Anglia Farmer July 2021

July 2021

Anglia

Farmer Serving the farming industry across East Anglia for over 35 years

News Farmers bear brunt of fly-tipping

Oilseed rape High prices fuels return to crop

Arable Help to combat ‘new blackgrass’

Pigs & Poultry Further reductions in antibiotics

Livestock New grass varieties on latest list

Professional Services Autumn start for pilot green scheme

The Great Betrayal: UK-Australia deal is bad for British farmers, says Fen Tiger

Going, gone...

Auctioneer hangs up gavel after 30 years

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Anglia Farmer

OPINION Johann Tasker

EDITORIAL Editor: Johann Tasker | T: 07967 634971 E: johann@ruralcity.co.uk

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Anglia Farmer is a controlled circulation magazine published monthly for farmers and growers in the eastern counties. To be included on the circulation list, a farmer must have a minimum of 70 acres of land, or 50 dairy/beef stock, or 50 breeding sows/250 growing stock, or 15,000 laying hens/broiler chickens. Intensive horticulture units are required to have a minimum of two hectares.

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Sustainable Farming Incentive must be properly funded

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overnment plans to overhaul the farm support system took another step forward last month when Defra published details of its Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI).

The SFI will form the entry level of the forthcoming Environmental Land Management (ELM) scheme – which will eventually be phased in as the annual basic payment is phased out starting later this year.

Some 2000 farmers said they were interested in taking part in a pilot version of the SFI. It will see them rewarded for undertaking sustainable farming practices – including measures aimed at looking after the environment.

Defra say it wants the scheme to be as simple and straightforward as possible. It is working in partnership with the Rural Payments Agency to deliver the pilot, which will gather ongoing information from a range of participating farm types.

Participants will take part in a range of activities, providing rapid feedback on their experience of all aspects of the pilot. Defra says this will ensure the scheme is tested, fully workable and user-friendly once fully rolled out from 2024.

Contents

In the first phase of the pilot, participants will be able to select from an initial set of eight standards to build their own agreements. The standards will promote cleaner air and water, and guard against environmental risks such as climate change and flooding.

Within each standard there are three levels for participants to choose from – Introductory, Intermediate and Advanced. Each level is more challenging, and more rewarding, than the previous level and delivers greater environmental benefits.

Although the window for farmers to express an interest in joining the first phase of the Sustainable Farming Incentive pilot is now closed, Defra says there will be more opportunities to participate in future phases of the pilot.

It is vital that the pilot scheme works.

And that means farmers must be adequately rewarded for the environmental work they are expected to undertake. Otherwise the scheme will fail before it starts.

We will be watching progress with interest.

Johann Tasker, Editor

Vol 41 • No 7 • July 2021

News .................................................................... 4

Pig & Poultry .................................................. 50

Arable .................................................................. 8

Professional Services ................................. 61

Oilseed rape .................................................... 37

Machinery ........................................................ 71

Livestock.......................................................... 46

Final Say ........................................................... 74

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JULY 2021 • ANGLIA FARMER 3

News Fly-tipping: Farmers bear brunt of epidemic • Rubbish dumped in field entrances • Almost half of farmers affected • Criminal gangs are among culprits

F

armers are the group most affected by the illegal dumping of large amounts of rubbish, according to new figures from the Environment Agency.

The finding has prompted the NFU to renew its call for urgent action to tackle the problem Fly-tipping remains a priority issue for rural communities, said NFU deputy president and Stuart Roberts.

The rising number of incidents is having a devastating impact on farm businesses across the country, said Mr Roberts. More must be done to prevent fly-tipping from taking place, reminding the public of their responsibilities and punishing offenders.

“This survey has again thrown into sharp focus the extensive problems fly-tipping is causing. I hear every day about industrial-scale amounts of rubbish such as builder’s rubble, old furniture, kitchen appliances and used

tyres being dumped in fields.”

Earlier this year, the NFU’s own rural crime survey revealed that fly-tipping was the most prolific crime experienced by NFU members, with nearly half (48%) of those surveyed saying they had been affected by fly-tipping in the past year.

Organised crime “These crimes must be taken seriously,” said Mr Roberts. “We need to understand the links to organised crime and commit to levelling up policing for both urban and rural areas to create a safer, cleaner and greener rural Britain.

“It’s clear the public agree. Recently more than 50,000 people signed an open letter to the newly elected Police and Crime Commissioners calling for better collaboration to tackle prevention, clean-up and prosecution.

Mr Roberts added: “Everyone hugely values

More must be done to combat offenders who dump rubbish, says the NFU Below: Bigger fines and stiffer sentences are needed, says Stuart Roberts.

the benefits the countryside brings, and none of us want it blighted by huge amounts of rubbish being strewn across fields and on the sides of rural roads.”

The NFU wants the Environment Agency to work together with police, local authorities, and farmers to tackle the problem. In some areas these relationships work well but the NFU says a more consistent approach is needed across the country.

It says householders should be better informed about their legal obligations to ensure their rubbish is properly handled. Many people may not realise they are criminally liable for their rubbish being illegally dumped, even if someone else is responsible.

“Offenders caught dumping waste illegally must also see the fines as a proper punishment and these must act as a deterrent,” said Mr Roberts.

Farming needs image revamp to attract workers

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griculture needs to improve its image to attract more workers and prevent disastrous labour shortages from contiuing, say experts.

Potential employees are being put off by the belief that farming is a sector with low pay, long hours, poor work-life balance, bad conditions, lack of progression, heavy physical labour and unskilled work.

Commissioned by the Worshipful Company of Farmers and the John Oldacre Foundation, researchers from Exeter University examined the perception of agriculture and employee labour issues for both seasonal jobs 4 ANGLIA FARMER • JULY 2021

and more permanent roles.

“Farming is an ‘invisible career’ to anybody who isn’t from a farming background, and this needs to change,” said report co-author Caroline Nye. “Potential career opportunities in agriculture go far beyond simply picking fruit, and often involve working with complex technology and machinery, with some farm managers earning over £90,000 a year.”

Farms must become more competitive, flexible and attractive places to work in order to drive recruitment, says the study.

The report suggests potential new en-

trants for permanent jobs in the industry might include people from a greater range of backgrounds. This includes people leaving the armed services, ex-offenders and people from disadvantaged backgrounds.

It says the Ministry of Defence should do more to spread awareness of agricultural opportunities – introducing more training schemes aimed at veterans from non-farming backgrounds.

Brexit, the coronavirus pandemic, currency fluctuations and new immigration laws are likely to exacerbate labour shortfalls in the coming years, the report warns.

News

How hi-tech approach aims to reduce fatalities on the farm •

•

•

Risk tools aim to cut farm deaths Fatigue and remote working alone Motion sensor alerts for machines

F

arming’s high number of fatal accidents could be reduced by adopting a high-tech approach to workplace safety.

More than 30 people died in farm-related accidents during the past 12 months, according to the Health and Safety Executive. The greatest risk comes when working with machinery, livestock or at height.

Innovations to improve farm safety were unveiled at an Agri-TechE online event. They included a machinery audit activated by QR code, a risk assessment tool, and motion sensor alerts for moving machinery.

Agri-TechE director Belinda Clarke said: “More people are using digital technologies for a greater range of applications. This creates a huge opportunity for making safety and compliance part of the culture on-farm.”

The Farm365 machinery safety and audit app is triggered by scanning a QR code located on the equipment in question. The idea came from Farm365 founder and Norfolk-based safety consultant Lizzie Creed.

Doing something different “We’re losing somebody in agriculture every two weeks,” she said. “I thought ‘there is technology for everything else on-farm, but most health and safety monitoring is paper-based – we’ve got to start doing something differently’.”

The Farm365 app makes it easy to keep up with machine safety checks and food compliance audits. Scanning the QR code brings up pre-work checklists, the machine’s service history and food safety checks.

For Katy Landt, it was a near-miss

The Farm365 app makes it easier to keep up safety checks, says Lizzie Creed (above left)

“

We’re losing somebody in agriculture every two weeks

on the family farm in Australia that persuaded her to launch Safe Ag Systems. It makes it easier to encourage safe practices among farm workers, including older employees.

Remote areas Ms Landt explained: “Fatigue and working alone in remote areas is a huge contributor to the statistics. The reality is that we can’t eliminate all of these risks but what we can do is reduce them.”

Safe Ag Systems captures records across employment, company policy and all types of procedure. It can also be used to educate farm workers, capture chemical or fuel usage, report hazards and alert someone or call for help in an emergency.

Ben Sturgess, founder of tech company Pathfindr, is developing a wearable solution to address the high rate of vehicle related injury in agriculture. It uses ultra-wideband (UWB) technology that sets off an alarm when safety measures are breached.

Developer to submit plan for giant wind farm

A

proposed for a 1100ha solar farm built on farmland are expected to be submitted to the planning inspectorate this summer.

The Sunnica project on the Cambridgeshire/Suffolk border would be the biggest in the UK and one of the largest in the world.

But local campaigners against development say it would take too much arable land out of production.

This project is located over a number of sites surrounding seven villages in West Suffolk and East Cambridgeshire. Electricity

6 ANGLIA FARMER • JULY 2021

produced will pass along almost 15 miles of cabling with giant batteries used as storage facilities.

Campaigners say some 1133ha will be lost, including land currently used for growing potatoes, carrots, onions, sugar beet and wheat. They say local biodiversity and wildlife habitats could also be lost.

Local agronomist Anne Noble said: “While the need for green energy is accepted by everyone it is imperative that we do not accept these schemes at face value. The green credentials of these schemes requires care-

ful evaluation.”

After a public consultation, Sunnica says round 26% of the land within the scheme will no longer be used for energy production or battery storage. It will instead be used for landscaping, ecological or archaeological mitigation purposes.

Sunnica says a range of new grassland mixes beneath the solar panels will improve fauna and increase biodiversity. It says the land will be returned to agriculture after the lifetime of the scheme, which is expected to be 40 years.

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Arable Wanted: Call for help to prevent ‘new blackgrass’

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astern region farmers are being asked to help combat the spread of rat’s tail fescue – a grass weed already posing problems in Denmark, France, Spain and Switzerland.

Scientists say the weed – which causes significant economic damage – is starting to take hold in England and Wales. It is predominantly a threat in no-till winter cereals, where it rapidly forms dense carpets and competes with the crop.

In Australia, where rat’s tail fescue has been present in fields for more than 50 years, farmers have incurred hefty losses through crop yield reduction and contamination of forage and wool.

Research leader Lucie Büchi, of Greenwich University, said rat’s tail fescue was a relatively new grass weed in crops but of increasing concern. In the UK, it is present in natural habitats, but its distribution in arable fields is yet unknown.

“We are launching a UK-wide sur-

vey to better understand the current knowledge and distribution of this species in the UK, and its association with cropping practices. It’s really important we get on top of this before it becomes another blackgrass.”

As part of the survey, farmers will be asked to answer questions about their location, soil type and general agronomy. The aim is to identify any correlation between these factors, and the distribution or abundance of rats tail fescue.

Seed samples Dr Büchi – and colleages Laura Cook and Richard Hull from Rothamsted Research – are inviting farmers and agronomists to send them rat’s tail fescue seeds so they can start to study the weed in preparation for its likely spread across the UK. Mr Hill said: “We would like farmers that have rat’s tail fescue on their land to send us a mature seed sample

Photo: Agroscope, Switzerland

• Threat to no-till winter cereal crops • Already having an economic impact • Farmers to send in seed collections

Rats tail fescue can devastate cereal crops, say scientists

“

Weed’s distribution in arable fields is yet unknown

and we can provide them with instructions for obtaining as good a seed sample as possible.

“We plan to run a series of experiments looking at how rats tail fescue may adapt to future climates and to study the differences in the life cycle of wild and natural populations compared to seed collected from farmers’ fields.”

To aid with identification of the plant, a freely available six-page information leaflet and a shorter threepage identification guide have been produced by the team, which is available from Rothamsted.

The anonymous survey is open until 31 August. To take part, visit www. greenwich.onlinesurveys.ac.uk/vulpia-survey-uk.

Bigger seeds mean better results suggests trial

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arger seeds perform better when it comes to winter wheat and spring barley, suggests an independent trial carried out by the National Association of Agricultural Contractors.

Bigger seeds resulted in higher emergence rates, increased initial vigour, longer initial root and shoot lengths, higher root and shoot mass, greater initial tillering and greater initial leaf number.

Carried out by SGS in greenhouse conditions in early 2021, the results highlighted that seed size is a vital factor in potential yield. This was true whether using farm

8 ANGLIA FARMER • JULY 2021

saved or certified seed, said NAAC seed chairman Rob White.

Better performance “Farmers are increasingly questioning the need to have farm saved seed treated and cleaned. However, these results clearly highlight the importance of only filling the drill with viable seed. Larger seed sizes were proven to have higher germination, higher vigour and improved emergence compared to small seed sizes of the same lot.”

Based on the results in this trial, crops drilled with smaller seed – or an uncleaned

seed batch – will result in a lower yield and perhaps lower quality of harvested grain than a crop drilled from a larger or cleaned seed batch.

The study suggests that small seeds in the drill are effectively taking up space that could be occupied by a larger, more productive seeds, added Mr White.

“It is vital that farmers look hard at their farm-saving economics. While costs can be cut by barn dipping, this may be a very short-sighted gain. Seed that is cleaned and of larger size selection will put the crop at a competitive advantage.”

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Arable

How aphid monitoring keeps growers on top of BYDV • Forecasts risk of BYDV spreading • System is simple but very effective • Helps to reduce insecticide usage

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armer-led aphid monitoring could help reduce the use of insecticides to tackle barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV) in cereals.

A simple field-based monitoring system – run by farmers – could help combat BYDV following the 2019 neonicotinoid ban, according to the study by the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT).

A potentially devastating disease, BYDV can reduce yields by 30% in wheat and 75% in barley. Yields are most affected by autumn infestations of virus carrying aphids flying into cereal crops.

