The The UK Government’s request for an interim customs union with the EU seems a sensible move. To be cut off from some of the richest consumers on our doorstep would be a bad move for Scottish farming.

But the chances of getting an EU free-trade deal while also being able to negotiate separate arrangements with third countries, such as the US, is slim as such a deal would be incompatible with the European treaty.

It must be remembered that the request from David Davis doesn’t acknowledge many of the requirements set out by the EU’s Michel Barnier. The UK statement appears to be taking a more à la carte approach than the EU negotiator will allow, with Barnier preferring a set menu.

This is going to make some difficult choices for both sides in the coming months, but the farming sector needs to have a powerful voice to ensure politicians understand the impact their decisions will have on the countryside.

Strong trading links with rich countries with similar food prices is the best for Scotland’s farmers. An EU customs union will do just that but would likely preclude the UK making third-country deals too.

While farmers may welcome fewer imports from places such as Australia, New Zealand and the US, this might be more difficult for Westminster politicians to swallow.

The sales in the north this week herald the start of the store lamb season. At Caithness on Monday and Lairg on Tuesday, the mood has been optimistic, which bodes well for the store sale season. The great flocks of the north might have dwindled in number, but those who are still there are producing some of the finest breeding stock in Scotland.

After this week, it looks like the north country Cheviot is in good health, with a commercial edge. The glory days of Lairg running two rings and two days of selling over 40,000 sheep in the 1980s are gone, but we can’t keep living in the past and need to look to the future. If Brexit causes any halt in the New Zealand lamb coming to the UK, then there could be a real drive for UK lamb in the first half of the new year. This could result in a growing demand for smaller store lambs which are ready for the market in the spring, which would be great for island and upland sheep farmers.

However, let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Very few, if any, of these businesses turn a profit before Government subsidy, so while there may be optimism in the sheep job at the moment, there must be no let-up in the campaign for a proper farmer and crofter support.

These businesses are integral to rural communities and the environment.

Farmers with oilseed rape still to be lifted will be feeling the pressure. As the weather fails to deliver a reasonable period of settled conditions, those with ripe crop still in the field will be getting nervous.

Prices might be strong this year, but if your yield is damaged due to weather, profit can be wiped out quickly.