14166 fcj 254 newyear 2015 web

NEW YEAR JOURNAL 2015 • ISSUE 254

www.thefarmersclub.com

Farmers Club INSIDE Club news p4 Care farming p8 Biopesticides p9 Defra education call p10 House of Lords p11 Club website guide p12 Farm planning p14 Ludlow food centre p17 Eire/Notts tour plans p19 INSERTS Members Info sheet Eire summer tour Dukeries tour

Anne Chamberlain, pictured with husband Denis, will lead the Club in 2015 p6

Gu Cl id ub e p1 w to n 2+ eb ew 13 sit e

Northants Chairman

Contents

Farmers Club Over 170 years of service to farming 3 Whitehall Court, London SW1A 2EL Patron – Her Majesty The Queen

FRONT COVER Communications expert Anne Chamberlain takes over as chairman of The Farmers Club for 2015, bringing a wealth of fish farming and world agriculture insights.

Disclaimer: The articles published in The Farmers Club Journal do not necessarily reflect the views of The Farmers Club. No responsibility for the quality of goods or services advertised in the magazine can be accepted by the publisher. Advertisements are included in good faith’. All rights reserved.

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Chairman’s Comments New chairman looks forward to Eire and Nottinghamshire visits

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Club News & Calendar New Club website makes for easier room and event booking, plus a St Andrew’s Day treat in Edinburgh

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Club chairman profile With a background in Ayrshire dairy farming, aquaculture and communications Anne Chamberlain is the new Club chairman

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Care farming Helping vulnerable individuals benefit from time on farms was the focus of the annual Ladies Lunch at the Club

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Biopesticides As the dominance of chemical pest control draws to a close a new era of biological control beckons

10 Education call Ireland, Canada, Austria, Poland and the USA all have good government support for farming education. Why not the UK?

11 Club Cup

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Ian Bell, chief executive of the Addington Fund, was presented with the Farmers Club Cup at a special House of Lords lunch

12 Club website guide New Club website brings easier room and event booking, and faster updates on Club news. Here’s how to use it

14 Farm planning Organising the farm for family changes

17 Ludlow food centre Championing food that is produced and sourced locally

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18 Farming figures China’s agricultural sector in numbers

20 Under 30s Under 30s chairman looks forward to a new year

21 U30s topic Under 30s member reports on Cirencester farm walk

22 Club Information and Contacts 02 • The Farmers Club New Year Journal 2015

Chairman’s Comments • Anne Chamberlain

Our tour will take in two dairy farms approaching the challenge in very different ways; processors Glanbia; Keenan Systems; an exclusive preview of the Teagasc (Ireland’s ADAS) Open Day which will include arable and potato demonstrations; a final dinner at Kilkenny Castle; and a visit to the National Stud and Japanese Gardens.

Matt Dempsey, former Editor of the Irish Farmers Journal and now on the Club Committee, will set the scene at dinner on the first evening. Glanbia will host a panel discussion between UK and Irish milk producers. We can all learn from each other.

Nottinghamshire visit

Chairman’s Comments “Ireland believes grass can lead to a game changing increase in dairy production and, crucially, dairy product exports.”

For a full profile of 2015 Chairman Anne Chamberlain turn to p6&7

ONE of the privileges of each new Club Chairman is to choose the destinations for Farmers Club summer study visits and tours. This year we will be going to Nottinghamshire’s Dukeries Estates in May and to the Republic of Ireland from June 22 to 25.

Ireland found itself damaged more than most by the financial crash of 2000 and its way out is to go back to basics. Its policy makers recognise that to be living on an island in the Atlantic Ocean with a huge ability to grow good grass is a national asset – and they are determined to exploit it. Our tour will give us an inside view on how and why they believe that grass can lead to a game changing increase in dairy production and, crucially, dairy product exports.

Targets as ambitious as a 50% production increase by 2020 have been proposed.

There is a lot of optimism about the future but a lot of reality too. Irish agriculture Minister Simon Coveney has forecast a “momentous phase” for the country’s farm sector after quotas are removed.

In Nottinghamshire, the Club will visit three estates in the Dukeries. At the modern commercial estate of Hexgreave we will see how the Strawson family has built a business supplying root vegetables and potatoes nationwide, developed outdoor pig production on the light sandy land and created a residential and commercial park out of the hall and parkland, once the home of Farmers Club benefactor and farming pioneer, Sir John Eastwood.

The tour also takes in two of the established Ducal estates set within Sherwood Forest – Welbeck and Thoresby – so that we can learn how they have diversified and developed to maintain viability in the 21st century. The park at Thoresby was initially laid out in a formal, geometric, Jacobean style and subsequently influenced by Capability Brown and Humphrey Repton.

This will be an exceptional opportunity to study rural diversification, from 900 panel photovoltaic installations to artisan food centres – all introduced by a local Blue Badge Guide who will paint in the historical background from the 16th century to the demise of Nottinghamshire’s coal fields.

Charles Notcutt I wish to pay a personal tribute to retiring Club House Committee Chairman, Charles Notcutt. A Farmers Club man through and through, he brought the exceptional business skills – honed in his family Notcutts Garden Centre business – to his committee work. We owe him a great deal.

WELCOME TO OUR NEW WEBSITE In this issue Journal Editor Charles Abel explains how to use the new Club website, which I am delighted is now live, after many months of work.

Members can use it to book rooms and meals on line.

But don’t fall at the first hurdle when the site asks for your 8 digit membership number (which is on the Journal envelope and so may well be at the bottom of your recycling bin). To check your number don’t hesitate to lift the phone to:

Membership Secretary Mark Fairbairn 020 7925 7102 or IT Manager Hamid Khaldi 020 925 7108 in office hours, or email itmanager@thefarmersclub.com.

Second, the Club has not at all abandoned traditional means of booking so you can continue to use telephone, post, email or fax, with the same success as those who use the website.

Rooms are carefully allocated between those who book on the web and by other means.

www.thefarmersclub.com • 03

Stephen Skinner • Club News

Club News

New chairman for Charitable Trust

New website finds favour with members

After many years of astute and unbelievably committed leadership, Mr John Kerr has decided to step down as Chairman of The Farmers Club Charitable Trust. John has steered the Trust through some very challenging times and leaves it in extremely fine standing. I, and the Trustees of the Trust, have never ceased to be amazed at his grasp of the key issues, his strategic vision, careful husbandry of the monies and land bequeathed to the Trust, and willingness to go the ‘extra mile’. Thank you John.

I am encouraged by the degree of take up there has been on the new website, with increasing numbers of members becoming aware of its capability. The number of bedroom bookings on-line has been relatively few, but increasing, while I am delighted to say the event booking package is working well.

The Debate page of the website has yet to get your collective attention.

This rather surprises me, given the number of impassioned discussions I have witnessed and indeed been part of. However, given the incredible breadth and depth of expertise we

have among our members it would be wonderful if this could be shared, discussed, challenged among you all.

Please do visit the website, use it and do let us have your feedback.

Cyril’s retirement Cyril Costello has, after 31 years, left the Club.

Almost an institution in his own right, Cyril has always been one who has given far more than he has taken and he will be missed by members and staff alike.

Firstly, a huge thank you to you all for your contributions to his departing gift, which amounted to a significant sum This was presented by the Chairman at the staff drinks held in the Club on 11 December with many of the Committee and staff present. The staff said a more personal farewell at our Staff Christmas Party.

Behaviours and etiquette Protecting the wonderful atmosphere of the Club is something the vast majority of members consider to be hugely important. They are enduringly polite and pleasant to our staff and this ensures the cherished atmosphere of the Club is maintained.

So it is with great sadness that I have to raise the issue of rude behaviour.

There are just a very few members who seem to think they can say what they like when they like, irrespective of whom they are speaking to. This is embarrassing for staff and profoundly unpleasant for fellow members.

I must insist that if you have a problem with the service you are receiving then ask to speak to a duty-manager or myself. There is no need to be rude to any member of the Club team. I am the one to shout at – if you really have to!

I would also like to take this opportunity to remind members that if they have guests in the Club, they are directly responsible for ensuring those guests comply with all of the Club’s rules. It is imperative that the Club’s good reputation is upheld at all times.

Thank you.

04 • The Farmers Club New Year Journal 2015

John has been succeeded by Stephen Fletcher FRICS FAAV DL. As well as being a chartered surveyor, Stephen also runs his own farm in Suffolk.

Stephen brings with him wide experience of leadership and business and an ingrained passion for rural matters. The Trust is in good hands.

