Midland Farmer - July 2022

July 2022

Midland

Farmer Serving the farming industry across the Midlands

Groundswell 2022: Arable growers reap benefits of including grass in rotations

News 'Big gaps' in Defra's food strategy Arable Blackgrass herbicide wins approval Livestock £250k grants set for slurry storage Professional services Land market 'strongest since 2015' Farm Safety Insurance discounts to combat fires Clodhopper Good riddance to the basic payment

Boost for sugar beet How to help stressed crops

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Midland Farmer

OPINION Johann Tasker

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

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ADVERTISING SALES Chloe Miller | T: 01502 725844 E: chloe.miller@micropress.co.uk Danny Lewis | T: 01502 725862 E: danny.lewis@micropress.co.uk Daniel Rice | T: 01502 725858 E: daniel.rice@micropress.co.uk Eden Cuffe | T: 01502 725811 E: eden.cuffe@micropress.co.uk Midland Farmer is a controlled circulation magazine published monthly for farmers and growers in the Midlands (Derbyshire, Herefordshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire, West Midlands and Worcestershire) or companies supplying goods and services to the sector. 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.

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

Food strategy serves up little for farmers

I

t's hard to know where to begin when commenting on the government's longawaited but half-baked National Food Strategy for England.

Published last month, the strategy has disappointed almost everyone hoping for much more than it delivered: a series of lukewarm ideas and aspirations seasoned throughout with a lack of detail.

Along with fresh air, clean water and adequate shelter, a secure food supply is an essential requirement for everyone on the planet. But the government's strategy for England is singularly unambitious.

Rather than ramping up farm output, the document outlines plans to broadly maintain current levels of domestic food production. And it is far from the visionary document many believe is needed to address the challenges we face as a nation.

The NFU has put on a brave face. It says the strategy is a clear milestone which recognises the importance of maintaining our productive capacity – particularly at a time when war in Ukraine has focused attention on the fragility of food security.

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But there is no doubt that the government could have gone much further. The strategy accepts the need for major reform of the food system. Yet ministers continue to sign trade deals involving food imports in seemingly limitless amounts.

Ensuring fairness within the supply chain is also important. The government has spoken of its intention to examine how supply chain provisions already set out in legislation can be used to better effect – but again, there is little detail.

A proper strategy would champion British farmers – recognising the vital role of UK agriculture in feeding the nation as well as protecting and enhancing the environment while working to mitigate the impact of climate change.

Instead, like many other government promises at the moment, the document appears full of talk – paying lip service to the importance of good production without detailing a coherent plan which will help realise its goals.

Johann Tasker Editor

RIDBA

Rural & Industrial Design & Building Association

JULY 2022 • MIDLAND FARMER 3

News Food strategy must be fully implemented – farm leaders • Importance of farming recognised • Plan to maintain production levels • Food security to protect economy

I

ndustry leaders say the government must implement its food strategy in full – praising the document for recognising the importance of farming.

Published last month, the strategy sets out the government's approach to food and farming – including the challenges posed by the war in Ukraine and the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the global economy.

It pledges to support farmers by helping to increase domestic production. This includes plans to strengthen the resilience of food supply chains and food security to help protect against future economic shocks and crises.

NFU president Minette Batters said: “The strategy represents a clear milestone. The government is recognising the importance of domestic food production, maintaining our productive capacity and growing more food in this country.”

Farmers stood ready to produce high quality and climate-friendly food while protecting and enhancing the en-

vironment, said Ms Batters. “Food production will always be core to a nation’s resilience and I’m pleased the government has recognised this.”

And she added: “Domestic food production and environmental delivery go hand-in-hand and we are proud that British farmers have an ambition to reach net zero by 2040, while still maintaining our current levels of food production.

“We now need to see this strategy develop into clear delivery and investment to capitalise on the benefits food and farming delivers for the country, such as our world-leading standards of animal welfare, environmental protection and food safety.”

Domestic food production is core to the UK's resilience, says Minette Batters

“

The strategy represents a clear milestone

Plan to 'broadly maintain' domestic production The government's food strategy commits to broadly maintaining current domestic production levels – and boosting production in sectors such as horticulture and seafood.

It pledges £270m for farming innovation by 2029, saying it will unlock technologies to drive sustainable farming techniques. In turn, this will help increase productivity and profitability and the sector’s long-term resilience.

