The Farmer Example

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APRIL 2024

CANCER HELP IS TO BE BOOSTED

TheFarmingCommunity Network (FCN) haslaunched anew UK-widepartnership with Macmillan Cancer Support–which will help to improve thesupport available to thoseliving with cancer in rural areas.

As part of this partnershipFCN will be workingcloselywithMacmillanCancer Support, includingraisingawareness in ruralcommunities of thesigns and symptoms of cancer andbuildingreferral bridges to andfrom Macmillan’s services.

Themovehas been made because farmers, farm workersand people living in ruralcommunities canhavelower accesstocancerservicesandsupportdueto thenatureoftheir work andrural lifein often isolated areas.

Theorganisationssaidfarmers canbe particularlyatriskofcertaintypesofcancer –suchasskincancer, prostatecancer, or cancerscausedbyexposuretocarcinogens.

Cancer canimpactafamilybusiness that mayemploymanypeopleand can have significant impactsonanindividual andtheir families, includingtheir housingand extendedfamilysituation,orimmediatewelfare issues forlivestock.

Dr Jude McCann, chief executive officer of theFarming Community Network,said: “Farmers areanintrinsic part of ruralcommunities, butlongworking hoursand alackofaccesstosupportservices canlimitopportunities forhealth checks,andsadlytheearlysignsofcancer maybedifficulttoidentify or missed en-

BY IAIN ST JOHN

tirely Thesoonerpeoplecan accesscancer interventionsand support, thesooner they canstart their journeytorecovery andremission.

“Aswellasencouraging earlyintervention,through thisproject we also hope to gather ideas in farmingand ruralcommunities on what wouldimprove support forthose in farmingorinrural communities whoare living with cancer.Aholistic andtailoredapproachisnecessary forpeoplelivinginfarmingcommunities andruralareas that accommodates their individual needs.

“This partnershipwill create an important bridgebetween MacmillanCancer Supportand farmingsupport organisations, andhas thepotential forreaching people with cancer whocould otherwise be without support.”

AntonMorgan-Thorne,engagement manageratMacmillan,said: “It’svital that people living with or affectedbycancer getthe help andsupporttheyneed at what canbeadistressingtimeintheir lives.

“This newpartnership with FCN will helpMacmillan reachpeopleaffectedby cancer in ruralcommunities who, in the past,havebeenlesslikelytoengagewith us Thepartnership willhelpus provide financial,physical,emotional andpracticalsupporttothosewhoaremostinneed whileraisingawareness of cancer symptoms,whichisvital when youconsider theimportanceofanearly diagnosis.”

FCN canbecontacted in confidence on 03000 111999. TheMacmillan Support Line is availableon 0808 808 0000.

Jobs point well made!

NFU Cymrumembers createdasymbolic displayof5,500 pairsof wellies on thesteps of theWelshParliament.

Themovewas takentorepresent the jobsitforecastswillbelostthrough the Welsh Government’s SustainableFarming Scheme proposalsunlessthe plans arechanged.

Progress on ‘Buy British’ campaign welcomed

AShropshire MP haswelcomed furtherprogress on acampaign to promoteBritish produce Waitrose andCo-ophave become thelatest supermarkets to launch ‘BestofBritish’sections ontheir websites

It follows an ongoingcrosspartycampaign,supported by Ludlow MP PhilipDunne, whichcalledonthe nation’s supermarketstomakeiteasierfor consumers to buyhomegrown produce. Mr Dunne and125 other MPssignedanopenlettercalling on supermarketstohighlight theverybestofBritish produce by implementing a‘BuyBritish’ section online

Morrisons,Aldi, Sainsbury’s andOcado have alllaunched online sections collating allBritishsourced food anddrink sinceMr Dunne andother MPspublished theopenletter.

to gather 5,500 pairsof wellingtonsto bringthe displaytolife.

Theboots willbedonated to charities in Africa.NFU Cymrumemberand display organiserPaulWilliams said: “Seeingthese 5,500 wellies lined up on the steps of theSeneddisanemphaticdepiction of thepotential jobs that willbelost to Welsh agriculture if theseproposalsgo aheadintheir currentguise

Mr Dunne said: “It’sgreat to seemomentumbuildingin this campaign,with twomore supermarketssupporting our campaignfor a‘Buy British’button online,bringing thetotal to six major nationalsupermarkets Consumers want to be able to back British farming,and I commendWaitroseand Co-opfor making it easier forthemtodoso when shopping online.

Thedisplaywas put together by farmersonthe eveofthe closingofthe Welsh Government’s ‘Keeping FarmersFarming’SustainableFarmingSchemeconsultation.Farmers acrossthe countryunited

“Whatmakes ourindustry so special is thepeopleand families forwhomit’s more than just ajob.”

“Thiswas atimely announcementasitcoincided with apoint ImadeinParliament welcoming thegovernment’s positive action to encourage British consumers to buyBritish food.”

The 5,500 pairs of wellies on display on the steps of the Senedd

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Technology aids crime battle

Shropshirefarmers seeingtheir homesand businessestargeted by thievesare lookingatwaystobolster security includingusingthe latesttechtodeter ‘criminal gangs’

National Farmers’ Union(NFU) membersacrossthe county have reported aspate of machineryand equipmenttheftsinrecentmonths. They arenow discussingwaysto make thebestuse of immobilisers, tracking devices andforensic markingkits.

Market Drayton,Whitchurch andWem NFUgroup secretaries RebeccaMillard andAndrew Bowker have heldtalkswithfarmers andsaidalthoughthere wasa cost, more andmore were consideringimprovedtechtohelpprotect their farms.

Rebeccasaid: “Trackers offer real-timemonitoringofa vehicle andnotification of unauthorised movementsand Iknowmoreofour membersare seriouslyconsidering having these fitted

“They arealsolooking at immobilisers andforensic marking. They canbea vitaltoolifatractor, quad bike or vehicle is stolen as theGPS technologymeans vehicles canbe locatedquicklyenablingtheir safe return

“Since 2021 theMidlands has seen a30per centhikeinthe costof ruralcrime anddriving factors appear to be ashortageoffarmvehiclesandrisingprices.InShropshire, ruraltheft cost more than £2 millionin2022.up102 percentfrom theyearbeforeand this is very wor-

ryingand We need to work with the police to deter thoseresponsible.”

Mr Bowker said theNFU andruralinsurer NFU Mutual hadsuccess last year,working with theHome Office,NationalRuralCrime Unit on seeingnew powersbrought in through TheEquipment Theft (Prevention) Bill

“Thelegislation, to preventthe theft andresaleofquads andATVs, isawelcometoolinthefightagainst ruralcrime,” he said

“This willhelptofacilitate the roll-out of crimepreventionkits and thereisa registration database togivefurthersupporttothepolice, when reuniting stolen vehicles with their owners “Weknowfarmers arelooking at bolsteringsecurityiftheycan af-

fordtodoitand we arekeentohear their concerns so we canworktogether with ourrural police officers to protect ourfamilyfarms.”

ShropshireNFU chairGraham Price whofarms near Ludlow saw hisvehicle stolen andsaidhewas lucky it wasrecovered butmany farmerswerestill counting thecost of ruraltheft “Wewereabletoworkwiththe police to getthe vehicle back and actuallylocated it usingafarmer What’s Appgroup that Iamapart of,” he said.“Anythingthatwecan do to helpthe police stop these highlyorganisedgangsofcriminals plaguingthe British countrysideis vital andnew technologyand ways of communicatinghaveanimportant role to play.”

Network set to help the drive tonet zero

Harper AdamsUniversity is involved in an innovative farm network to drive achange in sustainability for farmers.

TheMorrisons SustainableFarm Networkisatthe heartofaprogramme beingunveiledaspartof theretailer’s ongoingworktosupport itssupplyingfarms on their journeytosustainable, netzero farming.

Beingdeliveredalongside Harper Adams University’sSchool of SustainableFood andFarming,the programme willworkwithfarmers todevelop thepractices they need to make thechanges andmeetthe sustainability challengesrequired to achieve NetZeroinaholistic way.

An initial cohort of more than 70 farmersfrom acrossMorrisons supply chain willjointhe Sustainable Farm Networkinits first year, supportedbyHarperAdams and MapofAg.

anddownthe UK workingday-in, day-out to bringMorrisons customers thefantastic produce they expect.”

Directorofthe School of Sustainable Food andFarming,Simon Thelwell,said: “Morrisons were a foundingpartner of theschool,and it’s greattobeunveilingthisinnovative andindustry-leadingprogramme with them.

Thenetwork willprovide expert advice andskillstoensurefarmers arefullysupportedand have access to thelatestinsight to helpthemon their journeytoamore sustainable future

“Atthe heartofthisprogramme willbethe experience of farmersup

Appeal over show

He added: “We’re lookingforward to beingpartofagreat team equippingfarmers with theknowledgetheyneed to understandtheir carbon footprint andwaystodecar-

bonise –and linking them with the experts andequipmentthey’ll need throughoutthatjourney “We’llalsoidentifywaysinwhich they canchange their systems –making them both commercially viableand environmentallyfriendly,boostingwildlifeand improving biodiversity.”

TheNFU is setfor abloomingsuccessful displayatthisyear’s ShrewsburyFlowerShowasitlooks forfarmers topitch in andget growing.

Mr Latter said: “Wewould love to hear from anybuddinggardenersor designers whoare in farmingfamilies or branch memberswithabusiness that wouldbepreparedtohelp with alongborder at Shrewsbury FlowerShowinAugust.

Shropshirefarmers willbeatthe bigevent in TheQuarry, at Shrewsbury,onAugust9-10, discussing food production,the ornamental sector andthe environment with the public.

NFU Shrewsburygroup secretaries SimonLatterand Matthew Shepherd areconsideringplans for theshowand have calledfor branch members’green-fingeredknow-how fortheir display.

“This is agreat opportunity to create arelatively simpledisplayto carrythe messageabout thecontribution of farmingtowidersociety.

“Lastyearour grass plotsshowed howthings that we takefor granted canportray amore complexmessage about thescience andmanagementdecisions behindlivestock production.”

Alex Hardie of Harper Adams University outlines the aims of the Morrisons Sustainable Farm Network

‘Use local produce or lose trade’

Hospitalitybusinessesacross Wales arelosingsales andcustomersiftheydon’t useWelshfood and drinkproductsontheir menu That’s thewake-upcallfrom ArwynWatkins,presidentofthe CulinaryAssociation of Wales, an organisation representing chefs and butchers.

He highlighted market research whichhas been exploring theattitudes of customers towardsWelshness since2017.

“Thepivotalquestion askedis: Does Welshness matter? Theanswer is aresounding‘yes’,” Mr Watkins toldthe Welsh InternationalCuli-

nary ChampionshipsAwardsDinner. “Latestresearchfor 2023speaks volumesabout thevalue of ourheritageinevery dish we serve.

Thepreferencefor dishesmade with Welsh ingredients rose from eight in 10 in 2017 to an astounding ninein10last year

“This is notjustatrend;it’sacall forauthenticity andquality that only Welsh ingredients canprovide.However,aconcerninggap has emerged–onlytwo thirds of businesses recognise thesignificanceof offeringWelshfoodand drink.

“This disconnect betweenwhat businessesthinktheir guests want

andwhattheyactuallywantisa wake-upcall “Wemust bridgethisgap,for Welsh food anddrink is farmore importantthanmanybusinesses realise. More than half ourguests wouldlikemorelocal or Welsh itemsonthe menu andfourin10 wouldwillinglypay apremium for disheswithWelshingredients. This isn’tjustanopportunity;it’sa golden ticket forustoshowcaseour Welsh produce whilst maximisingour revenues. ” Theresearchrevealed six in 10 visitors were more likely to visit avenue with Welsh products on the menu

Holiday move key to the future of farm

APowys farmer believes adecision to diversifywithholiday accommodation helped to future-proofher farm.

And Anna Joneshas praisedthe supportofFarmingConnectinarmingherwiththeknowledgeandconfidencetoforgeaheadwiththatgoal.

Anna wasworking in theequine sector in 2016 when she decided she wanted herfuture to be in agriculture,farming150-hectaresnear Welshpoolwithher parents, John andSally.

Herbrother, Matthew, hadpursued acareerinpropertydevelopment,soshe wasthe linktosecuring afuture for TirNewyddFarms under thefamily’sstewardship

“I decidedtotakethe opportunity to runthe farm in order to keep it in thefamily,’’ said Anna.

It involvedarethinkofthe existingenterprises, whichatthat time includeda flockof800 Welsh Mule ewes, asmall flockofpedigree Charollais sheep,and aherdof45 suckler cows.

“I knew we needed to do somethingalongside livestockfarming, anddiversifying into holiday accommodationoffered thepotential for financialsecurity,”she said

Before making thedecision, Anna wanted to gain confidence that it wouldwork, andfound theconduit

Anna Jones and Grisial

forthisinthe form of FarmingConnect’s Agrisgop programme.

Thefarmer-to-farmer learningprogramme brings groups of like-mindedindividuals together to helpdevelop their businessesby gainingthe confidence,skillsand knowledgetoturntheir ideas into reality.

“Weweregiventhe opportunity to decide whichspeakerswewanted,it wasverymuchbespoketothegroup,’’ Anna said.“This washugelybeneficial becausewewereatthe start of ourjourney andwedidn’t know

whichlevel of gradingwewantedto pitch ouraccommodationat.”

Thefamilyopted forahigh-end luxuryholiday let, whichwas developedinan existingbuildingand opened forbusinessinAugust 2021. Nowtheyare planningtogrowfurther

“Agrisgopdefinitely gave me the confidence to askthe rightquestions to differentpeoplealong theway,insteadofgoing into it blindly,’’ Anna said.“We plan to extendthe holiday businessfurther whilst keepingTir Newydd as aworking farm,which

willmeanmaking afew tweaks to get everythingtorun more smoothly.”

To balance theworkloadthishas generated, commercial ewenumbers have been reducedto500, however, they aimtoincreasethe size of the suckler herd

High health andproductivityare central to theperformance of the sheep andcattleand when thefamily ranintotroublewith these, theywere againabletoreach out to Farming Connectfor help.

Iodineand copper deficiencies were suspected in thecattlesoblood testingwascarriedoutbyTrefaldwyn Vets funded throughthe Farming ConnectAnimal Health Clinic.

Thatservicealsoprovidedfunding towardsthe costofmetabolic profilingthe herd and flock.

Throughthe FarmingConnect Mentoringservice Anna wasalso paired with award-winningbeefand sheep farmer Dafydd ParryJones.

He has shapedhis businessnear Machynlletharound alow input systemand this is thedirection that Anna wouldlikeTir Newydd to followalso.

Inspired by Dafydd’s redclover leys, theJones family willbegrowing their ownthisyear.

“I am very grateful forall thehelp we have hadfrom FarmingConnect, to getus to this point,”saidAnna. “And I’mreallyexcited to seehow ourplans developgoing forward.

Farmland supply on rise, says data

Areporthas shown 2023 wasa pivotal year forfarmlandsupply

Accordingtoresearchby Savills, 157,200 acres were marketed,which was15per cent more than theprevious five-yearaverage,but still below the162,000 acres average recorded during theyears between2003 and 2016.

In itslatestrural research publicationSpotlight: TheFarmland Market, Savills suggestedthere is potential forpublicly marketed supply to increase furtherwitharound 180,000 acres forecast peryearby 2028.

AndrewTeanby,associatedirector

Savills ruralresearch, said: “Farmland supply is increasingbecause of changeslargelydrivenbythe agriculturaltransition;and ourresearch into thenumberofmachinerysales wouldseemtosupportthis.”

Over thepastthree years, retirement andchange in farmingpolicy have become farmore common reasons forfarmers sellingtheir farm machinerycomparedto2015, when newagriculturalpolicies were not on thehorizon.

AccordingtoSavills analysisthere were 71 percentmore machinery sales in 2023 than in 2015. RhydianScurlock-Jones, rural

directoratSavills in theWestMidlands,said: “Despitethe increase in volume, therewerestill relatively fewopportunities in many areasto purchasegood qualitycommercial scaleblocksoflandand equipped farms.

“This is good news forvendors butitalsomeans that buyers need to be flexibleand realistic in their propertyrequirements andexpectations.”

Savills analysis, whichlooks at publicly marketed farmlandacross Staffordshireand Shropshireshows that theaverage valueofprime arablelandatthe endof2023 was18.5

percenthigherthanthe endof2019 at £10,400 peracre.

“Ataregionallevel last year,values generallyincreased during the first half theyearbut softened in some areastowards thelatterpartof theyear, potentially as higherinterestrates reducedthe buying power of neighbouring farmers,”addedMr Scurlock-Jones.

Savillsvalue forecastsfor the farmlandsector during thenext five yearsare influencedbycontinuing economic challenges, weaker demand from all types of buyersinthe marketplace andincreased availabilityoffarmland.

Pugh Jones from Farming Connect

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University is offering estateagencycourse

Anew course offeringwould-beestate agentsthe chance to obtain afoundationdegree in residential estate agency–the first degreecourseofitskindintheUK–isbeing launched by theRoyal AgriculturalUniversity (RAU)atits Swindoncampus.

Theunique course willbetaughttwo days aweek, enablingstudents to work while studying forthe qualification.Areas covered willinclude valuations,marketing,law,and professionalsales practice,as well as more “hands on”modules such as surveying, inspecting,and measurement

Thecoursewillalsoinclude a10-week work placement, during thesummer betweenthe first andsecondyear, wherestudents willgainfurther “onthe job” training andexperience as well as developing their

confidence andemployabilityskillsand gainingvaluableindustrycontacts.

Course leaderWilliamLeschallas, senior lecturer within thelandand propertyteam at theRAU,said: “Theroleofanestateagent requires adiverse setofskillsand attributes –fromacting as asales person to showing clients availableproperties,helping private buyers/investorsbuy andsellhomes/investment properties, marketingproperties for saleand assistingclients find that perfect home to rent or buy.

“This newcoursewillgive students a broadand innovativeintroductiontothe keyprinciples andpractices in property services whichexamineproperty valuation, property law, finance, sales andmarketing, people management andbusinessstrategy.”

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Ayoungfarmer is taking on achallengingfeatof endurance to highlightmental health issues in thefarming community.

TomYork, avolunteer with TheFarming Community Network(FCN) andastudent atHarperAdamsUniversity,willcompetein agruelling‘Ultimate Triathlon’ on June 30.

Thechallenge,often referred to as an ‘Ironman’,comprises a2.4-mile open water swim, a122-mile bike ride,and a26.2-mile run, andtakes place in Ellesmere–with athletes expectedtotakebetween 10 and18 hoursto finish it

Tomtalks openly abouthis ownmental health challenges, as well as howhis friendship group at HarperAdams University was devastated to loseone of their owntosuicide

Having worked on farmsand in thewider agriculturalindustryalongside hisstudies, he says he canunderstandhow the‘highest highs andthe lowest lows’experiencedby thesector cantaketheir toll on aperson’s psychological wellbeing.

Agri-business studentTom said: “If I’drealised howmuchhelpwas available, Iwould have reachedout much sooner, andnow I want to encourage others to talk.

through.”Hebelievesthe demandingnature of thetriathlon mirrorsthe difficulties of coping with aperiod of poormental health, andwilluse it to bringhopebydemonstratingthatwithsupportand persistence,many challengescan be overcome

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“Idon’twanttodwellonthedarkness,but thelight that emergesfrom it.”

Tomdescribes thetriathlon eventas a “canvasonwhichtopaint astory of triumph over adversity”,withanarrative that drives home thepositivemessage:“Youcan push

More information aboutthe challenge is availableonhis Just Giving page,where his efforts have alreadyseenhim triple his£500 fundraisingtarget.

It’s availabletoviewonlineatjustgiving com/campaign/tom-york-ultimate-triathlon

Reservoir will help counter climate change challenges

AShropshire farm whichgrows potatoesfor WalkersCrispshas announced plans to build areservoir to help protectagainst theeffects of climate change

Oaklands Farm in Pitchford, Condover, says that thereservoir will ‘provide long-term watersecurity’ to supportthe business’s current operations.

Thefarmgrows more than23,000 tonnesofpotatoesfor WalkersCrisps and4,000 tonnesofpotatoesfor Kettle Foods,plusa varietyofcereals and othercrops across atotal of 4,000

acresofagriculturalfarmland. The reservoirwould be about 100metres longand 70 metres in width and locatedonexisting arable field. The farm says that theproposed site has ‘minimal ecological interest’.

Planssubmitted to Shropshire Councilwerefoundnot to need prior approval.“Theproposal wouldenable theapplicantstobeadequately prepared forirrigationrequirementsin 2024, giventhe unpredictableclimate conditionsexperienced in recent years,”saidthe application’s planning statement.

