SELFBUILD & DESIGN SHOW - 8/9 SEPTEMBER WESTPOINT, EXETER - The Landsman
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18,000 COPIES DISTRIBUTED FREE THROUGHOUT THE SOUTHWEST Sept/Oct 2018 | Issue 74
SELFBUILD &
DESIGN SHOW
8/9 SEPTEMBER
WESTPOINT, EXETER
The organic or inorganic allotment?
Soil Association – farmer-led innovation
A farmer’s view – apple, pigs and people
NFU – a career in agriculture? Why not!
Genetic modification – is it a good thing?
Broadband – an important key to your house value
Poultry farming explained – South Yeo Farm
Rural issues – where will our food come from post Brexit?
soil association | rural issues | red tractor | nfu | the national allotment society | smallholding | a farmer’s view | food & drink
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news
Image: The Station Master’s Cafe, Barnstaple Railway Station
Readers Letter
The South West has led the way in cutting plastic use through
Surfers Against Sewage (SAS). Building on the models of
Transition Towns (which came out of Totnes) and the global
Fair Trade movement, SAS set up a scheme by which towns can
achieve Plastic Free Community status. This requires at least
12 businesses to commit themselves to going plastic-free.
Recently I was delighted to hear that the council of our market
town of Barnstaple in North Devon has voted to apply for this. I
was even more pleased when I found that the Stationmaster’s
Cafe at Barnstaple railway station is the first local enterprise to go
plastic-free. They’ve sourced plastic-free cups, straws, etc., and
started their own deposit and return scheme for plastic bottles.
I signed up with SAS as an individual and received this advice:
1. Take a reusable coffee cup – refuse single-use take away cups.
2. Refuse single-use packaging. 3. Resist a straw; straws suck. 4.
Refuse a single-use plastic bag and take your own. 5. Take your
own cutlery or use sustainable alternatives. 6. Avoid single-use
plastics in the bathroom. 7. Refuse single-use condiment sachets.
8. Do your own #miniBeachClean or #communitycleanup. Grab a
handful of plastic pollution every time you go out.
Well, many of us already follow most of these guidelines and
have tips of our own. Mine is: when you receive magazines sent
by post in plastic sleeves, snip an end off, use them as plastic
bags then recycle them.
Mark Haworth-Booth
Swimbridge, North Devon
Axe Vale Show - time to
give back to the community
There certainly was something for everyone at this year’s
Axe Vale Show. Crowds flocked to the Showground to enjoy the
wealth of things to see and do throughout the day at this popular
community event. As a result of the magnificent support, the
Show Committee is now preparing to evaluate applications for Any applicants who fit the criteria should request an
grants from individuals and organisations in the local area. application form from the Grants Committee:
Simon Hodges, the Show’s Chairman said, “with the great Axe Vale Show, Thomas Whitty House,
turnout and support of the local community we have been able Silver Street Axminster EX13 5AH
to raise significant funds that we can now award to worthwhile
causes within the local community, just as we have been doing
or via e-mail to enquiries@
axevalefestival.org.uk. 25th
over the last 24 years”. The Axe Vale Show constitution aims
to support those activities which benefit the inhabitants of
Axminster and the surrounding area. Favourable consideration
All applications must be
received before September 14th
2018 in order to be considered.
Anniversary
will be given to those applications that offer the provision 22nd - 23rd June 2019
of facilities for recreation or other leisure time activities by Follow on Facebook & Twitter. Mark it in your diary!
individuals or groups. Visit www.axevaleshow.com
3
inside this issue
Welcome! News3-5
What a summer! For some it’s Food & drink 7
been fantastic; not so for others! Rugeroni’s - simply amazing flavours
The extreme high temperatures
changed the colour of our landscape Soil Association 8-9
so dramatically the scorched land was visible Grass roots research: the need for more farmer-led innovation
in satellite photographs.
I live at the foot of the Mendips and during any average The National Allotment Society 17
summer I marvel at the rich grass and lush green The organic or inorganic allotment?
undulating hills – a vista that tourists flock to see and
Rural issues 11-13
locals enjoy throughout the season. Not so this year though,
Where will our food come from post Brexit? 11
as the land I love turned a grim dusty brown, lifeless during
Genetic Modification - is it a good thing? 12
the heatwave.
