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Energy storage has image problem

Sir, - Readers may be aware of what has been called 'a bad news day.' This is when an embarrassing or controversial bit of news is released without fanfare when the popular media are concentrating on something “big”, such as the gulf of Mexico oil disaster, or the World Cup. Such an episode happened recently whe

Nothing to fear from EBVs!

Sir, – I’ve been following the ongoing debate on EBVs and recording with interest. All good stockmen rely on our eye, experience and hard work to try to maintain and improve our flocks. But if recording can provide additional information that my eye may miss, then it would be naive of me to ignore it.

Making the most of an unwanted regulation

Sir, - Re 'EID - not a level playing field!’ on reading the letter in last week's issue, I feel that there are a number of points that need to be put into proper context.

A message to the 'so called experts' of the sheep world

SIR, - I read with interest your take on the forthcoming ram sales. I must admit that I am getting a little fed up of the so called experts of the sheep world Vipond and McKenzie preaching to the greater public that the commercial tup breeders are selling an inferior product.

Working for farmers

SIR, – It was with disappointment that we read the article ‘Call to abolish DairyCo’ in The Scottish Farmer, July 17.

EID – not a level playing field!

SIR, – I was surprised when selling fat lambs at a large Cumbrian market that only us peasants, north of the Border, are required to electronically tag our lambs destined for slaughter.

Reward the young and the active producers

Sir - With regard to the Pack inquiry’s short-term recommendations, we strongly welcome the recognition of the disadvantages faced by new entrants post 2004. The inquiry has recommended that regulations be introduced to put new entrants post 2004 on an equal footing after 2013.

Pulling the wool

SIR, – Responding to the comments made in last week’s edition of The SF by Frank Langrish of the British Wool Marketing Board, I feel it is quite insulting of him to describe my dealings with Scottish farmers as ‘antics’.

Surprised and dismayed!

SIR, – I was surprised and dismayed at the tone and content of your editorial and Euro notebook last week, wherein you alleged that Caroline Spelman and the Conservative/Liberal coalition she represents was in favour of ending Single Farm Payments for UK farmers, as this is not true.

Changing perspective

SIR, – I can’t be the first person to think of this but if GM was renamed PR for instance (Pesticide Reduced) then the anti GM lobby might drop off dramatically.

United we stand!

SIR, – I was very interested in the comment last week of Aidan Walsh of Texacloth, suggesting the British Wool Marketing Board (BWMB) was giving misleading information to wool producers.

Why, indeed, we have the Blues!

SIR, – I feel that I should clarify any misunderstanding that may have arisen as a result of the story reported in last week’s The Scottish Farmer with regard to the management of the Bluefaced Leicester Sheep Breeders’ Association.

Irresponsible scaremongering is helping no-one

Sir, – Bashing EU regulations is the favourite pastime of many. However, seeking to mislead and distort public opinion for the sake of a few cheap headlines is not a game – it’s deadly serious.

Gorse and bracken claims continue to confuse

Sir, – Last week The Scottish Farmer published an article claiming it is up to the Scottish Government to define the relevant obligations for farmers as regards land covered with bracken to receive single farm payments.

Whose shoes to choose?

Sir, On the political podium, under cloak of “Climate Change” when the corruption and calamity of policy and funding for the industrialisation and desecration of Scotland’s precious land and landscape to the big extractive exploitative forestry and wind industries has been cast to the cataclysmic cavern it deserves, only the great wonder and phenomenom of traditional hillfarming endures.