South East Farmer January 2026

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COOL, CALM AND ERECTED TEAMWORK THE KEY IN NEW COLDSTORE BUILD

INSIDE • The pioneering nature corridor project that is reshaping Sussex • Major potato pest eradicated from UK • “Where there is life, there is hope” • Autumn budget review

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www.southeastfarmer.net SOUTH EAST FARMER Kelsey Media, The Granary, Downs Court Yalding Hill, Yalding, Maidstone, Kent, ME18 6AL 01959 541444 EDITORIAL Editor: Malcolm Triggs Email: sef.ed@kelsey.co.uk Photography: Martin Apps, Countrywide Photographic ADVERTISING & MARKETING Jamie McGrorty 01303 233883 jamie.mcgrorty@kelsey.co.uk GRAPHIC DESIGN Jo Legg 07306 482166 jo.legg@flair-design.co.uk

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JA N UA RY 2 02 6

CONTENTS

MANAGEMENT CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER: Steve Kendall DIVISIONAL MANAGING DIRECTOR: Fiona Mercer PUBLISHER: Jamie McGrorty RETAIL DIRECTOR: Steve Brown SUBSCRIPTION MARKETING MANAGER: Claire Aspinall PRINT PRODUCTION MANAGER: Kelly Orriss

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DISTRIBUTION

Distribution in Great Britain: Seymour Distribution Limited 2 East Poultry Avenue, London EC1A 9PT Tel: 020 7429 4000 www.seymour.co.uk Distribution in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland: Newspread Tel: +353 23 886 3850 Kelsey Media 2026 © all rights reserved. Kelsey Media is a trading name of Kelsey Publishing Ltd. Reproduction in whole or in part is forbidden except with permission in writing from the publishers.

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12

NEWS & REPORTS

04 Abstentions demonstrate opposition.

06 Extensive support programme marks 20 years of Open farm Sunday.

07 Mixed reaction to new livestock worrying legislation.

08 Major potato pest eradicated from UK

REGULARS

12 MONICA AKEHURST

“Where there is life, there is hope”.

16 MIKE KETTLEWELL 18 NIGEL AKEHURST VISITS... www.kelsey.co.uk Cover picture: Mansfields ©Martin Apps, Countrywide Photographic

The Weald to Waves Project, where he catches up with lead Gareth Williams to learn more about the pioneering nature corridor project that is reshaping Sussex.

33 STEPHEN CARR

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34 ANITA HICKSON 36 SARAH CALCUTT 40 ALAN WEST 44 ADVICE FROM THE VET Footrot is one of the most common causes of lameness.

FEATURES 22 G J ELGAR Teamwork is a crucial element in any major building project, particularly when the job has to be completed ahead of a busy harvest period.

29 CONSTRUCTION Landowners urged to plan ahead for 2026.

47 AUTUMN BUDGET REVIEW

NEWS

NFU Regional Board chair for the East of England Alan Clifton-Holt

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More than 30 Labour MPs abstained on a vote relating to the budget as farmers continued to put pressure on the Government to amend what they have dubbed the 'family farm tax'.

With the changes to agricultural property relief (APR) and business property relief still included in the chancellor’s budget despite months of campaigning, the NFU is continuing to put pressure on the Government to make changes.

A total of 87 MPs, including 30 Labour members, are estimated to have abstained in the vote on the Finance Bill’s Resolution 50, which specifically relates to the inheritance tax (IHT) proposal.

The NFU pointed out that while the vote was not binding, abstentions demonstrate that backbench MPs oppose the current policy, putting more pressure on the Government to make amendments.

NFU Regional Board chair for the East of England Alan Clifton-Holt, who farms near Romney Marsh in Kent, said: “This vote has given a clear message to the Government. It demonstrates the strong level of opposition towards this damaging and seriously miscalculated policy.

“The current IHT plans threaten the future of many small and medium-sized family farms in this region, seriously jeopardise our ability to deliver national food security, stifle investment in the farming industry and the whole wider rural economy and unfairly penalise elderly

ABSTENTIONS DEMONSTRATE

OPPOSITION and vulnerable farmers, who will be given no time to reshape their businesses.”

Alan pledged that the NFU would “keep going and push for the Government to abandon this policy or, at the very least, amend it to protect those most unfairly and severely impacted by it”.

The NFU argues that the one concession, making the 100% APR threshold of £1 million transferable between spouses on death, was “nowhere near enough” and is pushing for further amendments to protect those most severely impacted by the changes.

NFU President Tom Bradshaw thanked the Labour MPs who had “stood up to show that they cannot support this pernicious policy” and called on the chancellor and prime minister to “listen to the clear message they have delivered this evening”.

JANUARY 2026 | WWW.SOUTHEASTFARMER.NET

He added: “The next step in the fight against the family farm tax is removing the elderly and terminally ill from the eye of the storm of this unjust and unfair policy.”

Commenting after the second reading of the Finance Bill in mid-December, The President of the Country Land and Business Association (CLA) said: “Farmers and family business owners have planned for decades on a simple promise: build a viable business and you can pass it on to your children. This policy turns that promise into a tax trap. For many, the only way out is to sell land or break up the firm. It goes against a sense of fairness to have the rug pulled from beneath them.”

He added: "As the Bill progresses in the new year, we will work with all Labour MPs who are prepared to put their constituents, and economic stability, above party loyalty."

OP IN IO N

NO LONGER No reprieve from the OPERATING ON A LEVEL PLAYING FIELD

The chief operating officer of a Kent producer organisation is leading calls for the Government to bring in a replacement for the Fruit and Veg Aid Scheme, which ends on 31 December 2025.

Chris Rose, who heads up Asplins PO, based just outside Faversham, is one of five directors of the newly formed UK Fruit & Vegetable Association (UKFVA), a nationwide campaign group which aims to provide a “strong, unified voice” for growers across the country.

He told South East Farmer that the closure of the EU legacy scheme meant UK growers were no longer operating on a level playing field, with Scottish and Northern Irish growers benefiting from an extension of funding support.

POs are still waiting for clarity on whether or not the assets that they have built up over the past 27 years of the scheme can be transferred to growers, and with hopes of an extension to the scheme fading in recent weeks, the UKFVA is now pushing for a replacement.

“At the moment it looks like the PO may have to be kept alive for five years while the assets are written down,” said Chris. “We are pushing for a replacement scheme with ring-fenced funding for edible horticulture as agricultural schemes don’t always work for horticulture.”

The new group covers the whole of England and Wales, is closely aligned with both the NFU and the British Growers Association and represents 43% of the edible horticulture industry. “Essentially, we represent all bar two tiny POs. What we want from government is match funding to stimulate growth and innovation in a sector that has great potential,” Chris went on.

The UKFVA was launched at a ‘drop-in’ event at Portcullis House, Westminster, where Chris and his fellow directors welcomed 27 MPs from across the political spectrum. “We were pleased with the response and with the support we were shown,” he said.

“A number of MPs pledged to ask questions on our behalf in The House and we have meetings lined up with senior ministers. We are also looking to sit down and talk with DEFRA about future support.

“The scheme now ending cost just £40m a year to run and was fantastically successful in helping horticulture innovate and increase production. Twenty-five years ago, the average strawberry yield was 15 tonnes per hectare and now it’s 50.

“Just £100m a year would be a small slice out of DEFRA’s £2.5bn budget and would make a huge difference to the fruit and vegetable industry. We are on the brink of significant levels of automation which will be expensive to introduce but will have significant positive effects. Without support that change will happen very slowly.”

planned changes

Farmers hoping that the Government’s season of goodwill would extend to them were disappointed when there was no reprieve from the planned changes in agricultural property and business property reliefs that threaten to increase the inheritance tax burden on many of them from next April.

There was some small comfort in news that the £1 million allowance for APR and BPR will become transferable between spouses and civil partners, but what has become known as the ‘family farm tax’ looks to be here to stay – at least as long as this government stays in power.

Farmers aren’t giving up that easily, of course. As South East Farmer was heading for the presses, campaigners were still protesting in the capital ahead of the second reading of the Finance Bill in a bid to put pressure on MPs, but that must surely have been more in hope than expectation.

While inheritance tax changes have been grabbing the headlines in the past year, though, family farms aren’t the only part of the agricultural landscape facing changes.

Fruit and vegetable growers are also concerned about their future, with the demise of the Fruit and Veg Aid Scheme, doomed following the country’s ill-thought-out departure from the EU, set to end on 31 December.

This comparatively modest support scheme, administered through producer organisations up and down the land, has had a disproportionately impressive impact on growers across the country, but for some reason DEFRA seems to think that all good things must come to an end.

So, it’s Christmas party hats off to the new UK Fruit & Vegetable Association, which is working hard to persuade the Government to come up with a replacement scheme that will continue that good work and support the industry as it attempts to maximise the benefits on offer from new technology and other innovations.

A leading figure behind that campaign told me that out of DEFRA’s annual budget of some £2.5bn, only around £350m was spent on food production. Let that sink in as you eat your locally reared turkey, roast potatoes, pigs in blankets and sprouts.

Yes, protecting the environment is a good thing, and farmers welcome the diversification opportunities it creates, but growing food is surely essential, particularly given the current state of the world.

Let’s hope that 2026 holds better news for family farms, fruit and veg growers, farmers in general and the MALCOLM TRIGGS - EDITOR world at large.

EMAIL YOUR VIEWS, LETTERS OR OPINIONS TO: sef.ed@kelsey.co.uk or write to the address on page 3 ®

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NEWS

EXTENSIVE SUPPORT PROGRAMME MARKS

20 YEARS OF OPEN FARM SUNDAY

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As Open Farm Sunday celebrates 20 years of connecting people with sustainable farming and food production, event organiser LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming) has developed a comprehensive support package aimed at encouraging host farmers to take part.

New for 2026 is a series of sector-specific webinars featuring experienced Open Farm Sunday hosts, as well as members of the LEAF team, offering valuable insights and top tips to encourage others to get involved and open their farms to their local community on Sunday 7 June, 2026.

Farmers are invited to register to join the webinars live and get their questions answered. The online programme is as follows: • Beef and sheep – 13 January, noon to 1pm • Arable – 28 January, 11am to noon • Fruit and vegetable – 5 February, noon to 1pm • Dairy – 11 February, noon to 1pm • Health, safety and insurance – 24 February, noon to 1pm.

LEAF is also organising two in-person training days that will allow potential and seasoned hosts to take a deeper dive into logistics and explore creative activities to engage visitors on the day. LEAF believes they will offer “a great networking opportunity for our community of host farmers”.

💻 www.farmsunday.org JANUARY 2026 | WWW.SOUTHEASTFARMER.NET

The second of the two training days is planned for Tuesday 24 March at Strawberry Hill Farm, Robertsbridge, East Sussex, from 10.30am to 3.30pm, and is free to attend.

Open Farm Sunday manager Annabel Shackleton said she believed LEAF’s new support programme would give farmers the skills and confidence to run safe, enjoyable and rewarding events.

“Our new webinars and training days are a fabulous addition to the core support available to all Open Farm Sunday host farmers, including the 2026 host farmer handbook, free resources to promote events and use on the day, and the OFS team, who are available to talk through events and answer questions,” she said.

“By working together, we want to highlight Open Farm Sunday as a unique chance to connect local communities, celebrate sustainable farming and build trust and pride in our industry.”

Next year’s event on 7 June will mark Open Farm Sunday’s two decades as the UK’s leading on-farm event aimed at connecting people with farming and helping them value sustainably produced food. In 2025, 86% of farmers who took part wanted to promote a positive view of British agriculture, while 80% wanted to positively connect with their local communities. LEAF research recently revealed that nine out of 10 young people believe the public should appreciate, and have a better connection to, where food comes from.

NEWS

NEW LIVESTOCK WORRYING RULES RECEIVE MIXED REVIEWS New legislation designed to tackle dog attacks on livestock has been criticised for not going far enough.

While the National Sheep Association (NSA) welcomed what it called the “excellent news” that the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Bill had successfully passed its final House of Lords hurdle, South East Farmer correspondent Alan West gave it a more restrained welcome.

He commented: “The updating of this 73 year-old item of legislation is both welcome and long overdue, but while by broadening the definition of livestock worrying and increasing police powers it represents a significant step in the right direction, it really does not go far enough.”

The NSA pointed out that clearing The Lords marked “a significant milestone in the long-running effort to tackle dog attacks on livestock and is the culmination of extensive work by many dedicated individuals and organisations committed to protecting sheep farmers and their flocks”. The bill will now return to the House of Commons for final sign-off before receiving Royal Assent.

The association went on: “Through years of evidence-gathering, direct engagement with policymakers and working closely with affected farmers, NSA has highlighted the financial, emotional, and welfare impacts

caused by dog attacks. Today’s development demonstrates real progress in securing meaningful change.”

The strengthened bill includes expanded police powers, greater clarity in the law, including updated definitions of livestock and attacks, and strengthened penalties.

NSA chief executive Phil Stocker described it as “truly excellent news for sheep farmers across England and Wales” and said his organisation had “worked tirelessly to ensure the severity of livestock attacks is fully understood” and was “delighted to see the bill progressing towards becoming law”.

Sheep farmer Alan, whose own flock was attacked earlier this year, was more muted, describing it as “a significant step in the right direction but still very much a work in progress”.

He explained: “Polce may now have greater powers of seizure and detention, but ultimately dogs that are potentially repeat offenders will, upon payment of the costs associated with the detention, generally be returned to their owners, however unsuitable they may be.”

He said that instead of suggesting dogs “may” be detained, the legislation should include an assumption that they “will be seized and detained”, adding: “’May’ provides for the option to not seize simply on grounds of cost and inconvenience.”

Describing Kent’s own rural task force

as “very good”, Alan pointed out that the legislation would allow dogs that were not reclaimed by their owners to be rehomed, with no clear indication that the new owners would be made aware of the reasons why. “This should be explicit,” he stressed.

Alan added: “The powers to seize and detain dogs are largely to facilitate an investigation, although the amendment simply states that ‘samples or impressions’ ‘may’ be taken. Again, the use of the word ‘may’ provides ambiguity; some forces may be rather more diligent than others.

“The legislation should require, as far as is practical, samples to be collected from both offending dogs and the livestock attacked, aimed at gathering DNA evidence and establishing a national DNA database which would allow repeat offenders to be identified. Such animals should not have the option of being returned or rehomed but should be destroyed.”

Alan also pointed out the lack of any provision for compensation for owners of livestock attacked. “Dog owners may be fined – an unlimited amount now, which is a positive move – but if cases do proceed to court, levels of compensation will generally be limited to the direct cost that can be evidenced, ignoring things like consequential loss and emotional impact.”

WWW.SOUTHEASTFARMER.NET | JANUARY 2026

7

NEWS

£1,000 CHEQUE DONATED The Kent Herdsmen's Club enjoyed an interesting talk by Simon Clark of the Kent Surrey & Sussex Air Ambulance before Chairman Andrew Mew handed a cheque for £1,000 to Simon on behalf of the charity.

