Farmers Guardian
November 30th 2007

  • ‘Significant’ rise in use of NSAIDs to help with pain relief in cattle

    November 30th 2007

    BETTER understanding of pain management in cattle has led to a sharp increase in the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), particularly after difficult calvings.

  • 1,300gns for Suffolk ram

    November 30th 2007

    THE top price of 1,300gns was realised for a stock ram when consignments from the Auchinraith, Habton and Ulti-mate Suffolk flocks went under the hammer at Carlisle.

  • A trip down memory lane

    November 30th 2007

    The book 87 And What Can I Remember is a wonderful account of one man’s Bedfordshire childhood in the 1870s/1880s.

  • Adams family at Torhousekie Farm join the Monitor Farms Programme

    November 30th 2007

    TORHOUSEKIE Farm in the Machars, Wigtownshire, which is run by two generations of the Adams family, has been selected by the local community group as the latest farm to join Scotland’s successful Monitor Farms Programme.

  • All mapped out

    November 30th 2007

    PERSONALISE a map to make a brilliant gift for anyone who loves to explore the countryside around them.

  • Anglesey Winter Show

    November 30th 2007

    Anglesey Agricultural Society organised its first winter show 15 years ago as a ‘thank you’ to those who supported the summer show. It is also an event where new exhibitors, especially young ones, can try their hand. NEIL RYDER reports.

  • Animalcare sale

    November 30th 2007

    GENUS is selling its ‘Animalcare’ business to Ripon-based Ritchey for £14 million. Animalcare, largely a pet animal products operation, is a subsidiary of Genus Animal Health and sells licensed veterinary drugs, animal id chips and other veterinary supplies to wholesalers.

  • Approval process working against Europe’s farmers

    November 30th 2007

    THE approval process for GM crops has been labelled as ‘unscientific’ by ministers calling on the EU to re-think its policies.

  • Arla Foods could avoid penalties after co-operation with OFT investigation

    30 November 2007

    ARLA Foods could avoid the substantial penalties possibly arising after an Office of Fair Trading's milk price investigation, because of its co-operation with the inquiry.

  • Attend to details to increase yield

    November 30th 2007

    With a difficult harvest time and rising concentrate prices, feeding dairy cows this winter will be quite a challenge. Here we look at the latest advice on increasing yields, balancing maize silage in the ration and measuring feed efficiency.

  • Averages over £1,910 for in-milk heifers at Lakeland Holstein show

    November 30th 2007

    THE November Border and Lakeland Holstein Club’s show and sale at Carlisle met with a tremendous trade with 10 animals sold to or above 2,000gns and an overall average for cows and heifers of £1,900.

  • Avian flu epidemiology report says infection contained but source is not known

    29 November 2007

    THE source of the H5N1 avian influenza outbreak in Suffolk last month is still a mystery, but early indications are that wild birds and poor biosecurity could be to blame.

  • Aware of his herd’s health status and using appropriate procedures

    November 30th 2007

    Shaun Sowray wants to milk as many cows as his dairy unit will allow, meaning very little space or time to dedicate to rearing replacements heifers. But operating an 80 per cent flying herd does not mean buying in disease, as he told JOANNE PUGH.

  • Belgian Blue tops Skipton trade

    November 30th 2007

    A BELGIAN Blue-cross calf from Bill Pinder, Newton-in-Bowland, was champion at the Christmas calves show at Skipton Auction Mart.

  • Beltex prominent in lamb carcase competitions

    November 30th 2007

    BELTEX crosses took the bulk of the awards among a 167-strong quality entry in the lamb carcase competitions. Heading up the singles was a Beltex cross-Beltex cross from 15-year-old Eirwyn Richards, of Cwmcelyn, Pumpsaint, Llanwrda, Carmarthenshire, which graded E2, weighing 37.5kg live, 20kg dead,

  • Benefits from ileitis vaccination

    November 30th 2007

    SIGNIFICANT economic benefits were achieved by vaccinating pigs against ileitis in a trial conducted by Nottingham University’s vet school.

  • Best of British

    November 30th 2007

    MOTORING fans will love Matchbox’s new Best of British collection – 12 1:55 scale die-cast vehicles representing the finest specimens of British motoring.

  • Best of tweed

    November 30th 2007

    HELP someone you love stay snug, warm and stylish in the coldest months with Toggi’s exclusive tweed coats. For women there is the Mardale, a tailored riding jacket (size 8-18) and for men the Hogan, a classic hacking jacket (size 38”-50”). Prices from £210 for each coat. www.toggi.com or call 0113 270 7000.

  • Biggar to continue as chairman of QMS

    November 30th 2007

    CASTLE Douglas farmer Donald Biggar is to continue as chairman of Quality Meat Scotland when it becomes a Non-Departmental Public Body next year.

  • Biofuel plant officially open

    November 30th 2007

    HILARY Benn MP, secretary of state for Defra officially opened the UK’s first bioethanol plant last week

  • Bluetongue vaccine ‘still on course’

    30 November 2007

    MERIAL has said it was ‘confident’ the removal of its licence to work with live virus for the second time in four months would not prevent it from delivering a bluetongue vaccine by next summer.

  • Bourne hits back at ISG critics

    November 30th 2007

    THE former chairman of the Independent Scientific Group on bovine TB has launched scathing attacks on Food and Farming Minister Lord Rooker and departing chief scientific advisor Sir David King, who criticised the group’s findings.

  • Brassica Bulletin

    November 30th 2007

    In our fifth Brassica Bulletin, we visit a Cumbrian beef unit that is using a combination of outwintering and conversion to Stabilisers as the way to keep suckler beef production viable.

