Farmers Guardian
February 1st 2008

  • ‘Fantastic’ start to dairy trade

    February 1st 2008

    KIVELLS auctioneers report a ‘fantastic trade’ for their first two dairy sales of the year.

  • ‘Multi-purpose’ tractor can make light work of most ploughing, cultivating and mowing

    February 1st 2008

    Somerset contractor James Dalgren bought a Maxxum Multi-controller 140 for his general contracting business, but opted for a high specification tractor including 50kph transmission, front linkage and pto, ground speed radar and wheel slip computer.

  • ‘Revolutionary’ genome selection discussion generates excitement

    February 1st 2008

    WHOLE genome selection (WGS) generated a lot of excitement on both days of the conference, described on different occasions as ‘revolutionary’ and ‘the biggest thing since AI’.

  • ‘Whitehall must get its house in order’

    February 1st 2008

    FOOD and Farming Minister Lord Rooker said that, in addition to supermarkets, the Government also had an important role to play in improving meat sales.

  • 2,600gns lead price at the Lumbylaw Texels dispersal

    February 1st 2008

    THE Crawford Brothers, Maguiresbridge, Co Fermanagh, paid the 2,600gns top price at the dispersal of the adult portion of the Lumbylaw flock of Texels from Richard Oates, Hawick, Roxburghshire, and held at Carlisle.

  • A sustainable industry…

    February 1st 2008

    SUPERMARKETS and environmentalists were not necessarily ‘public enemy number one’, but they would probably not top a list of livestock farmers’ favourite people either.

  • A YFC charity showcase raises funds for RABI

    February 1st 2008

    ‘GREASE is the word’ – or at least it was for the Young Farmers across Lancashire who joined forces with the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution to raise £1,400 for the farming charity.

  • Act now to protect whole herd against bovine leptospirosis

    February 1st 2008

    Action should be taken immediately to make sure high value dairy heifers are fully protected against bovine leptospirosis, well in advance of the peak disease transmission period at turnout.

  • Agricultural apprentices gain invaluable experience

    February 1st 2008

    Josh Fincham and Will Dyer are both agricultural apprentices at Kingston Mauward College.

  • Arla up 0.5ppl for February

    February 1st 2008

    ARLA milk producers, other than those on Tesco contracts, will see their standard litre price increase to 25.5ppl from February 1 as a result of a 0.5ppl increase announced this week.

  • Around the marts

    February 1st 2008

    - THE best ten OTMS in Derby last week averaged 102.15p/kg, having topped at 110p. The 78 clean heifers reached 159p.

  • Beware a shift in bacteria types

    February 1st 2008

    Higher milk prices make it vital to minimise losses and maximise the amount of saleable milk produced by keeping the lid on mastitis – and the starting point is high levels of hygiene.

  • Biodiversity survey

    5 February 2008

    AN overwhelming majority of Europeans believe the loss of biological diversity is a serious problem and 13 per cent believe that intensification of agriculture is the greatest threat.

  • Blackbrook herd the Longhorn champions

    February 1st 2008

    THE winner of the Midland Longhorn Breeders’ herd competition – judged this year by Danny Wyllie of Tamworth, Staffordshire – was J. and P. Stanley’s Blackbrook herd.

  • Bluetongue fears as PCR test results awaited following ‘false positives’ scare

    February 1st 2008

    THE process of pre-movement testing livestock in order to move them out of the bluetongue zones created a major scare this week.

  • BPC defends its decision on levy rebate

    1 February 2008

    THE British Potato Council has hit back at claims it treated some growers unfairly by refusing to provide a rebate on their levy after their crops were destroyed by the summer floods.

  • BPC refuses to offer levy rebate to flood hit growers

    February 1st 2008

    THE British Potato Council has come under fire after refusing to offer a rebate on the levy charged to farmers in Hereford who lost their crops to the summer’s floods.

  • Branding success for lamb sold through farmers’ markets

    February 1st 2008

    BRANDING has been one of the key factors in the success of a Lancashire farmer’s lamb retailing enterprise through farmers’ markets.

