Farmers Guardian
July 21st 2006

  • ‘Vets should be at the forefront of any disease contingency plan’

    July 21st 2006

    As Defra looks to press on with its plans for industry to share the costs of disease outbreaks, doubts have surfaced about how workable its contingency plans are. Freda Scott-Park, BVA president, tells TOM LEVITT that deficiencies remain. She also reveals Defra has asked them to help explain the mysterious fall in bovine TB cases.

  • £1,420 peak for commercial Holstein Friesians at Rugby

    July 21st 2006

    COMMERCIAL Holstein Friesian cows and in-calf heifers sold to £1,420 when 222 animals from David and Bernard Pearson and Sons, Grimscote, Towcester, Northamptonshire, went under the hammer at Rugby cattle market.

  • A future for well managed smaller dairy herds

    July 21st 2006

    SMALLER dairy herds are not doomed to become extinct and better management, rather than getting bigger, can be the route to survival says a new research study.

  • A marketing tool to benefit businesses both large and small

    July 21st 2006

    The power of brands – Colette Burke assesses just how important branding can be.

  • A way with wood in Gloucestershire

    July 21st 2006

    In the first of a series on mastercraftsmen SARAH CRIPPS visits Gloucestershire-based furniture maker Colin Clark to learn about his trade and how it has changed over the years.

  • A way with words when it comes to pigs

    July 21st 2006

    NICK Hunkin keeps pigs and sheep on a modest six acres at Dinnington, Somerset, but he is best known for his pig commentary at the country’s major agricultural shows.

  • ASHBY SHOW

    July 21st 2006

    Penelope Pitstop takes the inter-breed title

  • Attention to each individual calf improves herd health

    July 21st 2006

    Dairy farmers will never agree on whether rearing your own replacements or buying in heifers is the best option but Arthur and Janet Whitlow have always favoured the former. JOANNE PUGH went to find out how they operate an entirely closed herd, and have won a major award in the process.

  • Battle over flexible modulation policy for UK

    July 21st 2006

    EU Farm Commissioner, Mariann Fischer Boel, has confirmed her opposition to extending voluntary modulation – but Defra minister David Miliband used this week’s Brussels farm council to battle for maximum flexibility for the policy the government wants to introduce.

  • Battle over flexible modulation policy for UK

    July 21st 2006

    EU Farm Commissioner, Mariann Fischer Boel, has confirmed her opposition to extending voluntary modulation – but Defra minister David Miliband used this week’s Brussels farm council to battle for maximum flexibility for the policy the government wants to introduce.

  • Big potential to save on fertiliser

    July 21st 2006

    THE vast majority of British dairy farmers could be wasting money by buying in unnecessary fertiliser, and could save up to £100/hectare using soil and slurry analysis.

  • Borrowdale Teabread

    July 21st 2006

    THIS recipe was sent in by Rachel Cowper of St Johns in the Vale, Threlkeld, Keswick, Cumbria. “It is a great recipe for picnic, packed lunches up the fellside or afternoon tea in the garden,” says Rachel. “It is nice on its own, with butter or cheese, and it freezes well.”

  • Brand urges public to buy British

    July 21st 2006

    A NEW campaign launched last week by Country Life butter, one of the Dairy Crest brands, is designed to encourage the British public to question the origin of the food they buy – and to buy British produce wherever possible.

  • Brothers bring further joy to family

    July 21st 2006

    Great Yorkshire Show

  • Brothers spice up business life

    July 21st 2006

    Diversification can take many forms; BARRY ALSTON looks at two very different off-farm approaches.

  • Canterbuy Food Bins

    July 21st 2006

    New company Canterbuy have manufactured a feed locker from strong, lightweight PVC. Feed is loaded into the top and scooped from the bottom ensuring that the oldest feed is used first.

