Mastitis control and the role of on-farm milk testing.
FEATURES
Farming conference explores resilience and purpose amid change. 24 NATIONAL FRUIT SHOW REVIEW
Fruit show entries were up by 90%, no doubt helped by this year’s superb harvest.
47 END OF
PROPERTY REVIEW
The land market has remained resilient.
Minister of State in the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Dame Angela Eagle visits Hugh Lowe Farms in Kent – with Marion Regan and NFU President Tom Bradshaw
VISA ALLOCATION CONFIRMED
Farming minister Dame Angela Eagle used a visit to a Kent soft fruit farm to confirm this year’s visa allocation for overseas workers under the 2026 seasonal worker scheme (SWS).
Dame Angela, accompanied by NFU President Tom Bradshaw and NFU Horticulture and Potatoes Board chair Martin Emmett, visited Hugh Lowe Farms, just outside Maidstone, where she took the opportunity to announce that there would be 41,000 visas for horticulture workers and another 1,900 for the poultry industry.
The NFU was quick to stress that while the figures represent a slight drop in numbers from 2025, confirmation was “positive news for the horticulture and poultry sectors that now have the certainty needed to plan for the year ahead”.
It follows last month’s news that seasonal workers will in future be able to return to UK farms after 10 months instead of 12, giving them greater flexibility to move seamlessly across the growing seasons and switch from harvesting daffodils and asparagus to picking strawberries and plums.
After Dame Angela’s announcement, Tom
Bradshaw commented: “We’re pleased that the minister has listened and confirmed the SWS 2026 visa allocation. While there has been a small reduction in numbers, we are hopeful it will still be sufficient for the year ahead.
“Seasonal workers play a vital role in ensuring the nation’s fresh fruit and vegetables reach supermarket shelves, that British plants and flowers feature in celebrations across the country, and that turkeys remain the centrepiece of the Christmas table. Without them, the horticulture and seasonal poultry sectors could not function.
“Certainty is critical for these sectors, which plan in years, not months. Looking ahead, it’s essential that we have clarity on visa allocations through to 2029. The number of SWS visas needs to remain sufficient to allow our members to continue producing food, plants and flowers for the nation.”
During the visit to Marion and Jon Regan’s soft fruit farm at Mereworth – Dame Angela’s first farm visit since taking up her new role within DEFRA - the NFU team stressed the opportunities for rural growth and the need to build a resilient food system.
The NFU president said: “I hope this visit
will help DEFRA champion the policies needed across government to build a resilient and productive food system.
“We also made it clear that investment is sorely needed to overcome the multiple barriers to growth across the farming industry, from access to a skilled workforce to an enabling planning system.
“The minister seemed receptive, and I hope this visit will help DEFRA champion the policies needed across government to build a resilient and productive food system.”
With funding under the Fruit and Veg Aid Scheme due to come to an end this year, the NFU has warned that some producer organisations (POs) may be forced to close. There is also the fear that POs will have little time to respond to DEFRA's new approach as the current scheme starts to wind down.
Martin Emmett said: “This was a great introduction for the minister into our soft fruit sector and the horticulture sector more widely. We covered a lot of ground but I was keen to stress the need for certainty over seasonal worker visas, issues with the winding down of the Fruit and Veg Aid Scheme and future funding programmes.”
WHOLE COUNTRY NOW IN AN AIPZ
The whole of the country is now in an avian influenza prevention zone (AIPZ) with housing measures, following an increase in the number of cases of bird flu in wild birds and in poultry.
When DEFRA first brought in the most recent AIPZ, the housing measures only affected the north, central England and parts of the east of the country, but an update in early November brought the South East and the rest of Great Britain within the restrictions.
The housing measures require all those with more than 50 birds, or who have fewer than 50 birds but sell or give away their eggs or meat, to house them. Those who keep fewer than 50 birds for their own use are not covered by the measures.
The original limited housing measures prompted the NFU to call for them to be extended across the country, as has now happened.
Welcoming the introduction of the measures, poultry board chair James Mottershead urged DEFRA “to consider extending these measures to protect the national flock”, adding: “Housing birds is an important part of a suite of measures to help prevent any further outbreaks of this devastating disease.
“I urge all bird keepers, regardless of their size or location, to remain vigilant, maintain stringent biosecurity measures and report any signs of disease in their birds at the earliest opportunity.”
The AIPZ requires enhanced biosecurity measures such as reporting changes in egg production, mandatory record keeping, disinfecting footwear, and cleansing and disinfecting housing and concrete walkways on a continuous basis.
Referring to the potentially “devastating” impact of avian influenza, or bird flu, UK Chief Veterinary Officer Christine Middlemiss said the risk was “seasonally very high”. She stressed: “Bird keepers should be vigilant to any signs of disease, while continuing to exercise robust biosecurity measures and ensure you report suspected disease immediately to the Animal and Plant Health Agency.”
No-one will come out of budget smiling OPINION
The vagaries of magazine timings means that at the time of writing, commentators were still debating what may or may not happen in the budget, what u-turns might yet be performed and who was likely to come off worst. There has been no discussion about who might come out of it smiling as, presumably, no-one will.
By now, depending on when your copy of South East Farmer hits the mat, Chancellor Rachel Reeves is likely to have posed for photographs carrying her red box before entering the House of Commons to deliver her long-awaited budget speech.
What she says will have huge consequences for many of the south east’s family farms. After a year of protests and persuasion, we will know whether or not the proposed changes to agricultural property relief and business property relief that are expected to have such a massive effect on inheritance tax bills for family farms will be confirmed.
Farmers are not giving up the fight just yet. As late as mid-November a new campaign called Fairer Family Farming was launched in a bid to persuade the Government to think again, although the lateness of the move is puzzling. If you have Cristiano Ronaldo on the bench, why wait until the 89th minute of the game to bring him on? One can almost hear the Chancellor saying: “Well if only you’d mentioned that sooner…”
The issue, beyond the very real personal one for many people, is that the uncertainty around the Chancellor’s plans has caused the industry to stall. Machinery sales have slumped while farmers worry about the future. Although the Chancellor has said she has no plans to change her mind on the issue, the regular u-turns by the current government show that things are set not in stone but in jelly.
In an open letter to Ms Reeves from the National Beef Association, chief executive Neil Shand pointed out that farming families were “bracing for impact”.
He went on: “They’re restructuring businesses, delaying succession and pouring tens of thousands of pounds into unaffordable life insurance policies, just to survive a tax bill that could wipe them out. That is money that should be going into economic growth, innovation, sustainability and the next generation. Instead, it’s being spent on fear.”
American writer and civil rights activist Maya Angelou said: “Hope and fear cannot occupy the same space. Invite one to stay.” Farmers can only hope that once budget day is past, they can look forward to the future with a little more confidence and kick out the fear that has blighted so many lives in the run-up to this unsettling event.
EMAIL YOUR VIEWS, LETTERS OR OPINIONS TO: sef.ed@kelsey.co.uk or write to the address on page 3
® MALCOLM TRIGGS - EDITOR
Jeremy Moody, secretary and adviser to the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers (CAAV), was recognised for his outstanding contribution to British agriculture at the British Farming Awards 2025.
Jeremy was praised for his tireless dedication to agriculture over his career, and particularly over the past 12 months, during which he has helped the industry fight its corner over planned inheritance tax changes and highlighted the damaging impacts of the agricultural budget cuts.
South East machinery dealer Olivers was presented with a Claas UK platinum Dealer Excellence award at the manufacturer’s dealer council meeting at its Saxham headquarters.
RECOGNITION FOR CLAAS DEALER EXCELLENCE JEREMY MOODY HONOURED AT AWARD SHOW
A total of eight dealerships received recognition, with the overall Claas UK Dealer of the Year award presented to Leinster Farm Machines, from County Meath in Ireland.
The platinum award recognises a high overall level of performance by dealers in
Speaking by video link at the event, farmer, businessman and former chair of NFU Mutual Lord Donald Curry said: “I have known Jeremy Moody my entire working life; I can’t remember a time when he didn’t exist. I think he might even be immortal - I hope he is because we’re going to need him for decades to come.”
As secretary and adviser to the CAAV since 1995, Jeremy has offered practical advice to farmers and governments on issues from tenancies to taxation and from support schemes to infrastructure, across the UK.
“I am very honoured to receive this award and appreciative of the kind recognition by the British Farming Awards, with so many from the whole sector present,” he said.
four key areas: market share, customer satisfaction, dealer standards and financial benchmarking.
Olivers, which recently celebrated 200 years of business, has five branches,
including Petworth in West Sussex, Reading in Berkshire, Tingewick in Buckinghamshire and Winchester in Hampshire. The award assesses the performance of individual branches as well as the overall dealership.
Surrey farmers building a sustainable future with a BNG Habitat Bank
Facing diminishing returns from traditional farming, Jon Cherriman was looking for an alternative land use option that would provide financial stability for his family business, Prestwick Manor Farm in Surrey.
Jon and his father, Neville, partnered with Environment Bank to diversify through Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) which gave them the security they needed while also enabling them to restore nature, enhance their land, and support a more sustainable farming system.
In March 2025, we established a 50-acre BNG site – Chiddingfold Habitat Bank – using a parcel of their least productive farmland. Through this partnership, the family can continue farming this land while benefitting from a stable source of additional income.
What made you consider a BNG Habitat Bank for your land?
“Despite our best efforts, the financial returns from traditional farming had diminished to unsustainable levels. As the economic pressures mounted, we found ourselves at a crossroads.
Continuing with business as usual was becoming untenable, both financially and environmentally.
The concept of a BNG Habitat Bank quickly rose to the forefront of our considerations, offering a blend of ecological restoration and economic opportunity.”
Why did you choose to partner with Environment Bank?
“Recognising the potential of BNG, we sought a partner with the expertise and resources to guide us through the transition. Environment Bank, an established leader in the field, offered a compelling partnership model.
From our initial discussions, Environment Bank provided detailed advice on the suitability of our land, the restoration process, and the potential returns. Its team conducted comprehensive ecological surveys to assess existing habitats and identify
areas with the greatest potential for biodiversity enhancement.”
How will nature restoration benefit your land and farming business?
“By diversifying land use and restoring natural systems, we are making the landscape more resilient to extreme weather and environmental change. Rather than depleting the land’s resources, we are leaving a legacy of recovery and renewal for those who will steward this place after us.
The project has created opportunities for community involvement, from educational visits to citizen science monitoring, strengthening the bond between people and nature.
As farmers, our calling has always been to nurture the land; now, we are doing so in a way that embraces biodiversity, innovation, and hope. In the face of uncertainty, we have chosen to act, to adapt, and to invest in the enduring value of a healthy, thriving countryside.”
Our vision for Chiddingfold Habitat Bank
Herd of sheep which are helping to sustainably graze the Habitat Bank
Jon Cherriman (right) and his father Neville
OBITUARY
HUGH SUMMERFIELD
Accountant, mentor, business leader, countryman, arts enthusiast, husband and father, friend and “ultimate ‘go to’ person” Hugh Summerfield has died at the age of 75.
Born to a farming family, Hugh’s connection with the land continued throughout his life, although his career took a different direction and he became an accountant. He joined Finn-Kelsey & Chapman Ltd in Ashford early in his career, becoming a senior partner.
In a busy and generous life, he supported Age Concern and Young Enterprise, became chairman of Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce and served on the board of Canterbury Festival, becoming its treasurer.
“He loved the public engagement work, promoting creativity and the arts to children, dementia groups and the homeless,” commented Julian Barnes, managing director of Biddenden Vineyards and past chairman of the Kent County Agricultural Society (KCAS).
It was as honorary treasurer of the KCAS, another link to his farming background, alongside his many agricultural clients that Hugh, who died on 30 September, was probably best known to many readers of South East Farmer.
A tribute from the society said members were “deeply saddened” by the news of his passing and that their thoughts were with his wife, Sally.
The society added: “Hugh served as a board director and as honorary finance director to the society for eight years. During this time, he dedicated himself to ensuring the society’s financial strength, supporting our charitable objectives and securing the future of our organisation.
“The team at KCAS will remember with great fondness Hugh’s enthusiasm for all our events and activities, his unwavering commitment to the society and his endearing habit of calling ‘night, night all,’ to the team each time he left the office.”
Julian Barnes remembered his friend as being always busy and always keen to support and help people. “He went well
beyond just sorting your books out,” he recalled. “He was also there to help you sort your life out if you needed it.”
In a eulogy delivered at All Saints’ Church in Boughton Aluph, the village in which Hugh lived, Julian went on: “My first encounter with Hugh was back in 1992. Having been told that if I was to sort my business finances out then this was the man for the job, I put on a jacket and tie for my trip to Ashford to meet a man who would eventually become such an influential person in my life, and many of yours, the ultimate ‘go to’ person.”
He explained: “Hugh worked tirelessly for his clients. After long days in the office, he regularly offered countless hours of free time in the evenings; this included driving to Dungeness to see fisherman who were only ashore at this time.
“These meetings would often be followed up with a hand written letter, outlining actions that should be considered.” Julian explained: “Hugh loved a problem and would work avidly
to achieve a positive outcome, which was great unless you were the problem.”
Julian went on: “Many of us over time have become colleagues, even friends. Hugh always took a genuine interest in not only our business, but those around us, our families; he was always eager to know everything, and he loved to involve us in the things he did.”
Referring to Hugh as “a delightful whirlwind to work with”, Julian pointed out that his friend had so much going on in his head that when he arrived at the Kent Showground for a KCAS meeting he would “abandon his car in a space that did not exist until he parked there”.
On Hugh’s love of the countryside, Julian went on: “I am not sure that the farmer in Hugh was ever missing; he spent much time talking about it and loved the whole idea of country events for country people. He enjoyed his ploughing matches and the game fair.
“Overall, he has been a man on a mission. We will all miss him greatly.”
CANCER APPEAL
A charity fund-raiser that brought in more than £20,000 for a cancer appeal is being rolled out for a second year.
Rumenco has brought back its pink Lifeline Lamb and Ewe buckets for 2025 after last year’s initial campaign raised £21,603.75 for the Pink Ribbon Foundation.
Managing director Nigel Lyon said the response to the appeal “shows how poignant cancer is to farmers and how important it is to raise awareness and support organisations like the Pink Ribbon Foundation”.
He went on: “When we calculated the total, everyone was surprised at the success of the campaign, and it was an easy decision to roll it out for a second year.”
While most of the 55,000 people diagnosed with breast cancer in the UK each year are women, around 400 men are also diagnosed. The Pink Ribbon Foundation funds projects and provides support to UK charities to help people who are suffering from or have been affected by breast cancer. It also supports those who work to advance the understanding of breast cancer, its early detection and treatment.
Rumenco contributes 15p to the foundation for every bucket sold during the campaign period.
