Anglia Farmer November 21 by Countrywide Publications

November 2021

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Farmer

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News AgInflation sees input costs soar Arable New mill meets demand for oats Root crops Demo days for specialist harvester Livestock Levy ‘holiday’ for pig producers Fen Tiger Why people must value food more

Through the roof: How to cope with high fertiliser prices

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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 annie.fish@micropress.co.uk © Countrywide Publications 2021 Published by Countrywide Publications, Fountain Way, Reydon Business Park, Reydon Suffolk IP18 6DH T: 01502 725800 Printed by Micropress Ltd, Suffolk. T: 01502 725800

No short-term easing in sight as input costs soar

ew people predicted the massive increase in farm input costs we have seen over the past year. In some cases – most notably fertiliser – costs seem to be out of control. Prices have more than doubled and are likely to go higher still. How high remains to be seen but the upward trajectory shows little sign of stopping any time soon. The latest AgInflation figures – as reported on page 4 of this magazine – make sobering reading. But they are already out of date because prices have continued to rise since they were compiled at the end of September. Costs have risen so much that they will more than offset any accompanying increase in farm output prices. This means farm incomes and profitability will both be squeezed, with producers forced to tighten their belts. Some farms will have secured enough fertiliser. Many others haven’t. They will be wondering whether they can afford to secure supplies – and if they can, whether their order will be delivered to the farm. High fertiliser costs have been driven by high gas prices. But there are other factors at play too

Contents

Vol 41 • No 11 • November 2021

News . ................................................................... 4 Arable . ................................................................. 8 Root crops......................................................... 23 Profile: Tompsett Growers .........................40 Technology & Innovation .......................... 43

SHORT OF STORAGE SPACE? 02476 459000

Livestock.......................................................... 52 Midland Machinery Show.......................... 57 Property............................................................ 63 Final Say........................................................... 66

Competitive prices for all your agricultural & industrial requirements

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in terms of delivery. The nation faces a shortage of lorry drivers with hauliers struggling to recruit staff or agency workers. The meat processing sector also faces big challenges – most notably the shortage of abattoir workers which has seen pigs backing up on farms across the region because there is no-one to slaughter them. Highly integrated just-in-time supply chains are great when they work. But everyone suffers when one link fails. In this case, farm businesses are under threat. Livestock enterprises are at the sharp end but arable growers are suffering too. Being a regional magazine ourselves, we like to fly the flag for local farmers and agricultural businesses. But the truth is that we all operate in a global marketplace over which we have little control. At times like these, it is difficult to see an upside. If there is one, consumers will finally realise the dedication and hard work that goes into putting food on their plates – rather than taking farmers for granted. Johann Tasker, Editor

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NOVEMBER 2021 • ANGLIA FARMER 3

News Inflation sees input costs soar • Big rise in fuel and fertiliser costs • Further price increases expected • Farm businesses under pressure

arm input costs soared almost 22% in the year to 30 September – with huge spikes in fuel and fertiliser prices, confirm the latest agricultural inflation figures. No farming enterprise escaped double digit inflation. Five out of nine inputs saw double digit inflation with unprecedented increases in the cost of fuel (+79.9%) and fertiliser (+51.2%), according to the latest AgInflation Index. For many farmers, the increase threatens to more than offset any rise in output prices. Food prices fell by 0.7% during the same period, according to the unrelated Retail Price Index – squeezing margins for growers and livestock producers. Further cost increases have yet to filter through, said the AF Group, which produces the AgInflation Index. Fertiliser prices have increased by 50% since the end of September – with supply chain disruption affecting farm businesses. The index is useful tool for farmers to review their expenditure and procurement partners.But it also helps fully explain the drivers of current and future inflationary trends – and how best to withstand them.

Global disruption Norfolk farmer Tony Bambridge, of B&C Farming, said: “The need to track our costs is paramount to the health of our business and it is vital our customers understand the inflationary pressures we are facing.” Soaring gas prices have had a knock-on effect on fertiliser prices – to the point where it has made fertil4 ANGLIA FARMER • NOVEMBER 2021

iser factories economically unviable to run. But it has proved difficult to pin down the reason behind the inflationary hike. AF nead of crop production Matt Kealey said: “There’s no single reason for the increase in natural gas prices. It’s the result of a convergence of factors, nationally and globally. Supply continues to struggle to keep pace with rising global demand.”

Fuelling rises Mr Kealey added: “Stored gas levels are lower than normal in Europe because of last year’s cold winter and with the UK having comparatively fewer storage facilities, we are more exposed to price fluctuations. “This has added to speculation that Russia, a major gas supplier, is withholding output for political reasons which, in turn, is fuelling price rises. We are continuing to liaise with our suppliers and update members on both spot and future prices.”

Farm fuel costs climbed by almost 80% over the past year

[photo: Photoagriculture/Shutterstock.com]

David Horton Fawkes: “Deeply concerned”

Fuel prices continue to rise steeply as tight global energy supplies meet growing demand. Consumption in 2022 is expected to be around 5% higher than in 2020 when the US oil benchmark West Texas Intermediate was trading at US$37 a barrel. AF fuel procurement manager Helen Thurtle said: Those days are a distant memory now as our European benchmark, Brent crude, is showing no signs of stopping with tensions apparent amongst OPEC members as to how much production should be increased.” Brent crude was trading at US$85 a barrel in late October – but there was now the real possibility of it reaching $100 a barrel in a cold winter. “This would potentially drive a surge in demand and widen the supply deficit further.”

Farm businesses face ‘extraordinary pressure’

ressure on farm profits comes against the backdrop of international trade deals paving the way for more competitors to the UK market. The Aginflation Index is an important barometer of farm input costs. This year the results are of particular importance – with justin-time supply chains buckling as the global economy recovers from the coronavirus pandemic. Many farmers will find the extraordinary financial pressures they are confronting difficult – threatening the very existence of their

businesses, says AF Group chief executive David Horton Fawkes. “We are deeply concerned about the impact of these high rates of agricultural inflation on our Members and there has never been a stronger case or a better time for UK farmers to collaborate and work together. “We must use the strength of our cooperatives to protect margins and safeguard our members’ businesses. Inflation is not slowing down and only by working together will we overcome the biggest challenges to farming for 50 years.”

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News

Hertfordshire young farmer named Entrepreneur of Year

Victoria Smith won the 2021 award after turning a barn into a trendy takeaway.

Fund offers free advice

usiness support to help farmers adapt to the withdrawal of the basic payment scheme is now available from Defra’s Future Farming Resilience Fund. The fund is designed to provide business support to farmers and land managers during the early years of the agricultural transition. Free advice is available from 19 organisations under the scheme. Any farmer or land manager currently in receipt of direct payments is eligible to apply. Farmers are advised to apply sooner rather than later to avoid missing out on this phase, though a further phase of support will be available from 2022. For full details, visit www.bit.ly/ futurefarmingfund

6 ANGLIA FARMER • NOVEMBER 2021

young farmer from Hertfordshire who transformed a disused barn into a thriving business has been won an Entrepreneur of the Year Award. Victoria Smith, from St Albans YFC, was revealed as the winner at an online awards ceremony on 15 September. Supported by NatWest, the award was made by the National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs. The youngster launched her business during lockdown last year after converting a disused barn on her fiance’s farm into a takeaway to sell takeaway hot drinks, homemade cakes and other local produce. She used funding and support from the Henry Plumb Foundation – and spent weekends and evenings making her idea a reality – all while working in a full-time job. Although the business started with a takeaway option, Victoria has now grown it to offer seating and the product range has expanded to include local ice creams, oils and honey. As well as employing local people, plans to expand the business with

longer opening hours, sales of her fiancé’s home-reared meat and selling locally produced gifts for Christmas. Victoria said: “I am absolutely thrilled to win this award, something that I couldn’t have imagined possible this time last year, when my idea really was just an idea. “West End Barns is proof that if you are determined enough and are prepared to work hard, anything is possible, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for the business.”

Impressive results Victoria’s approach to business planning, research and funding impressed all four judges. NatWest agriculture director Roddy McLean said: “All five of the finalists achieved impressive results during the uncertainty of the pandemic but Victoria Smith’s business really stood out. “Victoria had a vision and executed it in the right way – she did research, sought funding and has plans for growth. She already has a profitable business and I am excited to see where Victoria takes West End Barns next.”

Stuart Roberts to step down from top NFU role

FU deputy president Stuart Roberts (right) has announced that he will stand down at the union’s officeholder elections in February 2022. Mr Roberts confirmed his decision in a letter to NFU council members last month. He said his time as an NFU officeholder had been equally demanding, rewarding, enjoyable and – at times – frustrating. “As consumers and governments ask more of the people who feed our nation, I’m proud of the progress the NFU has made in telling farming’s story, highlighting water issues, celebrating diversity and inclusion and raising the profile of farmers’ mental health.” The Hertfordshire farmer said he was less satisfied when it came to farming’s safety record. “We are yet to see the fundamental culture shift needed to prevent the catastrophic injuries and loss of life we see every week in our industry. There are no shortcuts: we must redouble our efforts if we are to make impactful, long-term change.” Thanking NFU members, Mr Roberts paid

tribute to NFU president Minette Batters and vice president Tom Bradshaw. He added: “Exciting opportunities both personally and in my business have clarified that it is time to encourage others to step forward and lead.”

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Arable State-of-the-art mill will help meet growing demand for oat products • • •

Multi-million pound milling plant Adds value for region’s growers Big potential market for drinks

ork has started on the construction of a brand new, cutting-edge oat processing plant in Northamptonshire. The plant will be the largest, most modern oat-processing facility in Europe. On completion in 2023, it will be poised to meet and accelerate the already growing demand for oat ingredients in the food and drink industry. The development is the initiative of ‘Navara Oat Milling’ – ajoint venture between three organisations. All three bring to the party different and complementary ares of expertise, as well as longstanding relationships in their respective supply chains and markets. Navara is jointly owned by Frontier Agriculture, a crop production and grain marketing company; Camgrain, a farmer-owned cooperative; and Anglia Maltings Holdings (AMH), a food and drink ingredient manufacturer.

Growing demand The new mill will be located alongside Camgrain’s Advanced Processing Centre in a key arable region between Corby and Kettering. Frontier Agriculture will supply all oats processed at the plant via Camgrain members and its network of farm traders. Frontier managing director Mark Aitchison,who is also chairman of the new joint venture said the mill would help to satisfy growing demand for oat ingredients in healthy food products and non-dairy drinks. “Investment by the three strategic partners will help meet that demand. Our collective vision is to build and grow a dedicated oat supply chain, bringing farmer and food manufacturer closer together and delivering improvements that benefit each sector. “We will work together on realis8 ANGLIA FARMER • NOVEMBER 2021

ing the huge potential of oats, embracing all that they can deliver in provenance, traceability and sustainability. Navara will create supply chain efficiency and the food and drink industries will benefit.” The joint venture would invest in growing oats as well as processing, said Mr Aitchison. “Collaboration with farmers supplying the new mill will see value added in areas such as agronomy advice, seed variety choice and development, quality and sustainability.” Camgrain chairman Simon Willis said: “This is great news for our farmer members as it expands opportu-

nities for them with an increasingly sought-after cereal grain and will involve them in projects such as the development of new varieties.” As well as creating employment opportunities, the new mill will also mean lower food miles – reducing the distance oats need to be transported for milling. This would add value to the crop, suggested AMH group finance director George Thompson. “We already work with oats in EDME, the natural food ingredients arm of our business, and have long desired to do more with this exceptional cereal. Navara Oat Milling provides the perfect opportunity.”

The oat mill will be a purpose-built state-of-theart processing plant

Big demand for home-grown oats The joint venture is launching at a time when the importance of nutritious, plant-based ingredients has become more widely recognised. The three companies behind the joint venture believe provenance and sustainability are part of that agenda. They also believe that domestically grown and processed oats are part of the answer. With its new, purpose built facility, Navara Oat Milling will be well positioned to support food and drinks manufacturers by providing consumers with healthy and nutritious choices.

The site is discreetly located and hidden by existing topography and vegetation. The location will be further enhanced by the additional planting of 6,500 new trees and shrubs. Full planning permission has been approved and significant preparatory work has already taken place. Construction and project manager experts T H White will be the main construction contractor for the project. The plant will provide an additional 120 jobs – 60 during the construction phase and 60 to operate the plant once complete.

