Farmers Guardian
November 23rd 2007

  • £1,338 average at dairy sale

    November 23rd 2007

    TRADE at the November Uttoxeter at Derby sale of pedigree dairy cattle saw prices peak at £1,650 and the entire entry average £1,338.

  • £1,554 high at Holsworthy

    November 23rd 2007

    The autumn 2007 Native Breed sale at Holsworthy Livestock Centre, Devon, was hailed a success by Kivells auctioneers.

  • £320,000 North West businesses help

    22 November 2007

    FARMING businesses across the North West, hit by the effects of foot-and-mouth and bluetongue movement difficulties, can apply for a share of more than 600 days of free support. A £320,000 package announced by the Northwest Regional Development Agency will help farming and allied businesses trade out of the current crisis and they are urged to contact Business Link Northwest to access the free support.

  • £56m in support may go

    November 23rd 2007

    EU SUPPORT to British farmers could be slashed by as much as £56 million if proposals to cap Single Payments are approved.

  • 1,500gns top for Waedog Alwen 28 at Carlisle Welsh Blacks sale

    November 23rd 2007

    LEADING the trade at the Welsh Black Cattle Society’s sale at Carlisle was in-calf heifer, Waedog Alwen 28.

  • 16 Holsteins make over 2,000gns at Crundale sale

    November 23rd 2007

    THE sale of 300 Holsteins from Barrie and Ann Evans’ graded up Crundale herd, Haverfordwest, saw prices peak at 2,600gns.

  • 3,000gns peak at ‘Highland fling’

    November 23rd 2007

    THE ‘Highland fling’ sale of Highland cattle, sponsored by Farmers Guardian and jointly hosted by Beeston and Chelford auction marts, saw bidding peak at 3,000gns.

  • 3,600gns high at South Devon show and sale

    November 23rd 2007

    BIDDING reached 3,600gns at the South Devon Herd Book Society’s show and sale at Bristol sales centre.

  • 5,500gns Muirston Ayrshire

    November 23rd 2007

    PEDIGREE Ayrshires from Messrs Watson’s Muirston herd, Mauchline, Ayshire, sold to a top of 5,500gns when the herd was dispersed at Ayr market. 

  • A quick clean

    November 23rd 2007

    Great for quick clean-ups and ideally sized for the face and body of both horses and dogs, Moss products’ Soothing Lavender Grooming Wipes contain Arnica, which is a natural anti- inflammatory for soothing sore muscles and bruising. They also contain Guarana – a shrub native to the Amazon, which is known for its circulatory properties. Each wipe is 10x10ins, ensuring that you have plenty of cloth to wipe large areas such as under the saddle or around the ears and muzzle.

  • A towel for horses

    November 23rd 2007

    A GODSEND in wet weather, the innovative Easidri towel is very absorbent and dries wet horses quickly and easily. It acts like a sponge to retain the water and is machine washable. Particularly useful for drying awkward places like legs and face, the Easidri can also be used for pets. Available in three sizes: large (85 x 66cm); medium (68 x 43cm) and small (43 x 32cm).

  • A voice on the radio for county youngsters

    November 23rd 2007

    CHILDREN and young people are stepping up to the microphone for Future Farming Voices – an offshoot of the internet-based Dorset and Somerset Farm Radio.

  • Aberdeen-Angus reach 12,000gns at St Boswells

    November 23rd 2007

    IRISH buyers set the pace at the Best of Blacks in the Borders sale of Aberdeen-Angus females at St Boswells.

  • Agri successor to the 526

    22 November 2007

    JCB has developed a successor to the rear engine 526 and 526S with the 526-56 Agri, which moves to the side engine layout used on the other Loadall models. The lift capacity and boom have the same statistics as before, being able to handle 2,600kg and a maximum lift height of 5.6m.

  • Ask Monty

    22 November 2007

    A LIFETIME spent working with horses – and their owners – means world famous ‘horse whisperer’ Monty Roberts is a mine of useful information.

  • Atrocious weather, but winners register a seven points margin

    November 23rd 2007

    ATROCIOUS weather was the feature of the Shropshire/ Hereford nursery at Carey, on Sunday, and the day ended with parts of the area covered by three inches of snow.

  • Averages are up but clearance rate is down as Simmental bull trade peaks at 20,000gns

    November 23rd 2007

    Top prices paid for the show winners with the reserve champion commanding the highest bid

  • Back to Work - how to rehabilitate and recondition your horse

    21 November 2007

    PERFECT for the horse owner who faces the prospect of bringing a horse back into work, this substantial book is an essential tool to help guide horse and rider towards a complete comeback.

  • Ban on bird gatherings lifted

    23 November 2007

    THE national ban on bird gatherings, shows and pigeon racing that has been in place since confirmation of avian flu in Suffolk on November 12 has been lifted.

  • Beef and lamb supply chain’s ‘wake-up call’

    November 23rd 2007

    NEW figures that reveal beef and lamb producers are still making substantial losses on each head of production must act as a catalyst for more sustainable prices, the English Beef and Lamb Executive has warned.

  • Beefing up the national herd

    22 November 2007

    BEEF carcase quality and slaughter weights can only benefit from an increase in the proportion of beef to dairy calves being born.