The club was formed in 1968, when Kent was a county branch of a national organisation that enjoyed occasional national meetings at which stockmen could meet others from different areas.

“Unfortunately, Kent is now the only branch left, but we still boast a healthy membership of 40 people and enjoy a range of events,” said club secretary Hilary Barkaway.

“Meetings consist of farm walks during the summer months and topical talks with refreshments during the winter. Meetings are on the second Monday of the month, and anyone who is interested in attending should contact Andrew on 07759 320496 or myself on 07817 957646.”

MAJOR POTATO PEST 8

ERADICATED FROM UK The Government has confirmed that a major potato pest has been eradicated from the UK following extensive operational investigative work and surveillance.

The Colorado Beetle can completely strip the leaves from potato plants and several other crops, including tomatoes, aubergines and peppers, and can have a significant economic impact if left uncontrolled.

It was discovered in Kent in July 2023 following laboratory diagnosis of samples, and although one adult male was found later that year, no further beetles have been found in the past two years, allowing the authorities to give it ‘eradication status’.

The successful eradication reflects extensive operational work and surveillance activity by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) and DEFRA. Colorado Beetle, which poses no risk to human health, has previously been detected on imported plant products, such as leafy vegetables, salad leaves and fresh herbs. The beetle is a highly distinctive orange/ yellow in colour with 10 characteristic black stripes on its body.

DEFRA praised “the co-operation and vigilance of farmers, gardeners and allotment holders”, which it said had played a key part in the eradication campaign alongside effective biosecurity measures introduced by the department and APHA. DEFRA’s chief plant health officer, Professor Nicola Spence, said: “Colorado Beetle can pose a significant threat to plants and the wider potato industry, and I’m grateful for the role of farmers, home gardeners and allotment holders in helping us take the action needed to protect our national crops.

“This has been a huge team effort and is good news for the potato industry, but in order to prevent further outbreaks, it is vital the public continues to be vigilant, and reports suspected sightings to the Animal

JANUARY 2026 | WWW.SOUTHEASTFARMER.NET

and Plant Health Agency with a photo and location details.”

APHA chief executive Richard Lewis described it as a “significant achievement for APHA operational teams, working with DEFRA, the potato industry, farmers, home gardeners and allotment holders".

Surveillance activities included regular inspections of original outbreak fields and selected potato fields in Kent to rule out beetles being blown over from mainland Europe. Periodic outbreaks of the pest between 1901 and the 1970s also saw it swiftly eradicated thanks to inspections and public vigilance.

Anyone who comes across what might be a Colorado Beetle should capture it in a secure container and report the sighting to APHA as soon as possible by telephoning 0300 1000 313 or emailing planthealth.info@apha.gov.uk

HOP TALES DECLAN HUGHES

A GENUINE WINTER

WONDERLAND

By Declan Hughes, founder of the Irish Veterans military history charity.

Christmas is the season of good cheer, goodwill, good eating, drinking, and good friends. Christmases on farms in the UK began for me when I was 23, having first picked hops at 22, and, within a comparatively short time, went from casual hop picker to picking crew boss. Christmases arrived for me and Leah – my beautiful collie/springer – after the late autumn straw-carting, when the hop plants would be covered in a fine blanket of chopped straw, acting as frost insulation and a natural mulch over the snowy season.

As that snowy season approached, the farm would concentrate on clearing out the ditches and culverts before they became too clogged; and getting up close and personal with sections of hedgerows which needed a good winter trim up. This was always a time to be looked forward to as, after clearing away the brushwood and smaller branches, a small fire would be set to burn up the scrap, and to warm up our bones and dry us out!

On later Christmas mornings, having bought a caravan with a wood burning stove, myself and Leah would always see a good fire in the ‘van’s stove, and plenty of winter wood sawn, stacked and stored. Our annual ritual would then be to glue all ears to the radio, as Carols from King’s College, Cambridge played joyfully on yet another Christmas morning. At this time, only two of us (and our canine companions) lived on the farm. Ted, an elderly (to me!) farmworker, with his black labrador named Jane, and myself and Leah. I would have been mid-twenties, while Ted was late fifties, and his cottage was about a half mile from my caravan.

Carols from Kings always brought to mind Christmas morning Carols from either St Patrick’s Cathedral or Christchurch Cathedral, in Dublin city, situated within a couple of hundred yards of each other. While Kent was several hundred miles away from my home town, the emotional connection never failed to assert itself, as well-known carols wafted on the crisp Kent air. And on many occasions there, Christmas mornings would be enveloped in several inches of snow, adding a welcome illusion of warmth.

A decade or more after I’d left the farm, and was back home in Dublin, I teamed up with Kathy, my good friend living in Boston, who I flew to visit and spend a snowy Christmas with. Boston was a genuine Winter Wonderland in 1996, and at Kathy’s extraordinary suggestion, we spent one Christmas evening enjoying Boston Ballet’s full costume production of The Nutcracker. This was an ‘extraordinary suggestion’

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because, as she would not have known, I had spent my very young childhood Christmases listening to, and repeatedly playing an old EP, or Extended Play record, belonging to my older sister.

As an innocent child, Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker was my music of choice at every opportunity. It is the one piece of music that screams "CHRISTMAS", from my old long-gone childhood to my adult self. While my lovely Leah and old friends may have moved on to horizons not yet visible to us, I bring them to mind often. As we inch our way gradually into another Christmas, we have more friends to enjoy, and more memories to make. A merry, peaceful and safe Christmas to all!

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LETTERS SEND YOUR VIEWS OR COMMENTS: SEF.ED@KELSEY.CO.UK X-TWITTER @SOUTHEASTFARMER facebook-square SOUTH EAST FARMER

GB NEWS IS A BREATH OF FRESH AIR

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Dear Sir, Like many farmers’ sons I took a year or two away from the family farm to learn fresh ideas and take the business on to the next generation; in my case it was a one-way ticket to New Zealand at 20 years old.

There I worked on various farms, all working on tight margins and being entrepreneurial in order to survive stupid politicians. New Zealand in 1966 was almost a one-class society (workers and a small flock of politicians). Even the Prime Minister’s phone number was in the phone book (no, I didn’t bother), but at least the top freeloading political sheep knew who created the wealth for the nation.

The BBC and most journalists have problems with understanding (or admitting) the motives behind Rachel’s raids. GB News is a breath of fresh air and asks real people non-woke questions; it’s funny that no-one is available from Labour to answer the blatant dishonest hypocrisy of the latest great budget robbery.

The Labour Party under Sir Kier Starmer will do as much damage to the wealth creators as possible. Knowing that they don’t have a cat in hell’s chance of being re-elected, their strategy is to bankrupt the 10% who provide 90% of taxes. The joint pea brains of the cabinet will then find themselves looking for work. The only job on my farm to match their skill set is a scarecrow, but on second thoughts a crow would work out that they were only stuffed dummies.

David Steed, Manston, Kent

BACK ORGANIC FOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT

Dear sir, The Government’s new environmental improvement plan (EIP) rightly recognises that nature underpins our health, economy and food system.

Yet the way funding is currently being directed risks missing one of the clearest, proven routes to deliver those ambitions – organic farming.

While the significant funding earmarked for large ‘landscape recovery’ projects has a role, it’s no substitute for backing wholefarm systems that work at scale. A well-designed sustainable farming incentive could do exactly that, by bringing organic to the fore and rewarding farmers for delivering multiple public goods.

In countries such as Denmark, organic is a strategic tool that breathes life into the countryside, rural economies and supply chains. Wales and Scotland, too, are ahead in supporting organic as part of their response to nature and climate emergencies.

England must not fall behind. Establishing an organic action plan would provide a clear framework for DEFRA to embed organic farming within policy as a central delivery mechanism to deliver improved soil health, more wildlife, reduced reliance on synthetic inputs and greater resilience to volatile markets and weather.

Let’s take the opportunity that organic offers; one that brings solutions, rather than more problems.

Christopher Stopes, Policy lead, Organic Farmers & Growers (OF&G)

FREE SUCCESSION EVENTS With changes to inheritance tax rules confirmed in the chancellor’s autumn budget, the Country Land and Business Association (CLA) is running free succession events that will be offering expert advice and support to farmers, landowners and rural businesses.

The events will be held on 20 January at Millets Farm, Abingdon, Oxfordshire (9.30am to 12.30pm), on 20 January at The Black Barn, Roundwood Estate, Micheldever, Hampshire (2.30pm to 5.30pm) and on 22 January at Salomons Estate, Tunbridge Wells, Kent (10am to 1pm).

The events are open to CLA members and non-members, and supported by Martin & Co, Irwin Mitchell and Strutt & Parker. They are free to attend but places must be booked by calling the CLA on 01264 358195.

JANUARY 2026 | WWW.SOUTHEASTFARMER.NET

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STRONG AND

THRIVING Young farmers from Homewood School in Kent are celebrating after being named runner-up Club of the Year in the YFC Achiever Awards, hosted by the National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs (NFYFC).

The awards ceremony, held at The National Conference Centre in Birmingham, attracted 500 young farmers, supporters and alumni to the glittering black tie event, where NFYFC President John Lee OBE DL, supported by well-known names in agriculture, presented awards in eight categories.

A delighted Jemima Pearce, Homewood School’s farm manager, said it was “an out of this world feeling and very emotional” for the youngsters who work on the six-acre farm, breeding cows, sheep, goats and chickens as well as fattening pigs for slaughter and sale.

“We couldn’t do what we do without the support of local farmers Ross Douglas, who has our breeding cattle during the summer months, and Henry Edwards, who loans us winter grazing for our flock of sheep,” she said.

“The farm has existed longer than the school has been here – the school was established in 1948 – and was historically used to supply the main house with fresh produce.” The young farmers’ club has 40 members and an eager waiting list.

Jemima explained that after “a difficult year in 2023 where the future of the farm and club were uncertain”, the club set out to “link more with the community to prove our worth”, which it did through open days, a ‘lambs on tour’ programme and by attending 10 shows, winning plenty of prizes along the way.

“Young Farmers Clubs, and in particular school clubs, often have to fight to stay open, and sadly Kent has lost a few school farms in recent years, but I hope this win proves how strong and thriving the club and farm is and that we will be here to support young people and provide them with a leg up into the brilliant industry that is agriculture for many years to come,” Jemima concluded.

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11

MONICA AKEHURST AT THE KITCHEN TABLE

“WHERE THERE IS LIFE,

THERE IS HOPE” 12

Lately the headline on this page is a phrase that I’ve been holding onto tightly.

It’s hard not to feel despair when faced with a government that seems blind to the needs of UK food producers. Labour seemingly doesn’t care that the new inheritance tax rules will wreak havoc, especially for family farms, supply chains, rural businesses and the wider rural community. Money that should have been invested back into farms will instead be swallowed up by legal fees as families struggle to protect their farms.

Farming is not a route to a quick fortune.

It is a lifetime of graft, patience, heartbreak and small miracles. We dreamed, like many others, of passing our farm on to the next generation. The real rewards of farming come in moments that warm the heart: when you sow a crop that grows and yields well; when your soil samples improve, roots run deeper and earthworm numbers rise; when your favourite cow produces a healthy, shapely calf. These moments give a sense of achievement and elation.

Sadly, Rachel Reeves seems unable, or unwilling, to see any of this. Agriculture is not just an exercise in money-making; it is care, stewardship and legacy. Forcing farms to scrape together funds for new taxes will be

deeply damaging. Despite sensible, reasoned suggestions put forward by agricultural bodies, the chancellor is unmoved. So, once again, we farmers will have to rely on our resilience, cling to optimism and keep going.

I’ve always been glad to support the NHS. Most of us have relied on its expertise at some point, and seeing it in an emergency setting is awesome. Recently, our newborn grandson, Rory, became critically unwell soon after birth and had to be transferred to a neonatal intensive care unit. We endured a frightening and emotional time, while day and then night retrieval teams worked tirelessly to save him. Only at 5am was he stable enough to be moved.

When the odds are stacked against you, hope is essential. I reminded our distraught family of Eeyore, the sickly lamb they teased me for fussing over in the spring; they thought he was beyond hope, but he recovered. Now he runs to greet me in the field. The family had to admit that sometimes positivity pays off.

Rory was taken to Ashford accompanied by his parents, so the aunties and I have been doing our best to keep everyday life normal for the other two boys, aged six and seven.

My farming has been squeezed between school hours. I’m no fan of town life – school drop-offs and pick-ups are absolute mayhem,

First frost, winter mornings JANUARY 2026 | WWW.SOUTHEASTFARMER.NET

parking is a nightmare – but it’s certainly been an enlightening experience, filled with both laughter and tears.

At dinner, the boys play a reflective game called roses and thorns. Sharing their daily highlights and challenges offers a revealing insight into their thoughts. We adults had to share ours, too. Children at this age speak with refreshing honesty, something I wish politicians could learn to imitate. One evening, George decided to teach us karate. After ten minutes of earnest instruction, he solemnly announced that one aunt had earned a belt, the second needed more practice but Grandma… had no chance whatsoever. Best stick to farming.

Back on the farm, I dashed to the marshes to check the flock. They needed moving but looked well despite the wet weather. The cattle lined up across the river to watch; convenient, I thought, as I could count them and head home. But one was missing, never a good sign.

I checked the wetlands across the 140 acres they roam. Nothing in the main rivers. Then, suddenly, an alert head peeked out from reeds on a small island.

Relief washed over me – it was alive. But what was it doing all alone on love island?

The surrounding water was deep, and I wasn’t enthusiastic about swimming on a cold, windy day.

Optimism Eeyore recovered

NHS in action, saving Rory

Missing bullock found alive

Rory 12 days later

Baroness Minette Batters talks sense

Flock winter grazing on Pevensey Levels I coaxed the rest of cattle back to the ground surrounding the island. The bullock rose, revealing an injured hind leg. It was reluctant to weight-bear but lightly did so while eating grass. I always carry a rope, crook, antibiotics and pain relief, but even if I reached the island, there was no guarantee it would tolerate an injection. Reluctantly I left it overnight. To my immense relief it managed to get off the island safely the next day, and its leg is now slowly improving.

We took some cull ewes and finished lambs to Hailsham Market on fatstock show day.

Prices were strong, and it was a pleasure seeing the show animals; congratulations to the prize-winners. The market was overflowing, fulfilling its vital role, but I worry about how fragile our agricultural infrastructure is in the south, particularly the lack of small abattoirs. Baroness Minette Batters and the NFU’s Tom Bradshaw are both aware and are supporting efforts to prevent further deterioration.

LARK, (Local Abattoirs R Key) supports small abattoirs, which are integral to supplying traceable local meat. The latest update from founder Guy McNaugton is that this government’s planned ‘reset’ with Europe

is the reason for DEFRA halting its work on gaining EU approval for the introduction of the 5% rule, which would reduce the regulatory burden and costs for smaller abattoirs. EU member states already benefit from this.

Given that the Food Standards Agency first looked at this in 2020, it’s pretty depressing that nothing has happened. Politics, not common sense, prevails. We need action. Imagine if the changes had been introduced in 2021 how many small abattoirs might have been saved.

