FarmersMart Summer 2011

The NorTh’s Number oNe FarmiNg guide Issue 23 | Summer 2011

www.Farmers-marT.co.uk

JUST A FEW DAYS AND COUNTING UNTIL THE 2011 UK FENCING CHAMPIONSHIPS!

SIX YEARS OF SHOW. SUCCESS FOR THE WHITES.

HIGHER AND HIGHER. FOR DICK DALTON!.

Agile MF 5400 models join Massey Ferguson fleet

Managing Director/ eDitor Simone Gallon Tel: 01274 610 101 [email protected]

conSULtant eDitor Chris Berry Tel: 0113 2643 645 [email protected]

aSSiStant eDitor Lucie Carter Tel: 01274 610 101 [email protected]

SaLeS Manager/SUBScriPtionS Ben Walton Tel: 01274 610 101 [email protected]

aDVertiSing accoUnt Manager Nicola Robson [email protected] Damien Downing [email protected]

FeatUre eDitorS Jennifer Mackenzie, Chris Berry, Harold Woolgar, Phil Read

DeSign James Ockelford

The FarmersMart 40 Stockhill Road, Greengates Bradford, BD10 9AX Tel: 01274 610 101 Fax: 01274 621 730 www.farmers-mart.co.uk

We mail to over 10,000 industry contacts with an approximately readership of 30,000 throughout Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, Lancashire, Cumbria, County Durham, Northumberland,Berwickshire, Roxburghshire and Dumfries and Galloway.

The FarmersMart is published quarterly by Little Red Marketing Ltd. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval system or transmitted in any form by means electronic, photographic, recording or otherwise, without prior permission of the publishers. Views expressed in The FarmersMart are not necessarily those of Little Red Marketing Ltd.

Front cover courtesy of Massey Ferguson.

Welcome Well Summer is upon us, the weather is beautiful although some of you could do with a bit more rain! I hope we get the compromise for you all.

I would like to thank all our farmers for taking the time for us to come and see you for interviews as I know it has been the busiest time of the year and is much appreciated, this has helped getting the magazine together in such a short space of time.

This edition will be just in time for the show season starting off with GYS which will be the busiest yet as they have a record this year with class entries in all areas so good luck to you all! Come and see us at stand number 637 or 261 as we will be giving away some goodies and special offers on subscriptions plus it will be nice to catch up!

The next event will be Driffield show on the 20th of July. Through our Sister publication Fencing and Landscaping News we are running our 3rd annual Fencing Contractor Competition. We have 10 teams of 2 and what a grand sight to behold, seeing the professionals erect 45 meters of fence with hand held tools only over four hours! Please come along to see this massive achievement! Plus we are filming the event and the show as we will be producing a DVD which will go on Farmersmart website.

Again this edition is jammed packed of various features in the agricultural world, I hope you enjoy the read and will see you in the Autumn. Don’t forget if you would like us to run a feature on you then give us a call or send an email.

Kind regards, Simone ([email protected])

news ................................4-8, 88

Belmont regency ....................... 9

Showtime............................ 10-13

Bayer ....................................... 14

Hunter ..................................... 15

ritchie ..................................... 16

Kavanagh ................................. 18

gripple ..................................... 19

news abroad ........................... 20

Dairy ........................................ 21

Beathll/ Head o’ th Marsh ...22-23

chris Birch ............................... 24

Betafence ................................ 26

Bates ....................................... 27

Bowness .............................28-29

Stanforth Butchers ..............30-31

ccM auction Mart ...............32-34

Brockholes auction Mart .....36-37

collier ...................................... 38

arcelor Mittal ........................... 39

Fairburn ..............................40-42

animal Health .......................... 43

John teasdale .....................44-46

Wholecrop Marketing ............... 47

Margaret Watkinson ............48-49

Hampton Steel/Harold Woolgar . 51

tom Dirom ..........................52-54

graham Hunt ........................... 55

glaves .................................56-57

White ..................................58-59

tony Woods Butchers ............... 60

ellis and Barrett ....................... 61

Breeds ..................................... 62

Machinery ...............63-64, 86-87

guy Machinery ....................66-67

Moore Farm Services ...........68-69

David Murray ...................... 70-71

andrew nicholson ............... 72-73

John Hill .................................. 74

Bayer ....................................... 75

Dick Dalton ......................... 76-77

Hamilton ............................. 78-79

gamble .................................... 80

Young Farmers ......................... 81

charles Mills .......................84-85

ernie Sherwin .......................... 89

new Product ............................ 90

Farming People ................... 91-92

competitions ............................ 93

contractors .............................. 94

Each edition of FarmersMart contains essential information about the agricultural industry. As a subscriber you’ll get regular updates, a chance to voice your views - and much needed encouragement. Just fill in this form and send with a cheque for £15 (payable to Little Red Marketing Ltd.) to: The FarmersMart, Office 1, 40 Stockhill Rd, Greengates, Bradford, BD10 9AX. Or call Ben Walton on 01274 610 101, email: [email protected]

name ........................................................................................ tel no. ............................................

address .................................................................................................................................................

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CONTENTS

FarmersMart Summer 2011 �

NEWS

PRE - STRESSED CONCRETE SPECIALISTSTelephone : 016973 32585 or 016973 42277

MANUFACTURERS OF ALL TYPES OF PRE-STRESSED CONCRETE PANELS AND GENERAL PURPOSE INSTANT

WALLING - SILAGE FARM & INDUSTRIAL USE, HOLLOW CORE FLOOR UNITS AND ‘T’ BEAMS MADE TO MEASURE

CONCRETE POSTS & PANELSCONCRETE POSTS & PANELSFOR INSTANT SECURITY WALLING

CONCRETE LIMITED

cogent BreeDing PeDigree DairY SHoW & SaLe 16 June

A top price of £2520 for a Gillette Final Cut heifer from Colin Singleton of Preston set the pace for a very lively sale at Gisburn Auction Mart’s monthly pedigree sale on Thursday 16 June. Out of a VG cow and three weeks calved this heifer caught the eye of judge Colin Price, Keasden, Clapham, Lancaster and she was sold to David Walmsley, Worston, Clitheroe, Lancashire.

caSt eWe traDe Monday 13 June

Well fleshed and thin ewes were easily sold, with James Wood of Preston topping the market with a Texel ewe at £122 to AN Alan of Blackburn. Cast ewes averaged £76.21 overall.

PriMe LaMB thursday 9 June

There was a great entry of quality lambs at the Marts’ monthly show, with the winning pen of five

Gisburn Auuction MArt round-up

When you become a member of the newark and nottinghamshire agricultural Society.

Believe it or not, the £25.00 single adult membership fee provides benefits worth more than £180.00. These include free admission to both days of the Newark and Nottinghamshire County Show, free admission to both days of the Newark Vintage Tractor and Heritage Show, free admission to Driffield Show and discounted entrance prices to selected events held at the Newark Showground.

Included in the Membership package is priority parking at the County Show, fast track entry to both the County and Vintage Tractor shows, exclusive Members’ facilities and private ringside seating at the County Show as well as opportunity to support the society which enjoys charitable status by voting at the AGM and standing for election to The Council.

When is £25 Worth More thAn £180?

In the current economic climate of plunging interest rates, spiralling costs and cut-backs, where else could you find an investment that returns so much?

For more information visit www.newarkshowground.com or call 01636 705796.

The countdown continues to the World Sheep Dog Trials, Food & Country Festival, which is being staged on the Lowther Estate, near Penrith, from September 15th to 18th.

A total of 240 handlers and their dogs from 23 competing nations will compete in the 4th International Sheep Dog Society (ISDS) World Trials, which are being held in England for the first time.

Public interest in the four-day spectacle is also mounting for what is going to be one of the highlights in this year’s Cumbrian events calendar. More than 40,000 people are expected to attend from all parts of the globe.

Tim Longton, ISDS English President and head of the World Trials organising committee, said: “The countdown to the 2011 World Trials

is now well and truly on. This is going to be one of the biggest events of its kind ever seen in England and will prove of major interest not only to sheep dog enthusiasts, but also the public at large.”

advance tickets are now available through the iSDS at www.isds.org.uk

World sheep doG triAls : countdoWn GAthers MoMentuM

continental lambs weighing 35kgs coming from Frankland Farms, Settle, going under the hammer at £95 per head or 271p/kg selling to butcher buyer Anthony Swales from Knavesmire Butchers, York.

For further information please contact the auctioneer at the Sawley office on 01200 441 351

chAMpion And reserve chAMpion

froM colin sinGleton

FarmersMart Summer 2011�

NEWS

www.feedservices.co.uk

Tel: 01759 318230Mobile: 07811 432127

Email: [email protected]

Moist Grain StorageRoll and store your grain for the winter months

World sheep doG triAls : countdoWn GAthers MoMentuM

Farmers in Yorkshire and Humber have a new chance to apply for up to £25,000 funding for more efficient equipment, it has been announced. The funding can be used to buy equipment that will help reduce running costs for farmers, slashing the amount they need to spend on fertiliser and energy.

The list of equipment that can be funded has been expanded, now including voltage optimisation units and floating slurry store covers when used as part of a rainwater harvesting installation. The other equipment that can be funded are heat capture units, heat exchangers, rainwater harvesting, slurry separators and

slurry application kit.

Farms can apply through CO2Sense, the not-for-profit environmental consultancy that helps businesses, including farms, cut their carbon emissions and grow.

Vicky Wren, Project Manager at CO2Sense, said, “We want to help farmers invest in equipment that will

save both money and CO2. These new, innovative pieces of equipment offer real benefits, and we are keen to help farms from across Yorkshire take advantage of them.”

For more details, visit www.co2sense.org.uk now!

neW fundinG for fArMers

offerinG eAse And siMplicity - John WArren Abp collection driver Greets locAl fArMer

The North East’s leading animal by-product and food waste collection and disposal service provider has launched a new, free service to help farmers comply with statutory requirements.

John Warren ABP has worked with

neW service siMplifies fArMinG coMpliAncefarmers for over three generations and using this experience has created an online service, which supplies its clients with comprehensive compliance reports that meets the criteria required by DEFRA, Trading Standards and farm inspectors.

The new online service enables farmers to view invoices, review orders, check current prices and most importantly, collate comprehensive

reports that detail the number of animals lost, complete with their date of birth, date of disposal and their ear tag reference.

While farmers can access the information and generate reports whenever they want through a dedicated secure section of the John Warren ABP website, the company can also post the detailed reports to its clients upon request, free of charge.

Director, John Warren of ABP says: “Complying with statutory regulations is often complicated and time consuming for farmers. To simplify the

process we have created an online service that generates a detailed report comprising all statutory information in a matter of minutes utilising our existing data compiled during our contact with the farmer. This level of detailed information can only be provided by a collector who has direct contact with the farmer and is vitally important to the smooth operation of any farm.

For more information please visit www.jwarrenabp.com or call 01388 488215


Participation in shearing has increased year on year reports Bishop Burton College, following this year’s clipping week, which took place at the beginning of June. The event enables the agriculture students to learn this vital skill or develop their existing talents and it has also begun to attract students from other disciplines.

Farm manager Dominic Naylor said: “Whilst clipping is an essential part of the management of the flock, the event attracts an increasing number of participants year on year. It’s amazing to see the range of interested parties involved, and to watch the competition at the end of the week.

“For many of the students this is a skill which they will utilise

straight away either at home, or on the farms where they work and it’s fantastic to see such an interest from the farmers of the future and learners from some of our other curriculum areas.”

Shearing competition

Winner – Philip Hawksby (18) Bishop Aukland, National Diploma Agriculture Year 2

Runner-up – Tom Richardson (17) Ashbourne, Derbyshire BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Agriculture Year 1

For more information, visit www.bishopburton.ac.uk

students Get clippinG At bishop burton

NEWS

British Wool prices have reached a 25 year high and the promise of much better returns to the producer was the clear message from the British Wool Marketing Board (BWMB) at the NSA North Sheep event held at West Nubbock Farm, Hexham on 8th June.

Board Chairman, Malcolm Corbett said, “With over 94% of the 2010 clip already sold the current level of prices are expected to be maintained this calendar year”.

Wool prices at auction have increased substantially since October 2009, and the result is that the 2010 Wool Clip Value is double that of 2009 and three times that of 2008.

“These values will be reflected in the 2011 Wool Cheques and I’m sure producers will welcome the significant increase this year”. All producers have now received the

Wool prices At 25 yeAr hiGh sheep fArMers told At nsA north sheep event:

new layout Price Schedule and personalised estimated Wool Cheque “which I’m sure will make pleasant reading” Mr Corbett added.

For more information, visit www.britishwool.org.uk

Malcolm corbett

FarmersMart Summer 20116

NEWS

www.machinery4agriculture.com

Specialising in Used Agricultural Equipment

Wanted: All types of farm machinery and equipment. Good prices paid.

Browns Big Bale Carrier £2,950New Bailey 2010 10ton Trailer £6,550

Optico Multi Discs £3,250Abbey 2100 Rotaspreader £4,350

Tel: 07793 742543 / 01937 841371Email: [email protected]

Bishop Burton College celebrated its first Town & Country Day for five years when it opened its gates and welcomed thousands of people onto its campus for its first standalone event since 2006.

The College suspended its traditional Town & Country Event when it began a £25million campus redevelopment scheme.

With most of the major works now complete, Principal Jeanette Dawson felt the time was right to reinstate Town & Country Day and give the general

public the opportunity to explore and enjoy the new-look campus.

Mrs Dawson said: “The Town & Country event was always a highlight of the College calendar and attracted many, many visitors who enjoyed a wide variety of rural-themed displays and activities.

“We made the decision to suspend the event when the campus redevelopment scheme began in earnest and now the major works are complete, it seemed appropriate to reinstate Town & Country Day as many people have

asked over the years when it would be back.

“It was fantastic to be able to open the gates once again and welcome the public onto the new-look College site.”

Visitors to the event were able to enjoy a wide range of activities from mini tank driving, to sheep shearing demonstrations, dog shows, bread making and tours of the College’s animal management unit.

Guests could also get up close to Bishop Burton’s invertebrate, reptile and insect collections during the

colleGe celebrAtes successful toWn And country dAy

10 Amp, eight-stage battery charger launched to avoid a flat summer

CTEK, a leading global brand in the care and maintenance of vehicle batteries, has launched the MXS 10, a new 10A 12V battery charger with an eight-stage charging process.

With features including a 10 day ‘float’ ensuring maximum charge level for ‘in season’ usage as well as a unique ‘Recond’ reconditioning mode that will restore deeply discharged batteries, the smart charger maximizes the performance

of lead-acid batteries.

Peter White of CTEK commented: “To lose even part of a day due to a flat battery can prove to be very costly. The MXS 10 delivers effective conditioning and charging and can be left permanently connected to the battery for indefinite periods of time if required.”

SrP £138.99 inc. Vat. For more information or to find your nearest stockist, visit www.ctek.com or call 01380 722621

cteK chArGed to ensure seAsonAl stArts

Oilseed rape growers worried about the problems associated with wet summers and late harvests should choose an early maturing variety to reduce harvest pressures, according to Richard Elsdon, Technical Manager for United Oilseeds, who recommends candidate variety DK Camelot as a solution.

“Traditionally, Castille has been a popular variety due to its consistency, reliability and earliness,” Mr Elsdon

said, “However, Castille is starting to wane in popularity as it has been overtaken by many of the more modern, high-performing varieties on the HGCA’s Recommended List.

“DK Camelot, which is from the same stable as Castille, reverses the trend towards later maturity and shares many of the same attributes as the old favourite including a low biomass and early maturity.”

‘Snuggle a Snake’ and ‘Hug a Bug’ demonstrations.

The College’s flagship Bishop Burton Arena also hosted a fast and furious horseball demonstration and equine enthusiasts could also enjoy the Bishop Burton College Horse Trials which were held on Saturday and Sunday.

Six-year-old Jack Dyson of Beverley thoroughly enjoyed getting stuck into the ‘Have a Go at Bricklaying’. He said: “I wanted to know what it was like to do bricklaying because Daddy and Granddad build walls at home but I can’t help because it’s too heavy.”

For more information, visit www.bishopburton.ac.uk

eArly MAturinG osr offers solution to Wet hArvest WoesIn addition, with excellent resistance to lodging, solid stem stiffness and a low biomass, DK Camelot can be combined more speedily and using less diesel.

Mr Elsdon concludes. “Such a positive set of attributes therefore means

that DK Camelot is rapidly gaining a reputation as the natural Castille replacement with modern performance capabilities.”

www.unitedoilseeds.co.uk/dkcamelot


Farmers are now able to keep their long-service tractors working for an extended period of time thanks to RESTORE Engine Restorer®.

As the costs of running a farm grow, it is becoming important to retain these essential vehicles in use as long as possible. Only farmers can

appreciate the disruption to a busy schedule caused by removing crucial machinery from operation to replace worn rings, bores and bearings but Engine Restorer® provides the answer, quickly reversing engine wear that causes problems like blue smoke, oil burning and flickering

oil lights, whilst maintaining full operational capability.

The formula is an engine repair, not just an oil additive, that works on the worn-out areas of the cylinder walls, restoring cylinder compression and improving it to nearly new condition.

NEWS

enGine restorer cuts cost of trActor MAintenAnce

Beef and sheep producers are being urged to maximise cattle and lamb growth rates at grass this summer to avoid the consequences of another expensive feed winter.

“If the dry conditions persist, many livestock farmers will be struggling with grass and conserved forage shortages. Supplementary feeding now may be the last thing on farmers’

minds now, but failure to keep stock growing over a dry grazing period inevitably means costly penalties later in the year,” warns David Thornton from Rumenco.

He points out that if cattle are housed lighter in the autumn they will take extra days to finish:

“These extra finishing days really cost you over the longer-term; in

invest noW, or pAy lAter

expensive bought-in winter feed, additional bedding straw and a higher fixed cost burden in terms of electricity and diesel costs.”

With the cereal and oilseed markets both looking bullish over the summer, feed prices are only likely

to go up. Consequently, producers must act now to make the most of what cheap grass is available to mitigate the costly impact of a rising feed market late in the season.

www.rumenco.co.uk

MAxiMise suMMer GrAzinG

RESTORE Engine Restorer® can be used in all four-stroke, petrol, diesel and LPG engines. By adding a can with every oil and filter change, farmers and agricultural contractors can now avoid, or at least postpone, seriously expensive engine overhauls and reduce costly downtime.

For more information, visit www.ametech.co.uk


bELMONT REGENCY

Faster – Tighter – Easier – Safer

Please contact: John Mob: 07966 285240 or Steve Mob: 07931 511090www.quickfencer.com • email: [email protected]

• Four strand barb wire unroller, will take 4x2000 mtr rollsof barb wire. Can be retro fitted to existing machine

• Available with postdriver backshift.Bryce and Protech Masts

• Bryce, Malone, Wrag and others• Horse and Deer version available• All machines will take 2 x500 mtr or 2 x300, or 3 x100, rolls of net• Re-rolling attachment (roll wire back the same diameter) as the original• 7 day money back guarantee (subject to terms and excludes return carriage)• NEW PLAIN WIRE MACHINE capable of rolling out and tensioning up to

12 lines and taking 6x 3000 metre rolls at once

Would you be tempted to sort out your own accounts or do your own legal work? If you did, would it be purely on cost savings? Well, when it comes to insurance, you can obtain expert advice at no cost to yourself. There are a number of insurance brokers specialising in farm and agricultural insurance who are aware of the needs and requirements of the farming community and are aware of the various insurers’ contracts in this market.

Farming is unique in many ways as your premises are your home as well as “a factory in the country” where many people, be it trade reps or walkers have access. The average home insurance policy may not therefore provide adequate cover, nor may the standard “off the peg” motor policy. Brokers specialising in this market, know the market and are able to regularly assess the needs of the farming industry in such matters, both at inception of cover and as on a ongoing basis.

Apart from the service provided, reviewing your cover with a specialist broker can more than likely make

valuable savings on your existing cover, especially if it has not been reviewed for many years.

Farming has changed over recent years and changes in use, diversification, let properties, holiday lets, bed and breakfast, fishing lets etc., mean that the insurance cover in place needs to meet all of the activities.

The services of an insurance broker specialising in farm insurance can be vital in advising on such matters and can assist in providing inspection and breakdown cover as well as assessing where savings can be made now and more importantly keep this under constant review over coming years and move cover to other insurers if this is felt to be beneficial, something which no one insurer will be able to do. More than that a close ongoing relationship can be built up with annual visits to review cover.

For more information call 01332 362 367.

obtAin expert Advice on your insurAnce And sAve Moneybrett hAnnon, MAnAGinG director, belMont reGency insurAnce services explAins...

FarmersMart Summer 2011 9

SHOWTIME

JulyGreat Yorkshire Show: 12th – 14th Harrogate Showground

Cumberland Show: 16th Carlisle Racecourse

Malton Show: 17th Scampston Park

Howden Show:18th Ashes playing fields, Howden

Driffield Show: 20th Kelleythorpe

Penrith: 24th Penrith Showground

Borrowby Show: 26th Hillside Rural Activities Park

Ryedale Show: 26th Welburn Park,

Limousin Open Day: 29th Messrs Ridley at Hesket Newmarket

Border Union Show: 29th – 30th Springwood Park, Kelso

National Limousin Show: 30th Borderway Mart

Cockermouth: 30th The Fitz

augustPowburn Show: 2nd Alnwick, Northumberland

Cartmel Show: 3rd Cartmel Racecourse

Bakewell Show: 3rd- 4th

Emley Show: 6th Factory Farm

Dumfries Show: 5th- 6th Park Farm

Garstang Show: 6th The Showfield

Osmotherley Show: 6th Home Farm, Thimbleby

Sykehouse Show: 7th

Huby and Sutton: 21st Sutton Hall

Egton Show: 24th Egton Cross

Bilsdale Show: 27th

Wensleydale: 27th Leyburn

Weardale Show: 27th St Johns Chapel

Keswick: 29th The Crossings Field

Stanhope Show: 29th Unthank Park

Kilnsey Show: 30th Upper Wharfedale

September Westmorland County Show: 8th Lane Farm, Crooklands

Nidderdale Show: 19th

Robert D. Webster LtdKilham, Driffield . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tel . 01262 420226Owstwick, Nr Roos, Hull . . . . . . . . . Tel . 01964 670251Howden, Goole . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tel . 01430 430624

Robert D. Webster Ltd.

New Holland T8000 Series New Holland T5000 Series

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New Holland T6000+ Series

0% FINANCE AVAILABLE ON VARIOUS MODELSPLEASE PhONE FOR DEtAILS

COME AND SEE US AtDRIFFIELD ShOW

StAND NUMBER t6

Young Farmers from far and wide met at Park House Farm, Heversham recently to compete in the Westmorland County Agricultural Society’s annual YFC Stock Judging event.

A record turnout of almost seventy competitors came from clubs throughout Cumbria, along with members from neighbouring Yorkshire and Lancashire.

2011 younG fArMers stocK JudGinG coMpetitionThe competition included judging prime lambs, dairy and beef cattle as well as completing a veterinary questionnaire with all competitors assessing the livestock against a master judge’s placings before giving traditional reasons.

President John Park commented “It is fantastic to see so many youngsters taking part in traditional stockjudging competitions, and with such high standards we can be sure of competent livestock farmers in the future.”

The overall title was taken for the second successive time by Pennine

YFC member James Hayllar, closely followed by Mark Curr of the same club.

2011 Results

Senior Stockman James Hayllar, Pennine YFC

Junior Stockman Will Horsley, Skelton YFC

team Prize Longtown YFC

For more information, call 015395 67804 or visit www.westmorlandshow.co.uk the Winners


SHOWTIME

HRH The Prince of Wales and HRH The Duchess of Cornwall are to visit the Great Yorkshire Show on Wednesday 13 July, 2011. The Prince of Wales is Patron of the Yorkshire Agricultural Society, which organises the event.

Bill Cowling, Honorary Show Director said: “We are absolutely delighted with the news, and a programme for their time with us is underway. Their knowledge and enthusiasm for farming and rural life is well known, and their visit will make the show particularly special. We look forward to welcoming them.”

Their Royal Highnesses will get an in-depth insight into what is England’s premier show, touring the showground, meeting livestock exhibitors, visitors, as well as staff and stewards.

More than 130,000 visitors are expected to come through the gates for the prestigious showcase of agriculture and country life which runs from Tuesday 12 – Thursday 14 July. Record entries in several of the competitive sections have already been announced with all cattle stalls taken and a waiting list

royAl visit Announced for Gys

in operation, plus more than 2,000 sheep (a record) and over 2,000 horses competing. This will be the 153rd Great Yorkshire Show.

The show is no stranger to royal visitors. Most recently HRH The Princess Royal was welcomed last year, and Her Majesty The Queen and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh

spent a day at the event in 2008. The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall last visited the show in 2006.

Historically royal visitors have included HRH Prince Albert who toured the event in 1848, HRH The Duke of York, who later became George VI, and HRH The Duchess of

York were guests of honour in 1951, and in 1972, HRH The Duchess of Kent became the Society’s President for the year.

For more information, visit www.greatyorkshireshow.co.uk

Taking place at Leyburn the Wensleydale Show combines up to date family entertainment with the timeless appeal of a traditional agricultural display.

With cattle, sheep, poultry, and heavy horse judging, a horticultural, handicraft and home craft sections also feature. There is also a flower and a vegetable show and a vintage section that includes tractors, cars, and steam traction engines.

With a full programme of events in the main ring top billing is the Moto-Stunts International Display Team. A team of display teams perform skilled tricks and freestyle display jumping.

Around the show ground you will find walking stick competitions, sheep dog trials, open quoits competition, hounds and beagles and dry stonewalling.

the WensleydAle AGriculturAl shoW 2011

MAin rinG top billinG is the Moto-stunts

internAtionAl displAy teAM

There is plenty for children and over 100 trade stands, licensed facilities, an all day a full restaurant and a snack service on site complete the line up. The day finishes with an on the day dog show. Leyburn Band entertains throughout the day.

Show Chairman Mr David Ford said,” The Wensleydale Show prides itself in being a traditional agricultural show with a big presence of sheep, cattle, and now poultry. “


XXXXXSHOWTIME

The hectic show season is now well underway, but there’s still some time to get your entries in for our annual Fencing Competition! On Wednesday, 20th July the Driffield Agricultural Show will take place and this year it celebrates its 136th year, so why not come along and be part of the celebrations.

The annual competition takes place within the Fencing, Forestry and Renewables Area, where trading space is now more popular than ever. This area offers spectators the opportunity to witness live machinery demonstrations and allows spectators to stand and cheer whilst the finest fencing contractors from up and down the country show us what they’re made of. This year’s competition will comprise of ten teams of two.

For a chance of getting your hands on the prize money get your entries in by emailing [email protected]

The JC Balls Dancing Diggers Display Team will be providing our

the 2011 driffield shoW is AlMost here!

main ring entertainment this year and are bound to catch the attention of all ages with their astounding acrobatic mechanical feats. Reserved grandstand seats are available to purchase now and for only £10 offer you the peace of mind that you will have an excellent view for all the proceedings!

Driffield Show continues to be fantastic value for money with advance tickets now being available to purchase at the discounted rate of £10 for adults, £8 for senior citizens, £4 for children plus in an attempt to keep the prices for families down to an absolute minimum a family ticket can be purchased in advance for only £24 In addition all car parking is free!

For more information visit www.driffieldshow.co.uk to enter the Fencing competition call Simone on 01274 610101.

MiKe ford hAs confirMed his entry... he is the MAn to beAt


SHOWTIME

Beef farmers and representatives of every sector of the beef supply chain flocked to Newark for Beef Expo 2011, the National Beef Associations technical event with Lloyds TSB as the major sponsor.

Opening the event farmer and broadcaster Adam Henson of BBC Countryfile fame said the industry had much to be proud of, including the exceptional products it produced from some of the finest cattle in the world.

“I believe everyone in the industry should be excited about the future of the beef sector. Farmers are now being well recognised for the excellent work they do, not only in producing great food, but also looking after the countryside.

Speaking later in the day at the event’s Question Time session DEFRA minister Jim Paice said he hoped to be able to make an announcement on future TB control measures by the end of July.

Event Chairperson, Rachel Gascoine said the event had been a huge success with great crowds at the event all eager for knowledge and new technology which could help drive their businesses forward into the future. “The beef industry is in a good state and that has showed through in the event.”

www.nationalbeefassociation.com

beef expo 2011 drAWs the croWds to neWArK

AdAM henson openinG beef expo 2011

The British Limousin Cattle Society continues to announce its plans to mark the 40th Anniversary of the Limousin breed in the United Kingdom and the establishment of the Society.

