Farmers Club NEW YEAR 2018 • ISSUE 272
www.thefarmersclub.com
INSIDE Policy pointers p8 House of Lords p10 175th Anniversary Celebrations p12 Robots coming p14 Time Out view p15 Landscaping p16 Field-based IT p17 Dairy prices p18 Golf schedule p18 Chef’s page p19 Under 30s data quest p21 INSERTS Churchill War Museum & The Household Cavalry Museum Saint George’s Day Luncheon
Herefordshire Chairman Peter Jinman Chairman of the Club for 2018 (p6)
www.thefarmersclub.com for the latest Club news
Farmers Club Serving the farming industry for 175 years 3 Whitehall Court, London SW1A 2EL Patron – Her Majesty The Queen
Contents
FRONT COVER Chairman Peter Jinman and his wife Gill have a dynamic programme of events planned for the Club year in 2018, including visits to Norway and the Isle of Man. Photography: Minna Rossi www.minnarossi.com 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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3 Chairman’s Comments
A preview of the Chairman’s programme for 2018
4 Club News
175th Anniversary Dinner crowns a busy two months leading up to the Christmas & New Year break
6 Herefordshire veterinarian is 2018 Chairman Peter Jinman is Chairman of the Club for 2018, as well as being a rural restaurant owner near the Welsh border
8 Farm policy pointers from histor y
12
As the 70th anniversary of the 1947 Agriculture Act is marked, experts share their views on future policy prospects
10 Member briefing at House of Lords Luncheon John Dunning received the 2017 Farmers Club Cup and Booker CEO Charles Wilson shared his views on the supply chain
12 175th Anniversar y Celebration
A wonderful celebratory dinner marked the 175th anniversary of the formation of The Farmers Club
14 Robots are coming
17
Automation is finding a growing role on farms
15 Food as recreation
Time Out chief executive Julio Bruno shared his vision of food’s role in the global entertainment industry
16 Landscaper’s view
Fascinating insight into how landscapers can shape our view
17 Field-based IT
On-farm digital decision-making is edging ever closer
18 Dair y profits and losses in figures
18
Disastrously low milk prices have abated – what did we learn?
18 Golf schedule
Golf Society report and fixtures list for 2018
19 Chef ’s page
How history inspired amazing 175th Anniversary dinner menu
21 Under 30s data focus
Capturing the plethora of data now generated on farms and turning it to good use is set to bring newfound efficiencies
22 Club Information and Contacts 02 • The Farmers Club New Year Journal 2018
Chairman’s Comments • Peter Jinman possible and making the club a ‘home-from-home’ and not just overnight accommodation in London! While still awaiting a response from the Secretary of State as to when he can visit we nonetheless are forging ahead with designing a programme to ensure both cultural and farming needs are met, and mindful of William Shaw’s founding words: ‘a gathering place for farmers, which could also serve as a platform, from which would go out to England news of all that was good in farming, with reports of any discussions about those things that needed to be done.”
Chairman’s Comments “All involved in farming, food and related businesses need a clear strategy. Given that, they can, and will, deliver.”
AS each new chairman takes on the honour of the chairmanship, and with the advent of the New Year, there is always a little looking back to be done, as well as teasing the membership with the offers of what is to come. It will not always be possible to select the speaker at the House of Lords lunch to so fortuitously match a major political, business or scientific announcement as happened in 2017. The morning’s business media ‘feeding’ frenzy at the news of the Booker/Tesco merger had barely subsided when CEO Charles Wilson’s eloquent delivery burst forth, thankful of release, on the waiting ears of the surrogate public of the club’s membership and guests. Whilst last year’s chairman, Tim Bennett, might finish his year with a hangover from the New Year’s eve party and fireworks, and whilst still recovering from the December celebratory dinner event to mark the 175th birthday of the club, it seemed appropriate to recall that the year-end also marked the completion of the first full year since the extensive remodelling of the club facilities in Whitehall Court, not just Project Crest but also the continuing bedroom refurbishments. Membership approval Members have shown their approval by the increased use of the Restaurant, Bar, function rooms and bedroom accommodation. Last year was also the first full year for the Club Secretary and to him and his team our thanks must go for making it all
Farming and cultural programme Of course the more parochial view of just being England has long since passed and the visits planned to the major agricultural shows in all four countries of the United Kingdom will be complemented by visits to the major horticultural shows at Chelsea and Hampton Court, the club having obtained tickets for which I suspect a ballot may well have to take place. The evening lectures will perhaps reflect the interests of the chairman and have a flavour of science, education and occasionally humour, not to mention food and of course the occasional intake of wine, and after the successful trip last year to the Douro, port. The plan to visit Newmarket later in the year should also appeal to those whose interests are more in tune with those of the modern day ‘sport of kings’. European Union exit It would not be possible to write comments at the present time without mentioning the UK exit from the European Union, and it is hoped that the planned trips to both the Isle of Man and to Norway may give insight into farming and farmers outside the Common Market. Indeed, the promised new Agriculture Bill will form the basis for agriculture for the next twenty or more years, and perhaps a look back at the 1947 Act might be salutary in terms of what it set out as its aims. Notably, the headings of the sections may be the same, even if the contents of them will differ; section 1. Provisions for securing efficient agricultural production and proper agricultural conditions; section 10, Good estate management; section 11, Good husbandry. Perhaps the heading of Part 1, Guaranteed Prices and Assured Markets, will not be reappearing! The key is that all involved in farming, food and related businesses need a clear strategy. Given that, they can, and will, deliver. The strategy for the club remains clear and will follow the words of William Shaw, and whilst the debate 175 years ago was for there to be created a position of Minister of Agriculture, today the debate is as to clarity of direction that the leaders of the nation take us, mindful that production of food needs planning and time, even in today’s instant ‘click-of-a-mouse’ society.
www.thefarmersclub.com • 03
Andrei Spence • Club News
Club News Busy winter months as Club celebrates 175 years
fortunate to be addressed by Mr Charles Wilson, CEO of Booker (and club member) at a particularly interesting time for the food supply industry during the Brexit negotiations and beyond. Mr Wilson was good enough to take questions from the floor (see page 10). At the House of Lords Lunch 2017 Chairman Tim Bennett announced the winner of the Farmers Club Cup, awarded to the person who, in the General Committee’s opinion, has made an enduring and significant contribution to the agricultural sector. The 2017 winner was John Dunning, a well-known club member, hill sheep and beef farmer and rural entrepreneur whose great foresight created the farm-fresh motorway services concept at Tebay, now expanded further south to Gloucester services. Our congratulations to John on this award. In November the Under 30s held their winter dining evening, which was again well attended. It is very good to see the younger wing of our club membership being so active in both their agricultural events as well as their social gatherings.
The annual House of Lords lunch – well attended as ever What an amazing few months we have just experienced, with the Club as busy as ever throughout November and December, especially with the 175th Anniversary Celebrations – highlighted by the special wrap-around front cover for this issue of your Journal. The Anniversary Dinner itself was a resounding success, with the Club packed to celebrate 175 years since its inception. Our inspirational guest speaker was Lord Taylor of Holbeach, Government Chief Whip in The House of Lords, who followed a very well received address from 2017 Chairman Tim Bennett. For a full report turn to pages 12+13 and for an insight into the historical basis for Chef’s amazing menu see page 19.
Earlier in November the club held its latest Monday evening lecture in the run up to the General Committee meetings. We were privileged to welcome club member Mr Julio Bruno, CEO of Time Out Group, who gave a hugely entertaining and interesting talk before staying on to answer questions from the audience (see p15). November also saw the Ladies lunch, and the House of Lords lunch. The former was addressed by Club member and masterelect of the Worshipful Company of Farmers Rosie Carne (see page 11). The following day, 120 members made their way to the Cholmondeley room of the House of Lords and enjoyed a fine meal, in unparalleled surroundings and were very
Tennis Evening Club members enjoyed a spectacular evening of Champions Tennis at the Royal Albert Hall in December, with exclusive coach transfer to and from the venue following supper in The Club. Players on the evening included former World Number One Marat Safin and previous British Number One Greg
04 • The Farmers Club New Year Journal 2018
Rusedski. “It was a delightful evening, with a deliciously cooked supper at the Club, courteously served, and a very comfortable coach journey through the Christmas illuminations,” reflected one of the party. “The tennis was great fun, with very good seats for seeing all the detail close up!”
