Farmers Guardian
October 27th 2006

  • ‘Champion’ of local produce

    October 27th 2006

    FARMERS in Gloucestershire are to be given a helping hand to improve the demand for local food in the county.

  • ‘Exciting’ spring for grain market

    October 27th 2006

    WITH tight global supplies for both wheat and oilseeds, growers are being advised to adopt a measured selling approach. According to Simon Ingle, head of milling wheat at Grainfarmers, despite recent falls from £100/tonne highs, the market remains fundamentally bullish.

  • ‘No improvement in delivery of Single Payment this year’

    October 27th 2006

    FOOD and Farming Minister Jeff Rooker has warned farmers there will be no improvement in Single Payment delivery this year.

  • ‘Pay English farmers 80pc of payments by Christmas’ campaign

    October 27th 2006

    THE Conservatives have launched a campaign calling for the Government to pay all English farmers 80 per cent of their Single Payment by Christmas Day.

  • ‘Re-think herbicide timings on OSR and winter wheat’

    October 27th 2006

    CONTINUING unseasonal weather means that winter wheat and oilseed rape growers may need to rethink their timings for the application of herbicides to control black-grass.

  • ‘The backbone of the countryside’

    October 27th 2006

    THE proceedings kicked off with a video message from Prince Charles, who referred to farmers as ‘hefted people and the backbone of the countryside’, adding to tributes from Lord Rooker, Defra Minister for Sustainable Farming and Food, and David Fursden, president of the Country Land and Business Association.

  • ‘We need a full debate in light of RPA failures’

    October 27th 2006

    THE Liberal Democrat Shadow Leader of the House of Commons has demanded a full Government debate about the RPA in the light of the National Audit Office’s report on the agency’s failures.

  • 10,000gns bulls twice, 6,000gns female

    October 27th 2006

    THE 10,000gns mark was reached twice for Simmental bulls with an overall average of £3,944.76 for 93 sold.

  • 100,000th telehandler rolls off production line at JCB’s Rocester plant

    October 27th 2006

    JCB has manufactured its 100,000th telehandler. Never a company to miss out on an opportunity to tell the world of its more notable achievements, there were congratulations all round as this particular model rolled off the end of the Rocester plant’s production line last week, writes Andy Collings.

  • 12,000gns Admiral leads the way in ‘strong’ sale as averages lift £800

    October 27th 2006

    A TOP price of 12,000gns was realised in the Limousin bull ring on the second day of the sales. The average of £4,045 for the 63 bulls sold was up £800 on last year and the clearance rate was 64 per cent. It was again a day marked by selective bidding.

  • 2,000gns top for Longhorn

    October 27th 2006

    A TOP of 2,000gns was realised at the first Mid West Longhorn Breeders’ production sale at Taunton, Somerset.

  • 2,000gns tops Holstein sale

    October 27th 2006

    ANOTHER gradual increase in the dairy trade was evident at the Border and Lakeland Holstein Club sale where prices rose to 2,000gns and an average of over £1,200 was realised.

  • 29,000gns Welsh Mountain ram record at Dolgellau

    October 27th 2006

    A TOP price of 29,000gns was realised at the annual Meirionnydd Welsh Mountain ram sale at Dolgellau.

  • 3,700gns top at South Devon sale at Bristol Sales Centre

    October 27th 2006

    THERE was a top price of 3,700gns at the South Devon Herd Book Society’s autumn show and sale at the Bristol Sales Centre, where fierce bidding for both bulls and females led to strong prices across the board.

  • A role in new industry

    October 27th 2006

    TENANT farmers would play a significant role in the emergence of a new industry meeting the demands of the market place, suggested Poul Christensen, deputy chairman of Natural England and a founder member of the TFA.

  • Agency’s revised national guidelines mean rapid test failure milk must be incinerated

    October 27th 2006

    THE Food Standards Agency has issued revised guidelines that effectively mean all milk that fails an initial antibiotic test will have to be incinerated for the foreseeable future.

  • Arla co-op seeks greater control of business in UK

    October 27th 2006

    THE possible acquisition of Arla Foods UK by its parent Danish-Swedish co-operative Arla Foods amba appears to have been viewed positively by milk producers’ representatives in the UK.

