Anglia Farmer - July 2022

July 2022

Anglia

Farmer Serving the farming industry across East Anglia for over 40 years

Groundswell 2022: Arable growers reap benefits of grass in rotations

News 'Big gaps' in Defra's food strategy Arable Blackgrass herbicide wins approval Livestock £250k grants set for slurry storage Professional services Land market 'strongest since 2015' Farm Safety Insurance discounts to combat fires

Oilseed rape Golden summer as growers cash in

Fen Tiger Good riddance to the basic payment

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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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Food strategy serves up little for farmers

I

t's hard to know where to begin when commenting on the government's long-awaited but half-baked National Food Strategy for England.

Published last month, the strategy has disappointed almost everyone hoping for much more than it delivered: a series of lukewarm ideas and aspirations seasoned throughout with a lack of detail.

Along with fresh air, clean water and adequate shelter, a secure food supply is an essential requirement for everyone on the planet. But the government's strategy for England is singularly unambitious.

Rather than ramping up farm output, the document outlines plans to broadly maintain current levels of domestic food production. And it is far from the visionary document many believe is needed to address the challenges we face as a nation.

The NFU has put on a brave face. It says the strategy is a clear milestone which recognises the importance of maintaining our productive capacity – particularly at a time when war in Ukraine has focused attention on the fragility of food security.

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But there is no doubt that the government could have gone much further. The strategy accepts the need for major reform of the food system. Yet ministers continue to sign trade deals involving food imports in seemingly limitless amounts.

Ensuring fairness within the supply chain is also important. The government has spoken of its intention to examine how supply chain provisions already set out in legislation can be used to better effect – but again, there is little detail.

A proper strategy would champion British farmers – recognising the vital role of UK agriculture in feeding the nation as well as protecting and enhancing the environment while working to mitigate the impact of climate change.

Instead, like many other government promises at the moment, the document appears full of talk – paying lip service to the importance of good production without detailing a coherent plan which will help realise its goals.

Johann Tasker Editor

RIDBA

Rural & Industrial Design & Building Association

JULY 2022 • ANGLIA FARMER 3

News Food strategy must be fully implemented – farm leaders • Importance of farming recognised • Plan to maintain production levels • Food security to protect economy

I

ndustry leaders say the government must implement its food strategy in full – praising the document for recognising the importance of farming.

Published last month, the strategy sets out the government's approach to food and farming – including the challenges posed by the war in Ukraine and the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the global economy.

It pledges to support farmers by helping to increase domestic production. This includes plans to strengthen the resilience of food supply chains and food security to help protect against future economic shocks and crises.

NFU president Minette Batters said: “The strategy represents a clear milestone. The government is recognising the importance of domestic food production, maintaining our productive capacity and growing more food in this country.

Farmers stood ready to play their part in producing high quality and climate-friendly food while protect-

ing and enhancing the environment.

“Food production will always be core to a nation’s resilience and I’m pleased the government has recognised this.

Ms Batters added: “Domestic food production and environmental delivery go hand-in-hand and we are proud that British farmers have an ambition to reach net zero by 2040, while still maintaining our current levels of food production.

“We now need to see this strategy develop into clear delivery and investment to capitalise on the benefits food and farming delivers for the country, such as our world-leading standards of animal welfare, environmental protection and food safety.”

Domestic food production is core to the UK's resilience, says Minette Batters

“

The strategy represents a clear milestone

Plan to 'broadly maintain' domestic production The government's food strategy commits to broadly maintaining current domestic production levels – and boosting production in sectors where there are the biggest opportunities – such as horticulture and seafood.

It pledges £270m across farming innovation funding programmes until 2029. It says this will unlock technologies to drive sustainable farming techniques. In turn, this will help increase productivity and profitability and the sector’s long-term resilience.

The strategy also sets out plans to create a new professional body for the farming and growing industry to step up professional 4 ANGLIA FARMER • JULY 2022

training and develop clear career pathways, equipping people and businesses with the skills needed to run sustainable and profitable businesses.

Prime minister Boris Johnson said: “Our food strategy sets out a blueprint for how we will back farmers, boost British industry and help protect people against the impacts of future economic shocks by safeguarding our food security.

“Harnessing new technologies and innovation, we will grow and eat more of our own food - unlocking jobs across the country and growing the economy, which in turn will ultimately help to reduce pressure on prices.”

The strategy was published following recommendations contained in Henry Dimbleby's 2021 review of the UK's food system. As well as farming, it covered diets, inequality, nature, food and climate, and the complexities of meat, food security and trade.

Lacking detail Mr Dimbleby said Defra's policy document lacked enough detail to be called a strategy – although it did contain plans to implement more than 50% of his recommendations. He had called on ministers to guarantee payments to farmers until 2029, but this was not forthcoming.

Country Land and Business Association president Mark Tufnell said it was encouraging that the strategy had a significant focus on agriculture.

But it was unclear how it would be implemented, with out details of the required funding.

Steps in the right direction included 50% of public sector food to come from local producers or certified to higher standards, funding priorities for horticulture, regenerative farming and the development of alternative proteins.

Mr Tufnell added: “There are issues which must be tackled in the short term, however. Domestic food security, fairness in the supply chain and workforce issues are key areas which need to be addressed immediately.”

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News

Farms open to celebrate British agriculture

M

ore than 250 farms opened their gates last month – showcasing the best of British agriculture to tens of thousands of visitors.

The LEAF Open Farm Sunday event on 12 June saw fields and farmyards filled with families – each looking to learn more about how their food is produced, how the countryside is managed and what it is like to have a career in agriculture.

Special tribute Visiting a working farm provides an opportunity for people to talk to growers and livestock producers – demonstrating to the public that agriculture is a proud and welcoming industry.

As well as learning about the importance of healthy crops and livestock, visitors had the opportunity to discover the importance of soil and water health, biodiversity and habitat management. Events included farm walks, trailer rides and barbecues.

Visitors included two Defra ministers. Lord Benyon visited Row Farm in Berkshire; and farm­minister Victoria Prentis visited D’Oyley’s Farm,

near Oxford – a regenerative family farm managed by the White family for three generations.

Ms Prentis said: “British farmers are doing a tremendous job in delivering high-quality produce that is both sustainable and nutritious, and it is wonderful to see their commitment to inspiring the younger generation to enter the industry.”

Open Farm Sunday manager Annabel Shackleton said: “With the public’s growing consciousness around the environment and sustainability, farming’s annual open day is more important than ever to build support for British farming and food.”

Special tribute Congratulating everyonne involved, Ms Shackleton said feedback had been overwhelmingly positive.

“We’d like to say a big thank you to everyone who made LEAF Open Farm Sunday 2022 another huge success, particularly all the host farmers, volunteers and our sponsors.”

The day was a fitting tribute to LEAF chief executive Caroline Drummond, who died last month.

Families learned how their food is produced

Ms Shackleton said: “Caroline always loved to see the public on farm learning about this industry we’re all so passionate about.

“The sunshine brought Caroline’s warmth to so many as host farmers remembered her. At the end of the day, regular Open Farm Sunday hosts, FarmEco in Nottinghamshire, paid tribute to ‘CD’ and sang along to a band playing ‘Sweet Caroline’.”

The next Open Farm Sunday takes place on 11 June 2023. For details, visit www.openfarmsunday.org

Diversified estate for sale after 100 years

A

n East Anglia estate on the SuffolkCambridgeshire border is up for sale for the first time in over 100 years.

The 1,776-acre Exning estate near Newmarket was purchased in 1919 by William James Tatum, a ship owner who became Lord Glanely. With no surviving heir, the estate passed to the Gibson family after his death in 1942.

It includes two in-hand farming enterprises and a diverse portfolio of residential properties, equestrian businesses, Rossdales equine hospital, a solar farm, as well as a principal house in a mature parkland setting.

The estate currently generates an annual gross rental income of £1.6 million. It is available either as a going concern or as a sale of property assets.

Selling agents Savills are quoting a guide price of £50m for the whole estate, which is also available in up to 18 lots.

6 ANGLIA FARMER • JULY 2022

Landwade Hall, the principal house on the Exning estate, extends to over 8,000 sq ft

Arable and beef enterprises are farmed in-hand – including 1000 acres of wheat, barley, oilseed rape and sugar beet.

The farm has on-site storage for 2,750 tonnes of grain with a further 600 tonnes at farmer-owned cooperative Camgrain.

A suckler herd of 120 cows and followers is run out of Landwade Farm.

A higher level stewardship scheme ends in November 2023. Farmland, woodland and shelterbelts form the basis for a popular mixed lowland shoot.

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Arable New blackgrass herbicide wins approval for autumn application • Long-awaited grassweed herbicide • New active pre-emergence spray • See as replacement for flufenacet

G

rowers finally have access to a new herbicide against some of the UK's most challenging grassweeds – including resistant blackgrass.

It follows approval for BASF's new active substance Luximo – the brand name for cinmethylin, a soil residual active substance for grass- and broadleaved weed control in winter wheat.

The product containing this active – Luxinum Plus – provides a new mode of action for controlling blackgrass and Italian ryegrass, says BASF. It is designed for application at pre- and early post-emergence timings.

“We know how important Luximo will be for growers given the march of resistant black-grass – both geographically and biologically,” says Rob Gladwin, BASF's head of technical management for agricultural products.

“It’s two years since the Institute of Zoology valued England’s annual economic loss from resistant black-grass at £400 million in lost gross profit, and certainly the situation has worsened since this calculation.”

Crucial action The introduction of this mode of action is crucial, says Mr Gladwin. Luximo works differently to existing chemistry and therefore can work against re-

sistant blackgrass and Italian ryegrass biotypes.

Thousands of greenhouse and field trials involving the active substance have taken place over the past decade.

BASF now sees the herbicide as a replacement for flufenacet – not just a replacement.

In pre-emergence applications, 85% of 103 farmer-led and BASF blackgrass trials conducted over four years found that solo Luximo was more effective than solo flufenacet, with a 78% control rate compared to 58%.

“What stands out to us is the consistency of the results,” says Stuart Kevis, BASF herbicide business development manager. “Luximo reliably outperforms flufenacet in the control of blackgrass and more than halves seed return.”

Good performace Luximo also shows very good activity against Italian ryegrass. There is a similar uplift in performance over flufenacet. Early indications are that it also performs well against difficult ryegrass populations, including populations that might be flufenacet resistant.

“It’s important to mention that while these results were achieved when using Luximo as a solo applied

Stuart Kevis: Luximo delivers consistent results Below: Muchanticipated Luximo gives growers a new option against blackgrass

active, for trial purposes, the use of complementary partner products is vital for retaining the field performance of Luximo for the long term.”

Growers and agronomists are being encouraged to use the new product responsibly, says Mr Kevis.

“Now we have this all-important herbicide active substance, we must do all that we can to protect it from diminishing field performance.

“This means growers will need to maintain a firm focus on good cultural control, careful choice of tank-mix partners and applying the herbicide at the right time, in the best conditions and at the correct rates.”

Luxinum Plus will be available this autumn in combination with partner products. Further Luximo products are currently being evaluated and will also contain partner active substances such as pendimethalin.

JULY 2022 • ANGLIA FARMER 9

Arable

Biostimulant benefits stressed beet crops

A

pplying a biostimulant to sugar beet crops could help plants cope with heat stress caused by climate change.

