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Ihave finally given in to my husband – he wanted to be on the cover of the first magazine in the shops back in September, but he’s on the first in Asda instead! Some of his friends already skiff through the magazine like they would a kids
‘Where’s Wally’ book, looking to see if he is hidden within the pages!
Anyway enough tittle-tattle.
‘Horse’ seems to have been the buzz word for January and John Fyall has written a rather amusing spoof on the hot-to-trot subject in his column this month.
Delighted to say that Hugh Stringleman is on board again with his World Markets column and will be contributing monthly from now on. He has tackled China in this issue.
I interviewed a very talented young
lady – Claire Wilson of Broughton, Biggar – whose livestock and animal drawings are extremely life-like. She is subsidising her student days by taking commissions and has kindly put up a prize for the winner of the ‘Farm Dog’ photography competition this month,
A Gloustershire couple, dairy farmers Kirsty and Paul Westaway, kindly donated a ‘Perfect Night In’ meal for the surprise package for the winner of the Sheep competition, which ran last month. Romance will be blooming in Glenshee – see pages 34 & 35 for the winning photographs and read about enterprising couple Paul & Kirsty on page 12.
We have a mix of topics and articles for you to browse – happy reading.
Page
If Gavin Mutch was a racehorse he probably would have been put down last year, if not just before he became World shearing champion then not long afterwards.
Now, if the Taranaki-based Scottish farmer and shearer was still a racehorse, the formline leading into a big event it could read: “Forward in condition, ready to resume.”
More boldly, it might add: “The ironhorse is back.”
That about sums up the 33-yearold who beat the Kiwi favourites in last year’s World Championships in Masterton, without anything other than guts and determination to help him over the shoulder injury, which just days earlier had him prepared to pull-out.
He’d dislocated his right shoulder – that’s his shearing one – and it was popping in and out, but stayed in place for the crucial preliminary rounds in Masterton and the 19min 12.27sec it took to shear the 20-sheep final and pip defending champion Cam Ferguson, of Waipawa and event favourite John Kirkpatrick, of Napier.
Remarkably, he had also survived the teams event the previous night, when he and teammate Hamish Mitchell came within 0.7pts of beating the Kiwis in the teams final, although they’d won a tooth-and-nail race for time honours as the two teams finished more than two minutes ahead of the next-best.
Few knew of what he had endured as the kilted-one held aloft the trophy on the final Saturday night, but already thinking of winning again two years hence, Mutch knew there was plenty to do to even be able to defend the title in Ireland in 2014.
Foregoing the usual mid-year trip home to Aberdeenshire, he underwent keyhole surgery in New Plymouth and set about being fit in time for the Scottish team selection events in the Northern Hemisphere this year.
After the operation in New Plymouth in July, Mutch returned to the Whangamomona farm where he lives with Kiwi wife Pip and their three children; by late-November he was back into fulltime mob shearing and soon doing over 350 ewes and lambs a day.
Topped with three long days weaning and dipping among the 3000 sheep on the farm this week, the self-diagnosis was simple. “I think I’m a bit ahead of where I thought I would be at this stage,” he said.
It’s probably enough to send the woollies up such men as defending lambshearing, Golden Shears and New Zealand Open champion Kirkpatrick, but winning at Raglan, where Mutch’s 2007 win was his biggest in New Zealand before his World Championships triumph during last year’s Golden Shears, is not the be-all and end-all where he expects to be under pressure to perform.
As is the case for several other shearers, the first goal is high place-points in the heats, which constitute the fourth of five rounds in NZ’s multi-breeds championships, the PGG Wrightson National.
Commemorating 40 years since the title was established with the first presentation of the McSkimming Memorial Triple Crown in 1973, Mutch got the obligatory single point for competing in the compulsory opening round at the New Zealand Merino Championships in Alexandra in October.
But a single bad shot on a hock in an otherwise good shear at the national Corriedale Championships at the 150th Canterbury Show cost him dearly and he now finds himself needing a good one to break into the top 12 to qualify for the showdown at the Golden Shears, as he did two years ago.
He would, also, dearly love to win the Golden Shears Open, having already been the only Northern Hemisphere shearer ever to contest its final. “We’ll see how it goes,” said Mutch, who expects, shoulder-willing, to be competing most weekends in the North Island over the next two months.
“I’m not too worried about the season here, though, as long as I get fit to go back home and qualify for the Scotland team,” he said.
The competitive streak cannot be denied, however.
While short on travel companions for the usually long trips, with a limited number of competition shearers around Whangamomona, the World champion expects to be paying his dues at such smaller shows as the Wairoa A and P Shears on January 19, and remote Ohura, scene of his only 2011-2012 season win outside of the World Championships.
“It’s bloody hard when people expect you to perform every time, because you’re the World champion,” he said, but not shying from the pressure. “I know, myself, I’ll push myself till it breaks.”
The World Shearing Records Society has confirmed applications have been received for three record bids over the next five weeks.
The first will be on January 31 when former solo 8 hour Strongwool Lamb record holder Cam Ferguson, of Waipawa, will team-up with Dannevirke shearers Adam Brausch and Ringa Paewai in an attempt on the three-stand record of 1784 set by King Country shearers Digger Balme, Roger Neil and Roger Pearce in 1999.
The attempt will take place near Ormondville in Southern Hawke’s Bay and the trio will need an average of 595 each to set a new mark, Ferguson having shown he will be a significant contributor having shorn 742 in claiming the solo record two years ago.
The second attempt will be on February 5, with a surprise entry into the records race by Golden Shears
and New Zealand Open Champion and Napier shearer John Kirkpatrick, teaming with Invercargill-based Eru Weeds, originally Dannevirke, James Mack, originally from Thames Valley, and Leon Samuels, of Invercargill. Shearing at Centre Hill Station near Mossburn, Northern Southland, they plan to set a mark for the vacant four-stand Lamb Record for 8 hours.
The third attempt will be Te Kuiti shearer Stacey Te Huia, targeting the 9hr Ewe Record of 721, which has not been challenged since Southern Hawke’s Bay shearer Rodney Sutton claimed the ultimate of shearing’s tally records by just one sheep in a dramatic day at Mangapehi, in the King Country, six years ago.
Te Huia will make the attempt on February 12 at Te Hape, also in the King Country and where he shore his current best tally of 674 as he and Sam Welch, of Waikaretu, broke a two-stand record last summer.
Invercargill shearer Nathan Stratford ended four years of northern domination of Southland’s major shearing events by winning the National Fullwool Crossbred Open title at Castlerock Station, Lumsden.
But the fortunes were reversed the next day when runner-up, Napier gun and regular Southland competitions winner John Kirkpatrick beat ‘Stratty’ by two lambs and a final total of almost six points in the National Crossbred Lamb Shearing Championship final at the Winton A and P Show.
With Kirkpatrick having won both events for three years consecutively in 2009, 2010 and 2011, matched last year by fellow Hawke’s Bay shearer Dion King, Stratford’s win was the first by a South Island shearer in either event since his own win in the lambshearing final in 2008. It was a year longer since the last southern win in the Open final at Lumsden, Tuatapere shearer Alton Devery’s victory in 2007. It was an important win for Stratford
who next weekend shears with Golden Shears and New Zealand Open champion Kirkpatrick for New Zealand at the Rotorua A and P Show, in the first of three tests against Wales.
Stratford claimed a place in the team when he won the New Zealand Circuit final in Te Kuiti last season, and then shared in a 2-2 series draw against Wales in the UK, where he won the Corwen Open final in the last event of the tour.
Winton contractor Darrin Forde, now living in Lornville, Invercargill, was the fastest in both weekend finals, showing he still has the pace after more than 20 years in Open class shearing, but when all points were counted he had to settle with two third placings in the six-man showdowns.
He finished the 20 sheep of the fullwooled ewes final in 18min 6.7sec, more than 13 seconds ahead of second-man-off Kirkpatrick, and on the lambs he took 16min 51sec, nine seconds clear of Kirkpatrick, in Southland for a February 5 record
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with fellow North Island shearer James Mack and Southlanders Eru Weeds and Leon Samuels.
Claiming the better quality points, Kirkpatrick's scored his first first win in nine finals this season.
Dipton shearer Cory Palmer relied on quality to overcome the speed of Mataura gun Brett Roberts to win both Senior finals.
The shows also featured the first woolhandling events on the Shearing Sports New Zealand calendar since November, both seeing the defeat of World champion Joel Henare, who had won four finals earlier in the season.
Tia Potae, of Milton, won the Fullwool title at Lumsden, with Tina Rimene, of Masterton, second and Henare having to settle for fourth, while on the lambs he was runner-up
to Keryn Herbert, of Te Awamutu, reversing the placings of last year’s Winton final.
The senior woolhandling final at Lumsden went to Jenna Holland, of Tuatapere, by four points from Anne Maree Kahukura – last season’s top Junior, while Juliette Lyon won the Senior title at Winton.
Emma Kate Rabbidge, of Wyndham and Gore woolhandlers Sharon Tuhakaraina and Valerie Weatherburn made the finals at both events, Rabbidge taking the fullwool title and finishing runner-up to Sharon in the lambswool contest 24 hrs later. The Lumsden championships attracted 66 shearers and 35 wool handlers, while the entry at Winton comprised 56 shearers and 42 woo handlers.
The Welsh shearing team are currently in NEw Zealand will in a bid to win to become the first Northern Hemisphere team to beat New Zealand in a shearing test series in New Zealand.
The team of Welsh champion Gareth Lloyd Evans and Richard Jones beat Kiwis John Kirkpatrick and Nathan Stratford in the most recent test between the two countries in Corwen, Wales, to tie a four-test series 2-2 last July.
The opening hit-out downunder was against an Invitation Team comprising Mark Grainger, of Te Kuiti and Hastings-based Northland shearer Doug Smith, preceding the first test against Napier shearer Kirkpatrick and Stratford, of Invercargill, during the Agrodome Shears at the Rotorua A&P Show at Ngongotaha on January 27.
Grainger and Smith were invited after finishing fourth and fifth respectively in the NZ Lambshearing Championships final won by Te Kuiti icon David Fagan in Raglan on Jan 5. Grainger is the son of 1985 Golden Shears Open champion Paul Grainger, while Smith is a brother of 2011 New Zealand Open champion and national team member Rowland Smith, with whom he holds a World tally record of 1066 ewes in eight hours. Evans, from Denbigh and Jones, from Corwen, were selected at the Royal Welsh Show after Evans won the Champion Shearer of Wales final, and immediately lost their first test together.
But the fortunes against reigning Golden Shears and New Zealand
Open champion Kirkpatrick and Invercargill shearer and New Zealand Circuit champion Stratford were reversed just two days later in a dramatic climax to the Welsh season at the Corwen Shears.
The Shearing Sports New Zealand season of 62 competitions throughout the country steps-up dramatically this week, with six events in three days.
The Northern Southland Community Shears will be on Friday, with separate shearing and woolhandling events at two woolsheds near Lumsden, and vying with Tauranga for the limelight on Saturday will be the Wairoa A&P Show Shears in Northern Hawke’s Bay, the Golden Bay show at Takaka, and the New Zealand Crossbred Lambshearing and Woolhandling Championships and at the Winton A&P Show in Southland. The Horowhenua A&P Show Shears will be held in Levin on Sunday.
The itinerary for the Wales tour of New Zealand is: Jan 19 v Invitation Team, at Tauranga; Jan 27 v NZ (1st test), at Rotorua; Feb 2, v Invitation Team, at Reefton; Feb 9, v NZ (2nd test), at Balclutha; Feb 16, v Invitation Team, at Gore; Feb 24, v NZ (3rd test), at Pahiatua.