Pyrethroid insecticides used as an alternative to neonicotinoids are toxic to the beneficial insects in the crop.

They also have the potential to contaminate waterways where they are highly toxic to aquatic insects.

Monitoring method Funded by the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), the study shows that field-based monitoring to count aphid numbers can predict the risk of BYDV transmitted by cereal aphids in the autumn.

It also showed that better understanding of aphid infestations improves both the targeting and the timing of insecticide applications. This reduces spray usage because aphids are controlled before they have a chance to spread within the crop.

Researchers tested the practicality of field-based monitoring by equipping seven farmers and agronomists with yellow sticky traps – 20cm² cards coated with wet-stick mounted horizontally just above the crop.

Simple approach Yellow is known to be attractive to aphids. The farmers and agronomists were asked to trial the traps for a month, changing them every week.

They were given a simple guide to assess aphid numbers.

John Holland, head of the GWCT’s farmland ecology unit, said: “The participants liked the simplicity of the approach and would be willing to use it, but wanted better training in aphid identification in future.”

Traps were deployed in the headlands and middle of different fields so researchers could examine whether landscape composition, boundary type and tillage methods affect aphid immigration into crops.

Determined aphids “We found at least three times as many flying aphids in the headland area compared with the field centre in both studies, and especially next to tall boundaries, indicating that wind currents determined aphid immigration patterns within fields.”

The scientists found that the type of tillage had no impact on levels of aphid

BYDV can reduce yields by 30% in wheat and 75% in barley.

“

It improves the targeting and timing applications

immigration. By studying a range of landscapes, they found more aphids where there was a higher proportion of grassland with a 1km radius of the sampled field.

“We found considerable variation in aphid numbers between fields (24% had none), even on the same farm, which confirms the merits of fieldbased monitoring to reduce insecticide use.”

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ADVERTORIAL

CHOOSING A WINTER MALTING BARLEY THAT’S RIGHT FOR YOUR FARM.

Premiums for malting barley are looking interesting at the moment, with prices at a similar level for winter and spring barley. Winter crops have the potential for higher yields, so winter

malting barley could be a popular choice for autumn 2021 drilling.

In the East of England there are some good options available for different markets:

CRAFT is the number 1 winter malting barley in the UK, with the highest area grown for seed production in 2021 and the highest level of grain purchased by maltsters across the UK in 2020.

Demand is strong for CRAFT, giving a secure market for sales at the end of the season. CRAFT was bred to replace SY VENTURE, and it has vastly improved grain quality, with high specific weight, low screenings and very high Hot Water Extract. It is a stiff-strawed variety, with ratings of 6 for all foliar diseases on the 2021/22 AHDB Recommended List, making it a reliable variety to grow.

DEMAND IS STRONG FOR CRAFT, GIVING A SECURE MARKET FOR SALES AT THE END OF THE SEASON.

ELECTRUM received full MBC approval for brewing in 2020, it is on farm now and growing in popularity. ELECTRUM is the highest yielding winter malting barley and has its highest performance in the East of England. It has vigorous, rapid growth in the autumn, and will be quick to reach stem extension. This quick growth continues throughout the season, resulting in early ear emergence and it is joint earliest to ripen of all the winter barleys. Like CRAFT, ELECTRUM has very good grain quality, with high specific weight and low screenings. Contracts will be widely available throughout the East so check for availability locally.

ELECTRUM HAS VIGOROUS, RAPID GROWTH IN THE AUTUMN, AND WILL BE QUICK TO REACH STEM EXTENSION.

FLAGON is a heritage variety, mainly used in the craft brewing and real ale markets. It is unpigmented, with a long, pale green ear that has excellent grain characteristics and high alcohol yield. FLAGON has a long-standing popularity with certain maltsters in the East of England, which has ensured it remains a key variety in this region. It will have contracts with specific maltsters, so speak to your local merchants for availability.

FLAGON HAS A LONG-STANDING POPULARITY WITH CERTAIN MALTSTERS IN THE EAST OF ENGLAND.

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Arable

Blended wheats can reduce farm inputs and help combat disease • Resurgence of interest in blends • Performs well without fungicides • Conventional and organic mixes

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new range of blended wheat seed aims to help growers tackle disease and reduce fungicide usage in favour of a regenerative approach to farming.

Launched by Lincolnshire-based Cope Seeds & Grain, the pre-mixed range of organic and conventional wheat seed has been developed to meet a resurgence of interest in using blends to reduce farm inputs.

“Back in the 1980s there were many thousands of tonnes of seed blends being sold and grown in the UK,” says Cope Seeds & Grain managing director Gemma Clarke. “But with pressure on seed plants to get tonnage through in the autumn, they faded away.”

Cope Seeds is offering two organic and two conventional

wheat blends. Ms Clarke said: “We believe blends are being more readily considered by conventional and organic farmers who are looking to grow using regenerative principles.”

Performed well Nick Padwick, of Ken Hill Farms and estate in north Norfolk, has been growing his own wheat blends for two years. So far, Mr Padwick says the crops have performed well and he hasn’t had to apply any fungicide.

“My father grew blends and it’s coming back around. Gone are the days where yield is king. Now the focus really has to be about reducing inputs, reducing the reliance on synthetics, including artificial fertiliser and looking after our soils.

“We selected our four top per-

Blended wheat varieties

12 ANGLIA FARMER • JULY 2021

Tristar (conventional) Feed wheat blend of three varieties from three different breeders. Early maturity and high untreated yields with strong resistance to Septoria Tritici. Grain quality is said to be of the highest merit, with the ability to produce a bold sample.

Summit (organic) Two-way soft wheat blend with a milling premium buy-back contract. Later maturing crop with high yield potential and tall straw, perfect for weed suppression.

Some protection against Orange Wheat Blossom Midge.

Triple X (conventional) Soft wheat blend offering early to medium maturity, with strong rust resistance and high grain quality. Created to meet market requirements while benefiting from reduced disease and high untreated yield potential. Buy-back contracts available.

Apex (organic) Dual purpose wheat blend of two top varieties for untreated yield potential, Septoria tritici resistance and early maturity. High habergs and potentially high levels of protein suitable for milling – but also suitable for feed.

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Gone are the days when yield was king, says Nick Padwick

forming feed wheat varieties in terms of disease resistance and we blended them. The ultimate aim is to stop using inputs entirely and build healthy soils which support healthy plants.”

Ms Clarke says the blends are a viable alternative to straight wheat. “We have passed the time where we need to see a field of level crops. Fields of different heights containing different varieties of healthy wheat are the future.”

Research carried out by Rose Kristoffersen from Aarhus University in Denmark, found that growing different blends of wheat varieties helps to increase yield potential as well as reducing dis-

ease pressure.

A four-way blend was grown each year in official trials as a reference. The blend reduced Septoria severity by about 10% with a 1.4% yield increase. In untreated trials, there was a 17% reduction in Septoria severity and 2.4% yield increase.

Ms Clarke said Cope Seeds was continually evolving its blend formulations – pulling out any potential lines that may break down and adding in newer varieties with better disease resistance to ensure they remain robust.

“We are bringing together the benefits of both nature and science through modern plant breeding,” said Ms Clarke.

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Arable

Cereal diseases surge as warmer weather hits

A

gronomists are reporting a late-season disease surge in cereal crops after warmer weather after another wet May. Brown rust in particular is thriving in the warmer weather, says Mike Thornton, head of crop production for agronomy firm ProCam. It is also encouraging the spread of Septoria through crop canopies.

“Growers need to be on their guard,” says Mr Thornton. “There are some good grain prices, so cereals are worth looking after, and we’ve seen the effects on disease development of wet weather followed by warmer conditions before.

“There’s no single fungicide prescription. Each field needs judging individually to head off infection before it gets too established. But more robust fungicide doses may be needed to cope with heightened infection pressures.”

An increased need for effective control is likely where the interval between earlier T1 and T2 fungicide

sprays was stretched beyond the optimum three weeks – or if T1 fungicides were trimmed back for any reason, says Mr Thornton.

With an exceptionally cold spring, many crops are developing later than normal, with T3 T3 spray timings delayed. Rapid crop development brought on by the warm weather will also make regular crop monitoring more important.

Vigilant “It’s not just wheat that we need to be vigilant with – it’s a similar situation with barley. As well as the usual wet weather diseases of Rhynchosporium and net blotch, barley crops have been under a lot of stress.

“Stress is a trigger for any latent Ramularia infection to manifest,” says Mr Thornton. “So there’s an equal need for attention to detail to keep barley healthy to protect the important grain-filling period.”

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Arable

Hybrid barley could strike chord on heavy land

A

new hybrid winter feed barley – which mixes high yields with good grain quality – could hold particular appeal for growers on heavier land, says its breeder.

Launched this autumn, SY Thunderbolt has a UK treated yield of 107% of control varieties and a grain specific weight of 69.6 kg/h. The Syngenta variety is new on the AHDB Recommended List (RL) for 2021/22.

Thunderbolt delivered a specific weight of 69 kg/hl over the last three years, according to AHDB data. This should give growers confidence it will achieve the thresholds demanded by grain buyers, says Syngenta seeds technical manager Paul Roche.

Consistent yields of 107% across all UK regions could make the early maturing variety a particularly popular option. At 111% of control varieties, it also has the highest yield figure on

heavy soils, says Mr Roche.

“An early harvest also helps to spread summer workloads and gives an opportunity for early cashflow. It is also especially useful if following barley with oilseed rape.

An early harvest helps spread workloads, says Paul Roche

Germination “The oilseed rape price is very healthy at the moment, and soil moisture is critical for the crop’s germination,” he adds. “If you can get oilseed rape up and away early while soil moisture is still available it stands a better chance against the first wave of cabbage stem flea beetle.”

Heavy land is typically favoured by blackgrass – making Thunderbolt a good fit with its hybrid vigour. Hybrid barley has also been shown to suppress ryegrass and brome, with its competitive growth above ground and vigorous roots below.

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Syngenta hybrid barley marketing manager Sarah Hughes says several of the benefits of SY Thunderbolt are particularly relevant to current farming challenges.

Mrs Hughes says: “Recent Syngenta research found that farm profitability, soil health, reducing fertilisers, loss of crop protection products, and reduced labour, ranked among farmers’ drivers for the next few years.”

Early maturity spreads harvest labour requirements and aids timely oilseed rape establishment against cabbage stem flea beetle. The larger root mass of hybrids could also enhance scavenging for nutrients and water.

“The return on investment from feed barley is very attractive at current grain prices. However, recognising the challenges that growers face, we will be maintaining the 2021 seed price for hybrid barley at the same level as last year,” says Mrs Hughes.

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Arable Drainage is key to unlocking the farm’s full potential, says John Haynes

Drainage plan boosts yields and reduces blackgrass • Improvements in soil structure • More timely fieldwork possible • Bigger reduction in blackgrass

A

n Essex farm manager says he has successfully increased yields, reduced inputs and tackled blackgrass after implementing a strict drainage plan.

John Haynes oversees more than 1200ha across on behalf of MJ & SC Collins, based at Kingstons Farm, Matching, near Harlow. The land stretches across east Hertfordshire into Essex.

A streamlined rotation of wheat, barley, winter and spring beans, and sugar beet has seen the business grow significantly in recent years. But so too has a proactive drainage plan developed with Mastenbroek and Trimble.

Right decision Mr Haynes contacted drainage experts Mastenbroek in 2015 following extensive waterlogging at Lysander Park – an area of some 560ha used as the airfield for RAF Sawbridgeworth during World War II. Redundant underground services meant the area hadn’t been drained.

Waterlogging was affecting the performance of otherwise fertile soils, encouraging blackgrass and making it impossible to travel in early spring.

18 ANGLIA FARMER • JULY 2021

“

We wanted the best possible drainage system

“We knew we had to improve the drainage on Lysander Park but weren’t completely sure how to go about it,” says Mr Haynes. “We had heard about Mastenbroek’s partnership with Trimble and the GPS solutions they were offering, so we got in touch.”

“We wanted to make the process as quick and easy as possible. We also wanted to know that we were making the right decisions and create the best possible drainage system for our land.

This wasn’t our area of expertise.”

Mastenbroek engineer Fred Clarke installed a Trimble GPS depth control system on the farm’s tractor-mounted AFT 100 trencher. Together with a 14-tonne gravel cart, Mr Haynes was able to create and install his own drainage scheme.

It was slow work. To speed things up, MJ & SC Collins took delivery of a Mastenbroek 30/20 in November 2018. It was immediately put to work on fields that had not had their drainage improved since in the 1970s.

Trebled output The Mastenbroek 30/20 trebled our output, taking us from an average of about 900m a day to nearly 3km depending on the scheme. Since carrying out the land drainage, we have noticed several benefits.

“The number of earthworms in the soil is increasing significantly, and the

soil is much healthier. Drainage is key to unlocking the full potential of what can be achieved through reduced cultivation, compost and sewage sludge application.

“I describe it as a Christmas Tree in terms of the shape and magnitude of each level. So, the base – the widest branches – is the drainage followed by soil structure, organic matter, cultivation, nitrogen use and input reduction.”

Mr Haynes says he can’t precisely quantify the benefit of improved nitrogen efficiency to his yields. But he estimates that unless it is a very dry winter, he gets on to drained fields a week to ten days earlier than before.

Soil improvements Part of the reason for the earlier access is the improved soil structure following the drainage scheme. The soil is more friable and requires less intense cultivation, adds Mr Haynes.

“The fields we have drained dry out much quicker than the older schemes, and when moling is up to date, the soil structure is so much more resilient. We can cultivate sooner in the spring but, crucially, later into the autumn.”

But Mr Haynes says the reduction in blackgrass is perhaps the most significant impact of the drainage.

The farm has gone from blanket spraying with herbicide to targeting small areas and following up with hand roguing in the summer.

“We are probably saving around £15,000 a year on wheat herbicides alone,” says Mr Haynes. “I would say, depending on dormancy in a specific year, we have reduced black-grass on our recently drained fields by 70%.”

