safe areas, i.e. away from bogs and ditches as well as any protected areas.

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D

eLaval has doubled the size of its own commercial dairy farm.

Hamra Farm, located in Tumba, Sweden, is a research and training centre, which utilises the latest DeLaval technology and equipment.

Improvements and expansion at Hamra Farm will more than double the number of milking cows from 260 to 550 and increase the total herd to over 1000.

“Hamra Farm was acquired by DeLaval’s founder, Gustaf de Laval, over 130 years ago and has always been a pioneer and innovator in dairying.

The latest developments include three new sheds: a maternity and calf shed, a heifer shed, and a VMS milking robot shed that doubles as a visitor centre,” explains DeLaval’s CEO Paul Löfgren.

The expansion has increased the size of the farm to 12 000 m², roughly the size of two football pitches, with four DeLaval VMS™ V310 and one DeLaval VMS™ V300. Animal welfare has remained a top priority, which is reflected in everything from the layout and milking system to the bedding, swinging cow brushes and ventilation.

“The new housing is equipped with advanced technologies to support herd health and reproduction, including artificial intelligence (AI) powered tools, which detect cows at risk of illness.

Automated somatic cell counters help improve milk quality and udder health, while behaviour analysis tools track activity, rumination, and feeding patterns,” says Mr Löfgren.

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DeLaval Doubles Size of Home Farm The herd size was carefully planned to fit the land available for growing forage and managing manure. Hamra Farm is self-sufficient, growing its own grass, maize, and grain. Manure is collected and spread on the same fields to improve soil health and reduce the need for commercial fertilisers.

Market Solutions Manager for the UK and Ireland, Ben Thompson reflects on the importance of the farm and its expansion as a way to lead dairying into the future.

“Hamra Farm plays a key role in demonstrating what’s possible in modern dairy farming. The area for milkers has been extended to 5000 square metres, with a further 1000 square metres housing DeLaval’s automated Optimat feeding system, which includes OptiWagon, a feeding robot to take forage to the herd,” he says.

The farm functions as a commercial dairy unit while also acting as a visitor and training centre. Further technology at the farm includes DeLaval’s behaviour analysis system, which monitors cow movement to detect potential health issues. The passages are kept clean with slurry scraping robots, forage is pushed up with OptiDuo robots which also refresh forage using an integral auger, and a robotic overhead distribution system provides sawdust for bedding.

“Using our behaviour analysis technology and DeLaval Repro, a

progesterone testing system, we can track fertility and identify cows in heat earlier. The expansion at Hamra Farm also includes dedicated heifer and calf sheds to manage replacements more efficiently,” he adds.

The five VMS robots are all fitted with DeLaval’s flow-responsive milking cups which maintain a steady vacuum on each of the four quarters to make milking 40 percent faster.

“Flow-responsive milking provides greater cow comfort, optimises milk flow and increases yield. We have also introduced milk cell analysis software which counts cells to help identify mastitis cases before any clinical signs are apparent,” says Mr Thompson.

The developments at Hamra Farm, and the data generated, is being recorded by DeLaval Plus analysis software which feeds into a new, global, artificial intelligence-managed database called DeepBlue. Every farm on the DeLaval Plus network feeds data to DeepBlue which subsequently sends analysis and guidance based on farms worldwide, back to individual farms.

“The potential for DeepBlue, as more farms come online with DeLaval Plus, is overwhelming. To capture, compare and analyse data from thousands of farms worldwide and use artificial intelligence to provide globally informed data to a single farm is unique and will transform the way producers make decisions now and in the future,” concludes Mr Thompson.

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Hebridean Dog Trial

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by Eilidh MacPherson

by Eilidh MacPherson

M

ore akin to sporting waterproofs, rather than shorts, at the dog trials at Staffin and Waternish, handlers, their dogs and sheep faced unprecedented searing heat as they steered their collies and the testing sheep round the courses at the weekend.

Part of the five-trial Hebridean Circuit, dog trialers and their canine cohorts travelled from as far as Kent and Wales to compete in the event, which kicked off on Ellishadder common grazings, on the Trotternish peninsula on Friday.

Staffin trial organiser, Ian ‘Staffin’ MacDonald, commented, “The local trial which, has been going since 2009 has raised over £42 000 for charities. It is the first trial on the Hebridean Circuit, followed by Waternish on Saturday.

The competitors then travel over to the Western Isles on Sunday and compete at Berneray, North Uist on Monday, Scarrista, Harris on Tuesday and the final day is at Lionel on Lewis.

“Using an amalgamated points system over the five events, the winner of the circuit is awarded the coveted Lord of the Isles trophy.”

Staffin Fifer Ian Brownlie, a multi-Scottish National and International winner, who now lives in East Lothian, made the trip

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to Skye and the Outer Islands for the first time in about forty years. “I came once when I was very young with my father,” he said.

Ian and Lark made their mark scoring 101 out of a possible 110 points, judged

by Ewen MacKinnon, Lochcarron, who is a noted Brace trialist.

But the Fifers were edged out of top spot by Ian Sutherland and Dan, who navigated the moorland course with speed and precision, taking out the title a point ahead and scoring the first full six points on the circuit. Ian is a crofter and digital creator from Betty Hill in Sutherland.

Tommy Long of Balboffy in County Donegal, Ireland and Gem lost six points on the drive and a point here and there, to take out third place on 99.

Last years winner of the Lord of the Isles title – English lady, Carol Mellin – came fourth with Ben (89) while Iain Brownlie scored fifth with his second dog Todd (88).

Gaining a point on the leader board in sixth place was 85 year old Alf Kyme and Annie from Rossendale, Lancashire.

“I’ve been coming up to this circuit for fifty years,” commented Alf, who won the English National in 2011.

Waternish Fifty-five dogs ran at Waternish, with nineteen handlers running two dogs a

piece. The sea breeze was much appreciated by man and beast.

Eighty-year old American Cathy Freeman, who prefers voice commands to whistling, teamed with Tilly, was first to make her mark on the score sheet, scoring 81 out of a possible 100. Their lift, pen and shed were flawless.

Next to raise the bar on the tally board was Irishman Tommy Long. Gem had a perfect outrun and lift and only dropped nine points over the rest of the course, scoring a hard to beat 91 points.

Skye man, Seumas Campbell, who has won the Scottish National Brace (running two dogs) twice and the International Brace once, had an amazing start to his run. Just as Queen was starting to drive the sheep across the field, a ewe that had escaped from the liberating pen joined the packet. The clock was stopped and Seumas was allowed a rerun from that point on.

Dropping 2 points at the drive and three at the pen the home team lifted the silverware on an impressive 95 points, four ahead of the Irish duo. Well kent John MacKillop and Glen, Fort Augustus were third, Ian Wheeler and Tot fourth, Ian MacDonald and Glen, Staffin fifth and the American lady and Tilly sixth.

As we go to press the last day in Lewis is in full flow.

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Hebridean Dog Trial Part 2

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og handlers and their canine cohorts sailed across the Minch, from the Isle of Skye to North Uist on the Sunday, to partake in the next three days of the Hebridean Circuit.

First stop was the island of Berneray, which is joined to North Uist by a causeway. Berneray covers 2500 acres and is renown for its sandy beaches and sand dunes. It has a tumultuous history with 22 crofters being cleared off the land in 1854 to make way for one farm.

But the crofters regained their rights by 1900.

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Hansson, who is settled in Wales, the competitors faced a ‘crofters lot’ – a mix of Scottish Blackfaces and Scotch mules on the flat machair course.

Seasoned trial pairing Ian Brownlie and Lark, from East Lothian, soared to the top of the table on 86 points for the day and to the head of the circuit leader board, sitting on 11 points, following their second placing at Staffin, on Skye.

