Farmers Guardian
February 29th 2008

  • ‘Buy fertilisers now’ says trader as prices rocket

    February 29th 2008

    FERTILISER prices have – as predicted – continued to soar and farmers are being advised to get their supplies organised sooner rather than later.

  • ‘It’s time to act’ is industry’s reaction

    February 29th 2008

    THE EFRA report, in giving cross-party political legitimisation to a cull, in theory, makes it far more likely that Defra Secretary Hilary Benn will announce a badger cull at some point over the next few weeks.

  • £7M to solve poverty in developing world

    25 February 2008

    LEADING British plant researchers have been awarded £7 million to improve agricultural productivity in the developing world in a bid to cut widespread poverty.

  • £7m to solve world poverty

    February 29th 2008

    LEADING British plant researchers have been awarded £7million to improve agricultural productivity in the developing world in a bid to cut widespread poverty.

  • £900 BFL tops Bentham females

    February 29th 2008

    BREEDING females from four sheep breeds in Bentham and District Auction Mart’s special Tuesday evening fixture, reached a top of £900 for a Bluefaced Leicester gimmer hogg.

  • 10,000gns Stardale Jed Roxy heads Painley sale

    February 29th 2008

    HOME-BRED animals may have dominated the second part of the Painley herd dispersal sale but it was a bought-in female that attracted the top price of 10,000gns.

  • 70 years old and still going strong

    February 29th 2008

    A TIME of reflection and several toasts to the future were just some of the highlights from the Lancashire Federation of Young Farmers Club’s 70th birthday celebrations.

  • A debate on Britain, 2026

    February 29th 2008

    CAMPAIGN for the Protection of Rural England have sparked a national debate over the future of the countryside by making predictions on how things may look come 2026.

  • A night to remember for League Award winners

    27 February 2008

    THE top riders in the sport of BHS TREC and their partners attended the South Essex Insurance Brokers League Awards Dinner to receive their awards from BHS Chief Executive, Graham Cory.

  • AG students plough for RABI

    25 February 2008

    READING university will play host to an inter-university ploughing match as part of a four-day fundraising bonanza to raise money for the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Society (RABI).

  • Amazone sees record sales

    26 February 2008

    THE Amazone group increased sales in 2007 by 20 per cent to give a record figure of €290million.

  • AN supplies will be tight as supply uncertainty continues

    February 29th 2008

    With fertiliser prices across the world almost doubling since the middle of last year and continued global uncertainty over supply, UK growers yet to receive this season’s supply of nitrogen fertiliser could be forgiven for wondering if their crops will get an adequate dressing this spring.

  • Arable Focus

    29 February 2008

    READ FG’s 12-page Arable Focus. There’s an in-depth look at disease and weed management for spring, plus nitrogen planning, spring cropping options and machinery.

  • Around the marts

    February 29th 2008

    Dungannon

  • Backdown on Fonterra structure vote

    February 29th 2008

    A poll conducted by New Zealand dairy co-operative Fonterra showed 41 per cent of respondents would not have supported the co-operative’s capital structure proposal.

  • Badgers and cattle TB: Report’s conclusions and recommendations

    29 February 2008

    THE cross-party Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee report announced its inquiry on ‘Badgers and Cattle TB: the final report of the Independent Scientific Group on Cattle TB (ISG)’ in June 2007. The report, unanimously agreed by the committee, was published on Wednesday (February 27).

  • Balebuggy unloading development

    February 29th 2008

    DIESEL ATV and utility vehicle manufacturer Farmrite Fabrications has brought out a new development of its existing ‘Balebuggy’.

  • Benn urged to ‘grasp the nettle’ after MPs recommend badger cull

    27 February 2008

    DEFRA Secretary Hilary Benn has been urged to ‘grasp the nettle’, and adopt the unanimous recommendations of the Environment Food and Rural Affairs Committee on how to tackle bovine TB.

  • BHS works with Highways Agency and Caravan Club to launch safety DVD

    27 February 2008

    THE BHS has worked with the Highways Agency to launch a new DVD to raise awareness of safety issues when towing a horse trailer.

  • Bicton college appoionts new principal

    25 February 2008

    BICTON College has announced the appointment of interim principal, Louise Twigg. Louise, who comes from a farming background, has a degree in agriculture and is a chartered biologist.

  • Bids peak at £6,720 for heifer Lenagh Classy at Dungannon Limousin sale

    February 29th 2008

    A SEVEN-month-old heifer topped the bidding at £6,720 at the Limousin Spring Sale at Dungannon last week.

