Move to prevent harvest getting bogged down

Machinery and labour co-operative Ringlink is ready to help farmers facing weather-related problems harvesting crops.

It has moved combines from the north-east into Tayside, where conditions in recent weeks have been rather wet.

Managing director Graham Bruce said the Laurencekirk-based ring, which acts as a machinery pool, was ready to cope with the harvest when it finally gets under way in those areas where it has been wet.

He said: “There is always bedlam after a long period where the weather has interrupted the work. But we have already moved combines from areas where harvesting is up to date. The big benefit of the ring system is the flexibility it brings to a difficult season like this.”

Mr Bruce said the cutting capacity of modern combines made it more likely that they would be able cope with any added pressure from any reasonable weather window that might appear to allow crops to be harvested.

Mr Bruce is, however, more concerned about the availability of straw as many farmers have chopped it on early combined crops. He expects the trend to continue should the weather continue to cause problems and delay the sowing of following crops.

Demand for straw is, however, likely to be down this year because of falling livestock numbers.

Meanwhile, turnover at the co-op has climbed above £25million for the first time, largely on the back of an increasing number of its 2,300 members buying their fuel and fertilisers through it.

Ringlink training subsidiary Mearns and Angus Services has also reported an increase in the number of courses it provides. Part of that 20% rise is due to it undertaking courses for spraying operators that are demanded as part of the membership rules for Scottish Quality Cereals, the assurance scheme that operates for grain crops north of the border.

Demand for staff continues to grow with it now hiring out 80 staff a day on average.