The Venison Advisory Services Ltd (VAS) has been formed by John Fletcher, Alan Sneddon and Dick Playfair to fill the gap in consultancy services and offer early stage advice through to project management.
According to John Fletcher: "Support of the type that we are offering is an essential part of the whole equation in taking Scotland's deer farming sector forward.
"Ambitious targets have been set to increase Scotland's venison production by one-third in the next 10 years, building that growth through deer farming.
"Following extensive market commentary, there are already a growing number of individuals and businesses in the sector considering the prospects offered by deer farming, particularly in the light of steady, increased market growth over the last five years.
"Scotland's main game dealers last year imported the equivalent of 25,000 carcases to meet demand – demand that shows no sign of abating."
l Tomatoes, cucumbers and spring onions are among several British fruit and vegetable crops that have been labelled as endangered due to a significant decline in self-sufficiency, and a further four crops – brussels sprouts, lettuce, leeks and cauliflowers – are in an at risk category, according to the National Farmers Union (NFU) of England and Wales.
In its Catalyst for Change report, launched yesterday, the NFU blames poor supply chain practices and a short-term approach to relationships between growers, intermediaries and retailers for stripping millions of pounds out of the fresh produce sector, while damaging growers' ability to produce fruit and vegetables.
Market round-up
Messrs Craig Wilson Ltd had a plainer show of store cattle on offer at their sale at Ayr on Thursday, that included 87 B&W bullocks. The 207 bullocks sold to £1140 per head and 235.3p per kg to average £754.32, or 196.8p, while 82 heifers peaked at £1180 and 224.7p to level at £802.50, or 198.9p.
United Auctions sold 1368 prime lambs at Stirling on Thursday to a top of £108 and 224p to average 199.3p (+10.1p on the week).
The Cumberland and Dumfriesshire Farmers Mart sold 2262 prime lambs in Longtown on Thursday to a top of £100.50 and 236.3p to average 204.2p.
The firm also had 3698 cast sheep forward with heavy ewes selling to £141.50 for Suffolks and averaging £88.41, while light ewes peaked at £91.50 for Cheviots and levelled at £52.46.
Rams sold to £156.50 for a Texel and averaged £107.57.