The strategy also sets out plans to create a new professional body for the farming and growing industry to step up professional training and develop clear career pathways,

4 MIDLAND FARMER • JULY 2022

equipping people and businesses with the skills needed to run sustainable and profitable businesses.

Prime minister Boris Johnson said: “Our food strategy sets out a blueprint for how we will back farmers, boost British industry and help protect people against the impacts of future economic shocks by safeguarding our food security.

“Harnessing new technologies and innovation, we will grow and eat more of our own food - unlocking jobs across the country and growing the economy, which in turn will ultimately help to reduce pressure on prices.”

The strategy was published following recommendations contained in Henry Dimbleby's 2021 review of the UK's food system. As well as farming, it covered diets, inequality, nature, food and climate, and the complexities of meat, food security and trade.

Lacking detail Mr Dimbleby said Defra's policy document lacked enough detail to be called a strategy – although it did contain plans to implement more than 50% of his recommendations. He had called on ministers to guarantee payments to farmers until 2029, but this was not forthcoming.

Country Land and Business Association president Mark Tufnell said it was encouraging that the strategy had a significant focus on agriculture.

But it was unclear how it would be implemented, with out details of the required funding.

Steps in the right direction included 50% of public sector food to come from local producers or certified to higher standards, funding for horticulture, regenerative farming and the development of alternative proteins.

Mr Tufnell added: “There are issues which must be tackled in the short term, however. Domestic food security, fairness in the supply chain and workforce issues are key areas which need to be addressed immediately.”

In the hunt for water Oil Seed Rape is on par with a Willow. On a race between them, it would be hard to choose a winner. We were asked to investigate some wet spots and this is what we found.

The drains infested with Oil Seed Rape roots and silt! The silt is there due to the roots slowing down the water which allows fine particles to settle. Add all this together and over a few short years and you get drains that fail.

How we found the wet area when we arrived on site.

Pipe has only been in a few years and already heavily silted and choked with roots.

Not a monster from the deep but matted roots we pulled out of a section of 80mm land drain.

Soil types also play an important part with silting; sandy soils are more likely to be finer and as such more prone to silting pipework. Clay soils are heavier and more prone to capping and reduce water filtration to the drains. We always recommend a good layer of clean aggregate over land drains as it can be

advantageous with both soil types.

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. . . . So much so we had to give the ditch a quick short, back and sides!

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News

Women in Agriculture event showcases rape oil business

A

Women in Agriculture group visited the factory which produces Borderfields Cold Pressed Rapeseed Oil during a networking event at Redhill, Nottinghamshire.

Women from the farming sector were taken on a tour of the factory to see how the oil is produced, followed by an opportunity to tasting session where they shared their experiences of working in agriculture.

The visit was organised by land agents and farm consultants Savills, law firm Shakespeare Martineau, chartered accountants Forrester Boyd, the Country Land and Business Association and the Lincolnshire Agricultural Society.

It was the second in a series of events for 2022 created especially for women working in food and agriculture in the East Midlands, following a farm walk on the Blankney Estate in Lincolnshire.

The event brought together women from all sectors of the industry – from those who work on a small family farm to people in expansive agriculture organisations, as well as women who are new to the industry or who have built a career in farming.

Event organiser Romina Llorente

from the rural team at Savills said: “It is a fabulous example of a farm business vertically integrating through the supply chain and taking the product from farm to fork.

“The group found it really interest-

ing to get a first-hand look at how a Nottinghamshire-based farm has diversified their business and taken the produce they grow on the farm and turned it into a product that they can sell direct to the consumer.”

The Women in Agriculture group visits the Borderfields factory

Farms open to celebrate British agriculture

M

ore than 250 farms opened their gates last month – showcasing the best of British agriculture to tens of thousands of visitors.

The LEAF Open Farm Sunday event on 12 June saw fields and farmyards filled with families – each looking to learn more about how their food is produced, how the countryside is managed and what it is like to have a career in agriculture.

Visiting a working farm provides an opportunity for people to talk to growers and livestock producers – demonstrating to the public that agriculture is a proud and welcoming industry.

As well as learning about the importance of healthy crops and livestock, visitors had the opportunity to discover the importance of soil and water health, biodiversity and habitat management. Events included farm walks, trailer rides and barbecues.

6 MIDLAND FARMER • JULY 2022

Visitors included two Defra ministers.

Lord Benyon visited Row Farm in Berkshire; and farm­minister Victoria Prentis visited D’Oyley’s Farm, near Oxford – a regenerative family farm managed by the White family for three generations.