I’ve also attended a conference at Plumpton AgriFood Centre, exploring food from every angle: health, waste, security, education and environment. Baroness Batters, Dr Stuart Gillespie (author of Food Fight: From Plunder and Profit to People and Planet), and Natalie Pearson from the Sussex Food Partnership gave powerful talks, inspiring and alarming in equal measure.

Our food system needs attention. Elevating food education in schools, from nutrition to cooking, how food is produced, etc., would be a good place to start.

NB: Thankfully, Rory made a good recovery and is now home.

Wishing you all happy farming, plenty of roses and fewer thorns, in 2026.

Now home, with his brothers

Jon Hobden won Supreme Champion at Hailsham Fatstock Show

Cattle winter grazing WWW.SOUTHEASTFARMER.NET | JANUARY 2026

13

FROM THE FRONT LINE

IN CONJUNCTION WITH

CONTEMPLATIVE

SWEEPING

By Martin Hole, who farms organic livestock with his family at Montague Farm, on the western edge of the Pevensey Levels Wetland of International Importance.

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A pleasure at this time of the year, when mud rises to meet rain, is sweeping the yards. A mixture of virtue and necessity, the task is a parcel of peace in which to think. An old shepherd once said that ‘leaning on the gate’ was time well spent. Well, sweeping has that same contemplative benefit. Breakfast is more properly earned once cattle are fed and yards clean.

You may not now be expecting a foray into the speeches of Martin Luther King, but here goes. “If a man is called to be a street sweeper, he should sweep streets even as Michaelangelo painted or Shakespeare wrote poetry.” And here is something for the next generation to ponder, that “a new broom sweeps clean, but an old one knows the corners”.

It may be fair to look at adages on age here, as a recollection of trying to harness technology to read sheep ear tags springs to mind; this prompted the next generation to observe that one “can’t teach an old dog new tricks”. At least I can now mutter about becoming a great artist as I get hold of the broom.

Winter gloom cannot be swept under the carpet, however, and a voyage in the canoe in early December was duly organised. An inch of rain the day before gave perfect conditions as we paddled the rivers Frome and Avon into the centre of Bath. Heading northwards, low sun and a gentle breeze at our back, the water and its wildlife were perfectly lit. Kingfishers abounded, their electric blue iridescent. At the end of the journey one even came and sat on a concrete parapet next to the boats.

More than thrilling, it was somehow spiritually welcoming.

There were three farmers and one doctor in our team, each etching the adventure into the whirring cogs of hearts and minds. Tired by the day’s end, the evening held the anticipated refreshment, much laughter and friendship. One-sided conversation probably meant that the doctor learnt more about agriculture than her co-paddlers did of medicine.

The river had been up overnight, leaving a layer of silt along the bank.

A woman was out on her pontoon, sweeping thoughtfully as we passed.

The evening was cooling, but light lingered. One neat stroke brought our boat out of the current into the quiet of an eddy next to her.

She was happy to converse, enthusing about two families of beavers that lived on ‘her stretch’. Otters, too, she said, reflecting happily on the use of her broom and the removal of territorial scats from the

JANUARY 2026 | WWW.SOUTHEASTFARMER.NET

prominence of her jetty.

It was her broom that caused our deviation. I knew as soon as we saw her sweeping, and was proved correct, that this would be someone thoughtful, someone caring for the river. She happily yielded the useful information of how to navigate the next weir. Her two sons’ prior expedition “over the top” elicited the advice to stay “river left”. This proved helpful, and a successful passage around the obstacle rounded off a beautiful day.

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MIKE KETTLEWELL IN PERSPECTIVE

WINTER CAN BE HARSH FOR BIRDS

16

Birds are commonly thought to be silent during winter, preparing for the spring dawn chorus. This isn’t really true, though the level of avian chatter is less obvious and may well escape the occupational deafness that afflicts so many of us older farmers.

Our winter mornings are in reality full of avian conversation. The mistle thrush (aka storm cock) belts out his solo from the top the tallest tree and is then joined by the song thrush’s repeating ditty from much lower down in thicker cover.

Flocks of linnets and chaffinches are in constant communication, as are the fieldfares ‘chacking’ away. This chatter is all about keeping the flock together, for there is more safety in numbers. Robins and nuthatches, on the other hand, are also busy claiming winter territories through song.

Male and female robins pugnaciously set up individual and competitive territories that are fiercely defended before conjugal bliss returns in spring.

Enjoyment of our birds has been greatly enhanced by the brilliant and free Merlin app for smartphones. It picks up the briefest

of snatches and separates the calls of each species and of individuals.

For most of us this is a season of festivities and excess, but for birds winter can be harsh, and any help we can give over the weeks to come will make a positive difference. Starvation for small birds is rapidly fatal, and so a regular, reliable source of food is essential to cope with the cold and ensure survival to breed.

Birds, that barometer of a healthy environment, are easy to help, but sadly they are doing badly across our farms. Generalists, like pigeons and corvids, were doing well, but even they are now declining, while the farmland specialists have declined by over 75% since 1970, with no sign yet of picking up (see farmland indicator graph).

This is despite the many outstanding successes delivered by the RSPB and Wildlife Trusts on their reserves, which total 2,600 sites covering a little less than 260,000Ha. The rest of us cannot, therefore, escape the uncomfortable conclusion that this sad situation is the result of what we farmers are, and are not, doing on our farms.

Winter survival is dependent on food supply, and modern farming leaves very little. Small

birds have no fat reserves and need eight to 10 grammes of food a day to stay alive. Suburban birds are faring well because so many folk feed them from hanging feeders and bird tables.

It is a numbers game and, from British Trust for Ornithology figures gathered from around the whole country, an uplift will depending on many more of us stepping up. It takes a lot more than a few Knepps to have a measureable effect nationally.

A local example; only some 30 out of 200 members (15%) of the North East Cotswold Farm Cluster are supplementary feeding their birds this winter, so this might just deliver a small local increase in bird numbers, but nothing significant or visible, even regionally.

It takes about 50% of farms getting involved to achieve a national effect, but that is achievable with commitment and with a little effort and cost, even without DEFRA support.

So, I ask all the South East’s farmers (and anyone else who reads this column) to do their bit for their birds. All that is required is to scatter a few kilos of small seeds along a track by a hedge, daily, on the way to another job. It takes just a few minutes, and landless neighbours are often keen to help.

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UK farmland indicator JANUARY 2026 | WWW.SOUTHEASTFARMER.NET

Nov

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Mean monthly bird counts

The best feed is a mixture of millets, canary seed, linseed and rapeseed (DEFRA AB12) that is less attractive to larger birds. An easier and more economical option, which I use, is a base of cereal with some beans or peas, crushed for our cattle, to which I add 25% small seeds. This ensures the whole mix is made up of smaller particles to suit the birds targeted. Again, if it is scattered widely and thinly, LBJs (little brown jobs) can get their fill quickly while the larger ones have to work much harder.

Our main targets are finches and buntings, but this feed also supports tits, dunnocks, thrushes and robins that become winter granivores. Big birds will take some, but they much prefer larger, whole grains and will congregate around any pheasant feeders.

Field mice and voles mop up feed uneaten by nightfall. They, in their turn, feed the owls and kestrels. A published study from our farm in conjunction with FarmED is published proof of efficacy (see mean monthly bird count graph).

Seeing flocks of small birds thriving is every bit as rewarding as a good crop yield. A few extra moments, with a pair of binoculars and Merlin, really charge the batteries for the rest of the day. The Izod family, founder members of our cluster but new to supplementary feeding, have been amazed by how much pleasure they have all had from the birds flocking to feed at the farm. They have even accepted the challenge of producing mixes for cluster members from crops grown by members.

It is also time to plan a bit for the coming year.

Hedges are a bird lifeline and, within reason, the taller and wider the better, to provide ample insects and shelter for the breeding season.

Hedge trimming on a three-year or four-year rotation ensures flowers and fruit for both insects and birds, and gapping up with different species of tree makes for even greater diversity.

A botanically rich, 6m margin alongside some hedges would greatly gild the lily, adding more insect and small mammal habitat. This sort of set up is also great for our bats.

The results we have had on our small farm are repeatable and sustainable. It is immensely satisfying and encourages us to do more. It would help greatly if DEFRA were to get out of its muddle and really support public goods, but it is doable on our own. Imagine what we could achieve if 50%, or more, of farms adopted these simple and sustainable measures. What a win that would be.

Linnets coming to feed

17

Greater spotted woodpecker

Wren

A well connected hedge WWW.SOUTHEASTFARMER.NET | JANUARY 2026

NIGEL AKEHURST VISITS: WEALD TO WAVES

STITCHING SUSSEX

BACK TOGETHER,

ONE FARM AT A TIME This month Nigel Akehurst caught up with Weald to Waves project lead Gareth Williams to learn more about the pioneering corridor project that is reshaping Sussex.

18

Snow arrived early at Knepp this year. On 19 November, as around 20 of us gathered for an update on the Adur River Recovery landscape recovery pilot, flurries drifted over the longhorn cattle and vanished into the winter scrub. Inside a converted barn at the bottom of the Knepp Wilding Kitchen and Shop courtyard, the room filled with land managers, protected landscape leads, water company

representatives, natural capital specialists and project facilitators, all curious to hear how the pilot was progressing.

I had also come to catch up with Gareth Williams, project lead for Weald to Waves, the long-term initiative aiming to create a 100-mile nature corridor across Sussex, a landscape in which the Adur River plays a vital role.

During a short break we stepped outside into the swirling snow, and over 15 brisk minutes

Corridor map

JANUARY 2026 | WWW.SOUTHEASTFARMER.NET

Gareth sketched an honest picture of a project rooted as much in the realities of farming as in the ambition of ecological recovery.

A MOVEMENT GROWN FROM FARM GATES, NOT OFFICES

Gareth’s first point is the one he returns to most strongly: Weald to Waves is farmer-led.

“This has come from farmers and land managers,” he said. “It’s not being imposed

KEY FACTS

Weald to Waves team handing their first biobox to Greening Steyning Corridor Champions to trial on them.” Some members have spent years enhancing biodiversity; others are just beginning. What unites them is a commitment to finding ways for nature recovery and food production to work side by side, rather than in competition.

This sentiment has shaped the initiative since its inception, sparked by conversations among Sussex farmers who realised that isolated habitat projects, however successful, would never deliver long-term ecological resilience if left disconnected.

BIGGER, BETTER, MORE AND JOINED UP

The corridor is based on the principles laid out in John Lawton’s landmark report Making Space for Nature: habitats need to be bigger, better, more numerous and – most importantly – joined up. Weald to Waves interprets this on a grand scale, linking Ashdown Forest to the High Weald, following the grain of the Ouse, Adur and Arun catchments, crossing the South Downs and meeting the Sussex coast before stretching offshore towards the kelp forests.

But Gareth is clear that this isn’t a

continuous strip of land. It’s a network of stepping stones; hedges, ponds, woodland strips, parish greens, school grounds, gardens and churchyards. “Connectivity doesn’t rely on one big block,” he said. “It relies on thousands of small decisions that help wildlife, water and natural processes move more freely.”

THE “MEGA-CLUSTER” AT THE HEART OF SUSSEX

A well-known national farming magazine that covered the project back in 2024 dubbed Weald to Waves a “mega-cluster”. Gareth laughed when I mentioned it. “Not a bad >> shorthand,” he conceded.

Photo: Rachel Milliken

• Farmer-led movement creating a 100-mile nature recovery corridor across Sussex.

• Connects Ashdown Forest to the Sussex Kelp Forest, linking habitats from heath to sea.

• Based on the Lawton principles: bigger, better, more and joined up.

• Membership is free and currently includes 160+ land managers of all sizes and systems (https://www. wealdtowaves.co.uk/).

• Works alongside food production, respecting farming culture and diversity.

• Provides UK Habitat (UKHab) mapping, farm visits and nature recovery advice for corridor members.

• Acts as a connector, linking farmers to funders, NGOs, councils and emerging private nature markets.

• Helps members get “to the start line” for future nature finance opportunities.

• Includes farms, gardens, churchyards, school grounds and community greens, creating a mosaic of connected habitats.

• A decades-long vision, delivered by a small team under the Knepp Wildland Foundation.

Mob grazing WWW.SOUTHEASTFARMER.NET | JANUARY 2026

19

NIGEL AKEHURST VISITS: WEALD TO WAVES Membership now spans over 160 land managers, from << two-hectare horticultural holdings to large estates, and includes organic, regenerative and conventional farms. Crucially, membership is free and open; anyone can join by pledging to support nature recovery on their land.

This inclusivity is essential. Without participation from smaller farms, villages, schools and community spaces, the corridor would be full of gaps. Its strength lies in breadth, not uniformity.

A CONNECTOR, NOT A CONSULTANCY

The role of Weald to Waves is not to prescribe actions or sell consultancy services, but to connect farmers with advice, funding and opportunities. The small team of five provides farm visits, habitat mapping and UK Habitat assessments for members inside the corridor.

It also maintains relationships with water companies, NGOs, local authorities, philanthropic funders and emerging private investors, acting as a bridge between farmers and the organisations whose decisions shape the countryside.

Gareth is frank about why the service is free. “There are lots of consultants out there. But when you look at the sheer number of environmental targets – government, national parks, wildlife trusts, everyone – what they all lack is land. So yes, we’re offering a free service, but it’s not entirely selfless. We want to help meet those targets by supporting the people who manage the land,” he said.

20

PREPARING FOR THE NATURE MARKETS OF THE FUTURE

One of the project’s most compelling roles is helping farmers prepare for emerging nature markets. At present, private

JANUARY 2026 | WWW.SOUTHEASTFARMER.NET

investment is dominated by biodiversity net gain and woodland or peat carbon; mechanisms that don’t always fit the mixed landscapes of Sussex. Many of the habitats that define the region still lack verified carbon codes.

This is where Gareth’s often-repeated phrase becomes relevant: getting farmers to the start line. By completing baselines, identifying opportunities and building relationships with neighbours, farmers position themselves to benefit when more diverse markets emerge – including saltmarsh carbon and improved wetland metrics, both currently under development.

Schemes like Adur River Recovery demonstrate how blended finance and government underwriting can unlock investment for clusters of farms. Weald to Waves supports such projects while carefully emphasising that it does not lead or direct them. Instead, it helps build a wider landscape context into which such initiatives can slot.

RESPECT FOR FARMING CULTURE

Throughout our conversation, Gareth stresses the importance of treating farming with respect. “I’m not a farmer, so who am I to tell someone how to run their business?” he said. But he is clear that healthy soils, functioning ecosystems and resilient hydrology are essential to farming’s future. The project’s focus is not to push any one system, but to present evidence, share examples and support those who want to explore new approaches.

“We can create all the habitat we want,” he said, “but if we don’t look after our soils and start valuing the natural processes that support farming and other life support systems, we’re kicking the problem down the line.” Nature recovery, in this sense, becomes another pillar of farm resilience.