Hedging and Woodland Plants & Planting Service
MIKE KETTLEWELL IN PERSPECTIVE
OXFORDSHIRE UNDER PRESSURE
Our stupidity never ceases to amaze, particularly when one considers the incredible advances that humans have made in science and technology, progress made by individuals and groups working on allied and diverse issues, lubricated by increasingly rapid communication.
This has opened up many exciting possibilities, alongside opportunities that the wily eagerly seek to exploit. The first law of entrepreneurs is ‘make a killing’; make the project big enough to excite while hiding any harm until the coffers overflow.
What suffers most is our precious environment, leaving those who follow to clear up our mess or suffer the consequences. We are surrounded by examples: HS2 looked grand until the problems surfaced and the costs of land damaged or lost escalated. Two airports, Gatwick and Heathrow, wish to expand. Foreign investors, whose interests are financial and not environmental or social welfare, own both. What is this if not irresponsible exploitation?
Why this cynicism, and what has any of this got to do with farmers in the South East? It is all about the use and abuse of our only home; land we all need for survival.
This government, driven by opinion poll figures, seems hell bent on covering agricultural land in houses and concrete, bypassing planning constraints, reneging on promises and ignorantly belittling obstacles, such as rare plants or animals that are indicator species of dwindling healthy habitats.
The Prime Minister’s approach to the Swanscome Peninsula development in Kent, when he joked about “jumping spiders stopping an entire new town”, is a recent example that leaves developers rubbing their hands. Government is dumping and delaying promised measures that address climate change and ecosystem loss while developers are banking large profits and bonuses while managing to dodge their social housing delivery.
Oxfordshire, under particular housing pressure, is losing land rapidly, at the rate of some 100Ha per year, often in flood risk areas. Thames Water is wanting to build a second huge reservoir (1,000Ha) by the Evenlode river. Then there is the Botley West solar farm project, which is set to cover another 1,000Ha of farmland, mostly on the Blenheim estate.
The owners of the companies behind the solar farm and Thames Water are not UK citizens, so it is reasonable to suppose that our environment is
What is the Botley West plan? A map shows one of the three sites across Oxfordshire the solar farm would cover
not of serious concern and that dividends will leave the UK. There is no denying the need for more and better housing, water security and greater green energy delivery. Equally, we must not ignore the fact that the full costs and consequences have not been properly assessed. The county’s resources are finite. The progressive loss of land for food production, water management, habitat, human welfare and ecosystem provision is simply not sustainable. Too little has been invested in alternative solutions and mitigation.
The attractions of the Botley West project to the Government, developers and landowners are obvious. HMG gets its climate credentials buffed up, the landowner gets a generous and guaranteed income for 40 years of the lease and the developer covers the costs of installation in under 10 years and thereafter is printing money.
And the downsides? Well, 2,500 acres of black but reflecting panels, at eye level, are an undoubted eyesore, despite raised hedges. Hard reflective surfaces will adversely affect night fliers that depend upon echo- or astro-location. Large areas of reflected sunlight disorientate birds. Similarly, the smooth surfaces will concentrate run off and increase the risk of erosion and flooding despite good ground cover. Foraging area for hovering birds like barn owls and kestrels, both red list birds, is greatly diminished.
This is not hearsay. Detailed UK studies show large solar arrays have a devastating effect upon bats, and the proposed site is home to an internationally important population of 15 species of bat that would be lost. Skylarks, red listed, would also be lost and we need studies on insect populations that are further indicators of a healthy ecosystem. Increased run off could jeopardise the success of the North East Cotswold Farm Cluster’s landscape recovery project for the Evenlode river. Food production from the acres of panels would be limited to a few tons of meat from grazed sheep. There is also the significant loss of sites for birds to feed and breed, which will affect many farmland species such as grey partridge, skylarks, corn bunting, yellowhammers, linnets and tree sparrows. These farmland specialists are already 75% below 1970 numbers.
Another field gone
Are there not more environmentally friendly solutions that could help meet the needs? When solar was first offered for domestic use people were encouraged to put them on roofs. Should not all farms be encouraged to clad barn roofs with PV panels without facing exorbitant costs to upgrade transformers? We recently had to cut our plans to cover five barns alongside a battery storage unit because the £100,000 cost of upgrading the transformer made it uneconomic.
Land is too precious for single use. When we destroy land for human needs we must maximise gains by stacking uses, something that is recognised grudgingly by government through the requirement for developers to deliver at least 10% net gain in biodiversity. We must expand this philosophy urgently.
1981 Massey Ferguson 550 Tractor
Fully restored, 1981 model with 4WD, brought back to the highest standards. This classic workhorse has been professionally refurbished throughout, combining original MF character with modern reliability. Fitted with a robust 4-cylinder Perkins diesel engine, it delivers dependable power for all types of farm work. PTO, hydraulics, and gearbox are all in excellent working order. A tidy, field-ready tractor ideal for both livestock and arable operations. Ready to go straight to work or add to a collection. £7,000.
FARMING CONFERENCE EXPLORES RESILIENCE AND PURPOSE AMID CHANGE
The benefits of regenerative agriculture and the opportunities and threats posed by artificial intelligence (AI) were at the forefront of discussions during the South of England Agricultural Society’s (SEAS) annual farming conference.
The event, held at the South of England Showground in Ardingly, West Sussex, was once again a well-supported and thoughtprovoking occasion, with well over 200 people attending and a similar number joining online.
This year’s theme, Adapting with Purpose: Farming in a Changing World, brought industry leaders together to discuss how UK agriculture could stay resilient and profitable while navigating rapid environmental, economic and policy change.
It was a fascinating theme which drew a wide range of views and observations from the experienced panel and some interesting questions from the audience, with regular chair Charlotte Smith, presenter of BBC Radio 4’s Farming Today, in full but good-natured control as always.
Introduced by SEAS trustee Kaye MasefieldBaker, the panel was made up of Helen Browning OBE, pioneering organic farmer and chief executive of the Soil Association, John Gregson, UK general manager at Regenified and passionate regen advocate, and Norfolk farmer Richard Means, managing partner at Ceres Rural.
While the conference began with a focus on ‘back to basics’ regen and organic agriculture, it later shifted gear as the panel discussed the futuristic, high-tech opportunities offered by AI, along with the threats it posed.
The panel was challenged by one audience member who asked whether farmers should “embrace or shun” AI because of the huge energy and water demands the servers powering the technology demand from the environment.
In response, Helen Browning suggested farmers should only use the technology “for important things”, John Gregson said it was impossible to ignore it because “the genie is out of the bottle” and Richard Means said that
if AI made life easier and more profitable for farmers, he would grasp the opportunity.
There was considerable focus throughout the evening on farmers’ role in producing food and ensuring food security for the UK, with the panel asked by another audience member if food should become a ‘public good’, a question that provoked a rare difference of opinion.
While Helen said that couldn’t happen because it was a private resource –although she stressed the importance of food security - Richard Means felt that “nutritious and sustainable food” should be considered a public good and supported through subsidies in the same way that environmental schemes were.
The conference opened with a video message from SEAS Patron Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Edinburgh, who said that while the industry had “always had to be both resilient and innovative”, the current pace of change felt “unprecedented”.
She went on: “Tonight you will hear the views of leading industry experts on how
farming can not just survive but thrive, whether through fresh thinking, new technologies or alternative approaches.”
Helen Browning stressed the need to find a “purpose” in farming and said she had discovered hers four decades earlier when she had become committed to organic farming, using 1,300 acres for pigs, poultry, dairy, beef, sheep and arable over the years. She added that while farmers were “all feeling beleaguered for all sorts of reasons”, she found farming “great fun, if chaotic at times”.
Helen described how a clear sense of values around “soils, animal welfare and fun” had helped her continue to adapt to challenges, explaining: “When we're talking about a resilient future for farming, for me, I'm focusing on soils as ever, on trees, increasingly on water, because that's going to be a very precious commodity indeed, as well as how nature, how the birds and the bees can aid my farming system.”
She emphasised the growing opportunity for cooperation within the supply chain and across generations. “The next generation is very important,” she said, adding that sons
and daughters had to be encouraged to keep farming and help define the purpose and business strategy for the farm.
John Gregson was quick to highlight the importance to him of regen farming, pointing out: “It’s not niche or a fad but has real potential to change farming for the better.”
With 25 years’ experience in food retail and farming, he described regen as farming that “really puts nature at the centre of everything”, adding: “We’ve optimised for yield. Now we must optimise for margin and resilience. We must design a system where good food is affordable because it is efficient in its truest sense, efficient with nature, energy, and trust.”
On the need to feed an increasing population, John pointed out that a third of the food produced by farmers was wasted. He said that rather than farmers needing to produce more, the population should be wasting less.
Richard Means, who advises hundreds of UK farms and works alongside Clarkson’s Farm’s ‘Cheerful’ Charlie Ireland, pointed out that the end of basic payments meant that there was “suddenly no subsidy” and that farms now had to make a profit for the first time in his career.
After delivering a data-driven analysis of farm profitability in the post-subsidy era, Richard said he believed success now depended on “maximum sustainable output” rather than total yield, together with the ability to balance yields, costs and environmental outcomes.
Richard said farmers should take advantage of private money coming into the industry and said that while they would have to “work harder” to find them, there were new sources of funds. He also pointed out that the industry should take advantage of the “good times” to create “a solid base and platform to be able to survive when they become tougher”.
It was Richard’s view that farmers should adopt new technologies, such as gene editing, digital data, drones and AI applications that inspired some of the discussion that followed in an interesting Q & A session that preceded the usual splendid post-conference refreshments.
Conference sponsors were South East Farmer, CLM, Lloyds Bank, NFU, NFU Mutual, Mayo Wynne Baxter Solicitors and Richard Place Dobson Chartered Accountants.
Baroness Minette Batters Wiltshire-Based Tenant Farmer & Former NFU President
Andrew Ward, MBE Founder, Forage Aid & Wardy’s Waffles
Jeremy Finnis Owner, CH Cole & Sons and Dell Estates
M.A. Piper & Son Farms
Over recent years there have been government-led reviews looking at fairness in the supply chain for farm produce. Fresh produce and milk contracts have been reviewed following a long period of pressure from farmers pointing out the unfair way in which many contracts were written, giving buyers the power to change contract terms without the primary producer’s consent.
After many months of lobbying and highlighting the issues in the combinable sector by the NFU crops board, DEFRA agreed to hold a supply chain fairness review for the sector. It was thought the announcement was imminent, with 20 November the suggested launch date, but the cabinet reshuffle and change of minister is causing a delay, and at the time of writing the dates have not been released.
When the date is announced, which should be before Christmas, the review will be open for 12 weeks and take the form of a questionnaire inviting everyone to give examples of how they have been unfairly treated while selling combinable crops.
There are few of us who have not been, in our eyes, unfairly penalised when a load of grain has been rejected at intake. DEFRA wants views and evidence from as many growers as possible; it is the amount of evidence showing similar unreasonable claims by millers and merchants that will bring about change.
The NFU has convinced DEFRA that the combinable crops sector deserves a review, but it needs your engagement to highlight where the inequalities are within contracts.
Reviews into fresh produce and milk brought about changes to contracts; changes to combinable crops contracts are long overdue in a sector where many producers are struggling to make a profit.
Back on the farm we have had a good autumn, a return to more average weather without the extremes of the past few years. Getting through the work is so much more pleasurable and satisfying when it goes well. The long hours are still required, but when not battling against the weather, days off and even weekends off can be planned; quite a novelty.
The oilseed rape (OSR) was not drilled until we had adequate moisture, which did not arrive until September, when it was sown
A CHANCE TO HAVE YOUR SAY
Writes Peter Knight, managing director of Burgate Farms Ltd, Hambledon, Surrey.
from the first to the eighth. There were big differences in speed of establishment, with cultivated ground seeing the crop get away much quicker than where it was direct drilled. I am sure this is due to some mineralisation of nitrogen when the soil is disturbed and better seed to soil contact. Looking at the crops now, the fastest away is probably too forward and too thick; the unpredictability of OSR establishment.
Having, like many, been caught out drilling wheat into sodden ground for the past two autumns, we started drilling the more difficult land on 20 September and then just kept going at a sensible pace, finishing on 18 October. All is as good as we could have wished for. Despite the early dry conditions, herbicides seem to be working well, and it just remains to be seen if they run out of steam, having been applied to
warm and dry seedbeds.
The biggest unknown for cereals now is how significant barley yellow dwarf virus will turn out to be. It has been very mild, and aphid numbers caught in traps in October have been high. We used the 170 day degree threshold and sprayed an aphicide on all the earlier drilled crops.
Ground conditions are deteriorating on the heavy land, and I will soon have to decide how much mess am I prepared to make to put on an aphicide. Like many decisions in farming, it will be months before we know what the correct decision was as any virus damage begins to show.
This is my last article for this year. Let’s hope the weather continues to be average, which is what we all need to make 2026 a prosperous year for farming.
WHERE IS THE INCENTIVE TO PROMOTE GROWTH?
Will the government implement the 57 recommendations made by Baroness Minette Batters in her farm profitability review? I’m sure it will make interesting reading and, hopefully, bring some benefits to farming at grass-roots level. Perhaps that’s optimistic, given this government’s track record so far.
By the time you read this, we’ll know what measures the Chancellor is inflicting on us in the autumn budget. An uncertain future doesn’t encourage investment in farm machinery, infrastructure or stock. Where is the incentive to promote growth? I’m struggling to see it. Change is upon us. Farmers will have to look for opportunities and adapt. Meanwhile, ignoring politics, we’re simply cracking on with the business of farming, with plenty to keep us occupied.
On the good news front, we passed our TB test, which is always a huge relief. We collected up the cattle from their various grazing locations, some herded into corrals and loaded onto trailers, others walking home down the lane. It creates a lot of work, and as someone
pointed out, everyone gets paid for this except the farmer.
We reinforced the corral with some long, stout stakes so it could withstand a fair amount of bundling around. This is understandable, as the cattle resent this unwelcome interruption to their leisurely marsh grazing. Little wonder they need persuading that the only way out is via the trailer. And what crazy risks drivers take, just to avoid slowing down or, heaven forbid, stopping, to allow tractor access in and out of a field onto a main road.
The cattle within walking distance have a better deal. Luckily, no gardens were invaded, thanks to the help of gap-blockers, all part of the plan to keep family members fit. The older cows know their way home, but there’s always a mischievous character or frisky calf who fancies a taste of freedom.
Getting the cattle to vacate the field onto the lane was the trickiest part. Thankfully we were assisted by Brie, the senior sheepdog, who loves nothing better than playing the part of ‘hero to the rescue’. I have rarely seen stock get the better of her.
She instinctively knows what is needed and has trained us well. We heap praise on her afterwards, and she laps it up.
