The North’s Number One Farming Guide

Issue 15 | Spring 2009

www.farmers-mart.co.uk

Country Store makes its mark

STUART CORNFORTH & CDF in SELBY TAYLROBERT
OR &
150T SON
S
Extreme Conformation ANN H
IVER
SAR
special Y
THE NEILLS OF UPPER NISBET, JEDBURGH

Butcher, judge & abattoir man

BRIAN GLAVES of BROMPTON BY SAWDON

2009 AGRICULTURAL
SHOW SEASON
Your guide to what’s on
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 contents
News........................... 4-9, 56 N&S Moorhouse...................57
Diary Dates..........................10 Farmstar........................ 58-59 Welcome
Showtime........................12-13 Gripple.................................61
Spring is definitely upon us now
Malton Auction Mart........14-15 Russells............................... 62 and I hope you are able to get out
Steven J Dresser.................. 65 and about doing jobs that are well
Fenby...................................16
overdue to the bad weather we
Burn Fencing 17 Douglas.......................... 66-67 have had this Winter.
Askham Bryan College.....18-19 Limagrain............................ 68 This edition is packed full of positive
stories and we did this for a purpose!
Winn.............................. 20-22 MacGregor.......................... 69
We are fed up of hearing doom and
Escrick Park Estate.............. 23 Bramley......................... 70-71 gloom, credit crisis, redundancies
and the rest from the media so we
Neill............................... 24-26 Tim Gibson/Leggott..............72
believe it is nice to read some thing
Stenton................................27 Byass.................................. 73 more upbeat for a change.
Stephenson.................... 28-29 Breeds............................74-75 On another positive note we have
also attended many of the machinery
Cornforth........................ 30-34 Elliott............................. 76-77
shows which have taken place in
Managing Director/
Agri-Equest..........................35 Tyson............................. 78-79 the early part of the year and have
Editor
included them in this issue along
Simone Gallon Dent............................... 36-37 Gatenby......................... 80-81
with an extensive guide to this
Tel: 01274 610 101
Ashby.............................38-40 Glaves............................ 82-83 year’s show season. Farmersmart
simone@farmers-mart.co.uk
is also both proud and pleased to
Mawson...............................41 Skelton................................ 84 be a silver sponsor at this year’s
CONSULTANT Editor
Chris Berry Bentham Livestock Market... 42 Harold Woolgar................... 85 Driffield Show and for the first time
Tel: 0113 2643 645 we will be holding the UK Fencing
Robert Taylor & Sons...... 43-50 Cundalls......................... 86-87 Championship there as well. There is
chris@farmers-mart.co.uk
Machinery....51, 60, 63-64, 89 Competition......................... 88 a good deal of prize money to give
Sales Manager/ away for 1st, 2nd and 3rd so email
SUBSCRIPTIONS Ripon Farm Services....... 52-55 Contractors......................... 90 or call me if you are interested in
Ben Walton entering the competition.
Tel: 01274 610 101
ben@farmers-mart.co.uk Our presence at the Great Yorkshire
show is doubled this year! We have
ADVERTISING Accounts booked another stand near the cattle
ManagerS ring as well as our regular stand
Grahame Kraft 653 so you have no excuse not to
Tel: 01757 229 630 come and see us, and we are already
grahame.kraft@btinternet.com looking forward to it.
Nicola Robson This edition also contains our first-
Tel: 01274 610 101 ever eight page special for Robert
nicola@farmers-mart.co.uk Taylor and Sons. We are pleased
Feature Editors p76-77 p82 to have this exclusive story on their
150 years celebration, a massive
Chris Berry, Jennifer Mackenzie
achievement and we wish them
Ben Gallon, Rob Wilkinson
continued success for the future.
ADMIN/SALES
If you or anyone you know is
Christian Gallon
celebrating a major anniversary
Tel: 01274 610 101
please let us know and we will come
christian@farmers-mart.co.uk
along to cover it.
Design Hope you have a great spring and we
Little Red Marketing Ltd will see you in the Summer.
The FarmersMart
40 Stockhill Road, Greengates Kind Regards,
Bradford, BD10 9AX Simone
Tel: 01274 610 101 simone@farmers-mart.co.uk
Fax: 01274 621 730 p43-50
www.farmers-mart.co.uk

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Red Marketing Ltd. All rights reserved. No part
of this publication may be reproduced, stored in
any retrieval system or transmitted in any form
by means electronic, photographic, recording or
otherwise, without prior permission of the publishers.
Views expressed in The FarmersMart are not
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Each edition of FarmersMart contains essential information about the agricultural industry. As a subscriber you’ll
get regular updates, a chance to voice your views - and much needed encouragement. Just fill in this form and
send with a cheque for £12 (payable to Little Red Marketing Ltd.) to: The FarmersMart, Office 1, 40 Stockhill Rd,
Greengates, Bradford, BD10 9AX. Or call Ben Walton on 01274 610 101, email: ben@farmers-mart.co.uk
Name ......................................................................................... Tel No. .............................................
Address ..................................................................................................................................................
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FarmersMart Spring 2009 

 NEWS
Outstanding FarmersMart
entrepreneurial & Fencing News
figure dies Shooting Day
Hermann Merschroth, Vice
President of the AGCO Corporation,
Spokesman for the Fendt
Management and President of the
Agricultural Machinery Association
in VDMA, 58, died suddenly and
unexpectedly on 1 March 2009.
His death means the loss of an
outstanding personality for his
colleagues in management, the
supervisory board, the works
council and the employees at
Fendt. For over three decades, he
decisively shaped the development
and significance of the brand today.
He made a major contribution
toward laying the foundation for
the successful future of the Fendt
brand, as well as the Marktoberdorf
and Bäumenheim locations. The
last and largest project under his
leadership just started recently.
The parent company, AGCO, will
invest some 172 million euros in
expanding the capacities at Fendt
 FarmersMart Spring 2009
over the next four years.
The first ever Little Red Marketing held at the Brewers Arms in Snaith
He was characterized by high human
shooting day was held on Friday – and we highly recommend the
qualities, straightforwardness, as
6th March and happily, was a grub – it was fabulous!
well as great professional capabilities.
complete success. The weather
Through his inventiveness and
was great for early March and
enthusiasm, he was a driving force We look forward to next years
after a long hard winter, the
in the company as well as the event and hopefully there will
sun beamed down with all the
agricultural engineering industry. be a few more faces present.
promise of an early spring. I’ts
For more information, Contact
hard to believe, but some of the
Ben Walton on 01274 610101
participants even picked up an
unexpected touch of sunburn!
It was held at Park Lodge Shooting
School outside Snaith, and an
excellent turnout helped us raise
£550 for the MacMillan Cancer
Care and Support Charity.
We had regular shooters competing
from Atkinson Fencing, Burn
Fencing and Jon Walker Timber,
and the winner of the three-man
flush was our very own Yorkshire
Generators (See pictured below).
After a strenuous days shooting,
we all retired for a lovely meal
Simon Adams, Richard Ogden and Tom Bell
 NEWS

CHARITY DRIVE Appointment of

OF A LIFETIME FOR new Principal
AGCO ENGINEER The Board of Governors of Harper Adams
University College has announced that Dr
David Llewellyn will succeed Professor Wynne
A 10-day, 1,200 mile drive by AGCO
employee, Richard Moore, across the Jones, OBE, as Principal from September 2009.
testing and diverse terrain of southern
India has helped in raising £300,000 Dr Llewellyn was chosen after an policy contributions to some of the
for two specific charities. exhaustive selection process, which most important issues facing global
attracted substantial interest from a society, including food production
One is The Rainbow Trust, which number of high calibre individuals. and climate change.”
provides practical and emotional help
to families in the United Kingdom who Dr Llewellyn said: ‘I am honoured
have a child with a life-threatening to have been asked to succeed
or terminal illness. The second is Professor Wynne Jones, whose
the Adventure Ashram project, an leadership of the institution has
educational and medical charity meant that Harper Adams now
delivering vital practical aid and has an enviable position within the
health support to remote Indian village higher education and rural sectors
communities. as a centre of academic excellence.
We have ambitious plans for the
Richard, who works as a technical support specialist within AGCO’s continued development of the
service department based at Abbey Park, Stoneleigh, Warwickshire, University College, so that we can
achieved his magnificent fund-raising feat by taking part in the deepen our existing links with the
renowned Karma Enduro endurance rally accompanied by friend and land-based industries and enhance
co-driver, Chris Chapman. our reputation for high quality
Some 100 competitors from around the world took part in the teaching and an outstanding student
2008 Karma Enduro event, their entry fees raising a superb total of experience. Working with our staff,
£300,000, to be divided equally between the two charities. Although students and key stakeholders, I am
still some way short of its own financial target, the Karma Venture confident that we can make major
team is committed to raising its entire promised £8,500 donation and
is continuing to fund-raise via its website www.karmaventure.co.uk
and with the help of friends and colleagues.

AGRICULTURAL :: INDUSTRIAL & EQUESTRIAN

BUILDINGS SUPPLIED, REPAIRED, REFURBISHED
GARAGES, BASES AND GROUNDWORKS

Tel / Fax : (01274) 883714

Mobile Robert : 07734 432753
www.trconstructions.co.uk

FarmersMart Spring 2009 

 NEWS
Making more of your
machinery & labour
Chris Berry talks with Ian Dawson of LMR Services Ltd
Machinery Rings first became
popular in the UK around 25 years
ago and one of the most successful
of those has always been the
Lincolnshire Machinery Ring.
Today it trades under the title Labour
Machinery Resources, handily
keeping up their LMR moniker. The
ring is now amongst the largest in
the country with 750 members and
continues to offer a fantastic service
to farmers and non-farmers alike,
providing additional work for its
members and bringing the reliability
of farmers and their machinery to
a much wider world than purely
looking after other farms.
Ian Dawson is the Business
Development Manager for LMR
Services Ltd which has built an
enviable reputation for providing
all manner of skills and services
to the whole of Lincolnshire and
beyond the county. He has been
involved with the agricultural world
throughout his career, working for
farm contractors, seeds companies
and The Arable Group, the largest
independent trials company in the
UK. He’s a Lincolnshire man through
and through, and his career seems
to have been ideal preparation for
the role he now enthuses over.
‘This is a fantastic job, and why
shouldn’t it be? I have so many
wonderful workers at my disposal,
people who really know their
jobs inside out and just need the
opportunity to be put to work
properly so that they can earn what
their talents are worth. There are
 FarmersMart Spring 2009
not many other jobs where you get
that sort of chance to look after
your farmer members. The ring has
always done well and it is easy to
see why. What I am bringing to it,
I hope, is a fresh approach - and
more business!’
That certainly seems to be the
case. Within a short time of having
joined LMR Ian was quick to make
his mark. ‘In the Summer of 2007 I
checked the weather forecast on the
Thursday morning before the floods.
I felt that this was a ready-made
opportunity for our members who
had vacuum tankers. I rang North
Lincolnshire County Council to
introduce us and offer our members’
services if they were needed. At 3
o’clock on that Saturday afternoon
I received a call back to ask us to
help urgently. The first tankers were
there by 6.30pm. We had a number
of vacuum tankers there day and
important part of any contract.’ There is no faulting LMR at present.
night for a week.’
And there’s more news to come -
Since that time other work has It is all part of LMR’s forward
watch out in the Summer edition of
come the way of the ring through thinking strategy that sees them not
Farmers Mart for even more exciting
Ian’s on-going contacts with the only utilising the ring for and with
news, which we just couldn’t bring
council and other organisations. agricultural people but also working
you as we went to press!
Several machines and labour were well with others in all forms of
commissioned to prepare the new discipline. When you are purchasing
events arena adjacent to the Pleasure machinery or learning new skills you INFORMATION:
Island theme park in Cleethorpes always want to be able to make the LMR SERVICES LTD
and they have also supplied fencing most of them, and earn more money, Ian Dawson
and that‘s what Ian is aiming for on Business Development Manager
contracting services for a number of
behalf of the ring’s members. Tel: 01507 600888
multi-use/sports areas.
Mob: 07903 323212
‘We are also now on the approved Networking events, training
suppliers list for Derbyshire County sessions, regular correspondence Email: ian@lmr.org.uk
Council, so our reputation is growing. with members to keep everyone Web: www.lmr.org.uk
We really do deliver and that’s what up to date, and a man with new Web: www.lmr.org.uk/services
people want. Reliability is the most business constantly on his mind.
• Drain unblocking, cleaning and repairs
• Fully licensed service to empty Septic tanks,
Cesspits, Sewage Treatment Plants
• Installation of Septic Tanks, Sewage Treatment
Plants, Grease Traps, Interceptors and Rain
Water Harvesters
• Fully licensed service to dispose of most types
of hazardous and non-hazardous waste
• Portable Toilets and Executive mobile units for
all occasions
• Short or long term hire, Standard or disabled units Tel: 01472 398249
• Cleaning & emptying service Email: sales@lincsloos.co.uk

Paul Temple quits
top level post
East Riding farmer and NFU Vice
President, Paul Temple, has stepped
down from his post. Widely-tipped
by many to reach the top job in the
years to come Paul took up the Vice
President’s role in 2006.
He survived a three-pronged
challenge to his position only last
year. A consummate professional
who holds a number of high profile
positions in the industry, particularly
amongst the Biotech sector and with
Farmway, he has recently issued a
statement through the NFU.
‘Due to a combination of personal
and business circumstances I require
a period of time at home. Because
of this I feel that I cannot give the
time and commitment necessary to
carry out the role and it is with great
regret that I am standing down.’
NFU President Peter Kendall said: ‘I
am extremely sorry to lose Paul from
100 years of farm buildings
Lancashire based family firm J
Wareing & Son (Wrea Green) Ltd
is celebrating its centenary this
year. Brothers Peter and Andrew
Wareing manage the business
with their respective children
and have been working with
farmers since they were just 15.
Agricultural Buildings Show
Tuesday 7 April - Myerscough College
Probably one of the largest
individual investments a farm is
likely to make is that of a new farm
building, whether for housing stock,
grain or a milking parlour.
The event is organised in association
with Rural & Industrial Design and
Building Association (RIDBA)
which will be launching its new
Farm Buildings Handbook at the
event. The show is unique in that
visitors are able to plan an entire
project by consulting designers and
NEWS
preparing to
have A fling
Sheffielders are preparing to have highland beef, the organizers are
a fling - a Highland Fling, that is. optimistic that more highland cattle
Graves Park will stage the event on classes will enter.
May 3rd and 4th, the family event
Activities also on offer will be a
organized by Sheffield City Council
variety of knockout games, a craft
and sponsored by Real Radio.
tent, shire horse cart rides and
The idea for the Highland Fling was dry stone walling will compete for
inspired by the Highland cattle which visitors’ attention alongside a dog
took up residence at Graves Park’s agility show, falconry displays, show
rare breeds centre over 30 years jumping, and traditional fairground
ago. The animals, rare at the time, rides.
the officeholder team but understand
remain just as popular with visitors
and respect his decision and would Last year more than 15,000 people
today – and the Scottish theme has
like to thank him profusely for the turned out to enjoy what was one of
been developed to bring together a
work he has carried out on behalf Sheffield’s most successful major
host of attractions.
of the NFU.’ events.
Incorporating many agricultural
Event coordinator Bob Worm added:
issues, the two day event is focused
Paul Temple operates a “This year we are going to add
on public interest and will include
tenanted mixed arable and some new attractions for children
a sheep-shearing competition, a
beef family farm near Langtoft that are free to use, while keeping
sheep-dog demo and a highland
on the Yorkshire Wolds. the admission price the same as
cattle show. The animals will be
last year.”
paraded inside a ring which is
offering banner space at around £50
a day. For more information
iholmes@yahoo.co.uk
With over 30 cattle entries and a
farmers market selling the best of
MAKE LAMBING TIME EASY!
Proven New Style Pens for
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Warm, Hygienic
The business was started at
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No hung lambs
Green by another set of brothers, No miss mothering
George & Jim. Ewes more settled
Light, easy to install
Watch out for the full story of J
Wareing & Son in the next edition
of Farmers Mart.
Simple to set up
In a Row or
Back to Back
with bucket holders
constructors first-hand - as well as OPTIONS
locate specialist contractors and
suppliers instantly.
Lamb Adopter Fronts
also available to fit
Agricultural Buildings Show your existing pens
Myerscough International Equine
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FarmersMart Spring 2009 
 news
Yorkshire POWER FROM
Farm Stay WOODLANDS!
members on
awards trail
Yorkshire members of Farm Stay
UK are seeking to build on their
success in the tourism awards
arena this year – backed by a
call to action from their regional
chairman.
It follows a strong performance
in 2008 – the milestone 25th
anniversary of the Yorkshire
region of Farm Stay UK, the
country’s largest network of
farm-based accommodation
providers.
Val Leeming, of Bay Tree Farm,
Aldfield, Ripon, was a finalist in
the Friendliest Landlady category
of the AA’s National Tourism
Awards for the fourth time.
“To get some recognition after
a quarter of a century is most
rewarding,” she said
Three other Farm Stay members
won through to the finals of the
White Rose Awards – Yorkshire’s
tourism “Oscars.”
Katrina Gray, who has a 5-star
Gold farmhouse bed and breakfast
 FarmersMart Spring 2009
business at Wold Cottage, Wold
Newton, Driffield, qualified for
the Guest Accommodation of the
Year category.
In the Access for All section,
two finalists were Angela Foster,
of Field House Farm Cottages,
Sewerby, Bridlington, and Diane
Stenton, of East Hill Farm House
and Lodges, Thornton-le-Dale,
Pickering.
Angela and John Foster have
seven four and five-star
cottages, while Diane Stenton
runs four pine lodges and a
furnished farmhouse divided into
apartments. All properties are
rated four-star.
The four ladies, buoyed up
by their awards success last
year, say they are geared up to
participate again in 2009 in the
hope that they can gain more
recognition and hopefully win
one of the top awards.
East Coast farmer John Hepworth
gives his view
Where I farm, very close to the Drax Power Station and other green
North Sea, I grow eucalyptus burners are crying out for wood
trees, as well as hybrid poplars chip logs and biomass, so how
and Swedish willow, and as an do we persuade farmers to plant
energy provider they are proving now? How I wish Natural England
very effective. would channel their money into
establishing woodland grants rather
The yield they have been achieving
than hosting yet more conferences.
has averaged over 6 tonnes per
acre which has impressed me. Wet They really must encourage more
summers and even wetter winters farmers to grow more trees. They
have created a good opportunity to use up more water in order to grow
grow eucalyptus trees particularly, than any other crop. Given Natural
which uses up the entire water, and England’s recent forecast of wetter
makes a wonderful environment weather and flooded fields why
for birds, takes up to 5 tonnes of are they not realising the potential
carbon per acre and provides 60 that exists in the power of our
tonnes per acre of wood to burn woodlands.
over 10 years.
“What to Grow in 2009”
Swedish willows, hybrid poplars and the FASTEST yield of
wood on the planet eucalyptus.
YOU MUST BUY NOW
• See the yield potential of 7FT per annum.
• Biomass loves wet fields.
• So come and see them growing.
• Buy them and you will have wished you had planted 10 acres.
For more information contact
John Hepworth on 01964 532754

WHAT PRICE A
NEW BORN LAMB?
MOSTLY due to chills and mis-
mothering, more lambs die within
two days of birth than throughout
the rest of their normal lifespan.
The cause is often ‘make do and
mend’ pens held together with baler
twine. Draughty pens where lambs
get a chill and ewes are distracted
from their own lambs with cause
these accidental deaths.
Successfully launched last year
and further enhanced with a range
of different sizes for this lambing
season, Solway Lambing Pens cut
costs by reducing these losses and
your workload. Now available with a
lamb adopter front, higher sides and
bucket holders to keep lambs out
of water and feed buckets, Solway
Lambing Pens are made by sheep
farmers for sheep farmers.
Solway Lambing Pens give new
arrivals a draught free environment,
keeps each ewe focused on her own
lambs, and thus reducing accidents
such as hanging and drowning.
Agriboard recycled plastic material
is used by Solway to manufacture
their lambing pens, and is easily
washed, stacked and assembled
inside or out.
For more information visit
www.solwayrecycling.co.uk
news
C O N T R A C T S E R V I C E S
FOR ALL YOUR FARM
CLEANING REQUIREMENTS
Mobile steam/pressure cleaning; Engine driven
washers; Livestock Housing; Buildings;
Feed Bins; Plant & Machinery Vehicles.
Over 20 years experience.
Also Ground based high level vacuumm cleaning
and pressure washing. Ground Based Gutter
Cleaning - safe cleaning of gutters up to 40’
without need for ladders, scaffold etc,
Other services include: Equestrian and Domestic
Fencing. Landscape Design and Maintenance.
Tel 07771 933560 or
Free Phone 0800 2343133
andrew.bennison@btinternet.com
FOR YOUR LIVESTOCK THIS WINTER!
• Beef • Calves • Dairy • Sheep
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• Straights
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• Calf Milk Replacers
Delivered throughout Yorkshire
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One of Yorkshire’s leading independent farmer-based companies
FarmersMart Spring 2009 
 DIARY DATES

APRIL Wednesday 24
- Thursday 25
HUBY & SUTTON SHOW EGTON SHOW
Tuesday 28 Saturday 29
Wednesday 22 LINCOLNSHIRE SHOW
RYEDALE SHOW • MALHAMDALE SHOW
NORTHFIELD Thursday 25 - Sunday 28 • BILSDALE SHOW|
AGRICULTURE OPEN DAY| Wednesday 29
ROYAL HIGHLAND SHOW • WEARDALE SHOW
Halsham BORROWBY SHOW
• WENSLEYDALE SHOW
Tuesday 28 - Wednesday 29
PV DOBSON JULY Monday 31
Kendal & Skipton (contact
Tuesday 7 - Friday 10
AUGUST • KESWICK SHOW
• FARNDALE SHOW
branches for full details) • GLENDALE SHOW
ROYAL SHOW Saturday 1
• EMLEY SHOW
Sunday 12
MAY HOWDEN SHOW
• COCKERMOUTH SHOW
• SEAMER SHOW SEPTEMBER
Sunday 3 - Monday 4 Tuesday 14 - Thursday 16 • OSMOTHERLEY SHOW
Tuesday 1
Sheffield GREAT YORKSHIRE SHOW • POWBURN SHOW
KILNSEY SHOW
Highland Fling • GARSTANG SHOW
Saturday 18
• DUMFRIES SHOW Thursday 10
Saturday 9 - Sunday 10 CUMBERLAND
WESTMORLAND
NEWARK & NOTTS SHOW COUNTY SHOW Sunday 2
COUNTY SHOW
SYKEHOUSE SHOW
Saturday 16 Sunday 19
Friday 11
OTLEY SHOW MALTON SHOW Wednesday 5
KELSO RAM SALES
ARTHINGTON SHOW CARTMEL SHOW
Thursday 21 Saturday 12
BEEF EXPO Wednesday 5 - Thursday 6
PENISTONE SHOW
Malvern BAKEWELL SHOW
Saturday 12 - Sunday 13
Monday 25 Friday 7 - Sunday 9
STANHOPE SHOW
NORTHUMBERLAND LOWTHER CARRIAGE
COUNTY SHOW DRIVING TRIALS Saturday 19
Lowther Estate, Penrith STOKESLEY SHOW
Saturday 8
JUNE HALIFAX SHOW
Wednesday 3 Wednesday 22
Sunday 9
NORTH SHEEP DRIFFIELD SHOW
BINGLEY SHOW
Chipping, Preston Friday 24 - Saturday 25
Saturday 13 BORDER UNION SHOW
HONLEY SHOW Kelso
Monday 21
Sunday 14 Friday 24 - Sunday 26 NIDDERDALE SHOW
NORTH YORKSHIRE ROYAL LANCASHIRE
COUNTY SHOW SHOW

Saturday 20 Saturday 25 OCTOBER

TODMORDEN SHOW PENRITH SHOW Saturday 24 - Sunday 25
Wednesday 12
Sunday 26 DANBY SHOW COUNTRYSIDE LIVE!
WEETON SHOW Harrogate
Wednesday 26

We believe this is the biggest one day

Agricultural Show in West Yorkshire
Halifax Agricultural Society Ltd
Presents the 63rd show on 8th August 2009