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SEEDING THE FUTURE SINCE 1856

Arable

Pheromones deployed in war against midges and weevil

G

rowers will be able to use insect pheromones to combat midges and weevils in legumes such as peas and beans.

It follows a £200k grant from Innovate UK grant to PheroSyn – a company spun off by Rothamsted Research to develop new ways of tackling pests. It is working with the UK Processors and Growers Association (PGRO).

Over 18 months, the partners will establish manufacture and distribute pheromone products to farmers to enable a smarter application of pesticides. PGRO agronomists will then trap and monitor midge and weevil popularions.

Management of midges and weevils is notoriously difficult. Food can potentially be exposed to pesticides when targeting specific stages of their life cycles – leading to possible contamination of the human and animal food chain.

PheroSyn business manager Daniel Bahia said: “There is a growing global trend away from reliance on chemical pesticides in food production in favour of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies.

“Demand for our existing pea and pear midge pheromone products has been clear, and this

grant allows us to accelerate development of the next range of products, leading to affordable, safe to eat food in a way that promotes zero carbon agriculture.”

PGRO research and development manager Becky Howard said: “We are really pleased to be working with PheroSyn to help develop IPM tools for growers and to ensure a sustainable future for UK legumes.”

Masterclass Measuring pest populations should be carried out before any decisions are made on applying insecticides, says the PGRO. It hsd produced a masterclass video to help growers understand how to trap and assess pest populations.

The PGRO says a range of preventative tools will be key for farmers looking to reduce cases of pea and bean weevil, while finding more sustainable ways of farming in line with new agricultural policy.

Rotation, cultivation, drill timing, sanitation and forecasting are all options that farmers can take advantage of to prevent damage caused by pests and reducing the need for spraying.

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SEEDING THE FUTURE SINCE 1856

Arable

An SDHI at T3 timing could pay dividends

U

nusual spring weather means growers should consider using an SDHI fungicide in the T3 timing slot to control late foliar disease in wheat, say agronomists.

The T1 and T2 timings are the natural home of SDHI fungicides. But Patrick Stephenson of the Association of Independent Crop Consultants says there is a case for them at T3 following another challenging spring.

The big unknown is the weather, says Mr Stephenson. In a normal season, that wouldn’t be such a problem.

But many T1 and T2 sprays went on early this year with T0 sprays omitted or also applied early to tackle yellow rust.

Foliar disease “An SDHI is going to give a boost to Septoria and rust control over straight azole. If only one SDHI has been used in the programme it is an option if late foliar disease is fuelled by warm and wet weather.”

In early 2012, for example, it was so dry that hosepipe restrictions im-

Other factors also come into consideration suggests Mr Stephenson.

With crops looking promising and respectable grain prices, a small yield increase is only required to pay for the premium over straight azole.

posed in some areas. Septoria pressure was extremely light ahead of GS32 (T1) but disease pressure increased rapidly when prolonged wet weather arrived.

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Including an SDHI also helps manage the fusarium threat

Grain quality “If you’re growing a variety like Skyfall then grain quality is a criteria. Shriveled grain or dull samples may not impair yield greatly but can hit quality.”

This is when including an SDHI also fits the fusarium threat, as many have a prothioconazole base, adds Mr Stephenson.

Trials have highlighted that an SDHI can be worth as much as 0.45t/ha for every day green leaf area is maintained in the upper canopy post GS39 in some seasons, according to James Wilkins of Bayer.

Mr Wilkins says: “Aviator (prothioconazole + bixafen) delivers a sufficient dose of prothioconazole to manage fusarium – plus you’re getting enhanced foliar control and greening benefits from bixafen.”

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Arable

AHDB winds down potato work following levy vote

T

he Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board is winding down the activity it undertakes on behalf of the horticulture and potato sectors.

It follows votes to abolish the compulsory levies which fund AHDB activities across both sectors. The government has pledged to honour the outcome of the vote – which means growers will eventually no longer have to pay the levy.

The AHDB said it wanted to reassure farmers that their views had been heard following the two ballots – although the levy board was still awaiting a decision on its future by government ministers in England, Scotland and Wales.

AHDB acting chief executive Ken Boyns said the organisation was now stopping programmes of work that could be restarted in the future by grower associations, individual growers or the supply chain.

This includes stopping work on ex-

port market access, trade missions and promotions overseas; ending its consumer marketing campaigns; and calling a halt to market pricing and insight information.

Mr Boyns said the AHDB would continue to deliver limited emergency work on pests and diseases – including the Extension of Authorisation for Minor Use (EAMUs) and some contracted research work.

This work would be difficult to restart and would be detrimental to the industry to stop while the AHDB awaited a managed transition or a different funding mechanism to ensure EAMU work was able to continue.

Mr Boyns urged levy payers to be patient in this period of transition. He said: “We are taking a responsible approach in winding-down our work programmes for the horticulture and potato sectors.

“In addition we have to recognise operational liabilities associated with contracts, people and assets.

Farmers and processors voted to abolish the potato levy

This means that some level of levy will be needed in 2021 to supplement sector reserves to cover these costs as we manage the change.”

The AHDB was legally obliged to collect a levy until parliament amended the legislation, said Mr Boyns. Some 140 staff are expected to be made redundant and it would take time to implement those changes.

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Arable

Global investment needed to tackle major wheat losses •

•

•

Crop losses worth £22bn per year Climate change is increasing threat Genetic ‘atlas’ could solve problem

U

rgent investment in new research is needed to help prevent huge yield losses from the world’s wheat crops, say scientists.

Global losses from wheat are worth some £22bn per year, according to scientists at the John Innes Centre, Norwich. They are calling for a major research project to reduce the impact of major wheat pathogens and improve global food security.

The scientists say an international-

26 ANGLIA FARMER • JULY 2021

ly coordinated approach could deliver a new ‘R-gene Atlas’. This would help identify new genetic solutions conferring disease resistance for crops that could be bred into commercial wheat varieties.

One fifth of the world’s potential wheat yield is lost annually to pests and pathogens – equivalent to some 209m tonnes of grain. Climate change could further disrupt global food chains as new types of pests and diseases increase their spread.

Researchers say the broader use of disease resistance – which can be found in the genome of wheat and its wild relatives – could help to minimise these losses and reduce reliance on agrochemicals.

The aim is to provide long-lasting molecular protection against major pathogens such as rusts, blotch diseases and powdery mildew.

Wheat R-genes work by recognising corresponding molecules in the pathogen called effectors. By identifying the effectors present in pathogen and pest populations, more durable combinations or stacks of R-genes could be designed.

The R-gene Atlas will be a free online portal containing this genetic information and enabling breeders to design gene stacks using computer modelling before starting their breeding in the field.

Molecular markers Scientists say this will enable users to design molecular markers that could be used to find out what resistance genes they already have – either in their breeding programmes or other wheat populations.

Recent years have seen researchers at the John Innes Centre and The

Investment is vital, say researchers at the John Innes Centre.

Increase in farmland under organic conversion

M

ore farmers are going organic with an almost 12% increase in the land being entered into conversion, according to the latest Defra figures.

The latest Organic Statistics for 2020 from Defra show an 11.6% increase in certified organic land in conversion across the UK, a trend that has increased every year since 2014, with the exception of 2019.

Organic arable farming saw a 7%

increase in 2020. This mirrors the performance across Europe where the number of producers and amount of organic land continues to rise in line with the EU’s ambition for 25% of all agricultural land to be organic by 2030.

The Soil Association said growing consumer demand for organic food was driving the uplift in farmers seeking conversion. It said the trend signalled growing confidence and interest in the organic sector.

Sainsbury Laboratory identify and clone resistance genes in wheat and its wild relatives using technologies such as AgRenSeq, MutRenSeq and MutChromSeq. Molecular components involved in disease resistance – R genes and effectors – could be captured from both the host and pathogen. Whole genome sequencing would be carried out on wheat, its progenitors and domesticated and wild relatives.

Genetic variation Association genetics, a method of seeking useful genetic variation, could then be used to look for correlations between the host genotype and disease resistance or susceptibility and the genes responsible for these traits could be identified.

The researchers calculate it would cost around £41m to establish the new platform at the required scale. But they say this is a minor investment considering the financial losses currently caused by wheat diseases.

“Compared to the scale of the problem in yield losses to pests and pathogens, this represents excellent value for money,” says first author Amber Hafeez.

“It is unsustainable to continue losing 20% of our wheat production to pathogens. Our enterprise applies cutting edge science to a global challenge that is increasing due to the climate emergency.”

Global population Current projections suggest disease-resistant crops will be key to feeding a global population forecast to increase by 2.1bn people by 2050. But the scientists say resistant crops won’t be developed without investment.

“We have been delighted with the initial enthusiastic response to our proposals – many research groups and collaborators have welcomed the idea and we feel this confirms our belief that the time is right for this proposal.”

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Arable

Follow safety guidelines when hand-roguing beet

G

rowers and gangmasters are being reminded to ensure they stick to safety guidelines protecting workers who pull bolters and weed beet from sugar beet crops.

Bayer introduced worker safety guidelines following applications of its sugar beet sprays in 2018. Although voluntary, the advice is seen as an important way of helping to ensure spray products are used responsibly and remain available to growers.

“We are continually reviewing and revising the protocols that guide product use and safeguard users to promote best practice,” explains Lizzie Carr-Archer, the firm’s campaign manager for root crops.

“Within this context, we are re-stating the stewardship guidelines that protect users and the environment from exposure to crop protection products within the context of ever-changing industry practice.”

Hand-roguing remains one of the best ways to ensure a clean beet crop.

Weed beet rather than bolting is usually the main problem. With up to 1500 seeds, each plant could produce much more weed beet in a following crop.

Plants harbour pests and diseases, compete for moisture, nutrients and light – reducing crop yields. In the worst cases, doing nothing risks having to give up growing beet on the field in question within four or five rotations.

Best-practice should be followed when working in beet crops

The guidelines specify timescales and clothing requirements for workers hand-pulling bolters and weed beet.

Where this has not been completed before spraying, workers are reminded that they should not re-enter the field within 48-hours of spraying.

Thereafter – and up to 10 days after spraying – pulling can be continued by workers wearing appropriate protective work wear. This includes boots, gloves and long trousers which should be waterproof if the crop is wet.

From 10 days after spraying, there are no requirements, says Mrs Carr-Archer. The guidelines do not apply to those visiting sugar beet crops for short periods such as agronomists when crop walking.

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Arable

Hybrid rye catches eye of first time growers

M

ore options are available for farmers looking to grow hybrid rye, with a number of new varieties coming to market.

The crop is increasingly popular for farmers looking to reduce input costs, widen rotations to control blackgrass or combat take-all. It is also an important component in pig rations and a key energy crop for biogas production.

Hybrid rye offers straw yields of around 4-5t/ha – almost 2t/ha more than wheat or barley.

Launched in 2018 by German breeder Saaten Union, SU Bendix is a key hybrid rye variety for agronomy company Agrii, says Ben Lowe, the firm’s forage product manager.

Consistent yields, nitrogen efficiency and better return on nitrogen to pro-

Hybrid rye is an increasingly popular cereal

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tein conversion has made SU Bendix a popular choice. “It ticks all the agronomic boxes and, with excellent grain quality, the highest protein content and high yield consistency.”

Elsoms Seeds energy and forage crop manager Henrietta Wells says greater nitrogen efficiency and lower requirements for fungicides and water make its carbon footprint lower than many other crops.

Elsoms has 40% of the UK hybrid

rye market, with variety SU Performer accounting for 80% of its total UK hybrid rye sales. The pipeline on new varieties also looks strong with seed availability for both SU Arvid and SU Pluralis in 2021.

New on the winter rye descriptive list for 2021/22, SU Arvid achieved excellent methane output in silage from farmer based whole crop trials set up to mirror the anaerobic digestion (AD) process, says Ms Wells.

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JULY 2021 • ANGLIA FARMER 31

Arable

Why hybrid rye has increasing role for Sentry farming Growing hybrid rye is a relatively new venture for Sentry Ltd. But all indications already suggest it will have an increasing role in future rotations, says the company’s John Barrett.

R

esponsible for Sentry-managed farms throughout East Anglia and south-east England, John Barrett says hybrid rye suits much of the company’s land and rotations.

“We’re managing 1300ha of mainly Beccles Series clay soils in the area on behalf of seven landowners, through a mix of Contract Farming Agreements and Farm Business Tenancies.,” he explains.

“A key reason for choosing hybrid rye is that we have a belt of light land running through the farm where yields vary enormously from season to season.”

Two years ago, Sentry harvested 9.5t/ha of winter barley on this land. But winter wheat grown on the same land in 2020 suffered badly because of the very dry spring and hot summer. It averaged 4.5t/ha, which was obviously uneconomic and required a different approach.

“Although I am not afraid to grow hybrid rye on heavier land, and next season we will have it 32 ANGLIA FARMER • JULY 2021

in a second wheat situation on heavier land which retains moisture, the crop is targeting a specific soil type.

“As a good scavenger of moisture, it works well on our light land and being a low-input crop reduces the financial investment, as well as the labour and machinery requirement.”

Sweet spot Another benefit is that hybrid rye is combined earlier than wheat, which extends the harvest period and spreads the demand on machinery and labour at a peak time of year, he explains.

“In recent years, the weather from late July through until early August has been a sweet spot for harvesting, so it fits in well with that timing.

“We have grown rye in the past, but that was conventional wholecrop for a local AD plant back in 2015.

“Currently we are in our first year of growing hybrid grain rye, which is being produced on a pre-

mium contract with ADM and will go for human consumption.

“The contract provides a choice of varieties, but we selected KWS Serafino as it is the highest yielding.

“Being a low-cost crop, rye helps reduce financial risk, which is important both for us as a farm management company and our clients.

“With changes in climate becoming more evident and periods of drought more frequent we will need to adapt our management approach by growing crops that are more resilient to such conditions, which will favour hybrid rye.”

Arable farmers badly need another cropping option, believes John Burgess, hybrid rye product manager for KWS UK. “As a plant breeder, we hear from many who are increasingly concerned about restricted diversity in current rotations and the lack of cropping alternatives.