  • Bringing new products to the shelves

    February 1st 2008

    The value of food eaten by UK residents has almost doubled in a decade to well over £115 billion per year. We are not eating twice as much, but one of the main reasons behind that growth is the increased value-added element of consumer spending on new innovative products and higher quality produce. HSBC Bank’s corporate agrifood manager John Barker examines whether innovation in food should present an opportunity or a threat.

  • British Grassland Society Winner

    30 January 2008

    ARTHUR Owen was announced as the winner of the BGS National Grassland Management Competition at The Dairy Show at the Bath and West Showground.

  • Business shut down over worker safety issues

    30 January 2008

    A SUFFOLK gangmaster who showed a total disregard for worker safety has become the 46th to have its business shut down by the Gangmasters Licensing Authority (GLA).

  • Call for ‘farmer friendly’ and compatible data collection

    February 1st 2008

    THE pros and cons of data collection in dairy herds were discussed by three speakers – one a farmer voicing his concerns, and two representatives from milk recording companies describing the progress being made.

  • Carbon saving criticisms

    February 1st 2008

    THE UK Government’s response to EU plans to tackle climate change has been criticised for failing to recognise what carbon savings the British countryside could actually deliver.

  • Carlisle Limousin sale led by Sarkley Crystal at 17,000gns

    February 1st 2008

    A MAIDEN heifer at 17,000gns led the way at the tenth annual calf sale from the Sarkley Limousin herd of E.H. Pennie and Sons, Montgomery, Powys, held at Borderway Mart, Carlisle.

  • Clear purpose is educating the future farmers

    February 1st 2008

    Kingston Maurward College in Dorset is enjoying a bumper year with a record number of students signing up to study agriculture. KATIE ROEBUCK dropped in to find out the secrets behind their success.

  • Commons Act 2006 (“the Act”) – an update

    25 January 2008

    EMMA Coke, a solicitor with Ashton Graham, reviews the Commons Act 2006.

  • Complete crop protection management plans to help avoid further regulations

    February 1st 2008

    INCREASED regulation for pesticide use could be on the cards if users fail to complete Crop Protection Management Plans (CPMP).

  • Croeso Cader Idris Farm Tourism Group celebrates 20 years

    1 February 2008

    A PIONEERING group of 11 West Wales farm tourism businesses that every year attracts thousands of visitors from across the UK and Europe is celebrating its 20th birthday at the weekend.

  • Dairy Health supplement

    1 February 2008

    EIGHT pages of technical advice on dairy health issues in a special Farmers Guardian supplement – from vaccinating for leptospirosis to the pros and cons of extended lactations.

  • Debate surrounding dual-purpose dairy cows remains clearly divided

    February 1st 2008

    DESPITE being dominated by people talking up the merits of dual-purpose dairy cows, a debate on the subject culminated in a vote in favour of single-purpose breeds.

  • Defra announces new climate change chief

    29 January 2008

    BUSINESS leader Adair Turner has been appointed as the first chair of the Government’s new Committee on Climate Change.

  • Defra’s cuts have made fighting disease tougher

    February 1st 2008

    GRAVE concerns have been expressed by the Farmers Union of Wales that Defra cuts will limit the ability of local authorities to deal with animal disease outbreaks.

  • Defying the odds

    February 1st 2008

    AGAINST all the odds the Dairy Show was staged on Wednesday at the Bath and West Showground, Shepton Mallet, Somerset.

  • Developing premium markets

    February 1st 2008

    BUILDING and managing an effective brand is important in developing premium markets for farm businesses, Jo Leah of Weber Shandwick told the Forward Farming workshop.

  • Devil in the detail for extended lactations

    February 1st 2008

    Adopting systems based on cows calving every 18 months as opposed to every 12 has been proposed as a solution to declining fertility in dairy herds. But not everyone is a fan, some challenging the approach entirely.

  • Devil in the detail on capital gains tax late rule changes

    February 1st 2008

    LATE changes to impending new rules on Capital Gains Tax are by no means all good news, say tax experts – not least because indexation and taper relief are still lost.