  • Beeston’s mid-month dairy sales peak at £1,740

    November 23rd 2007

    OVERALL, an entry of almost 150 dairy cattle were sold when Beeston’s mid-month sale was held on two consecutive days at Chelford and Beeston marts.

  • Benn's vision for the future of farming

    19 November 2007

    HILARY Benn today spoke of his vision for the future of farming in Great Britain when he addressed the industry at a London conference.

  • Better to focus on margins in view of market volatility

    November 23rd 2007

    PRICE volatility is the main threat to arable margins so producers should concentrate on protecting their margins rather than forecasting prices, said SAC business adviser, Julian Bell.

  • Big gap between costs top and bottom

    21 November 2007

    IT has been a very difficult year marketing and weather wise, but seemingly beef producers are starting to look seriously at their production costs – but there is still a big difference between the top and bottom end performers.

  • Big gap between costs top and bottom

    21 November 2007

    IT has been a very difficult year marketing and weather wise, but seemingly beef producers are starting to look seriously at their production costs – but there is still a big difference between the top and bottom end performers.

  • Big gap between costs top and bottom

    21 November 2007

    IT has been a very difficult year marketing and weather wise, but seemingly beef producers are starting to look seriously at their production costs – but there is still a big difference between the top and bottom end performers.

  • Big saving potential for farmers

    21 November 2007

    FARMERS and growers that saved £14 million as part of a study conducted by the Food Chain Centre are just the “tip of the iceberg” on potential savings for the industry, according to FCC chairman Joanne Denney-Finch.

  • Bling up your tack

    November 23rd 2007

    FANS of the Elevator Bridle, which works by relieving pressure to the horse’s sensitive poll area, will be delighted to learn that it is now available in a new ‘bling’ version.

  • BP2007 promises some crucial business pointers

    November 23rd 2007

    A DAY spent at British Potato 2007 (BP2007) will bring at least a dozen valuable pointers to take potato businesses forward with confidence.

  • Bumper sale attracts bumper crowd

    21 November 2007

    A LARGE crowd was present at the High Hedleyhope Farm, Tow Law, dispersal sale held on behalf of Colin and Vivien Whitfield who are emigrating to New Zealand.

  • Butcher will defend her title in final

    November 23rd 2007

    A TALENTED Mid Wales butcher, who won the inaugural Creative Skills Welsh Young Butcher competition last year, has made it through to the finals again.

  • Buying into a top sire a ‘sound investment opportunity’

    November 23rd 2007

    OVER 600 Welsh farmers have so far registered with HCC and the WBQIP, which provides farmers with 40 per cent funding up to £2,500 for buying superior genetic bulls.

  • Cairness and Perrinpit Suffolks reach 3,000gns

    November 23rd 2007

    BIDDING peaked at 3,000gns for a Cairness gimmer at the annual production sale from the Cairness and Perrinpit Suffolk flocks sold at Carlisle.

  • Call for an overhaul of UK and Europe beef grading

    21 November 2007

    AN overhaul of the current grading system in the UK and Europe for grading beef and lamb is needed if British livestock farmers are to improve their financial rewards for the production of meat in the future, says John Stones, director of the Nuffield Farming Scholarship Trust.

  • CAP health check to tackle environmental issues

    20 November 2007

    THE European Union publishes its review of the Common Agricultrural Policy today (Tuesday, November 20) as it launches the CAP health check.

  • Caped crusader raises money for charity at Cockermouth Mart

    21 November 2007

    BATMAN made an appearance at Cockermouth Mart’s fortnightly sale of stores, breeding stock and suckled calves.

  • Cargill and DeLaval collaboration

    November 23rd 2007

    CARGILL Animal Nutrition and DeLaval International are to collaborate on a marketing and promotional venture on ‘complete nutritional solutions’ for dairy producers. It is a global scale alliance seen as benefiting both by allowing them to expand the products and services offered to their customers – Cargill feeds and advice, DeLaval feeding equipment.

  • Carhall Talent Laura makes 6,200gns at St Clears

    November 23rd 2007

    SEVEN breeders of pedigree Holstein and Jersey cattle from the West of Wales combined forces for the Welsh Autumn classic sale at St Clears, Carmarthenshire.

  • Carmarthenshire world hosts

    November 23rd 2007

    FOUR years after hosting the International Sheepdog Trials, Carmarthenshire will be staging the World Sheepdog Championships in 2008.

  • Carr’s profits beat forecast

    November 23rd 2007

    CARR’S has reported annual results ahead of expectations. The results come after a stronger than expected close to the year across a number of its agriculture operations and are said to demonstrate early signs of improving confidence among UK farmers.

  • CASE STUDY: Jilly Greed – keeping things simple

    November 23rd 2007

    Jilly Greed is striving to reduce any unnecessary costs in her suckler cow enterprise. Her approach is to examine the whole enterprise for where costs can be shared, reduced or cut altogether. HOWARD WALSH found out more.

  • Christmas gift ideas

    November 23rd 2007

    Struggling for inspiration with your horsey gifts this Christmas? SARAH JONES picks out a selection of perfect presents for riders and horses.

