Anglia Farmer - March 2022

March 2022

Anglia

Farmer Serving the farming industry across East Anglia for over 35 years

Winter barley: Why new varieties boast higher yields and better agronomics

News Plea to sign up to stewardship

Soil health How to improve your crop yields

Livestock Tips to get most from spring grass

Arable Act early against cereal diseases

Water Defra pledges clarity on manure rules

Professional services Retirement scheme set to launch

Methane machine: Tractor of the future?

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Anglia Farmer

OPINION Johann Tasker

EDITORIAL Editor: Johann Tasker | T: 07967 634971 E: johann@ruralcity.co.uk

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Anglia Farmer is a controlled circulation magazine published monthly for farmers and growers in the eastern counties. To be included on the circulation list, a farmer must have a minimum of 70 acres of land, or 50 dairy/beef stock, or 50 breeding sows/250 growing stock, or 15,000 laying hens/broiler chickens. Intensive horticulture units are required to have a minimum of two hectares.

Subscription is £18 a year (including postage). No responsibility can be accepted by the publishers for the opinions expressed by contributors.

If you no longer wish to receive this magazine, please email your name, address and postcode as it appears on the wrapper to adam.gunton@micropress.co.uk © Countrywide Publications 2022 Published by Countrywide Publications, Fountain Way, Reydon Business Park, Reydon Suffolk IP18 6DH T: 01502 725800 Printed by Micropress Ltd, Suffolk.

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Clear view needed on farmyard manure

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his month promises to be an especially busy time for farming. Fieldwork ramps up as more land becomes fit to travel after winter – and we are due a particularly important government announcement.

The announcement involves long awaited clarification from Defra on the government’s farming rules for water – and how they affect the spreading of autumn slurry and manure, including its timing and location.

The Environment Agency was rightly taken to task last summer when it issued new guidance telling farmers that organic manure shouldn’t be spread in autumn unless there was an immediate crop requirement for doing so.

This effectively banned the accepted practice of applying autumn manures in preparation for spring uptake – something that improves soil health, structure and organic content.

At times like this, it is no wonder farmers are confused. Defra suggests spreading manure is good so long as there is no pollution risk – yet one of its agencies suggests the complete opposite. Clarification can’t come soon enough.

Contents

Vol 42 • No 3 • March 2022

News .................................................................... 4 Arable .................................................................. 9 Soil Health .......................................................29 Water ................................................................. 39

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Privately, government ministers admit that there is “some education to be done” when it comes to the Environment Agency’s interpretation of government rules and regulations. And in this case it certainly appears agency officials have been over-zealous.

Mixed farming – including the reintroduction of livestock into arable systems – is seen as one of the most sustainable ways of farming.

As such, it is encouraged by the government’s transition plan for agriculture.

Farm minister Victoria Prentis has promised clarification in the coming weeks. It is important she delivers. Fertiliser prices have reached record highs – making alternative nutrient sources such as manure, slurry and digestate increasingly valuable.

Growers and livestock producers both benefit from proper and sensible applications of manure.

And there is no reason for it to remain banned.

We hope – and indeed believe – that common sense will prevail.

Johann Tasker Editor

RIDBA

Rural & Industrial Design & Building Association

MARCH 2022 • ANGLIA FARMER 3

News Defra: Stewardship can help offset lost basic payments • Plea to join countryside stewardship • Simpler process and revised rates • Window open for 2023 applications

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armers are being encouraged to join Countryside Stewardship – and use the income to help offset dwindling Basic Payments.

Applications opened last month for Countryside Stewardship agreements due to start in 2023. Farm minister Victoria Prentis said savvy farmers who hadn’t joined the scheme should consider doing so.

Stewardship gave farmers the chance to be paid for environmental work alongside food production, she said. Payments ranged from wildlife habitat restoration and woodland creation to flood risk management.

Transition plan Ms Prentis said farmers joining stewardship would be well-placed to en-

ter Defra’s forthcoming Local Nature Recovery scheme – one of the three new environmental land management schemes, which will be introduced across England by 2024.

The schemes are being phased in as the Basic Payment Scheme is being phased out. It is part of the government’s agricultural transition plan, which will see annual basic payments gone altogether by 2028.

Ms Prentis said: “I see Countryside Stewardship as a bridge to Local Nature Recovery and I urge farmers to get involved. We have increased payment rates by 30%, and made improvements to the scheme.

She added: “We want to incentivise farmers to enhance the natural environment alongside sustainable food production – from restoring wildlife habitats and woodland management, to preserving the character of our beautiful countryside.”

Higher rates Defra increased stewardship payment rates earlier this year in a bid to attract more farmers into the scheme. It also introduced changes to make it easier for farmers and growers to make a succcessful application (see page 4, Anglia Farmer, February 2022).

Simplifications have included online applications for mid-tier stewardship – allowing applications for capital grants to be made all year round, and changes to a number of management options to help increase environmental benefits.

Rural Payments Agency chief executive Paul Caldwell said: The 2023 Countryside Stewardship scheme is a key mechanism to support farmers and land managers through the transition period.

“It will leave them well positioned to enter new schemes in the coming years, and will support them in the creation of a more sustainable future for their agricultural land and woodlands.”

For more on Countryside Stewardship and how to join, see page 60

Defra says stewardship is now easier to join Left: Victoria Prentis: farmers should consider stewardship

Farmers urged to welcome visitors to countryside

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ew guidance to help the public enjoy the countryside responsibly has been launched by Natural England.

The updated Countryside Code includes recommendations to farmers on making rights of way easily accessible and installing clear signage to help the public respect, protect and enjoy the countryside.

It suggests adding self-closing gates instead of stiles where possible and encouraging visitors to report anti-social behaviour, fly-tipping, littering, livestock worrying and other offences correctly.

4 ANGLIA FARMER • MARCH 2022

Natural England says the changes will allow more people to access nature safely while also supporting land managers – helping to avoid damage to property, livestock and wider anti-social behaviour.

Natural England chief executive Marian Spain said: “With more people than ever before spending time in nature, this refreshed advice for land managers has never been more important in helping to ensure we work together to protect our outdoor spaces.

“I urge all land managers to follow this new advice and continue to make nature accessi-

ble to everyone, so people of all ages and backgrounds can enjoy the invaluable health and wellbeing benefits that nature offers, while giving it the respect it deserves.”

The new advice follows last year’s refreshed Countryside Code – which was published after an increase in people spending time outdoors and visiting the countryside during the coronavirus pandemic.

It says people should “be nice, say hello, share the space” – and reminds visitors to not litter and avoid feeding livestock, horses or wild animals.

News

Have your say on regional water plan

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armers are being urged to have their say on plans that will shape the long-term future of water availability in East Anglia.

It follows the appointment of Kelly Hewson-Fisher as the NFU’s new national water resources specialist. She replaces Paul Hammett who has retired after a career encompassing 40 years with the organisation.

A key task now is drafting the NFU’s response to Water Resources East’s (WRE) emerging long-term plan for the region – one of five regional plans published as part of Government’s Water Resources Planning Framework for England.

“It’s essential that we all have our voice heard,” said Ms Hewson-Fisher.

Get involved “The NFU is the collective voice, but it relies on individuals participating and providing their thoughts. It is key to be able to drive those solutions and

changes forward. We are urging everyone to get involved and to provide their comments.”

Ms Hewson-Fisher joins the NFU after seven years as a catchment adviser for Anglian Water. Brought up on her family’s dairy farm in Lincolnshire, she studied agriculture, marketing and business studies at Harper Adams.

She worked for 12 years as an agricultural business consultant before joining Anglian Water – looking at how the water company could work more closely with the agricultural sector to find solutions for both water and food production.

“The biggest thing for me is the people and the relationships with everyone,” she said. “I’m keen to continue building on those relationships but also to meet new people, to listen to them and to work together to find solutions.

“It’s a hugely proud moment to step

into Paul’s shoes. I’ve heard they are big boots to fill but I hope I can take the role forward as he has – ensuring we achieve the fair share of water for agriculture that Paul sought to achieve when he started this role.”

Industry leaders paid tribute to Mr Hammett, who retired at the end of January. Past NFU Norfolk chairman Nick Deane said farmers owed him a debt of gratitude for working tirelessly to raise the profile of agricultural water resources.

Agroforestry project gets underway on Suffolk estate

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undreds of trees have been planted on the Helmingham Estate near Stowmarket in the region’s latest agroforestry initiative (pictured below).

The trees were planted in late January by local volunteers under the watchful eye of Glenn Buckingham, farm manager at Helmingham Estate Farms, which comprises 500ha of arable enterprises and 200ha of grassland.

“We came up with the plan about four months ago,” said Mr Buckingham. “I’d seen how successful it has been at the Wakelyns organic hub near Fressingfield and I was keen to do something similar here.”

Some 600 oak saplings were planted in six rows 46m apart across two fields – one 12ha and one 4ha. Within the rows, the trees are 3m apart, with tree guards provided by the Woodland Trust, mulchmats and each alley broadcast with clover.

“The nice thing about this project is that I

6 ANGLIA FARMER • MARCH 2022

collected the acorns from the field edges myself in 2020,” says Mr Buckingham, who grew them into saplings with his wife Jeannie, who is part of the Suffolk Tree Warden network.

This meant the cost was minimal, with the lost cropping area amounting to less than 0.25ha. The potential benefits are huge, believes Mr Buckingham, with the trees providing a mid-field refuge for beneficial insects, pollinators and predator species.

The farm is already in higher level stewardship. It has 70ha of woodland but limited areas where more trees can be planted. “To increase the number of trees, our best option is to get out into the arable field – which is what we have done.”

Mr Buckingham says the project is about taking the long view. “The Tollemache family have been at Helmingham for 500 years and as soon as I suggested it, they gave an immediate yes – without any hesitation.”

Kelly HewsonFisher: water resources specialist

Welcome commitment to pig producers

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he National Pig Association has welcomed Waitrose’s support for crisis-hit pig producers – and urged other retailers to follow suit.

It follows a pledge by Waitrose to pay a “fair and sustainable” minimum price for pork to farmers – even if prices continue to fall amid rising production costs. Prices paid to producers will be reviewed on a regular basis.

Norfolk pig farmer and NPA chairman Rob Mutimer said: “The commitment shows there is a huge amount retailers can do in terms of the price and promotion of British pork; only with their support can we plan for a sustainable future for our industry.”

Mr Mutimer urged other retailers to follow suit. So did Waitrose agriculture manager Jake Pickering, who said: “We’re urging other competitors to follow our lead, committing to 100% British pork and supporting farmers when it matters most.”

Waitrose says its commitment to farmers “will not detract from our promise to provide great value for customers”.

Arable Act early to stop yellow rust and Septoria • High risk of both diseases this spring • Mild winter contributes to challenges • Problem spreads after wet weather

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arly action will be key to preventing yellow rust and Septoria from gaining a foothold in crops this spring, say experts.

The risk of both diseases is relatively high after a mild winter and significant crop area sown early into good conditions last autumn, says David Ellerton, technical development director for agronomy firm Hutchinsons.

“There are plenty of good, lush, early-sown wheat crops around, which will potentially be at higher risk of disease given the right conditions.”

While cold weather and frosts will slow disease development, conditions can quickly change and allow disease to build. This was clearly evident with Septoria in some crops last season, says Dr Ellerton.

A reasonable level of inoculum on older leaves in many crops could develop quickly – and spread to new growth if conditions turn warmer and wetter in coming weeks, says David Howard, Hutchinsons head of integrated crop management.

Mild winter “Temperatures have been milder than average since last September. It hasn’t been particularly wet, especially in January, but there has been enough moisture to keep disease ticking over on lower leaves.”

Growers are advised to assess disease risk for individual fields to help plan fungicide programmes. Fields and varieties to treat first should be prioritised and crops identified where there may be scope for flexibility on timing, product choice or rate.

Early treatment is paramount for yellow rust control, so this should be the main focus of the first fungicide spray, which Dr Ellerton says should

usually be applied to winter wheat around growth stage 25-30.

“It’s important to knock it out early with a tebuconazole or metconazole-based fungicide.” Including a strobilurin such as azoxystrobin or pyraclostrobin, can bring extra persistence but strobilurins should not be used alone.

Susceptible varieties Susceptible varieties rated 3 or 4, such as Skyfall, KWS Kinetic, KWS Zyatt or RGT Wolverine were hit particularly hard by yellow rust last year. But they will also give greatest yield response to treatment.

Varieties with higher Recommended List ratings cannot be ignored though – not least because adult resistance may not kick-in until late in the season. “If disease establishes early, it can cause significant damage before adult resistance takes effect.”

Yellow rust may be the focus of the first fungicide treatment. But this early spray can also be used to boost Sep-

toria protection in high-risk crops and reduce pressure on later GS 32 (T1) and flag leaf (T2) treatments.

This is important for early-sown wheat, which is at greater Septoria risk, says Dr Ellerton.

“Temperatures can change a lot at that time of year, so a week to 10 days different in drilling date makes a big difference to the speed of disease movement and risk going into spring.”

The threat of yellow rust (top) and Septoria Tritici (below) is relatively high after a mild winter

Protection extra important for Cougar varieties

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ast year’s emergence of Septoria races with virulence to Cougar makes early protection extra important for varieties with Cougar parentage.

These included the varieties RGT Saki and KWS Firefly. Following the withdrawal of multi-site chlorothalonil – which was the go-to solution – folpet is now the main fungicide for Septoria protection where risk is high.

