Farmers Guardian
November 16th 2007

  • ‘Modernise’ warning for national estate farmers

    November 16th 2007

    TENANT farmers on the national estate are being urged to modernise and develop new income streams, after a survey published this week revealed a dramatic fall in incomes and farm numbers on the estate.

  • ‘To do nothing is not an option’

    November 16th 2007

    A GROWING number of farmers are tempted to avoid creating a succession plan and blame the day-to-day demands of the business as “getting in the way” of developing a successful agreement.

  • A lively bull trade peaks at 10,000gns

    November 16th 2007

    BIDDING peaked at 10,000gns on five occasions when the Aberdeen-Angus bulls went through the ring.

  • A strict regime raises the Kelsey flock’s stock

    November 16th 2007

    Jennifer Atkinson and David Smith may have only been breeding Hampshire Downs since 1993, with very little previous experience in sheep, but they have made significant progress. ANGELA CALVERT found out how breed recording, CT scanning and good management has created huge demand for stock from commercial and pedigree breeders alike.

  • Aberdeen-Angus females steal the limelight at Perth

    13 November 2007

    THE Aberdeen-Angus females stole the limelight on the first day of trading at the Perth’s pedigree beef week at a sale where the bulls usually take all the headlines.

  • Acknowledging the cost of disease to dairy farmers

    November 16th 2007

    FOOT-AND-MOUTH and bluetongue, added to the costs and complexity of farming in a competitive world, had made life very difficult – not only for beef and sheep producers. Dairy farmers were suffering, too, Tim Bennett, shadow chairman of the UK dairy levy board, told an eve of dairy show gathering.

  • Agritechnica 2007 picture gallery

    16 November 2007

  • Aiming to reap rewards from a new system

    November 16th 2007

    His ‘energetic and thoughtful report’ on the new technologies for grading beef saw Nuffield Scholar John Yeomans awarded the annual prize for Best Presentation, beating 23 other speakers.

  • Aintree Holsteins take the championship and Wexham Cup

    November 16th 2007

    THE Western Holstein Club’s Wexham Cup show and sale of bulls was spilt between two venues and took place on two different days.

  • Arla hopes to secure another producer price increase

    15 November 2007

    ARLA believes there remains a need for a further producer price increase despite an easing in commodity values.

  • Arla Partnership members asked for their views

    15 November 2007

    EVOLUTION and not revolution is the way Arla Foods deputy chief executive Hanne Sondergaard wants to bring her ideas for change to the business, having assumed full responsibility for milk procurement following the retirement of Peter Walker.

  • 'Back to Basics' conference will encourage audience debate

    13 November 2007

    ORGANISERS of the Norfolk Farming Conference have set the theme for next year’s event with the title of 'Back to Basics – Farming for Profit'.

  • Battling against black-grass

    November 16th 2007

    ARABLE farmers are refusing to allow black-grass to get the better of them, says Bayer CropScience, following the release of results from its annual technical audit.

  • Beef producers looking seriously at production costs

    14 November 2007

    IT has been a very difficult year marketing and weather wise, but seemingly beef producers are starting to look seriously at their production costs – but there is still a big difference between the top and bottom end performers.

  • Belarus MTS 2822

    14 November 2007

    THE well established tractor makes are not the only ones looking to go up the power scale as Belarus now offers a 280hp version.

  • BHS awards 'unsung heroes' of horse world

    16 November 2007

    THE British Horse Society (BHS) has shown its appreciation of the individuals and organisations who have supported their work.

  • Bird flu confirmed in turkeys on Norfolk/Suffolk border

    12 November 2007

    DEFRA has confirmed avian influenza in turkeys on a premises near Diss on the Norfolk/Suffolk border.

  • Biso VX1200

    10 November 2007

    BISO was showing this prototype 12m-wide header to feed the appetite of high capacity combines.

  • Brassica Bulletin

    November 16th 2007

    In our fourth Brassica Bulletin we visit Raby Estates tenant farmer Tony Wilson, whose ultimate aim is to permanently out-winter his suckler cows.

  • Brazilian beef ban call gains momentum

    November 16th 2007

    FURTHER calls for an immediate European ban on Brazilian beef imports have been voiced following the publication of a report by the EU Food and Veterinary Office.

  • Bretby lamb

    November 16th 2007

    Getting a premium price for lamb while demand rises

  • British Blue youngster wins Skipton title prize

    November 16th 2007

    BRITISH Blue heifers made the headlines at the annual autumn show of suckled calves and store cattle with show potential at Skipton Auction Mart last week.

  • Bull stud aims to increase revenues without the costs

    November 16th 2007

    A NEW bull stud is being opened at Spylaw, Kelso, Scotland – the only facility of its kind north of the border.

  • BVL extending hopper

    14 November 2007

    GERMAN diet feeder manufacturer BVL has moved into the self-propelled sector but it is unlightly to come to the UK.

  • Camarthenshire farmer receives outstanding achievement award

    November 16th 2007

    A CARMARTHENSHIRE farmer is this year’s recipient of the Farmers Union of Wales-HSBC Bank Award for outstanding service to the Welsh dairy industry.

  • Carr's results exceed expectations

    14 November 2007

    CARR’S has reported annual results ahead of expectations.

  • Case IH concept

    10 November 2007

    CASE IH had a number of concept items on their stand, including a new cab interior which could replace the one used on Puma and Maxxum models.

  • Cash in on vaccinating your calves

    15 November 2007

    SPRING-born suckled calves already protected against stress-related diseases like pneumonia may attract a premium in the autumn sales says an animal health company.

  • Centaur farmers top £118 – plus premiums

    14 November 2007

    GRAIN marketing business, Centaur Grain says its farmers will receive an average feed wheat price of £118.16.

