The Newsletter - Mole Valley Farmers
Transcription
The Newsletter - Mole Valley Farmers
to The Newsletter M FR VF M be rs February 2016 No. 621 molevalleyfarmers.com £1.75 5 knowing what is growing EE em 17 Crystalyx Planning for early turnout PETE ISAAC WRITES 4 24 18 calf health ariat 30-32 spring gardening Feeding spring calving suckler cows LIVESTOCK CONDITION 9 Quail farming Cross breeding FARMING BUSINESS STARTS WITH QUAILS 7 THE IMPORTANCE OF SELECTION 10 LAMBING TIME HEALTH, PRODUCTS AND ADVICE 12-15 Local suppliers SWANNACOTT MANOR MEATS SUPPLY HOLSWORTHY BRANCH 33 Photo by Richard Lane Mole Valley Farmers - it’s a way of life FARMING Contact us Head Office Mole Valley Farmers Ltd Exmoor House, South Molton North Devon EX36 3LH Telephone - 01769 573431 Fax - 01769 573821 www.molevalleyfarmers.com email [email protected] Directors Chairman - Graeme Cock Stephen Bone, Peter Delbridge, Steve Edmunds, Brian Jennings, Tim Wall, Gaynor Wellwood, Peter Winstone Chief Executive - Andrew Jackson Company Secretary - Andrew Chapple A.C.A Customer Accounts Sales Ledger 01769 576204 Credit Control 01769 576266 [email protected] Membership helplines Open Mon-Sat 8.00am-5.30pm Sunday 10am-4pm Bridgwater TA7 8PE Bath Road, Bawdrip Manager: Bruce Williams Cullompton EX15 1NU Honiton Road, Stoneyford Manager: Mark Brown Adverts only accepted and printed at editor’s discretion. To submit your small ad, contact: Tel: 01769 576243 Fax: 01769 576262 [email protected] Please remember to quote your membership number when placing an advert. The Newsletter team [email protected] [email protected] VAT and pricing Unless stated, prices in this Newsletter DO NOT include VAT. Prices are correct at the time of going to press, but may subsequently be changed without notice. E&OE Please recycle this newsletter or give it to a friend Company Founder - John James MBE 2 MVF Newsletter 621 01373 852360 Liskeard PL14 4LN Moorswater I/E, Liskeard Manager: David Nias St. Columb TR9 6SF St Columb I/E Manager: Paul Tippett 01579 340034 Dorset Alex Taylor Andy Jolliffe Nigel Mapstone Alan Holley 01769 574477 01769 575618 01935 420971 MV Feed Solutions / Forage Guy Livingston Wilts/Glos David Balls Ron Jerram Beth Gibson Colin Jones Barrie Evans James Evans Simon Collins Morys Ioan South East Mark Antrobus 01769 576232 South East 01769 576405 01566 780284 Other useful contacts 01769 576201 01884 860478 01769 575674 0333 202 6510 01626 835002 07717 792687 07768 467092 07879 07876 07774 07867 07816 888838 752573 835631 796729 172025 07818 061810 07836 646970 07979 708294 07778 186337 07767 463496 07887 628480 07768 924135 07812 733074 07879 07772 07772 07966 07817 613494 867703 867689 902909 030106 07825 953765 07818 017116 07818 542859 Cornwall / Devon / Somerset Chris Lavis James Jackson 01278 420481 07979 616014 Red Meat Team Adam May Lachie Maclachlan 01278 444829 0845 602 7321 07805 854688 Dorset/Hants/Isle of Wight Wales Redruth farmselect TR16 4AX Treleigh I/E, Redruth 01209 340044 Monday-Friday 8am-5pm Sat 8am-12noon Mole Valley Plus MVF Engineering Moleenergy Mole Insurance Pet Vets Andrew Barker Martin Coles Neil Johns James Paxton Scott Carter Somerset 01637 881115 EX36 3LH FeedLine Seeds and Additives Alternative Feeds Minerals Fertiliser sales desk Blends David Higman Michael Chilcott 01409 253014 Newton Abbot TQ12 6RY Battle Road, Newton Abbot 01626 836555 Manager: Jay McCoy Yeovil BA21 5BJ Sherborne Road Manager: Pete Little Charges: £3.50 per line + VAT 01373 831114 Underlane, Holsworthy Manager: Ed McCullar Small ads Dr Robin Hawkey BSc (Hons) PhD Peter Isaac Head of Feed Sales Devon Holsworthy EX22 6EE South Molton Dairy Cornwall 01884 34333 BA11 2PN Standerwick, Frome Manager: Nick Powell MoleCare FarmVets Pathfields I/E Manager: Shaun Carter MoleCare FarmVets Please submit your small ad by Wed.10th February 01278 424240 Frome Applications and admin. 01769 576234 General enquries 01769 576198 [email protected] Next deadline Nutritionists MVF Branches Rebecca Moore South and Mid Wales Ian Turner Ed Jones 07789 480894 07581 499024 07917 097751 07879 617689 07813 365184 FARMING FEBRUARY 2016 Chairman’s letter As I mentioned last month, the extent of the major weather troubles in 2015 were no more than a 24 hour deluge in Cumbria. How wrong did that prove to be? I don’t think it’s stopped raining since. Even the most weather hardy folk are starting to have a sense of humour failure. One comment being the rain was more demoralising than the miserable price he was receiving for his milk. The same could be said for lamb, beef or grain I guess. Whatever your disposition nothing is more uplifting, having had a gutfull of wet days, than a dry sunny winter’s day albeit a little cooler, but it still represents welcome relief. Further into the skies than the clouds, and listening to the discussions around the imminent space walk by British astronaut Major Tim Peake, immediately connects (predictably I guess) with David Bowie’s ‘Major Tom’, and his passing almost seems timely; if death as an event could be described as such. How apt some of those lyrics proved to be even now “the papers want to know who’s shirt you wear” and so on. Have things really changed at all in forty plus years? People’s fascination with such unorthodox occasions, space walks, the moon and outer space never really falters. Well beyond the grasp or comprehension of the majority currently, space is the place where the distinguished few are brave or fortunate enough, suitably trained to consider, or sufficiently wealthy (as in Richard Branson’s case) to fulfil the dream or vision. Much closer to home, bringing it back down to earth (inevitable pun), considerations are undoubtedly being made for the growing season ahead. The jet stream seems to have more than its fair share of mentions. Until relatively recently, it seemed like not many people were aware of the jet stream and its effects on our weather. Weather can be, and is viewed by some, as a boring, predictable subject which is true to an extent but equally stimulates excitement, frustration, anxiety and provokes endless debates and conversations the world over. Weather patterns are influenced by so many things, many of which are all but invisible despite impacting enormously. Back to the growing season, weather aside, the key driver for so many will be to improve forage production and just as importantly its effective use wherever possible. What will really impact on this? Existing grass leys need to be evaluated and replenished or replaced with another crop or reseed where possible. Where time or cash flow doesn’t permit, then it’s about improving the output from what you have. pH and timely early N will help set the season rolling. Urea, particularly in early spring, will give a very good return on investment as will best use of FYMs and slurries. Alternative crops such as spring Barley might give an opportunity to improve blocks of land with a view to a summer re-grass. Maize is still a staple on many farms and grown properly continues to be one of the cheapest crops in terms of tonnes of starch or tonnes of DM harvested and fed. However, grown badly like many other crops with poor attention to detail it, can prove to be a very expensive decision. In a form of risk management, soil structure and nutrient understanding including pH, phosphate and potash are all key components of growing any crop, maize ever more so. The potential win is greater but the stakes are higher. Maize under plastic or fill-um as some of us pronounce it, helps alleviate some of the issues associated with unhelpful weather patterns. The lack of sunshine impacted enormously on the quality of some maize grown in the open in 2015 resulting in a proportion of the ensiled crops having a negative nutritional impact when introduced during winter feeding. This is encouraging some to rethink how to best exploit the crop more effectively this season, or consider realistic alternatives which will replace maize in the diet. A good crop well grown in a sensible rotation with the appropriate care can still give a positive margin on many farms. Stubble turnips and fodder beet are enjoying a renaissance in some areas too, however, the recent wet spell underlines the challenges these carry with them. In the right situation there will be no cheaper feed grown or fed but it does require a certain mind-set and management style to allow these crops to fulfil their potential. Enclosed with this Newsletter is a summarised version of the Annual Report and Accounts. The year ending 30th September 2015 has, on balance, been a reasonable one for Mole Valley Farmers. With the continued support of our Farmer Shareholders and Members the business has again achieved a very strong top line performance of £422million. It is important that the support of the aforementioned is very Graeme Cock Chairman much recognised as being an integral part of the continued success of the business as it has been since its inception 55 years ago. Profitability, however, has been impacted in the year. In line with recent tradition, a very detailed and candid overview of the year’s trading is covered in the Annual Report. This gives a flavour of how this increasingly complex business delivers value propositions on a daily basis as the management team endeavour to enable the business to fulfil on its core principles. For those interested in the business, the content of both the strategic and operational overviews can be very insightful. The AGM this year will be held at the Arundell Arms Hotel, Lifton on Friday 18th March starting at 10.30am. Coffee will be served from 10am allowing attendees to speak with Board members and some of the senior management team beforehand. The AGM will finish no later than 12.30pm and will be followed by a light buffet lunch for those attending. I always encourage interested members to attend the AGM as this is a great opportunity to gain a broader understanding of the business. This year our Farmer Shareholder events will take place on the following dates - 9th February Cullompton, Liskeard and Newton Abbot, 10th February Frome, Holsworthy, South Molton and 11th February Bridgwater, St. Columb and Yeovil - and like other years will feature the opportunity to make substantial product savings. Due to a challenging trading year and a marked reduction in our underling profitability, a decision has been taken not to distribute additional rebate vouchers. Hopefully, and depending upon the trading outcome of the year ahead, we will be in a position to reintroduce a similar initiative next year. MVF Newsletter 621 3 FARMING Planning for early turnout Pete Isaac, Head of Feed Sales Grassland management The options Hugh Frost, Product and Technical Manager At the time of writing in early January, the fields are green, still growing, and extremely saturated. So, it will probably be necessary for most grassland managers to revise their grazing and cutting management strategies for two main reasons; 1. To use the larger quantities of grass in the fields for cost saving and greater nutritional benefits As we’re still in the depths of winter feeding it might seem far-fetched to be thinking of turnout and early season grazing, but the days are lengthening and grass growth is happening, so thoughts ought to be on where some early season grazing can be taken. Grass hasn’t really stopped growing this winter and there is a lot of it out there. Planning to utilise this grass is a very sensible strategy that will help save costs and ensure grass quality and quantity is maintained into the main grazing period. Early season grass growth is of high nutritive value, around 12.3-12.5ME and 22-25% protein, and can, in many instances, be fed as extra DMI if managed correctly. Turning cows out for short periods of 2-3 hours/ day onto good grazing can increase forage DMI by 1-2kgs, particularly if cows have a slight edge to their appetite. Careful management is the key. Cows should be turned out, grazed hard and then back in again before they start to tramp about or lie down, hence the need for the edge to the appetite. Also, giving thought to which cows to graze is sensible as it is the later lactation, in calf cows that provide the best groups to graze in more conventional systems. Utilising early grass growth in this way not only gives a boost to milk production, but also ensures pastures are growing thick leafy covers that do not contain dead and decaying grass matter in the bottom. There will be no loss of grazing potential at the main turnout time, quite the opposite, there will be more and better quality grass available. This also means the grazing swards in the main part of the growing season, March to October, will be more easily managed and better utilised. 4 MVF Newsletter 621 Farmers should be out in the fields and paddocks and assessing grass quality and quantity and start to plan their rotations, it will pay dividends in the main grazing season. The first fields and paddocks to look at will be those that have been shut up for longest from the autumn and it can be quite surprising how much grass is there. Once the assessment has been made and the grazing wedge set up the grazing plan can be put in place. At this point there will be many of the fields/paddocks that are at a similar DM cover, this isn’t too much of a concern now as once grazing starts then the maintenance of that wedge becomes easier. The later the grazing starts the more difficult it will be to stay on top of grass growth and some fields/ paddocks will get away and later season grazing utilisation will be compromised. Added to the assessment of grazing is the need to look at how we get the cows to the grazing. Track conditions and entrances to fields/ paddocks need to be made good so that as little damage as possible is caused in getting to the grazing. Also field/paddock sizing for the period of time grazed needs to be carefully looked at so that again as little damage as possible is caused to grazing – ‘in - eat - out’ is the motto. Planning for an early turnout means when the circumstances and conditions are right you are in a position to take advantage, without a plan you are trusting to luck and can we really afford that in the current climate? PLEASE CALL YOUR NUTRITIONIST OR THE FEEDLINE ON 01278 444829 TO DISCUSS FEEDING CATTLE IN SPRING. MORE ON GRASSLAND MANAGEMENT FROM OUR FORAGE TEAM ON THIS PAGE AND PAGE 5 2. To remove excess grass foliage to avoid plant growth issues later in the season Revision of Grass Management Plans Generally speaking, it seems that at present most farms have the prospect of sufficient quantities of grass, so it will become more important to get the best quality of grass, not only because this makes forage an even more profitable feed resource, but also it is easier for Animal Nutritionists to balance a ration to meet the DMI (dry matter intakes) required. It is likely that in this season it will be advisable to: A Graze as soon as possible and revise the farm’s grazing management plan accordingly It may be that sacrificial grazing is required on the poorest leys (therefore requiring reseeding later), with more consideration to careful grazing on newer leys, to protect swards and soil structure B Cut earlier than usual and plan all arrangements for that eventuality as soon as possible This will provide better quality than leaving till later and a greater yield than normal, over the whole year. Whatever is necessary, the only way to find out and decide the best course of action is to walk the fields, assess and quantify what is possible. Managing grass well, to maximise profit from forage production is now more crucial than ever before. MEASURING GRASS GROWTH Knowing what is growing Hugh Frost, Product and Technical Manager Sound decisions on grass management rely on regular assessment through measurement. Good advice to follow would be to ‘Know what is growing’. This might be simply walking, watching and assessing grass progress, especially if you have managed the same land for many years. However, as it is the fresh young growth of the grass plant that is of greatest nutritional value, it is crucial that pastures are not allowed to get past their optimum time for either grazing or cutting. Managing grass well, to maximise profit from forage production is now more crucial than ever before. Therefore, new innovations to make this easier are critical to progress, especially if they can bring new cost-effective applications. Grasshopper Grasshopper is a new measuring device developed in Ireland by Agrinet. It has easy to use functions aided by Agrinet’s grassland software. The capabilities of Grasshopper: 1 Mapping field boundaries 2 Plate metering grass quantity in all areas The Grasshopper equipment does more than measuring the grass amounts through a plate meter as it uses a phone App to record and later relay the data back to base using the connectivity of the phone. Grasshopper also has a field mapping function, easy to use prior to the grass measuring to create map fields and paddock boundaries. All the data is then geo-tagged to each paddock with every data point recorded for future reference. Visibility of all the route mapped and the data points allows the user to decide the best techniques to collect accurate and usable data. Separate data from the same field but collected by different users can be assessed accordingly. This allows the grass growth rates to be easily viewed and assessed in charts, taking the complications and hassle out of decision making and forward planning. Grass wedges optimises use of milk or meat from grass 3. Grass data recording and viewing on mobile phone App 4. Relaying data from phone App mobile to cloud and back to base Grass budgeting ensures forage is prioritised nutrition and therefore maximises profitability The capabilities of Agrinet: 1. Create grass growth records 2. Charts and planning of grass management 3. Incorporation into wider Farm data Minimum data points required for each paddock, with increased data points improving accuracy 4. Accumulation and integration of grass data to guide future inputs The data that is collected quickly and easily by Grasshopper and its App can then be imported into the straightforward software package. FOR MORE DETAILS ON GRASSHOPPER AND AGRINET SOFTWARE, PLEASE CALL YOUR CROP NUTRITIONIST OR THE FORAGE HELPLINE 01769 576405 MVF Newsletter 621 5 FARMING Thank goodness – there seems to be some respite from the atrocious weather we have all been experiencing lately but my heart goes out to the folks up north who have been flooded out of their homes and businesses. Having experienced first-hand the impact of flooding back in 2013/14 I am only too aware of the challenges situations like this generate. The news programmes never really show the devastation to farming, I suspect to protect viewers from the harsh realities such as the loss of livestock. But thank goodness that as a farming sector we are so well supported by farming charities such as RABI, The Addington Fund, Farm Community Network and Forage Aid. Their work in those areas has only really just begun and I appreciate we are all feeling the “economic pinch” at the moment but if you can make a small donation of money or feed – I think it would be very gratefully received. Whilst some will have received a welcome notification in the post recently, many farming businesses, I think I am right in saying around Bridgwater branch staff changes 49%, are still awaiting payment of their BPS. Apparently the payments made to date account for less than a third of the £1.4billion owed. Come on RPA, farmers are required to submit their forms on time – you are several years into the system now, surely you can get it running quicker and smoother than this! Tightening cash flows have a tendency to focus the mind, so many will be wondering how far the discussions around Brexit will progress, as many are concerned about the impact on agriculture. If our Prime Minister David Cameron is successful in “reforming and renegotiating” the UK’s membership of the EU at the February EU Council summit in Brussels, we could see a referendum as early as June but many believe this is unlikely. Some suggestions are that the referendum may be pushed to late 2016 or even into 2017. A subject which we will undoubtedly revisit. Early into the new year and I am sure, in an attempt to get everyone enthused for the spring season which is fast approaching, the calendar is packed with farming conferences. From the Oxford farming conference (OFC) and let’s not forget the ORFC, Semex, the Positive Farmers Conference in Cork, the British Cattle Breeders Conference to name but a few. My point – so many opportunities for knowledge transfer and to meet with our fellow farmers to debate and discuss ideas and watch the lively debates between the likes of our Defra Secretary of State Liz Truss MP and shadow secretary Kerry McCarthy MP. I hear there were some interesting discussions at the Oxford Farming conference around the land market, with both suggesting prices were “too high”. There is such a lot for the agricultural sector to consider at the moment – some good, some not so but in the words of the American Inventor Charles Kettering - “my interest is in the future because I am going to spend the rest of my life there”. Until next time Julie Liskeard YFC raise £7,500 for Derriford Hospital Steve Noall, Business Centre Manager at Bridgwater, has accepted a secondment to an IT project role within MVF. Steve has a lot of experience from previous job roles in this area and is an ideal fit for the project. Meanwhile, the Bridgwater branch team has been strengthened with the appointment, in a management support role, of one of Mole Valley Farmers’ most experienced Business Centre Managers - Bruce Williams. Bruce is a local lad and known to many of our Members, having grown up and worked in the area for most of his life. Nick Reed has also returned to the branch and is currently overseeing the yard and feed store operation. The Farm Sales team has been expanded with the appointment of Steve Jones. Steve has spent all his working life in agriculture and will enhance the depth of knowledge in the branch. He will work alongside Bruce, Martin Cross and Holly Salmon to build stronger relationships with our core farming and contracting customers in the Bridgwater area. Existing Assistant Business Centre Manager, Phil Morris, and Shop Supervisor, Tom Monaghan will ensure that the retail operation is kept to a high standard. Pete Little, Assistant Manager at Yeovil has stepped into the role of Business Centre Manager during Bruce’s absence. Pete is supported in managing the branch by the experienced Dave Brock, Assistant Manager, and new recruit Neil Waterhouse, Manager Designate. More information next month. 