Contents
Farmers Club Over 170 years of service to farming
3 Whitehall Court, London SW1A 2EL Patron – Her Majesty The Queen
FRONT COVER BREXIT – should the UK stay in the EU, or leave, and what would the impact on the food and farming sector be? 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.
6
3 Chairman’s Comments
Farewell awful wet winter – here’s to an exciting Club year!
4 Club News
Project CREST refurbishment is now well under way
6 BREXIT
How could the outcome of the EU in/out vote on June 23rd impact the food and farming sectors?
8 Innovation update
8
Technology is here to help the farming industry, as recent examples in the sheep and field veg sectors highlight
10 Plant power
Harnessing the power of novel substances produced by plants
12 Property development hurdles
Government says more houses, authorities put the brakes on
14 Professional training
Developing the skills of farming’s future leaders is paramount for on-farm success and enhanced industry leadership
10
16 Fresh thinking
Farmers Weekly editor Karl Schneider airs his views on farming
17 Events in 2016
Some of the key events being organised by your Club in 2016
18 Farming figures
An insight into The Prince’s Fund via some key figures
18 Visit to the Netherlands
20
A special Farmers Club visit to the Netherlands this autumn will visit a range of farms as well cultural Amsterdam
19 Chef ’s notes
Fine smoked foods from Scotland attracted Chef’s attention, so it was off to Inverawe Smokehouses to find out more
20 Under 30s
Under 30s AGM welcomes in new team
22 Club Information and Contacts
02 • The Farmers Club Spring Journal 2016
Chairman’s Comments • Richard Butler The improvement in our facilities, kitchen and dining room, meeting rooms, reception rooms and offices will I am sure prove of immense benefit to the Club for the future. My wife and I particularly enjoyed the opportunity to join the Club Secretary and Club Manager on a tour of the Club earlier this month. It was a good opportunity to meet and thank all the staff who do so much to ensure that when we are staying or visiting the Club it is such a special experience.
Bold Agriculture
Chairman’s Comments “The improvement in our facilities, kitchen and dining room, meeting rooms, reception rooms and offices will I am sure prove of immense benefit to the Club for the future.”
I AM writing this in the depths of winter and it seems as if it has not stopped raining for more than a day since I last wrote! Consequently, the farm is exceptionally wet, and I even managed to get the farm Land-Rover stuck last week. However, I am very conscious that many of our members have suffered serious flooding and property damage and all our sympathy must be with them at this time. Hopefully, by the time you read this, the jet stream will have moved and brought a change to colder drier, weather. The year started with a bang at The Farmers Club with the New Year’s Eve party and fireworks rated as the best ever by some who attended.
CREST refurbishment On February 1st project CREST, a planned programme of Club refurbishment, commenced. Whilst it represents the largest single investment in the Club’s history, the Club bedrooms will all still be available throughout this period and disruption to members will be kept to a minimum.
My first official engagement as Chairman was to attend the Oxford Farming Conference. This year’s event had its theme as ‘Bold Agriculture’ and included some inspirational presentations on technology in farming. The second morning saw Owen Paterson’s debate with the European Agricultural Commissioner Phil Hogan on whether the UK was better in or out of the E.U. This proved a highlight for me. The Club ‘BREXIT’ debate on the same theme, scheduled for April 27th, is attracting a lot of booking interest from members. It will see Owen Paterson and Kate Hoey opposed by Sir Peter Kendall and George Lyon past NFUS President and a former MEP. I am delighted Ian Ritchie will speak at our St George’s Day Lunch on April 22nd. Ian is the Chief Executive of England Rugby Football Union and so an ideal choice for St George’s Day.
Science & Technology theme
The theme for my Club year is Science and Technology – working for farmers. At the first Club General Committee dinner Farmers Weekly editor Karl Schneider gave a very thought provoking talk around this theme. This will be followed on April 11th by the Club hosting a seminar on advances in plant breeding and crop protection (see p17), and in November the Government’s chief scientific advisor Sir Mark Walport is scheduled to address our House of Lords reception. Finally, I hope that 2016 will see a change in markets and return to improved profitability for our farming members and the ancillary trades.
Postcard from Chile Three Farmers Club groups ventured to South America in late January and early February. Each 11-day visit to Chile took in charming family run hotels and secluded lodges, with visits to Santiago’s vibrant nightlife, Colchagua Valley wine country and Northern Patagonia. Pictured above Lake Bertrand (right) are (back row l-r) Richard Janaway, Fiona and Martin Shirley, Lucy and Brian Lock, Margaret and Nick Hodgson, (front row l-r) Hughie Arbuthnott, Sheila Janaway and Toby Warren.
• A full report will appear in the next Farmers Club Journal
www.thefarmersclub.com • 03
Stephen Skinner • Club News
Club News
Excellent feedback
Project CREST refurbishment: An update
I am delighted to see that our ‘field’ kitchen set-up in the Cumber Room is producing good results, with excellent feedback from members. Of course, I should say that the menu has had to be pared down somewhat, to match what the new and much reduced facilities can cope with.
Of course, the friendly atmosphere we have in the Club is something we guard jealously. Indeed, the sole purpose of Project CREST is to ensure the Club continues to be a special place to visit, and bring friends and colleagues to, with the facilities and ambiance you would expect. I would also like to emphasize that, apart from the specific rooms being worked on, business will continue as normal. And as the Chairman says, all of our 56 bedrooms will remain available, as always.
WFF.02
WFF.03
Rad S 0.66 H 3.53
Rad H 3.53 S 0.66
Drain Outlet
WFF.05
Railings h 0.98
Railings h 0.98
LIGHTWELL
LIGHTWELL
TERRACE
WFF.06
01 403
01 404
Railings h 0.98
Railings h 0.98
TERRACE
TERRACE
READING ROOM CUMBER ROOM
LOUNGE
T.V.
Fireplace
DFF.12
DFF.16
DFF.10
DFF.29
F2.56
MALE
DFF.28
HB
DFF.27
Coat Hanging H 2.64
Boxing
S 0.80 H 3.09
S 0.78 H 3.08
WFF.15
01 408
LIFT B
STORE S 0.93 H 3.19
3.01
2.88 S 0.29 H 2.80
S 0.51 H 3.00 Rad
2.21
Ramp
Rad
F2.41
Boxing h 0.9
S 0.82 H 2.92
Rad 3.18
Cupboard
Boxing
LOBBY
3.22
Rail
Duct 2.56
Cornice
BEDROOM 12
3.41
3.20
BEDROOM 17
Cornice
Rad
F2.80 h 1.1
AH 2.83
S 0.30 H 2.79
BH 2.60
2.02
Mantelpiece
FLAT 105
S 0.43 H 2.41 S 0.54 H 3.00
3.38
F2.80
BEDROOM 7
3.38
Blocked Door
3.00
BATHROOM
3.14
eep ers Sto re
Cornice
3.29
LOBBY 3.37
2.27
sek
Hou
2.96
BATHROOM
3.18
2.55
Shower
LOBBY
BEDROOM 53
Cupboard
Cornice
Blocked Doors
Cornice
3.39
BH 2.52
3.38
3.38
h 2.42
3.38
2.54
LOBBY
LOBBY
Cpbd
LOBBY
Boxing
Rad
2.34
Cornice
Rad
2.21
Rad
Cornice
2.67
Cornice
BH 3.02
3.05
2.13
2.45
2.93
Wardrobe
Wall Over
Cornice
2.32
Blocked Doorway
2.10
AH 2.76
2.32
BATHROOM
BATHROOM
2.42
THE FORTY ROOM
Cornice
Cornice
3.38
3.37
Cornice continues over Bathroom
Cupboard
2.92
Cornice
S 0.13 H 3.00
BEDROOM 14A
S 0.14 H 2.72
Cornice
2.84
2.86
Radiator Cover
2.93
S 0.11 H 3.04
RWP
Balcony
Balcony
2.84
Balcony
3.38
Radiator Cover
S 0.15 H 3.01
Cornice
Double Glazing
S 0.09 H 2.88
2.88 S 0.15 H 3.01 2.84
2.93
2.94
2.84
Balcony
Balcony
Balcony
Figured dimensions only are to be taken from this drawing. All dimensions are to be checked on site before any work is put in hand.
S 0.09 H 2.93
BEDROOM 16
3.40
Built-in Desk Radiator Cover
2.79
BEDROOM 15
3.41
Radiator Cover
Display Cupboard
AH 2.83
S 0.11 H 3.04
Radiator Cover
Wardrobe
Cornice
2.64
Cornice
Cornice
Uplighting
3.38
3.40
Cornice
Built-in Desk
Radiator Cover
AH 2.83
S 0.14 H 2.80
BEDROOM 14
3.39
Moulded Plaster Ceiling
3.38
AH 2.81
Cornice
BEDROOM 9
3.38
BEDROOM 5
3.38
Uplighting
Cornice
BEDROOM 6
BEDROOM 4
3.36
BEDROOM 11
Fireplace
Worktop
BEDROOM 3
2.92
Uplighting
While designing the new Club tie, which has been selling at an 220 N astonishing rate, we also had one copy made in green, which I have 01 Proposed FF General Arrangement Plan worn on a number of occasions to judge Members’ reactions to it. As a result, we have now ordered a supply of the green ties (see below), which are available for sale at £25 each – in addition to our blue version too of course.