Safety is a major concern when TB testing, pregnancy detecting, blood testing, etc. On the Friday before the Monday test, the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) informed us that 14 extra blood samples were to be taken to test for bluetongue and epizootic haemorrhagic disease. I have just received a phone call to say that four of the results came back positive for bluetongue. I don’t suppose Pevensey Marshes is designated as a ‘midge no-fly zone’, so I’m not at all surprised. None of our cattle has shown any sign of being unwell. I’m glad we vaccinated our suckler herd, as I perceive the biggest risk to be damage to the unborn calf. During our forthcoming calving we’ll find out whether or not the vaccinations worked.
Sussex Wildlife Trust asked us to trial mixed grazing during the winter months. They suggested buffalo and ponies; we’re a bit short on those, so substituted cattle and sheep. It will be interesting to see how that goes. The latest bird count by experts on this part of
Yippee,
we’re out to play
the marsh revealed 35 different species. It’s fascinating learning all about it, and it brings a whole new aspect to checking stock.
Our rams are now in with our ewes. The official start date for lambing is Easter Monday. Houdini couldn’t wait: she jumped in with four rams during September, so we may have early arrivals. Then, when I moved Houdini into the keep flock, the silly ewe jumped over the fence to join the culls. It’s a good thing I recognised her, otherwise she might have found herself in the market.
I need to start marketing our lambs. Unbelievably, we had no fly-strike in our lambs this year; I think that’s a first. We applied Clik Extra in early June and, miraculously, have had no cases since. This is incredibly unusual. The ewes had Ectofly applied early and again six weeks after shearing, and have also been clear. I found a few maggots in feet, and one ram had a few, but given the dry summer I’m surprised we got off so lightly.
Red mite in the chickens has been a different matter, though; it’s been a constant battle. We
Collecting up wood for the winter
only have 10 chickens, producing eggs purely for family use. I’m so glad that the restrictions brought in to stop the spread of avian flu are not applicable to those with fewer than 50 birds. It must be such a worry for those rearing commercial birds for Christmas dinner. We’re hosting Christmas this year, and the family keeps expanding as we welcome our seventh grandchild. One more and we’ll have a tug-o-war team.
I joined the South of England Farming Conference online. Listening to different aspects of farming being debated is thoughtprovoking, and there were some poignant questions, too.
It’s not easy to make time to get off farm, but the AHDB event held in Hailsham Market, entitled Right Start, Right Carcase, Right Market, was relevant, well-organised and informative. Meat and Livestock Commission graders explained how different dressing specifications at abattoirs impact carcase weight. We looked at live cattle and learnt about various aspects of grading.
When bale trailer becomes a ship. Imaginative play
praise
AHDB event at Hailsham market. Great presentations
Simon from Surrey Hill Butchers gave an excellent demonstration on the difference in taste between a supermarket steak, cut up fresh and vacuum-packed, and a butcher’s dry-aged steak that has been hung for four to six weeks. The latter is a far superior product. If only we could have had an impromptu barbecue tasting session. Simon is a great salesman who needs to show the supermarket buyers how they are doing their customers out of great-tasting products by treating meat in this way.
On the premise that ‘all work and no play’ isn’t good for you, I’ve sneaked off farm a few times to join the fun with the beating team. The spaniels love their work, and I have enjoyed stunning autumn colours in the woods and great company. I’ve also spent a few Sundays with my young collies in the starter classes at the winter sheepdog trials, receiving guidance and encouragement, which has been rewarding.
Wishing all my readers a happy Christmas when it arrives.
Brie chilling. She has us well trained; she loves
Happy but tired working dogs
Walking the cattle home
The beaters team
SARAH CALCUTT FOCUS ON FRUIT
SARAH CALCUTT ARA g S Chair, Fruiterers Awards Council
What a success the National Fruit Show was! The hall was packed with stands from all segments of the industry, the display was full and the room was buzzing with conversation from the substantial number of attendees. I overheard one trade stand representative on the phone asking: “Why aren’t you here? Everyone else is!” which summed up the day well.
The opening address was by Ali Capper, chair of British Apples and Pears (BAPL), who said that with British top fruit growers at the top of the international game, it was a shame that there were warnings about a pause in investment, with confidence needed for growers to invest in new orchards. She called on government to increase annual allowances and to reverse, or adjust, the inheritance tax proposal. BAPL also launched a new finance product at the show, in partnership with Oxbury bank, which will provide loans to growers backed by long term retailer agreements.
Show opener Judith Batchelar OBE began her address by saying that there were reasons to be cheerful. From the farm profitability review to the NHS 10-year plan, there would be inevitable change but progress in ways that would benefit farming. One of Judith’s roles is with the Millennium Seed Bank, something that will be of great benefit to the fruit industry’s future breeding programmes.
The Worshipful Company of Fruiterers was also in celebratory mood at the Master and Wardens’ Dinner; I had the honour of
CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE
introducing three outstanding winners from the fruit industry. This year’s recipient of the livery’s Fruit Culture Award was Stephen McGuffie of Park View Farm in Lichfield. Over his 45-year career, Stephen has transformed Park View from a modest operation growing strawberries, raspberries, gooseberries, and currants for pick-your-own and local sales into one of the UK’s leading soft fruit enterprises.
Stephen was commended for his commitment to sustainability, which has been unwavering. He has also been a generous collaborator, sharing insights with his fellow growers and contributing to national industry panels such as DEFRA’s HortLINK, the Horticulture Development Council, the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board and, latterly, as a member of the research and development panel at British Berry Growers Ltd.
Simon Everett, of Moatlands Farm Ltd, was the 2025 recipient of the Fruiterers’ Fruit Management Award. Commended for his ability to learn quickly, his tireless investigation of innovative technologies and his enthusiasm for taking the business forward, he was also praised for his attention to detail in crop management technology, monitoring systems and evaluating new varieties, orchard design and tree
management strategies.
The Fruit Management Award is one that recognises excellence in fruit growing and dedication to the industry. Simon’s 37 years of service to the Moatlands farming business, with his knowledge, passion and drive to improve, learn, expand and perfect the business, has been a vital part of its expansion and success, making him a worthy recipient of the 2025 award.
The third winner of the evening was Harry Skittery, who was awarded the Under 30s Fruiterers’ Prize. He was nominated by the Next Gen Fruit Group Committee for both his talent in his role and his personal fortitude, things that were echoed by his tutors at Harper Adams University, where he studied BSc Hons agriculture with farm business management.
From a background in cider orchard management, Harry was keen to extend his experience in the horticultural sector further and undertook a 12-month placement at Lower Hope Fruit Farm, where he was given an ‘A’ grade for employability and promptly offered a job on graduation. Fast forward a few years and he was promoted to grower manager before moving to Tillington Top Fruit as the assistant manager. The Under 30s award recognises someone to watch in the future; Harry is clearly going places.
Harry Skittery
Simon Everett
Stephen McGuffie with Sarah
RICS ACCREDITATION FOR RURAL LAND MANAGEMENT DEGREE
Plumpton College's new BSc (Hons) rural land and business management degree course for aspiring rural surveyors has gained a landmark achievement just weeks after welcoming a new student cohort at the start of its inaugural academic year.
Nationally, the rural land degree has been enjoying a surge in profile, thanks in part to the increased public awareness and celebrity of Charlie Ireland following the success of Clarkson's Farm
The college, meanwhile, has an even greater cause for celebration, with its new industry-informed degree having been officially accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).
The achievement follows a two-year campaign, with Plumpton College working closely with validating partner the University of Greenwich and a rural land steering group formed by the college and made up of industry-leading employers and organisations who individually endorsed the project. These included Batcheller Monkhouse, Lambert & Foster, Savills, Knight Frank, Dalcour Maclaren, Webbpaton, Bax Thomas and French (BTF) Partnership, the National Trust and the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers (CAAV).
“Having been involved in the launch of this innovative degree programme for rural surveyors, I am delighted that this now has formal RICS accreditation. This was an essential step towards making this degree the industry leader it deserves to be,” said Leo Hickish, chairman and company director of Batcheller Monkhouse.
“This accreditation is a testament to the expertise of the teaching team, strength of the programme and its relevance to the land-based industries. Graduates from this programme will be exceptionally well equipped to take up a wide range of careers within the area of rural land management,” added Professor Noel-Ann Bradshaw, deputy dean, Faculty of Engineering and Science at the University of Greenwich.
For Plumpton’s first cohort of students, the news couldn’t be better, with RICS accreditation conferring the professional recognition sought by employers and practitioners alike.
This newly accredited degree, heavily endorsed by the sector, provides a unique pathway for graduates to gain chartered surveyor status, allowing them to head straight into practice following the completion of their assessment of professional competence (APC) and, in doing so, become CAAV Fellows.
Miemie Neethling Taylor, director of higher education at Plumpton College, commented: Achieving RICS accreditation affirms the quality of our teaching and the relevance of the programme, and reflects the dedication of our staff, our strong partnership with the University of Greenwich and the depth of our engagement with rural industry.
“This recognition positions Plumpton as a leading provider of land-based higher education, aligned with professional standards and future-focused development. For students, it opens doors to professional pathways, enhances employability and connects them directly with employers. It also ensures a pipeline of graduates who are not only academically prepared but professionally recognised.”
The qualification is currently offered as a two-year accelerated degree, which gives immediate access into the workplace for students looking to earn as they study by working as student interns/trainees. The reduced study time means graduation in just two years, which reduces course fees by 22%.
These significant advantages put Plumpton at the forefront of land-based higher education providers, with the college’s higher education courses meeting the needs of “those wishing to secure their qualifications while working and within a condensed timeframe” in the words of Leo Hickish, who said he had “seen a significant demand from mature candidates looking for a change in career later in life”. Graduates can follow careers in such things as agricultural consultancy, property agency, investment and development or infrastructure development and land acquisition.
NIGEL AKEHURST VISITS: DIAMOND FIBRES
Pulling into the small farmyard off Vines Cross Road in the village of Horam, East Sussex, I parked in front of a timber-clad Sussex barn with a handpainted sign reading Diamond Fibres Ltd – Wool Processing.
It had been raining most of the day, but the clouds were beginning to lift. Opening the entrance gate, I made my way towards a white-painted shed, its double doors ajar, revealing spindles, belts and weathered castiron machines inside. This was the beating heart of Diamond Fibres, a rare working micromill where British longwool still becomes lustrous yarn.
Before heading in, Roger suggested we walk down the field to see his flock. We crossed the meadow and paused at an old wooden bridge spanning a clear stream, swollen with the day’s rain. “That’s the start of the Cuckmere River,” he told me, smiling. On the other side, his black Kent sheep, a local strain of Romney, were busy grazing, looking up as Roger clicked the catch on the gate to get their attention.
Walking among his flock with the autumn trees glowing behind, I stopped to capture a few photos of the timeless scene. With rain threatening again, we headed back up to the mill as Roger explained a bit more about the history of Diamond Fibres and the challenges of keeping Britain’s woolprocessing heritage alive.
FROM THE FLOCK TO THE FLEECE
Roger and his wife Pam bought the 35-acre farm in 1978, drawn by the open pastures and the scope to keep livestock. Two years later, in 1980, they introduced their first sheep, Romneys, and have been involved with longwool ever since.
“The native breeds do best in their local
KEEPING BRITAIN’S LONGWOOL KNOW-HOW ALIVE
This month Nigel Akehurst visited Diamond Fibres Ltd,
a small farm and micro-mill in Horam, East Sussex, where he met owner Roger Mobsby and his apprentice Lois Gardner, a Wensleydale sheep breeder, to learn more about the challenges of keeping Britain’s wool processing heritage alive.
area,” Roger explained. “They suit this ground.” Other longwool breeds like Leicesters and Lincolns “never quite took to it, they prefer a more exposed, windy place”.
Roger began breeding black sheep in the early 1980s after developing a love of coloured longwool. His flock today is smaller than it once was but is still a striking sight: dark lambs, silvery yearlings and older ewes that fade to a pale grey with age.
REVIVING A RARE TRADITION
Britain was once full of small scouring and spinning mills serving local farmers. Most have vanished, leaving a handful of specialists like Diamond Fibres to bridge the gap between fleece and finished yarn.
“Worsted is about discipline and precision,” Roger explained. “You keep the fibres parallel, comb out the short bits, the noil, and end up with a yarn that’s smooth, lustrous and
strong.” The process traces back to the Flemish weavers who settled in the Norfolk village of Worstead, which is thought to have given its name to this distinctive technique. By contrast, the woollen system produces a fuzzier, loftier yarn suited to jumpers and felting. “You can knit with worsted, but you can’t weave with woollen,” Roger said. “Worsted gives you strength and drape, that’s why it was used for suiting and fine cloth.”
A PARTNERSHIP ACROSS GENERATIONS
Since 2021, Roger has been joined by Lois Gardner, a longwool enthusiast and spinner from Essex who now works part-time at the mill. She also keeps a small flock of Wensleydale sheep at the farm. Under Roger’s patient guidance she has been learning every stage of the process, from sorting and washing to carding, combing and spinning,
and is steadily mastering the complex web of gears and settings each machine demands.
“I’d been fascinated by longwool for years,” Lois said. “Wensleydales have this incredible lustre, but there were so few places left that could process them properly. When I met Roger, it just clicked. He knows these machines inside out.”
Between them they’ve built a partnership that’s both practical and symbolic, a passing of knowledge from one generation to the next. Lois brings fresh enthusiasm and links to emerging fibre networks such as Fibreshed South East. Roger brings decades of mechanical and textile experience. “It’s lovely working with someone who wants to keep it going,” he added quietly.
SORTING THE GOOD FROM THE BAD
“Just because it grows on the back of a sheep doesn’t mean it’s any good,” Roger said, teasing apart a staple of Romney wool. Weak tips, brittle ends and weathered fibres all have to be removed. Stress lines, caused by dog chases or even a low-flying jet, can leave invisible breaks that ruin a batch. So can poor nutrition or mineral deficiency.
Sorting is slow, exacting work. Every fleece that arrives is checked by hand, faults removed, colours separated and lengths matched. “Some mills charge extra for sorting and disposal,” Roger said. “We don’t, we just do it, because it has to be right.” Clean shearing makes all the difference. “Shear on a clean board, not on straw,” he advised. “And if you’ve got coloured and white sheep, sweep the floor between them.”
WASHING THE OLD-FASHIONED WAY
The next stage is washing, but forget industrial scouring lines. Here it’s still done by hand, in stainless-steel tubs filled with water heated to around 60° C and a specially formulated wool scouring agent, plus sometimes soda. “We soak rather than agitate,” said Roger. “That lifts out the grease and dirt without felting the fibre. Then it’s through the mangle, rinse, and repeat.”
Once clean, the wool is spread on racks to dry naturally. “We bring it in when it’s about ninety per cent dry,” he said. “If you leave it too long, it goes crispy.” A light mist of anti-static combing lubricant follows, preparing the fibre for the gills. >>
Roger Mobsby Bobbins
AKEHURST VISITS: DIAMOND FIBRES
MACHINES WITH MEMORY
Every machine in the workshop has a story. Many were salvaged from mills closing in the 1970s and '80s. “I remember going to one near Bradford,” Roger said. “The caretaker told me to put a marker on whatever I fancied. Everything was heading for scrap.”