Field trials over the last two seasons have shown that applying Quantis to sugar beet before a heat stress event increases yield significantly, says Syngenta technical manager Andy Cunningham.

The effect of Quantis to help potato plants deal with stress caused by high temperatures has been scientifically studied and widely tested, he says. Yield responses have been equally good – if not better – when tried on a field scale in sugar beet.

Research at Nottingham University suggests potato plants can be primed to cope with heat stress and to maintain photosynthetic activity that would otherwise be reduced or shut down.

Larger root size Biostimulant action within the plant results in bigger roots and higher sugar concentration – even when no physiological differences can be seen in the crop, adds Mr Cunningham.

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“Further trials are planned this season in sugar beet to pinpoint the optimum times for application around the occurrence of heat events,” says Mr Cunningham.

“Timing will be based on the heat stress event forecasting tool developed Lincolnshire to assist potato growers.” grower Lincolnshire beet grower Richard Richard Ivatt is Ivatt was impressed with results from impressed with field scale trials of Quantis on droughtthe results prone light land last season.

A single 1 litre/ha application on 12 July 2021 – just before a dry period – yielded an extra 1.78t/ha. Doubling that rate saw the crop yield 78t/ ha – some 3.64t/ha more than the untreated crop.

“With the increased value of sugar beet this season, there’s potential for an even greater payback,” says Mr Ivatt, who grows 160ha of beet across 680ha of arable cropping at Baston Fen, near Bourne.

All beet growing on lighter land this season will now receive a 2litre/ha application if there is impending risk of 16/05/2019 09:06 Pagehot 16 weather stress.

Crops on prime silts and heavier land will be treated where there is a risk of drought, says Mr Ivatt.

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Arable

Bright future beckons for trainee agronomist in East Anglia

F

armer’s daughter Hollie Hunter has returned to her Suffolk roots to train as an agronomist with Agrovista’s East Anglia team.

Ms Hunter gained a first-class honours degree in agriculture with crop management from Harper Adams University in 2021. The four-year course included 12 months on a work placement with Corteva Agriscience..

Top award Eight months followed in Corteva's sales and marketing team, with a further four months in the trials team. After leaving Harper Adams, Ms Hunter received the Royal Society of Biology’s (RSB) Top Student Award 2021.

Since joining Agrovista in September 2021, Ms Hunter has been shadowing senior agronomists, walking crops and embarking on setting up new business in her Norfolk/Suffolk border area, where she will provide advice on a range of crops.

The family farm is a mix of arable, Christmas poultry and pigs. Ms Hunter said: “I’ve always enjoyed the arable side of farming. During my work placement I met people from several different agronomy companies.

“I thought Agrovista seemed like a really friendly and knowledgeable team with a strong training programme. So, I approached them whilst in my last term at Harper Adams and was lucky enough to be taken on.

“It is an exciting time to be entering the industry,” she added.

“There are going to be a lot of changes and young people will be needed to help drive that change.”

Farmers will need more support than ever, so good advice that offers good value for money will be paramount, believes Ms Hunter.

“Hopefully I’ll be able to offer that support and demonstrate that I have a good understanding of what is going on in the agricultural industry “I love the aspect of being outside and learning on the job, whether with senior colleagues who have years of experience or with recently qualified colleagues who are really good at embracing new technology and ways of doing things.”

BASIS qualification Ms Hunter is currently training for a BASIS qualification, which will be a major part of her qualification as an agronomist in the near future.

“Every customer I have met so far has been incredibly enthusiastic about young people coming into the industry, and this fills me with confidence for the future.”

Agrovista area sales manager Linda Sheppard said: “I am proud to be working with Hollie to see her progress. She has made a positive impression on both colleagues and farmers since she started with us.

“Her hard work and enthusiasm for agronomy will take her far in her career, and she gives us confidence in the next generation of agronomists.”

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Arable

Soil health payments made easier with farm software • Payments for simple measures • Soil health improves productivity • Software makes applying easy

A

gronomy firm Hutchinsons has added new functionality to its Omnia digital farming platform to help farmers meet the requirements of the government's new Sustainable Farming Incentive.

The scheme rewards farmers who improve soil health, structure, organic matter and biology on arable, horticultural and grass land. It is the first part of the SFI – one of three schemes that will eventually replace the Basic Payment Scheme.

Applications for the first two tiers of the SFI Soils Standard – the introductory level (paying £22/ha) and intermediate level (£40/ha) – are now open. Changes to Omnia, built around a central soil management plan, aim to make it easier to sign up.

“Omnia provides a management platform to complete all of the SFI Soil standard requirements in a functional and easy way, allowing you to improve your soil health and gain your SFI Soils Standard payment,” says agronomist Rebecca Firth.

More accessible The new functionality can record all information needed to comply with either level of the Soils Standard requirements. This includes soil test scores, soil management plans, an erosion risk map and cropping map.

“Much of the information was already being recorded within Omnia anyway, but we’ve made it more accessible and even easier to use,” says Ms Firth.

Improved accessibility includes an updated and simplified iPhone app that allows users to upload soil test results, worm counts, pictures and notes while still in the field. Information can be geotagged using the device’s in-built GPS. “Information is immediately available on the web-based platform, where users can log on to carry out more de14 ANGLIA FARMER • JULY 2022

tailed mapping and analysis of the data,” says Ms Firth.

Omnia allows farmers to generate a printed report summarising all information required by the soils standard.

“Users can select what they want to show in the report, and generate individual reports for different blocks of land if required, at the click of a button.”

The system is being developed so it remains up-to-date as SFI requirements change. Further updates are planned to accommodate the release of other SFI measures, such as the advanced standard due in 2024.

While the Omnia soil management plan provides a way of recording all information required to demonstrate compliance with the SFI, Ms Firth urges growers not to regard it simply as a tick-box exercise.

Above and beyond “Look beyond doing the bare minimum necessary to qualify for a payment,” she says. “Instead use the SFI as a catalyst for much wider-ranging changes that could deliver far more significant benefits to soil health and productivity across your farm business.”

Payments available within the SFI Soils Standard are much lower than originally proposed, so the real benefits are likely to come from longer-term improvements to soil health.

Healthier soil is better at nutrient cycling – reducing input costs Photo: Centre for Ecology & Hydrology

“

Much of the information is already recorded

“That may involve changes to cultivation practices, altering fertiliser and nutrition strategies, altering crop rotation, or bringing in cover crops, manures or other sources of organic matter. It’s about building a more regenerative approach.”

Ultimately, healthier soils are better at nutrient cycling, have higher nutrient use efficiency, improved drainage and workability, and greater resilience to weather extremes.

On the ladder This means inputs are used more efficiently, reducing costs, while optimising yields, says Ms Firth.

“The SFI is about getting farmers on to the soil health ‘ladder’, but really it is just the starting point from which to build from.

Growers can use the Omnia soil management plan themselves, or as part of a Healthy Soils service.

“It makes it simple for anyone to show they meet SFI minimum requirements, while making it easy to go into greater detail at any stage of the process, whether that is soil assessments being made, or the management options being implemented.”

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Arable

Growers look to pulses to reduce crop inputs

S

eed breeders report strong interest in pulse crops as farmers seek to reduce expenditure on nitrogen.

A wide portfolio of pulses was on display at last month's Cereals event in Cambridgeshire. They included including spring-drilled options less reliant on expensive inputs and have proved to be consistent and resilient on-farm.

For those wishing to keep out of the fertiliser market, Senova's winter bean variety Vespa remains top of the PGRO Descriptive List for yield on 108.

Market strength Vespa boasts market strengths and good agronomic characteristics,says Senova's sales manager Tom Yewbrey.

"With nitrogen fertiliser prices remaining high, unsurprisingly there is huge interest in winter beans and their place in sustainable farming systems.

"Low growing costs and rotational benefits make them a very attractive option while the cost and supply of inputs and fuel is so volatile."

Vespa seed is widely available for autumn 2022 plantings. It is joined on the Descriptive List by Vincent, a new winter bean variety, which offers a yield of 106 and a higher protein content – although seed supply will be more limited in its first year.

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Mainstay The highest yielding spring bean on the PGRO Descriptive List is Lynx – from breeder LSPB. With high downy mildew resistance, it remains the mainstay for many UK spring bean growers, says LSPB managing director Chris Guest.

“Consistently high yields in trials and on farm are a major factor in this. The 106 over control in the current DL continues a series of highest or near-highest yields over the seven years it has been on the PGRO list.”

Lynx is part of LSPB’s diverse portfolio of varieties on the descriptive list. Others include early maturing Ghengis and Macho with its high thousand seed weight, both of which are close to Lynx in their yield levels.

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Arable

Arable farmers reap rewards of growing grass in rotation

G

rowers are reaping valuable rewards by incorporating grass into their farming systems, visitors to last month's Groundswell event were told.

The two-day show on 22-23 June attracted thousands of growers and livestock producers to Lannock Manor Farm, Hertfordshire ­– all looking at ways to secure a more sustainable future for their businesses.

“Grass is no longer just grazing for sheep and cattle,” said David Linton, commercial manager for seed breeder Barenbrug. It delivers economic and enviironmental benefits too.

Soil nitrogen Scientific research from around the world – including by Barenbrug – demonstrates the ability of grass and mixed leys to deliver benefits beyond producing milk and good-quality, healthy meat.

“Every farm should be doing grass,” said Mr Linton.

“We know grass mixtures can boost soil nitrogen levels, reducing our reliance on expensive artificial fertilisers.

Growers following a grass ley with cereals have reported yield uplift of more than 5%, despite slashing nitrogen inputs by nearly a quarter.

“We also know that they’re vital in addressing climate change. Their ability to capture carbon gives the farming industry a second crucial role in society: we’re not just producing food but helping to solve the world’s most pressing problem.”

One of the largest UK breeders and producers of grass seed, Barenbrug has a network of growers, and researchers across the country. Growing demand means more than 9,000ha now under grass seed production.

The company produces and distributes more than 4,500 tonnes of grass seed each year. Some 90% of the grasseed is grown in the UK. A trials and research site in Worcestershire provides the base for much of Barenbrug's development work.

On arable farms, grass-rich buffer strips can provide protection against loss of soil and nutrients during soil-disturbing activities such as rootcrop harvesting, while increasing the farm’s value for biodiversity.

Growers are also using grass to reintegrate livestock into their arable systems – sometimes using virtual fencing technology so animals graze within set perimeters without any physical barriers.

Farm consultant James Daniel, managing director for Precision Grazing, says Nofence virtual fencing technology is a game-changer for farmers and grazers looking to integrate livestock into arable systems.

More arable farmers are growing grass and herbal leys

“

Every farm should be doing grass

“The synergistic relationship between livestock and crop production – forage and arable – is key to setting up a successful and sustainable regenerative system,” he explains.

Forage and arable Experts in virtual fencing, Nofence uses a combination of GPS, cellular communication and a smartphone app to create virtual perimeters which can be monitored and changed remotely according to livestock needs.

“The fertility gains from grazing animals are considerable, with substantial reductions in artificial fertilisers possible,” says Synne Foss Budal, the company's UK general manager.

“Grazing animals are the most effective and profitable method for regenerating low fertility soils while eliminating weed and plant disease issues. Livestock are essential, particularly if the farm does not have access to other organic manures.”

