Farmers Guardian
February 23rd 2007

  • ‘High simplicity and comfort, but too much road noise’

    February 23rd 2007

    ROAD TEST Audi A6 Le Mans: IN celebration of its racing diesel triumph at Le Mans, Audi has introduced a special edition of its 3-litre Tdi A6 Quattro.

  • ‘Idled’ land may go into production

    February 23rd 2007

    US Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns says USDA is considering allowing the release of some Conservation Reserve Program acres. US farmers currently have some 37 million acres of erodible and delicate land in the ‘land-idling’ program in exchange for a government rental fee.

  • ‘Subsidise custodians of the countryside ...before wildlife withers’

    February 23rd 2007

    BARRY ALSTON meets up with a man on a mission – keeping Britain’s indigenous cattle breeds in the hills and uplands.

  • 1,600gns Jordan daughter

    February 23rd 2007

    A TOP price of 1,600gns was realised at the Border and Lakeland Holstein show and sale at Carlisle where the 31 entries achieved an average of £1,150.

  • 4,200gns female champion

    February 23rd 2007

    THE Simmental female champion from Tillymaud Farms, Ellon, Aberdeenshire, topped the female trade at 4,200gns on the first day of trading. Tillymaud Malvenas 53 was bought by H. Clark, Hevingham, Norwich. The in-calf heifer, born in May 2004, is a Blackford Lancer daughter and sold in-calf to Dirnanean Reformer.

  • 5,500gns for Moyness Statesman daughter

    February 23rd 2007

    CHAROLAIS females sold to 5,500gns for the reserve champion, Dunesk Victoria, from J.A. and M.F. McMillan, Brechin, Angus. This August 2004-born Moyness Statesman daughter joins the same herd as the top price Simmental bull – Adrian Ivory, Strathisla herd, Meigle, Perthshire.

  • A new beginning

    27 February 2007

    Over the weekend I was thinking about what to write in this diary, and had settled on my pride at trimming some hooves for the first time.

  • A worthy cause

    February 23rd 2007

    A RETIRED Devon farmer has raised over £1,500 in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support. Frank Palk, who used to farm arable, beef and sheep at Stantor Barton Farm near Paignton, raised the money at a recent party to celebrate his 80th birthday.He chose the charity having lost his wife, Jean, to cancer 23 years ago.

  • AFMPE guarantees AFMP better returns

    February 23rd 2007

    ARLA has put a new and protected ‘floor' in the price it pays the members of the Arla Foods Milk Partnership (AFMP).

  • Alternatives to raw milk imports

    February 23rd 2007

    PROCESSORS will increasingly look for cheaper dairy imports as an alternative to raw milk, warn analysts.

  • An educated choice to plant miscanthus means brothers help to cut CO2 emissions

    February 23rd 2007

    THE miscanthus crop planted two years ago by Tom and John Nash will be harvested for the first time this spring.

  • Arctic Cat’s 400 now includes UK manual version

    February 23rd 2007

    WHILE it is clear that ATV buyers are being offered an increasing number of models with automatic transmission, there are still plenty who want to stick with manual and it is for that reason that Arctic Cat’s UK line-up now includes a manual version of its 400.

  • Assembly’s legal bid

    February 23rd 2007

    THE Welsh Assembly is on the verge of taking legal action to recover grant funding awarded to Dairygold Food Products.

  • Badger decision by May

    27 February 2007

    FOOD and Farming Minister Lord Rooker has said today that a decision on badger culling would be made “more or less” by May.

  • Benefits from leaving some ram lambs entire

    February 23rd 2007

    LEAVING at least some of their male lambs uncastrated could be a useful performance improvement strategy for consideration by a number of lamb producers in the coming season, suggests the English Beef and Lamb Executive (Eblex).

  • Benefits from leaving some ram lambs entire

    21 February 2007

    LEAVING at least some of their male lambs uncastrated could be a useful performance improvement strategy for consideration by a number of lamb producers in the coming season, suggests the English Beef and Lamb Executive (Eblex).

  • BETA International Innovation Awards

    27 February 2007

    EXCITING new products in saddlery, feed, clothing, safety and horsecare were recognised by the 2007 BETA International Innovation Awards, presented during the world’s foremost equestrian trade exhibition at the NEC, Birmingham, last week.

  • BETA rewards equestrian industry’s high achievers

    27 February 2007

    SADDLERY retailers, entrepreneurs, an international rider and equestrian event were among the recipients of the 2007 BETA Business Awards.

  • Biodiesel for Sisu engines

    February 23rd 2007

    SisuDiesel has announced that its common rail engines can now use 20 per cent B20 biodiesel, while the non common rail injection engines can run on B100.

  • Biofuels pose a ‘threat to sector’

    February 23rd 2007

    BIOFUELS threaten dairy farming, said German Farmers’ Union dairy adviser Rudolf Schmidt.

  • Biotech crop acreage is on the increase

    February 23rd 2007

    DEVELOPING countries are now leading the growth in biotech crop plantings, according to a new report by the International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications (ISAAA).