  • Climate Change Bill should be tougher says John Gummer

    21 November 2007

    THE Climate Change Bill was going to be very hard fought because it should be tougher, said former Tory Agriculture Minister John Gummer at the Agricultural Industries Confederation annual conference at the East of England Showground.

  • Climate Change Bill should be tougher says John Gummer

    21 November 2007

    THE Climate Change Bill was going to be very hard fought because it should be tougher, said former Tory Agriculture Minister John Gummer at the Agricultural Industries Confederation annual conference at the East of England Showground.

  • Climate change: ‘More an opportunity than a threat’

    November 23rd 2007

    IN this ‘decade of climate change’ food security was back on the agenda and farming’s response to climate change could contribute to energy security too, the NFU East Anglia’s regional conference was told.

  • Compost production offers the chance for farm diversification due to Landfill Directive

    November 23rd 2007

    COMPOST production offers an innovative ‘green’ commercial opportunity for farmers wishing to expand their core business, the Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) have said.

  • Conveying a positive message about farming

    November 23rd 2007

    FEELINGS were riding high among farmers in the audience when the controversial subject of connecting with the public was discussed at the 18th Cheshire Farming Conference.

  • CRC warn of the need to provide affordable housing in rural areas

    21 November 2007

    REGIONAL bodies are failing to live up to the challenge of providing affordable homes to families and communities living in rural areas, Trevor Cherrett, head of planning, housing and transport at the Commission for Rural Communities has warned.

  • Creating and maintaining a pond wildlife haven on farm

    November 23rd 2007

    Cheshire’s farms have what is probably the highest number of pools and ponds to be found anywhere in the country, so the county’s FWAG invited farmers to a workshop looking at their care and maintenance. Neil Ryder joined them.

  • Defra confirms second case of avian flu

    19 November 2007

    DEFRA has confirmed the second case of avian flu today (Monday, November 19).

  • Developing beef with health benefits

    November 23rd 2007

    BARRY ALSTON looks at some of the groundbreaking research work IGER will be featuring at next week’s Royal Welsh Winter Fair.

  • Dingley Dell deal with Tesco

    November 23rd 2007

    ONE of East Anglia’s leading young pig farmers, Mark Hayward, has taken advantage of the latest consumer trend towards locally produced food to sell his own brand of outdoor-reared pork into a major supermarket. Mr Hayward, who farms with his brother Paul at Dingley Dell, near Wickham Market, Suffolk, has signed a contract to supply Dingley Dell’s Old English sausage to 16 Tesco stores in Suffolk and Essex.

  • Disease cost plans on way as pressure placed on Defra budget

    November 23rd 2007

    AS Hilary Benn revealed that Defra was pushing ahead with plans to shift the cost of disease control on to farmers, fresh evidence emerged of the pressure being placed on Defra’s budget by the Treasury.

  • Do’s and don’ts of keeping pesticides out of water

    November 23rd 2007

    THE winter period can be one of the worst times for pesticides getting in to water.

  • Drawings from the Alde Valley 2007

    20 November 2007

    A NEW exhibition at The Long Gallery, Hintlesham Hall, near Ipswich, features drawings of cattle by the artist Jason Gathorne-Hardy.

  • Dungannon Limousin club sale peaks at 5,200gns

    November 23rd 2007

    THE Northern Ireland Limousin Cattle Club’s show and sale at Dungannon saw a steady trade and an overall average of £2,025 for 24 bulls sold.

  • East buys West

    19 November 2007

    AS the big names in the tractor business continue to look to the East for further growth it comes as a bit of a surprise to learn that Russian machine maker Rostelmash has acquired an 80 per cent stake in Buhler, the well-known Canadian tractor manufacturer.

  • Eblex Business Pointers

    November 23rd 2007

    Each year the English Beef and Lamb Executive (Eblex) publishes Business Pointers, providing a comprehensive overview of the financial performance of the English beef and lamb sectors for the 12 months to March 31, 2007.

  • EEDA launches fund to support region's farmers

    19 November 2007

    THE East of England Development Agency (EEDA) has launched a £100,000 fund to support the region's farmers affected by avian influenza, foot-and-mouth and bluetongue.

  • English trials results

    22 November 2007

    NORTH WESTMORLAND, Wythop, (39 ran) Nursery: 1, D. Scrimgeour (Lonscale) Fleece, 77 of 90; 2, Thomas Longton (Quernmore) Sidney, 76; 3, C. Todd (Loweswater) Shep, 74; 4, A. Baines (Tanhill Patsy) 73.

  • Enjoying Dressage with Richard Davison (DVD)

    20 November 2007

    THE joy of dressage is something still to be discovered by many riders, but the importance of flat work in preparing a horse for any discipline is widely recognised and with the infectious enthusiasm injected by celebrated rider and trainer, Richard Davison, dressage can become fun and surprisingly addictive.

  • Environment Agency Wales warns farmers over slurry

    21 November 2007

    ENVIRONMENT Agency Wales warned farmers this week to check equipment used to transfer slurry and keep an eye on slurry store levels – or risk prosecution.

  • EU reveals its CAP 'health check'

    20 November 2007

    The EU has finally revealed its plans for reforming the CAP, publishing the proposals for its policy ‘health check’ today (Tuesday, November 20).