Seaweed solution aids plant health and yield

F

armers looking to reduce plant nutrient costs are being encouraged to consider seaweed solutions to improve crop health and yields.

Biostimulant root conditioners can increase nutrient uptake, says Grant James, sales manager for manufacturer Olmix. The company makes seaweed-based Premio S12 and Neosol – with good interest from growers.

Premio S12 is useful on silicic and calcar18 ANGLIA FARMER • JULY 2022

eous soils where phosphorous assimilation can be a problem, with plants looking blue.

It also helps where waterlogging is an issue at the end of winter, limiting nitrogen and phosphorus absorption.

Mainly used on winter wheat and winter barley, Premio S12 can also be used on maize and grassland. It is generally applied in the autumn when there is maximum opportunity for it to break down organic matter.

Neosol aims to restore soil health by activating the natural microflora of soils. It has a mineral complex rich in trace elements, allowing it to humify organic matter and help correct issues affecting soil function.

“These include compaction, wetness in the soil profile and sensitivity to drought. It reduces compaction and speeds up drainage of excess water. Crops are also more even which makes management easier.”

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Arable

More sustainable varieties make wheat choice easier A new tool is helping growers choose the most appropriate wheat varieties.

W

heat varieties are becoming more robust and resilient – although concern remains that some crops lodge too easily and quality could be better.

The sustainability of mainstream varieties has improved encouragingly in just two years, suggests the latest Agrii Advisory List. But there are worrying concerns when it comes to specific weights and lodging.

Updated regularly throughout the season, the Wheat Advisory List is independent from the official AHDB Recommended List. It contains additional analysis and data from Agrii’s own variety testing programme.

The list includes Variety Sustainability Ratings for wheat options offering the greatest all-round agronomic strength with the least production risk and environmental impact.

“The number of wheats available with a high sustainability rating has more than tripled from seven to 24,” says Agrii seed technical manager John Miles. “This is really encouraging progress in a very short time.”

Ratings for the 39 wheat varieties on Agrii's 2022 advisory list were calculated from their scores for 12 key characteristics. The idea is to provide an unbiased way of comparing their >>

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Arable >> overall robustness and resilience of the available genetics, says Mr Miles.

“They help growers and our agronomists narrow down their initial choices from the plethora of varieties on offer.”

Some 69% of varieties now have an Agrii yellow rust resistance score of 7.5 or more, with 31% having a brown rust resistance score of 6 or more and 49% having a Septoria resistance score of 6 or more. But it is more of a mixed picture with lodging.

Lodging resistance “Back in 2020 we rated 32% of the varieties as 8 or more for treated lodging resistance but this has dropped to 21%,” says Mr Miles. On the other hand, however, there are fewer varieties with scores of 6 or less.

“While we need to watch this area of genetics carefully, overall the omens aren’t too bad here. Unfortunately, this is not the case with specific weights which we see as one of the biggest concerns in wheats these days.

“Almost half the varieties on our 2020 Advisory List had AHDB specific weights of 77kg/hl or more and only just over 20% were less than 76. In complete contrast, this year less than

22 ANGLIA FARMER • JULY 2022

a third are up at 77kg/hl-plus and over a third below 76.”

Rate of progress With the exception of specific weights, Mr Miles says he is hugely heartened by rate of progress plant breeders have been making in so many different components of wheat variety sustainability in recent years.

Even insisting on a high sustainability variety only cuts the field for 2022 planting down from 39 to 24 wheats and still gives plenty enough choice in every NABIM Group for most growing situations, he explains.

“The ratings are just a starting point, of course, and it’s vital to base your choice on exactly where a variety’s particular strengths and weaknesses lie for your conditions,” says Mr Miles.

“The right agronomy can easily deal with weaknesses in a wheat’s yellow rust susceptibility or protect a parentage suggesting greater risk of breakdown to strains of the disease currently circulating.

“Less-than-ideal resistance to Septoria, brown rust and stem strength are equally manageable – but only if

John Miles Advisory List Picks for 2022

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Arable

‘Take action to combat risk of early blight in potatoes’ Multiple stress factors threaten crops

S

tress factors over the coming weeks could increase the risk of early blight in potatoes, say agronomists Despite recent rain, many crops are still suffering from lack of moisture this spring. At the same time, hugely inflated fertiliser costs have seen many potato growers reduce nutritional inputs to the bare minimum.

With the onset of stress, Syngenta technical manager Andy Cunningham believes growers should consider Alternaria protection earlier in their blight programme – because fungicide control of the pathogen must be applied preventatively.

“Any agronomic factor that increases stress on the crop can act as a precursor for Alternaria infection, as well as the severity of the outbreak. Early season infection and subsequent loss of leaf area inevitably has a greater impact on yield.

Primary risk “Alternaria treatments have historically started around the end of June or beginning of July. Where growers have identified an increased risk of stress, or have historically suffered from Alternaria losses, however, that may need to be brought forward this season.” >>

Rain and lack of nutrition are threatening crops, says Andy Cunningham

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Arable >>

To counter the Alternaria threat, Mr Cunningham advocated growers and agronomists use Amphore Plus during the primary risk period – incorporating the strong late blight protection of mandipropamid with the Alternaria activity of difenoconazole.

“Using the pre-formulated combination delivers 20% more difenoconazole with each application to boost alternaria protection, compared to the maximum permissible rate of the active when applied as a straight product.”

Independent research by Eurofins in 2021 identified Amphore Plus as particularly effective for blight control and giving control of all blight strains, including EU36 inoculated in the trials, says Mr Cunningham.

Multiple stresses Furthermore, the addition of mancozeb in the tank mix is a valuable resistance management strategy and adds potential Alternaria protection where growers are using Revus in their blight control programme.

The cumulative effects of multiple stresses can have greater effects on potatoes, even at relatively low levels. Further Syngenta trials into these

biostimulant, Quantis, could help mitigate the effects of other stress factors and reduce the crops’ susceptibility to Alternaria.”

stress mitigating effects are planned for the 2022 season.

“Plants that are already performing sub-optimally under stress from moisture or nutrient deficits, for example, can then be impacted badly by further pressures. That has been especially evident with the increasing impact of heat stress on potatoes.

“Enabling plants to be better prepared to cope with the adverse effects of heat stress with applications of the

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Alternaria infection developed to leaf destruction

Varietal resistance Recent research in Denmark has suggested that the rate at which the infection developed in the foliage could indicate some varietal resistance. Later maturing varieties were typically, more resistant to disease spread, although not exclusively.

UK Alternaria monitoring by NIAB has highlighted no significant varietal trends. It has, however, repeatedly shown that A. alternata has been the first early blight pathogen to hit potato crops, followed by later infections of A. solani.

“That’s important because A. alternata can create multiple leaf lesions and damage, which could prove to be entry points for the more aggressive A solani,” says Mr Cunningham.

“It also validates why agronomists would choose to use difenoconazole first as an active against A. alternata, followed by Amistar later in the season for A. solani and green leaf area protection.”

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Arable

Eastern region arable focus for Timac Agro

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oil and plant nutrition experts Timac Agro UK have launched an arable division to support growers in eastern England.

Led by arable business director David Harrod, who has over 40 years of experience in the crop nutrition industry, the team of local technical sales specialists will support growers seeking to improve soil health and crop yields.

“UK agriculture is going through a challenging period of change; from increasing costs to changes in legislation,” says Mr Harrod. “But with change comes opportunity, which the Timac Agro UK team and I are here to support growers embrace.”

Timac offers fertiliser products based on plant and seaweed extracts. It says these products enhance the performance of fertilisers and improveplant growth and quality.

As crop protection products continue to be phased out, Timac says soils will be increasingly at the centre of crop nutrition decisions – with growers needing to make cropping choices that deliver reliably year after year.

“Timac Agro UK has an established relation-

ship working with growers to improve grassland and forage crops,” says Mr Harrod. “We’re now turning our focus to the arable portfolio with a new arable team.

Innovative products “Through our arable service, we can showcase the portfolio of innovative products and the technical support we can offer growers as they transition through changes [in farm payments] while navigating rising costs.”

Timac Agro UK deputy general manager James Hay says this is an exciting time for the company. “We want to be a part of the transition British agriculture is making. Expanding our arable division will enable us to do so.

“We’re delighted to have a dedicated team in the east, who are bringing their extensive crop nutrition expertise, industry network and local knowledge of soil health to support eastern farmers.”

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Latest tech celebrated at Cereals event in Cambridgeshire * £300k grants available to farmers * Robots and drone demonstration * Latest cereal varieties showcased

T

housands of visitors flocked to last month's Cereals event – with some 17,500 people attending the two-day show at Chrishall Grange, Duxford, Cambridgeshire.

“The show had a real buzz about it with lots to see and do,” said event director Alli McEntyre. “Everyone was thrilled to be back and the industry has a really upbeat feel about it.”

Visitors included Defra agri-innovation minister and Bury St Edmunds MP Jo Churchill, who announced funding grants of up to £300,000 each for farmers to boost their businesses by adding value to their produce.

Some £30m from the Farming Investment Fund (FIF) will enable farmers in England to purchase equipment to process, diversify and add value to their products after they have been harvested or reared, she said.

“There are many examples of innovation and farmers and growers should be supported to purchase equipment.

Innovation will allow our sector to flourish. There are some tremendous things happening out there and it is up to us to seize the opportunity.”

Farm robots Exhibits and demonstrations included the latest robotic technology. Machines included the FarmDroid, Small Robot Company and the AgXeed AgBot FTender 1600 for drilling cereals, oilseeds and cover crops.

The Farmdroid FD20 autonomous weeding and seeding machine was in action at Opico’s demo plot. “It is elec-

Above: Drone technology was demonstrated on both days Top: Organisers say 17,500 visitors came to the event

tronically powered using energy from solar panels on top,” explained the firm’s Harry Sherwin.

“Any surplus electric goes into a power pack battery system which allows the machine to work in the dark. Since we brought it to market earlier this year there are around 10 machines in the UK.” In the Syngenta Sprays & Sprayers demo area, Knight was among the companies taking part, showcasing its new 1850V self-propelled machine featuring a 5,000-litre tank and added under-chassis clearance, still with a lower centre of gravity than its predecessors.

Wheat varieties KWS previewed four new winter wheats. Featuring on the 2022 AHDB candidate list, KWS Ultimatum, Wrenum, Webbum and Zealum could all be commercially available for drilling >> JULY 2022 • ANGLIA FARMER 29

Arable >> in autumn 2023, said wheat breeder Mark Dodds.

“All four varieties follow our sowing for peak performance (SPP) thinking and combine high yields with solid agronomics to form the basis of sustainable production, be it in a more regenerative approach or with conventional input levels.

“Key to this is balancing consistent production in a variety of scenarios and growing conditions with strong trait sets and the reliable achievement of end-market specifications.”

Corteva’s PT303 Protector Sclerotinia is the top winter oilseed rape variety for gross output – 107% in the AHDB UK Recommended List for 2022. It offers a suite of genetic protection against sclerotinia.

“Corteva’s trials show that when sclerotinia infection levels are 25% or above the severity of the disease in PT303 is reduced by up to 75%,” said Pioneer brand manager Andy Stainthorpe.

Disease detection Cereal disease forecasting services are advancing rapidly. They included a number of early tests to help growers predict diseases incidence. Microgenetics launched its SwiftDetect test for septoria last March.

