The Farmer - March 2023

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MARCH2023

SURVEY SHOWS ATTACK RISKS

Anew survey hasfound alarmingignoranceamong pet ownersofthe riskstheir animalspotentially pose to livestock.

Many dog owners believe their pets wouldnever attack farm animals, theresearch from NFU Mutual reveals.

NFU Mutual’s latest survey of more than 1,100 dog owners found despite64 percentofownersadmittingtheir dogs chaseanimals, almost half believe their dog wasnot capableofinjuring or killing livestock

Thesurveyfound many dog owners areunaware that even if their petdoesn’t make contactwithasheep,the distress andexhaustioncausedbybeingchased cantrigger apregnantewe to die or miscarry.

Younglambs canalsobecomeseparated from their mothers.

Nearly twothirds of owners said they let their dog roam off-lead in thecountryside

However, almost four in tenadmitthat their pets do notalwayscomebackwhen called.

Theharsh realityofsomedog owners ’ failuretocontrol their pets is evidentin thelatest figures basedon claims data from NFU Mutual

Theruralinsurer estimatesfarmanimalsworth £313,723 were severelyinjuredorkilledbydogs in theMidlands in 2022.

That figuremakes theMidlands the worst affectedEnglish region by costand a4.6 percentriseon thepreviousyear.

BY IAIN ST JOHN

Across theUK, dog attacksonfarm animalswereestimated to cost£1.8m in 2022.

Hannah Binns, NFU mutual rural affairs specialist,said: “It’sclear that a significant number of dog owners in the Midlands areblindedbytheir love for their pets.

“They believe that they wouldnever chase, attack or kill livestock.

“We’veheardreportsfromfarmersthat dog walkersare becomingmore distracted,often on their mobile phones with their pets outofsight,and areseemingly unawareofthe carnagetheir dog could cause

“TheCovid-19 pandemic sawaboom in dog ownership as many people purchased puppies forthe first time

“Yet thesemay nothavebeentrained properly or be familiar with farm animals

“Itisconcerningthatthese nowfully-grown dogs willbevisitingfarmland as we getintospringatatimewhen pregnantewesand newbornlambs are vulnerable.

“Farmers near cities, townsand our many touristareas arealsolivinginfear of repeat attacks, whichcause horrific sufferingtosheep andcan traumatise their families as they deal with theaftermath

“That is whyweare callingfor dog owners to be responsibleand accepttheir pets, howeverfriendly, arecapableof chasingand attackingfarmanimalsand shouldbekeptonaleadwhenwalkedanywhere near livestock.”

Store is cream of crop

Rea Valley Tractors have been awarded JCBAgriculture’s Heavylinegrowthdealer of theyearfor 2022.

Theaward waspresented to RVT’s managingdirectorMattMulliganbyJohn Smith,managing directorofJCB Agriculture, at the Annual Dealer Conference

Thedealer conferencetookplace at theJCB worldheadquartersatRocester. ReaValley Tractors wasrecognised as having thelargestsales growth for Fastracs andWheeled LoadingShovels acrossthe UK.

l RVTsponsorsthe Machinerysection of TheFarmer, starting on Page 21

Acommitmenttosustainability and localproduce,includingintroducing amilk vendingmachine, has earned a Shropshirestore atop award.

Vine &CoinChurchStrettonwas namedSustainableRetailer of theYearat theexclusive 2023 FedAwards.

Theglitteringceremonywas hosted by BBCpresenter Naga MunchettyatLondon’sRoyal LancasterHotel by theFederationofIndependentRetailers.

Storeowner John Vine said milk for thevendingmachineissuppliedbyProp-

er GoodDairy,afarmjustfourmiles from theshop. John said: “From when thecowshavebeenmilkeduntilit’sinour shop, it only takes threehours.Wehavea newtankput in everyday

“Theideaisthatour customersbring their ownglass bottle to be filled by the machine. We also sell theseinour shop if it’s your first time usingthe machine, or you’ve forgotten thebottle.Glass milk bottles areagreat waytoreduce the amount of plasticyou use. ”

l Seeinside formoreabout thestore

Dog research

Theimpactofruraldog theft is being examined by aHarperAdams University veterinary bioscience studentas his final year research project.

Adam Rendallwants to find outhow thecrime isspecifically affecting peoplewho live in thecountryside andhas launched asurvey.

Thesurveycan be foundatharper-adams.onlinesurveys.ac.uk/working-dogtheft-survey-2022

John Vine with wife Marie, commercial director at news wholesaler Smiths News Simon Gage, left, and awards ceremony hostTVpresenter Naga Munchetty

John Smith, left, and Matt Mulligan

CompetitiveFinance Solutions forFarmers

Risks of bird flu are assessed

TheUK is still “a long way” from beinginasituation wherebird flu couldinfecthumans and spread in asimilarwaytoCovid-19,anexpert from theAnimal andPlant Health Agency (Apha) has said

ProfessorIan Brown, scientific services director, wasspeaking after thenewsthatottersand foxeshave been found in theUK with avian flu.

Theanimalsare believedtohave eatendeadwildbirds that were infected with thevirus

Health officialshavesaidthe risk to thepublic is low. TheUK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reported in Decemberthatithad been toldbythe Apha that 20 mammals hadbeentestedinthe UK, of which eight,foxesandotters,werepositive

foravian flu. This figurehas since been updatedtonine.

Prof Brownsaidthere wasevidence that the fluhad nowjumped to otherspecies. He said: “We’ve recentlydetectedeventsbothhere andaroundtheworld,evidencethat this viruscan on certain occasions jump into otherspecies.

“Tobeclear though,thisisstill a bird virusessentially, that wantsto be in birds.

“Theseare wild mammals, animals that scavenge on sickand dead birds, andthere’s alot of dead wild birdsatthe momentdue to thebird flupresencearound theglobe

“Thoseanimalsare consuming andbeingexposed to very high quantities of virusand that’s leading to some spillover infection

“Whatwedon’t have anyevidence of is that it canthengofrom foxtofox or otter to otter, so these arewhatwecalldead-endinfections.”

Askedabout potential spread to humans,hesaid: “Weneed to understandthe consequence of this infection.Doesitmakethe virus change by jumpingits host?

“We’re awarethose events can sometimesleadtothat.”

Askedwhether therewas apossibility that bird flucould become avirus that infects humans like Covid-19, he said: “Atthe moment, we’realongway from that.”

“We’ve seen this jump,we’ve not seen maintenanceinamammalian species and, importantly, we haven’t seen asuccessionofchangesinthe

virusthattellus it’s moving more towardsavirus that caninfecthumans This still is aspillover,but we need to be watchful,whichiswhy we’redoing thesurveillance.”

TheUKHSA warnedthatthe “rapid andconsistentacquisition of themutationinmammals may imply this virushas apropensityto causezoonoticinfections”,meaning it couldpotentially spread to humans Prof Brownsuggestedthere was no reason whythe avian fluvirus couldnot pass betweenotter and otter,for example

He said: “Wehavetobewatchful, whichiswhy we’reenhancingour surveillanceinthe UK to make sure that we cantrackand monitorfor thesechanges.”

Guidance on going further with forage

TheteamatRea Valley

Tractors welcomedover 60 guests to atechnical event at theirSudbury depotonFebruary 8, with thetheme “Go Furtherwithyour Forage”.

Organisedinconjunction with Kuhn Farm Machinery, theevent covered topics including the film bindingprocess,and theprosand cons of striptillage

Kuhn’sgrasslandspecialistRhodri Jenkins talked customersthrough film binding versus conventional balewrapping.

Areasales managerJohnHulland discussed their MaximaPrecision Drill used in combination with a StrigerStripTillage Cultivator.

RVTalsowelcomedStuartAnthonyasaguestspeaker

Stuart is from BPI whomanufacture Kuhn’s silage balewrap.

The Sudbury team put on an impressive display of Kuhn machinery inside their workshop

ThedisplayincludedaFBP 3135 Combi Baler with film binding, a VB 3160 Variable chamber baler, andaSB1290ID Large Square Baler

ThedisplayalsoincludedaniBio combination baler,aMaxima3& StrigerStripTill Cultivator,plusa

Starsare lined up

frontand rear mowers mounted

JCBFastrac 4220 iCON Guests were abletoexplore the

Mobile: 07545 021427

Email:

Atelevisionstar, acelebrity chef andthe return of ahostof family favourites have been unveiled as the attractionsas this year’s Newport Show prepares forits return this summer Theshow– whichwillbeheld in theChetwyndDeerParknear NewportonJuly8–willwelcome PeterWright, star of themuch-loved Channel 5documentary show The YorkshireVet. Elsewhere,the show’scelebrated Festival of Food area willalsobe returning–withfoodand produce from acrossthe region to enjoyon site or take home,aswellascook-

ingdisplays from Whitchurch chefs JamesSherwin andStuartCollins, whorunWildShropshireandDockettNo33respectively Joiningthe Shropshirechefs at theFestivalofFood willbecelebrity chef GlynnPurnell–known as the ‘YummyBrummie.’

Michelin-starredchefGlynn trainedwithtop chefs including Gordon Ramsay,GaryRhodes and Claude Bosi,and became ahousehold name after twice winningTV’s GreatBritish Menu –where he now serves as amentor.

Tickets areavailableatnewportshow.co.uk

machines whilst enjoying some refreshments after theinformative presentations

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Do youhave news for us?The Farmer welcomes your news,views andpictures.

Editor: Iain St John

Email: iain.stjohn@mnamedia.co.uk

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Email: julie.allen@shropshirestar.co.uk

KatieMarsh

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Email: katie.marsh@thefarmer.com TheFarmerispublished by MNAMedia

Over 60 guests attended the technical event at Rea Valley Tractors’ Sudbury depot and the event covered topics including the film binding process, and the pros and cons of strip tillage

Wildlife centre’ssocial media push

Awildliferescuecentrehas recruitedtwo high-flying youngconservationistsas social mediaambassadors

Cuan WildlifeRescue, headquarterednearMuchWenlock,has teamed up with HarperAdams Universityconservationstudents Amy Flemingand BlakeMarlow.

Blake, aged25, has recentlytaken up apaidroleas awildlifecareassistant atCuan’scentreinShropshire, wherehehelps care forpoorlyand injuredanimalsand preparesthem to be released back into thewild.

Amy, 20, wasthe 2022 recipientof theNationalBiodiversityNetwork’s

YoungPerson’sAward forher years of volunteeringwiththe WorcestershireWildlifeTrust as ateenager

When theteamatCuanlearned of 10,000+ socialmedia followers BlakeandAmyhaveontheirwildlife conservation Instagramaccounts, they suggestedteamingupas ambassadors to more widely promote theworkofthe centre.

Blake, born in Shrewsburybut nowbased in Telford,said: “I had previouslybeenvolunteeringwith theRSPB. Ibeganvolunteeringwith Cuan over thesummer andthat went very well

“I wasoffered aposition thereand

have been doingthatsince October There’salwayssomethingnew to deal with Themessage that we want to getout theretothe public as ambassadors is aboutthe importance of theworkthatwedoatCuanand of conservation in general.”

Amy, from Kidderminster,said: “I found outabout Cuan throughsocialmediaandthatsortofthing,and Igot really interested in it “Webothfeelverystronglyabout theimportanceofyoung people beinginvolvedinanimal rehabilitation andconservation. We wouldalso like to thankCuanfor this opportunity.”

Estates could be the stars of silver screen

Picturesquerural businesses and countryestates arein primeposition to put themselves forward as alternative filming locations, aproperty advisorhas said

In thewakeofthe Covidpandemic, in whichmovementrestrictionsand socialdistancingmeasures prevented TV and film studios from shootinginmore confinedspaces, thoseincountryside locationscan provide opportunities to thetelevision and film industry,accordingto Savills.

RobPaul, directorinthe estate managementteamatSavills in Telford, said: “Aseveryonewillbe aware, thelogistics of co-ordinating hundreds of people workinginclose proximity on arange of timescales andlocations meantthatproductionsweresimply postponedor cancelled during thepandemic.

“However,whatcamefrom that wasanincentive for filmingtobe taken to larger spaces and, forownersofrural property,there is perhaps more opportunity than ever to be part of thetelevisionand film industry “Ithas createdan opportunity for many landowners andruralbusinesses. ”

Mr Paul added: “Rural estatesand privatecountry homescan provide theadditional space andaccommodation that hasbecomeanecessity forproductions andhas ledtolocationsbeingsoughtfurther afield, includingShropshire, whichmay well be advantageous to ruralproperty owners andprovide an opportuni-

ty foraninteresting newrevenue stream Thekey is to be proactive

“Takegood photographs including fields,out buildings andaccommodation that showcases therange of your property.

“Check that thereare no reasons whyyou cannot legally hireout the site anddecide what youwillaccept

as afee,includingthe costofdisturbancetothe dailyoperations.

“Itisalsoworth gettingintouch with agencies whowillactively promote your property around theindustry.” Guidance is availablefrom APAfor commercials, theBritish Film Commission, PACT andFilm London

Upbeatmessage deliveredatmeeting

Farmersshouldbeproud and confidentinthe work they do,a meetinghas heard.

NFU Cymrumembers in Brecon andRadnor heardfrom Katrina Williams,directorgeneralfor international andbordersatDefra, at a county conference

At theconference, heldatthe RoyalWelshShowground,MsWilliamsspoke about hercareerinUK Government andthe many andvariedroles she has held.

In herspeech, Ms Williams focusedonkey areas.

They included supply chains, the farmingsystem, collaborationwith

theGovernmentand confidence in theindustry.

Shesaid“agriculture has an awful lottobeproud of”and MidWales farmerscancompetewiththebestin theworld

NFU CymrupresidentAledJones also spoke to membersand updated them on his first year in office and theworkNFUCymruhas undertaken formembers

NFU CymruBrecon& Radnor county chairSharonHammond said: “Weare delighted here in Brecon &Radnor that Katrinawas able to come home to addressour countyconference.

“Katrina has ahugewealthofexperience andexpertise from workingwithin theUKGovernmentfor nearly 40 yearsand it wasreally interestingtohearher reflectionson herillustriouscareer.

“Itwas reallypleasingtohearKatrinatalkabouttheimportanceofthe industry beingconfidentinitself.

“Thereasonbeingthatherein Brecon andRadnor,Wales and acrossthe UK, we have theunique abilitytoproduce livestockina sustainablemannerinapartofthe worldwhere thereisagreat demand forhighquality,healthyand nutritiousred meat.” Ms Hammondsaid

DutchBarn Painters

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theindustryhad to be positive.She said: “Welsh farmingfaces many challengesatpresent with pressure on incomes as aresultofunprecedentedinput costrises, additional regulation anduncertainty over future agricultural policy

“But we must be positive and work on theopportunities that we have to ensure Wales is seen as worldleadinginthe productionof climate-friendlyfood, buildingour ownbrand andgrowing sales of our food in domestic andexportmarkets. I’dalsoliketothank Aled Jones formakingthe journeydowntoupdate us on theworkofthe union.”

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There could be opportunity to unlock the potential of your land through TV and movie production

Amy and Blake

WE PROVIDE MOBILE FEED MILLINGSERVICES FORALLTYPESOFANIMALSAND POULTRY,FROM STRAIGHTROLLED OR HAMMER MILLEDCEREALS ANDPULSESTO COMPLETE MIXED RATIONSAND FEED BINTRANSFERS.

Based in theWest Midlands near theWelsh border, covering a large areawerun afleet of modern‘Tropper’ machinesspecifically builtfor precise mixing andaccurate weighingoperated by our experienced, friendly drivers.

Shop’s top sustainable work leads to honour

Acommitmenttosustainability andlocal produce has earned astore in Shropshirea topaward

Vine &CoinChurchStrettonwas named SustainableRetailer of theYearatthe exclusive 2023 FedAwards.

Theglittering ceremonywas hosted by BBCpresenter Naga MunchettyatLondon’s RoyalLancaster Hotelbythe Federationof IndependentRetailers.

Store ownerJohnVinesaid: “Beingsustainable is very importanttous. We’ve changedevery light to an LED bulb.Every fluorescenttubeinour shophas been replaced.

“Partofour shopisahardwareshopas well,soweonlysellLED bulbs. We tryand showpeoplethe benefits of making the switch andweleadbyexample.”

Thestore also recycles batteries andlightbulbswhichare collectedonceamonth Oneofthe biggestinnovations introduced by Vine &Coisamilk vendingmachine.

Themilk is supplied by Proper Good Dairy, afarmjust fourmiles from theshop. John said: “From when thecowshavebeen milked until it’s in ourshop, it only takes threehours.Wehaveanewtankputinevery day.

“Theideaisthatour customersbring their ownglass bottle to be filled by themachine. We also sell theseinour shopifit’s your first time usingthe machine, or you’ve forgottenthe bottle.Glass milk bottles are agreat waytoreduce theamountofplastic youuse,bothinyourstore andathome.

