the carcases and can see the genetic improvements. I have adopted the same principle with the sheep and can easily see the benefits to the flock," said Mr Laird.
The Lairds are particularly keen on positive fat
being 50 000gns for Cambwell Jacobite. Last year the shearlings averaged £800 and the lambs £1000. They also sell surplus females as in-lamb gimmers and these have sold to a top of 16 000gns.
Some of the home-bred Texels are used on the
the years through recording, there is no reason for it not to work with sheep –it is the same science and mindset. I am delighted to receive this trophy from QMS, which recognises the gains my flock has made thanks to recording."
Oregano –Answer to Methane Emissions?
Researchers from Aarhus University in Denmark in cooperation with Organic Denmark and a number of commercial partners are researching whether the addition of organic oregano to cattle feed can reduce the production of methane in the rumen and thus emissions of methane gas.
Oregano, especially the species Greek oregano (Origanum vulgare ssp hirtum), is known for its high content of essential oils and its antimicrobial effect. The plant is a natural tool for reducing methane production in the rumen, says project manager and senior researcher at the Department
of Food Science, Kai Grevsen.
“The goal is to show that we can reduce methane emissions from dairy cows by up to 25% by adding oregano to the feed."
As part of the project, researchers will initially test the effect of supplementing with oregano on rumen and intestinal-fistulated dairy cows in special methane chambers. They will also examine how the cows react to different amounts of oregano. The feeding with oregano will then be tested in practice on a number of organic dairy farms producing milk for 'Naturmælk' (organic dairy).The project will run for 4 years.
importance of Young Farmers Clubs to our rural community and mark the 80th anniversary of Wigtownshire Young Farmers Club. The judges are either in the Young Farmers age bracket or have a connection to the organisation.
Traditionally, you had to have worked the show circuit for several decades before being asked to judge anywhere. However there is a wealth of young knowledge and enthusiasm in the livestock world and many Breed Societies are now running judging workshops for their young members so the committee had no problem nominating talented young stock men & women to judge the classes.
Between them they have already achieved many accolades. F or example the Clydesdale judge, Matthew Bedford is the current holder of the prestigious Cawdor Cup while Light horse judges Hannah Sloan and Alice Greenwood have both been qualifiers for the Horse of the Year Show. The cattle and sheep judges are all notable stockmen within their breeds, with a keen eye for stock and a natural ability of turning livestock out for the show and sale ring. They are all more than capable of judging and it will be interesting to see whether they follow traditional methods or choose a more modern style.
The honour of judging this year’s Champion of Champions goes to Mr Andrew McConchie, a keen Young Farmer in his day and an inspiration to many current Young Farmers as was evident at his sale of quality stock when he retired from Mains of Penninghame Farm, Newton Stewart recently.
Continuing the theme, the trophies will be presented by John Owen, a recent National chairman of the Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs (SAYFC), who coincidentally is married to Kirkcowan lass Chloe McCornick. The trade stands will be judged by 1970 Machars YFC chairman John Miller. While one of Craig Wilson’s young auctioneers, Drew Kennedy, will judge the Interbreed Cattle Pairs and commercial sheep. The fleeces will be judged by the Wool Board’s youngest depot manager, William Hewitson, and the scarecrow competition (which has a theme of “Wigtownshire Young Farmer”) will be judged by outgoing Machars YFC secretary and local artist, Emily Nash.
Young Farmers to Judge Wigton Show
Champion of Champions – Andrew McConchie, Gatehouse of Fleet Galloway, Belted Galloway & Any Other Breed Native Cattle – Andrew Hall, Moffat
Commercial, Continental, YFC calves & Beef Young Handlers – Ali Jackson, Maulcastle, Annan
All Dairy Cattle & Dairy Young Handlers – Alexander Park, Tarbolton, Ayrshire
Clydesdales & Horse Driving – Matthew Bedford, Thorpe Hill, York
Fleece – William Hewitson, Scottish Wool Growers, Irvine
Crooks & Walking Sticks – Ian Crawford, Coylton, Ayrshire
Trade Exhibits – Mr & Mrs John Miller, Newton Stewart
Scarecrows – Emily Nash, Barrachan
Dog Show – Roselyn Brennan, Isle of Whithorn
Wigtown Show takes place at Bladnoch Park on Wednesday 3rd August. Livestock entries will open late May until the closing date of 3rd July. Poultry Show schedules are available now from the website www.wigtownshow.org.uk or from Janice Houghton-Wallace. Entry forms and further information about this year’s Wigtown Show will be added to the website and Facebook page in the coming weeks.
176th Royal Highland Show –Countdown is On
The 176th Royal Highland Show, one of Scotland's most iconic events, is set to take place at the Royal Highland Centre, Edinburgh from 23-26 June 2016.
Firmly established as one of Europe's most impressive celebrations of farming, food and rural life, the Royal Highland Show –which last year attracted almost 190 000 visitors –showcases top quality livestock, food and drink and rural living at its most vibrant.
The Royal Bank of Scotland, partner since 1981, continues to support the Show and the agricultural industry in Scotland.
Scotland's Larder
One of the biggest successes of 2015 was Scotland's Larder Live. With over 80 Scottish producers and more from around the UK and further afield, Scotland's largest food and drink event is the ultimate celebration of Scottish produce and Scottish producers.
Visitors will be treated to live cooking experiences from top chefs and given the opportunity to take home some of the hundreds of products on sale, from the finest local meat and sustainable Scottish fish to artisan preserves and botanical gins.
This year, the Show will also host the Scottish Cheese and Scottish Ice Cream Championships. These competitions have been part of the Show for some time as the ‘Dairy Awards'. However, given the huge public interest for cheeses and ice cream and the rise in artisan producers, the Highland is rebranding and re-launching the awards as the Scottish Championships. The championships are open to any producer from anywhere in Europe and the crème dé la crème from both industries will be battling it out to impress the talented taste buds of the judges.
Food to go
The 2016 Show will also see the continuation of the Royal Highland Show Food Charter launched in 2014.
Working alongside on-site caterers, the Show has devised a strict food charter that all food-to-go outlets must adhere to. The charter requires that only ingredients that have been locally produced and ethically sourced be served at the Show. This ensures that quality is high and Scottish farmers and growers are supported, wherever possible.
Outstanding livestock
The Highland's big attraction is without doubt the high quality livestock –with more than 5000 of the finest cattle, sheep, goats and horses, not to mention poultry, heading for the showground in June.
With generations of careful breeding, years of expert husbandry and months of meticulous preparation, the animals are world class and represent the finest in Stockmen's skills: a win at the Highland has been proven to increase demand and the value of the award-winning stock.
Hooved heaven
The Royal Highland Show is the largest equestrian show in Scotland with almost 3000 horses and ponies competing in classes for light and heavy horse and other disciplines, such as private driving and heavy horse turnouts. It is also a focal point for showing the best of the best in Scotland's native breeds such as, Clydesdale horses, Highland, Shetland and Eriskay ponies. Over 2200 riders are expected to compete in an impressive array of equine sections and classes from top class international riders to young and emerging talent. There are 34 categories in total, including 39 much sought after Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) qualifiers. The Highland has been
given a qualifier for the Ridden Clydesdale class therefore Scotland's famous native breed will be represented at the inaugural British Ridden Heavy Horse Championship at HOYS.
The Highland is the premier show jumping event for Scotland and the North of England with a Grand Prix with £18 000 in prize money, a challenging International Stairway, an Olympic standard all-weather surface jumping ring and a total prize fund of £48 600. There are also a number of Scottish championship finals, including Scottish junior riders, over the four days.
An agricultural shop window
The vast majority of machinery and equipment manufacturers, dealers and specialists are represented at the Highland, giving everyone involved in the sector a unique opportunity to review the latest releases and developments all in one place. All the major players agree the Show is a must attend' from a number of key business objectives. Over 90% of the 2015 agricultural trade stands exhibitors have rebooked for 2016, showing that confidence in the Show is high.
Retail therapy
In 2016 the Royal Highland Show will relaunch its main indoor shopping area as the ‘13th Avenue Arcade'. Attractive and distinctive branding, a fresh look and feel and a new hospitality feature will give visitors a relaxing and tempting experience.
The 13th Avenue Arcade will offer everything from luxury fashions, arts and crafts, to homewares and gardening accessories with the chance to pick up the latest country style or rural life inspired art, soft furnishings or ceramics.
Grass roots learning
More than 30 000 children are expected to visit
the Show this year. The Royal Highland Education Trust (RHET) will provide free interactive activities for school groups and the public at the RHET Education Centre.
With the help of RHET coordinators, partnership organisations and volunteers, there will be a number of interactive sessions running during each day, and on the menu will be cooking, baking, seafood tasting, science experiments and much more.
The place to do business
The Highland, as well as playing a significant role in supporting the Scottish agricultural industry, has a much wider impact on the Scottish economy generating around £46.2 million each year in additional economic benefits through visitor and exhibitor spending. It is estimated that the Show generates 7250 bed nights and supports 155 full time equivalent jobs as well as all the direct costs related to putting on the event.
The Show is not only economically important, but also plays a key role as a forum to highlight and discuss some of the crucial issues in politics today. The first day of the 2016 Show falls on the same day as the European Referendum vote. Top political figures will be attending the event to discuss how the outcome will affect agriculture, food and drink and business.
The Royal Highland Show…live! 2015 saw the Royal Highland Show launch its first live streaming service, with over 15 000 people in 47 countries logging on across the world to watch live coverage of the event. This year, ‘RHS Live' will be even bigger. V iewers can log on and catch up on all of the action. There will be everything from livestock judging and show jumping to fashion shows, live cooking demonstrations and behind the scenes action.
The Royal Highland Show, the best of farming, food and rural life the summer's most surprising event –takes place at the Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, Edinburgh from Thursday 23 June to Sunday 26 June.
Over £8million is set to be spent on shopping over the four days of this year's Royal Highland Show (23-26 June), organisers have unveiled. With the main shopping arcade receiving a makeover, attracting even more luxury retailers, the 2016 Show will be a ‘shoppers paradise' for the 200 000 visitors expected to attend the Royal Highland Centre.
Following on from last year's successful rebranding of the food hall - now known as Scotland's Larder Live –the 13th Avenue Shopping Arcade will become a lifestyle shopping destination featuring top UK brands, award winning artists and designers. With more space and a boutique feel, the new Arcade will also boast a bar where shoppers can enjoy a well-earned rest with a glass of bubbles.
With over 1100 trade stands across the showground, Scotland biggest celebration of the best in farming, food and rural life, which attracted record visitor numbers in 2015, will give keen shoppers the chance to snap up some of the biggest brands in country inspired fashion, such as Barbour, Hunter, Fairfax & Favor, Joules and Dubarry.
When the shopping is finished, the 2016 Show
Twill boast two new themed bars to discover. For gin lovers, the Botanical Garden will be offering up a wide range of artisan Scottish gins to savour and appreciate. Run by Hickory, an Edinburgh company with a track record for delivering exquisite events and renowned for its creative flair, this bar will be a highlight for anyone who visits.
For those looking for something a bit different, the Country Music Bar will not disappoint. The second of the Show's new themed bars, this lively venue will feature live country bands and possibly even line dancing, offering something completely different for showgoers.
Show Manager David Jackson said: "The Show is undeniably a destination for the best livestock, the best food and also for the best shopping –we are pulling out all the stops to make sure that this remains. The investment we've made in the 13th Avenue Arcade, and in installing high speed broadband around the showground, illustrates that we are committed to improving facilities year on year for our exhibitors, for whom the Show is very important. 38% of our visitors rank shopping as the main reason for visiting and we know that 55% of them spent at least £100 at our trade stands, with 22% of them spending up to £1000."
New Pole Climbing Competition
he Royal Highland Show has announced that the 2016 event will see the addition of a utilities class to its poleclimbing competition in the Forestry Arena.
The first of its kind in the sport, the utilities class is open to anyone who poleclimbs with side spikes in their working environment and will comprise of an individual and team event, with the winners taking home a brand new chainsaw.
The new class will run alongside the traditional competitions, where professional poleclimbers will be running up the 80ft Douglas fir poles in an attempt to claim a share of the £2500 prize fund. The highlight of the competition will be the World Record poleclimbing attempt, which after three consecutive years is still to be broken. Sponsored by Scottish Woodlands, £2000 will be given to
anyone at the Royal Highland Show who breaks the record time of 9.61 seconds, set by Mark Bryden in Australia in 2001.
David Jackson, Royal Highland Show Manager said: "We are really pleased to be adding this new class to the competition. It's great watching the professionals in action, but being able to open it up to people who usually do it in their day job is a great thing. Along with the poleclimbing there will also be axe throwing, chainsaw carving, horse logging, logging demonstrations and a mountain bike stunt team –it's safe to say the Forestry Arena is not to be missed at this year's Show!"
The utilities poleclimbing competition will take place on Saturday 25 June at the Royal Highland Show, Edinburgh which attracted in excess of 188 000 people in 2015.
Anew species of plant has been discovered in and around the area surrounding the Leadhills Estate in South Lanarkshire. This exciting discovery has lead to a project being granted permission to conduct a study of the plant, known as Mimulus peregrinus or Scottish monkeyflower.
The study will be undertaken by Biological and Environmental Sciences Senior Lecturer Dr. Mario Vallejo-Marin and his research group from the University of Stirling and will look at the characteristics that allow this new species to thrive.
The field experiment will involve planting Mimulus peregrinus in field plots near Leadhills to compare how well it grows relative to other monkeyflowers. The general idea is to find out whether the new Scottish monkeyflower has the characteristics that may allow it to become more widespread in the future. Measurements taken will include plant size, flower colour and seed production.
A spokesperson from Leadhills Estate said "It's always exciting when new species are found, even more so when it's found in Leadhills, so when Dr. Mario Vallejo-Marin got in touch we were pleased to provide the study site and we look forward to the results."
