The store lamb trade is performing exceptionally well compared to recent years, providing much-needed financial relief for producers who have faced prolonged hardships.

Hill farmers, in particular, have faced plenty challenges, including a difficult spring that put newborn lambs at risk during their critical first weeks.

Predators from the sky and the ground have claimed the lives of huge numbers of young lambs before they had a chance to thrive. Therefore, any support from the Scottish Government in this area would be greatly appreciated by livestock farmers.

Clarity on support measures, especially regarding the controversial ewe hogg scheme, which seems to have been neglected by the department, would also benefit hill farmers.

Initially, it was thought that if the government could define an active farmer, the ewe hogg payment might be unnecessary. However, defining an active farmer or crofter has proven to be as challenging as nailing jelly to the wall.

It is encouraging that strong finished prices for old season lambs earlier in the year have helped finishers return to the ring, passing some of the margin down the supply chain. This is a prime example of the rural economy in action, demonstrating why investment in our farms and crofts is one of the best ways to support rural economies across the country.

However, there is concern about farms being bought for tree planting. This criticism is not directed at the sellers but at government policies driving afforestation to meet targets.

During a recent visit to Lorn Show, The Scottish Farmer discovered that Ariogan Farm, directly west of Oban Mart, had been purchased by Land and Forestry Scotland. According to the government quango, the 177ha farm boasts important landmarks like shielings and farmsteads. Yet, these signs of local community life may be reduced to historical artifacts as forestry and woodland creation continue.

The final plans for Ariogan are not yet set, and a campaign to save the quality livestock land around the town from being converted to woodland needs to be launched.

If we are to truly integrate tree plantation with livestock production, sensitive and blended approaches are required.

Ariogan near Oban could serve as a shining example if handled correctly, with the final plan due by winter 2025, providing time to make this work.

Further down the hill, the harvest is progressing, with winter wheat harvesting complete for most in the southern half of Scotland.

Oilseed rape is also being harvested, with mixed reports from the Borders. Weighbridges highlight yields below average, with some fields performing poorly, producing 2-3t/ha. These figures apply to the fields that made it to harvest, as many were lost due to prolonged damp conditions. Meanwhile, barley yields appear to be holding steady, with fewer reports of dramatic drops in yields.

There are many weeks to go before harvest is home, and let’s hope for some warm and dry days to fill the grains and give these valuable store lambs a good bite of grass at their new homes.