“Wesellabout 100 litres of milk aday, whichIthinkisremarkablereally Thekids also love to usethe machine. We strive to ensure that thefresh productsinour store areall providedbylocal suppliers. Notonly does this helpthe local economybut it also reducesthenumberoffoodmilesandisbetterfor theenvironment

“All of thewater we sell is from Wenlock Waterwhichisabout five to six miles away from theshop. All oursandwichesand cakes areall locallymade. All ourfruit andveg comesfrom alocal market. This means that they arealsoall unwrapped. Customers have theoptions to puttheminpaper bags if they want.Wepromote sustainabilityand believe that shopping local is reallyimportant The wholepandemichas been life-changingfor people,bothshops andtheir customers. I honestly believe shopping local is theonly waytogonow.We’ve all gottotry andsupport each other.”

Sophie chosen for scholarship

Auniversitystudent has beenawarded ascholarship by TheNewportand District AgriculturalSociety.

Sophie Vernon,asecondyearstudentat HarperAdams University, is studying aBSc (Hons) in agriculture with farm business management

Shereceivedthe awardafter presenting a writtenstatement settingout whyshe was worthy of it,whichisworth £1,500. Sophie gave atalk recentlytomembers of theagriculturalsocietyatawell-attendedannual generalmeeting.She explained that while studying,she also worked on thefamily farm in Calverhall,nearWhitchurch

Sophie said “I plan to go to NewZealand formyuniversityworkplacementyearafter helping with thepreparationsfor this year’s NewportShow. My aimistobroaden my dairyfarming knowledgewithspringcalvingsystemsandeffectivegrassmanagement. Iaminterestedtolearn aboutthe different strategies andapproaches whichfarmers taketowards milk production.”

NewportShowmanager SallyWestern said: “Theagriculturalsocietymakes this

Sophie Vernon

annual scholarship awardaspartofits charitableremittoencourage students to develop their agriculturalknowledge andcareers “Thequality of applications this year has been very highbut thejudgesfeltthatSophie’s self-motivation,commitmentand enthusiasmmadeherthestand-outcandidate.”

MP pressesGovernment over broadband coverage

An MP hasasked theGovernment to focus on improving ruralbroadbandto truly ‘level up’the UK Shrewsbury’sConservativeMP

Daniel Kawczynski raised theissue in theHouse of Commons. Dataindicates broadbandspeedsinhis constituency arelower thanthe nationalaverage

As of May2022, only 24.7 percent of premises in theconstituency had access to gigabitbroadband –a line capableofreceiving speed of 1Gbps, comparedwith 66.6 percent in the UK as awhole.The constituency’s averagewas 54 Mbps compared with

86.5 Mbpsinthe UK as awhole.Mr Kawczynskiasked what is beingdone to make improvementsacrossthe county

In responseJuliaLopez, aminister at theDepartmentfor Digital, Culture, Media& Sport, said thedepartment’s Mid-West Shropshire procurement is goingtobeawardedinApril to June Mr Kawczynski said: “Wewill never really havelevelling up across the whole of theUnitedKingdomunless rural partsofour constituencieshave broadbandcoverage commensurate with metropolitan areas.”

Seedprimingistobestudied

An aspiring agronomist is to examine thebenefits of seed priming winter wheat using trials in theHarperAdams glasshouses as part of his finalyear research project.

Harry Fletcher, 22,aBSc (Hons) agriculture with farm business management student, will be carrying outthe trials to find out whether thepreparation method, whichisalreadyinuse on avariety of othercrops,can also beapplied to winter wheat.

He said: “Seedpriming is the process of soakingthe seed to the

point whereitisjustabout ready to germinate, then starving it of moisture andstoring it at alow temperaturetopause germination This then meansthat, whenyou drillthe seed,itgains moisture andtemperature androckets.This createsa more uniformand betterestablished crop.”

Harry will be using theuniversity glasshousesfor histrial, wherehe plans to examinethe growth and establishment of hisprimedwinter wheat, comparing each to another setofunprimed plants.

He added: “FromthisI can

seethe directbenefitofthe primedseedand will then work outcostingsoffailedcrops and thecostincurredifcropshad to be redrilled. Ihavechosento research into this as it hasbeen done formanyyears in lettuceand othervegetable crops.

“Recently,the UK’s first commercialprimedoilseed rapeseed hasjustbeen released ontothe market,soI want to find outwhether it is economically beneficial to prime wheatseed, especially when farmers arefaced witha drought drilling season.”

Look at feed ingredients to reduce emissions, is the key advice given by expert

Withpressureincreasing on dairy farmersto reduce emissions,David Wilde, nationalruminant technicalmanager at Massey Harpers Feeds, adviseddelegates at a seriesoffarmermeetings that lookingcloser at feed ingredientsisagoodplace to start.

Mr Wilde said: “UKdairy farmers alreadyproduce some of thelowest emissionmilk globally.

“Accordingtothe RABDF, UK emissions are1.25kgCO2e/litre, compared to theglobalaverage of 2.9kgCO2e/litre.Butthedriveistoreducelevelsfurther, largely driven by milk processors andretailers.”

When lookingatstrategies toreduce emissions,MrWilde stresses theneed to focusonchanges that will reduce rather than increase costs.

He says feed is agood place to start to reduce emissions,specifically feed ingredients. Mr Wilde said: “Forages andfeedsaccountfor around 30 per centoftotal emissions

“In purchasedcompounds,ingredients accountfor over 95 percentofthe carbon attributedper tonneoffeed “Theemissions peringredient willvarybased on factors including wheretheyare grownand howthey areprocessed Thereisscope to reduce emissions by lookingcloselyat theingredients. Oneofthe ingredients

mostcloselyassociatedwithhigher emissions is soya andthisissomething retailersand processors arepicking up on.Increasingly, they arechallenging their dairysupplierstoreduce or remove soya productsfromdiets completely.

Farmersare starting to look at how to meet their customer’s requirements, butmanyare questioningwhether they canfeedcowssuccessfullywithout usingsoya. Thegoodnewsisthatthanks to advances in theunderstandingof protein nutrition,the toolsare thereto allow nutritioniststorationcowseffectively whilereducingorremovingsoya from diets.

By understandingthe cow’srequirementsfor specificprotein fractionsit is possible to feed abalanced range of protein sources to meet theserequirementswhile at thesametimereducing

thetotal protein contentofthe diet. Mr Wilde said: “Weare increasinglyseeing dietsperformingadequatelywithcloser to 16 percentCPwhereas previouslyit wasmore common to seediets around 18 percentCP. This canbeachieved without hiprosoyaand help reduce costs.”

Rapeseed andrumen-protected rapeseed can be used alongside feeds such as beans andwheat distillersfrom thebioethanolindustry.Beans areparticularlyinteresting as in addition to a good proteincontent andbalance, they also provide qualitystarch.

Mr Wilde said: “TheMassey Planet dairyrange of compounds andblends is formulatedtoeliminateingredients linkedtoenvironment damage containingzerosoyaproductsand palm kernel

“They have been replacedwithproven ingredients with alesserenvironment cost such as protectedrapeseed, wheat distillers, rapeseed,sugarbeet pulp andwheatfeed.”

Mr Wilde said that by avoidingingredients with higheremissions it has been possible to produce compounds with overall loweremissions

He said: “Bycareful ingredientselection we have formulatedcompounds nutritionallyequivalenttoatraditionally formulatedfeed but with 400gCO2e/ kg of feed less.Onanaverage herd this changeinconcentratesalone wouldreduce emissions by around 10 percent perlitre.By careful rationingthere is no reason whythe useofsoyaindairy diets cannot be reducedleadingtoa significant drop in emissions.”

Clarkson opinions shared

Deframinister Mark Spencer gave histhoughtsonTVpresenter Jeremy Clarkson at theinauguralFarmers WeeklyQuestionTimeeventatHarper AdamsUniversity.

Mr Clarkson facedwidespreadcriticism when TheSun publishedacolumn he wroteabout MeganMarkle back in December.

Askedwhether “Clarksonisstill a good ambassadorfor British farming or should be cancelled”,MrSpencer, whowas quicktosay theseviews were hisown,not thoseofDefra, replied: “He’sbeenahugeand very positive influence on that generation of consum-

ersthatwecan’t getto, that theNFU can’tget to andDefra can’tget to,so credit to him.

“Hehas hisown controversial style, buthas reachedpeoplewe’ve been unable to reach, andIthinkonbalance that’s agoodthing.”

Mr Spencer’sviews were largely sharedbythe othermembers on the panel FarmingYouTuberOllyHarrison stated:“He’s definitely gotpeopleto understandwhat’sgoing on,onfarms,” andlivestock expertand academic ProfessorMichaelLee added: “I’m not afan of Jeremy Clarkson, butI know

he’s hadan impact on thefarming community.”

Award-winningenvironmental campaigner andauthorVicki Hird was more damning: “Hedefinitely crossed theline,”she said.“Idid like the first series butI’m notsureI’llwatch series twobecause Ijustthought (the article) wasappalling.”

Theevent gave farmersthe opportunity to puttheir questionstothe panel at atimewhenBritish farmingisexperiencinghugepressures.

Threefurther events have been confirmed. Formore information,visit FWi.co.uk/questiontime

David Wilde, national ruminant technical manager at Massey Harpers Feeds

Programme is helping in treediseasebattles

Improvedsupportisbeingmade available tofarmers andlandmanagersdealingwith tree pest anddisease issues throughthe Tree Health Pilot.

Theinnovativepilot willrun until 2024 andprovides land managerswithgrants, guidance andadvice to reduce theimpacts of tree pestsand diseases, andbuild theresilience of England’strees, woodlands and forestsahead of therollout of afuture nationwide Tree Health Scheme

Thepilot is currentlyavailable in theWest Midlands.Chief planthealthofficer Nicola Spence said: “This pilotsupports land managerstodeal quicklyand effectively with tree health issues. By fundinginnovative methodstofelland restock diseased trees, forinstance, usingskylines or horseloggers

to reachlarch treesinremoteareas,and encouraging group collaborationtodeal more efficientlywithroadside ash –itensures a comprehensive andtargeted approachto better protecting ourtrees.

“Wehavebeenabletogathermeaningful feedback forthe designofour future Tree Health Scheme,withagreater focusontailoring supporttolandmanagerswhere most needed andequipping them with practical toolstoreduce andmanagefuturethreats in order to create more resilienttreescapes.”

Forestry Commissionchair SirWilliam Worsleysaid: “A thriving treescapeisnot only fundamentaltoour health andwellbeing, but crucial forcombattingclimate change, improving biodiversityand growing local economies. “

Key health service may be expanded

ShropshireCouncil’s communitywellbeing outreach team is hopingtoextend the freehealthchecksservice that has been launched at ShrewsburyLivestock Auction Centre.

Thesessions,supportedby leadingregional auctioneersHalls, initiallyran for fourweeks,butHannahThomas,teammanager,iskeentoseethefreeservicesextended duetodemandfromfarmers

Runningevery Tuesdaymorning, theexistingservice offered visitors to theweekly livestockmarketthe chance to have ablood pressure check,aswellasmore general health andwellbeingadvice

Halls’ auctioncentre, locatedonBowman Wayoff theA49, is oneofthe busiestlivestockmarkets in theWestMidlands.Anybodyvisitingthe market coulddropinfor ahealthcheck,withnoprior appointment needed

“Wehavehad agreat couple of days at the auctions so farand it has been encouraging to hear so much positive feedback from the community,” said Hannah

“One of theblood pressure checks that we carried outresultedinanimmediate referraltoaGP, foraproblem whichmight have been missed if it hadn’t been forthe convenience of a10minutevisit to us

“Weare also really pleasedtohavebeen able to offer alisteningear,share some wellbeingadvice andsignpostsupport in thecommunity.Weknowthatthe industry

canbeverydemanding, andweare here for farmersand their families.

“Weare hoping to expandthe service, possibly extendingtomental health and cancer championstoo.”

JonnyDymond, Halls’ seniorauctioneer andShrewsburyLivestock AuctionCentre manager,said: “Farmers tend to put their livestockbeforethemselvesand they are used to battlingthrough,as it’s what is expected of them.

“Peoplesay that if yousee afarmerin thedoctors’surgery,there must be somethingseriouslywrong with him. In thesame wayaswetakeacar foranannualMOT, we wouldliketosee farmershaveahealth checkregularly.”

Half of driversbreaking the limit on 60mph rural roads

Speeding on rural roads witha 60mphlimit hasreached thehighest levelinsix years, asurveysuggests.

Nearly half of respondentstoa poll of 3,102UKdrivers commissioned by theRAC forits 2022Report on Motoring saidtheyhad driven faster than thelimitonwhatare Britain’s deadliest roadsinthe previous12 months

That is up from 44 percentin2021 andequalsthe highest figure recorded in theannualsurvey, in 2016 In themostrecent poll, eightper cent of drivers saidtheyfrequently

brokethe speedlimiton60mph rural roads, while 40 percent saidtheydid sooccasionally.The most common reason driversgavefor exceedingthe limitonthese roads wasthat they were travelling at thesamespeed as other motorists.Departmentfor Transport figuresshow514 people were killed in crashesonroads in nonbuilt-up areas with a60mph limit in Britain in 2021 That wasmore thanall other road types, includingmotorways.

TheRAC commissionedresearch agency Online95 to carryout the survey

The outreach team members

Pre-cut test to ensure optimum cutting times

COMMERCIAL

Farmersare beingreminded to pre-cut test theirgrass before mowing forsilagethis spring.

It might be tempting to let thecurrent silage stock situationonfarmdictate thecutting date forthisyear’ssilage, but wherepracticallypossiblethe qualityof thegrass shouldbeusedas thefactordeterminingthe currentdate.

AccordingtoLientjie Colahan, sales andtechnical supportatLallemandAnimalNutrition,precuttesting willhelp farmerstomakeaninformeddecisionon thebesttimetocut andcan help maximiseforagequality and fibredigestibility

“Forageisthe cheapest feed available fordairy andbeefsystems andimproving itsquality willincreaseproductionfrom forage,reducingrelianceonpurchased feeds.

“This willsignificantly benefitproductionmargins, especiallyduringyears when feed prices arehigh,”she advises.

To helpfarmers determinethe optimal cuttingwindowtoproduce highquality grass silage,LallemandAnimal Nutrition recommends doingfresh grass analysis

throughpre-cut grass testingthisseason.

“Farmers maybethinking about cutting earlier than normal this year dueto forage shortages, butit’simportant notto do this to thedetriment of silage quality.

“Optimum cuttingdates canvaryyear on yeardue to theweather andgrowing conditions,and so testingshouldstart around threeweeks priortothe date of your first cutlast year,” explainsMrs Colahan

TheOpticut systemenables producers totakeaplannedapproachwhenitcomes to maximisingthe qualityand quantity of grass silage throughout thegrowing season, to fitthe requirements of their farm Thereare threekey elements to the system.

Theseinclude: pre-cut testing, correct management of thesilagemaking process, anduse of acropand condition specificinoculant to improve nutrient

Show boost for youngsters

Youngsters visiting this year’sRoyal Welsh Show canenjoy their ownentertainmentvenue after all

Fora Powys firm has stepped in to take over theformerYoungPeople’sVillage site.

retentionand reduce lossesfromaerobic instability.

Monitoringnitrogenapplicationisalso importantasthisaffects grass growth

“One of themostimportant elements to determineinpre-cuttestingisthe neutral detergent fibre(NDF) content.

“This is themaingauge of plantmaturity,givingthe best indicationofwhen thegrass is readytocut

“If nitrogen applicationissignificantly altered, thegrass maybecomestressed andgotoheadearlier,” explainsMrs Colahan

Shesuggestskeeping contractors informed aboutproposedforageplans for theyear, providingarough estimate of when youthinkyour first cutwillbe, andupdatingthemaccordingtopre-cut results.

“Byregularlytesting your crop throughout theseasonand acting on theseresults, farmerswillbeabletoset up thefoundations to create good quality silage that is highinnutritional value,” says Mrs Colahan.

LallemandAnimal Nutritionhas been workingalongside farmerstoimprove forage qualityand utilisationfor over 25 years.Toget your free pre-cut grass testingkit,pleasescanthe QR code below.

TAKECONTROLOF GRASSSILAGEQUALITY

Thevenue hadpreviouslybeenrun by theWales Federation of YoungFarmersClub. Butitannounced in Januaryit haddecidedtocancelthisyear’svillage, whichnormallyattractsmore than 4,500 people,because of costissues.

Now, Severn Valley Events has announceditwilltakeonresponsibilityfor theformerYoungPeople’sVillage.

Thevenue willberebranded as the SV Arena, offeringentertainment and accommodationfor youngpeopleand families.

Itwillbelocatedonthesamesiteasthe former YoungPeople’sVillage at Court Farm,nearthe showgroundinLlanelwedd

SamMumford,SVArena’s events manager, said: “SVArena willbeagreat venuefor families andyoung people to stay over thecourseofRoyal Welsh Show week They will be able to enjoylive entertainmentand socialise.”