6 MVF Newsletter 621 Liskeard Young Farmers past chairman Matthew Dymond and secretary Ben Poad, along with club members, presenting a cheque for £7,500 to Ian Nicholas of the Cardiac Unit at Derriford Hospital. The club held various fundraising events throughout the year including a whist drive, dung sale, a 12 hour big breakfast, disco and sponsored walk. Contact Matthew at emai email: [email protected] A great life in the YFC! I have been a keen member of Caerwedros Young Farmers Club since I was 11, and I’m now Chairman. I have had some of the best experiences of my life through YFC, the years have flown by with Stock Judging, Drama, Pantomime, Public speaking, 7s rugby and Carcass judging, not forgetting the Young Peoples Village at the Royal Welsh Show! Morys Ioan, MVF Nutritionist in west Wales writes about his link with YFCs Contact Morys on 07817 030106 Ceredigion is a very farmer focused county and I am proud to be Chairman of the Rural Affairs committee and in 2015 I represented the county on the Wales YFC Rural affairs committee at the AGM held in Aberystwyth. Here I was elected Vice-chairman for the Wales YFC Rural Affairs which is a personal highlight for me. Carys Vaughan is the current Chairperson for the committee and I am looking forward to be working alongside Carys and other officials in the Wales YFC circle. Not least I am looking forward to be working with leading agricultural unions and companies in putting welsh farming and young farmers at the heart of every discussion. FARMING Quail form route into farming for new council tenant farmers “Quail are ridiculously labour intensive, they’re worse than milking,” says Devon County Council tenant farmer and Mole Valley Farmers member, Marcus Warner. Marcus and Liz Warner should know - over the last three years, they’ve put their all into their new poultry business, working a minimum 12 hour days to get things off the ground. However, with no farming background and no bank willing to lend them money, they admit that without the quail and the opportunity of a council tenancy, they would have never got into agriculture. Liz explains: “With poultry, you get a weekly income from the eggs so that helps with cash flow. We couldn’t afford the capital to invest in buildings for chickens. Quail don’t need the automation, but they are a lot more labour intensive.” Farming had been a long term aim for the pair for some time. Both had a rural upbringing and had developed careers in the industry Liz at DEFRA and Stonegate egg packers and Marcus as a contractor. At the same time, they had taken on 20 acres of rented ground in Gloucestershire and set up a flock of 20 Dorset ewes. However, both were keen to become full time farmers. “We needed a long term option and time to get our investment back. We felt a council tenancy gave us that and we could throw ourselves into it as we knew we had X number of years,” says Liz. After applying for three council tenancies, they were offered a 14 year tenancy at Henland Farm near Cullompton. This tenancy has now been extended to 20 years. The business plan was key, with Liz using her experience advising start-up poultry businesses to incorporate poultry into the proposal. Timing also played a role, as Stonegate were looking for new quail egg producers. The initial plan was for 5,000 quail, 200 sheep, calf rearing and 60 acres of arable across the 180 acre farm. Liz says it was all about spreading risk. “The poultry were the bread and butter and gave us instant cash flow, the sheep were to utilise the grass and the calves to make the most of some spare cattle building,” she explains. The income from grain would help buy birds and balance risk with the poultry. The farm was taken on in October 2012. Stone buildings were converted, insulation installed and a “small fortune” spent on water pipes and fittings. 5,000 quail then arrived in November, says Marcus. “We were doing all the quail work and grading the eggs. The eggs have to be collected four times a day to keep them clean as quail are ground nesting birds,” he explains. With much of their time taken up with the quail and Marcus and Liz describing themselves as “rubbish sheep farmers”, they then decided to give up the flock. Since then, more investment has been made in buildings and staff numbers increased. Mole Valley Farmers and takes place at Exeter Arena in October. 1,400 primary school children attended the event this year, which included 12 interactive food and farming zones. In the ‘Poultry Zone’, kids got to see various aspects, including eggs hatching and live ducks and turkeys. Liz says Farmwise is a great way to connect with children. “When you look into farming, it is a very closed industry in terms of how you get into it. Poultry farmers are also very biosecurity conscious so it’s not practical to get kids on farm. Farmwise is a way to get the farm to them,” she says. “If we want people to buy British, they’ve got to care about it. If we can get 10-20% to think about where their food comes from, or nagging their mum in the supermarket, it’s got to be of benefit.” Find out more at www.farmwisedevon.org The farm currently runs 13,500 quail producing about 8,000 eggs a day which go to upmarket retailers such as Waitrose. In 2016 numbers will increase to 15,000. However, with no potential to grow the quail flock any further, the Warner’s have recently expanded into 2,000 laying ducks by converting existing sheds. “Ducks are more of a challenge as they are very sensitive to routine and feed. If you get it wrong they can stop laying,” says Liz. The Warner’s struggled to find a route into the industry, due to not having a family connection to farming means the couple are keen to communicate with those outside of the farming world. As a result, for the last two years they have been running the ‘Poultry Zone’ at the Farmwise event, which is run by Devon County Council. The day is sponsored by Two and a half year old Sam Warner lending a hand collecting quail eggs MVF Newsletter 621 7 FARMING Suckler cow fertility is a year round programme In the first of a series of articles on fertility of beef suckler cows, John Lawrence, Senior Mineral Supplements Technical Manager and Chris Gregory, Molecare Farm Vets MRCVS look at the importance of understanding the timing of key events in the calving year. The ‘Beef Suckler Cow Fertility Clock’ shows how these key events fit into the year of the cow, irrespective of the time of the calendar year. The months on this clock count down towards the next calving. This is significant as we need to get ourselves in the mindset of thinking towards the next event on the calving clock. One of the most important messages here is that fertility management is a year round programme which starts 6 months before calving to prepare the cow for the next ‘fertility year’. One of the most significant markers in the fertility calendar occurs around 4-6 weeks before calving, when the egg follicle begins to develop. The size and quality of the egg follicle is directly related to the fertility of the cow. It is very important that minerals and in particular trace elements including copper, selenium and iodine, are supplied to optimal levels during the 2-3 months prior to the egg follicle beginning to develop. Ensure that mineral supplementation is provided from 6 months before calving, even in autumn calving herds which are likely to be at grass. Continue to provide mineral supplementation in the countdown to calving to prevent milk fever related symptoms such as retained foetal placenta or metritis which can impact on fertility. Moving through the fertility clock, the calving period is the pinnacle of the last year’s preparation, so it is important to critically review how it went. Whether it’s part of an ongoing veterinary health plan, or your own records, calculating some simple key outcomes can be a useful comparison year-on-year and equally useful for benchmarking against other farms and industry averages. • % calves born alive: > 95 % • Duration of calving period (first calf to last calf): < 12 weeks (ideally cows 9 weeks, heifers 6 weeks) • % cows calved in the first 3 weeks: > 65 % • Difficult calvings and calving associated problems: Animal ID, date and description 8 MVF Newsletter 621 Beef Suckler Cow Fertility Clock Calving 1 Pre calving assessment -Body condition score -Housing checks 2 -Forage assessment 11 Pre calving ration & mineral balance 10 Pre Service assessment -Bull health check -Ration energy levels Service -Body condition score Managing fertility and conception rates Egg follicle begins to develop Countdown to Calving (months) 3 Review calving -Calves born live -mortality -Cow health - Calving index 9 Disease sampling 4 Health plan -fly control -parasite control -vaccination plan Correct mineral / trace element supply crucial 8 Cull non pregnant cows 5 It is important to be sure of the health and fertility status of the bull(s) building up to the service period. Complete infertility is relatively rare, however sub-fertility is more common and costly if it impairs or delays the service period. We recommend a full ‘Bull Sure’ test at least 8-10 weeks pre-service to allow time for treatment and recovery, if required. The test should consist of a thorough physical examination and semen analysis, taking into account the bulls history and planned work. Routine condition scoring of the herd is equally important in assessing the degree of supplementary feeding required in the build up to service. • Target body condition score at mating: 2.5-5 Post mating, pregnancy diagnosis may be considered. It could entail anything from your own shrewd observation of returns to a full scanning/health visit from the vet 5-6 weeks after the bulls come out. Again, having some targets to assess how well the service period went may generate valuable information e.g. % empty/barren cows, estimated calving spread and reassurance the bull is performing well. Generating this information at the earliest 6 7 PD Assess 6 week incalf rate Review service -PD dates -Calculate 6 week in-calf rate -% empty cows opportunity may allow some key management decisions to be made earlier e.g. decisions on culls/’run-arounds’, budgeting bought-in feed, replacing a bull. • Barren cow rate: < 5 % • % cows predicted to calve in the first 3 weeks of the calving period per 100 cows and heifers put to the bull: > 65 % The last 6 months to calving is where the preparations for the following year begin with regards to fertility. By this stage the suckled calves should be growing well and the cow should be maintaining/gaining condition in the approach to weaning. This is a good time to carry out surveillance on herd disease status and body condition scoring pre-weaning. The nutrition and mineral supplementation will be the last keystone in the run-up to calving to ensure optimum health and condition as the wheel turns again! Mineral helpline on 01278 420481 or email [email protected] For guidance on health related topics please contact Molecare Farm Vets on 01392 872 934 FARMING Feeding the spring calving suckler cow Lachie Maclachlan, Beef and Sheep Specialist After one of the best years for quality grass, the summer and autumn of 2015 has left us ironically with a scenario where a lot of cows and heifers are in too good a condition coming up to calving. Some of these are carrying a condition score at least more than they should. This equates to 70kg plus in liveweight. When you are looking at your stock every day it is harder to notice if they are putting on too much condition. Sometimes it is better to ask someone, maybe your vet or beef nutritionist to observe them to see what they think about their condition. The high energy and high sugar levels in grazed and conserved grass has created this scenario. As I say, this is ironic, as I am always preaching the importance of good quality forage, here we have a situation where, dependent on cow condition, the quality is too good and some straw may need to be fed. Condition scoring Whether spring or autumn calving, changes in body condition should be avoided during the six weeks before calving. Aim to increase body condition score post calving to six weeks after conception to encourage oestrus activity and avoid early embryo loss. In an average 600kg suckler cow, one body condition score equates to about 70kg bodyweight. Grouping cows/heifers by age and/or body condition score also helps to achieve target condition pre-calving by allowing different feeding regimes to be used. Dry matter intake, ME and crude protein requirements Table 1 Period DM intake kg MJ ME/ day Crude protein 9.5-10 75 8.5 6 week post calving 12.6 140 12+ 18 week post calving 12.5 130 11.5 Dry cow As can been seen on Table 1 a suckler cow of 650-700kg liveweight will only require about 75 MJ DM energy to fulfil her daily requirements. But that virtually doubles to between 130-140 MJ at calving and the protein increases by about 30%. Body condition scoring Suckler cows and heifers Autumn calving Spring calving Summer calving At calving 3 2.25-2.5 2.5 At service 2.5-3 2.5 2.5-3 At turnout 2 2-2.5 2 At housing 3 3.5 3 Dry cow rationing • • 60% of foetal weight gained in the last 60 days Critical that the diet is right in this period Dry cows Fifty days before calving, body condition must be stabilised. If cow body condition has not been well managed by 150 days before calving it must be regained quickly to avoid changes in the last 50 days of pregnancy. Lean cows at 150 days pre-calving, should aim to achieve full body condition score, they will need to gain 0.7kg/day for the first 100 days. This will require ad-lib high quality grass silage plus 1-2kg of concentrates per head per day, until body condition is recovered. The ideal body condition score for a spring calving cow at calving is 2.5. An autumn calving cow at calving condition score 3.0. Do not allow cows to become over fat pre-calving. Fertility Managing heifers to get them big enough to bull at 15 months without being overfat requires steady growth of about 0.8kg/day from birth to service, when they should be abound 65% of the mature cow weight. This gain should continue into the last three months of pregnancy when at 21 months of age the heifer should be 85% of mature cow weight. For good conception rates ensure access to plenty of feed to hold or increase body weight until the next service at 27 months old. These animals would normally require an average 0.5kg per day while she is pregnant and lactating, this is best achieved by separating any calved cows from the main herd, which helps to avoid competition from mature cows. Minerals are essential in the pre calving period with specific requirements depending on the diet being fed. In particular cow health and calf vitality require high levels of magnesium, selenium, vitamin E and iodine. The suckled calf Creep feeding can be introduced at any time after calving, but should be fed for at least three weeks before weaning to reduce stress and minimise drop in performance. By the time a calf is 4 months old, half of its requirement should be met by grass, silage or creep feed, rather than milk. At this stage a calf will convert feed to bodyweight more efficiently than at any other time in its life. Regardless of production system maximising 200 day weight will be cost effective. Mole Valley Farmers manufacture a range of mineral supplements specifically for beef suckler cows and also offer a variety of suitable mineral blocks and buckets to meet this requirement. Please contact the Farm Sales Office at your local branch for details MVF Newsletter 621 9 FARMING MOLECARE GENETICS We are delighted to be working with the very best selection of top sires from many of the top bull studs in the world. As an acknowledgement to them and as part of our service delivery to members, we will be regularly featuring articles, groundbreaking research results and other items of topical interest both here in the monthly Newsletter and on the Molecare Genetics website. We start with the core of a recent paper from Moorepark, kindly forwarded by our partners Ireland Genetics from whom we have a superb selection of high EBI bulls. The importance of sire selection in cross breeding AN UPDATE FROM IRELAND (Frank Buckley, Louise Coffey, Donagh Berry and Brendan Horan, Moorepark) Fundamentals of crossbreeding Summary of most recent research results from Moorepark The two primary reasons to crossbreed are: The performance data from Moorepark (Jersey x) and the large on farm study (Norwegian Red) demonstrated that crossbred dairy cows were capable of production levels per cow that were at least similar to their Holstein Friesian (HF) contemporaries on low cost systems. Fertility, survival and profit however, were considerably improved for crossbred cows. • Within three stocking rate treatments, both the HF and Jersey (JE) crossbred cows are stocked at equivalent liveweight per ha. Averaged across the first two years, 2013 and 2014, the crossbred cows have produced 78kgs (6%) higher milk solids yield per ha compared to their high EBI (Irish Breeding Index) HF contemporaries. • 1) to introduce favourable gene variants from another breed selected more strongly for traits of interest 2) to capitalise on what is known as heterosis. The first point relates to additive genetic differences between breeds e.g. in milk yield/ composition, size, beef merit, fertility, mastitis resistance, intake capacity and feed efficiency. Heterosis refers to the phenomenon that occurs when an animal is heterozygous (different) at a particular gene, resulting in synergies that allow crossbred animals to perform better for certain traits than that expected based on the average of their parents. Additive genetic differences must be considered however, and become increasingly relevant after the first cross. A major portion of the ultimate success of cross breeding will come from additive genetic merit for different traits that bulls and cows transmit to their offspring (long term genetic gain). Heterosis alone will not guarantee success in a cross breeding programme. Heterosis will generally be higher in traits related to fitness and health. In New Zealand, crossbred cows (Jersey x Friesian) survive 227 days longer (almost an extra lactation) compared to the average of the parent breeds. This equates to almost 20% hybrid vigour. Recent research using performance data from 40 commercial dairy herds engaged in longterm crossbreeding found that F1 JE x HE cows produced +25kgs of milk solids, had -7.5 days shorter calving intervals, and had 3.5% higher survival rates compared with the mean of the “purebred” JE and HF cows. This corresponds to a considerable profit increase of (economic heterosis) 200 Euros (£144.00) per lactation. A common question among dairy farmers considering cross breeding is “where to after the first cross?” The three most common strategies are: • Two-way crossbreeding This entails mating the F1 cow to a High Index sire of one of the parent breeds used initially. In the short term heterosis will be reduced but over time settles down at 66.6% Three-way crossbreeding Uses High Index sires of a third breed. When the F1 cow is mated to a sire of a third breed heterosis is maintained at 100%. However, with the reintroduction of sires from the same three breeds again in subsequent generations, the heterosis levels out at 87.7% Synthetic crossing This involves the use of High Index crossbred bulls. In the long term a new (synthetic) breed is produced. Heterosis in this strategy is reduced to 50% initially and gradually reduced with time. Conclusions at Moorepark Crossbreeding must make an even greater contribution on Irish dairy farms in the future than it currently does. This is especially relevant in light of the current drive by the industry to maximise output and profit per ha and reduce costs. While crossbreeding is not for everyone, it is clear from research at Moorepark that crossbreeding in the dairy herd can quickly improve traits like fertility and productivity and, thus, has a very favourable effect on profit generating ability. Call Molecare Genetics on 01769 576473 molecaregenetics.com 10 MVF Newsletter 621 FARMING Straights and grain market update Judith Clifford, Senior Alternative Feeds Trader Buckets and blocks for cattle Buckets and blocks are popular and are a practical way of feeding supplementary minerals to livestock. • Waterproof, allowing free access feeding at all times. • Convenient way to meet the vitamin and mineral requirements of livestock. • Helps to promote natural foraging behaviours. • Simple delivery with long-term storage and shelf life. • Palatable to the animal. • Cost effective and labour saving in all livestock production systems. Grain market By the end of last year it was obvious that the third consecutive record wheat crop had pushed global stocks up by almost 30% compared to 2012/13. This has caused fierce competition in the markets, with the US in particular struggling to find homes resulting in exports being at least 14% down on the previous year. Following the election of Maurice Macri in Argentina, currency controls were lifted allowing the Peso to float instead of being propped up by central bank reserves instigated by the last electorate. Macri also lifted quotas on the export of wheat and maize following the abolishment of export taxes on these grains. This was the opportunity that Argentinian farmers had been waiting for to start selling stockpiles of wheat and soybeans, creating another very competitive player in the export market. At the close of the year Argentina secured a large tender to supply wheat to Egypt beating off Russia and European suppliers in spite of the freight differential. Soya Prices have continued to ease back into January. Rains came to the regions in Brazil that had dry concerns and the harvest is already underway in Mato Grosso and Western Parana. • Long lasting, less labour required to refill. In early January, the Chinese Yuan fell to a five year low against the Dollar following two sharp drops in shares, responding to reports of contraction in the manufacturing sector in December for the tenth consecutive month. The lack of demand domestically and globally fuelled fears that economic growth will be slow. There will be demand from China for Brazilian soya as the Real is currently weak in comparison to the Dollar however it may not be such large volumes as has been seen. The funds have built up large short positions indicating they feel these markets could still weaken but should there be any negative form of news such as stronger demand or weather concerns. This situation could be quickly reversed and prices could turn around. Another factor to be cautious of is the strength of the dollar against the pound which has already pushed some commodities up in price. Megafat 88 Megafat 88 is a new formulation of rumenprotected fat with a high concentration of C16 (palmitic) fatty acids (88%) designed to specifically increase milk fat (%) and is suitable for inclusion in total mixed rations and home mixes. Please call your local office for this very competitively priced fat. News from the Alternative Feeds team New team member Catherine Ward has recently joined our trading team at Hungerford and can be reached on 01488 684176 for all straights, fats, molasses enquiries and Mole Soda Starch Wheat from our dedicated processing site near Chippenham. Hungerford office number change Please note that our Hungerford Office numbers have changed with the main office number now 01488 684155, Jeremy Strutt (major straights) on 01488 684158 and Mike Holland (moist feeds, molasses, fats) on 01488 684162. Sign up for our regular market updates. Call your local office today. Lifton 01566 780261, Carmarthen 01267 223716, Hungerford 01488 684155, Uttoxeter 01889 564842 Cattle General Purpose Contains a full complement of minerals, vitamins and trace elements, suitable as an all year round mineral supplement for various ages of cattle. Cattle Tri Mag Contains high levels of sugars to encourage palatability, along with three highly available magnesium sources to help reduce the risk of grass tetany (staggers). Contains a full complement of minerals, trace elements and vitamins for cattle. Cattle Fertility Plus Packed with all the key nutrients needed to help boost suckler, dairy or youngstock performance. The ultimate fertility bucket, high in phosphorus, protected zinc, protected copper and protected selenium (Sel-Plex). Also included are high levels of vitamin E, fish oils and seaweed meal. Please call your local Farm Sales Office for more details of the full range of buckets and blocks available from MVF MVF Newsletter 621 11 FARMING Lambing time Some are well under way with their lambing, others will have planned to start when more amenable weather is likely+. No matter what, lambing is a very busy time for all sheep farmers. Keeping ewes in peak condition as they get closer to lambing date, being prepared for the lambs and safeguarding their health and that of their mothers is paramount. Over the next four pages we highlight advice and products that help through this time. Please speak to our staff in the Farm Sales Offices at all MVF branches for help and advice on lambing products and services. Vaccinate ewes now to help prevent unnecessary lamb losses CLUSON LIGHTING Ideal for lambing Cluson portable rechargeable floodlights Recharging with the mains 240v AC supply or directly from vehicle (12/24DC). Lightweight Liion battery with duration of 4 to 5 hours continuously. Charge time is approximately 3 hours. 