Back home, he and local engineer Keith Riddle rebuilt them piece by piece, adapting drive systems and fabricating new gears to suit different staple lengths. Each machine has a handwritten crib sheet of settings, a mixture of imperial and metric notes only Roger can fully decode. “You can’t programme this into a computer,” he smiled. “You learn by ear, by the sound the rollers make when they’re happy.”
THE LONG ROAD FROM FLEECE TO YARN
From the first carding, which produces a loose sliver, to the final winding of hanks, the journey from fleece to yarn involves at least a dozen stages. The gill aligns the fibres; the comb removes the short ones; the sliver is drawn, doubled and refined through a succession of roving frames that gently twist and thin the strand.
Diamond Fibres still uses flyer spinning, a slower, more tactile method than modern ring-spinning. “Flyer spinning gives you control,” Roger explained. “As the yarn wraps around the flyer’s leg before it’s wound on, it smooths the surface and tucks in the stray hairs. Longwool behaves better that way.”
The singles are then plied together, two or four strands twisted in the opposite direction, before being wound onto cones or hanks ready for dyeing or knitting.
SLOW CRAFT IN A FAST WORLD
Nothing happens quickly here. White wool runs are processed together and white is only processed when the rollers have been scrubbed clean. “You don’t want black fibres turning up in the next batch of white,” Roger laughed. “That means taking machines apart, cleaning every roller, every pin.”
Carded batts for felting might be ready in two or three months; fully combed and spun yarn can take six months to a year. “Some people say they’re not in a hurry,” Roger grinned. “That’s a rash thing to say, because we’ll take them at their word!”
THE ECONOMICS OF EXPERTISE
Asked whether the business pays its way, Roger reflected for a moment. “In the past we made a profit,” he said. “We had more turnover, did simpler work, carding and sliver, faster jobs. Fine yarn production takes longer, the machines run slower and there are more stages. It’s not as remunerative now.”
Still, demand has never gone away. Parcels of fleece arrive from across Britain; customers range from craft weavers and knitters to small farm shops selling their own branded yarn. “We’ve even had wool sent from the Channel Islands and the Hebrides,” Lois said. “People like knowing exactly where their yarn has come from.”
But public perception remains a challenge. “People say wool isn’t worth anything,” Roger sighed. “Then they see a 50-gram hank of British longwool for £20 and wonder why. It’s because of all this.” He gestured around the room, the clattering gills, the trays of fleece, the faint scent of lanolin and oil. “This is the missing middle.”
Combed and uncombed
Roving frame
Gill
A WALK THROUGH HISTORY
Before leaving, Roger and Lois took me to see the 16th-century Sussex barn next door, a beautiful, timber-framed building with soaring beams and a lingering smell of lanolin. It’s here that they store the raw fleeces before sorting and washing, the bags stacked neatly against the old brick walls.
Across the road, Lois led me to one of Roger’s paddocks where she keeps her pedigree longwool Wensleydale rams. Their glistening ringlets rippled in the breeze. “I keep them mainly for their fleeces,” she said, “but I do sell a few to other breeders.” She doesn’t attend shows, “it’s not really my thing”, but takes obvious pride in the animals.
She explained how, when she was grazing them on a farm back in Essex, she had to trim the wool around their necks to make room for GPS virtual collars used for rotational grazing. “It looked a bit odd at first,” she laughed, “but it worked.”
It’s a small detail that says a lot about the balance Lois is striking, blending modern tools with heritage breeds, practicality with beauty.
PASSING IT ON
Roger hopes the mill will continue long after he hangs up his overalls. “It’s taken me years to learn what not to do,” he said. “You go down dead ends, make mistakes, then one day you wake up and think, that’s how it should be done.”
With Lois now mastering each stage and adding her own flock’s wool into the mix, the future looks quietly secure. “It’s a partnership,” she said. “We’re learning from each other. I just want to make sure the knowledge doesn’t get lost.”
In a world chasing efficiency, Diamond Fibres stands as a gentle act of resistance, proof that small-scale, local craftsmanship still has a place in British agriculture.
“Longwool is part of our heritage,” Roger said finally. “It’s beautiful stuff. Strong, lustrous, versatile. It just needs the right handling and the right people to care about it.”
FARMING AND ENVIRONMENT FOCUSED CONTENT CREATION
Storytelling through interviews, features, case studies, photography and short films.
For enquiries contact Nigel Akehurst via email on nigel@indiefarmer.com
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Noil
Carding
Lois Gardner
NATIONAL FRUIT SHOW REVIEW
Double the number of fruit entries from last year, a raft of new exhibitors, impressive visitor numbers and a distinct ‘buzz’ throughout the exhibition hall made this year’s National Fruit Show an unqualified success.
After last year’s debut one-day event, the 2025 show organised by the Marden Fruit Show Society (MFSS) under the leadership of chairman Nigel Bardsley built on the success
of the new format.
FRUIT SHOW ENTRIES UP 90%
Fruit show entries were up by 90%, no doubt helped by this year’s superb harvest, and provided a stunning centrepiece to the event, held as always at the Kent Showground, while Nigel said visitor numbers by midday had already topped 2024’s final figure.
Exhibitor numbers were also up, with around 20 businesses taking space at the show for the first time, and, importantly, Nigel said the show – the 92nd – was now, financially, “on an even keel”.
He explained that while the committee did not set out to make a large profit as it wanted to keep the stand prices affordable for exhibitors, the show had more than covered its costs. He also pointed out that the Tastiest Apple class had been revived and highlighted the new Harlequin class.
With a number of stand holders and visitors praising Nigel’s “bravery” in moving to a one-day show last year, he pointed out that after having been involved in the show since his childhood, it was “in his blood” and said that he had simply felt unable to walk away from the challenges facing the society.
He also praised the “settled team” of committee members now
running the show and paid particular tribute to show manager Eileen Haffenden.
Earlier, MFSS president Catherine Paice had presented the Jon Jones Trophy for 2025 to Nick Seymour, founder of Goudhurst, Kent-based specialist tractor and machinery dealership NP Seymour.
While the NP Seymour dealership has been built around a longstanding relationship with the impressive Fendt brand, Nick has become renowned for his engineering and design skills that have resulted in numerous bespoke pieces of equipment being invented and manufactured at the company’s Avon Works headquarters.
Praising his unique contribution to the fruit industry, Catherine referred to his “exceptional flair” and said he had “a passion for doing things properly” before paying tribute to his “integrity, skill and contribution to the industry”.
Speaking ahead of the formal opening of the show by Judith Batchelar OBE, British Apples & Pears Ltd (BAPL) chair Ali Capper referred to 2025’s “fabulous crop” and urged anyone who could not find the same top-quality fruit in their local supermarket to “hassle” the store manager.
Ali said BAPL’s orchard and growers survey had revealed that the industry was now producing 70 different commercial varieties and added that although the amount of land under top fruit had stayed at around 5,500 hectares for the past 20 years, production had doubled.
What the industry needed, she said, was for growers to be able to agree long-term contracts that gave them the confidence to invest and for the Government to increase the annual investment allowance from £1m to £10m, reverse the planned changes to inheritance tax and make growers eligible for discounted energy.
Opening the show, Judith Batchelar, formerly Director of Brand at Sainsbury’s, gave the audience a number of “reasons to be cheerful”, including the “amazing” growth in agritech, in which said the UK led the world.
She told the audience: “Today we are here to celebrate great British growers and the contribution that you all make to the health of the nation.
“We have a sector that has lots to offer today and in the future. Not only do we have growth opportunities from driving consumption of fruit and vegetables, and reducing imports, but we also have the ability to use the data and digital technologies at our fingertips to do that in a way that drives efficiencies, cost effectiveness and overall productivity, whilst delivering produce that is better for people and better for the planet.”
Referring to the “really good vibe in the room”, Judith said the industry was set for success not least because growers had shown they could “work collaboratively and collectively across the sector” in a way others did not.
The “vibe” certainly was good, with machinery dealers, agronomists, land agents, financial and legal advisers, nurseries, tech specialists, educationalists, packaging suppliers and a host of other traders all contributing to a comprehensive showcase for the industry.
As well as admiring the award-winning fruit on display, visitors could check out the latest technology, research their next machinery purchase, seek out professional advice or simply catch up with friends, fellow growers and neighbours over a coffee.
Response from visitors and standholders to the one-day show was overwhelmingly positive, with Hutchinsons’ innovation agronomist Rob Saunders perhaps summing up the change when he said it was “massively improved”. He explained: “It brings everyone together on the same day. You don’t go looking for someone only to be told: ‘Sorry, he’s coming tomorrow’.”
Solar specialist East Green Energy was one of the businesses exhibiting at the National Fruit Show for the first time, with the company’s Tim Thornton reporting that he had made some good contacts and picked up a number of positive leads.
“We came hoping to meet people who have a high electricity demand and we have certainly succeeded,” Tim said. “Not only is there a good number of people here but it’s the kind of specialist audience we need to reach.
Another first-time company was United Box, which supplies 16and 18-bushel, pallet-based ply-sided fruit bins and is part of the James Jones & Sons Group. Account manager Martin Easterby said the show felt busy. “We came here to get our name in front of the right audience, and we have certainly achieved that,” he said.
Varieties Digital Environmental Services
Agroecology Services
Agronomy
Soil Mapping Farm Business Consultancy Nutrition
NATIONAL FRUIT SHOW REVIEW
B PIPER PARTNERS
• Ernest White Cup for Comice Pears & Lambert & Foster Prize Money for Comice Pears
• East Kent Packers Cup for Concorde Pears & RH Group Prize Money for Conference Pears
CHANDLER & DUNN
• Invicta Petroleum Shield for Any Other Variety Dessert Apple After 2013 & Chavereys Chartered Accountant Prize Money for Any Other Variety Dessert Apple After 2013
• R Mitchell Challenge Cup for the Best Exhibit of Dessert Apple introduced to the UK since 2000
ELECTRIC TRACTOR TAKES CENTRE STAGE
Fendt specialist and machinery dealer N P Seymour once again featured a range of must-have equipment on its impressive stand at the National Fruit Show, with everything from state-of-the-art secateurs to the world’s first fully electric fruit tractor on display.
It was the Fendt e107V Vario that took centre stage, a special moment for director Claire Seymour who has often used the Show’s handbook to update growers on Fendt’s progress with the development of a fully electric version of the beloved 200-series.
The tractor is now in production, with N P Seymour having the only demo machine currently in the UK. Ideal for viticulture, fruit and amenity work, it has a battery life of up to seven hours, dropping to around four when using the 75hp ‘dynamic’ drive mode to operate machinery such as a sprayer or mower.
On a smaller scale, Felco’s new 834 cordless secateurs, which do away with the need for a cable and battery backpack, were attracting considerable attention. An F-gold-plated blade and clever safety cutout system add to the attraction of the sensibly priced pruners.
The N P Seymour stand was also displaying a disc harrow cultivator made by a new supplier, Quivogne. The PXVI is a robust cultivator which is highly adaptable,
is designed to work well in orchards and is seen as complementary to the dealer’s other cultivation equipment from Brevi and Braun. Widths run from 1.05m to 2.4m.
The T-Rex mower from Perfect Van Wamel is presumably so-named because it can eat its way through anything. The robust, gearboxdriven rotary mower, with widths from 1.5m to 2.9m, is designed to effortlessly handle thicker,
higher grass, and growers can also expect less wear and tear and a longer lifespan.
Also proudly on display was the table-top strawberry sprayer designed by Nick Seymour which has in recent years been sold all over the world. Each machine is bespoke and designed in house, with recent modifications including recessed spray nozzles on the drop tubes – an improvement that can be retrofitted.
J L BAXTER & SON
• Fuller Water Systems Trophy for Jazz & Worldwide Fruit Prize Money for Jazz
• Pask Cornish & Smart Cup for Gala or any Sport & NIAB Prize Money for Gala or any Sport
• Segro Salver for Any Other Variety Pear & NFU Mutual (Marden) Prize Money for Any Other Variety Pear
CLAYGATE FARMS
• The Systhane Cup for Cox's Orange Pippin or Any Sport of Cox & Landseer Ltd Prize Money for Cox's Orange Pippin or any Sport of Cox
• Horticultural Containers Wine Goblets & NFU Mutual (Canterbury & Sittingbourne) Prize Money for Braeburn or any Sport 70-75 or 75-80mm
• NFU £400 Prize Money t for the Best Exhibit of Apples or Pears in the Show
• Roderick Sarson Memorial Trophy for the Best All Round Exhibit of Apples
• Stokes Bomford Rose Bowl for the Best Exhibit of Dessert Apples
• Fruiterers Company Medal for the Best Exhibit of Dessert Apples
• UKF Fertilisers Cup for the Best Cox's O P or Any Sport in Classes 4,5,18
KATIE LANGRIDGE
• Western International Market Shield for Dessert Apple
• The Sue Daly Novice Trophy &
• Haynes Agricultural Ltd Prize Money for Dessert Apples, Exhibitor Aged Under 40
A C GOATHAM & SON
• Vernon Hayes (Seeds) Challenge Cup for Cox's Orange Pippin or any Cox Sport & F Edmed & Sons Prize Money for Cox's Orange Pippin or any Cox Sport
• Cornwallis Cup for Cameo & Avalon Fresh Prize Money for Cameo
• A R Piller Challenge Cup for Magic Star & Avalon Fresh Prize Money for Magic Star
• John Thwaites Bowl for highest number of points in all classes to Kent Exhibitor, North of the M20
REUBEN COLLINGWOOD (JOHN COLLINGWOOD FRUIT FARMS)
• Arthur Goatham Memorial Trophy for Bramley Exhibitor under 40
• Winner of the Tastiest Apple (Jazz)
NICK SEYMOUR
• John Jones Memorial Trophy
MALLIONS FARM
• Alfred Shread Cup for Bramley in Class 1 & The Twyman Prize Money for Bramley presented by Agrii
• Squire Salver for Bramley in Class 2 & Avalon Fresh Ltd Prize Money for Bramley
• Dufaylite Developments Cup for Culinary Apples & A C Goatham & Son Prize Money for AOV Culinary Apples
• Henshall Rose Bowl for Russets & The Fruit Grower Prize Money for Russets
• George Harlow Cup for Any Other Variety Dessert Apple Before 2013 & New Spitalfields
Market Prize Money for Any Other Variety Dessert Apple Before 2013
• Podger Norton Trophy for the Best Exhibit of Culinary Apples
• Fyffes Salver for the Best Exhibit of Bramley
• Fiennes Cornwallis Trophy for the Exhibitor gaining the highest no. of points in all Classes
• Dan Wuille Cup for best colour and skin quality for the variety in the culinary Apple Classes
• Winch Memorial Challenge Cup for the highest no.of points for Weald of Kent exhibits in all Classes
• John Acock Memorial Rosebowl for exhibitor with most points in culinary classes
BONANZA PRIZE WINNER
NATIONAL FRUIT SHOW
KEEPING THINGS SIMPLE
Keeping things simple proved to be the most profitable option in long term orchard trials carried out by agronomy specialists Hutchinsons.
