Farmers Guardian
November 2nd 2007

  • ‘Cancer link’ to red and processed meats

    November 2nd 2007

    EATING red and processed meats increases the risk of developing bowel cancer, a report by the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) has claimed this week.

  • ‘Mud-slinging’ claim follows dismissal of King report

    November 2nd 2007

    PROFESSOR John Bourne received the backing of the scientist who audited the Randomised Badger Culling Trials in his fight back against Sir David King.

  • 40pc of English and Welsh cropped land at risk from water erosion

    November 2nd 2007

    MORE than 40 per cent of cropped land in England and Wales was at risk from water erosion, with around 2.3 million tonnes of soil lost annually, claimed Kemira GrowHow field adviser Dave Towse. “No wonder soil management has risen up the agenda,” he said, adding there were 40 new Environment Agency catchment areas in the UK and farmers were going to have to ‘get their heads round’ a lot of new legislation.

  • 5,600gns Whitefield Bulawayo heads Carlisle’s Blondes

    November 2nd 2007

    IT was the overall show champion that made the top price of 5,600gns when the British Blonde Society held a show and sale at Carlisle.

  • A significant role to play in climate change issues

    November 2nd 2007

    CLIMATE change and sustainability were rising rapidly up the political agenda and organic farming had a significant role to play in meeting those aims, according to Organic Centre Wales director, Dr Nic Lampkin.

  • Agriculture on the front line in climate change challenge

    November 2nd 2007

    THE Government’s ambitious draft Climate Change Bill has been championed by Defra Secretary Hilary Benn. He says it will tackle the ‘greatest challenge facing our generation’.

  • AMPE value falls by 1ppl

    November 2nd 2007

    FOR the first time in 2007, the AMPE fell by 1ppl to 35.3ppl. The Milk Development Council says this was due to market prices for butter easing slightly during October. Nevertheless, both butter and SMP remained at historically high levels.

  • Astonwich Holsteins sell to 3,700gns twice at Malpas

    November 2nd 2007

    THE dispersal of the Astonwich herd of Holsteins saw prices reach 3,700gns twice.

  • Attention to detail can your cut costs

    November 2nd 2007

    Continuing the theme of last week's in-depth look at Farm Health Planning - a new report from the Kingshay Farming Trust reveals the true cost of disease on dairy units.

  • Aubrey-Fletcher elected as new CLA president

    2 November 2007

    BROADCASTER Henry Aubrey-Fletcher has been elected as the new president of the Country Land and Business Association (CLA).

  • Benefits from annual sulphur on grassland

    November 2nd 2007

    THE use of sulphur-containing fertilisers should be an annually accepted practice, which would benefit the environment, livestock and farmers, said Kemira GrowHow agronomist Allison Grundy.

  • Benn announces new Bill

    29 October 2007

    DEFRA Secretary of State Hilary Benn has championed the Government’s ambitious draft Climate Change Bill which he says will tackle the 'greatest challenge facing our generation'.

  • BETA rewards sponsored riders

    31 October 2007

    COMPANIES are being invited to nominate their sponsored riders for the 2008 TSM Rider award, which looks to reward the rider who works hardest for his or her sponsors.

  • Bidding better than expected, average £224

    November 2nd 2007

    BARRY ALSTON reports from the second re-arranged NSA Wales and Border multi-breed sales jointly sponsored by Farmers Guardian.

  • Bluetongue Control Zones merged as case found in Peterborough

    30 October 2007

    DEFRA has merged the Bluetongue Control Zone in Peterborough with the Control Zone covering East Anglia, Kent and East Sussex to create a single zone in the east of England.

  • BPEX calls for temporary suspension of pig levy

    29 October 2007

    WITH the pig industry facing a crisis from rocketing feed prices, the British Pig Executive (BPEX) has called for a temporary suspension of the pig levy to ease the pressure on farmers.

  • BPEX calls for temporary suspension of pig levy

    29 October 2007

    WITH the pig industry facing a crisis from rocketing feed prices, the British Pig Executive (BPEX) has called for a temporary suspension of the pig levy to ease the pressure on farmers.

  • BPEX calls for temporary suspension of pig levy

    29 October 2007

    WITH the pig industry facing a crisis from rocketing feed prices, the British Pig Executive (BPEX) has called for a temporary suspension of the pig levy to ease the pressure on farmers.

  • Brassica bulletin

    November 2nd 2007

    In the third Brassica Bulletin – a series looking at out-wintering options – beef producer Ed Williams talks about how he uses a range of grazed fodder crops for both cows and youngstock.