  • Breeders are being hammered

    February 23rd 2007

    THERE will not be New Zealand lambs available to meat companies if they don’t do something about looking after the breeders, a Canterbury sheep farmer says.

  • Buying local and organic ‘not always best for environment’

    February 23rd 2007

    ORGANIC farming’s green credentials suffered a setback this week after a Defra-funded report questioned the notion that buying organic and local was better for the environment.

  • Call to halt GM trials

    February 23rd 2007

    ANTI-GM campaigners are calling for GM trials on potatoes to be cancelled after obtaining results from experiments in Russia, which highlighted links with cancer in laboratory rats.

  • Chairman swaps his wellies for trainers

    February 23rd 2007

    THE Wales YFC Chairman, Rhodri Evans, will be amongst the 46,000 runners running the London Marathon on April the 22.

  • Cheviotview best of Northumbria herds

    February 23rd 2007

    THE Northumbria Holstein Breeders Club’s annual herds competition saw T. and A. Hodge’s Cheviotview herd winning the large herds section, and J.P. Hall’s Ashpetall taking the honours in the small category.

  • Children need educating about where their food comes from

    28 February 2007

    THERE is a real need to educate children about the origins of their food, with thousands of eight-year-olds believing that cows lay eggs and that bacon comes from cattle or sheep.

  • Clitheroe Sucklers

    February 23rd 2007

    A 10-month old Belgian Blue steer claimed championship honours at a show and sale of suckler bred cattle at Clitheroe, Lancashire, on Friday.

  • Compact Faresin telehandler

    February 23rd 2007

    The Compact 7.30 is the latest telehandler from Faresin. It has an overall height of 2.58m and is 2.32m wide. Other important figures include a lift capacity of 3,000kg and maximum lift height of 6.7m.

  • Constant investment meets buyers’ needs

    February 23rd 2007

    While representing a small part of overall investment in the family business, grant aid to purchase new and more modern vegetable packing equipment enabled the owners of Windle Hall Farm, St Helens, to meet the latest market requirements.

  • Craven Champions Day

    February 23rd 2007

    CATTLEMEN from Calderdale claimed both the championship and reserve championship honours on Craven Champions Day, a show and sale of store cattle with future show potential, at Skipton.

  • Dansco undertaking is cheered

    February 23rd 2007

    A COMMITMENT by Welsh Assembly Countryside Minister, Carwyn Jones, to do what he can to keep the Dansco cheese plant in West Wales operational – including a possible producer buy-out – has been welcomed by the area’s Assembly Members.

  • Debate attracts a mixed audience

    February 23rd 2007

    A DEBATE on the key issues facing British agriculture, organised by the Yorkshire Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs, attracted young and ‘not so young’ farmers from across the county.

  • Diversification keeps farm business viable

    February 23rd 2007

    Planting 33 acres as part of the Mersey Forest Scheme proved the first step in an ongoing farm diversification programme, including a modern farm shop in a listed barn, for St Helens farmers, Alan and Edwina Abbott.

  • Diversification seminar in Yorkshire

    February 23rd 2007

    LOCAL landowners and farmers considering diversifying into new areas of business are being invited by the Country Land and Business Association to attend a special half-day seminar at the Brackenholme Business Centre, near Selby, Yorkshire.

  • Embryo tops a steady Shottle sale at Beeston Castle

    February 23rd 2007

    DESPITE a slow start, the ‘for the love of Shottle’ Holstein sale at Beeston Castle, Cheshire, on Tuesday did gain momentum and peaked at 23,000gns.

  • Energy markets are ‘starting to wake up’

    February 23rd 2007

    WHILE there has been a lot of talk, and very little action, when it comes to kick-starting the UK biofuels industry in recent years, energy markets are beginning to wake up to where they have to be if they are to attract supply commitments from UK growers.

  • English Sheepdog Trials Results

    February 23rd 2007

    FYLDE, Clarksons Farm, Barnacre, Garstang, Nursery Championship (7 ran): 1, Thomas Longton (Quernmore) Jake, 86 of 100; 2, Richard Hutchinson (Littledale) Wenndale Roy, 84; 3, J.Palmer (Twiston) Jim, 80; 4, Tim Longton (Quernmore) Pip, 78; 5, J. Cropper (Deerplay) Fleet, 75; 6, K. Salisbury (Riddlesden) Scott, 72. Nursery Trial (47): 1, J. Palmer Jim, 87 of 90; 2, Richard Hutchinson Maggie, 82; 3, Tim Longton Pip, 81, OLF; 4, A. Bancroft (Settle) Scartop Gem, 81; 5, ...

  • Ensuring Fallen Stock Scheme is ‘still attractive’ after end of subsidy in 2008

    February 23rd 2007

    DEFRA has promised to work with the National Fallen Stock Company and the livestock industry to ensure the fallen stock scheme remains ‘attractive and affordable’ after current Government funding ceases.

  • Entry Level Scheme offers the three key needs for farmland birds

    February 23rd 2007

    The three key needs of farmland birds – winter food, nest sites and chick food - could be delivered through the options in the Entry Level Scheme, but it was a big step to them being in place on the ground, said Dr Juliet Vickery, head of terrestrial ecology at the British Trust for Ornithology.

