Farming CountryIssue eighty-eight • November 2012

Win a week at theColorado Cattle Ranch

Agriscot on Farm Feature

New UK SheepShearing Record

World PloughingChampionships& Hall of Fame

Latest Tractor andCombine Ranges

£2.00

Eilidh MacPherson

3

Farming Country

EDITOR: Eilidh MacPherson Marbrack Farm, Carsphairn,Castle Douglas, DG7 3TE

Tel: 016444 60644Mobile: 07977897867

editor@farmingscotland.comwww.farmingscotland.com

PUBLISHER - farmingscotland.com

ADVERTISING –Eilidh MacPherson – 016444 60644

Cover - by De Laval

Text and photography by Eilidh MacPhersonunless otherwise stated

Page 7 - John Fyall

Page 8 - SAC

Page 10-11 - Jenny Sutherland

Page 12-13 - supplied

Page 15 - QMS

Page 16-17 - RHS

Page 20-25 - Various

Page 27 - Rebecca Lee

Page 28 - In the Saddle

Page 30 - Competition

of nutrients have been radicallyaffected. It is having a knock oneffect for both arable and livestockfarmers. Vets are finding cases ofdeficiencies in areas of the countrywhere certain diseases have neverbeen an issue before. It will pay tohave soils tested and blood samples oflivestock put under the microscope.

The Colorado Cattle Company hasput up a fantastic prize this month forthe winner of the photographic competition – Horse Power – fourlegged or wheeled! The successfulsnapper will receive a six day ridingholiday and tuition at the Ranch, forone person, valued at $2199.00.Flights are not included. Bookings aretaken from May till October. Thewinner will be asked to take a photographic diary of their trip,which will be highlighted in a futureissue. See pages 28-31 for featureand information.

October has been an extremelybusy month with tup sales across thecountry so looking forward to a weekof calm before tupping starts!

Scotland has had a fantastic sporting year, with Olympic success and Andy Murray on a

winning streak. Scots have alsoexcelled in Agricultural sporting circles, with Gavin Mutch the currentWorld Sheep Shearing Champion. Hehas recently been joined by AndrewMitchell, jnr, of Haughs of Ballinshoe,Forfar, who picked up the WorldPloughing Championship Title for thesecond time. Read about theMitchells on page 22. We haveincluded a World Ploughing Hall ofFame, listing Conventional winnerssince 1953 and Reversible championssince the inception of that class since1992.

Kubota and John Deere are bothsporting new tractor ranges on themachinery pages, alongside new additions to the Case IH combines forthe 2013 season.

Grassland specialist, CharlieMorgan from Wales has an informative column on the effect thewet season will have had on grasslandand soils. With so much rain this pastyear both soil pH and the availablity

Farming CountryIssue eighty-eight • November 2012

45

NewsRare BreedsMovers & Shakers

81 1

DairyAgriscot

1 61 7

RHSMeet the RHS New Directors

6 SheepNew UK Lamb RecordAlex Results

2 73 1

Rural Round -UpPhotographyRecreation

7 New EntrantJohn Fyall

2 6 Young FarmersLewis Harkness

1 81 9

Arable

Soils, Forage & Potatoes

2 02 5

MachineryPloughing ChampsTractors & Combines

1 41 5

QMS

Beef FinishingPeebles MF

EDITORIAL

4

While many countries are taking action to halt the erosion of livestock genetic

resources, crucial for food and agriculture, a substantial gap remainsthat needs to be urgently addressed.

Reports from 80 countries on theprogress made in implementing theGlobal Plan of Action for AnimalGenetic Resources were presented atan international conference.

The reports show that governmentsare beginning to put programmes intoplace to reverse the alarming declinein the numbers of indigenous livestockbreeds.

Representatives from almost 100countries attended theIntergovernmental Technical WorkingGroup on Animal Genetic Resourcesfor Food and Agriculture to reviewthe implementation of the GlobalPlan of Action for Animal GeneticResources. The Plan was adopted in2007 with the objective of improvingthe management of the world's livestock biodiversity.

"The encouraging news is that onaverage the countries that submittedreports have begun to implementabout half the actions agreed underthe Global Plan of Action rangingfrom conservation schemes to surveysof livestock numbers, to the development of policies and legalframeworks addressing livestock biodiversity," said Irene Hoffmann, Chief of FAO's Animal GeneticResources Branch.

But progress has been moremarked in developed countries withmany countries in Africa, the NearEast and Latin America and theCaribbean still lagging behind.

The Near East is regarded as one ofthe cradles of livestock diversity. Itwas here that several species,

including cattle, sheep, goats anddromedary camels, were first domesticated. Africa, with its diversetropical and subtropical environments,is another important hotspot of diversity.

Indigenous breeds are important inagriculture because they are adaptedto often harsh local conditions, contain unique genetic materialimportant for breeding programmesand are often a livelihood bastion forpoor households because they are easier to keep than exotic breeds. Ina world threatened by climate change,breeds that are resistant to drought,extreme heat or tropical diseases areof major potential importance.

22% of breeds at risk of extinctionAccording to the latest available

figures, about 22% of the world's livestock breeds are still classified asbeing at risk of extinction, althoughbreed population figures are oftenunreported or out of date, making thetrue state of livestock diversity difficultto estimate.

Despite the generally limitedamount of progress made in developing regions, the countryreports indicate that some examplesof more active implementation can befound in every region of the world.

Reporting countries from Asia arerelatively well advanced in establishing conservation schemes fortheir threatened breeds. In Africaand Latin America, pockets of national success are reported inalmost all the priority areas of theGlobal Plan of Action.

"There are about 45 countries thatare preparing, or have already prepared, national strategies andaction plans for their animal geneticresources, and about half of these aredeveloping countries," said Hoffmann.

Projects to be launchedThe Governments of Germany,

Norway and Switzerland contributedmore than $1 million to an FAO TrustAccount to support the Global Plan ofAction's implementation. FAOannounced the first eight projects

Farming Country – Issue eighty-eight

Progress made in stopping decline of livestock genetic diversity

involving 22 countries to improve themanagement of animal geneticresources.

Countries of former Yugoslavia willjoin with Albania and Bulgaria to conserve the threatened Busha breedof cattle; Ethiopia, Kenya and Ugandawill collaborate in improving the management of their indigenouschicken genetic resources; Bolivia andPeru will work together to implementbreeding projects for llamas; a regionalproject in the Southwest Pacificregion will establish conservation centres for chickens and pigs in theCook Islands, Fiji and Niue; Algeriaand Morocco will collaborate in theconservation of the Béni Guil sheepbreed; and a project in the Gambia,Guinea, Mali and Senegal will investigate the impact of mobile livestock production on the management of genetic diversity.

In addition, single-country projectswill be implemented in Mozambiqueand Togo, focusing on cattle andchicken genetic resources respectively.

NEWS RARE BREEDS

£4 800.00

Be sure to pick up your December Issue of Farming Country published by

farmingscotland.com; at your local newsagent,Co-op Store or at Tarff Valley, Dumfries.

Packed with features, interviews, news and views from across Scotland and Northern England.

Farming Country – Issue eighty-eight

beef cattle on semi-natural grasslandand heath communities. Herresearch was carried out atGlenwherry Hill Farm and Carnloughin Co Antrim, Feeny, CoLondonderry and AFBI, Hillsborough,Co Down.

A vegetation map for each of thesites was established and GPS trackers attached to the cattle tomonitor their grazing behaviour.

The conclusions from this study sofar are:∑ Growing beef cattle from eitherdairy or suckler origin beef may beused to control invasive grass specieson degraded heathlands.∑ Total methane emissions per animalfor animals grazed on uplands arelower than those grazed on lowland,however their performance was alsolower, in comparison to their lowlandcounterparts.∑ Methane emissions per kgliveweight gain are 16% higher on theupland pasture compared to the lowland pasture.

5

Grazing LFA land with cattlehas clear environmental benefits PhD student Anne

Richmond from Ballymoney told theannual Northern Ireland Departmentof Agriculture and RuralDevelopment PhD seminar.

Anne has been examining the‘Environmental implications of livestock grazing on a range of LFAenvironments’ in a PhD research project part funded by NI farmersthrough AgriSearch, the province’sAgricultural R & D Council.Research of great interest as over 70%of Northern Ireland is designated asLFA.

Results from this investigationdemonstrate that excluding livestockfrom upland vegetation has potential-ly negative effects on biodiversity.Grazing cattle can also utilise vegetation on areas unfit for arablefarming to produce protein rich food.

The primary focus of Anne’sresearch has been to assess the environmental implications of grazing

Cattle BoostLFA Environment

6

SHEEP SHEARING

New UK Lamb Record

Auzzies Win @ Alex

English shearer Joel Barton hasbroken the UK's nine-hourlambshearing record with a little

help from a lot of friends, includingNew Zealand shearer and instructorChris Brears, who flew-in to lend ahand on the day.

But Brears was far from being theonly Kiwi influence, for after therecord of 537 on Saturday (August 4)at Walter House Farm, Woodchurch,near Ashford in Kent, 26-year-oldBarton also paid tribute to HadfieldSmith, who gave him his first stand atMataura in 2005, and more recentbosses Willy McSkimming in theNorth Island and Darin Forde in theSouth.

From Heathfield in East Sussexand shearing the standard five-run5am-5pm day, Barton opened with119 in the two hours to breakfast, andsuccessive 1hr 45min runs of 110,106, 102 and 100 to beat the previousrecord of 521, shorn at Knockrobin,Co Wexford, Ireland on August 27last year by Roy Collier, who was onhand to watch his record fall.

Many of the lambs were suppliedby former British Wool MarketingBoard chairman Frank Langrish andthe attempt was overseen by BritishIsles Shearing CompetitionsAssociation (BISCA) officials: GeorgeGraham, from Ireland, Arwyn Jones,

Wales and Charles Fuggle, from EastSussex.

His support team of about 15 people came from around the UK,with Brears making a special trip fromNew Zealand to act as coach andexpertly prepare the shearing gear.

Barton has been a fulltime shearerfor seven years, traveling the globe towork each year in England, Scotland,Australia and New Zealand, including last summer. He shearsaround 50,000 sheep a year – with apersonal best on ewes of 470 in a day.

He prepared for over a year, givingup alcohol, eating a strict diet andrunning or going to the gym aftershearing. He said: "The idea is toshear at your maximum potential allday."

Barton's first experience of shearing was as a student at PlumptonCollege and initial shearing instructorPhil Hart, a Lecturer in Agriculture atthe college, was present to witnessthe record.

A small crowd of friends, familyand members of the farming community gathered to watch theevent. The crowd cheered Joel onthrough the grueling last hour. Therewas a countdown to the 500th lamb,shorn at 4..22pm and the record fellwith 15 minutes remaining on theclock.

West Australian shearerDamien Boyle won the NewZealand Merino finewool

shearing championship for a third yearin a row as the Shearing Sports NewZealand season opened in Alexandraat the beginning of October.

He beat runner-up Chris Vickers,of Palmerston, by almost sevenpoints, with seven points back tothird placegetter Tony Coster, ofRakaia. Charlie O'Neill, who was firstto finish, had to settle for fifth placeoverall. He shore the 12 sheep in24min 26.05sec, heading next manoff Boyle by over five seconds.

Fourth was Mossburn contractorMana Te Whata, the most successfulshearer in the 51 years of the eventwith six wins (1987-90, 1993 and1995) and sixth was Invercargillshearer Nathan Stratford, whose 2009win was the last by a New Zealander.

The result for Vickers was probably the best of his career, winning him a black singlet for thefirst test in the home-and-awaytranstasman series during the RomneyShears in Warrnambool, Vic., at theend of October. He joins GoldenShears champion John Kirkpatrick, ofNapier and PGG Wrightson serieswinner Angus Moore of Ward, withSheree Alabaster, of Taihape, andRocky Hape-Taite, of Danevirke,lined-up for the woolhandling test.

World woolhandling champion JoelHenare, of Gisborne who is back inthe country after a stint in Australia,won his first New Zealand MerinoChampionships open title. He previously finished second twice.Cushla Abraham, of Masterton, was

runner-up in her first Open-class com-petition. Abraham's success was partof a unique weekend for Wairarapacompetitors, with third-placed formerevent winner Tina Rimene third andanother open-class newcomer SharnieGraham, fourth, both also fromMasterton.

Kodi Hawkins, Martinborough,won the senior woolhandling final,while the senior shearing final alsofeatured first-time seniors DavidGordon and Ethan Pankhurst, alsoboth from Masterton.

Beefy Mataura shearer BrettRoberts started off what will probablybe his last season before tackling thebig guns of the Open class, winningthe senior final in which he was firstoff the board in 18min 1sec, beatingsecond-man-off Gordon by 16 s. Butsecond-place, a remarakbale 19ptsadrift, ultimately went to TamehanaKarauria, originally from Gisborne.The junior woolhandling final waswon by Raylene Johnstone.