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Arable

Soil guides aim to improve husbandry • Six different farming systems covered • Easier and more advanced soil options • Management guides are ‘step forward’

series of free guides for farmers seeking advice on soil husbandry has been launched by the UK Soil Health Initiative (UKSHi). The simple guides cover practical ways farmers can improve soil health. Covering six different farming systems – including combinable cropping, root crops and field vegetables – were developed by bringing together the UK’s top academics and practitioners. The broad, cross-industry collaboration that developed the advice was brought together by the UK Soil Health Initiative, the WWF-Tesco Partnership and Championing the Farmed Environment (CFE) to help identify actions that can be taken on-farm. Thje partnership sees taking steps to improve soil health as a vital part of future-proofing farms against the challenges of climate change and changing government support, by supporting good yields and reducing environmental impacts.

Simple Guide Elizabeth Stockdale, head of farming systems research at NIAB, said: “These simple, practical guides mark a real step forward in helping farmers manage their soil, for the benefit of all. “Each guide contains a simple starting place of three things to consider – and three things to avoid. We’d love all farmers to start with that. It would make a real difference to our soils –

potentially improving crop yields, alleviating flooding and improving biodiversity. “For any farmers that want to do more, the ‘Going beyond the norm’ section of the guides gives advice on more advanced soil management options.” WWF-UK sustainable agriculture specialist Callum Weir described the cross-industry support in putting the guides together as invaluable. The guides contained real-life, practical advice to help farmers manage their soils sustainably, he added. Experts from different backgrounds had aligned behind the message contained in the six guides. “It really is worth the whole industry taking a look and these guides and implementing the messages contained within them.”

Incentives Improving soil health is set to be a cornerstone of the government’s forthcoming Sustainable Farming Incentive, which is due to be launched next year. The scheme is currently being piloted with almost 1000 farmers signing up to take part. Farmers will be paid £30-59/ha for looking after soils under the arable and horticultural soils standard. But they will earn only £6-£8/ha in payments made under the improved grassland soils standard. “The Sustainable Farming Incentive will allow farmers to take a fresh

look at the land they farm, the natural assets they have and decide what will work best for their own individual holding,” said Defra secretary George Eustice. “It will reward approaches to farm husbandry such as encouraging integrated pest management, improving soil health and enhancing hedgerows. Assets that were previously dubbed ineligible features will finally have their value recognised.” The guides can be downloaded at www.bit.ly/SoilGuidance

The guides are described as ‘step forward’ in soil management

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Arable

Top tips to mitigate impact of high fertiliser prices

EXPERT VIEW Growers should act now to get the best from limited nitrogen supplies, says Tim Kerr

he unprecedented hike in nitrogen fertiliser prices, fuelled by surging wholesale gas markets, has left many farmers questioning how to reduce the inevitable impact this will have on 2022 crop margins. The cost of ammonium nitrate and urea has more than doubled in the past 12 months, rising to around £550/t and £620/t on-farm respectively by early October, leaving those unable to secure cheaper supplies earlier this year considering cutting rates next spring. There has been a notable increase since the summer, with nitrogen prices rising from the equivalent of 80p/kg to nearer £1.60/kg, adding £160/ha or £15-20/t to the growing cost of a typical wheat crop. But while the desire to cut rates is entirely understandable, he warns that doing so must not compromise yield potential, and says there are several ways growers can mitigate the impact of re-

ducing nitrogen inputs and maximise the return from every kilo applied. We’ve seen a polarisation of the market between farmers who were lucky enough to secure supplies at lower prices and will therefore manage crops as normal by pushing for yield and quality, versus those facing much higher prices who may only buy 60-70% of their normal requirement to save costs. Those in the latter category will need to consider optimum N rates very carefully and talk to their agronomist before making any final decisions. That said, growers can take four key steps to get the most from nitrogen fertiliser.

Consider alternative N sources Given that the nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) of granular fertilisers can be relatively low in dry springs, more farmers are turning to foliar nitrogen within their fertiliser strategies >>

Fertiliser is prohibitively expensive for many growers

Get roots working well If rates of applied fertiliser are to be cut, then ensuring crops can capture and utilise what is already in the soil will be fundamental to reducing any impact on yield, says Mr Kerr. This starts in the autumn establishment period by building strong root systems able to capture as much soil nitrogen as possible. Ensure crops are sown into good conditions with nothing to restrict establishment going into winter. If you maul crops in late into poor seedbeds or those with underlying soil structure issues, then no amount of nutrition can rectify that. Phosphate and potash are particularly important for building strong root systems, so soil testing for P, K and magnesium before drilling, with targeted seedbed fertiliser applied where necessary, can be worthwhile

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Arable If you’re going to apply less N, then it is vitally important you accurately test soils to ensure all other nutrients are optimal to maximise NUE.

>> and it is something worth considering next spring. Applying nutrients directly to leaves facilitates much more efficient plant uptake than is possible from surface-applied fertilisers taken in via roots, and crucially does not rely on soil conditions. Therefore, more of every kilo applied is utilised by plants, allowing total rates to be reduced compared with granular fertilisers. The NUE of some foliar N products is as close to 100% as you can get, so there’s a good chance that you could make up much or all of any reduction in applications of less efficient granular nitrogen fertiliser.

Measure soil nutrients Understanding how much nitrogen is in the soil is vital for maximising NUE, so growers should plan to carry out Soil Mineral Nitrogen (SMN) tests in the New Year so that nitrogen rates can be tailored accordingly, Mr Kerr says. The NUE of applied fertiliser relates to what a crop takes up. If you apply 200 kg N/ha but the crop takes up 100 kg from the soil and only uses 100 kg of what you applied, then the

NUE of applied N is only 50%. Knowing what’s in the soil and available to plants is essential, especially if you’re looking to reduce rates next spring. But nitrogen must not be considered in isolation, as many other nutrients influence the ability of crops to efficiently utilise N, notably phosphate and sulphur.

Fertiliser prices remain sky-high

Calibrate spreaders Accurate spreader calibration is important in any season, but it could take on added significance where growers buy in fertiliser products that are different to their usual supplies. The quality of some imported fertiliser products may not be of the same standard that farmers have become accustomed to, so it is vital to check spreader performance and accuracy, especially when applying over larger working widths. Given little sign of fertiliser prices easing in the immediate future, it is wise to plan nutrition strategies carefully over the coming months to ensure crop yields are not unnecessarily affected by cutting rates to reduce costs. And any growers still to buy fertiliser should contact their usual supplier as soon as possible. Tim Kerr is crop nutrition manager for agronomy company and input supplier Hutchinsons. For details, visit www. hlhltd.co.uk.

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Arable

SpotCheck identifies key oilseed rape diseases

growers and agronomists just need to complete a short website form to obtain a sample pack. The pack will arrive in the post direct to your preferred address, which can be returned to ADAS with leaf samples for analysis. Results will be emailed to you within seven working days of leaves arriving at the laboratory. ADAS arable plant pathologist Philip Walker said light leaf spot was becoming more widespread. “Results from samples assessed since 2017 have shown positive signs of disease from all oilseed rape growing regions, indicating that light leaf spot is now endemic across the UK.” At the end of March 2021, light leaf spot was found in 59 out of 60 counties tested, covering most of the oilseed rape growing areas of England, Scotland and Wales. In addition, the number of samples that have tested positive has gradually increased year on year. For details, visit www.cropscience.bayer.co.uk/ bayer-spotcheck/

Fungicide timing is critical to combat light leaf spot [photo: ADAS]

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ayer’s SpotCheck initiative has opened for the 2021-22 growing season with a new, simplified sample pack request process. Oilseed rape growers and agronomists can request a sample pack direct from Bayer’s website. Leaf samples will be assessed by ADAS experts for signs of light leaf spot and other key diseases, with the results helping growers to adapt their fungicide programmes accordingly. Light leaf spot is an airborne polycyclic disease, capable of several infection cycles each season. The severity and incidence of the disease varies annually and driven by weather conditions – with temperatures between 4 and 20°C and wet conditions ideal for infection and spread. Early detection makes for bnetter management decisions, said Bayer fungicide campaign manager Rosalind Martin. “Fungicides perform best when applied in a protectant scenario against light leaf spot, so it’s important to get the timing right.” Launched in 2017, SpotCheck has helped hundreds of growers to make better-informed decisions on autumn and spring fungicide applications. This year, a simplified process means

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Arable

Optimise crop nutrition to maximise yields

rable farmers are being advised to consider applying micronutrients and biostimulants to winter and spring crops this year. Catherine Lamboley, newly appointed head of global plant care at Olmix, says biosolutions are increasingly seen a way to achieve sustainable, healthy plant production amid declining available chemistry. “I am convinced that these new alternative technologies will accelerate the transformation of agriculture to achieve more sustainable and resilient production. Biosolutions are healthier for the environment.” Although it easy to focus on key nutrients, such as nitrogen, phosphate and pot-

ash, Micromix Olmix sales manager Grant James says they will be largely ineffective unless the micronutrient balance is right “Micronutrients help macronutrients to do their job. Unless the plant is healthy and has sufficient access to everything it needs, then both quality and quantity will suffer.” Manganese in particular can be deficient in both autumn and spring as the crop starts to grow away, says Mr James. A foliar application including manganese at three-leaf stage and tillering will prove beneficial, he adds. Mr James advises applying Proplex – a mixture of biostimulants and micronutrients – at 0.5 litres/ha in the autumn; or 0.75 li-

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tra/ha if including Amix manganese in the same mix. “Manganese aids in photosynthesis so is important during crop growth,” he says. “It also helps with nitrogen metabolism, enables enzymes to make proteins, and is a catalyst to important biochemical reactions which improves the efficacy of fungicides and plant growth regulators.” Micronutrient deficiencies often do not become visible in the crop until the damage has been done, so Mr James recommends being as proactive with micronutrients as farmers are with major nutrients like N, P, and K. As well as important micronutrients, Proplex contains seaweed extracts which is said toalleviate abiotic crop stress – for example during drought, waterlogging or disease challenge. Active at low temperatures, it can reduce winter kill.

Biosolutions are more sustainable, says Catherine Lamboley

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Arable

Pre-emergence is a priority as windy conditions blow

he onset of windy autumnal weather conditions poses an additional challenge for growers with essential pre-emergence herbicide applications still to do. Wind causing disruption to spraying schedules is a serious concern, says Syngenta application specialist Harry Fordham. Grass weed trials consistently show best results are achieved with pre-emergence herbicide stacks as soon as possible after drilling “Performance will be maximised with a greater number of active ingredients in the stack, and with higher application rates that will give longer residual control,” says Mr Fordham. Pre-emergence application is the safest herbicide timing for the crop and enables higher rates of Defy to be used. Trials have shown applications utilising Defy at 4.0 or 5.0 l/ha consistently delivers greater efficacy on many grass and broad-leaved weeds. A well-timed pre-emergence treatment also ensures control is in place, if subsequent post-em applications are delayed or missed because of weather conditions, as occurred last autumn, adds Mr Fordham.

Limited opportunities Application opportunities were limited for many last autumn, initially because of persistent windy conditions, and then by wet weather and waterlogged soils. “Over recent years we’ve seen more unsettled and windy conditions in the autumn. Growers and sprayer operators need to make the most of any opportunity and adopt techniques to maximise results,” says Mr Fordham. Using the Syngenta Spray Assist App gives advance notice of poten-

Pre-em best practice • • • •

Apply at 200 l/ha Spray at 12 km/hr or less Maintain boom height at 50 cm Use angled 90% drift reduction nozzles

tial spray windows and weather conditions, along with nozzle recommendations and application techniques to achieve the best possible results at any timing. The App has been further enhanced for 2021, with results from the latest season of Syngenta application and grass weed control trials – useful fiven changing weather patterns which increasingly result in more localised extremes. Recommendations for pre-emergence application reiterate the importance of speed, boom height and water volume. Advocating application at less than 12 km/hr, with a stable boom height of 50 cm above the soil and a wa-

“

Higher application rates give longer residual control

Above: Angled spray patterns give better coverage of soil clods Left: Harry Fordham explains the benefits of proper spray applications

20 ANGLIA FARMER • NOVEMBER 2021

ter volume of 200 l/ha are all designed to minimise the risk of spray drift and achieve even spray distribution on the soil surface. “Repeated seasons of application research has shown that [distribution] be further enhanced with the use of 90% drift reduction nozzle technology, combined with an angled spray pattern to give better coverage of soil clods.” Application at 200 l/ha consistently achieves better results than 100 l/ha or lower water volumes. While higher water volumes and slower spraying have some impact on sprayer output, in practice effects are limited and often offset by gains in operation efficiency.

Prioritise “If operators are under pressure to cover the ground, we would urge growers to prioritise treatment of problem fields with high grass weed populations at 200 l/ha, even if other fields were applied at a reduced water volume,” he advises. Syngenta grass weed technical manager Georgina Young says that pre-emergence Defy application can achieve the best results. But where treatments are missed or delayed it can still be effectively used after crop emergence. “Agronomists do need to be aware of the rates being used and the potential risk of crop damage if there is a high loading of partner herbicides in the mix,” she advises. “However, where necessary, Defy has been shown to be a very useful option to get residual control in place where pre-emergence application has proved impossible.”