  • Devoted to saving the lives of foals

    February 1st 2008

    The National Foaling Bank was established back in 1965 to unite orphan foals with foster mares across the UK. SARAH JONES talks to its founder Johanna Vardon about her tireless work which has saved so many lives over the years.

  • DFB member interest payments

    February 1st 2008

    DAIRY Farmers of Britain members will receive 7.5 per cent interest on their Member Investment Accounts (MIA) in 2008/9.

  • Don’t pour money down the drain

    February 1st 2008

    SLURRY management has become a ‘big headache’ for livestock farmers, according to Giles Dadd, FACTS registered slurry specialist and distributor for additive firm Epizym, but it need not be that way.

  • Doosan complete Bobcat purchase

    1 February 2008

    CONSTRUCTION manufacturer Doosan Infracore has completed its acquisition of Bobcat, Utility Equipment and Attachments businesses from Ingersoll Rand.

  • Emphasis on trade stands at the Dairy Show

    30 January 2008

    HAVING been postponed from its usual date in October, the Dairy Show has gone ahead today (Wednesday, January 30) at the Bath and West showground, Shepton Mallet, Somerset.

  • English trials results

    31 January 2008

    NORTHUMBERLAND LEAGUE, Fawns, Cambo, Nursery trial (14): 1, B. Jordan (Whitfield) Tex, 80 of 100; 2, K. Preston (Kirkwhelpington) Queen, 76; 3, C. Stewart (Whitfield) Tan, 69; 4, B. Jordan Maz, 68; 5, W. Armstrong (Bamburgh) Scott, 67; 6, E. Gray (Great Bavington) Fly, 64.

  • Export of Brazilian beef 'banned'

    31 January 2008

    THE export of Brazilian beef to Europe has effectively been banned from today. It follows the European Commission’s rejection of some 2,500 potentially export-eligible Brazilian beef farms.

  • Farmer co-operative to add value through local sourcing venture

    February 1st 2008

    A NEW local sourcing venture to enable livestock producers to add value to their beef and lamb has been launched with £250,000 of external investment.

  • Farmers to undertake ‘New Zealand lamb watch’

    February 1st 2008

    NFU members are to take part in a new initiative to monitor supermarkets’ use of New Zealand lamb.

  • Farmers urged to take pragmatic approach amid high feed prices and disease risk fears

    February 1st 2008

    THE outlook for beef, sheep and pig farming looked ominous as economic analysts presented delegates with successive reports that predicted each sector to slim over the coming year.

  • Farmhouse Breakfast Week showcases local food

    28 January 2008

    FARMING organisations across East Anglia took the opportunity of Farmhouse Breakfast Week to showcase and promote local food.

  • Fast-finishing Charolais steers ‘cost-effective’

    31 January 2008

    FAST finishing pure Charolais steers sired by a high genetic merit bull is a cost-effective strategy, according to trials carried out on a pure commercial suckler herd at the Scottish Agricultural College.

  • Fendt Vario 900 Key control

    February 1st 2008

    FENDT is making some moves to put things right with its Fendt Key Control system fitted as standard on the new shape Vario 900 series tractors with those already at work getting an upgrade.

  • Food and drink manufacturers join initiative to improve water efficiency

    28 January 2008

    TWENTY-ONE of the UK’s leading food and drink manufacturers have signed an agreement to improve their water efficiency and reduce water use.

  • Food and drink spending falls

    February 1st 2008

    SPENDING on food and non-alcoholic drinks has fallen from one-third of household expenditure in 1957 to 15 per cent in 2006.

  • Food and drink spending falls

    February 1st 2008

    SPENDING on food and non-alcoholic drinks has fallen from one-third of household expenditure in 1957 to 15 per cent in 2006.

  • Food wastage is an ever-growing threat, warns Lord Haskins

    February 1st 2008

    FOOD security could be under threat with the risk of a global food shortage exacerbated by excessive wastage of food products, the Government’s food and farming adviser Lord Haskins warned this week.

