This Week in Farming: Bluetongue, cattle numbers and kit

Welcome back to another edition of This Week in Farming, your regular round-up of the best content from Farmers Weekly over the past seven days.

But first, a warning – it’s not all good news…

A less than rosy picture was painted by prime minister Sir Keir Starmer when he addressed the media in the Downing Street garden on Tuesday, promising tough times ahead.

What this might mean for Defra spending is considered in this week’s editorial leader from editor Andrew Meredith.

And in other news…

Animal disease

The threat of bluetongue reaching these shores from the Continent finally became reality last weekend with the first case of this notifiable disease confirmed on a mixed holding in Norfolk.

Evidence suggests this was related to a plume of midges that crossed the North Sea on 11 August, with the industry fearing a possible “explosion” of cases as the warm weather continues.

Further cases were duly confirmed on Thursday (29 August), and the industry remains on high alert.

The fallout from the controversial Brian May TV documentary on how Gatcombe Farm tackled bovine TB without killing badgers rumbled on.

Industry reaction focused on the programme’s lack of balance, prompting the AHDB to lodge a formal complaint against the BBC. Vets and scientists also set out their reasons for thinking the programme was inaccurate. 

Wild animals

Badgers were not the only wild animals to attract attention in the farming media this week.

With wild deer numbers rising inexorably, our Wales correspondent Debbie James took a detailed look at how numbers might be better controlled. 

And while deer numbers may be a concern for some, repopulation of our waterways with beavers is a priority for others. A new report from The Wildlife Trusts set out all the reasons for widespread beaver releases, though farm groups are more circumspect. 

But back to badgers again and worrying news (for farmers) – the government has decided not to proceed with “targeted” badger culling in hotspot areas, as proposed by the previous administration. 

Harvest update

This year’s cereal harvest may be wrapping up in the south, but continues as a stop-start affair in Scotland where persistent rain and the occasional storm have dampened enthusiasm for this year’s crop prospects. 

The wet season has also raised the threat of ergot across the country, though this advice piece from deputy arable editor Emma Gillbard offers some useful pointers.  

Oilseed rape yields have disappointed everywhere, though at least prices are heading in the right direction. 

It’s certainly not been an enjoyable harvest for FW columnist Will Evans – judging by the bumps and bruises he has accumulated along the way…

Livestock worries

Concerns about the drop in cattle numbers in the first half of 2024 have been flagged by Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales. It may be supporting prices, but it is also raising doubts around the “critical mass” needed to maintain the industry.

It’s a similar story in the sheep rings where tight shearling supplies and firm prime lamb prices have pushed up the cost of replacement stock.

Government support for livestock farming is going to be crucial, so it has been helpful to see some further detail on how the Scottish Suckler Beef Support Scheme will operate in 2025.

But it is also concerning to see the UK government committing some £15m of public funding towards developing protein alternatives to meat.

Kit catch-up

As ever, the FW machinery team has been out and about, lifting the lid on the old and the new.

Worcestershire farmer and contractor Rob Collins was keen to show “what’s in his shed” in our popular series – with yellow, blue, red and green tractors aplenty. 

Machinery editor Oli Mark takes a look at the latest Strautmann mixed ration diet feeders while Peter Hill casts an eye over the latest DM butterfly mowers from Massey Ferguson.

Meanwhile, James Anderson explains how “solid engineering, snappy branding and a host of custom-build options” have helped Devon trailer maker Grizzly Bespoke Fabrications become a “notable player” in just five years.

Listen to the podcast

Finally, don’t forget to tune into this week’s FW Podcast, with Johann Tasker and guests.

You’ll find it anywhere you listen to podcasts, or free to listen to on our website.