The Scottish Government is next week embarking on the next stage of its comprehensive survey of the tenanted sector with a telephone survey of 1,000 randomly chosen tenant farmers to be followed by a similar postal survey of landlords.
The purpose of this exercise is to gain more information on how the sector is functioning and the survey will be asking questions on important topics such as the farm lease, rent reviews, investment in fixed equipment and waygo compensation.
The Scottish Tenant Farmers Association (STFA) is urging all tenant farmers to take part in this survey if approached. STFA chairman Christopher Nicholson said: "This survey will give the Agricultural Holdings Legislation Review Group (AHLRG) a valuable insight into how the sector is working and tenants' views on some controversial issues.
"This survey should only take about 15 minutes to complete and it is really important that tenants participate and express their views."
According to Mr Nicholson there is a glaring disparity in the conditions under which tenant farmers operate depending on the individual's situation.
Rents on similar farms can be very variable with some recent reviews reflecting high open-market values and others not having been reviewed for years.
Above all, the conditions under which tenants operate are influenced by the management style of their landlords - whether the factoring is done in-house or whether it is contracted out to a firm of land agents. Tenant farmers do not compete on a level playing field with each other, let alone owner-occupiers and this survey will help provide the AHLRG with a greater understanding of the situation, particularly with problematic issues such as rent reviews, added Mr Nicholson.
Market round-up
Messrs Craig Wilson Ltd sold 1069 prime lambs in Newton Stewart yesterday to a top of £95 per head and 209.5p per kg to average 183.3p (+16p on the week).
A small show of 32 cast sheep sold to £76.50 for SuffolkX ewes.
The Cumberland and Dumfriesshire Farmers Mart had 20 prime cattle forward in Dumfries yesterday when heifers sold to 221.5p per kg and averaged 201.2p, while bullocks peaked at 207.5p and levelled at 194.3p.
There were 71 cattle presented in the rough ring when beef cows averaged 125.1p and dairy cows levelled at 97.1p.
The firm also sold 300 prime lambs to a top of £87 and 212p to average 185p (+12.8p).
The 389 cast sheep forward saw heavy ewes sell to £104.50 for Suffolks and average £64.71 (-£7.49), while light ewes peaked at £76.50 for Cheviots and levelled at £48.90 (+23p).
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