On this note, the Under 30s Chairman, Charlotte Harris, and I made a trip to Harper Adams University to address a large audience of undergraduate and post-graduate students and teaching staff to explain the role of the club, its Pinnacle awards and the Charitable Trusts bursaries, and its broader relevance as a fulcrum of agricultural debate and experience across the sector. We aim to do something similar in the New Year at a different educational establishment. The year ended with those lucky enough to have come out of the ballot, looking forward to the New Year’s Eve Supper party. For those I did not see before the Christmas break, I pass the very best wishes of all the team here at your club, and of course my own for a peaceful, enjoyable and prosperous year in 2018.
Club News • Andrei Spence
New Committee Members I am pleased to announce that Ian Bell of Rutland has been elected to the General Committee. Ian had a practical farming career before becoming CEO of the Addington Fund. He was awarded an OBE in 2009 for services to farming families and will be a great addition to the General Committee. Also re-elected were Reverend Gerald Osborne of Wiltshire and Matt Dempsey of Co Kildare.
Gerard Crossan Marks 30 Years
Club Calendar Diary Dates See Events section of Club website (www.thefarmersclub.com) for more details, or contact Administrator Anita Kaur 020 7930 3751 extn 103 e-mail: administrator@thefarmersclub.com FEBRUARY Under 30s New Members Dinner & AGM Friday 9th - Sunday 11th February 2018 Speaker TBA. Bookings via website Carmen
Young Gerry started out in life attending Theological College in Ireland. Following this he worked at Prince of Wales Hotel and then embarked on the great move to London, the big smoke. On arrival, the Market Tavern in Covent Garden beckoned, where he spent a short stint before realising that The Farmers Club was way more suitable. To set the scene it was 1987; the year when Margaret Thatcher was re-elected, Ronald Reagan was President, the Great Storm occurred, the tragic Kings Cross fire took place and Terry Waite was kidnapped in Lebanon. Amongst all this turmoil, one of the top films was Beverly Hills Cop II and Faith by George Michael topped the charts… just a few select moments. And so it was, that on 18th November 1987 another historical moment took place, but this time for The Farmers Club. The arrival of a young man called Gerry in his twenties who became a waiter in the Club Dining Room, as it was officially known then, and where Gerry has spent the past 30 years serving members of The Farmers Club, being promoted to Senior Waiter en-route. Over the years he has heard many a club story, listened to many a member tale and holds many a member secret…! In addition of course, he has seen the huge developments in the Club over the past four years and now serves in a Restaurant very different to where he started all those years ago.
Under 30s Spring Dining Evening Friday 23rd March Speaker TBA Churchill War Museum
APRIL Monday Evening Lecture Monday 16th April Speaker TBA
St George’s Day Lunch
Churchill War Museum & The Household Cavalr y Museum Friday 20th April Application form included in this Journal
St George’s Day Lunch Tuesday 24th April Lunch in Club with guest speaker Henry Blofeld Application form included in this Journal Balmoral Show Dinner
MAY Club Visit to Isle of Man Wednesday 9th - Friday 11th May 2018 Details to follow
Balmoral Show Dinner Tuesday 15th May Chelsea Flower Show
Details to follow
Chelsea Flower Show – FULL Tuesday 22nd May
Royal Highland Show
JUNE Club Visit to Norway, Bergen Monday 11th - Thursday 14th June 2018 Details to follow
Royal Highland Show Dinner Wednesday 20th June
Gerry was presented with Farmers Club Glass Tumblers and the last surviving bottle of Club Whiskey at the Committee & Team Christmas Lunch. At the Committee & Team Christmas Lunch in December, the Chairman thanked him on behalf of all Club members for his loyal service.
MARCH Carmen, Royal Opera House – FULL Friday 16th March
Speaker TBA. Details to follow
Hampton Court
JULY Hampton Court Friday 6th July
www.thefarmersclub.com • 05
Charles Abel • Chairman Profile
Livestock focus for new Club Chairman Our chairman for 2018 has an eventful year planned at the Club. Charles Abel introduces Peter Jinman OBE, FRAgS
VETERINARY surgeon Peter Jinman OBE of Ewyas Harold in the far south-west of Herefordshire is chairman of The Farmers Club for 2018. He brings a wealth of experience of the livestock sector, especially veterinary medicine, and a deep insight into governmental affairs and food provenance. Born and educated in Warwickshire he graduated from London University’s Royal Veterinary College and initially worked in Broadway in Worcestershire before moving to Herefordshire where he eventually became senior partner in a mixed general practice, before standing down to become President of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and subsequently setting up a consultancy VCS Ltd with four other veterinary surgeons, providing independent veterinary advice, especially in the areas of expert witness, dispute resolution and independent investigation. He is currently the independent chairman of Defra’s Farm Animal Welfare Committee and trustee of the Addington Fund. He was previously President of the British Veterinary Association, a non-executive director of Assured Food Standards (Red Tractor) and a lay member of the House of Commons Standards Committee. Besides chairing his local parish council, he is also a Councillor on Herefordshire Council, a unitary authority. He received an OBE for services to the veterinary profession in 2004. The Temple Bar Inn He runs a small-holding with his wife Gill, a retired midwife, and owns an award-winning pub and restaurant, The Temple Bar Inn, an imposing 1850s building a stone’s throw from the Welsh Borders and the Black Mountains. Their younger daughter, Phillippa, is the head chef and manager who with her partner David, a farmer’s son, runs the recently refurbished pub, restaurant and B&B. The weekly changing restaurant menus reflect the family passion to provide customers with consistently good seasonal food from locally grown/produced ingredients where possible, which are then freshly prepared and cooked to order.
“The Club has been a fantastic place for me, and I want it to be so for the next generation, and the generation after that.” 06 • The Farmers Club New Year Journal 2018
Food quality, and food provenance, are particularly close to Peter’s heart, reflected in his recent appointment as chairman of the advisory board of Happerley, a provenance organisation that aims to help farmers, food producers and businesses across the UK halt the erosion of the premium and value of responsibly produced food. Peter and Gill’s elder daughter, Charlotte, is a primary school teacher married to David, a farmer and agricultural engineer who helped with the Inn refurbishment and whose cattle are often the source of the beef roasts featuring on the Inn’s Sunday lunch menu. They have three children. Henry, Peter and Gill’s son, describes himself as a business nomad, in that his office is wherever
Chairman Profile • Charles Abel
Award-winning: The Temple Bar Inn, Ewyas Harold, West Herefordshire.
his laptop computer happens to be, as his entrepreneurial world is that of the development of online businesses either working on his own or with others. Club plans Having been the chairman of the House Committee during the development and implementation of the refurbishment of the Club he has made it clear that it will be an honour to be the chairman and be able to welcome members and friends to the prestigious club and to act as host for the events that are planned for his year. Whilst the scientific livestock side of farming has been his main concern he is mindful of the many interests of members and intends to provide a breadth of opportunity to experience all that is best of British farming and food with a side order of culture, science and of course entertainment. One of the highlights of Peter’s year as chairman will be a study tour to Norway, planned for May/ June. “I think it will be very interesting to take a
closer look at what farming outside the EU and the Common Agricultural Policy looks like. Norwegian farmers have been living with a separate support system and a separate way of engaging with the single market, so it should be fascinating to see and hear first-hand of the pluses and minuses”. A contrasting visit in the spring nearer home to the Isle of Man may bring back memories for some ‘old’ Young Farmers! A visit to the Newmarket area of Suffolk is also planned for September where the background to the Sport of Kings will allow an insight, before spending money with the bookmakers!