  • Frustration grows as Defra delays its decision on UK sugar quota again

    February 1st 2008

    BRITISH Sugar and the NFU have spoken of their frustration this week as Defra has again delayed its decision on the processor’s application to relinquish 13.5 per cent of UK sugar quota.

  • Getting the right mix can help limit acidosis problems

    31 January 2008

    Coming together to host an on-farm event, BOCM Pauls, Nantwich Veterinary Group and Elanco Animal Health enabled a Spanish TMR expert to address dairy farmers in north Shropshire. NEIL RYDER reports.

  • Government Fallen Stock contribution to rise during lambing season

    31 January 2008

    THE rate of Government support for fallen stock collection is set to double during the peak lambing and calving season.

  • Helping farmers manage coastal change

    February 1st 2008

    A rise in sea levels and Defra’s withdrawal from maintaining sea walls threatens the future of 300 miles of Essex coastline and could affect more than 180 landowners. The Managing Coastal Change project is looking at the opportunities and threats and helping farmers plan for the future. CLEMMIE GLEESON reports.

  • Herd numbers increase

    February 1st 2008

    DAIRY cow numbers in Scotland are similar to a year ago despite many herds giving up production and a grave shortage of replacement heifers.

  • Hereford Cattle Society President

    February 1st 2008

    THE new president of the Hereford Cattle Society is Robin Irvine from Whitecross, County Armagh.

  • HGCA R&D Conference

    February 1st 2008

    The final HGCA R&D conference under the present levy board structure took the theme of ‘Arable cropping in a changing climate”. TERESA RUSH reports.

  • Higher sugar content as beet growers try to maximise yield

    February 1st 2008

    SUGAR contents have been consistently high, but yields lower during this year’s sugar beet campaign, which draws to a close at three of the four remaining factories this week.

  • How will climate change affect UK farmers?

    28 January 2008

    THE climate in the UK is changing and will continue to change, Roger Street of the Oxford University-based UK Climate Impacts Programme (UKCIP) told the HGCA R&D conference.

  • How will climate change affect UK farmers?

    28 January 2008

    THE climate in the UK is changing and will continue to change, Roger Street of the Oxford University-based UK Climate Impacts Programme (UKCIP) told the HGCA R&D conference.

  • Investment needed to help industry change - Kendall

    28 January 2008

    RESEARCH and development is essential to the sustainability of the farming industry, yet first rate scientists are working in ‘third world’ establishments in the UK, NFU president Peter Kendall told the HGCA R&D conference.

  • Investment needed to help industry change - Kendall

    28 January 2008

    RESEARCH and development is essential to the sustainability of the farming industry, yet first rate scientists are working in ‘third world’ establishments in the UK, NFU president Peter Kendall told the HGCA R&D conference.

  • Is it the end for British agriculture’s backbone?

    February 1st 2008

    VIEWPOINT: By Mike Keeble

  • Jane’s aim is to find new homes for battery hens

    February 1st 2008

    The Battery Hen Welfare Trust rescues and rehomes thousands of ex-battery hens every year as an alternative to slaughter. JACK DAVIES talks to founder Jane Howarth about the charity’s work and how it has been affected by the recent media spotlight on battery hens.

  • Kubota GL40

    29 January 2008

    KUBOTA has updated the L30 series tractors with the five range GL40 spanning 35hp to 58hp.

  • Lawyers dispute the accuracy of bovine TB test

    February 1st 2008

    LAWYERS acting for farmers seeking a re-test for cattle that produced anomalous bovine TB test results have said it is ‘statistically impossible’ for the tests to be accurate.

  • Lifetime achievement award

    February 1st 2008

    HOLSTEIN UK has awarded John Moffitt with a lifetime achievement award, marking his 60-year association with the breed society.Mr Moffitt joined in 1947 when it was the British Friesian Cattle Society and later became the fourth family member to hold the post of society chairman. He is pictured with Holstein UK chief executive David Hewitt (left) and society chairman David Tomlinson (right).