  • Champion of champions

    July 21st 2006

    AFTER winning the inter-breed beef and Charolais breed championships, the Charolais heifer, Holtstead Velvet from F. and J. Andrews went on to win the Cumberland Show champion of champions award. Judged by J. Fisher, of Eamont Bridge, the competition takes in the champions from the Clydesdale, hunter section, pony sections, dairy and beef cattle, sheep, and goat champions.

  • Charity night raises thousands

    July 21st 2006

    MORE than £10,000 has been raised in aid of Cystic Fibrosis, Cancer Research UK and Lifeline Romania. Graeme and Nicky Barlow, of Barlow Trailers organised a charity auction and barbecue night. About 300 people attended, many from local businesses within the farming and agricultural trade.

  • Charolais semen for Mexico

    July 21st 2006

    British Charolais semen has been exported to Mexico for the first time. The deal amounts to 3,500 straws and comprises Alwent Vougeot, the polled Cockerington Urchin, Balmyle Victor, Edenhurst Shogun, Maerdy Tally, an 8,000gns Carlisle champion, Shraden Tallisman and Thrunton Unstoppable. Brokered by British Livestock Genetics on behalf of members, the major share was destined for the Mexican Charolais Society.

  • China may lift GM rice ban

    July 21st 2006

    CHINA could soon become the first developing country in the world to allow the sale of genetically modified rice.

  • Consultation on coastal access delayed

    July 21st 2006

    A PUBLIC consultation on opening up more coastal areas to the general public has been delayed until 2007. Despite the delay, Defra has said it is committed to extending access, first started under the Countryside Rights of Way Act (CROW) 2000, to the English coast.

  • Cumberland Show

    July 21st 2006

    One of the hottest days of the year so far brought bumper crowds for Cumberland Show at Rickerby Park, Carlisle, on Saturday. The provision of marquee accommodation for the cattle was especially welcome while the grand parade was speeded up to minimise the time stock were exposed to the afternoon sun. NEIL RYDER reports.

  • Cumberland Show Results

    July 21st 2006

    DAIRY

  • Curb scours by better use of colostrum

    July 21st 2006

    Scours can cost up to £100 per calf if both direct costs and labour are taken into account but good colostrum management can be an excellent disease prevention strategy.

  • Dairying: Only way is up, predicts unions alliance

    July 21st 2006

    UK farming unions have been spelling out the way forward for UK dairying – and it does not include down-sizing.

  • Dilemma of ear tag checks on pregnant livestock

    July 21st 2006

    THERE should be more flexibility over carrying out ear tag checks on livestock that are pregnant or about to give birth.

  • Double tagging derogation for UK but it comes with eleventh hour amendment

    July 21st 2006

    THE UK’s important derogation from sheep identification requirements has been renewed by the EU, albeit for just another year, and welcomed by farming leaders – but there is a sting in the tail.

  • Dry weather watch during the harvest

    July 21st 2006

    PRACTICALLY all the winter barley should have been harvested by this weekend, grain traders were predicting at the beginning of the week.

  • Energy efficiency key to home-grown produce

    July 21st 2006

    ‘Insecticide-free food: British salads leading the way’ was the theme of an Association of Applied Biologists (AAB) conference held in Peterborough. Bruce Knight reports.

  • English Sheepdog Trial Results

    July 21st 2006

    RINGINGLOW, Parson House Outdoor Pursuits Centre, Longshaw, Quailfying Open (100 ran): 1, C. Mellin (OakwoRINGINGLOW, Parson House Outdoor Pursuits Centre, Longshaw, Quailfying Open (100 ran) : 1, C. Mellin (Oakworth) Maisie, 82 of 90; 2, J. Harvey (Leek) Nell, 81; 3, A. Wilkinson (Thurgoland) Skye, 80; 4, N. Vyas (Wigston) Skerry, 79 OLF; 5, J. Harvey Mist, 79; 6, H. Loates (South Leverton) Jaff, 79.

