We are urgently developing research requirements with other European laboratories to make sure we understand and the disease (Schmallenberg) better.Farmers Guardian
May 21, 2010
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‘Local farmer’ becomes latest Defra appointment
14 May 2010
NEWBURY MP Richard Benyon, who describes himself as a ‘local farmer and businessman’, has been appointed as a Defra Minister.
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Advantage of zero cultivation
May 21, 2010
ONLY around six per cent of UK combinable crops are direct drilled, according to estimates.
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Advice for farmers filling out SPS forms
14 May 2010
The RPA has issued advice to farmers ahead of the May 17 SPS deadline:
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Agriculture in the national news - May 17
17 May 2010
A DAILY look at how agriculture has hit the headlines across the country (Monday, May 17).
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Agriculture in the national news - May 19
19 May 2010
A DAILY look at how agriculture has caught the headlines across the country (Wednesday, May 19).
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Agriculture in the national news - May 21
21 May 2010
A DAILY look at how agriculture has caught the headlines across te country (Friday, May 21).
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Agriculture in the national news (May 20)
20 May 2010
A DAILY round-up of how agriculture has hit the headlines across the country (Thursday, May 20).
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Agri-environment schemes
19 May 2010
THERE are a number of agri-environment schemes in operation throughout England, Scotland and Wales. Find out more about how the schemes work and where you can apply for funding.
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Alistair Butler wins innovation award
May 21, 2010
THE winner of the innovation award at this year’s Pig and Poultry event, a competition inviting young people to suggest marketing concepts for pig and poultry products, went to Alastair Butler from Halesworth, Suffolk.
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All corrected RLR maps now out - RPA
14 May 2010
EVERY Single Payment applicant in England will have received confirmatory Rural Land Registry maps ahead of Monday’s (May 17) SPS deadline, according to the Rural Payments Agency (RPA).
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Alternative water sources save money
May 21, 2010
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Anaerobic digesters an attractive farm option
May 21, 2010
Barry Alston reports from the first in a series of renewable energy demonstration days - part of the Welsh Assembly-funded Farming Connect climate change development programme.
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Beat mastitis before serving cows
May 21, 2010
THE link between mastitis and fertility highlights the importance of accurate mastitis detection, evaluation and treatment, says vet Matthew Burge of Norfolk-based Chapelfield Vets.
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Beef carcase evaluation must meet consumer demands
May 21, 2010
BEEF farmers should ‘think of beef as a meal rather than a commodity’, said Cameron Craigie, a PhD student from Massey University, New Zealand, who is half way through a three-year trial looking at adding value to Scottish beef.
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Bio-ethanol co-products could bring feed savings
May 21, 2010
New bio-ethanol co-product feeds will be a welcome alternative to imported soyabean meal and US maize gluten, bringing potential savings of 10p per cow per day, says Trident technical manager Michael Marsden. But he warns the new feeds need to be put ‘into context’.
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Biofuels
18 May 2010
FIND out more about biofuels, how they are regulated in the UK and in the EU and what potential they offer as a viable alternative to traditional fuels.
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Biogas could bring stable earnings
May 21, 2010
A 20-year pricing guarantee for output and the potential to recoup investment in 10 years may sound too good to be true, but it might not be, according to speakers at last week’s Biogas Seminar in Cirencester. However, the road to biogas riches is littered with obstacles.
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Black Welsh Mountain Sheep Breeders Association secretary
May 21, 2010
THE Black Welsh Mountain Sheep Breeders Association has appointed Fiona Sloan as breed secretary.
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Boosting milk quality to drive profit
May 21, 2010
Managing five dairy farms and more than 1,000 cows poses significant challenges, but award-winning Denhay Farms in Dorset is doing that - and more. Jane Brown reports.
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Bovine TB (bTB)
19 May 2010
BOVINE TB is one of the biggest issues facing the industry today. A devisive issue among politicians, farmers and animal welfare groups, it is one the new Government has vowed to tackle. Find out more about bovine TB, it’s spread and what is being done to control its spread in the UK.