CONNECTING PEOPLE AS WELL AS HABITATS

Annual general meeting at Truleigh Manor centre

Weald to Waves also aims to reconnect people with nature through schools, village greens and community gardens. This is perhaps the most culturally significant element of the project. “There’s a generation growing up more familiar with screens than skylarks,” Gareth highlighted. If the corridor can help counter that even a little, it builds not only ecological resilience but social resilience too.

ONE SUSSEX, MANY COGS

By the time we stepped back into the barn, the snow had turned to sleet. The Adur River Recovery project team was beginning its next session on their funding model – a reminder that large-scale landscape recovery is part science, part paperwork, and part herding cats.

Projects like Weald to Waves and Adur River Recovery are not competing visions. They are complementary. One provides a longterm corridor; the other offers a glimpse into how grouped farms can unlock funding for landscape scale river restoration. Both rely on farmers. Both depend on trust. Both recognise that the old divisions between farming and conservation are fading into something more collaborative.

Back home and writing this up in early December, I thought about the hedge we planted on our farm the previous week; 138 metres linking an old hedge to a woodland ghyll. A small action, but one that echoes the ethos of Weald to Waves: thousands of modest decisions adding up to a transformed landscape.

21

A SUSSEX STITCHED BACK TOGETHER – ONE FARM, ONE FIELD, ONE HEDGE AT A TIME.

Nigel Akehurst in front of a newly planted hedge on the farm

Photo: Rachel Bicker

Fair Oak scrub

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CONSTRUCTION

QUALITY WORKMANSHIP

AND ATTENTION TO DETAIL 22

Teamwork is a crucial element in any major building project, particularly when the job has to be completed ahead of a busy harvest period.

That same teamwork has to be taken to another level, though, when the building is at the centre of a large and busy operation featuring numerous lorry and personnel movements throughout the working day.

Throw in the fact that an existing building on the site first has to be

Photos: ©Martin Apps, Countrywide Photographic

JANUARY 2026 | WWW.SOUTHEASTFARMER.NET

demolished, and add a requirement that, with exception of asbestos, none of the material removed can be sent to landfill to meet the client’s top notch environmental credentials, and the choice of contractor becomes critically important.

In the case of leading Kent grower and packer Mansfields, that choice came down to a long-standing relationship with Ashford-based trusted building contractor G J Elgar Construction Ltd.

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Headed up by Graham Elgar, who has known and worked with Paul Mansfield, son of company founder Buddy Mansfield, for several decades, G J Elgar Construction is another family firm with a reputation for quality workmanship and attention to detail.

The latest project carried out by the team was to demolish a 1970s built, timber-framed storage building and replace it with a modern, insulated cold store block featuring five controlled atmosphere stores and a chilled tunnel, capable of holding 5,500 bins of fruit. As always, Graham used Nick Field of Nick Field Planning to carry out all the planning work.

The original building had cork insultation and an asbestos roof and had to be taken down and removed while normal operations continued at Mansfields’ busy Nickle Farm, Chartham, site, something that involved daily liaison between the team working on the building and the client team.

The original building, which only held 1,200 bins of fruit, was on two levels, which meant G J Elgar Construction had to dig down to level the site before erecting the new cold store block, which measures 43m by 25m and nine metres to the eaves. “We’ve used the same footprint but increased the capacity more than four and a half times,” pointed out Graham.

The extra storage is already used to capacity, with Mansfields’ continuing expansion meaning G J Elgar Construction is already scheduling more visits to Nickle Farm and the business’s other sites to help the grower keep up with the need for top fruit cold stores.

Alongside a commitment to delivering quality fruit to retailers throughout the year, Mansfields has a strong focus on its ‘green’ credentials and is the proud holder of a number of recent awards, including the Cold Chain Federation’s Cold Storage Operator of the Year 2025.

Energy efficiency and sustainability are key drivers, and the company has a policy of sending zero net waste to landfill. With the exception of the asbestos roofing material, for which there is no alternative, every part of the original store was reused or recycled, as stores and intake manager Paul Hollman explained.

“The timber was reclaimed for reuse, the steels were put to good use in the new building and even the polystyrene went to a new home, insulating housing for a local chicken breeder,” he said.

“Graham and his team went to great lengths to ensure the new building was erected as sustainably as possible.” >>

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<< The roof of the new building, like others at Nickle Farm, is home to a solar PV installation, while it has an insulated roof and ventilating sheets that extend two metres from the eaves to keep the cooling equipment working efficiently.

“The original stores had a global warming potential of 2,200 tonnes of carbon dioxide, while the new one, which uses a glycol system rather than gas, has reduced that to 150 tonnes, despite being so much larger. It also uses warm glycol in the defrost system to further reduce its energy requirement,” Paul went on.

As well as reflecting the business’ own determination to improve sustainability – Mansfields reduced its overall carbon footprint by 8% in 2024 alone – the drive

towards net zero is something which supermarkets are increasingly requiring from suppliers.

Having achieved net zero waste while taking down the old building, G J Elgar Construction began work on the new building while continuing close daily liaison with Mansfields’ health and safety adviser Richard Doyle and site yard manager Nathan Jordan.

“We set up a detailed day-to-day comms system that ensured we knew what movements were expected, what areas would be busy and how best to coordinate our vehicle movements on and off site with the existing operations across this busy headquarters location,” explained Graham.

“It was a vital part of the operation and

reflected our focus not just on health and safety but on teamwork. And by that, I mean both within our own team, who had to be fully briefed on what was happening each day, and with the Mansfields team that needed to be able to get on with ‘the day job’ while we built the new store.”

Alongside regular meetings with the on-site team, Graham prepared a weekly progress report for chief executive officer Lee Port, who has worked for Paul Mansfield for many years. He said the new coldstore complex was “just one of many new builds in the pipeline for G J Elgar Construction, who deliver the highest standards of workmanship and professionalism from beginning to end of every project”. >>

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CONSTRUCTION

Graham Elgar and Paul Hollman << As well as delivering the steel-framed building, Graham also acted as the main contractor for the whole project, bringing together the whitewalling, electrical, refrigeration, controlled atmosphere and other specialists needed to deliver a modern, well-equipped cold store.

“Paul [Mansfield] and Lee make sure Graham knows what they want and then they trust Graham to get on with the job and deliver it on time,” said Paul Hollman. “They have built up a close working relationship with him over time and that is reflected in the results."

The work began in December, once the old store had been emptied, and the new building, known as Tunnel H, was ready to receive its first delivery of apples in August. Close liaison with Mansfields ensured everything went well. “It’s all about working together with the right team of people to make sure the job goes smoothly and is completed on time, safely, and on budget,” Graham reflected.

“I’ve worked with the team here for so long that I understand what they are looking for – and that’s what I deliver in partnership with the other contractors.”

Graham has known managing director Paul Mansfield since 1975, but first worked on one of his sites in 2013, when G J Elgar Construction was brought in to carry out roof repairs and cladding work on 60 stores at East Kent Storage in Faversham. The company’s first project at Nickle Farm was to build a block of 12 cold stores on the site in 2019 before extending that building to add another six stores in 2021. In 2024, G J Elgar Construction built a further 12 stores known as Tunnel G before, this year, adding Tunnel H to the rapidly expanding site.

G J Elgar Construction is also expanding, with the family firm now employing 42 people, supported by 19 vehicles and a 24-strong plant fleet. “We have grown the business by employing the right team and by focusing on doing the job properly, on budget and on time,” said Graham.

The company’s attention to detail means that it is already working on the next Mansfields contract, with more in the pipeline. Even as Graham explained that his team was building 18 stores at Guilton Farm, near Ash, in Kent, Paul Hollman pointed out that that number was set to rise to 23 following a recent planning decision. Other expansion plans at Nickle Farm and at other Mansfields sites are expected to take the business’s total capacity to somewhere around 100,000 bins.

“With 365 kilos of fruit in each bin and roughly seven apples to the kilo, that’s quite a lot of fruit,” said Paul.

Having known Graham for 14 years, Paul said the benefit of working with G J Elgar Construction was that the man at the helm “always listens”. He added: “His work is always good, which is a reflection of the team behind him. He delivers a great service and that’s why he keeps being asked back.”

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CONSTRUCTION

LANDOWNERS URGED TO

PLAN AHEAD FOR 2026 What does the planning shake-up mean for rural development and the construction industry in 2026? Matthew Garvey, Director of DHA, a leading independent multidisciplinary planning consultancy, considers how the changes fit together and what they might mean on the ground.

Giving greater certainty over planning outcomes will give confidence to rural landowners and developers to bring forward schemes which, in turn, will help keep the construction industry building and stimulating local jobs and the economy.

Rural planning, which can be glacial in terms of the speed of change, has entered a period of unusually rapid change. After years of incremental adjustments, the past 18 months have delivered a series of policy shifts that have the potential to reshape how farms, estates and rural businesses plan, diversify and invest.

It’s almost a year since the Labour Government issued a new national planning policy framework (NPPF). This marked a notable recalibration of the long-standing approach to planning, and in particular the green belt.

The introduction of the ‘grey belt’ concept is more than a technical reclassification, acknowledging openly that some green belt does not perform the functions for which the designation was designed. By encouraging local authorities to identify previously developed or visually unobtrusive green belt land that makes only a limited contribution to

openness, the NPPF invites a more evidencebased, less doctrinaire way of thinking about rural development. It offers scope, albeit still controlled, for carefully considered proposals where development has historically been resisted on principle alone.

This shift is a pragmatic approach to green belt policy and reflects a recognition that rural economies cannot be frozen in time. Farm businesses need to modernise, agricultural buildings need to adapt to new uses, and rural communities need space to grow and retain their workforce. The grey belt framework creates room for that conversation with planning authorities.

The changes seen earlier this summer to permitted development rights also reinforce this direction. The 2025 update to Class Q represents the most substantial widening of ‘agricultural-to-residential’ conversion rights in a decade. Allowing up to ten dwellings per site, increasing floorspace limits and relaxing the requirement for active agricultural use all point to a policy environment that is more comfortable with making use of redundant or underutilised rural buildings.

Viewed alongside the expanded opportunities under Class R, now supporting

a wider range of commercial and community uses, the message is clear: government wants diversification to be quicker, simpler and more affordable.

Together, these changes signal a more pragmatic, economically focused planning landscape for rural areas. The balance between protection and productivity is shifting, not dramatically, but perceptibly.

One potential opportunity on the horizon for landowners is the requirement by government for all local authorities to get their local plans in place by 2027, bringing with it the prospect of getting land allocated for development.

The Government is also seeking to reorganise local government, doing away with county councils and creating mayoral strategic authorities and unitary authorities (or, in the case of Kent, just unitary authorities). As a result, many are predicting that progress through the planning process may slow, so the earlier an application can be submitted then, arguably, the better.

For farmers and rural businesses assessing their next steps, these changes provide both permission and impetus to think more ambitiously about the potential of their land and buildings during 2026.

WWW.SOUTHEASTFARMER.NET | JANUARY 2026

29

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AGRONOMY

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They can be a challenging crop to grow though, not least because of the time required between planting and harvest, with the British Christmas Tree Growers' Association estimating a six to seven feet tree is typically in the ground for between 10 and 12 years.

Careful site selection, ground preparation, establishment and management throughout this growing period is therefore key to success. Weed control is one of the secrets to getting good establishment, along with good nutrition and an integrated approach to pest and disease control.

Weed control programmes are usually based around an application of glyphosate and a residual herbicide in the dormant season from October to February, followed by another residual herbicide in the spring (March/April).

This may be supported with further foliar contact herbicides applied to weed populations if required during the growing season, especially for specific problem weeds such as willowherb, and various other

ABI RAYMENT

Agronomist T: 07739 420751 / 01227 831280 E: abi.rayment@hlhltd.co.uk Canterbury: 01227 830064 www.hlhltd.co.uk

TOP TIPS FOR HAPPY

CHRISTMAS TREES

To many people, nothing beats the smell and look of a real tree at Christmas, and in the UK an estimated five to eight million fresh Christmas trees are sold each year, representing an important source of income for many growers, says Hutchinson’s horticultural agronomist Abi Rayment. broadleaved and annual weeds.

A range of herbicides is available for use in Christmas trees, which are classified either as a specific crop, or as an ‘outdoor ornamental crop’ for regulatory purposes.

Growers can also use selected products authorised for use on all non-edible crops.

However, some require an extension of authorisation for minor use (EAMU) (off-label approval) and this can be checked using the online pesticide database.

Herbicide choice largely depends on the target weed spectrum, application timing and whether it will be used just between the rows or over the whole site.

WATCH FOR PESTS

Pest control through the growing season is very important, with aphids and adelgids (e.g. the woolly aphid) generally posing the

JANUARY 2026 | WWW.SOUTHEASTFARMER.NET

greatest threats.

The silver fir adelgid (also known as the woolly aphid), for example, can be found most of the year on woody parts of Nordmann firs, while the green spruce aphid can be a major pest of Norway and Blue Spruce crops, typically flying in during late August/early September, and will multiply in mild winters, causing severe damage by January if left unchecked.

Growers who are unable to spray in autumn due to harvesting should spray immediately after Christmas, avoiding frosty conditions.

November through to February is also a good time to control other overwintering adult aphid species, such as the pineapple gall woolly aphid and Douglas Fir woolly aphid, if required.

Mites, such as the conifer spinning mite or rust mite, can also be a problem in hot seasons, and occasional issues with caterpillars and cutworms can also occur.

and

STEPHEN CARR

Off in s ser you

LOSSES OFFSET Grain prices have been low for three years but, despite this, the latest farm business income (FBI) figures to March 2025 for England show that the average income on cereal farms increased by 20% to £49,700. How did we cereal farmers pull this off, and can we keep it up in the current year? And indeed, did we pull it off at all?

The FBI figures are all the more remarkable because the average loss from crop production per farm actually increased to £27,400.

These losses were more than offset, however, by increases in diversification income (particularly the renting out of buildings), which rose to an average of £32,600 per farm, receipts from agrienvironmental payments, which doubled to £25,900, and average basic payments (BPS) receipts of £18,600.

These average income figures, of course, disguise huge variations between farms. Nearly a third of arable farms lost money, while a fifth had profits of over £100,000.

But what about cereal farm incomes in this financial year, those that will include the crop sales from harvest 2025? Yields weren’t great, and arable commodity prices remain rock bottom, so it’s hard to see any improvement there. Indeed, losses from cereal production might even increase.

Similarly with the BPS receipts, it’s hard to see how payments won’t fall heavily compared to the previous year, given the extreme cuts that have occurred during 2025. On a brighter note, diversification will probably increase as producers seek alternative income streams.

The great unknown, of course, is to what degree the recycling of reduced BPS payments will find their way back into arable farmers’ pockets in the form of agri-environment payments from the sustainable farming incentive (SFI) in particular?

Given how generous some SFI arable options like ‘flower-rich blocks’, ‘pollen and nectar flower mix’ and ‘winter bird food on arable land’ were, income from these will continue to benefit some arable farmers’ accounts. Indeed, and famously, those tiers were so attractive that the government quickly had to introduce a 25% limit on how much land individual growers could enter. The financial benefit for those who successfully applied for those options, before government coffers ran dry, will continue to support arable farm incomes for some years to come.

