Farmers Guardian
April 20th 2007

  • ‘Labour shortage’ if seasonal workers’ scheme is scrapped

    April 20th 2007

    FARMERS and growers face a potentially crippling shortage of part-time labour from next year because of Home Office plans to abolish the Seasonal Agricultural Workers’ Scheme (SAWS), the NFU is warning.

  • £1,000 stockjudging winner

    April 20th 2007

    WITH £1,000 at stake, the intermediate-in-milk class drew hundreds of spectators trying to guess which six cows judge David Jones would place at the top of the class.

  • £2,350 a year saving by reducing calving period of suckler cows

    18 April 2007

    A beef and sheep farmer – featured in Farmers Guardian last year – is managing to save more than £2,350 a year simply by reducing the calving period of his suckler cows.

  • £2,350 a year saving by reducing calving period of suckler cows

    April 20th 2007

    A beef and sheep farmer – featured in Farmers Guardian last year – is managing to save more than £2,350 a year simply by reducing the calving period of his suckler cows.

  • 2,500gns Ayrshire tops Beeston’s coloured breeds

    April 20th 2007

    BIDDING peaked at 2,500gns when 80 animals were forward at the Spring Coloured Dairy Breeds Sale at Beeston, Cheshire.

  • 2007 NFYFC Annual meeting preview

    April 20th 2007

    Any self-respecting YFC member will already know that the 2007 NFYFC annual meeting is taking place in Torquay on April 27-29. This week FG takes a look at what’s on at the event and profiles one of the award-winning clubs.

  • 47pc would grow GM forage crops – survey

    17 April 2007

    AROUND half of livestock farmers in this country would be prepared to grow genetically modified forage crops, according to a British Grassland Society survey.

  • 47pc would grow GM forage crops – survey

    April 20th 2007

    AROUND half of livestock farmers in this country would be prepared to grow genetically modified forage crops, according to a British Grassland Society survey.

  • 65,000 children take part in Beefy and Lamby school dinner trials

    19 April 2007

    MORE than 60,000 school children across Cumbria, Derbyshire and North Tyneside will be eating quality English beef and lamb from next week.

  • A taste of farm life in the city

    April 20th 2007

    CITY children had the chance to get a taste of farm life when Kensington Memorial Park played host to a lively mix of animals and birds for their Farm Day. Organised by Kensington and Chelsea Borough Council, it allowed inner city children, usually without access to gardens and open space, to experience first-hand the joys of nature and being down on the farm.

  • Administrators called in

    April 20th 2007

    THE East Yorkshire-based Springdale Group has gone into administration.Grant Thornton’s Joseph McLean and Keith Hinds have been appointed joint administrators of Springdale Group, Springdale Farm and Springdale Crop Synergies. Springdale Crop Synergies has been heavily involved in developing and promoting the growing of crops used in the fibre, fuel and energy, biocomposites and oleochemicals industries.

  • Agricultural Waste Regulations (Waste Management) – England and Wales 2006

    24 April 2007

    WhatThese regulations implement (in part) the Waste Framework Directive and the Landfill Directives and amend the Environmental Protection Act 1990, in particular the exemption for ‘waste from premises used for agriculture’ and the Environment Act 1995.

  • Agriculture and climate change

    April 20th 2007

    Agriculture has been, at times reluctantly, thrust to the front of the climate change debate. In a series of four articles, David Burrows looks at the impact of agriculture on our climate and the solutions to mitigate it. He begins with a focus on methane and nitrous oxide – potent greenhouse gases that we understand little about</s>.

  • Animal health cost-share partnership not working

    April 20th 2007

    THE much-vaunted partnership agenda on animal health appears to be in danger after the NFU launched an unprecedented attack on Defra’s repeated failure to work with the industry on key issues.

  • Annual open day to be held in July

    23 April 2007

    THE Thoroughbred Rehabilitation Centre will hold its 2007 open day on Sunday July 1.

  • Another chance for OMSCo bursary

    17 April 2007

    ORGANIC milk suppliers' co-operative OMSCo is offering an educational bursary to young organic dairy farmers, for the second year running.

  • Another chance for OMSCo bursary

    17 April 2007

    ORGANIC milk suppliers' co-operative OMSCo is offering an educational bursary to young organic dairy farmers, for the second year running.

  • Argentina regains FMD-free status

    April 20th 2007

    ARGENTINA has recovered its status as free of foot-and-mouth disease one year on from an outbreak that led 20 countries to ban its beef.

  • Arla adds 1p – but AFMP seek more

    April 20th 2007

    ARLA Foods UK’s 1,600 Arla Foods Milk Partnership members will get an extra 1ppl from April 1 as a result of selling price increases the company has been able to negotiate with customers.

  • Arla’s new man at the top in UK

    23 April 2007

    TIM Smith has been replaced by Dane Peter Lauritzen as chief executive of the UK arm of Arla.

  • Arla’s new man at the top in UK

    23 April 2007

    TIM Smith has been replaced by Dane Peter Lauritzen as chief executive of the UK arm of Arla.

  • Auctioneer’s hammer determines value

    16 April 2007

    DEMAND for accommodation land is at an all-time high from smallholders, people with amenity and conservation interests, as well as farmers.