The Halifax Show

Agricultural Classes
include cattle, sheep & pigs

For further information regarding entries

please contact Mrs Leanne Skelton
leanne@avcbbmail.co.uk
Nunnery Farm, Wainstalls,
Halifax, HX2 7TR
Tel: 01422 885519 Mob: 07779281122

www.halifaxshow.co.uk
10 FarmersMart Spring 2009

North Sheep 2009 GREAT YORKSHIRE
IN lancashire SHOW 2009
The National Sheep Association
northern region’s biennial one day
event, NSA North Sheep 2009 will
be staged on Wednesday, 3 June at
Laund Farm, Chipping, Preston by
kind permission of John Stott and
family. The event’s major sponsor is
Novartis Animal Health.
The 16th technical event of its
kind, NSA North Sheep 2009 will
be building on its previous success
with a crowd of more than 6,000
and 180 trade stands. The event
will focus on the way ahead for the
British sheep industry as its gears up
to the challenges and opportunities
for the years ahead.
The event will be officially opened
by shadow agriculture minister,
Jim Paice MP, after which
political, marketing, technical
and environmental issues will be
discussed and debated at series of
seminars to be held throughout the
day, along with a lunchtime question
time. In addition, a seminar is being
staged for all exhibitors to discuss
export opportunities.
NSA North Sheep organisers are
also reflecting their firm commitment
towards encouraging all students
and youngsters involved in practical
sheep management activities by
staging the first ever NSA North
Sheep Young Shepherd of the Year
Award. Shearing and stock judging
will also feature among the day’s
activities.
“We are delighted to return the
event to Lancashire, a major sheep
producing county, for the first time
in more than a decade,” says event
chairman and Farmer of the Year,
John Geldard. “NSA North Sheep
will provide the opportunity to
discuss a range of issues focused
on how producers can improve their
business efficiencies in an attempt
to achieve sustainability.”
Further information from
NSA North Sheep 2009
organiser, Julie Sedgewick
on 01388 664496;
www.northsheep.co.uk
There are few other dates in
the farming diary that attract
as many farming people and
members of the general public
as does the Great Yorkshire
Show, which is set to take place
on Tuesday 14 to Thursday 16
July 2009.
The Great Yorkshire Show is
one of the North’s leading
agricultural event and is held on
the 250-acre Great Yorkshire
Showground on the edge of the
spa town of Harrogate.
2009 will be the 151st
Great Yorkshire Show and as
always will be a celebration
of agriculture and country life.
The site is filled with animals,
country demonstrations, have-
a-go activities and the Great
Yorkshire Cheese & Dairy Show.
Plus there’s fashion, rural crafts
and shopping!
The Main Ring is the hub of the
Show - providing a wonderful
showtime
setting for International Show
Jumping and a World-Class
Cattle Parade - and this year,
FarmersMart will be setting
up an extra stand for Fencing
News, a short distance away
from the Cattle Ring. The new
stand will expand on our other,
regular stand, which is number
653, and which we have held
now for five years.
Tickets can be bought
online in advance at the
fair price of £18 for an
Adult, £8 for a Child,
£16 for Concession and
£47 for a family ticket.
Ordering Line:
01423 541 222
www.greatyorkshireshow.com
FarmersMart Spring 2009 11
 SHOWTIME

Driffield Show – A date to remember

This summer, the long traditions
of The 134th Driffield Show, are
set to be continued in the most
appropriate manner by the Driffield
Agricultural Society.
The Driffield Agricultural Show,
which will take place at the usual
venue (Driffield Showground, East
Yorkshire) will fall on Wednesday
22nd of July 2009. It is one of
the biggest one-day agricultural
shows in the country, and visitors
to the event are sure to enjoy all the
traditional features of an English
agricultural show with the many
added attractions of quality trade
stands and retail outlets.
Driffield Agricultural Society relies
on a range of well-renowned
sponsors from within the agricultural
field and this year, we at Fencing
and Landscaping News and farmers to professional contractors. constantly looking at new ideas and rural and urban communities. Big
Farmersmart will proudly be a Silver I am looking forward to the Fence enough to offer a fun and full day out
Driffield Show has moved on to
Sponsor. As we were bronze last Contracting Competition becoming for all the family and small enough
meet the challenges of 21st century
year, this is no doubt a progress and a major attraction this year and for to have a friendly atmosphere; it is
farming and, while other shows have
we are hopefully looking forward to many more.” surely a must on the calendar.
to some extent moved away from
getting our hands on gold next year. their rural roots, Driffield Show has The show has always taken place
The show will also welcome the retained its agricultural backbone. at the Driffield Showground, in the Contact for Tickets
Yorkshire & North of England Fence midst of July, and with a five year – memberships
David Tite of Driffield Agricultural
Contracting Competition for the first average footfall of 22,000 people, 01377 257494
Show is delighted with the new
time, and it is anticipated that there the show offers a maximum impact www.driffieldshow.co.uk
addition to the show. “We are
will be several classes from young to a large captive audience from both

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12 FarmersMart Spring 2009


Northumberland Beef Expo 2009
County Show
Tynedale Rugby Club,
Corbridge, Northumberland.
May Bank Holiday - May 25th 2009
The Northumberland
County Show is the
first of the seasons
agricultural gatherings
and the regions largest
such event showcasing
the farmer, the producer
and the rural business
whilst creating a fun
day out for all the family
with plenty to see and
experience.
Throughout the day
judges award rosettes and trophies
to all manner of beasts; from the
heavyweights in beef cattle to the
featherweights in poultry and all
the familiar and traditional breeds
of sheep including the popular
Zwartbles, goats, dairy cows, heavy
horses with the more unfamiliar
alpaca, in between. Judging reaches
its pinnacle with the Grand Parade
mid afternoon and the Champion of
Champion award this year sponsored
by the Tangerine Group and judged
by Ms. Kay Thompson of Bishop
Auckland. The Shearing competition
attracts an almost full to capacity
audience as does Cumberland
& Westmorland Wrestling. The
successful milking display with a
fully working milking parlour, will be
on as busy as ever on the day.
This years star attractions include
The Kangaroo Kid Quad Bike Stunt
Team, with Matt Matt Coulter, aka
“The Kangaroo Kid”, one of the most
prolific record breaking motorcycle
stuntmen and entertainers in the
world today.
The RAF Falcons Parachute Display
Team who tumble from a great
height and swoop gracefully onto the
showfield at the end of the day.
Ticket information
10% discount on advance
tickets from: Ticket hotline:
0845 230 5177 and online at
www.northcountyshow.co.uk
Full day admission: Adults £10
OAP £6 Children 4-16 £2.50.
Family tickets: £25 Tickets
bought on show day at gate
– Cash Only.
Free car parking.
Tynedale Agricultural Society,
c/o Hexham Auction Mart,
Tynegreen, Hexham NE46
3SG Exhibitor information Tel:
01434 604216 Registered
charity 1120037
The Three Counties Showground
at Malvern in Worcestershire is
the venue for the National Beef
Association’s annual flagship
event, Beef Expo 2009, on
Thursday, May 21.
The UK’s national beef event
attracts thousands of beef farmers
each year. Adopting the theme,
“Beef Up Your Returns”, the event
will follow the successful format
developed in recent years and will
include an extensive trade stand
area, beef breed demonstrations
and educational and advisory
exhibits focusing on both beef from
the suckler herd and beef from the
dairy herd.
On the day before the event
– Wednesday, May 20 – visitors
will have the opportunity of visiting
leading Herefordshire farms
followed by a two hour beef
conference addressed by top
industry figures starting at 4.00pm
and the pre-event dinner in the
evening.
A major feature of this year’s event
will be three livestock competitions
SHOWTIME
– the National Spring Spectacular
for continental and native breed
pure and cross-bred beef cattle with
a prize pool of £4700, a show of
pedigree calves, again open to both
continental and native breeds, and
a young handlers cattle presentation
competition for youngsters aged 14
– 20 years of age.
The cost of admission to Beef
Expo is £10 (£5 for NBA members
applying for tickets in advance and
free of charge to juniors under
16 years of age) and £34 for the
conference and dinner or £5.75 for
the conference only. Prices include
VAT. Costs for the farm tour will be
available shortly.
Full information and an
application form for tickets can
be viewed on the Beef Expo
web site – www.beefexpo.co.uk
– or by contacting the organiser,
Euan Emslie, at 3 Briar Close,
Newport, Brough, East Yorkshire.
HU15 2QY. Tel: 01430 441870.
Fax: 01430 448432.
Mob: 07718 908523. E-mail:
Euan@AppliedRemedies.co.uk
FarmersMart Spring 2009 13
 malton auction mart

Fantastic turn-out AT Malton

Chris Berry takes a belated look back at last year’s Christmas
Fatstock Sale in the North Yorkshire town
With the proverbial sword of
Damocles hanging over its future in
the town centre Malton Livestock
Market was still the place to be
for their renowned CHRISTMAS
FATSTOCK SALE in December.
Over 300 farmers, buyers and
sellers congregated for what was
an excellent occasion.
James Stephenson of Malton
Livestock Auctioneers was on hand
and explained just how far back the
Christmas Fatstock tradition goes:
‘It’s way back before my time - over
100 years, when farmers who were
bringing their stock into market at
Christmas as they would have done
every week started competing with Happy Days at Malton - (L to R) Steve Stonehouse, Ian Raines,
each other for prizes. These eventually Show winners Wendy & Mark Bulmer, Edward Mackley & James Stephenson
became a formal competition and
today we have a wonderful array of
Christmas Fatstock shows all around been an outstanding show of cattle Scarborough was handling the beast the battle is under way but it isn’t
the livestock markets in Yorkshire. and today’s winner was a wonderful for him in the ring. All of our local won yet. As far as the auctioneers
Every one of them is unique to that heifer produced by Graham Nutt butchers were here too. In Ryedale are concerned they would genuinely
area and here at Malton we have of Driffield. He is an outstanding and especially Malton we’re very very much like to see the market
some of the best stock in the county feeder of cattle in the area and has lucky in that we do have a lot of continue - whether we continue
coming out of Ryedale. Today has a wonderful eye for them. Andrew support from them. Being a rural here may not be possible but we
based community there are a lot definitely want to find a home for it.
of butchers shops still left and they It’s the last market in Ryedale and it
MART OFFICE: have a really strong eye for stock.’ would be a tragedy if it went.’
Thirsk Farmers Auction Mart
The champion was bought by Andrew Mark and Wendy Bulmer had the
Thirsk Rural Business Centre, Blakey Lane
Thirsk, North Yorkshire, YO7 3AB Radford of Sleights, but also present best home-bred heifer on the day
Tel: 01845 523165 Fax: 01845 526604 were Brian Glaves of Brompton, and Mark told of how long they have
Frankie Turner of Rillington and a been coming to Malton’s Christmas
www.thirskmarket.com number of other local butchers. Fatstock Sale: ‘We’ll have done
e-mail: thirskauction@btconnect.com it for between 10-15 yrs. It’s all
‘The Christmas Fatstock Sale always
about making the most of what
generates a lot of interest,’ says
you’ve produced and showing your
EVERY THURSDAY James. ‘That’s because Ryedale
stock to their best of your ability.
WEEKLY DEDICATED SLAUGHTER SALE farmers are natural stockmen and You also get a little bit of premium
300 prime pigs & cast sows @ 8.30am they love to see good animals so at the Fatstock shows. We had
1500 prime sheep & cast ewes @ 9.00am
it draws them in like a magnet at some very good competition in Mr
550 prime cattle & young bulls @ 12 noon
(preceded by OTM cattle & cows) Christmas time. Nevertheless during Nutt today. He really does produce
All stock must be CLEAN & TAGGED rest of year we are still very busy. great stock.’
Here in Malton it is not only a centre
EVERY OTHER TUESDAY OF THE MONTH for selling animals it is also a centre Butcher Frank Turner of Rillington
FORTNIGHTLY SALE OF STORE STOCK for the farming fraternity to gather was buying around the ring and in
SALE OF STORE & BREEDING SHEEP as forward @ 1.30pm up, exchange views and have a bit good form out of it: ‘I’ve been in
TOGETHER WITH FORTNIGHTLY SALE OF STORE CATTLE @ 2pm
of conversation with like-minded the butchery world all my life like
Usual selection of Cast Cows, Young Bulls & Store cattle. See website for dates. my grandfather before me. We’ve
people.’
been butchers since 1905. I used
EVERY 1ST SATURDAY OF THE MONTH @ 10.30AM As for the future location of the to go to Seamer Market but then
MONTHLY COLLECTIVE SALE OF MACHINERY, FUR & FEATHER market James was reasonably started coming to Malton. The stock
Over 200 lots of fur & leather. Entries on day of sale 7 - 10am. upfront. ‘We’re at a fairly delicate
Usual wide ranging selection of Agri-goods, Builders and Farm equip, workshop &
is always very good here and it was
stage at the minute. We’re subject brilliant today. They’ll all have had
gardening requisities, Timber etc.
Entries taken on Friday before sale 10am - 5pm. to an estate lease which expired last most of these cattle selected early on
April and we’ve been trying to put and they’ll have been showing them
ORTNIGHTLY ALTERNATE TUESDAYS TO STORE SALES @ 5 PM in place some security for its future all Summer. The good ones always
FORTNIGHTLY SALE OF FURNITURE, ANTIQUES & COLLECTABLES until we find a suitable site within come on about now so we can get
Clean Double & Single Beds, Suites & Modern Furnishings, over 1000 lots of quality goods the town boundary, which is what them in the shop before Christmas.
Also usual collection of collectables, brassware, glassware, pottery, pine effects, nearly new the planners want. They don’t want It’s usually a good advertisement if
furniture. Antiques, Furniture & Collectable entries 12 noon to 5pm Monday day before sale.
us to be in the centre, but they do you’ve a prize ticket. We buy some
Viewing from 12 noon on day of sale
want us to be within the bypass if good cattle from here every week
possible and we need to get some and we make sure we have the
Full and partial house clearances. See website for dates. enabling funding for that, which is all tickets up. I do generally buy from
on-going. We’re fairly confident that

14 FarmersMart Spring 2009


the same people - the good feeders,
that’s what it’s all about, having them
well fed. From my point of view I’m
looking for something with a little bit
of fat on rather than being leaner,
little heifers that are well finished
and well covered. The country trade
is totally different to town trade. We
have a totally different customer. I
look for that little bit of good finish,
something that tastes right, maybe a
good Aberdeen Angus.’
Frank also believes that price isn’t
everything. People will pay for
malton auction mart
Cattle handler Andrew Scarborough leads
Graham Nutt’s prize winning beast at Malton
quality, but he doesn’t believe in
being over-excessive. For more information visit
The Cattle Market, Malton,
‘We aren’t any dearer than a
North Yorkshire YO17 0JN
supermarket really but it’s quality,
Telephone: 01653 694905
we’re looking to serve that lady one
week & we want her back 51 times
at least during the rest of the year.
FarmersMart Spring 2009 15
 michael fenBy
Getting stoned at the coast
Chris Berry talks with Michael Fenby - farmer turned stone-man
Herringbone, parallel punch and
sparrow pecks - we’re talking stone
here, and Michael Fenby, up on
North Yorkshire’s coastline just three
miles south of Robin Hood’s Bay is a
man who knows his stone.
At his base, where he used to farm,
there is all manner of stone, bricks
and timber - and with good reason.
House renovations are big business
and keeping them in the style of
when they were first built is now a
very real art form.
‘People want stone, bricks and timber
that is in keeping with individual eras.
In the 1960s, 70s and 80s anything
would do. You would go down to your
local hardware store and get anything
to patch up your property. That’s
no longer the case. Today it has to
match, to suit what is already there.
Owners are getting more and more
passionate about what they want and
we have developed a great reputation
for not only finding such as the kind
of stone they need, but also crafting it
into the style they need. The popular
thing at the moment is tooling up the
16 FarmersMart Spring 2009
stone to match existing stone.’
Michael will do everything he can to
achieve the complete match.
‘We were recently asked to supply
the stone for a house extension in
Gilling, near Helmsley and our client
informed me that he had been to six
different stone yards unsuccessfully
in trying to find the stone we could
cut and tool to match. We also
looked after a chapel in Ayton which
wanted to extend its premises. It was
built around the 17th century and
we managed to retool the stone we
located in Hexham to match it up
accurately.’
There are so many different types of
stone, and Michael tells of the stone
used in buildings being very different
from Whitby to Ebberston, and
Snainton to Helmsley. When Michael
first started out in stone, bricks and
timber most of his work would come
from farms but the ratio has altered
considerably in recent years.
‘Just five years ago it was still
predominantly farmers who we would
work for, but now it is much more the
residential market we look after.’
One of Michael’s biggest jobs in
recent times has been for Gerald
Carter (who was featured in our last
issue).
‘We supplied the oak flooring, oak
beams, oak-farmed windows, stone
heads and sills for Gerald, and
dressed them for him too.’
Bricks-wise Michael bought 40,000
from Liverpool last year. These
weren’t your normal, current day
bricks though. They were more akin
to Coronation Street type properties.
‘They are a good coloured brick which
we then cut down to 2 ½ inch bricks
for Tudor-type houses. We soon get
through them though, as you easily
use between 8-10,000 bricks on a
decent extension.’
Michael Fenby’s herringbone stone
Michael pays tribute to his team of
six men who work extremely hard for
him.
‘They are a tremendously dedicated
and skillful team and work very well
together.’
He has no regrets about finishing
with farming, which he did in 2000.
‘I’d always wanted to be a farmer,
but I used to put up a lot of farm
buildings too. I was going to get rich
by the time I was 40, but that didn’t
happen. We had 120 suckler cows
here and I was dead jammy. I sold out
in October 2000, just a few months
before Foot and Mouth. I sold at the
top of the tree.’
Everyone always says you should put
your money into bricks and mortar.
Michael’s gone one step further - he’s
put himself into bricks, timber and
stone. He’s well worth a visit if you
want the right thing in keeping with
your property!
For more information contact
Michael J. Fenby
Windhill Farm, Robin Hood’s Bay
Whitby YO22 4QL
01947 880702 / 01947 880419
Web: www.mjfenby.co.uk

Massive investment sees new
fencing store open in Balne
Chris Berry talks with Richard Walker
At a time when recession is being
uttered nearly every hour from
some television screen or radio
programme it is heartening to
see businesses in the agricultural
industry who are pushing forward,
and being successful. Better prices
for livestock in recent months
has brought about a feeling of
optimism, despite the general air
of despondency that you feel if you
listen to the news for too long.
One of those companies who seem
to have bucked the trend and are
now investing even further into
burn fencing
their own market place as a result
is Burn Fencing Supplies, situated
at West End Farm, West End in
Balne, near Goole, where Richard
Walker has just opened up his brand
new £400,000 warehouse and
offices selling everything a farmer,
equestrian enterprise, smallholder or
fencing contractor needs.
It was Richard’s father, Brian, who
started the business back in the village
of Burn in1975 and now runs to a
staff of 30 including sub-contractors.
‘There are still some people who
think that’s where we are based but
we came here 13 years ago,’ says
Richard, who started in the business
working on the manufacturing and
contracting side.
Burn Fencing also operates a
separate and hugely successful
fencing contracting business. Over
the years they have won lucrative
contracts which have seen them
working for farmers, high-security
conscious companies, the highways
agency and for local authorities.
‘It doesn’t matter what is needed, we
handle all types of fencing from timber
to steel, including the manufacture of
gates for agricultural fencing and the
full range of steel fencing. Razor wire,
barbed wire, 358 mesh, welded
mesh and chain link fences are all
part of what we do.’
But it is the new warehouse store
and offices, built on their existing site
at Balne, that really excites Richard
at present. They are firmly moving
into an arena where he believes they
already have distinct advantages over
their competitors.
‘There is really easy access just
two minutes off the A19 and close
to junction 34 of the M62. Because
of our contracting background and
knowledge of the fencing business
we know exactly what to stock for
anyone’s fencing needs and our aim
is to be a one-stop shop for everyone
who wants any type of fencing. The
additional items we stock include not
just the fencing, posts, rails and gates
but also the ancillary items such
as rabbit netting, deer netting and
badger netting, as well as barbed wire
and any other smaller or larger item
that suddenly becomes necessary.
When you are new to fencing you
don’t realise everything that you are
going to need, but that’s where we
can help. We have been there and
done that, and we know that we
can offer just what will be needed.
Our team here has such a wealth
of experience that we can usually
advise on any aspect of fencing
requirements. We’re also dead easy
to find and we guarantee that we will
have thought of everything that will
be needed. Our favourite phrase is
that ‘we sell everything you need to
keep stock in and vermin out ‘’.
In the next couple of weeks Richard
will also be launching the brand new
Burn Fencing Supplies brochure
which will highlight all of the products
that are available.
‘Our target markets cover every
aspect of the fencing world and we
are confident that no matter whether
we are looking after a farmer,
smallholder, contractor or residential
property owner, we will have what
they need. Why not try us out. I’m
100% certain that you won’t be
disappointed.
For more information contact
BURN FENCING SUPPLIES
West End Farm
West Ens, Balne
Nr Goole, DN14 0EH
Tel: 01302 708706
Mob: 07710 010643
FarmersMart Spring 2009 17
Askham Bryan College
There’s something for everyone at Askham Bryan
College: beginners of all ages...school leavers...career
changers...businesses and the self-employed...those
looking for professional development...and, of course,
Degrees and Higher Education!
Agriculture courses: Mixed Farming, Livestock,
Crop Production...

...and there’s:
countryside, land management, environmental
conservation, gamekeeping, sustainable environmental
technology, land-based service engineering, and
sustainable land management...
...your first choice!
...and don’t forget: horticulture, Stud
animal care and management, full y
or p -time
forestry and arboriculture, at C art-tim
floristry, equine management, olle e–
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manufacturing, plant maintenance,
construction, travel and tourism, veterinary
nursing...and much more besides!

Give us a call today to find out what we can offer you

Tel: 01904 772277

Askham Bryan College • Askham Bryan • York • YO23 3FR

Centres at:
Bedale tel: 01677 422344 • Guisborough tel: 01287 633870
Harrogate tel: 01423 546199 • Thirsk tel: 01845 574928
 THE WINNS OF WHIXLEY
Every one’s a Winn-er!
Chris Berry finds out about L & J Rosettes
It really doesn’t matter whether the
Winns do as their name suggests at
sales and shows any more because
they’ve enough rosettes to award
their stock and horses several of
them each and every day of the
year!
That’s because here at Low Farm,
Whixley, just off the A59 between
York and Harrogate, Jayne Winn
has recently begun her own sideline
making rosettes - and sashes too.
Jayne is married to Richard and the
couple’s farming operation runs to
some 450 acres both at Whixley
and Roecliffe, near Boroughbridge,
where they used to farm before
taking on Low Farm in 2000, which
was previously a council farm.
She’s busy enough it seems anyway,
with a family to look after including
son Ben and daughter Lucy, hunting
with the York & Ainsty, and clerking
for the parish council. So why take
on something else?
‘I used to do accounts for people
TRACTORS & EQUIPMENT FOR SALE.
Ex Demonstration FENDT Tractor, Available Now.
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Special Price £3700-00 + vat
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2 Rows height adjustable discs, V’ Profile Packer
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Ex Stock
Pleased to supply & service Richard Winn’s Strautmann Diet Feeder
For further Details Please Contact: Peter Swales 07792 510204
20 FarmersMart Spring 2009
before I had Ben, but when Lucy
went to secondary school in
September I felt that I wanted to do
something that meant I was not sat
at a computer. I didn’t really want
to do accounts again at the moment
as I’d done that since leaving work.
I thought it would be nice to do
something completely different and
saw a rosette business advertised
for sale. Richard and I didn’t end
up buying from the man who was
selling it but we did buy equipment
from him and he helped us get up
and running. We’ve only been going
as L&J Rosettes since September,
but we’ve already made a good
start in building up our client base.
I’m currently making 40-50 a week
and that only takes one day. I’m
not stockpiling because I did that
at first but wasn’t happy at how
the rosettes looked when they were
first made compared to when I was
sending them out three weeks later.
The ribbon had flattened down a
Jayne Winn
bit and they didn’t look quite as
Jayne Winn with her rosettes
512 Favorit, 125hp, August 1994, M Reg,
9000hrs, 50kph Available Now
“We can get any colour of
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colours available...”
New, Tuchel 2.3m Sweepers
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New, Teagle 8’ Toppers Price £1750-00+vat
Farm Insurance Brokers to the Winns
and many other farmers for many years
Adam House, Ripon Way, Harrogate, HG1 2AU.
Tel 01423 522533
 THE WINNS OF WHIXLEY

Richard and Ben Winn

“IT would be really nice for LUCY to

be presented with a winning rosette
that was one of ours!”
good as I would have liked. Now
everything is the way I would like it
to be when it leaves us.’
Being involved with stock and
horses the Winns have done as
their name suggests many times
and have picked up their fair share
of rosettes. Jayne is now more
conscious than ever of the quality
of rosettes, but in truth she has
always had a view - as most will
e le y Bridge Auction Mark
t et
Pa RichardAre&proud to have the privilege of supplying
Jayne with quality Dales Beef Store Cattle
have, when receiving one. And thank them for supporting their local market
‘It takes so much time and effort
Sales take place on Saturdays at 12.00 noon
to go to a show, get your pony out,
Fortnightly Sales of Beef Store Cattle, Cull Cows & Young Bulls
get it prepared and everything else
that goes with it. So when you Weekly fat stock collection centre
win a rosette you want something Prime Lambs, Ewes & Cattle required to meet demand
really nice because you feel you’ve For Sale dates apply: Auction No. 01423 712032
worked hard for it.’ David & Judy Middlemiss 01423 755278
(T/A Sawley & District Auction Mart Ltd)
Jayne now makes a full range
of rosettes from basic, standard All Customers old & new will be very welcome
varieties right up to the fantastically

NR
NORMAN RAW
FARM MACHINERY
MANUFACTURERS
Established 1949 

 
!
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FarmersMart Spring 2009 21

 THE WINNS OF WHIXLEY
colourful and unique star rosettes.
The market Jayne has entered into
may not be saturated although it is
keen and competitive, but she is
determined to maintain quality no
matter what.
‘I’ve very much stuck to my guns
over printing good quality rosettes
and we have just bought a printer
that prints directly from the
computer on to the ribbon. It’s a
top of the range model and gives a
really nice finish to ribbon printing.
We can get any colour of ribbon, and
we have 100s of colours available
including of course all of the colours
you need for the respective placings
at shows.’
Richard helps out with the ribbon
pleating machine when he’s not out
looking after either the arable or
livestock side of their mixed farm,
which includes 250 acres of arable,
growing wheat, barley, fodder beet,
stubble turnips and maize. They
lamb around 330 ewes which are
predominantly Suffolk X, back to
the Suffolk tup to breed a fast-
growing lamb, and keep 300 beef
cattle.
Son Ben (15) is looking forward to
joining the farming operation fully
and has been talking about taking
up contracting to generate more
business for the farm.
Jayne believes the rosette making
business is a useful addition to the
farm - and it has brought about
other products too.
‘It’s not all farm and horse business
we do either. We have pulled in
a lot more custom through our
website. Printed sashes are very
popular, particularly for such as
hen parties. Most livestock shows
in the south of England now also
give a sash as well as a rosette to
all of their winners too. Then there
are election campaign rosettes. We
also print competitors’ numbers
and prize cards also.’
And Lucy is involved too. She’s the
L in L&J Rosettes and Jayne tells of
her being very arty.
‘Lucy helps make and design them.
What would be really nice would
be for her to be presented with a
winning rosette that was one of
ours!’
L & J ROSETTES
Low Farm, Starra Field Lane,
Whixley
York YO26 8AU
Tel: 01423 331742
Mob: 07989 164088
www.ljrosettes.com
E-mail: info@ljrosettes.com
Lucy Winn

ROBSON W.T. Webster & Sons

TRACTORS Grafton Lodge, Grafton, York, YO51 9QS
Tel: 01423 322 445
Mike: 07889 053 702 Paul: 07889 053 704

Agricultural Contractors for Over 50 Years

We are pleased to be associated with

Richard and Jayne Winn and their family.
We wish them every success for the future.
We are pleased to supply R. WINN AND SONS
with their farm machinery requirements and
wish them every success in the future.