  • Brazil to be big meat player

    November 2nd 2007

    Brazil is set to become the world’s biggest player in the meat industry within 10 years, according to figures from the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). The body that represents the world’s developed economies says that, by 2016, Brazil will export more meat than all its competitors put together, accounting for a third of all meat traded globally.

  • Breeder and showman aiming for the perfect Large Black

    November 2nd 2007

    A summer of success for breeder and showman Martin Snell has evoked an ongoing determination to produce the perfect Large Black pig. KATIE ROEBUCK meets the Somerset farmer causing a stir in the showring. PICTURES: Marcello Garbagnoli

  • British Limousins’ survey of sale bull performance

    November 2nd 2007

    THE British Limousin Cattle Society is undertaking an extensive customer survey of the performance of over 1,000 bulls sold at society sales.

  • Bromuconazole approved

    November 2nd 2007

    TRIAZOLE fungicide bromuconazole has been approved for use on wheat and barley in the UK and Ireland.

  • Building up the rider-horse relationship without an aggressive approach to training

    November 2nd 2007

    Professional equestrians Roger and Joanna Day have been using non-aggressive techniques to handle horses for the past 40 years. KATIE ROEBUCK visits their Somerset farm to learn more about their approach and how it benefits equine wellbeing and strengthens the relationship between horse and rider.

  • Building up the rider-horse relationship without an aggressive approach to training

    31 October 2007

    PROFESSIONAL equestrians Roger and Joanna Day have been using non-aggressive techniques to handle horses for the past 40 years. KATIE ROEBUCK visits their Somerset farm to learn more about their approach and how it benefits equine wellbeing and strengthens the relationship between horse and rider.

  • CAP focus for conference

    November 2nd 2007

    LIFE after set-aside and CAP reform are on the agenda for the eastern region FWAG and Framlingham Farmers conference on Tuesday, November 6.

  • Carbon emissions from food transport continue to soar

    November 2nd 2007

    DESPITE a greater awareness of the environmental impact of food miles, carbon emissions from food transport continue to soar according to figures published last week.

  • Changing the way in which EU approves agrochemicals for crops

    November 2nd 2007

    Last week the European Parliament voted on two key pieces of pesticide legislation that are set to have a big impact on the way that agrochemicals are approved, marketed and used by EU states. Teresa Rush takes a look at some of the detail of the proposed legislation and what it might mean for farmers.

  • Chelford Charollais

    November 2nd 2007

    WITH Chelford being inside the Bluetongue Protection Zone, only producers within the zone could bid for an entry vastly reduced from the catalogue of nearly 100 pedigree Charollais sheep.

  • Chocolate tea bread

    November 2nd 2007

    “TEA bread is nice, but this is even nicer,” says sender Mrs M. McSorley of Lower Duckworth, Hill Farm, Oswaldtwistle.

  • Claas aims to retain forage harvester lead

    November 2nd 2007

    With four new Jaguar models, Claas is fighting back to keep the number one spot in the self-propelled forage harvester market in the UK that it has held for 15 years.

  • Cold store could get a biogas generator?

    November 2nd 2007

    SOMERSET could be ahead of the field in renewable energy production if proposals to install a biogas energy-producing generator are approved by planners next month.

  • College tackles shortage of disease experts in the UK

    November 2nd 2007

    OUTBREAKS of bird flu, foot-and-mouth and bluetongue in the UK have exposed a shortage of disease experts, according to the Royal Veterinary College.

  • Competition Commission report – the response

    1 November 2007

    THE Competition Commission’s report on the provisional findings of its grocery market investigation was greeted with a mixed reaction.

  • Competition Commission report into supermarket behaviour due out this week

    29 October 2007

    FARMERS will be hoping to score a victory over the supermarkets this week when the Competition Commission publishes its preliminary report into the behaviour of supermarkets.

  • CONFERENCE BRIEFS

    November 2nd 2007

    • THE Water Framework Directive is ‘the most useful directive’ according to John Gummer MP, the conference chairman.

  • Conservatives attack Benn over ‘insensitive’ cost-sharing plans

    November 2nd 2007

    THE Conservatives have attacked Defra Secretary Hilary Benn over the Government’s controversial plans to shift more of the cost of disease control on to farmers.

  • Control Zones are merged after new case discovered in Ely

    November 2nd 2007

    THE two Bluetongue Control Zones in place at the start of this week were merged into one on Tuesday, after the discovery of the virus near Ely in Cambridgeshire.