  • Environment Agency endangering Suffolk freshwater marsh

    February 23rd 2007

    The conflicting messages from different Government departments were highlighted by Paul Cooke.

  • Europe buoyant but US sales slip for AGCO

    February 23rd 2007

    Last year’s financial results might have been on the agenda, but AGCO confirms that it is investing heavily on four strategic global brands as part of a plan to boost revenues still further. Steven Vale reports from Munich on the company’s ambitious plans for the future.

  • Exports buoyant in optimistic climate

    February 23rd 2007

    EXPORTS were vital to overall livestock businesses, and since beef exports were resumed, original targets had been exceeded, Peter Hardwick of the Meat and Livestock Commission told the conference.

  • Farm wildlife: If you’ve got it, why not flaunt it?

    February 23rd 2007

    THE plight of farmland birds has been high up the political agenda for many years, and although some species are showing signs of recovery, others are still struggling.

  • Farmers ‘would be forced to quit’ over new Scottish NVZ rules

    February 23rd 2007

    FARMERS would be forced to quit the industry if the Scottish Executive pressed ahead with proposed new restrictions in Scotland’s Nitrate Vulnerable Zones, the NFU Scotland has warned.

  • Farming for Energy

    February 23rd 2007

    There’s been much talk about the potential for farmers to profit from bioenergy and biofuel but what about action? In the first of a series of articles in which Farmers Guardian aims to get behind the scenes of the UK’s fledgling bioenergy industry, John Parry talks to Biomass Task Force leader Sir Ben Gill about a biomass project underway in North Yorkshire.

  • Farming on Merseyside

    February 23rd 2007

    It is easy to think of Merseyside as a major urban conurbation but the area also takes in a thriving agricultural industry, as NEIL RYDER found out.

  • Fast trade at Beeston dairy sale, £1,340 top

    February 23rd 2007

    A RING full of buyers resulted in a fast trade at the February mid-month sale of pedigree and commercial dairy cattle at Beeston, Cheshire, and a top price of £1,340.

  • FEI President visits Pony Club Centre

    27 February 2007

    FEI President, HRH Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein recently paid a visit to Somerby Equestrian Centre in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire.

  • Fenland acres now top £4,000

    26 February 2007

    LAND values in Norfolk and the fens of Cambridgeshire and South Lincolnshire have risen by 10-25 per cent over the past twelve months as demand outstrips supply.

  • Fenland acres now top £4,000

    26 February 2007

    LAND values in Norfolk and the fens of Cambridgeshire and South Lincolnshire have risen by 10-25 per cent over the past twelve months as demand outstrips supply.

  • Fischer Boel's warning to EU leaders

    26 February 2007

    MARIANN Fischer Boel has warned EU leaders that they must not use discussions on the CAP budget post-2013 as a ‘quest for savings’.

  • Former NFU president Tim Bennett will sit on new Levy Board UK

    26 February 2007

    THE ten new board members who will be running Levy Board UK have been announced by environment secretary, David Miliband and they include former NFU president Tim Bennett.

  • Free-living nematode worry

    February 23rd 2007

    FREE-living nematode levels in soil are high this year, potato growers are being warned.

  • Fungicide spend should not just be determined by higher wheat prices

    February 23rd 2007

    INCREASED wheat prices should not be the influencing factor for what growers spend on their fungicide programme this spring; the basic principles of investing based on the disease spectrum present and the likely incremental returns still hold true.

  • FUW wants quotas to continue . . . for now

    February 23rd 2007

    IN the absence of other measures to stabilise the market, the Farmers Union of Wales wants milk quotas to continue.

  • Galloways to 6,200gns at Castle Douglas

    February 23rd 2007

    GALLOWAY cattle breeders had one of their best sales for many years with prices going to 6,200gns and averages for bulls soaring by more than £500 a head at Castle Douglas.

  • Getting the point across

    February 23rd 2007

    A TRIO of Plaid Cymru politicians were due to meet farmers in the Conwy Valley area of North Wales today to discuss low milk prices.

  • Green light for 10pc biofuel use

    February 23rd 2007

    EU member countries have backed a Commission plan for a legally binding commitment to 10 per cent biofuel use across the EU by 2020. 

  • Ground clearance good on Arctic Cat Prowler XT

    February 23rd 2007

    INITIALLY it will be sold with the same 641cc engine as the Arctic Cat 650 quad, but the American manufacturer’s Prowler XT ‘side by side’ utility vehicle could well have a diesel engine in 12 months time.

  • Harrison’s Jerseys are supreme in Yorkshire

    February 23rd 2007

    THE Yorkshire County Milk Recording herd competition’s supreme challenge cup for herd management inspection for 2006 was won by the Jersey herd of G.M. and A.J. Harrison, of Manor Farm, Thornton Rust, Leyburn.

  • Heavy snowfall fails to dampen competition

    23 February 2007

    DESPITE having to rearrange their drama and ‘one plus’ festival because of heavy snowfall, the Brecknock Federations of Young Farmers’ Clubs excelled themselves once again on the stage.