Talking about their study Dr. Mario Vallejo-Marin commented: "Rarely we have the opportunity to witness the birth of a new species. Our field experiment in Leadhills will help us understand why ecology matters in the origin of new plant species."
Criminal Cases & Cycling Successes
SRUC celebrated International Women's Day in style with a series of talks from some of their most inspiring staff, as well as the renowned forensic soil scientist Professor Lorna Dawson. From international cycling success to criminal cases to career changes, the varied talks showed just how much the land-based sector can offer.
The programme of talks – 'Celebrating Success' – was arranged as part of SRUC's application for an Athena SWAN bronze award. The Athena SWAN Charter was established in 2005 to encourage and recognise commitment to advancing the careers of women in science, technology, engineering, maths and medicine (STEMM) employment in higher education and research.
SRUC Acting CEO and Principal Janet Swadling began the event by highlighting how much the equality agenda has improved things for modern women with the agriculture and rural sector much less of a man's game than it used to be.
Certainly the keynote speaker –Professor Lorna Dawson of the James Hutton Institute – proved that determination and tenacity can go a long way, no matter your gender. Lorna, one of the country's top soil scientists, gave a fascinating description of a career where she is regularly called upon by police to help solve serious criminal cases.
One particular case she highlighted was the 1977 Worlds End murders in Edinburgh, which finally concluded with a conviction in 2014. Lorna and her team were able to use soil and debris samples to explain where the victims – Helen Scott and Christine Eadie – had died.
Lorna was joined by five speakers from SRUC and the talks were livestreamed so that staff from sites across Scotland could participate. While the experiences described varied considerably, all the speakers noted how well SRUC had supported their ambitions and a number stressed how flexible working had helped them combine their career with family, or other passions.
New CEO for BWMB
The British Wool Marketing Board (BWMB) have appointed a new Chief Executive Officer. Joe Farren, 44, from Cawood in North Yorkshire officially took over the reins at the Board on Wednesday 1st June following the retirement of Ian Hartley who’s been leading the organisation for the last 22 years.
A graduate of Balliol College, Oxford in Modern Languages and English, Joe is also a qualified barrister. He spent the first part of his career in the City advising on company mergers and acquisitions. In 2004 Joe joined SIG Plc, the FTSE 250 Yorkshire headquartered multinational distributor of building and home improvement products, where he was Head of UK and Ireland Business Development. From 2013, he was a director with LDC, the private equity arm of Lloyds Bank. He is part of a farming family and Joe and his wife have farms in Yorkshire and Aberdeenshire.
Ian Buchanan, Chairman, BWMB said, “We
welcome Joe to the BWMB in this high profile and important position at a crucial time not only in agriculture but also in the wool sector. We look forward to working with Joe, ensuring we continue to serve the best interests of our producers and in maximising the value of their wool. On behalf of UK wool producers I also thank Ian Hartley for his hard work, commitment and contribution to the BWMB and the wool industry and wish him well for a long and happy retirement”.
Joe Farren commented, "I am delighted to have joined the BWMB. I am determined the Board will continue its good service to wool producers. The Board will also seek to continuously improve the efficiency with which it handles their wool, to manage the auction process effectively so as to maximise prices for producers and to promote wool strongly on the global stage as the pre-eminent fibre, being aesthetically attractive, high performance and environmentally friendly."
Genevieve Whitson, who works in SRUC's International and the Alumni Office, explained how the college has supported her international cycling career. Originally from New Zealand, she rides now for Scotland, and has her sights firmly set on the next Commonwealth Games in the Gold Coast of Australia in 2018.
For animal scientist Fritha Langford, the birth of her daughter in 2009 meant she needed to reduce the amount of travel her job entailed; she was able to move more into teaching, and so stay closer to home.
Research Technician Marianne Farish spoke about the need to ensure opportunities for work experience are available for young people to help them decide on their future career path. For Caroline Robinson, a Veterinary Surveillance Officer from SAC Consulting, her ambition to be a vet came into focus at a young age however SRUC Oatridge student Katie Dubarry noted that this isn't always the case, she was 29 when she decided to move out of beauty therapy and into agriculture.
SRUC's Vice Principal Research Geoff Simm said: "Today there was an incredible array of experiences on display which gave a good glimpse of the possibilities a career in science offers. Our application for an Athena SWAN Bronze Award is evidence we are committed to offering women and men exciting careers here at SRUC and that we understand the importance of personal development and work life balance."
Professor Christine Watson, who is co-chairing SRUC's application for the Award and was one of the organisers of the event, said: "All the speakers highlighted the importance of both teamwork and networking in making their jobs enjoyable and successful. Today was the first in a series of events being organised by our Athena SWAN team aimed at helping all our staff to develop and enhance their careers."
–Iain Wilkinson
FARM FACTS
Manager: Iain Wilkinson
Farming: Murthly and Strathbraan Estate
Owner: Peter Alexander
Cattle: 500 Limousins
Sheep: 1100 Blackface & Mules
Own stock: Herefords, Limousins & Mules
Wilkinson Working Round the Clock
Lambing and calving season is almost over for another year,only a few “hanger ons” to go!
The cows have calved extremely fast this year with 98% calved in 60 days for the red cows and 90% for the black ones. (the difference due to a few bull breakdowns last summer) We had a few more C- sections than usual –seven –all heifers. The calves were a bit too big and the heifers a bit too fit. Some of the cows calves were a bit on the large side probably due to the better quality silage and trying hard to keep condition on them outside during a very wet winter. All in all though, I would say we’ve had a good calving, with good weather and plenty of grass for the cows to calve onto.
The lambing has been a bit varied,this year. The hill ewes, doing very well with very little assistance. The mules were a lot of work –the lambs just too large, even the twins and triplets were big. (Too much grass prelambing and still feeding them to blame? I think, so will need to change that next year!) We lambed Texel cross hoggs for the first time in nearly 20 years. This was an interesting venture and we will definitely do it again –just a few management tweaks to make the job easier.
February saw Steph Rainey leave to head back south to Herefordshire to farm with her boyfriend. This position has now been filled by Lucy Christie, a degree student at Craibstone. Lucy has just done her fourth calving with us while studying for her
degree. She has decided she wants to work with cows full time for a while.
The arable crops all went in the ground with relative ease this year so here’s hoping that they are harvested just as easily. We didn’t get our beans last year and ended up ploughing them down in March, a very expensive crop!
Next jobs on the list include bull MOTs for the recently purchased ones, older ones and those that gave us concerns last year. The heifers will need to start their synchro programme and semen to be selected to give us easier calvings. The hill lambs need to be marked and the hoggs to clip so June should be a busy month. Throw in a few days at the Highland Show and Scotsheep and it becomes a short month too!
Jennifer and I have recently ventured into the Hereford breed for ourselves to run alongside our Redstroke Limousin herd. We purchased 5 in calf cows and now have seven calves. Off to a good start! We also purchased a bull who has now served all our pedigree Limousin heifers with a view to producing Hereford cross Limousin females, to produce more calves and improve longevity. Our own cross ewes have lambed exceptionally well compared to last year. As they were all gimmers last year and the weather was very poor at lambing, losses in 2015 were high!
Here’s hoping for a long and warm summer, and some time to spend using our horses amongst the stock.
Around the Regions
–Fiona Boa
It's always a relief to get to the end of winter, it was milder and not quite so wet but spring was late here this year –we are certainly not alien to that.
My hoggs came home from wintering in great order, they had enjoyed a good winter in Nairn and Muir of Ord. Late March is always a busy time, we start calving and getting ewes ready for lambing. I always have some lambs to sell and with all the hotels and restaurants opening for the year they are all giving me orders for the invasion of the visitors.
Our annual snowfall decided to wait until the end of April when everyone’s lambing was in full swing. I lost a few and carried a few off the hill (couldn't get anywhere with the bike) and discovered you don't need a sledge when you have flexothenes on and
you can get up to a fair speed in them! We had a cold north wind too but there was thankfully a lot of dry weather.
This year I scanned for the first time and it made life an awful lot easier. I got a few freeloaders away with my lambs in March and brought my twins in at night during lambing so they proved quite a success.
Without a doubt the biggest problem I (and so many others) have is the battle with the birds. Hoodies,ravens and black back gulls are in abundance but Mull is also home to 20 pairs of white tailed sea eagles as well as immatures. Putting my twin ewes in at night definitely saved a lot of carnage and heartache in the mornings but the damage they all do is horrific and very costly.
An event that breaks up the long winter for a lot of Mull farmers is the Highland Cattle
sale in February in Oban. Mull has over 15 folds so you don't have to travel far to find a Highlander here. A lot of them have great success at the show and sale and the champion bull came home to Glengorm on Mull this year so we will look forward to seeing some of his off-spring in the future.
Something that quite a few of us partake in over the winter is stick making. On the island there are 3 classes and we all join at the end of the winter for a prize giving dinner. Alistair Dickie from Musdale came to judge this year and a great evening was had by all.
First show of the season this year for us is 'The Road to the Isle' in Arisaig at the start of June. We are all quite good at heading round the shows so hopefully there will be a good team of us heading up and Good Luck to all competing at the Highland Show.
FARM FACTS
Farmer: Fiona Boa farming in partnership with her father
Farming: Antuim,Dervaig Isle of Mull
Land: 2000 acres owned, 1000 acres rented
Cattle: 45 cows
Sheep: 830 Blackface ewes
Pigs: 40 pigs and buy in extra weaners
Hoggs Sell Well at Scotsheep
Thirty-four pairs of ewe hoggs were presented to a huge audience at Blythbank. First prize pair of Cheviot ewes hoggs from Roderick Runciman, Allanshaws sold at 1000gns to A Jones, Bankfarm, Wales.
A strong class of Bluefaced Leicester hoggs were won by M/s W H Sharp & Son, Newbigging Walls, Lauder and later sold at 400gns. A top bid of 1200gns came for the 3rd prize pair from J Wight & Sons, Midlock.
The Beltex class was won by Stuart McCormack, Wester Deans and sold for 400gns to A Morton, Lochend Farm, Denny.
Texel first prize winners from Dona Williams, Blacket House, Eaglesfield sold at 550gns to J & F Park, Troon.
The Poll Dorset first prize pair from James Royan, The Granary, Duns sold for 250gns to G Todd, St Clements Wells Farm, East Lothian.
The Blackface section first prize winners from J Wight & Sons, Midlock sold at 750gns with the second placed pair from Glenrath selling at 250gns.
The Shetland pair of ewe hoggs from Joan Brunton, Haddington sold for 70gns.
South Country Cheviots sold well to top of 220gns to M/s Pugh, Bridgend, South Wales.
A strong class of Scotch Mules were topped at 160gns by G Allan, Bogside, Ochiltree for his second prize pair.
New Blackie Hogg Record
Atrio of Scottish Blackface ewe hoggs set a new centre record at United Auctions, Stirling recently.
A total of 8133 breeding ovines went under the hammer, with a well publicised pen of three from Hugh and Allan Blackwood, Auldhouseburn, Muirkirk, securing top dollar at £2000 per head. The hammer fell to Aberuchill Estate, Comrie, possibly owned by Russian steel tycoon Vladimir Lisin, who purchased the castle and its 3000-acre estate for £6.8 million in 2005.
Ian Hunter, Dalchirla, Muthill, sold his select pen of six via telephone bidding from Northern Ireland. Sam Wallace, sealed the deal at £1100 per head.
The Kay’s from Gass, Straiton, selling at this sale for the first time, were next in the money, again with telephone bidding. Scott Watson, who manages a salad growing operation in Suffolk, purchased the pen of five at £540 per head. He has taken on his father’s holding –Knockbreak at Straiton.
More commercial lots were harder to sell with overall averages down on the year, with Blackie hoggs dropping £34.16 to level at £96.54.
Photos this Issue:
Page 4 –(top) QMS, (bottom) iStock Karandaev
Page 6 –RHS
Page 7 –(left) Rebecca Lee, (right) RHS
Page 8 –(top) provided, (bottom) BWMB
Page 9 –Iain Wilkinson
Page 10 –Fiona Boa
Page 12 –iStock, Aleraths
Page 16 –provided
Page 17 –Provided
Page 26 –(top) Limousin Society
Page 31 –Provided
Page 32 –Provided
Page 34 –Andrew Best
Page 35 –Provided
Page 38 –iStock Gerard Kordenburg
Page 40 –Jock Sutherland ‘Durness’
Page 40 –iStock gemenacon
Page 41 –iStock Levranil
Page 42 –Kim Stretch (top right)
Page 42 –QMS (left & centre)
Page 43 –Kubota
Page 46 –iStock katazyna Blalasiewicz
Page 47 –iStock Vicza
Market Throughput Up Lamb Prices Looking Positive for Producers
As the volume of new season lambs reaching the market begins to increase, the market place is beginning to adjust to the start of the new season.
Indeed, new season lamb prices have started the season on a positive note for producers and at recent sales, prices have been around 7-8% higher than this time last year, according to the latest analysis by Quality Meat Scotland (QMS).
"With the Muslim festival of Ramadan starting on the 6th of June, there may be some short term support for prices, which may repeat itself as the festival ends in one month's time," said Stuart Ashworth, Head of Economics Services with QMS.
Nevertheless, a cold spring has resulted in new season lambs being slightly slower to appear on the market than last year, he said.
In England the volume of new season lambs reaching the market has only exceeded the volume of hoggs, which is tailing off quickly, in the past week. In Ireland new season lambs have exceeded old season for a few weeks now but in Scotland the volume switch over has not occurred yet.
In general though, hoggs have been in tighter supply with the weekly UK kill lower than last year throughout the first four months of the year. Carcase weights have also been lighter reducing domestic supplies of prime sheepmeat.
"Scottish auction sales of hoggs in April and May have been lower than last year. However, a subdued export market in the first quarter of the year meant that this reduced domestic supply did not support producer prices, which for much of the first quarter of the year ran lower than the previous year," said Mr Ashworth.
