Beef is the main topic of conversation this issue. I had a great day out in Perthshire visiting Hilary Barker, her Highlands and her amazing artwork in the morning followed by classy Shorthorns at Coldrochie, Moneydie in the afternoon. The day was nicely rounded off by the press dinner, hosted by the Highland Show at Perth.
Chatting to a certain NE journalist, I was amused that he wasn’t up for telling me how he had spent his day. I finally eked it out of him that he had come down for a funeral, but realised once he had arrived in Perth, that it was in fact the following day!
I was sworn to secrecy that I wouldn’t tell any other press members – one in particular!
Eilidh MacPherson
Farm, Carsphairn, Castle Douglas, DG7 3TE
www.farmingscotland.com
Been enjoying the amazing weather that is finally gracing this country –long may it continue.
We were selling lambs at Dumfries
the morning of the International Sheep Dog Trial final, so made it along for the last few runs of the day and were lucky enough to see Welshman, Aled Owen, clinch the title with an amazing show of skill.
The powers of social media never cease to amaze me – I posted a photo of Nell, my Beardie, when she broke her leg this summer on my farmingscotland.com page – in a matter of minutes I was offered the loan of a bitch. Scott Watson, (whose father Geordie is a Blackface enthusiast) originally from Ayrshire, but growing radishes in Suffolk for supermarket shelves kindly lent me Fly. She has been amazing.
Well I better get some sleep as the clock is ticking and we are gathering in the morning.
Wishing all you livestock farmers well in the tup and bull sales still to come in the next couple of months.
The renowned Blackface and Charolais breeder, Archie MacGregor of Allanfauld, Kilsyth is the 2015 recipient of one of the livestock industry's most prestigious prizes, the Sir William Young Award.
The award, from the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS), recognises outstanding contribution to livestock breeding and commemorates the service to Scottish agriculture by the late Sir William Young, Skerrington Mains, Hurlford, Kilmarnock.
Last year renowned Simmental cattle breeder, Billy MacPherson of Blackford Farm, Croy, won the award. Archie MacGregor farms 1800 acres at Allanfauld, Kilsyth, along with his son, John. Predominantly a hill farm, they have a flock of 1200 Blackface sheep, 700 of which are kept pure and the rest put to the Bluefaced Leicester. The family also breed pedigree Texel sheep, Charolais and Limousin cattle and run a herd of 35 suckler cows.
Within Blackfaces, the £24 000 Allanfauld tup, sold in 2004, has had a huge influence in the breed, and sired the £65 000 Elmscleugh tup (McTavish), and a £30 000 Glenrath tup – both of which went on to breed well themselves.
A well respected Judge across Britain and Ireland, including the Royal, Balmoral, Royal Highland and Great Yorkshire, Archie is aware of the benefits of showing as a shop window for the livestock, and Is
always keen to support the local and national shows. He has won breed titles at the Royal Highland with Charolais, Limousins and Blackfaces and at the Stirling Bull Sales, Allanfauld recently achieved a hat trick by taking the championship at the pre-sale Limousin show three times in a row.
Keen on showing and breeding commercial cattle from a young age, Archie has bred five Smithfield champions and has won it himself once and the Scottish Winter Fair twice.
Many Allanfauld-bred animals have gone on to have a positive influence in both pedigree and commercial breeding, none more so than the Charolais bull Allanfauld Vagabond. The animal is considered to be one of the most prolific Charolais bulls in the commercial world, with several Smithfield champions being sired by him too.
A past president of the Blackface Sheep Breeders' Association, Archie is still heavily involved in the breed's development committee. He was involved in establishing the Highlands and Islands Sheep Strategy and is a past NFU branch chairman.
To top it all off, Archie won Champion Blackface Sheep at 2014 Royal Highland Show.
The citations also reads: "Archie is not just concerned about developing breeds for his own gain, he has always been willing to take his place in committees in the hope of making a difference in the wider livestock world."
Strange but True!
A38-year-old man in Australia was charged with stealing cattle gallstones, which can apparently sell for as much as $20000 a kilogram.
The stones are believed to be used in Oriental medicine under the belief they can treat hepatitis and other liver and gallbladder-related illnesses. Acting on a tip-off, officers from the Toowoomba Stock and Rural Crime Investigation Squad (SARCIS) in Queensland raided a property in the Toowoomba suburb of Cranley uncovering a hoard of the stones.
Police allege they were stolen from a nearby abattoir over six months and are believed to be of "considerable value."
He says gallstone theft is not common as there aren't that many avenues for collecting them.
Gallstones are small, hard masses that form in the gallbladder from a digestive fluid called bile and can be very painful.
A SARCIS blog post said the stones' value was determined by dryness, colour, texture, size and whole and broken pieces.
"Whole, smooth, lustrous, golden specimens attract the highest price," the post read.
"Dark and pitted stones as well as stones with calcium inclusions (white) are of reduced value.
Contrary to popular belief, gallstones are not an aphrodisiac. Gold Coast-based cattle gallstone trader Jenny Murtagh told the ABC gallstones were used in Eastern medicine for heart, liver and general wellbeing.
RHASS Team ’16
The Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS) has appointed Lord David Thomas Kennedy, 9th Marquess of Ailsa, as Society President.
Having just taken up his position in late July, Lord Kennedy will preside over the 176th Royal Highland Show in 2016 with his home region of Ayrshire the ‘host' area.
Lord Kennedy farms near Maybole in Ayrshire where he has produced early potatoes, early cabbage, carrots and broccoli, daffodil blooms and bulbs, as well as wheat, barley, oats, oilseed rape, beans, fodder beet, turnips and maize.
In 2004, he was the Scottish winner of the Silver Lapwing award and later that year became a LEAF demonstration farmer.
Joining Lord Kennedy on the RHASS board will be four Vice Presidents from the Society's Ayrshire Area:
Alexander Wilkie, Director of Marketing with Müller Wiseman Dairies;
Hugh Guthrie, a past RHASS Chairman and retired dairy farmer; Jack Lawson, ex Director of SMMB and now Independent Director at the Cattle Information Service (CIS); and John Cunningham, Managing Director with Border Biscuits.
Also appointed to serve for one year as Extraordinary Directors are: Borders: Neil G C Thomson, Caverton Mill, Kelso
D&G: Russell Kingan, Criffel House, Kirkbean, Dumfries
Stirling: Colin MacPhail, Gartmore Farm, Gartmore, Stirling
Perth: Fiona Roebuck, South Strathy, Aberuthven, Auchterarder
Lothian: Mary Munro, Pencaitland, Tranent, East Lothian
Strathclyde: Alex Bankier, Springwells, Fernieshaw, Cleland, Motherwell
Reverend James Miliken, of Portland Parish Church, Troon will take up the chaplaincy.
The Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS) has announced its Chairman Designate for 2016/17 as Wigtownshire sheep and cattle farmer, Keith Brooke F.R.Ag.S.
Under the RHASS' procedures, Mr Brooke, who is currently a Director at RHASS, will serve for one year as chairman-designate and then stand for election as Chairman in July 2016.
A life member of the Society, Keith joined the RHASS board in the 1980's and is the longest serving Director of the current Board, holding the role of Chief Steward of Press, Radio & Television for over 20 years. He has served for seven years on the Executive Committee, with the last four as Honorary Treasurer.
At home on Carscreugh, his 830 ha farm at Glenluce, Keith has over 900 Blackface ewes, both for purebreeding and also to produce Scotch Mule ewe lambs, as well as over a hundred suckler cows with a small herd of Charolais cattle, which the family shows the Highland Show.
Away from the Society, Keith has served as President of the Blackface Sheep Breeders' Association and also Chairman of the British Rouge de l'Ouest Sheep Society, Finance Convener of the Galloway Cattle Society and served on the Boards of Wallets Marts and Scottish, English and Welsh Wool Growers. He also carries out sheep stock valuations as a member of the Panel of Arbiters.
On his appointment, Keith said: "I firmly believe that the Society is the lead agri-organisation in Scotland, which has over 15 500 members and every year showcases the best in Scottish farming, food and rural life at the Royal Highland Show, an event, which combines business, social and educational functions.
"The Society now has a far greater remit than it did when it began over 230 years ago, and is actively involved on a much wider platform encompassing the broad spectrum of rural life in Scotland.
"I am very much looking forward to being involved in the Society's further development in my role as Chairman Designate."