The centrepiece of the year will be a Limousin Weekend of high profile activity kicking off with a National Limousin Open Day on Friday 29th July at the Haltcliffe pedigree herd of Messrs Ridley, Haltcliffe, Hesket New Market, Wigton, Cumbria. One of the UK’s foremost Limousin pedigree herds numbering 100 head, the Ridleys have bred both of the highest priced pedigree beef animals ever sold at auction in the UK: the 100,000gns Haltcliffe Vermount and the 72,000gns Haltcliffe DJ respectively.

The following day, Saturday 30th July, a National Limousin Show will be held in the new Exhibition Hall at Harrison & Hetherington’s Borderway Mart, Carlisle. Classes and Championships will cover both pedigree and commercial Limousin cattle with the expectation being that over 400 head of cattle will be entered.

In announcing the planned Limousin events, Mr Bloom, Chairman said: “The Society will use 2011 as a platform to build from for the next ten years and will in the year be announcing a sustained programme of high level investment in forward breed improvement plans and initiatives.”

www.limousin.co.uk

A reAl reAson to celebrAte!

There is no denying the awe-inspiring beauty of the Yorkshire Dales and this summer you can experience one of the finest livestock showcases in this most picturesque of settings. The Kilnsey Show has been held in and amongst the roaming dales valleys for over 100 years, and now in 2011, its bigger and better than ever!

The one day event takes place on Tuesday the 30th of August at the Kilnsey Showground near Grassington and has a whole host of agricultural activities on offer including; sheep and cattle showing, horticultural exhibitions, vintage tractor displays and dry stone walling competitions. Following on from last year’s show, the Cookery Theatre will once again

feature cookery demonstrations by award-winning chefs using only the finest local produce, whilst the ever popular children’s educational area entertains and thrills the younger visitor with many hands on activities.

Show Secretary Kathy Lambert is positive that this year’s event will have something for everyone; “We’re expecting 15,000 visitors on the day and with so much going on, you’ll be spoilt for choice! We are keeping our fingers crossed that the sun will stay out, so that our wonderful surroundings can be enjoyed by all those in attendance on the day”

www.kilnseyshow.co.uk

A Glorious settinG for A Glorious shoW!

FarmersMart Summer 2011 1�

bAYER

successful GrAin storAGe pre hArvest insect control in GrAin storesIn today’s unpredictable and volatile grain markets the correct storage and protection of high quality grain is very important.

Throughout the plants’ growing phase, technology and chemical formulations from companies such as Bayer, protect the cereal crop up to the point of harvest. Ken Black, National Account Manager at Bayer Environmental Science, explained: “In many cases the protection of the crop finishes after harvest and the crop goes into storage until it is ready to be sold. It is at this point that we need to see a significant change in attitude regarding grain storage”. He continued: “The small print in many farm standards and assurance schemes as well as buying contracts state that contamination or damage from insects will result in loss of quality and therefore may cause

considerable loss in price or even full rejection in the worst cases.

Figures show that over 90% of farms in the UK harbour at least one insect species known to infest grain, yet only 50% of growers use an insecticide to treat the grain store pre harvest.

The best form of control is the prevention of infestation; it is far easier and more cost effective to prevent insect attacks than to try and control them after they have occurred. If an infestation does develop steps need to be taken to eradicate it as quickly as possible.

The first steps before any fresh grain is brought into store is to ensure that the buildings, silos and storage bins are thoroughly cleaned.

It is important to understand that insects found in stored grain in the UK can enter the store in many

different ways. Some of the ways include; on bought in feed stuffs for livestock, unprocessed imported cereals, grain bought in from other farms and in sacks and bags.

Once thoroughly cleaned, the fabric and structure of the building should be treated with a suitable modern insecticide, such as K-Obiol® EC25 from Bayer. K-Obiol® contains the active ingredient Deltamethrin, has full approval for use on the structure and will give up to 2 months protection when used on the building. It is worth noting that some organophosphate products do not hold approval for use on the fabric of the building and should not be used and others have significant withholding periods. K-Obiol® EC25 has no withholding period.

The battle against insect grain pests is continuous but by following these

simple steps the risk of infestation can be significantly reduced ensuring that the producer maximises his return on his crops.

Product enquiries Ken Black national account Manager Bayer environmental Science, Bayer cropScience Ltd Mob: 07908 224878 tel: 00800 1214 9451 e-mail: [email protected] www.pestcontrol-expert.com


HUNTER

Eastgate Veterinary Centre

24 Hour Emergency Service 01751 472204Office Hours 9am–7pm

Tel: 01751 472204Fax: 01751 477489

133 Eastgate, Pickering, North Yorkshire YO18 7DW

Small and Large Animal Practice

• Established 20 years• Team of dedicated large animal vets offering excellence in livestock care

• Modern equipment including ultrasound scanner and full in house laboratory

• Fully qualified to perform Bull breeding soudness examinations

• Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons accredited

Consultation by AppointmentMonday–Friday 9am–11am,

2–3pm and 5–6.30pmSaturday 9.30am–11.30amwww.eastgateveterinarycentre.co.uk

The coveted Championship award at The Great Yorkshire Show is high on any farmer’s wish list, but when a farmer has been in the business for over twenty years, the urge to win is monumental.

For Thomas and Judith Hunter of New Town Farm in the village of Hunmanby near Filey, North Yorkshire, the dream of being crowned breed champion at the country’s largest agricultural showcase was always high on the agenda, and although it isn’t necessarily about who wins and loses, the pair admit that it does helps if you come away with something.

Thomas tells us, “Winning the championship at Yorkshire in 2008 was definitely one of my proudest moments. We won with our homebred charollais ‘Skelton Whin Gladiator’. We had been in the breed twenty years before winning there so it certainly wasn’t an over night job. If you go to the Yorkshire Show and come back with a ticket, you’ve done well.” After winning the Championship award, ‘Skelton Whin Gladiator’ went on to win the Lowland Breed and Champion Terminal Sire award at the Great Yorkshire too.

The triumph that the Hunters felt that

year couldn’t be further from their very first showing experience at their local Ryedale Show, as Thomas tells us; “We started showing just a year after first taking on the breed. A man called Alan Barnes was selling some old ewes at Lancaster so I bought three. I remember he said that if I bought the ewes, he would tup them for me, which he did. We got four or five lambs from that, so we thought we would go to Ryedale with them, being green and wet behind the lugs of course. We didn’t really know how to dress them and what not but we thought we might as well give it a go. The judge put us second on the day and came up to us afterwards to offer me a £1000 to buy it. But I thought if it was worth £1000 to him, it would be worth the same to me. We learnt from there really and we are still learning to this very day.”

The Hunters purchased the 30 acres at New Town Farm in 1989, with Thomas’s parents, after leaving their tenanted farm at Kirbymoorside, near York. Initially the shift in becoming farm owners took some getting used to, mainly because New Town was a slightly smaller farm, but the move did enable Thomas to continue driving for B.A.T.A Malton.

A Well deserved chArollAis Win After tWenty yeArs lucie cArter tAlKs With

pediGree sheep breeders thoMAs And Judith hunter

Thomas explains, “Owning our own farm is a lot easier, there isn’t as much hassle really. For us it was a case of finding two separate dwellings for ourselves and my parents who now live next door and this farm fit the bill. We now rent an additional 40 acres, so that our pedigree stock has room to roam.”

Now after over twenty years in Hunmanby, the Hunters carry a flock of 110 Charollais ewes and 30 Beltex. Around 60 ram lambs are kept to run through to shearlings, which are sold privately at home, Worcester Premier Sale, Malton and Skipton.

“When we moved over here we had been breeding Charollais for four years and originally we ran them separate as commercial and accredited flocks. We were eventually told by the powers that be that we needed to get rid of one or the other because they hadn’t to make contact with each other. So we decided to get rid of all the commercials and keep the pedigrees which at the time we only had a few of. Farming-wise, we are in a better position now though, and we still get as much satisfaction from it as we did when we were running both.”

According to Thomas this development came at a time when Charollais were “coming into the commercial man’s conscience”. After rearing his own using a borrowed charollais ram, Thomas was able to appreciate their appeal, particularly their “heaviness and strength”.

Being successful pedigree breeders, the Hunters main aim is to continue producing the good breeding stock. To achieve this Thomas travels the country looking for rams with style, breeding and confirmation.

“Johnny Hunter (no relation) in Scotland was a good man to buy from. I could ring him up and he would tell me as it was, I remember he was once selling an aged ram that he had and he gave me first chance to buy him. I must admit when I first saw this ram he wasn’t particularly the best looking sheep, but when we saw the flock coming over the highland hillside it was breathtaking and we were sold on him! Although he has gone now, he was the best ram I’ve ever had and I have carried out a lot of breeding using his genetic lines. He also advised us before his dispersal sale of two gimmer lambs with good breeding. As I was interested I sent my Mother and Father to the sale, thinking they would make a purchase for around £800. On their return, turns out it had cost £1800. Seeing her at first, I didn’t think she was strong enough, but she has more than repaid us with her breeding; Champion group of 3 at Great Yorkshire with herself, her daughter and son.”

As their flocks continue to grow Thomas and Judith rely on the help of Thomas’ elderly parents Simon and Valarie, to carry out everyday jobs around the farm. Their two children Simon (22) and Kerry (20) have also shown a keen interest in the farm, particularly in pedigree breeding.

If 2010 is anything to go by, this summer looks set to be another decent year for the Hunter family!

thomas and Judith Hunter newtown Farm, Hunmanby north YorkshireYo14 9rr tel: 01723 891 806

Judith And thoMAs thoMAs With his Winner


RITCHIE

Hughes Brothers of Oswestry is a family run agricultural supply business that has developed over the last 37 years from Roy and Gary Hughes’ home farm.

With farming and its experiences providing the business background, sons Tim and Richard Hughes and daughter Ann joined their father proving that investment, belief and hard work is the criteria for a successful family business. New re-

developed show rooms and product demonstration areas demonstrate their future belief in the industry that has supported them all over several decades.

The Ritchie range of agricultural and stock-handling products has been part of the Hughes business for over 20 years. These advanced engineered products have provided local customers with reliable cattle and sheep handling ranges and the

fArMinG co-operAtion pAysRitchie orange products are well established in the area.

A recent product that has experienced national interest is the Ritchie Combi Clamp. A new product development from New Zealand sheep farmers, the Combi Clamp enables sheep handling to be easier, quick and safer for both sheep and shepherd. However, like most established products, improvements for specific applications are always possible. Co-operation between Hughes Brothers and local sheep farmer Dai Hughes is one such development.

Dai farms over 970 acres of the Oswestry hills with over 7,500 sheep and a herd of suckler cows to look after. Kitted out with Ritchie Combi Clamp, race, gates and hurdles, Dai needed a bespoke system of transporting the Combi Clamp between flocks. A need for auto spray fitted with a magic eye and weighing system all-inclusive set Dai and Richard thinking. Two months of thought and designs has come up with a fully mobile system that allows Dai, with help from his son, to set up the unit within half an hour and be fully operational in three different sites. With the addition

of one or two segregation pens as needed, Dai and his son can now dose over 1,000 sheep within three hours.

A few additional comforts were added to the sheep handling system to make Dai’s life easier and work more enjoyable. The trailer is fitted with stabilizing legs to enable a flat working surface to be achieved to aid a more comfortable and safer operation and also a rain cover. A battery pack is fitted which recharges itself whilst the unit is being towed from site to site.

Dai adds, “The Ritchie Combi Clamp is a God send! My back problems are no longer a worrying issue and with my son, we are both able to operate the simple sheep clamp system. The design and thought put in by the Hughes team to what was already a good product, has proved to be a great success on our farm. The investment has certainly paid off”.

For more information, visit www.hughes-bros.co.uk


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KAvANAGH

Forging your own farming career can be challenging at the best of times, but first generation farmer Simon Kavanagh is living proof that with strong will and an eye for sheep breeding and grazing land, a profitable and sustainable business can be developed.

Simon originates from Eldwick near Bingley west Yorkshire; whilst growing up he developed a keen interest in livestock keeping his own hens and sheep on 7 acres of land that enclosed the family’s home as well as working on a local dairy and sheep farm. Simon’s casual fondness of sheep quickly grew and his knowledge of the industry grew through both academic qualifications and hands on experience.

Simon tells us, ‘’I went to Harper Adams and completed a degree in land and Farm Management. Whilst there I spent a year working full time on a Beef, Sheep and Arable farm in Shropshire. Having graduated I went to work for John Geldard near Kendal working with Beef, Sheep and Poultry and then Mike Barker near Lancaster working with Pigs and Dairy.’’

It was in 2000 whilst working in Cumbria for John Geldard when he managed to rent 50 acres of land in Eldwick and purchase 274 Lleyn gimmer lambs which became the foundation stock which he has subsequently built from. A move to working for Mike Barker near Lancaster gave him the next opportunity to expand as he was able to rent additional land from him alongside his work. Having a job alongside running his own flock of sheep allowed him to build up his own business taking on more sheep and land every year.

‘’This was all made possible by have very understanding employers alongside my father who would keep an eye stock during the week whilst I was away working as well as help during busy periods.’’

The sheep enterprise is based on breeding pure bred Lleyns and every sheep on the farm is pure bred.

‘’I have invested a lot of time and effort over the years ensuring that the flock is improved all the time. I am looking for sheep with good structure, confirmation, tight skins, good feet and mouths are also top priority as well as the ewes mothering and milking ability, it is important to remember

A first GenerAtion fArMer With A prosperous future We chAt to siMon KAvAnAGh At West berWicK fArM neAr sKipton

In 2010 Simon took on West Berwick Farm at Draughton near Skipton. A 340 acre farm owned by the Clay family. Taking on the farm has now given him the chance to move the business on in other directions alongside the sheep. Now Simon works alongside his younger brother Michael in the business with other labour drawn in when required.

‘’The farm has a tremendous amount of buildings and I saw the potential to move into other areas, every farm is different, I think you have to play to your strengths and utilise what you have. My main objective has always been to form a mixed, viable and sustainable business.’’

Since moving here old cattle yards have been converted for finishing pigs and another building has been converted for a flock of free range laying hens. Both these enterprises provide regular cash flow and fit in well with the sheep enterprise. Cattle from

neighbouring farms are also wintered and grazed on the farm helping the grazing balance utilising buildings and provide a useful income stream.

Simon admits although the sheep sector has had some lean times over the last 10 years, more recently the industry is looking buoyant again, largely down to there being less breeding sheep about, alongside a favourable exchange rate. I think that the Lleyn breed will continue to grow in popularity as it becomes increasingly important to control costs and run large flocks of commercial sheep that are easy to manage, producing quality lambs for todays market.

For more information on the Lleyn breed contact him on tel: 07759 907961. West Berwick Farm, Draughton Skipton, north Yorkshire BD23 6DX

that the Lleyn is bred primarily for its maternal attributes. The Lleyn ewe is an ideal commercial ewe and is great for crossing with many terminal sires; they are prolific, hardy, good foragers, excellent mothers and require less feed than many alternative breeds. Another of the Lleyns attributes is that you can breed you own replacement ewes keeping tight control on costs, quality and health status.’’

The top end of the flock are synchronised and AI’d ensuring that the best Tups are used to sire as many lambs as possible.

He tells us, ‘’The AI work comprises of synchronising between three and four hundred ewes and we normally get 85% and even up to 95% conception rate using fresh semen. It is well worth doing because you can achieve a very short lambing period allowing extra staff to be drawn in only for a very short period. We are also seeing fantastic genetic gain as the quality of the sheep continues to improve. Sheep are also monitored for any ewes that need assistance as we want to be intervening as little as possible at lambing.’’

Ewe lambs and the best Tup lambs are then grown on into shearlings and are sold mainly at the Lleyn sheep society sales. Sheep are sold at Ross on Wye, Ruthin, Carlisle, Sterling, Skipton as well as the ram sales at Kelso and Builth Wells. Fat lambs are sold through Skipton and Gisburn Auctions, as well as direct to Woodhead Bros at Colne, with the vast majority of lambs killing out as R3L as well as a few U grades weighing between 19.5kg and 21.5 kg.

brothers MichAel And siMon


GRIPPLE

The all-new Gripple Contractor Tool caught the attention of many visitors at the Royal Cornwall Show this year, the largest agricultural show in Cornwall and Devon, which experienced a record 127,000 visitors over three days. Live, hands-on demonstrations of the tool on a run of fencing showcased exactly how it takes all the strain out of tensioning fence wires, leaving visitors impressed with just how easy it was to apply loads, and how quickly they were able to fully tighten the fence.

From the people behind the revolutionary Gripple range of wire joiners and tensioners, the new tool was developed through ongoing, meticulous research out in the field, with Gripple listening closely to their customers to determine exactly what you require from a tensioning tool.

The result is the Contractor Tool a brand new, metal, tensioning tool offering a 10:1 mechanical advantage, meaning you can apply the same tension with a lot less effort. Designed specifically to

withstand daily use, the entirely metal construction makes it extremely strong and robust. What’s more, the long handles provide increased leverage, and the quick release cam makes grabbing wire much easier than ever before. It also boasts a release key holder and soft-feel grips, to make fence installation, maintenance and repair even less demanding.

The tool is perfect for use on all Gripple fence products, including the Gripple Plus joiner and tensioner,

the Gripple Barbed and the GPAK bracing kit. Whether you’re installing a fence for the first time or re-tensioning further down the line, the Contractor Tool is built to last, and will prove its worth time-after-time.

the highly awaited, all-new gripple contractor tool is on sale august 2011 - contact your local distributor for more information or visit http://www.gripple.com/

neW Gripple tool drAWs croWdsdAve deMonstrAtinG At the shoW


NEWS AbROAD

Farming is difficult at the best of times, the variety of the weather, decease and difficult markets, but as Ben Freeth told FamersMart, ‘when the rule of law breaks down, everything we normally take for granted also disappears.’

Already the subject of a 2009 Bafta nominated film now Ben has written a compelling and moving account of his family’s time in Zimbabwe which led to violence and destruction. In the book Ben describes how his Christian faith has helped his family’s groundbreaking step of challenging President Mugabe at the Southern African Development Community tribunal.

Ben’s passion for farming started as a youngster and saw him working on farms in England, Australia, New Zealand and Zimbabwe. In 1990 Ben decided to get the right qualifications. He studied agriculture at the Royal Agriculture College in Cirencester.

After graduation Ben, returned to Zimabawe. ‘It’s a beautiful country

ziMbAbWe - A fArMers tAle A neW booK, MuGAbe And the White AfricAn by ben freeth Mbe tells of his 10 yeAr struGGle fArMinG in ziMbAbWe And hoW his fAMily Were AttAcKed And seriously inJured, the fArM blAzed to the Ground And his lonG struGGle for Justice AGAinst the MuGAbe reGiMe.

phil reAd spoKe to british born ben freeth.

with beautiful people,’ said Ben. He eventually worked on his in-laws to be 24,000 hectares farm in Mount Carmel, about 70 miles south west from the capital Harare. ‘My wife Laura’s family have been farming in the African Continent for around 300 years. My father-in-law bought the land in Zimbabwe in 1974.’

The farm was very successful says Ben. ‘We grew mangos and citrus fruit, which we sold to many markets including Marks and Spencer. We also grew crops including maize.’

In addition to the 40,000 fruit trees, the farm also had cattle, the native Mashona crossed with Sussex beef. The farm was also home to 500 people living off the land. Around 50 were directly employed by Ben’s farm with a further 150 employed seasonally.

‘My wife also taught the local women embroidery and they ran a cottage industry selling their work locally,’ said Ben. ‘We also had some of the country’s finest wildlife with giraffe and antelope roaming the land.

Finally in 2008. Ben, his Mother and Father-in-law were abducted and beaten to within an inch of their lives. The farm was burnt to the ground in 2009. Ben’s father in law Mike Campbell never recovered from his injuries and sadly he died in April this year at the age of 78.

So why did Ben and his family not just get out of Zimbabwe when he could like many others? ‘Well as a Christian I believe that good will prevail over bad. We want to continue farming and we believe once there is an end to the Mugabe regime farming will again be able to resume in Zimbawe.’

Ben now 41 was awarded the MBE in 2010 for his services to farming in Zimbabwe. He says the farm is now owned by an octogenarian military commander with no interest in farming. ‘He visits for half an hour once a month,’ says Ben. Other white owned farms have been gifted by Mugabe to his elite supporters, judges, police chiefs and politicians. There is no electricity and currently no farming taking place.

Find out more about Ben’s amazing story in his book Mugabe and the White african which was published in June.

We ran safari trips for visitors from across the globe.’

But this paradise was set to meet difficult times under the regime of President Mugabe who has been in office since 1980. In 2000 President Mugabe began his violent land seizure programme. Thousands of white farmers and their families were forced to abandon their farms and flee.

Ben’s Father in law had already approached the government about the farm in 1999 and had agreements indicating the authorities had ‘no interest’ in the land.

Despite this, as the rule of law broke down, mobs surrounded the house, Ben and his family; by now Laura and Ben had brought 3 children into the world, were shot at, the farm workers were arrested and beaten up by the police. The tractors and plant machinery were stolen.

fAMily fArM And hoMe destroyed

ben With one of the nAtives


DAIRY

Lely Center, Bedale are pleased to announce that Terry Senior will be joining our Company as our new Sales Advisor for South Yorkshire & Humberside. Terry will be working for us to generate more interest and follow up leads in the South Yorkshire and Humberside area where he lives with his wife Angela.

Terry Joined the Company 1st June

and brings with him a wealth of experience in not only dairy, but also the pig and poultry sector of agriculture, where many of the products and services that Tim Gibson Ltd supply can also be applied, he is delighted to join Tim Gibson Ltd promoting Lely Robotic Milking Solutions and ancillary equipment bringing with him 26 years

of experience within Agriculture. He will draw from a prior engineering background to assist Customers with choices & planning of Robot Layouts incorporating Feed Storage Silos & ‘best practice’ Conveying systems to suit individual farms in the Yorkshire Area where he resides.

Terry Senior has been involved in the Agricultural Sector since 1985

and has worked with EB Equipment as Works Manager and most recently with Collinson has Area Sales Manager (East) until semi retirement.

terry can be contacted via the office on 01677 424284 or on his mobile 07714 133352

still GroWth in AGricultureterry senior


bETHELL / HEAD O’ TH MARSH

We are pleased to be associated with Andrew and Cath Bethell and wish them continued success

Converting one vegetarian to meat isn’t the easiest of things, let alone two vegetarians who have avoided meat for almost thirty years! Cath and Andrew Bethell, founders of the Head o’th Marsh Farm Shop didn’t

have to try very hard to achieve this though, they let their beautifully home-reared cuts of meat do the job for them.

“We get absolutely wonderful feedback from all our customers about the taste of the meat, but I just couldn’t believe it when I convinced two vegetarian ladies from the nearby village to try our beef. I think that has to be our biggest achievement!” laughs Cath.

Head o’th Marsh Farm Shop is a fantastic example of what to modern-day farmers can do when the going gets tough, and it proves that with a smidge of creative flair and agricultural know-how; even the most traditional farms can step into the 21st century.

The shop sits

MeAt so tAsty even the veGetAriAns WAnt to tAste it!lucie cArter tAlKs With AndreW And cAth bethell in brindle, lAncAshire

comfortably in the entrance of the Bethell’s family farm (of the same name) and manages to be both impressive in size, but homely and welcoming too. Cath and Andrews’s decision to build a farm shop came after the council proposed their plans to build a new motorway straight through the middle of their farm.

Andrew tells us, “We had been milking our dairy cattle here for thirty years before the plans came through. But when they eventually

got round to building the M65 in 1996, our land here was completely split in two and we couldn’t continue on as a dairy farm. At the time my father and I were milking 100 cattle and also carried between 150 and 200 sheep. The motorway cut our land in half though and it meant we couldn’t carry the stock anymore, so we had to cut back considerably and reassess the situation.”

In an attempt to turn their fortune around, Cath and Andrew decided to


bETHELL / HEAD O’ TH MARSH

Towers GornallChartered Certified Accountants

Towers & Gornall are pleased to be associated with the Bethells and wish them every success

now and in the future

29 Main Street, Bentham Near Lancaster, LA2 7HQTel: 015242 61206Fax: 015242 [email protected]

transform what had been an old out building (used for the most part to store sawdust) into a fully-functioning farm shop complete with checkout, industrial-sized refrigerators and cooling rooms.

“Because we had always sold meat directly from the farm whilst still milking,” Andrew continues, “we already had an idea of what running a shop would be like. Our meat was always very popular to the locals so I thought if we could taste the difference

in quality, and they could too; why not take it to the next level.”

As that’s exactly what they did. To get the ball rolling, Cath and Andrew contacted the funding organisation ‘Rural Futures’ to ask if they would

be eligible for funding. Thankfully they were and in 2005, after over three years of planning agreements and business proposals, they were able to turn their dreams into a reality.

Cath explains, “Rural Futures helped us an awful lot in the initial stages of the development, and we used a local building firm we knew to rebuild the old sawdust building into the shop you see today. Originally the shop was only the size of our meat counter, which was enough to begin with because we were only selling meat and eggs back then”

Now in its fifth year of trading, Head o’th Marsh Farm Shop is proving more popular than ever before. The huge fridge that stretches across the entire length of the shop stocks only the finest cuts of meat, whilst the rest of the shop is filled with fresh pork pies, eggs, jams and even ice creams.

All of the lamb and pork sold through the shop is reared only yards away on the farm itself, and Andrew’s father is responsible for all the pork that is sold. The Bethell’s don’t use any other local farmers to supply the meat as they favour a more ‘personal touch’.

“We prefer to do it all ourselves to be honest and although at times it can be quite hard meeting with demand, to have produce as fresh as we have it means we have to be practical in turning things around. All our meat is packed and hung in Skipton so tractability is as high as it possible can be.”

After a rollercoaster ride from the farming to the food industry the Bethell’s still remain level headed, and with the help of their three children Lee (19), Tom (16) and daughter Lauren (11), the farm shop is only the beginning!

For more information on Head o’th Marsh Farm Shop visit www.headothmarshfarm.co.uk or call 01254 852317

AndreW And cAth bethell


CHRIS bIRCH

Chris Birch is a man who simply cannot escape the farming world; growing up in the small village of Monyash, near to his current home in Alport near Bakewell. Although his family’s farm was sold when Chris was only nine years old, he has never really been able resist the lure of the agricultural industry.

He tells us, “After leaving school I became more heavily involved with the Bakewell Young Farmers Club, which is where I met my Wife Catherine. I held the Chairman and Secretary positions there and I was also the Derbyshire County Chairman for a year.”

After working in a warehouse, Chris went on to work for an agricultural merchant and his knowledge of the industry was subsequently made stronger.

When Chris married Catherine, the pair purchased a three acre field near their home and as the size of the holding has steadily grown (through inherited and tenanted land) the couple and their two children Eve (8) and Thomas (7) have enjoyed a more ‘relaxed’ approach to agricultural living. The children both have their own sheep. Eve has a Greyface Dartmoor and Thomas has a Jacob.

Since joining the ministry of agriculture in 1998 as an Inspector Chris has worked on what some might consider ‘the other side of farming’. He now works as an Inspector for the Rural Payments Agency, and it’s a position he holds in very high esteem.

“My job involves visiting agricultural holdings and other premises, in order to verify claims for payment under various Environmental Schemes as well as the Single Payment Scheme. I check all elements of cross compliance and I do a lot of work with cattle, sheep and pig identification. I absolutely love my job; being from a farming background, I appreciate the work that farmers do. And because we have our own sheep and a few cattle, I know what is required when rearing animals and the time constraints of trying to juggle animals, paperwork, a full-time job, bringing up a family and working within a small, rural community.”

The Birch family currently have seven different breeds of sheep running as one 30-strong flock. The vast majority of their sheep are traditional breeds, with a handful of them being rare breed Teeswaters.

explorinG All AreAs of the fArMinG industry We visit chris birch on his sMAll holdinG in bAKeWell, derbyshire

“A lot people don’t know that there only about 600 registered breeding Teeswater females in the country. This was one of the main reasons we started keeping them. When we decided to keep sheep we looked at the Rare Breed Survival Trust list, starting with the most critical endangered. We moved up the list until we came to Teeswaters. We visited our nearest flock which was about 40 miles away, and liked what we saw. I find it difficult to understand why such a productive animal that can produce £15 worth of wool should be so rare.

We have now joined the Breed Society Scanning Scheme which is aiming to improve the carcase quality of the breed. Early signs show that the Teeswater is equal to, if not better than some of the more fashionable breeds.

As well as attending local shows, we show and sell at the National Rare Breed Show at Melton Mowbray. Every year a few breeders attend to promote the breed and to inform people just how endangered they are. Our biggest achievement was in 2008 when a shearling ram not only won the Teeswater class but also received the reserve inter-breed champion award.”

Whilst talking so passionately about the quality of his mixed-breed flock and particularly the Teeswaters, Chris is keen to credit JG Animal Health; “We have encountered a few problems recently because the land we have is high in iron, sulphur, aluminium and molybdenum. It was thanks to JG Animal Health that we found this information out after they carried out some sampling work for us. Thanks to them we have since put all our sheep onto one of their mineral drenches and we have been seeing considerable improvements.”