10W LED £37.50 MVF CODE 1073623 Lightweight Liion battery with duration of 5 to 6 hours. Charge time is approximately 5 to 6 hours £60. 00 20W LED MVF CODE 1078394 12 MVF Newsletter 621 A recent post mortem study at a Fallen Stock Collection Centre (FSCC) has shown that sheep producers are still losing too many lambs to pasteurellosis and clostridial diseases like pulpy kidney. October 2015 saw an increase in diagnoses of pasteurellosis in unprotected lambs. The project also recorded a large early spring peak of pulpy kidney disease in lambs. In almost all cases these were young lambs (two to eight weeks old) and neither the dams nor the lambs had been vaccinated. Pasteurellosis and clostridial disease vaccines in sheep work very well and are cost-effective, which means that most of these losses could have been prevented. Indeed, protecting your next crop of lambs starts well before they are born – by ensuring boosters are given prelambing – so it’s a good idea to start thinking about future disease protection after ewes have been put to the tup. Remember that vaccinating the ewe 4-6 weeks before lambing not only boosts her own immunity, it also increases the concentration of protective antibodies in the ewe’s colostrum and these pass to the newborn lamb when it suckles. This helps give young lambs the protection they need against clostridial diseases and pasteurellosis until they can be vaccinated themselves. Ask your SQP for more advice on helping to protect your sheep against pasteurellosis and clostridial disease. FARMING Managing body condition in the pregnant ewe Chris Lavis, Red Meat Team The Mole Valley Farmers range of compound sheep feeds Product Form Protein System/features Conventional Champion Ewe Super Ewe We have a number of farmers who are worried about this loss in their ewes and have started to introduce supplementary feed in the run up to lambing. If these wet conditions continue, it would also be sensible to offer good quality hay or silage to later lambing ewes, to add a drier form of forage to their diet, but this could mean restricting access to fresh grass. The ewes which are struggling to maintain condition will need extra energy in their diet, by either using an appropriate concentrate or feed block. This will ensure they are at the right body condition score for lambing. As the lambs develop in late pregnancy they will restrict the ewe’s rumen capacity, it is, therefore, important to ensure the correct nutritional balance is provided in the diet. This is where the supplementary feed plays an important role, starting with smaller quantities of the appropriate concentrate, gradually increasing it in the run up to lambing to ensure good lamb birthweights, quality colostrum and, more importantly in the first few weeks post lambing, good quality milk. The selection of the appropriate supplement is more important this year than usual, due to the variable quality of this year’s forages. This is true for both traditional and organic systems. The Mole Valley Feed Solutions sheep feed range is designed to give farmers a real choice of product to match their needs. Our Rumigan (organic) and conventional ranges are all manufactured to a high nutritional specification to ensure they complement the ewe’s nutritional requirements. Choosing the correct ration for the ewe is important, due to restricted rumen capacity, particularly for those expecting multiple births. This is where the quality of ingredients and nutrition counts, as there is no room for poor quality feeds! 18 Traditional lowland Nut 18 High performance lowland / optimised nutrition Nut* 16 Nut* and Roll* 18 Nut 20 Nut 20 Indoor, high performance Biotin, ProPass or prairie meal, Megalac Pellet* 30 Home mix/mineral content Rumigan 16 Nut 16 Grazing balancer Rumigan 18 Nut 18 Rumigan 18 Roll 18 Rumigan Multi Rearer Pellet 17 Start to finish lamb creep Rumigan 33 Pellet 33 Home mix - available in bags only Premier Ewe The mild wet weather has enabled grass to continue growing throughout this winter. This grass though, is probably still high in protein, with lower energy levels and is also very low in dry matter, affecting intakes. Therefore, pregnant ewes should be monitored carefully as this protein and energy imbalance, combined with lower intakes, could result in a loss of body condition. Nut* or Roll* Prestige Plus Multimix Sheep High performance lowland Sugar beet, wheat, soya and maize Organic Traditional lowland £1 per bag off compound ewe feeds marked * above ONLY, available ex branch. Offer available 1-21 February. st 1 er 16 off b 20 n e O st F 1 -2 £1 OFF per bag* *Terms and conditions apply Quality feed for your quality lambs Formulated to the highest standard h GREAT OFFERS on Sheep Troughs & Hurdles For full details d contact t ct you your local branch today molevalleyfarmers.com Product selection and exact feed rates will depend on breed, body condition, forage quality and quantity and the target level of performance. Our Red Meat Specialists are available to advise which of our wide range of sheep feeds are most suited to each farm’s situation. For more information and advice, please call 01278 444829 MVF Newsletter 621 13 FARMING 10 ways to keep your lambs alive Katie Scotter VetMB BA MRCVS, Molecare Veterinary Services Making sure each lamb born survives to maturity is all about the level of care and attention the infant lamb receives in the few hours immediately before and after birth. These ten suggestions should help identify and solve any issues. 1. Colostrum Colostrum is vital for keeping lambs alive in their first 24 hours and for setting them up for a healthy life. Lambs are born with completely naïve immune systems; no immunity passes across the placenta and so colostrum is the only source of antibodies. Timing, quantity and quality are critical. The lamb can absorb colostral antibodies for the first 6 hours of life, after that few pass across the gut wall. Two feeds in the first 6 hours are crucial. To get enough antibodies, lambs need to suck half a litre in the first six hours. A normal feed for a 4-5kg newborn lamb is 200-250ml/feed. Colostrum quality is affected by ewe nutrition in late pregnancy. If quantity is OK but quality is poor, the lamb will still be lacking. 2. Navel dip The navel, or umbilical cord, forms the link between ewe and lamb in utero. Once born, the cord breaks and forms a potential route of infection into the lamb’s abdomen. This can cause navel ill, joint ill or even septicaemia and death. The best way to prevent this is to dip the navel in iodine as soon as possible and to reduce the level of harmful bacteria in the environment. 3. Hygiene Lambing into a clean, hygienic environment is essential. Even with good colostrum and navel management a dirty lambing environment puts them at high risk of infection. Pathogens can pass into the lamb via the navel or mouth, causing diseases such as Watery Mouth and Navel Ill. Good hygiene should also be practised in assisted lambings to minimise risk of metritis and mastitis in the ewe. 4. Ewe examination Once lambed, it is important to give ewes a quick once over to ensure they will be fit to rear their lambs. Check teeth, eyes, body condition score, vagina, udders and feet. Always consider adopting on a twin lamb born to a ewe with mastitis or a blind quarter. 5. Ewe body condition score Feel along the lumbar spine and processes to assess fat and muscle cover; body condition score (BCS). It is a good indicator of nutrition but may also indicate disease. Fat or thin ewes can develop Twin Lamb or Fatty Liver 14 MVF Newsletter 621 Disease, and suffer obstetrical issues such as prolapse or difficult lambings. Aim for 2.5-3 at lambing depending on your system. Nutrition during pregnancy affects ovulation, placental development, lamb growth, colostrum and milk production. 6. Vaccination Vaccination is a preventative measure for many diseases, including those affecting new born and growing lambs. Enzootic Abortion, Toxoplasmosis, Orf, Schmallenberg, and multivalent clostridial and pasteurella vaccines can protect lambs in early life. Discuss the risks on your farm with your vet and decide which vaccines will be cost-effective in your flock. Keep good records so problems can be identified quickly; for example, if >15% of ewes are barren or >2% ewes abort, blood sampling is recommended to investigate the cause and the options for vaccination. 7. Supplementary feeding A stomach tube and feeding bottle with teat are a ‘must have’ for every lambing kit. Stomach tubes enable you to feed sick lambs that cannot suckle, to ensure they have enough colostrum and also help warm up cold lambs. Only use a stomach tube if a lamb is able to hold up its head and swallow. A feeding bottle with teat is useful for lambs not getting enough, e.g. small triplets, lambs from sick ewes or ewes with mastitis, and for feeding orphan lambs. Remember to clean and disinfect these between uses. 8. Heat lamps Hypothermia is very common in sick new born lambs, and can quickly become fatal. Lambs are small and can lose heat very quickly, especially if they are still wet or exposed to adverse weather. These lambs can be saved if dealt with quickly; heat lamps or warming boxes are best. It is important to know how old and how cold the lamb is: - 37-39°C feed via stomach tube and return to ewe - <37°C and <6 hours warm THEN feed - <37°C and >6 hours give IP glucose 9. Intraperitoneal (IP) Glucose This can be a lifesaver for older hypothermic lambs. After 6 hours, newborn fat reserves are gone, the hypothermic lamb breaks down muscle which causes damage and releases toxins. If tube fed, colostrum will sit in the abomasum and not be digested. An injection of warmed glucose is given directly into the abdomen of the lamb where it is rapidly absorbed. This can be tricky, and there is a risk of peritonitis, so it’s best done after a demonstration by your vet. 10. Faecal egg counting One of the biggest causes of poor growth and lamb loss at grass is worms. Egg counting faeces gives an estimation of the roundworm burden in the guts. Start sampling lambs from around 6 weeks, sample either 10% or 10 individuals in each group. Retest each group every 2-3 weeks throughout the season to assess burden and time your worming. Regular sampling allows early identification and treatment before scour, production losses and death can occur. Call your local MoleCare Farm Vet practice, see page 2 for details. FARMING Surplus lambs Products for February THE REARING OPTIONS Surplus lambs are a fact of life. However, they can be successfully reared artificially without the problems of fostering onto an unwilling ewe. Molecare Liquiflow SAVE 10% Molecare Lamb Colostrum SAVE 10% 500g Normal price £24.95 Various milk feeding systems are available, but they each require the combination of a good quality milk replacer, good husbandry and good organisation. We suggest you consider one of the following options. Ad lib feeding: Systems suitable for feeding five or more lambs. This includes systems such as the Volac Ewe 2 nest bucket which can rear up to 20 lambs, and the Volac Ewe 2 Plus, up to 40 lambs. Both systems are thermostatically controlled and conveniently sit outside the pen, ensuring optimum safety and avoiding spillages. • Several lambs can feed at once Molecare Liquiflow for Sheep • Milk can be fed warm or cold MVF Code Description • Milk consumed ‘little and often’ meaning less risk of digestive upsets 1083920 Without copper 1083921 With copper • No limit to how much or when lambs can drink 1083922 Without copper 1083923 With copper 1kg Normal price £38.95 Size Offer price 2.5L £49.46 £22.46 5L £89.96 MVF CODE 61227 • Less labour intensive as the milk is made up in bigger volumes MVF Lamlac • Relatively low set up costs Mole Valley Farmers Lamlac is our tried and trusted ewe milk replacer. • Faster growth Automatic machine feeding: These systems can dramatically reduce the labour hours required for mixing milk and feeding lambs. High levels of management and hygiene are essential. The Volac ECO feeder is available for larger volumes of lambs up to 240 head; it features eight stations, each with a capacity of 20 to 30 lambs. • Low labour requirements; a precise volume of powder is automatically mixed • Electronic heating regulator ensures the feed is consistently kept at the specified temperature • Suction hose cleaning system makes for easy cleaning • Lambs consume milk ‘little and often’ meaning less risk of digestive upsets • No limit to how much or when lambs can drink • Faster growth £35.06 MVF CODE 61228 Made using British milk, the powder is easy to mix and fully formulated to provide all the nutrients required by the lamb. Highly digestible, with natural health protection Mole Valley Farmers Lamlac has been proven in trials to result in outstanding growth rates. Available at all branches. Call Mole Plus for all your eartag requirements Competitively priced EID tags and readers 01769 576201 MVF Newsletter 621 15 FARMING Professional pesticides and herbicides Legislation changes Information for farmers We regularly produce a wide selection of leaflets and guides on many of our agricultural and countryside products. Here we highlight three, our new Grass and Forage Crops leaflet, our Buckets and Blocks guide and finally an on farm planner to help you with lameness control in your flock. All are available from the Farm Sales Office at your local branch. 2016 Grass and Forage Crops With the increasing focus on maximising the use of forage in 2016, Mole Valley Farmers seek to provide the latest varieties and seed mixes to keep livestock farmers moving forward with progressive, quality seeds, mixed within costeffective products. On the 26 November 2015, the Sustainable Use Directive for the sale and application of professional pesticides came into force, and “Grandfather Rights” expired. If you purchase or apply professional pesticides & herbicides, then you will be affected by this change in legislation. From this date, only registered individuals with an appropriate training certificate can apply professional pesticides and herbicides. This is regardless of the application method, be it boom spraying, knapsack spraying, or misting. The rules regarding the purchasing of professional pesticides and herbicides have not changed significantly. However, the purchaser is now required to have already identified, prior to purchase, that the individual who will be applying the product is suitably qualified to do so. Why the changes? The Sustainable Use Directive governs all aspects of pesticide and herbicide use within the EU. The main aims of the directive are to reduce the risks and impacts of pesticides & herbicides on human health and the environment, and to promote better management, and alternative approaches or techniques, for the use of the products. TM CropsSixSeed Rangesof Crops Grass & Forage Grassland, together with other forage crops, comprise a proportion large of the green area. Mole Valley is constantly pursuin increased forage productivity, g incorporating by new varietie mixtures to s and maximi especially quality se quantity and from agricult land. At the ural same time, this needs to be achieve d in the context maintaining of soil for the increas fertility and striving ingly importa of stabilising nt goal and renewin g natural habitats, not just for game but for the wider environ cover ment. The newly extended and simplified MVF Grass and Forage seeds catalogue is due out in February. Our Premier Ley Grass Seeds are now incorporated into the Agriculture Section of the GreenBritain Range, together with other forage and root crop seeds for all livestock producers. (Maize seed can be found in a separate catalogue, please ask for a copy). The Agricultural leys and forage seeds have been categorised by their use and application, in order to make selection straight forward and relevant to the appropriate production systems. Although the Agriculture seeds section is the largest in the catalogue, there are five other sections included that incorporate old favourites with new varieties and mixes for a diversity of uses. The sections are: Equine Game Cover Green Cover Environment Amenity Agriculture is the mains tay of British rural industry and it is largely responsible for the creati on of the picturesque patchwork of æelds acros British Isles s the that our countryside gives both its character and its divers ity. Finally, if these six individual range do not includ s still e require, each what you sectio has n a reference to further ‘Extended’ ranges of varieties and mixes to cover all eventu alities. Selectingyour optimummi xorvariety The ærst page diagram that of each of the six range provides variou s contains options, assist a çow s choices, ing in the decisi illustrating the on making The decision process. diagrams lead individu to potentially al mixes suitable product on subsequent or varieties s that are categories referenced pages. then and describ ed more fully Should the exact mixture or seeking not be obvious then variety that you are provides deta look for the box ils of the ‘Exte that nded’ category and follow the advic Ranges for that e provided. 2016 , the For agriculture es & green spac countryside 2 1 Extended and simplified MVF Grass and Forage seeds catalogue now includes game cover and flow diagrams to help selection Each of these sections has an easy to follow flow diagram to aid decision making and ensure that the suitable product is found for the right application. Additionally, within each of the sections there are ‘Extended’ Ranges that provide further details on extra seed ranges that could be of interest to producers in new and varied situations. The Five Point Plan for Lameness Control Our on farm planner incorporating the agreed national strategy for achieving the Fam Animal Welfare Council (FAWC) target of reducing sheep lameness to less than 5% by 2016 and less than 2% by 2021. How does a Professional User become registered? Once trained, a Professional User will be able to register at www.pcs.agriculture.gov.ie/sud Training is available from a variety of different training bodies and organisations across the country. Alternatively, we are able to offer Members special rates on a range of South West based training courses. It is designed to help you reduce sheep lameness on your farm. By answering the questions and discussing matters with your Vet or SQP, you can put a plan in place specific to your flock. For further information on training courses, please call Mole Valley Plus on 01769 576201. Our staff will be able to advise on courses available in your area, or put you in direct touch with companies running training options. We have a large range of guides available. From crop packaging to maize seeds, chickens to beef management. Your local farm sales office has details 16 MVF Newsletter 621 TM With all these factors in mind, GreenBritain range of grass the forage seeds and provides options all the categor for ies of seeds farmed åelds from to sports åelds from a pony and paddocks to wildlife environ natural ment. The popular mixtures of the for agriculture ‘Premier Range’ grass leys have been retained and improve whilst the root d, and forage have now also crops within the full been included GreenBritain Additionally, Range. speciåc mixes been develop have ed mixtures range, for an Equine ideas for Amenityas well as new , Green Cover and Environ mental mixes. FARMING Feeding crystalyx through late pregnancy to lambing by Dr. Cliff Lister, Technical Director, Caltech, manufacturers of Crystalyx and she goes down with twin lamb disease. A developing ovine foetus does nearly 70% of its growth in the final 6 weeks of gestation. As the unborn lamb grows, so does the energy demand placed on the heavily pregnant ewe. The more lambs she carries, the greater her daily energy requirement. Fit, healthy ewes are an important factor in ensuring lambs are vigorous at birth and continue to thrive. Good feeding management in late pregnancy ensures a well-grown foetus, a strong lamb with good vitality at birth and an ample milk supply to grow lambs quickly. Feeding Crystalyx on a self-help system allows ewes to regulate intakes according to their requirements. And because it is licked, not chewed or bitten, this provides a continual “trickle feed” of nutrients to stimulate rumen fermentation and maximise forage digestion, so she makes best possible use of the forages being fed. Twin lamb disease (pregnancy toxaemia) results from an inadequate dietary energy intake by the ewe. To maintain the growth rate of her unborn lambs she supplies them with extra energy from her own body reserves – her own backfat. The fat is transported to the liver where it is broken down into useable