Thirsk: 01845 501602

Malton: 01653 668501
www.robsontractors.co.uk

22 FarmersMart Spring 2009

 escrick park estate

Hebridean influence at Escrick

Chris Berry talks with Helen Pentith & Tango Fawcett
Escrick Park Estate is one of
Yorkshire’s real hidden gems.
Over its 8000 acres it contains
the beauty of the White Rose
county’s lowlands, combining the
wild Skipwith Common, exclusive
holiday homes, tenanted farms and
some excellent ‘out-of-the-way yet
close enough to major roadways’
commercial premises. Everything
about the estate exudes taste.
Charles Forbes Adams’ family has
been here for three centuries and the
estate seems well geared up for the
future, embracing both conservation
and environmental concerns whilst
at the same time ensuring it is well
positioned to attract the business
that will allow it to remain that way.
The timber lodge holiday park,
Hollicarrs, took its first breath three
years ago and is hailed a massive
success, so much so that a second
phase of holiday homes is now being
started, under the name Hartsnook.
But Charles and his team at Escrick
Park, including Helen Pentith, have
not simply been carried away by the
holiday lodge bug to the extent that
they are not concerned with farming
matters. Indeed their future plans
fully embrace agriculture and the
environment probably more than
ever before.
One of their most successful exploits
in recent times has been their flock
of Hebridean sheep. They’re down
in numbers presently, but with good
reason, as Helen explains:
‘Our flock was up to 900 at one time,
but it is now around 250. Hebrideans
are recognized as a rare breed, so
we felt it important to enhance the
breed genetic pool, which cannot
be done with unregistered animals.
We have been selling Hebridean
meat through the internet and to
local people. The hogget (older than
lamb, as it is a slow maturing breed)
has done particularly well as it is
tasty, tender and succulent. It also
appeals to those who are looking
to buy naturally reared meat. It’s
quite a specific market place but
once people try it they usually
love it. The joints are not as big as
regular lamb, but it has developed a
good reputation in a relatively short
period of time. Rudding Park Hotel
serves Hebridean lamb on its menu
from time to time.’
Escrick Park is very involved with the
management of Skipwith Common,
in partnership with Natural England,
and employs its own Conservation
Officer, Tango Fawcett, as well as
Charles Forbes Adams
shepherd John Atkinson. Tango tells
of how the Hebrideans have assisted
in that on-going management.
‘They were brought in because the
Common was getting over-run with
silver birch and scrub. Hebrideans
eat everything, so they clear out
the ground really well. Because
they are hardy they can cope with
any kind of inclement conditions,
so nothing concerns them. They
are happy to rummage around and
clear out the saplings and eat off
all of the regenerating scrub. This
has followed the massive scrub
clearance programme carried out
with Natural England, using Heritage
Lottery Funding. Without the sheep,
scrub would quickly regrow, and the
heathland target habitat would not
be restored. Following the initial
scrub clearance programme, there
was massive re-growth which
required greater numbers of sheep,
which have now been reduced as the
scrub is under control for the time
being. The newly opened up nature
of Skipwith Common, shows off the
glorious restored purple heathland,
which is as Charles Forbes Adam
remembers it as a boy.’
The flock lambs in May. John
(Atkinson) sometimes shows them
at the Great Yorkshire Show, as
well as undertaking a great deal of
sheepdog training.
‘The Hebrideans are renowned for
being very sharp and athletic sheep,
so they’re ideal for training young
sheepdogs,’ says Tango.
There are moves afoot to open
a farm shop on the A19 at the
entrance to Hollicarrs and the
success of Hebridean lamb hasn’t
gone unnoticed. It will certainly play
its part in the farm shop’s trade.
Watch out for further news on
developments at Escrick Park Estate
in future editions of Farmers Mart
magazine.
Heathland Hebridean Hogget can be
purchased, as whole or half lambs
through the Escrick Park Estate, via
the website or through the office.
ESCRICK PARK ESTATE
Escrick, York YO19 6EA
Tel: 01904 728252
Email: enquire@escrick.com
Web: www.escrick.com

For all your machinery needs

For prompt and reliable sales and service

We are pleased to be associated with Escrick Estate and We are pleased to Wilfred Scruton Ltd Wilfred Scruton Ltd
wish them continued success for the future 1-3 The Barley Store Providence Foundry
be associated with King Rudding Lane Foxholes, Driffield
Stephenson and Son Escrick Estate Riccall, York East Riding of Yorkshire
York Auction Centre and wish them YO19 6QL YO25 3QQ
Murton
York continued success Tel: 01757 249799 Tel: 01262 470221
YO19 5GF for the future Fax: 01757 249700 Fax: 01262 470335
Tel: 01904 489731 Fax: 01904 489782
Email: s&s@stephenson.co.uk www.stephenson.co.uk
www.wilfredscruton.co.uk

FarmersMart Spring 2009 23

 ROBERT NEILL

extreme conformation at upper nisbet

jennifer mackenzie talks with the progressive neills
Award winning beef farmer Robert
Neill is keen to spread the word of Robert and Jac Neill
good farming practice both to fellow
agriculturalists and to youngsters.
Since winning the Farmers Weekly
Beef Farmer of the Year award in
2006, Robert and his wife Jac have
hosted numerous groups of farming
visitors and school children to their
1,082 acre tenanted unit Upper
Nisbet, near Jedburgh in the Scottish
Borders.
The couple took on the tenancy of
Upper Nisbet, part of MP Michael
Ancram’s Lothian Estate, in 2000,
two years after they married.
Since then they were able to expand
their operation on the estate to
today’s farm acreage which runs
from 250ft to 500ft above sea level
and includes 170 acres of permanent
pasture and 600 acres of arable land
growing winter barley, winter wheat,
spring barley and beans for home grazing are rented on a neighbouring Northumberland. Upper Nisbet. Father George, who is
consumption, the remainder of the farm. chairman of auctioneering company
Robert’s brother Tom milks 200
ground being three year grass leys as John Swan, and younger brother
Robert and Jac work closely British Friesian dairy cattle which are
part of the seven year crop rotation. David specialise in sheep.
with the rest of Robert’s farming put to the Limousin bull and provide
A further 200 acres of summer family 18 miles away in north replacements for the suckler herd at As well as the herd replacements

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24 FarmersMart Spring 2009


which come to upper Nisbet as
bulling heifers at 18 to 20 months
old, 400 ewe lambs are kept on
the farm for 12 months before
returning to Northumberland as flock
replacements helping to improve the
grassland.
The cross-border system works
well however movement restrictions
caused recently by foot and mouth
and Bluetongue have posed
problems.
“We work together and don’t need to
employ contractors such as at silage
and harvesting times and we have
enough need to justify our arable
machinery. I also do some contracting
work for a neighbour,” said Robert.
The cattle and the arable enterprise
are a good complement for each
We have also major franchises for Sumo - Flexifarm - Fleming - Krone - PZ and many others
Wishing Robert Neill & Partners every success in the future!
other. The suckler cows are put back
to the Limousin bull and calves are
finished on the farm and sold through
St Boswells market 11 miles away
52 weeks of the year.
The herd is now nearing its optimum
number of 300 cows some of which
are up to seven eighths Limousin.
Cows calve in the spring and early
summer in straw bedded courts
before turnout with calves being
creep fed to prevent a check at
weaning and the finishing cattle are
managed so that there is a steady
supply of up to six animals each
week to meet the demands of local
butchers.
They are finished at below 600kg
to ensure a manageable size for the
butcher as well as enabling the cuts
roft Tractors L
nc td.
A Berwick upon Tweed
Tel: 01289 331 904 Fax: 01289 331 530
Kelso
Tel: 01573 225 213 Fax: 01573 226 214
Main
ROBERT NEILL
Information can be recorded by computer at the cattle handling facility.
to be kept smaller. Again saving on
food miles, the cattle are slaughtered
at Galashiels and they kill out at 60
to 65 per cent.
“We have one shed dedicated to the
finishing cattle with another batch
coming on behind,” said Robert. “All
the heifers are grazed outside for the
second summer because if we push
them too much they get fat however
the better the conformation of the
animal it keeps growing and puts on
muscle.
“We sell steers from 13 months old
up to 24 months. The most profitable
are the youngest ones that leave the
farm and the performance slides after
18 months old,” added Robert.
He was introduced to electronic
tagging after agreeing to do a trial a
Dealer
couple of years ago. All the cattle are
electronically tagged and weighed
regularly and before they are sold.
They are weighed in a handling
system made in the on-farm
workshop and recorded using a
New Zealand system. Computerised
Farmplan records have been kept
since 1997 which greatly aid in
identifying performance of terminal
sires. Cows are also freeze branded
for ease of management.
“The bulls go out on June 1 and we
try not to swap any bulls so that the
performance of their progeny can be
monitored from conception to plate,”
said Robert.
A number of bulls used successfully
on the cows have been bought from
continues on page 26
FarmersMart Spring 2009 25
 ROBERT NEILL
John Logan’s Homebyres herd at cattle are fed ad-lib wheat, barley
nearby Kelso including the most and beans, the latter for protein,
recent, bought at the February Carlisle having replaced soya meal which
sale for 10,000gns – Homebyres was imported and its non GM status
Consort, the senior reserve champion, could not be guaranteed.
a Cloughhead Umpire son with a beef
All the straw is used on the farm,
value of +31.
producing as much manure as
Robert’s aim was to produce quality possible to be used as fertiliser.
cattle for local butchers and the
Herd replacements are either home-
Limousin has helped him fulfil that
bred or from the family’s dairy farm
as well as heifers also being able to
– only bulls are bought in.
be kept on as cows.
All the family’s farms are members
To build up herd numbers, half the
of the SAC Premium Health
50 herd replacements have been
Scheme and the cattle at Upper
home bred Limousin cross heifers.
Nisbet are vaccinated against BVD,
“I look for a bull with extreme Leptospirosis, Bluetongue and scour
muscling, conformation and good as are the dairy cows.
figures. To get a premium in any
Robert said: “I’m also keen to
market you need that extreme
promote British farming and I am
conformation to attract the eye of
involved with the Royal Highland
the butchers and we take a pride in
Educational Trust which gets school
presenting the animals well.
children onto farms and also its
“We produce a brochure which we farmer members visit schools which
give to the butchers who have bought I find very satisfying.”
our cattle for their customers which
As well as farm visits, Upper Nisbet
lets them know that they have been
is host to a two day competition in
fed entirely on home produced feed
October 2010 for the Scottish and
and they have a high health status.”
European ploughing championships
The cattle are fed through a Keenan run over 200 acres of stubble.
diet feeder on home grown cereals,
In July 2010 the South East Scotland
hay straw and clamp silage. Only
region of the British Grassland
minerals are bought in.
Society is organising the society’s
Silage and barley are fed to younger annual open day there.
cattle and cows and the finishing

26 FarmersMart Spring 2009

 Stentons of Thornton-le-Dale

Every day’s a holiday at Easthill

Chris Berry talks with the Stentons of Thornton-le-Dale
When you farm 300 acres, have
180 cattle, 650 breeding ewes and
live in a beautiful location what’s
the next step? For the Stentons it
was to move away from where their
family had been for 80 years.
Di and James farmed at Cloughton,
Ravenscar and Staintondale until
10 years ago when they moved to
Easthill Farm at Thornton-le-Dale.
They now have just 5 acres, rent a
little extra land and have just 150
breeding ewes.
They have traded their day-to-day
farming existence for a world of
crazy golf, digital televisions and
pine lodges which has seen them
nominated for several awards
recently.
‘Our stackyard at Cloughton had
been passed for building work, then
BSE came on. We were making
nothing, losing money hands down,’
says Di. ‘It made us think of doing
one or two things as well as farming.
We ended up selling 120 acres of
land to a local farmer and with the
prospect of Capital Gains Tax coming
on we needed to spend some of the
The Stentons of Thornton-le-Dale
money. Then this place came on
the market with three pine lodges,
apartments and a cottage, providing
holiday accommodation.’
The rest, as they say, is history.
There are now four pine lodges at
Easthill Farm. Each has wheelchair
accessibility and as such the
Stentons were recently finalists
in the Access For All White Rose
Awards for 2008/09. They are also
through to the North York Moors
and Coast Outstanding Customer
Service Finals too.
‘We didn’t reckon much to what we
had let ourselves in for at first,’ says
James. ‘Diane suddenly had a load
more ironing to do and things like
that. I had to think about growing
masses of flowers and hanging
baskets, and talking to people
who weren’t farmers was a bit of a
culture shock as well. But we soon
got in the swing. The biggest thing
was moving to another place and not
knowing how everything worked.
We’re better off because of the
move though, but its just as much

work as farming was, if not more.
People ring even at midnight to book
a holiday.’
Their holiday enterprise includes
a number of amenities which are
ideal for families with children.
There’s a crazy golf, tennis court, an
undercover sandpit and a play house
Both Di and James have been
amazed by how little those who
come from non-farming families
actually know about the countryside
and animals in particular.
‘It’s surprising how many little
children don’t know even where
eggs come from, and some have

bluefaced
that all of the younger ones enjoy never even seen a pig in the flesh.
with pipes and chutes that means So we have a couple of pigs and
they are in and out like rabbits. chickens, as well as a few ferrets.

leicesters
‘James is always working on
something or other,’ says Di. ‘And
we’re forever improving and updating
the lodges. When we first came it
was videos, then it was DVDs now
you have to have digital televisions.
The ‘Sire of The UK Mule’ It was fridges, now its fridge freezers
and dishwashers.’
They haven’t abandoned their
farming side altogether though. Son
Harry is a dead-eye with a rifle and
For further breed details is already earning the plaudits in
the clubs with which he’s involved,
or information contact the and daughter Sammy is keen on the
secretary or visit our website sheep side of things. Di and James
haven’t lost their affection for Blue
Everyone likes to see them when
they come here.’
The only member of the family not
present when I visited was 17 year
old Hannah, who was working at a
nearby insurance company and is in
her final year of A levels.
Di and James are very happy with
how their life has changed in the
past 10 years and wouldn’t change
it for the world, and they are also
quick to acknowledge the help they
get particularly from Uncle Harry,
who looks after the trees, and Auntie
Doreen.

at www.blueleicester.co.uk Faced Leicesters, where they have a

good reputation. EASTHILL FARM HOLIDAYS
The Bluefaced Leicester Sheepbreeders’ Association Thornton-le-Dale
‘We used to have Kerry Hill and
Tel: 01751 474561
Tel/Fax +44(0)1644 460647 Email: info@blueleicester.co.uk Ryland but we’ve always loved the
www.easthill-farm-holidays.co.uk
Blue Faced Leicesters. We have 50-
Info@easthill-farm-holidays.co.uk
odd Swaledales and some Texels as
well.’

FarmersMart Spring 2009 27

 stephensons of the wolds

Wolds family farm well-placed

for expansion
Chris Berry meets the Stephensons at Londesborough Wold
There was a time when it seemed
that farming was impervious The Stephensons
to change, but not any longer.
Increased paperwork and greater
regulation has meant that nearly
every farm has had to alter the way
it does business.
The Stephensons, who farm on the
Yorkshire Wolds, have had their own
share of change, but whilst they
have been affected by regulations
and bureaucracy they have also
had to cope with significant family
events too.
Guy Stephenson is the head of the
family farm which operates as GD
Stephenson & Sons. It is a mixed
farming enterprise, which is run
across three farms at Nunburnholme
Wold, Londesborough Wold, near
Market Weighton and Pluckham,
Fridaythorpe, incorporates 1600
acres, growing 408 acres of wheat,
205 of winter barley, 111 spring
barley, 230 oil seed rape, 80 acres
of potatoes, 30 of fodder beet and
420 of grass.
They also run a 200-strong suckler
herd with 250 followers and started
a South Devons herd two years ago.
On the sheep side they have a flock ‘The business was run as TA handling the secretarial role. Viscount, Alchemy and Duxford
of 180 store lambs, and they have Stephenson up until 1982, with my wheats with both Viscount and
‘It’s been a challenging time, but
250 pigs on contract with ACMC. father, but it became GD Stephenson Duxford being tried for the first time
we’re really enjoying it and we’re
& Sons after that,’ says Guy. ‘We took this year. They are using Tipple for
Guy and two of his sons, Graeme always looking to expand. We now
out a large loan and then were hit by their malting barley. All of their wheat
and Patrick, are the three partners have larger tractors and combines.
high interest rates which meant we goes for either biscuit or feed.
in the farm which has had to cope Stock numbers are up and yields are
had to sell off the Pluckham side of
with the death of one of Guy’s sons, strong too. We have taken on the Being on the Wolds most of the land
the farm. We sold another 80 acres
Michael in 2001, and the leaving of South Devons because of the breed’s is at 550 feet above sea level so they
when Stuart left, but over the years
the family farm business of Stuart traits on the maternal side and we don’t encounter the same problems
we have bought it all back.’
in 2005, who managed the farm now have a herd of 20 pedigrees,’ as other lower lying farms even in
business. Stuart and his wife Helen Graeme has taken over the day- says Graeme. the wettest of years. However, Guy
now run the hugely successful pub to-day management of the farming tells of last year’s potato harvest
The Stephensons are growing
The Gait in nearby Millington. operation, with his wife Katie being particularly tricky.

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Email: info@minexcel.com

28 FarmersMart Spring 2009


‘It was a really wet time for potatoes
last year. We do have very free-
draining land here, but we were
having problems with lifting them
and couldn’t get everything drilled
as a result.’
Nonetheless the Stephensons are
not complaining about life. Recent
good prices in cattle, and grain
prices running higher than they were
a couple of years ago, even though
not now at the level they reached
stephensons of the wolds
12 months previously, have been
welcome news. But everyone also
works very hard here to achieve
their success.
Guy, Graeme and Patrick are quick
to point to the part played by their
arable man, John Szczoczarz (not
a spelling mistake, he’s of Polish
descent. Katie says they call him
John 4 Zs!). All three are fulsome
in their praise of John, who came to
them from Bramham Estate.
Michael may no longer be around Graeme and Katie have a daughter,
but his spirit in the farm lives on with Hannah (aged 6), who has already
his eldest son, Mark, now involved noticed that the sign at the end of
having recently completed his the farm says GD Stephenson &
studies at Bishop Burton College. Sons. Even at her early age she is
wondering why there shouldn’t be
Katie is from farming stock, daughter
a female side to the future sign.
of Colin Stonehouse in Burnby. She
Maybe that’s the next change for
worked as a nursery nurse before
the farm in years to come?
taking on the farm record keeping
and secretarial role. She has since
taken on handling cattle records for
another farmer as well.
FarmersMart Spring 2009 29
 cornforths

Going through the mill...

and keeping it in store!
Chris Berry talks with Stuart
Cornforth, on-farm and at the market
Maintaining a farming operation is
one thing, developing a diversified
enterprise alongside the farm is
quite another, but Stuart Cornforth
has gone that one step further,
even than that, in the past few
years.
The family farming enterprise at
Newton Kyme, near Tadcaster and
Acaster Malbis, near York runs to
some 700 acres and a further 290
is rented in addition. Stuart’s father
Peter, and brother Graham run
most of the mixed farming business
which includes arable and livestock.
They have 350-400 cattle on farm
at any one time, 400 sheep and
keep a few pigs to supply a local
butcher.
‘Graham and I also have part of
the business which goes under the
name Cornforth Brothers.’ says
Stuart. ‘But I don’t do as much
actual farming as I once did. I
still enjoy it very much when I do
though.’
That’s because around 12 years
ago Stuart began setting up a feed
mill business in Tadcaster. ‘We’ve
always made our own feed right
through from granddad’s days in
order to keep costs down. We keep
the headland corn for feed and
the middle of the field for malting,
where it is better quality.’
Around five years ago the mill
reached the kind of tonnage that
meant Stuart had to devote more
of his time to that than the farm,
and two years ago the sales of feed Stuart Cornforth

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Peas & Beans
OSR & Linseed
Buyback contracts are available on most commodities –
please enquire for current contract options

Web site: www.woodheadsseeds.co.uk

General E-mail: enquiries@woodheadsseeds.co.uk

Co/Pease Farm, Little Airmyn, Selby, YO8 8PT.

Tel: 01757 617000/111 Fax: 01757 618888

30 FarmersMart Spring 2009

 cornforths

Cornforth’s new rep, Emma Railton

he had generated in that time also
led to the start-up of CDF Country
Store at Selby Livestock Market.
‘We started small scale and we’re
still a very small mill in comparison
to the rest, but our tonnage has been
gradually creeping up. Part of that is
down to the rules and regulations,
and paperwork that goes with it all.
As we’ve got bigger we have had
even more rules and regulations to
adhere to and so we’ve really had to
grow to pay for the upkeep. We’ve
extended as that has gone on and
now we are going through about
20,000 tonnes a year. We have to
buy a lot in. The proteins are largely
imported through the ports in Hull
and Liverpool, with the rest of what
we need being acquired through
local merchants. We have enough
of our own home-produced feed to
last for four months of the year.’
One of the biggest contracts Stuart
has been involved with so far was
when he attracted the contract for
continues on page 32

Selby liveStock
auction mart ltd
“YORKSHIRE’S FRIENDLY LIVESTOCK MART”
Weekly Sales of Fatstock – Wednesdays
Pigs 9am – Sheep 9.45am – Cattle & Cows 10.30am
Store Stock – Saturdays
Pigs 9.45am – Cattle 10.30am – Sheep 12 Noon
Fur, Feathers & Miscellaneous Items
All stock to be pre-entered. Payment on day of sale.
Personal attention given to customers at all times by Auctioneers and staff
Tel: 01757 703347. Fax: 01757 213293
www.selbymart.co.uk
Auctioneer & Valuer Richard Haigh F.I.A (Scot) 0776 8594535

Professional assistance in handling all claims throughout

Yorkshire from aPPeals to settle from

BARTLES TADCASTER
Also for Environmental
ELECTRIC
Stewardship
WATER
Entry Level & HL Schemes
GAS

contact Brian Bartle

email bb@bartles.co.uk
tel 01937 835303
ROADS

Valuers to & pleased to be associated with corNForths

FarmersMart Spring 2009 31

 cornforths
making feed for Banks Cargill in the
North East. Whilst he doesn’t have
that any longer, it was a step along
the way to where he is now.
Of course one of the common-
held feelings in the farming world,
when a farmer turns into a provider
for other farms, is that he has
somehow turned from poacher to
gamekeeper!
Stuart has noticed changes in
some of his farmer customers’
perceptions but he is determined to
get his message across that he is
playing fair no matter what.
‘We’ve always made the same
margin on our feed. We still made
the same amount over the cost
price to us when prices went up,
so we weren’t making more out of
our farmer customers as a result.
Some farmers, when feed got to
£180/tonne, thought we were doing
very well, but it really was the same
amount as we were making when it
was £65/tonne.’
The feed business has gone through
quite a change in the past four
years with recognised mills in both
Scarborough and Lancaster going
by the wayside, and Stuart is fully
aware of the dangers associated
with cash flows whilst at the same
time still caring about his farmer
customers.
32 FarmersMart Spring 2009
‘We’ve found that we’ve had to pay
our own suppliers quicker. You can’t
extend it to two months credit with
them any more. That particularly
happened around November 2007
when feed was on the up and cattle
prices were not as good.’
Today Stuart’s mill, with the feed
trading as CORNFORTH DIRECT
FEEDS, produces sheep feed, calf
feed, pedigree mixes, dairy feed
and specialist horse and goat feed,
which has become very popular in
the shop at Selby.
‘We have some excellent feeds that
more and more farmers are coming
to like. I think they particularly like
the fact that they can see the feed
they are buying, as all of our feed is
sold in clear bags. Everyone prefers
to be able to know that what they
have just purchased looks right.’
The CDF Country Store became the
first and only store to be resident
at Selby Livestock Market just
two years ago, after a while in the
planning, and it has been a real hit
with the farmers.
‘We have been very pleased with
the trade here in the first two years
and it has contributed a great deal
to the success of our own feeds.
continues on page 34
cornforths