2018 Chairman Peter Jinman
Reflecting on his election as Chairman Mr Jinman recalls the time many years ago when reading Fream’s Elements of Agriculture at University. “Little did I think then that I would one day become chairman of The Farmers Club. This has been a fantastic place for me, and I want it to be so for the next generation, and the generation after that.”
www.thefarmersclub.com • 07
Charles Abel • Farm Policy
End of an era? New Agriculture Act looks set to end a century of protectionism
Agriculture Act 2019 As battle rages to put farming front and foremost in the (2019) Agriculture Act, the Farmers Club hosted a meeting to consider some historical policy pointers. Charles Abel reports
FARM POLICY POINTERS • Pent up demand for structural change • Predictability drives efficiency • Protectionism ending • Policy focus has shifted from managing food supply, to managing farms, to managing resources • World trade and currency can over-ride policy • Policy updating essential
LAST year was pivotal for farm policy. It marked a hundred years since the 1917 Corn Production Act and 70 years since the 1947 Agriculture Act – both of which protected farm incomes by guaranteeing commodity prices. 2017 also marked a huge intensification in the battle over the state’s role in the economic functioning of the agricultural sector post-Brexit. With so much at stake the timing was perfect for economists and historians to examine pointers from the past at an event organised by the British Agricultural History Society. Significantly, past policy had transformed food security, noted Dr Paul Brassley of Essex University. After the repeal of the Corn Laws in 1846 the UK had become the world’s biggest food importer, importing 80% of its wheat, 70% of its cheese and bacon, two-thirds of its butter and a third of its beef by 1914, prompting Sir Thomas Elliott, Permanent Secretary to the Board of Agriculture, to supposedly comment that British agriculture was dying and the government’s role was to give it a decent burial.
08 • The Farmers Club New Year Journal 2018
Two World Wars changed all that, prompting a drive for greater food self-sufficiency, initially through the 1917 Corn Production Act, various other policies and then the 1947 Agriculture Act. By 1984, with the added impetus of the EU’s CAP regime, UK food self-sufficiency peaked at 82%, up from 33% in 1939. Whilst some said the 1947 Act “feather-bedded” farmers, the reality was that it provided a quarter century of stability. The value of such predictability was a recurring theme of the conference. Efficiency and productivity gains were best realised when policies gave farmers certainty, allowing them to adapt management and reallocate resources and capital with confidence. Massive restructuring But the 1947 Act also precipitated massive restructuring, noted Professor David Harvey of Newcastle University. In real terms commodity prices remained static, but costs shot up, especially rents, inputs and labour. Farms responded by specialising and intensifying, sounding the death knell of
Farm policy • Charles Abel traditional, mixed enterprises, and leading to farm amalgamations and a dramatic contraction of the farm labour force. Furthermore, UK agriculture had only been in profit for three years since 1947 – if all costs are considered, including realistic rental values and fully costed labour. Further dramatic restructuring, prevented by EU support, was now long overdue. “It is clear that there is pent up demand for restructuring, so maybe a lump sum to facilitate exit where it is desired would make sense.” Policy baggage Indeed, the industry carried the baggage of a century of policy dependency, which future policy needed to unravel. Policy had shifted from supporting food supply, to protecting and supporting farmers, and was now moving towards protecting resources, he noted. “An agricultural policy is an anachronism. What is needed is a policy that fixes market failures, and past policy failures, and looks after the environment and scarce natural resources.” How those public services were to be delivered, and incentivised, was the heart of the debate. But farm profitability was also subject to factors beyond policy. Monitoring world trade and currency fundamentals was crucial. They often over-rode policy, as during the UK’s 1973 EU accession. Soaring farm-gate prices were attributed to the Common Market, prompting a surge in confidence, driving investment and restructuring. In reality the Soviet’s ‘great grain robbery’, on the back of poor harvests at home and the OPEC oil crisis, caused the spike.
Radical restructuring on the cards – Prof David Harvey, University of Newcastle
Many UK farmers felt “here come the good times” and invested hugely in restructuring, only to discover EEC protectionism delivered far less of a profit boost than the brief world price rise. “It probably took more than 20 years for that over-investment to work itself out of the farming system,” noted Dr Harvey.
BRITISH AGRICULTURAL HISTORY SOCIETY
But elements of trade policy could react quickly, such as when the 1932 Ottawa Agreement switched trade preference to Empire countries only. The sheer complexity of bi-lateral agreements with third countries was enormous. But within two years negotiations were complete, with eggs, for example, subject to seven different rates of duty according to type. The relevance, in the context of Brexit, was clear. Policy updates Dr Brassley lamented the deficit of on-going deliberation in policy. “Too much is constructed to solve the immediate problems of the time, but has long-run hang-overs, because it is not updated,” he stressed. The CAP’s lethargy in responding to production surpluses was a case in point, as were support payments compensating farmers for changes made many years ago. “UK agriculture can survive, because what else are you going to do with most of the land,” Dr Harvey summarised. “But can most of the farms survive? Almost certainly not. The structure of the industry will change, just as it did after the 1947 Agriculture Act. Farms can survive, but they need to know the rules of the game, which are probably going to take five years to come to fruition.”
Predictable policies drive investment – Dr Paul Brassley, University of Essex
BAHS promotes the study of agricultural history and the history of rural economy and society. www.bahs.org.uk OTHER FACTORS Devolution means an increasingly un-level playing field will be felt across the UK, as food, farm and rural policies are tailored to local needs, noted Dr Alan Greer of the University of the West of England, Bristol. But delivering that flexibility through an over-arching framework made sense. “It is just ironic that when CAP is moving to that greater national flexibility, the UK is leaving.” The voice of farm workers, although now much diminished, needed hearing too, noted Dr Nicola Verdon of Sheffield Hallam University, not least because of serious concerns over access to farm labour.
“The structure of the industry will change, just as it did after the 1947 Agriculture Act.”
www.thefarmersclub.com • 09
Charles Abel • House of Lords Luncheon
Farmers Club Cup winner John Dunning (centre), 2017 Club Chairman Tim Bennett (right) and Booker CEO Charles Wilson.
House of Lords Luncheon Club members enjoyed a special House of Lords Luncheon earlier this winter. Charles Abel reports 120 members made their way to the Cholmondeley Room of the House of Lords to enjoy a fine meal in unparalleled surroundings courtesy of our host the Duke of Montrose. Before lunch the Farmers Club Cup was presented and the meal was followed by a profoundly insightful address from Charles Wilson, Chief Executive of Booker Group. The Farmers Club Cup is awarded each year to the person who, in the General Committee’s opinion, has made an enduring and significant contribution to the agricultural sector. This year’s recipient was entrepreneurial Cumbrian farmer John Dunning, a well-known member of the Farmers Club. Club Chairman Tim Bennett highlighted John’s background as a hill sheep and beef farmer and his considerable foresight in developing the farmfresh motorway retail concept at Tebay Services on the M6 in Cumbria, now expanded to Gloucester Services on the M5 too. “Quite apart from recognising the innovative and diversifying nature of John’s business, the award reflects the support it renders to the wider agricultural community in both these geographical areas, in terms of food production and its provenance and quality, plus support to small 10 • The Farmers Club New Year Journal 2018
business suppliers, including over 200 local farmers who supply the businesses, employment in the local communities and investing large in charitable works locally,” Mr Bennett commented. “The pillars of business innovation, support of agriculture and the wider community are exemplars that have been nurtured, developed and championed by John over many years – his contribution to the wider sector has been outstanding and has included his past association and service on many committees from CLA, NFU, National Park and Countryside Commission, amongst others, and this award rightly recognises that contribution”. Broader-based economy Accepting the award Mr Dunning noted DEFRA Secretary of State Michael Gove’s intent to manage farming increasingly strongly for conservation purposes, especially in the uplands. “I agree with that, in principle, but the uplands need to be managed for the development of a broader-based economy too,” he said, “or else it will fail.” Mr Bennett also paid warm tribute to Lord Henry Plumb, who recently retired from the House of Lords, thanking him for all he had done for the industry over the years, to warm applause. “It is
House of Lords Luncheon • Charles Abel
Lord Henry Plumb of Coleshill DL FRAgS
SIX HATS AT LADIES LUNCH
Knighted in 1973, made a Life Peer in 1987, President of the European Parliament (19871989) and President of the National Farmers’ Union (1970-1979) Lord Plumb defended and enhanced agriculture’s interests with intelligence, guile and a human touch. His valedictory speech to the House of Lords demonstrated his deep understanding of the issues facing the sector and a statesmanship that will be sorely missed. At 92 he continues to be involved with the industry, especially through the work of the Henry Plumb Foundation with young people and mentors. His exceptional career was celebrated at a dinner in The Farmers Club with friends, family and Foundation trustees in November.