Broadband - an important key to your house value 13
We may experience the effects of that heatwave for a
while to come as it hit farmers pretty hard. As grazing Red Tractor 15
dwindled many resorted to dipping in to winter feeds way Being a Red Tractor farmer
ahead of time. It will be a case of waiting to see the longer
term implications of that extreme weather as produce may A farmer’s view 16-19
be in short supply, possibly pushing food prices up. Apples, pigs and people 16-17
What ceases to amaze me however, is mother nature’s Does the farmer want a CAP or DAP? 19
capacity to renew; as the rain returned so did the grass, and
NFU20-21
so quickly too. Lush green once again, almost luminous as
A career in agriculture? Why not!
if making a statement.
What was great though, the weather was perfect for Veterinary practice 23
country and rural shows making them the perfect day out Bovine Tuberculosis – What can we do?
for the many thousands that visited the regions events this
summer. Whilst on the topic of shows you may be reading Smallholding24-27
this from the SELFBUILD&DESIGN SHOW (8/9 September Poultry farming explained 24-25
2018) at Westpoint in Exeter. If you are then we hope you ‘Share and share alike’- the joy of share schemes 27
are having a great time. Whether you have realised your
dream and built a home of your own, are just about to Devon Rural Skills Trust 29
embark on a self-build, or maybe you’re simply entertaining Tools
the dream this event is just the ticket. You will find out all
Making a country living 30-31
you need to know about how to go about turning that dream
The Milk Station
in to a reality.
There is a lot to enjoy this issue. Topics such as famer- Wildlife32
led innovation from the Soil Association, the use of Make a house a home this autumn
antibiotics from Red Tractor are all covered and there is
a fascinating article, ‘Where will our food come from post Gardening33-37
Brexit’ by Stewart Horne. But that’s just a flavour of what’s Outdoor cleaning the non-toxic way 33
in this issue. We hope you enjoy. It’s good to hear from our Grasses? Give ‘em a go! 35
readers, see page 3 in fact, so do share your thoughts at Planning your new garden 37
copy@thelandsman.co.uk
Rebecca Hacker & thelandsman team twitter.com/landsmanlife
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© Copyright 2018. Think Media (UK) Ltd
4
news
News in brief I N N O V A T I O N
JOIN US FOR OUR
Farm-to-farm trading helps livestock and arable producers
Farm-to-farm trading is expected to be a much greater feature Marketing
WORKSHOP
of this year’s harvest than has been seen in the past and
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have been damaged by this summer’s drought, to realise a
greater margin for arable farmers. At the same time, it could BRING YOUR BRAND TO LIFE
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smokery open day
Saturday 22nd September 10am till 4pm
Tour the smokery, taste all the products,
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6
food & drink
Rugeroni’s - simply
amazing flavours by Rugeroni’s
What makes Rugeroni’s Amazing? Perhaps it’s best to describe
the origins of the founder Mark Rugeroni-Welch and his family
history. Mark’s family can be traced backed to the crusades
where they fought in many battles and were given the title of
Papal Duke of Genoa but in about 1792 the family fled due to
a feud with the pope. The family took up residence in Gibraltar he made the first Rugeroni’s Original Chilli & Garlic relish in
and then in Lisbon where they started a very successful his kitchen and served to his friends not knowing the impact it
restaurant – unfortunately it closed in about 1970. would have. The chicken and steaks were marinated with the
The family then spread to Argentina and USA but Marks side relish and the rest of the sauce was served with the cooked
of the family came from Argentina and still hold the title of a sausages – it lasted about 5 minutes before his guests were
Count. One of Marks earliest memories (about 5 years old) was asking if he could make some for them – Mark then decided to
going to an Asado (a gaucho gathering) where food was cooked start Rugeroni’s.
over open flames and served with chimicurrry sauce – a must Mark, with the help of his business partner Karl, have now
for any BBQ. Marks interest in cooking had began as all the made Rugeroni’s commercially available and have launched the
gauchos showed him how to cook, serve meat, salads and how Original Chilli and Garlic and Lime, Chilli and Garlic relish, and
to entertain. Mark also spent all his childhood summer holidays two salad dressings Chilli & Garlic and Lime, Chilli and Garlic.
at his Aunts house in Barcelona where again he started to learn Rugeroni’s are also launching a range of pasta sauces and
to understand how flavours work and combine with each other. mayonnaises – and that’s just the start.
About 10 years ago Mark was having a BBQ for friends and
was stuck on how to cook the chicken, steak and sausages so www.rugeronis.com
Recipe - Lamb Method (Serves 4)
Preheat the oven to
& Aubergine Ragu
180˚C (170˚C fan).