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Root crops Contractors are being urged to stay safe around electricity [Picture: British Sugar]

Power company working with British Sugar to keep workers safe • Danger of working close to powerlines • Both farmers and contractors targeted • Staying safe saves time and money

wo of Suffolk’s largest employers have joined forces together to drive home the life-saving message of staying safe around electricity. UK Power Networks, which distributes electricity across the East of England, teamed up with British Sugar to warn of the dangers of contact with overhead power lines. It follows concerns that too many farmers are taking unnecessary risks. A recent farm safety session held in Lakenheath sought to highlight the dangers of working close to power lines. Attendees included contractors who deliver beet to British Sugar — as well as independent for farmers. Among the points covered on the day were awareness of risks around the power network. Safe working practices — including requesting overhead power line plans ahead of harvesting and loading crops onto vehicles — were also highlighted. Ros Forbes, a safety advisor at UK

Power Networks who led the session, said: “We want to prompt collaborative working and positive conversations about safety which, ultimately, will help save lives. “It was a hugely positive day where we took the time to remind people who work with British Sugar of the need to have electrical safety front of mind with extra care always needed around overhead power lines. “Our advice is always to be vigilant, to look up and around to see what electrical equipment is near you if driving or using agricultural machinery. British Sugar take safety very seriously and gave us tremendous backing and support to deliver our message.”

More important Clare Beaumont, Beet Delivery Service manager at British Sugar, said: “Nothing is more important than the safety of our colleagues and partners across the British beet sugar industry. “Working in collaboration with UK

Power Networks is a proven way of ensuring the right messaging about electrical safety can be shared and understood. The day was a real success, with a lot of positive feedback from those present. Ms Beaumont added: “It is an exercise we plan to repeat in future years.” UK Power Networks say the four groups with the highest number of safety incidents around overhead power lines during the past five years have been road hauliers, farmers, tree surgeons and builders. A recent ‘Think, Plan, Locate’ initiative has seen the electricity distributor join forces with others, including both the national Road Haulage Association and the NFU. It said safe working procedures were vital to reduce the risk of accidents near overhead power lines. These include manoeuvring, loading or unloading vehicles which risk coming into contact with electrical equipment. Touching high voltage cables can be fatal. Accidental contact with live overhead power lines kills people and causes many serious injuries every year. People are also harmed when a person or object gets too close to a line and a flashover occurs.

“

Nothing is more important than safety

NOVEMBER 2021 • ANGLIA FARMER 23

Root crops

Better prices help fuel demand for precision beet hoe

onitoring emerging threats from pests, diseases and weeds is vital to ensure sugar beet crops are able to reach their potential – as well as for selecting new genetics and seed treatments, says plant breeder SesVanderhave. “One of the ways we achieve our objectives is by mirroring and anticipating changes to commercial practice in crop management,” says SesVanderhave technical manager Tim Giles, who says the company operates an extensive UK trials network. “Weed control is critical for all crops, and while sugar beet helps address grassweeds like blackgrass within the rotation, we need to consider potential resistance build-up as the products in the armoury become ever more restricted.” The efficacy of available herbicides

must be preserved to cope with climate change effects that may see invasive species emerging, says Mr Giles. “You only have to look at how ragwort has spread across the country to see why.”

Increasing pressure Combine this with increasing pressure to reduce agrochemical usage, hand-hoeing labour and machinery costs – and it was a natural step for SesVanderhave to invest in a Monosem precision hoe from Toucan. “This addition to our equipment line-up will increase accuracy and working the soil is a proven way to stimulate rooting, help warm the soil, prevent capping and run-off when we get a deluge, explains Mr Giles “In time we anticipate a greater move to both inter- and in-row mechanical weeding or band spraying to

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control weeds and disrupt herbicide resistance. So we need to adapt our trials practices accordingly.” “We have a long-standing collaboration with Monosem who worked closely with us to design and build our fleet of precision drills. To develop ways to achieve enhanced weed control within trials is a logical progression of this partnership.”

Reneewed interest Toucan manging director Steve Twist says it confirms similar messages resonating from sugar beet and fodder beet growers with renewed interest in hoes generally and precision hoes specifically. For organic beet growers it’s a vital key to successful production. The Monosem Multicrop inter row cultivator chosen by SesVanderhave is particularly sought after for its strength of build , simple adjustment, and array of tools, plus it is fitted with an Isobus task controller to individually lift units by GPS position. This reduces crop damage for a more efficient and accurate operation. Better sugar beet prices for 2022 have renewed interest in Monosem machines, says Mr Twist, with demand building for units ready for growers next season.

The Dewulf RCA3060 is a versatile machine

On-farm demo days for harvester Machinery specialists AgVantage are offering growers and contractors demonstrations of the Dewulf RCA3060 self-propelled harvester. The two-row machine has a 1600 mm wide C-elevator and has an axial module of 18 rollers. The speed and angle can be adjusted from the cabin. The module has an anti-blocking system and a scraper that prevents build-ups above the gearbox of the axial module. To ensure smooth product flow, smooth rollers have been fitted between the third sieving web and the

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axial module. If extra cleaning is required, the discharge conveyor can be equipped with an Easy-Clean unit of three smooth rollers alternating with deformable spiral rollers. The waste is removed from the machine by means of a waste belt. If even more intensive cleaning may be required, growers can opt for two Easy-Clean units, adjustable in height, direction of rotation and speed, in the discharge conveyor with associated waste belt. For details and to arrange a demonstration, visit www.agvantage.co.uk

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NOVEMBER 2021 • ANGLIA FARMER 25

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Root crops

Grimme showcases Stanhay’s latest precision drill

tanhay and UK distributor Grimme unveiled the latest advancements in precision drilling at this year’s British Carrot Growers Association Demonstration Day. Visitors to the West Knapton event on 7th October were the first to see Stanhay’s new X Series drill – which comprises the X10 and the X30, with the latter taking centre stage on Grimme’s UK’s stand. Developed over five years, the X Series rationalises Stanhay’s range, building upon the company’s field-proven air metering system and taking the best features from across the different models. Both models share the same chassis. The X10 is a dedicated single line rowunit offering an economical solution for growers who don’t need multi-line performance. The X30 is a multi-line rowunit capable of seeding one to four lines of seed from each row. Primarily designed to plant vegetables, flowers, herbs and salads, the

X Series can handle a broad range of seeds, including asparagus, brassicas, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, oilseed rape, parsnips, peas, sugarbeet, swede, and wheat. Both the X10 and X30 have been designed to allow easy and precise adjustment to give uniform seed depth and soil contact, ensuring regular and even germination in all soil conditions. “The X10 and X30 represent a massive jump forward in drill technology,” says Grimme vegetable product specialist Rob Wilkinson. “Stanhay have re-engineered the seed release system to improve accuracy and added mechanical clutches on each row. The latch-up system is incredibly simple, and the X Series offers infinite and simple coulter depth control.” Stanhay is also offering a range of optional extras for the X Series, including pre -coulter trash cutting discs; rearwheel rakes to prevent capping and a DiscEye metering unit camera monitoring system.

The new X Series drill is the result of significant investment

The ISOBUS electric drive comes complete with vari-rate and section control functionality. The X10 and X30 can also be configured to suit almost any grower requirement on both rigid and folding frames.

NOVEMBER 2021 • ANGLIA FARMER 27

Root crops

Funding targets wireworm problem

ew ways of detecting and map- cisions when planting crops. ping wireworm populations Branston agronomy director David are to be investigated by ag- Nelson said: “We are looking to invesritechnology company B-hive Innova- tigate how we can help improve methtions to help the potato pest. ods of wireworm detection – and use Awarded by the Farming Innova- this information to make better mantion Pathways (FIP), some £241,000 agement decisions and reduce often in funding will be used by project part- devastating crop losses.” ners to develop technologies for visualWireworm is an issue that affects ly detecting where wireworm may be a variety of crops across the UK. But David Nelson present underground, prior to plant- Mr Nelson said few chemicals were ap- says he is keen ing. proved for treatment and those avail- to prevent potato losses Wireworms are the larvae of the able were very expensive. click beetle. The larvae grow up to “New solutions can take years to 25mm long and are orangey/brown be approved before to marService & Repairlaunching of root crop handling machinery in colour with a narrow, segmented ket, so developing technologies that Service & Repair of root crop handling machinery body. They have biting jaws and three predict likely damage levels will help With over 50 years’ pairs of short legs behind the head. target control measures and reduce But insect infestations typically go 50 levels of wireworm damage to tubers experience in the root crop With over years’ unnoticed until harvest, by when it at harvest.” handling industry, crop can be impossible experience to salvage the plant.in the Theroot funding aims to enablespecialists soluB-hive Innovations will work with tions that solve ongoing industry chalof machinery. handling industry, specialists Branston and Barworth Research to lenges around productivity, sustainaof informed de- bility, machinery. help farmers make more and achieving net zero emissions.

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Once completed, findings will help develop innovative solutions across the sector. B-hive Innovations managing director Vidyanath ‘Vee’ Gururajan said: “This funding is a huge boost for our research and development and will ensure real progress is made in countering wireworm.” Mr Gururajan added: “Our project will add to our growing portfolio, as we look to continue developing more innovative solutions for reducing food waste and raising the productivity of potato growing.”

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Root crops

Maintain disease vigilance to point of carrot harvest

Vigilance is vital in battle against carrot disease, says John Cairns

arrot growers should stay on top of foliar diseases right up until harvest, says ProCam agronomist John Cairns. Fungicides that boast a short harvest interval are useful in ensuring crop yield and quality aren’t jeopardised in the final weeks of the season, says Mr Cairns, who recommends fungicides with multiple actives and modes of action. “With weather patterns becoming increasingly variable and difficult to predict, carrot growers must ensure their crops remain protected against foliar diseases such as alternaria, sclerotinia and powdery mildew until as close to harvest as possible.” All three of these diseases have the potential to reduce yield and affect quality in the final few weeks prior to harvest, says Mr Cairns. Good field hygiene, disease tolerant varieties and a long rotation can prevent diseases spreading from one crop to the next. Alternaria can spread rapidly if warm, wet conditions prevail, while powdery mildew will be the dominant threat in dry conditions. Meanwhile, sclerotinia tends to occur when carrots have filled

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up and start to drop their leaves onto damp soils. In addition to using integrated crop protection measures, Mr Cairns says growers should also use suitable fungicide treatments to prevent diseases taking hold – including during the final weeks of growth.

Armoury “With a good armoury of fungicides available for carrots it’s not too difficult to find products to target most key diseases, with the period prior to the canopy covering over key to successful control,” adds Mr Cairns. “Unfortunately, things can get a little trickier as the harvest season approaches, not least because a lot of fungicides have a pre-harvest interval of up to three weeks which means crops can be left susceptible to new infections nearer to harvest.” Even at this late stage in proceedings, new infections can still have a significant impact on crop yield and quality so it is vital to remain vigilant right until the last moments of the crop’s development.

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Root crops

Organic promise to sell sustainable potatoes • Blight resistant organic potatoes • Pledge will boost ‘robust’ varieties • Confidence for certified growers

etailers have pledged to sell disease resistant organic potatoes, boosting sustainability and farm resilience for producers. The UK Robust Potato Pledge 2021 has been launched to encourage growers to move away from potatoes that are susceptible to blight – a disease that can quickly devastate entire potato crops. Retailers involved have agreed to stock organic potatoes bred to be blight resistant, rather than selling more well-known varieties – helping the organic potato sector transition to 100% robust potato breeds over the next five years. Signatories to the pledge – which was launched at last month’s Organic Matters Horticulture Conference – include Waitrose, Riverford, Abel and Cole, Agrico, Sarpo, Skea Organics, RBOrganic, and Produce World.

Securing commitment Horticultural advisor Hugh Blogg – who works in the Soil Association’s farming team helping producers to

Above: Retailers have committed to stocking organic blightfree potatoes Below: Blight remains a challenge for many growers

adopt more sustainable practices – has led negotiations on securing commitments to the pledge on behalf of the Organic Growers Alliance. He said: “Blight is a serious problem for all potato growers, but it can be particularly difficult for organic farmers as they don’t use chemical inputs to fight off the disease. “Innovative breeding programmes have had huge success at establishing varieties that are blight resistant, while still providing all the qualities that make potatoes a delicious choice for shoppers. “The backing of key retailers to stock these products is an exciting next step in the journey towards a more resilient and sustainable potato sector.