Taking time out from talking to visitors to the company’s impressive stand at the National Fruit Show, innovation agronomist Rob Saunders outlined the results obtained in Hutchinsons’ Helios trials before going on to talk about a number of current exciting research projects.
The orchard trials revealed that Gala planted on a M116 rootstock – which essentially allows them to be self-supporting, requiring just a simple, single strand wire support at around 70cm – delivered the best returns over an eight-year period. “It wasn’t the highest yielding variety, but the minimal cost of the support system helped it achieve the highest return on investment over the first eight years of the trial,” Rob explained.
Alongside long-term practical trials, Hutchinsons is committed to detailed research into new methods of enhancing yields, reducing pest and disease pressures and ultimately contributing to growers’ bottom lines.
PARTNERSHIP
A current partnership with Landseer, Koppert and Andermatt Biocontrol is designed to reassure growers about new biological options for controlling codling moth following a reduction in the insecticide options available.
“They are established technologies, but growers are not confident about them,” explained Rob. “We are working on ways to bring the technologies together and enhance their efficiency, and so far the results have exceeded our expectations.”
The work centres on using Landseer’s TrapView technology to ensure that the Granulosis virus that kills the codling moth caterpillar can be introduced at the correct time, along with the nematode that is used to tackle the moth’s overwintering stages.
“The research is in the middle of the first of three years, but so far we are fantastically pleased with the results,” said Rob, who added that future work would focus on trying to reduce the number of applications while maintaining the same results.
PRECISION ORCHARD MANAGEMENT
Hutchinsons is also midway through the four-year POME (Precision Orchard Management for Environment) project it is heading up, working alongside Niab and other commercial partners and backed by funding from Innovate UK and DEFRA.
“We are continuing to develop technologies that allow us to treat trees as individuals to ensure that we use the correct dosage of thinners and other sprays across orchards rather than wasting chemicals or not applying enough,” Rob explained.
The various strands of the project include scanning blossom intensity in the spring to inform sprayer rates and improve crop size prediction and developing a scouting ‘robot’ that will tour orchards at night at low speeds looking for areas that are ‘different’ and may indicate the need
for a particular treatment.
“At the moment,” Rob said, “we send our most intelligent people into orchards to look for things that probably aren’t there. What we want to do is use technology to help agronomists and growers find problem areas so that they can be treated effectively and quickly.”
SENSOR TOWER
Another innovative approach involves using a ‘sensor tower’ mounted to a tractor and containing a number of scanners that will use LIDAR, NDVI and hyper-spectral imaging technology to check out the orchard every time the operator drives through it, whatever the primary reason for his or her journey.
The plan is to roll the technology out as a modular system, allowing growers to pick the level of detail they need from the system. The tower itself has been developed by POME partners N P Seymour.
The Hutchinsons stand at the National Fruit Show also featured SporeSense technology which will capture spores, identify them and let the grower know they have been released, allowing more efficient use of fungicide and more accurate timing.
Hutchinsons is also working with grower Adrian Scripps Ltd and Swiss company Vivent on an exciting project that will measure and interpret the electrical impulses within trees, giving growers vital information about such things as drought stress, fungal attack or nutrient deficiency.
“The reason there are 26 different ways to measure soil moisture is that none of them is very good,” explained Rob. “It’s much better to ask the tree, and that’s what the Arboricrop project is setting out to allow us to do – amongst other things.”
Rob Saunders
GABI GEORGE (PLUMFORD FARM)
• The David Burd Memorial Trophy for the entrant gaining most points in Classes
GASKAIN LTD
• AMG Trophy for Conference Pears & RH Group Prize Money for Conference Pears
• Bayer Rose Bowl for the Best Exhibit of Pears
• Fruiterers Company Medal for the Best Exhibit of Pears
• John Henshall Salver for the Best Exhibit of Any Dessert Apple grown in UK outside Kent
• Agrovista Regional Champions Cup - Grower with most points from the Eastern Counties
NATIONAL FRUIT SHOW REVIEW
Best Machinery Stand
STOCKBRIDGE NUTTERY
• Bennett Opie Ltd Prize Money for Walnuts
SIMON BRAY
• Heaviest Apple sponsored by Niab
MOATLANDS FARM
• Cantagrians Cup for the Best Exhibit from an ex-student of Hadlow, KFI or KHI
D J & V J KNIGHT & PARTNERS
• WASP Bin Trophy for Braeburn or any Sport 65-70mm & Worldwide Fruit Prize Money for Braeburn or any Sport
• BIFGA Prize
Best Shell Scheme
Kirkland UK
United Box
Best Overall Stand
Farmers with surplus or out-of-spec produce are being urged to donate it to those in need via FareShare, the UK’s largest food redistribution charity, which supports 8,000 charities across the country.
The good news for those who may be able to help this worthy cause is that there are funds available to help with any costs that may be incurred as a result of the farm’s generosity.
The Government-backed Tackling Food Surplus at the Farm Gate fund has allowed FareShare to expand its work, as well as allowing the organisation to help cover some of the costs of getting surplus fruit and vegetables from the farm to the redistribution network.
Produce commercial manager Emma White commented: “Farmers are passionate about growing good, healthy fruit and veg and the last thing they want is to see it go to waste. We can help make sure that their produce is put to good use helping those in need – and help with any extra costs they incur in helping us do that.”
FareShare has 35 warehouses across the country and last year distributed more than 16,000 tonnes of healthy produce to families who needed it. “It might be out-of-spec, be blemished, be too big or just unsold because of a market shift,” said Emma. “Whatever the reason, if the grower can’t find a home for it,
REDUCING WASTE
DONATE FOOD SURPLUS TO THOSE IN NEED
we can make sure that his or her hard work doesn’t go to waste.”
As an example, Emma pointed out that with Hallowe’en having been celebrated the weekend before the National Fruit Show, “I am sure there are a lot of pumpkins and squashes out there looking for a home”.
FareShare also supports gleaning and welcomes opportunities to collect unwanted produce – such as fruit from pollinators which is never harvested commercially. Supporting FareShare can also reduce the farm’s waste management costs and boost its sustainability credentials.
The charities that FareShare supports work in a variety of ways, but many help lowerincome families access healthy food they would otherwise not be able to afford. “When times are hard, the first thing that disappears from the shopping basket is fresh fruit and veg,” said Emma. “We know farmers would rather know someone was tasting the crop they have worked so hard to nurture.”
Many of the charities provide additional
services, perhaps offering mental health support or signposting to housing or other services as well as fresh fruit and veg. “FareShare is at the heart of a lot of community support and we want the South East’s farmers and growers to help with that work,” Emma explained.
The Tackling Food Surplus at the Farm Gate contribution of £9m from the Government has helped FareShare increase the scope of its work by funding improved logistics, gleaning projects, chilled storage facilities and communications.
"It has helped us expand considerably and we are determined to keep growing,” said Emma, who said FareShare had been making a difference to people’s lives and saving perfectly good produce from being wasted for 30 years.
“To do that we need more farmers to work with us and allow us to make good use of the healthy food they have worked so hard to produce,” she went on, adding: “And if the barrier is cost, they just need to talk to us about the help we can offer.”
Roberto Hamar and Emma White from FareShare UK, Lara Pope from The Felix Project and Darcey Melvin and Debbie Burden from FareShare Kent
Woodland management solutions from FORESTRY S UTH EAST Maximum value from your trees
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South East Forestry’s in-house sawmill allows the business to extract maximum value from the trees the team harvests, which in turn allows the company to pay premium rates for forestry work.
And it’s not just the machinery that contributes to a healthy payment for the landowner. Jon Davies, who runs South East Forestry with business partner Dave Holmes, is a skilled and experienced woodsman who can expertly
assess the value of timber and ensure that every bit of it is used appropriately.
Turning trees into woodchip is a last resort, with as much timber as possible used in construction, for furniture or for fencing, which not only increases its value but locks up the carbon while supporting rural jobs.
Even larger diameter sweet chestnut trees, which generally have minimal value once they are too big for fencing, are put to good use by South East Forestry, a use that is again reflected in the price the company will pay for standing timber.
Simple and straightforward
While moving with the times in many respects, farmers like doing business with a handshake, and South East Forestry co-owner Jon Davies respects that approach.
“We don’t tie landowners up in knots with long-winded contracts and we don’t add a management charge when we are invited to thin, improve or manage woodland,” he explained.
“We will discuss the project with the owner, use our experience to work out the value of the wood, agree a price and get on with the job. It’s also worth remembering that income from the sale of standing timber is tax free, another bonus for the farmer or landowner – and the initial site appraisal is free.”
Good for the environment
Overstood, dense, neglected woodland does the trees, and nature in general, no favours. Competition for light leaves trees stunted, with the better trees unable to achieve their potential, while the diversity of plant and animal life within the woodland is crowded out by volunteer saplings and invasive species.
Harvesting the poorer trees allows the better specimens to fill the resulting space, while allowing more light to reach the woodland floor encourages new plant life, insects and butterflies, all of which can thrive in the lighter, warmer and more spacious environment.
“What we really enjoy is returning to a site a year or two later and seeing new wildlife where once there was just a tangled mass of poor-quality trees and scrub,” commented Dave Holmes.
Sawmill adds value
When South East Forestry bought a sawmill for the company’s home at Hawkhurst in 2012, the idea was for it to be mainly used to put lower grade timber to the best possible use.
Over the past few years, though, customer demand has seen the sawmill increasingly used to create bespoke English oak planks, beams, frames and posts for use in and around homes and gardens.
“It’s got to the point where we need a steady stream of English oak to feed the ever-hungry saw mill to satisfy the demand for timber frames, pergolas, gate posts, high end furniture, planks, sleepers and the many other uses to which this amazing wood can be put,” explained Jon.
“While we are keen to talk to landowners about harvesting all kinds of timber from overstood woodland, we are particularly interested in oak and sweet chestnut – and that increases the amount we are happy to pay for it.”
A final word
Paperwork covered
South East Forestry has a good relationship with the Forestry Commission and will organise all the necessary felling licences. “We handle all the paperwork after carrying out the free site survey and agreeing the felling or thinning plan with the landowner,” Jon said. “We also have full public liability insurance, a comprehensive health and safety policy and all necessary documentation and accreditations.”
As well as well-maintained, state-of-the-art, felling and forwarding machinery, South East Forestry operates its own Class 1 HGV road transport to remove timber from the site to the sawmill and yard at Hawkhurst.
“We keep everything in house as that just makes the job easier and more efficient,” said Dave. “That makes life easier for both us and the landowner.” The South East Forestry team will also put in any infrastructure needed to get the felled trees from the woodland to the roadside.
“All British woodland benefits from being managed, and working with South East Forestry ensures that the landowner obtains the maximum value from the management process while leaving the woodland healthier and more vibrant.” Jon Davies.
ANITA HICKSON ORGANISED CHAOS
UNSUSTAINABLE FOR THE LONG-TERM FUTURE OF DAIRY FARMING
Well, the squeeze is well and truly biting now. We have suffered a five pence per litre price reduction from our milk supplier in three months, and we appear to be significantly better off than others supplying different milk producers. This is a significant reduction in a relatively short space of time and has a cumulative effect on each and every business. This is unsustainable for the long-term future of dairy farming.
The blame is being firmly placed at the door of milk over-supply/production. Have you seen the price of milk drop in the shops? In a year when the price of corn has been low and we have had a significant loss of grass yield, farmers have been forced to feed cows with a higher proportion of purchased feed. This will pressure margins significantly further.
The price of corn appears to be stagnant at the moment, with no sign of a significant uplift in the near future. On the plus side, the temperatures seem relatively kind for this time of year, and at the time of writing the grass still appears to be growing. We even saw silage-making up country in the
first week of November.
Next year’s wheat crops are in and up and look relatively well. A kind weather window would be helpful to get the aphicide and top-up herbicides to bed down for the winter. Fergus has a lot of repair/maintenance jobs to complete in his spare time, although he did find time for a few days away on a canal boat with Becky and Erin.
By the time you read this, the muchanticipated budget will have come and gone, with all the joy that Mrs Reeves may bring. I refer to my article shortly after the Government was elected in which I said that we had never had a Labour Government leave office with a lower tax burden than when it arrived. This one appears to be no different, but I did not expect it quite so soon.
Won’t the next three years be fun? If we punish people who work and reward people who don’t, why should we be surprised when we find out we have more takers than givers in this population?
If I were given the opportunity to be prime minister for the day, I would make everyone go self-employed. You can then take as much
holiday/sick as you like and I really won’t be offended, but don’t expect to be paid. It may change the mindset a little.
Christmas (Mr Grumpy's favourite time of the year) is fast approaching, and I am feeling rather disorganised, although we may have a little treat for him this year! All will be revealed in my next article.
So much to do and so little time is an age-old saying that seems to be very appropriate in our lives. Zara had the amazing news this week that she has been asked to participate in the Howden Way (British Eventing) elite riders training programme. This is such an achievement in so many ways, but is testament to her hard work and determination. We are so proud of her. Universities will soon be finishing for the Christmas break, and we shall look forward to Monty returning home for a substantial period – although he comes home quite frequently to work!
Teddy seems to believe that school is only for sport and that all learning needs to be around football or farming, although when the word Christmas is mentioned it’s amazing how much work can be done. Until next time stay safe.
ANITA HICKSON Farmer
STEPHEN CARR
IN SERBIA, HE WOULD BE A SUPERSTAR!
It had been one of those frantic days, so I really didn’t need a surprise knock on the door at 3pm heralding the arrival of a stranger with a clipboard, saying he was from an inspection body and would like to look around my cattle “to do a welfare check”.
None of us enjoys these on-the-spot inspections and I grumbled to him that it would have been nicer to have had a little warning, but he only shrugged as if to say: “That’s what on-thespot inspections are – a surprise.”
I tried to make light of it all by suggesting that, rather than look around the herd, he should come into my office to view the recent haul of silverware awarded to my beef herd by the Sussex Cattle Society. There, he could feast his eyes on a glittering array of cups for Best Herd, Best Large Herd and Best Stock Bull running with a Large Herd. After that, surely we wouldn’t actually need to inspect the cattle? Again, he shrugged.
I warned him this wouldn’t be a quick inspection as my farm was very spread out, but he only nodded as he strapped himself into my Land Rover, so I consoled myself with the thought that at least I’d have someone to open and close all the gates.
