We are urgently developing research requirements with other European laboratories to make sure we understand and the disease (Schmallenberg) better.Farmers Guardian
March 5, 2010
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€10,000 tops Limousin Society sale trade at Roscrea
March 5, 2010
The Irish Limousin Society 2010 sales kicked off at Roscrea mart, Co. Tipperary, on Monday, with a bumper entry of 137 males and 44 females.
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A little bit of New Zealand on the West Sussex downs
March 5, 2010
The devastating foot-and-mouth outbreak in 2001 may be an unlikely source of inspiration, but for Chris and Caroline Hodgkins it was a blessing in disguise. William Surman visits West Sussex to discover why.
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Agriculture in the national news - March 1
1 March 2010
A DAILY look at how agriculture has caught the headlines across the nation (Monday, March 1).
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Agriculture in the national news - March 2
2 March 2010
A DAILY look at how agriculture has caught the headlines across the nation (Tuesday, March 2).
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Agriculture in the national news - March 3
3 March 2010
A DAILY look at how agriculture has caught the headlines across the country (Wednesday, March 3).
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Agriculture in the national news - March 4
4 March 2010
A DAILY look at how agriculture has caught the headlines across the nation (Thursday, March 4).
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Agriculture in the national news - March 5
5 March 2010
A DAILY look at how agriculture has caught the headlines across the nation (Friday, March 5).
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Annual meadow-grass treatment a priority
March 5, 2010
Well-established populations of annual meadow-grass will need priority treatment this spring. Following the withdrawal of IPU, the mainstay of grass-weed control for many years, growers and advisers alike are trying to find new solutions for the control of annual meadow-grass.
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Aphid pressure could hit OSR yields
2 March 2010
APHID pressure in key areas last autumn looks set to suppress yields this season in some oilseed rape crops. Pre-Christmas tests for turnip yellows virus (TuYV) confirm levels were very high in a number of crops.
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Arla's strong performance in tough dairy market
5 March 2010
A STRONG performance by Arla UK’s key brands including Lurpak, Cravendale and Anchor, contributed to the business’s 2009 turnover of £1.5 billion.
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Askham Bryan College promises a solid start in agriculture
March 5, 2010
For young farmers looking for a solid grounding in agriculture, Askham Bryan College in York is certainly a place to start.
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Assessment of lameness risks offered in UK
March 5, 2010
An assessment of lameness risks on dairy farms, developed by Zinpro Corporation and Wisconsin University, USA, is now being offered by Kite consultants in the UK.
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ATV sales down in 2009
March 5, 2010
Sales of agricultural ATV’s and quads fell from 2008 levels by 4.7 per cent last year the laetest AEA figures reveal.
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Auction mart round-up - March 5
March 5, 2010
OUR weekly glance around the nation’s marts.
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Badger Trust branded 'ridiculous' by ex-Defra advisor
5 March 2010
THE Badger Trust has been accused of making ‘ridiculous’ claims over the suffering of badgers affected by bovine TB (bTB).
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Benn finally caves in over SPS compensation payments
5 March 2010
DEFRA Secretary Hilary Benn has finally agreed to compensate two farmers for the ‘stress anxiety and financial impact’ suffered as result of delayed Single Payments.
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Bioethanol plant major boost to UK farmers
3 March 2010
THE first tanker of sustainably produced bioethanol was dispatched from Europe’s largest wheat bio-refinery on Teeside this week.
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Blue bulls semen now available online
March 5, 2010
A website which has offered 70 Limousins since January 2009, now has 19 Blue bulls, too.
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Bovine TB is a constant in NFU Cymru deputy president's life
March 5, 2010
Barry Alston went to meet the new NFU Cymru deputy president on his farm where living with bovine TB has been a constant for nearly 20 years.
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Broadband campaign reaches out to UK’s ‘final third’
5 March 2010
A NATIONAL broadband campaign has been launched to lobby the Government to provide adequate and effective broadband access for the ‘final third’ of the UK which is still without a proper service.
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Charity Horses for loan
2 March 2010
A leading international horse charity is appealing for potential borrowers to come forward to offer homes to rehabilitated horses and ponies at its Somerset recovery and rehabilitation centre.
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Cheviot champion makes £300 at Dingwall
March 5, 2010
Main and Hill Register championships.
