SHOW GUIDE 7 PAGE SHOW & EVENT GUIDE 2019
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
18,000 COPIES DISTRIBUTED FREE THROUGHOUT THE SOUTHWEST Mar/Apr 2019 | Issue 77
2019
SHOW GUIDE
7 PAGE SHOW &
EVENT GUIDE
Sheppy’s cider
NFU - Farming for the future
Aldi - Supporting south west suppliers
Rural issues - Look beyond the headlines
South Yeo Farm East - Starting with goats
Soil Association - Counting sheep
CLA South West Smart Farming – 2 April 2019, Tewkesbury
Farm Shop & Deli Show – 8-10 April 2019, NEC Birmingham
soil association | rural issues | nfu | the national allotment society | smallholding | a farmer’s view | food & drink
SOURCE.
SAMPLE.
SUCCEED.
Speciality success starts at the Farm Shop
& Deli Show. Come and meet key suppliers,
gain non-stop industry inspiration and find
profit boosting ways to get your business
on top in 2019.
This is a trade event. No under 16s will be admitted
TO REGISTER TO ATTEND PLEASE VISIT:
farmshopanddelishow.co.uk @FarmShop_Deli #FSD2019
ALONGSIDE HOME TO
news
‘The South West –
helping to power the UK’
We recently attended a North Somerset Rural Business Forum
event at Mendip Spring Golf Club in Congresbury near Bristol.
where David Eccles, Head of Communications for EDF Hinkley
Point C, delivered an insightful talk: ‘The South West – helping
to power the UK’. The event was popular with around 70 or 80
people in attendance.
Nuclear energy is of course a contentious subject, David was
invited to answer questions not only on the need for Nuclear
energy and the must for investment in renewable energies,
but also on the economic and social impact the project is having,
and will continue to have, on the region.
If you want to find out more go to the Hinkley Point Visitor
Wyke Farms Awarded
Centre located in Angel Place Shopping Centre, Bridgwater,
Somerset. Open Monday to Friday: 09:00 - 16:00, except
bank holidays and on a Saturday: 09:00 - 13:00.
£1.3m Grant Must attend events!
Wyke Farms, the UK’s largest independent cheese
producers and exporters has announced a £1.3 million If you are on the look-out for fun and interesting events to
grant that has been secured from DEFRA to support the attend, there are several thelandsman will be attending this
companies 5 year plan for growth. The grant will fund year including:
a new cheese store and an extension to its packing and • The CLA Smart Farming Seminar, 2 April in Overbury,
distribution depot, both based in Wincanton, Somerset. Tewkesbury – it’s open to members and non-members
The improved site will enable the company to pick and • The Farm Shop & Deli Show, 8-10 April at the NEC in
pack up to 25,000 tonnes of cheddar for world markets. Birmingham – if you run a farm shop, a deli or are a retailer
Included in the plans are increased cheese storage to age sourcing local/artisan products it’s the show for you
more Ivys Vintage cheddar for export markets. It will also • Honiton Show, Thursday 1st August.
include a new production line to facilitate a more diverse • Dinnington Docks, Dinnington - for a Sunday Lunch.
range of products; this is important to the company who The best roast potatoes I have tasted in years!
have ambitious export focused products planned for 2019
with longer than traditional shelf lives and differing formats
Honiton Show
for different regions. The site will also house another state
of the art flow wrap line. In addition, the work flow will
benefit from upskilling as manual labour will be replaced
1 Aug 2019
with skilled roles. The investment will also help the
company to continue to pay a sustainable milk price to its
123 supplying dairy farmers.
Richard Clothier, third generation family member and
Managing Director, comments: “Our two year Brexit growth The show is held in the heart of
plan to get us to £100 million sales won’t happen without the East Devon Countryside on a
investing. We are not banking the currency advantage, but 140 acre site and has grown to be
consciously using the money to invest in tastings etc to one of the largest one day agricultural shows in the country.
drive growth in regions across the world.” It offers a unique atmosphere blending traditional and new
with an emphasis on agriculture and its associated activities.
www.wykefarms.com It is a showcase for the best of local farming, produce, crafts and
rural skills and attracts more than 20,000 visitors every year.
3
Welcome! inside this issue
News3
For a small title tucked away in
the rural south west, we have Aldi6-7
great reach, a loyal following The supermarket supporting south west suppliers
and we cover topics of interest Food & drink 9
to both the farmer and the One man’s journey to restore a community’s pub
consumer alike. That was of
The National Allotment Society 10
course the plan. Although when
Allotments on farmland - a diversification option for farmers?
we took over thelandsman 5 years ago we spoke mostly to
farmers/smallholders and landowners which was great, CLA11
however we felt we could be so much more. Smart farming
We wanted to share life in the countryside with the Rural issues 12-13
average person on the street. We felt we should share Where there’s a headline, there may be a fact? 12
the workings of our countryside and the important role of Our precious soil 13
those people working within it – they are custodians of our
Soil Association 14
land after all, and provide the food on our tables. So, over Counting sheep
a series of issues we extended our distribution through
selected supermarkets and through digital partners. Stags15
We engaged with some of the industry’s top companies March, the month of agricultural rent reviews:
advice to landlords and tenants
and asked them to share their knowledge with us: NFU,
Red Tractor, Soil Association amongst many others have NFU16
been supporters of our vision and provided some insightful Farming for the future
articles. We developed the role of our smallholders Veterinary practice 17
too, between them Gillian Dixon and Emma Hillier have Goats
explained what we see in our fields and how non-farming
Smallholding18-21
types can live a life off the land.
Starting with goats 18-19
Our journey hasn’t been easy. To keep it fresh and to A needle in a haystack - finding your perfect smallholding 21
ensure we continue to be that source of information, I have
spent the best part of a year trying to get the supermarkets Show & event guide 2019 23-29
to share with us their policies on sourcing British and local A farmer’s view 30
produce. I shouldn’t be surprised that none wanted to talk. Hands free farming
Perhaps it is because we are just a small magazine tucked
Devon Rural Skills Trust 31
away in the south west but tall oaks from little acorns grow. Wonderful willow
I would suggest however there are other reasons.