  • Blight: Vigilance and tight control

    February 29th 2008

    THE British Potato Council (BPC) is advising potato growers that vigilance and a tight and responsive rein on control will be key to keeping blight at bay this season following the confirmation by scientists that one aggressive strain of the disease now dominates the British blight population.

  • Blogging for Scottish food

    February 29th 2008

    CELEBRITY chef and cook school proprieter Nick Nairn has launched the first video blog on the national food discussion in Scotland.

  • Bluetongue zones extended into Cornwall as Defra announces end of vector-free period

    25 February 2008

    DEFRA has announced that the Bluetongue Surveillance Zone has been extended into Cornwall to allow farmers to trade as normal in the South West.

  • Bovine TB pre-movement testing costing £15 per animal - RABDF

    26 February 2008

    BOVINE TB pre-movement testing is costing livestock producers more than £15 per animal, according to conclusions from a Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers (RABDF) farmer survey.

  • British Equestrian Federation Seeks New Chair

    29 February 2008

    HUGH Thomas, chairman of the British Equestrian Federation (BEF) is standing down in June, at the end of his current term in office, and there will then be an election for this position.

  • British is best, says new RASE president

    February 29th 2008

    LEADING restaurateur and BBC presenter John Torode will be the next president of the Royal Agricultural Society of England.

  • Brush up on woodland skills

    February 29th 2008

    A CHANCE to try out old traditional woodland crafts is being offered through a series of Lake District, Cumbria, workshops designed to bring a contemporary twist to ancient skills as diverse as green oak beam production, stick furniture making or even willow construction.

  • Budgeting can be simple process

    28 February 2008

    HOW much are you likely to make with the next batch of beef cattle you finish?

  • Call for regular testing in dairy and beef herds as survey reveals rise in BVD and IBR levels

    26 February 2008

    THREE subsidised services from Intervet Animal Health have highlighted issues within UK dairy and beef herds.

  • Call to abandon ‘value fixing’ in UK beef sector

    February 29th 2008

    AS average prices for both clean cattle and cow beef continued to firm by a few pence, there have been calls for retailers to ensure their supplying abattoirs are not squeezed out of business.

  • Call to abandon ‘value fixing’ in UK beef sector

    February 29th 2008

    AS average prices for both clean cattle and cow beef continued to firm by a few pence, there have been calls for retailers to ensure their supplying abattoirs are not squeezed out of business.

  • Calls for ReTFO to be postponed

    26 February 2008

    ENVIRONMENTAL groups have called for the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (ReTFO) to be postponed.

  • Cancellation of classes leads to huge shortfall

    February 29th 2008

    FOR the first time in years the Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society has suffered a financial loss.

  • CAP cost ‘unacceptable’ – Rooker

    28 February 2008

    FOOD and Farming Minister Jeff Rooker has described the cost of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) as ‘quite unacceptable’.

  • Carlisle poultry & waterfowl sale

    February 29th 2008

    Around 1,000 lots went under the hammer at the poultry and waterfowl sale, at Borderway Mart, Carlisle. Best of breed and supreme champions was this pair of White Wyandottes from S. Mullen.

  • Challenger’s RoGators get Chafer spraying equipment

    28 February 2008

    CHALLENGER dealers can now sell RoGator 418 and 618 MultiCarrier units with Chafer spraying equipment.

  • Chicken cacciatore (hunters chicken)

    February 29th 2008

    This recipe was submitted by Ugo Garbagnoli of Alnwick, Northumberland.

  • CLA visit discovers the demands of farming in the northern uplands

    February 29th 2008

    THE CLA’s new conservation adviser Claire Collyer has visited farming members to learn more about the farming systems in the northern uplands and the pressures they face.

  • Climate change report due for European launch

    29 February 2008

    THE farming industry is set to launch its climate change report in Brussels on Monday (March 3), setting out recommendations and future priorities for the industry.

  • Coccidiosis research survey

    28 February 2008

    AN animal health company is offering farmers the chance to win a calf crush if they help it find out more about coccidiosis.

  • Committee of MPs recommend badger cull

    27 February 2008

    AN INFLUENTIAL committee of MPs has recommended that badgers should be culled to control the spread of bovine TB.

  • Committee of MPs recommend badger cull

    27 February 2008

    AN INFLUENTIAL committee of MPs has recommended that badgers should be culled to control the spread of bovine TB.