2.51
Cornice
Bathroom Enclosure h 2.82
3.37
Bathroom Enclosure h 2.68
Cornice continues over Bathroom
AH 2.81
Bath/Shower
2.37
Wall Over
3.40
Wardrobe 3.08
3.07
3.05
AH 2.83
Boxing
Wardrobe
3.37
No Access
2.84
3.06
Bath/Shower
h 1.0
3.08
Fitment
SERVICE LIFT "D"
LIGHTWELL
No Access
S 1.08 H 2.68
Cornice
CORRIDOR
2.95
Cornice
Oak panelling h 2.1m
LOBBY
S 1.04 H 3.50
CUPBOARD
Ceiling Hatch 2.68
3.60
Cornice
F2.66
3.38
Typical in this Lobby
LIFT C
AH 2.60
Shelves
Project CREST refurbishments are updating many of the public rooms inside the Club.
We now have Green Ties too Hatch
F2.64
DISUSED LIFT SHAFT?
Rad
BEDROOM 8
BEDROOM 10
CHEF'S OFFICE
DFF.18
DFF.19
Rad
DISABLED TOILET Towel
3.01
Cpbd
Stairs up to Second
LIGHTWELL
Radiator Cover
Wall Over
Flyscreen
LIGHTWELL
Blocked Door
S 0.84 H 3.21
2.36
LOBBY
Desk
S 0.94 H 3.21 Rad
LIGHTWELL
Boxing h 0.54
Boxing h 0.57
SHARED BATHROOM
Approximate wall line
DFF.25
3.57
Boxing h 1.01
3.37
HB
Flyscreen
WINE STORE DFF.26
S 0.61 H 2.95
S 0.93 H 2.73
2.38
Rad
LOBBY
Sink
Sink
Flyscreen
DFF.01
Assumed No Access
3.00
Cornice
3.15
Sink
S 0.80 H 2.65 Worktop
3.48
Rad
S 0.31 H 3.17
Dishwasher Ice S 0.75 Machine H 2.50
S 0.83 Desk H 2.46
WFF.13
Switchgear
LOBBY
S 1.04 H 3.50
Oven
Blind
WFF.14
Rad
Typical in this Lobby
Extractor Hood
S 0.92 H 3.18
LIGHTWELL
BEDROOM 1A
BoH OFFICE
Shelves
BH 2.64
DFF.24
S 0.75
LIGHTWELL
Rad
NEW COLDROOM / FREEZER (Doors/Layout TBC)
DFF.20
F2.64
WFF.16
Rad
F2.85
Worktop
Sink
F2.63
Stairs upto Second
3.57
CORRIDOR
Stoves
Worktop
F2.63
LIGHTWELL
Rad
Extractor Hood
Walls lined with melamine sheeting
Sink
WFF.00
FLAT 62
KITCHEN EXTENSION
F2.68
POT WASH
Sink
F2.70
S 0.64 H 2.03
Rad
WFF.01
Extractor Hood
Worktop
DFF.23
STILL ROOM STORAGE
FEMALE
F2.56
3.47
3.38
DFF.17
Boxing h 1.01
F2.62
RECEPTION
DFF.21
Walls lined with melamine sheeting
Servery DFF.30
ENTRANCE LOBBY
Boxing
S 0.80 H 3.19
Cold Pass
KITCHEN
F1.98
BH
DFF.22
LOBBY
3.29
DFF.13 Ramp Area Removed (including redundant pipework)
DFF.02
LEFT LUGGAGE
Waiter Station
DFF.15
DFF.11
DFF.09
LOBBY
BH 2.65
BH 2.03
NEW HUDSON ROOM
T.V.
SERVICE LIFT "A"
Fireplace
Fireplace
Counter Flap
STORE
DFF.08
DFF.07
Fireplace
STORE
DFF.05
By way of a reminder, the works are split into three phases. Phase 1 involves the kitchen, Eastwood Room, Restaurant, and all the rooms on the Ground Floor (Committee and Hudson Rooms etc). Phase 2 will be the offices on the Upper Ground Floor; the Cumber Room, Reception, the Gents toilets and the Shaw Room. Phase 3 involves the Bar and the Lounge and the Ladies toilets and – the ‘hump’ in the corridor! RESTAURANT (EASTWOOD ROOM)
RESTAURANT
Radiator Cover
DFF.03
Cornice
Fireplace
BAR
DFF.06
DFF.04
RWP
DFF.14
T.V.
3.09
WFF.12
WFF.11
WFF.10
WFF.09
WFF.08
WFF.07
Typical in this Room S 0.19 H 2.87
Cornice
01 405
WFF.04
2.87
CUMBER ROOM EXTENSION
Gully
TERRACE
Railings h 0.98
Cornice
There is much else happening too, and by the time you read this we will be well into the programme of works. You can see details of progress in the weekly Project CREST Updates published on our website and in my e-newsletters, which are 240 N published on a regular basis. If you do not receive the e-newsletters regularly, and would like to, do send your e-mail address to membership@ thefarmersclub.com
Sealed Gate
Railings h 0.98
Drain Channel
LIGHTWELL
Drain Channel
Lead-lined Drain Channel
LIGHTWELL
Flat Asphalt Roof
Flat Lead Roof
01 402
Balcony
May I take this opportunity to thank you, the members, for your patience and understanding. The grumbles have been few and far between so far!
Lead-lined Drain Channel
LIGHTWELL
Lead-lined Drain Channel
01 401
I should also say how well the temporary dining rooms are working. The Shaw Room has proven to make an excellent (slightly smaller) restaurant, while the Bar and Shaw Room together have accommodated breakfast remarkably well too.
Drain Outlet
Lead-lined Drain Channel
Drain Outlet
Lead-lined Drain Channel
The back of the Eastwood Room has been opened up so that we can install our extension to the kitchen; a new wall has been erected (in one day!), between the kitchen and the lounge (as it was Richard Halhead’s idea for this wall some years ago we will surely have to name it after him!); the ladies toilet on the Ground Floor has been stripped out ready for its conversion into a Business Suite and the old Accountants Office N has also 260 been cleared, ready to be converted into a new, light and airy Committee Room.
Lead-lined Drain Channel
Project CREST (where CREST stands for ‘Club Refurbishment Strategy’), started on 1st February and progress to date has been speedy.
As ever, I am very happy to answer any queries you may have, and/ or show you around when you are next in the Club. My email address is snskinner@thefarmersclub.com and telephone number is: 020 7930 3751
NOTES
If in doubt, ask.
If you would like to buy one (or the blue version, or any of our Club merchandise for that matter), do contact my PA, Mrs Claire White at generaloffice@thefarmersclub.com or on 020 7930 3751 04 • The Farmers Club Spring Journal 2016
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221 Panther House 38 Mount Pleasant London WC1X 0AN +44 (20) 7666 3464
020 General Arrangements
Project No
Project:
Title:
Author:
Site Address:
Status
024
Helen Hughes Design Studio © Helen Hughes Design Studio (date as dwg).
HH
The Farmers Club 3 Whitehall Ct London
First Floor Proposed TENDER
AGM calling notice
Copyright belongs to HHDS. Client will have licence to use work soley for the site designated, subject to trems of engagement and payment of fees.
info@helenhughesdesignstudio.com www.helenhughesdesignstudio.com
©
Checked:
HH
Client:
The Farmers Club
Project no./Stage/Drawing no.
026(T)020
The Farmers Club will be holding its 174th Annual General Meeting on Tuesday 5th July at 12 noon. All Club members are invited to attend.
Scale A1:
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Club News • Stephen Skinner
Windsor Leadership Trust Bursary Awards THREE exceptional candidates have been selected by a Farmers Club panel for a bursary to attend the Windsor Leadership Trust Program in 2016. Peter McDonald of Cambridgeshire, Matthew Naylor of Lincolnshire, and Ian Tremain of Somerset will attend the course, held in St George’s House within the grounds of Windsor Castle this year. The bursaries are courtesy of the generosity of long-standing Farmers Club members Mrs Stella Muddiman and Mr Paul Bush. Indeed, without their generosity, this scheme for those in the agricultural sector would not happen at all. The Windsor Bursary Programme (Emerging Leaders Programme) is designed for those who have the potential and ambition to reach the most senior of leadership positions. Participants, from all sectors across the UK (public and private), who already have significant leadership experience, find they gain a unique insight into becoming a more strategic leader and develop a better understanding of how they might have a more positive impact on society. The feedback, from both ‘Windsor’ and our bursary attendees has been very positive and reflects not only the enormous value the individuals have gained from this programme but also, I would contend, the benefits to our industry as a whole.
Other London Club Affiliations Many of you will be aware that there are a number of Clubs in London that we have affiliations with, which very generously help us out when they can with bedroom accommodation. These are the Caledonian Club, the East India Club and the Civil Service Club. If we are full when you are looking to book accommodation in London, we are very happy to provide the contact details for these Clubs, which we ask that you contact yourselves stating that you are member of The Farmers Club. It is worth saying that if you do stay with these Clubs their bedroom rates will be different to ours.