TomYork istraining hard

Market leading software firm announces latest acquisition

Herdwatch, themarketleading Agtech softwarecompany,has announced theacquisition of Lilac Technology, renowned fortheir TB Mastersoftwareinthe UK,and ComTaginIreland in adeal believed to be worthseven figures.

Herdwatchexpects theacquisition to accelerateits plans to provide software solutions in theveterinary space, addingtoits existing portfolio of veterinary practice management softwarefromanother recent acquisition.Thislatest acquisition will seeover1,000 British andIrish

veterinaryprofessionals jointhe Herdwatchplatform.The deal also furtherstrengthens Herdwatch’s position as thenumber one livestock management softwareplatforminthe UK andIreland.

Foundedover25yearsago by Jim McGreevy,ComTagsupplies TB and bloodtesting softwaresolutions for veterinary practices across theisland of Ireland.Lilac Technology was founded in theUKover20yearsago by Andrew Cobnerand Ian Lorraine, offering itsown TB andbloodtesting software, TB Master

New record is set at auction

Anew record forfeedingstore cattle wasset at Shrewsbury Livestock Centre as abullock from MidWalessoldfor more than £2,000

The32-month Simmentalbullockfrom AK &CELloyd of Leighton,Welshpool weighedinat755 kilos andsoldfor arecord-breaking £2,070 as theauction attracted 256 store cattle “Thesalewillbemarkedinthe record books, as neverbeforehavefeedingstore cattle in Shrewsburysoldfor over £2,000, said JonnyDymond, Halls’ seniorauctioneerand ShrewsburyAuction Centre manager “Theringside wasbrimmingwithmore than 35 individual buyers alongside 51 vendors resultingina relentlessand fearless trade from thevery first hammer of theday.”

Explainingwhy thebullockwas arecord-breaker,headded: “Itwas abig,farm assuredbullockthatwasclosetobeingready forslaughter.Withthe liveweight anddeadweightmarketsbeingsostrong,it’sverypossiblethatwewillsee more store cattle selling forover£2,000.”

A795 kilo Aberdeen Angusbullock, also from AK &CE Lloyd, sold for£1,900 and two720 kilo Charolaisbullocks from TD Jones, Newtowntwice sold to £1,860, while another565 kilo bullockfrom thesamevendormade £1,690.

Simmental bullocks from S&BLawrence of Oswestry peaked at £1,660 (590kg) while thebestHolsteinspeaked at £1,550 (620kg)

forB &S Tomlins, CravenArms. In the youngercattle, aripping,nine-month-old Limousin bullockfrom LewisDaviesof Buckleyachieved£1,630 or 329p perkilo. Premiumsonthe daypeakedat331p per kilo fora homebredLimousin bullockfrom KM Croft,Worthen whichsoldfor £1,390 Heiferspeaked at £1,560 (303p perkilo) forpureCharolais from RJ &GDTalbot, Staffordshire. Limousin heifersfrom WS Powell &Sons, Alberburypeaked at £1,530 (273p perkilo) with thebestof David Capewell’s Limousinsfrom Sleapat£1,500 (306p perkilo).

Twelve monthold British Blues from CorfieldMcCowan,Hugleyhit£1,500(306p perkilo).

Genomic testproject is set to bring benefits

AConwy dairyfarmisharnessingthe powerofgenomics in abid to accelerate geneticprogressinits split blockcalving herd Rhydeden Farm,a 100-hectare holding, produces milk from 175 spring calvingcows and125 whichcalve in theautumn Theherdcurrently producesamilk yield average of 6,500 litres percow at 4.5 percent butterfatand 3.6 percentprotein.

SinceEurofEdwardshasjoinedthefamily farmingbusinessafew yearsago,ithas resulted in herd expansion, work to optimise thegrazingplatform, andinvestmentinnew infrastructure. Eurofisnow turninghis attentiontoaccelerating thegeneticpotential of theherdand has teamed up with Farming Connecttorun agenomic testingproject Currently, allheifer replacements at

Rhydeden areprogeny of thespringcalving herd whichallowsfor easier management foryoungstock rearing– 75 percentofthis blockcalveswithinsixweeks.Heiferreplacementsare bredthrough theuse of sexedsemenonallthebullingheifersandoncowsin the first five weeksofthe breedingcycle The remainder of theherdand theautumnblock areinseminated with beef semen.

Eurofanticipatesthatgenomics could helpimprove businessprofitability without theneed forsignificant investment because it enables replacements to be selected on genomic figures. Thereare threetraitsthe businesswillfocus on together with the Spring CalvingIndex (SCI) andBreeding Worth(BW)–fertility, kilograms of milk proteinand kilograms of milk butterfat

The record-breaking Simmental steer in the sale ring at Shrewsbury Auction Centre

Solar farm to go aheadasbattle is won

Asolar farm on agriculturallandnearTelford willgoahead aftergovernment inspectors overturned an earlier decisiontorefuseplanning permission.

ShropshireCouncil hadthrownout plans lodged by Swedish firm Vattenfall forthe 22-megawattsolar generation scheme, settobebuilt on land off Hall Lane,Kemberton,because it said it wouldspoil theopencountryside on theeastern fringe of theborough However, following a public inquiry, govern-

ment inspectors ruledthattwo fields whichare currentlyusedfor farm grazingcould be developed –despiteany potential harm thescheme might causetothe greenbelt. During thethreedayinquirythe local authoritystood by itsoriginaldecision, saying thedevelopmentwould have an “unacceptably adverseimpact” on thegreen belt,andcauseanunacceptablelossofagricultural land

However, Government planninginspector AlisonPartingtonagreed with thedeveloper that the

public benefits providedbythe scheme provided “very specialcircumstances”whichjustified any potentialharmcausedbythe development. “Itis agreed that theproposal is inappropriatedevelopmentinthe greenbelt. This,bydefinition,is harmful to thegreen belt,” she said in herdecision. “Onthe otherside of theplanningbalance, theplanningframework sets outapresumption in favour of sustainabledevelopment, andrenewable energy developmentiscentral to achieving asustainable lowcarbonfuture.”

Food trail is to feature even more locations

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A dead cert on docks.

say organisers

An innovative food trailwhich put Shropshire’stop quality producers firmlyonthe mapis to be rolled outagain in 2024 to feature even more locations.

TheShropshireGood Food Trailwas launched last year by theShropshireGood Food Partnership(SGFP).

Thefun andinformative mapand guide featured more than 50 venues growing, making, sellingorserving the county’s finest andmostsustainably producedfood.

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It is highlyeffective on chickweed anddandelions tooand is very safe to your grass.

NowtheSGFPisexpanding thetasty trailtoshowcasemore membersaswellaslooking for newsponsors. It is promotingthe themeofShropshire’s Abundanceand has extendedthe eventtotakeinthe entire summer holiday

Daphne Du Cros, of theShropshireGood Food Partnership,saidthe first food trailhad been very successful with excellentfeedback from thoseinvolved.

“We’re planningtomakethe 2024 food trailevenbigger and better.Wewantthe public to know andcelebrate what is producedjuston their doorstep andgive them longertovisit everyone of ourspecial producers

“This year’s trailwillrun from July 20 to August 31 so that we canconnect as many people as possible to thebeautyand bounty of our landscape,” she said. The partnership is now lookingfor newproducersas well as sponsors to supportthe trailand highlight Shropshire’sGood Food Movement.New memberswillbefeaturedonthe 2024 trailmap andguide as well as beingincludedonthe growingShropshireGood Food Partnershipdirectory whichsignposts thepublic to theleadinggood food producers in thecounty. They will be included in thecounty-wide promotion of theShropshireGoodFood Trailaswellasworking with SGFP’s regional co-ordinators andnearbymembers tocollaborate on andhighlight events andactivities.

Newproducersinterestedinregisteringfor the2024 ShropshireGoodFoodTrailcanfillintheregistrationformat shropshiregoodfoodtrail.orgoremail hello@shropshiregoodfood.org Thepartnership is also lookingfor newsponsors to join theteamofbusinessesthatsupportthe Good Food messagevia thefoodtrail.“We’relooking forbusinesseswho canhelpuscelebrate thegrowers,makers, sellersand serversacrossthe county producing food that is good forpeople, place andplanet,”addedDaphne.

Group looks to cut down on firerisks

Amulti-agency taskforce of specialists from key agencies across Waleshas reformed to reduce –and wherepossible–eliminatethe impactofgrass fires. Operation DawnsGlaw, which wasinitially established in 2016 to tackle incidentsofdeliberately set grass firesacrossWales,willalsobeturning itsattention to theincreaseinaccidental fires–often caused by careless behaviour when people areout enjoying the countryside.

In 2023, fire services across Walesattended1,880 grass fire incidents– adecrease of 44 percentonthe previousyear. PeterGreenslade,corporateheadof prevention andprotection forMid andWestWales Fire andRescueService,and chair ofOperation Dawns Glaw, said:“We want to work with our communities, farmers andlandownerstoshareour knowledge and understandingofthe effect that both deliberate and accidental fireshave on ourcommunities.”

Dandelions

Chickweed

Docks

Creeping Thistle

Spear Thistle

Daphne Du Cros, Ruth Martin and Janine Potter at the launch of the2023 guide

Plant project to ‘teach the ecology students of today’

Ahistoric collection of more than 10,000 driedand pressed plant specimens,which dates backmore than 200years, is to be digitisedand used to create a‘time-capsule record of biodiversity in theUK’ to teach the ecologystudents of todayand help the UK’s nature recovery

Theunique herbariumisnow housedinthe laboratoriesatthe Royal AgriculturalUniversity(RAU)

It is currently allinits original delicate paperformat

Butitisbeing digitally photographed,recorded, and

cataloguedbystaff,students, and volunteersatthe universitywith the help of fundingfromGloucestershire Naturalists’ Societyand theUniversity’s ownCirencesterFund

Thecollectioniscomposed of around 10,000 plantspecimens, driedand mounted on around 4,000 sheets,which predominantlydatefrom between the1820sand the1920swith some lateradditionsfrombetween 1950 and1970

Thespecimens arealmost allUK specieswithmanycollected in and around thelocal Gloucestershirearea.

Silage prep is the key to first cut success, explains expert

Dairyfarmers arebeing urged to prepare well in advanceof the2024silage seasonsothey areready to cutatthe first good weatheropportunity.

Lientjie Colahan,fromLallemand’stechnical supportteam, explains that many farmersdid notend up taking first cuts until June last year “This is becausewhenthe weatherwas eventuallydry enough,theyweren’t in aposition to movequickly,”saysMrs Colahan.

“This resulted in silage of loworvariable quality, whichhas costmanyherds alot in purchased feed or milk yields this winter.”

To minimise therisk of thesamehappeningthisyear, Mrs Colahanrecommends starting conversationswithyournutritionist,agronomist,and contractoras soon as possible

“Yournutritionist willbeabletohelpyou work out aforagebudget basedonyoursystem.

“Together, youwillthenbeabletowork outhowmuchgrasssilage,andofwhatquality, youneed to achieve yourtargetnumber of litres from forage perday.”

Information

Shenotes that once youhavethisinformation,youragronomist cansupportin developing arobust slurry andfertiliser applicationplanthatwillhelpsupportthe production of good qualitygrass forsilage

“If circumstances change,nutrientplans canbeadapted

“However,not having any plan at all means beingreactive to theweather

“This canresultinfarmers notgetting the best price fortheir fertiliser andmay also lead to issues with contractoravailability.”

Ms Colahan’s otheradvice forforage planningincludes making useofLallemand’s pre-cutgrass testingservice

“Pre-cut testinghelps determinewhen thecropisatthe optimum stagefor cutting.

“Farmersshouldstartsamplingtwoweeks before thepreviousyear’scuttingdate, given theyearlyvariationingrassgrowth,tomonitor nitrate, NDFand sugarcontent.”

When thinking about silage preservation in theclamp,she says that thebenefits of usinganinoculant shouldnot be overlooked

“A newUK-based trial undertaken at ReadingUniversityindicates that usingan

inoculanton grass silage canimprove clamp stability, increase feedabledry matter by 29 percentand improvefat-corrected milk yields by 1.9 kg/day

“Withthisinmind, I’drecommend consideringaninoculant from ourMagniva Platinumrange

“Theseinoculants have been specifically formulated for arange of challenges, such as variable weatherand variable drymatters (DM).

“And whilethere’s acostassociatedwith usinganinoculant,analysishas shownthat thereisalwaysareturnoninvestmentfrom doingso.

“Home-grown feed is widely acceptedas themostcost-effective feed on farm,and the costofaninoculantisjust asmall part of the costof making good silage.”

Clamp

Sherecommendsthatfarmers shouldstart thinking abouthow they aregoing to deal with availableclamp space,soonerrather than later. “You ideallyneed astructurally secure,clean emptyclamp to hold your first cutand youshouldavoid buryingany oldpoor-qualitysilage as this willleadto cross-contaminationwithmould andother spoilage organisms.”

of your forage,whatever the

Using MAGNIVA silage inoculants helps youget morefromyour grass and your cows,every time. More silage,safer silage andbetter qualitysilage.Not only that, feeding your herd with MAGNIVAtreatedgrass silage hasbeen proven to help cows make moremilkvolume, butterfatand protein*, boosting your bottom line

Lientjie Colahan, from Lallemand’s technical support team, said many farmers did not end up taking first cuts until June last year

HAWKINS DRAINAGE SYSTEMSLTD

Benefits of red meat outlined to consumers

Hybu Cig Cymru– Meat Promotion Wales(HCC)isremindingconsumers about thepositive role redmeataspartofa balanceddiet canplayinchild health

Thereminder followsareportby The AcademyofMedicalSciences, whichstresses urgent action is needed to improvechild health under five Obesity,whichislistedasamajorconcern in thereport, has in many casesbeenlinked to apoornutritional diet.

Respondingtothe news, Laura Pickup, HCC’sHeadofStrategic Marketingand Connectionssaid: “A balanced diet is absolutelyessentialwhenwetalk abouthealth andchildren.

Thecostoflivingcrisisand shrinking Government budgets, as well as an NHSun-

der extreme pressure,are factors that have a detrimental impactonchild health as outlined in thereport.

“However,implementinga balanced diet, whichincludes therecommended amount of redmeat, is essentialinaddressing health concerns.Nosinglefood contains all the nutrients we need for good health,soit’s importanttoeat awide varietyofdifferent foodseachday

“However,due to it beingpackedwith essentialvitaminsand minerals,a balanced diet with lean redmeatatits core canhelp keep people of all ages healthyand happy.

“Farmers here in Wales produce nutritious, sustainableand climatefriendlyfood andour children, whoare beingfailedby many systems,deserve better.”

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“Itisabout providingthe toolsthatturn allthe data collectedfrom everyDeLaval herd worldwideintoactionable, easy to understandinformation

“This helps make faster,more accurate decisions that canimprove milk production andcow health,” says DeLaval’sAdamHayward

Data collectedfrom parlous, robots, collars andbodyconditioningscannersisbeinginterpreted, collatedandusedtoidentify trends

DeLavalfarms signingupinthe UK will notneed anyadditional technologytobenefitfrom DeLavalPlus.

Hayward. DeLavalPlusisanever-growing setofapplicationsthatits creators sayrepresent themostadvancedlevelof farm managementanalysisand reporting.

Thevolumeofdatahas removedthe capacity forpeopletointerpretit.

Therefore,DeLaval has developedunique AI to interpretthe data and find trends in cowhealth andproductivity.

This enables onefarmtosee itsdatainrelation to data collated globallyand to make decisions basedonglobal trends as well as dailyon-farm variables.

“Wehavesometrial farmsupand runninginthe UK alreadyand expecttoroll outDeLaval Plus laterthisyear,”addsMr

“Soonour team willbeofferingperformanceplansforfarmstomaximisethevalue andrelevance of data collectedon-farm “This willenabledecisions to be made with facts to helpfarms operate more efficiently,”concludesMrHayward

Farming Newspaper Company announces the electionofits new chairman

TheNationalFallenStock Company (NFSCO)has electedCharles Bourns as itsnew chairman,following the retirement of theinaugural chair MichaelSeals CBEafter 20 years. NFSCOisacommunityinterest company that exists to facilitate the efficientand competitivenationwide servicefor thecollectionand disposal of fallenstock.Mr Bourns is awell-known poultryfarmerfrom Gloucestershire,who hashad many politicalrolesinthe industry.Hejoined NFSCOasa non-executivedirectorin 2012,where he had responsibility for

thepoultrysector, andinApril2020 wasappointed companysecretary. In 2021, he took on therole of director with responsibility forinformation technology, andoversaw the developmentand implementation of an appfor thefallenstock sector known as KoLeCt.

Thenew vice chairman is Andrew Blenkiron. Since2011hehas been director of the10,500-acre Euston Estate in west Suffolk, whichhas widespreadlivestockinterests,but is moving to manage the22,500acre neighbouring ElvedenEstate.

Data collected from farms and sensors around the world is being interpreted, collated and used to identify trends

Reminder on parasite risk

Cattle andsheep producersare being encouragedtoguard againstcoccidiosis in growingspringborncalvesand lambs.

Youngstock areatparticularrisk of the parasite-borndisease at this time of year once any passive immunity gained from colostrum starts to wear off

MSDAnimal Health veterinary adviserDrKat Baxter-Smith said: “Thanks to antibodies gained throughingesting colostrum earlyinlife, calves andlambs initiallyacquiresomepassive immunity to theparasite.

“But this protection is short-lived, leavingyoung animals particularly susceptible to infectionastheygrowand developasthe weatherwarms up.”

In spring born calves, diseasecan occuratany agefrom threeweeks to six months oldand in lambs, maternal immunity wanesatfourtoeight weeksof age.

Dr Baxter-Smith explained that clinical coccidiosisis caused by abuild-upin therearing environment of oocysts producedbythe Eimeria parasite.

Shesaid: “Susceptiblegrowing calves and lambsbecomeinfectedbyingesting theseoocytes when they lickcontaminated objects in their rearingenvironment or ingest feed or watercontaminated by faeces.

“Oncetaken into thebodyinsufficient numbers, theoocysts hatch andthe parasites invade anddestroy intestinal cells. Infectionoften leadstodiarrhoea,weight lossand poorgrowthrates.”

Dr Baxter-Smith explained that alongside good hygienepractices, anticoccidial treatments often have to be used strategicallytomanagethe diseasethreaton many cattle andsheep units as aconsequence

Lisa set to chair expo committee

BY IAIN ST JOHN

TheNationalBeef Association (NBA) has confirmed Lisa Bennett has steppedupintothe keyrole as chairofthe organising committeeresponsible forthisyear’sindustry showcase,BeefExpo2024.

Held this year at theNorth West Auctions J36 RuralAuction Centre Crooklands on April 27, NBABeefExpo provides themostimportant andcomprehensivepresentationofthe UK’s beef industry

This year’s eventbringstogetherfarmersand breedersina worldclass show of British beef genetics, together with breed societies andtrade organisations, andexperts in every fieldoftechnology, nutrition, husbandry, andinnovationto share theideas andexperience that will carrythe livestockindustryforward into thefuture

ForNBA CEO,NeilShand,the organisationofthislandmarkevent is critically important, andinLisaBennett’svery capablehands he knowsthatitwill be a resoundingsuccess.

He said: “Lisaunderstands theindustryand thechallengesitfaces inside out,

TheAgriculturalCentre, MarketDraytonLivestockMarket, AdderleyRoad,MarketDraytonTF93SW barbers-auctions.co.uk

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butshe also brings all herknowledge and experience as chairofthe highlysuccessful WestmorlandShowtosupportour organisingteam.

“In herfouryears as chairof theWestmorlandAgriculturalSociety, theshow has gone from strength to strength,and expandedfrom oneday to two.

“NBA Beef Expo anditselfhas also growninscale andinits importance to theindustry,and we are incredibly fortunate to have Lisa’s enthusiasm, event

managementexpertise,knowledge of the area,and commitmenthelping to make this oneofthe foremost events in the NBA’shistory.”

Born andbrought up in Cumbria, Lisa has been involvedinthe livestock industry all herlife. Alongwithher partnerRichard they farm 760 acres plus fell rights in theLakeDistrict,running Swaledaleand Herdwick sheep andhill type suckler cows. Shealsoworks as a fields person forNWAuctions.

Keep awatch for blowflies

In partnershipwithNADIS, Elanco has relaunchedanupdated Blowfly Watch service to provide sheep farmers withup-to-dateinformationontheblowflyrisk in their area

Elanco ruminanttechnical consultant MatthewColston said this newservice willhelpsheep farmerstakeapreventative approachtoblowflystrike control.

Hesaid:“Withmortalitiesduetoblowflystrike costing farmers£209 perlamb and£184 perbreedingewe,preventing casesshouldbeakey priority forsheep farmers.

“Thenew BlowflyWatch service works by lookingatdifferentrisk factors,like soil temperature andhumidity,giving farmersaccurate information on the number of flies in their area,whichcan thenbeusedtoplaninpreventativetreatment.”

