Lanarkshire organic dairy farmer Murray Brown, who milks 140 summer block-calving cows at Muirhouse Farm, Carnwath, has been elected as the new membership committee chairman for the Organic Milk Suppliers Cooperative (OMSCo).
OMSCo is the only national, 100 per cent organic, farmer-owned and farmer-run dairy cooperative in the UK. With an annual turnover of £100m, the cooperative represents 65 per cent of the UK's organic milk market, and is the second largest dedicated organic producer in the world.
Mr Brown will head up a team of 12 regional representatives across the UK to ensure they collectively and effectively relay the views of OMSCo's 270 members to the Board and management team.
Commenting on his appointment, Mr Brown said: "I've been an OMSCo member since we started producing organic milk back in 2000 and I think a big part of the success of the cooperative is owed to the communication and collaboration between all stakeholders.
"There are practical issues within organic farming such as the cost and availability or organic feed. It's vital that OMSCo members share knowledge to come up with innovative solutions to common challenges, that will enable us to deliver sustainable and successful organic production systems."
Market round-up
United Auctions sold 879 store heifers at Stirling on Wednesday to a top of 287.4p per kg and an average of 227.7p (-1.3p on the week), while 1076 store, beef-bred bullocks peaked at 288.6p and levelled at 241p (+1.5p). One-hundred-and-thirty-nine store, B&W bullocks sold to 194.9p and averaged 146.9p (-14.7p), while 187 store bulls peaked at 261.4p and levelled at 174.9p (no comparison).
C&D Auction Marts Ltd sold 9 prime heifers in Dumfries on Wednesday to a top of 235p and an average of 217.9p.
In the rough ring 44 beef cows sold to 197p and averaged 142p, while 37 dairy cows peaked at 156p and levelled at 114p.
The firm also sold 487 prime hoggs to a top of £87.50 per head and 192p per kg to average 177p (-4p), while 28 prime lambs peaked at £106 and 234p to level at 180p (-40.3p).
The 222 cast sheep forward saw heavy ewes sell to £122.50 for Texels and average 375, while light ewes peaked at £78.50 for Blackfaces and levelled at £50.
Messrs Craig Wilson Ltd sold 531 prime hoggs in Newton Stewart on Wednesday to a top of £90 and 194.6p per kg to average 171.1p (+4.6p), while 118 prime lambs peaked at £105 and 225p to level at £94.13 and 211.9p (+6.6p).
There were also 174 cast sheep forward when ewes sold to £129 for Suffolks and £67 for Blackfaces.
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