  • Brazilian beef should meet British standards

    November 30th 2007

    THE Scottish Beef Cattle Association (SBCA) launched a broadside at Brazilian beef imports this week at the Scottish Winter Fair, calling for a ban on imports from the country.

  • British Dairy Symposium

    November 30th 2007

    After this year’s Dairy Event was cancelled and the Dairy Show postponed, Kemin decided to organise the first ever British Dairy Symposium. The event took place in Staffordshire this week and KATIE LOMAS went along.

  • Bursary for FUW area officer

    November 30th 2007

    THIS year’s Royal Welsh Winter Fair bursary has gone to Susie Morgan, of Whitehouse Farm, Jeffreyston, Kilgetty, Pembrokeshire, an area officer with the FUW.A former student of Coleg Sir Gar at its Gelli Aur campus, she was one of four candidates for the award – introduced to enable young people to attend the Oxford Farming Conference.A past secretary of Martletwy YFC, she was also YFC Stockman of the Year at the 1999 Welsh Winter Fair.

  • Buyers out in force at machinery sale

    27 November 2007

    AB Stevens bought Far Marsh Farm, near Ottringham, Hull, East Yorkshire, in the mid-1940s to grow roses and other horticultural crops before the 857-acre unit switched to potatoes and cereal crops.

  • Cambrian Mountain lamb is forged through co-operation

    November 30th 2007

    A GROUP of nine Mid Wales farmers are being hailed as a classic example of how farmers can work together to add value to their produce.

  • Campaigners against GM want to see a tightening up of restrictions

    November 30th 2007

    ANTI-GM campaigners have responded to the crisis by calling on governments to resist the calls to relax GM crop restrictions in the EU.

  • Care is needed when aiming for short dry period

    November 30th 2007

    FARMERS looking to adopt a system of short dry periods should think very carefully about how to ensure the cow comes into lactation in the optimum physiological condition, according to David Woodcock of Optivite.

  • Cattle control ‘trade-off’ alongside a badger cull not an option, says NBA

    November 30th 2007

    FARMERS in the South West are not willing to consider extra cattle controls, even if as part of a deal to secure a badger cull, the National Beef Association’s TB Committee has told Defra officials.

  • Celebrate rural England

    November 30th 2007

    WHAT better way to celebrate the diverse seasonality of our countryside than with Jill Mason’s beautiful book, Rural England – what’s happening month by month.

  • Certis-organised blight seminar

    November 30th 2007

    BLIGHT outbreaks arising from oospores produced by recombination of A1 and A2 blight mating strains are quite different to those caused by infected tubers, Dutch potato blight expert Dr Huup Schepers told growers attending a Certis-organised blight seminar at British Potato 2007.

  • Champion bull Knoll Majesty 2 goes under the hammer for 6,500gns high

    November 30th 2007

    BIDDING was fierce and prices were high for the class winners at the Red Ruby Devon Autumn show and sale at Taunton Market, Somerset.

  • Charolais Christmas Crackers top 9,000gns

    November 30th 2007

    THE Christmas Cracker Charolais females at the breed society’s autumn fixture at Carlisle, Cumbria, were led at 9,000gns by the two-year-old heifer, Moynton Annabel.

  • Charollais ewe to £2,625

    November 30th 2007

    THE tenth production sale of Charollais in-lamb ewes and ewe lambs took place at Builth Wells Market this week.

  • Cheesemaker seeking more milk

    November 30th 2007

    CHESHIRE-based cheesemaker Joseph Heler is, like most processors, seeking to secure future milk supplies..

  • Christmas gift guide

    26 November 2007

    SARAH Jones suggests some Christmas gift ideas to suit a range of budgets and tastes, from details on how you can help Third World farmers to the latest funky fashion wellies and more.

  • Citroen C5

    November 30th 2007

    While there’s an entire generation that still relates to the C5 as the product of an eccentric British inventor’s electric vehicle, it is in fact French maker Citroen’s latest family car available in saloon and estate guise. Longer and wider than the model it replaces, the new C5 carries a long, sleek body, sculpted lines and high waist. Clever, Hydractive 3 Plus self-levelling suspension features springing and damping that adjusts instantaneously to offer a cosseting ride. A soft mode ...

  • CLA Wales urge producers to rethink their marketing

    November 30th 2007

    CLA Wales has urged producers desperate to offload stock that rather than risking exploitation by being drawn into direct selling they should be thinking hard about working together by way of independent producer groups.

  • Cluster dipping to help prevent risk of infection spread

    November 30th 2007

    CLUSTER dipping is playing an important role in reducing cell counts, by minimising cross infections at milking, in a large number of dairy herds across the country.

  • Code of good practice for shooting

    22 November 2007

    SHOOT managers are being advised that they must make appropriate marketing arrangements for their anticipated bag in advance of shoot days, as part of the Code of Good Shooting Practice.

  • Collaborative case studies

    November 30th 2007

    Bury Beet Factory Group

  • Combined treatment shows advantages in pneumonia recovery

    November 30th 2007

    FURTHER research by Schering Plough Animal Health has suggested there are advantages in using a combined antibiotic plus anti-inflammatory pneumonia drug.

  • Computer-aided silage production

    November 30th 2007

    A COMPUTER program to help beef and sheep farmers make ideal grass silage has been launched by the British Grassland Society.

  • Confusion for growers reigns regarding new IPA agreement

    29 November 2007

    THE EFFP survey highlighted some confusion about what the new Inter-Professional Agreement (IPA) means for their business, explained NFU Sugar vice-chairman William Martin.