Under 35s subscription rate For too long we have been losing many of our Under 30 members when they reach the age of 31. We believe the jump in subscription rate from the U30s rate to the full rate has been a disincentive.

A new rate has been introduced with effect from 1 January 2015 for those between the ages of 30 and 35. The one condition is that to qualify you must have been a member of the Under 30s for at least two years previously. The new single rate is £199 for 2015.

Restaurant winter menu I am delighted to see and hear how well our Winter Menu has been received and for those that haven’t visited the Club of late, you will not have heard the ‘buzz’ that is now common in the Restaurant. Be it lunch or dinner, you are strongly advised to book a table in advance to avoid disappointment.

Club News • Stephen Skinner

St Andrew’s Day Lunch

Club Calendar Diary Dates Please check the dates carefully as they sometimes change and new dates are added for each issue.

Details of Club events circulated in the previous issues are available from the Secretariat on 020 7930 3751. For more information on Club events, including further details on these events and new events as they are added to the Calendar, visit the Events area of the Club website www.thefarmersclub.com

JANUARY LAMMA Show Wednesday 21st + Thursday 22nd For info only – not a Club event.

On Friday 28th November, 97 members and guests of The Farmers Club enjoyed the wonderful hospitality of RBS Gogarburn in Edinburgh to celebrate St Andrew’s Day. Our guest speaker was Gavin Hastings OBE, past captain of Scotland and the British and Irish Lions, and widely considered to be one of the best rugby players to come out of Scotland.

At Gogarburn Gavin showed himself to be not only an excellent speaker but also a quite delightful man too, talking easily with many of our members in the excellent surroundings of the RBS headquarters.

Stunning Swan Lake ballet

Following the successful ballot for new members of the General Committee I am delighted to announce that four new members are joining in 2015 – Tim Bennett, Matt Dempsey, Richard Maunder and Gerald Osborne. I am truly looking forward to working with them.

The new members take over from John Stones, Ionwen Lewis and Charles Notcutt OBE who have completed their terms on the Committee. I would like to take this opportunity to express my very great and sincere gratitude for John’s, Ionwen’s and Charles’ commitment, dedication and help given to me over the years. They have played a vital role in steering and developing your Club.

I can also announce the new Chairmen of the Sub-Committees – Peter Jinman OBE who will chair the House Sub-Committee, Alison Ritchie the Membership Sub-Committee and Allan Stevenson the Communications Sub-Committee.

I look forward to working with them all.

Friday 6th – Sunday 8th Black tie dinner, AGM and events in London for Under 30s members.

Swan Lake Ballet at the Royal Opera House – FULL Friday 13th Ballet at the Royal Opera House, includes supper at The Club and coach transfer.

Madam Butterfly

Madam Butterfly at the Royal Albert Hall – FULL Friday 27th Puccini’s opera with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, includes supper at The Club and coach transfer.

MARCH Rubens and His Legacy Exhibition

Sensational Rubens at the RA

Friday 13th Exhibition of art by Rubens and those inspired by him, with lunch at The Club before.

Under 30s Spring Dining Evening

Club Chairman Jimmy McLean presented Gavin, a member of the Caledonian Club, with a fine pair of Farmers Club cufflinks, which he promised to wear when in his Club!

New Committee Members

FEBRUARY Under 30s AGM and New Members Weekend

Friday 20th Dinner with speaker in the Club.

APRIL St. George’s Day Lunch (details tbc)

St Georges Dinner

Thursday 23rd The Club’s annual luncheon event to mark the national day of England.

MAY Royal Balmoral Show Tuesday 12th Dinner with speaker on eve of show.

Dukeries

Dukeries Estates visit Tuesday 19th – Thursday 21st Visiting a range of leading farming and diversification enterprises in Nottinghamshire.

JUNE Royal Highland Show dinner

Royal Highland Show

Wednesday 17th Dinner on the eve of the Royal Highland Show with guest speaker James Withers, Chief Executive Scotland Food & drink.

Ireland visit

Ireland visit

Monday 22nd – Thursday 25th Insights into the strategy of Ireland’s food and farming industry, its dairy industry, National Stud, and advisory service Teagasc.

JULY Henley Royal Regatta Sunday 5th Details to be confirmed.

Royal Welsh Show

Royal Welsh Show

Monday 20th Drinks reception on the showground.

www.thefarmersclub.com • 05

Charles Abel • Chairman Profile

“It is very important that the farming industry has the Club as a focus in London to maintain its visibility and influence in Westminster.”

New Club chairman for 2015 Anne Chamberlain has been involved in the communications industry across both farming and aquaculture.

New chairman has Ayrshire roots Anne Chamberlain is Chairman of The Farmers Club for 2015. Charles Abel profiles this widely respected communications expert AGED 16 Anne Chamberlain helped her father, William Weir, transport seven Ayrshire cows from the family’s Wheatrig Farm near Kilmarnock in Ayrshire to the Royal Dairy Show in London, by train, in leather-padded horse boxes, with a stop at Crewe for milking, and a final walk through London streets to Olympia Hall – horns and all.

Wheatrig Bronwyn 23rd was Supreme Individual Champion, and the Daily Express was not slow to scoop the photo caption: “Anne skips school to feed the cows”. Thus began a lifetime of

06 • The Farmers Club New Year Journal 2015

involvement with the media, marketing and message management, which has spanned food, farming, aquaculture and many corners of the globe. As one of farming’s prime communications experts Northamptonshire-based Anne has had a rich and varied career, involving a six year stint at Farmers Weekly, becoming Business Editor aged 24, and launching Fish Farmer and Farmland Market spin-off titles.

“Having read Economics at Edinburgh, and after just seven weeks as a management trainee with

Chairman Profile • Charles Abel

Rowntrees in York, I had a call out of the blue from Alastair Strathearn, assistant editor and former Scottish correspondent at Farmers Weekly, seeking ‘a numerate graduate’ for the business section.”

Farmers Weekly From Farmers Weekly a period of looking after her young family was combined with freelance writing and editing before joining Mike Collins as marketing manager at innovative cereal breeding company New Farm Crops. She rose to become marketing director and was instrumental in NFC’s sale to agchem giant Ciba-Geigy, now Syngenta.

With husband Denis and colleague Geoff Dodgson the very successful Chamberlain Partnership was formed, to look after issue management for clients including Sainsbury’s, Gafta, Eblex and HGCA. It was with HGCA’s export promotion arm, British Cereal Exports, that working internationally in countries as diverse as Spain, Sweden and China first caught Anne’s imagination. “I became increasingly interested in the international agricultural picture, and how the world could feed itself sustainably and responsibly.”

her/his own can join the Club table in the dining room or strike up a conversation in the bar with a tenancy expert and a Tasmanian farmer. Perhaps we can develop some of these stimulating informal conversations into regular discussion sessions on key topics in the Club or on the website. There is a wealth of knowledge among our members.

“It is not many years ago that agriculture saw itself as beginning and ending at the farm gate and many bemoaned its shrinking influence and status – failing to notice how the neighbouring sectors of environment, diet and health and food security were burgeoning. I do not see farming as the squeezed middle between the environment and food – but as the core productive player on this wider playing field.”

Traditions Within the Club one of the challenges is retaining the Club’s traditions and ambiance, whilst also embracing more contemporary developments.

To that end Anne is meeting with the Club’s Under 30s chairmen from the past 15 years early in 2015 to find out how this 30 to 45 age group would like the Club to develop.

Aquaculture For more than ten years Anne ran a campaign for Gafta to protect the reputation of fishmeal and fish oil in the face of BSE bans on their use in feed and campaigns to limit fishing. This led to an opportunity to become involved with IFFO – the international trade organisation for marine ingredients, with offices in London, Lima and Beijing. “Aquaculture is one of the most promising ways of meeting the world’s protein needs, with farmed seafood production exceeding the catch of wild fish for the first time this year according to the UN’s FAO,” says Anne.

“Aquaculture is the most promising route to world protein security – the production of farmed fish overtook the catch of wildcaught fish for the first time this year.”

With a vibrant programme already planned for 2015, including visits to the Republic of Ireland and Nottinghamshire, and on-going refurbishment within the Club itself, Anne is clearly set to preside over another interesting and progressive year for the whole Club.

Together Anne and Denis created issues management consultancy The Chamberlain Partnership. Denis was Chairman of the Farmers Club in 2003.

Where agriculture led, aquaculture is now following and sometimes overtaking, with similar challenges in terms of least cost feed formulation, environmental impact, certification and linking the food chain from sea or field to fork.

