The NorThs Number oNe FarmiNg guide Issue 25 | Early Spring 2012 www.Farmers-marT.co.ukRickeRby go all 007pedigRee success foR the Ribysannas happy tRotteRs - fRee Range tRiumphaucTioN marTs oN The up! Managing Director/ eDitor Simone Gallon Tel: 01274 610 101 simone@farmers-mart.co.ukconSULtant eDitor Chris Berry Tel: 0113 2643 645 chris@farmers-mart.co.ukaSSiStant eDitor Kate Cragon Tel: 01274 610 101 kate@farmers-mart.co.ukSaLeS Manager/SUBScriPtionS Ben Walton Tel: 01274 610 101 ben@farmers-mart.co.ukaDVertiSing accoUnt Manager Nicola Robson nicola@farmers-mart.co.uk Damien Downing damien@farmers-mart.co.ukFeatUre eDitorS Chris Berry, Phil Read Harold Woolgar DeSign James OckelfordThe FarmersMart 40 Stockhill Road, Greengates Bradford, BD10 9AX Tel: 01274 610 101 Fax: 01274 621 730 www.farmers-mart.co.ukWe 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 Mitchells, Frank Hill & Sons and northallerton auction Marts.Welcome to the early spring editionWe have been very busy out and about visiting all the machinery open days which I have to say were extremely busy. Rickerbys spring show, Farmstar and Robson Tractors open days, Ripon Farm Services 2 day event at Harrogate show ground and Guy Machinery at Skipton Auction Mart- see if you can spot yourself or someone you know on pages 26, 27, 40-43, 46, 50-51, 62-63 for more details.The weather has been good and I am sure it is helping with your lambing. I hope it goes smoothly for you, however, watch out for the Schmallenberg virus which is spreading at a pace- see page 21 for symptoms and advice.Again we have been out and about visiting some auction marts which have been extremely busy. Congratulations goes to Northallerton Auction celebrating 100 years and Mitchells and Frank Hill and Son celebrating 10 years - it is good to see these marts thriving! See pages 22-24, 28-31 and 53 for more details plus check out the front cover!We have also updated you on the advertising scam and who to call if you receive any contact from them. See page 52 for an update on this. Dont forget to check out our Diary Dates for whats coming up, we might even see you there!Have a great early Spring and see you in May for the late spring editionKind regards, Simone (simone@farmers-mart.co.uk)www.facebook.com/thefarmersmartnews ...................4-6, 21, 52, 66BaSF ........................................ 7M & D Drilling ........................... 8John Summers Butchers ............ 9Showtime ........................... 10-13rennienergy ............................ 14Peter rhodes ........................... 15Bayer ...................................... 16Beavers Butchers .....................17Lane end Farm Shop .......... 18-20northallerton auction Mart .. 22-24Dairy ........................................ 25Farmstar ............................. 26-27Mitchells auction Mart ......... 28-31annas Happy trotters ......... 32-35Willie Seels ......................... 36-37Lamma review ........................ 38rickerby ..............................40-43Haxton ..................................... 44Security ............................. 45, 61robson tractors ....................... 46Pearson ................................... 48ripon Farm Services ........... 50-51Frank Hill & Son ....................... 53Front row agriculture .........54-55Stephen Dodsworth .............56-57riby ....................................58-59gripple ..................................... 60guy Machinery ....................62-63Machinery ................................ 64Breeds ................................65-66russells .................................. 67Sewards ................................... 69Property .............................. 70-71Young Farmers ......................... 72Farming People ................... 73-75ritchie ..................................... 76competition ............................ 77contractors guide..................... 78Each edition of FarmersMart contains essential information about the agricultural industry. As a subscriber youll 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: ben@farmers-mart.co.ukname .............................................................................. tel no. address .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... Postcode GET YOUR COPYp32-35p28-31 p69contentsFarmersMart Early Spring 2012 3newsTwo bids topping 4,000gns were the highlights of the opening winter sale of 115 working sheep dogs at Skipton Auction Mart on Friday 10th February.John Bell, of Parks Farm Howden, Selby led the way at 4,800gns with Nell, a two-year-old black and white bitch, who returned to her roots when bought back by her Scottish Highlands breeder Jock Sutherland, of Keoldale Farm, Sangormore, Durness.Next best at 4,200gns was Shaun Richards, of Watson Laithe, Hapton, Burnley, with his 13-month-old black and white bitch Fan, who found a new home in Suffolk with Eddie Thornalley, of Mildenhall, Shepherd for Andrew Foulds at Elveden.With quality dogs again much sought after, broken registered dogs averaged 1,938. Part broken registered dogs sold to 1,350gns, averaging 726, broken unregistered dogs to 1,800gns (av 987), part broken unregistered dogs to 380gns (av 299), registered pups to 400gns (av 279) and unregistered pups to 180gns (av 112).Skiptons next working dogs fixture in May is a two-day event, featuring an afternoon trial on Thursday, May 17, John Bell and shaun richards top dogs at skipton againfollowed on the Friday by the annual Spring sale of fully and part trained dogs and pups.Above: John Bell, right, with Jock Sutherland, buyer of his 4,800gns Skipton dog Right: Shaun Richards, left, with Eddie Thornalley, buyer of his 4,200gns Skipton dogwww.ccmauctions.comFor Harrison and Hetherington 2011 has been a year of highs. Its accomplishments read almost like a Guinness MART of Records. In his first full year with this Carlisle based company Scott Donaldson, Sales Director, looks back at the livestock trading for the last six months. Its been a year for records tumbling, as the sales have mounted up. Livestock has certainly kept our gavels busy!In total, the company has conducted annually over 600 sales, and auctioned over 800,000 head of livestock. Thousands attended not just the auctions but their many events held, including Harrison & a guinness mart oF records!Hetheringtons very own agricultural event, BorderwayAgri Expo.Highlights include the first of the world records broken at Carlisle in July when an in-calf heifer selling for 65,000 guineas. The spring born suckled calves at Middleton in Teesdale was another record breaking sale with the highest prices ever seen. Finishing off the year was the 25th Anniversary Black and White Sale were buyers from 8 different countries competed for some of the best dairy genetics on offer in Europe.Harrison & Hetherington look forward to another year of buoyant livestock prices for their customers in 2012.tel: 01228 406200 info@borderway.com www.harrisonandhetherington.co.ukHundreds of farmers were given an optimistic view on the future of food production from Deputy President of the NFU, Meurig Raymond, when they descended on Bishop Burton College for the annual Masstock (now known as Agrii) SMART Farm event.Mr Raymond, who is currently up for re-election, spoke to farmers and growers on the need to increase food production as we move towards 2050, when they will be feeding in excess of nine billion people worldwide.Agriculture is now recognised as the biggest industry in the country, said Mr Raymond. But to deliver the demands of society over the next twenty years its important that we encourage young people into the industry.Mr Raymond delivered his presentation to a packed house as he spoke about the NFUs ethos of producing more, but impacting less.Appearing alongside Meurig Raymond at the event was Nick Oakhill, Senior Trader at Glencore who gave his view of arable markets at home and abroad, and Bill Angus of Angus Wheat Consultants who examined how a better understanding of wheat genetics can benefit growers in the future.www.agrii.co.uknFu deputy president oFFers groWers positive thoughts on the Future oF FarmingMeurig Raymond and Jeanette Dawson in the Colleges sheep facilityFarmersMart Early Spring 2012 newsFarmers wanting professional advice will no longer have to ring around dozens of organisations before getting through to the right source, said Agriculture Minister Jim Paice as he announced that a new, simpler Government advice service will launch this year.Defras new Farming Advice Service (FAS) will offer a one-stop-shop to farmers needing advice on subjects including cross compliance, nutrient management, competitiveness, and climate change adaption and mitigation.The new service replaces the old cross compliance advice programme and will now cover a much broader range of subjects, with a central contact point to help farmers find specialist advice on improving their economic and environmental performance. Because the Government wants to deliver the best and most up-to-date advice to farmers, Defra is working with industry and other stakeholders such as the NFU and CLA to set up neW advice service to give Farmers a helping handthe new service which launched in January.the helpline number for technical questions and advice is 0845 345 1302. the new website address will be www.defra.gov.uk/farming-advice. Lely Center Garstang will open its doors for the first time on Tuesday 3rd April 2012. The huge demand for Lely Astronauts in the Lancashire area has forced Tim Gibson, who is currently a Director of Lely Center in Bedale and Lely Center in Longtown, to open the Lely Center in Garstang franchise which will be cover the Lancashire area.Lely Center in Bedale has been a huge success since it started in 2003 and is currently looking after nearly 100 Lely Astronaut milking robots which the company has installed since 2003, 15 of which are in the Lancashire area. These existing customers, along with the interest and visitors going to see them, has caused the demand for a branch on the doorstep. Internationally Lely have just celebrated the installation of the 12,500th Astronaut and next year