Farmers Guardian
November 9th 2007

  • ‘Kollektion’ from Albion Saddlemakers

    6 November 2007

    ALBION Saddlemakers and the Spanish Riding School of Vienna have produced a new range of practical equestrian training equipment.

  • ‘Worst breeding season’ for Britain’s migratory birds

    November 9th 2007

    THE unusual weather conditions across Britain have taken their toll on the country’s resident and migratory bird populations – of 25 bird species monitored, seven had their worst breeding season ever.

  • £1.3m ‘foul-up’ over animal health budgets

    8 November 2007

    COUNCIL leaders have warned that an unexpected £1.3million cut to their animal health budgets caused by a Defra ‘foul up’ could jeopardise efforts to control foot-and-mouth and bluetongue.

  • £47 million boost to Welsh rural economy

    8 November 2007

    AN additional £47 million is being made available in Wales over the next three years to secure a more sustainable future for the rural economy.

  • 4,000gns show cow leads Chelford Beef Shorthorns

    November 9th 2007

    THE Tarrant herd of Beef Shorthorns from racehorse trainer, John Dunlop, Arundel, Sussex, sold at Chelford, Cheshire, to a top price of 4,000gns.

  • 6,500gns top for Droit Archie at Carlisle Blues

    November 9th 2007

    BUYING was selective at the Border British Blue Club’s show and sale at Borderway Mart, Carlisle.

  • About Natural England

    November 9th 2007

    Natural England came into being a year ago, bringing together English Nature and parts of the Countryside Agency and the Rural Development Service, with a remit to ‘conserve, enhance and manage the natural environment’.

  • Alastair Sawday’s Special Places to Stay – British Bed and Breakfast

    6 November 2007

    I ALWAYS use Alastair Sawday guides to book B&Bs when I travel in the UK and beyond, and have never been disappointed.

  • An hour in the November garden

    November 9th 2007

    Given the chance, you should start preparing for the November garden way back in the spring, but at that time of the year I can’t get the summer out of my head, says PAUL PEACOCK.

  • Andrew Fletcher joins UK Farm Finance

    November 9th 2007

    UK Farm Finance has a new regional manager for the North of England.

  • Angersleigh Jerseys to 1,650gns top price twice

    November 9th 2007

    BIDDING peaked at 1,650gns when the Angersleigh herd of pedigree Jerseys from Dick and Jenny Aish, Taunton, Somerset, went under the hammer.

  • Animal behaviour key to innovative handling system

    November 9th 2007

    A dozen farmers set out to design a cattle handling system for one Staffordshire beef unit and, while the outcome may not be to their design, it triumphs on the principles of safe, swift handling and – most importantly – works extremely well. Simon Wragg reports.

  • Arla sues one of its producers for £2 million

    6 November 2007

    LEGAL action seeking damages of just under £2million is being taken against an 18 million litre Lancashire milk producer allegedly in breach of its obligation to supply milk to Arla Foods UK.

  • Arla sues one of its producers for £2 million

    6 November 2007

    LEGAL action seeking damages of just under £2million is being taken against an 18 million litre Lancashire milk producer allegedly in breach of its obligation to supply milk to Arla Foods UK.

  • Arran Mist makes £1,900

    November 9th 2007

    WILLIE Stevenson of Arran Sheepdog Centre achieved the top price with three-year-old Arran Mist, sold to S. Henderson, Achentoul, Kinbrace, Sutherland, for £1,900 at the Tomatin Sheepdog Society dog sale.Runner-up was Davie Kinloch, Allanfauld, Kilsyth, who sold three-year-old Tib for £1,850 to Raymond Garrick, Shetland. Overall, 17 dogs over six months sold at an average of £1,019. Five pups under six months averaged £236.

  • Badger cull report findings are criticised by scientific journal

    November 9th 2007

    A LEADING scientific journal has suggested that Government chief scientific adviser Sir David King’s report recommending a badger cull was politically motivated.

  • Be on guard on salmonella

    7 November 2007

    SALMONELLA bacteria are very tough and adaptable, able to sense changes in their environment and alter their genetic machinery in order to survive, according to Klaus Torborg of Lohmann Animal Health.

  • Beef special feature

    9 November 2007

    Farmers Guardian looks into the challenge of finding cost-effective feeds and how implementing a winter stratgey could boost beef profits.

  • Bernard Matthews workers to strike

    8 November 2007

    WORKERS at Bernard Matthews sites in East Anglia are to hold a one-day strike next Thursday (November 15).