Therewillbetwo caravansites, onefor youngpeopleand theother forfamilies.

Therewillalsobecamping areas,and organiserswillbeofferingtwostageswith entertainment.

Shuttlebuses willbelaidontoand from thesitetothe showground.

TheRoyal Welsh Show takeplace from July 24-27.

To find outmoreabout theSVArena, visitsv-arena.com

MAGNIVAcrop andconditionspecificinoculantsare formulatedforthemultiplechallenges ofgrasssilage

MAGNIVAgrass inoculantscontainaunique combination ofproven bacteriaandenzymesproviding complete flexibilityonclampopeningtimes, inadditionto:

Apre-cut grass testing pack

MARKETDRAYTON

LIVESTOCKMARKET

GREEN MARKET–

EVERYWEDNESDAY

FATSTOCK,STORE STOCK, DAIRIES &CALVES

450to750Calves8.30am-AuctioneersBenBaggott

&JontyCliffe

1,500to3,000Lambs,CullEwes&StoreSheep

9.00am-AuctioneerMarkJones

50to80DairyCattle10.30am-GwilymRichards&

JasonBrown

120to250Bulls&CleanCattle11am-Auctioneer

BernieHutchinson

120to250StoreCattleat12.30pm-Auctioneer

BenBaggott

DEDICATED BARREN COW& OTMSALES

EveryMondayEveningat4.30pm

Monday6 &20March /3&17April

GREEN Market

Monday13 &27March /24April RED Market

•AlternateGreentoRedWeekly

•10to15BuyersInAttendance

•AllGrades,Weights&NationalityofCattleRequired

•YoungFeedingCowsRequiredonGreenMarkets.

ORANGE MARKETS

• Thursday23 March/20 April/25 May

• Calvesat1.00pm &Storesat3.30pm at MarketDraytonMarket.

barbers-auctions.co.uk

DAIRYSALES

• EveryWednesdayat10.30am

• MonthlyShow&SaleSupportedbytheWestern HolsteinClub

• Wednesday15March/19AprilMarketDrayton Market.

DAIRYYOUNGSTOCK SALES

• Monday3April/1Mayat2pmatMarketDrayton Market.

PIG &WEANLING SALES

•FortnightlySaleMonday20March/3&17April

•Pigsat10.30am/Weanlings11.30am.

STORE CATTLE SALES

• EveryWednesdayat12.30pm

•WeeklySeasonalEntries120to250PerWeek

BI-MONTHLYMACHINERYSALES

• Friday17March/19Mayat10.30am

•CollectivesaleofTractors,Machinery,Equipment andSundries

•AtMarketDraytonMarket.

EASTER SHOW& SALE

• Wednesday29March(Judging8.30am/Sale9am)

•ClassOne–BestSingleLamb

•ClassTwo–BestPairofLambs

‘SELLLIVE&THRIVEATMARKETDRAYTONMARKET’

MarketDraytonAgricultureCentre01630652926

BernieHutchinson07778164274, MarkJones07813625787

BenBaggott07791791356&

JontyCliffe07595453306

Society has a new president

TheAberdeen-Angus Cattle Society has appointedHighland farmer Finlay Munroas itsnew president.

Mr Munro, whorunsthe Balaldie herd at Balaldie Farm,Fearn,Tain, replaces outgoing presidentAngus Stovoldfrom theRosemeadherdinSurrey.

Hisfamilyhas been involved in the Aberdeen-Angus breed since the1800s andthe herdnow stands at 120 suckler cows, of which 90 are pedigree registered

Mr Munro, whohas served in thejuniorand seniorvice-presidential roles, said it wasanhonourtotakeonthe role of president.

“One of my main goalsfor theyear aheadistokeepthe breed in thestrong position that it finds itself in at themoment,” addedMrMunro.

“TheAberdeen-Angus breed is sitting with thehighest number of registrations of all breedsonBCMS andIhopetohelp sustainthat.”Hesaidanother focusfor histimeinthe presidential role willbe overseeingtheroll-outofgenomicsinthe next 12 months,aswellasgetting outto meet as many Aberdeen-Angus breedersas possible.“I plan to attend as many events as Ican throughout thecountry,as well as attendingthe WorldAngus Technical Meetinginthe Czech Republic in September,”addedMrMunro.

Aberdeen-Angus Cattle Societychief executive officer Robert Gilchristwelcomedthe appointmentand paid tribute to theoutgoingpresident.

He said: “I’d like to thankAngus forall hishardworkduring histermaspresident, andI look forwardtoworking with Finlay.”

Pump working hard since 1977

BY IAIN ST JOHN

Aslurrypump installed more than four decades ago is still goingstrong.

John Tame,generalmanager at Agrico EngineeringSales Ltd, said: “In 1977, therewas theQueen’s SilverJubilee,punk rock,the first ever Star Wars film.

“Itwas also the yearthatthisFranzEisele u. SohneGmbH&Co. KG pump was installed –and an astonishing45years later, it’s still goingstrong.

“This Eisele GascoigneVG204 slurry pump waspurchased by farmer David Mollattin1977, andit’sbeenreliably pumpingaround200,000 gallonsofslurry each yeareversince.David’s sonFrancisisstillavaluedcustomer of ours,and we continue to supply him with spare partstokeepthisold workhorsepumpinglikenew.”

“Can youbeatthis? If you’ve gota pump that’s still in greatworking order more than 45 yearsafter it was first installed,let us know.And if we canhelp with anyofyourpump, mixer or agitator needs, drop me amessage or call01785 851240. Whoknows, it couldlastyou until 2067!”

As Francissays: “For reliability, the pump has been very good,lasting alot longerthanI wouldexpect. Thebiggest surprise is howeasyitistotakeapart

–despiteabit of corrosion, thethreads arestill clean. And we canstill getall the partsweneed from Agrico.Ifonlyall equipmentwas this good!”

Defibrillator pledge made

AuctioneersHallsare supporting a fundraisingdrive by ShropshireRuralSupport(SRS) charitytoprovide a life-savingdefibrillator forcommunity accessatShrewsburyAuction Centre DirectorsofHallshaveagreedtomatch funds raised by SRStobuy andinstall the defibrillator, whichwillbeavailablefor public useinthe eventofanemergency. SRSprovides afree, confidential service to Shropshirefarmers andtheir families.

Thecombinedfundraisingtarget is £1,700 andSRS is encouraging farmers to contributetocollectionbuckets at the livestockmarket.

ShropshireRural Supportchairman AndrewBebb, adairy farmer from Hanwood,nearShrewsbury, wouldliketosee acommunity accessdefibrillatoratevery livestockmarketinShropshire.

“First respondersare doingabrilliant jobinShropshireandhavingacommunity accessdefibrillatoratShrewsburyAuction Centre willbealifesaver,” he said

“If somebodyhad an caraccidentor aheart attack near to themarket, the nearestcommunity accessdefibrillator is eight minutes away,whichcould be a matter of lifeordeath

“I wouldliketosee acommunity accessdefibrillatorinevery livestockmarketinShropshire. Ihavebeenona first respondertrainingcoursetolearnhowto usea defibrillatorand Iwould encourage others to do thesame.

“Hallshaveverygenerouslyoffered to match fund themoney that we raisefrom people attendingthe market andcollection buckets willbeavailableonmarket days foranyonewishingtodonate.”

PrecisionREPROgivesus peace ofmindthatour fertilityisbeingmanaged toahighstandardgiving us timetofocuson otherpartsof thebusiness.Wehave beenreally impressedwiththeserviceand theexpertiseofthetechnicians.

Ollier Family,Wood Lane Farm,Cheshire

This slurry pump was purchased by farmer David Mollatt in 1977

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Grants schemeisoutlined

Morethan£168million in grants aretobemadeavailableto farmersthisyear, farming minister Mark Spencerhas announced Money will be available to boostfood production,pay for equipment andautomation,and fund smallerabattoirs.

Speaking at theNational Farmers’ Union(NFU) conference in Birmingham,Mr Spencer said themoney will come from the farming innovationprogramme andthe farming investment fund andwill sitalongside the environmental landmanagement schemes (ELMs),which pay farmersfor improving biodiversity on theirland.

Also speaking at theconference

wasNFU presidentMinette Batters, whowarnedthat“the clockisticking”for farmers andgrowers facing inflation, avian flu, labour shortagesand climatechange. Shesaidcosts in agriculture have risen almost 50 percent since2019and UK egg production hasfallentoits lowest levelinnine years.

Sheadded: “Thiswas also the year that thepotential impact of climatechangereally hithome

“The extraordinary temperatures we experienced in July topped thepreviousrecord by almost adegreeand ahalf.While many partsofthe countryhave experienced hugeamountsof rainfall recently,impactingfarming

operationsoverautumn and winter,somecounties still remain in official drought status

“The clockisticking.It’sticking for ourplanet,asclimatechange necessitates urgent,concerted action to reduce emissions and protectour environment

“And it’s ticking forgovernment –tostart puttingmeaningful, tangible andeffective meat on the bones of thecommitments it has made

“Commitmentstopromote domestic food production,to properlyincentivise sustainable andclimate-friendlyfarming,to putfarmers andgrowers at the heartofour trade policy,and to guarantee our food security.”

Market forces impact on development land values

What is impacting residentialdevelopment land values?

CharlotteShepherdfrom Berrys said: “Thevalue of residential development land,likeanything, is continuingtobeimpactedbymanydifferent market forces. Over thepast 5+ years, acrossthemarketlandvalueshaveheld whichhas been dueinthe main to ongoingscarcityofsites andcontinued demandfor land

“Delaysintheplanningsystem,both in relation to Local Plans andthe determinationof planningapplications, continue to limit thesupply of residential developmentsites throughout the country.”

Charlottesaidinatimeofvolatility anduncertainty we canexpectthe following factors to impact land values:

l Theongoingissues with NutrientNeutralitycoupled with under-resourcedplanningdepartments. Mitigation strategies arenow required in over 70 localauthorities.

l Thestatutory requirementfor BiodiversityNet Gain(BNG) from November 2023 coupledwithunder-re-

sourcedplanning departments and unclearlocal levelBNG strategies.

l Theslowing of house prices. In 2022, figures showthatthe West Midlands region benefitedfroma sixper centgrowthinthe first ninemonthsof theyear. After themarkets reactedto theSeptember mini-budget therewas negative growth of -2.5 percentinthe finalquarter of theyear. Whilst there arenostatistics for2023, thefeeling amongsthousebuildersisgenerallyupbeat with sales evidentlyincreasingin the first six weeksofthe year

l Thehelptobuy scheme is setto endonMarch 31 whichcould seea

slight impactondemandand therefore land value.

l Buildcosts have seen asignificant increase over thepast18-24 months although thesecosts have plateauedover thepast fewmonthswithsomematerialsliketimber, comingbackslightly

l Itgoeswithoutsayingthatthecost of borrowingwillhaveanimpactboth on thehouse purchasers,but also the developers delivering thesites Charlottesaid: “Itisclear to seethat demandfor land is shifting. Theright sitesinthe right locationsare still highlysoughtafter andholdavery competitive edge.However,the cost of inflationand therisingcostofborrowing arelikelytoimpactthe small to medium sizeddevelopmentsites in the more marginal locations.

“In themediumterm, although constraintsand challengeswillstill be presentthe undersupply of suitable residential developmentlandislikely to drivecompetition andinturnvalues in themarkets.”

To find outmore,pleasecontact CharlotteShepherdon01743 290642 or emailcharlotte.shepherd@berrys. uk.com.

Buoyant trade is reported

Genuinemachinery, implements andtractors on aWelsh border dairy farm,whichhad been farmed by the same family for46years,soldfor up to £28,200 at asuccessful dispersal sale.

Leadingregionalauctioneers Halls reported abuoyant trade andalarge crowdatBankFarm, Bulthy,Middletown,nearWelshpoolfor theauction held forRichard andHelen Fairbanks.

Auctioneer JamesEvans,a director of Halls, maintained afamilyconnection with thefarm, as hisfather, Jim, sold it to theFairbanks family in 1977. Having recentlysoldthe 200-acre farm forMrand Mrs Fairbanks, Mr

Evanssaidhewas delighted to seesuch alarge turnout andan excellenttrade forthe auction. He wishedthe couple a long andhappy retirement

Topprices were £28,200 fora 2020 Kubota M4072 4WD with 950 hours, £22,000 fora 2004 NewHolland TS125A 4WD with 7,886hrs and£19,800 fora2004 NewHolland TS115A 4WD with 6,240hrs.

Otherhighlightswere£10,600 for aMastek Slurry Mate reel andpipe, £7,700fora2015Spread-a-bale,£4,600 each foraKvernelandTarrup8070, 6 rota tedderand aHTL electric foot trimmingcattlecrush ,£4,400 fora10

tonneRichard Weston twinaxle silage trailer,£3,900 fora Kuhn Axis 30.1 fertiliser spreader,£3,000 fora2005 Keenan 140 feeder wagon, £2,700 for afrontmounted Pottingermower and £2,650 fora 2010 Graham Edwards 14ft stock trailer

Mr Evans said theintroductionof theMartEye onlinebiddingplatform for farm dispersal salesorganised by Hallsispayingdividends,asbuyers are nowbeingattractedfrom acrossthe UK, Irelandand Europe “Attracting onlinebidderstoour dispersalsales ensuresthatfarmers get thebestpossibleprice,” he added.

Bagshaws Uttoxeter 01889 562811

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Barbers Rural Consultancy Market Drayton 01630 692500

Berrys Shrewsbury01743 271697 Kettering 01536 412464

Brightwells Limited

Builth Wells 01982553614 Hereford 01432 261325

providing specialist finance for farmers for 90 years, delivering funding built around your individual needs. As an AMC Agent, we can help you manage long-termloans with no annual reviews*,so you’refreetoget on with the business of farming.

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Charlotte Shepherd from Berrys

Invitation to cattle sale

Key policy ‘should go further over organic’

TheDevon CattleBreeders’ SocietySpring Show &Saleisfast approaching

Theevent is agreat opportunity to purchase pedigree Devon cattle.Aspokespersonfor theevent said: “Whether you arelooking for showstock or interested in thecommercial stock, they will allbeatthe Sedgemoor Market.Thisisour showcase event with anumber of cattle goingintothe show ring prior to theauction.The Devonis thesupreme converterofgrass to beef producing thebest flavour andquality

“Thisnativebreed is ahardy andefficientforager, which makes them so ideally suitedtoupland andmarginal grazing areas. Maturing on predominately grass they finish slowly producing that allimportant marbling of fat. Thebeef is also amajor source of Omega3essential (good) fattyacids.The beef market is changing with theexitfrom theEUand newGovernment policiesfavouring theprotection on our environment.The new Environmental Land Management Schemesthat will be introduced in thenextcouple of yearsfavours theDevon.The fact that they finish on predominately grass-fed systemswith minimal concentrate feedisalsoadefinite plus in today’smarket of rising feed costs. Come andjoinusonMarch 28 at Sedgemoor Market, starting with theshowatnoon.

“Catalogueswillbeavailableto downloadfromthe websiteand printed copies from Greenslade TaylorHunt, TheDevon Cattle Breeders’ Societyoffice on 0140447863 or emaildcbs@ redrubydevon.co.uk.”

Leadersinthe organic sector have welcomed the Government’s Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP), but havesaid thepolicywould be strengthenedbyfurther encouragement of organic farming.

RogerKerr, chief executive of Organic Farmers&Growers,saidthe Government’spledgetosupportupto80percent of landowners andfarmers in adopting nature-friendlypractices on at least 1015 percentoftheir land by 2030 through Environmental Land Management pol-

BY IAIN ST JOHN

icies, has a“naturalaffinity”withthe provenbenefitswhichorganic systems alreadycontribute.

Mr Kerr said: “In therecently-publishedProspectusfor theEnvironmental Land Management,wehavebeenpresented with a‘pick-and-mix’proposal containing280 options that farmerscan choose from.While thereare many opportunities that arepotentiallygood for organicfarmers,itdoesnotgofarenough to supportorganic farmingasamethod of protecting thenation’s£1.8 trillion of natural capital Organic farming is in tune with theambition of theEIP

“However thereisnocoherentencouragementoforganic farmingasaway to helpdeliverDefra’s 10 goalswhichare all expectedtocontribute to the‘Apex Goal: Thrivingplantsand wildlife’

“While Defrahas stated that wildlife habitatsequivalenttothe size of Dorset have alreadybeenrestored, this constitutesjusttwo percentofthe total area of England, andOF&G ask whether1,000 square milesofwildlifehabitat is really the endpoint of ourcountry’s environmental progress when thegovernment has promised 500,000.

“RishiSunak’ssaysthat‘protectingthat environment is an unequivocalmoral good,but it is also fundamentaltoour

Appointment is announced

Farmingcharity RABIhas announced theappointment of Paul Pirieasits head of fundraising.