  • Livestock sector faces new challenges

    30 January 2008

    A LIVESTOCK sector ravaged by disease and decline in 2007 must now respond to CAP reforms, increased global competition and environmental challenges, leading figures from the UK meat industry were told at the Outlook conference yesterday (January 29).

  • Livestock sector faces new challenges

    30 January 2008

    A LIVESTOCK sector ravaged by disease and decline in 2007 must now respond to CAP reforms, increased global competition and environmental challenges, leading figures from the UK meat industry were told at the Outlook conference yesterday (January 29).

  • Loader rival to be bought by Alo

    30 January 2008

    SWEDISH loader manufacturer Alo is to buy French firm MX better known in the UK as Chillton.

  • Make or break for UK pig industry

    February 1st 2008

    THE UK could have fewer than 400,000 breeding pigs by the end of the year if producer prices for pork and bacon do not increase.

  • May 15 becomes red-letter day for Single Payments

    February 1st 2008

    A single date replaces unpopular 10-month requirement

  • Meeting shows depth of concern over bluetongue

    29 January 2008

    THERE was a huge turnout of farmers for the East Midlands NFU bluetongue meeting, held at Newark showground, showing the strength of feeling and concern about the disease.

  • Milk yields lowest for a decade

    29 January 2008

    FOR the first time in more than 10 years average British milk yields have dropped, while proteins have increased.

  • Milk yields lowest for a decade

    29 January 2008

    FOR the first time in more than 10 years average British milk yields have dropped while proteins have increased.

  • Mojo flock wins Dyfed Suffolk sheep title

    February 1st 2008

    THE Mojo flock of Arthur Morgan from Pencefen, Munt, Cardigan, came out top in this year’s Dyfed Suffolk Sheep Breeders Association competitions.

  • Mole Valley strengthens its position

    February 1st 2008

    SUPPLY co-operative Mole Valley Farmers has increased turnover by 10 per cent from £166.9m to £183.50m, with retail sales up by 6.3 per cent.

  • Money wasted by Welsh red tape

    February 1st 2008

    RED tape farm inspections are costing the Welsh Assembly almost £3 million a year, according to figures obtained by Welsh Conservative AMs.

  • More from the British Cattle Conference

    February 1st 2008

    Continuing her report on this year's British Cattle Conference, organised by the British Cattle Breeders Club, JOANNE PUGH looks at some of the issues relating to dairy cow management and technological progress being made in cattle genetics.Click here for articles

  • More pesticide regulation likely

    29 January 2008

    INCREASED regulation for pesticide use could be on the cards if users fail to complete Crop Protection Management Plans (CPMPs).

  • More pesticide regulation likely

    29 January 2008

    INCREASED regulation for pesticide use could be on the cards if users fail to complete Crop Protection Management Plans (CPMPs).

  • New animal transport test is now compulsory

    February 1st 2008

    If you transport livestock, regardless of how frequently and for how many years you have been doing it previously, you must now past a test to prove your competence. Like it or not, the long-threatened legislation is now is place across the EU and will be fully enforced in the UK from the end of April. Simon Wragg looks at who will be affected and what it takes to comply with the law.

  • New date chosen to replace 10-month rule

    28 January 2008

    A NEW date (May 15) has been set on which farmers will be required to have land at their disposal each year in order to claim Single Payments.

  • New figures show slow progress in fight against climate change

    1 February 2008

    THE Climate Change Committee has a tough task on its hands if it is to meet its targets for CO2 reduction after the latest government figures show no significant drop in emissions.

  • New venue for 2008 Pony Club Championships

    31 January 2008

    THE National Pony Club Championships (August 17-21) will take place at a new venue this year - Draycott House in Derbyshire – following the decision not to return to the 2007 venue at Shelford Manor, Notts.

  • New ways to profit from mutton

    4 February 2008

    REGIONAL farmers are being offered the chance to turn mutton into profit by learning to make mutton pastrami and mutton ham.

