BOOK – 200 Farmers of Scotland – NOW £15 when ordering direct
Every farmer has a story to tell This book covers the diverse range of Scottish farmers and crofters from those farming the rugged hills of the Highlands to the sandy loams of the Lowlands From owner occupiers, tenant farmers, share farmers, crofters, farm managers, starter farmers, to new entrants, farming from 10 acres to 31 000 acres – the people are as diverse as the landscapes and environment in which they work.
Scotland covers 7 8 million hectares, of that 5 7 million or 73% is farmland, or 79% if common grazing is included
This book has photographs of 200 farmers and interviews with 109 from across the country from Orkney to Berwick and Durness to Stranraer within its 288 pages It is available from the outlets listed opposite or direct from the author To order direct: drop an e-mail to Eilidh MacPherson at editor@farmingscotland com or private message on facebook – farmingscotland com for details
200 Farmers of Scotland is available at the following outlets:
AY R S H I R E
AYR – Carrs Billingon
DALMELLINGTON – Jet Petrol Station
GALSTON – Gibbs of Galston
TARFF - Dundonald
MAYBOLE – Cooshed
A R G Y L L S H I R E
CAMPBELTOWN – Old Bookshelf
LOCHGILPHEAD – Harbro
LOCHGILPHEAD – Argyll Book Centre
OBAN – Carrs Billington
F I F E
CUPAR – Cairnie Farm Shop
LEVEN – Blacketyside Farm Shop
ST ANDREWS – J & G Innes Ltd
ST ANDREWS – Balgove Farm Shop
PERTHSHIRE
MILNATHORT – Carrs Billington
PERTH – Carrs Billington
PERTH – Harbro
BORDERS
DUNS – Harbro
EARLSTON – Harbro
HAWICK – Harbro
JEDBURGH – Carrs Billington, Mounthooley
MELROSE – Masons of Melrose
PEEBLES – Harbro
PEEBLES – Whities
SELKIRK – Carrs Billington
SELKIRK – The Forest Book Shop
ST BOSWELLS – Tarff Valley
STOW – Post Office
ABERDEENSHIRE
FORDOUN – Castleton Farm Shop & Cafe
HUNTLY – Harbro
HUNTLY – Orb Bookshop
INVERURIE – Harbro
MINTLAW – Harbro
TURRIFF – Harbro
HIGHLANDS / MORAY
CORPACH – Harbro
ELGIN – Harbro
GRANTOWN – The Book Mark *
KINGUSSIE – Caberfeidh Bookshop *
NAIRN – Strachans of Nairn
THURSO – Caithness Livestock Breeders
ANGUS
BLAIRGOWRIE – East of Scotland Farmers
FORFAR – Harbro
KIRRIEMUIR – Peel Farm Shop
ISLANDS
ORKNEY – The Orcadian Bookshop
ORKNEY – Stromeness Books & Prints
SHETLAND – Harbro
ISLE OF BUTE – Print Point
ISLE OF SKYE – McIntyre’s Newsagents
ISLE OF SKYE – Tippecanoe
ISLE OF LEWIS – Lewis Crofters
ISLE OF HARRIS – Harris Tweed, Tarbert
ISLE OF SKYE – Harbro
ISLE OF NORTH UIST – Taigh Cheasabhagh
ISLE OF BENBECULA – MacGillivray's
ISLE OF MULL – Boots & Tackle
ISLE OF ISLAY – C&E Roy, The Celtic House
DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY
ANNAN – Carrs Billington
BEESWING – Loch Aurthur Farm Shop
CASTLE DOUGLAS – Tarff Valley
CASTLE KENNEDY – Tarff Valley
DUMFRIES – Tarff Valley
DUMFRIES – Kilnford Farm Shop
GLENLUCE – Tarff Valley
MOFFAT – The Moffat Book Shop
MONIAIVE – Watsons Grocers
NEW GALLOWAY – Cat Strand
RINGFORD – Tarff Valley
THORNHILL – Harbro
LOTHIAN
DALKEITH – Harbro
HADDINGTON – Kesleys Bookshop
PENICUIK – Carrs Billington
S QUEENSFERRY – Craigie's Farm Shop & Cafe
LANARKSHIRE
BIGGAR – Atkinson Pryce Bookshop
LANARK – Lawrie & Symington Country Store
CARLUKE – The Oven, Overton Farm Shop
CENTRAL SCOTLAND
BALLOCH – Carrs Billington
BLAIRDRUMMOND – The Smiddy
GARTOCHARN – Post Office
LOCH LOMOND – Auchentullich Farm Shop
STIRLING – Harbro
STIRLING – Carrs Billington
IRELAND
CO ANTRIM, Cushendall – Glens Farm Supplies *
ARMOY, BALLYMONEY – Glens Farm Supplies
BALLYMENA – Glens Farm Supplies
MARTINSTOWN – Glens Farm Supplies
ENGLAND
CARLISLE – Bookends
HARKER – Laings of Harker
KESWICK – Bookcase
LONGTOWN – Tarff Valley
48 22
Editor
WEilidh MacPherson
e are meant to be coming out of Europe, but it feels like the Europeans are still calling all the shots with the Irish borders and export rules
As Blackface sheep farmers it is a huge worry Trade with Northern Irish breeders has been buoyant over the past few decades and with the new Scrapie testing it could be game over
On a brighter note a vaccine for Covid is a welcome move, hopefully resulting in a lift of restrictions in time for next seasons shows and sales!
With no overseas travel this year and jaunts of any kind few and far between, we enjoyed a night away at the Fort William tup sale and an interview on the Isle of Lismore the following day It was our ‘holiday’ this year
the Buffalo Farm What an inspiring young guy Steve Mitchell is and his crowd-funding story makes interesting reading – pages 24-33 He may be the third Mozzarella cheese producer in Scotland, but he is certainly the first for Buffalo Mozzarella!
We have a new machinery section this issue, compiled by Chris McCullough of Northern Ireland It will now be a regular section
Anyone taking up or renewing a subscription this issue will be in with a chance of winning a Gressingham Duck Cook book. Celebrating 50 years of production, the cookbook offers tips and some great recipes We are now duck converts!
Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas and New Year
Eili dh 18
Other days away included a visit to
Eilidh MacPherson Editor/publisher farmingscotland com Magazine
Marbrack Farm
Carsphairn
Castle Douglas DG7 3TE
016444 60644 0797 7897867
www farmingscotland com farmingscotland com on facebook
AHDB Launches on-farm Carbon Footprinting
The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB)’s Farm Excellence network will launch its first wave of on-farm carbon footprinting this month.
Chosen to represent a range of regions, systems and sectors, a total of 40 strategic and monitor farms will be the first to be assessed to determine their carbon footprint
The assessments will be carried out by SAC Consulting and ADAS between November 2020 and March 2021, with results leading to bespoke mitigation measures in detailed carbon action plans
Dr Jonathon Foot, AHDB’s Head of Environment explains, “The assessments are essentially the gathering of information – to identify and quantify all activities or inputs on farm that come with a carbon footprint This can be anything from diesel, electricity, feed and fertiliser and so on.
“Once this is established, we can then calculate the carbon to output ratio, i.e. how much carbon is being emitted per
unit of output This will then be assessed or benchmarked to determine where savings lie and a bespoke plan created
“Mitigation activities for arable could be as simple as changing cultivation routes to save on fuel or manure application times to optimise nutrient absorption For livestock, growth rates are one of the biggest carbon savings ”
Tim Isaac Director of Knowledge Exchange at AHDB said that farmer input and actions are where the success lies
“Implementing changes on farm can sometimes be a challenge and concerns are often raised about cost implications and wider impacts on productivity However, evidence generally points towards ‘better for the environment equals better for businesses’ so there are potentially benefits to be had all around
“The key part of these assessments will be the identification of the specific measures the individual farms can take – while some will be unique to each one, we also expect some common themes to emerge. This will allow us to develop
Professor Ian Toth was awarded the British Potato Industry Award 2020 in recognition of his invaluable contribution to the potato industry over the past 25 years
The prestigious lifetime achievement award was presented by AHDB Potatoes Chair, Alison Levett, as part of the Potato Industry Conference 2020, which was delivered via a virtual event held on 24th November
Professor Toth is a senior scientist and the Director of Scotland’s Plant Heath Centre at the James Hutton Institute in Dundee, Scotland where he has been undertaking plant health research for over 25 years, focusing his efforts on both strategic and applied research. This has brought him into regular contact with UK and devolved governments, the public and industry to whom he regularly presents his work He also discusses potential solutions to pests and pathogens, particularly in regard to potato blackleg disease Professor Toth continues to be a cornerstone and leader of the internationally recognised plant health
work at the James Hutton Institute and is a globally recognised potato bacterial disease expert
Presenting the award, Alison Levett said: “Mention the phrase potato disease and Ian Toth’s name quickly comes into the discussion I an was trained under Michel Pérombelon at the Scottish Crop Research Institute but quickly became the “go-to-person” in the potato industry for all things blackleg and soft rot related and has more recently been working with the industry on a long term strategy to control PCN
“Through a series of rigorous scientific studies and an innate ability to collaborate, particularly with industry, Ian became the Head of the Weeds, Pests and Pathogens theme at the James Hutton Institute In this position he was responsible for delivering solutions for controlling blackleg throughout the potato supply chain and extending this knowledge into other potato bacterial diseases His position at the interface of the science and industry sectors has recently been recognised by the award of Director of Scotland’s Plant Health
The first cohort of farms will consist of 13 cereal and oilseed growers, 10 beef and lamb producers, 10 milk producers, 4 pork producers and 3 potato growers. The initial wave offers a springboard for more activity to be launched under the new five year AHDB strategy being published later this year
Moving forward, environmental sustainability will be a key strategic focus area, especially with ELMS payments on the horizon and the industry’s aim to be carbon neutral by 2050
Tim added: “Farmers and growers have a unique opportunity to be part of the solution to tackle climate change The actions we take as an industry have the potential to make a real impact in the national ambition to be carbon neutral by 2050.”
For more information on AHDB’s farm Excellence platform visit ahdb.org.uk/farm-excellence
Potato Industry Award Winner
Centre of Expertise This centre is funded by the Scottish government to help co-ordinate plant health knowledge, skills, needs and activities in Scotland including at the industry academia interface He was recently awarded £2M by BBSRC, NERC, Defra and Scottish Government to lead a Bacteria Diseases Initiative grant on blackleg, the most damaging bacterial plant pathogen in the UK
“Professor Ian Toth’s prominent position in potato disease is unrivalled in the UK academic-industry interface and I am delighted that he is the recipient of this year ’ s award.”
He obtained his PhD from Warwick University in 1991 on potato blackleg disease, and has since worked on plant diseases in agriculture, forestry and horticulture, as well as with soil microbes and microbial biotechnology, the latter with Novo Nordisk in Denmark Professor Toth is also an honorary Professor at the Forestry and Agriculture Biotechnology Institute (FABI) at the University of Pretoria, South Africa case studies and share practical tips and learnings widely through our knowledge exchange activity ”
Alocal couple have been chosen to take over Uppercleuch Farm –366-acres, on the Applegirth Estate in Dumfries & Galloway
Stuart and Chloe Graham have secured a tenancy through an agreement with Crown Estate Scotland, following a rigorous tendering process with a large number of high calibre applicants
Uppercleuch Farm sits in a prime location, near Lockerbie and became available for lease following the retirement of a long-standing tenant Crown Estate Scotland, working with managing agents Savills, then placed the farm on the open market, inviting detailed submissions for a 10-year lease of the farm, with a hope of attracting applications from young or new entrants to tenant farming
The Grahams impressed the selection panel (consisting of Crown Estate Scotland, Savills and an independent expert) with their forward thinking plans for the farm and the potential to diversify income over the coming years to adapt to the ever-changing face of Scotland's farming sector
These plans include opening the farm up for 'public experience days' to offer the public an insight into the workings of a successful livestock farm and helping to promote education both of sustainable food production and ways to encourage more people into farming.