“We now have a test for wheat diseases yellow rust, brown rust and mildew,” said Chris Steele, SwiftDetect crop diagnostics product manager. “We

30 ANGLIA FARMER • JULY 2022

“

Innovation will allow our sector to flourish also have a test for ramularia in barley. It has gone well. We have doubled last year’s sales.”

Tests involve sending a 10-leaf sample of the crop to the company’s lab with results available within one business day, he said. “It gives agronomists and farmers an early warning of disease in a crop, allowing tweaking of the fungicide programme.”

At the National Association of Agricultural Contractors’ Land Drainage Hub, Mastenbroek highlighted the benefits of land forming. “It uses a GPS survey to identify uneven areas of a field,” explained commercial director Christopher Pett.

“The survey data is used to scrape the soil from higher areas to produce an optimum surface. When combined with a drainage scheme, the land becomes more productive, generating better yields for farmers.”

Next year's Cereals event will take place on 14-15 June 2023 at Thoresby Farming, Nottinghamshire.

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Oilseed rape special Big increase in oilseed rape as growers cash in • Reduced pressure from flea beetle • Strong demand for quality rape crops • Good establishment remains key

A

big increase in oilseed rape area is expected this summer – with high prices encouraging growers to drill more of the crop.

Good conditions and lower pressure from cabbage stem flea beetle are also tempting farmers to grow more rape.

British winter plantings are set to grow by nearly 17%, suggests Bayer's annual Dekalb benchmarking study.”

Less flea beetle Involving more than 250 crops from over 170 growers, the study shows that 92% of crops drilled last autumn are being taken to harvest this summer.

Some 90% of growers said they had seen less flea beetle this season and half virtually none at all.

“Almost two thirds of growers expect their harvest performance to be better than 2021 – [with] more than half of these anticipating much higher yields,” says Dekalb study coordinator Richard Williams.

Sustained, buoyant prices caused by the war in Ukraine could encourage UK and Irish farmers to plant up to an additional 100,000 hectares this summer, say industry specialists Corteva.

Achieving maximum yields will be among the main objectives. But gross output should be just one key consideration when selecting which hybrid to sow, says Andy Stainthorpe of Corteva’s Pioneer seed brand.

“Eagerness to capitalise on current rapeseed prices will likely offset some of the concern regarding crop establishment challenges, and that’s why we expect a significant increase in the planted area,” he says.

“Across the industry there is a feeling that we could see the planted area grow to 450,000ha or more. For obvious reasons, yield is king but choosing a variety that also has a complete agronomic package is essential to realising the biggest yields.”

Early drilling Growers should consider varieties with in-built potential to return strong yields, says Mr Stainthorpe. That means being able to keep diseases out.

This improves their performance and helps to reduce input costs too.

Many farmers are considering drilling early this year – seen as a successful strategy last year, says Chris Bald-

win of United Oilseeds. It helped get crops off to a good start and grow away from problem pests.

United Oilseeds was quoting a new crop price of £720 per tonne in May – before quality bonuses.

HOLL contracts for Harvest 2023 include a guaranteed extra £40 per tonne premium, plus quality bonuses and seed discounts.

“This is good news for rapeseed gross margins, as it means the increase in inputs like fertiliser is more than balanced out by the base price,” says Mr Baldwin.

“If you do plan to drill early, we have stocks of over-yeared seed available for delivery now, including the UK’s top selling variety, Aurelia, which has excellent vigour and is suitable for early drilling.”

Growers are set to grow more rape this coming season Below: Chris Baldwin: good news for margins

Double assurance for 2022 plantings

B

ayer has extended its Dekalb Establishment Scheme to every oilseed rape variety in its portfolio.

The company has also introduced a guarantee for hybrids best-suited to early drilling. It means growers of all Dekalb varieties can claim £100/bag back through their seed supplier for any blocks of 6ha or more which fail to establish.

The guarantee applies to all crops sown before 20 September. To take advantage of

the scheme, growers must purchase any Dekalb seed through one of Bayer's many participating distributors and plant it before the deadline date.

Planted crops must be registered by 30 September at www.cropscience.bayer.co.uk/ dkestablishment. Distributor-validated claims for crops failing to establish by the end of October will then automatically be credited with their refund.

"We are making what we believe to be the

best establishment risk sharing scheme in the business as widely available as we can for the coming season," says Bayer seed business manager Adam Nears.

"We know it works, and we know our growers value the extra assurance it provides should flea beetle or other pressures prove too intense even for our especially robust hybrids. From now on no-one needs to ask whether their variety is covered. If it's Dekalb they know it is."

JULY 2022 • ANGLIA FARMER 33

Oilseed rape special

Strong options for oilseed rape this autumn The global shortage of vegetable oils is likely to see a big increase in oilseed rape

O

ilseed rape varieties DSV Duke, Dart and Duplo look like being a popular trio among growers looking to increase their cropping this autumn.

A big increase in oilseed rape area is forecast this coming season – a situation buoyed by high prices and a shortage of high quality vegetable oils, as well as growers learning to live with cabbage stem flea beetle.

"With the high prices for inputs currently, particularly nitrogen, we believe strongly that establishing varieties with high nitrogen use efficiency and robust disease resistance will be in huge demand,” says Sarah Hawthorne of DSV. DSV Duke is a triple layered variety featuring protection against turnip yellows virus, pod-shatter resistance and the RLM7 gene for stem canker resistance with autumn vigour – making it an in ideal risk-management variety.

"It's an exceptionally high yielding variety with excellent oil content of 45.6% plus it's got high nitrogen-efficiency supported by an extensive rooting system."

Consistent performer DSV Dart is a high yielding variety that has performed consistently well in UK trials. It is a reliable, simple to grow, high output oilseed rape varieties especially developed for the current economic and environmental climate, says Ms Hawthorne.

Again, the variety has protection from turnip yellows virus, now endemic across the UK, where it has the potential to reduce yields by up to 20%.

It also features RLM7+ multi-gene resistance to stem canker with high resistance to light leaf spot.

"In addition to stand-out disease resistance characteristics, DSV Dart has excellent gross output, achieving 106% of controls in the east-west region and an oil content of 45.5%.

“Furthermore, DSV Dart's considerable vigour means it can safely be 34 ANGLIA FARMER • JULY 2022

later drilled if weather conditions dictate.”

DSV Duplo is another of the company's flagship triple layer varieties.

It combines high yields, excellent allround disease resistance and outstanding autumn vigour.

DSV Duplo was initially fasttracked into the UK market because of its exceptionally strong establishment. But it has proven to be a strong and resilient variety throughout the growing season.

"As well as turnip yellows virus and pod shatter resistance, the valiety also has RLM7+ multigene resistance to phoma stem canker and the DSV nitrogen-efficiency trait allied to a deep rooting system to help ensure robust growth in virtually all conditions – including droughts."

Clearfield choices D$V has powerful options for growers looking at Clearfield technology, says Ms Hawthorne.

DSV Matrix CL is the highest yielding Clearfield variety on the Recommended List. It is D$V's first quad-layered variety to join the recommended list – combining Clearfield technology with turnip yellow virus, RM7+ phoma stem canker and pod shatter resistances.

"Recommended for the whole of the UK, the variety achieves 99% of control yield. It has a treated gross output of just over 5t/ha which is exceptional for a Clearfield variety, especially as it also delivers an oil content of 45.8%.

"It gets an 8 for phoma stem canker resistance, a 6 for light leaf spot and 8s for resistance to lodging and stem stiffness, so it's a good all-round reliable performer.”

DSV Matrix takes Clearfield performance within touching distance of the highest yielders on the new recommended list while offering the benefits of better weed control and cleaner crops, says Ms Hawthorne.

"It represents a huge step forward

Growers are increasing the area of oilseed rape, says Sarah Hawthorne

“

Robust varieties will be in huge deman

in breeding innovation being the first variety to stack four complex traits together without compromising yield."

Next stage The company's latest Clearfield variety is DSV Beatrix CL. It takes the concept of quad-layered varieties to the next level, says Ms Hawthorne.

It has the same complementary package of traits as Matrix CL – namely RLM7+ stem canker resistance, turnip yellows virus protection, pod shatter resistance and Clearfield technology. "It has really strong production performance too.”

On the candidate list, DSV Beatrix CL has high yields with a good oil content at 45.2%. It has a height of 132cm coupled to robust restance to lodging at 9 and a stem stiffness score of 8 – plus it is relatively early to mature.

"DSV Beatrix CL has good winter hardiness combined with strong early and spring vigour making it a variety that establishes well and picks up quickly in the spring to build high yields and high quality.”

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Oilseed rape special

Variety choice takes on added importance

G

rowers should consider varieties that have in-built potential to return strong yields – and that means keeping out diseases, say oilseed rape specialists Corteva.

Andy Stainthorpe, who represents Corteva’s Pioneer seed brand, says PT303 Protector Sclerotinia is the top winter oilseed rape variety for gross output, returning 107% in the AHDB’s UK Recommended List for 2022.

It offers a suite of genetic protection against sclerotinia – a disease associated with the UK’s wet and warm conditions – as well as resistance to Turnip Yellows Virus (TuYV), and good scores for light leaf spot and phoma.

Corteva trials show that the severity of sclerotinia in PT303 is reduced by up to 75% when infection levels are 25% or above. Early vigour and stem development will help crops to grow away from pests during the autumn, says Mr Stainthorpe.

This year, growers have the option of purchasing PT303 seed treated with Lumiposa, adding further protection.

It is the only insecticidal seed treatment approved for use on rape seed.

Containing the active cyantraniliprole, Lumiposa offers some help to establish a crop in the face of attack from different pests, including cabbage root fly and cabbage stem flea beetle, says Mr Stainthorpe.”

Top yielder “PT303 is the top-yielding variety in the country as proven in AHDB trials and will ensure that, whatever your fungicide programme, crops will have the best chance of delivering on the promise of high prices.”

PT303 was commercially launched last year. Farm manager Olly Pemberton, of RJ Hussey & Son, planted 20ha of PT303 in August 2021. “It looks fantastically clean from a disease point of

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view,” he said.

Some varieties out there in the trial are looking a bit dirtier but this is clean. It established brilliantly, and, for early autumn vigour, it went like a train – going into Christmas it looked phenomenal. It seems very resilient.”

Sclerotinia is associated with wet and warm conditions

Eastern region optimism for winter oilseed rape Prospects for oilseed rape are bouncing back – but good management remains key.

W

inter oilseed rape crops across the eastern region are in the best condition for at least three years – boding well for both the current harvest and future prospects.

Almost two thirds of growers expect to see better yields than last year and more than half plan to increase plantings this autumn.

Lower cabbage stem flea beetle pressures, good establishment conditions and a favourable winter –

with the possible exception of pigeon pressures – have led to a modernday high of 90% of crops drilled being taken to harvest.

Damage from spring cabbage stem flea beetle larval damage appears to have reduced and crop condition at flowering is markedly better than last season.

These are the findings from the latest in Bayer’s series of annual Dekalb benchmarking studies involving more than 250 crops from

Figure 1: Level of Autumn CSFB Challenge (2021/22) Proportion of growers reporting

National 50%

40%

8% 2%

Eastern counties 36% Little or no challenge Moderate challenge

49%

11% Substantial challenge Intense challenge

Source: Dekalb National Winter OSR Management Study 2022, Bayer

4%

over 170 UK rape growers – more than a quarter of them in the eastern counties.