  • Arla seeks £15million from Scottish dairy companies

    October 27th 2006

    ARLA Foods UK and its subsidiary, Claymore Dairies are seeking £15 million damages against Scottish dairy companies involved in an OFT investigation into milk pricing.

  • Belgian Blue cross to £1,720

    October 27th 2006

    A dispersal of 85 Belgian Blue cross breeding cattle on behalf of Ziegler Farms, Wetherby, met a strong demand from a full ringside.Top price was £1,720 for a September 2000-born cow with an April-born bull calf. Other cows and calves made to £1,700 and £1,600 to average £1,036 overall In-calf cows peaked at £890 and bulling heifers £870. Auctioneers: Selby Livestock Auction Mart.

  • Bellamy quits to take new worldwide Platform role

    October 27th 2006

    THE Milk Development Council’s chief executive Kevin Bellamy is to leave the organisation in the new year to lead a new worldwide dairy knowledge-sharing initiative.

  • Beningbrough Holsteins peak at 1,300gns

    October 27th 2006

    BIDDING peaked at 1,300gns when the 450-strong Beningbrough Holstein herd, from J. Jackson and Sons (Farmers) went under the hammer at Beningbrough, York.

  • Berrichon export

    October 27th 2006

    THIS year is the 20th anniversary of the British Berrichon du Cher breed society. Last month the first ever consignment of three Berrichon rams from the Woodston flock, Tenbury Wells, were sold to Germany. Coupled with the UK’s status of blue tongue-free, the Germans were eager to purchase new bloodlines away from the traditional homelands of France.

  • Blood testing by g-IFN is extended

    October 27th 2006

    THE ability of vets to keep clean areas free of bovine TB was enhanced this week with the extension of gamma interferon (g-IFN) blood testing.

  • Bluetongue could become endemic

    October 27th 2006

    EUROPEAN veterinary scientists have warned that bluetongue disease could become endemic in northern Europe. This warning emerged after a meeting of the international animal health organisation, the OIE, in Paris, at which details of the vector believed to be responsible for the current outbreak in northern Europe, were outlined.

  • Breeding must have a market in mind

    October 27th 2006

    REARING a healthy calf starts before it is even conceived according to Basil Lowman and Roger Scott, both speaking at the calf health meetings.

  • Budget plans blocked to stop cuts in Tir Mynydd upland aid

    October 27th 2006

    THE fight to stop cuts in Tir Mynydd hill farming support payments in Wales is far from over.

  • Business Finance and IT

    October 27th 2006

    Senior agriculture manager with HSBC Bank, JOHN BARKER examines some key pointers in moving a farming business forward.

  • CAP REFORM

    October 27th 2006

    Ministers ‘misled’ over extent of SP administrative errors

  • Champion makes 6,000gns top price

    October 27th 2006

    THE overall champion Beef Shorthorn bull, from Donald Biggar, Castle Douglas, made the top price of 6,000gns.

  • Changes to routine helps lower cell count - at little extra cost

    October 27th 2006

    Since taking charge of the Wyndford herd of pedigree Holsteins, Ben Yates has improved herd health and reduced cell counts by over a third. JOANNE PUGH went to find out more.

  • Conservation intentions blossom on a Devon unit with five breeds of stock

    October 27th 2006

    Richard and Barbara Barker may have only come to farming eight years ago but have been on a steep learning curve and now manage nearly 500 acres of land and five different breeds of cattle, sheep and chickens. KATIE ROEBUCK found out more.

  • Countesswells Holsteins bid to 2,050gns

    October 27th 2006

    BIDDING peaked at 2,050gns when the Countesswells Holstein herd of F. and W. Fleming, Aberdeen, went under the hammer. The freshly-calved Ladys-Manor Roanoke sired heifer, Countesswells Roanoke Queenie 2, realised the top price when sold to T.A. and E. Jackson, Holywood, Dumfries.

  • County review puts tenant farmers’ future in jeopardy

    October 27th 2006

    THE future of dozens of tenant farmers in Gloucestershire was placed in jeopardy this week.

  • Defra give all clear on suspected FMD case

    30 October 2006

    DEFRA officials have given the all-clear on a suspected case of foot-and-mouth disease in the Essex abattoir the disease originated from in 2001.

  • Demand and pollution risk to groundwater supplies

    October 27th 2006

    GROUNDWATER supplies in England and Wales are at risk from pollution and the growing demand for water, a new report from the Environment Agency has warned.