“Although the rye area is still relatively small, it will increase substantially because the grain has many potential markets, from feed and food manufacturing to use in the malting and distilling sectors.

From an arable perspective, rye is a crop for the future and fits in well with the new UK agriculture bill because it has specific advantages over other cereals.

“The crop needs a third less water than wheat and will thrive in conditions or on soils where wheat and even barley may struggle.

Mr Burgess adds: “It requires less agrochemical inputs and utilises nitrogen and phosphorus very efficiently, without compromising yields, which reduces growing costs.

Molecular markers Rye also has ultra-low take-all carryover and is aggressive in reducing blackgrass populations, so it is an ideal second cereal or addition to all-arable rotations.

“The latest hybrid rye varieties produce a high grain yield, while the straw makes a valuable contribution to the bottom line.

“Modern breeding has virtually eliminated rye’s former weakness, its susceptibility to ergot, and with in-built resistance through KWS PollenPlus technology, coupled with rhynchosporium and brown rust resistance, hybrid rye varieties are agronomically secure.”

“For pig producers, a major potential market, rye is a cheaper alternative to wheat and provides a range of key benefits.

An increasing number of producers in the UK are recognising the advantages of providing ryerich feed, including improved gut health and behaviour.

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JULY 2021 • ANGLIA FARMER 33

Arable

Why conventional autumn P and K applications could be reducing your yield potential • Autumn P and K applications can cause soil damage • Spring applied NPKS compounds increase fertiliser use efficiency • Trials show higher yields and better grain quality

C

onventional thinking has made autumn the most popular time to phosphate and potash shortfalls by applying straights. But there’s a growing body of evidence suggests this is far from ideal in many situations.

Sajjad Awan, head of agronomy at CF Fertilisers, says the practice could lead to lower Nitrogen fertiliser use Efficiency (NfUE), reduced spring plant growth and ultimately poorer yields.

But he believes there could also be environmental implications too.

“P and K are traditionally applied in autumn but many trials have shown that the timing of these applications is critical to yields, particularly on soils with P and K indices of one and above.

“Applying P and K in the spring so these vital elements are used quickly as crops are growing is potentially a better approach than leaving them in cold soils over the winter at the mercy of the weather.

“Furthermore, spring applied true granular NPKS compounds ensure P

34 ANGLIA FARMER • JULY 2021

and K are available alongside both Nitrogen and Sulphur at the same time so all four nutrients can work together to promote growth.”

Significant benefits But meeting crop nutrient requirements in this way has significant other benefits, he points out.

“The single application approach with NPKS fertilisers means you’re eliminating potentially two autumn applications using heavy machinery at a time when soils are not in their best condition for load bearing.

“With a typical fertiliser application estimated at around £6/ha, the savings in labour, fuel and machinery resulting from the single application approach are substantial.

“Independent trials have also shown CF true granular NPKS compounds can be reliably and accurately spread up to 36m in properly set up and calibrated fertiliser spreaders.”

There is a growing range of results supporting the use of spring NPKS fertilisers over separate autumn P and K applications from both formal trials and practical farm scenarios, Dr Awan says.

“Work carried out at the Royal Agri-

Sajjad Awan, head of agronomy at CF Fertilisers

cultural University shows that wheat yields 1.0t/ha more with spring-applied CF Heartland Sulphur (24-8-8 + 8SO3) compared to when P and K were applied in the autumn.

“In most situations you would probably use a conventional nitrogen source such as Nitram (34.5%N) or a true granular NS compound alongside the NPKS fertiliser in the spring, but it all depends on individual requirements.

Improved crop resilience NPKS compounds could also help crop resilience, particularly with regard to better drought tolerance, he says.

“Spring-applied K, in particular, supports nitrogen uptake considerably, which stimulates healthy growth of both the plant and its roots so this can also help with drought tolerance.

“Highly soluble phosphate in NPKS compound fertiliser also encourages optimum root development so plants are better able to find water when drought conditions prevail.

“These nutrients working in conjunction with the nitrogen and sulphur improve growth, maximise nitrogen utilisation and deliver the highest final yield and grain quality.”

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36 ANGLIA FARMER • JULY 2021

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Oilseed rape High prices fuel renewed interest in oilseed rape • Drill crop early into good conditions • Adequate moisture at an even depth • Optimise nutrition and control pests

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rowers are being advised to think carefully about getting the best from oilseed rape as more farmers return to the crop this summer.

High oilseed rape prices over recent months have fuelled expectations that more rape will go into the ground this autumn. But agronomy firm Hutchinsons says growers should consider all options before a final decision.

Cabbage stem flea beetle remains the greatest concern in many areas. But seedbed moisture, slugs and pigeons remain constant threats to establishing crops successfully and building yield potential.

Hutchinsons agronomist David Stead believes the key behind a successful crop is drilling rape early into good conditions to establish strong, healthy, deep-rooted plants with greater resilience.

Earlier is better “Generally, the earlier oilseed rape is sown, the better it performs,” he says.

“Although flea beetle pressure is quite seasonal in this region, it’s clear that late sowing increases the risk of crop failure, and we’re almost at a point where the 15-20 August is the cut-off for drilling.”

Drilling seed in the first week of September and hoping for the best simply doesn’t work, says Mr Stead. But he acknowledges that a decent seedbed earlier in the summer can be challenging given the vagaries of the British weather.

“Sowing into seedbeds with adequate moisture, at an even depth with good seed-to-soil contact is vital for strong, consistent establishment, which can make subsequent pest pressure more tolerable.”

Where winter wheat is cleared by the 15 Au-

The aim is strong, healthy, deep-rooted plants, says David Stead.

gust, growers should think longer-term about where oilseed rape fits within the rotation. For some growers, winter barley or an early-maturing wheat before rape could allow a more timely entry.

Optimising nutrition in the seedbed and again in early spring will help exploit the natural vigour of conventional and hybrid varieties, says Mr Stead. It is also important to control other pests – including slugs and pigeons – through autumn and winter.

“If crops are living with flea beetle larvae inside the stems, we cannot afford to have anything else that sets them back,” says Mr Stead.

A slug infestation or pigeons could finish off a young crop already suffering from flea beatle damage, he suggests.

Before growing any crop, Hutchinsons technical support manager Neil Watson says it is important to identify the yield required to break even – and then ask whether this can be practicably achieved.

At a payment of £522/ha, the two-year legume mix (AB15) under Countryside Stewardship effectively sets a floor for potential returns – and means a rape yield of at least 2.3t/ha is needed to make the crop a better financial option, says Mr Watson.

Growers should consider whether break-even yields are possible

Pools protect against market fluctuations

H

igh prices in recent months have made oilseed rape an attractive prospect – but the market remains volatile.

Holding out for a peak price before selling can work, says United Oilseeds – but growers must continuously pay close attention to market trends and movements to sell at the optimum moment.

Optimism can disappear quickly when the market is depressed – replaced by anxiety and apprehension, says the farmer-owned break-crop specialist. It is too easy to forget falling prices and adopt a bury-yourhead-in-the-sand approach.

With oilseed rape, frequent and dramatic price fluctuations are norm. Being caught out by the market is frustrating at best, but there is a safer haven available to farmers that helps protect against market squalls and storms.

Pool marketing aims to deliver members with prices for their crop that beat the market’s average price.

While this may not guarantee the peak price, United Oilseeds says its pools have delivered a higher than average market price over the last 14 years.

Specialists in oilseed rape marketing, the farmer-owned co-operative is a recognised market influencer, managing the largest rapeseed pools in the UK. It benchmarks against fixed price sellers, competitors and daily market prices.

Interim payments are made to growers 28 days after movement or store allocation. Haulage storage cleaning and drying charges are all deducted at final settlement thereby providing a cash flow advantage to members.

JULY 2021 • ANGLIA FARMER 37

Oilseed rape

Make the most of early drilling

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new 20-page guide aims to help rape growers make the most of early August drilling.

The booklet provides a wealth of practical advice for early drillers alongside the most important establishment essentials. Produced by Bayer and Opico, it includes advice from ADAS, NIAB and Wright Solutions.

Sowing in the first two weeks of August has been invaluable in allowing many crops to survive cabbage stem flea beetle. But it brings with it a number of challenges that must be addressed to make the most of this opportunity.

Chief among these is the danger of increased flea beetle larvae in spring.

While reducing the pressure from phoma, earlier drilling is also recognised as adding to risks from light leaf spot, clubroot – and possibly also verticillium and turnip yellows virus.

Agronomic pressure At the same time, the guide points to the increased agronomic pressure presented by overly-large canopies susceptible to pre-mature stem extension in mild winters and serious damage from frost and snow if it turn colds.

Higher lodging risk is highlighted as a particular consideration too; especially where a combination of higher seed rates and better establishment results in dense stands of thinner-stemmed plants.

In addition, of course, sowing in early August means very little time from harvesting the previous crop. This has implications for previous cropping, straw management, grass weed control and correcting any soil structural problems.

Machinery and workload issues at the peak of cereal harvest for most growers cannot been ignored either –

especially at a time when good farm labour is hard to come by in many areas.

To make the most of the valuable opportunities earlier drilling brings while avoiding its main pitfalls, the Guide to Early OSR Drilling identifies a number of important rotational, varietal, machinery and management priorities in easy-to-read section.

Rotational priorities Oilseed rape should never be sown if there is insufficient moisture in the seeding zone or soil structure is compromised, says the guide.

Soil structural issues need to be corrected ahead of the crop in the rotation wherever possible, and ground with a history of clubroot problems should be avoided.

Winter barley offers the best entry, with winter oats, winter wheat and spring barley also suitable providing their maturity is not delayed by genetics or management.

Leaving long cereal stubbles will ensure the most rapid combining and effective straw chopping and spreading while providing OSR with a good micro-climate for establishment.

Sowing with companion crops can

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improve establishment, and brassica-containing cover crops sown later in nearby fields may be useful in ‘trapping’ migrating CSFB.

Varieties As well as establishing vigorously, varieties should be rapid in their development to get crops away but not so fast that they produce excessively-forward pre-winter canopies.

Varieties that are earlier or faster in their spring regrowth can provide valuable extra tolerance to higher levels of flea beetle larvae.

First-class standing power based on the best combination of stem stiffness and lodging resistance is more essential than ever.

Strong light leaf spot resistance is also crucial, combined with good resistance to verticillium where possible.

Turnip yellows virus resistance can be a useful extra safeguard, although only in addition to the more important priorities.

Early drilling can combat flea beetle – but brings other risks

Management Seed rates leading to higher-than-ideal plant populations should be avoided to ensure the most productive canopies

Machinery Single pass establishment is essential, with speed balanced by sufficient care and precision in seed placement in particular.

Where the soil is in good enough condition with an unrestricted structure for root penetration and drainage, no-till drilling should be preferred.

Alternatively, structural concerns and any harvest trafficking damage can be tackled with some low disturbance metal at depth as part of a tailored seeding regime.

Seed should always be sown through coulters into soil re-consolidated after any disturbance to provide good depth control and seed-to-soil contact.

and stems with the least susceptibility to CSFB larval damage.

The reduced threat from phoma should give more flexibility to delay autumn fungicide treatment, targeting it more effectively against the higher light leaf spot risk.

An early autumn application of metconazole may be needed to regulate the growth of crops that are particularly forward – especially if they

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Machines should be able to cope with long stubbles and trash; apply fertiliser with the seed; and, ideally, also be able to sow companion crops and apply slug pellets.

are also very thick.

Relatively large canopies coming out of the winter put the onus on careful spring N management to Green Area Index (GAI) and effective plant growth regulation.

Levels of flea beetle larvae can be reduced by sheep grazing or mechanical defoliation but this must be neither too intense nor too close to stem extension to avoid compromising yields.

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JULY 2021 • ANGLIA FARMER 39

Oilseed rape

One third of crops at risk from rape virus • Virus no longer confined only to hotspots • Crops can suffer 30% yield penalty • Genetic resistant varieties important

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rowers should select rape varieties carefully after a survey confirmed that one third of susceptible UK crops are infected with Turnips Yellows Virus (TuYV).

Transmitted by aphids, TuYV can result in a 30% yield penalty where high levels of infection occur early in the crop’s life. It is believed that 70% of peach potato aphids (Myzus persicae) carry the virus.

Plant breeder Limagrain has been monitoring TuYV levels in non-resistant or susceptible crops since 2015.

Leaf samples are taken both in spring and autumn – and tested using the standard Elisa test.

“We’ve mapped the incidence of TuYV from the UK to Ukraine and seen it build over the years,” says Limagrain marketing manager William Charlton. “We’re getting to a situation where TuYV is now endemic across Europe, and no longer confined to hotspots.”

Infection levels Samples were taken from 26 locations across the British Isles. Results from this spring’s sampling confirm that one third of all the UK’s non-resistant oilseed rape crops sampled were infected with TuYV. As expected, high rates of infection of 66-80% were reported in south-east England. But the highest rates of in-

TuYV is increasingly widespread, says Will Charlton 40 ANGLIA FARMER • JULY 2021

fection – as much as 81-100% – were reported on farms across the Midlands.

High levels of infection were detected as far north as the borders, and as far west as Wales. One third of non-resistant rape crops were infected across Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, Shropshire and Wales.

“Five years ago we would not have seen these cases in the north and west, which just goes to show how TuYV is becoming increasingly widespread, and is now endemic in the UK rape crop, irrespective of region.”

Risk factors The link between high numbers of aphids in the autumn and corresponding levels of infection is clear, explains Mr Charlton. Infection usually occurs in September to October when aphids are still flying, he adds.

“The earlier a crop is infected, the more severe the symptoms tend to be with a harsher yield penalty as the plants have less seeds or pods. Early drilled crops that are more open, corresponding with mild autumnal conditions, are at the highest risk.”

Aphid numbers have increased because controlling them has become harder with the loss of neonicotinoid seed treatments. Getting the timings right for sprays is difficult, so TuYV inoculum is building up in the environment.