Tractor Fundraiser
Over £10 000 has been raised by Chrissie Anderson and her family, who held a Vintage Tractor Road Run, barn dance, raffle and auction earlier this summer for Alzheimer Scotland. Gorgeous vintage machines were among the 70 tractors that took part in the event in the beautiful Chapelton countryside, waved on by locals from nearby villages and farms. The £10 600 raised included the sale of 3000 raffle tickets and £4000 from the auction alone.
The event was held in memory of Thomas R Anderson; a vintage tractor enthusiast who built up a stunning collection of more than 20 vintage tractors over 50 years.
Chrissie Anderson said, “My husband Tommy lived with Alzheimer’s for a number of years. I wanted to celebrate his life and support Alzheimer Scotland by holding this great event in his memory. He would have loved to have been there. I hope that the money we’ve raised will help other people like Thomas and their families.”
Laura Stockwell, Community Fundraiser for Alzheimer Scotland, said; “We’re overwhelmed by the support of the Anderson family in their donation from this event. This money will go a long way to support our vital services for people with dementia and their families in the area and to help make sure that nobody has to face dementia alone.”
AGROUP of dairy industry professionals is calling on business leaders from outside agriculture to help drag the currently beleaguered dairy sector out of the doldrums.
Cumbria dairy farmer Robert Craig, agricultural consultant Heather Wildman (Saviour Associates), accountant Rob Hitch (Dodd and Co) and agricultural banking director Neil Wilson want to lead a wider discussion about the way forward for UK dairying and engage the thoughts and analysis of business leaders in the process.
Operating under the banner of Agrihive UK, the quartet has drawn together a case study of a dairy farm, which has all the characteristics of one which is struggling in the current downturn. A recent survey suggested more than half of the remaining 10 000 UK dairy farmers could quit in the next six months if price did not improve.
The plan is to launch the case study at an Agrihive UK dairy summit in London on November 3 and collate the thoughts and strategies of people inside and outside farming about what dairy units can do going forward.
Mr Craig said the dairy industry always dealt with crises in the same way, first looking to drive on-farm efficiency, then searching for someone to blame, and finally turning to representative bodies for help, but this had to stop.
He said: “Unfortunately, the cycle just continues again and again resulting in fewer and fewer dairy farms. If we are to stop the terminal decline of the UK dairy industry we need to try something different.
“Agrihive’s aim is to challenge some of the best business brains from outside of dairy farming to find innovative solutions to our industry problems which will help to transform an industry, which is in decline to one which is profitable, robust, competitive and valued.”
Ms Wildman said while some farmers had got a grip on their business during the current slump, many faced seemingly unsurmountable challenges which required fresh thinking.
She added: “Farmers think they are unique and special but they are not, they are no different to the small family newsagent on the street corner
or the family-run mechanic and petrol station in your town or village.
“Market forces, market share, costs, added value, technology, efficiency and succession are the same for us all. This is why we are looking to non-farming global businesses and sectors to learn how they are adapting to survive and prosper in a global market. What can we do differently? What do we need to do differently?”
Mr Hitch said: “I want the case study, asking what would you do in this situation, to be shared by as many people outside of the day to day world of dairy farming. It is a very small and insular world.
“Farmers need to recognise they aren't just the cowman, they are the chief executive of their farm.”
Neil Wilson said: “I believe that this project will help us to address the burden of a lack of financial literacy and market intelligence at the farmgate by introducing the topic and having it discussed in an open forum.
“We must all work together to help the industry progress, and in my mind Agrihive take us further down that road than we have been before with an open forum about the challenges of a real farm business.”
The group are seeking innovative solutions from people outside of the dairy sector and agriculture. If anyone running successful businesses in any other sectors is interested they would like to hear from you to discuss how you may be able to help broaden the outputs of the project by learning from other industries.
More information is available at www.agrihive.com
What is agrihive?
Agrihive was created by Australian entrepreneur and fifth-generation Western Queensland farmer James Walker who recently visited the UK and witnessed first-hand the struggles of UK dairying.
Mr Walker said he was driven to try and find answers for farmers, particularly family units, struggling in an increasingly volatile global market place.
He said: “The solutions may actually come from that family or from anyone else who has an interest in supporting farmers in the UK, we want a wave of ideas and Agrihive is a collective to build these new possibilities.”
Aled Owen Reigns Supreme
The International
Savills Market Three Farms in Morayshire
Savills is marketing Hilton Farm and Wester Buthill, two productive arable farms close to the Moray Firth, and Feabuie, in the heart of Speyside, near Grantown-on-Spey. All three are part of the farming portfolio of Strathdee Properties.
Savills have been appointed to sell a selection of the farms, mainly the more outlying ones, within Strathdee Properties’ farming portfolio and these are the first to come to the market. The sales of the farms will allow the rural business to further diversify into renewable energy and to focus on the farming operations closer to Viewfield Farm in Craigellachie, where the company is based.
A thriving family run rural business, Strathdee Properties currently includes farms alongside forestry, quarrying, commercial lets and residential development enterprises throughout Moray, Aberdeenshire and the Highlands. The company is owned by Stephen and Freda Strathdee, who bought Viewfield, their first farm, in 1985, and is now managed by their son Gavin, assisted by daughter Diane. The family is involved in the local community and committed to the local area, continuing to employ local people.
Hilton Farm is situated in gently undulating countryside about a mile to the south of Buckie on the Moray Coast, renowned for its mild climate and early cropping, which includes vegetables. It extends to about 444 acres in total, 378 acres of which are arable, the balance including 23 acres of amenity woodland. The majority of the land is Class 3(1) and has been farmed in hand as part of a larger farming enterprise. Over the past three years the arable land has been in spring barley or fallow. Prior to this the rotation included land let for potatoes and carrots.
A large traditional farmhouse is situated to the west of the holding, adjacent to the former farm steading, which has planning permission for a residential development of eight units. A further eight planning permissions have been granted across the farm for house sites and one for the erection of
an agricultural building. There is potential to build a modern farmhouse and farm buildings at the core of the farm. All the sites currently lie on agricultural land giving the purchaser the flexibility to develop, sell or continue farming the sites. Hilton Farm is being marketed as a whole, at offers over £2.2 million.
Wester Buthill lies about a mile inland from the former fishing village of Burghead. It is being marketed as a whole or in up to four lots. Lot 1, Wester Buthill extends to 341 acres in total and comprises 265 acres arable, 24 acres permanent pasture and 34 acres woodland.
Outlying fields at Burghead and Cummingston, about 1 mile to the north of Wester Buthill, on the coast, are offered as three separate lots, ranging in size from 14 to 35 acres. The land at Wester Buthill is Class 3(2) and 4, with the land at Burghead and Cummingston being Class 3(2).
Over the past three years the arable land has been in spring barley with some land let to a local contractor for potatoes and carrots.
The main lot includes a traditional farmhouse, a former dairyman’s cottage and farm buildings. As at Hilton, there are a number of consented development sites across the farm, 13 in all. The
majority of these sites are situated on land not sensitive to the farming operations and would therefore allow a purchaser to sell or develop the sites over time. The guide price for Wester Buthill as a whole is offers over £1.85 million, with Lot 1, the main farm, priced at offers over £1.5 million.
Feabuie lies about 4 miles east of Grantown-on-Spey, in a sheltered bowl at the bottom of the Haughs of Cromdale. It is an attractive mixed farm, which extends to about 398 acres, in a contiguous block, with two house sites and three sites for agricultural buildings.
The majority of the land is Class 4(2) and is relatively flat. The arable land (about 145 acres) is generally sown in spring barley or left fallow with some pasture let for grazing. There are a number of small areas of woodland across the farm providing shelter, amenity and the basis of a rough shoot. The guide price for Feabuie is offers over £650,000.
Jamie Wedderspoon of Savills said: “All the farms within Strathdee Properties are owned, managed and farmed by the family, with a great amount of care and expertise, and these farms are no exception. Good quality farms, available to buy, are in short supply in Moray and we therefore anticipate a good level of demand.”
H u s k
Awareness of lungworm (also known as husk or hoose) as a major cause of respiratory disease in older, grazing cattle may not be as high as it should be, according to a government report.
Merial Animal Health is urging farmers and vets to consider lungworm infection as soon as coughing begins in adult dairy cattle to prevent significant losses in production.
Sioned Timothy, Veterinary Adviser for Merial Animal Health, says: “Lungworm is increasingly being seen in adult dairy cattle, not just the youngstock traditionally thought to be affected.”