Fiona Simpson, Asset Manager for Crown Estate Scotland, said: "We had a number of excellent applications for this farm, but ultimately we felt that the Grahams would be an ideal fit and that their exciting plans for the future could really help unlock Uppercleuch's potential
"We were also delighted to be able to offer this tenancy to a young couple as their first farm tenancy, as we seek to continue supporting Scotland's tenant farming sector We're excited to work with the Grahams in the years to come, and look forward to seeing how they
can create new opportunities "
Stuart Graham said: "To be chosen as tenants at Uppercleuch means the world to us Over the past seven years we have built up stock numbers on rented and seasonal ground while actively looking for a tenancy such as this. It will be great to have all our stock in one place and grow a successful business from there All the hard work and travelling around has paid off
"We feel incredibly lucky to be given this opportunity as they don't come around very often, even more so with our first child on the way it's a great place to be raising a family Not coming from a farming family as such, it's great that Crown Estate Scotland are giving new entrants and young farmers the chance to get a good foothold in the industry We can't wait to get started "
The selection is an indication of Crown Estate Scotland's continuing commitment to the Scottish Government's New Entrants to Farming initiative. You can find out more here: https://www.gov.scot/policies/agriculture-careers/new-entrants-to-farming/
Scottish Venison Funding Injection
The Scottish Venison Association can announce that it is receiving £50k funding support from the Scottish Government to help maintain supply chains, raise awareness and increase visibility and purchase of Scottish venison products through a tactical campaign starting in December
The funding, being delivered through SAOS and Scotland Food & Drink, is the first project to come through the new industry-led Food and Drink Recovery Plan for Scotland's farming, fishing and food and drink sector announced last week
The funds are vital in supporting the wild venison sector particularly through the main period of the hind cull Over 100 000 deer are culled annually in Scotland (all species red, roe, sika and fallow) with the majority going into the human food chain. The cull is essential to manage wild deer and keep numbers in balance with the environment, habitat and biodiversity and for deer welfare
The resultant venison, a healthy protein and among the healthiest of all red meats, has a loyal following among consumers and is becoming increasingly widely available across the UK
Market data shows that venison sales through UK retail/grocery remain
strong, increasing by 10 percent (year to September 2020) but the restaurant, catering and hospitality sector has been decimated by COVID-19 restrictions with a consequential impact right back down the supply chain Local sales and mail order have been growing but not enough to compensate for lost restaurant and other food service sales Export orders have also been hit hard by Brexit uncertainty
The £50k online campaign through Edinburgh and London based agency The Gate has been developed to support all channels of trade and both wild and farmed venison supply Targeting predominantly London and SE England and Scotland, it will run from December into the New Year Complementary to this, and an essential part of the mix that will dramatically increase the campaign's promotional value and impact, is an upswing in PR and online activity from all elements of the sector
Bill Bewsher, Chairman, the Scottish Venison Association, says: "We are grateful to the Scottish Government for this support They have recognised that the damage from COVID potentially goes right back to our landscape, our hills and woods where, if the cull fails, the set-back for management and the
environmental consequences will be serious.
"Our approach is one of encouraging the consumer to try, to buy, and to buy more venison; to seek venison out and hopefully commit not just for now but for the future In that way this campaign works not just in response to the current crisis but in moving Beyond the Glen, the strategy for the Scottish Venison sector to 2030, forward
"It's vital also that all in our sector up their game with regard to PR and engagement on social media to amplify the Scottish venison message It isn't a silver bullet, but we hope can assist in keeping supply chains moving for this season
"The return of the restaurant, hospitality and events sectors will come, and that is crucial, and the sooner the better for all concerned – but we cannot wait for that before taking action."
John Davidson, Strategy and External Relations Director, Scotland Food & Drink, said: "This a great opportunity to showcase our quality Scottish venison to consumers across the UK and I am delighted that our Recovery Plan is already having a positive impact at a critical time for our venison sector "
Daylight Study Reveals How Animals Adapt Between Seasons
Scientists have discovered how a biological switch helps animals make the seasonal changes crucial for survival, such as growing a warm winter coat and adjusting body temperatures
The findings reveal how the brain responds to short and long days to allow animals to adapt to changing conditions and governs vital behaviour such as breeding cycles
Researchers say the study in sheep could help explain the timings of seasonal adaptations in a number of species such as birds, reptiles and mammals
The body’s internal clock choreographs cycles in hormone levels and affects traits such as sleep and hunger. These alter over the course of the day – known as circadian rhythms –and are influenced by genetics.
Similar rhythms are also seen seasonally, but until now it was unclear how genes play a role in the biological changes that fluctuate between winter and summer
Researchers led by the Universities of Edinburgh and Manchester studied an
endocrine gland attached to the brain called the pituitary gland in sheep experiencing short or long lengths of day.
Brain tissue was analysed for gene activity across time, allowing scientists to observe the biological processes that happen in response to different day lengths
They found that one of two possible biological mechanisms is activated within the pituitary gland depending on whether the day is long or short
In summer when nights are long, the brain generates hormones that cause a cascade of gene activity leading to biological characteristics associated with summer
When nights are short in winter, the switch is flipped – night-time hormones are released for longer, triggering biological processes linked to winter.
The study found that in the sheep brain, both processes involve a circadian gene known as BMAL2, which is found in many animals but whose role in the seasonal clock was previously unknown
The study, published in Nature
Communications, was funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council.
The Roslin Institute receives strategic investment funding from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council and it is part of the University of Edinburgh’s Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies
Professor Simone Meddle, who co-led the research from the University of Edinburgh’s Roslin Institute, said: “Fluctuations in hormones and behaviour are part of a delicate biological orchestra that is crucial to life Many animals depend on seasonal changes in their biology to survive and our findings are a crucial part of the puzzle to understand the underlying processes. ”
Professor Andrew Loudon, who co-led the study from the University of Manchester, said: “The genetic ‘flip-flop’ timer we have identified is key to functions such as fertility as sheep transition between winter and summer We speculate that this genetic timer is likely to be fundamental to yearly changes in many species ”
Border Changes Causing Problems by Aileen
MacFadzean
In the wake of Brexit, changes to the import rules into Northern Ireland are going to have serious implications for sheep farmers in GB, especially in Scotland As from the 1st January as agreed within the Northern Irish protocol that Northern Ireland will be the same status as the EU for importing various goods including animals, if this does go ahead it will have disastrous effects on our sheep industry in both Scotland and Northern Ireland, especially for the Blackface breed
At the moment if you want to import sheep into NI they must be tested free from MV or be from an MV accredited flock, as well as various other diseases that the vet must confirm that are not on the farm
After 1st January, the animals must go on a different Export Health Certificate (EHC), which is the same going into any country in the EU The main changes to the health requirements are now that the sheep must come from a scrapie monitored flock or must be ARR/ARR genotype. There are only 200 flocks within GB and very few in Scotland that are Scrapie monitored and none are Blackface flocks Under our current Scrapie monitored scheme rules, run by SRUC, it takes three years for a flock to become classic Scrapie monitored and seven years for atypical Scrapie
There have been circa 9000 breeding sheep exported to NI this year, mostly
from Scotland and the majority are Blackface sheep, bought through both the Auction marts and privately The value of these sheep will be in the region of £1 8Million, this is a huge loss not only to the Scottish hill farmers that rely on this trade as one of their main income streams, but to our whole economy. This figure does not include the 1000’s that are exported for slaughter or further finishing
A lot of our Northern Irish members earn their income almost exclusively from their sheep enterprise as most of their farms are small hill farms and are unsuitable for other enterprises To keep the Blackface gene pool as diverse as possible many of them buy replacement rams, breeding ewes and ewe lambs from Scotland
There are two issues that we have advised our members that must be dealt with immediately if these new rules are enforced The ewes and tups still in Scotland must be imported home before the 1st January. The other more serious issue is the ewe lambs that are still in Scotland. There may be up to 7000 ewe lambs purchased by NI breeders wintered in Scotland, which have cost many thousands of pounds As the rules stand, they can’t go into NI until after the 1st January and if the new rules come into force they will have to be Scrapie monitored or ARR/ARR, which they will not be, so therefore will not be eligible to import
This will become a welfare issue as
many of these ewe lambs are wintered on dairy farms When these agreements expire the ewe lambs will need to be removed and the owners of the animals will have nowhere to move them to if they cannot import them into NI. Even if suitable longer term grazing can be arranged there will be no one to look after their day to day issues such as problems caused by parasites and possible fly strike and the resultant health problems associated with these issues
We have highlighted these issues to all the relevant stakeholders in the UK and contacted the Ministers of Agriculture and head Vets in Scotland and Northern Ireland and asked as a matter of urgency that they grant a derogation of the new rules The NSA representatives and the National Farmers unions in each country are also lobbying hard for a solution to be found to this problem
There have been meetings at the highest level regarding the changes that are to be implemented, but to date I have not yet heard an outcome.
This is only one of the many changes to exporting goods to Northern Ireland that were agreed within the Northern Irish protocol that are going to affect many businesses in the country Having picked up that there are changes to the Export Health Certificate has given us time to endeavour to get it changed but many other types of businesses do not know what is in front of them
Nomination for Craigies
Craigies Farm Shop and Café have been announced as finalists in the 'Large Farm Shop' category in a national awards competition which celebrates the best in the farm retail industry
Organised by the Farm Retail Association (FRA), the Farm Retail Awards are the only awards to be judged by fellow farm retailers and celebrate the best farm shops, farm cafés and restaurants, farmers' markets and trade suppliers in the country.
The announcement comes as Craigies, based just outside Edinburgh in South Queensferry, anticipate their busiest Christmas yet, with customers new and old excitedly planning special family gatherings after an unprecedented year When Covid-19 struck, Craigies pivoted to offer an enhanced online delivery and click and collect service for their customers, with their café and pick your own
introducing an online booking system
This is the second shortlist for Craigies in the Farm Retail Awards, as they were also announced as finalists in the 'Pick Your Own' category earlier this year.
Craigies owner, John Sinclair, said: "To be shortlisted for not one, but two awards this year is a phenomenal feeling Despite the challenges we've faced, the whole Craigies team have worked incredibly hard to ensure we can still offer the best experiences to our customers this year, whether that's in our farm shop, café, or out in the PYO fields "
Chairman Rob Copley said: "We wish every finalist in the Farm Retail Awards the very best of luck This year
Mole Valley Farmers Support Curling
especially, farm retailers have helped to keep the nation fed, offering easy access to fresh, nutritious and affordable British food
"Run by local families for local families, supporting local farmers and local jobs, farm shops are at the beating heart of communities across the country We hope customers keep coming back to support them and local farmers for years to come "
Farm retailers play a crucial role in the rural economy, providing welcome support for thousands of independent suppliers, from family farms to artisan makers
The winners will be announced on Wednesday 3rd March 2021 at a virtual awards ceremony.
While her parents (above) are up for a national award, Sophie Sinclair (far left) is a Scottish Curling success
Mole Valley Farmers is pleased to continue support for British Curling for a fourth year by sponsoring Team Aitken, one of the UK’s leading Women’s curling teams
Team Aitken comprises, skip and Third stones Gina Aitken; Lead stones Sophie Sinclair, Second stones Mili Smith and Fourth stones, Rebecca Morrison. The team train at the National Curling Academy at Stirling University and individual team members are selected by British Curling, a Scottish Institute of Sport programme
Team Aitken has close links to the farming community with Gina Aitken and Sophie Sinclair coming from near Edinburgh; Mili Smith from Perth and Rebecca Morrison from Aberdeen
Eggspanding in the Borders
Well what a busy few months it has been since I last sat down to write this column, so much has happened that I have had to go by the photos on my phone to remember it all!
I touched upon Frasers Farm Shop the last time and it’s probably best to give the background to it
For years we have had an honesty box at the road end and it started to get busy in March just before lockdown, it was becoming apparent that the shelves were bare of food and people were scared to go out
We had an Organic shed just coming into lay and I thought donating a few trays of pullets eggs to the local village was the right thing to do. Well, as ever, we don’t do things in small way and by
the time we finished, 650 trays had been hand delivered to every household east of the farm to the Border, around 17 000 eggs and it really brought our team together doing a good deed during a worrying time
What I didn’t think of was that the people who received a free tray would then all come and buy another!
The road end hut went mental, we couldn’t keep up and sadly we were experiencing a bit of theft. We had previously dismissed vending machines as hassle but it became clear we were going to have to do something, if only to create a bit off the road so cars could park safely A chainsaw and some skip rubble and we were off. A trailer load of wood, some insulation and a door completed “Frasers.”
We located and purchased a second hand vending machine, quickly followed by two more, one of which was chilled and built up the stock to now include eggs, potatoes, cakes, cold drinks and vacuum packed beef and pork from local farms.
Fairly early on, we noticed that people were asking for contactless payment and made the decision to purchase a new machine with a touch screen and contactless. This arrived in August and has been a great success. It has allowed us to provide a safe place for people to come and shop without being in contact with others The only downside is that not everyone can work a touchscreen and it has also proven that I am not built to work with the public. Jenny, who used to work in the local
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pub and is in charge of the shop and social media and also now deals with the customers
Progress on the new chicken shed continued throughout Covid and I must again take the time to thank all the people and businesses that helped during the construction Our guys learnt what a screener and a crusher were, processing 10 000 tons of rubble we had accumulated on farm from a local skip business and another 3000 tons on a farm 4 miles south My beloved Doosan loading shovel saw some action until the engine let go!
Sourcing concrete was a struggle but we eventually got the foundations poured and steel stood The floor was poured in 2 days early July and the
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equipment arrived the next day –precision timing
Organised chaos ensued and we stocked the shed on the 1st October with 16 week old birds as planned.
