Farmers Guardian
September 15th 2006

  • ‘No conflict on biofuels and food’

    September 15th 2006

    Major players in the European biofuels industry met on Tyneside this week to discuss progress towards meeting the EU Biofuels Directive and beyond. The upbeat mood was good news to growers looking to expand crop production and increase returns. JOHN PARRY reports.

  • ‘No conflict on biofuels and food’

    September 15th 2006

    Major players in the European biofuels industry met on Tyneside this week to discuss progress towards meeting the EU Biofuels Directive and beyond. The upbeat mood was good news to growers looking to expand crop production and increase returns. JOHN PARRY reports.

  • ‘Optimism’ over future of Manx dairy farming

    September 15th 2006

    IF the decision to stay in or get out of milk production was simply down to figures, there might be less head scratching.

  • ‘Outdated set-aside should be abolished’

    September 15th 2006

    SET-ASIDE was an outdated instrument and should be abolished immediately, suggested Andrew Barnard, Grainfarmers’ oilseeds director and current president of the European grain traders’ organisation COCERAL.

  • ‘Retired’ dairyman is Brown but not out

    September 15th 2006

    England is virtually the only major dairying country that does not have a significant population of Brown Swiss cattle. One South West farmer, even in retirement, is determined to see things change.

  • ‘Time to cash in on support of £34billion foodservice sector’

    September 15th 2006

    CATERING companies are “falling over themselves” to be seen to be supporting British agriculture. However, too many farmers are failing to see the relevance to their business and are missing out on a great opportunity, said Alexia Robinson, organiser of the British Food Fortnight.

  • ‘Work together to fight resistance’

    September 15th 2006

    The delegate list for the Association of Applied Biologist’s ‘Fungicide resistance: Are we winning the battle but losing the war?’ conference in Edinburgh was something of a ‘who’s who’ of disease resistance experts. Teresa Rush reports on the key messages.

  • Aberdeen-Angus pedigree registrations hit record for the third year running

    September 15th 2006

    REGISTRATIONS of pedigree Aberdeen-Angus cattle in the UK and Ireland have doubled in 10 years and have a hit a new record for the third year running.

  • AI pig standard improves farm to fork hopes

    September 15th 2006

    ONE of the final links in the assurance chain – from farm to fork – has been completed with the launch by the British Pig Executive (BPEX) of the artificial insemination quality standard.

  • Aid must be doubled, say Europeans

    September 15th 2006

    A BIG hike in the EU’s €45/hectare of area aid paid on oilseed rape grown for biofuel was called for by the director-general of the European Biodiesel Board to accelerate the expansion of the biofuel industry.

  • Anti lobby’s ‘food insecurity’ is refuted

    September 15th 2006

    THE claim being ‘stirred up’ by the anti-biofuel lobby that the biofuel industry is taking food crops out of the market and creating food insecurity was refuted at the conference.

  • Appliance of science can protect us, our animals, and our environment

    September 15th 2006

    Last week, Defra was heavily criticised over its commitment to science. Prospect, the union that represents 3,400 Defra scientists, claimed that pressure on Defra’s budget and uncertainty over the future of its scientific agencies were jeopardising important scientific work, including monitoring and control of diseases like avian flu. Here, Defra’s chief scientific adviser HOWARD DALTON hits back with the message that Defra science is, in fact, in rude health.

  • Associa chief executive resigns

    September 15th 2006

    IAN Dalzell has resigned as chief executive of the NFU’s troubled commercial arm, Associa, after seven years in the post.

  • August deluge improves the situation as Newark factory prepares to open

    September 15th 2006

    SUGAR beet yields are set to be a lot higher than was originally thought possible after last month’s deluge allowed the crop to develop healthy green foliage.

  • Beechwood Bob makes his point in ‘double gather’ win

    September 15th 2006

    AFTER winning Thursday’s qualifying trial, on Saturday Shirley Cropper and Beechwood Bob took the Longshaw Double Gather Championship.

  • Beef inter-breed Everest climbs to 3,600gns at Melton Native Breeds show and sale

    September 15th 2006

    A TOP price of 4,400gns led the cattle trade and 620gns topped the sheep section at the Traditional Native Breeds show and sale at Melton Mowbray.

