A new report by the NFU for England and Wales, which was launched to MPs in London this week, says that with only four per cent of farmers having access to superfast broadband, the roll-out of complete mobile networks and affordable, reliable superfast access in rural areas must now be prioritised by Government.

Both are essential to run safe and efficient farms, to comply with regulation, to promote farm diversification and for rural communities to enjoy family life. NFU says the Government needs to put in place the funding, the legislation and business support to allow this to happen.

The NFU is concerned about the Government's broadband delivery programme, worth £1.7bn, which will leave an estimated 1.2m premises without superfast broadband. That's the equivalent of 5 per cent of all premises, the majority of which will be farm businesses and rural communities. At best, farmers within this last 5 per cent could be offered far lower speeds of 10 megabits per second by 2020, while other industries and urban areas receive superfast speeds of 30Mbps or ultrafast speeds of 100Mbps plus.

Market round-up

United Auctions sold 1036 store heifers at Stirling on Wednesday to a top of 269.5p per kg and an average of 218.4p (+3p on the week), while 1063 store, beef-bred bullocks peaked at 301.2p and levelled at 224.8p (+2.4p). One-hundred-and-fifty-four store, B&W bullocks sold to 193.7p and averaged 134.2p (-0.2p), while 82 store bulls peaked at 223.9p and levelled at 187.7p.

In the rough ring 103 beef cows averaged 128.2p and 4 dairy cows levelled at 84.9p.

C&D Auction Marts Ltd sold 13 prime heifers in Dumfries on Wednesday to a top of 214.5p and an average of 199.6p.

There were 59 OTM cattle presented in the rough ring when beef cows averaged 119.6p and dairy cows levelled at 84.8p.

The firm also sold 314 prime hoggs to a top of £83.50 per head and 195p per kg to average 173p (+8p), while 76 prime lambs peaked at £106 and 244p to level at 225.1p (+10.1p).

The 166 cast sheep forward saw heavy ewes sell to £125.50 for a Suffolk and average £78.08, while light ewes peaked at £77.50 for Cheviots and levelled at £59.10.

Messrs Craig Wilson Ltd sold 841 prime hoggs in Newton Stewart on Wednesday to a top of £97.50 and 208.3p to average 187.2p (+7p). Within that overall average there were 467 Blackfaces that peaked at £96.50 and 205.9p to level at 189.1p. There were also 67 prime lambs that sold to £105 and 220p to average £94.42 and 208.4p.

A small show of 52 cast sheep saw ewes sell to £108 for a Suffolk and £68.50 for Blackfaces.