  • Decision time in utility vehicle versus traditional quad trial

    November 30th 2007

    IT is now decision time; five months since we kicked off our comparison test between the Kubota RTV and the more traditional farm ATV, in this case the Honda 500cc bike.

  • Determining a horse’s age by its teeth

    28 November 2007

    EQUINE Dentist BILL LOMAS looks at whether it is possible to determine the age of a horse from the development of its teeth.

  • Dosing improves colostrum quality

    November 30th 2007

    TWO studies by Intervet Animal Health have shown the value of vaccinating ewes against pasteurella and clostridial diseases prior to lambing in order to improve colostrum quality.

  • English trials results

    29 November 2007

    TRAWDEN, Bondcroft Farm, Embsay, Skipton, Nursery (48 ran): 1, Michael Longton (Quernmore) Don, 79 of 90; 2, R. Handy (Settle) Jill, 74; 3, J. Palmer (Twiston) Spot, 70; 4, J. Cropper (Deerplay) Bill, 69, OLF; 5, Tim Longton (Quernmore) Moss, 69; 6, B. Helliwell (Lancaster) Bess, 68.

  • EU offers export refund on pigmeat

    27 November 2007

    THE EU has revealed plans to introduce an export refund on pigmeat to help combat falling producer prices.

  • EU’s zero-tolerance stance ‘could ruin livestock industry’

    November 30th 2007

    THE EU has come under growing pressure to relax its attitude toward GM crops after ministers warned the current system threatens to ruin the livestock industry.

  • Evolutionary changes for the ‘family’ 4x4

    November 30th 2007

    Road test – Nissan X-Trail

  • Extra pictures from the Royal Welsh Winter Fair

    November 30th 2007

  • Extra pictures from the Scottish Winter Fair

    November 30th 2007

  • Fairburn is new NFU county vice-chairman for York East region

    November 30th 2007

    HELMSLEY sheep and arable farmer, 46-year-old Jonathan Fairburn, is the new county vice-chairman for the NFU’s York East area.

  • Farmer’s devastation at losing parts of his prize herd to bTB cull

    29 November 2007

    ONE of the South West’s best-known cattle breeders has spoken of his family’s devastation at the loss of large numbers of his prize-winning South Devon herd to bovine TB.

  • Farmer’s devastation at losing parts of his prize herd to bTB cull

    29 November 2007

    ONE of the South West’s best-known cattle breeders has spoken of his family’s devastation at the loss of large numbers of his prize-winning South Devon herd to bovine TB.

  • Fashion for him

    November 30th 2007

    WHY not give your man a helping hand in the style stakes this Christmas with the practical but trendy Half Zip Sweat from Chukka? This smart, warm outer layer is 100 per cent cotton and machine washable, and comes in chocolate or liquorice in sizes S-XL.

  • Fashion shoot

    November 30th 2007

    Shooting as a sport has always had a distinctive sartorial look, based mainly around tweed and waxed clothing, but in the way that other sports – particularly equestrian – have developed clothing ranges which mix fashion and practicality, the range now available for shooting is huge.

  • Feed efficiency of the herd becoming more important

    November 30th 2007

    RISING feed costs coupled with feed being the largest single cost of milk production means that feed efficiency is now a hot topic again addressed by a number of the speakers.

  • Fertiliser at a price – if you can get it

    28 November 2007

    A LOGISTICAL supply problem with fertilisers in spring 2008 is now a reality not a possibility, say fertiliser companies.

  • Fertiliser at a price – if you can get it

    28 November 2007

    A LOGISTICAL supply problem with fertilisers in spring 2008 is now a reality not a possibility, say fertiliser companies.

  • Fertiliser at a price – if you can get it

    28 November 2007

    A LOGISTICAL supply problem with fertilisers in spring 2008 is now a reality not a possibility, say fertiliser companies.

  • Field hygiene important as PCN problem ‘widespread’

    November 30th 2007

    DEVELOPMENTS in potato cyst nematode management and the implications of the forthcoming PCN Directive were on the agenda at a meeting for potato growers organised jointly by the NFU North East and the British Potato Council (BPC).

  • First fuel price protest meeting sees farmers back direct action

    29 November 2007

    SUPPORT for fuel protests is growing with a unanimous vote in favour of direct action at a meeting this week.

  • First Milk mulls over new creamery

    27 November 2007

    DAIRY farming on the Kintyre peninsula could receive a boost if co-op First Milk is successful in its quest for funding to develop a new cheese and whey manufacturing facility there.

  • First Milk mulls over new creamery

    27 November 2007

    DAIRY farming on the Kintyre peninsula could receive a boost if co-op First Milk is successful in its quest for funding to develop a new cheese and whey manufacturing facility there.

  • Five-year conservation project comes to close

    27 November 2007

    A £2.8 million project which has helped to ensure that the Cotswolds retains its natural beauty is nearing completion.

  • Flockmaster receives John Gittins Award

    November 30th 2007

    A flockmaster, whose farm in Carmarthenshire has become an international venue for visiting sheep farmers from around the world, is this year’s winner of the John Gittins Memorial Award in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the sheep industry.

  • FMD virus leak – how did it happen again?

    November 30th 2007

    THE latest foot-and-mouth virus leak at Pirbright was caused by a faulty valve that allowed live virus to enter the drainage system before being treated.

  • Four Shows trophy

    November 30th 2007

    EUROPEAN vintage ploughing champion John Milne, from Penistone, Yorkshire, added to his recent successes by winning the Four Shows Champion Trophy at the Collingham, Flintham and Southwell ploughing matches.

