Farmer Focus Livestock: Bulls earn prizes for Iain Green
Ground conditions have deteriorated over the past month, despite escaping the worst of the weather. Prior to the snow, we had heavy rain, so only our driest fields have been ploughed, leaving almost 600 acres left to plough for spring cereals.
At the Perth bull sales, all breeds enjoyed a buoyant trade. Our entry of 10 bulls picked up several prize tickets, including three seconds and best group of three bulls, which went on to sell to a top price of 6200gns twice. Our draft sale of seven heifers due to calve next autumn sold to 4500gns and averaged 2800gns.
After returning, I had one day to recover before setting off to the NFUS agm, hosted by the north-east region. They were excellent hosts and gave us a tremendous dinner made using local produce.
Two days later I was involved in setting up the Royal Northern Agricultural Society’s spring show – I am the current president. It was great to see a good turnout of livestock and spectators, with a sell-out attendance of trade exhibitors.
I recently sold 16 cull cows at our local auction market, which averaged £897 a head and ranged from four and a half to just over 12 years old.
Our pig price is continuing at recent levels. Despite the weak pound, some products are still being imported from France, Spain and Belgium. If these imports were stopped, our price would certainly rise.
The next few weeks will be hectic, with lambing due to start at the end of March as well as cereal drilling, grass fertilising, spraying winter cereals and calving, I only hope the weather will be on our side.
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