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Bpex calls for rise in productivity
May 21, 2010
THE British Pig Executive (Bpex) laid down the gauntlet for UK pig farmers, urging them to average 2,000kg of pig meat per sow per year by 2012.
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British Blue Cheggers draws bids to 16,000gns
May 21, 2010
TOP call at the Border British Blue Club’s spring show and sale at Carlisle was 16,000gns with another six bulls breaking the five-figure barrier.
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British Showjumping's board resigns
20 May 2010
THE Executive Board members of British Showjumping (BSJA) have announced that they have agreed to stand down in favour of forming a Sporting Council.
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Budget cuts loom over Defra
20 May 2010
CHANCELLOR George Osborne will spell out how he intends to make billions of pounds worth of Government spending cuts next Monday (May 24).
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Case CVX reverse drive tractor aids controlled traffic regime
May 21, 2010
A novel approach to removing big bale straw in a controlled traffic regime has been found by one Yorkshire contractor.
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Cattle price slide blamed on supply
May 21, 2010
Prime cattle prices continue to disappoint given that early year predictions pointed to continuing tight domestic supplies and steady consumption.
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Changing perceptions of pig and poultry farming
May 21, 2010
Catch up on all the news from this year’s Pig and Poultry event at the Royal Showground, Stoneleigh.
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Climate change
18 May 2010
IN February 2010, an industry survey found nearly 40 per cent of farmers in England said they were already affected by climate change and nearly 60 per cent expected to be affected in the next 10 years. Find out more about climate change and what you can do on-farm to help reduce your impact.
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Clydesdale appoints a new ag man
20 May 2010
CLYDESDALE and Yorkshire Banks have a new head of agribusiness.
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Coalition Government sets out farm policies
20 May 2010
THE coalition Government has outlined plans to cut red tape on farms, introduce a badger cull in TB hotspot and share the responsibility for animal disease policy.
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Crimping with the best preservative
May 21, 2010
Crimping can give dairy farmers considerable advantages.
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Dairy Crest profits rise
18 May 2010
DAIRY Crest made £83.5million adjusted pre-tax profit in the year to March 31 – an increase of five per cent.
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Dal-Bo grows in the UK
May 21, 2010
Steve Atkin has become UK Sales Manager for Danish machinery manufacturer Dal-Bo A/S’ new sales and service centre, based in Aylsham, Norfolk. The new centre will open in June.
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Defra gives go-ahead to Sainsbury lab's GM potato trial
21 May 2010
DEFRA has given the green light to the Sainsbury Laboratory to conduct a research trial this year of GM potatoes.
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Effects of farms tax changes are unclear
May 21, 2010
The impact of government change on taxation measures particularly affecting farms and estates remains unclear.
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Environmentally friendly approach to sheep scab
May 21, 2010
THE development of a non-chemical, environmentally friendly product to control sheep scab is the project of Sarah Hall, a SAC PhD student in parasitology.
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Equine Laminitis
18 May 2010
Laminitis is a common problem affecting horses, ponies and donkeys. Serious cases can reduce a horse’s usefulness or even result in the horse being put down.
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EU pesticide rules threaten African exports
17 May 2010
NEW laws to restrict the use of pesticides in Europe could impact heavily on developing world exports, a leading British expert has warned.
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European farmers oppose Mercosur talks
17 May 2010
EUROPEAN agricultural and co-operative organisations’ leaders have added their opposition to the re-opening of trade talks with Mercosur.
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Farmgate milk prices
19 May 2010
FIND out how milk prices are determined, how the market developed and keep up to date with all the latest news on farmgate prices around the UK.
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Farming Offers - 5 family tickets for the Great Yorkshire Show
20 May 2010
Win 5 family tickets for this year’s Great Yorkshire Show with Farmers Guardian offers.
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Fernihough dispersal sale peaks at 1,800gns
May 21, 2010
PRICES peaked at 1,800gns as the commercial herd of Holstein Friesians from Fernihough Brothers, Bewdley, Worcestershire were dispersed.
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Focusing on quality sheep stock
May 21, 2010
With less than a fortnight until Scotsheep 2010, Claire Powell meets host farmers Douglas and Lynda Graham, who will be welcoming visitors to Mains of Burnbank Farm, a mixed enterprise of sheep and pedigree Limousins near Stirling.