Put a large ovenproof
saucepan on a medium
heat, add a splash
This is a delicious, luxurious pasta dish, full of great flavour, of olive oil and the
that benefits from a long slow cooking time – but the actual diced lamb shoulder,
effort involved is minimal, so you can just pop it in the oven. and gently brown the
A generous dollop of Rugeroni’s Original Chilli & Garlic Relish pieces of meat.
combines with the earthy flavours of aubergine (which melts Meanwhile, top and
away into a gorgeous sauce over the long cooking time), to tail the aubergine and cut into small dice. Once the lamb is
make a delicious accompaniment for tender lamb shoulders. browned, add the aubergine to the pan and stir through.
Give the aubergine a few minutes to soften, then add the
Ingredients Rugeroni’s Original Chilli & Garlic Relish, tomato puree and
400g diced shoulder of lamb 100ml or so of cold water. Season with salt, black pepper and
1 large aubergine a pinch of sugar, and give it all a really good stir.
2 tbsp Rugeroni’s Original Chilli & Garlic Relish Place the saucepan in the preheated oven (without a lid) and
1 tbsp tomato puree set a timer for an hour and a half. Give it a stir every 20 minutes.
Salt and freshly-ground black pepper When the time is up, return the saucepan to the hob on
A pinch of sugar a very low heat, while you cook the pasta according to the
Olive oil for cooking instructions on the packet. You may need to add a little more
350g fresh tagliatelle or pappardelle water to the sauce at this point, if it’s looking dry.
Fresh basil leaves, to serve Finally, stir the cooked pasta through the sauce, and serve
Parmesan, to serve sprinkled with fresh basil leaves and grated parmesan.
7
soil association
Grass roots research: the need
for more farmer-led innovation
by Gemma Court, Soil Association
8
soil association
In a world of evolving technology, changing climate and
growing populations, agriculture needs to adapt. Researching
new tools, new farming methods and new varieties plays an
important role in maintaining progress and resilience. And
putting farmers in the driving seat of the research is vital.
How research needs to evolve
In today’s agri-research environment, it is most commonly
scientists in laboratories who take a lead on research and
development. There is undeniable value in this kind of research,
but it also has its flaws: often there is little consultation
between the research institutions carrying out the studies and
the farmers they are designed to help, and the natural lifecycle
of this type of research means it often takes several years for
results to be published. Farmers, however, must be able to
react quickly to solve problems as they occur, react to changing
conditions and make swift business decisions. They cannot
practicably – or financially – wait for answers to be published
in scientific journals, when the question needs answering right
away: as a result, many investigate for themselves. Shropshire sheep in orchards
Farmers are natural experimenters: adjusting equipment to Can Shropshire sheep can be used to graze grass in
fit their needs; trialling new varieties; or looking for innovative orchards successfully? This field lab discovered that they
ways of increasing yields, improving soils, or reducing costs. can. They did not cause tree damage by eating tree bark or
Harnessing this investigative and innovative spirit could bring branches; and the need to mow the grass, apply herbicide
huge benefits to the research industry by making research and fertiliser was reduced.
practical and representative of real life; while farmers can reap
rewards from strategic research support that puts scientific
rigour behind their individual findings. Surely a research
model where farming and science collaborates is a mutually
beneficial one?
That’s where networks like Innovative Farmers come in…
Innovative Farmers is making collaborative research possible.
Funded by the Prince of Wales’ Charitable Foundation
through the sale of Waitrose Duchy Organic products and led
in partnership by the Soil Association, LEAF, Innovation for
Agriculture and the Organic Research Centre, the network
facilitates research in the form of ‘field labs’ where groups of
farmers work together with researchers. Studies take place
on the farmers’ own land, with their own crops or livestock.
The research is practical, the results are quick and the process
can be reactive to changing conditions or emerging insights.
Already more than 1,000 farmers have taken part in over 40
field labs. The topics explored are diverse, and new ideas are Cover crops for hops
being developed all the time – what they all have in common is When hops are harvested, the entire plant is removed from
that they are practical investigations, led by the farmers. the field so organic matter is not returned to the soil as
part of the normal cropping cycle. Some growers import
Want to get involved? and spread organic matter, but could you grow it in situ
Membership of Innovative Farmers is free, and you don’t need using cover crops? This field lab aims to find out.
to be practically involved in a field lab to join: discussions,
insights and results are shared with all members through Controlling creeping thistle
the network website. Here are some examples of Innovative Creeping thistle is one of the most problematic weeds
Farmers field labs. for low and zero input farmers. This field lab investigated
eleven different treatments including electrical weeding,
You can see more, and catch up on latest updates, green manures and deep surface cultivation.