  • Bluetongue vaccine tenders sought by Defra for next year

    9 November 2007

    THE Government has taken a big step towards ensuring a bluetongue vaccine will be available next summer, although crucial issues about a vaccination strategy are still to be resolved.

  • BMPA deciding on legal action

    9 November 2007

    THE British Meat Processors Association is seeking Counsel advice on whether to take legal action in a bid to recover the £16 million-plus costs incurred by its members following the latest foot-and-mouth outbreak.

  • Boosted output and reduced waste benefits of liquid fertiliser injection

    November 9th 2007

    Liquid injection has increased fertiliser output by at least 50 per cent over a solid application system and has also eased the problems associated with new waste packaging legislation, storage and disposal for Cambridgeshire potato grower Ian Gilbert of Butcher’s Hill Farm, near Littleport.

  • Borderway Agri-Expo

    November 9th 2007

    Livestock classes, trade stands and auctioneering competitions were just some of the highlights of the first Agri-Expo, organised and hosted by Harrison and Hetherington at Borderway Mart, Carlisle. Katie Lomas reports from the Farmers Guardian-supported event.

  • Borrowing by agriculture at an all-time high of £9.8bn

    November 9th 2007

    A SHARP rise in short-term and overdraft borrowing by UK farmers has been revealed by the Bank of England.

  • Brassicas resistant to turnip mosaic virus

    November 9th 2007

    SCIENTISTS have identified a new way to breed brassicas that are resistant to a damaging virus. Turnip mosaic virus (TuMV) is an economically devastating virus that infects a wide range of cultivated plants, but especially brassicas.

  • Broadcaster is CLA’s new president

    November 9th 2007

    BROADCASTER Henry Aubrey- Fletcher is the new president of the Country Land and Business Association. He has been involved with the CLA nationally as well as in Buckinghamshire for many years, and has spent more than 30 years in broadcasting for the BBC and independent radio.

  • Cab option for MF’s diesel utility vehicle

    November 9th 2007

    THE Massey Ferguson 20MD diesel utility vehicle bow has a cab option. Produced by Wlater Mauser, the glazed cab is based around the standard roll-over protection frame.

  • Calls for immediate ban on Brazilian beef imports

    9 November 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.

  • Campaigners react angrily to GM statement

    9 November 2007

    ANTI-GM campaigners have reacted angrily to the ministerial statement on the co-existence of GM and non-GM crops made by Environment Minister Phil Woolas.

  • Campaigners react angrily to GM statement

    9 November 2007

    ANTI-GM campaigners have reacted angrily to the ministerial statement on the co-existence of GM and non-GM crops made by environment minister Phil Woolas.

  • Can we increase the UK’s slaughter capacity?

    November 9th 2007

    VIEWPOINT: By JIM WEBSTER

  • Canada

    6 November 2007

    Ar ddydd Llun y 5ed o Dachwedd bydd 23 o aelodau CFfI Cymru yn teithio i Ganada fel rhan o Taith Astudio'r Pwyllgor Materion Gwledig ar gyfer 2007.

  • CAP payments to be published in detail

    7 November 2007

    FULL disclosure of all CAP payments to farmers is to become compulsory across the EU.

  • Celebrating local produce with food and drink awards

    November 9th 2007

    YORKSHIRE’S finest food and drink was celebrated last week at the annual Deliciouslyorkshire Awards dinner, at York’s historic Merchant Adventurers’ Hall.

  • Charolais bulls to 7,500gns at Dungannon

    November 9th 2007

    BIDDING for Charolais bulls reached 7,500gns in Dungannon at the Northern Ireland Charolais Clubs’ autumn show and sale.

  • Charollais in demand as Severn Gorge flock is dispersed at Worcester Mart

    November 9th 2007

    SEVENTEEN-years of selective breeding came under the hammer at Worcester Market last week, when Dave and Mary Reynolds from Buildwas, Shropshire, dispersed their Severn Gorge flock of Charollais.

  • Chief vet to take early retirement

    9 November 2007

    CHIEF veterinary officer Dr Debby Reynolds is to take early retirement after four years in the post, Defra has announced.

  • Church speaks out against supermarkets

    6 November 2007

    THE Church of England has spoken out against the major supermarkets, claiming they are putting farmers’ livelihoods at risk.

  • CLA call for Energy Bill to be amended

    8 November 2007

    THE Energy Bill is a missed opportunity to radically reform the way that energy is delivered in the UK according to the CLA.

  • Climate change could mean BYDV problem could worsen

    November 9th 2007

    Disease forecasting was the focus of a workshop jointly hosted by Rothamsted Research Association (RRA) and HGCA at East Malling Research near Maidstone in Kent. Dominic Kilburn reports.