Earlier drilling Alongside this welcome improvement has been a continuation of the swing to earlier drilling recorded in last year’s study – together with a marked increase in hybrid against conventional pure line variety use.

“Although not as marked as the previous season’s decline, the growers in our study recorded a further reduction in their autumn flea beetle challenge,” reports study co-ordinator Richard Williams (below).

“The level of challenge remained rather higher than in most other parts of the country. Even so, only 15% of eastern growers saw anything more than substantial pressure from the pest last au>> JULY 2022 • ANGLIA FARMER 37

Oilseed rape special >> tumn, with more than a third seeing little or no challenge (see Figure 1, left).”

Growers rated their establishment at 7.4 out of 10 nationally and 6.8 in the eastern region – slightly down on 2020/21.

But this was more than offset by favourable winter conditions and less damage from cabbage stem flea beetle larvae.

“As a result, eastern region crop survival to harvest showed a continued annual improvement, to over 90% for the first time in the last three years – a huge improvement on the 66% survival we recorded in 2019/20 (see Fig-

ure 2, below).”

While the earliest and latest sowings saw the highest levels of national crop survival at over 95%, September drillings profited most from the favourable early winter, survival rates climbing by 16 percentage points.

“

There is every reason for optimism

Favourable conditions For the third year running, a higher proportion of hybrid varieties than conventional pure lines are being taken through to harvest. But more favourable conditions again mean a smaller gap between variety types than the much more difficult 2019/20 season.

Figure 2: Overall Crop Survival (2019/20 to 2021/22) Proportion of Eastern Counties crops taken to market

90% 87% 66% 2021-22

2020-21

Beneficial insectsns Early season yield estimates are notoriously unreliable,” accepts Mr Williams. “But the overall optimism clear-

2019-20

Source: Dekalb National Winter OSR Management Study 2022, Bayer

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2022 CAN STILL BE REWARDING 38 ANGLIA FARMER • JULY 2022

This hybrid advantage was a reflection of both rather higher average establishment ratings and lower spring flea beetle larval scores. Lower larval levels and favourable winters are clearly valuable for oilseed rape success, agrees Mr Williams.

“But the very close relationship our study shows between establishment score and the crop survival to harvest underlines critical importance of the best establishment; especially so where establishment scores fall below the halfway mark.

Pigeons were a particular problem for many crops this season, with over 30% of eastern growers rating them 8 out of 10 for severity. But most crops faced them with well-grown canopies, so damage was limited.

“The overall condition of crops at flowering as well as their survival this season also appears markedly better.

Based upon it, almost two thirds of growers expect to see a better harvest performance from their crops this year.

ly speaks volumes for the relative condition of this season’s crop.

“Equally, the fact that 40% of those recording averages of more than 4t/ha last year are expecting better yields underlines it isn’t just those seeing the most disappointing 2021 performance expecting improvements.”

Alongside better growing conditions and less flea beetle pressure, some improvement in crop condition could be down to improved populations of predators and other beneficial insects as a result of lower autumn insecticide use.

Just over one third of eastern region growers are now deliberately avoiding insecticide spraying at establishment to encourage predators – a welcome increase on the 16% avoiding autumn insecticides in the last study.

This almost certainly reflects a growing understanding of the ineffectiveness of contact insecticides against flea beetle – as well as a reduction in autumn pest pressure. As a result, nearly half the eastern growers didn’t spray at establishment at all.

“Relatively few growers reporting more than moderate challenges with flea beetle make it difficult to be certain, but the data suggests those avoiding insecticides as a management tool to reduce cropping risk are not necessarily suffering as a result.

“Indeed, they are taking a noticeably higher proportion of their crops to harvest than those continuing to be committed to autumn insecticides, and appear relatively more positive about their crop condition and potential.”

Unsurprisingly, with prices expected to stay well above historic levels, more than half the eastern region growers surveyed intend to increase their plantings this coming autumn while only around a quarter plan to reduce their rape area.

Overall, the study suggests more than 3600ha of oilseed rape will be planted in the coming season against the 3200ha drilled last autumn – a year-on-year increase which is slightly less than the 16.6% predicted nationally (see Figure 3, upper right).

Positive outlook “Our study may only involve a small proportion of the national rape area, but it has a good spread of growers and crops so it should be decently representative of the national position,” says Mr Williams.

“Reflecting the better condition of their crops this year, the earliest drillers are noticeably more positive in their 2022 crop planting intentions. This suggests the marked trend we have seen to earlier drilling in our three years of

studies is set to continue.”

The same is likely for the swing from conventional pure line varieties to hybrid-growing – a trend fuelled by the belief that vigorous, fast-developing hybrids are one of the 10 most effective techniques for reducing growing risk (see Figure 4, lower right).

“While the main place for hybrids has traditionally been in the later drilling slots and they continue to dominate here, it is interesting to see that just over half the mainstream ‘double low’ crops sown nationally up to 20 August this season were hybrids.”

Interestingly too, the results show hybrids scoring better for establishment, flea beetle larval damage, survival to harvest and anticipated crop performance than pure lines again this season.

“Armed with the most resilient varieties, the experience of several seasons managing cabbage stem flea beetle and November 2023 futures prices remaining near the £600/t mark, there is every reason for winter oilseed rape optimism.

“Despite current input cost inflation, it is good to see this reflected so strongly in planting intentions for what has long been recognised as one of the best all-round cereal breaks in the business.”

Figure 3: OSR Plantings (2021/22 - 2022/23) Eastern Counties OSR area (ha)

3205

Current 2021/22

3641

Planned 2022/23

Source: Dekalb National Winter OSR Management Study 2022, Bayer

Figure 4: Effectiveness of Risk Management Techniques (2021/2022 Only sowing OSR when and if there is sufficient moisture 8.45 Seedbed fertilisation

8.03

Eliminating soil compaction ahead of the crop

7.96

First class slug control

7.96

Spreading organic manures

7.84

Earlier drilling

7.83

Employing pod shatter resistant varieties

7.79

Choosing vigorous fast developing hybrid varieties

7.70

The most effective pigeon deterrence

7.70

Prioritising varieties with all-round agronomic strength

7.51

0= not effective: 10 = highly effective Source: Dekalb National Winter OSR Management Study 2022, Bayer

JULY 2022 • ANGLIA FARMER 39

Oilseed rape special

‘Bomb proof’ rape boasts low establishment costs

G

rowers looking for a exceptionally reliable winter oilseed rape with low establishment costs should consider conventional variety Mambo, suggests George Maule of Norfolk-based Acorn Seeds.

The low biomass Grainseed variety ticks all the boxes and doesn’t cost a fortune to get into the ground, says Mr Maule. “If you lose half a field of any hybrid variety and you have to pull the crop up, you have lost a lot of money.

“With Mambo the seed costs are much more competitive and losses, if they occur, are much less. With Mambo you are less likely to lose the crop as it is vigorous in autumn and spring.

“Good establishment is essential in oilseed rape. My advice to Norfolk growers of rape is to choose their drilling date, not by the calendar date, but when the seedbed is ready and when moisture is available.”

40 ANGLIA FARMER • JULY 2022

“

It has exceptional autumn vigour

Right: George Maule Below: Neil Groom in a flowering crop of Mambo oilseed rape

Mr Maule adds: “This year Mambo is looking particularly well, having been drilled when moisture was available. It has grown away well avoiding pests and diseases early on and is looking good.”

In-built vigour Grainseed technical director Neil Groom says growers should not over-simplify vigour. It is a characteristic of the individual variety, not the variety type, he adds. “Not all hybrids are vigorous, while some conventional varieties are very vigorous.

“Vigour is something that varies tremendously from variety to variety and some conventional rape varieties are even more vigorous than hybrid varieties. It is a message that we have been sending out to the marketplace for a few years now.”

Mambo has good autumn vigour with strong standing power and lodging resistance, says Mr Maule.

It grows away strongly in the autumn, giving growers the best chance of the crop outgrowing cabbage stem flea beetle, slugs and Phoma stem canker, he adds.

“In Norfolk, admittedly we have less of a flea beetle issue than the heavier lands to the west, because we have a shorter history of growing this crop.

But you still need the crop to establish well and grow away rapidly from disease, which it did this year.”

Mr Groom says Mambo has one of the highest Phoma resistance rating of 7.8, which is multigene. It also has one of the highest ratings for Light leaf spot of 6.4 and it is resistant to Verticillium.

“We have no approved chemicals

to control this soil-borne disease. For Phoma good resistance gives you more thinking time and you may be able to save on a spray. You may be able to avoid the damaging canker phase,” he explains.

“It has exceptional autumn vigour which, without the availability of neonicotinoid seed treatments is essential. This vigour helps the crop grow away from pests and diseases.”

Good standing power and low biomass reduces the volume of material to cut at harvesting. Mambo is rated 9 for resistance to lodging and 8 for stem stiffness. “Such a variety will save on combining costs and time,” says Mr Groom.

Rapid establishment and early autumn vigour are fundamental to a good rape crop. With competitive seed costs, robust all-round disease resistance and low biomass, Mambo is virtually bomb-proof, adds Mr Maule.

“It performs well, producing excellent yields on many farms and in contrasting years – plus, it has a high oil content of 46%,” he says.

Murray and Vegas join LSPB portfolio

T

wo more winter oilseed rape varieties containing the new RlmS phoma resistance gene are available for drilling from LS Plant Breeding.

Murray and Vegas are both on the AHDB candidate list for recommendation this autumn. High yielding with good RlmS Phoma resistance, they boast good light leaf spot scores, mid-maturity and are very vigorous – particularly in the spring.

The two varieties join Respect and Flemming which already have AHDB recommendation for the east-west region in 2022/23. Their agronomic package includes novel RlmS resistance, with Flemming also offering turnip yellows virus resistance.

“The RlmS gene should give longterm and sustainable phoma control and offer an alternative to the existing Rlm7 gene, which is widely found in current oilseed rape varieties,” says

LSPB managing director Chris Guest.

“The Rlm7 gene remains effective in the UK. But the gene has started to break down in France, with similar reports now appearing in the UK, so the new source of resistance marks an important development for continued genetic protection against phoma.”

LSPB has a good track record in oilseed rape breeding with a strong market presence.

For the future, LSPB has a number of varieties progressing through the trials system as it continues with a breeding programme focused on hybrids with improved yield and agronomics added to consistency in performance.

Based in Germany, LSPB parent company NPZ is celebrating its 125th year as a seed breeder. Colleagues from Germany joined LSPB at last month's two-day Cereals event at Duxford, Cambridgeshire.

It was LSPB's first time with a stand and variety plots at Cereals.

Mr Guest says: “It was a great success with the two well-attended days keeping us busy with visits from growers and our trade contacts.

Mr Guest says the company's objective remains to make a proper difference to the UK farming industry by combining LSPB's UK-based breeding programmes with NPZ's expertise and cutting-edge technology.

Chris Guest: long-term and sustainable phoma control

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JULY 2022 • ANGLIA FARMER 41

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Livestock £250k slurry storage grants set for autumn launch • Six-month storage requirement • Protected sites will be prioritised • Goal to meet clean air strategy

G

rants of up to £250,000 each are being made available for farmers to upgrade their slurry storage facilities.