  • Beltex bids to 1,500gns at WorBeltex bids to 1,500gns at Worcester

    September 15th 2006

    PEDIGREE breeders created a healthy trade for females and commercial lamb producers competed for an impressive turnout of shearling rams at the Beltex Sheep Society show and sale at Worcester Livestock centre last week which saw a top price of 1,500gns.

  • Biggest Mule gimmer sale tops at £250

    September 15th 2006

    THE biggest sale in the country of Mule gimmer lambs took place over two days earlier this week at Hawes Auction, North Yorkshire, and a top price of £250 was realised.

  • Britannia rules but the Australians dominate at Burghley Horse Trials

    September 15th 2006

    GOING into the show jumping with a fence in hand, Andrew Hoy and Moon Fleet were hot favourites to take the £45,000 Burghley title and a $250,000 Rolex Grand Slam victory, but a costly three fences down relegated them to second place behind fellow Australian Lucinda Fredericks and Headley Britannia.

  • British Friesian to 7,700gns is a new Carlisle best

    September 15th 2006

    A CARLISLE auction record price of 7,700gns for a dairy bull was achieved at the annual Holstein and Friesian bull sale, which took place earlier this week.

  • Caithness record

    September 15th 2006

    THE championship prize at the anniversary show and sale at Caithness Livestock Centre was won by a Charolais heifer from A. J. Laird, Burray, Orkney.The heifer, which won this year’s Hope Show went on to sell for a Caithness auction record store cattle price of £1,350 to Alistair Sutherland, Achalone, Halkirk.

  • Canadian yields plummet

    September 15th 2006

    CANADIAN yields of all crops are estimated to be down by 5 to 10 per cent on last season’s above average level, due to the hotter and drier than normal July, according to Statistics Canada.

  • Carcase training

    September 15th 2006

    THE Yorkshire Federation of Young Farmers recently held a carcase training evening, by permission of Robert Hart, of CCM Quality Foods, Skipton Auction Mart.A total of 55 members from around Yorkshire were shown the relevant points of interest on lamb, pig and beef carcases, by two trainers, Anne Harrison and Mick Winchester. Members were also given the specific terminology required when judging carcases.

  • Cereals firm in New Zealand

    September 15th 2006

    NEW Zealand wheat prices are up 50 per cent and barley 33 per cent on this time last year thanks to surging demand for animal feed.

  • Challenging weather for Tillage event

    September 15th 2006

    Despite the relatively light land at this week’s southern Tillage event at Swaffham Prior, Cambridgeshire, a wet start looked to challenge the capabilities of the latest cultivation equipment that were poised ready and waiting for visitors on the sticky demo plots. GEOFF ASHCROFT reports.

  • Challenging weather for Tillage event. Contd 1

    September 15th 2006

    Cousins Stubble Cultivator

  • Challenging weather for Tillage event. Contd 2

    September 15th 2006

    Kockerling allseeder tine drill

  • Chatsworth sale

    September 15th 2006

    BIDDING rose to £56 at the Chatsworth sheep sale held on behalf of the Duke of Devonshire and the trustees of the Chatsworth settlement.

  • Compensation payments face drastic cuts

    September 15th 2006

    ANIMAL disease compensation payments could be slashed from the start of next year, under controversial changes Brussels is attempting to push through this autumn.

  • Could a Brown era provide improved farming prospects?

    September 15th 2006

    This week, the reality of Gordon Brown replacing Tony Blair as Prime Minister appeared to moved a big step closer. Mr Blair has hardly endeared himself to farmers during what is approaching a decade in power. But will his bitter rival be any better? ALISTAIR DRIVER asked two industry experts if things really can only get better.

  • Crop protection and environment projects are on target, says report

    September 15th 2006

    THE majority of targets for the first five years of the Voluntary Initiative have been met or exceeded, according to the fifth annual report from the VI steering group published this week.

  • Dairy sector struggling to improve profits

    September 15th 2006

    PROFITS on Promar-costed dairy farms remained unchanged last year as rises in fuel, utilities and wage costs hit hard.

  • Dard has ‘failed to learn lessons of SPS’

    September 15th 2006

    THE president of the Ulster Farmers’ Union, Kenneth Sharkey, has criticised the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) for being unwilling to assist the industry to avoid financial penalties in this year’s Single Payment Scheme.

  • Distribution initiative aids smaller producers

    September 15th 2006

    A DISTRIBUTION initiative launched by Heart of England Fine Foods (HEFF) could have far-reaching consequences for the UK’s small and medium-sized producers.