  • Free range egg awards

    27 November 2007

    THE Co-op has been named Retailer of the Year by the British Free Range Egg Producers Association.

  • From Holstein cows to dairy goats

    November 30th 2007

    When Tom and Clare Nichols were faced with the prospect of ploughing thousands of pounds into a new slurry system, it was no surprise they began looking at alternative opportunities. KATIE ROEBUCK meets the couple that replaced their commercial Holstein herd in favour of farming for a niche market.

  • Funky wellies

    November 30th 2007

    BRIGHTEN things up in the mud this winter with a pair of Tayberry’s Funky Wellies – a practical present that adds a splash of colour and fun.

  • Future labour demand ‘a key issue for agriculture industry’

    28 November 2007

    THE urgent need for the agricultural industry to address the future supply of labour was emphasised by Graham Bruce, managing director of the labour and machinery sharing co-operative Ringlink at its annual meeting.

  • Get cooking

    November 30th 2007

    AN ideal stocking-filler for those who love cooking, these four miniature cookery books each contain an impressive 101 delicious recipes. Choose from Christmas Dishes, Smart Suppers, Chocolate Treats and Seasonal Treats, or cut decision making and simply give someone all four.

  • Global co-operation needed to boost animal health product availability and innovation

    November 30th 2007

    OVER 120 international animal health experts gathered in London this week to discuss the current environment for animal health and explore new avenues to advance innovation in veterinary medicines.

  • GM rules increase feed costs

    November 30th 2007

    THE pressures on livestock farmers faced with rising production costs look set to increase as a result of the EU’s rules on GM crops, the Agriculture Commissioner has warned.

  • Grain co-op Fengrain returns to profit

    November 30th 2007

    EAST of England specialist grain co-operative Fengrain achieved a group pre-tax surplus of £126,542 (2005/06 deficit of £41,383) for the financial year ended July 31, 2007 together with a 10 per cent growth in membership.

  • Growth not weight gain key to getting dairy heifers in calf

    November 30th 2007

    Achieving the correct type of growth in dairy heifers from birth to point of service was the factor that could have most impact on the rearing costs for a herd.

  • Hardi is acquired by Exel Industries

    November 30th 2007

    SPRAYER manufacturer Hardi has been bought by Exel Industries, a company that already owns Berthoud, Tecnoma, Matrot France and Caruelle to name but a few.

  • Hat-trick of records for Framlingham Farmers in year of strong performance

    November 30th 2007

    FARMER–owned co-operative Framlingham Farmers, which operates throughout East Anglia, the South East, South West and North West of England, is reporting a strong performance for its financial year to June 30, 2007.

  • Health specialists to vote on strike action

    November 30th 2007

    ANIMAL health specialists at Defra are to ballot on industrial action after rejecting a pay offer that would deny any increase to the most experienced staff.

  • Hedgelaying contest

    November 30th 2007

    THE annual North Cotswolds Hedgelaying Competition was staged at Ebrington. The competition, which attracted 26 entries, was organised the Cotswolds Conservation Board, supported by the National Hedgelaying Society and held courtesy of D.E. and D.M. Drinkwater and Sons.

  • Help for those ploughing a lonely furrow

    November 30th 2007

    EAST Lothian farmers struggling to cope with feelings of stress, depression or suicide are being offered help and guidance in the form of a new leaflet.

  • Help third world farmers

    November 30th 2007

    SEND a Cow is a charity that enables poor farmers in Africa to become self-reliant by providing them with livestock, training and advice.

  • HGCA oilseed rape workshops

    November 30th 2007

    Updating growers on new oilseed rape research will be the focus of the five HGCA oilseed rape workshops taking place over the next three months, says HGCA research communications manager, Elizabeth Gray.

  • Home-bred Suffolks cross Texels supreme

    November 30th 2007

    A PAIR of home-bred Suffolk cross Texel wether lambs by a high index Sandyknowe tup, took the supreme sheep trophy for Kelso farmer Malcolm Stewart.

  • Horse drawn carriages at Llandegla Forest

    29 November 2007

    THE Annual Christmas drive of the British Driving Society, North East Wales, takes place on Sunday, December 9.

  • Hunting Act challenge goes to Europe

    29 November 2007

    THE Countryside Alliance is to challenge the Hunting Act 2004 in the European Court of Human Rights and the European Court of Justice in Strasbourg after the Law Lords last week rejected their appeal against the Hunting Act under human rights legislation.

  • Huntlodge dispersal to 5,200gns at Sedgemoor

    November 30th 2007

    THE first sale to be held at Sedgemoor auction centre, Bridgwater, Somerset, was the dispersal of Lionel and Gary Bagg’s Huntlodge Holstein herd.

  • IAAS calls for direct aid for suckler cows and breeding sheep

    26 November 2007

    THE Institute of Auctioneers and Appraisers in Scotland (IAAS) has called on the EU to consider re-introducing direct aid for suckler cows and breeding sheep.

  • IAAS calls for direct aid for suckler cows and breeding sheep

    26 November 2007

    THE Institute of Auctioneers and Appraisers in Scotland (IAAS) has called on the EU to consider re-introducing direct aid for suckler cows and breeding sheep.

  • Import duties on cereals to be suspended

    28 November 2007

    THE EU has outlined plans to scrap import duties on cereals.

  • Import duties on cereals to be suspended

    28 November 2007

    THE EU has outlined plans to scrap import duties on cereals.

  • Importance of raising concerns over NVZs

    November 30th 2007

    NFU Scotland is encouraging farmers to write to their Member of Scottish Parliament to voice their concerns, as talks on Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (NVZs) reach a crucial stage.

