John Sleigh, The Scottish Farmer Journalist Profile

Articles

Bluetongue still active in England with border curbs discussed

1 week ago | thescottishfarmer.co.uk | John Sleigh

Cattle and sheep can get Bluetongue Bluetongue restrictions have been extended until May 15. This means farmers can only move animals out of a Bluetongue-restricted zone without testing if the animals are over 60 days old, not pregnant, and not males intended for breeding. All other animals will require a pre-movement test. Licences must be obtained through the APHA website. Bluetongue cases remain active in England, with a warm, dry spring likely to support increased midge activity.
Slovakia’s bear cull plan sparks EU backlash over wildlife protection

1 week ago | thescottishfarmer.co.uk | John Sleigh

Slovakia’s decision to authorise the shooting of up to 350 brown bears this year has triggered outrage among conservationists and Members of the European Parliament, with many accusing the government in Bratislava of breaching EU law under the Habitats Directive. The move, driven by Prime Minister Robert Fico, follows a string of high-profile bear encounters and fatalities that have stirred public fear.
EU agrees soil health law to tackle degradation and support land

1 week ago | thescottishfarmer.co.uk | John Sleigh

European lawmakers have reached a long-awaited deal on a new Soil Monitoring and Resilience Directive – the EU’s first legal framework aimed at tackling soil degradation across the bloc. The agreement, described by the European Commission as a 'provisional political deal,' was struck between the European Parliament and EU governments following nearly two years of negotiation.
Ireland’s calf numbers drop as herd size and fertility both decline

1 week ago | thescottishfarmer.co.uk | John Sleigh

Irish calf registrations have dropped again Ireland’s national cattle numbers have taken a noticeable dip in 2025, with the latest calf registration figures from the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF) confirming a slowdown in calving activity compared to previous years. As of April 11, calf registrations stand at 1,424,352 head – a decline of 37,119 calves compared to the same point in 2024, when 1,461,471 calves had been registered.
Brazilian and Argentine farmers reap benefits from US-China trade war

1 week ago | thescottishfarmer.co.uk | John Sleigh

As the tit-for-tat trade war between the United States and China escalates, farmers in Brazil and Argentina are emerging as unlikely winners in a geopolitical storm that’s upending the global agricultural marketplace. The latest round of tariffs – sparked by former President Donald Trump’s return to aggressive trade policy – has sent American agricultural exports into a nosedive.
France legalises drone spraying of low-risk pesticides on sloped crops

1 week ago | thescottishfarmer.co.uk | John Sleigh

France is permitting drones for crop spraying - Getty France has opened the skies to drones in a landmark move that marks the return of aerial pesticide spraying—albeit with a distinctly green twist. A new bill, passed on April 9 by the French parliament, authorises the use of drones to spray low-risk pesticides and organic-friendly treatments on specific crops and terrains, ushering in what supporters call a more sustainable and safer era for crop protection.
Beijing tariffs drive surge in domestic agricultural shares

1 week ago | thescottishfarmer.co.uk | John Sleigh

Chinese farming companies see a stock market boost as tariffs restrict US imports. Chinese agricultural stocks bucked a global market slump on Tuesday, surging ahead as tensions between Washington and Beijing escalated. Investors piled into China’s domestic farming sector, betting that a new wave of retaliatory tariffs would curb imports of US produce and boost demand for homegrown food. The trend defied a broader market rout that has wiped trillions off global stock exchanges.
USDA report shows wheat condition better than feared despite drought risk

1 week ago | thescottishfarmer.co.uk | John Sleigh

The condition of the US winter wheat crop has drawn market attention, following the USDA’s first crop progress report of the season. As of April 6, 48% of the crop was rated good or excellent, down from 56% this time last year. Meanwhile, 21% is rated poor or very poor, up from 12% last spring. While conditions are lagging 2024, they remain well ahead of the drought-hit years of 2022 and 2023.
Dry spring drives demand as cattle trade continues to climb

1 week ago | thescottishfarmer.co.uk | John Sleigh

The relentless rise in the cattle trade has continued through spring, as store and prime prices smash ceiling after ceiling. One finisher told The Scottish Farmer they had held back from the ring in January due to the price jump at the start of the year. But now they wished they had filled their sheds when they could, as cattle have been dearer every week since. A warm and dry spring has brought some new buyers to the market, as cattle bought in the ring can head straight out to grass.
Evening light, perfect soil, and a quiet tattie tradition in Fife

1 week ago | thescottishfarmer.co.uk | John Sleigh

Evening planting at Kilrenny near Anstruther, Fife - credit Ron Stephen Planting tatties in perfect conditions in the evening in Fife.