Growing confidence “We hope it will provide certified organic farmers with the confidence to grow less-known varieties, as well making it easier in future for other farmers to grow potatoes without using chemicals.” Marija Rompani, director of ethics and sustainability at the John Lewis Partnership, said Waitrose was constantly looking for ways to reduce the retailer’s impact on nature and biodiversity. “This pledge is a great opportunity for us to help reduce our environmental impact through innovation and we 32 ANGLIA FARMER • NOVEMBER 2021

hope that through this leadership, and the leadership of our producers, the rest of the industry will follow suit.” Coventry University’s Centre for Agroecology, Water and Resilience (CAWR) has agreed to help monitor the pledge progress, including looking at the proportion of robust varieties being used in both retail and organic area.

Robust varieties It has set up a research group bringing together organic and non-organic stakeholders to share information and best practice affecting the uptake of robust potato varieties, which will help to inform yearly targets for the pledge. Phil Sumption, of the Organic Growers Alliance, said: “I am delighted to see the launch of the Potato Pledge, and to see the UK following in the footsteps of the highly successful potato covenant model in the Netherlands. “They have seen a huge uptake of blight resistant ‘robust’ varieties by working across the food chain. The potential benefits to growers of higher yields and less sprays, and to the environment, are massive. “There are many great blight-resistant varieties out there with good culinary properties acceptable to consumers. It is fantastic to see the sector joining together to remove the resistance to resistance.”

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Root crops

Tong keeps an eye on automation at British Potato event

otato and vegetable handling specialist Tong Engineering will be showcasing equipment advances from field to pack at this month’s British Potato event. The equipment manufacturer will be exhibiting the latest technologies in automation and optical sorting, in Hall 2 at the BP2021 show – due to be held on 24-25 November at the Yorkshire Event Centre, Harrogate. Tong said it would be welcoming visitors to the company’s stand to discuss how the latest equipment developments can address the challenges facing vegetable producers – including addressing labour requirements while maximising capacity and yield. “Since the industry last met at the British Potato event, the handling requirements of growers and fresh-pack

companies have far from stood-still,” says Tong Engineering managing director Edward Tong. “The priority for our customers to maintain efficiency at every stage of the vegetable handling process is greater than eve – and we have introduced new products across our range that are truly streamlining the potato handling process.” As part of the company’s ongoing product development programme, advancements have been applied to its in-field, on-farm and packhouse solutions. They include the launch of the new FieldLoad PRO mobile field-loader. Tong has also introduced the MonstaFill high-capacity box filler and patented E-Tip all-electric box tipper – as well as unveiling design updates across its best-selling range of washing and

The MAF optical sorter will be showcased at this month’s BP2021 event

polishing equipment. “Optical sorting technologies are also progressing incredibly fast and are replacing manual sorting facilities more and more,” says Mr Tong. “Reducing the reliance on the workforce to achieve efficient grading and sorting is at the forefront of our upgrade projects. “We have seen significantly increased demand for handling solutions that integrate advanced vision grading systems, and a large number of our latest turnkey projects feature specialist optical sorting equipment.”

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Root crops

Better control reported of instore sprouting

ig strides have been made to improve best practice in potato store management following the chlorpropham (CIPC) ban, say sprout inhibitor specialists Juno. Chlorpropham was banned by the EU in 2019. Member states were required to withdraw authorisations for CIPC-based products. Potato growers and store managers were told to use up all existing stocks by 8 October 2020. The 2020 harvest season was the first to have seen widespread adoption of spearmint-based Biox-M as the principal alternative for sprout control. Many growers used it for the first time in 2020/21 on crops destined for fresh, processing and organic markets. “The industry has gone into the new season much better prepared and with much greater familiarity than a year ago,” said Juno, highlighting that “every store is different.” “That seems obvious but is hugely relevant when dealing with an unfamiliar product, which behaves very differently to the “old chemistry”. Understanding the distribution of the fog

and then vapour in store is essential to achieving excellent sprout control. Fans should be used to ensure an even distribution in store during application – by finding and addressing any “dead” spots. Fans should then be used judiciously to maintain an even distribution of vapour during the closed period. The first application of Biox-M should be made when eyes are merely ‘blinking’ – with no advantage in delaying until sprouts are well-established. Getting fog distribution and air

Potato store management has improved over the past year

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circulation right in store increases the interval between treatments. Crops treated with Biox-M were successfully stored through to the end of June. The product is very much part of the wider sustainability tool-box, which customers and consumers increasingly expect growers to consider. Biox-M is derived from spearmint (mentha spicata) – a naturally occurring perennial crop grown in a number of countries around the world. India, China and the USA are among the larger exporters.

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Root crops

Avoid mud on roads after beet

FU Mutual has repeated its warning that farmers face prosecution and be held liable for causing accidents if tractors deposit mud on the road this autumn. The rural insurer issued the advice as wet weather increased the risk of muddy roads during sugar beet lifting. More farmers are expected to cart beet to factories this autumn due to an ongo-

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ing shortage of hauliers and lorry drivers. Evita Van Gestel, of NFU Mutual Risk Management Services, said: “Having measures in place to prevent mud getting onto roads – and contingency plans so mud can be cleared from roads quickly – is the best approach. For sugar beet or maize harvesting, Ms Van Gestel said it may be necessary to have a wheel washer by field entrances and a mechanical road sweeper on stand-by. Smaller farms may be able to take a brush and shovel approach. “If mud is left on the roads, the law is clear: it’s the responsibility of the farmer to clean it up. Clear warning signs should be put up to warn other road users – but that doesn’t mean the mud can be left. It’s still the farmer’s responsibility to remove it quickly.”

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PROFILE TOMPSETT GROWERS

Family farming business remains true to Clem’s roots Carrot producer Tompsett Growers has family values at its heart – and is continuing in the tradition of founder Clem Tompsett.

lem Tompsett, started growing carrots in the early 60s. Today, Tompsett Growers Limited are major root crop producers, growing carrots and other roots across 3500 acres of East Anglia with late-strawed crops in Scotland. Mr Tompsett passed away on 22 March 2019. But the family has carried on the company – which is now run by his wife Mary, daughters Jackie and Sally and farming director, Ian Hall. It remains very much a family business – grandson Sam is now working in the company – with the local community at its heart. “We are harvesting carrots 12 months a year,” says Jackie. “We have grown tremendously over the years but we are still Clem’s family values” from managing the land, protecting the soils, growing and harvesting the crops to valuing our employees.” The home farm, which comprises some 400ha (1000 acres), grows wheat and sugar beet – with land rented out for potatoes, leeks, maize, carrots and onions. Unusually for a fen farm, it has 17ha (42 acres) of woodland and 4ha (10 acres) of willows.

Successful business Two reservoirs store water for summer irrigation. Solar panels general electricity. Cereal crops are followed by direct drilling of overwintered green cover crops to enhance the soil structure, which has encouraged an influx

nity,’ says Jackie. “We’re a successful business and it’s about giving something back in return for all the support they’ve given us over the years.” After growing the first field of carrots in 1960, the business soon expanded. A building was erected for washing carrots in the 1960s and 1970s – with clean, bagged carrots supplied to the market trade. Washed carrots were supplied to supermarkets from the early 1980s, with land rented locally in neighbouring Suffolk. Further expansion followed, with the business growing and packing carrots and parsnips as Isleham Carrot Growers.

of visitors, including lapwings. The farm also includes an equestrian eventing course covering 32ha (80 acres). Attracting some of the topranked domestic and international riders, it is also home to the Soham & District Branch of the Pony Club. An annual equestrian charity event has enabled the family to raise more than £200,000 to various charities – with donations from people among the local community as well as a range of generous sponsors. “We have always been keen on horses – but the eventing course is not really for us, it is for the local commu-

Clem Tompsett started the business in the 1960s

Quality production Jackie joined her father in the business in 1990. That decade, it started growing crops on rented land in Norfolk and Lincolnshire before merging with the Burgess family to create Isleham Fresh Produce in 2000. Returning to their roots in 2002, the Tompsett family then moved into onions and shallots, converting a building into an onion store. Four years later, a small factory was built to deal with casualty crops – those which don’t make supermarket grade – in 2006. Longest serving staff member Jock Austin has been with the business since 1966. In June 2021, the company name was changed to Tompsett Growers Limited, to show it remains very much a family firm. Continued on p42

40 ANGLIA FARMER • NOVEMBER 2021

Standing by your side The Ashcroft Team are privileged to have worked with the Tompsett family and business for many years and look forward to helping them for many years to come. Contact Richard Crane e richard.crane@ashcroftllp.com t 01223 920200

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15/10/2021 16:31 NOVEMBER 2021 • ANGLIA FARMER 41

PROFILE TOMPSETT GROWERS

Continued from p40

Carrots are grown on land owned by more than 55 estates – including some of the region’s top farms. There is a team for growing and a team for harvesting – moving from estate to estate throughout the season to ensure top quality crop production. “I firmly believe that you are only as good as the people you employ and the estates that you grow on,” says Jackie. “That means you have to have good relationships with people – and you have to look after them, which we have always done. “When times are tough, as they are now, you have to take the long view. You can’t sit here thinking ‘those carrots aren’t making any money’ – you have to adopt a positive outlook and believe that things will eventually turn around.” Farming director Ian Hall joined the business in 2001. His goal is to keep the business profitable and sustainable – growing and supplying quality produce while creating local jobs for local people. “We are in it for the long term,” he says. “Staff are extremely important to our business. A lot of employees have been here a long time – you could say they are part of the family. They look 42 ANGLIA FARMER • NOVEMBER 2021

As many operations as possible are carried out inhouse

after us and we like to think we look after them. “We want people to enjoy coming to work. We want them to be happy – to have pride in the job and be proud of what they do too.”

Minimising waste In terms of the business itself, another key goal is to minimise waste in all its forms – and to maximise the value of all assets. All key jobs are kept in-house where possible, from the cultivations to harvesting and packing the crop. “Supermarkets see carrots as a core product,” says Ian. “By us doing everything ourselves, rather than relying on contractors, it means we are in control of the operation and grow to

A record of achievement 1996 Vegetable Grower of the Year (Isleham Carrot Growers) 2004 NFU Farming Excellence Awards: National Winner Best Innovation in the Food Chain Award 2006 Grower of the Year Awards: Lifetime Achievement Award presented to Clem Thomsett 2006 Clem Thomsett presented with MBE (for services to Agriculture, Local Community and Charity Work) 2008 Britain’s Most Beautiful Farm Awards: Willow Farm wins East category

the best standards. “Margins are tight because the big retailers monitor prices on a daily basis – and carrots are a key item in their ‘shopping basket of food’ that they price match against each other to remain competitive.” This means the job has to stack up – with every carrot earning its keep, whether it is destined for the supermarket vegetable aisle, further processing by a food producer or sold in nets as pony feed. “Part of our success is that we work in partnership with the people we rent land from,” says Ian. “We have a longterm vision for the future of the business – and that means maintaining a good relationship with the landlords we rent from. A trusting relationship with our workforce is vital too. As well as renting land in a sustainable manner, it means we are able to care of the crops. We try to do things properly – attention to detail is very important to us. “Over the years, that has meant reinvesting in the business rather than drawing it out. It means we can get more out of the crop – our core family values enable us to maintain our very high standards while remaining competitive.”

Technology & Innovation Innovation programme to boost future of farming • £17.5m in first round of funds • Three strands to programme • Goal is to increase productivity

new long-term funding programme to support farmers, growers, foresters and other businesses to embrace innovative ways to maximise productivity and drive sustainability has opened for applications. The Farming Innovation Programme will support ambitious projects to transform productivity and enhance environmental sustainability in England’s agricultural and horticultural sectors, while helping to meet net zero targets. Defra has made £17.5m available for the first round of the three funds which make up the Programme. The fund opened for applications on 20 October. Further funding is likely at a future date. The first fund to open is the industry-led R&D Partnerships Fund. Farmers can bid for funding to develop new technologies and practices that will help them overcome challenges and exploit new opportunitie. Eligible applications include funding for the use of artificial intelligence and low-emission machineries to opti-

“

Innovation will help address farm challenges

Applications include funding for artificial intelligence

mise the production process – and the development of climate-resilient crops. Early next year, Defra will launch the Farming Futures R&D Fund. This is for strategic projects aimed at tackling climate change by reducing the environmental impact of food production agriculture. The third of the funds – the Projects to Accelerate Adoption Fund – will launch later in 2022. It will to support farmer-led projects to trial the viability of new on-farm innovations and technology. Defra minister Jo Churchill, said: “Innovation is vital to address the challenges facing the agricultural and horticultural sectors. New ideas, technologies and processes will play a key role in helping farmers, growers and businesses to become more productive.