Just in time for the online “Teams” meeting with the Scottish Borders Council Planning Committee If you remember, we were in planning for two more free range sheds which we applied for in March 20.
These are on land we acquired last year from a neighbour and is ideal for the sheds It’s 800m from the nearest dwelling, has water and power and good access. Most importantly, it’s in a natural depression so we don’t have to move massive amounts of soil to screen them this time
We were quietly confident, in the middle of a pandemic, on the edge of a possible massive recession that the Committee would carefully read the planners report, which was recommending for approval because every statutory consultee was in support
If then they had only listened to Angela’s 6 minute speech to them that mentioned that there have been no complaints against the businesses here on farm, how we have just spent £500 000 on labour building the one we have just finished and now employed people to work within it and decide to
subsequently approve the sheds with the string of planning conditions that were attached to them?
Nope, after an hours’ worth of online debate about how the loss of prime agricultural land, the view and the ecology of the area would be affected, they voted to refuse them both!
Last time I checked, poultry farming was defined as agriculture, the landscape officer gave her support as did the ecologist.
So it’s back to Government Appeal we go, a reporter will be employed, paid for by the Scottish Borders Council (read the taxpayer) to look at the dubious reasons for refusal and to see if they fit with policy.
It was and still is a bitter pill to swallow but it’s not the first time and may well not be the last Time will tell if common sense prevails!
There have been lots of other things happening; Fraser is now 18 months, running about, biting the dogs tail etc and I have made a “strategic” investment in an old school JCB Fastrac It is lying at the dealers at the moment and I await the “ you have bought a scrapper from Euro Auctions” phonecall. Angela will be the first to say I told you so!
Hope everyone is keeping sane throughout this trying time, if you are, get some chickens and some staff, quickest way I have found to go insane.
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The Trials of These Techy Times
How are you all coping with the tech of today?
Wednesday 18th November, Agriscot 2020 at Westwood Lane firstly involved moving 2 daughters and their laptops to one end of the kitchen table Finding the iPad and its charger was next, followed by closing Candy Crush and remembering (or in our case requesting) a new password to register for the event before eventually finding the session on woodland that we were interested in
We then tried, but failed, to maximise the picture on the already small screen. Sending a question on the chat was out of the question because as daughter no 2 commented, beyond our capabilities
Fifteen minutes in and family chat, comments on the speakers and further technical difficulties made it virtually impossible to concentrate on the actual session
And technology still hadn’t finished with us yet as Alan added a fourth screen to the kitchen table, the Farmers Eye calving camera, which was purchased following a visit to Agriscot 2019
Cow number 60 was starting to calve so in zoned the camera, all was going great, until cow number 22 moved to view the proceedings and block our view!! Panic set in as Alan tried to look round 22 on the screen, shouting get out of the B****Y way to no avail
Next, we saw him scramble over the web of charging cables attached to the
said screens and sprint down the yard to the calving shed to ensure the bag was not over the head of the new born
Luckily all was well, and Alan returned to Agriscot At this point, he decided to abandon the woodland session and browse the virtual stands. Dreaming of a new Massey Ferguson, he clicked on the video and demanded silence Hysteria quickly followed when he claimed the iPad sound was rubbish and we had to explain that it was in Italian!
The virtual world has also brought a whole new language to the family chat Alan and I are always entertained and interested with the social goings on with our 3, 20 something daughters Now this COVID crisis has hit them particularly hard. No young farmers, no university as they knew it, in fact no social life
All 3 girls are single, so as concerned parents, we thought we should investigate how you digitally find Mr Right. Number 3 daughter was quizzed over lunch
First you visit Tinder, Hinge, or something to do with fish, then you start “speaking” on Zoom, Instagram, Facetime or Snapchat. The relationship then moves to “seeing,” which you can only do, under current restrictions, if you and “the one ” are living alone
Relationships are followed by, your status and once “exclusive” you are in our day “dating” although as she reminded us, there is nowhere to go on a
face to face date Where it goes from here, well who knows, the girls were invited to watch the wedding of fellow young farmers, as the guest numbers were limited to family. Could we be looking at virtual weddings, where the bride and groom have never physically met? Who knows, could there be virtual babies?!!
The answer for me is NO, we are animals and we need physical contact. This is highlighted when you see the ridiculous prices people are paying for cats, dogs, horses, even guinea pigs
Recently on social media, I have noticed that instead of seeing where my friends are walking or what they are eating for dinner, we are now posting pictures of our beloved pets or cute new farm arrivals Daughter no 2’s friends even gave her goldfish for her birthday. Again, I count my lucky stars that as farmers we are spared the loneliness of having no humans, pets or otherwise to talk to
Pondering this situation, I opened the iPad to set about starting some Christmas shopping. I always challenge myself to buy from local crafters, from charity shops or make gifts for family Last year I gave time, planned a cycle with my nephew, a holiday with my sister, a picnic ride with my niece, a glider flight with Mum.
2020 is going to be tough, as what so many of us will be wishing for this Christmas is friendship, time with family and a good old fashion cuddle.
Katie Brisbane Westwood Lane Carse of Stirling
As we plan ahead for a post pandemic world and we pivot from crisis to recovery, it is clear that lockdown has had a profound impact on consumer behaviours spanning how we live, work, shop, learn and spend our downtime.
Will this deliver permanent shifts in consumer preferences and buying behaviour? It is difficult to tell at this stage, but for now what’s clear is that we ’ ve moved to a new way of living, working and socialising. From Zoom get-togethers to Netflix bingeing and exercise that is more likely to be taken in front of the TV than at the gym
On the face of it, this shift might seem inconsequential to farm businesses as work, for the main, has continued as normal dictated by the farming calendar However, on closer inspection, the impact is very stark and very real
According to research by Ipos MORI on behalf of the Syngeta Group, almost half of large EU farmers (46%) say their farming businesses have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic with a third (32%) of large EU farmers questioning the long term viability of farming as a business.
A decline in revenue/sales (57%) and disrupted supply chains and shortages (51%), while costs of inputs such as machinery, chemicals, seeds and feed have increased, with nearly half (48%) of large EU farmers believing more farms will fail over the next 2-3 years as a consequence of the COVID pandemic
For farm businesses that have diversified, the impact has been more immediate with lockdown leading to the virtual closure of the tourism and hospitality sector While there will no doubt be casualties, there have also been examples of businesses who have not only survived, but thrived during this time. Represent client, Craigies Farm Shop near Edinburgh runs a thriving café, deli and pick-your-own events business As Covid-19 took grip, the Sinclair family’s fields were already planted with produce they would sell in the shop and use in the café menus.
It quickly became apparent that it was no longer business as usual and Craigies had to adapt and quickly, in order to endure Under owner John Sinclair’s directorship, the businesses pivoted to an online business model transforming a limited online offer to a full click and collect and grocery delivery service, with hundreds of products available online including take-away meals and afternoon teas.
The digital transformation of the
business allowed not only the shop and deli to continue to operate, the website also enabled Craigies to manage its events business within strict social distancing measures, with customers booking slots for pick-your-own fruit, pumpkins and soon, Santa breakfasts.
Another client, Rosebery Venues, also had to review how they could continue to market their events business during lockdown. The launch of their new wedding and private event venue –Rosebery Steading – came just as Covid struck Mass cancellation of bookings ensued and the team were pondering their next move Represent was commissioned to create film walkthroughs of the venue and online ‘visits’ to the venues
The Rosebery team also adapted their offering – by creating elopement packages for intimate weddings, which were marketed online attracting brides who were unable to be accommodated in their original venue This has proved very successful
Represent, working across numerous clients in the farming, food and rural industries, has seen first-hand how severely organisations in this sector have been impacted As the PR agency for the Royal Highland Show, the reality of the pandemic’s impact on the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland has been well documented. There is never a good time for a global pandemic but for RHASS, it could not come at a worse time as the Society was about to launch its new events space –the new members’ area – host the Society’s biggest income generator, the Royal Highland Show and enter into the charity’s busiest time for its events business Overnight £6M was wiped from RHASS’ income sheet and the result has been a major restructuring in the business, cost cutting on a grand scale and the launch of a major fundraising campaign, which is gaining traction as RHASS members dig deep to Save Your Show
O’Leary MD Represent Agricultural PR
While the financial impacts are very real, the personal impact of Covid-19 on the sector has been immense The deep sadness felt when we announced the cancellation of the RHS was palpable. This major event, which has been going for almost two hundred years during which time it has survived plagues, floods and animal disease, couldn’t continue this year, however RHASS directors rallied and celebrated the show online, bringing thousands of us together to capture at least some of what the ‘Highland’ means to many –celebrations, connections and memories that last a lifetime Plans for the 2021 show are well underway with a pre-Christmas ticket launch planned in the coming days
So, what are the opportunities for the sector as we emerge from what has been a very dark time? The coronavirus has undoubtably reinforced the importance of a robust food supply chain for many consumers with an increased focus on purchasing local produce Now more than ever, the provenance of our food has become a household issue and this is a real opportunity for farmers to make their mark in a post-pandemic world.
As our examples will show, clients with the robust digital tools already in place were able to act quickly and derive the most value out of the circumstances and in today’s world.
Farmers have throughout the ages demonstrated significant innovation, however the pace of change today can be overwhelming It might be better instead to focus on the opportunities that this new-found reconnection between consumer and producer presents for your business before considering how digital transformation can make that happen efficiently and effectively
As a sector, if Covid-19 has taught us nothing else it is that we, as producers, are in the best place to offer something that consumers want at this time, so let’s make this opportunity count for us, our businesses and our communities
Judith
Fat her & So n Neighbouring on Lismore
by Eilidh MacPherson
Following the Fort William tup sale, we took some time out and headed to the Isle of Lismore, where we caught up with Archie, aka ‘Skinny’ McGillivray and his son Calum. They farm independently on the Island.
Blessed with two days of amazing sunshine, we saw Lochaber and Argyll in their glory. Castle Stalker, initially a MacDougall stronghold, was majestically reflected in Loch Laich, an inlet off Loch Linnhe as we headed for Port Appin and the passenger ferry
The ten-minute crossing on the “Lismore” is the shortest route across to the 2351ha Inner Hebridean Island The car ferry leaves from Oban, taking fifty minutes to dock at Achnacroish Pier
Translating from the Gaelic – ‘Lois Mor ’ meaning ‘Great’ or ‘Big Garden’– it encapsulates the fertility of the limestone-based Island
Archie McGillivray, his son Calum (26) and grandson Christian (6) welcomed us on the slipway
Archie, universally know as ‘Skinny’ McGillivray was given special dispensation to leave school at 14 and study a correspondence course, so he could take on the family farm –Achuaran (300 acres)
“My father died when I ten and his sister Bella looked after things until I was old enough,” commented Archie, who was the eldest of four and used to run round checking the sheep in his lunch break at school
“It was hard to make a living back then,” added Archie, who worked with Clydesdales until the early Sixties
Back in the day, Archie worked hard on the farm during the week and headed off, in a wee VW, every Saturday to run hill races at Games across the country. He won the New Year race at Powder Hall, Edinburgh two years in a row, was champion 26 years running at the Tobermory Games, took out the mile at Peebles Common Riding and the won the mile and the half mile at Crieff
“I practiced hard, running every day on the Island ”
As with many small Scottish islands, farmers and crofters wear a variety of hats and ‘Skinny’ was no exception! Undertaker and taxi driver are two of
the roles he has taken over the years
“He bought a couple of tups at UA, Kildean, Stirling one year and took them home in the back of his black London taxi,” laughed Calum.
A contract with the Council to spread salt was a good earner, digger and tractor hire and contract sheep shearing are skills Archie has offered on and off the Island
“I remember shearing on the neighbouring Island of Shuna from 5am till 10pm and getting £1 for the day!”
The home farm – Achuaran (Field of Cream) – covers around 300 acres and has been farmed by the McGillivray
Farmer: Archie ‘Skinny’ McGillivray
Farming: Achauran, Point and Park Farm
Location: Isle of Lismore
Area: 500 acres owns 14 acre Island –Eilean Loch Oscair going on market soon
Cattle: 20 X Belgian Blue dairy cows run with Limousin bull
Sheep: 500 ewes: 460 Blackface ewes covered by BFL & 40 cross ewes put to a Beltex
Other: Holiday houses Owns an Island
family for over 100 years.