Anne has had more public-facing roles too, including NHS and Consumer Association committee roles addressing primary care, and was a director of the family’s Blackshaw Farm Park in Ayrshire which welcomed 500,000 visitors before the 2003 E-coli outbreak ended school visits to farms. The family holdings in Ayrshire are now farmed by Anne’s brother John and her sister and brother-in-law, John and Margaret Hogarth.

Farmers Club focus So what is Anne’s vision for the Farmers Club?

“To enhance the fellowship and stimulating debate which the Club provides for all those farming and living in the countryside in the UK and abroad. It is very important our industry has the Club as a focus in London to help maintain its visibility and influence in Westminster. I’m pleased to see many significant organisations hold their meetings here.

“It is also essential that the Club stays just that – a Club, with an ambience where a member on www.thefarmersclub.com • 07

Janet Reynolds • Care farming

Invitations are extended to those who currently serve the Club in an elected capacity, to the wives and widows of Past Chairmen, to women who have offered financial or voluntary support to the Club over the years and to those who have given faithful service as part of their career path. For most ladies, it is a much awaited opportunity to be reunited with old friends, but a very warm welcome is given to those attending for the first time.

Care farming focus at Ladies Lunch Dr Rachel Bragg – enthusiastic supporter of Care Farming in the UK.

“Care Farms provide practical and productive involvement in a protected environment to those in need of special help socially, educationally, or medically.”

ON Tuesday 18th November, the Chairman’s wife, Jane McLean, hosted the Farmers Club Ladies Lunch, a gathering held every year to acknowledge the contribution made by women to the running of the club.

Over the years, many things have changed and women are now represented at all levels of responsibility. They bring their own personalities and skills to the practicalities of running the Club and, although a Ladies’ Lunch may seem an anachronism in this day and age, it is good to pause and mark these achievements.

This year, our speaker was Dr Rachel Bragg, of the Green Exercise Research Team at the University of Essex. Rachel is a Director and passionate advocate of Care Farming UK, a charity which exists to support farms as they open their doors, barns and fields to those who can benefit therapeutically from a supervised and structured programme of farmingrelated activities. In exchange for providing this service, the care farms receive payment from commissioners and members benefit from the support and advice of the Care Farm UK charity.

Care Farm programmes are designed for specific groups of people who, for various reasons, are considered in need of special help medically, socially or educationally. Clients are recommended by care professionals and may include those with learning difficulties, the mentally ill, people on probation, those recovering from drug or alcohol dependency, the disabled, or vulnerable older people.

Care Farms focus on providing practical and productive involvement in a protected environment.

The programmes provide individuals with life skills, but the therapeutic aspects of the activities, are primary.

Dr Bragg’s talk prompted much conversation and she happily answered questions over the generous and delicious lunch.

I know all those present would like to thank Jane, and the Club, for another splendid Ladies’ Lunch.

Sadly, Winifred Sloan, who hosted the very first Ladies’ Lunch, was unable to join us. We missed her cheerful company, but both she and her husband, Past Chairman Drew Sloan, were in our thoughts.

• Janet Reynolds

Care Farming UK • • • • • • • • Jane McLean chaired the 2014 Ladies Lunch at the Farmers Club.

08 • The Farmers Club New Year Journal 2015

Created in 2005 Registered charity UK-wide network Unified voice to lobby government Help, advice and resources for care farms Open days, workshops and seminars Over 230 care farms in UK Donations welcome

www.carefarminguk.org

Crop protection • Charles Abel

Era of biocontrol Biocontrol of crop pests, weeds and diseases is coming of age, a recent Farmers Club meeting heard. Charles Abel reports

“We are moving into an era of biological control, after an era of chemical control, because there are no more silver bullets coming from chemical control.”

ALTHOUGH biopesticides account for just 2-3% of the $51bn (£32.5bn) global crop protection market, their sales are growing at a vigorous 16% per annum, compared with just 3% for conventional chemical pesticides.

Their surge in popularity is being driven by market demand and regulatory pressure on conventional chemical pesticides, where innate hazard is considered rather than the risk after mitigating actions have been taken.

“We are moving into an era of biology, after an era of chemistry for crop protection, because there are no more silver bullets for crop protection, and the limits on the usage of the existing chemistry is creating more selection pressure, so resistance to those products is increasing too,” noted Dr Roma Gwynn of biopesticide firm Rationale (www.biorationale.co.uk) and a Farmers Club member.

Biopesticides offer different modes of action and new ways of working. And agchem makers, seeing the writing on the wall, are snapping up biopesticide manufacturers for price tags topping $1bn, and deploying existing formulation technologies to enhance their efficacy.

But what is a biopesticide? “Anything from unrefined plant material or micro-organisms to materials that have been highly refined with clever processes to manage weeds, diseases and insects,” explained Dr Gwynn. “We have an obligation to meet sustainable agriculture’s needs and biopesticides are one of the best technologies out there to help do that.”

Dr Roma Gwyn – predicting a bright future for the use of biopesticides in crop protection.

But the UK is currently lagging behind in their development, approval and use, she warns.

But serious underfunding of applied research and the regulatory agencies means the UK’s worldleading position of the 1990s has been lost. France has almost three times as many biopesticides, thanks to an EcoPhyto programme. A similar approach is pursued in The Netherlands. The USA has a biopesticide specific regulation and over 300 biopesticides available compared to around 130 in the EU. China is also progressing swiftly.

In the UK sector-specific initiatives help, like the Sceptre programme funded by the Horticultural Development Council. It screened new active ingredients to replace heavy losses of existing conventional chemistry, and included 60 biopesticides in the study.

Kenyan flower and vegetable farmers were among the first to truly embrace the technology, grabbing market share by offering produce free from conventional chemical pesticide residues. Now in the EU high value fruit, tomatoes and cucumbers are routinely protected by biocontrol and biopesticides, with conventional chemical pesticides rarely getting a look in. Carrots and cabbages are next in line, with discussion already moving to cereals and potatoes.

And could livestock benefit? Potentially, yes, Dr Gwynn said, with organisations such as the Roslin Institute at the forefront. “But the research has hardly started.”

So, next time you reach for a can of agchem, stop to think – in a few years it could be a can of biopesticide, with all the associated benefits for both the environment and human health.

www.thefarmersclub.com • 09

Charles Abel • Education

“When working at the coal face of an agricultural college there is little sense that there is any support from DEFRA for what we are trying to achieve,” he comments. “There is little incentive for schools and colleges to cooperate, as both are encouraged by funding mechanisms to focus on retention and recruitment at all costs,” he adds.

Liam Stokes – government needs to be more engaged with educating next generation agriculturalists.

Call for Defra to engage with education British farming needs new blood and new skills, and Government needs to be more involved in helping the education sector achieve that, a recent Nuffield scholar argues

“We need collaboration between the large agriculture faculties, which with Defra support could work with landbased colleges in their regions, to develop curricula and train agricultural educators.”

Liam Stokes received the John Stewart Award from Farmers Guardian editor Emma Penny and Nuffield trustee Ian Tremain.

DEFRA needs to follow the lead of other go-ahead farming nations and engage more closely with agricultural education, says Liam Stokes, winner of the John Stewart Shield for best presentation at this year’s Nuffield Farming Conference.

“Agricultural education in England today consists of a few major universities and a moderate number of education colleges, with little co-ordination and cooperation, and certainly very little input from Defra,” he says.

His study, Land based education policy in the 21st century: what can the UK learn from the rest of the world took him to Ireland, Canada and the USA, Poland, Austria and the European Commission in Brussels.

“My main objective was to find out whether there were alternative models for delivering land-based or agricultural education. In particular, I wanted to see whether government engagement could be used to underpin a national agricultural education strategy.”

Originally from rural Staffordshire Liam gained a BSc in Countryside and Environment Management from Harper Adams University College (as it was) before taking up a teaching post at Wiltshire College, Lackham.

10 • The Farmers Club New Year Journal 2015

On his travels the most persistent and consistent theme to emerge was that government departments and ministries of agriculture were taking an active interest in education, and delivering coordinated, future-proofed and accessible education strategies.

In Ireland, Poland and Austria this took the form of direct government management of institutions. Ireland’s FoodHarvest2020 policy, and its Origin Green branding strategy, being deployed by marketing body BordBia, pays particular attention to the role of education.

Indeed, research and advisory service Teagasc is involved in a unique level of integration, whereby developments in research or national policy are almost instantly translated into college curricula. FoodHarvest 2020 identified a need for farmers to increase dairy output, for example, so a new professional diploma in dairy farm management was developed.