So, to hazard a guess, I’d say cereal farm incomes to the year-end March 2026 will fall due to the cuts in BPS payments and continued low grain prices. But disguised within that average figure will be a dramatic gap between those farms who made it into the SFI before it was closed down and those who did not.

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.

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ANITA HICKSON ORGANISED CHAOS

TIME FOR A CHANGE

34

Mum is busy helping Santa wrap the Christmas presents this year, and is also a little laid up after minor surgery, so Monty and Zara are bringing you this month’s edition of Organised Chaos.

As another farming year draws to a close, we look back at what 2025 brought. From a soggy early spring that pushed drilling weeks behind schedule to a dry summer spell that arrived at the worst possible moment, 2025 reminded us that farming is a difficult game. Through every challenge and hurdle came a message that was felt across the industry: Backing British Farmers isn’t just a slogan – it’s a necessity.

Reliable domestic food production depends on strong, supported farming businesses rooted in our countryside.

2025 certainty proved to be a challenging year for farmers. From Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves to challenging weather conditions, it showed how resilient farmers are to adversity and how they always find a way to muddle through, from the fields to the farmhouse and from all who work the land to all who support it.

Christmas is always a challenging time of year for farmers, as livestock can’t look after themselves. While many people across the country are sitting at home during the festive period, farmers are hard at work feeding and tending to livestock to ensure the country can be fed during the year ahead. This is something many people won’t think about while eating their Christmas dinner; where does the food on the plate come from?

This year has been a busy year for the family, from welcoming our niece in May to harvest and silage making in the summer, an eventing season and a big 50th birthday as well. For the family, the farm never stops. It is a joyful

reminder that even in the busiest times of the year there is always some time for celebration and new beginnings.

From when the mowers start turning until the combines stop cutting and the drill wheels stop turning, we have to pull together to keep the farm moving. The rhythm never really stops. Every season brings its own challenges and opportunities, and as a family we have to work together and adapt to the changing business environment.

We must show our appreciation for everything the usual author of this column does to help us through the year, from ice cream runs during harvest to being the biggest supporter during the eventing season.

Being away at competitions for five or six days at a time is a task in itself, let alone mealprepping for the boys and running the farm with Mr Grumpy remotely from the lorry in the middle of a muddy field in Ireland (thanks Monty for getting the train to Holyhead at midnight to help with the drive home).

My eventing season highlights included being longlisted for the Junior European Championships, being selected for the Howden Way, finishing 31st in the junior world rankings and being selected for a masterclass demo with the Pony Club at the London International Horses show.

Monty adds: My first term at university has gone well; meeting new people, seeing different farming businesses and enjoying farm tours around various regenerative farms, dairies and anaerobic digestion facilities. I am amazed at how diversified farming can be.

Although I have missed being at home working on the farm, I think that it is important to see different perspectives and gain new ideas that I may need in the future. I’m looking

JANUARY 2026 | WWW.SOUTHEASTFARMER.NET

ANITA HICKSON Farmer forward to the new term and the challenges it may bring next year.

While enjoying some down time, we took part in a local charity tractor run that raised vast amounts of money for local charities such as the Kent, Surrey and Sussex Air Ambulance and Touchbase Care in Folkestone. We think that it is important to support local charities, especially at potentially difficult times of the year such as Christmas.

Mr Grumpy, mum, Zara and Teddy were fortunate enough to visit Father Christmas in Lapland. They thoroughly enjoyed the snow and husky ride but felt the trip was all too short. We are looking forward to celebrating Zara’s 17th birthday on Boxing Day and wish her the best of luck in her driving test.

Merry Christmas, have a happy new year and, as mum always says: Until next time, stay safe.

ARABLE NOTES

IN CONJUNCTION WITH

TIME TO RE-CALIBRATE

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.

FOR THE YEAR AHEAD This coming season there will be an increasing focus on cost of production, as commodity prices show little sign of any significant movement upwards.

Considering the value of inputs being applied, be it plant protection products or fertiliser, it is essential to make sure they are applied evenly and as accurately as possible.

While a potential over-application makes you stop and consider the impact on your input costs, the costs can be wider ranging.

Underdosing can be as costly as overdosing through poor efficacy and its impact.

Sub-optimal rates of herbicide can cause reduced efficacy, weed survival and risk of resistance build up, not to mention seed return resulting in future issues.

In the past we have seen cases where poor fungicide application, whether related to boom height or water volume, has allowed brown rust to take hold, resulting in significant infections and yield loss in certain situations.

Making sure the sprayer is in good condition, well maintained and accurate, all helps reduce down time, increase efficacy and reduce any potential environmental impact.

Past NROSO training events highlighted that the National Sprayer Testing Scheme’s most frequently occurring issue with certification was leaking non-drip valves.

Proactively replacing these with quality EPDM or Teflon diaphragms will help reduce wear from some of the harsher products used and reduce the incidence of drips during the season. Replacing any pump diaphragm/

By Simon Roberts.

seals at the same time will also reduce in-season down time due to deterioration.

During the calibration process nozzles should be checked for any damage and uneven wear, usually highlighted by uneven patterning or output. Replace the whole set if output varies more than +/- 4% between nozzles.

When replacing nozzles, consider what options you require and look for improved drift reduction options where possible. In principle, the smaller the target the smaller the droplet required for good coverage.

Attention to forward speed (max 12km/h) and boom height (50cm max) help mitigate the effect of smaller droplets.

For fungicide applications, especially later into the season, from growth stage 32 applications onwards, a combination of coverage and penetration through the canopy is required. The air inclusion nozzles that maximise droplet numbers (such as Guardian Air) are the best options here.

One thing I have noticed more of recently is missed areas due to incorrect GPS adjustment.

While you have time, it’s worth checking the accuracy of boom activation. This is easy to see in stubbles after glyphosate but can leave you wondering why the fungicide/herbicide hasn’t worked as well.

New technology is only as good as the set up. If you have spring crops to plant, pay attention to ensuring the drill is working smoothly, as the results from any delay in the

35 Simon Roberts metering device activating fully can be seen for a long time.

Regarding fertiliser spreaders, I recommend that all our clients get annual spreader calibrations to ensure an even spread of fertiliser. Most products will spread slightly differently, even year to year, and so calibration with each product is essential to ensure a uniform spread is achieved. A co-efficient of variation above 20% will lead to visible striping in crops and a likely yield decrease.

GPS issue with drill

GPS issue with sprayer

WWW.SOUTHEASTFARMER.NET | JANUARY 2026

SARAH CALCUTT FOCUS ON FRUIT SARAH CALCUTT ARAgS Chair, Fruiterers Awards Council

36

PEOPLE TO WATCH OUT FOR IN 2026

Writing a column at the turn of the year always presents a quandary. A review of the year just gone, perhaps? Well, that isn’t going to work, as so much of it raises the blood pressure and I want to write something that will give you some positives as you sit reading this over the Christmas and New Year period.

Instead, these are people I believe we should watch out for in 2026. They are the right people in the right roles to represent British farming in a firm and intelligent way.

Starting off with Minette Batters – the farm profitability review has been with the Secretary of State since the end of October, and given the depth of information and the well-worded recommendations she no doubt delivered, it’s going to take some digesting by the ministry team.

With Minette having been appointed by Steve Reed, the presentation of the report to the new Secretary of State will have no doubt been delayed by the changes within DEFRA. The report covers all land areas and sectors of our industry, as well as the engagement of other government departments whose work impacts farmers.

The report feeds directly into the Government’s New Deal For Farmers, supported by the new profitability unit within DEFRA. The review was created to help the development of the food

strategy, farming roadmap and land use framework, building on the Curry Review of the regulatory landscape. The Rural Payments Agency (RPA), for instance, will be a key focus. The agency has had disruption at the top and, having appointed new senior executives, is busy recruiting a new non-exec board.

Oliver Munn, the new CEO of the RPA, is due to start in January. Oliver comes from the UK Health Security Agency and the AI sector. His role will be to lead the RPA in achieving its delivery goals and also acting on the two recent reviews that affect its services and management (Minette’s farm profitability review and the Hancock review into DEFRA’s regulatory landscape).

He’ll also be working with IBM to sort out the challenges with the technology that manages evidence and payment processes.

Emily Norton has been chair of the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) for the past six months, and recruited an outstanding new CEO, Helen Herniman, to meet her first challenge in the hot seat. With 25 years’ experience across food and farming policy and strategy, Emily’s appointment has come at a good time for the AHDB team. With a clear

Minette Batters

Tom Bradshaw

JANUARY 2026 | WWW.SOUTHEASTFARMER.NET

strategy in place around strengthening the resilience, sustainability and prosperity of the UK’s food and farming sectors, we can expect to see and hear a lot more from AHDB in the months ahead.

Two years into the top job, Tom Bradshaw has proved himself a clear and diplomatic advocate for British farming. It’s always a tough job, but any thoughts that it might have proved easier than the challenges faced by his predecessor must have been quickly dispelled. Tom will need to stand strong in his representation, with no budget U-turn on inheritance tax issue that, along with the Batters review, will surely keep him busy as he represents the sector.

Chris Newenham will, on 23 January, be installed as the new Master Fruiterer. His year is set to be an exciting one, with a focus on bringing together and celebrating the knowledge and skills of the network of livery members and alumni who have received grants, scholarships and awards. Keep 25 November free and I’ll be sharing details in the new year of a fantastic partnership event for the fresh produce sector.

All that remains is for me to wish you a very merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous new year.

Emily Norton

RURAL EDUCATION EXPERIENCE

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/events

PREPARING STUDENTS FOR WORK Commercial work at Hadlow College is preparing students for their future workplace.

A 1970s Ford County winch tractor is currently at Hadlow College, being worked on by agricultural engineering students.

The winch tractor is owned by a local farmer, and this is the second time it’s been in the workshop. The first was to get it running and driving again after it was laid up for a long time; in the summer the owner mounted a hydraulic winch to it, so the second task is to get it operational.

It's one of the commercial jobs the students get to work on. The owner pays for all parts needed and the students provide the labour for free. It’s a win-win situation; the owner gets a high standard of work, delivered within regulations and compliance, while the students work on a real-life project.

"It's great to be able to offer the students a chance to work on an interesting piece of machinery and good to see that they are so enthusiastic and hands-on," said the owner.

Machinery lecturer Steve Pike explained: “Learning on real projects gives our students the opportunity to find out what it’s like to be working on machinery they’re not familiar with, then working out what to do next. “We also ask the students to cost projects, to expose them to everything needed on a job.”

THE PROJECT

Last year, the engine, which was stuck from standing, was freed off, and it seemed that everything had seized to some degree; brake cylinders (all of the slaves and four master cylinders), each of the plungers, the rack in the injector pump and two out of four injector needles.

The second brief was to “just plumb in the winch and get it working”. And what a great challenge and learning experience it was for the keen-to-learn engineers who prefer dirty hands to theory lessons. There were lots of hydraulic ports to get to grips with and a seized overrun band brake operated by a single acting ram – along

with warning signs saying “do not disassemble – massive spring pressure inside”.

Under Steve’s watchful eye, they stripped the brake assembly apart, unseized it and refurbished it back to full working order.

The ‘spaghetti mess’ of pipework was pored over and worked out before the winch was run off another tractor using the John Deere hydraulic system, just to prove viability before completing the job.

THE COURSE AND ITS STUDENTS

There are 27 students on the course, 17 in the first year and 10 in the second, with one female in each cohort. Most are aged 16 to 19 and there is one mature student retraining for a career change.

Steve said the mix of males and females worked well, because they learn each other’s skills; the boys are usually taking things apart and the girls are more analytical, but each encourages the other. Steve would like to see more women in the industry to bring balance and a wider mix of skills.

Steve, 53, started his career as a plant machinery apprentice and came to Hadlow College 15 years ago; after completing a teaching degree he became a lecturer in the agricultural engineering team, so he has plenty of experience to pass on.

90% of the students will go into the agricultural engineering sector, to main dealerships, farm workshops and smaller agricultural engineering workshops, while some will start their own engineering businesses.

Steve added: “We want keen and enthusiastic students that will go on to keep the farming world producing food. The industry will only be kept going by engineers repairing all types of agricultural machinery.

“These students are the future of agricultural engineering, and we want them to go out into the world with as much practical experience and knowledge as we can give them.”

Visit www.hadlow.ac.uk/news-events to find out more about the latest news and events at the College WWW.SOUTHEASTFARMER.NET | JANUARY 2026

37

AT ASHFORD MARKET

THE START OF A NEW YEAR

38

We will soon be into 2026, and with January being one of our quieter months it gives us a chance to reflect on what a great year of trading we had in 2025 across our auctions.

Cattle had a great run throughout 2025, with 8,500 head of store and breeding cattle sold from 1 January to 31 December, some 600 head more than the same period in 2024. This shows great recognition from vendors that the livestock market is the most efficient way to trade in order to achieve the best results.

Store cattle of all grades have never been short of customers, so let us hope we can have a repeat of 2025 and make 2026 just as successful. Remember – “sell live and thrive”.

The sheep section has remained very active, with numbers on a par with a strong sensible trade seen throughout 2025. Store lambs certainly peaked as we reached the end of autumn, with unbelievable prices seen as numbers continued to come forward. Breeding sheep saw a respectable trade throughout the autumn, with farmers now accepting the new level of trade for breeding sheep.

Our annual primestock show and sale took place on Monday 1 and Tuesday 2 December and continues to go from strength to strength, with a great turnout of livestock, competitors and spectators. There were 58 classes, with 69 cattle, 64 pairs of lambs, 16 pens of five lambs and 22 pigs.

A special mention must go to our three livestock judges this year; the cattle judge

Steven Howell, from Dereham, Norfolk, the sheep judge Trevor Head, from Dover, and the pig judge Mike Gibson, from Canterbury.

Our crop competition judge Mark Boyd, from Lenham, had several classes to judge, with the hay class remaining fiercely competitive.

The overall Champion Beast award went to Jason and Sarah Wareham, Heathfield, with a Limousin cross heifer weighing 735kg which made 500p per kg and was purchased by Ben Whiting, a breeder in East Anglia investing in future potential champions.

The overall Champion Lambs went to Amy Hedges, Staplecross, for a pair of Beltex cross lambs weighing 51kg and making £280 per head, bought by Gibson’s Farm Shop, Canterbury.

The overall Champion Pig went to Lucketts Farm, Canterbury, for a Pietrain cross gilt weighing 116kg, making 400p per kg and totalling £464, bought by the show president Andrew Laver, from Horley.

The Young Handlers classes were well supported this year, with more than 42 handlers competing. In the cattle class, first place went to Chelsea Collins. In the lamb classes, first place for the six to 12 years class was Harry Lucas and first place in the 13 to 17 years class went to Mia Grace.

Over the four classes of wool there were 60 entries, with the Overall Champion Fleece going to J Saunders & Son for Romney wool.