Mr Piriebringsmore than 30 years of director-level experience in national fundraising, PR andbusinessdevelopment to thecharity.“I’mexcited to take up thepositionwithRABI– particularly at such apivotalpoint of transition for thefarming community,” he said

RABI chief executiveAliciaChivers said Mr Piriejoins at atimewhenthe charity’sroleinsupporting thewellbeing of farmingpeoplehas neverbeenmore needed

“RABIisdelivering against itsaim of supporting four timesasmanyfarming people by 2024,”MsChivers said

“Tocontinuedelivering such an extensive range of holistic, wraparound supportservices, covering wellbeing, financialsupportand practicaladvice andguidance,isdependentonrobust resourcing.Weneedtoensurewereachour fundraisingtargets to maintain andgrow our supportoffer at thelevel that is needed by ourcommunity.” In hismostrecent roles, includinga21-yeartenureat The

Owen Dale

-ForageHarvesting,JohnDeere8600iwithharvest lab.Completeoperationgrass£68peracrealso wholecrop&maizeharvesting.Completeorpart operation

-Mowingwithtriplemowers£11.50peracre

-Rakingtwoandfourrota£5.50peracre

-Tedding£5.50peracre

-Lugging18tonnetrailers£52perhour

-Lugging24tonnetriaxletrailers£60perhour

-SquarebalingwithtwoNewHolland1290plus (120x90)£5perbale

-Combinationroundbalingandwrappingwithtwo JohnDeerec441r6layers&net£9

-Ploughing£29peracre

-Shakerating£28peracre

-5metrePowerharrowing£24peracre

-3metrecombidrilling£29peracre

-Maizedrillingwithfertiliserplacement£19per acre

-Muckspreadingwithloader18tonnedisc spreaderweighing24mtrspreadgps£60perhour

-Muckspreading3200gdualspreaderwithloader £60perhour

-Tanking5000gLGPdribblebarvariableflowrate £85perhour

-FertilizerspreadingwithGPS£4peracre

-Flatrolling6.3metre£5peracre

-Hedgecutting£42perhour

-TractorsfittedwithGPS

-Umbilicalslurryspreading12mtrdribblebaror splashplate£50hrreelingout£95hrpumping

HIRE

3200gDualspreaders£165perday

12Tonnereardischargespreader£125perday

6.3Metreflatroller£80perday

18Tonnesilagetrailer£80perday

SalvationArmy, Mr Piriehas focussed on providingstrategic supporttocommunities, amotivatingfactorwhichdrewhim to theroleatRABI.

“Themostvulnerablemembers of thefarming community arebeinghit thehardest,”hesaid. “Manyfamilyfarm businessesare on thebrink andtheir long-termsustainabilityisatrisk.Arange of additional pressuresfacingfarming

communities, includingpost-Brexitlabour shortages, fuel andfertiliser costs, policytransitionand AvianInfluenza are addingtothebreadthofinherentfarming pressure points.

“Nomatterwhatchallengesface farmingpeople,RABIwillcontinuetooffervital supportwhere it is needed.Iwillhelp raisethe funds required to fulfilthese growingdemands.”

health andprosperity’.And although the EIP representsprogressitisnot enough to meettheambitionoutlinedinthePM’s foreword to theplan.”

OF&G has highlighted therecentreport publishedby theNatureFriendly FarmingNetwork ‘Consensus on Food, FarmingandNature’whichdemonstrates howorganic andagroecological farming canhelptoaddressclimateand biodiversity challenges.

Mr Kerr said: “Organic has shownthat it canproduce thetransformationnecessary,and Deframust reflectthatwithin agriculturalpolicybyopenlysupporting organic farmingand so capitalise on the opportunity that organic represents.”

Aldi is rolling outits partnership with theworld’s largestsurplus food platform,Too Good To Go, across allofits 990 UK stores Following asuccessfultrial last year,the supermarket isnow offering surplusfood bags,ina bid to tackle foodwaste while also offering even lowerprices to customers. The‘MagicBags’ will containarange of grocery products that areapproaching theirsell-by or use-by dates at less than athird of theprice,costing just £3.30 each to purchase for at least £10worth of food

To getaMagicBag,shoppers cansimply download thefree TooGood To Go appand search for theirnearby Aldi store, before reserving abag to collectfromthe storeatanallottedtime. Therolloutisexpectedtosaveafurther 4,000 tonnesoffoodfromgoingto wasteannually.

Paul Pirie is farming charity RABI’s new head of fundraising

Tworedheads

Technology aidsbreeding

Thefuture is brightfor Welsh hill sheep businesses,thanksto stateofthe arttechnology used to performancerecord animals,says one young farmer

Hybu Cig Cymru– Meat

PromotionWales’s HillRam Scheme is proving crucialto upland andhillfarmers as DNA technologylooking at lamb parentage, Estimated Breeding Values (EBV)and fatand muscle depthare allbeing used to help farmersselectquality rams to put to their flocks

Experienced farmer Bedwyr

JonesofNant Gwynantisa Hill

Ram Scheme leader flockand is part of thepushtorecord dataof keylivestocktraits.

Ryan Williams, 28, whoshare farms in Ffestiniog,saysthe scheme hasensuredhis finished lambs areready twokilos heavier sincebuying HillRam recorded rams from Bedwyr Jones.

“I am delighted with the waythese rams have been performing,” explainedRyan, who farms at Ty Isaf,Ffestiniog,ina sharefarming system withBini and Dr HuwJones. As part of thefarm

business, they sell Bini Organic meat boxessupplying customers locallyand furtherafield.

“We’ve made no changestoour system here.” saidRyanwho says that he haslearnt alot during the processand is grateful to Bedwyr andhis familyfor opening the door to showcase hisfarm andhis stock. Bedwyr established himself at theNant Gwynantfarm25years agoand says that technology andDNA testing is supporting traditionalfarming methods to producebetterquality lambs for themarket

Prime farmland put up for sale

McCartneysare offering twoblocksofprimeSouth Shropshirefarmland for sale by formal tender,with tendersclosingonMarch 24 at midday.

ThelandisatWhitton andatMoor Park near Ludlow

ThelandatWhitton lies within a ring fence, extendinginall to approximately97.80 acres. Theproperty is situated approximately3.5 miles east of Ludlow,withgood road links to the A49.

Thelandiscurrently used forgrazinglivestockand benefits from natural water. Thelandiseasilyaccessiblevia twogatewayswithroadside frontage onto thecouncil maintained road

Thelandwould have excellent stocking capabilities in this renowned farmingareaofSouth Shropshireand benefits from alivestockgathering/ loadingpen as well as asmall building.

This productivegrasslandisclassified as Grade 2and 3and couldalso supporta wide range of arablecropping includingrootand cereal crops, subjecttoconsent Thevendorcan provide historic fieldrecords if required

Thetopographyand nature of the land mayoffer additional biodiversity andnaturalcapital opportunities, and subsequentlyprovide possibleincome generation andcapital growth in future Thelandbenefits from aplethora of biodiversityinthe form of permanent pasture, mature trees, woodland,

hedgerows, andnaturalwater which mayprovide opportunities including mitigating carbon in thefuture

Thelandisfor saleas awhole,orin twolots, with aprice guide in theregion of £12,000 peracre.

ThelandatMoorPark, Ludlow,lies within oneenclosure, extendinginall to approximately25.55 acres.

Theformerparklandcomprises gently sloping andundulatingpasture with dispersedmaturetrees, andissituatedbetween Mortimer Forest and Moor Park School. Theproperty is situatedwithin 2.5 miles of Ludlow,with good road linkstothe A49.

Thelandiscurrently used forgrazinglivestockand benefits from natural water. Thelandiseasilyaccessiblevia twogatewayswithroadsidefrontage onto theB4361.

Thelandwould have excellent stocking capabilities in this renowned farmingareaofSouth Shropshireand benefits from alivestock gathering/

loadingpen Thelandisclassified as Grade 3and mayhavecroppingpotential,subject to consent.

Thetopographyand nature of the land mayoffer additional biodiversity andnaturalcapital opportunities, and subsequentlyprovide possibleincome generation andcapital growth in future Thelandissituatedwithinascenic areaofSouthShropshirewithviewstowardsthe Clee Hill Theproperty may offer alternative useopportunities, such as tourism, subjecttoconsent Thelandisfor saleasa wholewitha priceguideintheregionof£10,000per acre. Gareth Wall of McCartneys commented that theseare twoexcellent blocks of farmland locatedclosetothe town of Ludlow Thelandwould have a number of uses from mainstream agriculture, naturalcapital andcarbonand possiblediversification usesubject to necessary consents.

McCartneys canbecontacted on 01544 230316.

Net zero ambition boosted

Trinity AgTech has partneredwith Jersey Dairytoimprove thesustainability of theisland’sdairy industry and helpitachieve netzeroambitions

Under thepartnership,Jersey Dairy willuse Trinity AgTech’s newgeneration naturalcapital navigator, Sandy, acrossall theJersey dairybusinesses.

It willassessthe carbon impact of theentiresupply chain, from farm level all theway throughtothe products on theshelves.

Farmer andchairmanatJersey

DairyAndrewLeGallais said: “Together with information from our dairyfarms,Sandy willprovide us with

significant amountsofanalytics and data,whichwecan usetobuild atrue pictureofour sustainability status The information canthenbesharedwith consumersfor addedtransparencyand to highlight provenance

“Wehavecommitted to reducing greenhouse gasemissions on-farm, butthere’s still more to be done The farmingcommunity acrossthe island make up lessthan five percentoftotal carbon emissions but it’s important we play ourpartinrespondingtothe global climatecrisis.

“Annually,our farmersare producing14millionlitresofmilk whichis

all processedbyJersey Dairyintoour ownbranded dairyproducts. We alreadydoa lotof benchmarking on the islandand we want to buildonthatto determineour exactcarbonimpact, anddrive efficiencies.

“Knowing your individual farm sustainabilitymetrics reallymotivates you to improve and developcollaborative initiatives. This is whereSandy can reallyadd valueand provide valuable information to improvebusinessresilience.Earlier this year,the Jersey governmentpublishedaCarbonNeutral Strategy,layingout theroadmap to net zeroby2050.”

LGP, NC tanker Pichon 4500 gallon tanker with 18m dribble with variable flowrate Rear discharge muck spreading with weighcells/chicken/sludge/FMY loading

CORRUGATED

AVAILABLE

The land at Moor Park near Ludlow in South Shropshire

McCormick is at cutting edgeofperformance

McCormickisabrand of Argo Tractors, afamily-owned companybased in Northern Italy.

Manufacturing tractors in five plants, McCormickhaveinvestedheavily in production,R&D andtechnologymeaningthatthe modernMcCormick tractorisatthe cutting edge of tractordesignand performance.

AMcCormick spokesperson said: “With aproductioncapacity of up to 22,000 tractors ayear, we manufacture 65 percentof components internally,withthe rest being sourcedfromproven qualitysuppliers.

“Witharange that spans 35-310hp, we have amachinethatsuits everyfarming application, from simplestraightforward tractors for livestockoperationsthrough to high horsepower tractors packed with the latest

guidance andISOBUStechnology. We offer awiderange of transmissionoptions,with all ourtransmissions below150hpbuilt and designedinhouse includingour awardwinningX6.4 whichisthe UtilityTractorofthe Year 2023. We useKohler andFPT engines, forbothperformance andreliability

“Our global partsmasterwarehouse in SanMartino Italy, works24/7 providing original partssupportfor all ourtractors.

“Delivering to more than 100 countries worldwide,withthe highest levels of availabilityweensurethatwecan supportour tractors in the field.

“Coupledwithproactive maintenance andservicingfrom our dealers, we aim to maximise theuptimeofour tractors on farm,night or day.”

Open day to be held by top firm

HJRAgriwillbeholding an open dayonMarch 29 from 1pmto8pm

The firm willbeshowcasingthe Tractor of theYearthe NewMcCormickX6.4 P6 Drive, together with otherleadingagriculturalfranchisesthatHJR deal with –Teagle, Pottinger, West,MX, Weidemann, McConnel,and Strautmann.

HJR Agri LtdissituatedinruralShropshire, nearthe market town of Oswestry just ashort distance from theWelshborder.HJR Agri Ltdare awell-establishedMcCormick dealer,providinghighquality sales, service andparts to customersthroughoutShropshire, Wales andCheshire.

HJR Agri Oswestry Ltdwas formed in 2008 by formerBurgess Group employees Terryand Alan Hughes, Melfyn Jonesand AndyRoberts. They acquiredanumberof leadingfarmequipmentfranchisesand in 2009 startedrepresentingthe McCormick tractorrange

Thebusinessisrun by TerryHughes, who headsupthesalesdepartment,AlanHughes andMelfynJones, whoheadupthe service department, andAndyRoberts, whoheads up theparts department, basedattheir site at AstonEnterprisePark, Oswestry,Shropshire, SY11 4LS.

Thecompany said it wasveryproud to have forgedstronglinks with thefarming community,providingaveryhighservice

That highservice has been recognisedatan awards event.

COMMERCIAL FEATURE

On theeveningofMay 4, 2022, HJR Agri Limitedwereinvited to aMcCormick dealer awards meetingatthe Crowne Plaza NECHotel in Birmingham Theawards recognisedanumberofdealerswho have excelled in sales, service andparts provision throughout theUK.

Theawardswerepresented by Simeone Morra, directorofcorporate businessof McCormick’sparentcompany Argo Tractors andshareholder of Argo Tractors,and Franco Artoni,global director of partsand marketing, as well as Adrian Winnett, managingdirectorofMcCormickdistributor Argo Tractors UK &Ireland.HJR Agri Limited were extremelypleased to have been presented with theMcCormickDealer of theYearaward

This awardisgiventothe dealership for combined sales, service,parts andmarketing. HJR Agri Limitedsaid: “Weare very honoured to have wonthisaward,and our sincerestthanksgotoall of ourcustomers fortheir loyalsupporttousoverthe years andhelping us to achieve this success.

Therangeoftractors that McCormick nowhaveonoffer is thebestand broadest range that therehas ever been, whichhas been extendedwiththe long-awaited arrival of thenew McCormickX6.4 HD tractor.

This tractorwas launchedatLAMMA 2022, alongside thenew McCormickX7 SWB tractor.

HJR Agri Limited was presented with the McCormick Dealer of the Year award at a McCormick dealer awards meeting at theCrowne Plaza NEC Hotel in Birmingham. At the presentation were, from left, Simeone Morra, Terry Hughes and Daniel Roberts from HJR Agri, and Adrian Winnett

‘Wemusttake controloffood’

Bosses at theNational Farmers’ Union said theUnited Kingdom must take command of thefooditproduces, after somesupermarketsinthe countrywere hitbyshortages of fruitand vegetables,leaving shelvesempty.

Deputy presidentTom Bradshawsaida reliance on importshas left theUKvulnerabletoshock weatherevents.

Soaringenergybillsexacerbated by the warinUkraine have also putoff some UK vegetablegrowers,headded.

He said theUKhas “hitatippingpoint” andneedstotakecommand of thefoodit produces, amid volatility around theworld caused by thewar in Europe andclimate change

Thewarningfollows food minister Mark Spencer askingtomeetsupermarket chiefs toexplain“whattheyaredoingtogetshelves stockedagain”amid shortages.

Themeeting came as consumersfaced, at best,buyingrestrictions on certainfresh produce itemssuchas tomatoes, cucumbers andpeppers –orevenbareshelvesas retailersgrappledwithsupply problems.

Mr Spencersaid: “Thecurrent situation, caused by recentpoorweather in northAf-

There’s empty shelves in some stores

rica,shows howdependentwecan be on certain trade routes forsometypes of food

“I know families expectthe freshproduce they need to be on theshelveswhentheygo in fortheir weekly shop.

“That is whyIamcallinginsupermarket chiefs to find outwhattheyare doingtoget shelvesstocked againand to outlinehow we canavoid arepeatofthis.

“Aswedoourshopping,weshouldallgive ourthankstothe UK’s tens of thousands of farmersand food producers forkeeping us fedthroughoutthe year– andparticularly showing their mettle keepingthe nation goingduring thepandemic.”

Environment Secretary ThereseCoffey said British consumersshouldeat more turnips insteadofimportedfood.

WANTED SCRAP METAL

In July Beacon AssetFinanceannounced that they wouldbeclosing theirHereford Office.Beaconwas setupbyPeter Guyin2006 andhad astrong loyalfollowing throughout theregion in allareas of business finance.

We are delighted to announce that we haveacquiredthe business andwillcontinuetofund alltypes of new and used equipment, cars and commercial vehicles,buildings and farm improvements, refinancing facilities and livestock

supported by market leading Banks and Financial institutions. We will also be updating our social mediachannelswatch this space!

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Grants can bring benefits

Couldmyfarmbenefitfrom theFarming Equipmentand TechnologyFundgrant?

