Perthshire Machinery Ring

FROM OUR COMMUNITY POLICE OFFICER

siteadmin — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 16:12:17 +0000

Although this note refers to Perthshire in particular, it will be found that criminals are targeting farms and rural locations throughout our area, whether it be North, East, West or South Perthshire or in Ayrshire and the west of Scotland. The police are actively trying to detect these offences and would appreciate any assistance from the farming community in reporting incidents of a suspicious nature and the recording of vehicle registrations of unfamiliar vehicles. Unfortunately it is noticeable that incidents of theft are not being reported to the police as people feel there is little point in reporting the issue. We would ask that all incidents are reported because this could be the missing link to a bigger picture which would allow detection of the people responsible. Primarily thefts include stealing small plant, lawnmowers, strimmers etc as well as horses rugs from equine units and heating oils and red diesel. There have also been instances of specific parts of agricultural machines being stolen. It is the police’s intention to liaise with organisations such as Rural Services to assist members of the farming community with security issues and advice to prevent these incidents occurring. In order that this can be achieved we have the following advice:

Be vigilant and report any incident and sightings of suspicious persons and vehicles to police as soon as possible.
Record all serial numbers of equipment
Mark property by means of a unique identification mark as it is known that criminals are reluctant to steal items which have obvious identification features on them.
Be suspicious of anyone found within the confines of the farm stating that they are there to purchase scrap.
If possible, install security lighting.
Have dogs restrained in areas near to high value items as it is a brave criminal who will take a chance with an angry dog.

Further advice will be provided following consultation with yourselves as it is felt that this has to be a joint effort between the police and members of the rural community, in order that we can prevent this continuing crime trend.

OATRIDGE STUDENT

siteadmin — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 16:11:21 +0000

In the February issue of Oatridge College monthly newsletter it is noted that no fewer than five Oatridge students are short-listed for the finals of the prestigious Lantra Scotland Landbased Learner of the Year Award. They will be interviewed by the judging panel and if successful could find themselves at the glittering awards ceremony in March. The daughter of one of our members, John and Linda McCaig at Longriggend, Airdrie is one of the finalists. Kirsty McCaig was withdrawn from school when she was only 14 because of relentless bullying, but a year later completed a National Certificate course at Oatridge and last year, on her 18th birthday, was awarded a Higher National Diploma in Agriculture. She recently won a scholarship from the Simmental Society to travel to Canada to study the breed, from which she has just returned, in time to help at the Bull Sales in Stirling. She has her own small herd, bought with a legacy from her grandmother, which she keeps on the family farm. Kirsty hopes to go on to degree level study after “a year out” We wish her every success on her scholarship and future studies. acknowledgement to Oatridge College Online newsletter for this article.

TRAINING COURSES

siteadmin — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 16:11:10 +0000

Training courses are arranged throughout the year as and when they are required. we try, where possible, to make courses as cost effective as possible for the trainees and their employers. Contact us for a quote for your next course on 01738 550 101. PEST CONTROL Rabbit ControlLantra 1 Day Integrated Training & Assessment Course Places availableDate – TBC PESTICIDE APPLICATION PA1 (Foundation Module) – 1 day training only course PA6 (Hand Held Applicator) – 1 day training only course Assessments thereafter Places available for courses running end February / beginning March

Wind Power and Hydro Power

siteadmin — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 16:10:51 +0000

We are looking for more members to consider Wind Farms on their ground. As previously stated, the best workable area is about 300 acres and we can arrange for you to have a chat and survey, at no cost, to see if a wind farm on your property would be viable. Those members who have already made contact were helped along with proposals showing the benefit of an income which would be generated year after year. Our member James Glover is also interested in potential small Hydro schemes and would like to discuss this possibility of income generation with farmers who have suitable sites. Contact the office 01738 550 101 for further details.

Water Environment (Oil Storage) (Scotland) Regulations 2006

siteadmin — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 16:10:28 +0000

Fuel TanksCurrent legislation From April 2010, your fuel delivery driver may reuse to fill the tractor diesel tank if it does not comply with the latest round of legislation. SEPA remind you that: The regulations came into force in three 3 stages:

New tanks (ie facilities commenced after 1 April 2006) had to comply by 1 October 2006.
Previously existing tanks at significant risk (ie facilities that are located within 10 metres of any surface water or 50 metres of a borehole or well) had to comply by 1 April 2008.
All remaining existing tanks will have to comply by 1 April 2010.

Is storage within buildings covered by the regulations?Oil storage within buildings must comply with the regulations. Whilst we prefer use of 'traditional' tank secondary containment systems, the 110% secondary containment requirements of the regulations may be met within the building itself eg 110% secondary containment may be provided within the building by forming a 'lip' on doorways and calculating the floor area capacity. All other requirements of the regulations must still be met, such as additional requirements of the secondary containment system relating to impermeability, no drains etc. The bottom line is that all tanks have to comply or there could be an issue in getting them filled by the fuel companies. Fuel tanks balanced on pallets or on some other high area will be considered unsafe for the tanker driver to fill. If tanks are at a height, then it will be necessary to fit a fill pipe from ground level. I believe tanker drivers are not allowed to be any more than three rungs off the ground to fill your fuel tanks. Basically what is needed to comply is for farmers to change their tanks to a Fuel Station or Fuel Master type of tank which sits firmly on the ground and all parts of the delivery hose equipment is housed in a lockfast unit. This will require you to have 240v power to the tank to pump the fuel to the tractors rather than use gravity feed. REPLACEMENT TANKSPRICING We have been able to get a “deal” from Rix Tank Services on suitable storage tanks for tractor diesel and derv.

