Farming

Farming What you need to know about bird flu

By Alice Moor Friars Moor Livestock Health

If like me, you have a small flock of chickens, you will probably be aware of the current bird flu outbreak in the UK. Bird flu is an infectious influenza virus of which there are several strains. It is a notifiable disease: there is a legal requirement to report cases, with protective zones and restricted animal movements put in place to control the spread of disease. Public Health England continue to advise that the H5N8 and H5N2 strains of bird flu are very low risk to humans and properly cooked poultry products are safe. Chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys, pigeons, partridge, pheasants, quail, and guinea fowl are all at risk whether kept as pets or commercially. You should follow the biosecurity guidelines to protect them. Clinical signs can vary but the following signs should be reported; respiratory distress, coughing, sneezing, gurgling, gaping, blue colouration of the neck and throat, reduced appetite, decreased egg production, diarrhoea, and mass or unexplained death. If you suspect bird flu report it immediately to Defra on 03000 200 301. If you find dead wild birds report to Defra on 03459 33 55 77: do not touch the birds. It is vital your birds don’t have contact with wild birds, so food and water must be covered and enclosures should keep them out. Cleanliness is also key, so reduce any disease transmission by cleaning footwear before and after entering the bird areas, humanely control vermin and disinfect hard surfaces. It is a legal requirement to register any flock of 50 or more birds and it is still advisable to register even small numbers at gov.uk/giudance/poultryregistration. There have been confirmed cases in wild swans and a wild goose in both Weymouth and Poole so Dorset remains a high risk area. Being vigilant is key. You can reach me on twitter @AliceMillerVet, and for further updates follow us on Facebook @Friars Moor Livestock Health, twitter @FriarsMoorVets, or visit our website friarsmoorvets.co.uk. Best wishes from Alice and the Friars Moor team.

1 ton dumper wanted. Electric start. call 07970 297019 Peking bantams this year hatched, fabulous colours, pullets & cockerels mixed. Call ducks, apricots & black and whites, this year hatched. 01300 341640

Barn wanted for workshop / dry storage for microlight projects, ideally in a secure location. A small airstrip would be a bonus for test flying but not essential. Contact Ian: 07710464828

FLYING TRADE AT FROME!

ALL SECTIONS SHOWING HIGH FRIDAY 11TH DECEMBER

PRICES AT FROME LIVESTOCK STORE CATTLE SALE TO INCLUDE MARKET THROUGHOUT NOVEMBER ORGANIC CATTLE

ORGANIC STORE: STEER TO £1475 SALE OF 90 ORGANIC WEANED ORGANIC STORE: HEIFERS TO £1455 CHAROLAIS STEERS & HEIFERS FAT PIGS: TO £125 7-8MO HB SS FA

FAT LAMBS: TO £222 per kg SALE OF 70 ORGANIC SOUTH DEVON CALVES: CONTINENTAL BULL TO £420 CALVES: CONTINENTAL HEIFER TO £410 REARED CALVES: STEER TO £460 REARED CALVES: HEIFER TO £500 & ANGUS STEERS & HEIFERS 12- 18MO HB SS FA WITH NAMED SIRES NEVER BEEN HOUSED OFF THE SALISBURY PLAINS DAIRY HEIFERS: TO £1900 DAIRY COWS: TO £1950 FRIDAY 18TH DECEMBER SALE OF STORE CATTLE TO INCLUDE ORGANIC CATTLE

WEEKLY MARKETS EVERY WEDNESDAY & FRIDAY CHRISTMAS

WEDNESDAY 9th DECEMBER OPENING TIMES

SALE OF REARED CALVES Full Market

WEDNESDAY 16TH DECEMBER SALE OF 20 EXCELLENT QUALITY Wednesday 23rd December including Store Cattle no Pigs

FRESHLY CALVED FRIESIAN No Market Friday 25th December

& AYRSHIRE X FRIESIAN Full Market

BLACK & WHITE HEIFERS & COWS Wednesday 30th December

WEDNESDAY 16TH DECEMBER including Store Cattle no Pigs

NEXT SALE OF PIGS No Market Friday 1st January 2021

Strict Social Distancing rules apply. Everyone to provide their own face masks and gloves. Face masks to be worn at all times. Website: www.fromelivestock.com