Net zero “The Farming Innovation Programme will enable the sector to be more environmentally sustainable and resilient, whilst helping it achieve its net zero ambitions. I encourage all eligible businesses and individuals to apply.” The Farming Innovation Programme expands on the recent £14.5m Farming Innovation Pathways competition. It saw huge demand and high-quality applications to innovate the horticulture and farming indus-

try, when launched earlier this year. The winning projects will contribute to helping businesses and researchers transform food production, meet the growing demand for British food, and help the sector to move towards net zero emissions. Defra has also confirmed the projects which will receive funding under the Farming Innovation Pathways funding. Winning applicants are now able to develop their ideas. They include: • a fruit-scouting robot that monitors the growth-stages of crops, up to determining fruit ripeness, size and optimal picking time • a model to use soldier flies to create a low-cost, protein-rich animal feed from farm waste • a new approach to protect vegetable seeds against parasites and pathogens without the use of pesticides. • a fruit and vegetable growing method which harnesses natural daylight to boost the nutritional and flavour characteristics of crops. UKRI challenge director Katrina Hayter said: “Solving these challenges will result in maximising productivity, reducing emissions, and making our farms more resilient and sustainable. Further information on the new funds is available via Defra’s Future Farming Blog at defrafarming.blog. gov.uk.

NOVEMBER 2021 • ANGLIA FARMER 43

Technology & Innovation

Seminar revamp for CropTec event • • •

Four key technical arable seminars Regenerative farming under scrutiny Insight into profit and sustainability

nnovation, soil health and regenerative farming techniques will take centre stage at this year’s CropTec Show. Amid a tumultuous time for agriculture, the event will examine the building blocks for a sustainable arable farming future. It will be held on 24-25 November at the East of England Showground, Peterborough. CropTec’s seminar programme returns for 2021 – with a focus on four key technical areas of arable farming. It will include crop protection and crop nutrition, alongside a renewed focus on soil health and adopting regenerative techniques on-farm. CropTec events manager Gareth Jones said: “Although the pandemic initially had a detrimental effect on exhibitions, it has also given the CropTec team an opportunity to breathe new life into the event. “With this re-vamped seminar programme, brand new knowledge hubs and a diverse exhibitor list, we aim to provide growers, agronomists, business consultants and suppliers with unique insights into how to build sustainable and profitable businesses.” This year’s seminar sessions have been designed to help growers address some of the challenges facing arable farmers and advisers as they navigate the biggest agricultural transition since the post-war era. An exciting new development for

2021 is the introduction of a ‘Lunchtime Debate’ focused on regenerative agriculture. Techniques such as minimum tillage and the use of cover crops are being used by an increasing number of growers. Three forward-thinking farmers farming on different soil types. They will share their first-hand experience of utilising regenerative techniques on their farms and address the question: does regenerative agriculture really stack up? Soil health improvements are a key focus of the government’s forthcoming Sustainable Farming Incentive. During a special soil seminar, NIAB head of farming systems Elizabeth Stockdale will examine the prospects for the new scheme.

CropTec makes a welcome return following the coronavirus pandemic

“

Seminars include crop protection and nutrition

Financial support Dr Stockdale will be joined by farmer Thomas Gent, founder of Gentle Farming. He will examine what a healthy soil system looks like and provide ad-

vice on how best to explore the new agri-environment financial support on offer. Helping farmers to minimise their cost of production has underpinned CropTec since the show’s launch in 2013, with nitrogen fertiliser use a key consideration in the economic and environmental performance of an arable business. This year’s crop nutrition seminar, which sees Yara return as sponsor, will look at the latest techniques to improve Nitrogen Use Efficiency (NUE). It will also provide an insight the value of organomineral fertilisers within crop nutrition programmes. NFU’s senior regulatory affairs adviser Chris Hartfield and Agricultural Industries Confederation head of agronomy Hazel Doonan will shine a much-needed light on the challenges faced by growers in a new era for crop protection. For full details, visit www.croptecshow.com.

Winning solution for robot farm safety

gri-tech company Agribot AI has won a “hackathon“ competition to tackle safety and security concerns around autonomous agricultural vehicles. Funded by Smart Agri-Hubs and the AgriEPI Centre in collaboration with Hands Free Farm, the competition required contestants to “hack” a safety solution for unmanned machinery. Participating teams came from a range of disciplines – including robotics, artificial intelligence, machine learning, Internet of 44 ANGLIA FARMER • NOVEMBER 2021

Things, drones and computer vision. Agribot’s winning concept brought together cutting-edge AI and vision technology to provide a cost-effective, anonymised human and animal detection system that could work with notoriously patchy rural connectivity. The company is now talking to the Hands Free Farm team about implementing their technology on the HFF site at Harper Adams University, Shropshire, explained Agri-EPI chief executive Dave Ross. “The quality of ideas and solutions from

the teams that took part in the hackathon has blown away everyone,” he said. Autonomous vehicles offer arable farmers a wide range of benefits, such as better utilisation of farm staff and increased precision and reduced inputs, all of which combine to improve farm economics. But the lack of formal safety regulations, codes of practice and other legislation pose a potential barrier to the widespread use of cutting-edge agri-tech, hindering the progress of the technology.

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Technology & Innovation

Genetic gains for soft fruit sector

The sprayer is said to detect weeds in crops with 95.7% accuracy

Artificial intelligence cuts spray usage by 78%

full-size farm sprayer which uses artificial intelligence to reduce herbicide usage by 78% has been sold commercially for the first time. Developed by agritech pioneer Greeneye Technology, the AI-enabled precision sprayer was sold to a farm business in Israel. Roll-out is set to follow in North America in early 2022, with Europe coming later. The company says the machine can detect and spray weeds within crops – green on green – with 95.7% accuracy. It marks a major milestone in its mission to reduce chemical usage while increasing farm productivity and profitability. Greeneye says it already has a long waiting list of customers into 2023. When available in the USA, the machine will be initially aimed at maize and soybean farmers in the Midwest, before increasing availability to other states. Backed by global agrochemical manufacturer Syngenta, Israeli-based Greeneye Technology says its system integrates seamlessly into any brand or size of commercial sprayer, removing the need for farmers to invest in new machines. It also ensures that precision spraying can be carried out at the same travel speed as broadcast spraying – 20kmh – ensuring no reduction in productivity. Greeneye Technology chief executive Nadav Bocher said: “Weeds represent one of the great-

est threats to global crop production – in the US alone, they are estimated to cost farmers more than $33bn in lost production annually.” Farmers frequently addressed this challenge by spraying herbicides across entire fields – even though weed infestations may be as low as 10%, said Mr Bocher. This meant farmers spent more and sprayed more than they really needed. Despite efforts to develop precision spraying technologies, few projects had moved beyond the trial phase. This is because the technology either failed to deliver the necessary accuracy and efficacy, or were prohibitively expensive.

Commercially-viable Mr Bocher said: “Greeneye’s solution overcomes both of these challenges, offering farmers what we believe is the most advanced commercially-viable precision spraying technology on the market.” Greeneye’s solution uses a combination of hardware and deep machine learning to enable intelligent, real-time weed management decisions in the field. Cameras mounted directly onto spraying machines capture images at a rate of 40 frames per second This enables rapid detection and classification of weeds down to the species level. The system instantly calculates the amount of herbicide required and sprays it directly onto the weeds, leaving nearby crops unaffected.

oft fruit growers are being urged to help establish a genetic improvement network for the sector – following in the footsteps of other major crops. The network would co-ordinate research leading to pre-breeding genetics of key traits and new breeding tools. The idea is being supported by two research organisations – NIAB and the James Hutton Institute. Dan Sargent, NIAB’s head of genetics, genomics and breeding, said Defra-funded Genetic Improvement Networks – known as GINs – are already successfully established for pulses, oilseed rape, wheat and field vegetables. They have provided a key link between industry and academia to ensure that genetic research addresses the needs of the industry, and tackle some of the longer-term issues through breeding efforts. But there is no GIN to address the needs of the soft fruit industry. Prof Sargent said: “Co-ordinated research would include the development and deployment of molecular markers for pest and disease resistance, high throughput phenotyping and genotyping, accurate predictive models for gene function and epistasis.” It would also research the use of gene editing technologies such as CRISPR/Cas9 for germplasm development – benefit private and public breeding programmes by generating new knowledge and tools to speed up new soft fruit varieties. In turn, this would provide growers with new varieties that have better fruit quality traits, and more importantly, can be grown more sustainably, said professor Sargent.

NOVEMBER 2021 • ANGLIA FARMER 47

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Technology & Innovation

Uncertain role for agri-tech in net zero target • More profit and better productivity • Greater skills and support needed • Technology can reduce emissions

ost farmers are happy to embrace technology – but many doubt its ability to help them meet net zero targets, reveals a survey. The nationwide study by the Agri-EPI agri-technology centre sought to understand how and why farmers are using agritech, identify barriers to its use and explore the technologies farmers think will be most useful in the future. It found that 78% are using some form of agritech, with the highest adoption rates among younger farmers and those with large farms. The biggest reasons for its use are increased productivity and profitability. The same percentage (78%) of farmers believe it is important to reduce their farm’s greenhouse gas emissions. Continued on p51

Autonomous vehicles have the potential to transform agriculture [photo: University of Lincoln]

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Polaris

Technology & Innovation Continued from p49 This rises to 94% of farmers under 45. But only 35% are confident that technology will help them reach net zero carbon emissions.

Greater skills One reason could be that farmers need greater skills and support to understand the benefits of technology – and to adopt it successfully, suggested AgriEPI chief executive David Ross. The research found only half of farmers rate their skills in using agri-tech as ‘good’, with less than half (43%) of all farmers interviewed feeling well-supported in introducing or making better use of existing technology. “While the majority of UK farmers recognise that agri-tech has an important role in supporting their priorities of productivity and profit, we are struck by the fact that only around a third felt tech has a role to play in environmental sustainability. “Technology is one of the solutions to helping farmers reduce their emissions – agri-tech that helps farmers be more efficient and productive usually offers a win-win for sustainability.” Mr Ross said the research findings

“

Farmers told us they need accessible training

were an important insight for everyone with a role in developing, evaluating and promoting technology – particularly the agri-food sector, policy makers, agri-tech companies and the R&D community. “The farmers we spoke to told us they need accessible training, funding, and more evidence and independent advice to help them make the best use of agri-tech,” said Mr Ross.

Partners He added: “We want to collaborate with partners across all of areas to ensure the benefits of agri-tech is make clear

and the avenues to adoption are easily accessible.” Of the farmers interviewed who are using agri-tech, popular technologies include machine guidance systems (40% reported they are using this), soil mapping (35%), livestock growth monitoring (30%) and variable rate application (28%). Robotics and automation for a variety of purposes featured strongly in farmers’ thoughts on the tech that will be important for the future, along with the capability to integrate data gathered by different systems on the farm.

What is Agri-EPI? The Agricultural Engineering Precision Innovation (Agri-EPI) Centre aims to accelerate the adoption of precision agriculture and engineering technology. Set up by the government, it seeks to sustainably boost productivity, reduce emissions and increasing profitability across the whole agri-food chain. It is exploring ways optimise

the performance of highly complex agricultural production and processing systems. One of four UK agri-tech centres, it also provide a testbed for the next generation of farming techniques and technology, including sensors, imaging and robotics. Its commercial field trials involve a UK-wide network of 28 satellite farms.

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Livestock Better payback from liming as fertiliser prices soar • Growers urged to check soil acidity • Optimising soil pH has wideranging benefits • Use lime calculator for quantity and type

iming grassland this autumn could offer greater financial benefits than usual as fertiliser prices soar. Grassland specialist George Fisher, of the AHDB Grass Campaign, is urging growers to check soil acidity – and to apply lime between now and Christmas if pH falls short of the optimum, This will achieve a greater financial payback this year as fertiliser prices reach a new record high. The price of ammonium nitrate has doubled since the beginning of the year – and could rise further before falling back. In contrast, Dr Fisher says the price of lime remains relatively stable, providing an even better return on investment than in previous years. Optimising soil pH will ensure its nutrients are available to the growing crop rather than lost through leaching or locked up in an inaccessible form. This has environmental as well as financial benefits.

Nutrient release Raising the soil’s pH to its optimum by liming will not only increase its ability to release nutrients to the growing crop, but it will also optimise conditions for the soil’s biology and health. This results in less wastage of expensive nutrients, less pollution into water courses and an improved soil structure, with all its associated benefits, says Dr Fisher. All of this has been reflected in long-standing research, which shows grass yield can be 30-40% lower as pH drops from the optimum 6.5, down to 5.5. Further gains from optimising pH include the more efficient capture of nitrogen by legumes while a growing body of evidence is beginning to suggest soils with a low or high pH can lose more carbon. This highlights the importance of 52 ANGLIA FARMER • NOVEMBER 2021

measuring the pH of all grassland soils, and optimising pH at close to 6.5. “This ensures that all nutrients – whether from soil, a bag or livestock –are at the optimum availability for plant take-up, provided everything else is in place.”