Things remained quite tense until we got to the first group of 30 cows with their calves. He remained silent for a few minutes and then said: “They are beautiful” in his Serbian accent (by now he’d told me that he’d lived in Britain for many years before establishing UK citizenship before Brexit).
Things became more relaxed after that. He was soon telling me all about his work (a qualified vet, he spends a lot of time filling in forms for ready-meal food exports to the EU – sometimes 30 with each consignment). I learnt all about Serbia’s history of trying to be friends with everyone (“Yes, we take Russian oil but we send lots of it to Ukraine!”).
With each group of cattle, he became ever more jolly, and we were soon laughing and joking like old friends. When we got to our prize-winning bull he even gasped in appreciation. “Would you mind if I took some photos?” Did I mind? I soon had Broadlands Captain 1st posing as only a prize-winning bull knows how, and my visitor snapped him from every angle. As he got back into the truck he exclaimed, hand on heart: “In Serbia, he would be a superstar!” By now it was nearly dark. We had seen nearly 300 head of Sussex cattle and still had a group of 30 yearling heifers to get to. “I hope we can get there in adequate light,” I remarked.
“Can I confess to you?” he replied sheepishly. “I only needed to inspect 20 animals, but they are so magnificent I wanted to see them all.” Serbians do indeed know how to make friends.
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STEPHEN CARR
Stephen farms near Eastbourne in East Sussex in partnership with his wife and four of his daughters. The farm has a pub, the Sussex Ox at Milton Street, which serves the farm's pedigree Sussex beef, Southdown-cross lamb and fruit and vegetables from the farmhouse kitchen-garden.
MAKE THE MOST OF A LATE AUTUMN WEED CONTROL WINDOW
Seize any opportunity to apply a late autumn residual herbicide to bolster grassweed control over the coming weeks, is the advice of Hutchinsons agronomist Lizzie Batt.
Rain during October and continued mild weather into early November has encouraged a flush of weed germination in some situations that must be tackled early, before weeds get too big and crop potential starts to become compromised.
There is mounting evidence from the Hutchinsons Cambourne demonstration site that blackgrass populations are shifting towards a more protracted germination pattern that often extends well into spring, featuring more vigorous plants producing far more tillers than in the past.
“Contact herbicides simply aren’t as effective as they used to be, so seriously consider applying a late autumn or early spring residual instead to catch later-emerging populations. Residual chemistry can give you 15% extra control, whereas contacts might only give 5% more,” said Lizzie Batt.
“Sequencing of herbicides is far more effective at covering protracted emergence than relying on single, big, stacked applications.”
LIZZIE BATT
Agronomist
T: 07812 771622
E: lizzie.batt@hlhltd.co.uk
Canterbury: 01227 830064
www.hlhltd.co.uk
Lizzie acknowledged that travelling on ground in late November through into January or early February could sometimes be impossible in wet seasons, but after such a dry year in 2025, many soils – especially in southern and eastern counties – a still relatively dry at depth, so there could be opportunities.
“It’s fair to say that some places have more moisture to allow residuals to do a better job than others, but equally, almost everywhere, soils will take a lot more water. Unless we get a very wet winter, many fields will remain travelable for some time, so if there is an opportunity to get a residual on, growers should take it, rather than relying on contacts,” she said.
CONSIDER OPTIONS CAREFULLY
There is a number of residual chemistry options available, based on key actives such as diflufenican, flufenacet or pendimethalin, but the choice of what to use in any given situation depends on the target weed species, crop growth stage, calendar date, product flexibility and application conditions.
For example, while some products could be applied up until GS 25, many others are only permitted up to GS 23, or even GS 13.
Lizzie warned growers to avoid over-reliance on any one active, and in situations where oilseed rape (OSR) was likely to be grown as a following crop next autumn, avoid building up diflufenican in the soil, as residues could affect subsequent OSR establishment.
TIME COVER CROP TERMINATION CAREFULLY
Another consideration over coming weeks is cover crop termination timing, as this can have a significant impact on soil moisture distribution and subsequent spring crop establishment. Generally, the closer cover is terminated to drilling, the greater the chance that more moisture is being held in the upper soil profile. This may be beneficial in dry springs, or on lighter soils where surface moisture is lacking, but it could make seedbed conditions more challenging on heavy clays that often take longer to dry out and warm up.
For those growing multi-species overwinter cover crops as a sustainable farming incentive (SFI) action (CSAM2), there are restrictions on termination timing. Cover cannot be terminated more than six weeks before sowing a spring crop. For anyone planning early March sowing, that was likely to mean spraying off cover around mid-January. However, on heavier soils, and where growers are not bound by SFI rules, it is usually preferable to terminate cover earlier, typically pre-Christmas for March drilling. This allows more time for foliage and roots to die back, opening the surface to light and air, and for water to move back down the soil profile via hydraulic conductivity. Moisture is then more evenly distributed throughout the profile, with more friable surface soil that is easier to drill into.
SEASON SUMMARY
By Simon Roberts.
As we come towards the end of 2025, there is a lot on which to reflect. Last season’s drilling campaign was one we didn’t want to see a repeat of any time soon. Despite the challenges and numerous changes of cropping plans for some, the weather did change, crops were planted and we had good growing conditions for a while. Inevitably, though, one extreme led to another, with the season ending with a hosepipe ban.
On the whole yields were good, given the shaky start a lot of crops had and the dry finish. There is always a sting in the tail, though. With an early start to harvest it looked like it could be finished in record time. Localised heavy rain (up to 100mm in some parts of Kent) just after the oilseed rape (OSR) was harvested led to some milling wheat growers seeing dramatic fall in Hagberg falling number for some varieties, resulting in lost milling premiums. Not all varieties were impacted to the same extent, so we did see a slight shift in variety choice for the new season.
With harvest completed, the mental scars left from Autumn 2024 resurfaced, and once it started to rain… the chance of delayed drilling was a non-starter.
OSR has been a real positive this year, whether early or later drilled. I would say there has been more attention to detail,
with cultivations, seed bed preparation and, particularly, consolidating the seedbed helping to deliver a far more even crop establishment. It feels like we have seen a later and lower migration of cabbage stem flea beetle, resulting in less impact than in previous years, and slugs haven’t had their usual impact.
With OSR established, it felt like a swift move onto cereal drilling before the rain started. Well, we now all know with hindsight that we could have started drilling a few weeks later.
With early drilling comes the usual risk of grassweed emerging, higher aphid numbers and a longer period of risk from barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV) infection and increased disease levels. Well, the fact that we have had the opportunity to not only apply pre-emergence herbicide but also a follow up will help. Local aphid suction trap catches have been high, although colonies of aphids have not been easy to find. Well-timed applications will have reduced any spread of BYDV infection. We are seeing disease levels building, particularly brown rust on varieties with a low natural resistance.
The final bit of field work for 2025, once we have the correct soil conditions, will be to apply Propyzamide to the OSR.
The winter jobs will then take over, with planning for the spring beginning with the
CCC AGRONOMY
Chichester Crop Consultancy is a farmer member run co-operative agronomy service that aims to deliver truly independent, research/ science-led agronomy advice with no commercial bias and now covers the South of England.
CCC works closely with Crop Advisors, which supplies independent group purchasing on crop inputs as well as sourcing cover crop/environmental scheme seed mixes.
Association of Independent Crop Consultants (AICC) technical conference early in the new year, along with updating nutrient, soil and integrated pest management plans and hosting various training courses for clients.
Simon Roberts
Disease pressure building
Aphid catches in suction traps have been high
Residual chemistry working well on grass weeds this year
Usual culprits (slugs) on wheat after OSR
DRAMATIC RISE IN PRICES
The chancellor has been banging on about bringing much needed growth into our economy but, not helped by her colleagues in Government and a weak leadership in general, there does not seem to be much hope of much improvement in any sector, with all parts of the economy, agriculture included, having been seriously upset and disrupted by political leaks and spins in the run up to the budget.
Growth is desperately needed throughout agriculture and most particularly in our sector of beef and lamb production.
Of course, we are all overjoyed by the dramatic rise in prices. Finished cattle £3,000plus; cull cows £3,000-plus; store cattle £2,000-plus; suckled calves £1,550-plus; fresh calves £500-plus; finished lambs £200-plus; store lambs £150-plus. Great headlines from Ashford and the other markets throughout the region and country.
This has, of course, been generated by a dramatic and continuing fall in overall production and a sustained increase in demand at home and abroad. This is an international problem, with Europe facing the same predicament and the huge production areas of North and South America and Australia all recording record price levels to meet the demands of China, South East Asia and many more countries.
Surely the world must wake up to the fact that there will not be enough food to go around. We can do without many things in life, but food is not one of them.
Governments for millennia have been concerned about the reaction of the masses when food prices rise. Agricultural support has never been to help the farmer but rather
for the benefit of the consumer. Today looks rather different, with lean budgetary funds directed at environmental concerns rather than to food production, and it is now the farmer getting the blame for price increases.
Within your typical widget factory, it is easier to work 24/7, expand the shop floor and train new staff, but farming is different and turning a ‘tanker of reduced production’ around is going to take a generation or more.
Agriculture has, in fact, lost a generation that felt the industry offered few opportunities and little reward, as quotas, cheap imports, BSE, foot and mouth and retailer strength gave their parents and grandparents a good kicking, physically and financially, although a good life, and they decided to work elsewhere.
Lost farmers mean lost skills, lost herds, lost fences, lost buildings and so much more that is unlikely ever to be replaced.
Bringing new entrants a rare opportunity to farm is difficult without family mentors and financiers alongside them to show them the way. Just when encouragement is so desperately needed, this Government is so short-sighted that it wants to strip 20% out of the backbone of British farming, the family farm, at the end of each generation.
Even those from that generation who persevered with livestock find it a tough industry still, even in these so-called better days.
Opportunities are few, the capital required is colossal, appropriate employees are scarce and the uncontrollable factor of the weather accentuates every difficulty. Early season forage shortage, late season forage super abundance, bluetongue and an extraordinary acorn mast year appear to be leaving a legacy on health and
fertility that will be felt for some time.
Everyone’s circumstances are different, but it still comes down to how we can increase the opportunity for livestock farmers to increase production not only for the benefit of those producers but for the sustainability of industries in the chain, as well as for the benefit of consumers to enjoy and value products grown sustainably at home.
Ashford Market prides itself on its support for all farmers, big and small, by joining them together in a union of strength to offer their livestock in front of buyers who will use their opportunities to decide whether or not they will ultimately bid last.
Others have their part to play, and industries in the whole chain must be unshackled from so much legislation and red tape imposed by both government and by audit organisations that have lost sight of their role.
Big agri-businesses and retailers have offered little over recent decades to stabilise the exodus from livestock farming, and it is time they recognised the need to act responsibly for the long-term support of all in the chain, so that we can all feel, with confidence, that we are as one, pulling together to share the rewards that all our involvement justifies.
Agriculture has been, and always will be, the most important industry on the planet. We are its custodians during our time and have a responsibility to those who follow to leave it sound, healthy and fit for purpose.
If you would like to discuss anything covered in this article contact your local Westpoint practice
MASTITIS CONTROL AND THE ROLE OF ON-FARM MILK TESTING
Jack Balkham, Westpoint Ashford, looks at how to create a bespoke mastitis management plan.
Mastitis remains one of the most significant diseases affecting dairy cattle, impacting milk yield, cow welfare and farm profitability. Successful control relies on collaboration between the farmer, vet, nutritionist and other key advisors. By working together to create a bespoke mastitis management plan, farms can reduce disease incidence, improve efficiency and increase saleable milk volume.
Understanding the bacterial profile and prevalence of mastitis-causing organisms is critical for guiding treatment and management. Identifying whether mastitis stems from environmental pathogens such as E. coli or contagious bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus helps determine the best interventions, whether that means improving milking routines, enhancing housing hygiene or addressing cow comfort.
A key advancement in mastitis control is differentiating between gram-positive and gram-negative infections. These bacterial types behave very differently and require distinct treatment approaches. Gram-negative bacteria, including E. coli, often cause acute infections that may resolve without antibiotics. Their outer layer limits antibiotic effectiveness, making anti-inflammatory treatment, such as NSAIDs (e.g., Ketoprofen), the preferred approach. In more severe cases, oral or intravenous fluids may be necessary. This targeted response reduces unnecessary antibiotic use, supports responsible stewardship and ensures less milk is discarded during withdrawal periods.
Gram-positive bacteria, such as Staphylococcus and Streptococcus species, typically respond to intramammary antibiotic therapy. Rapid differentiation between these infections allows prompt, evidencebased treatment, leading to higher cure rates and lower recurrence.
New on-farm milk culture systems, such as the Mastigram+ test (Zoetis), now allow farmers to identify the likely cause of mastitis within eight hours. The process is simple: a milk sample is incubated, a dipstick-style test is applied and results are read in a similar way to a Covid-19 test. Two lines indicate a positive result, one line a negative one. With this rapid diagnosis, farmers and vets can make informed treatment decisions quickly and accurately.
The benefits of on-farm testing include reduced antimicrobial use, faster recovery, improved animal welfare and more milk entering the tank. In addition, regular use of on-farm culture provides valuable herd-level data, allowing better monitoring and long-term prevention strategies.
Every dairy unit is unique. Herd size, housing type, bedding, nutrition and milking practices all influence mastitis patterns. Each farm, therefore, should have a bespoke mastitis control plan developed in partnership with the vet and farm management team. A good plan should include routine milk recording, agreed treatment protocols, hygiene checks and staff training to ensure consistency and confidence in decision making.
On-farm milk testing represents a major step forward in sustainable dairy herd health management. With rapid diagnostics, veterinary oversight and tailored farm planning, producers can improve efficiency, maximise saleable milk and enhance animal welfare while contributing to responsible antibiotic use and long-term herd resilience.
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Another month of a strong trade in the livestock markets benefitted producers of stock in the eastern counties.
Frustratingly, prime cattle numbers are still very short, despite the trade, as yards empty and the high cost of stores results in some yards not being refilled as quickly as they normally would be. In the prime cattle ring, cattle have been seen trading up to 450p/kg, a tremendous trade, with many cattle trading above £2,800 per head and a few above £3,000 per head, reflecting the strong demand. More cattle could easily be sold to advantage.
Twelve months ago, if we sold prime cattle over 330p/kg we thought it was a tremendous trade; this year it is 430p/kg. Christmas is fast approaching, and by the time the next report is being presented we will have been through the Christmas prime stock shows and sales. It will be interesting to see where that trade will be, and if any increase in the market price is achievable. It is good to see that farmers can produce stock of such quality in the eastern counties.
The cull cow trade is still very strong for processing beef, and again these are selling well above 12 months ago, with more wanted in the live ring to satisfy that demand.
The store cattle trade is at record levels
for the time of year. There seems to be an unsatisfiable demand for store cattle; as stated above, many cattle yards are well under capacity, and good confidence is being seen for the future. Although a few store cattle producers are fattening their cattle, it is still tempting to sell at 12 to 14 months old and not have the feed costs, despite the low cost of that feed.