Winner of the Lord of the Isles title 2024, Yorkshire farmer and dog trainer, Carol Mellin and Mac drew on 82 points with Skye lad Mark MacQueen and Ted. Carol scooped second place with fewer faults on the outrun, lift and fetch and

scored the best pen pushing the Sgaitheanachs into third place.

Similarly Irishman Loughlin Conn and his dog Rick and Shirley Duckworth, from Rossingdale, Lancashire teamed with Harry tied on 81 points. The Irish team scored lower OLF points so took fourth, Shirley fifth and Will Hurley and Joe from Cheshire were sixth on 80.

Islanders DA McKaskill and Soy won the best local, drive and pen and outrun and lift on day three.

With years of experience under his belt eighty-five year old Alf Kyme of Rossendale, Lancashire and Meg scored

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87 out of a possible 100 to take out day 4 of the Hebridean Circuit at Scarista on the south west coast of Isle of Harris.

Last years circuit winner, Carol Mellin awarded the judge from the previous day – Lisa Hannson and her collie Lemon – 83 points and second place.

Four competitors Landed on 82 points and based on OLF scores Will Hurley and Joe moved up from sixth at Berneray the day before to third place.

Stephen Duckworth and Fleet were fourth, Skyeman Seumas Campbell and Queen fifth and John MacKillop from Fort Augustus and Glen sixth.

Local silverware went to Derrick Campbell and Swell.

The final leg of the five-day island extravaganza saw forty-one dogs put through their paces at Lionel, Ness in the north of the Isle of Lewis, under the auspices of judge Iain Wheeler.

Will Hurley and Joe, who failed to score on Skye, found form on the Western Isles and steadily improved to take top spot - 88 points for the day and a total of 11 on the leader board and runner up position for the tournament.

Shannon Conn and Chip from Ireland were second on 84.

Ian Brownlie, who has represented Scotland on many an occasion and Lark took third on 83 and tallied with their 11 points, they took out the competition and Lord of the Isles 2025 title.

"We had a very enjoyable week visiting and trialling in the Hebrides and I would like to thank all of the people involved in organising and helping at this great circuit of trials," commented Ian, who will undoubtedly be back.

Shirley Duckworth and Harry came fourth for the day on 79, Staffin trial organiser Ian MacDonald and Ben fifth and Phil Rigby and Arya 6th.

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NUFFIELD SCHOLARSHIP

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pplications for 2026 Nuffield Farming Scholarships will close on the 31st July 2025. A Nuffield Farming Scholarship is a life-changing opportunity, which allows Scholars to travel internationally studying a topic of their choice while developing their leadership skills and creating positive change in agriculture.

"My Nuffield Scholarship journey has been incredible," says Somerset dairy farmer and 2024 Scholar Sophie Gregory.

"Visiting farms around the world and meeting passionate people has completely shifted my perspective. It's made me even more committed to our sector and proud to be part of this industry.

International travel to learn from experts around the world is a core part of a Nuffield Scholarship: "I'm only partway through my Nuffield experience but already feel I have

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gained so much through meeting inspirational people and going to some incredible places," says 2025 Scholar Mollie Gupta, who is researching British seaweed farming and based in Surrey.

"Mustering cattle across 40 thousand hectares in a helicopter, getting a free bespoke distillery tour, a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, milking 750 goats on a rotary, being national news in more than one country and experiencing rural Brazil's best medical centre, a Nuffield Scholarship really does offer it all!" adds Scottish knowledge exchange manager and podcaster Wallace Currie NSch 2024.

However, for many Scholars, travel also creates the opportunity for personal growth: "I was supposed to be in Vietnam learning about farming around the Mekong delta," says 2024 Scholar and Cambridgeshire arable farmer Jamie Stokes.

"I ended up in Thailand teaching 'food production techniques for limited space' to an elephant sanctuary.

Nuffield will give you the platform to become a technical specialist, life will give you the opportunities to do something memorable with it."

As part of their Scholarship, Scholars also attend the global Contemporary

Scholars Conference with other Nuffield Scholars from across the world.

"The global conference in New Zealand was mind-blowing," says first generation beef farmer Alex Crawley NSch 2025 of Gloucestershire.

"Being amongst 100 scholars from around the world looking for solutions to some serious global problems was intoxicating. Similar problems, different context, different scales, different experiences but same attitude – we WILL find a way to solve this."

Scholarships are open to those aged 25 to 45 years who are working within the farming, food, horticulture, rural and associated industries or are in a position to influence these industries in the UK. While there is no requirement for academic qualifications, applicants must demonstrate a passion for their topic and sector, as well as the ability to create change. All Scholarships are funded thanks to support for the Nuffield Farming's generous sponsors. "'The busiest people make the best scholars' – if I hadn't heard that before applying, I don't think I would have taken the leap," says 2025 Scholar and farm vet Laura Eden. "I've already made so many inspirational contacts across the world who share my passion.

I'm getting comfortable with being out of my comfort zone!"

"If you're thinking about applying, just go for it—you won't regret it!" concludes Sophie Gregory.

Prospective applicants can find out more about the application process and start their application by visiting https://www.nuffieldscholar.org/ scholarships/how-apply. Support from the Nuffield Farming Team, including regular virtual application drop-in sessions, will also be available throughout the application process.

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

Could a Hidden Fungus Be the Future of UK Farming?

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ith international trade increasingly making headlines an industry expert has reiterated the importance of safeguarding market access for the red meat sector.

Ouafa Doxon, Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board Head of Market Access, said maintaining UK meat export approvals was more essential than ever in ensuring continued trade in a wide portfolio of markets.

Her comments followed an audit by the US Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) in the United States of the UK veterinary system in late March 2025 as part of the UK's ongoing access arrangements for pork, lamb and beef exports to the US market.

Simultaneous site visits that look at UK official meat controls took place across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, with AHDB and the UK Export Certification Partnership hosting pre-audit preparation sessions for the

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businesses involved on what to expect.

The US audit followed the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) food safety audit looking at UK pork, lamb, beef and poultry facilities in September.

Over two weeks, around 20 sites including abattoirs, cold stores and processing plants were assessed to ensure compliance with export standards.

Following the audit, AHDB and UKECP worked closely with Defra and industry stakeholders to compile key documents for review. Defra is now finalising its formal response to CFIA's recommendations.

Last year total UK red meat exports were worth £1.77 billion. The value of beef, lamb and pig meat exports in 2024 as a whole increased 3.3 per cent on year earlier levels.

Ouafa said: "Market access is about securing new opportunities, strengthening existing arrangements, and ensuring continued access into established markets. AHDB, working in

close partnership with UKECP, DEFRA, and other UK government departments, remains committed to supporting UK meat exports and facilitating international trade.

"The final US audit report is pending, but trade continues uninterrupted marking steady progress in market access and regulatory collaboration.

Similarly, the final Canadian audit report is pending, but trade continues uninterrupted.

"With international trade very much in the spotlight currently, expanding global opportunities while safeguarding continued access to key markets is of paramount importance. AHDB's Market Access team continues to work behind the scenes with industry and government to help ensure our red meat export businesses are in the strongest position possible to maximise the opportunities presented."

Details about export opportunities for British red meat and dairy can be found in Prospects for UK agri-food exports.

AHDB safeguarding market access for British red meat

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ith international trade increasingly making headlines an industry expert has reiterated the importance of safeguarding market access for the red meat sector.

Ouafa Doxon, Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) Head of Market Access, said maintaining UK meat export approvals was more essential than ever in ensuring continued trade in a wide portfolio of markets.

Her comments followed an audit by the US Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) in the United States of the UK veterinary system in late March 2025 as part of the UK's ongoing access arrangements for pork, lamb, and beef exports to the US market.

Simultaneous site visits that look at UK official meat controls took place across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, with AHDB and the UK Export Certification Partnership (UKECP) hosting pre-audit preparation sessions for the businesses involved on what to ex-

pect.