  • International Year of the Potato

    November 30th 2007

    THE British Potato Council has pledged its support for the International Year of the Potato in 2008 and will be linking with IYP activity to encourage the public to eat more potatoes and raise the profile of the British potato industry.

  • It’s wait and see on response to CAP health check proposals

    November 30th 2007

    THE CAP health check proposals secured reasonable support at this week’s European Farm Council, thanks to Agriculture Commissioner, Mariann Fischer Boel, promising simplification of cross-compliance.

  • Lamb industry crisis warning

    November 30th 2007

    A STARK warning that half the Welsh lamb industry could go to the wall within two years unless the supermarkets increased producer payments came from Hybu Cig Cymru chairman, Rees Roberts.

  • Last chance for funding in South Yorkshire

    27 November 2007

    THE South Yorkshire Rural Skills (SYRS) Project is now in its final few weeks, but there is still time to get 50 per cent funding towards training.

  • Learner of the Year Awards

    November 30th 2007

    THREE ‘learners’ who have realised the power of training and unleashed their new skills on rural Wales have taken the top prizes in this year’s land-based Learner of the Year Awards.

  • Lifeline for endangered freshwater pearl mussels

    November 30th 2007

    A POPULATION of endangered freshwater pearl mussels in the River Esk, which runs through the North York Moors National Park, has been thrown a lifeline thanks to £70,000 funding.

  • Limousin cross beef rib top

    November 30th 2007

    A RIB of Limousin cross heifer beef from J. Spence and Sons, Roberthill, Lockerbie, took the overall championship in the National Festival of Meat competition.

  • Limousin-sired beef ribs winners

    November 30th 2007

    LIMOUSIN-sired entries took the championship and reserve awards in the best beef ribs competition.Out in front was an April 2005-born Limousin cross British Blue-Welsh Black steer from T.A. Hughes, Cwmhendryd, Lampeter, Ceredigion, that weighed in at 345kg.Runner-up was a July 2005-born Limousin cross heifer weighing 371kg from G.F. and E.A. Ward, Auberrow, Wellington, Hereford.

  • Livestock farming in ‘desperate need’ of financial aid

    November 30th 2007

    ONE of the biggest agricultural events in Europe was brought to a halt on Monday when a warning was given to both the Westminster and Welsh Assembly Governments that livestock farming faces meltdown and is in desperate need of financial aid.

  • Losing its cheap image to take on the market

    26 November 2007

    THERE was a time when Korean motors went far beyond just being cheap when it came to purchase price – they were cheap on build quality and refinement too.

  • Lung damage can hit beef cattle growth potential

    November 30th 2007

    BEEF cattle can lose 74kg a year in growth potential due to pneumonia-induced lung damage, according to new study revealed this week that concluded farmers were not treating the disease as effectively as they could.

  • Majority of Welsh farmers to receive full SFP on Monday

    28 November 2007

    THREE QUARTERS of the farmers in Wales will be receiving their full Single Farm Payment on Monday.

  • Mapping out environment schemes online

    November 30th 2007

    NATURAL England has launched a new campaign to increase public awareness of agri-environment schemes that are helping farmers and land managers to conserve the natural environment.

  • Measure efficiency of your herd’s feed

    November 30th 2007

    Dairy farmers should measure feed efficiency in order to help improve performance, cow health and margins, according to Adrian Packington, Crina market development manager with DSM Nutritional Products.

  • Michael Longton and Don the clear winner at Trawden

    November 30th 2007

    WORKING touchy Swale-dale hoggs over a sizeable hillside course, Michael Longton and Don took their first win of the season last Saturday.

  • Minimising slurry pooling

    November 30th 2007

    Cows may have only been inside for a matter weeks but already the winter’s long battle to keep dairy cow housing clean is well underway. Here the Milk Development Council offers advice on ways to minimise slurry pooling in dairy housing.

  • Most teams for nursery trial finalised

    November 30th 2007

    BY mid-December the nursery season will be finished. The last of the nursery championships will be the North versus South nursery trial.

  • Much to gain from collaboration

    November 30th 2007

    WORKING together can help growers manage excess beet production while also reducing harvesting and haulage costs, explained rural business consultant Jamie Gwatkin.

  • Need for national genetics service

    November 30th 2007

    ROGER Sutton at Delamere Dairy has been involved with goats for 22 years and instrumental in helping the goat milk industry establish itself as a healthy alternative to cow milk.

  • New blight strains increase their dominance

    30 November 2007

    NEW potentially more aggressive blight strains increased their dominance of the potato blight pathogen population during 2007, BPC-funded monitoring has revealed.

  • New blight strains increase their dominance

    30 November 2007

    NEW potentially more aggressive blight strains increased their dominance of the potato blight pathogen population during 2007, BPC-funded monitoring has revealed.

  • New breeder pays 3,000gns

    November 30th 2007

    Top price at the Highland cattle sale at Oban was 3,000gns paid for a March 2002-born cow sold with her bull calf at foot. The sale topper, Elsa of Gartchonzie from Danish breeder B. Egedal, sold to a new Highland breeder John Mackie, Strathaven. The cow sold with her March-born bull calf by Domhnull of Gartchonzie and is in-calf again to the same bull.

  • New control option from Alvan Blanch

    November 30th 2007

    ALVAN Blanch have developed a new control system for its continuous flow driers.

  • New export rules explained

    28 November 2007

    NEW rules on meat and meat products exports continue to place tight conditions on some farmers in the south of England.