“Once an aphid is infected, it is infected for life, “ says Mr Charlton. “If an uninfected aphid feeds on an infected plant, the aphid becomes infected and so the cycle continues – producing fewer side branches, pods, and seeds per pod.”

Hard to detect Even severe symptoms can be hard to spot, so TuYV often goes undetected. Combined with the loss of neonicotinoids, this can make it particularly hard to difficult to control early infection.

The value of genetic resistance to TuYV has been proven since Limagrain launched TuYV resistant variety Amalie in 2014, says Mr Charlton. Initially, resistance came with a

LG Anarion is resistant to clubroot as well as TuYV

Clubroot variety offers pod shatter resistance A new rape variety is being offered to growers looking for Turnip Yellows Virus (TuYV) resistance and pod shatter protection in club-root infected areas.

LG Anarion is Limagrain’s first clubroot resistant variety to offer high yields. Available to UK growers for the coming season, it is an exciting development, says Will Charlton, the company’s arable marketing manager.

“Possession of these traits provides much needed onfarm security to growers who are looking to improve their profits from oilseed rape, in areas that have until now, been challenging as a result of clubroot.”

Clubroot typically causes losses of 0.3t/ha for every 10% of plants affected. In Limagrain breeding trials, LG Anarion yielded 11% more than clubroot variety Alasco – further closing the yield gap associated with clubroot resistance.

LG Anarion also offers pod shatter resistance; a trait which has recently been added to the recommended list.

This can help secure yields and prevent untimely seed losses when weather is inclement later in the season.

Other traits stacked into LG Anarion include the RLM7 phoma resistance gene. This provides resistance scores of 7 or 8. Breeding data suggests ratings of 6 for light leaf spot, 6+ for phoma and good tolerance to verticillium.

“

Turnips yellows virus is now endemic in the UK

yield lag, but innovative breeding has since overcome this.

Today, hybrid and conventional TuYV-resistant varieties top the AHDB Recommended List – confirming the value of genetic resistance as a way to protect crops against heavy yield losses from the virus.

Varieties carrying TuYV resistance rely less on insecticides, adds Mr Charlton. In high-risk regions, as much as 80% of the total rape area is drilled with resistant varieties. “Genetic resistance is by far the best way forward.”

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Oilseed rape

Bio-stimulant range boosts rape establishment

T

rials suggest oilseed rape crops benefit from improved root growth and greening following applications of natural amino-acid complex bio-stimulants.

Independent agronomist Helen Baxter – who has used the bio-stimulant AminoA Flo on conventional oilseed rape – says it improved root development, stem thickness and rapid early green leaf growth during establishment.

Ms Baxter says she applied AminoA Flo as part of her early spring management programme after a severe late winter frost damaged rape crops. “We have seen very fast recovery and excellent spring growth,” she said.

Independent trials data supports the benefits of using bio-stimulants, says UK manufacturer AminoA. Replicated and on-going trials of the Class A fertiliser have returned further positive results, it adds.

Andy Cheetham of Ceres Agri Services has several clients growing organic oilseed rape this season. He plans to make amino acids a major part of in-

puts for the organic crops, and is using OF&G approved AminoA Gro. Mr Cheetham made two split applications of AminoA Gro totalling 2.5l/ha to a field which was hammered with pigeons, stripping the leaves.”The crop recovered within a couple of weeks, with lots of new root growth,” he says.

AminoA managing director Richard Phillips says it is important to apply AminoA Flo with a fungicide mix,

Trial sites included the oilseed rape plots at Cereals

particularly at petal fall.

“We recommend keeping levels of Flo up to 2l/ha to extend the green leaf area for as long as possible – and get a good pod fill.”

Yield improvements have been recorded in replicated trials. Eurofins trial results from 2019 saw winter rape treated at the three-leaf stage return a yield increase of 0.38t/ha from a single autumn treatment.

In these trying times, sometimes it better to look in the shed and see what we can improve, rather than looking at buying new machinery for single uses.

and consistent seed placement than that achieved by simply broadcasting the seed ahead or indeed behind the packer roller.

Take Sumo’s Single Disc Openers (SDO) for example: it’s a bolt-on seed coulter unit which, when coupled with a seed distribution unit, such as a Stocks Seeder, enables a regular cultivator to become a true one-pass crop establishment tool.

The SDO is an ideal tool for planting oilseed rape behind a cultivator containing Subsoiler legs. It is a robust design with simple adjustments for seed depth and firming pressure and has been the tool the choice for many OSR growers, one of who has achieved a 15.2/ha yield in East Yorkshire.

This set up will till and prepare the soil for seeding, place the seed and firm the seed in place ensuring good soil to seed contact – all in one pass. The unit suits those users who are seeking a more precise

Sumo’s SDOs can be fitted to any cultivator but are designed specifically to go behind Sumo’s deep and shallow cultivation ranges.

JULY 2021 • ANGLIA FARMER 43

Oilseed rape

New oilseed rape variety rewrites Clearfield rules • UK’s highest yielding variety to date • Four disease and yield protection traits • Best agronomic package available

A

new Clearfield oilseed rape is the first ever variety to layer four complex traits together without compromising yield, claims breeder DSV. Added to the AHDB Candidate List for 2021/22, the variety is a significant advance in Clearfield winter oilseed rape and addresses many of the shortcomings of previous varieties, says the company’s Michael Farr.

Based on a oilseed rape varieties resistant to the herbicide Imazamox, Clearfield technology has proved beneficial to growers in recent years because it makes it easy to control pernicious brassica weeds, he says.

“The system has provided reliable control of problem weeds such as charlock, runch and hedge mustard – but has also opened up significant management opportunities for many growers in recent years including reducing erucic acid levels at harvest.”

provides around early weed control strategies means the technology can also be used help fine-tune time of drilling and reduce competition during establishment.”

In the past, the price for all these benefits has often been reduced yield.

Although varieties like DSV Plurax CL have done much to address this in recent years, it has still remained an issue for many growers.

“What has been missing from the market is a fully featured hybrid oilseed rape combining the very best agronomic package available featuring layered disease and yield protection traits with Clearfield technology but without the yield penalties.

“The introduction of Matrix CL allows the grower to choose powerful post emergence Clearfield chemistry without facing the potential drop in performance shown in the previous generations of varieties.

Good efficacy Clearfield’s efficacy is so good that even fields which have been out of production for many years – often due to large weed burdens – can be made suitable for growing oilseed rape again, adds Mr Farr.

“The added flexibility Clearfield

Impressive numbers “The variety’s production figures are impressive to say the least. Matrix CL is one of a few varieties selected as a candidate for the whole of the UK making it suitable for growing in both the North, and East and West regions.”

But it has performed particularly

44 ANGLIA FARMER • JULY 2021

Trio of firsts for DSV The inclusion of the variety on the AHDB Candidate List for 2021/22 concludes a trio of firsts for DSV recently with DSV Duplo and DSV Dart also making it on to the new candidate list.

DSV Duplo has an oil content of 46.8% and a yield of 109% for the East and West region plus RLM7+ multi-gene phoma stem canker resistance, turnip yellow virus (TUYV) resistance and pod shatter resistance.

DSV Dart has an oil content of 45.7% plus a gross output of 113% in the East and West region and is the first of the company’s varieties to feature the new HarvestMax technology to reduce harvest losses.

“

The production figures are impressive to say the least

well in the East/West region where it has achieved a gross output of over 108% and an oil content of 46.0% overall, says Mr Farr.

“It’s definitively the highest yielding Clearfield variety currently available to UK growers but its superiority doesn’t stop there. It’s got the best agronomic package seen in any Clearfield variety to date.”

Matrix CL is the first commercially available UK variety to combine Clearfield technology with TuYV resistance, pod shatter resistance and RLM7+ resistance to phoma stem canker.

“With improved vigour over even DSV Plurax CL and mirroring the vigour profiles of the top performing hybrids in both autumn and early spring, Matrix CL has performed particularly well in our high pressure flea beetle trials.”

Boasting high winter hardiness, Matrix CL also achieves top standing scores including 9 for lodging and 8 for stem stiffness with a medium flowering score of 5 and an early maturity score of 6.

Livestock New grass varieties added to latest recommended list • Grass and clover traits assessed • Four years of rigorous, independent tests • Selecting varieties is made easier

N

ine new varieties have been added to the latest recommended grass and clover lists published by the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board.

Newly recommended varieties for 2021/2022 comprise one white clover, one intermediate Festulolium (Hybrid) and seven new ryegrass varieties. All were subjected to at least four years of independent testing.

Varieties were rigorously assessed for their total and seasonal yield, feed quality, disease and persistence. The list is funded by plant breeders through the AHDB, the British Society of Plant Breeders, British Grassland society and Hybu Cig Cymru.

Invaluable resource AHDB grass and forage senior scientist Siwan Howatson said: “The lists are an invaluable resource for grass-

The new varieties AberSirius White Clover Good yields in the second and third harvest years, with very good grass + clover yields for its leaf size and high early and late cut yields. Excellent autumn ground cover in the first harvest year under light defoliation.

AberRoot Intermediate Festulolium (Tet) Excellent D-value under simulated grazing management with high spring growth and good ME yield. Good yields under conservation management with high first and second cut D-values. Limited data shows good resistance to mildew and drechslera.

Wetherby Late perennial ryegrass land farmers, enabling them to select varieties that will perform well in a particular system.

“When thinking about reseeding, the list should be used to check that the varieties being selected are on the lists and are the best available, helping farmers make informed decisions alongside their seed merchants about varieties that best meet their needs.”

In addition to providing information on each variety, the lists includes a range of technical information for farmers on how they can manage their reseed and maximise the productivity of their grassland.

The 2021/2022 lists are available to download from the AHDB website at www.ahdb.org.uk. An online interactive list for perennial ryegrass is available. Printed copies will be included with this month’s Ruminant News.

Recommended varieties boast some impressive yields

Excellent grazing yield, D-value and ME yield under simulated grazing, excellent yields under conservation management, with excellent ground cover in the third harvest year. Excellent winter hardiness. Good resistance to crown rust.

Zorgue Late perennial ryegrass Good D-value under simulated grazing for a late diploid, with excellent early summer growth. Under conservation management, first and second D-values are excellent with good first and fourth cut yields. Excellent ground cover under both management regimes. Good resistance to crown rust.

Delika Late perennial ryegrass Excellent yield under simulated grazing with excellent early summer growth. Good grazing D-value and ME yield for a late diploid. Excellent third cut yield in the first harvest year under conservation management and excellent resistance to crown rust.

Ritchie Intermediate perennial ryegrass (Tet) Excellent grazing yield and ground cover with excellent late-summer and autumn growth under simulated grazing management. Good yields and excellent ground cover under conservation management with excellent second and fourth cut yields and excellent winter hardiness.

Pinaco Italian ryegrass Good yields in both harvest years with excellent second conservation cut yield in the first harvest year and good yields under the monthly cutting regime. Good ground cover in both harvest years. Limited data shows good resistance to mildew.

AberSheen Hybrid ryegrass (Tet) Excellent yields in all three harvest years and under monthly cutting with excellent second conservation cut yield in the first harvest year. Good ME yield in the first harvest yield and excellent resistance to mildew. Specifically recommended for conservation in areas with low risk of crown rust.

RGT Cordial Hybrid ryegrass (Tet) Excellent yields in the first and second harvest years and under the monthly cutting regime with excellent ground cover in the second harvest year. Good first and second cut D-values and third harvest year ground cover. Good resistance to crown rust.

46 ANGLIA FARMER • JULY 2021

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Livestock

Plans to tackle dog attacks on livestock ‘could go further’ • New legislation to target offenders • Problem is getting worse not better • Call for higher fines and sentences

More dog owners are walking in the countryside

P

olice plans to seize dogs which attack livestock should go further, say livestock leaders.

Stricter measures to crack down on sheep worrying were confirmed by the government last month. The new proposals will come into effect once the Kept Animals Bill has passed through parliament.

The National Sheep Associatio said it welcomed the strengthened legislation. But it said the additional police powers to seize dogs should have been further backed up by a big increase in the maximum fines imposed.

NSA chief executive Phil Stocker said: “This was an opportunity to create a major deterrent to this antisocial behaviour by substantially increasing the maximum applicable fine alongside more proactive measures to prevent attacks occurring.”

‘Missing a trick’ Mr Stocker said Defra and other government ministers responsible for English legislation were “missing a trick” by failing to take the opportunity to increase fines in line with those imposed in Scotland.

Legislation which received royal asset earlier this year mean people who fail to keep close control of their dogs in Scotland face a year-long jail sentence, a fine of up to £40,000 – or possibly both.

But a person who commits a similar offence in England under the new animal welfare legislation is liable only to a summary conviction and a fine not exceeding Level 3 on the standard scale – currently £1000.

Mr Stocker said the English bill was welcome but contained little that would reduce the number of dog attacks. “In fact, the lack of clarity in defining ‘under close control’ puts farmers and dog owners in a difficult, potentially conflicting position.”

Recent reports of out-of-control dogs causing harm to livestock including a

“

This was an opportunity for a major deterrent

cow being chased over an embankment to its death; and an MP being fined for his dog chasing deer in Richmond Park, London.

Concerning increase The rising number of incidents had come with increased dog ownership and more people using farmland for leisure, said Mr Stocker. The NSA’s own survey also revealed a concerning increase in dog attacks on sheep over the past year.

These incidents all pointed to an urgent need for simple, straightforward an effective measures to radically reduce the number of cases, said Mr Stocker. It should be a legal requirement for non-working dogs to be on a lead near livestock.

Defra’s proposed legislation includes plans for a maximum five-year prison sentence and unlimited fines for animal cruelty. Mr Stocker said he looked forward to working with Defra to improve responsible dog ownership.

The injury and stress involved when sheep and other livestock were attacked resulted in serious animal cruelty and should therefore be subject to similar maximum penalties and deterrents, he added.