By splittingthe countryinto40km squares, theservice willsendfarmers alerts when therisk of blowflychangesin their local area

It has been demonstratedthatpreventative treatmentofbothewesand lambsisthe mostcosteffective strategy againstblowflystrike

“Changingweather patterns have meantthe blowflyseasoncan startasearly as Marchand last beyondSeptember, meaningfarmers can’tjustplanbased on previous years, especiallyin northern partsofthe country,”saidMrColston.

He said theirritation caused by blowflymaggots inside the fleece andskin prevents thesheep from grazing, while secondaryinfectionscan lead to deathby septicaemia.

He said: “Blowflystrike canhappen very quickly, with 94 percentoffarmers reported to have been caught out by it.”

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Lisa Bennett is chairing the organising committee for Beef Expo 2024

Lambs are shot and stolen

AShropshirefarmerhas spoken outabout theriseinruralcrime in the county after hisfarmwas targeted over aweekend in Marchand scoresofhis lambsslaughtered in their fields

Twofarms,bothinClaverley,were targetedwhenintrudersbutcheredand stoledozensoflambs.

Oneofthe farmers, whohas withheldhis name,saidhe first realised he’d been targetedwhenhediscovered patches of bloodstained ground in his fields on theSaturdaymorning.

Thefarmer, whohas worked the land at Claverleyfor thelast20years, said: “I didn’t know what hadhappenedat first

“Therewereabout 15 to 20 patches of bloodbut no carcasses at all

“Itwasn’tuntil my neighbour, who wastargeted by whowebelieve arethe

same gang on theSunday, toldmeher lambshad been shotbeforetheyhad takenthemaway.

“Wenow know they came in two vehicles andtheyevenclosed thegates behindthemwhentheyleft.”

He said he believedthe gang shot theanimalsthenthrew themintothe back of avan.And he thinks that the meat from thebutchered lambswill endupinthe humanfoodchain.

“Unquestionably they willbesold for meat We are still working out what they have taken butwethinkitwas around 15 to 20 lambs,”the farmer said

“Thesewereyoung lambsof only around 35kg,sowerenot due to be butchered Their ewes willsuffer in the long term as they arestill producing milk

“Itisone of thosethings that you hear aboutbut you neverthinkitwill happen to you.

“Obviously, we areveryrural here andifitis notthis, it is all thethieving that goes on

“Itisjustthe wayitisgoing in farmingnow Thepolice did come and followedup, but they know whoare committingthese crimes andtargeting thefarms buttheynever seem to arrest them.”

WestMerciaPolicesaidofficershave steppeduppatrols in theareaand are appealingfor anyone with information to come forward.

InspectorLee Medlamsaid: “Anyonewithinformation aboutthe two incidents or witnessedany suspicious activity in andaround Claverleyis askedtocontact us on 01743 261817.”

MPs hear about farm challenges

Agroup of MPsdeveloping areportoneducation andcareers in landbasedsectors has been welcomed to Harper AdamsUniversitytohold an evidencesession.

TheformalParliamentary evidence sessionwas oneofa series beingheld by theEnvironment,Food andRural Affairs Select Committee

Thecommittee is currentlyinvestigating therelationshipbetween education andthe land-based industries andhow effective currenteducation at all levels is at equipping students with thenecessary skills andknowledge for thesector.

whowereasked to give evidence to the committee

Tuesday 30thJuly2024

It wasthe first Parliamentaryevidence sessionheldatHarperAdams University.

Before thesession, thecommittee toured partsofthe universitycampus andFuture Farm

And afterwards, they heldaninformaldiscussionwithHarperAdams students abouttheir studies, what broughtthemtostudy at theuniversity,and their thoughts on thecommittee’sinvestigation

HarperAdams University Vice-ChancellorProfessor KenSloan waspartofa paneloffourwitnesses

He appeared alongside Nina Prichard, head of sustainableand ethical sourcingfor McDonald’s,Jeremy Gibbs, founder anddirectorofForces Farming, whichworks to bringpeople from theArmed Forces into agriculture,and Martin Emmett, chairofthe NFU Horticulture andPotatoesBoard

They were questioned by thecommittee abouttheir thoughts on how career opportunities in land-based sectorsare –and couldbe–promoted, thebestpractice forthisinthe UK and abroad, andwhatmore canbedoneto facilitate newentrantsintoland-based

industries, includingpeoplefrom non-ruralbackgrounds andthose consideringacareerchange

ProfessorSloan toldthe committee he recognisedmore couldbedone to buildlinks betweenyoung people whomay notbeconsideringcareers in food,farmingorsustainability andthe employerswho need them.

He toldthe politiciansatthe meeting: “Whenweknowthere areplenty of youngpeoplethatare undereducatedorunder-stimulated, andyet on theother side of it thereare employers that areyearningfor labour,wehaveto do what is necessary to buildbridges acrossthe two.

A4.2 percent increase in thelevypaidbyproducers and abattoirsinWales hasbeen setto ensure thered meat sectorfaces a sustainable future,farming leaders have said.

ThelevyisusedbyHybu Cig Cymru– MeatPromotion Wales (HCC)tofund activitiestoassist with thedevelopmentofthe Welsh redmeatindustry, notably work that wouldnot be done under normalmarket conditions

TheWelshRed MeatLevy rateswereincreased in April2023 andfollowing aconversation

with industry,a mechanism was introduced to linkfuture levy increasestothe ConsumerPrices Indexincluding owneroccupiers’ housing costs(CPIH)

“The mechanism didnot include an automatic annualincreasebut allowedthe HCCBoard to make anyincreaserecommendationsto theMinister basedonthe previous calendar year’s CPIH

“Prior to 2023the WelshRed MeatLevyrates hadbeen static for 12 yearssince 2011 andincreases before that were in 2001,10years previous, andin1996.Levyrate

increases in thepast were one-off increasesagreed by theindustry to reflectinflationarychanges overthe preceding years. In 2011 therates were increasedby 24 percent,”explained Gareth Jones, HCC’sheadof financeand corporategovernance.

Before2023, HCC also augmented levy income with additionalgrant income,and sinceApril 2021the Red Meat Levy Redistribution Scheme has been operational,with Walesnow benefiting from aredistribution of levy

The Select Committee members and witnesses. Photo: Harper Adams.

Funding appeal is given out

FarmersinShropshire are being urgedtoapplyfor funding to payfor equipment and technology.

Thecallhas come from Stuart Anderson,the Conservatives’ candidatefor theSouth Shropshire seat at thegeneral election

He saida newscheme allowsfarmers to applyfor fundingtoinvestinitems that boostproductivity, increase environmental sustainability,and help slurry management.

Mr Anderson said£70 million is beinginvestedthroughthe newFarming Equipment and TechnologyFund (FETF) 2024 to supportfarmers with the costsofeligible itemstobuild

resilience andboost food security Thefundhelps farmers, foresters andgrowers invest in equipment, technology and infrastructure that help theirbusiness prosper, while improving productivity andenhancing theenvironment, including eligible drills, fertiliser applicators, andgrain dryers

Morethan£120millionworth of funding hasbeen paid out through11,000 grants.

Newfor 2024, thefundis split into threeseparate grants: productivity, slurry,and animal health andwelfare equipment

Mr Anderson said:“The Farming Equipment and TechnologyFund is ahuge opportunityfor farmersand landownersacrossShropshire,

with £70million availabletoinvest in toolsthat will driveproductivity andinnovation,unleashing rural prosperity

“Applications areopenuntil April 17 for productivityand slurry items that help farmersuse fewerinputs, reduce emissions, andcut waste. Ialsowelcome theextension of AgriculturalPropertyRelieftoall environmental land management schemes. This will be afurther boostfor farmers.”

Environment Minister Rebecca Powsaid: “We’ve made our commitment to farmersand landownerstaking part of our environmental land management schemesclear– we will support you, invest in youand reward your action.”

Spring Budget overview

Theeagerly awaited Spring Budgetwas announced by theChancellor on March6, whichintroducedanumber of keychanges to be aware of,saysSarahMeredith of Berrys:

Environmental Taxation andAgricultural Property Relief (APR)

TheGovernment have establisheda jointHMTreasuryand HMRC workinggroup with industry representativestoidentify solutionsfor thetaxation of ecosystemservice markets.

After long awaitedclarification over APRfrom inheritancetax,itwas confirmed to be extendedfromthe 6th April 2025 to land managedunder environmental agreements

This includes agreements with the UK government,devolvedadministrations, public bodies, localauthorities andapproved responsiblebodies.

This is welcomednewsfor farmers lookingtoenter intobiodiversitynet gain or naturalcapital markets.

Itwillapplytolandthathasbeenagriculturallandfor twoyears andthen in aqualifyingagreement todayorin thefuture

We awaitfurther clarityonthe income andcapitalsgains taxtreatment of theseagreements.

Income Taxfor FurnishedHoliday

Lets (FHLs)

From April 2025, thechancellorhas confirmed that FHLs willbetaxed on thesamebasis aslet residential property

In hisBudget speech, Jeremy Hunt said that FHLs restrictedthe availabilityoflong-termlets forlocal residents.

This is ablowtofarming businesses whichhavediversified into FHLs, with such venturesattracting income, capi-

talgains and in some instancesinheritance taxadvantages.

OtherMeasures:

l Fuel Duty:Afurther freezefor 12 months,includingthe 5% temporary cutthatwas duetoend this month.

l National Insurance: A2%cut in theratesofbothemployeeandself-employed,savingthe average employee an estimated£900 ayearand theaverage self-employed person £650 ayear.

l StampDuty Land Tax: Multi-propertyrelief is to be abolished for property transactionsafter 6March 2024.

l CapitalGains Tax: Residential sales reducedfrom 28% to 24%, effective from 6thApril 2024.

l VAT:Ariseintheturnoverthresholdatwhichbusinessesmust register forVAT,from £85,000 to £90,000.

l Full Expensingfor Leased Assets: Draft legislationistoallow 100% of expenditure on qualifying assets to be offsetagainst businessincomeinthe year it is incurred for thosetradingas acompany

To discuss theeffects thesechanges mayhaveonyourbusiness, please contactSarah Meredith on 07799 902948 or alternatively emailsarah.meredith@ berrys.uk.com.

BNG framework praised

LegislationforBiodiversityNetGain (BNG)cameintoforce in February

Thepolicy, mandated by theEnvironment Act2021, willbemandatory fornew planningapplications of 10 or more dwellings, meaningthatdevelopers must deliveratleast 10 per centBNG on allnew developments in England.

ProfessorDavid Hill,pastpresident of theChartered InstituteofEcology andEnvironmental Management,who pioneeredthe conceptofBNG and campaigned tirelesslytosee it come into force, has warmly welcomedthe implementation of theBNG framework Thefoundingmemberand formerdeputychair of NaturalEngland, andchair of Environment Bank,said: “From nowon, almost all development

willberequired to comply with BNG.

“This much-needed andtransformative legislationwilldelivervital investment to thenatural environment, restoringecosystems andbuildingresilience againstthe effects of climate change.Itwas in 2004 that I first suggested that all developmentshouldbe required to create gains fornatureasa result of thedevelopmentactivity.

“I have promoted theconceptof BNGfor nearly 20 years, establishing Environment Bank to obtain land to put into nature

“Thereisnoother policylikethisin theworld,meaningthatBNG is setting theblueprint fordriving vitalnature restoration.

“This legislationenables developers to compensate forany ecosystemim-

AMC has been 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.

pacts, investinginnaturetoserve local communities whilehelping to provide economic security forfarmers

“Theimplementation of BNGisa game-changernot just forthe biodiversitysector, developers andplanners,but also forthe country’sfarmers With farmingfamilies facinginnumerable challenges, themandating of BNG means adiversified income stream for farmers.”

Environment Bank has been apioneer of theHabitat Bank modelsince 2007, whichinvolvesleasinglandfrom farmersand landowners to preserve andrestore naturalecosystems.Farmersand landowners retain ownership andmanagementofthe land,receiving tax-efficientannualpaymentsof up to £60,000 peryear, securedfor 30 years.

Sarah Meredith of Berrys

TheRoyal CollegeofVeterinary Surgeons(RCVS)iscallinguponownersof animal-based workplaces such as farms, liveryyards,animalsheltersandcharities, to consider takingoncurrent veterinary students forshort placements to support them in their journeys to becomingfully-fledgedvets

An important aspect of allveterinary degreeprogrammesisthatall vetstudents must undertakeworkplace-based placements to preparethemfor the practicalside of work in theformofextra-muralstudies (EMS).

In theearly yearsofthe veterinary degree– usuallystudents in their first or second year of study– this is focused upongainingexperienceundertakinganimal husbandryduties to getstudentvets used to handlingand caring foranimals in avarietyofsettings.

This canbeanythingfrom workingon afarmsupporting with themilking of cattle,lendingahelping hand in lambing season,working in alivery yard,orsupportingananimal shelter or charity.

With thenumberofvet students steadilyincreasing, theRCVSare keen to increase thenumberofEMS placements availabletostudents in order to meet this riseindemandandensurethereareasufficientrangeofplacementtypestochoose from Anybodywishingtolearn more, shouldemail ems@rcvs.org.uk.

Mural’smessage on climate fears

BY IAIN ST JOHN

Visitors exploringfarm trails at Market Drayton’s Fordhall OrganicFarm will be able to admireanewly installed muralcreated by volunteers.

Themural,painted on wooden panels constructedbymembers of ayouthprojectatthe farm,offersawarningabout climatechange as theimage shiftsfrom abrightwoodlandscenebuzzingwithlife in 2023 to ableak pictureoflifelesswood in 2050.

RowanCookson,chair of Market Drayton ClimateAction, said: “Wefelt thebeautiful setting of thewalks at Fordhall OrganicFarmwould be an ideal place to remindourselves of howwelove thenatural world, andour responsibility to care forit.

“Fordhall brings many people outinto thelandtoenjoy beinginthe countryside andto find outabout many ways of

Analyser can testquickly

Artificial insemination(AI) is an importanttoolfor themajorityofdairy farmers, butthe qualityand viability of thesemen used canmakeorbreak a breedingseason.

Onesemen analyser tool –Dynescan –aimstoprovide confidence with one simple, quicktest.

TheDynescanisaportablesemen analyser whichmeasuressemen lifetime andquality,and provides insightsinto howlongsemen mobility canbesustained

OnevetwhohasbeenusingtheDynescanisDaveGilbert,founder of Horizon DairyVets.“I’ve been in practice forthe best part of 20 years, andhaveworked with alot of blockcalving herds. Semen qualityisimportant to all dairyfarmers butblock calvers have always been more awareofit,”heexplains.

“If thereisa badbatch of semenused on an all-year-roundcalving herd they notice when thecowsstart returning, but it has alimitedimpactbecause they’ve probably only served 5-10 percentofthe herd.But on ablock-calvingherd, they’re intendingtoservenearlyeverycowinthe first threeweeks, before they canevenrealisetheyhaveaproblem, so it canhave some quiteprofoundimpacts on the blockand fertility.

“I have been asked foraround 15 years nowifIcould look at batches of semen andget them tested.”

protecting theenvironment.Sowewere reallypleased to work as partners on the muralwhichhas been placedinawooded area on atrail forvisitorstosee.”

CharlotteHollins, generalmanager at Fordhall,added: “We’re excitedto be hostingthisspecial pieceofartwork within ourwoods.”

The mural was painted on panels constructed by members of ayouth project

Inhibitor improves nitrogen efficiency,sayscompany

TimacAgro UK haslaunchedanew ureainhibitor,Excelis Maxx,provento reduce nitrogen losses by up to 90 per cent andtherefore improve nitrogen efficiency

Rulesonthe useofinhibitedurea fertiliserswereconfirmed by Defralast year,with applications to cropsafter April1thisyear needing to be inhibited, if containing morethanone percent urea, to slow therelease of ammonia.

Nico Papworth, commercial director at TimacAgroUK, says theinnovative productcombinesthe inhibitor, NBPT (N-(n-butyl) thiophosphoric triamide), with apatentedmicrobialactivator to increase nitrogen efficiency and reduce ammonia emissions

“The NBPT in ExcelisMaxxin combinationwith the unique Rhizovit complexinhibitsureaseenzyme activitytoallow time for it to be utilisedbythe plant andthe soil,while increasingthe efficiency of Nalreadyin thesoil,”hesays.

ExcelisMaxxcan be applied as acoatingtoureagranules or incorporated into liquidureatocomply with theupcoming legislation,he explained

Guidance given over colostrum

Advice has beengiven on key colostrum targetsand whatto look forinacolostrum powder when supplementation is needed.

Full of protein, fatand antibodies, colostrum delivers newborncalveswithasuper-shotofenergyand immunity support that carrybothshort andlong-termbenefits, said Emily Hall,livestockfarmerand productmanager forNettex.

Antibodies from thedam’s immunesystemuplift acalf’simmuneresponseinthe first weeksoflifeasits ownimmunesystem startstodevelop.Known as passivetransfer, this requires colostrum to containanadequate levelofIgG antibodies that arefed quicklyafter birthand in theright quantities.

“For successful passive transfer of IgG antibodies, colostrum qualityneedstobea minimum of 50g/l IgG, whichequates to 22 Brix when measuredwitharefractometer,”

explained Ms Hall

Multiple colostrum feedings within the first 12hoursoflifearecritical toensureIgG molecules areabsorbedbythe small intestine anddeliveredtothe bloodsupply.Per industry guidelines, calvesshouldreceive a minimum of threelitreswithin the first two hoursoflifeand additional threetofourlitres within six to 12 hoursofbirth –for a total of six to seven litres of highquality colostrum within its first 12 hoursoflife.

“Tofully capturethe immuneresponse benefits, theright amount of highquality

colostrum must be fedas soon as possible post-birth,” says Ms Hall.“Doingsowillnot only boostthe immuneresponseinthose critical first weeksof life, but it willalsoset calvesuptohaveahealthierlifetime.”

When adam’s colostrum is lowinqualityorlow in quantity,supplementation is required

To best supportcalveswithprotective antibodies from thefarmwhere it wasborn, Ms Hall recommends maternal damcolostrum from acow on thesamefarm.

When it is notavailableorisgoing to take toolongtothawout forthe first feed,she recommends supplementing with ahigh quality, full fatcolostrum powder like Nettex’sCalfColostrum Gold

Association’s plea over ‘silver bullet’approach

Thegovernment shouldstopseeking “silverbullets”and back nature-friendlyfood production accordingtothe Soil Association

Speaking at theNationalFarmers Union conference,the PrimeMinister andthe EnvironmentSecretary announcedarange of measures to “boost productivity andresilience”inthe sector,including“thelargest ever grantoffer forfarmers”inthe coming financialyear,expectedtototal£427million.

Responding, Soil Association head of farmingpolicyGarethMorgansaid: “Cash boosts forour farmerswho arefacingso much uncertainty arewelcome but theannouncementsmacksof asearchfor silver bullet solutions instead of mapping outa more realistic future.Instead of hoping for

theprice of fossil-fuelderivedfertilisers to come down,governmentshouldbeinvestinginresearch, advice andsupportfor farmerstomoveawayfrom dependence on damaging and expensive inputs.

“Thereisarolefor newtechand setting land aside forhabitats, butthiswon’t be enough on itsown

“Nature-friendlyfood production must be prioritised to delivertransformative changeacrossthe farmlandthatmakes up 70 percentof theUK.

“For true food security,governmentmust bolster theSustainableFarmingIncentives with aboldvisionfor resilientfarming,following theleadset by organicand agroecological farmerswho areusingtruly sustainableand regenerative approaches.”

DogLeads

Nettex’s Calf Colostrum Gold is made by collecting raw colostrum for high health status farms in the UK.The unique drying process preserves all of the components of natural colostrum.

New sales launched

Theequine department at McCartneys haslaunched monthlysales of horses and ponies, to includesales of saddlery,fromApril to September atWorcester LivestockMarket.

Aspokespersonsaid: “The facility is ideally placed,being only twomilesfromthe M5 motorway network andiseasilyaccessed This modern facility is well equippedtoconductthese types of sales,with thebenefitofan onsitecanteen supplying hotfood anddrinks.

“These newmonthlysales are continuing from thesuccess of the annual salefor theShetlandPony Stud Book SocietySalewhich is held in Octobereachyear and attractedover350 poniesfor the salein2023

“McCartneyshavealso launched anew online entry system for equinesales.This newentrysitemakes theentire processeasierfor vendorswith equineinformation andentryfees collectedinone place.

“McCartneysinviteany potential sellersand buyers to visitthe new site at equine-mccartneys co.ukand popintothe market on anyofthe forthcoming sale dates –April 13,May 11,June8, July 13,August 17,September 28,and October15which is the ShetlandSociety Sale. If you require anyassistanceorwish to discussanything equinesale related, pleasecontactthe equine department on 01584813764.”