Frome Livestock Market, Standerwick, Frome, Somerset BA11 2QB Frome Market Office tel: 01373 830033 Email: info@fromelivestock.com

Independent veterinary services for livestock in Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire

Collection points for livestock medicines and supplies at Sherborne, Sturminster Newton, Blandford and Shaftesbury Please call the office on 01258 472314

Farming Parts of the county to be ‘rewilded’

The government has vowed to plant 30,000 hectares of trees throughout the British countryside by 2025. But NFU Dorset says farmers already take environmental obligations very seriously. A spokesman said: “If the government succeeds in getting the country to net zero by 2050 they will be a decade behind agriculture as the NFU’s ambition is for farming to get to net zero by 2040. “To some extent the process of incentivising farmers to ‘rewild’ has already begun as the EU transition period ends and we move away from the old Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) towards a system of payment for public goods, which would include environmental work and things like planting trees and hedgerows. “Unfortunately, there is a complete lack of clarity on exactly how the transition away from BPS is going to work – even though we are now just a few weeks away from it happening.” People living in the Cranborne Chase and Chalke Valley with an interest in the landscape are being asked to join a new board. People with a ‘broad range of interests’ who are actively

Country Diary with AJ Selby

What good is the warmth of summer, without the cold of winter to give it sweetness? John Steinbeck It’s time for reflection as the year closes and what a strange and unforeseen year we have had. Unless you are at least an octogenarian and remember the last war then few people will have experienced the sort of impact that the pandemic has had upon us. However, there have been some positives and the natural world has played a large part in keeping people sane. December sees pheasants abound in field and forest margin, eating a very varied diet of both animal and vegetable origins. They will gorge on beech mast, spilled grains, fruits, berries and leaves, and also eat small insects such as caterpillars, leatherjackets, wireworms and beetles. Occasionally they will take small lizards and rodents and when out feeding even the weak winter sun is enough to strike a glint Pheasants feasting plumage. It’s strange to think less busy at this time of year that this iconic British compared with spring, but the countryside bird is not a absence of foliage enables the native, but hails from Asia. keen watcher to see far more The trees, so resplendent just than at other times of the a few weeks ago, have been year. Marauding bands of stripped of their autumn finches and tits work their display. Now we are left with way down the hedge-line and the last of the leaves and a I am always delighted to see bounteous crop of holly small groups of a favourite berries in the hedgerow. bird, the long-tailed tit, whose These field boundaries are no presence never fails to stay

Have your say on landscape strategy

of rainbow brilliance on their

To-let: approximately 100 acres of winter sheep grazing/pasture, Higher Ansty, ring fenced, water available three months November, December, January only. Offers invited. 01258 880006. involved in the community and want to help the area are being sought for the Cranborne Chase and Chalke Valley Landscape Partnership Scheme – a National Lottery Heritage Fund Scheme. The community stakeholder group will advise the landscape partnership board of local views until the end of 2024. You will meet every three months and will advise, support and provide a strategic direction to the landscape partnership. Applications are welcome from representatives from local communities and parishes in and around the scheme area, particularly those with interests in the environment, wildlife conservation, heritage and history, recreation, health and wellbeing, young people, volunteering, interpretation, practical skills and business. Apply by 31 January 2021. It is expected that the first meeting will be held in February 2021. A role description, application form, person specification as well as other supporting documents can be found at cranbornechase. org.uk/landscapepartnership-scheme. If you are interested in being involved or to know more, call landscape partnership manager Jonathan Monteith on 01725 517417 or jonathanmonteith@cranbor nechase.org.uk

CONCRETE RAILWAY SLEEPERS For cow tracks / retaining walls. Contact Ricky or Robert at Liquiline Limited. 01258 830324 / liquiline.co.uk Wanted. large and small bale hay. 07768 747967 SaddlebackxOSB weaners for sale. 8 weeks old. 01747 852042/ 07969 123557. Wanted: pair of Call Ducks, for good home! Tel 07760 766033 50m brand new chicken mesh 01258 830474 Jersey heifer, close to calving, very quiet, ideal for dairy, house cow or calf rearing, delivered. £750. 07367 565050