“But remember, the focus isn’t on curing Septoria that appeared on lower leaves over winter, it’s about protecting upper leaves as they emerge,” says Hutchinsons technical development director David Ellerton.

Dr Ellerton suggests it may be worth holding back folpet for the T1 and T2, and building plant protection in other ways, such as with the biostimulant Scyon.

Its combination of naturally-occurring signalling metabolites strengthens the plant’s natural defences and maximises nutrient uptake, making plants healthier and better able to fight disease.

“If you’ve got a high-risk variety for Septoria, consider Scyon at T0 to build protection.

Improving nutrient uptake is always beneficial, especially if growers are looking to apply less nitrogen fertiliser this season.”

MARCH 2022 • ANGLIA FARMER 9

Arable

Independent trials help guide spring nitrogen rates

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ew findings have shed light on ways winter wheat growers can optimise nitrogen inputs in response to high fertiliser prices.

The Association of Independent Crop Consultants (AICC) and NIAB examined results from 131 nitrogen response trials over the past 25 years.

The aim was to identify any trends and optimum rates for 2022.

NIAB head of membership technical services and AICC member Andrew Watson said much had been made of the impact of previous crop and soil mineral nitrogen (SMN) on optimum rates in the following crop. But the analysis showed this was limited.

Wheat trials Looking at 66 winter wheat trials on mineral soil types, following various crops and where SMN data down to 90cm was available, results ranged from 24.6kg N/ha after herbage seed to 78.7kg N/ha after peas.

While this range may look wide on paper, only about 30-40% of SMN will be utilised depending on conditions.

And Mr Watson says its overall contribution to total nitrogen is still relatively low.

This is backed up by plotting the SMN figures against optimum N and yield data, with no clear relationship between the two. Instead, any previous crop effects are likely to be due to other agronomic factors.

Growers looking to cut back on nitrogen this year shouldn’t do so based

on SMN results, Mr Watson told the recent AICC Annual Technical Conference. “In my opinion, it has a very limited benefit in planning for new crop nitrogen rates,” he said.

Cutting rates Scrutinising the same data, Mr Watson looked at the economic optimum at two prices – a more typical 70p/kg and an eyewatering £2/kg paid by many growers following steep price rises last autumn.

At the lower price, Mr Watson said the optimum rate on feed wheat at £200/t was about 212kg/ha and 139kg/ ha at £2/kg. “I’m not suggesting cutting back quite that far, but a 50kg/ha reduction is sensible if you have paid the higher price for your fertiliser.”

Peter Cowlrick, from CCC Agronomy, said the potential to cut back rates was less clear on milling wheat. It depended on whether any premium was higher than the cost of the extra nitrogen requirement.

The four-year mean from the AICC’s work suggests a baseline of 240-290kg N/ha in ammonium nitrate form across four splits will optimise milling wheat yield and protein levels. It suggests straying too far from this may compromise quality.

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urea foliar fertiliser – a product which is said to release nutrients over six to eight weeks.

This improves nitrogen use efficiency and reduces leaching and volatilisation. Results indicate they might have a place in wheat nutrient plans, with one 20 litre/ha application at GS39 or GS65 able to replace the final 40kg/ha of traditional fertiliser.

Mr Cowlrick said: “We were still hitting protein and in essence, if you bought your nitrogen mid-season at a high price, our work indicates there was an uplift in margin when using the polymer-based product.”

Optimum nitrogen rates are especially important this spring

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Arable

Glyphosate supplier on track to recover

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esticide producer Bayer says it is working to ensure farmers continue to have access to glyphosate after a supplier ran into technical problems.

A mechanical failure at a supplier of an ingredient for the popular herbicide was confirmed last month. Bayer said it may have some short-term impact on production of the active ingredient used to manufacture glyphosate-based herbicides.

The global crop chemistry market is already experiencing historically tight supplies due to challenging global trade flows, effects of the global pandemic and other forces which have continued to put pressure on an already tight market.

Bayer said it was working with its customers to help manage supplies and best meet their needs. It added: “Our supplier is on track to restore production – we’ve sourced additional materials and made other mitigation efforts to help best manage this situation.

“We expect the impact to be marginal in terms of our annual glypho-

sate production.The Roundup branded agriculture herbicide business supply will continue to be managed through the already ongoing supply management efforts.

“In addition, we are monitoring the seasonal demands of glyphosate and will work to balance supply within our commercial regions so farmers will continue to have access to our Roundup products as much as possible.

“With the world’s leading crop protection portfolio, we will continue to work diligently with our customers

New managing director for Boston Seeds

After graduating from the University of Nottingham in 2008, Mr Wallis spent five years in FMCG with Asda in store management. In his new role, he said he was looking forward to leading the next phase of growth at Boston Seeds.

“We are increasing the range and quantity of seeds available for prompt delivery. Supply chain issues and distribution during the last two years has highlighted the necessity for maintaining good stocks that are ready for delivery at short notice.

“With an increasing demand for a diversity of seeds to use in soil man-

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ndependent seed merchant and online seed retailers Boston Seeds has appointed George Wallis as managing director.

Having joined Boston Seeds in 2013 as business development manager, Mr Wallis was more recently commercial director. He will be based at the company’s new office and 25,000ft² distribution centre at Kirton, Lincolnshire.

Glyphosate has already been harder to come by this season

to address their needs and help them have a successful season.”

A Bayer spokesperson declined to disclose the name of the disrupted supplier or the ingredient in question. The company also declined to comment further on any impact on deliveries to its customers.

Bayer earlier alerted industrial customers using glyphosate to the supply issue, declaring force majeure, which typically suspends a supplier’s contractual liabilities in the wake of disruptions beyond its control.

George Wallis: growing business

agement, environmental land management schemes (ELMs) and habitat creation, we have invested in both infrastructure and people.”

Boston Seeds founder Andrew Wallis, said: “I am certain the growth and success of the company over the last 20 years will continue, and this appointment ensures secure and exciting times ahead.”

The company offers a wide range as an agricultural seed merchant. Products include linseed, environmental seeds, grass seed and wildflower seeds.

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Arable

Wild oats above a barley crop [photo credit Blackthorn Arable]

Accuracy essential for good wild oat control

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range chemical and non-chemical strategies should be employed to protect cereals from the threat of wild oats this spring.

That is the advice from Adama herbicide technical specialist Bill Lankford. Sprayer operators should be extra diligent when treating advanced crops where a dense canopy could prevent herbicides from reaching underlying wild oat plants, he says.

Wild oats remain one of the UK’s most competitive grass weeds. Just one plant per square metre can reduce winter cereal yields by 1% – making the prevention of seed production a priority for successful control.

Relying on cultural controls alone – including later autumn drilling, spring cropping, ploughing – is less effective against wild oats due to the protracted emergence of the weed and its ability to germinate from depths of 15cm.

Weed mapping “Rogueing is essential in crops which are heavily infested by wild oats,” says Dr Lankford, who also advocates the use of weed mapping during June and July when the two species of wild oats are more easily identifiable.

A key difficulty when controlling wild oats is that the two species – Avena sterilis ssp. Ludoviciana (winter wild oats) and Aventa fatua (common, or spring wild oats) – are almost indistinguishable before the panicles have emerged.

“

Rogueing is essential in heavily infested wild oats Bill Lankford

“Taking the time to identify which species are present and accurately mapping their location will make it easier to establish effective control measures,” says Dr Lankford.

Keeping machinery clean will limit the spread of wild oat seeds between fields and farms. Establishing crops by direct drilling or with minimal soil disturbance can reduce the germination of dormant wild oat seeds.

Herbicides As well as roguing, Dr Lankford recommends using an appropriate herbicide to spray off the worst affected areas prior to the shedding of seeds.

This typically commences from late June onwards.

But he cautions growers against relying solely on herbicides such as Topik (240 g/L clodinafop-propargyl and 60 g/L cloquintocet-mexyl) in cereals, Axial Pro (55g/l pinoxaden) in barley, or Falcon (100g/L propaquizafop) in broad-leaved crops.

“Chemical options such as these obviously play an important role. They should however be used with caution to maintain the required level of coverage and application accuracy.”

The efficacy of wild oat herbicides is complicated by vigorous spring crop growth. This can produce a canopy which shields emerging wild oats from spray treatments.

Competing spray requirements during the spring also put additional

pressure on sprayer workloads, with growers often opting to apply a lower water volume at a high forward speed to cover more ground within a specific window of opportunity.

To maximise the efficacy of wild oat herbicides, Dr Lankford says operators should spray slowly at a sensible boom height and with an appropriate water volume to optimise coverage of the target weeds.

Best results “This can be counter-intuitive when tackling wild oats where getting the optimal biological efficacy from the herbicides being applied is essential.

Products such as Topik should therefore be applied in a way that ensures maximum spray coverage.

“It might be feasible to reduce water volumes for early spring applications when wild oat plants aren’t protected by the crop’s canopy. But for applications beyond GS31, growers must use at least 200 litres of water per hectare.”

Nozzle choice Growers should ensure their nozzle choice enables the spray to be deposited on any wild oat leaves in the crop canopy. To ensure full coverage, boom height should be 50cm above the canopy with a forward speed no more than 12kph.

Irrespective of which growth stage wild oat herbicides are applied, Dr Lankford concludes by advising that the best results will be achieved when sprays are made during good growing conditions as this aids uptake.

He also recommends including non-cereal break crops such as oilseed rape which provides the opportunity to use additional herbicides.

MARCH 2022 • ANGLIA FARMER 15

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Arable

Winter barley varieties boast good yields and agronomics • Mix of disease resistance and performance • Reliable options to help expand rotations • Greater resilience to problematic diseases

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he first recommended winter barley from a new plant development initiative signals a new level of agronomic strength and risk management for growers, says breeder KWS. Conventional six-row variety KWS Feeris combines the best yield with the additional benefit of Barley Yellow Dwarf Viarus (BYDV) tolerance and overall disease resistance, says KWS UK manager Will Compson.

It is the first winter barley variety from the KWS Sowing for Peak Performance (SPP) breeding initiative to be included on the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board Recommended List for 2022/23.

“SPP is all about arming producers with the genetics they need for the future,” says Mr Compson. With aphidborne viruses increasingly difficult to control, the tried and tested BYDV tolerance exhibited by KWS Feeris will be a real benefit to many farmers.

against other six-row winter barleys in terms of agronomic features – borne out by an untreated yield 84% of control and scoring 6 for both rhynchosporium and net blotch.

Although reasonably tall-strawed at 95cm, Feeris is 5-10cm shorter than many commercial six-row hybrids. It has stiff straw, similar maturity to KWS Orwell and delivers good quality grain with a specific weight of 69.5kg/

hl at harvest.

“All in all, KWS Feeris is a very strong variety in its own right but with its BYDV tolerance and BYMV resistance, it’s an excellent risk management tool for barley growers in high pressure hotspots and those looking to push drilling as early as possible.”

UK potential KWS Tardis is another high yielding barley with strong agronomic properties, says Mr Compson. It is the highest yielding two-row winter barley on the 2022/23 list, with a performance that rivals many six-row hybrid varieties.

Continued overleaf

Will Compson: Arming producers with the genetics they need

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Arable Continued from previous page

KWS Tardis is the highest yielding two-row winter barley on the 2022/23 Recommended List

“It’s a variety that combines UKwide yield potential with consistent performance in a wide variety of growing conditions achieving a yield of 105% of controls on the new recommended list – just 2% points behind the highest yielding six-row hybrid.

Tardis is particularly strong in the east of the country, adds Mr Compson.

It performs well on light soils although it is best on heavy land, where yields are at 109% of controls, he explains.

“An excellent agronomic package – including scores of 7 for rhynchosporium resistance, 5 for net blotch

resistance and 8 for lodging resistance – gives KWS Tardis the highest score for these traits combined. You can see why it’s the new class leader.

Resistance to barley yellow mosaic virus resistance, stiff straw and infield performance make Tardis a great choice for growers looking for a simple and reliable way to expand their rotations and spread farm workloads across the farm, says Mr Compson.

Spreading risk Adding winter barley to cropping plans can not only help spread risk across rotation, it has significant management benefits to offer growers too.

“Most farmers and agronomists believe the UK is missing out significantly on not sowing more winter barley and the advantages of growing it can only increase in the future, says KWS seed expert Dominic Spurrier.

“It’s got a key role to play in the more diversified rotations we are now moving towards and can help spread management workloads throughout the growing season significantly, particularly in wheat-based systems.”

Future varieties New varieties in the pipeline for the next few years will bring increasingly useful traits such as BYDV tolerance to the fore offering increased resilience and yield security, believes Mr Spurrier.

“KWS Amistar brought valuable BYDV tolerance to the market but now KWS Feeris takes this several stages further. It delivers an excellent risk management tool for barley growers in high pressure hotspots and those looking to push drilling as early as possible.”

Dominic Spurrier: “UK missing out on not sowing more winter barley” 18 ANGLIA FARMER • MARCH 2022

New cereals growth regulator unveiled • Crops look lush as they come into spring • Important to avoid lodging where possible • Heavier ears weigh more heavily on stem

A

new plant growth regulator has been launched for all varieties of winter and spring wheat – as well as for barley, oats, rye, triticale and ryegrass seed crops.

Available this spring, Sudo Mor contains 250g/l of trinexapac ethyl.

Manufactured by off-patent manufacturers Life Scientific, it is a reverse engineered formulation of reference product Moddus.

