Tractor theft crimewave leads to fears of violence
A leading Fife farmer has warned that the spate of tractor thefts in the area by organised criminal gangs has the potential to escalate into a “danger to life and limb”.
NFU Scotland
It’s better to be SAF than sorry, advises NFU chief
Farmers and crofters have been urged to prioritise filling out their Single Application Form (SAF) online before the May 15 deadline.
Supermarkets praised for use of UK products
NFU Scotland’s secret beef shoppers have given the majority of the country’s supermarkets a vote of confidence for stocking home-reared products, with only a couple of retailers identified as needing to improve their sourcing.
Union unhappy over BSE costs falling on members
Farmers and crofters will foot the bill for BSE testing of fallen stock from April 1.
Sheep sector fuming over ‘baffling’ U-turn decision
Farming and meat trade leaders have united in condemning ‘a hugely damaging U-turn’ by the UK Government.
Beef campaign to check on level of retail support
A new Scotch Beef “shelf-watch” campaign is to be run over the next few weeks to check which major retailers are supporting domestic supplies over imported products.
LFASS loan offer letters on way to farmers
Farmers and crofters will soon receive loan offer letters for the Scottish Government’s National Less Favoured Area Support Scheme (LFASS).
‘Robbing farmer Peter to pay Paul unacceptable’
Suggestions that other farm sectors should “carry the cost” of the cuts being made to the Less Favoured Area Support Scheme (LFASS) has been dismissed as “wholly unacceptable” by NFU Scotland’s director of policy, Jonnie Hall.
Aberdeenshire farmer Charlie Adam elected NFUS vice-president
Alford farmer Charlie Adam was yesterday elected a vice-president of NFU Scotland.
Farmers’ fury over effects of SNH policy on wildlife
Beavers, badgers and buzzards surpassed even Brexit as a bugbear for the Scottish farming industry at NFU Scotland’s annual conference yesterday when growers from across the country vented their frustration over what they see as a lack of wildlife management by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH).
Farming sector seeks post-Cap clarity
Farm leaders yesterday called for certainty and clarity over the way in which industry will transition from the Common Agricultural Policy (Cap) into post-Brexit policy.
Farmers in beef scheme government blunder
A number of farmers and crofters participating in Beef Efficiency Scheme (BES) have been sent warning letters in error.
Candidates end campaigns for farmers’ union
Candidates in the running for NFU Scotland’s (NFUS) vice-presidential roles ended their 10-date tour campaign at Dingwall Mart on Wednesday evening.
Tenant farmers told to seize amnesty chance
Tenant farmers have been reminded to make use of a “once in a lifetime opportunity” to register any improvements eligible for compensation at waygo.
Tractors allowed to use northbound AWPR following mix-up over rules
Farmers will no longer be stopped by police for using the northbound stretch of the AWPR.
NFUS vice-president hopefuls woo north-east farmers
An Aberdeenshire farmer in the running for one of the top jobs at NFU Scotland (NFUS) has pledged to cut back the scale of his business, if necessary, so he can commit 100% of his time to the job.
Lobbyists hopeful over LFASS funds
Farming lobbyists appeared to make some headway yesterday in their campaign to force the Scottish Government to maintain Less Favoured Areas Support Scheme (LFASS) at 100% of current levels.
Sheep farming stalwart wins special award
Shepherding legend Sandy McKirdy has been named as the recipient of this year’s Stalwart Award by the Argyll and the Islands region of NFU Scotland (NFUS).
Groups split on impact of no-deal Brexit on UK
The failure of Westminster politicians to agree on an EU withdrawal plan prompted most rural leaders to reiterate their fears of a no-deal scenario and repeat demands for frictionless trade with Europe, equivalence in the standard of imports and access to seasonal and permanent workers.
We cannot feed our nation without non-UK labour, says NFU Scotland
Britain will not be able to feed itself without the help of seasonal non-UK labour after Brexit, according to the head of a farming union.
Dairy farmers have ‘once in a lifetime’ chance
Dairy farmers will soon be asked for their views on the introduction of mandatory milk contracts with minimum standards.
Campaign launched to highlight distress caused by dogs worrying livestock
A campaign highlighting the “huge distress” caused by dogs worrying livestock has been launched by police and partners in the rural community.
Farm leaders furious at cuts to LFASS payments
The Scottish Government has confirmed further cuts to Less Favoured Areas Support Scheme (LFASS) payments for the next two years.
Farming chiefs slam ‘misguided’ Veganuary campaign
Farm leaders have branded a campaign encouraging people to go vegan for January as misleading.
NFU Scotland to boost presence in Orkney and Shetland
NFU Scotland (NFUS) is increasing its presence in the north.
Dairy hub to be run by NFUS following revamp
The Scottish Dairy Hub will soon be run by NFU Scotland (NFUS).
Farming union candidates to set out their stall at series of hustings
Farmers and crofters are invited to attend a series of hustings next month ahead of NFU Scotland’s (NFUS) elections.
Advice for farmers on plastics burning ban
The ban on burning plastic on farms comes into force in just nine days’ time.
Union dual-country call over farming legislation
A controversial dual-country “belt and braces” approach to new farm legislation has been demanded by Scotland’s farmers’ union.
Union says cut in LFASS payments unacceptable
Scottish farm leaders yesterday launched an urgent call for an exemption from EU rules to try to prevent a 20% drop in Less Favoured Areas Support Scheme (LFASS) payments next year.
Industry chiefs urge consumers to support local food producers
Farming leaders have launched appeals to festive food shoppers to buy Scottish when they do this year’s seasonal stock-up.
Guidance offered to help tree planting schemes
Farmers are being offered help to improve tree planting schemes to make them more effective at capturing airborne ammonia and reducing air pollution.