will have been selling Astronauts for 20 years.This new Center will be operating from premises which were formally Forton Wood Turning, adjacent to the A6 just off Junction 33 of the M6 to the North of Garstang. They will be offering the A4 Astronaut milking robot as well as the full range of labour saving Lely equipment and services to dairy farmers in the North West.There will be a working A4 milking robot on site for the opening along with free caterers, theyre also giving away a Lely Luna Cow Brush worth 1000! The Lely Center will be managed by James Hudson who has been employed by Lely Center in Bedale since 2003.Lely center in garstang Lancaster new road, cabus, garstang, Lancashire Pr3 1aD tel: 01995 638 043 www.lely.comlely set up shop in garstangJim PaiceTheres a new book out this Spring that every farmer should be interested in reading.Ken Jackson, who farms at Walden Stubbs, near Doncaster, is a renowned cattle showman. Together with his daughter Kate McNeil his pedigree British Blondes have won many times at shows throughout the UK. Boxster, probably his best bull ever, had won at every show he had been entered during 2009. A botched routine Bovine TB test saw a swift end to his showing career and the Jackson family have been fighting for his life against Defra ever since. Last year they beat the government organisation in the High Court and now the Jacksons story is being told by Kate in a new book which was being published as this edition of Farmers Mart went to press.We have written this book so that other farmers can see what we have had to go through, says Ken. It has taken a lot out of us but we feel that justice has now been done.The book is a heart-rending tale of the familys campaign to save Boxster, which in turn put their whole farm and future at risk.You can order copies on www.boxstersstory.co.uk The book costs 10 incl. postage and packing. If you would like to simply order direct you can do so by sending a cheque made payable to: K. & A. C. JACKSON to: Boxsters Story, Forlorn Hope Farm, Walden Stubbs, Doncaster DN6 9BTBoxsters story : availaBle noW in paperBack!the prize Winning Bull that Wouldnt Be Beaten even By deFraBOXSTERS STORYthe truth behind the liesKATE McNEILWITH CHRIS BERRYFarmersMart Early Spring 2012 5newsFaster Tighter Easier SaferPlease contact: John Mob: 07966 285240 or Steve Mob: 07931 511090www.quickfencer.com email: info@quickfencer.co.uk Four strand barb wire unroller, will take 4x2000 mtr rollsof barb wire. Can be retro fitted to existing machineNow available with Bryce and Protech Post DriverNew Quickfencer Clamp Attachment which allow you to put 2 metrewire on, using 80cm Quickfencer 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 to12 lines and taking 6x 3000 metre rolls at onceYorkshire business and community leaders are helping shape Government action to support rural areas today in the first of a series of Rural Roadshows with Defra ministers.Taking part in her first Rural Roadshow, Environment Secretary Caroline Spelman has been in Yorkshire to meet the Yorkshire Food, Farming and Rural Network in Harrogate and listen to the priorities, issues and concerns of Yorkshires rural communities, businesses and food and farming industries.Caroline said, Coming here for my first rural roadshow to find out what issues the community face has been a great experience. Our rural communities across the country have great potential and we want to unlock it.Steve Willis, Chair of the Yorkshire Food Farming and Rural Network said, The rural and farming network has given rural communities and businesses in Yorkshire the chance to communicate important rural issues directly to Government. We are pleased to welcome Caroline Spelman to Yorkshire today and look forward to engaging with Defra on key local issues like rural economic growth and the Rural Development Programme for England.www.defra.gov.ukyorkshire Businesses shaping rural policy in First rural roadshoWWith many growers opting out of growing spring pulses over the last few seasons, there is a real possibility of a potential shortage of blue peas.In fact, last year saw a drop in plantings by as much as 40%, says Howard Jackson, Pulse Trader for Masham Micronized Feeds. Without a doubt cereal and oilseed rape prices have had an impact on the pea area as growers have been tempted to increase their winter cropping hectarages. Added to this, some growers have struggled to meet the quality premiums and have subsequently decided to drop the crop from their rotations, he says.Les Daubney, Pulse Product Manager for plant breeders Limagrain, believes however that this should not put growers off for the coming season, as there are good marketing opportunities through buyers such as Masham Micronized Feeds, who are looking to source consistently good quality peas. We need to avoid the peaks and troughs in supply and stabilise the market. However, its only through an understanding of the market and its needs, that a more sustainable and profitable trade for growers and processors can be established.www.limagrain.co.uk www.mmfeeds.comdont ignore premiums oFFered By Blue peasOrganisers of the 2012 Newark & Nottinghamshire County Show to be held on 12 and 13 May - are delighted to announce that the event will be hosting two qualifiers for the Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST) Young Shepherd of the Year Final.The qualifiers will be for young sheep handlers aged 812 years and 1316 years with the winners going forward to the final, which will be held at Hatfield House Country Show on Sunday 19 August 2012.Qualifying classes will be included in the Newark & Nottinghamshire County Show Sheep Schedule. Schedules can be obtained either by post from the Competitions & Entries Secretary, Newark & Nottinghamshire Agricultural Society, Newark Showground, Lincoln Road, Newark-neWark to host rBst young shepherd oF the year QualiFierson-Trent NG24 2NY (please enclose an A5 addressed envelope with 75p postage) or downloaded from the website: www.newarkshowground.com. Entries can also be made online or by post.Further entries information is available on 01636 705796 or by email: entries@newarkshowground.com; general show information is available by emailing: sally@newarkshowground.comFarmersMart Early Spring 2012 6basfFirst class hygiene at lambing is one of the simplest, best and most economic ways of reducing the losses of life and vigour the major disease challenges facing newborn lambs so frequently cause. But it only takes a momentary slip amid the intense pressures of lambing to let a range of serious infections take hold. Especially so where large numbers of ewes are lambing indoors within a short time.With one third of all lamb losses in lowland flocks occurring during the neonatal period and a good proportion of these resulting from disease, the best possible protection against infections is vital at this critical time, stresses Joanne Mayes of BASF Pest Control Solutions which has produced a practical -point lambing hygiene checklist to help producers limit losses in the coming season.The particular vulnerability of lambs to infection is compounded by the substantial build-up of bacteria in housing and lambing sheds. Under these circumstances it doesnt take much of a hygiene slip for infections like watery mouth, joint and navel ill, clostridial disease and various types of enteritis to cause serious damage. And, of course, for every lamb that dies there will be many more whose early performance is compromised.Modern disinfectants that are proven effective against all major disease-causing agents even in the presence of severe soiling as well as safe to use around ewes and lambs offer just the sort of protection required at lambing, she says. But they must be used diligently as part of a well-established routine if they are to provide consistent and reliable protection. Thats what our checklist is designed to ensure.The Sorgene 5-point Lambing Hygiene Checklist identifies the key essentials of environmental hygiene at lambing that could make all the difference in combating losses this season:hygiene checklist helps limit lamBing losses1. Thoroughly disinfect all accommodation before the start of lambing, pressure washing the sides and floors of the pens with a good quality detergent before spraying them with a 1:100 solution of Sorgene 5 broad spectrum disinfectant.2. Isolate sick ewes and lambs in specially-prepared pens well away from the healthy flock and tend them last to minimise cross-infection dangers. 3. Wear clean overalls, dip boots in a 1:100 solution of Sorgene 5 before entering the shed and wash hands with bactericidal soap before and after examining ewes and lambs or assisting with lambing.4. Keep a bucket of 1:100 solution of Sorgene 5 on hand at all times to routinely disinfect all lambing equipment, water bowls, teats and milk dispensers, refreshing it regularly.5. Muck out pens frequently, replenish them with fresh bedding generously and disinfect exposed surfaces with a 1:100 solution of Sorgene 5 in a knapsack or a hand-held sprayer at least daily.Good hygiene isnt difficult or expensive, Joanne Mayes insists. But its all too easy to let your guard down when the pressure is on. So, use a proven disinfectant you can be sure of and follow our five simple guidelines throughout your lambing to be sure of minimising your losses this season.www.pestcontrol.basf.co.ukFarmersMart Early Spring 2012 m & d dRillingBorehole Construction Irrigation Agricultural Industrial DomesticBorehole Pumps Removed and ReplacedWater Purification Filtration Sterilisation SofteningWater Distribution Pressure Booster Sets Under and Over GroundPipe Motor Control Panels Variable Speed Drives Spring Water Supplies14 Park Avenue, Sprotbrough, Doncaster, South Yorkshire DN5 7LWTelephone 01302 789011Ralph 07976 634802Wayne 07989 075528 M&D Drilling Co Limited have been operating in excess of 25 years drilling boreholes and providing associated services for many different applications ranging from Domestic, Agricultural and Industrial.M & D Drilling co. Ltd have 30 years worth of experience in providing complete borehole packages. their borehole