  • Dual legal challenge to Wages Board laws from NFU and T&G

    September 15th 2006

    REPRESENTATIVES of both employers and employees are considering mounting legal action against new wage legislation that will take effect next month.

  • Duo’s Shanghai dairy date

    September 15th 2006

    THE two joint winners of the Milk Development Council (MDC) and Dairy UK annual International Dairy Federation scholarship will travel to Shanghai next month for the six-day IDF World Dairy Congress. Dairy farmer Adam Ball, 34, from Alton, Staffordshire and Susanna Woodings, 25, a sales executive for Lactalis, will be among 3,000 international delegates to what is the world’s most prestigious dairy event.

  • Eccleshall Show

    September 15th 2006

    Record entries

  • English Sheepdog Trials Results

    September 15th 2006

    LONGSHAW, Sheffield, Thursday Qualifying Open (62 ran): 1, S. Cropper (Deerplay) Beechwood Bob, 92 of 100; 2, Michael Longton (Quernmore) Monty, 86; 3, R. Airey (Trawden) Bet, 83; 4, G. Redpath (Dacre) Jill, 82; 5, A. Kyme (Lumb) Sally, 81, OLF; 6, C. Roberts (Llanwddyn) Tweed, 81.

  • Expansion at Tore Mill plant

    September 15th 2006

    A THIRD production line is to be installed by ruminant feed company, Harbro, at their Tore Mill animal feed plant in Inverness, Scotland.The £250,000 investment will be completed in the autumn. The company is also investing in a new compound feed mill at its Birkhill site at Lesmahagow, Lanarkshire.

  • Farmland sales buoyant

    September 15th 2006

    MANOR House Farm at Overton near Morecambe and part of Woodburn Farm, Middleton, were offered at auction by M.B. Hodgson & Son of Kendal and Lancaster.

  • Feed wheat price seesaw

    September 15th 2006

    ALTHOUGH feed wheat prices have risen by 20 per cent since July, reaching £84/t ex-farm for November movement, last week, the beginning of this week saw prices fall back slightly.

  • Fertiliser levels ‘must be slashed’

    September 15th 2006

    THE amount of nitrogen fertiliser currently used to produce a tonne of oilseed rape grown for biodiesel would have to be slashed if greenhouse gas emissions were to be reduced to levels that would comply with the certification schemes of the Renewable Transport Fuels Obligation.

  • Fertiliser levels ‘must be slashed’

    September 15th 2006

    THE amount of nitrogen fertiliser currently used to produce a tonne of oilseed rape grown for biodiesel would have to be slashed if greenhouse gas emissions were to be reduced to levels that would comply with the certification schemes of the Renewable Transport Fuels Obligation.

  • Food poisoning bugs ‘quickly destroyed’

    September 15th 2006

    FOOD poisoning bugs in sewage sludge, which is spread on fields, are destroyed so quickly that they pose practically no risk, said researchers presenting at the Society for General Microbiology’s 159th meeting, in York on Wednesday.

  • Food… what does it have to do with me?

    September 15th 2006

    Here’s how the organisers of British Food Fortnight say you can make a difference, by developing contacts with local shops, pubs and schools.

  • FROME SHOW

    September 15th 2006

    Finesse clinches supreme crown

  • FWAG forum

    September 15th 2006

    Farmers are accustomed to the sight of finches, buntings and other birds rising from game crops on a shoot day. Now these crops may be sown as options within Environmental Stewardship to improve winter food resources and help conserve declining farmland birds.

  • Gene research to lift meat quality

    September 15th 2006

    CARCASE composition and the eating quality of Welsh beef could soon be even better due to a ground-breaking research project backed by Hybu Cig Cymru – the Wales-based red meat promotional body.

  • Germanys biofuel blend

    September 15th 2006

    COMPULSORY blending of biofuel with conventional motor fuel in Germany will come into effect from 2007 according to an announcement by the Government.A total of 4.4 per cent of diesel fuel must consist of biofuel from this date, along with 2 per cent (rising to 3 per cent in 2010) of petrol.

  • Get your MP involved in fight for dairy

    15 September 2006

    Download Neil Howie's draft letter to send to your MP

  • Gold standard for Cogent sires

    September 15th 2006

    TWO Cogent sires – Netherside Dynamo and Woodmarsh Conformer – have hit the jackpot for cheese making with both bulls returning a BB classification for Kappa Casein, the gold standard for maximising cheese yield.