CamillaWhitehousefrom Nock Deighton says: Thefundisset to open in thecoming weeks, offeringgrantsfor specificitems of equipmentand technologythatwillbenefit farmers, horticulturalists, forestry owners andcontractors This year,the granthas been splitintotwo themes;Productivity andSlurry,and Animal Health andWelfare

Someoftheitemsavailableincludedribble bars,directdrills, calving detectors, cameras,mobileor fixedcattlehandlingsystem, cattle crushes, head scoops, mobile or fixed sheep handlingsystems,weighbars, electric fencingand ventilationfans Thegrantsare foraminimum of £1,000 andmaximum of £25,000 pertheme,and arebased on set grantamounts foreachitem. Thegrant elementisusually around 40 percentofthe

item’s cost, howeverifthe price of theitem youpurchaseresults in thegrant payment making up alesserorgreater percentage,this willnot affectthe amount of grantpaid, so long as therequirements beloware still met. Theserequirements include all equipment whichispurchased to meet theminimum specificationsset outwithin theoptionguidance,tobebrand new(ex-demoorsecond hand is notallowed)and purchased through asupplier or manufacturer. Allitems must also be paid forinfull(part exchange is not allowed)and no itemsmust be purchased before agrant fundingagreement is offered, although it is possible to secure itemswith arefundabledepositifyou are concerned aboutsupply issues. Theapplicationprocess is competitivewitheachitemgivenascore, andapplicationswiththe highestaverage scoresthenbeingoffered agreements.

Unlock planning potential

LetHallsunlockthe potential of asuccessful planningapplication

ShaunJones from thecompany says: Halls is pleasedtoannounceits expertsupportfor all your planningneeds.

That expertsupportfromHallsranges from housingschemes to farm buildingconsent,equestrianmenages, andeverythingin between.

Ourexperiencedteamis well-equipped to help younavigate thecomplexities of the planningprocessand ensure your application meets all requirements forapproval

Theplanningprocess canbechallenging andtime-consuming, with departments demandingstrict compliance with plans,environmental surveys, andecological surveys. With Hallsbyyourside,you canrestassuredthatevery detailistaken care of and everyhurdleisovercome.

From theearlieststagesofbusinessconception to the finalsaleofassets, Hallswill guide youthrough everystepofthe application process.

Ourcomprehensive approachcovers pre-applicationdiscussions to ensure co-operation with planningofficers, thepreparation of all plans andsurveys,and thorough submissions to secure planningconsent Unlock your potential forsuccesswith Halls.

Contactustoday to getstarted on your planningapplication

Formore information, please call Shaun Joneson01743 450700 or emailshaunj@ hallsgb.com

HallsRural Professionalteamhas been trustedtoprovide independentand expert advice on all mattersrelatingtothe agriculturalindustrysince 1845.

Complications of divorce

Divorceclaimsinfarmingfamilies canbe amessy business, so howcan youavoid complications if arelationshipends?

SarahMillington of FBCManby Bowdler says: Most farmsin theUKare passed from generation to generation –whichiswhy questionsshouldberaisedabout howtoprotect the farm andkeepitinthe family should amarriagebreak down Divorcecourtswillinclude thevalue of all of theparties assets –whateverformthey take.

If oneofthe parties in thedivorcehas a share in thefamilyfarm, it is understandable that theother owners andfamilywillbeconcernedthatitmight have to be sold or broken up Goodlegaladvice before themarriageis reallykey here,eventhoughdiscussingwhat wouldhappenonaseparation, before the

marriagehas started might seem abit pessimistic.

Preand post-nuptial agreementsaren’tlegallybindinginEngland andWales butthe lawonthisdiscreteareais evolvingbythe day.

So long as they have been drawn up properly and arefair, thecourtswill usually requirethepartiestohonourthetermsthathad been agreed

No-one likestoplanfor theend of amarriage, but when your assets involve somethingashighvalue andemotionally important as thefamilyfarm, it really is vitaltoget theright advice Formore informationand advice about divorceinfarmingfamilies, contactSarah Millington at FBCManby Bowdler via email sarah.millington@fbcmb.co.ukorcall 01743 284156.

Complying with controls

Controlof Agricultural PollutionRegulations2021 –doyou comply?

Amy Thomas of RogerParry &Partners says: All farmersand landowners in Wales need to be awareofthe newregulations whichhavebeenintroducedgradually since 2021 (formallyNVZs).

They apply to everyone with agricultural land,includinglandownerswho lettheir land outongrazinglicences anddon’t own livestock themselves. Failuretocomply could result in financial penalties, failed farm assurancechecksorprosecution.Tocomply, from 1January 2023, youneed to have aRisk Mapand aNutrientManagementPlanin place,includingcalculationsofyourcurrent manure storageand manure producedfrom livestock.You shouldalsoabide by theclosed spreadingperiodsfor inorganic fertiliser

From 30 April 2023all holdings willneed

to demonstrate that they arenot exceeding 170kg of Nitrogen perhectare (including fertiliser spread on thelandand directexcreta from grazingstock). By August 2024 you must have five months slurry storagecapacity (six months if pigorpoultry)and abide by theclosed slurry spreadingperiods

At RogerParry &Partnerswecan help with thecreationofRisk Maps andNutrient Management Plans to help youmeetthe requirements andcalculate your nitrogen limit andstoragerequirements.Ifyoucannotmeet thesethenwecan assist by findingother land to spread on,planningapplicationsfor manure storesand grantadvice.Alternatively,if youare under thenitrogenlimitthenthere maybeopportunities to earn some money from your land by allowingslurryspreading by others whoare strugglingontheir own land

Thevalue of woodland

What arethe keycharacteristics of woodland valuation?

Forge Property Consultants’ directorTom Masonsays: Thevalue of woodland in the United Kingdomhas increasedoverthe last five years. This growth canbeattributedto theneed forcarbonoffsetting, newmarkets surroundingnaturalcapital anda growing market of amenity andlifestyle buyers The land area coveredbywoodland has increased from 9% in 1980 to 13.3% in 2022, with most of that in Wales andScotland. TheUK marketisbroadly dividedintotwo areas. Commercialwoodland andamenity woodland Size andprofitability of timber stockare the keydifferentialsinestablishingifawoodland holdsany commercial value. Other characteristics that arecomparedand contrasted include,how easily it canbeaccessedvia a public highway,its topography,and itsgeo-

graphical location.Plus, theemergingmarketofnatural capital.Buyersofcommercial woodland aremostinterestedinthe plot’s abilitytogenerate regularrevenue andgood profit. Investorswillalsopurchasecommerciallyviablewoodland for taxsavings andcarbonoffsetting. With values ranging from £3500/acreto£6000/acre. Purchasers of amenity woodland,whichare often the smaller blocks locatedonfarms throughout thecountry,willgive more emphasis torecreationalopportunitiesandcostofanyshortterm management requirements. When valuingsmall blocks of woodland thereis greateremphasis giventothe total valueand lesstothe £/acre figure. As guide youmight expectvaluesof between£7,000 and£10,000 an acre. Once thetotal valueof theproperty exceeds£50,000, thepotential market will starttoget smaller

Advice about schemes

BPS, SFIand Countryside Stewardship–What Should IDo?

Will Davies from Berrys says: Defrahave recentlyunveiledmore detailaroundthe SFI (Sustainable FarmingIncentive)whichisone of threeschemes availableunder theELM (Environmental Land Management) Scheme Meanwhile, theexistingCountryside Stewardship Scheme is open forapplicationsfor the finaltimethisyear. It’s certainlya confusingtimefor farmersand land managerswho willlikelyfeelthattheyought to enterinto oneoftheseschemesbutdon’tknowwhereto begin, especiallywiththe reductioninBPS.

Both have their advantages andsomeof thelateststandards availableunder theSFI offer payments fornew actionswhichare unique to this scheme –particularlyfor arable farmers(e.g. establishment of companioncrops -£55/ha, andnon-use of pesticides

-£45/ha). In order to achieve thegreatest financialreturn,the best approachmay be to apply foracombinationofSFI andCountryside Stewardship.

This is partly becausesomeofthe most generous offerings relate to capital payments under Countryside Stewardship (e.g.fencing-£7.47/m andconcreting-£33.64/m2), butalsobecause certain activities arenot yet availableunder theSFI (e.g.paymentsfor organic farms).

Free advice,fullyfundedbyDefra is available under theFutureFarming Resilience Fund to helpbetterunderstandthe options available. As part of this,Berrysare able to come andmeetfarmers on farm andprovide acomprehensive bespokereport, with recommendations regardingthe aboveschemes. To find outmore,pleasecontact Will Davies on 01743 267062.

See woods for the trees

As farmersgrapple with risinginput costs anduncertainties around farm subsidies, land diversification is becominganincreasinglyattractive option.

BenAllmanfrom Ballardssays: Onesuch possibilityisthe useoftrees andwoodlands within farm boundaries, whichcan provide farmersand landowners with areliable source of income,costsavings, andenvironmental benefits. Timber prices arecurrently at record highs,withgrowing demandfor felled timber.Specialised markets canutilize lower-grade forestry material,increasing returnsand decreasingwaste from felling operations. Forthose landowners whohave existingmaturewoodland on their property, it maybeanuntappedsourceoftimber, firewood,orbiomassmaterial for personal use or sale. Planting newwoodland canalsoprovide opportunities to uselessproductive are-

as of thelandscape,add valuetothe site, and offervaluable environmentalhabitats. The UK government has variousgrant schemes availablefor woodland creation,whichcan make it an integral part of aforestryowner’s business. Carbon creditsare also becoming increasinglyimportant in theglobal fight againstclimate change,and eligible woodlands canprovide an additional sourceof income.Moreover,woodland offersarange of taxbenefits andopportunities, such as the saleoffelled, unprocessedtimberbeingtaxfree,and thepurchaseofforestryenabling deferralofcapital gains realised on thesale of abusinessasset. Additionally, managed woodland cansecurefull InheritanceTax relief on deathwhenqualifyingfor Business Property Relief,makingowningforestrya tax-efficientasset. Treesare no longeran unproductive asset.

Agreements on overage

Aneighbouring farmer has recentlysolda sectionofland, but he tellsmethatifplanningpermissionwas ever grantedonthe land,thenhewillbeinfor a financial windfall.Isthatpossible?

Emily Regimbeaufrom mfg Solicitors responds: Thesituation youdescribeisknown as “overage”, “uplift”or“clawback”, whichis essentially away in whichaselleroflandis able to share in anyincreaseinits valueonce asalehas been completed.Inanutshell, overage canbeusedwhere land is beingsold andthere’s alikelihood that itsvalue will increase,often duetoplanningpermission. Alandowner maybesellinglandwhichhas been valued as agriculturaland maynot be in apositiontoapply forplanningpermission,but wouldstill like to benefitfrom any increase in thevalue of thelandasaresultof permissionbeinggrantedorfurtherdevelop-

ment.Inthissituation,aseller couldsellthe land subjecttooverage andwould need the buyertoenter intoanoverage agreementto ensure they’d benefitfrom an increase in the land’s value.

It canbeagood optionfor some sellers, butthere areareas to consider.Firstly,aseller must decide what wouldtrigger an overage payment. Forexample,the triggercould be thegrant orimplementationof planningpermission,or resaleofthe land.Secondly, the overage period must be foradefinedperiod of time andcannotlast indefinitely.Lastly, howthe overage paymentiscalculated, usuallybya formula basedona percentage of theincreaseinthe valueofthe land These arejustthree examples of themultipleconsiderations. To sumup, overage agreements arecomplex so it’s vital to seek legaladvice at theoutset.

Charging opportunities

What is thefuturefor electricvehicle charging stations?

GeraintJones from McCartneys’Kington officesays:DidyouknowtheElectricVehicle Charging Strategy forWales has estimated that,inWales, 30,000 to 50,000 fast chargers arerequired by 2030?

In lightofthis, planningpolicies nowprovide specialsupporttoallow theroll-out of suitableinfrastructure, to facilitate theadoption of low-emissionvehicles, particularlyin ruralareas

An outlineplanningapplication wasrecentlyapprovedinFourCrosses, Powysfor anelectricvehicleservice station.

Theapplication also included adrive-thru cafe andparking facilities.

Theservice stationwillbethe first of its kind in Powys.

And in thelight of theincreased adoption

of electric vehicles, more andmore of these chargingfacilitieswillberequiredinthenear future.Onthe edge of atownisanideal location forsimilar future schemes. Doyouhaveasitethatyouthinkmayhave planning potential to supportthe ongoing switch towardslow-emissionvehicles?

If so,thenpleaseget in touchwiththe McCartneys team to discuss your requirements further. Theteamwill be on hand to offer their specialist advice

Call 01544 230316 forinformation and advice

McCartneys LLP Planningand Survey Department is part of astrongindependent professional firm establishedin1874 which has developedtoserve itsclients throughoutMid andWestWales, theWestMidlands andWelshBorder Counties with pride and expertise

Offering theright advice

TheexpertteamatP&L AgriConsulting offer services forgrowth, transformationand efficiency

Aspokespersonfrom thebusinesssaid: Ourdedicated team ensuresthatyou getthe advice youneed to make theright decisions, helping developsustainableand prosperous farm businesses. Ouraim is to provide a personal service backed up by professional knowledgeand awealth of experience based on many yearsofworking with UK farmers from alltypes of agri-business.

We areequipped to provide an unparallelednetwork of supportand advice youcan dependon. We recognise theimportanceof ahands on approachand arecommitted to maximisingthe potentialofyourbusiness.

By workingcloselywithfarmers andgrowerslocally andacrossthe UK, we provide a wide range of services to meet theneedsof

an ever changing industry.Weprovide afully integrated approachtoconsultancy offeringa diverserangeofservices andadvice to both conventional andorganic agri-business.

From strategicplanningand diversificationtofeedadvice andtechnical support, P&Lhavetheknowledgeyouneedtosecurea future foryourbusinessand encourage profitable growth

Ourservices include farm businessmanagement,businessplanningand future strategy, budgetingand cashflow forecasting, and bench-marking andperformance analysis.

Theservices also includeinterpreting your annual accounts, planningfor maximum profit, planningtoachieve your ownobjectives,labourandoperationalstrategies,group buying benefits, bookkeeping,tax advice and accounting,VAT andpayroll management, secretarial servicesand staff

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Schemes are welcomed

Fundingschemes from theGovernment to helpfarmers have been welcomedbyexperts at Halls.

The firm saidthe FarmingEquipment andTechnologyFund2023 (FETF) willbring benefits to theagriculturalsector. Theaim of thefundis to boost productivityand reduce the environmental impact of farmingoperations. Eligible itemsfor theFETF 2023 include arange of livestock-related equipment, such as livestockhousing and handlingsystems,feed storage anddelivery systems,and slurry managementsystems

Theseinvestments willhelpfarmers improvethe health andwelfare of their livestock, as well as reduce theamount of slurry produced, thus contributing to thereduction of greenhouse gas emissions.Livestock farmersare en-

couragedtoapply forthe FETF 2023, as it provides aunique opportunity to enhancetheir operationsand improve their bottom line.

Thefundingisavailablefor alimited time andapplicationswillbeaccepted on a first-come, first-servedbasis,so farmersare advisedtoact quickly.

Fordairy farmers, thefundprovides grants to livestock farmerstoimprove their productivity andprofitability by purchasingeligible itemssuchas new equipment, machinery and technology Thegrantshelpfarmers to invest in thelatesttechnologyand equipment, whichinturnhelps them to increase theefficiency of their farmingoperations,reducingcosts andincreasing yields.For generalfarmingduties, theschemeprovides fundingtowards equipmentsuchas GPS light bars,as-

sisted steer systems foruse on older tractors,real-timeinlineforagecrop analysisand camerasfor monitoring farmyards.

TheFETFprovides fundingfor a range of slurry management equipment,withthe aimofhelping farmers improvetheir efficiency andreduce their environmental impact

IanBrown from Hallssaidthe FarmingEquipmentand Technology Fund 2023 provides valuable support to farmers, helping them to invest in newequipmentand technologythat willimprove their productivity and profitability

Foraninformaldiscussionon howyou canapply forthese Government grants andaccessother fundingstreams,contact Hallson01743 450700.

Delight at total raised from sale

Benevolent farmer Emyr Wigley wasdelighted with the£81,000 raised by the sale of hisuniquecharity herd of pedigree British Blue cattle at auction in Shrewsbury.

Emyr,78, wholivesatDeytheur, near Llansantffraid,saw TheOld StackyardBlues closed breedingherd go under thehammeratShrewsbury AuctionCentre, whereatop price of 5,400 guineaswas recorded foracow andcalf. Theherdwas establishedin memory of hislate, belovedwifeEvelynwho diedatthe ageof69from ovariancancer in 2015.