Meanwhile, a New Zealand teamof Stratford, Rakaia shearer TonyCoster and hometown merino kingColin O'Neill won the transtasmanchallenge against the Perth Showteam of Boyle and brother Brendon,and Todd Wegner. O'Neill, shearingfive sheep in 10min 11.75sec won therace for time honours by about sevenseconds from Damian Boyle, whoclaimed best individual points in a testthe Kiwis won by 16pts.The Open shearing event was the firstround of this year's Wrightson PGGNational, the second taking place atthe New Zealand Spring Shears inWaimate.

7

Change andAdaptability

by John Fyall

FYALL’S FOCUS BANKING

Iam sure I am not the only youngbusiness to find that the vagariesof farming and the restrictions on

finance have meant adapting or relinquishing plans that seemedachievable. This time last year wehad reduced the sheep, with other offfarm duties going to earn more moneythan lambing and saving on seasonalgrazing lets.

In order to get back to 300 breeding sheep this year, 190 2nddraw, well bred ewe lambs werebought at Lairg to lamb in 2013. Inactual fact, with a poor start to thegrowing season and an acceptance intoorganic conversion at home meantrenting extra grazing for these lambsin 2012. And now, with feed priceslooking high and a successful ewefound for Sittyton, we have sold thegimmers. We averaged £102 for 178,which were not pushed so a fair tradegiven a falling lamb price. Also, ourstore lambs have been selling well,with the last batch at £52 comparedwith a fat trade of £64 I am temptedto clear out all lambs remaining.

We are happy now with the breeding ewes coming through. Ikeep some sheep for a moor underenvironmental schemes with theRSPB and little Shetlands are theorder of the day. I thought to crossthese with a down sheep to give adecent shaped ewe at Sittyton and tokeep the wool cover on early lambsmoved away from home we tried theRyeland and Dorset.

The Ryeland looked delightful, butis certainly not a cross which attractsstore buyers in Aberdeenshire! TheDorset again was not appealing tostore buyers but given its tremendousgrowth and the ability to hit 40kg bySeptember off grass from a Shetlandmother I would consider using it iffattening all my lambs. The Dorset xShetland also gave a docile good sizedewe which can lamb at any time.

The problem I had with bothRyland and Dorset was the welfare inicy snow. In my first winters in thefarm the hairyness of the sheep was abig problem. Whereas the Shetlandsare clean round the face and legs,

Ryeland/Dorsetx Shetland and Puredown Tups were gathering snowballson their wool edges, causing cutsround the legs and an inability to forage.

I am committed to native sires, butI thought the Dark skinned downs tooheavy and the other white facedbreeds lacked the weight gain andearly maturity. Last year, to get better confirmation, but more importantly stick with easy care andclean skin we tried Logie tups, thecomposite breed now fixed by thefamily of another contributor to thismagazine.

The lambs were born with vigourand the ewe lambs have all reached areasonable size to tup, which is another prerequisite. The ewe lambswill go back to the Logie for firstlambing, then a terminal sire, so infuture years I shall have Logie ewelambs to sell or expand the homeflock. I shall certainly not recommend the Logie sheep furtherthough, as they were hard to buy thisyear and sold out quickly!

Whilst I was keen to get moreground to keep sheep like this, andalso lamb the Cheviots to the Logie,economics currently have meant selling the Cheviots and with a fraction of the proceeds we took atrip to Shetland to keep up the sheepnumbers. (The North CountryCheviot will not be ruled out infuture though and I hope there is acontinued supply of these tightskinned sheep which are losing muchbone and improving into easier lambers). More pure Shetlands werebought, which arrived in the luxurioustransport containers at Aberdeendockside, so only 11 miles of roadtransport from Lerwick Mart toSittyton!

On other fronts, two more pureShorthorns came home from StirlingSales, and hopefully the bull will beable to service them once they calf inspring. Glenisla Excuberant hasserved all cows without complaint,but has not enjoyed the wet weatherand his picked up an infected foot,which we have treated and watch his

progress with baited breath as for abull in his 9th year he is certainly apicture of health otherwise and agreat testament to the breed. Hedoesn’t seem too bothered at his containment whilst the girls are outside though. The cows by thispoint are tidying up their grass butmay have to move into a ewe flushingfield if the stubbles are not ready.

I have 20 acres of oat stubble,which are surrounded by fodder andwere planned to winter the cows untilhousing in January. However, thestubble has not yet been created asthe oats are only just ripe and willneed some dry weather before a combine will venture onto theground.

If the reader recalls, I was using anearlier Scandinavian variety calledBelinda; it was not sown until 5thMay and neighbouring traditional varieties sown at the same time arecertainly a few days behind it but itwill not be a fair year to trial yieldand growth. I only hope I can savesome viable seed. The other worry ishosting a neighbourhood bonfire inthat field before I move the cows in;will I have it cut and baled by GuyFawkes night?

All this will no longer be a concernfor my banker, who is taking a surprise early retirement along withseveral long serving colleagues in mylocal branch. It is a worry trying to

convey ideas and establish faith whenyou are dealing with a call centre; Ihope my new “relationship manager”can give me the service of the outgoer. And I do think it is daft thatthey call them ‘relationship managers’instead of bank managers to conveypersonal attachment, then remove thepersons you are attached to!!

In the course of my work I findeven high net worth individuals arestruggling to get lending without significant profit to service loans. Theindustry is fairly bouyant, and boostedby the energy and forestry sectors, yetlenders are making it very difficult forthose with good ideas and tangeableplans.

At the recent new entrants summitwe spoke with a lady who leads a veryinteresting establishment programmefor New Entrants in Wales. I ventured that we were lucky negotiating with banks at currentinterest rates compared with whenshe started farming in the late 1970’s.She thought contrary; whilst youneeded a strong constitution in 1977,the bank would throw money at youif you kept up with the interest,everyone wanted to back farmers.

We need the banking industry torecognise that agriculture is a safe betand whichever bank can put itsmoney where its mouth is and givegrowing farming businesses the support they need will reap the benefits from a customer base that isappreciative and unswerving.

And can I thank my outgoing “relationship manager” for a properrelationship, where his brave faith hasbeen appreciated, I am only sorry hewill not directly see the rewards of hisbank’s investment.

The top twenty in theAgriScot Scottish DairyFarm of the Year was

been selected and the long leetthrew up some newcomers aswell as one or two herds,which have previously featured in the finals.

Heather Wildman ofDairyCo, this year’s assessorof the awards, which are sponsored by World WideSires said; “This was a mostdifficult task as all the figurespresented were of a very highstandard indicating excellentcow management and welfare.They demonstrate outstandingperformance and are a creditto all concerned.”

The awards, which havecaptured the imagination andsupport of the dairy industryin Scotland since their inception at AgriScot in 2009are initially based on the presentation of backgroundinformation to the assessor.The statistics include the per-formance details of all thedairy farms in Scotland thatare better than their breedaverage in all the major cate-gories that indicate efficiencyincluding yield, age at firstcalving, calving index, somaticcell count, length of life withinthe herd and PLIs. The farmswhich have the best results inthe major efficiency criteriaform the top twenty finalists.The selection process is car-ried out anonymously so theassessor has no knowledge ofthe names or addresses ofthose involved.

The next stage of the competition involved farm visits to a short leet of fourfinalists; A Colquhoun Ltd.,Dendoldrum, Inverbervie,Aberdeenshire – 409 HolsteinsFirm of Andrew Harvey, DrumFarm, Beeswing, Dumfries –277 Holsteins, Alistair andSheila Nelson, Redcroft, CastleDouglas – 173 Holsteins andT M Ralston and Son, EastDrumlemble, Campbeltown –200 Ayrshires.

The top four consist of twoprevious winners A ColquhounLtd in 2009 and T M Ralston& Sons last year with Alistairand Sheila Nelson also in aprevious top four. The Firmof Andrew Harvey is a newcomer to the top twenty.

The top accolade will beannounced and presentationsmade at AgriScot onWednesday 21st. November atIngliston.

Commenting Jack Lawson convenorof the awards said: “The efficiencystandard set in the top twenty thisyear was the highest ever and the topfour can only be described as phenomenal. I do not envy the taskof the official assessor HeatherWildman to decide the top place onceshe has visited all four farms.

“When you see average yields ofover 11,000 kg., calving indexes wellbelow 400 days, low cell counts andcalving at 25 months with a large percent of the herd in their fifth lactation and over, these farms leadthe world in animal welfare and efficiency and Scotland should beproud of the standard set.”

Agriscot Top 20

8 Farming Country – Issue eighty-eight

DAIRY AGRISCOT

Breed Cows Name Address

Ayrshire 189 M/S John Adamson & Son Swaites

Jersey 283 Alderston Farming Alderston Mains

Hols 224 R & L Barron Darrahill

Hols 512 M/S W A Campbell % Co Slagnaw

Hols 409 A Colquhoun Ltd. Dendoldrum

Hols 533 Coopon Farms Coopon Carse

Ayrshire 118 M/S R & R B Cunningham West Mossgeil

Hols/Ayr 312 Mr Robert C Gemmell Brownfield

Hols 343 Hardgrove Farm Dfs. Ltd Hardgrove

Hols 277 Firm of Andrew Harvey Drum Farm

Hols 122 Mrs J C McLean Mains of Culsh

Hols 240 M/S David & Brian McMiken Ernespie

Ayr/Hols 225 Muirside Farms Muirside

Hols 173 A Nelson Redcroft

Hols 122 T & C Owen Potstown

Ayrshire 200 M/S T M Ralston & Son East Drumlemble

Hols 184 M/S John Rome Kirkland

Hols 148 Firm of J B Sloan Panlands

Hols 230 University of Edinburgh Langhill

Hols 314 T & A W Wadsworth Big Balcraig

10

The famous Paul McCartney songis not the only high profile association to come from the

Mull of Kintyre.The area's Cheddar Cheese is a hit

around the world; it even has its owndedicated fan base on Facebook.The success of the cheddar isundoubtedly traced to the dozens ofdairy farms in the region, who supplythe creamery, based in Campbeltown.

One such farm is also making aname for itself in its own right.East Drumlemble Farm was the winner of last year's prestigiousAgriScot Scottish Dairy Farm of theYear Award and is currently in contention for this year's prize afterbeing shortlisted to the top four. EastDrumlemble also made it to the top20 in 2010.

Owned and run by the RalstonFamily, Willie, his wife, Catherine,and their two sons, Murray, 32, andAndrew, 34, East Drumlemble hascontributed to Kintyre dairy farmingsince the early 1900s.

The farm was first run by Willie'sgrandfather in 1908, before being purchased by his father, Tommy fromthe Duke of Argyll's Estate in 1953.Willie went into partnership with hisfather and his brother, John, in 1977,trading as TM Ralston and Sons. Johnhas farmed at Kilkivan, a mile-up theroad from East Drumlemble, with hiswife Anne and son Thomas, sincemoving from another local farm in1995.

Both farms are, to this day, run inpartnership between the brothers. Andrew, along with wife Diane andtheir young family, live at a neighbouring property, Dalivaddy,which was purchased in 2000, takingthe family's area to around 320 acresand providing additional housing foryoungstock.

Stocking 200 milking Ayrshiresplus followers, the total farm stock todate sits at 420 beasts.

Producing approximately 7,500litres per cow per year with 4.2% butter fat and 3.3% protein and acalving interval of 398-days, the farmis constantly looking to improve andprosper in what is becoming anincreasingly difficult working environment for farmers.

Four years ago the family updatedtheir whole set-up, installing a newmilking parlour and more recentlycreating a new silage pit to give theircows more cubicle accommodation in

the old pit.The feeding regime on the farm

was also given an overhaul with allmilking cows given total mixed ration,with no animals being fed in the milking parlour.

Willie explained: “By moving tomixed ration feeding, we've seenimproved performance in the cowsand in the economy of feeding generally. We have also seen a notabledifference in fertility rates, with thecows generally being more settled.”

This winter’s ration is a mix ofsilage, wholecrop wheat and homegrown barley with protein concentrate and minerals.

Breeding on the farm is a mix ofmostly AI on the herd and the bottom25% are inseminated with BelgianBlue and any resulting beef calves soldas store. Maiden heifers run with ahome bred Ayrshire bull for ease ofmanagement as these cattle arehoused at Dalivaddy.

Also contributing to the success ofthe farm is the landscape in which itis situated. Famed for its flat rollingpastures and arable fields, Kintyre hasmore than 30 dairy farms across theregion.

“Dairy farming has always beenstrong in this area,” explained Willie.“We have the benefit here of the GulfStream, with milder weather.