  • EU subsidies are twice US

    July 21st 2006

    UNITED States farmers have noticed that European subsidies amount to twice those paid in America.

  • Fallen stock subsidy levels set to drop

    July 21st 2006

    SUBSIDY levels for the Fallen Stock Scheme are to be decreased from 50 per cent to 35 per cent from August 1, 2006, said Defra this week.

  • Field Day with a James Bond theme

    July 21st 2006

    YOUNG Farmers from Cumbria, Durham, East Riding, Isle of Man, Lancashire, Northumberland and Yorkshire gathered in Ings, Cumbria, for the Northern Area Field Day.

  • Ford invests £1bn to develop range of ‘greener’ vehicles

    July 21st 2006

    THE Ford Motor Company has announced it is to spend at least £1billion developing a range of greener vehicle technologies in the UK, including the creation of biofuel models.

  • Getting the best from your horse pasture

    July 21st 2006

    Grazing horses can have serious effects on the quality of your land, so it is important to manage it in a suitable manner. ANGELA CALVERT went along to a Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group (FWAG) pasture management event to learn about reducing potential problems.

  • GM crops co-existence rules to hot up debate

    July 21st 2006

    THE debate over genetically modified crops looks set to be re-ignited this week after the Government published its rules on co-existence – the growing of the crops near non-GM or organic crops.

  • Great Eccleston Show

    July 21st 2006

    Record attendance as entries up in all sections

  • Great Yorkshire Show Young Handlers Pictures

    July 21st 2006

  • Harvey and Nell are Ringinglow double gather champions

    July 21st 2006

    IN a closely fought contest John Harvey and Nell took the Ringinglow Double Gather Championship, which concluded two days of competition at Longshaw, near Sheffield.

  • Henry's Suffolk gimmer ewe catches judges eye

    July 21st 2006

    WHEN Edward Jackson from Bridlington, East Yorkshire agreed to take on the job of judging the sheep young handlers’ classes at the Great Yorkshire Show, he had no idea it would be so difficult.

  • High output finishing regime designed to meet market needs

    July 21st 2006

    Beef farmer Simon Frost finishes all his suckled calves within 12 months – a fact that sets him apart from many traditional suckler units. ANGELA CALVERT went to find out more.

  • Hoping to demonstrate that major changes can improve farm’s profits

    July 21st 2006

    THE entire farming system on a Monmouthshire beef and sheep producing family holding has been turned upside down following its adoption as one of the chain of demonstration units set up across Wales under the Farming Connect farm business development programme.

  • Hot spell takes its toll on livestock and arable crops

    20 July 2006

    WITH temperatures soaring to well over 30deg C in most parts of the country over the past week the weather has taken its toll on livestock and arable farms.

  • Hunting celebrated at Peterborough festival

    July 21st 2006

    Thousands of visitors flocked to the Peterborough Festival of Hunting yesterday, held at the East of England Showground to show their support at one of the country's leading and most prestigious hound shows.

  • Hurlimann back in 120hp+ tractor sector

    July 21st 2006

    Hurlimann is back in the 120hp+ tractor segment with a new range of German-built tractors. Made at Same Deutz-Fahr’s Lauingen facility in southern Germany, the new line is known as the XL series.

  • Inspection sees UK’s live calf export trade get seal of approval

    July 21st 2006

    BRITAIN’S blossoming live calf export trade has been given the approval of MPs and industry leaders from England, Scotland and Wales following an inspection of production and processing facilities on the Continent.

  • Integrating historic strip farming

    July 21st 2006

    Farmers in North Lincolnshire had the opportunity to see how a historically unique farming project is working to save the heritage of the Isle of Axholme. Angela Calvert reports.

  • Is your system up to the job?

    July 21st 2006

    When did you last reconsider your calf rearing system? Maggie Gould, of Volac International, suggests every dairy herd should have an annual review rather than relying on ‘tried and tested’ procedures every year.

