Western Morning News, The

Sheep Worm Numbers Soar

Sheep farmers in the Westcountry are this week being warned to be on their guard following reports of losses due to the high levels of worms this autumn. The advice comes from the industry-run organisation SCOPS (Sustainable Control Of Parasites). It concerns both the black scour worm (Trichostrongylus) and, more importantly, Haemonchus contortus, known as Barbers Pole worm.

Porcine Parade at Smithfield

Pigs will play their part at next month's new Royal Smithfield Christmas Fair, being held at the Royal Bath & West of England Showground at Shepton Mallet. Featuring 12 different breeds, the pigs will be paraded three times a day with an informative commentary extolling the virtues and uses of the breed. The British Pig Association will be manning a stand. And the popular Ladies in Pigs will also be there, promoting British Pork and pig products, including cooking with pork and pork sampling.

New Disease Service Utilises Milk Samples

A national disease-testing service for infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR), bovine virus diarrohea (BVD) and leptospirosis, using bulk milk samples, has been introduced by National Milk Records. It is called Healthcheck. For many producers the milk samples used for these tests, can be drawn off those already collected as part of the payment testing scheme run by NMR's company National Milk Laboratory.

Probe Into Beetle Spray for Osr

An on-going Home Grown Cereals Authority study is investigating the thresholds for cabbage stem flea beetle in winter oilseed rape, to ensure that early decisions on control can be made where necessary. "Reliable detection of cabbage stem flea beetle in time for an application of a pyrethoid spray with a herbicide or fungicide will enable cost-effective control of an economically-damaging pest - and can reduce the need for unnecessary insecticide applications," said David Green of ADAS, who i...

Worldwide Entry for Rural Leadership

Participants came from as far away as Australia to take part in a Westcountry course designed to inspire tomorrow's leaders in the rural industries. The Challenge of Rural Leadership is a course now in its 11th year which has built up an impressive international reputation. Run by the Rural Business School (part of Duchy College) in partnership with Plymouth University, it is sponsored by the Worshipful Company of Farmers. Richard Soffe, course director, explained: "We're looking at things li...

2006 Wheat Quality Is Best for Three Years

The final 2006 Home Grown Cereals Authority cereals quality survey results for 2006 confirm an improvement in quality over recent seasons. Average Hagberg and protein content are higher than last year, with specific weight slightly down and moisture content very similar.

Genetic Bank to Foster Diversity

A plan to conserve the genetic material of the country's farmed animals was launched last week. The plan makes recommendations to the industry and Government on how to improve and maintain the diversity of our livestock's genetic material in the future.

Leading Red Ruby Herd Hosts Visitors

More than 60 members of the Devon Cattle Breeders' Society gathered at Bollowal Farm, St Just-in-Penwith to view Jeff Thomas' prize-winning herd of Red Ruby Devon cattle. This was the second year running that the Bollowal Herd won the DCBS Herd Competition.

Support for Mdc's Milk Health Campaign

Within days of warnings from one supermarket chief that the dairy industry was in danger of become unviable, another chain announced support and funds to promote the health benefits of British milk. Last week Sir Stuart Hampson, chairman of the John Lewis Group which owns Waitrose, revealed that results of a survey he conducted showed Britain might have to be importing milk as early as 2011 if the number of producer numbers within the sector went on shrinking. He conducted the survey as par...

Hidden Costs of Second-Hand Parlours

Dairy farmers considering installing a second-hand milking parlour in a bid to save money could end up spending the same or more than a new parlour would cost them if they do not do cost comparisons. The warning comes from parlour manufacturer Fullwood, whose Chris Stevens said that although it might be tempting for producers to consider a second-hand parlour at present - given the number of farmers leaving the industry - a key problem was the hidden costs of adapting a pre-owned parlour int...

Scheme Wins Major Award for Francis

A cornish farmer's son, Francis Clarke, became the Scholar of the Year for 2006 following his presentation to the Dairy Crest/NFU Scholarship Fund judging panel at Davidstow Creamery last week. He received a cheque for pounds2,500 and a bronze cow trophy.

Stock Rearing Exmoor Idyll

A BEAUTIFULLY-situated farm on the edge of Exmoor and overlooking the Watersmeet Valley, Wilsham Farm is on the books of Jackson Stops & Staff and Knight Frank. The guide price is pounds1,450,000. The 80-acre holding, near Lynton in North Devon, comprises a magnificent farmhouse with indoor swimming pool, a cottage, extensive farm buildings and grass fields served by shelters.