“In the past we've kept the beastsout late into the winter. Now we'relucky if we can keep them out untilNovember 1st.'

“We're on a relatively dry farmhere with a mix of sandy/gravel soil –it's an area suited for dairy farmingbut the wet weather in recent years

has hindered us,” added Willie. “This year has been unfortunate for

us as the cows are in early and ourcrop yields are down a bit.”

Catherine added: “The pressure isnow always on farmers to make thebest out of every dry day. We didmanage to get good silage this year,which has helped us with our feedstocks for the winter.”

A common theme for most farmersin Argyll, is the cost of haulage forfeed. “I suppose a negative to beingin this part of the world is the risingcost of getting feed delivered, whichis why we try, as far as possible, to usehomegrown feed,” commented Willie.

Farming Country – Issue eighty-eight

No 1 Hit for Mull of Kintyre!

DAIRY AYRSHIRES

As with all milk producers,Kintyre farmers are also feeling theeffects of the fall of milk prices.Willie said: “The price we are paidhasn't risen in line with our costs.

“Compared to the work put in andthe costs involved in milk producing,we are just not seeing the rewards.”

All milk produced in Kintyre isbought by First Milk, the main milkbuyer for the area, and taken toCampbeltown Creamery; not a singledrop is taken out of the region.

“You can't buy a pint of Kintyremilk. It all goes to the creamery andit's nice to know that you are contributing to a successful localproduct,” explained Willie.

Farming Country – Issue eighty-eight 11

Farmers: TM Ralston & SonWillie & Catherine Ralston &their two sons Andrew & Murray

Interviewing: Willie Ralston

Farming: East Drumlemble

Location: Campbeltown, Argyll

Area: 320 acres owned

Cows: 200 Ayrshire cows

Milk: average 7500 l/year4.2% butterfat3.3% protein398 day calving interval

Crops: try to grow as much of theirwinter feed as possible as transport costs high

Elevation:400 - 600 feet

Soils: mix of sandy/ gravel soil

Labour: Family

FARM FACTS

And whilst the region's CheddarCheese is winning prize after prize,the Ralston family's attentions areturned to this year's AgriScot title.Last year's win was tinged with sadness for the family after the deathof Willie's father the night before theawards.

“It was a mix of emotions,” saidWillie. “We are very proud to havewon last year and to have been shortlisted the year before and thenagain this year.”

“We don't show at National showsso to win feels like a reward andrecognition for our day-to-day hardwork,” he added.

The family is no stranger to winning prizes after being presentedwith the First Milk Highlands andIslands Cheese Award 2011-2012 in recognition of their excellence in thequality of milk produced.

With the awards only just aroundthe corner, Willie is also gearing upfor Kintyre to host the AyrshireCattle Society AGM and NationalConference next year.

The conference, which will bebased around the area, will see morethan 150-delegates visit farms from16-18 May.

“It will be really good publicity fornot only our product, but for the areaand the Ayrshire breed,” explainedWillie. But for now the family will continue with the day-to-day runningof their farm – waiting with eageranticipation to see how they fare inthis year's awards. The winner will beannounced on Wed November 21st.

Cogent has strengthened itsspecialist beef genetics teamin Scotland with the

appointment of Katreen Millar andHugh Dunlop – both established andrespected names in the beef industry– as breeding advisors to support itsSignature Beef range.

Katreen and Hugh will coverNorthern/Central and Southern/Central Scotland respectively in theirroles supporting both pedigree and

commercial beef producers in theiruse of quality genetics.

From a family farm near Stirling,Katreen will be well known to manyin the Scottish beef sector havingenjoyed numerous show successesincluding ‘Stockman of the Year’ atthe Royal Highland Show in 2012.

Katreen has her own pedigreeCharolais herd under the Lakeladyprefix, based at her parents’ (Iain andRhona Millar) farm at Port of

Cogent takes on Katreen

NEWS MOVERS & SHAKERS

Hill sheep farmer Jim Fairlie ofKindrumpark is the new faceof farming for Quality Meat

Scotland.Jim, whose brother is noted

chef – Andrew Fairlie – was (quiterightly) disgruntled that the mainbody for marketing Scottish meat wasemploying a model, portraying a‘plastic image’ of Scottish farming.

“There are plently farmers in thecountry capable of fronting campaignsto promote their own industry,” stated Jim.

Jim Fairlie – the New Face of Farming

Hugh Dunlop will also be afamiliar name to many in thebeef industry having won at

Smithfield four times and been overall champion at the ScottishWinter Fair on three occasions.Three of his Smithfield championswere bred at his home farm inAyrshire, where he has built up his130-cow suckler beef enterprise overthe past 16 years.

A former dairy farmer, Hugh has

25 years experience in DIY AI andhas always bred entirely using AI inhis own herd.

Commenting on the appointments,Cogent Breeding beef sales managerGareth Scott said that the move wasa strong indication of the company’scommitment to supporting what isnow an extensive offering of qualitybeef genetics.

“We are fully committed to providing both pedigree and

commercial beef farmers with thenecessary expertise and insight tomake full use of the best genetics,” hesays. “The addition of two new beefadvisors of the calibre of Katreen andHugh is a real boost for the SignatureBeef team as a whole and should beparticularly beneficial for beef producers in Scotland.”

Hugh Dunlop can be contacted on07921 216950, and Katreen Millar on07880 186477.

Hugh Dunlop joins Cogent

SAC graduate – Ian Houston –who has been working for thepast five years, in the animal

feed and nutrition sector, with thelargest farmer owned co-operative inScotland – Tarff Valley – is moving on.

From 1st November, Ian will beemployed by Wallets Marts, CastleDouglas in SW Scotland as a fieldsman.

Farming in his own right atGatehouse of Fleet, for the pastthree years and a stint as assistantfarm manager for Smiths Gore, Ian

has plenty grass roots practical knowledge as well as the technicalexperience gained as a nutritionist.

In spring 2009 Ian took on a 2200acre hill farm, Grobdale of Girthton,which hadn’t been stocked for 5 years.

Ian built up a Blackface flock, buying in breeding females fromnoted flocks such as Gass, Blackcraig,Greenside and The Glen. Tups camefrom the first three and Connachanand Dalchirla.

Ian is also establishing a herd of

Galloway cattle, bringing in heifercalves, giving them a chance tobecome acclimatised to the RedWater – a tick borne disease, on theproperty.

Long term, Ian would like to breedBlackface sheep that can look afterthemselves and finish off grass. Healso strives to be able to sell somebreeding stock in the future.

Ian intends to continue running hisfarming operation while working fulltime for Wallets Marts.

Houston moves from Feed Stocks to Livestock

Menteith. One of the highlights todate of her showing career wasreserve senior champion withLakelady Flint at Perth in February2012. Katreen has been heavilyinvolved in the Young Farmers Clubmovement from an early age, takingpositions of responsibility includingchairman of the SSS YFC. She hasalso found time for formal study,obtaining an HND in Agriculture atSAC Auchincruive.

12

To advertise in Farming Country

please call016444 60644

13

NEWS FROM ACROSS THE COUNTRY

Ceva Animal Health has continued to expand its LargeAnimal team with the

appointment of Stephenie Clarke asMarketing Manager. With extensiveknowledge of bovine reproduction,Stephenie will be primarily responsible for progressing the company’s innovative Cevolutionanti-infectives range as well as theircattle reproduction portfolio.

Stephenie completed a PhD in

bovine ovarian function, after whichshe gained considerable sales andmarketing experience in the life science industry. During this timeStephenie also achieved a ProfessionalDiploma from the CharteredInstitute of Marketing.

She said: “My new role gives methe opportunity to combine my specialist technical knowledge withmy marketing experience. I am particularly looking forward tolaunching Ceva’s new Cevolution

range of anti-infectives and enhancingthe ReprodAction campaign thatuniquely encompasses all hormonesfor cattle fertility treatment.”Ceva has a comprehensive injectableanti-infectives range which includesMarbox®, Florkem® and Cevaxel®RTU and a full range of cattle hormones. For further informationcontact Ceva Animal Health Ltd,Unit 3, Anglo Office Park, WhiteLion Road, Amersham, Bucks, HP79FB, Tel +44 (0) 1494 781510.

Ceva

Lantra LaunchesLand-basedLearner of theYear Awards

Farming Country – Issue eighty-eight

Charity fund-raising activitiesduring the recent Caithnessand Sutherland Monitor Farm

open day at Westfield Farm raised animpressive £2,000 for MacmillianCancer Support.

The event, which included an openstock-judging competition, judged byArnott Coghill, Caithness NFUSBranch Chairman and Liam Gunn,Manager of Caithness LivestockBreeders attracted around 80 visitorsto the 220-hectare farm, near Thurso.

Donna MacLennan won, with runners-up James Sutherland andStuart Mackay.

Caithness District Young Farmers

also held their summer stock-judgingcompetition with the individual prizewon by Stuart Mackay and the teamhonours taken by Halkirk A – JohnAnderson, Fiona Sinclair and MeganBremner.

RHET was on hand to keep theyoungsters occupied – ‘milking’ a life-size model cow, making butterand crushing barley.

Caithness District YFC also ran atreasure hunt, a vet workshop onsheep foot problems was run by localvet, Sinclair Manson, a sheep race andequipment demonstration followed bya charity auction, with John Bremnerof ANM, rounded off the day.

The Lantra Awards are one ofthe highlights of the land-basedand aquaculture industries’ year

as they recognise and reward achievement by individuals across thesector from game-keeping to horticulture, forestry, equine, aquaculture and agriculture.

Lantra will be celebrating its 10thannual awards ceremony at CrieffHydro on 28th November 2013,when all the usual individual awardswill be presented, but next year willalso include the inaugural Land-basedSchool Project of the Year Award,which will reward the school whichhas delivered the best rural skills project during the year.

There are currently 43 schools inScotland delivering a rural skills syllabus and many of them alreadynominate individuals for the existingSkills for Work Award. However, theindependent panel of judges, chairedby Peter Alexander, Mains of Mause,Blairgowrie, felt that sometimes itwas difficult for schools to single outindividuals and they decided to recognise the achievement of thewhole school and all the peopleinvolved in delivering some excellentprojects, often with the help andinput of local colleges.

Peter said, “Young people are thefuture of our industry and often thatspark is ignited at school, as judges

involved in land-based industries, wewant to encourage them to pursue acareer within this sector. The LantraLand-based School Project of the YearAward will recognise the schoolwhich has delivered a meaningfulrural project by implementing pupils’ideas and skills. The judges will takeinto account how the project has orwill benefit the participants, theschool, the local community and the environment.”

The Award has attracted a fiveyear sponsorship deal from the RoyalHighland and Agricultural Society ofScotland (RHASS). The winningschool will receive £500 to benefitthe pupils involved in the project.

Allan Murray, Chairman ofRHASS, commented, “RHASS isdelighted to lend its backing to theinaugural Schools Award which, webelieve, will enhance the work undertaken by the Society to inspireinnovation, excellence and achievement in agriculture and land-based industries. We are confident that this award will providean additional incentive for schools toembrace this learning opportunity andto deliver the aspirations of futuregenerations."

Nominations are currently beingsought for all the Awards, includingthe new Schools Project and WillieFergusson, National Director ofLantra Scotland, encouraged employers, training providers andschools to put forward their candidates before the 24 Novemberdeadline. Forms can be downloadedfrom www.lantra.co.uk

The impact of the escalatingprice of barley on already slimcattle finishing margins, was the

main topic at the recent meeting ofthe Quality Meat Scotland (QMS)Moray and Nairn monitor farm.

Monitor farmer, Robbie Newlands,who farms with his wife Kirsty andfather, also Robbie, at Cluny, nearForres, intensively finishes all progenyfrom the spring calving, out-wintered,herd of 170, mainly British Blue crossHolsteins. All cows go to Charolaisbulls. This year, bought-in replacement heifers ran with aSimmental bull instead of a Limousin.Male calves are kept entire.

In addition to the cattle enterpriseat Cluny, a 1,060 acre mixed LFAunit, there is a flock of 650 ewes and150 acres of barley, plus 50 acres offorage crops. Calves receive ad-lib,bruised barley creep from earlyAugust until weaning. They are thenhoused in straw yards, where theyreceive an ad-lib, hopper-fed, barley,soya, minerals mix with hay/straw inring feeders.

All barley fed is home-grown butwith the rising prices of seed, sprayand particularly fertiliser, RobbieNewlands has seen his barley growingcosts increase by 36%.

QMS figures for the twelvemonths to end of April 2011 for“rearer finisher” enterprises, showthat for the 21 enterprises costed,before subsidy payments, the averagenet margin was minus £140 per cow,with only two enterprises achieving apositive net margin.

