The Farmer December 2022

TOURISMSITES ‘GOING LOCAL’

Family attractionsinthe UK areserving more local ingredientsand British meatdespite battling with rising ingredient costsand staffshortages, according to aSoilAssociation investigation.

Thefood andfarming charityhas ranked 16 of theUK’sleadingattractions in anew league tableafter an army of “secret diner”parents helpedtoassessthe qualityof food on offer

TheOut to Lunchcampaignfound nineofthe attractionsare sourcinglocal ingredients andhalfof them aresourcing 100 percentBritish meat compared to a thirdin2018 when theinvestigation last visited.

Good examples of localsourcingincludedCornish meat at theEden Project, alargevariety of Scottish produce at the RoyalBotanic GardensinEdinburgh, andChesterZoo wonpointsfor sourcing meat anddairy from Cheshireand the Ribble Valley

Soil Associationheadof food policy RobPercivalsaid: “Weare reallypleased to seevisitor attractionssupporting local British farmers.

“Someofthese attractionsare really leadingthe wayinsourcingingredients that arenot only British but producedon their doorsteps in their local area

“Itisparticularlyencouraging to see this when we know caterers deal with risingprices, staff shortagesand supply chaindisruption.

“Itisa testamentbothtothe efforts of

BY IAIN ST JOHN

theattractions, andtothe qualityofBritish products.

Becky Fenner,Eden’s hospitalityman ager,said:“Wearedelightedtohavecome topofthe OuttoLunch league table. The Eden Project’smissioncentres around buildingrelationships betweenpeople andplanettodemonstrate thepower of workingtogetherfor thebenefitofall living things. Centraltothisisour food story.”

Five attractionsfailedtoanswerthe Soil Association’s questions.

Mr Percival said: “Serious concerns must be raised when an attraction doesn’t come cleanabout their ingredientsourc ing. What aretheytryingtohide?

“Risingingredientcosts areputting a huge strain on caterers,but transparency acrossour food chainisnot only what parentsare demanding, it’s theonlyway we canmeetour environmentalgoals.”

Theinvestigation also focusedon healthyfood,particularlyfor children, anduncovered alackofvegetables on offer

Less than half of theseleadingattractionsare servingveg with everychildren’s meal –while adults areoffered amuch largeranddiversemenuwithmorechoices to eathealthily.

Butinresponsetothe campaign,nine destinationshavenow committed to servingveg with everychildren’s meal –providinganother opportunity to support British farmers.

Formoreinformationonthecampaign andfor afull profile foreachattraction, visitsoilassociation.org/outtolunch

Export summit staged

More

Secretaryof Statefor International Trade Kemi Badenochwas welcomed to Shropshire’s HarperAdams University fora visitunderliningthe strength of British farming.

Shespoke at theNFU DairyExport Summit.

Thesummitwas heldjointly with the Department forInternational Trade and hosted on theHarperAdams campus Thesummitoffered an opportunity for keyindustryrepresentativestodiscuss what is needed to both tackle challenges

and make themostof opportunities for British dairyexports. During apacked visit, theSecretary of Statealsomet the university’sVice Chancellor Professor KenSloan

He said: “Theuniversity’scommitment to British farmingiswithout question

“Itwas,therefore,pleasingtohearthe SecretaryofState confirm hercommitment to thesuccessofthe farmingindus tryand theinvestments she is making to supportits exportambitions.”

l Boost–Page 16

power

is delivered

NewHolland has extended itsT7 Long Wheelbase range with anew flagship modelthat delivers more powerand best-in-class powerto-weight ratiowhile maintaining the dimensions and manoeuvrability of theother models

Thenew T7.300 wasofficially launched to the public at theSIMA2022exhibition in Paris. OscarBaroncelli,headof tractors at NewHolland,said: “Our customerstoldustheywanteda tractorwith more powerwithout thedownsideofbiggerframes and moreweight, andtheydidn’twantto sacrifice manoeuvrability.Wetook up theirchallenge anddevelopedthe new T7.300 Long Wheelbase.”

Formore detailscontactNew HollanddealershipRea Valley Tractors

l ReaValleyTractorssponsorsthe Machinery SectionofThe Farmer, starting on Page 21

Tree for free

Every household in Walesisbeing invited to collectafreetreeinabid to create anational forestinthe country Morethan50 collection hubshave been setupaspartofthe My Tree OurForestinitiative.

Awhopping 295,000 treesare up for grabsand theirplanting will contribute to theNationalForest for Wales. Wales’sDeputyClimate Change Minister LeeWaterssaid: “Bygrowing abeautifultreeinyour ownbackyard, youcan kickstartyour contribution andhelpgrowahealthy and happyWales forusand our future generationstobenefitfrom.”

Professor KenSloan and Kemi Badenoch at Harper Adams University

Funding to support charities

RuralinsurancebrokerLycetts andparentcompany theBenefactGroup have awarded£30,000 to charities to supportthe mental health of agriculturalworkers

TheRoyal AgriculturalBenevolentInstitution (RABI) andYou Are NotAlone (YANA) were chosenby apanel of judges to receive ashare of £500,000 in theMovementFor GoodAwards.

Lycetts’Charlie Douglassaid: “Theworkofthese twocharities is vital to thementalhealth andwellbeingofthose in thefarmingand ruralcommunities. We aredelight ed to helpsupport their very worthwhileambitions.”

Theimportanceof supporting ruralworkers’mental health was highlighted earlier this year when a

survey1ofmore than 15,000 people workinginagriculture revealed almostathirdsufferfromanxietyand depression.

RABI willuse its£20,000 grant to provide acounsellingservice to helpprevent thoseinthe farming sector reachinga pointofcrisis, and to help them become more resilient andbetterabletocopewithfuture challenges.

The£10,000 YANA receivedwill helptrain 108 Mental Health First Aidersfor farm workersand those whoworkinother ruralbusinesses acrossEastAnglia. TheCountry Trust wasalsoan awardwinner

Thecharity willuse its£10,000 to supportits work helping volunteer farmersand landowners welcome thousands of disadvantagedyoung

children onto their farmstoshare their passionfor food,farmingand thecountryside

Theawardsare designedtohelp charities make areal difference in their communities.

More than 500 charities applied forthe funding, whichisbeingput towardsthe advancementofherit ageand arts, education, ruraland community,climate, humanrights andequality.

Thewinningprojectswereselect ed against fourcriteria: impact and effectiveness,sustainability,innovation,and care andcompassion.

Mark Hews, groupchief exec utive of BenefactGroup,said: “At BenefactGroup we believe business should be aforcefor good.More than ever,charitablecausesneed

sustainedsupportand asense of fi nancialstability

“Throughour Movement for Goodlarger-grant awards, we are championinga more imaginative wayofsupporting charities so that they canhavesomecertainty in thesechallenging times.

“Weknowour fundingcan be a lifelinetothose whoare struggling with costoflivingincreases anda grantofthisscale canmakeahuge difference to theincrediblework that charities do

“BenefactGroup is thefourth largest corporate donorinthe UK andhas an ambitiontobethe biggest.Owned by acharity,all our availableprofits go to good causes, andthe more thegroupgrows, the more thegroupcan give.”

Busy month for firm as anew era starts

It’s been abusy November forRea Valley Tractors as they embarked on their first monthasaNew Holland dealership

TheirexistingdepotsinNewport, Shrewsburyand Welshpoolhave turned blue andyellow, andRVT Sudburyhas become aJCB Centre of Excellence anddedicated Kuhn

Baler Centre Threenew depotsin Ormskirk,Denbigh andMiddlewich aredriving forwardwithtechnicians,parts andsales personnel alreadyinplace aheadoftheir offi cial launch,details of whichwill be announcedsoon.

RVT’s first blue load wasdeliv ered on November 1, driveninby RVTChairmanSimon Clarke and welcomedbyAndrewPetrie, New

Estate’s film fame

Theownersofacountry estate on theShropshireborder have revealed thesteamynew film adaptation of Lady’s Chatterley’s Loverwas filmed in itshistoric hall andstunning grounds Released in thecinemaand on Netflix, almost all of thescenesin theadaptationwere filmed at Bryn kinalt,from thoseinside thehall itself to themeetingsbetween Lady Chatterley andthe gardener Oliver in thegrounds’outbuildings and under an ancientoak tree

TheBrynkinalt estate, which straddles theborder betweenChirk andStMartins near Oswestry,wel

comed film starsEmmaCorrinand Jack O’Connellamong others for filmingearlier this year

Iain andKateHill-Trevor, who managethe Grade II listed BrynkinaltHall andits extensive grounds for theHill-Trevorfamily, hadtokeep the filmingsecretuntil now.

They saytheywereincredibly proudtohostthe crew andcast Basedonthe DH Lawrence book, Lady Chatterley’s Lovertells of an unhappilymarried aristocratwho begins atorridaffairwiththe game keeper on herhusband’s countryestate. Thebookwas thesubjectofa landmark obscenity trial

HollandAreaSales Manager,Pat Smith, NewHolland UK Business Director, andRVT’s seniorleader ship team

During November nearly 50 stockand demonstratortractors have been deliveredtothe company’s depots, with an additional ex tensivemachineryorder on itsway

Theservice team have undertak en technical trainingatNew Holland headquartersinBasildon, and have welcomedthe first NewHol

land machines in to theworkshop for service andPDI alongside their existingcustomers machines.

ThismonthalsosawthefirstNew Holland partsdelivery bringing the Group’stotal on-the-shelfparts lines to over 40,000; expanding their huge range of partsavailable andimproving on their aftersales supporttocustomers with ma chines of all colours

Findout more at reavalleytrac tors.com

Rea Valley Tractors’ existing depots in Newport, Shrewsbury and Welshpool have turned blue and yellow,and RVT Sudbury has become aJCB Centre of Excellence and dedicated Kuhn Baler Centre. RVT’s first blue load was delivered on November 1, driven in by RVT Chairman Simon Clarke and welcomed by Andrew Petrie, New Holland Area Sales Manager,Pat Smith, New Holland UK Business Director,and RVT’s senior leadership team.

Firm is appointed to panel again

AShropshirelaw firm has confirmedits status as aleadingagricul turalspecialistbybeingappointedto theNationalFarmers’Union(NFU) legalpanel forthe fourthtimein succession.

Lanyon Bowdler has been amemberofthe NFU panel since 2008 and willnowcontinuetoprovidespecialist advice to membersinShropshire, Staffordshireand Herefordshirefor thenext threeyears

TheNFU panel focusesonthe qualityoflegalservices, feestructuresand commitmenttothe NFU as well as itsmembers.Italsotakes into accountfeedbackfrom NFU

membersand staff.Brian Evans, managingpartner at Lanyon Bowd ler,saidthe agriculturalteamwas lookingforward to continuingto helpNFU memberswiththeir legal issues.

He said: “Our agriculturalclients arehugelyimportant to us,soweare delighted to have retained ourposition on theNFU legalpanel follow ingacomprehensive review

“Agriculture has long formed the backbone of Shropshire, Hereford shireand Staffordshireand we are proudtoassist hard-working farm ersand ruralbusinesseswiththe best advice andsupportavailable.

“LanyonBowdler is passionately committed to theagriculturalsec torand has alargeteamoftalented experts whohaveawealth of expe rience in providingspecialist advice whichenables ourfarmers torun a successful business.”

Packages

Thelegalpanel offersadiscount to NFU membersonhourlyrates as well as providing fixedfee andother packagesfor itsservices. It also provides thebestlegal minds in non-farmingareas such as probate, tax, diversification,family lawand conveyancing.

Family given award for campaign work

AWarwickshire farming familyhave received an industryaward for their work raisingawareness of mental health,having experienced theirown personal tragedy.

Husbandand wife Andy andLyn da Eadon, of Napton,werenom inated forthe NFU Community FarmingHeroAwardsfortheircampaigningand fundraising.

SirJeremyWright, Conservative MP forKenilworthand Southam, nominated thecouplefor their work followingtheir sonLen’s death.

Leonardtookhis ownlifeonNew Year’sDayandAndyandLyndahave been raisingawareness andfunds ever since to helpprevent their familytragedyhappening to others

SinceJanuary,withsupportfrom thoseinWarwickshireand beyond, theStratford andSouth WarwickshireNFU membershaveraised more than £80,000 forvarious char ities.

Vital funds have gone to PAPY RUS, TheFarmSafety Foundation and TheFarmingCommunity Network

Thefamilywerenamed award-winnersonBackBritish FarmingDay on November 2.

Andyand Lyndatravelled to Londonfor theNFU awards ceremony wheretheymet otherregionalwin-

seniorunionofficeholders.

Lyndasaid: “Wehavetried to make,whatisessentially averydiffi cult subject more open to discussion andone that youngsters,inparticu lar, recognise andare prepared to talkabout

“Wewantyoung people to recognise thesigns andsymptomsof someonestrugglingand to be able to supporteachother by feelingable to start aconversation.”

LenEadonwas apopular figure

in theNapton-on-the-Hill commu nity andthe family described him as a“caring,humorous andlovingson”.

He often helpedhis dadatthe familybusiness, FL Eadon&Son Farm

Lenwas atalentedmechanic who also hadadegreeinRuralEnterprise andLandManagementfromHarper AdamsUniversityinShropshire.

SirJeremysaid: “Andyand Lynda Eadonhavedoneremarkableworkin seekingtoimprove supportfor mental health in farmingfollowing ater riblefamilytragedy

“Nominatingthemfor theNFU’s Community FarmingHeroAward is atribute to that work andtotheir braveryand determination, andIwas glad to meet them in Parliament and discuss what canbedoneinthe fu ture to raiseawareness.”

TheBackBritish FarmingDay campaign wasthe seventh eventto raiseawareness of theimportanceof farming, agriculture andhorticulture inthe corridors of power.

MPswereasked to nominatean NFU farmer in their constituency whotheybelievedwentabove and beyond fortheir community

This included, but wasnot limited to,supporting their community during hard times, fundraisingfor charities, providingservices beyond farmingtothe community or simply helping people to enjoythe farmed landscape

George Bostock,NFU Warwickshirecountyadviser,said: “Wereceived115 nominations acrossthe countrywho became constituency winnersand thesewerethenput forward forthe regional award.

“Thepanels were made up of county advisers,regionaldirectors andNFU memberstodeterminethe regional winner foreachregionbut farmersweregiventhe ultimate vote.

“Thecommunity has felt thefam ily’slossand we all fondlyremember Len,the work they aredoing nowis reallyhelping to make adifference andIcommend them forit.”

An eight-weekseeking of stakeholders’ viewson howtoprotect work on thedevelopment, marketing and sustainability of the redmeatindustry in Wales against theerosions of inflationhas been opened by Hybu Cig Cymru-Meat PromotionWales (HCC).

TheWales redmeatlevyboard is proposingthatanew mechanism isintroducedtoallow annual levy ratestotrack inflationand maintain theorganisation’sgrowing and dy namic domestic andinternational work programmeinrealterms

Thewider stakeholder conver sation followsan opening“horizon

scanning”

to-day delivery.HCC proposes that rateseach financial year wouldreflectannual inflationinthe previous calendaryear, as measured by the CPIH consumer price index.

Thegroup considered howover thelast10years inflationhas shrunk thelevybynearlyone poundin every five collectedannually These inflationary increaseshaveresulted in HCChavingareducedability to invest anditfears furthererosion couldhaveseriousimpacts on day-

Thegroup considered that for 2023 that wouldmeananincrease of 6p in theproducer elementofthe sheep levy,9pfor pigs, and38p for cattle

HCCHeadofSustainability andFuture Policy RachaelMadeley-Davies said: “Bylinking levy ratestoannual inflation, usinga tracker, it wouldensurethatlevy income is maintained in real terms andwould mean that in thefuture,

levy income wouldremainata level whereour abilitytoinvestisnot compromised.

“This wouldfuture-proof thesup ply chain in Wales andwould avoid anyone-off largeincreases in rates.”

Shefurther explained that any increase in levy income willensure that theWelshred meat industry has asufficientlyfundedred meat body to undertakedevelopment, promotion andmarketing of Welsh red meat,bothathomeand abroad

HCC’sfull advisory document is availableonthe HCCwebsite and theclosingdatefor responsesisDecember16.

sessionof HCC’sIndus tryLiaison Group –AIMS, BMPA, BRC, CLA, FUW,LAA Wales, NFU Cymru, NSAWales, TFACymru, YFC andthe Welsh Government –whichexiststoensurethatthe strengths, weaknesses, opportunities andthreats facingthe industry are fully considered

Andy and Lynda Eadon

Brian Evans ners from acrossthe country, and spokewithMPs,includingSir Jere my,and

Len Eadon

Aberdeen-Angus has prominenceinstores

Newmystery shopper research has shown British Aberdeen-Angus beef is themost prominentbrand acrosspremium supermarket meat ranges.

AnalysiscarriedoutbytheAberdeen-AngusCattleSocietyhas revealed thenative breed is thebeefofchoice in thepremium meat productlines across arange of supermarkets from Aldi andAsda, throughto Waitrose andM&S.

Robert Gilchrist, thesociety’sCEO,said the findings of themystery shopper research areincrediblyencouraging andtestament to thehardworkAberdeen-Angus farmers putintoproducingbeefwithsucha high meat-eatingquality

“Itisespecially reassuringtosee such astrongbrand presenceinbothdiscount

retailersand themore high-endsupermarkets,”hesaid. “We’re proudtobeableto fill theshelvesatevery price point.”

Theresearchlookedateight of themain supermarkets in theUK andtheir ownbrandpremium lines of beef –looking specifically at burgers,steaks, mince,and roast ingjoints–toinvestigate whetherabreed wasspecified andits countryoforigin. Aldi, Asda,Waitroseand Marks&Spencer all represented astrongbrand presenceofAberdeen-Angus acrosstheir premium labels, andpositively allthe participating supermarkets at leastboasted British beef

Themystery shopper research showcased that Aberdeen-Angus beef wasprominently labelled acrossAldi’s entire premium lineof burgers,steaksand roasting joints.

Welsh lamb is given US boost

Farmersand food exportersin Walesare celebrating the first shipment of PGIWelsh Lamb to arriveinthe USAfor over twodecades

Followingalongcampaigntolift restrictionsonimports of lamb from theUK, the US Government removedthe finallegalobstacles in Decemberlastyear, leading to a process of approving individual processing plants.

Aplant in Wales became the first in the UKtoachieveapprovalbytheAmericanauthorities, leadingtothe first shipmentbeing dispatched.

Hybu Cig Cymru–MeatPromotion Wales (HCC)has worked since 2007 to achieve access forWelshLamb to thepotentiallylucrative US market.

Research has shownthatthe trade could be worth£20m ayeartoWelsh farmersand processorswithin five yearsofgaininga foothold in themarket.

HCCchief executive Gwyn Howellssaid: “Farmers andfoodindustry leaders across Wales will be delighted that Americancon sumers willbeabletoenjoy Welsh Lamb.It’s appropriate that Wales is leadingthe wayin openingupthismarket.

“HCC andWelshGovernment have been knocking on thedoorfor 15 years.

“Working with colleagues acrossthe UK in recenttimes, we’vebeenthrough along anddifficult processwhichhas finallyborn fruit.Our market research suggests that therecould be astrongdemandfor Welsh

Lamb,particularlyinhigh-endfoodservice andretailoutlets on theEast Coast. We al readyhaveapresenceinCanada, andWelsh Lamb has astrongbrand reputation for quality, traceabilityand thehighest production standardsinterms of welfare andenvironmental sustainability.”

Welsh RuralAffairs Minister Lesley Griffithssaid: “Wales produces some of thevery best lamb in theworld,and it is greatnews people in theUSwillnow be ableenjoy it “This is areal boost forthe industry.Securing accesstothe US market has been a long runningeffortwithWelshGovernment andHybuCig CymruhavingraisedthisissuewithAmericanauthorities over adecade ago. ”

peryear.MsMorgan said: “Rural communities likeNorth Shropshire arebearing thebrunt of thecost of living crisis buthave repeatedly been neglectedbyRishi Sunakand theConservatives. EveryweekI’m contactedbyconstituentswho are worried about heatingtheir homes.”

Americans can now enjoy Welsh lamb

TheRoyal AgriculturalUniversity (RAU)has launched auniquenew recruitment initiativeinabid to “grow our own” academic andteachingstaff anddevelop thefuture leaders in the land-based sector

TheCirencester-baseduniversityis currentlyrecruiting for anew position of DoctoralInternationalTeaching Fellow –RAU Vice Chancellor Scholar, aposition whichwould give the successfulcandidate theopportunity to study foraPhD whileteachingRAU students andwith theRAU covering thePhD fees.The project is the

brainchild of Professor DavidMain, the RAU’sPro Vice-Chancellor (Academic Planning &Resources). He said:“This uniqueopportunity will combineaparttime PhDprogramme of thesuccessful applicant’s choicewith ateaching position delivering undergraduate teachingtoour internationaland UK programmes.