Pictured above after a Welsh victory at Corwen, Wales, last July. From left NZ team Nathan Stratford, Invercargill, John Kirkpatrick, Napier, and manager Willie Buick, Masterton. Welsh manager John T.L.Davies, Brecon shearers Garth Lloyd Evans, Denbigh and Richard Jones, of Corwen. Evans and Jones open their tour at the Tauranga Shears on Saturday (jan 19).
Organisers of the shearing championships at the Tauranga A and P Show on Saturday had always planned to make a presentation in recognition of a quarter century of support by Te Kuiti shearer Digger Balme. But despite the fact he was the defending champion and shearing in the final for a third year in a row, they never thought the presentation would include the winning cheque. That’s the way it was, however, after Balme’s win in the show’s 15-lamb Open final over his driver for the day and longtime nemesis, Te Kuiti shearing legend David Fagan, who won his 17th New Zealand lamb shearing title in Raglan a fortnight ago.
It was rare moment for 48-year old Balme to pip 51-year-old Fagan on both time and quality as the pair beat younger hopefuls Mark Grainger, of Te Kuiti and Hastings-based Northlander Doug Smith, the Invitation team members. Mark & Doug beat Welshmen Gareth Lloyd Evans and Richard Jones in the show’s feature international teams event earlier in the day.
Balme, who first shore in the Tauranga final in 1987, shore 15 lambs in 12min 16.1sec, beating Fagan by three seconds. But he also had the better board judging and pen quality points. He ultimately won by 1.7pts to claim a winning cheque of $700, in addition to the bottle of wine presented by Shearing Sports New Zealand life member and event organiser Hugh McCarroll, Tauranga. The other finals provided a
cleansweep for the Guy family, from Kaeo, in Northland: Bryce Guy won the Senior Final, Charlie Guy the Intermediate final and Marshall Guy the Junior final. Oldest brother Bevan had to withdraw from the Open event with an injured shoulder, after qualifying for the semi-finals.
It was one of two shearing competitions in the North Island that day, with 2010 Golden Shears and World Champion – Cam Ferguson, of Waipawa – scoring an important win at the Wairoa A&P Show, where the runner-up was Doug Smith’s brother, Matthew.
A day later third brother Rowland Smith, recently married to fellow World record breaker Ingrid Baynes, had his first victory of the NZ season when he won the Open final at the Horowhenua Show, Levin. Ferguson was second and third went to Dannevirke shearer Adam Brausch, fresh from a win in the Open Plate at Tauranga. The pair and fellow Southern Hawke’s Bay shearer Ringa Paewai are set to make the first record bid of the season on January 31, targeting a three-stand lambs tally of 1784 in eight hours shorn by King Country shearers Balme, Roger Neil and Dean Ball in 1999.
A feature of the Wairoa show was a Welsh trifecta in the junior final, won by Dion Hughes, while Masterton shearer David Gordon maintained a march through the Intermediate ranks by winning both the Wairoa and Horowhenua titles in his class, taking him to seven wins in his last seven finals.
∑ *Gross sales up on the year by £850,000
*Over 1,200 females sold in the year
*Record mark is set for the fourth consecutive year
*£33 Million of pedigree Limousins sold in five years
In 2012, pedigree Limousin cattle sold at official British Limousin Cattle Society (BLCS) sales have broken through the £8 Million mark for the first time to set a new all-breeds record sales gross mark of £8,184,303.
The new figure for 2012 reflects an increase of just under £850,000 in gross sales, up by 11% on the 2011 figure, and up by over £1.8 Million (+28%) on the 2010 mark, which was in itself an all-breeds record.
Sales of pedigree Limousin cattle have now set a new sales gross record figure for four consecutive years. Within the last five years, official pedigree Limousin sales have grossed over £33 Million.
In the 2012 year, pedigree sales of Limousin bulls, females and youngstock, held under the auspices of the BLCS have comprised of both Collective and Breeders’ Sales.
Sixteen BLCS Collective Sales held at Carlisle, Stirling, Brecon, Dungannon, Ballymena and Aberdeen in the course of the year have grossed a total of £4,510,386, with BLCS Breeders’ Sales (comprising Production, Reduction & Dispersal Sales) having grossed £3,673,917 on behalf of 25 individual herds.
Over 2,000 pedigree Limousins were sold in all with the breakdown being 850 bulls and a remarkable 1,219 females.
REGISTERED HIGHLAND PONIES for sale various ages
2008£3,777,060£1,454,348£5,231,408 2009£4,944,408£1,200,935£6,145,343 2010£4,197,197£2,164,680£6,361,877 2011£3,984,413£3,350,648£7,335,061 2012£4,510,386£3,673,917£8,184,303
Commenting, BLCS Chairman Peter Kirton, Severn Lodge Farm, Bewdley, Shropshire said: “The demand for the breed is simply driven by it meeting the needs of the market place in performance and profitability. There are so many strengths to the breed in its versatility and flexibility, both terminally and maternally, for beef producers. This is where the real added value is for farmers.”
The sustained demand for pedigree Limousin females has been a particular feature of the Limousin sale year and this was also picked up on by Mr Kirton: “Limousin cows can
produce top-level pedigree calves, first-quality commercial calves and carcases and are top-grading cull cows. They are easy calving, can be run commercially, have longevity, and are feed efficient. It’s a really attractive package and is recognised by the industry.”
In the year there have been some spectacular sales of both bulls and females with a tremendous depth in five-figure prices and some terrific averages. At the Society’s February Sale in Carlisle a new all-breeds UK record average of £8,243 (up by over £2,000) was set for 131 bulls sold and
was led by the 120,000gns Dolcorsllwyn Fabio. Exactly 90 animals in the year sold for 10,000gns or more.
Whilst the top-end bulls have continued to lift the sale averages, the figures show that the overwhelming majority of bulls at the Society’s major sales (between 60 and 70%) continue to sell at up to 5,000gns. The BLCS has placed emphasis on these figures as showing that top quality bulls, suitable for all markets, with good performance figures, can be readily bought at affordable money by commercial beef producers.
Anna Dickinson from Yorkshire HYB was announced as the winner of Holstein UK’s President’s Medal Award at the British Cattle Conference recently. She was presented with the award by President of the Society Tom Cope and will visit the World Dairy Expo in Wisconsin, USA, as part of the award kindly sponsored by Genus ABS. A memento was presented the other finalists short listed for the award: William Bolton, N I HYB and Molly Westwood, Devon HYB.
10th & 11th February at Oban Livestock Centre, Argyll
rent, ranging from the Catholic Church to Fas na Kyle Estate,” informed Iain.
The family farm is home to a herd of mainly cross Limousin cows.
Three years ago Iain felt that his three quarter bred Continental cattle were getting a bit lively and he wanted to inject some native bloodlines through them.
He looked at both Aberdeen Angus and Shorthorn bulls but found that the ones he liked were out of his price range. He was delighted with the Herefords – he could have the quality and style that he wanted without compromise.
didn’t feel pressured into buying.
“I picked the bull – Romany Fiction – in February and the Wilsons kindly kept him till May, giving me time to sell my Limousin sire.”
The third crop of cross Hereford calves is due imminently at Comar. “My plan is to have at least half the herd as cross Herefords. I’ve been keeping five heifer calves each year –the first batch will be bulled this year,” explained Iain, who is now on the lookout for a Limousin bull to cover them.
Farmer: Iain McCallum
Farming: Comar & three rented
Location: Cannich, Strathglass, Inverness
Area: 100 acres owned at Comer of which 50 acres arable & 50 acres woodland
45 acres rented for cattle
35 acres rented for sheep
Cattle: Herefords
Sheep: 97 North Country Cheviot ewes
Crops: 50 acres cut for silage
Elevation: 300 - 400 f above sea level
Other: Full time Technical teacher at Inverness Royal Academy Member of local voluntary fire brigade Shinty coaching with youngsters
receiving silage and straw and the bulling heifers on just silage. “We seemed to have less silage bales this year, but what we have are drier and are lasting longer, so we should have enough to last the season.”
The stirks and stots are housed in a new 80’ by 40’ shed, backed by SRDP funding. “My sister Jenny, works for SAC as an advisor and keeps me right on grants and such like.”
The young stock is started off on weaner pellets from Harbo – 2kg a day initially and then draff is introduced.
Farming in scenic Strathglass, which stretches from Beauly, home of the Black Isle Show, to Glen Affric and the remnants of the Caledonian Pine Forests, Iain McCallum balances his agricultural activities with a full time job as a teacher at Inverness Royal Academy.
Comar, the homestead, consists of 50 acres of arable land and 50 acres of Birch woodland, originally part of Glen Affric Estate. Iain’s father was a tenant but the McCallums purchased the property in 1980.
“I have four different landlords for the other parcels of land that I
Iain viewed pictures of cattle from Cowbog in the Scottish Borders and had taken a close look at their website, before contacting Robert Wilson of the Romany Hereford herd, Kelso.
“My uncle (my father’s brother) was farm manager at Hartshaugh, Bonchester Bridge, so I stayed there and was pointed in the right direction.”
The Highland herdsman found the shopping experience an enjoyable one – he thought that Robert was very informative, without blinding him with figures, honest and he
History is repeating itself in this Highland Glen, as Iain’s father ran Herefords until the 1980’s. He grazed them on the 50 acres of woodland and kept the low ground for the sheep and lambs once they came down from Glen Affric. Cattle haven’t foraged the woods for many a year but Iain has a bit of fencing repairs to tackle first and is contemplating going full circle!
Currently the cattle are summered away at grass and silage is taken off the flats.
All cows and breeding heifers are wintered outside with the cows
“Draff has shot up in price from £800 for 40t last year to £1200 this year, but my sister reckons I have done well to get it for that. We used to feed barley but due to the price I stopped and it hasn’t made any difference to the weights.”
The calves are sold at a year old at Dingwall and Highland Marts in March or April. The stots go to the Native Breed Sale, with the best bullocks selling at 440kgs live weight, with a top of £880.
“I’ve been really pleased with the Hereford heifer calves as they have really pulled my average up.”
cattle in this Highland
on your travels, or even Iain
tending his herd or flock, on a commute to or from school, fighting a fire or playing a game of shinty!
On the health front, the McCallum herd has a clean slate, testing clear for BVD and Johnnes. “I don’t dose the cattle for fluke or worms – it’s not doing them any harm either.”
A flock of 97 North Country Cheviots graze one of the rented blocks. “I tend to lamb earlier than most in the area to fit in with the school holidays, so the ewes are run into the shed to lamb. Once the lambs are inoculated they are returned back to the let grass.”
All the lambs not kept for replacements are sold store at
In his spare time Iain helps coach the young Strathglass shinty teams and keeps himself extra fit by being one of the local fire brigade volunteers. “We are on call so many hours a week and can be called out as far as Drumnadrochit or Beauly. But on one occasion we were on standby at Fort Augustus, as the local guys there were helping with a fire on a boat outside Fort William.
If you are ever a tourist in the Highlands – Glen Affric and the Caledonian Pine Forests are worth a visit – you may well spot some
This year’s Borderway UK Dairy Expo will introduce The John Dennison Achievement Award to recognise the dairy cattle breeder or exhibitor judged to be a high achiever and exemplary role model.
The special prize, in memory of the lifelong long industry contribution made by Cumbrian dairy farmer John Dennison, will be given to the nominee judged to have the perfect combination of ability, sportsmanship, integrity and character.
John Dennison, who farmed at Scales Farm in Ulverston, was highly regarded in the industry as the breeder of the Denmire Holstein Herd on the 1000 acre family farm in Cumbria. Following his sad death in 2012 the Dennison family have decided to present this new prestigious award as a mark of their deep respect for the lifelong contribution that John made to dairy farming, pedigree breeding, judging, showing as well as his promotion of the Holstein breed and his encouragement of the younger generation of Holstein breeders.