  • New Holland BB9090

    November 30th 2007

    NEW Holland has updated its Hesston sourced BB980 big square baler with the BB9090.

  • New planning legislation must remove obstacles to rural diversification - CLA

    27 November 2007

    THE Country Land and Business Association is hoping new legislation on planning rules will open up new opportunities for rural businesses.

  • New scheme to help young people

    29 November 2007

    YOUNG people in the south west of England are being helped to cope with their problems through riding, thanks to a Back on Track scheme pioneered by the British Horse Society (BHS).

  • News in brief

    November 30th 2007

    Fair price plea: Members of the Cheshire Women’s Farming Union were joined by Eddisbury MP, Stephen O’Brien, to present a petition, signed by thousands of people, to 10 Downing Street, calling for farmers to be paid a fair price for their milk.

  • NFU calls for supermarket ombudsman

    26 November 2007

    THE NFU has called for an independent ombudsman to help ‘ensure the supply chain is fair, transparent and sustainable’.

  • NFU Cymru annual conference

    6 November 2007

    BARRY ALSTON reports from this year’s NFU Cymru annual conference.

  • No 'quick fix' solutions to bluetongue problems

    6 November 2007

    FOR bluetongue movement-restricted cross-border farms, auction markets reliant on trade from either side of the Welsh border and the hundreds of farmers left pondering whether or not to send sheep to their traditional over wintering grounds in England, Dr Christianne Glossop, the chief veterinary officer for Wales, admitted she had no ‘quick fix’ solutions.

  • Old barn to business units

    November 30th 2007

    WITH Warrington and two motorway junctions close by, a business centre seemed to be the ideal diversification project on a 650-acre arable farm in north-west corner of Cheshire.

  • Outlander 400 ATV gets an update

    November 30th 2007

    Can-Am has updated the Outlander 400 with electronic fuel injection as standard. There are two versions.

  • Peak of 2,800gns as Cairness flock leads in-lamb Texel female trade

    November 30th 2007

    PRICES peaked at 2,800gns at the ‘Texel factor’ sale of in-lamb Texel females at Borderway Mart, Carlisle.

  • Peak of 2,800gns as Cairness flock leads in-lamb Texel female trade

    November 30th 2007

    PRICES peaked at 2,800gns at the ‘Texel factor’ sale of in-lamb Texel females at Borderway Mart, Carlisle.

  • Pedigree Holsteins sell for 2,400gns top price

    November 30th 2007

    ON the third date set, the dispersal of Brian and Leslie Hull’s Ferrers herd of pedigree Holsteins, took place on farm at Eye, Suffolk, in the bluetongue control zone, instead of Beeston Castle, as originally planned.

  • Perseverance pays off at Welbatch Farm

    November 30th 2007

    Case study: David Kent

  • Pesticide spraying advice

    26 November 2007

    ANTI-PESTICIDE campaigners have welcomed the publication of advice to farmers when spraying pesticides near to residential areas, but say they do not go far enough to protect public health.

  • Pesticide spraying advice

    26 November 2007

    ANTI-PESTICIDE campaigners have welcomed the publication of advice to farmers when spraying pesticides near to residential areas, but say they do not go far enough to protect public health.

  • Planting peas and beans a solution to tight cropping issues

    29 November 2007

    ARABLE farmers who have cut back their cropping options to wheat and oilseed rape should take another look at peas and beans, according to Anthony Biddle of PGRO.

  • Ploughing match painting

    November 30th 2007

    A watercolour painting, produced especially for the match by local professional artist and author Paul Taggart has raised £700 in an auction for the Easter Ross Ploughing Association.

  • Pony Club Riders pair up with their heroes at Olympia

    29 November 2007

    EIGHT Pony Club riders from across the UK are set to line up for a coveted place alongside their show jumping heroes in the arena at Olympia at The London International Horse Show (December 17-22).

  • Pottinger Infusion

    November 30th 2007

    FOR farmers wishing to apply inoculants to silage, Pottinger has developed the Infusion for its range of self-loading silage wagons.

  • Poultry potential as business grows thanks to customer demand

    November 30th 2007

    POULTRY producers are approaching their busiest time of year and the latest outbreak of avian influenza is an added worry.

  • Pregnancy rate is more important

    November 30th 2007

    Genus Reproductive Management Systems (RMS) has been on offer in the UK for nearly three years now. With 150 farms now signed up JOANNE PUGH found out what it is like to use a third party to take over on-farm reproduction, and why the company claims it is the right decision to make.

  • Project could lead to improved embryo implantation rates

    November 30th 2007

    A NEW project involving JSR Genetics and Leeds University could lead to improved embryo implantation rates in pigs and, eventually, humans.

  • Rapeseed reaches season high

    November 30th 2007

    WHILE spot wheat values remain under pressure due to a lack of consumer buying interest and increased EU imports of maize, tapioca and sorghum, the rapeseed market continues to move higher, say traders at Gleadell.

  • Rearing pigs

    November 30th 2007

    In the second part of our smallholder feature on rearing pigs for meat, CLEMMIE GLEESON discusses things to consider from the arrival of your first pigs through to organising slaughter and butchering, and the delights of home-produced pork.

  • Renewed calls for equal treatment of UK’s sheep farmers

    November 30th 2007

    NFU leaders in England and Wales have renewed their call for emergency payments to made to beleagured sheep farmers.

  • Retailer grain deal first

    29 November 2007

    ARABLE farmers received a major boost after supermarket giant Sainsbury’s announced a ‘ground-breaking’ deal to secure the long-term future of their wheat supplies.