  • Golden Horseshoe 2007

    14 September 2006

    The 2007 Golden Horseshoe endurance ride on Exmoor will be held on May 13-15. The venue will again be the Auction Field, Exford, in the heart of the Exmoor National Park, with a sponsored pleasure ride on the first day and competitive rides starting on May 14.

  • Good establishment is the key to profitable sugar beet, says specialist

    September 15th 2006

    GOOD establishment is the key to profitable sugar beet production following the widespread changes in the way sugar beet is grown, according to leading sugar beet specialist Mike May of Broom’s Barn.

  • GREENGAGE LAYER PUDDING

    September 15th 2006

    This recipe for greengage layer pudding has been sent in by Carol Leigh, of Lowton, Warrington, Cheshire.

  • Hampshire Down SRS sign-up rises 100pc

    September 15th 2006

    HAMPSHIRE Down sheep breeders are taking the lead over all other breeds recorded by Signet Sire Reference Schemes (SRS).

  • Heading for HOYS

    September 15th 2006

    IN the second of our Heading for HOYS series, SARAH CRIPPS meets showjumper Nicole Pavitt at her new yard in West Sussex as she prepares to compete in the Newcomers, Grade C and Foxhunter at the Horse of the Year Show

  • Herbicides not winning the black-grass battle

    September 15th 2006

    CHEMICAL methods alone are no longer sufficient to keep black-grass under control, according to Dr Stephen Moss, of Rothamsted Research.

  • Herd dispersal

    September 15th 2006

    A TOP price of 1,500gns was paid at the Bromstead herd dispersal sale, which took place at Beeston Castle Auction, Cheshire, on behalf of Watson Jones Ltd., Newport, Shropshire, who are ceasing milk production. Trade was topped by an in-calf heifer, Mileoak Jordan Beatexus 2, a daughter of Roylane Jordan and due in December to Shottle. Four other in-calf heifers sold at 1,000gns.

  • High levels of modulation from 2007

    September 15th 2006

    THE requirement for high levels of national modulation from 2007 onwards has been confirmed with the release of the latest figures from the European Commission.

  • Higher sales of cheese

    September 15th 2006

    THE total volume of cheese being purchased from retailers in GB over the past 12 months has increased by around 7,000 tonnes, according to figures from the Milk Development Council.Pre-packed cheese has increased in volume by around 10,000 tonnes over the year, while the volume of loose cheese purchased has fallen by nearly 3,000 tonnes over the same period. The cheddar category currently accounts for 52 per cent of the GB cheese market.

  • How AWB Wages Order will impact on workers

    September 15th 2006

    THE main points of the new Wages Order made by the Agricultural Wages Board for England and Wales, to come into effect on October 1, 2006, are:

  • Howcommon herd is West of Scotland winner

    September 15th 2006

    THE Howcommon herd of J. Cousar won the award for the most points overall in the West of Scotland Holstein Club’s competition, judged by Stephen Morley.

  • Ingliston House Stud host charity event

    14 September 2006

    SEA and Scottish Equestrian Vaulting have joined hands to raise money for Spinal research and the ILPH at the British Vaulting Championships at Ingliston House Stud, Bishopton, Renfrewshire on October 14-15.

  • Jacobs: A living history

    September 15th 2006

    In 1756, wild and wealthy bachelor George Lucy brought a small flock of Jacob sheep over from Portugal to Charlecote Park, his family home in Warwickshire. Today, descendants of this country’s first flock of Jacob sheep still to play an important part in the way the National Trust property is managed. ALISTAIR DRIVER found out why.

  • Join survey to discover impact of drought and rising energy prices

    September 15th 2006

    DAIRY farmers are being invited to share details on how this year’s drought and rising energy prices are set to affect farming business.

  • Kate tops GB Trec medals with a gold

    19 September 2006

    British teams came away from the TREC European Championships with one gold and two bronze medals.

  • Kelso rams with quality and figures are in demand

    September 15th 2006

    THE sun was high in the sky last Friday at the annual Kelso Ram Sales and much the same could be said for the level of trade and the mood within the industry.