  • Cows ‘the ultimate carbon off-setters’, says report

    November 2nd 2007

    COWS have received a lot of negative press recently, accused of being significant contributors to global warming – but a new report suggests that cows areactually ‘the ultimate’ carbon off-setters.

  • CSL’s central role providing scientific advice

    November 2nd 2007

    THE Central Science Laboratory has successfully steered Government policy and opinion on central issues such as disease prevention, contaminated food and environmental concerns, according to a new report.

  • CSL’s central role providing scientific advice

    November 2nd 2007

    THE Central Science Laboratory has successfully steered Government policy and opinion on central issues such as disease prevention, contaminated food and environmental concerns, according to a new report.

  • Cultivation of GM crops rocketing in Europe

    30 October 2007

    CULTIVATION of GM crops in Europe has rocketed in the last year, according to figures out this week.

  • Cultivation of GM crops rocketing in Europe

    30 October 2007

    CULTIVATION of GM crops in Europe has rocketed in the last year, according to figures out this week.

  • Dairy farm wins holiday award for diversification

    November 2nd 2007

    A TRADITIONAL family-run dairy farm on the edge of the Peak District National Park, which recently diversified into offering self-catering holiday accommodation for riders and their horses, has received a prestigious award.

  • Defra plan to save £40m through cost-sharing policies

    29 October 2007

    DEFRA Secretary Hilary Benn has told MPs that shoving more of the costs of disease outbreaks on to farmers is the ‘right way to go’.

  • Defra to issue a tender for 10 to 20 million doses of Bluetongue vaccine

    1 November 2007

    DEFRA Secretary Hilary Benn has announced the Department is to issue a tender for between 10 and 20 million doses of a Bluetongue vaccine.

  • Delivering farming’s message

    November 2nd 2007

    Twelve farmers from Cheshire, Cumbria and Lancashire were taking part in a two-day communications training programme this week on a farm near Garstang, Lancashire, learning how to welcome schools and adult groups onto their farms to learn about the links between food, farming and the environment.

  • Delta Two given ultimatum in Sainsbury's bid

    30 October 2007

    THE fate of supermarket giant Sainsbury’s will be decided in the next week, after bidders for the business were given an ultimatum to come up with an further £500 million or forget about a takeover.

  • Delta Two given ultimatum in Sainsbury's bid

    30 October 2007

    THE fate of supermarket giant Sainsbury’s will be decided in the next week, after bidders for the business were given an ultimatum to come up with an further £500 million or forget about a takeover.

  • Demand outstrips supply for fertilisers

    November 2nd 2007

    FERTILISER costs climbed further this week in an exceedingly tight market with rising demand, according to trader, Calum Findlay, Gleadell.

  • Don’t panic buy on autumn Atlantis

    November 2nd 2007

    THERE will be enough Atlantis to go round this autumn – as long as there is no panic buying, says Bayer CropScience.

  • Eblex also offers health advice

    November 2nd 2007

    ALSO linked to Farm Health Planning, the latest information guide from the Eblex Beef Better Returns Programme (BRP) is about ‘cutting disease costs for better returns'.

  • Employee of the Year is dedicated to his farm job

    November 2nd 2007

    HE will be 65 on November 21 – but Ernest Griffiths has no intention of retiring. His employer likes having him around, too.

  • English trials results

    1 November 2007

    TRAWDEN, Hey House Farm, Downham, Clitheroe, Nursery (37): 1, M. Ingham (Norden) Lynmar Kyle, 71 of 90; 2, C. Storey (Delph) Lark, 70; 3, K. Brooks (Horwich) Di, 69; 4, Richard Hutchinson (Littledale) Maid, 66; 5, Michael Longton (Quernmore) Don, 64; 6, Michael Longton Kez, 63.

  • EU countries discuss GM while cultivations in Europe soar by 77pc

    November 2nd 2007

    CULTIVATION of GM crops in Europe has rocketed in the last year, according to figures out this week.

  • Europe to address rising feed costs

    30 October 2007

    THE European Parliament is set to investigate rising feed costs after a debate in Strasbourg this week.

  • Europe to address rising feed costs

    30 October 2007

    THE European Parliament is set to investigate rising feed costs after a debate in Strasbourg this week.

  • Expert warns that ignoring CAMS is a huge financial risk

    November 2nd 2007

    ALL farmers should get involved in their local Catchment Abstraction Management Strategies (CAMS) – they are taking a ‘massive financial risk’ if they do not.

