RURAL charity RSABI has launched a list-based account of Scottish agriculture titled "Farming Facts and Fake News". Written by brothers John and Andrew Arbuckle, it covers the whole range of activities down on the farm stretching back into a previous era, as well as recording what is happening today.

A light hearted collection of totally irrelevant, but entertaining, facts about farming, farmers and those who live in the countryside, the book is aimed at the Christmas market, with all proceeds going to RSABI. Priced at £10, (£12 including p&p) the brothers hope their latest book will do as well as "Farming is a Funny Business" that was published two years ago and made a £52,000 profit for the charity.

Market round-up

Messrs Craig Wilson Ltd held a show and sale of suckled calves at Ayr on Thursday when 184 heifers averaged £689.50 per head and 241.7p per kg, while 215 bullocks levelled at £756.19 and 254.4p.

Harrison & Hetherington Ltd sold 88 store heifers in St Boswells on Thursday to average £878.75 and 215.6p, while 101 store bullocks levelled at £916.88 and 212.5p.

C&D Auction Marts Ltd sold 4135 prime lambs in Longtown on Thursday to average 165.9p per kg (-7p on the week).

A larger show of 7259 cast sheep saw heavy ewes average £66.45 (+18p) and light/export type ewes level at £28.75 (-£4.89). Rams averaged £77.78.