The US audit followed the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) food safety audit looking at UK pork, lamb, beef, and poultry facilities in September.

Over two weeks, around 20 sites including abattoirs, cold stores and processing plants were assessed to ensure compliance with export standards.

Following the audit, AHDB and UKECP worked closely with Defra and industry stakeholders to compile key documents for review. Defra is now finalising its formal response to CFIA's recommendations.

Last year total UK red meat exports were worth £1.77 billion. The value of beef, lamb and pig meat exports in 2024 as a whole increased 3.3 per cent on year earlier levels.

Ouafa said: "Market access is about securing new opportunities, strengthening existing arrangements, and ensuring continued access into established markets. AHDB, working in close partnership with UKECP, DEFRA,

and other UK government departments, remains committed to supporting UK meat exports and facilitating international trade.

"The final US audit report is pending, but trade continues uninterrupted marking steady progress in market access and regulatory collaboration.

Similarly, the final Canadian audit report is pending, but trade continues uninterrupted.

"With international trade very much in the spotlight currently, expanding global opportunities while safeguarding continued access to key markets is of paramount importance. AHDB's Market Access team continues to work behind the scenes with industry and government to help ensure our red meat export businesses are in the strongest position possible to maximise the opportunities presented."

Details about export opportunities for British red meat and dairy can be found in the AHDB analysis Prospects for UK agri-food exports.

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SIAL China important for British pigmeat sector

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ith trade very much in the spotlight China's most important trade show for the meat sector has underlined its importance as an export destination for British pig meat.

British pig meat exporters joined the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) at SIAL China in Shanghai to shine the spotlight on our world-class produce in what is the UK's biggest market for the sector.

The show in Shanghai was expected to attract more than 180 000 industry professionals and visitors to AHDB's stand had the opportunity to meet with exporters and sample quality pork from Britain.

To coincide with the show AHDB, in collaboration with Invest Northern Ireland, also hosted a British Meat Dinner, which attracted 60 key industry stakeholders and was also attended by HM Deputy Trade Commissioner for

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China Sohail Shaikh.

Jonathan Eckley, AHDB International Trade Development Director, said: "Taking part in SIAL and the British Meat Dinner is vital in ensuring our world-class produce remains front and centre in this key market. Feedback from visitors to our stand at the show was very positive and it's encouraging to see how well respected and highly valued our products are in this key market for the pig meat sector."

China remains the UK's biggest export market for pork. In 2024 the UK exported £161 million worth of pig meat to China.

Last June AHDB hosted a delegation from the China Meat Association (CMA) for a week, which included meeting industry and UK Government officials at the AHDB Red Meat Export Conference in Butchers' Hall, London.

In December two UK sites were re-listed to export pig meat to China after a huge collaborative effort between many stakeholders including Government departments, industry and AHDB. Jonathan added: "I cannot stress enough how important the market in China is for exports of pig meat. As ever, building and maintaining positive relationships with industry stakeholders plays a pivotal role in helping drive export growth. We will continue to work with industry and the government to maximise the opportunities presented."

Details about export opportunities for British red meat and dairy can be found in the AHDB analysis Prospects for UK agri-food exports.

Zinc Oxide Ban Survey

Pig producers are being urged to complete a short survey aimed at understanding how the ban on therapeutic zinc oxide (ZnO) is affecting piglet health and performance across the UK. The industry-wide survey, run by Roam Technology — a global, science-driven specialist in hygiene, disinfection and performance solutions — takes just five minutes to complete. It focuses on the practical, on-farm

consequences of removing ZnO, particularly around post-weaning diarrhoea (PWD) and seeks to gather insight on how farmers are adapting their management and biosecurity practices.

All responses will remain anonymous. Farmers have the option to provide their contact details if they wish to be entered into a prize draw to win a £100 gift voucher of their choice.

Nigel Bennet, Livestock Area Manager for Northern Europe at Roam Technology, says the effects of the ban are becoming increasingly apparent.

“Zinc oxide almost acted like a sticky plaster — masking underlying problems in piglet health. Now that it’s been removed, we’re seeing a rise in challenges, especially around PWD, which can impact growth rates, welfare, and farm economics,” says Mr Bennet.

“Producers are doing their best to adapt, but the loss of ZnO has left a significant gap. We’re hearing from farmers who are struggling to maintain consistency in piglet performance, despite trying a range of nutritional and hygiene-based solutions.

“What we’re finding is that tackling PWD now requires a much more holistic approach. Hygiene is absolutely critical — right through from farrowing into weaning accommodation. Clean pens, effective disinfection protocols and reducing pathogen load in the environment can make a big difference,” adds Mr Bennet.

“Equally important is the health and nutrition of the sow. If piglets don’t get off to a strong start, their resilience at weaning is compromised. Ensuring sows are well managed and piglets receive enough high-quality colostrum can help build that essential early immunity.

“This is why it’s so important we gather a broad picture of what’s happening on farm. The more insight we have, the better we can support the industry in developing targeted, sustainable approaches to piglet health — whether that’s improving biosecurity, optimising housing, or enhancing gut health through other means,” Mr Bennet says.

“We really encourage everyone working with pigs to take five minutes to complete the survey. Their feedback will be invaluable in helping shape future advice and innovation,” he says.

The survey is now live and will be open until 13 June 2025. Complete it here https://www.surveymonkey.com /r/Q3X3W6K

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Minister Visits Cheesemonger as British Producers Benefit from EU Trade Reset

New agreement will cut costs and red-tape, making agri-trade cheaper and easier for British producers and retailers Government fulfils manifesto commitment by agreeing to deliver a Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Agreement with the EU Farming Minister visits major cheese exporter set to benefit from easier exports

he government announced a new deal with the EU on Monday (19 May), will benefit British food and drink producers and exporters, supercharging the UK economy and putting more money into people’s pockets.

Following the summit, Food Security and Rural Affairs Minister Daniel Zeichner visited the iconic Neal’s Yard Dairy in Bermondsey to meet specialist producers and artisans. They discussed how this new agreement, the third major trade deal in as many weeks, will make it cheaper and simpler to export high-quality British produce, such as artisanal cheese, into EU markets.

The government’s plan includes agreeing to deliver a Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Agreement with the

EU, fulfilling on a core manifesto promise. This will scrap burdensome certification and remove certain border checks on agriculture and food goods, paving the way for smoother trade with the UK’s largest trading partner.

Crucially, the changes will reduce red tape for producers of perishable goods, such as chilled meats and fine cheeses, helping to unlock routes which were otherwise costly or unviable. This move is part of a wider package expected to add nearly £9 billion to the UK economy by 2040.

Farming Minister Daniel Zeichner said: “We want to see more of our Great British produce on shelves across Europe.

“This reset with the EU is long overdue and stripping away onerous

checks is exactly the kind of boost our specialist food producers need to get on and build their businesses.

“That is why it is such a pleasure to visit Neal’s Yard Dairy today, to sample some of the country’s finest produce from a true champion of British artisanal cheese, whether a nutty Sparkenhoe Red Leicester or a creamy Stichelton blue.”

Rod Addy, Director General, Provision Trade Federation, said: “Our members have lost huge amounts in recent years on needless checks and admin, accelerating costs and hitting small to medium-sized suppliers like Neal’s Yard Dairy hardest.

“This deal is a timely shot in the arm for the economy. We are one step closer to seeing a return to long-term, sustainable growth for British food businesses.”

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Nuffield & AHDB renew partnership as tickets launch for Aberdeen conference

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ickets are now available for the 2025 Nuffield Farming Conference, to be held at P&J Live conference centre on 18-20th November 2025. For the third year running, AHDB will partner with Nuffield Farming as the conference's main sponsor as part of an ongoing relationship between the two organisations to share knowledge and catalyse positive change across the industry.