WANTED dead or fallen trees, NOT rotted, ash, oak or beech - anything considered. Taken away and cleared. Tree felling service also available, Call 01935 873169

Land wanted to rent for pigs and sheep, Tisbury area please call 0778 626 1967 Sheep Keep wanted for small flocks of sheep. Anything considered, North Dorset Area. 07564277083

Chinese Geese £30 and Peking Bantums £15. Call 07854 322872. CARAVAN REMOVAL SERVICE old unwanted caravans, cars, vans, etc. Metal, yard, garden, garage removal clearances undertaken, please call 01935 873169

in the winter chill

my progress to watch them work. A closer look will see other fruits and seeds that the birds are feeding on: shrivelled up blackberries, haws, hips and cotoneaster. The wild clematis, known as Traveller’s Joy or Old Man’s Beard, festoons many a hedge and bramble clump. Our hedges are a barometer to the well-being of the natural world and their diversity of species helps to indicate their antiquity. It has been estimated that one new type of shrub is added to an unmanaged hedgebank every one hundred years, which helps to tell the story of these boundaries to field, farmstead or parish that dates back to the Domesday Book or even further to Saxon times. Stay safe readers, and enjoy the festive season with, hopefully, plenty of fresh air in our amazing countryside.

Mob: 07966 244536

Hydraulic Hose Specialists and Stockists to the Agriculture, Forestry, Automotive and Transport Industry

Pneumatic fittings Quick release couplings Air brake fittings Pressure wash hoses + lances Hose clamps Up to 1 ½ “Hose stocked Hydraulic Hoses Variation of oils Mobile service available

Cote Farm Works, Kilmington, Warminster, Wiltshire BA12 6RF Email: hoses@ardiesels.co.uk

For those For those whose farmers TV volume 38 The High Street, who drove is now Wimborne BH21 1HT tractors

at 50! Tel: 07514 417556 8.30am – 4.30pm in the 70s!

COME FOR A FREE 1 HOUR HEARING TEST! 0% interest payment plans available for hearing aids We will welcome you all with open ears!

Farming We’re ready for the Christmas rush!

Ruth Kimber’s Farmer’s Diary

The winter routine is now

We provide a friendly, local service at competitive prices. Based at Redlynch near Bruton, we supply Car, well and truly set, with the cattle happy in their winter

Commercial, Agricultural, Plant & 4x4 tyres and offer a 24hr breakdown service. We won’t be beaten on price. quarters. It is a mixture of emotions

Call us on 01749 813957 or 07971 012628 for Tom and the staff as they face the months ahead of relentless feeding, bedding and cleaning out the yardsor find us at www.southwestyreservices.co.uk and sleeping areas. However, the land is too soggy to get on and do any work, even if there was time between the TYRES AROUND LTD Mobile Service daily routines. The harvest Agricultural Specialist of the Over 35 year’s Experience turkeys is NIGEL MARTIN the next job.07921 929891 All is ready

WESSEX METALS STURMINSTER NEWTON & BLANDFORD AREA

WANTED Scrap Metal, Cars, Heavy and Light Iron Farm And Factory Clearance Weighbridge