  • Bakewell has word power

    April 20th 2007

    THE East Midlands area competitions weekend, held in Skegness, saw lots of silverware head home with Bakewell YFC, Derbyshire.

  • Barbequed Rosemary Nidderdale Lamb with Salsa Verde

    April 20th 2007

    Yorkshire & Humberside Region

  • Bayer to take back unused Temik stocks

    April 20th 2007

    STOCKS of Temik (aldicarb) still held on farms by potato, carrot and parsnip growers can now be returned.

  • Be certain of DNA tests for calf passports

    18 April 2007

    FARMERS who have missed the deadline for a calf passport now have the opportunity to appeal by using a DNA test – but this should only be considered if they are certain of the link between the calf and the dam, the NFU has warned.

  • Be sure of link before testing

    April 20th 2007

    FARMERS who have missed the deadline for a calf passport now have the opportunity to appeal by using a DNA test – but this should only be considered if they are certain of the link between the calf and the dam, the NFU has warned.

  • Ben Maher and Robert Whitaker share Puissance win

    16 April 2007

    YOUNG British talents Ben Maher and Robert Whitaker tied for first place in Saturday night’s puissance after the pair became the only two riders to clear the wall at 2.2m in the fourth round of the class.

  • Bernard Matthews gets £600,000 as report blames imported turkey

    19 April 2007

    THE outbreak of avian influenza at a Bernard Matthews plant in Suffolk in February is most likely to have been introduced via imported turkey meat from Hungary, according to a Defra report.

  • Better labelling is needed

    April 20th 2007

    LABELLING of beef and lamb products still leaves a lot to be desired, said Richard Ali (pictured) of Eblex .

  • Big opportunity to improve unit efficiency

    April 20th 2007

    Farmers Guardian talks to two of Beef Expo 2007 sponsors – Dunbia and Dugdale Nutrition. ‘Efficiency of beef production – a key factor’ is their advice.

  • Bigger carrots and harder sticks would boost beef returns, says NBA

    April 20th 2007

    IF more beef processors would turn the screws on specification, not price, finishers could ultimately earn more money.

  • Buoyant trade at spring show

    23 April 2007

    SOLID commercial demand for Charolais bulls underpinned by the premium marketplace for Charolais cross calves set a buoyant trade at the breed society’s spring show and sale in Welshpool.

  • Burger King to implement an animal welfare strategy

    April 20th 2007

    FOLLOWING six years of talks with People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) and the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), Burger King has adopted a number of animal welfare policies.

  • Can you afford a horse?

    26 November 2007

    EQUINE vet JOHN WILLIAMS of the Avonvale Veterinary Practice, Banbury, provides an in-depth examination of the costs and hidden costs of horse ownership to enable potential owners to be fully aware of the financial commitment.

  • Case IH Maxxum Multicontroller

    April 20th 2007

    The Austrian-built Case IH Maxxum Multicontrller is fresh out of the box, getting its first public airing at LAMMA in January. We had the first full production model to arrive in the UK for our test.

  • Children cook up a taste of old England with a modern twist

    April 20th 2007

    EAST Anglian schoolchildren have been competing in the preliminary rounds of a cooking competition run by the East of England Agricultural Society.

  • Clear six-point win for Alan Leak and Glen

    April 20th 2007

    CLEAR by six points, Alan Leak and Glen won the Broomielaw Open Trial, near Barnard Castle, Co. Durham, on Saturday.

  • Cockermouth sale pulls in the buyers

    April 20th 2007

    AN entry of 465 were forward at a Special Spring Prize show and sale of store cattle at Mitchell’s auction, Cockermouth, Cumbria.

  • Cockermouth sale pulls in the buyers

    April 20th 2007

    AN entry of 465 were forward at a Special Spring Prize show and sale of store cattle at Mitchell’s auction, Cockermouth, Cumbria.Auctioneers: Mitchell’s Auction.

  • Colleges congratulated for green initiatives

    26 April 2007

    THE Pershore group of colleges – Pershore, Worcestershire, and Holme Lacy, Herefordshire – have been voted the greenest in Britain.

  • Consumer research ‘can help farmers maximise opportunities’

    April 20th 2007

    UNDERSTANDING the food shopper was vital for farmers and small food producers to maximise opportunities, said Andrew Fearne of the dunnhumby Academy of Consumer Research.

  • Contractor & Machinery

    April 20th 2007

    Being dainty on their feet and highly manoeuvrable means four-cylinder tractors are all too often kept in the yard or used for lightweight tasks. But with horsepower on the up, these tractors are capable of so much more. Geoff Ashcroft, Gertjan Zevenbergen and Mervyn Bailey took to the fields with five new models.

  • Contractor & Machinery

    April 20th 2007

    IN a Farmers Guardian special supplement Geoff Ashcroft, Gertjan Zevenbergen and Mervyn Bailey put five new models of tractors through their paces.

  • Costs hit Carr’s bottom line

    23 April 2007

    CARR’S (Carr’s Milling Industries) has reported interim profits in line with expectations although down year on year.

  • Council’s frozen food decision ‘appalling’, says NFU Cymru

    April 20th 2007

    A DECISION by Ceredigion County Council to provide frozen food to those who receive meals from its social services department has ‘appalled’ NFU Cymru.

