John Sleigh, The Scottish Farmer Journalist Profile

Articles

Scottish fields refreshed by rain but predator balance remains a concern

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

Much-needed rain has fallen across most of the country, which should kickstart grass growth and ease concerns over half-empty silage pits. Parched arable crops have also had a soaking, though some areas will still need more if later-sown cereals are to play catch-up. Long hours of sunshine, warm temperatures, and a splash of rain are the perfect recipe, one that helps make our nation home to some of the most sustainable agricultural land on the planet.
Orkney farmers call for raven culling licence after brutal livestock losses

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

Farmers believe there are more raven attacks in Orkney - Getty Orkney farmers are hopeful that a general licence to shoot ravens across the islands will be granted next year. The welcome news for livestock keepers follows a torrid spring in which lambs and calves were predated upon by the largest of the corvid species. Leading the campaign is Orcadian farmer Douglas Paterson of Veltigar Farm. He told The Scottish Farmer: “We’ve seen 400 birds in a single field.
Vaccine hope may revive cattle trade between England and bluetongue-free Scotland

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

From July 1, all of England will be classed as a single bluetongue zone, allowing cattle and sheep to move freely within English borders. However, if Scotland remains bluetongue-free, as it currently is, then animals crossing the border could face trade implications. Agriculture minister Jim Fairlie said: “The situation regarding bluetongue is likely to remain very fluid, and we are keen to maintain a proportional response.
Tree planting grants at risk as drought hits sapling survival in Scotland

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

Landowners have been warned that conditions have to be right to plant trees Scottish landowners have been warned that grants could be reclaimed if newly planted trees fail to grow during the ongoing dry weather. The Scottish Farmer has been told of tree plantings in parts of Scotland that have suffered from limited rainfall, making it difficult for saplings to become established.
Tree planting grants at risk as drought hits sapling survival in Scotland

2 weeks ago | thescottishfarmer.co.uk | John Sleigh

Landowners have been warned that conditions have to be right to plant trees Scottish landowners have been warned that grants could be reclaimed if newly planted trees fail to grow during the ongoing dry weather. The Scottish Farmer has been told of tree plantings in parts of Scotland that have suffered from limited rainfall, making it difficult for saplings to become established.
Emily Norton named new AHDB Chair after Nicholas Saphir steps down

2 weeks ago | southwestfarmer.co.uk | John Sleigh

Her appointment was made with the backing of Defra ministers alongside the devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. She will be supported by Stephen Briggs, who has been named Deputy Chair. Ms Norton is partner in an 80-hectare arable farm in Norfolk and is also the founder of Farm Foresight Ltd, a strategic advisory service for the rural sector. She previously served as Head of Rural Research at Savills UK and chaired the Oxford Farming Conference in 2023.
Emily Norton named new AHDB Chair after Nicholas Saphir steps down

2 weeks ago | thescottishfarmer.co.uk | John Sleigh

Her appointment was made with the backing of Defra ministers alongside the devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. She will be supported by Stephen Briggs, who has been named Deputy Chair. Ms Norton is partner in an 80-hectare arable farm in Norfolk and is also the founder of Farm Foresight Ltd, a strategic advisory service for the rural sector. She previously served as Head of Rural Research at Savills UK and chaired the Oxford Farming Conference in 2023.
Forest goals clash with rural life as Scottish hills lose livestock farms

2 weeks ago | thescottishfarmer.co.uk | John Sleigh

Granted, tropical rainforests were decimated at the fastest rate in history in 2024, but making up the difference in our small, northerly nation is madness. Last year, 6.7 million hectares of tropical primary forest were destroyed almost double the previous year according to new satellite data. This figure puts our target of planting 18,000 hectares per year into a global context. To meet the goal of halting forest loss by 2030, the world needs to cut deforestation by 20% each year starting now.
Dry conditions making sowing less than ideal for peas

3 weeks ago | thescottishfarmer.co.uk | John Sleigh

G C Taylor Farms Ltd near Dundee, preparing very dry ground for peas Dust flying in the dry spring conditions for Taylor Farms.
NRoSO members must now gain 11 CPD points per year to keep licence

4 weeks ago | thescottishfarmer.co.uk | John Sleigh

Farmers will need an extra point to get their sprayer ticket - Getty From September 1, National Register of Sprayer Operators (NRoSO) members will be required to obtain more continued professional development (CPD) points per membership year. The change bring the required number of points from the current ten to 11 needed to maintain a licence.