French slaughter statistics show an increase in French domestic lamb production over the first quarter of 2016. This is despite the continued decline in the French breeding flock where the number of meat-producing ewes was reported to have declined 2.4% in the December 2015 French sheep census. Additionally, ewes kept for dairy production fell 0.5% (dairy ewes make up around 25% of the French ewe flock).
"This decline in sheep numbers is leading France to estimate a 1% decline in sheepmeat production during 2016 so the increase in the first quarter is likely to be a short term feature," observed Mr Ashworth.
While UK hogg slaughterings have been lower since the turn of the year, ewe slaughterings have increased significantly. This, he said, may suggest heavy culling since scanning or greater numbers of cull ewes being held for further finishing.
The latter management practice may explain some of the reported increase in breeding sheep numbers that occurred in the December census drawn from the sheep and goat inventory.
This increase in ewe slaughterings since the turn of the year has also been repeated in the Republic of Ireland. This heavier supply of cull ewes is reflected in lower farmgate prices for this class of stock throughout 2016 to date.
The number of store and breeding stock sold through livestock markets continued to rise in 2015 – up nearly a quarter of a million on the previous 12 months.
The latest sales figures, put together by the Livestock Auctioneers Association (LAA), paint a positive picture for marts in England and Wales.
There were 3 947 000 store and breeding stock sold at auction last year, a rise of 241 000 compared to 2014 and the highest number for 10 years.
In total, overall throughput numbers remained relatively steady at 11 496 000 – a drop of just 37 000 on 2014 (less than 1%).
Chris Dodds, Executive Secretary of the LAA, said the national figures painted a positive picture – especially at a time when the agricultural sector faced a number of challenges – that showed support for livestock markets remained strong among the farming community.
“In total nearly 11.5m head of livestock were sold through LAA members during 2015,” he said. “This figure has been achieved at a time when national flock and herd numbers are declining and despite the many challenges that auction marts face.
“Numbers sold have held up very well, highlighting the crucial importance of livestock markets to British farmers and a strong and vibrant red meat sector.”
According to the sales figures the number of store and breeding sheep rose by 225 000 in 2015 to 2 912 000, while levels of store cattle increased by 6000 to 692 000 over the same period.
Levels of prime slaughter sheep remained relatively steady, with 5 399 000 sold in 2015, compared to 5 469 000 the year before, while levels of prime slaughter cattle dropped by 48 000 in 2015 to 198 000.
Numbers of stores and breeding stock had increased, auctioneers said, because in many cases they represented a better financial option for small to medium sized producers. Rather than spend time fattening their livestock many farmers chose to instead market them as stores, selling to larger, professional finishers who had access to the economies of scale necessary to maximise margins.
Peter Kingwill, from Hobbs Parker auctioneers in Ashford, Kent, said: “There are some very good people doing it but for the average farmer it’s just too difficult. Instead, they much prefer to sell their stock as stores to maximise margins. That’s a big changing face of livestock markets.”
Russell Steer, auctioneer at Exeter Livestock Centre, which was taken over by Kivells four years ago, said: “For many farmers it’s no longer financially viable to rear prime slaughter stock. Instead, they use the market to sell to professional fatteners.”
Mr Dodds acknowledged that farmers choosing to sell their livestock direct to large supermarket chains and abattoirs may have also had an impact on throughput numbers, but warned: “I would encourage anyone thinking about entering into such an agreement to think again.
“With some major multiple retailers struggling to maintain sales, direct contracts might not be the best way for farmers to secure a long-term sustainable business. Auction marts offer a good service, give farmers choice and stability and encourage the marketplace to be open, transparent and competitive.”
70% of Vets Grill Labels for Info About BBQ Meat
More than two-thirds of vets (71%) actively check labels and ask questions about the meat, fish and dairy products they purchase, according to figures revealed by the British Veterinary Association (BVA) to mark National BBQ Week (30May – 5 June).
As guardians of animal welfare, vets put the welfare and provenance of animals bred for food at the top of their list when buying meat and fish.
BVA's Voice of the Veterinary Profession survey panel, which polls over 1000 UK vets, highlighted that many vets support the higher welfare standards of British farming, with 9 out of 10 vets saying they would be more likely to buy food if it was labelled as British or locally sourced. Over three quarters of vets said that they would be more likely to buy free-range (77%) or food that carried a Farm Assurance Scheme label (over 50% for Red Tractor and RSPCA Assured [formerly known as Freedom Food]).
BVA President Sean Wensley encouraged consumers to check labels as the warmer weather sees BBQs and picnics take centre stage in gatherings of families and friends.
Commenting, Sean said: "Animal welfare should be a paramount consideration whether we're thinking about purchasing pets or the food we eat. For vets it's a top priority that the animals we rear for food have a good life and a humane death.
"Vets are not alone in caring about where their food comes from. To support high standards of animal welfare, all of us can vote for good animal health and welfare through our thoughtful meat, fish, and dairy purchases and send a strong message to food producers and retailers this summer."
BVA's Voice of the Veterinary Profession survey panel also revealed that 9 out of 10 vets would be less likely to buy meat or fish if it was labelled as not stunned prior to slaughter. BVA is leading a campaign to end slaughter without pre-stunning for animal welfare reasons and calling for better labelling of food to help consumers make pro-animal welfare choices. To find out more about BVA's campaign to end non-stun slaughter, please visit: http://www.bva.co.uk/ News-campaigns-and-policy/Campaigns/ An-end-to-non-stun-slaughter
Wistiki, a leading provider of innovative geolocation products and services based in Paris recently launched three elegant wearable item trackers designed by French creator Philippe Starck on crowdfunder.co.uk. By offering 100% made in France and Philippe Starck-designed little tags (Wistiki ahā!), cards (Wistiki hopla!) and key chains (Wistiki voilà!), which can be tracked with the Wistiki app, the company found an appealing solution for each one of us who tends to misplace things regularly. Simply attach the Wistiki to something you cherish (your dog, your purse or your wallet) and if you cannot find it you can make the Wistiki sound an
alarm or activate other useful features (find your phone, GPS locator, proximity gauge…) helping you to find its location and … relax!
Wistiki partnered with renowned creator Philippe Starck who designed the differently shaped fancy trackers in order to fit a specific usage: ahā! for your pets, hopla! for your wallet or flat surfaces and voilà! for your keys. All of them offer unique technical features as two years of intensive R&D allowed the Wistiki team to work on outstanding technical specs such as a performant Bluetooth range up to 328ft (100m) in an open area, a pleasant and loud ringtone (90dB) and a battery life that lasts up to three years.
Using crowdfunding as a trigger for international development
Wistiki is a French start-up company, which was co-founded two years ago by three French brothers: Théo, Hugo and Bruno Lussato. They wanted to actively support French people in localizing lost belongings through the Wistiki app. The first project was initially launched in 2013 on a French crowdfunding platform (MyMajorCompany) where they managed to raise more than 400% to create and market their first product. Strengthened by the strong demand it confirmed that Wistiki offers a unique solution related to a specific need and showed the potential of the idea.
Considering this, it seemed obvious that they could help even more people and why not create a global “Lost and Found Community 2.0.” Everybody around the world could need a little help to save some time and be less stressed on a daily basis thanks to Wistiki. Be in with a chance
Roy McFarlane of Bridge of Allan has been elected vice-president of the Hampshire Down Sheep Breeders’ Association.
Roy who is also chairman of the breed’s Scottish Club manages the 30 ewe flock, with his wife Sheena. He said: “I am delighted and honoured to be elected Association vice-president and have this opportunity to take forward the Hampshire Down breed which is meeting such huge interest among commercial producers in Scotland. This is apparent at the ever increasing interest shown at events throughout the year and especially the Royal Highland Show. So much so, the number of pedigree flocks have increased tenfold in the last nine years and we are launching our first ever ewe and ram sale in Stirling this month.
“I’m so passionate about the breed, I wish I’d just discovered it sooner. We established the Lecropt flock just nine years ago and since we’ve found sheep that do the work and have the potential to make money. Our Hampshire Downs are easy to lamb, they have great motherability, they’re easy care and demonstrate fast growth rates and that’s why they’re finding interest as a terminal sire among commercial farmers. Hampshire Down cross lambs are finishing off forage diets faster than other crossbreds, which in turn makes for overall cost savings and towards resilience in today’s volatile marketplace.”
Roy added: “I’m proud to be involved in this forward thinking Association’s activities, which include a high percentage of recorded flocks within the breed and being part of the RamCompare evaluation project.”
Janet Hill has been appointed secretary of the Hampshire Down Sheep Breeders’ Association. She succeeds Richard Davis who steps down from the position after 20 years and takes up the new role of company secretary responsible for finance management.
A former executive and international secretary to British Eventing based at Stoneleigh, she has been a full time hands-on farmer for the past 20 years, currently managing with her husband Brian, a 700 Lleyn ewe flock and a 120 cow suckler herd on the Isle of Bute. Their 1600 acre hill unit is a former QMS Monitor Farm.
She commented: “I look forward to returning to an administrative role, taking up the reins and meeting members. I believe there is an exciting future ahead for the Hampshire Down breed as a performance recorded terminal sire in forage based sheep farming systems and I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to be part of that.
“My interest in the Hampshire Down breed grew when I realised its value to us as a terminal
Hill Takes On Hampshires
sire over our outdoor lambing flock of Lleyns leaving hardy, lively, and fast growing lambs. I began to breed rams for our own use and now run a small pedigree flock alongside the commercial ewes whose numbers will now be reduced and day to day shepherding carried out by Chloe Malcolm. I will continue to manage our flocks’ record keeping and performance recording; I am convinced of the value of using data, along-side good old fashioned shepherding and sound stockmanship.”
Hampshire Down Sheep Breeders’ Association president, David Middleditch said: “Richard’s dedication and passion for the breed coupled with extraordinary hard work behind the scenes is reflected in the fact since 2000, the number of Hampshire Down flocks has increased by 76% and female registrations by 67%. We welcome Janet and her enthusiasm together with practical hands-on experience to take the breed forward to the next chapter.”
SMITH TO TACKLE NINE HOUR FULL WOOL RECORD
This summer sees Champion sheep shearer Matt Smith attempt to break the current world record, the Nine Hour Full Wool Ewe World Shearing Record. It's the first time an attempt of this kind has been made in the UK, or indeed anywhere in the Northern Hemisphere. The current World record stands at 721 ewes in nine hours and was made in 2007 by Rod Sutton of Porangahau, New Zealand. To beat this Matt will need to shear each sheep in less than 45 seconds. With the support of the British Wool Marketing Board (BWMB), this hugely demanding challenge will take place on 26th July, at Trefranck Farm, St Clether, Launceston, in Cornwall –Matt’s home farm.
Bedwyr Jones, Chairman, BWMB Field Services committee says: “This will be a unique occasion, the first time anyone in the UK has attempted a world record and we are behind Matt all the way as he takes on the challenge. Shearing is vital to the sheep industry and a hugely popular activity. Matt is helping showcase British wool to a wider audience helping move the whole industry forward. On behalf of the British Wool Marketing Board I wish him the very best of luck in what is, without a doubt, a phenomenal task.”
Matt’s entire working life has been involved in
the sheep shearing industry and he already has his name in the record books. In 2010, at the age of 25 he set a world record for the Eight Hour Strong Wool Record in New Zealand shearing 578 sheep, beating the record by 18.
Matt has shorn in 7 countries across the world including New Zealand, UK, USA and many parts of Europe. He has won several shearing titles, and has had his sights set on the Nine Hour Ewe World Shearing Record ever since he learnt of its existence. Born and raised in New Zealand, Matt left school aged 14 and has been shearing ever since. He first came to the UK to shear when he was 17 years old, working with former World Shearing Champion –Gavin Mutch. The following year, he returned to the UK and shore across the South West, where he is still actively involved working with Nick Jasper’s shearing gang.
It was while he was shearing in Cornwall that Matt met his wife Pippa. The two are now settled in Cornwall, with their son Dusty, where they farm in partnership on Pippa’s family farm. They established their sheep farming enterprise with 360 ewes –today they run a flock of 1385 breeding ewes, primarily Romney’s with some crossed with the Lleyn.
The Nine Hour Ewe World Shearing Record,
world record attempt is no mean feat and is equivalent to running three marathons back to back –it's therefore absolutely imperative that Matt is in peak condition. Since the New Year he has been following a very strict diet and fitness regime, which will now dovetail with his shearing schedule across the South West, in preparation for the record itself in July.
Matt says, “I am eager to take on this huge challenge. I am proud to have learned from some fantastic shearers throughout my career and I genuinely look up to all the other shearers who have inspired me over the years, starting with my own father.”
In addition to supporting Matt’s own ambition, this event is also supporting Children’s Hospice, Little Harbour and proceeds from the event will be donated to the Saint Austell based Charity.
Matt is keen to encourage the next generation and hopes that his mission to secure a World record will be successful. He has this message for up and coming young shearers: “Never stop learning and listen to advice. Every day is a c hallenge. You have to have a goal to aspire to. maintain your determination and never give up.”
He acknowledges that the shearing training provided by the BWMB is vital to encourage and provide opportunities to the next generation. The BWMB’s shearing trainers are passionate and highly motivated, which is essential in encouraging young people to take up shearing –and Matt is also seen as a great role model for a new generation of shearers.
“I’d like to thank the British Wool Marketing Board for their invaluable support in this world record attempt,” adds Matt. “The shearing training they offer is an unmissable opportunity to any young shearer, or for anyone who wants to brush up on their skills.”
As Matt begins his preparation, the BWMB’s own shearing courses begin across the UK and take place between May and July.
Bedwyr Jones continues: “Shearing is currently enjoying a revival amongst the younger generation, so Matt’s world record attempt is without a doubt an excellent way to both raise the profile of this important industry skill, and to encourage even more young people take up competitive sheep shearing.”