  • Countryside experience

    April 20th 2007

    CUMBRIAN schoolchildren will be able to develop their experience of the countryside and wild places thanks to a £30,000 contribution on behalf of the John Muir Award by Friends of the Lake District.

  • County Focus – Derbyshire Federation

    April 20th 2007

    THEY have launched a national photography exhibition, purchased a promotional recruitment trailer, resurrected a dying YFC and secured another new NFU trophy win, but the young farmers of Derbyshire County remain unassuming.

  • Curling glory for SSS YFC

    April 20th 2007

    Teams from all over Scotland travelled to Glasgow for the Scottish Association of Young Farmers’ Clubs’ national curling competition.

  • Dairy Event grows while Cumbria gets its own show

    24 April 2007

    THIS autumn will see two exciting developments in terms of technical shows – the Dairy Event is to be extended and Cumbria will get its own show.

  • Dairy Event grows while Cumbria gets its own show

    24 April 2007

    THIS autumn will see two exciting developments in terms of technical shows – the Dairy Event is to be extended and Cumbria will get its own show.

  • Dairy produce and milk could help fight obesity

    April 20th 2007

    THE perception of milk and dairy produce has been given a boost with a Danish study suggesting they could help to combat obesity and cardiovascular disease.

  • Dam and daughter make show history

    April 20th 2007

    Holsteins from more than 70 of the country’s top herds competed at the National Holstein Show on Tuesday. JOANNE PUGH reports from Bingley Hall, Staffordshire.

  • Decision to extend Llanddeusant to two days pays off

    April 20th 2007

    HAVING listened to a number of handlers, the organisers of the Llanddeusant trials felt confident there was sufficient interest to warrant extending competition to two days.

  • Delay to wheat intake at Trafford Park

    April 20th 2007

    WHEAT intake into the new starch and glucose manufacturing plant at Trafford Park, Manchester, will begin from this harvest, says Frontier Agriculture trading director Jon Duffy.

  • Demand high as champion bull sells for 3,000gns

    23 April 2007

    DEMAND was high at the Sussex Cattle Society’s Spring show and sale at Ashford market, Kent.

  • Deutz-Fahr Agrotron K120 ProfiLine

    April 20th 2007

    When standing in the yard, the Agrotron K looks a stylish tractor and it is still fresh-faced, having been on the market just 18 months or so.

  • Directive on Priority Substances

    24 April 2007

    WhatA proposed daughter directive of the WFD.

  • Dispersal of the Keldmoor Holsteins peaks at 2,300gns

    April 20th 2007

    PRICES peaked at 2,300gns when the Keldmoor herd of pedigree Holsteins, from G.H. Thompson and Sons, was dispersed on-farm at Claxton, York.

  • Double tagging compliance

    April 20th 2007

    The future of the double tagging derogation lies in farmers’ own hands, NFU livestock chairman Thomas Binns told the council.

  • Dry ground conditions not yet critical

    April 20th 2007

    ALTHOUGH ground conditions across most of the UK were dry, below average rainfall and recent warm temperatures were not yet critical for crops, stated arable consultant, Susan Twining, ADAS, this week.

  • Egg packing giant to be broken up

    23 April 2007

    THE egg packing sector faces further upheaval after the Competition Commission ruled that Noble Foods, formed last year from a merger of the UK’s two biggest packers, will have to be broken up.

  • English farmers facing up to loss of modulation money

    April 20th 2007

    HUGE quantities of money taken from Single Payments via modulation in England could disappear from the industry over the next seven years.

  • Environmental Impact Assessment (Agriculture) Regulations 2006

    24 April 2007

    WhatThe regulations protect uncultivated land and semi-natural areas (UL/SNA) from being damaged by agricultural work. They also guard against possible negative environmental effects from the restructuring of rural land holdings

  • Environmental Liability Directive 2004/35/EEC

    24 April 2007

    WhatThis directive addresses the civil liability for the remedying of environmental damage and invokes the ‘polluter pays’ principle. An operator who causes damage to land, water or biodiversity will be financially liable for remediation of that damage.

  • Equestrian competitors and spectators can look forward to the Great Yorkshire Show

    April 20th 2007

    With record prize money, a new show jumping course designer and an extension to one of the showing rings, equestrian competitors and spectators at the Great Yorkshire Show, July 10-12, have a lot to look forward to. SARAH CRIPPS has a look at what’s on offer.

  • Ever thought of a career in banking?

    27 April 2007

    IN an unusual move for a national bank, Barclays is advertising a job specifically for a graduate with a degree in agriculture.

  • Farm legislation: Your FG guide to future rules and regulations

    25 April 2007

    NEW and forthcoming legislation will change the way we farm in the coming years. Here, we outline some of the main pieces of legislation that will affect farm businesses in the next decade or so.

  • Farmers able to trade carbon

    April 20th 2007

    A UK agricultural college is pioneering a scheme that pays farmers and landowners for helping to tackle climate change.

  • Farmers welcome new Agriculture Secretary

    April 20th 2007

    FARMERS in Argentina have welcomed the fall of the Agriculture Secretary as tension between farmers and the administration grows.