Under his care and skilful management the Denmire Herd produced many numerous excellent cows and many show champions. John is remembered not just for this
Astart up farming couple’s determination to bring beef production closer to consumers has led to them launching ‘Perfect Night In’, a farm-to-dining-table online retailer and foodie-hub. In addition to exclusive access to prime cuts from grass-fed Aberdeen Angus cattle, Paul and Kirsty Westaway have created a Connoisseurs Club, offering professional advice on cooking, wine selection and entertaining at home, plus regular seasonal insights into farming life and business.
pubs and restaurants.
Perfect Night In offers steaks in multiples of two and two-rib, three-rib and four-rib easy-carving roasts. The website recommends the best red and white wines for each cut of beef, though customers can make their own choice or order meat only. A dinner-for-two package with sirloin steaks and a bottle of wine is £32.99 not including delivery by overnight courier.
expertise but also for his character and his enthusiasm for the industry as a whole.
Glynn Lucas of Harrison & Hetherington pays tribute, “John Dennison’s legacy will be remembered and admired for a very long time. His warmth and friendliness, his mischievous smile and modesty combined with his deep seated skills as a dairy farmer and breeder and the support and encouragement he gave to the next generation are inspirational.”
Nominations for the inaugural prize close on the 1st February and will be judged by a panel of leading figures involved in pedigree dairy cattle breeding and its associated organisations. The winner will be announced and presented with their award at the Borderway UK Dairy Expo on March 9th.
The 2nd Borderway UK Dairy Expo will be held at the Borderway Exhibition Centre in Carlisle on Saturday 9th March 2013. The show case for the UK dairy cattle industry includes Champion Cattle Classes, the International Dairy Youth Championships, Global Classic Sale and a trade exhibition. Full details on the event can be found on the Harrison & Hetherington website.
From Gamage Hall Farm, Dymock, the 170 acre Gloucestershire County Council holding they took on in 2006, www.yourperfectnightin.co.uk offers 6oz fillet, 8oz sirloin and ribeye steaks and easy-carving ribeye roasts in a range of weights. All cuts are from Angus cattle reared on the Blade Farming system to supply fine dining restaurants and carry the EBLEX Quality Standard Mark. Wines from artisan vineyards in France and Italy are matched by experts to each cut of beef’s specific characteristics, in particular fat content and flavour.
“Neither our beef nor wine is available from any other retail outlet,” says Paul Westaway. “They are served mainly in top class city restaurants and this is the first time these premium products have become available directly to food enthusiasts for entertaining at home.”
In developing the business concept, a consumer survey carried out for Perfect Night In identified some significant shifts in consumer behaviour towards dining at home compared with dining out. More than 70% of 100+ people taking part said they were eating at home more often on special occasions now than three years ago. The two main reasons were to make disposable income go further and because they felt able to cook similar or better quality themselves than is served in many
On dispatch, the meat is super-chilled (1-2°C) but not frozen and is enclosed with re-usable freezer packs in insulated packaging. All packaging is made from recycled materials or is re-usable by customers.
A DVD tutorial on how to cook the perfect steak and roast, featuring highly regarded head chef Matt Strefford from the two-AA-rosette Lion and Pheasant in Shrewsbury, is included with every first order.
Before going public to consumers on a national scale, the Westaways are concentrating initially on the farming industry and their own region. “We have had a great deal of encouragement from farmers, our supply trade and local people,” says Paul. “So walking before we run, we’re starting close to home and working outwards. We know that farmers have high standards when it comes to food, so if we pass their test then we can be confident of meeting all consumers’ expectations.”
Perfect Night In is the Westaways’ sixth business enterprise based at Gamage Hall Farm, which they occupy on a 15-year, zero-SFP, Farm Business Tenancy. The other five are a prize-winning pedigree Aberdeen Angus breeding herd, an Angus finishing unit supplying Blade Farming (and Perfect Night In), a livery service for owners of young pedigree Holstein Friesian bulls, the cattle semen marketing company Sterling Sires, and The Cider House holiday cottage.
Scottish Herd Analysis SDCA at 1/1/13One Sheet
County or AreaNo. ofNo. ofAv. SizeCowsNo HerdsAv. SizePercent HerdsCowsof. HerdRecordedRecordedRec. HerdCows Rec.
Aberdeenshire39623016045592716973
Angus918322031524625483
Argyllshire13210016117481017583
Arran23141573142157100
Ayrshire238337801421691310615950
Banffshire14054054051405100
Berwickshire3111337111133371100
Clackmannan5626125544413687
Dumfries-shire166301951822228511219974
Dunbartonshire141628116883614754
EastLothian2561280286128651
Fife26387014937352415596
Inverness-shire11271271271127100
Kinross-shire35011675013167100
KintyrePeninsula37417811317101214241
Kirkcudbrightshire6316773266149395029989
Lanarkshire12715983126114257415471
Midlothian7843120713514284
Morayshire5174534917455349100
Orkney2121571021101912251
Peeblesshire27033517032351100
Perthshire48572148574214100
Renfrewshire26329912724941813875
Ross&Cromarty11431431431143100
Roxburghshire820212521916631995
Shetland4215530000
n the latest statistics published by the Scottish Dairy Cattle Association for the year to 1st. January 2013 dairy farm numbers were down to 1011, a fall of 16 in the year, but actual cow numbers rose by 792 to 163744. This is the highest total cow numbers since 2008 but with 161 fewer herds when the herd size was 141.
Average herd size now at the start of 2013 was again a record at 162 cows up 3, and in recorded herds 190, an increase of 5 in the year. While most counties had only marginal changes up or down in cow numbers Wigtownshire increased by 1022 cows with 3 fewer herds and Ayrshire was up by 740 cows while Fife reduced by 323 cows.
In the major dairying counties Kirkcudbrightshire led the way with an average herd size of 266 and in the
not so highly populated dairying counties, Banffshire was 405, Peeblesshire 351 and Morayshire 349. Commenting on the year to year results Janette Mathie the Secretary of the SDCA said: “It is a surprise to many that total cow numbers are up especially when many herds have been reducing numbers to preserve the very scarce winter fodder reserves due to the disastrous wet summer and cows being put on winter rations earlier than ever before. The majority of herds have done silage calculations and have taken steps to alter rations or obtain extra feed to ensure they can last until grass appears in the spring but I would appeal to others to take steps now otherwise they face severe difficulties by February, March time and perhaps animal welfare problems.”
Calf pneumonia was the main topic at the second meeting of the new Clyde Monitor Farm, hosted by Andrew Baillie of Carstairs Mains, a 650 acre unit in South Lanarkshire.
Bull beef is one of a variety of enterprises at Carstairs Mains. All the bull calves from the 75-cow suckler herd are kept entire. In addition Mr Baillie annually purchases around 120, ten-week old dairy bull calves from two local dairy farms.
The dairy calves are double vaccinated on their farms of origin, with a combined viral and bacterial vaccine, to help protect them against some of the most common viruses and bacteria, which cause pneumonia. Nevertheless, pneumonia is a problem for Mr Baillie.
Charles Marwood, a vet with the Clyde Vet Group, told the community group that to successfully control pneumonia it is important to consider the variety of causes of this complex disease, which reduces an animal’s live-weight gain and performance for its entire life.
“Pneumonia is a complex, multi-factorial disease, with important risk factors compounding viral and bacterial causes,” he said.
“In addition to vaccination, preventative measures should include good overall management with particular attention to specific risk factors.”
With input from the community group, Mr Marwood listed and explained some of the risk factors, which can influence the chances of calves succumbing to pneumonia.
One key factor is stress, which can result from: weaning; transport; the introduction of new calves to a group; mixed ages of cattle in a pen; tight stocking density; dehorning; and castration (though this does not apply to Mr Baillie’s bull beef enterprise).
Bio-security is another key factor. Buying in cattle can increase the risk of bringing new diseases or parasites onto the farm.
Diet and nutrition is also a big influencing factor. The quantity and quality of colostrum a calf receives is fundamental to the protection of its health and sudden changes to a calf’s diet should be avoided.
Plenty of good quality roughage should be available as acidosis and/or mineral/trace element deficiencies are risked if calves receive too much concentrate without adequate roughage.
BVD suppresses a calf’s immune system, significantly lowering its defence against health risks, in particular pneumonia.
Pneumonia bugs are killed by dry and cold conditions but thrive in a warm and wet environment. Humidity encourages the spread of pneumonia within a group of calves and can be fuelled by wet floors and coats as well as moisture rising from dung stored below slats. Also, as straw bedding builds up, it can compost, creating heat and humidity.
Poor ventilation contributes to a build-up of humidity and good air quality is important. The maintenance of a supply of fresh air reduces the risk of pneumonia. Good ventilation removes vapour from stock and aids evaporation from dung, bedding and water spillage, while also minimising condensation, which helps to protect the fabric of the building.
“Good ventilation must work in a building on still, damp days. You can assess the quality of ventilation in a building while the cattle are in, by igniting a smoke-bomb,” explained Mr Marwood.
“By watching the smoke as it disperses, you can see how the air moves within the building. The ideal situation is for the smoke to disperse through the building’s roof within two minutes.”
At the time of the meeting, Mr Baillie’s suckler herd, with spring born calves at foot, were housed in a cattle shed. “This building was smoked bombed a while ago,” explained Mr Baillie. “And the smoke wafted up to the roof ridge and then rolled back down the sides of the building, showing that moisture and stale air were staying inside the building.
“Since then we’ve taken off the roof ridging above the feed passage. I was concerned that the open roof would result in the feed getting wet. Instead, when the stock are in during the winter, the feed passage is dry, but when the building is free of stock, the passage is wet.”
During the meeting Mr Marwood smoke bombed the building from among the cattle. The smoke dispersed through the open roof ridge within one minute, demonstrating that the ventilation is now working well.
Smoke did not, however, disperse as well from the building housing the finishing bulls. To improve air flow, the community group recommended the opening of the roof ridge, plus replacing corrugated sheeting at one end of the building, with Yorkshire boarding to allow more fresh air in.
The next Clyde Monitor Farm meeting will be in February when the topics will be soil compaction, remedial actions, sward rejuvenation and fertiliser policy.
ull fertility was among the key topics discussed at a recent meeting of the Cairngorms Monitor Farm.
The Gordons, who farm 1157ac, based at Lost Farm, near Strathdon, 45 miles west of Aberdeen, run two cattle enterprises including a 100 cow spring and autumn calving suckler herd, with Simmental influence, from which all progeny, other than retained heifers, are sold as yearlings. They also buy 60 bulling heifers, which are bulled and calved for re-sale, with two to three month old calves at foot.
Their current bull team consists of one Charolais (terminal sire), two Simmentals (dual purpose) and one Limousin (for heifers). The Gordons plan to buy two additional bulls this autumn.
With imminent bull purchasing in mind at the Monitor Farm meeting the farm’s vet, David Miskelly of The Woodside Veterinary Group at Torphins, was there to offer advice.
One infertile or sub-fertile cow results in either one less or one late calf, whereas one infertile or semi-fertile bull can inflict significant financial damage on a beef farm. A recent survey of 386 bulls in southern Scotland (Penny) revealed one in three to be sub-fertile.
“A number of diseases, including BVD, IBR and Johne’s can impact on fertility, as well as bringing disease into your herd,” said Mr Miskelly.
“Aim to buy bulls with a known health status, including an individual clear BVD test followed by vaccination, backed up by certification, signed by the breeder and his vet.”