  • Export ban lifted

    19 November 2007

    THE lifting of meat export restrictions for most of Great Britain, agreed a fortnight ago by Brussels vets, has come into force.

  • Extra pictures from Perth pedigree beef week

    November 23rd 2007

  • Family fun

    November 23rd 2007

    A HIGHLY entertaining twist on a traditional favourite board game, Monopoly – a horse lovers edition is aimed at equestrian enthusiasts of all ages.

  • Farm waste and recycling

    19 November 2007

    LIKE it or loathe it, farm waste management and recycling is progressing higher than ever before within today’s political climate. Farmers Guardian looks at the new opportunities, challenges and problems facing farmers and the ongoing environmental battle that is refusing to go away.

  • Farmers warned to be vigilant following a spate of tractor thefts

    21 November 2007

    FARMERS are being warned to be extra vigilant following a spate of high-value tractor thefts.

  • Farmers warned to be vigilant following a spate of tractor thefts

    21 November 2007

    FARMERS are being warned to be extra vigilant following a spate of high-value tractor thefts.

  • Farming base has been the key to 7Y’s success

    November 23rd 2007

    In 1991, a group of Herefordshire farmers came together to develop a business-to-business services company, including a farm waste management business, Bioganix that has since gone from strength to strength. Run by and for farmers, JACK DAVIES reports on why the company is keen to find solutions to the problems waste management can bring to the industry.

  • Festive fun

    November 23rd 2007

    As Christmas is approaching, Farmers Guardian wants to capture your festivities and celebrations by featuring a number of Christmas parties and events on its Youngstock pages. If you are organising a YFC event or end of term college/university bash then get in touch and tell us what you are up to, where and when. Contact Danusia Osiowy on 01772 799412 or email dosiowy@cmpi.biz.

  • FG’s Campaigner of the Year

    23 November 2007

    CHRISTMAS will be far better than present day livestock returns had promised for Clair Powell and her family from Powys – thanks to her efforts on behalf of Fair Trade for British Farmers campaign.

  • Field is down to final three

    November 23rd 2007

    THREE breeders are working hard to develop a new breed of sheep by crossing the South African Dorper with pedigree Zwartbles.

  • Finding a breed ‘designed’ for suckler herd purpose

    November 23rd 2007

    Modern suckler beef production will more and more rely on dams that are bred specifically for that purpose. These should be mated to the best type of terminal sire for the dam type in an integrated approach to commercial beef production to produce a top quality beef calves, as North Yorkshire’s Pye family told NEIL RYDER.

  • Finish cattle leaner and profit, urges processor

    22 November 2007

    OVERFAT cattle cost both producer and processor but still an unacceptable percentage have been 4H or worse in what has been the worst for four years for fat levels, Scottish producers have been told.

  • First Milk builds on potential

    21 November 2007

    FIRST Milk says it is now the only cheese business that can supply major retailers with Scottish cheese from Scottish milk, English cheese from English milk and Welsh cheese from Welsh milk.

  • FMD export rules eased

    November 23rd 2007

    THE livestock industry received a boost this week with the agreement in Brussels that there will be further relaxation of the export rules in early December.

  • Foot-and-mouth export rules relaxed further

    21 November 2007

    A FURTHER relaxation of foot-and-mouth export rules has been sanctioned in Brussels.

  • Free prescriptions on animal medicines could be revoked if farmers do not make full use of them

    21 November 2007

    Do you take advantage of free prescriptions or just buy your drugs from the vet who prescribes them? Did you even know free prescriptions were available?

  • Get fashionable

    November 23rd 2007

    IDEAL for the fashion-conscious rider, Musto’s new Hipster Bootcut Jodhs are a fabulous hybrid of jeans and jodhs, meaning that you can go from yard to high street without needing to change. Comfortable and fashionable, they are a must for anyone who has ever felt embarrassed when lack of time has forced them to go shopping in their jodhpurs. Available in navy blue in sizes 8-18, they retail at £115. For stockist information, visit www.musto.com or call 01268 495830.

  • Good trade for pedigree Limousins at Carlisle

    November 23rd 2007

    THE sale from the Cloughhead, Archena, Longoaks and Carne pedigree Limousin herds at Borderway Mart, Carlisle, met with a good trade – particularly for the maiden heifers on offer.

  • Government initiative to cut consumer electronics

    23 November 2007

    THE Government is set to work with major retailers in a bid to phase out electrical products which are using too much energy.

  • Hall of Fame: Great Event Horses 2 (DVD)

    20 November 2007

    EVENTING legend Lucinda Green provides the commentary for the journey through the achievements of 16 top event horses who have made headlines since 1994.

  • Hassle-free washing

    November 23rd 2007

    EVERY rider knows how difficult it is to wash horsey paraphernalia and will jump at the gift of the new Equine Laundry Bag, designed to wash all horse equipment and pet beds without the risk of damaging your washing machine.