  • Farming as an industry is just full of oxymorons

    April 20th 2007

    As one of life’s bookish anoraks I’ve always been amused by oxymorons.

  • Feed wheat prices ‘crest of a wave’

    April 20th 2007

    CONSIDER selling half your stored old crop feed wheat growers are being advised, as the current high of £97/tonne could prove to be another ‘crest of a wave’.

  • Fendt 312 Vario

    April 20th 2007

    Fendt has developed a reputation for being complex and requiring the scientific understanding of a NASA astronaut just to get the thing started.

  • First 100% Biodiesel Tractor

    18 April 2007

    THE UK’s first fleet of tractors run on 100 per cent biodiesel arrived at the Eden Project in Cornwall last week.

  • Fischler not optimistic on biofuel opportunities

    April 20th 2007

    FORMER EU Agriculture Commissioner Franz Fischler was less than optimistic about opportunities for the biofuel industry in Europe.

  • Form missing from waste pack

    April 20th 2007

    FARMERS are being warned by the Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers (RABDF) that one of the waste exemption forms, which have to be completed by the deadline of May 15, is missing from the exemption form pack.

  • Former NFU Sugar Board chairman dies after illness

    April 20th 2007

    FORMER chairman of the NFU Sugar Board, Mike Blacker, died on Tuesday, aged 65. He had been ill for some months.

  • Free trees to help the environment

    April 20th 2007

    YEO Valley Organic is aiming to help the environment with its biggest ever on-pack promotion, offering thousands of free trees to buyers of its milk and natural yoghurts.

  • Get SPS forms in well ahead of deadline, says RPA chief

    April 20th 2007

    RURAL Payments Agency chief executive Tony Cooper has issued a personal plea for farmers to get their 2007 SPS forms in well ahead of the May 15 deadline.

  • Going, going – auctioneer’s back

    April 20th 2007

    A popular figure at Shrewsbury Livestock Market for more than 30 years is back on the auctioneer’s rostrum. David Edwards left his job at the old market in Harlescott two years ago to focus on his 70-acre smallholding across the Welsh border at Sarnau, Welshpool, but has been persuaded by auctioneers Halls to return to the new Shrewsbury Auction Centre as weanlings auctioneer.

  • Golden Syrup and Rhubarb Tart

    April 20th 2007

    Yorkshire & Humberside Region

  • Good dairy housing is crucial to cow health

    17 April 2007

    A GOOD dairy housing system that works well is crucial for animal health, welfare, production and profitability, according to Jenny Playford of the Milk Development Council.

  • Government won’t delay, says Minister

    April 20th 2007

    THE Government has said that obligations on road transport fuel to include biofuels from April 2008 will not be delayed by concerns over its contribution to tackling climate change.

  • Grain campaign gets HQ fundrasier off to a flyer

    16 April 2007

    MEMBERS of Essex FYFC are celebrating raising nearly £30,000 in their Great Grain Campaign.

  • Grazing Monitor: Get cows out and adjust grazing to suit

    April 20th 2007

    Promar Regional Consultant David Burns considers how dairy farmers should manage grazing in the next few weeks.

  • Great Yorkshire Show 2007

    April 20th 2007

    In stark contrast to the Royal Show, the sun shone for the first two days of the Great Yorkshire Show, at Harrogate, last week.

  • Grilled Capricorn Goat’s Cheese Salad with Crispy Bacon

    April 20th 2007

    South West Region

  • Groundwater Directive 2006/118/EC

    24 April 2007

    WhatThe Groundwater Directive is a ‘daughter’ directive to the WFD. It seeks to protect groundwater by controlling the discharge or disposal of potentially harmful or polluting materials.

  • Growers urged to monitor cereal crop bases

    16 April 2007

    BE sure to monitor the state of cereal crop bases and take necessary action to fend off disease and lodging pressure at this month’s major T1 spray timing, growers are being urged.

  • Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC

    24 April 2007

    WhatThe Habitats Directive has created a European network of protected wildlife areas consisting of Special Areas of conservation (SACs) and Special Protection Areas (SPAs).

  • Have your say

    April 20th 2007

    IT may surprise some to learn that the AGM is not just about partying and competitions. Everyone attending is urged to have their say about how the organisation is run.

  • Herefordshire Apple Cake

    April 20th 2007

    Heart of England Region

  • High temperatures lead to a brown rust epidemic

    23 April 2007

    WHEAT growers are being urged to monitor crops carefully for brown rust after an unusually high number of reports of the disease early in the season.

  • Holsworthy Charolais bulls sell to 3,250gns

    April 20th 2007

    CHAROLAIS bulls met a keen demand from commercial producers selling to 3,250gns at the South West Charolais Club’s spring show and sale at Holsworthy Auction, Devon.

  • Improving producers’ IT take-up

    April 20th 2007

    ALL 700 of Sainsbury’s Farm Connections group beef producers that supply the supermarket’s premium beef products are to be given laptop computers and beef management programs software.