When considering the physical aspect of the bull, testicles should be of equal size and consistency. Size relates directly to fertility, with bigger being better!
“The measurement around the scrotum should be at least 32 centimetres,” said Mr Miskelly. “Anything less increases the risk of the bull becoming sub-fertile. Also bulls with large testicles are likely to stay fertile for longer. The penis and sheath must be in full working order, with everything moving freely.
“Some pedigree breeders now offer semen-testing of bulls prior to sale, and a growing number of commercial breeders are requesting this test be done, either by the vendor
prior to sale, or by their own vets after the bull has been purchased.
“Nutrition is also a factor, with many young bulls at auction having been pampered and fed too well to be turned straight into a group of 30 cows and expected to get them in calf.
“The demands placed on the youngster, who suddenly finds himself in a strange and far less comfortable environment, as well as not receiving anything like the food he was getting before, results in his semen quality plummeting. Also, as his muscles haven’t developed, he risks injury.”
Mr Miskelly recommended buying naturally brought on young bulls or to buy young bulls several months before they are to be used, enabling the buyer to gradually take the bull to working condition.
Irrespective of bull age, Mr Miskelly advised closely monitoring groups of females which had been running with a bull for at least three weeks.
“A significant number of females returning to service after the first three weeks could suggest bull fertility or libido problems. Older bulls can become fussier or lazier.”
A regular “MOT” of all bulls two months prior to use, to pick up any fertility problems, was also recommended, with the basic assessments including feet, gait, heart, eyes and blood.
“A lot can go wrong with a bull, which can affect his physical ability to work and/or his fertility. Physical complications include lameness, which could be caused by feet, joint or back problems.
“The penis or sheath can be injured. The penis may also develop a deformity. A ‘corkscrew’ penis can develop over time and while a bull with this condition may be able to serve smaller cows, he would struggle with larger continental crosses.
“Semen quality is crucial, so a semen test plus assessment of the base of the penis and semen producing glands are worthwhile.
“Blood tests will help to identify health problems which may impact on fertility, for example Johne’s, which will suppress a bull’s fertility before visible signs develop.”
Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) for bulls will be discussed at the Monitor Farm meeting scheduled for early October.
Co, Se, Cu (Cosecure)
Glass Bolus
Drench 2 Vit/ Min
Cu, Se, Co, I
Other /triple bolus
Results from a trial conducted by the Alnorthumbria Vet Group from the 18th July till the 14th November are portrayed above.
The conclusion is pretty clear. The return from the Cosecure treatment gave the greatest profit due to improved weight gain, as well as resulting in the highest percentage of lambs being sold fat over the duration of the trial.
The results were reported to the Sheep Veterinary Society at Harrogate in May 2012 by Jenny Hall of the Alnorthumbria Vet Group.
For more information on Cosecure boluses see the website www.telso.co.uk or contact Stewart Telfer; 0113 2260666, or e-mail stewart@telsol.co.uk.
Semenstore Ltd has announced the appointment of Steve Jones as a Livestock & Genetics Specialist. This is a newly-created position for the e-commerce company Semenstore, launch in 2009.
Steve will have the responsibility to manage, develop and promote the business. A fully hands-on role, he will be liaising at every level and building relationships with breeders, producer groups, AI companies, retailers, and existing partners in order to increase awareness of Semenstore. Concentration will be on domestic markets but he will also look to build on both the interest received at recent international expos, and the increasing number of visiting parties interested in viewing and purchasing UK genetics.
The new position comes at a time when the www.semenstore.co.uk site is being upgraded both in terms of look and increased functionality. The principal business change will see the site have the inclusion of an Other Breeds section. This will allow a more extensive portfolio of semen in addition to its present offering of Limousin and British Blue semen.
Commenting on the appointment,
Sainsbury’s recently gave out £1.2 million funding to drive the future of British farming, a significant increase on the original pledge of £1 million. Announced to an audience of nearly 1,000 farmers and growers the 14 winning projects range from extending the British strawberry season to the sustainable impact of poultry feed – both integral products to Brits’ shopping baskets.
At a time when British farmers have faced one of the most challenging growing seasons due to the adverse weather the grants offer an injection of support for the future. The key criteria for applications were to offer improvement in animal health and welfare, improvement in efficiencies and cost effectiveness and development of new products or processes which help to improve quality, taste and freshness. Of the 70 quality entries submitted, 21 were shortlisted and 14 got final funding which averages at £123,000 per project.
One of the successful initiatives was submitted by The Aberdeen Cattle Society and Beef Development
Group to improve the consistency and eating quality of Aberdeen Angus sired cattle entering the supply chain. It aims to improve animal welfare, carbon footprint and meat quality. It places the North Highlands of Scotland at the forefront of agricultural innovation, while nutrition and animal health are paramount to the success of these trials being carried out with the Castle of Mey herd at Longoe Farm.
Judith Batchelar Director of Sainsbury’s said: "The quality of the applications comes as a stark contrast to the perception that agricultural innovation has slowed in recent years, all 70 were future thinking and would play a key role to driving the farming industry. The 14 successful projects is not only great news for those involved but the whole supply chain, through to our customers who understand the importance of supporting British and improving animal health and welfare.
"As we work towards our 20x20 sustainability plan a number of these projects will put us in good stead to achieve our stretching targets
Semenstore Director Iain Kerr said: “This newly-created position is timely and indicative of the growth of the site and business. Whilst remaining an on-line business, having Steve Jones on board as a point of contact, with his livestock knowledge and unique depth of industry experience, will allow Semenstore to practically connect with farmers and the industry at every level.”
Steve brings a wealth of livestock industry experience with a strong background of over thirty years in the breeding, management and sales of beef and dairy cattle in the UK and North America. Previously, Steve has been Herd Manager of the Maerdy Pedigree Charolais Herd in North Wales, before becoming Manager at Graham’s Dairies in Stirling for some seven years. A move to N America saw Steve work as a managing partner in a livestock brokering business marketing livestock and genetics to many countries around the World, as well as being an active Director of the Canadian Livestock Genetics Association including two years as President.
Now back in the UK, Steve is looking forward to his new position
with Semenstore which, working from his Denbighshire base, he is commencing with immediate effect.
“Semenstore has quickly established itself by selling and promoting high-quality semen and genetics, on-line, to both domestic and international markets. Whilst aiming at developing the domestic market further, I’m also very aware that UK livestock genetics continue to command the highest respect across the World. Going forward, the industry has to be focused on sustainability and using the quality genetics that will drive profitability. Semenstore provides that platform of choice and cost-effective marketing. I’m very much looking forward to networking with cattle breeders, home and abroad, and across the livestock industry to ensure a successful and profitable future,” said Steve Jones.
Semenstore was launched in 2009. Approaching the end of its fourth year trading it has grown to become the leading on-line semen sales site. As well as the primary business of domestic sales, Semenstore has now exported semen to five continents and some seventeen countries in all.
including doubling sales of British and sourcing key raw materials sustainably."
The 14 winners and projects:
The Aberdeen Cattle Society and Beef Development Group: Improving the consistency and eating quality of Aberdeen Angus sired cattle entering the supply chain.
Jake Freestone, Overbury Estate Farm and Evidence Based Veterinary Consultancy: The effects of foot trimming lame sheep – a pilot observational case control study
Dairy Development Group, Evident Based Veterinary Consultancy and Muller Wiseman: Determining the cost of poor fertility performance in modern herds and the optimum interval between calvings
Jake Freestone, Overbury Estate Farm, Henry Dunn, Upleadon Court farm and Randall Parker Food Group: Improved flock health
Malcolm Keys, Keys Farm and Dunbia: Pig Innovation Centre
Meryl Ward, Emine Farms, Dave Morgan, DP Morgan, Paul Westgarth, HM Pigs and Newcastle University: Selecting the right sow for free-farrowing systems
Sainsbury’s Chicken Development Group and 2 Sisters Food Group: The global sustainable impact of feeding poultry
Sainsbury’s Potato Grower Group and Greenvale: Improving soil and water management for the sustainable intensification of potato production of four key Sainsbury’s varieties
Sainsbury’s Jersey Grower Group and Albert Bartlett: Investigating the sustainability of non-chemical solutions of Potato Cyst Nematode control in Jersey potatoes
Camgrain and ADAS: An in-season protein prediction system for Sainsbury’s grain supply chain
Paul Howlett, Wight Salads: Reducing the reliance of tomato, cucumber and sweet pepper growers on natural gas for CO2 enrichment in greenhouses
Chris Batchelar, Wallings Nursery and M&W Mack Ltd: Extending the British strawberry season through the application of supplementary LED lighting
Paul Mansfield, F W Mansfield and Clive Goatham, A C Goatham: Dynamic controlled atmosphere storage to optimise the delivery of high quality grown apples
Chris Batchelar, Wallings Nursery, Rob James, Thanet Earth and Paul Howlett, Wight Salads: Benchmarking to understand and drive efficiency in energy, water and fertiliser use in UK Glasshouses.
ARoyal seal of approval has been given to the University of Edinburgh’s newly refurbished Farm Animal Practice.
HRH The Princess Royal visited the University’s Farm Animal Practice, which is part of the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies.
The Princess Royal, who is the University’s Chancellor as well as Patron of the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, met staff, students and clients of the practice and officially opened its revamped facilities recently.
Her Royal Highness was greeted on arrival by the University’s Principal, Professor Sir Timothy O’Shea and introduced to Professor David Argyle, Head of the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies.
Professor Neil Sargisson, head of the vet school’s Farm Animal Section, then gave The Princess Royal a tour of the Farm Animal Practice.
The practice’s updated facilities include a lecture room for students, a meeting room, new reception area, laboratory and pharmacy.
Her Royal Highness then visited The Roslin Institute, which is incorporated into and next to the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies at Easter Bush in Midlothian.
It was The Princess Royal’s first visit to The Roslin Institute, since its researchers moved to a new building officially opened in March 2011.
The Roslin Institute’s research focuses on improving the health and welfare of animals, which includes looking at how scientific findings can be applied to improve human and
veterinary medicine, livestock practices and food security.
The Princess Royal spoke with researchers whose work includes studying the genetics of cattle, sheep and pigs. Thus includes looking at ways to prevent and treat infectious diseases that affect the farming industry.
Her Royal Highness was also shown the site for the National Avian Research Facility, currently under construction at the Easter Bush Campus. The site represents the latest stage of major developments at the campus, which recently received backing from the Scottish Government in the form of a £10 million capital investment.
Professor David Argyle, Head of the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, said: “ We are delighted that the Princess Royal has visited the Easter Bush campus to meet with staff and students from our Farm Animal Practice and discuss the latest developments in Farm Animal medicine. As Chancellor of the University, it is a great honour that the Princess Royal was able to perform the official opening of the farm animal practice.”
Professor Jean Manson, Head of the Institute’s Neurobiology Division, said of the visit, “It has been wonderful to show the Princess Royal round The Roslin Institute’s new state-of-the-art building and to show her how, together with the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and other of our partners in the Easter Bush Research Consortium, we are world leaders in the field of animal bioscience.”
ive hundred farmers, landowners and other representatives from the agricultural community in the Scottish Borders and North Northumberland gathered at Springwood Park in Kelso recently for a special anniversary lunch to celebrate the start of the bicentenary of the Border Union Agricultural Society.
Guest of Honour at the event was HRH The Countess of Wessex, who agreed to be the Bicentenary Patron for a year of events and activities organised by the Society to celebrate this important milestone including the bicentenary Border Union Show on 26 and 27 July.
The anniversary lunch marks 200 years to the day since a group of landowners from both sides of the Tweed met at the Cross Keys Hotel in Kelso and created a society that would help to drive through vital improvements in one of the country’s most important industries.
