NFU Scotland has contacted key Scottish politicians this week asking them to consider a new forum to debate environmental matters that have implications for our farming and crofting sectors.
The NFUS will write to other key stakeholders in the coming days to gauge support for such an approach to securing consensus in such sensitive areas.
The recent joint approach between NFUS and Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) on sea eagle management and the progress on goose projects on both Islay and Orkney involving Scottish Government, SNH and local farmers and crofters are positive developments.
The union is convinced the common ground achieved in such projects presents an opportunity to create a new platform to discuss with other stakeholders a range of issues around the farmed environment. NFUS president Nigel Miller said: "The last few years have seen a number of flashpoints develop between conservation and land management interests. The situation is unproductive for all concerned and I would like to propose the establishment of a forum where key individuals from our respective organisations can discuss current and future challenges and find solutions before areas of conflict escalate."
Market round-up
Messrs Craig Wilson Ltd held its annual show and sale of suckled calves at Ayr on Thursday when the champion animal in the yard was a black, LimousinX bullock shown by Messrs Shennan, Knockgerran, that scaled 325kg and sold for £1700. The reserve championship went to a 300kg black LimousinX heifer from Messrs Robertson, Ballycurrie, that went on to fetch £1300. The firm sold 194 heifers to average £705.39 per head or 246.1p per kg, while 304 bullocks levelled at £785.39 or 258.3p.
Lawrie & Symington Ltd sold 90 store heifers in Lanark on Thursday to a top of 220.5p and an average of 205.8p, while 185 store bullocks peaked at 230.2p and levelled at 210.6p. 15 dairy-bred store bullocks sold to 188.2p and averaged 158.3p. The Cumberland & Dumfriesshire Farmers Mart sold 4663 prime lambs at its weekly sale in Longtown on Thursday to a top of £96 per head and 205p per kg to average 150p (-19p on the week). There were also 4532 cast sheep forward when heavy ewes sold to £129 for Texels and averaged £72.28 (-£1.54), while light ewes peaked at £78 for Easicare and levelled at £37.44 (-£6.15). Rams averaged £69.33 (-£9.95).
The firm sold 901 store lambs and breeding sheep in Dumfries yesterday. Top prices and averages for selected store lambs: Texels to £59.50 and averaged £52.75; Mules £56.50 and £50.33; Suffolks £50 and £48.75; Blackfaces £50 and £39.94.
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