A government report published in February 2015 stated that there was a significant increase in lungworm diagnoses made at APHA and SRUC laboratories as a percentage of overall submissions from October to December 2014 compared to the same period in 2013, in Great Britain as a whole, and England and Wales (but not Scotland)1. The relatively warm, dry summer of 2014, followed by rain, provided near-perfect conditions for development and survival of lungworm larvae into the autumn.
The report goes on to explain that in several outbreaks of respiratory disease an initial focus on infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR) as the suspected cause led to a delay in diagnosing lungworm. A subsequent delay in treatment resulted in severe, prolonged outbreaks of disease and in
some cases a number of cows were lost to lungworm.
Ms Timothy explains: “The problem for farmers, and vets, is that lungworm can be difficult to diagnose at an early stage and may not be spotted until a full-blown outbreak occurs. At this point, the harmful effects on production will be significant and costly.
“Coughing in an adult cow should be investigated immediately by a vet, don’t wait until the whole herd is unwell. This gives you time to receive the diagnosis and treat promptly to minimise production losses.”
Acute stages of the disease cause rapid weight loss. Animals have a deep harsh cough during activity which progresses to coughing at rest, with laboured breathing. Severely affected animals will typically stand with neck and head extended in the ‘air hunger’ position. Increased resting time with reduced feeding and drinking leads to milk drop and ill-thrift. Even after recovery, the effect of lungworm disease is costly. Lung damage can leave animals susceptible to secondary infections and affect long term productivity.
A study published in 2011 which looked at two outbreaks of lungworm reported total losses of £110* per cow in one case and £113* in another2. Clinical disease was shown to have a broad ranging economic impact. Losses resulted from reduced milk production, disposal of dead animals, extra inseminations,
laboratory diagnosis and treatment costs2.
“Treatment programmes that prevent clinical disease, whilst allowing sufficient exposure to the parasite to promote immunity are the ideal, however this can be a delicate balancing act; too little exposure and they don’t develop the immunity required, while too much will cause clinical disease and production losses.”
In the face of high challenge even immune cattle can succumb to disease. To guard against this, control measures should take into account local risk factors such as climatic condition. Farmers should also take measures to minimise the risks associated with bringing cattle of unknown exposure status onto a farm.
“Bought-in stock can compound the problem,” says Ms. Timothy.
“Such animals may already carry a lungworm burden, or be naïve. Any mismatch in parasite status can put both new and existing animals at increased risk of disease.”
Lungworm disease can be prevented by either vaccinating or through strategic or targeted wormer treatments during the grazing season.
Vaccinating before spring turnout is an effective method of preventing clinical disease in both youngstock and adult cows, although this immunity may wane as the grazing season progresses.
Strategic worming programmes are often implemented to control gastro-intestinal parasites in young
cattle, and this approach will also provide protection against lungworm. In adult cattle targeted treatments are often used in response to the early signs of disease. With this approach, vigilance is key to ensure cattle are treated before outbreaks of severe disease and associated lung damage occur.
Many wormers used to treat gutworm (Ostertagia ostertagii), such as EPRINEX® (eprinomectin), will also treat any lungworm present. However, this approach should be discussed with a vet or animal health adviser (SQP – Suitably Qualified Person) to ensure it is appropriate for individual herds and farms.
If lungworm is diagnosed within an individual or group of animals, the whole herd or group must be treated. One treatment with EPRINEX® will clear larval and adult stages lungworm and prevent reinfection for up to 28 days, with zero milk withhold. The weatherproof formulation means animals do not have to be kept in should bad weather occur around the time of treatment.
In severe cases, farmers are advised to consult their vet as supportive treatment may be required to relieve pain, manage inflammation and treat any secondary infections.
A video which explains the lifecycle of the lungworm has been produced by Merial, and can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/1cfOWNHS5Ko
Is Your Man Suffering from Tup Fever or Irritable Male Syndrome?
Scientists say that men who are prone to bouts of rage and nerves could be suffering from irritable male syndrome.
The newly-recognised condition temporarily turns confident men into withdrawn, tetchy grumps.
It is said to be triggered by stress, which then causes a sudden drop in testosterone levels.
The symptoms, according to a report in the New Scientist magazine, resemble those of the so-called male menopause.
Ageing in men leads to a dramatic drop in testosterone, similar to the loss of oestrogen experienced by women during the menopause.
But now British scientists say they have uncovered evidence that stress can cause testosterone to plummet temporarily in men of any age.
The effect means it is not just women who have their hormonal ups and downs.
Interestingly evidence of irritable male syndrome was first detected in sheep by Dr Gerald Lincoln, of the Medical Research Council's Human Reproductive Sciences Unit in Edinburgh.
In the autumn, rams' testosterone levels soar as the rutting season approaches. But in the winter, levels fall and they lose interest in sex.
Dr Lincoln monitored the activity of eight Soay rams, expecting to find that the animals were more aggressive during the mating season, when testosterone levels were high.
But instead, as testosterone levels fell, the rams were transformed from confident, competent males to nervous, withdrawn animals that struck out irrationally.
Red deer, reindeer, Mouflon sheep and Indian elephants also show signs of irritable male syndrome when testosterone levels fall at the end of their breeding seasons.
Dr Lincoln said testosterone also has a major impact on human behaviour, although more research is needed to confirm that irritable male syndrome is a genuine phenomenon.
He believes stressful events such as bereavement, divorce or lifethreatening illnesses could send testosterone levels plummeting.
Little research has been carried out on humans, but numerous studies on animals, including primates, show that
testosterone levels fall when they are stressed.
Dr Richard Anderson, another member of the Edinburgh team, has found that when men who cannot produce testosterone come off hormone replacement therapy, they become irritable and depressed. Their mood improves when they resume treatment.
Low testosterone levels are common in middle-aged men, with around half of those over 50 being affected, according to doctors.
Male ageing experts predict that HRT for men could become as accepted as it is for women to relieve unpleasant side effects linked to declining hormone levels in later life.
Testosterone is the most important of the male sex hormones. Produced by the testes, it stimulates bone and muscle growth and sexual development.
Symptoms of a drop in testosterone include fatigue, depression, irritability and reduced libido, or physical signs such as wrinkles, aches and pains, particularly in the hands and feet, sweating and flushing.
Is your man suffering from Irritable Male Syndrome?
With stress levels continuing to increase in most people’s lives many men are becoming more irritable, angry, and frustrated. For some it is a minor annoyance. For others it can cause significant problems for themselves and those close to them.
If you or someone you know is showing most or some of these signs - then it may be worth looking into!
Angry Impatient
Blaming
Dissatisfied
Moody
Fearful
Discontented
Hypersensitive
Exhausted
Grumpy
Easily Upset
Bored
Aggressive
Unloved
Unappreciative
Tense
Touchy
Tired
Unloving
Lonely
Hostile
Overwhelmed
Destructive
Demanding Depressed
Frustrated
Withdrawn
Mean
Sad Scared
Numb
Explosive
Defensive
Denies problems
Critical
Troubled
Eats too much
Sarcastic
Jealous
Stressed
Uncompassionate
Uncommunicative
Drinks or uses drugs too much
Withdraws behind T.V.
newspapers, or computer
Uses work as an escape from family
Sleeps too much or has trouble sleeping
Impulsive
Worried
Less intimacy
Argues and fights
Hilary’s Hairy Highlanders
Highland Cattle, in one form or another, have been the centre of conservationist come artist – Hilary Barker’s – life for the past thirty-five years.
Like many sixteen year olds, Hilary had to decide whether to follow a career in art or the natural sciences. She opted for a degree in Zoology at Nottingham University followed by an MSc in Conservation at London.
“It was only the second year they had run the Conservation course,” commented Hilary, who came to Glasgow City Council as Conservation and Open Spaces Officer.
“As part of my remit I was involved with the Highland Cattle Fold at Pollock Park. I wasn’t directly in charge of their budget but helped the fold develop and acted as an intermediatory for the stockman –Allan MacDougall. There was no livestock trailer and no cattle crush or headstocks at that point.
“Shortly after I arrived I was sent to Oban with the stockman – with no clue what I was doing! I met a lot of interesting, friendly people and discovered a serious party scene.”
Hilary and her husband Bernard spent their first eight years in
Scotland renting a cottage on Argaty Estate before they purchased Mid Torrie near Callander – a nine acre holding with a very run down farm house and out buildings. The couple now farm 40 acres, which includes some rented ground. Initially they ran sheep, but wanted some cattle that weren’t too challenging.