FarmersMart Spring 2009 33

 cornforths
We also stock others’ feeds too
though.’
The store stocks everything that
the livestock farmers who visit the
market would need, but has also
picked up on an increasing degree
of passing trade being situated
handily on the outskirts of Selby,
just off the bypass.
Inside the store the clear bags of
Cornforths Direct Feeds are very
much in evidence, even if they
don’t have a company logo on
them as yet. ‘That’s the next step,’
says Stuart. ‘We do need to look at
our branding but I will stick with
the clear bags rather than going
towards white bags or paper bags
as the others do.
Suzanne, Stuart’s wife, along with
June and Debbie, are the ladies
who look after the store with Stuart,
who has just taken on his first rep
- Emma Railton.
Emma is well-known on the
agricultural show circuit and has
moved across from Ottringham in
the East Riding to East Cowick.
With her existing knowledge,
particularly of the cattle world,
Emma looks well-set to increase
the CORNFORTHS DIRECT FEEDS
and CDF COUNTRY STORE sales in
the months to come.
34 FarmersMart Spring 2009
He may have moved away from
strict farming, now running a
feed mill and a country store, but
you can tell where his heart lies
regardless.
‘Paperwork is the hardest thing
I’ve had to learn. As a farmer I’ve
always worked outside but now I
work inside. That’s another hard
thing to get used to. It’s not a matter
of slinging on a pair of boots any
longer and disappearing outside.
I’m now more office-bound. That’s
why I still enjoy getting out on the
farm when I can.’
Watch out for further developments
from CORNFORTHS DIRECT
FEEDS and CDF COUNTRY STORE
in the years to come!
For more information contact
Cornforths Direct Feeds
Cdf Country Store
Selby Livestock Market
Bawtry Road, Selby YO8 8NB
Email: stuart@cornforths.com
Web: www.cornforths.com
Tel: 01757 213421
Mob: 07775 506248

The gate way to success
Chris Berry talks with Richard Walker at Ryther
There are those who talk, and there
are those who do. Aspiring farmer
Richard Walker is definitely in the
latter category, although he’s not
bad at the talking bit too. That’s
just as well given the number of
times his phone rings whilst I am
at his joinery business premises
near the village of Ryther, near
Tadcaster where farm gates are a
speciality and everything else is on
the menu. Richard apologises for
the interruptions but it is a sign of
just how his business is growing. It
is all a means to an end for him, as
he has always wanted to farm and
has now started doing so due to his
entrepreneurial efforts.
His young company, Agri-Equest
Ltd, is made up of himself, two
part-time joinery staff and an office
secretary. He manufactures gates
and literally just about anything else a
customer wants. ‘About 60 per cent
of the business is in manufacturing
gates, mainly for farms but also for
the National Trust and residential.
Fencing contractors are using us more
and more. We will make anything.
Bespoke dog kennels, cross country
jumps, coops, stable doors. I’m not
turning anything away.’
Coming from Illingworth, near
Halifax, not a known rural heartland,
Richard was never going to find a
farm handed to him on a plate, but
he has always had his vision and that
is now very much turning into reality.
‘I now live over on the Strickland
Estate, between Malton and York,
on a rented smallholding at Bossall
where I currently have 30 Mule
sheep of my own as well as 350 I
have been over wintering for another
farmer. My main ambition is to get
Agri-Equest going so well that I can
afford to put some of the money I
raise through this business into my
farming side and get numbers up on
sheep, as well as starting with cattle.
That’s why I’m never going to turn
business away. I can’t start pumping
more money into the farm until I’ve
paid off my loan and I have another
two years of borrowed money to pay
back, but I am on track.’
Not having benefited from having an
easier route into farming, as neither
of his parents are farmers, he has
made all of the running himself, never
once resting back on any laurels. He
left school at 16, studied for his NDA
at Askham Bryan College and has
variously worked as a shepherd, relief
milker, relief tractor driver, general
agri-Equest
farm labourer and sheep shearer and
more besides in his still relatively short
career. It was his sheep shearing and
shepherding business that was the
real catalyst for what he is doing now
at Ryther. He was lambing a lot of
sheep up in Settle and Gargrave and
noticed that the lamb adopters being
used at the time were not working
as effectively as they could, as the
lambs were able to pop out, defeating
the object of the exercise. He made
his own model - Alcatraz - which was
made, rather like the name implies,
to keep them in.
‘That’s how I really got started on this
side and I’ve gone on from there. I got
involved with a timber manufacturing
company in Wakefield and started
working with them on agricultural
products.’
When the company was about
to fold Richard bought out the
agricultural side that he had been
largely responsible for and set up
as Agri-Equest, moving to Ryther in
November 2007.
‘The beauty of where I am here is
that we’ve Wetherby and Harrogate
nearby with a lot of equestrian needs
on the timber manufacture side as
well as the agricultural needs.’
Richard is also expanding his retail
operation too, now offering cow
cubicle mats and other products. So
what’s next? A country store?
‘Manufacturing will always be the
core business but in order to get
people through the door you have to
offer more.’
Richard looks after his flock in
the morning at Bossall, and in the
evening when he gets home. He
manufactures an incredible number
of gates for what is basically still a
fledgling enterprise and sells in bulk
to BATA and Carrs Billington, as well
as selling direct. He is also one of
the youngest committee members
at the Great Yorkshire Show, on the
sheep shearing section. And he is
drummer with a well-respected rock
covers band, The Lipsticks, who play
the pubs in North Yorkshire and are
regulars at Young Farmers Balls. It’s
a varied and very full life for Richard
- and clearly one that he revels in.
All farmer’s sons who ever moan
about how difficult farming is please
take note. Here is one young man
who is starting from scratch, is
succeeding and deserves the highest
of accolades for pursuing his dream.
Now! Go and buy your gates from
him and help him become the farmer
he really wants to be!
For more information contact
AGRI-EQUEST LTD
Richard Walker
Tel: 01757 242828
Email: agri.ltd@googlemail.com
FarmersMart Spring 2009 35
 richard dent

THE Iron Man of Rosedale

Chris Berry talks with Richard Dent
Enjoying where you live is a
worthy enough attitude to life -and
for farmers in the hills that was
probably enough to sustain many
in years gone by.
Richard Dent, of Rosedale East in
the wonderful North York Moors,
certainly appreciates where he was
born and has lived nearly all of his
life. But he also enjoys a night out
too and that’s one of the reasons
why he has developed his own steel
fabrication business that today
sees him travelling the length and
breadth of the UK whilst also still
working on the family farm with his
father Trevor and mother Ena.
‘We have around 160 cattle here
and 100 breeding ewes - Mules,
Swales and a few Texels. We also
have eight holiday cottages. The
farm itself runs to 150 acres and
you can’t make a justifiable living
purely out of it. We try to utilise
every blade of grass that we can but
it still isn’t enough on its own.’
Richard has worked for five other Richard Dent
firms, all on a self-employed basis,
since he was 19. He’s now running
his own operation and is employing ‘My main jobs are farm the area for the jobs he has on - staircase which was again quite
other self-employed people as and improvements, where farmers are and they travel wherever the job is different to anything else.’
when he needs them. trying to make their farmyards required.
Richard’s current advertisement
and farm machinery work better
‘I like to have a certain standard of ‘We’ve just been to London features a really long trailer. It’s
for themselves. It’s amazing how
living. I went to Middlesbrough for a where the customer wanted a set another example of how versatile
without spending too much they
year to study business and finance, of railings. There are plenty of he is.
can adopt a far better livestock
and then to Bishop Burton College companies around but they found
system for the future, saving on ‘That’s a real one-off. It’s a 26ft
for a year as well.’ me on the internet and liked what
both labour and machinery times. bale trailer and has removable sides
we did. The reason we got the job
It was obviously time well-spent We tend to do the really awkward and a hydraulic rear ramp. You can
was that the railings needed to be
because Richard has now been jobs where people are trying to get 90 ewes into it and I guarantee
different to the norm and some of
self-employed for 15 years. In the make everything more efficient all you won’t find anything else like it
the bigger companies don’t operate
past 8 years he has steadily grown at once. The cattle handling side on the market. We make everything
that way. But we do! Whatever
his business from that of purely has really picked up over the past bespoke for the customer.’
people want, no matter how
supplying his own labour to that of a couple of years.’ He might well be enthused about
different or difficult, we do it. We
bona-fide steel fabrication enterprise Today Richard employs up to seven also went to Edinburgh for another the business he has developed but
where he can manufacture literally other self-employed people from job recently, manufacturing a spiral farming is still his first love, as he
anything for anyone.

J.A.LUNN J . A . S C A RT H
AGRICULTURAL CONTRACTOR FENCING, AGRICULTURAL & FARMING CONTRACTORS
HONDA QUAD ROSE COTTAGE * Round Baling & Wrapping
with SLUG PELLETER. WILTON, PICKERING
MOWER CONDITIONING. YO18 7LE *12 ton Tipping Root Trailer
RAKING & TEDDING *30ft Flat Bed Trailer
TEL: 01751 472 342
ROUND BALING.
MOB: 07808 471 201
*Man & JD Tractors 140 & 150 hp
BEET HARVESTING.
SELF PROPELLED JD FORAGE We are pleased to be
Hobb House Farm
HARVESTING. of service to Rosedale, Pickering, North Yorkshire YO18 8SE
HEDGE CUTTING. Richard Dent Services
Tel: 01751 417 567

36 FarmersMart Spring 2009


freely admits.
‘I would like to farm full-time, but
like I said it is difficult to make a
farm like this pay these days. That’s
why we have the holiday cottages
and why I have built up the
fabrication business. Some people
wouldn’t do what I do. I farm for
usually an hour and a half every
day, as well as running this.’
There are changes afoot on the
farm at Rosedale East. Two sheds
are going up this year. As a result of
being in an NVZ they are having to
do away with slurry and go on to a
complete straw based system, and
Richard is all set to have a brand
new workshop.
The family own the whole farm and
attract holiday makers 365 days a
year. When Richard left the farm to
live away in Pickering for a couple
of years he found just how much he
missed Rosedale.
‘At the end of each working day I
would drive out of the dale to go to
richard dent
Pickering, and I found that I really
didn’t enjoy that.‘
So he’s not about to leave Rosedale
- even though the jobs he does get
often take him away for several
days at a time.
‘I really don’t mind travelling and
I will take on any job whether big
or small. At the moment I’ve never
been so busy in all my life.’
It’s quite appropriate that where
once there was a huge iron ore
industry there now is a man who
goes under the name Iron Man on
his website too!
For more information contact
RICHARD DENT SERVICES,
RDS Rosedale East
Pickering, North Yorkshire
Email: rds@visitrosedale.co.uk
www.richarddentservices.com
Tel: 01751 417175
Mob: 07967 010221
FarmersMart Spring 2009 37
 peter ashby

Beef Shorthorns flourish in Farnley

Chris Berry talks with Peter Ashby of Rose Tree Farm
Shorthorns are on the up at the
moment. Following a period in the
80s and 90s when the UK beef
industry went firmly down the path
of continental breeds this native
breed is back in popularity.
Peter Ashby is at the forefront of
this revival having switched from
dairy farming at Rose Tree Farm,
Farnley, near Otley in 2002. Peter
and his wife Sarah have not only
found the move to have been a
success lifestyle-wise, they have
also been very pleasantly surprised
at just how much passing trade they
have developed since they started
selling boxed beef direct from the
farm itself.
Theirs is a prime example of how
being situated on a popular weekend
drive out into the country can bring
about a highly productive source of
income.
‘All we did was to put up a sign
outside and people started coming.
Then they started coming back
regularly, so we must be doing Peter Ashby

Mill 67 Bistro
Lunchtime Carvery & A La Carte Menu
Early Bird Wed, Thurs, Fri Eves 6pm-7pm
Evening A La Carte Menu
Open for Morning Coffee 10am-11.30am
Tuesday - Saturday
Call in for coffee & a Morning Snack -
Homemade Scones, Teacakes & Biscuits

Opening Times
Tuesday 10am-2pm
Wed, Thurs, Fri, Sat:
10am-2pm 6pm-9pm
Sunday 10am-11.30am for Morning Coffee
2.30pm-5pm for Sunday Carvery

Millstones & Mill 67 Bistro, Skipton Road,

Felliscliffe, Harrogate, HG3 2LT
Main Office Line: 01423 770672
Bistro Line: 01423 779909

38 FarmersMart Spring 2009

 peter ashby
something right. There are times,
particularly at weekends, when we
get very busy, but we also pick up a
reasonable amount of trade through
the week too. We’re on a popular
tourist/days out run here and it is
also a useful route for those who
commute from the countryside
into Otley, Harrogate and Leeds,
so we do pretty well with the local
trade too. Word of mouth is our
best form of advertising and we’ve
certainly picked up a lot of trade
that way. The Beef Shorthorn breed
is well-known for its consistency
in marbling and that ensures its
flavour and succulence.’
The beef is traded as Washburn
Valley Beef and is always on the
menu over at nearby Millstones
Restaurant, near Blubberhouses,
where Peter’s brother Andrew owns Farnley Lake and leads to the series
the enterprise. That also helps of picturesque woodlands and
spread the word further. reservoirs that run between Otley
and Blubberhouses, is still largely
All of Peter’s beef goes to John unspoilt and as such is one of
Penny’s abattoir in Rawdon for Yorkshire‘s real treasures, and this
slaughter and then to Andrew Seed is where Peter’s 285-acre tenanted
at Brimham Rocks for packing. All farm helps his 60-strong pedigree
cuts are individually packed and Beef Shorthorn herd blossom. He
labelled ready for oven or freezer. wouldn’t want to be anywhere else
The beef is hung for three weeks and his move from dairy to beef
in order to allow it to mature to full has been just right for him and his
flavour and tenderness. young family.
The Washburn Valley, which
features the River Washburn and continues on page 40

FarmersMart Spring 2009 39

 peter ashby
‘Of course there are times when you After years of dairy farming Peter
don’t enjoy what you do, but I really has finally found a way of life that
do enjoy it most of the time. I think really suits him, his wife Sarah and
you have to bred into this job. It’s their young daughter Eleanor.
the freedom that is the best thing.
‘The herd is relatively low
If you get your work done early then
maintenance during the Summer.
you can at least give yourself an
They are pretty good at converting
hour or two here or there. Sarah
forage and eating grass so they are
and I like walking and without a
low input cattle. Whilst they are out
dairy herd to run we are now able to
grazing in the Summer months I can
get a holiday away in the Summer.’
get on with countryside stewardship
During the winter Peter spends 6 matters too such as hedge laying
hours day purely feeding the cattle and drystone walling.’
and looking after them, and that’s
Peter is the third generation of
in addition to the rest of the jobs
Ashby to have farmed here since
that still need doing on the farm,
the family arrived at Rose Tree
which he turned fully organic two
Farm in 1926. Sarah is a vet with
years ago. He also runs a flock of
PDSA at Bradford. The farm is
100 Mule ewes which are sold
FAABL assured.
through livestock markets rather
than at the farm gate. Although he
undertakes most of the work on the For more information contact
farm himself he does have help one WASHBURN VALLEY BEEF
day per week, sometimes stretching Peter & Sarah Ashby
to two days if required. Rose Tree Farm
Farnley, Otley LS21 2RB
Peter’s beef - his irritation with
Tel: 01943 462726
bureactacy, rather than his
Shorthorns - is the interference Email: info@
from Government into farming. washburnvalleybeef.co.uk
‘There are some stupid rules that www.washburnvalleybeef.co.uk
we have to abide by and they really
are unnecessary. Take the new
sheep tagging rule regarding double
tagging. It’s ridiculous.’

Building Society Chambers

Wesley Street,
Otley,
West Yorkshire
LS21 1 AZ

Telephone: (01943) 462518

Facsimile: (01943) 850199
E-mail: otley@bfebrays.co.uk
Website: www.bfebrays.co.uk BFE Brays
Chartered Accountants

40 FarmersMart Spring 2009


unique dairy in west cumbria
jennifer mackenzie meets the mawsons of seascale
A west Cumbrian farming family’s
enthusiasm and passion for their
diversified enterprise is beginning to
pay off.
Ken and Kate Mawson’s sons Stephen
and Richard were keen to carry on
the family tradition and farm at Bailey
Ground, Seascale, after they finished
university. However, the milk produced
by the pedigree Baileyground herd of
Holsteins was providing insufficient
income to support three families and
the Mawsons decided to diversify and
sell milk direct off the farm in what
is a unique business in this part of
Cumbria.
Now, nearly three years on,
their huge ongoing investment in
processing plant is starting to pay off
and the family has branched out into
another venture – a seaside hotel and
restaurant business!
Bailey Ground Farm has been farmed
by Ken’s family since 1947 but
with poor milk prices several years
ago meaning the cost of production
amounted to more than the price
received from the dairy companies,
the Mawsons had some radical
decisions to make.
“It was either a question of stopping
milking cows or adding value to the
milk we were producing,” said Kate.
“We had the opportunity of buying a
small dairy nearby and it developed
from that.”
The family’s farming roots go back
to 1596 at Fleming Hall, a mile
from Bailey Ground. Adding value
is nothing new to the family either
- grandmother, Jane Moore and her
family farmed at the Howe Farm in
Seascale in the 1930s from where
they ran a milk round delivering twice
a day. She made butter to sell on
the round and she also showed it at
the National Dairy Show in London
and ornamental butter at the local
Shows. Both sons spent six months
seeing the world working with huge
dairy herds in New Zealand and small
top ranking pedigree units in the US
before returning home to Seascale –
Stephen graduated in animal science
from Harper Adams University
College while Richard has a degree in
agriculture and animal science from
Newcastle University
The family now consists of Ken and
Kate, their sons Stephen and Richard,
their partners Liz and Sarah, and
Caitlin, Molly, Ellie, Megan and Oliver.
From small beginnings with one van
delivering milk they had pasteurised
mawsons of seascale
to shops, restaurants and businesses,
the Mawsons now run six vans
delivering milk, cream and now butter
as far north as Carlisle in a large area
west of the M6 in Cumbria.
One of the biggest customers is right
on the doorstep – supplying milk and
cream for the cafes of British Nuclear
Fuels at Sellafield – however most
of the 500 businesses supplied are
small and the Mawsons take pride in
giving a very personal service.
Virtually all the 1.2 million litres
of milk produced by the pedigree
milkers is processed and sold through
the business. At peak production
times additional milk is bought in
from Dairy Farmers of Britain while
at quieter times surplus milk is sold
to the company.
The on-farm dairy is processing an
average 30,000 litres of milk a week.
As well as supplying the retail outlets,
there is also a 500 doorstep milk
round which accounts for up to three
per cent of turnover delivering within
a 10 milk radius of Seascale.
As well as the dairy processing and
bottles the home-produced milk,
meaning the products come from
grass to the doorstep without leaving
the area, butter and ice cream are
also made in traditional ways.
Mawsons Rum Butter is a blend of
the freshest butter blended with one
of the oldest and arguably the best,
rums in the world, Jeffersons Fine
Dark Rum, from Whitehaven.
There is a range of cheeses and
smoothies which are specially made
on small family farms. The dairy
business has provided the equivalent
of eight full time jobs for local people
although Stephen and Richard share
the work on the 500 acre farm,
including the twice daily milking, with
the help of contractors.
One of the earliest investments was
The Mawson clan
in a new 20x40 herringbone parlour
which halved milking time to under
two hours and has helped maintain
the peak of hygiene standards
necessary for on-farm pasteurisation
of milk.
“We’re in a position now where the
dairy is making money. We have
invested heavily but surprisingly
the pasteurisation and other dairy
equipment only accounted for 15
per cent of this cost. There is a lot of
hidden cost from promotion to bottle
labelling,” said Stephen.
Now, three years on they are pleased
to have chosen this route although it
has been far from easy.
“It has been a nerve wracking time
and we wouldn’t have the stamina
to start it all over again. But having
got this far we have no regrets,” said
Kate.
“The majority of milk produced in
Cumbria is sold as a commodity,
leaving the county and being sold
in the supermarket as an unbranded
product, yet we have got one of the
most marketable products because it
comes from the Lake District,” said
Kate.
“Our philosophy is to get quality local
products into local businesses at a
competitive price,” she added.
As part of the service there is no need
to pre-order and should businesses
run out of milk or cream ‘the fridge is
always open’ at Bailey Ground.
A third business has been added to
the Mawsons’ portfolio. They took
on the long term lease of the now
named Bailey Ground Hotel on the
shore at Seascale. After spending six
months refurbishing the hotel which
has 28 en suite bedrooms, an 80
seat restaurant with sea views and a
100 seat function room, it opened for
business in October 2008.
Richard and his partner Sarah are
already taking plenty of bookings for
functions and accommodation.
The hotel provides another outlet
for marketing the Bailey Ground
products through the restaurant and
a planned ice cream parlour, all part
of the plan to maximise value added
production.
For more information visit
www.mawsonsofbaileyground.co.uk
FarmersMart Spring 2009 41
 bentham livestock market
Leading breeder takes 2009
Dalesbred show title at Bentham
It was a fantastic turnout at Bentham
& District Farmers’ Auction Mart
in North Yorkshire on the 24th
February. On an overcast afternoon
in the charming traditional Yorkshire
market town, farmers from all over
the district turned up to witness and
take part in the sale of commercial
breeding sheep, where tex ewes
with lamb at foot made an average
of £132.00.
Just to the north of the village lies the
Yorkshire Dales National Park with
the precipitous peaks of Ingleborough,
Whernside and Penyghent, and for
leading Dalesbred specialist Richard
Close, it wasn’t only the peaks that
were riding high. Mr Close followed
up his ‘Best in Breed’ Championship
win at the 2008 Great Yorkshire Show
with a victory in this year’s Dalesbred
Sheep Breeders’ Association Annual
Show of individual in-lamb sheep.
The Dalesbred Sheep Breeders’
Association has an active membership
throughout the Yorkshire Dales,
Lancashire and southern Lakeland
region, and this highly adaptable
42 FarmersMart Spring 2009
breed is popular for its ability to
endure harsh climatic conditions. The
Dalesbred, with its distinctive black
face and two white marks above its
nostrils, is renowned for producing
excellent wethers for finishing at home
or for sale as stores. It is popular with
butchers for its good confirmation
(wether lambs and gimmers carcase
weights: 12-17kg) and hard-wearing
wool, traditionally used for carpets
and tweeds.
Judge Kevin Wilson picked out
Richard’s gimmer shearling as
the 2009 Bentham Dalesbred
Champion. The class-winning mature
ewe of Michael Carr from Horton in
Ribblesdale was Reserve Champion
out of an impressive entry of well
over 30 excellent quality Dalesbreds.
The second-placed shearling was
sent out by John Bradley of Settle,
with another from Christine Scott
of Slaidburn, in third. Brian Coates
of Kingsdale presented the second-
placed mature ewe, and a ewe from
R. H. Brown of West Burton, near
Leyburn, took third.
Richard Close (right) - one of the winners
Richard Close from Starbotton, who
is “at least the third generation” of
his family to specialize in the hardy
Dalesbred hill breed and whose
grandfather was a founder member
of the Association in the 1920s,
has around 500 Dalesbreds on
land at Buckden Pike, in Upper
Wharfedale, which rises to 2,300ft:
“The breed has to be very hardy
for the conditions and the sheep
we have bred have always done
well wherever they have gone. The
winner here at Bentham is a sister of
the Great Yorkshire Show Champion,
but you can never be confident about
winning because the competition is
always strong,” he said.
Following the show, the Champion
shearling sold in the Bentham auction
ring for £650 to M. Thorpe of West
Burton, with the Reserve Champion
ewe selling for £900 to Richard Close.
The second- and third-placed ewes
sold respectively for £400 (bought by
Paul Bowdin of Outershaw, Buckden)
and £250 (J. Dawson Jnr. of Bleak
Bank, Clapham). The second- and
third-placed shearlings both fetched
£200, bought by John Kelsall of
Clapham and J. M. Wilson & Sons of
Beckwithshaw, near Harrogate.
Other leading prices paid were:
Shearlings to £500 from Richard Close
(average £275.83); second shear/ewes
to £400 from M. J. & A. Carr (average
£235.56); third shear/ewes to £900
from M. J. & A. Carr (average £344);
fourth shear/ewes to £500 from A. &
M. Brennand & Sons.
For more information contact:
Mrs Jean Bradley, Secretary
– Dalesbred Sheep Breeders’
Association.
Tel: 01729 822228
or Peter Loweth,
Peter Loweth Public Relations
Tel/Fax: 01756 711129
Mob. 0777 618 2346
Email: peterloweth@yahoo.co.uk
 robert taylor XXXXX
& sons

TAYLOR MADE FOR

FARMERS NEEDS FOR
150 YEARS
Rob Wilkinson takes a trip to Bentham to profile a
firm forged on a century and a half of tradition

Paul, Dave & Barry Taylor in front of the centenary plaque

FarmersMart Spring 2009 43

 robert taylor & sons

TAYLOR MADE FOR FARMERS

NEEDS FOR 150 YEARS
Rob Wilkinson takes a trip to Bentham to profile a firm forged on a
century and a half of tradition
It started out as a blacksmith in
1859. A century and a half later
Robert Taylor & Sons is still going
strong but dealing with horsepower
of an altogether different kind!
Situated just south of High Bentham
on the edges of the Yorkshire Dales
and the Forest of Bowland, this
friendly family firm now supplies
and maintains Case IH Tractors
and Honda ATV’s for an area that
encompasses a large part of North
Yorkshire and Northern Lancashire
as well as parts of Cumbria.
It’s still very much a family affair
that’s now into its sixth generation Barry, Dave and Paul Taylor with Sales Manager, Andrew Woof
with Paul Taylor, the great great
great grandson of Robert Taylor older brother, Ian Taylor, now a Ian & Barry’s Father, Bryan (Paul’s “It’s a legacy that we’re proud
ruling the roost together with uncle retired partner, has worked for the Grandfather) still keeps a close eye to maintain,” exclaims Paul “and
Barry Taylor and cousin David business for nigh on 45 years since on proceedings as a retired partner there’s a lot of responsibility that
Taylor. Paul’s Father and Barry’s leaving school. from his home opposite. comes with running a business with

44 FarmersMart Spring 2009


so much history.
“We are very lucky that previous
generations have taken such care
in nurturing the company,” added
Paul who started out in the business
at the age of 16 doing a four year
day release from Leeds Technology
college gaining City & Guilds
qualification and finally A.M.I.M.I.
status.
“I’d been working there in the
summer holidays and on Saturdays
from the age of 11 and I always
wanted to get involved. I suppose
I was destined to end up working
within the business.
JF-STOLL
JF-STOLL (UK)
(UK) Ltd,
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Head
Head Office
Office
BT62
BT62 3RW
3RW
CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR 150TH ANNIVERSARY
robert taylor & sons
Michael & Martin know their parts
“The main enjoyment I get from this
job is the people factor. We have
an excellent customer base who
we all consider as friends and that
engenders trust and loyalty,” said
Paul, a keen supporter of Preston
North End together with other family
members.
There could well be a seventh
generation to get involved with Paul’s
four-year-old son Travis already
enthused by Tractors and ATVs.
“I was asked to take a tractor over to
a local school and you could see the
fascination on the children’s faces as
I parked up in the playground.
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FarmersMart Spring 2009 45
 robert taylor & sons
“I think all kids get a kick out of now runs their busy accounts and
tractors especially around these administration office.
parts!” enthused Paul who still
“I wanted a better environment for
remembers fondly the buzz he got
my family and opted to return to
from selling his first tractor.
an area which offers a wonderful
“It wasn’t so much about making quality of life. I’ve never looked back
the sale as giving a customer a since, although it’s very different to
piece of machinery that would make working in a library!
his working life much easier and
“The family aspect is such a big
knowing that we’d maintain that link
part of life here and many of our 19
with him for years to come,” added
full-time and part-time staff have
Paul.
worked here for decades and have
Barry, who joined the firm in 1976 their own family members involved
after studying for a degree in French, in the business.
Spanish and Latin at Sheffield
“There’s family connections within
University and working as a librarian
family connections and as such we
in Manchester and Liverpool,

CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR 150TH ANNIVERSARY

46 FarmersMart Spring 2009

 robert taylor & sons
really do all pull together as a team,”
he added.
The level of staff loyalty is truly
astounding. Parts Manager Michael
Casson has been with the business
for 34 years, mechanic Derek Smith
has spent three decades at the site,
Kathleen Taylor (Ian’s wife) has been
running payroll for 27 years, foreman
Brian Lee also with 27 years of
service with Deputy Parts Manager
Martin Stephenson a veteran of 22
years.
Other key members of staff include
Sales Manager Andrew Woof, ATV
Manager Colin Ellison, mechanics
Gary Taylor (Dave’s son) and John
Escolme, storeman Doug Knapp,
ATV foreman Michael Akrigg as
well as office administrators Rachel
Winn, Charlotte Taylor (Paul’s wife),
Laura Moorby and Eileen Casson.
Barry went on: “Most of our staff
have strong farming connections
and we hope that it only strengthens
the loyalty that our customers feel
towards us.”
The firm has been situated in the
same spot for all of its 150 years with
the old Green Smithy on the corner
of the crossroads representing the
birthplace of so much heritage and
now home to the ATV workshop and
showroom that opened in 2000.