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Cibus granted patent for glyphosate-tolerant plants
2 March 2010
CROP trait development business Cibus Global has been granted a patent from the European Patent Office for use of its Rapid Trait Development System in the production of non-transgenic, glyphosate-tolerant plants destined for the European market.
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Claas establishes UK-wide RTK network
2 March 2010
CLAAS has announced that it has invested in its own RTK network, with the aim of providing farmers with cost effective signal through a series of aerials across the UK having identified key locations to gain the best coverage.
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Colostrum management system allows individual calf doses
March 5, 2010
A colostrum management system, developed by G. Shepherd Animal Health, allows pasteuriser machines to process, store and feed individual calf doses of a farmers own colostrum.
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Committee calls for clarity over agri-environment scheme
3 March 2010
THE Welsh Assembly Government is being taken to task by members of a key all-party Assembly sub committee and asked to clarify several outstanding issues before introducing its groundbreaking Glastir agri-environment scheme.
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Co-op turkeys get welfare boost
5 March 2010
THE Co-operative is rolling out its higher-welfare Elmwood standard to all its fresh plain own-brand turkey products, as part of its ongoing commitment to animal welfare.
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Cranfield Agri-Farm scholarship opens
5 March 2010
NEW applicants are being sought for the £31,000 MBA Agri-Farm Scholarship
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Dairy farmers to receive 0.2ppl handout
4 March 2010
DAIRY farmers across Britain are to receive a 0.2ppl bonus after Defra and the devolved governments confirmed details of how they would pay out the £26 million EU Dairy Fund.
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Defra and FSA call for CCTV to be installed in UK abattoirs
4 March 2010
DEFRA and the Food Standards Agency (FSA) are calling for all UK abattoirs to install CCTV cameras to ensure operators comply with food safety and animal welfare legislation.
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Don’t rush into building slurry storage
March 5, 2010
PLANNING new or extended slurry storage to meet the NVZ regulations? Find out why the Environment Agency is urging farmers to check out their plans before starting building work.
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EID tags fit flush for improved retention
March 5, 2010
By incorporating an EID transponder into the pin of its bubblegum tags, Allflex is offering an electronic tag which sits flush to the ear, improving retention.
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English sheepdog trial results - March 2
March 5, 2010
For the week ending March 2, 2010.
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Equestrian Offers - Win a Barbour welly boot bag
4 March 2010
Win a Barbour welly boot bag with Farmers Guardian equestrian offers.
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EU approves first GM crop in 12 years
2 March 2010
THE European Commission has authorised a genetically modified crop for cultivation in the EU for the first time in 12 years.
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Farmer awaits decision on bid to upstage Tesco
3 March 2010
A NORFOLK farmer will find out tomorrow (Thursday, March 4) if he has been successful in his bid to halt plans to build a Tesco in his town, after he submitted a rival proposal to the local council.
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Farmer defeats Tesco in supermarket battle
5 March 2010
A NORFOLK farmer has persuaded local councillors to reject a bid from supermarket giant Tesco in favour of his own application to a build a store in his local town.
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Farmers can save £260 on pesticide disposals
4 March 2010
FARMERS can save more than £260 by making an application for Groundwater Authorisation for the disposal of pesticide washings before April 1, The Voluntary Initiative has advised.
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Farmers must be stronger on grain marketing
8 March 2010
ARABLE farmers should do their homework and take a stronger stance on grain marketing, Andrew Dewing told delegates to the Norfolk Farming Conference in Norwich.
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February 2010 winners
3 March 2010
THE winner of the February caption competition is Mr G Hughes from Llandrindon Wells, Powys with this entry:
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FG blogger wins talent spotting competition
3 March 2010
FARMERS Guardian’s equestrian blogger, Rowan Caley has won a national para dressage competition to spot new talent.
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FG launches new CropWorld arable event
4 March 2010
AN international crop production conference will bring the world’s leading arable experts to London this year.
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Fighting to keep rural spirit alive in country communities
March 5, 2010
The waiting list for affordable homes in the countryside is soaring, banks remain cautious and lending is still limited. Clemmie Gleeson asks if enough is being done to keep rural residents from upping sticks.