“My grandfather came from Mull and married my grandmother –a Carmichael from Lismore ”
Archie took on the management of Park and Point Farm, the northern tip of the Island, another 200 acres When the tenant died he rented it from his widow and then secured the tenancy in the Nineties
Archie’s youngest son, Calum, recently took on the tenancy of the 125 acre Stronacroibh (nose of the trees) holding, which is sandwiched between his two properties
“I remember selling lambs in Perth at MacDonald Frasers in the late 60’s for £65 for half bred ewe lambs,” said Archie, who changed from Cheviots crossed with the Border Leicesters in the late 70’s. “I felt like I wasn’t getting a good enough lambing percentage out of the Cheviots ”
Nowadays 460 Blackfaces graze the fertile coastal pastures of northern Lismore They are mated with Bluefaced Leicesters, with mule ewe lambs being sold at UA, Stirling and the wethers head through the ring at Oban and Dalmally “I buy in gimmers from Joe Coburn (sen) and Baillemeanoch Tups are from midlock, Ian Minto at Townhead and my brother Iain at Wester Bowhouse”
A Beltex joins forty cross ewes The
sheep now scan around 150% and with no four legged vermin – foxes or badgers on the island, the lambs lost between lambing and marking are minimal “The hoodie crow causes the most havoc ”
Geese have started to call Lismore home, year round, but unlike Islay, there is no payment on Lismore
Dogs are the biggest threat to livestock on this island haven In the summer the population can inflate ten-fold, from 190 local residents to nearly 2000 “Dogs on the loose can
cause absolute mayhem and chase sheep out into the sea ”
Archie has dropped his cattle numbers down significantlyto a more manageable score, in recent years He buys in dairy cross Belgian Blue in-calf heifers, to join his herd of 20+ cows, which produce good shapely, strong calves sired by a Limousin bull “I kept the heifers last year as I was changing the bull ”
“We don’t buy cattle from the East to take to the West as it takes a couple of years for them to get acclimatised to the tick But stock does well over here ”
Supplementary income is brought in from two steading conversion cottages –Point Steadings – positioned just past the Port Appin ferry. They both sleep six and are advertised on Airbnb and at unique-cottages co uk
Archie owns a 14-acre island, which has a registered croft on it – Eilean Loch Oscair He is planning to put it on the market in the near future
“Brexit is very wearing Europe has been very good to isolated places like this Westminster doesn’t look to rural areas – we might suffer another Highland Clearance,” he concluded
Young Calum McGillivray is in an enviable position – he took on a tenancy on a 125-acre farm when he was just 21
He has settled back on Lismore with his partner and their son Kristian (6) The farmhouse sits in a prime location, above the coastline, looking out over the Lynn of Lorn and the peaks of Glen Coe, Ben Cruachan and Ben Nevis
With only 12 farms and the rest small crofts, opportunities do not come up very often on Lismore.
“I received a New Entrants Grant from the government, which helped me stock the place and buy some basic machinery,” stated Calum
He bought in 140 Blackface ewes and gimmers from Lurg, Scuttoth, Ensay on Mull and the Merkins at Gartocharn Salers were his choice on the cattle front, purchasing ten heifers from Pat Boyd, Drumlea, Isle of Tiree and he bought a bull privately online during lockdown. “I bought it from Thomas Hunter, Upper Brydekirk Farm, Annan.
He sent through photos and videos of the bull It was a risk to take, but it was worth it Dad was so taken with him, he bought one as well ”
A Polaris ATV from Argyll Engineers and a set of RAPPA mobile sheep pens were also on the shopping list as well as some reseeding
“Dad ploughed it for me and Donald McCorkindale of Connel, came in with the seeder, sowing a Castlehill mix. I’ve had a lot of help from folk lending me discs and a roller and such like.
FARM FACTS
Farmer: Calum McGillivray
Farming: Stronacroibh
Location: Isle of Lismore
Area: 125 acres
Cattle: 10 Saler cows
Limousin bull
Sheep: 140 Blackface ewes
Other: Sheep shearing run Shorn in New Zealand
Fencing contractor
Five year tenancy initially
“The Island is very fertile and good stock rearing land Cooper deficiency and fluke will be the only other real issues apart from the tick.”
While Calum out winters his Salers, his father ’ s cattle are sent to the Buffalo Farm in Fife. Some of his hoggs are put onto a wee island – Eilean Drynoch for the winter
Following an NC and then the HNC in Agriculture at Oatridge, Calum started sheep shearing, initially working for his uncle Iain at Bowhouse Farm, Polmont Iain has run a sheep shearing contracting business, employing mainly Kiwis for many a year
Calum had an amazing opportunity shearing for 2017 World Champion and four times Golden Shears winner, Johnny Kirkpatrick, in Hawkes Bay, New Zealand and then down South at Milton “I was only managing 100 a day when I first went out, but by the time I left I was putting out 200 ewes or 250 lambs daily. I found lambs difficult as I am pretty tall. The pumice was pretty hard on your gear in the North Island ”
He has now taken over his uncle’s run, shearing around 5000 sheep with Euan MacKinnon, in and around West
Lothian He also has a run of 3000 sheep on the Isle of Tiree along with a local lad, so is away from home most of June and July “The music festival is on while we are there and there is a young farming community so it is good craic ”
“Lismore Show, mid July is a good social, but we are missing that this year. ”
In the winter months Calum is a contract fencer from December till lambing time and can be anywhere
during the week from Mull to Dunoon
“Ideally I would like to be on the Island full time for a better quality of life. We are thinking about more ways of diversifying, as there are so many tourists about and lots of walkers and cyclists.
“It is good that my Dad a neighbour so he can check my beasts when I am away and we work as a team and share machinery like old fashioned neighbouring,” added Calum
Buf falo Moz zarella
by Eilidh MacPherson
Fife Farmer, Steve Mitchell, who starred in ‘This Farming Life’ TV series, is almost good to go producing Buffalo Mozzarella, Ricotta and Ice Cream on his Kirkcaldy property.
Steve Mitchell’s quixotic quest to be the first in Scotland to produce Buffalo Mozzarella, Ricotta and Ice Cream is soon to be a reality. With his £2.5M investment – greenfield site dairy and cheese processing factory near completion and the first of the Buffalo being taken in to calve (previous page), production will begin in earnest in the New Year.
When quizzed whether he volunteered to appear on
‘This Farming Life’ TV programme, Steve responded: “No. It all happened rather quickly. I was at rugby training and a mate said his sister was producing the farming programme A couple had pulled out last minute and would I be interested in taking part?
That was on the Tuesday By Friday they were in the yard filming ”
Steve enjoyed the process “It was a great series and not difficult to do ” He thought the film crew were very professional, really flexible and understanding in that he was also running a business
“The second series was harder as the loss of our investor was tough We
didn’t try to hide it on screen ”
“Initially we had a agreed a 50:50 split with the investor. But once the Buffalo had been purchased, he declared he didn’t have the money – it was someone else’s – and was demanding a 75:25 split
“I had worked too hard to give away such a large share But we were lucky as the guy who had sourced the Buffalo in Holland managed to resell them on a rising market We had to sell at that juncture to keep the business afloat and take some pressure off It felt like doomsday at the time, but I learnt so much from that period ”
The downside was that Buffalo were £1000 per head more expensive when the Mitchells were ready to buy
Steve decided to try crowd funding to raise the money required to build his dream dairy and cheese processing plant. His lawyers at Addleshaw Goddard helped him devise unique terms and conditions for three levels of crowd funding: Supporters at £100, Founders – £1000 and Executives at £10 000 +
“It has been a huge learning curve and really exciting and I’m delighted to have raised over £850 000 in this way ”
“The worldwide success of the rural TV programme, combined with the loss of our investor piqued the interest of a retired businessman living on the Isle of Man He has a genuine interest in livestock and is much more suited than our last investor ”
07740 471423
The new investor has an equity share of the business and is mentoring Steve to the next level Steve feels he now has the right people around him to progress
“There is now added pressure to make the business work, to pay the investors back!”
The most popular sum invested by the public was in the £1000 bracket.
“They will get their name on the wall of the new dairy shed, a tour of the farm, a taste of mozzarella, a chance to name a buffalo, £100 of vouchers annual, which can be used in the farm shop, or coffee in the Bothy, or on merchandise, until their investment is paid off
“In reality it is not costing me 10% as we have a margin in our sales It cements our customer loyalty as they have bought into being part of the business and ideally will spend more than £100 per year ”
Steve reckons that he will have paid back the crowd funders in five years and his investor by year six
Steve’s Grandfather used to have a saying that ‘bankers were great with an umbrella when the sun is out, but take it away when it is raining!’ Steve agrees whole-heartedly With 600 crowd funders on his books and an investor in his corner, he feels a sense of reality that these people have bought into his dream and “believed in me I feel really focussed and much stronger ”
FPMC grant funding was sought for the new venture and a significant £576 000 towards the £2 5M investment was granted “The funding was towards the processing facility and the purchase of equipment ”
Steve hopes the factory is geared up to use more milk than he can produce and would like to persuade some other farmers to milk Buffalo and develop market product in the future
He already has strong relationships with some farmers supplying native beef to his butchery John Scott of Fearn, Tain supplies Shorthorn and Luing, while Peter Eccles of Carlaverock, Tranent provides Aberdeen Angus and Hereford Balburnie Estates is also a source of native beef “It makes buying a steak more interesting,highlighting the breeds and breeders,” commentated the young entrepreneur, who is developing a brand – Native Gold – for the traditional beef sold through his outlets
“They are all really passionate farmers and there is an amazing story to be told, championing traceability and environmental ethos. They all farm in line with what we believe in.”
Of course the USP – unique selling proposition – at The Buffalo Farm is Buffalo meat, but due to numbers, it only accounts for 15% of the sales and turnover “
The plan is to gradually build up a
FARM FACTS
Farmer: Steve Mitchell
Farm: Boglily and Clemtrie rented from Raith Estates and land rented from Uncle, 550 acres altogether
Location: Auchtertool, Fife
Buffalo: 100 beef Buffalo 80 milking Buffalo
Sheep: 100 Jacob ewes
Cattle: Building beef numbers
2 red Belted Galloways
10 Shorthorns
2 Highlanders
Shop: Sells meat at farm shop at Boglily
Coffee shop - The Bothy
Butchery at Craigie Farm Shop, South Queensferry
Butchery at Blacketyside Farm Shop, Leven
Sells to hotels and restaurants & website
Catering: Outside catering at shows and events
Staff: 70 full time
Other: £2 5M investment for dairy and cheese factory – part Crowd funded
Sells Shorthorn and Luing beef from John Scott, Fearn, Tain, AA & Hereford beef from Peter Eccles, Carlaverock, Tranent
Five delivery vans
Wife Sarah is a clinical psychologist Son Harry (1)
native beef herd on farm So far there are ten Shorthorns, two red Belted Galloways and a couple of Highlanders
On the lamb front, Mike Munro of Kinloch Farm, Ladybank has been supplying mainly Texel crosses With a view to selling more traditional lamb, Steve has recently invested in 120 Jacob sheep – a passion he shares with Mike
“My father had a beef herd, but died in an on farm accident when I was only 5,” shared Steve. “My Mum was a city girl and school teacher but was keen to keep me interested and encouraged me to follow my passion We had our own wee herd of 12 pedigree Simmentals until I left school ”
Steve’s Mum sadly passed away when he was just 15, but he went on to obtain a degree in Agriculture from SRUC in Edinburgh “The case studies and diversification projects gave me the tools I needed And I made friends for life and work with many of them today, like Tom Sanderson of Penderfeed and Stephen Caldwell of SC Nutrition ”
“My uncle, who had farmed in partnership with my father was very supportive and let me rent out the grazing land as he diversified into pigs and a butchery – Puddledub Pork. I helped and got a real buzz getting the feedback from the customers who were passionate about the product I feel that is one of the things missing from modern day farming ”
“I hadn’t initially intended to establish a butchery myself but to make it work and spread the cost to justify running vans and fixed costs it was needs must Chefs are interested when there is a range of buffalo, beef, lamb and pork,” he added
Before Covid hit, Steve employed fifty staff across his The Buffalo Farm business; on the farm, catering at shows and other events, the farm shop, The Bothy cafe and restaurant, the butchery and two satellite butchers at Craigie Farm Shop, South Queensferry and Blacketyside Farm Shop, Leven
Where other businesses were laying off staff right, left and centre The Buffalo Farm changed tack slightly and took on a further twenty people to keep up with demand
“Traditionally we were an event catering business It was the most profitable part of the outfit and kept us afloat Also fifty per cent of our sales were to hotels and restaurants in the Central Belt and Edinburgh – that disappeared overnight!”
“Miraculously our website literally saved us. Supermarket shelves were bare. The website went from taking £30 000 a month to £10 000 a day. Supplying it was a challenge!” he added.