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Funding available for dairy improvement
May 21, 2010
UP to 100 dairy farmers in the East Midlands can access 80 per cent funding for Dairy Improvement Plans through the newly formed East Midlands Dairy Improvement Programme.
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Gamekeeper's wife creates snapshot of our time
May 21, 2010
A life-changing illness prompted Mel Shand to create history and capture the memories and spirit of her local community – and demand for more just wouldn’t stop growing. BOB DOW meets the lady behind the lens.
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GLA takes softer approach to dairy farmers
20 May 2010
THE Gangmasters Licensing Authority (GLA) has agreed to take a softer line on farmers caught up in its criminal investigation into labour supply the dairy industry.
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Government commits to badger cull despite Spelman reservations
20 May 2010
THE coalition Government has reiterated its commitment to a policy of ‘badger control’ in TB hotspots, despite reservations expressed by the new Defra Secretary earlier this week.
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Grass and clovers for low phosphorus fields
May 21, 2010
Seeking to breed grass and legume bvarieties with increased phosphorus absorption powers.
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Harsh winter has been costly
May 21, 2010
Relentless conditions have slightly deflated the sheep sector.
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Help to get the best out of the land
May 21, 2010
A look at work of an agronomist.
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Hilary Benn to retain farming brief
21 May 2010
HILARY Benn will continue to be involved in farming politics, at least until September.
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Hot topics come up for discussion
May 21, 2010
INDUSTRY experts will address three topical issues – health, nutrition and renewable energy – at a series of one-hour seminars.
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Hygiene key to dairying benefits
May 21, 2010
Despite what some farmers believe, improving hygiene offers far more than extending milking times and increasing costs, says Alison Cox, field technical specialist with Diversey.
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Industry welcomes new Defra team
18 May 2010
THE farming industry has warmly welcomed the appointment of a new Defra Ministerial team that comes to Nobel House with a wealth of experience in agriculture.
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Inflatable temporary storage solutions
May 21, 2010
Lindstrand Technologies has developed a range of inflatable buildings.
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Invest in high quality water for herd
May 21, 2010
Milk is around 87 per cent water, so it is worth investing time to ensure cows are drinking all they need, says Promar national dairy consultant, Derek Gardner.
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IsoBus systems
19 May 2010
IsoBus is a standardised communication system which links tractors and implements together, enabling data to be transferred quickly and simply.
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Ivor’s investment puts faith in dairying and next generation
May 21, 2010
BARRY ALSTON meets Welsh farmer Ivor Beech whose practical investments are proving fruitful for the next generation.
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John Davies: Fears over fatstock prices
May 21, 2010
John Davies talks about how low grass growth, forms and fatstock prices don’t dampen spirit of a rugby team win.
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John Walton: School visits in full swing as rabbits congregate in the main veg field
May 21, 2010
WELL my Speedos have been put away for a few months after the dilemma of an extra week in Spain.
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Joskin expands Silo-Space range
May 21, 2010
Joskin has extended its range of silage trailers with the Silo-Space 26/50. With a volume of 50cu.m, it is pitching this new trailer at contractors and the biogas market.
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Keep vaccinating despite enzootic abortion findings
May 21, 2010
SHEEP farmers are being urged not to stop vaccinating against enzootic abortion (EAE), despite research published this week which suggests vaccines available in the UK could cause abortion.
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Key Issues: Mastitis with Pfizer Animal Health
May 21, 2010
The prevention and treatment of dairy cow mastitis is the subject of the latest Key Issues, with advice from veterinary adviser Sally Dixon.
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Learning the history and importance of sheep
May 21, 2010
Primary schoolchildren given the chance to learn more about the sheep industry.
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Limousins’ clutch of crowns at Balmoral Show
May 21, 2010
Limousins proved to be the dominant force at this year’s Balmoral Show held last week at King’s Hall, Belfast, with the breed taking the inter-breed, pairs, junior and group titles.