The Newlands’ enterprise compares well. With feed barleycosted in at sale value, the runningfigures for the 2011 calf crop currently show a slight loss of £32 percow. However, if the barley is costedin at production cost, the cattle netmargin is positive.

Of the 136 cattle, 59 bulls and 77heifers from the 2011 calf crop finished prior to the meeting, bullshad averaged 435 days to slaughter,heifers averaged 421. Bulls averageda DLWG, from birth, of just over 1.4kgs with heifers just under 1.2 kgs.

With the bulls which were born in2012 “in the system”, the heifercalves offer more alternative options,which were thoroughly discussed bythe community group. Discussionsincluded the traditional cattle farmercustom of future store cattle price,crystal ball gazing.

The group agreed that the 2012switch to a Simmental bull for matingwith replacement heifers createdfuture opportunities to either retainsome of the resulting Simmental crossheifers for breeding or sell them as

bulling heifers.As to the heifers born in 2012

which are mainly Charolais crosseswith some Limousin-sired, numeroussuggestions were made, including:• Selling them as stores at the end of

March, freeing up covered accommodation for lambing in April.

• Sell the best in the autumn and finish the remainder.

• Finish at 20 – 22 months, off grass with troughed concentrates. This would reduce barley acreage by approximately 35 acres.

• Keep with present intensive finishing system but take to heavierweights.Of the numerous options discussed

at the meeting, Robbie favoured sticking to his present system, butkeeping the heifers longer. Frombirth to slaughter, the heifers born in

2012 slaughtered to date, grossed anaverage income per head of £2.53/day.

“I found with the heifers whichhave gone away recently, thatalthough they looked “fat” when wereceived the abattoir sheets, theykilled out leaner than they looked.So it seems we can take our type ofheifers to higher weights without fearof them running overfat,” explainedMr Newlands.

“To keep the heifers, say an extra30 days, while they are still youngenough to efficiently convert theirfood into meat, would earn morethan it would cost.

“But I will need to think thingsthrough, before any final decisions aremade!”

The meeting was also attended byNew Zealand, South Island farmer,Matt Collins, who farms without subsidies. He has to base decisions

on the financial viability of his farming options.

“The systems here look high costin comparison to New Zealand, wherethere’s no wintering of stock undercover. We also need to work withbigger numbers, to spread our fixedcosts,” he commented.

Mr Collins runs a sheep enterprise,plus a breeding herd of Hereford andAberdeen-Angus cows, mated withCharolais bulls. “Sheep have paidwell over the last couple of years andthe cows are merely used as a ‘clean-up tool’ for the sheep. Thebenchmark for grazing farms likemine is the dairy industry. Last year Ididn’t take any store cattle throughthe winter. Had I done so, theywould have earned around 8 cents(approx 4p) per kilo, whereas grazingdairy heifers over winter, earned 20cents (approx 10p).

14 Farming Country – Issue eighty-eight

MONITOR FARM BEEF FINISHING

Options to Maximise Beef Finishing Efficiency

If you have any news or views or suggestions you would like included in

Farming Country please either e-mail theeditor at editor@farmingscotland.com

or call EIlidh on 016444 60644

MONITOR FARM NEW FARM

15Farming Country – Issue eighty-eight

The couple who have beenappointed the first monitorfarmers for Peeblesshire are

looking forward to introducing newideas to the farm business to maximise the farm’s potential.

Kate and Ed Rowell have farmedthe 1800 acres Hundleshope Farm,three miles south of Peebles, for eightyears and next month will host thefirst monitor farm meeting in the area.

The couple run the beef and sheepfarm in partnership with Mrs Rowell’sparents, Ann and John Brown, and aretenants of the Haystoun Estate,owned by Mrs Mary Coltman. MrsRowell is the fifth generation to havefarmed on the estate, where her family have been tenants for almost150 years.

The pair, who have four children,run 75 suckler cows and 750 ewes onthe property, which extends to 2200feet above sea level.

The spring-calving suckler herd,comprised of Limousin, British Blueand Simmental cross cows put to aCharolais bull, produces calves whichare sold as stores through Lawrie andSymington at Lanark.

The Rowells’ sheep enterprise is

comprised of 400 Scotch Mule andTexel cross ewes, which produce fatlambs and 350 Blackface ewes used toproduce replacement ewe lambs andwethers.

Around 60 acres of spring barley isgrown and this is retained for feedingstock.

Mrs Rowell, also a qualified vet,said the pair were inspired to getinvolved with the monitor farm programme when they heard formermonitor farmer Rob Livesey speakingat a Peeblesshire Discussion Societymeeting.

“To us, it sounded a really positiveopportunity. As a vet you have toundertake continuous professionaldevelopment but in farming thatdoesn’t exist. Getting involved in theMonitor Farm project is a step in thatdirection though and hopefully it willgive us an opportunity to run ourbusiness better,” said Mrs Rowell.

Among the areas the couple hopeto improve during the course of theirthree year term as Monitor Farmers isthe performance of their hill sheepflock.

“We have a very poor hill and we’dbe open to any ideas to increase the

productivity of sheep on the hill.Ed’s also keen to look at improvingthe soil structure of the grassland,”she said.

The pair are clearly open to newideas and have been experimentingwith growing chicory. “We don’t havefigures to prove it yet but it definitelyappears to be helping reduce theworm burden. We also enjoy comparing the performance of tupsI’ve chosen using EBV (EstimatedBreeding Value) figures with those Edhas selected by eye!” she added.

Ian MacDougall, Technical ProjectsManager with Quality Meat Scotland,which supports the Monitor Farm programme said: “We’re delighted towelcome Kate and Ed on board andI’m sure they will be first classMonitor Farmers.

Two facilitators have been appointed to support the PeebleshireMonitor Farm – Chris McDonald andJennifer Brown of SAC.

The first meeting of the newPeeblesshire Monitor Farm will beheld on November 7th. If you wishto attend please register your interestwith Chris McDonald on 0131 5353430, chris.mcdonald@sac.co.uk orJennifer Brown on 01835 823322 atjennifer.brown@sac.co.uk

First Peeblesshire Monitor Farmer Appointed

16

When Ken Howie took overCairnton at Lumphanan,Aberdeenshire 23 years ago

the need to supplement the farm’sincome quickly led to the establishment of what has grown intoa major diversification into the leisureindustry.

Cairnton itself extends to 250acres of grass plus a small amount ofrented ground locally. The main focusof the agricultural enterprise is a wellknown pedigree Aberdeen Angus herdextending to 65 cows with all femalecalves kept as replacements or sold onboth within the UK and to overseasdestinations such as Estonia andGermany.

The best of the bulls are kept forthe tables of Ken’s busy restaurantand farm shop at nearby Dess, thecentral hub of the extensive 100-acreDeeside Activity Park, which offers abroad range of outdoor experiencessuch as quad biking, paintball, archery,karting and children’s play areas.

The 2001 Foot and Mouth Diseaseoutbreak was instrumental in accelerating the growth of the leisure

side of the business and ongoingdevelopment continues apace.Assisted by SRDP funding, carbonneutral holiday homes have been created as well as a rural business hub,which currently includes tenants suchas a forestry consultant, IT companyand animal feed company.

Commenting on his involvement inthe RHASS, Ken Howie said: “I havebeen a member for 30 years or moreand have gone to nearly everyHighland Show during that time,although we haven’t exhibited ourAberdeen Angus cattle for a numberof years because June is a busy timeof year for the activity park.

“I was invited to become a directorby fellow North East farmer RobertMaitland and was immediately convinced after attending my firstmeeting. It is something I reallyenjoy and I have met lots of interesting people during what is anexciting time for the Royal HighlandShow.”

For further information on DeesideActivity Park, visit www.deesideactivitypark.com

Kenneth Howie – Aberdeenshire

Director: Andrew Bowie

Living: Easter Balado House

Location: Kinross, Perthshire

Farmed: Airdrie Farm

Location: Anstruther, Fife

Area: Previously farmed 1100 acresin partnership with his brother

Enterprises: Cereals, potatoes & beef

Now: Helps other farmers, works with horses, showing &stewarding

FARM FACTS

Farmer: Kenneth Howie

Farming: Cairnton Farm

Location: Lumphanan, Aberdeenshire

Area: 250 acres owned100 + acres rented

Cattle: 65 Aberdeen Angus cows

Other: Activity Centre includes:quad biking, archery, paintball,karting and play areas.More recently carbon neutral holiday homes and a ruralbusiness hub are more recentadditions

FARM FACTS

Andrew Bowie – Perth

Easter Balado is a sixty acre grassunit with a stable block, horse walkerand all weather arena. Andrew said,“We’ve both been involved with horses from a young age and Mary hasa real talent and dedication for producing show horses, so the facilities here are just what we needto prepare for the shows and competitions.”

The couple are regular exhibitorsat the Royal Highland Show andAndrew is usually showing or stewarding for at least three out ofthe four days. In 2011, he lifted theSupreme Championship in HuntersUnder Saddle with Jenny’s Prince andin 2012 they reigned supreme again.

Andrew commented; “To haveachieved this once in a lifetime isgreat but to have done it twice isabsolutely amazing and also very rare.”

Andrew is delighted to have beenasked to join the society as a directoras he sees the opportunity as a greatway to give something back.

Commenting on the difficult conditions caused by the wet weatherthis year Andrew said, “Running a fullshow in the atrocious weather was afantastic effort by everyone involvedin the organisation, lets hope the suncomes out for 2013.”

ROYAL HIGHLAND NEW DIRECTORS

Wintering wantedfor

100 Blackface HoggsD&G, Ayrshire orLanarkshire areas

Please call 0779 201 2788

Farming Country – Issue eighty-eight

Representing Perth and Kinross isAndrew Bowie from EasterBalado House near Kinross.

Until 2010 Andrew farmed in partnership with his brother – Allan,NFU Scotland vice-president – atAirdrie Farm, Anstruther in Fife. Thebrothers were farming a total of 1100acres between Airdrie and other

rented and contract-farming arrangements growing cereals andpotatoes and finishing cattle.

So whilst admitting retirement hasbeen quite a change, Andrew nowkeeps busy helping out other farmersand enjoys being able to spend moretime with his wife Mary and theirfour horses.

Meet theNew

RoyalHighland

ShowDirectors

17Farming Country – Issue eighty-eight

ROYAL HIGHLAND NEW DIRECTORS

For Stewart Barr fromKirknewton, Lothian becoming adirector of the Royal Highland

and Agricultural Society of Scotlandwas a great way of cementing hisinvolvement in his local show.

Stewart’s base is the 600 acreLeyden Farm, which is supplementedby an additional 100 rented acres.The main thrust of the venture is finishing the mainly Limousin andBritish Blue offspring of the 100strong herd of cows plus finishingbought in cattle. All cattle leaving thefarm are sent to Scotbeef at Bridge ofAllan.

In addition are 300 Scotch Muleewes lambing in April to Suffolk andTexel rams, with finished lambs soldthrough United Auctions at Stirling.

A challenging year caused by late

sowing, the lack of a usual second cutof silage and a disappointing harvestof the 140 acres of crops resulting inless straw and cereals will see livestock numbers drop at Leyden thiswinter, where altitudes ranging from600 to 1000 feet make crops marginalon this LFA farm.

Like many other agricultural families, the Barrs decided to look atdiversifying their enterprise and fourwigwams opened their doors to thefirst “glamping” holidaymakers in Maythis year.

The Hilly Cow Wigwams project isoverseen by Stewart’s former schoolnurse wife Lesley and such has beenthe success of the venture in year one,that it is hoped further units can beadded in the future.

Commenting on his appointmentas a director of the RHASS, StewartBarr said: “I have been a member forabout 25 years and was delighted tobecome a director in July of this year.

“It is great to be involved in animportant event which I am lucky tocall my local show and which is theannual highlight of the farming calendar in Scotland.”For further information on Hilly CowWigwams, visit www.hillycowwigwams.co.uk

Stewart Barr – Lothian

Farmer: Stewart Barr

Farming: Leyden Farm

Location: Kirknewton Lothian

Area: 600 acres owned100 acres rentedall LFA

Cattle: 100 suckler cows+ bought in finishing cattle

Sheep: 300 Scotch Mule ewescovered by Suffolk & Texel rams

Crops: 140 acres

Elevation: 600 - 1000 feet

Education: HND in Agriculture from SAC

Diversification: 4 wigwams on farm

FARM FACTS

Wintering wantedfor

100 Blackface HoggsD&G, Ayrshire orLanarkshire areas

Please call 0779 201 2788

18

ARABLE FORAGE / SOILS

Farming Country – Issue eighty-eight

Northeast Scotland farmer NeilFettes is looking forward to asecond year of full productivity

from his fields in spite of this year’schallenging growing conditions afterusing Barenbrug forage grass seed.