BENTHAM AUCTION MART

Congratulations to
robert taylor & sons
on their 150th anniversary

every Wednesday at 4.30pm

5,000 – 7,000 Prime & store sheep & Cast ewes

1st tuesday every Month at 10.30am

400 - 800 store & breeding Cattle
Colin Ellison with his ATV team

Congratulations to
Why choose CNH Capital? Robert Taylor & Sons
Because CNH Capital: on their
• Is your one-stop financial partner 150th anniversary
• Is a global specialist of Agricultural and Construction Equipment finance
• Offers a complete range of financial services
• Provides competitive and flexible schemes
• Proposes customised finance solutions.

The finance
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business Foster Sales Company Limited
Annie Reed Road Congratulations to
Ask your dealer together with your CNH Capital Representative Ian Smith Beverley Robert Taylor & Sons for their
on 07740 917805 or the CNH Capital Sales Centre on 01268 885400 and East Yorkshire 150th Anniversary and
they will introduce you to a vast array of financial options HU17 0LF we wish them
Tel: 01482 868800 continued success
Fax: 01482 861331 for the future.
Congratulations to Robert Taylor & Sons
on their 150th Anniversary. E-mail: sales@fostersalescompany.co.uk www.fostersalescompany.co.uk

FarmersMart Spring 2009 47

 robert taylor & sons

Dave Taylor (right) with his tractor team

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48 FarmersMart Spring 2009


Indeed the old forge is still in place
in its original building flanked by a
tower of horseshoes that makes for
a fascinating feature.
“It’s gradually been added to over the
years with each generation making
its mark and in 1964 we opened a
second site just over the crossroads
that now serves as our head offices,
tractor workshop, parts store and
petrol station,” explained Barry.
ATVs were introduced in 1984 and
they now sell an average of two new
vehicles every week.
Paul chipped in: “There’s are a lot
of hill farmers around here and they
offer a valuable, time saving solution
for the kind of demanding work and
terrain that they engage in.
“The most popular version is the
Honda Fourtrax 420 FM which is
ideally suited to the livestock farmers
who populate these parts.”
The tractor workshop, headed up by
Dave Taylor, is also thriving with an
average of around 30 new models
sold each year.
Dave, like Paul, started working at
the age of 16 and now has over 44
years of service under his belt. He’s
noticed the changes that have taken
place over the last four and a half
decades.
“I would say there’s been two major
robert taylor & sons
changes in the machinery that we
sell, service and maintain and those
are the introduction of the drum
mower that replaced the cutter
bar and the rotor spreader which
replaced the moving floor.
“There’s a tremendous amount of
variety in the workload here. The
phone can ring and all of a sudden
your entire working day can change,”
added Dave.
The Case IH JXU 105 tractor model
is proving to be the most popular -
this model offers a handy-sized four
cylinder tractor with excellent power
to weight ratio. It is very well spec’d
up to include power shuttle, ideal for
all farm demands.
A century and a half of trading
is a major milestone in anyone’s
book and Robert Taylor & Sons is
celebrating in style with an open day
on Wednesday 8th April from 10am
till late and the unveiling of a unique
silver Case IH JXU 105 that will be
used to promote the business at
agricultural shows across the north
in 2009.
Paul went on: “This is the first time
that we’ve held an Open Day and we
look forward to welcoming as many
people to our venue as possible!
“We’ve sprayed a tractor silver as
a one off special with Case IH’s
permission and it really is one of a

Dawner Asset Finance is based in Yorkshire, and is a partnership between

Andrew Wells & Andrew Brown. Collectively we have over 40 years experience within the
agricultural & construction finance sector. For most of this time we have worked for major finance
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a complete financial solution for our customers needs - so we created our own finance brokerage
- Dawner Asset Finance. Now working with a number of leading finance houses & banks - we can
offer a complete financial package - sourcing the most competitive funding for:
• New/Used Equipment • Cars • Commercial Vehicles • Groundscare Equipment
Contact: Andrew Wells Contact: Andrew Brown
Tel: 01904 449025 Mob: 07825 232523 Tel: 01904 492395 Mob: 07825 232480

FarmersMart Spring 2009 49

 robert taylor & sons
kind. We hope to sell this unique As well as a vibrant and informative There’s a lot to be said for being

piece of kit before the end of the
year!” added Paul “Hopefully to one
of our very loyal customers!!”
They are holding a hog roast and there
will be lots of stalls and attractions
to enjoy as well as the chance to
view a Robert Taylor & Sons special
edition black Honda 420 ATV. The
bike will be “won” later in the
year with the winner drawn at the
Nidderdale Show. ‘The Chance to
To celebrate
website (www.roberttaylorandsons. safe in the knowledge that someone
co.uk), they promote themselves at is doing their very best for you!”
Lancaster Auction Mart with a shop concluded Paul.
that’s open two days a week and
have a very close involvement with
There will soon be another addition
to the centenary plaque sited on the
THEIR 150th
affairs at the nearby thriving
Bentham Mart.
smithy wall and you detect that 150
years won’t be the last significant
anniversary
“We aim
satisfaction
for
every
milestone to be celebrated if the
pride, passion and loyalty shown by ROBERT
TAYLOR &
time and believe we all of the team at Robert Taylor &
should always offer Sons is anything to go by.

SONS are
Win’ commences from the every customer
Open day onwards. (Terms ultimate peace
For more details contact Robert
& Conditions apply). of mind.

holding
Taylor & Sons
Green Smithy
Bentham Near Lancaster
LA2 7DH
Tel: 015242 61353
an open day
on 8th April.

everyone
welcome.

ROBERT TAYLOR
& SONS
Barry with the admin team

Moor Lane, Full Sutton, York

E-mail sales@edwardstrailers.co.uk

Range of plant trailers Range of general purpose Tri axle flat beds

Range of tipping trailers Cattle trailers Sheep & pig trailers

Congratulations to Robert Taylor & Sons

from Fleming Agri-Products.
Fleming Agri-Products Ltd

would like to congratulate ATV trailers Lorry containers Tractor drawn live
our valued customer;

Robert Taylor & Sons

on reaching their 150

year milestone in business.

Fleming Agri-Products will in 2010 also be celebrating 150 years Sheep trailers c/w wind Tandem axle flat beds Flat bed c/w tarpaulin tilts
supporting the farming industry and would like to wish Robert Taylor away deck
& Sons continued success in the future.
Congratulations to Robert Taylor and Sons
www.fleming-agri.co.uk on their 150th Anniversary

50 FarmersMart Spring 2009

 machinery

Innovations for
more efficiency
CASE IH presented an array of innovations at SIMA 2009 in Paris,
including the new Puma CVX tractor series and the new range of
Quantum V / N speciality tractors.
Puma CVX – continuously variable
up to 250 hp
The centrepiece of the tractor
innovations is the new Puma
CVX. At the SIMA show, CASE IH
presented for the first time all five
new models, ranging in power from
167 hp to 224 hp and a maximum
power output of 251 hp.
The tractor range has been designed
consistently for high performance,
efficiency and comfort. It features
the latest generation of CVX
transmission from Case IH and new
DKT double clutch technology..
Quantum V&N - the new specialists
for vineyards and orchards
Another recent development
presented at the SIMA show was
the new Quantum V & N models
from CASE IH. This series consists
of new speciality tractors for hybrid
farming using the most modern
engine technology and numerous
new comfort features.
The QUANTUM V range consists of
four tractors; the 65V (65 hp), 75V
(78 hp), 85V (88 hp) and 95V (97
hp), while the QUANTUM N range
offers three tractors; the 75N (78
hp), 85N (88 hp) and 95N (97 hp).
Precision farming - practical
applications in the field
In a special showcase exhibition
at the SIMA show, CASE IH
experts provided information on
the applications of the CASE IH
Advanced Farming System “AFS”.
For the 2009 season the Advanced
Farming Systems from CASE IH have
been equipped with new software
that provides a considerable
extension to the functions available.
Harvest analysis, running cost
statistics, seedbed preparation,
plant protection and pest control
can now be planned more precisely.
In addition, the software enables all
field data, including harvest data, to
be displayed on standardised aerial
photos.

For more visit information please www.caseih.com

FarmersMart Spring 2009 51

 RIPON FARM SERVICES
Mini-Smithfield AT the Great
Yorkshire Showground
Chris Berry visits this year’s Ripon Farm Services Show
Whilst financial institutions are
apparently falling apart faster
than an athlete on speed, and
companies are laying off staff in
their thousands, the Ripon Farm
Services Show offered welcome
relief from the seemingly non-stop
bad news in the economy.
Making its Great Yorkshire
Showground debut, after a couple
of years at Rufforth, the show - run
over two days in January - was a
massive hit with customers old
and new. Indeed on entering the
exhibition halls you could have been
forgiven for thinking that you had
stepped back in time to the days
when the whole farm machinery
industry in the UK used to gather
inside Earls Court for the Royal
Smithfield Show.
Those days may well be long gone,
but there is no doubting the pulling
power of a farm machinery event
52 FarmersMart Spring 2009
taking place indoors during the
winter months. And with such a
huge range of machinery franchises
that Ripon Farm Services has built
up over the years there was always
going to be a substantial array of
machines to keep the thousands
who visited interested.
Ripon Farm Services Managing
Director, Geoff Brown, was on
hand, and he gave his feelings on
the start of the year.
‘In agriculture there seems to be
a lot of optimism. We’re certainly
quoting on quite a few tractors and
other items of farm machinery. I
The new SIMBA machine on show
think we’ve been quite insulated
in this area. The farming industry
has never really had the peaks and fertiliser - and that helps.’ ‘There is still a bit of uncertainty
and troughs that other industries around over commodity prices, but
Nonetheless Geoff feels it is too
suffer. The general picture is not that general optimism in farming is
early to get carried away, and the
bad. Yes, some prices could still be helping at the moment.’
uncertainty that exists amongst
better but some farmers’ costs are
much of the population could have He was also very pleased with the
coming down now - such as fuel
an effect. show itself.
Diet Feeders &
Compost Machinery
Grain & Silage Trailers
10—14 tonne models available
Various optional extras including
side loading and hydraulic doors
Dual Spreaders
1300,1600 & 2000 models available
Optional splash guards.
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(A.E.A. September 07)
Rear Discharge Spreader
10 tonne capacity spreader c/w
slurry door and in-cab electro/
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Supporting Ripon Farm Services Ltd
Harry West (Prees) Ltd, Lower Heath, Prees, Whitchurch, Shropshire SY13 2BT
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W. www.harrywest.co.uk E. sales@harrywest.co.uk

‘The venue here is much better.
Everything is in a heated
environment and that makes it
more comfortable for people when
they walk around.’
With a line-up that includes John
Deere, Land Rover, Kuhn, McHale,
Vicon, Grimme, McConnel, Simba,
Arctic Cat, Harry West, Permastore,
Bunning, Hi-Spec, Lynx and NC
Trailers this was always going to
be a crowd-pulling event and pull
it did.
John Branton, farmer and
agricultural contractor, made the
long trip right over from Skeffling in
Holderness. He agreed with Geoff
RIPON FARM SERVICES
The RFS team
Brown’s comments on the industry
at present.
‘Farming hasn’t really been affected
by the credit crunch so far - but
everything outside of farming that
farmers have to pay for is having
an effect, like vehicles and fuel.
Farming prices have been better
lately, particularly pigs because of
the pound and euro being on parity.
We’ve gone up from 1000 to 6000
pigs on contract.’
John was so impressed with the
show that he even went home
with a new machine too! Proof
that business can still be done at
shows.
FarmersMart Spring 2009 53
 RIPON FARM SERVICES
All smiles amongst the machines
Alec Lunn, agricultural contractor
from Wilton, near Pickering and
featured in the last edition of
Farmers Mart was also at the show.
His take on the current situation
was a little more reserved than
John’s.
‘Things are tightening up all the
time and you have to watch costs.
From a contractor’s point of view
it’s about keeping your cash flow
in the right balance. Now that the
Single Farm Payments have come
through things have speeded up a
bit.’
54 FarmersMart Spring 2009
David Holmes, Simba UK Sales
Manager, was in upbeat mood:
‘We’ve seen a very positive start to
the New Year. I think farmers are on
the whole a bit more positive than
they were at the end o last year
when commodity prices slipped
a bit. At Simba we have seen
increased sales and we are more
than satisfied with the UK market,
especially with the hard Autumn
and the problems with establishing
the next crop. We have seen a
positive reaction on out of season
orders and dealers’ stock orders.’
The general feeling of
optimism is helping…
David was also demonstrating the tines down to a depth of 40mm and
new SIMBA DTX300 for the first 2 rows of adjustable angled discs
time. down to a depth of 100mm. It is
designed for a particular space in
‘To some extent this is an entry
the market - a mounted machine
level machine for some customers
- 3 metre - where there haven’t
into a reduced tillage system. It is
been sufficient machines available
designed for horsepower between
previously. We have already sold
200-300, with front subsoiling
 RIPON FARM SERVICES

Talking tractors Thumbs up for John Deere

a good number. Contractors and When the wheat price went back
farmers will generally use it as either down to £80/tonne it did worry all
a primary cultivator or as a separate of us, but it has come back now and
system to run alongside their that is hopefully going to help with
existing plough-based system.’ the optimism many are feeling.’
Rob Doughty looks after the
Darrington operation of Ripon Farm
Ripon Farm Services Ltd
Services on the A1. His thoughts
Dallamires Lane
are very much in tune with the
Ripon, HG4 1TT
farmers in his area.
Tel: 01765 646464
‘I’m hoping that the farming
www.r-f-s.com
community is immune to the credit
crunch, and that as prices rise that
will again be mirrored in our sales.

FarmersMart Spring 2009 55

 news

WRAP LAUNCHES NEW GUIDE TO

FUNDING FOR FOOD WASTE PROCESSING
Identifying potential sources of
funding for food waste processing
activities, such as composting and
anaerobic digestion, has become
easier thanks to a new guide
produced by WRAP (Waste &
Resources Action Programme).
The guide lists potential sources
of funding from a range of
organisations covering areas such
as environmental improvements,
business development, and research,
as well as detailing other grant aid
schemes which may be of interest.
There is also a section highlighting
relevant searchable databases and
providing links to useful organisations
and resources.
This is the first time that WRAP has
published a funding guide for food
waste processing, which has been
produced in response to the growing high and we receive a number of identifying funding opportunities of WRAP capital grant funding
number of requests for advice and enquiries from organisations looking as well as putting them in touch schemes are published separately
support. to enter the market or expand their with other useful organisations and on the website prior to launch.
existing activities. resources.”
Claire Kneller from WRAP’s Organics www.wrap.org.uk/composting/
Programme, said: “Interest in “This guide provides people with To access the guide, visit www.
publications/compost.html
organics recycling is at an all time a quick and simple method of wrap.org.uk/composting. Details

PEACOCK & BINNINGTON OPEN DAY

Graham Kraft visits the Massey Ferguson dealership in Selby
After officially opening up their new premises next to Selby Livestock
Market just last year Peacock & Binnington were in ebullient mood when
I visited recently. Branch Manager Marcus Bourne was very pleased with
both the attendance and how the year had gone.
Hosting the open day on market day was a wise move and led to hundreds
of farmers looking over the best in new agricultural equipment, with
Massey Ferguson and Lely-Welger machines very prominent.

56 FarmersMart Spring 2009


Giving something back in Barnsley
Chris Berry visits N&S Moorhouse at Barugh Green
South Yorkshire is often forgotten
about as a farming area, generally
being referred to as a mining
community, but it was a rural
heartland way before the mining
industry started.
Stephen Moorhouse has been
involved in the farm machinery
business in the area for 37 years and
was on hand recently when I visited
the N&S Moorhouse Open Day at
Barugh Green, near Barnsley.
‘We have something special on here
every year - usually an Open Day
and it gives us chance to give our
customers something back, as well
as to showcase what we stock.’
N&S Moorhouse, the other initial
in the name is his son Nigel’s, are
Massey Ferguson main dealers, and
they also sell such recognised brand
names as Lely, Amazone, Quicke,
Teagle, Harry West, Fleming and
Pottinger. As a mark of how important
each of these companies see their
relationship with Stephen and Nigel
all were on show.
The family connections go much
further too, and Stephen’s daughter
Tammy is also very much a main part
of the team. Stephen is quick to point
to those others who also deserve a
mention.
‘Nobody is more important than
anyone else here. We have an
excellent team and everyone has their
own specific job. Ed Tinker on sales,
John Mills on stores, Tony, Ashley
and Roger on service. Everyone is
vital to our overall success.’
Another main indication of how well
a business is thought of is in how
many customers turn up on the day.
Moorhouse’s Open Day attracted
hundreds from throughout the area.
Stephen has his own feelings about
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1 wrapper - 1 loader - 1 man
Wraps & stacks up to 45 bales per hour
Fits Articulated/Telescopic/Larger Tractor Loaders
Versatile rear or front linkage mounting
t: 0035387 206 2629 e: info@tanco.ie
customer service and looking after
people. ‘We serve South Yorkshire.
I’ve an unwritten rule that if you can’t
get there in an hour you can’t really
look after it. We do have customers
from further away, but to be fair they
find us and want us to look after
them rather than us looking for them.
We will always look after everyone
100%.’
N&S Moorhouse’s farming customers
are usually more of the livestock-
oriented variety, but he has a wide
range of arable farmers too.
‘We look after all types of farms, but
the way the business has developed
over the years we do deal basically
with stock people. It’s not that we
had some grand master plan when
we started, it’s just the way it has
happened.’
N&S Moorhouse moved to Barugh
Green from Skelmanthorpe six years
ago and Stephen talks of how the
business is going at present.
‘We have done well since we came
here. The tractor side is a little bit
quiet for us at the moment. Our
most popular models here are the
www.tanco.ie
N&S MOORHOUSE
MF5455 and MF5465, but although
some good farm prices are being N&S MOORHOUSE
made I think a number of people are Cross Grange Garage
talking themselves into doom and Claycliffe Road, Barugh Green
gloom because of what is happening Barnsley S75 1HS
nationally.’
Email: nandsmoorhouse@
Nonetheless there was little doubting btconnect.com
the enduring popularity of N&S
www.nands-moorhouse.co.uk
Moorhouse’s Open Day and you can
Mob: Stephen Moorhouse
guarantee that if there is business to
be done they are well placed to do it! 07931 381651
Diet Feeders &
Compost Machinery
Grain & Silage Trailers
10—14 tonne models available
Various optional extras including
side loading and hydraulic doors
Dual Spreaders
1300,1600 & 2000 models available
Optional splash guards.
100% market share
(A.E.A. September 07)
Rear Discharge Spreader
10 tonne capacity spreader c/w
slurry door and in-cab electro/
hydraulic controls
Supporting N & S Moorhouse
Harry West (Prees) Ltd, Lower Heath, Prees, Whitchurch, Shropshire SY13 2BT
T. 01948 840465 F. 01948 841055
W. www.harrywest.co.uk E. sales@harrywest.co.uk
FarmersMart Spring 2009 57
 farmstar OPEN DAY
Pulling in the crowds at Marr
Chris Berry visits Farmstar’s Famous Annual Open Day in South Yorkshire
Once again the biggest one-day
agricultural machinery show in
South Yorkshire pulled in the
crowds from throughout the White
Rose county and further afield too.
Hundreds turned up to sample the
famous Farmstar hospitality, meet
up with old friends for the first time
since Christmas and to take a look
58 FarmersMart Spring 2009
at what the company had to offer at
Marr, near Barnsley and Doncaster.
The Case ih range was once again
centre stage, with tractors and
combines catching the eye both
indoors and outside. The huge range
of franchises that also includes
the impressive Manitou range of
materials handlers and telescopics,
KRM, Kverneland, Vicon, Richard Managing Director Andrew
Western, Kubota, Cousins of Emneth, Waddington and Shaun Husler,
Rau and Bomford. Service Manager, were both on
hand during the day along with
Farmstar Ltd began in 1988 and
representatives from the other
this is their ‘Comin g of Age’ year.
Farmstar branches at Market
Notable stars of the Farmstar day
Weighton, Long Bennington and
were the Case ih Axial Flow 9120
Brigg.
combine and the Kubota M Series
tractor.
Water Ballast Land
Rollers.
End-tow model with
transport kits - 10ft &
12ft widths
Tandem roller, giving
a rolling width of 16’,
18’, 20’ and 24’.
Wall thickness vary from 6mm 20mm
Rollers available in 5ft - 12ft widths.
Diameters 20in, 30in, 36in, and 40in.
Rear Hydraulic Wheel Kit Rollers, 8ft & 9ft wide
For the name of your local dealer contact our
Agricultural Equipment Division
Greenfield Works Ballylough Road, Castlewellan,
Co.Down, Northern Ireland.
Tel. 02843 778 711 Fax. 02843 772 050
 farmstar OPEN DAY

FARMSTAR CONTACT DETAILS

MARR
Grove Farm, Church Lane, Marr DN5 7AU
Tel: 01302 786786
MARKET WEIGHTON
Becklands Park Industrial Estate, York Road, Market Weighton YO43 3GA
Tel: 01430 875900
BRIGG
Bridge Street, Brigg DN20 8NF
Tel: 01652 654944
LONG BENNINGTON
White House Farm, Valley Lane, Long Bennington, Nr Newark, NG23 5EE
Tel: 01400 283818

FarmersMart Spring 2009 59


GRIPPLE plus - the perfect way
Created specifically for terminating
end-post wires, the Gripple T-Clip
is covering new ground, using a
specially designed version of the
world-famous Gripple Plus system.
With patented technology, the
single-channel T-Clip grips the
wire with a spring-held ceramic
roller, securing your fence speedily,
effortlessly and neatly.
It’s the quick and easy way to start
and end your fence, proven to be at
least four times faster than ungainly
knotting. Simply twist the T-Clip
onto the line wire, loop the wire
around the end-post and push it
through the entry hole. It’s as easy
as that: Twist, Clasp, Loop, Insert,
Push – T-Clip.
John Clayton of John Clayton’s
Professional Paddock Care uses the
Gripple T-Clip to terminate horse-
mesh. The Lincolnshire-based
fencing contractor feels the product
is a master-stroke of design. “I can’t
fault it” he said. “As a product, it
does the job perfectly.”
In the past, John would simply wrap
the wire around the fence-posts to
terminate a run, but this was both
laborious and time-consuming. “Our
biggest consideration is time, so it’s
a big plus. It used to be awkward
when it came to the end-posts – the
difficulty in knotting the wire often
meant tempers would fray, but the
T-Clip has eliminated all of that
stress.”
Now Gripple is offering two T-
Clips absolutely free for every bag
of Medium Gripple Plus you buy.
gripple
Gripple Plus is the perfect way to
join and tension your fence wires,
and now there’s an opportunity to try
the perfect way to terminate those
wires. What’s more, free T-Clips
will be available on selected rolls of
stock, deer and horse fencing.
To find out more, contact
Gripple by e-mail (info@gripple.
com) or phone (0114 275
2255), or for more information
visit www.gripple.com
FarmersMart Spring 2009 61
 RUSSELLS

NEW HOLLAND
T7000
The AUTOCOMMAND pERFORMANCE
The latest tractor series from New
Holland incorporates the best of
both tractor and harvester driving
expertise to bring together a machine
that looks well set to become one
of 2009’s success stories. Eye-
catching instrumentation which
features Intelliview, multifunction
remotes, an integrated control panel
and Electronic Sidewinder makes this
as up-to-the-minute as you can get.
The multifunction handle provides
electro hydraulic remote controls,
Intellisteer to engage the automatic
guidance system, headland and turn
sequencing, rear linkage raising and

NEW FUEL CELL TRACTOR

handle, which always returns to lowering, a Powershuttle switch,
its central position, multifunction cruise control and target speed
joystick, EDC mouse, electronic selection and adjustment. Russells

- ONE FOR THE FUTURE

will be running a demonstrator in the
coming months. Call to take a look
at how the T7000 Autocommand
can change the way you think
about tractors.
The first hydrogen-powered
tractor to be shown by any
manufacturer was unleashed in
Turin and Paris recently. Based
on a T6000 the prototype tractor
runs on hydrogen and oxygen, and
produces nothing in emissions but
water. There is still a good deal of
development to be done before
the tractor is on sale in dealers as
the tank will presently only hold
enough fuel to power the tractor
for up to 2 hours, but on-going
development now could be vital
in 10 years time.

