A terrible winter and spring have led into an unworkably dry summer for many across Scotland, which makes it all the more important to plan ahead and work together, writes NFU Scotland vice president Martin Kennedy.
It’s incredible the difference the weather makes to not only the practice of farming and crofting, but also to the morale of all those who are involved. The past few weeks have been a world apart from where we were late last summer to spring 2018.
The difference now from what we’ve just come through is quite stark. Many are now worried about a serious shortage of winter feeding and bedding due to the hot dry weather, especially as there’s certainly no carry over from last year.
That is why, last week, NFU Scotland have launched a campaign – #NFUSHowDoYouPlan – to raise awareness of the situation. Unless things change dramatically over the next few weeks then there is every chance we could be faced with animal welfare issues.
What can be done this year?
There are obvious concerns about the availability of straw for the livestock sector and we would urge cereal producers to switch the choppers off on the combine this year – recognising that for this to happen the straw price must exceed the benefits that straw incorporation provides and accounts for the risk of not getting fields cleared quick enough to get the next crop in on time.
The three key points we are urging all to consider are:
Plan ahead – think about the situation early enough to try and avoid any problems later this year or next spring.Look at alternatives – whether it be for feeding or bedding.Collaboration – speak to your neighbour to see if you can do something together. Your local feed merchant will also have many contacts and will be well-placed to use their experience to help source the right products.This is going to be a year where everyone in the whole industry can play a part in trying to avert something that may have an irreversible impact on Scotland’s rural economy.
All sectors of agriculture need each other and it’s the whole industry that must be put first and foremost when it comes to post-Brexit agricultural policy.
We’ve been given a chance here to get this right so let’s take the politics out of it and devise a policy that’s best suited for the whole of Scotland. There are many uncertainties and worries around the corner, but for the immediate future, what we can enjoy is some really good weather. It doesn’t happen that often!
Finnish pig management
On a fact-finding mission to Helsinki, NFU Scotland policy manager Penny Middleton saw first-hand how the country manages its pig industry – which produces two million pigs per year – as well as the process for finishing, including the stringent biosecurity measures. To read more about Penny’s trip go to her blog at www.nfus.org.uk/news/blog/policy-managers-blog-12-july-2018.
Wide vehicle dispensation
NFU Scotland is reminding farmers and crofters to apply to Police Scotland for an agricultural dispensation for wide vehicle movements ahead of harvest starting. The scheme, agreed with Police Scotland following extensive discussions in 2015, means that members with wide vehicles can apply for the dispensation to avoid having to notify police for each individual movement.
Fire safety
With conditions drier than many can remember in recent history, the weather is putting farms at high risk of devastating fires. It is more important than ever for farmers and country people to maintain their buildings and equipment to reduce the risk of a fire breaking out. Having evacuation and fire-fighting plans prepared and shared with family members and staff is a must.
Oxford Farming Conference
A reminder to young farming members that the Oxford Farming Competition is now open. You have until 31 August to enter either a written or video submission detailing why you should get an all-expenses paid trip, with the Union, to one of the highlights in the agricultural conference calendar.
A terrible winter and spring have led into an unworkably dry summer for many across Scotland, which makes it all the more important to plan ahead and work together, writes NFU Scotland vice president Martin Kennedy.
It’s incredible the difference the weather makes to not only the practice of farming and crofting, but also to the morale of all those who are involved. The past few weeks have been a world apart from where we were late last summer to spring 2018.
The difference now from what we’ve just come through is quite stark. Many are now worried about a serious shortage of winter feeding and bedding due to the hot dry weather, especially as there’s certainly no carry over from last year.
That is why, last week, NFU Scotland have launched a campaign – #NFUSHowDoYouPlan – to raise awareness of the situation. Unless things change dramatically over the next few weeks then there is every chance we could be faced with animal welfare issues.
What can be done this year?
There are obvious concerns about the availability of straw for the livestock sector and we would urge cereal producers to switch the choppers off on the combine this year – recognising that for this to happen the straw price must exceed the benefits that straw incorporation provides and accounts for the risk of not getting fields cleared quick enough to get the next crop in on time.
The three key points we are urging all to consider are:
Plan ahead – think about the situation early enough to try and avoid any problems later this year or next spring.Look at alternatives – whether it be for feeding or bedding.Collaboration – speak to your neighbour to see if you can do something together. Your local feed merchant will also have many contacts and will be well-placed to use their experience to help source the right products.This is going to be a year where everyone in the whole industry can play a part in trying to avert something that may have an irreversible impact on Scotland’s rural economy.
All sectors of agriculture need each other and it’s the whole industry that must be put first and foremost when it comes to post-Brexit agricultural policy.
We’ve been given a chance here to get this right so let’s take the politics out of it and devise a policy that’s best suited for the whole of Scotland. There are many uncertainties and worries around the corner, but for the immediate future, what we can enjoy is some really good weather. It doesn’t happen that often!
Finnish pig management
On a fact-finding mission to Helsinki, NFU Scotland policy manager Penny Middleton saw first-hand how the country manages its pig industry – which produces two million pigs per year – as well as the process for finishing, including the stringent biosecurity measures. To read more about Penny’s trip go to her blog at www.nfus.org.uk/news/blog/policy-managers-blog-12-july-2018.
Wide vehicle dispensation
NFU Scotland is reminding farmers and crofters to apply to Police Scotland for an agricultural dispensation for wide vehicle movements ahead of harvest starting. The scheme, agreed with Police Scotland following extensive discussions in 2015, means that members with wide vehicles can apply for the dispensation to avoid having to notify police for each individual movement.
Fire safety
With conditions drier than many can remember in recent history, the weather is putting farms at high risk of devastating fires. It is more important than ever for farmers and country people to maintain their buildings and equipment to reduce the risk of a fire breaking out. Having evacuation and fire-fighting plans prepared and shared with family members and staff is a must.
Oxford Farming Conference
A reminder to young farming members that the Oxford Farming Competition is now open. You have until 31 August to enter either a written or video submission detailing why you should get an all-expenses paid trip, with the Union, to one of the highlights in the agricultural conference calendar.
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