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Locally sourced food saves hospital £6M per year
19 May 2010
NOTTINGHAM City Hospital and the Queen’s Medical Centre claim to save more than £6 million per year by catering with fresh and locally sourced ingredients.
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Maize Watch May 2010
May 21, 2010
Sponsored series with KWS UK. Continuing our series with farmers in Berkshire and Shropshire, both Maize Watch farmers have seed in the ground, but at varying stages of emergence.
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McDonalds promotes British food for London 2012 Olympics
18 May 2010
MCDONALDS has teamed up with the London Olympic committee to lead the charge on delivering British farmed food to participants and spectators during the 2012 games.
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MEP warns of ‘disastrous cuts’ in CAP budget
18 May 2010
EUROPE’S top agriculture chief must ‘show some political mettle’ to stave off ‘disastrous cuts’ in the CAP budget, a prominent Scottish MEP has warned.
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MEP wins vote for a simpler CAP
19 May 2010
FARMERS could be given the power of self-regulation under new proposals to cut unnecessary red tape and bureaucracy out of EU farm policy.
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Milking for profit: Understanding why cows leave the herd
May 21, 2010
READ our special feature, Miling for Profit, with more than 10 features on making the most out of dairying from tackling disease to taking advantage of new revenue streams.
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New award celebrates environmental achievements
20 May 2010
The annual FWAG Silver Lapwing Award has been launched to celebrate the environmental achievements of farmers.
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New Government urged to reveal TB plans
17 May 2010
THE new Government has been urged to ‘nail its colours to the mast’ in terms of how it plans to tackle bovine TB (bTB).
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New scheme to encourage young farmer entrepreneurs
19 May 2010
A NEW campaign designed to progress the role of young entrepreneurs in farming has been launched.
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NFUS angered by farm wage increase
18 May 2010
A PROPOSAL to increase the minimum wage paid to Scottish farmers by more than the national minimum wage has angered NFU Scotland.
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Nightmare over with better hygiene and management
May 21, 2010
DIFFERENTIATING between mastitic cows and those with a high cell count has made all the difference on Paul Mounsey’s Cumbrian dairy farm. Joanne Pugh meets him and his vet.
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No-till conserves soils and water
May 21, 2010
ISSUES with high levels of soil loss from water erosion have led to the widespread adoption of no-till in Brazil, where the technique now accounts for around 55 per cent of cropping.
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NSA calls for stronger voice in Europe
May 21, 2010
THE National Sheep Association is urging the Government to develop a stronger voice in Brussels so it has more chance of changing the nature and negative effects of regulations before they are agreed.
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On video: John Deere 864 baler with auto-command
20 May 2010
TAKE a look at the new John Deere 864 baler on show at Scotgrass 2010 - complete with a tractor implement automation system.
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On video: John Deere at Scotgrass 2010
20 May 2010
WATCH all the latest kit in action as John Deere displays the latest mowers, rakes and foragers at the 2010 Scotgrass event in Dumfries.
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On video: New kit at Scotgrass 2010
20 May 2010
SCOTGRASS 2010 saw the latest mowers, rakes, balers and foragers on show at the SAC’s Chrichton unit near Dumfries. In the first of our videos, check out what New Holland, Kverneland, JF-Stoll and Vicon had on show.
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On video: New kit at Scotgrass 2010 (part 2)
20 May 2010
SCOTGRASS 2010 saw the latest mowers, rakes, balers and foragers in action. Check out what Claas, Vicon and Lely had to offer.
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Open day will explore farmers’ carbon footprint
18 May 2010
AN open day for farmers to explore how to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions will take place in Wiltshire next month.
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Opportunities this season for maize growers
May 21, 2010
TWO alternatives for maize growers have been presented as a result of the slow, cold spring.
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OWBM monitoring advised as ear emergence approaches
May 21, 2010
USE of pheromone traps is advised to provide advanced warning of orange wheat blossom midge risk as wheat crops approach ear emergence.
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Paice seeks to reassure farmers on badger cull
21 May 2010
FARMING Minister Jim Paice has reassured farmers in Devon that the coalition Government is committed to implementing a badger cull in the South West.