  • New website for Bearingboys

    28 January 2008

    BEARINGBOYS have developed a new website to offer a greater variety of bearings and components to farmers and engineers.

  • News in brief

    February 1st 2008

    Farm Sunday

  • NFU calls for ‘intelligent’ GM debate

    30 January 2008

    THE NFU has called for an ‘intelligent, practical and science-based’ debate on the place of GM technology in British farming this century.

  • NFU to push for a Red Tractor Olympics

    February 1st 2008

    THE NFU is lobbying the organisers of the 2012 London Olympics to ensure all eligible food served at the event is certified under the Red Tractor Scheme.

  • No need to blow the budget with Siromer’s top-of-the-range 404

    February 1st 2008

    If you are in the market for a scraper tractor or need something for a smallholding you can choose one of two paths – buy a secondhand classic or opt for a ‘fresh out of the box’ compact and if you are on a budget you can even build it yourself. To see how Siromer’s top-of-the-range tractor performs Mervyn Bailey put the 404 through its paces.

  • North West bluetongue test results confirmed as negative

    28 January 2008

    DEFRA has confirmed that livestock on farms in Cheshire and Shropshire suspected of having bluetongue have tested negative for the virus.

  • Northumberland sweep for Bevis Jordan and Tex

    February 1st 2008

    SUNDAY saw the conclusion of the Northumberland League nursery season with Bevis Jordan and Tex sweeping the board, taking the trial, the championship and the aggregate titles.

  • Organic production falling short of demand

    28 January 2008

    BRITISH farmers are struggling to meet growing demand for home grown organic produce, according to a new report.

  • Organic production falling short of demand

    28 January 2008

    BRITISH farmers are struggling to meet growing demand for home grown organic produce, according to a new report.

  • Payment move welcomed

    February 1st 2008

    SCOTTISH Crofting Foundation chairman Norman Leask, has welcomed the Scottish Government’s commitment to pay delayed support payments to Less Favoured Areas within two weeks.

  • Peacehay Twenid 57 makes 2,350gns at Sedgemoor

    February 1st 2008

    THE quota filler sale at Sedgemoor auction centre, Bridgwater, Somerset, saw prices peak at 2,350gns for Peacehay Twenid 57. From F.H. Chave and Son, Wellington, Somerset, this three-year-old heifer calved in December and was giving 36kg daily. She was by the home-bred Peacehay Lucifer sire out of a 10,000kgs dam.

  • Pig industry better but it can further improve

    29 January 2008

    THE British pig industry is still showing improved production performance according to the latest cost of production survey published by the British Pig Executive (BPEX).

  • Plight of auction marts continues on edges of disease control zones

    February 1st 2008

    BLUETONGUE zone restrictions continue to strangle trade at auction marts ‘on the edge’ and no doubt confirmation of suspect cases in the north-west earlier this week would have suited some sales centres.

  • Poor mixing and forage quality affecting herds

    February 1st 2008

    Incorrect use or operation of diet feeders is one reason for the increase in the incidence of acidosis on dairy farms this winter, according to Dr John Allen, technical director of Frank Wright Trouw Nutrition International.

  • Power boost a real plus for transporting

    February 1st 2008

    The Case IH Maxxum range replaced the three-year-old MXU line-up earlier last year, and brought in a new flagship – the 140. Geoff Ashcroft sought the views of farmer and contractor users with Multi-controller 140 models

  • Processors reject UDF option milk for second month

    February 1st 2008

    FOR the second successive month, processors exercised their right to reject option milk, resulting in much higher than normal volumes being offered in United Dairy Farmers’ January auction.

  • Putting a price on faster growth rate

    30 January 2008

    IMPROVING growth rate in the finishing herd by just 70g per day could help hard-pressed pig farmers increase returns by £2.86 per pig, amounting to over £30,000 for the annual output from a 500-sow herd, according to Ed Sutcliffe, technical director of ACMC.

  • Reducing numbers if cows are stressed could increase yields

    February 1st 2008

    Pressure to reduce costs was continuing to cause problems on many dairy units and cow health was one of the first areas to suffer, according to KW nutritionist Dave Collett.