  • Centaur farmers top £118 – plus premiums

    14 November 2007

    GRAIN marketing business, Centaur Grain says its farmers will receive an average feed wheat price of £118.16.

  • Centenary dinner of Cornwall NFU

    November 16th 2007

    THE increasing interest about the origin of food and how it was produced was a source of optimism for the future, former Liberal Democrat MP Paul Tyler, told guests at a Cornwall NFU centenary celebration dinner.

  • Ceredigion triumph at this year’s Three Counties trial

    November 16th 2007

    PEMBROKESHIRE were the hosts of the annual Three Counties Trial this year and with the co-operation of Phil Hinman it was possible to run this on Sunday over the same course as had been used the previous day for the Pembrokeshire Nursery Trial.

  • Champion female commands 6,000gns peak

    November 16th 2007

    IT was the champion female which commanded the top price of 6,000gns when the Simmental females went through the ring.

  • Changes are in the offing to the current ELS scheme

    November 16th 2007

    CHANGES are likely to be made to the Entry Level Stewardship (ELS) scheme which is currently under review, said Sarah Wilson of Natural England.

  • Charolais sell to 4,000gns at Welshpool autumn sale

    November 16th 2007

    STRONG demand from suckled calf producers for Charolais bulls saw prices peak at 4,000gns and a 60–plus per cent clearance in the breed society’s official autumn show and sale at Welshpool.

  • Chief to take early retirement

    November 16th 2007

    CHIEF veterinary officer Dr Debby Reynolds has taken early retirement after nearly four years in the post.

  • CLA’s Just Ask campaign receives royal approval

    November 16th 2007

    THE Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall showed their support for the CLA’s Just Ask campaign at a special event held on the first day of Diwali – the Hindu Festival of Lights – at the Brilliant Restaurant in Southall, West London.

  • Claas Orbis 900

    15 November 2007

    To feed the appetite of its new Jaguar foragers, Claas is introducing the 12 row Orbis 900.

  • Commercial Limousin buyers to the fore

    November 16th 2007

    A TOTAL of five Limousin bulls made it past the 6,000gns mark and a top of 6,500gns was realised on a day when commercial buyers came to the fore.

  • Communication key to planning for the future

    November 16th 2007

    FARMING is a way of life and deeply personal, heightened by the fact that it is one of the last sectors where the home and the place of work are linked, which makes it difficult to separate the two.

  • Cost savings for beet growers on the agenda

    November 16th 2007

    SUGAR beet growers from across the East of England are being invited to find out more about saving costs by working more closely together at three events organised jointly with English Food and Farming Partnerships (EFFP) and NFU Sugar.

  • Could bluetongue vaccination be the British livestock industry’s saviour?

    November 16th 2007

    Bluetongue could potentially devastate British livestock farming next year when it is likely to return in a far more virulent form – yet there is hope in the form of a bluetongue vaccine. But there are plenty of questions. Will it be ready in time? Who will pay for it? How will it be done? ALISTAIR DRIVER considers the issues.

  • Council to withdraw automatic planning permission for all polytunnels

    14 November 2007

    HEREFORDSHIRE Council is to withdraw its policy of requiring automatic planning permission for all polytunnels in the county.

  • Crisis meeting for egg producers

    14 November 2007

    RISING feed prices and increased regulation were the main topics under discussion at a recent crisis meeting organised by the NFU for egg producers in Yorkshire and the North East.

  • Crisis meeting for egg producers

    14 November 2007

    RISING feed prices and increased regulation were the main topics under discussion at a recent crisis meeting organised by the NFU for egg producers in Yorkshire and the North East.

  • Cutting corners is not an option

    November 16th 2007

    Sheep producers are facing a challenging winter but simply cutting corners is not an option.

  • D Brown Tractors

    15 November 2007

    Chinese-made YTO tractors form the basis of a new range from German company D Brown Tractors.

  • Dale trailed drill

    12 November 2007

    EDWARD Dale was showing the first version of his trailed direct drill.

  • Debby Reynolds biography

    November 16th 2007

    DEBBY Reynolds’ turbulent time as chief veterinary officer has seen her handle a number of disease outbreaks, while simultaneously introducing new contingency plans for dealing with them.

  • Depressed Suffolk prices at Exeter in-lamb ewe sale

    November 16th 2007

    EXETER Livestock Centre’s annual West Country Suffolk Sheep Association in-lamb ewe sale suffered the effects of a depressed finished lamb trade and bluetongue concerns.

  • Deutz TTV

    14 November 2007

    DEUTZ-Fahr’s continuously variable TTV tractors are in the process of a getting a Stage IIIa update.

  • DFB members to profit from retail end

    12 November 2007

    DAIRY Farmers of Britain’s substantial investment at its Llandyrnog creamery is paying off.

  • Double tagging outline

    15 November 2007

    DEFRA has outlined the new double tagging regulations for sheep and goats – and while they remain a proposal at the present time, the short consultation period suggests it is a formality and double tagging is to happen.

  • Double tagging outline

    15 November 2007

    DEFRA has outlined the new double tagging regulations for sheep and goats – and while they remain a proposal at the present time, the short consultation period suggests it is a formality and double tagging is to happen.

  • Dovetrent herd takes hat-trick at Derbyshire Holstein Club event

    November 16th 2007

    THE Derbyshire Holstein Club’s herd competition – judged by Anne Harrison – was won this year by the Holdcroft family’s Dovetrent herd. It was also the best large herd and contained the best home-bred cow.

  • Dylan Thomas racing’s Horse of the Year

    November 16th 2007

    The Danehill-sired Dylan Thomas was named Horse Of The Year at the 2007 Cartier Racing Awards, in London on Wednesday.