For Chris and his impressive Teeswaters hopefully the next few years will be as rewarding and enjoyable as he strives to promote this traditional breed.

chris Birch, Broadmeadow cottage alport, Bakewell Derbyshire De45 1LH tel: 01629 636083 See page 93 for more on Teeswater breed

chris birch


bETAFENCE

The Rylock stand at this year’s major UK agricultural shows is proving a big pull for farmers and fencing contractors alike – and it’s also providing the company with

opportunities for some grassroots market research.

Hundreds have been visiting the Betafence team who’ve been exhibiting the market-leading Rylock

range including stock fence, barbed and fencing wire at shows including The Balmoral in Northern Ireland, The Royal Cornwall and The Royal Highland Show near Edinburgh.

The company’s also due to take part in The Royal Welsh Show 2011 in July.

James Timlin, Betafence UK Sales Manager, said: “The response we’ve had from visitors has been amazing. They’ve given us some great feedback on Rylock and how it’s performing out in the field.

“And there’s no doubt that farmers really appreciate our Rylock guarantees and the fact that our products are 100% British and made in Sheffield, the home of steel.”

James Timlin added that a competition to win a Honda All-Terrain vehicle had also proved to be a major draw for visitors to the stand. The winner will be announced (date ???) and the results published on the Betafence

website www.betafence.co.uk

Betafence is the largest manufacturer of agricultural wire products in the UK. The Rylock range is unique in being made from steel rod produced in British steel mills and turned to wire and into fencing at the Betafence factory in Sheffield where more than 300 people are employed. Agricultural wire has been produced on site since the 1930s. Rylock’s unique properties and green colour are the result of high quality design, production skills and knowledge.

rylock products are all guaranteed: the rylock green range for 20 years and rylock one for 10 years. the guarantee was introduced in 2010 to qualify the quality long associated with the rylock brand. For more information contact [email protected]

fArMinG shoWs pAy off for betAfence


bATES

A Northumberland family farming business is moving towards self sufficiency in its sheep and beef enterprises to try to avoid price fluctuations in breeding stock and importing disease.

Nilston Rigg Farms, at just under 1,000 acres, runs from 900ft above sea level to 350ft on the banks of the River South Tyne near Haydon Bridge.

Northumberland type Blackface ewes are bred on the high ground at Nilston Rigg, Langley, producing flock replacements and North of England Mules which are crossed with the Suffolk and Texel to produce prime lamb - 1,800 finished lambs were sold last year.

And now replacements are being bred for the herd of 130 predominantly Limousin cross suckler cows which are run across the ring-fenced acreage which has gradually been taken back and farmed in-hand as tenants on smaller units retired.

The Nilston Rigg partnership involves Tommy Bates, whose land the farm is on, his daughter Annabelle Morshead and son Benedict. Annabelle’s son, Harry works on the farm, while eldest son Charlie helps part-time while also running his own dance floor hire business. Benedict’s son William is also planning to work at home.

Blackface sheep have been bred by the family for a number of decades and while more recently home-bred sheep have been shown with great success, both the sheep and beef enterprises are run very much with the commercial market in mind.

Most of the 520 Blackface sheep are

run on the higher ground at Nilston Rigg with the best ewes bred pure and up to half the ewes being crossed with the Bluefaced Leicester to produce gimmer lambs for the farm’s 700 Mule flock.

Two years ago Annabelle paid £12,500 for a ram at Hexham Mart, the type they had been looking for several years, with massive scope and size and with many of the other preferred qualities of the breed.

“Because we want to produce finished lambs with a good carcase from the Mules we wanted a ram with power and body. We can’t expect the Suffolk or the Texel ram to do the whole thing,” said Annabelle. “ In early December his lambs realized up to £92 a head and weighed 47kg, at Hexham.

“We’re aiming to produce a quality Blackface, mainly for our own use, but we also sell Blackface tups at Hexham. I have always been a believer in looking after the ewe flock and making sure they are good quality and I always check when buying in a ram that he has good dam lines,“ she added.

At this year’s Northumberland County Show a Nilston Rigg ewe won the Blackface championship - the fourth time in a row at the event for the family. They also fly the flag for the breed and their flock at other local shows and testament to the quality of their breeding was that in 2009 four different ewe lambs each won their class at different shows.

Harry is following the family’s enthusiasm for the Blackface and he is judging the breed classes at the Great Yorkshire Show this year.

Suffolk and Bluefaced Leicester rams are bought-in but Texel rams are bred from the farm’s 40 pure Texel flock with some rams sold privately

Lambing starts inside at the end of February-early March with some of the early lambing Mules, the flock having scanned at 226%. These are followed at the end of March-beginning of April by the later Mules and then the Blackfaces outside which scanned at 183% from April 10.

Ewes carrying triplets and singles are lambed inside by Annabelle with Harry taking charge of the outside lambing with the help of local farmer Jimmy Story.

The Mule cross Suffolk lambs start selling at between eight and nine weeks old. This year the first lambs were sold on May 17 and they were fetching £128 a head.

“We like the Suffolk tup because the lambs mature a bit earlier with more weight. We sell every week which means we can ride the market,” said Annabelle.

At two consecutive sales in mid-June 35 lambs sold to average over 200p per kg with 38 making 206p the following week - some of these were triplets which made £87 a head.

The aim is to sell the lambs finished with the majority away by November when the grass quality declines.

Blackface wether lambs last year averaged £70 a head, with lambs sold from the beginning of August. For the past three years they have won the Hexham Christmas primestock show, with this years pen realizing 190p per kilo .

While most of the Mule ewe lambs are retained as replacements, some are sold through Hexham and at the first Mule gimmer lamb sale of the season last year the farm’s lambs were first into the ring and averaged £100. Blackface ewe lambs made £122 a head at the same sale.

The farm’s herd of 130 suckler cows includes a handful of Belted Galloways - a favourite of Tommy Bates.

In the last three years British Blue cross heifers have been bought in with a view to crossing them with the Limousin bull, retaining only the best as herd replacements. Now 80% of the herd is home-bred, to include some pure Limousins.

The majority of the herd - 110 cows - calves in the spring with the remainder in the autumn, producing calves which are sold as sucklers at seven to 10 months old making between £600 and £700 for an eight month old calf.

With an eye on producing quality, pedigree Limousin bulls with a high beef value are purchased at sales in Carlisle, paying up to 6,000gns.

“I like to have one bull that is a true terminal sire but I am also looking for maternal traits such as easy calving and milk but we’re not trying to compete with breeders aiming to produce show calves,” said Benedict.

The calves are creep fed with a home mix in August and September with the aim of selling them all by November to reduce feeding costs.

During winter housing the cows are fed clamp silage with Autumn born calves receiving creep feed and first calvers also receiving a home mix.

Up to 50 acres of winter or spring barley is grown for home consumption as part of a five to 10 year rotation. Red clover rich leys have been sown recently to improve the grassland, particularly for the finishing lambs.

The farm has been in ELS for five years and it is hoped that it can be accepted for UELS now the five-year term has ended.

th Bates, Haydon Bridge tel: 01434 684 256

self sufficiency for sheep And beef At nilston riGG

Just like part of the family!!ScottMitchellAssociates

The Farm, Equine & Small Animal SurgeriesTyne Green, Hexham, Northumberland NE46 3SG

Tel +44 1434 608999

www.vets1.com

hArry, benedict And AnnAbelle With liMousin cross heifers


bOWNESS

LYVENNET FENCING & CONTRACT SERVICES LIMITED

Willow Garth, Crosby RavensworthPenrith, Cumbria CA10 3hP

Tel 07768100397 / 01931 715037

Pleased to be associated with Brian Bowness and wish

him continued success for the future

Situated in the beautiful village of Crosby Ravensworth, within the roaming hills of Cumbria, stands Bank Farm, a beef and sheep enterprise that has been occupied by generations of Brian Bowness family for as long as Brian can remember.

“The farm was originally owned by my grandparents on my mother’s side of the family. Myself and Shirley first came here in 1988 with our young

daughters Dawn and Tracy. Before coming here we tenanted another farm not to far away from here, but because Bank Farm had always been a part of the family it seemed natural to come here when the opportunity came.”

To make sure his 365 acres of land reaches its full potential, Brian rears both beef Suckler cows (Belgium Blue and Limousin crosses), 600 Texel

Cross sheep and has also developed a strong trading relationship with his local butcher (whom he supplies lambs to, 52 weeks of the year).

Brian lambs his flock at two different times to be able to catch the Easter Market of spring lamb. He lambs 200 sheep during February, which are all housed inside before and after lambing. The rest of his flock are then lambed during April.

With so many different elements of the farm to contend with throughout the working day it seems surprising to hear that Brian’s down time is spent (yes you guessed it) working with cattle. In recent years Brian has become more and more interested in the art of cattle breeding, but rather than wanting to achieve a profit and eventually develop a new line of dare we say ‘business’, Brian’s new found

enJoyinG the ‘other’ side of the industryfArMersMArt Meets With briAn And shirley boWness of bAnK fArM neAr penrith

dAWn With her chAMpion bruno briAn boWness


bOWNESS

passion for embryo experimentation is done purely for his own enjoyment.

Last May one Heifer in particular caught his eye whilst at a summer sale in Carlisle….

He tells us, “Myself and Dawn, who works as a vet in Pickering, decided to go in search of a top quality Heifer, with the idea that we could carry out some flushing work on her. We went to a pure bred Belguim Blue sale in May last year and a heifer known as Blugrass Demi, formerly owned by Messrs Raine at Stanhope Gate Farm caught our eye.”

Since making the purchase, Brian and Dawn have flushed the heifer a total of three times, the first two

eggs being implanted into recipitants. A dark coloured good shaped bull calf has just been born as a result of this.

“We’re not trying to make a living from this sort of work though,” Brian insists, “it’s just a different aspect of the industry isn’t it? It’s more of a general interest really and we are trying to have a bit of fun as we learn. We don’t have hobbies us farmers, this heifer is my hobby!”

Before investing in Blugrass Demi, Brian made another purchase that has not only strengthened his herd, but has allowed him to fulfil his new found interest in breed experimentation.

“Originally we brought a bull called Croftends Bruno from the Bellas Family who farm nearby. We took a load of semen from him (3500 swatches in total) and then went on the look out for the perfect Heifer which of course became Blugrass Demi.”

Working together Brian and daughter Dawn regularly flush and subsequently scan Blugrass Demi to make sure she is doing well.

As Brian’s herd numbers continue to increase and the quality of his stock improves year-on-year, the profitability of his cattle is becoming more relevant than ever. For Brian, a major turning point in the everyday

workings of Bank Farm came during the aftermath of Foot and Mouth.

“Not long after foot and mouth we tried to calve at two different times each year so that we could sell at different times throughout the year and generate more of an income. We had calved in June, July and August and sold these claves through Penrith auction the following summer as store cattle. But now although we continue to do the same with half of them the other half we tend to calve in February and March time so we can sell the calves at Suckler sales at the end of October, again at Penrith auction.

During the summer Brian regularly carries out a number of contracting jobs and therefore relies on the expertise of the staff from Llyods Ltd at Penrith to keep his machinery in good working order.

The majority of Brian’s summer will now be spent continually working and indeed experimenting with his favourite new Heifer, but next year he hopes to parade her in all her glory over the 2012 showing season.

Shirley & Brian Bowness Bank Farm, crosby, Penrith ca10 3JB tel: 01931 715 239

WhAt A fine beAst


STANFORTH bUTCHERS

craven baconWholesale Suppliers of bacon, gammons,

dry cured bacon, cooked meats and much more.

We are pleased to be associated with Stanforths Butchers and wish them continued

success for the future

www.cravenbacon.co.uk

Telephone : 01535 634733Mobile : 07801 841855

Pedigree is very important in farming, but there is a butchery business in Skipton which has an impressive pedigree all of its own. Stanforth Butchers started trading in the pre-war years and was established by Jim Stanforth. He quickly became well known throughout the town and far beyond for not only his quality of meat but also his delicious pork

pies, which are still going strong right now.

Today the business of Stanforth Butchers is more wide ranging than ever. Seven years ago Craven Cattle Marts Quality Foods was set up at the mart. This is a professional and fully accredited cutting service that is now a licensed meat processing unit and Stanforth Butchers operates

it in conjunction with the mart.

The two partners in the business of Stanforths are Robert Hart and Simon Barker. Robert runs the shop site at Mill Bridge, which has been in existence at this site for over 80 years; whilst Simon is the mainstay behind the CCM Quality Foods operation. Robert took over the business some years ago. It

had been run previously by Kenneth and Margaret Stanforth and their daughter Elaine and husband David Jubb had taken it on from them.

All meat sold by Stanforth Butchers is fully traceable back to the local farms they buy from and it is sourced by renowned buyer James (Amos) Dewhurst. James has many years of experience in purchasing exactly the

you don’t need AWArds to prove quAlitysiMone visits stAnforth butchers of sKipton

siMon bArKer robert hArt

FarmersMart Summer 2011�0

STANFORTH bUTCHERS

right quality both Robert and Simon pride themselves upon providing for their customers. Beef is usually from Belgian Blue and Limousin heifers; lamb from Texel and Suffolk.

The cutting site at Skipton employs the latest state-of-the-art equipment which ensures Stanforth Butchers utilises the latest in technology whilst maintaining their traditions for quality. It also maintains a massively strong link between the butcher’s business and the farmers, enabling Stanforth Butchers to keep a close contact with their regular farmer suppliers and to spot the new up and coming livestock farmers.

CCM Quality Foods offers far more than cutting facilities as they provide additional elements which farmers are looking for today. From the mart site they offer farmers the opportunity to have their own livestock meat cut, boxed and packed for their own sale; plus there is a cash and carry service that offers anyone from the general public the opportunity to take advantage of special monthly deals on local beef, lamb, pork and

speciality meats. It’s all a matter of creating the right avenues to sell the most possible quality meat every week.

Today’s combined Stanforths operation of Mill Bridge and the base at the mart means they have a staff of 12. They have grown significantly in recent years since the mart business was added, but they haven’t forgotten their roots and never will.

‘We still sell thousands of our pork pies every week and our reputation, not just amongst people from Skipton, is something of which we are very proud,’ said Robert. ‘We’re not one of those butchers who have ever needed to enter competitions and try to win awards. Our customers know us and they know that whatever we sell is going to be top drawer. Awards aren’t everything, in fact our customers coming back week after week, year after year is the greatest award we can be given. We get customers from as far Lands End to John O’Groat’s coming here. We also have one lady who we send

a bulk order to over in Austria!’

Stanforths Butchers also operate an on-line service too. They are keeping bang up to date with today’s market place – and at the same time keeping bang on with their standards which they set over 80 years ago. They look well set for the future.

Farmers Mart congratulates Robert and Simon on their expanding

business and wishes them well – oh, and by the way, their pork pies really are delicious! I can personally vouch for that!

Stanforths Butchers 11 Mill Bridge, Skipton BD23 1nJ tel: 01756 793477

this is WhAt the fArMer WorKs so hArd for!

FarmersMart Summer 2011 �1

CCM AUCTION MART

Kingsway Veterinary Group, members of the XL Vet group, provides a friendly and enthusiastic service working with farmers to improve the health and productivity of their animals. The opening of a dedicated new office at Skipton Auction Mart a year ago has made it easier for farmers to access veterinary advice. Partner Jonathan Stockton feels that the move underlines Kingsway’s commitment to agriculture, “we believe that farming has a bright future and Kingsway Vets wants to be part of it”.

• Herd and flock health planning• Fertility management and recording• Disease, mastitis and infertility

investigation• Bull and ram fertility testing• DIY AI courses, • Farmer training courses• Embryo implantation• Client meetings and newsletters

FARM VETS FOR FARMERSCAll uS On

01756 700940

As red letter days go, none came much better for father and son North Craven farmers Jim and Ian Handley when they made their first-ever outing as exhibitors at Skipton Auction Mart’s premier ‘Red Event’ the annual Spring show and sale of pedigree Limousin bulls and females and walked away with supreme championship honours.

The Handleys’ Gunnerfleet pedigree Limousin herd, based at the farm of the same name in Chapel-le-Dale, Ingleton, has had a 12-year break from the exhibition arena, but returned in sparkling style to secure the title with their first prize senior

bull and male champion, Gunnerfleet Express.

The victor is a February, 2009-born son of the Scottish-bred Glenrock Ventura, bought by the Handleys in 2006 for 24,000gns. Ventura’s progeny have sold to 32,000gns and to a high of 12,000gns for bulls produced while in Handley hands.

The dam is the home-bred Gunnerfleet Vunas, her grand dam produced 50,000gns worth of bulls in her lifetime, while her full sister, a son of Gunnerfleet Plunas, sold for 37,000gns. The Skipton title winner made 3,000gns (£3,150)

when joining J Feather, of Pear Tree Barn, Hainworth Shaw, Keighley.

North Craven exhibitors were also responsible for the day’s top price when the second prize senior bull, Gallaber Empire, from Tommy and Jennifer Sedgwick and their 31-year-old son Ian, of Gallaber Farm, Burton-in-Lonsdale, sold for 5,000gns (£5,250) to Matt Townsend, of Barnside Hall Farm, Laneshawbridge, Colne.

The two-year-old Empire is an AI son of the legendary Rocky and a full brother to Blocky, supreme champion at the Skipton Limousin highlight for the Sedgwick family in

2007 The dam is the home-bred Gallaber Umist.

The Sedgwicks established their pedigree Limousin herd in 1987 and have developed it over the years, regularly selling store bulls at CCM Skipton and retaining the better elements for breeding. “It’s the highest price we’ve ever achieved at Skipton. The fixture has a good following and is definitely going in the right direction,” said Mr Sedgwick Snr.

Regular Skipton buyer Matt Townsend, whose 26-year-old son Ben is also fully involved in the business, said the latest acquisition

red letter dAy At sKipton liMousin hiGhliGht

JudGe pAul tippets cAsts his eye over crAven

liMousin dAy contenders


CCM AUCTION MART

would take its place as a stock bull on their British Blue herd. They are experimenting with Limousin breeding as an alternative to British Blue sires.

The Sedgwicks also sold their third prize senior bull, the Tunnelby Monkeytricks son Gallaber Evolution, for 2,800gns to CJ & DM Metcalfe, Masham.

A record 142 pedigree Limousin bulls and females were on parade, compared to 92 last year, reflecting

both the growing popularity and stature of the annual fixture, which produced a good clearance level of 84% and robust trade.

The reserve male and overall reserve supreme champion was the first prize younger intermediate class bull, the 23-month-old Coachhouse Emporio, from Nottinghamshire breeders Barry and Gill Heald, whose Coachhouse herd, which was also responsible for the Skipton Limousin champion several years ago, is based at Home

The class for older junior bulls fell to promising young breeder, Rachael Walshaw, of Meltonby House Farm, Pocklington, with her 15-month-old Wilodge Vantastic son Beacon Fairfax, out of Cockleshell Amanda, one of the first two cows acquired by Rachael when she started her pedigree herd as a 21-year-old.

She is now 25 and her Limousin holding has grown to 11-strong. Rachael’s Skipton class winner repaid some of her commitment and investment to date when sold for 1,900gns (£1,995) to Wharfedale purchasers William and Mark Keighley, of Leathley, Otley.

The Elderberry herd of east coast exhibitors Paul Blenkhorn & Son, of Elder Farm, Willitoft, Goole, presented the first prize in-calf cow with Rocky-sired bull calf at foot, the pair selling for 2,000gns (£2,100) to John and Rachel Handley, Carnforth.

For the second year in succession, the high profile fixture incorporated female stock production consignments from two of the region’s leading breeders, the Oddacres herd of John and Claire Mason in Embsay, and Steven and Ruth Priestley’s Brontemoor herd at Denholme, Bradford.

rAchAel WAlshAW With her first prize crAven liMousin Junior bull

Farm, Grove, Retford.

This true home-bred bull, out of Coachhouse Sasque and by Coachhouse Amos, whose progeny includes the 6,500gns Coachhouse Delectable, and who is now, like his sire Sympa, standing with the renowned Haltcliffe pedigree Limousin herd in Wigton, sold for 2,500gns (£2,625) to DR Jackson & Son, Carnaby, Bridlington.

Top price in the young intermediate bulls class at 2,900gns (£3,045) fell to the second prize winner from the Cumbria-based Angiean herd of Ian and Angela Grisedale at Greenmount Farm, Milton, Crooklands. It returned to its county of origin when joining Messrs Smith & Shepherd, Appleby in Westmorland.

Best of the older intermediate bulls was the January, 2010-born, Prietec Frankie, from Elaine Priestley, of T & E Priestley, Lane House Farm, Mewith, Bentham. The first prize winner, by the Handleys’ Gunnerfleet Unbeatable, also headed the class prices when joining local buyer Brian Woodsworth, of Bolton Abbey, for 3,000gns (£3,150).

Continues page 34

FarmersMart Summer 2011 ��

CCM AUCTION MART

The Priestleys’ 35-strong consignment, predominantly maiden heifers, was responsible for the female champion, the 13-month-old Brontemoor Fawn, by the Rocky son Doonberg Andrew, acquired by the family from Southern Ireland six years ago. The dam is Brontemoor Royalty, who has also produced a 12,000gns bull.

The female victor (the Priestleys’ top performer) sold for 1,900gns (£1,995) to up-and-coming 19-year-old Limousin breeder Sam Whitehead, of Hole House Farm, Cautley, Sedbergh. Sam now has six Limousin females, along with a breeding bull recently acquired from Dave Kelly at nearby Kirkby Lonsdale. Young Sam has high

hopes of making his mark on the show circuit in due course.

The Masons, who brought 15 quality Limousins, were responsible for the reserve female champion, the year-old Usant daughter Oddacres Flora, who joined Walter Wight, of St Boswells, near Melrose in the Scottish Borders for 1,220gns

(£1,281).

The same buyer also snapped up three further prize-winning Mason maiden heifers, along with the Priestleys’ first prize 2009-born maiden heifer.

The Masons’ top performer was a six-year-old home-bred cow and her three-month-old bull calf, by the Neptune son Victor-Ben, which made 2,700gns (£2,835) when joining A I & W Forsyth in Morpeth, Northumberland.

Both the Masons and the Priestleys confirmed they were “very happy” with clearance and trading levels of their respective consignments.

Show judge was Paul Tippets, of the noted Wilodge Limousin herd in Shifnal, Shrophshire, who noted: “Many of the bulls on show will progress to perform well as commercial sires. The champion is a big, powerful and modern Limousin, with good potential for the future.”

FarmersMart Magazine sponsored the event alongwith robertshaw Myers Financial Solutions and andy thompson of personal protection canine services company aMK9. Detailed show results are posted at www.ccmauctions.com.

richArd priestley With his fAMily’s crAven liMousin pediGree feMAle chAMpion

FarmersMart Summer 2011��

bROCKHOLES AUCTION MART

sellinG, expAndinG & still succeedinGWe tAlK to dAvid hArGreAves the neW chAirMAn At brocKholes ArMs Auction MArtEvery Tuesday Brockholes Arms Auction Mart hosts its ever-popular cattle and sheep sale days, so last month we decided to pop along to find out what all the fuss was about, and we certainly weren’t disappointed!

Like any other sale day, the auction atmosphere at Brockholes was electric, as farmers across Yorkshire, Lancashire (and everywhere in-

between) flooded through the doors to catch a glimpse of the stock on offer. The ring was packed full to the brim and those in attendance were as keen as ever to put their hands in their pockets. We quickly realised that this was an auction day to be reckoned with!

Brockholes Arms has a wealth of history behind it, but as a modern-day auction it also manages to remain

current and defies showing any signs of the current economical climate, in fact according to (relatively) new Chairman David Hargreaves, prices are looking increasingly positive!

He tells us, “Evan though there is a lot of doom and gloom within the industry at the minute, myself and the team here at Brockholes are finding that buying and selling is proving more popular than ever before.”

Although on paper David is the ‘new recruit’ at Brockholes, he’s definitely not an agricultural newbie, far from it. He farms both sheep and cattle at his on own farm near to the auction in Preston, and has done so his entire life. Since February this year though, much of David’s time has been spent fulfilling his new position and it’s a role he is thoroughly enjoying.

Andrew Ayrton LtdGeneral Builder And Landscaper

Tel: 07812 562169Building a better future

with Brock Auction

dAvid hArGreAves


bROCKHOLES AUCTION MART

“I have been a customer here for as long as I can remember having sold and bought here since I was just a young lad. It is a fantastic environment to work in; all the team, including the Directors work very closely with the farmers on the auction floor and the majority of us are from a farming background of some sort.”

The staffing team at Brockholes, whether it is the administrative office-based workers, the auctioneers, the Director or indeed the Chairperson, are really what make the auction such a vibrant and welcoming place to be, but the standard of the surroundings also add to this auction’s appeal.

Expenditure has always been high

on Brockholes’ list of priorities and that is evident as soon as you enter the auction’s impressive buildings. Following the devastating aftermath of the foot and mouth outbreak, the auction experienced a lengthy period of change and aesthetical development. Much of the original frame work of the auction was replaced with modern, state-of-the-art steel livestock buildings. The huge extensions are a real incentive to attract new traders to Brockholes’ weekly sale days and they have also given the auction mart a much needed boost, not to mention face lift!

Auctioneers on the day Richard Furnival and James Fish have only good things to say about both crowd

attendance levels and sale day trade prices. Richard tells us, “Today’s sale day (7th June) has been fantastic. Overall trade is up a good 3-4pence on the last week and 2nd prime cattle sold best on the day. Top spot this week went to vendors Phoenix Grain with Limx Heifers to 197p/kg and 195p/kg, T&J Rogerson with handy weight BBx Heifers to 187p/kg. P&MA Rigby had an excellent trading day with BBx heifers to 179p/kg, W Beesley & Son with Limx to 178/kg.”

Store Cattle also had a successful day as Richard explains, “Grass cattle are still selling well despite most grass farmers almost reaching their desired numbers. Top spot went to JL McHugh with 18 month

old Salerx steers to £745, CH Steers from AD Smalley to £700, B&W’s topped at £575 from WH Gardner & Son.”

All in all, sale days at Brockholes are looking healthier than ever, so if you’re looking to sell, buy or simply enjoy the auction’s lively atmosphere why not make an appearance, you will not be disappointed.

For more information on Brockholes Auction Mart call 01995 640280.

Brockholes arms auction Mart Ltd 115 garstang road claughton-on-Brock, Preston Lancashire Pr3 0PH

very busy busythe teAM


COLLIER

John Collier’s experience in the show ring is second to none. This summer he will be celebrating his twentieth year of competing at the Great Yorkshire Show and today, he shares his wonderful memories with us......

Since 1933 when his parents first took over the 30 acres of land at Denby Hill Farm, John has lived, breathed and eaten farming. During his teenage years John studied at Askham Bryan College but never strayed too far away from the farm in Keighley. He and his father would rear British Friesian cattle, experiment in cross-breeding, building new farm buildings and of course show their cattle.

In 1980 after his father sadly died, John and his Wife Jean took full control of the farm and began to teach their own sons Phillip, Andrew and Jonathan, the same techniques he himself had been taught years earlier.

“We kept the pedigree cattle going even after my dad died,” John explains, “Not long after our eldest son Phillip went to work for a very well known farmer in Skipton called Geoff Lawn for three years. When he came back he brought a lot of his own dairy Shorthorns over and his numbers quickly snowballed.”

When Phillip decided to leave the family farm for good in 1999, John found himself in a bit of a dilemma.

“Phillip moved to Longridge (near Preston) in 1999 and we stopped dairying there and then. We did that because the dairy herd was going down in numbers and Phillip took the majority of the dairy shorthorn cattle he had built up here with him, leaving Jean and I with about twenty dairy cows and two heifers which

the shoWinG Must Go on! We tAlK to GreAt yorKshire shoW veterAn John collier

were all in calf to a beef bull.”

As John’s mobility has slowly begun to deteriorate in recent years, the cattle at Denby Hall Farm were almost entirely cut back. The farm still occupies a few Sucklers and Hereford cattle which are looked after by John’s youngest son Jonathan and his friend Bob.

Although the cattle at Denby Hall have come and gone, John’s beloved sheep have remained a consistency. After making a fairly modest purchase at Skipton Auction Mart in 1980, Texel’s quickly became John’s preferred sheep breed.

With such a vast amount of experience in both cattle and sheep, it is no surprise that John has been such a success in the show ring. His first memory of competing at the Great Yorkshire Show was as a young school boy when his parents would take him along, not to show, but to experience this spectacular agricultural showcase.

John tells us, “We never ever went to the show with cattle but we would go every year religiously. We used to watch the grand parade in the ring and I thought it was absolutely marvellous! 1991 was the first year we exhibited sheep though, because we started to take more of an interest in what we were producing.”

