Farmers Guardian
September 28th 2007

  • ‘Horrendous’ potato crop wastage

    September 28th 2007

    POTATO packers are reporting ‘horrendous’ wastage levels this harvest, says the British Potato Council. Some fields are becoming uneconomic to lift, with up to 80-90 per cent growth cracks reported in a few crops in the east. In other cases estimates of 70 per cent waste, and many at 50 per cent will also make harvesting doubtful.

  • £6,000 Texel shearling tops Kelso ‘virtual’ ram auction

    September 28th 2007

    PRICES rose to £6,000 when a Texel shearling went under the hammer at the first ‘virtual’ ram auction held at Springwood Park, Kelso, on Monday evening.

  • £7,000 shearling ram heads Hexham digital photo auction

    September 28th 2007

    A BID of £7,000 topped the day when Hexham and Northern Marts held a digital photo auction of Bluefaced Leicester shearling rams on Monday, at Hexham Market.

  • £9,400 mare heads the Moorfield Shire sale

    September 28th 2007

    TWO decades of Shire horse breeding culminated in the dispersal of Ray Williams’s Moorfield stud at Atherton, Lancashire.

  • A strong and determined vision for his future in dairy farming

    September 28th 2007

    IF you have a burning ambition to produce milk why let a headcount of under a dozen cows and no farm to keep them on stand in your way?

  • Advice from Defra

    24 September 2007

    IN response to the case of bluetongue detected in Suffolk Defra have the latest advice, guidelines and information.

  • Anomaly in Northern Ireland beef prices

    September 28th 2007

    BEEF finishers and breeders in Northern Ireland claim it is obvious that factories and their retailers have increased their margins at the expense of producers.  

  • ASDA

    September 28th 2007

    Mixed verdict for Asda, caught by price wars versus rising costs

  • Asda dairy farmers’ sexed semen deal

    27 September 2007

    SEXED semen at up to 35 per cent discount is being offfered to Asda’s dedicated milk producers.

  • Audi RS6 Avant

    September 28th 2007

    Credit: © FARMERS GUARDIAN please contact 01772 799445.

  • Australian police and GMP mount a get together

    26 September 2007

    SERGEANT Glen Potter, who heads up the mounted unit for Western Australia Police in Perth has just spent 10 days with the mounted unit at Greater Manchester Police to learn how they support operational policing and neighbourhood policing teams around Manchester.

  • Banwen boys look for HOYS games hat-trick

    28 September 2007

    IN the final part of our series on the Prince Philip Cup qualifying teams, SARAH JONES talks to the Banwen and District and the Atherstone Hunt branches of the Pony Club.

  • Barley exports ‘possibility’ for NZ

    September 28th 2007

    RECORD international grain prices are raising New Zealand growers’ hopes for barley exports this coming season. Canterbury Seeds grains trading manager Mark Burns acknowledged the possibility of barley exports on the back of strong international markets.

  • Biofuels and energy

    September 28th 2007

    FORMER Defra Minister Larry Whitty urged critics of biofuels and other forms of renewable energy to look at the bigger picture. Chairman of the National Consumer Council, he gave his backing to the technology, which he said could offer solutions to the problems of climate change and dwindling energy supplies.

  • Biofuels demand has prevented stagnation

    September 28th 2007

    WITHOUT the demand for crops for biofuel, there was a real danger that grain stocks would have continued to grow as the result of better agronomy and higher yields leading to stagnation and surpluses in the marketplace, HGCA crop marketing director, Alistair Dickie told the meeting.

  • Biomass: Start with the market

    September 28th 2007

    THERE are business opportunities from biomass, but it is important to start from the market and work backwards, Dr John Gilliland of Brook Hall Estate, Londonderry, and Northern Ireland’s Sustainable Development Commissioner told the meeting.

  • Blight alert services vital - BPC

    27 September 2007

    THIS season’s combined Fight Against Blight (FAB) and Blightwatch service has revealed unprecedented disease levels, says to the British Potato Council (BPC).

  • Bluetongue found in UK for first time

    24 September 2007

    THE UK’s first case of bluetongue has been recorded in a cow in Suffolk.

  • Bluetongue outbreak a ‘bitter blow’ - NFU

    28 September 2007

    THE NFU has described news that the Government has declared an official outbreak of bluetongue as a ‘further bitter blow’ to a farming community already reeling from the impact of foot-and-mouth disease.

  • Bluetongue outbreak confirmed - Defra

    28 September 2007

    DEFRA has confirmed that bluetongue is circulating in livestock in Britain and has declared an official outbreak.

