A consultation has been launched by the Scottish Government on the future of land use, aimed at getting the most from our land in an integrated and sustainable way.
The consultation on the draft Land Use Strategy 2016-2021 sets out a range of policies and proposals such as how we manage our natural resources, including continued use of an ecosystem approach to land use decisions, and how to develop and implement activities to promote climate friendly farming and crofting.
The consultation also explores the relationship between ownership, use and management of land including consideration of the potential advantages of a single policy statement about land.
There is also a proposal encouraging regional land use partnerships to bring a range of interests together to consider land use at a local level.
Over the next ten weeks, all those with an interest in land use and management will be invited to make their views known.
Sheep meat production falls in October
The number of lambs slaughtered in the UK in October was 8 per cent behind the levels of 2014 at 1.42m head, the first year-on-year fall in numbers since April. This was driven by a 9 per cent fall in England, and an 8 per cent fall in Scotland. However, numbers in N. Ireland were up by 10 per cent. This left overall numbers, since the season began in June, up 3 per cent on the same period in 2014.
Following the first year-on-year rise in adult sheep slaughtering in over 20 months seen in September, numbers were back in October. UK adult sheep slaughtering was 174,800 head, 13 per cent lower than in October 2014. This leaves overall adult sheep slaughtering in the year to date back 191,000 head on the previous year.
Market round-up
Messrs Craig Wilson Ltd sold 147 store heifers at Ayr on Thursday to a top of £1185 per head and 227.8p per kg to average £875.14 and 198.1p (-0.9p on the fortnight), while 142 store, beef-bred bullocks peaked at £1230 and 247.2p to level at £843.27 and 201.8p (+0.2p). Eighty-two store, B&W bullocks sold to £900 and 142.4p to average 130.1p (-5.6p).
C&D Auction Marts Ltd sold 4161 prime lambs in Longtown on Thursday to a top of £90 per head and 231p per kg to average 147.5p (-9.7p on the week).
The firm also had 4544 cast sheep forward when heavy ewes sold to £152 for Texels and averaged £69.58 (-£2.01), while light ewes peaked at £73 for Lleyns and levelled at £43.67 (-£1.07). Rams sold to £110 for a Texel and averaged £66.70.
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