With His Grace The Fifth Duke of Roxburgh as President, members of the new Border Agricultural Society were charged a minimum annual subscription of 1 guinea, which was used to fund Premiums or prizes “for the best stock of different kinds, for discoveries in agriculture, with in regard to tillage, or the management of Grass Lands and for new and improved implements of Husbandry.”
Livestock prizes comprised a generous cash prize for the winner and a condition that the animals could be used by members to help improve the region’s livestock. Prizes were also awarded to agricultural workers and servants and Spring and Autumn exhibitions were held showcasing the latest farming innovations and advances in technology. An annual ploughing contest was started in 1832 and a competition for blacksmiths was introduced.
The Society drove forward improvements in animal welfare and established proper markets for farm livestock, horses and wool. The BAS
also became the voice of Borders farmers and agriculturalists, lobbying government on various issues. 1836 saw the first Ram Sale and 175 years later, the Kelso Ram Sale remains one of the largest one-day ram sales in the world.
Today, farming remains an important part of the Borders economy, employing over 4,000 people (8% of the total workforce) and the BUAS remains at the heart. As part of a special Bicentenary Fund to be created this year, the BUAS will provide bursaries, awards and grants to support young locals working in the countryside. The BUAS also sees itself as having an important role in bridging the gap between town and country.
From its base at the Border Union Showground at the Society also performs a vital role for the region’s tourist economy, providing a base for hosting events and exhibitions that attract millions of pounds of revenue into the area.
Gareth Baird, Chairman of the BUAS Bicentenary Committee said; “In the last 200 years, the BUAS has witnessed huge changes in the way food is produced and the way the countryside is managed. We believe the Society has had an extremely positive influence on how the Borders has developed and are very proud of the men, who had the vision to create this exceptional forum for promoting agricultural improvement, with all the economic and social advantages that this brought. We continue to be inspired by them and look forward to the next 200 years.”
A new book charting the history of the Border Union Agricultural Society has been published to mark the organisation’s Bicentenary. At a Meeting Held in Kelso, by Brian Wain and Charlie Robertson costs £20.00 and can be ordered by calling the BUAS on Tel: 01573 224188 or emailing ronaldwilson@buas.org. Books can be collected from Springwood Park in Kelso, or posted. (Post and packing £3.50).
The first meeting of the new Dumfries Monitor Farm generated major interest and attracted around 150 farmers and industry representatives from all over Scotland and as far south as Dorset.
The 35th Monitor Farm is the first in the Scotland-wide programme to focus primarily on beef finishing and have two processing companies, Highland Meats and A K Stoddart, play an integral part in the project. They will work with the Paterson family to look at the production of the cattle and how to source what is required by their customers as well as the producer.
Hartbush has been in the Paterson family for nearly 100 years and is currently run by John and Amanda Paterson. Their two children Louise aged 17, who is studying Agriculture at SRUC’s Barony Campus and Steven aged 14, are also heavily involved in the farm. Colin Rae, their only full time member of staff, has been with the family since leaving college 14 years ago.
The farm runs to 600 acres carrying a 260 cow suckler herd of mainly Limousin or Simmental cross Limousin cows and around 30 followers. The heifers and 190 cows are spring calving while the remainder of the cows summer calve from 1st July. Charolais bulls produce the finishing cattle with the Limousin covering the heifers and Simmentals used to produce replacement heifers to join those bought annually from the same farm in Aberdeenshire.
The spring born bull calves are reared as bull beef, while the remaining steers and the heifers, which are not kept for breeding, are finished on the farm.
The unit also carries 410 half bred ewes which are covered Suffolks. Ewe lambs are sold on for breeding and the rest finished at home.
At the meeting, Matthew Currie, Smiths Gore, the facilitators of this project, split the visitors into groups, which followed a tour around the farm steading, where expert at each of the six stations explained the management regime for the cattle. They then headed to the local hall for soup, sandwiches and discussion.
The strength of the family unit at Hartbush is, without question, one of the mainstays of the business and the reason why it has already developed into a successful mixed farm. This was one of the main advantage points picked out by the “over 30’s” community group, together with good husbandry and welfare, monitoring and action and an ability to listen and learn.
The “under 30’s” group, which included a number of students from the local SRUC Barony Agricultural Campus, focused on the quality of the cattle, attention to detail and a good daily liveweight gain.
Kenny Adams, a past monitor farmer from Torhousekie, Wigtown, gave a brief talk on his experiences as a Monitor Farmer, which were very positive. He encouraged the community group and management group, when they were elected, to keep focused and keep momentum as the project developed.
Mark Allan, Highland Meats and John Craig of A K Stoddart – the two processors partners – both reiterated how pleased they were to be involved in this new venture and they hoped that the exchange of ideas, which would result from their involvement, would prove a great opportunity for everyone to collect more information on the supply chain and the way forward for the future.
was a challenging growing season, with exceptional weather conditions impacting on the GB crop’s size and quality. Shoppers have seen price rises in store and there have been many stories about the cost of food within the media. Even in this difficult season, eight out of ten shoppers (78%) would rather buy British potatoes.
A key opportunity for 2013 is giving shoppers a clear reason to buy a specific line; building loyalty and encouraging trading up. A segment of shoppers are willing to pay more if it benefits them. Shoppers see potatoes as healthy, but there is still a lack of knowledge about their nutritional benefits and these messages are important to give them a reason to buy.
Market performance
In 2012 the market has remained stable, with a marginal volume decline year-on-year of 1.1% Price inflation has been a major driver for the
increase in the overall value of the fresh potato category, which has grown 4.3%. The average price per kg is now £0.702 compared to £0.64p a year ago.
As shoppers’ finances are stretched they buy cheaper lines. Economy potatoes now make up about one in every twenty 2 (5.6%) packs purchased, which is up 12.3%2 in 2012. However, results for the quarter show a marked drop in sales of these lines, while whites recorded significant growth. If shoppers have a clear reason to buy they are willing to pay more, chilled potato sales continue to grow at an average price of £3.53 per kg.
Role of promotions
28.8% of potato volumes were sold on promotion in 2012, which is 9.5% lower than in 2011. The most common promotion is a price reduction on a specific line. Shoppers see potatoes as a staple, so tend to look at relative price. Three in ten
shoppers (30%) say they would just buy the bag on offer, however, four in ten (43%) express a preference to use a specific variety. Promotions can be an important shopper marketing tool when used to deliver a defined objective, such as encouraging trial of a new line.
Potential to pay more, if there’s a real benefit
Despite the fact that higher food prices and in particular the cost of potatoes, have been hitting the headlines, there is still the potential to encourage shoppers to trade up. Four in every ten (39%) shoppers say they would pay more for better cooking results. This presents a significant opportunity to drive value for the category; a move from whites to a named variety such as Maris Piper could equate to an additional £56M per annum.
In 2013 the challenge is to give shoppers a clear reason to buy
mid-tier named varieties. Potato Council research has identified better signposting as a real opportunity to build shopper understanding; using simple intuitive terms, emotive food photography and suggested usages.
Capitalising on health credentials
There remains a small group (5%) who do not think potatoes are healthy, but the vast majority of shoppers do. There is an opportunity to build on this positive base, by improving understanding of their credentials and debunking the myth that potatoes make you fat, which is still believed by a third (33%) of shoppers.
In June this year health will be the headline message of the EU co-financed Many Faces of Potatoes campaign that will include PR activity, a TV advert and roadshows. This will focus on potatoes as naturally fat free and as a source of vitamin C.
Leading research-based agrochemical manufacturer Dow AgroSciences gave a sneak preview of its free new smartphone application (app) for growers and agronomists at LAMMA 2013.
The product guide and weed wizard app will help farmers find key information about oilseed rape or cereal products fast by using their smartphone. The app is the latest in a range of practical advisory services from Dow AgroSciences to help farmers and agronomists.
Customer Focus Leader Liz Tomkinson says: “The app joins our other popular services such as the Grassweed Emergence Monitor, Pestwatch and our Technical Hotline. Like them, the product guide and weed wizard app is also geared to ensuring successful use of products through the critical periods of the year.
“We listened to farmer and agronomist feedback that said the app they needed should be easy to use and be a good alternative to a hard copy manual that can be accessed in the field.”
The smartphone app will have the most up-to-date information and customers can select by product, crop or target weeds. Also available is the latest tank mix information and news.
The app will be free to download from iTunes for iPhones and iPads – see more information here: www.dowagro.com/uk
Can slurry be used as the only source of nutrients for perennial forage crops thus dramatically cutting input costs?
A key question examined in a new farmers’ booklet available free from AgriSearch, the NI Agricultural Research and Development Council.
The booklet gives the results of a four year study examining the effect of applying cattle slurry as the sole source of nutrients on the yield and persistency of seven perennial forage crops. This booklet is available to download free from the AgriSearch website, www.agrisearch.org or by post, tel; (028) 8778 9770 for a copy.
The seven forages involved were diploid, tetraploid, hybrid and Italian ryegrass, a low input grass mixture, red clover and a mixture of ryegrass and white clover. Once established, each forage species was treated with one of four levels of slurry (0, 34, 60 and 89 m3/ha/year: 0, 3000, 5300, and 7900gallons/acre/year), with herbage harvested 3 or 4 times per year. The main findings were:-
*At the highest level of slurry application, the diploid and tetraploid ryegrasses produced approximately 12 t DM/ha/year, the hybrid ryegrass, low input mix and the grass/clover mix approximately 13.5 t DM/ha, while the red clover and Italian ryegrass produced in excess of 14 t
DM/ha/ year over the four years of this partly farmer funded experiment.
*When no slurry was applied, the red clover produced the highest average annual yield (13.8 t DM/ha), with the grass/clover the next highest (11.3 t DM/ha). Red clover consistently achieved the highest annual yield when no slurry was applied.
* The clover forages had a lower response to slurry nitrogen than the grass-only forages. The amount of atmospheric nitrogen fixed by the clover swards decreased with the application of slurry.
* Soil potassium content decreased rapidly when no slurry was applied, however it remained relatively constant with the two highest slurry application rates (60 and 89 m3/ha).
This demonstrates that slurry nutrients alone can sustain soil potassium levels for swards under a continuous cutting management regime.
This study concluded that slurry as the sole source of nutrients (89 m 3/ha/year) was able to sustain long term yields (Year 4) of between 8.9 and 11.6 t DM/ha across the range of forages examined, while maintaining soil nutrient status.
When no nutrients were supplied, grass/clover swards and red clover swards were able to sustain long term yields (Year 4) in excess of 9.2 t DM/ha due to fixation of atmospheric nitrogen.
Secondary school students are being given the chance to be a part of potato history and name a brand new variety. This exciting opportunity comes as Potato Council continues to work with children, providing educational resources on growing potatoes and healthy eating.
The competition, which is being held as part of the ‘Cook Your Own Potatoes’ initiative, invites secondary schools to name the new ‘fluffy’ variety with purple eyes. In addition, there is also £350 of kitchen equipment up for grabs for the best potato packaging design.
Set up in 2011, the ‘Cook Your Own Potatoes’ project provides much needed support for Food Technology teachers. Research conducted on behalf of Potato Council found they wanted more resources to educate pupils about healthy eating and develop practical cookery skills that fitted in with the curriculum. It also revealed a worrying lack of understanding from secondary pupils about the natural healthiness of potatoes and their role in our diets*.
To enter, schools should send their suggested name and their reasons to: Sue.Lawton@potato.ahdb.org.uk by Friday 15th February 2013. The school that submits the best packaging design to entice shoppers to buy the new variety will win £350 of kitchen equipment.