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Firm's grass seed operation to expand into England and Wales
March 5, 2010
Having been selling own-brand grass seed in parts of Scotland since April 2008, the Denis Brinicombe Group has decided to extend sales through Scotland, England and Wales.
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Fluke and worm drench for spring and autumn
March 5, 2010
A COMBINATION fluke and worm drench for sheep has been launched by Pfizer Animal Health following the acquisition of Fort Dodge.
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Food inflation falls to record low
4 March 2010
FOOD inflation has fallen to its lowest level since the figure was first recorded over three years ago on the back of ‘fierce competition’ in the grocery sector.
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Foot care crucial in fight to reduce infection
March 5, 2010
A consistent foot-care programme will reduce infection pressure on the herd, reduce treatment costs, reduce replacement costs and result in more milk and better fertility, says Inge van der Linden, of Ecolab.
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Fourth calf cow tops Western Holstein Club sale at 4,000gns
March 5, 2010
Milky heifers meet with strong demand
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Global influences on fertiliser market forces
March 5, 2010
China and the Ukraine have biggest impact on fertiliser prices.
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Graham's The Family Dairy launches 1pc organic milk
March 5, 2010
Stirlingshire-based business’ new organic milk will be available in 380 Sainsbury’s stores from this week.
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Grain volumes up at Wessex
March 5, 2010
Operating profit more than £150,000 and ahead of five year average.
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Growing less maize cuts impact on soil
March 5, 2010
In an bid to produce a high quality crop and better look after the soil, Mark Roach is reducing his maize crop from 429ha (1,060 acres) to 229ha (567 acres) this year.
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Have your say on National Park extension plan
4 March 2010
WITH just two weeks to go to the end of the three-month consultation on proposals to extend the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales National Parks, Natural England is encouraging people from across the country to voice their views.
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Herefordshire Cattle Society's Carlisle show sees bulls at 2,500gns
March 5, 2010
THE Hereford Cattle Society’s early spring show and sale at Carlisle saw prices peak at 2,500gns for bulls.
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High lifetime yielding cows are a way of life in Cornwall
March 5, 2010
Following an article in FG about lifetime dairy yield (LDY), Joanne Pugh went to see Tresemple Rebecca 18 – a pedigree Holstein bred by Paul Richards that has averaged 27.09 litres of milk for every day since she was born 12 years ago.
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Hoekstra appointed as World Class Performance Manager for Showjumping
2 March 2010
Rob Hoekstra has been appointed as the World Class Performance Manager for showjumping, with immediate effect.
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HSBC appoints new head of agriculture
1 March 2010
HSBC Agriculture has appointed Allan Wilkinson as it’s new head of agriculture.
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Impact-resistant 450-litre calf feeder
March 5, 2010
With a 450-litre capacity and 50 teats, the Stallion Trailed calf feeder is available from KiwiKit.
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Increased DM content with less fertiliser use
March 5, 2010
Adding Envirosystems’ SlurryBooster and SlurryBugs to slurry tanks can help farmers reduce fertiliser use and increase DM levels in grass silage.
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Index of High Creoch hits a 2,400gns peak at Carlisle
March 5, 2010
Galloway cattle sold to 2,400gns at Carlisle last week and top price was paid for an April 2008-born bull, Index of High Creoch, consigned by G. and K. Gilligan, Gatehouse of Fleet, Kirkcudbrightshire.
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Intensive agriculture is the green option
5 March 2010
A WELSH think-tank has recommended intensive dairy, beef and sheep farming as the best way to reduce agriculture’s greenhouse gas emissions.
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Investing in the future of dairying
March 5, 2010
New Fullwood parlour, cattle sheds and an innovative outlook help the Awde family build a future in dairying.
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JCB Groundhog offers easier steering
2 March 2010
For those who find steering a bit more of a chore than they would like, JCB has announced that its Groundhog 4x4 utility vehicle can now be specified with the option of electric power assisted steering (EPAS).
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John Deere to fit Cesar Datatag system
3 March 2010
Hot on the heels of Finning last week, John Deere has announced that it will commence fitting the Cesar Datatag system to all Mannheim-built tractors.
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John Rees and Floss take indoor victory at Pontrhydfendigaid
March 5, 2010
THE second indoor trial, staged on Saturday at the National Pavilion of Wales, Pontrhydfendigaid, was won by John Rees from St Dogmaels, with Floss.