The produce, cookery, craft and arable classes were well supported, with a total of 18 classes entered. A particular mention has to go

JANUARY 2026 | WWW.SOUTHEASTFARMER.NET

JAMES COOK O’CONNELL ALAA

Auctioneer T: 01233 502222 www.hobbsparker.co.uk

to the lemon drizzle class, with 13 entries, and the best three eggs class with 17.

Show president this year was Andrew Laver, whose chosen charity was the Kent, Surrey and Sussex Air Ambulance. His wife Wendy judged the cookery and craft classes, sampling bread, sausage rolls and cherry brandy.

After the judging had taken place, a sale of Christmas cakes and Christmas trees collectively made £5,560 for the chosen charity.

The show dinner on Wednesday 3 January was a great success, with 280 people attending and superb food on offer. The charity auction and raffle on the night raised a further £10,445 for charity, and over the course of the three days the amount raised for this worthy cause was £18,414.

Hobbs Parker Auctioneers LLP would like to thank all the sponsors, exhibitors, judges, stewards, staff and purchasers over the course of the event and wish everyone a merry Christmas and a happy and healthy new year.

AT COLCHESTER MARKET The Colchester primestock show and sale in early December attracted 69 cattle, including an entry of 40 show cattle which were of excellent quality and a credit to the vendors who put so much into presenting such quality.

The judges, Colin Byford of Little Clacton and George Debman of Ipswich, had a difficult choice to make, but after due deliberation awarded the Olivers Perpetual Trophy for Champion Beast to William Ketley of the Ketley dynasty, who presented a superb Limousin cross heifer weighing 534kg.

The animal also won the Derek Abra Perpetual Trophy for Best Butchers’ Heifer under 550kg, the Broad Oak Farm Perpetual Cup for the Best Butchers’ Beast under 550kg and the award for Best Limousin Heifer in the Show.

After strong competition, the heifer was sold to Ben Whiting of East Anglian Trailers Ltd of Elmstead Market at 575p/kg (£3,070.50).

Overall reserve to this beast was a fantastic Limousin steer from Liam Byam of Swilland, whose family produce such great quality week in, week out. Weighing 613kg, this steer was also awarded the Roy Brazier Memorial Trophy and the Best Limousin Steer in Show award and sold at 525p/kg (£3,218.25) to John Coleman, Boxted, for his shop.

The Arthur Chalke Perpetual Trophy for Best Heifer over 550kg was again awarded to William Ketley, with the beast sold to The Bell Hotel, Winslow at 475p/kg (£3,054.25). The same vendor and buyer traded the reserve in this class at 495p/kg (£3,370.95).

A CREDIT TO THE VENDORS The Derek Abra Perpetual Trophy for Best Butchers’ Steer under 550kg again went to William Ketley for a sweet Limousin cross steer purchased by C J Byford & Son of Little Clacton at 485p/kg (£2,692.95).

The Eric Stanion Memorial Trophy for Best Home Bred Beast was awarded to Geoff Freeman, trading as G & R Freeman of Bredfield, another tremendous supporter of this market. He sold a superb Limousin heifer weighing 557kg to Allman Fowler of Fowler Brothers of Burnham on Crouch at 470p/kg (£2,617.90).

Standing opposite sex to that heifer was a magnificent Abedeen-Angus steer from David Alpe of Halvergate, perfectly finished, weighing 608kg and selling at 495p/kg

(£3,009.50), again to John Coleman for his shop in Boxted.

Standing reserve to the Homebred Heifer Class was another Limousin heifer from William Ketley which sold at 505p/kg (2,873.45) to Ben Whiting.

Moving on to the unhaltered classes, the Joe Papworth Memorial Trophy and the Best Unhaltered Steer awards went to Phil Liverton, trading as B R & P L Liverton, for a Limousin cross steer sold to Chas Bowers Butchers of Frinton on Sea at 440p/kg (£2,252.80).

The Best Unhaltered Heifer award went to W G Vant & Sons of Faversham, Kent, and sold at 445p/kg (£2,634.40) to C J Byford & Sons of Little Clacton.

A strong and consistent trade was seen throughout, with 19 show steers averaging 437.42p/kg and 21 show heifers averaging 437.19 (compared to last year’s steers at 357p/kg and heifers at 371p/kg).

Non-show cattle were short but wanted at levels consistent with the previous week, with British Blue cross steers from A & W Bentall to 409p/kg (£2,441.73) and similar bred heifers to 405p/kg (£2,357.10). Hereford cross steers sold to 368p/kg, heifers to 356p/kg, Belted Galloway steers to 370p/kg, South Devon steers to 377p/kg (£2,405.26) and British Shorthorn steers to 386p/kg (£2,702).

GRAHAM ELLIS FRICS FAAV FLAA

For and on behalf of Stanfords T: 01206 842156 E: info@stanfords-colchester.co.uk www.stanfords-colchester.co.uk WWW.SOUTHEASTFARMER.NET | JANUARY 2026

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ALAN WEST SHEEP TOPICS

A NEW YEAR AND NEW DAWN Conversations and mutual understanding.

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Very best wishes to all for a successful and, dare I say, prosperous new year. Sadly, it’s not the most agreeable start to the year. Without wishing to be too pessimistic we still have no clear or meaningful policies, strategies or direction for food, environmental schemes or farming, plus significant uncertainties remain around inheritance tax; there is little that is straightforward. Add to this the cost squeeze and the omnipresent impact of a botched Brexit deal and other international trading arrangements, the latter snatched in desperation by both current and proceeding governments, and forward planning has been made somewhat difficult.

Fortunately, sheep meat prices strengthened towards the close of the year and this will hopefully persist, although the willingness of retailers to source elsewhere if domestic prices rise too much needs to be kept in mind. The impact of tight supplies on processing and marketing facilities also needs to be considered; infrastructure is being squeezed, some processing capacity was lost last year and others are being sustained by processing and packing imported, chilled lamb carcasses for retail. While tight supplies might sustain higher prices, there is a critical infrastructural mass, and too great a falloff in supplies of homeproduced lamb risks precipitating further decline.

When we moved to Kent from North Wales almost 45 years ago, I had the choice of at least six markets within an hour’s drive; now there are two. Nationally, market numbers have fallen from

A new dawn

ALAN WEST Sheep farmer

JANUARY 2026 | WWW.SOUTHEASTFARMER.NET

1,000-plus to 112 in 30 years and abattoirs have declined in 50 years from more than 2,500 to 203. There was a high-capacity lamb abattoir in the county until its demise in 2001 due, in part, to lack of government support during the foot and mouth disease outbreak, leaving no high-volume slaughtering capacity anywhere in the South East. For parts of the region this lack of adequate slaughtering provision has made life increasingly difficult for those farm businesses trying to add value to their lambs through direct sales.

Producer choice and marketing options have been drastically diminished. Auction marts, by their nature, have always relied on trust; at one time if producers felt that some of that trust was being eroded they could easily switch to another market, which is sadly no longer a realistic or feasible option for many. This decline has placed auction marts, dealers and processors in an oligopolistic, if not almost monopolistic, position, placing an ever-greater responsibility on them to operate transparently and in good faith.

Diminishing infrastructure also extends to the supply side and even into agricultural education (a subject on which I have very strong views, best not expounded here), with the news that the University of Nottingham is ending 130-plus years of association with agricultural education. It’s a sad loss at a time when we really do need more well-trained and qualified new entrants to the industry; additionally, the longer-term impact on research opportunities, particularly basic, applied research, will only be detrimental.

The steady decline in domestic lamb consumption simply adds further damage to infrastructural issues. We desperately need public support and we need consumers to buy more British lamb; engaging with and encouraging a wider public understanding of what we do and an appreciation of some of the problems that we face undoubtedly helps to drive this support, and may also inspire some to consider agriculture as a meaningful and worthwhile career path for their offspring. Both would bring considerable benefits.

All of the above serves to highlight the need for those involved within the sheep sector to do their utmost to engage with and gain support from the general public; they are our customers and we do, for numerous reasons, need them to be on our side.

There is, nevertheless, all too frequently an element of duplicity within the sector. We are all happy to accept (expect?) their support as consumers in purchasing British lamb, while at the same time there are noticeably many that are quick to denigrate the public, treating them like idiots and a nuisance.

If ignorance of something that is beyond one’s everyday experience is sufficient to qualify one as an idiot, then we all fall somewhere within that category. Yes, the general public can, at times, be a thorough pain in the neck. I experienced it in North Wales; often visitors considered (erroneously) that being proximate to a national park granted unrestricted access everywhere. Generally a few words of explanation would quickly and amicably resolve most issues, although, as with any such situation, there were inevitably some arrogant individuals who took delight in arguing the point – but that’s life; conversely there will always be a few farmers who appear to derive pleasure in confrontation, occasionally direct but frequently hiding behind keyboards, with some comments posted serving only to divide. Such individuals do most of us within the sector a great disservice.

Public engagement is important, but we should also be aware that many of our activities are visible. This may be an untreated lame sheep, mud on roads, ripping out trees, etc.; things that certainly don’t go unnoticed, attract criticism and provide ammunition for our detractors. There may, of course, be good reasons for such activities, but people do need to know; information generates knowledge, which produces understanding. Sometimes we simply do not help ourselves.

I had a situation last year with (after a dog attack), a number of quite lame ewes in a highly visible location adjacent to a lane that is popular with dog walkers. Anticipating problems, I simply put up a few notices explaining the situation; there were no complaints, quite the reverse. People stopped to ask how things were going, they took an interest and it presented an opportunity to engage with them, to chat. It’s not a big ask, and it’s certainly not rocket science; if we all just took a little bit of time in this coming year to engage with a few members of the public, to chat about what we do and why we do it, we could develop a much better, mutual, understanding; life would be so much easier and, just maybe, we could all help to sell a bit more of our quality British lamb.

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LIVESTOCK

LEARNING ABOUT LIFE ON THE FARM

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Children at a hospital school in Kent enjoyed learning about British food and farming when the NFU arranged for a farmer to pay them a visit.

Livestock farmer Polly Dumbreck spoke to pupils at The Rosewood School about how British farmers produce healthy, nutritious and affordable food.

She said: “We had a great day. The children were really engaged, asking lots of questions. They were eager to learn about life on the farm and some asked about how they could become farmers, which was great to hear.”

Polly told the children about how she cares for the animals on her farm at Edenbridge and how British farmers adhere to world-leading animal welfare standards. The beef cattle and sheep farmer also spoke about the wide range of exciting career opportunities in farming and how she supports the environment and works with several neighbouring farmers to support wildlife conservation.

This work has ensured that her farm is home to several bird species which are on the International Union for the Conservation of Nature’s UK Red List of birds needing urgent conservation action.

The Rosewood School is part of Kent and Medway Adolescent Hospital in Staplehurst. The school supports children dealing with physical and mental health challenges, ensuring they continue their education while receiving treatment. It sits between mainstream and

Polly Dumbreck special school education, with the aim of returning children back into mainstream schooling.

Polly visited the school in her role as an NFU Education Farmers for Schools Ambassador, a voluntary role which sees NFU members across the country visit schools to talk about food and farming.

She said: “Some of the children at this school are facing some difficult challenges and the teachers and staff do an excellent job to ensure they continue to receive education.

"I used to run a care farm and I have always been passionate about making sure everyone has opportunities to learn about British food and farming and to gain different life experiences.

“It was wonderful to see children so engaged and eager to learn and hopefully we can help to inspire some farmers of the future.”

Reintegration higher level teaching assistant at the school Sonya Eade said: “Several of our young people are planning to study animal management post-16 but had not considered working in agriculture, so it's great they had career information and insight into the farming world."

ADVERTISER'S ANNOUNCEMENT

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Megastart Ewe & Lamb offers targeted, specialist nutrition to support both the ewe and her unborn lamb(s). This supplement is designed to enhance colostrum quality and provide high energy for ewes at risk of twin lamb disease, and includes a unique MOS (mannan oligosaccharide) to boost the ewe's immune system.

Research conducted at Myerscough College demonstrates that

JANUARY 2026 | WWW.SOUTHEASTFARMER.NET

supplementing ewes with Megastart Ewe & Lamb in the weeks leading up to lambing can significantly improve colostrum quality, which is vital for lamb health and vitality.

In addition, Megastart Ewe & Lamb contains a balanced blend of minerals and vitamins, including vitamin E to enhance lamb vigour and vitamin B1 to help reduce the risk of cerebrocortical necrosis. The inclusion of lactose also provides a readily available carbohydrate source to support energy needs.

To ensure a smoother lambing experience, introduce Megastart Ewe & Lamb to all in-lamb ewes four to six weeks before lambing, alongside the regular feeding program.

The feed rate is 100g to 150g per ewe per day for the last four to six weeks of pregnancy and it is available in 20kg and 80kg tubs. Megastart Ewe & Lamb is the ideal supplement through late pregnancy and beyond.

VET DIARY

NOTES FROM A NEW

GRADUATE FARM VET I joined the team at Cliffe Farm Vets in June and arrived full of enthusiasm and with a slightly naive belief that starting in the summer months would ease me in gently.

Summer was busy enough, with learning the ropes and qualifying for TB testing, helping with sheep artificial insemination and embryo transfer while finding my way around the furthest reaches of Sussex. I also was put straight onto the out-of-hours rota with a senior vet to back me up. It was all going so well...

Then came that weekend.

It began innocently enough with a Friday afternoon call for a caesarean section, my first as a qualified vet. Luckily this went smoothly enough for me to drive home feeling ten feet tall. However, by the Saturday, when the same farm phoned for round two, I had a quiet realisation that this might be the start of a big weekend. I rang my back-up

vet for moral support and she cheerfully told me I could do this one solo, followed by a suspiciously long pause before she started laughing and said she was on her way.

On the Sunday, during caesarean number three, the cow went down mid-surgery at the least convenient moment, providing a further challenge. This reminded me once again that no university lecture or simulation can fully prepare you for farm veterinary work.

After my colleague’s fateful “see you Monday”, a 2am call for yet another caesarean at a different farm was our final challenge. By the end of the weekend, I realised how these unexpected calls, combined with the patience and support of my back-up vet, had given me crucial experience in helping me progress as a new vet.

As we head into the new year, I want to say thank you to the farmers who have welcomed a brand-new vet onto their farms.

As a newcomer, learning about your different farming systems and enterprises has been extremely valuable and I hope that my fresh perspective might spark conversations that hopefully can make a difference in the coming season.

Hopefully, 2026 will provide fewer C-section marathons, but if not at least I’m getting quicker at preparing for surgery!

KITTY SMITH BVM BVS MRCVS Cliffe Veterinary Group T: 01273 473232 E: farmenquiries@cliffevets.co.uk www.cliffefarm.co.uk

WWW.SOUTHEASTFARMER.NET | JANUARY 2026

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ADVICE FROM THE VET

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Lameness costs the UK sheep industry £28 million per year (Simcock, 2019) and continues to be a major issue, not only financially, but also due to the detrimental impact on welfare and productivity.

Footrot is one of the most common causes of lameness, caused by the bacteria Dichelobacter nodosus. The disease commonly presents as a white/grey discharge, redness between claws and a distinctive foul smell. Naïve flocks often experience their first cases of footrot when bought-in sheep have not been quarantined/ treated before joining the flock.