  • Determined to defeat scourge of scab

    October 27th 2006

    It would be impossible to find a bigger supporter of the campaign to eradicate sheep scab than the NSA – as the industry organisation leading the campaign our commitment is total and our belief that it can be achieved will not waiver.

  • Disease compensation cut plans axed by EU

    26 October 2006

    THE European Commission has dropped controversial proposals to slash animal disease compensation following an EU-wide backlash.

  • Don’t overlook insurance issues

    October 27th 2006

    AN increasing number of farmers see biofuel production as a useful means of both cutting fuel costs and even generating income. But insurance issues should not be overlooked, says Peter Florence of NFU Mutual.

  • Drought order extension sows seeds of doubt

    October 27th 2006

    SUTTON and East Surrey – the only water company to put a drought order into force this summer – has applied to Defra for an additional six-month extension, raising concern among growers preparing for next year’s bedding plant season.

  • English Sheepdog Trial Results

    October 27th 2006

    YORKSHIRE: Baudshaw Farms, Blubberhouses, Nursery (30 ran): 1, C. Mellin (Oakworth) Tan Hill Jess, 75 of 90, OLF; 2, R. Handy (Settle) Spot, 75; 3, A. Baines (South Stainmore) Tan Hill Maggie, 72; 4, S. Bolland (Bolton Abbey) Fly, 63; 5, P. Mellin (Oakworth) Bill, 60; 6, A. Salisbury (Riddlesden) Sam, 51 Young handler: P. Mellin Bill, 60.

  • Entry limits

    October 27th 2006

    MIGRANT workers from Romania and Bulgaria will not be restricted from working in the food and farming sectors.

  • EU strategy to protect soil from nutrient loss and erosion

    October 27th 2006

    THE massive and increasing annual loss of soil and nutrients from agricultural land caused by cultivation and cropping techniques is to be tackled by a new EU-wide strategy on soil protection.

  • European Parliament set to tell Brussels to ‘think again’ on proposals for more voluntary modulation

    October 27th 2006

    THE European Commission does not like it, nor do UK farmers – and this week the European Parliament was set to tell Brussels to think again on additional voluntary modulation.

  • Exclusive Interview : EU Agriculture Commissioner Mariann Fischer Boel

    October 27th 2006

    EU Agriculture Commissioner Mariann Fischer Boel’s patience with the UK is wearing thin. In a frank interview, she told ALISTAIR DRIVER about her aspirations for European farming – and how our Government is getting in the way of delivering them.

  • Exeter Charollais

    October 27th 2006

    A RAM lamb realised 1,300gns at the dispersal and joint production sale of pedigree Charollais sheep at Exeter. A total of 140 forward saw a 92 per cent clearance.

  • Faster developing varieties ‘better for winter wheats’

    October 27th 2006

    WINTER wheat growers looking to plant up ground between now and Christmas need to switch to faster developing varieties that catch up in the spring and do not delay harvest.

  • Female Angus trade to 5,500gns for Emelia

    October 27th 2006

    LEADING the Aberdeen-Angus female trade was a 5,500gns bid for 18-month-old heifer Cheeklaw Emelia from D.G. Lucas, Duns, Berwickshire, who had 33 females in the sale as part of a herd reduction.

  • Female Beef Shorthorns to 4,800gns for Glenisla heifer

    October 27th 2006

    FEMALE Beef Shorthorns sold to 4,800gns for Glenisla Sally Broadhooks, from Maj John Gibb, who had a large draft from his Glenisla herd in the sale. Sale topper was a March 2005-born roan heifer, which had been served by Glenisla Padthaway. She sold to Messrs Crawford, Mauchline, Ayrshire.

  • Fertiliser groups’ plan goes to OFT

    October 27th 2006

    A proposed joint venture bet-ween fertiliser makers Kemira GrowHow and Terra Industries is to be looked at by the Office of Fair Trading (OFT).

  • FFE call to ban Brazilian beef

    October 27th 2006

    REPORTS that EU Food and Veterinary Office inspectors were not sampling beef carcases in Brazilian abattoirs for growth promoters has sent alarm bells ringing with the pressure group, Fairness for Farmers in Europe.

  • Finding true cost of pre-movement testing

    26 October 2006

    THE NFU is asking farmers for information that will help it determine the true cost of pre-movement testing (PrMT).