That first year was memorable for another reason too. As John and Jean made the journey from Keighley to Harrogate, they had a ‘slight’ hiccup on the way; “We were just getting out of Shipley and the bloody front tyre blew out on the trailer! It was in shreds by the time we got to Harrogate, but aside from that everything went ok,” laughs John. “We got the championship in the lamb carcass class. It was great, I was over the moon!”

Since that very first win the Colliers have shown every year in the live lamb and carcass classes. In fact John has experienced eight Championships

and Reserve Championships in total over the years.

John concludes, “When you start off good you have a lot to live up to and that’s why we enjoy going back so much. The Great Yorkshire Show is such a spectacle, you meet people who you’d never normally have the chance to speak to, and it also gives the year a bit of a lift. I think so highly of it so it is such a nice feeling to do well there.”

If you’re reading this at this year’s Great Yorkshire Show, have a look at the live lamb and carcass class winners list, because chances are, John Collier’s name will be up there!

John and Jean collier Denby Hall Farm Keighley, West Yorkshire BD22 7Sg

John looKinG dApper


ARCELOR MITTAL

the shoWinG Must Go on! We tAlK to GreAt yorKshire shoW veterAn John collier

sJiJsiJ siJ s isJ sJsJKs os osK

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It’s now 40 years since the young Frederick Fairburn first competed at the Great Yorkshire Show and he has recently been elected on to the Show Council.

‘The Great Yorkshire is the best show in England and I have never missed one since 1971. I’ve been a cattle steward since the mid-90s and on the cattle committee since the late-90s. My father always showed pigs and sheep and I started showing calves when I was still at school.’

Frederick farms with his wife Jane and son Richard at Harriet Air Farm, just above Rievaulx in the North York Moors. It is a mixed farm of approximately 700 acres which is tenanted from 5 different landlords. Frederick’s father came here in 1955. His brother Jonathan farms close by at Griff Farm and one of his three sisters Dorothy is well-known in the county for her involvement with the CLA.

‘The home farm is here at Harriet Air and we have two farms in the parish of Hawnby, with parcels of land elsewhere. Our arable acreage runs to 200 acres which is split fairly evenly between winter wheat, winter barley and spring barley and is all used for feeding livestock. Harriet Air is what I call a very dry farm with very thin land on limestone. In a good year we will average 3 tonnes per acre, but last year we didn’t get to 2.5. This

40 years at the great yorkshirechris berry talks with frederick fairburn of rievaulX

year the rain came just at the right time for us so we might just do the 2.5.’

The livestock enterprise runs to a herd of 150 suckler cows and a flock of 650 breeding ewes. The herd is mainly commercial stock with a few pedigree Blondes.

‘We have always run commercial

cattle and we use Blonde and Belgian Blue bulls. We have increased our cattle numbers by 100% in recent years as both Richard and I enjoy working with them. We breed our own cattle but we also buy in Friesian bulls to fatten from marts such as Northallerton, Thirsk and Malton.’

‘Our sheep are predominantly lowland ewes – a variety of Mashams, Mules, Texel X and Suffolk X out of Mules. The Mashams still do a good job too. We finish all our stock and use Texel and Charollais tups. We sell at both Thirsk and Northallerton marts.’

Prices on cattle and sheep have

frederick fairburn


It’s now 40 years since the young Frederick Fairburn first competed at the Great Yorkshire Show and he has recently been elected on to the Show Council.

‘The Great Yorkshire is the best show in England and I have never missed one since 1971. I’ve been a cattle steward since the mid-90s and on the cattle committee since the late-90s. My father always showed pigs and sheep and I started showing calves when I was still at school.’

Frederick farms with his wife Jane and son Richard at Harriet Air Farm, just above Rievaulx in the North York Moors. It is a mixed farm of approximately 700 acres which is tenanted from 5 different landlords. Frederick’s father came here in 1955. Daughter Alison is a horse vet in Lancashire.

‘The home farm is here at Harriet Air and we have two farms in the parish of Hawnby, with parcels of land elsewhere. Our arable acreage runs to 200 acres which is split fairly evenly between winter wheat, winter barley and spring barley and is all used for feeding livestock. Harriet Air has shallow soil over limestone. In a good year we will average 3 tonnes per acre, but last year we didn’t get to 2.5. This year the rain came just at the right time for us so we might just do the 2.5.’

The livestock enterprise runs to a

herd of 150 suckler cows and a flock of 650 breeding ewes. The herd is mainly commercial stock with a few pedigree Blondes.

‘We have always run commercial cattle and we use Blonde and Belgian Blue bulls. We have increased our cattle numbers by 100% in recent years as both

Richard and I enjoy working with them. We breed our own cattle but we also buy in Friesian bulls to fatten from marts such as Northallerton, Thirsk and Malton.’

‘Our sheep are predominantly lowland ewes – a variety of Mashams, Mules, Texel X and Suffolk X out of Mules. The

Mashams still do a good job too. We finish all our stock and use Texel and Charollais tups. We sell at both Thirsk and Northallerton marts.’

Prices on cattle and sheep have been running well for nearly two years now, but with escalating costs Frederick believes it is still touch and go as to whether they

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been running well for nearly two years now, but with escalating costs Frederick believes it is still touch and go as to whether they are any better off at Harriet Air. ‘We had to buy a lot of straw this year because we were a touch light, and costs have certainly gone up in all areas.’

Frederick, Jane and Richard are not just proud to be associated with the Great Yorkshire Show, they are also heavily involved with Ryedale Show and when I arrived the signs for this year’s Ryedale were all around the farm, ready for putting up throughout the area.

‘I’m on the organising committee for Ryedale Show and I’m the chief cattle steward there. Funnily enough the two shows I’ve never won a championship are the two shows I’m most involved with – the Yorkshire and Ryedale. I’ve had quite a few firsts but never the main prize. Now that just shows how impartial I am when I select the judges.’

He’s had plenty of championship success elsewhere though – and at some of the biggest national events.

‘We have won at Birmingham Fatstock Show and at the Royal Smithfield Show. My proudest moment was when I won the King’s Cup at Smithfield. It was the first

RichaRd, Jane & FRedeRick FaiRbuRn with theiR puRe iRish dRaught hoRses


are any better off at Harriet Air. ‘We had to buy a lot of straw this year because we were a touch light, and costs have certainly gone up in all areas.’

Frederick, Jane and Richard are not just proud to be associated with the Great Yorkshire Show, they are also heavily involved with Ryedale Show and when I arrived the signs for this year’s Ryedale were all around the farm, ready for putting up throughout the area.

‘I’m on the organising committee for Ryedale Show and I’m the chief cattle steward there. Funnily enough the two shows I’ve never won a championship are the two shows I’m most involved with – the Yorkshire and Ryedale. I’ve had quite a few firsts but never the main prize. Now that just shows how impartial I am when I select the judges.’

He’s had plenty of championship success elsewhere though – and at some of the biggest national events.

‘We have won at Birmingham Fatstock Show and at the Royal Smithfield Show. My proudest moment was when I won the King’s Cup at Smithfield. It was the first time a Yorkshireman had won with the best exhibitor-bred animal.’

Frederick is modest about his showing and the success they have had.

fairburn

time a Yorkshireman had won with the best exhibitor-bred animal.’

Frederick is modest about his showing and the success they have had.

‘We’re total amateurs in the old-

fashioned sense of the word. We’re in it for the fun of showing. We don’t buy success. Nearly all of what we ever show is home-bred.’

The Fairburns also compete

at the North Yorkshire County Show; Malton; Osmotherley or Borrowby; Stokesley; Pateley Bridge; Countryside Live and the Birmingham Fatstock Show.

‘Richard also enjoys showing and had a very good Angus bull three years ago which won the Native class at Countryside Live and up in Carlisle.’

Irish Draught horses are another breed on the farm, bred pure. The Fairburns have had them for 20 years and there are a couple of foals born every year. They also play their part at the Great Yorkshire Show.

Frederick is delighted to be further involved with the Great Yorkshire through his new role and has attended one meeting since his election.

‘Everyone is passionate about the show maintaining its agricultural base and expanding upon it. Since

Bill Cowling took up his position I believe the show has really progressed. The commercial cattle section had a slight lull a few years ago but it has always been a strong section. We would all love more and more entries but the sheds are all full of entries again for this year and we have a waiting list of those who would like to come. That’s a good position to be in.’

So is this the time for the new cattle buildings debate to be resurrected?

‘I’m a traditionalist and I love the buildings we have. Until the day comes when we can have something that holds 1500 cattle and that we know is going to be better than what we have already I don’t think we should change.’

Telephone : 01439 798235

RichaRd FaiRbuRn pRepaRing one oF the cattle FoR this yeaR’s shows


‘We’re total amateurs in the old-fashioned sense of the word. We’re in it for the fun of showing. We don’t buy success. Nearly all of what we ever show is home-bred.’

The Fairburns also compete at the North Yorkshire County Show; Malton; Osmotherley or Borrowby; Stokesley; Pateley Bridge; Countryside Live and the

Birmingham Fatstock Show.

‘Richard also enjoys showing and had a very good Angus bullock three years ago which won the Native class at Countryside Live and up in Carlisle.’

Irish Draught horses are another breed on the farm, bred pure. The Fairburns have had them for 20 years and there are a couple of foals born every year. They also play their part at the Great Yorkshire Show.

Frederick is delighted to be further involved with the Great Yorkshire through his new role and has attended one meeting since his election.

‘Everyone is passionate about the show maintaining its agricultural base and expanding upon it. Since Bill Cowling took up his position I believe the show has really progressed. The commercial cattle

section had a slight lull a few years ago but it has always been a strong section. We would all love more and more entries but the sheds are all full of entries again for this year and we have a waiting list of those who would like to come. That’s a good position to be in.’

So is this the time for the new cattle buildings debate to be resurrected?

‘I’m a traditionalist and I love the buildings we have. Until the day comes when we can have something that holds 1500 cattle and that we know is going to be better than what we have already I don’t think we should change.’

Telephone : 01439 798235

ANIMAL HEALTH

Farmers and others working with livestock are being urged to pick up a free medical contact card at county shows across the UK this summer. The card helps to make GPs and farmers more aware of the threat to human health presented by the animal diseases that can also infect man.

Produced by the Women’s Food & Farming Union (WFU) – thanks to financial support from leading animal health company Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health – the pocket-sized card describes the typical routes of disease transmission, symptoms

of zoonotic (animal-borne) illness in humans and protective measures that can be taken by stockpeople. Useful sources of medical advice with contact telephone numbers are also included.

Members of the Devon WFU first produced the medical contact card more than 10 years ago. It was updated in 1992 and again in 2010, but because demand has been so high another reprint has been initiated.

“When the card was re-launched last year, we received hundreds of enquiries from the farming community. So many people working with livestock seem

MedicAl cArd initiAtive Will help hiGhliGht threAt durinG shoW seAson

to know someone who has had an animal-borne illness, but a great many have had problems getting a prompt and definitive diagnosis from their GP; and this can often make the difference between life, death, long-term ill health or a full recovery. On many occasions we have felt like counsellors at the end of a ‘phone, and we hope the cards will help to better inform everyone to the potential threat of disease transmission from livestock to humans,” said initiative co-ordinator Lynn Askew from the WFU.

According to consultant medical microbiologist Dr Marina Morgan from the Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital, who advised on the contact card content, better information leading to early diagnosis and correct treatment of zoonoses could prevent serious and potentially life-threatening complications.

“If you are working with farm animals you may well have to remind your doctor about zoonotic diseases, particularly if he or she has not practiced for long in rural areas. Anyone coming into contact with livestock should use the

card to discuss animal-borne disease risks when consulting their doctor with an illness. This is because zoonotic diseases can be difficult to diagnose as they often present symptoms that are similar to more common illnesses,” she said.

“Cattle-associated leptospirosis (Leptospira hardjo), for example, is a classic example. Caused by direct or indirect contact with infected urine, the first symptoms often include flu-like illness and headache. But if the disease goes undiagnosed some cases can develop more serious, even life-threatening infection. For example, jaundice, kidney failure and meningitis can develop.”

the medical contacts cards will be available on WFU stands at various agricultural shows around the UK this summer. the cards are also available from specialist agricultural Pr and marketing services company aBc. call 01694 731777 to request one. alternatively, visit the WFU website at www.wfu.org.uk


JOHN TEASDALE

GEORGE A. KIRK & SONFAMILY BUTCHER

The Abattoir, Nunnington, York YO62 5UUTel: (01439) 748242 / 788546

Mobile: 07977 001498

We are pleased to be associated with John Teasdale and family

and wish them continued success for the future

red in the fAce At beAdlAM riGGchris berry tAlKs rouGe sheep With the teAsdAlesWhen John Teasdale started out with Rouge sheep in the early 90s his father was a little perplexed.

‘I’d bought this Rouge tup,’ says John. My dad looked at him for quite a few days before saying

‘would you buy a ewe of that there breed?’ He wasn’t used to the name and couldn’t say it properly.

That’s because the full title is Rouge de l’Ouest, a French origin breed with more than a hint of English

as it was developed from crossing French sheep with the Wensleydale or Blue Faced Leicester.

‘It’s worked for us. I bought the tup to put on Swaledale ewes. We had always used Teeswaters and

Mashams before. I wasn’t a fan of the Blue Faced Leicester and the Rouge was popular at the time. We now have a flock of around 25-30 pedigree Rouge.’

John and his wife Jo farm 187

the teAsdAles of beAdlAM riGG

iAn, AilsA, Jo, John And bAby Alfie


JOHN TEASDALE

acres at High Farm, Beadlam Rigg, around 3 miles north off the main road between Helmsley and Kirkbymoorside. It is tenanted from Lady Clarissa Collins and is between 750-900 ft above sea level. The mixed farming operation includes 50-60 acres of wheat

and barley, 20 acres of roots crops with the rest down to grass. The livestock side runs to a herd of 20 suckler cows; 300 breeding sheep; and pigs on a bed and breakfast basis for Ian Mosey.

‘We went out of our own pigs in February as they weren’t making

anything for us. Market prices were fluctuating from 100p/kilo some weeks to 54-55p/kilo.’

The cattle are all run on a commercial basis. They are Belgian Blues out of Holstein cows and John runs a Limousin bull. They keep their own replacements and they are now three-quarter Limousins. Their stock goes through Malton and Thirsk marts.

‘Most of our sheep are Rouge X out of Swaledales, which creates a Rouge Mule. We also cross the Suffolks with the Rouge and have started using the Texel too, so we’re getting more Texel X Rouge.’

Ian Teasdale, one of John and Jo’s two sons, runs his own agricultural engineering business nearby but is very much involved with the farm and in particular the Rouge sheep.

‘The Rouge did well when they first came into the UK and numbers jumped up. They came into fashion

quickly, then went out of fashion too. The breed lost its way a little for a while. Now they are right back to where they should be. They are a nice, medium-sized, tight-skinned, very fleshy sheep and they are becoming more popular once again. They are nowt but meat and muscle now.’

Ian recently showed them at the Royal Highland and took a creditable second. He will also be showing at the Great Yorkshire and Ryedale.

The size of the farm meant that neither Ian, nor his brother David, would be able to make a living at Beadlam Rigg with their mum and dad. David works for Johnny Shaw at Welburn Hall; and Ian has his agricultural engineering business. He left school and went to Askham Bryan College on block release; worked for R Yates & Son in Malton

rouGe flocK

Continues page 46


BRUCE WILSONLIME MERCHANT & SPREADING CONTRACTORATV SLUG PELLETING & ATV SNOW PLOUGHING

Best wishes to John, Joan and family

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6 Quarry Hill, Appleton le Street, Malton, N.Yorks, YO17 6PQ

Phone 01653 690346 Mob 07801 565569Fax 01653 628153

Email [email protected]

JOHN TEASDALE

iAn teAsdAle With his rouGe Which WAs plAced 2nd At royAl hiGhlAnd shoW

and Andrew Marwood just outside Malton before going on his own three years ago.

‘I’m mainly on with servicing and repairs, particularly combines. I worked on New Holland combines at Yates’. I’m also trying to get into sales as much as I can because I don’t think my back will last forever. Ideally I’d like to take over here when dad retires and look after 20-30 combines a year. I’ve sold farm machinery in the past year and I have a possible machinery franchise in the wings.’

Ian has his own plan already in place over how he would run the farm – and it includes the Rouge as breeding sheep.

‘If I was able to farm here I would combine my agricultural engineering business with a farming operation that includes a small flock of Rouge sheep, suckler herd, bed and breakfast pigs and the arable crops.’

John was born at High Farm and apart from a short spell has lived here all his life. His grandfather took on the farm so he is the 3rd generation. Jo is a farmer’s daughter from Great Ayton where she was one of 10 children. For a while Jo ran her own bed and breakfast establishment (for people, not pigs) at High Farm.

Both John and Jo are totally committed to children. They regularly go out to Ghana where they are helping build an orphanage; and for years they have been foster parents. They have fostered a number of children and Jessica has now been a huge part of their family for the past 7 years.

‘We love all the children that we have had the privilege to be involved with,’ says Jo. ‘Jessica is very much a part of our family and is a lovely girl. We’ve had a few interesting moments with one or two that have been sent to us as an emergency placement but we’ve always given them all the love we can.’

Ian and David have both been involved with the YFC movement for a long time. Ian was chairman of Helmsley and Ryedale YFC’s at one time and David is chairman of Ryedale at present. Ian is married to Ailsa, a farmer’s daughter from Northumberland, and they have a son Alfie. Ailsa also works for North York Moors National Park.

John teasdale High Farm, Yo62 7tg tel: 01439 771268


WHOLECROP MARKETING

Getting the best return from the whole of the potato crop is the key to success so far as East Riding-based Wholecrop Marketing is concerned. Their commitment to that aim will see them trade 110-120,000 tonnes of potatoes this year. Not at all bad for a company that only commenced trading in 2008. Winners of Entrepreneur of the year in 2010 the business has gone from strength to strength. Wholecrop have expanded their work force and moved to bigger premises; Manor Farm Offices, Kirkburn, Driffield, YO25 9DU.

Mark Tomlinson and David Burks both with a wealth of experience in potato marketing were joined in 2009 by Tom Coulthurst, who studied at Askham Bryan College and has Facts and BASIS qualifications. Tom has joined the team as Fieldsman/Buyer, sampling all crops before delivery to ascertain quality, which should help in trying to avoid rejections; essential due to the significant increase in haulage costs.

Wholecrop MArKetinGWhere fArMers WorK toGether 52 WeeKs of the yeAr

2011 saw Chris Yardley join the team as their Seed Manager, bringing new contacts and new dimensions to the business, growing and marketing 10,000 tonnes of seed off clean land.

Growing significant tonnages of Melody, Estima, Marfona, Shannon, Carrera, Maris Bard, Accord, Maris Piper and Maris Peer but to name a few.

Other varieties are available on request by contacting Chris on: [email protected] 07947 370413.

Supplying customers 52 weeks a year is important to Wholecrop with requirements in Processing, Packing and Chipping. Contracts are available for all types and qualities of potatoes, offering a full marketing service for the entire crop. For info

on contracts or Marketing advice please contact: Mark or Dave on [email protected].

Wholecrop’s success stems from the dedication, service and attention to detail growers and customers expect. As such increase in tonnage volume leading to continued savings and efficiencies of scale is inevitable.


MARGARET WATKINSON

DEDICATED TO DELIVERING A FIRST CLASS SERVICE

Specialists inAccounting, Auditing and Taxation ServicesWhatever your needs, we can help

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Or visit our website at www.barkerpartnership.co.uk

We are pleased to be associated with Sawley & District Auction Mart and wish them continued success for the future.

Margaret Watkinson has spent her entire life farming; she has never strayed too far away from the industry and has worked tirelessly within her communities (both past and present) to encourage young farmer clubs, local shows and pedigree sheep breeding.

Today we meet Margaret at her home in the village of Sessay just outside of Thirsk. On entry it’s easy to see why this lady is so respected in the industry, because not only are her walls plastered with an impressive array of rosettes, medals and trophies but her photo collection is truly awe-inspiring.

The first photo we noticed hung on the wall was taken at The Great Yorkshire Show in 2009. It shows Margaret, one of her top prize champion Gimmer lambs and none

pAvinG the WAy for todAy’s younG fArMers lucie cArter Meets With MArGAret WAtKinson At her hoMe in sessAy, neAr thirsK

other than HRH Her Majesty the Queen!

Margaret recalls that special day “The Queen held her hand out for me to shake and I simply said ‘pleased to meet you Ma’am’ and bowed my head. The steward then told her what it had won and I explained to her how the sheep’s progeny will then go on to be the butchers lamb and she replied by saying ‘hasn’t it got a pretty face?”.

After over sixty years of farming, this special moment really was the icing on the cake for Margaret. Growing up in Askwith near Otley, this farmer’s daughter wasn’t afraid of a bit of

hard work and was always keen to give her father a helping hand.

She tells us, “All I ever wanted to do was farm. When I left school I helped dad and I would show calves in the young farmer classes. Going to the shows were our holidays in truth, it was our ‘free time’.

Young Farmers Clubs have great significance for Margaret; in 1953 she and a group of like-minded youngsters set about creating a local show they could call their own.

“I held all the official duties at the Askwith young farmers club (which is sadly no longer running) and myself and the rest of the group

MArGAret WAtKinson


MARGARET WATKINSON

Ernie Sherwin is pleased to be associated with Margaret Watkinson and wish her continued success for the future

recognised that the village was in need of a show. I remember it was the coronation year and we we’re thinking about what we could do. So we put on a little calf show, only to follow on a year later with a ‘proper’ show in the village hall and fields surrounding so we had calves, dairy cattle, sheep, dog races and all sorts of activities running. The Askwith Show is still going today which is very nice!”

Margaret decided to leave the village of Askwith when she married her late Husband Brian in 1965. Together they purchased Down House Farm which is situated just a stones throw

away from Margaret’s home. The farm was run as one unit with Spring House Farm at Pilmoor, a holding owned in partnership with Brian’s brother.

“We used to lamb about 350 Suffolk Crosses and we had a lot of arable land too. When Brian’s parents died and his brother decided he wanted out of farming the shared unit split in two but we still wanted to farm at the Pilmoor holding which had over 200 acres. So we took that on and begun fattening over 3000 pigs a year along with sheep. We had help from contractors

with combing and spraying, but Brian did the ploughing and the working of the land. Not long after Brian was diagnosed cancer of the lungs and we were advised to sell and that was it.”

“We moved to this bungalow in 1997 and quickly bought 13 ½ acres at the end of the village for a few sheep. I also rent small paddocks in the village.

When asked why she continues to farm today, Margaret answers simply; “because I still enjoy it. I do have a lot of help now though and if I didn’t have that help I just wouldn’t be able to manage. My

neighbour Alan Galley helps me with the everyday work and also with the sale days, and I also get great help from Lester Peel from Over Silton plus David and Jan Robson go to all the shows with me.”

Margaret’s commercial flock of Mules, Suffolk crosses, Texel crosses and Mashams now graze only a few hundred yards away from her home, she visits them twice a day and keeps a close eye on any sheep that looks to have strong show potential.

Although Margaret is now ‘technically’ retired, she very rarely has a moment to spare.

“Showing is my retirement really,

because I go to so many! In total I’d say I attend 14 shows each summer and I judge at some too. In recent years this year I have been asked to judge at Tockwith, Stokelsy, Cleveland, Aldborough and at a small show in Norfolk. I consider it an absolute honour to be asked to judged, it’s a lot easier than showing,” she laughs.

It’s safe to say that Margaret Watkinson is one of the leading ladies in this wonderful industry!

Brimar cottage Sessay, thirsk Yo7 3Be tel: 01845 501452


HAMPTON STEEL / HAROLD WOOLGAR

northAMptonshire bAsed hAMpton steel ltd - next stop europe!almost ten years ago Hampton Steel began a multi million pound plant transformation with one ultimate goal, to take control of all aspects of its production. With a product range that has more than doubled and with further investment on the cards, Hampton’s has the steel bit between its teeth and has asserted its well earned place as one of UK’s largest manufacturers of quality agricultural steel fencing and related products. Hampton’s product range now includes, stock fence, mild steel and high tensile barbed wire, agricultural staples, chain link fencing and exact weight coils of straining wire.

Well established in both UK and Eire, Hampton is now turning its sights on the export market and looking to add other parts of Europe to its portfolio.

From its initial success as a manufacturer of galvanised and plastic coated chain link fencing, Hampton’s new, and perhaps more telling, repeat business continues

to grow, ‘We provide our customers with well priced quality product, on short lead-times supported by impeccable customer service’ said Peter Matten, General Sales Manager. ‘These core values are at the heart of our business, we all have a real belief in our product which is perhaps why our customers return time after time’.

More equipment has given the company the ability to handle its increased order volumes, whilst still maintaining its exacting standards of quality.

Additionally Hampton purchased machinery capable of producing two 500m rolls of hinge joint stock fence simultaneously, thus demonstrating Hampton’s commitment to its customers to provide UK manufactured products directly in response to their requirements.

‘These are exciting times for Hampton Steel. There is a real buzz in the whole team as we see the results of our hard work and considerable

investment. Our vision for the future is one of growth for both our UK and overseas markets supported by a greater presence at exhibitions and of course our core values of high quality and great service’ Said Mark Johnson, Managing Director,

Hampton Steel, UK manufacturer.

Come and see us at the Driffield Show 20th July at the Fencing News Competition.

www.hamptonsteel.co.uk

forty seven yeArs of looKinG After fArMers & their fAMilies

It seems a far cry from 1957, when Harold first started as a farm student on a dairy farm with 190 acres, milking 60 cows. In those days the farmer employed a man to do the arable work, Harold as the dairy student, and whilst working himself, the farmer having privately educated

his two children, had a new Rover motor car every other year.

How farming has changed in 47 years when a new Ferguson TE20 was sufficient interest to draw neighbouring farmers to come and visit to examine it.

Starting as a tied agent for an agricultural insurer, Harold’s first 22 years saw many changes. The subsequent 25 years as an independent insurance broker has been even more interesting, indeed one major insurer was forced to devise discount schemes and loyalty bonuses in order to reduce it’s premiums to match those available in the open market, thereby saving farmers perhaps millions of pounds.

Harold, and his wife Win, together with their son Philip and a team of 17 ladies and five men, now offer a truly independent agricultural insurance service, which represents clients, not only at the point of sale, for general insurance as well as financial services, also with a fully qualified claims team looking after the farming community’s claims as they occur.

Philip Woolgar, the Managing Director of Harold Woolgar Insurance, said “we and our team pride ourselves in an on farm service, we gather

information and then look around the insurance market place to obtain the best terms and policy cover available. Perhaps our real strength is the personal recommendation of our clients, a great number of whom have been with us now for three generations. We are truly indebted to them; indeed we consider our clients are also our friends in the community”.

Harold continued “this year we celebrate our 25th year as independent insurance brokers and also our 25th year exhibiting at the Lincolnshire Show, where our clients and their friends are most welcome to enjoy our hospitality.”

Harold Woolgar insurance can be contacted on 01427 873888 or directly at [email protected] ed note. Harold likes his ladies!


TOM DIROM

British Rubber CompanyTyre wholesalers, importers & exporters

Goodyear main agents for UK

Pleased to be associated with Tom Dirom and wish him all the success for the future.

Tel: (01274) 585427 Fax: (01274) 532816

Station Road, Baildon, Shipley, West Yorkshire BD17 6SE

A scorcher of A suMMer for toM diroM!the MAn hiMself tells us hoW the lAst feW Months hAve been busier thAn everAs the sun makes its long-awaited appearance, the work of agricultural contractors up and down the country looks set to soar, but for one contractor in particular this summer is already proving too hot to handle.

Classifying Tom Dirom purely as a ‘contractor’ doesn’t really do him enough justice. Here is a man, who at the age of sixteen, left the family farm in Cumbria to pursue his passion for agricultural machinery

and he’s never looked back.

Now a fully-fledged business man, Tom or shall we say the ‘Tom Dirom’ brand is known throughout Yorkshire, Lancashire and Cumbria for the quality of his work, and it’s

this high-regard that Tom values most.

“In 2007 I decided to set up on my own and since then the company has grown through reputation and good old fashion hard work. Admittedly, a

toM With his beloved MAchinery!


TOM DIROM

lot of work is secured through word of mouth because customers either see the branded machinery around town or are given recommendations from my other customers.”

The quality of the work carried out by Tom and his team of six full time workers (plus ten additional men over the busier periods) can only be achieved by using the right machinery for the job.

“I only run good kit and that is why our work is done well. I don’t settle for anything but the best and I make sure that myself and the all the lads give 100%. I’m certainly not the cheapest option but I charge well for what I do.”

A machinery man a heart, Tom regularly invests in machinery and over the years has splurged on John Deere and New Holland tractors, JCB and Merlo plant machinery and more recently he purchased a new JF 1050 PROTEC forage harvester.