  • HFA declaration deadline extended

    27 February 2007

    THE Rural Payments Agency has extended the deadline for the return of completed Hill Farm Allowance (HFA) 2007 declaration forms to this Friday (March 2).

  • Hold back the N for OSR

    February 23rd 2007

    WITH some big oilseed rape crops coming through the winter this year don’t be tempted to apply nitrogen early. Indeed, delaying nitrogen on anything but the most backward crops is likely to improve yields and the bigger the crop in February the greater the benefit seems to be.

  • Horse Owners’ Seminar moves to Cirencester

    27 February 2007

    FOLLOWING last year’s successful inaugural Horse Owners’ Day, organised by the British Equine Veterinary Association Trust, the 2007 event is to be held at the Royal Agricultural College in Cirencester on Wednesday April 11.

  • Impressions of NFU leader’s first year

    February 23rd 2007

    • THE jury is still out. Change does not happen overnight but I thought Peter would be far more vocal than he has been, although he has been quite vocal on the milk issue recently. I think he is the right man and if he has the backing of the establishment, he will get there.

  • Increased confidence leads to sale success

    February 23rd 2007

    There was strong trade on Wednesday (21 February) at Windovers Farms Limited dispersal sale according to auctioneers BCM Bays Curry McCowen.

  • In-house conservation means Elvedon has encouraged staff to take ownership

    February 23rd 2007

    Jim Rudderham, conservation and forestry manager of the 9,000ha Elvedon Estate, told delegates the aim of the estate was to integrate conservation into all its enterprises, and for all the 120 staff to understand what the estate was trying to achieve.

  • Investment to give creamery greater visibility

    February 23rd 2007

    ISLE of Man Creameries, a 55-strong co-operative of dairy farmers which has developed a successful UK retail sales side to the business is spending £375,000 on an ‘end-to-end’ supply chain solution to increase visibility at all stages of production.

  • Jake’s fighting finish earns the Fylde title for Thomas

    February 23rd 2007

    NO-ONE was forthcoming in predicting the outcome of the Fylde championship as all seven contenders made mistakes, but with a two-point advantage the title went to Thomas Longton and Jake.

  • Kymco extends its utility range with bigger engined 500

    February 23rd 2007

    IN a comparatively short space of time, Taiwanese manufacturer Kymco has broadened its ATV offerings in the UK from small kiddies and sports bikes to true utility machines which will stand comparison with the established big names.

  • Labelling pressure on Welsh Assembly

    February 23rd 2007

    PRESSURE is mounting in Wales for the Welsh Assembly to follow the example of the Scottish Parliament, which plans to introduce country of origin labelling in restaurants, pubs and all catering establishments in Scotland, writes BARRY ALSTON.

  • Legislation is vital but let’s beware of over-zealousness

    February 23rd 2007

    WHILE accepting the need for environmental legislation, farming was under increasing scrutiny from Government and other bodies with the real risk of over-zealous legislation that would hinder rather than encourage farming, warned NFU Scotland president, John Kinnaird.

  • Lessons from cull cow market recovery

    February 23rd 2007

    BEEF herd owners who kept cull cows back from the crowded November-December market have already benefited from a near 30 per cent lift in value compared with early December when the deadweight average was flattened to just 117p – beef bred cows were averaging only 61p at auction. 

  • Limousin Females Carlisle

    February 23rd 2007

    PEDIGREE Limousin females sold to 4,200gns when heifers from the Mynach, Fieldson, Janos, Lowbarn and Loughhead herds were sold at Carlisle on Friday.

  • Lower prices and less, bigger farms lie ahead for dairy sector – Rasmussen

    February 23rd 2007

    TOP officials of both the Defra and EU Commission were clearly onside on the future for the dairy regime when they spoke at the Dairy UK conference in London.

  • Mature lamb could help survival

    February 23rd 2007

    THE success of a new project marketing mature lamb could make a real contribution towards the survival of hill farms in the North East of England.

  • Miliband under attack from farmers

    26 February 2007

    DEFRA Secretary David Miliband came under sustained attack over the Government’s failure to cull badgers to control Bovine TB during his appearance at the NFU conference.

  • Mink raft workshop targets water vole conservation

    February 23rd 2007

    LOCAL wildlife trusts, conservationists and river keepers, who are keen to get involved in conserving their local water vole populations, are invited to attend a ‘refresher’ workshop on the use of the Game Conservancy Trust’s (GCT) innovative Mink Raft on March 14, at the trust’s headquarters at Fordingbridge, Hampshire.

  • More emphasis needed on price-making for industry

    February 23rd 2007

    NSA policy adviser, John Thorley, agreed with the Uffold message, adding that the industry as a whole needed to shout out far more loudly.

  • More grunt as Honda replaces the 350

    February 23rd 2007

    EVERY so often we have an ATV on test that we would rather not give back – and the gutsy new Honda 420 ES (electric shift) is one such bike.

  • MRI offers ‘more accurate diagnoses’

    February 23rd 2007

    MAGNETIC resonance imaging (MRI) has long been a major diagnostic tool in human medicine.