The slurry infrastructure grant scheme will open for applications this autumn – for landowners and tenant farmers to replace, build new or expand existing slurry stores to provide six months of storage.

Landowners and tenant farmers with less than six months' storage will be eligible to apply for a grant ranging from £25,000 to £250,000. This can be used to help replace, build new or expand existing slurry stores to provide six months of storage.

Successful applicants could receive a maximum 50% grant towards the cost of a range of slurry store types, impermeable slurry store covers and extra equipment like pumps, pipes and safety equipment.

Check requirements Defra said the new grants would help livestock farmers in England upgrade their slurry storage and nutrient management systems. In so doing, the money would help reduce water and air pollution from slurry.

Farmers can check their slurry storage requirements based on current animal numbers using tools such as the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board's slurry wizard at www. bit.ly/slurrywizard.

This is the first round of grant funding from the Rural Payments Agency for slurry storage. Applications this autumn will consist of two stages – the first to prioritise applications before a full second-stage application.

The scheme will focus on projects that have the most significant environ-

mental impact – including those near protected sites. The RPA will provide more details on prioritised locations before applications open.

Eligible farmers The Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers suggested eligible livestock producers should seek expert help in the the design and location of any slurry stores should a new facility be required.

RABDF chairman Di Wastenage said: "We have been looking forward to the launch of this grant scheme which will provide dairy farmers with the op-

Grants will pay towards the cost of new slurry stores

“

Farmers should check their storage capacity

portunity to really think about their future storage needs.

"We urge farmers to prepare for this first stage of grants by checking their current slurry storage capacity and, if they think they may be eligible, to start enquiring about relevant slurry infrastructure and necessary planning permissions.

"By 2027, all slurry stores must be covered as part of the clean air strategy. so, even if you have enough storage capacity and may not be eligible for funding in round one, it is worth listening out to see whether you may be eligible in future rounds."

Take advantage of grants, say experts

A

ir and water quality regulations are growing ever tighter – but these grants will help farmers meet pollution rules.

Nitrate Vulnerable Zone rules now apply across most of the UK, and the loss of phosphate into water has rapidly become a major concern, says Flossy Freeman-Inglis, of the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers (CAAV).

Rules will require eligible livestock producers to have capacity to store six months of slurry – and for many that will require significant capital investment. The Defra scheme aims to help farmers meet that requirement.

“If you’re going to be required to do some-

thing by law in future, you might as well take advantage of the grants to help pay for it,” says Ms Freeman-Inglis.

Full details are yet to be unveiled. But the money is expected to be for new or substantially enlarged or reconstructed stores with an impermeable fixed, flexible or floating cover. Clay lined or earth bank lagoons might also qualify – if they have leak protection.

Planning permission – where it’s not a fundamental obstacle ­– can delay things, so the CAAV is urging the government to give supporting permitted development rights to assist the improvements it is seeking.

JULY 2022 • ANGLIA FARMER 43

Livestock

British meat features in banquets ‘fit for a queen’

T

The promotion included banquets in France (above) and Iran (right)

he Queen’s Platinum Jubilee saw UK beef and lamb promoted in two valuable overseas markets – France and Iran.

While crowds congregated in London for the Queen’s birthday parade, guests were gathering in one of Paris’s most exclusive areas and at the centre of Tehran’s currency exchange trade to sample a special banquet.

British embassies in France and Iran welcomed government officials, sports personalities, businesses and potential buyers of UK red meat to celebrate the monarch’s 70-year reign and 96th birthday.

Both events were organised by the Department for International Trade. The export team from the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board helped source beef and lamb from the UK and ensured everything went smoothly.

In Iran, almost 600 people tasted high quality British lamb.

They included the Iranian Halal Importer Association, Mayha Protein – Iran's largest industrial food production company – and high-end restaurant Sky Lounge.

AHDB halal sector manager Awal Fuseini said: “This event was hugely important as it allowed us to showcase halal lamb from the UK in a market, we are hoping to open for our sheep meat exporters.

“The feedback we received was very positive with words such as ‘amazing, delicious, great quality, so tender, juicy, flavoursome’ used by the guests. We have been told those potential buyers – including now the chef’s company – are interested in buying the meat.”

In Paris, around 1,800 guests enjoyed a dish of beef skewers with horseradish sauce. AHDB export market director Phil Hadley said: “It was great to remind key influencers in Paris of the high quality and exceptional taste of our meat.”

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Breedr launches £10m cashflow fund

A

£10m cashflow fund to help farmers purchase inputs without securing borrowing on fixed assets has been launched by livestock data specialists Breedr.

The free Breedr app, which was launched in 2019, now has 4,000 users and over 200,000 registered animals.

The fund can be used to free up capital to invest in infrastructure, based on the value of livestock which are being reared on the farm.

“As a farmer I know that this year we’ve seen huge price inflation, so many are struggling with cashflow, even though beef anad lamb prices are the highest in generations,” says Breedr chief executive Ian Wheal.

Supporting farmers “We have now raised a £10m fund which we are prepared to lend to farmers who have a track record of recording with us. We want to support all

farmers including beef, sheep, new entrants, tenants, growers, finishers and supply chains.”

The app allows for easy recording of weights, movements, breeding information and medicine usage. Easyto-read analytics enable reports to help farmers improve the efficiency, productivity and profitability of their businesses.

Banks generally only fund against fixed assets like land and buildings., says Mr Wheal. But Breedr recognises that animals are a valuable asset in themselves – and they increase in value every day as they grow.

Beef and sheep producers who have weighed their animals and recorded other basic information about their cattle on the free app are eligible to apply for funding against the value of their animals, says Mr Wheal.

Breedr Cashflow will provide up to 80% of the value of cattle or sheep,in-

cluding those which a farmer plans to purchase as well as those on farm. A daily flat fee is charged per animal. It is repayable at the point of sale. No periodic payments are required.

The fund aims to ease farm cashflows, says Ian Wheal

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JULY 2022 • ANGLIA FARMER 45

Livestock

Sheep sector gears up for flagship event

T

he latest advice and information on a range of topical sheep issues will be on offer at this month's National Sheep Association Sheep Event.

The flagship show takes place on Wednesday, 27 July, at the Three Counties Showground, Worcestershire. A timetable of interactive workshops will run throughout the day, with experts passing on skills and knowledge to the sheep farming audience.

NSA chief executive Phil Stocker said: "The workshop programme is an integral part of this giving visitors the opportunity to really take home some valuable advice from leading experts that can help them improve and progress their flocks.”

Best practice Sheep health will dominate much of the programme. Sessions will cover best practice vaccination advice, responsible use of antibiotics, how to

mitigate iceberg diseases when selecting breeding stock and how to use post-mortems to identify and improve flock health.

Other workshops will tackle the issue of sheep scab, sheep nutrition and grassland utilisation. Special sessions will provide the opportunity to learn more about Defra's sustainable farming incentive, animal health and welfare pathway, and local nature recovery schemes.

“The workshops are intended to be more informal and more interactive than the seminar programme, allowing visitors to steer the direction of the discussion and gain practical advice for their specific situation.”

The event will also include more than 250 trade stands showcasing the latest innovations and products.

A sheep industry dinner is held the evening before the event, which is a celebratory occasion open to everyone within the sector.

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Grain Drying and St

The workshops will include sessions on grassland utilisation

A series of competitions are also run throughout the day, providing entertainment and encouraging the next generation of sheep farmers, while a sheepdog sale is always a big draw for visitors.

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48 ANGLIA FARMER • JULY 2022

Professional services INCLUDING DIVERSIFICATION SPECIAL

(Picture: Simon Collins / Shutterstock.com)

Farmland market is 'strongest since 2015' The event will help farmers overcome challenges – and take advantage of new opportunities

Conference steers path though major changes

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new farming conference aims to help farmers steer their way to a more sustainable future as the basic payment scheme is phased out.

The Autumn Farming Conference will take place on Tuesday 4 October at Trinity Park, Ipswich. It is being organised by accountancy firm Larking Gowen in conjunction with the Country Land and Business Association.

“The farming industry is at a massive crossroads – largely because of major changes in the sector post-Brexit, together with the loss of the basic payment scheme and the effects of climate change,” explained Larking Gowen partner Bruce Masson.

“The impact of these and other factors has been amplified by the terrible situation in Ukraine, which no-one could have predicted and will have a significant global impact for the foreseeable future.

“Farmers and rural enterprises have been severely impacted, so are looking for guidance and ideas. To help them plot a way forward we have brought together a compelling group of speakers whose talents and experience span a range of complementary fields.”

Practical advice Chaired by CLA eastern region director Cath Crowther, the event will include presentations by experts on a range of topics – including diversification – providing practical advice and an opportunity to meet others in the sector.

The conference will include a keynote speech by Defra minis-

ter and Bury St Edmunds MP Jo Churchill (pictured below). Suffolk farmers Stuart and Rebecca Mayhew, of Old Hall Farm, Woodton near Bungay, will also give a presentation.

The couple are founder members of Regenerative Agriculture Community East (RACE), which connects the region’s farmers, retailers, and consumers. Goals include shortening supply chains, supporting sustainable farming, and helping improve food security.

An analysis of farming data and a review of last season will be given by Sentry farming director Alec Smith. Based in Suffolk, the employee-owned firm has farms across 15 counties and 50 years of trading experience.

Farming future Jason Cantrill, partner at Ceres Rural, will look at the future of farming. Covering Suffolk and Norfolk, he specialises in farm management, together with the formation of contract farming and joint venture agreements.

Izzi Rainey, who grew up on her family’s farm in Norfolk, will give firsthand experience of farm diversification without stewardship, talk about women in agriculture and give her perspective of the role of the next generation in the industry.

Profits from the conference will go to YANA, the You Are Not Alone farming charity which provides mental health support to farmers.

For full details, visit www.larking-gowen. co.uk /AFC

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rable land values in England have jumped by more than one third over the past decade – with further prices rises anticipated.

Land agents are seeing the strongest farmland market since prices peaked in 2015, with most farms and estates offered for sale this spring going under offer for well above their guide prices – despite pressures presented by recent interest rate rises and inflation.

Speaking at last month's Cereals event, Matthew Sudlow, head of estates and farm agency at Strutt & Parker, says the agricultural land market has proved very lively over recent weeks, with competitive bidding seen for most properties.

Mix of buyers “At least 90% of the farms we have marketed this year have attracted significant interest, multiple bids and often gone to a closing date for best and final offers.

“We are seeing prices being achieved for some properties that we would not have been believed 12 months ago.”

Arable land values averaged £9290/acre in 2021 compared to £7380 in 2011 – an increase of 26%, according to Strutt & Parker's Farmland Database.

Factors driving the increase includes a wide mix of buyers – farmers, lifestyle buyers, private investors and corporate companies.

Strutt & Parker research shows sustained growth in agricultural land values in England over recent quarters.

Buoyant market conditions point to this upwards trend continuing in the third quarter of 2022, believes Mr Sudlow.

JULY 2022 • ANGLIA FARMER 49

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Professional services • DIVERSIFICATION SPECIAL

'Unfair' mast rents should be increased

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he government should speed up the rollout of 5G by revisiting payments for landowners who host mobile phone masts, says a think tank.