Although Toms contracting career is now centred primarily in Yorkshire, he had originally planned to develop a business in his native Cumbria, but after a chance telephone enquiry was made to him, a move to the dales seemed inevitable.

He tells us, “In 2007 I was approached by a large construction firm in Carlisle and ask if I could to reseed a huge stretch of land down here (near Otley, West Yorkshire) where a gas pipe had been laid. Initially we’d only planned to stay here for six weeks but I’ve been based here ever since.”

Not one to dwell on the past, Tom has an incredibly positive outlook on the future. He is constantly looking for new ways to utilise the machinery he has and find new areas of trading.

“We recently started doing some forage harvesting work for David and Phil Smith, huge dairy farmers based in Pool-in-Wharfedale. For the last thirty-three years they have used the same forager but they approached

us earlier in the year to see what we could do. It has been a big job and it’s turned out to be another strong line of business for us.”

Tom and his team have also secured large contracts for the huge Skipton-based construction company Bentleys (working all over the district) and also for Yorkshire Water and York University too.

As the agricultural-related work continues to come pouring in, Tom is enjoying working back on the farm whilst also maintaining huge recycling contracts that in his words provide the “backbone” to the company. So why then, we asked, does he think the farming work is on the up?

“Because the price of machinery has skyrocketed farmers simply cannot afford new or sometimes even used machinery. The recycling trade has also gone through the roof especially

Continues page 54


TOM DIROM

Pleased to be associated with Tom Dirom

BRYAN HOGGARTH LTD

The Tractor Yard, Capernway, Carnforth, Lancashire LA6 1ADTelephone : 01524 730004 • Mobile : 07774 866267

New Holland Tractor Hire - 2wd & 4wd - 90hp to 250hp

Flat Trailers 20’ to 30’Dump Trailers 10 to 15 tonsDropside Tipping Trailers

Power Harrow / Pasture Toppers

3m Wide Browns Grassland AeraterStiltmaster c/w Harrow

Pressure Washers - 250 GallonQuad Bikes

over the last few years and in spite of the recession. Now though more and more farmers are getting in touch to ask if I can do large-scale compost spreading, so at the minute I’m thinking about investing in a large square baler. I am more than happy to spend money as long as I can see a future in it. I’m not at all reluctant in business.”

Unlike many company founders in today’s market, Tom is entirely satisfied with how his business has developed; “I am completely fulfilled with my business and in all honesty I didn’t expect it to grow as quickly as it has over the last four years, I mean

its unbelievable how busy we are.

Still at the tender age of thirty-two, Tom Dirom’s best contracting years are still ahead of him. Watch this space!

if you would like more information call tom directly on 07787565298 tom Dirom agricultural contractors Ltd arthington Quarry arthington, otley West Yorkshire LS21 1PZ

toM With soMe of his teAM


GRAHAM HUNT

Ramshay Agricultural LogisticsDalton, Thirsk, Yorkshire

Mobile :

07721 510825 07836 329276Telephone :

01845 577310

Pleased to be associated with Graham Hunt

There was a time when the Dexter breed of cattle was looked down on. In fact because of its height it is usually looked down upon. But this small breed has begun developing its own niche market in recent years, for the sweetness of its beef.

Graham Hunt who farms at Sowerby, near Thirsk and at Carlshead Farm, Sicklinghall, near Wetherby has the largest herd of Dexter cattle in the north of England with over 200. He has won every prize in the UK with them over the past 10 years and has won the title of Best Dexter Bull five times since 2006 with three different bulls. He’s now having increasing success with them as a premium priced product.

‘We started making money out of them by selling one or two to friends and relations, but three years ago the chef of the Wood Hall Hotel, a very classy hotel, saw my cattle grazing in front of the grounds and came out to ask whether I would be interested in supplying Dexter beef to him for the restaurant. We’re now in our third year with them and presently supply a couple of cattle a month. The meat is now on the menu as Wood Hall Grazed Dexter Beef. I think they must have put my name on the menu too as I get hotel residents come into the field to talk with me and telling me just how good it tastes.’

Graham has extended his supply chain as a result of a contract from The Shambles Butchers in York. He now sells them two animals a month; and his most recent new outlet is Johnsons Butchers of Thirsk, who are also looking at a supply of two a month.

‘I have 10 cattle ready at any one time,’ says Graham. ‘The amount of cookery programmes that have been

using Dexter beef is really giving the breed a lift and there are more and more hotels, restaurants and butchers looking to find out where thy can find a supply of the breed. Butchers want something different, with a bit of taste, and the Dexter fits the bill.’

In the past 10 years Graham has had breed champion at the Royal Show, the Royal Welsh, Great Yorkshire (3x), Norfolk and many more. He believes the breed has great potential in the future.

He fell into buying his first Dexter back in 1995. He’d thought he was going to buy a rabbit.

‘We were going to North Yorkshire County Show and my son Sam’s hamster had died during the night. I said I’d buy him a new pet, telling him there was a rabbit show and that I’d buy him one. So off he went to look for one. He came back 10 minutes later and told me he’d found a pet and the woman said he could have it. I’d had a good day with my Texels so I was in a good mood. He led me around to the cattle lines and showed me the Dexter heifer he’d chosen. It cost £300, but I was in such a good mood; and I’d promised him; and I’d always had a penchant for them so I bought it. I didn’t know then whether I could make any money out of the bred. They were a pleasant novelty.’

Graham, and Sam who now farms with his dad, has 2500 pigs on a bed and breakfast basis for Don Sanderson at his farm in Sowerby; and he has a flock of pure Lleyns, Texel X and Beulah Speckleface at Carlshead.

‘When I took over the sheep here at Carlshead they were all pure Lleyn and I just thought they were a poor Texel, so I decided I wasn’t too concerned about the Lleyn as a pedigree and brought in a Texel tup. I still breed a

dexters – it’s the tAste of successchris berry tAlKs With GrAhAM hunt At sicKlinGhAll, neAr Wetherby

few Lleyns as pure for replacements. I brought in the Beulah Speckleface because it is a cheap breed and they are also great mothers. They spend 4 years on a mountain in Wales then come here for 2 years before going to fat. You get a lamb and a half on average from each ewe.’

Graham was born in Gainford, near Darlington. His father was a cowman for a noted Shorthorn cow breeder and Graham had always wanted to farm but tenancies were nigh on impossible to come by. Over the years he has moved heaven and earth to get to the situation he is now in with himself and Sam. He has bought and sold here, there and everywhere. He has undertaken a huge variety of work and he feels he is now making headway.

‘I’ve been lucky to have met some great people. John Hodgson who farmed at Gainford is one man who I owe a great deal. He taught me everything about livestock and shepherding. I ended up senior stockman with him. The Nesbitts of Winston helped me out a lot when I was buying Texel ewes after I’d won some prize money. I bought 5 ewes for £7,000 in

1988. I’d won the title of World Leek Growing Champion and that’s where the money had come from. I built up a Texel flock from those 5 ewes and I ended up with a Texel ram I had bred winning at the Great Yorkshire and at the Royal Highland. I sold him at a society sale for what was then the second highest price for a shearling ram at 4000 gns.’

Graham is also a rep for AgriLloyd and has used their products on his own stock with excellent results.

‘I have used it on my Dexters. I bought-in a herd and 5 of the 25 females I bought were not getting into calf. As soon as I started using it they were all getting into calf. Native breeds tend to be short of trace elements, but two doses in Spring and Autumn did the trick.’

If you would like to find out more about Dexters and are interested in Graham supplying you give him a call

graham Hunt tel: 07828 915234

GrAhAM in front of Wood hAll hotel With dexters


GLAvES

North Farm, Silpho, Scarborough,North Yorkshire, YO13 0JP

Tel: 01723 882 234Mob: 07798 627 815

I am delighted to be of service to The Glaves and wish them continued success

PATRICK FOXTONFARMER & LIVESTOCK HAULIER

Brothers Antony and James Glaves are expanding on the abattoir, butchery and farming business that their father Brian has built over many years at Brompton by Sawdon, near Scarborough.

‘The abattoir has a throughput of around 50 lambs, 50 pigs and

around 25 cattle every week. Through the shop we’re selling 25 lambs a week, 25 pigs and about 14 cattle. The rest go back to the farms for them to sell either through their own shops or to individual customers.’ says Antony. ‘That’s all on the increase’.

‘James runs more of the butchery side whilst I’m more on the farming side, although we can both turn our hands to whatever is needed.’

The farming operation now runs to 380 ewes made up of 60 pedigree Suffolks, 40 South Downs, 12 Leicester Longwools, 100 Texels

and the rest X-breds; 20 pedigree Aberdeen Angus cattle; and a relatively new pig enterprise with 9 Berkshire sows.

‘We went into Berkshire pigs about 4 years ago. The Berkshire is noted for its taste and we’re using it mixed in with the 20 hybrid pigs we buy

suffolKs brinG A GrAnd’s Worth of cheerchris berry tAlKs With Antony GlAves in broMpton by sAWdon

Antony With his flocK


GLAvES

Brian Spence alBion promotional

productS30, Herriot Way, Thirsk

North Yorkshire. YO7 1FL

telephone 01845 522555 mobile 07813 989 029

email: [email protected]

Wall & Desk Calendars,Diaries,Pens, Baseball Caps, Mouse Mats, USBs, Plastic Carrier Bags,Christmas Cards, Mugs, Polo Shirts,

Sweaters, Coasters, Golf Towels, Golf Balls,Wall Planners.

pleaSe contact aBoVe For a Quotation

Mobile : 07979 328410Telephone : 01944 782226

Pleased to be associated with the Glaves family and wishing

them all the success for the future

S. HodgsonIndustrial & Agricultural Buildings

each week for pies and sausages, as well as for pork. It provides us with a steady flow of quality stock and is going well.’

‘The Suffolks have been our calling card at agricultural shows for many years. I had a cracking time with them last year and took 1st and 2nd with tup lambs at the Great Yorkshire Show. I’d never done that before.’

The Glaves’ now only get chance to go to the Great Yorkshire, Driffield

and Thornton le Dale Shows because they are that busy in all areas and they’re doing well at sales too.

‘It was always my goal to sell a lamb for £1000 and I sold three last year at £1000 and over. That was certainly something that I’m proud of.’

Antony is particularly pleased with their South Downs which they only started with as a hobby.

‘We started with just 6 but now we have 40. They are so easy to look

Antony GlAves outside the shop in broMpton by sAWdon

after and they don’t take any feed or concentrate. They are a really cheap-to-run sheep with a lovely carcase and really good eating quality.’

Everything that the Glaves’ have is now MV accredited and anything that Brian buys at market goes on to James’ holding, keeping the farm’s own sheep separate from those bought to go through the shop.

‘This year we lambed 100 X-bred ewes for Spring lambs in the shop. We are looking to build our numbers up so that we are lambing 500 ewes a year and producing more Spring lambs for the shop.’

In order to graze more sheep Antony has had to find more land and he is grateful to Nicholas Wrigley of Ganton Estaes for renting him an additional 42 acres on top of the Glaves’ 180 acres they already own.

‘When our lambs dry up we buy a lot out of Ruswarp and Malton. We buy somewhere in the region of 30-40 each week at that time and it takes about 3 weeks of feed to get the finish on them that we’re looking for.’

The Glaves’ go to Stirling and Kelso for breeding stock and to Worcester for South Downs, but buy most breeding stock from Malton.

In recent times Antony has found that the practice of flushing eggs out of elite ewes and implanting them

into a recipient ewe has been a useful way forward.

‘It means that farmers are getting more and more quality daughters off their elite ewe. I’ve seen ewes at sales that are carrying elite stock sell for £350 rather than £120 because of the elite egg they are carrying.’

‘We do a lot of work now with Texel and Suffolk breeders supplying MV recipient ewes for embryo work. We also supply MV accredited teaser rams to stimulate the ewes.”

Brian suffered from a stroke a couple of years ago but is now back in good health. He still buys at markets. Brian’s wife Doreen has always been involved in the office too. Today the next generation, Antony and James, together with James’ wife Hazel, who works in the office, are ensuring that what Brian and Doreen have done so well over the years is continued and expanded upon.

Antony’s wife Fiona is a pig geneticist with PIC and as such is also able to offer her own advice on their fledgling Berkshire pig herd.

Watch out for Antony at Harrogate, Driffield and Thornton le Dale this year.

Lodge Farm tel: 07788 133921


WHITE

Tel : 01430 410665 / 410046Fax : 01430 410129

Email : [email protected]

Mill Farm Sandholme Road Eastrington East Yorkshire DN14 7QQ

R. A. Towse & Co.Accountants and Tax Consultants

We are pleased to be associated with Andrew & Pam White

and we wish them continued success for the future.

Amazingly it is only six years since the White family of Manor Farm, Eastrington took up showing during the Summer agricultural show season.

‘We had shown at fatstock shows in markets for many years but it was when our sons started taking an interest in showing that we went into it,’ says Andrew White.

‘They’re all busy with other things at the moment. Olly is lecturing at Askham Bryan College; Christian has just finished his first year’s studies at Harper Adams College and is about to undertake work placement for next year with Cranberry Foods, a turkey farm; and Philip is assistant events manager at Carlton Towers.’

In addition to this Pam, Andrew’s wife, is somewhat incapacitated at the moment with an injury. That means this year’s showing has been handed over to well-known cattle showman Andrew Scarborough who has helped out with the Whites at shows since they started.

thAt chAMpionship looKchris berry tAlKs With AndreW White At eAstrinGton

‘Andrew is looking after all our showing this year, we’ve taken him on to do it all for us, so it his him that people will see at all the shows from Malton, Driffield, Rosedale, Howden and all of the rest we will try to get to.’

The Great Yorkshire Show wasn’t mentioned in Andrew’s list because going to press they still hadn’t got in.

‘With Pam’s injury it meant we didn’t get our entry in on time this year, but we have been told that we’re on the waiting list so we might yet still be going.’

Andrew and Pam have had a

commercial beef herd for a number of years and at the minute they have 180 cattle on farm either on grass, or inside on barley.

‘We have 22 show cattle that we feed inside and we select from them for all of the shows we go to. We won’t pay silly money for a show animal though. I don’t believe in that. The most I had paid up until recently was £1200, but I have paid £2000 for a really good heifer out of Middleton in Teesdale. That’s because I’m going to also put her into our suckler herd.’

Manor Farm runs to 320 acres and they grow 90 acres of wheat; 80

AndreW With his cAttle


WHITE

SELBY LIVESTOCKAUCTION MART LTD

“YORKSHIRE’S FRIENDLY LIVESTOCK MART”Weekly Sales of Fatstock – Wednesdays

Pigs 9am – Sheep 9.45am – Cattle & Cows 10.30amStore Stock – Every fortnight on Saturdays

Pigs 9.45am – Sheep 10.15am – Cattle 10.45amOn alternate Saturdays - Fur, Feathers and Miscellaneous Items - Sale starts 10amNEW STORE CATTLE SCHEME From 1st June all store cattle purchased from our

store sales will be eligible for a £5 REDUCTION IN COMMISSION when sold through our Wednesday prime stock market

Tel: 01757 703347 www.selbymart.co.ukContact: Richard Haigh 0776 8594535

but I’m looking at purchasing either a Belgian Blue or a Limousin bull in the near future.’

Andrew’s two biggest highlights in the world of showing so far have been winning the ‘Yorkshire Fed & Bred’ title twice at Countryside Live

in Harrogate; and last year winning at the Selby Livestock Christmas Fatstock Show. As for the Summer shows he had one beast that won 10 championships in one year.

It looks like Andrew White’s name is going to be associated with the

commercial beef championships up and down Yorkshire for quite some time yet!

For more information call 01430 410223

acres of winter barley; 30 acres of oilseed rape and 32 acres of vining peas for Bird’s Eye. Andrew is the third generation to have farmed here and the farm has grown from the 140 acres his grandfather had initially.

‘My father added acreage and we added a block of land 7 years ago but with the price of land today you struggle to justify the expense of it so we invested in another cattle shed and upped our numbers. We’ve ‘thribbled’ (trebled to you and me, but I like the word thribbled!) our numbers of commercial cattle in that time.’

Andrew sees the Summer shows as a useful shop window for his stock and he has significant plans for the commercial beef herd in the future.

‘The shows are great and we’ve had quite a bit of success, but it’s all about turning a profit. We tend to buy in quality stock from Middleton-in-Teesdale, Leyburn and Barnard Castle at around 300-500 kilos and sell fat at 500-700 kilos. The barley-fed beef has a turn around of 3-4 months. Those we run on grass will take around a year to 18 months to get to where we would want them. My aim is to eventually breed our own show beasts increasing the quality of what we have on the farm. At present we have a Blonde bull


TONY WOODS bUTCHERS

Ilkley Abattoir, Little Lane, Ilkley, LS29 8HXTel: 01943 608042 www.threedales.co.uk

Fax: 01943 601586

Pleased to be associated with Tony Woods Family Butchers and wish them continued success

Rowland Agar(Wholesale Butchers) Ltd

SUPPLIERS OF THREE DALES QUALITY MEAT

Family butchers are still a vital link between livestock farmers and the general public and Tony Woods provides just that on Otley Road in Guiseley. He’s right opposite a huge Morrisons store and like many shopkeepers before him was concerned that supermarket competition might affect his trade.

It has! But not in the way he might have expected.

‘Since Morrisons opened here we have picked up on even more trade. We have gained rather than lost. I think that’s because people like to talk with their local butcher about the meat, where it has come from and any cooking pointers we can give.’

Tony sources all of his meat locally via Graham Agar at Ilkley and mainly the beef comes from Norman Moon at Malham or Charles Johnson at Sawley, pork from Sid Warmsley at Harrogate and Lambs from Ann Robinson at Tadcaster. Tony’s chicken is individually packaged with the name of each farm, so that in his butcher’s shop you know where everything has come from and that it is all British. He also sells quite a large amount of rabbits.

Tony’s first thought when he left school was not butchery at all, he wanted to be a joiner. It was his brother-in-law who brought him into butchery, who was working for Dewhurst’s at the time. Tony subsequently worked for Eric Atkinson in Otley until he went

seeking more money working for the West Riding County Council but did not enjoy the work so when he was approached by Weegmans of Otley he jumped at the chance to get back to butchery. After a short while he went back to work for Eric Atkinson who was subsequently bought out by JB Wilkinson & Sons at Bramhope. Although he enjoyed working for Wilkinsons he always knew he wanted a shop of his own.

In 1979 he took on the butcher’s shop business that was once Hudson Bros. Tony invested in new equipment and succeeded in building up the business which he felt had not been performing as well as it might. He rolled up his sleeves and got on with building up to what is now a very good trade.

Tony’s pork pies have been another of his big successes and he now sells over 1000 per week from his Otley Road premises with customers travelling from far and wide. Indeed one customer commented whilst I was with Tony: ‘They’re the best for miles! I buy 3 dozen a month from him!’

The recipe is understandably, like most butchers, a trade secret. Tony developed it all himself and he won’t be telling anyone about the ingredients – apart from perhaps his son Ben who is now in the business and looking forward to taking over the reins at some stage.

Ben attended Thomas Danby College and has already won a major butchery

the best for MilessiMone tAlKs With butcher tony Wood of Guiseley

award in London. He has an even bigger event coming up in August, when he will marry Laura.

Tony has won awards too. His home-cured York ham took first place at Otley Show along with his meat display also awarded a first, but Tony confesses to being too busy to be able to compete at National shows. He has 3 full time and 3 part time staff working with him and they are usually working flat out.

Clearly Tony’s customers are extremely loyal and that’s because they want to purchase their meat from a butcher who knows what he’s talking about.

‘I’ve been coming here for the past 38 years,’ said one satisfied customer.

‘The quality of what Tony stocks here is always excellent. I will always come to his butcher’s shop rather than getting my meat from a supermarket. Tony knows what we’re looking for and he will always chat with you about where it all comes from.’

Tony regards all of his customers as friends as he has had many happy years in Guiseley with them all. Tony will continue supplying them with his friendly and professional service for many years to come.

tony Woods Butchers 44 otley road,guiseley, Leeds. tel:01943 873337

tony And ben Woods

delicious pies!


ELLIS AND bARRETT

We are pleased to be associated with the Jess Ellis & Neil Barrett, being Qualified

Business Advisers in the Agricultural sector.

www.fisheraccountants.co.uk

Kingfisher House 65 Market Place Market Weighton York YO43 3AN

Tel: 01430 873263Fax: 01430 872078

Agriculture is an industry that attracts fresh faces year-on-year; as an increasing number of city-slickers or so called ‘townies’ leave the hustle and bustle of urban living behind, the appeal of the great outdoors seems more prominent than ever.

For one girl from York, the lure of livestock and the charm of farming life was irresistible…

24-year-old Jessica Ellis never thought that she would be a farmer, whilst growing up in York the closest thing she came to animal interaction was with a pet dog and the occasional horse riding lesson. Now though, since meeting her long-term boyfriend Neil Barrett five years ago, Jess has found herself fulfilling what could be considered to be a farming destiny.

It was around four years ago when Jess’s passion for farming developed. Whilst juggling a full-time career (Neil is an accountant at a local hospital and Jess is a PA in a Pharmaceuticals firm) and moving into her and Neil’s new home in Market Weighton, she started working on Neil’s parent’s farm on a fairly casual basis to start with and their shared interest in livestock began to shine.

Jess tells us, “Neil’s parents Brian and Anne, farm at Ponds Farm, near Pocklington, East Yorkshire. Neil has worked on the farm all his life and since I met him, my involvement in the everyday running of the farm has grown considerably. Brian and Anne have farmed their ‘Brianne’ herd for many years.”

Despite coming from the city, Jess took to the farm like a duck to water and certainly wasn’t afraid to get her hands dirty.

froM Girl About toWn to society club secretAry!

Jess With duchess Junior chAMpion At lAst yeAr’s GreAt yorKshire shoW

“I started off by doing little things around the farm like feeding up, mucking out and watering, and from there I became interested in showing which is now something I absolutely love! Blondes are such gorgeous animals though; it’s hard not to become fond of them.”

Jess and Neil’s love for the British Blondes was made even stronger after Neil decided to formulate his own herd of Blondes to run alongside his parents’ at Ponds Farm. Since buying foundation cows ‘Rosie’, ‘Rhyme’, ‘Naomi’ and ‘Princess’ (Doncombe

Continues page 62


bREEDS

The Galloway Cattle Society have announced the launch of their new, free cow classification scheme at the Royal Highland Show.

Members are invited to take advantage of this the latest tool to help them select both new animals coming into their herd and promote animals being offered for sale.

“The importance of good conformation has never been greater as breeders and producers are looking for cost efficient females,” explained Galloway Society Chairman Drew Brown.

“In response, the Society is providing this new service, which will enable members to classify breeding heifers and cows. The scheme is free to members in the first year and will help breeders promote the Galloway as a truly excellent hill suckler cow.

“Galloways, one of the oldest and purest of our native cattle breeds, are famed for their hardiness and ability to live off the poorest of land. The females make ideal suckler cows producing excellent beefy calves that

GAlloWAys lAunch free coW clAssificAtion scheMe

are in great demand.”

The Galloway Cow Classification Scheme is based on individual type traits assessed by the classifier, Stuart Renton, with a score out of ten given for feet, mobility and correctness, udder and teats as well as general observation of temperament and skeletal size.

One of the key benefits of superior graded animals is that they attract higher values than their counterparts. Just as important for progress in

a herd and in the breed is that specific strengths and weaknesses are highlighted by classification thus allowing improved corrective breeding decisions to be made.

Society chairman Drew Brown emphasised that, “Classification is the tool that allows breeding decision to be made within herds by identifying the BEST of the next generation, but it depends totally on member participation to achieve these results. Thus we would

encourage breeders to discuss this exciting step forward for the Galloway breed with office holders at our stand during the Royal Highland Show.”

Any registered Galloway female belonging to a Society member can be classified for free in the first year and can be retested in future years.

For more information, visit www.gallowaycattlesociety.co.uk

Tanaina) between 2000 and 2003, he and Jess’ ‘Everingham’ herd (which was originally formed in 1997 with cross breds ‘Emma’ and ‘Elsie’) of Blondes has gone from strength to strength.

“Neil has had blondes since he was little but he had always wanted a herd of his own. The two herds now run alongside one another at Ponds Farm, although ours are all pure and Brian and Anne’s are cross bred. Our Everingham Blondes herd consists of fifteen cows (calves, males and females) and the Brianne Herd, which was formed in the late eighties when Brian and Anne moved out of Dairy and into beef, is now 35-strong.”

Together Jess and Neil’s knowledge of British Blondes is now as good as those who have been farming their

entire lives, but Jess admits they’re still learning about the breed each and every day.

For most farmers, competing in agricultural shows goes hand-in-hand with rearing pure bred cattle and in recent years Jess and Neil has been well and truly bitten by the show bug. Jess made her showing debut at Newark and Notts show and has since gone on to experience a great number of wins.

“I achieved Junior Breed Champion and Reserve Female Champion at the Great Yorkshire Show last year and Neil was awarded Female Champion in 2009 with ‘Doncombe Tanaina’,” explained so we are doing really well considering Jess is fairly new to it. I do enjoy the social side of the shows because there are such an impressive

variety of people there and we all get on well.”

Jess uses her position of Secretary at the North East Blonde Club (part of the British Blonde Society), to educate novices about the breed; “I’ve been involved in the club for about two and a half years and sort of worked my way up the ladder. Recently I have been responsible for organising the stand at The Great Yorkshire Show (Number 263), any type of marketing work, producing leaflets and arranging events.”

So what is next for the girl who has

her fingers in so many pies?

“In the future Neil and I would like to run our own farm on a full-time basis, but as yet we haven’t got a massive herd you see. The farm is our future now though so together we have to look at the bigger picture.”

if you would like more information on the north east Blonde club call Jess on 07704 654793 or why not visit stand number 263 at the great Yorkshire Show!

Millend uMbA WuMbA And everinGhAM GrAce

dreW broWn


MACHINERY

Massey Ferguson is strengthening its leading position in the livestock and mixed farming tractor sectors with the addition of four, entirely new, 82hp to 107hp models that join the best-selling MF 5400 Series. These tough, versatile workhorses are designed and built to handle the most challenging tasks.

The four MF 5400 Series tractors are developed specifically for mixed, livestock and smaller scale arable users looking for a compact, versatile workhorse. By cleverly combining ideas from the top selling, larger MF 5400 Series with novel, innovative features Massey Ferguson has created an uncompromising design that provides the power, visibility, hydraulic performance, manoeuvrability and comfort customers are requesting.

All are powered by the latest Perkins four cylinder, 4.4 litre capacity engines, providing maximum powers (ISO), at 2,000rpm, of 82hp for the MF 5420, 92hp on the MF 5430, 102hp on the MF 5440 and 107hp on the top MF 5450.

A new transaxle, developed for exclusive use on these new 82hp to 107hp tractors, features Massey Ferguson’s highly efficient Dyna-4, 16F/16R transmission, which offers completely clutchless operation after starting up. This comes with the renowned left-hand Power Control, clutchless reverse shuttle, which is ideal for loader work.

Up front, a new front axle casting, similar to that on larger Massey Ferguson tractors, now not only provides a compact mounting for a new axle, but also includes an integral sub-frame that ensures loaders are mounted easily - effectively becoming part of the tractor. This specially shaped support also hosts the 2.5t capacity Integrated Front Linkage System (IFLS) option.

At the back a new rear axle, again designed specifically for these models, provides maximum lift capacity to 4,300kg. Standard, Electronic Linkage Control (ELC) provides straightforward, precise operation using Massey Ferguson’s extremely well-proven system.

The spacious, quiet cab is equipped to a high specification and benefits from features found on the larger models, such as the cab suspension option. The sleek high visibility bonnet

AGile Mf 5400 Models Join MAssey ferGuson fleet

provides an unparalleled view to the loader and front linkage attachments. This view is further enhanced by the Visio roof option.

www.agcocorp.com


PROTECH MACHINERYTRACKED POST DRIVERS – A ONE MAN FENCING MACHINE, SAVE LABOUR, FUEL AND TIME!!

FOR PROTECH SALES PLEASE CALL ANDREW HOOPER ON 07971079751

OR COME AND SEE US AT THE DRIFFIELD SHOW - STAND NO. FC

WOOLRIDGE FARM, GLOUCESTER ROADHARTPURY, GLOUCESTERSHIRE, GL19 3BG

e-mail: [email protected]: 01386 750772

www.protechmachinery.co.uk

COMPACT FORTRANSPORT

250KG HAMMER WEIGHT

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John Deere’s new 900 Series variable chamber round baler made a big impression at Cereals 2011 in Lincolnshire and the Royal Highland Show at Ingliston last month.

The 960 and 990 balers feature a revolutionary Fast Release System (FRS), which can lead to savings of up to an hour a day during harvest. This employs a unique ‘curtain’ design, which replaces the traditional heavy rear door. Full commercial production of these unique balers will begin in time for the 2012 season.