  • Bluetongue: Your views

    24 September 2007

    HAVE your say on our forum about any of the issues surrounding this first case of bluetongue. Let us know what you think.

  • BPRA tax relief is good news for those who want to diversify

    September 28th 2007

    TAX relief under the new Business Premises Renovation Allowance (BPRA) will provide a significantly enhanced financial return for many rural landowners and farmers who want to diversify.

  • Brailsford Match is ‘on’

    September 28th 2007

    THIS year’s Brailsford Ploughing and Hedgecutting Match in Derbyshire is going ahead as planned on Wednesday, October 3. It is the 102nd event and will be held at Birch House Farm, Ednaston.

  • Brailsford ploughing is ‘on’

    24 September 2007

    THIS year’s Brailsford Ploughing and Hedgecutting Match in Derbyshire is going ahead as planned on Wednesday October 3.

  • BRC jumps to defence of supermarkets denying any collusion over milk prices

    September 28th 2007

    THE British Retail Consortium (BRC) jumped to the defence of its members this week, claiming the supermarkets had not been involved in price-fixing.

  • Britain must cherish the countryside - Brown

    24 September 2007

    PRIME Minster Gordon Brown has made a plea for society to cherish the countryside in the wake of the foot-and-mouth crisis.

  • British Blue show and sale

    September 28th 2007

    RICHARD Duff, from the Irish Republic, will judge the only British Blue Cattle Society show and sale likely to take place this October. The society’s Northern Ireland show and sale is planned for October 27 at Dungannon Farmers’ Mart, County Tyrone.

  • Brussels taking cautious stance on UK exports

    September 28th 2007

    THE European Commission has said it is taking a ‘very cautious approach’ on the lifting of the export ban, after the unexpected return of foot-and-mouth this month.

  • Building an agricultural future – by grasping opportunities and change

    September 28th 2007

    ANGELA CALVERT reports from a technical pig conference, organised by JSR Genetics and held at Nottingham University.

  • Buyers come from as far a field as Guernsey to Walcote Manor Farm

    26 September 2007

    DESPITE cancellation fears due to the foot-and-mouth scare, Walcote Manor Farm dispersal went ahead as planned and with great success.

  • CAP health check

    September 28th 2007

    THE European Commission is finalising its plans for publication of the CAP health check proposals in November.  At an informal farm council in Portugal some of the Commission’s thinking became clear, while kites were flown for ideas that fail each time reform is debated.

  • Catslackburn flock ‘virtual’ to £700

    September 28th 2007

    SHEARLING rams from the Catslackburn flock of Norman Douglas, Selkirk, sold to £700 when a resilient crowd of buyers gathered for a ‘virtual’ sale of stock at Yarrow Village Hall on the Scottish Borders, on Monday, in order to comply with movement restrictions.

  • Changing feeding regimes to increase efficiency of dairy herds in the UK

    September 28th 2007

    With this year’s Dairy Event cancelled, JOANNE PUGH takes a look at some of the announcements and new product launches that would have taken place.

  • Changing relationships in supply chain

    September 28th 2007

    AS the balance of supply and demand shifts and consumers become more discerning, are farmers any closer to a fair deal from supermarkets? The signs are improving, but are all supermarkets moving in the same direction?

  • Clinical signs of bluetongue

    26 September 2007

    Bluetongue is a disease affecting all ruminants including sheep, cattle, deer and goats.

  • Combine Harvesters - Buyers guide

    September 28th 2007

    Credit: © FARMERS GUARDIAN please contact 01772 799445.

  • Confidence in future of Welsh Blacks, after a decade of both ups and downs

    September 28th 2007

    With the weather hitting the shows hard and then a double wave of foot-and-mouth restrictions seriously disrupting the sales scene, it has been a difficult year for pedigree breeders. BARRY ALSTON meets up with one of the sector’s key figures, who has just notched up a personal milestone and looking ahead in upbeat mode.

  • Crunch time is coming on badgers and bTB decision, says Rooker

    September 28th 2007

    FOOD and Farming Minister Jeff Rooker has sent out a message to his Government that it can delay the decision on badgers and bovine TB no more.

  • Dairy products ‘very good value’ as prices rise amid fierce competition

    September 28th 2007

    DAIRY UK, the trade association representing dairy farmers, producer co-ops and milk processors responded to the Office of Fair Trading’s (OFT) report saying dairy price increases had come on the back of intense supermarket competition and calls from dairy farmers.

  • Dairy Show postponed

    September 28th 2007

    THE organisers of the Dairy Show announced this week that the event, due to take place on October 3 at the Bath and West Showground, Somerset, is to be postponed until January 30.