  • Competition winners announced

    29 February 2008

    CONGRATULATIONS to the winners of a pair of tickets to April’s British Open Show Jumping Championships, being held at the NEC, Birmingham.

  • Consultation opens on River Basin Management

    February 29th 2008

    DEFRA and the Welsh Assembly Government have opened a consultation on the second volume of their draft River Basin Management Planning guidance – part of the implementation of the Water Framework Directive (WFD).

  • Consumers less concerned about country of origin

    February 29th 2008

    BRITISH consumers are becoming less concerned about country or origin and food safety when it comes to their weekly shopping, according to a new survey.

  • Cost warning on hygiene inspection

    February 29th 2008

    NEW proposals that could charge meat processing plants the full cost of hygiene inspections could signal the end for medium and small abattoirs, the Association of Independent Meat Suppliers warned this week.

  • County awards

    February 29th 2008

    THE Devon County Agricultural Association is urging people to apply for the awards on offer at this year’s county show.

  • 'Crop Oracle' CD updated

    27 February 2008

    HGCA’s ‘Crop Oracle’ CD has been updated for 2008.

  • Defra kicks off Livestock Market Roadshow at Cirencester

    26 February 2008

    DEFRA has launched its Livestock Markets Roadshow at Cirencester Market in Gloucestershire, the first of 80 visits to market towns around England.

  • Defra kicks off Livestock Market Roadshow at Cirencester

    26 February 2008

    DEFRA has launched its Livestock Markets Roadshow at Cirencester Market in Gloucestershire, the first of 80 visits to market towns around England.

  • Defra kicks off Livestock Market Roadshow at Cirencester

    26 February 2008

    DEFRA has launched its Livestock Markets Roadshow at Cirencester Market in Gloucestershire, the first of 80 visits to market towns around England.

  • Early drilling essential

    27 February 2008

    AS soon as the hard frosts of the last fortnight had been taken over by the mild winds from the Atlantic the sugar beet drill was out on Elsoms Seeds’ early drilled bolter trials at Quadring near Spalding, Lincolnshire.

  • Effective T0 spray obligatory on most winter wheats to combat brown rust, septoria

    February 29th 2008

    An effective T0 spray will be obligatory on most crops of winter wheat next month to ensure that the brown rust and/or septoria onslaughts of 2007 are not to be repeated, according to agronomists.

  • EFRA review

    February 29th 2008

    THE Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee is to examine the science capability of Defra and its agencies.

  • Eglwyswrw speak the best

    25 February 2008

    A TRIPLE triumph for Eglwyswrw YFC put the club on its way to picking up a quartet of silverware in the Welsh public speaking competition.

  • English trials results

    28 February 2008

    FYLDE, Clarkson Farm, Barnacre, Garstang, Lancashire, Nursery (47 ran), 1, S. Cropper (Deerplay) Black, 69 of 90; 2, Tim Longton (Quernmore) Joe, 68, OLF; 3, S. Duckworth (Haslingden) Spy, 68; 4, S. Duckworth Vic, 66; 5, T. Lawrenson (Brindle) Clyde, 65; 6, N. Bennett (Much Hoole) Bute, 64.

  • Farm’s kale trial proves an economic success for outwintered beef herd

    February 29th 2008

    THERE can be no question about it – kale will be grown on a South Wales beef cattle holding again this year.

  • Farmers ‘struggle to control rat problem’

    27 February 2008

    STARTING treatment too late, under-dosing and failing to check baiting points frequently are common mistakes made by farmers, according to Nic Blaszkowicz of PelGar International after analysing results of a telephone survey of 200 UK dairy farmers carried out in January.

  • Farmers must generate positive public messages

    27 February 2008

    FARMERS must generate positive public messages if they are to win and maintain consumer confidence in the agricultural industry.

  • Farming for profit takes centre stage at the Norfolk Farming Conference

    February 29th 2008

    The sixth annual Norfolk Farming Conference, held at the John Innes Centre in Norwich, focused on farming for profit, but there were widely differing views from the speakers. CLEMMIE GLEESON reports.

  • Farming past and present on show at Cambridgeshire Lambing Sunday event

    February 29th 2008

    FARMING past and present will be on show when a Cambridgeshire farm opens its doors to the public for its annual Lambing Sunday event on March 9.

  • February's Flock Watch

    29 February 2008

    In the second of our monthly features, run in conjunction with Novartis Animal Health, JOANNE PUGH caught up with Peter Delbridge to see what he has been doing since we first met him in January.