Designed specifically for use by contractors and large livestock farms, the balers employ state-of-the-art technology to significantly improve baler output, bale density and operator comfort. In addition, built-in reliability and durability are provided by the exclusive full-frame design, which relieves the entire bale chamber from external stress.

FRS speeds up the bale ejection process by enabling the operator to unload the completed bale in less

than five seconds, which is up to 10 seconds faster than a conventional machine. As a further aid to increased productivity and efficiency, innovative side panels have replaced the usual bale chamber side walls. During bale formation, these flexible panels ensure that the baler reaches maximum capacity, and also open slightly as the bale is ejected, to prevent any risk of the bale jamming in the chamber.

The 960 and 990 balers are available with a choice of 2.2m wide RotoFlow or MaxiCut 13 or 25-knife precutter pick-ups, and produce bale diameters from 80 to 160cm and 80 to 185cm respectively. For improved crop flow and enhanced reliability, the newly designed high capacity pick-up uses five rows of tines instead of the four on traditional models. The balers are also equipped with a new drop-floor unplugging system, which operates over the total width of the rotor.

Maximum bale density is provided by the new MaxD bale chamber design,

John deere tAKes neW bAler to cereAls & hiGhlAnd shoWs

which means fewer bales per hectare need to be wrapped, handled and transported. This design features an offset density arm that transmits optimal tension to two wide endless belts, each 573mm wide. Three powered rollers inside the chamber also make starting the bale easier, especially in wet conditions.

The SIMA 2011 Gold Medal award winning Tractor Implement Automation (TIA) system will also be available as an option on the 900 Series balers, from 2012. When operated with a tractor featuring

ISOBUS, a continuously variable transmission and electronic SCVs, this baler automation system also significantly reduces the harvest workload instead of the driver having to stop the tractor to open and close the rear of the baler, TIA manages everything using simple fingertip controls to complete the baling process.

For further details visit www.JohnDeere.com

MACHINERY


guy machInery

When Graham Guy opened the Guy Machinery site at Lyndale works next to Gisburn auction Mart in February last year, completing the takeover of the former Lindley Pate business there were more than a few customers who thought that would spell the end of his time at Skipton auction Mart.

But nothing could have been further from the truth.

Just a year on from the move to the 3 acre site at Gisburn and Graham has increased the size of his site at Skipton auction mart too. The business is now located to the rear of the mart, near Laycocks Animal Health, and now takes up some 1.4 acres.

‘When customers saw that we had taken on the size of site we had at Gisburn I think they really did believe we were calling it a day here at

We’re here to stay... at skipton & Gisburn simone talks With Graham Guy of Guy machinery ltd

Skipton, but that wasn’t in our minds. Taking on the Gisburn site was a strategic move to allow us greater access to the business available in Lancashire. And it has so far proved

to be the right move too. Some customers prefer us to be in Gisburn as it makes life a lot easier for them to get to us – and some still have that county loyalty. This way we are trying

to be the best for both counties.’

The Guy Machinery Ltd trading area now extends west to east from the M6 to the A1 and their recent acquisition of the Ifor Williams Trailers franchise

the team at skipton


GUY MACHINERY

has proved to be another success for the company. Also new for 2011 is the Polaris ranger diesel which has been very well received by our customers finally offering us a diesel model in the very popular utility side by side market.

The full range of Ifor Williams trailers are available to view at the Gisburn site including the very popular livestock range, but we don’t just have trailers for farmers if you have a tow bar and need a trailer their will be a model for you in the Ifor Williams range from box vans, car transporters and tippers through to unbraked trailers, horsebox’s, plant trailers, flatbeds and more. Staff

from Guy Machinery will be available to discuss your needs on the Ifor Williams stand at this years Yorkshire show or alternatively give them a call at Gisburn or Skipton.

Guy Machinery Ltd was established at Skipton Auction Mart in October 2005, taking over the franchises and customer base of the former company on the site, Gibsons.

In addition to Ifor Williams and Polaris Guy Machinery Ltd are also main dealers for Valtra Tractors and Krone grassland equipment. They also hold agencies for Amazone, Can-Am, Schaffer, Dieci, Joskin, Rolland, Strautmann, Marshall and Tanco and aim to provide a high level of service

and support to all their customers.

Their Krone dealership includes being one of the few official Krone Forage Centres in the UK, specialising in the service and repair of all Krone grassland equipment from mowers, tedders & rakes through to Big pack square balers, Big M and Big X self propelled mowers and forage harvesters.

Graham’s business also specialises in the sales of new and used tractors. Along with agricultural machinery, Quad bikes, loadalls, construction vehicles, including cranes, telehandlers and attachments. Short or long term machinery and equipment hire can also be arranged at very competitive rates.

As Valtra and Krone parts specialists, they hold a vast range of genuine parts in stock at extremely competitive prices, all available with minimum delay.

From the Gisburn depot Guy Machinery operate a large agricultural/country store, stocking genuine Ifor Williams Trailer parts, a full range of IAE galvanised products, clothing and footwear, agri-consumables, stock fencing, water troughs and fittings, tools, hardware, machinery parts and much more.

The company’s service engineers have all completed manufacturers’ training

courses and servicing and repairs are available on a wide range of tractors, quad bikes, trailers and machinery. Only genuine parts are fitted and all work and parts are guaranteed.

Graham also runs a very successful agricultural contracting service for many years. This is provided through the sister company, C & G A Guy Contractors Ltd, based in Colne, Lancashire.

If you have any sales enquiries, would like to arrange a demonstration, or need any assistance or advice from Guy Machinery just try out some of the numbers and email addresses below – or visit them at either of their two sites – or catch up with them at the various agricultural shows they are attending this year including Kilnsey, Gargrave, Todmorden and Hodder Valley.

SKiPton BrancH tel 01756 799184 giSBUrn BrancH tel 01200 445555 email: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]


MOORE FARM SERvICES

There’s a new name on the farm machinery dealership scene in South Yorkshire. David Moore opened up Moore Farm Services at Harworth, near Doncaster earlier this year. The premises he began occupying in January, after initially starting his fledgling business at his father-in-law’s farm carrying out repairs and servicing, have been specifically tailored to his needs including stores space, workshop and a shop area. There’s also plenty of forecourt space for farm machinery and good car parking.

At present David has two main franchises – McCormick tractors and Granit parts – although there are plans in the pipeline to take on far more farm machinery franchises in the future. He has the contacts and has worked with some of the leading names in agricultural machinery.

‘We’re doing very well already and we have quite a few customers. Our customer base stretches as far to the north as the M62 to the Selby area, down to Newark, across to Lincoln and to Chesterfield. It’s all about giving a quality service to our local area. We recently held our first open day which attracted 80 farmers from throughout our franchise region.’

David sees the McCormick as a tractor that any farmer can use. He’s had great experience with the company as he worked for them for between 2-3 years after finishing at Harper Adams University.

‘The McCormick is a very good workhorse and its reliability is second to none. It has moved on considerably from the days of Case tractors whilst keeping some of its traditional features that haven’t needed changing. It is also very

neW MccorMicK deAler in south yorKshirechris berry tAlKs With dAvid Moore At hArWorth, neAr doncAster

dAvid Moore


MOORE FARM SERvICES

[email protected]

01529 46033207789 683625

Sean Stanfield

£350

a mont

h

from £4

,235

+VAT

from £1

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0

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£4,295+VAT

• 5 row tined drill• hyd fan• full RDS variable rate aRtiSem system• external head

• 4’ x 4’ chamber• 2m pick up• net & twin• wide wheels

Spreader

• 12 x bent leg• DD packer• 3m c/w following harrow

Offset Flails

4 Rotor tedder

competitively priced, making it a strong player and contender in the market place when you are considering purchasing a new tractor. There was no dealer for this area and McCormick were crying out for a new dealer.’

David’s experience fitted the bill and so he set up as a limited company around a year ago but only moved into the premises at Harworth this year. He is forward-looking and is already considering his next move of either expanding where he is or

getting an even bigger site.

‘I see us outgrowing these premises within 3 years, or at the very least expanding what we have here. The location is excellent being only 2 miles from the A1. It means that customers can get to us easily and we can get to them quickly if we need to. I am looking to have the full range of agricultural machinery franchises eventually and I work closely with Willow Farm Machinery who import several leading farm machinery products.’

David is from the Selby area originally, near Chapel Haddlesey. His dad farmed around 2000 acres but died when David was a lot younger. David went to Bishop Burton College where he studied for his National Diploma in Agricultural Engineering, taking a year out working on a farm at Burn, a local village just a handful of miles south of Selby. His Harper Adams degree was in Engineering Design & Development of Off Road Vehicles. This led to a year working for Lemken designing

ploughs for India and the Eastern European market. He worked for 6 months each in Germany and India. After leaving McCormick he worked with Cummins Turbo Technology in Huddersfield.

Friendships made at university led him to meeting his wife-to-be, Elizabeth at Tuxford YFC. He is still a part of the organisation but now in an advisory capacity. Elizabeth also lends her support to the business whenever she can.

‘Elizabeth works with me on evenings and weekends and my mum, Barbara deals with the accounts side of the business. I have a couple of people who work for me at present, one full time and the other on a self-employed part-time basis.’

Watch out for even more news about Moore Farm Services in issues to come. Farmers Mart congratulates David and wishes him every success.

DaViD Moore FarM SerViceS LtD Unit 10, Snape Lane Harworth Dn11 8nF tel: 01302 759969 [email protected]

MccorMicK trActors


DAvID MURRAY

Swaledale and North of England Mule sheep and conservation go hand in hand at Branchend Farm, Langley, near Hexham.

Long winters on the farm which runs at between 1,000ft to 1,200ft above sea level impacted on the profitability of keeping cattle for David and Linda Murray so in 1993 they began to concentrate on sheep.

“Traditionally, we were running Swaledale ewes and we wanted to keep a Mule flock but because we had to house the cattle from mid October often until late into May we didn’t have the sheds to lamb Mules with twins inside,” said David.

“We worked out our profit margins and decided we would be better off with sheep than cattle. We wanted to keep it traditional though,” he added.

The tenanted farm runs to 500 acres of inside ground with around 400 acres hefted on neighbouring Allendale and Hexhamshire Common, where the Murrays are one of 22 graziers on the open fell.

An all sheep enterprise was also then favoured for entry into environmental stewardship, a natural progression for the Murrays who have for years worked with the RSPB in monitoring and encouraging numbers of birds on the farm, including black grouse, plover and other wetland birds.

The Murrays have carried out rush management for a number of years to improve nesting habitats for birds and as a result have lapwing, curlew, redshank and snipe nest on the farm.

The farm carries a flock of 400 registered Swaledale ewes, half of

which are bred pure to produce flock replacements, and the remainder crossed with the Bluefaced Leicester to provide gimmer lambs for the North of England Mule flock of 500 ewes.

The Mules are crossed with the Suffolk and 100 of the crossbred progeny are put to the Beltex as hoggs.

Management of the sheep is very much a partnership for the Murrays - so much so that they have ‘his and hers’ quad bikes!

Linda looks after the outside feeding and she does the lambing inside. David does most of the shepherding as well as looking after getting in the silage and haylage crops. He also markets the lambs at Carlisle on a Monday.

During the summer, 200 of the Swaledale ewes are on the fell. This number is reduced in the winter to 120 to comply with the UELS and HLS environmental scheme agreements which cover the whole farm.

The sheep are fed before and after lambing time which begins on March 29 with the Swaledales crossed with the Bluefaced Leicester and most of the Mules. The Swaledales which are bred pure and the hoggs begin lambing on April 24.

Those carrying twins and triplets are lambed inside and turned out as soon as possible. The Murrays prefer the Swaledales which are pure bred to produce just one lamb while the Mules last year had a 193 % lambing.

Lambing tends to be a family affair with eldest daughter Shelley, who is married and lives in Annfield Plain, daughter Dominique who lives in Reading and son Callum, who is studying for a degree in computer engineering at Liverpool University all coming back to the farm to lend a hand.

All triplets generally are taken off their mothers and run as pet lambs to prevent damage to the ewes and the risk of mastitis. The pets are reared

sheep And conservAtion Go hAnd in hAnd At brAnchend


DAvID MURRAY

Audek Timber Products LtdLocally Sourced Timber

Hollybush Sawmill, Hexham NE46 1UDTel: 01434 673288

www.audektimber.co.uk

Tel 01388 528349Fax 01388 526770E-mail [email protected]

www.fellsidevets.co.uk

Fellside Veterinary GroupCowgarth Hill

StanhopeBishop Auckland

Co Durham DL13 2PA

FEllsidE VETErinary Groupspecialising in Farm animals and Equine

Herd Health ProfilesCattle Pregnancy Scanning

24 Hour on call serviceserving the durham dales for 30 years

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on a Shepherdess bucket system and weaned by five to six weeks old to keep milk replacer costs down.

The firsts lambs are sold straight off their mothers in mid August last year selling at £70 a head through Carlisle to peak at £108 in the prime ring to be regularly in the leading prices for Suffolk-sired lambs out of Mules. They are usually 42-44kg.

Some are sold after early September through to March and these averaged around £60 a head last year. Mule and Swaledale wether lambs are usually sold on the hook and early this year the tail enders averaged £95 a head, with 32 out of 69 making over £100 apiece.

The Mule-Suffolk cross hoggs have a 100% lambing and their lambs are sold finished by November-December making £80-£85 a head at just over

40kg, aiming for both the home and export markets.

While currently all the Mule gimmer lambs are kept as replacements, some may be sold in the future.

Commercial Suffolk rams are bought mostly at Carlisle and some at Hexham with traditinal crossing type Bluefaced Leicesters bought at Lazonby and recent purchases from Messrs Coulthard at Davygill have produced particularly good gimmer lambs.

The flock has been closed, apart from the purchase of stock rams, for the last three years to avoid price fluctuations in the breeding sheep market.

Swaledale rams are sold at St John’s Chapel as shearlings and stock rams are bought at Kirkby Stephen or Hawes marts with investments of up to £4,000 being made. The flock

his n hers quAd biKes - dAvid, cAlluM And lindA MurrAy At brAnchend fArM

is gradually being built back up the quality it was prior to it being taken out during 2001’s foot and mouth epidemic.

For more information call 01484 684 320


ANDREW NICHOLSON

Breeding Herdwick sheep has been in the family for generations for Andrew and Karen Nicholson.

When they started farming at Swinside End, High Lorton, near Cockermouth, in 1996 they established their own Bank Fell flock from Herdwicks from Andrew’s grandfather Gordon Stagg and Karen’s grandfather Jack Bland, who both farmed in Buttermere.

Such was the quality of Gordon Stagg’s flock that he broke the record in the 1970s when he sold a ram for £100.

In 2001’s foot and mouth epidemic the Nicholsons were fortunate to save some of the flock’s bloodlines

from the contiguous cull, thanks to Prof Dianna Bowles of the University of York and The Heritage GeneBank, set up during the crisis to protect the UK genetic biodiversity of sheep breeds.

The project attracted funding which enabled semen to be taken from one of the Nicholson’s home-bred Herdwick rams which was used for the first time last autumn and six lambs - one ram and five females - were born in May along with another six lambs from embryos.

During the crisis, a vet managed to persuade Defra of the importance of the breed and the Bank Fell bloodlines and and Nicholsons were

able to keep 40 of their ewe.

Now numbers have reached those pre-foot and mouth at 400 ewes, bred from the sheep that were saved, supplemented by bought in sheep from leading breeder, Anthony Hartley, of Turner Hall, Seathwaite, Broughton-in-Furness.

Herdwicks bred by the Nicholsons have sold for £3,000 at Cockermouth for a home bred shearling ram in 2009. A firm believer in the live ring, Andrew is a director of Mitchells Auction Company in Cockermouth.

They also fly the flag for the breed and hope to be able to show some of the AI lambs at Borrowdale Show, the ‘Herdwick Royal’ in September.

The Nicholsons farm 1,000 acres of owned and rented SDA ground as well as 250 acres of enclosed common on Bank Fell.

They have a flock of 1,000 Swaledale ewes which run on Braithwaite Common, which are bred pure and also crossed with the Bluefaced Leicester to produce replacements for their 200-ewe North of England Mule ewe flock.

At last year’s NEMSA show and sale at Cockermouth mart, Mule gimmer lambs averaged £101 a head and collected second and fifth prize tickets.

Replacement Bluefaced Leicester rams have been bought in from

science sAves the hArdy herdWicKs

KAren And AndreW nicholson With dAchshund frAnKie


ANDREW NICHOLSON

For Agricultural BuildingsConstruction and Renovations

Concreting and On Site Welding

Tel 01768 891873 or 07900681665

CHRIS PARKER LTD

Wish continued success to Karen and Andrew

John Lord, of Dowgill, Stainmore, although with flock numbers for the crossing type of Leicester now at 15 ewes, Andrew hopes to have some rams of his own to sell.

Swaledale stock tups are bought locally, mainly from Keith Ireland, of Stockhow, Ennerdale.

The Mules are crossed with the Texel, with some ewe lambs retained for crossing with the Blue Texel.

Lambing begins on March 1 with the Mule and Texel crosses, followed by the Swaledales crossed with the Leicester on March 20 and the fell Swaledales in mid-April.

All the lambs are sold finished through Cockermouth, with Mule-Texel crosses last year averaging £70, Texel cross Blue Texel crosses at £89 and Herdwick wethers making £75.

The farm also carries a herd of 50 Limousin cross and British Blue cross suckler cows, all put back to the Limousin bull. Some replacements are home-bred for the spring and autumn-calving herd.

Calves are sold at nine to 10 months old through Cockermouth from January to May. Calves have sold to a top of £4,000 for a heifer two years ago.

Heifers this year won the championship at the March show, selling at £2,200 with anothr heifer at £1,900. Both were by pedigree stock bull Keskadale Vigo, bought from Keith Harryman, of Newlands, Keswick. A second stock bull, Edmo Barbecue bred by Sarah Edmondson, of Wigton, has also been breeding well.

Ten years ago Karen began taking in bed and breakfast guests at Swinside End and such was the success of the venture that they extended the house to provide a fourth bedroom and guest dining room.

The three double and one twin, en-suite rooms and the high standard of accommodation and service has earned a five star silver award from the English Tourist Board.

While crossed by the Coast to Coast Cycle Route, the Lorton Valley is

quieter than other parts of the Lake District and Swinside End makes an ideal base to tour the western Lakes or from which to go east to Keswick and the heart of the popular tourist region.

The bed and breakfast business is mainly Karen’s domain - from the tasteful decor in the house to the immaculate gardens which overlook

the valley and the fells beyond - Andrew dons his apron each morning to fry the eggs and make the toast for the guests’ breakfast!

also popular with farmers visiting the area for sales, the accommodation can be seen on the website at www.swinsideendfarm.co.uk


JOHN HILL

According to dairy and arable farmer John Hill, “You have to be adaptable in this day and age or else you’ll sink”, and after meeting John, it’s safe to say that he’s a man of his word. In recent years he has ensured that his 410 acre tenanted estate farm, doesn’t just ‘get by’ in today’s industry, but continues to improve.

John’s father Roy first came into the tenancy when he moved to Kidfield with his family. Together, he and his father expanded a dairy enterprise and set up a professional partnership in 1978 when he was just 21 years old and immediately took to his surroundings as you would expect second generation farm would. Now, John has taken Kidsfield from everyday dairy farm, to a diverse and profitable business.

John tells us, “We used to have over a hundred sheep and grow potatoes but as times gone on we have wanted to concentrate more on milking. So we’re mainly dairy now, although we also fatten the bull beef from the dairy herd. We don’t buy in calves, we just fatten what we rear and we rear our own dairy replacements as well.”

In many ways John appreciates that he and his family (which consists of himself, his wife Val, father Roy and 21-year-old Son James, currently a student at Harper Adams) are in a much stronger position now, but he admits that dairy farming isn’t without its downsides.

To avoid becoming an increasingly worrying statistic and leaving the industry for good, John and his family have taken the necessary action to make sure their voices were heard.

“A few months ago I decided to leave a contract I had with Arla Foods and

I have since signed a new milking contract with J&E Dickinson (Dairy Produce Merchants) Longley Farm at Holmfirth. I left Arla because I found them to be very dictorial and I often felt as though I was being treated like a number. As part of that contract I was a ‘dedicated Asda supplier’, which meant that I got around a penny extra for every litre I sold. I never really understood why one ‘dedicated’ farmer should get a penny more than the next but anyway one day they told me they were getting rid of some suppliers and without any warning, they knocked me straight out.”

After only one month at Longley, John is already experiencing a much better working environment; “it’s just like a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulder. The people there talk to you as an individual and they’re willing to help you if you’ve any problems with anything. They want quality milk and they work with you rather than against you! Longley buy their milk on butter fat, so we are looking to increase that now. One way of doing that is putting some cross breeds into our Holstein dairy herd, so we’re buying semen and feeding to achieve that.”

John’s land is made up of two holdings; the first Kidfield farm incorporates most of the 410 acres of land on the estate whilst neighboring holding Norcroft Farm carries 130 acres. Much of the milking at Norcroft Farm is carried out by farm worker Anna Coultish, and John also employs David Oliver too. With so much land to occupy, John has expanded its arable usage considerably and also continues to increase his amount of beef cattle.

coMbininG contrActinG And neW MilKinG contrActsWe tAlK to John hill At Kidfield fArM in pennistone, sheffield

“We rear our own bull beef, and just recently we brought some cows in but aside from that we tend to keep a closed herd. At the minute we are running a Limousin to be used a crossing bull and in the past we’ve AI’d it with a Belgium Blue too. On the arable side of things we now grow 200 acres of cereals, 50 acres of maze and 40 acres of rape, we feed most of our crop but we sell some too.”

With so much to do every day on the farm, its no surprise that John has never become involved in the showing side of the industry; “I don’t think I’ve ever really been into it in fact I always preferred the arable side of farming, but the dairy was the most necessary enterprise, it provides the regular income. When I first started managing here as a lad, I thoroughly enjoyed it, but we’ve gone through a hard time, there’s all sorts of pressures these days, especially from the supermarket.”

In addition to his new milking contracts, John and his Son James have developed a new arable contracting business that specialises in maze drilling under plastic and

crimping of grain.

“Because I am at that age now and I’m unsure of what James will do after he finishes his degree, I decided not to invest money into the farm building, but instead into a business. We have tried to specialise in one area because it can be very competitive. This will be our third year doing that, and we’ve been covering quite a broad area.”

Another feather in his cap is John enjoys competing in the National Ploughing Championships. John has represented England in 13 world championships. The ploughing contests have taken me to Canada, Australia, New Zealand and most of Europe. John is a well known figure in the ploughing world.

With so much on the horizon, John Hill is proof that whatever state the industry is in, with hard work and original thinking; an awful lot can be achieved,

John Hill Kidfield Farm, Pennistone Sheffield S36 7JX Mob: 07976 918976

vAl And John


bAYER

bAyer lAunches poWerful second GenerAtion rodenticide With no KnoWn rodent resistAnceFor farmers everywhere who are battling rats and mice resistant to existing rodenticides there is now a new solution. Bayer Environmental Science, a division of Bayer CropScience launched a pioneering new single feed, second generation rodenticide at Cereals 2011.

Containing the first new active ingredient to be introduced to the UK in over 20 years, Difethialone, which is exclusive to Bayer in the UK, Rodilon® will control rodents that are resistant to the active ingredients bromadiolone and difenacoum. Highly palatable, Rodilon® is effective after just one feed.

“Our focus is always on innovating and bringing new solutions to market,” explained Bayer Environmental Science product manager, Claire Matthewman. Rodilon® is a radical new and highly effective solution for controlling rats and mice”.

Bayer Environmental Science has created four convenient and extremely

palatable baiting formulations of Rodilon®. Two of the products, Rodilon® Wheat Tech and Rodilon® Trio benefit from a unique ‘Turbo Impregnation’ manufacturing process that infuses the active ingredient right to the core of the bait. Not only does this offer superior rat and mouse control but it also means the farmer is subjected to minimal risk from dust.

Developed specifically for the control of mice, Rodilon® Trio incorporates oats, sunflower seeds and maize, which are known to be particularly palatable to mice. Despite mice removing the husk of the grain before eating, the process of ‘Turbo Impregnation’ ensures that the core still contains the active ingredient.

Ideal for rat control, Rodilon® Wheat Tech uses the highest quality whole wheat grain making it extremely palatable and increases consumption. It is perfect for difficult to control infestations throughout a wide range

of indoor farm baiting situations.

Rodilon® Blocks are moisture and mould resistant which makes them the perfect bait for hot and damp conditions. With multiple edges, the Blocks are designed specifically to encourage rodents to gnaw and feed on them. Rodilon® Blocks are an ideal choice if spillage or contamination risks are a concern.

Rodilon® Soft Blocks are suitable for mice and rats and are an excellent choice where there are other food options available. Containing high

food grade ingredients in pre-measured sachets, Rodilon® Soft Blocks offers the added benefits of no direct contact to the farmer and ease of handling.

Available in a range of pack sizes, Rodilon® will be available from July 2011 in all good agricultural merchants and country supplies stores.

Find more information at www.pestcontrol-expert.com


DICK DALTON

Weardale is a fabulous part of the world, or at least it is when it is a sunny day! And that’s exactly what it was like when I visited recently. This is one of the few countryside areas that is still relatively unheard of by tourists.

Dick Dalton has farmed here all his life and Wellhope Farm, Lanehead is one of the highest upland farms around. It’s 30 miles from Barnard Castle, 15 miles from Middleton in Teesdale and Alston and borders Northumberland and Cumbria. The farmhouse is at 1500ft and the rest of the farm rises from there to 2100ft. He farms with son Greg and the land owned runs to 1000 acres with another 700 rented annually.

It is a predominantly sheep farm and they run 600 breeding ewes of which most are pure Swaledales with around 50 ‘Texdales’ their own Swaledale X.

‘Swaledales are the breed best suited to this area and I’ve had them ever since I started my farming career around 50 years ago,’ says Dick. ‘Our local auction mart is St John’s Chapel

up in the World At Wellhopechris berry tAlKs With dicK And GreG dAlton At lAneheAd

Greg backs up Dick’s words: ‘It has risen a bit like a phoenix from the flames. They have held gimmer lamb sales that they hadn’t for the past few years and a breeding sheep sale. We go to Barnard Castle as well with a few cattle, and Middleton in Teesdale, but we also took three Swaledale tups to Kirkby Stephen Mart last October and sold one for our highest price ever £13,500. That was a proud moment.’

The Daltons are regular competitors at agricultural shows. They attend Eastgate, Corbridge (Northumberland County), Roman Wall, St John’s Chapel, Langdon Beck, Wolsingham and Stanhope.

‘Showing is a personal thing,’ says Dick. ‘I do it to promote and protect the breed. There are some who don’t bother any more and I’m lucky I’ve a son who likes it too. It’s something I’ve always enjoyed and I see it as a

sign of what you’ve done with your life. Of course judgement comes into question. To breed Swaledales is quite difficult, it’s not a thing you can ever fully explain. You’ll get some right but never all of them. It’s an education you will never complete. Sometimes you can buy a ram and think it’s the finished article for you, but then you don’t have the perfect female. It takes two to tango. But I enjoy the breed. It has played and still plays a massive part in lamb production in this country.’

The Daltons look to send 500 lambs a year to market, keeping 220 as replacements and retaining 30 for breeding purposes. They lamb from the third week in April.

The other enterprise on the farm is cattle. They have 30 Limousin X and keep a Limousin bull.

‘They are here more as an environmental tool to safeguard the

and although it has suffered a little in the recent past it has lately been rescued by Barnard Castle Auctions. Libby Bell who runs it has done a great job in bringing it back to life.’

the dAltons of lAneheAd


DICK DALTON

quality of the ground. Our biggest problem with them is feeding. We have to bring in supplementary feeds during winter so they are quite costly.’

Dick is very proud of the farm’s tendency towards being home to birds.

‘Our upland bird population here is vast. All the talk about hearing of deterioration of populations around the UK makes me think they are not looking in the right places. Up here we have probably one of the best populations of wading birds in the country. We have lapwing, snipe, curlew, plover, redshank and oyster catcher. In addition to them we also have skylarks and for some reason

this year we are over-run with ducks. This is a wetland area after all. The thing is that the difference between here and 3 miles down the valley is enormous.’

It is also that difference in height above sea level that plays on Dick’s mind regarding what constitutes an upland farmer and a hill farmer.

‘There is a massive difference between a farm at 1000ft and another at 1500ft. I think Natural England should be informed of this. The conditions are just not the same. Our environmental payments are just washed down the river to the lowland men. We hear of other farmers getting

12-13 round bales per acre, we sometimes set records for getting just 3! That’s how much of a difference there is. We have just been accepted into the HLS. My own feeling is that if farms in these types of upland are going to have a future they’re going to have to be careful over who is entitled to what.’

