Davy McCracken: Experts helping steer direction of rural policies
SRUC’s Professor Davy McCracken offers an insight into work at the college’s hill and mountain research centre.
Shearling ram Dark Dawn tops the sale at 30,000gn
Breeders from south of the border led the trade at the Beltex Sheep Society’s Premier Show and Sale at Harrison and Hetherington’s Borderway Mart last week, but Scottish breeders made their presence felt in buying several top-priced lots.
Farmers could be due floodwater compensation
Farmers and crofters with water-logged fields as a result of water being pumped away from flooded houses or roads may be entitled to compensation, claim lawyers.
Dangers mean farmers are risking life and limb
For as long as I’ve known my other half (almost 17 years), I’ve been keenly aware that farms and working in agriculture is dangerous.
Finest commercial cattle set for Thainstone Spectacular
An entry of 50 prize-winning cattle suitable for further exhibition is destined for sale at next week’s Thainstone Spectacular.
Health and Safety Executive chairman urges safer working on farms
Health and Safety Executive (HSE) chairman Martin Temple has urged farmers and crofters to put accident prevention at the heart of their working lives.
Mearns farm champion of cereals competition
A Fettercairn farm has been crowned cream of the crop in this year’s Royal Northern Agricultural Society (RNAS) growing cereals competition.
Plea for improved country of origin labelling
NFU Scotland (NFUS) has called for improved country of origin (Coo) labelling on processed beef products.
Farmer takes to the airwaves to talk red meat
A Grantown farmer will feature in a series of radio adverts to highlight the Scottish red meat industry’s sustainability and animal welfare credentials.
Staff left ‘devastated’ as Muller launches review into Aberdeen centre operations
Up to 50 jobs are at risk after dairy giant Muller announced it is reviewing the viability of its Aberdeen depot.
Muller depot closure plan puts 50 Aberdeen jobs at risk
Dairy giant Muller has announced plans to close its Aberdeen distribution depot putting 50 jobs at risk.
Dutch spotted gimmers make history at county show
Dutch spotted sheep have been creating a bit of a stir after making their debut at a number of agricultural shows this summer.
Red meat processors hit back at beef price drop accusations
Red meat processors have hit back at accusations they are not doing enough to help the beef sector.
Grain price rises drain away beer firm profits
The owner of the Portgordon maltings, near Buckie, has blamed higher grain prices at Harvest 2018 and caution from distillers for a drop in pre-tax profits last year.
Tattie sector ‘under threat’ from spread of potato cyst nematode
Plant scientists have warned that unless the industry unites in its efforts to stop the spread of potato cyst nematode (CPN) there will be no Scottish potato sector left in 25 years’ time.
Family target Mair prizes as Beltex breed proclaimed top of the flocks
A family renowned for producing quality stock in the north-east of Scotland has backed the Beltex breed for many years, reaping the rewards at shows and sales to put the breed on the map.
Health and safety advice that should really catch the eye
In her monthly column, Susan Webb, director of public health for NHS Grampian, offers advice on eye health
‘Brexit uncertainty looms over autumn lamb sales and harvest’
The summer show season is always a great time to catch up with news, meet up with friends and appreciate the magnificent display of livestock and other produce which show off the best of rural Scotland.
Charollais gimmer grabs limelight at Dounby Show
A quality show of livestock from Orkney’s West Mainland was forward at Dounby Show.
Impressive young bull lifts the Grantown crown
Despite some horrendous wet weather on the lead up to the event, exhibitors and spectators enjoyed a good dry day at Grantown Show yesterday, where a young Aberdeen-Angus bull from Neil and Mark Wattie, was presented the overall show champion of champions award.
Scotland’s largest agricultural society puts new chairman in hot seat
Scotland’s largest agricultural organisation has appointed a new chairman.
Aberdeenshire breeder crowned top of flocks at Suffolk show and sale
North-east breeder Jimmy Douglas was top of the flocks at the Carlisle and Northern Counties Society show and sale of Suffolks.
Zwartbles’ top sale goes for 2,200gn
Zwartbles topped at 2,200gn at the breed’s premier show and sale in Carlisle.
Body condition score reminder after caesareans rise in calving cows
Farmers and crofters are being reminded to manage cattle according to their body condition score following reports of an increased number of caesarean sections in calving cows.
Cheviot gimmer is top of the flocks at Skye Agricultural Show
A home-bred North Country Cheviot gimmer was crowned top of the flocks at this year’s Skye Agricultural Show.
Equine blood test will revolutionise redworm treatment
A new blood test to diagnose small redworm infections in horses will launch this autumn.
Bid to unearth best trainee in meat industry
The hunt is on to find the best trainee working in the Scottish red meat industry.
Scotland sees big rise in cost of rural crime
The cost of rural crime in Scotland was up 62.2% last year to more than £1.57 million, according to NFU Mutual.
Prejudice highlighted in debate on role of women in agriculture
The role of women in agriculture and whether special women-only agricultural training events and schemes are needed were debated at the Turriff Show yesterday.
Simmental heifer a Sterling winner at Turriff Show
A Simmental cow from Reece Simmers of Backmuir, Keith, took the supreme champion of champions accolade at a sunny Turriff Show yesterday.
No-deal Brexit ‘would be best thing’ for dairy business
The chairman of Scotland’s largest independent dairy remains undeterred – optimistic even – about the prospect of a no-deal Brexit. Gemma Mackenzie finds out more
Scottish Government to host beef summit
A Scottish Government beef summit is to be chaired by Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing in the next few weeks, hard on the heels of this week’s NFU Scotland (NFUS) industry meeting in Inverurie.