Footrot is a major problem due to its highly contagious nature. It can spread prolifically through the flock, reducing the sheep’s ability to feed and resulting in lower growth rates, financial losses and poor welfare.

The UK’s plan to reduce nationwide lameness is the 5-point plan (5PP). The points are: 1. Cull 2. Avoid 3. Treat 4. Quarantine 5. Vaccinate Firstly, any chronically lame sheep should be culled to reduce transmission rate in the flock. The environment should be checked thoroughly to avoid any high-risk areas that could encourage spread, such as high-traffic areas with wet, muddy ground.

Treatment should be prompt and effective, noting animals within three days of becoming lame, accurately diagnosing the lameness issue, for example footrot, and treating with medication that directly targets the pathogen.

When bringing in animals, ensure they

If you would like to discuss anything covered in this article contact your local Westpoint practice Westpoint Ashford T: 01306 628208 Westpoint Winchester T: 01962 779593 Westpoint Chelmsford T: 01306 628489 E: info@westpointfarmvets.co.uk www.westpointfarmvets.co.uk

FOOTROT IS ONE OF THE MOST COMMON CAUSES OF LAMENESS Jess Tang, Westpoint Ashford, looks at how to treat Footrot.

are appropriately quarantined away from the main flock for at least 28 days and treat clinical cases immediately. Lastly, ensure there’s a control plan to reduce occurrences.

Footvax® is the only licensed vaccine against footrot in the UK. The vaccine is multivalent, meaning it protects against multiple strains of the bacteria. A 2023 study

by Nabb showed that testing the individual flock to identify the prevalent strain and then implementing a bivalent vaccine was significantly more effective than using a multivalent vaccine.

As we look to future developments in the pharmaceutical industry, the licensing and rollout of bivalent vaccines may considerably help in the long term control of footrot within the framework of the 5PP. Aside from vaccination, it has been found that weekly/three-weekly footbathing can be effective in the control of footrot within a flock (Allworth and Egerton, 2018). It should be noted, however, that footbathing relies on strict protocols being followed and on farms having the infrastructure and labour force to be able to implement them appropriately.

The University of Liverpool, alongside MSD and Footvax®, has made a helpful lameness scoring chart cited from Angell et al. (2015), which is easily accessible on the MSD website. It can help farmers quantify what percentage of the flock is affected and should be treated.

Lameness is scored from 0 to 3: 0: Sound, even weight bearing 1: Mildly lame, no specific limb is affected but the sheep walks unevenly 2: Moderately lame, specific limb is noticeable alongside uneven gait and stride length 3: Severely lame, non-weight bearing, unable to walk and showing noticeable pain.

This scoring system helps with fast and routine assessment of the prevalence of lameness, and by collaborating with veterinary professionals, treatment protocols and control strategies appropriate to the individual farm can be discussed.

These may include vaccination or footbathing to reduce the impact of footrot and overall lameness.

References: • Allworth, M. and Egerton, J. (2018) “Comparison of footbathing and vaccination to control ovine footrot in an experimentally infected flock”, Australian Veterinary Journal, 96(10), pp. 395–399. doi:10.1111/avj.12715.

• Angell, J.W. et al. (2015) “A practical tool for locomotion scoring in sheep: Reliability when used by veterinary surgeons and Sheep Farmers”, Veterinary Record, 176(20), pp. 521–521. doi:10.1136/vr.102882.

• Nabb, E.J. (2023) “The role of Serogroup-specific vaccines in the control of footrot in Sheep, UBIRA ETheses.

Available at: https://etheses.bham.ac.uk/id/eprint/13429/.

• Simcock, E. (2019) “Nadis animal health skills - lameness control in sheep”, NADIS. Available at: https://nadis.org.uk/disease-a-z/sheep/lameness-control-in-sheep/.

JANUARY 2026 | WWW.SOUTHEASTFARMER.NET

EDUCATION

EQUIPPING THE NEXT FLORENCE WOLFE-JONES

• Programme manager for the RICSaccredited rural land & business degree • Senior associate director, rural land management at Knight Frank • Qualified in 2014. Working as a surveyor since 2012 • Lives in East Sussex 1. Where did your journey towards working in the rural land sector begin?

I’ve always loved the outdoors and the wonder of rural landscapes. I find the history of places fascinating and, as a child, my favourite day trip was to Dover Castle. After realigning my career with the outdoors, I signed up to a one-year masters degree in rural estate management and started the Smiths Gore graduate programme. After working for the (then) Prince of Wales’ office advising on agriculture and rural affairs, I returned to Sussex to work with Strutt and Parker and then Knight Frank.

2. Tell us more about your role As a surveyor, no two days are ever the same. I do a lot of estate management and see my role as ‘problem solver in chief’ – coming up with solutions to help clients achieve their goals and aspirations. Building partnerships is crucial; this job is about working alongside people and managing complex situations with tenants, contractors or advisors; it can be fascinating, rewarding and challenging at the same time.

Find out more at Plumpton's next Open Events on 17 January and 21 March

GENERATION OF RURAL

SURVEYORS Introducing the passionate rural surveyor shaping Plumpton’s new RICS-accredited rural land & business degree.

3. Tell us more about your role as programme manager for the new course.

As a former examiner at the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and through my involvement at the Central Association for Agricultural Valuers, I’m passionate about helping people get into the industry. When I learned that Plumpton had set up a new course, I wanted to get behind it. As an accelerated degree it can be studied over two rather than three years part-time, which allows people to combine study and work and makes it ideal for career changers. I organise everything from lecturers to rooms, assignments, field trips and guest speakers. I want to make this course engaging, immersive and relevant, giving students the skills to progress.

4. How do these roles impact each other and how do you find the balance of industry and academia?

They both support each other. I am a better surveyor as I‘m constantly thinking about whether what I am doing would be something I’d show my students as ‘best practice’, but I also gain real-world experience to share with Plumpton’s students. Teaching gives me the opportunity to deep-dive into areas of interest such as landlord and tenant work and incorporating ‘green’ technologies into older buildings.

5. How does Plumpton University Centre equip students for careers?

The course is a comprehensive mix of practical and theoretical teaching. We encourage students to get out and about as much as possible, and facilitate guest lecturers from industry to provide real-world context.

The course is broad and addresses the most pertinent issues facing rural landowners, such as running successful businesses within the context of increasingly burdensome legislation, ensuring the future of farms and how to make estates and businesses more resilient.

6. How will RICS accreditation change things for the sector and for the students?

This has been a game-changer. There aren’t many rural courses that have this accreditation, and none in the South East. With accreditation, students can be confident that as soon as they have completed their course, they are in the best possible position to pass the RICS APC exam, which opens so many doors.

7. Why is working in rural land important?

Rural places lift the spirits, are great for mental health and give so many people pleasure from all walks of life. We have a duty to be aware of how unique our rural places are, and make sure that we have the skills and knowledge to protect them for future generations. Making those rural businesses that use and love the land successful is one of the best ways to protect them.

8. What are the key opportunities or challenges facing your work for the future?

The effect of climate change is one of the silent challenges that no one really likes to acknowledge, particularly water shortages.

In the South East, we have near constant hosepipe bans and periods of intense rainfall that cause flash flooding. All land owners need to know how to build resilience into their businesses, for their farms, their land and their properties.

To find out more visit: www.plumpton.ac.uk/news-events/rics-accreditation-for-land-management-degree WWW.SOUTHEASTFARMER.NET | JANUARY 2026

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Make smarter financial moves

Impartial advice for business and private clients.

Talis Independent Financial Advisers operate throughout the UK supported by the head office team in Kent.

01233 722999

talisifa.com

@TalisIFA

BUDGET REVIEW

STEALTHY CHANGES

WITH SUBSTANTIAL IMPACT The run-up to any budget announcement is accompanied by a frenzy of speculation, but the unusually late date of 26 November created unprecedented opportunity for leaks and guesswork. There were wellworn topics like the removal of tax-free cash from pensions, plus a rather odd press conference on 4 November when the chancellor appeared to be preparing the ground for a manifesto-breaking increase in income tax.

Instead of big, headline-grabbing changes, the weekend papers were full of the word ‘smorgasbord’ as we digested lots of small changes and how they might impact on each other. Various measures will be introduced in each tax year, up to and including 2029/30, so we suggest readers focus on those that take effect soonest.

INHERITANCE TAX

First and foremost, we should acknowledge that the deeply unpopular inheritance tax (IHT) changes announced in 2024 will apply from 6 April 2026. There was one sensible change allowing the new £1m threshold to be shared between spouses. Some farming families may have changed Wills already and it might be wise to review those instructions in the light of new information.

CASH ISAS

Cash ISAs didn’t escape the chancellor’s crosshairs, with a reduction proposed for under-65s. The full ISA allowance will remain at £20,000, but from April 2027 a new cap of £12,000 will apply to cash ISAs only, unless you’re over 65 in which case you can still put the full amount into a cash ISA. April 2027 will also see a rise in the rates of income tax for rental income and savings income. We can all form a view on whether this breaks the manifesto pledge or not, but nonetheless the narrative of “those with the broadest shoulders” seems set to continue.

Another stealthy change for 2027/28 is that the personal allowance will, by default, be set against the lowest types of income first.

This means that employment and/or pension income will use up the personal allowance first, leaving dividends, rental income and interest on savings to be taxed (at higher rates) thereafter.

DIVIDEND INCOME

The next most immediate issue is the increased rates of tax on dividend income.

If your business is structured as a limited company, it is highly likely that you distribute profits as dividends. You might also receive dividends from investments. The basic rate will be 10.75%, the higher rate 35.75%, and the additional rate remaining at 39.35%.

The current tax year (2025/26) is also the last opportunity to benefit from 30% income tax relief on venture capital trusts (VCTs) before it reduces to 20% from 2026/27 onwards.

JAMES COLE

Managing Director, London - South East T: 01233 722999 E: jc@talisifa.com W: www.talisifa.com

MANSION TAX

For 2028/29 we get the UK’s first version of a ‘mansion tax’, otherwise known as the high value council tax surcharge. This is an annual charge starting at £2,500 for properties valued at £2m or more. There are multiple thresholds up to £7,500 per annum for properties valued at £5m or more.

The intention is that local authorities will collect this tax (sorry, surcharge) using the existing council tax system, but the funds raised will go straight to the Treasury.

Crucially, it is the property owner that will be liable for this tax (sorry, surcharge) rather than the occupier. As is common with an entirely new regime, there will be a consultation – expected in early 2026 – so anyone with an opinion is encouraged to share it via the appropriate channels.

PENSION CONTRIBUTIONS

Finally, in 2029/30 making pension contributions via salary sacrifice will effectively be restricted to just £2,000 per tax year. Higher amounts can still be sacrificed, of course, but there will be no reduction in national insurance (NI) contributions.

Ironically, this hurts those on more modest earnings the most. For basic rate taxpayers, the tax difference is around 8% compared to only 2% for those who are subject to the higher or additional rates of tax and NI. The sum of £2,000 has been deliberately set above the minimum requirement under ‘auto-enrolment’ legislation so it won’t impact significant numbers of employees. The impact on employers will be substantial, though.

One thing that hasn’t changed is the main tax thresholds, which are now frozen until 2030/31, meaning that more income and assets will fall into higher rates of tax for the balance of this parliament and potentially longer.

WWW.SOUTHEASTFARMER.NET | JANUARY 2026

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Legal services for farmers & rural businesses Call us today or visit our website:

01227 763939 furleypage.co.uk

SEVEN-YEAR-RULE UNCHANGED Tax-raising measures worth up to £26 billion were revealed in the autumn 2025 budget delivered by Chancellor Rachel Reeves. Despite weeks of fervent speculation, many of the pre-trailed policies did not materialise, and the seismic impact of the autumn 2024 budget remains the focus of tax planning for the agricultural sector.

PROPERTY TAXES

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A new, so-called 'mansion tax' was introduced by the Government on homes valued over £2 million. Homeowners with a property valued at more than that will be subject to a new surcharge of at least £2,500 from 2028.

Though an apparent attempt to shift the burden of tax onto the wealthiest

homeowners, many farming families in the South East will not welcome this extra burden, as large farmhouses used in the course of the farming business may be caught within this regime. The Government has, however, advised that it plans to hold a public consultation in 2026 on details relating to the surcharge, and there are likely to be options for homeowners to defer payment until sale of the property, or death.

CAPITAL GAINS TAX (CGT)

Key CGT principles and reliefs remain unaffected by the autumn 2025 budget.

Farming families will still be able to use rollover and hold-over relief where appropriate, and the current tax-free uplift on death for CGT purposes has not been reformed, despite rumours and speculation surrounding this concept.

Lifetime estate planning will therefore continue to revolve around the two key capital taxes, inheritance tax (IHT) and CGT, and how they interact in the context of agricultural and family businesses.

A WELCOME CONCESSION

For advice on estate planning, tax mitigation and protecting your assets, contact our private client team today

ALEXANDRA TINGLEY

Legal Assistant, Furley Page Solicitors T: 01227 763939 E: info@furleypage.co.uk W: www.furleypage.co.uk

Autumn 2024’s budget reforms to agricultural property relief (APR) and business property relief (BPR) hauled farming to the centre of the political stage.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves confirmed in her recent budget that those changes remain on track. As a reminder, from April 2026, a £1 million cap to APR and BPR will be introduced.

Assets exceeding this cap which are eligible for relief will be taxed at 50% of the rate for inheritance tax, an effective rate of 20%.

The chancellor confirmed in this budget that the £1 million cap would be transferrable between spouses, a welcome concession which reflects the current regime with the standard IHT nil rate band of £325,000, and residential nil rate band of £175,000. While this option to transfer unused portions does not increase the total eligible relief, it will enable couples to preserve allowances without the

JANUARY 2026 | WWW.SOUTHEASTFARMER.NET

need for complex lifetime estate planning measures or Will drafting.

Rumoured increases in the survivorship conditions for lifetime gifting, often known as the ‘seven-year-rule’, did not materialise.

This will encourage farming families to pass assets down the family line during lifetime, something which appears to have been encouraged by the new APR and BPR rules, as last-minute ‘deathbed planning’ will no longer avoid hefty charges to IHT.

OTHER TAXES AND CONSIDERATIONS

Although writing down allowances were cut by the chancellor from 18% to 14%, she announced a new first year allowance of 40%, which will benefit eligible farming partnerships.

Furthermore, while no changes to partnership tax were introduced, the additional 2% increase in the basic, higher and additional income tax rates for rental income may deter certain farming families who rely on rental income to supplement traditional trading income in an uncertain market. The sugar tax levy on milk-based products may perhaps go even further to the detriment of dairy farmers already suffering the consequences of a collapsed market.

The chancellor also announced increases to the national minimum wage for all ages, which may create new pressures on farmers relying on seasonal workers, or those with farms not managed as a family-run business.

SUMMARY

The 2025 budget may not have placed the same spotlight on the agricultural sector as the previous year’s, but farming families, and particularly those in the South East, may be impacted by new wealth and business taxes.