Ketosis risk highlighted

During an extensive UK roadshow,dairy management softwarecompanyUNIFORM-Agri hasintroduced anew KetosisRisk Alerttool to theirfarmersaspartof theirupdated softwarepackage, whichsupports allaspects of herd health

Theroadshowincludes workshopsfor dairy farmersusing theUNIFORM-Agrisoftwareto showcase thenew elementsofthe herdmanagement programme

“Using thesoftware, farmers caneasilytrack andmanagekey performanceindicatorsand herd health as well as identify cows whichare more likelytodevelop ketosis,” saidUKsales managerat UNIFORM-Agri,GrahamNowell.

“Every herd hasoutliersand theupdates to theprogramme will highlightthose cows whorequire closemonitoring,and in some instances intervention.

“Sub-clinicalketosis oftengoes unnoticed despiteits potential to affect up to 60 percentofa herd.Thiscausescatastrophic losses to thebottomlinewhich is whyit’simportant we identify thosecowsthat are‘at-risk’,hence thedevelopmentofthisnew ketosisrisk management tool in conjunction with Elanco.”

With approximately 75 per cent of diseases in dairycows occurring during the firstmonth post-calving,Elanco’saccount managerKatherine Braker stressed theimportancebehind managing andmonitoring cows

Tractor Hire UK expands growing fleet with 10 new John Deere tractors

DirectorsAndrewand John of TractorHireUKwere delighted to collect10brand new John Deere tractors from DanMallard,agriculturalsalesmanager at TAG Allscott

Accompaniedbytheir chosen charity, ShropshireRuralSupport, theduo announcedplans to donate theproceeds from the first week’s rental of oneof their John Deere 6R 155s to supportthe vital work of thecharity

Andrewand John said: “In ruralareas,mentalhealth often gets overlooked ShropshireRuralSupportprovides invaluable supporttoour community,and we’reproudtoassist such acrucial local charity.”

Currentlywitha fleetincluding68 John Deere tractors,alongside ancillary equipmentliketrailers, fuel bowsers, telehandlers,hedgecutters,toppers,muck spreaders, slurry tankersand subsoilers, TractorHireUKprioritises customer feedback in tailoringtheir offerings to meet their customers evolving needs.

”

These10newly acquired tractors will be workingduring thepotatoplanting season andwillthengoontosupport grainharvest operationsduringthe summermonths.

“Our selectionoftractorsisgeared towardsfulfillingour customers’ future requirements,”Andrewexplained.“The highdemandfor theseversatile tractors amongour customersunderscorestheir suitabilityfor awide range of agricultural andconstructiontasks,thankstotheir ease of use.

“Thepositive experience,along with exceptional sales, service,and partssupport,has certainly bolstered confidence in TractorHireUK’sbusinessrelationship with ourlocal TAGdepot.John Deere tractors consistently maintain their residualvalue andare highlyreliable,”noted John. “Their optimal uptime performanceenhances ourbusinessoperations, making them acornerstone of our fleet.”TractorHireUK’sacquisition

of 10 newJohnDeere tractors andsupport to ShropshireRuralSupportexemplifyits commitmenttocustomer satisfaction andcommunity welfare.Witha focusonreliability,versatility, andsocial responsibility,the companyispoisedfor continuedsuccesswhilemakingapositive impactonbothits customers andthe wider community

Grass monitoring leads to increased returns and also improved efficiency

AMid Walesfarmer’sinvolvement in agrass monitoringproject hasled to increasedreturnsand improvedbusinessefficiency

RichardReesjoinedGrassCheckGB in 2022 andhas since seen positive results; lambswere finished55daysearlier last year than in previousyears,and inputs have been reduced.

Thefarmisone of 50 sheep,beefand dairyprojectfarms acrossthe UK

Theyareexpectedtoregularlymeasure their grazingplatformthroughoutthe grazingseason andsubmitgrass samples foranalysis.

This data provides avaluablesourceof localand regional grass growth updates with focusedmanagementtipsproduced forthe farmingcommunity

Alongwithbrother HuwLlyr, Richard runs Penmaen Bach,a 60ha, mostly lowland family farm locatednearPennaland theDyfi estuaryinsouth Gwynedd.

They keep a flockof400 Aberfield crossewestoAbermax rams andthe aim is to finish alllambsoff grass on arotational grazingsystemincorporating chicoryand plantain.

Richardsaid: “I have always been interested in managedgrazing. Penmaen Bach‘s location means that it is afarm wheregrass growswellsowetry to keep costs as lowaspossiblebymaximisingon grass production androotcropuse for wintering.

“But we were findingthatfattening lambsoff grass wasbecomingmore and more problematic, despiteundertaking faecalegg count(FEC) testsand treating as andifneeded.”

Richardexplained:“Ourinitialthought wasthatwehad issues with minerals and nutrients in thesoil.

“So, when we heardabout theproject,

we jumped at thechancetoparticipate andimmediately analysed ourminerals.” All fields on the220-acrefarmwere sampledand sent foranalysisvia Grass-

checkGB Theresults revealed that there wasnocobaltactive in thelower ground on thefarmorthe rough grazingsoil.

In addition,there were furtherlow de-

ficiencies of selenium, iodineand zincin the fields

Richardcontinued:“We immediately settoremedythe issue,byintroducing bolusestothe flockatthe endof2022.

“Wehavealsobeenregularlymeasuringgrass growth whichismade easier by rotational grazingasweare notalways dealingwithlow covers.”

Sincemakingthe changes, thefarm has seen an annual saving of £4,000.

Feed concentrates forthe Aberfieldx Abermaxlambswas withdrawn in 2023, duetomakingbetteruse of grass

Richardsaid: “Wesaw ahugeimprovement in lamb sales last year

“We finishedtakingthe lambsoff grass in September–an average 55 days earlier than in previous years–and they were fattened withoutany concentrates.

“We’re delighted with theresults.”

He added: “Theprojecthas helpedus to significantly reduce inputsand maintain production to finish lambswithno creepfeed –theyare all finishedoff grazingswards.

“Mineralin-balance has been corrected andwehavestopped using nitrogen fertiliser.”

Dr HeatherMcCalman, Research, Developmentand Sustainability Executive at Hybu Cig Cymru– Meat Promotion Wales (HCC)-apartner in the GrassCheckGB project–said: “Penmaen Bach has demonstratedhow usingfarm data,includingweather recordsand grass measurements, makesitpossibletomake better businessdecisions

“Obtainingdatahelps farmersplan ahead,improve productivity andefficiency

“Grasslandisa hugely importantresource on thefarm. Eightyper centof agriculturallandinWales is unsuitable forgrowing crops; it is therefore vital that we make thebestuse of it forrearing livestockand producingquality redmeat.”

Tractor Hire UK is backing the work of the Shropshire Rural Support charity

Richard Rees of Penmaen Bach in Mid Wales with his daughter Meida

Tractor Hire UK has collected 10 brand new John Deere tractors from TAG Allscott

The selection of tractors is geared towards fulfilling customers’ future requirements

Key service offers important support

It is quite oftenawife or partnerthatphones ShropshireRural Support(SRS),the charitythatprovides a freeconfidentialservice for Shropshirefarmers andtheir families.

Aspokespersonfor thecharity said: “They willhavenoticedalack of tolerance, notsleeping well,irritable–commonsigns when someoneisunder pressure

“Normallyyou cancopewitha degreeofpressure,someevensay they function better with adegree of pressure.

“But forothers,thiscausesstress andanxiety, andcan affectyour wellbeing.

“Just oneextra problem canbe enough to causeamoodchange that canbeidentified by someone close, before yourealise yourself

Thereare anumberof factors that cantrigger this,from afamily bereavement, relationship issues, physical andmental abuse, financial concerns,and factors beyondour controllikethe weatherand disease breakdowns.

“SRS areheretohelp.

“Thephone is manned by staff andvolunteersduringthe dayand anynight callsare diverted to the

Samaritans,sothereisalwayssomeonetospeak to in person This is a free andconfidential service

“In 2022, SRSwas awardedthe Queens Awardfor VoluntaryService in recognition of ourvaluable contribution to thewellbeingofthe ruralcommunity spanningthree decades.

“More recentlywehavebeeninstrumental in settingupa health

01743790554

checkscheme, whichnow covers all six livestockmarkets of Shropshire, thehealthchecksbeingcarried out by thetrained staff of Shropshire Council’sOutreachTeam.

“Duringthe last 12 months since theservice began, over 700 health checks have been carried out, with a number of serioushealth problems identified

“This service has proved inval-

uableand has undoubtedlysaved lives.”Despitecouncil fundingpressures, it is hopedthe programme willcontinueinits present form.

Concerns about itsfuturewere raised by JuliaBuckley,the Labour PartyelectioncandidateforShrewsbury.CouncillorBuckley recently visitedHall Farm in Cruckmeole andspoke to farmer AndrewBebb on afact-findingvisit

Julia Buckley,the Labour Party election candidate for Shrewsbury,recently visited Hall Farm in Cruckmeole and spoke to farmer Andrew Bebb on afact-finding visit

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

-Mowingwithtriplemowers£11.50peracre

-Rakingtwoandfourrota£5.50peracre

-Tedding£5.50peracre

-Lugging 18tonnetrailers£52perhour

-Lugging 24tonnetri axletrailers£60perhour

-SquarebalingwithtwoNewHolland 1290 plus (120x90) £5perbale

-Combinationroundbalingandwrapping with two John Deerec441r6layers&net£9

-Ploughing£29peracre

-Shakerating£28peracre

-5metrePowerharrowing£24peracre

-3metrecombidrilling £29peracre

-Maize drillingwithfertiliserplacement£19peracre

-Muckspreadingwithloader 18tonnediscspreader weighing24mtrspread gps£60perhour

-Muckspreading3200gdualspreader withloader £60perhour

-Tanking5000gLGPdribblebarvariable flow rate£85perhour

-Fertilizer spreadingwithGPS£4peracre

-Flatrolling6.3metre£5peracre

- Hedgecutting£42perhour

-Tractorsfitted with GPS

-Umbilical slurryspreading,splashplate/12mtr dribblebarwithflowmeterand GPS/roadramps/ doublepumpingavailable. reelingout £50perhour, pumping£95perhour HIRE

3200gDual spreaders£165perday

12Tonnereardischarge spreader £125perday

6.3 Metre flatroller£80perday

18Tonnesilagetrailer£80perday

Organic market is growing

Soil AssociationCertificationhas launched the25thOrganic Market Report,and it revealsthe organic market has deliveredits 12thyearofpositive growth despitethe global politicaland economic turmoiland thecostoflivingcrisisathome.

Thetotal market grew twoper cent in2023endingtheyearat£3.2billion–almost double itsvalue in2011.

However, despitethissolid performance,the report said thesector’s heavyrelianceonimports meansthat many farmersare currentlymissing out on thepotential benefits organic canbring to their business–and the UK environmentinturnismissingout on thebenefits organic canbring for nature Shopper spendonorganic is athird higherversus five yearsago,but UK

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organic farmlandhas stayed at astatic threeper cent.

Soil AssociationCertificationcommercialdirectorAlex Cullen said: “Organic has deliveredapositive and resilientperformance despitechallenging financialand politicalconditionsand withoutthe supportthatorganic food andfarmingreceivesinEuropeand elsewhere in theworld

“Themarketand macrotrends are pointing to an upward trajectory but there are still many challenges and barrierstothe levelofgrowththatUKorganic shouldbedelivering forfarmers –withprice thebiggest barrier.

“Weneedaradicalrethinkiforganic is goingtoreach itsfullpotential and bringorganic farmingintothe mainstream “Theentiresupply chain must work

together to grow themarketand unlock demandfor homegrownUKorganic freshproduce,supportedbythe government

“And we canlearn valuablelessons from Europe wherethere is greater supportand commitmentfrom governmentsand retailersfor farmers andfrom some exciting innovations takingplace righthereacrossthe UK –tomakeorganic more availableand affordable.”

TheamountofUKorganic land grew by 0.4 percent, remaining flat at threeper cent–despitea growingorganic market.

This compares with Europe where thelatest figures showthatorganic farmlandgrewby 5.1 percentto16.9 millionhectaresor10.4 percentoftotal farmlandin2022.

Advice offered about turnout

Springturnoutcreates many dietarychallenges fordairyherdsthat canresult in butterfat depressionand fertility issues.

However, negative effects canbe reducedbybalancingrumen function andenergysupply,saidDrRichard Kirkland,ruminantnutritionist for VolacWilmarFeed Ingredients.

He said: “Ascowstransitionfrom acontrolledwinterrationtograzed grass, therumen has to adapttothe differingand more-variable forage

source

“Thediet changealone cancause challengestorumen function andmilk productionstability

“Additionally, thelow fibreand rapidfermentabilityofearly,leafy grassgrowthcan disturb therumen’s pH balanceand causethe grass to pass throughthe digestive systemtoo quickly, increasingthe risk of acidosis.

“While earlygrass growth is highin energy,variablespringgrazingconditionsmakeitharder forenergysupply to be consistentlymaximised, with a drop in fertilityand milk production keyrisks.”

During earlylactation, cows cannot eatenoughtomeetthe highenergyde-

mands of milk production,leadingtoa negative energy balance.

This means they rely on bodyfat storestosupportthe geneticdrive for milk production,resulting in alossof bodycondition

Research from theUniversityof Nottinghamindicatesthatforeach0.5unitlossincondition during this period,conception ratescan fall by around 10 percent.

Cerealsare commonly supplemented to increase energy supply,but there is alimitonhow much canbeusedin order to reduce therisk of therapidly-fermentable starch pushingdown rumenpHand with it increasingthe

risk of acidosisand lowmilk fat. Dr Kirkland said: “Digestible fibresources such assoyahulls,citrusand sugarbeet pulpwill helpbalancethestarchyenergysourcesandaidrumenfunctionand milk fat, though offer lessofthe rumen ‘tickle’ factorthanhigher-fibreforages.

“Withlower energy concentration than cereals, thegreater bulk of forage sources willlimit thepotential to deliverthosevitaladditionalmegajoules.”

Dr Kirkland said usingacombination of digestible fibresources and rumen-protected fatsupplements in buffer rationswillhelpdrive milk productionand supportfertilityinearly lactation

Climate change in spotlight

FarmersinWales areatthe heart of thesolution when it comes to climatechange.

That wasthe keymessage from HybuCig Cymru–Meat Promotion Wales(HCC)atan industry webinarwhich provided an insightintoconsumerdata, marketing activity, as well as an update on othercriticalwork streamsHCC carries outonbehalf of theindustry.

HCC’sheadofsustainability and future policy RachaelMadeleyDavies,outlined someofthe innovativework HCCisdoing

on behalf of itslevypayers and stressed theunique position farmersare in when it comes to reducing greenhouse gas emissionsand playing an active role in tackling climate change

Shesaid: “Wehave world class renowned brands in our Welsh Lamb,WelshBeefand Pork from Walesand they areassociated with acarbon efficientway of farming andaholistic approach Ourlivestocksystems enhance biodiversity andthe waywefarm positively impacts soil health, waterquality andair quality, but

we nowneed to startevidencing thosecredentialswith data.”

MrsMadeley-Davies added that it is about being abletoprove thoseclaims andshowcasewhy theway farmersproduce foodin Walessetsthe industryapart from otherproductionsystems across theworld

Shesaid: “The climateand nature crisis areintrinsically linked andonahuman levelit is important that we take this seriously andtakesome action This is wherecarbon in thesupply chaincomes into play.”

Buffer feeding ahigh fibre feed source in conjunction with an appropriate rumen-protected fat supplement is an effective way to mitigate butterfat depression at turnout

Sectorsare under pressure

ProducersofBritish eggs and poultry meat face an uncertain futurewithout greater government supportand supply chainreform, an NFUsurveyhas revealed Thesurveylooked at theimpact of thepast twoyearsonpoultry production andfarmers’intentions overthe next twoyears.

It found that 24 percentof eggproducersand 15 percent of chickenmeatproducers were either unlikely or unsure if they wouldstill be producing poultry beyond November 2025

Themainreasoncited forthis

wasinsufficientreturns which suggests businesseshave not been profitable.

Thesurveyalsohighlighted some of thekey concerns forboth sectors.

They included theriskofavian influenza, thelackoffairness in thesupply chainand high energy prices. Being undercut by imports wasalsoa majorconcern

In ordertobettersupportthe productionofhighquality British eggs and poultrymeat, the NFU is calling for greater fairness in poultrysupply chains, forpoultry

producerstobeincluded in theEnergyIntensive Industries scheme,and for along-term strategy from government to be setahead of anyfutureoutbreaks of avianinfluenza(AI).

NFUpoultryboard chair James Mottersheadsaid: “British eggs andpoultrymeatare staple parts of so many people’s diets, butthe sector is underahugeamount of strain

“Incredibly volatile production costsand thethreatofavian influenzahave putproducers underextreme pressure.”

Company joins dealer network

ReaValleyTractorswill nowoffer CorvusOff-Road Vehicles at itsSudbury depot servingDerbyshire andStaffordshire, as announced by Phil Everett, MD of BOSSORV,the exclusive distributor of Corvus in theUK.

Phil expressed thecompany’s longstandingefforts to expandCorvus’s presenceinthese regions, underscoringthe importance of selectingthe rightpartner

“Wehavebeenlooking for some time to developfurther coverage for Corvus in theseregions,” said Phil

“Findingthe rightpartner is,as always, acarefullyconsidered process andwe’re pleasedtobecollaborating with theRea Valley Tractors to broaden Corvus’reach andenhance itsaccessibility to itsproduct range.”

ReaValley Tractors Managing DirectorMattMulliganstated:“We’recelebrating our40thyearin2024 and, as atrustednameintheagriculturalcommunity,we’ve forgedmeaningful and long-lasting relationshipswithboth customersand manufacturers alike.

“We’re delightedtoextendthis tradition by encompassingCorvus Off-RoadVehicles sales andsupport throughout theregions.” Aleading

Agricultural &Industrial Building (CE Marked)

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dealer in thearea, ReaValley Tractors supplies an extensive range of newand used agriculturaland horticultural machinery.

Their stated principles include workingasateamtoreach thehighest standard of customer service andsatisfaction

Corvus wasthe first manufacturer in Europe to build4x4 side-by-side

utilityvehicles. Theall-terrain Corvus range comprisesthe TerrainDX4, a powerful androbust diesel model, and theall-electricTerrain EX4 with equal capability.Rea Valley Tractors saythey seethe range as theideal complement to their principles in thesaleand service of agriculturaland groundcare machinery.Formoreinformation,visit bossorv.co.uk

‘Maximise surplus lambs’

Sheepfarmers with surpluslambs to rear in thelambingseasonare being encouragedtomakethe most of these newborns’early lifegrowthpotential to boost flockreturns

Maximisingthe number of lambs sold perewe put to theram is oneof thekey benchmarksfor asuccessful sheep farmingenterprise.

This willmeanrearing some third lambsand orphansoff theewe,explainedDrJessicaCooke from Volac Milk ReplacersLimited.

Shesaid: “But with lamb prices currently trending15per centahead of last year,rearing thesesurplus newbornsquicklyand efficientlyyourself to potentiallytargetanearlier premium market makessound economic sense. And feedinga good quality, provenewe milk replacer alongside

good husbandrypractices willhelp youcapitaliseonthe lamb’s inherent earlylife, pre-weaninggrowthpotential andbeabletoweanplenty of excellentextralambsassoonaspossible.”

When it comestorearing surplus lambssuccessfully, Dr Cookeadvocatesfollowing crucial steps forbest results.

Shesaiddon’t compromisewithcolostrumfeeding. As with all newborn lambs, the first priority is to ensure everysurplus lamb receivessufficient colostrum –50ml/kg liveweight per feed anda minimumof210ml/kg liveweight within the first 24 hours. This feed provides essential nutrition,as well as theimportant antibodies to helpnewborns fightoff infections. Shesaidchoosethe optimum rearingsystem. Surpluslambs can

be reared on milk replacer viabottle, throughadlib bucket feedingorwith automaticmachinefeeding. Themethod youchoosewilltypically depend on thenumberof surpluslambsyou have andthe facilities that youhave available. If youare usingabucketor machineyou willneed to trainlambs to suckle theteat. Be patient. If removinga surpluslambfrom theewe,take it away at 24 hoursold,thenleave it for afew hourstobecomehungrybefore gently introducingittothe teat.Teats shouldbepositioned12-15 inches from theground Shesaidtrust Lamlac forhigher growth rates. FeedingtrialswithLamlacewe milk replacer at Harper Adams University Collegeand Reaseheath Collegehavedemonstratedsurplus lambgrowthratesofover300gperday

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Maize, Drilling,Ploughing,Sumo,6m PowerHarrow

4m Lemkin Solitair Disc Combi Drill 2Complete umbilical slurry systems pump up to 3000m

Splash plate/dribblebar with flow meterand GPS/Road ramps, 60m3 Holding Tank

Megamix slurrys�rring SlurryTankering with 4000 gallon, with trailing shoe, LGP, NC tanker Pichon 4500 gallon tanker with 18m dribble with variable flow rate Rear discharge muck spreading with weighcells/chicken/sludge/FMY loading JCB 320

Rea Valley Tractors will now offer Corvus Off-Road Vehicles at its Sudbury depot serving Derbyshire and Staffordshire, it was announced by Phil Everett, MD of BOSS ORV,the Corvus UK distributor.Pictured are, from left, Mick Reeves, RVT sales, John Preston, branch manager,Phil Everett, Matt Mulligan, MD at RVT,Dave Arnold RVT sales.