The sheep trade is continuing at recent levels, at similar levels to those of 12 months ago. The store sheep trade is underpinning the finished sheep trade, with many lighter lambs being taken out of the finished pens for further feeding, particularly those weighing under 40kg. Some resistance has been seen to the heavy lambs, which is frustrating, but again it comes down to the overall costs of processing the lamb.
More lambs could be sold to advantage, but careful presentation is needed and farmers need to classify their lambs in the best way to maximise return. Meat is required in the killing pens, and those which are not fully finished are better sold in the store pens.
Best lambs are still trading around £170 per head, with the majority at £150 to £165 per head in the 45kg weight range.
In the store pens, as mentioned best store
lambs are trading at above £120 per head on a regular basis, indeed a few around £140 per head. Longer keep lambs, as always, are fetching less money but still looking well sold.
With fodder crops now in better condition, let us hope that the feed is there and the trade in the spring is strong to support the store prices now being paid.
The cull ewe trade remains at excellent levels, above last year’s returns, and is still looking a good outlet for ewes that have come to the end of their breeding lives.
The pork trade saw deadweight prices under pressure, with reports of imported pork hitting the market. This is frustrating, but with the lower feed prices there is still a margin for most pig producers. The cull sow trade is also under pressure, mainly due to the lack of competition in that market.
Livestock producers are benefitting from the low values of feed barley and feed wheat, which helps to maintain the returns to livestock producers. It is disappointing for arable farmers when many are producing grain at less than the cost of production.
We are living in volatile times, with markets very much up and down in all sections, and with current budgetary concerns regarding capital taxes, it is difficult for many farmers to see a positive way forward.
YEAR IN REVIEW
It’s been another busy year for Hadlow College and a successful one for the class of 2025, too.
Here are some of the key highlights from the past 12 months…
JANUARY
FROM BLOSSOM TO BOTTLE
This year saw the fruits of our students’ labours in the college orchard with the bottling of the first batch of apple juice since harvest time 2024.
Students were involved in every stage of the production process, from the planting, planning and pruning of the orchard to pest and disease analysis.
The result: a delicious apple juice that will be on sale at college events initially and hopefully more widely across the county in the future.
FEBRUARY SHOWCASE FOR GLASSHOUSE GROWING
The first seeds were sown this month for the latest crop of tomatoes at the UK’s first Centre of Excellence in glasshouse growing.
The Thanet Earth Centre of Excellence @ Hadlow College is a pioneering education hub designed to inspire and train the next generation of UK salad and vegetable growers.
ITV Meridian put the site in the spotlight with a special report ahead of the facility’s first anniversary in July, explaining how the crop is grown and how students and technology give nature a helping hand.
MAY
CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW SUCCESS
Hadlow College bloomed once again at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, taking home a prestigious Silver Gilt medal for its imaginative and educational exhibit, No Such Thing as a Toadstool.
The construction and planting of the exhibit involved students at every stage, from the earliest exploration of materials through to students being on site at Chelsea for the build, as well as representing the college and the horticultural industry during the show.
Building on last year’s bronze medal, the 2025 exhibit grabbed the attention of visitors, including actress Joanna Lumley, and judges with its bold, thought-provoking exploration of fungi and their vital role in the natural world.
OCTOBER FALCONRY RAPTOR AWARD LAUNCHED
Hadlow College continued to demonstrate its commitment to pioneering education in the land-based sector, partnering with Willows Birds of Prey to deliver what is believed to be the first RAPTOR Award offered by a college in the UK.
This nationally recognised falconry qualification equips students with the theoretical knowledge and practical experience needed to work confidently with birds of prey, reflecting the college’s dedication
to innovation and to meeting emerging industry needs.
October marked the start of this exciting new venture, as students traded their usual classroom environment for a hands-on introduction to the world of raptors. The morning focused on essential theory before students headed outdoors to learn the fundamentals of handling and free flying these magnificent creatures.
NOVEMBER TRAILBLAZING APPRENTICE AWARDS SUCCESS
Apprentice greenkeeper Max Sutton was named a finalist for the 2025 Land-Based and Environment Learner (LBEL) Awards. In March, the Hadlow College student had become the first person in England to complete revised apprenticeship standards for his chosen career path.
His assessment, awarded by Lantra, tested every facet of his greenkeeping expertise, from a comprehensive exam to an in-depth professional discussion and practical assessments. Max had to demonstrate not just technical ability, but also precision, diligence and a sharp eye for detail.
KEEP UP TO DATE
Discover the latest at Hadlow College by visiting www.hadlow.ac.uk
Come and see us. Register for our next open morning from 10am to 1pm on 24 January 2026 by visiting www.hadlow.ac.uk/event
Max Sutton
PRETTY GRIM FOR A LOT OF SHEEP PRODUCERS
As we approach the end of the year, I’m sure I am not alone in being happy to see the back of 2025, a year that I’m sure will be the topic of pub conversations in years to come. I can well imagine it: “Oh yes, I remember 2025, never rained all year, terrible year, it was, etc.” While it has been pretty grim for a lot of sheep producers, it has also been a bit of an enigma. Contrary to what one would expect from a year dominated by the seemingly endless monotony of hot dry days, it seems to have passed remarkably quickly, and that’s not just because I am getting on a bit. I have heard similar remarks from others of all ages. Since the start of the almost
ALAN WEST Sheep farmer
unprecedented dry spell from March to September, seasonal variation has been conspicuously absent. Even autumn crept in almost unnoticed, not really making its mark until late October; who knows what winter will bring us.
Personally, I am rather ambivalent about that, inasmuch as our aim, for many years, has been to all-grass winter our sheep, something that I suspect is more of hope than a reality this year. The lack of a meaningful
autumn flush has curtailed opportunities to accumulate a decent wedge of grass for the coming winter months; at least, not for us and, I suspect, for many others. But while half of me would appreciate a nice open winter to maintain grass growth into the forthcoming winter season, common sense tells me that we are overdue a hard winter, one that would certainly help, at least in part, to break cycles of pests and diseases.
The past year has presented significantly greater challenges than we expected; the rather dramatic change from a cold and wet early spring to almost drought conditions within the space of what seemed like a few weeks absolutely hammered our grazing. Grass simply never had a chance to get going, particularly on our poor, relatively shallow, soils. The problem was compounded by the dog attack prior to lambing, the consequences of which, quite apart from the immediate losses, rippled on through lambing, with still births, sub-optimal performance etc., and into the summer, when some of the lesser casualties, having soldiered on doing their lambs well, finally, job done, simply melted, resulting in a couple more ewes having to be shot.
Credit must be given to the majority of ewes, which coped remarkably well, a testament to their resilience and adaptability, but the rams, somewhat less resilient, struggled to find the inner resources to meet expectations. The ram lambs rallied later in the season, but the tegs have been disappointing throughout.
Even tupping this season has not proceeded quite as expected (hoped for, is probably more realistic). For decades we have selected ewes that both take the ram quickly and hold to first service, a policy that has resulted in a high proportion (100% in a good year) of ewes holding to first service.
This has resulted in nice tight lambings, the latter being particularly useful with our
BIRD FLU IS BACK
The second half of 2025 has been busy at the practice. First it was Haemonchus in sheep, then acorn poisoning in cattle and now bird flu in poultry.
There has been a steady trickle of bird flu cases in wild birds throughout the year, but at the time of writing there has been a sudden national escalation of cases in commercial poultry units, including some in Sussex.
The current strain of bird flu has recently been described by Pirbright as the most dangerous, highly pathogenic, strain of avian influenza seen in the UK. Poultry keepers have been urged to be extra vigilant and must report any suspect cases to the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA).
There is also an ongoing spike of cases in continental Europe. Very high mortality rates have been seen in some species, especially turkeys and chickens. The source of infection in most new outbreaks is likely to have been contact with wild birds, but transmission can occur from visiting other owners of poultry or even, but rarely, through the air.
The virus that causes bird flu can stay infectious in faeces for around 50 days and even longer in standing water. This is a rapidly changing scenario so please follow the link below for the latest situation.
The testing and culling of all in contact is
the grim current government control policy, but the option of vaccination is gaining momentum. Vaccines are now available and have been used in France, but their use woud impact our export status unless vaccinated birds are tested every 30 days as surveillance for the field bird flu virus.
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) originated in Asian poultry farms and spread globally via migratory birds. In the UK, outbreaks have hit seabirds and wild waterfowl populations hard, and now a few cases have been seen in some wild mammals, cats and even cattle and sheep. APHA is conducting ongoing surveillance in wildlife and monitoring the situation closely.
In the meantime, we are involved in surveillance visits locally and hoping not to find any fresh cases. �� www.gov.uk/government/news/bird-flu-avian-influenza-latest-situation-in-england
outdoor lambing system; for many years our lambing has been accomplished in less than three weeks, eleven days being our best - a target that I suspect we may struggle with next spring. In good years we have had no ewes return to service, but this season things slipped a bit, with just 80% holding to first service, although the remainder did take the ram again in the first few of days of the second cycle; with a bit of luck all are now in lamb. This was disappointing but not surprising, considering what the flock had endured over the preceding months. It was probably the rams that took the brunt of the adverse conditions. It is easy to forget that spermatogenesis is a process that takes six or seven weeks, and any stress over that time may have a negative impact upon
fertility; tupping may have been cool and wet but, for tups joining ewes in mid-October, what happened in late August and in September may have had a significant impact on performance. Time will tell, but it is what it is and one just has to get on with it. Resilience is just as important amongst sheep producers as it is amongst their charges.
All in all, it has been a difficult and expensive season for a lot of sheep producers. I know I am fortunate in not having to make a living from my sheep anymore, keeping them because I enjoy them, but I still expect them to pay their way; most producers are rather less fortunate. Being somewhat closer than I am comfortable with to four score years than I am to the proverbial three score years and ten, some have asked if I have considered giving
Veterinary Group T: 01273 473232
E: bill.pepper@cliffevets.co.uk
www.cliffefarm.co.uk
up. Absolutely not; I have the luxury of being able to both enjoy my sheep and, even after some 50-odd years of working with them, continue to learn from them. Some may say I’m a slow learner, but I am reminded of the words of Mehmet Murat Ildan: “A sheep that teaches something to the shepherd is no more a sheep but a teacher”, and sheep, if you are sufficiently humble to allow them, are certainly good, if occasionally unforgiving, teachers. Whatever your belief, remember that both sheep and their shepherds were well represented in the Christmas story. Other livestock may have received a passing mention, but do not come anywhere close to having the same status as the humble sheep; even 2,000-plus years ago, our ovine charges were special, very special.
Legal services for farmers & rural businesses
Call us today or visit our website: 01227 763939 furleypage.co.uk
AN APPEALING ALTERNATIVE CROP FOR FARMERS
Mayo Wynne Baxter expands wine expertise with planning partnership.
Mayo Wynne Baxter has joined forces with planning, design and development consultancy Marrons to expand its services to winery and vineyard clients, a growing sector for the Sussex and Kentbased law firm.
With around 190 vineyards in Sussex and Kent, this part of the country is home to more than half of all English land under vines, with Sussex wine granted geographically protected status similar to that enjoyed by the likes of Champagne and Prosecco.
James O’Connell, corporate partner who heads up the wine and vineyards team at Mayo Wynne Baxter, said grape growing was “an appealing alternative crop for farmers looking to diversify the use of their land”.
He went on: “With an increasingly warmer,
dryer climate in the region, Sussex and Kent grape growers are recording great harvests at a time when English wine continues to grow in both popularity and quality, attracting funding from both domestic investors and international wine producers.
“But the industry does face a number of issues, particularly in the planning arena, which is why we wanted to join forces with Marrons to offer vineyard and winery clients an A-to-Z service.”
Mayo Wynne Baxter has been actively supporting a number of large wine producers in the region with direct business advice on corporate, contract and employment matters, as well as land and property-related issues such as buying and selling vineyards, building restaurants and the presence of phone masts,
as well as landowner obligations regarding semi-private roads.
James added: “Owners of vineyards and wineries consistently list planning as a hurdle to development of their businesses. Marrons will add essential planning advice to the joint proposition, drawing on extensive experience of maximising development opportunities for landowners and rural businesses.”
Josh Mellor, planning director at Marrons, said: “We are delighted to be teaming up with Mayo Wynne Baxter in this sector. Their legal expertise in the industry is second to none and our council connections and local knowledge of Sussex, Kent and Surrey means we can help new and established players consider their best options for growth, sale, development or expansion.”
WHY STRUCTURE STILL MATTERS
While many farming businesses already operate within a clear legal framework, arrangements can easily become outdated as the business evolves. Changes in family dynamics, diversification projects or succession plans can create pressure points that older structures weren’t designed to handle.
Taking stock of your current setup, whether it’s a traditional partnership or something more complex, can help identify gaps, reduce risk and ensure the business is well-positioned for the future. It’s not about reinventing the wheel, but about making sure it still turns smoothly.
WHAT A PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT SHOULD COVER
For those operating as traditional partnerships, a formal agreement remains a vital tool. It should set out who the partners are, how profits are shared, how decisions are made and what happens if someone leaves, retires or passes away.
In farming families, land ownership, succession and generational transition are key considerations. Addressing these in a written agreement helps avoid misunderstandings and ensures everyone is on the same page.
EXPLORING ALTERNATIVE STRUCTURES
Depending on the family’s goals, it may be worth considering other structures, such as a limited liability partnership (LLP), company, or
FUTURE-PROOFING YOUR FARMING PARTNERSHIP
Even the most well-run farming businesses benefit from a regular review of their legal structure. As families grow, diversify and plan for the future, it’s vital to ensure existing arrangements still support long-term goals. Christopher Eriksson-Lee, Partner at Brachers, explains why now might be a good time to refresh the legal foundations of your farming enterprise.
family investment company (FIC). These can offer benefits around liability protection, tax efficiency and succession planning.
FICs, for example, are increasingly used to manage family wealth while retaining control and enabling tax-efficient transfers between generations. They can also help ring-fence assets and clarify ownership to support longterm planning. However, each structure has its own legal and administrative implications, so it’s important to weigh the pros and cons carefully with professional advice.
ALIGNING LEGAL AND TAX PLANNING
Legal structure should never be considered in isolation. It must work hand-in-hand with tax and estate planning, including Wills, power of attorney and any trusts or shareholder agreements that are in place.
At Brachers, we help farming families and rural businesses put the right legal structures in place. Whether you’re reviewing an existing arrangement or planning for the future, we can help you protect your interests and support the next generation.
Agricultural property relief and business property relief remain key tools for succession, but eligibility can be affected by how assets are held. A joined-up approach ensures the family’s intentions are protected and tax efficiency is maximised.