  • Commodity crop values fuel price of scarce farmland

    6 November 2007

    FARMLAND prices have continued to increase dramatically over the twelve months up to the end of September – and a £5,000 / acre average could become a reality.

  • Commodity crop values fuel price of scarce farmland

    6 November 2007

    FARMLAND prices have continued to increase dramatically over the twelve months up to the end of September – and a £5,000 / acre average could become a reality.

  • Competition Commission report

    5 November 2007

    FARMERS are being urged to contact the Competition Commission with their views on last week’s initial report into the groceries sector.

  • 'Complete nutritional solutions' for dairy producers

    November 9th 2007

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

  • Cow

    15 November 2007

    THIS immensely pleasing book aims to outline the place of cattle in the modern world, highlighting their importance and relevance in terms of history, economics and religion.

  • Curious Country Customs

    9 November 2007

    EVER wondered about the origins of Britain’s more bizarre traditions? Curious Country Customs examines, month by month, the seasonal festivals and eccentric events that make up our calendar.

  • Cutting phosphate loss on land

    November 9th 2007

    In last week’s report on FWAG adviser Becky Floate’s talk at a conference on muck and slurry, it should have read that ways of reducing the loss of phosphate from grassland included ploughing to redistribute phosphate and the possibility of ‘mining’ phosphate in some areas.

  • Dealing with developers

    7 November 2007

    FIRST of all you must understand your different agendas – they will affect negotiations.

  • Defra ‘ripping off’ farmers with latest table valuations

    9 November 2007

    DEFRA has been accused of ‘ripping off’ farmers by ignoring the effects of foot-and-mouth in its table valuations for cattle diseases like bovine TB.

  • DFB announce sixth price increase this year

    6 November 2007

    DAIRY Farmers of Britain members will receive an across-the-board milk price increase of 1.5 ppl from December 1.

  • Disease restrictions in detail

    9 November 2007

    Foot-and-mouth restrictions: THERE is now just one zone for foot-and-mouth - the restricted zone (RZ).

  • Don’t put your foot in your mouth when it comes to employment issues

    November 9th 2007

    EMPLOYMENT law in the UK is becoming ever more complicated. Furthermore, the amount of claims brought by employees is continually rising.

  • Early rat infestations on farms high while demand for bait soars by 75pc

    November 9th 2007

    INCREASED rodent activity on farms is being seen earlier because of mild winters and favourable breeding conditions.

  • East Anglian farmers on alert for tidal surge risk

    9 November 2007

    THE danger of major flooding along the east coast of England appears to have passed.

  • Eisteddfod

    6 November 2007

    Fe fydd Eisteddfod Genedlaethol CFfI Cymru yn cael ei gynnal ar y 17eg o Dachwedd ym mhafiliwn Corwen, Corwen, lle disgwylir tua 500 o aelodau rhwng 10 a 26 mlwydd oed i gystadlu.

  • Elcombe Holstein Friesians to 1,850gns for Mtoto-sired Topsy

    November 9th 2007

    THE sale of the milking portion and served heifers from the loose-housed Elcombe pedigree Holstein Friesians for John Rymer and family, Dursley, Gloucestershire, saw prices peak at 1,850gns.

  • Elin Jones opens rural learning resource trail

    November 9th 2007

    WELSH Assembly Rural Affairs Minister, Elin Jones, walked in ‘the footsteps of a giant’ this week when she officially opened a new sculpture trail in woodlands on the outskirts of Cardiff.

  • English trials results

    8 November 2007

    HAYFIELD, The Grouse Inn, Glossop, Derbyshire, (52 ran) Nursery: 1; J. Harvey (Leek) Pat, 79 of 90, OLF; 2, I. Gregory (Peak Forest) Sue, 79; 3, M. Hallam (Hayfield) Meg, 79; 4, E. Ward (Temple Normanton) Del, 78, OLF; 5, G. Dermody (Nantwich) Jess, 78; 6, R. Saxon (Bradwell) Peg, 78.

  • Ensuring your horse has a comfortable winter

    November 9th 2007

    As daylight hours decrease and the colder nights set in, Nicola Markwell of Redwings Horse Sanctuary offers advice for maximising your horse’s well-being this winter.

  • ES options not always those that benefit the environment the best

    8 November 2007

    ENVIRONMENTAL stewardship management options favoured by farmers are not necessarily those that offer the greatest benefits for the environment, a review of the first two years has revealed.

  • EU to lift most export restrictions

    6 November 2007

    THE EU has decided to lift export restrictions from most of Britain following a meeting of the European Standing Committee on Food Chain and Animal Health (SCoFCAH) today (Tuesday, November 6).