"We are delighted to be bringing the Nuffield Farming Conference to Aberdeen this year. The region has a vibrant agricultural heritage and we are excited to showcase this during the conference," says Tom Rawson, Chair of the Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust.

"Our partnership with AHDB continues to grow and their ongoing support allows us to deliver an industry-leading event. Both organisations share a common goal of ensuring a thriving future for the industry, and combining our strengths brings us closer to achieving that."

A long-term sponsor of Nuffield Farming Scholarships, AHDB has also been the main conference sponsor for the past three years.

"Our relationship with the Nuffield programme goes back more than a decade and during that time we have sponsored almost 20 scholarships," says Graham Wilkinson, CEO of AHDB.

The three-day agenda features presentations from around 28 Nuffield Farming Scholars, a welcome buffet, local business tours and a formal annual dinner. Discounts on transport, including Logan Air and the Caledonian Sleeper, are available to delegates in addition to competitive accommodation rates.

Attendance is open to anyone with an interest in Agriculture.

Tickets are now available to purchase at a discounted "early bird" price until 25th August. Full details about the conference, including ticketing information, can be found on the Trust's website at www.nuffieldscholar.org/ Aberdeen2025.

costs and increasing demand, RHET needs to find new and robust funding streams to continue its important work."

Each year, RHET engages children through farm visits, classroom talks, and food education activities, helping young people understand where their food comes from and how the countryside works.

RHET Chairman, Hugh McClymont, says: "Every year, over 80 000 young people across Scotland experience something they'll never forget thanks to the Royal Highland Education Trust.

"But without new avenues of support, these important experiences for children to learn about food, farming and the countryside could be at risk.

"I'm asking for individuals and businesses to dig deep and support a charity that makes a real and lasting difference in the lives of young people and supports vital storytelling for the

agricultural industry."

RHET's goal is to give every child in Scotland the chance to learn about food, farming, and the countryside, to create a wider understanding of the environmental, economic and social aspects of rural Scotland.

"This is so much more than a school trip," said Nicki Istephan, a local teacher from Peebles. "RHET brings the curriculum to life. It helps children see the real world beyond the textbooks. It is important that our curriculum reflects our local community and provides the children with life-long skills" Every pound raised via the KEEP RHET FREE campaign goes directly to delivering rural learning experiences across Scotland's 12 RHET Countryside Initiatives.

To find out more, donate, or get involved, visit www.rhet.org.uk/keeprhet-free.

RHET launches campaign to raise £50k

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he Royal Highland Education Trust has launched its ambitious fundraising campaign KEEP RHET FREE, aiming to raise £50 000 by December to ensure that children across Scotland continue to access free, unbiased, high-quality rural and food education.

The campaign was launched at a food and farming day at Bonnington Farm near Peebles last week (15 May), where close to 100 school children, farmers, teachers and RHET supporters gathered to celebrate the hands-on learning that RHET has delivered for over 25 years.

The campaign was developed to support RHET to evolve and focus on securing a new rigorous, long-term fundraising stream alongside Scottish Government funding.

"RHET is free for schools — but it's not free to run," said Katrina Barclay, RHET's Executive Officer. "With rising

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farmdrive Inaugural Winner of the Balmoral Show New Product Innovation Award

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n 2022 the team at farmdrive ‘set out to build something that farmers actually needed a practical, easy-touse app built for farmers, by farmers.’

At this year’s Balmoral Show, their success was further recognised as they were crowned the inaugural winners of the Show’s New Product Innovation Award, proudly sponsored by Farming Life and Farm Week.

The ground-breaking app farmdrive, was designed to help farmers handle their livestock management in real time.

From registering births, deaths and movements to tracking animal growth and performance, farmdrive is a user-friendly solution to reducing paperwork and simplifying regulatory requirements.

With backgrounds in computer science, finance and cybersecurity coupled with a lifetime of experience on family farms, app developers Gareth Gordon and Gareth McDonald identified a new opportunity after conversations with fellow farmers at local agricultural shows.

Gareth McDonald recalled, ‘We realised there was a real gap in the market when farmers kept telling us, “Nothing out there actually works the way we do.” It all started with a few honest conversations in a cattle shed.

Farmers were fed up with tools that ticked compliance boxes but didn’t help

them improve. That frustration pushed us to build something better, to build something practical, farmer first and genuinely useful. That’s how farmdrive began’.

The New Product Innovation Award was introduced earlier this year by the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society’s Trade Exhibits Committee to reward and recognise innovation within the agricultural industry and highlight new products and services to the Northern Ireland market.

Chair of the RUAS Trade Exhibits Committee, David Mark explained, “When interviewing the shortlisted finalists, our judges were looking for products or services that were ground-breaking and had applied their engineering or intellectual property ideas to deliver a standout solution. We were really impressed by all the finalists, with a variety of engineering and software solutions, but in farmdrive we saw a team dedicated to delivering a simple user-friendly solution that added value to the process.

“The integration, collaboration and information sharing in real-time with the processor and multiple supermarket chains was incredibly forward looking.”

Commenting on their win, Gareth Gordon said, “It’s a real honour to be the first winners of this award. A big moment for our team and the farmers

we built this for.”

Also shortlisted from the 2025 entries were the ePulse from EASYFIX, the MK1200 Rear Discharge Muck Spreader from SpreadPoint, the Slurryquip RC150 Mobile Separator from SRF Ltd, the Soil Health Hub from Kilwaughter Lime and the Weed Wipeout from Blaney Agri & Quad X. As worthy winners of the inaugural Balmoral Show New Product Innovation Award, Gareth and Gareth from farmdrive will receive a tailored £1500 advertising package with the Farming Life/Farm Week to continue to lift farmdrive to new heights.

Diane Burke from National World, parent company of Farming Life and Farm Week said, “We at Farming Life and Farm Week were incredibly proud to sponsor the New Product Innovation Award at the Balmoral Show. It's always inspiring to see the creativity and dedication of local businesses. Well done to all the finalists and huge congratulations to farmdrive! They really deserve the recognition. It was a fantastic showcase of innovation and hard work from everyone.”

The 156th Balmoral Show in partnership with Ulster Bank took place from Wednesday 14th to Saturday 17th May 2025 at the Eikon Exhibition Centre. For further information www.balmoralshow.co.uk

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Highland Sheep 2025

by Eilidh MacPherson

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t is just over a week till throngs of farmers and sheep enthusiasts from across the country head for the NSA ‘Highland Sheep’ event at Midfearn Farm, Ardgay, Sutherland, IV24 3DL, on Wednesday June 11 2025. The Brooke family, who are the fourth generation to run the estate, are the hosts.

The 13 500 acre property, which straddles the A9, part of the North Coast 500 (NC500) tourist route, rises from the shores of the southern side of the Dornoch Firth, to 1800 feet on the heather hill. The bulk of the estate is hill ground with only 250 acres of grassland around the steading and on the loch side.

Historically 1200 Blackface sheep were run on the high ground but over the past two decades the flock has been gradually converted to North Country Cheviots. Around 650 breeding ewes, predominantly Cheviots and Suffolks and a small flock of Blackfaces now call this home. Producing higher quality lambs and securing better prices at the market were the main drivers in the change of breed.

Lambing at Midfearn had just concluded before the press day, which was combined with a full committee turn out. Farm manager Neil Shaw, who has worked at Midfearn since he

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left school at sixteen commented, “Lambing was successful and all outside as the weather was amazing. Only problems and twining triplets onto singles were taken in. Out of the 45 triplet sets scanned 18 are still running intact.”

The ewes with single lambs can be viewed on the day. But all ewes with twins and triplets are away at grass as the other fields are kept for silage and this year also for parking and trade stands for the event. Incidentally the silage parks were getting watered during our visit due to the unprecedented continuous sunshine!