  • Hopes of better prices as restrictions are lifted

    November 23rd 2007

    VIEWPOINT: By ROBIN DEAN

  • I have learnt to be optimistic about future, says Benn

    November 23rd 2007

    HILARY Benn has been Defra Secretary for just over five months, during which time he has dealt with flash floods, a recurrence of foot-and-mouth disease, the first appearance of the bluetongue virus and most recently, a new outbreak of avian influenza.

  • Improve your dressage

    November 23rd 2007

    THE joy of dressage is something still to be discovered by many riders, but the importance of flat work in preparing a horse for any discipline is widely recognised.

  • Industry bodies react to unions’ milk contract template

    19 November 2007

    THE Milk Development Council has welcomed a new milk contract template produced by the NFU and NFUS, while Dairy UK says the initiative warrants careful examination.

  • Inspirational Keith lands award

    November 23rd 2007

    THE inventor of a revolutionary new way of collecting and sowing wild seeds to help restore medieval hay meadows in Sussex has this week been awarded the top honour in Natural England’s ‘Future of Farming’ Awards.

  • ISABROWN award winner

    November 23rd 2007

    This year’s ISABROWN award for lifetime achievement has been presented to Peter Dean, chairman of Nobel Foods. Presenting the award, Neil Leeming, managing director of Tom Barron, said Mr Dean has been selected for his ‘central role in reshaping egg packing and retailing through more than two decades’.

  • Italian tour reveals shared problems at home and abroad but regional history can add value

    November 23rd 2007

    YOUNG members of Future Farmers of Wales returning from a study tour of North West Italy found that while many of their own problems were shared by the country’s olive growers, Parmesan cheese producers and livestock farmers, added value can be achieved by making the most of an authentic, regional history.

  • Lamb dressing winners

    November 23rd 2007

    Lanarkshire A team members William Boyd and John Struthers swept to victory at the SAYFC’s National Prime Lamb Dressing Competition after close competition from the other teams. The team were placed 11 points clear of their nearest contenders and was presented with their trophy at Ayr Livestock Market. In second place was Carrick Club members, Iain Walker and Iain Campbell from Ayrshire, while David Hamilton and Stuart Speirs from Bathgate JAC were placed third.

  • Landowners welcome decision on shoots

    November 23rd 2007

    GAME shoots, a vital source of income for landowners and farmers, will not be hit by draconian avian flu measures at present. Working with the CLA and other game shooting interests, Defra has agreed that shoots can go ahead in the affected protection and specific zones.  

  • Learning the benefits of using EBV bulls to improve suckler herd performance

    November 23rd 2007

    MANY Welsh farmers, like Glyn Griffiths, have taken advantage of grants to buy high genetic-merit bulls through the Welsh Beef Quality Improvement Project. He tells Farmers Guardian why – whether you are eligible for funding or not – it is worth selecting a bull on performance figures.

  • Local food is set to go mainstream

    November 23rd 2007

    LOCAL food is set to move from a niche market to the mainstream of weekly shopping.

  • Lowland suckler herds – tackling fixed costs should be the priority

    November 23rd 2007

    THE Eblex Business Pointers in the financial year to end of March 2007 show a wide range in total costs of production in English lowland suckler herds.

  • Malting barley contracts should allow for the risk

    21 November 2007

    PRICES for malting barley have risen out of the doldrums and an increase in the UK planted area of spring barley is expected.

  • Malting barley contracts should allow for the risk

    21 November 2007

    PRICES for malting barley have risen out of the doldrums and an increase in the UK planted area of spring barley is expected.

  • Malting barley contracts should allow for the risk

    21 November 2007

    PRICES for malting barley have risen out of the doldrums and an increase in the UK planted area of spring barley is expected.

  • Margin gains for Wiseman in difficult period

    21 November 2007

    ROBERT Wiseman Dairies has managed to part rebuild margins during what has been a particularly stormy period for dairying.

  • Merging the PSD with the HSE could be beneficial according to Defra

    20 November 2007

    MERGING the Pesticides Safety Directorate (PSD) with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) would deliver scientific and policy advantages, according to proposals published by Defra this week.

  • Merging the PSD with the HSE could be beneficial according to Defra

    20 November 2007

    MERGING the Pesticides Safety Directorate (PSD) with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) would deliver scientific and policy advantages, according to proposals published by Defra this week.

  • Merial licence suspended again after second suspected FMD leak

    22 November 2007

    MERIAL Animal Health’s licence to use live viruses for vaccine production has been suspended again, following a probable second leak of foot-and-mouth virus at the Pirbright site.

  • Minister aims for stability in the beef and lamb markets

    November 23rd 2007

    BARRY ALSTON reports from this year’s annual conference staged by Hybu Cig Cymru, the Wales-based red meat development agency, and dominated by the disastrous farmgate livestock returns.

  • More protests over fuel are imminent

    22 November 2007

    ORGANISED protests against diesel fuel duty increases are imminent.

  • Mystery still surrounds outbreak origins

    November 23rd 2007

    EXACTLY how the H5N1 virus reached East Anglia remained a mystery up to the middle of this week.

  • Nearly 30,000 birds culled but no further avian flu outbreaks confirmed

    19 November 2007

    A TOTAL of 28,600 poultry, mostly free range turkeys, have been culled on five premises in response to the discovery of avian flu in Suffolk.