“Sudo Mor is a cost-effective crop management tool which protects and enhances yield potential, and comes to market at a time when growers are under pressure to scrutinise input costs without compromising yields.” says UK country manager Ruth Stanley.

“PGRs will be an essential part of the spray programme this spring. We had a kind autumn, crops went in well and so far, the winter has been kind – so crops are coming into the spring growth period looking lush, forward and full of potential. “

Good foundations It is important to manage this potential correctly – which means ensuring lush crops are prevented from lodging, says Ms Stanley. The best way to achieve a stable high yielding crop is to establish a good base in lusher forward crops., “Like good building design, foundations are key to a stable structure, so an early and continued programme

of PGRs will give the best chance to maintain a standing crop through the season.

“Remember a higher yielding crop will produce heavier ears. Heavy ears put weight on the stem so the higher the yield potential the greater the risk.

Estimates are for every extra tonne over 9t/ha, lodging resistance Is reduced by 0.5 points.

Choice “Varietal choice is also important. They have different resistances to lodging – and those with a score of 7 or less on the AHDB Recommended List should be considered at risk of lodging and managed carefully.”

Plants need to be actively growing to metabolise Sudo Mor, says Ms Stanley. This inhibits the production of gibberellic acid and shortens the internodes – reducing lodging in both cereals and grasses.

In winter cereals, Sudo Mor can be applied at growth stages 30-39. When used at GS30, Sudo Mor helps root development and increase root plate diameter. This prevents lodging and increases the plant’s ability to absorb water

Young wheat in the spring approx GS 21-24 A mild winter means crops are forward this season, says Ruth Stanley.

and nutrients from the soil.

Early use will hold back and thicken the main stem, encouraging side tillers and evening up the crop. Reducing the rate of stem extension with a PGR means more of the plant resources can be diverted to thickening the stems and promoting root growth.

Sudo Mor joins a long list of products recently brought to market from Life Scientific. Other products include the first off-patent prothioconazole and tebuconazole mixtures Oraso Pro, Esker and fungicide Aurelia.

Life Scientific has also been successful at registering label extensions for its products – including herbicides Niantic and Cintac for use in rye, and maize herbicide Basilico for use in winter and spring linseed.

MARCH 2022 • ANGLIA FARMER 19

Arable

Flexible herbicide provides clean start for potatoes • Correct emergence stage important • Apply alone or with other residuals • Later applications are not advised

T

iming will be key when using broadleaf herbicide Shark to ensure a clean start to potato crops, growers have been told.

Based on the active ingredient carfentrazone-ethyl, the herbicide is highly effective when applied either alone or in in a mix with other residual products just before crop emergence, says Jeff Fieldsend of agrochemical manufacturer FMC. FMC recommends applying Shark at 5% emergence on early potato varieties and 10% emergence on maincrop

varieties. But operators should be cautious when it comes to later timings.

“It is best to use the product as soon as the weed flush has developed and not risk applying too late,” siys Mr Fieldsend. “Crops are moving very quickly around this time and late applications can knock them.”

Crop safe This view is supported by trials conducted by FMC and the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board.

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ing – but necrotic spotting will occur if application is delayed on potatoes greater than 5-10% emerged.

Shark is particularly effective on a wide range of broadleaf weeds, notably polygonum species, cleavers, annual nettle and speedwells up to the young plant stage when applied at 0.33

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litres/ha, says Mr Fieldsend.

Excellent activity has been observed within two or three days of application, he adds. “It is suited to use with all potato varieties and crop types, including both ware and seed.It has no buffer zone requirement and is rainfast in an hour.”

Top: Rates can be reduced when weed pressure is low, says Rob Ramsey Above: Shark encourages a clean start

As well as applying just before crop emergence, Shark can also be applied to uncropped land prior to planting. Mr Fieldsend says this is a tried and tested method of tidying up both grass and broadleaf weeds, enabling growers to make a clean start.

“Mixing Shark with glyphosate allows growers to get on top of difficult weeds that glyphosate does not control when used alone,” he says.

“There is real improvement in the control of annual nettle, cranesbill and willowherbs with the mix and can allow for lower rates of glyphosate to be used. A one-month interval following application exists when using this mix prior to planting a crop.”

The herbicide can be especially useful on fields newlky rented by growers as clean potato land, says agronomist Rob Ramsay, who looks after some 160ha of fresh and processing potato crops as part of 1,600ha he manages in north Lincolnshire.

there is a fair window of application, much like there was with diquat.”

“We’re often up against unknowns when dealing with management of new land, in terms of weed burdens among other factors, so beginning with clean land is important.

“While it doesn’t have any grassweed activity as such, it picks up on those weeds that residual chemistry is a bit weaker on, and gives us a good, clean start to the crop, helping it to get away strongly.”

And if the weed burden is low, Mr Ramsay says there is scope to tweak the rate a little – sometimes reducing it to 0.3 or even 0.25 litres/ha when dealing with only small weeds, which is often the case.

A good belt-and-braces approach for a clean start to the crop is a good insurance policy, he adds. “Potato land rents aren’t cheap, so it’s important to invest what’s necessary to get maximum yields.”

This can involve adding a residual such as Artist (flufenacet + metribuzin) or Praxim (metobromuron), plus perhaps Defy (prosulfocarb), for the addition of grassweed and further broadleaved weed control.

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Arable

T

he first zinc and manganese foliar fertiliser to be made from used alkaline batteries is now available to growers.

Registered and approved for use in the UK for both conventional and organic farming systems, ZM-Grow is

Tim Kerr: Exciting product

distributed by agronomy firm and supplier Hutchinsons as part of the company’s growing range of low-carbon nutrition products.

“This is a really exciting product and is branded as a circular economy fertiliser by its clean-tech, Finnish manufacturers Tracegrow,” says fertiliser manager Tim Kerr.

“Tracegrow has developed an innovative technology to extract, purify and reuse the Zinc and Manganese from alkaline batteries - up to 80% of the trace elements found in alkaline batteries can be re-used.

“It ticks all of the pertinent boxes for sustainability, offers a reduced carbon footprint whilst also providing a high quality, effective micronutrient foliar fertiliser that meets a valid need by UK arable growers.”

ZM-Grow is a sulphate-based concentrate containing 60g/l Zn, 67g/l Mn and 75g/l S. Hutchinsons has been tri-

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Foliar fertiliser uses recycled batteries How is ZM-Grow made?

• An alkaline mass is created from crushed batteries • After mechanical pre-treatment, the mass is leached • Solids are separated from the solution • Solution is purified to remove unwanted substances • Generated solids are separated and neutralised to pH4 aling and distributing the product for the last two seasons and says grower feedback has been very positive.

“The recommended rate is 2-3 litres in 200-400l water. In our trials we have found it to be chemically stable, and have had no issues with mixing. It flows smoothly though filters and spray nozzles and doesn’t block them up.”

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Arable

How hi-tech breeding is boosting pulse yields • Specialist markets offer premiums • Consistently high yielding varieties • Range of opportunities for growers

G

rowers thinking of tapping into the evolving pulse crop market are being encouraged to explore the latest breeding lines.

Pulse breeding programmes are increasingly creating more attractive varieties– enabling growers to take advantage of premiums available in specialist pulse markets, says seed breeder Will Pillinger (right), of Limagrain UK. A plant protein deficit in the EU – which currently relies on imports of protein crops from South America – is one opportunity for UK pulse growers says Mr Pillinger – especially at a time

24 ANGLIA FARMER • MARCH 2022

when high input costs make growing cereal crops expensive.

To meet increasing demand for protein crops, Mr Pillinger highlights work by Limagrain’s European breeding team to enhance the major traits in varieties and introduce new ones using routine diagnostic marker assisted selection (MAS).

Tests and trials “Target traits sought for peas include reliable yields with consistently high protein levels, resistance to lodging, and tolerance and resistance to diseases. Cold tolerance without damaging the protein percentage is also an important trait.”

Selection is done at a high-tech facility in the Netherlands which undertakes rapid generation cycling. New varieties are then put into schemes for ex-

Large blue pea variety LG Aviator is a top performer

tensive localised testing across light, medium and heavy soils in different locations.

“Testing highlights which varieties are adapted to multiple environments, so we can identify the best high quality, stable varieties,” says Mr Pillinger.

These extended trials also help identify optimum drill timings.

These techniques have helped Limagrain address some of the challenges around the decline in pulse performance over the last decade or so – a decline partly attributed to diseases and bacterial blight.

The popularity of the crop has also been affected by agricultural policy, which also influences grower choices.

Fluctuations in support have made pulses less interesting – although Limagrain has continued its breeding investment programme.

Available varieties “A smaller number of growers also equates to less experienced growers and many of the smaller pulse breeding programmes have gone as the conversion to molecular breeding has been expensive.”

That said, large blue pea variety LG

“

Raptor offers extremely high yield potential Aviator is among the top of its category. It is a high yielding, multi-podded type, with a condensed pod set at the top of the plant, consistent flowering and even maturity.

Aviator has been added to Processors and Growers Research Organisation (KPGRO) descriptive list for 2022-23. With 100% control for yield, it scores 7 for its standing ability and 8 for resistance to downy mildew.

Mr Pillinger says: “This variety offers growers good all-round agronomic traits and excellent tolerance to disease, alongside consistent flowering which gives it very good predictability.”

For spring beans, the most important factors are yield performance and consistency. These a major focus for Limagrain and can be seen in the breeder’s spring bean additions to this year’s PGRO list.

“LG Raptor offers extremely high yield potential at 102% of control, and importantly has shown a consistency

in these yields over the last few years, which is a really important and valuable attribute for a spring bean.”

High yields need to be backed up by solid agronomics and traits. Suitable for a range of markets, LG Raptor is fairly early to mature, stands well and offers a good disease package including rust resistance.

Exciting variety LG Viper is Limagrain’s second spring bean to fully join the PGROI list.

Mr Pullinger describes it as an exciting variety that offers a class leading disease package backed up by a comprehensive, extensive and reliable dataset.

“Looking in particular at rust resistance, LG Viper’s rating of 7 is standout compared to other varieties in the sector and is really worth taking note of. The variety also has a good downy mildew rating of 6.

“Standing is a really important attribute for on-farm management of spring beans andLG Viper has the highest standing power rating on the DL of 9. Yield-wise the variety sits well up in the top of the pack at 102% of control.”

MARCH 2022 • ANGLIA FARMER 25

Arable

Cereals tickets raise cash for farming charities

E

arly bird tickets for the Cereals Event 2022 are now on sale – with 50% of every ticket price going to three farming charities.

Visitors will be able to choose whether their donation goes to the Farming Community Network, the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution or the Yellow Wellies farm safety charity.

“We know farmers are facing a challenging time, with soaring input costs, the transition away from basic payments and the uncertainty of global trade deals,” explains Cereals Event organiser Alli McEntyre.

A full-price ticket costs £10. “As an event, we want to support the industry with as much practical help and advice as possible, but we also wanted to raise funds for those who are most in need.”

winter wheat and barley varieties, expanded crop plots and a land drainage hub hosted by the National Association of Agricultural Contractors.

Working demonstrations include the Syngenta Sprays & Sprayers Arena, a regenerative agriculture drilling arena, a display of in-row and inter-row weeders, and space for drones and robots.

New this year will be a Crop to Kitchen area. It will feature farm

Showcase The event will be held on 8-9 June near Duxford, Cambridgeshire. It will include a showcase of recommended

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businesses which have diversified into direct sales including heritage wheat produce, home-brewed beer and pressed rapeseed oil.

A full seminar programme will focus on hot topics including agricultural policy and its practical and financial impacts. Speakers will also explore how to tackle high input costs; climate change; environmental schemes and carbon trading.

“Now is a time of huge change for farmers,” says Ms McEntyre. “The fourth agricultural revolution is under way and Cereals 2022 will offer farmers all the tools and advice they need to navigate it successfully.”

For full details about the two-day event, visit www.cerealsevent.co.uk.

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Soil health Soil tops agenda at event for low-carbon agriculture • Latest update on soil carbon code • How soil health can be improved • Carbon trading under the spotlight

O

pportunities in soil health and carbon farming will top the agenda during a key industry on 8-9 March at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire.

The Low Carbon Agriculture Show will bring together over 100 speakers to highlight ways farmers can enhance their businesses by focusing on natural capital, renewable energy and climate change mitigation.

“The show provides practical guidance and solutions for farmers wishing to increase the financial and environmental sustainability of their business and drive down emissions,” says event director David Jacobmeyer.

Held in partnership with the NFU and the Country Land and Business Association, the event will encompass four exhibitions: environmental business, farm technology, energy now and low emission vehicles.

Special session Soil will be the subject of its own conference session. Chaired by Soil Association associate director Liz Bowles, it will include practical advice on ways

different techniques can improve soil health based on farm type.

Matt Ward, of agronomists Hutchinsons, will give a presentation on ways to benchmark and measure soil carbon content. Adele Jones, of the Sustainable Food Trust, will outline the case for assessing soil health as part of whole-farm sustainability.

A separate session will feature discussions on measuring, reducing, and trading carbon – as well as updating conference delegates on the much-awaited soil carbon code and factors to consider when sequestering carbon.

Julian Bell, team leader for the carbon measuring tool Agrecalc, will explain how growers and livestock producers can understand the carbon footprint of their farm – and imple-

The low-carbon event will include four exhibition areas

ment ways to reduce it.