“Theteachingactivity could include modules in sustainableagriculture, equine, food business,environment andrural landmanagement as well as dissertation supervisionrelated to the Scholar’sdisciplinaryexpertise.”

Steps to take on ‘footprints’

Harriet Jones,arural surveyor at Barbers Rural,has given advice on howtoimprove your carbon footprint.

Shesaid: “I seethere is more andmore in thepress aboutNaturalCapital andwhat farmersneed to know goingforward.Iam frequentlybeingasked by my clients what they candotoimprove their carbon foot printand what helpisavailabletothem.

“TheSustainableFarmingIncentive is agrant nowavailabletofarmers and land owners andisthe first scheme under the newAgriculturalTransitionPlantobeintroduced.Under thisschemefarmerswillbe required to managetheir land,and particularlysoilquality,toimprove food production in amore environmentallysustainable waytoprovide public goodssuchas improved waterquality.

“Farmers whoclaim Basic Payment Scheme with land in Englandare eligible to apply and thereare threestandards availa ble– arable andhorticulturalsoils,grass land soilsand moorland soils. As with all grants, thehigherthe levelofcommitment andinput,the higherthe levelofpayment with payments rangingfrom £10.31/Ha to £58.00/Hadependingonsoiltypeand agreementlevel

“Agreementswilllastthree yearswith payments made on aquarterly basisand the applicationwindowisnow open with no currentdeadline. As always, thedevil is in thedetailand it maynot appeal to all farm ersand landowners

“Thosetakingupthe grantwillneed to carefully consider whetherthe scheme will limitthe flexibility of future cropping and if it is financially viablefor thebusinessto enter. Whilst we do notenvisagethiswill directlyinfluence thevalue of agricultural land,itiscertainly anotherfactorfor prospective purchases to takeintoaccount.

“Withnew schemesand newlegislation to look forwardto, theconversationabout NaturalCapital is ever increasingand,inan attempttotry to answersomeofthe questions, BarbersRuralare runninga series of seminarswithguestspeakerstotrytoadvise farmersand landowners about what it will mean to their farmingbusinesses.

“Clearly oneofthe keyquestions is how therules surroundingNatural Capital will affectthe price of land goingforward and, as yet, we don’treallyknow.”

Conference discusses various critical matters

Afarmingconferencewhichsaw some of themostcriticalfarming mattersdebated has been declared asuccessbythe organisers.

TheFarmers’UnionofWales Montgomeryshirebranchheldits conference at the Elephant andCastleHotel, Newtown.

Theorganiserssaidtherewasanoutstand ingattendancefrommembers andfarmers, as well as industry representative.

Speakers on thenight includedRhodri Jones, directoratRuralAdvisor,and Rachel Madeley-Davies,whoisheadofsustainability andfuture policyatHybuCig Cymru.

DavidAshford,engagementmanager for theWelsh Government Land Management Reform Unit,and Kate Miles, charityman ager of theDPJ Foundation also attended

He said: “Wehad excellentsupportfrom thosewho attended,enablingthe industry’s voices to be heard. It wasaninformative eveningand,attimes, achallenging line of questioningwascompetentlyhandledbythe four guestspeakerstowhomweexpress our gratitude foraffordingtheir time

“Thankyou to thosecontributingraffle awards,includingDyfed Telecom, and finally,thank youtoour FUW Montgomeryshire membersand friends.”

TheFUW Montgomeryshirecountyexecutive committeealsomade adonationof £250 to theDPJ Foundation on thenight

FUW Montgomeryshirecountyexecutive officer Emyr Davies said theevent hadbeen hugely successful andthanked everyone for their support.

Harriet Jones

Terror over armed raid

Afamilyhavespoken of their terror when armed intruders violently rammeddownthe gates to theirfarm in Shropshire late at night.

Theownersofthe farm in Bridgnorth,who wishtoremain anonymous, were settleddownfor thenight on November 14 when a vehiclecameontotheir property at about 11.30pm.

CCTVshows thevehicle repeatedly ramming into thegates untiltheyare smashed down,and it is evidentthat there is alsoagun in thevehicle However, it seemsthat they became spooked about somethingand left theproperty, leaving behind theremains of the new£3,000 metalgates theyhad destroyed.

Oneofthe owners of thefarm said: “Thevehicle cameonto our property andsmashed all our gates down.Theywerequiet violent aboutit. It washorrible. They hada gun.Obviously we just wanted to protectour children.

“Thankfullytheygot scared,but theytrashed allour gates which we’d just had.Theycost£3,000 andnow we’llhave to getthem re-done.”

Aspokespersonfor West Mercia Police said: “Wewere called to apropertyinBridgnorth following reportsofadisturbance onMonday,November 14 at around 11.50pm.

“Officers attended thescene andthe suspects had fled.”

Solar plan approved

Asolarfarmbig enoughto powermorethan7,600 homes hasbeen giventhe green light but“sets adangerous precedent” overthe lossoffarmland according to acouncillor.

Plansfor the23-megawatt facility on 54.7 hectares of land atAlbrightonwerediscussed at Shropshire Council’s southern planning committee

LowCarbonLtd wants to buildthe solarfarm, whichan energy consultantsaidwould be a“hugely important step for Shropshire to take towards to meet itsown climatechange targets”

However, noteveryone was on board, withconcerns raised overlosing landwhichisgood for farming.Councillor Ed Potter said: “What bothersmeisthe agriculturallandlocationinthis. This part of Shropshire is where thebestlandis. It is particularly good forgrowing crops, carrots andsalad.Itsetsa dangerous precedent.”

Butother councillors felt the benefits of renewableenergy outweighed the loss of farmland, andoutvotedhim seventoone About100 representations were received by Shropshire Council, with thevastmajority –by78to22 –insupport.

Key opponentsincluded Wrekin MP Mark Pritchard, localcouncillor Nigel Lumby andBoningaleParish Council representing thevillage.

Impressive entries in pig competition

Amongthe 80-strongentry of live pigsatthe English Winter Fair,the championship forboththe single pig andthe pairs went to the BerryfamilyofBentley, York shirefor theirhomebred Pietrain baconpigs,writes KEITHSTEVENS.

ThereservechampionshipagainforPi etrainswas taken by aporkpig from the Pawson family of Partington,Manchester. ThePietrainas apurebredor cross bred sirenow dominates pigbreeding.

TheTraditional Breedclasses sawthe baconprize awardedtothe Watsonsof Ashbourne, fortheir Saddleback,and the pork classtothe Bennetts of East Sussex

fortheir Tamworth Thecutterclass was wonbynew exhibitorstothe show, Hopwood Hall Collegestudents from Middleton,Manchester, winningwiththeir Berkshires.

Their entrywas in conjunctionwith thechairmanofthe BerkshirePig Breed ersClub, ChrisHudsonfrom Newark, Notts. Theseentries from Hopwood Hall Collegestudents, whomainlylive in the city centre Middleton District andhave probably neverseenlive pigs before their recentinvolvement in pigbreeding, had been encouragedtoenter by theStafford shireand Birmingham AgriculturalSociety, throughits chief pigsteward Tracy Bretherton

TheHopwood Hall College’sanimal care curriculum, in particular forlevel 2students, hasrecentlyinvolvedtaking

part in ascientifically monitoredand re corded studyofthe breedingpotential of theBerkshire breed

To determinewhichblood lines of pedigreeBerkshires willpassdownthe best genesfor improvement in baconcar case,joint productionand growth rate in their progeny, thestudentshavereared agroup of piglets from six differentsire blood lines.

After taking thepiglets bredfrom thesesires usingco-ordinated farrowing datesthe collegestudents reared them all on thesamediets, therations generously providedbyMassey Feeds, monitoring, measuring andweighingthemweekly.

Noneofthestudentshadseenalivepig before The250animal carestudentshave also reared Middle Whitepigs, Wood land sheep andMarsh Daisychickens.

Their attendance at theEnglish Winter Fair,the first agriculturalshowthe collegehas ever been involvedwith, saw15 students setout by minibusat5.30amon theSaturdaymorning, andspend thefirst night of theshowinanoutbuildingon theshowground in sleeping bags.

To helpfundthe college’sshowexpenses, theBerkshirePig Club chairman ChrisHudson, whoathomerunsahog roastbusiness, brought alonghis equipment andwiththe helpofthe students roastedtwo 85kg Berkshirecarcases whichsoldsowelltothe showvisitors that all thecollegecosts were covered. A collegespokesman said: “Thankyou,we gotall that we couldhavewishedfor out ofit,andwearenowworkingtonewstyle Technical Levelqualificationswhichwill furtherlinkinwiththe needsofindus try.”

Success for family at wonderful winter fair

Visitors to theEnglish Winter Fair witnessedaremarka ble finale as afamily from NorthYorkshiretookhome boththe championship and reserve titles.

Beth Wilkinson,from Leyburn,was awardedthe Birmingham Post Trophy forthe Supreme Champion animal with Maggie,a20-month-old Limousin cross heifer

Herbrother,Luke, then sawhis British Blue crossheifer,Prime Suspect, tapped outas theReserve Champion by judges Tecwyn Jonesand Phil Parrott.

Beth took home £1,000 from sponsor CarterJonas,withLukewinninga £500 prize from Agrii.

In winning, Maggiecompleted arare double after claiming first place in the baby beef championship at 2021’sEnglish Winter Fair

Serial showwinnersRobertGarth and SarahPriestley,fromLancashire,alsohad adouble success, claimingthe champion andreserve titles in thesheep ring with their Beltex animals.

Therewas aspecial moment forK Watret from AnnaninScotlandwho won the2022 National PedigreeCalfShow with Solway View Ria,aNovember2021 born British Blue Thefamilytookhome thetop prize of £1,000 from sponsor Tithebarn, whilethe ReserveChampion wasAberdeenAngus Morpheus Rosie from OTunneyinCheshire, whowon £500.

In thepig ring therewas adebut successfor TomDyasand Callum Smith from WBerry in Doncasterastheywon thecoveted best penprize with apairof Pietrains. It wasthe first time they had shown live animals, having previously seen successinthe carcass hall,but the first-timersbeattough competitionfrom English Winter Fair veteranMarkHorsleyfrom Yorkshirewho wasnamed Re serveChampion.

Entries were up acrossthe wholeshow, butthere wasastaggering30per centincrease in entries in thecarcass hall

Unique to theEnglish Winter Fair,the chiller waspackedwithquality pig, lamb andcattlecarcasses whichgavejudge Dave Morland–the head butcher at Te bayServices –atough morning’swork.

Dave said: “Itwas hard to separate some of theentries as thestandardwas

very high. As abutcherI’m always thinkingabout theend market forthe product andthat’swhatfarmersshouldbestriving forsoIwas lookingfor carcasses which wouldproduce cuts that appeal to the consumer.”

He gave thechampioncattlecarcass prize to TG andEMHartfrom Monmouth, whopresented afantastic Here ford at adeadweight of 364kg classified as aR4H.

Thewinninglambcarcass –a37.3kg Beltex –was from DS andLEWadland from Northamptonshire, whilethe pork carcasswas wonbyROA Johnsonand E Hewitt from Derbyshirewithan85kg Pi etrain cross.

TheRoyal SmithfieldClubcontinued itsassociation with theEnglish Winter Fair by runninga competitionto find thebestsaddle of lamb andrib of beef Perry’sof Eccleshall’s Limousin crosswas selected in thebeefclass whileaBeltex saddle by Mand CMorristook first prize in thelamb category Meanwhile, in thering, theclub’sDuke of Norfolktrophywas claimedbya trio

of British Blues, with theHerefords in reserve.

RichardWilliams,chief executive of theStaffordshireand Birmingham Ag riculturalSociety, whichorganisesthe show, said: “This year’s eventwas atre mendoussuccess,evidencedbythequality andincreased number of entries across theboard

“Wewelcomedthousands of visitors acrossthe weekend– even more than we sawin2021 –and they experienceda diverserange of competitions,culminating in thecrowningofthe Supreme Cham pion Thefairremains ahugelypopular eventattracting exhibitorsand visitors from acrossthe UK.”

Continuinga long tradition of engagingthe next generation at thefair, The Rare BreedsSurvivalTrust heldthe final of itsYoung Shepherdofthe Year competition.Itwas an all-Cumbria affairwith 11-year-oldLoganTyson crownedthe champion, with 13-year-oldZaraClough takingthe reservetitle

Thefullresults arepublishedonthe SBAS website.

The overall beef champion at the English Winter Fair

The pig champion

The sheep champion

The baby beef champion

The reserve champion

Union president puts focus on crucial issues

BY IAIN ST JOHN

More than 100farmerswere at aShropshiremeetingwith theNFU president where they discussedmatters includingsectorissues, union businessand political campaigning.

Trade deals, labour,animal health,the farmedenvironment andsupply chain fairness were put under thespotlight at theNFU Shropshireannual general meeting, includingcurrent challengesin poultry, pigand othersectors

At themeeting at theWroxeterHotel, NFU presidentMinette Battersand farm ersalsodiscussed spirallingcosts follow ingunprecedentedhikes in fuel,feedand fertiliser over thepast 12 months

TheEnvironmental Land Management Scheme (ELMs) wasalsoraised, and Shropshirefarmers agreed it needed to be fitfor purpose andallow them to continuetoproduce traceable,sustainable, climate-friendlyfood,and deliverfor the environment

ELMs is thenew wayGovernmentwill supportfarmers followingthe UK’s exit fromtheEUforprotectingandmaintainingthe environment through sustainable farmingpractices.

Membersheard that ELMs wasfar too prescriptive and therealsoneeded to be theright leveloffunding and budget in

theSustainableFarmingIncentive (SFI) strand of it forfarming, food production andthe environment

TheNFUpresidentsaidfutureschemes needed to be right, work hand-in-hand with farmingand givencurrent sector pressurescountyfarmers and growers, andthose acrossthe country, needed solid information to informtheir business decisions

Westminsterandgrassrootscampaign-

ingand lobbying were also discussedand themeeting heardabout work during the BorisJohnson era, discussions with Liz Truss when she wasinpower andcontinuedtalks nowwithPrime Minister Rishi Sunak,hisGovernmentanddepartments.

“Everythingispolitical,” Mrs Batters said

“Beitthe future of ELMs, thefuture of people workinginour industry,the

future of trade or ourrelationshipwith Europe,and forus as aproudly apolitical organisation it’s been importanttoforge andcreaterelationships with everyone

“Whether that is with this Govern ment,withOswestryand NorthShrop shireMPHelen Morgan,following her election as aLiberalDemocratpolitician this year, with SirKeir Starmer, Caroline LucasorevenSir Tony Blair, whoI met recently.

“Theserelationships andthe discus sions we have with politiciansare so im portantand thechallenge is to work up a solutionwheneverthere is aproblem but to also campaign forchange,keepfarmingatthe frontofthe agendaand to get MPsout on farm.”

In Shropshire, alongside constituency meetings from Ludlow to Market Drayton, theunionrecentlymet RanilJay awardenaatPDM,nearNewport,when he wasDefra SecretaryofState.

Mrs Batterssaidthatworkand those discussions nowcontinued with Therese Coffey in post

“I wouldurge youtocontinuetoget your MPsout on farm to showthemwhat youdoand raisesectorissues,working with theNFU team,”she added.

“Shropshireisa strong farmingcounty, it has incredible growersand farm businesses large andsmall whowerepresent.”

Shesaid: “Beassuredthe NFU will continue to back youand work hardfor youand your businessinthe months and years ahead.”

Farm supplier agrees deal

Agriculturalsupplies group Wynnstay has bought feed manufacturerand supplier TamarMilling.

It will expandthe group’spresencein thesouth west of England, bosses at the companyhavesaid.

Llansantffraid-based Wynnstay has acquired theentireshare capital of Tamar foran initialconsideration of £1.4 million.

Adeferredconsideration of up to £100,000 is payabledependentonperformance.

Tamarisa manufacturerand supplier of blendedfeed products.

Gareth Davies, chief executive of Wynnstay Group,said: “Tamar is a long-established, high-qualitymanufacturerand supplier of blendedanimal feed and‘on-farm’grain millingservices to farmersinthe southwestofEngland

“LikeWynnstay, it places astrongemphasis on customer service,and has asignificant customer base.”

He added: “Tamar is highlycomplementaryand willbeimmediately earn ings-enhancing.

“Itfulfils multiple acquisitioncriteria

“Itincreases ourpresenceinthe south west,addsnew farmer customersand provides us with our first feed manufacturing facility in thearea.

“Welookforward to workingwithour newcolleaguesandtocontinuingTamar’s successful growth.”

Tamarwas establishedin1994 andis basedinWhitstone,Cornwall

Followingits acquisition,Tamar’s founder,NickFurse,willjoinWynnstay in aseniorcommercial feed role andcon tinuetoleadTamar’soperations.

Theacquisition of Tamarisinlinewith thegroup’s strategy of acquiringbusinesses that complement itsexistingactiv ities andbring furtherbenefits, bosses at Wynnstay said

Minette Batters addresses the audience at the meeting in Shropshire

Log cabin plans are submitted for third time

Forthe thirdtimeinlessthan18months, plansfor theoperation of alog cabinbusiness have been lodged with planners Theapplicant,NickJones, rentsout the buildings at TheGaer,Golfa, near Welsh pool, to localcompany British LogCabins whobuild timber andlog homesthere.Mr Joneshas appliedagain to change theuse of agriculturalbuildings to accommodate thelog cabinconstruction, sawmill,and all associatedworks.Agent,Richard Corbettof RogerParry andPartnersexplained thepro posalina planningstatement submitted to PowysCountyCouncil

Mr Corbettsaid: “Theproposedchange of useisadiversification of an existingfarm enterprise whileinvolving thelocationofa ruralbusiness. Theproposalseeks to re-use

existingagriculturalbuildings andwould bringeconomic benefits to thelocal area through directemployment.

“In encouraging there-use of thebuildings in thecountryside,the counciland Welsh government recognisesthatthere aresustainablearguments forsuchdevelop ments.”

Twice in thelastyearPowys County Councilplanningofficershaverejectedthe proposal.InMarch,officerssaidthatone of thereasons behindthe refusalwas “unansweredquestions that thedevelopment wouldaffecthighway safety”.

Thenew applicationisaccompaniedbya highwaysandtransportreportbyWoodsyde Developments whichattemptstoanswer thosequestions.

‘Stalwarts are set to be choice’

Thebarley, wheat andoat varieties whichare proven on-farm areset to come out on topasgrowers consider springvariety options,witha couple of notable exceptions, an expertsays.

Wynnstay’s combinableseed product specialist,Danny Richardson,saidalthough thereare some newoptions on theRecom mended List,it’sthe stalwartsof themarket andsomeofthe recentoptions whichare anticipatedtobefavouredfor spring sowing choices.

“End useisthe biggestdriverwhenselectingspringbarleyvarieties.RGTPlanetis an excellentall-round varietywhichcan be sold forbrewing or forfeed.Ithas arobust diseasepackage and strongstraw,” he said

“Similarly, Laureate is likely to be another popularoptionasit’seffectively tripleuse,as it cangointothe brewing,distillingorfeed markets.

“Ithas been around fora long time but remainsconsistentfor ourcustomers.”

Mr Richardson also highlightsSkyway, whichwas addedtothe RecommendedList in 2021, andgainedP2Approvalfor Brew inginspring2022.

“Thereismore Skywayseedavailable this year,soIanticipate it beingpopularcome spring

“It’sveryhighyielding, has ahighspecific weight,isstrongstrawed andprovides good bracklingresistance

“Kelim is astrongoptionfor farmers

growingfor their ownuse,asitdelivers plenty of strong, stiff strawand bold grain, making it ideal forfeed,” he added.

With wheatprices remaininghigh, Mr Richardson anticipatesitbeingworth putting spring wheat in wherethere’s opportu nity to.“Escape,agroup 4feed wheat, has thebestoverall agronomic package fordis ease,and is very highyielding,”hesaid.

“Wynnstaywillalsobemarketing the latest millingand feed varieties from KWS, Ladumand Fixum, respectively

“Ladum in thehighest yieldingUKFM Group1millingwheat,naturallyoffering thegrain qualityexpectedfor aGroup1 “Fixum has astrongdisease package and is thehighestyieldinggroup4 option.”

Councillor Ian Nellinssaid: “Itis atremendousresultfor

whole andnot just in isolation,which givesa more accuratepicture of what is going on.”

Danny Richardson

Rural areas

An MP has warned ruralareas areat risk of beingleft behind dueto“govern ment neglect” andaLevellingUp policy that does notbenefitthem.