Farmers and their families should remain resilient and continue to seek ongoing advice and support to ensure that their estate planning structures remain up-to-date and tax efficient.

BUDGET REVIEW

AUTUMN BUDGET 2025

LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR

FARMERS IN THE AUTUMN BUDGET The autumn budget in November introduced a series of measures affecting both individuals and businesses. For farmers across the South East, several of these changes could influence succession planning and operational decisions in the year ahead.

INHERITANCE TAX CHANGES

Inheritance tax remains a key concern for many in the agricultural sector, and despite strong lobbying from farmers and professional bodies, the government did not increase the £1 million threshold for agricultural property relief (APR) and business property relief (BPR).

This decision will disappoint those who had hoped for a higher limit to reflect rising land values and ease the burden on family farms.

While the threshold remains unchanged, from April 2026, the £1 million allowance for APR and BPR will become transferable between spouses and civil partners. If one partner does not use their full allowance, the unused portion can be passed to the surviving spouse, even if the first death occurred before April 2026. Couples will therefore be able to protect up to £2 million of qualifying assets at the full relief rate.

Although this development offers greater flexibility and fairness for farming families, it does not remove the risk for larger estates.

Farms with high land values and limited cash reserves could still face significant inheritance tax bills on assets above the combined

allowance, at which point relief drops to 50%.

Without careful planning, this could create liquidity challenges and, in some cases, force the sale of land or property to meet tax liabilities.

employment contracts and pay structures now will make compliance easier when wage increases take effect. For properties at risk of the mansion tax, early valuation advice could prevent unwelcome surprises.

INCREASED LABOUR COSTS

The budget also confirmed an increase in labour costs. From April 2026, the national living wage will rise to £12.71 per hour for workers aged 21 and over, with similar uplifts for younger employees. For farms employing seasonal or permanent staff, this will have a direct impact on payroll and may require adjustments to contracts and workforce planning. Ensuring compliance will be essential to avoid disputes or penalties.

‘MANSION TAX’ ON HIGH-VALUE HOMES

Looking further ahead, the proposed ‘mansion tax’ could affect rural properties.

From April 2028, homes valued above £2 million will attract an annual surcharge ranging from £2,500 to £7,500. High-value farmhouses may fall within scope, raising questions about valuations and whether deferral schemes might be available for those who are asset-rich but cash-poor.

These changes underline the importance of thinking ahead. Reviewing Wills, considering trust arrangements and exploring lifetime transfers can help reduce exposure to inheritance tax. Similarly, checking

At Brachers, we work alongside our clients to protect the future of their businesses and their legacy. Whether it’s navigating inheritance tax changes, structuring succession plans, valuing property or ensuring employment compliance, our specialist teams combine legal expertise with a deep understanding of the rural sector to help clients plan with confidence.

ABIGAIL BRIGHTWELL

Partner, Brachers LLP T: 01622 655281 E: abigailbrightwell@brachers.co.uk

SARAH MANNOOCH

Partner, Brachers LLP T: 01622 7677351 E: sarahmannooch@brachers.co.uk

SARA SMITH

Partner, Brachers LLP T: 01622 680401 E: sarasmith@brachers.co.uk www.brachers.co.uk

With you all the way Legal services for life and business

We understand the importance of protecting your legacy.

Whether it’s your assets, personal affairs or family business, we find tailored solutions that safeguard your interests for generations to come.

Call us on 01622 690691

Visit us at brachers.co.uk 01622 690691 | brachers.co.uk

WWW.SOUTHEASTFARMER.NET | JANUARY 2026

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LAND AND FARMS

EIGHT KEY THEMES

FOR THE RURAL SECTOR IN 2026 50

Succession planning, strategic clarity and sharper scrutiny of business performance are set to be the priorities for farmers and landowners in 2026. Land and property specialist Strutt & Parker has identified eight themes likely to dominate the year ahead, with succession, strategy and scrutiny topping the list.

Kate Moisson, Head of Rural, said: “We are

entering a pivotal period for the rural sector, with the current challenges underscoring the importance of both strategic planning and management excellence to keep farms and estates firmly on the front foot.

“It follows a testing year for land managers, with the proposed Inheritance Tax (IHT) reforms, erratic weather, volatile commodity markets, rising labour costs and changes in

Photo: Shutterstock.com

Livestock farmers also face forage shortages and high straw costs this winter JANUARY 2026 | WWW.SOUTHEASTFARMER.NET

policy putting many businesses under pressure.

“However, there is cause for cautious optimism. Land – and what it can offer society – has never been more in demand, opening the door to potential new income streams. We believe that opportunities for business growth and improvement are there for those who are willing to explore new approaches and act decisively.”

1. SUCCESSION PLANNING MOVES TO THE TOP OF THE AGENDA

The Government appears determined to implement its planned IHT reforms on 6 April 2026. This creates a crucial, and narrowing, window for farms and estates to revisit their tax and succession plans with their professional advisors.

Businesses should ensure they are making full use of the reliefs that will remain available and assess options to reduce their liability.

A current and accurate valuation will be essential.

2. FARM PROFITABILITY UNDER SUSTAINED PRESSURE

The combination of the loss of basic payments, extreme weather, weak commodity prices and rising labour costs means farm profitability will remain under strain. Arable incomes were hit hard by the 2025 spring and summer drought, with livestock farmers also facing forage shortages and high straw costs this winter.

Despite this challenging backdrop, there is room for improvement on many farms if businesses focus on the areas they can control; from budgeting and benchmarking to performance monitoring and de-risking.

Those prepared to adapt and take a forensic approach to every detail of their business are the ones most likely to prosper in the years ahead.

3. STRATEGIC BUSINESS PLANNING COMES TO THE FORE

Lower margins and policy changes are prompting more farm and estate owners to look at their businesses holistically. A farm business review, or full strategic estate review, allows families to clarify their long-term goals and see if changes are needed to what they do and why.

An external perspective can be transformational, helping unlock new ideas, challenge assumptions and open up conversations that may have been delayed.

Many businesses are already restructuring to improve efficiency and unlock new income streams, and we expect this trend to accelerate through 2026.

4. RISING REGULATION IN RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

Let property is a major income stream for many businesses, but regulatory change is gathering pace. From 1 May 2026, the phased introduction of the Renters’ Rights Act will begin, converting all assured shorthold tenancies into periodic tenancies, abolishing Section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions, and introducing new rent review procedures.

Alongside this, landlords face a 2% rise in tax on property income from April 2027 and tighter minimum energy efficiency standard (MEES) rules from 2030. Returns may come under pressure, particularly where improving energy efficiency is difficult, but rural landlords often take a longer-term approach and, if other landlords exit the market, rural portfolios may benefit from firmer rents and reduced void periods.

5. FARMLAND MARKET STEADY DESPITE POLARISATION

The farmland market has become more polarised, but remains fundamentally resilient.

Although average values softened slightly in 2025, they remain high by historical standards, with 60% of arable land in England still achieving more than £10,000 per acre.

Caution, rather than lack of confidence, is shaping decisions. The IHT changes may trigger some sales, but a large increase in supply is not expected in the short term.

Demand will vary by location, so some properties will take longer to find a buyer, but the underlying fundamentals are stable.

6. SFI SUPPORT TO COME BACK ON-STREAM

The revised sustainable farming incentive (SFI) is expected to reopen in the first half of

2026 and demand is likely to be high. Farmers should start assessing which options could work for their farming system and model the financial impact in advance.

There are other grants available which are narrower in focus than the SFI but still valuable. For example, many water companies offer schemes that support projects to improve water quality, reduce soil erosion and boost biodiversity. Other private sector funding opportunities for natural capital projects are also expanding.

7. DIVERSIFICATION TO ACCELERATE AS BUSINESSES SPREAD RISK

Diversification is set to play a bigger role in 2026 as farms and estates look to reduce their reliance on agricultural returns. Renewables, tourism, leisure, natural capital projects, commercial space and food enterprises are all gaining traction.

However, diversification must align with the wider farm or estate strategy, as projects can require significant capital, management time and specialist skills. Landowners are also increasingly looking for projects that enhance social value and bring positive benefits to their local communities.

8. MAKING TAX DIGITAL (MTD) FOR INCOME TAX TAKES EFFECT

The making tax digital for income tax initiative starts in April 2026 for sole traders and landlords with qualifying income over £50,000. Instead of submitting an annual tax return, people will be expected to make quarterly updates of income and expenditure to HMRC and then a final ‘end-of-period’ declaration.

It is a change that adds complexity to reporting procedures and professional support may be needed. Partnerships, companies, trusts and certain special cases are currently excluded from the first phase of the rollout of the scheme, although HMRC expects to review this later.

WWW.SOUTHEASTFARMER.NET | JANUARY 2026

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National Finalist at the end of 2025

A year of achievement & recognition

W

e are incredibly proud to reflect on what was an outstanding year for Bloomfields in 2025.

We were honoured to win Mid-Size Planning Consultancy of the Year at the RTPI South East Awards for Planning Excellence with judges recognising; “Bloomfields impressed the judges with their entry championing their specialism in rural planning. …The judges were particularly pleased to see Bloomfields commitment to emerging technologies and approaches, sometimes harder to reflect in the more traditional farming and rural projects the practice has become

renowned for. The entry reflected an excitement and buzz within the team, underscoring a positive engagement with the planning process and a “can do” attitude in the face of the various complexities we have all come to know in planning practice.”

Following this success, we were thrilled to be named a national finalist at the RTPI Awards for Planning Excellence awards ceremony held at the end of November. To stand among the very best planning consultancies in the country, and as the only firm from Kent or Sussex in

our category, is an achievement we are truly delighted with.

Becoming a finalist highlights the strength of our team, our collaborative ethos, and the high standard of work we strive for every day. We are grateful for this recognition and excited for what comes next.

To discuss your planning opportunity or problem please do get in touch.

Strategic, staged approach secures planning permission in the High Weald BEFORE

Situated within the High Weald National Landscape and overlooking a well-known landscape feature, the site presented a challenging context where a previous planning agent had been unable to secure approval. Bloomfields undertook a thorough review of the site’s planning history and existing uses, developing a strategic, phased approach that required patience and commitment from the client.

THE PROCESS INVOLVED: Establishing a Certificate of Lawfulness to regularise specific site uses.

Submitting a prior notification application for part of the site.

AFTER

Commissioning a viability assessment, from Lambert & Foster, to accompany a pre-application submission.

Preparing and submitting a full planning application, with design work and CGIs by Bloomfields’ architectural team.

We are pleased to confirm that planning permission was granted last month.

To learn how Bloomfields can support your next planning or architectural project, please contact us.

Contact your local Bloomfields office for a no-obligation discussion about your planning needs

West Kent 01892 831 600 | East Kent 01303 814 444 | Sussex 01435 873 999 info@bloomfieldsltd.co.uk | www.bloomfieldsltd.co.uk SPECIALISING IN PLANNING ADVICE THROUGHOUT THE SOUTH EAST

LAND AND FARMS CURRENT RATES Typical annual rents

Residential rooftop

Commercial rooftop

Isolated rural field

Affinity Water Table

£5,000 pa

£3,850 pa

£750 pa

Vache Farm (Affinity plus RPI) as at Nov 2025

£6,925 pa

£5,140 pa

£1,840 pa

DON’T GET EXCITED, BUT TELECOMS

RENTS ARE IMPROVING Rental agreements for telecoms masts, which slumped following the introduction of the Electronic Communications Code at the end of 2017, are improving – but only slightly.

The introduction of the Code created a major headache for the sector, particularly for professionals tasked with representing land and building owners hosting telecoms equipment on their land.

Aimed at improving access to telecoms services by making it easier and cheaper for operators to find homes for their masts, it had a disproportionate effect on farmers and landowners who had previously been able to earn a reasonable sum for having hardware on their land.

The new legislation introduced a ‘no-network assumption’, which meant the fact that it was to be used by a telecoms operator could not be considered when agreeing the rent, a move that saw rents for rural sites plummet from around £5,000 per annum to under £1,000.

A three-staged approach to valuation based on ‘alternative use, additional benefits to operators and additional burden to landowners’ did nothing to improve things for landowners, but the situation became slightly more straightforward when the Upper Tribunal (the body that arbitrates telecoms issues) issued a table of suggested rents for various location types.

While the ‘Affinity Water table’, as it was known, was taken as ‘Gospel’ by operators, inflation steadily eroded the value of rents in

real terms – until a July 2024 tribunal decision known as ‘Vache Farm’ improved the situation for landowners.

As well as stressing “the relevance of inflation to those operating in the market”, the tribunal said the base figure of £750 per annum for an unexceptional greenfield site was too low and raised it to £1,750, commenting: “The adverse consequences of letting a small parcel of land for a modest return will often be sufficient to dissuade a landowner from letting at all.”

Another piece of good news was the tribunal’s agreement that a rolling redevelopment break clause, allowing for 18 months’ notice, expiring on the fifth anniversary, or any subsequent anniversary of the start of the agreement, was acceptable.

A break clause is vital if the landowner sells the land or building and the new buyer wants to redevelop the site or reconfigure the building, perhaps by adding an extra floor or moving mechanical or electrical plant on the roof.

The tribunal also decided that six months was a reasonable notice period for ‘lifting and shifting’ telecoms equipment to allow substantial works to be carried out and that it was not unreasonable to expect the operator to meet the costs of moving equipment at least twice during a 10-year agreement.

Despite these modest improvements, those with an existing agreement will still not want to rush to renew it when it expires as the new rent is still likely to be lower.

The complexities of telecoms agreements

highlight the need to take professional advice from an experienced surveyor before renewing a deal or making a new agreement, and since in most cases the operator is obliged to pay the landlord’s surveyor’s fees it makes complete sense. Batcheller Monkhouse is one of the UK’s leading advisors on telecoms issues and has a dedicated team of 15 people on hand with up-to-date, professional advice.

SIMON HARRINGTON

Telecoms Associate E: s.harrington@batchellermonkhouse.com T: 01892 509288

WWW.SOUTHEASTFARMER.NET | JANUARY 2026

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COMPLETE OUR CROSSWORD TO WIN Booze free Biddenden box

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Crossword by Rebecca Farmer, Broadstairs, Kent

PRIZE ANAGRAM: Rare breed chicken (6,8)

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DOWN

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To enter, simply

LAST MONTH’S ANSWERS:

unscramble the

anagram (6,8) using the green squares.

Email your replies with your name, address and phone number to sef.ed@kelsey.co.uk Correct entries will be entered into a draw which will take place on 19 January. The winner will be announced in the February edition.

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WWW.SOUTHEASTFARMER.NET | JANUARY 2026

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THE 66th AT ULTING, MALDON CM9 6QH • THE UK’S LARGEST AGRICULTURAL, CONSTRUCTION AND GROUNDCARE MACHINERY DEALER EVENT • OVER 150 TRADE STANDS • HUNDREDS OF SPECIAL OFFERS • LIVE DEMONSTRATIONS AND WORKING DISPLAYS • ONE UNMISSABLE SHOW

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