Listeners will be able to learn ways to identify their strengths and weaknesses – and how to assess the impact of mitigation measures their might deploy in ways that can improve the operational efficiency of their farm business.

Ways to gain carbon payments from soil improving farming techniques will be explained by foruth generation family farmer Thomas Gent, who is also head of certificates at carbon credit company Agreena.

Mr Gent joined the Agreena carbon programme as a farmer a year ago. He will explain why he made this decision, what it has meant for his farm and how he believes carbon trading could work for other farms too.

For details, visit www.lowcarbonagricultureshow.co.uk

Farm soil carbon code explained

A

n update on progress towards a soil carbon code for UK farmers will be given at the Low-Carbon Agriculture show.

The UK Farm Soil Carbon Code (UKFSCC) will be a set of protocols that allow farmers to quantify and verify their greenhouse gas emissions and soil carbon capture by adopting regenerative farming practices.

Agricarbon co-founder and director Annie Leeson will deliver the update at the

low-carbon event. “The code will set a common standard for ‘what good looks like’ for sustainable farming and land management businesses,” she said.

High integrity “Combined with high integrity measurement of soil carbon, the code will ensure a solid, evidence-based foundation underpins agricultural participation in emerging carbon markets and incentive schemes.”

It is estimated that the carbon market could be worth up to £500m annually by 2030 for farmers who adopt regenerative practices that lock up carbon from the atmosphere in their soil.

The code will be used for a number of different “carbon accounting” purposes.

These will include carbon capture incentive schemes, ecosystem services and environmental investment products – whether carbon is monetised or not.

MARCH 2022 • ANGLIA FARMER 29

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www.groundswellag.com 30 ANGLIA FARMER • MARCH 2022

Soil health

Smart soil bugs can offer farmers eco-friendly disease control • Beneficial bacteria found in fields • More friendly than synthetic spray • Can apply to a range of diseases

S

cientists have developed an innovative way to control a range of damaging crop diseases using native, beneficial soil bacteria.

Researchers behind the agri-tech innovation say they hope to give farmers an eco-friendly way to control bacterial diseases such as potato scab, which can have a devastating effect on crop yields and quality.

The John Innes Centre team isolated and tested hundreds of strains of Pseudomonas bacteria from the soil of a commercial potato field. The genomes of 69 bacteria strains were then sequenced.

The team then compared the genomes of those strains shown to suppress pathogen activity with those that

did not. This enabled them to identify the mechanism that protects potato crops from harmful disease-causing bacteria.

The production of small molecules called cyclic lipopeptides has an antibacterial effect on the pathogenic bacteria that cause potato scab. This helps the protective Pseudomonas move around and colonise the plant roots.

Substantial changes Experiments using a combination of chemistry, genetics and plant infection also showed that irrigation causes substantial changes to the genetically diverse Pseudomonas population in the soil.

Continued overleaf

The bacterial disease potato scab causes major harvest losses – putting contracts in jeopardy

MARCH 2022 • ANGLIA FARMER 31

Soil health Continued from previous page Study lead author Alba Pacheco-Moreno said: “We hope that our study will accelerate the development of biological control agents to reduce the application of chemical treatments which are ecologically damaging.

“The approach we describe should be applicable to a wide range of plant diseases because it is based on understanding the mechanisms of action that are important for biological control agents.”

“

Our approach could apply to a range of diseases.

The study, which appears in the journal eLife, suggests that any field can be screened to work out which molecules can be used to suppress pathogenic bacteria – taking into account different agronomic and environmental conditions.

After the have been collected, the next step is to put the beneficial bugs back into the same field in greater numbers – or in cocktails of mixed strains as a soil microbiome boosting treatment.

Massive advantage John Innes Centre group leader Jacob Malone said: “The massive advantage is that we are using bacterial strains taken from the environment and putting back in the same specific biological context in larger numbers so there is no ecological damage.”

Potential application methods include seed coatings, sprays or via drip irrigation, explained study co-author Andrew Truman. In the future, the Pseudomonas strain itself would be used, rather than the molecule produced by the bacteria.

“These bacteria colonise the soil where potatoes grow, and they provide protection to the crop. Using a bacterium, you can easily grow and formulate it in an appropriate way and apply it to the field, and it is much greener than using a synthetic chemical.”

Important pathogens which can be controlled include Streptomyces scabies – the bacteria that causes potato scab; and Phytophthora infestans, an oomycete pathogen which causes potato blight.

Pseudomonas bacteria have been widely studied as biological control agents because they secrete natural products which promote plant growth and suppress pathogens. But their use in the past has been hampered by inconsistency.

32 ANGLIA FARMER • MARCH 2022

How soils affect crop yields and carbon footprint • Compaction remains vital challenge • Poor structure impedes productivity • Shallow roots are also a key factor

P

oor soil health and structure can exacerbate the environmental impact of crop production – as well as impairing crop performance.

Compacted soil structures could be contributing to the equivalent of 1.5t/ ha of carbon dioxide being lost from fields every year in the form of nitrous oxide, believes independent soil specialist Neil Fuller.

“Soil management has a profound effect on root development which can influence how the crop responds to nitrogen and other nutrients. Climate change and its effects on crop production involve a complex set of interactions that require serious thinking about.”

The relationship between soil structure, nutrient interactions and sustainable production is largely misunderstood, believes Mr Fuller.

“Ground pressure and soil compaction are major contributors in the equation. The better the soil structure, the healthier the plants, the greater their

ability to compete with weeds and the less nitrogen they are likely to require.

“Soil compaction or poorly incorporated organic matter, such as straw, can lead to dense anaerobic layers. Subsequently, nitrogen sitting in cold wet soil can turn to nitrous oxide, which has the potential to be lost from the soil at the rate of 5kg/ha/year.”

Inhibit growth While this loss might not be noticed agronomically, it has the greenhouse gas equivalent of 1.5 t/ha of carbon dioxide entering the atmosphere every year which is highly significant.

“Compacted soil structures also inhibit root growth, which in turn affects how plants work with beneficial microbes that are responsible for building stable soil aggregates, making nutrients more available and priming disease resistance mechanisms.

“This can have a major impact on a variety’s ability to express its full potential, particularly in the critical first

Soil seed root structure Below left and right: Neil Fuller and Olivia Potter

30 days, resulting in an early growth check which can result in lower nitrogen use efficiency, compounding the problem further.

“Compaction of the top ten centimetres is particularly important as this is where the fine branched roots are most active in seeking out nutrition.”

Reducing disturbance KWS technical specialist Olivia Potter says growers can improve soil health by selecting crop varieties in relation to their own growing situation. Varieties requiring less fieldwork, for examples, mean less compaction.

“Earlier maturing varieties mean earlier harvesting so you have more chance of avoiding the worst of the autumn weather and can prepare land in a manner that minimises soil damage. Then there’s the value of resilient varieties to consider.”

Growing varieties that require fewer sprays also mean less compaction.

So too do varieties which thrive in notill situations. KWS Extase and KWS Cranium both thrive in the late drilling slot – which could be behind their exceptional no-till performance.

“It looks like modern wheat varieties suited to later drilling could well be

the best bet for growers transitioning to no-till systems and provide greater protection against climate extremes,” says Ms Potter.

“Both Extase and Cranium have outstanding agronomic packages – KWS Extase benefits from strong septoria resistance while KWS Cranium boasts class-leading yellow rust resistance – and this could go a long way to protecting the plants as they grow.”

A variety’s ability to produce an abundance of shallow roots is also a key factor, says Mr Fuller. That’s because roots closer to the surface pump carbon into soil to promote biological activity, which then builds soil health.

“Over 75% of a plant’s nutrition comes from that top layer so making sure it is open, friable and biologically active is absolutely essential. Anything that restricts root develop can undermine how beneficial microbes feed and protect the growing plant.”

“The effects of compaction, environmental stress and the wetter conditions we are likely to experience at cultivation time as a result of climate change are bad news all round but there are positive management decisions growers can make now to address these.”

MARCH 2022 • ANGLIA FARMER 33

MEIR AG R I C U LT U R E

The Meir’s 25mm wide point is positioned forward of the leading edge of the wing in order to fracture the soil before the wing comes into contact with it, reducing wing wear and preventing smearing by the wing.

The Meir’s 25mm wide point is positioned forward of the leading edge of the wing in order to fracture the soil before the wing comes into

Soil Conditioner Specification

contact with it, reducing wing wear and preventing smearing by the

The 200mm wide wing lifts the soil 40mm to ensure effective vertical fracturing as the soil drops off the rear of the wing. The 200mm length of the wing provides a shallower angle of attack helping to reduce surface disturbance.

wing.

Working widths: Hydraulically folding: Number of legs: Attachments:

Removable straight discs positioned in front of the legs, help to

Leg spacing:

‘crimp’ the surface preventing mixing of the soil at the surface. Fitted

Maximum working depth:

with hydraulic protection, the discs also allow the soil conditioner to

Minimum power requirement:

work directly into thick cover crops and grass leys.

4m 6m The 200mm wide wing lifts the soil 40mm to ensure effective vertical No Yes Yes fracturing as the soil drops off the rear of the wing. The 200mm length 6 8 12 of the wing provides a shallower angle of attack helping to reduce Cat 3 linkage surface disturbance.

500mm

Soil Conditioner Specificat

3m

Removable 275mm straight discs positioned in front of the legs, help to ‘crimp’ the surface preventing mixing of the soil at the surface. Fitted 50hp/m with hydraulic protection, the discs also allow the soil conditioner to

Working widths: Hydraulically folding: Number of legs: Attachments: Leg spacing: Maximum working depth: Minimum power requirement:

work directly into thick cover crops and grass leys.

The Meir’s roller is fitted with deep angled points centred either side of

The Meir’s roller is fitted with deep angled points centred either side of

Meir Soil Conditioner

each leg to leave a weather proof, firm surface. Adjustable scrapers ensure the roller remains clean in stickier going. Hydraulically adjustable rollers are available on all models as an optional extra.

each leg to leave a weather proof, firm surface. Adjustable scrapers ensure the roller remains clean in stickier going. Hydraulically adjustable rollers are available on all models as an optional extra.

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Soil health

Soil strategy aims to benefit arable farms • Resilience is key to improvements • Pinpoints carbon capture potential • Focus is on cost-saving practices

A

soil strategy to help improve the resilience of arable farming systems has been launched by agronomy experts Agrii.

The strategy aims to help farmers adopt cost-saving practices that are more sustainable. Examples include reducing tillage without adding risk and reducing vulnerability to increasingly unpredictable weather.

From a business perspective, Agrii says the strategy will help growers determine how much carbon they can capture on their farms – and where

they should focus any improvements for the greatest overall value.

The Green Horizons Soil Resilience Strategy was developed following studies with the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology. It was launched on 27 January at David Felce’s Midloe Grange Farm, near St Neots, Cambridgeshire.

Structured approach Agrii describes the strategy as a carefully structured approach to improving soil resilience based on the best available science, a thorough understanding of soil management and sound practical advice and action.

“Our strategy employs a range of modern lab tests and hands-on, infield appraisals to identify the current health of farmed soils,” said Agrii sustainability manager Amy Watkins at the Cambridgeshire launch.

Flexible packages of laboratory and field-based assessments are designed to suit every soil condition, farming system and farm need – with an expanding team of soil management advisers providing specialist support.

“With a good understanding of each farm’s particular objectives, needs and resources and practical soil management intelligence, [our advisers] work with growers to develop the most ap-

Key considerations top improve soil health Trials and on-farm testing over several years have identified a host of critical considerations when seeking to improve soil resilience. They include: • Selecting fields carefully based on individual grower needs • Taking samples as representative as possible of field status • Making biological assessments at the best time, ideally in spring • Recording the weather at the time of each assessment • Basing organic matter tests on the same proven process (preferably DUMAS) • Adjusting for bulk density, chalk and stone content for accurate carbon accounting • Following-up in-depth initial assessments with seasonal snapshots • Re-testing every 3-5 years – ideally with active carbon monitoring in between • Making assessments at the same time of year under similar conditions • Knowing the cultivation and cropping history of the fields assessed • Understanding the farm’s particular objectives and constraints

propriate plans of progressive improvement action.”

Soil payments As well as helping to improve farm sustainability, Ms Watkins said the strategy provided an ideal foundation for growers to make the most of soil standard payments available under the evolving Sustainable Farming Incentive.

Provided through Agrii agronomists and Rhiza specialists, the strategy starts with a soil health assessment involving broad spectrum nutrient, pH and organic matter testing. More detailed soil carbon measurements are then added.

The strategy offers a suite of in-field soil biology, structure and water management assessments – including the monitoring of worm activity, a visual assessment of soil structure, penetrometer, slake, aggregate stability and infiltration testing.

Carried out on a sample of fields representative of the farm as a whole or those posing particular management concerns – depending on individual Continued overleaf

Thorough investigation is central to the Agrii approach Soil strategy could help make the most of soil standard payments, says Amy Watkins (left)

“

It’s the best basis for making improvements

MARCH 2022 • ANGLIA FARMER 35

Soil health Continued from previous page preferences – the results of all these assessments are set out in easy-to-understand reports.

“Capturing the detail of all our assessments in the standard field reports we have developed to present the results in the clearest and most practical way provides the best basis for benchmarking and improvement planning,” said Ms Watkins.

Appreciating there is no ideal soil biological community, the strategy sets out to assess the most practical indicators of all-round soil health and productivity available as benchmarks for planning and monitoring improvements over time.