  • Exports resume but controls for some tightened

    November 9th 2007

    THE foot-and-mouth export restrictions on meat and meat products will be lifted next week, but movement controls for some farmers will be tightened after a European Union decision this week.

  • Faironika the cow launches ‘Fair Milk’ campaign

    November 9th 2007

    FAIRONIKA the cow – the symbol for the European Milk Board’s ‘Fair Milk’ campaign will see its Scottish national launch at AgriScot next week.

  • Farmers' organisations need to connect with consumers

    6 November 2007

    FARMER-CONTROLLED businesses and co-operatives needed to become more confident and should learn to become more predatory in the market place, said Allan Burns, chairman of the newly formed Scotland Food and Drink.

  • Farmers warned against spot market commodity selling

    6 November 2007

    DAIRY and cereal farmers should not be tempted to move away from co-operative marketing to the risk and insecurity of spot market commodity selling, SAOS chief executive, James Graham, told the conference.

  • Fendt goes with six

    9 November 2007

    FENDT is set to show its most powerful tractor to date when it unveils the concept six-wheel Trisix at Agritechnica this weekend to gauge customer interest.

  • Fertiliser prices still rising

    8 November 2007

    LATEST figures for fertilisers show that prices have continued to rise from October.

  • Ffair Aeaf

    6 November 2007

    Cynhelir Ffair Aeaf Cymru ar y 26ain a 27ain o Dachwedd.

  • Five hundred members to compete in National Eisteddfod

    6 November 2007

    THE Wales YFC National Eisteddfod will be held on November 17 in Corwen Pavilion, Corwen, where around 500 members between the age of 10 and 26 are expected to come and compete.

  • FMD market impact to persist, says Eblex

    8 November 2007

    EXPECT the market ramifications of foot-and-mouth disease to persist for some time says Eblex.

  • Galloways reach 1,450gns peak

    November 9th 2007

    LEADING trade at 1,450gns at the sale of pedigree Galloway cattle at Castle Douglas was an in-calf heifer, Lady Brigette 1 of Fingland, consigned by W. Wallace and Sons, Dalry, Castle Douglas. The buyer was Messrs Hobday, Derby. This Beckham of Fingland daughter was running with Monarch of Kirkmabreck before the sale.

  • Government ‘burying head in sand’ over FMD compensation

    6 November 2007

    THE Government has been accused of ‘burying its head in the sand’, after it turned down a request to provide market support for farmers hit by foot-and-mouth restrictions.

  • Half of big six supermarkets importing lamb

    8 November 2007

    THREE of the six largest retailers have been slated by the National Sheep Association for failing to support crisis-hit home-produced lamb.

  • Harvey and Pat take Hayfield title as top three tie on points

    November 9th 2007

    OVER a busy weekend of competition, several handlers enjoyed multiple victories.

  • Herd health planning improves profits

    November 9th 2007

    Continuing to look at Farm Health Planning, a Defra-funded initiative being delivered to farmers through various industry groups, JOANNE PUGH went to visit a cattle project in Cumbria. There farmers are being encouraged to participate through the use of advocate farms, ‘best practice’ units which demonstrate the cost benefits of proactive health planning.

  • High capacity diet feeder

    November 9th 2007

    THE Powermix Pro 25 is the new high capacity diet feeder from Shelbourne Reynolds. This 25cu.m vertical auger feeder is an extension of the nine to 22cu.m range launched last year.

  • Hunting on public’s agenda

    November 9th 2007

    A NEW poll released at the start of the hunting season shows that two in three people surveyed (65 per cent) believe that police should spend the same amount or less time policing the Hunting Act.

  • ILPH launches free Welfare Hotline

    7 November 2007

    THE International League for the Protection of Horses (ILPH) has changed its Welfare Hotline to a new free-phone number to make it easier for people to report cases of horse cruelty and neglect.

  • Improving supermarket and supply chain relations

    November 9th 2007

    Farmers are being urged to contact the Competition Commission and give their views on how supermarkets can be better regulated. JACK DAVIES examines the Commission’s report, industry reaction and how UK farmers can respond.

  • International Programme

    6 November 2007

    THE Briefing and Selection Day will be held on Sunday, November 4, where members will be selected to represent Wales YFC on a number of exchanges to countries such as Finland, Scotland and America.

  • Kivells enter discussions on new Holsworthy mart

    November 9th 2007

    KIVELLS auctioneers have held discussions with Torridge District Council for the provision of a new livestock centre situated on the outskirts of Holsworthy, Devon.