packages not only include drilling boreholes, but also a detailed analysis of your water quality requirements. M & D Drilling provide a full turnkey installation, incorporating energy saving technology, for instance variable speed drive for pumps to reduce electricity costs.Benefits of a borehole include saving money on water bills, and an increased and constant water flow and pressure. Over 90% of your water bill can be saved with a borehole as a borehole abstraction is below 20,000 litres per day which makes it exempt from licensing and so is essentially free. Any business spending 1,000 per quarter or above would get a payback within two to three years.Being in a remote location, many farms suffer from poor water pressure and poor water quality. A borehole will continue to supply at a constant flow and pressure. With so many years of experience, M & D Drilling can design and build water treatment plants to guarantee water meets drinking water standards. They can also a Borehole could save you poundstailor boreholes to a farms specific water quality requirements. Their previous experience includes dairy, beef, chicken, duck and pig farms, spray irrigation, leisure centres, golf courses, retirement homes and many more. M & D Drilling investigate your site geology using hydro-geological maps and historical records and include a pre drill water dowsing survey. They wull also provide you with an accurate assessment of costs for the full project which includes a free site visit, borehole construction, test pump and water laboratory analysis of water, free visit to discuss your final plant design and costs based on the water analysis, full installation and commissioning and continued support and service. Feel free to visit their website at www.md-drilling.co.uk or for a no obligation discussion, contact ralph by phone on 07976 634802 or leave a message at the office on 01302 789011. M & D Drilling Borehole installationFarmersMart Early Spring 2012 8john summeRs butcheRsWeekly Sales of:- Primestock, Cast Cattle & Sheep, Rearing Calves, CropFortnightly Sales of:- Beef Breeding Cattle, Young Feeding Bulls & Store CattlePedigree & Commercial Newly Calven & In-Calf Dairy Cattle & Dairy Young StockMajor Seasonal Sales of:- Breeding Sheep and Store Lambs Inc: NEMSA Mule Gimmer Lamb Sales & MSBA Masham Gimmer Lamb Sales, Mule & Continental Gimmer Shearling Sales, Swaledale Draft Ewe & Shearling Sale, Pedigree Sheep & CattleSpecialist Sales inc:- Poultry & Waterfowl, Working Sheep Dogs SKIPTON MACHINERY SALES (4X4s Tractors & Machinery), Reclamation, Salvage & Furniture etcCountry, Farm & Flock Books, Border Fine ArtOn-Farm Stock Sales, Dispersals & Valuations UndertakenFarmstock Offce:- Skipton 01756 792375Auctioneers: Jeremy Eaton (General Manager) 07747 780481 Ted Ogden (Farmstock Sales) 07855 958211Diane (Field Offcer) 07834 050193www.ccmauctions.comSKIPTONAUCTION MARTGargrave Road, Skipton, North YorkshireAuctioneers & ValuersWhilst other butchers have closed in the village of Clayton, West Yorkshire, over the last several years, John Summers Butchers has continued to grow and business is as busy as ever. The family run butchers has diversified over the years, which John credits for the success of the shop. John has worked in the butchery industry for 40 years but, although he has worked in the trade since leaving school, Johns start in butchery did not quite go as planned. At the age of 9 I had a job on a milk round and after a short while I also began helping on the local dairy farm, John explains. The more time I spent at the farm the more I realised I wanted to be involved in agriculture when I was older. A few years later, my school offered 3 scholarships at Askham Bryan College for students wanting to study farming. I knew then that I wanted to become a farmer. However, John did not make it on to the course at Askham Bryan, yet he did not let this perturb his plans. Having been turned away from the course I began working at a local farm in my spare time which had its own butchers. There I learnt the ropes of butchery. At the age of fifteen John left school and started working on a butchers stall at Rawson Market in Bradford. In 1982 John and his brother Philip started their own stall in the market and after several good years trading, Philip left the business to run his own farm. It was ten years later, in 1992, that John decided to buy their current shop premises from a retiring butcher and made the move from Rawson Market to his own shop. At one time there were three butchers shops in Clayton, including ours. We knew to make sure customers kept coming back we had to listen to what they wanted. Over the years the shop, which stocks meats, confectionary and fruit and vegetables, has been extended twice to accommodate the business growing trade and the Summers family do not intend to stop there. Johns wife, Karen, works at the butchers as well as their daughter and two sons, Maxine, Jack and Myles. Maxine helps out at the shop on a Saturday and around Christmas time, says John. Myles is 15 and still at school, so he helps out in the shop on a Saturday too. Jack is in his final year of training to be a butcher at Thomas Danby and works in the shop alongside his studies. Once he is qualfied and works in the shop full time we are hopefully going to expand the shop again.Only tracing local meats for the shop, the majority of Johns meat comes from Wharfdale Auction Mart at Otley and CCM at Skipton, with the rest via private sales. John also has his own small holding of cattle kept at his brothers farm in between Clayton and Queensbury which he sells in the shop. John also now trades with John Pennys Wholesalers based in Rawdon. Two relatively new products for the shop include Johns Yorkshire sausages and his own recipe for slimming products that are promoted at local slimming classes in the village. The Summers family have won many awards for their produce and were also runners up in the Telegraph and Argus Bradford Business Awards last year. When he is not kept busy at the shop, John likes nothing more than to farm his small holding of cattle at Philips farm. John also judges at both Whafdale and Skipton Auction Marts. keeping it in the Familykate cragon visits John summers oF John summers Butchers in clayton, West yorkshireI have a great love of cattle and what makes a prize winning animal. It is great that I get to be involved in all parts of the industry from farming and judging to selling the final product. Customers have become very aware of the meat they are buying and are much more interested in its traceability. By buying locally we know exactly where the meat has come from, how it has been raised and how it has been slaughtered. Having not had the most usual of starts to his career, you may think John would do things differently, given the chance to start again but this is not the case. Although the start of my career wasnt what I had planned, I wouldnt change a single thing. Everything has fallen in to place and I couldnt be happier with how the business has grown. Id like to say a big thank you to my wife, Karen, for all the hard work she has done for me over the years. With Jack soon to start working in the shop full time and another expansion in the pipeline, John Summers Butchers looks set to keep trading for many years to come. Since Kate visited John has bought three champion show cattle from the February sales at CCM which are potential show cattle.John Summers Butchers Druid Street, clayton, Bradford BD14 6rJ tel: 01274 882 565Jack, John and KarenFarmersMart Early Spring 2012 9showtimeWith this years Beef Expo Chairman determined that the 2012 show will be the best beef event in Europe, you would be a fool to miss all the action on May 23rd and May 24th.The Three Counties Showground at Malvern, Worcestershire, will be dedicated to trade stands and demonstration areas with a wide range of breed societies, commercial companies, advisory bodies and consultants showing all the products, equipment and services they have on offer to make beef farming as efficient and profitable as possible.Visitors will have access to seminars, workshops and clinics, where they can pick up new information and quiz the experts on a wide range of topics from TB to forecasting the future beef price.Changes have been made this year to clear the main showring for the ever-popular Question Time providing more space for visitors to get involved in the hour-long session with top industry spokespeople, quizzing them on the topics that matter.Reflecting the ever-widening pool of beef supply, Beef Expo 2012 will also have a bigger-and-better area dedicated to beef from the dairy herd, showcasing the best methods and tools for exploiting this part of the beef sector.Beef Expo tickets can be bought at a special advance price of 12 (8 for NBA members) via the website.www.beefexpo.co.uk the Best BeeF event in europelivestock helps launch ticket sales For 2012 great yorkshire shoWA contingent of pigs and poultry has arrived early at the Great Yorkshire Showground, but fortunately, being made of chocolate, it means that rosettes, judges and prize cards will not be required!The livestock are making their appearance courtesy of the chocolatiers at Bettys, the world renowned caf tearooms, to coincide with the start of ticket sales for Englands premier agricultural event, the Great Yorkshire Show.Nigel Pulling Chief Executive of the Yorkshire Agricultural Society, the event organisers said: At this time of year, its a relief that any livestock arriving is only temporary! In July visitors can see more than 5,000 animals competing for the top awards, and although we dont have a category for the chocolate variety, Im happy to say these are first class. The family business has been a staunch supporter of ours for many years and this gets our ticket sales off to a great start.Dates for this years Great Yorkshire Show are Tuesday 10 Thursday 12 July, when more than 135,000 visitors are expected to come through the gates for the countryside extravaganza. As well as the competitive classes, each day the Ukrainian Cossacks and also the Red Devils will be entertaining the