In Canada precisely targeted research funding is routed through a partnership agreement between the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and the Ontario Agricultural College, while in the USA the government is coordinating the running of high school agriculture programmes in collaboration with university departments of agriculture.

Dedicated training programmes for future land-based teachers, at both undergraduate and post-graduate level, were also popular.

“My core recommendation for the UK is that Defra needs to recognise the strategic importance of educating the next generation of producers and consumers. Realistically this could take shape around collaboration between the large agriculture faculties, which with Defra support could work with landbased colleges in their regions, to develop curricula and train agricultural educators.”

Nuffield in a nutshell Nuffield Farming Scholarships have been awarded to 930 individuals since their launch in 1947. “Although the industry has witnessed significant changes, the Trust’s core principles remain unchanged: ‘to encourage the advancement of agriculture’,” says Nuffield Farming Scholarships Director Mike Vacher.

Applications are welcome from individuals connected with agriculture, horticulture, forestry, rural and land-based sectors. “We’re looking for forward-thinking and innovative candidates who are committed to driving change.”

• www.nuffieldscholar.org

House of Lords • Charles Abel

House of Lords Luncheon House of Lords Luncheon speaker RBS chief executive Sir Philip Hampton said farming was a good investment, but urged producers to use hedging tools more widely to offset price volatility.

FARMING is a good industry to invest in and returns will remain strong in the medium to long-term, despite short-term downturns, all thanks to the continuing demographic of a growing world population increasing demand.

That was the message from Sir Philip Hampton, retiring chairman of Royal Bank of Scotland and incoming chairman of pharmaceutical giant GlaxoSmithKline, as he addressed Farmers Club members at a special luncheon in the House of Lords.

“We still believe that globalisation will continue, and we very much want to lend to this sector, but volatility will increase given the ease of transporting commodities, so there is a need for farmers to understand hedging much better,” he said.

RBS had an appetite to lend more to farming, since it was in the unusual position of having £20bn more in deposits than loans, he said. To back the sector it was providing training backed by the farming unions to all its 178 specialist farming managers. “It’s all part of our post banking crisis remediation.”

He felt strong food and drink exports, which had grown at a rate of 20% over the past five years, would be seen as a ‘boom’ in other sectors and pointed to opportunities for the future. Declining sales for domestic retailers, for the first time in a generation, were an interesting development.

Speaking at the event in mid-November he felt a bank base rate rise was now a question of “if not when”, with pressure for a rise receding. He expected the Euro:Sterling exchange rate to hold steady, but Sterling’s value against the US dollar would tail off, as the US economy grew relatively more strongly.

He warmly commended the Club for appointing a banker as its 2014 chairman. “At a time when bankers rarely see such appointments it shows an independence of mind, which is admirable.”

The event in the Cholmondeley Room was hosted

by Club member Lady Byford on behalf of His Grace the Duke of Montrose, and was attended by 100 guests, including Lord Curry, Lady Mar, Lady Knight and Lord Plumb. It was sponsored by RBS Private.

Sir Philip took over as RBS chairman in 2009, having previously been chairman of Sainsbury’s.

The bank is 81% state-owned, after the government invested £46bn in it. He joins GSK, the UK’s largest drugmaker, against a backdrop of a £300m bribery fine in China and a broader profits warning as sales of best-selling asthma drug, Advair, start to decline.

IAN Bell, chief executive of the Addington Fund, received the Farmers Club Cup 2014 at a special luncheon held at the House of Lords. Ian’s commitment, energy, enthusiasm and vision for charitable work in the farming and rural sectors was particularly commended. Since being formed during the 2001 foot-and-mouth crisis the Addington Fund has given £10m to help 20,000 individuals and families. Today it also champions ground-breaking housing schemes, often with commercial facilities alongside, and offers Christian and practical support to countless individuals and families facing hardship. The award is presented annually to an individual or organisation the Club feels has made a significant contribution to British agriculture.

www.thefarmersclub.com • 11

Charles Abel • Club Website

Fabulous Club website The new Farmers Club website is up and running. Here’s how to make the most of it

“Many websites are cumbersome and dull – not the Farmers Club’s, which is bright, lively, easy-to-use and regularly updated.”

“Registering is easy. All you need is your email address and your membership number – now you’re set to book bedrooms and Club events on-line.”

MEMBERS are finding the new website quick and easy to use, providing a simple way to book bedrooms and Club events on-line, and a lively insight into all that is happening within the Club.

“We have taken time to create a website to meet the needs of our members, and I firmly believe that what we now have is a huge step forward, which will make life easier for members and staff,” explains Chief Executive Stephen Skinner.

Bedroom booking The biggest benefit is the ability to book bedrooms on-line. Once members have registered and logged in (see panel above right) bedroom booking is simplicity itself.

Click on the ‘Accommodation’ tab on the main menu of the web-site (www.thefarmersclub.com) to open the Accommodation page. Importantly, this Main Menu is always visible down the left-hand side of the web-site – it is your anchor point to which all areas of the web-site are connected.

12 • The Farmers Club New Year Journal 2015

The Accommodation page shows room types and rates. To book a room, provided you have registered and logged in, just click ‘Book Now’ and fill in the form. If you can’t find the room type or availability on the dates you require contact Reservations Manager Marlene Abrahams on 020 7930 3557 ext 204 or e-mail reservations@thefarmersclub.com Once a booking has been made a confirmation will be e-mailed as previously. Bedrooms can still be booked by traditional means – but doing it on-line is so much simpler.

Event booking Club event details can be viewed without registering or logging into the Members Area, but just like bedroom bookings you need to register and log-in if you wish to book on-line.

On the main menu click the ‘Events’ tab to open the Events page. All the upcoming events are displayed and clicking on one will reveal all the details you need. Provided you have registered and are

Club Website • Charles Abel

Club Website Guide About the Club: objectives, etiquette, committees, history, heritage, the team, contact us

Registering is easy To make full use of the site you need to register. This is simple and should take just a few moments. At the bottom of the main menu, on the left-hand side of the homepage (www.thefarmersclub.com), click on ‘Members Area’ – it should have a padlock alongside.

Enter your e-mail address and 8 digit Membership number (printed on your Farmers Club Journal envelope), click ‘Register’. You will receive an e-mail containing a link to creating your password – be sure to make it memorable! Now you can log-in any time by clicking on ‘Members Area’ and entering your e-mail and password – to gain full access to bedroom and event bookings, account details and the debate area. If the email address we hold for you on our database has changed, or we don’t have one at all, you will need to

Charities & Awards: Charitable Trust and Windsor Leadership Trust bursaries, Pinnacle awards inform us of what it is. To do this, or to obtain your membership number, please contact either: IT Manager Mr Hamid Khaldi Telephone: 020 7925 7108 Email: ITManager@thefarmersclub.com

Accommodation: bedrooms, rates, on-line booking

OR Membership Secretary Mr Mark Fairbairn Telephone: 020 7925 7102 Email: membership@thefarmersclub.com

Function rooms: room details, menus, wine lists, how to book In Debate: have your say on topical farming issues Dining: restaurant, bar & lounge, menus, farm-to-fork, how to book

logged in, click on ‘Book Now’ to book a place for yourself and any guests. A confirmation e-mail will be sent as previously.

breadth and depth of expertise we have among our members it would be wonderful if this could be shared, discussed and challenged amongst you all.

For help with your event booking call Events Manager Lisbeth Rune on 020 7930 3557 (extension 103) or e-mail events@thefarmersclub.com. Events can still be booked traditionally, but doing it on-line is faster and easier.

The electronic ‘Library’ is accessible for all, with page-turning issues of the Journal back to 2010, reports by Farmers Club Charitable Trust bursary winners, project papers from finalists in the Pinnacle Awards for Business Management, and other significant reports.

Whilst logged in you can also click ‘View Statement’ to view your account, print statements and contact the Accounts Department directly.

News ‘News’ is updated constantly to keep you abreast of Club developments, new events, menu changes, subscription rates and event reports, including photo round-ups.

You can also join the debates we will feature on the key agricultural issues of the day – provided you have registered and logged in. Given the great

Membership: apply to join, Club information sheet, fees

Events: what’s coming up, on-line booking Under 30s: news, events, committee, InterClub, apply to join, contact News: regular updates

Further information about the Club, including dining, membership, function rooms, committees, history and Under 30s can be found within the various sections (see panel right).

This is your website, designed to make your Club membership more enjoyable. Do register now and have a look. We believe you will be impressed. Let us know!