At a splendid ladies Lunch hosted by the 2017 Club Chairman’s wife, Mrs Sue Bennett, recently-retired Club member Rosie Carne stepped in at short notice when the planned speaker was unable to attend, writes Julie Abel. Using the Edward de Bono method of six creative thinking hats Rosie took us to:
www.thehenryplumbfoundation.org.uk
salutary that Henry was the UK’s first President of the European Council, and was probably its last,” Mr Bennett noted.
1 million who died of starvation and malnutrition. Government would address such issues through policies applied to the food industry, he noted.
After lunch Charles Wilson, son of former Farmers Club chairman Eric Wilson, provided a fascinating insight into the future of the UK food supply chain, speaking on the very day the proposed £3.7bn merger between Tesco and Booker gained provisional regulatory approval.
Technology would play a huge role. Artificial intelligence was just around the corner, promising smarter robotics, as well as producing burgers in petri dishes and human-consumption insect protein at affordable prices.
“I have been a member of the Farmers Club since I was 12 years-old, and used to work on my uncle’s farm, and I have to say working at Booker is not as hard,” he commented.
Environmental sustainability was important too, with Booker being the first business to comply with all four of the Carbon Trust’s standards for reducing carbon emissions, waste output, water use and zero waste to landfill.
Booker had been in the food supply trade since 1835, so had seen many changes, most recently reversing a decline in sales to post a £5.3bn and rising turnover, ranking it 120th on the FTSE 100.
He felt Booker’s wholesale skills, combined with Tesco’s retail strength, would give consumers the choice, quality, price and service they sought, and provide huge opportunities for suppliers.
Producer relationship Local sourcing was a matter of principle, with 70% of all beef and lamb sourced within the UK, and almost a third of the UK’s master butchers employed within the business. “We really do believe in a strong relationship with the producer.”
“But there is huge change coming in the trade over the coming years, and Brexit only exacerbates that.” Speaking of which, he noted Booker’s view of the future was that the UK remaining in the EU was a 33% likelihood, a hard exit to WTO rules was also 33%, and so was a soft exit. Plenty to ponder.
He acknowledged the global economy’s huge success in lifting 120m people out of poverty last year, more than in any previous year. That was helping to drive global demand for food, and explained some price rises, for example, butter. In the UK the consumer landscape for food was fragmenting, as individuals pursued their own agenda on choice, price, quality and service – one family member seeking a high protein diet, whilst another was vegan, for example. “Trade channels are changing as customers fragment.” Policy priorities were shifting too, not least to reflect the fact that globally 3 million people died of obesity-related illness last year, far out-stripping the
TESCO/BOOKER MERGER Tesco has 3,200 UK stores and Booker supplies 117,000 independent retailers, including 5,500 retail stores under its group brands of Premier, Londis, Budgens and Family Shopper. Subject to formal clearance the deal will create a retail and wholesale giant with annual turnover approaching £60bn. In October wholesalers representing 60% of the market told the Competition and Markets Authority such a deal would hand Tesco “incontestable power over the procurement of all grocery categories in the UK”, The Guardian reported.
WHITE (FACTS): from a non-farming background via agriculture at Reading to fertiliser firm Yara, where a highlight was promoting ‘ethical farming’ in Africa, where women led Kenyan farming and 1kg bags of fertiliser were key. BLUE (CHOICES): taking retirement advice to prioritise ‘family and friends’, include ‘community’ through Bath Rugby Club, ‘charity’ with the Henry Plumb Foundation and focus on ‘you’ as a Farming Projects Mentor. GREEN (CREATIVE): creative opportunities in a progressive industry. BLACK (NEGATIVES): none! YELLOW (POSITIVES): working on the UN Global compact with Koffe Annan. RED (EMOTIONS): work colleagues will be missed, but retirement means meeting new characters and fostering exciting talent in the next generation.
www.thefarmersclub.com • 11
Andrei Spence • Club Event
Wonderful 175th Anniversary Dinner The Club celebrated 175 years with a magnificent anniversary dinner, as Club Secretary Andrei Spence reflects. See also p19
12 • The Farmers Club New Year Journal 2018
Club event • Andrei Spence
On Friday 8th December, the club was full of members who had congregated to celebrate the 175th Anniversary of the club. Although technically we were celebrating 24 hours early (the first meeting of the club took place on December 9th 1842), this provided no impediment for 85 people to assemble for a historically themed 4 course dinner (more of which later in this journal from Head Chef and Director of Food, Paul Hogben) to celebrate our formation. The evening started with Champagne and Chef’s treats in a ‘buzzing’ members lounge before being called forward into the Farmers Suite for dinner. An excellent meal ensued and each attendee was also given a commemorative box of chocolates, commissioned especially for the occasion from Elliotts of Oxford (I am told they were exceedingly good!!). At the end of dinner, our Chairman, Mr Tim Bennett gave a speech chronicling briefly the clubs varied history, highlighting the fact that at the beginning, the club was far from apolitical in its stance, hugely connected to the formation of the National Farmers Union and had a largely peripatetic base for the first 100 years of its existence before becoming rooted in Whitehall Court some 75 years ago. He also drew out the fact that through good times and bad, a constant feature of the club and its development has been to embrace evolutionary change throughout the generations, and it was this that had placed the club in the good position it currently enjoys. Tim then went on to introduce our guest of honour, speaker and fellow club member, Lord Taylor of Holbeach, Chief Government Whip in the House of Lords. Lord Taylor put the context of the history of the club alongside his own farming experience through the bulb growing business that he was born into, his political career and some comments on the future of the country and farming post BREXIT. The speech was very warmly received and culminated in our Chairman presenting Lord Taylor with a pair of Farmers Club engraved goblets. On completion of the dinner, members retired back to the bar and lounge to continue their conversations and debates. Judging by the noise generated and the feedback that I received in the immediate aftermath of the dinner, I would say that our anniversary event was a huge success and enjoyed by all.
www.thefarmersclub.com • 13
Virginia Masser • Club Easter Opening
Farming Snapshot A thumbnail sketch looking at… THE RISE OF THE AGROBOTS
Agrobots are coming! AGROBOTS are set to be a £7.4bn global industry within just five years, says emerging technology analyst IDTechEx. Robots are becoming more mobile and smarter, bringing automation to previously inaccessible tasks. Dairy farms already use milking robots, automated feed pushers and yard scrapers, and last year the Hands Free Hectare project at Harper Adams successfully grew spring barley with no human intervention – it was all done by robots, seed-to-harvest. Driverless cars may attract public attention, but agriculture has quietly led autonomous driving, with real time kinematic GPS (RTK-GPS) giving centimetre accuracy, with no human intervention, so operators can programme maps and let tractors get on with the navigation. The trend will accelerate as receiver prices fall and precision agriculture rises to boost efficiency, says IDTechEx. Unmanned units, like those publicly demonstrated last year, are getting closer. But agrobots are likely to be slow and light to best realise the benefits of autonomy, giving extra attention to tasks and cutting soil compaction. They are likely to be inexpensive, as farmers will need multiple units in fleet operations to compensate for lower individual productivity.
AGROBOT STATS • £7.4bn global market by 2022 • Dairy robots £1.4bn now, £5.9bn by 2023 • Over 300,000 autosteer tractors sold 2016, expect 660,000 units/year 2027 • Ag drone market to top £355m by 2027 • Unmanned remote-control helicopters spraying Japanese rice since early 1990s [1] £1:US$1.35 www.IDTechEx.com/agri
14 • The Farmers Club New Year Journal 2018
Easter at The Farmers Club THIS year Easter falls at the end of March and eases us gently into April.
and once these have been published and finalised the details will be sent out via Newsletter.
London has many Easter events taking place for all ages from fun-filled Easter egg hunts to the annual free performance of The Passion in Trafalgar Square. In addition, of course, the Club is the perfect place to relax and this year due to increased usage the Club will be offering enhanced services.