  • Dealing with wire and the basics of successful calving

    September 28th 2007

    SCENE – by the vet

  • Demand for Dales land exceeds expectations

    September 28th 2007

    PRICES greatly exceeded expectations at Hawes when three lots of meadow, pasture and rough grazing, together with a number of stone field barns near Gayle, Hawes, came under the hammer.

  • Disappointing pea and bean yields, but still pulse benefits

    September 28th 2007

    PEA and bean yields have been disappointing this harvest following the wet summer, however, high demand and good prices should still provide encouragement for growers to consider pulses for this coming season, says Dr Anthony Biddle, technical director, Processors and Growers Research Association (PGRO).

  • Disease that has blighted livestock worldwide

    27 September 2007

    THE discovery of bluetongue virus on a farm in Suffolk is the first case to be reported in the UK, but it is a disease that has blighted livestock worldwide for hundreds of years.

  • Disease was ‘at large’ in Surrey when the all-clear was given

    September 28th 2007

    ON September 7, the Government said it was satisfied foot-and-mouth had been eradicated from Surrey and all livestock movement restrictions were lifted the next day.

  • Don’t forget TB tests as some foot-and-mouth restrictions are lifted

    September 28th 2007

    CATTLE farmers who want to move non-slaughter stock now that some foot-and-mouth movement restrictions have been relaxed should remember to forward plan their TB pre-movement testing.

  • DVD highlights importance of safe potato handling

    September 28th 2007

    A DVD produced by the British Potato Council (BPC) with support from the Health and Safety Executive, NFU and Grimme UK is seeking to highlight the importance of health and safety in potato production.

  • Early release of payments

    September 28th 2007

    SNOWDONIA National Park has decided to authorise the early release of its Tir Eryri payments.

  • Encouraging results for Catana

    September 28th 2007

    A STRONG varietal resistance to light leaf spot, saw the new oilseed rape variety, Catana, produce some encouraging results for northern growers in this year’s HGCA Recommended List trials.

  • English trials results

    27 September 2007

    LEYS END FARM, Grane Road, Haslingden, Open (58 ran): 1, J. Cropper (Deerplay) Fleet, 87 of 90; 2, J. Harvey (Leek) Mist, 85; 3, J. Harvey Nell, 841¼2; 4, J. Cropper Ben, 84, OLF; 5, G. Birchenall (Chinley) Alf, 84; 6, A. Kyme (Lumb) Floss, 831¼2.

  • EU Ministers approve zero set-aside

    September 28th 2007

    EU Farm Ministers have approved the policy of allowing farmers to do away with set-aside for 2008.

  • Euromix 1870 joins mixer wagon line-up

    September 28th 2007

    The latest addition to the Kuhn vertical mixer wagon line-up is the Euromix 1870. The 18cu.m capacity wagon requires 5hp per cubic metre due to the shape of the hopper and the position of the augers.

  • European farmers campaign for need to protect their crops

    September 28th 2007

    FIVE weeks ahead of a vote in the European Parliament (EP) on two key EU pesticide dossiers, European farmers, with the support of national crop protection associations and the European Crop Protection Association (ECPA), have launched a campaign to illustrate what the new legislation could mean for them.

  • Fears bluetongue virus may not be killed off

    26 September 2007

    WITH a warm start to winter predicted this year, there are fears that the bluetongue virus may not be destroyed by the weather.

  • FG's full bluetongue archive

    24 February 2007

    SEE all Farmers Guardian's coverage of bluetongue in our on-line archive.

  • Floods complaceny denied

    September 28th 2007

    RURAL Affairs Minister Phil Woolas refuted criticism of Government complacency on flood defence. During a panel discussion on flooding, Norwich Union commercial underwriting director, John Seaton, expressed frustration that the Government had not done enough to prevent flood damage.

  • Fonterra capital restructure?

    September 28th 2007

    CANDIDATES for directorship of New Zealand’s giant milk co-operative Fonterra are lining up – and with ideas on capital restructuring.

  • Fourth case of bluetongue found in Suffolk and new suspected FMD case in Berkshire

    26 September 2007

    A FOURTH animal has tested positive for bluetongue on a third farm near Ipswich, in Suffolk.

  • Free bird boxes for households in East Lancs

    26 September 2007

    LANCASHIRE Wildlife Trust is hoping to encourage local Robin and Blue Tit populations by offering free nest boxes to local households in the East Lancashire region.