All lambs are sold as store through Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd with the best ewe lambs selected as replacements.

A closed herd of 110 Aberdeen Angus cattle make up the livestock numbers at Midfearn. All calves are sold between 12-18 months as store cattle, again through Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd, with the best heifer calves kept as replacements and breeding bulls and tups are bought in.

Many other farms on the NC500 have invested in tourism and holiday accommodation, as alternative income streams, but renewables are the backbone for this Highland property.

Two hydro schemes, which can be viewed on the farm tour and a small wind-farm bring in a six-figure sum for the estate.

Over the years other enterprises have been run on farm including Angora goats for two years and a salmon hatchery for three decades.

Heading the local organising team is Euan Campbell from the Black Isle, who is now a salesman for Watson Seeds – a career change from a decade as an auctioneer at Dingwall. Watson Seeds have twelve trial grass plots. “Grassland and soil health have always been at the forefront of what drives livestock performance, profitability and efficiency at Midfearn. The plots were chosen for the event due to the increased interest in multispecies swards, which are also very popular in the north of Scotland. They will be showcased during the farm tour, with our team available to walk through the grass plots, explain each mixture and answer any questions that may arise.”

Invitation dog trials kick off at 8.30am with the SAYFC National Sheep Dog Final at lunchtime.

Gates open to the public open at 9am in time for the judging of fifteen pairs of ewe hoggs, which will be sold at 4pm.

Joanie Whiteford, The Lord Lieutenant of Ross and Cromarty, who

farms at Castle Craig, Nigg with husband David and their nephew, will officially open the event at 10am.

Demonstrations include; bolusing, crook making, prime lamb selection, sheep dressing, wool spinning, weaving, dying and felt making.

Twenty sheep shearers will compete against the clock in several knockout rounds of speed shearing. Shearing icon Gavin Mutch who has a World Championship Individual title and two team titles to his name is currently back from NZ will be up against other national and local shearers including Simon Bedwell of Garve.

Speakers covering “Social Media, Farm Promotion and Diversification” are Cammy Wilson of Sheep Game fame, Instagramer Janet McQuistin of Kitchen Coos and Ewes and Tom Robertson of Embelton Mill, Northumberland who is covering farm diversification.

Local farmer Victoria Ballantyne and Nuffield Scholar from Brora is heading the “Lamb – What the Market Needs” followed by farmer and butcher Jock Gibson and then Halal sheep meat marketing and the opportunities available in the UK and globally Awai Fuseini.

A range of interesting workshops will be on going throughout the day in building 2. Over 100 trade stands with the latest in agri-tech, genetics, nutrition and handling will be open for business and advice.

NSA Scotland Chairman, Peter Myles commented previously, “We are very pleased to be working with such a fantastic venue and a true showcase of the Scottish sheep industry. NSA Scotland is particularly keen to continue to raise the profile of the organisation in the area and give Highland sheep farmers and ancillary services a major sheep event without having to travel further south. At a time when there is so much persistent change on a myriad of fronts, we must look at those who have been able to utilise change for the betterment of their farming enterprises whilst using all resources at hand to their fullest potential.

Leave the lamb marking for another day if not already done and down tools to head to the eastern Highlands to see ‘what’s new’ in the sheep world! Catch up with friends from across the country and enjoy what Midfearn and the NSA and local committees have been working hard on over the past year.

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Gavin Mutch first to Secure Place in Scottish Team

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ompetition is fierce in sheep shearing circles as places mean prizes and a flight to New Zealand for the 2026 World Shearing and Wool Handling Championships.

Currently only Gavin Mutch (right) has secured his position in the Scottish Team.

Normally the winner of the Scottish National Machine shearing, which takes place at the Royal Highland Show, wins the first ticket to the World Champs.

Calum Shaw, who has represented Scotland in France in 2019, (top p 43) where he was fourth in the Individuals and won the team event with Gavin Mutch and on home turf in Scotland in 2023 was third in the World machine section and third with Hamish Mitchell in the team event, took out the National title for a seventh time.

But due to, “young family and the farm I can’t commit to a season out in New Zealand before the Worlds to be fit enough. I’d love to go but it is not possible,” commented Calum, who runs 300 cows and 3500 sheep along with his father and brother, at Salen in Fife.

Second place-getter in the National, Gavin Mutch, gladly took first dibs onto the team and went on to prove his worth by taking out the Open at the Highland Show, shearing his score (20 sheep) in 14 mins and 10 seconds – over a whole minute ahead of the field.

“I’m truly honoured to have the opportunity to represent Scotland once more. It takes a lot of sacrifice to commit to the selection process, especially with work and family commitments — so I’m incredibly fortunate to have the full support of my amazing partner Jess. She backed me 100% from the start and I couldn’t have done this without her,” stated World Individual Champion 2012 Gavin Mutch.

“My selection journey began on the 15th of May, flying back from New Zealand and heading straight to the

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Balmoral Shearing Competition. That event went well (second to Matt Smith, England) and gave me the confidence that I was still competitive and capable of pushing for a place on the team.

“To prepare, I needed both training and opportunities to shear. Will Dickson at Border and Lothian Shearing was kind enough to offer me a stand.

Getting back into the rhythm of UK sheep breeds was a challenge after several years away, but Will’s location also made travelling to comps far easier than commuting from Aberdeenshire.”

Gavin continued: “The next few competitions, I was probably trying a bit too hard — not quite letting myself relax into the shearing and letting the results come. But every event was a chance to learn and build towards the Highland Show.

“Travelling the country for comps often felt like I was putting more miles on Mum’s car (very kindly lent!) than sheep through the pen — by the end, I’d clocked up over 5500 miles chasing competitions and qualifying opportunities. But that’s the grind.”

Gavin even managed to fit in a two-day Elite Shearing Training UK course. “It was great — not only to help support other shearers, but also to refresh my own mind-set and sharpen up on the finer details.”

Then came the Highland Show — ‘which went unbelievably well.’ “I qualified for the national final and

Calum let me know beforehand that he wouldn’t be travelling to New Zealand if he won, so I knew a second-place finish would earn me a spot on the team.

That allowed me to shear with a bit more care and less pressure.”

“With the stress off in the Open Final, I just enjoyed it. I like to shear a strategic style — getting out in front early to apply pressure. The sheep suited me and tested everyone on the board,” shared Gavin.

“Lochearnhead is one of the hardest finals to make, so I never take it for granted. You need to make every shear count to even qualify.

“In the Joe Te Kapa Test, Calum and I faced two extremely tough Kiwi shearers (Toa Henderson and Jack Fagan) and that really brought the best out in both of us. I took the race to them early and Calum kept quality high behind — we worked really well as a team to get the result.”

“The Open Final might’ve been one of my best shears. The hoggs weren’t as fast as they were back in 2022, but I stuck to my game plan. With top support from pen men Ian Montgomery and Hamish Mitchell, I held my quality and opened up a two-sheep lead by the finish.”

Gavin took out Lochearnhead and was in the lead on 58 points before heading home to New Zealand to get in plenty practice for the real deal at the Golden Shears in Masterton in March.

by Eilidh MacPherson

The battle is still on for the remaining five places representing Scotland: one machine shearer, two blade/ hand shearers and two wool handlers.

Team manager Will Dickson, who

will travel to Aotearoa was busy getting organised to head to the Netherlands with the development team. They are Senior shearers Duncan Adam and William Ballantyne. Will get a comment

another time!!

Going by my calculations there are two front-runners for the second machine-shearing place. Well seasoned shearer Hamish Mitchell is sitting on a total of 51 points, with two seconds (highest placed Scot), two thirds and a sixth from five competitions entered.