  • Nearly 70,000 more birds to be culled as avian flu dangerous contacts

    22 November 2007

    NEARLY 70,000 birds are to be culled on a farm operated by Redgrave Poultry because of links to premises where the H5N1 avian flu virus has been found.

  • New chief executive at FSA

    November 23rd 2007

    AFTER more than 18 months of searching, the Food Standards Agency has finally appointed a new chief executive.

  • New Fastrac chapter as the 7000 is unveiled

    November 23rd 2007

    JCB says the new Fastrac 7000, unveiled last week, is their biggest development since they entered the tractor market with their high speed offering some 17 years ago.

  • New homes plan could fail to meet rural housing needs

    November 23rd 2007

    GOVERNMENT plans to reform planning policies have come under fire from campaigners claiming the plans could fail to meet the need for more rural housing.

  • NEWS IN BRIEF

    November 23rd 2007

    BRITAIN’S deer farmers could move centre-stage as providers of meat – but only if they develop more co-operative links in the supply chain, have direct talks with supermarkets, recruit more members and increase productivity and new products.

  • NEWS IN BRIEF

    November 23rd 2007

    Meat chairman

  • NFU Cymru look to the Welsh Assembly to progress recovery aid

    21 November 2007

    EVIDENCE of a £40 million plus financial hardship being faced by Welsh farmers as a result of the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak is to be presented to the Welsh Assembly’s finance committee in Cardiff tomorrow (Thursday, November 22) by NFU Cymru leaders.

  • Nitrates are a block to development plan

    November 23rd 2007

    AN agreement on the implementation of the Nitrates Directive in Scotland has to be reached before the new Scottish Rural Development Plan can be finally approved by the European Commission, said Scottish Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Richard Lochhead.

  • Nitrogen needed most by rape when it is flowering

    November 23rd 2007

    FOCUSING on increasing oil yield is the key when oilseed rape is being produced for the biofuel market, however new research may alter nitrogen timings on the crop, says Mark Tucker, head of agronomy, Yara.

  • No risk to farmers from FMD leak – Defra

    22 November 2007

    DEFRA is insisting there are no implications for farmers from the latest leak of foot-and-mouth virus from the Pirbright site.

  • No untreated waste is allowed in landfill sites

    November 23rd 2007

    NON-HAZARDOUS waste must be treated before being sent to landfill under new legislation issued by Defra.

  • North East lamb drive

    22 November 2007

    A campaign to support North East sheep farmers by boosting demand for quality English lamb has been launched in the region – with the help of a £40,000 investment by One NorthEast.

  • North Western support

    November 23rd 2007

    REASEHEATH College, Nantwich, has been chosen to deliver free business support to farms and related businesses in Cheshire and Merseyside, hit financially by the foot-and-mouth outbreak.

  • Nursery and novice trials wins for Scrimgeour

    November 23rd 2007

    DEREK Scrimgeour won both the nursery and novice classes at the North Westmorland trial on Saturday, at Wythop, near Cockermouth, Cumbria.

  • Offal renaissance to boost livestock industry

    19 November 2007

    OFFAL is back! There were once 260 tripe shops in Manchester alone, reflecting the popularity of tripe and onions, alongside meals based on the likes of liver, kidneys and oxtail.

  • Only three bean varieties on Recommended List

    21 November 2007

    THERE are just three varieties on the NIAB/PGRO Recommended List of winter beans for 2008 - Wizard, Arthur and Clipper. No new varieties join the list and Griffin and Target have been dropped.

  • Orange and praline iced bobmes

    November 23rd 2007

    THIS recipe was sent in by Mrs R. Williams, of Dyfed.

  • Outdoor sow unit manager wins Pig Trainee of the Year

    November 23rd 2007

    THE first ever Pig Trainee of the Year award has been presented to 25-year-old Paul Hume, who manages an outdoor sow unit for Bowes of Norfolk.

  • Pedigree dairy heifer makes a record £2,050 at Skipton

    November 23rd 2007

    PRICES peaked at £2,050 for the show champion at the dairy auction at Skipton.

  • Perfect Confidence

    22 November 2007

    THE third in the ‘Perfect’ series from Kelly and her handsome equine sidekick Pie.

  • Perth pedigree beef week

    November 23rd 2007

    Simmental and Charolais bulls were a lively trade on the final two days of United Auctions’ pedigree beef week. KATIE LOMAS and NEIL RYDER report from Perth.

  • Plans to open up Fonterra co-op to minority investors

    November 23rd 2007

    NEW ZEALAND co-operative Fonterra will sell itself short and ‘leave value on the table’ if it does not chase the opportunities to grow wealth in world dairy foods for shareholders and New Zealand, according to its chairman, Henry van der Heyden.

  • PSD extend phase-out period for herbicides containing trifluralin

    21 November 2007

    THE Pesticides Safety Directorate (PSD) has extended the phase-out periods for herbicides containing trifluralin, to allow more time for the sale of stocks through the supply chain.

  • 'Quality not quantity' order of the day at Nocton estate

    21 November 2007

    BLUE skies and a chill wind greeted the large crowd that gathered at Nocton estate for the auction of arable machinery and equipment.