Just as I felt I wasn’t going to get through this brick wall Making a country living 32-33
ALDI came good and said ‘Yes, we’d like to talk with you’ Sheppy’s Cider
and in this issue the organisation talks about its policy All Terrain Wheelchairs 34
on supporting British farming and agriculture. I was Surf’s up for Bruno
surprised at how these relative newbies to the market Gardening36-37
have developed great strategies in support of ‘local’ and I A garden of annuals in pots
am quite simply chuffed to have them on board. So, Tesco,
Asda, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, Coop, Waitrose what are you Kitchen Garden 39
Module sowing
waiting for? We’d love to hear from you!
Rebecca Hacker
& thelandsman team twitter.com/landsmanlife
PUBLISHED BY:
Soap Communications Ltd | The Granary & Sawmill | Tickenham Court | Washing Pound Lane | Clevedon | N. Somerset | BS21 6SB
studio@thelandsman.co.uk | T. 01275 400778 | www.thelandsman.co.uk
Editorial: Rebecca Hacker | Art Editor: Laurie Edwards | Production: Rachael Ellway
Advertising: Sandra Hardie | sandra@thelandsman.co.uk | T. 01460 55105
Disclaimer: Every effort is made to ensure accuracy of dates, event information and advertisements. thelandsman accepts no responsibility for events that might be cancelled and can
accept no responsibility for the accuracy of any information or claims made by advertisers included in this magazine. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views
of thelandsman. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission strictly prohibited.
© Copyright 2018. Soap Communications Ltd
4
TRANSFORM YOUR SEPTIC TANK REDUCE
Organic Sludge
by up to
NOW you can create an odourless, 97%
blockage-free septic system…
AND SAVE £100’S ON SEPTIC TANK PUMP-OUTS
12 Monthly
FLUSHABLE
Kick Treatments
Start Your
MUCK MUNCHERS CLEANER
HEALTHIER
ONLY
Naturally Restores and Maintains Healthy, Efficient Septic £34.95
Septic Systems and Clog-Free Outflow Drains Tank!
Muck Munchers are entirely biological, containing natural enzymes
and healthy, helpful little micro-organisms that set to work in their
billions, to digest waste and cleanse your entire septic system.
Suitable for all septic tanks,
In breaking-down organic solids, eliminating smells, drain and soakaway including Klargesters and
blockages and overflows, Muck Munchers regenerates septic systems. bio-filter treatment units
The net result – a massive reduction in waste by up to 97% – meaning
fewer expensive pump-outs, less likelihood of septic tank failure and ✔ Fewer Expensive Pump-Outs
exorbitant soakaway re-build costs. ✔ Prevents Blockages
✔ Eliminates Unpleasant Smells
How do I set MUCK MUNCHERS to WORK ✔ Safe Natural Formulation
It’s as EASY AS 1, 2, 3... ✔ Eliminates Grease Build-Ups
1. Drop the Kick-Start Bio-Booster in to ✔ Reduces Dangers to Health
a toilet and leave a few minutes for the
microbe sachet to partially dissolve. Counteracts Hazardous
✔ Chemicals and Gases
2. Now, just flush it down the loo, to get
things going and activate your tank.
3. Then each month, simply flush down a FREE Start-Up Booster Kit
Muck Munchers solu-pack. We’ll even
send you an email reminder once a month.
WORTH £17.50!
Order your 12 Monthly Programme
today, and we’ll send you a FREE
Kick-Start Bio-Booster to rapidly
activate and reinvigorate your tank.
HURRY! PLACE YOUR ORDER TODAY...
CALL 01626 880 912 or visit muck-munchers.co.uk
YES – I want a cleaner, sewage tank, free-flowing drains and to save on costly
pump-outs. Send to Bio-Gard Limited, Woodview Road, Paignton Devon, TQ4 7SR
Please Send Me - Price Qty Total Name Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms 100%
Price
Address Guaranteed
12 Months’ Muck
MM12BB1 Munchers Programme £34.95 At Bio-Gard we really
(12 x MM Solu-Packs) care about our products
Kick-Start Booster Postcode and customers.
PLUS
100g Treatment £17.50 1 FREE
Email* If you are not entirely satisfied,
Postage, Packaging & Delivery Insurance £4.95
return any unused packs
TOTAL AMOUNT Telephone
and we’ll return every
penny you’ve spent.
I enclose my cheque made payable to Bio-Gard Limited
Debit my VISA Mastercard Maestro Code LDM85
Code LDM86
Card Number
Martin Harvey, Director
Start End Maestro Card Security
Date Date Issue Date Number
(last 3 numbers on signature strip)
*YOUR MONTHLY FLUSH AND FORGET EMAIL – By including your email address, we’ll send you a reminder each month to treat your tank. You can
unsubscribe at any time. Learn more at www.muck-munchers.co.uk/privacy.asp. Please tick if you would prefer not to receive offers other than from us.
aldi
The supermarket supporting south west suppliers
by Aldi
6
aldi
Over the next two years, we are investing in new and
upgraded stores, along with new distribution centres across the
UK. This investment will create 5,000 new jobs throughout the
UK, as well as a vast range of new supplier opportunities.
We’re incredibly proud of the relationship we have with our
British suppliers and look to continue growing with local, British
suppliers. This is proved in part by the Grocery Code Adjudicator
Supplier Survey where we were named best performing
retailer for compliance with the GSCOP (Grocery Supply Code
Of Practice) for the fifth year running”.
*Kantar data, 12 weeks to 27th January 2019.
Aldi, the UK’s fastest growing and fifth largest supermarket*,
continues to expand across the UK. It currently has over 60
stores in the South West and is on course to open 1,200 stores
across the UK by 2025. Julie Ashfield, Aldi Managing Director of
Buying, explains why the supermarket’s relationship with British
suppliers is fundamental to its long-term success in the UK.
“Our customers regularly tell us one of the main reasons
they shop with us is because we stock an extensive range of
products sourced from British suppliers,” she said.
“It’s been a focus for us since we opened our first UK store
in 1990. Whenever possible we will always source from the
UK and more than three-quarters of our total sales are from
products sourced from British suppliers.
This includes working with 115 suppliers and production
facilities across the South West. For example, Trewithen Dairy
based in Lostwithiel, supplies milk to our stores in Cornwall,
and Mark Blakeney based at Downs View Farm in Wiltshire Supplier case study:
supplies lambs to our stores across the UK.