Steve admits that the team were fantastic “We closed the Bothy and divided staff into three shifts – day, back and night, to help keep people separated
and also to be more efficient ”
Deliveries were going out seven days a week, with their own vans covering Fife, Stirling and Edinburgh Another two vans were hired and couriers were used UK-wide
“It was exciting and we learnt a lot about how to run a better business
Everyone was focussed and productivity improved. We have kept on the night shift. Day and back shift prepare the food and night team packs the orders for the five vans. The cardboard boxes are lined with sheep’s wool and are recyclable ”
With the huge rise in visitors to the website, the Buffalo Farm customer base has grown Last year they had 96 orders for Christmas by the 20th of November This year there were 790 on the 20th October and 1400 by mid November!
To cope with the Christmas rush the team have been making and freezing pigs in blankets, stuffing and such like in preparation “We are going to use the new factory for refrigerating and packing the orders pre delivery We are aiming to deliver 1500 orders in the local area between the 20th-24th December. We reduced the range on deliveries to simplify and make it possible as there are 1000 products on the normal range. ”
The Bothy opened in 2018 and normally serves breakfast, lunch and holds pop-up evenings Steve finds to hold onto good chefs, they need a
variety of opportunities to express their talent Future plans include using the Bothy as a venue for events tied in with a high-end farm and cheese tasting and factory tour Dinners with a courtesy minibus service and mid week steak nights are also planned
On the staffing front Steve has managed to secure an expert cheese maker from South America Juan’s grandfather pioneered Water Buffalo and mozzarella cheese making in Venezuela Steve feels lucky to have Juan (below right) and finds him fascinating company “One of the challenges is that there is very little written about Water Buffalo in our language, even although 16% of milk in the world comes from Buffalo!”
Project Manager for the cheese processing plant is a local Kirkcaldy man – Jim Ritchie He approached Steve after viewing the TV farming show
Near retirement age, Jim has had a career in cheese and yogurt-making using cows milk at Grahams and was interested in supporting the venture
Polish Eddie, who featured on This Farming Life, returned to his homeland so his son could attend school in his native tongue Pete Melville joined the farm team when Eddie left and he heads up the beef farming operation, while Adam, who recently returned to Scotland is the dairyman
During my visit the greenfield site, looking out across the Firth of Forth, shrouded in mist, was a building site Farmfit and Dairyflow were kitting out two state of the art purpose built wooden clad sheds, erected by Robinsons Agricultural internally, with all the mod cons for comfort and ease of handling of the buffalo Luxurious Kraiburg mats, GEA electric brushes, collars, IAE segregation gates and a
tandem, four aside parlour, so milking time is not dictated by the slowest animal, all in the mix
Next door is the spacious cheese factory, with milk pasteuriser and shining new machinery awaiting action in the New Year
India and Pakistan produce about 80% of all buffalo milk worldwide, followed by China, Egypt and Nepal Dairy buffaloes are also found in the Mediterranean, specifically in Italy, where their milk is mainly used to make cheese
Buffalo milk has a high protein and fat content, which gives it a rich and creamy texture perfect for producing cheese and ice cream. “Less buffalo milk is required, with a 25% yield for mozzarella, compared to 11% from cows milk,” shared Steve, who has already had great interest from several large retailers
Our expert team have over 15 years experience working at the heart of the industry and have created bespoke agricultural sheds for some of the largest farming operations in the UK. Get in touch today to begin your Robinsons journey and make your visions become a reality.
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Brown Swiss at Beyond the Burn
With subsidy removal looming, one organic Dumfriesshire dairy farming family already have their diversification in full swing and plans afoot for opening a farm shop.
Having been taken out in Foot & Mouth the Lochhead’s decided it was a good time to change breed and following three days of viewing cows in Germany and Switzerland they restocked with pedigree Brown Swiss in-calf heifers They were mainly purchased from small herds in the Alpine regions of Bavaria and some from Switzerland
“When quotas came in, my brother cross bred with some Brown Swiss cows as they had good feet and higher protein in the milk So we had knowledge and experience of the breed,” stated Gavin Lochhead who farms Beyond the Burn Farm, Mouswald, Dumfries in partnership with his wife Jane and their son Jonny
Gavin’s grandfather moved from a dairy at Milngavie, Glasgow to Beyond the Burn in 1920, so the family are celebrating 100 years and four generations on the property this year
In 2012 a new dairy complex was built on the neighbouring farm from the original dairy steading “The old steading was next to the village and there was no room for expansion ”
Son Jonny was keen to name the new greenfield site ‘Kedar Barns ’ The main cattle shed (pictured on page 36) can comfortably house 220 cows in matted cubicles A viewing platform for visitors, a toilet and staff room are positioned above Calving cows and show potential cattle are housed in an adjacent building
FARM FACTS
Farmer: Gavin, Jane & Jonny Lochhead
Interviewing: Gavin Lochhead
Farm: Beyond the Burn Farm
Location: Mouswald, Dumfriesshire
Business: Kedar Barns
Area: 330 acres owned
Cattle: 140 Brown Swiss cows 270 followers
Crops: Wholecrop, barley & peas
Other: Producing Mozzarella Cheese Organic
Staff: 1 relief milker by
Eilidh MacPherson
Initially three De Laval robots were installed, but the Lochhead’s reverted to a De Laval herringbone 24 aside in 2018
“We had issues with a lot of cows having incomplete milkings and spent a lot of time responding to alarms generated by the robot. We feel we have greater control using a traditional type of milking parlour ”
SRDP funding was sought for the
project “We had hoped for 51%, but only received 28% as the scheme was running out of money So I had to find an extra £300 000! The Royal Bank of Scotland in Ayr were very supportive,” explained Gavin.
Calves are housed around the side of the building, with new borns in individual hutches, graduating to small groups in straw-bedded pens with calf
igloo access
During the build, the Lochhead’s did as much of the concreting and prep work themselves to cut costs
Most dairy historians agree that Brown Swiss or Braunvieh cattle are the oldest of all dairy breeds They were developed in the north-eastern part of Switzerland, dating back to 4000 BC.
Today the Brown Swiss is the second largest dairy breed in the world with over 8 million registered cattle and the world population estimated at over 14 million head The breed is very popular within the dairy and beef industry, it can be found in over 60 countries from the Tropics to the Arctic Circle including Europe, the USA, South America, Canada, Australia, South Africa and New Zealand
Originating from Alpine pastures, Brown Swiss cows are robust, prolific breeders, long-lived, strong, adaptable, and very well-balanced in build with good hooves and limbs
The milk of the Brown Swiss is unique, having longer-chain fatty acids than other popular dairy breeds and smaller fat globules in the cream; this difference means that cream rises much
more slowly in milk from Brown Swiss cows It also possesses the closest protein/fat ratio of any dairy breed, making it coveted by cheese makers
Around the time of the build Gavin attended a couple of cheese making courses at Roseneath College, Nantwich – one for hard and one for soft cheese, with a view to cheese production on farm A cheese making room, with cold storage was incorporated into the build
“I knew there was a good market in Scotland as no one else was producing soft mozzarella.”
He now produces the only smoked Mozzarella in Scotland “I use about 10% of the milk that we produce The cheese has a week’s shelf life so I make the cheese on a Thursday and sell the majority at the Farmers Market in Edinburgh and a couple of Italian pizzerias– East Pizza – at the weekend We deliver locally and also deliver bottled whole milk from Dumfries to Lockerbie ”
Gavin produces around 100kgs of Mozzarella a week, in 1kg logs and 100g balls He has also started making ricotta
They normally offer milk refills on
farm on a Friday During lockdown, another stall holder from the farmers market has delivered for them in Edinburgh He has found that customers prefer the word ‘local’ to ‘organic ’
The milk, which is not used for cheese making goes to OSMCO, or McQueen’s dairy in Glasgow and some to Mossgiel
The cattle came in for the winter in November and are contract fed by Drew Watson Agri Services using a TMR feeder. The local contractor feeds six other dairy outfits across the region. It saves the Lochhead’s time and they don’t like to have their money tied up in machinery
Their ration consists of silage, soya, maize and some wheat The cattle also receive an 18% concentrate feed from Aspatria Farmers in the parlour
Red Himalayan salt from Seamill Salt Works is on offer for the cattle and is used in the cheese and at home
The cows are not pushed hard and not much fertiliser or sprays are applied to the all grass property
Son Jonny is interested in the genetics Every animal is mated on an
" P r o u d t o b e s u p p o r t i n g t h e
L o c h h e a d F a m i l y
w i t h t h e i r f a r m i n g b u s i n e s s "
individual basis according to their strengths and weaknesses. Jonny looks to use bulls, which are positive for milk and have great udder traits, but he is increasingly aware of the cow families the bull comes from They bought two Snickerdoodle daughters from the USA and have bred a lot of heifers from that line and have had uch succes in show and sale rings with them
The lower end of the herd are covered by Belgian Blue or Aberdeen Angus bulls And more recently one was put to a Wagu as an experiment.
Jonny’s partner Jess Miller is a photographer, specialising in dairy and is a keen marketer. She is at the early stages of looking into opening a farm shop on the premises
“We are on a cycle route down here and do get a fair bit of tourism ”
While others are wondering what Brexit will bring and where to next, the team at Beyond the Burn have their plans in action, ahead of the game
Photos this Issue:
Page 5 – Petra Jacob (60)
Page 5 – AHDB (40)
Page 7 – Crown Estate & Cover
Page 8 – Rebecca Lee
Page 11 – Provided
Page 12/14 –James MacLean
Page 14/15 – Johnny Tempelton
Page 16 – Katie Brisbane
Page 17– Represent PR
Page 40 – AHDB
Page 44 – AHDB
Page 46 – Claas
Page 50 – Deutz Fahr
Page 51 – Vredestein
Page 52 – Fendt
Page 54 – Valtra
Page 55 – Slurrykat
Page 56 – Merlo
Page 59 – Provided
Page 60/63 – Petra Jacob
Meet the Hendries
Ayrshire based Millands farm, run by James and Wallace Hendrie, has joined AHDB’s strategic farm network It is opening its doors to help other farmers learn, share and create new ideas for improvements in their business Farmers will be able to see good practice through on-farm and virtual events; giving them access to industry experts and the latest research.
Host farmer Wallace Hendrie said: “The main motivation for us in our role as a Strategic Dairy Farm lies in our goal to improve the overall profitability of our dairy operation We’re always looking for new ways of doing things and we intend to apply this approach to our role as host farmers As such, we ’ ve identified a number of key areas we wish to focus on and are keen to share what we learn with other farmers ”
One of the main areas the Hendries’s are keen to concentrate on is fertility, the most recent scanning of the Spring herd found a higher empty rate than expected Wallace explains: “It has been really frustrating this year as we put a lot of effort into this yet have not had the success we had hoped for. We are aiming to get the empty rate below 10%.”
Calf health is another area they want to focus on as they want to improve it further Individual cow milk recording has been carried out this year and they hope that if they can improve on the fertility and quality of the youngstock the overall herd performance will improve Growth measurements of heifer calves taken have shown improvements in the youngstock, an area they have been pleased with this year
Sophie Brewster, Knowledge Exchange Manager for Dairy said: “We are delighted that the Hendries have joined the strategic farm network I am looking forward to working with the team at Millands and sharing their journey over the next three years Located in the west of Scotland, with the same challenges that many Scottish producers face, its role as a Strategic Dairy Farm means other farmers can get involved and apply ideas, methods and learning to their own units, irrespective of system type they use. I would like to encourage farmers to join our virtual events online and when it’s safe to visit the farm ”
The Hendrie family has been farming in the West of Scotland for over 250 years and bought Millands from the local estate in 1941 They originally ran
a year-round calving system but a change in business direction saw brothers Wallace and James move to a spring block calving herd at Millands and adjacent farm Netherlands and an Autumn block calving herd at Purroch Farm
The dairy herd of 600 Holstein Friesian cows is run as a Spring Block calving herd and is currently achieving yields of 5400 litres per cow, of which 3575 litres are from forage, at 4 2% butterfat and 3 5% protein, with milk being sold to Muller All cows are calved at Millands Farm, with the herd split into two herds running at the home farm of Millands and another grazing block and milking parlour at neighbouring Netherlands Farm Calving commences in mid-February, with 71% calving within the first six
weeks and lasting around 12 weeks
The split is based on the first 200 cows calving down, they are then moved to Netherlands farm while the remainder calve and stay at Millands. The two herds are milked twice daily and housed from mid-October to mid-March
Millands farm is around 106ha and linked to Netherlands 110ha, which gives a total of 345ha solely for growing grass This drives one of the farms main key performance indicators, which is to maximise as much milk from forage as possible Currently sitting at 3575l of milk from forage the Hendrie’s have set themselves a golden target of 4000l or 76% total milk from forage The main challenges to this are seen early in the grazing season and towards the end of the growing season
The Strategic Dairy Farms form part
of AHDB’s Optimal Dairy Systems programme, which aims to help dairy farmers reduce costs and increase efficiency by focusing on either a tight block or all-year-round calving system. Millands farm was launched via a virtual event held at the end of October this can be viewed online at www ahdb org uk/dairy-events-archive
Millands joins all-year-round calving dairy farm, Hillhead of Covington, Lanarkshire, operated by host farmer William Baillie, as the second AHDB Strategic Dairy Farm in Scotland There are 18 dairy farms now on board, with a projected total of 26 farms to join the programme covering a mixture of dairy farming systems
To find out more or to get involved visit www.ahdb.org.uk/farm-excellence/millands-farm.
