Union reports ‘better than expected’ harvest
Harvest 2018 has been better than expected, according to the National Farmers Union Scotland (NFUS).
NFU Scotland
Farming bosses demand legal change over ‘disappointing’ livestock worrying conviction
Farming chiefs are calling for tougher punishments for livestock worriers following a sheep attack so violent the photographs of the aftermath are unpublishable.
Scam alert as farmer ripped off by banking email ‘ghost’
A Scottish farmer has been left thousands of pounds out of pocket after falling victim to a convincing online scam known as “ghosting”.
Farming union says visa scheme falls far short of needs
Farm leaders welcomed news of a pilot visa scheme for seasonal farm workers but warned it falls far short of industry requirements.
Farmers told to prepare for a ban on plastic burning
Farmers and crofters have been told to prepare for a complete ban on the burning of plastics and most agricultural waste from the start of next year.
Swift farm subsidies payment urged by union president
NFU Scotland (NFUS) has called on the Scottish Government to pull out all the stops to ensure all outstanding 2017 farm subsidy payments are made as soon as possible.
Union urges clarity over grants for new entrants
The Scottish Government has failed to confirm whether applications for its New Entrants Capital Grant Scheme will be accepted after its final deadline on Friday.
Supermarkets slated for not offering Scots lamb
Asda, the Co-operative and Waitrose have come under fire by NFU Scotland (NFUS) for failing to stock Scotch Lamb.
Straw shortage means premium pricing to stay
Harvest 2018 progress reports from across Scotland confirm an impending shortage of straw despite more farmers choosing to bale, rather than chop.
Spring livestock worrying incidents up by 50%
The number of livestock worrying incidents reported to Police Scotland increased by more than 50% in the spring.
Scottish Government launches farm subsidy loan scheme
The Scottish Government has launched a national loan scheme to administer farm subsidy support from early October.
Aberdeenshire pig farmer named NFUS Unsung Hero
A well-known pig farmer is this year’s recipient of NFU Scotland’s (NFUS) north-east region Unsung Hero award.
‘Scotch Beef brand key to survival after Brexit’
Scottish food producers have been warned they are at risk of being flattened by a “Brexit juggernaut”, which is hurtling towards them at full speed.
Farmers and crofters urged to take better care of their mental health
Farmers and crofters are being urged to take care of their mental health and seek help when they need it.
Campaign for straw and feed planning
Farmers are being encouraged to plan ahead as part of a new straw and feed campaign launched by NFU Scotland (NFUS).
Farmers dig deep to win soil contest
Central Scotland farmers have scooped the top awards in the James Hutton Institute’s (JHI) annual best soil competition.
Memorial stockjudging event raises thousands
More than £3,700 was raised for charity at a stockjudging evening organised in memory of the late Press and Journal farming editor, Joe Watson.
£17m Thainstone abattoir gets the green light
It’s an initiative which will beef up the north-east economy.
‘Access to land is main barrier for farming new entrants’
Access to land is the main barrier to new entrants to farming, claims a new report.
Access to European markets a necessity for UK livestock sector
Livestock leaders of the UK’s farming unions are adamant that the UK Government must adopt a post-Brexit trade policy which prioritises tariff-free, frictionless access to European markets.
Martin Birse – taking stock makes business sense
In uncertain times, taking stock can make good business sense.
Scottish Government accused of doing nothing to prepare post-Brexit farm policy
Scottish Government has been accused of doing nothing to prepare for the dawn of a new era of agricultural policy once the UK leaves Europe next year.
Charity competition in Joe Watson’s memory
A charity stockjudging event in memory of the late Press and Journal farming editor, Joe Watson, is set to take place next week.
Scottish Suckler Beef Support Scheme payments set to begin
Scottish beef producers will receive their share of Scottish Suckler Beef Support Scheme (SSBSS) payments worth £38 million in the next few weeks.
‘NFU Scotland deserves pat on back for post-Brexit vision’
Andrew McCornick and his NFU Scotland (NFUS) team deserve a big pat on the back for providing leadership on a new Scottish agricultural policy post-Brexit. Their Steps to Change document has, if nothing else, kicked off a real debate on the future of farm support in Scotland.
Frustration increases as late spring hits sowing
Growers across Scotland are becoming increasingly frustrated by the stop-start approach to sowing after the delayed spring.
Permanent changes introduced to sheep coupled support scheme
Scottish Government has given in to industry demands and made permanent changes to the rules of the Scottish Upland Sheep Support Scheme (SUSSS).
Michael Gove invited to witness live export of livestock in the north-east
NFU Scotland (NFUS) and Serco NorthLink Ferries have invited Defra Secretary Michael Gove to witness the live transport of animals from Shetland and Orkney to Aberdeen.
NFUS accused of lacking understanding of crofts
The Scottish Crofting Federation (SCF) has launched an attack on NFU Scotland (NFUS) accusing the union of having a “fundamental lack of understanding of crofting”.
Extra financial help for farmers may be on way
Additional support for farmers and crofters is being considered by the Scottish Government in the wake of exceptionally bad weather, a lack of fodder and straw, and increased livestock losses.
Prolonged winter takes its toll on Scottish farms
The slow start to spring and the ongoing spell of wet, wintery weather is taking its toll on farms and crofts across the north and north-east.
Supermarkets hailed over home-produced lamb – but some can still do better
Supermarket efforts to stock home-produced lamb in the run-up to Easter have been praised by farmers’ union NFU Scotland.