  • Fertiliser value of organic manures

    February 29th 2008

    THE fertiliser value of organic manures has always been worth a lot of money, but this value has increased dramatically due to the recent large increases in fertiliser prices.

  • Fewer liquid milk processors would mean increase in profits share

    February 29th 2008

    FEWER processors in the liquid milk market would result in an increased proportion of the profits being available for sharing between themselves and farmers, suggests a new, liquid milk supply chain economic model.

  • FG reader in successful Andes charity trek

    February 29th 2008

    Farmer and FG reader, Lenice Bell, has survived a tough trek on horseback across Argentina and Chile on behalf of the Anthony Nolan Trust, raising £4,600 for the charity.

  • Fierce bidding at Lincolnshire farm machinery auction

    26 February 2008

    OVER 350 potential buyers from across the UK, and from as far a field as Poland, turned out to Brown and Co’s machinery auction at Willowdene Farm, Friskney, last Thursday.

  • Financial turnaround for major grain group

    27 February 2008

    GRAINFARMERS Group has announced an operating profit (before tax and interest) of £2.1 million on a turnover of £371 million for the year ended July 31, 2007.

  • First calf from cloned Holstein to go under the hammer

    February 29th 2008

    THE UK’s first offspring of a cloned cow will go under the hammer at the Smiddiehill dispersal sale next week (March 5).

  • Food group seeking broiler producers in Scotland

    February 29th 2008

    A LARGE food group is looking for additional poultry producers in Scotland.

  • Food survey shows shift in consumer attitudes

    27 February 2008

    BRITISH consumers are becoming less concerned about country or origin and food safety when it comes to their weekly shopping, according to a new survey.

  • French premier defends French interests

    27 February 2008

    FRENCH premier Nicolas Sarkozy said that he will defend Europe’s agricultural interests when France assume the rotating EU presidency in July.

  • Freshly-calved Holstein sets record of £2,650 at Skipton dairy sale

    February 29th 2008

    A TOTAL of 11 cattle sold for over £2,000 and the top priced lot set a new record of £2,650 at February’s dairy auction at Skipton, North Yorkshire.

  • Government launches a new curriculum drive for agriculture

    25 February 2008

    AGRICULTURAL skills will be taught in schools to 14-19 year olds as part of a new reform from the Government.

  • Group 3 wheat area decline ‘a concern’

    February 29th 2008

    THE Group 3 wheat area has been falling as a proportion of the total as farmers move into Group 4. With millers determined to secure more quality wheat, growing on contract could be the way forward.

  • HGCA Milling Wheat Conference

    February 29th 2008

    Milling wheat premiums, the changing market for bread and the declining area of Group 3 wheat came under the spotlight at the HGCA/nabim Milling Wheat Conference. Christopher Lyddon reports.

  • High prices could mean record crop

    February 29th 2008

    THE world’s farmers are responding to high wheat prices with increased plantings. If they get the right growing conditions, that could mean a record crop. The conference got a reminder that the weather has to be right to give the world a chance to rebuild wheat stocks.

  • Hustler bale-handlers now available in the UK

    26 February 2008

    HAMPSHIRE-based Broadwood International is now importing the Hustler range of bale-handling equipment from New Zealand.

  • If BVD is to be eradicated then fundamental change in attitude is a necessity

    February 29th 2008

    DESPITE there being a compelling financial case for eradicating BVD, some fundamental changes in attitude throughout the cattle industry and veterinary profession are needed before it is achievable on a national scale.

  • Investing in a modern dairying system for future generations on family farm

    February 29th 2008

    Farms and farming businesses are often handed down from generation to generation, so it is hardly surprising that when the Daley family had the chance to modernise their dairy facility that they were thinking of the youngest members of their family – the ‘fifth generation’ – as Kath Daley explained to NEIL RYDER.

  • JSR downsizes in UK but grows globally

    26 February 2008

    PIG genetics company JSR Genetics is to reduce the size of its UK nucleus herd.

  • JSR downsizes in UK but grows globally

    26 February 2008

    PIG genetics company JSR Genetics is to reduce the size of its UK nucleus herd.

  • JSR downsizes in UK but grows globally

    26 February 2008

    PIG genetics company JSR Genetics is to reduce the size of its UK nucleus herd.

  • Latest results from The Dairy Group herds

    27 February 2008

    THE cost of purchased feed increased by some 35 per cent to 6.6ppl in the latest (November) dairy herd costings from The Dairy Group.

