With planting of 2016 crops starting shortly for some, NFU Scotland is urging the Scottish Government to publicise its plans for progressing simplification as part of the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS).
Cabinet Secretary Richard Lochhead has publicly supported the drive for simplification and NFUS understands that he also discussed the issue with Commissioner Hogan. However, five months after the end of the Scottish Government's consultation, farmers have not been told what the Scottish Government is doing to progress simplification. Now the Union is pushing for information as the planting of crops for next year begin in the coming weeks.
NFUS Combinable Crops Committee chairman, Ian Sands said: "Just as farmers have to plan for the year ahead while dealing with this year's crop, the Scottish Government needs to be looking towards next year too - and keeping farmers informed.
"We welcome the Cabinet Secretary's public support for simplification, however a number of the issues causing problems for arable farmers this year have been caused by the gold-plating of the Scottish Government's requirements, or the Scottish Government's decision not to take advantage of options that would have made things simpler both for farmers and Scottish Government staff too.
"Farmers are currently harvesting and ploughing fields for the next crop. Planting of oilseed rape will begin in just two week's time, yet if there are to be changes for 2016 they have not been told what those will be."
Market round-up
United Auctions sold 459 store heifers at Stirling on Wednesday to a top of 305.6p per kg and an average of 224.2p (-2.3p on the week), while 396 store, beef-bred bullocks peaked at 304.9p and levelled at 227p (+1.5p). Eighty-eight store, B&W bullocks sold to 175.4p and averaged 165.4p.
In the rough ring 146 cows averaged 114.2p.
The Cumberland and Dumfriesshire Farmers Mart sold 18 prime heifers in Dumfries on Wednesday to a top of 228.5p and an average of 200p.
There were 75 OTM cattle presented in the rough ring when beef cows averaged 124.2p and dairy cows levelled at 87.3p.
The firm also sold 1296 prime lambs to a top of £75 per head and 195p per kg to average 163p (+20p).
The 375 cast sheep forward saw heavy ewes sell to £129.50 for Texels and average £76.89 (+£12.15), while light ewes peaked at £64.50 for Blackfaces and levelled at £50 (+£1.31).
Messrs Craig Wilson Ltd sold 864 prime lambs in Newton Stewart on Wednesday to a top of £75.50 and 168p to average 150.9p (+9.9p). The 184 cast sheep saw ewes sell to £80 for Texels and £59 for Blackfaces.
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