SUMMARY
SUMMARY
Bid to lower EU grain price sees levy lifted
Import levies on Black Sea and Baltic grains are to be removed by Brussels in a bid to lower cereal prices. UK markets are unlikely to be directly affected, but demand from some traditional buyers could be hit………….p22
Lamb struggling
Lamb prices are floundering again threatening the already struggling sheep industry. But one supermarket reckons prices could start to rise again soon, although the MLC is not so sure…………………………..p23
Why diversify?
Diversification on Scottish farms is making a negligible contribution to incomes, says one bank. Non-farming income is averaging about £8400, but most of that comes from off-farm activities………………..p24
Grow, link or leave
Farmers must get larger, join forces or leave the industry altogether, says one accountancy firm. Incomes are predicted to rise slightly, but further rationalisation is on the cards for those who fail to adapt…….p26
Allo allo from Normandy
A new Management Matters farmer has joined the team, and there will be plenty of cross-channel insights to look forward to – John Lee runs a pig and milk operation in the heart of Normandy, north-west France……………………p27
Sraw shooting up
Straw prices are far higher than last year and could rise even more on the back of the disappointing harvest, predicts the Hay and Straw Merchants Association. F&M has also helped to eat up stocks on many farms……………………p32