crowds with their dare-devil displays, theres top class show jumping, a food hall packed with regional food and stunning fashion shows, as well as a host of demonstrations, exhibitions and opportunities to shop. tickets are available by calling 01423 546122 or on line www.greatyorkshireshow.co.uk. And if you would like to carry out your own judging and tasting of the chocolate Saddleback pigs and hens, then head for the nearest Bettys Caf Tea Rooms where you will find them as part of the new handcrafted Easter range.Chocolate pigs and hens are early arrivals for this years Great Yorkshire Show, as tickets go on sale for the 2012 event. FarmersMart will be happy to see you there!Nigel Pulling, Chief ExecutiveFarmersMart Early Spring 2012 10showtimeRobert D. Webster LtdKilham, Driffield Tel 01262 420226Owstwick, Nr Roos, Hull Tel 01964 670251Howden, Goole Tel 01430 430624Robert D. Webster Ltd.New Holland T8000 Series New Holland T5000 SeriesNew Holland T7000 SeriesRobert D. Webster Ltd.New Holland T6000+ Series0% FINANCE AVAILABLE ON VARIOUS MODELSPLEASE PhONE FOR DEtAILSWith spring quickly approaching, bringing better weather and lighter nights, we can begin to look forward to the summer show season. A FarmersMart highlight of the season has to be the annual Driffield Show which will be held for the 137th time this year at Driffield Show Ground on the 18th July.Always looking to improve, this years Driffield Show will be bigger and better than ever. Having seen record numbers of handicraft and horticultural entries in 2011, Driffield show has seen increasing popularity in entries over the years. Driffields livestock competitions continue to attract some of the best entries from all over the UK making the competition an event not to be missed.The Countryside Pursuits Area with wildlife pond, which was new to Driffield Show in 2011, proved to be a very popular new addition to the shows attractions and will be the 137th driFField shoW 18th July 2012returning for this years show. The Fencing, Forestry and Renewables Area looks set to be larger than ever before with more entries in the annual Fencing News Fencing Competition. Nine teams are already signed up to compete against each other to build the best fence by hand. Places are still available contact simone@farmers-mart.co.uk. Advance tickets are now available to purchase at the discounted rate of 10 for adults, 8 for senior citizens, 4 for children and an advanced family ticket can be purchased for only 24. Car parking is also free making Driffiend show fantastic value for money and a great day out for all!www.driffieldshow.co.ukFarmersMart Early Spring 2012 11showtimeOrganisers of the Newark Vintage Tractor & Heritage Show are delighted to announce that, following the success of its inaugural event at the venue last year, the Midlands & East Anglia Hereford Breeders Association (MEAHBA) Regional Calf Show will once again take place as part of the Native & Rare Breeds Exhibition.The Newark Vintage Tractor & Heritage Show, which takes place on 10 and 11 November, will be celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2012. The Native & Rare Breeds Exhibition was introduced in 2008 and, like the main event, has grown in size and visitor popularity year on year.Michael Church of the MEAHBA Calf Show organising sub-committee said: Everyone was pleased with the help we received at Newark which ensured we had a very successful show. The event gives us the ideal opportunity to showcase Hereford calves and the next generation of breeders with our Young Handler classes.Newark Showground would be delighted to host other events at our excellent venue, either stand alone or within our existing shows.anyone interested in doing so should visit www.newarkshowground.com, contact us on 01636 705796 oer email: info@newarkshowground.comhereFord regional calF shoW venue conFirmed For 2012Country Fest For Country Lovers, Saturday 26 May & Sunday 27 May 2012, gives a real taste of the countryside, celebrating the quality and diversity of the superb independent food and drink producers and suppliers that abound in Cumbria and the North West. Alongside talks and demonstrations, live music and dancing, there will be a wide range of childrens activities, pets corner, meet a farmer - dont miss Mary the cow in Why Farming Matters. Mini sheepshow with shearing demonstration, crafts, lifestyle area, Beer Festival, and Open Sheep Dog trials throughout the weekend. 2012 welcomes Packs & Tracks a celebration of the role of people and horses in shaping Cumbrias landscape through the ages. Saturday, dont miss Sheep racing in the main Arena stars of the sheep show battle it out over a furlong for first past the post! Sunday the Companion Dog Show, Terrier Show and Terrier Racing and the Vander Brothers Space Wheel bring a breath taking death defying aerial spectacular, definitely not to be missed! Free parking and generous discounts are available for tickets bought in advance of the event, group bookings are also available. www.westmorlandshow.co.uka shoW not to Be missedFarmersMart Early Spring 2012 12showtime3rd april Lely open Day Garstang 12th 13th May newark & notts county Show Newark Showground19th May otley Show Otley Showground23rd 24th Beef expo Three Counties Showground, Malvern4th June northumberland county Show Corbridge, Tynedale9th June Honley Show Huddersfield9th June cumberland county Show Carlisle Racecourse16th June todmorden Show Centre Vale Park17th June north Yorkshire county Show Northallerton20th 21st June Lincolnshire Show Lincolnshire Showground21st 24th June royal Highland Show Royal Highland Centre1st July Howden Show Ashes Playing Fields, Howden10th 12th July great Yorkshire Show Harrogate Showground18th July Driffield Show Kellythorpe25h July Borrowby Show Thirsk27th 28th July Border Union Show Springwood Park, Kelso28th July Penrith Show Penrith Showground29th July Huby and Sutton Show31st July ryedale Show Welburn Park1st august cartmel Show1st 2nd august Bakewell Show Bakewell Showground4th august cockermouth Show The Fitz, Cockermouth4th august Powburn Show Powburn, Northumberland4th august emley Show Factory Farm, Emley Moor4th august Dumfries Show Park Farm4th august garstang Show The Showfield5th august Sykehouse Show22nd august egton Show Egton, North Yorkshire25th august Wensleydale Show Nr Leyburn27th august Keswick Show The Crossing Fields28th august Kilnsey Show Upper Wharfedale13th September Westmorland county Show Lane Farm, Crooklandsdiary datesFarmersMart Early Spring 2012 13RennieneRgyDid you know that the photovoltaic effect which converts sunlight into electricity through solar panel technology was first discovered in 1839? Even Einstein got in on the act in 1923 when he won a Nobel Prize for explaining the theory. Farmers Mart spoke to David Rennie the Managing Director of Pudsey based Rennienergy near Leeds, a family run roofing business which celebrates 25 years in business this year. The company has diversified into renewable energy including solar panel installation, a source of green energy that could benefit farmers.There has been uncertainty recently over the Governments proposals to decrease the Generation Tariff, part of the Feed in Tariff paid to people who generate their own electricity. At the time of writing this is still unresolved for anyone installing a system before 3rd March 2012 and is likely to reduce again after March. Solar system owners are paid for every kilowatt generated; the Generation Tariff. Unused energy is exported back to the grid with the owner also receiving a payment, the Export Tariff. These payments are in addition to any savings made on energy bills. From later this year habitable buildings will need to be energy efficient at band D to qualify for these tariffs.However David pointed out that many industry experts are now saying that for farmers solar energy represents a viable long term investment which should return a yield of 5 7% annually. For farmers, being able to generate their own power whether the farm is on the grid or not, is going to deliver energy bill savings as well as reduce the farms carbon footprint. Ofgem recently announced the likelihood of electricity bills rising 60% in the next 6 years, that makes an alternative renewable energy source very attractive, added David. The recent solar gold rush has not been without its problems. REAL the industrys Renewable Energy Association warned last November that cowboys are increasingly getting in on the act. solar poWer For Farms -good idea? We think so.phil read spoke to david rennie to unravel some oF the truths and myths surrounding reneWaBle energy solutions For Farmers.David, a snowboarding & mountain bike enthusiast is a passionate supporter of green energy. My family car is electric which we charge from our own solar panels and we have all the latest energy saving measures at home. My business interest is not about making a quick buck. Rennienergys business plan is to be the best provider of renewable energy solutions and we have made a great start with solar.With my interest in green energy and our decades of roofing expertise we saw a natural convergence for our business, said David. We have successfully installed over 100 solar systems during the last 12 months and are now exploring other renewable energy options.Part of the company success is due to the measured and sustainable progress David has planned for his business. All my design and installation team are fully trained, nationally accredited and industry certified to the highest level. We plan and survey a system ourselves and we do the installation, no sub-contracting. This means we are not only quick and efficient, undertaking the complete installation ourselves, but the customer gets a seamless service from start to finish, said David. Rennienergy only use high quality products. We can install either roof or ground installations, said David. Twenty five years of working on roofs gives us a head start for building installations but we also install ground systems, off the surface, that allow sheep to graze underneath, great for farms.David said that planning permission may be required and could