PembrokeshireAgriculturalSociety’s £1,000 BursaryAward is nowopenfor applications from students studying agriculture, veterinaryscience, agricultural engineering, food technology, forestry or othersubjects alliedtoagriculture

TheStudentBursary Award2024 is availabletostudents, from Pembrokeshire, whoare currentlystudyingor have been acceptedtostart their studies. They canapply forthis financial supportto assist with their chosen collegeorcareer path

Last year’s winner of theaward was Lottie Wilson from Hayscastle

Lottie wasstudyingagriculture at the UniversityofNottingham when she appliedforthebursary.Whensheisathome she isageneraldairy farm worker as well asalambinghandandacalvingbeefherd assistant. In 2021 she wasthe topagriculture studentatHartpuryCollege.

Robert James, chairman of theSociety’sBursary Committee,said: “I would urge all Pembrokeshirestudents who studysubjects that areclearly alignedto agriculturetoapply forthisbursary as it won’tonlyassist with your studies but willalsogive yougreat experiences such as undertakinganinterview whichisa keyemploymentskill.Itwillalsoassist in your future career within theagriculture industry

“A panel of independentjudgeswill drawupashort list of candidates who willbeinterviewed andthe winningcandidatewillbeasked to give ashort presentation at afuture meetingofthe society’s showcouncil “Thestandardofapplicationshas alwaysbeenexceptionalwhichgivesalotof heartthatthere arealot of very talented youngpeopleinour community.”

Furtherdetails about thebursary and theentryformcanbefoundonlineonthe show’swebsite.

Flagship sheep event is to return

BY IAIN ST JOHN

The flagship event of the NationalSheep Association (NSA), NSASheep Event,istakingplace on July 30 at theThree Counties Showground, Worcestershire.

Followingonfrom thesuccessofNSA Sheep2022 theevent willonceagain celebratethe UK’s varied sheep sector lookingtowards apositive future forthe industry that has been shown to be a key componentofapositive farmingfuture.

Theday willoffer attractionsfor all of thefamilytoenjoy from informative seminarsand interactive workshops featuring respectedexperts from industry to theNSA Next Generation Shepherd of theYear finals andthe manysheep focussed trade stands demonstrating the best products andequipmenttorun an efficientsheep system.

Ahighlight of NSA Sheep2024 willbe thelaunch of thenew NSA Sustainability report,a publicationproducedincollaborationwithHarperAdams University to demonstrate thesector’spositiveroleina sustainablefuture forthe UK

Aruralinsuranceexpertisurgingthe public to helpeasethe burdensfacedby farmersacrossthe region during thebusy lambingand calvingseason.

AndersonFossett,ofrural insurance broker Lycetts, has called on walkers, ramblersand families visiting thecountryside to be mindful of theadditional pressuresthatlivestockfarmers face at this time of year

Mr Fossetthas cautionedagainst the allure of interacting with newbornfarm animals, highlightingthe potential risks involved.

He said: “Thedesiretopet or feed cute younganimalsisnatural,yet overlooking theconsequences of such actionscan be hazardous.

“Approachingthese animalsisill-advisedastheir protective parentsmight perceive it as athreat, potentially leading to aggressive responses. Acow maylook placid,but thereisnoway of knowingits temperament

“It’sprudenttoavoid anyactions that couldleadtodistress or pose arisk of injury just fora moment’s photoopportunity.”

He stressed theimportanceofusing public rightofway andmarkedpaths only,and of planningwalking routes in advancetoavoid thetemptationtocut across fields if lost.

“Walkersshouldalsobeaware that farmersmay have deliberately left gates open –orclosed –tocontrol livestock movement,sothe public shouldleave them as they find them.

Getthebestpossibleperformanceandfueleconomy outofyourmachineswithanEcuupgradefromCar-Trac theupgrade(Re-Map)willenhancetheoverallpower outputandtorquereserveoftheenginewhichinturnhas frequentlyproventoimprovefueleconomyandWorkRates Tractors+Combines+ForageHarvesters+TeleHandlers +ConstructionMachines+CanAllBeUpgraded Aswellas specialistmachinesusingagriculturalengineswetestthe currentpowerofyourtractoronourDynamometeronfarm andaftertheupgrade.Wetestagainandaprintoutofboth resultsisproducedtoshowpower&torque

Acelebration of sheep farmingwill alsobehad at theNSA SheepEvent dinner, whichisheldonthe eveningbefore themainevent

Thepopularsheepdog salewillalso

This willbethe basisofmuchofthe debate in thepopularseminar pavilion whereleadingnames from theUKsheep industry willdiscuss andupdatevisitors on issues such as sheepfarming’s role in future environmental protectionand drivingthe UK’s future market andtrade options

takeplace on theday.NSA Sheepevents arethe only shows of this kind offering sheep focussed businesstobusinessnetworkingopportunities.

Furtherinformation forvisitors, trade andbreed society standbookingsand sponsorshippackagescan be found at sheepevent.org.uk.

He said: “Therehavebeenanumberof incidents wheredogs have triggered cattletoattackand so it is vitalthatwalkers ensure their pets areona lead whenever in thepresenceoflivestock. It canbea very stressful period forfarmers,manyof whom work 18-hourdaystendingpregnant cows andsheep andnewborns.”

The day will offer attractions for all of the family to enjoy from informative seminars and interactive workshops featuring respected experts from industry to the NSA Next Generation Shepherd of the Year finals

Income streams in spotlight

Thechanging landscape of income streamsfor farmers is being explored by an agribusiness studentatHarperAdams University in a finalyear research project.

StudentKatie Slawson,from MarketDrayton,was inspiredto investigatethe attitudes of English farmerstoagri-environment grants andannualpaymentsduring her industry placement year

On placement,Katie worked at SRHAgribusiness Ltd, abusiness whichhelps offeroperationaland financialmanagement to farmers.

Shesaid: “During this time, Iassistedbusinesses across thenorth west by providing supportwith grant andscheme applications,along with offering business and financial advice

“While somefarmersreadily embraced theopportunity to access andapplyfor grant and schemefunds,otherswere more hesitant.Thisprompted my research to exploreattitudes towardsthisacrossEngland.”

Katieisasking farmersto fill in aquestionnaireatharperadams.onlinesurveys.ac.uk/-

a-socioeconomic-evaluationof-english-farmers. Shewill then interviewthemabout their decisions

Katieopted to study agribusinessatHarperAdams with an eyeinbuilding acareerinthe industry. Sheadded: “I believe studying an agri-business degreegives me amultitudeof opportunities across thewhole agriculturalsector. Theblend of management andagricultural education hasallowed me to encompass my passionfor agriculture within adegree.”

Cash raised in ‘Choc’s’ honour

Thefamily andfriends of ayoungShropshireman whodiedofabrain tumour have so farraisedover £36,000 forcharity–and areset to raisemuchmore this year

Dave and SueRoberts have paid tributetothe supporttheyhavereceived, andkinddonations given, in memory of their sonWill –affectionatelyknown as Choc duetohis love of chocolate–who passed away aged 26 in December2022.

More than £8,000 wascollected at hisfunerallastyearand Will’s friends andfamilyhavesince helda lunchand auction, atractorrun, abonfire night and ‘Choc’s Rugby Challenge’ to raise money.

Most of thedonations have been handedtoLingenDaviesCancerFund, theregion’sprimary cancer charity whichsupports thoseimpactedby cancerthroughoutShropshireandMid Wales.

Thecharity,whichalsoworks to spread awarenessabout cancer in the wider community,supported Will and hisfamilyoverhis six andahalfyears of treatmentand beyond.

Donationshavealsobeenhanded to BrainTumourSupportand Prostate Cancer

Dave said: “Losingachild is the worst possible thingever, butwejust felt we hadsuchgoodcareand we feel as if we want to put somethingbackin.

“Asparents youwantthe best for yourchildren andwehad that,we know thehospital andeveryonedid absolutelyeverythingtheycould for Will

“Wehavesomuchtobegrateful for –from Shrewsbury to Stokeand everywhereinbetween –sothe collection startedoff with thefuneraldonations “Thesupportwehavehadfromsuch awide bunchofpeopleisunbelievable, we enjoyitand it lets yougive somethingback, it givesyou theincentive to carryon.

“Will left hismark, he wasa brilliant organisersothisisgreat to do in his memory.”

Dave andSue said they never dreamedtheywould raisethismuch moneyandtheycouldneverhavedone it on their own, beingsupported by so many differentgroupsof‘wonderful people’.

He said onegroup whichhas been ‘behindusevery stepofthe way’ is

theWhittington andOswestryYoung Farmers, whichWill waschairmanof forthree years.

TheYoungFarmers will hold an 80thanniversarycelebration at the family’s PennantFarmnearGobowen in northShropshireinJune, then the marqueewill be kept on foranother charityevent thefollowingweek.

Whittingtonand Oswestry YFC were also thegroup behindthe charityrugbygame, aF1themed floatat last year’s ShropshireShow, dedicated to Will whowas abig F1 fan, andthe hugely successful illuminated tractor runthrough Oswestry in December.

Theevent raised more than £12,000 alone–£4,000 of whichwas collected by people shaking buckets in villages on thenight

“Thetractor runwillbebackthis year,itwill continue foraslongas I’m on this planet,”Davesaid.

“Itwas brilliant,unbelievable, the turnout wasmind-blowing,tosee all thosepeople, everylayby,every place people couldstand,there were just people everywhere

“MikeLade did afantastic jobof arrangingitand promotingit, it was poignant forusand to seeitbring smiles to so many faces wasfantastic.

Therewas avideopostedonsocial mediaofalady filminginher window talking to herson next to her, she sawa tractorwithChoconitand said it was forthe farmer whopassedaway.

“Thatis whatwe setoutto do,someoneinthe middle of Oswestry who wouldn’t have knownWill from anybody, knew what that tractorrun was

about. It hithome, everythingweset outtodo, they didn’t just seeitasafun tractorrun, they knew why.”

Another moment Dave remembers from therun was when they travelled throughRuytonXITowns and sawa childwithlightsall over hispedal tractor.

He wasinspiredand hopesthis year’s eventwillinclude amini tractor runfor kids with pedalvehicles, on a circuit around thecattlemarket.

Othereventsincludedalunch and auctioninAugust,heldina marquee kindly donatedbyfamilyfriends after their daughter’s wedding,whichraised £12,000.

At Will’s funeral, the£8,000 raised wassplit betweenLingenDavies and BrainTumourSupport, acharity chosen by Di Evansonwho is arare tumour specialist nurseinthe OncologyDepartmentatRoyal Shrewsbury Hospital,andwhohas becomeafamily friendsince she treatedWill like anotherson

Brain Tumour Supporthas spentthe donation on providingtalking groups for people affectedbybrain tumoursin Shrewsburyand Dave said he wasvery happythatall moneyraisedhas stayed andbeenspent in thecounty.

TheRoberts family andfriends have donated£23,000 to LingenDavies since Will’s death.

Helen Knight,headoffundraisingfor thecharity,saidthe fabulous amount raised wastestament to how much theRoberts family mean to the wholecommunity,and howmuchWill meanttothose around him.

The family of Will Roberts hand over money to Lingen Davies Cancer Fund

Report gives forage advice

Agriculturaltesting laboratories Eurofins Agro UK has launched anew report forthe equinemarkettohelpownersoptimise forage

Equi Feed is basedonthe established near infraredspectroscopy(NIRS) method whichdries andgrinds forage samples to provide more accurate anddetailed analysis.

Eurofins’forageanalysisspecialist ShaneBrewersaid: “Thenew report provides test data in easy-to-readand understandgraphics, basedonthe nutritional, fibre,mineraland trace elementcontent of aforagesample. It also presents this data in relation to thetypeofhorse by providingtarget values forhorsesbased on leisure,sport,age andwhether the horseispregnant.”

Testscarried outby Eurofins on fresh grass have establishedhow itsnutritional valuevaries throughout aseason, and yearonyear. Comparisonshaveshown that freshgrass has adry matter content of around 18 percentand haylage65-75 percent, whereashay has adry matter contentcloserto85per cent This suggeststhatahorse shouldeat fourtimes more freshgrass,comparedwithhay,to obtain thesamedry matter contentand fulfilthe basic needsofthe horse.

“Variations in freshgrass willoccur duetowarmthand sunlight,but also soil health.Inshort,fresh grassisnutritionallymore difficult to managethanhay or haylage. UsingEquiFeed,ownerscan see theexactDMinrelationtocrude protein andsugar. Thereportalsoshows howthe fibrouscontent of theDMisdigested, showing neutraldetergent fibre(NDF), acid detergent fibre(ADF) andacid detergent lignin (ADL) individually,”said Mr Brewer

In additiontopresentingthisdata, the Equi Feed report canalsobespecified to include insight relating to fructants in hay, watersoluble carbohydrates(WSC) in both freshgrass andhay,minerals,and trace elements.

Arable Event is all set to return

BY IAIN ST JOHN

Renowned agricultural consultant, Charlie Ireland, andagriYouTuber “Olly Blogs” Harrison will be amongthe star attractions as theArable Event returns bigger andbetterfor its10th anniversary celebration.

The2024 eventwillshowcase everythingthatisnew andtrendingin theworld of crop andcerealfarming It takesplace at Weston-under-Lizard on June 19 andwillshowcaseseed trial plots, machinerydemonstrationsand expert speakersona range of pressingtopics forthe arableindustry.

Guestspeaker Charlie Ireland, afarmingconsultantwho is aregularfeature onthe hitshow, Clarkson’s Farm,and a managingpartner at leadingconsultancy CeresRural,willbejoinedbyinfluencer Olly Harrison. Olly became an “accidental YouTuber”atthe startoflockdown andnow has 116,000 subscribers to his channel,whichposts regularvideoupdatesabout lifeonhis farm andasacontractornearLiverpool.

Arable Eventmanager KellyDolphin said:“I’mdelightedthatCharlieisreturningtotheArableEventafterhisverypopular talk last year.He’sknown as afarmingconsultant, buthis knowledgeand expertise covers ahugerange of topics.

“Olly’sYouTube channelgivesan honestviewofwhatdaily lifeislikefor farm-

Work balance in spotlight

Expertshaveusedresearchand data to showsheep farmers’ labour demands and costscan be reducedatthe same time as improvingworklifebalancebyfollowing some simplesteps.

ersinthe UK. He has found away to connect with both farmersand non-farmers, andisbound to be apopularspeaker this year

“Overthe past 10 years theArable Eventhas become akey fixtureinthe agriculturalcalendar, andthisyearisshapinguptobeevenbiggerand better than before

“It’simportant forfarmers to keep up with everythingthat’snew in theindustry, andwhere better to do that than the one-stop-shopArableEvent?It’salsoa greatday outand achancetomeetup, networkand socialisewithfriends old andnew.Freefasttrack tickets areavail-

able to booknow,and everyonewho securesanadvance ticket willbeentered into adrawtowin some fabulous prizes, sponsoredbyMornflake. Furthermore, everyoneattendingcancollectBASISand NroSO points.”

TheArableEvent is heldatWoodlands Farm,whichispartofBradfordEstates on theShropshire/Staffordshireborder, closetoJunction3ofthe M54. It starts at 9amand runs throughto5pm

OrganisedbyWynnstayand Grainlink andfreetoattendfor farmers, theshow provides valuableinformation forthe upcomingharvest anddrillingseason. Visitors cantakealookatthe successof seed trials, watch demonstrationsofthe latest innovations in farm machineryand listen to topexpertspeakersonarange of topics.

This year’strial plotshavebeenexpanded to include variety, fertiliser,and bio-stimulant demonstrations. They will showcaseseed recommendationsona fullcomplementofwintercereals includingwheat,barley, oats, hybrid rye andtriticale. SY Cheer, anewly recommended Group1millingwheat,willbe on showagain, alongwithBamford–a quickout ofthe ground newsoft wheat from Elsoms –and manymore

With bio-stimulantsincreasinglyimportant, severalfoliarproductswillbe demonstrated, andseveralindustry leadingfertiliser manufacturers will be on site to demonstrate arange of different products.

Formore informationand to register fora free ticket, visitthe Arable Event website.

OUREXPERTISE FOCUSESON:

·Servicing and repairing awiderange of agricultural machinery

·Salesofboth newand quality used machinery

·Supplying avariety of parts,lubricants and tools

OURCOMMITTED TEAMWITHINTHE ENGINEERING,PARTS AND SALES DEPARTMENTSHAVEYEARS OF EXPERIENCE ANDWILL BE PLEASED TO HELPWITHYOUR ENQUIRIES

Workingsmarter wasthe take-home messagefrom awebinar entitled ‘ReducingFlock Input(throughlabour)’,organised by SACConsulting, part of Scotland’s RuralCollege(SRUC). Thesession centred on howreducinglabourdemand going forward–targeting just twohours or lessper ewe–isimportant foreconomic viabilityand work lifebalanceto runmore ewes perlabourunitor spend less time managingthe same size flock.

DanielStout,SAC Consulting’s Sheep andGrassland Consultant,discussed Farm BusinessSurvey(England-LFA flocks) resultsfrom2004-08, whichrevealed huge variations betweenfarms, with themostlabourefficientrunningat 1.8 hoursper ewe, andthe leastproductive taking fourtimes longerfor routine tasks, at 7.3 hoursper ewe.

“Theresults showclear economies of scale,”explained Daniel. “Themostefficientfarms were runninganaverage of 850 ewes, with theleast efficientat around 250 ewes. This is,perhaps, not that surprisinggiventhatitdoesn’t take much more time to feed,check or handle 500 ewes compared to 400. What’s keyis that farmsnot stocked at their optimum capacity shouldconsiderthisas part of their future planning.

To putitintoperspective, Daniel said that “two hoursper eweequates to around 1,000 ewes perlabourunit, which is wherewerealisticallyneed to be to justifypayingafull-timeshepherdata costof£30+ perewe. Farmersare guilty of notputting avalue on their time and, goingforward into afuture with reduced or potentiallynosubsidy, owneroperators need to consider this too.”Equallyhe added: “If we want to encourage thenext generation we need to tryand improve theworklifebalance.”

Charlie Ireland views the trial plots at the 2023Arable Event

Law change plea after alpaca dies

AShropshirefarmingfamilyis callingfor alaw change after oneof theiralpacasdiedafterbeingmauled by adog

TheownersofSunnerFarminAlbrighton arecallingfor action after a“nightmare”dog attack sawone of their pregnantalpacas killed Farmer PritiSunner said she had noticeda dog in the fieldwithher flockofalpacas.Assumingitwas the family pet, she andher twochildren aged nineand four,venturedout of their home to callitin. As they got closer they realised it wasnot their dog

Pritisaid: “Myhusband,who’d

pulled up at that point, calledmeon thephone andwas screamingatthe topofhis voice to getawayfrom the dog.”

Pritisaidthe dog hadlatched on to oneofthe herd,apregnantfemale,and “wouldn’t let hergo”

After herhusband hadmanaged to getthe dog away,vets andspecialistswerecalled in butthere was nothingtobedone.

Pritisaida loophole in thelaw means dog attacksonalpacas are notcriminal,becausealpacasarenot technicallyclassed as livestock.

As part of theDogs (Protection of theLivestock) Actof1953the

definition of livestockislimited to cattle,sheep,goats,swine, horses, or poultry.

Informationfrom theBritish Alpaca Societysaysdog attacksare reported at arateofthree or four peryear. In 30 percentofthose incidents at leastone alpaca waskilled or diedasaresult.

With theincreaseinpopularity of alpacasonagriculturalland, Priti says it’s time thelaw waschanged.

Thefamilyhas also launched a fundraiser aimedatcompilinga case to change thelaw.Itisavailable toviewonlineat: justgiving.com/ crowdfunding/changethelawalpacas

Price disagreement after brooch found

Ametal detectorist is locked in adisagreement with ShropshireCouncil overthe valueofapiece of treasure that she foundinafarmer’s field.

CarolineParkinson foundthe 700-year-oldmedievalbroochwhen she wasusingher metal detector in Richardand Isobelle Robinson’s fieldatanundisclosed location near Hodnet.