Pictured here are Agrovista agronomy adviser Neil’s ewes andlambs grazing on a field sown withHighlander multipurpose long-termley earlier this June. Commenting onthe mixture, which was sown inSeptember 2011, Neil says: “TheHighlander provided excellent establishment and plentiful grass forour April lambing-ewes stocked at sixewes plus lambs per acre.”

With April’s unseasonably badweather, Neil was stunned that hisfield was one of few in the region tonot only survive, but thrive, in the“appalling” conditions. “The snow,rain and low temperatures reducedgrass growth just as it was needed atlambing time,” he continues. “But ina spring where grass growth wasextremely limited, we had grass when

most other fields stopped growing.Obviously getting new grass in therehelped, but I believe the Moyola andKilrea early perennial ryegrasses madeall the difference. The ley has sincesupported sheep and cattle throughout the season.”

Given the success of the Highlander,Neil also made the decision to reseedanother field with Barenbrug’s Cut &Graze long-term ley with clover thisAugust instead of undersowing springbarley, which he’d normally do. Thiswill be cut for first-cut silage in Junenext year.

“I wouldn’t usually sow a mixturelike Cut & Graze at this time of year,but this seems like the better choiceand will bring full production benefitswith the lambs grazing it through winter,” he explains. “It is now moreimportant than ever to get the bestestablishment and longevity out of thegrass. By sowing in August, the Cut &Graze also reduced weed pressureduring establishment and will providesome valuable sheep grazing over winter.”

Full Productivity

Soils

Barenburg Trio

The new 2012-13 grass andclover varieties for Scotlandrecommended list contains very

good news for Barenbrug and Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute(AFBI).

Of the seven new varieties added,three come from Barenbrug –Glenariff and Clanrye, from the AFBIbreeding programme in NorthernIreland, and Katy, from the ABM programme in New Zealand.

The recommended list has justbeen released by the Scottish RuralUniversity College (SRUC), the successor organisation to ScottishAgricultural College (SAC), whichhas been testing grasses and producingits list for over 40 years. SRUC hasbeen formed by combining the threerural colleges – Barony, Oatridge andElmwood – with SAC.

Glenariff is an intermediate heading diploid perennial ryegrass,with Spelga parentage, which has alsobeen recommended in England andWales, and Northern Ireland.Glenariff is a very high-yielding variety, with growth balanced acrossthe growing season. It is also a veryhigh-quality variety, particularly in thesecond half of the year, when qualityin swards often deteriorates due to re-heading. High digestibility is combined with excellent sward density and disease resistance, makingit an ideal grass for use in cutting andgrazing swards.

Clanrye is a late-heading diploidperennial ryegrass, also recommended

by AFBI and HVG. It was bred bycrossing Tyrella with Dutch varietiesand is one of the top-yielding late-heading varieties. This yield iscombined with superb forage quality,sward density and disease resistance.Both varieties have very good resistance to drechslera leaf spot, adisease that attacks grass in cool, wetconditions, leading to rejection by thegrazing animal and increased vulnerability to winter kill.

Both Clanrye and Glenariff weresown in 2011 in persistency andpalatability trials on dairy farms inCumbria. Large areas of the varietieswere sown as pure swards as part of anormal re-seeded field and the swardsare being assessed regularly to ensurethey are palatable and that they willstand up to intensive dairy wear andtear. Initial results have confirmedthat the two have distinct advantagesover previous material and have withstood the added pressures fromthe abnormal season with flyingcolours.

Katy is a large white clover with aleaf size slightly larger than Menna.It is a very high-yielding variety, givingone of the top yields as both a pureclover and when mixed with ryegrass.It is a very persistent variety, survivingwell under both simulated cattle andsheep grazing and will make a significant contribution to EnsignWhite Clover blend when seedbecomes available from the NewZealand harvest in 2013.

2012has been thewettest growingseason for 100

years. It has challenged the sowing,establishment, growing and harvestingof all crops and to this end we asfarmers have had no option but todamage our soils as we attempt to salvage the best we can.

It is very tempting to try and correct the soil quickly. Under arablesystems on lighter soils where ploughing is the option then this canbe achievable, providing the damage isnot below the plough depth. Forgrassland systems the issue is ofgreater concern.

Do not be tempted to rush in tocorrect the damage. The most important consideration is always timing. If soil conditions are not suitable more harm than good will bethe outcome. The first thing toestablish is where in the soil profiledoes the damage appear and where isthe deepest compacted area. Thiswill determine the type of machineneeded to correct the damage.

With the continued wet weatherthe earliest chance of correcting thesoil on grassland maybe next spring,but every farm and in fact field canbe different. The soil booklets willstate that the window of opportunityis either spring or autumn and thiswould be true on a “normal” season ifone of those now exists. In realitythe correct time is when the soil issoft enough to get the machine in theground and then dry enough that thesoil cracks and shatters at depth,rather than the legs or knives of themachine smearing the soil and capping off the holes made. The sizeof tractor and tyre pressure also playsits part.

Good soil structure should contain25% air so the soil has to be dryenough not to slump. The soil typewill influence this with sandy and

silty soils easier to correct than claysoils.

Soil aeration is now a major talkingpoint and poor soil structure can contribute to a significant economicloss to the business as well as significant environmental damage andwater quality. However, it is also necessary to re-examine the drainagesystems of many farms. Many ofthese drains are over 50 years of ageand many considerably older. Thereis no point trying to aerate andimprove soil structure if the drainagesystems are unable to remove excesswater. A good drainage system whichfilters soil particles and removes relatively clean water is economicallyand environmentally a far betteroption than surface runoff containingsoil particles, nutrients and manures.

When using a subsoiler typemachine that penetrates to a possibledepth of 30cm (12”) knowing wherethe drains are maybe important! Asubsoiler not only improves soil structure but also cuts a channel,which acts as a simple drainage system. Therefore the direction ofsubsoiling is important. The subsoiling should take place angledacross the slope to encourage themovement of water down the slopebut not too quickly to cause erosionand nutrient loss. The window ofopportunity for a machine such as thisis much narrower than a set of knifeaerators.

A point to note this year is thatwhere aerators have been used andrunoff has been avoided, some fieldshave turned into bog like conditions.This is due to deeper compactionpoints such as plough pans, somewhich maybe historic. It is essentialthat a soil profile pit be dug to identify the lowest compaction zonebefore any machine is used otherwiseserious damage can be done whichwill take a long time to repair.

by Charlie Morgan

19

Albert Bartlett hits US shelves at Walmart

Surge in Seed Potato Exports

AScottish potato producer is targeting growth in the USmarket, after partnering with

supermarket giant Walmart to supplyits Rooster brand of potatoes.

The deal by Airdrie-based AlbertBartlett – which employs 700 fulltime staff in Scotland with furtheroutreach to farmers and distributorsaround the UK – is the company’sfirst in the US market and will seethe Albert Bartlett Rooster rangebeing stocked in selected stores acrossColorado and Georgia from Octoberbefore being rolled out to stores inmultiple states in 2013.

The company announced details ofthe launch while taking part in aScottish Development Internationaltrade mission to Chicago, led by theFirst Minister Alex Salmond andScottish Enterprise Chief ExecutiveLena Wilson.

The First Minister said: “It isinspiring to see a long-standing, traditional Scottish company developso confidently and dramatically intoday’s market, where Scottish foodand drink exports are booming. TheAlbert Bartlett Rooster brand hasbecome very familiar to Scottish consumers and this deal with Walmartwill now see the range take on a trulyglobal scale. It is another example ofa quality Scottish product being madeavailable for all to enjoy and comesjust after another successful ScottishFood and Drink Fortnight when wecelebrate our natural larder.”

John Hicks, VP Sales andMarketing, Albert Bartlett USA, said:“This is a very exciting time forAlbert Bartlett, we have been workingon the project for over four years,having received fantastic support fromWalmart since our very early discussions we are now excited to seehow the Walmart consumer respondsand are confident that we can gain astrong and loyal following as we havedone in the UK.”

Scott Dray, Director, Produce-Walmart, said: “It is always exciting tobring our customers something new,unique and quality, we have beenexcited by the Albert Bartlett productsince first trying it in the UK and nowhaving tested and sampled US produced product we are delighted bythe consistency achieved. The tasteprofile of the product is fantastic andwe are confident that if we can getour customers to try it once they willcome back for more.”

In preparation for launching intothe US market, Albert Bartlett firstintroduced tissue culture fromScotland to North America back in2008 and have been multiplying theseed of the Rooster variety over thepast four years.

Albert Bartlett’s innovativeapproach, which in effect has seenthem export their intellectual property, enables them to produce theproduct in the US with local farmersand packers, bringing benefit to localeconomies.

Working with their US partnerMountainKing and other leading localUS farmers, the company carried outextensive growing trials across theUSA and based on the results focusedinitial production in Colorado andIdaho. Next year, the company plansto extend distribution across the USas it multiplies crop production andintroduces new growing areas including California, Oregon andWashington.

Albert Bartlett opened its first USoffice in Denver earlier this year tomanage the launch and expansion oftheir activity in North America. Thecompany is one of 11 companies participating in the trade mission tothe US, which aims to raise the profile of Scottish food and drinkcompanies in the US.Lena Wilson, Chief Executive ofScottish Enterprise, said: “We’ve seen phenomenal growth of

ARABLE POTATOES

The seed potato industry is on ahigh as Potato Council hasannounced another record year

for seed exports, with this year’s figures surpassing 103,000 tonnes.

“This year, despite the testing conditions experienced by growers,we have achieved another record forour exports of seed potatoes,” saysPotato Council head of seed andexport Rob Burns, who has recentlyreturned from a successful PotatoEurope.

“Key areas of growth have been theNorth African countries and theMiddle East, thanks in part to carefuldevelopment of seed potatoes toensure great results in varying climaticconditions. This is really excitingnews as these markets are developing,and should show important growth inthe coming years.”

Mr Burns attributes the success tothe professionalism of exporters, combined with Potato Council’s workwith overseas governments to helpsmooth the path for internationalimport conditions. Independent specialist advice from MylnefieldResearch and from Science andAdvice for Scottish Agriculture(SASA) plus support from the

Scottish government is also key toachieving a strong export position forvarieties from GB.

“Moreover, by establishing animportant presence at targeted international events such as PotatoEurope and Fruit Logistica, we arehelping our exporters to enjoy a higher profile for a modest cost whenthey share the stand with us. AtPotato Europe this year, we againachieved a significant increase in footfall on our stand, which will further help our exporters to buildtrade.”

Potato Council assists importersand exporters by working closely withthe authorities in importing countries,so importers can have confidence thattheir high quality seed potatoes willarrive in good time, adds Mr Burns.British seed potatoes are successfullyproduced for fresh and processedmarkets in countries as diverse asEgypt, South America and Asia.

“Our success in the export marketsis mainly due to a winning combination of professionalism, teamwork and offering the differentmarkets what they need, with timelydelivery assured,” he concluded.

Farming Country – Issue eighty-eight

Scottish food and drink exports with60 per cent growth over the past fiveyears. The US continues to be one ofthe biggest markets for Scottish companies – overall food and drinkexports to the US increased by 30per cent last year, with strong growthin the premium grocery market.

“We’re working with more andmore companies like Albert Bartlettand helping them to tap into the hugeinterest and enthusiasm by consumersaround the world for the provenanceof food and its heritage, origin anduniqueness.”

Scottish DevelopmentInternational has supported AlbertBartlett in its international growthplans for several years, including helping them access new customersthrough attendance at a major international trade show. SDI willcontinue to work closely with AlbertBartlett both in Scotland and overseas, to support their continuedinternational growth.

Albert Bartlett is the UK’s leadingfresh potato brand, supplying 20 percent of the fresh potatoes in the retailmarket, supplying major retailers withown label, premium exclusive andbranded products.

The Albert Bartlett deal followsthe announcement by global companySigma Aldrich recently that they areexpanding their operations inScotland, with the development of anew powder manufacturing facility ontheir Irvine site – supported by a £1.5million grant from ScottishEnterprise.

While in Chicago, the FirstMinister undertook a programme ofbusiness engagements and delivered akeynote speech to the ChicagoCouncil on Global Affairs and metcity mayor Rahm Emanuel.

He also played a major role in thehandover ceremony at the close ofplay when he will received the SilverPutter, which denotes Scotland takingover the tournament preparations forGleneagles 2014.

One of the largest sporting eventson the planet, the Ryder Cup isexpected to inject £100m into thelocal and wider Scottish economyduring the week of the tournamentalone. In all, more than 250,000spectators from all over the globe areexpected to visit Gleneagles to watchthe event, with millions more able towatch the action on television in morethan 180 countries.

