Farmers urged to view demonstration of new online system for rural funding
FARMERS across Scotland are being invited to view a demonstration video online about a new online system for rural funding called Rural Payments and Services which will replace Rural Payments Online.
Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs Richard Lochhead said he hopes the system will be of use to farmers and crofters.
He said: “We need a new online system for the new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) to be implemented next year, as it is radically different to the existing policy.
“Rural Payments and Services has been specifically designed to make submitting an application or claim much clearer, simpler and smarter and I am pleased it remains on track to launch soon.
“It is really important that farmers and crofters familiarise themselves with the new system, and the demonstration video is a great way to do this.”
MARKET ROUND-UP
John Swan Ltd sold 70 prime heifers in St Boswells yesterday to a top of 261 pence per kilogramme and an average of 217p (-6.2p on the week).
Meanwhile the 50 prime bullocks peaked at 248p and then levelled at 220.2p (-0.5p).
In the rough ring 37 beef-type OTM cattle averaged 124.1p (no change).
The firm also sold 2338 prime lambs to a top of £101 per head and 236p per kg to average 202p (+20p).
The 562 cast sheep forward saw ewes sell to £106 for Suffolks and £65 f or Blackfaces.
Harrison & Hetherington Ltd sold 21 prime heifers in Carlisle yesterday to a top of 440p and an average of 226.5p (+32.3p).
Meanwhile 34 prime bullocks peaked at 310p and levelled at 221.8p (+14.5p).
Thirty-four prime, beef-bred bulls sold to 223.5p and then averaged at 186.2p (-13.2p), while the 52 prime, dairy-bred bulls peaked at 172.5p and then levelled at 140.5p (-11p).
In the rough ring 164 beef cows averaged 129.4p (+10p) and 225 dairy cows levelled at 88.3p (+2.2p). Sixteen bulls averaged 123.6p (+22.1p).
The firm also sold 2,977 prime lambs to a top of £175 and 393.3p to average 201.3p (+20.4p).
The 128 cast sheep forward saw ewes sell to £119.50 for Millennium Bleu and £56.50 for Swaledales.
Messrs Craig Wilson Ltd had 2,314 prime lambs forward at their annual Christmas show and sale at Ayr yesterday when the championship was awarded to Dykes Farms, Auchinleck, for a pen of 42kg Beltex that sold for £160 per head (380.9p/ kg).
Meanwhile the reserve went to A Clark, Auchenlongford, Sorn for a pen of 50kg Texels that realised £136 (272.1p).
In the commercial ring the top price was 217.1p with the overall average levelling at 191.1p (+18.3p).