at www.innovativefarmers.org
9
the national allotment society The organic or inorganic allotment? by Mike Thurlow, Horticultural Advisor to the National Allotment Society Having your own allotment is the best way to provide affordable, fresh, healthy fruit and vegetables for you and your family. The hot topic at the moment is whether to produce them organically using the more traditional growing methods or inorganically using modern sophisticated chemicals. On your allotment plot you have the choice and control over how you want to grow them. The important thing is to make a responsible and enlightened decision based upon all of the up-to-date information that is available – especially in respect to pest and disease control. If gardeners choose to use chemicals the pesticides directorate website should be consulted when deciding which products to buy and use. The question of whether organic food tastes better is more difficult to discuss because most of us are familiar only with the fruit and vegetables available today in the high street, and these have been harvested some time before they are in prime condition. They also have stronger, tougher skins since they have to be able to withstand the rigours of machine harvesting, packing, refrigeration and transportation over long distances. Food grown locally and picked at the peak of condition, taken to the kitchen and eaten within hours is a totally different experience. approved by the Soil Association, such as Maxicrop seaweed I have been gardening organically for about thirty years. fertiliser or Rooster pelleted chicken manure, which can be Although I have had to use chemicals professionally for some of used to raise fertility. this time, I gave up using them in my own garden from a desire In a large area weeds can be a problem but there are ways of to create a safe environment for my two young daughters. It also keeping weeds at bay. Mulches of gravel, woodchip or bark that seemed a reckless act to destroy wildlife that had been put on smother the weed seedlings as they germinate can be used. earth to serve a useful purpose e.g. although aphids may be a Another popular method of weed control is to lay a semi porous major pest for the gardener they are a prime source of food for plastic membrane called My-pex on the soil and cover it with ladybirds and the newly arriving migrating birds in the spring. anything you like to disguise it. Mulches also conserve moisture, By maintaining simple food chains like these you can extend the which means that the plants are able to withstand periods of natural balance within the garden. low rainfall better. Gardening to modern organic standards such as those of How do we manage pest control without the use of chemicals? the Soil Association provides us with a set of guide lines that There are various predators available to control all the different have been devised to ensure that the plants and soil in our types of pests. Outside in the garden there are natural predators gardens are cared for in a way that is beneficial to both us and such as ladybirds, hoverflies, wasps and lace wings. One of the the environment. The first recommendation is to carry out a detrimental effects of pesticides is that they can harm innocent soil analysis to determine the soil type e.g. clay, loam, sand, and creatures as well as the pests. With natural predators at work fertility. The results of this test will tell you what adjustments the gardener can have 24-hour protection for free. if any need to be carried out in order to maintain the soil in a Organic gardening methods make sense because their healthy state. You will be provided with a profile of the soil’s use reduces environmental pollution. The organic standards structure and its nutrient content and what steps to take to promoted today are designed to make us aware that the remedy any deficiencies that may be present. overuse of manures and fertilisers has the potential to pollute Manure or homemade compost isn’t the only sources of all waterways. The standards also help us to appreciate that by organic matter to improve the soil. Green waste made by most caring for the soil we are creating strong conditions in which local authorities from all of the hedge trimmings, grass clippings plants can flourish. In a nutshell organic gardening is healthy, etc is composted under strict controls to high temperatures that safe and often gives better quality and taste. destroys all nasties making it a safe and clean product to use on the allotment. There are also preparations that have been www.nsalg.org.uk 10
rural issues
Where will our food come
from post Brexit? by Stewart Horne
If you are a primary food producer now you are facing a number
of challenges. After a very wet 8 months the UK then suffered
a cold and late spring followed by a period of dry hot weather
that has not suited most agricultural enterprises, perhaps wine
makers are the exception. As I write there has been a “drought
summit” as finally the authorities have realised that the impact
on primary agriculture is extreme. Even if the rains have arrived
when you read this the impact of the weather will still be felt
for many months to come. Milk production is already down, and
farmers are reducing herd sizes, vegetables are affected with
winter crops not planted in many cases. The usual response
from food retailers is to import product from other parts of
Europe however other parts of the continent are also suffering,
Scandinavia, Germany, the Netherlands, together with Portugal
and Spain. As we learnt when it snowed last winter our food
supply chain is very fragile.