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
APRIL Advances in Plant Breeding & Crop Protection Monday 11th April Club Seminar in National Liberal Club, 5pm See p11 for more details. Book on-line or contact Events
Arable Sector Seminar
Modern Garden Exhibition – FULL Friday 15th April Private lecture, lunch in Club and transfer to Monet to Matisse exhibition. Application form in Winter issue
Garden Exhibition
St George’s Day Lunch Friday 22nd April Lunch at Stationers’ Hall with guest speaker Ian Ritchie, CEO of Rugby Football Union. See p17 for more details. Application form enclosed
BREXIT – UK Agriculture Better In or Out? Wednesday 27th April St George’s Day Lunch
Owen Paterson and Kate Hoey for “out”; Sir Peter Kendall and George Lyon for “in” See p7 for more details.
MAY Ulster Show Dinner Tuesday 10th May See p17 for details. Application form enclosed
Ulster Show Dinner
JUNE Royal Bath & West Show Wednesday 1st June See p17 for details. Application form enclosed
Swan Lake Ballet – FULL Friday 3rd June Swan Lake
Supper at the Club and coach transfer to magnificent Swan Lake
Royal Cornwall Show Friday 10th June See p17 for details. Application form enclosed
Royal Highland Show Dinner Wednesday 22nd June Royal Highland Show
See p17 for details. Application form enclosed
www.thefarmersclub.com • 05
EU Referendum
Brexit debate On Wednesday 27th April The Farmers Club is staging its own Brexit Debate in London. Charles Abel sets the scene ahead of the June 23rd in/out vote with some of the current views FROM freedom to farm to tumbling farm support payments the debate about the implications of leaving the European Union is grabbing headlines and dominating discussions. Farmers have nothing to fear if the UK leaves, insists former Defra secretary Owen Paterson. An independent UK government could raise direct payments to farmers, reduce red tape, do more to promote food exports, and encourage import substitution by gearing more public food procurement, worth £2.4bn, to UK producers.
“It would be idiotic of any government to get ahead of the game and slash support given the state of the market.”
“CAP negotiations between 28 countries inevitably mean that we have to accept compromises – these are at best deeply unsatisfactory and at worst actively damaging to UK farmers,” he says. “Outside the EU it will be essential to continue a significant level of support from the UK Exchequer to farmers, in the same way that Switzerland, Norway, and Iceland do. In fact, the payments made by these non-EU countries are actually much more generous than those paid by member states in the EU. If appropriate, a sovereign UK government, no longer constrained by EU rules, could actually increase rural payments.” Also: “It would be idiotic of any government to get ahead of the game and slash support given the state of the market.”
06 • The Farmers Club Spring Journal 2016
EU farm commissioner Phil Hogan has a different view. CAP stability underpins rural jobs and businesses and is legally binding until 2020. Neither the commission, nor any government, can cut it. “Outside the EU, agricultural spending would be subject to the same annual review by the British Treasury as any other department. Can farmers compete with doctors, nurses and schools in such a review?” he asks. Since 2010 Defra’s budget had fallen by one-third, whereas health, education, defence and overseas aid were all ring-fenced from cuts. Renegotiating trade agreements outside the EU could take up to 15 years, he adds. And Britain’s
CAP guarantees farmer payments to 2020 – EU Commissioner Phil Hogan.
EU Referendum access to the EU market would carry a price, as it did for Switzerland and Norway. “Would the British Exchequer be prepared to pay a price that fully guaranteed your access for agricultural products? Would it expect farmers to pay part of the access-fee?” Massive short-term upheaval, with extra farm bankruptcies, but longer-term benefits from faster technology uptake and more efficient farming, are the predictions of Prof Allan Buckwell in a Worshipful Company of Farmers report. Farms with grazing livestock or heavy borrowings are most vulnerable, he says, and extra customs controls and higher trading costs could depress UK farm prices. “Some form of payments, paid from the UK Treasury, will continue, but details of what rate, to whom, for how long and with what conditionality, is not yet knowable.” EU market access would see EU regulations still applying. NFU president Meurig Raymond said it would be ‘catastrophic’ for British farmers outside the EU to be denied support while EU farmers received the equivalent of £175-£200/ha. A public NFU policy is expected by April.
UK Exchequer will fund farming support – Owen Paterson MP.
Food sector fears BREXIT represents the biggest moment in 45 years of food policy, but the public does not see food as an EU issue, and the food industry seems to be keeping its head down, a conference organised by City University’s Centre for Food Policy heard. “It is very, very strange that the food policy dog doesn’t seem to be ready to bark in this particular debate,” noted Ian Wright, director general of the Food and Drink Federation. “Brexit would have a profound impact – the future of the industry is at stake.” He envisaged years of ‘chaos’ as replacement trade agreements were negotiated. Many food businesses were already asking whether the UK was the best location for their EU headquarters. Replacing EU staff, on which the sector was so dependent, would be a big headache too. Food firms feared disruption to supply chains, extra border tariffs, barriers and import controls, noted Reading University’s Prof Alan Swinbank. While most had ‘pushbutton’ post-Brexit plans in place, costs would rise. A subsequent break-up of the United Kingdom was a further fear. UK food legislation all came from the EU currently, so would need redrafting, with no easing of requirements, since competitors would quickly brand UK food ‘not as safe’, noted EU Food Policy editor Kate Trollope. The UK would also face the cost of replicating the European Food Safety Authority, which currently spread its costs across the whole EU.
Have your say Farmers Club members can share their views about the EU In/Out Referendum in the Debate section of the website www. thefarmersclub. com Register for this members-only area of the website using the membership number on your Journal envelope, or contact membership secretary Mark Fairbairn e-mail: membership@ thefarmersclub.com tel: 020 7925 7102.
BREXIT DEBATE:
‘UK Agriculture, Better In or Out?’ Wednesday 27th April With the Rt Hon Owen Paterson MP, Kate Hoey MP, Sir Peter Kendall and George Lyon and chaired by Charlotte Smith, BBC Radio 4 Farming Today Presenter The Club is privileged to have attracted such eminent and capable speakers to its BREXIT Debate at The Royal Horseguards Hotel, Whitehall Court, London on Wednesday 27th April. Tea & coffee will be available from 4.30pm in the Reading & Writing Room. The debate starts at 5pm in the Gladstone Library, and wine and canapes will be available afterwards from 6.30pm. Cost: £35/head. Places can be booked on-line at www.thefarmersclub.com/ events or contact Events Manager, Mrs Lisbeth Rune, at events@thefarmersclub.com or 020 7930 3751.
www.thefarmersclub.com • 07
Charles Abel • Innovation in farming
Innovation in action
Technology in farming is this year’s Farmers Club theme. Charles Abel profiles two contrasting businesses leading the way APPLYING precision farming techniques to sheep production has brought some big surprises for Neil Perkins, a Nuffield scholar and innovative sheep farmer from Dinas Island Farm in North Pembrokeshire, where 2100 breeding ewes and 700 ewe lambs are managed on a low input grass-based system, using a pyramid breeding approach to exploit the best genetics. Neil Perkins
Managing individual animals is the key. “EiD ear tags have added 50% to the value of a ewe,” Mr Perkins (@neilperks3) told the Oxford Farming Conference. They allow data to be collected for each animal from birth, to unlock individual performance and enhance the flock’s overall genetic merit. “Precision farming is common in other sectors and I don’t think sheep farming should be left behind. There are massive benefits to be had in lowland sheep systems,” said Mr Perkins, who has become one of the UK’s larger ram breeders, with data to reassure prospective purchasers. At the heart of his system is a sheep conveyor to aid handling and monitoring. All lambs are linked to their mother in the records, their weight taken and lambing traits recorded. Routine treatments and data capture through the conveyor every three weeks allows
subsequent animal-by-animal analysis, as well as monitoring of breed groups and how individual grazing paddocks are performing. An automatic drafting gate means groups can be created for weight, condition score, tupping, breed, age and quarantine, including progeny. Routine locomotion scoring over eight years identified 30 ewes as persistent offenders; removing them dramatically reduced the problem. “It all directs our future breeding plans and where each ewe sits in the breeding pyramid. But we do still need the right fuel too, so pastures are managed for top performance, with high sugar grasses in clover-based grazing leys.” Plantain and chicory are also used to extract trace nutrients from the soil. Over 10km of electric fencing is used to create lots of individual paddocks. Grass supply is assessed automatically using an ATV-mounted ultrasonic scanner. That data is combined with flock data indicating feed needs, so any surplus forage can be removed for winter feed or to create an autumn wedge to keep stock out longer. Under-performing paddocks are given remedial attention, and the benefits of new varieties and mixes are evaluated. The result is 30% more grass with less input, equivalent to 150 extra acres of grazing.
Precision farming is unlocking flock productivity for sheep farmer Neil Perkins.