  • Kingsbridge Show

    September 15th 2006

    Charollais and South Devon are the champions

  • KINGTON SHOW

    September 15th 2006

    Heifer Smarty Pants puts inter-breed field in shade

  • Lambing ease selection helps reduce critical labour needs

    September 15th 2006

    SELECTING ewes and rams for easier management at lambing through good recording from tupping and a simple scoring system, could do much to increase lamb survival rates while reducing critical lambing labour requirements, suggests English Beef and Lamb Executive (EBLEX) sheep scientist Liz Genever.

  • Launch pad for the latest developments in potatoes

    September 15th 2006

    Billed as the most important potato show this year, PotatoEurope 2006 is the first of a brand-new series of European potato events. Staged just a short drive from Hanover, and attended by 180 exhibitors from 13 different countries, STEVEN VALE joined the estimated 10,000 visitors.

  • Llandyfaelog Show

    September 15th 2006

    Carmarthenshire’s Llandyfaelog Show is now three shows in one. BARRY ALSTON reports from West Wales. Pictures: Arvid Parry Jones

  • Lleyn ram to £3,150 at Ross-on-Wye autumn sale

    September 15th 2006

    THE Lleyn Sheep society’s autumn sale season has got off to a strong start with females maintaining values close to those of last year and ram prices increasing to reach a top of £3,150 for a yearling ram at the breed’s Ross-on-Wye fixture.

  • Machinery exports to US rise in first half

    September 15th 2006

    US EXPORTS of agricultural-related machinery increased 10 per cent during the first half of 2006 to $4.12 billion, with Asia showing the strongest growth, according to the American Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM). Farm equipment exports to Asia increased 42 per cent for the first half of 2006 compared to January-June 2005, with purchases totalling $351 million.

  • Maize Monitor: Countdown to Harvest 2006

    September 15th 2006

    HIGHER temperatures – and in some cases sunshine – have accelerated maize crops in most parts of the country and harvest is now fully under way in the more favourable southerly areas. Cobs are reaching maturity with plants still relatively green, so it is important to inspect crops thoroughly before making decisions about harvest timing.

  • Mandelson offers WTO ‘significant cuts’ in EU farm subsidies

    September 15th 2006

    EUROPEAN Union Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson offered significant cuts in farm subsidies when he met key World Trade Organisation members in Brazil last weekend – but as in the past they wanted more and would still not give ground on opening their industrial markets.

  • Manx self-sufficiency – with export potential

    September 15th 2006

    LAXEY Glen Mills flour mill on the Isle of Man has become something of a success story in driving self sufficiency.

  • Masham shearling gimmers to £152 at Skipton

    September 15th 2006

    BIDS rose to £152 a head at the annual show and sale of 558 Masham shearling gimmers at Skipton last week. The event included a prize show on behalf of the Masham Sheep Breeders Association and was won by a 10-strong pen consigned by J.B. Liddle and Son, Stainburn, near Otley.

  • Miliband backs British biofuels

    September 15th 2006

    DAVID Miliband has outlined his commitment to promoting a successful British biofuels industry. Attempting to allay fears that growers could lose out to cheap imports from countries such as Brazil in the emerging market for energy crops, the Defra Secretary told Farmers Guardian that he wanted biofuels to be sourced from Britain, not internationally.

  • Milk co-op mergers talks?

    September 15th 2006

    THE RABDF is hoping to arrange discussions between the three main co-operatives and chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Dairy Farmers (APPG) Daniel Kawczynski, on dairy co-op consolidation. Although the co-ops have not yet been contacted, RABDF chairman Tim Brigstocke said it could not be before Parliament reconvened and possibly November.

  • Milk Link has repaid founders’ investment

    September 15th 2006

    IT was ‘cards on the table’ time at Milk Link’s annual meeting this week, felt by many to have been a very successful and constructive meeting.

  • Minister lifts Chile’s trade barriers against neighbours

    September 15th 2006

    CHILEAN Minister of Agriculture, Alvaro Rojas, has lifted the seven-month ban on Argentine beef imports with trade resuming this month.

  • MoD compensation not being claimed

    September 15th 2006

    THOUSANDS of livestock farmers – particularly in Mid Wales, the England-Scotland border country and the Scottish Highlands – could be losing out on compensation for animals injured as a result of low flying fighter jets.

  • More working capital

    September 15th 2006

    NEW Zealand’s largest meat co-op is taking the major step of expanding access to shares.