Library: Journal issues, award reports, other reports Members Area: register and access members-only area

www.thefarmersclub.com • 13

Philip Whitcomb • Legal issues

Future perfect Making sure you have the right support in place ready for when you need it is vitally important, explains Philip Whitcomb Protecting the family farming business as the rigours of age set in can be eased if the right legal procedures have been pursued.

Philip Whitcomb Senior Solicitor Moore Blatch Lymington Hampshire 01590 625800 philip.whitcomb @mooreblatch.com

“There are approximately 130,000 farms farmed as partnerships, of which only about a sixth have a written agreement in place.”

14 • The Farmers Club New Year Journal 2015

Legal issues • Philip Whitcomb

“The average age of farmers is now 58 and rising, often with no succession plan in place to pass the farm down to the next generation.”

WILLIAM Sherwin has farmed successfully at Holyeat Farm near Andover, Hampshire since the mid 1960s.

He is a second generation farmer, his father having purchased the farm in the late 1930s. As well as running a successful dairy business he and his wife, Rebecca, have raised a family which includes his 40 year old son, Robert, who is now an active partner in the farming business.

William takes a dim view of lawyers and has stated on more than one occasion that he cannot see the point in wasting money and going to see one. There are always much better things to spend one’s money on.

Last week, William celebrated his 70th birthday surrounded by his children, grandchildren and one great grandchild. Urged on by his wife who had noticed that his memory was becoming less and less reliable, William went to see his GP and subsequent to that was diagnosed with the early stages of dementia.

1 in 14 with dementia William’s story is not uncommon. There are around 800,000 people in the UK with dementia.

For people over the age of 65 one in fourteen people is affected. However, it may also affect younger people and there are at least 17,000 people in the UK who developed dementia in the UK before they were 65.

The farming community is particularly vulnerable in that it is easy for those living in the countryside to become isolated. The average age of farmers is now 58 and rising, often with no succession plan in place to pass the farm down to the next generation. It is becoming increasingly common for families to be faced with the issue of a key member of the family suffering from dementia alongside trying to protect the farm and the business for the family.

So faced with a situation like this or the prospect of such a situation what should you do?

Firstly, get some decent legal advice from someone who really understands the complexities of farming businesses. You need someone who has knowledge of how a farm is run and has the experience to guide you and your family on succession planning and asset protection.

In conjunction with your accountant, you should also be advised on the possibility of the business needing to fund long term care needs.

Lasting powers of attorney

a person to give another person or persons (the attorney) authority to make certain decisions on their behalf.

There are two types; a Property and Affairs LPA which allows your attorney to deal with your finances, and a Health and Welfare LPA which allows your attorney to make care decisions and (should you wish) the giving or refusing of consent to lifesustaining treatment.

The Property and Affairs LPA is particularly useful in cases such as William’s, since it can be used even if you have the capacity to act yourself. In other words you may still make decisions that your attorneys carry out. It allows the attorneys to make decisions on the bad days when you are not able to.

If the family find themselves in a situation where someone has lost capacity and there is no LPA or the old style Enduring Power of Attorney in place, then it would be necessary for an application to be made to the Court of Protection for an order to appoint somebody to act on their behalf. This is a very costly, stressful and time consuming process.

Thirdly, check the legal documentation relating to your farming business, whether it is as a sole trader, partnership or through a company. Take advice on the best way to restructure the business so that if you were to lose capacity the business may still carry on.

In that context, for farming partnerships in particular, make sure there is a written up to date farming partnership in place. There are approximately 130,000 farms farmed as partnerships, of which only about a sixth have a written agreement in place let alone one that is reviewed and updated regularly.

Wills updated Fourthly, get your wills reviewed regularly. It is important to bear in mind that just because someone has been diagnosed with dementia it does not mean that you cannot make a will. It will depend on whether you have testamentary capacity, which is a decision a solicitor will make, often in conjunction with medical staff.

Finally, seek advice on the availability of agricultural property relief and business property relief and how your long term care may affect that.

By thinking about these issues early, and with careful preparation coupled with the right professional advice, you will be able to ensure all your hard work in building up the family farming business will not be lost to future generations.

Secondly, consider putting in place Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPA). This is a legal document that allows

www.thefarmersclub.com • 15

Charles Abel • Food retailing

Ludlow food centre Customer cards

LUDLOW Food Centre in south Shropshire is a stunning example of what can be achieved by tapping into the modern consumer’s desire to connect more closely with the food they buy.

A ‘Loyal to Local’ card scheme launched last year tracks what each consumer spends, and more importantly what products they buy and when.

Established in 2007 to offer the best fresh, local, seasonal and handmade food from the Earl of Plymouth’s 8000 acre Oakly Park Estate in Bromfield near Ludlow it now boasts eight production kitchens, a spacious food hall and gift department, the 140seat Ludlow Kitchen cafe, The Clive Restaurant With Rooms, Bromfield Village Shop and even a Post Office.

Ludlow is home to just 11,000 people. But, crucially, the centre sits beside the county’s main A49 road linking Shrewsbury and Leominster via the very tourist-friendly Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Beauty. And the town has a strong foodie culture, hosting the 20-year-old Ludlow Food festival each September.

“Unlike many farm shops we produce half the food we sell on the premises,” managing director

Edward Berry told food and farming journalists attending the 2014 International Federation of Agricultural Journalists post-congress tour. “Our eight production kitchens produce and prepare bread, cheese, meat, jams, pickles, chutneys, readymade meals and deli products. It all means we can keep greater control over the quality and variety on offer.”

“All of our beef, lamb, and rare breed Gloucester Old Spot pork comes from the Estate, along with a selection of fruit and vegetables from Lady Windsor’s very own Walled Garden. We understand the seasonality of British produce, the variety that is on offer throughout the year, and we are committed to sourcing at least 80% of our produce from Shropshire and its surrounding counties,” Mr Berry explained.

“Having a good provenance story is essential.”

The centre employs over 100 people, including chefs, artisan food producers and five on-site butchers. “Our staff are all encouraged to pursue new ideas and create products that encapsulate the fresh, local, seasonal produce available to us.” The butchery alone has an annual turnover of £800,000, adding considerable value to the estate’s primary agricultural output.

Judging by the centre’s success – and an 8.6 rating on Tripadvisor – engaging with consumers more closely is clearly a strategy that is working very well.

• www.ludlowfoodcentre.co.uk

A diverse collection of local food-related businesses underpins Ludlow Food Centre’s success. [Photos courtesy of British Guild of Agricultural Journalists Midlands Branch].

16 • The Farmers Club New Year Journal 2015

Rural history • Philip Merrick

Farming saboteurs FEW can fail to have been profoundly moved by the ceremony at the Cenotaph last November, a hundred years after World War I started. For twelve civilians it was particularly poignant, as part of Britain’s resistance force, innocuously code named Auxiliary Units, were commemorated for the first time since World War II. Formed in extreme secrecy in front line counties, including Kent and Sussex, during the dark days after Dunkirk, they comprised volunteers, usually farmers and gamekeepers, who had orders to disappear underground after the expected invasion, and emerge at night to sabotage bridges and railway junctions. It would have been nasty, dirty combat, potentially vital to hinder the invading forces, but not something they were expected to survive for more three weeks.

Club link Twelve sons and daughters represented members of the secret resistance units at the Cenotaph, and repaired to the Farmers Club for a very welcome lunch afterwards. Given the close connection between famers and the units Farmers Club members may well have information about their own father’s involvement. If so, contact the research unit at www.BritishResistanceArchive.org

Secrecy was vital and it is apparent that few if any of the men involved ever spoke about this part of their lives. My own father, Jack Merricks MBE (Farmers Club chairman 1969-70), deflected questions about his wartime gong, saying it had come up with the rations. I only discovered his involvement as a unit leader when I recently found a manila envelope hidden for seventy years in the deepest recesses of the farm office.

It included lists of weapons and explosives, and a 1940 diary with the innocent sounding Highworth’s Fertiliser on the cover. Closer inspection revealed it to be a grisly assassination and sabotage handbook.

Thankfully, success in the Battle of Britain meant the units were not called upon to make the ultimate sacrifice. But their commitment deserves recognition.