Emyr’scattlesoldaspartofanannual sale by auctioneers Hallsofpedigree British Blues andcommercial cattle

Afterlosinghis wife,Emyrimmediatelypledgedtodosomethingpositive to raiseawareness andeducate peopleabout ovariancancer. Becauseof thecouple’s long connection with the farmingcommunity,healsowantedto supportfarmers in need

TheOld StackyardBritish Blues, establishedin2016, wasthe only charityherdofits type in theUK, as all themoney raised from thesaleof thecattleoverthe past seven yearshas been sharedbetween OvarianCancer

ChandlersFarmEquipment istoextendits newly-acquired JCBfranchise into theCotswolds from thebeginning of December this year,supporting customers by investing in aJCB depotat CirencesterinGloucestershire

Themove followsthe mergerof JCBdealer RossFarmMachinery into theChandlersgroup,with thenew Chandlers RFMJCB operation continuing to work out of existing branchesatRaglanfor Monmouthshire,Ross-on-Wye in Herefordshire andMartley in Worcestershire

Action andthe RoyalAgriculturalBenevolentInstitution(RABI). Emyr had alreadyraisednearly£122,000 forthe charities before thesaleand afurther £300 wasdonated to thecharities by JustGivingonthe dayofthe auction

He sold up becausehewas seriously injuredbyone of hisbullswhilstpreparing it forasaleinCarlisleearlier this year.Heislucky to be alive after the“spooked” bull crushedand trampled him, leavinghim with abadly injuredlegs.

Hisniece,Laura Pritchard, whohas helpedwithadmin since theherdwas established, rescued Emyr from the penwhere he wasgroomingthe bull

“I wasimpressed with howthe cattlesoldand looked in thesalering andhopefullythe moneywillhelpa lotofpeople,”saidEmyr, whothanked everyone whohad helped him with the cattle since he wasinjured Philosophical aboutthe saleofthe herd,headded: “If it hadn’t have been this year,itwould probably have been next year

“I wasbit unfortunate to hurt myself butwehavehad seven years of pleasurefrom thecattleand have metsome wonderfullygenerouspeople.”Senior auctioneerandauctioncentremanager JonnyDymondsaidthe companywas honoured to sell theherd.

TheMartley andnew Cirencesterdepots will become specialist hubsfor managing JCBsales,service andparts, strengthening thededicated supportavailabletoall JCB customersinthe area across the JCBFastrac,Loadall,TM, wheeled loaderand otheragricultural materials handling products

JCBAgriculture managing director John Smithsaid: “We lookforward to working with the team at ChandlersRFM JCBand take thisopportunitytothank Cotswold Farm Machinery for their

many yearsofdedicationtoJCB customers.

“Until theend of November, Cotswold Farm Machinery will continue to providesales, parts, serviceand repairsfrom FosseCross,and thechangeof distribution arrangementswill have no impactonJCB dealers neighbouring theCotswolds territory or elsewhere.”

Paddy Kennedy,JCB manager at Chandlers RFMJCB,said: “Our team is readytoput their yearsof JCBexperiencetogood useinthe CotswoldsareafromDecember.”

Emyr Wigley and Laura Pritchard with representatives of Ovarian Cancer Action and the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution.

Pesticide authorisation is criticised

Bossesatthe SoilAssociation have criticised theGovernment’s decision to authoriseemergency useofneonicotinoidpesticide treatmentonthisyear’s sugar beet crop

Theauthorisationwas given duetothe risktothe crop from yellowsviruses.Emerging sugar beet seedlings arevulnerable to predation from aphids that have thepotential to spread beet yellowsvirus,which can severely affect sugarbeetyield andquality.In2020, 25 per cent of thenationalsugarbeet crop waslost, costing£67m of totaleconomiclossacross

an industry that createsnearly 10,000 jobs

Butbossesatthe Soil Association have criticisedthe move,withthe group’s head of farming policy Gareth Morgan saying:“TheGovernment has ignoredscientificevidence andabandoned theirown commitmenttoprotectour pollinatorsfor thethird year running.Itisnot credible to claimanexemption is temporary or emergencywhenitisused year afteryear

“Ifthe Government is serious abouthalting biodiversityloss by 2030,theymustsupport

farmerstoexplorelong-term, agroecologicalsolutions that do notthreatenour endangered beepopulationorother wildlife “Neonicotinoids simply have no placeinasustainable farming system,and farmers need supportand guidanceto endrelianceonthem.”

Defrahas attachedstrict conditions to theemergency authorisation,including only allowing forapplication if independent modelling predicts avirus incidenceof63per cent or above. If the virus thresholdis notmet,thenthe neonicotinoid treated seed will notbeused.

WANTED ALL YEAR

If thethreshold is metand limiteduse is allowed, then furtherstrictconditionswillbe appliedtominimise risks to the environment This includesa maximum number of seedsplanted per hectare andrestrictionson farmersplanting flowering crops in subsequentyearsinany field wheretreated seed hasbeen used.Thisistoallow time for thechemicaltobreak down Emergency authorisations for pesticides areonlygrantedfor a shortperiodoftime. Theoverall banonthe useofneonicotinoid pesticides remains in place

Use of antibiotics is focus of open days

Aseries of farm open days designed to demonstrateways to improvelivestock health andwelfare while reducing theneedtouse antibioticshas started.

Theopendayshavebeenorganised by Arwain DGC(Defnydd Gwrthficrobaidd Cyfrifol/ResponsibleAntimicrobialUse), aWelsh programme designedtohelpvets andfarmers to addressthe spreadof antibiotic resistance in animalsand theenvironment

Throughtraining, applyingnew technology, data gathering, and improvingunderstanding, the programme helps farmers, equine keepersand vets reduce theneed to useantibiotics, reducingthe risk of antimicrobialresistance (AMR) development.

SeveralofArwainDGC’s Proofof Concept(PoC) farmshaveopened theirgatestodemonstratehownovel technologyand good practice techniques canreducethe need to use antibiotics.

Last month, thefocus wason UpperHouse Farm near Abergavenny, wherethe Watkinsfamilyare workingtoboost their beef herd’s health,welfare,and performanceby improvingexistingshedventilation anddesign.

Also last month, Pwllhelidairy farmer VaughanDavies demonstrated hisuse of pedometertagsatNant Farm to monitorheatand thehealth of hiscowscontinuously. Usingthis technology, Vaughanaimstoreduce antibiotic useonthe farm whileincreasinghis herd’s health,welfare, andproductivity. Fordairy farmers, capturing data on antibiotic useand reducingit’suse is becominga crucial customerrequirement –especiallyinmilk processingcontracts.

Theopendaysfollowthe success

of the first PoCfarmevent,heldin theautumnatHafodyMaidd

near CerrigydrudioninConwy

Theopenday washostedbyIwan Davies, whowelcomedvisitorsto hisfarmtosee hownovel technologyishelping him detectand tackle diseaseinhis suckler herd earlyand reduce theneed for antibiotics.

Iwan is triallingbolus technology. Hesharedhisexperienceswithsome 30 farmersatthe open day, which wasalsobroadcast on S4C’s Ffermio programme.

Iwan said: “Our wholefarmethos at HafodyMaidd is to tryand cut back on antibiotics andother doses we give ourcattleand sheep.”

At theopenday,farmers heard

howbolustechnologyactsasan‘early warningsystem’ alerting Iwan to potential infectioninacow when it is in heat or theearly stages of calvingand otherhealth matterssuchas mastitis or lameness.

This notification enables him to actbeforethe diseasedevelopsand thecow reachesthe stagewhere it needsantibiotictreatment

He said: “Thesystemdoesnot takethe place of good husbandryor management, we’vestill gotour eye on everything, but anythingthatcan furtherhelpus–andhelpreducethe need forantibiotics –isaplus.”

Theopendaysare organisedby Arwain DGCtechnical officersEiry Williams forNorth Wales andElan

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Davies forSouth Wales. Elan said: “Opendaysgive us agreat opportunitytoshowcasesomeofthebrilliant andimportant work that’s happeningatsomeofour PoCfarms,where we candisseminateproject results andshowtechnologies, innovative ideas or generalbestfarmingpractices that arehappening on these farms, all with theaim to reduce the useand need for antimicrobials.”

In thecomingmonths, Arwain DGCwillhostmoreopendays throughout Wales, demonstrating measuressuccessfullyemployedat thePoC farms. More details,includingthe locations, datesand times, canbefound at menterabusnes.

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Proof of Concept farm open days allow techniques to reduce use of antibiotics to be discussed

Staff complete climb challenge

Stafffromanimalfeed manufacturersHJLea Oakes have raised money forthe BloodCancer UK charityby successfullyreachingthe summitofMountKilimanjaro, thehighestfree-standing mountain in theworld.

The firm’s technical directorKeith Jamieson, compliance andHRmanager Dot Gidgeand customer service advisorNicky Shallcrosstookpartinthe challenge in Tanzania.

They took on thecharity challenge together with 13 friends from their gym.

They choseachallenging approachof goingvia MaranguRoute,taking only five days, whichisaveryshort time foracclimatisingtohighaltitude

Kilimanjaro’s summitstands at 5,895 metres abovesea level, whichmeans altitude sicknesssymptoms, rangingfrom headaches to nausea,insomniaand totallossofappetite, arearealissuewhile attempting the climb.

As much as they all agreethatreaching thesummitwas alife-changingachievement,theyalsoadmititwas oneofthe most challenging things they ever did

During their trip,theyalsovisited Stella MarisPrimary School with donationsof school supplies.

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raised money for the Blood Cancer UK charity by successfully reaching thesummit of Mount Kilimanjaro were giventhe opportunity to play and spendtimewiththe pupils

Keith, Dot, Nicky andtheir friends dedicated their efforts to fundraisingfor Blood Cancer UK.

They raised £6,635 betweenthem. The wholegroup’s total exceeds£15,000 andrising.

If you’dliketocontributetotheir efforts, youcan do so via their JustGivingpage whichcan be found on theHJLea Oakes’ Facebookpage.

Edward Lea, managingdirectorofHJLea Oakes, said: “Weare incredibly proudof their efforts andachievement,and forthe amount of moneytheyhaveraisedfor afantastic cause. ”

at HJ Lea Oakes

Parents give message on mental health issue

BY IAIN ST JOHN

Theparentsofa young farmer whotookhis ownlife have joinedthe campaign formoreaction to support themental health of those making theirjourney into the industry.

LeonardEadon–known as Len–was 22 andapopularyoung farmer,having completed hisstudiesatHarperAdams University, when he took hisown lifein January2022.

Over ayearon, hisparents –Andyand Lynda–havebeencampaigningtomake averydifficult subject more open to discussionand onethatyoung farmers, in particular, recognise andare preparedto talk about.

Thecouplehavebeenworking with Stephanie Berkeley,manager of theFarm Safety Foundation,for thepast year to raiseawareness amongthe next generation of farmersofrecognisingthe signs andsymptomsofsomeone struggling andgainthe confidence to startwhat couldbeadifficult conversation.

They have createdthe Five-a-Day

Challenge in Len’smemory. Lyndasaid:

“WhenLeonard died, it became avery strong feelingthatwehad to do somethingtobringpeopleinthefarmingcommunity together to talk.

“This is whyAndydevised Five-a-Day Challenge – five very simplethings you candoevery daytolookafter your mental health

“More than 18,000 of thesebrightred challenge cardshavebeenprinted and

distributedtomarkets, localyoung farmersclubs andthrough theNFU Student Farmer magazine.

“Wealsocommissioned2,000 copies of theFarmSafetyFoundation’sLittle Book of MindingYourHeadtobeprinted anddistributedtoYFCs to support thenew mental health curvemodulethat they have developed.

“Ourhopeisthat,becauseLeonardwas so well knownand it shockedsomany

Model marks anniversary

On the25thanniversaryofthe GrizzlyATV,Yamahahas announcedanew edition.

people,wewantpeopletokeeptalking aboutitand keep rememberinghim and realisethattheyneed to be awareofwhat they’refeelingand reachout if they need it Thereisnoshame Thereisnostigma. Butthere is support.”

Len’sFive-a-Day Challenge is:Behonestwithyourselfand thosearound you; talkopenlyabout dailychallengesand listen; care foryourselfaswellas youcare forothers; contactthatpersonyou’ve been saying youshouldand plan forthe unexpected–makethe rightchoices.

Figures have revealed94per cent of UKfarmersundertheageof40rankpoor mental health as oneofthe biggesthidden problemsfacingfarmers today. The studywas carriedout by theFarmSafety Foundation

With worryingly lowlevels of mental wellbeingidentified by itsown BigFarmingSurvey, RABI recentlylaunchedtwo newsupportservices.

RABI’sheadofpartnerships,SuzyDeeley, said thenew in-personmentalhealth counsellingand farming-focused mental health traininginitiativeswillcomplement existingschemes

Anyonefeelingtheycouldbenefitfrom talking to aprofessionalcan accessRABI’s 24/7 helplineon0800 188 4444.

It featuresnew instruments, brakes, accessories andgraphics. They areall coupledtothe second generation MK II 686cc 4-valve SOHC engine TheATV features thelatestEFI throttle bodyas well as fine-tuned ECU mappingand refinedtolerances that ensure lowfuelconsumption,hightorqueand smooth performance.Dan Palmer,power products manager, said: “This anniversarymodel taps into thelegendary legacyofthe original 1998 Grizzly600 andisaruggedfarmtoolthatcan be dependedon to manage thetoughestterrain andoffer operatorcomfort,safety andversatility.”

Thenew GrizzlyfeaturesYamaha’sdurableand efficientCVT Ultramatic automatictransmission. Theinstant-reaction gearingtackles thetoughestterrain, and thenatural feel of theall-wheel engine braking givesaddedconfidence andcontrol on steepslopesand when crawling amongstlivestock.

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TheintelligentOn-Command drive systemfeaturesaconvenientpush-button controlthatswitches seamlesslyand instantaneouslyfrom2WD,4WD or 4WD with Diff-lock andback.

Lynda and Andy Eadon are working to highlight mental health issues

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THEFARMER | FRIDAY,MARCH 10,2023 24

World record joy for top crop of

winter wheat

AcropofDSV Champion winter wheat grownbyTim Lamymanathis Worlaby Farm,Lincolnshirein2022 has been confirmed as theofficial GuinnessWorld Record forwheat yield

The17.96t/hacropbeatthe existing 17.40t/haworld record achievedinNew Zealandin2020 andwas very much the result of afocused team collaboration,Tim Lamymansaid.

“Havinglookedatthe amazingall-round diseaseattributes of DSV Champion in 2020, Robert Lamymandecidedweshould tryitthatyear. Unfortunatelywedrilled it waytoo thinly

“Despiteachieving only 83 plants/m2 at establishment,thecroprecoveredamazingly andwentontoproduceupto20tillers/plant

achieving ayield of 15t/haatharvest 2021. We knew thepotential wasthere,especially with thespecial agronomic programmedevelopedbyFrontier andBASFand theBionaturesmart nutritionthinking we hadused forthe crop

“For 2022, thecollaboration decided Championhadthevarietyspecifichighyield traits we were lookingfor to push theUK wheatyieldstonew boundaries.”

AccordingtoDSV Champion’s breeder Dr Matt Kerton,the variety’spotential wasclearly visiblefrom an earlystage in its breedingjourney

He said: “Our objective is to screen breedinglines veryhardforbothyieldanddisease resistance usingarange of sitesacrossthe UK andbeyond.”

Worries about risks of lodging

Dryweatherlastautumn then high levels of rainfall in Januaryhave addedtothe risksoflodginginspring crops, expertshave warned

Ruth StanleyofLifeScientificUKsaid:

“Early drillingincreases stem lodgingrisk asstraw strength is compromised, whilst an additionalconsequenceofthedryweatheris that many cropshavebeenleft with poorly developedrootsystems,increasingthe risk from root lodging.

“If it dries up againinthe springasithas done in thelastseveralyears,apoorlyrooted plantwon’t yield, particularly on lighter land types.”

Thereare twoforms of lodgingeachcausing combiningand drying difficulties, reductioninyields, andquality issues.

Stem lodgingoccurswhenthe stem breaksasitisnot strong enough to support theplant,whilstrootlodging occurs when theplant’s root systemisnot abletoanchor it sufficientlyinthe ground

Ms Stanleysaid: “Lodging risk increases with factorssuchasearly drillingand ahigh plantpopulation

“However therisk from root lodgingincreaseswhere thereisaninsufficientlydevelopedrootsysteminsoils that arerich, fertileand well cultivated,particularlythose with highorganic matter or lowclaycontent –and thereare many cropsacrossthe UK that areinthissituation

“Varieties also have differentresistances to lodging, this comesdowntodifferences

in height,tilleringcapacity,stemstrength andspeed of establishment “Varieties with ascore of 7orlessonthe AHDBRecommended List shouldbeconsidered at risk of lodgingand need to be managed carefully.”

