Kate Fisher, The Scottish Farmer Journalist Profile

Articles

Tianli tyres gain traction in the UK after ADR UK and BRC partnership

1 week ago | thescottishfarmer.co.uk | Kate Fisher

Tianli tyres, known worldwide for strength and reliability, are now set for wider use across UK fleets. BRC had already been distributing Tianli for three years with strong customer feedback. Collins Earthworks initially contacted BRC for vintage tractor tyres but ended up trialling Tianli on modern kit. The results impressed them enough to switch their entire fleet, including tractors, dump trucks, loaders, rollers, trailers and stabilisers, to Tianli.
Strip-till system Kuhn Striger impresses in lead-up to Groundswell

1 week ago | thescottishfarmer.co.uk | Kate Fisher

The Striger system cuts fuel use, reduces soil disturbance, maintains structure and creates a tilth, all of which support more efficient crop establishment. “With tight margins across arable farming, the chance to cut costs with strip-till should interest many growers,” says Edd Fanshawe, Kuhn’s arable specialist.
Perthshire based Taylors Snacks celebrates 15 years with Aldi at Royal Highland Show

1 week ago | thescottishfarmer.co.uk | Kate Fisher

Established in the rural village of Errol and led by fourth-generation family member James Taylor, Taylors Snacks is a proud Scottish business supporting local communities through employment and sourcing. Around 45% of the potatoes used in its crisps are grown in Scotland, with the majority of those coming from East Lothian. Taylors has worked in partnership with Aldi for more than 15 years, after the supermarket became the brand’s first-ever national listing under its original Mackie’s branding.
Kirkton and Dell Farms welcome large crowds for Open Farm Sunday

1 week ago | thescottishfarmer.co.uk | Kate Fisher

The day marked a major moment for Kirkton, offering visitors a chance to step onto a working farm, meet the people behind it, and learn more about how their food is produced. Interest in Open Farm Sunday surged across the UK this year, with over 270 farms taking par, up 20% from last year. Run by LEAF (Linking Environment and Farming) the annual initiative drew an estimated 200,000 visitors nationwide.
£13.6m fund to turn surplus farm food into meals for struggling families

1 week ago | southwestfarmer.co.uk | Kate Fisher

Twelve food redistribution charities have received grants to deliver an estimated 19,000 tonnes of surplus food, much of it straight from farms, to food banks, community kitchens and similar organisations. The funding will help expand operations, buy vehicles, train volunteers and improve storage. Charities awarded include City Harvest, Food in Community and FareShare.
Rural crime costs fall across UK as Scotland sees biggest improvement

1 week ago | thescottishfarmer.co.uk | Kate Fisher

Scotland sees biggest drop in rural crime costs Ref:RH180523292 Rob Haining / The Scottish Farmer Rural crime cost the UK £44.1 million in 2024, down more than 16%, as joint action between farmers and police begins to turn the tide against organised countryside theft. Figures from NFU Mutual’s latest rural crime report show a sharp drop in key offences, with agricultural vehicle thefts down 35% to £7m.
NFU Mutual and Livetec join forces to support UK poultry producers

1 week ago | southwestfarmer.co.uk | Kate Fisher

After a tough winter for the sector, Livetec is now providing detailed, farm-specific costings for cleaning and disinfection (C&D), vital information for both planning and insurance.
Study warns evolving swine flu viruses could trigger future pandemics

1 week ago | thescottishfarmer.co.uk | Kate Fisher

UK study flags risk of evolving swine flu Ref:RH070720138 Rob Haining / The Scottish Farmer A major new UK study warns that evolving swine flu viruses in Europe could trigger a future pandemic if left unchecked. The research, led by the Royal Veterinary College (RVC), highlights the urgent need to strengthen pandemic preparedness and improve vaccine effectiveness for both animals and humans. Swine flu is already widespread on pig farms, affecting around half of UK production pigs.
New CHECS protocols set tougher standards for cattle disease control

1 week ago | thescottishfarmer.co.uk | Kate Fisher

CHECS updates target tighter herd disease control Ref:RH290721093 Rob Haining / The Scottish Farmer New cattle health protocols are raising the bar for disease control as pressure mounts across the UK to tackle costly conditions like BVD and Johne’s. The updated guidance from Cattle Health Certification Standards (CHECS) arrives as the sector steps up efforts to eradicate both diseases.
Ireland seeks to introduce driving test for new tractor learners

1 week ago | thescottishfarmer.co.uk | Kate Fisher

RSA plans could see new tractor learners face mandatory training and a driving test in Ireland The Republic of Ireland’s Road Safety Authority (RSA) is looking at bringing in mandatory training and a driving test for anyone applying for a category W learner permit, the licence needed to operate tractors and work vehicles with a top speed of 40km/h. These machines are primarily used for tasks other than transporting goods by road, and are common on farms and construction sites.