Thediscovery of thesilvergilt broochinJanuary 2022 hadboth Carolineand ShropshireCouncil whooping in delight They both agreed that they would like to seeitdisplayedinamuseum.

ShropshireCouncil’s museums service hadofficiallyexpressed an interest in acquiringthe find under theTreasureAct 1996.

Butitseems thecouncil has gone cold on theideaofbuyingit, especiallyafterbeingtoldthepricetagby itsnew owners,the Crown.

After the find wasdeclaredtreasureataninquestheldinShirehall, Shrewsbury, by seniorShropshire andTelford coroner John Ellery, it went off to be valued by theDepartment forDigital,Culture,Media, andSport’s Treasure Valuation Committee in London

Carolinesaid: “Thevaluation committee decided to valueitat £450, butthe councilsaystheydisa-

gree with that price andsay that they valueitatbetween £60 and£100.

“They likeditsomuchbut they arevaluingitatthe costofdinner for threepeople.”

Normally if an item is bought,the proceedswould be split betweenthe finder andthe landowner.

ButCarolinesaysshe wouldlove to seeitdisplayedlocallyinamuseum so much,she is willingtopay the £450 herselfand loan it outtoput on displayfor acoupleofyears She said: “But thecouncil has said notothat,theywantitforthemselves.

“Itisstrangethattheyare fighting so hard forthe brooch, buttheyvalue it so little

“Thenext thingwillbeanother independentvaluation whichmay go a bit higher.

“Thethingis, Idon’t want to fight forit, I’mjustinterestedinthe history

“I keep offeringtopay forthe thingmyselfand saytheycan display it foracoupleofyears,but they keep saying no.”

Aspokespersonfor Shropshire Councilconfirmed that thecouncil thoughtthe expertvaluation of £450 wastoo high

Thespokespersonsaid: “ShropshireCouncil uses grantfundingto acquiretreasurefor itscollections, andtocomplywithfunders’ terms

must seek alternative valuations of itemsbeingconsidered forpossible acquisition

“Althoughthispiece is a fine example, annularbroochesofthistype arefound quitecommonly.

“Unfortunately,the Treasure Valuation Committee valuationof£450 is considered toohighfor us to acquirethispiece,whichwould be addedtotheShropshireCouncilcollectionbut notroutinelydisplayed.”

Thesilvergiltbroochisdecorated with twotwo-headedanimalswith saltire crosses andhas been datedby theexperts as from the13thcentury (1200-1299).

At thetimeofthe discovery, Emma-KateLanyon, curatorfor ShropshireCouncil museumsservice, said: “In medievaltimes theannular broochwas asmuchaneverydaynecessity as an adornment

“Small broocheslikethiswould have been used to pinand fasten clothinginplace by both menand women.

“They were often givenas marriagegiftsor love tokens.

“Our displayatShrewsburyMuseum andArt Galleryshows that they were made from everyday plain bronze examples to finely decorated goldones, used to dresslordsand nobles.”

Carolinewas praisedfor theway she correctlyreportedthe discovery to theauthorities after findingthe item.

Small parcels of land in high demand

Small parcels of land in Shropshire, Wales andWorcestershire were in high demand, sellingfor nearly£25,000anacreatasuccessful auctioninShrewsbury.

Sevenofthe 10 lots includedin auctioneersHalls’ £700,000 property andlandauction in Shropshirewere sold.Top price of £239,000 wassecuredfor Coed–y–Wye,Alkington Road, Whitchurch,aspacious,detached bungalow on acornerplot, from aDevon buyer.

Smashingits guide price,the bungalowneeded fullrenovationand modernisation Theaccommodation compriseda hall,lounge, din-

ingroom, kitchen, threebedrooms anda bathroom,withanattached garage,W.C, store, pottingshedand frontand rear gardens.

It wasagoodday forWhitchurch lots as twosmall parcels of land at Alkington Road,Whitchurch,one extendingtonearlyfouracres and theother,adjacent to TheFields, covering four-and-a-halfacres, sellingfor£102,000and£68,000respectively

Topsellinglandlot wasa 10-acre arableparcelwithgood,roadsideaccessoff DoverdaleLane, Doverdale, Droitwich,whichsoldfor £129,000. Therewas also keen competition

fortwo parcels of land at Isycoed, near Wrexham.Five-and-a-half acres of pasturelandadjoiningLight Oak Housemade £82,000 andtwoand-a-halfacres of productive pasture on thewestside of Cobham Cottage, made £57,000.

Reputedly thesecondoldest barbersshopinEngland,15&15a ShropshireStreet, Market Drayton, sold fora ‘snip’ at £20,000. The three-storey, commercial property, dating to the16thcentury,was used by barbersfrom 1810 until recent years

Needingextensive improvements andrenovation,the property com-

prised abasement, ground floor with tworooms, first floorwithtwo roomsand aW.C. andsecond floor with tworooms Auctioneer Allen Gittins, Halls’ chairman,said: “Small parcels of land areoften very difficult to value andthe best waytosellthemat their true market price is by auction. Therewas ahugeamountofinterest in all thesmall parcels of land in the auctionand consequentlytheyall exceeded their price guides.

“Manypeoplewithmoney in the bank arechoosingtoinvestinthese small parcels to owntheir ownlittle pieceofEngland or Wales.”

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Farmer Isobelle Robinson with metal detectorist Caroline Parkinson at the treasure inquest at Shirehall in Shrewsbury

Alpacas are common, but rules mean they aren’t classedas livestock

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Educational initiative is spreading message

TheNationalFarmers’Union(NFU) has more than 40 staff memberswho speak in schoolsand more than 200 farmersand growerswho all bringanarray of skills,talent, expertise andexperienceasNFU Farmersfor Schoolsambassadors Followingonfrom thesuccessoflast year’s Farmersfor Schoolsrecruitment,four sessions willbeheldacrossthe countryfor NFU staff includingone at Harper Adams University, near Newport, on April 29.

Theinnovative work of NFUEducation also extends beyondtraditional classrooms with live lessons,includingScience Farm Live,Harvest Thaliand TheLambDiaries reachingmore than 360,000 students across 5,000 classrooms last year

Theselessons,whicharegoingonoverthe

next 12 months,integrate agriculture with thenationalcurriculum to teachstudents throughtheir science,technology, engineeringand maths (STEM) subjects.

Josh Payne, NFU Educationmanager, said: “2023 wasalandmarkyearfor us as theprogramme ploughed newgrounds in agriculturaleducation,reachingmore than 500,000 students acrossthe nation –weare keen to extendour reachin2024.” TheShropshiretrainingsessionisonfrom 10amto3pm lookingatwhatisrequired during school visits includingDBS checks. Farmersfor SchoolsAmbassadorKate Mayne, whofarms near Shrewsburyand is NFU Shropshiredeputychair,urged fellow farmersand NFU staff to getinvolvedinthe project.

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AShropshireuniversity graduateand former Royal Marinehas beenawarded a British Education Award.

Former commando Stuart Rowlands cannow parade aBritish EducationAward (BEA) to go alongwitha first-class honours degreeinRural Property Management and aStudent of theYeargongfrom Harper AdamsUniversity.

Stuart graduatedfromthe Newportuniversityafter combininghis learningwith caring forhis children andworking to pay forhis studies.

Butitwas mentoringother veterans that most impressed BEAjudges–and sawhim scoopthe accolade forthe NorthofEngland andMidlands

TheBEA identifies andcelebratesindividualswho haveexcelledwithin Britain’s educationsystem.

Nick Covarr,lecturerinforestryand woodlandatHarperAdamsUniversity,said: “Stuarthas been afantastic studentwitha strong presenceinthe classroom throughoutthe year anditwas no surprise to see himachieve such good results.

“Hehas awiderangeofinterests in the naturalworld butdemonstratedparticular enthusiasm in theforestrysector.

“Good luck to him as he starts thenext stageofhis journey, conducting research into therelationshipbetween biodiversity andnet zero, atopicinwhichtrees and woodlands will undoubtedlyplaya key part.”

During hisdegreecourse, Stuart spenthis placementyearwiththe DefenceInfrastruc-

ture Organisation whichisresponsible for maintainingthe Ministry of Defence’sestate as an AssistantRuralSurveyorworking acrossWales andWestEngland This year’s awards ceremonywas hosted attheHiltonHotelinManchesterandbegan with supporting messages vialetterfrom HisMajesty TheKingand PrimeMinister RishiSunak

Whirlwind rise for dairy firm with moregreat times ahead

Thelast 12 months surpassed all expectations for one Telfordbusiness, whichsupplies cheese anddairy products to food manufacturers and thefood servicesector.

Bridge Cheese, based in Stafford Park,celebrated five yearsinbusiness in Octoberand managing director MichaelHarte couldn’tbemore proud of theway thecompany hasgrown and developedduring that time Michaelsaid: “In 2018,weopenedthe doorswithjust15 membersofstaff andahandful ofclients. Fast forward five yearsand we have 80 full-time

employees andthisyearwe’ve hita record turnoverof£30m. It’s been quite awhirlwind.”

Recognition of Bridge Cheese’s phenomenalsuccess storywas affirmed in July 2023whenthe company wonsix trophiesatthe renowned InternationalCheese Awards–the Oscars of thedairy industry.BridgeCheesealsocontinues to invest in thebusiness to strengthen itsoffer to customers. Last year saw therolloutofthe company’snew website –the firststepina three-year digitalstrategy.

Stuart Rowlands

NEW &USEDSTOCK www.chandlers.co.uk

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2018

Plungerhits its decade

KUHN Farm Machineryiscelebrating 10 yearssince thelaunchofits revolutionaryTWINPACTdoubleplungerdesignfor itslargesquarebalers.

Thetechnologyhas transformedthe operation of itsSB1290 iD balers, allowingoperators toproduce highdensity, uniformedbales withoutincreasingthe load or strain on machineand operator. Theresultis25per cent higherbaledensities in drycrops compared with conventionalbalers.

KUHN’s innovative TWINPACTdesignsplitsthe plungerintoupper and lowersectionsconnected via atriangle rod. Thesectionscompact the bale in series during acompleteplungercycle, with greaterforce appliedper surface area,while avoidingpeak loadson the machine.

KUHN’s grassland productspecialist, Rhodri Jenkins, said theinnovativedesignwas still akey attraction forusers He said: “Thelow powerrequirement from theTWINPACTdesign, andthe reduced‘nodding’ impact that is synonymouswithweighty plungers on big square balers, arefeaturesthatusers requireon modernmachines. Thesplit double plungerallowsus to produce bales of greaterdensity without increasingthe stressonthe machineand is why moreusersareinvestinginaKUHNlarge square baler.” Despitethe heavier bales, theloadonthe machineiscomparable with aconventional120 x90(4x3)baler, whicheliminatesthe need foranoversizeddriveline, flywheel andmainframe, alongwithahigherhorsepowertractorto powerthe baler

Ellen has new role at company

BY IAIN ST JOHN

Shropshire-basedrural property andcompulsory purchase experts, Wilson Fearnall, hasannounced the appointment of aqualified RuralCharteredSurveyor andRICS registeredvaluer as itsexperienced team expands.

Ellen Plowrighthas experience workingwithfarmers and ruralbusinesses, on large infrastructureprojects, andhas a detailedknowledge of complex compulsory purchasematters

Graduating from Harper AdamsUniversityin2018, with aFirst ClassDegree in RuralEnterpriseand Land Management,Ellen became aMemberof the RICS andFellowofthe CentralAssociation of AgriculturalValuersin2019.

Ellen livesonher family’s arableand beef farm in SouthShropshire.

Herpracticalagriculturalbackground givesher adeeperunderstandingofthe industry andhas inspired hertosupport other farmingbusinessesthrough her work

Goodyear has French centre

Goodyear Farm Tireshas createda newLow Sidewall TechnologyDevelopment Centre in France to provide itsUK andEuropeandistributors andcustomers with improvedaccesstoone of themost innovative products on themarket.

TheFrenchHQofTitan International –whichre-introducedGoodyear Farm Tirestothe European market in 2019 –beganthe manufacturing and customisation of wheels forthe exclusive LSW wheeland tyreassemblies at thestart of April

TheLSW assemblies have been ahuge successfor farmersacrossthe world. Operating at up to 40 percentlower inflation pressuresthanstandardtyres, they provide increasedcropyield thanks to reducedsoilcompaction.

Featuringa largerrim diameter and smaller sidewall than aconventionaltyre, theLSW possessesexceptional flotation properties enablingeasier travel on wet soil as well as reducedpower hopand greaterstability whichminimisesroad lope

cal andgoodatproblem solving.

Shesaid: “I am excitedtojoinWilsonFearnall andamlooking forward to supporting ourexistingand newclients on abroad range of ruralbusinessand farmingmatters,from businessplanning

andgrant applications to all sorts of diversification projects.”ManagingdirectorofWilsonFearnall, RichardFearnall, said: “Ellen reallyunderstands farming businesses, thepeopleinthe sector and what drivesthe industry.Weare luckyto have heronboard andI am sure she will deliveroutstanding supporttoall of our clients”.

Previously, all production andassembly of LSW productstookplace in theUSA butthe move to aFrenchbase meanstheywill nowbedeliveredtoEuropean countries at afaster pace andwith greater flexibility

Lindsay Hart,EuropeanSales Director forGoodyear Farm Tires, said: “This is a real game-changerfor ourLSW offering acrossEuropeand it will bringhugebenefitstodistributors andfarmers alike.

“TheLSW is thecentrepiece of the technological expertise andinsight we deliveratGoodyear Farm Tires.”

Ellen enjoys beingout in thecountryside andthe varietyof work as asurveyor as well as theconstantneed to be practi-

Ellen Plowright lives on her family’s arable and beef farm in South Shropshire

Data showing improvement in the fertility of dairy herds

Farmershavemadesignificant improvementsindairy herd fertility, production,and somaticcellcounts (SCC)according to NMR’s latest Key PerformanceIndicator(KPI) report.

Thereportisbased on datafrom 500NMR-recordedHolstein Friesian herdsfor theyear ending August 2023 andshows thetrendsfrom2010 when theUniversityofReading first published theKPI report.

Thedocument is designedtobe used practicallyasa benchmarking tool by farmers, vets andadvisorsto identifywhere andhow improvements

canbemade. Annual trends in herd health from 2010 to 2023 showthat 70 percentofherds had aSCC below 200,000 in theyear ending August 2023,animprovement from 44 per cent in 2010

Andin2023,52per cent of allcows in the500-herdsamplecompleted theirlactationswithoutrecording a single high SCCabove 200,000 cells/ ml.The equivalent figure in 2010 was 35 percent of cows

Mastitisincidence across a242 sample of the500 recordedherds averaged 22 casesper 100cows.

Fair will share the latest ideas

Pig, poultryand eggproducers have theuniqueopportunity to come together this year to hear thelatestideas, gatheradviceand seenew innovations at thebiennial British Pig&PoultryFair.

Attracting more than 7,500 visitors and morethan330exhibitors,thefairmovestoa newvenuein2024–theNationalExhibition Centre (NEC) in Birmingham

Eventorganiser Alice Bell said: “Thecentral location,excellent transportlinks and first rate facilities mean thefairwill be able to thrive both this year andinthe future

“Weare delighted to have securedanew home forwhatissuchanimportant event forthe industry.”

Thefair, whichispartnered by ABN, will take place on May15-16, andwillfeature dedicated forumtheatreswithhigh-profile expertspeakers.

Both thepig forumtheatre,partnered by AHDB, andthe poultryand eggforum theatre,willinclude much-anticipatedsector outlooks, giving producers an insight into what thefuture holdsfor differentparts of thesupply chain.

DannyJohnson,generalmanageratABN, said:“Therewillalsobeexpertspeakerscoveringtechnical topics like nutrition, animal health andwelfare,and businessefficiencies.

“Asever, therewillbeplentyofnew innovationstoexplore,andawidevarietyofsupply businessesexhibiting. Forpig andpoultryproducers, this is always thekey eventto

The fair,which is partnered by ABN, will take place on May 15-16, and will feature dedicated forum theatres with high-profile expert speakers

attend to catch up with oldfriends andnew suppliers, andtodiscuss thechallengesand opportunities facingeachsector.

Theevent has long been renowned as the place forproducersto find thelatestideas andsolutions to takehomeand implement on their ownfarms.Some78per centof visitors in 2022 plannedtomakechangesto theirbusinessasaresultofattending,and93 percentratedtheirvisitasgoodorexcellent.

Ms Bell said: “This year we have anew innovation theatre, whichwillbeachanceto hear thelatestthinking andtodiscovernew productstohelpyourbusinesstothrive.

“Therereally is nowhereelsetohearfrom so many experts, meet leadingproducers, seesuppliers, and find outwhatisnew.”

Reminder given on the dangers

of lungworm

Dairyfarmers arebeingencouraged to vaccinateyoungstock andnaive cattle againstlungworm(husk)after asignificant rise in casesinrecentyears Dr KatBaxter-Smith, veterinary adviser with MSDAnimal Health,said: “Cases of lungworm areonthe increase andthe diseaseisalsobecomingmore commonin adultcattle.

“Recentconditionshavebeenideal for lungworm larvae to surviveinpasture for longerand to contaminatenew areas– and this is likely to continue as we move deeper into 2024.”

Shesaidchangingweatherconditionsalso create protectionchallengesfor producers that rely on preventative wormers.

Shesaid: “Farmers acrossGBare now

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able to turn cattle outfor longer–uptotwo months longerinsomecases.

“Consequently, vets in practice areseeing alotofcasestowardstheendofthelaterpart oftheextendedgrazingseasonwhenprotection from preventative wormershas worn off,leaving livestock vulnerable.

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Company looking for staff to meet demands

Thebusyplanning and developmentteamatHalls in Shrewsbury is seeking to recruitat least twonew staffmembers due to growing demand for itsservices across Shropshire andbordering counties

Thecompany is one of the UK’s leadingindependent firms of estate agents,chartered surveyors, auctioneersand valuers.

It is keen to add asenior planningconsultant andan architectural technologistor technician to itscurrent team of sixstaff

Paul Watson,Halls’senior planning consultant,saidthe company wasworking on a wide range of planning projects forclients, including residential developments,new dwellings, barn conversions, holiday cabins andchangingagricultural buildingstocommercialuse

He explainedthatthe company is keen to strengthen itsteam with additionalplanning andtechnical expertisedue to ever evolving planning policy andbuilding regulations.

“Weare picking up alot of work becausewepride ourselves on providing honest,realisticadvice andthe Hallsnameistrustedand well respected,” said Paul

“Weurgently need extra hands duetothe growing demand for ourservices

“Wedevotetime forsitevisits andour clientshave access to adiverse range of skillsand services within thebusiness

“Wehavespecialists toprovide advice on grants, finance, house andlandsalesand letting,aswell as farm diversification.”

Towardsthe endoflast year, Halls strengthened itsteam by acquiring award-winning Shropshire planning anddesign firm,Shenton Owen Planning and Design,based in Whitchurch.

DavidOwen, managing director of ShentonOwenand aFellow of theCharteredAssociation of Building Engineers, hasadded valuableexperiencetosupport Paul andhis team

Butthere is aneedfor further help duetoamajor increase in business overthe last fewmonths.

Halls’managing director Jon Quinnsaid: “Togrowour planning anddevelopmentdepartment we need theexpertise of thebest people in thebusiness

“Aswith theother disciplines cateredfor through Halls, we arefocussedonbecoming the go-to firm forall planning and developmentenquiries

“Wepride ourselves in having asustainable approach to our business,which allhingeson providing our clientswith honest advice specifictotheir best interests.”

Formore information aboutthe positions available in theplanning anddevelopmentteam, people cancontactHalls HR manager AndreaLlewellyn Bellon01743 450700 or emailandrealb@ hallsgb.com

Council turns down housing proposal

Plans to knockdownadairy shed andbuild six houses at afarminNorth Shropshirehavebeenrefused Theschemeearmarked forWhite HouseFarminWestonLullingfields,near Baschurch, wouldhaveseenoutline permissiongranted forsix three-bedroomed properties on thesiteofaformeragriculturalbuildingand slurry bed.

ButShropshireCouncil planners said thedevelopmentcould be harmful to the settingof theGrade II-listed farmhouse,

andsaidthe noiseand smellfrom farmingactivities couldimpactonfutureresidents.

Asupporting statementaccompanying theproposal said thefarm’sownerswere lookingtoscalebacktheiroperationsand move from dairyfarming to beef cattle, whichmeant afarmbuildingcould be demolishedtomakeway forthe development.

They addedthatthe shift away from dairyfarmingwould reduce vehicle

movementsthrough the village,which they admitted were acause of “controversy” with residents.

BaschurchParish Councilhad lodged an objection to thescheme, whichitdescribedas“excessive”and an “over-development”

“Thedensityofthehousingunitscould lead to congestionwhichwould have a negative impact on accesstothe properties,”theysaid.