08 • The Farmers Club Spring Journal 2016
Innovation in farming • Charles Abel
Global veg challenge Vegetable producer and packer Barfoots of Botley is embracing technical innovation through 30 specific projects around the world, including satellite controlled logistics, controlled traffic farming and marker assisted breeding. At the firm’s Chichester site a 2.4MW anaerobic digester has helped achieve 100% self-sufficiency in energy and water, while controlled traffic farming has completely changed soil management, said managing director Julian Marks. Together with winter cover crops and AD digestate, telematic-driven cultivations are bringing a step change in organic matter levels, 15% less diesel usage, worm counts up 300%, faster land drainage, a 30% cut in fertiliser use and less spend on wearing parts. Sustainable importation is being addressed too. Asparagus air-freighted from Peru left a high carbon-footprint, but insuring a container of produce worth £50,000 for 16 days at sea proved impossible. Collaboration with producers to ensure peak crop quality going into containers, and a unique high-tech container management system during shipping, means produce now arrives in the UK fresh and saleable, and with an enviable carbon footprint. The satellite communication and control system pioneered by Catapult monitors each ship container for temperature and atmosphere, and automatically adjusts it, as the ship crosses the ocean. “We can see what is going on in the container and we can react,” said Mr Marks. The result is a
field to factory carbon footprint, including field production, but excluding transport to retailer, independently verified to be a third of UK-grown asparagus. Each 1kg of asparagus grown in Peru and sea-freighted to the UK has a carbon footprint of 0.3kg CO2, compared with 1kg for UK-grown crop, and 10kg for air-freighted crop. Gene marker assisted breeding in sweetcorn for specific consumer-desired traits, including cob size, sweetness, storability, texture and eating quality, has cut the time for breeding new varieties to just three years.
Julian Marks
ENTREPRENEURIAL “KISS” Could a fresh flush of farmer entrepreneurialism give agriculture the kiss of life it needs? The Oxford Farming Conference 2016 Research report suggests it could, noting that UK farming is currently significantly less entrepreneurial than many other industries. But the trait can be learned. Entrepreneurial farmers made more profit, according to the 84-page report sponsored by Burges Salmon, but subsidies damped entrepreneurialism, said report co-author Graham Redman of The Andersons Centre. Core to an entrepreneur’s psyche is the drive to welcome change, feed off it and create more. “Most people find change threatening, but entrepreneurs don’t, because change creates opportunity,” Mr Redman added. The report identified six key points for entrepreneurialism: add value; engage with other businesspeople; nurture the core business; create your own opportunities; make better and full use of resources; and try new ideas.
Novel pig pen The innovative and welfare focused 360degree Sow Farrowing Pen, invented by Martin Barker to address high mortality rates experienced with welfare-friendly ‘free farrowing’, has won the OFC/ RASE Practice with Science Award, sponsored by Map of Agriculture. The £10,000 award will further develop the system.
NEW OFC CHAIR
Satellite-managed sea freight has slashed the carbon footprint of imported asparagus for Barfoots of Botley.
Global farmland investment expert Martin Davies, CEO Europe of Westchester Group Investment Management, is the new Chairman of the Oxford Farming Conference. Before joining Westchester he spent 13 years with Cooperative Group Farms and five years on farmland investment projects in Eastern Europe. He was a Nuffield Scholar in 2006.
www.thefarmersclub.com • 09
Bryan Shand • Plant Extracts
Harnessing nature Nature has a powerful armoury of chemicals that can be harnessed to benefit humans, livestock and plants, as Farmers Club member Bryan Shand explains
“The daffodil is truly God’s own chemical factory, offering wide ranging treatments for human health problems, such as Alzheimer’s disease and brain cancer.”
FOR over five decades I have worked with renowned Welsh businessman and pharmacist Sir Roger Jones to develop organic solutions from plants for the benefit of human health and veterinary medicine. Being two British farmers who chose to diversify, we started with the development of natural pyrethrum, extracted from flower structures known as achenes in the flowerhead of the small daisy-like plant Chrysanthemum cinerariaefolium. This was used to control mosquitoes, which can spread such lethal diseases, and led to the development of thermal fogging technology using ground-based machines to apply insecticide to urban areas at dawn, and the application of cold mists dispensed by ground-based ULV (ultra-low volume) machines and from helicopters and fixed wing aircraft to protect semi-naked pilgrims attending the annual Haj gathering in western Saudi Arabia. This concept grew to encompass the ten cities and later the twenty towns in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and thus, the establishment of the Kingdom’s first private insecticide factory in Riyadh.
Agricultural crops More recently, the focus of attention has been on treatment of agricultural crops such as coffee, cocoa, tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, watercress and maize using the natural organic insecticide, pyrethrum, to preserve the status and value of the crop, leaving no insecticidal residues. This is vitally important to advanced countries such as Switzerland, Belgium and
10 • The Farmers Club Spring Journal 2016
Japan, which are justifiably paranoid in requiring zero levels of harmful synthetic pesticides in their finished produce. In the UK we are content to allow these residues to remain, providing they do not exceed the maximum level of residues permitted by the EU. Broadening the use of this natural insecticide has resulted in there being frequent shortage of supply and, to contend with this, AgroPy Ltd has been established in Rwanda as a joint British Rwandan partnership, to formulate organic insecticide for crop protection and public health use. The product portfolio of that factory now encompasses grain protectants, veterinary products, public health insecticides and insect repellents, employing people in sub-Saharan Africa and enhancing the health and welfare of the population of so many countries where malaria is a threat, killing over 1million people per annum in Africa.
Pyrethrum insecticide Following the experiences of Saudi Arabia, we developed mobile veterinary clinics for East Africa based on the long wheel-base Land Rover Defender. The difficulties in getting hard currency payment from certain markets in East Africa led to accepting payment in raw materials. Phytovation Ltd, a factory working to GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) standards, was established in Caernarfon in north-west Wales to process the raw material for the supply of standardised senna to the leaders in the British pharmaceutical industry.
Plant Extracts • Bryan Shand
MRSA busting Recognising opportunities to help solve the problem of MRSA in hospitals, Zoobiotic Ltd was established in Bridgend to prepare sterile maggots for wound treatment in hospitals. This concept is well accepted throughout Europe, however, it is not possible to export from the UK due to the limited shelf life of the maggot, and this led to Zoobiotic taking over the German company, Biomonde GmbH, who had developed in parallel a similar business. Noting the problem with the treatment of diabetic ulcers in the USA, Biomonde built a new production plant in Florida, to supply North America.
Daffodil extracts Meanwhile, Agroceuticals Ltd, was formed to develop a cultivation of daffodils from which galanthamine, narciclasine and other important alkaloids can be extracted. The daffodil is truly God’s own chemical factory, offering wide ranging treatments for human health problems, such as Alzheimer’s disease and brain cancer. The processing plant for extraction of these molecules has been established at Tredegar to fulfil the demand for natural alkaloids emanating from the daffodil. The current 75 acres of production needs to be supplemented by hill farm cultivation, which adds to the income of the farmer, insomuch as sheep will not consume daffodils but will keep the grass down to a level which will not hinder the harvesting of the daffodil crop. Recognising the need to develop new technology to separate the alkaloids, BEW – Bio Extraction (Wales) was formed, eventually merging with Dynamic Extraction to manufacture advanced counter-current chromatographic technology. This system can also be used to retrieve active materials from waste streams, and thus has great potential in the pharma industry (see www.vimeo. com/143812822).
Botanical extraction pioneers – Bryan Shand (left) and Sir Roger Jones. To bring together the interests of the aforementioned companies, Eurorganic Ltd has recently been established. The move towards more high value botanical products will continue at pace as the stream of synthetic products diminishes. The challenges are enormous, but our desire to succeed is not diminished by our age, in the knowledge that we have created a strong team to continue the work with natural active ingredients.
More information: bryan.shand@eurorganic.co.uk www.agroceutical.com www.phytovation.co.uk www.biomonde.com/en www.bioextractions.com
SEMINAR:
Advances in Plant Breeding & Crop Protection Monday 11 April Dr Tina Barsby, CEO of NIAB and John Peck of BASF Continuing the Club’s very successful Monday Evening Seminar Series, Dr Tina Barsby of NIAB and John Peck of BASF will speak on Advances in Plant Breeding and Crop Protection on Monday 11th April in the National Liberal Club.
Tea and coffee is available from 4.30pm, with the seminar commencing at 5pm, chaired by Club Chairman Richard Butler. At 6.30pm a glass of wine will be served. Cost is £25/head. Places can be booked on-line at www.thefarmersclub. com or contact Events Manager, Mrs Lisbeth Rune, events@thefarmersclub.com / 020 7930 3751. If you wish to dine in the Club after the seminar please book a table separately.
www.thefarmersclub.com • 11
Charles Abel • Planning
Rural planning log-jam
Local authority intransigence is hampering the government’s ambitious house-building goals. Charles Abel reports
“A better policy link between central government and local authorities is needed.”
RURAL estates and farms can play a significant part in producing the housing development required to catch up with, and support, the many hundreds of thousands of new dwellings required across the country. But bureaucratic local authorities are not helping.
Many councils have shortages in their five year supply of housing, leaving plenty of scope for good developments, including extensions to towns and villages, and even new hamlets or villages, especially if special selling factors are created, he says.
The planning context set by the Government, with the National Planning Policy Framework from 2012, and subsequent regulations and guidance, is more open to creativity and ‘bluesky thinking’ than since the post-WWII building boom, says Bidwells partner Dan Jones.
Macro-economic and planning factors also favour new employment-generating developments, including rural retail/artisan crafts, wedding and hospitality venues, leisure/ tourism/recreational enterprises, elderly care facilities or commercial working space.
Time to act “Other than in significantly protected areas, where the tenets of protection are unchallengeable, nothing should be off the drawing-board. Government has tried to open the flood-gates as widely as they politically dare and they may be opened wider yet. However, at some point they will gradually be closed again and this intervening period is the time to act.”
Strategic issues But any surge in rural building is being hampered by local authorities, says Charles Baines of Laurence Gould. “Local authorities are at odds with central government, because of strategic issues, like main drain systems, other infrastructure, protecting designated green spaces and stipulations on affordable housing, which can quickly undermine a project’s viability.