  • Fischer Boel attacks UK’s CAP budget plan

    October 27th 2006

    EUROPEAN Agriculture Com-missioner Mariann Fischer Boel has criticised the UK’s calls to slash the CAP budget and to remove direct payments altogether within the next 10 to 15 years.

  • Five model line-up in premium range

    October 27th 2006

    Claas say the Axion range of lightweight tractors is capable of big things, aimed at the increasingly popular 160hp-plus market. Mervyn Bailey takes a look at this new range and the features that give a flavour of what Claas will be offering on future models as it plans to replace its entire tractor line-up in the next three years.

  • FMD tests ‘negative’ says Defra

    27 October 2006

    INITIAL tests on a pig suspected of having foot and mouth disease have come back negative, Defra has confirmed.

  • Genetics could hold the vital key to future

    October 27th 2006

    PRODUCING kilos of meat per acre in the quickest possible time is the main driving force behind the management of the 2,500 breeding ewes and 90 suckler cows Andrew Lloyd runs at the Cefn-y-Blaen upland unit and Lower House lowland farm where his parents live.

  • Global warming issue is debunked

    October 27th 2006

    A TOTAL debunk of the global warming issue was provided by Philip Scott, emeritus professor of biogeography at London University, who said in handling the future, tenant farmers would be better advised to ensure an economically strong farming sector.

  • Huntsman Jamie – in love with the ‘art’ of his work

    October 27th 2006

    As hunts around the country prepare for their opening meets ANGELA CALVERT talks to Cheshire Forest huntsman Jamie Nicklin about life in hunt service after the ban.

  • Kate makes history as new NFYFC chairman

    October 27th 2006

    FOR the first time in the history of the National Federation of Young Farmers Clubs a member from Lancashire has taken the top job.

  • Limousin females reach 2,200gns

    October 27th 2006

    THE Limousin female trade peaked at 2,200gns for Marlepark Alison from Roy Fisher, Castlewigg Farming, Newton Stewart. The April-2005 heifer was the reserve female champion. Sired by Prestige and out of Montgomery Lizzy, she sold to R.S. Duncan, Glenlivet, Ballindalloch. Two others reached 2,000gns. Champion, Newhouse Vamp, from Robert Adam and Son, Glamis, sold to J.S. Adam and Son, Ardfern, Oban. This December-2004 heifer is a Saturne daughter and out of Newhouse Picnic. The same ...

  • Lincoln Reds peak of 1,750gns at Louth

    October 27th 2006

    LINCOLN Reds peaked at 1,750gns at the autumn sale at Louth Livestock Centre, with animals going as far afield as Scotland, Devon and Cornwall.

  • Lucy leads next generation of Nuffield scholars

    October 27th 2006

    With a new-found zeal to make science relevant to farmers, 2006 Nuffield scholar Lucy Andrews (left) told TOM LEVITT of her determination to make a positive difference. With so much to gain, not least the opportunity to travel the world in the name of UK agriculture, she also explained why every young person involved in farming should be applying for a Nuffield Scholarship this year.

  • Lung protection is key to cutting pneumonia costs

    October 27th 2006

    Although cattle producers have become familiar with the visible signs of pneumonia during the peak season of November to January, it is the unseen damage that can really cripple animal performance and enterprise profitability.

  • Make humble apple a core commodity

    October 27th 2006

    AS apple trees are laden with fruit and apple events are taking place nationwide, Orchard Link Cumbria is looking to the future – as well as offering a home for this season’s surplus apples.

  • Make the most out of your meat by making sausages…

    October 27th 2006

    Whether you are thinking of making the best use of your farmed meat, adding value to farmers’ market sales, or looking for a really great fun time in the kitchen, you could not do better than making your own sausages, says PAUL PEACOCK.

  • Managing 1,150 beef sucklers with a hint of American style

    October 27th 2006

    In the first of a new series of monthly features about the region’s farmers, David Burrows meets one of the South West’s more ‘exotic’ inhabitants.

  • Many factors impact on calf pneumonia

    October 27th 2006

    With informative presentations and in-depth debate there was a lot on offer at the Farmers Guardian and Intervet calf health meetings. JOANNE PUGH reports.