Ground conditions “It doesn’t matter when you lime if ground conditions are suitable, but if you do it now, at the end of the grazing season, it has the winter to work its way into the soil and positively impact the pH next season.” Once the pH is known, the amount of lime required can be determined using the Agricultural Lime Association website www.aglime.org.uk. It has a lime calculator to specify the tonnage of different products needed for different soil types. Dr Fisher says it is not so much an issue of which product is used – with choices ranging from basic crushed lime direct from a quarry to enhanced, granulated products. Farmers should opt for calcium-based products, rather than those based on magnesium. “You can work away on the physics

and biology, but if you don’t have the pH right, you will still lose nutrients. But get them all right and you reduce your chances of nutrient loss, leaching and pollution – and increase your chances of a healthy, high-yielding crop.”

Liming now will give it the winter to work its way into the soil, says George Fisher

Cattle at risk as lungworm spikes

armers should be alert for signs of lungworm in their cattle, with warm and wet weather causing a spike in cases. Ben Strugnell, from Farm Post Mortems, reported his first case in store cattle as early as June this year with further cases in July and August. “Lungworm is so unpredictable and if cattle are still outside grazing, then they are most definitely at risk,” he said. First season grazing cattle and cattle that had a lack of exposure to lungworm when they were young can be particularly susceptible1. Sudden heavy pasture larval challenge, due to prevailing weather conditions such as those

seen at the moment, can lead to reinfection. Responsible Animal Medicines Advisor Mark Pass says farmers must treat animals as soon as they see any symptoms. “From picking up lungworm from the pasture to developing symptoms can be as little as one week. In a heavy burden, then it can be a matter of days,” he said. Mr Pass added: “The long-term impact of lungworm can be devastating as it can stunt growth, cause irreversible lung damage thus increasing an animals’ susceptibility to pneumonia, reduce milk production as well as causing death.

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Livestock

£1m pork levy holiday eases pressure on pig producers

ig producers will save a total of £1m after a month-long “pork levy holiday” was announced during November to ease pressure on the sector. The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board took the decision in response to the build-up of pigs on farm, falling prices and high production costs in England. The same decision has been taken by Quality Meat Scotland. AHDB Pork chairman Mike Sheldon said: “These challenges, in particular a shortage of skilled workers, come on top of pressure on margins largely due to rising feed costs. These issues are extremely concerning and therefore require industry-wide action. Mr Sheldon added: “AHDB is already undertaking work to help the sector, including providing independent evidence to government setting out the seriousness of the situation, and looking at how together we can support meat processors to ease the supply of labour.” The Royal Agricultural Benevolent

8,000 pigs have been culled to make space on farms, says National Pig Association

Institution has unveiled a package of support for producers. The charity has introduced access to in-person professional counselling support in response to the emotional impact of the crisis. RABI said there were high levels of poor mental health across agriculture, with data highlighting particularly high depression rates in the specialist pig sector. Some 47% of pig farming respondents said they were ‘probably or possibly depressed’. The National Pig Association estimates that more than 8,000 pigs have been culled due make space on farms.

Support pledged for antibiotic database

he UK food industry has welcomed a call to action to UK cattle vets to spearhead uptake of a national dataset for farm antibiotic use. It says it will champion the initiative, announced at last month’s British Cattle Veterinary Congress in Cardiff. The Food Industry Initiative on Antimicrobials (FIIA) says the new Medicine Hub will further improve trust in UK dairy, beef and lamb. Tesco group quality director Sarah Bradbury, who sits on the FIIA steering group, emphasised that UK farms already had an excellent track record on antibiotic stewardship, with livestock producers using comparatively small amounts of the medicines. “The arrival of the Medicine Hub is

a real breakthrough,” she said. “It’s a safe and secure way to collate, report and compare antibiotic information while giving farmers confidence to share data in a confidential way. The initiative will help demonstrate the limited use of antibiotics across dairy, beef and sheep enterprises.” ABP technical and sustainability director Dean Holroyd said it was important that the Medicine Hub is used to its full potential so the UK can retain its position among leaders in stewardship of antibiotics in farming globally. “FIIA’s members will be urging their supply chains to get involved with this initiative, and we are delighted to see cattle vets leading the charge in asking their clients to register on the Medicine Hub,” he said.

RABI spokeswoman Suzy Deeley said the worsening situation and potential of on-farm culls had led to in-person support being made available immediately. NPA chief executive Zoe Davies said: “The additional support from RABI has come at a time when our industry really needs it. It is so important that we look after ourselves and others so we would encourage anyone feeling overwhelmed to reach out for the support available.” A confidential 24-hour pig sector helpline is available on 0800 188 4444.

Agency told to revisit organic manure rules

Ps have asked the Environment Agency to review its interpretation of rules on the spreading of organic manure by farmers this autumn. It follows concern that the agency’s current interpretation of the rules means farmers who want to apply organic fertiliser in the autumn, are effectively required to inform the agency that they have broken the law. Neil Parish MP, who chairs the House of Commons Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee, has now written to the agency over the issue. Farmers were understandably reluctant to say they had broken rules that were part of good soil management, he said. The accepted approach, said Mr Parish, ensured that nitrogen applied in the autumn was available to crops in the spring. It was not possible to apply organic manure in the spring because it would destroy the crop. Moreover, said Mr Parish, if farmers were prevented from using organic fertiliser, they would likely use inorganic products instead, which had a higher carbon footprint. This would counter the government’s carbon net zero ambitions.

NOVEMBER 2021 • ANGLIA FARMER 55

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Midland Machinery Show Flagship event focuses on profit and efficiency • Latest equipment and machines • Green power takes centre stage • Jam-packed seminar timetable

he phasing of direct payments means there will be a special focus on efficiency and the need for profitability at this month’s Midlands Machinery Show. Due to take place on 9-10 November at the Newark Showground, the event will give visitors an insight into the latest equipment and advice to help their farm businesses adapt and thrive, says organiser Elizabeth Halsall. “Featuring 100s of exhibitors including national manufacturers, distributors and regional dealers, live demonstrations and a packed seminar programme, there will be something for everyone, from the smallest producer to the largest arable contractor.” New this year will be a green power demonstration, featuring the latest electric tractors and telehandlers from the likes of Kramer and Manitou, as well as large machinery and groundcare demonstrations.

Red diesel changes Changes to red diesel regulations, new machinery grants and how to work successfully with your contractor are just some of the topics being covered in a seminar with the National Association of Agricultural Contractors. Such discussions are particularly relevant as over 90% of farmers use contractors, says the association’s Jill Hewitt. “With the decline of subsidies, I think more farmers are going to be looking to contractors rather than investing in machinery themselves.” Other topics featuring in the seminar programme include how to opti-

mise machinery sharing with the Lincolnshire Machinery Ring, succession planning with Wilkin Chapman solicitors and rainwater harvesting with JRH Water Management. There will also be a focus on the environment, with a range of technical topics from carbon audits to steps towards net zero. Farmers and growers are brilliantly placed to benefit from the transition,” says Bruno Gardner, managing director of NFU Enzero.

Challenges However, climate change does bring challenges – and increasingly uncertain weather patterns have directed arable farmers’ attention to optimising grain quality post-harvest to maximise returns. Exhibits will include new technology to improve the efficiency and throughput of grain cooling and drying. The benefits of storing grain correctly cannot be ignored any longer,” says Richard Flach, of specialists Flach and le-Roy.

“

There will be something for everyone

Supporting the next generation of agricultural engineers is vital. The Midlands Agricultural Engineering Apprenticeship Award is back for its fifth year – championing upcoming talent in the sector. “The award aims to support young people from diverse backgrounds and skill-sets to develop the abilities they need to embark on successful agricultural careers,” says Simon Eccleston, of the Newark & Nottinghamshire Agricultural Society. Tickets for the Midlands Machinery Show are now available. Entry is free but advanced registration is essential. Information and tickets from www.midlandsmachineryshow.com.

Exhibitors will include a range of machinery manufacturers

Visiting the show When: Tue 9 - Wed 10 November 2021 8am - 5pm (Tue) and 8am - 4pm (Wed) Where: Newark Showground, Lincoln Rd, Newark, NG24 2NY Parking: Free ample parking, coach parties welcome Why attend? • 1000s of like-minded professionals • Meet up to 300 UK exhibitors • Ride and drive 4x4s and pickups • Source latest products and services • Expert advice: From land management, crop- growing and animal husbandry to caring for the environment, our industry experts will be on-hand to give information and advice. Seminar programme Addressing some of the biggest issues and challenges of the day. Our seminar themes this year include diversification, planning, mental health, recycling waste and product innovation. NOVEMBER 2021 • ANGLIA FARMER 57

Midland Machinery Show

New grain handling technology now available • Better systems maintain quality • Efficiency key as gas price soars • Increase in enquiries from farms

catchy harvest, increasingly uncertain weather patterns and the loss of the basic farm payment are focusing attention on ways to maximise returns by optimising grain quality post-harvest. New technology improve the efficiency of grain drying and cooling – while speeding throughput and protecting the crop while in storage – will be on display at this month’s Midlands Machinery Show. “It is critical to look after corn after it has left the combine,” says Richard Flach, co-owner of grain drying spe-

cialist Flach and le-Roy. “The benefits of correctly and efficiently handling and storing grain post-harvest cannot be ignored any longer. All too often farmers spend vast sums of money on a new combine – which they replace after five years – then just stick the grain in a shed until sold.” Mr Flach reports a marked increase in enquiries for grain handling and storage systems. Improving efficiency is also a key priority – more so now in light of significant increase in fuel and gas prices.

Younger generation With quality systems lasting up to 40 years, family farms with a keen younger generation are currently reviewing on-farm facilities while they still have the basic payment to help finance replacing or upgrading equipment. “Farmers can save on fuel costs by maximising the sun’s operating latent heat when on-floor bulk drying,” explains Mr Flach. “Justify the cost of investing in technology which promises efficiency: Will that investment make for financial sense when only used for two months a year?” Andrew Head (pictured below), managing director of grain handling firm BDC Systems, says this season has seen some farmers struggle to get crops dry in time to meet market and storage requirements.

Efficient grain storage keeps crops in top condition

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er manufacturer Alvan Blanch. “Recirculating hot air saves fuel. These systems might retail for more money but there is huge operative efficiency.

tricky and unpredictable harvests.” BDC Systems has already seen increased interest in its Moisture Monitor System, which samples grain from both incoming and outgoing elevators. “If grain is getting dried to 14%, it detects when moisture content goes

above or below 14% and sends a text message. The system is remotely controlled to ensure correct levels are maintained.” Double-drying systems make for increased efficiency, says Jorge Semiao, marketing manager at grain dry-

“

Double-drying systems make for increased efficiency

Smart controller “We are soon launching a smart controller which reads both the grain’s input and output moisture levels and then automatically manages the drier to achieve desired moisture output,” adds Mr Semiao. “Over the past two years 20 UK installations have trialled the system; the results and accuracy are great. The controller can be fitted to existing systems and has proven to reduce fuel costs.” Garry Ingram, managing director at Master Farm – which specialises in mobile driers - says reinvesting in grain storage is seldom a priority for farmers. But mobile systems are certainly generating more interest, he adds. “Today’s models are more efficient and tend to hold their second-hand value – certainly better than a fixed system. And there are grants out there; you just need to be very astute to find them.”

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Engineer your career at the Midlands Machinery Show • £500 award on offer to winners • Goal to raise profile of the sector • Talented and dedicated people

he importance of supporting the next generation of agricultural engineers will be recognised at next month’s Midlands Machinery Show. The Newark & Nottinghamshire Agricultural Society’s (NNAS) Midlands Agricultural Engineering Apprenticeship Award is back for its fifth year – championing the next generation of agricultural engineers. “The Midlands forms the heartland of agriculture: A network of farming enterprises, agri-businesses and machinery dealerships full of talent and dedicated individuals,” says NNAS chief executive Simon Eccleston. “We started up this award five years ago when it became apparent that there was no specific funding award for young people who had chosen one of the many career options within agricultural engineering.