While the NSA would like to see legislation strengthened beyond what appears to be proposed it will also continue to campaign to improve attitudes to responsible dog ownership, to protect its members’ livelihoods and reduce stress and anxiety.

Traumatic incidents ‘on the rise’ More than two thirds of the UK’s sheep farmers responding to a recent survey have experienced an increase in sheep worrying attacks by dogs during the past year.

The troubling statistic is part of a concerning set of findings released by the National Sheep Association (NSA) from its recent farmer’s survey assessing the incidence and impact of sheep worrying by dog attacks.

The NSA received a record-breaking response for its 2021 survey specifically aimed at farmers who had experienced dog attacks in the past year. The increase in contributions indicates the scale of the serious problem.

On average, each respondent to the survey experienced seven cases of sheep worrying during the past year. Each attack typically resulted

in five sheep being injured and two sheep killed.

Estimated financial losses through incidents of sheep worrying of up to £50,000 were recorded, with an average across all respondents of £1570. But most respondents received no or very little compensation.

But in addition to the threat to animal welfare and the farmer’s income perhaps the most concerning finding to be taken from the survey is the effect the issue is having on the mental wellbeing of sheep farmers.

Farmers completing the survey reported feelings of anxiety, anger, upset, stress and frustration as a result of sheep worrying by dog attacks with more than half recognising that this was causing a moderate to severe impact on their mental health.

JULY 2021 • ANGLIA FARMER 49

Pig & Poultry Herd health priority for sustainable production

Michael and Ian Baker farm pigs across a number of locations

• Farm system has three key targets • Business model ‘has to be sound’ • Animal welfare is key consideration

N

orfolk pig producers Michael and Ian Baker are prioritising herd health and welfare as they strive to ensure their business remains viable for the future.

The two brothers farm freerange pigs across a number of breeding and finishing sites – and believe sustainability goes beyond environmental goals, encompassing profitability as well as moving towards net zero carbon emissions.

“There are three key arms to our business which are all interspersed helping us to achieve success,” explains Ian. “The first is the farming system itself. We ask ourselves whether what we’re doing is sustainable and aim to make sure we’re not depleting natural resources or reducing our ability to be profitable in future years.”

Commercial focus Secondly, the business operating model needs to be sound. Ian has a background in finance and focuses on the commercial side of the business. He looks after people, workflow and processes, while Michael manages pig husbandry and production.

These clearly defined roles and responsibilities are central to their success. The business employs around 60 people – which means it needs to keep delivering for the workforce locally, not just it terms of profit.

50 ANGLIA FARMER • JULY 2021

The third important factor is the environment. The brothers say their environmental focus is fundamental to the way they farm and work towards their ambition of achieving net zero carbon emissions.

They have already made a start by measuring their carbon footprint. They are now drawing up a plan for how they might achieve net zero by 2040, the NFU’s target timeframe for UK agriculture.

Farm inputs “There’s still some way to go to answer the questions on how farming might get there, but we’re certainly looking at what we might change,” says Ian. “Machinery and fuel use is a big challenge, as is animal feed.

We’re not afraid to try new feed ingredients, mixes or rations to see if this improves our environmental impact, without compromising health or performance.

Environmental challenges with outdoor pigs include their potential impact on soil. But pigs also benefit the land if managed correctly – including adding nutrients. “Healthy, content pigs are all part of the sustainability equation,” says Ian. The Baker brothers are ambassadors for the MSD Animal Health UK Growing Healthy Pigs initiative which helps producers maximise pig health and welfare. These factors are also in-

terlinked with improving production and carbon efficiency.

Biosecurity “We switched to a single-parity herd a few years ago so each sow follows the same cycle, having six litters, before all are culled at the same time. Since moving to this system, we’ve seen a significant reduction in antibiotic use.”

All staff work on designated sites, each with different coloured overalls, and follow strict biosecurity measures when moving from one location to another. A separate yard for the main farm office and wash facilities makes for a “pig-free base”.

The brothers have a comprehensive vaccination programme for all gilts and finishing pigs. To further improve welfare, they use intradermal vaccination where possible, and have invested in new pig handling facilities.

Consumers expect good animal health, welfare and a good envi-

ronment too, says Ian. “There is a keenness within the supply chain to move forward with the green agenda, which is in line with public sentiment, and I have no argument with that.”

Consumer understanding But low pig prices remain a challenge. “There needs to be more acknowledgement that cheap food doesn’t necessarily go hand in hand with high animal welfare and sustainable farming.”

Affordable food that gives a sensible return to farmers who adopt sustainable farming practices would be beneficial. But most people still buy their food on price and convenience.

“We need clear messaging to help make consumers aware of the consequences of the way they buy food. If they choose the cheapest option, or imported food not produced to UK standards, they are not playing their part in improving sustainability.”

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Pig & Poultry

Pig industry posts further reductions in antibiotics P ig producers used fewer antibiotics last year – with the amount prescribed falling by 5% on UK farms in 2020 – a total reduction of 62% since 2015.

The decline comes despite disease outbreaks and challenges caused by supply chain disruptions during the coronavirus pandemic which meant pigs spent more time on farm than usual.

Antibiotic use during 2020 reduced to 105mg/PCU compared with 110mg in 2019 and 278mg in 2015, according to data collected using the electronic medicine book.

The book represents more than 95% of pigs slaughtered in the UK and continues the downward trend since recording started – although swine dysentery in 2019 and early 2020 temporarily halted progress.

The overall result is close to the target of 99mg set by the UK pig industry.

AHDB pork sector strategy director Angela Christison said the reduction was a good result in a difficult year,.

She said: “The industry understands how important responsible antibiotic use is and that is why there are tough targets and we work together towards them. The sector has delivered sustained reductions since recording began via eMB in 2015.

“This continued improvement, despite disruption to pig flow during the pandemic, is a credit to collaboration between producers, vets and the industry as a whole.”

Usage of the highest priority critically important antibiotics (HP-CIAs) remains at a very low level, although there was a slight increase from 0.04 mg to 0.05 mg. No colistin use has been reported in 2020.

HP-CIAs, as categorised by the European Medicines Agency (EMA), are the most important for human medical health and reductions in their use has been a focus for all UK farm animal sectors since stewardship efforts have stepped up.

Other options Mandy Nevel, AHDB head of animal health and welfare, said: “The EMA advice, which Pig Veterinary Society guidance supports, is that veterinary surgeons should prescribe a lower priority alternative to HP-CIAs unless there is no other option.

“This could explain why, despite the reducing trend overall, we are seeing an increase in use in some lower priority antibiotics such as neomycin.”

Alternatively, these could be short term adjustments as the industry accommodates the phasing out of therapeutic zinc oxide, which treats post-weaning diarrhoea in piglets, said Dr Nevel.

“Either way, while the proportion of these antibiotics being used remains low, as does resistance reported through Government surveillance, we must continue to monitor these trends and work to understand the reasons for changes in their use.”

The pig sector has made big strides in reducing antibiotics

Collaboration within the industry has been one of the success factors behind the reductions achieved.

The survey allows the industry to look at the more nuanced variations in individual antibiotic use to identify potential reductions.

Dr Nevel added: “The challenges in the industry during the past year highlight not just the importance of this cross-industry approach in our sustained drive for good stewardship, but also the need for antibiotics to safeguard pig welfare.”

Pig Veterinary Society senior vice president Paul Thompson said the electronic medicine book continued to provide invaluable information while helping to develop better ways to use antibiotics responsibly.

Gut health ‘key to reducing antimicrobials’ Low stress levels are key to reducing gut inflammation and the unnecessary use of antibiotics in pigs, suggests a Nuffield study.

“With the ever-increasing pressure to reduce antimicrobials and the looming crisis of antimicrobial resistance, pig producers must review their unit in a holistic manner with gut health at its centre,” says author Heidi Hall.

Ms Hall examined ways farmers can manage herds with minimal requirement for anti52 ANGLIA FARMER • JULY 2021

biotics. “Harnessing the power of the microbiome, the population of bacteria which reside in the gut, is the key to sustainable pig production.”

Performance changess She adds: “We need to routinely measure microbiome changes alongside stress levels in animals, prior to and during research trials, so that we can better understand any performance changes seen.”

Medication reduction in the

breeding herd was achievable by improving immunity, vaccination protocols and a focus on gut health. This should result in further improvements in progeny performance through maternal transfer.

“We need to further understand the influence we have on gut health through effective monitoring on farm and in trials. We can then look to manipulate gut health to favour a microbiome which is best suited to the production system.”

Heidi Hall: Nuffield scholar

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Pig & Poultry

Study identifies genomic pathway to heavier eggs

E

gg weights in laying hens can be increased by a new approach to analyse and target birds with specific genes for selected breeding, suggests a study.

Eggs typically weigh 50-70g – depending mainly on the age of the hen and its genotype. Weight is a highly heritable trait, meaning variance between hens is largely a direct result of genetics – and hugely important when it comes to profitability.

Experts from biological insights company Synomics analysed data from more than 1,000 laying hens.

Researchers then singled out and examined the genetic information regulating traits which govern egg weight.

‘Missing link’ Findings were then converted into an industry-standard genetic evaluation model, making it easier to select the best birds. In this case, it meant the accuracy of the genetic predictions made

54 ANGLIA FARMER • JULY 2021

increased by 49%.

Synomics said its technique was the “missing link” between the huge amounts of raw data held by farmers and scientists – and the company’s own research and develop team. They were able to interpret the data quickly, highlighting areas of interest.

A hen can have upwards of 20,000 genes – so being able to narrow down the search to a mere 122 that could hold the key to a heavier egg has a big impact on the speed of subsequent research and development.

Faster benefits Assessing genetic information like this makes it easier to identify crops or animals that are healthier, more disease resistant, or deliver higher yields, says Synomics. Scientists can then help improve productivity market more rapidly and at less expense.

Synomics chief executive Peter Kristensen said the business had de-

veloped its own platform to enable animal and crop scientists and producers to get a better understanding of what drives key production traits and innovate accordingly.

“We are giving scientists, farmers and food producers the ability to learn more about the animals they breed and the crops that they grow with insights they have not been previously able to liberate from the data they already hold.”

Researchers say the findings can help improve profitabilty

Pig & Poultry

Check ventilation systems as temperatures rise

P

ing, loss in weight and lethargy, and adjust management practices accordingly.

“Feeding smaller portions regularly can help to prevent gorging which can lead to bloat and sudden death.

Meals should be available during the cooler parts of the day as pigs will be more likely to empty troughs reducing waste and poor trough hygiene.”

Proper ventilation Carrying out simple maintenance like removing dust and applying grease to moving parts where needed, can make a huge difference to the amount of clean and cool air reaching the pigs, says Mr McFarland.

Eating behaviour For those who are experiencing reduced or varied feed intakes, particularly in sows, Mr McFarland advises adding a proven probiotic supplement to the diet. This can help encourage pigs to adapt their eating behaviour to the heat stress conditions.

“Ultimately, a combined approach of adapting feeding patterns and making sure environmental factors like ventilation and drinking water systems are functioning properly will help provide pigs with the best protection against heat stress.”

To help producers monitor the likelihood of heat stress occurring, Lallemand are providing free hand-held temperature and humidity monitors while stocks last.

ig producers should ensure ventilation is in good working order to prevent heat stress as summer temperatures rise.

“We’re now starting to see sustained higher temperatures, which means pigs will become susceptible to heat stress,” explains Mark McFarland, feed additive product manager at Lallemand Animal Nutrition.

Heat stress can significantly impact productivity levels, with suffering pigs exhibiting irregular feeding behaviour and a loss of appetite, resulting in lower feed intakes and subsequently, inconsistent and reduced performance.

Good ventilation is vital to avoid heat stress, says Mark McFarland (right).

As well as ensuring proper ventilation, it is important producers look out for the signs of heat stress, including pant-

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JULY 2021 • ANGLIA FARMER 57

Pig & Poultry

Stay vigilant for bird flu, producers warned

P

oultry producers are being warned to remain vigilant following the lifting of heightened biosecurity measures imposed last winter due to avian flu.

Mandatory enhanced biosecurity requirements – imposed across Great Britain in November 2020 to protect flocks from the disease – were lifted on 15 May after the risk of bird flu in poultry was reduced to ‘low’.

Defra, the Scottish Government and the Welsh Government have been working with the industry and bird keepers to ensure strict biosecurity measures in and around poultry premises to help keep flocks safe.

In a joint statement, Great Britain’s three chief veterinary officers said: “This will be welcome news for bird keepers across the country who have put great effort into keeping their flocks safe this winter.

“We have taken swift action to contain and eliminate this disease, and we urge all bird keepers – whether they have just a few birds or thousands –

to continue to do their bit to maintain strict biosecurity measures on their premises.”

Low risk does not mean no risk, said the statement.

All poultry and bird gatherings are now permitted, provided organisers notify the Animal and Plant Health Agency at least seven days before the event takes place. Organisers and attendees must comply with the provisions of the new general licence.

Food safety Public health advice is that any risk to human health is low. Food standards bodies advise that avian influ poses a very low food safety risk for UK consumers, and it does not affect the consumption of poultry products – including eggs.

Poultry and captive bird keepers are advised to remain vigilant for any signs of disease in their birds and any wild birds, and seek prompt advice from their vet if they have any concerns.

Avian flu prevention Fence off streams and watercourses Net or cover ponds Remove any wild bird feed sources Deter wild birds by using decoys Cleans and disinfect concrete areas Use wood shavings in wet areas Limit the number of people on-site Use disinfectant foot dips

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Professional services The pilot scheme will start on the region’s farms after harvest

Autumn start-date for pilot environmental scheme • Farmers paid for environmental work • Short-listed applicants now contacted • Pilot will get under way this October

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armers who successfully expressed an interest in joining a pilot version of Defra’s new environmental scheme should now work up their applications.

Some 2,178 farmers responded to Defra’s call for applicants to join the pilot Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI). It is one of three new schemes which will reward farmers for undertaking environmental work, including climate change mitigation.

Defra says it has now contacted shortl-listed candidates who expressed an interest in the SFI. It says those farmers should now start working on their applications ahead of a start-date this October.