First cultivated more than 15,000 years ago, barley is the world's fourth most important cereal crop both in terms of area of cultivation and in quantity of grain produced.
The barley genome is almost twice the size of that of humans and determining the sequence of its DNA has proved to be a major challenge. This is mainly because its genome contains a large proportion of closely related sequences, which are difficult to piece together.
A Japanese team led by Kazuhiro Sato of Okayama University took part in the International Barley Sequencing Consortium (IBSC). They succeeded in producing a high resolution assembly of the majority of barley genes in linear order.
By developing and applying a series of innovative strategies that allowed them to circumvent these difficulties, IBSC describes the location of dynamic regions of the genome that carry genes conferring resistance to diseases. This achievement also highlights the unprecedented detail in the differences (15M) between a range of different barley cultivars. The report provides a detailed overview of the functional portions of the barley genome,revealing the order and structure of its 26,000 genes.
Access to the assembled catalogue of gene sequences will streamline efforts to improve barley production by breeding varieties that are better able to withstand disease and deal with adverse environmental conditions such as drought and heat stress.
OPICO recently launched a new version of the 4.78m wide Maschio Pantera rotary cultivator, modified specifically for vegetable growers. The new model is fitted with wheels instead of a packer roller, giving more above-ground clearance for the mulching of bulky crop residues, e.g. cabbages.
The wheels are lighter than a packer roller, so this machine can be used on a smaller tractor and still has the width to maximise work rates.
The Pantera’s blades can work down to a 29cm depth. The wheel settings are adjustable so allowing better control of working depth when rotavating row and bed crops. The Pantera also includes hydraulic depth control so the operator can adjust the rotavator’s working height from the cab in work.
The Pantera has a heavy duty frame, and the wheel frame itself is removable, giving flexibility of use. It is suitable for 300hp tractors, and
At LAMMA, OPICO launched a new slurry injector, for mounting onto the 6m hydraulic folding Sward Slitter. Called the Slit Injector, it gives improved nutrient utilisation over splash plate applicators as slurry is delivered down to the ground and into the slots made by the slitter blades, reducing nutrient losses due to volatilisation and evaporation.
The Slit Injector dispenses slurry through 36 outlets, which are directly aligned with each of the 4-blade rotors of the Sward Slitter.
OPICO’s grassland product specialist Neil Robinson explains: “While splash plate slurry application offers only a 20% nutrient efficiency, because the Slit Injector delivers slurry down to the ground and to the root zone, it gives an estimated 85%
nutrient efficiency, a significant benefit by comparison.”
The Slit Injector also has the following: heavy duty inline rubber outlet nozzles with adjustable height control; a Vogelsang ExaCut distributor to macerate the slurry, complete with large capacity stone trap and easy drain port; a heavy duty double swing arm fitted with robust double-acting hydraulic line feed valve, with a Bauer HK108 (4”) female line fitting – alternative line fittings are available on request.
The Slit Injector costs £11,978 +VAT and the combination of the 6m hydraulic folding Sward Slitter and Slit Injector costs £20,512 +VAT.
For more information, visit www.opico.co.uk or call OPICO on 01778 42111 for details of their nearest OPICO dealer.
folds down to a 2.5m transport width. Other features include Duo-cone waterproof bearings, tested and proven in paddy fields, which enable it to be used successfully in very wet conditions.
The 4.78m Maschio Pantera with wheels weighs 2,900kg and retails at £31,629+VAT.
For more information and details of the nearest Maschio dealer, contact OPICO on 01778 421111, or visit www.maschio.co.uk
Adisplay of New Holland machinery in the centre of London helped to raise more than £65,000 in aid of farmers in crisis.
The equipment was showcased outside St Paul's Cathedral on January 16th as part of an event to collect money for the Addington Fund and to highlight the vital link between farming and the food consumed by urban dwellers.
The countryside display began on the evening of the 15th with a head-turning procession of lorries into the City carrying a New Holland CX6090 combine harvester and a trio of tractors: a T8.390, a T7.270 and a T6.175.
The next day they shared the space with livestock, plus representatives from the farming and food industry to answer questions from passing workers.
It was organised by the Addington Fund, which provides homes for farming families living in England and Wales who have to leave the industry and lose their home. It also offers emergency hardship grants.
Jeremy Turney, who supplied the
machinery said: “We were so proud to have our New Holland machines at the display. It confirmed our solidarity with farmers and the importance of producers – both for rural and urban communities – and that they mustn't be forgotten.
“Raising more than £65,000 for the Addington Fund is a huge success and we are delighted to have been part of that, while at the same time making agriculture's presence felt so strongly in the capital though the New Holland brand.
“We'll continue to back farming in the UK and carry on providing the best service possible to support their businesses and help them through these tough times.”
The event concluded with 1,000 people attending the cathedral for a special Plough Wednesday Evensong, where a collection contributed more than £15,000.
There were readings by NFU president Peter Kendall, former farming minister Sir Jim Paice, Reverend Canon Sally Fogden MBE and members of clergy from around the country.
John Deere’s award winning Ag Tech, Parts Tech and Turf Tech apprenticeship programme has set another record for the new training season’s intake.
Altogether 46 apprentices have signed up to begin their first year of training, which is provided by Babcock International Group, who deliver 10% of all UK work-based apprenticeship programmes. The new intake includes 32 Ag Tech apprentice engineering technicians, 6 Parts Tech customer service apprentices and 8 Turf Tech technicians.
The John Deere apprenticeship was the first land-based agricultural and turf machinery programme to deliver training in the workplace, at the sponsoring dealership, with assessment and guidance from Babcock’s team of expert learning advisers. Additional training takes place at Babcock’s purpose built training facility at Ruddington and the John Deere Training Centre at Langar, near Nottingham.
Overall the programme offers a City & Guilds or NVQ Level 3 land-based qualification and a John Deere LTA (Landbased Technician Accreditation) Level 2 qualification for the engineering technicians, and a Parts Administration qualification up to Level 3 (Advanced).
The apprentices can go on to complete three free courses in their
third or fourth year to gain the John Deere Diploma and start their adult training at the John Deere University (JDU), using the knowledge and skills gained from the initial two or three-year apprenticeship.
“Apprentice technicians very quickly find themselves working with highly sophisticated equipment, from computerised controls and satellite navigation systems to advanced, fuel-efficient engines and Formula 1 transmission technology,” says John Deere Limited’s training manager Chris Wiltshire.
“They are trained in engineering, electronics, hydraulics, diagnostics, communication skills, computing, sales and marketing. The need for skilled people working in our industry has never been greater and we believe that these training programmes provide the best possible qualified technicians for our dealer network.”
The first year intake includes the following apprentices and their sponsoring dealers from Scotland: Ag Tech: Rui Rato, Thomas Sherriff Coldstream; Stuart Thompson, Thomas Sherriff Dunbar; Arthur Burgman, Thomas Sherriff Haddington.
Parts Tech: Craig Murdock, DKR Agricultural; Ian Affleck Barrett, Frank Johnston (Tractors); Turf Tech: Andrew Donagie, Thomas SherriffHaddington
Designed to provide more comfort, performance and versatility, John Deere’s 5E Series three-cylinder utility tractors will be available from this spring with a new John Deere designed cab. A 5055E model was shown for the first time in the UK at LAMMA 2013.
The 5055E, 5065E and 5075E models from 55 to 75hp (97/68 EC rating) can be ordered with two new cab options, equipped with either basic roof-mounted heater/ventilation outlets and controls or a higher specification air conditioning and heating system. The cabs also feature opening front, rear and side windows for extra visibility when required. An additional new feature is a digital instrument panel, as featured on the bigger 5M Series tractors from 70 to 100hp.
All three models feature a John Deere PowerTech M Tier III engine, providing good fuel economy and low emission levels and an open centre hydraulic system with independent pumps. A single rear SCV is operated
by a dedicated lever as standard. Additional options include a second rear or mid-mounted SCV, operated by a joystick control.
The synchronised nine forward/ three reverse inline transmission follows an H pattern and can be shifted on the move via side-shift levers within the range. A standard 540rpm pto operates at a rated engine speed of 2400rpm, while the 540E economy version runs at 1700rpm.
The tractors can be fitted with a choice of two mechanical self-levelling or non self-levelling loaders, with lift capacities of either 873 or 989kg to a maximum lift height of 3.38m. Rear lift capacity is 1.8 tonnes at the hitch balls.
John Deere 5E Series tractors are suitable for a range of customers including smaller livestock or mixed farms, speciality growers and part-time farmers or private landowners, as well as the commercial groundscare market. Prices of the new models and cab option are still to be confirmed.
Providing even greater performance in a range of environments, John Deere’s popular XUV 855D Gator 4x4 utility vehicle is now available with power steering. This is designed to reduce steering effort considerably.
John Deere’s full Gator range, with the exception of the smallest CX model, is also available for the first time with PowerGard Protection. John Deere PowerGard is a straightforward solution to equipment servicing and repair work, designed to help Gator customers budget for the
total cost of ownership. Thanks to the standard two year warranty and PowerGard Protection, it is possible to have up to four years of cover for the vehicle.
The new factory installed, electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) system will be standard on models with olive & black livery and optional on green & yellow models. The system has an anti-kickback feature and speed sensing – the faster you travel, the more responsive the steering becomes, controlled by a torque sensor and an on-board
Fodder beet variety trials shows extra yield from Robbos worth £397/ha can be achieved
In Limagrain UK’s 2012 trial, fodder beet variety Robbos produced an extra 2.9t/ha dry matter yield compared to the control variety Kyros. This extra DM yield is worth £397/ha, assuming a relative value of fodder beet of £137/tonne of DM says Limagrain’s Martin Titley.
The trial tested 10 commercial varieties of fodder beet at the Limagrain trial site in Lincolnshire.
Robbos is a yellow skinned variety best suited to harvesting using leaf-lifting machinery. With its large clean root it is an ideal choice for both dairy and beef production.
computer. The steering design also reduces tyre wear on hard surfaces, and is more turf friendly.
The 25hp XUV 855D Gator is the fastest and most powerful diesel utility vehicle in the John Deere line-up, with a top speed of 32mph (52kph). It features a true on demand four-wheel drive traction system, activated by a dash-mounted electronic switch, and double A-arm front and rear suspension, which is adjustable at the rear. Ground clearance is 267mm (11in), total payload is 635kg and towing capacity is 680kg.
Martin explains: “Due to Robbos’ low dirt contamination, it is well suited to co-ensiling with maize to produce beta-maize silage, a new concept used by farmers in Denmark. This results in an energy rich feed that can be fed all year round.
“Fodder beet is a versatile crop, being suitable for winter grazing in the field for sheep or cattle, or for harvesting and storing. It is extremely palatable and can raise dry matter intakes during the winter feeding period.”
For more information on fodder beet variety selection and a copy of The Essential Guide to Forage Crops, email Limagrain UK at: enquiries@limagrain.co.uk or visit the website www.limagrain.co.uk
The Gator’s standard four post ROPS frame can be optionally upgraded to a deluxe full glass cab if required, and further options include tool carriers and cargo box dividers, a front mounted load rack, a bull bar and side extensions.
Price of the 2013 model John Deere XUV 855D 4x4 Gator utility vehicle with olive & black livery and power steering as standard starts at £12,288 for the base machine with Terrahawk tyres (excluding VAT). The green & yellow livery model with optional power steering is £100 less.
China is now the largest consumer of food and beverages in the world, having recently surpassed the United States.
For the major food producing countries around the Pacific Ocean, including the United States, Canada, Latin America and New Zealand, exporting to China has become the biggest game in town and one of the most lucrative.