units called ketone bodies (rather like sawing a tree into logs). However, if the energy deficit is too great and the ewe mobilises too much fat, the level of ketone bodies in the blood actually begin to poison her Ensuring she receives a balanced ration with sufficient dietary energy is the best way to reduce the risk of twin lamb disease. Extra High Energy Crystalyx offers a very high energy content to help bridge any dietary shortfall, together with trace elements, minerals and vitamins to stimulate forage digestion and fermentation in the rumen. And because it is available 24 hours a day, even shy feeders get a chance to lick it. But perhaps best of all, Crystalyx never replaces forage in the diet – it complements and balances it. In a trial undertaken at the University of Newcastle upon Tyne, Mule ewes were housed for the final 6 weeks of pregnancy and fed silage to appetite, together with an increasing allocation of concentrates. Crystalyx intakes averaged only 33g/ewe/ day during the 6-week housing period. Such modest intakes suggest the plane of nutrition and supplementary feed rates were adequate to meet the nutrient requirements of the ewes during late pregnancy. The lack of any metabolic problems and the good lamb birth weights recorded support this observation. Therefore Crystalyx intakes can be used as a true guide to the adequacy of the ration being fed – high intakes mean the ewes are short of energy. Many shepherds now realise the tremendous benefits of providing Extra High Energy Crystalyx on a self help/free access system to all ewes, especially in the latter stages of pregnancy – because it really does take some licking! Crystalyx Sheep Extra High Energy 22.5kg £20.90 MVF CODE 61885 Tublyx Sheep Extra High Energy 80kg £70.00 MVF CODE 61890 MVF Newsletter 621 17 FARMING Animal health Beware the spring leptospirosis threat Coccidiosis in calves and lambs Spring turnout is traditionally the time of year to make sure your herd is fully protected against bovine leptospirosis. This is because, at grass, uninfected cattle are suddenly exposed to the urine of infected animals that may be shedding the disease. Moist spring grass is also a favourable environment for leptospirosis to survive outside the host. Data from the last 18 months, using MSDs Animal Health ExpertisTM BeefCheck and DairyCheck schemes, show that 45% of unvaccinated farms were positive for leptospirosis antibodies, including 58% dairy herds. Leptospirosis is caused by a bacterial infection. There are two strains which are known to affect UK herds: L. hardjo prajitno and L. hardjo bovis. In some cases the effects can be dramatic. For example, in a recent leptospirosis outbreak in Ayr reported in March 2015, 12 cows from a herd of 160 experienced a sudden drop in milk production. In many cases, however, the effects of the disease are less visible, but no less costly and include infertility and calf health problems. Leptospirosis also infects people through contact with infected urine. The latest data from Public Health England shows that farmers are at particular risk of contracting this infection which can cause severe flu-like symptoms that can last for weeks or months. Vaccination can be carried out with the proven and effective vaccine Leptavoid-H. This is the only leptospirosis vaccine that is developed from a UK isolate, is licensed to protect against both UK strains, and to improve fertility, where leptospirosis is the cause. For added convenience and time-saving, Leptavoid-H can also be given at the same time as Bovilis BVD vaccine. Leptavoid-H Leptavoid-H is the only Leptospirosis vaccine proven to protect stock against both strains in the UK. Leptavoid-H can also be used concurrently with Bovilis BVD. 20ml 50ml 18 MVF Newsletter 619 Coccidiosis is an intestinal disease usually seen in calves aged between three weeks and six months and lambs between four and eight weeks, caused by the protozoan parasite, Eimeria. Eimeria are species-specific, so those that infect cattle will not affect sheep and vice versa. The outcome of infection depends on the level of challenge and the immune status of the calf or lamb infected. Calves or lambs with clinical coccidiosis may produce profuse diarrhoea, often with flecks of blood and mucus. In severe cases, scour may contain blood and strips of intestinal mucosa and continued straining can result in rectal prolapse. In some cases the disease can be fatal. Subclinical coccidiosis is much more common and occurs when the coccidial challenge is lower and/or the animals affected have developed some immunity. Often, there are no noticeable signs at all or, in some cases reduced appetite, poor growth rate, loss of weight and poor condition may be noticed. Young animals need to have some exposure to the Eimeria parasite to develop immunity. Colostrum taken in shortly after birth provides calves and lambs with some temporary immunity. However, this will eventually wear off leaving the calf or lamb vulnerable. At this stage, low level exposure will allow the young animal to mount a response and develop its own immunity but, if a calf or lamb is exposed to a large dose of parasite oocysts, its developing defences are quickly overwhelmed and clinical coccidiosis can develop. Stressful events such as transport, castration, changes in food, mixing, variations in temperature, other disease or weaning can also lower immunity and trigger an outbreak of coccidiosis. Good hygiene plays a major role in controlling coccidiosis. This is especially important when young calves and lambs are housed. Water troughs should be cleaned and emptied regularly to help prevent contamination with faeces and bedding should be kept clean and dry. As with many diseases, good ventilation will also help reduce infection pressure by reducing the build-up of warmth and moisture. For housed animals, an all-in all-out policy should be implemented. Good pasture management and rotational grazing also helps prevent the build-up of oocysts and reduces the risk of coccidiosis. Although the risk of Eimeria infection and the number of oocysts excreted significantly decrease with age, older animals can act as a source of infective oocysts for younger animals. Keeping calves and lambs in groups of similar ages (i.e within 2 weeks of age) can help reduce spread. Strategic treatment is often required, and is also necessary to prevent the losses associated with subclinical infections aiming to prevent disease while allowing development of natural immunity with some exposure to oocysts. Ideally treatment should be given metaphylactically; after infection, but before the parasite starts damaging intestinal cells and causing clinical signs. This is based on the timing of suspected exposure and knowledge of previous outbreaks on the farm. A single dose of diclazuril (Vecoxan 2.5mg/ml Oral Suspension) a week before the onset of clinical disease is expected, removes Eimeria parasites infecting the gut before large numbers of oocysts are shed into the environment. This helps to prevent the build-up of environmental contamination, reducing the risk of any animals in the group picking up a heavy infection and suffering from clinical disease. This can result in better feed conversion efficiency and weight gain, while allowing natural immunity to develop. Other oral drench treatments are available. We strongly advise speaking to your vet or an SQP to identify the most appropriate treatment. Vecoxan drench Available in 1L, 2.5L and 5L from your local branch or online at molevalleyfarmers.com FARMING Timber days at all MVF branches during March These events bring together staff who focus on timber and fencing products alongside our suppliers to discuss with you your fencing and timber requirements throughout March at MVF branches We can help you with choosing the right product for the job, give you guidance on ordering correct quantities for any fencing work, talk through product specification and not forgetting all the ancillary products you may need. Please join us at your local branch where we will have light refreshments and a warm cup of tea or coffee waiting for you. Frome Wednesday 2nd March Yeovil Thursday 3rd March Newton Abbot Friday 4th March Liskeard Wednesday 9th March South Molton Thursday 10th March St Columb Tuesday 15th March Cullompton Friday 18th March Bridgwater Tuesday 22nd March Holsworthy Wednesday 23rd March Timb dayser 10am GRE 4pm OFF AT ERS ! Come along to one of our timber days. 10am-4pm fantastic offers on a wide range of products guidance on fencing products • shield timber warranty explained If you are about to do a large fencing job on your farm, please call our Timber and Fencing Specialist, Nigel Cockwill on 07786 855223 for advice and quotes. SHIELD TIMBER FENCING Unique, two part warranty The 15 year warranty we offer with all Shield Timber covers you in two ways. Firstly we will replace 100% of the timber costs if any fail due to wood decay or insect attack. Secondly, costs of reinstallation of the timber will be covered on a sliding scale, starting at 100% for the first year then reducing slightly year on year for the period of the warranty. REGISTER YOUR SHIELD TIMBER TO BENEFIT FROM OUR UNIQUE, TWO PART, 15 YEAR WARRANTY This warranty is unique and gives you peace of mind. For more information, please call Nigel Cockwill 07786 855223 or visit molevalleyfarmers.com and click on the Farming link, then Timber | Fencing link. Terms of the warranty are explained here. RA N T Y • WA R R AN WARRANTY WA R R A N T Y WA R R A N T Y • Y • W • 15 YEAR TY AR • W NT Unique two part warranty giving you peace of mind in case of timber failure from wood decay or insect attack • Replacement timber • We will replace all failed timber • Reinstallation • We will cover costs of reinstallation on a sliding scale from years 1-15. As soon as you have purchased your product, register this on cjtimber.com (look for the link at the base of the home page) Get your product registered today (6 month time limit) MVF Newsletter 621 19 AR RAN TY • W A RR A FARMING Mole Insurance Services opens new office located in Holsworthy Rachel Smithyman, Business Development and Technical Manager, Mole Valley Feed Solutions (North) Rachel highlights a selection of current topics from the farming world. For more information, please contact your Nutritionist, or call the Farm Sales Office at your local branch. Milking fingerprinting Using milk sample data collected during milk recording, National Milk Records have started to make energy balance predictions on an individual and herd basis. Ian Parker, Terri Gray, Cheryl Phillips and Graham Brown Pavey Group which incorporates Mole Insurance Services will expand its footprint by opening a new office located in the busy market town of Holsworthy on Monday 1 February 2016. with the team. You’ll find us at your local Mole Valley Farmers store in Holsworthy and at the town’s Livestock Centre on market day. Cheryl Phillips, Ed McCullar and Graham Brown The new office will focus on providing customers in and around the area with a tailored insurance service, which offers competitive premiums, and a fully managed claims service. Initially, the branch will open with four members of staff which will include two highly experienced Account Managers; Ian Parker and Terri Gray who have particular expertise in arranging and managing both commercial and agricultural insurances. The new office allows Mole Insurance Services to proactively respond to the increased level of enquiries we are receiving, which for farms, includes an on-site review and dedicated Account Manager lead service. For other insurances such as smallholding, commercial motors, public liability, property owners equine, home and car, clients can continue to contact us by telephone. Alternatively you are welcome to call into the office to discuss your individual requirements 20 MVF Newsletter 621 We are delighted with the response and feedback we have received from customers since our insurance service launched in February 2014. In less than two years we’ve received over 1500 enquiries and already built a strong customer base. Our new office, we hope, will make us more accessible to rural communities, allowing us to provide a credible alternative to agricultural insurance markets for both commercial and personal insurances. This will help farmers and advisers better manage fertility, feed efficiency, production and health. This information is available now to farmers through Herd Companion. Measuring colostrum quality Getting good quality colostrum into calves within 2 hours of birth is vital to give them the best start. A Brix refractometer is a really useful tool to measure colostrum quality. The refractometers aren’t sensitive to temperature so a sample can be taken immediately. To arrange a review or to request a quotation, please call 0330 202 6510 To use, place a few drops on the prism and lower the sample cover. Hold the refractometer up to a light source and the value is read off between the visible light and dark areas. A reading of 0–15 indicates poor, 15–22 moderate and over 22 as high quality. Refractometers are available to Members from Mole Plus, call 01769 576201 for details. moleinsurance.co.uk Liver copper levels Mole Valley Farmers Ltd is an Introducer Appointed Representative of Pavey Group Ltd. Mole Insurance Services is a trading style of Pavey Group Ltd which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority for insurance and risk management only. (Registration No. 308106). Pavey Group Ltd (Registered in England No. 3419086) is wholly owned by Pavey Group Holdings Ltd (Registered in England No. 02979493). Registered address: 50 The Terrace Torquay, TQ1 1DD. Liver samples from 510 cull cattle at a single abattoir across a 3 day period showed that over 50 per cent tested had a greater-than-normal concentration of copper. Almost 40 percent of female dairy cattle had copper liver concentrations above the Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency reference range, suggesting that a significant proportion of the UK herd is at risk of chronic copper toxicity. FARMING If you need fuel, call Mole Fuel Solutions REGULAR PRICE CHECKS, QUOTES, ORDERS, SPEEDY DELIVERY Mole Fuel Solutions aim to achieve the best price on the day for your individual delivery. Even though the price of oil has fallen significantly, farm fuel remains a major input cost and the new approach helps to manage this cost by offering secure and sustainable pricing options. Working with our customers, we endeavour to bring them a competitive and manageable price all year round with the explicit aim of levelling out seasonal, demand driven price spikes. We are able to help manage the huge cost of fuel to the farm, business and households alike, which is a positive step forward. By taking away the vulnerability to localised market conditions, which affect prices. We are confident our intervention in the market will result in fairer and more transparent pricing to all our customers. The price of fuel has fallen dramatically since Brent crude peaked at $115 a barrel in June 2014, trading at levels last seen after the economic crash in 2007 and falling to 1990’s levels at the end of the year. Oil prices continue to be under downward pressure as crude production storms ahead. The USA are producing at record levels utilising modern technologies, whilst OPEC members continue to produce in excess of their agreed quotas and now, following the agreement over their nuclear aspirations, Iran will be coming back to the world stage contributing further to the worldwide over supply. The price slide is also being compounded by falling demand from countries such as China, where economic growth is slowing, compared with its boom over the last decade. However, as prices are always subject to world geopolitical issues, seasonal and market influences, they could rise quickly if unforeseen events happen. So, whether you use fuel for farm, business or household heating it’s a good plan to keep your tanks topped up and take advantage of the current low prices. AdBlue New innovations and technology are now having a major impact on farm. The new generation of tractors and machines can require higher specification fuel such as EN590 gas oil and in order to meet the lower exhaust emission regulations, many will now require the use of AdBlue. AdBlue is used to reduce the output of harmful toxins from nitrogen oxides (NOx) from its exhaust system due to the increasingly stringent emission legislation. AdBlue is stored in a separate tank on the vehicle and is precisely metered and injected into the exhaust system, converting the gases into harmless water vapour. The Mole Fuel Solutions team will be happy to discuss these products with you and establish your requirements. heating oil top up service daily price checks 01769 575668 IMPORTANT The Mole Valley Plus office will be uncontactable by telephone on 24th Feb between 3.45pm-5.15pm Normal office hours are 8am-5.30pm Monday-Friday 01769 576201 Renewable fuel roundup Renewable fuel sales have grown more than tenfold over the last two years and to deal with this we now have a partnership with Balcas as provider of bulk blown pellets. BULK DELIVERY OPPORTUNITIES More and more people are switching from bagged pellets to bulk blown wherever space and access allows as they realise the savings that can be made over the period of their RHI payments. Our Renewable Fuel team are on hand to give prices and advice on delivery and access issues should you be thinking of installing a bulk blown silo. ‘Drive-by’s’ can be arranged where experienced drivers will look at delivery situations before you make a decision to change. We can also provide a building design guide for building your own store. If we can be of help with your pellet enquiries, be it price, delivery or store construction, please don’t hesitate to call the Renewable Fuel Team on 01769 575674. MVF Newsletter 621 21 FARMING Workshop equipment Kranzle 2160TS Kranzle 1152TSDK High performance robust cold water Powerful, compact and convenient FRE E • 10m steel braided hose • Trigger gun with safety catch • Dirt killer lance • Vario jet lance • 11 litres per minute MVF CODE 47049 Free with all Kranzle pressure washers Free Extension Lance & Flat Brush worth £28.75 (MVF Code 1101579) £675.00 Free with selected Stihl pressure washers Kranzle HD10/122 Free Stihl accessories with selected Stihl pressure washers worth £93.08 (MVF Code 1101351) Portable, compact cold water Includes: • 10m steel braided hose • Trigger gun with safety catch • Dirt killer lance • Flat jet lance • 10 litres per minute FREE • 15m steel braided hose • Trigger gun with safety catch • Dirt killer with stainless steel pipe • Total stop system • Vario jet lance • 10 litres per minute • Flat textile hose with holder – 12m long, low pressure hose • CC30 Vehicle Shampoo & Wax – for removing typical road dirt • CB90 Universal Cleaner – for safe removal of the widest variety of dirt on hard surfaces around the house and garden MVF CODE 59517 MVF CODE 34795 ACCESSORIES RA101 Surface Cleaner – for quick splash free cleaning of large areas £545.00 £375.00 Stihl RE119 pressure washer • Stihl RE129 Plus FREE pressure washer ACCESSORIES FREE Stihl RE109 pressure washer ACCESSORIES • 10 – 125 bar • 500 l/hour • Complete with 8m steel braided hose £228.00 MVF CODE 1090450 22 MVF Newsletter 621 • 10 – 135 bar • 500l/hour • Complete with 9m steel braided hose and wind up hose reel £249.00 MVF CODE 1090451 • 10 – 110 bar • 440l/hour • Complete with 8m steel braided hose £149.00 MVF CODE 1090448 FARMING February offers SAVE OVER 20% LED oval vehicle worklamp Batium automatic SAVE battery charger £50 £23.00 Offers available until 31/3/16 GREAT VALUE Automatic charger for batteries up to 225 a/h. 6/12v. Normal price £129.85 MVF CODE 1100655 Flex mini grinder £79.85 SAVE 20% Electric chainsaw chain sharpener Robust and lightweight lightweight. Extensive dust protection for the gears and motor. 2 year warranty. Made in Germany. 115mm 240v 750 watt motor. Normal price £37.00 £36.00 £29.60 MVF CODE 1101318 SAVE £5 £332.50 MVF CODE 52980 Complete with grinding wheel, adjustable chain guide and bench mounting holes. 85 watt. Cluson HL10 rechargeable Head-a-lite Dewalt DCF899P2 high torque impact wrench 2 x 5Ah lithium batteries, charger & case. 3 speed with torque settings. Ideal for heavy duty fastening applications and removal of the tightest bolts.18v. Suitable for a wide variety of uses. Complete with hand rail bracket. 12v. Normal price £29.00 FREE 10 PIECE SOCKET SET WORTH £36.10 MVF CODES 1082417/ 1094324 FREE 67 DEWALT ACCESSORY SET Dewalt DCD785M1D XR combi drill Ultra-compact design, 13mm chuck, 2 speed metal gear box. Accessory set contains HSS-G drill bits 4.5-7mm and assorted screwdriver bits in a handy storage case. 1x 4Ah lithium m battery and fast charger. 18v. MVF CODE 50552 WIN MVF CODE 1100730 WIN a DeWalt DWE4206-GB 230V mini grinder and 10 cutting discs A MINI GRINDER Wort over h £80. 0 RRP 0 Easily adjustable through 90 degrees to focus on work area. Shock and water resistant. Normal price £29.50 MVF CODE 30971 £24.50 Offers available while stocks last or until 29/2/16 unless stated otherwise. £139.00 Pick up an entry form at your local branch or enter online at molevalleyfarmers.com See our website for free prize draw terms and conditions. Entries accepted until 1st March 2016. MVF Newsletter 621 23 BRANCH Ariat comes to MVF Mole Valley Farmers is pleased to introduce a new range of footwear. Ariat are renowned for the quality of their products which are loved by horse riders and country dwellers for comfort and durability. Ariat International was founded in 1991 by Beth Cross and Pam Parker. They were avid equestrians who identified a need for high performance riding boots for top competitive riders. Being riders themselves, they believed that they could bring the same technology to riding boots for Beth Cross of Ariat cushioning, support or flexibility that Reebok, Nike and others had brought to athletic shoes. Pam and Beth had worked with Reebok as consultants. In 1992, they assembled a team of footwear engineers, podiatrists and top athletic shoe designers to develop Ariat’s first line of riding boots. Tested in the field for over a year, when the boots hit the market they were an instant success. The name, “ARIAT”, derives from the Italian word “aria” which means “a perfect solo performance”. Ariat quickly became the footwear of choice among top riders around the world, offering equestrians state of the art technology for balance, stability and cushioning. Ariat have made a huge impact in the equestrian world over the past twenty years and combining style, innovation and cutting edge technologies, together with functionality, comfort and durability, the brand is recognisable for its fashion led designs, along with providing excellent quality solutions to the demands of modern riders. Ariat have universal appeal, catering for the needs of all equestrian enthusiasts, from the tall boot collection which includes the Challenge Contour, Heritage Contour and Bromont H20 which bring together style and performance in a unique range of riding boots, to the trend-setting country lover’s chocolate Grasmere Boot, which can be worn to enjoy outdoor pursuits or alternatively when spending time in the saddle. The famous Cobalt VX Boots are a flagship product in the Ariat portfolio, worn by every level of rider from amateurs learning to ride, all the way up to international equestrian superstars. These boots incorporate the top end of Ariat’s technologies to provide comfort, support and style. Walking, riding or simply making a style statement, country style boots have made their place on the equestrian catwalk and are here to stay! Walking, riding or simply making a style statement, country style boots have made their place on the equestrian catwalk! 