Charollais Marketing
Charollais Sheep Society members have a new hi-tech, UK-wide shop window for their prime livestock, thanks to a ground breaking marketing deal brokered with a national on-line trading company.
Under a venture launched on May 9, each of the society’s 700 members now has automatic access to an exclusive internet portal, tailored to their needs and linking them to the state-of-the-art Sell My Livestock platform, which has been a storming success since it was set up two years ago.
“This is excellent news for our members,” said Carroll Barber, breed secretary of the Charollais Sheep Society. “We are excited to offer breeders a way to showcase their stock throughout the length and breadth of the country. It will enable them to tap into a vast new marketplace.
“Sell My Livestock offers the first viable way to handle livestock sales through a web-based platform,” said Mrs Barber. “It is great for the livestock industry to have such a modern up-to-date medium available.”
Members can post photographs and descriptions of ewes, rams and lambs for sale simultaneously on the websites of both the Charollais Sheep Society and Sell My Livestock, knowing those adverts will reach thousands of potential buyers, without any disturbance to the sheep.
“As a channel for selling livestock it will be complementary to the traditional auction, which, up to now, has been the only avenue to market for most members,” said Mrs Barber. “This way members keep control and ownership of the selling process from start to finish.”
Breeders will be able to command top prices for their livestock because their online adverts carry the Charollais Sheep Society’s seal of pedigree authenticity, backed by full identity and parentage records as well as fertility guarantees for the rams.
“Buyers are willing to pay premium prices because we vouch for the fact that the animals they are purchasing are 100% bona fide Charollais,” said Mrs Barber. “Uncertainties are removed from both sides of the buying-selling equation –everybody wins.”
The Charollais Sheep Society has come a long way since Boxing Day 1976 when Mrs Barber and her husband Jonathan’s family imported the first five Charollais ewes into the UK from France. The society was formed the following year and the breed has flourished.
Pedigree Charollais sheep are known for being robust, prolific breeders which lamb easily and have a long breeding season. They achieve fast growth rates with a high percentage lean meat yield.
There is a certified UK population of 60 000 pedigree Charollais, with 14 000 -16 000 lambs registered each spring. The society is run by Ceres Solutions, from Jonathan and Carroll’s farm offices on their mixed farm outside Wymondham Norfolk, where they keep a flock of 125 registered Charollais ewes.
Across the country, breeding enterprises large and small belong to the society, ranging from half-dozen ewe starter units to flocks of 500, producing 300-plus rams per year.
The Charollais Sheep Society partnership was warmly welcomed by Andrew Loftus, commercial director of Sell My Livestock. “Sell My Livestock has grown rapidly since we launched it two years ago. We now have a group of companies operating internet-based agricultural trading platforms; 5000 UK farmers are registered with us already.”
The one-stop-shop site has around 2000 sheep offered for sale on any given day – and around 60% of everything listed is sold. Since its launch, Sell My Livestock has successfully marketed tens of thousands of sheep.
Mr Loftus predicted the new link will offer good value to Charollais Sheep Society members. “A web-based sales option has several advantages. It is less stressful for the animals as there are fewer movements in the sale chain, typical transaction costs are less, and there is a vastly expanded marketplace,” said Mr Loftus.
Shearing Training A Skill for Life
Northern England & Scotland
Donna MacKenzie
Telephone: 01877 339 657
Email: donnamackenzie@britishwool.org.uk
From Thistle to Fern
by Eilidh MacPherson
Ten years ago, the book –From Thistle to Fern –came to fruition and landed on the shelves of book shops across the country, both here and in New Zealand. I’ve decided to print a chapter each month in the coming issues of the magazine.
Having shorn in New Zealand for several seasons, I always longed to visit and shear on a High Country Sheep Station. During my time writing for the New Zealand Farmer magazine, this dream came true. I took a stand in the renowned 12-stand Mount Linton shearing shed for six weeks and travelled the country visiting Sheep Stations and unearthing their ‘Scottish’ history. Chapters Four & Five –Return to Mount Linton Station and Kyeburn Station are highlighted over the next few pages.
The Story of the Scottish Pioneers and the New Zealand High Country Sheep Stations
From Thistle
Mount Linton Revisited
Two weeks after my trip to Mount Linton I met up with the staff at the Mossburn Hack Races on the sun drenched, windswept plains at Branxton Hill. The station had the strongest contingent at the event running twelve horses out of the forty entered.
Stock manager Bart Sherbourne outpaced the pack in the walk, trot, gallop and saddle trot races, securing a further two seconds and a third to come third overall on the scoreboard. On the other hand, the gardener – John O’Leary – trotted to victory in the harness race, with another three placings to his credit.
The cross-country course was the highlight of the day, with an awesome 2.4m deep water hole, which competing horses had to swim through before the final gallop home to the finish line. As reporter for the local newspaper –The Southland Times –the banks of the water jump made an ideal spot for action shots of soaking steeds and riders.
At the Invercargill Rodeo the following day, I spent most of the time in a ute (pickup) writing up my copy on the races and Riversdale Shears. Some of the shepherds were riding the bulls and they had put my name down for the female steer ride! I was thanking my lucky stars that due to some unforseen circumstances the steers had not arrived at the venue!
Shearing was due to start at Mount Linton in a couple of week’s time so I phoned the local contractor – Jim Malcolm of Western Southland Shearing to see if there was any chance of a stand, in the impressive 12 stand wool shed. I thought it would be a good financial back up as I was still a bit wary of earning a living full time from journalism.
Sometimes it is pretty hard as a female shearer to be taken seriously, but Jim Malcolm listened intently as I explained that I was over from Scotland, was writing a book on the sheep stations established by Scotsmen and wondered if he would consider giving me a stand shearing at Mount Linton for three weeks.
“Come and see me in the next couple of days when the weather clears up and we’ll give you a go,” he replied.
Dutifully I turned up at the quarters in Ohai to meet Mr Malcolm. He was a big man with a warm smile and a good grip of New Zealand in his handshake. “My grandfather, Alexander Malcolm came out from Inverness and we still have his kilt,” he proudly announced.
He showed me round the quarters, leading the way down long dark corridors, to a spartan but spotless room, which was well positioned opposite the ladies showers and toilets. The grinding room was the next port of call. It was very dark with smoke belching
by Eilidh MacPherson
seemingly out of the brickwork. I later found that the boiler was next door. The laundry facilities and shearing/general stores shop were next on the agenda. Finally we ended up in the dining room where two cheery cooks dished up a feed fit for a Sumo Wrestler. I did my best, but could hardly make a dent in the mountain of food.
As it was still raining, Mr Malcolm said that I could move in immediately or keep in touch until things dried up.
A couple of days later it was all go at the station front. I was quite excited as I carried my gear up the steep steps into the wool shed, at getting the chance to shear in such a large gang. The average shed in Southland has three or four stands and I was finally managing to fulfil two of my pipedreams in one foul swoop: shearing on a station and in a big shed.
The contractor that I used to work for, Trevor Middleton of Hokonui said that in his day Mount Linton Station shearing shed was invitation only. All the top shearers from around the district from different gangs were hand picked to fill the stands and it was an honour to be asked.
I suppose after eight years of shearing across Scotland, Australia, New Zealand and England I have become used to being stared at, when I first enter a shed. Most people
to Fern
have the preconceived idea that a female shearer will have some butch hair do and be built like a tank – I like to surprise them!
Every one was really friendly, introducing themselves, but some of the shearers hung back, probably waiting to see what this chick could do on the boards. One of the rousies actually told me afterwards that a couple of the guys were quite concerned about having their street credit ruined by being beaten by a woman! They had nothing to worry about – I
In my time I have worked with heaps of guys in the shearing world and in other agricultural fields and only very occasionally I have come up against sexism and prejudice (I could count them on one hand). On the shearing competition circuit some guys cannot contain themselves, when beaten in the semi finals or finals, in a male dominated sport, by the fairer sex. But on the whole, the majority of shearers that I have shorn with have been absolute gentlemen and those with whom I worked at Mount Linton were no exception. In fact they couldn’t have been better, taking time off their stands to help me with my borrowed gear and showing me some moves and footwork to quicken my pace on the lambs.
Stand six, midway down the board was my posting for the first week. Each shearer had the usual individual catching pens and portholes, which were like the black hole of Calcutta as the shed was so high.
We started on lambs – a bit of a shock to the system, but they are not so hard on the body. At the days end one is not so physically exhausted from dragging out the lighter live weight.
Cover combs were in force to leave a little extra wool on the lambs. This was a bit of a novelty for me in more ways than one – I’d never used a cover comb and hadn’t shorn lambs for about five years.
Since August 1994, I have only done the UK summer shearing season, which lasts a maximum of three months, as it tied in with other work commitments.
To cut a long story short, this time, I was basically going into shearing cold and unfit. After a few tense movements round the back legs, having been warned at how easy it was to hamstring a lamb with a cover comb and trying to remember all the extra blows around the head, to remove the Kiwi ‘facial hair’ - I relaxed a bit more and let the handpiece flow.
working in the gang, some with a lifetime behind the handpiece, others just learning. I was surprised at how old some of them were: Percy and Boy both in their sixties. Regardless that I was female, foreign and Pakeha (white), a bit of a novelty I suppose, I was accepted as one of the crew.
At one point I was aware that some of the station staff were watching, so I was sweeping up the long blow, trying to impress, when my down tube seemed to loose power. I then realised that Johnny, the station truckie, was up to his pranks again – he had pulled the fuse for my machine out of the box at the end of the board, much to everyone’s amusement, most of all, his own! He’s probably the jolliest chap I’ve ever met, wearing a permanent grin on his face.
Sometimes Glenn Prebble or Robert Grant, the shepherds, or Bart the stock manager would come and shear one for me during my first week. Some of the shearers were great, taking time off their stands to give me a few pointers in the art of lamb shearing and contractor, Jim Malcolm, also spent some time on my stand, in an advisory capacity.
It was quite a blessing to get onto the ewes – I was handling as many ewes an hour as lambs! Incidentally, I was managing to almost finish the Sumo Wrestler portions each evening and must add, as far as quarters go, the food was first class.
In the second week, I was shifted to stand two, not sure if it was a promotion or not –maybe it was to give me go faster stripes, as I now had the ganger, Darren Murray behind me popping out 400 a day and Joe Edwards just in front on 401. It was probably to make things a bit easier on the rousies, who were working on two shearers a-piece. At least they weren’t ‘twoing’ me - doing two to my every one!
Historically all the sheep on the Macgregor’s run were Romneys, but as World wool prices have slipped, Texels have been introduced to improve carcass conformation and finishing weights (15.5-17kgs for the export market) as lamb is now the main earner on the property. Forty thousand ewes are still purebred Romneys with another twenty thousand being first cross to a Texel. These crossbreds have proved to be very hardy thriving on the hill, requiring no supplementary feeding.
Presently trials are being done using Finn and East Friesian terminal sires over the Romney x Texel ewes, to find the optimum meat lamb and assist ewe fecundity.
Two shearing sheds, one 12 stand and a 6 stand are used to relieve the 60 000 sheep of their fleeces. The station employs a wool buyer, who not only classes the wool in the shed at shearing, but deals direct with sixteen exporters, thus cutting out the middle man,
selling above market average and increasing returns.
Mount Linton is considered one of New Zealand’s leading sheep stations, always to the forefront of any national improvement trials or projects. General manager Paul McCarthy instigated and chairs a research group for upgrading hill country as well as heading the Otago/Southland Sheep Council, which is presently running trials for possible causes of bearings (prolapses) in ewes.
Back at the quarters everyone was woken
for breakfast at 5am, which was a bit of a shock to the system. Most shearers had a full fried breakfast with all the trimmings, but I opted for a couple of pieces of toast and a cup of tea, as I’m not really a morning person. After breakfast we grabbed our gear and waited for our ganger (the one who is in charge in the shed, if there are any problems and also keeps a record of all the tallies and shed hands hours) to drive round in a minibus. It was a bit of a commotion, like a bus stop. Everyone checked the notice board
after 6pm the previous evening to see if they were working, being listed under each ganger and the shed where they were going. I always tried to spot someone who was in my gang and get on the same bus.
Jim Malcolm runs about seven or eight gangs at the height of the season, so one can imagine the organization involved in ensuring that everyone knew where they were going, had their gear and the vans were loaded with the required amount of food for two smokos and lunch for the day.
Kyeburn Station
It was a dreich, miserable, grey day when I drove into Kyeburn Station, in the heart of the Maniototo, but there was a hive of activity around the homestead and the yards were just buzzing.
Station owner –Nicolas Mackenzie had told me the night before to turn up regardless as the lads were arriving home form the annual muster accompanied by the Country Calendar TV film crew and I should be able to get plenty action shots.
The Kyeburn woolshed, shearing quarters and outhouses stood out, as they were all painted white with red doors and trim. As shearing sheds go this one is more architecturally appeasing to the eye than most run of the mill corrugated iron or wooden sheds. The dormer windows reminded me of Scottish croft houses and the raised turret, which was added to house the wool press, was another attractive feature. From a shearers’ point of view, it probably wasn’t as flash as the board was a really wide drag across one so would require more physical exertion than most!
Out in the yards the men were busy drafting sheep, as the some of the neighbouring high country is used, as in the Scottish Highlands, as common grazing. This is where several sheep owners graze their flocks on the same area of land but have individual earmarks. In the case here in the
the common land is only used as summer grazing, with the sheep being brought down to their respective holdings for the winter months.
The musterers, clad in Driza bones, Swannies and other wet weather gear, were tired after their ten day stint on the hills and in some cases, the over indulgence of alcohol during the evening gatherings in the huts.
Just before lunch Mr Mackenzie took me into the farmhouse to meet his wife, who seemed delighted at the prospect of some female help. She was frantically running round the kitchen in anticipation of serving
up a three-course lunch for twenty-two hungry men. I got stuck in and assisted her by dolloping potatoes and vegetables onto numerous plates, passing them round then picking up dirty dishes in preparation for the next sitting.