Growers are then able to adjust their farming systems while ensuring they can respond to future advances in the science – as well as any changes legislation and support payments during what is a time of great change for agriculture.

“Our reports give an objective and scientifically-valid record of soil status, allowing individual farm teams to set realistic objectives for improvement; monitor their success in meeting them; and demonstrate their progress to others.”

Checking a soil sample for worm activity and arbuscular mychorrhiza

Beneficial microbes bolster soil microbiome Different cultivation techniques and cover crop regimes influence the extent of beneficial microbes within the soil, according to genetic barcoding work undertaken by scientists from the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH).

Altogether, the microbiologists identified 62,000 different bacteria, 2000 different fungi and 4000 different eukaryotes in heavy land soil at Agrii’s Stow Longa technology farm in Cambridgeshire.

Researchers recorded large differences in the communities of all three types of microbes between different cultivation and cover cropping treatments. These were clearly associated with changes in organic

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matter level.

The degree of cultivation also appeared to be a factor, with the communities under a straw raking regime being similar to those under the various cover crops and distinctly different from those under either shallow or deep tillage.

The studies showed noticeable improvements in organic matter with both reduced cultivations and cover cropping.

Increases in organic matter and decreases in soil disturbance were also found to be associated with higher populations of potentially beneficial microorganisms – and lower populations of microbes considered to be harmful.

Scientific understanding is key for carbon action

T

Infiltration testing a soil under a cover crop

he real value of the Green Horizons Soil Resilience Strategy will be in the improvements it encourages, says senior Agrii agronomist Andrew Richards (pictured).

Findings from the strategy are translated into the most appropriate action by combining a detailed understanding of each grower’s resources and objectives with the best intelligence on all aspects of soil health and its management, he says.

“More fundamental soil health constraints like pH, for instance, need to be addressed before it’s worth you doing much else,” explains Mr Richards, who played a leading role in developing the science behind the strategy over the past five years.

“Equally, moving to direct drilling without making sure your ground is ready for it could easily jeopardise performance. And it is essential to target levels of organic matter improvement that are realistic for both your soils and farming system.

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“While no single metric can capture the sheer complexity of soil health, the best science suggests soil carbon offers an essential, simple way to assess it. But this has to be done with an understanding of how soil structure affects its carbon-carrying content.”

Mr Richards says Agrii’s work with the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrolog assessed the detailed organic content of soil DNA from almost 400 main southern England fields under a variety of management regimes.

Results show that the ratio of clay to carbon in soils is a much more useful measure of their resilience than organic matter alone.

That’s because soils with a greater clay content can store more organic carbon.

“We have made this metric central to our approach,” says Mr Richards. “By establishing exactly where soils sit on the clay:carbon resilience scale, [we can] provide the most practical recommendations for both soil health and soil carbon storage improvements.”

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Water Defra pledges to give clarity on farming rules for water • Confusion over anti-pollution rules • Minister promises clearer guidance • Resolution needed before too long

T

he government has promised clarity on farming rules for water which have restricted the spreading of autumn manure.

It follows widespread confusion following a much-criticised statement issued last summer by the Environment Agency on how farmers should approach spreading organic slurries and manures.

The statement said the agency could not sanction the routine application of organic manures in the autumn without any immediate need from the crop to which it was applied – effectively banning the spreading of what many consider a key nutrient.

This was despite the long-held view that applying autumn manures in preparation for spring uptake is good agricultural practice, improves soils health and complies with the necessary regulations – so long as there is no pollution risk.

Agency chief executive James Bevan added to the confusion when he in-

sisted: “There is nothing within our interpretation of the farming rules for water that stops autumn application of appropriate organic fertilisers to improve soil organic matter.

Green composts “Improving organic matter in soil can be achieved by spreading and incorporating organic fertilisers that add organic matter but do not contain nutrients that are not needed: green composts are a good example.”

The situation eventually triggered a letter to farm minister Victoria Prentis from Neil Parish, chairman of the House of Commons Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committe, seeking clarity over the increasingly acrimonious issue.

Ms Prentis has now confirmed that greater clarity will be given shortly on

what constitutes acceptable and unacceptable farming practice. This guidance would be urgently provided so farmers can plan for the year ahead, she said.

‘Mixed messages’ Mr Parish said he looked forward to receiving the government’s advice. Farmers had been rightly concerned about the mixed messages they had received about how and when they could spread organic manure, he added.

“The government now needs to deliver on this promise and promptly produce guidance which meets the needs of farmers and the environment and gives farmers the certainty they need to be able to incorporate good organic matter into the soil.”

Tenant Farmers Association chief executive George Dunn said: “In essence, the agency was seeking to criminalise farmers for applying organic fertiliser in the autumn despite it being both good practice and fitting with wider government policy on soil health.”

He added: “Whatever can be agreed must be communicated clearly and quickly to the farming industry to avoid a further hiatus this coming autumn.”

“

The government now needs to deliver

Spreading autumn manure is widely accepted as good practice

MARCH 2022 • ANGLIA FARMER 39

Water

River pollution was more than 20 times worse

Report warns of increased risk from farm pollution • Wetter winters mean higher threat level • Soil and sediment swept into rivers • Climate change is to blame for increase

A

study of river water quality during one of the UK’s wettest winters shows a big increase in agricultural pollution – with more expected under climate change.

Pollutants washing from farmland within the upper catchment of Devon’s River Taw increased dramatically during the winter of 2019/20, with a 20-fold increase in the amount of soil washed off arable fields.

Erosion of field sediment which is then swept into rivers harms both aquatic wildlife and drinking water quality, say researchers. Climate modelling suggests the risks will become more frequent in future as weather patterns change.

The report by Rothamsted Research also shows levels of nitrate, another major aquatic pollutant arising from

fertiliser use, increased by four times during the wet winter from recently converted arable land.

Meanwhile, the sediment lost from grazed grassland areas roughly doubled, with nitrate runoff increasing by about half, says hydrologist Adie Collins (below), who leads Rothamsted’s research in this area.

“These changes in autumn and winter rainfall are elevating runoff and the water pollution problems arising from modern farming. Sadly, current onfarm mitigation strategies, including those subsidised by agri-environment schemes, aren’t working very well.”

Climate predictions February 2020 was the wettest February on record for the UK, with the meteorological winter – which encom-

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passes the months of December, January and February – ranked as the fifth wettest on record since 1862.

The researchers produced climate predictions for their study site. They suggest this sort of weather pattern will become more common in the future – with the most extreme rain days occurring even more often than they did in February 2020.

The River Taw rises in the uplands of Dartmoor, while the study sites were in lowland areas, close to Okehampton. As well as affecting wildlife, water pollution affects the provision of valuable ‘ecosystem services’ to humans, says Professor Collins.

The impact of this was assessed using the concept of ‘environmental damage’ costs. For sediment loss from fields, environmental damage costs were calculated to be at most £8/ha during 2016 to 2019.

During the wet 2019/20 winter, average costs increased three-fold for existing grassland fields – but by more than 20-fold, to about £100 per hectare, for fields recently converted to arable production.

“Pollution from intensive farming generates environmental damage with resultant costs such as those for drinking water treatment to remove nutrients and sediment. Elevated pollution driven by extreme wet-weather increases such problems considerably.”

Research data was collected

“

Experts forecast much wetter winters

Continued overleaf

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Water Continued from previous page by specialist equipment monitoring the water coming from four fields on a farm and three other nearby sites within the upper reaches of the River Taw catchment in Devon, as well as readings from an on-farm Met Office station.

Most-measured farm Rothamsted’s North Wyke site in Devon is said to be the world’s most-measured farm, where all the key inputs and outputs of the site are monitored.

Scientists also carry out detailed analysis of soil, air, water and livestock performance.

The research farm has traditionally been livestock only, but several fields were recently converted to arable to see what would happen as we shift away from meat eating to predominantly plant-based diets on soils less suitable for crop production.

Millions of measurements of rainfall, flow and water chemistry were collected every 15-minutes for four years.

It suggests arable farmland contributes more to water pollution than lowland grazing livestock, and is less resistant to wet-weather.

Agri-environment schemes ‘not working well’ Climate modelling suggests the winter of 2019/20 is a good example of the sort of weather we can expect over the coming decades, says Prof Collins.

Compared to the period 1981 to 2010, the winter of 2019/20 had nearly 20% more rainfall, with about 209 mm falling in February 2020 – which is more than 133% more than the climatic baseline.

This was the third highest monthly rainfall on record since 1982.

The six months from October 2019 to March 2020 was most characteristic of predicted future climates with respect to days with more than 1mm rainfall. It was this weather pattern that was most associated with sediment – but not nitrate – loss.

“The elevated sediment losses are therefore a good insight into what we might expect in future climates,” says Prof Collins.

The research is published in the Journal of Cleaner Production.

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Facing up to a future of water scarcity

EXPERT VIEW Could 2022 be another record breaking year for water? Melvyn Kay looks ahead.

W

e seem to be continually facing weather extremes, mini droughts and then floods, which all suggest that climate change is beginning to bite – especially when it comes to water.

So far in 2022, we have seen only 34% of our long term average rainfall across the Anglian region with much

falling in the first week of the year.

In fact, January was the fifth driest month on record for East Anglia.

That said, soil moisture deficits remain normal – and so too do most river flows and groundwater levels. But the Environment Agency suggests there is an increased probability of below normal flows in several rivers during March.

Most on farm reservoirs should now be full or nearly there because of early winter rains. If not, it would be wise to fill them as soon as possible to avoid hands-off flows in rivers if low rainfall continues.

Last year was relatively uneventful from a water availability viewpoint.

Indeed, problems remain more administrative as the Environment Agency explains switching from abstraction licensing to permitting.

The agency has hosted workshops to explain the changes and the UK Irrigation Association (UKIA) hosted a meeting online – available now on video for members. But the devil will be in the detail and we wait to see how any changes will turn out.

Reservoir grants Grants for farm reservoirs and water efficiency measures were made avail-

able by the Rural Payments Agency last November. It was not a lot of money – and again the UKIA put irrigators wanting to apply in contact with key RPA staff.

Although not well publicised, farm reservoirs do more than store water.

They can provide valuable ecosystem services. Once built, reservoirs can become a haven for flora and wildlife – although ducks defecating on lettuce crops are no joke.

Besides securing home food production, reservoirs benefit other water users downstream too – as irrigators switch abstraction from precious summer river flows to winter when water is usually more plentiful.

So grants for reservoirs are not just hand-outs to farmers, I see them as justified spending of public money to produce public goods.

Planning farm reservoirs is essential to have bids ready in the back pocket come the next round of grants.

Information on reservoir planning – including a masterclass video – are all available on the UKIA website.

The lockdown has inspired lots of useful videos for irrigators. Workshops and online seminars cover various subjects such as water harvesting (Jerry Continued overleaf

Water remains an increasingly precious resource for agriculture Picture: Simon Collins / Shutterstock.com

MARCH 2022 • ANGLIA FARMER 43

Water Continued from previous page Knox, Cranfield University) and potato irrigation (Mark Stalham).

Others include sharing Water in a catchment (Ian Holman, Cranfield University, and planning future water for food in east Suffolk (Tim Darby, ESWAG and Paul Bradford consultant).

All are available on the UKIA website.

Looking overseas Further afield, the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has published its ten-year global review of the state of land and water resources. Bearing in mind that over 50% of our food is imported, it is a document worth reading.

Globally, we are fast running out of good agricultural land, healthy soils and water. The world’s population is expected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050 – and the FAO suggests farmers must produce almost 50% more food to satisfy global demand.

Options to expand cultivated land areas are limited. Prime agricultural land is being degraded and lost to urbanisation. Irrigation accounts for 40% of world food production and already withdraws 70% of all freshwater withdrawals.

The there is climate change – which adds to the risk for agricultural production. The FAO says change is essential.

“Business as usual” is no longer an option, it says, and will set a course for disaster. But there is cause for hope.

The technologies are available to produce enough food, but technologies alone are unlikely to fix problems when resource governance is weak. Unfortunately good land and water governance is a commodity thin on the ground in many countries.

It will be essential to create the transformative changes needed to achieve patterns of sustainable agriculture. Does this mean we should all eat more vegetables? The question should be: do we have enough land and water resources?

The FAO report is quiet on this. But it does point out that no one has yet calculated the adjustments needed to land and water resources to service changes in crop production to substitute for animal protein. Now that will be a really interesting study.

Melvyn Kay is executive secretary of the UK Irrigation Association. For details, visit www.ukia.org

“

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F

armers are being invited to apply for funding for river projects and wildlife from the government’s Landscape Recovery scheme.

The competitive scheme is open to individuals or groups for initiatives covering 500-5000ha. Funding is provided for projects that restore streams and rivers, improve water quality and biodiversity, and recover or improve wildlife species and habitats.

Launched last month, the first round of the scheme is open until 24 May. Applications will be scored according to how well they meet the selection criteria. Successful applicants

will then receive funding for up to two years of an expected 20-year agreement.

Projects could include restoring the natural courses and condition of watercourses – or creating. Defra says the scheme will support the government’s ambition to deliver at least 10 large scale areas devoted to landscape and ecosystem recovery by 2024.

“

Successful projects will improve water quality

Natural environment Defra secretary George Eustice said: “The focus of our Landscape Recovery scheme will be to restore threatened species and priority habitats – helping to protect our natural environment for generations to come and boost biodiversity.

