The first day of the Highland Show saw a big turnout enjoying good weather and preoccupied with what Brexit meant for the Scottish farming industry.

First to try and set some kind of tentative agenda for the future was Rural Secretary Fergus Ewing who announced a National Council of Rural Advisers at the Quality Meat Scotland(QMS) breakfast.

The National Council will provide advice on the potential implications of Scotland leaving the EU as part of the UK, and make recommendations on future policy and support, with the aim of ensuring a vibrant, sustainable and productive rural economy.

The remit of the National Council covers all aspects of future rural development, including appropriate financial support beyond 2022.

Mr Ewing said: "While it will be for the National Council to set up work stream groups as needed to focus on specific issues, I would anticipate themes such as affordability, sustainability, productivity, inclusion and innovation - and of course the wider implications of the UK's decision to leave the EU - to feature prominently."

NFU Scotland's Presidential team seemed a bit nonplussed by the idea, suggesting it had the potential to become an all-inclusive talking shop. They were, however, taken with Mr Ewing's subsequent comments at the breakfast about a couple of recent summits that discussed hill farming issues when he said: "I was particularly struck by the enthusiasm for support to be a bit more focused on practical items, such as fencing, handling systems, liming and dyking. These are all things that I am hearing would help businesses move forward into the future."

Mr Ewing went on to say: "At the moment we are a bit constrained in what we can do, as we already have an agreed SRDP (Scottish Rural Development Programme) and funding is tight. However, i have asked officials to start looking forward and provide an outline of what could be done in the future."

Also looking to the future, NFUS used the Highland Show to launch its discussion document "Change - A New Agricultural Policy for Scotland Post-Brexit.

The Union wants to focus on three drivers it believes will deliver its vision for the future - a fairer supply chain, supported transition and developing our people.

Show results

Beef cattle

Beef Shorthorn: Champion (C) Tracy Govern, Halifax; Reserve (R) James Porter, Lisburn.

Galloway: (C) Messrs J Finlay, Blackcraig; (R) J&S Ross, Romesbeoch.

Belted Galloway: (C) Mochrum Estates, Newton Stewart; (R) B Landers & Son, Newton Stewart.

Highland: (C) Ranch Livestock, Letham; (R) HM The Queen, Ballater.

Hereford: (C) T&D Harrison, Mickley, Stocksfield; (R) Heather Whittaker, Halifax.

Charolais: (C) John Irvine & Son; (R) Mr DH Muirhead, Arbroath.

Blonde: (C) Savage Brothers & Son, Ballynahinch, N.I. ; (R) Alan Walker, Auchinleck.

Sheep

Suffolk: (C) John Irvine & Son; (R) Mr DH Muirhead, Arbroath.

North Country Cheviot: (C) & (R) J Runciman & Sons, Galashiels.

Blackfaces: (C) Malcom R Coubrough, Biggar; (R) Troloss Farms, Biggar.

LLeyn: (C) JJ Kingan; (R) JA & R Geldard & Sons, Kendal.

Ryeland: (C) Susan Bryden, Lockerbie; (R) James Arthur, Carnwath.

North Country Cheviot - Hill Sheep; (C) & (R) JM Elliot, Kelso.

Charollais: (C) & (R) Messrs G & B Ingram.

Hebridean: (C) Victoria Mason, Nantwich; (R) Mrs M Cuthbert, Kinross.

Bleu du Maine: (C) Mr & Mrs Je &Mp Vile, Taunton; (R) Percy Tait.

Blue Texel: Ram over one shear - First Messrs Williams & Tippetts, Shifnel; Ewe over one shear First Kevin Watret, Annan.

Market round-up

United Auctions sold 39 store heifers at Stirling on Wednesday to a top of 255.6p per kg and an average of 213.1p (-15.8p on the week), while 128 store, beef-bred bullocks peaked at 280.5p and levelled at 239.6p (-4.8p). Thirty-three store, B&W bullocks sold to 173.9p and averaged 165.7p (+0.5p).

C&D Auction Marts Ltd sold 5 prime heifers in Dumfries on Wednesday to a top of 224p and an average of 207p.

In the rough ring 13 beef cows averaged 143p and 32 dairy cows levelled at 116.9p.

The firm also sold 489 prime lambs to a top of £115 per head and 256p per kg to average 235p (-2p).

A nice show of 285 cast sheep saw heavy ewes sell to £127.50 for Texels and average £84, while light ewes peaked at £87.50 for Cheviots and levelled at £63.

Messrs Craig Wilson Ltd sold 873 prime lambs in Newton Stewart on Wednesday to a top of £116 and 266.7p to average £90.40 and 225.8p (-6.8p).