“Theproposed developmentallocates

Tractor run pulls in crowds

More than 100 tractors lined atown’s highstreettohelpraise moneyfor the Midlands AirAmbulance.

The25thAnnual ShropshireVintage TractorRun setout from LowerCockshuttFarmand travelledaround South Shropshire, finishingbackatthe startin theafternoon after ahalf-timestoppage in BridgnorthHighStreet.

BridgnorthVintage MachineryClub, whichhas raised tens of thousands for thelifesavingcharity,arrangedthe event.

DavidSpruce, whohelpedorganise it, said:“Therainthisgaveusabitofashock butwe’ve hadagreat day.

“It’sbeenasgoodas anyIcan remember.

“Wehad about124 tractors booked in.

“We’ve hadagoodcrowd

“Peoplehavebeenwaiting on bridges andwaving. TheHighStreetwas absolutelyfull. We willhaveprobablyraised about£2,000 butwewon’t know until afterwhenwe’ve counteditall up

“Asaclubwe’ve raised about£96,000.

“Hopefullywewillhaveraisedasmuch moneyasinpastyears

“Wejustwanttothank the people of Bridgnorthfor comingout andsupportingusand for their patience with the traffic. ”

Theroute started at thefarm, before turningleft at CrossHouses, crossingthe A458 at MorvillethenHaughtonand The Smithies.

At TheSmithies, thetractors turned rightfor Linley Brook, then at theB4373 turned rightfor Broseley,thenheading towardsCoalportBridge.

Thetractors turned rightontothe old railwaylinetoBridgnorthGolfClub, then arrivedatBridgnorthHighStreetat about noon

Thetractors then setoff againafter

lunchatdownListleyStreet, right onto SalopStreet, left onto WenlockRoadand up to theCattleMarket.

They then turned rightontothe A458 to Morville Heathbeforeturningleft, headingstraightoveratcrossroadstoLye Bridgeand followingontoUnderton.

At Harpswood Bridgetheyturnedleft back to LowerCockshutt Farm

up to 12 carparking spaces –thisisa significant volumeoftraffic foramodest accessroutes into thedevelopment.

“If anyofthe dwellings has guests parkingonthe road then this couldcause significant accessissues.”

Rejectingthe plans, ShropshireCouncilplanningofficerssaidthedevelopment was“incongruous”,and as an outline scheme has been submitted they could notbesureofthe effectonthe nearby listed farmhouse building.

Awards are now open

TheBritish Farming Awards arebackfor 2024and openfor entries.

In its12thyear,the event is supportedbyMorrisons and will celebrate thediversity and resilience of UK farmersand their businesses.

Alongside core farming sectors –suchasarable,dairy,sheep and beef –the awards alsorecognise theimportanceofsustainable farming practices,innovations within agri-tech andthose who have diversified successfully They also champion therole of familyfarms,new entrants andagriculturalstudents, allof whichare vital to thefuture of theindustry. SophieThroup, head of agriculture, fisheriesand sustainable sourcingatMorrisons, said: “We’re pleased to once againbesupportingthe British Farming Awards,recognising the effort, skillscareand innovation British farmersput into making andprovidingthe foodweall enjoysomuch.”

To find outmore, visit britishfarmingawards.co.uk

University will screen feature documentary

TheRoyal Agricultural University(RAU) will be one of the first universities in the countrytoscreen SixInches of Soil,aBritish independent featuredocumentaryshining aspotlight on soil health and regenerativefarming.

The film followsthree newfarmers on thefirstyearoftheirregenerativejourney. It has been described as an inspiringstory of British farmersstandingup againstthe industrial food systemand transformingthe waytheyproduce food –toheal thesoil, benefitour health,and provide forlocal communities.

Thescreening, whichisopentothe public, has been organisedby second year RAUstudents Immie Jonesand Laura Finch,who arebothstudyingfor aBSc in Environment,Food andSociety at the

BY IAIN ST JOHN

Cirencester-baseduniversity. Laurasaid:

“ImmieandIwantedtoorganisethisfilm eventatthe RAUbecause we arepassionateabout thetransformative potential of agroecologyindevelopingtheknowledge andunderstandingtoinspire change.

“TheRAU is leadinga culture of change in food andfarming andthis eventwill give people theopportunity to engage with much needed inspiration anddiscussionastohow we cancreatea regenerative future.”

SixInchesofSoilwillbescreenedin theUniversity’sBoutflourHall on the eveningofApril 19 andwillbefollowed by aquestion-and-answersessionwitha panelincludingthe film’s producer Immie said: “Weare so proud to be hostingthisscreeningand to share the positive messages in the film to helpshift UK food andfarming towardsmore na-

ture friendlypractices within amore resilientsystem, toldthrough thestory of thenext generation of farmers.

“Weare also really lookingforward to seeingthe ideas andthoughtsthat come from thediscussions in thequestion-and-answersessionthatwillfollow thescreening.”

TheRAU eventstartsat5.30pmfor refreshments before awelcome andintroductionfrom producer ClaireMackenzie andRAU ProfessorinAgriculture Nicola Cannon Thescreeningitselfwillstart at 7.10pmand finishat8.45pm.

Thequestion-and-answerdiscussion panellistswillinclude farmer andresearch group co-ordinator at Pasturefor Life NikkiYoxall,JennyPhelps from the Farmingand WildlifeAdvisoryGroup, local farmer Ed Horton,Six Inches of SoilproducerClaireMackenzie,andTom Herbertfrom TheLongTable &Hobbs HouseBakery.

TheRAU is screeningthe film on the sameeveningasthe UniversityofWales is hosting ascreening at itsLampeter Campus –the first twouniversities in the UK to showthe film. TheRAU’s screeningalsocoincides with theuniversity’s inauguralGoGreen Week

SeniorlecturerinSustainableLand ManagementJonathanCode, wholeads theRAU’s Environment,Food andSocietyprogramme andis launchinganew MastersinAgroecologyatthe university, is delighted that Immie andLaura’s idea of showingthisimportant film at the RAUis comingtofruition.

He said: “Atthe intersection of environment,food,and societyisthe soil We willstruggletomakeany progress whatsoever in moderating theimpactof climateextremes, in developing resilient food ecosystems,orinprovidingalongterm foundationfor oursocieties, if we don’ttakecareof oursoils.”

More than 100 tractors filled Bridgnorth High Street for the event

Baler offers more capacity

KUHN Farm Machineryhas introduceda newVB3200 variablechamber baler range offeringusers 10 percent additionalcapacityandbaledensitycomparedtothe outgoing models

Thenew VB 3260 andVB3290 models replace theVB3100 series –VB3160 and VB 3190 machines –and alongwiththe increasedcapacity,the newmodels feature Progressive DensityPlustoachieve 10 per cent higher bale density The VB 3260 canproduce balesizes from 0.8m to 1.6m, whereasthe VB 3290 canreach balediameters of 1.85m.

KUHN’s grasslandproduct specialist Rhodri Jenkins explained wherethe new baler series fits in. He said: “Wehavetaken theproven concepts from theoutgoingmodels and incorporatedthese into thenew design alongwithinnovative features to increase output and balequality Therangeis aimedatcustomersrequiringhigherdensity bales andgreater outputina variety of differentcropsthroughoutthe season.”

Anew heavycroproller,withspring loadedtines forimprovedpre compressionand crop flow,can increase overall efficiency of thebaler by 10 percent compared with thepreviousgeneration Furtherefficiency gainsare providedby aquickertailgatethatejects abaleinsix seconds TheProgressive DensityPlus systemisapressure boost to provide higherbaledensity in drycrops. The density is increasedbythe hydraulic cylindersand spring tensionerincreasing theresistanceonthe belts, whileabelt tensioningarm provides an additional 10 percentwhenrequired

Rhys adding to skills by training

BY IAIN ST JOHN

Ashepherd is equipping himselfwithnew skillsand qualifications to take on the challenges that beckon for farminginthe yearsahead.

Rhys Jones, wholivesinGarth,near Builth Wells, worksasashepherdona

2,000-ewe upland farm in Powys, combiningthatrolewithrunninghis own small flockofsheep on rented land and drivingfor alivestockhaulier

At 33, Rhys has alreadydeveloped adiverserangeoftalents since he left school to work in agriculture,and skillswhich he also learnedduringachildhood immersed in farming.

Hismother, Eleanor, worked on her parents’ beef andsheep farm andhis father,Medwyn, is afarmworker.

Now, Rhys hasmadeuse of thesubsidisedand free coursesavailablethrough FarmingConnect

With supportfrom hisFarming Connect localdevelopmentofficer,Gwen Price,hecompleted aPersonalDevelopment Plan

This helpedhim to record hisqualifi-

16th April 2024

College

outabout theAlpego rangeand see how it could work for you

cationsand skills, identify traininggoals, setout long-termobjectivesand shorttermgoals,andtoidentifywhichtraining courseswould helphim improve existing skills, or learnnew ones.

Sinceheembarkedonthe training, he has gained acertificate in safe useof sheep dip, whichwas 80 percentfunded by FarmingConnect,and completed

anumberofe-learningcourses that have helped him with bodyconditioningscoringsheep,handlinglivestock, rearing calves, understandinglivestockbuilding designandventilationandworkingsafely with tractors

Next on hislist is traininginthe safe useofanall-terrainvehicle(ATV),40per centfundedbyFarmingConnect

Sensors will help growers

Vegetable, fruitand arable producers cannowmoreaccuratelyirrigate,manage andprotecttheircropsthankstotwonew environment monitoring sensorsfrom Sencrop, bosses at the firm have said Waterstressisan increasingconcern duetothe changing climate, andthe new Soilcrop sensor takes real-timemeasurementsofsoilmoistureandtemperatureat depthsofup60cm. This enables producerstotrigger irrigation at theright time, basedonexistingandforecastconditions, andturnitoff when soil moisture reaches therequiredlevel.Inaddition,itcan be usedtoidentifythemostsuitabletimefor other weather-dependent fieldwork, includingsowingand fertiliser application.

“Soilcroptakesmeasurementsevery15 minutes at depthsof10cm, 20cm, 40cm and60cm, giving an accurate pictureof soil moisturecontent andtemperature throughout theprofile,” said Mark HerrimanatSencrop.“Andifusedinconjunction with Raincrop,a sensor that measures rain, temperature andair humidity,theappcanshowinauser-friendly graphthe forecast soil moisture,using real-timedataand forecasts. Producers cantherefore be even more precisewhen it comestocrop management decisions.”

Forfruit andwineproducers, frostis aparticularchallenge,sothe new Thermocrop sensor offersanentry-level monitortohelppredictfrost damageupto four days in advance. It measuresboth airtemperature andhumidity every five minutes, andisintegratedwithSencrop’s otherweather management software to create predefinedorpersonalisedfrost alerts within theapp

Mid Wales

official Massey Ferguson dealer for Cheshire, Staffordshire, Shropshire and

Rhys Jones is adding to his skills through Farming Connect training

Heifers win top prizes at show and sale

Theprizesfor championand reservechampion both went to heifersatShrewsburyAuction Centre’sdairy showand sale on March 19,whichattracted an entry of 124cattle.

Thechampion’s prize went to firsttimeselleratthe market, R. J. &R.H.GadsbeyofYarlet, near Staffordfor Oldchurch Vitality Akke,described by Halls auctioneer andauction centre managerJonnyDymond as a “verycorrect heifer”.

Freshlycalvednearly amonth andalreadyclose to 40kg, the heifer waspurchasedbythe show judgeAmy Bellfor £2,480 TheMarch show andsalewas sponsored by NWF Agriculture Reservechampion andtopping thetrade wasA.&C.Drinkall from Wettenhall,Cheshire with a Holstein heifer making £2,520 at a couple of weekscalved. Shejust pippedthe previous week’s top vendorA.D,&R M. Thomas from Lutterworthwith WolstonMaakje Lavender60, anothertwo week freshheifer whichsold for £2,500

ARed &White heifer from MalcolmTrevor Jonesalsomade £2,450 while theShepherd familyreturned with freshheifer Meldamar PursuitRuth 163, amonth calved,which made £2,320

Asecond heifer from the Shepherds,MeldamarAdorable Gwen 70,made £2,220,asdid anotherheifer from theThomas familywith WolstonMaakje Cutes 2, nowscoredVGtomakenine generations in thetop twogrades.

Tradefor theeightcowsonoffer wastopped by the firstplaced cowfromA.& C. Drinkallwith Pimhill Luis Cotton 5, athird calver giving 42kg.She calved three weeksand sold for £2,400 to the judge

Second prizecow wasaBrown Swisscross from Harold Davies of Puddington, giving over40kg, whichmade £2,250.Her mate, the third placed heifer,made £1,700 Themarketwelcomed11in-calf heifersfromP.J.Charles, Kings Norton,described by Mr Dymond as “absolutelytremendousgroup of well grown youngstock”

First in thering wasChapman RoryCustard Cream by homebredChapmanMopan Rory, borninJanuary 2022and due to calveina couple of months to sexedsemenorHereford, which £1,850

Five heiferssold for more than £1,500 with Chapman Redcarpet Evelyn at £1,550,due in the summertoAngusorHereford, leading theway

Afurther impressivegroup of maiden heifersfromthe samevendortopped at £870 for the firstofthe run, Chapman YamaskaMargaret, born at the endofSeptember by Westcoast Redcarpet.

In second spot at £800 was Chapman Marcello Custard Cream,born in December 2022

The finalyoungstockdispersal from thelateMartinJones was toppedat£710for a13month old heifer by popular sire Applejax.

Campaign brings impressive results

Amajor multi-platformconsumer campaign,whichaimedtoincreasebrand awarenessofPGIWelshLamb,hasresulted in majorsuccessfor Hybu CigCymru –MeatPromotionWales.

Featuringthe authenticvoices of the Welsh farmingcommunity,the ‘Uniquely Welsh Experts in their field’ campaign shone alight on thelivesofthree farmers from very differentparts of thecountry Each of them sharedtheir rich stories of farmingheritageand dedicationto

producingquality,nutritiousfood for thenation. Thefarmers takingpartin thecampaignwereEmily JonesofCeredigion, AlwynPhillipsfrom Bethel, andBen Williams of Pentyrch.A TV advert wasalso filmed at Kenand Lisa Markham’sfarminLlanfihangel-y-Pennant in NorthWales.

Their stories hadaparticularfocus on theworktheyare doingtobecomemore sustainable, whilst farminginharmony withtheirnaturalsurroundings.Running

betweenAugust andOctober 2023, the campaign employed amix of TV advertisingandmoretacticalimplementations, such as outofhomeadvertisinginthe vicinity of keyretailerswhere theproduct wasavailable in store

Activities reachedoverthree million targetconsumers,and deliveredjustunder 24 millionimpressions acrossEngland andWales.

Thecampaignperiodalsosaw adramaticincreaseinweb visits, with just

Joy at conference’ssuccess

TheDerbyshirebranchofthe Institute of AgriculturalSecretaries andAdministrators(IAgSA)was thrilledwiththe successofits annual conference andannual generalmeeting

With over 150 delegatesinattendance, theconferencewas ahub of learningand development.

Organisers said the atmosphere was electricas attendeesimmersedthemselvesindynamic discussions andpracticalworkshops,and farm visits, all aimed at empowering agriculturalprofessionals tonavigatethechallengesandopportunities within thesector.

Delegatesengaged in sessions focusing on ruralbusinessdiversification,rural businessdevelopment, andcollaborative advice

From exploring thelatestagricultural/ ruraladministration software to participating in engaging farm diversification talks andprofessionaladvicesessions, attendeesgainedinvaluableinsightsand practicalknowledge to enhancetheir practices.

Lucy Atkin, conference organiser, expressedher delight.She said: “This year’s conference wasaresoundingsuccess.

“Itwas inspiringtowitness members andnon-members alikecomingtogether to dive deep into thecoreoffarming, sharing experiences, andconnecting with industry experts. Theenthusiasm andpassiondisplayedby attendeesreaf-

firm ourcollective commitmenttothe advancementofagriculturaladministration.”

As theconferenceconcludedwiththe annual generalmeeting,delegatesleft with arenewed senseofpurpose andoptimism forthe future of farming. Organiserssaidthe eventexemplified thespirit of collaborationand innovation, laying

thefoundationfor continuedgrowthand successwithin theagriculturalcommunity

People areurgedtostaytuned forupdatesonfuture events andopportunities to engage with industry experts, as well as accredited trainingdetails.For more information,visitiagsa.co.ukorcontact 01604 770 372.

over 230,000 people visiting thesiteover the3-month period.All this resulted in aconsiderableuplift in brandawareness of 26 percentand propensity to purchase Welsh Lamb by seven percentwhich broughttrust in thebrand over competitor brands

Additionally, as aresultoftargeted advertisingaround keylocations,the campaignsaw a10per cent uplift in footfall to amajor retailer in Englandstocking theproduct

New role is announced

Crop nutrition andsoil health specialist,Timac Agro UK,has recruitedSimon Gillett to lead its South Central regional team Mr Gillettjoins thebusiness with an extensive technical backgroundinfertiliser manufacturing and10years’ experiencedevelopingdistributor relations.Mr Gillett said: “Joining TimacAgro UK hasallowed me to take thenextstepinmy career andpursue my passion fordriving sustainability in the crop nutrition sector.With a scientificbackground,seeing the direction thecompanyisgoing in developing innovativecrop nutrition andsoil healthsolutions that fitintothe ‘regenerative’ landscape,isincredibly motivating

“Its investment into research anddevelopmentona global scaledrewme to therole andI look forwardtousing this as a resource to deliverdata-driven resultson-farm.”

To contactMr Gillett,email simon.gillett@uk.timacagro.com or call 07939026939.

Police urged to take more action on crime

Staffordshirefarmers‘undersiege’ from criminals have called on thepolicefor action after18crimes were reportedinjustone area in sixmonths.

Aruralcrime meetingwas held with seniorpolice officers, StaffordshireNFU andits members, hosted by farmer and businesswoman Eunice Finney,ofStoweby-Chartley.

Herbusiness, Amerton Farm,has been targetedatleast six timesinsix months with animalsslaughtered in fields,thefts andnighttime trespass andnearbybusinesses have also been affectedaswellas thosefurther afield.

More than 50 farmersand industry representatives were at themeeting,most of whom said they hadbeena victim of crimeinthe past six to 12 months Incidents rangedfrom illegallivestock

BY

butcheringtoequipmentand fuel theft, anti-social behaviourand vehicle damage amongothers Farmerssaidthatdespitebeefing up security with costlyalarms, trackers and heavy-dutydoors andlocks, when they couldafford it,theyfearedthe criminals wouldreturn.

Mrs Finney wasjoinedonthe panel by SirGavin Williamson,South StaffordshireMP; Chief SuperintendentEmily Clarke,StaffordshirePolice Commander –CountyLocal PolicingCommand; NFU Staffordshirechair Paul Brownand BarbaraHurdle, Stowe-by-ChartleyParish Councilchair TheNFU,working with thepolice, Home Office andothers, have seen some successtotighten thelaw to help prevent hare coursingand machinerytheft but willcontinuetocall forfurther police

resources andbackfurther legislative changestodeter criminal gangs.

Mr Brown, whofarms near Eccleshall, said therewas aperceivedlackoffollow-upfromthe policebut he believed therewerealsoissues with fundingand howpolice forces aredirectedtofollow up ruralcrimes.

“Clearly thereisdefinitely aproblem with theperception of crimes beingfollowedup,”hesaid.

“Staffordshirefarms keepgetting targeted, we feel we areunder siege, organisedcriminalsare operating in rural areas.

“I canonlystressthatrural crimehas to go up theresourceagenda– if youare tacklingruralcrime anddealingwith thesepeopleyou arealsohelping to tackle urban crimeand urban issues as well.”

At theend of themeeting thepanel were askedtogive their viewsonwhat needed to happen next andChiefSuper-

intendentClarke, whowas representing theChiefConstableatthe meeting, said she hadlistened to what farmershad to sayand wouldfeed back

Shetoldthe meetingthere wasscope to raiserural crimeawareness andlookat furthertrainingalongside revisiting the police’s existingruraland wildlifecrime strategy

Chief SuperintendentClarkesaid: “We recognise thedevastating impact of these crimes on ruralcommunities andwe’re committed to tacklingissues that matter to thecommunity

“Itwas valuable to hear theconcerns raised at themeeting and we are eagerto continue workingwiththe farmingcommunity to proactively tackle crimeand provide crimepreventionadvice.”

SirGavin said he wouldraise hisconcerns with ministers, as well as settingup an all-party parliamentarygrouptoexplore legislative possibilities.

IAIN ST JOHN

From exploring the latest agricultural and rural administration software to participating in engaging farm diversification talks and professional advice sessions, attendees gained invaluable insights and practical knowledge to enhance their practices

Powysfarmers have been inspired to seek supporttomeasure thecarbonfootprintofbusinessesthrough aFarming Connectworkshop.