  • Mottram Show

    September 15th 2006

    Double dairy championship awards for Collins Partners

  • Mullan a real money spinner at 6,000gns

    September 15th 2006

    A RAM lamb, named Mullan Money Spinner, made 6,000gns and topped the trade at the Northern Ireland Texel club show and sale at Dungannon.

  • NEWS IN BRIEF

    September 15th 2006

    £2m investment leads to jobs

  • NFUS argues for common sense on gangmaster law

    September 15th 2006

    NFU Scotland president John Kinnaird has been in London arguing for a more sensible interpretation of the new gangmaster laws to ensure it does not hit unintended targets.

  • NIAB to evaluate biomass for Defra

    September 15th 2006

    NIAB has been contracted by Defra to carry out a research project looking at variety evaluation with biomass crops.

  • Nominate your feed company’s helpline for a BETA Business Award

    14 September 2006

    Have you phoned a feed helpline lately? The British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) is urging horse owners to nominate their favourite feed company helpline for a prestigious national award.

  • On the trail of scarecrows

    September 15th 2006

    SCARECROWS literally took over the little village of Sheriffhales in Shropshire last weekend when villagers pulled out all the stops in their quest for a new village hall.

  • Part payments help avert huge fines for SPS ‘fiasco’

    September 15th 2006

    THE Government is still facing multi-million pound fines from Brussels over its mishandling of the Single Payment Scheme, despite almost meeting the June 30 payment deadline.

  • Pedigree Holsteins peak at 5,200gns at dispersal of Coxongreen herd

    September 15th 2006

    A TOP price of 5,200gns was realised at the entire dispersal sale of the Coxongreen pedigree Holstein herd, owned by Ron and Janet Tomkinson, Butterton, Leek, Staffordshire, and held at Beeston Castle auction last week.

  • Peg hits high notes in swansong triumph

    September 15th 2006

    THE South Wales Sheep Dog Trials Association runs two members-only trials each year – a Novice championship and an Open championship.

  • Philip goes to work on the humble egg

    September 15th 2006

    Free-range chicken farmer Philip Lee-Woolf has had enough of people’s attitudes towards the humble egg. He told JOANNE PUGH that an egg should be a luxury and not a commodity and is on a crusade to get people to expect more and to pay more.

  • Pig industry to fund surveillance scheme?

    September 15th 2006

    THE UK pig industry should possibly fund its own disease surveillance scheme because production-related diseases were not a priority for the Government’s veterinary service.

  • Potato Europe

    September 15th 2006

    Polish harvesters

  • Potato Europe Contd

    September 15th 2006

    ‘All-in-one’ planter

  • Potato price settles back

    September 15th 2006

    HIGH summer potato prices are now easing as crop movement increases, with a £13.37 per tonne fall in the average price index, says the British Potato Council this week.

  • Preparing for this year’s Prince Philip Cup

    September 15th 2006

    As the six teams who have qualified for the Prince Philip Cup begin to train in earnest for Horse of the Year Show, SARAH CRIPPS visited the experienced Oakley Hunt (West) team in Buckinghamshire and HOYS first-times Essex Union near Chelmsford to see them in action.

  • Prevention of dip pollution

    September 15th 2006

    ENVIRONMENT Agency Wales officers will be out and about in the Bala area of North Wales over the autumn giving farmers advice on how best to prevent pollution from dipping sheep affecting nearby rivers.

  • Record Dartmoor price of £945 set at breeders’ show and sale in Exeter

    September 15th 2006

    A NEW record price for a Dartmoor was recorded in the Dartmoor Sheepbreeders’ Association’s annual show and sale in Exeter.

  • Record US ag exports?

    September 15th 2006

    THE US Department of Agriculture (USDA) is projecting record US ag exports for 2006 and 2007, with corn, soyabeans and horticultural products accounting for most of the expansion.

  • Review pneumonia management plans ‘sooner rather than later’

    September 15th 2006

    NOW is the time for beef and dairy farmers to review and agree their pneumonia management protocols, according to SAC vet Colin Mason.

  • Scene by the vet - August

    September 15th 2006

    Lack of training in mastitis control means over or under treatment is commonplace

  • Scottish Sheepdog Trials Results

    September 15th 2006

    ATHOLL AND WEEM (Judge: A. Sim, Kinross) Open (48 ran): 1, J.A. MacLeod (Killin) Moss, 95 of 100; 2, N. Campbell (Kinross) Cass, 93; 3, I. McConnell (Garven) Dan, 92; 4, A. Carnegie (Comrie) Lark, 91; 5, .J MacDougall (Milton of Buchanan) Midge, 90; 6, S. Alexander (Abernethy) Scott, 85. Local: 1, K. Freeman (Killin) Nell; 2, K. Freeman, Sali; 3, R. Harris (Enochdhu) Jake.