  • East Anglian poultry producers worried but confident damage will be limited

    15 November 2007

    POULTRY producers in East Anglia have expressed dismay that Avian flu has returned to the region.

  • End to set-aside could be bad for farmland birds

    November 16th 2007

    SET-ASIDE has provided farmland birds with winter food, summer breeding habitat and a foraging habitat, said Dr Ian Henderson, research manager for the BTO.

  • English trials results

    November 16th 2007

    TRAWDEN, West Berwick Farm, Draughton, Skipton, Nursery (44 ran): 1, Tim Longton (Quernmore) Joe, 92 of 100; 2, J. Wood (Lindley Moor) May, 90; 3, S. Beaton (Nun Appleton) Moss, 89; 4, Michael Longton (Quernmore) Kez, 87; 5, Michael Longton Don, 86; 6, R. Airey (Trawden) Liz, 85.

  • Equestrian dream for Stoneleigh moves a step closer

    12 November 2007

    PROPOSALS to create a national centre of excellence for the equestrian industry at Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire have moved a step closer.

  • Equine campaign needs a champion

    12 November 2007

    A CAMPAIGN to halt the spiraling costs of insurance for horse-related businesses needs a new champion in the House of Commons, according to the Country Landowners Association (CLA).

  • Exmoor forum hear hill farmers’ future concerns

    November 16th 2007

    CONCERNS over the future of hill farming in the South-West were highlighted at a recent Exmoor Moorland Forum at South Molton.

  • Family a strong asset to farms

    November 16th 2007

    FAMILY is one of a business’s strongest assets and is the key to the future development of the family farm. That was the overriding thought shared by father and son George and Stephen Fell, who farm 900 acres near York.

  • Farm income ‘bonanza’? No, just fair and sensible prices

    November 16th 2007

    VIEWPOINT: By Guy Smith

  • Farmers Guardian catches up with the past and present scholars

    November 16th 2007

    Over the last half century. The Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust has awarded scholarships to over 600 people characterised by the diversity of their backgrounds, their industry experience and their ages – ranging from 22 to 45 years old. Returning to the UK with a study trip under their belt, scholars hope to generate new thinking to improve both the industry and themselves. Farmers Guardian catches up with the past and present scholars to find out how the Nuffield scholarship changed ...

  • Farmers Guardian supports new fair trade campaign

    13 November 2007

    ‘WHY beef and sheep farming matters’ is the next stage in our continued commitment to ensure a fair trade for British farmers.

  • Farmers have the trust of consumers, research reveals

    November 16th 2007

    Consumers trust farmers and the food they produce, according to a new survey conducted by the National Office of Animal Health. JACK DAVIES reports on current perceptions on the use of medicines and vaccines.

  • Farmers should be looking to cut their carbon emissions

    November 16th 2007

    BRITISH farmers must become more proactive in finding solutions for tackling climate change and adopt a more comprehensive policy to help relieve the industry of heavy-fisted regulation and bureaucracy.

  • Feed companies act over morphine risk

    12 November 2007

    LEADING horse feed manufacturers have been invited to sign up to a new series of guidelines aimed at reducing the risk of feed-related dope-test failures.

  • Fella 17m tedder

    14 November 2007

    FELLA has joined the growing list of companies that now offers both 15 and 17.5m tedders.

  • Fendt Vario Trisix

    12 November 2007

    FENDT is seeking opinion on its concept Vario Trisix tractor that uses six wheels for traction while keeping the overall width to 2.75m.

  • Few worries on dairying future in the medium term, conference told

    November 16th 2007

    DAIRY commodity prices are set fair until the middle of next year, despite recent dips – and there will be a soft landing on prices rather than a crash.

  • First Milk launches range of Cumbrian cheddar cheeses

    14 November 2007

    A RANGE of Cumbrian cheddar cheeses was launched by First Milk‘s new Lake District Cheese Company this week.

  • Foaling survey wins equine student award

    16 November 2007

    A STUDY of foaling in thoroughbreds in Ireland has won the Royal Agricultural Society of England’s Eqvalan Duo Equine Thesis of the Year Award.

  • Food inflation ‘second only to petrol’ as prices highest level for a decade

    November 16th 2007

    THE price of food has risen at its highest rate in over a decade, according to figures published by the Office of National Statistics this week.

  • Footbathing sheep – an overview

    November 16th 2007

    By Noelia Yusta, Vet advisor for the Denis Brincombe Group

  • Four more poultry farms to be culled out to stop avian flu spread

    14 November 2007

    ALL poultry on four further premises are to be culled as ‘dangerous contacts’, due to possible links with the Suffolk farm where the H5N1 strain of avian flu has been found in turkeys.

  • Friesians fetch 5,000gns top at Blackisle dispersal

    November 16th 2007

    TRADITIONAL British Friesian enthusiasts from all over the UK and Ireland produced one of the largest crowds of dairy farmers for many years at Borderway Mart, Carlisle, last week for the dispersal of the Blackisle herd.

  • GB potato production for 2007 down one per cent on 2006

    13 November 2007

    TOTAL GB potato production for 2007 is 5.446 million tonnes, down one per cent on 2006, estimates the British Potato Council.

  • Gift of Saddleback gilts leads to a new life and a Booths contract for banking lawyer

    November 16th 2007

    TOLD to ‘take it easy’ following a heart attack, Hong Kong-based banking lawyer, Tony Fox, has exchanged the world of high finance for a traditional extensive pig farming enterprise in West Cumbria – a move which has earned him a contract with a leading regional retail group.