Dumfriesshire farmer and shearer, Lewis Harkness (33) (above) is only a point behind with a second, a third and three fourths. Lewis, who has been shearing since he was eighteen won the Scottish Junior Shearing Circuit aged 21.

With attention to detail on and off the board, Lewis won the Intermediate Circuit twice followed by the Senior Circuit and has been shearing in the Open for two years making semis, quarter finals and a test match this year.

He farms 520 acres at Netherhall Farm and rents a further 150 in partnership with his aunt.

Lewis and George Mair shear 22 000 sheep locally in the summer and through the winter months he crutches at Dumfries, Castle Douglas and Lockerbie markets.

Scott Wilson and Stuart Robson would have to score highly in the next three qualifying events at Yorkshire, Corwen and the Black Isle to edge Hamish or Lewis out of pole position and the coveted Golden ticket to NZ. Each shearer’s top five scores from the eight shows are tallied at the Black Isle on the 7th August.

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urrent World Wool Handling Champion Rosie Keenan made her mark on the Scottish circuit by taking out the Royal Highland Show and Lochearnhead events recently.

Rosie, a new mum, now living on a croft in Caithness, in the far north of Scotland, with her shearing partner Henry Cornthwaite, didn’t enter the first three qualifiers at Balmoral Show in Northern Ireland, the Royal Welsh Spring Show and the Staffordshire Show in England.

Scottish Shearing Association Secretary Katie O’Sullivan (nee Reid) and Isla Shaw (Calum’s sister) are leading the way on 51 and 54 points respectively.

Katie, a qualified lawyer to trade, travels around the world shearing with her husband Dennis O’Sullivan, who has represented Ireland and their under school-age daughter. She has two wins, a second, a third and a sixth to her credit at the moment.

Marginally ahead is Isla Shaw, who works full time as a rural chartered surveyor for Bell Ingram. “I used to rousie for Calum when I was younger and have done the odd day for Lance Armstrong and Dougie Steele at the start of this season,” commented Isla (30), who has swept up a first, two seconds and two third places so far.

Katie and Isla will be heading over to Clomany Show in Ireland to compete in the six nations team event together

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(pictured far right, Isla on the left).

Before that they have the Yorkshire for practice and then the Royal Welsh and Corwen (both qualifying shows) culminating at the Black Isle.

Like the machine shearing circuit the top five scores of each competitor will be added to see who will be throwing fleeces at the World Champs.

Audrey Aiken, who represented Scotland at World level, teamed with Rosie Keenan, in France and Scotland, was second at Lochearnhead this year, but due to young family commitments isn’t competing on the circuit. She was individual world runner-up last year and fourth in France in 2019.

Aiken (below right) and Keenan (b left) were second team in the world in France 2019 and third in 2023 when Scotland hosted the World Champs.

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lade shearing or hand shearing as, it is known in the UK, is the third category at the World Shearing Championships.

Current front-runner Willie Craig (56) has represented Scotland on three previous occasions. “My first was in New Zealand in 2012, where I came sixth in the Individual final, in France in 2019 and at the last one in Scotland 2023.

I missed out on Invercargill, New Zealand 2017 as I had a hip replaced in 2016.”

“I was always teamed with Mark Armstrong and we came fourth in New Zealand and sixth in France.”

Willie has shepherded and managed the 1200 Blackface ewes on Gosland, near Biggar for 32 years and sold a Blackie tup to a top of £18 000.

He has been the top qualifying Scot at all four competitions to date, gaining the full 12 points at each. Sitting on 48 points and only needing four best scores to qualify, Willie is pretty much guaranteed his place on the blade team.

His son Murray, who worked for Matty Blair at Shap, Cumbria until recently and left to go full time shearing is in second place with two seconds a fourth and a sixth (38 points). Tomus Palmer of Oban is on 29 and Blair Moffat from Peebles on 26 points.

It is looking likely that it may be a father and son affair for the blade team – not a first as George Mudge and his son have previously represented England.

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12:02

World Sheep Shearing Championships @ Golden Shears 4th- 7th March 2026 Masterton, New Zealand

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MOVERS & SHAKERS

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he Crofting Commission announced that recruitment for two Appointed Commissioner positions on its Board is now open. This is a significant opportunity for individuals to contribute to the strategic direction and governance of crofting in Scotland.

Appointed Commissioners play a vital role in regulating and promoting the interests of crofting, helping to secure its long-term future and enhance the social, economic and environmental fabric of crofting areas. The role involves contributing to policy development, deciding on complex

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cotland’s Finest Woods is pleased to announce Wilma Harper has been selected as its new chair.

A Chartered Forester and Chartered Environmentalist, Wilma has been a trustee of Scotland’s Finest Woods since June 2017 and replaces Guy Watt.

Wilma has held senior positions across the Forestry Commission and is a former President of both the Institute of Chartered Foresters and the Royal Scottish Forestry Society – a role she will step down from later this year. She has also held non-executive roles with TWIC, the local record centre for SE and Central Scotland, and the National Biodiversity Network.

Wilma said: “The diversity of Scotland’s trees, woodlands and forests is something to behold and being chair of Scotland’s Finest Woods allows me to

champion the great work going on.

“I am continually impressed by the amazing people who are passionate about all types of woodland and forestry and make them places of innovation and success.

“There is a lot we do to promote this fantastic work, not least the annual Awards – currently applications are coming in for this year. If you work in a wood that is one of Scotland’s finest you still have time to apply for the 2025 Awards.

Jean Nairn, Executive Director of Scotland’s Finest Woods, said: “Wilma has been of great service to many areas of forestry and woodland and the people who work, live and play there.

Therefore, it is encouraging she can bring her wonderful experience as a new chair.”

applications, and providing strategic oversight.

Andrew Thin, Chair of the Crofting Commission, commented: "Serving as a Crofting Commissioner is a deeply rewarding experience, offering the chance to make a real difference to crofting communities across Scotland.

We are committed to building a Board that reflects the diversity of those communities and the wider Scottish public. We strongly encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Your skills and insights are invaluable and we are keen to

welcome new voices to help shape the future of this unique and important way of life."

The appointment will be made by Scottish Ministers through the public appointments process, which is based on merit, fairness, openness and transparency.

Full details about the role, including the person specification, time commitment, remuneration and how to apply, will be available online at https://www.crofting.scotland.gov.uk/r ecruitment-of-appointed-commissioners.

he Provost and Deputy Principal SRUC has joined the ranks of leading global experts with links to Scotland by securing a coveted position as a Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE) Fellow.

Professor Jamie Newbold is among 44 experts elected to fellowships this year with his work in the environmental impact of animal husbandry earning him a place among RSE Fellows representing the sciences, arts, business, professions and the third and public sectors.

An honour reserved only for those who are "the most distinguished in their fields," other recipients this year include pioneer of space technology, Professor Asad Madni, His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh and cartoonist and illustrator Kate Charlesworth.

The aim of the 1800-strong Fellowship is to solve the most urgent issues our society is facing today by

combining their expertise and knowledge.

President of the RSE, Professor Sir John Ball PRSE, said: "It is my sincere pleasure to welcome each of our new Fellows – from the worlds of academia, public service, business and the arts – to Scotland's National Academy. They represent excellence in their fields and will reinforce our ability to tackle the challenges that Scotland, and indeed the wider world, faces now and in the future.

"Across a range of disciplines, they have each shown an unshakeable commitment to their research, work or craft, and it is exactly this superlative level of accomplishment that makes them belong as Fellows of the RSE. I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to all of our new Fellows, and I hope they will avail themselves of all that our great National Academy has to offer them."

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SABI, has announced the appointment of Josie Barclay in the newly-created role of Suicide Prevention Lead.

Prior to joining RSABI, Josie – from a farming family in Moray – spent two years specialising as a senior practitioner in the mental health field.