I PM is Key Focus at Strategic Cerea l Farm
AHDB’s new Strategic Cereal Farm in Scotland aims to bring research and practical farming together with the aim of making farming more economically and environmentally resilient
David Aglen, Farms Manager at Balbirnie Home Farms, Freuchie in Fife is hosting Strategic Cereal Farm Scotland from September 2020 to September 2026. His priority for the first year of the programme is to focus on baselining looking at soil, plant health, pests, pollinators and natural enemies and a running nutrition trial
Soil baselining has just started at Balbirnie and David will use the AHDB and BBRO Soil Biology and Soil Health scorecard to understand the biological, chemical and physical status of the soil As an advocate of regenerative agriculture and lowering inputs he will also explore how to use less chemical inputs while achieving the same crop yields
He explains: “We are working with AHDB on soil baselining, assessing the soil via sampling to look at what resources we have available in the soil and the field margins so we can make plans on how to improve it Ideally we are hoping to achieve lower inputs and higher yields ”
David will also look at IPM aiming to understand the relationship between plant health and disease through tissue tests He said: “Using tissue tests, we want to understand seasonal plant health changes and crops ’ vulnerability to disease ”
Strategic Cereal Farm Scotland is following a collaborative approach that will draw on intelligence from industry to ground-truth novel management decisions A steering group, made up of local farmers, agronomists, researchers, and advisors, will advise on and direct the work on the Strategic Farm. By using data to support decisions and ensuring the research trials are relevant to the farm business, the focus will be to determine viable options for a profitable
business This information will be shared with the wider industry to help give farmers confidence in making changes on their own farms
Chris Leslie, Knowledge Exchange Manager AHDB, said: “We are working with David to look at how to make improvements on his farm that can be shared with the wider farming industry not just in Scotland but across our Farm Excellence network. We want to push the boundaries and see how far we can take plant health and improve harvest efficiency at Balbirnie
“IPM is the foundation of crop production and we are working with David to test his crops to monitor, change and reduce inputs where we can Putting organic matter back into the soil is also key and we will be looking at composting, diverse rotation and cover crops to help do this The priorities for the next six years also include reducing artificial inputs and offsetting carbon ”
The 1200 hectare, mixed farm, comprises 800 hectares of arable crops and 200 suckler cows. The diverse rotation includes oats, spring barley, winter wheat, spring beans as well as potatoes and brassica vegetables.
A series of on farm trials will be run collaboratively by ADAS and SRUC at Balbirnie with support from AHDB These include: Soil health baselining
Soil properties will be assessed on eight fields using the soil health scorecard, developed as part of the Soil Biology and Soil Health Partnership Assessments will include soil nutrient analysis, earthworm assessments, visual evaluation of soil structure (VESS) and infiltration rates The baselining assessments will be repeated in the same positions later on in the six-year Strategic Farm project to see if management practices have had any impact on soil biology, chemistry and physics.
Pests, pollinators and natural enemies baselining
Assessments of key pests, their natural enemies and pollinators will be
done in the spring and into the summer. Five fields will be assessed to gain an understanding of what key species are present and where they are located in fields and across the farm
Plant health baselining
Plant health baselining will assess cereal crops across five fields from the soil baselining group to examine the interplay between soil health and plant health Plant health will be baselined by measuring and tracking crop biomass, tissue testing and diseases assessments throughout the season
Nutrition trial
The aim of the first tramline trial at Strategic Cereal Farm Scotland is to determine whether amending crop nutrition in response to live crop monitoring will have an economic benefit on crop health, yield and grain quality. A wheat crop will be monitored throughout the season, with regular brix meter testing When the brix meter value falls below the threshold value, immediate tissue testing will follow The nutrition applied will be determined by the result of the tissue test Plant health and yield will be compared to untreated and farm standard tramlines in the same field
If you would like more information about Strategic Cereal Farm Scotland, please visit https://ahdb.org.uk/farm-excellence/strategic-cereal-farm-scotland
New Machinery Section with Roving Reporter
Chris McCullogh
Claas Relaunches Axion 900 Tractor Series with Technology Upgrades
ANEW series of Claas Axion 900 tractors has been launched complete with technology upgrades including Stage V exhaust emission standard and combines Cemos, the first interactive assistance system, with the factory-fitted Ctic tyre pressure control system
The Stage V models of the Axion 900 and Axion 900 Terra Trac use the proven 8 7-litre Cursor 9 six-cylinder engine from FPT Emission control is handled by a SCRoF system with AdBlue injection and enlarged filter and reaction surfaces Exhaust gas recirculation is still not necessary At 1800 rpm, the power unit delivers a maximum of 325 to 445hp, depending on the model With the low-speed concept, the peak torque of 1600 to 1860Nm is already available at just 1400rpm As there is no boost system, full power is available for
every task, if required
The Cmatic continuously variable transmission also ensures that the full torque can be called up at all speeds, from 0.05 to 50km/h. Four automatically selected mechanical ranges allow high overall efficiency to be achieved
The top speed of 50 or 40km/h can be reached with diesel-saving 1470 to 1400rpm The idling speed is a low 650rpm and the driver can choose from three virtual ranges for the task in hand
Maximum Traction
The Axion 900 series has been able to operate with wheels up to 44 inches on the rear axle since 2017 Together with the long wheelbase of 3 15m, this has always resulted in excellent power transmission to the ground
The front and rear axles are approved for operation with twin wheels as
standard. A new feature is the factory fitted pre-equipment for Ctic tyre pressure control systems from Claas. By means of the Ctic 2800 auxiliary compressor with an air delivery rate of 2800l/min, the internal tyre pressure can be quickly adjusted to suit the tractor and a trailed implement
Operation is fully Isobus-capable and therefore integrated into the Cebis terminal of the Axion 900 If desired, Isobus implements can be controlled and monitored via the S10 terminal The function keys can be assigned freely and individually to tractor and implement functions
As a result of a static weight distribution of 50/50 and an unladen weight of 12 5t, additional ballasting is still only necessary for heavy towing work. The maximum permissible weight is 18t.
Two Track Machines
The model series with five wheeled machines is completed by the Axion 930 Terra Trac and Axion 960 Terra Trac, introduced in 2018, which now also meet the Stage V emission standard The universal range of applications for the lightest tractors with crawler tracks in this power class extends from heavy and medium-heavy soil cultivation, work with seed drills and harvesting with loader wagons to special applications such as slurry hosing. Active steering intervention in the speed of the crawler tracks makes for a tight steering response, which is also gentle on the soil and prevents soil ramping during turning manoeuvres With an unladen weight of 16 5t, the maximum permissible total weight is 22t, even when driving on roads up to a top speed of up to 40km/h Even when equipped with the widest crawler tracks measuring 890mm, the Axion does not exceed an external width of 3m
Latest Tech
The Axion 900 series tractors can be equipped optionally with Cemos, which was introduced in 2018 and is also an
option in the Arion 500, Arion 600 and Axion 800 series This is also available as an optional extra for all Axion 900 wheeled tractors equipped with Cebis Cemos takes into account not only tractor-specific parameters such as ballast and engine pressure, but also equipment data such as traction boosters It is also possible to optimise the settings for numerous plough types thanks to data stored in the plough assistant
The Axion 900 wheeled tractors with Stage V are also the first tractors to combine Cemos with the factory-fitted Ctic tyre pressure control system. This makes it possible for the first time ever to adjust the internal tyre pressure intelligently and dynamically during work
The standard Cebis equipment includes the 12-inch Isobus-capable Cebis terminal with high colour contrast and operation via rotary/push switch or touchscreen
The S10 terminal can be added to support GPS Pilot, variable application rate and Section Control functionality Together with Cebis, up to six cameras can then be displayed simultaneously In simple CIS+ configuration without Cebis and Cmotion multifunction lever,
the S10 Terminal also allows Isobus applications and section-specific work to be carried out
Better Comfort
Operator comfort on the Axion 900 is boosted by the four-way cab suspension, optional active suspended and ventilated driver's seat and front axle suspension with 90mm travel as well as automatic load and brake compensation
A new leather package consisting of leather upholstery for the steering wheel, driver and instructor's seat and armrest is available The wide, curved rear window gives the driver an excellent view of implements and is optionally available tinted or heated
Lifting Power
Axion 900 tractors have a 1t lifting capacity at the rear and a choice of 5t or 6 5t lifting capacity at the front The 220 l/min flow rate available as an option in addition to the standard 150 l/min flow rate is now supplemented by an LS booster
A game changer
THE AXION 900 TT
Two TERRA TRAC models available – the 445hp AXION 960 and the 355hp AXION 930.
Oscillating track system keeps ground contact to a maximum.
Tracks available in widths of 635mm, 735mm and 890mm providing 35% less ground pressure compared to standard tyres.
The only truly suspended track system available today, coupled with PROACTIV front suspension and 4 point cab suspension.
The AXION TERRA TRAC is the rst half track unit to have a fully suspended track system, following 30 years of experience of rubber track development for the CLAAS LEXION. Combined with the front axle and 4-point cab suspension, the track system not only aids ground contact and reduces wheelslip, but gives the operator an unprecedented level of comfort compared to other tracked tractors. A game changer.
Contact your local CLAAS dealer today for more information.
There’s a new kid on the block in the tractor world as Deutz-Fahr launches its new 8280 TTV model built in Lauingen, Germany
The manufacturer says this single model launch fits nicely between the existing 7 and 9 Series tractors completing the high power range of the German manufacturer
Of course Deutz-Fahr has ensured the 8280 TTV is full to the brim with technology targeting dynamic power, connectivity, comfort and reliability as it has been developed for the most demanding farming applications.
Power to the 8280 TTV comes via the 6 1 litre twin-turbo Deutz six-cylinder engine stage V with a maximum power up to 287HP and delivers impressive 1226 Nm of torque
Deutz says the engine is designed to offer great performance and a high level of efficiency as the twin-turbo and CommonRail system at 2000 bar ensures more immediate and responsive power and torque delivery
The innovative powertrain is the result of a long experience and many years of research by the SDF Group and includes the new SDF T7780 continuously variable transmission
A multi-stage epicyclic gearbox has been intelligently mated with a clutch
unit and two hydrostatic units to create new composite transmission (Compound Concept) offering industry beating performance in terms of power flow management, efficiency and traction force
The 8280 TTV offers dynamic performances and boasts acceleration up to 60 km/h, progressive deceleration and lightning-fast responsiveness to changes in load
Front dry disc brakes, two-speed front PTO, three rear PTO speed modes, CleanOil hydraulic system of 210 l/min, with impressive 90 litres removable hydraulic oil, rear lift up to 11 100kg and high admissible load (16 ton), ensure additional versatility and extraordinary performance
The 8280 TTV was developed for tyre sizes with a diameter up to 2,05m, therefore we are able to offer a tyre size of 710/70r42
In order to increase comfort, Deutz-Fahr has built a tractor with intelligent front axle suspension that can be adjusted in three settings; Auto, Normal and Soft Together with air sprung cab suspension, automatic air conditioning, premium materials and generous interior space a comfortable and productive place to work has been developed.
Deutz-Fahr Unveils its German Built New 8280 TTV Tractor
Powerful 50 000 lumen LED working lights, the ergonomics of the cab and a logical control layout along with the Infotainment system of the latest generation, allows for long working hours in maximum comfort
Man-machine interface is even more functional thanks to the unique iMonitor3 that enables the driver to simply interact with the main functions
To make the machine even more relaxing to use, the MaxiVision2 cab is separate from the all-new engine cowl to prevent the transfer of heat, vibration and noise, taking driver comfort to unprecedented new heights.
The new Deutz-Fahr 8280 TTV offers long service intervals of 1000 hours for engine oil and 1500 hours for CleanOil in the hydraulic system and easy access This is immediately clear from the cooling pack, which can be opened by the user with a single lever to make cleaning and maintenance quick and simple The same is true for inspecting oil levels, which can be checked at a glance
Appropriate service platforms, an external connection for compressed air and the fuse tests on the electric circuit boards are just examples of the attention paid to ease of maintenance
Vredestein Traxion 65: Silent Tractor
Vredestein is significantly expanding its Vredestein Traxion 65 tractor tyre series. Fifteen sizes have now been added covering the complete range from 16 to 42 inches. All 19 tyres are available for the aftermarket and various tractor brands are offering them factory fitted.