  • Make a profit by exciting customers

    27 February 2008

    PRODUCERS should not be afraid of the ‘P’ word – they should aim to make a profit by exciting customers, said 25-year-old Steven Mitchell, who has developed the Puddledub beef brand and direct selling business from his Fife-based herd of water buffalo and Aberdeen Angus cattle.

  • Manure management event

    26 February 2008

    A NEW regional event – Muck North West – has been organised for livestock farmers struggling with manure management, NVZ regulations and fertiliser costs.

  • McLaren’s six steps for a better partnership

    February 29th 2008

    SIX clear steps must be taken to secure the future of Scottish agriculture and these would require a new partnership between Government, the farming industry and the rest of the supply chain, said NFU Scotland president, Jim McLaren, told the annual meeting.

  • Meat South West conference

    27 February 2008

    PROFITABILITY, communication and integration were the three recurring themes of this year’s Meat South West conference, co-organised by the NFU South West and held at Sandy Park, Exeter. DANUSIA OSIOWY reports.

  • Milling Wheat Guide 2008 launched

    28 February 2008

    THE UK Flour Millers’ Association, nabim, launched its 2008 Wheat Guide at the HGCA/nabim Milling Wheat Conference held at Chilford Hall in Cambridgeshire.

  • Mole Valley Farmers sells mill

    February 29th 2008

    MOLE Valley Farmers is to sell its Calne feed mill (Wiltshire) to Botley Flour Milling Company, trading as Dukes & Botley Agriculture. Both companies will work in the procurement and manufacture of ruminant feed through MVF subsidiary, Southern Valley Feeds.

  • Montgomeryshire celebrate 70 years

    25 February 2008

    HAPPY Birthday to the Young Farmers Clubs in Montgomeryshire, who recently celebrated their 70th anniversary.

  • New case of H5N1 found in Dorset

    29 February 2008

    THE highly pathogenic form of H5N1 avian flu has been found in another wild bird in Dorset, three weeks after the previous case was found.

  • New cash incentive for green farmers in Scotland

    25 February 2008

    YOUNG farmers are only too aware of the increasing pressures of the environment and in a bid to promote new ways of thinking, the Future Farmer Award hopes to spread the green message across Scotland.

  • New cash incentive for green farmers in Scotland

    25 February 2008

    YOUNG farmers are only too aware of the increasing pressures of the environment and in a bid to promote new ways of thinking, the Future Farmer Award hopes to spread the green message across Scotland.

  • New check for levels of bull inbreeding

    February 29th 2008

    IN response to the need for dairy farmers to consider inbreeding levels when choosing bulls for their herds, MDC breeding+ has added an inbreeding component to its regular online service.

  • New check for levels of bull inbreeding

    February 29th 2008

    IN response to the need for dairy farmers to consider inbreeding levels when choosing bulls for their herds, MDC breeding+ has added an inbreeding component to its regular online service.

  • New figures show 'appalling' state of livestock sector in Wales

    27 February 2008

    THE latest set of Farm Business Income statistics published by the Welsh Assembly Government today (Wednesday, February 27) showed the “appalling” state of the livestock sector in Wales and clear evidence of the industry’s disastrous economic satiation, according to NFU Cymru.

  • New funding for research into fallen stock storage

    February 29th 2008

    THE National Fallen Stock Company is funding research aimed at reducing the costs of dealing with fallen stock on farms.

  • New opportunities for a constructive fair trading future

    February 29th 2008

    THE farming industry should seize the opportunity presented by the findings of the Competition Commission‘s investigation into the UK grocery market, said Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Richard Lochhead.

  • NFU cooking roadshows 2008

    February 29th 2008

    THE NFU's Why Beef and Sheep Farming Matters Roadshow kicked off in Gloucester this week.

  • NFU launches telecommunications package

    February 29th 2008

    THE NFU has launched its own telecommunications package designed specifically for farmers.

  • NFUS annual meeting

    February 29th 2008

    CLOSER links between the various levels of the food industry, including a fair return for primary producers, was the underlying theme at NFU Scotland’s annual meeting and council meeting at Dunblane.

  • North Wales Show Potentials to £3,000

    February 29th 2008

    WITH a top of £3,000 and both the champion and reserve selling in excess of £2,000, the 91 head changing hands at Ruthin Farmers’ Auction Mart’s North Wales Show Potentials sale averaged more than £900.

  • NZ prices rise amid drought

    February 29th 2008

    Recent rain has eased the stress for New Zealand sheep farmers battling with feed shortages, but the drought is still on. Around the saleyards, prices for store stock lifted in line with the widening smiles. Good quality store lambs improved in price by $2 per head at one weekly sale. Smaller lambs returned $22-$26 with heavier lambs up $46.50.       