“While the types of projects we envisage won’t be right for every farm business or farm holding, they will be right for some which is why this scheme will support a choice that some landowners may want to take, and put in place the right incentives.”

Up to 15 projects will be taken for-

ward within the total project development budget available of £7.5m. The scheme is the highest tier of the government’s wider Environmental Land Management scheme.

Environment Agency chairwoman Emma Howard Boyd said successful projects would help to improve water quality and reduce risks from flooding – helping the UK adapt to the challenge of climate change.

Floodplains restored “The Landscape Recovery scheme will fund projects that will see waterbodies, rivers and floodplains restored to a more natural state helping to deliver the government’s ambition to reverse the decline in nature by 2030.”

Harry Greenfield, senior land use advisor at the Country Land and Business Association, said the scheme would not be suitable for all land managers, given the scale of projects involved and the 20-year minimum length of agreement.

“Once the scheme has been piloted in coming years, there may be scope for those who have been in higher-tier Countryside Stewardship or the new Local Nature Recovery scheme, to go further and enter into Landscape Recovery.”

For details, visit www.bit.ly/landscaperecovery

Tenants ‘could be left out in cold’

T

enant farmers are lobbying the government over concerns that they could be left unable to access the new Landscape Recovery scheme.

George Dunn, chief executive of the Tenant Farmers Association, said it was alarming that more than three years of talks with Defra had failed to result in a clear plan enabling tenant farmers to participate.

Part of the problem is the scheme length.

Agreements are expected to last at least 20 years. The TFA said tenants with Farm Busi-

ness Tenancies (FBTs) felt disenfranchised and dislocated by landlords who wanted to access schemes themselves.

Mr Dunn said: “Payments under the Basic Payment Scheme are being removed from tenant farmers in real time while we have a vague commitment for further work to be undertaken on how tenants can access schemes.”

He added: “It does feel like we are pushing water uphill given that we have already provided Defra with solutions which we ur-

gently need to see implemented.”

Mr Dunn said it was vital for Defra to “put the landlord community on notice” if it refused to act reasonably in terms of allowing tenants access to new government assistance schemes for farmers on FBT agreements.

It was important changes were made to the tax regime so it encouraged the longer tenancies needed for tenants to fully participate in the various schemes developed as basic payments are phased out.

MARCH 2022 • ANGLIA FARMER 47

Water

Water transport scheme at forefront of farm innovation

A

n innovative water management scheme which helps irrigate crops in one of the driest parts of the country will be showcased at a special farming event this spring.

The farmer-led hydrocycle scheme brings sustainably sourced fresh water supplies to fields and farmland on the Felixstowe Peninsula in Suffolk – rather than pumping it out into the North Sea. Water resources in the area are under ever-increasing pressure – with no additional water available for abstraction due to the combined effects of population growth, climate change and rising demand for irrigated crops.

Farmers estimate that they already need a further 1m cubic metres to meet current irrigation demand and Anglian Water calculates that unless they bring additional water into the area they will have a shortfall in supply within 20 years.

48 ANGLIA FARMER • MARCH 2022

Water pipeline To help address the deficit, five local farmers got together in 2018 to form Felixstowe Hydrocycle. They secured a €969k EU grant to part fund the construction of a pipeline to bring drainage water inland for irrigation.

Felixstowe Hydrocycle is working with the Environment Agency, the Local Authority and Drainage Board. As part of the scheme, local conservation groups are working with the East Suffolk Internal Drainage Board to restore mudflats with a Defra grant.

The 11km water transfer pipeline has been specially routed to avoid conservation areas and archaeological sites. Water will be distributed to participating farms where it will be stored in reservoirs to supplement irrigation supplies.

The project will be showcased on 11 May during a Farming: Clean, Lean, Green event at Cambridge Universi-

ty’s Park Farm, Madingley. Organised

by Anglia Rural Consultants, it will highlight ways farmers can make their businesses more sustainable.

High profile speakers will discuss ways farmers can improve their systems by adopting high tech innovation – exploring environmental and resource management case studies as well as managing clean resources.

Expert advice Subject to the weather, working field demonstrations will showcase machinery powered by alternative energy sources. They will include all-electric all-terrain and utility vehicles – with experts on hand to offer their advice.

Cambridge University farm manager Paul Kelly, who is hosting the show, said: “Following the success of the 2021 event, we are delighted to be holding such an innovative and handson event at Madingley once again.

The scheme benefits five farms which are working together

“Our site stretches across 692ha and includes state of the art technology including an anaerobic digester, robotic milking arms and robotic silage pusher used to provide a teaching resource to the Department of Veterinary Medicine.

“As farmers, we have a huge challenge in reducing our impact on climate, while working with nature to enhance the environment in which we

“

Inspiring farm businesses to change

operate. It is achievable, and many of the exhibitors and field demonstrators will highlight exactly how this can be done.”

Talks will be themed on improving hi-tech innovation in agriculture; environmental and resource management; and reviewing clean resources with exhibitors who have the equipment, knowledge and skills to help farmers meet new regulations.

Huge changes The day will include state-of-the-art machinery and vehicle demonstrations powered by methane, hydrogen or electricity. They will include a static display of the New Holland T6.180 Methane tractor, winner of the 2022 sustainable tractor of the year.

The event is the brainchild of Anglia Rural Consultants founding member Richard Rampton. He said: “It may sound trite but it’s also true that farmers are faced with more changes now than at any time since the 1947 Agriculture Act. “We are going to show farmers what’s coming and how to handle it, especially in terms of the environment and energy. Come and see; come and listen; come and ask; come and think – we’d love to see you.

“We will have the best as speakers, as exhibitors and as demonstrators, to inspire farming businesses to change, adapt and make the most of the opportunities and challenges facing the industry.”

The event is free to attend.

For full details, visit the events, news and insights page at www.angliaruralconsultants.com.

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Livestock How organic manure can ease pain of high fertiliser prices • High nutrient prices forecast to remain • Manure offers good value for money • Slurry spreading strategy important

H

igh fertiliser prices are likely to remain for the immediate future – prompting livestock producers to demand more from nutrients when managing grassland.

“Many farms use organic manures extremely efficiently,” says Yara grassland agronomist Philip Cosgrave. “For others, there is scope to improve their utilisation and help mitigate rising fertiliser costs to an extent.”

At today’s fertiliser prices, cattle slurry at 6% dry matter can be worth £5.76 per cubic metre (see table). This make it important for farmers to use it effectively, explains Mr Cosgrave.

It will be difficult to completely offset the increase in fertiliser costs, he adds. But making tweaks to existing systems where possible can help to save on fertiliser while maintaining the same level of output.

Producers should use recent soil test results when planning fertiliser requirements. Results will highlight where where organic manure can have the best effect – and help to reduce fertiliser requirements.

“If certain fields have high soil fertility while others have lower, its probably worthwhile to divert more slurry towards the latter,” says Mr Cosgrave.

“It will work to reduce your mineral NPK fertiliser requirements.”

Farms producing lots of slurry can capture more of the nitrogen available to the crop by using low emission spreading equipment. This is because applying slurry using a splash plate means more ammonium-N will he lost as ammonia to the atmosphere.

Farmers should also maximise spring applied slurry applications for both silage and grazing, because spring weather conditions are less conducive for ammonia-N volatilisation compared to summer applications.

“By switching some slurry from

Value of cattle slurry* Available Nitrogen(N)

£2.08

Available Phosphate(P)

£1.43

Available Potash(K)

£2.25

Total value

£5.76

* Per cubic metre at 6%DM, February 2022 [source: Yara]

summer to spring you are increasing crop nitrogen availability by 0.26kg per cubic metre,” says Mr Cosgrave.

High costs make it important to get the most from grassland

Slurry analysis As well as testing soil, it can also pay to analyse the nutrient content of any organic fertilisers analysed – especially slurry. An accurate analysis is better than using standard book values from the RB209 fertiliser guide.

“Because this is an average value, a significant proportion of samples will have nitrogen levels above the book value – meaning there’s potential to scale back on fertiliser to balance crop requirements.”

UK ammonium nitrate prices are expected to remain stable to firm following an agreement between the government and manufacturers CF Industries on CO2 production, a by-product of nitrogen fertiliser manufacture.

Liquid UAN prices have moved higher in the UK ahead of spring topup demand and to bring the market into line with UK ammonium nitrate prices, says Calum Findlay, head of fertiliser at ADM Agriculture.

Plans shelved for tax on silage wrap

C

ontroversial plans to hit silage wrap with a £200-a-tonne tax have been abandoned by the government.

Silage wrap was listed as packaging for the first time late last year by the HMRC – making it subject to the government’s plastic packaging levy. Treasury officials confirmed the change in early January.

But the NFU challenged the decision, arguing that the primary role of silage wrap was to ensure silage fermentation, which exempted it from the packaging levy. It was impractical to make silage wrap from recycled

or biodegradable materials, said the NFU. The HMRC has now confirmed that silage film is exempt. In a letter to the NFU, it accepted that silage wrap is a “highly specialised product, the primary purpose of which is to enable fermentation”.

During an earlier debate, Amber Valley MP Nigel Mills, argued that the proposed reclassification was at such short notice that there was no time to prepare for it.

Applying the tax risked undermining voluntary recycling efforts by many farmers, who had been paying around £60 per tonne for

used wrap collection, said Mr Mills. Adding extra costs could reduce participation in such schemes, he added.

The NFU had also called for a rethink, arguing that coffee pods and boil in the bag rice packets were exempt from the tax – despite often proving far harder to recycle and clear alternatives being available.

In the longer term, the NFU said it was also calling for further support to develop affordable, technically suitable silage films produced with more recycled content – or from biodegradable alternatives.

MARCH 2022 • ANGLIA FARMER 51

Livestock

5

top tips to boost silage in 2022

A flexible approach to silage cutting dates is especially important this year.

G

ood grass from silage will help dairy producers maximise gains from improved milk prices in the face of high fertiliser costs, says Ken Stroud, from nutrition experts Volac. This includes a flexible approach to cutting dates, he says.

“As one of the cheapest feed sources, good silage is likely to be pivotal to farming profitably,” says Mr Stroud.

But there are extra pitfalls this year because fertiliser proces have reached record levels.

“Cutting back nitrogen fertiliser could cause grass yield and quality to suffer. Alternatively, applying extra slurry to replace nitrogen will increase risks from slurry bacteria. Plus, we saw last year the importance of adjusting cutting date to navigate unusual weather.”

Mr Stroud offers five key tips to boost silage quality when cutting grass:

the value of 1 Recognise your silage Recognise the contribution silage makes to maximising milk from forage, says Mr Stroud. It’s not just bulk, it’s not enough to grow quality grass.

You need to minimise losses in its nutrients when turning it into silage.

Typically, dry matter (DM) losses in grass silage are about 10%, but they can be 25% or higher. This makes

Cutting grass early allows silage to be ‘banked’ in case the weather turns – and encourages fresh regrowth, says Ken Stroud

As one of the cheapest feed sources, good silage is pivotal to profitable farming

more important than ever to follow best practice silage production and fermentation methods.

Cutting grass younger improves its digestibility and protein content, while conserving with a proven additive can halve DM losses and preserve more energy and protein.

If unsure how well your silage normally ferments, check previous silage analyses. You want a ratio of lactic acid to undesirable volatile fatty acids (VFAs) of at least 3:1.

Adapt to the weather Last year’s unexpectedly cold April and wet May – which delayed grass growth and then harvest – underlined the importance of being flexible with silage cutting dates. Farmers who didn’t seize an early first-cut often didn’t get another chance until June.

Cutting early not only allows a silage cut to be ‘banked’, it also encourages fresh regrowth. Cutting earlier does lead to more cuts. But cutting five times in our research produced grass on average three D units higher in digestibility and almost 3% higher in crude protein than cutting three times, and yielded 0.92 t/ha extra DM. This year there are added reasons for cutting earlier: to clear old grass growth from the mild winter, and because cutting back N could cause grass to head earlier due to stress.

2

Mitigate slurry risks Applying extra slurry to replace some bagged N, or cutting silage at shorter intervals, increases the risk of poorer fermentation and DM losses due to enterobacteria in the silage, making it important to manage this risk.

Apply slurry as soon as possible after harvesting to allow it more time to dissipate. Also, consider dilution to encourage it to wash into soil quicker, and apply by trailing shoe or injection to keep it off leaves.

To improve fermentation, rapid wilting becomes more important. As too does wilting to at least 30% DM and using an additive: enterobacteria numbers in silage made using Ecosyl have been 100,000 times lower than in untreated.

3

Wilt efficiently To reduce wilting time, ted straightaway after cutting. Rapid wilting to the correct %DM is important to reduce the breakdown of sugars and proteins that occurs between cutting grass and ensiling it.

In a trial on grass cut on a warm, dry July day, cutting at 10am and tedding immediately resulted in grass reaching the target 30% DM in just 4.5 hours, compared to 24 hours when left in rows.

Rapid wilting to the correct DM should minimise losses at all stages of silage making.

4

Keep contractors informed Finally, cutting grass before heading is vital for top silage quality. This means it is important to keep your contractor informed in advance of when you will need them, and especially if planning to cut earlier or more often this year.

A benefit of cutting earlier is that contractor availability is often better, which reduces the risk of grass quality passing its peak due to delays.