According to a recent report by economists working for Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ANZ Bank), the best slice of the pie comes with accessing the wealthiest 30% of urban Chinese households. Their incomes have reached such a level that overall consumption has stabilised, but they spend as much as five times more than those in the lowest income brackets on western origin products, such as dairy, seafood and meat.
The report called The Modernisation of China’s Food Industry draws attention to the pace of change in China’s share of world food trade, which the authors say is “staggering”.
Chief economist Cameron Bagrie and rural colleague Con Williams said China is now New Zealand’s second-largest export market with compound growth of 18% since 2000. This pace has accelerated since 2008, because of global position, food safety record and the 2008 free trade agreement between the two countries.
NZ-China dairy trade that was around NZ $500 million (£250M) in 2008 has grown five times to $2.4 billion in 2012. Meat trade has also quadrupled, while forestry trade has more than doubled.
Mega food trends that are adding
increased market sophistication across China include: rising disposable incomes; urbanisation; brand exposure; consumer affluence; food safety concerns; health consciousness; demand for convenience; improved infrastructure; and development of the retail industry.
The best distribution channels to access these emerging affluent consumers are hypermarkets, specialty supermarkets, online, high-end hotels and restaurants and fast-food restaurants.
The “organised retail” sector is expected to grow from 2-17% in 2010 across five proteins (pork, poultry, beef, seafood and mutton) to 33-43% market share in 2020, at the expense of the traditional wet markets.
The ANZ Bank economists warned that as yet only 15% of the food, meat and vegetables in China are transported in chillers, versus 90% in developed countries. Only as the chilled transportation system develops will inland centres have better access to the likes of seafood.
Finally, China’s 30 provinces and territories are ranked by the report from Shanghai at number one to Tibet at number 30 in terms of their potential for food and beverage trade. Shanghai is a clear first over coastal Tianjin and nearby Beijing.
“Cracking what is now the world’s biggest, food and beverage market is not a task for the faint-hearted or uncommitted,” the authors comment.
“Lessons from those who have gone before show essential elements for success include strong business relationships, intimate knowledge of a targeted market segment, cultural understanding, local staff or collaborators, some scale and lots of
largest markets for imported food, and its hypermarket and cool storage infrastructure expands, paradoxically the proportion of “wasted” food rises in the manner of more developed countries.
patience.”
The United Nation Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has reported that 2012 ended with the world food index in a moderate to declining phase and that world food prices were during 2012 on average lower than in 2011.
The major categories of lower prices during 2012 compared with 2011 were sugar down 17%, dairy down 14.5% and oils down 11%. After surging over the July to September 2012 period, on production uncertainties and tightening supplies, cereal export quotations have dropped because of weaker demand for feed and industrial uses.
In December, maize prices fell sharply, as large export supplies in South America relieved pressure from the drought shortages in the US.
As China develops into one of the
The UK Institution of Mechanical Engineers reported recently that between 30% and 50% of all food produced in the world ends up as waste. It published a report called “Global Food: Waste not, want not.” It pointed the finger at unnecessarily strict use-by dates, buy-one-get-onefree specials, Western consumer demand for cosmetically perfect food and inadequate infrastructure and storage facilities.
Because the United Nations predicts there will be three billion more people to feed by the end of the century, with growing pressure on land and water, the institute said a necessary first move is to cut the wastage.
In the UK as much as 30% of vegetable crops are not harvested because produce doesn’t meet retailers’ standards and in Europe and the US as much as half of all food purchased is not consumed.
"Major supermarkets, in meeting consumer expectations, will often reject entire crops of perfectly edible fruit and vegetables at the farm because they do not meet exacting marketing standards for their physical characteristics, such as size and appearance,” the report said.
“Of the produce that does appear
by Hugh Stringleman
in the supermarket, commonly used sales promotions frequently encourage customers to purchase excessive quantities, which, in the case of perishable foodstuffs, inevitably generates wastage in the home."
The demand for water in food production could grow to 10 to 13 trillion cubic metres annually by 2050, which would be 2.5 to 3.5 times the current total human usage.
The institute claims there is scope to provide 60% to 100% more food in the future by eliminating losses and waste and freeing up land, energy and water resources.
British retailers have objected to the “waste food” report, saying that they do not encourage wasteful purchasing of perishable foods.
They publish storage advice and recipe ideas while providing a greater range of portion sizes. They are also relaxing appearance standards, and the European Commission had addressed some of its more bizarre regulations, like the degree of bend in bananas.
An interesting perspective on this issue was provided by “Neil”, who commented on the BBC website that farmers benefitted from this over purchasing and that over production was a necessary evil.
“If we were eating 99% of everything that is produced, what would happen if there were a couple of bad harvests?
“Waste is required – that is why the West has had no famines since World War Two.”
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As I write this on the 2nd of January I have just enjoyed my birthday cake and for the last time the first number is 3 – next year I move into a new age bracket, I’m told it doesn’t hurt and there’s nothing to worry about, time will tell!
I assume as the Christmas tree has been heaved out the front door that festivities are over in our house, I have to admit that although I enjoy parts of Christmas it’s not my favourite time of year. I often wonder if other farmers feel a little out of sorts at this time, I’m not sure if it’s the short days, endless advertising and hype, or if it’s too much food and refreshments making me feel like the beast that’s broken into the feed shed – I really enjoy getting back to my routine.
Looking back at 2012 there’s no doubt, from a farming point of view, it was challenging to say the least. We had issues with the weather in the north but nothing compared to the flooding and destruction that occurred further south. Let’s hope that the forthcoming year gets off to a good start weather wise and a real summer would be much appreciated.
It was an interesting year for us; bull sales throughout the year were good, our first on farm ram sale went well and sales of both prime cattle and sheep have been steady although lamb trade has unfortunately fallen below anticipated levels latterly. We have 320 lambs left to market and hope to have them away by the time lambing starts in earnest on the 17th of February. We need all the shed space we have by then and I have no desire to look at last season’s crop any longer.
Despite lower yields Spring Barley performed reasonably well financially for us, through pure luck we for once didn’t sell grain forward and had all of our tonnage on an open priced contract. Just as well as major skinning issues with both Concerto and Shuffle left us with a larger parcel of feed barley than expected. We have just started to market it and our final average price should be reasonable.
Our cropping for next year will include a larger area of winter barley. As a stand-alone crop its dubious whether it’s any better than Spring Barley grown for feed, but it lets us get stubble turnips in the ground early for wintering sheep and gets a little of the harvest out of the way slightly earlier in the year.
We will also be growing Oats for home consumption for the first time in a few years on lighter land, which we use for wintering our cows; recent weather patterns have reduced the size of land suitable for this purpose.
Spring Barley varieties will be mainly Concerto along with the old favourite Optic in low nitrogen situations with Catriona will being planted after grass and other high fertility sites.
In recent months we have been able to lease extra grazing, which has allowed us to increase sheep numbers considerably, all budgets have been done with pessimistic prices but recent lamb prices are making me a little nervous. Our plan is to lamb all stud ewes and some commercials indoors in February at Fearn, followed by another batch plus hoggs in March. We should have a small break before tackling everything else at our rented
“Extra ewes will mean extra lambs to finish and with this in mind we hope to finish a percentage of our lambs by techno grazing them on chicory, plantain and red and white clover – watch this space for results.”
blocks nearby at Nigg and further north at West Garty, outside in late April/early May.
I suspect the next few months will provide us with a fairly steep learning curve, with the exception of one part time helper and family members the lambing team will be brand new –with kind weather a well-stocked beer fridge and plenty humour we will hopefully survive!
Extra ewes will mean extra lambs to finish and with this in mind we hope to finish a percentage of our lambs by techno grazing them on chicory, plantain and red and white clover – watch this space for results. Our applications for SRDP funding have resulted in a 50% success rate, our plan to convert an old Millhouse into holiday accommodation has been politely refused so will now be parked on the back burner. Meantime our agri-environmental application has been approved, which we are delighted about and look forward to implementing several measures which will enhance and improve the
John Scott Fearn Farm Tain, Ross-shire
bio-diversity of the farm.
At last our pair of C and F 20Kw turbines are now up and running. They seem to be performing fairly well with power being supplied direct to a nearby potato cold store. I couldn’t help but notice even they seemed to overdo it one evening during the festive period when the wind was particularly strong.
The following morning they were bone idle at 8am, by 9.30am they were slowly sorting themselves out and by lunchtime they were back to full power. Now I know what you’re thinking and I have to admit that comparisons to the Christmas staff at Fearn could easily be made!
As I write this we are nearly a month into the New Year and January seems to have just flown past, must be getting older or have I really been enjoying myself too much?
We have been doing a lot of drainage work, patching up some of the damage done as a result of two wet harvests/years. When I say that I have been draining, I really mean Mike from a neighbouring farm, but it has given me a good excuse to venture out from the office to check on progress. Maybe I am a bit sad, but patching drains is a very satisfying job! Once you find a working drain to tap into you can see the results very quickly.
Nowadays all of the manual work is done by machine, but most of the drains at Craigie would have been originally dug by hand, which must have been a big task. We came across an old stone drain which is shown as an open burn on the 1880 map. The craftsmanship in the stone work was fantastic but it seems such a waste that it is hidden underground! Anyway, hopefully with Mike’s efforts it will help to get the wet holes back into production. All we need now is a dry year so that we can get the soil structure sorted out.
One paragraph in and I have managed to resist mentioning horses! Before I rant on about the incompetency of the British supermarkets, I remember when horse passports were introduced. Just to put you in the picture, apart from the fact that my lovely wife and daughter are ‘horsey’, I have never really connected with the horse world and those who are involved in it. When passports were introduced there was a big rush from our liveries to get a passport. One day I asked, “Why the urgency?” I was told that if the horse had a passport it could not be sold for horse meat. I chuckled to myself because I was aware that the passport legislation came from Europe where horses do enter the food chain. The real reason for passports was so that horses could enter the food
chain.
I don’t think the issue with the burger scandal is that there was horse meat in burgers; I think the real issue is that this was not declared and the public have been misled again. Do I think this is an isolated incident? Not on your nelly! The raw facts are if you think you are getting a bargain price you are more than likely not getting all that you pay for.
Over the years we have tried to get our jam listed in some of the supermarkets. We have never succeeded because we are too expensive. I know what my costs are and I am not prepared to do it for less. The only way I could make our jam cheaper is to substitute some of the quality ingredients, something that I am not prepared to do.
Although I do not support what the burger makers have done, I can totally sympathise with them. I believe the blame lies 100% with the multiples and their greed to make as big a profit as they can. Do I think anything will change after this? I don’t think so, I would suspect that this supplier will go out of business but the multiples will move on to someone else and ‘rotate’ them as much as they can.
Better stop my rant and write something positive….
What is happening in the farm retail world? Thirty farm retailers from Scotland are heading to Harrogate in February for the annual Farm and More Conference. It is a great networking opportunity, meeting retailers from all over the UK. This year the conference is being attended by farm retailers from Europe, USA, Canada and Australia so it should be good. The sectors sought after awards are presented at a big dinner. The following Scottish shops are all sort listed for an award –Castleton Farm Café, Cairnie Fruit Farm and Hopetoun Farm Shop.
Good luck to you all, we are rooting for you!
January and February at Craigie’s is staff review time, lots of paper work but there is always a couple of
great ideas that can help make a difference. This coming year our main objective is to increase what we grow and what we make at Craigie’s. The afore-mentioned scandal enforces the importance of shortening the food chain as much as we can, hopefully it will be enough to keep the loyal support of our customers.
We are also focusing on our school allotment project and widening the project out to young adults with learning difficulties. It is so important that we teach our youth how and where their food comes from. Yes, we have the set up at Craigie’s that makes it a wee bit easier but all of us can get involved
and do our bit. If you haven’t spoken to your local RHET (Royal Highland Education Trust) coordinator then pick up the phone today!