NEW ON-LINE
SHOP launched
You can now take a look at all of
Contact Russells
NEW AT NORTHALLERTON
our stock, all of the time, on our
new website. Used equipment is
a main feature and this will be
Malton 01653 698000 & EGGBOROUGH
updated daily so it’s worth visiting Boroughbridge 01423 324848 We are delighted to announce that the whole range including the
regularly for the latest lists. Selby 01977 663353 we are now authorised distributors 420 model shown here.
But there’s far more than just for HONDA ATVs at both of our
machines. Why not take a look Northallerton 01609 771727 branches in Northallerton and
at: www.russell.uk.com Eggborough. We will be stocking

62 FarmersMart Spring 2009

 machinery

New Holland Auto Command transmission

enhances T7000 tractor range
Drawing on proven technology and Armrest including Intelliview™ • New electronic park brake use is kept to a minimum.
familiar operation styles from New III from the CR combine
•M
 ax permissible gross vehicle T7000 Auto Command will start
Holland’s premium harvest and and touch screen with
of 13,000kg at 50 kph shipping from New Holland’s
forage machines, the T7000 Auto guidance full capabilities
tractor plant in Basildon, England in
Command is built on the success of The new Auto Command
• Five models including the new May 2009.
the T7000 tractor series which was transmission is at the heart of the
225hp T7070 Auto Command™
awarded Tractor of the Year 2008. tractor range and, in combination
flagship model offering Power
with the new multi-function handle, For more information
New Holland has concentrated Boost up to 250 hp/187 kW
offers a smooth seamless application please visit
on comfort and ease of use in the (ECE R120 / ISO 14396) for an
of power that is easy to control and www.newholland.com
development of the T7000 Auto improved power-to-weight ratio
efficiently managed to ensure fuel
Command tractor to enable customer
to achieve the best return on their
investment.
The New Holland Auto Command
T7000 tractor range manufactured in
New Holland’s Antwerp Transmission
Plant in Belgium offers:
•N
 ew CVT control system
developed together with
New Holland’s Harvest and
Forage Excellence Centre
in Zedelgem, Belgium
•F
 orced-based Multi-Function
Handle from the FR9000
forage harvester for easy control
and familiar operation,
• New-generation Sidewinder™ II
ÜÜÜ°œÃŽˆ˜°Vœ“

Slurry tankers &

Injection systems

/…iʅi>ÀÌÊ
œvÊ̅iʈ˜iV̜À\
/…iʜΈ˜Ê“>ViÀ>̜À

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6



Call your local dealer or 0032 43 77 35 45 - E-mail: info@joskin.com

FarmersMart Spring 2009 63

 MACHINERY

STOLL ROBUST RANGE SET TO IMPRESS

The new range of STOLL ROBUST FZ loaders
- distributed in the UK by LYNX ENGINEERING –
feature innovative solutions to improve the
comfort of operation and loading capacity.
Weigh above the rest Get the best view of the action
The FZ loaders are manufactured Stoll FZ loaders now feature parallel
using a very strong, but lightweight motion control rods, which are
fine grain steel. This enables a low- positioned within the frame and
weight construction to help reduce out of the field of vision, creating a
front axle loading. Hydraulic hoses clear front view of operation. Loader
are moved to the underside of the brackets can be mounted closer to
loader arms, improving operator the tractors centre of gravity for improving loading capacity and Stand Firm!
vision whilst maintaining accessibility better handling and easier fitting. reducing spillage during operation.
for service and repair. Another advantage is that windscreen The user-friendly parking stand
can now be easily opened - where Get it off in 60 seconds is suitable for smooth or uneven
Rise up to the challenge surfaces and is easily locked into
previously it was obstructed. Buckets, grabs and other
New Z KINEMATICS parallel place holding the loader firmly in
Waste not want not attachments can be interchanged
motion improves on all areas of position.
quickly with the standard Euro hitch
lifting performance and height by Additional innovations to the system - a quick detach drive-in
introducing new thinking on loader parallel system include the ability system. For more informstion visit
kinematics. to over ride the mechanical control www.lynx-engineering.co.uk
hydraulically,

Specialising in Used Agricultural Equipment

NEW WESTERN 12 Tonne CoUSiNS

Muck Spreader For Hire 4.4 Press
£90 PER DAY £2,900
WANTED: Tractors, Combines, Plant Farm Clearances

TEL: 07793 742543 / 01937 841371 The Harold Woolgar Insurance Team
www.machinery4agriculture.com 35 High Street, Epworth, N. Lincs., Tel: 01427 873388/873888
We are pleased to provide a specialist Insurance service to the Farming Industry

64 FarmersMart Spring 2009


Lost any fuel
recently?
Chris Berry talks farm security
with Steven Dresser
There are still many farmers who
will leave doors unlocked, or even
open, and who have not invested in
any form of security other than the
odd bolt and key, regardless of the
open invitation they provide. But
with an increase in on-farm crime,
which generally comes when times
get tough, the need for greater farm
security is never more prevalent
than now.
‘Unfortunately there are those who
will take advantage of farmers who
don’t invest in the appropriate
security,’ says Steven Dresser, who
specialises in providing all forms of
on-farm equipment in order to ensure
safety of possessions. ‘Time and
money spent wisely now can save
a lot of hardship and unnecessary
disappointment later on. We all know
c h oice
ow er of370hp
P 74 -
David Henderson
Agricultural Engineers
Unit 12 Acomb Ind. Est., Hexham, Northumberland, NE46 4SA
Tel: 01434 601 966 • Mob: 0777 8161 839 • Email: valtra@davidhenderson.net
steven j. dresser
that it would be great to still be able have fitted and
to leave our doors open and gates it really can give
unlocked without fear of anything peace of mind.’
happening, but I’m afraid that’s not
Steven tells of BT
the way the world is today, even in
Red Care being
the countryside. Farmers and farm
the preferred
businesses have been seen as soft
form of on-farm
targets for those who wish to steal
monitoring.
everything from tractors and ATVs to
power tools, welders and fuel.’ ‘We are Red Care
installers which that inevitably comes with having
His company Steven J Dresser
links the farm between the security equipment and belongings stolen.
Electrical Contractors Ltd installs
system and a central station. The
and maintains all manner of security
alarm cannot be tampered with
equipment from perimeter beams to For more information contact
or disabled and is highly effective.
intruder alarms and CCTV. Steven J. Dresser
Remotely accessible camera
Electrical Contractors Ltd
‘Fuel storage tanks are the latest area systems are now installed too, so
The Works, Chapel Street,
to be hit with increasing regularity,’ that the farm owner can simply dial
Thirsk, North Yorkshire
says Steven. ‘But when hard times into them from a PC. It may well be
YO7 1LU
come there is usually an impact on a sad state of affairs that security is
Tel: 01845 574691
the amount of farm crime. Security now needed, but at least by having
Email: office@stevenjdresser.co.uk
equipment doesn’t cost the earth to it you can save yourself the hassle
FarmersMart Spring 2009 65
 william douglas

Fencing in
the Scottish
Borders
Chris Berry talks with
William Douglas
Suma Profi post driver customers all agricultural fencing from plain
don’t come any more full of life wires to stock netting, electric
than William Douglas of Lilliesleaf, fencing and post and rail, and we
between Hawick and Melrose in carry out work throughout the area
the Scottish Borders. William has and further afield too. We became
just retired (at 74), and his son, contractors for Border Union Show
also William, is now the boss. in 1944 and we haven’t stopped
since. All of my pals are farmers.’
He’s the fourth generation William
As well as Border Union Show the
to be in charge,’ says the lively
business - William Douglas & Son
septuagenarian. ‘My grandfather
- also provides all the show ring and
started out in the early 1900s and
penning for the Scottish Horse Show
was originally fencing for a timber
and Kelso Ram Sales. With the
merchant called Turnbull. Today
work they undertake, particularly
it is William and my middle son
at show times, getting it done
Neil who are involved and we also
quickly is very important. That’s
employ one other man. Our work is
why having the right machine is

66 FarmersMart Spring 2009

 william douglas

William Douglas (far right) with, from left to right:

Neil Douglas, Rob Munro, Graham Douglas

A traditional 6 wire puller. This was & still

is used extensively in the Borders.

vital to their business. ‘I’ve known
Jock for a long time,’ says William.
‘The Suma Profi we bought from
him is a fantastic machine that we
use all the time. It is just so quick
and makes the job much easier. My
father was a great believer in the
fact that hard work never killed
anybody. It was an age when men
lived out in huts and tents in order
to finish a job. Thankfully machines
such as the Suma Profi make the
work a lot less hard than it once
was. We have taken it right down to
Hexham in Northumberland as well
as using it throughout the Borders.
It is excellent for us.’
It is good to see a company like
William Douglas offering a service
and quality of workmanship which
sets an example to all within the
fencing industry.

FarmersMart Spring 2009 67

 limagrain
Choose maize varieties for
earliness and yield
Choosing reliable maize varieties
that are early maturing is essential
for maize growers in the north of
England, but that doesn’t mean
losing out on yield, says Limagrain
UK’s Tim Richmond. There are
varieties that you can rely on to
combine earliness as well as yield
- Destiny has a proven track record
in Yorkshire, and new this year is
Artist, an ultra early variety being
grown for the first time in the
north.
Mr Richmond explains: “Because of
the weather and climate conditions
in Yorkshire and the north of
England, it’s important that only
early maturing varieties are grown
here. These, in effect, require a
shorter growing season than later
maturing ones. This means that the
crop has time to mature, and for the
sugars in the cob to be converted
to starch, by harvest. And harvest
itself, needs to take place before
the wet winter weather sets in.
“There is today a wide choice of
68 FarmersMart Spring 2009
Early maturing maize variety Destiny has a proven track record in Yorkshire,
and has performed consistently well in a range of growing conditions.
early maturing varieties. However,
growers should be wary – some
of the early maturing varieties that
were first introduced several years
ago are actually very low in yield
compared to modern varieties. In
some cases, yields are 20% below
the performance of established
newer varieties that have come onto
the List in the past few years.
One of the early maturing varieties
that does have good yields and
has already proven popular with
Yorkshire maize growers is Destiny.
Destiny is a maturity class 8 variety
and combines the characteristics
of early maturity with high yield.
On the NIAB List for 2009, it
yields 16.63t/ha, and 5.67t/ha for
starch.
Destiny’s outstanding performance
in Yorkshire’s marginal climate has
already been noted by David Lewis
of seed specialists WE Jameson.
He says: “The past two years have
been difficult ones for growing
maize.
“Despite this, Destiny crops grown
last year were very successful
– their cobs ripened well compared
to other varieties, and good starch
levels were achieved. In fact,
Destiny has performed consistently
well over the past four years, and
under a range of different field
situations.”
Newly available from WE Jameson’s
this season, in limited quantities, is
very early maturing variety Artist.
This is a product of the LG maize
breeding programme being run by
Limagrain UK (formerly known
as Advanta Seeds). Its breeding
combines reliability of performance
together with the bonus of improved
whole plant digestibility, derived
from Limagrain Genetics, giving it
a high energy value.
When it makes its debut on the
NIAB List for 2010, it is predicted
to be a highly placed maturity
class 10 and be one of the earliest
maturing varieties available.
Mr Lewis comments: “Artist
certainly looks good on paper. It
promises above average yields of
bulk, and will be high in quality,
being starch-rich and highly
digestible. Varieties like this with a
relatively short growing season are
ideal for maize growers here in the
north.”
For more information visit
www..limagrain.co.uk

quality beef in the borders
jennifer mackenzie visits kenny macgregor
Beef farmer Kenny MacGregor
runs a successful enterprise on the
Scottish Border – and he doesn’t
own or rent a farm!
Kenny’s career in farming goes back
to 1975 when he first started work,
however when redundancy followed
10 years later he decided to become
self employed and bought six
Limousin cross heifers at Bellingham
Mart and it all started from there.
He kept the heifers in buildings at
East Loan End farm just west of
Berwick and one of his neighbours
was the Limousin enthusiast Robert
Crichton who bred the famous bull
Broadmeadows Cannon.
By that time Kenny had bought
another five heifers and he bought
a bull from Robert Crichton to run
with his newly established herd.
“Robert was a great influence on
me and the bull I bought from him,
Tweed Fellow by Virginia Action,
bred a lot of quality calves for me
that went on to be shown – one
of them took a third prize ticket at
Smithfield,” said Kenny. “The bull
lasted for 11 years.”
More than two decades on, Kenny
now runs 65 suckler cows, housing
them during the winter from mid
October to mid April in buildings
rented from long time family friend
Mrs Margery Taylor at East Loan
End who helps with the cattle in the
mornings.
For summer grazing he rents 70
acres of grass parks eight miles
away over the Scottish Border and
mAcgregor
he paid 12,000gns for the June get another chance with the bull and
2007 born Overthwaite Chartered, those which are not fertile are sold.
one of three bulls in the sale to make
As well as good fertility, good
five figures for Lancashire-based
temperament is another important
breeders RS Harker, Overthwaite,
characteristic for Kenny who runs
Holme, Carnforth, to use to breed
the cattle on his own as well as
herd replacements from his own
doing contracting work.
heifers and build herd numbers up
to 100 cows. He has his own mower and a new
435 Welger baler which he uses
“He took my eye because he is a
for his own silage and for other
stylish bull with a sweet head and
contracting work. He also has a 25ft
plenty of width,” said Kenny. “He is
livestock trailer.
by the prolific AI sire Sympa which
is very easy calving and out of the The cows are fed ad lib silage up to
dam UVA. calving. Calves have access to creep
feed from birth. They are fed barley,
“I’m looking to produce the best I
dark grains and sugar beet pulp to a
can from the best of females and
maximum of 2.5 kg a day to prevent
bulls I can afford. My philosophy is
them putting on too much flesh,
that it costs as much to produce a
along with ad-lib silage.
good calf as a bad one so you may
as well go for quality,” he added. The spring born calves are weaned
Kenny MacGregor
a month after housing. They are
The herd is predominantly spring
vaccinated against pneumonia at
calving, with 50 to calve in the
he makes 700 bales of silage off 35 housing and wormed at turnout.
spring and the remainder in the
acres in a one year ley in the arable
autumn. Cows which are not in calf
rotation at East Loan End.
Most of the herd replacements
are bought as bulling heifers from
Hexham and Carlisle markets and
calves are easily sold privately at 10
months old with bullocks averaging
£670 and heifers £620.
While he doesn’t find much time for
showing cattle these days, in the
past he has won the suckled calf
championships at Wooler and the
former Rothbury market on a regular
basis and one Limousin bullock went
on to be shown at the Birmingham
Winter Primestock Show.
Heifer replacements are Limousin
sired out of British Blue crosses with
the aim of producing a top quality
calf when put back to the Limousin
bull.
At last year’s Carlisle March two
day sale of suckled calves he paid
£1,200 for a stylish in calf heifer
from Len Skelton, of Low House,
Maryport.
Kenny is also prepared to invest in
his stock bulls and in 2007 he paid
6,500gns for Wilodge Adjudicator,
bred by Christine Williams, of
Shifnal, Shropshire, the full brother
to the 30,000gns Wilodge Tonka
sold at Carlisle in October 2003.
Both are by the French bred bull,
Oxygene.
He has had a high level of fertility
and only one of the 65 females he
ran with proved not to be in calf.
At the February 2009 Carlisle sale
FarmersMart Spring 2009 69
 bramley

Rain doesn’t dampen the spirit

Chris Berry talks with Richard Bramley of Kelfield
Last year’s harvest was challenging
enough for most arable farmers.
Whilst the deluge of rain did not
compare to the flash floods of
2007 in terms of the amount that
fell over a short period of time its
longevity was enough to cause
many farmers serious problems.
The arable farmers in the flatlands
of the Vale of York and the East
Riding were particularly affected,
and for Richard Bramley at Manor
Farm, Kelfield it was a difficult time
and one which has impacted on his
farm, as he was not able to drill as
many acres as he would have in
September.
‘Drying expenses were much higher
for all of us and there was a loss
in quality in the crop overall. That’s
because in early September very
nearly one-third of our land was
flooded, with water coming over the
top of our ings land.’
Nearly half of Richard’s potato crop
was in danger of being totally under
water too, but in the end he only Richard Bramley of Manor Farm
lost around one acre’s worth. Not a
bad result given the incessant rain
which finally abated in October after normally one-third done by then.’ were busy grading them. Overall Their cropping is vital to the farm’s
a seven week stint of continuous they were in buoyant mood. existence as they have 490 acres
When I arrived at Manor Farm in
downpours. of land in all, at both Kelfield and
January Richard and his father, also They grow Hermes and Saturna for
Riccal and the farm is wholly
‘We didn’t manage to drill any wheat Richard, had just finished lifting the Walker’s, which makes up 85% of
arable-based. There is no livestock
at all in September, whereas we are last of the 2008 potato crop and their crop, and Saxon and Estima
enterprise to fall back on.
for the supermarket trade.
They grow 137 acres of wheat, 110
One of the reasons why there is
of spring/winter barley, 70 acres
always a degree of concern in the
of potatoes, 60 sugar beet, 56 oil
wet weather is that the Bramleys’
seed rape, 23 beans and have 34
farming operation is next to the
in stewardship.
River Ouse. Whilst they are used to
it flooding it normally occurs in the The two Richards are second and
winter when it is not as damaging. third generation farmers with
Richard tells of floods occurring Richard (Jr)’s grandfather having
with lesser regularity than has been come here in 1935 from South
the case in recent times. Duffield.

G.A. LiddLe & Son

AGricuLturAL contrActorS
• Combine harvesting • Corn drilling
• Sugar beet harvesting with • Sugar beet side-hoeing
a new 6 row beet harvester • Manure spreaders for hire

We are pleased to be associated with richard Bramley

and wish him continued success for the future

Tel: 01757 268 449 or 01757 268 639

Mob: 07850 705 185 or 07889 677 642
Town End Close Farm, 5 Ryther Road, Cawood, Selby, YO8 3TR

70 FarmersMart Spring 2009

 bramley

“I am a strong supporter of using technology appropriately

and not just for the sake of it” - richard bramley
Richard had just returned from a
Combinable Crops conference when
I visited and told me that there was
very much a feeling of optimism,
despite the fact that grain prices
had come down from their heights
they achieved at the back end of
2007 and into early 2008.
‘Generally everyone was reasonably
optimistic about the outlook for
cereals. The feeling was that prices
are more likely to go upwards for
cereals this coming autumn.’ Richard still feels there have been about not having used them as
blessings along the way though. much as I am a strong supporter
That’s something that is certainly
With drilling having been delayed, of using technology appropriately
reflected in current forward prices
and in some cases not being and not just for the sake of it. We
and is fuelled by a combination of
undertaken at all in the autumn, are a member of LEAF and very
currency values and big purchasing
pesticides that would normally have much believe in taking the sensible
countries such as India and China.
been applied when the wheat was approach to agriculture and the
One of the concerns which was drilled, have not been used at all. environment.’
raised though was the knock-on
‘Not using them was partly down to Richard is married to Brig, and they
effect of damaged soil structure if
the conditions that we had, but I have three children - Conna, Liam
wet conditions prevail for further
didn’t feel they were as warranted and Niamh.
years.
this year. I’m not unduly concerned

Call Richard Foss 01430 430 500

Visit NFU Mutual Office, 11 High Bridge
Howden, Goole, East Yorkshire, DN14 7SU

FarmersMart Spring 2009 71

 tim gibson / leggott
fourth astronaut lands at smeaton
George and Andrew Leggott expand their dairy herd
Not many farmers would be
celebrating a birthday by putting
in a milking robot with some of the
concerns facing dairy farmers at the
moment.
But George and Andrew Leggott have
just marked a 20th anniversary by
purchasing another Lely Astronaut
milking robot. They currently already
have 3 Lely Astronaut A2 robots
installed at White House Farm, at
Great Smeaton near Northallerton.
The recent purchase was done 20
years to the month since George
took over the farm from his father,
to farm it on his own with 60 cows.
George started with a 5:10 parlour
and the 60 cows he took over he
registered as pedigree under the
name “Cocklewood Holsteins”
The herd now stands at 200 milking
cows plus followers. They currently
have an expansion plan to be milking
250 within the year and have all the
heifers in the system to grow the
numbers to achieve this.
Having used Lely Astronauts for 2
years milking on average 180 cows
72 FarmersMart Spring 2009
they have seen several changes
and reported better results. George
states “We now have time to look
after the cows properly.” Every 3
months they meet with their vet and
feed consultant. Cows are dried off
with teat sealant and antibiotics as
a routine, but milking with the free
access Lely robot system is ensuring
that the cows are getting milked
more frequently. Andrew says “The
system enables mastitis to be seen
sooner, and it has the tools to help
with control when used correctly”
The introduction this month of a
4th robot is key to an expansion
plan which has seen a few changes
in the last year. The aim is to have All of this automation and changes one man between us!”
250 cows milking, and have a level has enabled George to take a lesser
When asked to make a final comment
supply of milk from all 4 robots. active role on the farm day to day,
George added, “We wouldn’t have
leaving son Andrew with their student
A new shed was erected 2 years ago bought another robot if we weren’t
Simon Armstrong to manage things
to house 2 of the robots, and this happy with them!”
day to day. Simon currently attends
was of the latest design. It has an
Askham Bryan College at Bedale
automated ventilation curtain down For more Information contact
one day a week, and George is also
the southern side and the cows lie Tim Gibson Ltd
a Farmer Director for the Arla Milk
in Cubicles with Mattresses which 01677 424284
Partnership and is one of 3 farmers
have slatted passages to keep the 07711 257776
representing the North East. George
building cleaner.
says that “me and Simon count as