Rules that under-compensate landowners – including farmers, churches and community groups – for hosting phone masts are slowing the 5G rollout and threatening property rights, says the Institute of Economic Affairs.

Telecom companies can force landowners to accept mobile masts in exchange for a payment. Historically, this involved mutual agreement between operators and landowners, who were fairly compensated at the market value.

But thousands of landowners have had their income slashed – in some cases by more than 90% since the Electronic Communications Code was introduced in 2017, changing the basis of land valuation and lowering compensation.“The price mechanism is a fantastically powerful tool, said IEA researcher research director James Forder.

Fair return “It is baffling that the government seems determined to stop it operating, thereby depriving landowners of a fair return on their land, and slowing down 5G rollout at the

same time. There is an urgent need to allow the market to function.”

The report says the code has led to litigation, ill-will, and delays in reaching agreements. It says that valuation principles used before 2017 should be reintroduced – or other rules drafted to fairly compensate landowners and speed up the 5G rollout.

Some politicians have welcomed the report. Desmond Swayne MP said: “The Electronic Communications Code interfered with a market that was working effectively.

The government sought to reduce the market price and predictably created a shortage.

“To address the shortage that it created, the government has now delivered a system that simply bullies landowners into making their sites available at the reduced price.

This is a classic example of arbitrary government.”

In response to delays, the government has since introduced the Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure Bill. But the IEA says this Bill seeks to speed up the legal process, rather than updating the formula for compensating landowners.

The Institute of Economic Affairs says low levels of compensation for hosting phone masts is slowing the rollout of 5G

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Professional services • DIVERSIFICATION SPECIAL

Help needed to ‘cultivate’ new skills and careers

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he Institute for Agriculture and Horticulture is asking farmers and growers to help test a new skills and careers platform.

Due to launch next year, the platform will help people fulfil their potential – helping the industry thrive, says TIAH chairman David Fursdon.

The fragmented approach to skills and training must change, he adds.

“Agriculture and horticulture are undergoing huge changes,” says Mr Fursdon. “As farmers and growers aim to ensure their businesses are profitable and environmentally sustainable, it’s essential that the industry has a workforce that is fit for the future.

He adds: “Continued professional development will therefore be key if individuals and businesses are to enhance their existing skills – and in many cases, acquire new ones – to help them successfully navigate the chang-

ing landscape.”

The online platform will bring existing and new training opportunities from across the industry into one central hub. “The aim is that we’ll make skills and career development more accessible to all,” says Mr Fursdon.

“The system will sign-post users to relevant training courses and information, depending on their aspirations.

This will hopefully make everyone’s life easier, in terms of understanding what skills are needed for progression, and where they can be acquired.”

Achievements The digital platform will also provide independent records and collate personal achievements. “Where required, this information can be used to demonstrate compliance and will also help to simplify audits and record keeping across the industry.”

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Before making the online platform available to the wider industry in 2023, TIAH is launching a pilot scheme to give farmers and growers the opportunity to help cultivate the system its final stages.

“While there is a clear need for such a service, we want to ensure that it’s intuitive to use and that the information available supports professional development in a simple yet practical way,” explains Mr Fursdon.

“We’re therefore looking to recruit active farmers and growers from across England to become ‘TIAH Cultivators’, who can help us test the system this summer.”

By signing up to take part in the pilot scheme, individuals will have the unique opportunity to shape the future of agricultural and horticultural skills and careers services, while helping to safeguard the future of the industry.

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Food security heads up conference agenda

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“All that we ask of our TIAH Cultivators is a small-time commitment – approximately 20 minutes every two weeks – to test, review and feedback on various elements of the platform.

In return, participants will be entered into a monthly prize draw,” says Mr Fursdon.

For details, call 0330 174 4290 or visit https://tiah.org/tiah-cultivators.

he need for food security will discussed by farm leaders and other delegates at a high-level conference in London later this year.

Global events have propelled the issue of food security up the political agenda. The issue will be addressed at the Institute of Agricultural Management conference, due to be held on 1 November at the QE II Centre, Westminster.

“Following disruptions caused by Brexit, Covid and now war in the Black Sea region, the food security debate rages on like never before,” says IAgrM chairman Carl Atkin.

Delegates will discuss whether self-sufficiency is a useful proxy for food security – or whether it is more complex.

The event will examine ways to improve food security while ad-

dressing competition for land from delivering environmental goods and services – including the drive to expand the area of biomass cropping and woodland to meet net zero targets.

Conference speakers will include NFU president Minette Batters (below), Climate Change Committee chairman Lord Deben, Ceres Rural partner Will Gemmill, Albanwise chairman Phil Jarvis and Savills head of rural research Emily Norton.

The conference will also hear from food policy professor Tim Lang, food security professor John Gilliland, agricultural economics professor Michael Wallace, Morrisons head of agriculture Sophie Throup, Welsh dairy farmer Abi Reader.

For details, visit www.iagrm.com/events.

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Professional services • DIVERSIFICATION SPECIAL

Dedicated fund aims to help farmers move to net zero • Zero arrangement fees for loans • Aim is to reduce farm emissions • Encourages farm carbon audits

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new £200m fund launched by Virgin Money is offering lower cost loans to farmers who reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The Agri E Fund claims to be the first fund dedicated to supporting farmers with the investment required to achieve net zero. Virgin Money said agriculture had a key role in the UK’s transition to a net zero economy.

Loans are available with 0% arrangement fees when a farmer completes a carbon audit and is borrowing over £50k to invest in emission-reducing initiatives. These include renewable energy, energy efficiency or activities that reduce greenhouse gases.

More farmers are being asked to reduce emissions, says Brian Richardson

Carbon audits A Virgin Money survey suggests that almost a quarter (22%) of farming businesses have been asked by their own customers – including supermarkets – to provide evidence of their actions to reduce carbon emissions.

The Agri E Fund also encourages the uptake of carbon audits, which are becoming increasingly important in the agriculture supply chain, by making the completion of one a condition of the loan.

A carbon audit produces a compre-

hensive report on a farm’s carbon outputs, highlighting inefficiencies on the farm and ways to do things differently, both to lower costs and reduce carbon emissions.

According to the bank’s survey, only 35% of farming businesses have completed a carbon audit, and Virgin Money has been encouraging customers to undertake a carbon audit so they can start to move towards net zero at an early stage.

Targeted support Virgin Money head of agriculture Brian Richardson said: “While many farmers are working towards their net zero targets, we know from our research that there are many who know what they’ve got to do, they just aren’t sure

how to go about it.

“By providing lower cost finance, our new Agri E Fund is providing targeted support to help agri-businesses make the transition and enable investment in reducing and capturing carbon emissions.”

Virgin Money has partnered with Carbon Metrics, a consultancy which aims to help rural businesses understand emissions management and auditing more easily, to produce an Agriculture Net Zero Report.

This guide is a tool to help farmers understand the background to climate change specifically relating to agriculture, what it means for the industry and how they can start to adapt their businesses to plan their own journey towards net zero.

HSBC launches £1.2bn fund for agriculture

A

£1.2 billion fund has been launched to help commitment British farmers to innovate, thrive and diversify.

Announced by HSBC Bank, the fund is part of a broader £15bn lending package to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The bank has 100 agriculture managers dedicated to helping farmers realise their goals.

Many farming customers remain alive to opportunities for diversification, expan-

sion and improving efficiency through investment in their farms, said HSBC. They were confident about the future prospects for their businesses.

HSBC head of agriculture Martin Hanson said: “Farming is vital to the UK’s economic recovery, and many of our customers have told us they are ready to invest for growth and are taking a long term view of the industry.

“With the £1.2 billion fund for agricul-

ture businesses, we want to make a significant contribution to economies across the country, driving employment, local wealth and growth by providing funding, when and where it’s needed most.”

Farming had a key role in helping the UK meet net zero targets, said Mr Hanson. This could lead to greater integration with retailers and processors which often required investment in operations and both physical and digital systems, he added.

JULY 2022 • ANGLIA FARMER 55

Professional services • DIVERSIFICATION SPECIAL

Effective risk management key to future arable profits Growers should take action to reduce their exposure to volatile markets.

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simplified 'business risk register' could help arable growers manage the higher level of risk they are facing next season because of inflationary pressures and market volatility.

High commodity prices means that good margins should be achievable for 2022 and, to a lesser extent 2023, but the hikes growers have seen in fertiliser, fuel, machinery and labour costs have driven up production costs making it a high-risk period.

“Growers will end up spending more on the crops they will soon be drilling than ever before, but if they take steps to mitigate those risks, it is looking that some good margins will be achievable,” says Jonathan Armitage, head of farming at Strutt & Parker.

“Our modelling points to the potential for arable margins in 2023 to be up to three times what they were in 2021 – but this will be in tandem with a doubling in working capital requirements.”

While farmers make risk management decisions every day, it is worth doing so in a more organised way as the stakes get higher, explains Mr Armitage. A business risk register is a tool commonly used in the wider business community but not so often on farms.

“It can be a simple list or spreadsheet where you capture the severity of the risks facing your business, calculate the potential impact of a risk event happening and then think through how to go about mitigating those risks.”

It may sound daunting but capturing all this information in one place can provide clarity about which risks need to prioritise to keep a business on track, 56 ANGLIA FARMER • JULY 2022

says Mr Armitage. Outlined below, there are other actions growers can take too in terms of balancing risk and reward.

PRODUCTION RISKS Most farmers adopt production risk management strategies in an informal way. This includes choosing the most suitable varieties, drilling on the right day and paying attention to the agronomy of the crop.

This all helps mitigate production risks posed by pests, diseases and the weather.

Having a broad rotation of crops and varieties can also spread risk. So too will producing for specific markets. Plans should be flexible and growers must be willing to adapt as the situation changes.

This will be a year when the costs of drilling crops in sub-optimal conditions will be felt most keenly, so it will be important not to be tempted to try to maul crops into ground in less-than-ideal conditions.

If using a contractor, choose them wisely. You want to be dealing with someone who is well-financed and well-staffed. Some contracting businesses are getting very large and so consider

where you might be in their list of priorities. Paying a bit more to get the level of service you want may be better for your business in the long term.

Knowing when to write off a crop and not spend any more money on it will become increasingly important. The area of oilseed rape grown next season is forecast to increase significantly in response to strong prices – so this is likely to be a conundrum facing many growers.

When making the decision as to whether you are prepared to plant oilseed rape, risk-adjusted gross margins can be useful.

These involve working out before you plant a crop, what the financial implications will be if you end up writing a proportion off.

FINANCIAL RISKS The financial risks that different farming businesses may be willing to take will differ – reflecting factors such as your current level of borrowing, whether you are tenant who will have to pay the rent come what may, and your requirements for living expenses.

Being on top of your financial risks involves identifying and quantifying the risks you face and working out the potential

Having the right people in place is critical for the success of a business Jonathan Armitage

War in Ukraine has fuelled volatility – adding to the challenges faced by farmers (Picture: Editorial credit: VolodymyrT / Shutterstock.com)

impact on cashflow and profits.

Look at what happens to your cashflow and profits if, as is expected, interest rates rise. Consider a sensitivity analysis to examine the impact of say a 2% rise in interest rates on both cashflow and profits.

It is more important than ever for farmers to have a cashflow forecast for the next 18 months – and revisit it regularly. The need for additional working capital over the coming months is so high it could cause cashflow complications that will threaten the future of some businesses.