  • Research investment needed

    February 1st 2008

    RESEARCH and development was essential to the sustainability of the farming industry, yet first rate scientists were working in ‘third world’ establishments in the UK, NFU president Peter Kendall told the HGCA ‘Arable cropping in a changing climate’ conference at Grantham.

  • RNCI appoints a new chairman

    February 1st 2008

    MARTIN Birse, Pitgaveny Farms, Elgin, has taken over as chairman of Royal Northern Countryside Initiative, succeeding Alyson Hunter of Wedderburn, Huntly.Mr Birse, is a regular visitor to schools as well as hosting visits to Pitgaveny Farms.The organisation’s new vice-chairman is Jill Catto, north east regional manager of the Scottish Rural Property and Business Association.

  • Robert’s top silage wins competition

    February 1st 2008

    TOP spot in the latest Powys Grassland Society’s grass silage competition has gone to Robert Hamer (pictured with Powys Grassland Society president David Thomas) of Penrhos Farm, Deytheur, Llansantfraidd.

  • Scottish herd competition

    February 1st 2008

    WITH 26 entries, this year’s Scottish Limousin Club herd competition was biggest ever.

  • Scottish trials results

    31 January 2008

    BORELAND of ANWOTH (Judge, W. Ross, Shawhead) Nursery (12 ran) 1, A.R. Mundell (Moffat) Moss, 95; 2, A.R. Mundell Taff, 92; 3, G. Marshall (Cocklicks) Jess, 86 Outbye; 4, R. Malcolm (Gatehouse) Nap, 86; 5, G. Marshall (Cocklicks) Nan, 84; 6, A. Driscoll (Penpont) Troy, 78. Novice, 1, W. Montgomery (Balmaclellan) Shep, 86; 2, M. Peugniez (Kirtlebridge) Bette, 69.

  • Secret of success is treating grass the same as other crops

    February 1st 2008

    THE secret of achieving the correct balance between slurry and fertiliser usage on grassland is to approach grass in the same way as any other crop, according to Mark Tucker, head of agronomy at Yara UK.

  • Set-aside move provokes an angry response

    February 1st 2008

    THE NFU has vowed to fight moves to retain set-aside as a cross compliance measure, even if the European Commission abolishes the policy.

  • SHEEPDOG TRIALS DIARY

    February 1st 2008

    2 February. HOLME, Nursery, Deerplay, between Burnley and Bacup on A671, Lancashire, OL13 8RD, 9am start, enter on field, caterer.

  • Simpler organic system makes more time for on-farm education

    February 1st 2008

    Helping children and teachers from inner-city schools to visit working farms is the key role of the Country Trust, enabling the children to have fun learning about how their food is produced and a little about rural life. Neil Ryder meets the trust’s new assistant director, David Thompson.

  • Sixth swan tests positive in Dorset

    28 January 2008

    DEFRA has confirmed that a sixth mute swan in Dorset has tested positive for highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza.

  • Society boosts Farming Help Appeal

    February 1st 2008

    THE Yorkshire Agricultural Society has donated £5,000 to a national appeal which offers help and support to farmers across the country.

  • Soil condition ‘more important for N uptake’

    February 1st 2008

    SOIL conditions favourable to nitrogen uptake are more important than calendar date when applying N to oilseed rape.

  • South West farmers reveal a strong appetite for badger cull

    February 1st 2008

    MORE farmers in the South West have expressed a willingness to participate in a co-ordinated badger cull over a selected area.

  • Spirit of Badminton photo competition

    30 January 2008

    ANOTHER 10 metres are to be added to the Spirit of Badminton Photo Wall at Badminton Horse Trials 2008.

  • Spring conferences

    February 1st 2008

    WHAT was the cost per tonne of production in 2007? What opportunities are there for combinable crops in 2008? What predictions are there for disease pressure this season?