The pilot SFI will test government plans to reward farmers for sustainable farming practices. Details about the other two schemes – Local Nature Recovery and Landscape Recovery – will be published later this year.

Operating together, the schemes will pay for actions that support sustainable farming methods alongside profitable food production. They seek to improve animal health and welfare, improve environmental outcomes, and reduce carbon emissions.

Habitat creation The schemes will create habitats for nature recovery and make landscape-scale changes. This includes establishing new woodland, providing key means to deliver against the goals of the government’s 25 Year Environment Plan and Net Zero targets.

Defra minister Victoria Prentis said: “We want farmers to manage their businesses in a way that achieves profitable food production and the recovery of nature.

“It is great to see so many farm-

ers wanting to get involved in the Sustainable Farming Incentive pilot scheme. We want to design our future policies in conjunction with farmers across England to ensure that they are as straightforward and effective as possible.”

Defra said it was working in partnership with the Rural Payments Agency to deliver the pilot.

Once up and running, it will gather ongoing data from horticulture, dairy, pig, poultry and grazing livestock farms across England.

Roll-out timetable Participants will take part in a range of activities, providing rapid feedback on their experience of all aspects of the pilot. This will ensure the scheme is tested, fully

workable and user-friendly once fully rolled out from 2024.

In the first phase of the pilot, participants will be able to select from an initial set of eight standards to build their own agreements. The standards will promote cleaner air and water, and guard against environmental risks such as climate change and flooding.

Within each standard there are three levels for participants to choose from: introductory, intermediate and advanced. Each level is more challenging – and more rewarding – than the previous level and delivers greater environmental benefits.

Defra says there will be more opportunities to participate in future phases of the pilot. More growers and livestock producers will be able to join the progressive roll-out of the SFI scheme from next year.

For more on the Sustainable Farming Incentive, see p68-69.

Welcome boost for wedding venues Rural leaders say they hope lockdown rules restricting on-farm wedding venues will be eased further after a partial relaxation last month.

On-farm venues received a boost after the government said it was scrapping the 30-person limit on the number of people who can attend wedding ceremonies and receptions from 21 June.

But receptions will be table service only. Guests must wear face coverings indoors and venues must still comply with social distancing. Dancefloors are forbidden inside and dancing outside is strongly advised against – although not illegal.

The Country Land and Business Association said rural wedding business owners and soon-tobe-wedded couples would have breathed a sigh

of relief at the announcement after a disastrous 15 months.

CLA president Mark Bridgeman said: This is testimony to the excellent work of the UK Weddings Taskforce, which the CLA has been helping on behalf of members operating wedding venues.

With some 320,000 weddings said to have been postponed or cancelled since March last year, Mr Bridgeman said 2020 was a catastrophic year for an industry that endured heavy financial losses of around £7bn.

“Weddings for 30 people aren’t financially viable so the removal of a cap on guests is much-needed as the industry tries to recover from Covid-19,” he added.

JULY 2021 • ANGLIA FARMER 61

Professional services

‘Game-changing’ business software measures farm sustainability • Assesses carbon footprint and biodiversity • Analyses farm business performance too • Integrates with existing software packages

A

new software package aims to help farmers plan the path to greater profitability by assessing the sustainability of their farm business.

Called Sandy, the suite of software from Trinity AgTech is described as a simple-to-use digital assistant which provides robust proof of provenance for far produce and captures the full value of natural capital.

The software seeks to support farmers as they face major changes in farm support. This includes the phase-out of the basic payment scheme and the introduction of new schemes which will reward farmers for undertaking environmental work.

Sandy’s core tools include carbon footprint and biodiversity assessments. But it also covers livestock management, monitors crop performance, nutrient status and yield prediction – as well as analysing farm business performance.

Game-changer Trinity AgTech managing director Richard Williamson, formerly farms director of Beeswax Farming, said: “Our industry is changing, and Sandy has come at a time when farmers are being forced to ask themselves how their business will evolve.

“Within this change, there are opportunities for farmers to capture different and diverse income streams.

However, farmers need clear, independent and robust information to succeed in these.”

Mr Williamson said Sandy used the latest science and technology to help farmers achieve new heights in environmental progress and financial prosperity while adding greater credibility to their traced provenance.

He added: It’s the digital assistant I’ve been looking for in my farming career.”

Sandy was developed by a team of more than 30 scientists and engineers in consultation with farmers and industry leaders who sit on Trinity AgTech’s Advisory Council. Major retailers, banks and cooperatives also back the use of the software.

62 ANGLIA FARMER • JULY 2021

How it works Integrating with other farm software, Sandy processes the array of data available to farmers through an easy-to-use range of tools. This puts hard numbers on the environmental benefits delivered by the farm – as well as its financial performance.

Sandy captures every aspect of a farm’s financial and environmental contribution, delivering precision and simplicity to all stakeholders, said Mr Williamson. It strips out friction, delay and cost from the system.

Jake Freestone, 2020 Soil Farmer of the Year and Farm Manager of Overbury Enterprises, is trialling Sandy. He said it had the ability for managing and monetising a path for farmers towards net zero and biodiversity targets.

Mr Freestone added: “With the quality of science underpinning it and the industry backing it’s achieved, Sandy looks set to deliver what we’re looking for. It can pull into one place and make sense of the many data sources we have.

“It looks to provide clarity and precision through a range of tools that are remarkably easy to use. I hope Sandy will help direct us on our path to building local markets for food with trusted provenance and opportunities to capitalise on emerging income streams.”

The software measures environmental and financial performance.

About Sandy Officially launched last month, Trinity AgTech has been developing its software for the past three years in collaboration with farmers, scientists and engineers.

Trinity AgTech’s scientific board includes a team of more than 30 scientists specially selected for their peer-reviewed work on sustainability – including carbon and biodiversity – agricultural productivity and mathematical optimisation.

Software design and integration has been developed by an in-house team of around 30 designers and engineers using best-of-breed agricultural technology and innovations from across the USA and Europe.

Sandy is believed to be the first package of its kind to measure the sustainability of a farm business – both from a financial and environmental perspective. Software subscriptions are expected to cost £1000-1500 annually.

Trinity AgTech’s advisory council includes members from across UK farming. They include John Allen (Kite Consulting), James Farrell (formerly Strutt & Parker), Will Gemmill (Ceres Rural) and Christine Tacon (Assured Food Standards).

Farmer Jake Freestone has been trialling the Sandy software

Based in Gloucestershire, Mr Freestone said Overbury Enterprises had worked hard to develop a rich and diverse farming system, improved soil health, provide habitats for wildlife and deliver a vibrant rural environment for the local community.

He added: “It’s how we grow our crops, look after our animals and care for our countryside, and we want to capture those values in the produce that leaves our farm and the services we provide.”

With the ability to integrate and work alongside most existing farm management and financial recording tools, Sandy is now available for farmers looking to make their wealth of data work for them.

Software demonstrations can be arranged with a Trinity AgTech engineer via www.trinityagtech.com.

Professional services

Farming is relearning what it forgot

W EXPERT VIEW The agricultural sector is returning to knowledge from more than a century ago, but with updated science and technology, says Richard Soffe.

idely regarded as ‘the Bible’ for every farmer, the Agricultural Notebook was first published more than 130 years ago. And I found myself revisiting notebooks from the 1800s when I was compiling the latest edition.

Changes in farming policy and management meant we looked back at old editions and found things that as an industry we’d forgotten – and that are now coming back full circle. It’s quite amazing.

In the 1800s, for example, farmers knew the importance of grasslands being made up of lots of different species. And the latest edition reflects the fact that we’ve started to increase the mixes in grasslands and herbal leys.

More science and tech Much of this age-old knowledge is combined with modern science and technology – a back to the future step. In particular, chapter authors – who were drawn from across Europe – were asked to focus more on environmen-

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tal challenges.

This reflecting growing interest in the issue, changes to post-Brexit agricultural policy, the growing number of farmers who adopting regenerative farming practices and the NFU target to reach net zero by 2040.

Chapters on farm wildlife and resource management reflect this too.

entific than it used to be. These days we talk about how it can be used control the type of milk produced, rather than just for feed.

Additional science is included in the soil management chapter, as our understanding of soil has continued to develop. And there’s a much greater focus on renewable energy as farmers look to further non-agricultural income generation.

While it’s a farmer-friendly book, it pulls no punches in saying that agriculture needs to do more for wildlife. But it encourages farmers to look at their farm’s resources as a whole, so they can manage them more effectively.

The 21st edition also includes a new chapter dealing with ruminant and monogastric nutrition. Applied nutrition is a lot more sci-

Bigger picture Readers of the chapter on dairying and beef production are encouraged to look at the bigger picture, says its author Paul Ward, who is a research and programme manager at Duchy College’s Rural Business School.

Regarding climate change and emissions, cattle have had a very negative image recently, but Paul’s chapter examines ways that grassland sequesters carbon – and other ways farmers can reduce emissions.

It focuses on efficiencies in the system and how to reduce the carbon cost of meat and milk. But it also examines ways to prevent disease, rather than just treat it. And it looks at ways to use technology and data to make better decisions.

Adding value to products is another important topic as producers look for further income streams in the post-Brexit world. This includes a bigger focus on adding value, mar-

keting, branding, and story-telling – focusing on the positives of cattle.

Old and new knowledge As farming and science continue to develop and become more specialised, the Agricultural Notebook is moving from being a ‘bible’ to ‘the essential reference book’, which now includes a large number of suggested further resources.

It includes a chapter on crop production

by Louisa Dines, principle lecturer in agronomy at Harper Adams University, She says growers now need wider knowledge than in the past, and to combine age-old practices with new science.

Successful UK crop production increasingly requires an excellent understanding of technology, biological and agronomic principles as well as business and marketing principles.

This demands the integration of new technologies and products with a return to some of the basic principles of good agricultural practice – including maintining soil health and diverse and resilient rotations.

Agricultural Notebook co-author Richard Soffe is an emeritus fellow at Duchy & Bicton Colleges’ Rural Business School. The 21st edition is available from Waterstones and on Amazon.

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Professional services

Woodland creation grants now available

Photo credit: Chris Rose

E

astern region farmers and landowners are being encouraged to apply for a grant to create woodland on their land.

Administered by the Forestry Commission and financed through the Nature for Climate Fund, the England Woodland Creation Offer (EWCO) opened last month. It replaces the Woodland Carbon Fund.

The EWCO will cover capital costs, at a 100% intervention rate (up to a per hectare cap). It also provides annual maintenance payments for 10 years towards forest roads and tracks, and recreational infrastructure such as paths and picnic benches.

“Now is an ideal time to start thinking about the help that the EWCO can provide,” says Gwilym Jenkins, from the food and farming team at Savills in Cambridge.

“Support is flexible to allow landowners to create a woodland that meets their own objectives and those of government; and we’ve had several clients ask us already about how they can best utilise the grant.”

The new grant scheme replaces the woodland carbon fund

Additional payments recognise the public benefits that well-designed woodland generates in the right locations. The payments cover nature recovery, riparian buffers, access, water

What does the future hold for agricultural support?

With changes on the horizon, Gwilym Jenkins from Savills in Cambridge explores future options for agricultural support.

With the amount received through the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) gradually reducing until it ends in 2028, the landscape for agricultural support is changing.

At present, the only additional funding available is through the Countryside Stewardship Scheme.

Unlike previous years, greening is no longer required as part of the BPS process – making stewardship look more appealing. It is also a way to secure income for the next five years and, should the upcoming Environmental Land Management (ELM) scheme be a better option, agreement holders can switch without penalty.

Looking ahead, the Farming Investment Fund will open this autumn, with grants to fund equipment, technology and infrastructure aimed at boosting productivity. For those planning a larger project however, it may be worth seeing if other funding options emerge.

From 2022 capital grants will be available to support animal welfare improvements, while vet visits for health and welfare management will be supported too.

Talk to us today Gwilym Jenkins Savills Cambridge 01223 347 208 gwilym.jenkins@savills.com

66 ANGLIA FARMER • JULY 2021

quality, reduced flood risk and proximity to settlements.

It is hoped the EWCO will support the creation of over 10,000 hectares of new woodland over its lifetime and follows the UK government’s commitment to plant 30,000 hectares of trees every year in its England Trees Action Plan for 2021-2024.

“Forestry is a multi-functional asset, with multiple ecosystem services flowing from it, whether it be timber, carbon, flood prevention or public access, while woodlands are increasingly being understood and utilised for their holistic value.

“The EWCO also provides extra incentive for the creation of new broadleaves woodlands, especially those which extend existing priority woodlands, benefit water habitats, or provide access to the public.”

The England Trees Action Plan also aims to encourage the formation of Woodland Creation Partnerships.

The goal is to help local farmers and landowners secure private finance for woodland.

Savills Cambridge 01223 347 208

The Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) scheme within ELM will also launch, paying farmers for achieving standards for things such as soils and low input grassland management. Monetary values of between £30 and £59 per hectare are expected for achieving the arable soil standard.

It’s also thought the Countryside Stewardship Capital Grants scheme will reopen in 2022, supporting boundary repairs, fencing and concreting yards.

Additionally, the lump sum exit scheme is now available to claimants of the BPS. The payment replaces future BPS claims and the claimant is required to exit the industry. It is hoped this will encourage new entrants and succession planning.

One thing is for sure – with BPS support declining farmers and landowners will need to be proactive in finding new sources of income going forward.

For advice on the rural sector in East Anglia contact Gwilym Jenkins at Savills Cambridge at gwilym.jenkins@Savills.com or 01223 347 208.

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Professional services

How to make the Sustainable Farming Incentive work for you EXPERT VIEW Details are finally emerging of ways the government will pay farmers to look after the environment, says Honor Eldridge

B

rexit created a unique opportunity for the government to reform farm support. Now outside the confines of the Common Agricultural Policy, the UK has seized the opportunity to create a new system that will require farmers to do more in return for their money.