24 MVF Newsletter 621 Famous for their footwear innovation, Ariat have already established a loyal following with the Coniston and Windermere Boots. Incorporating their well-researched and patented technologies, the Braemer GTX combines classic design with comfort, bringing a touch of country chic to practical outdoor apparel. These boots are made from premium waterproof, full-grain leather with a waterproof, breathable GORE-TEX and elegant plaid lining. Designed with a shock absorbing EVA midsole which helps prevent foot fatigue and an Extra-luggy Duratread outsole with easy-off ‘heel kick’ feature making them straightforward to wear and the ATS (Advanced Torque Stability) Pro technology offers excellent stability and foot support. Available from 20th February! Ariat boots are available from 20 February both at selected branches and online. Find the full range at www.molevalleyfarmers.com, where you can also order through our Click and Collect service. Please check before travelling to ensure the boots you want are available. FARMING HORSE TALES It’s not just horse tales any more! Katie Allin writes ... medicines. If you read or were told like we were that GOS or any pig with floppy ears don’t dig up ground, they might want to visit our lawn, post Thomas getting out and partaking in some extreme gardening! They are lovely pigs who love nothing more than a good scratch along the back. Ultimately Tom and Barbara Snuffles are here for a purpose, something William doesn’t have a problem with, although Harriet says she much prefers to see them at the bottom of the garden, rather than on her plate! For the time being we shall gloss over that final chapter. Although if you are feeling rather peckish and fancy a roast pork meal or pork in a bun, we can highly recommend the Kenniford Farm catering trailer found in Holsworthy, South Molton, Newton Abbot and Cullompton branches! As the days are pulling out and the bulbs are beginning to show, there is a hint of promise that we are coming to the tail end of winter and the long awaited spring is returning with all the productivity it brings. Last month we introduced you to our latest addition to the Team Allin family, Jerald the cat. A cat that chose us, well Julian actually, when Julian was replacing a timer switch at a local farm. This month we thought you might like to hear about the pigs, not the story of ‘The Three Little Pigs’, but of Team Allin’s two pigs named Tom and Barbara Snuffles. Tom and Barbara Snuffles having a good scratch! William was adamant they were to be kept at the bottom of the garden, in view of his bedroom window, which was allowed on condition of it being on an initial trial ‘smell’ period. Introducing Tom (right) and Barbara (left) Snuffles William is gluten and wheat intolerant which can be rather awkward when buying food. You do tend to turn into a label anorak and it’s amazing the foods you can find them hidden in. As William loves sausages and burgers we thought we would rear our own meat for the freezer. Tom and Barbara Snuffles came from a local farmer as weaners at 8 weeks old. They are Gloucester Old Spots, an English breed known for its docility and intelligence, they are also known as the ‘Orchard Pig’ and the ‘Cottagers’ Pig’ - a good all round meat pig, that grows efficiently, and this was the main reason for us getting the breed. So with spring around the corner and the better weather on its way, if you fancy having a go at rearing your own meat for the table you might want to try pigs. If you do we would love to hear about them and of course love to see your photos. If you’re new to pig keeping, or any farm animal, it is advisable to contact DEFRA to make sure you have all the relevant holding, herd, flock numbers and paper work prior to purchasing your animal. We used an old calf hutch as their house on rubber matting and a straw bed. As soon as Tom and Barbara Snuffles went in they snorted with delight and rustled the beds up, making a piggy nest. Outside they were on a concrete pad with an eating, playing and toilet area. Contrary to what many believe, we found them to be very clean and tidy. As small scale pig keepers we found the best option was to use formulated rations in the nut form. You can get 25kg bags of weaner nuts and for later on, finisher nuts from Mole Valley Farmers, as well as all the other associated equipment and William and Harriet keeping records of their piggies Katie Products for the pig-keeper Philips infra red bulb Heating and healing. Converts power into clean, simple and convenient sources of radiant heat ideal for livestock raising. MVF CODE 34658 £5.40 Uniferon 20% injection Sterimatic Jab-box complete Injection Kit. 100ml. Uniferon is an iron supplement for piglets that promotes better health. MVF CODE 36769B £11. 90 Contains: 2ml bottle mounted syringes with Sterimatic needle protector and cleaning system (300 dose); sterimatic refill pack (500 dose); needle spanner; MVF CODE 58422 syringe lubrication oil; bottle protector for 100ml bottles; vaccine cool bag; pen & pad; pack of disposable syringes (2,5,10,20 & 30ml); 5 pairs of disposable gloves and a 0.25lt sharps box. £73.65 MVF Newsletter 621 25 BRANCH No Bull range of workwear 1001 stud front boilersuit Green 32” - 54” reg 36” - 54” tall Navy 32” - 54” reg 32” - 54” tall Features two chest pockets, elasticated back, two side pockets, one open back pocket and a rule pocket on the right leg. £12.50 1002 zip front boilersuit Green 32” - 54” reg/tall Navy 32” - 54” reg 32” - 48” tall 54” tall Features two chest pockets with metal zips, two hip pockets and two back pockets; one zipped. Elasticated waist and knee pads. MVF CODES 55467-70 + sz 1004 double zip boilersuit 1007 ladies boilersuit £20.82 Navy 10-18 Features zip front with velcro fastening, two chest and leg pockets with velcro flaps, raglan sleeves and velcro adjustable cuffs, elasticated waist. £20.82 MVF CODE 61560 + sz MVF CODE 62085 + sz Harvester trousers Action trousers Green 30” - 52” reg/tall Navy 30” - 52” reg/tall Features a button and bar fastening with nylon zip, shirt gripper waistband, two side pockets, one inset back pocket with flap and button and wide belt loops. Navy or black 30”50” reg Navy 30”-50” tall Black 30”-50” tall Features a zip fly with button closure, two zipped hip & two zipped back pockets, two open front hand pockets. £10.50 MVF CODES 55474-5, 60164-5 + sz 26 MVF Newsletter 618 Features welded seams, quilted lining, removable & adjustable hood, multiple pockets with flaps, chucky zip under storm flaps, zip leg with storm flaps, back elasticated waist and velcro adjustable cuffs. £12.50 MVF CODES 55463-66 + sz Green S-XXXL Features two, two way zips, two chest pockets with stud flaps and two hip pockets. Elasticated back, stud adjustable cuffs and velcro ankle fastening. 1003 padded boilersuit £12.25 MVF CODES 55478-81 + sz Green S-XXL £41.66 MVF CODE 61510 + sz Lined harvester trousers Green 30”-52” Features a button and bar fastening with nylon zip, shirt gripper waistband, two side pockets & a single back pocket and wide belt loops. £18.95 MVF CODE 55476 + sz Offers are available from 31/1/16 - 29/2/16. Sizes subject to availability. For further information or to check if your item is in stock please call your local branch. BRANCH Our own brand No Bull continues the theme of value for money products Bedford padded shirt Ash padde padded sh shirt Rydon padded shirt S-XXXL S-XXL Green, blue or red Blue or red Blue or red S-XXXL Long sleeve padded shirt has a 100% cotton outer fabric and 100% polyester inner. Featuring single button fastening chest pockets, single button cuffs, fur lining for 29 maximum warmth. £13. MVF CODES 1094143-54 SAVE 20% EVA safety wellington 7-12 Removable and washable inner sock. 100% cotton outer fabric and 100% polyester inner. Featuring single button fastening chest pockets, single button cuffs and check pattern. 100% cotton outer fabric and 100% polyester inner. Featuring single button fastening chest pockets, single button cuffs, fur lining (including the hood) for maximum warmth. Acid & oil resistant. Lightweight and hard wearing. Normal price £45.00 £10.82 £16.66 MVF CODES 1094165-82 SAVE 20% Duvale safety rigger boot MVF CODES 1094155-64 SAVE 20% 6-12 Waxy buffalo leather upper with a full fur lining. Steel toe and midsole protection. £29.45 MVF CODES 1089895-02 Caradon black safety boot 6-12 Leather upper, brown cambrelle lining and rubber outsole. Steel toe and midsole with a PU insole and rubber outsole. Normal price £36.85 £36.00 Normal price £38.40 MVF CODES 589516-12 Offers are available from 31/1/16 - 29/2/16. Sizes subject to availability. For further information or to check if your item is in stock please call your local branch. £29.95 MVF CODES 555126-12 MVF Newsletter 618 27 FARMING Which workboot fits the bill? SAVE No Bull safety 20% footwear The best safety boots for farmers No Bull safety workboots come with a steel toe and midsole protection. Features include a full grain leather upper, brown cambrelle lining, rubber outsole, brown mesh and white PU insole. SBP SRC Safety Standards. Caradon boot Farm boots need to be robust enough to deal with everything the countryside and farming throws at them, whether its wet, muddy, cold conditions or to protect when safety is paramount. With moving vehicles, falling objects, potential slips and handling livestock, farmers need the right pair of boots – tailored to meet the demands of their job. Tough, working, comfort build the foundations on which Amblers Safety work boots are crafted. Upper: SAVE over 25% Working in mud, on slippery concrete floors and varied terrain puts strain on the outsole. The ideal sole is slip-resistant as well as being resilient to a variety of cleaning chemicals, animal manure and has deep grooves to channel away fluids. Midsole: Musculoskeletal injuries can be common in farming (back pain, sprains or strains). A softer interlayer such as phylon or polyurethane provides cushioning, as well as being light and flexible for the wearer. When adopting a lifting posture, work boots must be able to flex comfortably. This soft interlayer combined with an energy absorbing heel absorbs the impact and reduces stress that may be put on joints when working on tough ground. 28 MVF Newsletter 621 £29.95 MVF CODES 55514/55512 + sz Meldon boot Steel toe and midsole protection. Features include a full grain leather upper, brown cambrelle lining, rubber outsole and brown mesh and white PU insole. SBP SRC Safety Standards. Sizes 6-12 When gambling with ever-changing weather conditions, a waterproof lining is a must for any farmer - ensuring all-weather protection whilst allowing the feet to breathe. Outsole: Normal price £38.45 Amblers Steel FS32 waterproof safety hiker boot incorporating steel midsole, loop lacing system and hardwearing rubber/phylon sole with a rubber toe and heel guards. Conforms to EN ISO20345 Safety Footwear Standards. Lining: Steel toe caps are absolutely essential. Lifting bales into trailers and handling cattle and other animals always involves a risk of injury to feet. Sizes 6-12 Amblers safety boots Leather boots are a good choice when working in harsh conditions. Leather is durable, keeps its shape as well as having an ability to hold heat and resist moisture. Toe Protection: Black or Chestnut Brown £38. 99 Normal price £52.50 MVF CODE 46300 + sz SAVE 20% Amblers FS164 safety boot with steel toe and midsole for complete protection. Features include a padded collar for comfort, handy pull on loop, strong Goodyear welted construction, speed lacing and hardwearing slip resistant rubber outsole. Conforms to EN ISO20345 Safety Footwear Standards. Sizes 7-12 £31.76 Normal price £39.70 MVF CODE 58433 + sz Sizes 6-12 Normal price £38.45 £29.95 MVF CODES 55510 + sz Upton safety rigger boot Size 7-12 Normal price £45.55 £31.95 MVF CODES 589527-12 Extremely lightweight. 100% EVA construction. Removable and washable inner sock. Acid and oil resistant. Suitable for use on dairy farms and for general farming. Polycarbonate toe cap and mid sole. Hard wearing. Offers available until 29/02/16 or whilst stocks last No VAT FARMING A supply chain overview for Mole Valley Farmers staff James Morrish of Kivells Auctioneers gave the Marketing Department team a tour of Holsworthy market Mole Valley Farmers is proud of its agricultural roots and conscious that its economic ups and downs are bound closely with those of the farming community. Whilst some staff from the Marketing Department at South Molton come from farming backgrounds, those who do not were recently given a better appreciation of the agricultural community by firstly being taken to Holsworthy livestock market, before visiting a dairy unit, Hele Barton Farm, admirably managed by Bill Jewel. The market tour was kindly given by auctioneer James Morrish of Kivells. He explained that the new £9.7 million Holsworthy Market is one of the leading auction centres in the South West, selling all types of prime and store stock each week. More than 500 people now attend every Wednesday, with 2000 - 2500 animals going under the hammer. The next stop was the new Mole Valley Farmers store at Holsworthy, which opened in September 2015. The marketing team were responsible for much of the artwork and visuals now seen in the Holsworthy store so it was a great opportunity for them to see their work and designs in situ. The final visit of the day was to Leeson Farm Partnership’s Hele Barton Farm, St Giles on the Heath, near Holsworthy - a progressive dairy farm. Manager Bill Jewel hosted the farm walk, from the breeding bulls and calves, through to the cows into the rotary parlour. He explained that milk production centreed around a system seen in New Zealand which utilised grass to minimise hard feed inputs; using a smaller, hardy cow (often a Jersey or Ayrshire cross) which is suitable for a prolonged grazing season and contracting out all none-core activities. Overall the day provided a whistle stop view of agriculture in North Devon, illustrating the tough climate farmers are currently weathering. A big thank you to everyone that gave up their time to talk to the team – it was appreciated! Ride-on mowers 452cc Mountfield Series 7750 engine, 98cm (38½”) cutting width, side discharge or mulch, 5 forward gears and one reverse, 140cm (55”) turning circle, 7 cutting heights 25mm – 80mm. Complete with mulching plug and tow bar. Normal price £1332.50 James explained that on the day of the visit 1000 sheep, plus 150 cows and calves were being sold. He added that December had seen a £350 fall in the price of a dairy cow, against a background of dire milk prices, where it cost 21p a litre to produce, although some contracts only paid farmers 9.7p. £1165.83 MVF CODE 60954 SAVE £166.67 Mountfield 1530M 452cc Mountfield Series 7750 engine, 84cm (33”) cutting width, large 240 litre rear collector, 5 forward gears and 1 reverse, 140cm (55”) turning circle, 7 cutting heights 25mm-80mm. Hydrostatic version also available Normal price £1499.17 £1332.50 MVF CODE 1088023 SAVE £166.67 7 This has made Holsworthy one of the principal dairy stock markets in Devon and Cornwall, with animals regularly arriving from across Great Britain and Europe. For this reason the site has its own milking parlour, as cows often remain on site for two days. Mountfield 1538M-SD SAVE £166.67 Mountfield 1636H 452cc Mountfield series 7750 engine, 92cm (36”) cutting width, large 290 litre rear collection, or mulch option, hydrostatic drive, 140cm (55”) turning circle, 7 cutting heights 25mm–80mm. Complete with mulching plug and tow bar. The team do a bit of shopping at Holsworthy! Normal price £1832.50 £1665.83 MVF CODE 60953 MVF Newsletter 621 29 BRANCH Early spring in the garden The 2015 winter has delivered record and prolonged wet weather preventing us from getting outdoors. Some wildlife and bulbs have been woken by the mild conditions, with a few birds building their nests in December and daffodils in flower before Christmas. In February we should start to see light levels increase. There is always plenty to do in the garden, but the prolonged wet weather could make gardeners busier than ever. With Spring almost upon us, it should now be getting to a point where we can venture forth and start on the jobs that have been building up over the winter months. With the garden coming to life again, it is time to prune many climbers, shrubs and hedges. Wisteria should be pruned twice a year, once in February where you cut it back to two or three buds to tidy it up and ensure that the flowers are not obscured by leaves, and then again in July to control the size. Also prune winter flowering Jasmine, cutting back the previous year’s growth to 5cm from the old wood, after flowering to encourage new growth for next year’s blooms. Wilkinson Sword bypass HALF pruner 29W PRICE! Given how mild this winter has been, it is important to be aware that we often see frosts in February and March so keep an eye on the weather forecasts and protect blossom on apricots, nectarines and peaches if necessary. For accuratee cutting of young stems. ems. Easy open safety catch. Non stick blades for easier cutting normal price £9.98 MVF CODE 1008365 £4.99 In the flower garden this is a good time to lift and divide flower bulbs, such snowdrops, “in the green”, if you want to move them or create more plants. Also, now in branch you will find summer flowering bulbs, such as dahlias, lilies and gladioli ready for spring planting. For me, February is the real start of the season in the vegetable garden, with beds to be prepared by removing all weeds and forking in plenty of compost. You can then give yourselves a head start by covering the soil with black plastic sheets to keep it drier and warmer in preparation for spring planting. If the weather is still cold this month then why not hang fat balls and keep bird feeders topped up to attract birds, who will in turn eat pests in your garden. The mild weather has meant that we haven’t had the frosts to kill these pests off so we may need all the help we can get! In the greenhouse you can start sowing vegetable seeds such as leeks, onions and celeriac in preparation for planting out when the likelihood of frost has passed. Seed potatoes are now in branch and are ready to be purchased and taken home for ‘chitting’. This process extends the growing period and leads to earlier tuber formation and higher yields. To do this you should stand them on their end in an egg box in a bright, cool, frost-free place. Sprouts form within a few weeks and, after about six weeks, shoots should be 5cm (2in) long and dark coloured. Planting out of first earlies can then be carried out in March here in the south or in April in less favourable areas. 30 MVF Newsletter 621 Prices on this page include VAT where applicable. Offers available until 29/2/16 or whilst stocks last BRANCH Spring product highlights 2 for £6 Seed Potatoes 3kg Grow your own potatoes! Wide range of varieties available e.g Marfona, King Edward and Foremost. £3.69 MVF CODES 23633-51, 23654-5, 27291-2, 40903, 1100729 SAVE £2 Potting Tray Work Bench Vegetable Pre-packs BUY 2 GET 3rd FREE New Molecare cat wormer Choose from onion sets, shallots, garlic, asparagus, strawberry and taster packs of seed potatoes. Cheapest item free. MVF CODES 1101529-50 SAVE £3 Plant raising kit W NE UCT! OD PR M l V Mole Valley ll Farmers F are proud to launch our new Molecare Cat Wormer which adds to our extensive range of competitively priced, own brand quality products. Ideal working area for many garden jobs like potting, pricking out, etc. £4.98 SAVE £5 Contains fibre pots, plant markers, growing guide, compost and free seeds RRP £9.99 £6.98 MVF CODE 1013830 MVF CODE 1101376 Garden galvanised incinerator Patio magic 85L Normal price £17.99 £12.98 MVF CODE 13018 SAVE £2.50 Kills and controls green mould, algae and moss without the need for scrubbing. 2.5L £6.98 MVF CODE 37943 Prices on this page include VAT where applicable. Offers available until 29/2/16 or whilst stocks last Manufactured using the same ingredients as the biggest selling broad spectrum cat wormer in the UK, Molecare Cat Wormer kills every type of intestinal worm found in UK cats, including roundworm and tapeworm. It is available to purchase as an individual tablet so you only have to buy as many as you need, making it a great cost effective worming method. Molecare Cat Wormer is available in your local branch at the Animal Health Counters. Our Suitably Qualified Person (SQP) staff members will be on hand to offer expert worming advice. Molecare cat wormer Individual tablets £1.75 MVF CODE 1101713 MVF N Newsletter 621 31 BRANCH Early spring in the garden Building on the success of our original Molemaster mower there are now two great value products in the range. Manufactured exclusively for us by Mountfield the leading lawnmower brand in the UK since 1960. As in previous years we expect demand to be high for this and it is a case of when it’s gone it gone! Look out for our 2016 range of Lawnmowers arriving February/March. SAVE £60 Mountfield MoleMaster 46HP lawnmower Hand propelled, single point height adjustment. Mountfield 100cc engine, mulching plug included SAVE £70 Mountfield MoleMaster 46PD lawnmower Self propelled, single point height adjustment. Mountfield 140cc engine, mulching plug included £189.00 Normal price £249 Normal price £319 MVF CODE 1100556 SAVE £6 £249.00 MVF CODE 1073125 Mower battery 12v Country Garden stainless steel tool range Polished stainless steel head with a solid ash wooden handle providing that unique, vintage appeal, these products offer everyday low prices. Suitable for use with most mowers requiring a battery. For example models S101E or S101RE. 3 year warranty. * Offers available until 31/3/16. Digging spade MVF Code 1084183 Digging fork MVF Code 1084182 Border fork MVF Code 1084184 Border spade MVF Code 1084185 Normal price £47.10 £41.10 £16.66 each 16 tooth lawn rake MVF Code 1084193 £15.98 MVF CODE 1094698-9 Mower need a service? If your mower has been languishing away at the back of the shed all winter and needs a bit of care before mowing begins again in earnest this summer, arrange for a service through your local branch. Please ask for details 32 MVF Newsletter 621 Dunlop full safety SAVE Purofot wellington 20% Waterproof, light, shaped footbed for comfort, coated toe cap, slip resistant, ladder grip outsole. Safety boot Sizes 4-12 Normal price £44.99 * Offers available until 30/6/16. £35. 