Helen Morgan,North ShropshireMP andLib Demspokesman forLevelling Up,highlighted slow internet speeds, poorpublic transport andthe NHS crisis as issues that need tacklingifrural areas aretobeona levelplaying fieldwithurbanareas acrossthe country.

SpeakinginadebateonLevellingUp RuralBritain, theMPraisedthe Orthopaedic Hospital in Gobowenas atypical example of a“world-class”organisation beinglet down by a“fourth-class public transportsystem” anda lack of affordable housing.

Shetoldthe HouseofCommons:“We have youngpeopleleaving ruralareas in search of work at thesametimethatlocal employersfromall sectorsare struggling to fill vacancies.

“Our hospitalsare full to capacity,with ambulances queuingoutside thefront whilethe beds aretaken up by people whocould be caredfor at home.Pensionersand youngpeopleare desperate to travel by public transportbut they have got no carand they have no alternative to getthere.”

Sheaddedthe older population of ru ralareas meansthatpressure on services is higherinplaces such as NorthShrop shirebut that fundingoflocal authorities like ShropshireCouncil does notreflect this.

“Thepopulation gets older,the pressure on services gets higher, more young people leaveand thecycle continues,”she said “If ruralBritain is to thrive,thiscycle needstobereversed.”

MP’sdelight as ‘hero’ is revealed

BY IAIN ST JOHN

CraigWilliams, MontgomeryshireMP, has congratulateddairy farmer Morgan Tudor forwinning theNFU CommunityFarming HeroAward forWales.

Morgan wasinitiallynominated for theNFU Awards by Craig as theconstit uency winner,beforebeingnamed as the all-Waleschampionataceremonyheldin Westminster

Morgan took over therunningofLly sun, thefamilyfarm, at theage of 17 following thetragicdeath of hisfatherRichardin2020.

At that point, thefarmhad only re centlyconverted from abeefand sheep farm to dairyproduction.

Spurredonby hisdeeploveoffarming, Morgan wasdetermined to carryon hisdad’s legacyincontinuingtorun the business,andintwoyearsthefarm’sdairy herd has expandedfrom 350 to 550 cows

On topofthis, Morgan stillmanages to find thetimetoengagewiththe local communitythroughinvitinglocal groups fortours of thefarm, writingacolumn forthe local PapurBro Welsh language newspaper, andbeinganactive member of DyffrynBanwYoung Farmers’ Club

Reinforcinghis achievements, Morgan wasalsoawarded the Silver Prize forthe DairyFarmerofYearcategoryatthe2022 British FarmingAwards.

Mr Williams said: “Itwas an honour to nominatesuchadeserving candidateas MorgantobeanNFUCommunityFarm ingHero, andIamabsolutelydelighted

he has nowalsowon theaward forWales. Morgan is an incredible youngman,and hisachievementsfollowing thetragic deathofhis father Richardare atesta menttohisandtheTudorfamily’sresolve anddetermined work ethic.

“I am exceptionallyproud to represent Montgomeryshire’sfarmersandgrowers.”

Climate work in spotlight

Steps beingtaken to reduce climate change in SouthStaffordshireand the Shropshire/Staffordshireborderwerediscussed at an eventhostedbylandowner BradfordEstates

Theevent runwithSouth Staffordshire Councilsaw about100 people represent ingbusinesses,localauthorities,residents groupand environmentalcampaigners attend ahalfday networking sessionat Woodlands Farm,Westonunder Lizard to explore ways of cuttingenvironmental impact.Itwas organisedbyBradford Es tatesas part of its100-yearplantoplaya leadingroleonsustainability in thelocal area

Thelandedestates businessorganised aline-upofspeakerswithSouth Staf fordshireCouncil to give attendeesthe chancetohearaboutarangeoflocalsteps beingtaken to protect theenvironment

Theevent highlighted howthe council, BradfordEstates andtheir partners are workingtoprotect local ecology.

Councillor LenBates, thecabinet member forcommunity services, providedanoverviewonthe measuresthe councilistaking to supportlocal businesses, backed by leadingrepresentatives from thelocal authority. Ryan Taylor, performanceand envirocrimemanager andclimateleadatthe council, updated theaudience on thecouncil’s drive to achieve netzero, itselectricvehicle strategy, thelocal nature recovery plan and workwithschools to engage youngpeo pleonthe environment

BradfordEstates managingdirector Alexander Newportgaveanoverviewof thesteps beingtaken by hisbusinessasa long-termlandowner in thearea, respon siblefor 12,000 acres on theShropshire andStaffordshireborders.

Morgan Tudor receiving his award at Llanfair Show

opened SelbyRural LLPlast month

BasedinThe OldDairy at GolborneHall, adairy farm between Whitchurchand Chester, SelbyRural isa new RuralChartered Surveying and AgriculturalValuers firm

Tomsaidhis vision is for “a green and prosperousland, a landscape of flourishing ruraland farming livelihoods”.

He hasfoundedSelby Rural following adecadeinpractice as aChartered RuralSurveyor, aRICSRegisteredValuer, anda Fellow of theCentral Association of AgriculturalValuers (CAAV) in Cheshire.

AHarperAdams University CollegeRural Enterpriseand Land Managementgraduate, Tomlived in NewZealandmilking cows for 18 monthsbefore starting outhis career in ruralpractice

Tomalsoenjoysactingasan examinerfor surveyors wishing to qualifywith RICS andisalso thecurrent secretaryofthe Weston andDistrictAgricultural Discussion Group

Tomsaid: “Mysense of fulfilment comesfromhelping to secure thefuture of great British farmers.

“I’mmarried to afarmer, andI seeand experience first-hand the highs andlows. Iget it

“I know what goesintoit. I understand howfarmerspour theirheart andsoulintowhatthey do

“Iwanttomakea difference.I want to protectthese livelihoods To keep farming sustainable “Toenablefarmers to change, evolve andgrowwith confidence. To empowerthemtodo somethingdifferently.Toexplore andrealisenew opportunities.”

Agroforestry ‘can help reach climate targets’

Anew report from the Woodland Trustshows howamajor increasein agroforestryinEngland is essentialifthe countryis to meet nature andclimate targets, whilst at thesame time securing long term food production.

Thereportdraws on newanalysis commissionedfrom CranfieldUniversity andrevealsarablefarms whichadopt silvoarablesystems –integrating trees into arablefarming –could lock up eight tonnes of CO2per hectare peryearover

BY IAIN ST JOHN

30 years.Eight tonnes of CO2isequiv alenttothe annual emissions of an UK citizen.

It explainsagriculture is responsible for10per cent of UK territorial greenhousegas emissions with thenet effectof “landuse,landuse change andforestry” responsiblefor anotherone percent.

Establishingagroforestryon10per centofarablelandand 30 percentof grassland couldenableagriculture-relat ed emissions to reachnet zeroby2050 whilst maintaininghighlevels of food production.

Integrating treesintofarming systems

willenablefarms to become more resilientbotheconomicallyas well as envi ronmentally.

Thereportalsoshows agroforestry wouldhelpaddressthe biodiversity crisis byincreasingtheabundanceandrichness of farmland species, andbirds andinver tebrates in particular

It is estimatedthe totalnumberof breedingbirds in theUKfellby 44 millionbetween 1967 and2009, andmany once-common farmland birdsare continuingtodecline.

Agroforestry is notonlygood forsup portingwildlifebut enhances soil health byimprovingsoilstructureandmicrobial diversity.

Halls enjoying high demand

Theplanningand developmentdepartment at aleadingShrewsbury-based companyisexpandingdue to demandfor itsprofessionalservices forresidential, commercial,agriculturaland leisure developments.

Hallsmanages thecompleteprocess, starting with identifyingand promoting potential developmentland, advisingof optionsand then preparingplans and submittingplanningapplications.

Thedepartmenthandles numerous planningapplications acrossthe Midlands andMid Wales. It is also managing optionand promotion agreements for residential andcommercialdevelopment sitesofupto200 acres acrossthe West Midlands andworking with landowners acrossEngland andWales.

Halls, whichhas nineoffices covering Shropshire, Worcestershire, MidWales, theWestMidlands andneighbouring counties, has respondedtothe increased demandfor professionalservice by promoting Paul Watson to seniorplanning consultant basedatheadquartersin Shrewsbury.

Themulti-disciplined companyisalso

recruiting an assistantplanner andexpectstogrowthe planningdepartment furtheroverthe comingmonthsand years.

DirectorShaun Jonesspecialises in planningand development, particularly residential,commercial andleisure pro jects as well as developmentlandsales andapplications forpoultry units, farm buildings andfarmhouse conversions

“Asour geographical footprinthas grown, we have securedalot more plan ningand developmentwork, notjust from within ourcoreareabut also from clients acrossEngland andWales who areseeking ourprofessionalservices,” said Shaun. “Planningapplicationshave become much more complexinrecent years, andweare abletocall uponvast professionalknowledge and experience from within ourcompany

“

Thestaycationingboomhas created greaterdemandfor leisure type developmentsinruralareas andweexpect residential andcommercial development work to continue increasinginthe comingyears.” Originally from Llanbadarn Fynydd,Paulnow livesinShrewsbury. He is agraduate of AberystwythUniversity andachieveda MastersDegreein Spatial Planningand Economic Development from Sweden. He worked in the townplanningandbusinessdevelopment departmentsatCherwellDistrictCouncil before moving back to MidWales to fo cuson productmanagementfor Control Techniques in Newtownfor more than four years.

It mayalsoleadtopassive benefits in otherecosystems services such as pollination,pestcontrol, nutrientcyclingand decomposition,all of whichare essential forlong-termsustainablefood production

AbiBunker, directorofconservation andexternalaffairs at theWoodland Trust, said: “This newresearchshows just howmuchgood that having many more treeswithin ourfarmedlandscapescould bring, notjustinterms of making importantcontribution to tacklingclimate changeand helping reversebiodiversity declines, butalsoinsupporting farm businessestoadapt to climatechangeand become more resilient.”

An environmentalconsultancy hasurgedpeople to check theirinsurancepolicies after Government warningswere issuedabout the riskof flooding this winter

GeoSmartInformation,which is aUKleaderinproducing proprietary flood data, said homeowners andbusinesses should prepareiftheyare at risk from flooding from anysource Dr Paul Ellis, of ShrewsburybasedGeoSmart, alsosaid people whowerelooking to buya home should check if theproperty they areinterested in is at risk “Wesharethe concernabout the risk of flooding to homes and businessesinthe region,” he said.

GeoSmartInformation, whichwas established in 2013, hasastrongtechnicalbase andasuccessful flood and environmental reportsbusiness

Shaun Jones, centre, with Paul Watson, left, and architectural technician Dave Haughton

Initiative is ‘openinggates’

ThePrince’sCountrysideFund andAldiUKhavelaunchedajoint initiativethat seekstoprovide young people andnew entrants with theskillstosucceed in the agriculturalindustry.

Opening theGateconsists of aseriesofvirtual workshops that aims to equip young people andnew entrantswith theskills, confidence, andnetworksto succeed in farming,and thewider agriculturalindustry.

Theprogramme will provide access to industry experts, such as universityadmissionsofficers, graduaterecruiters,and farm managers,whilstalsooffering the opportunity tohear fromother young people who’ve overcome

obstacles to startacareerin farming andrun viable enterprises

In addition,the sessions will be accompanied by abankofonline resources, with casestudies, short career advice videos,and experts’ toptips. Each workshop will last 45 minutesand be hostedonZoom. It is free to join andthe resources afterthe session arefreeto access.The programmehas been informed by research undertaken by ThePrince’sCountryside Fund andAldiUKtounderstandthe key barriers preventing individuals from entering theagricultural industry

This report, alsonamed Opening theGate, summarises the findings from tworoundtable

sessions anddeskresearch undertaken in spring 2022.

Whilst access to finance andlandcameupaspressing challenges,the process revealed that knowledgeexchangeand development opportunities were sparse –for exampleoverhalf of respondentswantedtoaccess supportbut were unawarehow or wheretodoso.

Opening theGateispartof Aldi’sthree-year commitment from 2021to2024toThe Prince’s CountrysideFund, alongside sponsorship of ThePrince’s CountrysideFund’s Farm Resilience Programme

Visitprincescountrysidefund org.uk/openingthegate

Good time to get advice over lawful developments

Lawful development couldtimeberunning out on thefour-yearrule?

Immy Plattfrom Berrys says: “The government has announcedthatthe four-year rule relating to development without planningpermissionisdue to be phased outinits newLevelling Up andRegeneration bill,whichisexpectedtobepassedwithinthenextfew months

“Not everybody is awareofthis, but if achangeismadetolandorproperty without planningpermission, andthe planningauthority deemsthatpermissionwas needed,there is currentlya processbywhichthedevelopmentmay be classedaslawful.

Apply

“For builtdevelopment,including engineeringworks, it is possible to ap ply to theplanning authorityfor acer tificate of lawfulness once thebuilding has been standingfor fouryears.”

Immy adds: “If this certificate is granted, thebuildingwill thenbeexempt from enforcementaction,and willbetreated as if planningpermis-

sionhad been granted. Forchangesof use, for example from agricultureto storageorleisure,thesameprocessmay be followed,onlythistimethe thresh oldis10years

“In either case,the applicantmust submit sufficientevidence to provethat thebuildingwas there, or thechange took place before thecut-off point “Thenew bill willpotentiallyremove thefour-year rule forbuildings, mean ingthatall planningbreacheswillbe subjecttoa10-yearthreshold

“Toput this into context, if youhad builtastableblock on apaddock you owned, youwould currentlyneed to wait only fouryears before itcould be classed as lawful

“If thebill passes in itspresent form, youwillhavetowaitsix furtheryears before applyingfor your certificate, making therisk of enforcementaction more likely

“If youhaveabuildingwhichhas been up forbetween fourand 10 years, andyou are worried it maynot have planningpermission, youshouldact on it nowbeforethe four-year rule is phased out.

Review

“Berryscan review thelawful statusofyourproperty andcan prepare acertificateof lawful developmentif needed

“If thebill is passed,itwill likely come into effectatsomepoint during 2023.

“Pleaseget intouch if youthinkwe maybeabletohelp.

“For furtheradvice,pleasecontact Immy Platton01432 809831 email immy.platt@berrys.uk.com”

Financial help for students

Students from developing countries canreceive financialhelptostudy for aMasters degreeataShropshireuniversity.

They willbeabletostudy at Harper AdamsUniversity, Newport, from next year throughthe Marshal Papworth Scholarshipprogramme

Theaim of thescholarship –for students beginningtheir studies in September 2023 –istoteach anddevelop students’skillsand knowledgetohelp them make adifference to farming practices in their home countries.

Students from Ghana,Kenya and Malawi were amongthe cohort who

joined thecourseearlier this year takingpartonlineat first,and then comingtothe HarperAdams campus in Shropshirefor face-to-face teaching.

Thestudents were the first to be taught in-personatHarperAdams af teratwo-yearhiatusdue to theCov id-19pandemic.

Lecturer in Sub-Saharanand Trop ical AgricultureEdMashatise said: “Thelong-termimpactofthe scholarship is to improve food security in host countries andtheir communities and to have sustainablefarming systems in thedeveloping world.

“This is an excellentopportunity for

prospective students, includingthose from Sub–SaharanAfricatoenhance their agriculturalskillsatHarperAdams,theUK’sleadingspecialistuniversityfortheagri-foodandruralbusiness sectors.” TheMarshalPapworthFund wasoriginallyestablishedin2001 to provide one-yearscholarshipstoedu cate agriculturaland horticulturalstu dents from developing countries.

Thefundtakes itsnamefrom itslate founder,MarshalPapworth, afarmer, whoplayedakeyroleintheagricultural community, as well as beingapro active member of theEast of England AgriculturalSociety.

Bagshaws

Uttoxeter 01889 562811

Balfours

Craven Arms 01588 673314 Shrewsbury01743 241181

Barbers Rural Consultancy Market Drayton 01630 692500

Berrys Northwich 01606 49200 Shrewsbury01743 271697 Kettering 01536 412464

Brightwells Limited Builth Wells 01982 553614 Hereford01432 261325

Fisher German Chester 01244 409660 Knutsford01565 757970 Stafford01785 220044 Worcester 01905 453275

Fisher German Chester 01244 409660 Knutsford01565 757970 Stafford01785 220044 Worcester 01905 453275

Wright Marshall Chelford01625 861122

GHerbertBanks Worcester 01299 896968

Morris Marshall &Poole Welshpool 01938 554818

Nock Deighton Bridgnorth 01746 762666

Rostons Chester 01829 773000

RB and RG Williams Ross-on-Wye 01989 567233

GHerbert Banks Worcester 01299 896968 Morris Marshall &Poole Welshpool 01938554818 Nock Deighton Bridgnorth 01746762666 RB and RG Williams Ross-on-Wye01989 567233

ImmyPlattofBerrys

Impressive homehas equestrian potential

Rosemead at Royton comprisesa three-bedroomed bungalow surround ed by 176 acres of arableand grassland in aprime farmingdistrict Theproperty is availablefor saleasawhole or in separate lots throughagentsHalls’ Ellesmereoffice

Thereisgreat potentialtodesign andbuild ayardofoutbuildings to supportfarming or equestrianoperationsatthe property whichenjoysan unspoilt,rural location

Thewell-appointed,detachedbungalowhas spacious andversatile accommodationcomprisingamaster bedroomwithen-suite anddressing room,two furtherbedrooms, oneof whichisen-suite, family bathroom, living room,conservatory, kitchen/ breakfastroom, utilityroom, ample storage and alinkedgarage.

Thegeneroussurroundinggardens comprise arearpatio area with awraparound walkwaytothe drive, extensive lawnswithgreat scopefor landscaping andahot tub

Graded2,3aand 3b on theAgriculturalLandClassification predictive mapfor Wales, theversatilelandisdividedintogood-sized, farmableenclosures, all of whichgrewwheat this year apartfrom onereseeded grass field.

“ThesaleofRosemeadprovides a very unusual opportunity to purchase awell-appointed bungalow with substantial adjacentarableand grassland,” said AllenGittins,Halls’ chairman

“Thepurchaser will have theoption of designingand buildinga yard of outbuildings accordingtotheir exactspecification,whether forfarming practices or equestrianusage

“Thelandisextremelyversatile and ideal for continuation as an arable unit or couldbeput down to grass forthose with livestock. It shouldalsobenoted by thosewithhorsesasitwould make an excellentequestrianfacility.”

Arable andlivestock farmersand people lookingtoestablish an equinefacilityare being urgedtoconsidera property near Bangoron Deethatisonthe market for£2.3 million

Rosemead bungalow near Bangor on Dee

Topawards presented at association’sdinner

BY IAIN ST JOHN

Association chairman Alun Jonessaid:

This has been anothersuccessful pres entation dinner

“Ithas been very pleasingtosee every onebacktogetherafter such difficult timesand also to seesomanyyoung peopleattendingand also receiving awards

“Theassociation is extremely grateful to theWynnstaygroup for itssupport andsponsorship of thesecompetitions andthe schedule producedtopromote this successful annual event.

“Theassociation also wishestothank the NFU fortheir sponsorship of the newentrant into afarmbusinesstenancy competition.”

Theassociation continues to forge links with theYFC movement andColegPowys/NPTCinorder to sustainand move theassociation forward.

TudorLewis from Tregynon YFC has been sponsoredtoattendthe British CattleBreedersConferenceinTelford as a resultofwinningtheseniorstockjudging

competitionatthe 2022 YFC Field Day.

CerysMills, an agriculturalstudentat Coleg Powys/NPTC, waspresented with achequefor £75 as winner of thefarm tenderingexercise.

Thewinnersand their categories areas follows:bestfarmhousevegetablegarden: WynJones, Trefeglwys.

Best farm house flower garden: Anna Milton-Jones, Adfa.

Conservation:sustainablefarmenvironment:JulianFenwick,Machynlleth Hedgelaying: Carwyn Jones, Dolanog.

Equine: PowerSportsHorse,New town

Best on farm innovation: Edward Chapman, Llanidloes.

Arable: best fieldofwinterbarley: Maurice Jones, Montgomery

Best fieldofwinterwheat:GM&PE Jones, Pool Quay

Best fieldofspringbarley: John Griffiths, Caersws.

Best fieldofmaize: GM&PEJones, Pool Quay

Beef: best pedigreeherd: Hafesp Herd, Aberhafesp

Best commercial herd:Edward Vaughan, Llanerfyl.

Sheep: best flockofpurebredsheep: Michaeland EmmaDavies, Caersws.