The relationships we have built with these suppliers have Riviera Produce, based in Hayle, West Cornwall, started
been crucial to our success. We now invest more than £100m working with Aldi nine years ago, and now delivers around
per week with thousands of British suppliers, and are helping 12 million cauliflowers to the supermarket each year.
them to create jobs and develop their businesses. Many of these The contract has resulted in the creation of 120 jobs on the
suppliers have worked with Aldi since we opened in the UK farm, and the family owned-business has also been able to
almost 30 years ago. invest heavily in its operations and has introduced improved
For us, working with our suppliers is all about clear packing facilities, solar panels and eco-friendly refrigeration.
commitments and delivering on promises. For example, we As Aldi has continued to expand the number of stores
never let our growers make financial commitments without it has across the UK, Riviera has invested £5million in
prior agreement on cost, specifications and volumes. Never technology to increase its output. The farm is now able to
using ‘buy one get one free’ offers or multibuy promotions also grow high-quality produce throughout the year, negating
keeps our sales volumes and buying patterns stable, and once the need for imports during winter months.
terms have been agreed we don’t change them. “We’ve come a long way since our business began in
Close communication with our suppliers is helpful in a range 1870, and continued investment from Aldi is enabling us
of ways. It puts us in a position to be able to place additional to grow and modernise more than ever before,” said David
orders in the event of a bumper crop due to seasonal weather Simmons, Managing Director at Riviera Produce.
fluctuations. In 2017, we purchased 750,000 cauliflowers and “Aldi’s support for British farmers such as ourselves is
sold them at a market-leading price to support British farmers leading to an increase in our yields, which means more
facing a seasonal glut of the increasingly popular brassica. All people across the country are able to enjoy our products.”
of this has helped us increase our proportion of British-sourced Julie Ashfield, Managing Director of Buying at Aldi,
fresh produce to 45 per cent, which is above the industry average. said: “Our approach is based on consistency and stability.
And still, in 2019, at a time when the retail sector as a whole Our partnership with Riviera results in high quality products
is struggling, and growth in the wider economy is flat, we for our customers, whilst at the same time growing their
continue to invest in our business to create new jobs and in livelihood and creating jobs for the community.”
doing so support British farmers and manufacturers.
7
Streamcombe Cookery School
Dulverton - Exmoor - Somerset
Breadmaking
Fish cookery
Culinary techniques
Game & seasonal food
Indian and Italian
plus
Team building
Private groups
Day courses from £125
ian@streamcombecookery.co.uk | 01398 322873
The Somerset Smokery
www.streamcombecookery.co.uk
EasterattheSmokery How can you reach 170,000 consumers?
Fabulous feasts &
You advertise in thelandsman.
· Across the south west approximately
Gastronomic gifts this Easter 50,000 people read the printed version
For all your sumptuous treats either delight or indulge
· Nationally approximately 120,000
Enjoy 1kg sliced salmon side people receive the digital version.
£32.00 collected £35.00 delivered Our readers are regular and loyal. Are your
customers as regular and loyal as ours?
Mail order, Easter gifts and treats
Visit our shop and restaurant in Hambridge, Somerset TA10 0BP
01458 250875 or visit www.brownandforrest.co.uk
Call Sandra Hardie today on 01460 55105
or email Sandra@thelandsman.co.uk
8
food & drink
One man’s journey to
restore a community’s pub
by the Dinnington Docks
The Dinnington Docks public house is changing…mostly, for
what we’re told, is for the better. However, taking a call from my
somewhat stressed son one Thursday morning, having found
a few inches of water flooding the bar, just a few hours before
opening, was the start of that colossal change. We’d had a flood,
due to a ‘plumbing failure’ during the fit out of a new kitchen in
the accommodation that was to be occupied by our chef Kirsty.
We had planned a schedule of refurbishment works some
weeks ahead and hadn’t anticipated a flood which was both
extremely costly and inconvenient. What else could possibly
go wrong I hear you ask…
Well the first Sunday in January I find myself clearing the
bar ready for the multitude of local craftsman to arrive the
next day. It’s 1am Monday and I notice smoke coming from the loads of waste in the process. We now have outside lighting and
side of the chimney – rushing outside I see flames bellowing a smart new pub sign has been fitted – much more befitting this
from the stack. A tense 20 minutes later we have 2 fire engines charming pub steeped in history.
pumping copious amounts of water on to the roof dousing down Gone was the detritus; the rotting and decaying. This pub was
the hot chimney. Several hours on, and with many wet and dirty starting to reveal its soul again and the best complement in this
fireman’s boot prints on the new carpets, the fire is out. I must epic challenge to restore this pub to its original condition? “I can’t
confess I simply collapsed in tears wondering what else would see what you’ve done”. Those words in my book are success.
test my love for this amazing pub. We faced and met many challenges from the start – we knew
Over the coming week, we bravely fought on, at times fighting it wasn’t going to be easy but nothing prepared us for the blood,
and wrestling the Docks into submission. Digging 3 layers of sweat and tears this project would bring. It’s hard to believe
concrete from the cellar floor, re plumbing, re wiring, fitting new how quickly this was all achieved. A staggering 4 and half days
drainage, damp membrane, laying a new concrete floor, painting later we re-opened.
walls – it was endless. The work and dedication and skill of the all the amazing
Fitting all new cellar equipment, shelving, replacing trades people that helped can never be taken for granted. One
everything from the cask and keg to the bar equipment, our 1st of them (you know who you are) simply gave me a big man hug
cask marque bar assessment saw a solid 100% pass and high Friday morning, telling me he was amazed how hard everyone
praise indeed for our hard work. We are delighted to report we had worked and how I’d survived with only a few hours of sleep,
now have a cellar the envy of many a publican. dealing with problem after problem. All I could say was, I love
In the bar we sanded, varnished, painted and we fitted new this pub, and thank you for being a star.
furniture. Every minute and intricate detail considered to ensure Crying is not something I generally do but the pub has made
this restoration was true and sympathetic, preserving the me cry more in 4 months than I have in years. Exhaustion, hard
original beauty of this adored pub. And again, new plumbing, work and the amazing support of so many people coupled with
new wiring and lights, a wall re-plastered and everything re a daft passion for this great pub means a few tears matters not.
