Jaegerbomb owner will hold herd dispersal sale
The Lancashire Limousin breeders who bought a bull at the centre of a high-profile breed registration crisis are to disperse their herd.
Farming
‘New projects brighten up dark January days’
It’s a time of year I usually struggle with, which I willingly share in these pages because I’m keenly aware it is a feeling experienced by many, particularly in the farming community.
Farm leaders plan national day of action
A national day of action is planned by the four UK farmers’ unions to counteract the misinformation and mistruths on farming and food production by those who want to do the industry down.
Ewing in direct subsidy support vow to farmers
The Scottish Government has assured farmers and crofters it has no plans to end direct subsidy support to the sector.
‘Some mystery’ for finalists in Lantra awards
Six agriculture trainees have been shortlisted in Lantra Scotland’s Awards for Land-based and Aquaculture Skills (Albas).
New tractor sales showing growth
Sales of new tractors in Scotland were up 7.4% last year, according to the Agricultural Engineers Association (AEA).
Jim Hunter: Is farming one of those ‘indispensable’ British industries that will never disappear – just like coal mining?
Might we about to see the emergence of a countryside where there’s little in the way of farming?
Plea for farming industry to let public into its workings
The British food and farming industry has been told it needs to be totally transparent and behave as if it is being watched 365 days a year.
Insect farming could soon have sector buzzing
Insect farming could soon become commonplace in Scotland, according to Zero Waste Scotland, which has published a new how-to guide on the practice.
Loans will soon cover LFASS payments
Hill farmers and crofters will soon receive payments through the Scottish Government’s Less Favoured Area Support Scheme (LFASS) of loans.
Scottish dairy farming industry loses 27 herds
More than 25 dairy farmers left the industry north of the border in 2019, according to the Scottish Dairy Cattle Association (SDCA).
New bill to govern farming in wake of Brexit
English farmers will be paid for “public goods” such as protecting water and air quality, boosting wildlife and tackling climate change under new laws for agriculture.
Ex-banking boss heads up livestock auctioneers body
The former head of agriculture at HSBC Bank has been appointed executive director of the Institute of Auctioneers and Appraisers in Scotland (IAAS).
Major change to meat promotion may be in store
A major change of tack in the approach to promoting Scottish beef, lamb and pork is expected to be announced imminently by Quality Meat Scotland (QMS).
Agri-workers invited to film screening
Farmers and crofters are invited to the premiere of a short film highlighting the work being done to mitigate the impact of sea eagles on agriculture.
New laws to reward farmers for boosting wildlife and tackling climate change
Farmers will be paid for “public goods” such as protecting water and air quality, boosting wildlife and tackling climate change under new laws for agriculture.
Campaign beefs up the benefits of red meat
A Grantown beef farmer will feature in advertising in gyms and health clubs across Scotland as part of efforts to boost the credentials of the Scottish red meat sector.
NFU Scotland seeks national fuel exchange
The farmers’ union has called on the government to implement a national fuel exchange scheme which would uplift “problematic” diesel currently in farm tanks and replace it with alternative supplies.
Farm subsidy simplification taskforce calls for changes to mapping
Alterations to online land mapping systems and the appeals process are among a list of recommended changes to the way the Common Agricultural Policy (Cap) is delivered over the next few years.
Scottish cattle numbers down – but efficiency is up
The number of Scottish cattle has declined in the past decade but farmers have become more efficient, according to Quality Meat Scotland (QMS).
Dairy farmers on brink of plant breakthrough
A group of north-east dairy farmers are on the brink of securing their futures this week as they attempt to nail down the final details of a milk processing plant in Aberdeenshire.
‘Loss of ocean currents could wreck UK arable farming’
UK arable farming could be decimated if climate change causes the collapse of a vital pattern of ocean currents, according to new research.
Vital employment advice for farmers
Farmers will be given employment advice at a series of events later this month.
Farming union hoping to get more women involved
NFU Scotland (NFUS) has pledged to do more to get women involved in the organisation.
Grange ploughman the Supermatch champion
Grange ploughman Ian McDonald was crowned cream of the crop at the Grampian Supermatch.
Channel 4 TV show angers pig sector
Pig farmers are up in arms over a television programme scheduled to be shown by Channel 4 next week which shows animal activists committing criminal acts on farms.
US cattle outfit defends use of hormones
Proposed trade deals between the UK and the US have heightened interest in United States agriculture. Nancy Nicolson visited the Midwest to find out more about farming across the pond
Chance to see organic oilseed rape trial in action in north-east
Growers are invited to find out more about a trial to grow organic oilseed rape in Scotland at a special event this month.
Bill ensures farmers get direct payments in 2020
A new bill has been introduced in Westminster to ensure farmers and crofters continue to receive subsidies for the 2020 scheme year.
Villiers eases US trade anxiety for farmers
Environment Secretary Theresa Villiers has confirmed hormone-treated beef and chlorine-washed chicken will not be allowed into the UK under any trade deal with the United States.
Specialist farming bank to provide a UK first when live
A new specialist bank for farmers will launch later this year.
Farming industry leaders out to prove green credentials
Scottish farm leaders are on a mission to prove the industry’s green credentials ahead of a major climate change conference in Glasgow later this year.