In order that you can plan your diary please see the Easter Opening Schedule below, which details the Club services available over Easter weekend. We look forward to welcoming you at this special time of year.
We plan to hold a Club Event or two during the Easter holidays
THURSDAY 29TH MARCH Bedrooms available Breakfast in The Restaurant Lunch and Dinner service as normal in the Bar Lunch and Dinner service as normal in The Restaurant GOOD FRIDAY BANK HOLIDAY 30TH MARCH Bedrooms available Breakfast in The Restaurant Bar open from 12noon - 8pm offering light lunches and supper EASTER SATURDAY 31ST MARCH Bedrooms available Breakfast in The Restaurant Bar open from 12noon - 8pm offering light lunches and supper
EASTER SUNDAY 1ST APRIL Bedrooms available Breakfast in The Restaurant Bar open from 12noon - 8pm offering light lunches and supper BANK HOLIDAY MONDAY 2ND APRIL Bedrooms available Breakfast in The Restaurant Bar open from 12noon - 8pm offering light lunches and supper TUESDAY 3RD APRIL Bedrooms available Bar open at normal times, with the normal offering. The Restaurant will be open for Dinner WEDNESDAY 4TH APRIL Normal service resumes in all areas
Monday Lecture • Charles Abel
Food as entertainment FORGET food as a form of sustenance, think of food as entertainment, globally, for a burgeoning population of affluent under-35 year-olds, who take a real interest in what they eat, and are prepared to pay for the privilege. Such was the underlying theme from Julio Bruno, chief executive of the iconic TimeOut worldwide entertainment guides, and until very recently a neighbour of the Farmers Club in Whitehall Court. “We are discovering young people are more and more into food and eating out, it is incredible how young people are looking at food much better than people have for decades, the data really shows it,” Mr Bruno reflected. Originally from Spain, but educated in London and fluent in four languages, Mr Bruno is three years into a major push to develop food as a key strand in TimeOut’s entertainment portfolio, having joined from Tripadvisor where he was head of sales. Long known for its detailed guides to entertainment in the world’s top 108 cities, in 39 countries around the world, TimeOut started in London in 1968. Now Mr Bruno is over-seeing the roll-out of its latest venture – foodie venues across the globe. “Food and drink has always been at the heart of what we do, alongside theatre and the arts. We pride ourselves on our independence, on
being the helping hand you can trust to bring you the best of the city. You could say we are in the happiness business really.” First to launch was TimeOut Market Lisbon – the best of the city under one roof. The concept is simple – take a large venue, equip it with kitchens and self-service eating areas, and invite the best of the city’s restaurateurs to provide the food. “Curating what we offer has always been a TimeOut strength, so our journalists choose the chefs to profile on merit, reflecting the food culture of the city, with no other influence. That makes us genuine, which not many others do.” Restaurateurs pay no rent, but TimeOut takes 30% of gross turnover. “It means we carry the risk,” Mr Bruno notes. Significantly, the food on offer is not streetfood. “We invite the best of the city’s restaurants to participate. In Lisbon we have 26 top end restaurants, including three Michelin stars.” Art galleries, live concerts and paid-for cooking academies also feature. Promoting the venture through TimeOut’s captive audience of 242m people around the world, using established print and digital channels, has ensured rapid up-take. Launches in Miami and Boston are next, with a project in London’s Spitalfields only delayed by planning. Up to 25 such markets are hoped for. “We’re effectively democratising fine dining.”
“Do not be afraid of constant change, just be sure to pick a business you are passionate about.”
Lisbon food market was destined to have 3.5m consumer visits in 2017, in a city of just 1.8m people, attracting 12,000 visitors per week, 70% of them tourists, typically spending less than €11 each, to generate a turn-over of €31m. www.timeout.com/ market
www.thefarmersclub.com • 15
Hal Moggridge • Landscape
Slow Growth THE Club tour of south-west Wales visited two places in Carmarthenshire with which I have been involved as a landscape architect – Aberglasney Gardens and Dinefwr Park.
Hal Moggridge, Colvin & Moggridge Slow Growth – on the art of landscape architecture, 350 pages with 1000 illustrations, Unicorn Press, £30.
“So-called natural beauty in Britain describes land that is both worked and enjoyed”
At Aberglasney there are still nine green gardens as mentioned in a paean by Lewis Glyn Cothi (1447-86). My practice, Colvin & Moggridge, designed the restoration plan in 1994, when the derelict site was so overgrown as to be almost inaccessible, and supervised the restoration. The commission came about in an unusual way. I had prepared a plan for Fulham Palace gardens, once lived in by Bishop Compton, Anglican Bishop 1675-1713 of London and the World, a collector of rare plants. Appointing clergy for North America with botanical inclinations, he was able to import many plants not previously seen in Europe, such as Tulip Tree (Liriodendron tulipifera), Scarlet Oak (Quercus coccinea), False Acacia (Robinia pseudoacacia), and hundreds of others. I managed to interest the wealthy American garden conservationist, the late Frank Cabot, in raising money for this project, but it fell through. He was, however, tickled by the notion of becoming benefactor of a British garden and so most generously adopted Aberglasney, and recommended me as landscape architect. A man of indomitable energy, Frank Cabot would sometimes call design meetings at midnight on his arrival at Heathrow as well as on site in Wales the next day.
The restored central gardens at Aberglasney.
16 • The Farmers Club New Year Journal 2018
Parc Dinefwr is partly an ancient landscape around the now ruined Dinefwr Castle, built in 1165 and important in Welsh history. It is partly eighteenth century parkland of “exquisite diversity – a complete rotund of woods, shrubberies, hills, dales, slopes and sweeps” (James Baker, 1794). It was created by its owners, George Rice, a progressive farmer in both turnip and cabbage cultivation, who in the 1750s presented the Mayor of Carmarthen with a turnip four feet in circumference, and his wife, and is still much as they left it after final advice from Capability Brown. I was honoured to be invited to become a Farmers Club member around 1980 as a landscape architect who was restoring land from industrial uses into farmland with woodland, for how else can rural land be properly managed. Some of the projects illustrated in my new book[1] rely on farming for their future management, sometimes low productivity farming, as the guardian of land where there is another economic or social purpose. Land in this populous island provides for many purposes and the book explains landscape projects which are examples of this variety, acknowledging that so-called natural beauty in Britain describes land that is both worked and enjoyed. Hal Moggridge OBE VMH PPLI FIHort RIBA
North end of Gale Common hill near Selby, Yorkshire, made entirely from fuel ash from two coal-fired power stations and shale from nearby Kellingley coal mine. The hill was surfaced with soils conserved from beneath the hill, and returned to agriculture. Phase 1 started in 1970 and completed in 2006.
Slow growth cover view of Horse Guards from St James’s Park bridge, shows merit of two projects – removing three trees to reveal Horse Guards and moving parked cars from Horse Guards Parade followed by upgrading.
Farm IT • George Daniels
ON-FARM UPTAKE
Data-driven decisions Maglis is being piloted in Canada, ahead of commercial launch in the USA: www.maglis.basf.com
FARMERS are set to benefit from a new approach to delivering advice direct to their business using sophisticated computer technology and data analytics. The Maglis farm management system interface aims to combine the IT experience of Proagrica (owner of Farmers Weekly magazine and Farmplan/ Gatekeeper software) and the crop protection expertise of agchem firm BASF. “Efficiently connecting and integrating diverse data sources in the agricultural supply chain is one of the biggest barriers to leveraging the benefits of precision agriculture,” said Proagrica’s Alistair Knott. “However, just connecting systems is not the sole issue.
Cleansing and transforming the data and homogenizing it into a common data model is fundamental.” Reiner Emrich of BASF Crop Protection added: “Maglis is an agricultural IT-platform with a variety of tools. Based on individual field and farm-specific data, it provides farmers with insights and supports with decision-making to improve crop management, allowing them to manage their farms more efficiently.” Maglis uses Proagrica’s expertise in integration and connectivity to ensure data transfers are efficient and protected, so growers can use all their current data from their preferred farm management system.