Mid afternoon, while the shepherds were still sorting out the mobs, I was taken on a tour of the low ground on the property by Nicholas, who has run Kyeburn since 1968. He along with son Hamish, who has returned from a stint overseas, are developing the property to its full potential, reseeding and using winter crops to their advantage.
That evening once the musterers had moved off with their mobs of sheep or retired for the evening, the film crew had stopped the cameras rolling and every last dish had been through the washer, Nicolas, his wife and son Hamish sat down with me to discuss the history of the property over a stiff drink.
John Barton and Alexander McMaster originally held Kyeburn Station, the name ‘kye’ being lowland Scots for ‘cattle’ or cows, from 5 September 1858. This 49 000ha holding ran from Kokonga to Naseby, over the Hawkdun Ranges to the Otematata River and the Danseys Pass.
By April 1866 the property was on the market, with 17 500 sheep and sold for NZ$20 000 to William Sanders, of Dumfriesshire, Scotland, latterly Victoria,
Maniototo
Buster – run 362. Saunders also secured 7500ha of the low ground for a 16 year period, while Barton and McMaster kept the remainder –206B – to be worked with their runs over the range. This latter arrangement did not work and that land is now farmed by three different concerns: Shortland, Sunset Farm and Clover Flat.
Scottish sport of curling. As the gold prospects dried up, the miners opted for farming and eventually won the lowland run 206, amounting to 2015ha of the original Kyeburn Station.
In June 1875 ‘Mackenzie of Deep Dell’, Macraes, purchased the then 26 796ha Kyeburn from Sanders for NZ$36 000, the
deal including 42 000 sheep. The Mackenzie in question was Mackay John Scobie Mackenzie, who invested in Kyeburn in cahoots with Francis Dyer Rich and Charles Stewart.
Sanders and his agent J.M Ritchie had decided that the balance between summer and winter grazing was uneven on the original Kyeburn Station so the most distant 6430 ha were sold to the Mount Ida Pastoral & Investment Company who also farmed Rugged Ridges, Eweburn and Eden Creek. This block is now part of the Mount Ida Syndicate and was the one, which had been mustered during my visit.
Apparently Sanders returned to Scotland and toured Europe with Watson Shennan, of Galloway Station. He then went to stay with his brother Robert, the minister of Thundergarth in Dumfriesshire and purchased a farm – Rosebank. Four years later he was back in New Zealand, the North Island this time, where he bought Motouotaraia in Hawkes Bay. His nephew Robert Johnstone, who had been employed on Kyeburn and Conical Hills was installed as manager and eventually bought it from his uncle, when he returned to Scotland.
Scobie Mackenzie was born in Tain in January 1845 and was well educated at Tain
Acadamey and Watson’s in Edinburgh, before emigrating to Australia with his mother and siblings. At sixteen he was employed on a station and eventually became a manager. He was then offered a post managing Deep Dell Station in Otago, New Zealand.
At Deep Dell Scobie developed his writing skills and regularly contributed to the New Zealand Magazine, Otago Witness and Mt Ida Chronicle and was also involved in politics. His partners: Stewart and Rich were a retired banker and a stud breeder respectively. Scobie bought his partners out around 1888 and the land was leased out.
Scobie Mackenzie died in 1901 and his widow, Jessy Adela (nee Bell) kept the property on till her death in 1937 when it was passed to her son, Alexander Kenneth Scobie Mackenzie, who was a Wellington based lawyer. It was run by a succession of managers till Nicolas Scobie Mackenzie, a great grandson of the original Scobie, took over the management in 1968.
In 1918 Kyeburn was divided for soldier settlement and the stations: Allan Peaks, Idavale and Glenshee were born. Kyeburn also lost some of the high country at this juncture for summer grazing for the new low ground properties. This 4925ha block is known as the Soldiers’ Syndicate and is
next to the
was probably the last station to still use a team of mules for carting the gear from one hut to another on the musters. Apparently the first donkey arrived on the station from Otekaieke Station in 1896. They were noted for their hardiness, requiring no supplementary feeding or shoes.
NO MORE KYEBURN MULE TRAINS
They say its four-wheel drive now on a bulldozed road and all, And the Pack Horse Bend and Lone Mule Creek are names beyond recall.
positioned
Mount Ida Syndicate. Kyeburn
New Project for Beef
AHDB Beef & Lamb has commissioned an innovative three-year project investigating the health, welfare and performance of beef cattle on larger finishing units in England.
The project, which will be delivered by researchers from Westpoint Veterinary Group and SAC Consulting, aims to build on the current understanding of modern finishing systems and provide deeper insight into factors determining performance. The project will focus on identifying innovations and best practice on larger beef finishing systems. The results will allow English systems to be benchmarked against those seen in the main beef-producing regions of the world.
“Demand for red meat is forecast to increase over the coming years, so beef supply chains will need to increase production to meet this need,” said Dr Mary Vickers, AHDB senior livestock scientist and project manager.
“Beef producers must also be responsive to mounting consumer interest and expectations on how their food is produced, along with sensitive issues relating to farming systems and production, such as animal welfare and climate change.
“To date, there has been little research conducted to compare finishing systems and investigate the impact that the type of finishing unit has on the performance, health
and welfare of cattle.”
A number of beef finishing units are needed to take part in a survey as part of the project. Suitable farms must have at least 200 finishing places and would be expected to welcome a member of the project team to their unit. During the visit, information will be collected on factors likely to influence cattle health, welfare and performance. Each farm will receive a copy of the information and a final report so that they can benchmark themselves against others. Where areas of an enterprise that may benefit from implementing current best practices are identified, individual recommendations will be provided.
Findings from the project will be communicated to the wider industry, so that best practices identified can be implemented across other finishing units.
Dr Lindsay Heasman, project manager added “Results from the project will improve our understanding of factors affecting cattle health, welfare and production on large finishing units and benchmark our finishing systems against those overseas”.
Beef finishers interested in taking part in the project can contact Dr Lindsay Heasman, project leader, by emailing lindsay.heasman@westpointfarmvets.co.uk or calling 07912 799961.
This information will form the basis of the eventual genetic analysis. Commenting BLCS Technical Manager Alison Glasgow said: “Along with the ongoing Feed Efficiency project and establishment of Genomic Breeding Values for VIA Carcase Traits, the work will complete three main breeding strands of the 10-Year Breed Improvement Plan which was rolled out in late 2014. In combination, these complementary areas of development are of significant relevance to industry providing the genetics that will excel in ever-changing production and trading environments.” New Limousin Genetic Project
New Outlook for Youngsters at Wester Deans
Farming with a difference –Wester Deans, Lamancha, Peebleshire –offers young school age teenagers, from challenging circumstances, who are at risk of educational and social exclusion, the opportunity for practical learning on farm.
Owned by John and Sheena Purves, now retired as the fourth generation to run the family business –William Purves Funeral Directors Ltd –Wester Deans Farm Centre is a farming operation and Christian charity (Happy Hens).
Happy Hens works with local High Schools in the Scottish Borders, Midlothian and Edinburgh. Groups of youngsters come on a daily basis and are supported by a high ratio of adults –volunteers from church, raging in age from 25-78.
“They turn up initially in white trainers and their hoods up, with attitude. All bar one have continued to come and benefit from the experience,” commented Stuart McCormack, who along with wife Wendy, a social worker, had previously fostered 100+ children and adopted 6 over a thirty-year period.
“Coming to work here has been a natural progression for us having fostered so many children over the years. Surprisingly some children, we cared for, were from well to do families who just had no parenting skills.
Speaking about Wester Deans he added: “It is amazing how the experience can change their outlook on life. One guy went on to agricultural college, others are working in hen sheds, one at Glenrath and others for fencing contractors.
“Age 14-16 is ideal as any younger they can be a bit immature. Once they leave school, they move on and find work.”
Each week a dozen youths come to the farm in small groups, arriving at 9am and working till 3pm. “I tend not to have them about when I am working with cattle, but they get stuck in with the sheep, hens and maintenance,” informed Stuart.
This upland livestock unit, which carries 550 ewes, 100 suckler cows and 12 000 free-laying hens, is the ideal environment to give youngsters from disadvantaged backgrounds, hands on experience and a new outlook on life.
Initially the fully automated hen shed was the main focus for the students. The shed is fully alarmed back to Stuart’s mobile, informing him of any issues with heating, lighting or feed. Around 11 500 eggs are laid each day, the majority of which head for the shelves of Marks and Spencers.
“We buy our hens and feed from Nobles. Marigold seeds are added to the feed for M&S as it changes the colour of the yolk,” explains Stuart.
When the McCormack’s arrived at Wester
Shorthorn cows from Carey Coombs. Stuart found the cross cows lived up to their breeding and were crabbit and the Shorthorns were much kinder to work with. He decided to sell the cross cattle and focus on the Shorthorns.
A Glen Isla heifer was purchased at Stirling for 2200gns, the Champion at Carlisle from Chapleton was secured at 2500gns and over the years 10 were bought, more locally, privately from Hugh Stewart, Upper Kidston, Peebles. Heifer calves were kept and the Blinkbonny herd now numbers 40 head.
“We’ve sold heifers at Stirling up to 2500gns and bulling heifers up to 1800gns.”
The cattle are housed in the winter and calve mid-May
Stuart, who is past Chairman of the Scottish Beltex Society runs his own pedigree Beltex flock alongside the commercial flocks on farm.
The sheep on farm are Blackface, Greyface and Texel Cross. The Blackies are covered by locally sourced Blueface Leicesters from Mailingsland, ‘that live forever.’ The older greyfaces are covered by Texels to breed the Texel Cross replacements and the rest are all joined with Beltex for fat lamb production. Stuart provides the Beltex sires.
A small flock of 16 Jacobs run on the undulating pastures at Wester Deans.Believed to be the oldest breed in the world, being mentioned in the Old Testament Book of Genesis, these ovines are of special interest to the Purves’s, who are devout Christians.
Stuart’s Beltex obession began in 2004, when he invested in 3 or 4 breeding females, purchased privately from John Cowan, Brickrow.
The commercial triplets and all the Beltex are lambed inside, while the rest, which scanned at
186% across the board are lambed outdoors.
Haylidge is fed ad-lib and for the past 5 years an 18% protien Davidson’s roll is on the menu. The Beltex are fed a special mix, high in soya, from Tarff. “It keeps them milking well,” infromed Stuart, who works with Tarff nutritionist Iain Houston.
Highlights for the Lugate Beltex flock include selling a ewe lamb –Lugate Natasha –shown at the Highland to Stuart Wood, for £1000 at the show. He brought her out the following year, lifting female champion and reserve
Other: Youngsters from disadvantaged backgrounds hone practical skills on farm
overall. Wood also bought Lugate Lily for £1000 –she went on to breed the record price tup lamb at 12 500gns.
Any Beltex not destined for the pedigree ring are hung-up at Dunbia through Farmstock, at 42-45kgs lwt, killing out around the 54% mark. All lambs are finished on grass.
Having studied Vet Science at the Dick Vet for three years before opting out to follow a rugby career, playing professionally for Featherstone, Stuart is the ideal candidate to teach and inspire youngsters who may not have had the best start in life.
Five New Grass Varieties Listed
The 2016/2017 Recommended Grass and Clover Lists (RGCL) have been updated with five new ryegrass varieties.
The lists are an invaluable resource for grassland farmers, enabling them to select varieties that will perform well in a particular system. Only grasses and clovers that have undergone at least four years of independent testing are included in the lists.
“Varieties are rigorously tested for factors such as yield, feed quality, disease and persistence before making the RGCL,” said AHDB Beef & Lamb senior scientist Dr Liz Genever.
“The lists give details on the performance and characteristics of each variety, helping producers
Name Type
Kilian (Diploid)
make informed decisions about the ones that best meet their needs.
“Producers can maximise the productivity of their grassland by selecting the appropriate varieties to suit their system or purpose.”
The 2016/17 RGCL handbook and the full lists for merchants will be available to download at beefandlamb.ahdb.org.uk/returns and www.britishgrassland.com/rgcl from 6 June 2016. The online interactive version for perennial ryegrasses has been updated and will be available at dairy.ahdb.org.uk/rgcl. Hard copies of the handbook will be available from the AHDB Beef & Lamb stand at South Sheep on 7 June and at the AHDB Dairy stand at Welsh Grass on 9 June.
Solution to Lamb Growth Checks
Growth checks post weaning are a major factor effecting Daily Live Weight Gain (DLWG) in lambs, as it’s almost impossible to recover this lost performance later on. Thisdevalues final carcase prices, as well as providing a knock on effect leading to longer finishing times.
Early Perennial Ryegrass
Very good total annual yields under the simulated grazing management combined with a good mid-season Dvalue. Outstanding first conservation cut D-value in the first harvest year which allows cutting to be delayed to improve the lower yields and maintain good quality. Good ground cover particularly under the conservation management and very good resistance to crown rust.
Glasker (Diploid)
Early Perennial Ryegrass
Very good total annual yields combined with a very good mid-season D-value under the simulated grazing management. Excellent first conservation cut D-value in the first harvest year which allows cutting to be delayed to improve the lower yields and maintain good quality. Very good autumn yields coupled with very good crown rust resistance.
AberZeus (Diploid)
Intermediate Perennial Ryegrass
Outstanding total annual yields under the simulated grazing management especially earlier in the season with an excellent mid-season D-value. Excellent second cut D-value in the first harvest year and excellent total annual yields and ground cover in the third harvest year under the conservation management.
Gosford (Diploid)
Intermediate Perennial Ryegrass
Very good spring yields under the simulated grazing management. Good first and second cut D-values in the first harvest year which allows cutting to be delayed to increase the lower yields and maintain good quality. Very good total annual yield in the third harvest year under the conservation management and very good resistance to crown rust.
