There is a well known saying, 'no pain, no gain' and that will be ringing true in the minds of Milk Link’s 1,600 producers, who are on the brink of reaping just reward for 12 years of loyalty and investment.Farmers Guardian
May 12th 2006
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‘No SPS cuts’ with £39bn draft 2007 CAP budget
May 12th 2006
THE European Commission has proposed a draft budget for the CAP in 2007 of just under £39billion.
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3,300gns peak for Midland South Devons at Stratford
May 12th 2006
SATURDAY’S sale of South Devon cattle for the Midland club, the third at Stratford Market, saw a top of 3,300gns for a bull from Malcolm Broome, Market Harborough, Leicestershire, sold to J.B. Webster Farms, Ormskirk, Lancashire.
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A healthier oil attracts interest from all parties
May 12th 2006
THE opportunity to be involved in developing a healthier oil from UK-grown oilseed rape is attracting interest from both growers and oil users.
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A Vantastic day as two sons of Tonka gross over 50,000gns at Carlisle
May 12th 2006
CHRISTINE Williams and Richard Bartle enjoyed a Vantastic day at Carlisle on Saturday as the first two sons of Wilodge Tonka offered at auction combined to gross over 50,000gns.
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Agency welcomes a new chief executive
May 12th 2006
THE Rural Payments Agency will welcome its third chief executive in just two months next week.
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Aiming to set a new standard
May 12th 2006
A NEW standard in stem canker resistance, together with high yields and no agronomic weaknesses. That is what the breeder is promising of its Recommended List candidate oilseed rape variety, Excel.
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All calves arrive safe and sound at their destinations
11 May 2006
MISSION accomplished and ready to go again – was the verdict of the Anglo European Farmers co-operative’s successful first delivery of British calves to the Continent in 10 years.
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An optimum approach to maximise potential
May 12th 2006
ADOPTING an optimum biomass approach to oilseed rape this coming season will enable growers to maximise their crop’s output potential in terms of gross income according to one seed company.
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Animal Minister imposes more livestock transport restrictions
11 May 2006
FURTHER restrictions on the transport of animals were announced by Animal Health Minister Ben Bradshaw this week.
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Arctic Cat to pounce on ATV market
May 12th 2006
QUAD bike maker Arctic Cat is to set up its own dealer network in the UK, with a range of ATVs that includes diesel, utility and leisure-orientated machines.
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Awareness of need for changes in industry that many were prepared to embrace
May 12th 2006
A BRAND new format for this year’s Agricultural and Rural Affairs Forum meant far greater member participation and a wider range of topics for debate.
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Bank borrowings – a new record
May 12th 2006
AGRICULTURE’S borrowings in the first quarter were at a record £9.5 billion – an increase of 11 per cent year on year according to Bank of England figures released this week.
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Bids to 4,800gns at Hazelwood dispersal sale of British Belgian Blues at Chelford
May 12th 2006
THE dispersal of Doug and Sheila Hazel’s Hazelwood herd of British Belgian Blue cattle, moved up to the Chelford Centre from their home near Luton in Bedfordshire, attracted a huge crowd of breed enthusiasts from all over the UK and Northern Ireland. Many were keen to purchase bloodlines from this herd that has developed so many naturally-calving families.
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Bird flu ‘is under control’
May 12th 2006
AVIAN flu dominated this week’s British Pig and Poultry Fair at the NAC in Stoneleigh, but the message was clear: the situation is under control.
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CAP open day
18 May 2006
A PUBLIC hearing will take place at this year’s Royal Show into the future of the Common Agricultural Policy. The hearing will form part an inquiry by MPs into the Government’s ‘A vision for CAP’ document launched amid much anger from within the farming community in December 2005. The document outlined how the government expected CAP reform to continue the next 10-15 years.
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Celebrating all aspects of Young Farmers
May 12th 2006
FROM fundraising and recruitment drives to singing and dancing, every aspect of Young Farmers was celebrated at the annual convention.
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Chicken industry in trouble
May 12th 2006
THE British chicken industry is not financially sustainable. Worth £3 billion at retail, and the strongest in Europe, it will not survive in the current climate in which producers have experienced continuous downward price pressure while costs like energy and labour have increased, says an NFU report.