One farm management system already integrating with Maglis is Canada’s Compass Grower, a BASF all-in-one mobile system offering: • Crop Plan – using data better to plan, monitor and manage crops, from drilling to harvest. • Sustainability Assessment – boost efficiency and cut waste, soil management aids and field-specific insights. • Customer Navigator – allowing BASF to generate tailored plans for user’s individual crop priorities.
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www.thefarmersclub.com • 17
Martin Shaw • Club Golf
Farming Figures A look at… dairy farm profits… told through a few key statistics
-3.49p/litre
Average dairy farmer loss in 2016/17 due to prolonged period of disastrously low milk prices
29.20p/litre Average cost of production in 2016/17, well over 25.71p/litre average milk price
0.28p/litre Average dairy farm profit in 2016/17, after calf and cow sales, but before rent, finance and SFP
Double
Purchased feed cost for bottom 10% producers (8.73p/litre) compared with top 10% (4.07p)
£30,000/year Typical imputed cost of unpaid labour
Bottom 10% Producers received 0.77p/litre more for their milk than top 10% in 2016/17
£62,200
Predicted profit in 2017/18 for typical 2m litre producer (up from £5,600) thanks to expected 29p/litre average milk price, plus 3.3p/litre non-milk income
5,382 litres/year Average yield per cow of top 10% of producers, 1,106litres below bottom 10%
256 cows
Average herd size of top 10%, 79 above bottom 10%
Source: Survey of dairy farms by accountants Old Mill and The Farm Consultancy Group (FCG)
18 • The Farmers Club New Year Journal 2018
Golf Society AFTER the summer break the Farmers Club Golf Society met at Badgemore Park, Henley on Thames. The match was originally versus the Worshipful Company of Farmers, but with the sad passing of John Alliston, who was a member of both societies, a mutual decision was made to play a Stableford competition for the John Alliston Tankard. It is hoped to make this an annual event. Our Autumn Mixed Meeting hosted by retiring Captain Mike Broomby was held at Sevenoaks in Kent. Thirty or so members enjoyed two lovely days of golf on contrasting courses. At Knole Park on the Thursday evening David Reading was introduced as our Captain for the 2018 and 2019 seasons. The team competition was won by Len Brookes, Kechil Gilchrist and John Gittins at Knole and John Pigott, Fay Dilliway Parry and John Gittins at Wildernesse. Traditionally, the Club enters a four man team in the Annual
Bath Club Cup, held at Woking Golf Club. Sadly, we didn’t feature on the leader-board, but it was a wonderful day, well hosted and competed for by 20 different London Clubs. Woking is a really delightful course. The final match was our two day return fixture against the HCEG from Muirfield. The Scots seem quite invincible, but there is real camaraderie between the two sides, who enjoyed Alwoodley and Seaton Carew and the hospitality arranged by Sue and Norman Bagley. My thanks go to Mike Broomby for his dedication to his role as Captain of the Society. We looking forward to seeing you all again in 2018 and hope you are able to participate in our fixtures around the country. Martin Shaw Golf Secretary martin.edwardswale@gmail.com
FARMERS CLUB GOLF FIXTURES 2018 APRIL Tuesday 17th Friday 27th
v NFU @ Tewksbury Golf and Country Club v EPICS @ New Zealand Golf Club
MAY Wednesday 9th Thursday 24th Friday 25th
v BVAGS @ Cirencester Golf Club v New Club Edinburgh @ Luffness New Golf Club v HCEG @ Muirfield Golf Club
JUNE Sun 17th / Mon 18th v XL Club @ Royal St. Georges Golf Club Thursday 28th v WRNFU @ Dewsbury District Golf Club JULY Friday 13th
Club Championships @ Blackwell Golf Club
SEPTEMBER Tuesday 11th John Alliston Tankard @ Stratford-upon-Avon Golf Club Wed 19th / Thur 20th Autumn Mixed Meeting @ Greetham Valley Golf Club & Luffenham Heath Golf Club OCTOBER Tuesday 9th Thursday 25th Friday 26th
Bath Club Cup @ Woking Golf Club v HCEG @ Alwoodley Golf Club v HCEG @ Seaton Carew Golf Club
Head Chef & Director of Food • Paul Hogben
Menu 175 years in the making! TO celebrate the 175th Anniversary of the Farmers Club l want to take you back to the very start of the club, to consider the dining trends and ingredients available. In early Victorian Britain the food of choice was what was in season, available locally or had been pickled or preserved. The lack of refrigeration meant food was bought locally and consumed quickly. Only with the advent of railways and steam ships did food start moving across the country and being imported from overseas, increasing choice. Poor Victorians had a terrible diet, many living on dripping, bread, tea and vegetables, although those in farming tended to eat better, with meat, vegetables and fresh milk commonly available. Meat consumption declined through the classes. Wealthy Victorians ate meat daily and cheese and bacon for supper. Lower wage earners had meat maybe 2-3 times a week, while those on the lowest rung largely existed on potatoes. Most people considered fresh fruit ‘unwholesome’. One woman recalled eating fresh fruit as “a pleasant treat, but rather dangerous.” Most fruit was stewed or in a tart or pudding and served maybe once or twice a week. Serving dinner In the early 19th century dinner the middle and upper classes had dinner served ‘A la Francaise’ – With most food on the table all at once, often over dishes of hot water to keep them warm. A new way of dining started in Paris in the 1830s, and by the 1880s was the norm in Britain, service ‘A la Russe’. The old style required a lot of food on the table and the table had to look attractive. In the new system, once guests were seated, food was brought in and served the way we are familiar with today, each dish having its own spot in line. After dessert, the night wasn’t over: ladies retreated to the drawing room to chat over coffee or tea, while gentlemen smoked and conversed, in possibly ribald conversation, over Port or Brandy.
Anniversary dinner The menu for the Club’s Anniversary Dinner was inspired by produce available around the club’s birth, but with a modern twist. The Lanson Champagne is from one of the oldest Houses in Reims, founded 1760, and our London Cured Smoked Salmon is from an old East End smoke house, founded in 1905. Local Oysters were part of the staple diet for the poor, shrimps came from the Thames and Medway estuaries. Lamb wasn’t Victorian, it was good old Mutton, with something acidic to help break down the fat and richness of the meat, maybe capers and salted anchovies. Mulled wine dates to Roman times, when spices and warming helped mask poor quality.
“One woman recalled eating fresh fruit as ‘a pleasant treat, but rather dangerous’
l have tried to embrace what was happening around our shores at the time of the club’s formation, and also wanted to prepare dishes you have now become accustomed to whilst dining at the club. Hopefully, all who attended the event had a wonderful experience! Chef
MENU PROVENANCE: Squab pigeons, Sussex; onions, Bedfordshire; salmon, Forman & Sons, London; flour, Essex; Cropwell Bishop Stilton, Nottinghamshire; shrimps, Daily Fish, London; vodka, West Dorset; tomatoes, Isle of Wight; leeks, Ely, Cambridgeshire; potatoes, Northumberland; cream and butter, Gloucestershire; oysters, Essex; mutton, Lancashire; pears, Herefordshire; cheeses, Cheshire, Shropshire & Derbyshire.
www.thefarmersclub.com • 19
Charlotte Harris, Chairman; Emily McVeigh, Vice Chairman; Anita Kaur, Secretary • U30s
Chairman’s Jottings
Agrimetrics explains ‘big data’
Happy New Year!
The U30s ended 2017 on a high with a fantastic November Dining Evening, which Scott Hayles has reviewed across the page. Our next event is the New Members weekend on 9th-11th February. The weekend will include a black tie dinner on the Friday night, as well as our AGM and a trip to the theatre on Saturday. It’s always a very popular weekend so do book your ticket early! This year we have three spaces available on the 2018 Under 30s Committee. The closing date for applications is Friday 19th January and the results will be announced at our AGM. The Committee offers a fantastic insight into the running of the Club and U30s events, and I encourage all those interested to apply. Please also keep an eye out on the Inter-Club website (www.inter-club.co.uk) for their events, which run throughout the year in London. These diverse events are for the younger members of London’s Clubs and favourite dates to watch out for include the Ceilidh, Hog Roast and Summer Ball. Do contact Committee Member Hannah Moore if you have any questions.