painted. Integrity always being my most important concern, Everyone that worked that week, worked above and beyond,
we picked paint colours to match the original, just better. We delivering an amazing result despite the unplanned challenges.
whipped out the nasty plate mirror, replacing it with several All that is left to say is - THANK YOU!
period originals, we even re-fitted the Bakelite switches. I’ve posted the names of all the trades that helped in this
Thanks to R A Wicks we have a new fireplace hearth, wood restoration project on Facebook. If anyone needs a good
burner and above all a safe relined chimney and replaced pot – tradesperson I can help, please just ask. I will be happy to
I could not face another fire! recommend every single one of the amazing team that worked
No inch of this property was spared. Outside we replaced the here with us on the Dinnington Docks.
drainage and installed plumbing. An unused space was dug out
to reveal decades of rubbish, buried fridges, baths and sinks Telephone: 01460 52397 | Email: info@dinningtondocks.com
all dug away to create a bigger car park. We removed 8 truck www.dinningtondocks.com
9
the national allotment society
Allotments on farmland -
Consideration needs to be given to facilities such as water
supply or rainwater harvesting, access to the site and whether
sheds and polytunnels are allowed on plots. Planning permission
a diversification
is not needed to create allotments if the land was agricultural, as
there is no change of use but may be required for other elements
of the site, such as new hard standing for cars. There may also
option for farmers?
be ongoing maintenance needs on site – clipping hedges etc and
the cost of this needs to be built in to the rents.
Another option for farmers is to let the land as a whole to an
allotment group or a Parish Council, a NAS representative has
by Di Appleyard, Marketing & PR Co-Ordinator, the National Allotment Society supported many groups to do this in the South West and the
sites are still growing well in 2019, despite their “temporary
Interest in renting an allotment and growing your own fruit and status”. The rental depends on the facilities offered such as
vegetables is still going strong but ironically, for eager growers water and fencing and is based on the local agricultural rental
in rural areas it can be tricky to find a plot to rent. Parish rate. In 2010 a group of growers in Somerton, frustrated by the
Councils who bear the statutory responsibility to provide sites lack of allotment facilities in the town got together and took out
can struggle to find public land to rent out, they are however, a 7- year lease with a local landowner. This lease enabled the
usually surrounded by agricultural land. allotment group to access a £10,000 grant for infrastructure
Some farmers have already taken this option and either run to enclose and set up the site. There is a total of 58 plots
allotment sites themselves or lease the land to an allotment measuring on average 10 metres x 12 metres, growing fruit
group or Parish Council. This not only gives them a rental and vegetables.
income but also a new customer base for their other products Landowners should not be apprehensive about letting land
and a home for surplus manure! as allotments because of the legislation protecting tenants of
One such site is Chyanhall Allotments, near Treluswell in statutory sites, private allotments fall under the same parts of
Cornwall. Kay and David Hicks started an allotment site as allotment legislation as temporary allotments, which are not
part of their farm ten years ago and it is still going strong. protected from disposal. The relevant part of the legislation
The site has 120 allotments on 8 acres and in 2019 is at full for private sites covers length of notice to quit, timing of notice
capacity with a waiting list. There are two sizes of allotment and compensation for crops. Membership of the National
available, a full plot - 250 m2 which costs £100 per year and Allotment Society gives landowners access to initial legal advice
a half size plot, costing £60 per year. The tenants, who come and support drawing up leases and tenancy agreements that
from a ten- mile radius have developed the plots themselves are fair for both landowner and tenant. We would advise any
from the original pasture. They have put in the rabbit proof landowner considering this move to obtain legal advice.
fencing around their plot and are encouraged to harvest Renting out farmland as allotments can be beneficial to both
rainwater to reduce costs, especially where crops are grown farmers and local residents, helping to stabilise farm incomes
under cover; they are allowed sheds and polytunnels of a and enriching and empowering communities. Plot-holders have
specified size. The family manage the site themselves and access to nutritious, seasonal, pesticide free food that has not
their main challenge has been dealing with plot-holders who travelled hundreds of miles and the social aspect of allotment
do not cultivate the plots, a familiar issue for all allotment growing can help to reduce that modern disease - loneliness.
managers but one that can be controlled with robust policies
from the outset. www.nsalg.org.uk
Plants love
Mycorrhizal fungi
‘plants natural lifelong partner’
www.rootgrow.co.uk | e: info@plantworksuk.co.uk
Manufactured under license granted by The Royal Horticultural Society RHS Registered Charity No: 222879/SC038262
10cla
CLA SOUTH WEST
Smart farming
SMART
by CLA
FARMING
TUESDAY 2 APRIL 2019
9.30am – 4pm
With increased emphasis placed on productivity within the
industry is smart farming the way forward? The CLA (Country
Land and Business Association) which represents more than
OVERBURY ENTERPRISES,
5,000 farmers and landowners in the South West, is hosting a
seminar which is going to explore Smart Farming with the help
OVERBURY, TEWKESBURY
of CLA members and industry leaders already leading the way
in new technologies in the industry.
GL20 7NR
A report from the Agricultural and Horticultural Development
Board (AHDB) revealed that UK farming is lagging behind our
key competitors when it comes to productivity. With Germany,
France, the Netherlands and the USA pulling ahead. The report
suggests that this productivity deficit has cost the UK economy
more than £4bn since the start of the century and that other
countries are generating more agricultural output for the same
levels of input. This is despite us having some of the most
dynamic and inspirational farming and growing businesses
right here in the UK. With the increasing emphasis from
government on environmental responsibility, productivity is key
in overcoming the challenges this can present.
Considering the role innovation and technology has in shaping
the industry will be appealing to those who are seeking to apply
these methods to their own businesses, no matter the scale.
This seminar will provide attendees with new ideas.
The CLA South West Smart Farming seminar, which is being
held at Overbury Enterprises, Tewkesbury, on 2 April, will
discuss the need for considering new options from small
changes in business practices or structures, to major
investments and the launch of inventive businesses.
As well as exploring what the future might hold when it
comes to farming methods, the seminar will explore multi-
mapping, hydroponics, farming with robots and farm and
cyber security.
There will be a farm walk, including the latest hi-tech
CLA SOUTH WEST
machinery and drone demonstrations with data and analytics.
This event is very kindly supported by Smith & Williamson,
Carter Jonas, Lighthouse Security and Tallis Amos.
