‘Pivotal’ period ahead for Scotland’s farmers
NFU Scotland has used a Westminster government reception to urge MPS to support Scotland’s farmers ahead of a likely General Election this year.
“The next parliamentary term will be pivotal for Scotland’s farmers and crofters,” NFU Scotland president Martin Kennedy said after the event on Tuesday. “Today’s event provided us with an excellent opportunity to put the importance of Scottish agriculture front and centre in the minds of numerous MPS from each of the main parties in Westminster.
“The sector punches well above its weight when it comes to supporting high-quality food production, meeting environmental challenges, underpinning rural communities, and sustaining multiple businesses and thousands of jobs. We will be pushing hard to see each of our key asks included in all parties’ manifestos as we approach the inevitable vote.”
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Alistair Carmichael MP said: “Farmers across Scotland deserve the strongest possible voice at the heart of government. I hope that colleagues across parliament will have taken away the positive message coming from the NFUS today.”
Round-up
The best finished hoggs at Newton Stewart yesterday sold easily to a peak of £220/head for a pen of strong Texels from Traboyack or to 400p/kg for a Beltex from Glenstables, although a large consignment of store hoggs proved more difficult to place. Cast sheep sold to £160 for a Beltex cross from Dinmurchie with Mules peaking at £130 for Balker who also topped the Blackie ewes at £120.
Calves at Carlisle peaked at £620 for a British Blue bull from Waingate Head, with heifers selling to £580 for Jeanfield. Store heifers and bullocks sold to £2,200 and £1,980 respectively and achieved an overall average of £1,348/head. And a smaller entry of breeding cattle peaked at £2,200/head for Limousin heifers from Church Farm.
Hoggs at Longtown met with demand on Tuesday, selling to £180 for a Suffolk cross from Moss Side, while feeding ewes sold to £164 for a Bluefaced Leicester from Beacon Rigg.