“At the time, in the 80’s, when we were setting out, Highlanders were at their peak with a strong export trade, with heifers selling around the £3000 mark and bulls making £10- £14 000.
“Our first two Highlanders were bullocks – Bovril and Bisto – from Edinburgh’s Children’s Zoo.”
At this point Hilary was invited onto the Highland Cattle Council – “I have no idea why I was asked onto the Council, maybe I was enthusiastic or possibly it was because we were doing one or two unusual things with the Park Department, like exporting some cattle to a Safari park in the Netherlands!”
Glasgow has more parks per head of population than other UK cities, with 72 parks registered, informed Hilary. Many were old country estates donated to the city for the benefit of health and well being of its citizens. “Some of the large houses
have been a burden on the city. The National Trust took on Pollock House. The Park covers some 300 acres and obtained Country Park status in the 1980’s.
“Highlanders had previously been exported from Nether Pollock Estate to the USA around 1825, before the first herd books started.”
During her three-year stint as chair of the Highland Cattle Society, Hilary carried out lots of overseas promotions, including workshops in West Germany and East Germany,the year after the wall came down, and a conference in Harrisburg in the States.
“There are many active Highland breed societies in other European countries and since BSE they have become much more astute in selecting their breeding stock. The UK is now importing some bulls from Austria and Germany!
“The Europeans and Americans cottoned on to cattle grazing for conservation long before we did in this country. But now the RSPB, SNH and such like are all using them.”
The Barkers’ upgraded to cows and heifer calves from a small animal collection near Gatwick airport and since then, with careful selection they
upped their numbers over the years, taking on more rented grass. More recently they have downsized to just a dozen cows and followers. “We couldn’t always buy the bloodlines that we wanted as they were really expensive.”
Beef from Mid Torrie Highlanders was a sell out at the first Farmers Market in Stirling back in 1999 and has been a staple on the menu ever since. Initially the Barkers attended five markets a month, but due to time and economics, as the profit margins were squeezed, they now only sell at Stirling. “We have a regular customer base and have a couple of friends supply us as well to keep up with demand.”
The beasts are locally slaughtered at Stevenson’s of Dunblane and are then butchered and packed at the Seriously Good Butchery in Perth. Other cuts are sent to Pars in Glasgow for pie making. Hilary runs the website and Facebook page for the Stirling Farmers Market.
Having gone self-employed 15 years ago, following a stint with FWAG, other avenues of revenue have been sought out at Mid Torrie. Well seen from their own colourfully shrubbed garden, the couple ran a successful garden design and nursery business for an eight year period, alongside conservation consultancy.
Over the past four to five years Hilary has tapped into her artistic talents, attending night classes with Dronma at the Forth Valley College, painting and selling amazing images of her beloved Highlanders. An early pastel donated to a charity auction in aid of the Perth Hospice raised £1500 and a further £1000 in prints.
The farmhouse conservatory is a treasure trove of Highlander canvasses, mugs, cushion covers, originals, prints and cards for sale.
Oban Highland Cattle sale and the Royal Highland Show have proved ideal venues for Hilary to sell her wares. Danes and Germans have been very enthusiastic buyers. Three of her paintings are currently hanging at the Edinburgh Airport Gallery.
A six-bed holiday cottage adjacent to the farmhouse, which is pretty much booked year round, is another income stream. “As we are a small farm we need to diversify. We have bus loads of tourists who come to see the cattle by appointment. And with the byre conversion currently being converted into a studio/ museum we hope to host more. We are also installing a row of sinks for handwashing so school parties can visit through RHET.
Mid Torrie will certainly be one outlet I’ll be re-visiting pre-Christmas! And when Outlander hits the TV screens in Scotland I’ll be looking out for Hilary’s star cow – Donald-Ina!
Highland Cattle play a significant part in Hilary Barker’s life – she; breeds and rears them, sells Highland beef, paints them and has bus loads of tourists and school parties visit the herd.
CShorthorn Success
anadian born pedigree Shorthorn breeder – Douglas McMillan – moved his Coln Valley herd, lock, stock and show box, from Gloustershire, north of the Border to Moneydie Roger (pronounced Mon-ee-dee by the locals), Luncarty (Lunk-rr-ty), Perthshire, five years back.
“We were fed up fighting planners down south. The Cirencester area was lovely in the ‘70’s when we first moved there, but it became much more built up. We prefer to live in a rural area,” explained Douglas, who runs 60 head of Shorthorns on the 160 acre Perthshire property, which is all down to grass.
Moneydie Roger was previously a tenanted farm on the Scone Estate, but was totally run down, as there had been no tenant for 10 years, when the McMillan’s took possession. They built a completely new yard in the middle of a field, under strict instruction from the local planners, who wanted it positioned well back from the road. The main farmhouse and office were built on the site of the original stone steading. Along with the state of the art farm buildings, the development took three
years till completion, while a cottage at the road end was just finished off two months ago.
The fields and fences also needed total rejuvenation. A complete reseeding programme was carried out in conjunction with Bruce Welsh of Welsh Seeds. “No clover was added in the mix as there were so many weeds on the pasture – some fields were yellow with ragwort, others were poached to death. We’ve done a lot of knapsack spraying to keep on top.
“We have since spread clover in the fertiliser and in the creep feeds –some has come back naturally,” informed Douglas, whose father farmed a mixed holding in Nova Scotia.
Initially the Shorthorn cattle were bought to complement the McMillan’s horse training and racing venture – to utilise the grass.
“I had a permit to train my own steeplechase horses and had some decent winners over the 25 year period,” commented Douglas, who is now working in partnership with a French trainer, racing both flat and jumps, at a much higher level. They also have brood mares. Douglas
spends one week a month in France so is thankful to have a good stockman – Charlie Reid.
“I always wanted to have a native breed and was never interested in running commodity cattle. It was Aberdeen Angus vs. Shorthorn. In the mid ‘90’s the Shorthorn breed was beginning to come back from the short fat beasts bred for the Argentine market. The Angus had already come back.
“I looked at both breeds. It was the right decision financially as the cattle have improved vastly and the value is back.
“Everyone knows of Aberdeen Angus. There is a decent premium with Morrison’s, but I would like to think if Morrison’s wasn’t there we would be OK.”
The original bloodlines were procured from Uppermill, Chapelton, the Moncrief dispersal and a sale on the Isle of Man – Winmar Herd. “We got nice families from there – mainly back to Uppermill.
“We are trying to improve and get stricter as we go on.”
Current stock bulls are Knockenjig Foremost, Fearn Godfather and Upsall Garibaldi. “We changed the
name of the herd from Coln Valley, as it didn’t sound very Scottish to Coldrochie, after the burn which runs through the farm. We ‘disappeared’ from the show and sale circuits for a couple of years while we established ourselves here.”
Since moving north the herd has had no health problems. “TB was a nuisance, some years we had serious bouts in Gloustershire, but were only shut down once. We were able to split the herd into groups.”
“I pleased with the Shorthorn as a breed – they are decent animals to work with.
“When buying a bull I look for balance in lots of different things, but have used extreme and bone (but not on heifers) with success,” informed Douglas, who is on the Beef Shorthorn Society Board, and feels that it is definitely moving in the right direction.
“Knockenjig and Fearn are quality,
athletic animals and on the dam side they are very suitable for what I aiming to produce.
When buying Mr McMillan goes initially on eye – if he likes the look of an animal he will look at the figures, but he feels that EBV’s are tools for the breeder rather than for selling the animal – fine if they are reliable. He feels farmers should understand how the system works and not put blind faith in it.
The Shorthorn Society is currently planning a new linear rating system.
On the marketing front, Douglas feels that the Society continues to do a very good job and is lucky to have Sally Horrell on the board.
Having worked ‘in the city’ in New York, Douglas has come full circle back to Scotland, from where his ancestors, from both sides, left from Glasgow in the 1700’s. His grandparents in Nova Scotia still spoke Gaelic. With a background in finance, he still has other interests alongside his farming and equine enterprises.
Always liking to back a winner, “If we can’t produce at the top level –we will do something else,” stated Douglas, who has had success in both show and sale rings with his cattle –selling to a top of 8000gns.
Rosettes were plentiful this summer with Coldrochie Hector male Champion at Perth, while Hattrick scored reserve at the Highland Show and Overall at Stirling.
Two years after graduating in agriculture and returning to the family farm Matthew Brownlee is running a beef enterprise supplying 800 cattle a year, year round, to Dunbia.