William’s Way at Bishop Burton
Chris Berry talks with William Byass at Lings Farm
Put yourself into a different world,
perhaps that of a bird or a rabbit.
If you had the option of living in
the middle of a field full of stubble
and open to all of the elements, or
alternately in the cover of hedges
and woodland, with a plentiful
supply of feed and warmth, which
would you be inclined to choose?
It’s easy isn’t it? And it makes great
common sense, rather than the
nonsense that exists in keeping such
as William Byass’ 60 acre field at
Bishop Burton down to stubble from
last year’s harvest.
It has not been enough to provide
useful cover, and it’s doing no-one
any favours, whether you’re the
farmer or you are a bird or other
wildlife creature.
He believes DEFRA is, largely,
doing the right things. It’s just
that he understands his own land
perhaps better than most, and how
it could work more effectively to
complement both arable production
and conservation management,
‘Look at this’, says William, as he
points out to his field that rolls away
on the chalk and limestone folds
of the Yorkshire Wolds at his Lings
Farm, where he was born and has
lived all his life since 1934. ‘What
value is it meant to have? The idea
is that by leaving this field to stubble
it will be full of birds - but it isn’t
working. There is no cover and on
a hard winter’s day where is the
wildlife going to go? In here or over
there in the woodland? What I’m
suggesting, since we’re being asked
for our suggestions, is something
that would be far more beneficial for
wildlife. Wider strips at the side of
a field, rather than whole exposed
fields, maybe coming out about 30
yards into the field from bordering
Martin Hancock
Landrover Specialist
We are pleased to be associated with
William Byass
and we wish him continued success for the future.
Mob: 07831 622 451
william byass
the woodlands and
hedges, would make
it really worthwhile.
We have been doing a
little of that anyway. In
those strips, alongside
the woodlands, you
then ensure there
is sufficient cover,
as well as food, for
the wildlife, and
that creates a much
better habitat than
simply leaving a field
completely untouched.
We’re intending to
grow Miscanthus, kale,
beans, sunflowers and
millet in our strips,
which will combine
both food and cover.’
‘Next week we will be
William Byass of Lings Farm, Bishop Burton
sowing this field (part
of his 525 acre arable
farming operation, which he runs thousands of geese coming over in here, we’ve lots of them - and plenty
with his son Leonard) with Canadian a morning and landing in this field. of skylarks too. There will be plenty
Red Wheat on contract for Hovis What a wonderful sight that was. more as well if my suggestions are
through local merchant Gleadalls. taken up.’
‘I read recently that there is some
They are keen to get British-sourced
sort of shortage of lapwings, but not
wheat and it should grow pretty well
here as most of our land is Grade 2,
with some Grade 1.’
Lings Farm at Bishop Burton is high
quality East Riding arable cropping
land. William and Leonard grow
wheat, barley, malting barley, peas
and oil seed rape here and almost
without question the farm produces
an excellent yield.
Pheasants, partridge, lapwings
and skylarks are all to be found on
William’s farm, evidence of his own
attempts at wildlife conservation so
far. His only disappointment is the
lack of geese that the farm used to
attract every year.
‘At one time we would have
FarmersMart Spring 2009 73
 breeds
UK ALL-BREEDS SALE RECORD
AVERAGE OF £5688 SET AT CARLISLE LIMOUSIN SALE
UK all-breeds record average – 85%
clearance – sale grosses £745,000
– 17 bulls at 10,000gns and over
– Junior bulls average £6,151
In a spectacular day’s trading, a new
UK all-breeds record sale average
of £5688 was set at the Carlisle
Limousin Bull Sale held on Saturday
14th February at Borderway Mart.
Demand from a standing room only
crowd saw 17 bulls sell at 10,000gns
or over with 42 in all selling at
5,500gns or more. 131 bulls of the
154 forward sold to all parts of the
UK which was representative of an
85% clearance rate. The depth in
trading saw a bull sale gross just
shy of three quarters of a million at
£745,128. On Friday evening, 102
heifers had traded to average £1588
giving an overall two day sale gross
of £910,000.
Friday’s pre-sale show had
demonstrated the depth of quality
bulls on offer in all age categories of
the catalogue and this was picked
up on by the judge Michael Fieldson
Carlisle
Fri 1st - Sat 2nd May
Bull Sale
H & H T: 01228 640921
74 FarmersMart Spring 2009
of the Fieldson Herd, Poplar
Farm, Corringham, Gainsborough,
Lincolnshire who said, “It was
an exceptional show of modern
Limousin bulls predominantly for the
commercial suckler man and very
level in quality throughout.”
The top price of the day at 23,000gns
went to the classy Reserve Supreme
Champion Goldies Comet. Bred
and shown by BT Goldie, Townfoot
Farm, Mouswald, Dumfries, this 16
month old junior bull is an AI son
of the 42,000gns Wilodge Vantastic
and is out of the noted Goldies
Vitality whose dam is a full sister to
the prolific Goldies Terence.
Standing second in his class to the what was a tremendous sale for the numbers and buyers are investing
top price bull was Goldies Conquest Limousin breed. Limousin cattle are heavily in their own future with great
from the same home and also sired driving the UK market and today’s confidence.”
by Wilodge Vantastic. sale is indicative of the fact that
Following the sale, British Limousin there is a real price differential for
For any further information
Cattle Society Chief Executive Limousin cattle in the market place
please contact BLCS
congratulated the breeders on the with the carcase quality, yield,
Chief Executive, Iain Kerr,
quality of the bulls forward and consistency and conformation at any
on 02476 696500
commented, “An all-breeds UK weight that is demanded. Limousin
breeders are providing the goods in
record sale average put the cap on

Semenstore
.co.uk
is launched!
Semenstore.co.uk, the one-stop
semen shop website has been
officially launched and is open
for business.
The e-commerce site has been
built and introduced by Limousin
Solutions Ltd, the trading
company set up by the British
Limousin Cattle Society.
Semenstore will enable
prospective purchasers in the UK,
and abroad, to browse, consider,
find and purchase the semen
of their choice, there and then,
online.
For those selling semen,
semenstore.co.uk will market
bulls in a professional, co-
ordinated and efficient manner.
Most importantly, it will collect all
monies due, credit accounts on
a monthly basis accordingly, and
look after all aspects of storage,
delivery and stock maintenance
on the seller’s behalf. Taking out
the admin and work involved
in semen selling will be a major
benefit for vendors.
A unique feature of semenstore.
co.uk will be the variety of search
criteria available. Easy to navigate,
purchasers will have the ability to
search easily for the semen that
most fits their requirements and
according to varied criteria.
Just some of the searches that
will be immediately available
within semenstore.co.uk include:
By name; Performance figures;
breeds
SIMMENTAL SELECTED
FOR EBLEX YOUNG BULL
PROMOTION SCHEME
Omorga Volvo has
been selected by
EBLEX and the
British Simmental
Society as their
choice for this year’s
YBPS Scheme.
Volvo, has the
very desirable
combination of high
growth rates, easy
calving and high
milk figures, which
combine to give him
a Terminal Production Index of 29, Shanehill Herd 22 Ballydougan
which is in the top 5% of the Breed Road, Craigavon, Co. Armagh.
and a Self Replacing Index of 39 The Simmental Society is so pleased
which is in the top 1% of the Breed. with the quality of the bull that they
He was bred by H. J. W. & J. C. have acquired additional semen for
Moore, 115 Church Rd, Coolesker, distribution to members to maximise
Beragh, Omagh, Co. Tyrone, and the benefits and information
also has a mass of outstanding resulting from the bull’s performance
Price; Pedigree and Visual appeal. breeding behind him, to back up his recorded progeny.
Best sellers; New Arrivals; Proven EBVs including Carnkern Titan and
Sires; Royalty Sires; Special For more information visit
Offers; Company Bulls & Classified Raceview King. The bull is currently www.britishsimmental.co.uk
listings will be amongst the other owned by Barry Chambers of the
search headings.
Particular searches on performance
traits or combinations of traits
include:
Easy Calving; Gestation Length;
Muscle; Milk; Growth & Beef
Value. An interface with the
BASCO livestock database will
also allow purchasers to drill
down fully on back pedigrees and
performance information. Vendors
entering semen will also have the
choice of putting progeny pictures
on their entries and supplying
video footage of the given animal
that will be playable on the site.
Semenstore is a world wide web
based initiative and semen can be
purchased and delivered, through
automation, to any postal address
in the UK.
The initial launch of the
semenstore.co.uk website is
focussed on a strong Limousin
base. It is however very much an
aim to incorporate other breeds
or species where there is demand
and interest and the site has been
built with this required flexibility.
The Semenstore
website address is
www.semenstore.co.uk
FarmersMart Spring 2009 75
 ELLIOTTs of weardale

herefords AND holidays

jennifer mackenzie visits the elliotts of weardale
A small farm high in the Pennine
Dales of County Durham hosts many
visitors each year and is home to a
herd of pedigree Hereford cattle.
When Jan and Harry Elliott took on
Low Cornriggs Farm, Cowshill in
Weardale in 1989 the farmhouse
was home to cattle and goats.
After much refurbishment over the
years the farmhouse now offers bed
and breakfast at AA four star yellow
rating (highly recommended and in
the top 10 per cent of the rating).
And two new holiday cottages, in
their fourth season in 2009, are at
the highest rating by the English
Tourist Board for self catering
accommodation with five stars.
The 30-acre farm runs to up to
1,800ft where the Hereford cattle
graze during the summer months
– probably the highest kept Hereford
herd in the country.
The breed perfectly complements
the Elliotts’ emphasis on looking
after the environment. All the farm is Jan and Harry Elliott
in an SSSI and the North Pennines
ESA.
They invested in a stock bull, when she was a young girl in south The cows are very fertile and easy
The Elliotts ran Herefords Greenyards Ajax, the half brother Yorkshire. calving - there has been no need to
commercially until about 10 years of Greenyards Archie, the Hereford assist any calvings in six years.
“There is a big revival of interest
ago and when they re-stocked after Cattle Society’s bull of the year in
in the breed,” said Harry. “A lot The cows go to the summer grazing
2001’s foot and mouth epidemic 2007.
of people are going for Herefords a mile and a half away from the
they took the opportunity to set up
Now the Cornriggs herd numbers because of the eating qualities of the farm steading at the beginning of
a pedigree herd.
13 females, six of the Elliotts’ own meat and the marbling of the flesh May where they calve in September,
They bought the best they could breeding, and including six cows. and the fact that they are very docile weather permitting returning to the
afford, initially five heifers from to look after. farm in October.
Harry is chairman of the North
Ronald and Robert Wilson’s Cartbog
of England Hereford Breeders “Traditionally, they were bred to Animals not retained for breeding
herd near Kelso.
Association which now boasts 53 produce tallow and fat as well and are slaughtered at the local abattoir
That autumn the Elliotts had members. people think of the meat as being and then are sold to a waiting list of
planned to go to the Canadian Beef fat but today’s genetics are aimed at customers in 15kg boxes of a variety
The breed’s docility and ease of
Expo show and the Wilsons kept producing quality meat. of cuts.
handling is one of the attributes
the heifers until their return and
attracting new breeders, particularly “Our cows thrive during the summer Because of the environmental
even bulled them with Critchley
women, says Jan, who remembers on traditional meadow allotments at constraints of the farm where
Figurehead.
the predominance of the breed almost 2,000 ft above sea level.” meadows are home to important

76 FarmersMart Spring 2009


species of flora and fauna, the
Hereford herd number is now at
its optimum although it will be
developed through progressive
breeding.
While just a small number of
pedigrees have been sold for
breeding, an Ajax sired heifer made
1,500gns at the last sale in Carlisle.
There are two heifers and a bull to
be entered for the May Carlisle sale.
The Elliotts have started showing
their pedigree Herefords helped by
14 year old Richard Dent – proof of
the animals’ docility. Last year the
herd picked up a first and a third
ticket at both Penrith and Stanhope
shows in the native breeds classes.
Jan comes from a family of butchers
and bakers, so preparing what she
describes as ‘country fare’ for her
visitors is second nature.
She has won the Pie Award made
by the AA for quality breakfasts and
evening meals since 2000 and the
farmhouse, which has three en-suite
double rooms, is in the Michelin
B&B guide.
Harry is also showing his prowess
in the kitchen equalling Jan’s bronze
medal in the National Marmalade
Day held at Dalemain near Penrith
in February. Jan won her medal
in the bed and breakfast section
while Harry’s was in the Man-made
ELLIOTTs of weardale
category. Among his repertoire of
mainly sweet dishes is a Tiramisu.
The bed and breakfast business OLD STONE VETS
attractors guests year-round, 6 Skelgillside, Alston
particularly during the winter when
Cumbria, CA9 3TR
it snows as there are three ski tows
within a nine mile radius. Tel: 01434 381792
Fax: 01434 381409
Among them are people from abroad
tracing their ancestral heritage in the
dales.
When keen horsewoman Jan
decided to close her riding stables
at Low Cornriggs six years ago the
redundant building was knocked
down to provide the two purpose
built holiday cottages with wide Giving farmers educational talk on farm Scanning Alpaca’s for pregnancy The dirty end!
views across the valley.
At Old Stone Vets in Alston we provide veterinary services for all
Each cottage has three large farm animals, horses, small animals & game bird diagnostics.
bedrooms each with bathroom and
Our dedicated team of vets & nurses are constantly improving the range
shower room and full facilities for
of services we offer to all our clients. Large animal services include:
the disabled as well as lounge and
fully fitted kitchen, catering for either • Herd Health plans
weekly or short bookings. • Ultrasound scanning
Both the B&B business and the • Mobile digital x-rays
cottages have achieved a silver
• Endoscopy
award from the Green Tourism
• Foot paring service
Business Scheme for the level of
recycling carried out. • On farm educational days for clients
• Evening talks for farm, equine & small animal clients
For more information • We provide a diagnostic laboratory service on site in Alston
please call for all pheasant, partridge & game bird work.
01388 537600
www.oldstonevets.co.uk
FarmersMart Spring 2009 77
 tysons of stepney hill farm

Cutting a new niche at Stepney Hill

Chris Berry talks with the forward thinking Tysons
Location, Location, Location! It’s
not just a TV series, it’s also what
the Tysons of Stepney Hill Farm,
near Scarborough believe stands
them in good stead for the future
- especially with what they have in
mind.
John Tyson came here in 1964 and
today’s farming operation sees he
and his two sons Ashley and James
running a business where they own
60 acres and rent a further 340.
The three of them all work together
but each has their own specialist
area. John looks after the sheep,
where they are lambing mainly Texel
X ewes.
Ashley, John and James Tyson
‘The breed suits our land here. They
don’t eat their heads off and they are
easily managed.’
John is also well-known in the area
for hedge laying, mole catching and
drystone walling.
James’ specialism is contracting.
In just a short time since going into
the agricultural contracting business
he has developed a customer base
of around 35 farmers and last year
saw him making 10,000 bales. He
also plants potatoes for local grower
Jimmy Stockdale and operates a mill
and mix service during the winter.
‘Whilst dad and Ashley are lambing
I’m helping Jimmy plant potatoes.
After that we’re pretty much into
silage time. We’ve recently purchased
a Vicon baler with a 14 knife chopper
system and I really think that will
draw in even more work for us this
year. That’s because we’ve found that
sheep, cattle and calves can then get
the silage into them quicker. The
heifers and bullocks are now eating
25% more silage per day. We’ve also
invested in a straw and silage blower
that fluffs it up and that means they
also tend to be able to eat better. It
saves buying supplementary feeds
for the sheep and a lot of time as
well, enabling me to concentrate on
other jobs.’
It is often said that timing is everything
and James’ move into contracting
couldn’t have come at a better time
as another local contractor opted to
scale down his operations.
‘We picked up a few customers that
way,’ says James. ‘And we also won
a big contract wrapping bales.’
The Tysons’ commitment to their long
term future is particularly evident in
the machinery they have purchased
in recent times and they have just
taken on their second Fendt tractor
from Brockhills.
‘We’ve invested in another because
our existing Fendt has worked so well.
It’s done 13,000 hours. But I could
be out baling whilst another tractor
is needed to cut grass. This time
we’ve gone for one with increased
horsepower - a 415.’
Now you might think, what has
this all to do with location? That’s
where Ashley comes in - well all of
them actually, but this is where he
particularly comes into his own. For
a while now the Tysons have been
supplying boxed meat - firstly to
family and friends and now further
afield.
‘Our location, on the edge of
Scarborough, means that we have
75,000 people on our doorstep to
supply meat to. We started selling
lamb direct to the public two years
ago and we are currently selling lambs
and pork to Peppers Restaurant in
Scarborough. The feedback has been
brilliant and we have just had our
plans passed to put in a cutting room
and cold room.’
On the cattle side the Tysons have
normally bought around 30 calves
from local farms and at Ruswarp
Market but Ashley would like to see
that figure move up substantially to

J. M. Tyson and Sons H.M.J. & C.M. Howells,

Veterinary Surgeons
For all your: Grass Cutting,
Tedding, Raking, Round Baling and chopping, Our team of dedicated and experienced farm vets
Bale Wrapping, Flail Two Angled Topping, is pleased to provide veterinary care to
Tractor, Root Crop Trailer and Man Hire,
Power Harrowing, Ploughing, Hedge Laying,
J.M.Tyson & Son
Fencing and Stewardship Work, ELS,
HLS, Round and Conventional Bales of Hay, No call out charges to farms up to 30 miles from Easingwold.
Haylage and Straw for Sale, Fodder Beet for Sale,
Feed Mill and Mix Services.
Free Delivery Service
Contact:
James: 01723 863306, Mob: 07973 666049, Ashley: 07875 572540
Stepney Hill Farm, Stepney Road, Scarborough, YO12 5BT Telephone: 01347 823678

78 FarmersMart Spring 2009


100 calves from this year.
‘The calves we buy normally range
from between two to seven weeks
old. We get them and then feed
them on. We’ve done quite well with
them and take them right through to
between 2 and 2 ½ years old. Up
until now we’ve generally sold them
as stores but now we’re aiming to
finish the lot here.’
As well as the lambs and calves the
Tysons have also gone into pigs,
with three sows and one boar. They
generally have 30 pigs on-farm at
Ashley is married to Nicola and they have three children Kye,
Kaitlin & Isabella; James’ other half is Amy and they have a
daughter, Lola.
tysons of stepney hill farm
any one time.
‘Every one of our pigs goes direct
to our customers,’ says Ashley. ‘We
don’t buy-in any feed for them either.
They are all naturally-fed on bread,
barley and fodder beet, for sweetness
and fat.’
Having their own cutting room and
cold room is something that excites
Ashley, as he firmly believes that they
have a largely untapped market on
the doorstep.
‘We’ll still be taking our livestock
slaughter, but we’ll then get the under their feet for too long.
carcase brought back and hang it
‘I think farming is in a good position
in our own cold room for our own
at the moment. A farm has to be run
desired number of days. That’s
as a business and that’s what we’re
very important to us because our
doing here. All three of us!,’ says
customers are looking for mature
James.
meat which therefore needs hanging
as long as possible. This way we’re
more in control of what we are For more information contact
producing and the size of our cuts.’ JM Tyson & Sons
Stepney Hill Farm, Stepney Road
The Tysons are reasonably happy with
Scarborough YO12 5NL
the way their business is progressing
at present and they’re certainly not Tel: 01723 863306
just letting their own grass grow Mob: 07973 666049
TRACTORS & EQUIPMENT FOR SALE.
Ex Demonstration FENDT Tractor, Available Now.
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Special Price £3700-00 + vat 9000hrs, 50kph Available Now
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Pleased to supply & service Mr Tyson’s Fendt tractors
For further Details Please Contact: Peter Swales 07792 510204
FarmersMart Spring 2009 79
 john gatenby

Getting back to the farm

Chris Berry talks with John Gatenby about his two years as NFU YORK
EAST County Chairman
Two very wet Summers, flooding,
foot-and-mouth scares, Bluetongue.
It’s not been the smoothest of
chairmanship tenures for John
Gatenby who farms at Littlethorpe,
Rudston in the East Riding with
his wife Christine. But that’s just a
few of the things John has had to
cope with in his two year term as
York East County Chairman, which
came to a close recently.
‘It’s been an interesting learning
curve,’ he says. ‘I was very involved
in the aftermath of the flooding and
attended masses of meetings. I
think the councils now have a better
understanding of the impact on the
rural community.’
John has strong views on the recent
proposals from the Environment
Agency and how they will affect
the area. ‘East Yorkshire is being
attacked from three sides. We
have a coastal strategy of managed
retreat, a Humber strategy and John Gatenby

now a River Hull strategy. If they 600 head of cattle. So how easy
carry on like this there will only be was it to combine the running of

P. Gardham
half of Holderness left. We need his farm with the complexities of
to convince them of the value of tackling a miriad of issues he faced
food security and food production through his term with the NFU?
on some of the most valuable land
SPeCialiST in STeel FraMed aGriCulTural buildinGS in the country, but politically they
‘There have been times when
I’ve left the farm in the morning
appear very short of money for
and come back from wall-to-wall
capital projects and maintenance.’
We are pleased to support meetings at 11pm with cattle still
John’s family has farmed at to be fed. In my worst week I had
Mr John Gatenby and wish him and Littlethorpe since 1903 when his 16 meetings planned at different
his family well in the future great-grandfather, William Wilson, locations.’
came to the farm. Today’s farming
Handling a role as demanding
operation runs to 600 acres, which
We are a small family run business that has been includes 400 acres of arable and
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We have had the pleasure of working for John for a number of years and
are pleased to offer our continuing support to him and his family and
wish them all well in the future.

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Tel: 01759 303327
Fax: 01759 306305

80 FarmersMart Spring 2009

 john gatenby
chairmanship of a county NFU area
is obviously something that no-one
goes into lightly, given the lack of
numbers of workers on farms these
days. Did John feel he was prepared
well enough for what he faced?
‘I think everybody reacts to
situations in different ways. I enjoy
a challenge. I have one person
working on the farm here and a
young student. How I dealt with
things was to adopt a policy of
doing the bits I could, or the bits
I particularly enjoyed, and anything
I couldn’t do or wasn’t happy
with I would delegate to someone
else. That way everything was
always covered.’
John’s own belief is that the future
of farming is in specialisation,
and that’s how he has moved his
farming operation at Littlethorpe.
‘When I was very young we had
a bit of everything apart from
poultry. We had 2 or 3 dairy cows,
pigs, sheep and cattle, but we’ve
gradually concentrated on specialist
cereal production, letting some land
out for potatoes, and developing
our cattle business. The farming
industry is getting more and more
intensive and there isn’t really the “Home produced material values are on the up,
scope for smaller units. All of my
cattle go deadweight to an abattoir whilst everything else seems to be on the down.
in Wakefield, and I deal with them
because the abattoir manager is Thank you very much Gordon Brown.”
a very reliable person and I deal
on trust.’ instead or fade quietly into the

Robert D. Webster Ltd.

Whilst the rest of the UK economy is
on a downer at present our farming
industry is doing better than it has
for some time. John has his own
views on that too.
‘Home produced material values
are on the up, whilst everything else
seems to be on the down. Thank
you very much Gordon Brown. If
you devalue the value of currency
then imports cost more so home
production is more valuable.’
His chairmanship has taken up a
lot of his time, but will he now take
up a post on a national committee
background and concentrate wholly
back on his farm?
‘Hopefully I’ve motivated enough
people to come forward in the years
to come. We have those who have
expressed their intentions to be
involved for at least the next six
years, by which time I’ll be a bit long
in the tooth for it all. I don’t intend
taking up a position on a national
committee for the foreseeable
future. I’ve a few things that have New Holland T8000 Series New Holland T5000 Series
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FarmersMart Spring 2009 81

 BRIAN GLAVES
Always looking ahead at Brompton
Chris Berry talks with Brian Glaves
Butcher, farmer and abattoir
operator, that’s how Brian Glaves
describes himself, and he has
established a formidable reputation
in North Yorkshire since he took
over what used to be Colin Croft’s
business in Brompton-by-Sawdon in
1972.
‘I started working for this local
village butcher’s shop on a night,
after working during the day with my
father on the farm he managed. I got
the taste for butchering and in 1958
Colin gave me the opportunity to
come into the trade fully. He showed
me every little bit about butchery and
slaughtering.’
When Colin turned ill in 1968 Brian
had his first experience of buying
beasts at Seamer Market.
‘Colin told me to remember that
‘when you get ‘em bought we want
some profit’.
In 1972 Brian bought the business for
£6,000, but when he took just three
shillings on his first day he wondered
whether he and his wife Doreen had
82 FarmersMart Spring 2009
done the right thing.
Brian Glaves
‘We were well looked after by people
like Paddy Wrightson auctioneering
at Seamer, and we had a very good
bank manager, but up until Christmas
I thought we were going to go under.
The week before Christmas we worked
our insides out and banked £1000.
That was our real beginning.’
Brian and Doreen decided to alter
the shop front, which had previously
been a barn with 2 doors, and give it
a shop window.
‘We knocked it about and then came
the big decision in 1979. We had to
either close the abattoir or develop it.’
If that wasn’t a big enough investment
then the next move was the one that
really showed Brian’s intent.
‘All around us were farm buildings and wondered why we didn’t make farmhouse was worth more than the
that belonged to the Duchy of it bigger.’ rest completely.
Lancaster. They were derelict and I
had made approaches to the Duchy, The upshot was that wheels began ‘It was our first real stroke of luck
turning and Brian and Doreen and from there on we were able to
but to no avail. Then one day Sir Paul
ended up buying the land, plus the redevelop the site as we wanted. We
Bryan, the MP for Howden, who had
4-bedroomed house next door for borrowed another large amount and
a property in the area came in the
£75,000. Within 6 months the built a brand new slaughter area,
shop and said how busy we were,
Brian Spence
Albion Promotional
Products
13 Bishop Way, Pateley Bridge, Harrogate,
North Yorkshire, HG3 5LH
Telephone/Fax: 01423 711 614 Mobile: 07813 889 029
Email: albion.bp@virgin.net
Websites: www.albion.bp.4calenders.co.uk
www.albion.bp.cals4you.co.uk
Wall Calendars, Desk Calendars, Diaries, Pens, Desk Pads,
Memo Holders, “T” Shirts, Caps, Mouse Mats, Mugs,
Christmas Cards, Key Rings, Clocks, Calculators, Logo Bugs,
Coasters, Golf Balls, Folders, Golf Towels, Planners.
PATRICK FOXTON
FARMER & LIVESTOCK HAULIERS
North Farm, Silpho, Scarborough,
North Yorkshire, YO13 0JP
Tel: 01723 882 234
Mob: 07798 627 815
We are delighted to be of service to Brian Glaves
and wish him continued success
 BRIAN GLAVES
boning room and lairage all to full
EEC specification.’ Customers at Brian Glaves’ shop

The Glaves’ business today

incorporates a lot of hotel and pub
business, but they have also expanded
their retail side, upgrading the shop,
including a bakery alongside the beef,
lamb, pork and fresh daily pies. They
have a thriving breakfast business
too and also sell beef sandwiches
and soup on a lunchtime.
They also run two smallholdings,
which both Brian and Doreen’s sons
manage.
‘James, as well as being in charge,
runs a pedigree Angus herd and
Anthony runs the sheep side of our
operation which includes pedigree
Texels, Suffolks, Leicester Longwool
and South Downs as well as the
commercials that come through the
business.’
Brian was a very big livestock market pigs and 15-20 cattle. We also look Always one to look at where his who controls the abattoir has been
supporter until 1996 when BSE and after a local butcher or two and local business is coming from Brian speaks with me 28 years and David Harrison
then subsequently FMD hit farming, farmers.’ of the 30-48 month old market as ‘Harry’ 27 years. They and the rest of
but he has been back at markets in being his next target. the team are very much all part and
Brian is also now one of the most
the last 18 months. He buys from parcel of the business.’
prominent names in the stock ‘It’s a possible opportunity for us. I am
Ruswarp and Malton as well as buying judging world. He recently completed in negotiation in acquiring a special
a lot of cattle from local farmers. his stint as President of the Royal licence to slaughter 30-48 month BW & DJ Glaves
‘We get 90% of our pigs direct from Smithfield Club and has strong views old cattle. You’ve got to keep looking 37 Cayley Lane
farms, nearly 90% of the sheep that on its future. ahead and that’s what Doreen and I Brompton, YO13 9DL
go through the business now come have always done. I’m very fortunate Mob: 07968 155320
‘I knew it wasn’t going to work at
from our own flock, as do 50% of the that Doreen has always given me her Tel: 01723 859523
the Bath & West. You can’t get the
cattle. Our throughput in the abattoir full backing no matter what. We have
Scottish boys to go there. I thought
is now 70-80 lambs a week, 25 a great team here too. Andy Lakin,
Harrogate was and is ideal for it.’