  • Maurice Collin

    October 27th 2006

    AFTER suffering ill health, Maurice Collin, of Skeeby, a great ambassador for trialling, has died, aged 75. At 20 he was the youngest handler to compete in the 1951 International at Blackpool, where he won the brace with Cap and Kep.

  • Measures to stop GM contamination are ‘legally flawed’

    26 October 2006

    GOVERNMENT GM co-existence proposals de-signed to prevent conventional and organic crops from contamination from GM crops are legally and fundamentally flawed, according to a legal opinion produced on behalf of anti-GM campaigners.

  • Meg wins it – two weeks in a row

    October 27th 2006

    FOR the second week in a row, Dai Price and Meg enjoyed success in the Montgomeryshire nursery trials.Winners of both classes, Dai Price with Meg in the nursery class and Tessa Rogers with Twm in the novice were on identical scores, both having a large margin over the runners-up – respectively Midge with Harcourt Lloyd and Mac with Mal Hughes.

  • Milk producer price rise could see stability return in 2007

    October 27th 2006

    BOTH Dairy Crest and Robert Wiseman have announced producer price increases in the week that the MDC’s latest report into the dairy supply chain predicts 2007 could see some stability return to farmgate prices.

  • Minister must deliver as ‘many hill farmers are on verge of giving up’

    October 27th 2006

    Welsh Assembly Countryside Minister Carwyn Jones will be the keynote speaker at next week’s NFU Cymru annual conference. BARRY ALSTON reports from the Mid Wales hill farm of one of the many delegates who will be looking for positive answers to a growing list of industry concerns.

  • Mixed farming decision a grand prix winning formula

    October 27th 2006

    Traditional mixed farming coupled with marketing expertise has proved a winning formula for the Shaw family, whose farm lies alongside a motor racing circuit. NEIL RYDER talked to them about their award-winning farm business.

  • Muscle flexing in the meat industry

    October 27th 2006

    WITH exchanges and acquisitions, it has been a month of some significant moves in the UK meat industry.

  • National Fruit Show

    October 27th 2006

    THE introduction of tomatoes to the traditional apple and pear show proved a resounding success with growers and visitors alike at the National Fruit Show.

  • New levy board head named

    October 27th 2006

    DEFRA has unveiled the person who will lead the new all encompassing agricultural and horticultural levy board.

  • New md for the First Milk cheese company

    October 27th 2006

    FOLLOWING First Milk’s recent acquisition of Dairy Crest’s private label cheese processing business and the creation of First Milk Cheese Company, Jeff Halliwell has been appointed managing director of the new business.

  • OSR helping farm birds

    October 27th 2006

    GREATER plantings of oilseed rape could be helping to boost certain species, but agriculture is still ‘taking the rap’ for the ongoing decline of many farmland birds and needs continued agri-environment funding to help to stem the flow.

  • P&O cattle exports to continue

    October 27th 2006

    P&O ferries will continue to allow pedigree and breeding cattle to be exported between Dover and Calais.

  • Perth Pedigree Beef Week

    October 27th 2006

    Selective bidding was evident as the United Auctions’ Perth October pedigree beef week got under way. Although top prices were not as high as previous years, the averages for Aberdeen-Angus and Limousin bulls were well up on last year. KATIE LOMAS reports.

  • Pesticide restrictions under new legislation

    October 27th 2006

    THE Pesticides Safety Directorate has published a list of active substances and products effected by the new regulations imposing restrictions on the use of ACCase and ALS inhibitor grass weed herbicides.

  • Poison problems when winter feeding

    October 27th 2006

    There is no getting away from the difficulties of feeding cattle this winter but according to NADIS there are two, more unusual, problems that should also be taken into consideration – ammonia poisoning and urea poisoning.

  • Political action needed to avoid another decade like 1995-2005

    October 27th 2006

    in spring this year I took up the post of chair of the NFU East Anglian Regional Board. To be honest, it’s not the most sought after or demanding of posts. The only thing you actually have to do is chair four meetings a year.

  • Pontefract YFC aim high for the ‘eye in sky’

    October 27th 2006

    AIR Ambulance funds in Yorkshire have been boosted by £1,200 thanks to Pontefract Young Farmers Club.Neil Thomson, club chairman, presented the cheque to paramedics at Leeds-Bradford Airport, home of Yorkshire Air Ambulance.The West Yorkshire-based club has around 20 members. They raised the money by having a stall with tombola and stocks at the annual Ackworth gala and through a raffle at the club’s 60th anniversary dinner dance.