  • IPPC Regulations

    24 April 2007

    WhatThese implement Directive 96/61/EC on Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (“the IPPC Directive”), in England and Wales. Separate Regulations apply the IPPC Directive in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

  • It’s all go in Yorkshire

    20 April 2007

    THINGS have been non-stop in Yorkshire with YFC members disco dancing, clay pigeon shooting, swimming, acting, bowling and stockjudging.

  • Jessica Kürten crowned British Open Champion 2007

    16 April 2007

    The final day at the British Open Show Jumping Championships saw Ireland’s leading lady rider Jessica Kürten crowned British Open Champion riding Galopin De Bioley.

  • John Deere 6330 Premium

    April 20th 2007

    Our 6330 Premium was a pretty basic tractor with the PowerQuad transmission and no TLS suspension. But it's part of the appeal as most were able to jump in and get to work quite easily.

  • JSR opens Cyprus markets

    April 20th 2007

    NEW markets in Cyprus have been opened up by JSR Genetics with several of the island’s 100-plus pork producers placing orders for new parent stock from the UK.The farmers, who have traditionally just had one pig breeding company operating on the island, have shown particular interested in JSR’s work on CT scanning and use of Omega-3 fatty acids in supplement diets for boars to enhance semen production.

  • Jubilee Ride at Windsor

    20 April 2007

    RIDERS are being encouraged to join a Horse Cavalcade in Windsor - to mark The British Horse Society's 60th Anniversary.

  • Know your trees - they can be a liability

    April 20th 2007

    TREES on the farm or estate are as much a part of the owner’s or tenant’s responsibility as their livestock or machinery.

  • Language training, pork quality and confidence survey projects from BPEX

    April 20th 2007

    FOREIGN language training guidelines, a new scheme striving for consistent pork quality and a ‘confidence survey’ – those are the three latest projects from the British Pig Executive (BPEX).

  • Largest donation in their 51-year history

    17 April 2007

    BURY St Edmunds YFC have donated £10,000 to local charities – thought to be the biggest donation in the club’s 51-year history.

  • Latest projects from BPEX

    16 April 2007

    FOREIGN language training guidelines, a new scheme striving for consistent pork quality and a ‘confidence survey’ – those are the three latest projects from the British Pig Executive (BPEX).

  • Leaked document hints beet growers will have their say

    April 20th 2007

    A EUROPEAN Commission document outlining its plans for grower participation in the sugar industry’s restructuring scheme has been leaked.

  • Lee Pearson to head new Athletes' Committee

    17 April 2007

    LEE PEARSON, winner of six gold Paralympic medals for Great Britain, will be the first chairman of the FEI's newly formed Athletes' Committee.

  • Leyburn top of 1,700gns

    April 20th 2007

    A TOP price of 1,700gns was realised at Leyburn auction’s Limousin day held on behalf of the North East Limousin Breeders’ Club.

  • Limit the gap between T1 and T2 to overcome the threat from yellow rust

    April 20th 2007

    HEAVY dews and sunny days are favouring yellow rust development in wheats and catching a number of growers by surprise.

  • Limousin bulls reach 3,200gns twice

    April 20th 2007

    THE April show and sale of Limousin bulls organised by the Northern Ireland Limousin Cattle Club was held at Dungannon Livestock Mart with two bulls topping the day’s trade at 3,200gns.

  • Local produce celebration

    April 20th 2007

    The CLA in North East England is to link up with Rothbury Wines to celebrate St George’s Day with English wines, regional cheeses from the Blagdon-based Northumberland Cheese Company, and bread from the Castle Bakery of Ogle.

  • Loss of avian flu-free status has cost £25million in lost exports

    April 20th 2007

    UNITED Kingdon poultry breeders are losing out on millions of pounds of revenue in exports due to the length of time being taken to cleanse the sheds at the heart of the Bernard Matthews avian flu outbreak.

  • Ludlow Simmentals in demand with a 3,500gns lead bid

    April 20th 2007

    THE British Simmental Cattle Society’s spring show and sale at Ludlow, Shropshire, drew a strong crowd that made its presence felt in a hotly contested demand for a small but select entry of bulls and females.

  • Managing resources key to challenges of climate change

    April 20th 2007

    CLIMATE change was the biggest challenge to be faced, leading environmental scientist Prof Jules Pretty told the conference.

  • Medal haul was very impressive

    19 April 2007

    HAVING sent just over 200 members to the South West area activities weekend, the Cornwall Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs came away with a plethora of medals.

  • Meet the man attempting to restore Rural Payments Agency credibility

    April 20th 2007

    Can the Rural Payments Agency ever become a credible organisation capable of delivering its core functions? One man that thinks so is Tony Cooper, who is approaching his first year in charge of the agency. But he admits it is going to be a long, slow process. He tells ALISTAIR DRIVER why.

  • Muesli biscuits

    April 20th 2007

    “These are very easy to make and contain lots of ingredients that are really good for you,” says Allison James, of Shaftesbury, Dorset. “I often have one or two for breakfast.”

  • Myerscough College’s muckathon is keeping the Air Ambulance flying

    24 April 2007

    A 24-HOUR ‘muckathon’ at Myerscough College, Lancashire, saw students work through the night to spread 2,500 tonnes of manure and raise money for charity.