  • Scrutinise calves’ health from day one for economy and peace of mind

    September 15th 2006

    Ahead of the Intervet meetings, media partner Farmers Guardian speaks to large animal vet Ian Anderson about calf health.

  • Search is on for oilseed variety

    September 15th 2006

    THE search is on for oilseed rape varieties that will produce the same yield from up to 50 per cent less nitrogen fertiliser.

  • Senova’s oats marker

    September 15th 2006

    SWEDISH company Svalof Weibull (SW) has sold its UK business to Cambridge-based Senova, the new company formed by the previous managing director SW Seed (Christopher Green) and Alexander Harley Seeds. One of the key crops offered by Senova will be oats as this was part of SW’s UK portfolio following the purchase of the Monsanto oat programme in 2000.

  • Shareholders cane Fonterra’s performance

    September 15th 2006

    FONTERRA seems to have lost some of the energy and entrepreneurial spirit which drove its creation five years ago, the Fonterra Shareholders Council says.

  • Shearing costs rise with new agreement

    September 15th 2006

    FARMERS are facing higher shearing costs in New Zealand following a “landmark” collective agreement in Otago and Southland.

  • Shearling ram reaches 4,000gns at Welsh National Texel show and sale

    September 15th 2006

    THE Haddo Jogger bloodlines dominated the showring and a top price of 4,000gns was achieved at the Welsh National Texel show and sale held last week at the Royal Welsh Showground in Builth Wells.

  • Sheep dip victims meeting

    September 15th 2006

    VICTIMS of sheep dip poisoning are being invited to a second meeting on September 22 at Leylands Farm, City Road, Mosley Common, Boothstown, Manchester at 6.30pm (0161-702 8868). The organisers say it will be an opportunity for discussion and to share experiences.

  • Shorthorn takes the top spot at Llandyfaelog Show

    September 15th 2006

    THEY were heavily outnumbered by Jerseys, but a Dairy Shorthorn cow and an Ayrshire heifer won their way through to take the top awards in the first ever ‘champion of champions’ showdown for non-black and white dairy breeds.

  • Shottle sons top Lancaster bull sales with high of 3,200gns

    September 15th 2006

    TWO sons of Picston Shottle set the highest prices of 3,200gns and 2,500gns in last week’s Lancashire Dairy Sales’ annual bull show and sale in Lancaster where buyers were clearly attracted by good constituent figures.

  • Skipton champion pen makes £110 per head

    September 15th 2006

    The annual show and sale of Mule gimmer lambs at Skipton attracted 8,000 entries from members of the North of England Mule Sheep Association.

  • Smithfield date

    September 15th 2006

    THE closing date for livestock entries for the inaugural Royal Smithfield Christmas Fair is September 27. For more information call 01749 822 200 or www.bathandwest.com

  • Soda Pop to top of £5,000 at Inverurie

    September 15th 2006

    A TOP price of £5,000 was achieved at the 2006 Spectacular show and sale at Thainstone Centre, Inverurie, last week.

  • Special needs rural activity centre grew out of FMD crisis

    September 15th 2006

    DIVERSIFICATION was something that Stephen and Nicola Cock had been thinking about since 2000, but their hands were forced by the foot-and-mouth crisis the following year.

  • Starting back at college and university

    September 15th 2006

    With hundreds of students starting college or university for the first time and many more heading back for another term, JOANNE PUGH looks at three different points of view from a principle, a student and a bank manager.

  • Strong performance

    September 15th 2006

    FINAL results from the HGCA winter wheat Recommended List trials around the UK have provided a clearer picture on both crop yields and quality, this week.

  • Sugar group ‘not a talking shop’

    September 15th 2006

    THE joint contract management group to discuss on-going issues surrounding the supply of sugar will not just be a ‘talking shop’ said NFU chief sugar advisor Helen Kirkman.

  • Survey is optimistic on future rape yields

    September 15th 2006

    OILSEED rape growers are optimistic about the rape yields that they can achieve, according to a recent survey of growers conducted on behalf of BASF. But they need to adopt a more technical and professional approach to the management of this crop if these higher yield aspirations are to be achieved.