SCRAP

METAL RECYCLING TOP PRICES PAID

Skips/HAIB lorry available for onsite collection

Tel 01258 860 166 or 07974 822 243

and we have found friends and family to help with the task as our loyal Polish family are not coming this year owing to the covid-19 restrictions. The go ahead for seasonal workers was given too late for our Polish family to make arrangements to come. They had planned to drive from Poland through Germany etc to reach us, limiting the contact with other people on the way, our daughter and son-in-law had said they would give over their house so the Psoles could be self-contained, and we had set up isolation quarters in case of infection or illness. The work is skilled and luckily there are enough of the family with these skills that we are confident we will manage. We had a flurry of turkey orders for Thanksgiving, so our season has already started. Nationally turkey numbers are down. We certainly considered back in late February what we should do before we decided to order about the same number and profile of weights as usual, but then added some extra smaller ones. Only time will tell if we were right! Calving continues with lots of heifer calves born to ensure good numbers of dairy cows for the future. I particularly like the Shorthorn calves; they are even more endearing to look at than the others, which are lovely with their cute faces and long eyelashes! Vigilance during this period is all important to minimise difficulties for the cows when in labour. But generally, with good management of the mating, feeding of the pregnant cow and suitable housing for birth, most potential problems can be addressed. A trained, experienced eye can pick up when the cow’s about to calve and if things aren’t going according to plan. The farm shop is very busy. Thank goodness we have really good staff to match the workload. Preparation is all important, the gammons are already curing alongside the bacon, some of which will be sent to be smoked. We are enjoying the increased number of birds visiting our garden feeders and the wild flower area we planted has really attracted loads of different species. Goldfinches feed in flocks, so lovely to see – they particularly like the teasle heads. Kimbers’ Farm Shop is open Tuesday-Friday 9am-5pm, Saturday 10am-4pm and Sundays till Christmas 10am4pm. We are on the Wincanton racecourse road B3081 between Bruton & Wincanton. BA9 8HD. Tel. 01963 33177 email info@kimbersfarmshop.co.uk Website: kimbersfarmshop.co.uk

Online Machinery Sale

Telephone: 01278 410250. Email: livestock@gth.net ONLINE TIMED MACHINERY AUCTION - at https://gth.auctionmarts.com

Monday 7th December 昀nishing from 7.00pm onwards

The Dispersal Sale of Ford Tractor, Farm Machinery & Effects

Ford 5610 TRACTOR; 12’ IW Livestock TRAILER; Malgar 1300 SLURRY TANKER; Conor 900 TOPPER; West 10T Silage TRAILER; 8T NC Grain TRAILER; Reco Ovlac SM160 4F Rev PLOUGH; Niemeyer Single RAKE; Teagle Tomahawk 8080 BALE SHREDDER; Hispec 1000 Side Discharge MUCK SPREADER; 2x Cambridge ROLLERS; 2x Wydale FEEDERS; Qty of FEEDERS & DRINKERS etc. full listing at www.gth.net. For Mr GG James (Chew Magna, Bristol)

Viewing available by appointment on Friday 4th & Monday 7th December in allocated timeslots. Everyone to strictly adhere to social distancing regulations – please contact 01278 410250 to register your interest and book your time slot. **ALL BIDDERS MUST BE PRE-REGISTERED ONCE THE BIDDING SITE HAS OPENED. NEW BIDDERS ARE REGISTERED WITH A STANDARD BIDDING LIMIT OF £500 PLEASE CONTACT US TO INCREASE IT. A BUYERS PREMIUM OF 5% +VAT WILL BE PAYABLE ON ALL LOTS**

Forthcoming Deadstock Sale

SEDGEMOOR AUCTION CENTRE NORTH PETHERTON, SOMERSET, TA6 6DF (M5, J24) Wednesday 9th December at 10:30am Sedgemoor Collective Machinery Sale

(350+ anticipated lots to include misc. items) Ford 7610 4WD TRACTOR; David Brown 995 TRACTOR; Sanderson TELEHANDLER; Kioti Mechron Diesel UTV Only 600 hrs; 3T Tipping TRAILER; 1.2T Tipping TRAILER; IW 12’ Livestock TRAILER c/w Sheep Decks; IW Tri-axle Cattle TRAILER; AS Marston Rotary Dung SPREADER; Vicon Fert 803 SPREADER; Taarup KV 110 Feeder WAGON; (2016) Teagle 4040 Silage/Straw CHOPPER c/w Square Bale Extension; Teagle 8080 Straw CHOPPER; Teagle Tomahawk Round Bale Straw CHOPPER; Jeantil Straw CHOPPER; John Deere 960 Round BALER; McHale 991 BJS Bale WRAPPER; Claas Single Rotor RAKE; Spearhead Batwing TOPPER; KV Flail MOWER; Vicon Fertiliser SPINNER; Fleece Layer Fergi CULTIVATOR; Roller MILL/CRIMPER; ROTOVATOR for Compact Tractor; Parmiter Double Shear GRAB; Bale SQUEEZE; LINKBOX; Loader BUCKET; 6’ Dung FORK; 6’ BUCKRAKE; Pallet FORKS; Euro 8 BRACKETS and Converter BRACKET; 2 x Yard SCRAPERS; IAE HEAD SCOOP; Tony Bins Foot Trimming CRUSH; Hydraulic Road BRUSH; 2 x 20’ CONTAINERS (1 insulated); Pallet of Ply SHEETS; 2x Lamb Creep FEEDERS.