Arobust PGR programme willhelpprotect against both root andstemlodging and Mrs Stanleysuggeststhattrinexapac, akey active in thePGR armourywhichisless temperature dependentthanchlormequat, canplayakey role in an effective PGR programme

“Trinestar contains250g/l trinexapac ethyland is aPGR registered foruse on all varieties of winter andspringwheat,barley, oats, rye, triticaleand ryegrass seed crops. ”

Publication givesaninsight into latest incomes of farms

Contact

Please call Duncan on 07970283674

Email:brassingtonagri@outlook.com

Tractors &Telehandlerscan beviewedonline brassingtonagri.co.uk

Manysheep andcattlefarms in Waleswill have seen a10-year high increase in business incomesinthe last full financialyear,according to new Welsh Government data.

Butthe situationwill have changed markedly in recent months, with significant increasesincosts for farmersand thedissipation of the impactofCovid on retail trends illustrating thepotential volatility of the agriculturalsector.

In theyear to March 2022, Welsh farm incomesrosetoa newoverall averageof£38,600 –upnearly athird

on levels reported in theprevious 12 months.

Thedetailedinformation is containedinthe latest releaseofthe annual ‘Forecast of Farm Incomesin Wales’ publication

Thepublication is released by the Welsh Government andprovidesan insightintolong-term trends in farm incomesand market performance.

Thecurrent HybuCig Cymru- Meat Promotion Wales(HCC)monthly Market Bulletin looks into theresults of the2021-22 financialyear alongwith theimpacts of inflation on thesector.

FRIDAY,MARCH 10,2023 | THEFARMER 25

Fodder beet plays key role in arable rotation

BY IAIN ST JOHN

BrothersRichard and Fred Whiterun a650-hectare mixedfarmnearTamworth, andthey’ve grownfodder beet formorethan two decades.

Theywaxlyricalaboutitsrecordyields, feedvaluefortheirbeefandsheep,andits part in their arable rotation

Newvarieties have maintained the Whites’enthusiasmfor thecrop. They begangrowing Limagrainvariety Fosyma in 2020 after arecommendationfrom Wynnstay’s EmmaEdwards

This high-dry-matterfodder beet varietyispink-skinned andconical-shaped, anditcombines highyieldswithahigh drymattercontentofbetween20percent and21per cent.Arelativelyhighproportion of itsroot, 40 percent, sits out of the ground

Richardand Fred thoughtFosyma woulddowellontheir farm,particularly becausetheylift andfeed fodder beet to their Hereford cattle andsheep during thewinter.

Itsmedium-depth root reduces the

risk of soil contaminationand offers flexible feedingand end-use options Their contractorusesroot-liftingequipmentto harvestthe 23 hectaresofthe crop grown each year

Approximately50per centisfed to their ownsheep andcattle, andthe other half is sold off farm

Producinghome-grown feed andforageisa priority forthe brothers,but fodder beet is also auseful break crop, fitting

into therotationbetween winter wheat crops. “Wetypically sowthe beet at the endofApril,after applyingplenty of manure,” explained Richard. “Wehaveamix of soilsand thecropissownacrossthem all,and it performs well –wealwayssee good yields.”

And it’s this consistencythataddsto thecrop’sappeal.“It performs well in both wetand drysummers. We noticed howmuchdeeperrootedthe crop wasin

Once in theground,hesaidthe fodder beet ‘doesn’t hang about’.“It germinates andgrows quickly. We do need to control weeds, to preventcompetition,but once well established thecrop’scanopyhelpsto suppressthem.”

Thebeetistypicallyready forharvest at theend of September, but is left in thegrounduntil liftinginmid-October

Once lifted,the brothers areready with thedrill andsow winter wheat, so they’re notleaving thelandfallow over winter

Forthe past threeyears Fosyma has yieldedbetween 75 and87tonnesper hectare.It’sstoredoutside in aclamp made from strawbales. Feedingtooutwintered livestockstartswhengrass growth slows, whichisusuallyatthe end of October.“It’s fedwhole,onthe ground, to cattle andsheep.Wedon’t have to chop it.And they love it –there’s no waste.”

Richardaddedthataswellasadding ‘interest’ to winter rations, fodder beet also supports lamb growth The450-ewe flocklambs in late April,and lambsare finishedonthe farm’s 160-hectaresof permanentpasture andfodder beet duringthe winter

Radnorshireand Montgomeryshire

WildlifeTrustsare leadingaunique free outdoorcampfor youngpeoplethisAugust

Thiswildcreative camp is made possibleby‘Standfor Nature Wales’,a Waleswide projectlooking to empoweryoung people to take action fornatureand climate.

Thepurpose of theWildlifeand Climate Summer Camp is to give young people aplatformtoshare their concerns aboutthe future of localwildlife andclimate andnot only learnabout nature-based solutionsand positive action, but actuallyhelpinitiate acampaign.

All people aged 14-18, no matter their levelofknowledge,are encouragedtoapply fora place at thecamp. Thetwo trusts have planned five days jam-packedwith avarietyofactivities,suchaslearning about campaigns, howtocreateone,and deliverit.

Theorganisershavealsoincluded wildlifesurveys such as butterflyrecording, settingupand checkingwildlife trailcameras, recordingwildflowersand much more

Theresultofthiscampwillbeanexhibition, providingparticipantswitha platform to share their passionfor wildlifeand amplifytheir voice aboutclimate issues.

Thecampwilltakeplace at TheWillowGlobe,nearRhayader,from July 31 to August 4, with overnight campingand all mealscovered Visitrwtwales.org to apply foraplace at thecamp.

ThedeadlineisApril 30.

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2022, duetothe drier-than-typical conditions. It actually outperformedthe 2021 crop,” said Richard

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Weed control scheme ‘is agood investment’

With sugarbeetprices up significantly compared to last year –byasmuchas50per cent wheregrowers arewillingtocommit to producingacropin2023 and2024 –it willpaytoinvestinaneffectiveweedcontrol programmethisspring.

That’s theadvice from ADAMA’s herbicide technical specialist Dr Bill Lankford, whoclaimsawellthought-out weed control programmewilldelivera significant yield response in sugarbeet, with scopefor ayield lift in therange of 10-20 percentcompared to cropswhere weed controlisbelow par.

Dr Lankfordsaid: “In recentyears sugar beet growershavepredominantly reliedon phenmedipham-based herbicides to control themajority of weeds

“However,asweed florahas diversified as

aresultof changes in agricultural practices, andphenmediphamproductshavemoved to less effective suspensionconcentrateformulationsasa result of legislative changes, relyingonone keyactive ingredientisno longeradequatetoprovide completecontrol.”Awider arrayofchemistries should thereforebe used alongside phenmedipham, with activessuchasmetamitron,quinmerac,ethofumesate, clopyralid,dimethenamid-p andpropaquizafopgivinggoodresultsagainst many of thekey yield-robbing weed species.

Dr Lankford said: “Theeasiestofthese activestoincorporate into programmesis metamitron thanks to itsbroad label, good crop safety anddual contactand residual activity.”

Award joy for student Rachel

AHarper AdamsUniversity student has beenrecognised for herworkataprestigious awards.

Veterinary nursingstudentRachel Hallamwas amongthe prizewinnersatthis year’s Animal Medicines TrainingRegulatory AuthorityAwards.

Shewas namedone of thebestperformingcompanionanimal students of thepast twoyears at the2023 awards in Birmingham. Rachelsaid: “Theaward wasdue to my qualification as aRAMA –aRegistered Animal Medicines Advisor. Beinga RAMA allowsmetoprescribe andsupply certain animal medicines.

“Themainpartofthisroleinvolveseducatingclientsonparasites andproviding them with theright parasite treatmentfor their pet.”

Rachel took herexaminations before completingher industryplacementyear –undertaken by all undergraduatesatthe Newportuniversity–where she worked at aveterinary surgery

Sheadded: “Itwas aprivilegetobeshortlistedand to winsecondprize This was basedonmymarksinthebaseandcompanionanimal exams.Itookthe exams in my secondyearasitwasofferedasanadditional part of thecourse.

“Theseexams were challenging,and so it is nice to receive recognition for thehard work.”

TheawardswereheldaspartofagaladinnerattheAnimalHealthDistributors’Asso-

ciation conference,whichwas the first of its kind since 2020 after delays duetoboththe impact of thepandemic andthe funeralof HerMajesty QueenElizabeth II. Racheladded: “HarperAdams has connected me with severaldifferentparts of the industry, includingAMTRAwithwhomI gotthisqualification

“Thereare severalqualificationsat AMTRAallowingyou to prescribe fora range of species. Thereisareal emphasis on responsibility,environmental sustainability, andanimal safety.” Having visitedHarper Adamsasa prospective student, Rachel found herselfdrawn to theuniversitydue to itslearningspaces andopportunities –both indoor andoutdoor

Festival has plenty of treats lined up for all its visitors

TheSmallholding&Countryside Festival returns to theRoyal Welsh Showground in Builth WellsonMay 20-21.

With afullpackedprogramme of livestockand equinecompetitions, displays,demonstrations, tradestands, live musicand activities, thereis something foreveryonetoenjoy Entriesfor livestockand equine competitions arenow openand competitorscan view theschedules andenter online at thefestival’s website.Entries will close on April3

TheRoyal WelshAgriculturalSociety

is delighted to announce this year’s festival will host Rising Starqualifiers for the2023London International Horse Show

ThePremier Open DogShowwill also beheldduring thefestival once again.

Entriesare nowopenfor the2024 Cruftsqualifier whererosettes, prize moneyand qualitypet foodare all up for grabs for thewinning canines Postal entriesclose on April11, and online entries close on May2

Visitrwas.walesfor more information about thefestival or to buytickets

Rachel Hallam

Appointments to play part in estates’ future

BY IAIN ST JOHN

Keyappointmentshave been made as Bradford Estates worksatimplementinga 100-year plan to shapeits future around sustainability andrenewableenergy systems.

Residential manager Clare Ameyand asset managementdirectorAndrewBarrett have startedas part of anew-look line-uponthepropertymanagementside of thelandedestates business, whichhas itsheadoffice at Weston-under-Lizard near Shifnal.

To bringspecialist focustothe rural portfolio at BradfordEstates,Steve Farrowmoves to theroleofrural director, havingbeenpropertydirectorsince2020.

Clare will managethe 130-strongportfolio of houses andcottages setinand around thepicturesque villagesofTong, Weston-under-Lizard,Blymhill and Church Eaton.

Having grownupinShropshirethe move offersareturntothe county forthe experiencedpropertymanager,who has worked foranumberofleadingproperty

organisationsand wasmostrecentlyresponsiblefor theresidential portfolio on theCranborne estate in ruralDorset.

Clare said: “I want Bradford Estatesto be thelandlord ofchoice,providingthe best qualityofferingofresidential properties in thearea.

“Myaim is to work with theteamhere to develophighstandards of customer service forour residents, underpinned by regularcommunication, andamexcited

about theopportunities ahead.”After 17 yearsworking for commercial property investment andmanagementgroup LCP basedinKingswinford,Andrewhas taken on themanagementof theBradford Industrialportfolio,whichcomprises eight industrial estatesfrom Yorkshireto Kent housing50 commercial tenants, includingleadingbrands such as Halfords andScrewfix.

On themainlandholding, he will

Appaims to help growers

Crop4Sight has announcedthe launch of an updatedversionofits weband mobile app, designedtomakeiteasierfor potato growersand agronomiststoaccess, andview, potato crop performance on thego.

be responsiblefor theexpansionofthe commercial property offer throughthe conversionof existingperiod andmodernagriculturalbuildings into offices and warehouses, alongside some newbuildings, fornew businessclients.

He said: “I look forwardtothe variety in themanagementofour nationwide industrialportfolio alongside expanding ourexistinglocal ecosystemof SMEoccupiershereinStaffordshireand Shropshire. We want to be abletosupportentry levelbusinessesand then facilitate their growth througha broad offer of unitsizes as well as encourage thepurchaseofservices from each other, as Bradford Estates does from ourcurrent occupier base,to buildaresilientbusinesscommunity.”

ManagingdirectorAlexanderNewport welcomedthe newadditionstothe team

He said: “Itisexcitingtosee Clareand Andrewcomeon boardatBradford Estatesas thebusinessevolvestoenhance itsproperty management with afocus on theintegration of sustainabletechnologies andcirculareconomy throughthe conversionofbuildings to newusesas part of our100-yearplan.

“Itisgreat to have Stevenow focusing on therural side of ourbusiness, whichis at thecentreof everythingwedo.”

Thelatestversionofthe appmakes it easier to useall data that is collected throughout thegrowing season,while outand about–makingiteasier to make agronomic andcommercial decisions Additionally, thereisnowamodulefor growerstocompare andbenchmark their crop performanceagainst anonymised data describingperformance of other cropsplanted at similartimes.

Fiona Law-Eadie,senioragronomist, outlined theimportanceof technology such as Crop4Sight,whichiseasytouse outinthe field.

Mrs Law-Eadie said: “Realistically growersand agronomistsdon’t spend thatmuchtimeinfrontofacomputer,especiallynot when theseasongets busier.

“Thelatestversionof themobileapp givesyou easy accesstothe crop insights youneed,tomakemanagementdecisions on thego.

“Havingatooltomonitor crop performance throughout theseason, and therefore confidentlyforecast yieldand performance,iscrucialformitigatingrisk forthe farmer.

“For example,ifemergenceisaweek earlier than expectedbut youhaveaset liftingdate, this couldmeanthe crop has aseven to 10 days extra growingperiod andwilllikelyrequirechanges to crop managementplans tomaintainthe optimumcommercialyield of thecrop.”

2014MF7626

2008MF6475

MF6290

2017MF5712SL

5151Hrs,AirConditioning,TwinBeacons,Dyna-6Transmission. 10026911 POA W

6537Hrs,Tier3,Dyna6Transmission, AirSeat,PowerHitch,CabSuspension, ECOPTO,AutoDrive.

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Steve Farrow,Andrew Barrett, Alexander Newport and Clare Amey

Get aglimpse of what net zero will look like

An eventwhere farmerscan seeand discuss technologies, approaches andtechniques settotransform agriculture as theindustry workstowards netzero, is settotake place at Harper Adams University.

Farm of theFuture:Net Zero in Practice willbefreetoattendand willtakeplace at theuniversityonApril 13.

Theday will include farmingpanel discussions andtechnical sessions,withafocus on smallgroupdiscussion. Demonstrations of autonomous vehicles areset to take place, with technical sessions on thedecarbonisation of livestockproduction, andcircular solutions forbiowastes.

SeniorengagementfellowatHarperAdamsKit Franklin willleadthe autonomous vehicles androbotics session, whichwill

include ademonstration of thedriverless tractors developedaspartofthe Hands Free Farm project, plus demonstrationsfrom FarmDroid.

He said: “Seeingisbelieving.Farmers will be abletosee the agri-techoftomorrowin action andwillhavethe opportunity to ask tricky questions.

“Myexpectation is forevery attendee to come away from theevent thinking about howtheymightapplythesolutionson-farm, andtostart consideringthe changes they’ll need to make to be aheadofthe curveand readytoadopt thetechnologies when the time comes. ”

Booking,andmoreinformationaboutthe sessionthe universityhas planned, isavailableatharper-adams.ac.uk

‘Collaboration is key on crises’

Collaborativeworking across thesupplychainisneededto tackle thetwincrises of global hungerand climatechange.

RichardTaylor Agri

Agri-kitCalf de-horningCrate, chinrest&belly scoop £650 -eligible for50%funding underthefarming equipmentand technologyfund

AtoZAttachments MuckGrabs, availablefor tractorloaders andtelehandler’s, optionsforKVor Hardoxtines £POA

Moulton YS4HP Yard Scrapers in stock, delivery available £795

• MoultonFlat8Grabs

• MoultonBuckRakes

• AtoZAttachmentsShearGrabs

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• MoultonSilagePushers

USED MACHINERY

• KvernlandKV825 StrawChopper£795

Fleming 3ftTopper£595

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• BrownsBaleGrab£595

• Twose9ftTopper£795

• GrahamEdwardsATVSheepTrailers

• WearenowStockistsforAgri-Kit LivestockEquipment

• IforWi liams10ftLivestockTrailer,completewithDecksand

EasyLoadRamp,fullyserviced£2,950

• Vicon4RotorTedder,1seasonolddone50acresfromnew£5,250

• Service and on site repairs on Telescopic Handlers

• Air Conditioning Servicing & Repairs on Site Telephone Wayne Bowen 077919 00051 www.matbro-man.co.uk

That is theoverarchingmessage in animal health companyElanco’sEnvironmental, Social andGovernance(ESG) report.

Thereport, titled Changing theWorld: OneAnimal at at Time,outlinesthe company’s approachtoworking acrossthe supply chaintohelpfarmers produce healthy, affordablefood whiletakingsteps to tackle climatechange

PollyDavies, UK poultryteamleadat Elanco,saidsupporting animal health and productionefficiencies on-farm is thestartingpoint forbothsustainable, healthyfood productionand reducingemissions

Ms Davies said: “Collaboration is keyto accelerating change in thesector, andwe must work together to achieve sustainability goals. Within Elanco we’reworking to cut theenvironmental footprintfrom our own operations.