  • From kitchen table to ‘Great Taste’ award

    September 28th 2007

    Business now exports around the globe

  • Garden birds recognition

    September 28th 2007

    IN a bid to prevent further decline of so-called ‘common’ garden birds, three new species have been included in a Government list of species to receive priority conservation action. As a result, the house sparrow, starling and dunnock now sit alongside species like corncrake, stone curlew and marsh warbler. Since the mid-1970s, roughly six million pairs of breeding house sparrows have been lost.

  • Getting creative with wool

    September 28th 2007

    DESIGNERS, artists, knitters, spinners, makers and craftspeople are being encouraged to get creative with the theme of ‘bubbles’ for a new competition to celebrate the creative and imaginative uses of Welsh wool.

  • Giving beef calves the best possible start

    September 28th 2007

    An on-farm meeting had been planned as part of a series of calf management meetings, held by Farmers Guardian and Intervet Animal Health, manufacturers of Bovipast RSP. While this has been postponed due to foot-and-mouth concerns, JOANNE PUGH spoke to host John Lewis about how he rears his calves and takes them through to finishing.

  • Going for a wide header rather than two separate machines for harvesting

    September 28th 2007

    An Essex grower’s decision to double the arable acreage farmed resulted in a rapid re-think when it came to harvesting – the answer, was to go large, using one of the UK’s first 10.5m-wide (35ft) headers. Geoff Ashcroft reports

  • Good news for farmers as new act reinforces compensation claim limits

    27 September 2007

    Are you put off from undertaking some activities on your land by the threat of liability or legal action ? Solicitor with law firm Ashton Graham, Emma Coke, asks: Do we have a compensation culture, and if so, will the Compensation Act 2006 curtail it?

  • Growers must be vigilant for signs of leaf spotting on OSR

    September 28th 2007

    GROWERS should be vigilant for signs of leaf spotting on oilseed rape crops, as phoma infection is predicted to start earlier than normal this autumn.

  • Guided hoe could cut manual weed control

    September 28th 2007

    A new tractor-mounted hoe with an improved automatic guidance system could soon be replacing manual and chemical weed control methods for some salad and brassica crop growers.

  • Heading for HOYS

    28 September 2007

    In the final instalment of our series on riders going to Horse of the Year Show, LIZ FALKINGHAM talks to Emily Ward, who has made a hugely successful start to her showing career in open classes, picking up tickets with both her 12hh show hunter and M&M working hunter pony

  • HGCA grant funds grain fuel pellet

    September 28th 2007

    A SOMERSET company is hoping to expand into new markets with a novel fuel pellet containing UK grain.

  • Hopes that NSA ram sale will take place as soon as possible

    September 28th 2007

    ORGANISERS of Europe’s biggest ram sale, which should have been held this week at the Royal Welsh Showground with 7,500 sheep generating in excess of a £2million turnover, say it has been postponed – not cancelled.

  • HOT HEALTHY GREENS

    September 28th 2007

    “THIS is quick and particularly useful for reluctant vegetable-eaters,” says Chrissie Cullimore, who sent in this recipe. “It is especially nice when served with cottage pie and gravy.”

  • How to get the most out of selling to supermarkets

    28 September 2007

    WANT to get the most out of selling to supermarkets but not sure how to do so? Watch video footage of Heather Jenkins, head of buying for meat, poultry, fish, dairy and eggs at Waitrose giving expert advice.

  • Independent help in farm costs discussions

    September 28th 2007

    A nutrition company is helping intensive livestock producers get the message across to their customers that a significant increase in the price of meat and egg products is needed.

  • Industry Viewpoint

    September 28th 2007

    Increasing importance of origin labelling as consumers look local

  • Jeanette Brakewell charity lecture/demonstration, Nov 2

    27 September 2007

    EVENTING star Jeanette Brakewell is hosting a lecture/demonstration in aid of the charity Spinal Research and its Saddle Up campaign.

  • Kendall remains upbeat despite current problems

    September 28th 2007

    NFU president Peter Kendall insisted he remained ‘positive’ about the future of farming despite the horrors of the past few months.

  • Kompact 160 uses big feeder features for extra capacity

    September 28th 2007

    The Kompact 160 is the latest diet feeder from Keenan, with a capacity of 16cu.m. Using features from their 28cu.m feeder, Keenan have been able to keep within the length and width of the 14cu.m Klassik 140 by extending the mixing chamber into the chassis and increasing the hopper diameter. These measures have helped improve stability and manoeuvrability.

  • Labour Party Conference

    September 28th 2007

    The question of ‘will he or won’t he call a General Election’ may have been at the forefront of most delegates’ minds at the Labour Party Conference but there was plenty of discussion on the fringes of the core issues facing farmers. ALISTAIR DRIVER reports from Bournemouth.