** Further Entries Accepted ** Items to be delivered Tuesday 8th December between 9.00am - 4:30pm ** To be sold from the rostrum in the hall to adhere to social distancing ** Live bidding on Marteye, please register in advance.

Forthcoming Dairy Sales

SEDGEMOOR AUCTION CENTRE NORTH PETHERTON, SOMERSET, TA6 6DF (M5, J24) Thursday 10th December at 10.45am with the Heifer Calves The Christmas Cracker Show & Sale of 227 DAIRY CATTLE

105 Freshly Calved Holstein Cows & Heifers from Beaconhill, Beneknowle, Bettiscombe (x17), Birchwood (Dispersal), Clevian (1x Jersey), Dinnaton, Dorset, Ellicott & Son (x15, Dispersal), MB & LC Haskell (x12, Dispersal), DE & WM Headon, Huntlodge, Keevil, Lilylane, Longmoor, Peacehay, Peridot, Quantock, Rookhaye (x11) & Treetop 45 Incalf Heifers from Dayhouse, Gest, PT & JC Hinds, PJ Searle & Son & AH Warren Trust (ORGANIC) 2 Holstein Bulls from Beneknowle 18 Bulling Heifers from Chedhunt, Clevian (Jersey), Rookhaye, Tyrywen & Shanael 43 Heifer Calves from JF Cobb & Sons & Mr D Thorner 14 Embryos from RJ & NJ Clarke & AJ Limond

With over 100 freshly calved cows and heifers to include phased dispersal sales and a good selection of Pedigree, Commercial and Organic youngstock this is a comprehensive last collective sale of the year! SEDGEMOOR AUCTION CENTRE Tuesday 15th December at 11.00am The Dispersal Sale of the Milking and Incalf Portion of the Autumn Bl ock Calving NMR Herd of 187 HOLSTEIN X AYRSHIRES

Comp: 186 Dairy Cows & Heifers Inmilk &/or Incalf & 1 Pedigree Limousin Bull

105 NMR HERD AV: 9,016 KGS. 3.95%BF 3.30%P SCC=100 105 HERRINGBONE Parlour; CUBICLE Housed 105 AUTUMN BLOCK CALVING 105 SERVICES TO: British Blue and Limousin

For MA & NR Bowditch (ceasing milk production) (Removed from Hellings Farm, Crewkerne, Somerset) Private Treaty

FOR SALE • 80 Autumn Calving Pedigree Cows – All in full production. 12 Pedigree Jersey Heifers - Calving January to March, Ref DRB. Ref: DRB. For further details please contact Andrew Clements on 07769 904704

Forthcoming Fodder Sale

DECEMBER Sat 19th SEDGEMOOR AUCTION CENTRE

The Collective Fodder Auction of Hay, Silage and Straw. Entries to be in by Monday 7th December 2020. Sedgemoor Auction Centre

North Petherton, Somerset, TA6 6DF (M5, Junction 24) Telephone: 01278 410278 www.gth.net TOTAL STOCK FOR THE WEEK 7283 Stock from across the West Country, sold to buyers from throughout the Nation Returns for Saturday 28th November 2020