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Planning • Charles Abel
“There is still huge bureaucracy,” says Mr Baines. “Even permitted barn conversions are needing legal challenge, so you’ve got to have the stomach for it.” James Fulton at Berrys agrees. “It’s not even vaguely straightforward and a lot depends on where you are. The hoops you jump through and the rates of success we are seeing vary with authority, ranging from 0% to 100%.” “It is happening, but who you partner with needs careful thought too. Developers and promoters are well capitalized, so there are more deals on the table, but assess the implications carefully,” he advises. Soaring costs Local authorities are finding consented landbanks created 10 years ago are no longer deliverable, since land prices and building and materials costs have soared in the interim. That is leading to central government inspectors demanding a fundamental rethink on local plans, so rural opportunities could continue for some time. Policy link Indeed, a better policy link between central government and local authorities is needed, so localism doesn’t prevent infrastructure and resources being matched to the development opportunities, adds John McLarty, head of planning at Strutt & Parker.
Despite the government’s ambitious housebuilding goals planning permission for many rural schemes is proving tough to secure.
Borrowing pressure With at least two poor years on the books, and two more tough years likely, farms are under growing pressure from banks and input suppliers concerned about debt servicing and over-extended credit, noted commentators at the major LAMMA event in Peterborough. So far the risk of negative PR has stifled foreclosures. But more banks are insisting on assets being sold, and seed, agchem, fertilizer and machinery suppliers are all scrutinising bad debt lists. “It feels a bit like a desk of cards – if one pulls the plug it could lead to a lot more,” said Mark Chatterton of Duncan and Topliss. “Some farms have had balance sheets going backwards – with drawings exceeding profits – for two consecutive years. And it’s not just down to farm type, it’s the efficiency of management.” With low prices making economies of scale less appealing farmers need to ask whether it is worth farming every acre, suggested Anderson’s Sebastian GraffBaker. “Are the good parts paying for the poorer acres, and if so is it worth investing in bringing those areas up to average, or would it make more sense to put them into fallow.”
Farmers Club On-line Are you making the most of the Farmers Club on-line? Its website and social media presence could make life easier, as Communications SubCommittee Chairman Allan Stevenson explains: “The Farmers Club website is an essential tool for members to keep in touch with their Club, for news, events and even better to access the members’ area, for making room and events bookings. This is vital for those of us who travel and need to check availability when the Club reception is closed, and is a great help for busy members. Our social media presence is
growing really fast and this gives you a quick link for following the Club on Twitter, or liking us on Facebook, to keep in touch with news, or communicate directly with other members. I recommend all members register on our site which takes less than a minute.” Web: www.thefarmersclub.com @thefarmersclub The Farmers Club Page
www.thefarmersclub.com • 13
Prof John Alliston • Leadership skills
Farming leadership Why is continuing professional development useful? Prof John Alliston of the Royal Agricultural University, Cirencester explains
“Only by engaging with others is it possible to achieve great things” - Lord Henry Plumb.
AGRICULTURE has undergone a massive period of change in the past 20 years and this will continue in the future. It is a necessity for the profitability of individual farmers that agriculture becomes recognised as the all-embracing economy in rural areas, with income from food production now complemented from agri-environmental schemes, non-food crops and animals, agri-tourism, energy production, water and waste management, letting farm buildings and leisure pursuits, to Iist a few. The challenges facing the next generation of farmers are those of shaping and managing these changes in a way that ensures profitability, whilst embracing the needs of taxpayers and government. So what personal attributes will be required?
Windsor leadership Trust Turn to page 4 for details of bursaries to support outstanding candidates on the Windsor Leadership Trust programme.
Firstly, individuals will need a clear and compelling vision for the future of agriculture, and an understanding of what the industry contributes to society. Secondly, they will need a commitment to engage with all those who have an interest in agricultural activities, and a belief that agriculture meets their requirements. In the words of Lord Henry Plumb “only by engaging with others is it possible to achieve great things”. A consideration of the agricultural education system in the UK shows universities and colleges
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recognise the need to develop the personal skills in their students, through peer group presentations, seminars and tutorials, organisation of working schedules and practices, and deadlines to increase their awareness of the benefits of self-discipline. The aim is for students to leave education with a portfolio of evidence, as well as a personality that makes them able to cope with the many issues in the workplace. Educational providers therefore need to maintain and foster close links with industry. On-going training and updating should be an essential part of successful employment. There are many examples of training available, but reference is made here to several well respected opportunities. The Nuffield Farming Scholarship Trust has been going since 1947, with around 20 scholarships now available each year in the UK for agricultural enthusiasts keen to broaden their knowledge and understanding of cultures, and grasp the world’s overall problems by travelling to different countries and listening to great orators and thinkers. Many people have benefitted from ‘the Nuffield experience’ made more informative by the Nuffield worldwide network. As individuals,
Leadership skills • Prof John Alliston
Nuffield scholars come back more confident, more knowledgeable and generally more humble.
draws from all over the UK (except Hants and the surrounding counties).
Young directors and managers can also apply to two Worshipful Company of Farmers courses that recruit every year.
The Institute of Agricultural Management Leadership Development Programme aims to help those already in leadership roles. It has been running every other year since 2002 and has over 80 alumni. The aim is to use predominantly visiting speakers who talk about leadership and engage in debate with the delegates.
The Worshipful Company of Farmers Rural Leadership Course runs, under the tutorage of Richard Soffe and the Duchy College, for two weeks and aims to develop individual personalities by addressing media training and group discussions which help with self-confidence and communication. Additionally, influential visiting speakers cover policy and their own leadership styles. Delegates can share their experiences and develop mentors and friendships that have been demonstrated over time to bring great benefit. One of the strengths of the Worshipful Company of Farmers courses is the inclusion of delegates from around the world. The Worshipful Company of Farmers Advanced Farming Business Management Course has run for a number of years now at the Royal Agricultural University, providing a forum for managers and directors of land based businesses and agri-businesses to share their knowledge and experiences, benefit from lifelong friendships formed and learn about business from a group of specialist practitioners. The learning is through case studies, team-work and a range of visiting speakers.
The delegates spend one week at the Royal Agricultural University, a week in Brussels and a week in London. Alumni are spread throughout the UK, including two Chairmen of AHDB sectors, the Chief Executive of an agricultural society, the Master of the Farmers livery company, Chairmen of the Farmers Club, a High Sheriff, and a Farmers Weekly Farmer of the Year, to name a few. This course is also supported by overseas delegates.
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
The above are a selection of the training that is available. All these courses are supported by charities that feel delegates may need some financial help to cover the expense. Clearly, the industry is well served with opportunities to develop individuals. There is, however, a need for delegates to want to participate, so everyone benefits.
Two other courses provide for young practitioners entering their first managerial roles. The John Edgar Trust, open to delegates from Hampshire and surrounding counties, has been going for many years and now has over 200 alumni. It runs every other year for 12 delegates with a week at the Royal Agricultural University and two weeks at the Grosvenor Hotel, Stockbridge. This course has a particular emphasis on rural and farm businesses. Again team work is used to enable common learning. The Farm Management Development Programme is a similar course in the north of England, hosted by Bishop Burton College, which
Continuous professional development is vital if tomorrow’s farming leaders are to gain the skills they will need to tackle such a fast-changing sector.
www.thefarmersclub.com • 15
Industry insight
Data revolution “Rural broadband issues will be substantially resolved by the end of 2017, which will largely eliminate one of the key barriers that is holding people back from this technology.”
DATA gathering and processing is set to transform British agriculture, delivering far greater benefits than any other upcoming technical innovations, members of the Farmers Club Committee heard from one of the industry’s leading magazine and website editors recently. “You could almost have a recipe for farming success – what is your specialism and your strategy for delivering it, what are the metrics to help you do that, measure them, commit to look at them, and innovate accordingly,” said Karl Schneider, editorial director of Farmers Weekly Group, which includes the website www.fwi. co.uk, farm business management software firm Farmplan and print publications Farmers Weekly, Crops and Poultry World. “If I had one wish to give to British agriculture, to make it more secure and sustainable, more than a short term rise in prices, it would be to change the way it looks at its businesses, so it measures and uses data to inform its decision making,” explained Mr Schneider, a former editor of New Scientist, Computer Weekly and Electronics Weekly. “That is actually the best thing science could give to agriculture, the scientific approach of basing decisions on what the data tells you.”
Decision support tools to handle the terabytes of data accumulating on farm computers would play a pivotal role. But the attitude of mind that accepted data as the driver of decisions was the most important step, he suggested. For example, a smart-phone app could be used to photograph sheep and determine their value, based on their conformation, farm records and local market prices, all in real-time. How a farmer then reacted to that information was key. The most successful, productive, profitable and growing farm businesses, with a clear future, were those that used a scientific, evidence-based approach to decision-making, he asserted. “It is very noticeable that the evidence-based practices that are common in other industry sectors are not as common in agriculture.” More exciting innovations in data manipulation were not yet obvious, he continued. “New technology tends to be used to solve existing problems first, and only then moves on to its true potential. Look at modern telephony. Alexander Graham Bell originally saw it as a great opportunity for those wanting to listen to opera without having to travel. That bears little relation to what it has gone on to become.” Farmers Weekly’s parent company, Reed Business Information, part of global critical-point decision support experts Reed Elsevier, now employs 700 IT staff alongside its 450 journalists to deliver business-enabling information in the most accessible format. 30 years ago there were just four IT experts for a similar number of journalists. Mr Schneider expected rural broadband issues to be substantially resolved by the end of 2017. “That will largely eliminate one of the key barriers that is holding people back from this technology.” Keep up to date with all the latest Farmers Club News at www.thefarmersclub. com and follow us: @thefarmersclub The Farmers Club Page Enthusiastic about technology’s role in farming – Karl Schneider, editorial director of Farmers Weekly Group.