She has a degree in Social Work and a Postgraduate Certificate Mental Health Officer Award, both from Robert Gordon University.

RSABI is very grateful to The Alistair and Margaret Miller Charitable Trust for funding this special role which means that for the first time RSABI has a full-time member of staff focused on crucial suicide prevention work in Scottish agriculture.

As well as working long hours, the isolation of modern farming and lack of social contact, along with the impact of increased costs and uncertainty about the future, are factors, which can have a major impact on the mental wellbeing of people in agriculture.

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he James Hutton Institute is delighted to announce that Colin Smith has been appointed Campus Operations Manager, as from 2nd June.

Mr Smith will be responsible for the development of the Hutton’s campuses at Invergowrie and Aberdeen, as well as its three working farms. He will work closely with campus partners, partner organisations and stakeholders as the Hutton continues to develop and utilise its built environment.

He is a highly experienced

The aim of the new role is to maximise the opportunity for partnership working and collaboration with specialist organisations involved in suicide prevention, in line with the Scottish Government's Prevention Strategy, Creating Hope Together.

Overseeing a major new research project will also form part of Josie's remit in the coming years.

The announcement of Josie's appointment coincides with the timing of the launch of Scotland's new National Suicide Prevention Campaign, which asks a simple question "What if a conversation about suicide could save a life?"

The idea behind the campaign is to normalise talking about suicide and to give people the confidence to have a conversation that could potentially save someone's life. Alongside the campaign, a new website with a range of information, resources and a new local services directory is being launched at suicideprevention.scot.

RSABI is pleased to support the campaign, led by Suicide Prevention Scotland, a community of organisations working to deliver the Scottish Government and COSLA's joint suicide prevention strategy, Creating Hope Together.

operational leader with expertise across a range of sectors including higher education, energy, oil and gas, aviation and Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) manufacturing.

Commenting on his appointment he said, “I am deeply passionate about continuous improvement and am excited to bring my extensive experience to The James Hutton Institute. I strongly advocate for employ wellbeing and development and I look forward to getting to know my new colleagues and collaborating with them to bring out the best in our team.”

Most recently Mr Smith has led a diverse multi-disciplinary operational team at Heriot-Watt University with a focus on estate maintenance, hospitality, events, energy and sustainability, innovation, capital projects and net zero initiatives.

He began his career with the Michelin Tyre Company in Dundee where he qualified as a multi-skilled electrical technician. He went on to earn a BSc in Engineering from Abertay University and has since held senior leadership roles at prominent organisations such as SSE, City of Edinburgh Council, Vion Foods, McVitie’s and BAA.

He contributed as a member of the project steering group to the Association of University Directors of Estates’ report, “Neurodiversity: Design and Management Guide for Higher Education Environments.”

Professor Colin Campbell, Chief Executive of The James Hutton Institute, said, “Colin’s extensive experience in managing campus operations fits very well with the needs and plans for our open science campuses, unique research farms and cutting-edge science capabilities. I look forward to welcoming him to the Hutton.”

The James Hutton Institute is a world-leading scientific organisation encompassing a distinctive range of integrated strengths in land, crop, waters, environmental and socio economic science. It undertakes research for customers including the Scottish and UK Governments, the EU and other organisations worldwide.

The institute has a staff of nearly 500 and 150 PhD students.

The Institute takes its name from the 18th century Scottish Enlightenment scientist, James Hutton, who is widely regarded as the founder of modern geology and who was also an experimental farmer and agronomist.

More information at www.hutton.ac.uk

MOVERS & SHAKERS

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r Gwendolyn Kirschner, a researcher at The James Hutton Institute, has won a prestigious postdoctoral prize from the Scottish Universities Life Sciences Alliance (SULSA) for her work on the control of root angle in barley. She is studying gravity signalling that could help plants to access available resources, like water, via their roots.

SULSA has awarded four prizes to outstanding postdoctoral researchers whose work shows excellent potential to make an impact in the field of life sciences, to allow the recipients to raise their profile in Scotland.

The prize aims to support the next

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he James Hutton Institute is excited to announce that Dr Mark Wilkinson has been appointed as the new Co-Director of our Climate Positive Farming Initiative (CPFI).

The CPFI, which is based at Glensaugh Research Farm, seeks to help farmers tackle the climate and biodiversity crises with transformative farming and technological innovations, including smart water management, renewable energy production, agroforestry and more.

A senior research scientist in catchment hydrology, Dr Wilkinson joined the Hutton in 2012 following almost a decade at Newcastle University. He has a wealth of experience in catchment hydrology, land management strategies and nature-based solutions – a skillset

well-suited to his new role. In addition, he has a strong track record of building networks and working with farmers, landowners, policy makers and other key stakeholders.

In his new role, Dr Wilkinson will work alongside Professor Alison Hester, CPFI Director, and Dr Scot Ramsay, CPFI Coordinator, to shape the initiative's exciting post-setup phase.

He said, "I'm enthusiastic about the opportunity to co-lead the CPFI and contribute to delivering integrated, evidence-based solutions for climate-positive farming."

Professor Alison Hester added: "I'm excited to work with Mark. Our setup has been a great success and we have ambitious, transformative plans – Mark's expertise and enthusiasm will be invaluable in achieving them."

generation of life science leaders in Scotland and includes a fully funded tour of three Scottish universities where the awardee will deliver a seminar and meet staff, as well as flexible funding to be used for at their discretion for further career development.

Dr Kirschner said, "The SULSA postdoctoral prize will allow me to visit the universities of the Highlands and Islands, Edinburgh and Glasgow to present my research – an ideal opportunity to meet the plant research community, explore collaborations and learn more about the local resources in Scotland, for example local barley varieties.

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arm Stock Scotland are delighted to announce that Mandy Grierson has joined as a Livestock Procurement Officer focussing specifically in Peeblesshire, Lanarkshire and West Lothian.

Mandy comes with a lifetime of experience in the livestock supply chain having previously ran her own successful livestock haulage business as well as working for another deadweight marketing company. Coming from a farming background, she also runs her own farm in Peeblesshire, where she keeps a flock of Blackface ewes and a herd of Aberdeen Angus cows.

Jonny Williams commented, "We had a lot of high quality applications to join the team and Mandy shone out brightly with her passion, enthusiasm and positivity for the whole red meat sector."

He added, "Her agricultural knowledge and high profile within the local community is second to none. I am absolutely delighted that she has agreed to come and work alongside what is already a very strong and experienced procurement team."

"After two years of strong growth in member livestock throughput and increased abattoir & customer demand for sheep & cattle, now is an opportune moment to grow the farmer owned business and strengthen further our services to our members."

Mandy Grierson said "I am delighted to be given the opportunity to join the forward thinking team at Farm Stock Scotland, I am looking forward to building strong working relationships with the farmers in my area and getting them good returns for their livestock."

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he James Hutton Institute is delighted to announce that Professor Tim George has been appointed as the new Director of the International Barley Hub, replacing Professor Robbie Waugh.

Professor George is a plant physiologist and soil scientist with more than 25 years’ experience of specialising in the dynamics of nutrients in the rhizosphere – the zone of chemical, biological and physical influence generated by root growth. He has a distinguished track record in leading teams of scientists in projects funded by the European Union and UK Research and Innovation and is the current vice President of the European Plan Sciences Organisation and the President of the International Society of Root Research.

Speaking of his appointment, Prof George said “I’m grateful to get the opportunity to build on the strong foundations laid by Robbie as outgoing Director of the IBH and am particularly excited to take on the challenge ahead.”

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he Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) has appointed Susan Stewart as Head of International Trade Development for its red meat sectors.

Formerly AHDB's Senior Trade Development Manager, Ms Stewart will take up her position from 1 July 2025 and will focus on the team's work with industry and UK Government to help develop global export opportunities for AHDB levy payers for beef, lamb and pork.

