The UK's four farming unions are calling on Government to delay the new Making Tax Digital scheme for farm businesses, many of whom will find it almost impossible to access.

Following a joint consultation response on the Making Tax Digital draft legislation, the four Unions fear the scheduled implementation will be inaccessible for many farm businesses and difficult to implement properly.

The complex scheme requires access to digital infrastructure that is not available in many rural areas, as five per cent of the population does not have adequate access to broadband - many of those people are farmers.

Gary Mitchell, Vice President for NFU Scotland pointed out that for many of his members the digital age has yet to be delivered to them by the Government, adding: "This fact, combined with overwhelming complexity, is why action is necessary. We have serious concerns for those farm businesses that will be among the first forced to comply with these changes and the issues this may bring, not to mention potential costs involved."

Although implementation of Making Tax Digital will be delayed until 2019 for small businesses, Mr Mitchell warned: "There is insufficient time available for the industry and HMRC to achieve what is required for this to work."

Market round-up

United Auctions sold 668 store heifers at Stirling on Wednesday to a top of 263.9p per kg and an average of 220.4p (+0.6p on the week), while 1226 store, beef-bred bullocks peaked at 294p and levelled at 228.7p (+1.7p). Seventy-one store, B&W bullocks sold to 191.2p and averaged165.7p (+17.1p), while 57 store bulls peaked at 226.4p and levelled at 202.4p (no comparison).

C&D Auction Marts Ltd sold 4 prime heifers in Dumfries on Wednesday to a top of 229p and an average of 219.4p, while a prime bullock fetched 175p.

In the rough ring 12 beef cows sold to £1050 per head and 155p per kg to average 126.5p, while 48 dairy cattle peaked at £1230 and 154p to level at 112.7p

The firm also sold 949 prime hoggs to a top of £90 and 199p to average 181.4p (+7.8p).

The 243 cast sheep forward saw heavy ewes sell to £133.50 for a Texel and average £71.58 (-£4.87), while light ewes peaked at £78 for Blackfaces and levelled at £51.10 (-£4.02).

Messrs Craig Wilson Ltd sold 2117 prime hoggs in Newton Stewart on Wednesday to a top of £87 and 206p to average 175p (+4.2p). Included within that overall average were 1464 Blackfaces that peaked at £85 and 185.1p to level at 177p (+7p).

There were also 143 cast sheep that saw ewes sell to £120 for Beltex and £64 for Blackfaces.