  • Global scale alliance to offer 'complete nutritional solutions' for dairy producers

    15 November 2007

    CARGILL Animal Nutrition and DeLaval International are to collaborate on a marketing and promotional venture on ‘complete nutritional solutions’ for dairy producers.

  • Going back to basics may save energy and money

    November 16th 2007

    SAVING energy and money with grain drying may mean going back to basics.

  • Gordon’s lifetime of service

    November 16th 2007

    HALF a century working for three generations of the same Cheshire farming family has been recognised at a special celebration.

  • Government hits back at criticism of controversial CAP vision document

    13 November 2007

    THE Government has defended its controversial ‘Vision for the Common Agricultural Policy’ document, after it was heavily criticised by MPs.

  • Government will 'proceed with caution' on biofuels

    14 November 2007

    ENVIRONMENT secretary Hilary Benn outlined his vision for the future of biofuels for the first time this week.

  • Ground-breaking machinery at Agritechnica

    14 November 2007

    FARMERS Guardian has all the latest news, developments and pictures from Agritechnica 2007. Machinery editor Mervyn Bailey and Steven Vale report from Hanover Germany.

  • Ground-breaking machinery at Agritechnica

    14 November 2007

    FARMERS Guardian has all the latest news, developments and pictures from Agritechnica 2007. Machinery editor Mervyn Bailey and Steven Vale report from Hanover Germany.

  • H5N1 expected to be confirmed later today

    13 November 2007

    DEFRA is expected to announce later today that the strain of avian flu found in turkeys on a Suffolk farm is the dreaded H5N1.

  • H5N1 flu virus confirmed in Suffolk

    13 November 2007

    DEFRA has confirmed that the avian flu found in turkeys on a Suffolk farm is the deadly H5N1 strain.

  • Haltcliffe is Carlisle Banker

    November 16th 2007

    ALTHOUGH not a record breaking average, the 133 Limousin bulls sold in the autumn fixture at Borderway Mart, Carlisle, levelled in excess of £4,200 after a very solid trade that peaked at 30,000gns.

  • Handle with care to avoid rots risk in potato stores

    November 16th 2007

    THE British Potato Council is urging potato growers to stay vigilant and handle stored potato crops carefully to avoid the risk of rots developing. 

  • Holmer Terra Variant 600

    November 16th 2007

    Holmer used the German show to reveal a brand new 612hp version of its Terra Variant self-propelled drive unit.

  • How to get involved

    16 November 2007

    Every farmer can help to further the aims of this campaign by making sure every consumer they know understands the facts behind ‘Why beef and sheep farming matters’ and then by explaining to them what they can do to help:

  • Importance of raw milk contracts

    November 16th 2007

    RAW milk contracts were one of the most important legal documents a dairy farmer had to sign and should not be taken lightly, according to NFU Cymru president, Dai Davies.

  • Improving profit with a simple call

    November 16th 2007

    A TEN minute phone interview could give sheep and beef farmers a fast and accurate picture of their business, with traffic lights used to indicate areas that are performing well (green), average (amber) or are in need of attention (red).

  • Irish Bulls lead the Simmental trade

    November 16th 2007

    Simmental - BULLS from Northern Ireland breeders claimed the top three prices, of 20,000gns, 16,000gns and 13,000gns when the 118 Simmentals forward went through the ring on Wednesday.

  • JCB Fastrac

    10 November 2007

    JCB was one of the headlining acts of Agritechnica 2007 with its new range of Fastrac tractors – the 7000 series.

  • JF-Stoll 15m mower

    14 November 2007

    TRAILED mower cutting widths have reached record limits as JF-Stoll now offers a version that has a working width of no less than 14.6m.

  • Key discovery in fight against potato blackleg

    November 16th 2007

    SCIENTISTS have made a key discovery into the genetics of the bacteria that causes blackleg in potatoes that could lead to new ways to fight the disease.

  • Krone Big M500

    10 November 2007

    KRONE'S Big M II self-propelled mower has undergone a bit of a metamorphism the result of which is called the BiG M 500.

  • Krone Swadro 2000

    15 November 2007

    Anyone who thought that grass rake working widths are at their limits would be wrong as Krone now boasts the world’s widest version – a six rotor model with a maximum working width of 19m.

  • Kuhn Moduliner

    15 November 2007

    Even though Kuhn launched a mass of machines at Sima earlier this year, there were still plenty of new implements at Agritechnica.

  • Kverneland 12/15m drill

    14 November 2007

    ALTHOUGH Kverneland already has a 12m drill the fact that it does not fold to under 3m for transport means it has never been offered in Western Europe.

  • Kverneland Concept Plough

    15 November 2007

    Kverneland is looking to gauge visitor interest in a concept plough that should ultimately be 20 to 30 per cent cheaper than all current reversible types.

  • Land makes more than £40,000 at Kidderminster auction

    15 November 2007

    PARCELS of land have made more than £40,000 an acre at a Kidderminster auction conducted by Halls.

  • Landini Mondial

    14 November 2007

    THE Landini brand was good for almost 17,000 of the 22,288 new tractors produced by the Argo Group last year.

  • Latest prices now on-line

    16 November 2007

    AUCTION mart reports, both primestock and store, can now be accessed as they are updated every day.

  • Learning about how good communication has transformed Canada’s dairy industry

    November 16th 2007

    A group of 35 British dairy farmers who supply Waitrose went on a week-long study tour to Canada ahead of the country’s Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto. William Surman joined them on their visit.

  • Legal action likely over FMD compensation

    15 November 2007

    THE foot-and-mouth crisis has cost the livestock industry tens of millions of pounds, yet the Government has failed to offer adequate compensation to the worst hit farmers, according to NFU president Peter Kendall.