But buying, rearing and finishing beef cattle has been his abiding passion since school days and then as a QUB undergraduate on Greenmount Campus.
“When others were putting maximum effort into enjoying their student social life I was slipping off for a few hours to buy cattle at local marts,” recalled Matthew, who farms with his father David.
“Until recently beef, Bramley apples and barley were the main enterprises on our farm at Loughgall in Co Armagh, the apple county of Ulster. However, a few years before I returned home growing barley ceased and with Dad taking the lead in running the orchards I became prime mover in taking the long established beef business forward.”
“We run 100 suckler cows, largely Limousin Aberdeen Angus crosses mainly sourced in the Irish Republic, and put to four bulls. Currently we have one Hereford bull bought from Des Kelly of Ballygawley, Co Tyrone. There is also a Stabiliser and two Charolais, but based on our experience with Hereford bred cattle the future will see a lot more whiteheads thriving in our fields.”
Aside from the home bred calves Matthew buys batches of 12 week old, crossbred Hereford calves out of dairy cows from a specialist calf rearer. A cross he sees as having great potential in adding value to calves from dairy herds.
A batch of these 120kg Herefords from dairy dams delivered early this past summer were weighed again in September. On 2.5kg of meal they had put on a very impressive 1.2kg daily over a wet, dull summer.
RAW
The remaining ‘raw material’ for the Brownlee Farms beef business comes as light stores from marts, which Matthew attends three or even four times a week at busy buying times such as the autumn. A role he clearly enjoys and ensures stock bought suits their finishing system and the markets Dunbia supplies.
Asked why they were trending towards the Hereford crossbred Matthew lists sound business reasons with a positive impact on margins.
“Starting with the market for our beef it is clear brands add value to food produced be it Armagh Bramley Apples, Scottish Salmon or Welsh Lamb. By producing Hereford sired beef we enjoy an extra 35p a kilo over Northern Ireland base price.
“To be in spec and gain the bonus cattle, steers or heifers, must be Farm Quality Assured, under 36 months, of UK origin and between 260 and 380kg,” explained Matthew, current Northern Ireland member of the five strong Co-operative Hereford Scheme Committee. A role he enjoys as a means of meeting other producers at mainland venues several time a year.
“After being a student on a busy agri campus life at home can seem quiet at times so taking part in farm related organisations is important. Not least in learning how other folk tackle problems and giving one time to stand back and really focus on an issue.”
Brownlee Beefs it Up
Aside from the price pull of the bonus that makes ‘Herefords - a cut above the rest’ when it comes to plant prices working with the stock has given Matthew an extra push into using more Hereford bred cattle.
“Since graduating I have been taught a tough lesson in just how volatile markets for final products have become. From the boom when the horsemeat scandal broke to slumps totally outside British farmers control due to euro weakness and a Russian trade ban.
NATIVE
“Cutting production costs is the only way we can react so Herefords as a native breed are the natural choice. They suit our lowland farm in an ideal grass growing area with an average annual rainfall of over 35 inches, 885mm.
“We find the Hereford a docile breed that settles well at grass and does well at grass. An animal that is a pleasure to work with when it comes to handling compared to some continental crosses.
“We weight all our stock so have the figures to show just how well Herefords thrive on a lower input, yet produce beef worth more per kilo.”
Asked if Herefords did not produce too small a carcass Matthew instead revealed that some had to be closely watched or they went out of spec by killing out at over 400kg!
As regards grades Herefords out of dairy cows are usually an O or O+ with some Rs. Those from suckler cows are at least an R grade with a good smattering of Us.
With a view towards a more closed suckler herd Matthew is considering also using Hereford sires to produce
some replacement suckler cows carrying the breed’s strong maternal trait. As the herd has expanded improving cow fertility to reduce days – and output – lost has been a priority.
CLOVER
The emphasis on producing beef efficiently at grass by using more Hereford genetics is also reflected in the grassland management at Brownlee Farms.
As members of Armagh Grass Clover Monitor Group run by college advisor Senan White this father and son operation has gained in efficiency by regular sward measurement, paddock grazing where possible and planned reseeding. NI Recommended List seed varieties, many bred at the nearby Loughgall Planting Breeding Station, are used.
Measuring ensures swards are grazed at the correct height with any surplus grass adding to the winter reserve of big round bales. Three cuts of silage are made and largely fed through a diet feeder in one of the tidiest of busy farmyards.
Looking ahead Matthew sees the Hereford brand playing a growing role in maximising margins.
“This resurgent native breed will have a major part to play in controlling our production costs and helping garner extra income thanks to having that unique brand appeal; an appeal that draws consumers willing to pay more at tills nationwide in good times and bad.
Farmers’ Weekly readers can catch up with life at Brownlee Farms by reading Matthew’s monthly Farmer Focus column.
Visual Clues Reveal the Right Bull Choice
• Dr. Jan Bonsma’s writings offer visual clues to selecting fertile bulls
• Animal scientist says that fertile bulls have coarser, curlier hair and are not fat
• Running bulls of different ages and sizes together prevents bull fighting
There are visual clues indicating fertility and reproductive efficiency that can help select masculine, fertile bulls. In the 1960s-70s research and lectures of South African-born animal scientist Dr. Jan Bonsma offer commonsense criteria to help producers visually appraise bulls.
According to Bonsma’s research, fertile bulls generally have a masculine crest, clearly defined muscles and noticeable hair pigmentation. These are clues that transcend data and are visually observed.
Cows and bulls need to work with your management. Moderate-sized animals are best, staying away from the extremes. If they don’t hold condition without supplementation, don’t keep their replacements.
Here are some of Bonsma’s practical visual appraisal pointers for selecting herd bulls:
• Shape of the animal and skeletal form
Fertile bulls should have an upside-down triangle shape, with a wider frame at the hips and shaping downward toward a smaller torso. They should be deeper on the front than on the back.
• Hair Hair is heavier, coarser and curlier about the crown, neck and upper shank on fertile bulls. Pigmentation of the hair is darker on the neck and chest, upper shank, lower ribs, lower thigh and often above the tail brush or switch.
• Muscling
A virile bull should have prominent
muscle development that does not give the appearance of smoothness. He looks more like he was chiseled out of wood or rock, often with a clearly defined muscular crest on the neck.
• Fat deposits and distribution
Fertile bulls should generally have no fat on the hips or pin bones and no fat deposits or visual abnormalities on their testicles. Testicles should descend properly and evenly in the scrotum.
• Disposition
According to Bonsma, bulls with bulging eyes and a crazed look lack libido and produce abnormal sperm. Bulls that are sexually active are alert, interested in their surroundings and seldom look drowsy with their eyes half-closed.
A healthy disposition is important. But Bonsma says, “Too many people make pets of their bulls. We need to keep in mind that this is business, and the bulls have a job to do.”
To prevent fighting, he runs six bigger experienced bulls with two or more young bulls. Grazing bulls of the same size and age together causes more fighting. Fence jumpers should be sold.
“You also have to consider your neighbor’s grazing schedule in your grazing plan,” he says. If it is possible to graze your herd in an adjacent pasture at a different time than the neighbor, you can often prevent bull fights and broken fences between competing bulls in each herd.
Sharp Mooove for Sian
The Highland Cattle Society is delighted to announce the appointment of new Breed Secretary Sian Sharp of Cheeklaw Farm, Duns. She comes to the society from an agricultural background with a wealth of administrative experience. Currently Sian is a partner in the family farm, with a pedigree Aberdeen Angus herd. She is very much looking forward to being part of this iconic breed.
Sian will be starting at the beginning of October and will be present at the Oban Autumn Sales to meet breeders and members of the society and there will be a 2 week handover period with the current secretary Hazel Baxter to ensure a smooth transition.
Beef is King
Aberdeenshire farmer Leslie King has long been a passionate and active promoter of the industry, most recently taking part in a new QMS video entitled: “Pride in Quality Assurance,” to promote the benefits of membership of quality assurance schemes. It has been created as part of a range of activities to mark the 25th anniversary of the quality assurance schemes, which underpin the Scotch Beef PGI, Scotch Lamb PGI and Specially Selected Pork brands.
The video stars Neil McCorkindale of Scammadale Farm near Oban and Andrew Kay of Gass Farm in Ayrshire, as well as Leslie, each giving their views on the benefits of membership for both their own enterprises and to the wider industry.