  • Organic ‘enlightenment’

    28 February 2008

    AN online and public relations campaign to enhance ‘consumer enlightenment’ is being run by The Federation of Organic Milk Groups (FOMG).

  • Pack launched for marketing own lamb

    28 February 2008

    A NEW ‘Quality Standard Fresh From The Farm’ pack to help farm-assured producers market their own lamb, has been well received by abattoirs, processors and farmers, claims Eblex.

  • P-CUT brings better flow and cleaner cut to Disco range

    27 February 2008

    CLAAS has introduced the P-CUT mower cutterbar from the self-propelled Cougar to the rest of the newly-extended Disco range.

  • Pesticide exposure small according to HSE report

    27 February 2008

    THE annual prevalence and incidence of patients consulting their doctor over concern about pesticide exposure is small, a Health and Safety Executive (HSE) report has concluded.

  • Pesticide exposure small according to HSE report

    27 February 2008

    THE annual prevalence and incidence of patients consulting their doctor over concern about pesticide exposure is small, a Health and Safety Executive (HSE) report has concluded.

  • Pottinger cultivator drill proves its worth on ploughing and min-till

    February 29th 2008

    Best known for its grassland kit, Pottinger is now getting a foothold in the arable sector with ploughs, cultivators and drills. To see how the Terrasem cultivator drill works Farmers Guardian decided to get some winter wheat and barley in the ground. Mervyn Bailey sees what it has to offer.

  • Pre-movement testing costing £15 per animal

    February 29th 2008

    BOVINE TB pre-movement testing (PrMT) is costing livestock producers more than £15 per animal, according to a Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers farmer survey.

  • Price peaks at 2,700gns at Holstein club’s monthly sale

    February 29th 2008

    A 100 per cent clearance, 16 over £2,000 and an overall of £1,800 at the Border and Lakeland Holstein Club’s monthly sale at Borderway Mart reflected the continuing fierce demand for dairy stock.

  • Programmes need to be reviewed in face of threat

    February 29th 2008

    BLIGHT control programmes may need to be reviewed in response to the spread of the genotype 13 blight threat, says BPC research and director director Dr Mike Storey, who is advising potato growers to discuss blight control plans with their agronomist well before the season begins.

  • PSD advise using counterfeit herbicide may be an offence

    25 February 2008

    THE Pesticides Safety Directorate has advised that an isoproturon product marketed as ‘Emrald Wotsit’ has been manufactured to a different formulation from the approved formulation and that anyone selling, supplying or using this counterfeit product may be committing an offence.

  • Quota rise of 2pc ‘would destabilise dairy market’

    26 February 2008

    RAISING milk quotas by 2 per cent in April will be of no benefit to UK dairy farmers and may put downward pressure on prices.

  • Quota rise of 2pc ‘would destabilise dairy market’

    26 February 2008

    RAISING milk quotas by 2 per cent in April will be of no benefit to UK dairy farmers and may put downward pressure on prices.

  • Rally for fairer prices for UK pig producers

    28 February 2008

    PIG farmers from across the country will be out in force for a rally in Whitehall next week, calling for fairer prices for the industry’s producers.

  • Rapid growth spreads local produce across the nation

    February 29th 2008

    BARRY ALSTON takes a look at a rapidly expanding “really Welsh” farming operation playing a key role in tomorrow’s St David’s Day celebrations. Pictures by Arvid Parry Jones

  • Ratchet gets location LED

    27 February 2008

    SEALEY has introduced this new ergonomically-designed ratchet.

  • Report into badgers and bovine TB due this week

    26 February 2008

    THE long-awaited report by the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee into badgers and bovine TB is due to be published tomorrow, (Wednesday, February 27).

  • Research finds GM crops attractive to farmers

    25 February 2008

    FARMERS are upbeat about genetically modified crops, according to new research funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC).

  • Research finds GM crops attractive to farmers

    25 February 2008

    FARMERS are upbeat about genetically modified crops, according to new research funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC).

  • Robert Sloan wins top award from Holstein UK

    25 February 2008

    YOUNG farmer Robert Sloan from Auchinleck, Ayrshire has been awarded the prestigious Holstein UK (HUK) President’s Medal award.

  • Romiley raise money to say thank you

    25 February 2008

    ROMILEY YFC in Cheshire presented a cheque to Manchester Children’s Hospitals Charity after they held a sponsored hoe down.