  • Jeanettes more than a top gun

    July 21st 2006

    BARRY ALSTON takes a look at a novel double diversification venture growing in popularity in the mountains of Mid Wales.

  • Judges see double as Richard takes the top spot at Great Yorkshire Show

    July 21st 2006

    There were massive entries in all the Great Yorkshire Show young handlers’ classes, with a very high standard of competition, a great deal of optimism about the future of showing. Farmers Guardian sponsored all the classes and JOANNE PUGH caught up with each of the winners.

  • Kent County Show

    July 21st 2006

    Inter-breed salute to Beattie-ful Holsteins

  • Key Welsh industry figures quit their roles ahead of country’s Royal Show

    July 21st 2006

    ON the eve of next week’s Royal Welsh Show, two key figures in Welsh agriculture have announced they are giving up their industry representation roles.

  • Know your seed-borne diseases

    July 21st 2006

    In the coming weeks our Sow 4 Success columns, produced in conjunction with AIC, aim to provide topical and relevant information on getting the best out of seed inputs. The series kicks off with seed-borne disease.

  • Land use to change if we all ate ‘healthily’

    July 21st 2006

    FOOD consumption patterns would change dramatically and have a serious impact on UK farming patterns if everyone ate a healthy diet, according to researchers at the University of Reading.

  • Latest Grimme de-stoner is claimed to be 25pc faster

    July 21st 2006

    WITH de-stoning reckoned by most potato growers to be the slowest job in the whole planting process, a version which claims to be up to 25 per cent faster than existing machines is perhaps to be welcomed.

  • Lincoln Reds a better prospect than Angus, claims farmer

    July 21st 2006

    LINCOLN Red cattle are a better economic prospect than Aberdeen-Angus, even on a farm barely an hour’s drive south of the black cattle’s home city.

  • LMC export development post

    July 21st 2006

    THE new export development executive for the Livestock and Meat Commission (LMC) is Jelmer Hania who has been with the organisation as a senior economist since July 2004. With extensive knowledge of the Northern Ireland red meat industry, he began his new role on July 1, when he led a Northern Ireland delegation on a trade mission to Italy.

  • Members get closer to nature

    July 21st 2006

    JUNIOR members of Staffordshire Young Farmers got closer to nature in the Junior Nature Challenge at Worseley Wildlife Trust, Worseley Bridge, near Rugeley. Five teams took part in identifying trees and insects. Winners were Stone with Eccleshall second and Leek and Uttoxeter Junior NFU joint third.

  • More power for Zetor with new Forterra

    July 21st 2006

    Brand new 122hp engine

  • Natural fly deterrent from Crystalyx

    July 21st 2006

    Garlyx is a new food product Crystalyx designed to combat the problem of biting insects. It claims to balance nutrient deficiencies in summer grass and optimise forage digestibility and intake, together with the fly-deterrent properties of garlic. More details on 016973 32592 or www.caltech-crystalyx.co.uk

  • New ‘natural alliance’

    July 21st 2006

    THE NFU and RSPB talked of a natural alliance on key issues this week as they made the case for continued financial support for farming, writes Tom Levitt.

  • New head of NFU membership

    July 21st 2006

    HUW Hilditch Roberts, 29, has been appointed as overall head of NFU membership. His role will entail developing the membership structure throughout England and Wales and will see him working with members and staff at all levels. He has worked as the deputy head of membership for a short time and previous to that was business development manager covering North Wales with NFU Cymru for three years.

  • New Natural Salt Stone

    July 21st 2006

    A natural salt stone from SALISEL98, containing 98 per cent salt, is now available for horses and ponies. The additive-free product also contains trace elements such as iron, calcium and magnesium giving the stone a characteristic pink coloration.