  • Legislation aims to reduce bureaucracy for those managing deer

    16 November 2007

    DEER populations are growing and in some areas, causing serious damage to agricultural crops.

  • Lely Lotus 2010

    10 November 2007

    Lely was getting opinions on its 20m tedder. The Lotus 2010 uses 16 rotors, each with seven tine arms – the same as the Lotus 1020.

  • Lemken Sirius

    15 November 2007

    Sirius is the latest range of mounted sprayers from Lemken.

  • Livestock grading needs consumer focus

    November 16th 2007

    AN overhaul of the current grading system in the UK and Europe for beef and lamb is needed if British livestock farmers are to improve their financial rewards for the production of meat in the future, warned John Stones, director of the Nuffield Farming Scholarship Trust.

  • Looking abroad for a different approach

    November 16th 2007

    An international approach to succession in farming families could create a more structured and robust strategy within the UK.

  • Machinery ring goes from strength to strength

    November 16th 2007

    NEARLY 20 years ago a group of farmers involved with local discussion groups decided to form the Mearns and Angus Machinery Ring. That initiative has now developed into the modern Ringlink (Scotland) – the largest ring of its type in the UK.

  • Making CPD points system user-friendly

    November 16th 2007

    NRoSO, the professional body for sprayer operators, is changing the way members can achieve CPD points in order to make the scheme easier to understand and the system for achieving and recording points more user-friendly.

  • Manitou Manitrac

    15 November 2007

    The Manitou Manitrac was one of the many concepts on display at this year’s show.

  • Margin gains for Wiseman in difficult period

    14 November 2007

    ROBERT Wiseman Dairies has managed to part rebuild margins during what has been a particularly stormy period for dairying.

  • Maxton Dairy Shorthorn dispersal sale was badly hit by movement restrictions

    November 16th 2007

    SOME outstanding stock from over 50 years of Maxton Dairy Shorthorn breeding sold at prices much lower than true value when bluetongue restrictions prevented potential Cumbrian and Welsh breeders from bidding at last Saturday’s herd dispersal at Chelford.

  • McCormick could get Russian link

    16 November 2007

    Russian truck manufacturing giant Kamaz could soon be producing a version of the McCormick tractors having shown interest in buying the tooling from the British plant.

  • McCormick CX105

    12 November 2007

    McCormick unveiled a number of changes to its product line that will be introduced during 2008 to coincide with production moving to Italy and Stage IIIa engines being used.

  • Milk supply contracts – what they should include

    16 November 2007

    A PROPOSED draft contract for milk producers, designed as a template to bring clarity and simplicity to milk contracts, has been launched by the NFU and NFU Scotland this week.

  • More optimism at Bakewell

    November 16th 2007

    BAKEWELL auctioneers Bagshaws noted a slightly more optimistic atmosphere around last Saturday’s FG-sponsored High Peak Livestock Society sale of hill breeding sheep, where more than 3,000 sheep sold on a solid trade.

  • More returns per hectare possible

    November 16th 2007

    CULTIVATING former set-aside land could bring additional returns of £15 to £36 per hectare across the whole farm, agricultural consultant Jamie Gwatkin told delegates.

  • Movement restrictions and advice in place for avian flu

    15 November 2007

    Protection Zone (PZ) (3km area directly around infected premises)

  • Moves taken to reassure the public

    15 November 2007

    GOVERNMENT and industry have moved to reassure consumers that it is safe to eat poultry meat, amid fears the avian flu outbreak could have a disastrous impact on Christmas turkey sales.

  • New bird flu restrictions in place in Norfolk and Suffolk

    13 November 2007

    NEW restrictions are being put in place across the whole of Suffolk and much of Norfolk in response to the outbreak of avian flu in turkeys near Diss.

  • New campaign aims for shopper support

    November 16th 2007

    BRITISH agriculture has an opportunity to enter a new and prosperous era if it can encourage more shoppers to buy home grown produce, say industry experts.

  • New family sized packs of Yeo Valley organic cheese

    16 November 2007

    MILK Link’s The Cheese Company and the well known organic brand Yeo Valley, have launched a new range of family sized packs of organic cheddar.

  • New man in charge at Cumbria Farm Link

    November 16th 2007

    CUMBRIA Farm Link, which operates under the umbrella of the Cumbria Rural Enterprise Agency, has a new manager in former Newton Rigg college agricultural lecturer Harry Martin, who has been the farm advisory team leader at the agency since September 2004.

  • New scheme allows riding school clients to join British Riding Clubs

    14 November 2007

    RIDERS are now benefiting from the successful roll-out of a scheme allowing those who ride at riding schools to join British Riding Clubs (BRC).

  • New-look website

    November 16th 2007

    THE British Potato Council has given its dedicated consumer website www.britishpotatoes.co.uk a new look to coincide with the autumn campaign to encourage consumers to buy and eat more potatoes. It provides consumers with information on different potato varieties, together with potato-based recipes and cooking advice, and should be a useful tool for growers to direct customers to, says the organisation.

  • NEWS IN BRIEF

    November 16th 2007

    Storage event

  • NEWS IN BRIEF

    November 16th 2007

    Manager

  • NEWS IN BRIEF

    November 16th 2007

    Death reported of the prolific Holstein bull Roylane Jordan

  • 'No safety implications for the human food chain' - FSA

    13 November 2007

    THE poultry industry has been quick to remind consumers that poultry meat and eggs are safe to eat in the light of the latest outbreak of bird flu on a farm at Redgrave in Norfolk.

  • Nothing ever gets lost in translation with Chloë

    November 16th 2007

    As part of our occasional series on niche equestrian businesses, SARAH JONES meets Chloë Jacquet, owner and managing director of Equivalence, a unique translation and consultancy business that specialises in the equine industry.