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Join stewardship schemes to keep voluntary approach
March 5, 2010
Farmer buying group AtlasFram’s arable conference focused on environmental stewardship, fertiliser supply and global food production challenges. Dominic Kilburn reports.
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Keep forage supplements away from badgers
March 5, 2010
A cattle feeder to keep forage supplements out of the reach of badgers has been developed by Rumenco for use with its blocks, buckets and tubs.
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Krone launches a new website
March 5, 2010
Leeds-based Krone UK has launched a new website, dedicated to supporting both new and existing customers, plus its UK dealer network, and will inform of product launches and updates.
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Lambs born with bluetongue immunity
March 5, 2010
Lambs born to bluetongue-vaccinated ewes have at least 14 weeks immunity to the disease, according to trials carried out by the Institute of Animal Health (IAH).
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Lancaster dairy sale tops 2,700gns
March 5, 2010
Holsteins entry averages more than £2,000.
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Leek’s half-century festivity sees prices peak at £2,800
March 5, 2010
A DAIRY sale to mark 50 years of trading at Leek auction saw prices rise to £2,800 for champion heifer, Sterndale Talent Gloria.
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Limousin sets a stores cattle centre record at Bentham
March 5, 2010
BENTHAM Auction saw a new centre record price for store cattle achieved at Tuesday’s March show and sale of store cattle sponsored by Farmers Guardian.
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Look out for tell-tale signs of problems when foaling
March 5, 2010
With spring almost here, many mare owners are looking forward to the arrival of their foals, but for the inexperienced, it can be a daunting time. Kate Thompson of vets Hird and Partners, Halifax, offers some advice.
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Low interest rates offer rare expansion opportunity
March 5, 2010
UNUSUALLY, with the short-term cost of money temporarily below the income yield from farming assets, there is a window of opportunity for farm expansion.
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Lunesdale takes best price and championship
March 5, 2010
Bluefaced Leicesters peak at £900.
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Maize silage a good finishing ration
March 5, 2010
A RATION of up to 75 per cent maize silage was just as effective for finishing dairy-bred bulls as a barley mix, said Simon Marsh, senior lecturer in beef production at Harper Adams University College, Shropshire.
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Making NVZ compliance easier
March 5, 2010
The Environment Agency is urging farmers to check out their plans before starting building work.
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Manufacturers pull plug on cypermethrin sheep dips
3 March 2010
CYPERMETHRIN sheep dips will not be returning to the market following their suspension four years ago, manufacturers have confirmed.
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March 2010 winners
5 March 2010
THE winner of the March 2010 caption competition was Mr R. Falconer from Penarth, South Glamorgan.
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Marshall ready-mix with rhizobium inoculant Dormal
March 5, 2010
Limagrain UK is selling Marshall ready-mixed with the rhizobium inoculant Dormal.
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McConnel throws its doors open
March 5, 2010
CELEBRATING 75 years of manufacturing, McConnel opened its doors to visitors all last week at its Ludlow, Shropshire base for the company’s annual open days.
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McCormick brings back MTX150 model
3 March 2010
FOR those who missed McCormick’s MTX150 model, it is now back in the company’s lineup thanks to the availability of a suitable Tier 3 engine.
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Meat Hygiene Service dissolves into FSA
3 March 2010
THE Meat Hygiene Service (MHS) will be dissolved and its staff and functions will form part of a new Food Standards Agency (FSA) Operations Group from April 1, it has been confirmed.
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Meditate with cows for £800
2 March 2010
STRESSED Dutch businessmen are paying up to £800 to lie on a bed of straw and meditate with cows.
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'Mega dairy' farmers hit back at welfare critics
5 March 2010
THE farmers behind controversial plans for an 8,100-cow ‘mega dairy’ in Lincolnshire have accused their critics of using ‘unfounded and baseless’ claims to try and undermine the project.
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MEP vows to defend CAP budget
2 March 2010
A SCOTTISH MEP will battle against CAP budget cuts ahead of crucial talks to decide future agricultural policy.