Contact Charlotte for more information: Charlotte Harris U30 Chairman Job Title: Head of International Supply Chain Where: The Coconut Collaborative, Westminster, London charlotte.harris90@gmail.com 07766 954 718
20 • The Farmers Club New Year Journal 2018
“ A divine time for data and a divine time to be in farming” David Flanders, CEO of Agrimetrics. WE live in a world where ‘BIG DATA’ is a currency. It is collected, often without us realising, from our computers, smart phones and when we purchase things. But what does it mean? And what can it do to help us meet rising global food demands? Once again Chef and his kitchen staff flexed their culinary muscles to provide a delightful threecourse meal for the Under 30s November Dining evening. The meal was followed by an interactive and entertaining talk from David Flanders, CEO of Agrimetrics. David has had a fascinating career, studying at Newcastle University before completing a PhD in Australia, working in America and more recently being involved in start-up life science companies. He is now CEO of Agrimetrics, a government funded not-forprofit organisation, born out of the Strategy for Agricultural Technologies and one of four ‘Agri–Tech’ Centres.
The complexity of collecting, storing and processing large amounts of data is a real challenge for the agrifood sector. Technology is constantly evolving, but being able to process and understand all that data is not easy, so farmers may collect it, but not always act on it. David believes in the democratic use of data and Agrimetrics has expertise and capabilities in data science, smart analytics and knowledge exchange to help the crop, livestock and food sectors. Measuring and quantifying data could aid sales and also help consumers better understand what they buy, he explained. One example of what Agrimetrics can do is a benchmarking tool, allowing farmers to compare themselves with other growers with similar soils and climates, to aid long term decisions on what to grow and when. The talk culminated in a question and answer session, with a very lively debate giving members a chance to voice their opinion. The Under 30s once again proved what a diverse and forward thinking group of young professionals we are! SCOTT HAYLES Job Title: Commercial Technical Manager and Technical Services Specialist, Dow AgroSciences Under 30s Committee
U30s • Charlotte Harris, Chairman; Emily McVeigh, Vice Chairman; Anita Kaur, Secretary
Technology eases farm management and communication
This potential to improve profitability, productivity and sustainability is what inspired me to work in agricultural technology and join fieldmargin, where I became Product Manager early in 2017. By farmers, for farmers fieldmargin is a free, easy-to-use app for iOS, Android and web, which allows farmers to save time and improve efficiency by bringing their farm’s data and communications into one place. Founded three years ago by a Hertfordshire farmer, it provides a simple and flexible way for farmers, their team and advisors, to keep track of everything that happens on the farm wherever they are. fieldmargin acts like a digital farm map and notebook, which the whole team can access and use to collaborate. Geo-located notes allow you to place pins in the map with pictures to record issues, observations or tasks and have a conversation about them.
The fieldmargin app helps you keep track of what is happening on your farm wherever you are…
“fieldmargin is a place where you can quickly check the status of your farm and see all its data, making it easier to spot patterns and make better management decisions.”
FROM an early age I have been interested in technology and loved trying new gadgets. A lot of this is thanks to my father. He bought his first computer in 1977 and spent three months learning BASIC (a language for writing computer programmes) so he could write a program to calculate TMR rations for cattle. This allowed him to turn a job that took half an hour into one that could be completed in 30 seconds. Today everyone carries a phone thousands of times more powerful than the PC my father used in 1977 and the gains available to farmers from technology are orders of magnitude greater. Smartphones, sensors, drones and satellite imagery mean we have more data at our disposal than ever before. When combined with cloud computing and machine learning we can use this to spot problems earlier, gain a better understanding of what treatments work and deliver them with greater precision.
Internet of Things integration On top of this we are building integrations with other technologies, including satellite/ drone imagery, sensor outputs from the Internet of Things (IoT), yield maps and machinery telematics, so fieldmargin becomes a place where you can quickly check the status of your farm and see all its data, making it easier to spot patterns and make better management decisions. We already have connections with the John Deere Operations Center, Natural England data, and tools to digitise paper maps and upload field boundaries. Making a tool that is useful for farmers is the heart of what we do. As Product Manager my job is to decide what we should build next and how to do it, so I spend a lot of time testing the app on my farm (where I still work part time) and speaking to farmers to understand their challenges. If you’re interested in learning more or getting involved see www.fieldmargin.com or contact me directly.
CAMILLA HAYSELDEN-ASHBY Product Manager, fieldmargin camilla@fieldmargin.com (+44) 7810683589
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
Churchill War Rooms & The Household Cavalry Museum
St George’s Day Lunch
THE COMMITTEE OF MANAGEMENT OF THE CLUB 2018 VICE PRESIDENTS Barclay Forrest OBE, Sir Mark Hudson, Mrs Susan Kilpatrick OBE PRESIDENT AND CHAIRMAN Peter Jinman OBE TRUSTEES Jimmy McLean, Mrs Nicki Quayle, Julian Sayers (Chairman), Paul Heygate VICE-CHAIRMAN Nick Helme HONORARY TREASURER Richard Maunder IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIRMAN Tim Bennett CHIEF EXECUTIVE AND SECRETARY Andrei Spence CLUB CHAPLAIN The Reverend Dr Sam Wells COMMITTEE Elected 2016: Robert Alston, Andrew Brown (Membership Sub-Committee), Lindsay Hargreaves, Nick Helme (House Sub-Committee), Peter Jinman OBE Elected 2017: Kevin Beaty, John Lee OBE, Karen Mercer, Keith Redpath, Christopher Riddle, Allan Stevenson (re-elected), Campbell Tweed OBE (re-elected) Elected 2018: Ian Bell, Matt Dempsey (Communications Sub-Committee)(re-elected) and Gerald Osborne (re-elected) Co-opted: Charlotte Harris (Chairman Under 30s), Emily McVeigh (Vice Chairman Under 30s) THE FARMERS CLUB CHARITABLE TRUST TRUSTEES Stephen Fletcher (Chairman), James Cross, Vic Croxson DL, Meryl Ward MBE, Des Lambert, The Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Club (ex officio). Patron Mrs Stella Muddiman
NEXT ISSUE
Friday 20th April 2018
Tuesday 24th April 2018
Explore the Churchill War Rooms, part of the Imperial War Museums, to discover the original Cabinet War Rooms, the underground headquarters that sheltered Churchill and his wartime government during the Blitz and the Churchill Museum, a biographical museum exploring the life of British statesman Winston Churchill. We will also visit the historic rooms that once buzzed with strategies and secrets. In the evening we will be given a private tour of The Household Cavalry Museum with a Drinks Reception. Located in the heart of Royal London, at Horse Guards, this is a truly enriching experience celebrating the history, heroes and exploits of the British Army’s senior regiment from its origins in 1661. You will be given the chance to see dazzling displays of uniforms and the stables. Our programme starts at 12.00 noon with a two-course lunch with wine in The Club, before departing at 1.15pm by coach to the CWR. At 4.30pm we enjoy Afternoon Tea at The Club before walking to The Household Cavalry Museum in time for a Private tour and Drinks Reception from 6:30pm. At 8.30pm the coach returns to The Club. This event is limited to 40 places. The cost per person is £95.00. Applications closing date is 5th February 2018. If oversubscribed places will be decided by ballot. Register on-line at www.thefarmersclub.com or complete the booking form enclosed.
Journalist and broadcaster, Henry Blofeld, best known as a cricket commentator for Test Match Special on BBC Radio 4 and BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra. In 2003 he was awarded an OBE for services to broadcasting. His unique style, with regular use of the phrase “my dear old thing” has become part of TMS Tests. After 50 years of commentating on international cricket Mr Blofeld has decided to celebrate by touring the country with his brand new show full of unheard anecdotes from on and off the pitch, as well as stories from the TMS box not allowed on the radio. He also writes about cricket and has authored eight books to date. The event will be held at 12.00 for a 12.30pm start in the Farmers Club. The cost of the tickets is £70, including prelunch drinks, wine with your meal and a three-course lunch. Dress for gentlemen is lounge suit. Tickets will be sold on a ‘first come first served’ basis. Register on-line at www.thefarmersclub.com or complete the booking form enclosed. Mr Blofeld will be available for a book signing after the lunch.