  • Leaks confirm Commission plans to cap Single Payments

    28 September 2007

    SINGLE Payments of over 100,000 euros (about £70,000) will be capped, under proposals to be put forward by the European Commission, a leaked document shows.

  • Legal action ‘likely’ if retailers guilty, says FFA

    September 28th 2007

    FARMERS for Action has vowed to fight tooth and nail to ensure the supermarkets are held accountable for the price-fixing.

  • Licences might need to be changed

    27 September 2007

    THE Environment Agency has launched a consultation on changes to abstraction licence charges as part of its review of the water abstraction charges scheme.

  • Lick blocks for breeding ewes and grass-fed lambs

    September 28th 2007

    The Rumenco Technically Advanced Block (TAB) range has been extended with the launch of TAB Sheep Plus.

  • Livestock markets to re-open and 5th bluetongue case confirmed

    28 September 2007

    DEFRA has announced that livestock markets will be able to operate in low-risk areas in England from next Thursday (October 4).

  • Long-term stability needed

    September 28th 2007

    THE market for crops grown for energy and bio-fuels was very much an artificial one, and there was a need for some long-term stability, the CLA’s Oliver Harwood told a question-and-answer session.

  • Looming shortage of Scottish pigmeat?

    26 September 2007

    A MAJOR pig processing company in Scotland says eight Scottish pig producers, supplying around 11 per cent of the Scottish pig herd, have indicated their intention to pull out of pig farming.

  • Maize monitor: countdown to harvest 2007

    September 28th 2007

    Southern region crops reaching maturity but slow progress up north

  • Major trials in Norway and in the USA National, where two ex-pat Scots triumph

    27 September 2007

    While trialling is subdued in the UK, last weekend two major trials took place elsewhere.

  • Making the most of combining in maize

    24 September 2007

    WHILE many parts of the UK will be familiar with forage maize, growing it for its grain is still relatively new and gathering interest. Mervyn Bailey speaks to Hampshire based Alan Cook, who has been combining maize for six years now.

  • Management changes bring a happier life

    26 September 2007

    A SWITCH in cattle type is not the only management change on a West Wales farm. BARRY ALSTON investigates.

  • Massey pushes up the power on 5400 series

    September 28th 2007

    With the introduction of the next generation of 5400 series tractors, Massey Ferguson has added two new more powerful models.

  • Meeting agri-scheme demands in the face of foot-and-mouth

    September 28th 2007

    POSITIVE steps by the Welsh Assembly to help farmers struggling to meet the demands of cross compliance and agri-environment schemes as a result of the foot-and mouth-restrictions have been welcomed by industry leaders.

  • MF boosts Activia range with two new combines

    September 28th 2007

    Massey Ferguson has added two new models to its Activia range of combines. The five walker 7245S and 7245S AL both use a 245hp engine, four-speed transmission and come equipped with the AutoLevel Freeflow headers, which can adjust to ground contours of up to 8 per cent. The 7245S AL can self-level on slopes of up to 20 per cent.

  • Migrant workers’ value

    September 28th 2007

    A PLEA for greater understanding of the value of migrant workers in the British food production industry was issued by junior Defra Minister Jonathan Shaw. At an NFU fringe meeting, he expressed concern that the ‘wider community’ often misunderstood the issues surrounding migrant workers.

  • Missing out on milk

    September 28th 2007

    Only half of schools and nurseries take advantage of a scheme that would help the UK’s dairy farmers – and boost our children’s health

  • More growers needed for organic produce price information system

    September 28th 2007

    THE organisers of a joint project on organic vegetable price information are calling for input from more growers.

  • More money for Davidstow and Hartington DC producers

    26 September 2007

    DAIRY Crest has announced further milk price increases for suppliers on its Davidstow and Hartington contracts.

  • More money for Davidstow and Hartington DC producers

    26 September 2007

    DAIRY Crest has announced further milk price increases for suppliers on its Davidstow and Hartington contracts.

  • Morrisons

    September 28th 2007

    Tight margins leading to a squeeze on supplier prices

  • Moves to limit sheep sector damage

    September 28th 2007

    A regionalised appr-oach to exports in early October, some positive commitment by major retailers and a planned and rational approach to marketing could mean the avoidance of total disaster for the sheep sector.

  • Moves to salvage the lamb market

    27 September 2007

    A REGIONALISED approach to exports in early October, some positive committment by major retailers and a planned and rational approach to marketing could mean the avoidance of total disaster for the sheep sector.

  • Moves to salvage the lamb market

    27 September 2007

    A REGIONALISED approach to exports in early October, some positive committment by major retailers and a planned and rational approach to marketing could mean the avoidance of total disaster for the sheep sector.

