There is anecdotal reports of an increase in empty cows at scanning this autumn. Many farmers are pointing towards bull performance in the heat of May and June. Some farmers have some horror stories of up to 30% barren.

Whilst it’s true plenty bulls work in countries like Australia and Brazil the change of temperature to Scottish stock may have had an effect on bull activity.

Those of us who manage a foreign holiday can certainly account to wanting to flake out on a seat when the mercury gets too high. Or it could be the cows failing to get into heat thanks to being nutritionally stressed or the high temperatures.

Farmers who find themselves in this situation need to consider their options. We need to remember that it costs on average £600 to keep a cow for a year, so keeping a barren cow is wiping out the profit from two others who manage a calf to market.

Finishing on farm if you have the silage is one option, otherwise sending them down the road is needed.

As to a replacement, breeding cattle prices have remained firm this back end so buying an in calf heifer will cost you £1,500 plus £200 to keep her over winter. Waiting to buy a cow and calf at foot next spring could be a better option if you want to save wintering costs. Or for closed herds take the hit and identify heifers for bulling next year.

Negative investment

Remember, Brexit and winter costs might mean buying something now could result in a very expensive cow come spring. It’s important to make sure the decision fits into the wider farm plan. Many farmers the other side of 65, who are keeping cattle will replace cows without thinking if there is anyone coming on to inherit the herd. Perhaps barren cows could be a reason to manage herd numbers and quality of life too.

Scottish reps need to face the farmers

The Cabinet Secretary needs to pick a Scottish representative on the UK farm funding review who regularly attends farmer meetings at least once a month.

The funding review will recommend the level of funding for rural support for all the regions of the UK. This is going to be a real dog fight for a dwindling budget. Scotland and Northern Ireland both get more farm funding now than they would under default fund distribution formulas. Further, the review is likely to set the principles for much longer than the official review period until 2020.

I hope they get someone soon, as we are entering the winter season of AGMs for the National Sheep Association, Scottish Beef Association, NFU Scotland and discussion groups. All these groups are more than able to provide a Scottish representatives with a clear idea on the needs of the sector.