The Traxion 65 series is Vredestein’s follow-up on the popular Traxion+ and was redesigned using the latest technologies developed for the Vredestein Traxion Optimall VF. Features that have comprehensively proven themselves in practice have been retained, including the curved lugs and the large contact area in the middle of the tread
The large contact area of the Traxion 65 offers unparalleled driving comfort and ensures that the tyre is exceptionally quiet Tests carried out on the RDW test track (ISO certified: ISO10844:2014) showed that noise levels in the cabin are no less than 29% than one of Vredestein’s main premium competitors
The implications for the comfort levels of tractor drivers who often spend extended periods behind the wheel are obvious, while a pass-by noise reduction of 22% compared to the competitor tyre offers clear benefits for the general public too
Vredestein’s renowned curved lug is almost perpendicular to the direction of travel, giving the Traxion 65 an impressive pulling power As the distance from the centre to the side between the lugs increases at the end, the tyre has a very good self-cleaning ability, especially on heavy soils This ensures that the tyre keeps the traction and reduces the amount of mud left on the road The combination of the unique
tread compound with the unique profile ensures a lifespan that is at least 30% longer than the Traxion 65’s premium competitors.
SIZES
AGCO’s Large Combine Harvester Range Welcomes the Fendt Ideal 10
With a 790hp engine providing the power the new Fendt Ideal 10 combine is already on the ground under test with impressive results according to the manufacturer
First unveiled at Agritechnica 2019, the Fendt Ideal 10 is equipped with the IDEALdrive steering system eliminating the need for the conventional steering wheel control
The engine, a new Man 16 2-litre unit, meets European emissions standard stage V and provides 143hp more than the second largest model, the Ideal 9. The new combine also has a new cleaning system, with 15% more cleaning capacity, and a larger version of the familiar Dual Helix separator
With the Cyclone Cleaning System, the grain drops down to the top sieve through two curved double-drop steps Thanks to the curved shape, the laws of physics see the heavy grains gather in the lower section while the lighter parts
accumulate above
The curved steps provide a wider air outlet, which can significantly increase the air volume and make the cleaning process even more efficient With two drop levels, most of the short straw and chaff is separated on the first level The remaining non-grain components are separated on the second
With cleaning happening over four sections on the Fendt Ideal 10T, Ideal balance has been optimised to suit Two return floors ensure even distribution and coverage across the preparation floor.
The Rotor Dual Helix, already known from the Fendt Ideal 8 and 9, comes in a bigger size for the Fendt Ideal 10 Two additional separator concaves add 12% to the concave surface area of the Fendt Ideal 10T With a separation area of 4 54m2 , the combine harvester boasts an even higher separation capacity for even greater throughput
It’s hard to imagine a combine without a steering wheel but the new IDEALdrive steering system replaces the steering column altogether The machine is controlled proportionally to the movement of a joystick located on the left armrest The functions of the joystick on the right armrest are the same as before
No Steering Wheel
The left hand steers while the right hand controls the speed This new machine control system means the driver has a perfect view to the front, and a direct view of both the cutting unit and the feeder of the inclined main crop elevator The unique system complies with all European vehicle and traffic regulations
The joystick control IDEALdrive will be rolled out for the 2021 model year and can be fitted as an option for all tracked machines of the Ideal series 7-10
New Generation of Fendt 200 Vario
FENDT has completely redesigned its 200 Vario series tractors adding extra features to this popular range first launched ten years ago
Together with a new cab, the intuitive FendtONE operating concept also comes as standard in the Fendt 200 Vario, for easy and comfortable controls The innovative power-boost concept Fendt DynamicPerformance increases the performance of the top model, Fendt 211 Vario
The Fendt 200 Vario series includes five models, Fendt 207 Vario, Fendt 208 Vario, Fendt 209 Vario, Fendt 210 Vario and Fendt 211 Vario, range from 79hp to 124hp
With the DynamicPerformance power boost concept, the Fendt 211 Vario reaches maximum 124hp All
models are available as Power, Profi and Profi+ (formerly ProfiPlus) versions
The 3-cylinder, 3 3-litre AGCO Power engine meets emissions stage V with a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC), diesel particulate filter (DPF) and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) but without exhaust gas recirculation
Spacious Cab
The spacious and straightforward cab on the Fendt 200 Vario is higher than its predecessor and offers more headroom There is a new control console with multifunction joystick for easy and intuitive machine operation.
The FendtONE operating concept includes a new control panel on the side with the multifunction joystick, crossgate lever and optional 12"
terminal. The 10" digital dashboard is mounted on the steering column.
A new design of the roof window on the Fendt 200 Vario offers an excellent view of the front loader The crossbar between the windscreen and the roof window is narrower in the new generation of the 200-series and there is a bigger inspection window
Its low centre of gravity, manoeuvrability, infinitely variable Vario gearbox and auto AWD/ differential lock make the Fendt 200 Vario Power a specialist for hill use
Valtra Launches New G Series Tractors
VALTRA has unleashed a brand new fifth generation of tractors namely the G Series with four new tractors ranging from 100hp to 145hp
With some bright distinctive new colours, a new cab and engine, the G Series favours those operators who wish to use a front loader or need to jump in and out of the cab frequently
The G Series is the first in the fifth generation of Valtra tractors and at the same time a brand new model series that fits between the popular A and N Series
Valtra says the G Series is also the first tractor in the 100hp to 145hp range to offer SmartTouch controls as well as full precision farming capabilities. As a result, the popular SmartTouch armrest is now available on all Valtra tractors in the 100hp to 400hp range
Valtra Connect telemetry is also standard on Versu models of the G Series, while powerful load-sensing hydraulics are standard on Active and Versu models
The new G Series is available in four equipment levels: Basic, Comfort, Technology and Technology Pro
Customers will also be able to order their Finnish made G Series tractors with tailored features from the Unlimited Studio at the factory
Under the Hood
Taking a closer look at the component list of the new G Series, Valtra is using its four-cylinder 4 4-litre Agco Power engines to power the tractors Made in Agco’s plant in Changzhou, China, the compact size of the engine enables a very low nose that provides excellent visibility
The engine complies with Stage V emission without exhaust gas recirculation. An electronic wastegate and 1600 bar Bosch common rail injection offer fast response and plenty of torque across a broad range of engine speeds
All models offer power boost already at field speeds when driving in B5 or higher gears Valtra’s traditional Sigma Power boost is also available for the PTO
The G125 Eco is the fuel-efficient EcoPower model that lets the driver select Power or Eco mode, which lowers
the engine speed while increasing torque to up to 555 Nm Valtra’s EcoPower models save nature, money and also your hearing thanks to their lower noise
Inside the Cab
The G Series has a modern and spacious cab with 5 7 square metres of glass, including 0 35 square metres in the panoramic roof Cab suspension further enhances comfort along with heated mirrors, air conditioning, a lower cab heater and USB charging plugs that are available with the auxiliary power pack.
Versu models with the SmartTouch interface can access the same SmartFarming features as the bigger N and T Series models Active models are also available with autoguidance and precision farming features that can be activated via the SmartTouch Extend terminal
The G Series has been designed to be the ideal tractor for front-loader tasks It offers excellent visibility, good weight distribution, front-loader that is integrated with the chassis, a hydraulics
Jingle Bells at Slurrykat
assistant that automatically increases the engine speed, and the Live 3 feature, which enables the simultaneous use of up to three different front-loader functions.
In addition to field and farmyard tasks, the G Series is also suitable for forestry operations, as Valtra tractors always have been For forestry work, the G Series can be specified with narrow mudguards, a steel fuel tank, polycarbonate glass, forest tyres, a rotating seat and cab protection
The auxiliary light pack provides four working lights at the front and six at the rear, which also turn on automatically when reversing, facilitating work in dark conditions
Finding a Gear
The G Series has a 24+24R transmission with four ranges and six Powershift gears The shifts from B to C range and between C and D ranges are automated, making it even easier to operate the tractor, especially on roads.
In traditional Valtra fashion, the parking brake is integrated with the forward-reverse shuttle lever, and the driver can also programme the transmission settings The slowest working speed with the creeper gear is just 120 metres per hour, which is ideal for cultivating vegetables, for example
Versu models can be operated using just the drive lever and other models also do not require much use of the clutch pedal thanks to AutoTraction The hill-hold function keeps the tractor stationary even on steep hills without having to use the brakes
HiTech models have an open hydraulics system that produces 100 litres per minute, while Active and Versu models have load-sensing hydraulics that produce 110 litres per minute Up to four hydraulic blocks are available at both the front and rear Versu models are available with up to five rear spool valves and up to four valves in the front
The minimum lifting power at the rear is 50 kN across the entire lifting range and 30 kN at the front Front PTO is also available Ground speed PTO is available at the rear along with two additional PTO speeds
Just in time for Christmas Norther n Ireland agricultural machinery manufacturer
SlurryKat has introduced an all new range of its Premium Plus Super T ankers
Based on the original range the new tankers now come with a host of new features included in the standard specification
SlurryKat’s Premium Plus Super T anker range includes models with capacities right through from 7250l to 25 000l.
As SlurryKat CEO Garth Cair ns explains, the new range of Super T ankers combine all the latest features introduced over the past 12 months together in the latest machines Garth said: “During the past 12 months you may have seen some new novel features on our tankers that we have been slowly introducing since autumn of 2019
“Having been encouraged by the customer response to these new features we have now unveiled the new range of Premium Plus Super T ankers that incorporate all the new features.
“These features have all been refined to the exact requirements our customers are demanding and we are rolling them out as standard base specification on all SlurryKat Premium Plus T ankers from December 2020,” he said.
In addition to lighter booms, new braking system and new drawbar the new features also include a new pump The full list of features on
the new range are: A. 5-point rear linkage system for all dribble bars and trailing shoes
B high-speed vacuum pumps c/w crash protection system and auto vein lubrication
C. 150mm HD square beam axles 420x180 S Cam brakes ✅
D automatic slack adjustment brakes on all models as standard
E over hedge boom (46% lighter)
F design laser press for med chassis
G inter nal anti-surge smooth ride baf fle system
H increased size over flow valve system for more air flow and faster filling
I. load sensing braking system ✅
J paint coat system for even longer life and high gloss shine
K.fill points connections for high speed filling
L. auto fill system for 10m3 per minute filling speed
M dribble discharge system at rear for faster, maintenance free application
N rear 3 & 4 point linkage for all spreading equipment
O flushable sight tube level indicator c/w tap ✅
P spring drawbar for an even smoother ride
Q. double ellipse fully galvanised bolt on mudguards
R. Neon lights and light holders
For further infor mation on the latest range of slurry tankers and more contact www.slurrykat.com.
Merlo Highlights Telehandlers
With no shows to engage with customers Merlo has highlighted its latest telehandlers suitable for the Scottish agricultural market
The well known Turbofarmer range has been very popular with farmers since it was first launched and the latest model, the Turbofarmer 65.9CS, will add to that success.
The ability to adapt to different working conditions and the machine versatility vis-à-vis several applications are considered crucial characteristics for the Turbofarmer range
Merlo launched the 65 9CS model to satisfy growing customer demands for a machine capable of managing high lifting capacities while maintaining unparalleled manageability and easy use
Powered by a 170hp engine, the
Turbofarmer 65 9CS, has been developed with significant benefits in terms of performance, efficiency, reliability and reduced maintenance time, ensuring top-range safety levels
Thanks to the new 170hp engine, the high performance Load Sensing and Flow Sharing hydraulic system which can deliver more than 165 l/min and MCVTronic (the very latest continuously variable transmission), this machine can perform any type of work in the industrial and agricultural sectors
Both simpler and more intelligent, this machine is equipped with Eco Power Drive (EPD), an electronically controlled hydrostatic transmission that reduces engine revs where high levels of power are not necessary, as well as introducing additional features such as Speed Control and automatic RPM
adjustment in accordance with hydraulic power requirements, keeping fuel consumption to a minimum level
The new Merlo hydraulic distributor integrates all the common features of the hydraulic distributors (electro-actuated valves, independent controls, control of the transverse inclination of the frame) together with new features such as gravity lowering of the boom, continuous delivery of services oil and implementation of automated cartesian movements of the boom, both vertical and horizontal
These functions greatly simplify the handling of loads in confined spaces, limiting the number of manoeuvres with the machine and being, overall, operator-friendly
The courtesy of the unique levelling system corrects lateral tilt of up to 11° to
enable loads to be lifted vertically, and the advanced load management system, CDC, is provided as standard item
The new cab is equipped with Merlo’s patented damping system, drastically reducing vibrations and noise, while its ample dimensions ensure maximum comfort and visibility for the operator The tac-lock system for hydraulic tool locking further enhances operating comfort
Designed to last, the machine structure has been built for over-time endurance and the telescopic boom ensures maximum precision of movement anytime
Indeed, even with high loads and on the roughest terrain, the axles provide excellent traction and efficiency Moreover, to top it all, a 7cm steel belt protects the entire structure from any shock or bump Fully compatible with the extensive range of attachments specifically designed for Merlo telehandlers and that interface with the exclusive automatic recognition system, Turbofarmer machines can operate in a host of situations.