Easter Opening The Spring issue of the Farmers Club Journal, due in early March, will include a detailed report on the Oxford Farming Conference, the latest Club news and details of the up-coming 2018 Club visits to Norway and the Isle of Man.
22 • The Farmers Club New Year Journal 2018
This year Easter falls at the end of March and eases us gently into April. The Club will be offering enhanced services from Thursday 29th March through to Wednesday 4th April. More details of what’s on in the Club over the Easter period can be found at www.thefarmersclub.com and on p14.
Club Information • The Farmers Club Deaths It is with regret that we announce the death of the following members: Mr M Banks OBE Bedfordshire Dr M Chapman France Mr J Evans Warwickshire Dr J Harland Gloucestershire Mr J Jarvis Essex Mr B Meeres Wiltshire Mr A Morbey Cambridgeshire Mr R Sutton Cheshire Mr D Woodward London
Mr M Lowe Miss K Reinhardt Mr J Tilley Miss R Watling
New Members The following were elected:
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
UK Members Mr W Angus Mrs M Baker Mr W Bowie Mr R Brooke-Smith Mrs P Crawford Mr C Crosby Mrs M Curry Mr M Curry Mrs C Daniell Mr R Davies Mr M Davies Mrs J Douglas Hogg Mr A Farnsworth Mr S Foot Mr D Foster Mr W Glasbey Mrs J Handslip Mr W Hawes Dr N Jones Mr J Lawson Mr J Lyne Mr E Matson Professor I McConnell Mr S McKenzie Mr H Nason Mr R Palmer Mr R Payne Mr M Peaty Mrs J Phelps Mr J Pollock M J Renner Mr P Renwick Mrs S Richardson Mr T Shepherd Mr D Throup Mr R Whittaker Mr R Williamson
Suffolk Somerset Fife Hampshire Kent Aberdeenshire Roxburghshire Northumberland Worcestershire Gloucestershire Worcestershire Gloucestershire Northamptonshire Dorset Yorkshire Lincolnshire Hampshire Norfolk Carmarthenshire Suffolk Kent Shropshire Cambridgeshire Lincolnshire Hampshire Norfolk Buckinghamshire Hampshire Gloucestershire Surrey Northumberland Sussex Hertfordshire Northamptonshire Yorkshire Cheshire Dorset
Under 30s Miss A Becker Mr W Blackburn Miss E Bradley Miss H Carr Miss V Davies Miss M Eyles Mr P Gorringe Mr W Jones
Netherlands London Herefordshire Sussex Radnorshire Cornwall Sussex Northamptonshire
Associate - Whitehall Court Mr M Brediceanu Mrs E Whitby
Isle of Wight Germany Denbighshire Suffolk London London
Club Contacts THE FARMERS CLUB
Serving the farming industry for 175 years 3 Whitehall Court, London SW1A 2EL
Electronic devices No electronic devices can be used in the hallways, Bar, Lounge or Restaurant, unless for the purpose of quiet reading. No calls can be received or made in these areas.
Business Suite The suite is for individual private working. Meetings are prohibited. Electronic devices can be used, however, other members must be respected. WiFi Free use available throughout the Club, including bedrooms Shaw Room The Shaw Room can be used for meetings of up to three people. Electronic devices may be used but must be set to silent and vibrate. No calls can be received or made in this area. Function rooms If you are looking to book a function here at the Club, please contact functions@thefarmersclub. com or call our Conference & Banqueting Sales Manager on 020 7925 7100, who will be delighted to assist.
CHANGES TO THE DRESS CODE
From 3rd January 2018 Smart casual dress is allowed from 6pm on Friday until midnight on Sunday and Mon-Sun up to 10am. Smart jeans and trainers are acceptable during this period. Gentlemen should wear formal jackets and ties in the Bar, Lounge and Restaurant during the week. Ladies should be dressed conventionally, trousers are permitted. There are Club jackets and a selection of ties at Reception, which may be borrowed in an emergency. Members must advise their guests of the dress regulations. Children should conform to the above guidelines as best they can.
Chairman 2018: Peter Jinman
Chief Executive and Secretary: Andrei Spence
Club Number 020 7930 3557 Reception ext: 200/201 reception@thefarmersclub.com Bedroom Reservations ext: 204 reservations@thefarmersclub.com Restaurant Reservations Option 3 restaurant@thefarmersclub.com Conference & Banqueting Sales Manager Liza Keoshgerian ext: 109 or direct line: 020 7925 7100 functions@thefarmersclub.com Administrator & Under 30s Secretary Anita Kaur administrator@thefarmersclub.com General Manager Virginia Masser ext: 102 generalmanager@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
www.thefarmersclub.com • 23
Members’ Information Sheet JANUARY 2018
Bedroom Reservations
020 7930 3557 x 4 reservations@thefarmersclub.com
Reception
020 7930 3557 x 2 reception@thefarmersclub.com
Restaurant Reservations
020 7930 3557 x 3 restaurant@thefarmersclub.com
Conference & Banqueting
020 7925 7100
functions@thefarmersclub.com
Membership
020 7925 7102
membership@thefarmersclub.com
Finance
020 7925 7101
financialcontroller@thefarmersclub.com
Administrator & U30s
020 7930 3751
administrator@thefarmersclub.com
WEEKDAY OPENING HOURS RECEPTION BREAKFAST LUNCH DINNER LOUNGE, BAR & TERRACE
0800 - 2200 HRS 0700 - 0930 HRS 1230 -1400 HRS 1730 - 2100 HRS 1100 - 2300 HRS
WEEKEND OPENING HOURS SATURDAY RECEPTION BREAKFAST ONLY BAR [FOOD 1130 -1945] SUNDAY RECEPTION BREAKFAST ONLY
0800 - 1200 HRS 0800 - 1000 HRS 1130 - 2300 HRS 0830 - 1230 HRS 0830 - 1030 HRS
BEDROOM RATES FROM 1ST JANUARY 2018
PRICES ARE INCLUSIVE OF CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST & VAT
WEEKDAYS (MONDAY TO FRIDAY) Single room Single room with shower Twin room Twin/double room with bath/shower Luxury Double Rooms Additional bed (Some triple rooms available)
Surcharge per guest Surcharge per reciprocal member
£99 £112 £136 £143 - £148 £173 £20 £20 £25
WEEKENDS (ALSO FRIDAY IF RESERVATION INCLUDES SATURDAY) Single room £83 Single room with shower £93 Twin room £106 Twin/double room with bath/shower £113 - £118 Luxury Double Rooms £136 Additional bed £20 (Some triple rooms available)
Surcharge per guest Surcharge per reciprocal member
£20 £25
The Club
IS OPEN
during Easter and August
CHANGES TO THE DRESS CODE From 3rd January 2018 Smart casual dress is allowed from 6pm on Friday until midnight on Sunday and Mon-Sun up to 10am. Smart jeans and trainers are acceptable during this period. Gentlemen should wear formal jackets and ties in the Bar, Lounge and Restaurant during the week. Ladies should be dressed conventionally, trousers are permitted. There are Club jackets and a selection of ties at Reception, which may be borrowed in an emergency. Members must advise their guests of the dress regulations. Children should conform to the above guidelines as best they can.
RESERVATIONS Bedrooms may be booked up to a year in advance and now with the added option of on-line reservations for those who register via the website. Specific room numbers can be requested; however we are unable to guarantee these requests. Check in is14.00 hrs I Departure time is 11.00 hrs CANCELLATIONS must be confirmed in writing. Please note that the full room rate will be charged in the event of a cancellation less than 48 hours prior to arrival unless the room is re-let. If all our bedrooms are booked Reservations and Reception will assist with details of other Clubs and local hotels. LUGGAGE ROOM This is a short term storage facility only. In the event that luggage has been left for an unreasonable period of time and/or we are unable to identify the owner it will be disposed of.
Block bookings cannot be made Smoking including e-cigarettes is prohibited in all areas, including bedrooms