be refused for listed buildings or in special landscape areas. Independent advice can be found at the Energy Saving Trust website or at the Department of Energy and Climate Change.For more information contact rennienergy, grangefield Works, grangefield industrial estate, grangefield road, Pudsey, Leeds LS28 6Jt tel: 0113 236 1845 e.mail: info@rennienergy.co.ukDavid rennie of rennienergyFarmersMart Early Spring 2012 1peteR RhodesPeter Rhodes Feed Services (PRFS) Limited, based at Storwood near York , has significantly increased its geographical coverage following the acquisition of Mill Feed (North East) Limited.Founded in 1974, PRFS provides specialist mobile feed services for livestock farmers across the north Midlands, Yorkshire and parts of the North East whilst Mill Feed (North East) covers Durham , Northumberland and the Scottish Borders Michael Rhodes of PRFS commented, Late last year we met up with Bill Doolan, who launched Mill Feed (North East) in 1980, and it was clear that there were a lot of ways in which our businesses complemented each other. The initial introduction came about when David Monkhouse, formerly a PRFS customer from York moved up to Durham and began using Bills services. He suggested Bills business would benefit from a modern machine as operated by PRFS.We took over ownership of the business in December and have since supplied Bill and his team with a Buschhoff mobile milling vehicle which has dramatically improved the efficiency of the services he provides to farmers across his region.The link with Mill Feed allows us to make better use of our resources for customers ranging from Lincolnshire up to the Borders, added Michael who has over 250 customers on his books.Bill Doolan, well known and highly respected amongst farmers in the region, supplies feed services to almost 100 customers, explained: It made a lot of sense to become part peter rhodes Feed services - Bigger and Better than everof PRFS and we can now offer a faster, more effective service for our customer base. The new Buschhoff machine has made a dramatic difference to our operations and will help us to establish PRFS as one of the biggest regional players in the provision of mobile milled feed, added Bill.With the latest technology in mobile milling, PRFS is already making its mark in the Durham area, receiving excellent reviews on its on farm service from Bills existing customers, including Durham-based farmer George Herdman who owns 220 cows, over 600 beef cattle and 800 ewes. Georgie exclaimed, The new milling machine is an impressive piece of kit and makes the whole process of providing feed much faster and more streamlined.PRFS Ltd provides a full range of on site vitamins, supplements, food blocks and high quality diets for pig, poultry, sheep and cattle farmers. The enlarged business now employs eight full-time staff.For more details visit www.feedservices.co.ukgeorge herdman and Bill doolanmichael rhodes and BillFarmersMart Early Spring 2012 15bayeRGrowers are being urged to be ready to respond to a likely surge in rodent infestations as the first significant cold snap of 2012 sweeps across the country. Ken Black, Bayers National Account Manager for rural hygiene, explains that an increase in rodent numbers in buildings and stores is to be expected due to the plummeting temperatures. Its driving rodent populations indoors in search of warmth, water and food as outside natural food sources become scarce, he explains. And with temperatures now well below freezing, the task of scavenging for food in these conditions becomes much more difficult for rodents, adds Ken. Rodents will instead be turning their attention to search for food in stores exploring grain sheds, general farm buildings, livestock units, anywhere with access to feedstuffs. And its likely to be a visible influx, believes Ken, as some rodent populations may not have retreated indoors for the winter, instead remaining outside to nest during the extended warm, mild winter. Growers need to be aware of this risk of new infestations and remain vigilant for any signs of rodent activity, stresses Ken. The presence of droppings as well as urine stains and body smears are three common indications of rodent presence, so too are well-worn paths in vegetation and tail marks in dust and soft earth, notes Ken.Being aware of all these symptoms ayer urges vigilance against heightened rodent activityof rodent activity and also how rats and mice behave differently will help ensure targeted control.In support of this we have produced a Rodilon user guide and record book, following on from the launch of the new rodenticide last autumn, explains Ken.The Rodilon user guide and record book is a perfect tool, supportive of Farm Assurance schemes, and is available to farmers upon request, providing a wealth of useful information, including in depth details of the biology and behaviour of rodents and advice on constructing a baiting programme. Please email ken.black@bayer.com or telephone: +44 7908 224878 to request a copy of the rodilon user guide and record book Find more information at www.pestcontrol-expert.comFarmersMart Early Spring 2012 16beaveRs butcheRsM & C MeatsSlaughter & Butcher services available at competitive rates 48 Marshall Street, Crossgates, Leeds, LS15 8DYTel: 01132 605551We are proud suppliers of Pork and Lamb to Beavers Butchers and wish them continued successSituated in the picturesque village of Masham, well known for being home to the Black Sheep and Theakstons Breweries, Beavers Butchers has been trading for over half a century. Beavers Butchers, also known to the locals as The Sausage Shop, has been running from the same location on Mashams high street for over 50 years. The butchers is run by Richard Welford, but was started by his Grandfather, Mr Beaver, who taught him everything he knows about the trade. I started working at the butchers whilst I was still at school and began full time when I had finished studying, explains Richard. My Grandad showed me the ropes and taught me nearly all the skills I know. Richard runs the butchers full time, with 4 part time staff helping out on the busiest days of the week. His daughter, Jessica also helps out in the shop on a weekend. Mr Beaver is now retired from the business, having worked past his retirement to pass on his knowledge to his grandson. Being known as The Sausage Shop, it is not surprising that Beavers stocks a wide variety of flavoured sausages. Richard makes over 30 different flavours, with 20 flavours stocked at any one time. I like to experiment with different flavours of sausages. Once I make a new recipe I cook them and put them on the counter for customers to try. If they prove to be popular I will make more to stock in the shop. I havent really had any that have been unsuccessful! Richards best sellers are country and herb and Cumberland, having won the BPEX North East and Yorkshire Speciality Pork Sausage Champion for his Cumberland sausages. Other prizes his sausages have won include the BPEX Roadshow 2009-2010 Gold Award for his pork, country herb and chive sausages. As well as stocking traditional flavours, Richards counter displays an array of more unusual recipes including Moroccan lamb, beef and tomato, venison and lamb and mint. Alongside the sausages Richard sells a variety of meats, burgers, bacon, black pudding, frozen or cooked pies, sausage rolls, scotch eggs, chicken kievs as well as much more. as Busy as a Beaverkate cragon visits richard WelFord oF Beavers Butchers, mashamA new idea Richard has been trialling over the last few months is one which focuses on knowing where your meat has come from. Richard is inviting farmers to bring their own livestock which he then has slaughtered at his local slaughter house, before cutting into the farmers exact requirements. Looking at each animal individually I can recommend to each farmer what cuts would best suit their animal. As well as famers, Ive had a local school bring in a pig that they have reared. People are more interested in knowing the journey of their food, from the field right onto their plate. This new idea we have been trialling has proven to be quite popular. At the moment we are doing roughly 5-6 pigs a month, but we have the capacity to do up to 8 a week.Having had the busiest Christmas period in a number of years, Richard and his team are looking forward to a successful year ahead. We tried Richards pork, black pudding and apple sausages for ourselves and have to admit they were some of the best sausages we have tasted!Beavers Butchers 11 Silver Street, Masham tel: 01765 689269 Having been passed down the family butchery skills, Richard is keen to teach others what he knows about the business. I have held classes in the shop when we have been closed on an evening, teaching young farmers basic butchers skills. They choose their own pig or cow and it is slaughtered locally before they bring it to the class where I teach them how to cut different parts of the meat. I also teach them how to make sausages and burgers which we cook and eat after the class. It is very rewarding to be able to cook and eat what we have just made.As well as holding lessons for young farmers, Richard has also taught sausage making classes at Rosemary Shragers Cooking School at Swinton Park, which he sells his produce to. Three local pubs in the village also use Beavers produce. Stocking local meat is a priority for Richard and he is very particular about where he buys his meat from. The beef we stock is from John Pennys and the pork and lamb we stock is from M & C Meats. I mainly buy rare breed pork as the meat makes excellent sausages. The seasonal game we stock, including venison, rabbits, pigeons, partridge, grouse and pheasants, is sourced in season from local estates. Food that has travelled less miles has been put under less stress, making it a better tasting final product.FarmersMart Early Spring 2012 1lane end faRm shopHaving started trading from a van in the farms car park, Lane End Farm Shop, founded by Martin and Arlene Hare, has come a long way in just over 3 years. Lane End Farm Shop now has its own premises, based at Lane End Farm, in Tong