  • Poultry industry marches on Westminster in protest at pollution control costs

    October 27th 2006

    POULTRY farmers and campaigners converged at Westminster on Wednesday to protest about impending pollution control regulations.

  • Proving mineral ‘mix’ can make a difference

    October 27th 2006

    Introducing a combination of performance minerals and standard minerals to dairy cow diets can boost milk yields, improve fertility and reduces lameness, according to new research in the USA.

  • Putting the technology to work

    October 27th 2006

    AT the Global unveiling of the Axion, we got the opportunity to see how the technology on the latest Claas tractors works with a brief drive of the flagship 850 model hitched to an Amazone Catros 7.5m cultivator.

  • Qualification a ‘cert’ for herd health

    October 27th 2006

    Herd health management has shown economic improvements of up to 4ppl, which is greater than any other management impact according to vet Matt Dobbs.

  • Rachel’s partnership deal

    October 27th 2006

    RACHEL’S Organic and the Welsh farmer co-operative, Calon Wen, have agreed a new ground-breaking partnership.The two organisations, which have built a unique relationship, are to implement a deal designed to deliver a fair milk price to Calon Wen farmers and a secure, long-term outlet for their milk. It also guarantees that Welsh milk will continue to be used locally in Aberystwyth to produce Welsh yoghurt under Rachel’s Organic brand.

  • Restrictions ‘could hit crops without significant rainfall’

    October 27th 2006

    The UK Irrigation Association (UKIA) held a technical briefing in Peterborough where water shortages came high up on the day’s agenda. ALISON LEA reports.

  • Roast cushion of lamb

    October 27th 2006

    This creative way of serving lamb offering interesting flavours and presentation comes from Francesca Lawrence, of Cae Gwydd, Moelfre, Conwy. “When I bought a shoulder of lamb from my local farm shop where all the meat and produce is from a five-mile radius, I was inspired!” she says. “The juices need not be made into rich gravy but left as they are, resulting in a healthy alternative.”

  • Scottish Sheepdog Trial Result

    October 27th 2006

    POTLAW (Judge: N. MacDonald, Dalbeattie) Open (29 ran): 1, R Dalziel (Ettrick) Joe, 96.5; 2, R. Dalziel, Jamie, 96 1/2; 3, E. Hope (Pembrokeshire) Kep, 94; 4, P. Stebbings (Wales) Wilf, 90.5; 5, J.A. MacLeod (Killin) Garry, 87 1/2; 6, R. MacPherson (Kirklinton) Roy, 87.

  • Sharing information between irrigators would provide a united voice in droughts

    October 27th 2006

    NORTH Norfolk irrigator Tim Papworth stressed the value of grouping with other farmland irrigators in the area to provide a united voice and a better contact point for liaison with the Environment Agency.

  • SIAL: Challenge is to meet growing demand

    October 27th 2006

  • Skipton Dalesbred sale

    October 27th 2006

    AN aged ram topped the Dalesbred Sheep Breeders’ Association show and sale at Skipton, North Yorkshire. The three-shear ram from J.F. and J.K. Wilson, Blubberhouses, sold to M. Dobson and Sons, Bentham, Lancaster. The top price shearling ram from B.D. and P.N. Gill, Ingleton, sold for 160gns to A.P. Dixon, Cross Hills, Yorkshire.

  • Smoke pellets and a hammer could solve ventilation problems

    October 27th 2006

    WIELDING a sledgehammer and smoke pellets Mike Kelly said he could solve the ventilation problems and associated condensation that had plagued calf rearers for 150 years.

  • South West is organic farming pace-setter

    October 27th 2006

    THE South West is continuing to set the pace for organic farming.

  • Southam Charollais trade to 3,500gns for show champion

    October 27th 2006

    TRADE peaked at 3,500gns at the bi-annual production sale of Lionel Organ’s Southam Charollais flock, Llandysul, Carmarthenshire.

  • Swaledale shearlings to £30,000 at Kirkby Stephen

    October 27th 2006

    SWALEDALE sheep breeders saw shearling ram averages down on the year in the Association’s ‘C’ district sales at Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria, although both aged rams and ram lambs produced higher averages on the first day.