Successful careers The award aims to raise the profile of the sector and support young people from diverse backgrounds and skill-sets to develop the abilities they need to embark on successful agricultural careers.” Up for grabs is £500 for each successful applicant, recognising their hard work. Entries are open until 15 October 2021 to agricultural apprentices aged 17-25 in the Midlands region. Frazer Cross, who was one of four winners in 2020, is in his third year of an Agco agricultural engineering apprenticeship – well on track to becoming a fully qualified technician Completing block release rotations – two months in work, one month in college – means that no one day is the same, says Mr Cross. It makes for an interesting job as well as time to study, he adds. “I started at B&B Tractors in

Mansfield in 2019, after working in the automotive trade for three years – after eight months I decided I wanted to become qualified and I started my apprenticeship that September.

Job satisfaction “The day to day is so varied; calls are always coming in so you might be in the workshop one day and out on farm on another. I am really enjoying the apprenticeship – I just enjoy being around tractors and the challenge of the different mechanics involved,” he adds. And while tractors are a draw, it’s the crop sprayers that he sees as his specialism. “For a lot of farmers, the sprayer will

“Your heart’s got to be in it and it’s hard work, but when it’s harvest time and you’ve got a farmer going again after a breakdown, it’s really satisfying.” And where does he hope to be in 10 years’ time? “My aspirations are to be a top technician in my field and be in a position where I am able to pass on my knowledge.” At this year’s event Mr Cross will be joined by his fellow 2020 award winners, Owen Bradley, Liam Wright and Lewis Wood-

ward, in receiving the second half of their winners funding, says event manager Elizabeth Halsall. “We look forward to welcoming both past and present winners to the showground – alongside the many young people who are yet to embark on their agricultural career paths,” says Ms Halsall “We hope the celebration of young people will not only foster a talented generation but encourage others to join the fold.”

Midlands Agricultural Engineering Apprenticeship Award

How to enter Applications are made by completing a downloadable application form from the Midlands Machinery Show website, which also outlines entry requirements. Once completed please email to harriet.canovan@newarkshowground.com by 15 October 2021.

Award winners Lewis Woodward and Frazer Cross

be the most important piece of kit,” he says. “There’s a lot of satisfaction in learning the skills that enable me to go out onto a farm and get these machines up and running again when they run into trouble.” Winning the NNAS agricultural engineering award has given Mr Cross confidence and helped him build trust with his customers as an apprentice technician – and helped fill his toolbox with some quality tools. “I’d encourage anyone to look at agricultural engineering as a career path,” he says.

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Property Average farmland values at highest level since 2018

rable farmland prices in England have risen to £9,700/acre in Q3 2021 – the highest quarterly average since early 2018. Matthew Sudlow, head of estates and farm agency for land agents Strutt & Parker, says the rise is a reflection of historically low levels of supply in the marketplace, combined with firm demand from a wide range of buyers. “We predicted back in July that there would be a rise in average values in Q3 given the market sentiment was positive. This has proved to be the case, with a number of sales going through at more than £10,000/acre.” Given the relatively small number of transactions each quarter, however, the average for the whole of 2021 may more reliably reflect price trends. Mr Sudlow says this is currently £9,200/ acre – which has been the average since 2017 – with 60% of sales agreed at £810,000/acre in 2021. Fewer than 10,000 acres came to the market in Q3 2021, which is about half the level typically expected, according to Strutt & Parker’s Farmland Database, which records details of all farms, estates and blocks of publicly marketed farmland in England over 100 acres. This takes total land launched for sale so far in 2021 to 48,100 acres, com-

pared with 48,200 acres at the same point in 2020 and 65,200 acres at the same point in 2019. To date, only 157 farms have been marketed openly this year in England, which is about 40 fewer than usual. “This does initially feel surprising, as the market has certainly felt much busier than it did this time a year ago. But this is probably because the private market is also active. We estimate private sales account for about 25% of the market nationally, and up to 40% in some regions.” Demand is coming from a wide range of prospective buyers. But even taking private sales into account, there are some areas where there are virtually no farms left unsold because demand continues to outstrip supply.

Green investors There has been no let-up in interest from lifestyle buyers, while farmers with rollover money to invest continue to be very important in some regions. The number of green investors, buying for rewilding or carbon-offsetting purposes, is growing, although remains a small proportion. Such is the strength of demand, every farm over 500 acres marketed in the first half of 2021 has already

Tighter supplies have helped to push up land values

“

A number of sales have passed £10,000/acre

sold or is under offer. Launched to the market in June, one 1,045-acre commercial estate in Lancashire – has already completed. “The speed of this transaction is unusual, but it does highlight that the journey to completion can be smooth and quick with the right preparation ahead of a sale,” added Mr Sudlow, who said he expected the amount of land marketed to remain low for the remainder of the year. “The farming industry is facing some pressing challenges – including rising input costs, labour shortages and the impact of the phasing out of basic payments to name a few – but this is not expected to have any significant impact on supply in the short term.”

Opportunity to reclaim inheritance tax

amilies could reclaim thousands of pounds in inheritance tax from falling property prices brought about by the end of the stamp duty holiday, says NFU Mutual. House prices fell an average of 3.7% in the UK in July compared to June, and they were down 4.5% in England. Inheritance tax is based on the value of property at death. If the property is sold by the executors within four years of death at a lower value, overpaid IHT can be reclaimed. But the tax rebate is not automatic and

has to be pro-actively reclaimed. A Freedom of Information request submitted by NFU Mutual financial advisers shows 3,630 families reclaimed inheritance tax this way in 2020/21. But a slump in property prices could lead to more. NFU Mutual financial planner Sean McCann said: “With house prices starting to dip, it’s important families are aware of this ability to reclaim inheritance tax that could save them thousands of pounds. “Inheritance Tax is assessed on the value of a person’s estate on the date of death

and the tax must normally be paid within six months. But if property is sold within four years of death for a lower price, the overpaid inheritance tax can be reclaimed. “The number of these reclaims dipped last year due to the buoyant housing market, but are likely to increase if house prices continue to fall. “With inheritance tax allowances frozen for the next five years, more and more families are being caught in the net. It’s important to take advice to ensure your family doesn’t pay more tax than they need to.” NOVEMBER 2021 • ANGLIA FARMER 63

Property

More people want a remote rural holiday

orfolk and Suffolk are both in the UK’s top 10 destinations for farm holidays in 2022, according to accommodation provider Farm Stay. The not-for-profit, farmer-owned consortium, says searches for ‘remote holiday cottages’ are up by 150%, the biggest rise in Farm Stay UK’s 38-year history. Post-pandemic, couples and families are looking for less traditionally popular destinations, it suggests. Farm Stay chairwoman Kay Barriball says the organisation

Top 10 destinations 1 Yorkshire

6 Derbyshire

2 Cornwall

7 Wales

3 Norfolk

8 Wiltshire

4 Devon

9 Kent

5 Suffolk

1 0 Scotland

[Source: Farm Stay]

has enjoyed its most popular year since it was founded as a platform for promoting agri-tourism in 1983. Rural escapes were most popular among the 25-34-yearold age group. Glamping has soared in popularity, with almost as many people searching for it as for bed and breakfast accommodation. But this may be due to Covid restrictions making it hard to stay in a B&B during the past year. There has been a 58% increase in those looking for ‘large group’ accommodation sleeping 12 or more people. Indoor pools and hot tubs are a new ‘must have’, with searches up 45% and 35% respectively in the last three years. A separate survey by NFU Mutual suggests self-catered accommodation is the most popular option for those looking to take their dog away (considered by 85%). B&Bs (34%), Camping (32%) and glamping (18%) were

Dog-friendly glamping holidays are increasing in popularity [photo: NFU Mutual]

also highlighted as emerging trends. Nearly two thirds (60%) of dog owners say they will always take their pet away with them. Eighteen percent will sometimes

be taking their dog, while 17% are considering it. Only 5% of dog owners said they would never take their pet on holiday. Today, Farm Stay offers over 420 farm stays and rural boltholes, from working farm holidays to self-catering, B&B’s to glamping across England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

Larking Gowen’s annual Farms and Landed Estate Review reveals that the 2021 harvest was a long, drawn-out affair Harvest 2021 proved challenging for farmers throughout the UK. Agricultural specialists at Larking Gowen, Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors, surveyed some of their clients, including Pilgrim Farming in North Norfolk and T. J. Wheaton Ltd in East Suffolk, to find out how it went. The feedback provided great insight for this year’s annual Farms and Landed Estates Quarterly Review. The review asked if the weather had affected crops, how yields and prices compared with the previous season, and whether they had made any changes to their crop marketing strategy. Tom Wheaton commented “The 2021 harvest was very frustrating. We had no real rain, but regular showers and overcast weather, with below-average temperatures, prevented crops from drying sufficiently to harvest. For much of August, we were unable to combine,” Tom and his wife, Anne, farm as T. J. Wheaton Ltd, at Akenham Hall near Ipswich. Given the more protracted harvest, the survey also queried whether they planned any significant changes to cropping for the 2022 harvest season, if their level of optimism about the future of farming had changed, and as a result, did they intend to increase or reduce investment in their businesses. “Due to the potential impact of virus yellows and soil damage, caused by late harvesting, we decided to reduce our sugar beet area by 40%” James Woodhouse from Pilgrim Farming Ltd discusses. “Our current contract has a year to run, so we’ll re-evaluate the crop’s future then. We may grow more maize and rye or put land into Environmental Land Management schemes (ELMs).” Partner at Larking Gowen, Steve Rudd reflected on the importance of planning, “Planning is so important to success that I would encourage anyone who wants to develop their business and see it move forward to take time out from everyday activities to do that, as continual change affects every industry, none more so than the agricultural sector.” The review also looked into any difficulties the surveyed clients had in attracting staff and part-time workers this season, either because of Brexit or COVID-19. However, because of the way they operate, both featured guests in the review said that labour was not an issue; although for others, it clearly has been. “Businesses constantly need to re-evaluate where they’re going and adapt their approach” Larking Gowen manager and agricultural specialist, Laurie Hill explains “with many farmers approaching retirement, the question of succession and the future is currently at the forefront of many farmers’ minds, and rightly so. One of Larking Gowen’s roles is to help clients decide on their succession plans or what diversification may be viable and guide them through the process of change.” You can read the full Farms and Landed Estates Quarterly Review at larking-gowen.co.uk, where Larking Gowen take a look into the above questions, and provide further insight into HMRC MTD proposals and more.

64 ANGLIA FARMER • NOVEMBER 2021

Strong demand for small blocks of land

What will the end of agricultural subsidies mean for the future of UK farmland? Willoughby Mason, from the estate management team at Savills, explores the future of land use and how farms and estates can develop a strategy for their business

mall plots of land across Norfolk sold for farm more than expected during an online auction with Brown & Co. The star land lot was a 1.75 acre parcel of arable land in Bloomstile Lane, Salthouse. The guide price was £25,000 and bidding began at £15,000 on 28 September. The next day, the price reached £95,000 with the plot finally selling for £107,500 after Land use in the UK is undergoing a major review that will result 80 bids. in seismic change due to the redefining of agricultural policy Another plot of land in Thornand the global focus on climate change and biodiversity loss. These drivers come at a time when 36% of all farmers in the UK ham Road, Methwold, measuring are over the typical retirement age of 65 – up from 31% in 2005. 6.8 acres, and set out as a num- Peter Hornor: sales exceeded The results of a recent survey of Savills rural professionals – ber of paddocks with consent for expectations who advise and consult on land use and management across equestrian use and with a numthe UK – sheds some light on what might happen to land as a ber of timber stables, sold for tations and the residential propresult of the withdrawal of direct support payments. £138,000 after 44 bids. erty sales were very gratifying.” A significant number of respondents believe owner occupier and tenant retirements will become more common in England Six separate 10mx30m plots Brown & Co partner Andrew – with the volume of farmland coming to the market through in the Marrams, Sea Palling, sold Fundell said the unconditional sales and new tenancies predicted to rise as farmers leave the for £38,000-£43,000 each, gain- online auction had been extremesector and businesses restructure to meet new market and ing a total number of 285 bids. ly successful – showing there was policy opportunities. The auction saw 17 out of 18 lots a real appetite among buyers for Where tenanted land comes back in hand, the landowner sold and one lot was sold prior – small parcels of land. will need to take a strategic approach to future use that reviews optimum farm size, boundaries of holdings and the totalling almost £3m of property. “If you are a landowner, and provision of fixed equipment at estate wide scale to maximise Brown & Co partner and head have small blocks or areas of unefficiencies. of auctions Peter Hornor said: The productive land now is a great For private landowners we expect the top recommendation results show auctions are an out- opportunity to take advantage to be joint venture agreements, such as a contract farming standing way of maximising re- of this market and to generate Savills Ipswich or share farming agreement. A joint venture where executed sults for our clients – the land income to either repay debt or to correctly, with the landowner actively farming01473 and 234800 bearing risk, Savills Ipswich should protect the asset from inheritance tax liability under sales far exceeded all our expec- invest in another capital project.” 01473 234800 Savills Ips William Hargreaves from Savills in Suffolk sets out his top tips for selling your farm