  • RPA hits target ahead of schedule

    25 February 2008

    THE Rural Payments Agency (RPA) has achieved its first 2007 Single Payment Scheme (SPS) target over a month ahead of schedule.

  • Scottish trials results

    28 February 2008

    SCOTTISH Nursery league winners – Teams for the Scottish Nursery Final at Mid Powside, Almondbank, Perth, Saturday, March 1.

  • Searching for cooking talent

    February 29th 2008

    THE search is on to find the top Welsh Beef School Cook 2008 in a brand new competition being organised by Hybu Cig Cymru-Meat Promotion Wales and open to any primary and secondary school cook in Wales.

  • Second February sale for Lawrie and Symington

    29 February 2008

    LAWRIE and Symington held their second February sale of implements where 50 tractors, 12 quads and 612 lots of large machinery went under the hammer.

  • Shaping your business and your future in farming

    25 February 2008

    FANCY yourself as a budding entrepreneur? Have you got what it takes to hold your nerve and keep a great business idea alive?

  • Sheep focus

    11 February 2008

    READ our special FG sheep supplement. There are articles dedicated to housing in-lamb ewes up to and during lambing time, and we also take another look at tagging to see exactly what you should be doing now and what you should be preparing for in the near future.

  • Sheepdog Trials Diary

    February 29th 2008

    ENGLAND - 1 March. HOLME, Nursery with Championship, Clough Head, Grane Road, Haslingden, Lancashire, 9am start, enter on field, caterer, members only. PERRYDALE, Nursery and Novice with Championships, Perrydale Farm, Peak Forest, Derbyshire, 8am start, enter on field, caterer. RYEDALE, Nursery, change of venue to the top of Skelderbank, approximately 4 miles from Whitby on A171 Guisborough road, 10.30am start, enter on field. WINDERMERE

  • Shirley Cropper and Black overcome ‘awkward’ hoggs

    February 29th 2008

    WORKING awkward hoggs in last Saturday’s windy conditions, Jim Cropper and Spud won the Fylde Championship title, while Shirley Cropper and Black were the trial winners.

  • Shropshire colleges unite

    25 February 2008

    THE Boards of Shropshire’s two land-based Colleges, Harper Adams University College and Walford and North Shropshire College, have committed to working more closely on areas of common interest such as developing new courses and supporting the continuing development of rural professionals.

  • South West farmers ‘ready to go’ with licensed badger cull

    February 29th 2008

    CENTRAL to the committee’s conclusion that badger culling is a viable and practical option was a trip during their inquiry to meet farmers in Devon, who for the past 18 months have been preparing badger culling licence applications.

  • Spain pumping funds into its horticulture

    February 29th 2008

    FARMERS in Spain will dramatically reduce pesticide residues on their fruit and vegetable produce with the help of a huge government investment.

  • Spray timing and residues

    February 29th 2008

    IN the article ‘Spray timing can help achieve lower pesticide residues’ on February 15, the comments on mepiquat and glyphosate should have read:

  • Spring weed control: Application should be as early as possible to maximise efficacy

    February 29th 2008

    Growers planning ahead for their spring herbicide applications in cereal crops this season should heed the same advice given to them for their autumn programmes – application should be as early as possible to maximise efficacy.

  • Standing side-by-side with milk producers in the EU

    February 29th 2008

    WEST Wales milk producer and Farmers Union of Wales vice-president, Brian Walters, was the only dairy farmer from England and Wales attending a rally in Brussels of 4,500 milk producers from 15 EU countries protesting against plans which may drive down farm milk prices.

  • Strategy is key if we are to take advantage of the food versus fuel debate

    February 29th 2008

    VIEWPOINT: By Guy Smith

  • Taster Day to be held at SAC Edinburgh

    25 February 2008

    SCOTTISH Agricultural College will be holding a Taster Day for potential students on Wednesday (February 27, 2008).

  • The categories

    29 February 2008

    As well as the Farm Entrepreneur award, there are five main food award categories that will honour farmers, growers, butchers, bakers, cooks and brewers.

  • Think tank rubbish Fairtrade brand

    26 February 2008

    FAIRTRADE is not fair, according to a leading economic think tank.

  • Tony gets his running shoes on for Amersham horses

    27 February 2008

    SPURRED on by the shocking, recent horse welfare case in Amersham, International League for the Protection of Horses’ (ILPH) deputy chief executive Tony Tyler is donning his running shoes to take part in the Edinburgh Marathon in aid of the ILPH.