  • Retailer grain deal first

    29 November 2007

    ARABLE farmers received a major boost after supermarket giant Sainsbury’s announced a ‘ground-breaking’ deal to secure the long-term future of their wheat supplies.

  • Royal Welsh Winter Fair

    November 30th 2007

    BARRY ALSTON reports from this week’s two-day Royal Welsh Winter Fair which, despite losing some livestock exhibitors to bluetongue movement restrictions and the cancellation of poultry classes, still drew a 24,221 attendance and set a new £12,500 auction bid record for the supreme cattle champion.

  • Rush to put properties up for sale after introduction of new flat rate CGT

    28 November 2007

    PROPERTY auctioneers are anticipating a busy few months with a rush to put properties and land up for sale as vendors seek to avoid having to pay thousands of pounds in tax.

  • SAC aborted calf carcase cost saver

    November 30th 2007

    SCOTTISH cattle farmers could avoid the cost of disposing of aborted calf carcases by taking advantage of a new scheme from SAC Veterinary Services and the Scottish Government.

  • Saint should be sinner

    November 30th 2007

    In our keeping pesticides out of water article on p20, FG November 23 we inadvertently switched the Environment Agency’s Jo Kennedy’s comments. Routinely leaving the plugs or covers off drains in concrete filling areas is most definitely a sin, while checking where farmyard drains go and making a site drainage plan are the actions of a saint in terms of protecting water.

  • Scene - by the vet

    November 30th 2007

    It pays to talk with a farm team approach

  • Scottish payments approved

    26 November 2007

    BRUSSELS has given clearance for the Scottish Government to issue the emergency sheep payment announced a month ago.

  • Scottish trials results

    29 November 2007

    LOCHCARRON (Judge, D Mackenzie, Inverness) Nursery (20 ran) 1, H. MacLean (Culloden) Roy, 94/100; 2, E. MacKinnon (Lochcarron) Shep, 89 Outbye; 3, I. MacDonald (Staffin) Don, 89; 4, E. MacKinnon (Lochcarron) Bess, 89; 5, T. McPhee (Wick) Jess, 84; 6, J. Cameron (Strathcanaird) Nan, 82. Confined, 1, D. Ross (Achaillach) Nell, 73; 2, D. Ross (Achaillach) Gemma, 71; 3, R. Meikle (Black Isle) Lynne, 67.

  • Scottish Winter Fair

    November 30th 2007

    A week after AgriScot, the Scottish Fatstock Club took over the Highland Hall at the Royal Highland Showground for the Scottish Winter Fair, again raising the question of when the two events might merge. JACK DAVIES and NEIL RYDER report.

  • Scottish Winter Fair judge buys champion for £4,000

    November 30th 2007

    AT the Scottish Winter Fair Hugh and Lynn Dunlop’s champion, a 13-month-old Limousin cross steer named Spooks, from Holehouse, Cumnock, sold for £4,000 to the judge, Gerald David from Somerset.

  • Scottish Winter Fair results

    November 30th 2007

    CATTLE - Overall and steer champions, Supreme, H. Dunlop, Spooks; reserve, G. Scott, Hong Kong Pooie.

  • Seabrook’s new supply chain

    November 30th 2007

    SEABROOK Crisps is sourcing local potatoes for its range of crisps. The Bradford-based company has asked the EFFP for assistance in setting up a supply chain with local producers.

  • Sheep benefit from a good fleece, says flock owner

    November 30th 2007

    A CUMBRIAN flock owner has urged other farmers to pay more attention to wool – despite it low value – as sheep benefit greatly from a good fleece.

  • Sheepdog trials diary

    29 November 2007

    ENGLAND - December 1. HOLME, Nursery, Deerplay, on A671 between Burnley and Bacup, Lancashire, OL13 8RD, 9am start, enter on field. YORKSHIRE, Nursery, change of venue, Broadshaw Farm, Thruscross, signed off A59 Skipton/Harrogate road, near Blubberhouses, 9am start, enter on field, catering. PERRYDALE, Nursery and Novice, Perrydale Farm, Peak Forest, Buxton, Derbyshire, 8am start, enter on field, catering. RYEDALE, ...

  • Shifts in beef production, imports and exports forecast

    26 November 2007

    REASONABLE prospects for the beef sector’s supply-demand balance for the remainder of 2007 and next year are forecast by MLC Economics.

  • Silver Lapwing competition

    November 30th 2007

    REPRESENTING Wales in this year’s Silver Lapwing competition, which recognises the outstanding contribution commercial farmers make to enhancing the environment, will be the South Wales regional winner – Peter Davies, of the T.R.W., P.W. and R.L. Davies Partnership, at Southerndown, in the Vale of Glamorgan.

  • Sky to continue HOYS coverage

    23 November 2007

    SKY Sports has extended their contract with Horse of the Year Show organizers Grandstand Media until 2010.

  • SPS payments for Wales and Scotland – England to wait

    29 November 2007

    THE vast majority farmers in Scotland and Wales will receive their Single Payments on Monday, December 3, the first day that payment is possible.

  • St George lamb storms back to France

    November 30th 2007

    AN in-store demonstration organised by Eblex French field marketing manager Carole Rivière has demonstrated the popularity of St George branded lamb has not waned in France.

  • Steadmans sweep the floor at butchers’ awards

    November 30th 2007

    STEADMANS of Sedbergh, Cumbria, won 11 of 12 top product awards in the recent Guild of Q Butchers 2007 Smithfield Awards.

  • Stuffed cabbage and vine leave

    November 30th 2007

    THIS recipe was sent in by Tania Christie of Reading, Berkshire.