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MGA 2010: Good soil husbandry vital to help prevent run-off from maize
March 5, 2010
Growing maize while considering the environment, as well as weed control and eyespot, were discussed at the Maize Growers Association’s annual conference. Joanne Pugh reports from the Royal Agricultural College, Cirencester.
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MGA 2010: No need for bagged N in maize crops
March 5, 2010
MAIZE can be grown without any bagged fertiliser, said MGA agronomist Simon Draper, as slurry can be spread up until the eight-leaf stage and even umbilical systems can be used up to the four-leaf stage.
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MGA 2010: Research vital to lessen the impact of weeds under plastic
March 5, 2010
WITH a lot of maize grown under plastic in the Republic of Ireland, Teagasc agronomist and advisor Tim O’Donovan said research into weed control products was very important.
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MGA 2010: Yields not badly affected by frost
March 5, 2010
WORRYING less about frost and drilling earlier would give maize growers, and the environment a boost, said Mr Draper at the Maize Growers Association’s (MGA) annual conference.
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MGA2010: Spray maize late to head off eyespot
March 5, 2010
SPRAYING with flusilazole as late as possible was the best way to head off the detrimental effects of eyespot to maize, said Mr O’Donovan.
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Milking for profit: Every extra pregnancy pays
March 5, 2010
READ our Milking For Profit special feature with all the latest news and technical advice for dairy farmers as well as features on new on-farm initiatives helping to boost dairy farmers’ profits.
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More refined cab for Massey Ferguson 8900 Xtra series
March 5, 2010
MASSEY Ferguson’s 8900 Xtra telehandler range has been updated to include a new cab and a more ergonomic layout, aimed at providing more comfort for operators.
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Morrisons expands Farm Programme to include cheese
4 March 2010
MORRISONS has joined forces with First Milk to improve sustainability in the British cheese supply chain.
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MPs urged to support supermarket ombudsman Bill
5 March 2010
A PRIVATE Members Bill to establish a grocery market ombudsman will be discussed by MPs today (Friday, March 5).
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New head for John Innes Centre
2 March 2010
ONE of the world’s leading centres of excellence in plant science, the John Innes Centre, has announced Professor Dale Sanders as its new Director and Chief Executive.
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New tank mix to combat yellow rust
9 March 2010
A new fungicide tank mix option is aimed at providing winter wheat growers with a cost-effective way to boost fungicide activity and target this year’s heightened yellow rust threat.
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One stop for getting aboard the IsoBus
March 5, 2010
Nieuw-Vennep, Holland is home to the Kverneland Group’s Mechatronics control system technology department. JAMES LANE reports on the firm’s latest innovation in the world of IsoBus control.
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OSR growers must improve precision
March 5, 2010
O?ilseed rape growers must be more precise in their nitrogen fertilisation this spring to avoid compromising returns.
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Palatable fibre key to spring intakes in ruminants
March 5, 2010
Lush spring grass needs balancing to improve rumen function and maintain milk yields and quality.
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Parasite control products at the double
March 5, 2010
There are two new parasite control products are available from Downland Marketing.
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Peak herd dispersal tops 4,200gns
March 5, 2010
Trade brisk for cows all six to eight months in-calf.
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Pedigree dairy cows peak at 2,500gns at Carlisle
March 5, 2010
Wormanby Final Cut Princess and Cormick Jasper Roxy lead the way.
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Pigs a big draw in Cockermouth sale
March 5, 2010
Auctioneers’ first pig sale in almost 10 years.
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Planning levy threat to barn conversions
March 5, 2010
New emerging planning policy in Shropshire could see the end to barn conversion schemes on many farms.
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Processors do not appreciate the value of milk price
5 March 2010
MILK processors are failing to grasp the importance of milk price to their farmers, claims Nick Holt-Martyn, director of The Dairy Group.
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Quick and thorough identification of mastitis-causing bacteria
March 5, 2010
By using a new technique to identify mastitis-causing bacteria, National Milk Laboratories (NML) – part of the NMR group – says it can now identify nearly twice as many pathogens and in hours rather than days.
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Research shows positive role for NSAIDS in mastitis control
March 5, 2010
A trial in New Zealand suggests treatment with a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) can reduce cell counts and culling rates when given alongside antibiotics to treat clinical mastitis.