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Events
Summer Events St George’s Day Lunch at Stationers’ Hall Friday 22 April Ian Ritchie is speaker and Guest of Honour at our St George’s Day Lunch in the hugely attractive Stationers’ Hall at 12 for 12:30pm. Ian went to the RFU having previously been CEO of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, and is thus a central figure in much of English sport. Drummonds Bank, under the banner of Nat West, has significantly sponsored our event, which includes pre-lunch drinks, a three-course luncheon with wine, and tea and coffee afterwards. Cost: £80/head.
Royal Highland Show Dinner Wednesday 22 June Our Guest of Honour and Principal speaker at this year’s Eve-of-Show Dinner is Allan Bowie, President of NFUS – a wonderful speaker in the thick of the issues facing farming and land ownership in Scotland. After dinner we will be joined by Professor David Purdie, well respected on the ‘speaking’ circuit as witty and wellinformed. The Loretto School Pipe Band and Dancers will start our evening. Cost: £75/head
Newbur y Races & Wiltshire Estates Balmoral Show Dinner Tuesday 10 May Dr Howard Hastings OBE, MD of Hastings Hotels, Board Member Good Food NI and recently retired Chair of Tourism Northern Ireland, is our Guest of Honour and Speaker at the Club’s Eve-of-Show Dinner in the Presidents Marquee at Balmoral Park. Drinks will be served at 7pm before dinner at 7.30pm. Cost: £55/head.
Thursday 7 and Friday 8 July Club Chairman, Richard Butler, is delighted to offer Club members the chance to see some of the best of his home county of Wiltshire. We will visit Lockinge Estate, managed by Club Chairman of Trustees, Julian Sayers; Ramsbury Estate, which covers 19,000 acres and is being heavily invested in; and, on Friday evening Newbury Races for dinner and viewing the racing from a perfect location. Accommodation is at Mercure Newbury Elcot Park Hotel. Cost will include meals and transport from and to the hotel. Booking form in May Journal.
The Royal Welsh Show Drinks Reception The Royal Bath & West Show Afternoon Tea and Drinks Reception Wednesday 1 June After a long absence the Club returns to the Royal Bath & West Show from 2pm to 6pm on Wednesday 1 June. We will be in the Balcony Suite, ideal for members and guests to drop by and enjoy a cup of tea, a glass of wine and maybe a piece of cake and chat to the Club Chairman. Cost: £20/head.
Monday 18 July Completing the Club’s 2016 Show program, what better place to finish than The Royal Welsh Show, for a drinks reception from 5.00pm to 6.30pm. The end of the Presidents Marquee is the ideal venue to wind down after a long day at this truly unique show. Cost: £15/head.
Other events Brexit Debate (11 April) p7 Plant Science Seminar (27 April) p11 Holland visit (19-22 Sept) p18 London tour (13/15 July) p22
The Royal Cornwall Show Afternoon Tea and Drinks Reception Friday 10 June The Club is planning to hold a reception with afternoon tea and drinks from 4pm to 6pm on Friday 10 June in the President’s Marquee at the Showground, where we will be serving tea, coffee, soft drinks, wine and sweet pastries. Cost: £20/head.
BOOKING Events can be booked using the insert included with this Journal, on-line at www.thefarmersclub.com or contact Events Manager, Mrs Lisbeth Rune, at events@thefarmersclub.com or 020 7930 3751.
www.thefarmersclub.com • 17
Club Tour
Farming Figures A quick look at... the impact of The Prince’s Fund in farming and rural circles... told through a few key statistics
Visit to the Netherlands
19th to 22nd September 2016
500,000
Predicted growth in rural population over coming decade; 800,000 in past decade
7 out of 10
Villages which no longer have a shop
£6million
Grant and emergency funds paid out by the Prince’s Fund in first five years
200
Dairy farms helped by Prince’s Dairy Initiative
£50,000
Funding available for projects supporting rural services; rural enterprise; farm businesses; youth training; and countryside awareness.
1,800
Farms helped to grow by the Fund
£1.65million Funds raised in 2014/2015
52,000 Individuals helped by The Prince’s Fund to improve understanding of the countryside
£369bn
Annual turnover of 486,000 registered rural businesses
12
Fund ambassadors, including Liz Hurley, Phil Vickery, Ben Fogle and Alan Titchmarsh Sources: Prince’s Fund Annual Review 2014/15, www.princescountrysidefund.org.uk
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The Club is very pleased to be able to offer a fascinating visit to the Netherlands this September, organised in conjunction with specialist operator Field Farm Tours. The itinerary, for a group of 35, is: Monday 19th September Lunchtime British Airways flight from London Heathrow to Amsterdam. Transfer to central hotel for three-night stay, with welcome dinner in the hotel and a presentation on Agriculture in Holland. Tuesday 20th September Early visit to Holland Flora Co-operative flower auction, Aalsmeer, heart of the international floriculture sector. Continue to Nieuw Vennep to visit an 80ha arable farm situated 6m below sea level. Crops include potato, sugar beet, onion, grass seed and sunflower. The farm has its own modern GPS equipment and specialist crop storage. Next it is a short transfer to a cheese processing dairy farm, housed in traditional buildings dating from 1740, and winner of the Agricultural Entrepreneur of the Year award in 2009. After taking lunch there we travel to Zoeterwoude-Hoek van Holland for a guided tour of Keringhuis, the public water management information centre, to learn about flood risk management and the
impressive Maeslamt Storm Surge Barrier, the world’s largest moveable barrier. Restaurant dinner. Wednesday 21st September Visit Middenmeer to see Agriport A7, a modern project designed for large scale greenhouse growing and open field crops on the edge of the inland IJssel Lake. Situated in the Wieringermeer Polder visitors cannot fail to be impressed by the glasshouses – up to 50ha and growing to become 100ha or more. Transfer to Middenmeer-Lelystad, over the Weerribdijk:Enkuizen Lelystad road, with sea on both sides. Lunch en-route. In the afternoon we return to Amsterdam for a visit to Anne Frank House and the Van Gogh Museum. Restaurant dinner. Thursday 22nd September Canal cruise in Amsterdam followed by free time and own lunch. Mid-afternoon flight to London. Tour Cost: £922.00 per person (sharing a twin/double room), plus £66.30 airport taxes (subject to change). £130.00 single supplement. To apply for places please contact our Events Manager, Mrs Lisbeth Rune, at events@thefarmersclub. com or 020 7930 3751, by April 7th. A ballot will be held if the tour is over-subscribed.
Chef’s Notes
Inverawe Smokehouses Farmers Club head chef Paul Hogben visited Inverawe in Scotland to discover more about some of the fine British food served in the Club Restaurant INVERAWE Smokehouses at Taynuilt, Argyll, Scotland is a true family business. Started by Robert and Rosie Campbell-Preston in 1974, it passed on to their son Patrick Campbell-Preston in 2014. Smoking is one of the oldest ways of preserving foods. It is a very gentle and natural process, and at Inverawe Smokehouses they have recreated the traditional methods of original smoking kilns as closely as they can. They still use brick kilns and seasoned oak-log fires and plenty of time. The range of foods produced there includes cold and hot smoked salmon, smoked seat trout, smoked mackerel, cods roe, kippers, haddock, eel and mussels, salmon and trout pates, plus venison, duck, hams and chicken. At the Club all of our smoked salmon, trout, mackerel, cod’s roe and eel comes from Inverawe Smokehouse. Beetroot stained smoked salmon (pictured above) and the fish platter (pictured below) are two particularly popular menu items. All fish is brined or cured in salt, using either dry salt or a salt solution. This is an extremely important part of smoking, with 60% of the natural preserving process occurring at this stage.
Sweet-smelling smoke The continual drift of warm, sweetsmelling smoke allows the fish to take up the natural preservatives and flavours of the oak smoke in its own unhurried time. The salmon is ready when the natural fish oil is just beginning to rise to the surface and the skin is easy to peel from the flesh. `Hot smoking` is the complete opposite. The fish is smoked over a low heat, which is gradually increased until the lid is taken off the fire, to finally hot smoke or “roast” the fish. This produces a fully cooked and smoked product. By only using the highest quality raw materials, and valuing the time it takes, Inverawe products continue to have a unique full-bodied, rich taste that sets them apart from other smokehouses. Robert believes that using smaller salmon and the curing process they have carefully devised gives Inverawe smoked products their unique and distinctive flavours.
Smoke boxes used in the traditional smoking kilns (top). Seasonal weather accompanied the journey to Inverawe Smokehouses from Dunblane. To book a table in the Club Restaurant call: 020 7930 3557 option 3 OR email: restaurantmanager@ thefarmersclub.com or asstrestmanager@ thefarmersclub.com Please note that the Restaurant is using the Shaw Room during Project CREST refurbishment works.