  • Mule gets into limited-access areas

    February 23rd 2007

    KAWASAKI has introduced another new Mule utility vehicle – the 610 4x4. This ‘entry level’ machine is relatively compact for use in areas with limited access, but, says the manufacturer, it is also suitable for rugged terrain.

  • Myerscough College’s ‘green’ fuel conference

    February 23rd 2007

    MYERSCOUGH College in Lancashire is to host a bioenergy conference aimed at directing the motoring industry towards a sustainable future using biofuels and renewable technologies.

  • Natural England’s coastal proposals met with concern

    February 23rd 2007

    NATURAL England has clarified its proposals to create improved right of public access to the English coast after objections voiced by bodies such as the NFU and the Country Land and Business Association.

  • Nearly 7,000 herds are caught by TB2 restriction

    February 23rd 2007

    NEARLY 7,000 herds across Britain were caught up under debilitating TB2 movement restriction at the end of last year, equating to 7.5 per cent of all herds.

  • New CEO for Green Spirit

    February 23rd 2007

    MANAGEMENT changes at bioethanol company Green Spirit Fuels have been announced.

  • New front suspension improves the Ecorider

    February 23rd 2007

    LAST summer we tested the Ecorider, a two-wheel off-road bike which boasts a fuel consumption figure of 120mpg on red diesel.

  • New GM potato trial found in East Yorkshire

    27 February 2007

    A FIVE-YEAR field trial of genetically modified (GM) potatoes will begin on a farm in East Yorkshire this spring, subject to Defra approval.

  • New Venue for Cleveland Bay Championship

    27 February 2007

    THE King George V Stallion Championship - a highlight in the Cleveland Bay Horse Society’s calendar - will be taking place at a new venue this year.

  • New web canopy management tool for OSR

    February 23rd 2007

    BASF and ADAS have launched a new web-based tool to help oilseed rape growers accurately assess the need for nitrogen and growth regulation and hence manage their oilseed canopy more effectively.

  • NEWS IN BRIEF

    February 23rd 2007

    New cheese competition gets seal of approval

  • Next generation should have higher expectations

    February 23rd 2007

    Alison Lea reports from the ‘Farmland Birds – The Celebrations and Challenges’ conference, organised by the Suffolk Agricultural Association.

  • NFU accuses David Miliband of letting farmers down

    26 February 2007

    NFU president Peter Kendall has accused Defra Secretary David Miliband of letting farmers down by adopting a ‘wholly one-sided’ approach to Bovine TB.

  • NFU accuses David Miliband of letting farmers down

    26 February 2007

    NFU president Peter Kendall has accused Defra Secretary David Miliband of letting farmers down by adopting a ‘wholly one-sided’ approach to Bovine TB.

  • North Island agricultural contractor sues dealers

    February 23rd 2007

    A North Island agricultural contractor is taking legal action against several machinery dealers, including two major companies.

  • NW Simmentals

    February 23rd 2007

    THE highest priced Simmental-sired store sold at auction in the North West in January was a steer from E. Proctor, Musgrave, Kirby Stephen, sold at Penrith for £730 and bought by D. Barker, Staxton, Scarbrough. The top priced Simmental-sired calf came from F. Turner, Rochdale. He sold a bull calf at Gisburn for £270 to R.H. Holroyd, Hebden Bridge, Yorkshire.

  • Organic plan only partially meets target

    28 February 2007

    SCOTLAND’S own organic farmers are now meeting 70 per cent of the demand for organic produce north of the border, compared with an estimated 35 per cent five years ago.

  • Packaging hopes to revitalise the doorstep delivery

    February 23rd 2007

    MILK in pouches is set to revolutionise doorstep and school milk sales – and possibly retail sales in some supermarkets.

  • People skills in practice: Key to being a good vet

    February 23rd 2007

    One could be forgiven for thinking that the most important attribute for any good farm vet would be their clinical ability. But, according to young vet Sophia Elworthy, people skills are just as important. DAVID BURROWS reports.

  • Perth Spring Sales

    February 23rd 2007

    Simmentals and Charolais went under the hammer in the second week of United Auctions’ Perth Spring Sales. KATIE LOMAS reports.

  • Pesticides misuse accounts for most animal poisoning

    February 23rd 2007

    ALMOST 100 animals were poisoned with pesticides between January and September last year with the vast majority of cases caused by pesticide misuse and abuse.

  • Potato best practice training

    February 23rd 2007

    THE Bayer AgroSciences stewardship team is on the road again in the run up to 2007 plantings bringing best practice training to all potato growing areas.

  • Powder on the up

    26 February 2007

    SKIMMED milk powder (smp) and whey prices have begun to rise again in February notes the Milk Development Council.

  • Powder on the up

    26 February 2007

    SKIMMED milk powder (smp) and whey prices have begun to rise again in February notes the Milk Development Council.

  • Poyersfield Holsteins are on top

    February 23rd 2007

    THE Poyersfield Holstein herd of Philip, Sheila and Roger Lewis, from Cosheston, near Pembroke, has come out top of the large herds section of the latest Pembrokeshire NMR competitions.