Farming Country – Issue eighty-eight20

Available from December 2012,John Deere’s versatile 6MSeries tractors provide more

power, functionality and operatorcomfort than their 6030 Series predecessors, offering new levels ofefficiency and performance from astandard tractor range.

The newly styled 6M Series (seetable below) includes tractors from115hp to a new top of the range170hp (EC 97/68), and a 140hpmodel featuring the highest powerlevel yet from a John Deere fourcylinder tractor. The existing 6130,6230 and 6330 Standard Cab modelsfrom 85 to 105hp will remain in therange for 2013.

John Deere 6M Series tractors feature a full-frame design, threewheelbase sizes, optional Triple LinkSuspension (TLS) and an optionalfront axle brake to deliver maximumbraking power with minimal pedalforce.

The 6115M, 6125M, 6130M and6140M models are equipped withStage IIIB compliant 4.5-litre fourcylinder PowerTech PVX engines,while the larger 6150M and 6170Mare powered by Stage IIIB 6.8-litresix-cylinder PowerTech PVX engines– the same as the premium 6R Seriestractors. All models feature a ratedengine speed of 2100rpm (reducedfrom 2200rpm), a new cooling systemand an increased fuel tank capacity ofup to 405 litres.

Using field proven technologies tomeet the latest emissions standards,these fuel-efficient diesel-only enginesfeature exhaust gas recirculation

(EGR), a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT) and an exhaustfilter. This last component includes adiesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) and adiesel particulate filter (DPF).

The enhanced cab offers numerousimprovements, including a newlydesigned dashboard with an integrated onboard display to facilitate machine settings. The display can also be used as a performance monitor.

The proven PowrQuad andAutoQuad Plus 40kph transmissionsallow smooth gear changes on themove, assisted by a standard declutchbutton. Thanks to the newly available EcoShift mode, engine rpmis automatically reduced when reaching high speeds, thus improvingthe tractor’s fuel efficiency and further reducing noise levels.

More power, faster response times,increased operator comfort andenhanced efficiency are provided by

the 6M Series’ improved hydraulicsystem. Four-cylinder models featurean 80 litre/min pressure compensatedsystem, with the option to fit a 114litre/min pressure and flow compensated version, which is fittedas standard to six-cylinder models.

Other options designed to provideadditional versatility and performanceinclude larger tyre sizes of up to 2mdiameter, an ex-factory front hitchand pto, and a choice of John Deerefront loaders designed to match individual tractors.

In addition, the optional iTECBasic headland management systemhelps the operator to automate multiple functions simultaneously.John Deere 6M Series tractors canalso be optionally fitted withGreenStar and ISOBUS ready wiring,to further improve productivity, andcome fitted as standard with CESARDatatag and integrated immobilisersystems.

Previous 6030 SeriesStandard model

New 6M Series model

6130 (85hp 4cyl)*

6230 (95hp 4cyl)*6330 (105hp 4cyl)* 6115M 4cyl small-frame6430 (120hp 4cyl) 6125M 4cyl small-frame6534 (125hp 4cyl) 6130M 4cyl mid-frame6630 (135hp 6cyl) 6140M 4cyl mid-frame

6830 (145hp 6cyl)6930 (155hp 6cyl)

6150M 6cyl mid-frame

6170M 6cyl large-frame

*Existing models remain in range for 2013

New John Deere 6M Series Tractors

21

Case IH has unveiled new features on its latest Axial-Flow combines for 2013,

including a redesigned cab and a folding auger with an industry exclusive pivoting spout option, helping to make these high-outputmachines even more productive.Guided by feedback from farmers andcontractors, Case IH has taken thelargest and quietest cab in the industry and made it even better.Customers can also upgrade to anadvanced ‘Luxury’ cab.

“Our new, redesigned cabin hasadvanced even further to set theindustry standard in convenience,comfort and ergonomics and providesthe operator with an office in thefield,” says August von Eckardstein,marketing manager for Axial-Flowcombines in Europe.

New cab featuresA slim Multifunction Propulsion

Handle puts all key controls within afinger’s reach and an upgraded righthand console with simple ergonomiccontrols and slide rail allows foradjustment of the AFS display, plus a

cup-holder. Convenient storage locations have been added throughoutand feature brushed-chrome styling inthe Luxury cab.

Operators can keep in touch withan iPad or iPod connector and aco-drivers seat opens to reveal aportable electric refrigerator to keepfood and drinks cool.

The operator’s seat has been lowered and has more seat travel giving greater legroom while a redleather Luxury cab seat option provides greater comfort. The infinitely-adjustable steering wheelprovides maximum visibility withoutimpairing the cutterbar view. Air ridesuspension is standard on all 30 Seriescombines, while a semi-active air suspension seat is optional.

Unloading Made SimplerNew auger options make on-the-go

unloading more comfortable and saferwith wide headers, including a newHigh Capacity folding 8.8m auger forthe widest headers. The new 8.8 mauger option is fully cab controlledand folds out to 95 degrees for clearvisibility when unloading, access to

the rear service deck is unaffectedwhen folded and the auger is withinthe width of the combine side panelsfor easier transport and storage.

The new industry-exclusive pivoting spout option is available forall High Capacity unloading augerlengths. The operator can accuratelyadjust the grain stream by simplyusing the controls on the propulsionhandle to position the spout preciselyinstead of repositioning the entiretractor and grain trailer. The risk ofthe tractor and trailer spilling grain orcoming into contact with the headeris reduced and when laying strawswaths for baling, the tractor neednot run on the rows.

The electrically-controlled augerspout boosts harvest efficiency byallowing perfect grain trailer filling.The new spout moves the grainstream by approximately 60cm to90cm, while also providing a spill-proof grain saver feature. Whenthe unloading auger is disengaged, thespout automatically and quickly pivots upwards to prevent any grainfrom dribbling out. In addition to

this, it allows grain to be directedstraight downwards to reduce wind-blow of light crop types.Powered grain tank covers, controlledfrom the cab, reduce downtime whenpreparing for transport or harvest.

New Enhanced Chopperand Chaff Spreader

Case IH chopper packages havebeen upgraded to include in-cabadjustment of the chopper counterknife bank with knife positionsadjustable in four steps of 0% to100% insertion. It is now possible toswitch the combine from ‘chop’ to‘swath’ in under a minute. No coversneed to be opened and there is noneed for the operator to work in thedust.

If the emergency stop button ontop of the multi-function handle ispressed, the counter knife bank willfully retract, providing an additionalmeasure to protect the chopper andcounter knife against foreign objects.Less need to reset the counterknivesmanually means chop quality andeven spreading are maintained. Anenhanced chaff spreader option,which includes in-cab adjustment ofthe spread distance and distribution isavailable. Efficient Power, Efficient Operation

From the feeding system to thepatented Case IH AFX rotor with itsconcentric rotor cage design, Axial-Flow combines continue to create smooth crop flow, improvingthroughput and putting more high-quality grain in the tank.

“Case IH has been continuouslyimproving the Axial-Flow with theAFX rotor and fuel-efficient Case IHFPT Tier 4 SCR engines, always setting the trend as a leader in harvesting,” says von Eckardstein.

“Overall, the simple and reliableAxial-Flow design, with fewer movingparts, helps producers stay in the fieldover a wider range of crop conditions,helping protect both yields and quality.”

CASE IH adds to Combine for 2013

22

Year Champion Reversible Runner-up Reversible

Yves Thievon, France Andrew Mitchell, jnr, Scotland Andrew Mitchell Snr, Scotland David Wright, N Ireland Fabien Landré, France Thomas Cochrane, N Ireland Roel Cuijvers, Belgium Andrew Mitchell Snr, Scotland Andrew Mitchell Snr, Scotland Yves Thievon, France Simon Witty, England Andrew Mitchell Snr, Scotland Simon Witty, England Fabien Landré, France Simon Witty, England Ove Gedsø, Denmark Simon Witty, England Thomas Cochrane, N Ireland James Witty, England Kris 't Seyen, Belgium Anders Göransson-Frick, Sweden William Morrison, Scotland Freddy Bohr, France Kris 't Seyen, Belgium John Hill, England Peter Ulrich, Switzerland Christoph Hess, Switzerland John Hill, England Graeme Witty, England Willi Zollinger, Switzerland Andrew Mitchell Snr, Scotland John Hill, England David Carnegie, Scotland Peter Waters, England Willi Zollinger, Switzerland Odd Braut, Norway Hans Frei, Switzerland Willi Zollinger, Switzerland John Hill, England Willi Zollinger, Switzerland John Hill, England Willi Zollinger, Switzerland

201220112010200920082007200620052004200320022001200019991998199719961995199419931992

MACHINERY PLOUGHING

Double Furrow Successfor the Mitchells

Andrew Mitchell Jnr, of Haughsof Ballinshoe, Forfar, recentlypicked up the World Ploughing

Championship Title for the secondtime.

His win in the ConventionalPloughing section came in theCroatian town of Biograd na Moruand it repeated his previous WorldChampionship title six years ago inIreland when he was just aged 17.

He was ploughing with a Ford tractor/Dowdeswell plough combination and was marked wellahead of his nearest challenger,Ireland’s Eamon Tracey.

Andrew is employeed as a NewHolland specialist with Agricar inForfar.

Like father, like son, AndrewMitchell senior has also been twiceWorld Champion, in 1997 and 2011,both his successes coming in thereversible section.

However, he took reserve positionthis year in the ReversableChampionships at the World Champsa few points behind the winner,Frenchman Yves Thievon. It is thethird time he has been runner up,making him placed either first or second five years out of the last six.

Andrew Junior won at his firstattempt taking out the OverallChampion title at his first match atAlyth in 2002 at the tender age of 13.

Father’s exploits have no doubtinspired young Andrew and the pairgo into great detail on ploughing matters spending many hours in theirworkshop doing modifications andmaintenance on their tractors andploughs.

It is not only his father thatencourages Andrew but his motherJoyce is also on hand as support forboth men if any thing is needed to besorted out or organised when they areon their rigs.

Both use Ford New Holland tractors that are equipped with fourwheel drive and extra spool valvecapacity for the myriad of controlsneeded to adjust a match plough.

Young Andrew’s tractor a 1995Ford 5030 has a power adjusted landwheel fitted too allow for quick wheelwidth changes when closing out a finish. There is also a large steel boxon the front end that carries sparesand acts as extra ballast for frontwheel grip. At the rear of the cab is alarge bank of spool valve controls for

the many adjustments needed to produce a top job. Both also use lightgreen Dowdswell ploughs that arecertainly not standard. Indeed youngAndrew’s plough was once thereversible his father won the 1994

title with. Now it has been converted to a conventional ploughwith extra wheels to carry the weightand give an even wheel track over thesoil.

All this engineering is secondnature to Andrew who is ServiceManager for Agricar at Laurencekirkafter serving an apprenticeship withthe spanners. His father is also

involved in agriculture and their busywork commitments make taking partin matches very difficult. To such anextent young Andrew only doesaround four local matches a year justin Angus and the Mearns.

This level of ploughing doesn’tcome cheap and both competitorswere grateful for the sponsorship theyreceived.