Village, stocking a variety of local produce, like Father like son kate cragon meets martin hare oF lane end Farm shop in tong, West yorkshiresome direct from the farm itself. Martin began his career, following in his dads footsteps on a butchers stall in a local market. My dad started his butchery career whilst still at school, Martin explains. He began washing blocks for a butcher who worked in Rawson Market. He took over the stall at the age of 20 whilst farming at Lane End, keeping pigs and sheep to sell on his stall. I helped out on the stall whilst at school, but decided I would much prefer to look after the farm.Once Martin took over the farm, he began rearing pigs, cows and sheep to supply his dads stall in the market. After a brief move away from the farm, Martin soon returned to begin building his own business with Arlene. We started selling produce from a van in the farm car park in November 2008. Little did we know then how popular the shop would become! Martin and Arlene opened the mobile shop just three days a week, but quickly found themselves having to trade an extra two days a week to meet customer demand. In September 2010 the Hares made the next step, opening their very own purpose built store to move the farm shop into. We outgrew the van very quickly, so it made sense for us to expand into some a little more permanent with more room. We received planning permission for the shop and got building as quickly as possible so we could open in time for Christmas in 2010.Martin farms Texel cross Rouge Du Maine and Dorset cross Beltex sheep, Dexter cattle and Angus arlene and martin (centre) With the teamFarmersMart Early Spring 2012 18lane end faRm shopChevin Fencing is pleased to support Martin & ArleneFor Traditional post and rail or the more economical post and stock wire fencing, we can help. We supply and fit a quality product which you can expect to last, fitted by our friendly team of experienced fitters. All our timber is treated to protect it against the Yorkshire Weather. Call Andrew today for a free Quote On the move: 07795 384172 At the office: 01943 462665 www.chevinfencing.co.uk and Limousin cross cattle on his 180 acre farm, as well as keeping donkeys, alpacas, pigs, goats, hens, ducks and rabbits. With outdoor pens and a seating area, one of the main attractions for the shop is the farms family of donkeys, Customers come as much to see our donkeys and alpacas as they do to do their shopping. We have Ant and Dec the alpacas and donkeys, mum and dad, Millie and Jack as well as their three children Malcolm, Mavies and Stanley. They are a great attraction for adults and children alike! Stocking local produce is a priority for Martin and he is a keen supporter of local businesses and farmers. We stock all our own beef and lamb in the shop. Our pork chops, sirloins, mince and diced steak are also sold to the local pub, The Greyhound in Tong village. The chicken we sell is from Milford Farm in Leeds and Nidderdale Poultry. The pork is from Gillams in Yeadon and John Pennys in Rawdon and the veg is from Gary Bradshaws. We also stock freshly baked bread from Maughans in Mirfield and milk from Dales Dairies in Grassington. All the businesses we trade with are local and most are fairly small. I find they are easier to trade with and supply some of the best produce.continues page 20thomas hare leFt, Working on his stall in raWson marketFarmersMart Early Spring 2012 19lane end faRm shopV L & M C ROOKESSuppliers of selected bacon and cooked meatsTel: 01904 608240Fax: 01904 608241Pleased to be associated withLane End Farm Shopand wish them every success for the futureWorking alongside Martin and Arlene, there are 3 full time butchers and 1 person who works on the deli, as well as 5 part time staff in the shop. Arlenes daughter Tara also helps out in the shop. When Martin in not working at the farm shop, he is looking after his livestock on the farm. Once I have finished in the shop I go to the farm to feed and look after the livestock, Richard works with me to look after the cattle and Andrew Letten, of Chevin Fencing, not only does all of our fencing, he also looks after the sheep.Lane End Farm shop attracts customers from far and wide, being ideally located with good links to the M62. One thing that is important to Martin is that customers come back again and again. We have regular customers who come from Bradford, Halifax and Leeds. Its a great sign when you have customers returning time and time again who are travelling to come and buy your produce.Arlene owns Tong Feline Retreat, a cattery which is also run from Lane End Farm. The cattery has been running for 8 years and is licensed to board 50 cats at any one time. Having grown from the farm car park, we asked Martin what the next step for Lane End Farm Shop will be, We are already growing larger than the premises we have at the moment. We like to stock a wide variety of items and customers are always asking for new and different products. Our plan is to extend the shop again soon so we can stock a wider variety of veg and other produce.www.laneendfarmshop.com tong Lane, Bradford, BD4 0SF 01274 684300FarmersMart Early Spring 2012 20newsA new virus has been detected in UK farms which has been affecting sheep and cattle. The Schmallenberg virus which has mainly been found in sheep and lambs, has been causing lambs to be born with deformities which can be so severe that the illness is leading to death.The virus was first detected in Germany in August 2011 and has since been found in Belgium and the Netherlands. The Schmallenberg virus is thought to have been spread by midges from Germany and has affected 190 farms in the UK, 113 of the cases being in sheep and the other 8 being in cattle. The disease is thought to have reached the UK last autumn and has become apparent recently due to the start of the lambing season. The infected sheep are likely to have miscarriages, stillbirths or lambs with malformations including fixed joints and bent limbs, spinal cord damage schmallenBerg virus aFFects uk Farms and brain deformities. At present it is thought that the virus can not be spread from animal to animal or animal to human, but this can not be confirmed. The virus can also cause symptoms in adult animals but these symptoms are thought to be less severe. These symptoms include fever, loss of appetite, diarrhoea and low milk yield. A virus for the disease is yet to be invented. West Sussex, Kent, Norfolk, Suffolk and Hampshire appear to be the worst hit by the virus but experts are unable to predict if the virus may spread to other parts of the country. At the moment the virus is not notifiable which means that farmers have no legal obligation to report the virus. Also no legal restrictions are in place on infected livestock. Defra is advising people who think they may be infected by the virus to contact their local veterinary surgeons if they notice any of the symptoms thought to be associated with the disease. Veterinary surgeons should then contact their local AHVLA Laboratory if they suspect the virus to be the cause of infection.For more information please visit www.defra.gov.uk/ahvla FarmersMart Early Spring 2012 21noRthalleRton auction maRtOld Hall Farm, Church Lane, Esholt, Shipley, West Yorkshire BD17 7RA Telephone: 01274 581420Fax: 01274 530450Email: sarah@fredgreenwoodandson.co.ukWe are pleased to be associated with Northallerton Auction Mart and wish them continued success for the futureMarshall Green AbattoirWitton-le-WearBishop AucklandCo Durham DL14 0AQTel: 01388 488202Fax: 01388 488675We are pleased to be associated with Northallerton Auction Mart and wish them continued success for the futureRacking up a century is a momentous achievement in cricket, but it is even more unique in the livestock market world. In the past two decades Yorkshire has seen many mart casualties, which is why Northallerton Auctions centenary is so impressive. They are very much not out up here.It is 100 years since this business took over from John Todds Storestock Market, says Brian Weighell, Company Secretary. There were once three markets in the town, but its been just us for quite a few years and with our new Auctioneer and Mart Manager Giles Drew, who joined us last year, we have much to look forward to as we move into our second century.Giles was on-form and in full-creating a Buzz in northallertonchris Berry talk With giles dreW and Brian Weighellflow when I visited just prior to going to press. I caught up with him after another successful days auctioneering:This is a really exciting time for livestock markets. It is also extremely challenging. We need to be on top of our game week-in, week-out. There is competition out there and we need to continue to show our livestock producers that the livestock market is the best place to bring their stock and in particular Northallerton Auctions.Prices have been flying high, which has helped, but there is still a great deal of pressure on ensuring we maintain and improve our position. We are always looking to increase numbers and in doing so we are attracting more buyers.We have recently also set up a new collection centre at Brompton-by-Sawdon, near Scarborough. We are sourcing prime sheep lambs and ewes at Chris Barkers farm off Carr Lane each week. We are determined to show everyone that Northallerton Mart isnt just 100 years old and wallowing in the past. We are about now and the future. There will be ups and downs, as there always are, but we are taking this livestock market forward.The Northallerton team also includes Brian Weighell (centre) With the oFFice staFF at northallertonFarmersMart Early Spring 2012 22noRthalleRton auction maRtBowland Foods ltdMeat WholesalersWe are pleased to be associated withNorthallerton auction Mart Co ltdand wish them continued success for the futureTel: 01772 655 555 Fax: 01722 655 565Unit 16, Roman Way Industrial Estate, Longridge Road, Preston, PR2 5BBHelen Walton and Helen Grainger who are both involved with the procurement of stock. Its a young team that adds youth and vitality to the experience of Brian and the rest of the mart staff.Theres certainly a buzz about the place right now, says