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Comply with new waste rules, farmers warned
May 12th 2006
NEW agricultural waste regulations come into force next week and farmers have been warned that they need to comply now, or risk more onerous rules being brought in late
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Confidence for the future
May 12th 2006
SHEEP farming is the one of the few sectors that can ‘wash its face’ without subsidies, and this, coupled with a flourish in the prices of late lambs, gives confidence for the future, said John Taylor, newly appointed director of agriculture for the Bank of Scotland.
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Co-operating brings business benefits
May 12th 2006
In the second of our FG Waitrose Best Young Farmer Producer award finalists series, LIZ FALKINGHAM looks at how one Lancashire farmer is working with other sheep milk producers to deliver an even supply and lower haulage costs for all via a co-operative venture he set up
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Dairy Farmer of the future 2006
May 12th 2006
The search is on for the Dairy Farmer of the Future 2006. Once again we are looking for outstanding young farmers who combine strong technical and business management skills with the determination and vision to build sustainable businesses.
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Defra aims to rid UK of BSE within four years
May 12th 2006
DEFRA confirmed on Wednesday it aimed to eradicate all cases of BSE in the UK within four years, with the Government’s chief vet adding that animals and feed would continue to be monitored until this had happened.
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Demand for Charolais bulls peaks at 5,500gns
May 12th 2006
CHAROLAIS bulls met a strong commercial demand selling to a top of 5,500gns with 49 lots selling to average £2,310 in Dungannon on Monday at the Northern Ireland Charolais Club’s spring show and sale.
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Dont cut inputs on late drilled beet crops
May 12th 2006
SUGAR beet growers in Lincolnshire and Yorkshire have been warned not to cut back on inputs such as fungicides when the crop was drilled late.
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Double top for Limousin breeders at Bristol
May 12th 2006
THE three-hour journey to Bristol Sale Centre was worth it for Jack and James Neale, Launceston, Cornwall, when they hit the top slot for both males and females at the Limousin Society show and sale.
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Farm Holidays that go further - Fishing and walking in Ayrshire
May 12th 2006
Fishing and walking in Ayrshire
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Farm Holidays that go further - Pampering in Somerset
May 12th 2006
Pampering in Somerset
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Farm Holidays that go further - Self-catering accommodation for 10 and bike hire in North Devon
May 12th 2006
Self-catering accommodation for 10 and bike hire in North Devon
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Farm Holidays that go further - Take your horse on holiday in the Peak District
May 12th 2006
Take your horse on holiday in the Peak District
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Farm Holidays that go further - Weekend cooking courses in Herefordshire
May 12th 2006
With a rising number of farms offering holiday accommodation, farmers are increasingly looking to offer more than just a place to stay. SARAH CRIPPS tracks down a selection of farms that now include extra activities in their holiday packages.
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Farm Holidays that go further - Wildlife photography courses in Suffolk
May 12th 2006
Wildlife photography courses in Suffolk
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Fees issue is finally resolved
May 12th 2006
Tense debates, competitions finals and socialising beside the seaside made for another unforgettable annual convention for the National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs. JOANNE PUGH reports from Blackpool.
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Food Standards Agency slated for mature beef confusion
May 12th 2006
CONFUSION over rule changes on the removal of spinal columns from beef carcases aged 24 to 30 months is giving smaller butchery businesses and farm shops a headache – and in some cases posing a threat to their operation.
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Formal request for Defra to deliver part payment in December for 2006 SPS
May 12th 2006
FARMING representatives have asked Defra to deliver part payments in December for the 2006 Single Payment Scheme in England.
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France boosts dairy aid
May 12th 2006
BRUSSELS may frown on aid, but the French Government has ploughed another €10 million – around £7 million – into a scheme to restructure its dairy industry.
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Front end loader removes the need for a dedicated handler
May 12th 2006
Relying on a front end loader means that Jeremy Plank is able to benefit from the multi-tasking features of a tractor, without the need for a dedicated handling machine.
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Good establisment is the key to oilseed growing
May 12th 2006
‘GOOD establishment is key to successful oilseed rape growing’ is the opinion of Mike Jeffes, trials manager for Dalgety Masstock at Throws Farm in Essex.