  • Kivells enter discussions on new Holsworthy mart

    November 9th 2007

    KIVELLS auctioneers have held discussions with Torridge District Council for the provision of a new livestock centre situated on the outskirts of Holsworthy, Devon.

  • Kivells enter discussions on new Holsworthy mart

    November 9th 2007

    KIVELLS auctioneers have held discussions with Torridge District Council for the provision of a new livestock centre situated on the outskirts of Holsworthy, Devon.

  • Lamb premium on the table

    7 November 2007

    IN New Zealand, the Alliance Group says its new incentive based lamb supply contracts, with qualifying farmers committing all their lambs to the company for a season, is an attempt to reduce fragmentation of the meat processing industry and third party involvement.

  • Lamb premium on the table

    7 November 2007

    IN New Zealand, the Alliance Group says its new incentive based lamb supply contracts, with qualifying farmers committing all their lambs to the company for a season, is an attempt to reduce fragmentation of the meat processing industry and third party involvement.

  • Larger farm aid payments to be capped

    8 November 2007

    MARIANN Fischer Boel’s spokesman has confirmed that a draft proposal to cap aid payments to larger farms will form part of the CAP health check. 

  • Last chance to take part in the 'Nuffield experience'

    6 November 2007

    TRAVELLING the world in the name of agriculture is not an opportunity that comes around very often and with just days to go until its closing date, the Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust is still accepting applications to find new recruits for 2008.

  • Last chance to take part in the 'Nuffield experience'

    6 November 2007

    TRAVELLING the world in the name of agriculture is not an opportunity that comes around very often and with just days to go until its closing date, the Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust is still accepting applications to find new recruits for 2008.

  • Limousins to 2,150gns at Whitland

    November 9th 2007

    PEDIGREE Limousins sold at a steady trade at Whitland Mart, Carmarthenshire, and peaked at 2,150gns in the female ring.

  • Lobby your MEP to vote against Directive, says NFU

    November 9th 2007

    THE NFU is urging members to lobby MEPs to reject a draft Soils Directive when the plenary vote on the EU’s Soil Thematic Strategy takes place on November 13.

  • Make the most of alternative feeds

    November 9th 2007

    Over the past few weeks Farmers Guardian has been working with Eblex’s Beef Better returns Programme to take an in-depth look at feeding. In this, the final article, Dr Mary Vickers, MLC beef and sheep scientist, talks about making the most of alternative feed supplies.

  • Making a beet crop economical

    7 November 2007

    LOWER gross margin potential from sugar beet and associated challenges with autumn cultivations and drilling, are leaving a big question mark over the viability of growing the crop at all.

  • Maple leaf biscuits

    November 9th 2007

    Sent in by Laura Evans of LLandrillo, Denbighshire.

  • Mirabell tops Shorthorn Society trade at 1,900gns

    November 9th 2007

    THE Shorthorn Society’s autumn show and sale, due to be held at Chelford, looked to be under threat when the Bluetongue Restriction Zone extended to take in the centre.

  • Mycotoxin warning for pig producers’ cereals

    7 November 2007

    THE British Pig Executive (BPEX) has warned pig producers about the effect mycotoxins in cereals – a result of the wet harvest – could have on production this autumn and winter.

  • New Holland T8050

    8 November 2007

    THE T8050 is set to become top dog in the New Holland stable when it gets unveiled to the public at Agritechnica this weekend.

  • New Holland tractor for Pontiff

    November 9th 2007

    NEW Holland has presented Pope Benedict XVI with a T7050 finished in a special white livery and bearing the Papal coat of arms. The tractor was donated to the Pontiff and will be used to tow the platform used for the regular Wednesday general audience in St Peter’s Square.

  • New Officers

    6 November 2007

    Members of the Wales YFC sub-committees have elected their officers for the forthcoming year.

  • New Perkins engine plant for China

    November 9th 2007

    Perkins is looking to strengthen its presence in China with a new manufacturing facility at Wuxi in the Jiangsu province. The plant will be operational by September next year when it will start producing the 400 series three- and four-cylinder, liquid cooled, naturally aspirated and turbo-charged indirect injection range of engines.

  • NEWS IN BRIEF

    November 9th 2007

    Organic plan

  • Opportunities for pig research funding

    9 November 2007

    SEVEN research projects have been funded by the British Pig Executive (BPEX) – to the tune of £41,000 – and there will be opportunity for more applications in the spring.

  • Optimism on better times ahead for GB wool clip

    9 November 2007

    THE value of the wool clip is set to increase next year.