• Philip Merrick

www.thefarmersclub.com • 17

Charles Abel • Reciprocal Clubs

Farming Figures A quick look at… food and farming in China... told through some key statistics

US$1.6 trillion Expected Chinese spend on groceries in 2015

1.385 billion People in China – 20% of global population – of which 600 million lifted from poverty since 1981

2 years Period within which full export access for UK farm produce to Chinese market is expected

0.4% Cut in China’s central bank base lending rate (to 5.6%) to support faltering economy

4-fold Surge in Australian dairy exports to China in under a decade, and rising as dairy tariffs end

22,162 tonnes UK pork exports to China from Jan to Aug 2014

5.3% Growth in agricultural productivity since 1980

18%, 29%, 50% Percentages of the world’s cereals, meat and vegetables currently produced in China

Muthaiga Country Club – just one of the reciprocal clubs available to members.

Reciprocal clubs SIPPING an ice cold gin beneath a vibrant flame tree (of Thika fame) beside the lovely outdoor pool at the Muthaiga Country Club in Kenya grey Britain feels a million miles away.

Nestled behind a robust perimeter wall it provides a safe and tranquil haven from the noise and tumult of a throbbing African city of 3million souls. Yet this oasis of calm in distant Nairobi has close links to our very own Farmers Club in London, which has reciprocal arrangements with a host of equally lovely clubs around the world.

The Muthaiga harks back to a by-gone era of colonial influence, complete with stuffed lion, leather and oak bar, sumptuous dining room, immaculately tended gardens and historic artefacts at every turn. The service is quiet and efficient, with a rule book similar to our own. It is all very evocative of Britain’s colonial role in Kenya.

As with most reciprocal clubs temporary membership is taken out upon arrival. That means a letter of introduction is needed, something

1/5th Of world food grown in China on 1/10th of world land

20 million New middle class households created per year

€1 billion/day Trade flowing between EU and China

Double Growth in meat eating per capita in 20 years Sources: South China Morning Post, Farmers Guardian, California University

18 • The Farmers Club New Year Journal 2015

Reciprocal Clubs Overseas: Western Australian Club, Perth (Bedrooms not reciprocated) www.waclub.com.au Queensland Club, Brisbane www.queenslandclub.com Australian Club, Melbourne https://theaustralianclub.com.au/ Royal Dublin Society, Dublin (Bedrooms not reciprocated) www.rds.ie Stephen’s Green Hibernian Club, Dublin www.sghc.ie Muthaiga Country Club, Kenya www.mcc.co.ke Harare Club, Zimbabwe www.theharareclub.com/

the Farmers Club Secretariat is well equipped to provide – effectively an introduction card bearing your membership number and the all important signature of Stephen Skinner, our Club Secretary. After a lengthy flight the warm welcome elicited upon the production of said card is a delight.

At 3 Whitehall Court we have a magnificent terrace with super views over the River Thames. At the Muthaiga there is an outdoor swimming pool surrounded by extensive lawns and shady trees, a dining room that opens to the gardens, an onsite gym and a golf course nearby. And a mosquito net over every bed...

Reciprocal clubs, be they in the UK or abroad, a destination in their own right or a stopping-off point en-route, are clearly a benefit of Club membership worth enjoying.

Postcard from....

Have you visited a reciprocal club recently? Send your report/photo to: editor@thefarm ersclub.com Christchurch Club, New Zealand www.christchurchclub.co.nz/ Canterbury Club, Christchurch, New Zealand www.canterburyclub.co.nz The Geelong Club, Victoria, Australia www.thegeelongclub.com.au UK: City Livery Club, London (No bedrooms) www.cityliveryclub.com Royal Overseas League, Edinburgh www.rosledinburgh.org Royal Scots Club, Edinburgh www.royalscotsclub.com New Club, Edinburgh www.newclub.co.uk Northern Counties Club, Newcastle www.northerncountiesclub.co.uk

Club Tours • Charles Abel

FARM tours to the Republic of Ireland and three Dukeries Estates in Nottinghamshire will offer Farmers Club members a fascinating insight into some truly go-ahead farming in 2015.

Farming has been identified as a key industry to help pull Ireland’s struggling economy back to growth, with a very explicit strategic plan for the sector – FoodHarvest 2020 – aims for a 50% surge in production by 2020, with the UK market as a prime export target, backed by heavy marketing under new “Origin Green” branding, highlighting the green credentials of Ireland’s farming industry.

It is not a plan based on wishful thinking.

Robust policy changes to facilitate growth are being implemented, which will be in evidence throughout our visit. Dairy, beef and arable are the cornerstone enterprises, and with milk quotas ending the country’s ideal growing conditions for grass are being fully exploited to boost profitable milk production from forage.

Eire and Dukeries tours Insightful tours to Ireland and Nottinghamshire are planned for 2015

Irish Minister We hope to have Irish Minister of Agriculture Simon Coveney, or EU Agriculture Commissioner Phil Hogan, join us for part of the tour, giving added insight into the potential for dairy once quotas end in late 2015.

Visits will include all stages of the dairy chain, from progressive dairy farms through feeding experts Keenan Systems, advisory service Teagasc with its novel Greenfield Dairy Programme, to mighty milk processor Glanbia, which runs an innovation centre dedicated to supporting the country’s producers.

Ireland’s FoodHarvest 2020 policy will be scrutinised during the Club tour in June, which will also feature a visit to the National Stud.

A panel discussion chaired by a senior editor from the Irish Farmers Journal will examine the opportunities and threats through the eyes of Irish dairy producers on the first evening.

Ireland tour

Cereal and potato cropping in a high disease environment will be demonstrated by a special preview of the country’s national arable open day, organised by the agri-food development service Teagasc.

The tour also includes dinner at Kilkenny Castle and a visit to the National Stud and Japanese Gardens, with a drive past the Aga Khan’s stud, before flights back to the UK from Dublin airport.

When: Mon 22-Thu 25 June Where you will stay: Lord Bagenal Hotel, Carlow What you will see: Ireland’s strategy to grow farm output by up to 50% by 2020, with a special focus on milk from grass.

Dukeries tour When: Tue 19 – Thu 21 May Where you will stay: Ye Olde Bell Hotel, Barnby Moor What you will see: Three progressive estates evolving enterprises to meet modern needs

Dukeries visit Three progressive estates in Nottinghamshire will explain how their businesses are evolving to meet the needs of a changing marketplace.

On light land at Hexgreave the Strawson family is focusing on root crops, outdoor pigs and residential and commercial property; while at Welbeck and Thoresby diversifications including solar energy and craft food production to ensure their continued viability into the 21st century.

Diversification, root crops and outdoor pigs are the focus for the Dukeries Tour in May.

www.thefarmersclub.com • 19

Beth Hockham, Chairman; John Jacques, Vice Chairman; Lisbeth Rune, Secretary • U30s

U30s Chairman’s Jottings

LEAF started to steer farming towards more sustainable practices way back in 1991.

Despite the cold weather my Pol Dorset lambs have almost doubled in size since my last report, ably fuelled by hay made over the summer. This is the first year I will be using their wool to have a go at knitting…the results of which I will have to post in the next edition!

I am currently sat penning best wishes in the wonderful Farmers Club Christmas cards, which I purchased from the Club this weekend (along with a bottle of the Club’s Finest Reserve Port to wrap up for my parents!). I was staying at the Club for the U30s November Dining Evening, which was extremely well attended by 50 members and guests.

After a delicious three course meal, including seasonal game, we enjoyed listening to our guest speaker Caroline Drummond, chief executive of Linking Environment and Farming (report right).

The next U30s event is the New Members Dinner & Winter Event from Friday 6 to Sunday 8 February 2015. This is always an exciting weekend, centred in London, with a three course dinner, trip to the theatre and lots of networking. It is also a great opportunity for new members to see and stay at the Club and meet other U30s members. Full details will be circulated in early January. Again, it is expected to be a very popular event, so if you would like to attend, do book your place early.

Many of you will have seen the exciting new U30s area on the new Farmers Club website. If you haven’t do visit it for the latest U30s news and events www.thefarmersclub-u30s.com/ You can also book Club accommodation through the site, which I know many U30s members will be keen to take advantage of.

As usual, if you have any questions about the U30s, or suggestions, or comments, do contact me.

Contact Beth for more information Beth Hockham U30 Chairman www.thefarmersclub-u30s.com overcoombe@hotmail.com or bh@fowlerfortescue.co.uk 07773 232264

20 • The Farmers Club New Year Journal 2015

U30 Dinner We were delighted to welcome guest speaker Caroline Drummond MBE to our November Dining Evening.

A combination of Under 30s regulars and some new faces packed the Club on Friday 28th November to enjoy the last U30s event of 2014.

Welcome drinks in the Cumber Room were followed by a great buzz of conversation over dinner in the Eastwood Room.

Caroline Drummond, Chief Executive of LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming) was our speaker for the evening. Amongst her many accolades her recent honorary PhD from Harper Adams University and position on the Board at the Royal Agricultural University were particularly cheered.