  • Tailoring farm policies

    February 1st 2008

    NFU Scotland has met EU Agriculture Commissioner Mariann Fischer Boel in Brussels to outline its ideas on how Europe’s farm policy could be tailored to deliver maximum food production, environmental and economic benefits to the public.

  • Tenant farmers must be prepared to 'defend their corner' - TFA

    29 January 2008

    FARMING organisations are advising their tenant farmer members to check their budgets and be prepared to negotiate in rent reviews as we approach Candlemas and Lady Day.

  • The growing menace of machinery theft

    February 1st 2008

    MORE than £5.5 million worth of tractors and farm machinery were stolen in the UK last year – up 22 per cent on 2006.

  • The right balance between farming and a family life

    February 1st 2008

    Although Toby Ansdell’s cows are currently indoors it will not be for long – they will be back at pasture within the next fortnight. KATIE ROEBUCK went to meet the self-proclaimed ‘grass fanatic’ whose milking stock graze for at least some of the day for more than 10 months of the year.

  • Top Herefords crowned champions in society event

    February 1st 2008

    LOOKING back at the past 12 months, the Hereford Cattle Society announced its top animals of 2007 at a celebratory event hosted by Shadow Agricultural Minister Bill Wiggin, in the House of Commons.

  • Total disregard for worker safety sees gangmaster have his licence revoked

    February 1st 2008

    A SUFFOLK gangmaster, alleged to have shown ‘a total disregard for worker safety’, has become the 46th to have its business shut down by the Gangmasters Licensing Authority (GLA).

  • Tribute to the forgotten farming army

    29 January 2008

    WOMEN who worked on the land to provide food for the nation during World War I and II are to be honoured for their role in the war effort.

  • UK arable sector ‘optimistic’ for season

    February 1st 2008

    A survey of 12 leading arable consultants and agronomists, commissioned by BASF in the light of recent market changes, has highlighted several key economic and agronomic drivers for the coming season and beyond.

  • UK farm incomes up by 8.7 per cent

    31 January 2008

    FARM incomes in the UK rose by 8.7 per cent per head, to an average of £13,349, for 2007, Defra has announced.

  • UK farm incomes up by 8.7 per cent

    31 January 2008

    FARM incomes in the UK rose by 8.7 per cent per head, to an average of £13,349, for 2007, Defra has announced.

  • Uncropped land area to halve as a result of zero set-aside

    30 January 2008

    THE amount of farm land left uncropped as a result of the move to zero set-aside is likely to fall by more than 50 per cent in 2008, new figures published bt Defra indicate.

  • Vapormatic is improving site

    31 January 2008

    PARTS company Vapormatic has developed a new website that allows users to log in and access more features such as technical support and troubleshooting guides.

  • Welsh Assembly working to come up with a workable TB eradication programme

    February 1st 2008

    WITH the final piece of the consultative jigsaw now in place, the next steps in how Wales goes about tackling bovine TB are down to Assembly Rural Affairs Minister Elin Jones.

  • Welsh Mountain flock contest

    February 1st 2008

    BREEDERS from both North and South Wales have taken the championship and reserve placings in this year’s Welsh Mountain Sheep Society’s (Registered Section) flock competitions.

  • Wheat bulb fly warning

    February 1st 2008

    WITH the wheat bulb fly season fast approaching, Dow AgroSciences is warning against applying Dursban WG (chlorpyrifos) in tank mixes with Atlantis WG (iodosulfuron+mesosulfuron). 

  • Wild swans test positive for avian flu

    February 1st 2008

    MIGRATORY birds from Europe are believed to have brought avian flu to the Dorset coast, according to the latest epidemiology report on the recent outbreak.

  • Wiseman and DC on course

    February 1st 2008

    LEADING milk processors Dairy Crest and Robert Wiseman Dairies say full-year expectations remain in line with earlier forecasts.

  • YFC charity showcase gallery

    February 1st 2008

  • Younger people required

    February 1st 2008

    GETTING younger people involved in the NFU is the main aim of 36-year-old Russell Bowman, who has been elected as the union’s new county chairman for Cumbria.

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