23

World Ploughing Champions since 1953

2012 Biograd, Croatia Andrew Mitchell, jnr, Scotland Eamon Tracey, Rep. of Ireland2011 Lindevad, Sweden Christian Lanz, Austria Bengt Andersson, Sweden2010 Methven, New Zealand Bruce Redmond, New Zealand Andrew Mitchell Jr, Scotland2009 Moravske Toplice, Slovenia Werner Eder, Austria John Tracey, Rep. of Ireland2008 Grafenegg, Austria Samual Gill, Northern Ireland Bernhard Altmann, Austria2007 Kaunas, Lithuania David Gill, Northern Ireland Andrew Mitchell Jr, Scotland2006 Tullow, Co. Carlow, Republic of Ireland Andrew B. Mitchell jnr, Scotland Peter Lanz, Austria2005 Prague, Czech Republic Bernard Altmann, Austria John Tracey, Rep. of Ireland2004 Limavady, Northern Ireland Peter Lanz, Austria Evan Watkin, Wales2003 Guelph, Ontario, Canada David Wright, Northern Ireland Evan Watkin, Wales2002 Bellechasse, Switzerland Martin Kirnstedter, Austria John Tracey, Rep. of Ireland2001 Eskjaer, Skive, Denmark Henry Thegen, Denmark Harald Gadermayr, Austria2000 Lincoln, England Henry Thegen, Denmark Andrew L. Morrison, Scotland1999 Pomacle, France Martin Kehoe, Republic of Ireland Georg Menitz, Austria1998 Altheim, Germany Bernhard Altmann, Austria David Wright, N Ireland1997 Geelong, Australia Thomas Cochrane, N Ireland Roger Jordan, New Zealand1996 Oak Park, Carlow, Republic of Ireland Jens Iversen, Denmark Desmond Wright, N Ireland1995 Egerton, Njoro, Kenya Martin Kehoe, Rep of Ireland Ole L. Pedersen, Denmark1994 Outram, Dunedin, New Zealand Martin Kehoe, Rep of Ireland Matti Tanila, Finland1993 Vastraby Gard, Helsingborg, Sweden Helga Wielander, Austria Josef Gadermayer, Austria1992 Albacete, Spain Graeme Witty, England Dorinus Schoonen, Netherlands1991 Limavady, Northern Ireland Ulrik Olsson, Sweden Bengt Andersson, Sweden1990 Zeewolde, Netherlands Graeme Witty, Great Britain John Hill, Great Britain1989 Kleppe, Norway Daniel Herleer, Belgium Graeme Witty, Great Britain1988 Amana, Iowa, U.S.A. Graeme Witty, Great Britain Helge Nielsen, Denmark1987 Marchfield, Austria Karl Altmann, Austria John Hill, Great Brittain1986 Olds, Alberta, Canada Desmond Wright, N Ireland Kees Breure, Netherlands1985 Sdr. Naeraa, Funen, Denmark Niels Balle, Denmark Desmond Wright, N Ireland1984 Horncastle, Lincolnshire, Great Britain Desmond Wright, N Ireland Bjarne M. Nielsen, Denmark1983 Harare, Zimbabwe Hermann Altmann, Austria Bjarne M. Nielsen, Denmark1982 Tasmania, Australia Ian Miller, New Zealand Elvery Hunt, new Zealand1981 Wexford, Republic Of Ireland Alan J. Wallace, New Zealand Sievert Jansson, Sweden1980 Christchurch, New Zealand Vivian E. Samuel, Great Britain John Tracey, Rep of Ireland1979 Limavady, Northern Ireland Robert Wieser, Austria Josef Liszt, Austria1978 Wickstandt, near Friedberg, Germany Karl Olov Hedstad, Sweden Vivian E. Samuel, Great Britain1977 Flevohof, Biddinghuizen, Netherlands Franz Rainer, Austria Paavo Tommiska, Finland1976 Bjertorp, Vara, Sweden Hermann Altmann, Austria Alfred Eder, Autstria1975 Oshawa, Ontario, Canada Gunnar Herleth, Norway Ruud Hermus, Netherlands1974 Helsinki, Finland Carl-Johan Holmstrom, Finland J Tracey,Ire /C Timbers, Canada1973 Wexford, Republic of Ireland Paavo Tuominen, Finland John Tracey, Rep. of Ireland1972 Mankato, Minnesota, U.S.A. Willi Flatnitzer, Austria Mads Bakken, Norway1971 Tauton, Somerset, England Peter Oveergaard, Denmark Alan Wallace, New Zealand1970 Horsens, Denmark Leif Jac. Huser, Norway James Murphy, Rep. of Ireland1969 Belgrade, Yugoslavia Flemming Thyssen, Denmark Peter Anderson, Australia1968 Salisbury, Rhodesia Marinus Schoonen, Netherlands Adolf Preuss, Germany1967 Christchurch, New Zealand G Johansson, Sweden/P Tuominen, F Jens Kristensen, Denmark1966 No world Contest 1965 Ringerike, Norway Eero Raultaianen, Finland Fritz Krieglmeyer, Germany1964 Fuchsenbigl, Near Vienna, Austria Charles Keegan, Rep of Ireland Eero Aalto, Finland1963 Caledon, Ontario, Canada Yngve Mansson, Sweden Eero Raultianen, Finland1962 Dronten, Netherlands Hans O. Sylling, Norway Eero Aalto, Finland1961 Grignon, Paris, France William Dixon, Canada Alan Magson, New Zealand1960 Tor Mancina, Roma, Italy John A. Gwillian, Great Britain Arne Braut, Norway1959 Armoy, Antrim, Northern Ireland W. Lawrence McMillan, N Ireland Charles Bonney, Canada1958 Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany T. Leslie Goodwin, Great Britain W. Lawrence McMillan, N Ireland1957 Peebles, Ohio, U.S.A. William de Lint, Netherlands John Mason, Great Britain1956 Shillingford, Oxford, England Hugh B. Barr, Northern Ireland Arne Braut, Norway1955 Uppsala, Sweden Hugh B. Barr, Northern Ireland Ivan McLaughlin, Canada1954 Killarney, Republic of Ireland Hugh B. Barr, Northern Ireland Leslie Dixon, Great Britain1953 Cobourg, Ontario, Canada James Eccles, Canada Odd Braut, Norway

Year Town/Host Champion Conventional Runner-up Conventional

24

The M110GX delivers109.5 net HPand the M135GX 135 net HP - maxi-mum performance with outstandingeconomy and low emissions. Theadvanced, direct injection (E-CDIS) 4valves per cylinder, common-railengines are fully electronically con-trolled. Euro Stage IIIB compliance isachieved through a combination ofthe DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)and EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation)to reduce engine emissions. UsingKubota’s proven engineering, along-side the latest emission control tech-niques, gives busy operators the peaceof mind that reliability and economywill remain optimised in especiallydemanding periods such as harvest.“With these latest developments,Kubota has taken its respected farmtractor range to a new level that willhelp farmers become more productiveand efficient.” says General Managerof Sales and Marketing, Dave Roberts.“The new M110GX and M135GXare a clear indication of the growingstrength of Kubota in the UK agricul-tural market, and we are confidentthat their advanced features will bewell received by the arable sector aswell as by mixed farming enterprisesand contractors.”Using multi-stage fuel injection pro-vides optimal fuel injection processtiming and precise injection pressureto enhance power and torque whilekeeping fuel consumption to a mini-mum. The result is smooth responsiveperformance with low fuel consump-tion, reduced noise and vibration.Engine design also features a powerfulWaste Gate System turbocharger, forimpressive lugging and power recov-ery.Equipped with Kubota’s new ‘Intelli-Shift’ transmission, the M-GX pro-vides eight power shift speeds withthree ranges to give a total of 24 for-ward and 24 reverse speeds. This

offers precise shifting with minimalshift shock and power loss. Power andrange shifting can be achieved with asingle lever or push-button control,eliminating the need to use the clutchpedal and offering fatigue-free opera-tion throughout the range.. Two con-venient upshift/downshift buttonsfound on the shift lever as well as onthe right-side armrest give easy eight-step power shifts.The M-GX range features ‘AutoMode’ to enable automatic shifting tomaximise performance under varyingload or terrain. In Travel mode, thegears will be adjusted depending onroad conditions and amount of accel-eration; uphill and downhill. In Fieldmode, a downshift of two gearsoccurs once the three-point linkagehas been raised. Field mode also min-imises falls in PTO revolution when

the PTO switch is engaged.At the press of a button, operatorscan use RPM dual memory to save upto two frequently used engine RPMsettings, for example for heavy culti-vations, changing direction or makingturns, without having to adjust thethrottle. To keep the engine revolu-tions constant, in order to prevent theengine rpm falling in challengingworking conditions and ensuring con-sistent operation, there’s ‘WorkCruise’. Used in conjunction with thetransmission’s ‘Auto Mode’ feature,‘Work Cruise’ makes using PTO-driv-en implements such as powered culti-vators much more efficient.The M-GX has a long wheelbase toprovide outstanding straight-line sta-bility and pulling power, yet it offersthe manoeuvrability and versatility ofmore compact tractors using Kubota’s

unique Bi-Speed Turn steering system.Bi-Speed is a standard feature thatenables the tractor to turn quicklyand smoothly, even in narrow or con-fined spaces, with little damage to theground surface. The M-GX modelscan achieve a turning circle of only 4metres!A brand new three-stage FrontSuspension System with Auto Lock isavailable on the M135GX. Thisenhances ride quality and perform-ance on challenging tasks such as roadspeed haulage, a vital element of har-vest operations as well as increasingdriver productivity when working onhard or rutted ground during cropestablishment and husbandry.Suspension stiffness can be adjustedmanually or automatically in threestages (Firm/Normal/Soft) or lockedto best meet the operator’s needs.Routine maintenance is made easier asthe sliding, louvreless-type, AC con-denser and condenser protectivescreen can be easily removed. The flatsurface of the battery and tray alsoboosts serviceability. A new one-piecehood fully opens for easier access tothe engine for maintenance. The hoodis also slanted to increase visibility.Kubota’s Front Loader is integral tothe design of the M-GX, with theRight Console Lever located to enablethe operator to remain constantlyaware of tip end conditions. Theloader provides dramatically increasedlifting power, up to 2.2 tonnes; capac-ity with simple joystick control; Euro-8 quick hitch; 3rd function valve andKubota’s shockless ride that reducesloader shock and operator fatigue.

Kubota Unleash M-GX Tractor Range

MACHINERY KUBOTA

The new Kubota M-GX tractor range showcases morethan 50 years of expertise in tractor innovation. Providinghigher levels of practicality and reliability, with clean fuel-efficient performance and a more spacious cab, theM-GX deliver an excellent solution for arable farmers,contractors and demanding mixed farming enterprises.

25Farming Country – Issue eighty-eight

ARABLE APPLES

Always hotly contested, thejudging for ‘Britains Tastiestapple’ took place on

Wednesday 17th October 2012 atThe National Fruit Show.

The winner was decided by a panelof six judges, Adrian Barlow CEOEnglish Apples and Pears Ltd, Dr.Debbie Rees, Reader in PlantPhysiology at the National ResourcesInstitute, University of Greenwich,Peter Checkley Kent Top FruitGrower, Peter Barwick formerOrchard and Nursery ManagerBlackmoor Estates, Karen Thurston,Research Assistant East MallingResearch and Doreen Spiking ofEmpire World Trade fruit marketeers.

The panel tasted a total of 66fruits the entries coming from thecompetition fruit entered in classes 3to 11 and Class 18 which include allof the commercial produced varietiesfrom across the UK.

Rubens has won the top spot forthe past two years, something, whichhas proved to be an excellent marketing tool and many felt that itwould be hard to knock off the topspot. It was by some considerablemargin that Jazz was declared the2012 Tastiest Apple. Rubens tooksecond, third and fourth place.

The winning apple was grown byChandler and Dunn from a farm nearCanterbury in Kent. Whilst it tookthe coveted accolade of ‘Tastiest’ thefruit itself was awarded second placein its own class with an impressive 96points out of 100; not only was thisexample of Jazz being tasty but alsotechnically it was near perfect.

Clive Chandler received his prizemoney sponsored by The FruitGrower magazine at the prize givingon Thursday by Society President,The Rt. Hon. Michael Jack andSociety Chair Sarah Calcutt.

www.farmingscotland.com

Jazz it Up!

Lewis Harkness –Farmer, Shearer and

Sportsman

26

Lower Nithsdale Young Farmer –Lewis Harkness – is on a winning streak this year.

The newly turned 21-year old hasjust been awarded the Scottish JuniorCircuit Shearer of the Year. Lewiswon the Junior class at both the RoyalHighland Show and LochearnheadShears. He came in third place at theSouth of Scotland Shears at theBarony College; as he was beaten bytwo young Welsh shearers, he wasfirst Scot and gained the full points.With two wins and a ‘first Scot’ at thefirst three competitions, Lewis didn’ttravel to the Black Isle to compete ashe already had enough points to win.

Lewis, who farms 400 acres inDumfriesshire in partnership with hisaunt, has been sheep shearing for thepast three years. Initially he workedfor George Brough, but for the pasttwo summer seasons he has shornwith Charollais sheep breeder, AlanKennedy, Parkgate.

Lewis is kept busy through sixmonths of the off season crutching atDumfries and Castle Douglas marketseach week and sometimes at Lanark.

This keen young shearer will bemoving up a level to shear in theIntermediate section in the 2013competition circuit.

“Having won the Junior atLochearnhead Shears, I was put in aScottish Junior team to compete

against Ireland – one Junior and oneIntermediate shearers. The Irishwon, but we travel to the BalmoralShow next year for the second test.We’ll both be Intermediate shearersthen and will be competing againstthe first and second placed Juniors, sohopefully we’ll have the upper handthis year.”

Earlier in the year Lewis was nominated for the BBC Young Farmerof the Year and made it into the top20. The initial stages included a couple of trips down to Manchesterfor interviews and a written paper.

“The final four all seemed to be infor diversification projects on theirfarms,” stated Lewis.

At home on the family sheep andbeef farm Lewis runs a herd of suckler cows which are split intospring calvers and backend calvers.All offspring are sold store throughDumfries market. The backendcalves are sold at 12 months and thespring calves are kept till 17 monthsold.

On the sheep front Lewis has aflock of pedigree Suffolks, Blackfacesand Scotch Mules. All non breedinglambs are sold fat through Dumfries.