Brian. Giles joined us from Worcester Mart in April last year. Hes young, keen and ambitious and whats more he knows the livestock world inside out. Hes really injected life back into the market. He has increased numbers, knows how to hold on to a good trade and thats making him very popular. We all now see him as the future of the mart. He has managed to win trade back that had gone to deadweight and to other marts. He has quickly grown a great following.We have also recently started a programme of updating and repainting the mart. The whole scene here at Applegarth is the best it has been for many years.Usually the talk, whenever Northallerton Mart is mentioned, is about when it will move out of the a packed northallerton martplenty to say When the camera Flashes!Buyers around the ring at northallertoncontinues page 24FarmersMart Early Spring 2012 23noRthalleRton auction maRtWe are pleased to be associated withNorthallerton Auction Martand wish them continued success for the futurewww.clevelandmeatcompany.comThe Abattoir, Yarm road, Stockton on Tees, TS18 3RUTel 01642 674498 / 01642 604291 Fax 01642612536 Email meat@cleveland.demon.co.ukCMCCleveland Meat Co. Ltd Wholesale Meat Exportstown; or in previous years when it would merge with Thirsk. The out of town move is still a possibility, but its not on the agenda at present. Giles would rather talk about what is on the current agenda rather than something that isnt.Theres a big demand for prime and store stock at the moment, whether that is sheep or cattle. And we believe that what we are doing here at Northallerton is worthy of every farmer sending his stock. We are achieving good prices and there are smiles on the faces of those around the ring. Thats the way we want it to be all the time.Brian has worked at the mart since he left school in 1974. He tells of how the mart has survived in the past.Our previous halcyon period was in the 1980s when we peaked at 500 fat cattle every week. Over the years we have diversified. We were one of the pioneers of furniture and antique sales; farm machinery sales; and opened an estate agency as well. All of those things helped us particularly during the Foot & Mouth year in 2001.We are in a strong position financially. We own the livestock market, the buildings and the car park. We also own our offices in the High Street and land around the town. Northallerton Auctions has always been well-run and well-managed. Now with Giles we are moving forward as a livestock market again.The mart hosts fatstock sales every Tuesday and stores every Wednesday. There is a sow collection service once every 3 weeks, with pigs going to Cheale Meats in Essex.Northallerton Auctions is largely farmer-owned with Tommy Hugill of Danby Wiske their Chairman for the past decade; other Directors include Alan Watson who farms at Snilesworth; Michael Duffus who farms at Flintoft; Martin Harland who farms at South Otterington; Mark Corner, another local farmer; and Alan Harrison, a local property developer.The mart caf has recently been taken over by farmers wife Marie Alderson of East Cowton. She has taken over from Ann Newcombe who ran it for over 30 years.nortHaLLerton aUctionS applegarth Mart northallerton DL7 8LZ tel: 01609 772034 giles Drew: 07876 696259 www.northallertonauctions.com giles.drew@northallertonauctions.com info@northallertonauctions.comtalk around the ring - With andreW heaton giles dreW - auctioneerWatching intentlyFarmersMart Early Spring 2012 2daiRyLelys Benchmark programme has highlighted Stephen Smith from Fryup near Whitby as having the highest producing Lely Astronaut Robot in the UK. Stephen currently milks 73 cows through his Astronaut A3, each averaging 36.1 litres (as at 05th February 2012) which is 2600 overall per day. The cows are housed in cow kennels through the winter and grazed using the Lely Grazeway System through the summer. The Grazeway Gate System allows the cows 24/7 access to pasture and works by recognising the cow by the responder worn on her collar as she approaches the gate, which allows her access to a designated paddock. The collar is also programmed through the T4C management system. The Benchmark programme is a social networking site similar to Facebook but solely for the use of farmers with Lely Astronaut Robots Benchmark shoWs highest producing lely astronaut with the Lely Time4Cows version 3 Management System. First the farmer logs-on to the Benchmark system and creates a profile. The profile shows their general information and long and short term goals, then there is a dashboard facility which allows the farmer to list more in-depth information and add reports from T4C3 such as yield, feed consumption etc. They can then start searching for other robot farms and send friend requests. The main focus of the site is to allow farmers to share and compare information with other Lely robot users, for example if you own one robot and wish to compare with some one else with one robot you can or you could compare with whole of the UK so long as your friends with them! It is up to the farmer how much information they choose to share. Mr Smiths Astronaut A3 Robots are maintained by Lely Center Bedale.www.lely.comFarmersMart Early Spring 2012 25faRmstaRJanuary just wouldnt be the same without Farmstars annual open day at their Grove Farm headquarters in Marr. Ideally situated close to the A1 this event has become the biggest farm machinery open days in South Yorkshire in fact one of the the biggest one day farm machinery shows in the whole of the county. This years show was blessed with the best weather it has had for many a year and being a regular visitor over the past 20 years I know what Im talking about. Hail, snow, rain, sleet, wind, often all together and invariably with at least three of these, has become the norm, but this year it was different. Sunshine at Farmstars open day! I could hardly believe it.Everyone was in good spirits and hundreds were there to take a look at the ever-expanding Farmstar business. All of their manufacturers were present including Case tractors, one oF the Biggest one day machinery shoWs in yorkshirechris Berry talks With andreW Waddington oF Farmstarcombines and harvest equipment; Manitou; Kverneland, Vicon, Richard Western, McHale, KRM, Bomford, Kongskilde, Quicke, Chillton, Kubota and the increasingly successful, local manufacturer Philip Watkins.Farmstar has steadily built its reputation over the past three decades and now has Andrew Waddington at its helm. He was particularly pleased with the numbers attending, both manufacturers and farmer customers.We always like to put on a great show and thats why our customers keep coming back year after year. We take immense pride in looking after them throughout the year offering the best in service and repairs. What we do is all about ensuring success for our farmer customers, because that is what in turn determines our own success.In terms of growth Farmstar recently added their new Long Bennington depot to their existing branches at Marr, Brigg and Market Weighton; extending their coverage into Nottinghamshire. We want to continue growing and this shows our continued commitment to agriculture. The Case tractor brand is one of the leading brands in the world and we are proud to play our part in maintaining its position. The time to chatFarmersMart Early Spring 2012 26faRmstaRrange has continually been improved and added to over the years and we feel that Case tractors offer the best value for money of any manufacturer around today.The Case tractor range stocked by Farmstar includes everything from the Farmall, Quantum, JXU, JX and CS PRO, through to the Maxxum, CVX, Puma and Magnum. Farmstar also provide the Steiger and Quadtrac models.The open day has become a very important part of our calendar and offers our customers a great opportunity to simply come and have a look around, as well as being a truly social occasion. We are proud of it and what we have achieved so far in our short history; and I am particularly proud of all the team in the way they rise to the challenge of getting this show together every year. It takes quite a bit of putting on but we know it is worth it.Who knows, maybe Andrew will also get sunshine at the 2013 open day!FarMStar grove Farm, church Lane, Marr, nr Doncaster Dn5 7aU tel: 01302 786786 Bridge Street, Brigg Dn20 8nF tel: 01652 654944 Becklands Park industrial estate, York road, Market Weighton Yo43 3ga tel: 01430 875900 White House Farm, Valley Lane, Long Bennington, newark ng23 5ee tel: 01400 283818 www.farmstar.co.uk you cannot Be serious lad - never that muchall smiles in the sunopen day 2012 With Brian Bannister oF Farmstar market Weighton (Far right)FarmersMart Early Spring 2012 2mitchells auction maRtWith over 50 years road haulage experience Stampers offer a comprehensive range of haulage services including: Livestock transport Fertilizer Machinery Straw & Hay General Haulage Bulk Haulage R. I. Stamper Haulage Ltd Livestock and General Haulage We are pleased to be associated with Mitchells Auction Mart and wish them continued success for the future. A1 Hangar, Kirkbride, Wigton, Cumbria, CA7 5JZ Tel: 016973 51251Fax: 016973 51999Mobile: 07860 294687When the all-new Mitchells Lakeland Livestock Centre at Cockermouth opened its doors in 2002 it was just after farming had reached its lowest point. Foot and Mouth Disease had decimated the cattle and sheep population.This was never more true than in Cumbria, which was hit hardest of any county in the UK. Funeral pyres raged, huge burial grounds were shown on TV and it appeared, to many in the agricultural world, that the future of livestock markets was very much at risk.Ten years on from the lifting of quarantine regulations and livestock farming is in a far different state. Prices are healthy and the feelgood factor is back. The Mitchells Lakeland Livestock Centre is recording healthy prices, in line with the rest of the UK, and it is experiencing an unprecedented and unremitting increase in throughput. The move from the town centre to an all-new purpose built site has gone better than they could have great prices - great livestockchris Berry talks With andreW