99 MVF CODE 53256+sz 2 for £9 * Offers available until 30/6/16. Country Garden stainless steel weeding fork, hand trowel, transplanting trowel, daisy grubber and onion hoe £6.98 MVF CODE 1084186-90 Prices on this page include VAT where applicable. Offers available while stocks last or until 29/2/16 unless stated otherwise. BRANCH Swannacott Manor Meats now supplying Holsworthy store Our new Holsworthy store opened its doors in September, and the food and drink section has been a great success with lots of new, tasty products to choose from. With locally sourced produce at the heart of what we do, you can’t get much more local than one of our new suppliers, Swannacott Manor Meats of Week St Mary. If you came to our store opening in September, you may remember Darren Sobey and butcher Billy, cooking up their delicious burgers on the day. Well, the good news is that we now have a fantastic range of their beef, lamb and pork available to buy in store, all reared and butchered 10 miles away. Darren is from a long established local family, who have been farming in North Cornwall for six generations. “We farm using traditional, tried and tested, grass based, free range systems, keeping cattle outside for as long as possible and sheep outside all year round. We use native bred suckler cattle whenever possible because we believe they have superior flavour”. He uses a local slaughterhouse and everything is butchered on site by Billy. With 30 years in the trade, he really knows his shank from his sirloin! Darren also supplies many local pubs and restaurants, so you know you’ll be getting fantastic, restaurant quality meat when you buy their products. Steaks with blue cheese and roasted vegetables Ingredients 2 lean flat iron, rump, sirloin, or picanha steaks Salt and freshly milled black pepper 15ml/1tbsp rapeseed or olive oil 25g/1oz blue cheese, e.g Stilton, crumbled 15ml/1tbsp fruit chutney of your choice For the roasted vegetables Darren has been a Mole Valley Farmers customer for 30 years. He said “I’ve shopped at Mole Valley since I was a young farmer, buying feed, equipment and day to day farming items to help with the smooth running of my farm, so it’s great to see my products on the shelves now. To move into retail is really exciting for us, and to work with a trusted local brand like Mole Valley Farmers is the perfect fit”. 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and cut into wedges 2 small beetroots, peeled and cut into wedges 1 onion, peeled and cut into wedges Salt and freshly milled black pepper 15ml/1tbsp rapeseed or olive oil Method Preheat the oven to Gas mark 6, 200°C, 400°F. To prepare the roasted vegetables; place the vegetables on a baking tray, season, drizzle with the oil and roast for 30-35 minutes. Meanwhile, heat the remaining oil in a non-stick pan. Season the steaks and cook according to your preference Rare -2 minutes on each side, Medium Rare 3-4 minutes on each side, Medium - 5-7 minutes on each side. For best results cooking flat iron steaks to well-done is not recommended. Put the crumbled cheese on top of the steaks and pop them under a grill for a few seconds to help it melt. Spoon the roasted vegetables onto each plate. Add the steaks and drizzle any meat juices from the pan over the steak. Serve immediately. See more at simplybeefandlamb.co.uk/ recipes The new chilled section at Holsworthy with its wide range of farm produce MVF Newsletter 621 33 BRANCH How 2015 was for me by Cathy Wood, Retail Buyer After a year’s break … despite my best attempts to say no I seem to have agreed to write for the newsletter once again….. took reserve in The Queens Cup…..a dilemma ensued…we needed to go home and get the Connies for Friday - both Contepomi and Pride & Joy were entered…..but Jemima and foal were qualified for The Supreme the following day.. After much shenanigans we left Jem and foal in the capable hands of Jamie Frost – drove an empty wagon home, washed grey ponies, re packed the lorry and set the alarm for 3am – joy! So much happened in 2015 it’s really hard to know where to begin so I will start with ‘Hatch, Match & Dispatch’. Please note this refers absolutely to the 4 leggeds and definitely not to me or indeed OH…….although I would REALLY like another puppy :-) On the equine front Team Grey – otherwise known as the Connemaras has expanded. There are now three broodmares and three fillies about to join the herd as they reach breeding age…OH was not pleased at this increase in ponies! I did however manage to bank some short lived brownie points when I sold the 2015 foals out of my two original Connemara mares. As always though, these wins are short lived and were soon negated by the purchase of a lovely purebred filly 3 this time and a very athletic colt foal whilst on an unsupervised Irish holiday. Team Grey continues to grow Keen to move myself back off the naughty step I also sold two of the four sport horse foals and loaned one of the broodies to a friend and fellow Mole Valley employee. My favourite homebred mare, Kiss N tell, produced her first foal …a stunning bay colt by Monte Carlo. She has always been a princess though and did not take to labour easily…’too posh to push’ it took a lot of pulling to get her colt delivered. OH was horrified at having to help and insisted on wearing gloves before getting stuck in…Princess Number 2! The Conny mares were the polar opposite last spring…they seemed to wait for me to turn my back…cough once and Voila – a foal. My last foal was born in June – Now AI-ing with frozen semen never ceases to amaze me – my jumping mare by Concorde produced a breathtakingly beautiful filly by Contendro who heads the world rankings as the leading event horse sire. This lovely foal is a result of semen that had been stored for 12 years before being used. I do really struggle with the concept 34 MVF Newsletter 621 Contepomi Cashel taking the Championship at New Forest of using 12 year old semen … post ovulation but - with the diligence of Supervet Paul Jarvis, anything is possible and there is a lovely foal to prove it! Whilst you should not have favourites, these two young foals are responsible for my demise back to the naughty step - now firmly in the basement for keeping them both - its really beginning to feel like a game of snakes and ladders…I have gone back to the bottom – and an iPad as a Christmas present does not seem to have elevated my position much! You may remember we leased a beautiful Connemara stallion from the West of Ireland… Contepomi Cashel - the plan was to get him to a few shows and he certainly did not disappoint. Starting at Chard he We made the front stood Champion, page of Horse & followed by Hound! Champion Connemara and Overall Champion Mountain & Moorland at Devon County. He should have gone back to contest the Supreme the following day but we both preferred to stay home – my crook knee was giving me serious strife and he had there mares to cover – so there it was..sex for him and an old lady snooze on the settee for me – with leg elevated! The respite was brief….less than 48 hours later he was back in the ring at the Regional Breed Show where he was Champion again. We gave Bath & West a miss last year with both Sport Horses and Hunters and went to Royal Cornwall the following week. Now this has always been a very lucky show for us and 2015 was no exception. Kiss N Tell won the Hunter Breeding Championship (our 5th at the show), her foal ‘Telling Tales’ won his class and they then The early start was worth it though…both Connies won and were duly Champion and Reserve…more dilemma…….who would show what in the Cuddy Supreme which carried a HOYS qualifier. Jamie took the stallion whilst I teamed up with Di and Jemima and foal. With 18 forward the final was hotly contested. Jemima was very sharp and unsettled having been stabled on the showground for a couple of days and took an immense dislike to a biplane that circled repeatedly overhead with an advertising banner. I was over the moon for both to be pulled forward into the final four and when Contepomi won and qualified there were lots of celebrations. The highlights for me were telling Jamie he must stay on the end of the lead and show at HOYS and ring Bartley who owned Contepomi to say he had qualified – their reactions were more exciting than winning and showing is so much more fun when it’s a team effort. They say pride comes before a fall and for me it certainly did! Later that month I ended up with a broken ankle, plastered up and on crutches! Before you all jump to dodgy conclusions. I actually broke it running across the bedroom – no, I was not running away from OH – rather towards a ringing phone! continued on next page... Confined to the truck while my leg was in plaster, I had to content myself with checking the ponies through the window BRANCH continued ... What felt like an eternity in plaster followed….. then a month in an airboot meant no driving and working from home for the first few weeks. I truly thought I would go crazy – in the main each day was like being in ‘Solitary’. Eventually my kindly colleagues took pity on my frustration and some exceptionally chauffeuring from fellow buyers Ian Heddon and John Ovenell facilitated a return to normality. Competitions, news and giveaways for all equestrian enthusiasts OUR FACEBOOK PAGE HAS IT ALL! My one small reprieve was a trip to the New Forest Show – friends rallied round, drove the lorry, showed the ponies to stand Champion and Reserve and kept me sane. The shame of my Madge (of Benidorm fame) scooter was absolutely worth escaping those four walls for a day. There were moments when I feared for my credit card deposit though when OH treated it like a scramble bike! Our last outdoor show of the season was Bucks County – the lorry was kindly driven by Dave Pearce, Jemima and her foal had a great day taking two Championships and three first prizes…..the season had been super short with just two shows between mid June and October due to my hiccup…. but what a season we had. HOYS did not disappoint either – 7th of 16th in a really strong pony final – Happy Days. The only cloud on the horizon was that Contepomi was only due to remain in the UK for one more season. This charismatic, cheeky pony had got right under my skin. I had no idea where I could find another with so much bone, step and type.....I dreaded sending him home. I am delighted to say after much tooing and froing…with friends Emma and John Rugman we managed to get him purchased and he will remain in the UK. Back in April 2015 we launched our Equestrian Facebook page, and now ten months later are delighted to have a following of nearly 5,400 enthusiasts. Horse and pony lovers have been spoilt for choice with regular competitions and giveaways, from great every day ‘must haves’ such as horse feed, rugs, head collars to grooming products keeping equines sparkling from nose to tail! There have also been fabulous prizes with money can’t buy experiences such as a VIP trip to Blair Castle’s European Eventing Championship, including a course walk with top rider Sam Watson. lived off the land and successfully started (broke-in) two young Connemara ponies without any tack, assistance or facilities. Facebook allowed fans to share her preparations and the fantastic reception and national publicity she received on her return. Most recently she was seen with Ben Fogle on Countryfile, talking about her adventure and the amazing bond she forges with equines large and small. On a serious note, the legislation for riding hat standards changed for Pony Club, Riding Club, BE and BS disciplines – do check your hat standards and make sure you are competition legal. There was a timely reminder on New Years Day when one of our sponsored riders, Vicky Smith took a nasty tumble over a big hedge – both horse and rider hit the deck and Vicky was knocked out cold. Vicky used to hunt in a Velvet Hunt Cap with no safety standards or harness… Thank Goodness for her Champion Skull Cap – common sense prevailed – and a catastrophic head injury was avoided. Cathy Please call in to your local branch for a selected range of items for the horse and rider. From feed to bedding, bandages to brushes, we have a selection of good quality, value for money staples for your stable. Why not use our Click and Collect service available from molevalleyfarmers.com You could have a chance to win products like this. We’ve also featured prizes such as a VIP trip to Blair Castle’s European Eventing Championship, including a course walk with top rider Sam Watson and many more. Mole Valley Farmers Equestrian Facebook also helped launch equine behaviourist Emma Massingale’s amazing Irish adventure in June. Emma took seven ponies to a remote, uninhabited Irish island for a month, “We are delighted that our Mole Valley Farmers Equestrian Facebook page has allowed followers unique insights, experiences and stream of regular prizes for our loyal horse and pony owners. More unbeatable offers, tips and competitions will be on the way both for those who already know and trust the Mole Valley Farmers brand, and those who have just discovered us.” says Andy Skarzynski, Head of Marketing at MVF. So, if you are a horse or pony lover, please join us on Facebook for many equestrian treats, news and comments from fellow enthusiasts, you never know, you may be the lucky winner of one of our fantastic offers! MVF Newsletter 621 35 SMALL ADS For Sale Machinery New diesel generators at factory gate prices! Most sizes in stock for immediate delivery, contact [email protected] or call Russell on (now correct no.) 07769 656499 MF 35 four cylinder recent full rebuild £1995 07736 009565 Workshop operators & parts manuals for many tractors, balers, combines, mowers & other machines. All ages & makes. 07831 256933 Redrock diet feeders, sheargrabs etc., Redrock dump trailers, low loaders. Call Brian Anning. 07779 143439 Land Rover Freelander 2 TD4S 2007 izmir blue metallic - tow bar. MOT June 2016. VGC £4,500 ono. 01837 811591/ 07974 262873 2009 Teagle Tomahawk 880 trailed straw shredder, good cond. £4750+VAT 01566 781272 Edlington potato grader/bagger £100 Standen 2 row potato planter £150 International 585 with Tanco Loader (offers) Exeter area. 07966 186720 Pottinger MEX 6 forager (2003) excellent condition. Owned from new. Dry stored. Spout extensions. Additive gear. Can deliver. Andy: 07507 567380 Refurbished bulk milk tanks, 30,000 ltr Roka, 30,000 ltr Fabdec, 25,000 ltr Roka, 20,000 ltr Fabdec, 14,000 ltr Fabdec, 11,000 ltr Fabdec, 10,000 ltr Fabdec, 8,200 ltr packo Fullwood, 7,000 ltr packo Fullwood rmib*, 6,000 ltr mueller, 5,000 ltr Fabdec, 5,000 ltr holding vessel, 4,400 ltr packo Fullwood rmib*, 4,000 ltr mueller, 4,000 ltr Delaval + almost new mueller washer, 3,800 ltr packo Fullwood rmib*, 3,000 ltr mueller, 2,300 ltr packo Fullwood rmib*, *rmib = instant cooling tank, 1000 ltr heat recovery system – special price, main dealer for new Ro-ka milk cooling systems - talk to us about our “green machine” heat recovery system. with almost all installations returning a 30-50% return on investment, can you afford not to install it on your dairy farm? please see southwestrefrigeration.co.uk for more info. for further details please call s.w refrigeration specialising in “on farm cooling equipment” 01392 210344 or paul on 07974 140949. Takeuchi TB175 digger. 5200 hours, GWO, complete with new rubber tracks, 2005. £14000 + vat. 07840 189043 /01598 763493 Powrmatic oil fired workshop/warehouse heaters. Powrmatic CPO700XUF £1900 + VAT and Powrmatic CPO600XUF £1700 + VAT complete with stainless steel flue pipes. Both new in 2008 with minimal useage and. 07977 495818 Vicon RSM twin disk fertilser spreader 600kg capacity. Only done small acreage. Tested. 07974 754848 S Devon Vicon RF 235 round baler 2006. Never used for contracting. Crop chopper. Low bale count. First class order. 07974 754848. S Devon Marshall 60/70 dung spreader lid, used. 01823 680117/07941 731145 Water pump (submersible). Will pump 2 cu.m/hour (2000 litres). 5.7kW, used only once, warranty 12 months, £395 ono. 01458 241222 / 07765 230727 AS Marston 14 tonne grain trailer, 2006. Ex condition. Standard tail gate with grain shute. £5700. 01769 579018 Parmiter shear grab. 4 ft, Quickie brackets, gwo. £300 + vat. Moulton yard scraper, like new. £450 + vat. 07419 982653 Large transport box. call 07718 911299 45 x Henderson triple feeder hoppers suitable for pigs, lambs, calves or goats etc Approx 1m length. 01395 444319 50 x wet/dry pig feeders. 01395 444319 36 -- MVF Newsletter 621 16 x indoor sectional pig bungalows with heat lamps. 01395 444319 Herbert potato grader - Open to offers. 01395 444319 Wooden potato chitting trays. 01395 444319 Woodchipper, PTO driven, min 35 HP, dual feed, up to 5" stick, adj spout, £1500 ono vgc Torrington 07964 558703 Excavator thumb for 3 tonne slew, paper roll grab for conversion, clamshell bucket with rotator, needs tidying. All + vat. 07774 676434 (Somerset) Vicon Varispreaders, 1354 & 802, both vgc, hydraulic control. 01271 864272/ 07977 284037 Toyota Hilux diesel 4 we, double cab, 03 reg, 1 owner, MOT till June 2016, good tyres. £4500 + VAT. Ifor Williams stock trailer, cattle gate, sheep decks + gates, easy load ramps, very straight. £3250 + VAT. Honda 250 quad £2450 + VAT. 01984 640125/ 07740 406463 Marshall 7cu/m dung spreader in GWO. Recent new lid and main bearing £750 + vat 01598 763493/ 07840 189043 Dual wheels, 36” & 38” rims. Near Dorchester. 01258 837317 4T tipping trailer in good condition. £900 07887 942159/01297 489381 Manitou bucket £750, McHale round bale squeezer on Manitou brackets £700, Shelbourne tub mixerwagon gwo £2450, Woppa mobile foot trimming crush £350, 2 Wydale milk feeder £100, calf dehorn crate £95, various pig pen gates, box yardscraper vgc £750, 70' auto locking headyokes £250, binder x2,1530 New Holland combine, Not Sundays. 07815 188603 2 Major 2600g slurry tankers, air brakes, 6” self-fill with docking station, top hatch, 2012 & 2014. Brian Anning 0779143439 Claas Dominator 85 15 foot cut. Claas Senator 85 12 foot cut. Both with Perkins 6 cyl eng. used this season. 01458 274157 7.5 Belmac dung spreader. 12 months old. Done little work 01271 864272 PTO log splitter, good condition, £200 ono. Cheddar 07860 954492 Bobcat, model 533, c/w bucket, works well, ideal for stables. no VAT £3500. 07813 934660 Trailer Marstons 11 tonne silage super singles 01769 550443 Fan Jet 130 pro slug pelleter/feeder, used once £750 + vat. Harry West mixer wagon strong and simple £800 + vat. Teagle Toucan 8 tonne silage, forage wagon, converts to normal grain trailer £3300 + vat 01823 601270 Telehandler tyres Michelin 460/70 R24 @25% Kingsbridge. Tel 07809 886444 Classic small tipping trailer suit Fergie or similar £1250 or near offer. 01404 42920 Fullwood milk tank single phase 8,200 litres 2001 01736 810420 IAE cattle crush. Good condition. Tyre & rim 400-60-15.5 new. Ford 600 2 wheel drive. 07917 776338/ 01297 33263 Förster Technik auto calf machine with 45 collars, powder or whole milk with electrolyte attachment, just serviced, £3250. Heatime system + 55 collars £1100. N Devon 01805 623734/ 07866 736802 Marshall 12ft, 8 cu/m, dung spreader £1700. Krone 5.5 2m tedder, 2 years old, 4 rotors £2000. 01308 868030 Case JX1075C tractor. 55 plate. 4300 hours. Aircon, gears 16 back 16 forward, Tyres 25% front 70% back and 4 wheel drive. £9950 plus VAT ono. 07803 902796/ 01363 860017 JCB 535 TeleHandler non turbo With bucket, 5500 hours, tidy for year, good tyres £12,000 01458 252542 1600 West spreader. GWO. New rotor fitted spring '15. Selling due to change in farm policy. £6750 + VAT Wiveliscombe 01984 623374/ 07967 318071 Pair of 12.4x24 Firestone tyres. 20% tread, £120 pair 01884 860848 Kidd round bale straw chopper, old but works OK £250, Bomford 5 leg heavy cultivator, ideal for cross cultivating maize stubble £250, 3 tonne tipping trailer, all steel with grain sides, old but OK for soil, dung, logs etc. £250. 16 foot low loading trailer, built for transporting a 4M drill. Very well made £250. Large 3 point linkage livestock transporter £150. 30 tonne Kongskilde grain silo. Sectional wood panels, purchaser to dismantle, choice of 2. £100 each. Kongskilde grain weigher, very accurate , £100. Choice of grain augers from £25 All + VAT. Bodmin (01208) 74136 MF30 corn and fertiliser drill. 13 disc coulter at 6 7/8 spacing. Kongskilde 8ft vibratiller. Thomas 14ft grass seed barrow. Thomas 7ft root drill 4row. Wheatley 3.5 tonne wooden side board. Tipping trailers with front lade and bail extension - repairable. Avery sack weight 5 cut. Open to offers. 01884 33450 3" Astwell 21ft grain auger. Single phase motor. 2 Bentall Simplex 3hp blowers with heaters banks. 1 Bethall low volume fan. On floor air ducting 4ft 3ft 2ft 1ft sections for grain silos. Open to offers 01884 33450 Ifor Williams truck top for Skoda/VW pickup good condition 01769 581067 32Ft x 12ft green mobile chicken house. Will hold approx 300 chickens. Comes apart in 4 sections. £450. 8TE dump trailer on 10 stud super singles twin axle needs attention to ram seals £900. SKH V-spreader working £450. 4 rectangular box section cattle feeders, drop down sides in need of new wood £350. 1966 Heathfield quarry dumper lorry in need of restoration £975. 1 pallet white 150mm bathroom tiles offers. New Holland 268 baler untidy £250. Vikon Varispread for spares or repairs £50. Heavy duty pallet forks, 4ft tines. Sanderson / Claas bracket £350. 7ft slatted bucket for roots or riddling stones out of soil £350. Plastic foot bath for cattle 10ft x 3ft £50. Browns flat 8 bale sledge £200. 2 garage doors as new offers. 90Kva Dorman diesel engine generator 3 phase and single phase £1250. Lister diaphragm pump running £225. Ford Ranger/Mazda B2500 double cab snug top in white. Very tidy £250. 01823 602711/07815 059823 1 X wireless Rodenator R2 machine complete with fittings, remote control, operating instructions and lifetime warranty. Richard 07980 742191 Toyota RAV4 diesel, 4 wheel drive, 2008, 5 door, 68000 miles, dark blue, 12 months MOT, full service history, excellent condition, 2 local owners. Genuine reason for sale. £9250 07565 519938 Graham Edwards GP 74S trailer 7’x4’, non-brake, with livestock kit, as new, £1450 ono, no vat. Truro 07852 179479 Belmac 7.5 cu/m rotor spreader VGC. Vicon Varispreader, choice of 1154’s & 953’s. Watson 8ft ballast lead roller. Choice of 8ft & 10ft ballast rollers. Chainharrows 14ft manual fold & 14ft hydraulic fold. 7x4ft galvanised ATV bike trailer, complete with drop sides & door in tailboard. 6x4ft galvanised link box. C&H lamb wear. All sold in good condition. 