  • Moves to salvage the lamb market

    27 September 2007

    A REGIONALISED approach to exports in early October, some positive committment by major retailers and a planned and rational approach to marketing could mean the avoidance of total disaster for the sheep sector.

  • New bluetongue and foot-and-mouth cases

    24 September 2007

    A SECOND cow has tested positive for bluetongue on the same farm as the first case in Baylham, Suffolk.

  • NEWS IN BRIEF

    September 28th 2007

    Waste targets

  • NIAB mycotoxin tests reveal a higher presence of DON toxin

    September 28th 2007

    INITIAL results from mycotoxin tests conducted at NIAB have shown that levels of DON toxin are higher this year with several wheat samples exceeding the EU threshold of 1250 parts per billion (ppb).

  • Oats on the increase

    September 28th 2007

    THE number of growers intending to include oats in their rotation is on the increase, according seeds company Senova.

  • Official launch of Equestrian Team GBR

    26 September 2007

    THE countdown to the 2008 Beijing Olympic and Paralympic Games has gained momentum with the recent official launch of Equestrian Team GBR.

  • OFT report alleges dairy price fixing amongst UK processors and retailers

    September 28th 2007

    DAIRY farmers are locked in a war of words with supermarkets and processors after the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) published its report into price-fixing last week.

  • Oilseed rape growers may need to spray with a pyrethoid insecticide

    26 September 2007

    OILSEED rape growers are being advised to keep a look out for signs of turnip sawfly larval damage, which is now showing on some early-emerged crops in the south of England.

  • On test: Nissan Qashqai

    September 28th 2007

    A good all-rounder with a decent spec for the money

  • On test: Toyota Hilux 3.0

    September 28th 2007

    More muscle, but Hilux auto requires a gentle touch

  • Overseas trials results

    27 September 2007

    Continental Championship, Drammen, Norway (Judge: W. Edwards, Wales) 89 ran (registration numbering varies between countries) – 1, Karin Söderberg’s Lotus (V1244/1998), Sweden 154; 2, Serge Van Der Zweep, Glen (ISDS 244489) Netherlands, 153; 3, Jean-Michel Jolly, Shark (11510/1609) France, 152; 4, Kjetil Vasstveit, Kaia (19521/98) Norway, 151; 5, Torbjørn Jaran Knive, Lyn (04398/97) Norway, 150; 6, Ruedi Roth, Clenn (567393) Switzerland, 149; 7, Tont Ottesen, Bob (ISDS269836) ...

  • Ploughing honours

    26 September 2007

    With a biosecurity bed of disinfectant-soaked straw on all approach roads, one of the largest outdoor events ever held in West Wales took place near Cardigan. MEYRICK BROWN reports from the Five Nations and Welsh Plough Championships.

  • Potential in non-food crops

    September 28th 2007

    The third of the Moffitt Symposiums, founded by Northumberland farmer and businessman John Moffitt, looked at the challenges to agriculture presented by biofuels and biomass. NEIL RYDER reports from Newcastle Civic Centre.

  • Pressure mounts on the Government to compensate the victims of foot-and mouth

    September 28th 2007

    FARMING organisations have put more pressure on Government to come up with a support package for farmers hit by the foot-and-mouth outbreak.

  • Profit from pondlife?

    27 September 2007

    BIODIESEL can be made from pond algae – and a Dutch firm plans to show how next month.

  • QMS board member application deadline

    26 September 2007

    TIME is running out for applications from potential new board members for Quality Meat Scotland.

  • QMS board member application deadline

    26 September 2007

    TIME is running out for applications from potential new board members for Quality Meat Scotland.

  • Roddam flock trade better than expected

    September 28th 2007

    DIGITAL images displayed in the local pub were the focus for buyers when a ‘virtual’ reduction auction of the Wooler-based Roddam Estate flock was staged in the Poacher’s Rest, Powburn, Wooler, Northumberland, on Tuesday.

  • Rooker pledges hill farm support

    24 September 2007

    FOOD and Farming Minister Jeff Rooker has indicated the Government is preparing a package to offer support to hill farmers hit by foot-and-mouth movement restrictions.

  • Rosemaund says farewell

    26 September 2007

    THE recent sale of deadstock at Rosemaund held by auctioneers John Amos and Co saw a large gathering of the rural community from Herefordshire and further a field.

  • Routine seed treatment could be needed

    September 28th 2007

    ROUTINE seed treatment application may be required this autumn, The Arable Group (TAG) has advised members – or else use grain from the 2006 harvest.