Dick has 5 brothers and 6 sisters. A family of 12 children in all!

‘I was the eighth. We all went to school at Lanehead and we would walk there in all types of weather. (You should see the walk they had!) At one time 10 of us were at the school at the same time! I won’t forget my

first appearance there – I was on a rope that had been tied to my waist to lead me there! The funny thing is although mum and dad had 12 of us I never heard anything to suggest there was anything taking place!

Dick is married to Carol and they have three sons – Greg, Darren and Gary; and a daughter Gemma. Greg is married to Natalie who is a deputy head teacher at a local school. Dick and Carol are also extremely proud grandparents.

Wellhope Farm tel: 01388 537577dAlton sWAledAles

Thanks to Lantra, it will be even easier for individuals to start a career in beekeeping as in partnership with the British Beekeepers Association (BBKA), the organization has created a Level 1 qualification in Beekeeping and is urging colleges and training providers to help deliver this new qualification.

Learners who are entering the industry or seeking to formalise existing experience will find the Level 1 Award in Introduction to Beekeeping Qualification beneficial. The Qualification gives learners the skills and knowledge they need to make the craft of beekeeping a sustainable activity and improve the

quality of beekeeping.

Chris Deaves (Chair of Education & Husbandry for the BBKA) said, “One in three mouthfuls of the food we eat is dependent on pollination at a time when a crisis is threatening the world’s honey bees. This new qualification is a huge step forward in the vocational training of beekeepers and will support the UK’s food production in the future.”

For more information call 02476 696 996 or email [email protected].

bee the first to trAin the beeKeepers of toMorroW

Over the past two decades, the UK food and farming industry has developed robust private sector assurance schemes. Now Defra’s Task Force on Farm Regulation www.defra.gov.uk / food-farm/farm-manage/farm-regulation has recognised that membership of an assurance scheme indicates that the business has a good level of competence and understanding of regulations.

David Clarke, CEO of Red Tractor Assurance commented; “It makes sense for the Task Force to recommend that assured farms should be considered lower priority for routine regulatory inspections. Through membership

of the Red Tractor Assurance schemes our farmers have ‘earned recognition’ of their high standards and it should not be necessary for government bodies to routinely re-inspect the same points.

“This is very good news for assured farmers and growers. Their investment in farm assurance should bring the added benefit of fewer government inspections checking the same points.”

For more information, visit www.myredtractor.co.uk

Good neWs for red trActor Assured fArMersred trActor AssurAnce WelcoMes the tAsK force recoMMendAtions to reduce GovernMent inspections for Assured fArMers.


HAMILTON

blondes pAy their WAy At rAMriGEarly-finishing Blonde cattle both pedigrees and commercials more than pay their way on a Scottish Borders farm.

It was when passports were first introduced revealing the breeding of the cattle George Hamilton was buying in that he realised that the Blonde cross cattle finished earlier than the other continentals, leaving a better margin.

The first pedigree Blondes were bought a decade ago by the Ramrig Farm Partnership - George and his wife Avril and father William and now a herd of suckler cows is all put to the Blonde bull. The family has farmed the tenanted unit on the Ladykirk Estate, near Duns, for the last 48 years.

The partnership farms 510 acres, up to 400 of which are arable, along with 53 acres of seasonal grazing, growing all winter sown crops for

the first time, oil seed rape, oats for human consumption, barley, half of which goes for malting and wheat, some going to distillers.

The switch to a herd of suckler cows which currently numbers 67 crossed with the Blonde bull has paid off with the cattle currently leaving a margin of £200 per acre compared with £189 for the arable enterprise - verified by Avril, who is an accountant.

Both the home grown barley for feed and straw is charged to the cattle enterprise, although benefits to the arable enterprise of nitrogen from manure are more difficult to cost.

“The reason we chose the Blonde is because when we were buying in cattle and finishing 150 a year we were able to work out from the passports that they were the best performing animals,” said George, who is in his second year as chairman of the Scottish Blonde Club.

“They may not have the weight of a Charolais cross but we could finish them six weeks sooner and we were making £100 a head more than the equivalent Limousin cross,” he added.

The pedigree Ramrig herd of Blondes was founded with the purchase of

GeorGe hAMilton And his pediGree blondes


HAMILTON

Borders Machinery Ring

Tel (01896) 758091 Fax (01896) 757036 Email [email protected]

• Labour Supply• Training Courses• Fuel• Fertiliser• Farm Supplies• All Contract Work• Renewables & Recycling• Building & Fencing supplies• Machinery Rebates

Sort it all with just one call!

Borders Machinery Ring

three in-calf heifers - two from Clark Farms’ Garngour herd at Carluke and the third from Vic Hunter at Daviot, Inverurie.

It now runs to 11 pure bred cows with the majority of the replacements now being home-bred and the aim is to increase pedigree numbers to between 15 and 20 cows.

One of the most prolific replacement heifer breeders has been Whitefield Uppity, bought in Carlisle in May 2005 from Eric Mutch of Banff, for 2,300gns. The May 2003 daughter of Bilsington Nelson, which was

the reserve female champion, also bred the herd’s first bull to be sold - Ramrig Braveheart which made 2,500gns in Carlisle in 2006 at 15 months old.

Bulls have sold to a top price of £3,700 in a private sale for Ramrig Tiberius, by Druk Lance and out of Hallfield Petunia.

Two years later the suckler herd was started and Limousin and British Blue cross bulling heifers have been bought from John McAllister of Falkirk, all having been BVD tested and vaccinated.

“We had been buying in store cattle at between £950 and £1,000 a head, some of which would be with us for six to nine months, and selling them at up to £1,100 each, making only about £50 a head profit,“ said George.

The move now is to breed herd replacements at Ramrig to reduce the stress on cattle at purchasing time. Replacements of up to three quarter Blonde will be kept to retain milkiness, although beyond that another beef breed will be used to maintain hybrid vigour.

The cattle have been in the SAC health scheme for the last 10 years and they are BVD-free. Any pedigree cattle sold are also pre-sale tested for BVD.

The optimum number of cows without compromising the arable enterprise is 150.

All the cows calve from January to March, following a strict calving pattern to fit in with the arable work. There are few calving difficulties with only four caesareans being carried out in 10 years. Fertility is also good with only three out of 80 cows barren last winter.

One of three current stock bulls used across the cows, is the three year old Hallfield Destiny, bought from Peter and James Weightman, of Easington, Co Durham, for 6,500gns at the March 2010 sale in Carlisle. He was breed champion at this year’s Royal Highland Show.

Although with good figures for calving ease, the bull was bought to put thickness into the Ramrig cattle and his crossbred progeny are probably the best produced on the farm. Two of his pure bred daughters will be kept as replacements while four of his sons are likely to be entered for the Carlisle October 2012 or March 2013 sales.

Also running with the suckler cows is Ramrig Eureka, a son of the 2006 Highland Show champion Ardmore Upgrade and herd stock bull and out

of Strathisla Autumn. Five bulling heifers by the third stock bull, 2006 Highland Show champion Ardmore Upgrade, have come into the herd this year.

The cows are fed silage and haylage over winter. Crossbred calves are introduced to a couple of pounds of creep feed which is increased to 5lb a day of mineralised barley plus semi ad lib silage by the end of October. This feed rate is maintained through to slaughter.

Most of the cattle are finished off clover-rich grass and, maintaining the advice of his father, George sells them when “they are fit for market”.

George is a firm believer in supporting sales through the live ring and finished cattle are all sold through John Swan’s St Boswell’s mart at 15 to 18 months old with heifers weighing between 500 and 600kg and steers 550 to 650kg and averaging £1,098 at 15 months old.

“We have a lot to offer as a breed,” said George. “Blonde calves are quickly up on their feet and suckling, they thrive straight away.

“I have no problem with temperament but I encourage docility by always walking the cattle. This is important when there are 195 head of cattle on the farm and only myself and part time help from Bill Bracken.

“They are good converters of feed into meat. They are are long, leaner animals, without too large a rump which butchers would have to slice thinner, which in turn affects its cooking and eating qualities.

“Also because the breed is lighter-boned and has a high killing out percentage - ours are 65% or more, there are less disposal costs for abattoirs. I know this from the occasional animal we slaughter for our own freezer.”

For more information call 01890 870210

hoMe-bred stocK bull rAMriG eureKA


GAMbLE

Newcomers to running their own farm, Alan and Kate Gamble are aiming to maximise the profitability of all production from their tenanted unit near Jedburgh, in the Scottish Borders.

Simmental cattle, which were chosen to run alongside the arable enterprise on the 440 acre Palace Farm, Crailing, part of the Lothian Estates, are already proving a worthwhile investment.

The land is principally arable cropping with winter wheat, oats and barley and spring oats with 65 acres of grass used as a break in the rotation.

“My friend’s father bred Simmentals back home in Northern Ireland and I liked them then,” said Alan who met Kate, from Northumberland while they both studied for agriculture degrees at Newcastle University.

Alan’s work took them to the Kelso area when he worked as an agronomist with Wallace of Kelso, then while working as a farm manager for a 4,000 acre arable estate near Brechin the couple invested in their first pedigree Simmentals.

They bought three heifers and three cows with calves at foot from the Perth February 2006 sale to start their Farnell herd. Later additions from sales at Perth and Carlisle as well as the Darshams herd dispersal along with home bred females have increased numbers to 35 breeding females.

“Simmentals have proved the right choice for Kate and I as we run the farm on our own. They are docile and easy care cattle which calve themselves. They work well for us,” said Alan.

“The store cattle we buy are predominantly Simmental cross and Charolais cross because of the liveweight gain. The quicker they are finished the more margin there is for us.”

They took on the tenancy of Crailing Palace Farm just before Christmas in December 2009 - moving with their children Robert, 10, and Isla, five, and the cattle they had been running at Brechin, their 21 pedigree Simmental cows plus followers as well as store and finishing cattle.

“The estate wanted the farm to be taken on by new entrants and our landlord has been very good, helping us to convert grains stores back to

siMMentAls A JeWel in the croWn At pAlAce fArM

what they produce at Crailing Palace Farm. Herd numbers will be built up to 150 to 200 pure cows by retaining heifers as replacements and buying in some females.

The top end of the herd will be registered while the remainder of the females will be used to breed store cattle and commercial breeding females and probably all will be put to the Simmental bull.

Currently store bullocks and heifers are bought in St Boswells mart at nine to 12 months old weighing 350 to 450kg.

The cattle are fed through a Keenen feeder achieving an average liveweight gain of 1.6-1.65kg a day. They are initially fed on a growing ration for skeletal growth to a weight of 530-550kg or 1.35m high.

They are then put onto a finishing ration - the same ingredients of straw, brewers grains which are bought in, minerals with an increased amount of

bruised barley - selling at St Boswells at 550-600kg classifying R4L and killing out at over 60% after spending three to four months on the farm.

Up to 250 cattle a year are sold with animals going through the ring every week at St Boswells. The cattle leave a margin of between £200 and £400 a head.

The Gambles fine-tune their marketing by regularly weighing the cattle once a month as they are growing and once a week for the finishing animals.

A race has been built connected to a crush and weighbridge, making good use of a large traditional stone building on the farm which enables 80 cattle to be weighed in just half an hour. Handling the cattle regularly also helps with temperament.

the gambles Palace Farm, crayling

cattle courts,” said Alan.

Initially the Gambles used AI selecting bulls to improve the traits of their breeding females. They invested in their first stock bull in May this year with the purchase of the 18 month old Drumsleed Alanzo from Gerald and Morag Smith’s herd based at Laurencekirk.

The Drumsleed herd, like the Farnell herd which is Johnes and BVD accredited, has a high health status, and the Smiths have provided invaluable help and advice to the Gambles while they were setting up their herd. The Farnell herd is also performance-recorded and the aim is to breed a good sized all-round cow which has plenty of milk.

Alan and Kate have already enjoyed success in the show ring after only three years. At the Northumberland County Show their home bred four year old cow Farnell Vodka with her bull calf Farnell Classic at foot took the breed championship while their yearling heifer Farnell Betty, out of one of the original cows Fole Victoria 6, was reserve breed champion.

They picked up several tickets in the Simmental lines at the Royal Highland Show and they plan to compete at the Cumberland, Border Union, Duns and Peebles events this summer.

Bulls have been sold for breeding, with a number going to commercial producers in the Borders where the Gambles are extolling the virtues of the breed and are receiving positive feedback from purchasers.

Now the aim is towards self-sufficiency and to improve the consistency of

AlAn And KAte GAMble With their pediGree coWs And cAlves And tWin

bulls ben And bill


YOUNG FARMERS

Cumbrian YFC members are known for raising lots of money for charity and are always looking for new ideas. Their latest venture was to raise calves and donate the profit to the Air Ambulance.

In October, 10 Young Farmers Clubs around the County bought calves in H and H Auction Marts. After a winter of feeding and halter training, the calves were sold at auction.

Kirklinton members, Danny McGregor and Hannah Nicholson realised the biggest profit of £530 with their British Blue Cross calf bought at Kirkby Stephen Auction for £730. Penrith YFC bought a Belgium Blue calf at Kirkby

Stephen and reared it at Angela Chappelhow’s High Grounds Farm. They paid £625 and sold it for £1140. this was the 2nd highest profit and they also received the “best turned out” award.

Kirklinton won the award for Champion Calf in the show with Brampton YFC Reserve Champion.

In total £3000, was made for the Air Ambulance which included a donation of £90 from Harrison and Hetherington and no sales commission.

For more information, visit http://www.cumbriayfc.co.uk

cAlves for chArity

Over 50 Cumbrian Young Farmers competed for the Stockman and Young Stockjudge of the Year at Penrith Auction Mart.

The Young Farmers placed and gave reasons on 4 dairy cows, 4 butchers’ cattle and 4 butchers’ lambs and completed an animal health questionnaire compiled by Martin Squires of the Green Vets, Skelton.

Aspatria YFC had a triumphant night winning all 3 cups. Edwin Holliday was named Stockman of the Year with Paul Storr also of Aspatria 2nd, Paul Lowthian of Penrith 3rd and

James Hayllar, Pennine YFC 4th.

James Harrington of Aspatria won the Bronwyn Chester Trophy for Young Stockjudge of the Year with Rebecca Gardner, Longtown 2nd, David Miller, Aspatria 3rd and Matthew Kidd, Penrith 4th.

The team trophy was won by Aspatria on 1057 points, 2nd Longtown 1005 points and 3rd Penrith on 979 points.

For more information, visit www.cumbriayfc.co.uk

stocKMAn And younG stocKJudGe of the yeAr 2011

Back row Philip Mattinson

Sally Ritson Paul Storr

Edwin Holliday David Miller

Stuart Watson James Mattinson

Front row Mark Hurst

Viv HewetsonAspAtriA yfc At the stocKJudGinG

The ninth annual Yorkshire County Show got off to a record breaking start on Sunday 5th June, with more visitors than ever before flocking to Nidderdale Showground in Pateley Bridge to enjoying a great Yorkshire day out.

shoW of support At yfc eventThe Show, organised entirely by the Yorkshire Federation of Young Farmers’ continues to go from strength to strength and this year was no exception.

As well as encompassing the Young Farmers County Rally with its 74 competitions ranging from stock judging to the Tug of War, it also played host to a variety of trade, craft and food stalls as well as attractions such as rare breed animals and this year’s newest and most popular exhibit lawnmower racing!

The Show’s Director, Sarah Leach said: “This year has been our best yet and with the weather on our side we have welcomed more visitors than ever before. This year’s show has set the standard for our tenth

anniversary event in 2012 which we have already started planning and which promises to be a fantastic showcase for our organisation. It is a credit to the hard work and dedication of our Yorkshire Young Farmers members that we as an organisation can hold an event of this size and to such a high standard. We look forward to welcoming everyone back next year.”

For further information on the Yorkshire Federation of Young Farmers visit our website www.yfyfc.org.uk our facebook page www.facebook.com/yfyfc


PROPERTY

in great Britain 94,600 acres of farmland were publicly marketed in the national press during the first 6 months of 2011. this is a 12% increase on the previous year. regional variations show an 18% increase in the volume offered for sale in england contrasted by a 3% decrease in Scotland. our Farmland Values Survey shows that during the first half of the year the average value of grade 3 arable land across great Britain rose by 5.2% which means that farmland values have risen by almost 33% since the beginning of 2008.

in Yorkshire, values have followed the national trend and despite there being a late Spring there has been a very active land market during the last 6 weeks, during which values of £8,000 per acre have been achieved across the region for bare land and across a range of lot sizes. Whether this can continue into the autumn remains to be seen. i suspect a lot will depend on the quality of the harvest and where the wheat price settles following volatility.

For further information or a free no obligation appraisal of your property, please contact Savills (L&P) Ltd 13 -15 Micklegate, York, Yo1 6JH www.savills.com

andrew Black MRICS FAAV

Tel: 01904 617831 07967 555697 E: [email protected]

Sarah Hinchliffe BSc (Hons) MRICS FAAV

Tel: 01904 617819 07870 999441 E: [email protected]

Land at Poppleton ings, YorkApprox 46.6 acres Guide £140,000

chapel garths Farm, riponApprox 140 acres Guide £1,500,000

clifford Moor Farm, Wetherby Approx 26 acres Guide Price £1,450,000

rolston Hall, HornseaApprox Approx 107 acres Guide £1,250,000

Park Farm, Preesall, LancashireApprox 236 acres Guide £2,800,000

Potter Hill, Howardian HillsApprox 152 acres Guide Price £2,850,000

island Farm, Scarborough Approx 47 acres Guide £800,000

Manor Farm, Whenby, YorkApprox 113 acres Guide £1,750,000 UnDer oFFer UnDer oFFer


PROPERTYPROPERTY

139.11 ACRES, GRISTHORPE, FILEYPRODUCTIVE LAND & BUILDING

• 139.11 Acres currently in Two Main Blocks• 114.29 Acres Highly Productive Arable Land• 20.32 Acres Temporary Grass• 100’ X 50’ Building and Large Yard • SPS payments included• Excellent Road Frontage

FOR SALE AS A WHOLE OR IN FOUR LOTSGUIDE PRICE: £710,000

youlton, eAsinGWold, yorK

313 Acre, Mixed ArAble And livestocK fArMA productive mixed arable and livestock farm situated in the Vale of York.• Modern, Well Appointed 3 Bedroom Bungalow• Over 20,000sq.ft of Modern Farm Buildings in Large Concrete Yard• 144 Acres of Productive Arable Land• 164 Acres of Grassland/previously Arable Land• Woodland with Private Fishing Pond• SPS Payments included• Irrigation System

in aLL aPProXiMateLY 313.5 acreS For SaLe BY inForMaL tenDer aS a WHoLe or in LotS

burythorpe neAr MAlton, north yorKshire

A beAutifully locAted equestriAn propertySituated in a private and attractive rural position, a superb residential and equestrian farm, located close to Malton and the Langton Wold Gallops, with planning permission for further equestrian/race horse use. In all comprising:

• Period 4 bedroom farmhouse• Range of modern general purpose buildings• Equestrian facilities, with stabling and railed paddocks• Planning consent for two courtyard stable developments • Approximately 45 acres of grassland/arable land• Beautiful rural location

gUiDe Price: £800,000

flixton, scArborouGh 22 ACRES

• Three attractive parcels of permanent pasture

• In all approximately 22 Acres• Roadside Frontage• Edge of Village Location


For SaLe aS a WHoLe or in tHree LotS - BY inForMaL tenDer Closing Date: Friday 19th August 2011, 2pm

preliMinAry AnnounceMent

Gristhorpe, filey 139.11 ACRES

productive lAnd & buildinG• 139.11 Acres currently in Two Main Blocks• 114.29 Acres Highly Productive Arable Land• 20.32 Acres Temporary Grass• 100’ X 50’ Building and Large Yard • SPS payments included• Excellent Road Frontage

For SaLe aS a WHoLe or in FoUr LotSgUiDe Price: £710,000

rillinGton, MAlton 18.13 ACRES

A parcel of productive Land with high Amenity Value situated close to the Village.


For SaLe BY inForMaL tenDer Closing Date: Monday 25th July 2011, 12 Noon


charles mills

THOMPSONSOF YORKEST. 1926

ANIMAL FEED COMPOUNDERS

We are pleased to be associated with Mr Mills and wish him continued success for the future

Jubilee Mill, Murton, York YO19 5UTTel 01904 488388Fax 01904 488517Email [email protected] www.thompsons-feeds.co.uk

When Charles Mills was invited to be a part of the Great Yorkshire Show Council a decade ago a neighbour suggested that his involvement might bring some youth to the place.

‘I soon found that the people who were involved already were far wiser than I will ever be. They are some of the kindest and most sincere people and the wonderful thing is that everyone is always pulling in the

COMBINING THE FARM AND THE GREAT YORKSHIRECHRIS BERRY VISITS CHARLES AND JILL MILLS AT AppLETON ROEBUCK

same direction. I have always found it a massive honour to be involved with the show and it plays an immense part in both mine and Jill’s lives.’

Charles and his wife Jill now spend something in the region of 30 days a year at Harrogate. They spend the show days assisting Margaret Chapman, the Chief Cattle Steward; there are the regular meetings to attend; they are involved greatly with the Grants & Education Committee through the Childrens’ Days which have become so successful in recent years attracting thousands of schoolchildren to the showground to find out more about agriculture; and since the untimely and sad passing of Richard Howard-Vyse, Charles has also taken on his mantle in judging the Tye Trophy which rewards farming and conservation working hand in hand.

Somehow they manage all of this

extra curricula activity in addition to running the farm between the pair of them. They farm at Woolas Grange in Appleton Roebuck, neatly parcelled 5 miles away from the bustling A64 where they operate a predominantly arable enterprise along with a flock of 100 ewes and primestock cattle.

‘This is a second generation farm, following on from my father. My brother Roger and his wife Virginia farmed in partnership with Jill and myself up until recently, but 4 years ago we split the farm amicably. Jill and I now farm around 480 acres and we have a man who helps us out a couple of days a week.’

‘We grow 200 acres of wheat; 100 acres of oilseed rape or beans; and 80 acres of spring barley. We keep it as simple a system as we can so that we can manage.’

However, that doesn’t mean Charles is in any way opting for an easy life.

CHARLES AND JILL MILLS wALK AMONGST THEIR SHEEp


When Charles Mills was invited to be a part of the Great Yorkshire Show Council a decade ago a neighbour suggested that his involvement might bring some youth to the place.

‘I soon found that the people who were involved already were far wiser than I will ever be. They are some of the kindest and most sincere people and the wonderful thing is that everyone is always

pulling in the same direction. I have always found it a massive honour to be involved with the show and it plays an immense part in both mine and Jill’s lives.’

Charles and his wife Jill now spend a considerable amount of time at Harrogate. They spend the show days assisting Margaret Chapman, the Chief Cattle Steward; there are the regular meetings to attend; they are involved greatly with the Grants & Education Committee, of which Charles is a member and are involved with the Childrens’ Days which have become so successful in recent years attracting thousands of schoolchildren to the showground to find out more about agriculture; and since the untimely and sad passing of Richard Howard-Vyse, Charles has also taken on his mantle in judging the Tye Trophy which rewards farming and conservation

working hand in hand.

Somehow they manage all of this extra curricula activity in addition to running the farm between the pair of them. They farm at Woolas Grange in Appleton Roebuck, neatly parcelled 5 miles away from the bustling A64 where they operate a predominantly arable enterprise along with a flock of 100 ewes and primestock cattle.

‘This is a second generation farm, following on from my father. My brother Roger and his wife Virginia farmed in partnership with Jill and myself up until recently, but 4 years ago we split the farm between us. Jill and I now farm around 480 acres and we have a man who helps us out a couple of days a week.’

‘We grow 200 acres of wheat; 100 acres of oilseed rape or beans; and 80 acres of spring barley. We keep it as simple a system as we can so

charles mills

He believes in turning a profit come what may.

‘I’ve always found that profit is my driver. You have to make a profit because that’s the only way you can make a living. You have to strive to be in the top 10% of whatever you try to do. What that means is that when times are good you make a good profit, but when times are difficult you still make some profit. I have always found that if you’re doing your job well there is a good living to be made out of farming here.’

‘Most of our land is heavy clay land and you need to get things right from the start. That means getting your establishment right. If you keep your costs down through proper application, getting ph levels right and your indices right; then you also apply your fertiliser tailored to the yield you will achieve better control of costs and better yields. We try to be as cost effective as possible in every area.’

‘We have our own grain dryer,

continuous flow dryer and in-bin drying, as well as storage capacity for up to 2000 tonnes of grain but of course the ideal thing is to cut your crop so that you don’t have to dry it. We have a large combine and where possible we will cut it by working the long hours when there is least moisture content.’

‘I don’t use all of the latest technologies such as satellite mapping but I do have every field mapped. We use a lot of Masstock systems through our agronomist John Moore and that combined with my own knowledge of the land enables us to achieve a better result. I am disappointed if we cannot average 4 tonnes per acre for wheat.’

When Charles and Jill realised that their three children – Anna (26); James (24) and Sarah (18) were not interested in farming they let go of their suckler herd replacing it with prime store cattle which they now buy out of Barnard Castle Mart and York Livestock Centre. They now buy-in at around 350-400 kilos

stop-gap between toys and boys. I’m not sure whether that’s correct, but we don’t have them anymore.’

Charles and Jill derive another income from letting of cottage properties they own in the surrounding area. It’s another crop.

The couple are also passionate about conservation and Charles has incorporated some of the ideas he has seen working on Tye Trophy competitors’ farms to Woolas Grange.

‘It has been a great education for Jill and myself. We have put in new wetland corners, ponds and game strips. Conservation is dear to our hearts, as well as educating the public. When I visited Rodney Smith’s Beal Farm near Holy Island I was in awe of what he has achieved with his commercial farm incorporating conservation.’

Charles and Jill are very much a team. Jill leads virtually all of the corn off during harvest and Charles is keen to stress that if he was not married to Jill he would not manage without her.

Jill’s background is that she comes from a farming family near Ouseburn where her mother and father still farm together today.

‘I get so much pleasure out of going to Harrogate and being so involved with the Great Yorkshire Show,’ says Charles. ‘Jill says it keeps me sane going there. I cannot praise the show and the Yorkshire Agricultural Society too highly. We are both very proud to be farmers and the society typifies what we believe in. There is a very real warmth and good feeling throughout the organisation. Jill and I would both also like to also congratulate Bill Cowling and Nigel Pulling on their excellent leadership.’

Charles Mills Tel: 01904 744247

and sell-on at around 600-700. The sheep are Texel X Mules put to the Texel tup.

There used to be horses at Woolas Grange when their daughters were younger. Charles has a useful philosophy for why they no longer have them.

‘I was once told that horses were a

CHARLES INSpECTS THE CROp


prime store cattle which they now buy out of Barnard Castle Mart and York Livestock Centre. They now buy-in at around 350-400 kilos and sell-on at around 600-700. The sheep are Texel X Mules put to the Texel tup.

There used to be horses at Woolas Grange when their daughters were younger. Charles has a useful

philosophy for why they no longer have them.

‘I was once told that horses were a stop-gap between toys and boys. I’m not sure whether that’s correct, but we don’t have them anymore.’

Charles and Jill derive another income from letting of cottage properties they own in the surrounding area. It’s another crop.

The couple are also passionate about conservation and Charles has incorporated some of the ideas he has seen working on Tye Trophy competitors’ farms to Woolas Grange.

‘It has been a great education for Jill and myself. We have put in new wetland corners, ponds and game strips. Conservation is dear to our hearts, as well as educating the public. When I visited Rodney Smith’s Beal Farm near Holy Island I was in awe of what he has achieved with his commercial farm incorporating conservation.’

Charles and Jill are very much a team and Charles is keen to stress that if he was not married to Jill he would not manage without her.

Jill’s background is that she comes from a farming family near Ouseburn where her mother and father still farm together today.

‘I get so much pleasure out of going to Harrogate and being so involved with the Great Yorkshire Show,’ says Charles. ‘Jill says it keeps me sane going there. I cannot praise the show and the Yorkshire Agricultural Society too highly. We are both very proud to be farmers and the society typifies what we believe in. There is a very real warmth and good feeling throughout the organisation. Jill and I would both also like to also congratulate Bill Cowling and Nigel Pulling on their excellent leadership.’

Charles Mills Telephone : 01904 744247

that we can manage.’

However, that doesn’t mean Charles is in any way opting for an easy life. He believes in turning a profit come what may.

‘I’ve always found that profit is my driver. You have to make a profit because that’s the only way you can make a living. You have to strive to be in the top 10% of whatever you try to do. What that means is that when times are good you make a good profit, but when times are difficult you still make some profit. I have always found that if you’re doing your job well there is a good living to be made out of farming here.’

