Divisions appeared in the farming industry over support for yesterday's Holyrood protest rally organised by NFU Scotland and attended by over 200 farmers.

In the light of recent, substantial emergency national funding for farmers, and the Scottish Government's track record of supporting the industry, some were questioning whether repeatedly pleading poverty and hardship would backfire.

Many sectors of business and the public have suffered under the Chancellor's austerity measures, and some envy the generous cash handouts farmers receive in various subsidies and grants.

Angus McCall, executive director of the influential Scottish Tenant Farmers Association (STFA) believes NFUS was wrong to go ahead with yesterday's rally and said in an email to STFA members: "I am not sure what they (NFUS) hope to achieve and, if they are not careful, will lose the sympathy of MSPs and the public. Calls for Richard Lochhead to resign are counter-productive and will only be seen as political posturing as we head towards the election.

"The SNP Government have been very supportive of agriculture in general and tenant farmers in particular. They will in all probability be back in power after May and we need to remember that we will need their continuing support in the future."

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon had earlier defused farmer anger by providing £200m to speed up subsidy payments. Vital cash payments had been delayed by more than 3 months in many cases as a result of the Scottish Government's new £180m flawed, IT delivery system.

Market round-up

United Auctions sold 762 store heifers at Stirling on Wednesday to a top of 281p per kg and an average of 213.2p (-8p on the week), while 1315 store, beef-bred bullocks peaked at 273p and levelled at 212.8p (-14.6p). Ninety-nine store, B&W bullocks sold to 123.2p and averaged 115.4p (no change), while 167 store bulls peaked at 221.4p and levelled at 193.8p.

In the rough ring 114 beef cows averaged 124.6p and 9 dairy cows levelled at 86.8p.

C&D Auction Marts Ltd sold 15 prime heifers in Dumfries on Wednesday to a top of 214.5p per kg and an average of 197.7p.

There were 59 OTM cattle presented in the rough ring when beef cows averaged 102.6p and dairy cows levelled at 81.2p.

The firm also sold 765 prime hoggs to a top of £106.50 per head and 218p per kg to average 188.5p (+5p).

The 449 cast sheep forward saw heavy ewes sell to £109.50 for Texels and average £77.13 (+£5.74), while light ewes peaked at £75.50 for Cheviots and levelled at £51.89 (-£1.33).

Messrs Craig Wilson Ltd sold 934 prime hoggs in Newton Stewart on Wednesday to a top of £104 and 220.7p to average 185.2p (+4.5p).

A small show of 92 cast sheep saw ewes sell to £96 for Texel crosses and £71 for Blackfaces.