  • Extension granted for pioneering bull purchasing scheme

    November 2nd 2007

    A four-month extension has been secured for Welsh beef farmers to take advantage of a pioneering bull purchasing scheme.

  • Extra funding for red meat

    November 2nd 2007

    QUALITY Meat Scotland has received an additional £1million of funding to help promote the red meat sector.The boost came as part of the Government’s £25million aid package for Scotland’s farming sector.

  • Fair trade for British farmers on the way?

    November 2nd 2007

    THE Competition Commission has opened the door for the introduction of a ‘supermarket ombudsman’ to ensure fair play between retailers and their suppliers.

  • Father and son team retain their titles at the Scottish Ploughing Championships

    November 2nd 2007

    THE 45th Scottish Ploughing Championships were held at Pusk Farm, near Balmullo, at the weekend.

  • Fears over shortage of young people to fill the research gap

    1 November 2007

    SIX new projects have been commissioned by AgriSearch, the Northern Ireland research and development council, said chairman, Billy Yarr, speaking at the 2007 annual meeting.

  • Finding out what makes the country tick

    November 2nd 2007

    TWO sisters have set off on a two-month road trip in their country-cottage-themed motor home to raise the profile of their online community for country-minded people, Muddy Matches.

  • Flex-wing 18000 topper

    November 2nd 2007

    Credit: © FARMERS GUARDIAN please contact 01772 799445.

  • Fresh Start receives a £40,000 Mutual boost

    November 2nd 2007

    NFU Mutual Charitable Trust has donated £40,000 to the Fresh Start initiative, helping to secure its future for the next two years.

  • Gibson to retire – but not his voice for farming

    November 2nd 2007

    THE NFU’s director of communications Anthony Gibson is to leave the post next year after 36 years with the union.

  • Government under intense pressure to commit to a bluetongue vaccine policy

    November 2nd 2007

    THE Government is coming under intense pressure from vaccine manufacturers and the livestock industry to commit itself to a policy of bluetongue vaccination next year.

  • Holsworthy ‘Best of West’ peak of £3,990

    November 2nd 2007

    THE ‘Best of the West’ sale of Holstein maiden heifers at Holsworthy, Devon, saw prices rise to £3,990. The 22 heifers averaged £2,145 and top money was paid for Ciderhouse Shottle Talia sold by D.J. and V.M. Norman, Dorset, purchased by the Toyota herd, a joint venture between Messrs Coryn and Wills.

  • Honoured for his outstanding service to agriculture in Wales

    November 2nd 2007

    A farmer turned lecturer turned politician is being honoured for his outstanding service to agriculture.

  • Hopes for new year advances in cast cow trade

    November 2nd 2007

    DEADWEIGHT cow averages are already down by 20 per cent compared with this time last year and could come under even more pressure short-term unless they are sold more carefully, warns National Beef Association director Kim Haywood.

  • How to create the perfect riding horse

    31 October 2007

    MOST of us long for a perfect riding horse. I’ve known many far from perfect ones, but in fairness it was also the rider that was imperfect.

  • How to create the perfect riding horse

    31 October 2007

    MOST of us long for a perfect riding horse. I’ve known many far from perfect ones, but in fairness it was also the rider that was imperfect.

  • Identifying agriculture’s way forward

    November 2nd 2007

    AGRICULTURAL irrrigation accounts for just 1 per cent of total water use, said Dr Jerry Knox, of Cranfield University.

  • ILPH chosen as Olympia official charity

    31 October 2007

    THE International League for the Protection of Horses (ILPH) has been selected as the official show charity of this year’s Olympia, London International Horse Show (December 17 to 22).

  • Improved Organic Farming Scheme all set to be re-open

    November 2nd 2007

    This year’s Wales Organic Conference brought some good news for would-be converters. BARRY ALSTON reports from the Royal Welsh Showground.

  • IN BRIEF

    November 2nd 2007

    Hazelden sale

  • In-brief

    November 2nd 2007

    • MEMBERS from across Yorkshire, Lancashire and Cumbria proved who had the tightest grip on the rope at fourth Annual Burton-in-Lonsdale YFC tug of war competition.

  • Incidence on infected farms ‘very low – so far’ claims Defra report

    November 2nd 2007

    BLUETONGUE restrictions may be causing huge problems for farmers across the country, but the disease itself has caused relatively little damage so far, a Defra report has revealed.