  • Surrey woman given ten-year ban from keeping equines

    28 November 2007

    A WARRANT has been issued for the arrest of a 36-year-old woman from Camberley, Surrey after she failed to show at Guildford Magistrates Court on Monday, November 26, to be sentenced for causing unnecessary suffering to three ponies, now in the care of the International League for the Protection of Horses (ILPH).

  • Suspension of DFB retentions is approved

    November 30th 2007

    CAPITAL retentions are being suspended for Dairy Farmers of Britain members who have reached a minimum funding requirement of 4ppl in their investment account based on their production.

  • Suzuki SX4

    November 30th 2007

    Suzuki has increased the choice of diesel engines for its SX4 sport crossover model. A 1.6-litre Peugeot-sourced DDiS engine packing 90hp and 215Nm of torque joins the existing 120hp, 1.9-litre oil burner. Mated to a five-speed manual gearbox and driving through the front wheels, the smaller capacity engine offers a combined cycle of 53.3 mpg and CO2 emissions of 139g/km. With 90hp, it’s enough, says the firm, to propel the SX4 to 62mph in 12.2 seconds and on to a potential top speed ...

  • Take care to make the most of maize silage this winter

    November 30th 2007

    The difficult growing season in 2007 has resulted in highly variable maize silage quality this winter, meaning careful rationing and monitoring of performance will be crucial this winter.

  • The Owens’ take the top pig honours

    November 30th 2007

    CHAMPIONSHIP honours in the pig classes ended in a virtual clean sweep for husband and wife team Gerallt and Joyce Owens, from Llannon, Llanelli.

  • Top feeding tips

    28 November 2007

    Equine feeding company HorseHage outline their top ten feeding tips:

  • TV chefs uncover the realities of food production

    26 November 2007

    THREE of the UK’s most popular chefs are set to join forces in an attempt to change how people in Britain think about their food.

  • UK sugar beet: Securing a future for the crop

    29 November 2007

    The NFU and EFFP believes collaboration between sugar beet growers could help secure a future for the crop.

  • Uninterrupted coastal path ‘no proven benefit’ economically or to public

    November 30th 2007

    NFU Cymru has come out against Welsh Assembly proposals for an uninterrupted Welsh coastal path.

  • Upland farming must adapt if it is to survive

    November 30th 2007

    When HSBC, a bank with a huge farming interest, produce a forecast that virtually announces the end of upland beef and sheep production as we have known it, those of us who depend on it should sit up and take notice.

  • VW Touareg R50

    November 30th 2007

    Packing 350hp and a truck-like 850Nm of torque from its heavily revised V10 Tdi engine, the R50 Touareg is now among the most powerful 4x4s in the world, says VW. Those who like their SUV’s to leap from 0-62mph in the blink of an eye, might be pleased with the R50’s athletic performance – 6.7 seconds is now all it takes. The R-series of performance Volkswagens currently includes the Golf R32, but in keeping with the theme, the Touareg R50 gets individual interior and exterior features ...

  • Waitrose WildCare scheme benefits all

    November 30th 2007

    WILLIAM SURMAN has already reported on the Waitrose select farm milk scheme farmers’ study tour of Canada’s dairy industry. This week he asks why the Waitrose farmers think they have got such a good deal in their own backyard.

  • Walford College – providing a blueprint for a greener education

    November 30th 2007

    Sustainable solutions, responding to climate change and driving commercial viability are the fundamental principles that lie at the forefront of Walford and North Shropshire College. DANUSIA OSIOWY reports.

  • Welsh Blacks go to 1,250gns at Abergavenny

    November 30th 2007

    THE Welsh Black Cattle Society’s sale at Abergavenny saw prices peak at 1,250gns.

  • Welsh trials results

    29 November 2007

    CARMARTHEN NURSERY. Puppy: 1, M.C. Jones (Ammanford|) Jill, 20; 2, G. Lewis (Gwynfe) Pip, 29; 3, M. Jones (Maesybont) Nell, 32; 4, P. Dobbs (Llanddeusant) Sian, 39, Novice: 1, M.C. Jones, Jill, 20; 2, G. Williams (Cilycwm) Fly, 22; 3, D. James (Capel Isaac) Fly, 25; 4, D. James, Dave, 28olf: 5, L.N. Watkins (Llangadog) Nell, 29; 6, G. Lewis, Pip, 29.

  • What a day for the Gibbons’

    November 30th 2007

    WHAT a day it turned out to be for the Gibbons, of Llanigon, in the supreme sheep championship judging ring. Not only did Steve and Sara take the overall rosette – but deservedly sharing the limelight with them were 11-year-old Mollie and 10-year-old Nicholas.

  • Wheat price hike encourages bold bidding

    29 November 2007

    A LARGE crowd, and strong bidding, at Brown & Co’s machinery auction at Rowley Farm, near Swaffham, saw a Claas Lexion combine fetch over £35k.

  • Winning Red Ruby Devons attract top prices

    27 November 2007

    BIDDING was fierce and prices were high for the class winners at the Red Ruby Devon Autumn show and sale at Taunton Market.

  • Winter Dairying

    29 November 2007

    IN our Winter Dairying special feature, we take an in-depth look at fertility as well as the latest advice on feeding, biosecurity, slurry management and parlour routine.

  • Working to achieve the full 7 tonnes per hectare yield potential of OSR

    November 30th 2007

    ACHIEVING the full yield potential of oilseed rape crops grown in the UK will be one of the key topics being discussed at the first of five HGCA-organised oilseed rape workshops taking place around the country this winter.

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