‘Most of our land is heavy clay land and you need to get things right from the start. That means getting your establishment right. If you keep your costs down through proper application, getting ph levels right and your indices right; then you also apply your fertiliser tailored to the yield you will achieve better control of costs and better

yields. We try to be as cost effective as possible in every area.’

‘We have our own grain dryer, continuous flow dryer and in-bin drying, as well as storage capacity for up to 2000 tonnes of grain but of course the ideal thing is to cut your crop so that you don’t have to dry it. We have a large combine and where possible we will cut it by working the long hours when there is least moisture content.’

‘I don’t use all of the latest technologies such as satellite mapping but I do have every field mapped. We use a lot of Masstock systems through our agronomist John Moore and that combined with my own knowledge of the land enables us to achieve a better result. I am disappointed if we cannot average 4 tonnes per acre for wheat.’

When Charles and Jill realised that their three children – Anna (26); James (24) and Sarah (18) were not interested in farming they let go of their suckler herd replacing it with

MACHINERY

Apart from the new ‘X60’ identification on the bonnet, round headlamps and a new bright finish for the cab-mounted work lights, the latest addition to the McCormick range gives few clues to the extensive changes made beneath the bodywork.

Yet with more engine power, increased linkage lift capacity and a new transmission, the X60 Series brings new levels of performance and features to the McCormick mid-range.

“The popular CX Series tractors have been our best-sellers for some time and have benefited in recent years from a number of improvements to the transmission, brakes and cab – but the time has come for a wholesale upgrade,” says Paul Wade, McCormick product specialist. “With the X60 Series, our mainstream four-cylinder tractor gets an even better specification and moves up the power scale in line with current trends.”

Four Perkins-powered models are being introduced by McCormick dealers in the FarmersMart area – including Barlow’s of Henbury, Macclesfield; Alkmonton Tractors, Ashbourne, Derbyshire; Jefferson Tractors, Long Park near Carlisle, and Moore Farm Services, Harworth near Doncaster in Yorkshire. They replace the three-model CX line with engine outputs spanning a wider power range.

The 92hp X60.20 comes first followed by the 101hp X60.30, which matches the most powerful model in the CX range, then the line-up moves on to the X60.40 with 110hp output. At the top of the range, the McCormick X60.50 has a modest step-up in power for draft work at 112hp – but it has a more significant 11hp advantage for pto-driven implements and road transport with 121hp output.

“This is the first McCormick four-

MccorMicK x60 delivers More poWer, perforMAnce And feAtures

• MccorMicK x60 series – four Models froM 92hp to 121hp With boost

• neW trAnsMission – More speeds, sMooth AdJustAble poWer shuttle

• increAsed 3pt linKAGe lift cApAcity, More reMote spool vAlves AvAilAble

• four-post cAb With fresh interior desiGn provides spAce And coMfort

cylinder tractor to feature a 16-valve cylinder head and common rail fuel injection with electronic management and two power outputs,” notes Paul Wade. “These features make efficient use of diesel – first, through precision metering; second, by increasing productivity; and third, by reducing engine revs to just 1830rpm once a 40kph cruise has been reached.”

On all four versions of the X60, greater fuel capacity from the 180-litre tank allows longer working hours between refills.

Power and torque is channelled through a new power shuttle transmission. It has the three powershift steps as on the superseded design but 12 more

forward speeds for added versatility.

“With more ratios available, the operator has a better chance achieving the best combination of engine and ground speeds for the work being done,” notes Paul Wade. “Outputs can be improved and the job completed more efficiently – whether it’s ploughing a field or hauling a diet feeder.”

Prices for the new McCormick series start at £40,282 for the 92hp X60.20 rising to £46,555 for the 112/121hp X60.50 version.

For further information please visit www.argotractors.com


Thirty-one newly trained apprentices are about to return to their New Holland dealerships as qualified land-based technicians after completing a bespoke technician training scheme at Reaseheath College in Cheshire.

The apprentices were presented with certificates at a ceremony at the college by New Holland’s After Sales Commercial Manager Rob Alker.

This specialist course is partly funded and run by New Holland and involves five courses specific to New Holland machines and equipment. At the end of the course, every graduate is sufficiently qualified to apply for LTA accreditation (Land based Technician Accreditation) at grade two - a professionally recognised Scheme run by the Institute of Agricultural Engineers (IAgrE) in conjunction with major Agricultural equipment manufacturers.

Chris Coppenhall, One of New Holland’s product technical trainer, is involved in the specialist training courses throughout the three year programme:

“During the course, each apprentice does three separate months a year at Reaseheath College. Within this time, in addition to the theory and practical training delivered by the college’s lecturers, they’ll receive five specialist training courses based on New Holland machines and technology. So they’ll go through electronics, hydraulics, transmission, engines and diagnostics. All this training is done on our latest machines using specialist test equipment and it is run by New Holland training specialists.”

Steve Ridley is the agriculture Director for sales and after sales for the Russells group. One of his apprentices has just graduated:

“Since we’ve been involved in this apprenticeship training scheme, there’s been a significant improvement in the quality and standard of our trainees. It’s down to the resources they have access to – they’ll work on New Holland systems and get to work with the New Holland service trainers: So

neW hollAnd Apprentices GrAduAte And Get out in the field

while they’re gaining very good technical skills, they’re also forging direct contacts with New Holland too.”

Tim Ball, from Reaseheath College, has the job of liaising with New Holland, the dealerships and the college itself, where the course has been run since 2002:

“When this course started, it was one of the very first of its kind to involve a manufacturer. It has been key in effectively standardising and

improving the level of training that dealership apprenticeships are getting. This year’s graduates, like their predecessors, will be leaving Reaseheath with a respected industry recognised qualification: the Extended National Diploma in Land Based Technology.”

For more information visit www.newholland.com

MACHINERY


Tel: 01253 799100 / 07876 453 367 Email: [email protected]

www.guyhallagriservices.co.uk

Building you a Better Future

Agricultural Building Contractors.Buildings & Internals made to your individual requirements.

Competitive Prices.Suppliers of Teemore Cubicles & Interior Fittings.

Registered fitters and supplier of ACP Concrete Products Nationwide.

NEWS

allow us to remind you…..

On the 4th January 2011 Forlorn Hope farm had its second clear herd interval skin test.

This would normally mean that the herd restrictions should have been lifted, however confusion over this matter occurred within the animal health department causing a delay of 5 months. The farm is now free to move trade and show their cattle excluding Boxster, his journey to freedom continues.

On the 8th June 2011 a blood sample was taken from Boxster and transported to a VLA laboratory for analysis and a skin test was carried out immediately afterwards. Boxster remained in his isolation unit for the following three days before animal health representatives returned to read the results. The reading was to be taken on a ‘severe interpretation’ meaning that no more than 2mm increase in his skin thickness was allowed.

hAllMArK boxter – the lAtest

FarmersMart are delighted to report that Boxter passed with flying colours! The Jackson family were delighted with this news, as it had been 15 months since he passed his first skin test.

However, the blood sample result was a different story; Animal Health reported to the family that the sample could not be screened as it had clotted and yet again this second sample had to be discarded. Boxster is due his next skin test on the 10th August

2011 which will be read on a normal interpretation of 5mm, as to whether he now requires a third blood sample to be taken remains in question.

Hopefully Hallmark Boxster will be back on the show field towards the end of the summer and more importantly can join his herd once again.

For more information call Kate on 07958 917924

As you MAy reMeMber froM our lAte sprinG edition, south yorKshire fArMer Ken JAcKson hAs spent Much of 2011 chAllenGinG A rulinG MAde by defrA Which suGGested thAt the life of his chAMpion blonde bull hAllMArK boxter WAs under threAt.


ERNIE SHERWIN

If you’ve been a regular at either Wharfedale Farmers Auction Mart in Otley; or Thirsk or Northallerton Marts over the past decade it’s highly likely you will know Ernie Sherwin. He has auctioneered at each of these three marts during that time having started at Otley in 1990 and having stayed until 2003; he moved to Thirsk, working there from 2004-2006; before the move to Northallerton where he stayed from 2006-the early part of this year.

But now Ernie has branched out on his own and opened up his business as Ernie Sherwin Limited with a logo of ELS (nothing to do with Entry Level Stewardship, more down to his name Ernest Leonard Sherwin). So far he has worked on single farm payments, grass lets, stewardship schemes, compensations and all manner of professional valuations.

‘I’ve moved everything up a gear and I’m now a professional, fully regulated business with the RICS (Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors). I was surprised at how many of the people I have dealt with for years have put their jobs my way. I had hoped for a reasonable number of customers, and some have kept with me ever since I left Otley, but I didn’t expect the number I have already. I think that’s because they know I will go that extra mile for them. I will visit them at all hours of the day, well into the evening if that’s what they want or during weekends.’

Ernie didn’t move from one auction mart to another because he wanted

to. His reasoning was very simple.

‘Ben (Atkinson) was fantastic for me at Otley. He gave me my opportunity and I had such a good time with everyone at the mart, but we were so dedicated to livestock marketing that I couldn’t get my APC (Assessment of Professional Competence) qualification followed through. I moved to Thirsk because Rodney Cordingley was going to become my mentor to help me through, but he left for York when Nigel Stephenson died and he was offered a place in the family business. I don’t mind

professionAl service froM erniechris berry tAlKs With ernie sherWin At nosterfield

admitting I shed a tear or two the day I was told because I’d been happy at Thirsk and was close to qualifying. Getting this professional qualification was one of my biggest ambitions. Then I spotted a job on the internet for Northallerton Auction Mart. Their specification was for qualified people. I told them I was very close to attaining it and within 8 months I had finally qualified of which I was very grateful to gain considerable knowledge and experience within those 4 years.’

‘I now have good connections with the professional world for all of the jobs I undertake. I’ve been busy right from the start and aim for a quick turn around time for customers. Things take time and on the auctioneering side there aren’t the dispersal sales at the moment, where I might be asked to auctioneer. I’m keeping my hand in by auctioneering for charity events and I am also available for relief auctioneering.’

Ernie’s parents farmed at Rand Grange, Bedale; before moving to Firby and then settling at The Grange in Nosterfield. He had an early ambition to be a vet from being 7-10 years old, but then changed his mind and wanted to become an auctioneer or a surveyor. He presently owns 12

acres at Nosterfield and rents another 10. He has 40 ewes which lamb in spring. He has Suffolk and Texel X rams and the ewes lamb mainly to Texel X Mule or Texel X Beltex giving a good quality, tight-skinned lamb.

‘They scanned at 213% and I finished at 197%,’ says Ernie.

Ernie has two ladies helping him with the secretarial side of his business and he believes their skills show that he is offering a service that is just as professional as those who have been around a while.

‘I am very excited about the future. I’m not looking to own the world I just want to live in it, but I know that I can provide the type of service farmers need. I’ve chosen an oak tree for my logo as we all know that little acorns grow into large trees. I’m a little acorn at the moment, but hopefully in the years to come my business will grow as well as an oak tree giving maturity and distinction.’

if you would like to know more about how ernie can help you and your farm then contact: ernie Sherwin 01677 470320 or 07521 824724 or email: [email protected]

40A Market Place, Ripon, North Yorkshire, HG4 1BZTelephone: 01765 604215 Fax: 01765 607323

e-mail: [email protected]

www.femetcalfe.co.uk

Specialise in Accountancy and Tax advice to the Farming Industry

We wish Ernie Sherwin success in his new venture

ernie sherWin


NEW PRODUCT

This year’s major agricultural shows have seen Stoke on Trent based manufacturer IAE exhibit their new x180 Yard Scraper. Extensive development and testing aimed at producing the highest strength to cost ratio have culminated in the finished model being available to view, continued with the Great Yorkshire Show, where you can get

your hands on the new Scraper to see the design for yourself up close.

Director of IAE Frank Klucznik said “We have had the idea for a while to manufacture a Yard Scraper as we strive to offer a complete package of high quality manufactured steel products, to our dealer network nationwide, with the ability to control everything ourselves and keep the

high calibre that people now expect from IAE”

The unit has a wealth of features and will fit pretty much any running unit that you need to attach it to and the scraping blade can be configured into 4 different positions to suit most scrape passages. Many of the features are geared around being safe with the equipment, a

iAe releAse neW x180 yArd scrAper

concern for any farm work, and an ideal that IAE push for with all of their equipment; Therefore the unit comes fully CE Marked and with a comprehensive operation manual.

The unit works by a one piece rubber blade which is attached to a heavy duty fully galvanised frame. The x180 has been repeatedly tested beyond normal usage circumstances, allowing the muck to be scraped along the passage with no fear of give or warping; and it can easily be set to push or pull, depending on the desired application.

The unit will be available from stock in September 2011 and IAE will be preparing for strong interest from their award winning trade stands by having plenty of units available.

For further details, visit us at Show stand 034 or look at www.iae.co.uk

Merial Animal Health, which does not usually sell an orf vaccine in the UK, has been working with vets and the VMD to find a solution to the current crisis surrounding the shortage of vaccine in the UK. Working in co-operation with the VMD, Merial has been able to import orf vaccine in order to satisfy Special Import certificates issued by the VMD to veterinary practices.

Merial’s Product Manager Kathryn England said: “We have had a lot of comments from vets and farmers with regard to potential animal welfare issues surrounding orf, and the current shortage of vaccine. As a result of these requests we have moved quickly and, working in cooperation with vets and the VMD, have arranged a Special Import Licence, and secured a substantial number of doses of

an alternative vaccine originally allocated for the French market. We have already supplied an initial batch in to the UK and expect to take delivery of additional supplies in the coming weeks. Nevertheless we cannot guarantee that we will be able to meet all the needs in the market resulting from the shortage of the original vaccine.”

Vets who wish to use this alternative vaccine can check on the availability of supplies with Merial through its customer Support centre on 0800 592699. However, before ordering they will need to obtain a Special import certificate from the VMD and be able to provide a copy of this at the point of ordering.

MeriAl Acts to help orf vAccine crisis


FARMING PEOPLE

Congratulations to Alex and Catherine Forsyth from Weighing Solutions Ltd who completed The Great Glens Walk, a 76 miles charity hike from Fort William to Inverness, last month.

Raising funds in memory of their son, Colin, and to provide financial support for a number of worthy causes and individuals, the couple completed their hike in just five days, and in the following stages:

• Fort William to Spean Bridge

• Spean Bridge Gairlochy

• Gairlochy to Laggan Locks

• Laggan Locks to Invermoriston

• Invermoriston – Inverness

if you wish to donate, call 01324 878569 or for more information, visit www.weighingsolutions.co.uk

Alex And cAtherine’s GreAt Glens WAlK

Betafence, one of the country’s largest makers of wire and fencing products, has promoted Paul Barkas to the role of UK Manufacturing Manager at its factory in Sheffield.

In his new position Paul is in charge of a workforce of 270 and responsible for the whole manufacturing process including both Base and Finished Products where wire is used to make welded mesh and specialist fencing.

Paul Barkas said: “I am over the moon, it’s the best job I’ve ever had and I’m fortunate to have tremendous support from colleagues and the management team. This business has massive potential. Our aspiration is to be the benchmark site within the Group.”

Kevin Steers, Betafence UK General Manager, said: “Since joining Betafence in 2009, Paul has shown himself to be an extremely capable manager who is making a big

neW uK MAnufActurinG MAnAGer At betAfence

contribution towards achieving our business objectives and helping us to retain our position as one of the UK’s market leaders.”

For more information, visit www.betafence.com

Yorkshire members of Farm Stay, the UK’s largest network of farm-based accommodation providers, went back to school last month to hone their cooking skills. A group of the county’s lady members attended a specially arranged cookery school at Dean Clough Mills in Halifax to make their own bread, granola, kedgeree, fruit smoothies and hollandaise sauce, as well as quick supper dishes and desserts.

The Cooking School at Dean Clough offers professional development courses for those working in the catering and hospitality industry and chef Mathew Benson-Smith created

a tailored course – dubbed ‘Brilliant Breakfasts and Easy Outstanding Suppers’ - for the Yorkshire Farm Stay ladies.

Rosemary Hyslop said: “It was a fabulous day in the state-of-the-art kitchen in a very historic setting. We learned a great deal and some wonderful new ideas, which many of us plan introduce in our own farm kitchens to enhance the overall experience on behalf of our guests.”

For more information, visit www.farmstay.co.uk

fArM stAy lAdies Go bAcK to school

Food for thought. Farm Stay Yorkshire ladies are pictured with their hosts in the Dean Clough Cooking School kitchen.

Ten hardy trekkers from Keelham Farm Shop in Thornton, Bradford, recently completed a 29-mile charity slog from Leeds to Skipton on the Leeds-Liverpool Canal in late May.

Staff from the Brighouse & Denholme Road outlet were raising money for the British Heart Foundation in memory of Keelham Farm Shop founder Andrew Robertshaw, who died prematurely of a heart attack in 2000, aged 58.

The business, one of the first farm shops in England when established in the early 1970s by Mr Robertshaw, is now run by his son and daughter James and Victoria Robertshaw.

A foot-weary James said afterwards: “Dad would have celebrated his 70th birthday the week of the walk and he would have been really proud of the fact that all ten of us completed the marathon trek. We purposely adopted the British Heart Foundation as one of our chosen charities in his memory and had already raised £1,600 since March last year ahead of the walk.”

Further donations are welcome at http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ team/keelhamfarmwalkers

KeelhAM chArity WAlKers hoMe And not so dry!

Keelham trekkers are pictured in Skipton after completing their canal charity walk. From left are Trisha Greenwood,

Elisha Merifield, Laura Reid, Dawn Denton, Michael Pilcher, Steve Powell, James Robertshaw and Carol Swain.MeriAl Acts to

help orf vAccine crisis


FARMING PEOPLE

The rapid development of the UK’s pioneering care farming movement will get a boost this month, when a new organisation is launched to increase support for care farmers and raise their profile with the public and commissioners for health and social care.

The principle behind care farming is simple: using structured, supervised farming activities to provide health, social or educational care services for vulnerable people. The movement has grown quickly in the last five years and there are now more than 170 care farms in the UK with more being set up all the time.

Care Farming UK’s co-ordinator Gaynor Orton said: “What is unique about care farming is that no two farms are alike - each one works with clients in slightly different ways. This means they can benefit a very wide range of people, for example a young person with autism, young offenders, those recovering from addictions, and people with mental health problems - the list goes on.”

More information is available from www.carefarminguk.org

neW deAler AppointMent for lAndini exhibitinG At GreAt eccleston shoW – July 16/17 exhibitinG At GArstAnG shoW – AuGust 6

A young engineer is returning to his farming roots by taking on the role of sales and service dealer for Landini tractors in Lancashire.

Stewart Morley has operated from premises on the family farm at Pilling on the Fylde near Blackpool for the past 10 years supplying mainly professional groundscare equipment. But he jumped at the chance to expand into the agricultural market with the Landini tractor range:

“It’s ideal for us because in addition to a good choice of smaller models for professional groundscare applications, the full-size tractors cater for all the different types of farming we see in the area,” he points out.

Stewart Morley Agricultural & Groundscare Machinery represents Landini tractor distributor AgriArgo UK in a territory that extends from Skelmersdale and Bolton northwards to Lancaster, and from the coast to Rochdale and Barnoldswick.

“The Landini products have a lot to offer,” says Stewart. “We’ll be doing our best to give people who use them the best back-up service and parts support.”

For more information, call Stewart on 01253 799124 or email [email protected]

Veteran salesman Maurice Chester remains a best-seller for steelwork company Robinson Agriculture – at the grand old age of 86 and to mark his 86th birthday, Project Development Manager Edward Gregory presented a special birthday cake. He says: “Maurice has helped hundreds of our clients create new buildings and extend existing ones; many of them returning to him again and again over the years because he provides such excellent advice and support. His expertise is second to none and he is regarded with immense respect by the farming community. We’re absolutely delighted that he’s still working with us, and wanted take the opportunity

to thank him for the tremendous service he gives both ourselves and our clients.”

Maurice added: “The best thing about the job is going out and meeting people. You talk to them, and over time, I’ve made a lot of friends. Robinson themselves have been more like a family to me than an employer.”

Maurice lives in the Fishtoft area of Boston with wife June and has eight children, 17 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.

For more information visit www.robinsons.com

MAurice celebrAtes 86th birthdAy

British Wool prices are at a twenty five year high as the British Wool Marketing Board announces their newly elected Chairman, Malcolm Corbett.

Mr Corbett farms a hill farm in the Rede Valley in Northumberland close to the Scottish borders, running 620 ewes comprising Texel cross Lleyn and pure Lleyn breeds. Having been a sheep farmer throughout his working life, he has also involved himself in the farming world at a strategic level. Mr Corbett brings his experience as Vice Chairman of the NFU National Livestock Board as well as his other roles as a board member for EBLEX and in representing the NSA and NBA.

He says: “The future for wool has never looked better – I hope that the sheep farmers of the UK understand that this is their organisation and we are there to represent their interests. It is vital that we all work together in

supporting our Wool Board and that way we will ensure that the price advantage is ours.”

For further information call 01274 688666

price And proMotion At top of AGendA

MAlcolM corbett, neWly elected chAirMAn of the british Wool MArKetinG boArd

neW orGAnisAtion to Aid rise of uK cAre fArMinG

MAurice chester pictured At neWArK livestocK MArKet


COMPETITION

Kids corner Where’s dAisy the coW?

Honda is searching for a Honda owner to be the star of its next Channel 4 documentary film.

The nationwide search is on for people who use their Honda car, motorbike, lawn mower, marine engine, ATV or generator, in an extraordinary way to tell their story. It could be transforming a Civic into an ice cream van or using a Honda hedge trimmer to create outlandish creatures. Whatever the story, if it’s unexpected and just a little bit daft, Honda wants to hear it.

The person judged as using their Honda in the most extraordinary way will have their story turned into a film online and broadcast on Channel 4 and More 4 as part of Honda’s documentary sponsorship.

Budding stars can tell their story and enter the competition on the new

website www.honda.co.uk/stories where a regular gallery of entries will be posted to inspire other entrants. The competition is open now and closes at the end of September 2011.

Martin Moll, Marketing Director at Honda (UK) commented; “We are always fascinated when we find out what our customers get up to with their Hondas and I’m really looking forward to hearing more extraordinary stories. No matter how off the wall or unexpected – we want to hear it.”

This competition is supporting Honda’s new Channel 4 documentary sponsorship campaign which celebrates the interesting and innovative ways that people use their Honda’s.

The first film starring Philippa Wills, an Alpaca breeder and Honda ATV

owner from Oxfordshire is now live onwww.honda.co.uk/stories and in the Channel 4 documentary bumpers which sit between the Channel 4 programme and the advert breaks.

Visitors to www.honda.co.uk/stories will also discover more quirky Alpaca facts and ‘Get to Know’ personality profiles alongside the competition to find the next film star. There will also be the opportunity to engage with Philippa and ask her questions, plus the chance to name the next baby Alpaca.

Throughout the year viewers will meet a variety of Honda customers who use their Honda in a different and extraordinary way

www.honda.co.uk/stories

hondA hunts for neW chAnnel 4 docuMentAry stAr

for your chAnce to Win £50 Worth of M&s vouchers Just AnsWer the folloWinG questions

1 Who was the winner of the 2010 Fencing news Fencing competition held at the Driffield Show?

2 When did the Fairburns make their great Yorkshire Show debut?

3 For how many years has Head o’th Marsh Farm Shop been trading?

Send your answers to [email protected] by Friday 9th September

congratulations to emily Davidson of thorney gale in Stainmore, Kikby Stephen, who won last issues M&S competition

£50 M&s voucher coMpetition

The Teeswater scanning scheme commenced in 2009. The purpose of the scheme is to analyse the loin muscle and back fat depths of lambs at approximately 25 weeks of age with an eventual aim of gaining sufficient data to use in any future breeding programmes or promotions that the breed council decide upon.

The scheme was embarked upon without any preconceived notions as to any outcome, however it has always been known by breeders that Teeswater lamb and mutton is ‘that little bit special’. Results so far show lamb back fat averages to be just below 6mm with their loin depths averaging above 30mm and with a sizeable proportion of lambs showing loin depths above 35mm.

Why scanning and not touch assessment of carcass? Well, the Teeswater is a large longwool breed with a natural tendency to little fat and more prominent spinal processes that make field assessment more difficult. Ultrasound analysis gives true readings of live animals whereas accurate assessment has only previously been possible when they are strung-up!

The ultrasound kit used for obtaining this data was grant aided by the county Durham Foundation and its recognition of the importance of the Teeswater sheep.

teesWAter scAnninG scheMe

If you thought finding Percy the Pig was tough, prepare yourself for this next challenge!

Somewhere inside this 96-page issue hides Daisy the Cow, for your chance to win a Case IH Puma 210 and a New Holland T7060 model tractor, simply tell us which page you have spotted him on!

get all your entries in to [email protected] by Friday 9th September

a final congratulation goes to Zak Fell (age 5) who won our last Kids corner! Zak managed to track down Percy the Pig which certainly wasn’t easy! Well Done!


contractorS gUiDe SUMMER 2011

Chris Smith Agri ServicesSpecialising in:

- Min-Till, Combi-Drilling- Ploughing using a 300 Horsepower Track Machine

- Combining using a Claas Lexion 570 with vario header

Tel (Mobile): 07734 443301Sutton Farm, Sutton-on-Derwent, York

For Further inFormation please call

0777 4775031

Alan Fish FencingAll Types of fencing

AvAilAble

If you would like to be included in our Autumn 2011 Guide please contact Ben Walton on 01274 610101.

TEL: 07595 070 834 OR 01904 738 245

RICHARD BURNISTON & SONAGRICULTURAL CONTRACTORS & ENGINEERS

• ROUND & SQUARE BALING & WRAPPING • SUGAR BEET DRILLING• 6 ROW HOLMER TANKER BEET HARVESTER • STUBBLE TO STUBBLE

DEUTZ FAHR TRACTORS & TELEHANDLERSMcHALE ROUND BALERS & WRAPPERS

Thomas Dirom

Tel: Tom on 07787 565298

Agricultural Contractors LtdTractor & Dump Trailer • 230hp Tractor Hire with Driver

Large Rear Discharge Muck Spreader • Ploughing, Combination DrillingTrail Forage Harvesting, complete or part job undertaken

Quality work guaranteed!

ALL MAIZE OPERATIONSFROM SEED TO CLAMP

T E L :0 1 3 4 7 8 1 1 1 4 00 7 8 3 1 3 3 5 6 9 7

C o v e r i n g a l l a r e a s o fN o r t h & E a s t Y o r k s h i r e

HESSTON SQUARE BALING“MINI”, “MIDI”, or “BIG”

GRASS TEDDINGAND RAKING

Silage Operations include self propelled maize and hole crop forager / forage wagon, topping and grass aeration

Muck specialist including umbilical stubble injecting , shallow grass injecting, tanker injecting, rear discharge spreading

LPG tankers, precision fertiliser spreading, full ploughing operation

Tel 07967 725415 or 015242 [email protected]

W C O N D E R & S O NFULL FARM OPERATIONS

• ROUND BALING WITH CHOPPER AND WRAPPING

• SQUARE BALING 3’x3’ OR 4’x3’ AND WRAPPING• FORAGING-FULL OR PART OPERATION• JCB 416 BUCK RAKE• BOBCAT,JCB 412 & 416 SHOVELS• DRAINAGE WORK- DRAINER & GRAVEL

TRAILER HIRE

• STONE BURYING & ROTAVATING OR HIRE• REAR DISCHARGE SPREADER AND SHOVEL• UMBILICAL CORD AND TANKERS• HEDGE CUTTING, OVER SEEDING,

DIRECT DRILLING• PLOUGHING,POWER HARROWING, RESEEDING• SLURRY TOWER STIRRING• GRITTING & SNOW PLOUGHING

R. M. SIMPSONAGRICULTURAL CONTRACTOR

Copley Spring Farm, East Bierley, BradfordTel : 01274 653667 Mobile : 07973 112234


Moor Lane, Full Sutton, York, YO41 1HXTel: 01759 373062 / 01759 368563 (evening)

Fax: 01759 372929Web: www.edwardstrailers.co.uk

www.edwardstrailers.co.uk

email sales.marr@ farmstar.co.uk

www.farmstar.co.uk

For all your agricultural Machinery needs

Marr, Doncaster T: 01302 786786 F: 01302 783443

M. Weighton, York T: 01430 875900 F: 01430 875909

Newark, Notts T: 01400 283818 F: 01400 283819

Brigg, North Lincs T: 01652 654944 F: 01652 655171

TracTors, combines, Trailers, Ploughs, ride on mowers, hedge-cuTTers, sPreaders, sPrayers, mowers, drills,Telehandlers, rollers, discs

case ih - Manitou - Kverneland - KubotaMc hale - rau - richard Western - vicon

cousins - boMFord - PhiliP WatKins

main dealer

FarmersMart Summer 2011

Documents

edition of farmersmart

ax tel

farmersmart website

editor chris berry tel

busiest time

little red marketing

editor lucie carter

chris birch