  • Ingham and Kyle take their first nursey title at Trawden

    November 2nd 2007

    MARILYN Ingham and Lynmar Kyle took their first nursery title on Saturday at the Trawden trial at Downham, near Clitheroe, Lancashire.

  • International agreement on migratory bird protection amid climate change

    November 2nd 2007

    A FRAMEWORK has been created for an international agreement to tackle the threats faced by migratory birds of prey across Europe, Africa and Asia.

  • Keen competition from Cumbria’s Young Farmers

    November 2nd 2007

    THE Cumbria YFC County Sports Competitions Day at the University of Central Lancashire’s Newton Rigg campus saw 300 members taking part.

  • King under fire

    November 2nd 2007

    Respected scientific journal accuses King of putting politics before science of badger cull report

  • Lakewood Rhapsody tops Angus at 5,000gns

    November 2nd 2007

    PRICES rose to 5,000gns for a seven-year-old cow at the Aberdeen-Angus Cattle Society’s show and sale at Carlisle.

  • Light lamb scheme payment just a starting point, say unions

    November 2nd 2007

    LAST weekend’s start-up of a £6.75million voluntary light lamb welfare disposal scheme in Wales has been welcomed by NFU Cymru and the Farmers Union of Wales – but both are adamant it is only the tip of a very large financial iceberg the industry desperately needs.

  • Lindsay to be IDF chairman of environment committee

    November 2nd 2007

    THE MDC’s head of farm management – Brian Lindsay (right) – has been elected chairman of the International Dairy Federation’s (IDF’s) standing committee for the environment.

  • Loaning or leasing a horse or pony

    28 November 2007

    AN essential guide to loaning and leasing a horse or pony: The British Horse Society and the Horses Trust outline your responsibilities; detail the different types of agreements and offer practical advice on drawing up a written loaning/leasing agreement.

  • Look out for hibernating hedgehogs in bonfires

    November 2nd 2007

    IN order to reduce the number of hedgehog and other wildlife casualties this weekend, the British Hedgehog Preservation Society (BHPS) is urging that bonfires should not be built until the day they are due to be lit.

  • Michelin AxioBib for 200-500hp tractors

    November 2nd 2007

    Building on its success with Ultraflex sidewall technology in the XeoBib tyre for 80-200hp tractors, Michelin has rolled out improved radials for the 200-500hp sector.

  • More cash for DC cheese milk

    November 2nd 2007

    DAIRY Crest has increased the milk price for suppliers on its Davidstow and Hartington manufacturing contracts. These now pay the same price which, from November 1, will increase by a further 0.7 ppl. This latest increase brings the cumulative price increase from July 1 to 6.7 ppl for Davidstow and 7.2 ppl for Hartington. DCD chairman, Ian Sharman, added, ‘this is good news which will be welcomed by our members.’

  • Morrisons commits to selling 100 per cent British fresh lamb

    2 November 2007

    MORRISONS has made a commitment to sell 100 per cent British fresh lamb throughout the year in its stores nationwide.

  • Morrisons commits to selling 100 per cent British fresh lamb

    2 November 2007

    MORRISONS has made a commitment to sell 100 per cent British fresh lamb throughout the year in its stores nationwide.

  • Muck and slurry special

    29 October 2007

    WHAT would the proposed NVZ regulations mean on your farm? How much extra storage might you need and how much land to spread manure on? We take a look at the issues surrounding the in-coming changes to the law.

  • Mwyn 1 Rosebud 431 tops Hereford herd dispersal at 4,000gns

    November 2nd 2007

    AT the dispersal sale of the Mwyn herd of Herefords for H.P. Astley and Son of Llannerch-y-Medd, Anglesey, top price was 4,000gns for the 17-month-old maiden heifer, Mwyn 1 Rosebud 431, by Reydon 1 Intrepid.

  • My new best friend is out there somewhere

    2 November 2007

    Viewpoint: By Liz Walker

  • Names change but bluetongue zones remain the same

    5 November 2007

    IF YOU were already confused about how the bluetongue zones affect you, things are about to get worse.

  • Natural England urged to defend green belt

    November 2nd 2007

    NATURAL England celebrated its one-year anniversary this week satisfied it was shaping a greener future for the country.

  • Neigbouring auctioneers co-operate to beat bluetongue controls

    31 October 2007

    AN agreement has been reached between Cheshire based auctioneers, Marshalls and Wright Manley, to share their respective premises for a number of sales, whilst the current bluetongue restrictions are in place.