Merlo joined the road to develop electric powered machines and launched two models, the 2wd E-Worker 25 5-60 and 4wd E-Worker 25 5-90 These battery powered machines are designed to reduce noise levels and pollution emissions, to increase manoeuvrability in confined spaces and drastically reduce operating costs compared to similar models equipped with heat engines powered by diesel fuel
An advanced software, developed internally by Merlo Group, allows monitoring the status of the batteries and optimising their use This outstanding performance ensures a working autonomy of 8 hours
Thanks to these unique features, the new range is the ideal tool for applications in closed environments such as stables, warehouses, material sheds, factories and underground facilities and ensures operation and traction even in off-road situations to meet the needs of municipalities, agriculture, construction and landfills
YOUR CHOICE IN EVERY FIELD
TURBOFARMER RANGE
The widest range of agricultural telehandlers on the market
The ideal choice with three available Model Sizes (compact, medium and heavy) and three power levels (115, 136 and 170 HP), combined with 2-speed hydrostatic transmissions and CVTronic solutions. The widest cab in the market can be set up with CS (Suspended Cab) versions.
The Coronavirus-epidemic has shown us the flaws of our globalized world It proved how dependant many businesses and manufacturers are on products or components from distant places
Helena Norbeg-Hodge is a pioneer of the worldwide localization movement and recipient of the 'Alternative Nobel Prize ' Her book is a great introduction to the problems globalization has created in the last years Deregulation, competition and subsidies have led to an explosion in international trade, which was over 28 times greater in 2017 than in 1950. Much of it is not necessary, oftentimes countries import and export identical food products.
The UK imported 15 000 tons of
Celebrating 50 years of Gressingham Duck, a cross between the Pekin duck and the Wild Mallard, the founders have produced this wonderful full colour recipe book
With chefs tips for cooking with duck and eight defined chapters, this hardback makes for a great addition to any farmhouse kitchen bookshelf or as a gift
Divided into: Quick and Easy Dishes, Asian, Date Night, Dishes for Sharing, Remarkable Roasts, Trimmings, Entertaining and Simple Sauces, there is a recipe to fit every occasion
Since it landed in our mailbox, I have added duck to the fortnightly supermarket delivery and I must admit
chocolate-covered waffles, while exporting 14 000 tons It is cheaper to have prawns sent from Scotland to China to be shelled and sent back, to then be sold in supermarkets More and more components assembled into products come from factories thousands of miles apart The components of an iPhone for example could have travelled a combined 500 000 miles before we buy it
This book gives examples of how we can change and why more localization is better for our communities, climate, mental health and the farming world.
Helena Norberg-Hodge (2019): Local is our Future. Steps to an Economics of Happiness. Local Futures Publisher, £ 8 63 (order via Blackwells or Amazon)
Abook for any farmer interested in growing unusual grains; it covers spelt, emmer, einkorn and durum wheat, St John’s Rye, millet, sorghum and Khorasan wheat The authors explain the current state of breeding, cultivating and the use of ‘ancient’ grains in modern day The authors share information on trails (comparing quality traits, baking qualities, processing properties, nutritional value and much more). They also go back in history – who would have thought that emmer – now long forgotten in the UK – was cultivated in Ireland, England and Scotland already 3000 BC!
It also touches on pseudocereals like buckwheat, quinoa and amaranth While buckwheat represents an ancient crop in Central and Eastern Europe, it
we have been well impressed. Roast Duck Legs with Raspberry and Port Sauce was the first culinary delight, which was finger-licking good! Crispy Aromatic Duck Pancakes and Sauted Duck with Figs and Pomegranate have been marked as next in line
A Gressingham Duck Crown arrived in a roasting bag, in the last shop, with very straight forward insturctions With publishing deadlines looming Richard pulled out all the stops and with the most succulent roast duck with all the trimmings
Published by Meze Publishing and retailing at £22, this gem of a cook book is worth every penny. It is available in Waterstones, Blackwells and online.
LOCAL FUTURE
IS OUR
Steps to an Economics of Happiness
went out of fashion; amaranth and quinoa are grown in Central and South America They call these plants ‘plants of the future ’ They see huge potential not only for pseudocereals, also for ancient grains The demand, interest and market is growing steadily Many of these grains have health benefits, some of them are gluten-free They can grow under difficult conditions, often have qualities (e g less demanding in terms of soil quality or tolerant to late frost etc.) that might come handy in the future, when we deal with climate change and growing more and more food for an increasing population on marginal land or poor soil
The authors also emphasize how important it is to support breeding and improving ancient grains to be fit for modern times
HELENA NORBERG-HODGE
In the Arava Valley in South Eastern Israel it was pioneers that established agricultural settlements to secure the borders with Jordan. Today they are paving the way for a more peaceful future.
P io neers in t he Deser t
by Petra Jacob
Roni Oren is one of the pioneers of moshav 'Hazeva ' As a young soldier she came to the desert to help secure the border to Jordan. “We lived in tents for eight years while we cleared the land,” says Roni Oren, looking back on the tough beginnings
Nahal was the name of the unit in which idealistic-minded young people were instructed in agriculture as well as military training, so that they could later establish their own settlements It is part of Israel's history to secure its national borders with the establishment of agricultural settlements.
Moshav Hazeva is located at the northern End of the Arawa Valley. The desert valley stretches for 165 kilometers along the Jordanian border, from the Dead Sea to the Red Sea It is one of the most inhospitable areas of Israel and very sparsely populated. Agricultural settlements were established where there were water sources
Agriculture in Israel means: collectively organized, in the form of a kibbutz or, in the case of Hazeva, as a moshaw (see box).
Moshav Hazeva was founded in 1972 and today there are 150 families “Most of them are still farmers,” says Roni “When we started here, each household
received 45 dunams of land, the equivalent of 4 5 hectares, and they were entitled to 70 000 m³ of irrigation water. Then we were told: do something with it!”,the 69-year-old remembers. In the fifty years that they have farmed here, Roni and her husband Hanan (71) have tried a lot Like almost everyone at the beginning, they started growing tomatoes and cucumbers. Later they tried pumpkins, cut flowers and turkey farming For a few years now, they have been specializing in onions and eggplants
Most of the harvest in the many greenhouses around Hazeva is for export. But the good days are over, admits Ronin Once you could earn good money in the the Arava valley growing vegetables, fruits and cut flowers. The area specialized in supplying Europe with its rich harvest during the winter months. The prices were good Many a farmer became a millionaire “Today, European customers prefer to shop in Spain and Turkey. We have a lot more competition. There are now green houses all over the world, it has become more difficult to market the harvest in winter, it's nothing special anymore " Roni points to a battered greenhouse,
Info: kibbutz / moshav
In Israel it is the exception to run a family farm on your own Agriculture is done through community settlements In a kibbutz, the farms belong to the collective and are worked together In a moshaw, the farmers work on their own land, marketing and sales for example is done by the moshav
the tatters flutter in the wind: "Look here, another farmer has given up. ”
But Israeli farmers are not known to put their hands in their laps They are adventurous and resourceful They try new things and take risks, with a tendency towards non-conformism These traits make Israel a land of visionaries and pioneers. Rivka Offenbach confirms this on a tour of the greenhouses and the fields of Hazeva
“Specialist for greenhouse vegetables” says her business card. She works for the Central and Northern Arava Research and Development Station, one of the major desert research centers in Israel and based in Hazeva
“We have to catch up, we should have started research twenty years ago, ” Offenbach admits. But nobody thought about it back then, farmers earned a golden nose by exporting peppers “In winter, Europeans paid top prices for it Today we sell to the US and Russia, ”she says. "We have to come up with something," Offenbach is convinced.
Raspberries are an attractive winter fruit of the future: on the test areas of the desert research center, they grow in coconut fibers instead of soil, irrigated with collected water. Salad thrives in polytunnels, for consumption and for use as green manure Brackish water flows to the plants via black pipes At each lettuce plant there is an opening in the pipe from which the watersupplemented with nutrients if necessary - drips to the roots of the plant Drip irrigation is considered economical and efficient It made Israel's agriculture world famous years ago and became an export hit 'Commiphora myrrha', Offenbach
introduces the rows of gnarled shrubs in an open field. It is a plant from the bible. In the New Testament it is said that the three wise men from the East brought the fragrant gum with them as gifts in addition to gold, frankincense and myrrh The fragrant gum resin is extracted from the bark of the bush. Also oil can be extracted by distillation. It is known to reduce the formation of free radicals in the body
Israeli scientists are researching on site to use desert plants as drugs against cancer. In the research center there is a glass showcase jam packed with herbs and roots Bedouins and Yemenis - Arab inhabitants of the Israeli desert have used them as tea or medicine for centuries. "We want to combine ancient knowledge with modern medicine," says Offenbach. "Perhaps the future lies in the cultivation of valuable herbal plants "
Every year "The Open Day" takes place on the outskirts of Hazeva. Over 200 exhibitors and companies are guests at Israel's largest agricultural fair Israel is a small country in the Middle East, nevertheless it has been among the best in the world for years when it comes to agriculture under arid conditions. Israeli farmers show what is possible in the desert with the right technology, like growing prickly pears, argan nuts or marula fruits
Twenty-two km south of Hazeva: Moschaw 'Ein Yahav' promotes the only commercially operated aloe vera plantation in the Middle East “The good climate, the low humidity, sunshine all year round – nobody can take that away from us, " explains Offenbach. The winter conditions are
ideal When the thermometer climbs to 47 degrees in summer, some of the plants grow in greenhouses made of a special material to protect them from the intense sunlight “The yields have tripled to quadrupled over the years, ” reveals Offenbach
The irrigation water comes from desalination plants. According to Offenbach, they are proud of treating the water via nanofiltration Compared to reverse osmosis, it only needs half as much energy. It also contains valuable minerals that are filtered out with the osmosis method. Which plants do well with brackish water is a very big issue, also reusing of wastewater in agriculture Aquaculture is very promising here. The same water is used several times – in the beginning for fish farming. “Among other things, the fish feed on the components of the salty water and clean it at the same time,” says Offenbach Next spirulina is grown in water – a very healthy microalgae that is on the market as a dietary supplement. Once the harvest is in, the water is used for growing herbs Finally, the recaptured irrigation water flows to the date trees
Moschaw Hazeva is surrounded by date plantations. These are not just any dates, it is the ‘Medjoul’ variety They were once reserved only for the kings of Morocco, therefore also known as ‘King of dates dates ’ Today, the Medjoul date is the most popular of the 400 date varieties known around the world. With particularly thick flesh and a length of 6 cm, it is the largest of all date fruits Round, juicy, it tastes like caramel and honey and is said to be particularly healthy.
In the Arava valley more and more farmers are choosing to grow dates. The climatic conditions are perfect Date palms like cool air in winter and continuous heat from April to July with low humidity They are very economical in terms of water consumption. However, it takes 7 years for the Medjoul date palms to see significant yields for the first time After 10 to 12 years they are fully mature, with yields of up to 100 kg per tree. The harvest season is between October and January – when dates are eaten a lot in Europe. In many British supermarkets one can find Medjoul dates – sometimes even individually packaged like precious chocolates
Growing Medjoul variety has now become good business. According to the Israel Plants Production and Marketing Board, three quarters of the Medjoul dates produced worldwide come from
Israel. Ninety percent of all Medjoul dates grown in the Israeli valleys of Arawa and Jordan are intended for export
The Road passing the date plantations is called ‘Peace Road’ and leads to a viewing platform. One can see a lot of inhospitable terrain, the houses of Hazeva hide behind sandy hills, its greenhouses shimmer in the desert sun, the green date plantations look like small oases. “Over there is Jordan,” Roni Oren points to a honey-yellow mountain range. An Israeli pickup truck rumbles through a dry river bed to the Jordanian side Across the border there are more greenhouses and agricultural land looked after by farmers from Hazeva, explains Roni. After the peace treaty, Jordan leased this area to Israel. "In return they get drinking water – they give us land, we give them water," says
Roni While the residents of Hazeva drink water from the desalination plant, Israel supplies Jordan with fresh water from the Sea of Galilee If that's not an act of peace! Roni looks up to the sky: "Agreement is agreement."
Info: Arava Valley
The Arava Valley is a depression that leads from the Dead Sea to the Red Sea 165 km long and between 10 to 25 km wide In the East the Jordanian mountains rise up to 1700 m, the Negev mountains in the West are up to 600 m high. The valley is between 230 and 417 m below sea level. It is a dry desert with annual rainfall of 50 mm or less