Diwan (Tetraploid)
Intermediate Perennial Ryegrass
Good late summer yields under the simulated grazing management. Very good first year annual yields under conservation management, with an excellent first cut for a later maturing variety within the intermediate group. It has a very good resistance to crown rust. Specifically recommended for conservation management.
Make More from Forage
All visitors to Livestock Event will be able to find out how to make more from forage, the cheapest form of feed, at the sector’s largest business to business event staged on Wednesday 6 and Thursday 7 July at The NEC, Birmingham. Entry is free to all visitors.
Forage Field will be among the key hands-on demonstrations, organised in conjunction with the British Grassland Society and will be split in to two areas.
Forage Field main sponsor, Germinal will be demonstrating the difference between a modern productive grassland sward and a worn-out ley, comparing dry matter yield and quality and the implications for milk and meat production. Also featured in live plots, alongside the latest Aber High Sugar Grass varieties, will be alternative forage crops, including modern options such as red clover and forage brassicas.
Silage Solution’s Dr Dave Davies will bring silage under the spotlight with the help of grass ensiled in four mini demo clamps. He will be discussing how to reduce dry matter percentage losses between field and feed face, and explain the importance of good consolidation in order to achieve best clamp density and in turn minimise further losses.
“The drive towards making best use of home grown forages is fast gaining momentum not only amongst dairy producers, but also beef and sheep farmers as they turn towards make essential cost savings on bought in feed in an attempt to achieve sustainable businesses,” explains event director, Matt Knight. “That’s why Forage Field is all about sharing information, ideas and no nonsense practical advice to take home and implement next day on farm.”
Jonathan Stephens farms in partnership with his parents in Devon, and has found that grassland management is key, especially keeping a close eye on trace elements, to finish 1500 lambs and 400 store cattle all on grass.
Mr Stephens highlights that this system requires close watch of his fields.“You can’t get too complacent, we use clover friendly fertilisers and keep trace element levels correct.”
He especially focuses on cobalt. “It’s extremely hard to fixate cobalt into the ground and ensure optimum levels. We haven’t done blood tests, we just know they need it from visual checks.
“Cobalt is one of the main reasons why lambs don’t grow as quickly as people like, it’s an important trace element for finishing.”
Mr Stephens uses Nettex Cob-I-Sel bolus’s to balance trace elements and says this has improved feed efficiency. “We give the bolus to lambs at weaning, which stops the growth check and helps during the transitional period.
“The bolus is so small it doesn’t damage the lamb’s mouth and you don’t want that as it stops them eating grass. We only give one bolus at weaning, and this seems to see them through”
Nettex technical manager, Nia Williams adds, “It’s great to hear of a farmer paying such close attention to the trace element needs of their flock. The majority of UK grazing is cobalt deficient, especially if liming practices have been used, so Mr Steven’s practice could be applicable to farms all over the UK.”
This close attention to trace elements is just one of the many techniques this innovative young farmer uses to ensure his lambs are sold early and beat the market trend.
Innovations in Arable Cropping on Display
Aseries of summer arable demo days at Syngenta’s Innovation Centres offer the perfect opportunity for growers and agronomists to attend and get in-field experience on the latest technical developments in the pipeline.
On the 21 June, Syngenta’s Berwick Innovation Centre will be opening to give people the chance to see first-hand multiple new varieties up close and in comparable situations, as well as viewing the latest new and exciting developments in the Syngenta product portfolio.
Jason Tatnell, Syngenta’s technical indication expert, explains why this year the demo days are a must attend event. “Within the arable sector there are increasing challenges that growers are coming up against. Our Innovation Centres are designed to give people the opportunity to see first-hand, new technology that can deliver at a farm level.
“The trial work carried out at our trial sites across the country, are designed to answer the questions growers want answered, enabling them to make informed decisions alongside their agronomists.
“And this year, we will be previewing our exciting, new SDHI cereal fungicide, SOLATENOL™, which is an opportunity not to be missed,” he adds.
“SOLATENOL™ was first discovered as a compound with huge potential in 2005. Since then it’s passed through a rigorous testing process, including extensive formulation testing, microscopy and biokinetic studies, and hundreds of field trials.
“The tremendous research and development investment has given us a complete understanding of how SOLATENOL™ works, and why in trials it consistently outperforms current market standards as a T2 fungicide,” says Mr Tatnell.
“Trials in the UK and across Europe show very consistent results. We’ve seen exceptional control of Septoria and rust across various varieties, disease pressure scenarios and geographical locations, and this is down to the technical credentials of the product.
“Attending one of our Innovation Centres, will allow growers to see for themselves how well SOLATENOL™ is performing at a local level, and have any questions answered by your Syngenta area manager.
To ensure there is sufficient hospitality on the day, please register to attend your local Innovation Centre/Platform Site in advance by calling our events team on 0800 025 3454, or find out more at www.syngenta.co.uk/innovation-centres.
Two new modifications to the Strautmann range of mixer wagons will allow farmers to save time and cut costs. A uniquely designed ‘stepped’ auger – the Vario2 – speeds mixing time and so reduces labour and tractor time. An optional wear strip made of INNODUR stainless steel will reduce corrosion of the auger between mixes, prolonging its lifetime.
All Strautmann mixer wagons – single and double augered, and self-propelled –will now come fitted with a Vario2 auger as standard. Its stepped design enables a good mix to be achieved more quickly.
OPICO’s James Woolway explains: “Whilst this may only reduce mixing time by a minute or so per load, due to the number of mixes made each day, the labour and fuel savings will significantly add up over time.”
Longer term, machinery repair and replacement costs can be reduced by requesting the INNODUR stainless steel wear strip to be fitted to the leading edge of the auger. This is a replaceable part, further extending machine lifetime. For a VertiMix 951 single auger feeder this option retails at £272 plus VAT, and for a VertiMix 3101 double auger feeder, £943 plus VAT.
Mr Woolway adds: “Strautmann mixer wagons are already known for their low HP requirement, mix quality and build quality. These new modifications will further add to their appeal for livestock farmers looking to minimise costs of production.”
More information on the Strautmann range and new auger technology can be found at www.strautmann.co.uk or by calling OPICO on 01778 421111.
Suzuki Teams With BASC
Suzuki GB is pleased to announce its new exclusive partnership with BASC – the British Association for Shooting and Conservation. As a result of the partnership, BASC members can exclusively benefit from 10% discount on selected Suzuki ATVs when purchased through an Authorised Suzuki ATV Dealer.
Most shoots can benefit from the use of an ATV as powerful and comfortable transport, which allows the rider to fit through small pathways and passageways that a 4x4 vehicle could not. Suzuki’s range of ATVs can also carry heavy loads of equipment on the front and rear racks, as well as tow what you need.
Suzuki’s independent suspension makes riding comfortable and stable and the selectable 2 and 4 wheel drive options make the already fuel efficient ATVs even better.
Nick Glazebrook, BASC’s head of business development, said: “This is a fantastic extension to our long-running partnership with Suzuki. ATVs are infinitely useful and this scheme should prove to be yet another popular benefit with BASC members.”
In addition, BASC are also able to offer other benefits including discounted off-road ATV driver training through their AA Drivetech packaging, and comprehensive
Quad’s In!
Polaris has announced a special introductory offer price on the new Sportsman 450 H.O. of only £4500 no VAT. Members of the NFU, NFU Scotland and Ulster Farmers’ Union can enjoy the additional 5% discount available to them on the purchase of new Polaris ATVs, bringing the price down to £4275 excluding VAT.
This is a great opportunity to buy a full-size capability quad at considerable lower cost than the comparable entry-level price for a 400cc class quad. Taking into account what the Polaris Sportsman 450 H.O. has to offer in addition to the low price it’s a serious contender for any farm. You get the legendary Polaris automatic 4 x 4 system, Independent Rear Suspension and PVT Automatic Transmission. To run electrical accessories there is a 660 watt output and the ATV comes with integrated plough and winch mounts as standard.
Storage is exceptional with the Polaris Lock & Ride system on front and rear racks. The Sportsman 450 H.O. also offers a massive 1225lbs/557.7kg of towing capacity, Electronic Fuel Injection for flawless starting
ATV insurance provided by Aim Risk Services.
Head of ATV, GB, George Cheeseman commented: “We are incredibly proud of this new partnership and the 10% discount is just the start of the support that we hope to provide going forward. We understand that BASC members are passionate about their way of life, and we are looking forward to supporting them at their Game events and fairs in the future. So look out for some exciting competitions with great prizes coming soon!”
To find out more visit http://basc.org.uk/membersoffers/
Other fantastic reasons to choose Suzuki include: Try before you buy
Free Suzuki workwear kit
Courtesy ATV Scheme
Theft deterrent as standard –the CESAR Security System powered by Datatag gives each ATV a unique ‘fingerprint’ with an identity that cannot be erased, which acts as a strong theft deterrent and a tool for recovery should the worst happen – plus, it reduces insurance premiums too!
For more information, and to find your local Suzuki ATV Dealer, visit suzuki-atv.co.uk.
Stratton ATV
Backing Cot Death
Perth based Stratton ATV is running a raffle in support of the Scottish Cot Death Trust at both the Royal Highland Show in June and Scottish Game Fair at Scone in July. The authorised Polaris dealer, winner of the 2015 Polaris Britain ‘Best Newcomer’ award, is offering a Polaris Outlaw 50 as the prize with all proceeds going to the charity. Tickets for the prize draw will be sold from the Polaris stands at the shows.
A baby dies every nine days of cot death in Scotland and the majority of families will never know why their healthy baby has died, for no apparent reason. The Scottish Cot Death Trust is the only cot death charity in Scotland trying to find the answers through funding research. “This is a charity close to me and my family as back in 2012 we lost our son Dexter to cot death when he was just thirteen weeks old,” says Iain Stratton, “the trust was very helpful to us and I would like to give something back.”
The Polaris Outlaw 50 is an exciting off-road quad suitable for age 6 and over, while under adult supervision. It features a 4-stroke engine with electric start and comes with a youth helmet, daytime running lights and a safety whip flag as standard equipment.
and all-wheel braking plus a foot brake for rear wheel braking. All in all, a big package for a small price, but only for a limited period as the special offer ends on 30th June 2016. Polaris recommends contacting your nearest authorised Polaris dealer for full details. www.polaris-britain.com Tel: 0800 915 6720
The winner of the raffle will be announced after the Scottish Game Fair and Stratton ATV, in conjunction with Polaris, will present either a pink Outlaw 50 if the winner is a girl or a blue one if it’s a boy.
“We’re pleased to be able to support Stratton ATV in raising funds for the charity,” say Polaris, “come along to the Polaris stands
Keep your eye on the agricultural industry –from your estate, farm or croft. Treat yourself or a friend to a subscription of Farming Country magazine for only £30 delivered –excellent present. Send cheque for £30 to:SUBS, farmingscotland.com, Marbrack Farm, Carsphairn, Castle Douglas, DG7 3TE
New Principal for SRUC
The Board of Scotland's Rural College (SRUC) is pleased to confirm that it is to appoint Professor Wayne Powell as its new Principal and Chief Executive, with effect from 1 July 2016.
Professor Powell will join SRUC from his current role as Chief Science Officer at CGIAR Consortium, an international partnership organisation, which focuses on agricultural research for development in areas such as cereals, agroforestry, livestock and climate change. He previously spent six years as the Director of the Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS) at Aberystwyth University.
Professor Powell is a world leading plant scientist with a particular focus on genetics and plant breeding. Currently based at CGIAR's headquarters in Montpelier, France, he has
Kextensive previous experience in the UK having been Director of the National Institute of Agricultural Botany (NIAB) in Cambridge, as well as Deputy Director of the Scottish Crop Research Institute (now the James Hutton Institute).
His roles in IBERS and CGIAR have seen him develop his extensive skills in senior leadership. At the former he was responsible for 350 staff, 1400 undergraduates and 250 postgraduates with an annual budget of £30 million. At CGIAR he developed and implemented a portfolio of research which aims to address the sustainable development agenda of healthy diets from sustainable food systems. The management of this $1 billion programme involved 10 000 staff based in over 100 countries.
Sloan Covers SW
Aunique rural charity has appointed its first dedicated Development Officer for the South West, who will raise funds and awareness for the organisation's key mission to help those who have depended on the land for their livelihoods.
Jill Sloan will be working for RSABI based in Newton Stewart and operating as part-time development officer throughout Ayrshire and Dumfries and Galloway. Jill's role will concentrate on increasing regular income via RSABI's Supporter Scheme –which enables individuals, businesses and corporations to support the organisation annually or longer term –arranging fundraising events, raising awareness of the charity's profile and supporting its invaluable
KUHN for Callum
Callum Lawrie in a Technical Support role to provide specialised aftersales help for its customers in Scotland.
Callum, who grew up on a Kinross-shire dairy farm, has 16 years of experience as a qualified agricultural machinery engineer and mechanic. He will be responsible for providing technical support and aftersales service advice for KUHN's full range of grassland, arable, livestock and landscape
maintenance machinery ranges.
Liaison with and support of KUHN's arable and livestock farmers will form a key part of his role, with Callum covering Scotland, Orkney and the Isle of Man.
Callum will be working in support of KUHN's Scottish dealers and will work closely with KUHN's well-known sales manager for Scotland, David Sharp.
HORSCH’S for Courses
HORSCH UK has expanded its Service and Parts team, with the appointment of Paul Williamson in the new role of UK Service Manager. “As Horsch’s product range has expanded rapidly in recent years, particularly with the growing family of Leeb sprayers, the service, training and parts support has also grown. My role is to bring these responsibilities together, helping to free up service technicians and area sales managers and provide dealers and customers with a more unified service process,” explains Paul.
network of local volunteers.
RSABI provides financial assistance, support and a helpline to people with backgrounds in agriculture, forestry, fish-farming, rural estate work, gamekeeping, crofting and horticulture who, due to age, injury, illness or misfortune find that they are unable to cope. Last year it helped 900 people, contributed over £600 000 in direct financial support.