  • New website for Barnsby

    July 21st 2006

    Barnsby have launched a brand new web site, www.barnsby.com, which gives quick and easy access to information on the full range of Barnsby products. It also offers advice on saddle fitting and stockist information

  • NEWPORT SHOW

    July 21st 2006

    Three in a row for the Smiddiehill Holsteins

  • NFU policy adviser dies in traffic accident

    July 21st 2006

    NFU policy adviser Dr Neil Kift, 34, has been killed in a traffic accident on the Warwickshire border.

  • NFU policy adviser dies in traffic accident

    July 21st 2006

    NFU policy adviser Dr Neil Kift, 34, has been killed in a traffic accident on the Warwickshire border.

  • NSA Sheep 2006 Preview

    July 21st 2006

    Next month – in preparation for NSA Sheep 2006 on Wednesday, August 2 – John Sinnett will be hosting a farm visit to view his pedigree Suffolk and Texel flocks and discuss their role in the future of the sheep industry. BEN BRIGGS went for a sneak preview.

  • NZ trip key to ‘no frills’ dairy system

    July 21st 2006

    The establishment of a simple, basic dairy facility on a greenfield site serving a spring calving herd has been the key project of young farmer Ed Dale on the family farm. The British Grassland Society visited the unit during its summer meeting in Cheshire. NEIL RYDER reports.

  • Partners in a new pursuit to recruit

    July 21st 2006

    Diversification can take many forms, BARRY ALSTON looks at two very different off-farm approaches

  • Planes to help assess crops fertiliser needs

    July 21st 2006

    FARMERS of the future will be able to use small remote-controlled aircraft to gather detailed knowledge about the state of their crops, according to a team of scientists based in Wales.

  • Poultry alliance calls for vaccination

    July 21st 2006

    AN alliance of poultry producers is calling on Defra to vaccinate all organic, free-range and hobby birds against avian influenza as early as this September.

  • Profits boost forecast for NZ farmers

    July 21st 2006

    BETTER prices and cost controls will boost sheep and beef farm profitability in New Zealand by 29 per cent in 2006-07, the Meat and Wool NZ economic service has predicted.

  • Red tape strangulation

    26 July 2006

    NFU Scotland has set up a “regulation action group” as part of its ongoing campaign to bring a degree of rationale to dictats emanating from Brussels.

  • Riding for cancer research - meet Vyv and Elsa

    July 21st 2006

    A fundraising event has been organised on Saturday July 22 to welcome charity riders to Gisburn, near Clitheroe in Lancashire.

  • Roxan keeps dairy title on ‘home’ soil

    July 21st 2006

    Cumberland Show

  • Scottish Sheepdog Trial Results

    July 21st 2006

    Airtnoch (Judge: W Beattie, Annan) - Open, 74 ran, 1, J.R. Welsh, Fly, Girvan, 97; 2, I. Brownlie, Bess, Forestmill, 96; 3, M. Bell, Buff, Sorn, 93; 4, J.J. Templeton, Spot, Fenwick, 87 outbye; 5, A. Watson, Jake, Shotts, 87; 6, J.A. MacLeod, Garry, Killin, 86 outbye.

  • Second wheats disappointing

    July 21st 2006

    SECOND wheat yields look set to be disappointing this year, but first wheats could deliver bumper yields.

  • Seevor Limousins to 3,400gns at Sennybridge

    July 21st 2006

    PRICES rose to 3,400gns when the Seevor herd of pedigree Limousins was dispersed for H.D. Rees, Gelliseevor, Llandybie, at Sennybridge Market.

  • Seventeen break £1,000 barrier at Beeston’s Mid-Month dairy sale

    July 21st 2006

    SOME seven hours of selling at the Beeston Mid-Month sale of 409 dairy cows, heifers and youngstock near Tarporley, Cheshire, saw 17 animals make over the £1,000 mark.

  • Sharing the responsibilities and costs – what it all means for you

    July 21st 2006

    Farmers will share the cost of future outbreaks of disease like foot-and-mouth and avian influenza, under plans unveiled last week. In return, they will have a greater say on disease control policies. ALISTAIR DRIVER considers some of the key issues.