Selling your farm in today’s market Selling your farm in today’s market taxation regime. Selling your farmthe inpresent today’s market institutional and landowners William Hargreaves from Savills in Suffolk setsFor out his topin tips forcorporate selling your farm – where the Selling your farm today’s market and sets stability remains the most important William Hargreaves from Savills inlevel Suffolk out of hisreturn top tips for selling your farm • Find out who is likely to buy your farm and

01473 234

lose confidence if they’re aware of everything

factorSavills – we expect tenancies to continue to be the leading William Hargreaves from in Suffolk sets out his top tips for selling your farm upfront. the best way to reach them. Points to discuss

recommendation. lose confidence if they’re aware of everything • Find out who do is likely buy your farm and with potential agents include: they to have upfront. best way towith reach them. Points discuss But social corporate governance sufficient marketthe knowledge •toThe importance of gathering paperwork lose confidence if they’re aware of every • and the local, Find out environmental, who is likely to buy your farmand and with potential agents include: do they haveshould national and even international reach to early be underestimated. policies already how many institutional landowners upfront. Ensuring the best way toinfluencing reach them. Points tonot discuss lose confidence if th • Find out who is likely to buy your farm and sufficient market knowledge and the local, •have The importance ofaddressed gathering paperwork ensure your farm is seen by allwith prospective legal and compliance matters are potential agents include: do they manage their rural assets, careful consideration must be given upfront. the best way to reach them. Points to discuss national and even international reach to early should not be underestimated. Ensuring buyers? What is the most effective marketing knowledge with your full team of professional advisors of gathering sufficient market and the local, • The importance paperwork with potential agentslegal include: do they havematters to how they can achieve their aims within the context the ensure your farm is seen by all prospective and compliance are addressed and pricing strategy? Should the land be lotted (typically a solicitor, accountant and land of national and even international reach to early should not be underestimated. Ens sufficient market knowledge and the local, • The importance of g buyers? What is the most effective marketing with any yourpotential full legal teamand of professional advisors tenancy. to suit different types of buyers? Should be is seen agent) will highlight stumbling ensure youritfarm by all prospective compliance matters are addre national and even international reach to accountant early should not be andinpricing strategy? Should land be lotted (typically solicitor, and land publicly advertised order to create strong blocks, helping to avoid aaprice reduction buyers? What is the the most effective marketing with your full team of professional advis Land managers – for example – increasingly want to ensure your farm is seen bywill all prospective legal and complianc to suitprivately? different types of buyers? Should it be highlight anya potential stumbling competition or placed further down line, or a buyer walking away. accountant and pricing strategy? Should the land the beagent) lotted (typically solicitor, and lan leverage their land’s natural capital through income from buyers? What is the most effective marketing with your full team o publicly advertised order totypes create to avoid a price reduction to suitin different ofstrong buyers? Shouldblocks, it be helping agent) will highlight any potential stumb and pricing strategy? Should the land be lotted (typically a solicitor, or placed privately? further down the line, or a buyer walking away. nature-based carbon sequestration, biodiversity uplift and publicly advertised in order to create strong • Many farm salescompetition are won or lost by first blocks,documents to avoid a price reductio Depending on your useful to •suit different types of holding, buyers? Should ithelping be agent) will highlight water catchment management. competition or placed privately? impressions, so it pays to do the basics: ensure further down or a buyer walking could include: fiveorder yearstoofcreate cropping and the line, publicly strong blocks, helping to av • Many sales areand won or lost by first advertised• in Depending on your holding, useful documents buildings are clean andfarm tidy, verges There remains strong demand for farmland yield records, soil testing, support payments, Although these environmental-based income streams can competition or placed privately? further the line impressions, so it pays to do the basics: ensure could include: five years of cropping anddown hedgerows are cut as permitted, fencing across the East of England – with robust levels • Many farm is sales are won or lost by first and drainage planning history improvement • Depending on your holding, useful docu beare layered ontidy, top of food production, achieving this within buildings clean and There remains strongsales demand for farmland records,could soil testing, support payments, repaired and gates properly hung. impressions, soverges it paysand to do the Certificates basics: yield ensure of activity for both public and private records. awarded for performance, include: five years of cropping and • Many farm sales are won or lost by first • Depending on your hedgerows are cut as permitted, fencing isverges and planning acrossinthe East ofamenity England with robust levels history and drainage improvement tenancies can tricky – particularly if portfolios include buildings arebe clean and tidy, There remains–strong demand for farmland and notable increases value for yield records, soillong testing, support paym conservation or other noteworthy impressions, so it pays to do the basics: ensure could include: five ye repaired and gates properly hung. of activity for both public and private sales records. Certificates awarded for performance, hedgerows are cut as permitted, fencing isalso worth East – with robust levels land. However selling a farm isacross often the a once inof England standing AHA agreements that are typically more restrictive. planning history and drainage improvem achievements are finding. • Continue farming as though you were staying: buildings are clean and tidy, verges There remains strong demand for farmland records, soil te and notable increases value for amenity conservation orand other Certificates noteworthyyield repaired and properly hung. of activityinfor both public and private sales a lifetime decision and it’s understandable that records. awarded for perfor establish arable crops normal – you can gates benature The long term environmental uplift not are cut as permitted, fencing is worth finding. across the East of England –aswith robust levels planning history and land. However selling a farm is often once in amenity achievements areisalso • Continue farming as though youhedgerows were of staying: notable increases inacompensated value for some people might be a little and nervous about conservation or other noteworthy later or add a holdover clause to repaired and gates properly hung. of activity for both public and private sales Essentially, what could be done is an endless list. records. Certificates Land agent Savills has apponted Harry Kennedy as a farm agena lifetime decision and it’s understandable conducive to short term tenancies – and deciding who owns establish arable crops asfarming normalas – you can be were staying: land. However selling a farm isthat often a once in allow achievements are also worth finding. Continue though you taking the plunge. the sale agreement to continue and notable increases in to value for•you amenity Instead, look at what should be or done to ensure conservation or othe some peopleamight be decision a little nervous about compensated later or add a holdover clause to– you the uplift can be difficult. Licences, contracts collaborative lifetime and it’s understandable that Essentially, what could be done is an endless list. cy advisor across Norfolk and Suffolk. establish arable crops as normal can be your occupation until harvest is completed. However selling the a farm often a once in achievements are als Continue farmingreaches as though were staying: your property the you widest audience, taking the plunge. people mightland. saleisagreement to allow you• to be a little nervous about Instead, what should be done todone ensure compensated or continue add a holdover clause tolook at And while there are always a number of enterprises maylater therefore a better solution. what could be is an endl a lifetime decision it’s occupation understandable that establish arable crops asimpression normalEssentially, – you be Mr Kennedy, whose family farmssome nearthe Swaffham, joins the andyour makes be an immediate andcan allows a until harvest is completed. plunge. your propertyInstead, reacheslook the at widest audience, the sale agreement to allow you to continue ‘uncontrollables’ when it comestaking to a sale, there • If your property has issues with rights of way, what should be done to e some people might be a little nervous about What is clear is that landowners have the ability to bring compensated later or add a holdover clause to sale to proceed as smoothly as possible. And while there are always a number of Essentially, makes an immediate impression and allows awhat could firm’s Norwichareoffice. He previously worked across Cambridgeyour occupation until harvest is completed. also several steps that sellers can take to private water supplies or local developments, your property reaches the widest audienc taking the plunge. the sale agreement to allow you to continue ‘uncontrollables’ when it comes to a sale, there • If your together property hasaissues rightsof of stakeholders way, widewith range and this be essential Instead, look at what s And whileposition: there are always aopen number sale to proceed as will smoothly as possible. ensure they’re in the strongest possible bein fromoftheprivate start. Buyers are less or likely todevelopments, an immediate impression and allow your occupation until harvest is makes completed. shire and Essex having first joined Savills asellers graduate are also several stepsas that canittake to2017. water supplies localhas your property reaches ‘uncontrollables’ when comes to a sale, there in order to deliver joined up effective environmental provision. • If your property issues with rights of way, sale to proceed as smoothly as possible. And while there are always a number of they’reare the strongest possible position: Buyers are less likelydevelopments, to makes an immediate i also several steps that sellers can takebe to open from the start. “The East of England is aensure part of theinworld I know very well and water supplies or local ‘uncontrollables’ when it comes to aprivate sale, there • If your property has issues with rights of way, sale to proceed as sm ensure they’re in the strongest possible position: betake open Buyers are less likely to Talk to us today alsoMr several steps that sellers can tofrom the start. I’m excited to get started with the team in Norwich,”are said Kenprivate water supplies or local developments, Talk to position: us today be open from the start. Buyers are less likely to ensure they’re in the strongest possible Talk to us today

Savills adds to farm team

nedy. “My grandparents and uncle run a farm near Swaffham so William Hargreaves Talk to uslike today 01473to 234802 I’ve always had close ties the area – it Hargreaves feels coming home.” William 07870 999 113 Talk toteam us today 01473 234802 Christopher Miles,whargreaves@savills.com who leads the Savills rural in Williamagency Hargreaves 07870 999 113 01473 234802 whargreaves@savills.com William the East of England, said: “It’s great to have 07870 Harry HisHargreaves 999on 113 board. 01473 234802 whargreaves@savills.com appointment signals our continued commitment to strengthening 07870 999 113 whargreaves@savills.com the team and ensuring the office can provide the very best service.”

Willoughby Mason 01245 293 222 willoughby.mason @savills.com

NOVEMBER 2021 • ANGLIA FARMER 65

FINAL SAY Fen Tiger

Food for thought People need to value food more – and pay a proper price for it, says Fen Tiger.

ome-grown food is important – as farmers we all know that. But less so the general public, with UK food self-sufficiency falling to just 60%. It wasn’t always this way. In 1984, for example, UK self-sufficiency in food was nearer 80%. But today it seems that most people want cheap food and the majority don’t care much where it comes from. Some organisations blame the cheaper supermarkets – but they are only businesses providing a service for their customers. If the British public want British food then they will have to pay the price. And stop moaning when their stomachs are full. Recent weeks have seen food shortages in some supermarkets. Why? Because there is a shortage of lorry drivers and other workers. But who is to blame in the eyes of the public? That’s right, farmers. We face a mountain of problems. Fertiliser prices are sky high, nobody can get hold of glyphosate and abattoir workers are in short supply too. It’s back to that labour shortage again.

Name your price My phone hasn’t stopped ringing this autumn, with other farmers asking if I can spare a few hours helping them out. Despite being semi-retired, I still enjoy sitting on a tractor seat but I don’t want to work 12 hour days seven days a week.

66 ANGLIA FARMER • NOVEMBER 2021

The days of carting potatoes or beet along the busy main roads for hours on end are long gone for me. But a normal working day? I have been told by more than one farmer to name my price as a stand-in drillman. Defra secretary George Eustice insists there is labour shortage. Try telling that to pig farmers. Mr Eustice should get out more and see the situation for himself. Pigs are still backing up on farm because abattoirs can’t get the staff to process them. So what is the labour shortage all about? There simply aren’t enough lorry drivers in this country. They don’t want to come here from other European countries. The number of agency drivers has fallen dramatically.

More complicated One estimate suggests that until this year up to 80% of the drivers were non-British. Why have they returned home? The popular answer is Brexit. But it is more complicated than that – and also down to a change in the tax law.

“

It’s back to that labour shortage again.

Most agency drivers set themselves up as contractors which allowed them to pay corporation tax rates – therefore earning good money. But this loophole has been closed and with the pandemic the foreign drivers just went home. Who can blame them? Not me. Like all business owners, the need to cut costs is always relevant. When you get rid of your own staff and contract out to a single agency which relies heavily on workers from overseas, trouble is seldom far away. All of this has led the NFU to ask Defra to delay cuts to the basic payment scheme. I believe such a delay would be wrong. As farmers we have known for years that the scheme was going to be phased out.

Plan for change Every farm business has had ample warning to prepare for that eventuality – and it is unacceptable for farms who haven’t planned for change to push for the inevitable to be delayed. It is wrong to carry on regardless and hope things will turn the corner. The farming industry has no God-given right to public money – certainly not when our schools and hospitals need it more. We need to stand on our own two feet – and I say that as someone who has received payments during my farming career. If farming is to survive, we must change with the times. I cannot help thinking back to days gone by when volatile prices saw feed wheat fall to just £58/tonne. It wasn’t that long ago either. We all had to adsorb the costs. Food for thought indeed.

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