  • Opting for their native breed proves a ‘golden’ judgement for the James family

    November 9th 2007

    Success in the showring is one thing – but success with home-bred stock is far more rewarding. BARRY ALSTON reports.

  • Organic carbon footprint higher than conventional wheat and potato crops

    8 November 2007

    THE carbon footprint of organically-produced wheat and potatoes is higher per unit area than that of conventionally-grown crops in terms of weed control.

  • Police officer sues over Avian flu

    November 9th 2007

    A police officer who stood guard outside the farm at the centre of the Avian bird flu outbreak in May and subsequently fell ill is suing North Wales Police. The officer is claiming compensation for inadequate training and a failure to provide protective clothing. Members of the officer’s family are also said to have been ill and understood to be included in the landmark legal action lodged against the force.

  • Post-harvest weather is a good disease indicator through to following harvest

    November 9th 2007

    RAINFALL in August and September is the most important factor in predicting phoma and stem canker risk in oilseed rape and, according to one expert, data gathered during these months can provide a disease risk assessment in the crop through to the following harvest.

  • Producer calls for action in pig crisis

    8 November 2007

    SAUSAGE producer Debbie & Andrew’s is to pay its suppliers 15 per cent above the industry average for all of its pork.

  • Putting a plan into action and monitoring its progress

    November 9th 2007

    ONE of the demonstration farms in the XLVets Dairy Herd Health Project is Woodhouses Farm, near Carlisle – a 260-acre unit ran by brothers Trevor and John Whitfield.

  • Renewable energy group to look at wind turbines

    7 November 2007

    WIND turbines are the subject of CMS UK’s re-arranged renewable energy group meeting at Reaseheath College , Nantwich, Cheshire on November 22.

  • Renewable energy group to look at wind turbines

    7 November 2007

    WIND turbines are the subject of CMS UK’s re-arranged renewable energy group meeting at Reaseheath College , Nantwich, Cheshire on November 22.

  • Renewable Fuels Agency’s chairman calls for same terms in UK as Europe

    November 9th 2007

    FARMERS in the UK, who want to grow crops for biofuels, should be able to do so on the same terms as farmers in Europe, says the chairman of the new Renewable Fuels Agency (RFA).

  • Rhaglen Rhyngwladol

    6 November 2007

    Cynhelir Diwrnod Brifio a Dethol Rhyngwladol ar ddydd Sul y 4ydd o Dachwedd lle bydd aelodau yn cael eu dewis i gynrychioli CFfI Cymru ar nifer o deithiau i wledydd megis y Ffindir, yr Alban ac America.

  • Riders stage public protest against council decision

    7 November 2007

    RIDERS in Oxford yesterday (Tuesday, November 6) expressed their anger with councillors over a closed bridleway and a controversial court costs decision by taking their fight with car giant BMW and Oxfordshire County Council to County Hall.

  • Rigel Mithril brings top bid of 3,700gns at Castle Douglas

    6 November 2007

    THE breed champion at this year’s Great Yorkshire and reserve at the Royal Highland Show, Rigel Mithril, brought the day’s top bid of 3,700gns for Yorkshire breeders, Messrs Pye of Rigel Pedigree, Yarm, North Yorkshire when the Salers Cattle Society held its Farmers Guardian sponsored Castle Douglas sale on Saturday.

  • Robert Ellis chalks up a hat-trick of nursery class wins with Glamorgan title

    November 9th 2007

    MIRK was a popular name for dogs competing in the Glamorgan nurseries, with three dogs with that name in the top six places at this week’s trials.

  • Rugby 7s and Tug of War

    6 November 2007

    THE all Wales YFC Rugby 7s final and the Wales YFC male and female Tug of War competitions took place on Sunday, October, 7, at the Army Sports Field in Brecon.

  • Rygbi 7 bob ochr a Thynnu’r Gelyn

    6 November 2007

    Cynhaliwyd cystadleuaeth derfynol rygbi 7 bob ochr a chystadlaethau tynnu’r gelyn merched a bechgyn CFfI Cymru ar y 7fed o Hydref ar gae Chwarae’r Fyddin yn Aberhonddu.

  • Salers peak of 3,700gns for Rigel Mithril at Castle Douglas

    November 9th 2007

    THE breed champion at this year’s Great Yorkshire Show and reserve at the Royal Highland, Rigel Mithril, brought the top bid of 3,700gns for Messrs Pye, of Rigel Pedigree, Yarn, North Yorkshire, when the Salers Cattle Society held its Farmers Guardian-sponsored sale at Castle Douglas, on Saturday.

  • SAOS conference

    6 November 2007

    NEIL RYDER reports from the SAOS conference in Carnoustie.