When the weather becomes more normal our food supply is
likely to face its next challenge, BREXIT. How will food producers
fare? The Welsh government recently published its predictions
for agricultural products under 3 possible scenarios;
1. A negotiated free trade deal with the EU
2. World trade deal and associated tariffs
3. A negotiated free trade deal with the rest of the
world (liberalisation)
It concluded that the negotiated free trade deal caused free trade deal with the EU, UK farmers will need consumers
the least disturbance to the economic performance of the support if they are to thrive in the future. We can certainly
agricultural sectors in Wales (would be very similar in the produce up to 70% of the UK’s food needs given the right
wider UK). A world trade default caused negative impact on the infrastructure and a price that allows the producers to make
sheep sector (value reduced by 30%) and better performances a reasonable margin. It’s clear to me that whatever version of
for beef, pigs and dairy 30% better. The liberalisation scenario Brexit emerges consumers will be offered cheaper produce
caused a negative impact on all sectors, 50% price reduction on from overseas, which is fine, if this is produced to the same
beef, 30% on sheep, and around 10-15% on the other sectors. standards as home grown produce. If the UK beef farmer must
And of course overseas countries are very keen to sign a free declare that an animal is farm assured from birth to plate so
trade deal with us. should the competition. The alternative is to compete on price
Reductions in price as predicted under the last scenario which with the UK’s infrastructure costs will not be possible.
would be devastating to UK agriculture but would it be Producing quality food in the UK must be the only option
devastating to the wider UK economy? The UK food and drink for UK farmers, however this will need good marketing to
sector are worth £113 billion in 2018 but the primary producers consumers to make sure they pick these from the supermarket
only receive 9% of this huge sum so to be blunt only farmers shelves. Similarly, to sell to new markets overseas UK
would notice! producers quality will be required to provide a point of
60% of food that is eaten is grown at home (in the UK), yet difference from the competition who will be difficult to beat
if the consumer chose UK products more readily we could on price alone.
increase that to 76%, reducing our reliance on imports. It’s clear that whatever outcome is reached by March 2019
Somehow consumers good intentions to buy UK produce don’t farmers will need to adapt their business models hopefully by
materialise at the checkout. In any situation other than the then the weather will be on their side.
11rural issues
Genetic Modification - is it a good thing?
by Dr Phillip Bratby. CPRE Devon, The Voice For Devon’s Countryside
organic crops. All the major GM foods currently on the market
Genetic Modification (GM) is the have been exhaustively tested and found to be safe for people,
modification of an organism’s genes animals and the environment. Maize varieties that integrate the
Bacillus thuringiensis gene into plant tissue greatly reduce or
using biotechnology. GM is a more even eliminate the need for spraying with pesticides. Golden
modern, rapid and precise way of crop Rice incorporates two beta-carotene genes, one from daffodils,
one from a soil bacterium, so that malnourished people get
breeding than traditional breeding sufficient Vitamin A to prevent blindness and death - a huge
to change or improve the genetic benefit in the third world.
It is not obvious why some environmental organisations
makeup of plants. oppose GM crops so vehemently since GM crops require less
land, less energy, fewer fertilisers, fewer pesticides, fewer
It enables scientists to enhance crops by introducing helpful herbicides and are more resilient to droughts and floods.
properties like resistance to droughts or insects from one This means that less of our countryside is needed for growing
organism to another. crops and thus more of our countryside can be left for the
Across the world, and particularly in the EU, GM crops face benefit of nature and wildlife. GM crops are surely a win,
opposition from environmental and organic food activists, win situation?
who claim that GM crops harm the environment and endanger
human health. However, the evidence strongly supports GM over www.cpredevon.org.uk
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12rural issues
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14red tractor
Working together to
reduce antibiotic use
in sheep farming
by Red Tractor
In the last issue vet Abi Charlesworth
of Synergy Farm Health talked about
responsible use of antibiotics. In this
issue Red Tractor member Ed Venning
and Tim Bebbington from the Castle
the farm can use antibiotics as responsibly as possible without
Veterinary Group share their views compromising animal welfare.
on the matter. Disease prevention strategies which could help replace
prophylactic treatment should also form part of the review.
The use of Highest Priority Critically Important Antibiotics
A partnership approach between a livestock farmer and vet must be a last resort and their use must be under the direction
in Cornwall is demonstrating how working together can reduce of a vet, backed up by sensitivity or diagnostic testing.
antibiotic use in agriculture. It is also recommended that at least one member of staff
Tim Bebbington from the Castle Veterinary Group in Launceston who administers medicines completes a training course in their
has been working with Ed Venning who farms at Polvethan Farm, handling and administration.
near Fowey, for 18 months as a sheep consultant. Mr Venning has a small flock of pedigree Suffolks alongside
They have been recording the farm’s overall antibiotic use his main enterprise which comprises a mule and mule-X-
and creating preventative strategies to help reduce it while Texel flock lambing in February, and an outdoor, April-lambing
improving welfare. Romney flock, plus a herd of 50 beef cattle.