Scottish food has been a great success story over the last 10 years. We are very lucky to have a supportive government making a commitment to grow the sector further. There are lots of opportunities and support out there to help us move our businesses to a new level, just take advantage of them! The icing on the cake would be if we can learn from our mistakes. Firstly, find a Scottish buyer for Vion. Secondly, get the multiple’s to realise that you get what you pay for………
Newly turned nineteen year old, Claire Wilson, of Broughton, Biggar has artistic talent by the livestock trailer load!
Currently studying for an HNC in Agriculture at Oatridge College, Claire took Art at school but wasn’t keen on the theory side.
Six months back, on a wet day, one of many last summer, while watching Wimbeldon, Claire took out her pad and sketched some sheep.
“We were rained off with wet sheep, so I just picked up a Blackface Journal and drew.” The drawing was given the seal of approval by her Grandfather – farmer, scanner and ex sheep shearer – Geordie Wilson, Stobohope Farm. Normally not one to dish out compliments, Claire realised that the drawing really must be good!
Since then this bubbly young lady has had a list of commissions to work her way through on weekends and evenings.
As to future plans, Claire is swithering whether to carry on to complete the HND next year. Careerwise, she fancies becoming an AI technician, but travel is top of the agenda once she qualifies.
Global travel seems to be par for the course in the Wilson household, as Claire’s brother Scott is currently on his third trip shearing sheep for MacIntosh Shearing at Tamaranui in New Zealand. He also takes a stand in Norway. Their father – Robbie, a driller – joined Scott in Norway this year to shear, on a line, in an abattoir. The shearers stand in line and shear a certain piece each of every sheep.
The past couple of seasons Claire has been wool handling each summer for Scott, Dye Clark or Barney (Neil MacIntyre) as and when required. She spends the rest of her spare time helping her grandfather on the farm, which is located up behind the well known Stobo Health Spa. The farm covers 2000acres and carries Blackface sheep. Geordie sells over 300 lambs at one sale in Stirling in November and topped the sale three years in a row. Last year he also took some to Lanark and took out the champion pen.
As a committee member for Biggar Young Farmers, Claire produces all the posters for events. “I used to really enjoy getting involved in the concert but find I don’t have as much time since I’m at college during the week and I started drawing.” She admits to being very competitive, especially on the hockey pitch! The arts and crafts sections and competitions are also a favourite with Claire.
More of Claire’s artwork can be found on her Facebook page – Claire Wilson Art. If you have a show-stopper, sale or purchase that is worthy of a frame –why not drop her an e-mail. My husband was certainly delighted with one of Christmas presents this year – £15K Connachan – pictured far right.
Chairman of the Government Economic and Budgetary
Think Tank Bernard LaHere (BLAH) is in a meeting with the spokesperson for the secret group of Supermarket Headsman Against Free Trade (SHAFT). The spokesperson (let us say Mr X) represents this shadow group of influential business men in charge of large retail chains, which carries considerable sway with the government of the day.
Mr X: So as I was saying, we really do need to get a grip on the rising cost of inputs, profits are down and our input costs are rising. The dairy protest has not helped the cause.
BLAH: Yes, I don’t know how that one escalated, didn’t think we’d see solidarity like that. We tried to divert attention with a few things but it seemed to gather momentum.
Mr X: Whatever, if milk keeps going up then so does inflation and bang go your targets, then the pound weakens and my members struggle to buy cheap food abroad. Remember the last time the pound weakened, we nearly had to pay the cost of production for goods. It was a stroke
of genius of yours to launch a “CAP Mid Term review” that diverted their leaders attention and stopped us having to look at long-term contracts. By the time they stop haggling about Subsidy, we should have prices pinned back again, lamb is already well underway. But how to keep cattle prices pinned back is a worry. Disease scare be an option?
BLAH: Not likely, another Foot and Mouth would never get approval with coffers as restricted as they are for compensation, anyway your supply is too tight to waste just now.
Mr X: Got to speculate to accumulate Old Chap; we’re carrying the nations pensions at the moment in our shares remember...
BLAH: Don’t you think you need to pay a little bit more to keep up production? Our new Single Farm Payment rules give no incentive to produce. Don’t get me wrong, we like you making money better than farmers, you pay tax at 40% and they take any profit and throw it away on foreign tractors or employing local tradesman, who are probably on lower tax rates. It’s just the government is
by John Fyall
worried about security of food supply as an island. It’s not something we’ve had to worry about before, but these foreigners, they just won’t stop breeding and what if they start using all their own food themselves?
Mr X: Now relax we have that covered. Currently there is no incentive to produce, you’re right and we don’t encourage the new generation, farmers get older, farms bigger and have to produce at lower cost, so we lead them down the Genetic Modification route. Eventually we will form contracts with the GM Agra-supply companies and every input and output will be exactly controlled – a complete, highly efficient corporate food chain, with farmers as our tractor men but without us buying the land. We could create countless opportunities for young graduates. Got to keep your eye on the long game Bernard. It’s already been tried in Spain, the sugar industry and the seed/chemical suppliers set the price of GM beet each year with just enough to let the farmer limp to the next year, same with cotton and soya. Britain’s falling behind, I tell you. You’ve got to get the GM’s in the country Bernard, it’s in your interest, with the Banks down and out, our industry can offer alternative Non-Exec positions for retiring politicians. You’re backing a winning horse... Hang on I’ve had an idea. Eureka – Horse. Its not illegal; we get a few of our members to sneak in horsemeat to the low end burgers, you know the type, hungry working class poverty line product; bung in some horsemeat and watch the beef price crash!
BLAH: Why would you do that, surely it’ll damage your sales?
Mr X: Nah, that’s a low value low profit product anyway, but those poor punters, they won’t care what they eat so it won’t damage the sales too much. And it may increase
consumption of local red meat, premium cuts. But.... the public outcry will give us the chance to argue the market has lost confidence and we stop this spiralling beef price, at least long enough until Brazil and Argentina can step up their imports to Britain. Red Meat halves in price, your inflation comes down two points, see, we’re all winners!
BLAH: Great thinking – that might also keep UKIP off the front page for a while. That’s that then, why don’t I treat you to lunch. There’s a great place round the corner that does a lunch carvery, gets all it’s meat from a local organic producer just out the road in Kent, the taste is like nothing you’d get out the supermarket.. oh, no offence.
Mr X: None taken, I shop at my local butchers.
POSTSCRIPT TELEPHONE CALL
Mr X: Bloody failure, we set it up perfectly and then it dives down to page 4. I mean, who would have predicted blizzards in Norfolk, but you could have at least kept a lid on Algeria until we had another day of coverage!
BLAH: Why do I get the blame? We try too you know, remember the time we got the Sheep BSE link published right in time for the lamb sales, who would have thought the tragic Princess Diana kept up the price of lambs because the story went out the same day. Honestly, you have the support of the whole house on this one, we can’t have the struggling average household paying any more for food in the current economic climate, heaven forbid they’d stop consuming useless that with their spare cash!
Mr X (Reminiscent of Michael Caine at the end of the Italian Job): Hang on a minute Bernard; I’ve got a great idea.....
In January Europe’s largest annual curling competition celebrated its 30th anniversary. With nearly 300 competitors the annual Yara Farmers Curling Championship, held from Monday 21st January to Friday 25th January at the Dewars centre in Perth, has become a firm favourite and popular fixture in the Scottish farming calendar.
The Championship will see up to 72 teams compete over five days of intense curling competition, with a trophy and significant cash prize awarded to the winning team.
Alan Wood, YARA Area Manager and Championship organiser for the past 30 years, commented, “Reaching the 30th anniversary is a real milestone for Yara and the championship. The competition goes from strength to strength and has become a real highlight for farmers in Scotland and N England and gives us the opportunity to engage further with our valued customers.”
Teams are made up of some of Europe’s top curlers and come from as far as Caithness in the north to Berwick in the South. “I’m looking forward to seeing some world class curling and undoubtedly excellent support from a good number of
offer their
members fantastic travel opportunities around the globe and 2013 is no exception! With travel, which is organised through the association and funding available from a variety of trusts and funds there is no better time to travel with SAYFC.
spectators.” continued Mr Wood.
“In particular we have three dedicated players who have competed every year since the tournament was introduced; Alan Clarke, George Christie and Robert Wallace.”
There are 20 sections, with 4 teams in each section. The winners of each section go into the “high road” play-offs, with the runners up going into the “low-road” play-offs. Mr Wood continued; “This ensures everyone is involved and keeps alive the excitement of the competition and camaraderie among spectators, competitors and the Yara team.”
The Dewars centre in Perth is situated in the heart of a vibrant agricultural community.
Yara UKs latest team member in Scotland, Gareth Flockhart, joined Yara in November as Area Manager for South East and Central Scotland.
“Expertise and a robust crop nutrition programme are a top priority for farmers following what has been a difficult year in 2012. The area that I cover – East Lothian, Berwickshire, the Borders and Northumberland, is one of great scope and potential and I am looking forward to building strong relationships with farmers, many of whom I hope to see during the five days of curling competition.” said Gareth prior to the event.
Opportunities include 5 nations’ trips to Wales, England, Ireland and Northern Ireland for national and local shows and of course to enjoy the summer sunshine! Also international trips to Canada, Montana, Colorado, Kansas, Tasmania, Austria, Finland and Switzerland to name but a few are available to all members!
Team Travel with trips to the European rally or autumn and spring
seminars for a chance form members to represent SAYFC overseas as well as meet some amazing people and visit some wonderful countries.
The International Information day is taking place on Sunday 10th February at the Young Farmers Centre, Ingliston with delegates being asked to fill in an application form to attend the day and show their interest by 1st February. More information and application forms are available on the website – www.sayfc.org.
If you’re planning on travelling in 2013 why not travel with SAYFC?
For further information contact: Helen McLaren, International Coordinator, Young Farmer Centre, Ingliston, Edinburgh, EH28 8NE Tel: 07894506038, east@sayfc.org www.sayfc.org
Morag Houston, Glenshee
1st prize winner Issue 90 with her feeding out photo wins a Valentine meal package for 2 from ‘Perfect Night In’ (above right)
2nd prize winner
Andrew Houston, Murthly, Perth wins a set of four ‘Story of Wool Mugs’ from Herdy
3rd prize winner
Jean Gibbon, Furmiston, Carsphairn, Castle Douglas with her Romanian sheep sale wins a ‘Story of Wool’tea towel from Herdy
4th prize winner
Gwen Wallace, Prendwick, Whittingham, Alnwick wins a ‘Story of Wool’tea towel from Herdy
Valentine’s Day is fast approaching and doing the right thing for the one you love, or would like to love, is never easy!
Buying a card, booking a restaurant, sorting a babysitter – will the meal be good? All things you need to consider...
Here at Perfect Night In, we have created the ultimate package for you and the One you love. Let all the hassle disappear as we deliver to your home or work on the big day! And, it is cheaper than a night out anyway...
Check below for details!
Each package contains two steaks, some wonderful local chocolates and _a bottle of world class Champagne selected by experts to match our steaks!
Plus, a bespoke card that we will write for you! If you have any questions, please drop us a line. Enjoy a wonderful Valentine’s Day!
Paul & Kirsty
e-mail entries to editor@farmingscotland.com by 15th Feb
February Photo Competition –‘Farm Dogs’ First Prize – ADrawing of Animal of Your Choice by Claire Wilson other prizes will be listed on Facebook
e-mail entries to editor@farmingscotland.com by 15th February 2013 enter as many photos as you wish
