Livestock

For as long as he has been breeding sheep, Ian Murray has strived to be at the top of his game when it comes to producing stock for sale. Hannah Park reports.

THE North Country Cheviot ticks more than just one box for Sam Pedrick at Brimley Farm, Bovey Tracey, in Devon.

At a time when there is huge demand for sustainable, natural materials, it seems counter-intuitive that one of the most traditional and long established of natural fibres, wool, finds its price languishing and farmers composting or burning fleeces after shearing.

Covid-19 has highlighted the agricultural industry’s ability to adapt and innovate during the most extraordinary of times. With this resulting in a surge in public support for agriculture, there is no better time to celebrate this as part of The British Farming Awards 2020.

The UK faces a dizzying cocktail of two crises and a challenge hitting simultaneously. Just one of these would be a real test for any Government or nation, but the dark brew of all three will be bitter, says Labour Shadow Defra Secretary Luke Pollard.

Dominic Cummings is the only man who believes a no-deal Brexit in the middle of a pandemic is a good idea, says Hywel Davies, who is a partner at Cyfreithwyr Llys Cennen Solicitors and helps his parents run the Aman flock of pedigree Texel sheep, the 2018 Champion Flock of Wales.

All four nations need to work together as partners to ensure the UK internal market continues to function, and devolution is respected, says Ben Lake, MP for Ceredigion and Plaid Cymru’s agriculture spokesman in Westminster.

Leaving the EU and its stringent ‘farming by calendar’ rules gives the UK an opportunity to improve farm safety, says County Armagh beef farmer John Henning.

The union is the cornerstone of the UK’s prosperity and influence, and keeping it together will be vital for the future prosperity of our farmers, says Robert Largan, MP for High Peak.

Dawn Meats has announced it will take ‘full control’ of its joint venture with Dunbia following the news of co-founder Jim Dobson’s retirement.