Paul Tinson, RSABI Development Manager, had the following to say about the appointment:"We are delighted to appoint Jill as the Regional Development Officer in the South West. RSABI has always had a presence in the area, but this is the first time we've been able to appoint a dedicated person based in the region.
Anyone looking to get in touch with Jill and support RSABI can reach her by phone on 07725 629181 or by email: jill.sloan@rsabi.org.uk.
Following Horsch UK’s best trading year and a growing product range, more capacity was needed to support customers and dealers. Paul will work closely with the company’s dealers, service technicians and parts team to deliver an impressive training and support programme. Born and raised on a farm, Paul has deep understanding of challenges farmers face and joins Horsch UK having worked as service manager for a Claas dealer for the past 12 years.
Savills Edinburgh emyss Place 8 W We gh EH3 6DH Edinbur 0131 247 3720 edinburghrural@savills.com
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Milk Growth Slows
by Hugh Stringleman
Milk production growth is slowly grinding to a halt around the seven major dairy producing regions, so that demand in the developing world can catch up and consume what are fortunately modest inventories in stores.
More importantly, slowing growth will eventually drive up world prices and restore the financial futures of tens of thousands of dairy farmers.
The major dairy producing regions are European Union, the United States, New Zealand, Australia, Latin America, China, and India.
Milk production rocketed away when world dairy commodity prices grew to record levels and then supply restraints were unleashed in the European Union’s leading dairy countries, The Netherlands, Ireland and Germany.
In the lead up to the abolition of dairy quotas by the EU some 14 months ago (April 1, 2015), farmers made plans to put on more cows and feed them better.
In Ireland especially it became a government policy objective to grow milk production by 50% over the five years until 2020. The proportion of milk to be exported in different product forms would grow from 85% to 95%, a similar picture to that of New Zealand, the world’s biggest exporter. However, the expanded Irish milk production of 8 billion litres in 2020 would still be less than half the annual NZ production of 20b litres currently, and 22b by 2020. Ireland also has 18 500 dairy farms whereas NZ has 12 000, with an average herd size of 400 cows.
Nonetheless, the Irish ambition, and its 16% milk growth between May 2015 and April 2016, was an excellent illustration of the
supply overshoot that prolonged the slump in world prices.
Belgium increased 11%, The Netherlands 10%, Poland 4% and the United Kingdom and Germany 3%.
At the same time the US milk output grew 1%, but local dairy consumption also grew strongly, so US exports fell by 5%.
With domestic European consumption of dairy products at best static, homes needed to be found for 4% EU growth (across all 27 countries) in dairy products.
The continued Russian ban against EU imports took away the region’s biggest export market for cheese and butter.
Very low oil prices prevented the Middle East, North Africa and big importers like Venezuela from spending more on dairy products.
China, the world’s largest market for milk powder in 2014, became overstocked and its domestic milk producers recovered quickly from Foot-and-Mouth disease.
The Chinese government also supported the domestic supply base, encouraging the development of large-scale producers with a smaller number of licensed processors, to avoid the food safety issues so prevalent in recent years.
The EU also resumed dairy industry support, buying intervention stocks of skim milk powder up to 200 000 tonnes of storage and the Commission is now under pressure to increase stocks to 300 000 tonnes.
European cooperatives are also propping up milk prices, which are between 25 to 28 Euro cents (NZ41c to 46) a litre, while NZ farmers are getting about 18 Euro cents.
The combination of quota removal and price support has delayed European farmer
adjustment to low market prices.
Because most dairy products are sold on domestic markets, retail prices tend to stay higher for longer but when they do fall, they take a while to rise again.
New Zealand dairy farmers have been told that they were the first into the severe downturn and they should be the first to
Rabobank’s chief market analyst for Australia and New Zealand, Tim Hunt, told the biennial DairyNZ Farm Focus conference that market commentators didn’t predict the downturn because the EU milk increase coincided with the Russian trade ban and the China market disruption.
“Here we are, two years into the downturn, and milk supply is still growing, on average 1.8% annually, due mainly to growth in the EU and US – why is that?
“Because the price signals haven’t got through to farmers; in the US feed prices are favourable and the Euro is weak and cooperatives have been propping up milk
“Beneath the surface things are changing, because China has rebalanced, a lot of big farm projects are on hold and smaller farmers
“Dairy consumption is still increasing 1-2% annually and stocks in China are significantly reduced from 2b litre-equivalents at peak to 1b now, and imports are rising.
“In the Netherlands milk prices are now below operating costs and Australian farmers are feeling the pain and anger after Murray Goulburn dropped the milk price and Fonterra followed.
“The US is pulling back from world markets and the strength of the dollar means it is less competitive internationally.”
Hunt summed up his expectations for the immediate future of world dairy markets:
• World economic growth had been below average for five years and would remain that way.
• Commodity feeds would remain cheap, e.g. US corn below $4 a bushel.
• EU milk growth would moderate.
• The Dutch would reduce the size of their herds.
• Ireland would be the exception as their dairy industry kept on going for broke.
• Milk supply growth from the “big seven supply regions” would be only 0.5% in the second half of 2016.
• Intervention stocks, presently about 2m tonnes of products, represented only two weeks’ worth of world trade and could clear quickly.
“Therefore we expect prices to improve gradually over the next 12 months. It would take one or two upside shocks to really boost prices more quickly. In the medium term we expect consistent demand growth, which is better than many other food groups.
“Europe’s milk growth will normalise, because of their high costs of production and environmental limits on growth,” Hunt concluded.
around the North Coast of Scotland between the 13
Aiming to drive all the hours of daylight that the Northern Highlands will provide at this time of year, John has set himself the ambitious target of completing the journey within three days. He is hoping to complete the route, pulling in to the grounds of Inverness Castle, on the afternoon of Wednesday 15th June.
The North Coast 500 is an iconic route measuring just over 500 miles in the North Highlands. It is Scotland’s answer to Route 66, showcasing stunning rugged coastal scenery, castles, beaches and ruins. The clockwise route follows the main roads across the coastal edges of the North Highlands taking in villages and towns in places such as Ullapool, Durness, John O’Groats, and Dornoch.
This unique solo driving journey is being undertaken by 62 year-old John as he seeks to raise awareness and valuable funds for RSABI, Scotland’s charity that supports people who have worked in agriculture, crofting and other land based industries and who are now experiencing hardship. RSABI has strong roots in the North of Scotland where many rural people experiencing hard times.
John had the following to say about his endeavour:
“I have spent many hours driving tractors for a living over the years, and I couldn’t resist this fantastic opportunity to support the RSABI ‘Help us help them’ campaign during such tough times for agriculture and crofting.”
Marathon Effort
Aunique rural charity has received a generous donation from a farmer's daughter who ran this year's London Marathon. Lesley Wylie, from Muirhouses, Kirriemuir, ran the marathon in 3 hours 28 minutes, generating a tremendous fundraising a total of £1913.50 for RSABI.
RSABI provides financial assistance, support and a helpline to people with backgrounds in agriculture, forestry, fish-farming, rural estate work, gamekeeping, crofting and horticulture who, due to age, injury, illness or misfortune find that they are unable to cope. Last year it helped over 900 people, contributed around £600 000 in direct financial support.
Margo Wills, RSABI Development Officer had the following to say about Lesley's achievement:
"Lesley has done RSABI proud – we are just delighted to have received such a significant amount, which will help RSABI provide financial assistance, support and helpline to over 900 people across the country. Lesley really toiled to break the 4 hr barrier for all our beneficiaries!"
Lesley, who works for AMP Perth, added:
"I would like to thank everybody who helped me achieve my goal of running The London Marathon and also to all the generous people who sponsored me – it was a fantastic experience!
"Coming from a farming background, I'm very aware of the hardships that many farmers and rural land workers face, so RSABI seemed like an obvious charity for me to raise money for. I've always supported the work that they've done and am proud to be able to donate to such a worthwhile cause."
In 2015, Scotland's unique rural charity RSABI pledged £130 000 in support to help wet weather-stricken Orkney farmers and crofters transport straw to the islands. The Help for Straw Haulage fund came to an end on the 31st of May.
The straw fund was created in addition to the charity's normal help for farmers and crofters, and urged anyone who was facing hardship, feeling stressed or worried about paying bills to call the charity's confidential helpline.
The exceptionally bad weather meant that quantity and quality of silage was poor, and there was a huge impact on the harvest across the islands, which meant many farmers struggled to make ends meet.
Applications to the fund are confidential and the funds will be paid on completion of an application form. Payment is made if it is shown that there is a need for the straw and the farmer and family could face hardship as a result.
Since the scheme started, RSABI has supported 105 farmers and has provided a total of £74 460 in grants to farmers who have needed urgent help to cover the extra haulage costs that
Live-saving Straw to Orkney
have been presented by the bad weather.
Nina Clancy, CEO of RSABI, had the following to say about the scheme:
"The RSABI Help for Straw Haulage Scheme is a great example of where our supporters' donations go. We are here to support and provide financial assistance to anyone from the farming and crofting industries who needs it, and we're pleased to have been able to help many of those in need on Orkney."
Paul Ross, Orkney Branch Chairman for NFU Scotland added:
"The RSABI Help for Haulage Scheme has been a great help to many of the farmers on Orkney. Getting straw to Orkney is very expensive and the assistance with this has been much appreciated in what has been a very tough year."
Philip Bews, NFUS Chairman of Westray said:
"The help that has been provided to farmers in Westray has been fantastic, and, for many, a life saver. It has enabled so many farmers to carry most of their breeding stock through the long wet winter, which could not have happened if we had not received the help."
Succession Legislation in Scotland:
A Changing Landscape
The past twelve months, we have seen a lot of activity with regard to legislative reform in Scotland in terms of the Succession and Land Reform Legislation.
In so far as Succession Legislation is concerned until recently we were still working on the basis of the rules set out in the Succession (Scotland) Act 1964. Reform was deemed necessary by the legislator to ensure the law remains “up to date, fairer, clearer and more consistent.” No person will deny that much has changed in our society since 1964 and that family structures, the proportion of the population who own property and associated relationships and reliances have undergone many changes. The new legislation and other ongoing legislative proposals should be seen and read in light of this.
After many years of consultation, the Succession (Scotland) Act 2016 was finally passed by the Scottish Parliament in January of this year and received its Royal Assent on 3rd March 2016. So far only the provisions relation to Caution have come into force. We would expect most other provisions to come into force by the end of this year. It is fair to comment that the Act does not include many controversial provisions with most of the provisions contained therein being seen as either administrative or providing clarity in a number of scenarios where previously some ambiguity or unwanted consequences may have existed. The main provisions relate to the effect of divorce or dissolution of a Civil Partnership on an existing Will and on special destinations held in respect of joint assets; Rectification of a Will by the Court; Non-revival of earlier revoked Wills; The effect of a death before vesting of an interest in an estate takes place; The rules of Common Calamity; Caution in small estates; the rules of Forfeiture; And changes to the liability of executors and trustees.
Some of these provisions have brought much welcomed simplification and clarity. For example, the rules of common calamity; whereas at present the rules differ depending on the type of
relationship between the persons who died in a common calamity, the new legislation provides for a presumption that neither party survived the other. This provision will simplify the administration of the Will and estate of those who have died in a common calamity. As a second example, when a couple has divorced or their Civil Partnership has been dissolved, we would always advise clients strongly at the time of separation to consider the terms of their Will and whether or not changes need to be made. Often such times are times of great stress, upset and financial burden and as a result such suggestions maybe be pushed into the background or left on a “to do list.”
The new legislation provides that upon divorce of dissolution, the estate will be administered and the Will read as if the ex-spouse/civil partner has predeceased. It is important to note that this provision does not provide any assistance or relief during the period between separation and divorce and it remains important to consider the review of a Will after a separation.
We would not anticipate the provisions of the Succession (Scotland) Act 2016 to cause many people concern. That position however is quite different when we consider the further proposed changes, which remain under consultation and which constitute a much more substantive change to the existing Succession Legislation.
The proposals, which remain under discussion include the prior and legal rights of spouses and children in a deceased’s estate, changes to the provision for cohabitees and the associated removal of the distinction between heritable and moveable estate. Under the current legislation a spouse has a right to prior rights and legal rights, which includes a claim on the matrimonial home, the contents of such home, a cash lump sum and a share of the moveable estate, with children having a claim against a share of the moveable estate only.
Under the proposals being discussed at present, the prior rights of the spouse could be replaced with a single claim for a “threshold sum” (the most recent figure suggested being
by Petra Grunenberg Partner Blackadders
Head of
£335 000) with each claimant of legal rights being entitled to a “legal share” suggested at 25% of the value of his or her claim under intestacy. The suggestion is that in financial terms the new proposals may result in smaller claims against the estate. The issue however, which causes many who run family businesses and particularly farm and estate owners concern is the suggestion that these new claims would be against both moveable and heritable assets. By removing the distinction between heritable and moveable estate, high value assets such as farmland may become available for these claims. These provisions, should these come into force, may cause great difficulty
in terms of either transferring assets to the next generation of a family active within the family business or in terms of sheltering these assets from potential claims by other siblings. I would anticipate that much more detailed and earlier succession planning and action may be necessary should this legislation become law.
At present there is ongoing discussion and consultation taking place and no clear timescale for the further proposals to become law. It is important to keep an eye open for change to come but not to rely too heavily at present on the detail of any proposals when making decisions or taking action.
Planning for the road ahead?
Our Rural Land and Business team recognise the particular needs and difficulties facing landowners and farmers in Scotland, a sector subject to massive economic,
Perth Set for Bumper Show
Scotland, will also stage a fun cookery challenge between students from Perth College and the ladies of the SWI.
of the county’s livestock on parade as the spotlight is focussed on the area’s vital agriculture sector. Held on the Friday and first Saturday in August, the annual showcase welcomes thousands of visitors each year with something for all ages in a programme covering everything from show ring spectaculars to sideshow sensations.