Book on-line
Places must be booked in advance by contacting the CLA
south west on 01249 700200, email sarah.fern@cla.org.uk Register or login to MyCLA at www.cla.org.uk
or by booking online at www.cla.org.uk and navigating
to the South West events page.
11rural issues
Where there’s a headline,
there may be a fact?
by Stewart Horne
If there is one subject that the British love to talk about it has
to be the weather, despite other distractions like Brexit, if you
want a weather story buy the Daily Express or other tabloids. Whilst accepting the need for a change in people’s activities
If its floods, snow, droughts, record temperatures I have to say to help combat climate change, I do think agriculture gets more
the Red top papers can’t be beaten. Although in most instances than its fair share of blame. Its hedgerow loss that is causing
the papers predictions apply to very localised areas of the UK declines in insect numbers, its red meat production that must
rather than as suggested in the headlines every where. be reduced due to water usage and methane production, it’s the
Recently much of the south west was brought to a halt by 3-4 intensification of production that is the problem etc.
inches of snow, happily by 24 hours most people were back to Why has agriculture changed since the 1950’s? It’s because
their usual businesses. That’s the thing about the UK these “so of the demand from a growing world population for more and
called” extreme events don’t last long and in comparison, to cheaper food, something famers have been very successful at
many areas of the world are pretty benign. for decades particularly in Europe where the % of household
Spare a thought for Australia, the news a month ago was of income spent on food has declined to less than 10% in many
the record-breaking temperatures with many areas hitting 50 countries. Only the USA and Singapore consumers spend less
degrees C, now that is hot. Farmers in parts of Australia have than the UK on food. The Americans spend 6.4% of household
been trying to deal with little or no rain for several years now income on food with the UK at 8.4%.
with no sign of being able to plant crops this year. Meanwhile in If you think you can help combat climate change by changing
parts of Northern Queensland flood waters 6 metres high have your eating habits, please look behind the headlines before
reportedly drowned over 1,000,000 cattle. you do. The impact on the climate from red meat production
Whatever your view of climate change the weather seems for example can vary immensely depending on the method of
to be one of greater and greater extremes, Cornwall Council production, beef from an American feedlot eating processed
have declared a climate change emergency. The intention grains will have a much greater impact on the climate
being that the county becomes carbon neutral by 2030, a compared with beef grazing the moorlands of Dartmoor and
laudable intention and with the number of solar parks and Exmoor where the only crop that can be feasibly grown is grass.
wind turbines installed in Cornwall one that may be easier That grass is locking up considerable amounts of carbon as it
to achieve than in other counties. Some Cornwall councillors grows minimising the impact on the climate.
stated they didn’t believe in climate change but one look at the We must all take responsibility to make changes that
global temperature chart clearly demonstrates the increase reduce our impact on the environment, but please just like
in global temperatures over the last 30-40 years and it cannot the weather headlines, look behind the climate change advice
be a coincidence that this follows the 100 or so years since the and find out the real facts before jumping to conclusions and
industrial revolution. making bold gestures.
Woodland & Countryside Management
• Whip & tree planting
• Woodland management
• Tree surgery
• Invasive weed control
• Fencing
Visit glendale-services.co.uk or email hello@glendale-services.co.uk
Alternatively contact
Alternatively contact your
your local
localteam
teamfor
forfriendly
friendlyadvice:
advice:Launceston
Launceston01566
01566772
772802
802· Exeter 01392 444 432
Bristol:01392
Exeter 01275 444
464432
466•· Bristol
Marlborough 06172
01275 464 560
466 243 · Blandford
• Blandford Forum Forum
01258 01258 458 341
470 258 Leading a greener future
12rural issues
Our precious soil
by Dr Phillip Bratby, CPRE Devon
Soil is a precious resource, but one we neglect at our peril.
Farmers, of course, use it to grow crops and rear livestock.
This food is mostly sent to cities and contains important
minerals, the majority of which end up in sewage works.
Farmers need to replace these lost minerals from the soil,
either by recycling them from sewage or by using fertilisers. We must protect our most precious fertile soils by growing
Most soils are only capable of supporting specialised types of suitable crops, by use of crop rotation, by not allowing mono-
vegetation. About one-third of the Earth’s land has no soil at all culture on a vast scale, by recycling minerals and by protecting
and the rest has only small pockets of high-quality, agricultural them from erosion. Most importantly, we must not continue to
soil. Most countries have limited amounts and yet they squander build on the world’s best soils, burying this life-giving resource
it - burying some of their best soils under towns and cities. under concrete and tarmac.
Fertile soil consists mainly of small particles of sand, silt,
and clay and these soils only form in small areas as a result of CPRE Devon’s mission is to protect our countryside in a
weathering due to climatic processes, together with vegetative way that underpins the local economy whilst maintaining
growth. They are not the soils found under the two great forest the balance between necessary development and a tranquil,
regions, the boreal and the rain forests, which - if cleared for productive and beautiful environment. If you love the
agriculture - expose the soil and two major changes often occur. Devon countryside and support our aims, please join us!
Either heavy rains result in severe erosion or the soil bakes
iron-hard in the tropical sun. Visit www.cpredevon.org.uk or call 01392 966737
Love Devon?
Protect Devon!
Short & medium–term
Join CPRE principal lender
Specialist Lender to the
UK Agricultural Sector
Secured lending Diversification
for the following Working capital / livestock purchases
Property and project development
purposes:
Business restructuring
Funds can be Land / farm purchases
agreed in 2-4 weeks Renewable energy
www.cpredevon.org.uk
Our loans are for business purposes only. Broker enquires welcome.
Our business covers England, Scotland and Wales.