  • Pressures will increase on competitor potato producers

    February 23rd 2007

    FRENCH and Dutch potato producers are able to produce to and sustain lower costs than those in the UK, according to a report published by the British Potato Council.

  • Princess Royal is to be patron

    February 23rd 2007

    Credit: © FARMERS GUARDIAN please contact 01772 799445.

  • Producers consider the ‘Akkerman plan’ for Cumbria cheese plant

    26 February 2007

    CONSTRUCTION of a new £50 million cheese dairy on a 27 acre greenfield site in Cumbria could well begin in June.

  • Producers consider the ‘Akkerman plan’ for Cumbria cheese plant

    26 February 2007

    CONSTRUCTION of a new £50 million cheese dairy on a 27 acre greenfield site in Cumbria could well begin in June.

  • Producers hit hard by ‘more for less’ slogans

    February 23rd 2007

    BOGOF – or ‘buy one get one free’ – ‘two for one’ and ‘more for less’ might be appealing to retailers and vote-winners for politicians, but did little for the producers at the wrong end of the marketing chain, according to one of the country’s top auctioneers.

  • Quad X: Bike-size spreader – with a light foot...

    February 23rd 2007

    Quad X believes that using an ATV-towed fertiliser spreader may be the solution for farmers with land too wet to bear the weight of a tractor and broadcaster without causing wheel ruts.

  • Quality cheese launch

    February 23rd 2007

    THE Cheese Company is launch-ing a branded, extra mature cheddar – ‘Tickler’ – developed at its Taw Valley creamery in Devon, in a bid to target the premium quality sector of the branded cheese market.

  • Records galore at Carlisle Limousins

    February 23rd 2007

    52,000gns Gigolo son goes to Ireland, juniors average £9,000, overall sale average up £1,100

  • Reducing the costs returned to farmers with central storage

    February 23rd 2007

    MORE, high capacity intake, processing, storage and outloading facilities that are food integrated and safe are required in the arable sector.

  • Returning to hedgelaying to conserve the countryside

    February 23rd 2007

    Hedgelaying has long been an important skill in agriculture and more recently has burgeoned in popularity for the environmental benefits that carefully laid hedges offer. SARAH CRIPPS attended a hedgelaying training day at Hughendon Manor, High Wycombe, to learn more about what it involves.

  • Rider safety training to come as standard

    February 23rd 2007

    BY the end of March Honda, Kawasaki, Polaris, Suzuki and Yamaha dealers will have sent a member of their customer-facing staff on a European ATV Safety Institute (EASI) customer handover training seminar and practical rider training course.

  • Robust Diablo – unsophisticated, but getting there

    February 23rd 2007

    A SMOOTH, water-cooled 854cc three-cylinder Yanmar diesel engine remains at the heart of a British-built 4x4 quad that has seen some worthwhile improvements in recent months.

  • Rooker lends support to GM trials

    28 February 2007

    FOOD and Farming Minister Lord Rooker waded into the GM debate yesterday, backing the latest potato trials.

  • Royal Show will go on despite loss of ‘key’ staff, says RASE

    February 23rd 2007

    THE Royal Agricultural Society of England (RASE) has insisted the 2007 Royal Show will go on as normal, despite the sudden departure of a number of key personnel.

  • RPA are on ‘top of the job’ on Single Payments

    February 23rd 2007

    MORE than three-quarters of farmers in England have now received all or at least half of their Single Payment.

  • Russia presents a golden opportunity

    February 23rd 2007

    SCOTTISH farmers over many years have never been afraid to rise to new challenges, with many being among the first to establish farming enterprises in North America, New Zealand and Australia.

  • Sainsbury's wants to help British farming

    26 February 2007

    Sainsbury's boss Justin King defended his company’s treatment of farmers and said they were committed to British production.

  • Samson’s 22,000gns breed record

    February 23rd 2007

    A NEW Simmental breed record price of 22,000gns was realised when the overall champion bull, Omorga Samson, took to the ring.

  • Scientists have created a portable biorefinery

    February 23rd 2007

    A group of US scientists have created a portable refinery that efficiently converts food, paper and plastic trash into electricity.

  • Scope for growth in mutton market

    February 23rd 2007

    A NEW report has concluded that the market for Renaissance Mutton – mutton produced to agreed standards – can continue to achieve steady growth and that farmers with large hill or upland holdings are best placed to benefit.

  • Scottish Sheepdog Trials Results

    February 23rd 2007

    ROGART (Judge: M. MacKay, Durness) Nursery (18 ran) 1, M. Shearer, Westfield, (Bob) 92; 2, H. MacLean, Culloden, Kim, 87; 3, S. Grant, Strathcannaird, Jen, 85; 4, M. Murray, Back, Jim, 83 Outbye; 5, H. MacLean, Culloden, Roy, 83; 6, E. MacKinnon, Lochcarron, Shep, 82; 7, J. Cameron, Lairg, Nan, 76; 8, D. MacKenzie, Inverness, Glen, 73; 9, K.C. McKinnon, Bernisdale, Shene, 67; 10, H. Munro, Leys Castle, Gael, 66. Older dogs, 1, H. MacLean, Culloden, Eilidh, 83; 2, H. ...