Acarbonmasterclass,led by Farming Connect’scarbonspecialist officer Dr NonWilliams,tookplace in Newtown.

It gave an opportunity forfarmers to understandthe significanceofthe carbon cycleontheir farms, andhow they can influence it to help reduce their carbon footprint in thefuture

Dr Williams said that as adirectresult, therehad been anumberof enquiries from farmerswho were keen to applyfor fundingtomeasure their ownfarm’scarbonfootprint.

This service is availablethrough the FarmingConnect Advisory Service and is 90 percentfundediffarmers apply as a group, or 80 percentfundedifitisdone on an individual basis.

Themajorityoffarmers whoattended themasterclasshad beef,sheep or dairy systems,and only twoofthose hadalreadyembarkedonacarbonfoot-printingexercise.

“One of thosefarmers spokeabout howuseful he hadfound theprocess becauseithad identified areaswhere improvements couldbemade to hisfarm’s efficiency,’’saidDrWilliams Everyfarm’sstartingpoint willbedifferent Theneed to work towardsreducinggreenhousegas emissions produced andenhancing carbon sequestrationis notgoing away,DrWilliams added. She said: “Buyers, retailers, consumers, they areall interestedin thecarbonfootprint of farm produce.’’

Farm charity in appeal for help

BY IAIN ST JOHN

AShropshirecharitythat provides farm-based day opportunities foradultswith learningdisabilities and autism isappealing forhelp.

Oak Farm is acommunity farm in Ditton Priors andhas been managed by Shrewsbury-based charityBethphage since 2016.

Butoverthe yearsOak Farm,asthe charityreadily admits, hasn’thad theinvestment that it needsand it is reallybeginningtotell.

Thereisaportablebuildingonsitethat has been badlyaffectedbywater ingress followingweeks andmonthsofdreadful weather.

As it has worsened,the charityhas hadtolimitsomeofthe activities at Oak Farm andhas been operating outofthe localvillagehall It has been unabletotakenew referrals to supportnew people at thefarm.

Thecharity whichsupports almost 200 people in Shropshire, Telford, Walsall, andBirmingham,saysits team andthe people it supports have shown incredible

resilienceandresourcefulnessduringthis difficult time

Buttheyreallyneed supporttoachieve along-termsolutiontoget Oak Farm back to itsfullpotential

Stef Kay, chief executiveofBethphage said: ‘We’dlovetohearfrom anyone who cansupportthe farm with funds or support.Wehavebeenreally blessedby the

supportfromthe localYoung Farmers, andlocal contractorsinthe past.Wealso hadgreat supportfrom‘TheOak Farm Friends Associationwhichsadly hadto disbandearlier this year.”

If anyone wouldliketosupportthe farm in itswork, they should getintouch on 07714133906 or emailoakfarmfu ture@bethphage.co.uk

Livvy takes on NFU position

NFU Cymruhas appointedLivvy BennettJones as itsnew county adviser covering Montgomeryshire, as Gwawr Parry’smaternitycover

Livvy’s parentsand brotherrun a mixedbeef, sheep andarablefarm, which she remainsinvolvedwith.

They also rear batches of Wagyubeef, whichtheyintendtotakethrough to finish

Livvy attended HarperAdams University whereshe studiedAgri-Food Marketing with Business.

Shelater completed aretailmanagement placementwithAldi UK whereshe worked as an assistantstore manager in a local Aldi store

Followinggraduation, Livvy spent ninemonthsworking andtravellingin NewZealand andAustralia

In NewZealandshe worked on a sheep,dairy,beefand deer farm where she gained experience andhad theopportunity to learnabout alternativefarmingsystems

Upon herreturn, andbeforejoining NFU Cymru, Livvyworkedasaproductionmanager forWarrendaleWagyu covering theNorth Walesand theborder areas.

Livvy said: “I have joined NFUCymru at apivotal timefor Welsh Agriculture. Iamlooking forward to assistingmembershipthroughout Clwydand Montgomeryshiretonavigate throughthese challengestimes whilst promotingthe high-quality sustainablefood produced here in Wales. Ilookforward to working alongside group secretairesinbothcounties, andthe wider NFU Cymruteam.”

Oak Farm helps adults with learning difficulties and autism but needs funding

Recycle move by company

BerryGlobal’s leadingbalewrapbrand, Silotite, has added anew film made with 25 percentpost-consumer recycled plastic(PCR) to itsBCircularRange of agricultural films.

SilotitePro1800 Sustane incorporates PCR into ahigh-performance productto deliveraquality silage film with an improvedenvironmental profile Theuse of recycled contentinSilotitePro1800 Sustane film is part of Berry’s Five-Pillarprogramme to improve Silotite’ssustainability andaddstothe existingbenefitsofits pre-orientatedProTechnology.

The film also provides alongerreel lengththanSilotite original 25 μm, 1500m film, so customerscan wrap more bales perreel, saving time andpreserving silage quality. By usingrecycledcontent, Berryissupporting thecirculareconomy andhelping to divert wastefrom landfill or incineration.Lifecycle analysisdata confirmsthatusingSilotitePro1800 Sustane 23 μm film with 25 percentPCR reduces theenvironmental loadby 24 per centcomparedtostandardSilotite25 μm film with zeroper centPCR

Additionally, SilotitePro1800 Sustane film has been certified by RecyClass,givingusers full traceabilitytothe origin of therecycledcontent Theproduct is also convenientlypackagedinapolyethylene (PE) sleeve,allowingthe balewrapand outerpackaging to be recycled together andeliminatingthe need forseparation.

“Weare proudtocontinueoffering customers arangeof filmsthatmeet high-performance standardsacross quality, functionality, user experience, innovation, andsustainability. Theintroduction of SilotitePro1800 Sustane film, alongside theother initiativesin our five-pillarsustainability programme, achieve theseaims,”saidthe firm’s Bart Geeraert.

Assurance given about check-ups

BY IAIN ST JOHN

Acouncilhas rejected suggestions ascheme to provide health supportfor farmerswill be hitbybudget cuts–althoughitdoes need to secure grantfundingfor theproject to continue

ShropshireCouncil,inpartnership with ShropshireRuralSupport, has been runninga ‘Health CheckVan’for farmers since Januarylast year The project started at Shrewsbury LivestockMarketand expandedtoother livestockmarkets acrossthe county –providingmedical check-ups, andthe chance to accessmental health support.

ShropshireCouncil’s Labour leader, Councillor JuliaBuckley,and Shropshire RuralSupporttrustee andfarmerAndrew Bebb,had both said they were concernedthe scheme wouldbeaffectedby theauthority’s need to cutaround£50m from itsbudget.

ButCouncillorCelia Motley,the council’sConservative cabinetmemberfor public health andadult social care,said theprojecthas neverbeenfundedfrom thecouncil’s main budget –and as such is notincludedinits cuts programme.

Theportfolio holder said theproject has been paid forby ‘temporary’oneoff grantfunding, andsupportfrom the council’s‘ring-fencedreserves’

Shesaidthe council’sofficersare currently lookingfor newgrantstopay for theprojectsoitcan continue Shesaid: “ShropshireCouncil’s public health team do excellentworktosupport ourmostvulnerablecommunities, tacklinghealth inequalities with preventative support, particularly in rural areas. This includes thehealthchecksfor thefarming community,inpartnership with ShropshireRuralSupport, which launched in January2023 at Shrewsbury livestock market

“Theaward-winningprogramme has expandedtoinclude livestockmarkets

all around thecounty, with regularvisits from thecommunity wellbeingoutreach team to carryout health checks andsignpost valuable wellbeingsupport.

“This work hasalwaysbeenfunded by temporary, one-off grantfunding, initially arisingfrom thepandemic andhas continuedtobesupportedthrough ringfenced reserves.

“Assuch,itisnot relatedtocorecouncilfundingand therefore notwithin any of thesavingplans in ourMediumTerm Financial Strategy

“Officersare actively exploringnew sources of funding.”

Baler set to boostoutput

Massey Ferguson has updatedits RB roundbaler series for2024 to includea quickertailgate, film bindingon itsvariablechamber Protec balers, andnew options forloadingnet or film rollsonto thebaler

Thenew high-speed tailgate increases output by up to six percent, allowingan extra fourbales perhourtobeproduced. It is includedasstandardonall Xtra and Protec models helping to improve baler performance.

MF’s RB VProtecbalerscan nowbe fitted with film binding, whichfollows theoptionon fixedchamber Protec models last year

As part of this,machines with film bindingare fitted as standard with the RapidReloadsystem, whichallowsthree rollstobepositioned on arotatingframe near thebindingarea.

When onerollis finished, theoperatorrotates theframe from theside of the machinetouse thenext fullroll, without needingtolift anew roll into place This means that changeoverscan take minutes, helping to increase baler output, with threerolls providingmostusers with afull dayofbaling.

Contractors usingthe RapidReload systemcan storetwo film rollsand one netrollinthe rotator, dependingontheir customer’srequirement.

MF’s Easy Load System nettying, ComfortLoadand newEco Load are options forloadingrolls onto thebaler ComfortLoadusesaslidingtraytolift rollsand presentthemtothe RapidReload systematthe correct angle,which also helps preventdamage. EcoLoadallows userstomanually lift rollsuptothe bindingareawithout theuse of thetray.

Theautotailgate function,integrated baleweighingsystem, andthe HayBoss moisturemeter,are threepopularfeaturesthatcan be ordered individually.

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NFU Mutual Agricultural Vehicle customerswho have their vehicle registered with theCESAR scheme, will get up to 12.5%discount on their insurance policy!

Book your machineinfor a special oneoff price £130+VAT! call or email to book your place marketing@morriscorfield.co.uk

The van service offers healthchecks to farmers throughout Shropshire

Achieve better buffer margins with Severn Trent funding support

Fundingisavailable to Shropshire farmers to establish beneficial buffermargins throughSevernTrent’s Environmental Protection Scheme (STEPS), a schemewhich has awardedover2,300 grants sinceits inception 10 yearsago

Severn Trentworks in closepartnership with farmersinpriority catchment areastoprotectwatercoursesfrom severalkey pollutants, includingpesticides.

Shropshireagriculturaladviser forSevernTrent,MarkBiddulph, said STEPS fundingenables farmers to invest in business-beneficial environmental projects.

He said: “Thepriority formanyof ourShropshirecatchment areasisto achieve more effective pesticide use, whichmeansprioritymatchfunding

is availablefor items that helpfarmersdothis.

“Establishingbuffer stripgrass marginsisone waytoimprove pesticide management,withupto £1,030/haofmatch fundingavailablefor oneortwo year agreements.

“Grass marginsprovide abrilliant habitat forboostingfarmlandbiodiversity, andcrucially, helpprotect waterquality.”

Mr Biddulph explainedgrass or wildflower marginsonarable fields arean environmentallyfriendlyway of enhancingnutrientmanagement.

He said: “Allowingfor abuffer stripofatleast six metres alongarable fieldboundaries helps to capture run-off from pesticides, fertilisers, or spraydrift,preventingthemfrom reachingwatercourses andposinga risk to waterquality “Astheyinterceptrun-off pathways, marginsalsoact as aphysical barriertoprevent soil erosion, helpingkeepvaluablenutrients in the field.”

STEPS fundingcan also go to-

wardsmaintainingexistingmargins from expired stewardship agreements, he added.

Mr Biddulph explainedplantinga riverside margin of at least five metres on fields beinggrazedcan provide numerous benefits.

He said: “Whengrazing cattle or sheep on riverside pastures, implementinga buffer stripwillhelpreduce therisk of harmful pathogens from livestock faeces entering the watercourse.

“A riverside margin also helps stabilisethe riverbank, preventing livestockfrom removing vegetation coverand compacting soils,reducingthe amount of soil erosionand sedimententering thewater

“

This buffer stripwillintercept nutrientrun-off andhelpensureany grasslandpesticides appliedremain in the field.”

To access2024 STEPS fundingon offer forestablishinggrass margins on arable or livestock fields,visit Stwater.co.uk/STEPS or contactan agriculturaladviser

Water firm tells of spending plans

Awater companyhas revealed plans to spend more than £250 million on stormoverflowstocut theamountofsewage spilled into rivers and waterways.

Severn Trent, whichhas faced majorcriticism over thedischarge of sewageintowaterways, said the moneywillbespent over a25-year period,upto2050.

It said themovewas part of plansto‘reduce activationsfrom stormoverflowsacrossthe county’, andwould improve riverhealthin Shropshire.

The firm said that atotal of 167 stormoverflowsinShropshirewill undergo investment –whichcould range from increasingthe capacity of itsstorage tankstointroducing what aredescribed as “green na-

ture-based solutions”. Thecompany said it is also investingtoensure rivers aremonitored closer than ever before with 100 percentofits storm overflowswithmonitors.

It comesfollowing asustained campaignbygroupsofwildswimmers andanglersalong theRiver Severn,particularlyinShrewsbury.

They have helda series of protests, includingmass swimsinthe river, to highlight theissue of wasteseeping into theriver.

Severn Trentsaiditwas “analysing around 300m pieces of data ayear” to decide whereitismostimportant that themoney is spent.

It said theinvestmentfor Shropshireforms part of awider £4.4bn injection into 2,472 stormoverflows acrossthe Severn Trentregion, as part of thewater company’s ‘Storm Overflow Action Plan’(SOAP).

Thecompany said theaim is to “reduce thenumberofspillsinto

watercourses acrossthe county,ensuring that by 2040 no overflow will spill more than 10 timesinan averageyearinhighpriorityareas,and in all areasby2045”

BobStear,SevernTrent chief engineer,said: “This isahugelongterm investment plan forShropshire, improving storm overflows andbringingbenefits to rivers now andduring thecomingyears

“Theannouncementmarks anothersignificant milestone in our drivetodeliverrealimprovementsin riverhealth.Thisiswhywelaunched GetRiverPositive that has already deliveredgreat results, despitethe region having experiencedseven namedstormsbetween September andDecember,contributingtosome of thewettest months on record

“And we know thereisstill more to do,whichiswhy this investment is so important–not just tous, but to ourregion’srivers andthe com-

munities they serve.”SevernTrent said it has already“committed to significant investment in Shropshire” to improvethe qualityof itsriversand streams.Itsaid£78 millionisbeingspent to improve thewater qualityalong more than 50kmofriverinShropshireand Warwickshireand help move two stretches –on therivers Teme and Leam –towards ‘bathingquality’ by 2025. Thecompany said it had also launched an £11.5 millioninvestment programmeatsix sewage treatmentworks acrossShropshire to furtherimprove riverhealthin thearea, includingMonkmoorSewageTreatment Works. Severn Trent said that as theschemes progress more detailwillbesharedonwhat action is plannedfor everystorm overflow involved.

Alive ‘Event Duration Monitor’ mapisdue to be launched by the companylater this year

Mark Biddulph

health concerns

Astudy by arural charityhas revealed poor mental health amongfarmersand agricultural workersisofgrowing concern.

Thestudy by theFarm Safety Foundation (YellowWellies) revealed,fromasampleof450 farmersunder theage of 40,95 percentofrespondents agreed that poormental healthisthe biggesthiddenproblem facing the industry today.

In addition,the research showed averyclearrelationship between average working hoursand mental health.Those with shorterworking hours demonstrated higherlevels of mental wellbeing. Some61per cent of farmerssurveyedworkat least a10-hour day, while 15 per cent working a14to15-hour day with many rarelyornever taking aday off. Stephanie Berkeley, managerofthe Farm Safety Foundationsaid: “Mentalhealth is always asensitive subject but it’s something that is thankfully growing in importanceand profile Theanswertothe question ‘whocares?’ is everyone –and everyone should

“Far from beingdowntrodden, theUK’sfarmersare resilient andresourcefuland committed to findingwaystotackle any challenge they face.”

Formore information, visit yellowwellies.org

Study will look at the issues around peat soil

BY IAIN ST JOHN

Harper AdamsUniversity academics will be working with Shropshirefarmers to develop ways to boost habitats andecosystems whilemaintaining food production.

ThePatchyPeatSolutions project, whichhas receiveda grantof£494,073, willworkwith five farmersacrossthe county,who farm on peat,as well as utilisingthe HarperAdams Future Farm

It is oneof13projectsacrossEngland whichmakeupthe LowlandAgricultural Peat WaterDiscovery Pilot.

The£3.1 millionpilot,fundedbythe UK Government,willuse localpartnershipstounderstandhow watercan be better managedtorewet andpreserve peat soils– with costedwater plansbeing drawn up as aresultofthe collaborations.

Farmerswill work with Harper Adams academics includingDrJulia Casperd, ProfessorKarlBehrendt, Dr SimonJeffery, Dr Iona Huangand Future Farm executive projectand programmeconsultantScott Kirbyas well as apost-doctoral research assistant.

Dr Casperdsaid: “Wewillbeworking with avariety of industry stakeholders

during this year-long projectwhichwill explore anumberof critical threadsrelatingtoagriculturalsustainability,habitat restorationand habitat creation

Theseinclude themonetisationofthe naturalcapital each farm holds, andthe management of waterresources andcarbonstocks.

“Wewanttoknowhow this peaty land couldbemanaged as amosaicwith conventional farminginabetter, more

sustainableway to supportbiodiversity, mitigate greenhouse gasemissions and climatechange– withoutnegatively impactingonthe UK’s food production.”

Theprojectispartof theLowland AgriculturalPeatWater DiscoveryPilotwhichisfundedbythe Environment Agency andDefra.

It is oneofseveralunder wayatHarper Adamsasthe universityseeks to extend itsresearchinpaludiculture –the prac-

tice of farmingonwet peat.England’s peat soils arehighlyproductive with three-quartersofthe lowlandpeatin Englandusedfor farming. However, as peatland is drained andcultivatedfor farming, thepeatoxidises, leadingto organic matter in thesoils decomposing –whichgeneratesincreased greenhouse gas(GHG) emissions.Re-wetting peat has thepotential to reduce theseemissions,keeping carbon in thesoil.

However,thereismuchthatisyettobe understood aboutthe science andpractice of farmingonpeatfollowing re-wetting –hence theuniversity’sresearch.

Theteamwill be workingwithawider consortium includingprecisionagriculture specialistClive Blacker, consultant hydrogeologist RobLow,Downforce Technologies, ProfessorFredWorral from Durham University, Kate Mayne of theStrine Internal DrainageBoard, Shropshire Wildlife Trust, Biodiversity NetGainspecialist RicardoGutierrez-Inostroza, LegacyHabitat Banks, and Aqualate Castle Holdings.

Dr Casperdadded: “Thedistribution andnatureof Shropshire’slowland peat is ahot topicinGovernmentcircles –and beyond

“Itispatchyand lyingin discrete pockets –whichthenprovide highquality Grade 1agriculturallandfor food production.”

to help policecombat animal attacks

Business Association hasbackedthe plans

Proposalstogivepolicegreater powers to respondtoincidents of dogs attackingorchasing livestock have been welcomed

Former Environment Secretary ThereseCoffeywantstointroduce a seriesofmeasuresdesignedtomake it easierfor police to catchoffenders andsecure more prosecutions connected to livestockworrying

TheBillhas Government backing andreceived an unopposed second reading.

Nowthe CountryLandand

PresidentVictoria Vyvyan said: “The CLAhas longlobbiedfor greater powers for police to tackle livestockworrying andwelcomesthis announcement.

“Attacks on livestockcause great distress to farmersand threaten their livelihood.”

Theassociation chiefadded:“Farm animalsworth £1 million were killed or injuredbydogsin2022, a50 percent increase since2019.”

Welsh Lamb andWelshBeefhaveofficiallybeenrecognisedwithGeographical Indication(GI) status in Japan. Theprotectedstatusmeans thepremium productscan be exportedtoJapan with addedassurancethattheyare protected againstimitations.

Theannouncementfrom theDepartmentfor Business andTrade,whichhas been hailed asuccessfor Welsh red meat by Hybu Cig Cymru–MeatPromotionWales (HCC), followsthe completionofUKand Japanese scrutiny andbureaucraticprocesses.

Laura Pickup,HCC’s head of strategicmarketing and connections said: “Weare delighted that Welsh Lamb andWelsh Beef arenow protected with theGIdesignation “Itbuildsonthe crucial work HCChas alreadydonein securing amarketfor ourpremium brands in what is akey exportmarketfor us “Additionally, it meansthatconsumers in Japancan rest assuredthatwhentheypurchaseGIWelsh Lamb andGI Welsh Beef,theyare choosingapremium product,whichis underpinned by heritage andsustainableproductionmethodsthatweknoware worldleading.”

Pictured, from left, are Dr Julia Casperd, and farmers Georgina Edge, Wojtek Behnke, Helen Holman, Neil Harley,Angus Hawkins with Harper Adams Future Farm executive project and programme consultant Scott Kirby.One further participant, Richard Maryniak, is not pictured.