  • Nuffield annual conference

    November 16th 2007

    Travelling the world to in the name of agriculture is not an opportunity that comes around very often, nor is the chance of accessing the world’s best in food and farming while studying a topic of real, personal interest. As the Nuffield Scholarship celebrates 60 years of service to agriculture, DANUSIA OSIOWY reports on some of the scholars’ findings presented at this year’s annual conference, held in Harrogate, North Yorkshire.

  • Nurturing entrepreneurs among our young farmers

    November 16th 2007

    FARMING and rural family businesses need to strategically plan the entry of the next generation to help create and nurture new entrepreneurial attitudes within young farmers, said Nuffield Scholar Christine Hope.She currently co-runs Hopes of Longtown, an independent village store and post office, after her family suffered irretrievable financial losses on their small family farm.

  • Obituary – David Dickinson

    November 16th 2007

    HARRISON and Hetherington livestock auctioneer David Dickinson has died suddenly aged 52.He had worked for the firm for about 35 years having worked his way up from office boy to auctioneer, selling pedigree beef and sheep including Belgian Blues, Angus, Texel and Beltex. At the time of his death he was chairman of the Solway and Tyne Texel Breeders’ Club and was also secretary of the Cumbria Association of Livestock Auctioneers.

  • Oliver Townsend to perform demonstration at Woodnook Arena

    13 November 2007

    EUROPEAN eventing team gold medallist Oliver Townsend and his horses will be performing a demonstration at Woodnook Arena, near Huddersfield, on Saturday December 1 at 7.30pm.

  • Organic or non-organic – little difference healthwise

    November 16th 2007

    A THREE-YEAR study comparing organic and non-organic dairy farms has concluded there are few health and welfare differences between the two systems, although the incidence of lameness is lower in organic cows.

  • Packington pork

    November 16th 2007

    Outside finished and ‘stress-free’

  • Packington poultry

    November 16th 2007

    Finding an organic niche market

  • Passion for training has its own reward

    November 16th 2007

    THE David Black Award – given annually to recognise outstanding contribution to the pig industry – has gone to Richard Longthorp.

  • Perth pedigree beef week

    November 16th 2007

    The United Auctions’ Perth pedigree beef week got under way this week, three weeks later than usual, and it was Aberdeen-Angus females which commanded this year’s top prices. KATIE LOMAS reports.

  • Pottinger PTO Concept

    15 November 2007

    Pottinger has teamed up with Fendt and Walterscheid to develop an automatic system that allows the PTO to be attached and removed from the tractor seat.

  • Pottinger Terrasem C8

    12 November 2007

    POTTINGER has extended its offering in the trailed cultivator drill market with 6m and 8m versions of the Terrasem.

  • Practical advice on feeding ewes

    November 16th 2007

    SOME practical actions for producers to adopt without endangering the 2008 lamb crop:-

  • Pressure card

    16 November 2007

    WANT to help? Print this pressure card, complete it and hand it in to your local supermarket.

  • Pronar 8000 series

    15 November 2007

    Polish tractor maker Pronar appears to be preparing to make an assault on the Western Europe tractor market with a completely revamped range of tractors.

  • Protecting Water resources pays off for Welsh business

    November 16th 2007

    A WEST-WALES-based bottled spring water business set up by two Pembrokeshire farming brothers has been honoured for its environmentally-friendly business practices at the Wales Sustainability Business Awards.

  • Rabe Eco Drill

    15 November 2007

    Rabe was showing the Eco Drill, which has been tested in the UK and will be available for next season.

  • Racing stars of the future to learn from the greats

    14 November 2007

    FORMER National Hunt jockeys John Francome, Peter Scudamore, Marcus Armytage and Steve Smith Eccles are set to pass on some of the secrets of their race riding success to young stars of the future.

  • Rearing pigs (Part 1)

    November 16th 2007

    In the first of our two-part smallholder feature on the joys of rearing pigs for meat CLEMMIE GLEESON discusses what is needed before your first porkers arrive.

  • Reminder that previously zero-rated farm-saved seed must be declared

    November 16th 2007

    THE British Society of Plant Breeders (BSPB) is reminding growers that from this autumn all use of previously ‘zero-rated’ varieties (such as Riband and Hereward winter wheat) will become eligible for farm-saved seed payment and must be declared to BSPB.

  • Rhug Estate farm shop claims a first with a revolutionary Bison Burger

    November 16th 2007

    AN award-winning organic farm is gearing up for another first when its much-anticipated Bison Burger finally hits the shelves this weekend.

  • Risk-based scheme request

    November 16th 2007

    DEFRA’S TB advisors have asked Food and Farming Minister Jeff Rooker to consider the introduction of a risk-based trading system for cattle.

  • RMH Mixellent 18

    14 November 2007

    THE Mixellent 18 is described as the next generation of self-propelled mixer wagon.

  • Robbie Wilson’s Strathisla flock wins Suffolk Sheep Society title for fourth year

    November 16th 2007

    FOR the fourth year running, Robbie Wilson of North Dorlaithers, Turriff, Aberdeenshire, has won the Suffolk Sheep Society’s national flock competition.

  • Same Dorado F Continuo

    15 November 2007

    Although the full details remain a closely-guarded secret, visitors to Same Deutz-Fahr’s stand saw two concept tractors, both of which feature new CVT technology.

  • Sarah becomes 200th young person to receive help from Growing Roots

    November 16th 2007

    GROWING Routes, an organisation which helps young farm-based people in the region to diversify and start new businesses, has announced its 200th customer.