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Robertson takes £3,800 top and five titles
March 5, 2010
Pedigree bulls hit 10,000gns record
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Rural housing case study: Shropshire
March 5, 2010
TACKLING the need for affordable rural housing led Shropshire County Council to completely revise its planning policy and structure.
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Save on expensive feed by adopting cake-to-yield method
March 5, 2010
While milk yield per cow has increased slightly since 2000, milk from forage has dropped significantly, something Duncan Rose, chief technical officer of Carrs Billington, believes is cause for concern.
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Scottish sheepdog trial results - March 2
March 5, 2010
For the week ending March 2, 2010.
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SCR technology for New Holland
March 5, 2010
New Holland has come up with their own solution to meet Tier 4a engine emission requirements.
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Sheepdog trials diary - March 6
March 5, 2010
Events coming up from March 6, 2010.
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Small farms lose out over dairy rescue package
5 March 2010
THE Welsh Assembly has been slammed for failing to give small-scale dairy farmers a fair slice of the EU’s €3.5 million (£3.2m) dairy rescue package.
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Students study: Daniel Hird and Jessica Robinson
March 5, 2010
Two second year students at Askham Bryan College tell us about their experiences studying for a degree in agriculture and land management.
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Targeting feed efficiency for lower costs
March 5, 2010
There is considerable scope for dairy farmers to improve feed efficiency, says Derek Gardner, national dairy consultant for Promar International.
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Tesco denies claims it advised consumers to go vegetarian
4 March 2010
SUPERMARKET giant Tesco has denied it is advising customers to go vegetarian in order to cut their carbon footprint.
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Tim takes double Fylde title with Bob and Kim
March 5, 2010
IT was Tim Longton’s day at Fylde on Saturday – after winning the trial with Bob he went forward to take the championship title with Kim.
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Time for action against wheat bulb fly
9 March 2010
WHEAT bulb fly egg hatch is now fully underway in Cambridgeshire and Suffolk, with some plant invasion taking place. Egg-hatch has also been detected in East Yorkshire.
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Tines changing for Weaving drill
March 5, 2010
Weaving Machinery’s popular tine drill will now feature four rows instead of the three previously fitted, it has been announced.
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Trio of new fertiliser grades aim to aid efficiency
March 5, 2010
Three new fertiliser grades have been launched.
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Wales extends young entrants scheme
2 March 2010
THE Wales-based Young Entrants Support Scheme (YESS) is being widened further to accept joint applications from eligible young entrants taking over as ‘head of holding’ in family farm businesses.
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Welfare group attacks 'megadairy' plans
1 March 2010
A LEADING animal rights group has launched a campaign to oppose plans to build an 8,000 cow dairy farm in Lincolnshire.
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Welsh farmers call for changes in rural policy
5 March 2010
FARMING leaders in Wales are demanding action in the wake of a Wales Rural Observatory report on ‘Deep Rural Localities’.
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Welsh lamb exports hit £100m
4 March 2010
EXPORTS of Welsh lamb have smashed through the £100 million mark with the latest statistics for 2009 climbing to £109.1 million pounds - compared with £91.8 million in 2008.
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Welsh sheepdog trial results - March 2
March 5, 2010
For the week ending March 2, 2010.
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Whitebred Shorthorn Parton Vintage shines at Carlisle
March 5, 2010
An entry of six Whitebred Shorthorn bulls were forward at Carlisle last week and sold to a top price of 2,600gns.
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William and Andrew Cowx: Planning issues for lambing and building are concentrating the mind
March 5, 2010
IT remains cold here but it has been dry and the days have been very pleasant until this morning when we had five inches of snow.
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Window for sugar beet drilling opens
March 5, 2010
Drilling for the 2010 sugar beet crop will get underway next week if drier weatehr is forecast, believes British Sugar.
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Winter barley needs N now
March 5, 2010
Late February/early March is the best time to apply the first top dressing of Nitram to winter barley, provided ground conditions are suitable.
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World demand boosts fertiliser prices
4 March 2010
INPUT prices have increased by 2 per cent in the past six months after a short period of deflation - mostly due to the increasing cost of fertiliser caused by rising world demand.
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Yellow rust returns despite cold snap
2 March 2010
SYMPTOMS of yellow rust infection are reported to be re-emerging in wheat crops following the cold spell.