Best flockofcommercial sheep: Harry Griffiths, Llansantffraid

Best flockofpedigreesheep: Dafydd Owen, Aberhafesp

Dairy: LargeHerd:Steve andSarah SuckleyJones, Llangedwyn Medium herd:Haydn Langford,

Pool Quay.Small herd:EdwardOwen, Llansantffraid

Champion Herd Overall:Steve andSarahSuckley Jones, Llangedwyn.

Champion animal overall:R &A Jones andPartners,Berriew

Best managedfarm250 acres andover: Edward Vaughan, Llanerfyl.

Best managedfarm249 acres andunder:Garethand TraceyJones, Montgomery.

Best organic farm:MartinHarding, Aberangell Newentrant into afarmbusinesstenancy (aged40and under): Steveand Helen O’Kane,Adfa.

Points cup: TheOwenfamily, Red House, Aberhafesp

Anyonerequiringany information on theassociation andits work cancontact thegroup’s secretaryAnneBreeseon 01686 688917.

Taskforce to tackle sewage

Ataskforce willbelaunchedtotackle sewage dumpinginShropshire’swater ways.

Theissue has prompted severalpro testsinthe county and, earlier this year, ShropshireCouncil pledgedtoholdwatercompaniesSevernTrent andWelsh Watertoaccountoversewagedumping Nowthe authority’splace overview committee has unanimouslyvoted in favour of settingupa“task and finish group”

Thegroup wantstolobby MPs, water companies, theEnvironment Agency, Defra, fisheries representativesand sev eralotherstolookatwaysthe rivers can be cleanedup.

Itsobjectiveswillbetobetterunder standthe reasonsfor sewagedischarges and farm-related discharges into rivers, andtounderstandthe nature of theinfrastructureimprovementsthatwould be necessary

It will ask watercompanies to provide timescales formitigating theeffects of sewageand otherpollutants beingdis chargedintorivers,and to discuss the fundingof capitalschemes andpossible accesstoadditional funding. Thegroup also wantstobetterunderstandthe monitoringof thesedischarges, ensuring that thereiscomprehensive coverage across Shropshireand that thereporting of any resultsiseasilyavailable, open andtrans parent

Another objective willbetoidentify andprioritisethose rivers in Shropshire that wouldbenefitfrom“BathingWater” status andthenproduce aplanonhow to achieve and maintain that status

It willalsoaim to,through the plan ningprocess, hold developers andthe watercompaniestoaccountsoastopro vide andfundadequatesewerage provisionforthelargeincreaseinhousingpro posedinthe draft ShropshirePlan.

TheMontgomeryshire AgriculturalAssociation held itsannualpresentation dinneratLlanfair Caereinion Leisure Centre.Inthe region of 170peopleattended and awards were presented to winners of 25 different classes.

The first prize winners line up for aphotograph at the awards ceremony

The overall points winners were the Owen family,Red House, Aberhafesp. They were presented with their award by the honorary president of the association Keith Davies.

PhilipJones 07813217466

WynnDavies 07831738423(Carmarthen)

KateJones 07940904237(Brecon)

BedwyrDavies 07757668339(Lampeter

IanEvans 07775624387(Denbigh)

AlexHancock07792633305(Hereford)

Crowds flock to enjoyfair fun

Afantasticand record breaking twodayswas enjoyedbythousandsat theRoyal Welsh Winter Fair, held at theshowgroundin Llanelwedd, Builth Wells.

Theannual eventcontinues to maintain itsposition as oneofthe finest primestock shows in theUK, this year attracting more than 700 exhibitorsfromWales, England, Scotland,NorthernIreland andHolland

Thefairwas officiallyopenedbyDafydd WynneFinchonbehalfofthefeaturecounty of Clwyd.

Dafydd is afarmerand landownerfrom NorthWales whosepractices maintain afocusonsustainableandregenerativefarming.

During hisopening speech, Dafydd conveyedthe importance of collaborative work within theagriculturalindustry.

Thefairwas Aled Rhys Jones’s first event asthechiefexecutiveoftheRoyalWelshAg riculturalSocietyafter beginningthe role in September.

“Therewas areal community feel at this year’s Winter Fair.” said Aled.“Everyone I spoke to commentedonthe vibrantatmosphere, energyand excitement –all made possiblebythe supportfromour competitors,traders, sponsors,volunteersand visitors

“Asmy first eventas chief executive, I wouldliketothank the wholeteamwho playsapartinbringingthe Winter Fair to life. It is notonlyagreat showcaseofWelsh food andfarming, it is also ashowcaseof ourunique Welsh spirit.”

Primarilyatrade event, theWinterFair provides aperfect opportunity to network with fellow farmers, producers, suppliers, andbuyers,and has become theideal hubto discuss anddobusiness.

Thetwo-day eventisan important plat form for policydiscussionand debate with ministersfrom both theWelshand UK Governmentsinattendance, together with arepresentative from theGermanEmbassy, showing that theevent is recognisedinter nationally.

Thesocietysaiditwas proudthe Winter Fair hadonceagain been able to play arole in facilitating discussions betweenhighly influential individualsand organisations, whichaffectthe future of Welsh agriculture andthe ruraleconomy

Thesupportfor theevent from theindustry,especially thelivestockexhibitors, has been phenomenal,organiserssaid. With strong entries from acrossthe UK in all sections, andrecordentries in thesheep section,the livestock, as always, played centre stagetothe busy two-day event.

Prestigious

Oneofthe most prestigioustitlestobe wonatthe eventeachyear, thesupremecat tlechampion, wasawarded to Baby Guinness,a heifer sired by aLimousin weighing 596kg,exhibited by EdwardsBrothersfrom Clwyd.

Latersoldbyauctioneers McCartneys for an impressive £8,600, Baby Guinnesswas bought by KathrynJones of CastellHowell Foods.

Gwyn Edwards of EdwardsBrothers said winningthe supreme cattle champion means“everything” to them as afamily. Gwyn has been part of theWinterFaircom mittee forover30years,and wasrecognised forhis contribution andcommitmenttothe society. “Afterall oftheeffortanddedication from Clwyd, it’s wonderful forus as afamily to finish on ahigh.”Gwynsaid.

It wasn’t just thesupremechampionthat goteveryonetalking at this year’s WinterFair. Thereserve champion SassyGirl fetched astaggering £36,000, making anew Winter Fair record ThepedigreeLimou sin heifer wasexhibited by KatrinaLittle

andAllen Shortt from Cumbria. More re cord-breaking sales were seen in thepig section,where apairofWelshpigs, exhibited byHD&EMRoberts,soldforanimpressive £800/head.

Elsewhere on theshowground, thewinnerofthe best overall tradestand award went to FrankSuttonLtd Thestand,based intheSouthGlamorganHall,hadabusyfew days displaying products from John Deere, Catand Yamaha andofferingexpertise in agriculturalmachinery.

This year sawmore than 300 tradestands andover60 more stands in theFood Hall whereguests were able to sample thesuperb produce from acrossWales andthe border counties.

Thelatenight shopping eveningagain sawthousands of visitors indulginginsome Christmasshoppingand enjoying thefestive atmosphere andspectacular firework display.

Returningfor the first time since the coronavirus pandemic, Father Christmas kindly took time outofhis busy schedule to meet thechildren at theWinterFairinhis grotto. Winter Fair directorWilliamHanks said: “This year’s eventhas been sensational.Weare grateful forthe huge amount of hard work anddedicationfromthe many volunteers,stewards, traders, sponsors and, of course,the visitors whomakethisevent possible. We hope all of ourguests have enjoyedthe Winter Fair andlookforward to welcomingthembacktoour events next year.”

Fireworks went off with abang

Crowds enjoy the fair

Supreme cattle champion Baby Guinness with Edwards Brothers, Kathryn Jones of Castell Howell, and society ambassador Lowri Williams

Standards ‘prove how much producers care’

BY IAIN ST JOHN

Theindustry first,C.A.R.E. accreditation is an extensive setofcriteriatoreassureconsumers their biggestconcerns whenitcomes to dairyproductionare beingaddressed.

Among theconcernsare howthe cows arebeinglookedafter andthe impact of farmingonthe environment

Thenew stampofapproval formilk productionwillfeature as astamp on bottles of Arla’smajor brands Cravendale,Big Milk andB.O.B,makingiteasy forshopperstospotmilk that has been producedbyfarmers whocareand in a waytheycan trust

Arla ShropshirefarmerJames Thompsonisjustone of theArlafarmers who areinvesting in severalon-farm initia tivestoensurehe’sproducingthe tastiest

milk,whilst keepinghis cows happy.

Thenew standardsintroduce “Free to Graze”whichensures all Arla cows have free accesstolush,nutritiouspasture when it is in thebestinterestoftheir wel-

fare.And from giving thebeestheir buzz back to inviting newspeciesofwildlifeto their farms, thefarmers aredoing their part in restoringand supportingnatural ecosystems

Arlasaysaswellasanimal welfare,78 percentofpeopleare concernedabout theenvironmental impactofthe products they purchase,withrenewableenergy andminimising waste, andsupporting British farmersnext on consumer minds

Allthese andmore areincludedinthe standardsand confirm thedairy products they arebuyinghavebeenproducedusingthe highest farm standardsever.

With 13 standards, splitintofourkey themes, representingCooperative,Animal Welfare,RenewableEnergyand Ecosystem, C.A.R.E., places consumer needs firmly at theheart of theproduction process. James Thompson said: “My herd’shealthandwellbeingisalwaysatop priority on my farm,and Ithinkit’simportantthatdairy shoppersare awareof thehighstandardswehaveinplace,when they’reinthe dairyaisle.

“From ensuring ourherds arehealthy andhappy,toprotecting andworking with nature by creatinghomes fordiffer entspices of wildlife, Arla farmers, like myself,careabout thesamethings that matter to consumers.

“Now they canbeconfident, through theC.A.R.E standardswehaveinplace on farm,and thestamp on pack,that their milk is made with theupmostcare.”

Solar farm in cash boost

Asolar farm in Shropshireisonroute to becoming100 percentcommunity-owned thanks to supportfrom asus tainablebank.

Triodos Bank UK has provided£3mil lionofnew seniordebtwhichwillbring theSheriffhales solarfarmintocom pletecommunity ownership, alongside £500,000 from acommunity bond offer The3.2MWsolarfarmhasthecapacityto generate 984,000 kWhofrenewableelectricity–enoughtopower825homeseach year.Itisowned by Sheriffhales Community Energy,anot-for-profitcommunity benefitsocietygovernedbylocal volunteer directors,whichhas been setupto generate income forthe parish

PeterBonsall, chairand trustee of Sheriffhales Community Energy,said: “Sheriffhales is nowone of thefew villages in theUKtoown itsown solarfarm. We arearural parish with an agrarian economy– we don’thaveavillage pub, shoporbus.Bringingthe solarfarminto community ownershipwillbring anincome tothe parish that is more than the parish councilprecept.

“Wewill be usingthose funds to help addresssomeofthe challengesweface as aruralcommunity,totacklefuelpoverty andother urgent village needs.”

Thesolar park,located on theborder betweenShropshireand Staffordshire, wasoriginallycommissionedin2016bya commercial renewableenergycompany In 2016 it wasbroughtintopart-commu nity ownership, first throughMongoose Energy,thenin2018 throughshort-term investment from asocialinvestment fund

Arla says itsfarmer-owners have launched thehighest standardseverinthe UK dairy industry to reassure shoppersresponsibleand sustainable milk production is at theheart of whatthey do.

Shropshire farmer James Thompson

-ForageHarvesting,JohnDeere8600iwith harvestlab.Completeoperationgrass£66 peracre,alsowholecrop&maizeharvesting. Completeorpartoperation

-Mowingwithdoublemowers£11peracre

-Rakingtwoandfourrota£5peracre

-Tedding£5peracre

-Lugging18tonnetrailers£50perhour

Summit looks at export boost

Ambitiousplans to double thevalue of British dairy exportsoverthe next 10 yearswere discussed at aShropshiresummit afterthe NFUbrought

TheNFU DairyExports Summit, at HarperAdams University,heldjointly with theDepartmentfor International Trade,follows on from thelaunch of theunion’sDairy Export Strategy whichset out araft of actionsand recommendations to enhancethe industry’sexportperformance andsellmore greatBritish dairyproductsoverseas.

Trade SecretaryKemi Badenoch MP opened theconferencebeforerepresentativesfromacrossthe industry includingMuller,atMarketDrayton, andBeltonCheese, at Whitchurch, examined howthe dairysectorand government canbestworktogetherto boost exports on theglobal stage.

NFU Deputy PresidentTom Bradshawsaid: “British dairyisasuccess story. It’s an ambitious andinnovative sector,producingfood such as milk, cheese,yogurt, andbutter to some of theworld’s highest environmental and animal welfare standards.

“Itwas greattohavethe Trade Secretary join us at theconferenceasthe dairysectorwants to work with governmenttodoubleour dairyexports over thenext 10 years.

“

This requires commitmentand resource from government,inpartnershipwithindustry,toenablethis growth

“Withfurther government invest ment to booston-going market developmentworkand to increase the number of agriculture attachés around theworld,the industry canthentake advantageofthisworktoboost our dairyexports andhelpset aglobal standard when it comestosustainable climate-friendlydairy products.

Delegatesdiscussed theglobal and UK pictureand therewas an industry panelquestionandanswersession,discussiongroupsand achancetofocus on next steps.

Kemi Badenochsaid: “British agri culture, especially ourdairy producers, arevital to theUKeconomy

“Lastyeardairy exporters sold £1.4bnof goodstomarkets around the

worldand theworkweare doingto strike newtradedeals andreduce marketaccessbarrierswillonlysee that figurerisefurther “TheUK’sreputationisone of high standards, environmental protections andquality goodsand Iamdeter minedtoensureweremainworldleadersinthe dairymarket.

“Whenmore farmerstradeand export,itmeans more jobs, higherwages andastrongereconomy.”

Regional farmer MichaelOakes, NFU dairyboard chair, said thesummitwas agreat soundingboard for producers, processors andexporters to highlight some of thechallengesthey facedand identify opportunities to helpaccelerate exportgrowth

Reputation

“Overthe past fewyears we have developeda fantastic reputation around theworld forquality andalready export nearly £2bnworth of dairyproducts to more than 135 countries across Europe,North America,Asiaand the Middle East,” theRednalfarmersaid.

“If theUK dairysectorwants to be amajor player in global trade and find newemergingmarkets, andadd value to thesector, nowisthe time todrive ourexports andcapitaliseonthe tremendousglobal supportthatalready existsfor great British dairyproducts.”

DairyfarmerJames Chatham, of Brockton,nearShifnal, whorepresents Shropshirefarmers on theNFU West Midlands dairyboard said that British milk washighwelfare andproduced to worldbeating standardsand demand foritremainedhigh, including forproductsthatcould be exportedto markets overseas.

“Any opportunity fordairy farmers

to improve their bottom line andfor theindustryasawhole to strength furtherand expandhas to be welcome andShropshirefarmers andthose further afieldare always interested in new markets andnew opportunities.”

Hisfamily’sbusinesswasestablished in 1944 andthe bulk of their milk goes to the Organic Milk Suppliers Cooper ative, OMSCo.

Kemi Badenochmet HarperAdams UniversityVice-ChancellorProfessor KenSloan on theday of thesummit.

He said: “I am delighted that NFU choseour universitytohostthe Dairy Export Summit–aparticularly fitting eventtoholdduring International Trade Week

“Thesummitoffered achanceto chat with dairyproducers, exportand foreigninvestmentmanagersand NFU colleagues.

“Itwas significant,too,thatthe Secretary of State’svisit coincidedwith Back British FarmingDay,a campaign ledbyNFU –who area foundingpartnerinthe university’sSchoolofSus tainable Food andFarming, the first of itskindinthe UK.”

Followingher appearance at the summit, ProfessorSloan discussed theworkofthe university’sacademics andalumni with theSecretary of State, sharing with herthe impact theyare having both in theUKand acrossthe globe. He added: “Wediscussed the developmentofour exemplar Future Farm,hosting vital research projects includingthose beingcarried at our Agri-EPIprecisiondairy,where we work with industry to undertakehightech research into thebehaviourofour cows. Iexplained howour internation ally-renownedHands Free Farm,the firstofitskindintheworld,willextend itsworkintostripcropping.”

NewZealand potatoes –sothe UK websitewill allowustoprovide UK growers with advice andcropcasestudies more aligned to theirneeds, helping them usethe Levity portfolio more effectively andmore extensively on domesticcrops,” Dr Marksexplained

The newwebsiteat levitycropscience.co.ukcontains thelatest labels,MSDSand compatibilities forthe whole productrange

together keydairy industry producers,processors and exporters.

Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch

Carbonprojects inspotlight

UK agriculturecould benefit from paymentsworth as much as £500mevery year if mythsaround carbon markets arecorrected andfarmers arepresented with thebestinformationabout the opportunities on offer, ameeting hasheard.

Growerscould top-up their annual incomesbythousands of poundsiftheymonetisethe carbon they capture each year through sustainable farming practices such as reducing theintensity of theirtillageand planting covercrops

Andifincomplete information presentedtogrowers about howcarbonmarkets operateis corrected, more farmersstand to benefit, industry expertsagree.

Speaking at acarbonmarkets myth-busting meeting,hosted by agronomy firm SoilCapital, more than 20 expertsfromacross agriculture discussedways to correctthe most important misunderstandings abouthow carbon marketsworksothat more growers feel empoweredtoenter themarket

Topofthe list washow to help

producersrealisecarbon markets payfor carbon savedoradded to thesoilon-farm each year a farmer participates in acarbon programme— notfor carbon locked in thesoilinthe distant past

“Fromour experiencesof bringing Europe’s firstcertified carbon payment programme to themarketinthe UK,Franceand Belgium,wecan seewhere the biggestinformationgapsabout the carbon market areinthe UK,” saidAndrewVoysey, Soil Capital’s head of impact andcarbon.

Insight given on health pathway

Nicky Bowden of Nantwich Farm Vets hasbeen lookingatthe Animal Health andWelfare Pathway–annuallivestock review,and whatweknow so far.

Nicky said: “Wehavebeenawait ingthe startofthe Animal Health and Welfare Pathway(AHWP) forsome time.Wehaveall seen severalpress releases andprobably even satthrough awebinar butthe finerdetails arestill lacking.

“Lastmonth Iattendedthe British Cattle VetAssociation (BCVA) congressinBirmingham whereStewart Houston,a non-executive member of theAnimal Health andWelfare Board, andRichard Watkinsfrom Defra, of feredapresentationonthe Animal Health andWelfare Pathway. Thepart of theAHWP that relatestothe vets workingwiththeir farmersiscalled theannuallivestockhealthand welfare review They opened their sessionby explainingthatinthe currentpolitical environment,withsomanychanges happening, thereisstill thepossibility that things maychange, butRichard said he wasencouragedbyhis most recentconversations andcommitment to a‘Environment, Growth,and Food Security’agenda.

“Theorigins of theAHWP in the 2020 Farmingfor theFutureReport, whichset out significant ambitions within an eight-yeartimeline, includingthe principles of thepathway and howthiswould be co-designedwith farmers–anew approach forDefra policy-makers.

“Thegroup workingonthe developmentofthepathway,included45Defra analysts andpolicyspecialists, and135 industryspecialists–including35vets.

Testingofthe

livestockhealth

process is currently beingcarriedoutonanumberoffarms andtheir feedback is helping to finalise what therestofuswillsee when it is rolled outmore widely

“Itisimportant to remember that theAHWPisnotanalternativetofarm assuranceand willnot just be acheck list of things to do Theaim is that this is along-termprogramme,withvets andfarmers workingincollaboration, tobringbenefitsonboththeindividual farm andatanationallevel

“In my opinion, we need to seethis as astartingpoint forthe AHWP.It willeventuallybecomethe gatewayto accessingother grants andfunding. Farmsmay find it beneficial to engage at an earlystage to familiarisethemselveswiththe systems andensureall their informationis correct before they wish to seek larger grants.

“Manyfarms will be wonderingwhy shouldtheybother, when they arealreadydoing this testingand health planningwiththeir vet? Forproactive farmsIsee thisas an opportunity to gain alittlesupportfor thegoodwork they arealready doing.

“Onceyouapplyforthereview,there is a12-month window to submitthe report.Withinthattimeaherdorflock

willbecarryingouttheir annual health plan review anddiseasescreening. It is then acaseofensuringthatthe timing of thereviewties in thefarm’scurrent health planningcycle rather than mak ing extra visits just forthe AHWP

“Wehaveyet to seewhatthe online process forapplyingfor or submitting areviewwilllooklikeasthe testing phasehas notusedthe onlinesystem yet.