  • Scottish food policy welcomed

    November 16th 2007

    NFU Scotland has welcomed Rural Affairs Cabinet Secretary Richard Lochhead’s announcement that the Scottish Government is to establish a national food policy for Scotland.

  • Scottish trials results

    November 16th 2007

    COMRIE (Judge: K. Brehmer, Rosehall) Nursery (35 ran) 1, A. Carnegie (Comrie) Gyp, 90/100; 2, J. Beale, Sal, 88; 3, A. Wilkie (Lintrathen) Cap, 86; 4, I. Brownlie (Forestmill) Peg, 85; 5, I. Brownlie Wisp, 81; 6, A. Simpson (Comrie) Loos, 80. Novice, 1, P. Trimble (Alyth) Pete 59.

  • Second environment award for NFU Scotland partner

    November 16th 2007

    NFU Scotland’s partnership organisation, Solway Recycling, has celebrated 15 years in business by winning its second major award this year.

  • Second farm suspected of H5N1 infection

    15 November 2007

    DEFRA has confirmed that birds have been slaughtered on suspicion of infection at one of the farms identified yesterday (Wednesday) as a ‘dangerous contact’ for bird flu.

  • Selling price the key to goats’ milk sector future

    November 16th 2007

    ASDA has been praised by a goats’ milk processor for its recognition of the sector’s increased feed costs.

  • Sheep special supplement

    12 November 2007

    IN this week’s special sheep supplement FG gives practical advice on feeding ewes as well as looking at issues surrounding health, breeding and disease.

  • Sheepdog trials diary

    November 16th 2007

    ENGLAND - November 17. YORKSHIRE, Nursery, change of venue to Moor Lodge Farm, Oakworth, Keighley, West Yorkshire, BD22 0JL, 9.30am start, enter on field, caterer. FYLDE, Nursery, change of venue to Manor House Farm, Farleton off the Kirkby Lonsdale/Lancaster road, entrance via Butt Yeats to Roburndale road, 9.30am start, enter on field before 2pm. NORTH WESTMORLAND Nursery & Novice, Wythop, Cockermouth, 9am start, enter on field for 2 dogs before 2pm ...

  • Shorthorn females bid up to 5,500gns to top trade

    November 16th 2007

    Beef shorthorn - IN the Beef Shorthorn section the females peaked at 5,500gns and the bulls topped at 4,000gns.

  • Showing off Shorthorns in picture competition

    November 16th 2007

    WITH the Dairy Event and All-Breeds All-Britian Calf Show cancelled and the Dairy Show postponed, the Shorthorn Society decided to find a new way for members to show off stock this autumn.

  • Simmental bulls reach 20,000gns at Perth

    14 November 2007

    BULLS from Northern Ireland breeders claimed the top three prices, of 20,000gns, 16,000gns and 13,000gns when the 118 Simmentals forward went through the ring at Perth today (Wednesday, November 14).

  • Sound future, but beware complacency

    November 16th 2007

    WHILE there was a sound future for dairy, beef and sheep sectors, there was no room for complacency, SAC senior agricultural policy consultant, Douglas Bell told the SAC Outlook Conference in Edinburgh on Tuesday, writes Neil Ryder.

  • South West Charollais production sale to £525

    November 16th 2007

    AN annual production sale at Exeter Livestock Centre for several South West Charollais sheep breeders saw prices peak at £525.

  • Steyr 6255

    10 November 2007

    THIS prototype CVT model from Steyr is a taste of will coming to the UK under the Case IH name and we understand will not be offered as a New Holland product as the two brands look to differentiate their line ups.

  • Stop Barber’s Pole worm now to prevent problems next spring

    November 16th 2007

    The debilitating and potentially lethal disease Haemonchus contortus – better known as Barber’s Pole worm – has affected many sheep flocks in various parts of the country this autumn.

  • Strategic action plan for Welsh dairy industry is met with mixed response

    November 16th 2007

    A WELSH Assembly strategic action plan for a ‘sustainable, profitable, efficient and innovative’ Welsh dairy industry was both welcomed and criticised following its high profile launch at the Welsh Dairy Show.

  • Strategies for effective ewe feeding this winter

    November 16th 2007

    Feeding balanced rations to in-lamb ewes is critical if birthweights, lamb vigour and ewe milk production are to be maximised.

  • Strautmann forage wagon

    14 November 2007

    STRAUTMANN'S latest forage wagon also doubles as a trailer for forage maize work.

  • Strep. uberis becoming ‘cow-adapted’

    November 16th 2007

    LEVELS of a major mastitis-causing bacteria are on the rise, according to a testing scheme carried out by Intervet Animal Health and a mastitis lab at the Vale Veterinary Group this year.

  • Successful tour concludes with 2,000 at Myerscough for Monty

    November 16th 2007

    SIGNING off a highly successful, 15-date tour in the international arena at Myerscough College, Lancashire, Monty Roberts described his Monty Rides Again tour as one of the greatest thrills of his career.

  • Sulky Easydrill

    15 November 2007

    Sulky has produced its own direct drill, the Easydrill, which can also be used on min-till ground.

  • Terrion Tractors

    15 November 2007

    The name and livery might be new, but the Russian-made Terrion range of tractors is no stranger to these pages as they were premiered as Kirovets tractors at Agritechnica in 2005.

  • The journey to grow a traceable farm business across the country

    November 16th 2007

    Medium-Rare supplies quality traditionally-reared British meats under four main brands, Packington Pork, Packington Poultry, Bretby Lamb and Medium Rare Beef, to over 100 butchers and restaurant outlets. ANGELA CALVERT meets co-founders Rob Mercer and George Finch and speaks to three of the farms involved in this multiple and developing enterprise.