In 2024, UK red meat exports were

Professor George will lead the IBH in delivering a dynamic research and industry engagement programme through the application of fundamental, translational and applied research via a research programme that is co-constructed with industry.

Professor Waugh said, “I am sure that Tim’s expertise and experience will prove invaluable in his new role as Director of the IBH. “Barley is Scotland’s most important and the UK’s second most important, crop. All those working in the barley industry need scientific solutions to build its resilience and adaptation in the face of the current climate and nature crises. The cutting-edge science provided by the IBH has a major role to play in futureproofing this sector that is so vital to our economy.”

George Lawrie, Chair of the IBH, said, “Professor Tim George brings a whole new skill set that will help move the IBH to the next level. He has a proven track record for identifying and

securing funding within the UK and further afield and this is what is required in these challenging times. I look forward to working with him and the rest of the IBH team.”

worth £1.77 billion, with international trade development a critical part of AHDB's work for livestock levy payers.

This includes supporting overseas g overnment officials, facilitating trade development in key markets, participating in trade shows and coordinating inward and outward trade missions.

Most recently, Ms Stewart played a pivotal role in delivering AHDB's biggest inward mission for the red meat sector. The mission saw 28 buyers from the Americas, Africa, Asia and the Middle East head to the UK on a four-day visit which included visits to farms and processors in the West Country to learn more about production of world class British beef, lamb and pork. It culminated with a 'meet the buyer' event and gala dinner at Butcher's Hall in London attended by exporters and UK Government representatives.

She will also take a lead role in AHDB's presence at ANUGA – this year's biggest international trade show – in Cologne in October.

Jonathan Eckley, AHDB International Trade development Director, said: "I am delighted to announce Susan's appointment as Head of International Trade Development. The export trade is

very much a people business and Susan's expertise and knowledge is widely respected in the industry. Her appointment will play a crucial role in AHDB's ongoing work on behalf of levy payers, helping to ensure exports of our world-class red meat produce continues to deliver growth and value."

Susan Stewart said: "International trade and access to a wide portfolio of markets is of paramount importance to our livestock sectors. I'm looking forward to playing more of a lead role helping to ensure our beef, lamb and pork produce thrives in both existing markets and those we hope to secure future access to."

Other developments in the AHDB International Trade Development team will also see Dr Awal Fuseini's Senior Halal Sector Manager role in August becoming more focused on supporting the Halal supply chain, using his technical expertise.

Mr Eckley said: "Awal's technical skill and abilities are a major asset to our sectors and focusing his time to support the Halal supply chain will enable him to continue delivering first class services to our Halal levy payers and the flexibility to provide additional support for the sector with other stakeholder organisations."

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KUHN widens MEGANT tine drill range

wo wider models of KUHN Farm Machinery’s popular MEGANT tine drill have joined the single 6m model already in production.

The 7.2m, 722 R, and the 8m, 802 R, mounted drills include many of the same features as the existing 602 R model but feature wider working widths to increase pass-to-pass output.

The 802 R can achieve 8ha/hr, while the 7.2m model is compatible with 36m sprayer widths, allowing symmetrical drilling and tramlining over five passes.

KUHN’s MEGANT range has a low power requirement, with 180hp needed for the 7.2m model, and the 8m model requiring 200hp. The models feature a single 1,800-litre hopper, with an

optional SH 1120, 110-litre hopper, for drilling small seeds in the same pass.

Both hoppers use the same seed distribution flow and outlets to maintain simplicity.

The MEGANT offers growers the option to drill in a variety of soil conditions, with a staggered tine layout over four rows allowing trash and sticky soils to flow easily. Reversible forward-facing coulters, straight coulters, or 12mm tines are available, while the four front wheels (six or eight are optional) achieve a consistent seeding depth. KUHN’s VISTAFLOW universal tramlining and blockage monitoring system is also an option.

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

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BOOK – 200 Farmers of Scotland – £25 including postage

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

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

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

by Chris McCulloch

Mirrored Glamping & Lowline in Co. Antrim

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HEN the owners of a County Antrim dairy farm wanted to change direction and diversify the most obvious option due to their locality was to offer some form of tourism.

However, Andrew and Chloe Patterson of Ballyginniff Farm, situated right on the shores of Lough Neagh near Crumlin, didn’t want the common glamping pods, they demanded real luxury.

And that search for the best took the couple to Estonia, where they found the unique ‘Mirror Houses’ offered by OOD House, a company formed by two

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young brothers determined to offer the perfect and most natural holiday accommodation.

That voyage of discovery also helped the duo find a rather unique breed of cattle that was perfect in helping the Pattersons reach their sustainability goals.

Andrew said: “Following a shift in direction in our farming policy, which saw the end of milking cows here, Chloe and I decided to use the area’s natural beauty to our advantage.

“With such panoramic views of Lough Neagh across the road we had the ideal site to offer perfect holiday

breaks. After carrying out a great deal of market research we found there was a significant demand for breaks for couples, without the kids or pets.

“On that basis we wanted to provide the more top end accommodation to give people a relaxing break, away from all the stresses of modern day living and work.

“We are the first in Northern Ireland to bring in the Mirror Houses, which have no TVs and encourage people to switch off their electronics and unwind in the peace and quiet the homes generate,” he said.

Andrew and Chloe have installed two Mirror Houses with a shared mirror sauna and cold bucket shower between them. Each house has its own private electric hot tub and consists of a double bed, small kitchen area and wet room with shower and toilet facilities.

Both houses, one called Sunset and the other Sunrise, look over the fields into Lough Neagh with increased

privacy due to the unique mirror exterior.

Each one measures 20ft by 10ft and weighs ten tonnes. It took them just over ten days to travel the 7500kms from Estonia to their new home in Northern Ireland.

Just a mere stone’s throw from Belfast International Airport, the farm with its Mirror Houses is proving a bit hit for the young couple, who have not quite finished with farming.

Ballyginniff Farm has been in the Patterson family for four generations and is now home to Andrew, Chloe and their one-year old daughter Poppy.

Andrew works for a local cattle genetics company and Chloe is in charge of the rural accommodation business.

While most of the farm’s 140 acres are rented out it is still home to another rather unique herd of animals.

For many decades it was a dairy farm home to 120 cows until 2019, when Andrews father passed away. After the dairy cows were sold Andrew wanted something that little bit different, and found the miniature Australian Lowline cattle.

“We run a small herd of Australian Lowline beef cattle,” said Andrew.

“These animals are quite small but are fast growing and are very easy on the fields. They calf easy and are good mothers.”

With their renowned high fertility and moderate frame size, the Australian Lowline can be used over any breed to reduce calving problems while shorter gestation length makes the breed ideal as a cross in block calving herds.

The cows produce low birth weight calves that grow quickly and are early maturing.

Andrew said: “We selected the Lowline breed for its versatility and to suit our land. The cattle are low input, and have a sensible output. Our herd stays out 365 days per year and receives no concentrate feeding at all.

“They have a lower gestation period and a high kill-out percentage.

They reach 600 to 700kgs maximum liveweight which is perfect for the low input system outdoors all year long.”

Andrew currently has four cows running with their calves from last year in his Ballyginniff Lowlines herd.

“All of them are back in calf again due in September this year. We had one of our animals butchered for our home use and I can say the meat is of the highest quality, well marbled and full of flavour,” he added.

But for now it’s the Mirror Houses that are providing a strong income stream as both local and international visitors are discovering how comfortable they are.

Chloe said: “We are absolutely thrilled at the intake of guests from near and far. It was our goal to provide luxury accommodation with peace and tranquillity, at a higher level than your normal glamping site.

“As an added benefit we also offer a range of spa treatments for our guests delivered by local massage professionals. All the reports from these so far have been excellent,” she added.

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