LEAF was started by Caroline in 1991 with the purpose of repositioning agriculture in the minds of the public and Caroline explained how she continues to lead LEAF with this focus today. In order to promote the agricultural industry, through events such as LEAF’s Open Farm Sunday, good, sustainable farming practices must be in place, which LEAF encourages through its network of LEAF Demonstration Farms, the LEAF Sustainable Farming Review and the LEAF Marque.

Caroline recently completed a Nuffield Farming Trust Scholarship, the Frank Arden Award, during which she studied what farmers can learn from science to improve the nutritional quality of our food. Her journey led to several recommendations, including the need for better understanding within the farming industry of human nutrition; for farmers to produce more of the nutritionally right food rather than producing commodities; and the links which should develop between those working in health, farming and education to help reduce noncommunicable diseases which pose significant challenges in the future.

Caroline said it was people that make things work. “Only you can make it happen.” She encouraged everyone to believe in what they were doing, to take opportunities and be resilient when the knocks come.

Our thanks go to Caroline for some great insight, statistics and discussion, which continued in the bar and, for some, into the nearby night club, Opal, where they were combined with dancing.

• Kathryn Mitchell

U30s • Beth Hockham, Chairman; John Jacques, Vice Chairman; Lisbeth Rune, Secretary

to Prince Charles’s Duchy Home Farm at Highgrove.

A tour was provided by farm manager David Wilson, who has been instrumental in overseeing the farm’s organic production since its pioneering conversion in 1985. He emphasised how passionate they are about preserving our rare breeds of livestock, many of which were on display throughout the tour. In addition to the variety of rare breeds farmed at Highgrove, Prince Charles is also patron of the Rare Breeds Survival Trust.

The afternoon schedule included several hours of clay pigeon shooting at Old Down Pursuits. The group was split down into several smaller teams, allowing those with limited shooting experience to have the benefit of a formal lesson from our friendly host. The more competitive amongst us were let loose to demonstrate our claimed skill (or lack of). Each unbroken clay seemed to be shortly followed by a range of carefully rehearsed excuses, ranging from “my girlfriend is watching and I’m afraid she’s winning” to “it’s just not grouse”.

Dinner that evening was a Black tie affair held in the Bathurst Lounge back at the RAU. Owing to a printing error the menu claimed to be somewhat exotic, advertising a main course of ‘roast lion’!

In reality it was loin of pork, of course.

Under 30s autumn farm walk took in beagles, clay pigeon shooting, Prince Charles’ Highgrove Farm and even a rare treat of roast ‘lion’!

Carefully rehearsed excuses ranged from “my girlfriend is watching and I’m afraid she’s winning” to “it’s just not grouse”.

Sunday saw the group visiting the RAC Beagle kennels, where an informative tour was given by our very own John Jacques. It is clear to see that the RAC Beagle pack is something that John is as passionate about as he is knowledgeable. The several week old puppies proved a particular draw for many of the female members of the group.

Cirencester beagles, clay pigeons and ‘lion’ too

With the thought of a new U30s mascot, and some rather large pockets and handbags, a thorough head count was in order to ensure all puppies were accounted for before the group departed.

October saw the Under 30s venture out for the second farm walk of the year, the destination being Cirencester, which for many attending was more of a homecoming.

The Agricultural College Beagles formed in 1889 and gained their Royal prefix in 1963.

After guests had booked into the Stratton House Hotel the evening meal was taken in a private room at Graze restaurant in Cirencester.

Somewhat inevitably the evening was rounded off with the partaking of drinks and dancing in the Tithe Bar at the RAU. After some rather questionable sausages at breakfast on Saturday morning, we made our way

All in all a thoroughly enjoyable weekend was had by all. A huge thanks is owed to all involved in organising the event.

RAC Beagles They hunt within an approximate 10 mile of Cirencester, using artificial scent laid by a runner since the 2005 ban. Before this they hunted hare. The 30 or so couples of hounds are cared for by University students at the nearby Coates Kennels. Students serve as Joint Masters, Master-Huntsman and Whipper-Ins. Meets are at 1pm on Wednesdays and 11am on Saturdays during term time and at 11am on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays during holidays.

www.thefarmersclub.com • 21

The Farmers Club • Club Information

Club Information 020 7930 3557 • www.thefarmersclub.com Office Holders Patron – Her Majesty The Queen HONORARY VICE PRESIDENTS Peter Jackson CBE, Sir David Naish DL, John Parker VICE PRESIDENTS Mark Hudson, Roddy Loder-Symonds, Norman Shaw CBE, Mrs Susan Kilpatrick OBE THE COMMITTEE OF MANAGEMENT OF THE CLUB 2014 PRESIDENT AND CHAIRMAN Anne Chamberlain TRUSTEES Barclay Forrest OBE (Chairman), Mrs Nicki Quayle, Julian Sayers, Paul Heygate VICE-CHAIRMAN Richard Butler HONORARY TREASURER George Jessel DL IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIRMAN Jimmy McLean CHIEF EXECUTIVE AND SECRETARY Stephen Skinner CLUB CHAPLAIN The Reverend Sam Wells COMMITTEE Elected 2013: Lindsay Hargreaves, Tim Harvey, Nick Helme, Peter Jinman OBE (Chairman – House Sub-Committee), Mrs Jo Turnbull Elected 2014: Allan Stevenson (Chairman – Communications Sub-Committee), Alison Ritchie (Chairman – Membership Sub-Committee), Robert Lasseter, Martin Taylor, Campbell Tweed OBE Elected 2015: Tim Bennett, Matt Dempsey, Richard Maunder, Gerald Osborne Co-opted: Beth Hockham (Chairman Under 30s), John Jacques (Vice Chairman Under 30s), Martin Taylor THE FARMERS CLUB CHARITABLE TRUST TRUSTEES Stephen Fletcher (Chairman), John Kerr MBE DL, James Cross, Vic Croxson DL, Mrs Stella Muddiman JP, The Chairman and Immediate Past Chairman of the Club (ex officio)

Farmers Club Golf Fixtures 2015 Farmers Club golf continues to flourish with fixtures against a number of clubs and societies.

Our traditional visits to the superb Royal St George’s and Muirfield links, along with the annual Club Championship at Blackwell, are supplemented with fixtures around the country played on challenging courses.

The past year saw 52 of the Golf Section’s 86 members enjoying friendly but competitive golf, with our ladies joining us at

the Club Championship and Autumn Mixed Meeting.

Captain for the 2015 season is John Gittins who looks forward to your continued support.

Details of the Club’s fixtures were emailed to members on the existing Golf Section list in early 2015. Any member of the Farmers Club who is interested, but who does not usually receive Golf Section correspondence, please e-mail: martin.edwardswale@gmail.com

GOLF FIXTURES 2015 Month

Date

Match/Competition

May

Friday 1 v East India Club @ New Zealand GC, Surrey Wednesday 13 v British Veterinary Assoc Golf Society @ Luffenham Heath GC, Stamford, Lincolnshire Friday 22 v NFU @ Flackwell Heath GC, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire Thursday 28 v The New Club, Edinburgh @ Luffness Links, East Lothian Friday 29 v Farmer Members of HCEG @ Muirfield, East Lothian June Wednesday 10 v Worshipful Company of Farmers @ Badgemore Park Golf Club, Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire Sunday 14 Dinner with XL Club @ Royal St George’s, Sandwich, Kent Monday 15 v XL Club @ Royal St George’s, Sandwich, Kent July Wednesday 8 Club Golf Championship @ Blackwell GC, Bromsgrove, Worcestershire Thursday 16 v West Riding NFU @ Garforth GC, Leeds, West Yorkshire September Wednesday 16 Autumn Mixed Meeting @ Llanymnech GC (Welsh/English & Thursday 17 border) and @ Oswestry GC, Shropshire October Tuesday 6 Bath Club Cup @ Woking GC, Surrey Thursday 29 v HCEG Muirfield @ Alwoodley Golf Club, Leeds, West Yorkshire Friday 30 v HCEG Muirfield @ Seaton Carew Golf Club, County Durham

Club Closure NEXT ISSUE Watch out for your Spring issue of the Farmers Club Journal, due out in mid-March, with all the latest Club news, profiles of key Oxford Farming Conference speakers, comments from Norman Bagley of the Association of Independent Meat Suppliers, and reports on Club visits to Madam Butterfly and Swan Lake, plus further updates of the events calendar, which includes visits to Eire and Nottinghamshire.

