Farmer Focus: The government has given us a tax kicking

Time has flown since my last article, and I want to say a massive thanks to everyone who took the time to send messages in support of what I said about the use of a tractor passenger seat for children. 

Funnily enough, I think our glorious leaders might have more important things to deal with from the farming community in the short term.

I’m never one to be backward about voicing my opinion, but I find it incredulous that we’ve had such a massive kicking from this so-called government with inheritance tax.

At what point do we say enough is enough?  

See also: What to consider in light of planned Budget IHT relief cut

About the author

Colin Murdoch

Ayrshire farmer and zero grazer Colin Murdoch switched from Holsteins to milking 225 Jerseys in 2019. The 182ha farm grows 40ha of winter and spring barley for a total mixed ration and parlour fed system supplying Graham’s Family Dairy.

Read more articles by Colin Murdoch

Our weather through September and October improved. Reseeds, winter barley and winter wheat were all drilled in near-perfect conditions and are all up through and looking well.

This time last year I was writing the same thing, so maybe I should have a go at growing maize! 

Everything has had 30 units of phosphorus and potassium this time. Last year, I relied on muck and slurry, but I think establishment suffered slightly.

Every year is different though, and it’s a long way till harvest.

Cows are now fully on their winter ration – zero grazing stopped at the end of October.

I’d have liked to have got another 6ha (15 acres) cut, but I thought yields were suffering too much as dry matter fell.

We’ve seen a marked increase in feed intakes in the past week and yields are increasing, albeit with an extra 1.5kg of crimped wheat in the diet.

Butterfat is touching 6.8% and protein is 4.6%. If I could get yields up to 25 litres with those solids, I’d be delighted.

Youngstock, apart from beef crosses, all remain outside. It has been mild, and even though our sheds are ventilated, I am wary of pneumonia.

We’ll work away over the next week or two, clipping and dosing each batch as they come in.

By the time this article is published, we could see the return of an iconic figure to our screens. Not many can say they’ve had tea with the Queen and been up in court too!

I’m fair looking forward to seeing the new Paddington film. (You didn’t think I meant Trump, did you?)