  • Top marks for competence test candidates

    25 February 2008

    IT was a 100 per cent pass rate for the first group of candidates at Walford and North Shropshire College, who have recently taken the Certificate of Competence test.

  • Two-in-one applicator boom

    February 29th 2008

    Tramspread has introduced a two-in- one umbilical applicator boom and hose reel. Fitted with either a dribble bar or twin nozzles, or both, the Duo also has a detachable spool with 600m of hose.

  • UK foot-and-mouth free

    25 February 2008

    THE World Animal Health Organisation (OIE) has granted the UK foot-and-mouth disease-free.

  • UK horticulture looks jealously at Spanish investment

    28 February 2008

    FARMERS in Spain will dramatically reduce pesticide residues on their fruit and vegetable produce with the help of a huge government investment.

  • UK horticulture looks jealously at Spanish investment

    28 February 2008

    FARMERS in Spain will dramatically reduce pesticide residues on their fruit and vegetable produce with the help of a huge government investment.

  • UK rationalisation essential

    February 29th 2008

    RATIONALISATION in the UK fresh milk processing industry should not overlook the ‘massive opportunities’ presented by regional dairies, says Dairy Farmers of Britain chairman, Rob Knight.

  • United auction milk price rises by 0.6ppl

    February 29th 2008

    AUCTION milk increased by 0.6ppl in United Dairy Farmers’ February latest bidding round. A total of 78 million litres average 22.99ppl.Some 45 million litres under three month contracts ranged from 22.5 to 22.9ppl and averaged 22.73ppl, while 33 million litres under one month contracts ranged from 22.6ppl to 23.7pp to level at 23.34ppl. All contracts are for March 1 start and the overall average compares with 22.39ppl last month.

  • Up close and personal with all kinds of livestock courtesy of Millers Ark

    February 29th 2008

    YOUNGSTERS of all ages will be able to get ‘hands-on’ experience with farm animals at this year’s Royal Welsh Spring Festival – courtesy of Millers Ark Animals.

  • U-turn expected on Scottish bluetongue decision to counter a ‘flare-up’ of the disease this summer

    February 29th 2008

    THE Scottish Government is expected to confirm a reversal of its position on bluetongue vaccination after it meets livestock sector stakeholders next week.

  • Vice-presidents

    February 29th 2008

    Nigel Miller and Stuart Wood were unopposed in the election for vice-presidents. The John Miskelly award for outstanding service to the union and local community went to David Smith, from Aberdeenshire.

  • Virgin’s biofuel-powered flight

    February 29th 2008

    SIR Richard Branson’s Virgin airline became the first to fly a commercial aircraft powered partly by biofuel last week.

  • Warning on listed properties

    29 February 2008

    OWNERS of listed properties are being warned to make sure they have specialist insurance for their homes – a worrying number do not not know they need extra cover.

  • Whartonspool Jordannie Red tops trade at 9,200gns at Shavington herd dispersal

    February 29th 2008

    THE final hammer came down at 6.35pm after eight hours of selling at Beeston Castle, Cheshire, when Rob Swain, Market Drayton, Shropshire, dispersed his Shavington herd of pedigree Holsteins.

  • Why everyone should buy local produce

    25 February 2008

    ALL food eaten was once sourced locally but now the food on your table could just as easily have come from Australia or South America. JACK DAVIES explores what is going to be done to convince consumers to buy local once again.

  • Winter wheat area impacts on spring crops future

    February 29th 2008

    The larger area drilled to winter wheat for harvest 2008 is impacting on the future of spring crops, with areas of many set to drop but price prospects improved in some cases.

  • Wrong cow is culled for bluetongue

    28 February 2008

    DEFRA has admitted it culled the wrong animal after bluetongue was found in an imported cow on a farm near Middlesbrough, in December.

  • Young handlers take to Perth showring

    25 February 2008

    TWENTY young handlers from throughout the UK and Ireland took part in the Aberdeen-Angus junior showmanship competition at Perth.

  • Your questions answered on bluetongue vaccination ahead of voluntary scheme

    February 29th 2008

    Bluetongue vaccines will be available this summer and it is hoped that they will prove to be the livestock industry’s saviour against the virus. With farmers and vets preparing to vaccinate, Jack Davies and Alistair Driver look at the key questions surrounding vaccination.

  • Zero set-aside could threaten brown hares

    February 29th 2008

    THERE are concerns that the introduction of zero set-aside, announced last summer, may threaten the resurgence in brown hare numbers.

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