5

MARCH 2022 • ANGLIA FARMER 53

Livestock

Dog-attack laws must be strengthened, says sheep association

T

The Field Lab project aims to improve grassland productivity and sustainability

Satellite data to boost pasture performance

L

ivestock farmers are being invited to join a new project to improve grass management by using data from space to boost productivity and sustainability.

The Field Lab trials, coordinated by the Innovative Farmers network, will connect farmers with digital experts at the University of Edinburgh and Environment Systems to help monitor pasture growth and quality.

Funded by Innovate UK, the digital tool will be designed in partnership with farmers. It will use advanced algorithms based on satellite data, such as weather information and field images taken from space.

This will help to deliver regular updates and predictions to farmers, helping to improve grassland productivity and sustainability.

The PASTORAL – Pasture Optimisation for Resilience and Livelihoods – data from the project will be delivered regularly to participants.

It will focus on the three main outdoor livestock sectors: beef, lamb, and dairy.

Pasture quality Environment Systems founder and director Steve Keyworth said: “Until now, farmers have relied on their experience and tools like rising plate meters to use small samples to assess how much grass will be available for grazing.

“But this doesn’t give producers a complete picture – and with a changing climate it is becoming increasingly difficult to predict growth, which can make decision-making challenging for farmers.”

Cutting edge technology, could revolutionise pasture performance by using satellite data to forecast in real time how grasslands would perform under different conditions. Farmers could then make the right adjustments, boosting pasture quality and quantity.

Mr Keyworth said: “It should also improve 54 ANGLIA FARMER • MARCH 2022

farm sustainability by showing the potential for carbon storage on pastures, and help to reduce the need for imported feed supplements and chemical applications.

“We need farmers to be involved in designing this service from the start so it works for them and is tested in real farming situations.”

Healthier soils Innovative Farmers and Soil Association livestock advisor Kate Still said: “If farmers know more accurately how their pastures are performing, they can develop their business to make even better use of them, delivering more forage for their animals.

She added: “This increased information on productivity can build confidence to farm more agro-ecologically, creating healthier soils that can store more carbon and support more wildlife.

“It is essential that farmers have access to all the information about their farms that could unlock these benefits, and that they are involved in developing the right tools to help them translate that data.

“This is a really exciting area with lots of potential, and we would encourage livestock farmers to get in touch to help shape the development of the tool, so it truly delivers for resilient farm businesses.”

The field lab trials are the first to launch in Innovative Farmers’ 10th anniversary year, during which the programme is celebrating the achievements from a decade of enabling farmer-led research.

Triallists will join 12,000 UK farmers that the Innovative Farmers has connected with since 2012, spanning some 120 field lab projects that have placed farmers in the driving seat of agricultural research.

For full details, email pastoral@envsys.co.uk.

he National Sheep Association has called on the government to put a stop to shocking incidents of livestock worrying by dogs.

The Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill – currently progressing through parliament – offers a prime opportunity to bring much needed action, said NSA chief executive Phil Stocker.

“Simply including the instruction for dogs to be on a lead when in the proximity of, or likely to come into contact with grazing livestock, would reduce these terrible incidents and by increasing the fines would act as a deterrent for irresponsible dog owners.”

Mr Stocker said the NSA had recently received a spate of reports, he said, highlighting a worrying increase in the number of dog attacks on sheep – causing untold stress and significant animal welfare concerns.

The UK quite rightly demanded high standards of animal welfare in farming, he added. It was therefore ludicrous for the government to continually ignore the stressful impact of dog attacks not only on sheep – but also on farmers.

Chased A number of cases reported recently include sheep killed by a train after a dog chased them onto a railway line. In another case, the RSPCA were alerted after a sheep was chased off of a cliff by a dog.

As spring approaches, the situation could worsen with more dog walkers visiting the countryside.

The consequences of dog attacks on in-lamb ewes mean sheep worrying is an even more serious issue than at other times of year.

Mr Stocker said he applauded action being taken in Scotland.

Recently strengthened legislation has seen penalties for owners who let their dogs attack livestock increased to a maximum fine of £40,000 and/or 12 months imprisonment.

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Professional services Farm retirement scheme will launch next month – Defra • Farmers paid to retire from farming • As much as £100,000 could be on offer • Opportunities for more new entrants

F

armers wanting to leave the industry could be eligible to claim a lump sum payment from a new government scheme.

Due to open in April, the application period for the Lump Sum Exit Scheme will run until the end of September.

The payment will be based on the average direct payment made to the farmer for the 2019 to 2021 Basic Payment Scheme years.

This reference figure will be capped at £42,500 and multiplied by 2.35 to calculate the total lump sum to be paid to farmers. It means an individual grower or livestock producer could receive up to around £100,000.

The retirement scheme follows a Defra public consultation last year. The consultation was carried out following evidence that some farmers wanted to leave the industry – but couldn’t afford to do so.

How it will work It is part of the government’s agricultural transition plan, which represents the biggest changes to farming and land management in 50 years. The plan includes the end of the Basic Payment Scheme, which is being phased out by 2028.

In return for their lump sum payment, farmers will surrender their entitlement to receive future basic payments. They will also be expected to either rent or sell their land or surren-

der their tenancy – creating opportunities for new entrants to agriculture.

Alongside the retirement scheme, Defra says it has been working in partnership with farm leaders, local councils and land owners to design a new entrants scheme to encourage more first generation farmers into the agricultural industry.

Defra secretary George Eustice said: “Those of us who grew up with farming know the emotional connection farmers have with their land and the decision to retire or to exit the industry can be extremely difficult and is frequently postponed.

Meaningful choice “The purpose of the Lump Sum Exit Scheme is to assist farmers who want to exit the industry to do so in a planned way and provide them with the means to make a meaningful choice about their future.”

The Basic Payment Scheme offered poor value for money, said Mr Eustice.

It inflated the rental value of farmland and was a barrier to new entrants – and it was right that it was being phased out completely.

Future support will be based on environmental payments, with farmers expected to undertake work that improves air, water and soil quality – as well as biodiversity – under the forthcoming Environmental Land Management scheme.

Scheme ‘must be part of wider package’

T

he Lump Sum Exit Scheme on its own will not provide enough money to help people retire, says the Tenant Farmers Association. But it could benefit some farmers when combined with other available resources.

These could include settlements negotiated on the surrender of a tenancy, the sale of live and dead stock, and other pension provisions, says TFA chief executive George Dunn (pictured above).

The Lump Sum Exit Scheme is especially attractive to older, owner-occupiers with smaller holdings without available successors. This is because Defra will allow retiring farmers to retain ownership of their land if they rent it out for at least five years.

But Mr Dunn says: “It is very disappointing Defra has not been bolder in its aspiration, by requiring owner occupiers who take part in the Lump Sum Exit Scheme to offer tenancies of at least 10 years or more.”

Other potential beneficiaries are tenant farmers with rights of tenancy succession and who have eligible and suitable successors waiting in the wings. Tenant farmers – with lifetime agreements or without successors – might also be attracted to apply.

“Landlords should not waste this time limited opportunity – there are many who have been extremely keen to obtain the vacant possession of land that may have been held by generations of farm tenants.”

Defra says it is continuing to work with farmers to design the new scheme and support the choices they make for their own holdings. More than 3,000 farmers across the sector are testing and trialling the new approach.

MARCH 2022 • ANGLIA FARMER 57

How to be successful when bidding on rural property With average farmland values rising, Oliver Carr from Savills sets out his top tips for buyers in a competitive market.

After several years of stalling, 2021 saw average farmland values climb 6.2 per cent – the strongest annual increase since 2014.

Demand for farmland to meet environmental objectives is one of the strongest drivers for growth. However, there is also interest from individuals who are seeking land for specific projects such as rewilding and those wanting to expand their existing farming operations.

In a competitive market it is more important than ever for purchasers to make their offer as attractive as possible.

While a lot of the time it comes down to price, there are other factors which can help set you apart from the competition: • Try to carry out all due diligence on your chosen property before making an offer - and make it clear to the selling agent that you have done so. This will give confidence to the vendor that you are a reliable buyer and will not withdraw at a later date because of ‘new’ information.

• If you can, offer a flexible date of entry. Some buyers could be looking for a prompt completion and others might prefer a delay. Be mindful that most sellers will seek a quick exchange of contracts so they can be confident the transaction will go through.

• Keep your offer as straightforward as possible. There are a number of conditions buyers can impose, particularly in relation to occupation of land and buildings, farming structures and timing. The fewer demands you place on the seller the more compelling your offer will be.

• Instruct your agent or solicitor to draft the offer specific to the property, in as much detail as possible and remove irrelevant clauses.

• Be transparent about your financial position and provide the seller with evidence that you have the required level of funding in place.

• Ask the selling agent if there is anything else beyond price that could win favour. With properties involving residential elements for example, one could offer a longer holdover for the vendor to make moving house easier.

• Instructing a respected agent will show your commitment and ensure you are being appropriately guided through any complexities such as commercial and agricultural leases, farming arrangements, overage and grant schemes.

• Many country properties have been in the same ownership for generations and there can be strong emotional attachment. In the right circumstances a personal letter accompanying the offer can be reassuring to the seller.

Oliver Carr Savills Cambridge ocarr@savills.com 01223 347274 07808 643274

58 ANGLIA FARMER • MARCH 2022

Professional services

Finance package for miscanthus growers

A

finance package is being made available to Norfolk farmers wanting to cover the establishment costs of growing miscanthus.

The package – from miscanthus specialists Terravesta – covers virtually all upfront costs for establishing the crop with index-linked annual returns for 1015 years for supplying the local market, including Snetterton power station.

Farmers wanting to learn more about the crop attended a free farm walk hosted last month

by Attleborough grower Andrew Thornton. He planted 23ha of miscanthus in 2019 to help to make his business more financially and environmentally sustainable.

The crop is a long-term investment requiring a high initial outlay, says Mr Thornton. But the cost of growing it is much less than other crops. “It is low risk and requires minimal inputs after establishment. It is also much more resilient to weather than traditional crops.”

Mr Thornton says planting and establishing the crop was straightforward. Three years on,

Andrew Thornton with his winter miscanthus crop

it looks fantastic and will be profitable without subsidy, he adds.

“It will give us a long term guaranteed income and it will capture carbon.

“It’s our hope that in future there may be more opportunities in carbon trading. In farming, we are aiming for net zero, but we may also be offsetting emissions from other sectors who want to improve their green image.”

New NIAB agronomist for east

C

rop research organisation NIAB has appointed Gary Rackham (right) as its agronomist for the eastern region.

Effective immediately, Mr Rackham is providing agronomy advice and technical services to farmers across East Anglia.

He is working with NIAB head of membership technical services Andrew Watson and agronomist Stephen Keach on-farm in Norfolk and Suffolk.

The appointment is part of an ongoing NIAB process to attract new and experienced agronomists as its seeks to reinforce its position as an independent provider of crop research expertise, impartial information and technical services in the UK.

Mr Rackham recently returned to the UK after 14 years in New Zealand where he worked in agronomy on a range of crops.

He said: “I am really looking forward to getting back out on farm across the eastern region.”

His early career included working on-farm in Norfolk, before moving into the processing sector including roles as at Aylsham Growers and Birds Eye. He is BASIS, FACTS and BETA qualified – and a Certified Nutrient Management Advisor.

Keep options open as farm policy changes • Decide best way to retain control • Manage changes very carefully • Beware of unwanted restrictions

F

armers should seek to retain control of their land use options amid conflicting demands for natural capital, public goods and food production, say experts.

Farmers face a generation of change in just one single decade, says the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers (CAAV). Challenges include the phase-out of direct payments, new trade agreements and the drive towards net zero.

The upheaval will mean increasing competition for rural land use, says CAAV secretary and adviser Jeremy Moody. This will make it vital for farmers to assess the options to retain control rather than being locked into longterm plans, he says.

Some two thirds of money retargeted from the basic payment scheme will be used to encourage habitat change.

It includes the changes implemented under the forthcoming Environmental Land Management scheme (ELMs).

so could see them tied into restrictive management for 30 years or more.

That said, Mr Moody believes there are four general routes to manage change over the coming years: • Focusing on efficiency to produce competitively priced commodities • High value, high output vegetables, fruit or livestock under cover • Adding value by specialising and branding farm produce • Combining food production and Farmland faces environmental outputs land use change and loss of options it increasing • Focusing land use mainly on the involves. But markets for biodiversity competition for environment, rather than food net gain and nutrient neutrality could Solar leases might be attractive, but different uses be potential options in future. agreements based on outcomes rather Even so, Mr Moody says biodiverBelow: Jeremy than actions would be limiting, warns sity net gain agreements – which pay Moody: prepare Mr Moody. Farmers should take pro- for change farmers to recreate habitats destroyed fessional advice before entering into by developers – are generally set at such schemes, he suggests. more than 30 years. Nutrient neutral“If you’re paid to provide services ity deals could be even longer. that’s one thing, but once the buyer Given rapidly advancing scientakes control of the carbon, biodivertific knowledge and technology – as sity or other outcomes you may have well as evolving natural capital marlost control of the farm, with restrickets – Mr Moody says the agriculturTransition period tions and penalties to protect what the al world could be a very different place “Such policies might help or hinder buyer has bought. in 30 years. - Seed - Cash Flow Equipment - Livestock - Feed - Fertiliser farmers but the real decisions over Carbon is also seen as a tricky area.