“Wehavealsonot been told what information willneed to be reported to DEFRAbut is likely to only be some headlinedatasucha stocknumbers TheAHWP is notimminentlyabout to be rolled out, thereare still details to be finalisedand politicalchangesto navigate.

“Therefore,any farmsthathave been holdingoff on their annual flock or herd health review waitingfor the pathwayitwould be wise to do this nowand then plan to usethe pathway fundingtocarry outnext year’s review anddisease testing.

“

Theannual livestockhealthand welfare review is definitely something that all livestockfarmers shouldbeengaging with,onceitlaunches. It is as a wayofsupporting thegoodworkalreadydoneonfarm, bringing benefits to thewhole livestockindustry.”

Farmer then contacts their vets to arrange areview

This canbedoneinone visitor

visits a. Farmerscan getfundingfor multiplereviews if they have more than onetypeofanimal e.g. cattle andsheep or have livestockonmultipleholdings

As part of thereviewthe vetwill

andrespiratory syndrome(PRRS) in Pigs

Thereare severalareas that could be coveredaspartofthe review,but theseare betweenthe vetand farmer andwillnot be sharedwithDEFRA. a. This couldinclude:

Biosecurity

ii.Healthand Welfare iii.Medicines useon farm –sign postingtoAHDBMedicineHub 6. Therequired informationand resultswillbesubmitted onlinebythe vet.

7. Thepayment will then be made to farmer once this hasbeensubmitted

a. Thepayment ratesare as follows: i. £372 fora dairycattlereview ii. £522 forabeefcattlereview iii. £684 forapig review

iv.£436 forasheep review

annual

andwelfare review

Nicky Bowden of Nantwich Farm Vets

Pope ‘could help in the climate crisis fight’

ThePopecould bring about a major reduction in globalcarbon emissions by urging Catholics to return to thetraditionalpractice of noteating meat on aFriday, a study suggests CambridgeUniversity researchersassessedthe impact of areturn,in2011, to meat-free Fridaysfor Catholics in England andWales.

Whileonlyaround aquarter of CatholicsinEngland andWales changedtheir dietaryhabits, after bishops called on congregations to do so,thissaved more than 55,000 tonnesofcarbona year, according to thestudy

Theresearch team saythisis equivalent to 82,000 fewerpeople taking areturn tripfromLondon to NewYork overthe course of a year

They saythatthe environmental benefits couldbescaledup if thePope were to reinstatethe obligation to Catholics around theworld, or if bishopsinother countriesmadethe samecall.

“For instance, even if only the UnitedStatesCatholic bishops were to follow suit,the benefits wouldlikely be 20 timeslarger than in theUK,”the study’s authorswrote.

Theobligation to foregomeat on one dayofthe week,which has ancientorigins andisbackedby Canon Law, wasre-established in Englandand Walesafter a26-year hiatus,according to thestudy

Theoverall Catholic shareofthe British population hasremained largely stablefor decadesatjust under10per cent,the researchers say.

They addedthatthe return to meat-freeFridays had “no discernibleimpact”onservice attendance.

Thecurrent Catholic leader, Pope Francis,has called for “radical”responsestoclimate change

Thestudy’sleadauthor ProfessorShaun Larcom,from Cambridge’s Department of Land Economy, said: “The Catholic Churchisverywellplaced to help mitigateclimate change,with morethanone billionfollowers around theworld

“Pope Francishas already highlightedthe moralimperative for actiononthe climate emergency,and theimportant role of civilsociety in achieving sustainabilitythroughlifestyle change

“Meatagriculture is oneofthe major driversofgreenhouse gas emissions

“Ifthe Pope wastoreinstate the obligation for meatless Fridays to allCatholics globally, it could be amajor source of low-cost emissions reductions.Evenifonly aminority of Catholics choose to comply,aswe find in our case study.”

Traditionally, thepractice of refraining from meat oneday a week sawmanyCatholics –and large sections of thepopulation in predominantly Christian countries –turnto fish on Fridaysasa proteinsubstitute.

Christmas dinner could be hit by cull

ADefra minister has admitted that Christmasdinnercould be affectedas millions of turkeysand otherbirds are culled amid adevastating avian fluout break.

Lord Benyon told theHouse of Lords that he couldnot guaranteethe traditional turkey lunchwould notbeaffected by theepidemic, butinsistedthere is no need to panic buy.

He sought to reassure thepublic that theUK has a“resilientsupply chain”that

cancopewithsuchan outbreak Theinternationalenvironment minister said: “Weare seeingincreasingnumberof turkeysfallingpreytothisdisease,but at themoment, thesituation for Christmas turkeysisthere or thereaboutsOK.”

“But Iwouldn’t like to predict, if it carried on at thecurrent rate, therewouldn’t be some impact.”

He admitted that thesheer number of birdsthathavebeenculled or died“can’t nothavean effecton thesupply chain”.

That said,heemphasised: “Itisa re silientsupply chain, thereare alternativesthatcan come from elsewhere, but we want to make sure people areeating healthy, British-rearedturkeys.

“There’snoneed,there’s absolutelyno need forpeopletorushout andpanic buy.

“This is averyresilientsupply chain andweare talking to retailersand others regularlyand keepingtheminformedas well.”

BaronessHayman, whoservedas shadowDefra secretaryfrom 2017 to 2019, also warned of thetrouble ahead thisyear.

Shesaid: “Weunderstandthe outbreak has spread at amuchfasterratethisyear andthatweare six weeksahead of where we were this time last year.

“Turkeyand geesefarmers have warned that if thesituation is notresolvedthenwecould face severeshortag es over Christmas.”

Students hear about sector

Welsh food andfarmingtookcentre stagewhenNFU Cymrustaff andmembersdeliveredfarminglessonstopupilsat Gwernyfed High School

Theevent,whichwas organisedaspart of theschool’s ‘shwmaeday’, sawNFU Cymruorganise aseries of lessonsand workshops that aimedtodispelmyths aboutfarming and highlight thegood work farmersare doingtohelpcombat climatechange

As well as theclasses putonbyNFU Cymrustaff andmembers,the union also helpedtoorganiselessons on interview techniques with Hannah Thomas, ITVWales RuralAffairs Correspondent, apolitics sessionwithBreconand RadnorshireMSJames Evans, acareers discussionwitha farmer andSunderlands auctioneer MatthewNicholls, alongwith amentalhealth discussionwiththe DPJ Foundation

NFU CymruBrecon& Radnor County ChairSharonHammondsaid: “I’m pleasedthatwecould organise such an importantevent with Gwernyfed High School. Whileit’sa largelyrural school, we were abletocreatelessons around myth-busting and sustainability to ed ucateand equippupilswiththe facts aroundWelshfarmingandwhyit’ssoimportanttoWales.

“In each 30-minutesession, pupils were askedtodiscuss what sustainability meanttothemand shown what practices

farmerswereputting in place to achieve netzeroby2040. In order to dispel the mythsabout farming, pupils were also asked to create an Instagramreelexplainingwhy acertain myth wasinfactfalse “It’ssoimportant to teachthe next generation aboutwhere their food comes from andhow they canmakegoodfood choices forthe climate. Welsh redmeat anddairyareamongthemostsustainable foodsinthe worldand we hope that our

lessons at this eventwillhavehighlighted theimportanceofbuyinglocal andbuy ingWelsh.

“Totop off theday,wealsoworked with PowysCountyCouncil to ensure thechildren hadWelshproduce at dinnertime. Children were offered Welsh sausages with potatoes, carrotsand gravy, alongwithWelshcream on their apple crumble.”

Theevent coincidedwiththe beginningofCountryside COP, whichisan opportunitytoshowcasethecontribution thefarmingindustryisalreadymakingto helpincreasebiodiversity, useclean ener gy andcapture carbon in theatmosphere andtoidentify wheremore canbedone.

Ruth Lloyd, Welsh Co-ordinator for Ysgol Uwchradd Gwernyfed,said: “Pupils andstaff invitedAbi Reader andStella Owen,aswellas othermembers from NFU Cymru, to join them in aday that celebrates Wales, Welshness andproduce from Wales whichare all so importantin developing astrongWelshidentity

“Thewhole experience from beginningtoend wasmagnificent, pupils enjoyedmeeting people whoworkinother careersinruralWales whichgavethem amuchwider horizonwhenconsidering work opportunities in ruralcommunities, as well as theimportanceof further andhighereducation

“They enjoyedthe myth-bustingsessions.”

Theft advice is offered

Residentsliving in the countrysidewho useoil storage tanksare beingurged to check theirsecurity amid fearsthat thievescould target them.

West Mercia Police have asked residents to check thesecurity of theiroil storage tanks, as the cost of living crisis keepsoil prices sky-high

Heating oilpriceshave, on average, increasedby30pence perlitresince December 2021, from 61pto91p

As aresult, police have advised residents to keep theirtanks as secure as possible.

Andtheyhaveurged residents to andmonitor thelevels in their tanks.

Police recommend agood, heavydutypadlock and, if possible,analarm andsecurity light.

Thecrime safety advice,issued from West Mercia’s Shrewsbury RuralWeststaff,said: “Weare luckytoliveina low-crime area butno-one should become complacent andthinkitwon’t happentothem.”

Bill the subject of talk at annual conference

Forthe firsttimesince lockdown, theNFU Cymru’s annual conference returned to Llandrindod’s Metropole Hotelinearly November

Alothasahappenedsincethelastcon ference.

TheUKleft to EU,severalprime ministershavecomeand gone,the climate crisis has climbedupthe politicalagenda andtheWelshGovernmenthasproduced thedraft of anew agriculturalbill

Thewar in Ukrainehas createdmay hemandenergychaosandduringtheday of theconference, as an attempttocurb theinflationary spiral, theBankofEng land increasedinterestrates

In hisopening remarksAledJones, NFU Cymrupresident, touchedonmany of thepertinent issues.

He said therewillbeplenty of chal lengesandsingledouttheWelshGovern

BY IAN HOWIE

ment’s draft of itsnew agriculturalbill, whichhedescribed as themostsignifi cant bill ever

He toldthe audience that “the bill needstomaintaintheruralvibrancy”and addedwhile environmental issues must be worked into thebill,food production shouldbethe central issue

Aled criticisedthe inclusioninthe bill ofWelshfarmshavingtohave10per cent tree coverand warned of thedangerof environmental issues reducingoutput and warned of politics gettinginthe way of science

As Lesley Griffith,the Welsh Govern ment’s farmingminster couldnot be at theconference, she hadpre-recorded a videodiscussiontobeshownattheevent

Speaking aboutthe draft bill,she said thebill hadchanged considerably since theconsultations andsaidfood produc-

tion wouldbethe cornerstone of Welsh agriculture.

Theministersaidshort-termmeasures arenogood;it’saboutkeepingfarmerson theland.

Theminister’s presentation wasfol lowedbyMarkBerrisford-Smith,the head of economics at HSBC Mark beganbysayingthese arenot normal timesand said although what he called theautumn stormhad passed, there’s notmuchgood news andpredicted theUkraine warcould go on fora long time

He pointedout thehighinflationrate istheresultofthelabourshortageforcing up wageswiththe energy crisis contributingtothe problem, although he said theenergysituation wouldimprove by 2025/2026.

He predictedthere willbelittleifany newgrowthinthe UK economy, adding it willbetough forthe country, but it will

be lesssofor farming. Thenext speaker wasSophie Throup from Morrison’s.

Shebeganbythrowingdownthe gauntlet by saying “net zerobe2030 is eye-watering”.

Shemadethepointreducingemissions canreduce costs, saying it willneed more information,innovation, incentivesand inspiration andwarnedrequesting carboncan involve more costs.

Finishingthe morningsession, Professor Dr Alice Stantontookaim at an anti-meatand anti-dairy articleinthe Lancet, themedics’magazine. Shepoint ed outmuchofwhatthe articlesaidcan be challenged. Shesaidithas been shown eating redmeatand consumingdairy productsare good forhealth, citing those whoconsume milk are32per centless likely to getcolon cancer anddecried oat milk whichshe said hadonlyaneighth of theprotein andtwice as much saltas milk

NFU Cymru Deputy President Abi Reader gives an assembly to Gwernyfed High School pupils

Technique brings benefits

Farmersstrugglingtomill over-dry grainfor livestockfeed this winter nowhaveaccesstoatreatment which is more typicallyusedbythe feed processingindustry.

Thetechnique of ‘tempering’grain is said to be particularlyrelevantthis year,after much of this summer’s harvest recorded lowmoisturecontents.

Feed preservation specialists, Kelvin Cave Ltd, saythey’re increasinglyhearingreports fromfarmersthatdrygrain is shatteringand turningtodustinthe mill This has numerous disadvantages, rangingfrom difficultworking conditionsfor operators to poorrumen health in thelivestockfed over-pro cessedgrain.

As aresult, thecompany has report ed asurge in interest in methodsof addingmoisturetograin before roll

ing, whichalsoallow theprocessed product to be preservedand stored over winter

Increasingnumbers areturning to ‘tempering’, aprocess whichiswidely used in hotter climates, most notably Australiaand NewZealand Thepro cessinvolvesapplyingProflakeNC, a product comprisingamixtureofsur factantsand preservatives, to thegrain, andsoaking with aknown volume of water.Thiscausesthegraintoswell,increasesits feed valueand makesiteasy anddust-freetoroll.

MichaelCarpenter,KelvinCave’s technical director,says: “Millingdry cerealsand pulses canbea dustybusiness as anyfarmerwho rollsgrain of 14 percentmoistureorlesswillknow.

“Itnot only resultsinwastage,but theeffects of thedust aredetrimen-

tal to theoperatorofthe mill The over-processedgrain also has knockon effects in livestock, whoserumen health andperformance willdeteriorate, potentiallyleadingtoacidosis.”

By treatingthe grainwithProflake NC,itcan be rolled andstoredfor up to threemonths.

“Thefactthatthe productcontains non-corrosive organic acidsalsoincreasesthe energy contentofthe feed,” he adds. Some farmersare usingthe productfor treating both grainand pulses forfeedingtotheir ownstock

They find it createsahighlypalatable feed whichincreases drymatterintakes andshows clearsigns of improv inganimal health.MrCarpenter says thehandlingbenefits areone reason whythe feed processingindustryhas tempered grainfor many years

Appointments made to board

TheOxfordFarming Conference (OFC), the UK’s leadingagricultural, businessand food event,has made three newappointmentsto itsvoluntary boardof directors.

CEO of TheFarmingCommunity Network, Jude McCann, head of news at FarmersGuardian, AbiKay,and projectmanager (rural) at Scottish Enterprise,Julia Latto, willjointhe committee after thenext conference in January.

Thepublic recruitmentprocess looked to attractindividuals who wouldsupportthe charity’sobjectives to inform, challenge and inspiredel egates, by developing aconference agendathatwould be aforcefor positive change throughout theindustry.

In addition,applicantswereasked to demonstrate leadership qualities that wouldsupport OFC’soutreachinitiatives, includingits bursaryand scholarship programmes, supporting the next generation of farmerstoattend theconference, includingindividuals facingsocial or economic barriers, and thosewithleadership potential Jude McCann grew up on afamily farm in NortherIreland,and has a

strong understandingofthe challenges facingagriculture,havingspent sev en yearsas CEO forRural Support, a charityinNorthernIreland that supportsfarmers andtheir families. In 2020 he wasappointed CEO with the FarmingCommunity Network(FCN), andnow worksacrossEngland and Wales helping thosefacinghardship AbiKay has wonseveralawardsfor herjournalism, includingthe International Federation of AgriculturalJournalistsYoungLeadersaccolade andthe BobDavies Memorial Awardfor rais ingthe profile of Welsh farming. She has astrongbackground in politics, workingfor aruralMPinWestminster

andasalobbyistforNFU,priortojoiningthe FarmersGuardianteam.

JuliaLatto hasover25years of experience in economic development, and leadsonawide portfolio of national programsfor Scottish Enterprise,includingthe Scottish RuralLeadership Programme. Shehas presentedon leadership andentrepreneurial developmentinruralbusinessesworldwide, andisamemberof theInternational Association of Programmes forAgriculture andRuralLeaders.

The2023 conference “Farminga NewFuture” willtakeplace from January 4-6 in Oxford Visitofc.org.ukfor details

TheMcPartlands

On

“Weusedtohave300 ewes, whichmeantwewereheavily grazing andhad to worm everysix weeks, whichled to issueswith anthelminticresistance,”saysMr

“Rotational

“The rotationalplan has increasedour grassyields to the pointthatwenow sell surplusas hay, bringing in an extraincome stream,” he adds.

McPartland.Whentheytookover management,the McPartlands reduced the stockingdensity to enable them to introducea rotational grazing system

grazing hasproved farbetterthanany wormer offthe shelf. We nowtakesamples for Faecal EggCount(FEC) testing, so we only treat theanimals which actuallyneed to be treated.

Project manager (rural) at Scottish Enterprise Julia Latto

MP calls for more avian fluoutbreak assistance

AShropshire MP hascalledon theministersinthe Government to do more to supportpoultry farmerswho have been devastated by outbreaksofbird fluintheir flocks

Ludlow MP Philip Dunne says farmersare able to claim compensation for stockculledas aresultofthe influenzabut they haven’treceivedcompensation if thebirdsdie directlybecause of thepandemic.

Mr Dunnesaysfarmersinhis constituency in Shropshire have been affectedbythe outbreak whichiskilling both kept andwild birds in theUK.

He stressed that theissue poses no food safety risk for UK consumersand posesverylow risk to publichealth.

TheMP alsourged the food ministerMarkHarpertoreview regulations around eggs to ensure that free range eggs cancontinue to be labelledasfreerange when farmersare compelledtokeep their flocks indoorsduring the influenzaoutbreak beyond the normal period permittedunder the regulations.

AndMrDunne alsoencouraged theminister to applysimilar urgency to delivery of an effective Avian Influenzavaccine as that appliedtothe Covid-19 vaccination during thepandemic.

Mr Harperagreedthat vaccines will be the“route outofthe problem”.Hetold MrDunnethat discussions were taking place with retailers about whether they arehappytostock vaccinated birds.

Mr DunnealsosupportedBack British Farming Day.

He saidthe initiativehelpedto recognise thevital role farmersin SouthShropshire playinfeeding thenation.

He said: “Asafarmermyself andamemberofthe NFU,I work closelywith farmersand growers here in SouthShropshire andam pleasedtoshowmy recognition fortheir work by supporting Back British Farming Day. As well as producing high quality, increasinglysustainablefood for thenation,our farmersalso maintain andcarefor our iconic British countryside that we all enjoy.

“FarmersinSouth Shropshire make ahuge contribution to the localeconomy, providing jobs and, in many cases, developing innovativesustainable farming practicesessential to thesector’s long-term sustainability

“Farmers nationwide produce renewableenergyontheir buildingsand land, helping to powermorethan10million homes across thecountryaswework towardsnet zero

“Eventsoverthe past few yearshaveshown us just how importantitistohavearesilient farming sector,producing quality foodfor both home andabroad whileshapingthe landaround us.That’s whyitissoimportant to recognisethe importance of British agriculture andall it delivers to thenation.”

Politician ‘proud’ to back agriculture

An MP has stood up foragriculture andshowedher supportfor localfarmers on Back British FarmingDay

NorthShropshireMPHelen Morgan wore awooland wheatsheaf pinbadgeto payhomagetothe products British food andfarming provides.

As well as recognisingthe work farm ersdofor thenation,BackBritish Farm ingDay provides an opportunity to acknowledgethe importantcontributions farmersmaketotheir communities.

This year theNFU introducedthe Community FarmingHeroesaward to celebratethe farmerswho havegone aboveand beyond fortheir local community

Helen said she washonouredtonom inateCharlotte andBen Hollins, from Fordhall Farm near Market Drayton,as NFU Community FarmingHeroes.

TheMPsaid: “I’m exceptionallyproud to representNorth Shropshire–anarea wherefarmingisthe backbone of the

economy–and I’mdelighted to shout loud andproudfor theareaonBack British FarmingDay Theproduce grown here is notonlydelicious but it supports jobs andalsohelps protectthe countryside throughclimate-friendlyfood.

“I’m sure everyone in NorthShrop shireknows afarmerwho worksatall hourstohelpkeepus fed.

“They also make huge contributions to thelocal community –and this was demonstratedbythe huge number of

Community FarmingHeronominations Ireceived.

“In my opiniontheyare all heroes, but Iwas very pleasedtonominateCharlotte andBen from Fordhall Farm whohave achievedanextraordinaryamountata farm that wasonthe verge of closure.

“Lotsofpeoplefromall ages andbackgrounds have benefitedfromtheir out reachprogrammesand work placements andofcoursethe farm is community owned.”

Deal is agreed over imports

BreedersVikingGenetics UK has formed an exclusive collaboration with livestockimporters,BestofBreed Live stock.