The recent launch of the project took social media by storm and the video received many thousands of Facebook hits within days of its launch.
For Leslie King, the new video was the latest venture in a long track record of promoting the industry and his recognition of the need to stand up and be counted when showcasing
the importance of agriculture to the wider population.
The King family arrived at Cairnfauld, Durris in November 1975. Leslie’s father George had previously tenanted a smallholding nearby and had been looking for a bigger farm for a few years, primarily to accommodate son Leslie’s ambitions to follow in his father’s footsteps. Through landlord Dunecht Estates, the opportunity was presented in May 1975 and the family moved in before the end of that year.
When the Kings arrived, Cairnfauld extended to 180 acres and Leslie has since added 70 neighbouring acres.
Of the current 250, 25 acres are dedicated to growing winter barley for feeding cattle at home and this year saw 136 acres of Concerto spring barley grown for malting, continuing a tradition, which the King family took with them to the farm. The remaining acreage focuses on grazing and silage production.
Although running the unit himself, Leslie brings in casual help at harvest time and silage work is shared with a good friend just across on the other side of the River Dee, Charlie Duncan
at Home Farm of Drum. About five years ago the pair decided to pool their resources, with Leslie investing in a baler and Charlie in a wrapper, which along with the manpower of each, is shared between the two farms to get the job done. Both had previously been using contractors but decided that with a few simple agreements on how things would work and an excellent working relationship, it could be mutually beneficial – and the rest, as they say, is history.
The main thrust of activities at Cairnfauld is finishing cattle, with stores bought in from 12 to 16 months of age, mainly through the auction system and primarily at Aberdeen & Northern Marts’ Thainstone Centre near Inverurie.
Leslie’s preference is generally for Charolais cross cattle, favoured due to their quick growth, good performance and good killing out percentage when they head for processing at McIntosh Donald, Portlethen.
“The quicker we can get the cattle coming on, the quicker we can get them down the road to keep the farm’s throughput consistent at about
by Lesley Eaton
120-150 a year,” explains Leslie.
“Whilst we usually go for Charolais animals, there are always exceptions and we do buy other breeds too – it all depends what’s there and the price on the day.
“Younger cattle bought in October are wintered then put out to grass and killed off grass, whilst the bigger ones bought in October or November stay inside and are slaughtered in late spring or early summer.”
So as a sole operator, why does Leslie feel it’s important to take the time to represent the industry? He said: “In the past, I was involved in Scotch Premier Meat Ltd when the company moved from its original base in nearby Banchory to new, purpose-built premises in Inverurie. For many farmers, their involvement ends when the animal reaches the end of the farm road but I wanted to see what happens next.
“When we used to kill cattle at Banchory, I used to pop in and see my cattle being weighed and graded and I learned a lot at that time. I then took an interest in where the beef goes next and where our product ended up. That’s how it all started.”
“We were mostly promoting cattle production through activities such as farm visits for chefs, restaurateurs and hoteliers. There is a fantastic benefit for these guys to see where the products they cook and serve come from but I believe there are important lessons for the producer too. It’s fine to put cattle into a truck and forget about them, but I believe you have to understand what the end user wants to be able to get it right.
“By meeting these people and opening up the lines of communication, I have been able to play a part in making them aware of the challenges in producing the products as well as learning what they
need and why. In addition, I think it makes those further along the process aware of the ups and downs we producers face in everyday life – they are not farmers, they don’t know the process but getting together on the farm can open everyone’s eyes in a good way.”
Leslie added: “We farmers have to get out there and tell people what we do – and how well we do it. Scottish farmers do a fantastic job and we have a product that is second to none with global recognition. Telling people about the good work that we do is something we need to do more of. It’s not boasting, it’s stating a fact.”
“If farmers don’t promote what they do, who is going to do it for us?”
Around the Trials
by Jock Sutherland
Another season in the sheepdog calender coming to an end, just one or two trials left to go, before the nurseries start for winter months. After the worst summer on record it was good to get away every saturday with the dogs they seem to be glad to get away as well, from all the hard work gathering the hills for clipping and lamb sales!
Fort Agustus trial was a great day out, hill Cheviot ewes were a treat for most handler's on the course, all day on a tremendous field – a great venue!
And then Rogart – another great trial we all look forward to. The hill Cheviot gimmers were hard to deal with and tricky to pen at times, but some handler's got them in with ease and some good runs finished the day off nicely !!
Results Fort Agustus: Judge Ian McConnel. 1st C Davidson 91 Cap, 2 EC MacKinnon 90 Mist, 3 H MacLean 89 Roy, 4 J Sutherland 88 Jan Rogart trial: Judge – J Lamont 1st K Bremner, Queen, 2 M Murray Geal 90, 3rd H MacLean Roy 83 4th lan Mackay 81, 5th K Bremner Flo 81, 6th N Sutherland Bob 78
“AtDemperston we are keen to look at ways of continually improving existing systems and management practices, as I’m sure many people are.”
Alison and Danny Milne of Demperston Farm in Fife have hosted a joint AHDB Cereals & Oilseeds and AHDB Potatoes Monitor Farm since late in 2013. Now a year and a half into the project, they are regularly challenged and inspired by discussions at the meetings, usually attended by some 35 to 40 people.
The agenda was set for the Monitor Farm group at the first meeting in December 2013, when the group of farmers, together with Danny and Alison, identified issues to be addressed – both at their own farm and for farms in the local area.
“The initial Whole Farm Review confirmed that we are already an efficient, profitable enterprise, but we are well aware that certain areas need attention and there are always things we can improve. These include rotation, soil health and structure, managing a business across two sites 12 miles apart and how best to integrate our cereals and livestock enterprises.”
Early on in the Monitor Farm project, Danny and Alison realised that their business goal was to simplify their farming system so they could spend more time with their young family, while still remaining profitable. The meetings are themed around this goal, along with other topics suggested by the management group.
Another important subject for the Milnes, and for many others in the area, was how they work with potato-growing tenants. The potato interest is represented by local grower John Weir, who is an integral part of the project, hosting any potato related work on his farm.
Succession success
Danny and Alison agree that one of the most interesting subjects so far has been succession. With three generations already involved and a young and growing family, the Milnes were aware it was time to tackle the topic.
“For us, succession is on the way,” said Danny. “So it’s been a real big bonus to cover this in the Monitor Farm project.”
“Danny and I have been particularly pleased to see a healthy representation from across the
generations at all of our meetings. The only thing left to do is encourage a few more female participants!”
Firstly, the community group identified issues they felt existed around succession. Then the management group collated the information and found speakers –Andrew Aitken, who farms at Percival in Buckhaven, independent advisor
Peter Cook and Mark Wilkin from EQ Chartered Accountants – who would talk on these particular details.
David Aglen, Monitor Farm community group chairman, said: “The second meeting we had was quite striking. We got a member of the management group who’d been through quite a traumatic succession experience and had come out of it correctly, to speak frankly about the lessons he’d learned.”
Peter Cook advised the group not to leave succession planning too late but to think about how it is to be done, with all of the family involved, well before it becomes a pressing issue:
“Don’t forget to equip the successor or successors with the capabilities and experience to make the future business a success.”
The group learned that it was
important for the successor to build up their knowledge of business management and level of responsibility. Succession can be done gradually, to allow a smooth transition of the business.
Alison said: “The case study that Andrew presented prompted people to ask questions about their own families and whether they are properly prepared for things that might happen in the future.
“It’s important to remember that transition is difficult for everyone, both the older and the younger generations. From our own point of view it’s important for us to look to the future. We’ve got young children and we need to think now about how we best equip them to carry on the business, should they wish to choose agriculture as a career in the future.”
Potato lets Danny and Alison rent potato ground to neighbour John Weir, and this was the topic of a recent lively Monitor Farm meeting. Some of the community group grow potatoes, some rent land for potatoes and some rent out arable land for potatoes. The group found out that, when it comes to letting land for potatoes the issue isn’t always money but the
condition in which the land is returned to the owner. They also heard how it is important to ensure that any agreement does not have an adverse effect on land control for area-based payments.
As a result of this meeting, the group is looking to put together a template or checklist for agreements between landlords and tenants for renting potato land.
Alison said: “Working with AHDB Cereals & Oilseeds and AHDB Potatoes, we want to produce a template for agreements or a code of practice, to allow people to have a point of reference to help them review different options.”