  • Scottish Winter Fair to have new format

    February 23rd 2007

    THE organisers of the Scottish Winter Fair have announced new plans for their 2007 event, which takes place in the Highland Hall at Ingliston, Edinburgh, on Wednesday, November 21.

  • Search for best rural building

    February 23rd 2007

    A SEARCH to find the best new or converted rural buildings in England and Wales is being launched by the Country Land and Business Association. The CLA Rural Buildings Awards, in association with property consultancy Knight Frank, aims to showcase the very best new or converted rural buildings that reflect not only a wide range of diversification projects, but also high quality design and workmanship. 

  • SHEEPDOG TRIALS DIARY

    February 23rd 2007

    24 February. TRAWDEN, Nursery with Championship, Lower Twiston, Clitheroe, Lancashire, 9am start, enter on field, existing members only. NORTHERN Nursery with Championship, Walburn Hall, Downholme, North Yorkshire, on A6108 Leyburn/Richmond road, 9am start, enter on field, championship to start at 2pm. WINDERMERE Nursery with Championship, Thorpinsty, Cartmel Fell, Cumbria, 9.30am start, enter on field. RYEDALE, Nursery, ...

  • Skoda Scout and Hummer H3

    February 23rd 2007

    Building on the success of its 4x4 Octavia estate, Skoda has now added the Scout to its range.

  • Slaughter? Let’s have death in the afternoon

    February 23rd 2007

    Another day, another great heap of stuff from Defra. If it isn’t silage run-off, it’s nitrates, or they want to know if we’re growing commercial asparagus, or willow as a biocrop. It seems that our little smallholding receives as much information and requires as many forms as a farm of 1,000 acres.

  • Smooth looks, rugged and still popular

    February 23rd 2007

    IN the 24 years since the Shogun arrived on UK shores, Mitsubishi has sold 93,000 of them, showing just how popular the big Japanese 4x4 has become.

  • South West farmers wanted for awards

    February 23rd 2007

    ENTERPRISING South West farmers have the chance to win hundreds of pounds in this year’s Rural Business Development Awards, sponsored by Farmers Guardian.

  • Speeding up milking without yield loss

    February 23rd 2007

    IN January I attended the annual meeting of the NMC, an international organisation which promotes milk quality and reducing mastitis, held in sunny Texas – well that was what I expected.

  • Spring Herbicides

    February 23rd 2007

    Farmers Guardian has joined forces with crop protection specialists BCPC to bring readers a comprehensive, free guide to herbicide products available for use this spring.

  • Spring Herbicides

    February 23rd 2007

    Farmers Guardian has joined forces with crop protection specialists BCPC to bring readers a comprehensive, free guide to herbicide products available for use this spring.

  • Staff cuts at Bernard Matthews after H5N1

    February 23rd 2007

    BERNARD Matthews is laying off hundreds of staff after seeing sales slump since the H5N1 bird flu outbreak at its Suffolk farm.

  • Sticky toffee pudding

    February 23rd 2007

    THIS recipe was sent in by Mrs D. Gorst, of Barnacre, Lancashire. “This is delicious served with cream, ice cream or custard,” she says.

  • Sugar beet dispersal sale

    February 23rd 2007

    NOT even a snow storm could prevent buyers from as far away as Poland attending a specialist sale of sugar beet machinery and other farm equipment in Shropshire by Halls at Coppice Green Farm, Shifnal, Shropshire.

  • Supporting Fair Trade for British Farmers

    February 23rd 2007

    WHILE Defra secretary of state David Miliband has made much play recently about the importance of environmental security over and above food security, there are voices of support for British food within the department.

  • Supporting Fair Trade for British Farmers

    February 23rd 2007

    WHILE Defra secretary of state David Miliband has made much play recently about the importance of environmental security over and above food security, there are voices of support for British food within the department.

  • Survey findings finally reaches Wales TB forum

    February 23rd 2007

    NEARLY four months after the results were first released – and reported in Farmers Guardian in early October – the findings of the Welsh Assembly-inspired survey of badgers found dead on the roadside have at last been passed to the Wales TB forum.

  • Sussex riders benefit from electric fencing decision

    27 February 2007

    EQUESTRIANS in East Sussex are celebrating the decision of the Secretary of State for Environment and Rural Affairs to reject a proposal for three lines of electric fencing across Telscombe Tye common, near Brighton.

  • Taunton’s quota filler peaks at 1,310gns

    February 23rd 2007

    BIDDING peaked at 1,310gns at the annual quota filler sale at Taunton Livestock Centre, Somerset, for Bettiscombe Outside Miss America from Roland and Simon Bugler, Bridport, Dorset. It was bought by Messrs Clothier, Bath.

  • Tenants: Speak out on succession issues – TFA

    February 23rd 2007

    THE Tenant Farmers’ Association (TFA) is asking tenants to provide it with evidence of any difficulties they experience in securing co-operation from their landlords over new succession rules.