Traditional approach The traditional cold smoked fish is `dry cured`, which involves smothering in salt, during which the fillets lose up to 10% of their weight. With hot (roast) smoking, the fish is `wet cured` in a saturated salt solution to take up the salt yet retain enough moisture for the hotter, faster smoking. There are two methods of smoking: `cold smoking` produces traditional smoked salmon, while `hot smoking` cooks the fish to produce a delicate, more meaty texture. In `cold smoking` the fish hang in the brick smoking chambers and are gently smoked over oak-log fires. The firebox is very easy to control, with an adjustable air vent, and the fires are kept going day and night, being stoked every five hours. o The cold smoking process never exceeds 28 C and can take up to two days.
Inverawe smoked fish feature on the Club Restaurant’s popular fish platter.
www.thefarmersclub.com • 19
Mary Bell, Chairman; Charlotte Harris, Vice Chairman; Lisbeth Rune, Secretary • U30s
Chairman’s Jottings I am delighted to have been elected Chairman of the Under 30s for 2016. I would firstly like to thank John Jaques for all his hard work throughout the past year. I am sure my fellow U30 members would agree that John ensured 2015 was an exceptional year, including the Farm Walk on the Isle of Wight and hearing from James Thompson, Farm Director for Sir James Dyson. Of course, none of this would have been made possible without the hugely reliable and efficient support provided by Lisbeth Rune, the U30s secretary. I joined the Farmers Club when I moved to London in 2010 and I’m extremely glad I did! At almost every event I have met someone new, it continues to give me the opportunity to meet like-minded people from similar backgrounds, and the Club really is a home from home and a welcomed sanctuary away from the fast-paced buzz of London. I grew up on a farm in Leicestershire; from a young age I have hunted with the Cottesmore in Rutland, and often get involved in the special events organized by the Addington fund in London. Looking ahead into 2016, following our New Members event at the East India Club, we will have our Spring Dining Evening on Friday 18th March in the Great Hall of Farmers and Fletchers in the City, from 7:30pm. Book tickets online or contact Under 30s Secretary Lisbeth Rune. I have several ideas for Farm Walks and Speakers and look forward to sharing news of our plans and event reports in future issues.
Contact Mary for more information Mary Bell U30 Chairman Job Title: PA to Lord Malloch-Brown Where: Piccadilly, London www.thefarmersclub.com /under-30s marycharlottebell@gmail.com
07538 082517
20 • The Farmers Club Spring Journal 2016
February events The New Members Weekend started with a drinks reception and white/black tie dinner at The East India Club, which was a sell out, with 80 attending. We reflected on highlights of 2015, the Under 30s new logo, representation at main Club events and our inspiring speakers and farm walk hosts. Gratitude and thanks were shown to Lisbeth Rune, who attended with husband Phil, and those leaving the Committee. Our AGM in The Forty Room saw Mary and Charlotte step into their new positions. With standing room only Will Wilson spoke about the 2016 Oxford Farming Conference (see right). A buffet lunch preceded a visit to the Duchess Theatre for A Play that Goes Wrong. Saturday dinner was in a popup restaurant beneath Waterloo Station, 45 of us descending on The Suffolk Punch, a collaboration
between Suffolk Young Producers and ‘VAULT Festival’, which U30s Committee member Emily McVeigh is involved with. I would like to record my thanks to – you for letting me represent The Club and The Under 30s; Lisbeth for all her help at HQ; Mary as a great support; and my partner Fiona for her patience. Finally, a special thank you to my employers, Bidwells, who have offered great support, encouragement and allowed me to embrace this opportunity to the full! We ended with a toast to The Queen, The Farmers Club and The Future of The U30s – it is in great hands to build on our good industry-wide reputation and ever growing support. John Jaques Immediate Past Chairman
2016 Committee We are very pleased to announce that Charlotte Harris has been elected U30s Vice Chairman. Charlotte grew up on a mainly arable farm near Dedham, Essex, which also had a dairy farm and a rare breeds farm, which was open to the public. She moved to London almost five years ago and currently manages the supply chain for a startup food brand based in Westminster. At our AGM we also welcomed three new members to the U30s Committee; Alexandra Day (InterClub Rep), Eleanor Kay and
Hannah Moore. They have joined Mary Bell (Chairman), Charlotte Harris (Vice Chairman), John Jaques (Immediate Past Chairman), Bradley Etchell, Jonny Hawking, Scott Hayles, Eleanor Kay, Emily McVeigh and Kathryn Mitchell who make up the team for 2016. We would like to thank Holly Adams (Inter-Club representative), Beth Hockham (U30s Chairman in 2014) and Jake Pickering, who stepped down from the U30s Committee at our AGM, for all their efforts and contributions to the U30s over the past years.
U30s • Mary Bell, Chairman; Charlotte Harris, Vice Chairman; Lisbeth Rune, Secretary
Worshipful Company
Under 30s Oxford Farming Conference Scholar William Wilson shares his views with members
Bold agriculture In January I joined Under 30s Club Chairman John Jaques at the prestigious Oxford Farming Conference. I had entered the Club’s OFC essay competition with an entry based on the need for agriculture to be ‘More Essex, less Suffolk’. Having just moved from Suffolk to Essex and seen the difference in attitude towards business, I believe, farming needs more Derek Trotters, fewer Brian Aldridges. It’s not often I am nervous before these things – I am hardly a shrinking violet! But there is something about Oxford and the conference, with its history and the calibre of people attending it, which made the journey from Essex quite nerve wracking. Too few entrepreneurs This year the conference was on the theme of bold agriculture. Some had taken this literally through their choice of ties. But for me bold agriculture means opportunity, the ability to find it, react to it, and the drive to grasp it. This was a view reflected across the conference, to different degrees, by other scholars seeking it, academics trying to identify it on paper and farmers trying to grasp it. The politicians, in keeping with tradition, extoled the virtue of opportunity, then evaded any further questions. The first stand-out speakers for me were Graham Redman of The Andersons Centre and Dr Muhammad Azam Roomi, both experts in the study of leadership, who produced an insightful report into the role of the entrepreneur in agriculture.
To the surprise of some their feedback was that as an industry we really aren’t a very entrepreneurial bunch. When you think of the majority of farmers in the UK that makes sense. There are very few who would consider themselves entrepreneurs. “Many farmers are successful business managers, but this doesn’t mean they are entrepreneurial, nor does working long hours, nor taking risks,” Mr Redman said, I agree with this sentiment, though there is obviously some subjectivity in the term entrepreneur.
In January John and Mary were kindly invited, along with their partners (Fiona Norman and Chris Tait), to attend The Worshipful Company of Farmers Annual Banquet as guests of the Company’s current Master Thomas WheatleyHubbard. Held in The Clothworkers Hall it was a privilege for the Chairman and his Vice to represent the U30s at this prestigious dinner and get dressed up in White Tie, fully immersing themselves in the traditions of the event; such as The Loving Cup whilst singing The Farmers Boy. A special thank you goes to Mr Wheatley-Hubbard and all those that welcomed John and Mary on what was a truly memorable evening!
Australian energy The second speaker and the one who really stood out for me was Australian farmer James Walker. A great speaker and a driven farmer in one of the world’s harshest terrains James has shown that with the right attitude you can achieve anything. To paraphrase him: “If I have an idea I sit in front of the phone and make 20 calls until it happens.” The conference was an amazing experience and is already shaping the way I judge opportunity as I hunt it out in day to day life. I would like to thank everyone who attended the conference for being so welcoming, John for looking after me and the Famers Club for their generous sponsorship. If you haven’t been yet, why not? You have several months to make your 20 phone calls. William Wilson Under 30s Oxford Farming Conference Scholar
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, Roddy Loder-Symonds, Sir David Naish DL, John Parker THE COMMITTEE OF MANAGEMENT OF THE CLUB 2015 VICE PRESIDENTS Barclay Forrest OBE, Mark Hudson, Norman Shaw CBE, Mrs Susan Kilpatrick OBE PRESIDENT AND CHAIRMAN Richard Butler TRUSTEES Jimmy McLean, Mrs Nicki Quayle, Julian Sayers (Chairman), Paul Heygate VICE-CHAIRMAN Tim Bennett HONORARY TREASURER George Jessel DL IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIRMAN Anne Chamberlain CHIEF EXECUTIVE AND SECRETARY Stephen Skinner CLUB CHAPLAIN The Reverend Dr Sam Wells COMMITTEE Elected 2014: Allan Stevenson (Chairman – Communications Sub-Committee), Alison Ritchie, Robert Lasseter, Martin Taylor, Campbell Tweed OBE Elected 2015: Tim Bennett, Matt Dempsey, Richard Maunder, Gerald Osborne Elected 2016: Robert Alston, Andrew Brown, Lindsay Hargreaves (Chairman – Membership Sub-Committee), Nick Helme, Peter Jinman OBE (Chairman – House Sub-Committee) Co-opted: Mary Bell (Chairman Under 30s), Charlotte Harris (Vice Chairman Under 30s) THE FARMERS CLUB CHARITABLE TRUST TRUSTEES Stephen Fletcher (Chairman), John Kerr MBE DL, James Cross, Vic Croxson DL, The Chairman and Immediate Past Chairman of the Club (ex officio)
London by Foot, Boat and Coach! The Club is delighted to be able to offer a three day tour of some of the most interesting sites of London – by foot, boat and coach!
conducts two casts including such singers as Lianna Haroutounian and Christopher Maltman in David Bösch’s new production of Verdi’s searing opera.