  • Sainsbury's

    September 28th 2007

    Taking positive steps forward but a follower rather than a leader

  • Scientists believe biofuels may contribute to global warming

    26 September 2007

    GROWING and burning biofuels may increase rather than reduce greenhouse gas emissions, according to a new study.

  • Scottish pig producers may quit industry as prices rise, while demand increases

    September 28th 2007

    A MAJOR pig processing company in Scotland says eight Scottish pig producers, supplying around 11 per cent of the Scottish pig herd, have indicated their intention to pull out of pig farming.

  • Sense should prevail to prevent a total standstill

    September 28th 2007

    Okay so I admit we did go away for a few days’ holiday. Anglesey actually, and very nice it is as well, but after six days with no newspapers, no TV, we get back to discover foot-and-mouth has just broken out again. Okay, these things happen.

  • Sheepdog trials diary

    27 September 2007

    ENGLAND

  • Sixth open win for Jim Cropper’s Fleet

    September 28th 2007

    NOT yet two years old, Jim Cropper’s Fleet took his sixth open win at the weekend.

  • Soil condition product gets approval

    September 28th 2007

    SOIL conditioning product TwinN has been approved for use by organic certification bodies Organic Farmers and Growers and the Soil Association.

  • Some movement restrictions lifted but farmer failed to report FMD

    24 September 2007

    FROM tomorrow at 3.30pm Scotland, Wales and parts of England will be able to resume farm-to-farm movement of livestock but livestock markets will remain closed.

  • Some movement restrictions lifted but farmer failed to report FMD

    25 September 2007

    FROM today at 3.30pm Scotland, Wales and parts of England will be able to resume farm-to-farm movement of livestock but livestock markets will remain closed.

  • Supermarkets announce higher milk prices

    11 September 2007

    NEW and higher milk prices have been announced by Tesco and Sainsbury.

  • Supermarkets announce higher milk prices

    11 September 2007

    NEW and higher milk prices have been announced by Tesco and Sainsbury.

  • Suspected FMD case on Hampshire-Sussex border

    24 September 2007

    A SUSPECTED case of foot-and-mouth is being investigated on a farm near Petersfield on the Hampshire-Sussex border.

  • Tesco

    September 28th 2007

    British giant finally sees need to nuture suppliers

  • TGB Blade 425 aimed at lighter workloads

    September 28th 2007

    A new Taiwanese ATV is on the market – this one uses a 403cc water-cooled bike engine with switchable four-wheel drive and a cvt transmission.

  • The ADF system in action

    31 October 2007

    IN an attempt to control mastitis and cut labour costs, there has been a growing demand for the ADF (Automatic Dipping + Flushing) system since its launch a couple of years ago.

  • The benefits of worming dairy cows

    30 September 2007

    Dairy Farmer editor, Peter Hollinshead, talks to one Derbyshire producer who is now reaping the benefits of annually worming his dairy cows.

  • The Dairy Show postponed

    24 September 2007

    THE organisers of the Dairy Show have announced the event, which was due to take place on October 3 at the Bath and West Showground, Somerset, is to be postponed until January 30, 2008.

  • The search is on for best potato dish

    September 28th 2007

    THE search is on for the country’s best potato dish. As the British Potato Council (BPC) launches its Great Potato Challenge competition for 2008, the aim is to put potatoes firmly in the spotlight with Britain’s professional and student chefs.

  • The wedding of Rebecca Fort and Richard Stapleton

    September 28th 2007

    Credit: © FARMERS GUARDIAN please contact 01772 799445.

  • Top up magnesium levels in cattle to reduce risk of staggers as the autumn weather sets in

    September 28th 2007

    PROVIDING an autumn magnesium supply for cattle in order to avoid grass staggers is vital, according to James Brinicombe, director of Denis Brinicombe Group, Devon.

  • Trade strong at Ballymena BFL fixture

    September 28th 2007

    AMONG heightened bio-security measures the Bluefaced Leicester sale season in Northern Ireland eventually kicked off this week at Ballymena, albeit a bit late in light of the movement restrictions on the UK mainland.

  • Transforming his farming method proves rewarding

    September 28th 2007

    WITH three top-class entries it was no easy decision to place the finalists in this year’s Farmers Guardian Dairy Farmer of the Future competition. Following the announcement last week that Stuart Rogers was the overall winner, JOANNE PUGH profiles runner-up Tom Rawson and third-placed Oliver Neagle.

  • Tri-axle tipper trailers

    September 28th 2007

    Redrock has developed tri-axle tipping trailers. The 20-tonne and 24-tonne capacity grain trailers have a 7.4m long body and are offered with high speed commercial leaf-sprung axles and air brakes. Both trailers come as standard with a trailed type rear-steer axle and a choice of tyres with 325 super singles being standard and wider 425 and 560 tyres optional.