Sharing wider
For one week in April 2014, Danny and Alison hosted the twitter account @FarmersoftheUK. Sharing their everyday experience of arable farming, they prompted conversations with farmers around the country on everything from being a Monitor Farmer to lung health. They also gained more followers for their own twitter account, @Demperston. Follow the Monitor Farms on twitter with #monitorfarm.
The meetings so far:
As well as regular market and farm updates, the Monitor Farm group has covered the following topics so far:
• Making management decisions that incorporate finances and CAP reform
• Grain handling
• Simplifying the system and reducing workload
• CAP greening
• Grain storage
• Succession planning
• Best practice for potato lets
• Soil structure, compaction and resilience
• Fertiliser spreader testing and calibration
• Biomass dryer facilities
All of the meeting reports are available on cereals.ahdb.org.uk/fife
Come along to a meeting
All farmers are welcome to attend the Monitor Farm meetings. The next dates are:
28 October 2015
9 December 2015
For more information, contact Gavin Dick, AHDB Cereals & Oilseeds Scotland Manager or Stephen Young, project facilitator.
Gavin Dick – M: 07972 636679, E: gavin.dick@ahdb.org.uk
Stephen Young – T: 01896 850216, M: 07502 339613, E: stephen.young@saos.coop
Record OSR Crop
Steve Tuer’s bumper 7.2t/ha crop of oilseed rape may well be the highest yielding crop in the world ever recorded. The unofficial record attempt took place on 21 August at Mr Tuer’s Hutton Grange farm, near Northallerton. The national average oilseed rape yield consistently runs at under 4t/ha.
The restored hybrid variety, Incentive, is well suited to performance in the north, scoring 109% on the HGCA’s North Region Recommended List, but Mr Tuer said that the yield resulted from the farm’s soil and the attention to detail of the agronomy.
“This used to be a dairy farm, so there is a lot of inherent fertility in the soil, plus all the slurry from our 600-sow and pig fattening unit is spread back onto the 1000 acres of arable land,” he explained. “The soil is also very heavy, so crops do very well in a dry year like the one we’ve had.”
He added that his close working relationship with his agronomist, Chris Martin, of Agrovista, has allowed them to perfect the farm’s agronomy programmes to get the management “spot-on” in input choice and timings. The crop was sown at a very low seed rate, using simple cultivations but ensuring maximum attention to detail in achieving good seed to soil contact and post-sowing consolidation.
“I don’t believe in early sowing of oilseed rape,” Mr Tuer explained.
“This crop wasn’t sown until the 6th September at a rate of 35 seed/m2 with a Vaderstad drill, after min-tilling with a Heva Combilift, followed by shallow discs and a packer.”
Following on-farm trials developed by Chris Martin, the fertiliser applied in four splits totalling 220kg of nitrogen as urea. The application dates were 10 March, 20 March + sulphur, 28 March and 12 April + sulphur.
“We also applied foliar nitrogen in June with the second sclerotinia spray,” he noted.
Chris Martin took what he describes as a, “conventional spray programme,” of an autumn phoma and Light Leaf Spot spray of Frelizon (pentiopyrad + picoxystrobin), followed by an early spring application of Monkey (tebuconazole + Prochloraz), and combined with the nutrition product Headland Bo-La (boron + molybdenum). The
scelertonia programme then consisted of Recital (Fluopyram + Protioconazole) at early flower, followed up three weeks later with Proline (prothioconazole) in tank mix with Nufol (foliar nitrogen), which Mr Tuer described as a “Rolls Royce Agrovista programme.”
“I’ve fallen in love with growing oilseed rape! But I invest to yield, make sure my soils are in good
condition and keep everything simple – my rotation, cultivations and my agronomy,” Mr Tuer said. He also yielded 12.2t/ha from a crop of Glacier winter barley. He has also registered with the ADAS Yield Enhancement Network project with a field of the variety, Kielder. “This field previously yielded 16t/ha in 2010,” so he is very hopeful that it should do very well this year.
LThe Apprentice
ocal farmers should find it easier to get in touch with potential employees and learn about the benefits of Modern Apprenticeships, thanks to an initiative that’s being supported by NFU Scotland and the Scottish Government.
MA Connections is being run by Sector Skills Council, Lantra, and provides a free and confidential service to farmers who are looking for new employees and to people wanting to take up a career in agriculture through a Modern Apprenticeship. By matching up jobs and job seekers in a single database, Lantra aims to save farmers and trainees time and effort.
Modern Apprentices are full-time employees who are paid a wage and who are working towards a nationally recognised Scottish Vocational Qualification while learning from the skills and experience of people in their workplace.
Employers, employees and training providers work together in partnership and Modern Apprenticeships typically take from one to three years to complete. Trainees attend college for a certain amount of time to get a wider understanding of their job and this is arranged across Scotland through Borders College, SRUC, Orkney College UHI and Train Shetland.
NFU Scotland Vice President Andrew McCornick commented:
“NFU Scotland welcomes this new initiative, which will make it easier for young people to get a start in the industry, but likewise will give farmers an avenue to find young people to work with them to keep their businesses moving forward.
“The Union was instrumental in starting up the level 2 Modern Apprenticeship and has also pushed for a ‘one-stop-shop’ for apprenticeships so we are pleased this has come to fruition.
“We will continue to support Lantra and the project going forward and help it to progress at every opportunity.”
John Glen, Chief Executive, Buccleuch Estate said: “We have been taking on Modern Apprentices on our farms for nearly ten years now, so understand the value to our business and to the wider rural community of employing people in this way.
“Trainees are given a structured framework in which to learn, but very quickly become productive members of our team, able to do the jobs we ask of them.
“Assessment and support within Modern Apprenticeships are provided for us by Borders College and they have been very helpful in ensuring the admin side of things is as straightforward as possible.
“Buccleuch Estate is committed to the Modern Apprenticeship scheme, but we also believe that MA Connections has the potential to be extremely useful in bringing together farmers and potential staff elsewhere in the country too.”
Funding towards the costs of college training is normally awarded to Modern Apprentices aged 16–19, but decreases after 20 and is not usually available after the age of 24. Extra funding through the Scottish Government’s Employer Recruitment Incentive is potentially on offer to businesses with less than 50 staff if they take on a young person aged
16–24 to do a Modern Apprenticeship.
This money goes to the employer, so can be used for additional supervisory costs, training, initial travel to work costs or wages.
Applications must be approved by 31 March 2016 and limited places are available.
All Scotland’s 32 local authorities are taking part, so contact your council and ask about the Employer Recruitment Incentive or visit https://www.ourskillsforce.co.uk/fund ing-for-skills/employer-recruitmentincentive
Lantra also plans to pilot a multiemployer Modern Apprenticeship scheme enabling apprentices to gain hands-on work experience across different farms, helping them to gain wider industry experience to meet the needs of their college assessments.
To find out more about MA Connections, call 01738 646762 or visit www.lantra.co.uk/MAConnections
Arecord 14 students from the north of England, Scotland and Ireland, were presented with their Graduation Certificates on August 14th, having successfully completed the CLAAS Agricultural Technician Apprenticeship.
The Graduation marked the end of their time studying at SRUC Barony Campus near Dumfries. Also attending the awards ceremony were the latest group of students to join the CLAAS Agricultural Technician Apprenticeship scheme. This group of students were attending an Induction Day at the campus to mark the start of their course.
In addition to the students training at SRUC Barony, apprentices from the south of England undertake training at Reaseheath College in Cheshire, making CLAAS the only UK agricultural machinery company to offer two training bases for its apprentices.
Aside from their time at Barony the 14 successful students have worked at the CLAAS Group headquarters in Harsewinkel, Germany and the CLAAS UK headquarters at Saxham in Suffolk, giving them an insight into the size and scale of CLAAS, a global company employing in excess of 11,000 people. The students also spent time training with key suppliers to CLAAS including engine manufacturers Caterpillar and Mercedes-Benz.
Having qualified, the young technicians will have access to additional training and development that will enable them to progress further. Having attained LTA Level 2 status, they will be able to move on to reach the more specialist LTA 3 (Master Mechanic) or LTA 4 (Master Technician) status.
Six new students have joined the Apprenticeship scheme based at Barony this year, and this will be their base as they work towards achieving the Extended Diploma in Landbased Technology over the next three years. This high level vocational qualification is designed to meet the Government’s calling for training programmes that meet employer’s needs.
Provided by IMI Awards, who have worked in conjunction with CLAAS, the students will be assessed throughout their course for their competence and skills, using both work-based evidence and e-portfolios. During their fourth year, they will undertake additional advanced technical and industry training, so that by the time they qualify they will be eligible for LTA 2 status.