  • Quality, innovation and excellence in True Taste awards

    November 23rd 2007

    BARRY ALSTON reports from the Welsh food and drink industry’s ‘Oscars’ presentations.

  • Raising money and a smile in memory of young farmers

    November 23rd 2007

    A new charity calendar bearing images of Nantwich Young Farmers has gone on sale to raise money for leukaemia and cancer research.

  • Record feed price rises threaten livestock sectors

    November 23rd 2007

    DO not expect to get a lift from reading the NFU Economics Department’s latest quarterly Farming Outlook.

  • Redgrave Poultry claim it was operating to 'stringent bio-security measures'

    19 November 2007

    THE company which owns the farm at the heart of the bird flu outbreak has hit out at speculation over how the H5N1 virus came to infect its poultry.

  • Riding club seeks former members

    21 November 2007

    A LANCASHIRE equestrian club is looking for past members to help it celebrate its golden anniversary.

  • Rooker opens UK's first bioethanol plant

    23 November 2007

    LORD Rooker welcomed the expansion of the environmental industries sector this week as he opened the UK’s first bioethanol plant.

  • Rooker under fire over compensation stance

    November 23rd 2007

    LORD Rooker has acknowledged that foot-and-mouth is a ‘disaster’ for the farming industry but has defended the decision not to pay out more in compensation to affected farmers.

  • Rumsden Samurai daughter Elgin Amy heads female trade

    November 23rd 2007

    BIDDING peaked at 4,000gns for the female champion, Elgin Amy, from R.A. Milne, Elgin, when the Charolais females went under the hammer. Placing the top bid was John Rix of Colchester.

  • Rural homeowners - prepare your property for the onset of winter

    19 November 2007

    WITH the first frosts of the season upon us, SID GIBSON, chief underwriting manager of rural insurer NFU Mutual, advises homeowners on how to protect their properties before the weather does its worst.

  • SAC Outlook Conference

    November 23rd 2007

    The Auvergne region of France has much in common with Scotland and is home to a successful beef marketing co-operative based on upland beef suckler herds. NEIL RYDER continues his report from the SAC Outlook Conference.

  • Sarkley Birch leads the way at 4,400gns at Brecon sale

    November 23rd 2007

    AVERAGES were up at the British Limousin Cattle Society’s autumn show and sale at Brecon with a clearance rate of 72 per cent.

  • Saving for wool producers on transport certificates

    20 November 2007

    REGISTERED wool producers can get a £20 reduction in the cost of their new animal transport assessment certificate.

  • Scottish trials results

    22 November 2007

    INVERCASSLEY (Judge, D. Murray, Rogart) Nursery (15 ran) 1, H. MacLean (Culloden) Roy, 88; 2, E. MacKinnon (Lochcarron) Shep, 73; 3, E. Campbell (Fort Augustus) Maid, 67; 4, J. Cameron (Strathcanaird) nan, 65; 5, H. MacLean (Culloden) Kim, 61; 6, E. MacKinnon (Lochcarron) Bess, 58.

  • Sheep breeders aiming for a bluetongue-resistant animal

    21 November 2007

    THREE breeders are working hard to develop a new breed of sheep by crossing the South African Dorper with pedigree Zwartbles.

  • SHEEPDOG TRIALS DIARY

    November 23rd 2007

    ENGLAND - 24 November. TRAWDEN, Nursery, Bondcroft Farm, Embsay, Skipton, North Yorkshire, BD23 6SF, 9.30am start, enter on field. MELTHAM, Nursery, Scarr View Farm, Lindley Moor, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, HD3 3SZ, 9am start, enter on field. NORTH WESTMORLAND, Nursery and Novice, Hutton in the Forest, Penrith, 9am start, enter on field for two dogs before 2pm but for three before noon, novice class ...

  • Special award for Haydn

    November 23rd 2007

    NEWCASTLE Emlyn farmer Haydn Jones is the winner of the 2007 Farmers Union of Wales-NatWest special award for outstanding service to agriculture in Carmarthenshire.

  • Stay warm and safe

    November 23rd 2007

    MAXIMISE your horse’s warmth and safety when hacking out this winter with PolyPads’ Hi-Viz Two-in-One Duo. The product combines a saddle pad with a tailored, quilted quarter sheet with a hi-viz reflective strip right across the rump to ensure good visibility from the side and the rear. It is showerproof and good for spooky horses because it does not russle or flap about, and stays firmly in place with no fixing straps or loops.

  • Sulky alliance with Straw Track

    November 23rd 2007

    Sulky has entered a strategic alliance with Canadian firm Straw Track Manufacturing, giving it access to a range of tine-based direct drills.

  • Supermarkets told to show commitment to UK producers

    November 23rd 2007

    THE long-term sustainability of the Welsh red meat industry would be facing collapse and the future of thousands of livestock farmers in doubt unless the major supermarket groups changed their ways, according to Rees Roberts, HCC’s newly re-appointed chairman.

  • The truth about feeding your horse

    22 November 2007

    MANY of the problems that horses encounter nowadays could be avoided with improved feed management, says author Clare MacLeod, who is one of only six registered equine nutritionists in the UK.

  • The ultimate horse behaviour and training book

    22 November 2007

    THIS ambition book covers, as you would expect from the title, a huge subject area.