Antimicrobial resistance is one of the biggest threats He asked Mr Bebbington to work with him because he saw a
to human health – a problem that has been underlined in need to reduce antibiotic use on the farm and felt there would
numerous studies from around the world. be an associated benefit with lowering the cost of production.
It is an added concern in agriculture because there is a risk Three visits a year take place – after weaning and tupping,
that antibiotics used to treat livestock may become ineffective. after scanning and then at lambing.
Mr Bebbington said: “When the first farm antibiotics came along Mr Venning said: “I think a lot of things are more targeted now,
they were miraculous in the impact they had on farm animals. such as the use and types of wormers I use and the timings of
“But the reality is that, over time, their efficacy has reduced. applications. There have been some real cost savings there.
“In a post-Brexit world we need to show that UK agriculture “There is a lot of talk about antibiotics and we have been
is producing food to a high standard and part of that will be a working hard to reduce their use and make sure we are using
measure of antimicrobial usage. the right type.
“If we can produce evidence to show where we are and how “For example, in the past I have used antibiotic footbaths and
we are acting to reduce usage we will be in a much better place.” now we’re looking at managing lameness using vaccination
In June, Red Tractor Beef and Lamb standards changed to reflect rather than tackling problems when they appear.”
the industry’s commitment to responsible antibiotic use on farm. Mr Bebbington added: “We can use data from the Red Tractor
Scheme members are now required to create a written annual health and performance review, combined with data from other
livestock health and performance review with the farm’s vet. areas such as the abattoir and post mortems, to form a full
This review covers a number of areas such as making picture of what’s happening on the farm.
recommendations on any key health or performance issues that “It’s been great working with someone who is not afraid about
are identified on farm. looking at different ways of doing things.”
Medicine records or prescription data outlining total
antibiotic used must be used as the basis for advice on how www.redtractor.org.uk
15a farmer’s view
Apples, pigs and people
by Nick Green, Lye Cross Farm
16a farmer’s view
varieties of apples all cultivated to produce the highest possible
Think of the bucolic country scene of yield of the highest quality fruit. Just like the pig farmer,
yesteryear of pigs rooting around in a specialist equipment can be found on these farms that spray,
shake and harvest the fruit. The other common factor between
west country orchard looking for fallen pigs and apples is that over the last five decades or so they have
fruit. In years gone by on farms across become very much global commodities. Both can be produced
anywhere in the world and shipped to the market. Apples can
the south west it was a common be grown in New Zealand and South Africa and shipped to the
sight. The farmer might have a of UK as easily as something being grown in Somerset and sold in
Scotland. Pig meat is produced in Denmark and sold in China.
sow with litter producing enough pig With modern logistics and efficient refrigeration the modern
meat for the family and neighbours. world is a very small place.
A slaughtering a year would keep
villagers in pig meat all year round.
Likewise, an orchard of trees would provide fruit for eating
fresh from August through to Christmas and then stored fruit
from Christmas until the next harvest. And don’t forget the other
output, the raw material for the south west elixir also known as
farmhouse cider. Pigs and orchards go well together. Whilst the
growers primary interest in having an orchard is to harvest the
fruit, at the same time he or she doesn’t want anything to go to
waste. Pigs do a fantastic job rooting through the long grass and
eating the fallen apples. No wasted fruit, great self-service feed
for the pigs and plentiful supplies of slow grown pork.
With the exception of some traditional farms and
smallholdings in the region, this beautiful sight has
largely disappeared. Gone are the days of having a mobile
slaughterman come to the farm or having a local abattoir you
can take just a few pigs to be slaughtered. In addition, the days
of people wanting a whole pig in one go (and knowing what
to do with it) have largely disappeared. It’s much easier to go With the shift in the way we live our lives and work, there
to the shop and buy what is needed for the next few days of has been a shift in our pattern of consumption. Currently, the
something you want rather than having the whole pig including average time taken to prepare a family meal is 34 minutes. This
some of the bits and pieces you don’t really like. Can you has halved since 1980. Historically, sitting down to a piping hot,
imagine modern super markets stocking chitterling? I don’t freshly cooked meal was an essential part of our everyday lives.