The 14 CLAAS students who graduated this year from SRUC Barony were: Robbie Johnstone, Kyle Sutherland, Peter Janoch, Craig Geals and Lewis Thomson, who are all from Sellars. Jake Green, Ronan Atkinson, Jamie Tait and Ian Grieve are all from
Rickerby. Jamie Clark and Colin McKinnon are both from Gordons. From Ireland, Shane Harrington and Michael Lyons are both with Quigleys and Simon Hall is from Erwins.
Joining the 2015 CLAAS Agricultural Tech Apprenticeship at SRUC Barony are: Lawrence Ewart and Alexander Watson – Rickerby, Ben Hyslop – Gordons and Scott McLaren – Sellars. From Ireland are Jamie Moore Stewart – Erwins and Gavin Whelan –Breens Farm Machinery.
Country Living to City Slickin: Young Farmers hit University
Within the past few weeks I, a young farming country bumpkin born and bred, left behind the rolling hills of Muirkirk for a polar opposite lifestyle within the Glasgow drumlins (F.Y.I - I do not recommend facing these unruly landforms after a night out on the town during freshers week).
What really inspired me to put fingertips to – new university laptop –keyboard on this experience was the fact that around this time last year, when I was given the fantastic opportunity to begin writing for Farming Country, I based my first ever published article on my two elder brothers who were juggling university life with running our family farm in Muirkirk. However, the tables have well and truly turned and I am no longer a schoolgirl writing about student living, but a young woman living it. I have newly started a four year course on Multimedia Journalism at Glasgow Caledonian University where I intend to extend my skills in the trade. Shorthand, however, is one skill I am keen to avoid.
It’s an incontrovertible fact that upon leaving home – fleeing the nest, so to speak – is difficult for the vast majority of young adults. Be that as it may, I personally believe that for Young Farmers, this concept is far more challenging. After being raised deep in the countryside with acres upon acres of green grass to roam and animals who feature in your life daily, the city seems far less appealing; acres of concrete constantly full of fast moving feet and the only animals making any appearance being urban foxes (I’ve counted a full 8 since my arrival on the 5th).
I don’t know if it’s simply a case of lifestyle snobbery, but most Young Farmers fully reject the idea of city living – myself included – for my afore mentioned reasons. However, after spending my first few weeks here in my own room, in the halls of residence, parentless, with my own source of money (big shoutout to SAAS, the student loan company) and a crucial UK driver’s license proving my true age of 18, I’ve come to realise why so many people enjoy living in the heart of Glasgow. Everything is right on my doorstep here: new Dr Martens? Their store
on Sauchiehall Street. Compeed for the blisters? Sainsbury’s on Buchanan. Cheap socks to wear once the blisters have healed? Primark on Argyle Street. Everything is so easily accessible and a 10 minute walk away at most. Not to mention the constant bustle around me in the city centre. From magicians to classic bagpipe buskers Glasgow also produces on the entertainment front.
Juggling this new busy lifestyle has already had an effect on my life at Young Farmers. I’m keen to recover from this one missed dance though and do not intend to let my studies and Glasgow nights out win over a classic Mr and Mrs Dance at Stewarton Community Centre! After all, there are various other Young Farmers in the same position as myself.
One girl in particular who has mastered the art of setting aside time for Young Farmers whilst at University is Miss Katie Braithwaite: a 20 year old Young Farmer and equestrian enthusiast who has recently moved from Crossroads YFC to New Cumnock YFC. Katie is in her 4th year at Glasgow University studying Zoology and confirmed that juggling Young Farmers alongside her studies can sometimes prove problematic. When asked how she does so she replied: “It is definitely a lot of work! I also work part time so I never really feel like I have a lot of free time.” Although it’s difficult to find the time Katie followed up with an important reminder of why she makes the effort to attend on a regular basis: “I think Young Farmers’ is important and can bring you some valuable skills to help in the future, for example speech making and concerts can help build confidence, and practice for presentations at University and in the work place. I was a lot more of an active member in YF in my earlier years at university as I feel I need to focus more and take more time for my studies in my last years.”
Katie has also stated that she has a talent for time management which means that attending concert practices through the week in Craigie has never prevented or limited her involvement in full club events. However, there was some slight limitation later in her university
career as her academic studies became more demanding. She later mentioned: “I think you need to prioritise and remember that Young Farmers will still be there when you finish your degree.”
As I mentioned previously, many Young Farmers struggle to come to terms with being away from home. Katie herself had to put her love of horse riding on the back burner but informed me that she “experienced the best of both worlds” thanks to the fact she had to travel home to keep on top of her part time job. This led to her continued involvement in her local Young Farmers club and, of course, still gives her an excuse to let her relationship with a past Ayrshire Chairman, blossom. Katie explained why keeping herself involved in Young Farmers allowed this other important area of her life to flourish: “He is able to visit me quite often and I come home every weekend. Again, it is all about prioritising and time management.”
I also jokingly asked Katie whether she’d rather spend the rest of her life living in the busy bustle of the West End, knowing exactly what her answer would be: “I am definitely a country girl at heart, Hannah, and intend to live in the country when I move out of my parents’ house.”
I believe Katie to be a prime example of exactly what I hope to become whilst gradually making my way through this new chapter of my life; an optimistic individual, but more importantly, a professional prioritiser when it comes to spinning the various plates in, which the different factors of my life balance upon. Although I’m temporarily situated in this all-new concrete jungle, I don’t intend to let Young Farmers diminish as it is a major element within my life today. After all, it’s the soul reason I made it onto my exclusive course. It encourages enthusiasm and inspires individuals to speak up; to experiment and put yourself out of your comfort zone. Thanks to the constant support from my club as I grew from a little girl into a young woman, I feel more than ready to take on the big city. It would be correct to state that you can take the Young Farmer out of the countryside, but you can’t take the countryside out of the Young Farmer.
by Hannah Dunlop
The parcel arrived, I couldn’t wait to open them. My initial reaction……am I going to fit into them? They didn’t seem to have much stretch in the material!
Having now worn the breeches –they fit like a second skin and are very comfortable. The material has a showerproof coating, giving the them a rather tough feel to the material, (not noticable when you are wearing them) – but a fantastic idea, as when you are competing – what happens when it’s raining – you get wet! With no waterproofs allowed in the ring – it is no longer an issue thanks to Musto’s genius idea!
The only thing I have found is that when I pulled on the Hickstead breeches they are a little too short in the crotch, but maybe that’s just me,
having been blessed with a rather ample hind end. Other people have worn them, some having thinner legs, making the breeches slightly baggier in the leg, but then, they maybe could have gone down a size. Having now worn them on a daily basis day you kind of forget that you have them on, and as for riding…………extremely comfortable with super stickability thanks to the knee patches and suede full seat insert. The Musto Hickstead breeches retail at £199, a price that to be honest is a bit beyond everyday riding attire and would definitely be for special occasions! They also only come in two colours blue grey and white and range from size 8-18 and are available from all Musto stockists nationwide or www.musto.com.
For the past few months Richard and I have been testing Skellerup Quatro wellies on farm.
I’ve found the boots to be extremly comfortable, more like wearing slippers or favourite trainers than traditional wellies.
The anti-microbal, anti bacterial moisture wicking lining teamed with 4mm insulated neoprene throughout has proved a winning formula for this New Zealand designed boot – which is warm and sweat free.
A hardened rubber toe cap provides some safety without the added weight of a steel toe-cap.
The sole boasts cleverly designed tapered mud cleats, making it easier to walk in typical Scottish farm winter conditions, with the added benefit of anti-skid zones on both heel and toe.
Skellerup, who have been desinging gumboots for 65 years, have excelled themselves with this model,
which won Best Design Awards NZ in 2009.
The boots fit like a glove and my only complaint would be that for the first six weeks or so I had to use a boot puller to take them off! I now manage to ease them off using the ‘kick lug’ at the back of each boot.
But for me they win on comfort and the fact that I can comfortably run in them, when need be, is a huge plus point.
Richard, whose wellies normally split midsole after a couple of months, due to standing on up on the quadbike is finding that the interal fibre glass shank combined with rubber midsole is durable and lasting longer than most other brands.
Likewise his main gripe is using the boot puller to take them off, but since we started trialling them during lambing time, he has not complained once about his ‘flat feet’ being sore, as he used to with every other brand we have tried!
