Owen Farm Services

31/08/2026

With the end of the closed cutting season on 31 August, it’s important to remember that not all hedges can be cut from 1 September.

Hedges declared as EFA (Greening) must not be cut until 1 December, unless an exemption applies.

The exceptions are where cutting is necessary:
• For road safety reasons
• To establish a winter oilseed r**e crop
• To establish temporary grass

So, before you get the hedge cutter out, check whether the hedge has been declared as EFA and make sure you’re complying with the relevant rules.

If you’re unsure whether a hedge can be cut, give the OFS team a call before starting work.

28/08/2026

We’re looking forward to being at Moffat Show tomorrow – the last of our summer shows!

This year’s show will look a little different, with the current Bluetongue restrictions meaning the committee has taken the difficult decision not to hold the cattle and sheep classes. Despite that, we’re delighted to see Moffat Show going ahead and we’re keen to give the event our full support.

The summer shows are such an important part of the rural calendar – a chance to catch up with friends, meet new people and celebrate our local agricultural community.

So, if you’re looking for something to do tomorrow, head along to Moffat Show and support the committee and everyone who has worked hard to put the show on. We hope to see a great turnout and plenty of familiar faces!

Come and say hello to the OFS team while you’re there!

21/08/2026

We're delighted to be one of the sponsors of the South West Scotland Holstein Club Stock Judging at Chapelcroft Farm tonight! 🐄

A great opportunity to get together, put your judging skills to the test and take part in an enjoyable evening.

A huge thank you to the Kennedy family for kindly allowing the event to take place at Chapelcroft Farm. We look forward to seeing everyone there!

20/08/2026

Important update on Bluetongue restrictions 🐄🐑

Please take a moment to make yourself aware of the latest restrictions and requirements for Dumfries and Galloway, particularly if you are moving livestock. We would encourage all clients to liaise closely with their vet to ensure they understand what applies to their individual circumstances.

Please see the update from ScotGov below 👇

Link to the full guidance and map of the temporary control zone is in the comments

Bluetongue disease controls are being introduced after the disease was detected in two lambs at a farm near Lockerbie. It follows detection of the disease on four other premises near Newton Stewart.

A Temporary Control Zone has been put in place around the areas in Dumfries and Galloway where bluetongue has been detected.

All movement of livestock such as cattle, sheep and other susceptible ruminants is restricted in or out of the zone, with limited exceptions under licence such as for slaughter. Increased surveillance and testing of animals is being carried out in the area.

For more information ➡️ gov.scot/news/temporary-bluetongue-control-zone-introduced/

10/08/2026

Greening Changes for 2027

There are some important changes to Ecological Focus Areas (EFA) coming in for 2027.

If you have more than 15ha of arable land, including temporary grassland, the area you need to manage for EFA is increasing from 5% to 7%.

There are also earlier establishment deadlines for a number of EFA options, including:
• EFA Fallow & Margins – covers established by 1 May
• Herb & Legume Rich Pastures – leys established by 1 June
• Enhanced Agro-forestry – new trees planted by 1 May

With the requirements changing, now is a good time to start looking at what this means for your farm and your 2027 cropping.

Get in touch with the OFS team and we can go through your 2027 requirements and cropping plans with you and help you plan ahead.

10/08/2026

We were delighted to sponsor the Beef Classes at Wigtown Show last week and to see some outstanding cattle coming forward.

A huge congratulations to Meghan Carson on taking Champion of Champions with her Shorthorn LAIRDMANNOCH ROXY VICTORIA, shown by James Rea.

And it was another Beef success for the Reserve Champion, DORNELLS KYLIE, from James Jack of Dornells Estate, pictured with Doreen Anderson.

It was brilliant to see such a strong showing of quality beef cattle, and we’re proud to support the classes and the people showcasing the best of the industry.

Thanks to everyone who came along and made it such a great day!

07/08/2026

🐑 Heading to the North Country Cheviot Open Day today? Come and have a chat with us!

Calum and Patricia will be at the North Country Cheviot Open Day today, Friday 7th August, at Carruthers Farm, Lockerbie, by kind permission of the Graham family.

📍 Carruthers Farm, Lockerbie
⏰ Gates open 10.30am

We’ll be there to chat all things Future Farming Investment Scheme, answer your questions and talk through how the upcoming grant could work for your farm and where we can help.

The Graham family will be showcasing their impressive Park and Hill North Country Cheviot flocks of almost 900 sheep, across around 900 acres of land reaching up to 1,100 feet above sea level.

If you’re heading along, come and find Calum and Patricia for a chat! We’re always happy to talk farming, grants and what’s next for your business.

04/08/2026

Tomorrow we're heading to Wigtown Show. Whether you're already a client or just want to find out more about what we do, please come and have a chat.

We're incredibly proud to be sponsoring the Beef Classes this year. Supporting the livestock sector and recognising the hard work that goes into producing quality cattle is something that's really important to us, so it's a privilege to be part of the day.

If you're thinking about applying for the new Future Farming Investment Scheme (FFIS), we'll also be on hand to answer questions, talk through the grant and discuss how we can help you prepare for your application.

Best of luck to everyone exhibiting and competing, and here's hoping for a fantastic day. See you there!

03/08/2026

Future Farming Investment Scheme to return this winter

The Scottish Government has announced that the much awaited next round of the Future Farming Investment Scheme (FFIS) is expected to open this winter, with £14.25 million available to support farmers and crofters.

The scheme will offer grants of up to £20,000 to help businesses invest in equipment, infrastructure and environmental improvements.

The information released so far suggests funding rates of:
• 50% for most applicants
• Up to 80% for new entrants
• Up to 60% for businesses in the Highlands & Islands
• Up to 100% for eligible environmental and nature-focused projects

Full scheme guidance, eligibility criteria and the list of eligible items are still to be announced, so it's too early to know exactly what will be available. We'll share further updates as soon as the full details are published.

To stay up to date with the latest grants available, register to receive the Owen Farm Services Newsletter here - https://shorturl.at/xGjnA