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Herbicide SOLA for use on maize under plastic
May 12th 2006
A NEW use for the maize herbicide Calaris (mesotrione+ terbuthylazine will help push back the physical boundaries for the crop in marginal areas, and enable growers in less favourable areas to benefit from higher yielding, high-dry matter varieties, it is claimed.
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Hybrids set to become the crop of choice
May 12th 2006
HYBRID oilseed rapes will be favoured over conventionally-bred varieties by growers within just a few years, predicts Dalgety Masstock seed director Barry Barker.
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Jool Holstein Friesians to 1,500gns
May 12th 2006
A large number of buyers attended the dispersal sale of the Jool herd of pedigree Holstein Friesians at Orcop, near Hereford, for Paul Hale.
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Lionel receives unanimous backing as the new president
May 12th 2006
THERE was a unanimous vote and a standing ovation at the annual meeting on Sunday when Lionel Hill was elected as the new YFC president.
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Looking clean as most forward crops have been flowering
May 12th 2006
WINTER oilseed rape crops are looking generally clean but variable so far this season, according to arable consultant, Andrew Wells, The Arable Group.
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Major doubts over chances of success in deadline debate
May 12th 2006
THE UK cannot expect something for nothing from other member countries over its request for an extension of the June 30 Single Payment deadline, Mariann Fischer Boel’s spokesman has warned.
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Many farmers glad to see the back of Beckett
May 12th 2006
FEW tears will have been shed on UK farms over the news of Margaret Beckett’s departure.
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Mascol pipped to the post by son of Jocko Besne, Skalsumer Jorryn
May 12th 2006
AFTER only three months at the top since his February debut, Mascol has been usurped by another bright young thing, Skalsumer Jorryn.
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Miliband’s appointment has been welcomed across the whole of the farming industry
May 12th 2006
IT could have been very different. As he tried to fit deposed and forlorn Home Secretary Charles Clarke somewhere into his Government, Tony Blair offered him the post of Defra Secretary. Mr Clarke turned him down.
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New farm minister speaks out on badgers
17 May 2006
NEWLY appointed food and farming minister Lord Rooker has made his first clear statement on the issue of bovine TB and authorising badger control measures.
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New future for Oswestry Mart
May 12th 2006
OSWESTRY Cattle Auctions, the north Shropshire/Welsh Borders mart operated by a consortium of four auctioneering companies, has a bright new future.
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New pedigrees hit the top Type league
May 12th 2006
IN the purely production league, Skalsumer Jorryn has certainly made his presence felt – but some interesting new pedigrees have also appeared in the top Type listings.
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NFYFC - AGM 2006 at Blackpool
May 12th 2006
Click on the thumbnail to view a larger version of the photoMore picturesPicture Gallery 2 / Picture Gallery 3
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NFYFC - AGM 2006 at Blackpool
May 12th 2006
Click on the thumbnail to view a larger version of the photo
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NFYFC - AGM Picture Gallery 2
May 12th 2006
Click on the picture to see a big version.
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NFYFC - AGM Picture Gallery 3
May 12th 2006
Click on the thumbnail to see a bigger version of the photo
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NSA chief attacks policy hindering sheep industry
May 12th 2006
The crowds flocked to Easy Sheep, on Friday, as leading industry figures and companies convened at the event at Sandlands Farm, Frisby on the Wreake, Leicestershire. With organisations such as the British Charollais Sheep Society, Lleyn Society, Eblex and the National Sheep Association all involved, it showcased what the sheep industry had to offer. BEN BRIGGS reports.
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Oats are not a no-input crop
May 12th 2006
GROWERS with oats in the rotation risk not achieving specific weights if input requirements are ignored, according to Lancashire agronomist John Cairns.
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OFT groceries referral puts spotlight on supermarkets
May 12th 2006
THE power of the supermarkets is to come under the microscope following the Office of Fair Trading’s decision to refer the ‘supply of groceries by retailers’ to the Competition Commission.