FarmersMart Spring 2009 83

 leanne skelton of halifax
Leanne leaps towards self-sufficiency
ben gallon visits leanne skelton of halifax
We arrived at Nunnery Farm via a
winding, meandering country road,
surrounded by miles of rising and
falling Yorkshire countryside. The
rolling hills came into view after a
mountainous rise up road, and we
were surprised to enter such silent
isolation so soon after leaving the
heady commotion of Halifax town
centre.
We were met by Leanne Skelton
and her five gorgeous dogs, three of
which are registered therapy dogs,
and were invited into her marvellous
abode for a coffee and a chat about
her farm and the many merits of self-
sufficiency.
“Without a doubt, the best decision I
have made is to become completely
self-sufficient,” She says, “Everybody
should try it. To sit down and eat a
Sunday roast knowing that you’ve
had a hand in producing everything
on that plate is a great feeling. You
know where everything has come
from and just how organic and fresh
it all is.”
Leanne makes no secret of her
opinions on sourcing from local
produce. As far as she’s concerned,
it’s the only way. A stress free life
for the animals, fed on healthy
organic diets is ultimately going to
be reflected in the taste. And it’s a
All Keep Penning (Yorkshire) Ltd


Leanne Skelton
conviction she is all set to carry into
her new responsibility as secretary for
the Halifax show, so for all who are
set to visit, be prepared to witness a
thriving Farmers market.
Leanne specializes in rare breeds,
as she is “passionate about saving
them and by eating the produce of
rare breeds, the continued existence
of the United Kingdom’s native farm
animals can be secured.”
For Leanne it has been an interesting
journey to get to this point. Mrs
Skelton only became a small-scale
farmer when she moved to Wainstalls
with her husband Robin who is a
lawyer and business partner in Leeds.
Leanne had no experience on a farm
growing up in the hectic municipal of
Salford, having previously worked in
a Manchester office.
The Skelton’s live in a terrific farm
house, with majestic views and nearly
four acres of land to house their many
farm animals. A giant barn sits at the
side of their home and is prime for
any renovation work the pair may
have in mind for the future.
When they arrived Mrs Skelton had
no farm animals but soon started out
with a few chicks and geese. Not
long after, she was at the mercy of
her farming neighbours when the
geese escaped – flying off into a
nearby stream where they remained
until reluctantly recaptured. Trudging
back up home with bird in hand, her

arm was black and blue from the
vehement beak of the goose.
Not that this halted Leanne’s feel
for farm life, soon after this she
purchased two pigs at 8 weeks old,
keeping them until 26 weeks and
then replacing them with 4 more.
From then on, Leanne began focusing
on the pigs, the supply of high quality
pork being a major aspect of her
farming life.
Leanne then bought 3 lambs from
a farmer in nearby Hebden Bridge
and though originally intended to be
sold for meat, Leanne had trouble
raising the lambs, and they would
often break into the house to sleep.
The lambs won over Leanne’s heart
and are now kept strictly as pets. The
next additions were more chickens,
ducks and an outside vegetable
patch, paving the way for complete
self-sufficiency. Leanne then
completed her farmyard collection
with the acquisition of two beautiful
highland cattle which she began to
 

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84 FarmersMart Spring 2009


show at local events. In the name of
advancement, Leanne now has 11
highlands based at a friend’s farm
in Luddenden, the first cow having
been killed off for beef. One of her
highland’s is currently at a farm in
Chester with a carefully selected bull
for breeding, and will return to the fold
in early spring with the calf hopefully
being born early next year. Leanne
was pleasantly surprised last August
with the birth of the first Nunnery
Farm heifer calf “Ceidith Ruadh” of
Nunnery (Red Kate of Nunnery).
None of the animals have their teeth
clipped or tails docked, there are no
castration for the boars, no nose
rings or artificial growth promoters.
Leanne uses a small local family run
abattoir just 8 miles away, which she
knows will treat her animals with
respect.
The Highland cattle enabled Leanne
to begin selling high quality beef
alongside rare breed lamb and rare
breed pork and since this, business
has gone from strength to strength,
with Mrs Skelton building up a
prestigious list of local restaurants
and café’s she supplies too. Amongst
others, Leanne does business with
The Rock, Mill Bank, White Heart,
The Old Hall at Todmorden, Moyles in
Hebden Bridge, many of her farming
neighbours, and to any person who
wishes to pay the Skelton’s a visit,
Stanforths Butchers ltd
Ccm quality foods - Profressional butchery service
Have your own stock butchered to your specific
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Tel: 01756 692909
Fax: 01756 692908
E-Mail: ccmqf@fsmail.net
www.ccmauctions.com
often in the form of the customers of
the local country pub.
Since Leanne started farming she
began to visit many of the shows
that are held throughout the farming
community, showing her animals
and sometimes picking up awards.
Alongside her dogs’ victories at
Crufts, Leanne and her cows have
come home with the best yearling
at Honley, 1st cow and calf at
Westmorland and many more
number ones throughout the district.
Leanne is a member of both the
Highland Cattle Breeders Club and
the Highland Cattle Society.
Leanne is rightfully proud of her
progress over such a short period of
time, and is full of ideas and optimism
for the future. She has began the
process of starting up a website
which will run alongside the leaflets
she has had printed, advertising the
fantastic ranges of meat that Nunnery
Farm has to offer. Leanne will soon
be offering a range of hand picked
hampers that appeal to all tastes
and next Christmas will be selling
Christmas geese, boxed, with a recipe
card and a selection of fresh herbs.
Furthermore, she is delighted with
her role as secretary for the Halifax
show which surely will integrate her
further into the agricultural world and
raise her farming credentials.
harold woolgar
Upsurge in Farm
Equipment Thefts
says Broker
Insurance broker Harold Woolgar
has urged farmers to be extra
vigilant with their heavy plant and
equipment, and also road and farm
vehicles after an upsurge in thefts
in the Yorkshire and Lincolnshire
areas. His business is based at
Epworth near Doncaster.
In the last three months, a total
of seven Land-Rovers, and six
pieces of equipment, such as
Teleporters and tractors, have
been stolen from his clients. Many
of the vehicles were virtually new
and the total value of stolen items
has now reached £278,000.
The area targeted stretches from
Lincolnshire to South Yorkshire
and across into Derbyshire.
Mr Woolgar, of Harold Woolgar
Farm Insurance and a Director of
FarmWeb, the network of specialist
agricultural brokers, is urging all
farmers to not only ensure vehicles
are locked, but where possible,
store them out of sight and look
at installing tracker devices and
digital CCTV equipment.
His warnings come only days
after more than £200,000 worth
of tractors and plant vehicles
were recovered in Poland after a
joint operation with the Kent and
Polish police. Last year the cost
to farmers of machinery theft was
about £17.8m in England, up on
£12.6m the previous year.*
Mr Woolgar continued: ““In many
ways farmers are an easy target as
their premises are often isolated and
they do have expensive equipment
which it’s not always possible to
store out of sight. However, gone
are the days of relying on the farm
dog to raise the alarm, I think we
are getting to a point where free
access to farm yards should now
be via a substantial electronically
controlled barrier or by using a
security code.”
“In the last few weeks, the
amount of equipment taken over
a relatively short space of time is
unprecedented,” said Mr Woolgar.
“It isn’t opportunist crime. I have
cases where the thieves haven’t
broken into the vehicle and driven
it away, but have come prepared
with their own vehicles with
specialist lifting equipment. They
have then simply loaded it up and
driven off in a matter of moments.
I believe it’s highly likely that these
are organised and efficient gangs
who are relentlessly targeting
farmers. We often see the number
of thefts rise at this time of year,
but in my 40 years’ experience in
agricultural insurance, it has never
been as widespread as this.”
Mr Woolgar’s has an extensive
knowledge of the industry with
his clients ranging from arable
to livestock farmers and many
diversified businesses, and
across Yorkshire, Lincolnshire,
Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire.
The family business is run by
Mr Woolgar, his wife Win and
son, Philip.
For more information call
01427 873399
FarmersMart Spring 2009 85
 PROPERTY
New team same values at Malton
Chris Berry talks with land, property & auctioneering specialists, Cundalls
Building a reputation is one thing,
but maintaining it over a long
period is quite another. Malton-
based Cundalls are less than a
year from celebrating their 150th
anniversary and their reputation
seems as strong as ever.
Land agents, estate agents,
farm consultants, auctioneers -
their breadth of knowledge and
experience is what many farmers in
North Yorkshire and some parts of
the East Riding have come to rely on
over the years, and the way in which
they have geared up for the future
look all set to see them maintaining
their reputation.
Peter Elwess has recently taken
on the role of Senior Partner, from
Peter Woodall, who has retired from
his day-to-day position with the
company. Peter (Elwess) is keen to
stress the important and significant
role that Peter (Woodall) and Harry
Dimmey, who has also retired, have
made to the business and how their
successors will benefit from the
legacy of their predecessors.
‘Both Peter and Harry will continue
to serve an important role to our
very family-oriented business as
consultants alongside John Cundall.
The contribution of all three of these
wonderful and extremely committed
colleagues cannot be underestimated
and I am delighted that they are all
still to be involved in the on-going
success of the business.’
Peter Elwess and Stephen Edwards,
both existing partners in the
business, have now been joined
in partnership by four new equity
Cundalls - Malton Livestock Market
86 FarmersMart Spring 2009
Peter Woodall, still involved with Cundalls
partners. Although all four have been
with Cundalls and in the profession
for some years Peter believes that
their vitality will stand Cundalls in
good stead for many years to come.
‘It’s really quite an exciting time,
despite the current economic
climate, to be able to encourage
the generations that are younger
than myself and Stephen. Our four
new partners, Alan Tate-Smith,
Keith Warters, Tom Watson and
Andrew Wood, are all vibrant,
highly focused professionals who
wholly understand not only our
business, but most importantly our
customers. They have embraced
today’s technology in such a way
that they have brought the business
firmly into the 21st century whilst
also not forgetting that the crucial
element is always in talking with our
farmer customers and residential
clients and understanding their
needs. Technology does help, but
it is thinking and talking time with
customers that really counts.’
Malton Livestock Market remains
at the heart of Cundalls agricultural
roots and continues to provide a
highly visible shop window to all
of the services the company offers.
Two of the new partners, Keith
Warters and Alan Tate Smith, are the
principal auctioneers and agricultural
advisors in the market selling cattle
and sheep twice weekly in the town
centre market.
Alan feels that the current prices at
market have created a very positive
feeling presently. ‘In recent months
livestock prices and throughput have
both shown a marked improvement
and that has brought about
increased confidence in the market’s
long term future. There are on-going
concerns over where the livestock
market will eventually be situated,
but for the moment the prices and
throughput numbers are particularly
encouraging.’
Tom Watson’s role is largely on
the agricultural and rural agency
side of the business. He looks
after everything from small parcels
of land to smallholdings, right the
way through to farms and estates,
as well as valuations, planning and
compensation matters. Tom covers
the current rural land and property
market position on the facing page.
Each of the four new partners are
certainly not new to the business.
They have all been brought up in
the local area and combine over 40
years of experience between them.
Peter Elwess is responsible
for heading up the agricultural
management of the business and
all the agricultural partners, are
chartered surveyors, involved in
professional work, including agency,
valuations, tenancy negotiations,
farming agreements, planning and
diversification and compensation
claims with the firm currently acting
for the majority of effected farmers
on a large Yorkshire Water pipeline
claim near the east coast.
Andrew Wood is responsible for the
residential sales and lettings, with
Stephen Edwards who completes the
bank valuations and development
advice. Cundalls, in common with
all other residential estate agents,
have seen just how the market has
changed in the past year.
‘Last year was very difficult,’ says
Stephen. ‘The residential market
disappeared in the final quarter. Up
until two-thirds of the way through
2008 we were holding our own
pretty well. Then the change came.
It is still difficult, as everyone knows,
but we are attracting a healthy
number of properties nonetheless
and properties are starting to move
were vendors are being realistic.’
Cundalls’ involvement in the farming
community goes much deeper than
most farm-related businesses, with
Peter Woodall and Alan Tate Smith
managing the always-impressive
Ryedale Show, and Stephen
Edwards being Chairman of the
Driffield Agricultural Society which
organize the Driffield Show.
Peter Elwess believes that the new
partners, alongside himself and
Stephen, and with the benefit of
Peter (Woodall), Harry and John
still being on-hand when needed,
will assure the long-term future of
Cundalls in the area. ‘I started here
back in 1973. We have always held
on firm to the belief that it is the
people we work on behalf of who
matter the most, no matter whether
we are conducting our famous
Fadmoor sheep sales, advising on
any property and land matter or
working in the livestock market. We
are looking forward to celebrating
our 150th anniversary next year,
but whilst we will be looking back
with affection, we are certainly
well-placed to continue serving our
customers for many years to come.’

farmland review
The 2008 land market finished on a
very positive note, despite a conflict
of opinion on where land prices
were heading for 2009, with some
national statistics showing land
prices beginning to fall.
However despite these concerns,
in December, Cundalls successfully
sold four parcels of bare land and
all achieving in excess of the guide
price, with one example making a
premium of over 25%. I have also
been involved in purchasing land for
retained clients in the Vale of York
and Yorkshire Wolds and on two
occasions have failed to purchase
despite going to figures approaching
and indeed over £7,000/acre.
To date 2009 has continued to start
were 2008 finished and a substantial
block of Wolds land, reputedly
achieved in excess of the £6,500
EAST KNAPTON, MALTON
– 6.4 ACRES
CONVIENTLY LOCATED
SMALLHOLDING WITH
DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL
• South Facing, 5 Bedroom
Farmhouse, currently providing Bed
and Breakfast Accommodation
• 6.42 Acres of grass paddocks,
and woodland shelter belt
• E xtensive range of Traditional
Farmbuildings, with
development potential.
• Conveniently located between
York and Scarborough
GUIDE PRICE: £495,000
Joint Selling Agents: Lister Haigh,
Knaresborough Tel: 01423 860 513
15 Market Place, Malton, North Yorkshire YO17 7LP T: 01653 697820 F: 01653 698305 E: malton@cundalls.co.uk
40 Burgate, Pickering, North Yorkshire YO18 7AU T: 01751 472766 F: 01751 472992 E: pickering@cundalls.co.uk
10 Gillygate, York YO31 7EQ T: 01904 626705 F: 01904 673301 E: york@cundalls.co.uk
www.cundalls.co.uk
guide price. We have yet to see any
commercial farms on the market,
however I anticipate a shortage,
which should result in strong prices
for those who do decide to sell.
It was very noticeable during 2008,
that demand for properties falling
between the smallholding and
commercial farms category has been
much slower, as developers and
lifestyle buyers are less prominent.
This worrying trend and general lack
of confidence within the economy
resulted in a number of farms falling
through on more than one occasion
and deals are taking much longer to
finalise.
However despite the continued
economic fears, since the New Year,
with interest rates now at a record
low of 1% and falling returns in the
money market, I know of a number
BURYTHORPE, MALTON
– 12.8 ACRES
PERIOD FARMHOUSE
SITUATED IN 12.82
ACRES OF LAND
• Period 4 Bedroom Farmhouse
in Mature Grounds
• Approximately 12.8 acres
of Arable and Grassland
• Beautiful Rural Location
GUIDE PRICE: £665,000
by tom watson
of investment buyers who have
substantial cash funds available
and see farms and land as a safe
investment.
I believe that 2009 will be a very
important year for the UK agricultural
industry and land market and it will
be interesting to see if prices stabilise,
fall or increase. This will clearly
depend on what the full effects of the
recession have on the economy, if this
will affect the industry and hopefully
if livestock prices remain high and
arable commodity prices improve,
this could further increase confidence
in the agricultural community.
Overall, despite reassuringly strong
sales of bare land, there is still no
doubt that vendors in all property
markets are wise to remain realistic,
but good farms and land in a good
area will still make a good price.
WHITBY, NORTH YORKSHIRE
– 55 ACRES
AN OUTSTANDING
RESIDENTIAL AND SPORTING
ESTATE IN THE ESK VALLEY
• Privately situated, elegant, 5
bedroom Georgian house
• Landscaped gardens and grounds.
• Traditional stone courtyard with
two holiday cottages, and planning
consent for a leisure suite/health
spa and third cottage.
• 3/4 mile of productive Salmon
and Sea Trout fishing on the
renowned River Esk.
•Productive grassland and woodland,
with an abundance of wildlife.
IN ALL APPROX. 53 ACRES
PROPERTY
If you are considering selling in 2009,
then early sale planning is essential
during the spring months to allow
for accurate and quality details to be
produced and to gather all relevant
details to hopefully enable a hassle-
free sale, please contact the Cundalls
team for a confidential marketing
appraisal.
Article by Tom Watson MRICS FAAV
Partner, Cundalls
Tel: 07931520677
Email: tom.watson@cundalls.co.uk
NEAR DRIFIELD, EAST
YORKSHIRE – 190 ACRES
ARABLE FARM WITH
ACCOMODATION FACILITIES
IN TRADITIONAL BUILDINGS
• Period 4 Bedroom Farmhouse
• E xternally Completed Traditional
Barns with Planning for Visitor
Facilities and Accommodation.
• E xtensive Range of Modern
Farm buildings
• 185 Acres of Arable and Grassland
and Newly Planted Woodland
• Equestrian Facilities
• Trout Pond
FOR SALE AS A WHOLE
OR IN TWO LOTS
FarmersMart Spring 2009 87
 competition

KIDS CORNER
Competition winners will receive a
case I H Puma 210 and a New Holland T7060
Tractor manufactured by Britain’s. LAST issue’s solution
S W A T H E N O T O I D
For your chance to win complete the crossword below and send to:
Christian Gallon, The Farmers Mart, A R O Z T R A C T O R R
Office 1, 40 Stockhill Road, Greengates, Bradford BD10 9AX
P A E R B L E F E T D E

Across Down S R Y S R M C A M B T L
3. A Cat Says… 1. A Duck Says…
5. A Pig Says… 2. A Sheep Says… R P M L J A P T O A U I
7. A Chick Says… 3. A Cow Says… 1
4. A Dog Says… E T R B D L H T W L I O
6. A Horse Says…
G L S A O P M R E E N S
2 G B K U Y O S A R R C B

3 4 I P G Y L E N C H L F U

5 6 D H R R E L R O S B U S

X S U B S P O I L E R G

O Q R O T A V A C X E Q

Congratulations to Harry Fenwick of Eastholme Farm at

Barnard Castle who won last month’s Kids Corner

£50 M&S VOUCHER

Competition
Well done to Gemma Newby at Low Bohemia Farm at
York. The answers to the last competition were:
1. Longhorn Cattle
2. 1894
3. 16th February

For a chance to win £50 M&S vouchers answer the

following questions
1. How many years have Robert Taylor been trading?
2. Which show is Farmersmart sponsoring this year?
3. Which family could you pick up a rosette from?

Send all answers to:

The Farmers Mart Competition
Unit 1, 40 Stockhill Road
Greengates, Bradford BD10 9AX
Or e-mail simone@farmers-mart.co.uk

88 FarmersMart Spring 2009

 MACHINERY

Big Day at Rosedale Abbey

Chris Berry visits Moorland ATV Open Day

One of North Yorkshire’s leading Based on strong family values Ben parts we stock, from a wide range Watch out for more news about
ATV companies, Moorland ATV in sells new and used quad bikes of manufacturers. We also have a Moorland ATV in future issues.
Rosedale Abbey, North York Moors including Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki highly skilled and efficient service
held their annual open day at the and Yamaha. team so that no ATV is out of action
end of February. Proprietor Ben any longer than necessary.’ For more information contact
Hebron was on hand, along with ‘All of our quad bikes are of the
MOORLAND ATV
the rest of the team to demonstrate highest standard and suitable for On the day well over 100 customers
Ben Hebron, Rosedale Abbey
the latest machines. use by all ages depending on the attended and Ben reports that trade
Pickering
make, model and size. Our main is looking good for 2009.
This was also a first time for many North Yorkshire YO18 8SD
franchises are with Polaris, Yamaha
to take a closer look around the new ‘We have already started the year
and Apache. One of the main things Tel: 01751 417417
premises that were built in 2008. well and, even though the news
our farmers really appreciate is the Email: info@moorlandatv.co.uk
Having moved from the outskirts of always looks bleak at the moment
amount of new and used spare
Pickering back closer to the family in the media, we cannot complain.’
home, and next to The Coach House
pub in the village, also owned by
Ben’s father Howard Hebron, Ben’s
business has gone from strength to
strength.
‘It was the best move we could
have made,’ says Ben. ‘We are now
right in the farming heartland of the
people we serve. The business has
grown massively since we came
here and it was great to see so many
people at our open day. ATVs have
become an essential element of
farming in the past two decades and
we are fortunate to stock some of
the leading models.’

FarmersMart Spring 2009 89

 CONTRACTORS GUIDE SPRING 2009
ANDREW FRIZELL
AGRICULTURAL CONTRACTOR
$PWFSJOH
BMM
BSFBT
PG
/PSUI

&BTU
:PSLTIJSF
1BVM+3PF
HESSTON SQUARE BALING A L L M A I Z E O P E R AT I O N S
F R O M S E E D TO C L A M P
SILAGE * WHOLECROP * REVERSIBLE PLOUGHING “MINI”, “MIDI”, or “BIG”
LIME SPREADING * HEDGE CUTTING * DIGGER WORK ) *( )
$ " 1"$ * 5 :
. 6 $ ,
413 & " %* /(
Covering all areas of
UMBILICAL SLURRY SPREADING * SLURRY INJECTING
) & 4 450/
4 26" 3 &
#" - * /(
N o r t h & E a s t Yo r k s h i r e
MAIZE DRILLING * HARVESTING GRASS TEDDING
i. * / *u
i. * %*u
PS
i#*(u
ALL GENERAL CONTRACTING WORK
( 3 "4 4AND

5 & %%*RAKING
TEL:
Tel 01228 791 545 or 07778 413 040 /(
" / %
3 " , * /(
01347 811 140
BEECHWOOD ON LYNE, LONGTOWN, CARLISLE, CA6 5TS 07831 335 697

GEORGE DOUGL A S
SLURRY INJECTION
FORAGE WAGON
MOWING -- ROWING UP
PLOUGHING -- COMBINATION DRILLING
MUCK SPREADING
TEL: 07860 488 327
HARTSIDE GARDEN VILLAGE, NEWBY WEST, CARLISLE, CA2 6QU

M. HARPER CONTRACTORS
Umbilical slurry spreading
12 metre spreading on grass to stubble
Thomas Dirom
24 metre tramline spreading on growing crops Agricultural Contractor
3 metre grass land injection Bobcat Hire with Driver • Tractor & Dump Trailer
Large Rear Discharge Muck Spreader • Ploughing, Combination Drilling
Slurry stirring, engine driven pumps up to 3000 metres of pipe
Forage Wagon Silaging • 230hp Tractor Hire with Driver
FORAGE HARVESTING
Grass whole crop and maize harvesting, whole or part operation
Quality work guaranteed!
Competitive rates call MARK on 0777 865 6705 Tel: Tom on 07787 565298

If you would like to be included in our Summer 2009 Guide please contact Grahame Kraft on 01757 229 630

90 FarmersMart Spring 2009

 ww fo
r
w. more
ed
wa infor
rd mat
str ion
ail
er visit
s.c
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k

Moor Lane, Full Sutton, York, YO41 1HX

Tel: 01759 373062 / 01759 368563 (evening)
Fax: 01759 372929
Web: www.edwardstrailers.co.uk