Thearrangement is designedto streamlinethe import of livestock from theVikingcountriesbyUKdairyproducers. Followingmanyyears spentworking together,the twocompanies have entered into this arrangement whichseesall of theVikingGenetics breedsimportedto theUKexclusively throughthisroute

It pavesthe wayfor easier importsof thehighhealthstatusand topgenetic meritanimalsfor whichDenmark, Sweden andFinland arerenowned.

Thecollaboration is aresponsetothe highdemandinthe UK forScandinavia’s VikingRed,Jersey andHolstein as well as ready-made crossbredcattle.

This includes theProCROSS –athree waycross whichalternatesthe Viking Holstein, VikingRed andMontbeliarde breeds.

Therisingpopularityofcattlepro ducedthrough this structured breeding programmehas ledmanyUKproducers to importcrossbreds,ratherthanwaitfor threegenerationstoconvert their own HolsteinsintoaProCROSS herd

This way, they obtain theinstant benefits of heifersand cows whichcontain thethree complementary breedswhich have been proventoknitwelltogether, be easily managed,and have lowercosts of

production andhigherprofitability than thepureHolstein.

Similarly, otherproducersare import ingthe readymade GoldenCross, comprisinga three-wayrotationofthe VikingRed,Jersey andHolstein breeds.

This crosshas been developedfor farmersoperating grazingbased,seasonal calvingsystems,manyofwhomare keen to buildstrengthand add hybrid vigour andproductionbybringingthe thirdbreed into an existingtwo-wayrotation

Owen Daley,managingdirectorfor Best of Breed Livestock, says theNordic

countries nowdominatehis importing business, thanks to their high health statusand abundanceofhigh-quality stock

Currentlyimporting at least50truck loadsfrom thesecountries each year, he said: “TheNordic countries arelight yearsahead in termsofhealth status,and UK producers– whetherrestockingafter ahealth breakdown,justimproving their stockorchangingbreeds– find it much easier andmore satisfactory to meet their needsfromthissource, especiallywhen highnumbers areinvolved.”

He says theprocessofacquiringstock willtypically startwithsight of pedigree,performance andgenetic records by thefarmer, whowillcreateashortlist from there. “UKfarmers willtheneither choosetotravelwithus to Scandinavia andselectthe animalsthemselves, or leavethe finalselection to us,” he says.

OneUKproducer whorestocked with readymade ProCROSS cattle wasWill Nixon, whofarms with his father,Ian, in Shropshire. He says: “Weimported 79 ProCROSS cattle in 2017 to add to ourHolstein herd.Dad went over to Denmarkfor aday andselectedfrom 10 farmsand theheifersarrivedonthe farm threemonthsbeforecalving,ataround20 months old.”

Hedescribestheprocessas‘hassle-free’ andsaystoday,hehas 33ofthe original importsleft on thefarm, all nowintheir sixthlactation

Old airfield in solar bid

Arenewable energy provider hasannounced proposals to develop asolarfarmonthe site of aformer RAFairfieldin Shropshire

PeriodtSolarisproposing to develop thesolarfarmonpart of theformer airfieldnear High Ercall.The proposed solarfarm wouldextendto81.4hectares–201acres –and is separatedfrom both High Ercall andRowtonby open fields whichwill continuein agriculturaluse

ThePeriodt Solarwebsite states:“Theproposed developmentwill providearound 49.9MW of clean, green electricity to thelocal powergrid –enough to poweralmost22,000homes a year

“Aswithall sources of renewableenergy, High Ercall SolarFarmwill make avital contribution to theUK’stransition away from fossilfuels,helping deliverthe government’s ambitiousCO2 targets.”

Theformer airfieldwas in use between April1941and February 1962

Warning given out on the future use of land

Farmersand landowners are beingadvisedbyexperts to be increasingly cautious as non-agriculturaldemandsfor theuse of thecountryside increases.

Compulsory acquisition advisors

Wilson Fearnall says people that ownor managelandhavelongpursued ‘diversification’as amatterofneed or choice,but pressure is growingfromother sectors thatneedtouseland,butdonothaveany.

Theneed to avoidconflictbetween this ever-increasingnumberofstakeholders willbeevermore important,the firm has warned

Wilson Fearnall says voluntarymar kets forcarbonoffsetting, biodiversity enhancementand catchment manage ment often grab theheadlines, butthese arelargelyunregulated, andmarkets aredeveloping at asnail’s pace.Whatis

BY IAIN ST JOHN

buildinginthe background much more quietly,but much more significantly,is thenecessary requirementfor theUK to improve anddevelop itsageinginfrastructure.

In most casesthe inclusionoflandessentialfor thedelivery of agrowing range of projects will notbeoptional, but will be earmarkedbythe developerfor compulsoryacquisition andthere is agrowingnumberofbodies whowillhavethe abilitytoutilisesuchpowers

Historically, statutorypowerstotake land or rightswithin it,was largely the gift of theregulatedutilities responsible forroad, rail,power andwater andwith greatpower came great responsibility Demands on thesetraditionalunder takerstoupgrade, renewor replace old networks is increasing, but since the introduction of thePlanning Act2008,

compulsory powers aremuchmore readilyavailabletoanew wave of unregulated privatedevelopersinthese traditional sectorsand others

HM Treasury’s recentlypublished Growth Plan states that theGovernment intend to liberate theprivate sector by ‘accelerating theconstructionofvital infrastructureprojects by liberalising theplanningsystemand streamlining consultation andapproval requirements’ andweare goingtosee marked upturn in projects comingthrough theplanning systemwithpowerstocompulsorilyacquireland.

DirectorofWilsonFearnall, Richard Fearnall,expertincompulsoryacquisition,warns of apotential storm coming.

He said: “Weall supportambitious plansfor growth andthe move towards renewableenergy, butsomebalance needstobemaintained.

“Alongside theincreaseinlanduse

demandfor thedelivery of theseprojects we aregoing to seea growingreluctance from land andproperty owners to give over all or part of their assets to hostsuch schemes. This will intensifythe challenges we arealready seeing within thecon sentingsystem, andunfortunately an increase in theneed to exercise compulsory powers.”

To avoidcostlyand time-consuming disputes Mr Fearnall stronglyadvocates that both landowners andschemepro moters enterfull, open andextensive engagement from theearliestpossible stageofany project anddon’t just ‘tick theboxes’.

Mr Fearnall said: “All toooften we are broughtintoadviseon situations where we have seen authorities whohavebludgeonedtheirprojectforwardontheweight of national need at loggerheadswith landowners whohaveburiedtheir heads in thesand.”

Owen Daley

Conditionsinthe lamb market remain unsteady as external pressuresimpactonconsumer demand,exporttrends and supply, latest figuressuggest.

Casting an expert eyeover ayear of fluctuations,HCC’s data analyst GlesniPhillips said: “The lambsectorhas been underpressure in 2022 duetorising farm input costs, global trade beingimpacted on by thewar in Ukraine,and inflationary pressuresonred meat consumers

“Thishas influenced liveweightpricesatauction markets, which have fluctuated

in recent weekswhile current throughput at abattoirs is below what we wouldexpectfor this time of year,suggesting ashort term increase in supply as the year endapproaches.

“However,average lamb liveweightpricesremain firm when compared to historical averages as export volumes recoverand demand for lamb on theglobalmarketdoes remain strong.Despite recent fluctuations, theliveweight averagehas remained above levels seen in 2020,and also above thelonger-term five-year average, forthe entirety of 2022.”

Salesoflambatretailare lowerthan theprevious three yearsasthe Covid“cook-athome”factordissipated and thecostofliving crisishit shoppers.Demandfor lamb on thedomesticmarkethas been weaker as aresult. Data releasedbyKantar reveals 12 week consumerretailspending on lamb to beginning of October experienced an 18 percent decrease on year-earlier levels

Glesniasserts continued inflation meansthe cost of feeding and finishing stockon farm remainshigh. Shesaid: “Looking ahead, we believe

inflationarypressureswill continuetohave adirectimpact on thesupply of lamb onto the market,alongwith demandfrom consumers

“Some producersmay continuetooffload animals to save on expenditure,and lighter carcases maycomeforward due to limitedfoodavailability and high feed costs.”

Although lambkillnumbers forthe nine-month period are threeper cent higherthan 2021, they areinfactsome eightper cent behind thelonger-term average for thecorresponding period, figuresshow.

Enjoying success in the trail for truffles

Mike Collison and his trusty partnerOscar are on amissiontosniff out valuable truffles

Thedelicacyisinhighdemand by high-endrestaurants from across thecountry.And,ifyou look hard enough,theycan be foundright under your nose.ShropshireTruffles is afamilybusinessinStapleton, near Much Wenlock. Truffles arecollected from a‘truffleorchard’ with alittlehelpfrom Oscar, who thinks sniffing them out is just one biggame.

Theenterprisehas takentimeto grow andhas developedasanoff shoot to thetreeseed business. Mike explained:“In 2006 we purchased aseven-acre fieldtorun ournewly establishedtrees seed businessand nurseryfrom.Weprovide tree seeds to nurseries throughout Europe and treesand hedgingplantstoUKcus tomers.One of ourFrenchcontacts wasproducing‘TruffleTrees’–trees inoculatedwithtrufflespores. After visiting hisnursery andseeinghow they were produced, we decidedto be theUKdistributors for hisplants.

“Initially thesetruffletrees were sold as singleormultipletrees,we then beganproducinggift boxesand imported even more plants.

“In2008wedecidedtoplantsome fouracres of our fieldtotruffles. A mixtureofspecieswas selected mainly hazeland oak.Weunder sowedthe orchard with wildflowers andleft it to nature,unsureifitwas anexpensivefolly,maybeabitoffun or anew venturefor thefuture

“Finally, in theautumn of 2018, we beganto find truffles, butwere unable to collectthemwithout a traineddog.Weboughta truffle huntingpuppy andin2019 discov ered that puppies want to play and nothuntfor truffles! Thefollowing year Oscar thetrufflehound began

to repayour faith in him andhas turned into atruffle findingmachine, often findingtruffles quicker than we cancollect them.”

Thetruffles have transformed thenatureofthe businessand it even offersexperiences to visitors, includingtasting thedelicacyas part of athree-course meal.Mike added: “Thetruffles aresoldretail, torestaurants anddelicatessens,or to wholesalesuppliers. We make some into trufflebutter.Weare very much afamilybusinesswithvarious members of ourfamilyhelping on showdays, producingtrufflebutter or planting andmaintainingour truffleorchard Thetruffleorchard is asourceofinterestbothlocally andnationally, duetoits exceptional performanceand ourstory from the planting of the first treesthrough to

trying to sell truffles in themiddle of apandemic. We have appeared on internationalnews, whichwe find amusingaswewerenot sure if our orchard might just turn outtobean expensive wood!”

Theplantingisinsimplerows, with varieties mixed up.Mikeinter plantedfastergrowing non-truffled treestoencourage shade as earlyas possibleinthe establishment of the wood.Addingmore shade is good forthe truffles as they want anice shadedspot, nottoo wet, butnot too dry, with leaf cover, or thin grass Mike irrigateswhenitgets very hot andalsomakes sure thewood is well managed andhealthy, so it is well pruned andthe grass is kept neat andtidy.

Everythingisgeareduptoencourage thesporestoworktheir

magicand produce as many truffles as possible.But it’s a fickle game.It wasan orchardplanted second that yielded first andwhy is amystery It’s preciselythatmystery andintrigue that createsthe scarcity of the productanddriveshighprices.Now, with both of hiswoods providing truffles, it is hopedtheywill provide aconstantcropfor up to 30 years.

Oscar, aLagottoRomagnolo, loves hisjob andthe exercise he gets. Lagottos areanItalian breed that were originallybredasretriev ersand used as gundogs over the marshesofRomagna,but with the drainingofthe marshestheir use changedand nowtheyare considered pre-eminenttruffledogs. Notonlyisheatrufflehunter, he is also afamilypet,muchloved by Mike andhis family.

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Mike Collison and his Lagotto dog Oscar on awalk through the orchards

Variety’s features could please barley growers

Aspringbarleyvariety that combines consistentyieldsacrossallUKregionsonthe 2022 AHDBRecommended List with high grainquality,interms of specificweight,is beinglaunchedtogrowers of feed barley

SYSplendor,fromSyngenta,wasoriginally bredfor themalting market whereitwas evaluatedfor brewing use.

Butdespitehavingbeenwithdrawn from maltingtests, it continues to offer useful features that couldappeal to feed barley growers,Syngentaseedsportfoliomarketing manager,Kathryn Hamlen, points out.

Topmostamong theseare its consistent treatedyieldsof102 percentofcontrol varieties acrossall regionsonthe 2022 AHDB spring barley Recommended List,saysMrs Hamlen, plus itshighspecific weight of over 68 kg/hl.

ButSYSplendoralsooffersother char acteristics that couldbeuseful if growing spring barley in certain grass weed situations, sheadds.

“Springcroppingisawell-known meth od of reducinggrass weed populations,”says MrsHamlen, “asitgivesgrowers more time

to remove an extra flush of weedsbefore planting

On topofthis, spring barley is acompetitive crop andtherefore has more effectin suppressinggrass weeds.

However, theother desirabletraitsofSY Splendorare itsvigorousgrowthhabit and stiff strawwithgood bracklingresistance

“Early vigorous growth helps avariety to better competeagainst grass weedsfrom thebeginningofthe season –allowinggood plantestablishment before thegrass weeds getachancetocompete.

“Stiff strawhelps laterinthe season if grass weed populationsare higher– as it canhelpthe crop to better withstandgrass weedspulling it down

“Meanwhile,specific weight is astable characteristic, whichmeans if youchoose avarietythatstartswithahighspecific weight,itwillhelptomitigate against the competitiveeffects that grass weedshavefor reducingcropgrain-filling. It is preciselybecauseSYSplendorwas originallydeveloped as amalting varietythatithas such agood specificweight,” Mrs Hamlen adds.

Young farmers give charities funds help

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Agroup of youngfarmers shouldereda heavyloadand took to thecountry roadsof SouthShropshiretoraise moneyfor charity.

BrownCleeYoungFarmers carried out their annual log lugatthe endofOctober

Theyoungsters were raisingmoney for their chosen charities of theyear–Lingen Davies Cancer Fund,Midlands AirAmbu lanceand ShropshireRuralSupport.

Rachel Rose,Brown Clee YoungFarmers Club’s secretary, thankedeveryoneinthe community forsupporting their efforts.

Shesaid: “Wehad an incredible daysell-

inglogs to thelocal community,evenifthe weatherwasn’tonour side.

“Wewould like to thankall of thosewho purchased logs anddonated money, enablingustoraise £1,400.

“A bigthank youmust go to ourgenerous supporters whodonated the wood,and all whogaveuptheir time to splitwood and deliverlogs.

“Wearecurrentlyplanningournextchar ityevent,andwillalsobecarolsinginginthe lead-uptoChristmas,tofurther add to our charityfunds.”

Brown Clee Young Farmers carried out their annual log lug at the end of October

High inputprices, labour shortag es andenvironmental pressure areall drivingthe need for increasedefficiency on-farm,and agriculturalsuppliersare responding, experts say.

At theMidlands MachineryShow last month, visitors found technology that improvesperformance,precision andsafety of machinery. Therewas also time-savinginnovations foroperators, software that optimises input use and apps designedtoprovide information for more informeddecision-making

ThelatestJCB Fastrac made itsMidlands MachineryShowdebut.Itsat alongside aselection of otherJCB handlersexhibited by Sharmans Agricultural andG&J Peck

“TheFastrac has always hadstrong appeal with itsunrivalled ride comfort, greatall-round visibility,and fast work ingand road speeds, says managing di rector of Sharmans,Scott Barclay.

“Withthe newiCONversion, it’s also up with thebestinterms of tractorand implementcontrol andguidance,withan enhanced transmissioncontributing to a more enjoyable, more productive experience forthe operator.”

BurdensGroup showcased NewHol land’s newT7Heavy Duty with PLM Intelligence tractor. Thelatestmodel has awide varietyoffeaturesdesignedtooptimise efficiency.IntelliTurn, forexampleautomates steering during headland turns, selectingthe optimum routeto minimise time andcompaction. It canbe combined with theHTS II control, which recordsand storesall implementsequences andoperationsatthe headland.

Seeds are sown to help wildlife

BY IAIN ST JOHN

Thelargesteverwildflower grasslandinthe UK is to be createdbythe National Trust.

Theprojectwillsee pockets of arich savannah sown across70miles of the northDevon landscape by 2030. In the past fewweeks, theNationalTrust has planted1.3 milliontonnesofseed across 86 hectaresofland.

These fields,anareaequivalentto120 football pitches, willbecomedonor sites forthe remainder of theproject over the next eight years.

Projectco-ordinator Joshua Daysaid: “Theequivalentof4.5 millionacres of species-richgrasslands have been lostnationallyoverthe last 100 years, with only oneper centremainingtoday

“This hashad adevastating impact on ournative wildflowers, with once common species such as eyebrights and cowslips becomingeverrarer,and adis astrous impact on thespeciesthatare re liantonthese flower-richhabitatssuchas bumblebees andother pollinators.

“However,lowland grasslandcreation is averyeffective andrelativelyquick

Pockets of arich savannah will be sown across 70 miles of the north Devon landscape by 2030

waytoimprove habitatsfor wildlifeand boost biodiversity. Forthe best chanceof success, it’s vitaltosow theright typesof plants in theright places.

“This willensurewegrowthe right complementary wildflowersfor thearea whichwillhelpwildlifethatalready lives there, as well as attracting newspecies.”

Theteamhas selected thelandfor this projectby assessingits soil chemistry and

suitabilitytogrowdifferentspecies. At oneofour first sitesatArlington,wehave sown seed forwildflowerssuchasbird’sfoottrefoilandknapweedwhicharegood forhundredsofdifferentinsects,” Mr Day said

“AtWoolacombewe’ve sown species such as kidney vetch andviper’s-bugloss to complement thesanddunes andcliff tops, whichare good forbluebutterflies andespecially thesmall blue whichis scarce in theWestCountry

“Onceestablished, themeadows will also attracta varietyofimportant species such as voles, pollinatorsand bats.”

Theteamhas sourcedseed with asuitableprovenancefor the first trancheof planting whichhas been sown usinga combination of twodifferentmethods hand sowing andseed broadcasting.

“We’ll leavethe grasslands to really establish themselvesfor acoupleofyears andharvest the first seed in 2025,”Mr Daysaid.

“Every hectare we harvestfrom adonorsitewillprovide us with seed to sow twomore hectares.

“This givesusa sort of pyramideffect whichmeans by 2030 we’llhaveplanted ourproject area importantly with seed from thelocal area.”

Youngsters get message

More than 1,000 schoolchildren from acrossPembrokeshireattendedthe first ever ‘Food Story/Stori Bwyd’event,held by thePembrokeshireAgriculturalSociety on theCountyShowground.

During theevent almost 30 arable, dairy, beef,pig andsheep farmers, from all over thecounty, volunteered their time to talktothe children anddemon strate local food production

They explained to thegroupsthe jour neyofthe differentcrops, vegetables, milk,eggsand meat producedinPembrokeshire.

Mansel Raymond, presidentofPembrokeshireAgriculturalSociety, wasone of thevolunteersatthe event.

He said: “BothRosalindand Iwould like to sayamassive thankyou to each andevery oneofthe volunteerswho took twodaysout from their busy work on the farm to come andtalk to thechildren and demonstrate how they produce food and drink. Thesmiles on thefaces of thechil dren said it all

“Theylistenedintently,tookpartinthe demonstrationsand theteacherstookresources back with them to their schools tocontinuethe learning.

“One of theimportant elements of PembrokeshireAgriculturalSociety’s work iseducational andspreadingthe word around thecountyabout howlocal food is producedbyfarmers.As well as food production,the eventwas an op portunity to teachthe children about the seasonalityofwhatweproduce locally andhow theweather andclimateaffects theworkfarmers do andhow thecrops grow.”

Views sought about scheme

Theviews of English farmerswho have chosen nottotakepartinthe Govern ment’s Landscape Recovery PilotScheme arebeingsoughtby Harper AdamsUniversityresearchers

Theschemeforms part of theDepartment forEnvironment,Food andRural Affairs’Environmental Land Management Scheme,alongside theSustainable FarmingIncentive (SFI) andLocal Na ture Recovery

The first round of projects focused on recovering andrestoring England’s threatened native species –and restor ingEngland’s streamsand rivers through improving waterquality,biodiversityand adapting to climatechange

In total,22successful bids forpilot projects were announcedthisSeptember

However, theHarperAdams research team arekeentohearfrom thosewho chosenot to take part,withtheir study aimingtohelppolicymakersunderstand whyEnglish farmersmade this choice andhow policies such asthe Landscape RecoveryPilot Scheme areaffecting them. Seniorlecturer NigelHill –one of thoseworking on theresearchfor Harper Adams– explained:“It’s keythatwehear from English farmersontheir viewson thepilot –and we areparticularlykeen to hear from thosewho chosenot to take part in thescheme.