  • Scholarship gives Emma a new farming perspective

    November 9th 2007

    AS the Nuffield Scholarship celebrates 60 years of service to agriculture, DANUSIA OSIOWY meets 2007 Nuffield scholar Emma Hockridge. With the opportunity to travel the world, forge new friendships and access the world’s best in food and farming, she describes the exceptional opportunities a scholarship award can bring.

  • School visit to organic farm

    November 9th 2007

    SCHOOLCHILDREN from Bookwell School, Egremont, Cumbria recently visited High House Farm, an organic dairy farm in Wilton, to learn from farmers Eileen and Terry Dixon about how milk is produced. The visit was organised through The Cumbria Farmer Network as part of the Year of Food and Farming, with funding by Fells and Dales Leader + programme.

  • Scottish trials results

    8 November 2007

    BROADGAIRHILL Big Course (Judge, R. Wood, Greenlaw) Open (35 ran) 1, R. Dalziel (Ettrick) Joe, 94; 2, T. Lawrenson (Brindle) Spot, 93; 3, R. MacPherson (Kirklinton) Roy, 92 Outbye; 4, R. Dalziel (Ettrick) Jamie, 92; 5, R. MacPherson (Kirklinton) Moss, 90 Outbye; 6, L. Hansson (Sweden) Elli, 90.

  • Seeds’ herbicide resistance

    8 November 2007

    HERBICIDE resistance is present in commercial ryegrass seed varieties, according to preliminary screening carried out by Rothamsted Research.

  • Sheep title goes to Texel cross lambs

    November 9th 2007

    SIXTY pairs of sheep entered the prime sheep show with the overall title going to a pair of Texel cross untrimmed lambs from James and Gillian Whiteford, of Brampton, Carlisle.

  • Sheepdog trials diary

    8 November 2007

    ENGLAND

  • Simba SL Cultivator

    November 9th 2007

    SIMBA have brought together elements of the Solo and X-Press cultivators to create the new SL.

  • Spaldings wheel changer

    November 9th 2007

    Spaldings have introduced this wheel changer tool allowing one person to safely change wheel equipment.

  • Staff morale low, but Natural England boss says farmer customers are happy

    November 9th 2007

    One year into its life, Natural England is facing huge levels of discontentment among staff, who want the management to go. But while staff are unhappy, customers like farmers in agri-environment schemes are getting top level service, according to its under-fire boss Helen Phillips. ALISTAIR DRIVER reports.

  • Steer tops Thainstone trade at £1,200

    November 9th 2007

    PRICES rose to £1,200 at a show and sale of weaned and suckled calves at Thainstone.

  • Stephen has the winning Expo Factor

    November 9th 2007

    AS well as the strong livestock classes Agri-Expo also saw over 120 trade stands in and outside Borderway Mart.

  • Strong support for winter fair

    November 9th 2007

    LIVESTOCK producers have again demonstrated strong support for the two-day Royal Welsh Winter Fair at Llanelwedd, Builth Wells on November 26 and 27, with record entries for the cattle classes.

  • Study looks at plant health threats

    7 November 2007

    A NEW study into threats to plant health in the UK has been published by Defra and the horticultural and agricultural industries.

  • Study looks at plant health threats

    7 November 2007

    A NEW study into threats to plant health in the UK has been published by Defra and the horticultural and agricultural industries.

  • Study on future plant health threats

    November 9th 2007

    A NEW study into threats to plant health in the UK says the risk of new pests and diseases being introduced to the country is likely to increase.

  • Swyddogion Newydd

    6 November 2007

    Ar ddydd Sadwrn y 6ed o Hydref etholwyd swyddogion is-bwyllgorau CFfI Cymru gan aelodau’r pwyllgorau.

  • Tackling the challenge of finding cost-effective feeds

    November 9th 2007

    DESPITE some recent settling in the price of cereals, the overall cost of nearly all feeds remains considerably higher than last year.

  • Thainstone rams to £420

    November 9th 2007

    SUFFOLKS and Texels were to the fore during Aberdeen and Northern Marts’ second show and sale of rams at Thainstone Centre, Inverurie.

  • The Cheese Making Book

    7 November 2007

    THE third in Paul Peacock’s series of food-producing books (The Sausage Book and The Smoking and Curing Book precede this one), The Cheese Making Book offers the author’s usual trademark combination of useful advice and humour.

  • The latest from Wales YFC

    6 November 2007

    WELCOME to the second Wales YFC newsletter on the Farmers Guardian website. In this newletter you can read all about what our members will be getting up to in the forthcoming weeks.