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Peter Hetherington’s sheepdog Liz tastes success
May 21, 2010
Quiet work from two nursery bitches proved successful at Neilston, won by Peter Hetherington’s Liz.
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Princess Anne to visit Great Yorkshire show
20 May 2010
HRH The Princess Royal is due to visit this year’s Great Yorkshire Show on Tuesday, July 13.
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Product launches at the Pig and Poultry Fair
May 21, 2010
Combined farm assurance and IPPC assessments for pig and poultry farm assurance scheme members from NSF-CMi Certification, potentially saving £500 a year. Details at www.nsf-cmi.comThe Duck Assurance Scheme (DAS) from SAI Global, developed in conjunction with the British Poultry Council. Details from BPC on 08453 022 833.Sainsbury’s greenhouse gas model for monogastrics, offering Sainsbury’s suppliers ...
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QMS evaluates cheaper test for liver fluke
May 21, 2010
AT a press briefing on Monday to launch its 2010 research and development report, Quality Meat Scotland (QMS)gave updates on a selection of key research projects aimed at driving efficiency and improving output. Claire Powell reports.
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Quick analysis of first cut essential
May 21, 2010
MANY farmers are yet to cut grass for silage, as the cold, dry spring means crops have not bulked up, says Roy Eastlake, national technical support manager with Biotal.
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Raymond calls for major milk price increase
20 May 2010
WITHOUT a profitable processing sector, there would be no supply chain - but without profit at primary producer level there will be no milk.
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Resolve compaction issues before adopting zero tillage
May 21, 2010
THE farmer-led No-Till Alliance hosted its second open day recently in Kent. Martin Rickatson reports.
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Richard Powell wins at Builth Wells
May 21, 2010
Barry Alston reports from the weekend’s Royal Welsh Smallholder and Garden Festival at Builth Wells, which drew its second highest attendance of 25,179.
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Rotations key to beet cyst nematode control
May 21, 2010
BEET cyst nematode (BCN) tolerant varieties have been on the EU market since 2006, with improvements in sugar content and yield under uninfected conditions the main focus of development.
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Royal Welsh Smallholder and Garden Festival results
May 21, 2010
SHEEP
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SCOPS worming products leaflet updated
May 21, 2010
THE latest version of the SCOPS leaflet for sheep farmers is now available, listing all the worming products available, their withdrawal dates and applications.
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Scotsheep 2010: An opportunity to assess the different breeds’ merits
May 21, 2010
MORE than 5,000 farmers and industry professional from the UK and Ireland are expected to attend NSA Scotsheep next month. We take a look ahead to the event and what visitors can expect.
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Scottish livestock imports bring bluetongue threat
19 May 2010
NFU Scotland has warned that farmers who are flouting Scotland’s voluntary ban on livestock imports are ‘threatening the nation’s freedom from Bluetongue’.
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Sentinel ‘viable’ in low BCN-infected fields
May 21, 2010
NEWLY-recommended beet cyst nematode (BCN)-tolerant sugar beet variety Sentinel will offer up to 85 per cent better yields over non-tolerant varieties in high BCN situations.
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Service award for Bpex man's 'massive' achievement
May 21, 2010
THE winner of this year’s pig industry service award, judged annually by the National Pig Association and this year presented by the BBC’s Adam Henson, went to Nigel Penlington, Bpex’s environmental programme manager.
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Sheepdog trials diary (May 21)
May 21, 2010
Farmers Guardian’s preview of forthcoming nationwide working dogs fixtures.
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Show potential champion makes £1,500 at Hawes
May 21, 2010
THE spring prize show and sale of store cattle and show potentials at Hawes auction mart attracted an entry of 210 head of cattle.
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Solving the rat problem
May 21, 2010
BAITING the lower layers of round bale silage stacks is the best way to protect them from rat attack, says Jonathan Wade of PelGar International.
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South Shropshire sheepdog trial celebrates 25 years
May 21, 2010
Having moved from Heathmynd, Hyssington, the South Shropshire trial celebrated its 25th anniversary at the new venue of Asterton.
