John Sleigh

Editor

John Sleigh is the Editor of The Scottish Farmer. He previously was the Northern Editor and was appointed Editor in August 2023. Before working for The Scottish Farmer, John was Scotland Editor for the Irish Farmers Journal. He has also worked for the National Farmers Union of Scotland and the Scottish Parliament.

John Sleigh is the Editor of The Scottish Farmer. He previously was the Northern Editor and was appointed Editor in August 2023. Before working for The Scottish Farmer, John was Scotland Editor for the Irish Farmers Journal. He has also worked for the National Farmers Union of Scotland and the Scottish Parliament.

Latest articles from John Sleigh

Spectators and buyers gathered for the 127th annual autumn sale at Oban, where Dylan Carnegie showcased Catriona Akeko of Balrownie, guiding her around the ring. The champion attracted competitive bids, eventually selling for 13,000 gns Ref: RH141024031

Sold for 13,000 gns 127th Oban autumn sale: champion fetches impressive 13,000 gns
At the 127th Oban Autumn Sale, Catriona Akeko of Balrownie fetched 13,000 gns, while 13-year-old Tara Adams shone as the overall young handler.

Recent dry weather has helped the potato harvest

Harvest Success Harvest success despite weather challenges, farmers now focus on spring plans
With autumn harvest complete, attention shifts to winter crops. Early sown cereals look strong, and spring planting plans are now underway.

Grewar Farming’s freshly harvested broccoli at Ardler, near Coupar Angus.

Fresh from Ardler Grewar farming’s unique broccoli harvest near Coupar Angus
Grewar Farming's fresh broccoli harvest at Ardler near Coupar Angus promises high quality produce with a focus on local growth and sustainable practices.

Farmers hope for genuine changes in QMS standards, not just a reshuffle

Trim or Tangle? Will QMS assurance reform satisfy farmers?
Will the new QMS standards cut red tape or just shift rules around? Discover what changes farmers want and how it might affect the industry.

NFU England and Wales is disappointed at the amount of tariff free sugar cane imports

Sugar struggles NFU criticises government for maintaining raw cane sugar tariff-free quota in 2025
The NFU has expressed its disappointment with the government’s decision to retain the autonomous tariff quota (ATQ) for raw cane sugar in 2025.

A farmer has been fined for breach of safety rules - Getty

Tragic accident Cheshire farmer fined £16k after roofer’s fatal fall from unsafe forklift lift
A Cheshire farmer has been fined £16,000 following the tragic death of a man who fell from a forklift truck while repairing a roof at a packing shed.

Abattoir association hits back at FSA claims - Getty

Food safety AIMS hit back at FSA claims on veterinary presence and standards in abattoirs
The Association of Independent Meat Suppliers (AIMS) has responded strongly to claims made by Food Standards Agency (FSA) chair Professor Susan Jebb, who recently suggested that food standards would drop without better veterinary presence within meat production.

Qulaity Meat Scotland

Farmer feedback Quality Meat Scotland plans to streamline cattle and sheep assurance standards
Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) is proposing a 15% cut in the number of assurance standards following feedback from the farming sector. At the launch of the levy body’s consultation on the cattle and sheep assurance scheme, the quango is proposing a refinement of the standards and a reduction in rules duplication. Farmers and crofters are being asked to take part in the review and provide feedback on the proposed changes before they are finalised later in the year. Any agreed changes would come

The NBA want to see an English beef calf scheme - Getty

Farm support Call for English beef calf scheme
The National Beef Association (NBA) is urging the Westminster Government to introduce a beef calf scheme, similar to the one in place north of the border.