think they’d sell much. If you have the whole pig you are forced Now, we are as likely to eat a sandwich as our day’s main meal
to ‘like it’. If you go to the shop you can have what you really like than a cooked meal. Off the shelf, ready meals are the second
and nothing more. most popular all day option which perhaps has something to
A move away from villagers living and working in their do with the fact the average person has a repertoire of just
village also saw a move away from this traditional way of life. four recipes they can prepare themselves. Critics suggest this
Orchard fed pigs disappeared and pork brought as and when is indicative that we have become a nation of lazy, fast food
it was needed. Consumers still wanted their meat so it started cooks who exist largely on sandwiches and spend little time
to be produced by farmers prepared and able to raise larger in the kitchen. Which isn’t all bad for pig farmers. 6.4 billion
numbers and deliver them to slaughter. Over the years this sandwiches are consumed each year and many of those contain
small scale specialism has developed into major producers ham or bacon. Looking back, a Victorian social commentator
producing thousands and in some cases hundreds of thousands noted in 1851, of all the 436,800 sandwiches sold on the streets
of pigs per year. They have buildings specifically built to raise of London, every single one was ham. Fast forward 167 years
pigs in, they have dedicated feed mills on the farm and they and if 100% of 6.4 billion sandwiches produced a year used ham
have pig specialists to farrow, grow and finish the pigs. It is as the main ingredient I’m sure every British pig farmer would
a far cry from fifty years ago but it’s what is needed to feed a have a smile on their face.
hungry population at a price everyone can afford. The same
has happened with apple production. Small, individual farm Nick Green MBA, Farm Operations Director
orchards have died out and in the majority of cases not been Lye Cross Farm, Redhill, Bristol BS40 5RH
replaced. In their place, large scale orchards planted with single Tel: 01934 862 320 | www.lyecrossfarm.co.uk
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18a farmer’s view
Does the farmer
want a CAP or DAP?
by Nick Green, Lye Cross Farm
Since 1973, British agriculture has been more or less controlled
by the bureaucrats based in Brussels via a mechanism called
the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). The origins of the CAP
began in the 1950’s and was implemented in the early 1960’s
when the European Economic Community first came into being
with the argument that the security of a European food supply
was vital to all those living in Europe. That being the case, and
after extensive discussions and negotiations, Article 39.1 of the
Treaty of Rome stipulated the objectives of the CAP should be
“to increase productivity through technical progress and the best
use of the factors of production (such as labour); to ensure a fair
standard of living for communities employed in agriculture; to
stabilise markets; to secure the availability of supplies; and to most likely pay for ‘Public Goods for Public Benefit’ and that
enforce fair prices”. In broad terms this has been achieved over was to veer towards environmental works rather than food.
the last fifty years but it hasn’t always been plain sailing. In the He also made quite clear payments were likely to be scaled
early days Europe was still recovering from the Second World back to nothing over a period of time. Not surprisingly this was
War so increasing food production was an essential. Over the met with significant resistance from those farmers likely to be
following couple of decades when food became more plentiful most affected. That said, those that can produce food profitably
there was a need to control supply to ensure viable prices were without support have taken it on the chin with the caveat that
still received by producers. Some may remember the wine whatever happens the UK Government must not sell out the food
lakes and butter mountains of the late 1970’s and early 1980’s and farming sector for what might seem a higher value industry
before mechanisms such as milk quotas were introduced to curb such as finance. If a DAP is formulated well, and food not sold
production. By the European Government purchasing excess out to the environment there is no reason why it wouldn’t work.
goods (intervention) prices to the farmer were maintained. When However supportive farmers are of improving the environment
intervention was reduced the farmers needed to maintain their they live and work in, they realise you can’t eat the environment
income so other mechanisms were introduced to ensure this to survive. Consumers need to recognise this as well. If great
remained the case. The Integrated Administration and Control swathes of the British countryside are turned over to ‘the
System (IACS) was introduced in the 1990’s followed by the environment’, as a country we will have to buy our food from
Single Payment Scheme (SPS) and now the Basic Payment elsewhere. Where’s the security in that? How would we stand
Scheme (BPS). Each of these schemes involves things farmers if we needed to buy food from America and President Trump
must do to qualify for payment. In the early days it was more decided he didn’t want to trade with GB? Where would we get
about reducing production but in later years it has veered our food from? Would it be produced to the standards we want?
much more towards protecting the environment and by default Would we have any choice but to have just what was available
reducing production. In addition, the farmer needs to administer from places we don’t normally trade with? Farmers do protect
his or her application and comply with all the regulations. So, and enhance the environment at the same time as producing
the farmer does get paid from Europe for doing ‘nothing’ but in food and for everyone’s benefit that needs to remain. Whatever
the overall scheme of things and needing to deliver the Common DAP is developed, it needs to maintain the balance and feed
Agricultural Policy to the people of Europe he is doing what is the country as best we can. The British Government could do a
being asked of him. lot worse than look at the principles of the CAP; prioritise food
With the UK exiting Europe, the Government recognise there security; and don’t allow the voice of environmentalists to drown
is a huge opportunity to make big changes to how UK farmers out that of farmers. We need to make sure we keep our great
receive support in the future or indeed, if they do receive support. British countryside a food source for all and a place wildlife
This will form the basis of a Domestic Agricultural Policy (DAP) thrives. The Government needs to recognise that.
emanating from a new Agricultural Bill – the first since 1947.