  • National finalists

    April 20th 2007

    The national finalists at this year’s event are as follows:

  • National Holstein Show 2007

    20 April 2007

    FARMERS Guardian has all the news, results and photos from Bingley Hall, Stafforshire.

  • National Holstein Show Results

    April 20th 2007

    Overall supreme, I. and J. Mallinson, Carhall Lyster Elizabeth; reserve, Smiddiehill Holsteins, Ridgefield Progress Rose; honourable mention, A.C. Birkle and Riverdane Holsteins, Whinchat Fred Kelly.

  • New CEO of the NFYFC – James Eckley

    April 20th 2007

    JAMES Eckley has been appointed new CEO of the NFYFC. His background is:

  • New cup at Shrewsbury

    April 20th 2007

    A new cup has been presented in the store cattle section at Shrewsbury’s Auction Centre to coincide with the first anniversary of the opening of the new livestock market.

  • New EU role for Kendall

    23 April 2007

    NFU president Peter Kendall has been elected a vice-president of COPA-COGECA, the umbrella organisation representing EU farmers.

  • New European Limousin president

    April 20th 2007

    THE British Limousin Cattle Society is celebrating after its chairman, Aled Edward, was elected as the European Limousin president. The society said the EUROLIM election proves the standing of the British pedigree industry on the Continent.

  • New vet School opens

    25 April 2007

    THE new vet school at Nottingham University has been officially opened by the Princess Royal, who also met staff and first year students.

  • NFU opposes motorcycle Bill

    17 April 2007

    THE NFU has joined a group of organisations to lobby against a Parliamentary Private Members Bill which seeks to force all off-road motorbikes and quad-bikes to be registered and carry number plates.

  • NFWI campaign to debate future of the dairy industry

    April 20th 2007

    A NATIONWIDE campaign to raise public awareness of the plight of dairy farmers is being spearheaded by the National Federation of Women’s Institutes (NFWI).

  • Nitrates Directive 91/676/EEC

    24 April 2007

    WhatThe Nitrates Directive is designed to reduce water pollution by nitrates from agricultural sources and to prevent such pollution occurring in the future.

  • No hitches for Buxton actors

    April 20th 2007

    Buxton YFC, Derbyshire, have secured a place in the national drama final at the annual convention in Torquay with their play ‘The Seven Year Hitch’, a farce set in a farmhouse kitchen.

  • North West Simmental prize

    April 20th 2007

    THE top priced Simmental-sired store sold at auction in the North West in February was a £720 steer from K.B. and A. Barnes, Penton, Carlisle, sold at Borderway Mart to Messrs Philbins, Glazebury, Warrington.

  • OMSCo organic dairy bursary

    April 20th 2007

    Organic milk suppliers' co-operative OMSCo is offering an educational bursary to young organic dairy farmers, for the second year running. The bursary, to support those looking to gain further education qualifications in the agricultural sphere, is available to the co-operative’s members, their immediate families, and their employees. OMSCo is offering up to £5,000 a year. Details from OMSCo on 01934 511115 or www.omsco.co.uk.

  • Organic yoghurt cheese gets global thumbs up

    April 20th 2007

    ORGANIC yoghurt cheese made by a West Wales farmer-owned food venture impressed judges at a global dairy award competition in Holland.

  • Pan-fried Fillet of Devon Beef on Roasted Vegetables with Roasted Cherry Tomato Dressing

    April 20th 2007

    South West Region

  • PiC West Cumbria dairy project remains on track

    April 20th 2007

    ALTHOUGH a few weeks behind on the initial planned schedule, the Partners in Cheese dairy project at Workington in west Cumbria is still very much alive.

  • Pig farming profits hit by ileitis infections

    20 April 2007

    PIG farmers should pay considerably more attention to ileitis infections if they want to boost overall herd output, according to Ian Hands, pig veterinary adviser with Elanco.

  • Plan to scrap business rate exemptions ‘would disadvantage farmers’

    April 20th 2007

    FARMERS could be left disadvantaged if proposals to end business rate exemptions on agricultural land and buildings are carried out.

  • Plenty hoggs yet to be cleared

    April 20th 2007

    SPRING lamb prices have eased slightly from the traditional Easter highs but auctioneers are confident that trade will firm as we move into May and the current large numbers of hoggets reduce.

  • Polytunnel planning decision ‘threatens horticulture sector’

    April 20th 2007

    A DECISION by Herefordshire County Council, which requires all new polytunnel developments to have planning permission, is threatening the competitiveness of the entire horticulture sector, according to the NFU.

  • Praise for ‘Fair Trade for British Farmers’ campaign

    April 20th 2007

    THE Farmers Guardian Fair Trade for British Farmers campaign received widespread praise at the conference, with three speakers mentioning it in their speeches.

  • Raising the awareness of cattle issues

    23 April 2007

    COLLEGE students are being encouraged to enter a competition worth more than £1,000 in prize money and intended to raise awareness of cattle health issues.

  • Rebuilt tractor is raffled off

    27 April 2007

    ENGINEERING students from Bicton College, Devon, have worked through the night and rebuild a 1962 Fordson Super Dexta tractor in 24 hours.

  • Research findings for the bioethanol and feed markets

    23 April 2007

    NO specific fertiliser adjustments are merited for crops grown for the bioethanol market compared to the feed market, according to research commissioned by HGCA.