  • News in brief

    November 2nd 2007

    Milk quota increase move

  • NEWS IN BRIEF

    November 2nd 2007

    Localchoice takes award

  • NFU visit stricken farmers in Kent

    31 October 2007

    LIVESTOCK farmers in Kent whose proximity to the foot-and-mouth and bluetongue outbreaks has burdened them with the most onerous movement restrictions of all farmers are calling for government help.

  • NFUS council open to all

    November 2nd 2007

    FOR the first time, NFU Scotland is opening its annual council meeting to all members. The meeting has historically only been open to council members.

  • No progress on WTO talks

    November 2nd 2007

    THE World Trade Organisation negotiations are running into further problems.

  • Northern Expo Holstein Show

    November 2nd 2007

    This year the Northern Expo Holstein Show was celebrating its 25th anniversary. Katie Lomas reports from the Farmers Guardian sponsored event at Borderway Mart, Carlisle.

  • Numbers down but Western Club sees a record average

    November 2nd 2007

    THE Bluetongue Protection Zone, which has reached some parts of Cheshire, meant the Western Holstein Club’s show and sale, back after an absence of two months, saw a hugely reduced number of entries.

  • One third of dairy farmers could have too much manure to spread legally

    November 2nd 2007

    While the demands on livestock farmers handling muck and slurry increase, there is also a changing role for farm advisers. DAVID BODERKE attended a conference to find out what advisers, and therefore farmers, were being told to look out for in the future.

  • Optimism from NZ lamb marketers

    November 2nd 2007

    DEMAND and prices for New Zealand lamb are warming up nicely in the UK and Europe for the start of the new export season, NZ meat companies report.

  • Organic food ‘equivalent to having an extra portion of fruit and veg a day’

    November 2nd 2007

    ORGANIC food is more nutritious and can even help fight cancer, according to new research out this week.

  • Oxfordshire’s Dan is voted in as new national chairman

    November 2nd 2007

    YOUNG Farmers’ Club members have elected their new national office holders and steering group chairmen at their council meeting at Stoneleigh Park.

  • Paice slams Defra over Bluetongue vaccine announcement

    2 November 2007

    THE Conservatives have accused Defra of ‘rushing out’ the announcement on tendering for a Bluetongue vaccine in response to pressure from MPs and the industry.

  • Pioneering rural entrepreneurs

    November 2nd 2007

    BEN and Charlotte Hollins have been voted the UK’s Young Rural Entrepreneurs 2007, scooping the top prize of £10,000.

  • Plan now to ease pain of new NVZ regulations

    November 2nd 2007

    ALTHOUGH the proposed changes to the Nitrate Vulnerable Zone regulations are still at the consultation stage, Promar consultant Paul Henman has urged dairy farmers to start thinking now about how their business might be affected – as the cost to a typical dairy farm could be over £70,000.

  • Pooling has paid, says grain trader

    November 2nd 2007

    A base price of £118.04 per tonne has been achieved by Gleadell Agriculture’s harvest 2007 wheat pool.

  • Poor feed quality can hit cattle conception rates

    November 2nd 2007

    THE difficulties farmers might have feeding cattle this winter are likely to have a knock-on effect on conception rates, particularly in high-yielding dairy cows, says Intervet Animal Health’s large animal vet adviser, Ruth Vernon.

  • Price rise call to help recovery

    November 2nd 2007

    SUPERMARKETS are being urged to raise lamb price to help Scottish farmers recover from the problems faced during the foot-and-mouth outbreak.

  • Prof Bourne hits back at Government report

    29 October 2007

    PROFESSOR John Bourne, former chairman of the Independent Scientific Group on bTB, hit back with a vengeance at a report by the Government’s chief scientist that contradicted his findings on badger culling.

  • Rees Roberts to continue vital role in Welsh red meat industry

    29 October 2007

    THE chairman of the Wales-based red meat promotion body, Hybu Cig Cymru, has-been reappointed for a further term.

  • Refill to save on waste

    November 2nd 2007

    POTATO growers who fail to return their Nemathorin Surefill containers could be in breach of new waste regulations and be threatening the viability of the returnable packaging initiative. They will also incur the unnecessary costs of safe disposal.

  • Regional food success story

    November 2nd 2007

    THE launch of a unique delivery service by regional food group, Heart of England fine foods (HEFF) is being hailed a huge success by participating producers.

  • Renewable Fuels Agency responsible for ReTFO

    5 November 2007

    A NEW agency to manage Britain's commitment to biofuels was established today by Transport Secretary Ruth Kelly.