Wright at mitchells lakeland livestock centrehoped and smiles are back on the faces of farmers who attend.Andrew Wright and Anthony Skelton are the two main auctioneers. Andrew is Operations Manager and has been here just over a year, whilst Anthony who is Livestock Market Manager arrived two years ago.Its very upbeat at the moment, says Andrew. The atmosphere in and around the mart couldnt be better. Prices are strong and seem annual shoW & sale oF mule gimmer lamBsFarmersMart Early Spring 2012 28mitchells auction maRtFeedsFertiliserMeneralsCrystalyx blocksGrass seedsOil and diesel tanksAnimal HealthSmall MachineryAnd much much moreCockermouth BranchTel: 01900 824105cockermouth@carrs-billington.comRight on the doorstepCarrs Billington are proud to support Cockermouth Auction throughout the yearFor friendly professional advice and outstanding service, Step into our branchto be keeping at this new level they have reached, and we are still expanding. Throughput has increased dramatically in the past two years and the livestock market is now leading the way on price. A number of farmers who went deadweight have now come back to the market because they can see that we are attracting both a better price and competition around the ring.Lakeland Livestock Centre sells primestock every Wednesday and stores, fortnightly on a Friday.The Wednesday sale includes prime cattle, bulls, cull cows, cull ewes, prime hoggs and dairy cattle. Weve just moved the dairy cattle from a Friday to a Wednesday because it suits our customers more that way. Our fortnightly stores sales include sheep, cattle, feeding cows, calves and stirks.The beauty of our location here in Cockermouth is that we attract buyers and sellers from throughout the county. We cover the whole of the lowland plains of North Cumbria; down the west coast and also the high grounds of Lakeland, thats why we offer such a good trade and variety at the market. Theres something for everyone no matter where you are based.As well as being the renowned centre for Lakelands own Herdwick sheep, Andrew tells of producers of another breed that they have been particularly pleased sale-wise with the market in the last few weeks prior to this publication of Farmers Mart.We recently held a Limousin sale where the top price was 7000. We had over 70 Limousins from mostly local breeders and the reaction to it was very positive. We are known for supplying good stock from these parts to other parts of the country where farmers can buy and take them on.We attract some really good buyers of stores. This area is predominantly a good stores area for breeding and rearing and other farmers are really starting to realise the quality that comes out of here. We had a buyer from Clitheroe last year who came back recently singing the praises of what he had bought and as a result he purchased again. Thats what were all about and thats why we are attracting the buyers. The level of continues page 30auction on a primestock sale dayherdWicks From messer harrison Brotherelkeldian armstrongs pedigree limousin BullFarmersMart Early Spring 2012 29mitchells auction maRtA new scheme is in place, and available UK-wide, that offers reassurance to both buyers and sellers of cattle that livestock is free of respiratory viruses and Bovine Viral Diarrohea. The Surecalf Scheme involves pre-sale vaccinations which help to protect calves during sale and transportation, as well as providing a further 6 months of protection through the winter housing period. Rod Welford MRCVS, veterinary surgeon at Millcroft Vets and a member of the Board of Directors at Mitchells Auction Mart, gives his view on the new scheme available at Mitchells, Pneumonia has long been the number one challenge to calf health in Cumbria. The new generation of medicines have improved our treatment options but the role of the modern farm vet is more about optimising performance than fire-fighting disease. We have a toolkit of multivalent vaccines that, used in conjunction with astute stock husbandry, relegate pneumonia to the bottom of the league tables.The problem with pneumonia is that it always leaves a legacy of lost production. The buyer of store beast is actively seeking to avoid the cost associated with an extended time to finished weight. Surecalf helps the vendor to differentiate his store beast in the sale ring. It demonstrates that pneumonia protection is in place.Store trade at Mitchells is thriving, and buyers are seeking assurance of health status. I believe that Surecalf will grow to become the health stamp of store sales. It all comes down to the old adage that it is better to invest in health than to pay for disease. The Surecalf brand takes this philosophy to the market-place.For more information about Surecalf visit www.surecalf.co.uk or call 0800 668 1886surecalF oFFers peace oF mindanimal husbandry throughout this area is outstanding and we are now in a position where we can make the most of it for our farmers.In addition to the livestock sales Lakeland Livestock Centre also has a land agency business, offers support regarding environmental stewardship and has a fine arts department that is also well respected.We are in a strong position just at the moment and we fully intend to carry on making the most of it. Prices are remaining high and we hope that this situation is sustainable. It has certainly brought a good feeling into the market on the back of all of the hard work we do here, as well as the hard work put in by our farmers.Andrew and Anthony also have Geoff Walker as part of their team. Geoff is a Field Officer and is an auctioneer. Hes a local man, farming at nearby Mockerin and has been with the mart since its reopening in 2002.MitcHeLLS LaKeLanD LiVeStocK centre, cocKerMoUtH, cUMBria ca13 0QQ tel: 01900 822016 anthony 07739 479914 anthony@mitchellslivestock.co.uk andrew 07920 460004 andrew@mitchellslivestock.co.uk www.mitchellslivestock.co.ukmitchells stand at cockermouth shoWFarmersMart Early Spring 2012 30mitchells auction maRtSheep Farmers, while enjoying better prices, continue to have the EID cloud of uncertainty hanging over their heads. The complexity of new rules and changes in interpretation adds to the general confusion and farmers concerns. It is therefore welcome news that major Agricultural retailers Carrs Billington, with their 19 branches throughout northern England and the southern Scotland, after detailed market research, have decided to join forces with EID specialists - StockTrace. This farmer based company has developed a range of reader printers and software options that allows farmers using their systems to be totally confident that they are meeting all rules and regulations. This development is most timely since English sheep farmers have recently received letters from DEFRA, reminding keepers that if they move individually electronically identified sheep they must record their individual tag numbers in their holding register and movement document. If they rely on CPRCs (auction marts) to read tags it will not always be possible for them to read every tag so the information they supply will be incomplete and where individual identities are not recorded at all or are recorded inaccurately in holding registers then keepers are warned that they run the risk of a cross compliance reduction to their Single Farm Payment if that is found during an inspection. cars Billington and stocktrace Join ForcesStockTrace offers two solutions. Their BASIC package comprises a robust reader and printer allowing you to read all electronic tags as sheep leave or enter your farm. Uniquely the printed list is in number order and any unread tag numbers can be keyed in or you can retag the animal. The full printed list can then be part of your records. The PREMIUM package, either bought initially or a later upgrade from Basic, comprises the same reader printer PLUS the easy to use Linx software which automatically produces movement forms, updates holding registers and supplies other management i n f o r m a t i o n including medicine and drug records. Your local fully trained Carrs Billington team will be happy to answer your queries and ensure you have the best solution for accurate and worry free record keeping. www.carrs-billington.com www.stocktrace.co.ukthe stocktrace reader and printerLEMKEN is pleased to announce retail finance can now be offered on all new LEMKEN machines sold throughout the UK and Ireland. LEMKEN Finance is available, exclusively, through De Lage Landen (DLL) leasing, as from 1st March 2012.This agreement allows LEMKEN to offer retail finance options on any new machine sold in UK and Ireland, but excludes the Channel Islands. From March to May, inclusive, two key products are offered with finance at 0% interest rate. All new sprayers can be purchased on 3+33 monthly payments, at 0% interest rate. New Rubin disc harrows can be purchased on 1+2 annual payments, at 0% interest rate. In both cases, the offer is available for business purposes only (applicants must be 18 or older), up to a maximum of 50% of RRP (excluding VAT), subject to DLL terms and conditions, and credit approval. Standard fees apply. Further information is available from Lemken UK Ltd or De Lage Landen.lemken and de lage landen team up to oFFer retail Finance optionsFarmersMart Early Spring 2012 31annas happy tRotteRsProud to support Annas Happy Trotters and wish them continued success for the future.A Traves & Sons LtdMeat WholesalersMain Street, Escrick, York YO19 6TPTel: 01904 728246Not many people achieve in a lifetime what Anna Longthorp has achieved in just four years. The 28 year old pig farmer from Howden has not only set up her own successful free range farming business, but has also won many awards along the way. Having grown up on her parents, Richard and Dianas, farm, Anna has been involved in the farming industry all her life. Ive always been around pigs, they are part of who I am, Anna explains. My mum originally grew speciality veg, but having studied pig nutrition she took on some sows when I was eight. We still do arable farming as well as pig farming they tie in well together. My brother, Jonathan, works on the arable side of the bus