Michael Gove, The Secretary of State for Defra – the Nick Green MBA, Farm Operations Director
Department of Food and Rural Affairs made it quite clear in Lye Cross Farm, Redhill, Bristol BS40 5RH
the early stages of discussions the British Government would Tel: 01934 862 320 | www.lyecrossfarm.co.uk
19nfu
A career in agriculture? Why not!
by David George, South West NFU
20nfu
It is quite a long time ago now since I
left school and was having to grapple
with things like exam results and what
I was going to do for the rest of my life.
Although it seemed traumatic at
the time, back then we probably had
it relatively easy. You could still get
grants to go to college or university
and most jobs were still considered to
be for life, with the rise of the ‘gig economy’ many years away.
I worry about the challenges my son will be confronted with
when he faces the prospect of entering the world of work, but
for something challenging and rewarding, that uses the latest
technology and gets you out from behind a desk, he could do
worse than consider going into agriculture.
Across the South West a relatively small number of people
are directly employed in agriculture as farmers – just over
64,000 according to Defra’s statistics – which is a fraction of the
number employed by, say, the NHS.
But those farmers are a vital part of the process which
supplies the raw materials for one of Britain’s biggest
manufacturing industries: food and drink, which is worth £111
billion and provides 3.8 million jobs. It’s not all about mud will present their ideas at a prestigious event at the Houses of
and wellies, although liking a bit of fresh air would probably Parliament during British Science and Engineering Week 2019.
come in handy, and it’s constantly innovating to keep up with All entrants will become certified ‘farmventors’ and receive a
our growing population. What’s more, it’s looking for bright, reward pack including a certificate and mini prize.
ambitious young people. According to the Government, 76% of young people haven’t
If you look beyond pure farming, there’s a huge range of settled on a career by the age of 14, so when they get a little
job opportunities available. Vets, agronomists, accountants, older, choosing GCSE subjects is all about keeping options open,
machinery suppliers, feed merchants, auctioneers and land playing to your strengths and trying something new.
agents are just some of the other professions that farms You could consider vocational courses like NVQ and BTEC
depend on. There are roles in food technology, transport, awards at Level 2. With many recent changes to qualification
marketing, distribution and many other areas. structures, schools may be able to offer flexible options that
You could find yourself trading grain on the markets, work alongside local colleges. It is also worth considering what
developing new technologies to make farming more efficient or vocational or combined options are available – you can combine
(like me) using your media skills to change the way people think part-time education with 20 or more hours of employment or
about food and farming. volunteering a week.
And you can choose where you’d like to start, too; there are If choosing A Levels or Further Education courses, narrowing
opportunities at all levels, whether you’re planning to start work down from lots of GCSEs can be challenging. It might be helpful
after GCSEs or are a PhD graduate. to focus on what you need for the next stage, such as how many
Choosing these will stand you in good stead for later courses UCAS points are needed for a university course, or what skills
or jobs. Complementary subjects such as business and are needed for a particular job.
geography can also build a strong foundation of knowledge and Or you could consider an apprenticeship, which is a great way
develop important problem solving skills. of learning whilst at work and earning money. There is currently
One of the keys to encouraging bright young people to a big revival in apprenticeships and there are some fantastic
consider a career in food and farming is to get them to think opportunities available.
about it early. Lots of agricultural careers are based on science, However you decide to get into it, there’s no doubt that
technology, engineering and maths – or STEM – subjects, so the agriculture can provide a challenging and rewarding career.
NFU has launched Farmvention (when farming meets invention)
a national STEM competition aimed at primary school children. For more information about agricultural careers,
There are three exciting problem based challenges (including go to www.brightcrop.org.uk
creating a tractor of the future) that are designed to make
children think about the day-to-day issues faced by farmers To find out about the NFU’s Farmvention competition,
and growers. go to www.farmvention.com
The overall winner will win the ‘money can’t buy’ experience
of their school being turned into a farm for the day. Finalists www.nfuonline.com
21You can also read
