Highlights of the Highland

ANDREW RITCHIE

This year was the 240th anniversary of the Royal Highland Agricultural Society of Scotland. The Show is Scotland’s biggest outdoor event, and the largest fundraising event for the charity which is held over four days in June at Ingliston, near Edinburgh.

The Show contributes over 45 million pounds to the local economy. As a life member since 1968 I had the privilege of attending the event this year. Although having lived in New Zealand for the past 38 years I may not have had my money’s worth.

The Show hosted approximately 220,000 guests and there were some 6000 livestock entries.

The Chairman of the Society,  James Warnock, says the event stands as a great testament to the hard work of farmers, producers and artisans who work in the industry. Twenty different breeds of beef and dairy cattle were housed in the massive cattle pavilion while covered pens housed 29 breeds of sheep ranging from the native breeds such as the Scottish Blackface, Ryeland, Jacob and Cheviot to the European varieties such as the Charollais, Bleu du Maine and Texel.

Eight hundred trade stands showcasing everything from agricultural machinery to produce that connects the farm to the glass, the fork or the clothes rack and there are demonstrations from gundogs, sheepdogs and fly casting.

Particularly interesting was the birds of prey demonstration where owls, falcons, vultures and the mighty eagle showed off their aerial skills. In the main ring equestrian classes were taking place from show hunters to Shetlands, and most impressive, a large and popular class of ridden Clydesdales. If anyone is planning a trip travelling through Scotland in June of any year this is a must-see event.

As with farmers the world over, Scottish farmers had much to say about the weather. One claimed it had rained since October and cereal crop establishment was badly hit.

Spring crops were sown late in the season and in-ground fertiliser was instantly washed away by in excess of 150 mm of rain. Milling wheat was trading for $500 NZ/tonne, while feed wheat was worth $375 NZ.

Milk was worth approximately 75 cents/litre, but amongst livestock breeders the mood was more optimistic. New season lamb was making $14 NZ plus /kg and beef $10 NZ plus/kg.