  • Rewarding the conservation efforts of county farmers

    April 20th 2007

    APPLICATIONS are being invited for this year’s Wilkinson Environment Awards for Nottinghamshire, which, now in their seventh year, reward the conservation work of farmers in the county.

  • Royal Highland turnover tops £5million for the first time

    April 20th 2007

    THE Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland has enjoyed its best ever year since it was established in 1784.

  • SAC head puts intensive farming in the spotlight

    April 20th 2007

    INTENSIVE farming was brought firmly into the media spotlight this week when the head of the Scottish Agricultural College suggested there could be food shortages in the UK in the next 25-50 years and that organic farming would ‘never feed the world’s growing population’.

  • Sainsbury’s and NFU angered by Wiseman, says Gwyn Jones

    April 20th 2007

    BOTH the NFU and Sainsbury’s were dismayed and amazed that Robert Wiseman Dairies had failed to return the full 1.3ppl increase to milk producers that the supermarket had wished it to do, said union dairy board chairman Gwyn Jones.

  • School dinner trials for 60,000 children

    April 20th 2007

    MORE than 60,000 schoolchildren across Cumbria, Derbyshire and North Tyneside will be eating quality English beef and lamb from next week.

  • Security rules impact fertiliser facilities

    16 April 2007

    IT is not only in the UK that the rules are tightening on fertiliser storage and transport.

  • Security rules impact fertiliser facilities

    16 April 2007

    IT is not only in the UK that the rules are tightening on fertiliser storage and transport.

  • Showing their appreciation

    23 April 2007

    YOUNG Farmers in Montgomeryshire threw a surprise 50th birthday party for county president Emyr Jones – and raised £1,500 for Breast Test Wales in the process.

  • Silver Birch victorious in Grand National

    16 April 2007

    SILVER BIRCH took the lead over the final fence to gallop to victory in Saturday afternoon’s Grand National.

  • Skipton gimmer hoggs

    April 20th 2007

    CHAMPIONSHIP honours at the spring show and sale of Mule, Masham and horned gimmer hoggs at Skipton Mart, North Yorkshire, went to a pen of 10 geld Mule hoggs from Donald Sunderland, Halton East, Skipton.

  • Slow Roast Shoulder of Northumberland Black Black-Face Lamb with Lemon and Prune Stuffing

    April 20th 2007

    North East region

  • Smoked Haddock on Lancashire Cheese

    April 20th 2007

    North West Region

  • Soil Framework Directive COM (2006) 232

    24 April 2007

    WhatThe SFD is not yet law, but is a firm proposal.

  • Speeding up IT take-up in beef production

    16 April 2007

    ALL 700 of Sainsbury’s Farm Connections group beef producers that supply the supermarket’s premium beef products are to be given laptop computers and beef management programs software.

  • Speeding up IT take-up in beef production

    16 April 2007

    ALL 700 of Sainsbury’s Farm Connections group beef producers that supply the supermarket’s premium beef products are to be given laptop computers and beef management programs software.

  • Spreader calibration benefits all

    April 20th 2007

    IMPROVED crop yield and environmental benefits can be achieved through regular fertiliser spreader calibration, a survey of Dorset farmers has revealed.

  • St George’s Day recipes

    April 20th 2007

    To help celebrate St George’s Day, Food From Britain has collated a selection of recipes from across England, making use of some of the finest local ingredients from different regions.

  • Staffordshire YFC’s on the up

    18 April 2007

    THERE are now more YFC members in Staffordshire than at any time in the last 10 years.

  • Still smiling – after turning farming system on its head

    April 20th 2007

    BARRY ALSTON visits one of the largest organic dairy farms in Wales – with 600 milkers and a set of self-designed buildings to be proud of.

  • Still smiling – after turning farming system on its head

    April 20th 2007

    BARRY ALSTON visits one of the largest organic dairy farms in Wales – with 600 milkers and a set of self-designed buildings to be proud of.

  • Stilton Stuffed Mushrooms

    April 20th 2007

    East Midlands Region

  • Strong trade at Old Marton Holsteins

    April 20th 2007

    THE strongest dairy trade seen in Shropshire for several years was evident at the Dutton family’s dispersal sale of Old Marton Holsteins at Ellesmere.

  • Student wins £500 prize

    23 April 2007

    AN 18-year-old university student from Keighley, Yorkshire, has won £500 in the Farmers Guardian in-paper stockjudging competition, held as part of our involvement in the National Holstein Show.

  • Suffolk Fraze

    April 20th 2007

    Anglian Region

  • Sun and optimism

    April 20th 2007

    The warm weather might be a cause for concern for some in the industry – arable farmers with spring crops and early silage makers now looking for rain – but it certainly seemed fitting that the sun was shining for the 2007 National Holstein Show, which was upbeat to say the least.

  • Tackling disease with Defra roadshow

    April 20th 2007

    DEFRA’s livestock markets roadshow reached Cockermouth auction in Cumbria during an annual prize show and sale of store cattle.

  • Tatton to Teach Inspirational Education

    16 April 2007

    ONE of the most complete historic estates in the North West is hoping to inspire its adult and family visitors with a fascinating programme of learning inspired by its rural surroundings.