DAIRY CATTLE (98) Heifers to £2300. Others £2180. Cows to £2200. Others £2060. (1043) STORE CATTLE & STIRKS - FORWARD STORES (705) Steers to £1325 (CH). Others £1295 (LIMX) £1280 (2x LIMX & CHX) & £1275 (CHX). Heifers to £1270 (CH). Others £1245 (LIMX) £1170 (BRBX) £1160 (2x LIMX) & £1125 (CHX). GRAZING COWS (26) to £875 (LIMX). Others £850 (LIMX). SUCKLERS (13) Cows & Calves to £1060 for an incalf heifer & £1010 for a cow & calf. STIRKS (335) Steers to £925 (2x LIM). Others £870 (LIMX) £840 (BAX) & £832 (CHX). Heifers to £810 (LIMX). Others £745 (BRBX) & £742 (LIMX). CALVES (355) - Beef Bulls to £485 (BRB). Others £465 (BRBX) £440 (BRBX) & £438 (BRBX). Heifers to £272 (BRB). Others £270 (6x CHX & BRBX) £265 (3x LIMX & BRBX). Black & Whites to £225. Others £198. (4847) SHEEP Store Lambs (3031) to £99. Others £98, £97 & £96. Overall Ave £80.39. Cull Ewes & Rams (1079) Ewes to £142. Others £138. Rams to £162. Others £144. Overall Ave £74.15. BREEDING EWES (147) to £92. CATALOGUED FRIDAY SHEEP SALE – BREEDING EWES (500) to £160. Others £154 (3x pens) & £153 (3x pens). Overall average £118.41. GOATS (90) to £135. Others £125. Overall ave £120.04.

The West Country’s Gateway to National Abattoirs Returns for Monday 30 th November 2020

PRIME CATTLE (81) Steers UTM av 191.6ppk to 211.0ppk & £1,346.52. Others 206.5ppk, 200.0ppk, 199.5ppk &199.0ppk. Others £1,324.68, £1,300.95, £1,288.98, £1,273.05, £1,266.00. Heifers UTM av 192.5ppk to 217.5ppk and £1,338.24. Others 214.5ppk, 213.5ppk, 210.0ppk & 207.5ppk. Others £1,313.28, £1,312.00, £1,291.08, £1,288.98 & £1,285.88. BARREN COWS (56) Continental av 99.9ppk to 116.5ppk and £996.15. Others 114.5ppk. Others £795.70. Native Beef av 90.0ppk to 115.5ppk and £883.58. Others 112.5ppk &109.5ppk. Others £862.16 & £841.50. Dairy av 100.0ppk to 112.5ppk and £855.20. Others 108.5ppk. Others £851.63. FINISHED SHEEP (796) Lamb ave 217.34ppk to 231.0ppk and £115.00. Others 230.0ppk (2x) 229.0ppk & 227.0ppk. Others £114, £108.50 & £107 (2x).

FORTHCOMING SPECIAL SALES

For full rules on market attendance and up to date sales list please refer to our website https://www.gth.net/sedgemoor-auction-centre and/or Saturday market report https://www.gth.net/market-reports.

DECEMBER

Sat 5th..........Monthly Catalogued Sale of Organic Store Stock 10am Ring 2 Sat 5th..........Fortnightly Sale of Pigs 11am Mon 7th.........South West Winter Fair **Closed Show - No Public Entry** Wed 9th........Collective Machinery Sale 10.30am Sat 12th........Suckler Christmas Cracker Sale of Cows, Calves, Heifers & Bulls Approx 12.30pm Ring 1 To include: Dispersal of Heywood Simmentals & Wyvern Charolais on behalf of David Barker. Subject to TB Test. Wed 16th......Orange Market Dedicated Sale for bTB Restricted Cattle. Store Cattle – 15 Months & Over, Prime Cattle & Barren Cows.

Stock to be booked in with the market of昀ce by 9th December. Licences to be obtained from Truro Trading Standards on 03000 200301 or CSC.TBlicensing@apha.gsi.gov.uk

Sale commences 4.30pm Thurs 17th....Monthly General Sale of Antiques and Furniture 10.00am Sat 19th........Special Catalogued Sale of Clean Plucked Christmas Poultry

11.00am

Sat 19th........Fodder Sale 1.00pm Thurs 24th.... Of昀ce Closed Fri 25th......... Christmas Day – Of昀ce Closed Sat 26th........Boxing Day – No Market- Of昀ce Closed Christmas Bank Holiday – No Market – OfMon 28th....... 昀ce Closed Tues 29th......Prime Cattle, Barren Cows, Prime Lambs & Killing Ewes