Remember, growers will get a 50% advance on their Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) claim in July with the balance paid in December. However, Harvest 2022 is looking like it will be a profitable one for growers who bought their inputs before the big price rises took effect which means there could be some big tax bills to pay next year.

INPUT PRICE RISKS If buying fertiliser at £600-700/

70 years of farmland value and supply When Queen Elizabeth II acceded to the throne, the British people were still subject to rationing and farmland values stood at £78 per acre (£1,700 per acre in real terms). Now, 70 years on, the average value in England is £7,800 per acre, but we are facing another tumultuous time because of war in Europe.

To mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, our researchers looked back at seven decades of change.

1950s: Wartime farming produced innovations in mechanisation and productivity. Land was still frequently traded. In 1950, 675,000 acres were bought and sold. 19521958 saw stable vacant possession prices of around £80 per acre, but self-sufficiency was at its lowest, with a great deal of imports.

1960s: Values rose steadily to just over £200 per acre and begun a 30-year period of steady value growth.

1970s: Rapid growth was dampened in 1973/74 when inflation topped 24%, and interest rates reached 12%. The price of wheat rose fourfold. The UK joined the EU. 1980s: Wheat prices remained above £100 per tonne and average farmland values remained relatively stable. Milk quotas and Environmentally Sensitive Area schemes were introduced.

t for next season on the basis of a forward wheat price of £270/t, you can reduce your exposure to risk by forward selling a proportion of the harvest 2023 crop to lock in that margin.

It may sound obvious, but make sure you prioritise the enterprises that are likely to make the most money. Fixing a price in such circumstances can be a sensible risk management decision – even if it does turn out you could have got a higher price by holding back.

Consider your level of exposure to commodity price changes on a crop-by-crop basis – for most people the biggest exposure is to changes in the wheat price – and make sure your day-to-day decisions and sales strategy are in line with what that analysis shows.

DEBT RISKS Manage the risk of bad debts closely by knowing your buyers and keeping an eye out for any changes in business practices – such as late payments – which might signal they are suffering cashflow problems. Limit exposure by managing collections and payments and obtain appropriate credit insurance if necessary.

POLICY/LEGISLATION RISKS Have a think about any bits of legislation that we know are around the corner which will have an impact on your business. For example, a business which is highly reliant on irrigation could start planning for changes to water abstraction charges and licences.

Some changes are imminent – such as cuts to basic payments in England – while others may be some way off, such as considering what would happen if one of your major customers started to require suppliers to be carbon neutral.

PERSONNEL RISKS Having the right people in place is critical for the success of any business. Finding good staff for arable farms is getting harder and harder. Consider now what would happen if one of your staff members was unavailable for work because they had resigned, was ill or retired.

Who might be able to fill the gap in the short term? What about the long term?

Ensure you have a contingency plan in place and share knowledge around the family and any staff, so the business is not completely reliant on one person.

1990s: After initially falling when interest rates reached 15%, average land values peaked at over £2,400 per acre as profitability increased on the back of high wheat prices.

Farming fortunes plummeted in the following years as wheat prices fell to below £60 per tonne.

2000s: In 2001 the industry was hit by foot and mouth disease and incomes fell. In 2003 demand for farmland became more diverse and non-farmer (lifestyle) buyers peaked at 45% of all buyers. The Single Farm Payment was introduced, wheat prices reached £180 per tonne and the credit crunch continued the trend of rising values as investors turned to farmland as a safe haven.

2010: The amount of land publicly marketed across England during 2012 was the smallest since records began. Wheat prices fell to below £120 per tonne in 2015, resulting in the first signs of pressure on values for 13 years. The nation’s decision to leave the EU triggered the most significant changes in UK agricultural policy during the Queen’s reign.

2020s: Market activity continued to reduce in response to uncertainty. Farmland supply fell to record lows. The diversity of farmland buyers increased due to growing appreciation of how land can help meet environmental goals. Supply chain impacts led to inflation and commodity prices climbing, with ammonium nitrate fertiliser peaking at over £1,000 per tonne and wheat prices passing £300 per tonne.

Looking forward: The years to 2030 promise to be transformational. The shift in policy to environmental outcomes also signals new money coming into the sector.

This may be tempered by the huge enthusiasm of current and future farmers who see the opportunities ahead. We predict land values will rise as competition increases for all services that land can provide.

William Hargreaves Rural Agency Savills Suffolk whargreaves@savills.com 01473 234 802

JULY 2022 • ANGLIA FARMER 57

FINAL SAY Fen Tiger

Good riddance to the basic payment scheme Getting rid of annual support payments will mean lower land rents, says Fen Tiger

A

farming colleague wanted to chew the fat after my last article – explaining to me how the subsidy system since 1991 had saved his farm from oblivion.

He produced detailed information telling me how much money he had received – including from agri-environment schemes.

When you see 30 years of subsidies laid before you in black and white, it certainly opens your eyes to the amount of support farmers receive. And my friend seemed genuinely alarmed that payments are stopping.

At his age, he may well take Defra's offer of a lump sum in lieu of all remaining payments and enjoy hs retirement. But I did suggest that perhaps the system has not been the gravy train many people suggest.

It may seem easy cash to some but I don't believe I have made any money from subsidies at all. Rather than helping farmers, I firmly believe that the current system has held the industry back in the longer term.

False bottom It has created a false bottom in the rental and land markets – and given a false impression of market levels and public perception of the farming world. If left alone, rental values would have found their own level.

Perhaps the system has allowed some farmers to continue when they really should have packed up years ago. Or at least they

58 ANGLIA FARMER • JULY 2022

should have passed on the farm to the next generation who might have had more get-upand-go and business knowledge.

This might all sound ungrateful. It's not meant to be. Like many others, I have received my annual payments thankfully. But at what cost? As mentioned, subsidies have underpinned the rents paid by thousands of farmers – me included.

Higher rents For many years, when my landlords requested a rent review, the £100/acre subsidy always underpinned the rental value. Without it, I may have rented land at a much lower price.

Instead, I have almost certainly paid a premium in the form of a higher rent.

Without support, I may have been able to expand the farm – both in terms of land purchased and contract or rental agreements undertaken. Rather than being able to do so, I found myself priced out of the market.

There have always been willing farmers ready to pay excessive rents on the back of a secure subsidy system. You only have to look

“

I found myself priced out of the market

back to the 1990s to see how land prices increased shortly after the current system was introduced.

Before then, land was worth about £1000/ acre – and still struggled to find many willing buyers. Once the fear of the subsidy system had been forgotten, land prices underwent a steady increase – creating a wealth of opportunity for land agents.

I carried on filling in my own claim forms and annual applications without too much hassle. But many farmers asked their land agent to fill in the paperwork for them out of fear of making a costly mistake and being penalised for their mistakes.

Unfortunately for us farmers, the agents closed that loophole rather quickly – so any loss lay entirely with the farmer not their representative. And such stories are not uncommon given the complexities of the system.

Horror stories Every farmer has a horror story to tell about the Rural Payments Agency and their mapping problems. And its no surprise that it is farmers who have been left at a disadvantage in most cases.

So I say good riddance to the current system. Yes, it will create challenges for many growers and livestock producers. But it will also create opportunities for those who properly want to get on in agriculture.

Subsidies create hungry land agents after easy money, higher rents and extra costs all around. Large commercial landlords have reaped the benefits at the expense of working tenant farmers. Sorting out the wheat from the chaff is long overdue.

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Custom Moulded Ear Defenders

Ultra comfortable, re-usable & last for years. Acoustic filter allows you to still hear everything, whilst protecting you from harmful noise levels.

Available with CE approval. Earpieces are custom moulded from soft silicone, and offer the highest degree of comfort whilst providing an effective acoustic barrier. Choice of colours available.

Ideal for shooting - maximum protection without imparing hearing.

• GRAIN FUMIGATION • GRAIN MONITORING • GRAIN STORE TREATMENTS

TEL: 01787 248049

Local staff in all regions covered by Anglia Farmer www.commandpestcontrol.co.uk Command House, Church Lane, Preston St Mary, Suffolk CO10 9NQ

TANKS

Autotel Ltd - 01508 528837 • www.autotelradio.co.uk NURSERY

Sandy Lane Nursery Wattisfield, Diss, Norfolk

Native and ornamental trees, hedging and shrubs Tel: 01359 251678 sales@sandylanenursery.co.uk www.sandylanenursery.co.uk

INDUSTRIAL STORAGE TANKS HIRE - NEW - USED 01502 710100 info@regaltanks.co.uk

STORAGE TANK STORAGE TANKS

KING KING

Horizontal Cylindrical Tanks Don’t run short of fuel this to Winter!

From 54,500 litres 27,250 litres (12,000 - 6,000 g

MATERIALS & MACHINERY

Grademore Ltd

Buy or hire a storage tank

Single and twin compartments, with cradle from Kings

Bunded Tanks

Suppliers of Reclaimed Telegraph Poles, New & Reclaimed Railway Sleepers, Concrete Railway Sleepers, Motorway Crash Barriers.

4500L – 38,600L Bunded From 27,000 litres 10,000 litres (6,000 - 2,000 g FueltoTanks c/w cabinet, gauge and alarm With cabinet, guage and alarm

01760 724237 www.grademore.com enquiries@grademore.com

T.G. ASKEW

BLUE PUMP FARM, LOW ROAD, BRESSINGHAM, DISS, NORFOLK IP22 2AA

Bulk haulage • Aggregate Road Planings • Stock Feed For further information please contact T: 01379 388156 F: 01379 388109 Email: jeremy@tgaskew.co.uk LANDSCAPING & MAINTENANCE

Tel 01638 712328 01638 712328

All suitable for fuel, water and effluen 2730L – 54,500L horiz/cyl Call today for details Water Tanks

single or twin comp. with cradles

www.thekinggroup.co.uk/tan

tanks@thekinggroup.co.uk INSULATION

Sprayed Foam Insulation Specialists

FOR A FREE QUOTE CALL: 01405 812682 Crow Tree Farm, Crow Tree Bank, Thorne Levels, Doncaster, South Yorkshire, DN8 5TF info@webstersinsulation.com www.webstersinsulation.com WANTED

FOR SALE! 1. Fortschritt-E514-Bon Hill-B registration. 2. Hilliam Tip-Model 150 Rotor Spreader. 3. 40 FT Flat Trailer and Dye, Ex Commercial Trailer-Converted for Agricultural use. 4. AP63 Welder Baler.

AlL in gReAt conditiOn - POA PleAse cAlL BArRy on 07889 473270

TO ADVERTISE IN THE ANGLIA FARMER BUSINESS DIRECTORY CALL 01502 725144

Protimeter Grainmaster

Aeration Pedestals and Fans

Grain Stirrers

Straw Bale Moisture Meter

Post-Harvest Grain Storage Servicing and Equipment With harvest approaching, call now to arrange grain store and equipment servicing • Moisture Meters • Automatic Fan Controllers • Mobile and Fixed Grain Driers • Aeration Pedestals & Fans • Moisture Meter Testing • Modulating Gas Heaters • Bulk Handling Equipment

Sinar 6070

Sinar 6300

Sinar 6095

Sinar 6096

Marrison Agriculture Limited, 1 Ironside Way, Hingham, Norfolk, NR9 4LF.

www.marrisonagriculture.co.uk 01953 851 771