  • The next step for fair trade

    16 November 2007

    ‘Why beef and sheep farming matters’ is the next stage in our continued commitment to ensure a fair trade for British farmers.

  • Tim Longton and Joe open their account for the season

    November 16th 2007

    Tim Longton and Joe took their first win of the season on Saturday at the Trawden nursery held at Draughton, near Skipton, North Yorkshire.

  • Tomato and squash soup

    November 16th 2007

    “THIS is a warming winter dish,” says Gill Gatesby of Poole, Dorset, who sent in this recipe. “It is ideal served with crusty bread, butter and Greek yoghurt.”

  • Top of 6,500gns for Limousins at Perth

    13 November 2007

    A TOTAL of five Limousin bulls made it to the 6,000gns mark on the second day of trading and a top of 6,500gns was realised on a day when commercial buyers came to the fore.

  • Top tips for feeding pregnant ewes to maintain body condition and lambs

    November 16th 2007

    A ewe’s nutritional requirements change as pregnancy progresses. Eblex sheep scientist Dr Liz Genever outlines her top tips for feeding to optimise the number of lambs born and reared per ewe.

  • Tracked Magnum

    14 November 2007

    THE new top end 335 was not the only Magnum news on the stand of Case IH as the concern is also looking to gauge visitor interest in fitting the US-built tractors with four rubber tracks.

  • UK ban on battery cages

    12 November 2007

    ANIMAL welfare campaigners have welcomed Lord Rooker’s announcement that the UK ban on battery cages by 2012 will go ahead.

  • UK role in Turkish milk production

    November 16th 2007

    THE UK is to play a significant role in increasing milk production and quality on Turkish dairy farms.

  • Uncovering problems with a health plan leads to boost in lamb numbers

    November 16th 2007

    Getting to grips with health issues on his farm initially threw up more problems than Rob Wilson ever thought he would have to deal with. But instead of admitting defeat he took on the challenge and is now reaping the rewards – more lambs sold per ewe and better finishing weights. JOANNE PUGH went to meet him.

  • Use of the HACCP system could mean major changes to grain storage advice

    November 16th 2007

    A PROJECT looking at food chain safety could result in some major changes to grain storage advice that is given to growers.

  • Vaderstad Seed Hawk 600c

    15 November 2007

    Just over a year since investing in the Canadian Seed Hawk business, Vaderstad has developed a direct drill with tine coulter.

  • Valtra A

    14 November 2007

    VALTRA stresses that its latest A series tractors remain a cost-effective, uncomplicated and reliable basic tractor.

  • Vicon Andex 1103

    13 November 2007

    THE Andex 1103 uses two rotors to achieve a maximum working width of 10.9m, but the hydraulically-telescoping arms can bring this back to 8.6m.

  • Virus levels in potatoes generally low

    13 November 2007

    VIRUS levels in potatoes are generally low but erwinia and blight infection on tubers is significant, according to the latest lab test results from NIAB.

  • Welsh Dairy Show

    November 16th 2007

    Impressive silverware haul for first time exhibitors at Welsh Dairy Show

  • Welsh Dairy Show results

    November 16th 2007

    Inter-breed (Judged by breed panel) Supreme, R.K. and S.G. Miller and Sons, Moorshard Outside Delight (Holstein); reserve sup., G.R. Thomas, Gwynnog Northney Brendan May (Ayrshire). Heifer, Sup., A.H. Wilson and Son, Ridgefield Gibson Cherril (Holstein); res. sup., R.K. and S.G. Miller and Sons, Webscott Playboy Jillian (Brown Swiss).

  • Welsh trials diary

    November 16th 2007

    TRAWDEN, West Berwick Farm, Draughton, Skipton, Nursery (44 ran): 1, Tim Longton (Quernmore) Joe, 92 of 100; 2, J. Wood (Lindley Moor) May, 90; 3, S. Beaton (Nun Appleton) Moss, 89; 4, Michael Longton (Quernmore) Kez, 87; 5, Michael Longton Don, 86; 6, R. Airey (Trawden) Liz, 85.

  • Wild birds linked to outbreak

    November 16th 2007

    A FULL epidemiological investigation is underway to establish how the H5N1 avian flu virus arrived in Suffolk for the second time this year.

  • Woman Farmer of the Year finalists revealed

    November 16th 2007

    THREE candidates – two from Mid Wales and the other from North Wales – have won their way through to the final of one of Welsh agriculture’s most prestigious titles – the NFU Cymru-NatWest Wales Woman Farmer of the Year.

  • Yorkshire Agricultural Society and Framework for Change conference

    November 16th 2007

    Planning for succession is becoming an increasingly challenging area of managing a farming business and brings with it its fair share of problems, including mounting tensions within family relations. ANGELA CALVERT reports from the first conference organised by the Yorkshire Agricultural Society and Framework for Change.

  • Young farmer takes over management role and aims to carry on learning

    November 16th 2007

    ON one of Scotland’s two new HGCA arable monitor farms, Hugh Black is busy preparing for the first meeting on the farm next Thursday. Neil Ryder heard how he had to take over management of the family farm at a moment’s notice.

  • Young members rewarded for show wins

    November 16th 2007

    THE Yorkshire Holstein Club’s annual dinner saw plenty of silverware awarded with young members recognised for winning at the Royal Show and Robin Cowgill of Wharfeside, Otley, given an honorary life members’ award.

  • Zetor Proxima

    14 November 2007

    ZETOR'S Proxima and Proxima Plus tractors have been given a major facelift and one which heralds the start of a new family look for the brand.

  • Ziegler

    14 November 2007

    ZIEGLER had a number of new machines on show.