  • There is no excuse for not keeping quality data on dairy farms

    November 9th 2007

    COMPUTER programmes to help with record keeping on dairy farms are easy-to-use and, more often than not, free to run.

  • Time to belt black-grass?

    5 November 2007

    AFTER a slow start, black-grass is now emerging in untreated winter wheat fields. TAG is warning its members that these fields may now require prompt treatment.

  • Two-day Swaledale ram sale at Hawes peaks at £31,500

    November 9th 2007

    AT the two-day show and sale of registered Swaledale shearling rams at Hawes, North Yorkshire, on behalf of the Swaledale Sheep Breeders Association prices peaked at £31,500 and averaged £1,167 for the 581 rams forward.

  • UK Government's stand on FMD slammed by NFU Cymru vice-president

    6 November 2007

    THE UK Government’s stand on foot-and-mouth compensation was slammed by NFU Cymru vice-president, Edmund Bailey.

  • Understanding the soil, N usage and run-off

    November 9th 2007

    UNDERSTANDING the soil, how nitrogen is used by crops and how farming practices influence run-off pollutants into watercourses is increasingly important as farmers face proposed changes to the Nitrates Directive.

  • US liquid milk consumption slows

    November 9th 2007

    GROWTH in liquid milk consumption in the US has slowed as prices rise.

  • Wales YFC members travel to Canada

    6 November 2007

    ON Monday November 5 Wales YFC members will be travelling to Canada as part of the 2007 Rural Affairs Committee study tour.

  • Weeds factor in rare plants decision

    8 November 2007

    CONCERN over the effects of weeds growing in a crop or adjacent to it may be a major factor in farmers’ deciding against environmental stewardship (ES) options that would benefit rare arable plants.

  • Weight loss ‘having an impact on fertility of UK dairy herd’

    November 9th 2007

    BODY condition loss in early lactation – an issue with serious implications for future fertility – could be prevented by supplementing with protected fats, according to trial data collected by Trident.

  • Welsh trials results

    8 November 2007

    GLOS/GWENT NURSERY (06/10). Nursery: 1, J.A. Watkins (Bedwellty) Sid, 21; 2, A. Blackmore (Ledbury) Cammen Nap, 23; 3, J. Griffiths (Ebbw Vale) Tysswg Drift, 34olf; 4, G. Glanville (Higher Acton) Max, 34; 6, J. Reed (Monmouth) Chas, 36; Novice: J.A. Watkins, Sid, 18; 2, G. Martin (Lydney) Bess, 22; 3, J. Reed, Chas, 24olf; 4, G. Jones (Blackwood) Meg, 24; 5, G. Glanville, Max, 34 olf; 6, M. Capes (Lydney) Whiterose Holly, 34.

  • Who’s Who in the Archers 2008

    12 November 2007

    A POCKET-sized paperback designed to familiarise new listeners (and confused long-time fans) with exactly who is who in the popular radio drama.

  • Wide variation in yields as beet harvest progresses well

    7 November 2007

    SUGAR beet yields are varying widely as harvest progresses during this seasons campaign.

  • Wide variation in yields as beet harvest progresses well

    7 November 2007

    SUGAR beet yields are varying widely as harvest progresses during this seasons campaign.

  • Wilma takes Solway top ticket

    November 9th 2007

    THE Solway Aberdeen-Angus Club held an open calf show and 30 calves took to the ring after the sheep judging finished.

  • Winnie clinches ‘the big one’ in record Shire show

    November 9th 2007

    A RECORD 21 champions from this year’s shire shows competed for the Shire Society’s Horse of the Year title, held for the first time at Valiants Equestrian Centre, Poulton-le-Fylde, Lancashire, judged by George Emmott, from Yorkshire.

  • Winter Fair

    6 November 2007

    THE Welsh Winter Fair will be held on November 26 and 27. As usual the Winter Fair will host a variety of competitions from stock judging to decorating Christmas trees.

  • Winter rations with protected fats could raise yields

    November 9th 2007

    INTRODUCING rumen protected fat to winter dairy rations could increase yields by more than four litres per day throughout the first half of lactation and improve net income, according to results from trials at the University of Reading.

  • Winter strategy to boost beef profits this winter

    November 9th 2007

    POOR silage quality and increased concentrate costs are combining with low finished cattle prices to create considerable pressure within the beef sector this year.

  • Worming strategies even more critical as feed costs increase

    8 November 2007

    SOARING feed prices have made it more important than ever for pig and poultry producers to have a strategic worming programme in place, according to Dave Cunnah of Janssen Animal Health.