  • Shearers exempt from gangmaster rules

    25 July 2006

    SHEEP shearers are to be exempt from new licensing laws governing labour providers coming into force this October.

  • Sheep inter-breed goes north of border

    July 21st 2006

    Cumberland Show

  • State of the countryside

    24 July 2006

    LAST year more than 105,000 people moved from urban to rural areas, continuing a pattern that has major consequences for the future of the countryside.

  • Stithians Agricultural Show

    July 21st 2006

    Jerseys rule supreme in dairy lines in Cornwall

  • Supermarket role in milk price war questioned

    July 21st 2006

    A PRICE reduction might have been inevitable, but Robert Wiseman Dairies’ producer price cut of 0.9ppl for August, has been another bitter pill for dairy farmers to swallow.

  • Supplement could ease scour effects

    July 21st 2006

    A NEWLY available calf supplement claims to offer a quick and effective way to help calves overcome the effects of a scour outbreak and get them feeding again.

  • Talks over British Sugar closures

    July 21st 2006

    NEGOTIATIONS between the NFU and British Sugar over the rights of growers affected by the planned closure of the Allscot and York factories have continued this week.

  • The new gold in them thar’ hills

    July 21st 2006

    BARRY ALSTON meets up with a group of West Wales farmers with a gold mine on their doorsteps.

  • Think carefully about roadside ads

    26 July 2006

    FARMERS have been warned to think carefully before allowing advertisements in fields adjoining roads following a major new clamp down by the Government.

  • Tir Gofal ‘must remain accessible to farmers in Wales’

    July 21st 2006

    FOLLOWING on from its successful first open meeting and a continuing rise in membership, the newly-established Tir Gofal Farmers Association is calling for a new application window for the Wales-based agri-environment scheme to coincide with the move of its administration from the Countryside Council for Wales to the Welsh Assembly.

  • Tougher XMCL tyre claims Michelin

    July 21st 2006

    AN increased service life and tougher construction are just some of the advantages Michelin says its new XMCL tyre has to offer. Suitable for telehandlers and backhoes the new tyre replaces the XM27 and XM37.

  • TREC European Championships shortlist announced

    25 July 2006

    TREC selectors have named the 16 senior riders and five young riders from which British teams for this year's European Championships will be chosen.

  • Turriff on top at Grampian Rally

    July 21st 2006

    FIFTEEN clubs competed in the Scottish Association of Young Farmers’ Clubs annual Grampian Rally at Turriff.

  • Urbanites flock to country

    July 21st 2006

    LAST year more than 105,000 people moved from urban to rural areas, continuing a pattern that has major consequences for the future of the countryside.

  • Vets tell Miliband to act on bovine TB

    19 July 2006

    LEADING vets have accused secretary of state David Miliband of using “unreliable evidence” as he continues to delay his decision on a badger cull to control the spread of bovine TB.

  • We should be more upbeat about the farming industry

    July 21st 2006

    A wise man once said: “See yourself as others see you and not just as you would be seen”. I often think it is an adage farmers would do well to heed.

  • Welsh Sheepdog Trial Results

    July 21st 2006

    CRICCIETH Open 1, G. Owen (Llanerchymedd) Mon Zigi, 8; 2, J.R. Griffith (Talysarn) Moss, 9; 3, G. Edwards (Llantysilio) Lyn, 10; 4, C. Humphreys (Pennal) Jill, 11; 5, R.H. Jones (Llanfechain) Nel, 12; 6, E. Griffith (Waunfawr) Glen, 14. 

  • Winning design ‘confronts the challenges ahead’

    July 21st 2006

    AN organic farm established on land divided from a larger unit has provided the winning entry in the 2006 Royal Welsh Agricultural Society’s Farm Buildings and Works competition – this year confined to Montgomeryshire, the featured county at next week’s Royal Welsh Show.

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