22 • The Farmers Club New Year Journal 2015

From close of play on Thursday 2 April re-opening on Tuesday 7 April 2015 at 8 am. Members may book a bedroom to stay when the Club is closed on the understanding that it is on a room only basis as no other facilities are available.

Club Information • The Farmers Club

Deaths It is with regret that we announce the death of the following members: Mr J Easterbrooke Mr K Flemington Mr J Merrett Mr J Salter Mr H Struth

Dorset Gloucestershire Westmorland Norfolk Warwickshire

New Members The following were elected: UK Members Mr N Austin Mr D Bett Mr R Blatchford Mr P Caudwell

Cumberland Dorset Dorset Oxfordshire

Mr E Farrow

Suffolk

Mr M Fenton

Herefordshire

Mr L Fielder

Sussex

Mr J Gerard

Gloucestershire

Mr J Harper

Northamptonshire

Mr L Hull

Yorkshire

Mr C Jones

Yorkshire

Miss J Kerr

Berkshire

Mr M Kirkwood Mr R Little

Yorkshire Cumberland

Mr R MacKenzie

Ross-Shire

Mrs H McDevitt

Yorkshire

Miss C Middlemiss

London

Mr N Millard

Somerset

Ms T Munt

Somerset

Mrs S Paterson Ms L Pierson

Cheshire Hampshire

Mr F Pons

London

Mr S Scott

Hampshire

Mr G Smith

Hertfordshire

Professor R Smith

Northamptonshire

Mr C Sparrow

Northamptonshire

Mrs N Tye Dr F Wells Mr P Woodall

Lincolnshire Sussex Yorkshire

Overseas Mr M Castley

South Africa

Under 30s Miss F Chapman

France

Mr J Fountain

Cambridgeshire

Mr J Gebbels

London

Miss L Griffiths

London

Mr T Hatton

London

Miss I Marshall Mr A Marshall Mr W Milligan-Manby

Devon Devon Lincolnshire

Miss E Oatey

Cornwall

Mr A Padfield

Essex

Miss A Padfield Mr S Pullin Mr H Robson Miss L Simpson

Essex Somerset Hampshire Warwickshire

Dr E Tynan

London

Miss R Welti

London

Mr S West Mr W Wickham

Miss C Wickham Miss R Wyllie Whitehall Court Mr G Hammer Mr F Rasool

Kent Lancashire London London

Envelope Sponsorship The Farmers Club acknowledges the support of Agrovista, sponsor of the Journal envelope.

Agrovista is the leading authority on all aspects of crop management advice, with many years of experience backed up with the most advanced and comprehensive range of agronomy trials in Great Britain. For more information visit www.agrovista.co.uk Mobile Phones, Briefcases and Business Meetings Mobile phones must not be used in the Public Rooms (except the Shaw Room). Briefcases should be left in the Cloakrooms and Business meetings must be conducted in the Shaw Room or designated and pre-booked meeting rooms.

Members should speak with the Meetings Manager, Mrs Lynne Wilson for details on 020 7925 7100 or meetings@thefarmersclub.com Parking The Club has no private parking at Whitehall Court and metered parking in the immediate area is extremely limited. The nearest public car park, open 24 hours a day, is situated in Spring Gardens off Cockspur Street, approximately 5 minutes walk from the Club. Telephone: 0800 243 348.

The Congestion Charge can be paid at this car park. For more information on parking see: www.westminster.gov.uk/services/transport andstreets/parking Business Suite The Business Suite provides PCs, printing and WiFi for members.

WiFi WiFi is available throughout the Club at no charge.

Dress Code Members are requested to advise their guests of the following: • Gentlemen must wear formal jackets and ties on weekdays. Polo-neck jerseys, jeans and trainers are not acceptable.

• There are Club jackets and a selection of ties at Reception which may be borrowed in an emergency.

• Ladies should be dressed conventionally.

Trousers are permitted but not jeans or trainers during the week.

• Smart casual dress may be worn by all from 6pm Friday to midnight Sunday; smart clean jeans and trainers are permitted.

• Children should conform, as best they can, with the above guidelines.

• Members must advise their guests of the dress regulations.

Shaw Room The Shaw Room may be used for meetings of two or three people for up to an hour without booking. iPads, laptops and mobile phones may be used but phones should be set to silent ring.

Television There are no TVs in the Club bedrooms however the television will be situated in the Shaw Room

Club Contacts THE FARMERS CLUB Over 170 years of service to farming 3 Whitehall Court, London SW1A 2EL

Chairman 2015: Anne Chamberlain

Chief Executive and Secretary: Stephen Skinner

Club Number 020 7930 3557 Reception ext: 200/201 reception@thefarmersclub.com Bedroom Reservations ext: 204 reservations@thefarmersclub.com Restaurant Reservations ext: 200/201 reception@thefarmersclub.com Conference & Banqueting Vendula Papackova ext: 109 or direct line: 020 7925 7100 meetings@thefarmersclub.com Events & U30s Lisbeth Rune ext: 103 events@thefarmersclub.com Club Manager Virginia Masser ext: 102 clubmanager@thefarmersclub.com Head Chef Paul Hogben ext: 111 or direct line: 020 7925 7103 chef@thefarmersclub.com Accounts Mike Wood ext: 106 or direct line: 020 7925 7101 accounts@thefarmersclub.com Membership Mark Fairbairn ext: 107 or direct line: 020 7925 7102 membership@thefarmersclub.com PA to Secretary Claire White ext: 104 or direct line: 020 7930 3751 generaloffice@thefarmersclub.com Bedrooms ext: 3+ [two digit room number] eg. ext 301 for Room1 Whitehall Court Porters 020 7930 3160 Fax 020 7839 7864 Website: www.thefarmersclub.com THE FARMERS CLUB JOURNAL Editor and Advertisement Manager: Charles Abel 07795 420692 E-mail: editor@thefarmersclub.com Designed and produced by: Ingenious, www.ingeniousdesign.co.uk The printing inks are made using vegetable based oils.

No film or film processing chemicals were used.

Printed on Lumi Silk which is ISO 14001 certified manufacturer.

FSC Mixed Credit. Elemental chlorine free (ECF) fibre sourced from well managed forests.

Oxfordshire Kent

www.thefarmersclub.com • 23

Farmers Club

Events

Application forms included in this and future Journals

Under 30s AGM and New Members Weekend

Royal Highland Show dinner Wednesday 17th June Dinner on the eve of the Royal Highland Show with guest speaker James Withers, Chief Executive Scotland Food & drink

Ireland visit

Friday 6th – Sunday 8th February Black tie dinner, AGM and events in London for Under 30s members

Monday 22nd – Thursday 25th June Insights into the strategy of Ireland’s food and farming industry, its dairy industry, National Stud, and advisory service Teagasc

Swan Lake Ballet at the Royal Opera House

Henley Royal Regatta

L L FU

Friday 13th February Ballet at the Royal Opera House, includes supper at The Club and coach transfer

Sunday 5th July Details to be confirmed

Royal Welsh Show Madam Butterfly at the Royal Albert Hall

PIC

L L FU

Friday 27th February Puccini’s opera with the Royal Philarmonic Orchestra, includes supper at The Club and coach transfer

Monday 20th July Drinks reception on the showground

CLA Game Fair Saturday 1st August Joint drinks reception with Under 30s

Rubens and His legacy Exhibition

PIC

Friday 13th March Exhibition of art by Rubens and those inspired by him, with lunch at The Club before

Westmorland Show Reception

Under 30s Spring Dining Evening

Harvest Festival Service

Friday 20th March Dinner with speaker in the Club

Tuesday 13th October Wonderful service with the choir at St Martin-in-the-Fields followed by Buffet Supper at the Club

Thursday 10th September Drinks reception at the showground

St. George’s Day Lunch (details tbc) Thursday 23rd April The Club’s annual luncheon event to mark the national day of England

New Year’s Eve Supper Party Thursday 31st Dec Supper party in the Club with a stunning view of the firework celebrations

Royal Balmoral Show Tuesday 12th May Dinner with speaker on eve of show

Dukeries Estates visit

PIC

Tuesday 19th – Thursday 21st May Visiting a range of leading farming and diversification enterprises in Nottinghamshire

Web updates For more information on Club events, including further details on these events and new events as they are added to the Calendar, visit the Events area of the Club website www.thefarmersclub.com

HOLIDAY & WEEKEND OPENING Holidays and Weekends are great times to visit The Farmers Club, with good bedroom availability, a relaxed dress code and the sights of London on your doorstep.