  • Think Like a Pony series

    22 November 2007

    A FUN but educational series designed to explain the world from the perspective of a pony, in a way that children can understand.

  • Time to consider spring variety choices

    November 23rd 2007

    NOW that winter has arrived it’s time to consider spring barley variety choices.

  • Top price of 30,000gns for Charolais bulls at Perth

    19 November 2007

    A CONSORTIUM of four buyers provided a memorable end to the day when they paid out the top price of 30,000gns for the last lot when the Charolais bulls went through the ring at Perth.

  • Tourism award for the first farm to be hit by bluetongue

    November 23rd 2007

    BAYLHAM Rare Breeds Farm, which experienced the first case of bluetongue disease, has been awarded a Tourism in Suffolk Award.

  • Tractor sales keep increasing

    20 November 2007

    THE good news keeps on coming for tractor manufacturers with sales increasing yet again.

  • Trials show using adjuvants improve performance in dense oilseed rape crops

    20 November 2007

    ADJUVANTS can improve herbicide distribution and performance in dense oilseed rape crops, according to crop protection distributor Agrovista.

  • True cost of the avian flu outbreak starting to emerge

    November 23rd 2007

    THERE were encouraging signs this week that avian flu could be contained to a handful farms – but beneath the surface, the hidden cost of the outbreak is beginning to emerge.

  • Truffle’s Yorkshire trial

    November 23rd 2007

    YORKSHIRE arable farmer Guy Poskitt has recently taken delivery of 200 hazel trees, inoculated with burgundy truffle spores, which will be used as a trial to see if truffles can be successfully grown in the area.

  • Use them or lose them: The message on free prescriptions as review of legislation is due

    November 23rd 2007

    FREE prescriptions on animal medicines could be revoked if farmers do not make full use of them. With a legislation review planned in 2008, JACK DAVIES looks at the issues surrounding prescription fees.

  • Voluntary levy to be increased

    21 November 2007

    THE voluntary levy paid by pea and bean growers and collected by processors to fund the PGRO is to be increased from 50p/t to 75p/t from the 2008 crop following a strategic review of the organisation by its new director Salvador Potter.

  • Walk beside me and be my friend

    20 November 2007

    A GORGEOUS little book featuring images of donkeys in all their guises alongside inspiring and insightful quotes from high-profile figures as diverse as Oscar Wilde and Robbie Williams.

  • Watchknowe Jimmy’s Pride gimmer tops Brecon at 1,400gns

    November 23rd 2007

    THE Raglan Texel dispersal sale for Avril Evans, Llardenny, Usk, at Brecon mart saw bidding peak at 1,400gns for a Watchknowe Jimmy’s Pride gimmer, scanned in-lamb to Allanfauld Mackintosh. The buyer was W.H. Williams and Son, Blackmill, Bridgend.

  • Wedding

    November 23rd 2007

    THE wedding of Jessica Hull, daughter of Mr and Mrs Robert Hull of March Farm, New Pitsligo, Fraserburgh, and Scott Grant, eldest son of Mr and Mrs David Grant of Little Skillymarno, Strichen, took place at New Pitsligo, Aberdeenshire. The bride, who is manageress at Harbro’s Country Store in Mintlaw and the bridegroom, a farmer, spent their honeymoon in York.

  • Welsh trials results

    22 November 2007

    SHROPSHIRE/HEREFORD. Nursery: 1, S. Garbett (Wem) Cap, 14; 2, C. Russell (Carey) Oats, 21; 3, D. Smith (Kingsland) Gyp, 34; 4, A. Smith (Ledbury) Tara 43; 5, A. Smith, Lill, 46; 6, D. Brick (Much Wenlock) Troy, 47. Novice: 1, D. Lloyd (Kimbolton) Jen, 10; 2, A. Smith, Swift, 17; 3, C. House (Codshall) Gyp, 18; 4, S. Garbett, Tess, 19; 5, L. Jones (Minsterley|) Thomas, 20; 6, J. Crowcott (Baschurch) Zac, 23.

  • Whole Farm Approach updated

    19 November 2007

    DEFRA has launched the latest update to the Whole Farm Approach, which it says will save time for farmers and provide access to the latest up-to-date information and guidance.

  • Win a case of wine or £100 Waitrose vouchers

    19 November 2007

    FARMERS Guardian has teamed up with Waitrose to offer some fantastic prizes in our 2007 Christmas recipe competition.

  • Wroxall Posh Lilly and calf make 3,500gns top

    November 23rd 2007

    IT was the female champion, Wroxall Posh Lilly, and her calf, which sold for the top price of 3,500gns at the British Simmental Cattle Society’s show and sale at Carlisle.

  • Yields remain focus for biofuel producers

    November 23rd 2007

    Producing wheat and oilseed rape for the up and coming biofuel market is an exciting prospect for many UK growers. But how does that affect the way crops are treated nutritionally? JOANNA BAKER reports.

  • Your horse’s health: lameness

    22 November 2007

    THE first in a new practical series on equine health, this book is written by equine veterinary expert Oliver Davis MRCVS and book offers in-depth diagnosis and treatment of lameness.

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