  • Returning to their roots to diversify the family farm business for the community

    November 2nd 2007

    Robert and Oliver Paul set up the Suffolk Food Hall to offer locally-produced food with the convenience of a major retailer. CLEMMIE GLEESON reports.

  • Rona and Pete take top spot

    November 2nd 2007

    COMPETITION was impossible because of cloud cover over high ground for the Ceredigion handlers at Blaeglowon, on Saturday, so host John Davies agreed to hold the trials on Sunday. The trials at Bethania, scheduled for Monday, went ahead as planned.

  • RPA delivers bulk of FMD Hill Farm Allowance payments

    November 2nd 2007

    THE Rural Payments Agency has paid the bulk of the £8.5m of payments to English hill farmers as part of the foot-and-mouth disease package of measures announced by the Secretary of State in early October.

  • Rural life and kicking at Countryside Live

    November 2nd 2007

    THE weekend's two-day celebration of rural life, Countryside Live, welcomed nearly 7,500 visitors through its gates at the Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate.

  • Saddle-making exhibition

    November 2nd 2007

    A NEW exhibition, ‘Saddled Up – Technology and Saddle-Making in the 21st Century’, has opened at the Leather Museum in Walsall. The exhibition, run in conjunction with the University of Wolverhampton’s centre of engineering excellence, highlights how the university has developed and applied new technology to solve manufacturing problems in order to give local firms a competitive advantage.

  • Safe and cost-effective grain storage information from HGCA

    November 2nd 2007

    A NEW area on the HGCA’s website has been designed to provide farmers with easy access to the latest information on cost-effective and safe grain storage.

  • Scholars on a mission to New Zealand

    1 November 2007

    THE easy care shepherding approach in New Zealand has captured the interest of the latest trio of HCC Meat Promotion Wales Farming Connect scholarship winners.

  • Scottish Government sends a £25m FMD bill to Westminster

    November 2nd 2007

    UK has a moral and financial responsibility to compensate Scotland, says Lochhead

  • Scottish Ploughing Championships

    November 2nd 2007

    THE 45th Scottish Ploughing Championships were held at Pusk Farm, near Balmullo.

  • Scottish trials results

    1 November 2007

    HAYFIELD (Judge, B. Shankland, Yarrow) Open (39 ran) 1, S. Montgomery (Irongray) Craig, 95/100; 2, R. Montgomery (Bristol) Flo, 94 Time; 3, R. Dalziel (Ettrick) Joe, 94; 4, R. Davies (Wales) Rose, 94; 5, R. MacPherson (Kirklinton) Roy, 94; 6, R. MacPherson (Kirklinton) Meg, 94.

  • Shark Trolley tops Weeton sale at 6,800gns – £2,852 average

    November 2nd 2007

    A large crowd was at Preese Hall Farm, Weeton, Lancashire for the first sale to disperse the milking portion of the Loftus family’s noted Weeton herd of Holsteins.

  • Sheepdog trials diary

    1 November 2007

    ENGLAND

  • Slurry injection – exploiting the full nutrient potential

    November 2nd 2007

    Where there are cows there is likely to be slurry which needs to be spread on the land. The question is, how should slurry be spread so that maximum gain is achieved? Andy Collings takes a look at slurry injection.

  • Steady rise in Welsh organic land area

    November 2nd 2007

    WALES is leading the way in the increasing levels of organic land area in the UK – with the latest statistics showing an 11 per cent rise in 2006.

  • Stress of intervention can trigger calf health problems

    November 2nd 2007

    Ahead of the winter housing period, two calf management meetings were held at different venues in the UK, in conjunction with Farmers Guardian. JOANNE PUGH reports on what two of the speakers had to say – one considering suckled calves and the other bucket-reared calves.

  • Strong trade at Taunton Autumn Gold sale

    November 2nd 2007

    AN exceptionally strong trade for in-milk cows was seen at the Autumn Gold sale of Holsteins at Taunton Livestock Centre, Somerset.

  • Study finds organic food is healthier

    29 October 2007

    ORGANIC food is more nutritious than ordinary produce and can even help fight cancer, according to new research out this week.

  • Supermarket Code could be toughened up – Competition Commission

    31 October 2007

    THE Competition Commission (CC) has provisionally concluded that action is needed to address relationships between retailers and their suppliers.

  • Supplies of Atlantis sufficient this autumn

    29 October 2007

    THERE will be enough Atlantis to go round this autumn - as long as there is no panic buying, says Bayer CropScience.