01769 550623/07770 782238 Ford Transit 300TD swb pickup, 06 reg @125000 miles, MOT, silver/red, drop sides, bulk head ladder rack, tail lift, tow bar, new tyres, gwo £3650+vat 07540 969761 N Abbot MF 54 55 tractor 2005, 4125 hours, good tyres, very clean, tidy tractor £16250+vat. Suzuki Jimny VVT, 57 reg, 49000 miles, full service history, vgc, £4750. Dorset 01929 471932/ 07971 282972 Boythorpe 65ft 4 ring slurry tower, as new, still standing, offers invited. 01288 321551 TERAW woodchipper BX-62R light use, as new, £2750+vat. Bateman cattle crush £600 + vat. Mid Cornwall. 01637 880523 2 DeLaval robots 2009. Comes with auto foot bath, 2 OPS, 3 sets of selection gates, 2 milk sampler units. Snell Cullompton 01884 266407 / 07850 856500 Belmac zero grazer machine cut and cart + conveyor new July 2014 01884 266407 / 07850 856500 Star 2000 gal slurry tanker, LGP tyres, 2 hydraulic valves, £2000 ono Bodmin 07788 562952 Ford 555 wheel digger. 2 wheel drive, B reg with V5 doc. 4 in 1 front bucket & selection of rear buckets. £3500 ovno + VAT. 07834 043194 (Crediton) Agribiz 6m aerator, good condition £2250 07850 450743 Rayburn 480k oil. Does radiators and cooks, in blue. VGC, £850 ono 01984 618200/ 07791 730888 Botex 9’ topper with 3 blades, needs some TLC but in working order, £350. Torrington 07507 439372 Woodchuck sand dispenser 2013. Exceptional condition, genuine sale due to herd dispersal, only used to bed 30 heifers for the last year £3750 07885 948548 For Sale Livestock Lakemead pure British Friesian bulls for fertility, longevity and male calf value. Jon Wilson 07768 943380 Killerton Limousin ped bulls, 16-25 mths old, + 5yrs old stock bull all, quiet, good EBV’s, easy calving. in cattle health scheme. LEPTO and BVD vacc., semen tested. Patrick Greed. Exeter 01392 841228 / 07850 952983 Foxhill ped Limousin bulls. Reasonably priced from TB free heard and high SAC health scheme. Accredited for BVD and Johnes. View website foxhilllivestock. com call Melanie Alford 07971 978767/ 01884 849369 Nealford Limousins, quality young bulls. High EBVs, lepto & BVD vaccinated. SAC Healthplan. Also selection of ped. females. Also Angus bulls available. JH Neale 01566 772919 / 07929662074 Alpacas, beautiful quality, various colours, wonderful fleece, pregnant females, guard & companion boys, young healthy stock, BAS reg, all husbandry given. Affordable sensible prices. 07801 734823 Maplejacks Angus have a selection of ped. young bulls. All tested clear of BVD, IBR, Lepto, & Johnes. Members of S.A.C premium cattle heath scheme. 01823 490718 Rodmead Aberdeen Angus bulls, Biobest Health Accreditation, top EBV’s. Warminster, Wilts. 01985 844689, pedigreeangus.co.uk Pot Kiln ped polled Herefords. Young bulls ready to work. Suitable for cows and heifers. All home bred. 01962 775203 / 07801 142244 British Blue quality recorded bulls, from the Coldridge herd. 01363 83807 / 07790 386309 Oak Royal Holstein Friesians well-bred service age bulls, suitable for cows or heifers. Dennis Smith, Exeter 07870 645978 Woodington ped Angus. Quality young bulls and females. Bred for easy calving and fast growth. Biobest Hi Health scheme. Closed herd for over 25 years. Mid Devon 01884 860606 /07889 006503 Frenchstone Herefords, We have two ped. bulls. SAC high health accredited free for IBR, BVD, Johnes, Lepto. Semen & TB tested ready for work. From award winning herd. 01769 579460 Kingston ped. Aberdeen Angus bulls. Traditionally bred for easy calving. Well fleshed and good temperament. Members of HerdSure health scheme. Suppliers of quality bulls throughout the southwest for 25 yrs. Taunton area, tel 01823451619 or visit us at kingston-angus.co.uk MRI and British Friesian heifers sired by ped Hereford bull. Various ages. Cornwall. 07737 492235. Small Ads contact details can be found on page 2 SMALL ADS Kingston ped Aberdeen Angus in calf heifers and cows. Traditional, well fleshed and good temperament. Members of the HerdSure health scheme. Visit our website kingston-angus.co.uk or call 01823 451619 Reg ped beef Short Horn bulls. Excellent conformation. Quiet fully warranted. Wiveliscombe 01984 623218 Alpacas - Retirement Sale. Small ped herd. 5 pregnant females with cria at foot (2 male cria and 3 female cria), 2 pregnant females, 6 in tact adult males, 1 yearling male. All adults but one 8 year old female are between 3 and 4 years old. See our website alpacas-for-sale. co.uk for photos and details. Phone 01460 220763 or 07951 553253 Temple Angus ped bulls. Johnes level 1 07709 253366 Ped Aberdeen Angus young bulls from AI sires. Good conformation. Sydeham Herd - Hi Health status. 01884 881305 / 07973 870093 Pheasant poults. Quality grass reared, July/August delivery, sensibly priced. 20 yrs exp. 01363 866181 (eve preferred) Colhayne Aberdeen Angus bulls, easy calving AI sires, Breedplan recorded, very high EBVs, SAC premium Health Scheme. BV & VJ Fry, Axminster. 01404 831103 /07969 604287 Purebred Charolais bulls. 24-30 months. Only fed on silage and grass. 01823 253808/07966 422641 10 in-calf Holstein Friesian heifers due to Ped Angus bull - Feb/Mar. 01840 213243/07825 069311 Ped Aberdeen Angus bulls. BVD & Lepto vac. Some cubicle trained. 07799 261634/ 01409 261284 Ped Hereford bulls. BVD & Lepto vac. 07799 261634 /01409 261284 Bulls Holstein Friesians service age to suit all systems Sherdon Herd. J Palmer 07854 810584 Beef Shorthorn 9/10 month old quality Heifers. From the prize winning Hursley Cattle Partnership. Hampshire. Please call David Rees 07802 265430 or Curly Holdforth 07713 154526 Ped Limousin bulls, IBR / BVD Lepto vac Herd Health Scheme (Sutton Hoo Limousins) 07885 145311 Working bearded collie pups, home reared, nicely marked, seen with mum, wormed, well socialised, & very laid back. Mum has short, manageable coat. Ready on Valentine’s Day £350 01769 540014 Golden pheasant, young male £10 01409 253803 (answer phone) Simmental bull, ped, 27 mths. Fit and ready to work. Weight recorded, SV, SAC Premium Health Scheme. Halter trained, easily handled, semen tested. John May, Priorton, Crediton. 01363 772685 priortonpedigrees.com Priorton Ruby Red Devons. Bulls available 22 -24 mths old. Fit and ready to work. Quiet, halter trained. Weight recorded, SAC Premium Health Scheme. Semen tested. John May. Priorton, Crediton 01363 772685 priortonpedigrees.com British Blue x British Friesian bulling heifers. Good temperaments and conformation. Crediton 01363 866298 / 07711 345583 Beautiful Collie pups born 03/01/16, good tempered, working parents, ready in March. Yeovil area 07799 296502 Furzelease Aberdeen Angus. Young organic bulls, ready for work. Also, proven Haymount stock bull - 3 years old. SAC Premium Cattle Health Scheme. 01747 870509/07899 744764 Ped Ruby Devon Bull 20 months old Sensible money.Call Nick 07751380420 Severnvale Herefords, bulls and ped. females, various ages 01454 632309 Organic Danish Red Cross in calf heifers due Feb/March. Well bred with lovely temperament. Herd closed and organic for 30 years. 01300 341415/07966 298485 or [email protected] -- MVF Newsletter 621 37 Ped. Aberdeen Angus quality bulls and females. Easy calving; gd growth rate and conformation.Very quiet.Premium Cattle Health Scheme; FABBL.Breedplan.TB free. Irwin Rowe, Bosullow Herd. 01736 364070. [email protected] Macchina Aberdeen Angus bulls. Closed herd in SAC Hi Health status, all cattle blood tested anually. 4 yearly TB testing area on the Isle of Wight. Terrific growth rates on home produced forage, still maintaining easy calving. All bulls veterinary inspected and semen tested before sale to ensure purchase with confidence. Only new blood lines imported into herd from semen and embryos. Delivered to your farm with own transport to keep health status. Ian McDowall Tel: 01983 882881 Hereford cows and heifers of various ages. Spring and Autumn calving. Reg. ped. and organic. Show potential and commercial stock available. Ped. Hereford bulls born in Spring 2015 May be reserved for availability at end April. Cornwall. 07737 492235. Aberdeen Angus bull. Good conformation, good temperament. 07823 881106 3 Boer doeling goats and 1 X, born Apr/ May ’15. £130 each. Can be reg. with charge. 2 Boer nanny goats in kid, due March. 2 Boer X nanny goats in kid. Kids sired by reg. Boer male. Due March. 12 poll Dorset ewes in lamb. Lambs sired by Exmoor Horn ram. Due March 07854 988464 Jack Russell x Border Terrier puppies. Both working parents and much loved pets. Can be seen. £250. 07561 282187 Torrington Selection of home bred ped Aberdeen Angus bulls, enquiries welcome. 07970 979819 / 01963 31771 Saanen Billy Goat £120. Liskeard 07799 117073 Huntaway x Collie pups. Good workers, barkers not biters. Phone 01984 623539 early or late Ped Limousin bulls, 18-24 mths. Where rumps are trumps. Lepto & BVD vac. John Robinson 01363 866310 Border collie, 12 months old, reg, working sheep, & showing interest in cattle. Black & white, call for more details 07807 837263/ 01458 830239 Ped. reg. DNA tested Aberdeen Angus bulls, ready to work 01566 783325 Charolais bull. Excellent conformation. Good legs & feet. BVD and Lepto vaccinated. Halter trained and quiet. Great opportunity to buy one of our best bulls. Bridgwater. 07801 100266 Ped Charolais bull. 4years, 8 months old, very easy calving, Lepto, BVD, & IBR vac. 01823 481146/ 07711 603846 60 X 22 Texel X breeding ewes. Rams in 5th Nov. Closed flock, Hep P system. 01823 601270 Black and white registered Border Collie pups available end of February Tel 07921 953777 Ped. Limousin and Simmental bulls, quiet, easy calving, ready to work, ideal commercial crossing, sensibly priced. Nr Exeter Sampson 07860 580498 Registered Hereford bulls, farm approved & warranted for all schemes. Ped females also. 01460 234394 AAX heifers in calf to Blonde d’Aquitaine, due March onwards. Wiveliscombe area 01398 371241 Good selection of ped Lim bulls, ready for work 01884 820250/ 07976 4244492 Goonhilly British Friesian bulls. For fertility, milk quality and easy care cows. Great peds from top herd. Cornwall. 07886 917059/ 01209 831342. 18 ped Holstein Friesian 1st, 2nd calvers due Jan, Feb & Mar to Hereford. 10 Brown Swiss & Brown Swiss X heifers due Feb, Mar 01837 851287/ 07964 459127 British Blue bulls, top quality, sensibly priced, easy calving from Stoneleigh Herd. Haste 01409 281230/ 07967 023680/ 683 30 ped. H. Friesian heifers due from early Feb through March '16. In calf to ped. H. Friesian bull, will split. TB free. Seward, Honiton 01404 823638/ 07727 130386 Reg Simmental Bull Homozygos d.o.b. 22-09-14 Ideal heifers, excellent calving figures. Tel: Mob 07974 260579 9 British Blue X heifers, 18 months old. Suitable for bulling. Nr Exeter. 01647 252730 Beckaveans Brazil ped S Devon bull d.o.b. 19.05.14 polled Myostatin 1 x fertility tested quiet also heifers. 01840 230749 Wiltshire Horn reg. ewes (tupped 2 Nov) & ewe lambs. Bude 01288 341250 Stabiliser and Gelbvieh Bulls in health scheme very well grown and quiet. Also heifers. 01392 434056 Tamworth/GOS weaners, born 28.10.15. Outdoor reared. Bideford. £40 Tel 01237 472135 Mulberryherd bred from the Cockerington Herd polled Charolais bulls. Very easy calving. 01984 640321 / 07967 362137 Pedigree Devon bull. Halter trained, very quiet. DOB 4/3/14. £1600. Hartland area. 01237 440101 37 x 22 Suffolk Mule X ewes. 56 x 62 and first year full mouth Suffolk Mules all in lamb to Texel, due end of Mar/Apr. 35 x Suffolk Mule X Texel ewe lambs. Genuine dispersal sale. 01643 841777 Year old egg laying hens £1.50 each. Longhorn breeding cattle various ages. Full ped. 01823 602711/ 07815 059823 Huntaway x Collie pups ready now good working strain 01278 671661 Ped Lim bulls choice of 20 months plus. Good feet and shape, reasonably priced. Endacott. Evenings 01409 221858/ 07974 387934 1 year old handsome Jacob ram. Gentle nature. Proven good stud. 01934 843537 3 8 month old Jacob lambs 01934 843537 Free range utility Rhode Island Red hatching eggs. Can be posted to any UK address. Please contact Lansdown Poultry Farm on 01225 334819 or 07592 449826 for details. Kilworthy ped Simmentals. Bulls from 12 months of age, good temperament, conformation, & locomotion. Need to downsize, cows with calves available too. Members Hi Health breedplan. Mid Cornwall. 01637 880523 X bred dairy heifers. TB restricted. Large selection of well bred, freshly calved & in-calf heifers. Devon area 07747 470749 Starline Pedigree Simmentals. Bulls ready to work. Very good conformation. Member of Hi Health Scheme. Accredited for BVD & Johnes. T.N.R.H Widdicombe 01803 732277 NZ Huntaway pups, ready 08/02/16. Excellent working parents, well bred & marked. 01643 831319 Ped Red Ruby Devon bulls & heifers, top bloodline. 01271 867285 Border collie puppies, bitches only, 2Black&W, 1Red&W, smooth coat, working parents, £300 each. 07879 637887/ 01458 223638 Gloucester Old Spot X large white piglets. 07879 637887/ 01458 223638 Gloucester Old Spot x Tamworth organic wieners. Contact Dave 07583 066713 Braunton area Westwilmer ped Ab Angus, selection of bulls & females, good conformation, very quiet. Breedplan recorded, FABBL, Herd Health scheme. Porlock. Somerset 01643 862524 British/Belgian Blue pedigree bulls and heifers for sale. Breeders of Genus' NewPole Easy and Semex's NewPole Chalky White. Coloured and white bulls available - 07885 721217 / 01823 673314 www.newpole.co.uk Rull Aberdeen Angus, young bulls ready to work, well fleshed, member of SAC Health Scheme, BVD & Johnes accredited. Cullompton. 01884 34981 For Sale Miscellaneous Static caravans, ideal self build, farm workers accomm., extra living accomm. Prices to suit all budgets. In house transport. strandcaravans.co.uk email [email protected] 01823 672800 / 07970 906156 Coarse fish for ponds/lakes & fisheries management services such as fish removals/netting and electrofishing available. HBS Fisheries is a CEFAS registered fish farm and has 15 years experience. Visit hbsfisheries. co.uk or phone Richard on 01823 412389 or 07966 239436 for more info. 12’x12’ Wooden field shelters/stables with box profile roof sheets as standard prices from £650 (plus VAT) garages, sheds, dog kennels also available. Countrysidefencing.com 07736 009565 / 01460 52709 The static caravan specialists, ideal accommodation for farmworkers, hands and stable staff, even Granny. We have over 40 caravans always in stock with immediate delivery. Visit our web site and come and view. All sizes and budgets to suit, inc some with double glazing and Central heating. Tel 01278 780565 ianjamescaravans.co.uk Standard apple trees. (Cider, Eating, Cooking, Juicing varieties) on M25. Also plums, pears, & damsons & half standards 01963 441101 Exmoor Trees. Cell grown hardy trees & shrubs for woodland, hedge & garden. Tree protection products. Tim Greenland exmoortrees.co.uk 07971 580057 Crash Barriers, RSJ’s, sleepers, crossing timbers / telegraph poles. 01458 832976 Cast aluminium house signs & plaques, manufactured locally for farms, houses, restaurants, hotels etc. Call 01823 672 640 for catalogue. dorothysfoundry.com British made plate racks & drying racks for all range of cookers inc Agas, Rayburns, Stanleys, Heritage, Esse, Redfyre etc. Ideal Gift. plateracksanddryingracks. co.uk Tel: 01823 672 640 Quality poultry houses and pens. All sizes. At reasonable prices and can deliver. 01460 242608 / 07854 128223 Low cost polycarbonate panels for conservatories, car ports, canopy roofs, windows, tractors, greenhouses etc. We supply multiwall, corrugated & solid sheet cut to order at competitive prices. Fitting service available. Glazing bars, carports, & DIY secondary glazing also available at Omega Plastics. South Molton 01769 574426 omegabuild.com Workshop 60ft x 35ft mono roof, clad to the floor. 24ft x 15ft mezzanine. Steel staircase, 7 yrs old 01769 574912 Fish: Carp, Tench, Golden Tench, Golden Orfe, Rudd, Catfish, Koi, etc. also plants inc. Lilies, Water Hawthorn, etc. 01409 221559 AGA cookers, reenameled any colour oil, gas or 13amp electric as new, fitted from £2600 no vat, conversions to 13amp electric £1800 no vat, please phone Luke 07973 263242/ 01278 691490 AG 150 dispenser with A frame, little use, 1300+VAT. Vintage sharpening stone with pulley 07890 125296 Shepherds hut, new build. Fully insulated and painted. 13' x 6'5" on original hut wheels. Empty inside. Ideal office/extra accommodation. £9,000 inc VAT Glos. 07971 417177 Small Ads contact details can be found on page 2 SMALL ADS Telephone poles full length or cut to order 07935 849936 Portable toilet block, 20’x9’ approx. 2 toilets & basins + 1 toilet & basin, & store cupboard, recent new roof, off of 4* holiday park. Somerset 01934 750298/ 07970 950707 Leisure Classic 90 dual fuel cooker (LPG) in good condition. Not recently used. £500 ono 07720 394651 Old stripped pine plank/ledged doors, good size, very sound, £110ea 01823 491271 Sale. 30% off retail, 20% off wholesale prices February only. Rhododendrons, Conifers & deciduous trees & shrubs [email protected] 01884 881633 Saddles GP med/wide fit. Black Antill 16” vgc. Brown English 17” 01409 231704/07795 904037 Solid oak flooring, wide boards also suitable for underfloor central heating. Green oak framing available at competitive prices. 01392 434056 I A E sheep race and pennings, vgc 01984 640321 / 07967 362137 Taskers potato planters with fertiliser attachment good condition. Potato bag stitcher as new. S Eastcombe 07773 237286 Park style home. 2/3 bedrooms, lounge/ diner, kitchen, bathrooms & shower, gas central heating, good condition. Price on application. 07977 908740 Shepherds hut. Authentic rebuild from axles upwards, approx. 14’x6’, iron wheels, insulated, electric light & power, horse drawn on 4x4. Room for 2x2 tier bunks & bed, pot belly stove or electric wood burn. No planning needed. Email photos available. Unused. £6775 01271 345316/07966 623949 Revolvers for humane despatch 2 shot restricted Smith & Wesson ‘Victory’ .38 Special £ 375.00 2 shot restricted Llama .38 Special £ 350.00 RFD Section 5 dealer D&C 621 01271 865865 [email protected] Gundog outdoor kennel. Takes 3 Springers/ hound puppies, glass inspection panels in roof. Ideal whelping box – unused. Moves on castors, very heavy. Free delivery up to 20 miles. Photo available, £165. 01271 345316/07747 021727 Spacious south facing 4 bed (3dbl, 1sgl) bungalow in elevated position between Barnstaple and S Molton overlooking open countryside. 3 recept, 2 bath/shower, L kitchen/breakfast room with Red Fyre cooker & utility room. FCH. Mains water and electricity. Detached garage. Easily maintained grounds in excess of 1 acre inc. secure paddock, DBL. Stable block & tack room with utilities & separate road access 01769 540046 Lamb feeder. Ewe 2. Sale due to sale of Blueface Liecesters. 01297 489113. SW Dorset. Dry hardwood chips (G30) £84 per tonne loaded. Kiln dried hardwood logs £68 per cu/m. 07809 773492 (South Molton). Grendon logs. Hard and soft wood in builder bags. 01884 861362. For Sale Forage crops Good quality big square bale hay (4 string) made mid-June without rain for our own horses. Howard Lewis, Bovey Tracey 01647 253333 Best quality rolled barley, wheat & oats supplied in dumpy bags. Ideal feed for cattle, sheep, pigs & poultry. Call Matthew @ Avercombe 01769 550908/ 07792 453706 Grain wheat or triticale, off the dryer. Also small bale straw 01769 550560/ 07774 115594/07774 216366 38 -- MVF Newsletter 621 Quality round baled haylage & straw. Small baled hay & straw, also fodder beet. Del possible Winkleigh 01837 83381 / 07876 106057 Good quality small bale hay, made in June £3 per bale, Also, small bale wheat straw, & 25 bales of round bale haylage Delivery possible. Wellington area. 07793983531 Fodder beet good quality, delivery can be arranged. 07768 587702 / 07972 009786 Wheat & barley straw & haylage. Delivered Tiverton 07850 222929 Hay, wheat & rape straw, haylage, fodder beet, stock feed potatoes and feed wheat. Can deliver. Ilminster 07803 130358 / 01460 240364 Small bale hay, 2014. Made in June, no rain, £2 per bale. Round bale haylage, 2015. 01884 881382 / 07732 230589 Quality fodder beet. Bridgwater 07876 528064 Honest Ray’s small bale hay & straw. Excellent quality 40 bale loads, delivered free 10 miles radius Tiverton. 01884 855333 / 07710 137343 Feed wheat available in bulk @ £100 per tonne. Or in 25kg bags @ £3 a bag. Can deliver. 01884 820397 / 07974 716422 100 round bale silage. Taunton 01823 412153 Hay. In the Woodbury area. Tel 01395 232434 Good quality square bale haylage suitable for horses. Made June 2015. Del. can be arranged. 07774 750923/ 01271 377491 Fodder beet, good quality. Ex farm or delivered. 07774 750923/ 01271 377491 Big bale hay wheat and barley straw, delivered to all areas also square bale silage and maize silage. Ian Webber 07831 364644 / 01823 698570 Excellent horse, sheep hay & barley straw, traditional bales. Also square bale & round bale hay. 07977 930045 / 01769 540405 Hay, good quality small bale, £3.50 per bale 01935 863919 / 07866 516411 Round bale wheat straw & small bale barley straw and hay. Padstow area. 01637 860314 Good quality small bale hay, made in June, no rain, £3 per bale. Pilton, 07716 756 510/ 01749 890744. Small bale hay, £2/bale 01626 361313 60 square bales of haylage. 6ft long, made in June suitable for horses 01769 572678 50 small bales of first class hay. £4 per bale. Excellent condition 01823 412275 Excellent quality barley and oat straw in standard length 4-string bales. Also short length 4-string square bale Haylage, suitable for horses. All made without rain and barn stored. Halstock. 01935 891531 / 07932 423700 Barley and wheat straw & hay, all baled and delivered by us, please ring for a keen price on delivery throughout 2015, we may save you hundreds of pounds on your current suppliers mark up on bought in straw, baling & selling straw for 25yrs. Tel Alexander Mckie 07836 547930 Dry rolling corn for grass seeding with rota seeder & slot feeder 01769 550443 Straw and hay in big square bales. All home grown, barn stored and guaranteed quality. Cut out the middle man and order directly from us for a keen price. Delivered or collected from Saltash. Smeaton Farm. 01579 351833 Old seasoned clamped silage & round bale hay (blackdowns) 01823 601270 Round bale wheat and triticale straw. £40 collected Winkleigh. Small bale straw also available. Call Nick 07751 380420 Double wrapped round bale haylage 2014/15 01837 851280 Maize silage 1000-1200 tonnes. Good quality grown under plastic. N Devon. 07977 461341 Hay and straw bales. St Giles-in-the Wood. £3.50. 07919 047249 Top quality well managed barley 01884 855519/ 07851 005374 Good quality meadow haylage bales 6ft. Taunton area 07971 847819 Quality round baled haylage & straw. Small baled hay & straw, also fodder beet. Del possible Winkleigh 01837 83381 / 07876 106057 Fodder beet through a cleaner, supply to end of April, straw/haylage, delivery anywhere in the South West. South Petherton 07745 295485/ 07885 732752 Round bale silage 2015 and hay 2014. To be collected 01271 850323 Excellent round bale lucerne haylage extra wrap. Also round bale spring barley straw £10 bale 01363 82382. Straw & hay bought & sold in any size of bale or load. Also, Bedwrap, Bedmax & white small flake shavings at competitive prices. Tel 01458 447833/ 07889 064294 Fodder beet. Stone free. Can deliver. Snell, Cullompton. 