This year Lewis has also been successful in the show ring with hisSuffolks, taking out both Championand Reserve titles at LesmahagowShow with a ewe. He also lifted

Farming Country – Issue eighty-eight

YOUNG FARMERS LEWIS HARKNESS

Reserve spot at the Suffolk ClubShow and won classes at Ayr andDumfries.

When he’s not busy on farm, thiscompetitive young man attendsLower Nithsdale Young Farmers Cluband has enjoyed competing in sheep dressing and sheep shearing atNational Level and more recently cattle dressing competitions at WestArea.

Last season he won the Juniorsheep shearing at Club level, qualifiedat Lesmahagow for the HighlandShow and was third in the YoungFarmer Section at the Highland. TheYF competition is open to any class ofshearer, as long as they are a memberand under 26, so coming third as aJunior shearer was commendable.

Away from farming circles, Lewisfinds time to compete at runningevents and last weekend was triumphant in the Hard RockChallenger. Lewis ran the 10 miles injust over an hour, while his friendcompleted the 16 mile cycle. Theywon the event in 2008, were secondin 2009 and second again this year.

“I’ve always enjoyed running, it’ssomething I’ve just been good at,”

admitted Lewis, who said he cansprint too, but prefers long distance.While he was still at school he ranthree times at the Scottish Nationals.

Like many young sheep shearers,Lewis would love the opportunity totravel to New Zealand to shear, but asthe main man on the family farm hefeels he cannot up sticks and head off.

When Lewis was just a boy, hisfather climbed a ladder to check howmuch feed was in a feed bin. He felloff the ladder and has never been ableto work again.

It shows just how dangerous a farmyard can be and how a simple task canend in tradegy. Recent Health andSafety figures state that a farmer isfour times as likely to die on the farmthan in a car accident. Figures forScotland tend to be higher than therest of the UK.

The Harkness family must be veryproud of Lewis, who from an earlyage has had a lot of responsiblity butis making a resounding success of thefarm and everything that he does.

I personally think the BBC missedout on a shining example of a YoungFarmer, who aims to progress in hisfarming and shearing fields.

Farmer: Lewis Harkness

Farm: Netherhall Farm

Location: Kirkmahoe, Dumfries & Galloway

Area: 400 acres owned

Cattle: Suckler cow herd, sell off spring asstores

Sheep: Pedigree Suffolks, Blackface & Scotch Mule Ewes, sell all lambs fat

Other Income: Sheep shearing & crutching

YFC: Lower Nithsdale

Achievements: Scottish Junior Shearer of the Year 2012In top 20 BBC Young Farmer of the Year 2012Won Hard Rock Challenge – 10 mile runin conjunction with friend who cycled 16m Won Champion & Reserve with Suffolks at Lesmahagow Show & Reserve Champ at ClubShow

FARM FACTS

Clipping & Shearing Blades Sharpened

All Machines andSpares Supplied

Coorie Doon, Bridgend Road, Wandel, Abington, Biggar, ML12 6RRTel/Fax: 01864 502485 Mob: 07718 911 181

Farming Country – Issue eighty-eight 27

If you’re looking for guaranteedexcitement on a family day out ora wee adrenaline rush during time

spent with friends and don’t have theresources or inclination to make it toDisney then Craigluscar ActivityCentre, near Dunfermline offers allthis from John and MargaretGraham’s family farm in Fife.

Have you ever fancied flying aHovercraft? Craigluscar is one of thefew places where you can float on airand navigate the craft all by yourself –it’s a test of handling ability and loadsof fun. If you’ve got a flat field orshallow water and friends to entertain, you can book up to four ofthe crafts to come to you.

Quad biking is taken to anotherlevel here; with 600 upland acresincluding 300 acres of grass and roughgrazing and the remainder establishedwoodland planted with Spruce, Larchand hardwoods, the hill provides perfect terrain for the quads. Anexperience covers 11 miles with thehighlight being the 360 degree viewfrom 750 ft – you can see the WallaceMonument and the iconic Forth Roadand Rail Bridges. A customer reviewon Trip Advisor sums it up well,“Breath-taking.”

Clay pigeon shooting, tractor driving and more recently a Swedishsnow machine complete the current offering at the centre, which is run byJohn and Margaret and their son, alsoJohn, with help from five part-timeinstructors.

It was John senior who dipped histoe into this diversification projectback in 1985 inviting friends to try

out the shooting; it wasn’t long untillocal hotels were sending groups ofpaying guests.

A few years later the farm boughtits first farm bike, a trike actually purchased for going round the sheep.Friends and visitors were fascinatedand keen to jump on making Johnrealise that he could add this as anattraction.

John snr said; “We’ve developedthe business to include activities youcan’t find elsewhere in Scotland, wewere one of the first centres to open,there were no grants available at thetime, so we just listened to our customers and developed it one stepat a time. On a busy weekend we cannow arrange activities for up to 70people each day. The customerscome from all walks of life, familieswith older children enjoy being ableto do an activity together, all theactivities build confidence as they areinstructor led and most of all, they’refun!”

Farming continues alongside theactivities, although there are no cattleor Clydesdales anymore as they didn’tmix well with the visitors.

A flock of 350 DerbyshireGritstones live in harmony with allthe happenings on the farm. TheDerbyshire Gritstones were introduced in the early seventies, atthe time the EU was threatening toban horned sheep so John seniorlooked into alternative polled hillbreeds and brought back the initialGritstones from Huddersfield. Hehas since discovered the breed arevery hardy and easy to work with and

he breeds some pure to producereplacements and the remainder go toa Blue-faced Leicester or Texel sire.The first draw of lambs are finishedand the remainder are sold storethrough Caledonian Marts in Stirling.

The ewes lamb outside in Apriland May and they are so accustomedto the quad bikes that the treks upthe hill continue to take placethroughout the lambing season. Johncommented, “At lambing time wedon’t have to stop any activities, if aewe needs assistance we’re on handand it’s actually a highlight for ourcustomers if they see a lamb beingborn. Many folk have never witnessed an animal giving birth infront of them so they love if we needto make a diversion for a delivery.”

With the flat areas being used forthe hovercrafts and sunny summerdays bringing in the peak numbers ofvisitors, there are no spare fields ortime to make hay so they buy inenough bales for the sheep fromneighbouring farmers.

In fact the only farm machinery isthe John Deere tractor, dump trailerand a topper. The John Deere 6506is an attraction in itself, with tractordriving proving to be rapidly growingin popularity.

“This summer we welcomed a 21year old girl from Irvine, when shewas a child she loved tractors and asshe grew up she continued to pesterher Dad, asking if she could have atractor of her own. It seems hecouldn’t afford the hefty price tag ofa new machine but did want to makeher dream come true in a small way

so he brought her here and shelearned how to drive the John DeereShe was ecstatic and so was her Dad,who had saved a small fortune – wetry to keep our prices affordable sothat everyone can enjoy a new experience,” shared John senior.

John junior has recently returnedhome after 11 years working full timefor an agricultural contractor althoughhe has always been involved at weekends and evenings. One of hisfirst projects is to thin the woodland,which has been established for morethan twenty years and he’s alsoinvolved in the construction of a purpose built shooting range, plannedto open in the New Year. The site isalready cleared for the 25m building,which may attract a local shootingclub but will also be used for shootingand archery to widen the experiencesavailable.

John jnr said, “Our corporate customers return year after year, soit’s beneficial to be providing additional experiences for these loyalclients. The trend to turn a Stag orHen party into a weekend of celebrating has taken off over the lastfew years and we’ve linked in withevent management companies whoplan the whole weekend and bring theparties out to Craigluscar. It’s greatto be part of this, we always offer hotdrinks and shortbread in the log cabinfor their arrival and departure andwhen they leave many customersshake our hands and thank us all.When they go home on a high fromtheir experiences, we know we’vedone our job well.”

RURAL ROUND-UP RECREATION

Stags & HensFarmed at

CraigluscarFarmer: John, Margaret & son JohnGraham

Farming: Craigluscar Farm

Location: by Dunfermline, Fife

Area: 600 acres owned

Sheep: 350 Derbyshire Gritstone ewes+100 replacement ewe hoggs

Elevation: 500 - 750ft above sea level

Diversification: Craigluscar Activities

18 Yamaha Grizzly Quads4 Hovercrafts1 Hagglund BV20G Snowcat1 John Deere 6506 Tractor1 Shooting trailer2 Grass Toppers

FARM FACTS

IN THE SHED

by Fiona

Turnbull

28

If you are looking for an unforgettable Christmas gift thisfestive season consider treating

that special someone to a present thatcombines his or her passion for horses, with a once in a lifetime experience.

In The Saddle specialise in horseback holidays at destinations allacross the globe, from European getaways and short breaks to equestrian escapades on the other sideof the world. With a holiday to suitevery rider’s abilities, taste and senseof adventure, booking an equestriantrip for a loved one offers a uniqueand inspiring gift that no horse lovercould be disappointed with.

For the equine enthusiast who isconscious of their purse strings, theCampania Relaxed Ride in Italy provides breathtaking scenery, exhilarating riding and beautifulaccommodation, all at a great price.Set on a delightful hilltop farm in IMoresani, south of Naples, theCampania Relaxed Ride combinesearly morning rides with relaxedafternoons by the pool and deliciousItalian cuisine. Priced from £534 perperson, the Campania Relaxed Rideoffers the trip of a lifetime at anaffordable price.

For the equestrian adventurer,Montana’s Bonanza Creek providesthe perfect destination to embrace

any rider’s inner Cowgirl or Cowboy!Experience ‘Big Sky’ country atBonanza Creek and discover what lifeis like on a real working cattle ranch.Enjoy hearty meals, stay in beautifullog cabins and ride along woodedmountainsides, through vast meadowsand past crystal clear lakes. Pricedfrom £1250 per person, BonanzaCreek allows riders to experience thethrill of ranch life on beautiful,responsive horses.

For the horse rider who has everything, a trip to the Sacred ValleyRide in Peru would simply take theirbreath away. Nestled between Cuscoand Machu Picchu, the Sacred ValleyRide takes travellers through the spectacular landscape of the Andes,surrounded by snow-capped mountains, deep blue lagoons andancient lost cities. The Peruvian Pasohorses are known as the Cadillacsamongst horses, with their ‘paso llano

gait’ that allows you to cover theground in a comfortable four beat lateral pace. Priced from £2677 perperson, a trip to the Sacred ValleyRide in Peru will prove unforgettablefor all the right reasons.

In The Saddle can advise on theperfect riding holiday to suit yourbudget and requirements thisChristmas. Seek gift inspiration byvisiting www.inthesaddle.com or call01299 272 997.

RURAL ROUND-UP RECREATION

Holiday – In the Saddle

Your Chance For a Holiday – Cowboy Style

RURAL ROUND-UP COMPETITION

farmingscotland.comis delighted to offer

it’s readers a chance to win a holiday of a lifetime kindly donated by the

Colorado Cattle Companya

Six Day Riding Holiday

December Competition‘HORSE POWER’

First Prize Winner Receives:Six Day Riding Holiday

worth $2199.00

e-mail entries to editor@farmingscotland.comby 19th November 2012

You can enter as many photos as you wish.

To advertise in Farming Country

please call016444 60644

If you would like a monthly subscription to FarmingCountry so it is delivered to your door every monthplease fill out the form below and send a chequefor £40 to: Farming Country Subs, farmingscotland.com, Marbrack Farm, Carsphairn,Castle Douglas, DG73TE

Name:

Address:

Date of first copy required:

Photography CompetitionOctober WinnersHard at Work

This month we are looking for photographs for ‘HorsePower’ – four legged or wheeled! If you have any topshots e-mail them to editor@farmingscotland.com by the

19th November to be in with a chance to win. The winningphotographs will be printed in the December issue of FarmingCountry, with the best three or four receiving a prize from thesponsors below. First prize for December receives a six dayriding holiday for one courtesy of the Colorado CattleCompany, worth $2199 (flights not included). The judge’sdecision is final and there will be no cash alternative. The winner will be required to take a photo diary while on holiday,which will be featured in a future edition of Farming Country.Second place wins a years subcription to Farming Country andthird and fourth will be sent an apron and cookery book and abeannie hat from Quality Meat Scotland.

30

2nd

3rd

Ist prize winner October Issue– Leanne Betram, Moffat,

with her wonderful photo of her son hard at work!Leanne wins a £70 voucher from

Craigluscar Activities, featured on page 31

2nd prize winner – wins a cookery book, apron & beanie hat from QMS

Sarah Hunter, Farr, Inverness

3rd prize winner – wins a cookery book, apron & beanie hat from QMS

3rd Neil Thomson, Greenlaw, Bordersfor his ‘Men at Work’ photo – recognise anyone?