01392 966737
info@cpredevon.org.uk
The Voice for Devon’s
Countryside
info@ukagriculturalfinance.com
The Devon Branch of the Campaign to Protect Rural England CIO www.ukagriculturalfinance.com 01732 252 399
A charitable incorporated organisation with registered charity number 1175228
13soil association Counting sheep by Liz Bowles, Associate Director for Farming & Land Use, Soil Association Organic farming can often be associated with a lack of pesticides and genetic modification, but organic standards are also just as important in ensuring the welfare of livestock animals and they do not allow routine use of antibiotics. Liz Bowles, associate director for farming & land use at the Soil Association, explains what organic means for livestock farmers and how this benefits not only the wellbeing of the animals, but also the health of people and planet. With over 20 years in the agricultural sector and as a proud Nations). Indeed, increasingly researchers are seeing that the owner of a flock of pedigree Shropshire sheep, I have seen widespread adoption of agroecological farming systems, such how animal welfare standards have increasingly come under as organic, together with reduction in food waste and some public scrutiny with many campaigns for higher standards of dietary change can feed the world well and reduce the impact livestock farming. Despite this, with a rising human population of food production on our world. and demand for food, intensive farming systems are becoming Organic farmers rely on a range of mechanisms to maintain ever more common with the majority of pigs, chickens and, soil fertility such as the inclusion of clovers and other legumes increasingly, dairy cows, living their lives indoors, sometimes in grass seeds mixtures, as they are not permitted to use in cramped and dull environments. Such living conditions, artificial nitrogen fertilisers or herbicides. This together with whilst capable of supporting animal health, do not enable longer arable rotations, including fertility building leys, delivers animals to exhibit their normal behaviours, which in turn further benefit to the environment in supporting higher levels impacts on welfare. of soil life, reduced soil compaction and higher levels of soil The Soil Association’s organic standards provide for the organic matter. highest levels of animal welfare. Organic farmers must provide Recently there have been many reports stating that we more space for their animals and more opportunities to range should eat much less red meat and, even, rather increase and forage, for example by ensuring animals are out on pasture our consumption of white meat. At the Soil Association at every opportunity. By working closely with farmers, we strive we are working hard to increase our understanding of to build opportunities for high welfare systems, ensuring that how the calculations which result in these assertions and farmers can provide a good life for their animals while also recommendations are arrived at. What we are finding is that running a successful and practical business. there is a need to improve the accuracy of these calculations, It is also essential for human health that we improve the reducing our reliance on global averages and better quality of life for livestock as we face the growing crisis of differentiation of production systems. Rather than making great antibiotic resistance. Whilst livestock farmers are making great reductions in red meat consumption, we recommend eating less strides in reducing the use of preventative antibiotics, especially but better meat and dairy products, by which we mean products in the broiler sector, there is still more that needs to be done from predominantly grass-fed systems. and increasingly farmers are starting to appreciate the need With the spotlight increasingly being shone on farmers to change the system itself to deliver these further reductions. to improve their standards when it comes to the welfare of In contrast, the preventative use of antibiotics is banned in animals as well as the methods of food production, organic organic farming. farming really can provide a better solution to the problems As a sheep farmer I have seen an increase in recent years faced by agriculture. in the preventative use of antibiotics in new born lambs to prevent watery mouth (E. Coli), which it is now recognised Take action can lead to higher levels of antibiotic resistance in sheep. But If you agree that animals should have a very good life where in reality, there is no need for such interventions if ewes are they can care for their young, graze, root, peck and play, you can managed properly and lambs receive adequate supplies of add your voice to the call for higher animal welfare standards good quality colostrum quickly after birth and if post lambing by giving a regular donation to the Soil Association. The charity hygiene is good. campaigns for stronger animal welfare rules and incentives, Choosing organic also helps to protect us against the to help farmers invest in welfare and to ensure UK welfare dangers of climate change. Organic farming practices, such as schemes are bold and ambitious: your support can make agroforestry and use of natural fertilisers rather than synthetic a huge difference. ones reliant on oil, are considered to be climate friendly by the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Find out more at www.soilassociation.org/improve-welfare 14
stags
March, the month of
“The most simple and cost effective process is for the
Landlord and Tenant, or their agents, to meet and agree a
new rent however this is not always possible and opinions do
agricultural rent reviews:
become entrenched” says Mr Neason. “If this happens it may
be necessary for a decision to be made by an arbitrator”.
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors has now
advice to landlords
introduced a simplified Arbitration process which has been
designed to be faster and with a much lower cost to the
parties. The procedure is more informal and relaxed compared
and tenants
with traditional approaches to arbitration.
Mr Neason, who is a member of the RICS President’s panel
by Mark Neason, Stags of Arbitrators is hoping that the new regime will mean
that costs will not get in the way of a proper and fair rent
Most tenancies of agricultural land, buildings and farmhouses settlement. Mr Neason says “In order for Landlords and
contain provision for the rent to be reviewed every three years. Tenants, or their agents to negotiate rents it is important to
This does not automatically mean that the rent will vary either try and align offers with the likely opinion of an arbitrator
upwards or downwards, but it does exercise the minds of because, if all else fails, arbitration will be the long stop.
Landlords and Tenants when the occasion approaches.
“March 2019 will be particularly interesting given the If anybody has any questions regarding market rents, the rent
current uncertainties over subsidies and exports” say Mark review process or arbitration please feel to contact Stags
Neason of Stags Professional Services. Those considering a Professional Services on 01392 439046 or 01823 653424
rent review in March 2020 will need to serve a notice at least to speak directly to Mr Neason.
12 months in advance. “That goes for Landlords requiring an
increase or Tenants anticipating a downturn in rents.” www.stags.co.uk
The West Country is Stags Country
stags.co.uk
STAGS PROFESSIONAL
SERVICES
• Rent review negotiations
• Successions applications and
4th March - MilkSure succession planning
11th March - Mobility Scoring Course
• Consent for improvements
11th March - Safe Use Of Veterinary Medicine (Sheep)
19th - 21st March - DIY AI • Tenant right valuations
15th - 16th April - 2 Day Foot Trimming Course
14th May - Safe Use Of Veterinary Medicine (Sheep) • Creation and termination of agricultural tenancies
15th May - Practical Calving
21st May - Safe Use Of Veterinary Medicine (General) • Tenancy surrenders
3rd June - Mobility Scoring Course
• Surrender and re-grant
25th - 27th June - DIY AI 3 Day Course
For further information contact
T: 01392 439046 | E: professional@stags.co.uk
to be put in touch with your local professional.
15nfu
Farming for the future
by By David George, Regional Communication Adviser, South West NFU
Perhaps it’s just me, but I can’t help feeling that farming has
gained a slightly trendier image of late.
This is at least partly to do with the media profile of some
young(er) personalities who don’t conform to the ‘tweeds and
wellies’ image which thoughts of farming generally conjure up.