This important to take Diversification Projects - Buildingmakes - DebtitConsolidation land use are theirs to take,” says Mr “Selling carbon credits looks to handtrusted advice before signing on the Moody. “This decade offers the tran- icap farmers who will be expected to dotted line. “These are very big decisition period in which to manage this reduce their own carbon footprint – sions as critical as any we’ve faced in major change.” it is counter-productive as the farmer living memory. Be sure to do things on Farmers should beware of any ob- will then have to find that carbon rethe right terms for the right reasons ligations and restrictions imposed duction again.” and the right money.”

Equipment - Livestock - Feed -by Fertiliser - Seed - Cash Flow some environmental land use agreeMany farmers are unlikely to be For more information visit Diversification Projects - Building - Debt Consolidation ments, says Mr Moody. Failure to do wooed by forestry, given the permanent www.caav.org.uk.

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Professional services

Higher rates make stewardship more attractive option

A

EXPERT VIEW Revised payment rates mean Countryside Stewardship is worth another look, says Kevin Jay

long-awaited increase in payment rates means Countryside Stewardship could now stack up favourably for farmers who have previously dismissed the scheme – as well as offering a guaranteed income for five years.

The increase was announced earlier this year by Defra secretary George Eustice, who said it represented a 30% rise in payments. That is a tad optimistic but the figures for many options have certainly risen – and in some cases by a substantial amount.

With this in mind – and set against the backdrop of falling Basic Payments – there is much to be said for signing up to Countryside Stewardship – a scheme that is now open for applications for agreements beginning in 2023.

Remember, too, that Defra has

pledged that farmers who join will be able to switch their Countryside Stewardship agreement into the forthcoming Environmental Land Management scheme (ELMs) without penalty later.

This makes it a good stepping-stone to the future.

The application deadline for a fiveyear Countryside Stewardship agreeContinued on page 62

In May 2021, it was announced that, as part of the farm subsidy restructuring process, a scheme would be introduced to encourage change within the sector by way of a lump sum on retirement. Many commentators focussed on the lack of clarity on family situations, and a complete silence on the tax consequences.

A consultation ran from May to August 2021, with results being published at the same time as revised proposals. About two-thirds of respondents felt that the proposals outlined would only benefit a very limited number of farmers with the remaining third split fairly evenly between those who believed many farmers would benefit and those who felt that exits should not be encouraged at all.

Some of these concerns have been taken on board in the second draft proposals issued on 8 February 2022.

Revised proposals • Eligibility will be given to those claiming BPS in 2018 or earlier • They need to meet the retirement conditions by 31 May 2024 • Any BPS monies received in 2022 and 2023 will be deemed part of their retirement lump sum • Detailed provisions on the interaction with other schemes, such as countryside stewardship and woodland creation, are available for review and claimants will be permitted to retain buildings and up to 5 Ha of land. Both the retirement lump sum and the ongoing “delinked payments” for those continuing to farm after 2024 will be determined on the BPS payments received in a “reference period” –

60 ANGLIA FARMER • MARCH 2022

Lump sum for retirees • This period will be the three years to 2021 • Payment will be 235% of average profits, capped at £42,500 p.a.

Delinked payments for continuing businesses • The period will be the three years to 2022 Lump sum payments and businesses It is now confirmed that partnerships and limited companies will be able to apply for a lump sum payment subject to certain conditions being met: • One or more controlling partners or shareholders (entitled to over 50% of profits) leaves the business and disposes of their agricultural land (or exits leaving partnership land with other partners).

• All the business BPS entitlements must be surrendered • Future BPS or delinked payments to the business will be blocked and no further BPS claims can be made by the continuing business Capital Gains Tax (CGT) A key outcome from the revised proposal is the tax treatment confirmation and the application of CGT legislation which may change how the outgoers scheme is perceived.

• Retirees can utilise the CGT annual exemption and claim business asset disposal relief, reducing the effective charge to below 10% (partnerships and companies are more complicated) • Purchased and inherited entitlements may also be a deductible base cost, whilst others may be able to crystallise relievable CGT losses elsewhere Since the lump sum is broadly the same amount as the foregone income payments, it was originally

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feared that taking it would trigger higher rate income tax liability. Under the new proposals, the tax cost of the lump sum will normally be significantly lower than the tax on the delinked payment stream. However, each case will be different, and detailed advice will be required (particularly where there are income tax or CGT losses available).

Where a retirement is at least in prospect, there is now a 27-month window to consider using these proposals as part of a succession plan.

Full details are available at: www.gov.uk/ government/publications/lump-sum-paymentsfor-farmers-who-leave-or-retire-from-farming-anddelinked-payments.

If you’d like to discuss the outgoers scheme in more detail, please get in touch with the specialists at Larking Gowen, call 0330 024 0888 or email: enquiry@larking-gowen.co.uk.

Steve Rudd, Partner at Larking Gowen

This article is designed for the information of readers. Whilst every effort is made to ensure accuracy, information contained in this article may not be comprehensive and recipients should not act upon it without seeking professional advice. “Larking Gowen” is the trading name of Larking Gowen LLP, which is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales (LLP number OC419486). Where we use the word partner it refers to a member of Larking Gowen LLP. ©Larking Gowen.

T: 01366 387180 The Estate Office, 15 Lynn Road, Downham Market, Norfolk PE38 9NL www.barryhawkins.co.uk E: info@barryhawkins.co.uk

MARCH 2022 • ANGLIA FARMER 61

Professional services Continued from page 60 ment starting on 1 January 2023 is likely to be 31 July 2022. Entering the scheme next year would offer some stability as the Basic Payment scheme is phased out.

Some farmers operating extensive grassland systems rearing beef or sheep have previously found rates underwhelming. But with the GS2 payment having risen from £95/ha to £132/ha, now might be the time for farmers running such systems to reconsider..

New rates On one mixed farm I advise, the new rates mean a £25,000 annual agreement is now worth nearly £30,000. This is because increased rates also apply to existing agreements. It is also worth noting too that agreements already in place will still receive the old rates if the new rates are lower.

Entering stewardship has turned the key on lots of changes on this unit, which has 155ha permanent pasture and 45ha of arable land. The agreement has allowed a shift towards a more extensive beef system.

This has reduced the amount of working capital tied up in the farm business. It has also meant reduced contracting costs – allowing the farmer to refocus his priorities across the arable, grass and woodland enterprises.

62 ANGLIA FARMER • MARCH 2022

Some people previously viewed stewardship and other agri-environment grassland options as less financially attractive. But the legume and herb-rich sward option (GS4) now pays £358/ha. No surprise that it is increasingly useful from a grazing point of view.

Other opportunities Note too that you don’t need to enter a whole farm into stewardship, so there are opportunities with less productive areas – such as field corners, wetter pieces of ground or boundary strips – and you can sign up to as many or as few options as you wish.

That said, it is important not to view stewardship solely as a response to dealing with less productive parcels of land. There are options that can help the way you farm, such as building in rotations that benefit cropping and soil health.

Stewardship also gives you the chance to apply for capital funding, for work such as fencing and water troughs – although Defra has missed an opportunity by not revising these rates. Fencing, for example, is still funded at £4.90/m, despite astronomical cost increases in recent years.

So, even if you have considered stewardship before and decided it wasn’t for you, it is worth looking at it again. Yes, it had its share

of bad press in its early stages for being overly complicated but it has been simplified and payments are more timely than they once were.

It is worth planning well ahead of the July closing date. Deadlines can creep up on all of us – especially if we’re not given a lot of notice of them, as happened recently with the tight application window for the Farming Equipment and Technology Fund..

Sustainable Farming Incentive A final note of caution. Some people will inevitably still avoid stewardship in the believe that the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) will provide a much-longed-for panacea when it is launched later this year.

But the SFI already looks like a complicated scheme for not a lot of money. Detail remains lacking and participants will have to abide by an awful lot of conditions for a maximum of £58/ha on improved grassland or £40/ha on arable land under the relevant soil standards for their farm.

Many farmers will find it is better to get a good Countryside Stewardship agreement in place first – and then see how they might fit the SFI around that later.

Kevin Jay is a director at farm business consultants CLM. See www.c-l-m.co.uk

Professional services

Higher prices forecast for eastern region farmland

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armland values are expected to rise once again across East Anglia this year – with land that has environmental potential predicted to see the largest gain in 2022.

Eastern region farmland traded at an average of £8,410 per acre in 2021 – the highest of any region in the UK, according to the latest farmland price index from Savills. This represents a 2.6% increase on 2020.

Grade 3 livestock land saw the largest increase in value of 5.6%. Prime arable land increased by an average of 3.3%, with a 2% rise in the value of Grade 3 arable land and a 3% rise in the value of poorer arable land.

Growth potential Looking ahead, many agents believe lack of supply and sustained high demand will continue to fuel the market – but the exact level of price growth will vary depending on land type, location and quality.

Savills forecasts a 2.5% increase in the average value of prime arable land every year for the next five years. But poorer quality livestock land that could lend itself to environmental uses could increase by an average of 6% every year over the same period.

“The lower quality land perhaps has greater capacity

64 ANGLIA FARMER • MARCH 2022

Bottom: Australia Farm, near March in Cambridgeshire, recently sold for more than its £2.95m guide price.

The Grade 1 296-acre arable farm included a grain store and general purpose store.

Below: Rising prices have been buoyed by restricted supply, says Oliver Carr

for price growth,” says Oliver Carr, from the Savills rural agency team in Cambridgeshire and Suffolk.

“The predicted rises have to be seen within that context. But overall I think it paints a positive picture.”

Historically, farmland has been a good hedge against inflation. Despite a recent rise in interest rates, the continuing low-interest environment means it continues to have appeal as an asset class in a mixed portfolio.

More recently, the value of farmland as a carbon store has increased.

Its environmental credentials – including its potential for offsetting biodiversity loss – have also added to its investor appeal.

“We see no reason for this to change,” says Mr Carr. “Demand for farms with a strong amenity or lifestyle appeal is also expected to remain as a result of the pandemic’s long lasting impact on working practices.”

Having risen by 6.2% across Great Britain during 2021, average farmland values are expected to climb higher still during the next 12 months – spurred by restricted supply and continued interest from farmers and other buyers “The ongoing rise in input costs and the phasing out of direct payments may well lead to some lower

performing or under-diversified businesses leaving the industry – but we’re not expecting to see a flood of land come to the market,” says Mr Carr.

The government’s lump sum exit scheme – designed to assist farmers in England with retirement – has also met a mixed response, suggesting that supply levels are unlikely to recover to those seen historically in the short to medium term.

Pasture land “As a result prices should stay strong.

We anticipate that real values for poorer quality grassland will climb as the ability for pasture land to provide valuable carbon and water management services is increasing its demand over other land types.”

In addition, woodland planting projects for carbon offsets are targeting grassland, says Mr Carr. Buyers are especially interested in sites which do not have any factors that might limit suitability for tree planting, he adds.

“For prime arable land, commodity prices in the short term look set to hold.

Energy crops and renewables may continue to support profit from production and consolidation of the most productive businesses will drive competition for the best land.”

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FINAL SAY Fen Tiger

Gas works Have we finally found a viable alternative to the diesel tractor? Perhaps, says Fen Tiger.

I

t was only a matter of time before a tractor powered by a non-diesel engine came to the market.

Although thought about for several years, only recently has the tractor of the future finally found its place. It’s not my usual colour but I came away from a recent open day thinking that an alternative to the diesel engine has been found. Well, maybe.

After dabbling with other forms of alternative tractor power, it seems methane is the most viable fuel for the future. Talked about for so long as the way forward, it seems hydrogen has been shelved due to high costs and safety factors. For now, anyway.

The New Holland T6 methane-powered tractor looks and – so I have been told – behaves like its diesel-powered equivalent. It is powered by the same 180hp engine and claims to be just as powerful. The bonus is zero emissions and no adblue.

The hype surrounding this new tractor suggests running costs are 30% lower. Yet a local rep told me to expect them to be much the same as the diesel powered machine – with much the same servicing costs.

One reason is that a standard diesel engine can be serviced by most competent farm

66 ANGLIA FARMER • MARCH 2022

workers, The same cannot be said for the methane engine, which needs specialist fitters – increasing the farmer’s costs.

Fuelled up, the methane is stored in pressurised tanks in place of the front weight block and linkage. Fill time is similar to a diesel engine with 6-8 hours between refills.

It seems this tractor is aimed at farmers with anaerobic digesters, with claims made that surplus methane could be used to power the engine. But while having your own AD plant is a big advantage, it is something most farms lack. And it is questionable whether anyone at the moment can source methane easily at a competitive price to diesel.

This means some farmers may come unstuck and find the tractor no cheaper than its

“

It behaves just like a diesel tractor

diesel equivalent. Price-wise, I would hope it is on a par with the diesel version. After all, helping the environment is important but the bottom line is the pounds in your pocket.

Sleek design One major plus point: the styling and cab layout is superb. It differs subtly from the standard diesel tractor. The sleek design links the bonnet, tanks and steps. Visibility is excellent, with a 20% increased glass area.

The methane tractor is mainly controlled with four screens. One is fixed in the centre of the steering wheel. Several comments were made during the open day about operators feeling dizzy because of the continued need to stare at the centre screen. But not me.

Some farmers may be put off by a machine which appears to over-complicate some simple tasks, rather than making them easier.

True, technology is here to stay – but linking certain tasks to your smart phone may be a step too far for some people.

Finally, then, is the new breed of tractor unsuitable for the average farm? It would certainly be interesting to hear from any farmer who has done the maths and bought into the new technology.

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