  • TB test cross compliance rule adds insult to injury

    19 April 2007

    THE NFU has responded angrily to an announcement by Defra that pre-movement testing (PrMT) is now part of cross compliance.

  • Temik stocks can be returned

    17 April 2007

    STOCKS of Temik (aldicarb) still held on farms by potato, carrot and parsnip growers can now be returned.

  • Tenancy successions under the Agricultural Holdings Act 1986

    April 20th 2007

    NIGEL Davis solicitors director Nigel Davis tackles the important and complex issue of tenancy successions under the Agricultural Holdings Act 1986.

  • Tesco announces annual profits

    18 April 2007

    TESCO has announced an annual profit of 2.5bn, representing 13.2 per cent rise on the previous year.

  • Tesco growth

    April 20th 2007

    Tesco has announced growth in underlying profit of £2.5bn, representing a 13.2 per cent rise on the previous year.Results for the 52 weeks to February 24, 2007 show group sales up 10.9 per cent on the previous year at £46.6bn. Group trading profit saw an 11.1 per cent increase comprising international sales which were up 17.9 per cent and core UK sales up 9 per cent.

  • The Cumbrian quiz kings

    April 20th 2007

    In the Cumbria senior brainstrust final Carlisle YFC were named as the winners with Lowick in second place and Crook in third.

  • The first 100 per cent biodiesel tractors arrive in the UK

    April 20th 2007

    THE first fleet of tractors in the UK to run on 100 per cent biodiesel have arrived at Cornwall’s Eden Project.

  • The National Holstein Show

    17 April 2007

    All the latest news and photos from Bingley Hall, Stafforshire.

  • The National Holstein Show

    17 April 2007

    THE National Holstein Show kicked off on Monday afternoon with a tremendous show of young handlers aged between six and 26. Holsteins from more than 70 of the country’s top herds competed on Tuesday.

  • The National Holstein Show Junior Finals

    17 April 2007

    THE preliminary stages of the National Holstein Show at Bingley Hall, Staffordshire, proved to be big event for British breeding when homebred heifers won every single class and championship.

  • The National Holstein Show winner

    18 April 2007

    The ultimate prize at this year’s National Holstein Show went to Carhall Lyster Elizabeth, a second calver bred by Ian and Joyce Mallinson of Armathwaite, Carlisle.

  • This year’s Royal Show ‘more relevant’

    April 20th 2007

    A PROMISE that this year’s Royal Show would be more relevant for all aspects of farmers’ businesses was made this week by new executive show director Peter Stovold.

  • Top tapenade from Scotch beef

    April 20th 2007

    A TAPENADE containing Scotch beef has won a top award in the Dutch Golden Butcher Ring awards, reports Quality Meat Scotland.

  • Transparent supply chain the challenge

    April 20th 2007

    Farmers Guardian talks to two of Beef Expo 2007 sponsors – Dunbia and Dugdale Nutrition. ‘Efficiency of beef production – a key factor’ is their advice.

  • Turkey plant job losses

    April 20th 2007

    The loss of 400 jobs has been confirmed at a south east Wales turkey processing plant.

  • TV shopping proves popular outlet for food

    April 20th 2007

    WELSH food and drink companies are reaping the benefits of selling via the small screen after being showcased on the QVC shopping channel.

  • Two unsprayed rows mitigate effect of GMHT sugar beet on bird populations

    April 20th 2007

    LEAVING two rows of sugar beet in every 100 unsprayed would mitigate any adverse effects of genetically-modified herbicide-tolerant sugar beet on food for farmland birds, according to research conducted at Broom’s Barn.

  • UK fined £36m for late payments before SPS shambles

    19 April 2007

    THE UK has been fined £36 million for failing to meet its CAP payment deadlines – for schemes that pre-date the disastrous single Payment Scheme.

  • Valtra N121 Advance

    April 20th 2007

    A glance in the brochure of Valtra's N121 reveals that this could be the most powerful tractor in our group test, but its 137hp at 2,000rpm is a test-bed, bare engine measurement, so it should be taken with a pinch of salt.

  • Water Act 2003

    24 April 2007

    WhatControls the abstraction and impounding of water.

  • Water Framework Directive 2000/60/EC

    24 April 2007

    WhatThe aim of the WFD is to achieve a good level of water quality for all rivers lakes, estuaries, coastal water and groundwater in the European Union by 2015.

  • Wedding Form

    April 20th 2007

    Please complete this form and return to fgsupport@cmpi.biz for your wedding annoucnement to be included in the Farmers Guardian.

  • Wet spring hits corn plans

    April 20th 2007

    AMERCIAN farmers’ plans for a big expansion in corn plantings could have been hit by a cold, wet spring.

  • Women’s Food and Farming Union Conference

    April 20th 2007

    ‘Good quality more important to consumers than buying British’

  • Writtle students celebrate success

    27 April 2007

    AGRICULTURE and animal management students at Writtle are celebrating their success at the Red Poll Calf Show in Peterborough where they won 14 rosettes in four categories.

  • Year by year

    24 April 2007

    2007New Groundwater Directive (2006/118/EC) • Comes into force.

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