Hannah Jackson, aka the Red Shepherdess, has been
competing in the Channel 4 show Who Dares Wins; Alex James,
the bass player in Blur, is now perhaps better known for making
cheese, running a farm in the Cotswolds and organising the Big
Feastival with his mate Jamie Oliver; JB Gill, formerly of the 65 or older has increased by 70% in the last 10 years, and the
boy band JLS, now farms turkey and pork. JB is enthusiastic number under the age of 25 has gone down by 63%.
about his future in farming, telling the NFU’s #studentfarmer Any industry requires a regular influx of new blood if it is to
magazine why he’s so keen on it. innovate and prosper, and farming is no exception.
“It’s hard, physical work so it keeps you fit, you get to work “Agriculture is an incredibly innovative and rewarding sector...
with animals, you’re your own boss, and you can keep up with the next generation of farmers will be vital to the industry’s
the trends by posting everything on social media for everyone success in the future,” said NFU Deputy President Guy Smith.
else to see.” One of the reasons aspiring farmers may abandon their plans
University clearing service UCAS is reporting a rise in the to get into agriculture is that they feel they have to own a viable
number of people looking at agriculture courses, with 15,130 farm. Unless you have a couple of million pounds in your pocket
students currently studying the subject – or various related you’re unlikely to be able to buy one (possibly that’s one reason
topics, including forestry and animal science. why farms are popular with rock stars) and even if there’s one
So what are we to make of the worrying statistic that, in the family, farmers are notoriously bad at making plans for
despite these more youthful role models and an abundance of handing it on to the next generation.
agricultural students, the average age of a farmer in the UK is There are ways of getting into farming without having to
59 and just three percent of farmers are aged under 35. The own a farm yourself. Many families are finding that their
vast majority (52 per cent) are aged 45 to 64 and this proportion children are exploring options away from the farming business,
has held fairly steady over the last ten years or so. so they are exploring alternative options, including share
Bear in mind these are Defra figures that reflect the age of farming agreements.
the person in whose name the agricultural holding is registered, One of the problems is that easing the older generation out
so they don’t take into consideration daughters, sons or farm of the way can often be seen as a taboo subject. After one
workers who might be involved in the business, but all the same or two uncomfortable discussions there may be a certain
they do not paint an encouraging picture. This is backed up by reluctance to raise the topic once again – it’s not unknown for
some even more alarming research recently carried out by succession-related issues to result in entire families not talking
Barclays, which found that the number of farmers who are aged at the breakfast table for several years.
Some of the pitfalls have been highlighted in a video
produced by the National Federation of Young Farmers Clubs
(NFYFC) which also gives some handy tips about how to
tackle such a potentially difficult subject. This includes making
sure everyone is honest with each other, being clear about what
the objectives are for the farming business and considering
seeking professional advice at an early stage. Of course that is
easier said than done, but it is good advice all the same.
However you go about it, to ensure the transition from one
generation to the next is done smoothly, careful planning is
essential rather than it being left to chance. Every industry
needs new talent to innovate and look to new markets, and the
next generation will be vital in boosting productivity and driving
industry growth.
Watch the NFYFC video at www.nfyfc.org.uk/succession
16veterinary practice
Goats
Castration – The need for castration will depend on the
objectives of your herd. If rearing goats for meat, uncastrated
males will have better grow rates and feed efficiency, however,
if kept for longer than 4 months, not only will you need to
by Abi Charlesworth BSc (Hons) BVetMed MRCVS PGDipVCP separate males and females to avoid unwanted pregnancies,
but the meat may become darkened and develop a strong,
Whether you are considering keeping goats for milk, meat, fibre undesirable flavour. Additionally, uncastrated males tend not to
production or simply because they make for excellent pets, this make suitable pets, due to the development of secondary sexual
article aims to provide you with some useful information from behaviours, including spraying and male odour.
a veterinary surgeon’s perspective. As with all surgical procedures, there are inherent risks
associated, so experience is essential and whilst it may seem
Health planning more sensible to castrate at a younger age in most species,
Vaccination – Goats are particularly susceptible to a number of early castration in goats can increase the chance of urinary
bacterial diseases, namely Clostridia, which can often be fatal. tract obstructions later in life. The best advice would be to
Although there are no vaccines licensed for use in goats in the discuss and identify the reasons behind wanting to perform
UK, it is strongly advised to adhere to a strict vaccination protocol such procedures with your veterinary surgeon in order to
to provide protection against the disease within your herd. ensure that animal welfare is paramount.
Worming – Goats are browsing animals – their natural diet Whilst this article briefly covers certain aspects of goat
would mainly consist of goodies from hedgerows, bushes and management, if you are considering starting a herd of your own
trees, as opposed to grazing pasture, which would reduce their be sure to familiarise yourself with all aspects of goat husbandry
exposure to worms. Unlike sheep, goats are unable to develop and management before embarking on your journey.
a natural ‘immunity’ to worms, which means that every goat
must be considered within your worming schedule. In addition Legally accepted methods of castration within the UK
to this, permanent pastures can very quickly become heavily
Person able Anaesthetic
contaminated making worm control challenging and the Age Method
to perform: required?
development of worm resistance likely even in small herds.
Therefore, it is strongly advised that goats should be wormed only Rubber Ring Anyone No
1-7 days
when necessary through the use of faecal egg count monitoring. Burdizzo Anyone No
2 months Surgical Yes
in goats to be performed by a veterinary surgeon because there Surgeon
are considerable risks of complications, including toxicity and
trauma, if performed incorrectly. Although goats are generally ‘Interesting fact: Unlike cattle and sheep, breeding for hornless
friendly animals, they will use their horns to their advantage or ‘polled’ goats is closely associated with hermaphroditism,
when establishing hierarchy within a herd, and whilst goats which is why it is not advised to mate two polled goats.’
seldom use their horns to intentionally harm humans, it ‘If disbudding is to be performed, it is recommended to be
can make management difficult. Not all goats are routinely carried out within the first 2-7days of life, any later than this
disbudded, but it is something that you may wish to consider could result in regrowth of the horn.’
if intending to house with other hornless animals or if children
are involved in their care. www.synergyfarmhealth.com
17smallholding - south yeo farm east
Starting with goats by Gillian Dixon, South Yeo Farm East
For years I have wanted goats but my husband firmly put his foot down. Eventually
I wore the poor man down and now we have four (shortly to be more as they
are in kid) and I love them to bits – he is even wavering too, having weakened
to their amusing antics.