REVIEW REGULARLY
Even the best structure can become outdated. Regular reviews, especially after major life events, legal changes or shifts in business direction, help ensure the arrangement still works for everyone involved. This is particularly important where younger generations are becoming more involved in the business or where diversification projects are underway. A proactive approach can prevent future disputes and ensure the structure continues to support the family’s evolving goals.
CHRISTOPHER ERIKSSON-LEE Partner, Brachers LLP T: 01622 776465
The land market in this corner of the country has remained resilient this year, carrying on from the strong activity of 2024. Supply in the first quarter of the year was subdued, but momentum picked up as we moved towards the spring and summer.
SALE AGREED
The proposed changes to inheritance tax reliefs have yet to bring more land to the market for now, perhaps because farmland still holds tax advantages over other investments. The supply of rollover buyers continues to be replenished, particularly in the south east.
Land values remain highly variable. Better quality, well-located land continues to achieve strong prices, with grade I and II land, achieving up to £15,000 per acre, particularly where there is competition from neighbouring farmers and landowners - an indication of the confidence in prime agricultural land.
SALE AGREED
This was particularly evident in the sale of land at Harrison Farm, near Charing, a 90-acre block of productive arable land with viticultural potential at the foot of the North Downs. Marketed at a guide price of around £900,000, due to competing interest from local farmers and landowners and a best and final offer process, the land is now under offer in excess of £15,000 per acre.
In north Kent, a 32-acre block of grade II
James Hickman and Matthew Sawdon review 2025.
arable land has completed in the past few weeks for in excess of £15,000 per acre.
In contrast, more marginal land is in less demand and therefore realistic pricing is needed to generate interest, unless there is potential for nature capital markets such as biodiversity net gain (BNG), carbon and nutrient neutrality schemes.
This was the case for land at Harlakenden and Coleham Farms, a block of grade III farmland on the outskirts of Ashford extending to about 390 acres. After competing bids from local farmers and BNG interests, the land is now ‘sale agreed’ for more than the £3,500,000 guide price.
Private sales remain a key feature of the market in cases where sellers prefer a more discreet marketing approach. Hobbs Parker has been involved in the sale and purchase of land and equipped farms throughout the year in this category.
On the demand side of the market, the landscape is certainly evolving. Farmer buyers are more cautious, influenced by the uncertainty surrounding future government funding through environmental schemes and the changes to agricultural property and business property reliefs announced in Autumn 2024.
Dymchurch
WHAT LIES AHEAD FOR THE FARMLAND MARKET?
Looking ahead, we anticipate a resilient market. Despite economic pressures, particularly around borrowing costs and potential changes to capital taxation, the sector continues to present long-term value driven by traditional farming returns and emerging environmental markets as well as future opportunities such as carbon schemes.
Demand is expected to remain firm, particularly for well-priced land. With interest rates forecast to ease slowly, the cost of borrowing should improve, supporting further sales activity.
As we move into 2026, we could see a rise in sales as some landowners look to exit or scale back ahead of proposed tax changes and falling farm incomes.
In this challenging climate, taking early and tailored advice is crucial to a timely sale.
If you are considering a sale of your farm or land, then please contact a member of our farm agency team to discuss your plans in confidence.
South East Farmland Market Update
There is a perception among many farmers that a large amount of land has been brought to market this year, but the data tells a different story. Around 8,800 acres across 29 farms were publicly launched in the South East during the first three quarters of 2025 – significantly less than during the equivalent period of 2024 and 11% down on the five-year average. As is typical in times of uncertainty, some landowners have chosen to defer their decision making, preferring to wait until after the Autumn Budget.
There is a growing body of evidence that demand has eased from its 2021/22 peak. A greater proportion of farms launched in 2024 remain unsold or were withdrawn compared with 2022/23 and sales are taking longer. However, buyer type doesn’t appear to have altered significantly between 2024 and 2025 – with the region continuing to attract a diverse range of buyers, including farmers.
At a time when farmers are facing a number of challenges – which include the changes to inheritance tax rules, a squeeze on arable farm incomes and the closure of the Sustainable Farming Incentive – this could be seen as surprising. However, while margins are under pressure, many farming businesses are still prepared to take a long-term view and will pursue opportunities to expand.
Prices show an increasingly polarised market. Even within the same county, land values can range from £7,000 to £17,000/acre for comparable quality arable land. Some farms attract strong competition, while others struggle, which can relate to a large number of variables.
At a national level, more arable land is now selling in the £8,000-10,000/acre band than last year, reducing the average price across the first nine months of 2025 to £10,400/acre, compared with £11,300/acre in 2024. Pasture land has followed a similar trend, with the average falling to £8,500/acre.
Despite this softening, values remain high by historical standards. In the five years to 2020, only about 30% of arable land sold each year achieved more than £10,000/acre. In 2025, that figure remains close to 60%. Looking ahead to spring launches, our message is clear: plan early and seek guidance. Success in today’s farmland market depends on preparation, flexibility, and an awareness of the wider forces at play.
With farms taking longer to sell, lotting has become an increasingly important tool to attract new buyers and generate competition. Setting realistic guide prices and addressing potential obstacles before launch are equally essential. It is proving a market of contrasts, with buyers and sellers both being more cautious, but it can be navigated successfully with the right team to help you.
Whether you are buying or selling, our expert team is here to help you make informed decisions in this evolving market. Please do get in touch.
Mark McAndrew
Estates & Farm Agency
07702 317 231
mark.mcandrew@struttandparker.com
Liza Howden
Estates & Farm Agency
07469 154 771
liza.howden@struttandparker.com
RURAL RESILIENCE CONTINUES IN THE AGRICULTURAL SECTOR
The phasing out of basic payments, coupled with a disappointing wheat price and interest rates stubbornly refusing to drop, has created a challenging environment for farmers throughout the south east. On the face of it, these are the ingredients for land prices to soften, but here in the south east scarcity coupled with interest from non-farming purchasers has kept the market stable as we head towards the end of another calendar year.
This was evidenced in the summer as local farmers and companies seeking to purchase for biodiversity net gain and woodland planting all competed for 250 acres of arable land in the North Downs above Charing, Kent. The result was a sale price well excess of the £10,000 per acre guide.
This emergence of non-mainstream farming purchasers highlighted in our spring report has continued, and this was brought out by the sale of 160 acres of grade III arable land in the Low Weald near Ashford, Kent, which will be planted with trees in the coming years.
Environmental groups and individuals seeking land for re-wilding compete with wildlife trusts for suitable land, and a significant acreage to the east of Tunbridge Wells, Kent, was sold into this market in the late summer, also at around the guide.
Grade I & II silts and brickearth, especially with irrigation, are unlikely to attract non- farming purchasers, but for these there is competition from the top and soft fruit sector and those with rollover funds.
Scarcity of land continues to be a driver, with demand outstripping supply in parts of the county, which is more than can be said for the country house market, which has been challenging, to say the least. Lack of confidence in this market, coupled with current stamp duty rates and prickly mortgage rates, have cut deep into that section of the market.
Notwithstanding that, there have been success stories over the course of the year, including Honeypot Farm, Aldington, Kent, which sold in the region of guide £1,750,000, and Bunkers Hill Farm, Lenham, Kent, which, after a long time on the market, completed at around the guide of £1,500,000.
Other small residential farms are under offer and in the hands of lawyers, but generally the market desperately needs a kickstart which, hopefully, by the time this article is published will have happened post budget.
We are lucky enough to have a variety of properties in the pipeline for the spring, including land, buildings with income and small farms. Clients are still uncertain, however, as to which way they will turn, which again may be heavily dependent on the budget and whether or not the market will be reinvigorated in the spring.
April will see yet another blow to the rural community for which we have been undertaking several inheritance tax planning valuations so that clients can get everything in order. The uncertainty, stress and perception around this factor is completely unknown, yet clients continue to forge on with diversifying their businesses to help increase income while trying to secure their family’s future.
ALEX CORNWALLIS Director, BTF Partnership
T: 01233 740077
E: alex.cornwallis@btfpartnership.co.uk
www.btfpartnership.co.uk
Honeypot Farm, Aldington, Kent
250 acres – North Downs, Charing, Kent
END OF YEAR PROPERTY REVIEW
FARMLAND MARKET ACTIVE DESPITE
CHALLENGING ECONOMIC BACKDROP
The farmland market across the south has been active, with good quality land and farms selling well throughout 2025, and particularly strong demand for bare land or holdings with farm buildings of between 100 and 250 acres.
This is despite the challenging economic conditions and changes to government policy and support that have ratcheted up this year.
SUPPLY OF FARMLAND
Although farms and estates are making changes in response, this has not led to an increase in the amount of farmland offered for sale across the country compared to last year; instead there has been a decrease of 13% in England.
Market activity, however, remains 18% above the average for January to October over the past five years across Great Britain as a whole. This is similar to the average for 2012 to 2016, which is considered a period of typical market behaviour before Brexit, Covid-19 and the war in Ukraine, and suggests that the volume of land traded has returned to more normal levels.
In the South East, 16,233 acres of farmland were publicly marketed to the end of October. While this is 23% down on the same period last year, it is the largest amount marketed during the same period of any of the preceding years, back to 2017.
Chris Spofforth, of Savills South East Rural Agency team, said: “The high level of activity in the region this year is due to a number of factors. The reasons behind the sales we have been involved in are mixed, including retirement, institutions disposing of non-core assets, probate and release of capital.
“Buyers are also mixed, with both private individuals and corporates actively buying land within our region.”
While the volume of land marketed in Great Britain has contracted compared to the equivalent period last year, the market is similar in other aspects. In both years, the average property size marketed was around 190 acres and the distribution of unit sizes was
similar. This means the market has contracted due to fewer properties being marketed. Our statistics track properties of over 50 acres, and there were 111 fewer (12%) between January and October of 2025 than in the same period of 2024. Looking back over the past ten years, the distribution of unit size is more variable (Figure 1), and compared to the ten-year average, more large units were marketed in 2024 and 2025. In both years, 20% of the land offered was on holdings of over 1,000 acres, compared to an average of 16%.
FARMLAND VALUES
On average, farmland values have fallen by 0.6% over the first three quarters of this year, but results vary by grade and region (Figure 2).
Chris continued: “The strength of competition and prices achieved continues to vary widely within the region. It is therefore essential to market properties effectively, with a sensible pricing strategy, to generate early interest.
“Some of the best results from this year have gone under offer within the first few days of their launch, often with competitive bidding leading to a sale price in excess of the guide price.”
Figure 1: Land area marketed by size band (Great Britain)
Figure 2: Average land value per region (England)
Source: Savills Research
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River Farm, West Sussex
Chartners Farm, East Sussex
Across the farmland market, commercial farms and good quality land have sold well throughout 2025, with continued demand for more modest parcels of bare farmland between 50 and 150 acres, whether arable or livestock.
Values across the South East remained largely stable, with a wide range of values achieved, depending on land type and geography.
Looking ahead to 2026, demand for quality land, farms and estates in the region will remain strong, particularly for food production and key alternative uses including renewable energy, environmental stewardship, forestry and amenity.
Development-related activity could also support values, especially as the Planning and Infrastructure Bill progresses through Parliament. The long-awaited land use framework and local nature recovery strategies may reignite interest from natural capitalfocused buyers in 2026 and the residential market will, of course, recover in time.
Selling a farm is often a once-in-a-lifetime decision and, understandably, is not something that should be taken lightly.
There will always be certain elements that are impossible to control, but for those thinking of selling, there are several ways to make the process as smooth as possible.
BE SURE OF YOUR DECISION
This first step is often the most difficult. The farm may well have been in the same family for a number of decades and there will sometimes be strong emotional ties. Be sure to consult your solicitor and financial advisor early so you can consider all factors, such as tax liabilities, how the business structure can be dissolved and how the farm is owned, before making a decision.
TIMING
You can, of course, put your farm up for sale at any time of the year. However, we often advise a spring or early summer launch, when the fields, hedgerows and trees have greened and wetter areas have dried, which will help to show the holding in its best light to prospective buyers. That means preparations for the sale
TOP TIPS FOR SELLING YOUR FARM
need to start as early as possible, and this includes everything from finding relevant paperwork to carrying out essential repairs.
STRATEGY
Your selling agent will advise on which types of buyer are most likely to be interested in your farm and the best way to reach them. Points to consider include: should the land be lotted to suit different buyer types? How should different marketing strategies, including social media, be used to ensure contact with the best buyers? Should it be publicly advertised in order to create strong competition or placed privately? In the initial stages, it is also best to keep your plan to sell confidential. This will help ensure the biggest impact when the farm launches to market.
PREPARATION
The importance of gathering paperwork early should not be underestimated. Ensuring that legal and compliance matters are addressed will highlight any potential stumbling blocks. As a minimum, send title deeds to solicitors to make sure all boundaries are shown and up to date. Depending on your holding, other useful documents include farming contracts, tenancy agreements, agrienvironment scheme agreements, five years of cropping records, three years of yield records, soil testing documents, lambing percentages, calving rates, milk yields average per cow and drainage improvement records.
BE UPFRONT
If your property has issues with, for example, rights of way, private water supplies or local developments, be open from the start. Your agent may be able to work with you and your solicitor to tackle these issues and find a solution before bringing the property to the market. Failing that, buyers
are less likely to lose confidence if you’ve made them aware of everything they need to know before they decide to buy.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Many farm sales are won or lost by first impressions. Ensure properties are well presented, keep buildings clean and tidy, cut verges and hedgerows as permitted, repair fencing and gates where necessary and fill in any potholes. You should also continue to farm as if you were staying. You can be compensated later or add a holdover clause to the sale agreement to allow you to continue your occupation until harvest is completed.
NEGOTIATION
Throughout the life cycle of a sale, it’s reasonable to assume there may be one or two bumps along the road, and appointing a trusted agent can help smooth out any issues. They will handle all negotiations on your behalf, but, although price is important, there may be other factors that influence your final decision. What is the likelihood of other offers being made? How are the buyers funding the purchase? Do they have their own property to sell? What are the agreed timings for exchange and completion?
In essence, the list of what you could do to prepare for a sale is endless. But selling a farm can be one of life’s major milestones, so good advice and careful preparation are key.
www.savills.co.uk
T: 07976 776763 STUART NICHOLLS Food and farming
DANNY NICHOLSON Architecture and building surveying
T: 07786 944666
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Steel frame buildings.
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FENCING
CWP fencing
Cleft post and rail
Standing Sweet Chestnut Wanted
Standing Sweet Chestnut Wanted
Standing Sweet Chestnut Wanted
Cleft post and rail
Cleft post and rail
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Cleft field gates
Cleft field gates
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Fencing stakes
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Straining posts
Straining posts
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Chestnut fencing
Chestnut fencing
Tel: 07985 298221 colin@cwpfencing.co.uk
Tel: 07985298221 colin@cwpfencing.co.uk
Tel: 07985298221 colin@cwpfencing.co.uk
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