“We’re also workingwithour customers to leverage productand service innovations to helpour stakeholdersadvance their sustainabilityefforts.”

MsDaviessaidexamplesofElanco’sinnovationsinclude itsHealthTracking System andgut health solutions whichcan helpreduce emissions whilesupporting more profitable production.

Ms Davies said Elanco is also committed to promotingthe responsibleuse of antibiotics, with increasingfocus on disease

preventionand earlydisease detection.Increasedknowledge andexpandedaccessto data,a growingproduct portfolio,precision application, andantibioticalternatives, such asvaccines andenzymes, willprotect future sustainableanimal production.“As ourESG report shows, ourbusinessmodel is builton thebelief that healthier animalsare thekey to addressingfood security andnutrition, humanhealth, well-being, andenvironmental sustainability,” addedMsDavies.

“Collaboration acrossthe supply chain willbekey to ensuring ahealthyanimal population –and in turn,reduced emissions from agriculture–and Elanco stands ready to work with ourcustomers toadvance their ownsustainabilityefforts.”

Entriesinvited to firm’s first property auction of the year

AuctioneersHalls areappealing for entriesfor the firstofthe company’s 2023 collectivepropertyauctions

The firstcollectivepropertyauction of theyear will be held on April28.

Thecompany,which hasits headquarters in Shrewsburyand sevenregional offices across Shropshire,Worcestershire andMid Wales, is looking for houses,paddocks andsmall parcelsofland, woodland, disusedchapels,commercialand unusualpropertiesand renovation projects

Severalentries forthe auction have

alreadybeen received by Halls,bosses have said. The firm’s RICS qualified propertysurveyors offeradviceon alltypes of property andland. Rather than theusualcommission,sellers pay an entryfee to sell apropertyinthe auction

Propertyownersinterestedin entering apropertyinthe auction can eithercontactproperty auctioneer AllenGittins on 01691622602or theirlocal Hallsoffice in Shrewsbury, Oswestry,Welshpool,Whitchurch, Ellesmere, Bishop’s Castle or Kidderminster

Elanco’s new report outlines the company’s approach to working across the supply chain to help farmers

Payments made in schemes to enhance the environment

Morethan£28.5m hasbeen paid to Welsh farms at thebeginning of the Glastir2022payment window,Rural AffairsMinisterLesleyGriffithshas said.

This means85per cent of payments have been made,which is an improvement on thenumberof payments achievedincomparisonwith last year

Thepaymentsmadeincludeclaims for theGlastir entryand advanced, commons, andorganic schemes.

Farm businesses receiving the fundingare keyincontributing to

WelshGovernment aims including conserving andenhancing biodiversity andimproving soil andwater resources by taking action towards decarbonising agriculture in Wales.

This is thesecond year running wherethere hasbeen an increase in thenumber of Glastir paymentsbeing made on the firstday

Glastir2023paymentsare being broughtforward to December 1to ensure theend of year deadline is mettomakethe finalpaymentsunder theEU-funded Rural Development Programme.

Tomtakes up new role at firm

MorrisMarshall &Poole has made anew appointment to its partnership.

Theestateagentsand charteredsurveyors forMidWalesandShropshirehaswelcomed newlyappointedMMPpartnerandWLSdirector TomDavies.

Living locallyinLlansantffraid,Mr Davies wasanMMP placementstudentin 2012, shortly followed by graduating from HarperAdams UniversityinNewport with adegreeinruralenterpriseand land management.

He returned to join MorrisMarshall and Pooleas alivestockauctioneerand trainee ruralsurveyor, before becomingRICSqualified anda Fellow of theCAAVin2016, shortlisted forFarmers Guardian’s Young Auctioneer of theyearin2017.

He has been responsiblefor overseeing therunningofWelshpoolLivestock Market’sstore andbreedingsheep section, while also evolvingthe businessespedigreedivisionand expandingthe ruralprofessional work undertakenbyMMP

He said he very much enjoys thediversity

of therole, with no twodaysthe same.Joiningthe partnership, Mr Davies wantsMMP andWLS to be at theforefrontinoffering professionaladvice andservices, supportingclientsonkey businessdecisions from livestock, agriculturallendingand all things rural.

Productive farm is for sale by informal tender

Afarm at Worthenin

Shropshireisfor sale by informal tender.Brook

HouseFarm,Binweston,is an attractive andproductive arable andgrassland farm extendinginall to approximately 194.74 acres.

Thepropertycomprises aGrade II listed detachedfourbedroom farmhouse in need of complete renovation,a range of modern andtraditional buildings with potential for conversion, subjecttoconsent,and approximately194.74 acres of arable andgrassland.

Theproperty provides potentialopportunities fornaturalcapital,conservationand bio-diversityenhancement projects.

Thefarmisfor salebyinformaltender, subjecttoprior sale, as awhole,orinlots.

Lotone is thefarmhouse,farmbuildings andapproximately11.18 acres.

Lottwo is 72.12 acres of land

Lotthree is 45.45 acres of land

Lotfouris65.99 acres of land

Informal tenderscloseatnoononApril 14.

Jointsellingagent Gareth Wall of McCartneys LLP said BrookHouse Farm is a

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productive livestockand arable farm on the SouthShropshireand Powysborder

He said it has huge potentialsubjectto planningconsent to developa substantial countryhomeand possible furtherdevelopment potentialfrom thefarmbuildings in thehamlet of Binweston.

Thetowns of Shrewsbury andWelshpool lie with in easy travellingdistance

Forfurther details,contact McCartneys LLP on 01544 230316, or jointsellingagents Morris, Marshall &Poole on 01938 552371.

Tandemaxlerearsteering, Commercialaxles,710/50/R22.5 Tyres,Air/hydraulicbrakes, Loadsensingonair,Fulllengthsighttube, 13,500litrepump,Hydraulicchangeoveronvacuum pump,Dualhigh/lowrearlights,WideanglePTO, Rearsplashplate&valve,Weldonspoon,Overthe hedgeboom,Extralefthandfillport&valve

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Moultonyardscraper £820

MoultonSilagepusher. £840

NCI-Series1850-14SilageTrailer,14Ton POA

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Contacts:Depot:01743464100 AGSales:Grant:07736599279 Richard:07375508366 GCSales:Jez:07534158047

Morris Marshall &Poole has welcomed newly appointed MMP partner and WLS director TomDavies

Brook House Farm, Binweston, is an attractive and productive arable and grassland farm extending in all to approximately 194.74 acres

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Guidance is givenon betteruse of nitrogen

Recenteventshaveforcedachange in the wayfarmers thinkabout nitrogen, said Tim Kerr,Hutchinsons nutritionmanager

Mr Kerr said: “Firstly,the highcostofN fertiliser has focussed attentiononmaximisingthe return on amajor investment.Secondly, incoming legislationonurea-based fertiliser has highlighted risksassociated with theuse of urea as afertiliser,and thirdly,there is abroader recognition that nitrogenfertilisersare thelargestcontributor to thecarbonfootprint of crops.

“Toadd to this,wehaveexperienceda numberofdryspringswhichhavepresented challengesinmanagingnitrogenapplicationstomaintaincropuptake.”

Mr Kerr pointedout this is notjustabout nitrogen fertilisers.

He said: “Thevalue of nitrogen in manureshas also tripled. An average tonneof poultrymanureisnow worthmore than £50 in availablenutrients alone.”

Applyingmanures accurately at theright time andminimising ammonia lossesiskey, he said

“It’sawin: win–lessadditional Nand a reductioninammonia emissions anda lower carbon footprintofthe growingcrop. “Thesoilwilltypically supply around half thenitrogenrequired as cerealsstart growingagain, butmineralisation of organic nitrogen is temperature andmoisturedependant–itisunwisetorelyonthesoilsupplying toomuchearlynitrogen,especiallyifthesoil temperature is below5 °C at rootingdepth,” he said

Generation of heat affectshalf of thesilage

Avarietyofcausesmeanthat thousandsofkilos of feed are losteachyeardue to incorrect silage storage andextraction techniques,experts at Trioliet have said.

ATrioliet spokesperson said: “Heatgeneration is an importantcause of this.Heat causes a five percentto10per cent lossof nutritionalvalue anda 20 percentto30per cent lowerdry matter intakebythe cow.

“A silage pitwith35 percentincreasein temperature causes alossof1250 VEM (= 8.625 MJ NEL) percow

“This shortfall usuallyhas to be metwith concentrate, an expense of €80 percow per year

“Practicalresearchby HendrikDonkinto thesilage qualityat40dairies showedthat 46 percentofcornsilagesand 58 percentof grass silagesshowedsigns of initial to seriousincreases in temperature.

“Enoughreasontocritically review the managementofsilagestorage and extraction “Itis, then, necessary to preventheatformation in thesilage.One wayofdoing so is to usethe correct tools.

“Not allsilagetools are‘silage-friendly’ –silage grabsand silage blockcutterscause thesilage to be torn off,meaningthatthe temperature in thesilage climbs, whichin turn leadstounnecessary feed loss.

“Withacutting frame, thesilage wall remainssmoothand sealed. Oxygen cannot penetrateinwards,sothatmould has fewer chances to thrive.Inaddition,rainwater is kept out andthere is no loosefeed lyingin frontofthe silage as it has been processed cleanly.

“Limitfeedlosswitha cuttingframe.A feeddemonstrationusingtheTriotracshows that thecuttingframe notonlysaves feed, butalsomoney,asitleavesaperfect,smooth andsealedsilagepitwhencomparedwithsilage extraction usingother systems “Thankstotheuniquecuttingframefrom Trioliet, thesilage wall remainssealed and no nutritionalvalue is lost.”

Innovative system seesthe awarding of top prizeto firm

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PentairHypro,asupplierofpumps, nozzlesand sprayer components, haswon theIvelAward forbestnew productorenvironmental innovation at theLAMMA 2023machinery showcase

Presenting theaward,Charlie Nicklin,CEO of IAgrE,said: “Safely handling agriculturalchemicals has been an industry challenge formany years, notonlyfromanoperatorsafety perspective, butalsomaking sure we’remindful of waste, recycling and theeffectonthe environment.

“Pentair have very much solved the

industry need with theirinnovative newsystem, whichlongerterm will be adoptedbychemicaland equipment manufacturers.Their novelclose-coupled transfer system allows chemicals to be decanted into thesprayer andthe containers washed withoutthe operator having anycontact with thecontents or even having to open thecontainer.

“Thiswinning solution protects operators,reduces wasteand demonstrates professionalpractice, whilst caring for theenvironment.A clear engineering solution.”

Afeed demonstration using the Triotrac shows that the cutting frame not only saves feed, but also money

Heat causes a five per cent to 10 per cent loss of nutritional value and a20per cent to 30 per cent lower dry matter intake by the cow

Plus –26316 bales£50,000

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Pottinger10ftFront Mower/Con£3,250

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Malone 840, 6Rotor Tedder£11,400

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Teaching to be boosted at university

Anew Land Laboratory

TeachingCentre,which will provideanintegrated, state-of-art, facility to trainstudentsinclimatesmart, resilient agricultureand land management,istobebuiltat theRoyal AgriculturalUniversity (RAU).

Theuniversityhas won£5.8 million of funding from TheOffice for Students (OfS)tosupportthe project. Awardedinthe OfS’s CapitalFundingCompetition,the fundingwill allowthe university to develop thenew centre in the ground floorofthe existing Frank Garner lectureblock as well as builda new“wetlaboratory” extensionby2024/2025

Thenew centre,which will replace theuniversity’sexisting ageing laboratories, will house thelatest equipment and technologiesacrossa combined wetlab andIT-enabledlearning environment covering abroad range of disciplinesand skills

RAUVice-Chancellor Professor

PeterMcCafferysaid: “Thisaward, themaximum amount available to anyinstitution under theOfS scheme,isatremendous fillip for us that will markedly enhance thedeliveryofour curriculum,the qualityofour students’learning experience, andthe development of our research,aswellasour ability to recruitstudentsand staff.”

‘Exceptional’ year for profits at leading group

BY IAIN ST JOHN

Agriculturalsuppliers

TheWynnstayGroup has reported‘exceptional’ record-breaking full year figures

And as thebusinesscontinues to make strides nationally, chiefs sayinvestment in thelocal economyremains afocus too.

TheLlansantffraid-based groupcompleted investment in seed-processing facilities at itsShrewsburyplant –Astley Park–withplanstoexpandtherefurther.

Amajor investment programme at afeed plantatCarmarthenhas started.

Thegroup has released itsfull year resultsfor theyearendingOctober 31, whichshowedrevenue up 42 percentto £713.03m, from £500.39m in 2021. Pretaxprofitwas up to £21.12m andnet assets rose 24 percenttoa record £130.7m.

“Wehavegrown thebusinessverysubstantiallywithacombinationoforganic growth andacquisitions,”said financedirector Paul Roberts. “And theresults we areseeingreflects thesuccessinbothof thoseareas

“Weare very pleasedthatfrom alocal perspective,wecontinuetocreatejobsin theregionand continue to invest here, despiteour wider presence nationally now.

“Wehavecompleted averysubstantial investment in ourseed plantatAstleybut also have planningpermissiontoextend thewarehousingthere

“Aswellasour arable operationsbeing basedthere,it’salsoour central distribution facility forour depot network. So productslikeanimalhealthpharmaceuticalsare distributedfrom theShrewsbury site andwehaveplans foranadditional 30,000 sq ft of warehousingsoitwillbea

NEW ARION 660 CMATIC

core focusfor us,without neglecting other partsofthe business. Theemphasis is acrossall of ouractivities.It’sthatbroad nature of ouractivities –arable, feed manufacturing,cereal production andso on that we feel isour strength.”

Chief executiveGarethDaviessaid:

“Theseresults areexceptional andset record highs acrossall key financial measures. Whileglobaleventshavedriven substantial one-offfinancial gainsthat

Farming charityRABIiscalling on theagriculturalsectortoplayits role in normalising conversationsabout mental health issues.

RABI’s directorofservicesCaron

Whaley madethe plea aheadoftaking part in apanel discussion at therecent Oxford Real Farming Conference.

Ms Whaley said: “The ripple effect of keeping problems to yourself canbe huge.Our BigFarming Survey results also showedastrongassociation between thehealth of afarmbusiness andgood mental health

we do notexpecttorepeat, thegroup in anycasetraded very strongly,helpedby strongfarmgateprices andgrowthand efficiency initiatives.

“Wealsomade excellentprogresswith our strategicgrowthplans TheHumphreyacquisition has significantly expanded ourgeographic tradingareaand addedfeed manufacturing capacity,creatingfurther growth opportunities. Our recentacquisition in November 2022 of TamarMillingfurther extends ourtradingfootprint, andwecontinuetodrive investment in capacity,efficiency,and staff acrossthe group.

He also emphasised theimportanceof thelocal community

“Wehavebrought back localevents such as theWynnstayArableevent.” he said

“Weholditevery year andit’sakey eventinthe calender of arablefarming in theWestMidlands

“Itwas attended by 800 people which clearlyshows ourpositioninthe market place in thelocal area

“Wealsore-introducedour beef and sheep eventafter Covidand we hold theseeventstoengagewithfarmers and to bringtothemnew ideas,productsand cuttingedgeadvice,keeping aheadofthe opposition.

“Aswegrowour businesswewillcontinuetocreatemore jobs.”

“Addedstressorscausedby exceptional cost risesare putting increasing financialpressure on farming people.To help prevent mental health andwellbeing within the sector gettingworse,weneedtobreak down thebarriers stoppingindividuals asking for support.

“Noorganisation cando thisalone –weneedour widercommunity to help us.We can’tbeonevery farm,so if you’re visiting afarm, youcan help normalisethe conversation around mental health andwellbeing.”

Dr RichardIrvinehas been announcedasWales’s new Chief Veterinary Officer

DrIrvineiscurrentlytheUKDeputyChiefVeterinaryOfficer andpolicyDeputyDirectorfor Global Animal Health in Defra. He willjointhe Welsh Government this month.

DrIrvineisahighlyexperiencedveterinarianwithabackground in animal health andwelfare,trade policy, as well as science andstate veterinary medicine.

He has held differentroles leadinganimal health surveillanceand science programmes at theAnimal andPlant Health Agency,aswellastimespent in aclinical mixed veterinarypractice in SouthWales. Dr Irvine said: “I look forward to supporting Welsh farminginthisrole, by leading thecollective work to safeguardthe health andwelfare of animalsinWales.

“I’m very much lookingforward to workingaspartof the team in theWelsh Government,aswellaswithall thepartners andagencies whoworktirelesslytotacklethe animal health andwelfare challengesweface.Itisareal opportunity to make adifference andbuild on what has alreadybeen achieved.”

Wynnstay’s revenue is up 42 per cent to £713.03m, from £500.39m in 2021