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Spelman faces RPA conflict of interest dilemma
18 May 2010
NEW Defra Secretary Caroline Spelman could be barred from involvement in the decision on whether to renew Accenture’s IT contract with the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) because her husband is a director of the firm.
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Spelman under scrutiny over links to biotech lobbyists
15 May 2010
NEW Defra Secretary Caroline Spelman has come under scrutiny after a campaign group calling for transparency in politics raised awkard questions about a potential conflict of interest.
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SPS deadline today
17 May 2010
THE deadline for submitting Single Payment applications without penalty is only hours away.
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Staffordshire farmer unveils £3m anaerobic digestor
20 May 2010
A STAFFORDSHIRE farmer has unveiled a new anaerobic digestion (AD) plant which will use both farm and domestic waste to generate enough energy to power 1,300 local homes.
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Store cattle top £1,700 at Carlisle
May 21, 2010
TOP price at the May prize show and sale of store cattle at Borderway Mart was £1,700, paid for a Limousin cross heifer from Philip Trafford, Keswick.
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Sustainable businesses need time to grow
May 21, 2010
Moving away from ‘task based’ decisions towards making long-terms plans using management data instead can drive greater performance and create a more sustainable business, says Rhydian Jones of NWF Agriculture.
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Switching from livestock to arable operation
May 21, 2010
Later this year, Yorkshire farmer Stephen Tuer will switch the focus of the family farming business from livestock to arable, while at the same time joining the Entry Level Scheme for the first time. ANGELA CALVERT reports.
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Test soils if BCN suspected
May 21, 2010
GROWERS who fear beet cyst nematode damage (BCN) is restricting yields must be sure they select the best variety to cope with their farm conditions. That’s according to KWS UK sugar beet manager, Simon Witheford, who says varieties have different levels of tolerance to the pest.
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The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP)
17 May 2010
DEBATE over the future of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) after 2013 has begun in earnest. Find out what the main points of the debate are and see how CAP money is spent in the UK.
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Tom and Clyde’s double gather championship
May 21, 2010
On Sunday, Tom Lawrenson and Clyde won the Clough Head double gather championship, while Chloe Cropper and Ned won the preceding trial.
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Total clearance at Longhorn Society sale
May 21, 2010
A TOTAL clearance and a top price of 2,000gns were achieved at the Longhorn Cattle Society’s northern spring sale at Beeston Castle auction.
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UK milk price climbs EU table
May 21, 2010
UK milk prices did not fall as much as those in other EU countries according to data from DG Agri.
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Watch feed markets for best deals
May 21, 2010
IN recent weeks, UK soyabean meal prices have once again been trading close to £290 per tonne. While prices are expected to drop in the medium-term, the ongoing threat to business profitability posed by high feed prices continues, says KW’s Gregor Black.
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We will back British farmers - Spelman
21 May 2010
NEW Defra Secretary Caroline Spelman has promised that her department will continue to ‘promote British farming’, as it copes with inevitable cuts to its budget.
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Weaving launches grassland subsoiler
May 21, 2010
Weaving Machinery has launched a subsoiler aimed at livestock and grassland farms - the Grassland Sub-Lift.
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Welsh Assembly given control or red meat induatry
17 May 2010
WELSH Assembly Ministers are now directly accountable for the red meat industry in Wales.
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Welsh NHS trust urged to source local
17 May 2010
NORTH Wales AM, Brynle Williams, is pressing Welsh Assembly Health Minister, Edwina Hart, to take on board local procurement practices that have saved one NHS trust in England £6 million.
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Whiterose Holsteins sell to 2,100gns peak
May 21, 2010
BIDDING peaked at 2,100gns when James and Jonathan Sunter sold their Whiterose herd of Holsteins on farm at Leyburn, Yorkshire.
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Wiseman posts record profits
17 May 2010
ROBERT Wiseman Dairies has posted record profits and is increasing volumes to major customers.
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World news round-up (May 21)
May 21, 2010
A round-up of agriculture news from around the world this week (May 21)
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Young Farmers’ Clubs (YFC)
15 May 2010
The National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs (NFYFC) is one of the largest rural youth organisations in the UK, with a philosophy of Fun, Learning and Achievement.