  • TB vaccine for children hard to obtain in rural areas

    October 27th 2006

    FARMERS concerned about tuberculosis may have to travel across the country if they want to inoculate their children with the BCG vaccine, it has emerged.

  • Teams battle it out to be best dressed in Ayr

    October 27th 2006

    ELEVEN teams demonstrated their skills when Scottish Young Farmers West Region held its beef cattle dressing competition.

  • Technology helps cut water usage for crop irrigation

    October 27th 2006

    DESPITE the rapidly worsening drought, a combination of good luck and good management enabled Tim Papworth to irrigate his potatoes to the full requirement of the crop this year.

  • Tenancy should not be a burden or noose around the neck – Fursdon

    October 27th 2006

    TENANCY should not be a burden to tenants or a noose around the neck of the tenant’ successor, said David Fursdon, CLA president.

  • Tenants play key role in political talks on land use

    October 27th 2006

    TENANT farmers were key stakeholders in political discussions on land use at the highest level, said Lord Rooker. Tenancy remained the main means of getting into the farming industry, unless someone had a spare £2-£3 million.

  • Tesco say its share of market is not bad for consumers

    October 27th 2006

    RETAIL giant Tesco has hit back at claims of rivals and has taken steps to limit the potential fall-out from the Competition Commission’s inquiry into the supermarket sector.

  • Tesco targeted in move to gain ‘fairer’ milk price

    October 27th 2006

    DAIRY farmers targeted Tesco’s Hertfordshire headquarters on Wednesday morning calling for a milk price rise.

  • Uttoxeter at Derby pedigree dairy fixture

    October 27th 2006

    Prices peaked at £1,160 at the Uttoxeter at Derby October pedigree dairy sale.

  • Vaderstad invests in Seedhawk drills

    October 27th 2006

    VADERSTAD has taken a 49 per cent share in Canadian direct drill manufacturer Seedhawk.

  • Vet budget cuts of £6m ‘dangerous’

    October 27th 2006

    VETS have warned that cuts of £6 million to Defra’s veterinary budget revealed this week are ‘dangerous’ and will potentially lower the country’s defences against diseases like avian flu and foot-and-mouth.

  • Watch nitrogen applications on second cereals

    October 27th 2006

    BE sure to get nitrogen timings correct for hybrid barley versus conventional winter barley when growing in a second cereal situation, farmers are being advised.

  • Welsh Sheepdog Trial Results

    October 27th 2006

    NANTMEL: Open National: 1, V. Morris (Clun) Nip, 7; 2, R. Fernyhough (Newtown) Jazz, 9; 3, A. Lloyd (Llandefalle) Jill, 10; 4, R.P. Pugh (Nantmel) Jess, 14; 5, D. Lloyd (Kimbolton) Bess, 15; 6, S. Harden (Pembroke) Juno, 16. Novice: 1, A. Lloyd, Jill, 10; 2, S. Harden, Juno. 16; 3, S. Harden, Moss, 16 1/2; 4, J.A. Watkins (Bedwellty) Spot, 18

  • Who can apply for a scholarship

    October 27th 2006

    ANYONE involved in agriculture under 45 years of age can apply for a Nuffield Farming Scholarship – and the deadline to be considered as a 2007 scholar is fast approaching.

  • Wiseman to close dairy

    October 27th 2006

    ROBERT Wiseman is to close its ‘Definitely Devon’ Torrington dairy which it acquired earlier this year and transfer the business to the more modern plant at Okehampton.Just under half the 100 jobs at Torrington will be lost. A spokesman for Wiseman said his company would ultimately be creating new jobs in the south west – up to 500 – when its new plant in Bridgewater opened.

  • Workshops to look at ‘exit’ strategies

    October 27th 2006

    LOOK before you leap, will be the advice to farmers attending a series of free workshops aimed at those looking to exit the industry. The five workshops, being run by Life Academy, formerly known as the Pre-Retirement Association, with the help of the Royal Bath and West Society right across the South West, are divided into two groups, for owners and tenants and employees and run between November 1-16Details are available on 01749 822227.

  • Yorkshire win on out-bye decision

    October 27th 2006

    ON an out-bye decision Carol Mellin and Tan Hill Jess won the first Yorkshire nursery trial of the season on Saturday at Baudshaw Farms, near Blubberhouses, North Yorkshire.