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Pedigree HF dispersal sale to 1,600gns at Usk
May 12th 2006
AT the dispersal sale of the Llansoy herd of pedigree Holstein Friesians for Gwyn and Harry Rowlands, Usk, Monmouthshire, prices peaked at 1,600gns with 24 cattle making four figure prices.
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Power to the people – of Caerfai Farm
May 12th 2006
BARRY ALSTON reports from an organic dairy farm just oozing with its own energy sources.
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Prioritise spraying set-aside can wait
May 12th 2006
DO not worry about set-aside spraying. Prioritise your foliar fungicides, PGRs and herbicides in this spring’s particularly tight spraying window. Your set-aside can easily wait for its treatment. Indeed, it will probably be all the better for the delay.
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Pushing out the boat for the N-series
May 12th 2006
Launched last year the N-Series has appeared to creep in under the radar to a large extent. But with the first models now reaching farmers in the UK, we got a chance to look at the four-cylinder range in more detail. Mervyn Bailey reports.
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Relief: 730m part payments are delivered
May 12th 2006
– and SPS deadline is put back two weeks. Thirty-one thousand farmers in England should have received partial payments worth a total of £730million by the end of today.
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Rooker back into the Cabinet fold in botched reshuffle
May 12th 2006
A FAR-REACHING Ministerial reshuffle, that has left Defra with only one survivor from last week, descended into chaos when the new Farming Minister left after five days.
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Rural Cultural Summit
18 May 2006
FARMERS are invited to an event on Tuesday May 23 in London to discuss opportunities for the arts and culture in rural areas of England.
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Schools’ food and farming initiative
May 12th 2006
PLANS are underway for a food and farming year across every school in England and Wales.
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Six remain in top 10 in latest proof run
11 May 2006
By Alison Maddrell, Holstein UK
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Smoked salmon business featured on small-scale food producer TV series
May 12th 2006
A new television series looking at small-scale food producers is to feature Farmers Guardian Eastern Counties edition and Arable Farming editor Dominic Kilburn and his hobby business producing smoked salmon.
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Switch to using one large forager to meet with declining trend in livestock
May 12th 2006
With foragers now being able to clear 200 acres a day, there is greater pressure on the machine at the clamp to stop a bottleneck to output. But it is not just a case of shoving trailer loads of grass out of the way if quality silage is to be made, greater care is required. Mervyn Bailey looks at the various methods that contractors are putting into practice.
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T range gives more to the fore
May 12th 2006
CHILTON has introduced the MX Technic T range of front end loaders that have cleaner lines and improved performance statistics.
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Take cover in changing times
May 12th 2006
Farmers need to be ‘insurance aware’
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The Beckett Years
May 12th 2006
‘This fiasco will be a significant blot on her record’ – NFU
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The first meaningful supplies after a tough spring season
May 12th 2006
WEATHERWISE it has been one of the hardest spring growing seasons for some years – but the first meaningful supplies of Pembrokeshire early potatoes should be heading for the supermarket shelves in time for the weekend trade.
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Time to capitalise on the novelty and be brutally honest about farming
May 12th 2006
A friend of mine is fond of a quote from Janet Daley, columnist and leader writer: “What matters in politics is not what happens, but what you can make people believe has happened.”
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Two home-bred bulls share 4,700gns leading price at Dolgellau Welsh Blacks
May 12th 2006
BUYERS headed for Dolgellau and the Welsh Black Cattle Society’s spring pedigree breeding sale, on Friday. Sharing the top price of 4,700gns were two young home-bred bulls, Penwernhir Rhos 2 and Neuadd Hebog 179.
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Up-to-date sheep records must be kept
May 12th 2006
SHEEP identification and cross compliance were among the major issues discussed at Easy Sheep by NFU livestock adviser Alastair Johnston, who stressed the need for clear and up-to-date sheep licences and farm records.
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What happens at the clamp is more important than in the field for quality
May 12th 2006
Yorkshire-based David Adamson says that his customers are more concerned with what is happening at the clamp than in the field in order to get the best quality silage.
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Woollen spinning mill fills the gap for small batch fleeces
May 12th 2006
A NEW woollen spinning mill being set up in Mid Wales at Brecon, Powys, is set to fill the gap in the UK market for a processor capable of dealing individually with small batches of fleeces.