Using the Club as our base between 13th and 15th July 2016, we will take a boat trip down the Thames to Greenwich and visit the Great Painted Hall and the Royal Observatory and then after lunch in a traditional London pub, we will visit Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. After this day of activity, a special dinner in the Club will be served.
On the final day after breakfast we have the chance to take a walking tour in the Inns of Court – a golden opportunity to get a snapshot of London’s legal history. Finally, before you leave for home, we take lunch at The Old Bank of England Pub on Fleet Street. Again, quite an experience!
The next day, after breakfast, we take a coach to the famous Royal Hospital Chelsea, home of the Chelsea Pensioners, before a short walk to the Chelsea Physic Garden. Lunch will be taken here, in the acclaimed Tangerine Dream Café, before being guided around this unique and special garden, first formed in 1673. We then take a coach back to the Club for a brief rest, before an early supper and a chance to see a very special performance of Il Trovatore at the Royal Opera House. Stealing words from the Royal Opera House’s website: Gianandrea Noseda
The cost is expected to be around £420.00 per person (excluding accommodation). To give an indication of potential numbers, please contact our Events Manager, Mrs Lisbeth Rune, at events@thefarmersclub. com or on 020 7930 3751 to register your contact details with us by April 7th. Once we have final costs we will get back to you, to see whether you wish to proceed. A ballot will be held if the tour is over-subscribed. Of particular note I must say that this tour, as the title implies, involves a reasonable degree of walking and thus, if you do struggle to get from a to b, please do consider whether this tour really is for you.
Club Closures NEXT ISSUE The SUMMER issue of the Farmers Club Journal is due out in mid-May, with all the latest news, including reports from the Club’s own BREXIT Debate featuring Owen Paterson and Peter Kendall, the Plant Science seminar, Pinnacle Awards for business management and the Club tour to Chile.
22 • The Farmers Club Spring Journal 2016
The Club is closed from 12 noon Thursday 24th March to 3pm Tuesday 29th March 2016. Members may still 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 will be available.
Club Information • The Farmers Club Deaths It is with regret that we announce the death of the following members: Mr J Beckett Shropshire Mr A Goddard Hertfordshire Mr J Godfrey CBE Lincolnshire Mr P Kemp OBE Yorkshire Mr P Koopmann Switzerland Mr R Leonard Sussex Mr H Lowe Dorset Mr A Macdougall Sussex Mr R Matson Shropshire Mr G Paterson MBE Norfolk Mr J Roberts Shropshire Mr M Stickland Kent Mr J Wrisdale Lincolnshire Mr E Yates Dorset
Under 30s
New Members The following were elected: UK Members Mr D Barton Mr R Borton Mr A Bowkett Mr M Boynton Mr E Buckland Mr J Burke Mr H Clark Mr J Docker Mr E Downie Mr S Gibbons Ms A Handford Mr M Hanson Mr B Harding Mr A Harris Mr J Hill Mr J Hollis Mr C James Mr M Lohoar Dr C Looker Mrs K Mayne Mr D McCutchan Mr W Mordan Mr N Padwick Mr R Pearson-Wood Mr J Pinsent Mrs M Pykett Mr G Redman Mr G Rees Miss H Reid Mr C Roach Mr A Robinson Miss A Shropshire Mr A Sykes Mr P Waberski Mr M Warriner Mr D Whattoff Mr O Wheatcroft Mr W Wild
Miss F Wolfe
Overseas Mr R Vowles
Mr C Alexander
Cambridgeshire
Mr M Attwood
Kent
Miss E Borton
Cornwall
Miss A Chapman
Hertfordshire
Miss C Chapman
Hertfordshire
Mr W Corrigan
Somerset
Miss M Jary
Norfolk
Mr H Moore
Leicestershire
Mr W Pelton
London
Mr S Read
Wiltshire
Miss H Sylvester
Suffolk
Mr J Thompson
Kent
Mr N Wade
London
Miss M Wadey
Somerset London
Romania
Warwickshire
Forty Club Mr P Stiles
Kent
Whitehall Court Mr J Bruno
London
Mr A Clarkson
London
Corrections Sincere apologies to the following new members, who were incorrectly listed in the last Journal. Their correct details are: Special Associate
Rt Revd L Lane, Bishop of Stockport
3 Whitehall Court, London SW1A 2EL
Suffolk
Mrs K House
Rt Revd Dr J Gibbs, Bishop of Huddersfield
Over 170 years of service to farming
Overseas
Miss H Hargreaves
Lord William Yarmouth Gloucestershire Cornwall Cambridgeshire Herefordshire Cornwall Yorkshire Yorkshire Northamptonshire Suffolk Kent Hampshire Yorkshire Buckinghamshire Shropshire Oxfordshire Kent Buckinghamshire Cambridgeshire Cambridgeshire Shropshire Sussex Berkshire Norfolk Kent Devon Buckinghamshire Leicestershire Hampshire Hampshire Yorkshire Yorkshire Buckinghamshire Wiltshire Leicestershire Warwickshire Northamptonshire Nottinghamshire Suffolk
Club Contacts THE FARMERS CLUB
Yorkshire
Cheshire
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. 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. However, the Club is pleased to be able to offer all its members discounted parking with Q-Park, our preferred parking partner. Discounts of 20% are available on the day and on prebookings. The nearest Q-Park is situated in Spring Gardens off Cockspur Street, approximately 5 minutes walk from the Club. Details of this can be obtained by phoning the Club Reception on 020 7930 3557 or by visiting the website at: http://www.thefarmers club.com/news/parking -5-mins-from-club
Chairman 2016: Richard Butler
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 Option 3 restaurantmanager@thefarmersclub.com or asstrestmanager@thefarmersclub.com Conference & Banqueting Liza Keoshgerian 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 Financial Controller Zarreena Neeson ext: 106 or direct line: 020 7925 7101 financialcontroller@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 No film or film processing chemicals were used. Printed on Lumi Silk which is ISO 14001 certified manufacturer. FSC® Mix Credit. Elemental chlorine free (ECF) fibre sourced from well managed forests
Business Suite The Business Suite provides PCs, printing and WiFi for members. WiFi WiFi is available throughout the Club at no charge.
www.thefarmersclub.com • 23
Farmers Club
Events
Apply for tickets online or using forms included with the relevant Journal Advances in Plant Breeding & Crop Protection Monday 11th April Club Seminar in National Liberal Club, 5pm – Expert speakers on crop production and plant breeding technology. See p11 for more details. Book on-line or contact Events.
L L U F
Modern Garden Exhibition
Friday 15th April Private lecture, lunch in Club and transfer to Monet to Matisse exhibition Application form in Winter issue
St George’s Day Lunch Friday 22nd April Lunch at Stationers’ Hall with guest speaker Ian Ritchie, CEO of Rugby Football Union. See p17 for more details. Application form enclosed.
Royal Cornwall Show Friday 10th June Afternoon tea and drinks reception at the show. See p17 for more details. Application form enclosed.
Royal Highland Show Dinner Wednesday 22nd June Dinner on the eve of the show with guest speaker Allan Bowie, President NFUS. See p17 for more details. Application form enclosed
Club lunch with NFU President Tuesday 5th July Details to be confirmed
Wiltshire Tour & Newbur y Races Thursday 7th – Friday 8th July Visits to key farming estates and Newbury Races. See p17 for more details.
London by foot, boat and coach Wednesday 13th/Friday 15th July See p22 for more details.
Royal Welsh Show Reception Monday 18th July Drinks reception on the showground See p17 for more details. Application form enclosed.
Visit to Holland BREXIT – UK Agriculture Better In or Out? Wednesday 27th April Club Seminar in the Royal Horseguards Hotel, 5-7pm. Owen Paterson and Kate Hoey for “out”; Peter Kendall and George Lyon for “in”. See p7 for more details.
Ulster Show Dinner Tuesday 10th May Dinner on showground with Dr Howard Hastings of Good Food NI speaking See p17 for more details. Application form enclosed.
Monday 19th – Thursday 22nd September Farming and cultural visits around Amsterdam. See p18 for more details.
Har vest Festival Ser vice Tuesday 11th October Service at St Martin-in-the-Fields and supper at Club after. Bookings open later in 2016.
New Year’s Eve Supper Party Saturday 31st December Supper party in the Club. Bookings open later in 2016.
Royal Bath & West Show Wednesday 1st June Afternoon tea and drinks reception at the show. See p17 for more details. Application form enclosed.
L L FU Swan Lake Ballet
Friday 3rd June Supper at Club and coach transfer to magnificent Swan Lake
Events online Details of all Club events are constantly updated in the Events section of the website www.thefarmersclub.com/events where tickets are easy to book. 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. Book online at www.thefarmersclub.com/accommodation
Farmers Club SPRING 2016 • ISSUE 261
www.thefarmersclub.com
INSIDE Innovations p8 Plant power p10 Property issues p12 Training p14 Karl Schneider p16 Summer events p17 Chef’s notes p19 U30s AGM p20
INSERTS Summer Shows Secretary’s Fund
Brexit debate – exclusive Club event to consider implications of EU referendum
www.thefarmersclub.com for the latest Club news