  • Tube treatment for mastitis

    September 28th 2007

    A new lactating cow mastitis tube has been launched by Intervet Animal Health.

  • Tuber blight level concerns

    September 28th 2007

    THE high level of tuber blight this season has raised concerns for the stored potato crop. The BPC is urging growers to follow recommendations in updated Growers’ Advice Sheet number 13, prepared by Sutton Bridge Experimental Unit. For specific advice on the control of rots call 0800 02 82 111 or see the latest Storage Bulletin. Go to the website www.potato.org.uk for more or call 01865 782222.

  • UK pesticides open meeting

    September 28th 2007

    THE committee that advises the Government on the safety of pesticides is offering an opportunity for the public to meet its members and discuss their work at an open meeting later this autumn. The subject will be ‘The UK Pesticides Strategy.’

  • Unchanged Atherstone team may prove hard to beat

    28 September 2007

    The Atherstone Hunt mounted games team heading for HOYS next week is the same team that qualified last year, and rumour has it that, with that experience under their belt, they will be hard to beat.

  • Unique drive system for Deutz ‘flagship’

    September 28th 2007

    Deutz-Fahr has a new flagship combine, the 5695HTS hailing, from its Croatian plant. The newcomer gets its 366hp from a Stage IIIa Deutz six-cylinder 2013 engine with common rail injection.

  • Unprecedented year for outbreaks of blight – BPC

    September 28th 2007

    RESULTS from this season’s combined Fight Against Blight (FAB) and Blightwatch service reveal that 2007 has been an unprecedented year for the disease, according to the British Potato Council.

  • Vaccination not a front-line defence against the virus

    27 September 2007

    DEFRA have revealed that vaccination will not be used as a front-line defence against the bluetongue virus.

  • Vegetation management work can be carried out

    September 28th 2007

    ALLOWING vegetation management contractors access to land to carry out work on behalf of the utility networks does not endanger a farmer’s Single Payment.

  • Virus arrival ‘no surprise’

    27 September 2007

    MIDGES carrying the bluetongue virus to the UK have arrived in Suffolk from northern Europe, says Food and Farming Minister Lord Rooker.

  • Wait for 10-20pc disease threshold for phoma spray

    September 28th 2007

    WAIT until a 10 to 20 per cent disease threshold has been reached to trigger the first phoma spray on oilseed rape this autumn.

  • Waitrose

    September 28th 2007

    Adopting principles that are fairer to farmers

  • Waterproof Clothing for children

    September 28th 2007

    Frustrated by not being able to find any good waterproof clothes for her children, 11 years ago Susie Cullen created the company Muddy Puddles on her South Devon farm. KATIE ROEBUCK went along to learn more about the business, which has gone from strength to strength.

  • Welsh Assembly backs red meat with £1 million initiative

    September 28th 2007

    The Welsh Assembly is setting aside £1 million for an overseas red meat promotional initiative. Rural Affairs Minister, Elin Jones, said on Wednesday that being realistic it would be some time before the export of Welsh lamb and beef could resume.

  • Welsh trials results

    27 September 2007

    LLANARMON YN IAL Open –1, A. von Dinther (Wirswall) Monty, 7; 2, A. Collins (Clocaenog) Bess, 9; 3, J.Harvey (Leek) Nell, 10 4, E. von Dinther (Wirswall) Polly, 11 5, R.E. Roberts (Maenan) Bill, 12; 6, G. Davies (Llansannan) Gel, 13.

  • Which supermarket is the fairest of them all?

    24 September 2007

    AS part of our Fair trade for British farmers Campaign, FG profile’s the big four supermarkets and campaign partner Waitrose asking - who is the fairest of them all?

  • Wiseman considers the environment

    26 September 2007

    ROBERT Wiseman Dairies fleet of black and white trucks could in future be powered by gas, or fuels made from used cooking oil and tallow.

  • Wood can raise the heat on UK renewable energy targets

    September 28th 2007

    IF the United Kingdom is to meet its goal to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by more than a quarter from 1990 levels by 2020, it must set up a more coordinated energy strategy.

  • Yara-Kemira deal clearance

    September 28th 2007

    FERTILISER company Yara International has received clearance from the European Commission to acquire Kemira GrowHow Oyj under a deal announced in May.

  • Year of Food and Farming is still going ahead

    September 28th 2007

    DESPITE the latest foot-and-mouth outbreak, the Year of Food and Farming will still be going ahead with its regional launches, say organisers.

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