When trying to decide on a breed to keep, I looked at meat Whether you are wanting to keep a couple of goats as pets
breeds like the chunky Boar or milking breeds like the rare and in a back garden or breed a sizeable herd, they fall under the
native Guernsey or attractive Anglo Nubian, but knowing my same livestock-keeping rules as all other farm livestock, so you
husband’s reluctance to admit even goat’s cheese into the house, should familiarise yourself with the legalities before purchasing
neither would have been suitable, and if I am honest, I could not your first goats. You will need a Holding Number from Defra,
fit milking a goat daily into my currently packed daily routine. to register as a goat keeper with your Local Authority Animal
As long-time supporters of the Rare Breeds Survival Trust, I Health Office and obtain a herd number, complete movement
considered the rare Bagot goat that falls somewhere between paperwork and maintain a holding register and veterinary
meat and milker and even adopting some of the feral Lynton records which must be made available for inspection if required.
goats, but knew that whatever I settled on, it had to be kept firmly Your goats will need to be tagged before you buy them and these
within its pen as I had promised they would be no trouble…Goats tags should remain with the animal for life; you do not remove
do have rather a reputation for escaping. So, in the end, I settled them when they come to you or replace them with your own
on the knee high Pygmy goat. Not much good for meat or milk tags. If any are lost, you should replace them. Tags are a bit of
but desperately cute, great characters, come in a wide variety an emotive issue with goat keepers as goats do like to stick their
of colours and are popular as a pet or showing breed. heads through fences, so are more likely to tear an ear and loose
18south yeo farm east - smallholding
tags as they get caught up, so many keepers do not like tagging.
There is a common misperception that goats are just like
sheep, but they are not, although they do suffer many of the
same foot and parasite problems (see the article by Abbie on
page 17 of this issue for goat veterinary advice). Goats are born
with horns and many breeders have them ‘disbudded’ by a vet
in their first week of life to prevent the horns from growing
to prevent injury to handlers or other goats. The general
recommendation is that you should not mix horned and non-
horned goats, sticking with one or the other, but I have known
keepers with both and it has not been an issue. If they are to be
kept around young children, then de-horned goats are probably
a better choice.
Goats need access to shelter at all times year-round; it as they can be prone to putting on weight which does them
something as simple as a converted garden shed will do or no good). Try different ones until you find the right combination
purpose made stable or field shelter. This should be bedded for your animals. Talk to the breeder you purchase them from
with shavings or straw and a permanently filled hay rack to find out what they feed. They key thing to remember is that
installed at a height where the goats cannot climb in and risk sheep feed does not contain copper which goats do need, so you
breaking a leg if it gets caught as they jump out. They do tend need to ensure they get a copper ration from some source. They
to be quite wasteful of hay so it often ends up as part of the will also benefit from having free access to a mineral/salt lick
bedding in the house. They do love to climb, so a raised platform (containing copper – make sure any sheep you might have do
in the house and another in their run is appreciated too. Water not have access to this though).
should be provided and changed regularly to keep it fresh. On When looking to buy your first goats, visit several breeders
rainy days, don’t be surprised if your goats do not come outside to see their set-up and ask as many questions as you can. A
at all. In our system, the goats live in a tennis court sized run good breeder will be happy to talk goats all day long! If keeping
with free access to their house during the summer months; I for pets rather than breeding, then castrated males might be a
don’t shut them up at night, allowing them to come and go as better option for you, particularly if you live in a village or built
they please. In the wetter winter months, they live in our farm up area, as female goats will bleat noisily for 2-3 days when in
yard in a larger stable at night and on wet days, and willingly season every 3 weeks and can be annoying to neighbours. It is
follow me out to a run during the day when it is dry, then come really only the entire males, billys, who smell as they urinate on
back inside at night. themselves to make them attractive to their ladies.
Goats can be kept in a relatively small space as long as their Young goats are usually weaned at 3-4 months old, so most
needs are met. As they are browsers rather than grazers, are sold at this age or older. At this point they should be fine to
they are not likely to keep their paddock grass neatly cut leave their mother as they will have been eating solid food for
short, but give them access to your hedges and they will keep several months. Be careful when transporting goats that your
them nicely trimmed for you! They will appreciate it if you cut vehicle is suitable, that they cannot get horns caught in any
‘browsings’ and feed them to them each day. Willow, hazel mesh for example during transit. Many keepers will use collars
and other hedgerow species are ideal, although do familiarise on their goats for ease of handling and they quickly learn to
yourself with the relatively long list of plants that are poisonous walk on a lead but should never be left tied up. If you have
to goats – such as laurel, rhododendron, laburnum, yew and horned goats, then consider removing the collars when they
other garden plants. You may not intentionally feed them to are not needed so they cannot get caught up.
your goats, but if they should escape, they may find them, so be Familiarise yourself with the health requirements of keeping
careful what you grow elsewhere. You will need good fences as your new goats. They will need vaccinating twice a year. Their
they do tend to climb, or stand up on the fence with their front feet will need trimming occasionally and tending to correctly if
feet to reach what is beyond. Our pygmies have not jumped over they become lame. They can become susceptible to a number
our standard stock fencing, but will push under it if there are of internal and external parasites, so will need monitoring and
gaps, so if you intend to keep larger breeds, raise the height of treating as required – register with a livestock vet who can
the fence – rails on top are good for that – and consider rails help advise on this. But most of all, enjoy them, they really do
along the bottom too if the ground is uneven. respond to interaction with humans and are very intelligent;
Goats, unlike sheep, need feeding a solid ration in addition I defy you not to grin at their crazy antics.
to their hay and browsings daily. Read any goat keeping book
or talk to goat keepers and you will receive many different Gillian and her husband Ian farm near Okehampton and run
recommendations on what to feed and how much. Most introductory livestock keeping courses for smallholders.
agricultural feed merchants will supply specialist goat food; I For further information on what they do, follow them on
have found a coarse mix designed for goats suits ours best and Twitter @southyeoeast, on Facebook ‘Farmer Dixon’ or see
keeps them in good all round condition (careful you don’t overdo www.southyeofarm.co.uk/smallholder_training
19You can also read