“Weare lookingintothe issue forthe Agriculture andHorticulture Development Boardand gaining an insight into howfarmers in Englandare adapting their farmingbusinessestochangesin agriculturaland environmental policies like thesewill be invaluable.”

Completingthe survey shouldtake around 15-20 minutes andcan be done online.

Sustainable production in focus at meat event

BY IAIN ST JOHN

More than 700people flocked to Wynnstay’sSheep andBeefevent

Theconversationfocused on promoting sustainablemeatproductionto combat misinformation andimprove margins.

Gareth Davies, Wynnstay chief exec utive, said whilethere is alargeamount of uncertainty within thesector, thereare awealthofopportunities forfarmers to produce highquality food,ina sustaina ble, efficientand profitablemanner.

“Thecomplex sustainability subject wasmentioned by everyspeaker at the event, butthe overridingadvice was to make smallchangestoimprove efficiency,” said Mr Davies.

Linked to sustainability,the challenge of industry perceptionswas also akey topic.

“While as an industry we know that we’renot thebiggest contributorof greenhouse gasemissions –one of our biggest challengesispromoting this wider andchallenging misinformation,” Mr Davies added.

Speakingatthe event, JamesRuggeri from Hybu Cig Cymru–MeatPromotion Wales (HCC), highlighted that margins aretight andwhile thereare oppor

tunities in both sectors, muchof theseare reliantonimprovedefficiency

“Bymakingsmall changes, such as improving feed conversionorfertility, enhanced financialand environmental sustainability improvementscan be achieved,”saidMrRuggeri

Beef farmer Paul Williams said as an industry “we cannot go greenifweare in thered”. “In thebeefsector, thereare things all farmerscan do to improve effi ciency to achieve better return on invest

ment,as well as reducingemissions.For example,reducingthe ageof first calving andcalving intervals, andincreasing calf survival canall make significant improvementsacrossall areasofthe business,” said Mr Williams

MatthewSmith,vice presidentof Alltech andheadofAlltech E-CO2, re inforced this messageby saying that measurement anddataiskey to improve efficiency andthiswillnot only enhance marginsbut reduce environmental im-

pact.AuthorJayne ReesBuxton provided asimilaropiniononemissions from ag riculture.She startedresearching about thetopicoffood, health andthe environ ment when she noticedthatplant-based messagingwas dominatingthe debate andthatmuchofthe data beingusedto promote theplant-based narrative was incorrect

“Thedaily ‘stopeatingmeat’ headline sparkedmetodomore research andit became clearhow much misinformation wasout there,”she said

“Theclaim that livestock globallyis responsiblefor 50 percentofemissions wasbeingregularlymade, forexample Though it couldn’t be furtherfromthe truth, that number seemstohavestuck in peoples’minds Theacceptedglobal number is 14.5 percent, buteventhatis an overstatementbecause of severalfactors

“For example,the calculationsfor live stockcalculationsare basedonlifecycle accounting,but this is notthe case with othersectors like transport.

“Therefore, we’renot comparingapples with apples.”

“WhenFAO representativesdid the calculationsonalike-for-like basis, they concludedthatlivestockwould account for five percentofglobalemissions versus14per centfor transport,” explained Ms ReesBuxton

New figures reveal thedangers of travelling on our rural roads

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Road users arebeing warned they arefar morelikely to be killed on rural roadsthan urban roads.

Starkstatistics showthat71roadusers in theWestMidlands,includingShropshire, losttheir livesonrural roadslastyear. The figureis37per cent more than in 2020 and 15 percentmore than thosewho diedonurbanroads The figures have been released by insurerNFU Mutual

Across theWestMidlands, figures show35 cardrivers andtheir passengers were killed on ruralroads in 2021, over 50 percentmore than thosekilled on urban roads in thesame year.

Therewere15 motorcyclist deaths on ru ralroads,anincreaseof275 percentin2021, and14pedestrians losttheir livesonrural roadsin2021 in theWestMidlands,over twice thenumberfrom 2020.

NFU Mutual saidvulnerableroadusers suchascyclists, motorcyclistsand pedestriansare more likely to be killed or seriously injuredonrural roadsper miles travelled than drivers andtheir passengers –though cyclist deaths aredownon2020 as fewer miles were completed

An NFUMutualpollfound 23 percentof people hadbeeninvolvedinacollisionoraccidentonarural road

Jade Devlin, ruralroads specialist at NFU Mutual,said: “Theselatest figures confirm ourfears that an increase in ruralroadtraffic has resulted in an increase in thenumberof fatalities andcasualties on countrysideroads –withvulnerableroadusers generallybearingthe bruntofit.

“NFU Mutual analysisalsoshows that nationally, in thepast fouryears,over4,000 people have been killed on ruralroads,com paredtojustunder 2,500 on urban roads.

“Ruralroads arealifelinetomanyisolat-

ed people andasharedspace forthe entire population,sothisisanationaltragedy,akey concernofthe public at large.”

When drivers were asked about their greatest concernwhenusingruralroads, otherdrivers,vulnerableroadusers suchas walkers, cyclistsand horseriders, winding andnarrowroads andagriculturalvehicles represented thegreatestconcern.

More than athirdwantedtosee reduced speed limits on countryside roads. In re sponse to thedisproportionate risk on rural roads, NFU Mutual runs theRural Road Safety campaign Thecampaignissupported by theDepartmentforTransport,British Cy clingand theBritish HorseSociety.

It aims to raiseawareness of theunique hazardsofrural roadsand supportall road userstoreduce road casualties. National ly,there were well over 10,000 fatalities or seriousinjuries on ruralroads in 2021, an increase of over 1,000 –12per cent– from 2020.

Within this figure, thenumberofpeople wholosttheir livesonrural roadsin2021 increasedbyseven percentto981,more than two-thirds higherthanthe number of people killed on urban roadsduring thesameperiod

Patsy Pyke,chairmanofthe East Shrop shireRidingClub, said oneofthe club members wasknocked off herhorse afew months agoand is facinga second knee operation Shesaid: “Manyriders have takentowearing ‘hat cams’while out on theroads because, if drivers seethemtheydotendtoslowdown.

“Wewould urge driverstoslowdownto 10 miles an hour andpass wide andslow. And we arealsourgingriders to showtheir appreciation,wearhighvis clothingand not go outonhorsesthattheycan’t control.

“Itisall aboutmutual respectbetween all road users.

“Lorry anddelivery drivers aregenerally very good.”

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year From W&M

The Wynnstay Sheep and Beef event

cer, said:“While we don’town our region’s rivers we have an important role to playin improving riverhealth andwe’re really keen to hear aboutunique projects

that arecommitted to makingrivers better places for both localwildlife and communities

“Wehopethat thefundwill create some fantastic opportunities for projects right across theregion to join us in leading positivechangefor our region’s rivers.”

Grants applytonon-profit organisationsand charities which eitherhelppeople lead ahealthierlife or gain newskills.

To find outmoreabout the Community Fund,and howtoapply, visitstwater.co.uk/communityfund

Study looks at sheep fertility

In an in-depth research project lookingintokey drivers for improvedsheep fertility, Hybu CigCymru –Meat Promotion Wales(HCC) found that tackling preventable disease in productiveewesplays a significant role in improving farm efficiency andpotential profitability.

Theresearchfound that twoofthe diseasesfound to play apivotal role in ewes scanningempty on theselectedfarms were Johne’sdisease andToxoplasmosis.

All farmersparticipating in HCC’sEUandWelsh Government-fundedStoc+ Projectwereinvited to take part in theresearch, as sheep fertilitywas identified as oneofthe keytopics thosefarmers were keen to learn andunderstandmore about.

TheStoc+ projectpromotes proactive flockand herd health management,tohelp Wales lead theworld in animal welfare,sus tainabilityand efficiency

Farmsthattookpartintheinitialresearch were asked to gather samples fortesting and suppliedbackground information anddata regarding flocknumbers,previouslambing percentagesand generalanimal health practices.

Asecondphaseofthe researchsaw 10 flocks chosen foranin-depth review of scanningdatawhichinvolvedsamplingcol lectionfrom emptyewesbyanexperienced vet.

Oneofthose farmers, HywelWigley of Llwyngwern,Llaunwchllyn near Bala,said: “This researchhas proved pivotal to my flockofWelshmountainewes.

“Scanningresults this year showedsome of theewesscanningempty

“This projectallowed more research to be carried outonthe farm anddiagnoseany is sues within the flock.

“Working with my localvet, samples were taken, testscarried outand anyproblems identified anddealt with proactively

“Myflockhascertainlybeenstrengthened becauseofthisprojectand Iampleased that theevidence gathered willbesharedwidely with theindustry to helpotherstoo.”

Commissioningthe research,HCC has createdanunique setofdatalooking at the agestructure of flocks andthe affects breed ingfemales’longevity has on theeconomics of family farms.

John Richards,HCC projectleader,said: “Wealwaysstrive forinnovation, andwe’re proudtobeworking with Welsh farmersto collatedatanot collectedfrom Welsh nor UK sheepfarmers previously.

“A lotofworkhas been carried outlookingatthe productive livesofdairy cattle acrossthe UK, butthislooks like a first for sheep in Walesand theUK.

“Technologyishelping farmerscollect data more efficientlynow andthenfeeding that information to research work,suchas ours,looking at sheep fertility.

“Another interestingelementisthe significant variationbetween sheep fertility on farmsand also within differentlambing yearsfor each farm,withmanyofthe businesses notexperiencingthe same fertility andfecundity issues everyyear.

“Theother issues found during theresearch wasthatbodycondition score and ewes agewerecloselyassociatedwithfertility issues, with Johne’sdisease identified as a common causeoflower bodycondition and high ewereplacementrates within those flocks.

“This newresearchinsheep shows the importance of improveddisease controlon farms.

“Weare grateful to all thefarmers and vets whoparticipatedinthe projectand worked with us to research animal health andsheep fertility.

“Wenow look forwardtosharing this re search furtherwiththe industry to continue to make improvements to thehealth,sus tainabilityand efficiency of sheep on Welsh farms.”

HCC’sStoc+ is oneofthree five-year projects in theRed Meat DevelopmentPro gramme

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Hywel Wigley,right, with son Llywarch participated in HCC Stoc+ sheep fertility project

Warning on buying second-hand oil tanks

Households arebeingurgedtoavoid cutting cornersiftheyneed to buyareplacement oiltankthisautumn.

Thewarningcomes amid reportsofpeo plebuyingunsafe second-handoil tanksor attempting risky ‘DIY’oil tank installation projects, as many look to reduce costs in the midst of thecurrent costof living crisis

OFTEC, aregistration bodyfor off gas grid heating, has raised concerns that,by purchasingasecond-hand tank,peopleare unknowinglyputtingthemselvesatrisk of costlyrepairs in thefuture

Malcolm Farrow from OFTEC said: “New oiltanks arebuilt to rigorousstandards and, if installed correctly, willgive many yearsof reliableservice

“Whilst acheap deal maybetempting

upon first glance,itisimpossibletoguaranteethe conditionorhistoryofasec ond-handoil tank,whichbringswithitadded risksand potential costs whichyou could be liablefor

“A well-installed andmaintainedoil tank is very dependableand willhaveanexpected workinglifeofaround20years.In asec ond-handtank, signsofageingmay be diffi cult to spot with thenakedeye,particularly if thetankisempty,but couldcontribute to fuel leaksoreventualtankfailure Theloss of fuel andclean up couldbecostlyfor the homeowner, so second-handtanks arebest avoided.”

OFTEC also strongly advisesagainst any DIYoil tank projects andurgeshouseholds to contactaprofessionalinstead

Market is boosted by soaring prices

Thelivestock market in Bishop’s Castleisenhancing itsreputation as aprimeUK centrefor thesale of top qualitysuckler-bredstore cattle as demand forBritish beefboomsinthe run-up to Christmas

Astore cattle auction, on November 3, sawsteerssellfor up to £1,545 or 328p per kilo andheifersfor up to £1,740 or 298p per kilo Theoverallaverageforthe200cattleon offer was£1,256. Auctioneer JamesEvans,a directorofHalls, explained that thecurrent boominmarketprices is fuelledbyashort ageofbeefcattleinthe UK andalsoconcern aboutthe impact of bird fluonturkeyavail abilityfor Christmas. He stressed buyers are payingapremiumfortopqualitystorecattle whichare purchased by farmersfor finish ingready forslaughter Thedifference in price paid fortop andlesserquality is widening. Bishop’sCastlemarketattracts farm ersfrom a35-mile radius,withthe Welsh Marchesand MidWales hillsrenownedfor thequality of their suckler herds. Themar ketsells suckler bred storecattleagedfrom eight months to 30 months

“Thereiscurrently ashortageinthe UK of topquality beef cattle,the price of which continues to increase to in excessof£2,000 forslaughter,” said Mr Evans.

“Fortunately,Bishop’sCastleisstrengtheningits reputation as theplace to sell and buytop quality,suckler bred,store cattle andcalvesand it’s good to seethatfarmers

arebeingrewardedfor their hard work.We have hada fantasticrun of salesthisautumn andit’sgreat to seethisdemandfor these cattle from acrossthe wholeofthe UK, as thereare nowfewer markets wheretheycan be bought.” Explainingthe boomindemand forBritish beef,MrEvans added: “Because thepound is weak against othercurrencies, meat importstothe UK aremore expensive whichmeans thereisagreater focuson home reared cattle

“Consumers aredemandinglessfood miles on theproductstheybuy,sosuper markets arefocusingmore on British beef andlamb, whichare also boostedbythe uncertainty,causedby bird flu, surrounding theChristmasavailability of turkey.”

“Georgeachievedoutstanding

academic studies, butalsohis widersuccess.”

Auctioneer James Evans

food milesand makingthe most of the Welshpoundtoboostthe economy.

SinceApril 1ithas provided over threemillionschooldinners to primary

andsecondaryschools,including in Knowsley, on Merseyside

It meansRadnorHills bottlesjoin productsfromJones VillageBakery, Edwardsthe Welsh Butcher, South Caernarfon Creameries, Llaeth y Llan VillageDairy andHarlech’s own Bwydlyn Butchery

Radnor Hills marketing manager Chris Butler, said: “We’re delighted that through our partnershipwith Harlech Foodservice we arenow reaching even more newcustomers andour shared commitmenttothe environment is also very important to us.”

Deal is agreed with investor

Tiger Infrastructure Partners has announceda control investment of £75million in Rural BroadbandSolutions Holdings Limited(RBBS), aproviderofbroadband services in rural areasofthe UK.

Deliveredvia itsShropshire-based internetservice provider brandSWS Broadband, RBBS initiallyprovidedbroadband through fixedwirelessaccesstechnologyinthecounty.Since thelaunch of theGovernment’s ProjectGigabit scheme,whichsubsidises broadbandroll-out in ruralareas,itnew deploysfull fibre.

ChristopherNew,CEOofRBBS,said:“We believe TigerInfrastructureisalike-minded investor whoseexpertise andcapital willassistusinmakingRBBSaleaderinourniche

“WithTiger Infrastructure’sinvestment, RBBS is well-positioned to helpcommunities in Shropshireand Wales solve theimmediateand growingrequirementfor reliable, gigabit-capable connectivity.”

EmilWHenryJr, chief executive of Tiger Infrastructure,said:“RBBS,withitstrackrecord of operating ahigh-quality fixedwirelessaccessnetwork anddeploying full fibre in challenging areas, represents an ideal partnerfor TigerInfrastructure.

“Wehavethe opportunity to invest alongside theUK Government to meet theneeds of ruralhouseholdsand smallbusinesses that,despitestronggrowthindatacon

sumption,remainservedbysignificantly slower andlessreliablecopper lines or fi bre-to-the-cabinet.”

“Havingfollowedthe UK fibresector formanyyears,wewereimpressed by the qualityand investment disciplineofRBBS’ managementteamandlookforwardtopartnering with them to deliverbest-in class infrastructureand service to ruralcommu nities.”

RBBS’visionistocreateahigh-quality, contiguous networkinitiallycovering ap proximately100,000 remote premisesin small townsinShropshireand Wales.

Food and drink supply chain turnover is rising

Welsh food anddrink continues to thrive as latest figures showthe sector’s supply chainturnoverincreased to £23 billionin 2021, RuralAffairs Minister Lesley Griffiths has said

This represents agrowthof2.9 percent from the£22.4bnin2020.

Thefood anddrink manufacturing sector in Wales, producingdiverse products, experiencedverystronggrowthin2021 with turnover increasingby10.2 percentfrom £4.9bnto£5.4bn.

Theannouncementfollowsthe news earlier this year that Welsh food anddrink exports hitarecordhighin2021 reaching £640m.

TheWelshGovernment said it continues to helpbusinessesinthe sector through

multiple supportschemes providingmarket insight andintelligence,investment, technical support, exportsupportand strong emphasis on businessnetworking.

Lesley Griffithssaid: “These figures demonstrate thecommitmentand desireof Welsh food anddrink businessestosucceed, despitethe tougheconomic situationthey face.Iamveryproudofthe resilience and enterprise shown by businessesemerging from thepandemic andovercomingmulti plesupply chainchallenges.

“Wales’innovative spirit continues to shinebrightlyinthe sector andthe proofis in thepuddingwithWelshbusinessescon tinuingtopickupawards.

“Welsh Government supportisalsoplayinganimportant role.”

Christopher New of RBBS

Advice on offer to improve safety

Farming’s alarming safety record wastackledatthe Midlands Machinery Show with practicalemergency firstaid demonstrations on each dayof theevent

“Someone dies on aUKfarm every10days, which is both absolutely tragic andshameful,” saidshoworganiser Elizabeth Halsall. “It’shigh time that we do more as an industry to tackle ourserious health andsafety issues.”She said that waswhy theshowhostedpractical first aiddemonstrationsalongsidea drop-in nurse clinicoffering blood pressure andhealth checks, and mental health andother support from theFarming Community Network. Thepracticaldemos were staged by safety and first aidspecialistSingleton Training Services andthe National AssociationofAgricultural Contractors

NAAC chairman James Bannister hadapersonal reason forsupporting theinitiative, having lost hisleftarm in afarmincident.

He said: “Itwas 10.30amon Thursday, August 6, 1998 andI remember standingalongside thepotatoharvester Iwas about to cleandownbetween fields, chatting with atrailerdriver workmate. My nextmemoryis being dragged into themachine by theleftarm, fighting for my life

“Asthe elevator wasjustbiting into my neck,the otherdriver stoppedmytractor

“Despite massiveblood loss, I remained consciousthroughout “Ittook more thantwo hoursfor fire andrescue, andambulance crewstoget me out, witha surgeonalongside readyto amputate

“I’dbeen operating that harvesterfor five yearsand knew full well what Ishoulddobefore cleaning down

“But I’dbecome blasé, complacent,taking my ownsafety for granted.”

When workplaceinjuriesdo occur, they don’tcomewith an advancewarning,emphasised Singleton Training Services principalNigelSingleton.

He said:“Thebettertrainedand preparedyou are, thelesslikely youare to be injuredyourself, andthe more capable you’ll be if needed to help an injured colleague.”

With prevention in mind,NAAC hashad theAssuredLand-Based Contractor(ALBC)schemesince 2010,but this hasnojurisdiction overfarmerclients.

Nigel Singleton saidhe wonderedwhy farming doesn’t have an equivalent of the ConstructionSkillsCertification Scheme.“Thescheme’spurpose is to improve standardsand safety on construction sites,” he explained.“Surely asimilar training andexam-based Farming Safety Certification Scheme for farmers, employeesand contractors, is worthserious consideration to tackle the industry’s alarming safety problem?”

Complex approved despite objections

Councillorshavesaidtheysaw no grounds to refuse an applicationfor an ‘intensive dairycomplex’despiteconcern andopposition from residents.

ShropshireCouncil’s northern plan ningcommittee unanimouslyapproved theproposal forTrefarclawddFarmat Trefarclawdd, near Oswestry

Theplanwas fora newmilking complex, whichwould be a“much moreintensivemilkingunit”,seeingthe farm go from 150 to 500 cows.

Theplans include an 875 square me tre‘moderncovered holdingyardfor the dairycowswaiting to go into theparlour’, as well as aslurrylagoonmeasuring 60m by 25m.