  • Surrey FMD restrictions lifted

    5 November 2007

    RESTRICTIONS in place around the foot-and-mouth outbreaks in Surrey have been lifted today (Monday, November 5).

  • Suzuki’s 450X KingQuad ‘clean machine’ combines power with more comfort

    November 2nd 2007

    WHAT do you least like about automatic ATVs – is it the seemingly high engine speed of many of them, for any given forward speed?

  • Switching to spring barley may be better

    November 2nd 2007

    GROWERS confident of achieving a full malting specification may be better off switching from late drilled winter wheat to a leading spring malting barley, given grain prices quoted for harvest 2008.

  • Taking care to keep up colostrum levels

    November 2nd 2007

    A COW’S ability to provide her calf with colostrum depended on several factors, Maggie Gould, of Volac International, told dairy farmers – and there were certain circumstances in which intervention should always be considered.

  • Techniques to reduce loss of phosphate

    November 2nd 2007

    ALTHOUGH agriculture was not the only culprit in allowing phosphate to enter water courses it was a contributing factor, said Becky Floate, a farm conservation adviser with FWAG.

  • The badger culling debate

    November 2nd 2007

    Two scientists – two reports on badger culling – two very different conclusions. So when Independent Scientific Group chairman Prof John Bourne and Government chief scientist Sir David King both appeared before a committee of MPs, the results were explosive. ALISTAIR DRIVER reports.

  • The use of water is morally and commercially justifiable

    November 2nd 2007

    THE creation of three reservoirs which hold a total of 101 million gallons of water has brought the Benacre Estate in Suffolk increased flexibility and will help it move forward in the long term.

  • Tighter residue restrictions should cause a rethink of fogging regimes

    November 2nd 2007

    A POTATO store’s entire fogging regime, and not just the final treatment, is vital to consider in abiding with the new CIPC residue restriction MRL of 10ppm, enforced for the first time this season.

  • Tracks could cut compaction and raise traction ‘by 300pc’

    November 2nd 2007

    While track units may not be new to the UK, the idea of fitting one on all four corners of a rigid frame tractor is something different.

  • Tracks could cut compaction and raise traction ‘by 300pc’

    31 October 2007

    WHILE track units may not be new to the UK, the idea of fitting one on all four corners of a rigid frame tractor is something different.

  • Tupping does not need to be delayed for vaccination of ewes

    November 2nd 2007

    SHEEP farmers need not delay tupping in order to vaccinate ewes against enzootic abortion, as some vaccines can be administered during pregnancy.

  • UK likely to get EU flood payout

    31 October 2007

    THE UK looks set to receive £115 million from the European Union to help cover the estimated £3 billion cost of the summer floods.

  • US Farm Bill proposal criticised for keeping Government payments

    November 2nd 2007

    THE US Senate Ag Committee’s $288billion Farm Bill proposal was met by stinging criticism from lawmakers and mainstream media for not going far enough to cut Government supports.

  • Waterwise director warns the cost of water will rise dramatically

    29 October 2007

    ALL farmers should get involved in their local Catchment Abstraction Management Strategies (CAMS) – they are taking a ‘massive financial risk’ if they do not.

  • Waterwise director warns the cost of water will rise dramatically

    29 October 2007

    ALL farmers should get involved in their local Catchment Abstraction Management Strategies (CAMS) – they are taking a ‘massive financial risk’ if they do not.

  • WEDDINGS

    November 2nd 2007

    Rachel Cowperthwaite and David Staveley

  • Welsh trials results

    1 November 2007

    MONTGOMERYSHIRE NURSERY. Nursery: 1, J. Dyson (Llanfiangel) Glen, 5; 2, R. Fernyhough (Newtown) Tiny, 6; 3, H. Lloyd (Trefeglwys) Kate, 9; 4, R. Fernyhough, Ben, 12; 5, R.H. Jones (Llanfechain) Bet, 15; 6, J. Burke (Llandinam) Rosewood Tim, 17. Novice: 1, D. Morgan (Newtown) Glen, 17; 2, R, Evans (Trefeglwys) Floss, 18; 3, M. Hughes (Llanbrynmair) Mac, 19; 4, M. Williams (Welshpool) Bob, 20.

  • Winning thoughts from the BCPC congress

    November 2nd 2007

    Credit: © FARMERS GUARDIAN please contact 01772 799445.

  • Young Instructor of the Year 2007

    31 October 2007

    TOM Searle from Gloucestershire has been named as the British Horse Society (BHS) Young Instructor of the Year.