  • Think hard about the consumer and achieve beef production consistency

    February 23rd 2007

    ANGELA CALVERT continues her report from the first Eblex National Producer conference at Askham Bryan College, York.

  • Threat from coastal erosion and flooding highlighted by trust

    February 23rd 2007

    A NEW report published by the National Trust, ‘Shifting Shores’, shows that more than 70 per cent of its coastline in Wales, much of it internationally renowned, could be severely affected by coastal erosion and flooding in the next 100 years.

  • Throwing open doors for ‘Lambing Sunday’

    February 23rd 2007

    A CAMBRIDGESHIRE farm is opening its doors to the public next month for its annual ‘Lambing Sunday’.

  • Time for a hard look at your spending

    February 23rd 2007

    KNOW how much energy you use and what it costs was the main message from ADAS mechanisation and energy consultant, Philip Metcalf. Speaking at the Hertfordshire meeting, Mr Metcalf urged growers to understand their current energy use and efficiency, and to change their existing practices if it resulted in a saving.

  • Top bulls swap in MDC proofs

    23 February 2007

    THE top two available Holstein sires in the UK have switched positions in the latest bull evaluations published by the Milk Development Council’s breeding+ division.

  • Top Gear team take tractors to their limit

    February 23rd 2007

    The Top Gear team will be doing their best to put three tractors through their paces this Sunday at 8.00pm on BBC2.

  • Top marks at Broad Oak Farm

    February 23rd 2007

    A CHESHIRE family farm of three generations has gained a top accreditation from Defra to be used as a ‘countryside classroom’ to teach schoolchildren about nature and farming.

  • Transport of livestock rules change by end of March

    February 23rd 2007

    NFU Cymru is reminding livestock farmers in Wales that new animal transport rules, covering the commercial movement of all mammals and birds, will shortly be passed by the Welsh Assembly and become enforceable from March 30.

  • Unhaltered heifers to 4,200gns

    February 23rd 2007

    Unhaltered heifers from five consignors sold to 4,200gns on the Friday evening. The Mynach herd topped the sale selling to Messrs Jones, Pwllheli and had another at 3,100gns to T.W. Roberts and Son, Lisvane, Cardiff.The Janos herd peaked at 3,500gns, Fieldson at 2,300gns, Loughhead at 1,900gns and Lowbarn at 1,700gns. Janos sold six maidens to average £2,152.50 and Mynach, 19 bulling and maiden heifers £2,138.68.

  • Using plastic for rollers to reduce wear

    February 23rd 2007

    BY using polyurethane for web rollers, Spaldings is hoping to offer the best of both worlds – it lasts longer than rubber rollers and is kinder to the web than the metal variant.

  • Variety mix may give yield benefits

    February 23rd 2007

    SOWING a mix of varieties for cereal production always increases the general resilience of the crop, and may well offer benefits in reduced incidence of disease and slightly better yields, according to the Scottish Crop Research Institute’s Adrian Newton.

  • Versatility plus comfort – Polaris 500 Sportsman

    February 23rd 2007

    IT is not the only ATV with a loadbox at the rear or the only one that can carry a passenger as well as the rider, but it is the only one we know that combines the two modes by means of a cleverly designed in-situ 30 second conversion.

  • Voluntary semen export shutdown knocks animal genetics market

    February 23rd 2007

    BIOSECURITY New Zealand is again being accused of failing to stick to its protocols.

  • Wet weather to blame for potato planting hold-ups

    February 23rd 2007

    HEAVY rain in many parts of the south ruled out any attempts to continue potato planting last week.

  • What the president has said:

    February 23rd 2007

    “It is my firm conviction that not since the Second World War has our land and our farming industry been so important.

  • Why farming matters

    February 23rd 2007

    One year ago Peter Kendall took on the leadership of the NFU with a vow to improve the image of farming. ALISTAIR DRIVER reports on how he has done so far.

  • Win Shire Horse Spring Show tickets

    February 23rd 2007

    FARMERS Guardian has teamed up with the Shire Horse Society to offer readers the chance to win one of 10 pairs of adult tickets to the Shire Horse Spring Show, to be held on Saturday, March 17 and Sunday, on March 18 at the East of England Showground, Peterborough.

  • Win Shire Horse Spring Show tickets

    February 23rd 2007

    FARMERS Guardian has teamed up with the Shire Horse Society to offer readers the chance to win one of 10 pairs of adult tickets to the Shire Horse Spring Show, to be held on Saturday, March 17 and Sunday, on March 18 at the East of England Showground, Peterborough.

  • Win tickets to the British Open Show Jumping Championships

    16 March 2007

    Thursday April 12 - Sunday April 15 NEC arena in Birmingham

  • Win tickets to the British Open Show Jumping Championships

    27 February 2007

    Thursday April 12 - Sunday April 15 NEC arena in Birmingham

  • Young Instructor of the Year 2007

    27 February 2007

    THE British Horse Society (BHS) is preparing to stage 10 regional qualifying training days throughout the UK for its Young Instructor of the Year 2007.

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