  • TB trouble in store for Miliband

    September 15th 2006

    DAVID Miliband is storing up ‘big trouble’ for the future by hiding behind falling TB statistics as an excuse for inaction on badger culling, the NFU has warned.

  • The promise of maximum exposure for British food

    September 15th 2006

    Now in its fifth year, British Food Fortnight – hailed as the biggest national celebration of the diverse and delicious range of food that Britain produces – runs from September 23 to October 8. Tia Rund reports.

  • The true experts can all be found on our farms

    September 15th 2006

    WHEN reading articles about the latest advances and research findings concerning our industry, they are nearly always backed up by someone who is described as an expert in that particular field.

  • Top of 2,000gns for Beltex champion

    September 15th 2006

    TOP price and top honours went to the same breeder at the Beltex Sheep Society’s show and sale at Skipton last week.

  • Two join Young bull scheme

    September 15th 2006

    Two Limousin bulls have been selected for inclusion in the MLC and Signet-sponsored Young Bull Promotion Scheme.They are Wilodge Vantastic, owned by Smiths of Bloxham, Newlands Farm, Banbury and Limo Vocal, owned by Greenmount College, County Antrim, Northern Ireland. The aim of the scheme is to promote the use of genetically superior bulls across herds within a breed.

  • USK SHOW

    September 15th 2006

    Holstein Barnaby Moor enjoys dairy title glory

  • VALE OF EVESHAM SHOW

    September 15th 2006

    Record entries in sheep section as Suffolk takes overall prize

  • Watch the quality

    September 15th 2006

    GROWERS looking to farm-save seed from crops that are late and may be affected by the weather are being advised to make sure that they are of a good enough quality for the job.

  • Ways of halting triazole performance slide

    September 15th 2006

    THE best way of halting the slide in performance of triazoles against rhynchosporium is to stop growing winter barley.

  • Weeton Shark Celicia 55 makes it a hat-trick with sought-after Llandyfaelog show title

    September 15th 2006

    SHE started the show season on a high at July’s Royal Welsh Show, added the United Counties Show championship in August and now, in September, has further boosted her credentials with the highly sought after end-of-season Llandyfaelog Holstein ‘champion of champions’ senior title.

  • Welsh Sheepdog Trials Results

    September 15th 2006

    SWSDTA OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP. Double fetch final: 1, L.N. Watkins Llangadog) Peg, 29; 2, G. James (Crosswell) Holly, 36olf; 3, L.N. Watkins, Floss, 36; 4, V. Davies (Garth) Floss, 41; 5, G. Thomas (Llanelli) Moss, 45; 6, E.L. Morgan (Aberystwyth) Scott, 61; 7, S. Lewis (Llanelli) Nell, 86; equal 8, G. Powell (Gladestry) Gwen, G. Coombs (Pontypridd) Spot, I.G. Jones (Llangadog) Chip and M. Jones (Maesybont) Joe. Qualifying trials field 1: 1, V. Davies, Floss, 18; 2, G. ...

  • Western Holstein Club Show and Sale

    September 15th 2006

    PRICES rose to 2,600gns at the Western Holstein Club monthly sale held recently at Beeston Castle Auction.

  • Wigtownshire bowls ’em over in tournament

    September 15th 2006

    AN outdoor bowling final hosted by the Dumfriesshire Federation of the Scottish Women’s Rural Institutes, and staged at the Maxwelltown Bowling Club, Dumfries, was won by Wigtownshire, who beat off the challenge from 21 other federations.

  • Winter wheat sowing guide from Nickerson

    September 15th 2006

    WITH the company’s wheat varieties now accounting for about 50 per cent of the UK crop, seed breeders Nickerson have released a ‘sowing guide to winter wheat’ showing the best time to sow each variety in their wheat portfolio.

  • Yield loss but beet claws its way back

    September 15th 2006

    THERE is no doubt that some yield potential of the sugar beet crop was lost in the heatwave but it is now clawing itself back, says British Sugar’s Phil Inskip.

  • Zebedee valuable Group 3 addition – Rank Hovis

    September 15th 2006

    RECOMMENDED list candidate winter wheat variety Zebedee has performed over and above specification this season, according to Rank Hovis head of wheat procurement, Gary Sharkey.

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