The BASIC Bunded Fuel Point with

56ltr 240v pumpAuto shut off nozzle4mtr hose ¾ “ deliveryLockable doorFP1400 - £925.00FP2500 - £1140.00FP5000 - £2375.00

The PREMIUM range has all the above features but includes an Electronic Oil Tank content gauge, Bulkhead Light and a mechanical flowmeter. The Fuel Stations hold the same amounts as the basic range and the costs are FS1400 – £1350; FS2500 – £1525; FS5000 – £2820 and the FS10000 at £4200. If there is a requirement for an oblong shaped tank there is the DieselStore range. The DS1300 is1.90m x 1.25 x 1.80 high and costs £925.00. The DS2500 is 1.42m x 2.43 x 1.90high and is £1145 If you require assistance on siting or have any questions there are tank surveyors available to answer your question. Phone the office with your requirements 01738 550 101.

SWITCH TO SHELL LPG

siteadmin — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 16:09:46 +0000

Our members, Shell Gas, were inundated last year as the drying season got under way, by members who wanted to change their gas supplier. You need time to look at your current deal and contract if you already are using gas for grain drying. Shell Gas were giving excellent prices last year and I am sure that you could find that if you were to look into changing you would benefit from the service offered by Shell Gas. To contact the local rep, phone the office 01738 550 101.

RABBIT AND MOLE CONTROL/FENCING MATERIALS/LPG GAS ORDERS

siteadmin — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 16:09:34 +0000

FENCING MATERIALS and FENCE WORK

See the insert with this issue of your Newsletter. Tornado are offering good deals at this time on fencing materials. We also have a number of members who carry out fencing work. Contact the office with your orders for best prices. 01738 550 101

RABBITS & MOLE CONTROLNow that the snow has gone there seems to be a great number of moles at work just now. Time to book your exterminators to help rid you of your furry friends! 01738 550 101 SILAGE WRAP & NETForward planning would help with your requirements for silage wrap, net and twines. 01738 550 101 LPG GAS FOR DRIERS, etcNow is the time to discuss with Shell Gas, the cost of gas for the coming season and if you should consider changing suppliers to get a better deal. If you currently have a contract, now is the time to look at it if you are considering changing suppliers. Contact the office for an appointment with your Shell Gas rep. 01738 550 101

siteadmin — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 16:06:13 +0000

How important is ewe condition?

siteadmin — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 12:57:27 +0000

Body condition of ewes is crucial for a successful lambing, work carried out in 2003 by the MLC, shows just how big a difference body condition, at tupping, has to the number of lambs born. It is crucial to income that there is the optimum number of lambs at weaning. Effect of ewe condition at tupping (MLC 2003)

Type of sheep	Body condition score at tupping
	1.0	1.5	2.0	2.5	3.0	3.5	4.0
	Number of lambs per 00 ewes
Scottish Blackface		79			162
Mule			147	166	178	194	192
Scottish Halfbred			148	170	183	217	202

It takes 6-8 weeks for ewes to gain each condition score so an early start on good grazing is important, with gimmers requiring particular attention. Ewes thrive on grass with a sward height of 5-6cm. However once grass length exceeds 7 cm quality suffers and ewes do not do so well. ECV Ewe Lamber 16% can be fed to ensure they achieve condition. Feed buckets like SUPAlyx Energy Booster or Rumevite Sheep Super Energy Block can be used instead of compounds.

Attention to body condition throughout pregnancy ensures that lambs are carried to term and the ewes secrete plenty colostrum and milk for lamb health, vigour and DLWG. Because body condition can change rapidly there is no substitute for checking the sheep on a regular basis.

Target body condition scores
	Hill ewes	Upland ewes	Lowland ewes
At weaning	2	2	2.5
At tupping	2.5	3	3.5
Mid-pregnancy	2.5	2.5	3
At lambing	2	2.5	3

During pregnancy it is better to maintain condition than try to put on a lot of weight in the run-up to lambing. Introducing a little feeding early is a better option than heavy feeding rates in late pregnancy. Flat rate feeding systems, with the emphasis on maintaining constant ewe condition, are a viable solution.

Whatever you do, monitor ewe body condition regularly and ensure ewes are hitting the right score for maximising number of lambs born and minimising problems at lambing time.

Douglas Dawson, East Coast Viners

Optimising the application of fertilisers and manures

siteadmin — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 12:57:18 +0000

To reduce greenhouse gas emissions from soils by ensuring that applications of

fertilisers and manures do not exceed plant nutrient requirements.

Practical Measures

• Apply nitrogen at optimum rates for your crop

• Improve the timing of nitrogen applications in line with best practice

• Make sure you know the nutrient value of your manure and slurry and use this first rather than fertiliser 1

• Make sure that you separate slurry and fertiliser applications

• Choose plant varieties which use less nitrogen or fix nitrogen more efficiently 2

• Where practical, use composts and straw based manures in preference to slurry

Help and Advice

• Assistance for undertaking a nutrient management plan is available through the SRDP

• SAC at present provides publically funded advice for farmers on pollution control

• More detailed and comprehensive guidance on the application of fertilisers and manures can be found in the PEPFAA code

Notes

1. For the majority of farms, it will not be practical or economic to replace all fertilisers with manures and slurries, but the aim

should be to make maximum use of the manures and slurries that are available

2. Using legumes to biologically fix nitrogen and thereby reduce the requirement for nitrogen fertiliser may not be generally

cost effective, but could be attractive to farmers growing green manure crops