01884 266407 / 07850 856500 Clamp silage approx 300 tonnes. Made June 2015 analysis available. Also, round bale silage 1st and 2nd cut. Chopped or not. Housing available to eat on site. 07889 269060 Cullompton Oat & barley straw, round bales. The oat straw as been wrapped and ideal for feeding, Bodmin area. Tel 07836 552642 Good quality round bale meadow grass haylage made June '15, baled by McHale Fusion baler. Assistance with loading. Hatch Beauchamp 07793 316705 Wheat & oat straw big square bales Fodder beet can deliver locally Bideford 01237 451269 Haylage round or square. Well made, 2015. Churchinford 01823 601282 Bullet hay round or square. Churchinford 01823 601282 Barley bedding straw, 4 string square Churchinford 01823 601282 100 round bale silage. Taunton 01823 412153 Small bale hay. Top quality meadow grass or rye grass. No rain, no weeds. Very good, heavy bales from £3.50 a bale. S Molton 07870 530302 Feed wheat available in bulk @ £100 per ton. Or in 25 Kilo bags @ £3 a bag. Can deliver. 01884 820397 / 07974 716422 Wanted Store cattle, cows & bulls, no pre movement test needed, over 12 months. Can take TB cattle, top prices paid. J Symons. 01805 603250 / 07801 650401 Classic farm tractors, Ifor Williams trailers, farming bygones, old galvanised iron, granite etc. Please look on website reuseablematerials.net 01548 521278 Whole barley. Contact Stuart 07740 399138 / 01884 860165 Good quality TB restricted Friesian and continental bull calves for bull beef unit 07740 399138 / 01884 860165 Deer, dead or alive, excellent price paid, willing to collect Robert Hawker 07967 698153 Land Rover 90 for off road use. Can be MOT failure or unroadworthy etc. 07917 508878 Old farm bogey front trailer. Suitable for making a shepherds hut on. 07917 508878 MF265/275 4WD w/ loader 01837 82158 Land Rovers early series & 90 Defenders. [email protected]. 07741 017769/01892 891051 Grazing for sheep or share farming agreement. 30 mile radius Poole. 07798 743877 Experienced hedge layer. Wellington area 01823 663786 All models 4x4 pick-up single & double cabs, good, bad or ugly. Also 2wd pickups, petrols & diesels. 07860 423139 / 01462 743843 Isuzu 3.5T and 7.5T trucks, any cond. ALSO Mitsubishi Canter trucks 3.5T and 7.5T any cond. 07860 423139 Mercedes trucks. Models 814 1114 1314 6. cylinder engines only, no four cylinder eco engines. Other makes of lorries purchased as well. 07860 423139 Nissan Cabstar. Any condition. Pre 2001, 2.5 only, no 2.7 turbos. 07860 423139 MF135, 35, 65, T20, 148, 240, 165, 550, 590,188 & 290+ all other older MF models + all older Fords and John Deere models + other makes and models of tractor. Also compact tractor & implements 07860 423139 / 01462 743843 Toyota Landcruisers 4.2 & Nissan Patrol with 4.2 diesel engines. 07860 423139 / 01462 743843 Top money paid for Vauxhall Brava’s, Isuzu Rodeos, Toyota Hilux, Nissan D21 & D22, 4x4 or 2x4, any cond. Suzuki Super carriers vans & pickups. 07809 461389 Top prices paid for 4x4 & 4x2 petrol Toyota Hilux pick-ups. 07860 423139 Mini diggers, dumpers, and concrete mixers. (diesels). 07809 461389 Ford P100 pickup Sierra and Cortina type + early Bedford / Vauxhall Rascal pickups. 07809 461389 Relief milker required. 180 cow organic dairy farm. Modern 1632 parlour. Torrington area. 01805 623734 Store lambs, Old ewes. Top prices paid. J Symons. 01805 603250 / 07801 650401 Couple wanted at caravan park near Burnham on Sea for cleaning duties and tractor work / maintenance. Touring pitch / Accommodation available. For 2016 season but may be full time. 01934 750298 / 07970 950707. 4-6 store milking bay in good order. Also dairy washing up sink, plastic if possible but not rusty if metal. 01264 850 655. 07789 692 400 no signal at home Old milk bottles, named or advertising 01884 861235 A S Marston Ace 11 silage sides 07966 369282 Farm/land & buildings for long established animal sanctuary. 01392 420698 after 8pm/ 07717 840740 Beef store cattle and store bulls, for finishing, can take from TB clear or restricted farms. A Dare. 01297 32992 / 07971 541670 Cull cows, ewes and lambs wanted. Prompt and good rates of pay. Telephone 07976 321686 or 01823 352228 / 01823 283576 Fullwood Fullflow MM85 milk meters/ spares 07815681994 Services Swimming pool & hot tub construction, maintenance & repair. Hugh Gardner devonpoolservices.com Tel: 07929 960761 or 01884 820230 (Eve) Planning consultancy, all aspects of your planning dealt with, inc barn conversions, essential rural workers dwellings, change of use, permitted development, enforcement issues & agri buildings. XL Planning & design. 01884 38662 [email protected] Colin Weeks Forestry & Fencing, for all your forestry requirements, from thinning to clear felling, we buy diseased larch & all other species of standing timber, hardwood & softwood. info@colinweeks. co.uk 01769 580096 / 07713 248744 Colin Weeks Fencing, specializing in agricultural, equestrian, also sand school construction, security & all other types of fencing undertaken. 01769 580096 / 07713 248744 colinweeks.co.uk email [email protected] Freezebranding and cattle scanning. Defra approved, reliable, efficient service throughout the South West. Call Brett Luxton on 01837 880331 / 07889 275937. Email [email protected] Small Ads contact details can be found on page 2 SMALL ADS On tap water treatment, water softeners, borehole, well & booster pumps, chlorine dosing, pH correction, nitrate reduction, sediment filters, drinking water filters, UV sterilisation & water quality testing. Supply, installation & service. on-tap.co.uk / [email protected] 01458 274289 Farm fencing, post & railing, gate hanging, hedgelaying/ restoration,flail hedge trimming, ditch cleaning and general countryside maintenance; wooden stable/shed doors & stream gates made, domestic/garden fencing, decking & gates. Over 20 years experience. Please contact Robin Gabriel 07802 530534 / 01884 35681 Countrysidefencing.com All aspects of fencing. 07736 009565 / 01460 52709 Smalls of Devon, industrial & domestic roof coating specialist. High pressure painting of rusty barns, slate weatherproofing, exterior wall coatings, high pressure cleaning & re-slating & tiling service. 01626 680239 01626 821537 / 07754 856859 Book keeping. Tax returns & VAT. Amanda Cowley 01984 629245 [email protected] Riding arenas constructed to the highest standard. Countrysidefencing.com 07736 009565 / 01460 52709 Sheep scanning, in a crate standing up, we mark, fast & accurate, 20yrs exp here & NZ. Also cattle scan qualified. Luke. Soms/Glos/Wilts. 07889 248640 Richard Cory hoof trimming, NACFT regd, fully licenced cat1, competitive prices, fully insured, experienced hoof trimmer. 07538 350810 / 07585 950130 Gold services S.W. Ltd, agricultural building supply. Erected repair work, alterations, roofing, cladding etc 07734 690278 / 01884 254902 Timber pole barn 60ft long x 15ft wide x 12ft high (4x 15ft bays) Full length box profile tin roof and back, timber cladding on the 2 end bays. Supplied and fitted in the South West only. Other sizes available upon request. Fully erected £5950 + VAT + delivery. All sizes also available in steel. Visit website for pictures. Email: [email protected]. Website: southwestpolebarns.com Tel: 07811 299343 / 01823 461817 Fencing at competitive prices to include stock fencing, post & rail & other fencing needs. 07740 399138 / 01884 860165 Fodder beat drilling and harvesting with 6 row self-propelled machine 07843 663205 Town & Country planning consultancy, specialising in planning applications and general advice relating to householder, equestrian, small renewables, agricultural, enforcement issues & agricultural appraisals. Judith Hayes Planning. 01598 740481 Steve Lerwill foot trimming specialist, whole herds undertaken, competitive rates, NACFT member Cat 1, large bulls not a problem, all areas covered 07915 608139 / 01769 572699 Freeze branding for clear ID, guarantee results indefinitely, straying & missing heifers & are a lot easier to trace with a F/B. Alphabet & numbers, full size & calf irons, also branding crate carried for calves. Cattle scan, qualified all at competitive prices Russell. 07860 574159 Concrete grooving! With cows being so valuable, it seems a shame to lose or damage them through slippery yards. To groove & make safe those vulnerable areas ring Macattack. Prices at macattackptnrs.co.uk 01225 891750 DD accounts and payroll. All aspects of book keeping to include vat returns etc. Using Sage, QuickBook, IRIS & Excel. Also payroll services + help with auto enrolment. Please phone Deborah 07789 275016 39 -- MVF Newsletter 621 Sheep & cattle scanning (PD). Simon Cooper. 07974 120946 / 01837 851717 Four Seasons Tree Services. All aspects of tree surgery grounds maintenance stump grinding/fencing/hedge cutting/gardening [email protected] 01884 820839/ 07766 168162 Farm buildings built, repaired & altered. James Gardner 07807 359847 Pest Control. All aspects covered, residential, agricultural and commercial. NPTA members BPCA qualified, fully insured. Call for competitive quote 07714 239656 [email protected] Flood alleviation / waterway engineering, construction & maintenance. Bridges, culverts, water control products supplied & installed. Erosion control, ditch cleaning / weed cutting, EA approved contractor. Bernard G Perry Ltd. 01823 490295 / 07860 788995 bernardgperry.co.uk Waterway/Agricultural excavation, construction & maintenance, farm tracks, excavation for buildings or slurry stores, concrete works, fencing, tree/hedge cutting, excavator mounted tree lopper. Bernard G Perry Ltd. 01823 490295 / 07860 788995 bernardgperry.co.uk Hedge laying & fencing at competitive prices. Call Jack Croft 07748 338275/ 01598 740265 Casualty cattle with certification for human consumption picked up. Prompt and good rates of pay. Telephone 07976 321686 or 01823 352228 / 01823 283576 Stillmans (Somerset) Ltd. Private killing & cutting service for beef, pork & lamb at local BRC & Red Tractor approved abattoir. Killed, hung, packed and labelled to your requirements at competitive prices.Contact Paul or Tracey on 01823 272661 Making your woodlands work for you. Countryside stewardship grants. Woodland management plans and licences. Timber assessment and marketing. Call Michael J. Steed chartered forester on 01460 247190 for an informal chat. Wessex Butchery now open. Award winning butchery service for small holders & farmers who wish to have their livestock processed for meat we can vac pack ' make sausages,burgers & cure meat organic & qsm registered 01458 272777 wessexbutchery.co.uk Andrew Hawken 1st class professional foot trimmer, deal can be done, computerised records. Friendly & polite response call Andrew. 07907 796836 Exmoor Air Conditioning, Agricultural HGV and plant aircon service and repairs. Most pipes made or repaired on site. Aircon parts and blower motors supplied. Mobile service. Mid/North Devon and W Somerset area. Phone anytime Jon Mew Ash Mill, South Molton 07733 063658 / 01769 551828 Farmers & smallholders, farm shops etc. Slaughtering & cutting service available at small family run, fully approved, abattoir & cutting plant. Pork, lamb & beef (inc OTM) processed to your requirements. Soil Association & ABM Certified. csnellwholesale@ btconnect.com 01460 220420 Agricultural contractor. Spraying and fertilising with precision application. Ploughing, cultivations, drilling & combining etc. Based in East Cornwall. Ashley Jones 07792 198324 Dehorning service covering Devon & Cornwall all equipment supplied James 07896 922284 / 01805 601759 Lime, Fibrophos & Sea Sand delivered & spread. Sand for cubicle bedding. David Petherick Agricultural Contracting 01363 82487 / 07971 412497 Freeze branding & concrete grooving. Covering Devon, Cornwall, Somerset & Dorset. Reliable worker at competitive rates call Tim Mountjoy. swfb.co.uk 01237 431713 / 07920 161438 MC Groundworks. 6 tonne digger & man available for all groundworks including;ground levelling, drainage, site clearance, tracks, demolition, excavation & landscaping.Contact Matthew 07974 131902 [email protected] Rural Office Services. Tailored services to meet the administrative and secretarial needs of your rural business. General administrative tasks - Health and Safety/ risk assessments - regulation and compliance documentation - form filling - invoicing/chasing creditors - and much more. Please email: ruralofficeservices@ gmail.com or telephone: 07498 364847 Preefence Ltd, Fencing Contractors. All types of fencing & gates supplied & installed. Stock, horse, & deer fencing, post & rail. Over 30 years experience. For a free quotation call Kevin 07968 565939 N Kingdon, Agri Engineer. Servicing, repairing, & fabrication on all tractors (good knowledge of MF) and machinery inc. stock boxes & ATVs 01598 763670 DCM Fabrications. Experienced welding repairs, machinery maintenance and bespoke fabrication. Call 07564 381284 Laser screeded concrete for large areas, silage pits etc 07710 794166 Night milker for 3 times a day available, 30+ years’ experience. Somerset 07768 721379 Freeze branding & concrete grooving. very competitive rates. Call Martin Hares 01749 678685 / 07860 958157 Architect. Contact Michael Trevallion 01373 452007 Hedge trimming and ploughing, Tiverton/ South Molton area Colin Tanner 07772 009799 J Penfold Tarmacing Contractors Ltd. Surfacing specialists in roads, drives, car parks, paths, farm lanes, tennis courts etc. Contractors for local authority. Free estimates, all work guaranteed. 01769 574853 / 07778 036925 For Hire Mature Limousin bulls. Ped & quiet, BVD & Lepto vac. John Robinson. 01363 866310 8” tracked or wheeled wood chippers, diesel, with or without operator. 07970 059622 / 01769 574096 Stump grinder, removes any size of stump, with or without operator. 07970 059622 / 01769 574096 Cherry picker, 50’ reach, ideal for gutters, chimneys, painting, tree work etc. 07970 059622 / 01769 574096 9T and 2T Digger with operator. Competitive Rates 01823 669090 Sheep equipment. Troughs, feed barriers, & walk through feeders. Sheep handling, penning, weighing, shearing, foot bathing and more equipment for hire lawreyjohn@ hotmail.com 07720 432100 Wiveliscombe Ped Limousin/Angus bulls 07885 145311 Mobile log spltter. Wood chipper 07765 218212 Skid steer loaders, from 44” to 66” wide, both with buckets & dung grabs. Also 1.5T to 5T mini diggers, available with post hole auger & breaker/post banger. Self drive. Richard Smith. North Molton. 01598 740406 / 07970 914070 At Stud Ped Parson Terrier, choice of 2 available 01460 221763 / 07887572908 PLEASE NOTE Mole Valley Farmers have more than 20,000 members, some of these are dealers & traders. If you wish to know whether advertisers are dealers or traders, please ask when making your enquiry. To Let 2 luxury holiday cottages set in 50 acres of grounds. Please see video on our website for details walnutbarnholidaycotages. co.uk call Mark 07831 105630 Padstow – Holiday home to let. 3 bed (Sleeps 6) Townhouse. Aprx 500 yds walk from harbour. Special out of season rates of £25 p.p.p.n. email: JISeddon@hotmail. co.uk, search P51 @ helpfulholidays. com, or call 07817 939072 Arable land, 27 acres, south facing, Swimbridge, for rent. 07856 790312 Holiday caravan on working farm in Ruthern Valley, mid Cornwall. Large 3 bedroom static, sleeps 6, garden. Lovely position. 01208 831300 On farm bedsit available. Single occupancy (male preferred). David Parker 01769 540535 Four double bedroomed house in Alswear near South Molton.Two double en-suite with large family bathroom,large kitchen,large lounge with woodburner,full central heating. Off road parking for five cars with enclosed rear garden. Option of adjoining two bedroomed cottage. 01392 259596/ 07723 093133 3 bedroom detached bungalow with garage in rural location with stunning views near Bruton 07890 125296 Two bedroom farm cottage under an Assured Shorthold Tenancy. Witheridge area. Oil heated, double glazed, quiet location. For more information: 01884 861529 West Middlewick Farm log cabins, Nomansland, Tiverton. Come and enjoy a holiday on a traditional farm. Panoramic views, farm walk, coarse fishing, & great local pubs. farmholidaysdevon.co.uk 01884 861235 Algarve Villa, between Silves and Messines, sleeps six, aircon, pool, BBQ. 45mins from airport, 25 mins from the coast. Set among orange groves in a rural yet accessible location. Email: [email protected] 07889 825796 Riverside caravan and camping park, on the gateway to Exmoor, set in 70 acres of parkland, 4 star family park, open all year, 3 specimen carp lakes, luxury statics, caravan storage and collection services www. exmoorriverside.co.uk, 01769 579269 Events Showaddywaddy in concert on Saturday 28th May 2016 at Loxbeare Barton, Tiverton. Entry by ticket only. Bar and food. Tickets £20 from 01884 881238 or [email protected] NOTICE TO ADVERTISERS We would like to remind members that when advertisements are placed in our "Small Ads" section it is they who are liable in law not to mis-represent any offering for sale, under the Business Advertisement Disclosure Order. Whilst every care is taken by MVF staff to ensure clarity of purpose, it is the responsibility of the advertiser not to infringe current legislation. Small Ads contact details can be found on page 2 DATES FOR YOUR DIARY | NEWS DIARY DATES Somerset Grassland Meeting How beef production can adapt to changes in global demand and global food culture. Ed Green, Nuffield Scholar & creator of www. farmingauctions.co.uk Farmer Shareholder Event 6pm-9pm MVF Cullompton, Liskeard and Newton Abbot Double discount, offers, meet staff and directors AHDB Outlook Conference, One Great George St, London Hosted by the three 9 Feb livestock divisions of the AHDB, representing beef and sheep, pigs and dairy sectors,, the event explores factors that affect delegates’ businesses in their respective sectors. For more information and to book, go to farmingfutures.org.uk/events Farmer Shareholder Event 6pm-9pm MVF Frome, Holsworthy and South Molton Double discount, offers, meet staff and directors 10 Feb Forestry planning for the future Forestry Commission/RDPE Lakeview Country Club, Old Coach Road, Lanivet, Bodmin PL30 5JJ. 6.30pm-8.30pm More info contact [email protected] Farmer Shareholder Event 6pm-9pm MVF Bridgwater, St Columb and Yeovil 11 Feb Double discount, offers, meet staff and directors N Devon Grassland meeting Low Cost Forage Production. Growing a crop within a 17 Feb living cover. Hubert Charpentier/Tim Beedell 8pm Cedars, Barnstaple 01823 257112 National Beef Association South West AGM At Fingle Glen Golf Hotel, Tedburn St 22 Feb Mary, EX6 6AF. 7.30pm Microdairies, making them happen. Conference on the benefits of small scale commercial dairy farms of up to 40 cows or the equivalent of sheep or goats. Monkton 23-24 Feb Wyld Court, Charmouth, Dorset campaignforrealfarming.org 3 Feb Studying Agriculture? Resident in Devon or Cornwall? Educational Bursaries from the DCBT Educational Bursaries of up to £1,000 per annum are available to students resident in Devon or Cornwall studying agriculture (and related subjects) including aspects of livestock breeding, husbandry and welfare. Preference will be given to those studying at First Degree level, although applications from Foundation Degree or Extended Diploma courses are also welcome. For an application pack for the academic year commencing September 2016, please email [email protected]. Application closing date – 30 April 2016 Dartington Cattle Breeders Trust are inviting applications in Devon www.dcbt.co.uk from students 01803 862971 residing [email protected] and Cornwall for a limited number of bursaries of up to £1,000/annum to enable them to study a recognised course or programme that includes aspects of livestock breeding, husbandry or welfare. Closing date is 30 April 2016 and more details are available - email [email protected] Somerset YFC’s work hard for charity December was a busy month for Somerset Young Farmers clubs who braved the cold and damp to go Carol Singing! Bridgwater YFC Chairman Tom Heal has reported that the club spent several evenings visiting members and associates homes which resulted in the club collecting £690. This money will be split between the Cumbrian flooding, Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance and the Marion Evered Trust. Exmoor YFC is pleased to have raised £800 carol singing and cycling for the Wolfram Syndrome. Kingsbrompton YFC another of the West Group clubs sang their hearts out to raise £321.80 for Forage Aid. NFU Conference, ICC Birmingham. Backing the Future of British Farming. 24 Feb 25 Feb Forestry planning for the future Forestry Commission/RDPE Bath Arms, Crockerton, Wiltshire BA12 8AJ. 6.30pm-8.30pm More info contact cherie.lovegrove@ forestry.gsi.gov.uk Maize Growers Association Conference, Peterborough Arena, Peterborough PE2 6XE Sustainable maize growing with papers focussed on the economic sustainability of maize growing with environmental sustainability. MGA member price £45, nonmember £65 call 01363 775040 for more details maziegrowersassociation.co.uk 28 Feb Nominations close for Devon Farm Business Awards 2 Mar Timber Day at MVF Frome 10am - 4pm. Fantastic offers and guidance on wide range of timber and fencing products. Agri-Expo* Gates open at 8:30am, free entry and parking. Kent ME18 5PZ 3 Mar 4 Mar Timber Day at MVF Yeovil 10am - 4pm. Fantastic offers and guidance on wide range of timber and fencing products. Timber Day at MVF Newton Abbot 10am - 4pm. Fantastic offers and guidance on wide range of timber and fencing products. For information on these events, contact the Show Team on 01769 575653 or see www.asao.co.uk (Assoc. of Shows and Agric. Organisations) www.molevalleyfarmers.com/mvf/info/general/Community Prize draw winners During the 2015 show season Mole Valley Farmers ran three competitions. The winners have now been selected at random. Our congratulations to all our winners - we hope your enjoy your prizes! Polden Hills YFC donated £270 to the special care baby unit and Langport YFC spent three evenings out with a collection cart in the local area and an addition evening’s carol singing at friends’ houses to raise £1,200 to their three chosen charities this year - Macmillan Cancer, The Air Ambulance and St. Margaret’s hospice. Other clubs that participated in this festive activity include Highbridge YFC, Wedmore YFC, and Weston & Banwell YFC. Wellington & Taunton YFC Vice Chairman Tom Parris added that their donation will go to the Somerset & Devon Air Ambulance. Kingquad - Paul Hendy & Son at Kingsbridge Tru-Test Weigh System Barney Gower at Toller Porcorum molevalleyfarmers.com ALL PRICES IN THIS NEWSLETTER EXCLUDE VAT (where applicable) EXCEPT WHERE STATED OTHERWISE 40 MVF Newsletter 621 *MVF attending Herd Hamper - Michael and Kathryn Tucker at Radstock /molevalleyfarmers @molevalley To find out more about our current competitions and giveaways you can follow us on Facebook and Twitter or visit us on www.molevalleyfarmers.com