The government’s new approach will pay farmers to deliver clean air, clean water and other ecosystem services. Known as “public money for public goods”, it

will reward farmers for looking after the environment and tackling the climate crisis.

It represents a profound shift in policy – and analysts have spent many years discussing how it might work. While Defra’s vision for the new Environmental Land Management (ELM) scheme is clear, the details are still only trickling out.

Does it stack up?

A further glimpse of what it will

involve emerged last month when Defra published details of its pilot Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI). In time, this will form the entry level of the ELM scheme and reward farmers for basic environmental improvements.

The pilot SFI outlines nine initial standards, each containing three levels – introductory, intermediate, and advanced – including payments. The intermediate level of the improved grasslands standard, for example, will pay £62/ha.

This allows farmers to start seeing how the new system stacks up financially against the current system of basic payments and countryside stewardship. But remember, it is a pilot scheme and revisions are likely before final terms are unveiled next year.

Defra officially launched the SFI pilot in February 2021. It re-

ceived more than 2000 expressions of interest, indicating the level of interest among growers and livestock producers. Those farmers are now being invited to join the pilot itself.

Measures of success The success of the SFI will be de-

Agricultural Water Management

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pendent on funding. The government has committed to ring-fencing the money from the basic payment scheme until the end of this Parliament. But there is no guarantee as to what happens afterwards.

This is less than positive. Every farmer knows a successful busi-

ness needs long-term planning.

And we simply don’t have that certainty yet because we don’t know at what level government funding will be set.

There are other challenges too.

Defra is actively considering the possibility of lowering the minimum area requirement criteria for farmers wanting to join the scheme – opening it up to a wider number of applicants.

While the total amount of funding has been ring-fenced, this obviously does not equate to ring-fencing the amount that individual farmers receive. And more farmers in the scheme means less money available per farm.

However, ELM is not the only funding route available to farmers. The government is keen to incorporate funding from the private sector too. This means private

“

The new approach represents a profound shift in policy

companies will also support public good delivery by funding agricultural projects.

Some companies have already adopted this “private money for public goods” approach. They include water companies who pay farmers to limit fertiliser applications, thereby reducing the risk of leaching into watercourses.

Woodland creation Private funding could also be available through woodland creation as a carbon offsetting mechanism. Or through biodiversity net gain, which requires any new construction to deliver additional biodiversity to offset any losses at the development site.

Overall, the idea is that this combination of public and private money will create a similar funding level to the amount of money previously available to farmers through the Common Agricultural Policy.

It is clear that the future of funding for the farming sector will be considerably more complicated than it was in the past. A stand-

ardised cookie-cutter application will not be viable going forward.

This means each farmer will need to investigate all the different funding options, consider their land, and review the specifics of their business.

Only after that, will they be able to identify the best option.

And this option will likely look very different to your neighbour.

Advisers and specialists have a role to play by helping to dispassionately assess the data and identify the best route that secures the most funding.

They can also guide clients through this process and maximise their profitability.

The SFI will be an exciting shift where UK agriculture will begin to move towards a more sustainable future. But it will be challenging, and it will require farmers to be resourceful and willing to try new and innovative methods.

Honor Eldridge is an environmental consultant for Wilson Wraight. For details, call 01284 334483 or visit www.wilsonwraight.co.uk

28-DAY POP-UP CAMPSITES: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW With the pandemic having caused a rollercoaster for the leisure and hospitality industries, is the 28-day rule for pop-up campsites an opportunity to be seized this summer?

What is the 28-day rule for pop-up campsites?

Under the so-called 28-day rule, anyone with sufficient space and facilities can open up a campsite for 28 days, without requiring planning permission. The facilities required are toilets and showers, though these can be temporary and/or mobile – or could exist for the purposes of another enterprise.

It has been frequently capitalised on by leisure businesses, such as campsites wanting to expand their capacity for the busiest month of the year, or by farmers or other businesses who want to make the most of demand to generate some extra income.

What changed for the campsite rules in 2020?

In order to give a much-needed boost to the leisure and hospitality industries after their forced closure due to the pandemic, the 28-day rule was extended to become the 56-day rule in 2020.

When this extension was put in place, an end date was not stipulated so, at the present time, the extension remains in place.

What’s the pop-up campsite situation in 2021?

While the extended 56-day period remains in place for the summer of 2021, the leisure industry is lobbying for this to be further extended to 72 days.

The argument from lobbyists is that these businesses have suffered another unexpected and extended closure and need the economic boost more than ever.

And it’s not only the owners of the pop-up campsites who stand to benefit – there are countless other businesses that rely on tourist trade to turn a profit – shops, pubs, outdoor activities and more.

How can I make the most of the rules?

With foreign summer holidays looking precarious, the domestic leisure industry is facing another bumper summer.

Stephen Richards, Head of Leisure at Carter Jonas, said: “As anyone who has tried to book a staycation in 2021 will know, demand for holiday accommodation in the tourist hotspots of the UK are currently hugely outstripping demand.

“The excess demand for holidays means that popular tourist locations such as the Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex coast together with the Norfolk broads and Constable Country through the Suffolk/Essex borders will not have enough accommodation.

These pop-up campsites will fill the gap and boost the rural economy after the difficult circumstances of last year.”

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Contact Stephen Richards on stephen.richards@carterjonas.co.uk or 07968 216596

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Machinery Contractors struggle to increase fieldwork prices • Margins squeezed as input costs rise • 91% of farmers now employ a contractor • Costings benchmark fieldwork rates

P

rices charged by agricultural contractors are largely similar to last year – despite higher input costs and buoyant commodity markets.

Spiralling farm input costs over the last year continuing to pile pressure on farm incomes. But many agricultural contractors say they have difficulty increasing their prices for key operations due to local competition.

Some machinery prices have gone up 8% in the past year, according to the National Association of Agricultural Contractors (NAAC). It has published its figures to help contractors and farmers calculate individual costings for 2021/22 (see table).

NAAC chairman Matt Redman said contractors had struggled to increase their prices to reflect higher costs. And he cautioned: “If farmers are demanding a reliable, efficient, safe and innovative service they must expect to pay a sustainable rate.”

Hefty investment Meanwhile, expectations on contractors continue to escalate. Environmental awareness, specialist training, record keeping and the latest technology all require higher levels of expertise and investment in equipment.

Farmers were increasingly reliant on contractors, said Mr Redman. It was vital that everyone worked in partnership to ensure businesses remained viable over the long term – with individual operations costed carefully and accurately.

“Our industry has the potential to really drive forward agricultural productivity, in an environmentally-sound format,” said Mr Redman. This included producing food while helping to meet net zero targets.

Mr Redman said: “We are investing heavily in new technology – but we must be vigilant and ensure we can afford the costs of running a business, while remaining at the forefront of innovation.’

Contracting costs (£/ha) 2021

2020

Ploughing light land heavy land

63.19 67.09

63.13 66.86

Disc harrowing

59.00

59.00

Cereal drilling conventional combi-drilling direct drilling

51.37 63.81 59.24

49.98 63.59 58.72

Fertiliser spinning disc liquid

12.40 13.38

12.31 13.16

Crop spraying

13.89

13.37

Combining cereals oilseed rape (windrow) oilseed rape (direct)

93.13 94.12 92.63

92.96 94.12 92.63

(Source: NAAC)

Useful benchmark The survey is a useful benchmark to the industry but rates will vary significantly with region, soil type, customer size and machinery. Customers should therefore expect to see higher or lower prices quoted.

The NAAC says many farmers struggling to operate without them.

Contractors are land managers, advisors and protectors of the countryside. They provide skilled labour, high capital cost machinery and professional services.

With it becoming increasingly expensive for farmers to run all machinery in-house, some 91% of growers and livestock producers use a contractor for at least some of their fieldwork, according to NAAC figures.

While cost is important, farmers should also consider the quality, reputation and reliability of their contractor to get a job done well, said Mr Redman. Machinery prices had increased by 40% in the past decade and contractors needed to reflect this.

We must ensure we can afford the costs of running a business, says Matt Redman

The full guide can be found online at www.naac.co.uk.

JULY 2021 • ANGLIA FARMER 71

Machinery

Machinery auctioneer will be ‘sorely missed’ after 30 years

B

ill Pepper, partner and head of the machinery department at Cheffins, has left the firm after more than 30 years.

Initially located in the centre of Cambridge, the Cheffins Monthly Machinery Sale has expanded from the sale of a few tractors and machines in the 1940s to the largest auction of its type worldwide, at Sutton, near Ely. Some 3,000 lots are sold each month, with sales grossing more than £7.5m in the first quarter of 2021. With over 30,000 registered buyers worldwide, Cheffins has regular sales to Spain, Ireland, Germany, the Middle East, eastern Europe and north Africa.

Mr Pepper said he was leaving the firm to pursue other projects – including commercial and recreational opportunities on his family’s farm near Royston – and get involved in residential development ventures.

“I have had the most fantastic ca-

reer at Cheffins. However, after being at the firm for my entire working life, I have decided that now is the time for a new challenge.

“While it will be incredibly hard to leave Cheffins and my team, I am looking forward to being able to spend more time with my family, work on other projects and hopefully travel the world once restrictions allow.”.

Drive-through auction Mr Pepper’s first year at Cheffins was 1987. He then attended the Royal Agricultural College before returning the firm full-time as a trainee chartered surveyor in 1990 before joining the machinery team five years later.

Talking about the development of the Cambridge Machinery Sales, Mr Pepper said: “When I first started all those years ago, the only way to sell machinery was through a weekly publication or via the Cheffins sale ground.”

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In recent years, Mr Pepper has overseen the construction of the auction’s drive-through sales building – which was completed in 2016 – and the development of online-only sales during the coronavirus pandemic.

Work colleagues said Mr Pepper would be sorely missed by everyone at Cheffins. The monthly machinery sale will now be overseen by Cheffins chairman Bill King and director Oliver Godfrey.

Mr King said: “It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to Bill, who has played a crucial role in the development of the Cheffins Machinery Sale, developing it to where it is today.”

With a strong team in place, Mr King said he was confident that the monthly machinery sale would be in good hands following Mr Pepper’s departure – and would continue to provide an essential service for the second-hand machinery market.

Bill Pepper is leaving Cheffins to pursue other projects on the family farm

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John Deere auctioned for Alzheimers charity A John Deere 3050 4wd tractor was auctioned at last month’s Cheffins Cambridge Machinery Sale, with all proceeds donated to charity.

The tractor was generously donated by an anonymous client. It was one of the last lots to be sold in the drive-through auction by Bill Pepper, before he retired from the firm at the end of June.

The John Deere was donated by a long-standing client of Cheffins in honour of Mr Pepper’s service to the firm of auctioneers and the wider agricultural machinery industry.

Proceeds from the sale were donated to a charity of Mr Pepper’s choice – in this case, Alzheimers Research UK. A Just Giving page has been set

up for further donations.

Mr Pepper said: “I am bowled over by the incredible generosity of this client in donating a tractor to the sale and hope many people will join me in giving extra funds to this amazing charity.”

To donate, please visit: www.bit.ly/ billpepper

The fourwheeldrive John Deere was donated by an anonymous client

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“ I have Trailed beenor farming for over Trailed or50 years, during which time I have purchased many a product both large and small, and on Trailed orI have been left with the distinct feeling nearly every occasion being financially ripped off – whether it be a new tractor or a selfofwheelbarrow propelled self propelled that constantly gets a puncture – now solved with self propelled a puncture-free wheel!

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FINAL SAY Fen Tiger

The great betrayal The UK trade deal with Australia is bad for British farmers, says Fen Tiger

B

ritish farmers – and livestock producers in particular – are set to pay a hefty price for the government’s eagerness to do a trade deal with Australia.

Announced last month following the G7 summit in Cornwall, the trade agreement will open up the British market to Australian farmers. In time, tariff-free beef could reach these shores from Australia and flood our domestic market.

Currently Australia pays a 20% tariff on all exports of beef and lamb. The government insists the floodgates will remain closed. But it is hard to see how they will stay shut when tariffs are removed – even if they are being phased out over 15 years.

Real worry International trade secretary Liz Truss has negotiated a deal that makes it impossible for British farmers to compete with Australian beef – no matter that it is shipped here from the other side of the world.

The real worry for British farmers is, of course, the lower standard of much imported beef. Australian farmers operate under different standards to British producers – and some of their production methods would be illegal here.

74 ANGLIA FARMER • JULY 2021

We like to think British beef is second to none. The fear is that the vast Australian cattle lots with less than ideal conditions will result in inferior beef being sold here for British consumers.

Australian cattle are reared using hormones, antibiotics and lengthy transport times without access to water. And even if Australian beef is labelled on supermarket shelves, many consumers will be none the wiser.

Uncomfortable truth Leaving the European Union means the UK government is now free to strike its own trade deals. With that comes the need to acknowledge an uncomfortable truth: British farmers – me included – have long been cushioned from the harsh reality of the ruthless global market.

Many of us have become so accustomed to our annual basic payment that it is hard to see how we will survive without it, let alone compete with cheap food imports that undercut our own beef and lamb.

It is not a subject or a theme that is widely spoken about in public. But

“

‘Our own government has chosen Brisbane over Blighty.’

Brexit and the removal of the basic payment, which starts to be phased out later this year, puts British farmers and food producers in direct competition with the rest of the world.

But we can’t compete on price – not when we are expected to abide by some of the highest production standards in the world. Those high production standards all add cost and that should be recognised by the government.

Diminishing returns Some say the 15-year transition period is generous and gives us time to adapt.

But those high production standards will still be there when it is over. And at the same time, our returns and margins are slowly diminishing.

Surging global commodities, the covid pandemic and the threat of allout war in the Middle East mean it is a wonder that the Australian trade deal ever reached the front pages. The fact that it did shows that people do care what we eat.

If Australian cattle farms are bigger and better than ours – and produce better quality meat then I have no problem with that. But the fact is that we are being expected to compete on a playing field that is far from level. And that is unfair.

Ideally, the quality of our product should shine through. But it is hard to see how when our very own government has chosen Brisbane over Blighty.

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