During ameeting councillorsheard from anumberofobjectors –raising concerns aboutthe impactonthe local environment,waterways, androads Councillor JoyceBarrow, whorepre sentsthe St Oswald ward,spoke against theapplication–and withdrew herself

from avoteonthe proposal as aresult.

Shesaid: “Themajority of residents of Coed-y -Goand thesurroundingareaare vehemently against this application.”

Councilplanningofficer Philip Mullineux said he wassatisfied none of theconcerns wouldamounttoareason to refuse planningpermission.

He said: “Not oneofthe statutorycon sulteeshaveobjected.”

He added: “If this wasnot acceptable with this environmental impact assess-

ment whyhavenoneofthese statutory consultees considered it notacceptable?”

RichardCorbett,from RogerParry & Partners planningconsultants, whorep resented theapplicants, theLlanforda Es tate, said theplans would be an “industry leadingmodernisation of afarmusing thebesttechnology”

Committee member,CouncillorVince Hunt,saidheacknowledgedlocal feeling over theproposalsbut couldsee no reasontorefusethe plans

Net zero challenges studied

Leadingvoices have gathered to considerthe challengesinachieving netzero in farmingand food at thelaunchofthe HarperAdams UniversityGlobal Policy Forum.

Atthesametimeasworldleadersgathered in Egyptfor theCOP27 conference, thepanel of leadersfrom acrossthe agriculturaland food sectorsweregathered to consider thechallengesof transformingeach, both in theUKand globally.

They considered thechallengesof making thegoal of achieving netzerorealistic andattainablefor everyday farm ersand food producers.

Broadcaster JuliaBradbury chaired a lively discussionbetween thepanellists, whowerethe DirectorofFood Matters InternationalJudith Batchelar OBE; Director at Carbon Metrics andHarper Adamsalumna, Helen Dent;Professor of Food PolicyatCityUniversityTimothyLang;and Deputy Vice-Chancellor of HarperAdams University, Professor MichaelLee

Theevent –beforean audience of figures acrossthe food andfarming sectors –was heldatRabobank’sLondonheadquarters thanks to thebank’sgenerous supportashost.

It wasthe first eventheldaspartof theongoingHarperAdams University Global PolicyForum, anew initiative to increase theuniversity’sengagementwith Government,policymakers, business

leadersand otheropinionformers.Italso markedthefirstanniversaryofthelaunch of theSchool of SustainableFood and Farming, an initiative developedjointly with McDonaldsUK&I, Morrisons and theNFU,whichaimstoeducate,inspire andempower currentand future farmers to achieve net-zerowithin asustainable farmingand food system.

HarperAdams University’sChancel lorPrincessAnnealsoattendedthe debate, sharingher viewsafter thepanel’s discussion. Shealsomet thepanel anda number of keypartnersand delegatesat areception followingthe debate includingpartnersinthe School of Sustainable

Food andFarming, staff from Rabobank, staff andstudents from Harper Adams University, anda groupofyoung people with interestsinthe food andfarming sector,includingpupilsfrom Westmin ster Academy in West London

Thepupilsvisited Harper Adams earlier this year foran‘eye-opening’ insight into all things food andfarming–which was filmed forBBC TV’s Countryfile –and were invitedtothe eventtopose their questionstothe panel.Closing the debate, Harper AdamsVice-Chancellor ProfessorKen Sloansaid: “Ithas been a challenging 12 months forthe farming andfoodsector,withCovid,inflationand thewar in Ukraineputting even more obstacles in theway of us gettingnutri tious,affordable food to ourown,and theworld’s population,inthe most sus tainable waywecan.Asthe UK’s largest providerofgraduatetalenttothefarming andfood industries, andas asignificant contributorofresearchand innovation, includingthrough ourown Future Farm, HarperAdamshasaresponsibilitytostep up andhelptoidentify anddisseminate practicalsolutions to thepressingproblemsweface.Weare finalisinga strategic plan forthe universityand ourvisionfor HarperAdams 2030 willput greateremphasis on collaboration, global engage ment andthought leadership alongside thestrengths forwhichweare already known.”

Bird fluhelp call is made

Afarmers’union is calling for urgentsupportfor poultry businessesamidthe threat ofbird fluand soaring production costs.

Callsfor supportcameas British shoppers looking for eggs have been metwith empty shelves, as theUK’slargest ever outbreak of bird fluand rising costshaveplaced pressure on eggsupplies

Membersofthe National FarmersUnion metatthe CymruPoultryConferenceand expressedtheir serious concerns forthe impactthatsevereenergy priceinflation,hikes in feed costs andthe worsteverUKoutbreak of AvianInfluenzaweretaking on theirbusinesses. Following theconference, NFUCymru has writtentothe Welsh government calling forimmediateactionto supportWelshpoultrybusinesses in thewakeofthe unprecedented challengestheyface. Theunion hascalledupon thegovernment to immediately introduceall-Wales poultryhousing measures to help protectcommercial flocks against Avian Influenza.

Key action plan aims to boost productivity

An action plantoboost productivityand innovation in British agriculture has been launched atthe House of Lords.

“Britain has some of thebestscientistsinthe world, but unfortunately that science is often slow to be appliedatthe farm level,”saidLord CurryofKirkharle, whochaired theApplication of Science workinggroup

“Weunderstandthe government budget constraints, butfood security, carbon netzeroand biodiversity areexistential challengesthatrequireaction,” said ProfessorMichaelLee,Deputy Vice-ChancellorofHarperAdams University, anddeputychair of theworking group.

TheApplicationofScience report examines exactlywhy UK agriculture productivityhas laggedbehindother

BY IAIN ST JOHN

nations, andputsforward aseries of recommendations needed to deliverscience more quicklyand surelytotacklefood security,Net Zero andbiodiversitychallengeswhere necessary Theworking groupgrewout of awebinarearlier this year,where Food and FarmingFutures andHarperAdams University’s School of SustainableFood andFarmingasked industry,academia andpolicyrepresentativestoconsider howthe applicationof science couldbe best deliveredtoensureajustagricul turaltransitioninthe United Kingdom in response to theAgriculturalAct 2020, climatechange and thereality of awar in Europe with theongoingconflictin Ukraine.

Oneofthe keyinsightsfrom thereport is that thepathfrom scientificdiscov erytoon-farm applicationinthe UK is

fragmented.UnlikeFrance, Germany, US andmostother industrialisedcountries, theUK does nothaveapublic or private entity clearlyresponsible forapplication of science in practicalagriculture

Thereportsaysfragmentation is most noticeable forinnovations that change farmingpractices such as crop rotation, grazingmanagement, timingof fieldoperations,tillage.Itsaidfor innovations that involve purchasingnew inputsor services, agribusinessand theAgri-Tech Centreshaveled theway,but forchang es in farmingpractices thereisnoclear champion

“Everyoneinthe workinggroup agrees that food security must be treatedby the government as apublic good,worthy of beingsupportedwithpublic money, just as much as biodiversityand carbon netzero,”saidProfessorJames Lowenberg-DeBoer, theElizabeth Creak Chair of Agri-TechEconomics at Harper Ad

amsUniversityand lead author of the report

“Someother aspectsofthe report were intenselydebated,but it wasobvious to everyone that food security is essential forafunctionalmodernsociety.”

Thereportseeks to tackle thesechallenges, with aseries of recommendations forpolicymakersand agricultural leaderswhichaim to tackle thestrategies and structures holdingBritish agriculture back

Among thereport’skey recommenda tionsare food security shouldbeconsidered by theUK government as apublic good andincludedinthe “public money forpublic goods” approach.

Thereportrecommended funding shouldbeprioritisedby Government to agriculturalextensionand thedelivery of scientificknowledge

And it said UK agriculture should at tracttalentfrom allsectors of society.

Harper Adams Vice-Chancellor Professor KenSloan and Princess Anne enjoy the debate

Project ‘has been ahit’

ThePrince’sCountryside Fund broughttogethermembers of itsFarm SupportGroup Initiative at theHouse of Lords.

Theevent,hostedbyBaronessKate Rock,was to promotethe successof its involvement in therecentFarmfor the Future programme andtolaunchthe accompanying evaluationreport.

KeithHalstead, executive director of thefund, said: “Itwas fantastictobe able to bringtogetherthe farm support groupswho have been so instrumental to thesuccessofour Farm forthe Future programme

“In just six months,wemanaged to supportover880 farmingfamilies to im prove their businessand environmental knowledge,withanincredibly95percent reportingthattheyfeelmore confidentin their abilitytoplanfor thefutureasaresult of taking part

“

Theprogramme is also creating alegacyoflocal networks, helping to tackle theproblem of isolationinour countryside.”

Farm for theFuture is thePCF’s free programme of supportprovidingbusiness andenvironment trainingand one-to-one supporttofarmers across England, deliveredbyFarmSupport Groupsin15areas andvirtually.Funded by Defra, theprogramme helpsfarmers tackle theongoingchallengesand grasp thenew opportunities on offer linked to theagriculturaltransition. Thepro gramme is nowopenfor farmerstosign up acrossEngland via thePCF website: princescountrysidefund.org.uk/farmforthefuture

MP visits local timber company

BY IAIN ST JOHN

thesustainability of theUK timber industry

Mr Dunnevisited Hazlin, agrowing local timber productsmanufacturer, whichmakes fire resistantdoors forthe NHS, employing85members of staff acrosstwo sitesinBurford andBrom field, near Ludlow

Thevisit comesasthe Environmental AuditCommittee,chaired by Mr Dunne, launched an inquiryinJulyintothe sustainabilityofthe UK timber industry in thecontext of global deforestation.

Theinquirywill“explore howbestto scaleupasustainableand resilientdomestic timber sector to reduce reliance on imports, whilst also achieving itswid ernaturerecoveryand biodiversitygoals throughwoodlandcreation”

Mr Dunnesaiditwas important to se cure asustainablefuture forthe industry

He said: “Itisvital that we look holistically at thewhole production cycleof

thetimberindustryinthe UK if we areto secure asustainablefuture forthe sector “From independenttreenurseries, woodlands managedby Forestry England,theWoodlandTrustandlocalfarmers, to ourtimbermillsand stockholding yardsand local manufacturers like Hazlin; Iamlooking to understandthe part each has to play in ensuring sustainable

sourcingoftimberthrough woodlands over future decades.

“VisitingChris Jonesand hisson To mos, with IanMakins whohas been at Hazlin since it started, gave me useful insightsintothe sector locally andthe challengesofsourcingdomestictimber.

“I am also grateful to them forsubmitting evidence to theEAC inquiry.”

Inhibitor is given launch

OMEX Agriculturehas launched a newureaseinhibitor NitroShield

The firm says theinhibitor has been demonstratedtoreduce ammoniaemissions from urea containingfertilisersby more than 70 percent, andcan lift winter wheat yields by 0.3t/haand grainprotein by 0.2 percent.

Defrahas announcednew rules on ammoniamitigation forureafertilisers, whichinclude theuse of liquid UANfer tilisers.

Thenew rulingmeans that from 2024, unlessmitigation measuresare implemented,any fertiliser containingurea such as UAN, excludingureasolutions forfoliarapplications, appliedafter April 1eachyearmust include aureaseinhib itor

Thegovernment has agreed with the NFU andindustrypartnersthatafarmingindustryself-regulationapproachwill work best forthe environment andfood production. Theseguidelines willbeappliedthrough the Red TractorAssurance Standard

AddingNitroShield to liquid nitrogen applications canhelpfarmers meet this requirement, whilst improving efficiency,and at themosteffective application rates. With lessammonia losttothe at mosphere andcontained within thesoil, thenitrogenappliedalongside this inno vativeureaseinhibitorisbetterutilisedby crops.

NitroShield has undergone threeyears ofrigoroustrials.Itmeetsthegovernment targetofreducingammonia emissions by 70 percent, whichwillhelpfarmers grow more sustainably

Ludlow MP Philip Dunne went on afact-finding mission to alocal company aheadofaninquiryinto

Philip Dunne MP with Tomos Jones, Ian Makins and Chris Jones

Applicators allow for safer slurry spreading

Tramspread has launched arange of tank er applicatorsthatreduce theweightstress on thereardoorfor saferslurryspreading.

TheSuffolkRange of dribblebar applicators usesimilartechnologytothe company’s umbilical systems but areattachedtoa tank er with aunique mountmethod.

TerryBaker,managingdirector, said: “Theclampingontankerdoors canoften fail duetothe stressoflargebooms being mountedon fixings attached to thedoors To avoidenvironmentallycostlytankerfailures, Tramspread welds fixingpointson the rear of thetankerthatthe boomframework attaches to usingtelescopicarms. This bal ances theloadmore safely andalsomakes thebooms more stable.”

Usingthe Tramspread frameworkand

fixingmethod, largerbooms canbe fitted to smaller tankers, withoutsignificant modifications, to speed up applicationrateand improveaccuracy. Thedesignalsocreates additional spacetoenablea flow meterto be incorporatedintothe applicationsystem.

“Operators canapply more accurately by testingslurryand usingaslurrymeter Tramspread’s SuffolkRange tanker booms canalsobeusedwiththirdparty systems such as John Deere’s HarvestLab becausethe frameprovides enough space to integrate thetechnologyintothe applicationsystem,” Mr Bakersaid.

SuffolkRangetankerbooms benefitfrom VogelsangECQmaceratorsandareavailable in workingwidthsof6,7,7.5, 8, 9, 10 and 10.5 metres

Maximise rumen health, is the advice

Dairyfarmers arebeing encouraged to take steps to maximise rumen health in theirherd andboost milk production from fibre this season.

Theadvice from LallemandAnimal Nu trition’sproduct managerMarkMcFarland comesagainst thebackdropofvariablegrass silage quality, highfeed prices andwarnings of increasedmycotoxin risk in maize silage this season. “Ruminants have aunique abil itytorelease asignificant amount of energy from the fibre fraction of forage,” said Mr McFarland.

“But harnessingthisenergypotential depends on both thequality of theforage andthe fibredigestion processwithin the rumen. ”

He said although it is toolatetoinfluence thequality of forage availablefor feeding this winter,farmers canlift production from forage by takingsteps to boostthe degradability of fibre within therumen

“Getting fibredigestion in therumen rightisreally importantbecause this leads to higher milk production, andmore fertile andhealthieranimals,”explainsMrMcFar land

“Researchhas shown that forevery five percentincreaseinneutral detergent fibre (NDF) digestibility within therumen,acow willincreaseher drymatterintake(DMI) by 0.63kg perday,resulting in a0.9kg increase in theamountoffat corrected milk (FCM) she produces everyday.” He says thephysio-

Lallemand’s Mark McFarland

logical status of acow –suchasthe temper atureofher environment,stockingdensity andaccesstofeed andwater –can have a bigimpactonthe digestion of fibrewithin therumen.

“However,how andwhatacow is fedis thebiggest contributortohow efficiently therumen breaks down valuable fibre, so workingcloselywithyournutritionist and/ or feed advisortomaximise this is worthwhile,”addsMrMcFarland

“Feedinga rumen-specificlive yeast, such as Levucell SC, is designedtoenhance the establishmentofbeneficialrumenmicrobes, balancethe rumenenvironment,and improve rumenfermentationconditions,”explains Mr McFarland.

“There’s

He

in

followedbyaspell of wetweather,has increasedthe risk of mycotoxins.

“Manycrops have adry matter(DM) of 40 percent or above,increasingthe risk of heatingand mould formation once opened,” addsMr Harris

He encourages farmerstowork alongside theirnutritionistiftheyare concernedabout mycotoxinsintheir maizethiswinterand says it couldbe useful to test silage to assess therisk as well as considerthe useofproven bacterialinoculants.

MLT735 £43,000.00

MANITOU MLT627T £23,500.00

MANITOU MLT735 £28,500.00

Firm leads the way in carbon fight

Acharteredrural surveyors hasset about future-proofing its business base,seeking to achieve carbon zero well before 2040 and becoming cost efficientinthe process.

Balfourshas investedingreen energy,putting into practice recommendationsfrequently giventoclients.

Theenergyefficiency refurbishment is at thecompany’s head office of 10 years, New WindsorHouse at Oxon Business Park near Shrewsbury.

Business managerCraig Varley said: “The offices suitour business very well,itprovides more than10,000 feet square internalspaceand is ideally situated on theedgeoftownwith excellentroad links andample parking.Asa resultwepurchased thesitein2020

“You couldcallthisphase two; updating the25-year-old building to provideuswith thelatest green solutions

“That hasincludedsolarpanels on thesouth/southwest roof.All windows anddoorshavebeen replaced with thelatest glazing technology,keeping heat in and cold out.

“Wehavebenefitted from Shropshire Council’s BEEP grant switching all fluorescentlighting to LEDpanels whichare 75 percent more efficient.”

Programme is hoping to breakdown barriers

BY IAIN ST JOHN

TheOxfordFarming Conference (OFC), in partnership with McDonald’s,has announced therecipients of theBreakingBarriers Scholarship

Theschemeissupporting five people aged under 30 yearsold,who identify as BlackorPersonofColourBPOC, to at tend theconferenceinJanuary

Thesuccessful candidates include Ah sanAhmad Awan,a Mastersstudentat theRoyal AgriculturalUniversity, currently conducting research on migrant farmingcommunities in theUK, and WongaMatubatuba, a finalyearstudent studying BScinAgriculture at Hartpury University

Also amongthe scholars areFaith Mohammed,aMastersstudentstudy ingAgriculturalScience andProduction SystemsatHarperAdams University, and KandarpJoshi whoisstudyinga BSc. Hons in Businessand Managementat Brunel University.

The finalsuccessful candidateisHakeem-Abdul Ojo,who is workingasa procurementanalyst basedinLondon, having completed aMSc International

Agribusinessand Food ChainManagement atHarperAdams University.

Thescholarship,now entering itsthird year,looks to supportdiversityand inclusionwithin theagriculturalindustry by offeringcandidates theopportunity to attend theOxfordFarming Conference as well as participate in apre-event programme with mentoring, bespoke events andmaterials suchas books, to support their future career journey.

They also benefitfromthe Scholars Programmemore broadly,whichincludes atwo-day in-persontrainingforum, aseries of tailoredonlinewebinars and aone-off celebratoryevent to mark a 10-yearpartnership betweenMcDonald’s andOFC.

OFCdirectorand facilitatorNavarat namPartheeban said: “Havinganagriculturalsectorthatattracts andretains arichmix of people is vital if we areto

futureproof ourchangingindustry,but as it stands,itisthe leastdiverse in theUK.

“Estimates of numbersofBPOCpeo pleinBritish agriculturevarybetween 0.8 to 1.2 percent, anddespiteperceptionsthatitisintereststandinginthe way, therealityisthatthere areseveral obstacles inhibitingprogress, whichwe, as an industry,must work to dissolve.

“TheBreakingBarriersScholarsrep resent agroupofyoung people with the potentialtothriveinthe sector,and it is a privilegetoprovide them with networks, resources andopportunities exclusive to theprogramme that otherwise, they may nothaveaccessto.”

Thegroup recentlymet up in London fora ‘get to know each other’ dayand to discuss their aspirationsfor both thepro gramme andtheir future careers.

They will also participate in atwo-day trip to Essexvisiting Tiptree, thewellknown preserve manufacturer, and a large dairyfarm, offeringthe grouppracticalinsight into theBritish agricultural andfood sector

As part of the fieldtriptoEssex, they willalsobevisitingaseries of regenerative systemfarms,seeingarable, cattleand turkey enterprisesand learning about thefarmanimal veterinary sector

TheOxfordFarmingConferencetakes place from January5-7, followingthe theme“FarmingaNew Future”.

Support group is delighted with happiness grant award

ThePrince’sCountrysideFund and Waitrose &Partnershavelaunched theirnew jointHappiness Grants, whichwill fund community grassroots projectsaddressing challengessuch as food poverty, mental health,skills anddevelopmentopportunities,and loneliness andisolation

The firstsix projects as part of this partnershiphavenow been announced andinclude Shropshire RuralSupport

Thefunding will be used to improve access to emergency mental health

and financialservicesfor farmers, and to supportasustainablefarming group to help shareenvironmentally-friendly farming practices in thecommunity.

Andrew Bebb,ofShropshire Rural Support, said:“This grantfromThe Prince’s CountrysideFundand Waitrosewill give us theopportunity to increase our hoursofoperationand extend our support. It will also help us raiseawareness of theissue of mental health in farming,and help break thestigmabygetting young farmers involved.”

King follows in father’sfootsteps

King Charles has followed in his father the Duke of Edinburgh’s footsteps by becoming Ranger of Windsor Great Park. As the new Ranger,the King will offer guidance in the day-to-day stewardship of one of the country’s oldest landed estates.

The scholars with OFC director Navaratnam Partheeban