This year, the popular show –now the third largest of its type in Scotland –will be held on Friday 5th and Saturday 6th August. Attractions include one of the finest line-ups of would-be champion horses, donkeys, goats, cattle and sheep. Over 1000 head of livestock will compete in more than 330 classes while others vie for prizes in cooking and handcraft. And throughout the two days, trade stands, sideshows, entertainment, activities, music and parades all add to the vibrancy of this annual crowd-pleaser.
A key feature in the city’s annual calendar of events, Perth Show 2016 is set to be a crowd pleasing two-day Equestrian, Agricultural and Food Event. And a range of exciting new attractions introduced this year look guaranteed to pull in the crowds.
“For the first time, Perth Show is set to feature a Cookery Theatre and food and drink marquee,” explained Show secretary Neil Forbes. “This will bring a new and popular dimension to the visitor attraction.
“Perth Show 2016 is also delighted to welcome Perthshire On A Plate (POAP) –a major food festival, celebrating the very best in local produce and culinary talent.
“Organised by Perthshire Chamber of Commerce, the two-day festival will run as part of the Show and feature celebrity and local chefs, demonstrations and tastings, book signings, food and drink related trade stands, fun-filled activities for “Kitchen Kids” and a large dining area and pop-up restaurants in a double celebration of food and farming.”
Heading the celebrity chef line-up are TV favourite Rosemary Shrager (Friday) and spice king Tony Singh (Saturday), backed by a host of talented local chefs including Graeme Pallister (63 Tay Street) and Grant MacNicol (Fonab Castle). TV’s MasterChef Pro Champion 2014 Jamie Scott will also be cooking up a storm for show-goers. The Cookery Theatre, supported by Quality Meat
A range of pop-up restaurants featuring taster dishes from some of the area’s best loved eateries will allow visitors to sample delicious local produce cooked to perfection as they relax in the Show’s new POAP dining area.
“Perth Show has also introduced a Food Charter supported by QMS to guarantee the quality and source of meat used at the event,” explained Show secretary Neil Forbes.
“Launched earlier this year by leading Chef Tom Kitchin, the Charter will mean that –where possible –suppliers to the public catering and hospitality units at the event will be required to serve only locally-produced food such as quality assured Scotch Beef PGI, Scotch Lamb PGI and Specially Selected Pork.”
Chef Kitchin, whose cooking philosophy is “From Nature to Plate,” has a passion for using the finest, freshest Scottish seasonal produce in his Michelin star restaurant The Kitchin, as well as Edinburgh gastro pub The Scran & Scallie.
“My congratulations to all those involved in the Perth Show/Perthshire on a Plate Food Charter initiative,” he said.
“Scotland has a fabulous natural larder and it is a fantastic part of the country to showcase to the public all that farmers and local food producers, have to be proud of. I’m sure this year’s joint event will be a huge success and play a valuable role in improving consumers’ understanding of the care and attention to detail involved in the production of quality ingredients like Scotch Beef and Lamb.”
2016 will also see the re-introduction of showjumping at Perth Show on the Saturday afternoon with those magnificent animals and their riders clearing what look like impossible heights in a race against the clock.
“Perth Show last featured showjumping in 2001 and we are delighted to bring it back in response to overwhelming demand,” said Neil
“This is great entertainment for everyone and although unaffiliated this year, Perth Show is offering big prize money in a bid to draw some big names and we hope to secure BSJ qualifier status next year.”
Friday is also a day for horse followers with all-day judging of ponies and horses proudly shown by exhibitors ranging from tots to adults.
“We’re trying to create a wide and varied programme of entertainment, “ explained Neil.
throughout Perth and Perthshire competing against each other.
“And the first day’s programme will end with a Beer, Wine and Spirit Festival where teams can celebrate their achievements and visitors can sample a wide range of locally produced drinks.”
Saturday will commence with the judging of Heavy Horses, Cattle, Sheep, Goats and Donkeys. This year Perth Show is delighted to be hosting the 2016 Crystalyx National Jacob Sheep Show.
“The morning judging is completed with the Supreme Champions in the Heavy Horse, Cattle, Sheep and Goats classes –all competing for the Champion of Champions Trophy judged this year by Tom Paterson, Dunruchan, Muthill, who has been a tremendous supporter of Perth Show for many years and a very skilled and respected stockman,” said Neil.
“Perth Show presents a vast array of some very beautiful and historic silverware and visitors will be able to view the magnificent trophies on display on the Saturday.”
The afternoon entertainment commences with the spectacular display of animals in the Grand Parade of show winners. This will be followed by the hugely popular parade of vintage vehicles before the show jumpers trot into the main arena.
The two-day festival will draw to a close with the Show’s “Ceilidh In The Park”–another new dimension to the weekend’s entertainment for 2016.
“Perth Show attracts thousands of visitors each year,” said Neil. “This year’s show will continue to feature many of the traditional aspects of agricultural shows, valued by generations of farmers, as well as the new and exciting visitor attractions, including the Cookery Theatre and food and drink marquee.
“The two-day event promises lots to see and do –whether it be pouring over the latest state-of-the-art agricultural machinery, admiring the finest four-legged competitors, watching a celebrity chef in action, trying your hand on a challenging sideshow, enjoying hospitality at one of the many trade and business stands, stopping for a tasty bite or a brew at the Food Marquee, delighting in the show ring stars, shopping from the wide variety of goods and crafts or cheering on your favourite tug-o-war team,” enthused Neil.
“There’s something for all ages so get the date in your diary now (August 5th and 6th) and head to Perth’s South Inch for Perth Show 2016 –it’s bigger and better than ever!”
New Kubota Dealer
There was an Ayr-normous turnout for the Ayrshire Association Young Farmer Rally held at Ayr market last weekend.
Holehouse bred calves swept the boards in the beef ‘on the hoof’ section. Sean Kennedy of Overton Farm, Coylton lifted the Championship with ‘Bonnie’ a 13 month Charolais heifer he purchased for £1750.
Jacalyn Dunlop, Holehouse Farm, Ochiltree took out Reserve ‘on the hoof’ with a home bred Limousin heifer –‘Hawd yer Wheesht.’ True to Dunlop family form on the beef fatstock scene, she went on to lift the ‘on the hook’ Championship and
the FMC trophy. The heifer must have ‘held her Wheesht’ as the female pairing went on to win the best shown animal and the Polquairn Trophy for the Overall Limousin.
The surprise result of the day was the half hour Floral Arrangement Incorporating a Hat, with young blokes taking out both first and second places! James Gemmell of Mauchline YFC, pictured right took top spot with his stunning Top Hat - Hat Trick ensemble. John Crawford of Ayr YFC came second and Claire Templeton of Mauchline YFC was third.
The Scottish Association of Young Farmers’ Clubs have unveiled their new mental health campaign “Are Ewe Okay?” to an audience at Ayr Show in May. The association will focus on raising awareness of mental wellbeing over the next twelve months by encouraging rural youth to listen, talk and share.
The campaign launched by MSP John Scott, Jill Sloan from RSABI and SAYFC’s National Chairman Stuart Jamieson, officially started coinciding with the first day of Mental Health Awareness Week (16-22 May).
Mr Jamieson commented: “One in four people in Scotland will suffer from poor mental health at some point during their life. Everyone has mental health, it can be good, it can be less than good but everyone’s mental health is different as well as constantly changing, depending on many different aspects.”
He continued “SAYFC has 3500 members who are aged between 14 and 30 years old so there are
so many different life events and pressures going on during this period that can influence how they feel including education, relationships, employment, health and finance.”
9 out of 10 young people facing poor mental health said they received negative treatment from others with nearly half noting this happened monthly, weekly or daily.
Mr Jamieson said this was key to why, “Are Ewe Okay?” would be a focus for Scotland’s largest rural youth organisation. “This statistic is one of the reasons SAYFC has chosen to encourage those all-important conversations and break the stigma surrounding mental wellbeing. It’s about looking out for each other by taking the time to listen, offering a situation where someone feels confident enough to talk or by sharing information to aid our members. Everyone can get involved by just asking “Are Ewe Okay?”
The campaign will be delivered regularly through social media with the aim of specifically targeting the associations audience of young people living in Scotland's rural communities. By raising awareness of poor mental health triggers and conditions, the association hopes to aid members with the knowledge they need to recognise the signs, and how to seek help if someone is suffering.
Mr Jamieson concluded by highlighting the impacts of poor mental health across Scotland
“Scotland’s population continues to rise reaching the highest ever total in 2014 with the National Records of Scotland (NRS) estimating a population of over 5.3 million. We already know that one in four people in Scotland will suffer from poor mental health but to put it into context, more than 1.3 million individuals in Scotland will face mental health challenges during their lifetime. And at SAYFC, 25% of our membership equates to over 800 members. It is therefore more vital than ever that we raise awareness showcasing the help and support available whilst highlighting how others share the same mental health challenges.”
You can follow the campaign and pledge your support via the SAYFC website at http://www.sayfc.org/are-ewe-okay or keep up-to-date via social media using the #AreEweOkay?
by Rebecca Dawes
Enterprise Support for Entrepreneurs
Building on the Scotland CAN DO agenda, John Swinney, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Education, announced the collaboration between Converge Challenge, Scottish Institute for Enterprise (SIE) and Young Enterprise Scotland (YES) to deliver a step change in the quality and availability of enterprise and entrepreneurship education within tertiary (post-secondary) education.
The structured collaboration will focus on delivering optimum enterprise support for those in tertiary education in Scotland to develop the next generation of entrepreneurs and business leaders. A transparent offering that covers every stage of the educational journey whether at college or university making it easier for aspiring entrepreneurs to navigate what enterprise can best support them. The inclusive approach will retain the diversity of enterprise programmes available and ensure different levels are available to support new business ventures.
Converge Challenge, SIE and YES will work collaboratively:
- To inspire all tertiary education students to begin an entrepreneurial journey and develop a mind-set, behaviours and skills that can benefit them throughout their lives
- To encourage those students wishing to pursue an idea and assist in the refinement of their concept and introduce them to the wider entrepreneurial network
- To support those students aiming to start a venture with hands on help to enable the start-up
Travel With Nuffield
The Livestock Event is a chance for budding Nuffield Scholars to find out more about the study and travel opportunity of a lifetime in advance of the impending deadline for applications.
Sophia Hepple, 2015 Scholar, encourages prospective applicants to come along to the AHDB stand at the event, on 6 and 7 July, to find out more about the Nuffield experience and ask any questions they may have about the application process and the scholarship itself.
“The experience allows you to open your mind and discover different farming practices. You’ll get more that you could ever imagine out of the first-hand experience that Nuffield gives you.
“I originally applied after being encouraged to do so by two Scholars when they saw my passion for animal welfare. I thought it would be beneficial to my area of expertise and also to help maintain my status as an RCVS Specialist in animal welfare science, ethics and law.
“I was unable to take time off work for the Scholarship, so for me, it was a challenge to fit everything into my holidays. However the opportunity was absolutely worth it and I would
of an ambitious, profitable and sustainable business
- To streamline the enterprise support within tertiary education and increase efficiencies between each organisation
- To provide a transparent offering to students, colleges and universities
- To support Colleges and Universities in their efforts to provide enterprise education to students
- To create a pool of mentors from the alumni networks of each organisation
- To create a programme of joint events and case studies highlighting diversity of entrepreneurial journeys.
The partnership was announced at the first event between Converge Challenge, SIE and YES named 'Educational Journey of An Entrepreneur' at RBS Gogarburn, Edinburgh to an audience of 250+.
Hosted by BBC News home editor, Mark Easton, each of the collaboration organisations demonstrated how they support enterprise and entrepreneurship in education and discussed what needs to be done to encourage all students in Scotland to develop an entrepreneurial mindset and expand beyond the concept of starting a business.
Speakers on the day included: John Swinney, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Education; Dr Olga Kozlova, Director of Converge Challenge; Fiona Godsman, CEO of SIE; Geoff Leask, CEO of YES; and James McIlroy, CEO of EuroBiotix CIC, an award winning social enterprise tackling unmet clinical needs in
definitely recommend it to anyone thinking of applying. There will be challenges along the way but the experience is second to none.”
Sophia found that the Scholarship allowed her to develop as a person as well as professionally and she feels that she can now better relate to farmers.
“As a governmental veterinary advisor, I’m involved with farming every day, but farm visits are few and far between, so I often felt out of touch with farmers at a grassroots level.
“Thanks to my Scholarship I’ve gained a connection with farmers across the world and I returned from my travels with an in depth understanding of practises and ideas that can help improve the UK industry,” concludes Sophia.
If you are at the event, come along to find out more. The Nuffield team can be found on the AHDB stand.
Nuffield Farming are recruiting individuals aged between 22 and 45 with an established career that can demonstrate a passion for the industry they work in. The application deadline date for the 2017 Nuffield Farming Scholarships is July 31 2016.
microbiota therapy.
John Swinney, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Education said: "Our ambition is to be a world leading entrepreneurial and innovative nation – a Can Do place for business. There are excellent examples of how to encourage students to consider going into business for themselves but this innovative collaboration will increase these opportunities across Scotland. Together we can encourage greater entrepreneurial ambition and ensure that there is the practical enterprise support needed to properly nurture it."
Dr Olga Kozlova, Director of Converge Challenge, said: "We know that it takes time for those in education to mature into the enterprise space and to reach the stage where they are ready to apply for programmes like Converge Challenge. By working collaboratively we can support those in education at every stage of their entrepreneurial journey and create an inclusive approach that compliments the provisions of each of the partner organisations."
Fiona Godsman, Chief Executive of Scottish Institute for Enterprise, said: "Scottish Universities and Colleges are at the forefront of developing our ambitious and creative students. To be successful post education it is not just about having the knowledge of your chosen subject but to be able to demonstrate entrepreneurial behaviours whether running your own business or working within an organisation – this is what will deliver successful, profitable, sustainable companies.”