Ms Prentis said: “British farmers are doing a tremendous job in delivering highquality produce that is both sustainable and nutritious, and it is wonderful to see their commitment to inspiring the younger generation to enter the industry.”

Open Farm Sunday manager Annabel Shackleton said: “With the public’s growing consciousness around the environment and sustainability, farming’s annual open day is more important than ever to build support for British farming and food.”

Congratulating everyonne involved, Ms Shackleton said feedback had been overwhelmingly positive.

“We’d like to say a big thank you to everyone who made LEAF Open Farm Sunday 2022 another huge success, particularly all the host farmers, volunteers and our sponsors.”

The day was a fitting tribute to LEAF chief executive Caroline Drummond, who died last month.

Ms Shackleton said: “Caroline always loved to see the public on farm learning about this industry we’re all so passionate about.

“The sunshine brought Caroline’s warmth to so many as host farmers remembered her. At the end of the day, regular Open Farm Sunday hosts, FarmEco in Nottinghamshire, paid tribute to ‘CD’ and sang along to a band playing ‘Sweet Caroline’.”

The next Open Farm Sunday takes place on 11 June 2023. For details, visit www. openfarmsunday.org

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Arable New blackgrass herbicide wins approval for autumn application • Long-awaited grassweed herbicide • New active pre-emergence spray • See as replacement for flufenacet

G

rowers finally have access to a new herbicide against some of the UK's most challenging grassweeds – including resistant blackgrass.

It follows approval for BASF's new active substance Luximo – the brand name for cinmethylin, a soil residual active substance for grass- and broadleaved weed control in winter wheat.

The product containing this active – Luxinum Plus – provides a new mode of action for controlling blackgrass and Italian ryegrass, says BASF. It is designed for application at pre- and early post-emergence timings.

“We know how important Luximo will be for growers given the march of resistant black-grass – both geographically and biologically,” says Rob Gladwin, BASF's head of technical management for agricultural products.

“It’s two years since the Institute of Zoology valued England’s annual economic loss from resistant black-grass at £400 million in lost gross profit, and certainly the situation has worsened since this calculation.”

Crucial action The introduction of this mode of action is crucial, says Mr Gladwin. Luximo works differently to existing chemistry and therefore can work against re-

8 MIDLAND FARMER • JULY 2022

sistant blackgrass and Italian ryegrass biotypes.

Thousands of greenhouse and field trials involving the active substance have taken place over the past decade.

BASF now sees the herbicide as a replacement for flufenacet – not just a replacement.

In pre-emergence applications, 85% of 103 farmer-led and BASF blackgrass trials conducted over four years found that solo Luximo was more effective than solo flufenacet, with a 78% control rate compared to 58%.

“What stands out to us is the consistency of the results,” says Stuart Kevis, BASF herbicide business development manager. “Luximo reliably outperforms flufenacet in the control of blackgrass and more than halves seed return.”

Good performace Luximo also shows very good activity against Italian ryegrass. There is a similar uplift in performance over flufenacet. Early indications are that it also performs well against difficult ryegrass populations, including populations that might be flufenacet resistant.

“It’s important to mention that while these results were achieved when using Luximo as a solo applied

Stuart Kevis: Luximo delivers consistent results Below: Muchanticipated Luximo gives growers a new option against blackgrass

active, for trial purposes, the use of complementary partner products is vital for retaining the field performance of Luximo for the long term.”

Growers and agronomists are being encouraged to use the new product responsibly, says Mr Kevis.

“Now we have this all-important herbicide active substance, we must do all that we can to protect it from diminishing field performance.

“This means growers will need to maintain a firm focus on good cultural control, careful choice of tank-mix partners and applying the herbicide at the right time, in the best conditions and at the correct rates.”

Luxinum Plus will be available this autumn in combination with partner products. Further Luximo products are currently being evaluated and will also contain partner active substances such as pendimethalin.

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Arable

Biostimulant benefits stressed beet crops

A

pplying a biostimulant to sugar beet crops could help plants cope with heat stress caused by climate change.

Field trials over the last two seasons have shown that applying Quantis to sugar beet before a heat stress event increases yield significantly, says Syngenta technical manager Andy Cunningham.

The effect of Quantis to help potato plants deal with stress caused by high temperatures has been scientifically studied and widely tested, he says. Yield responses have been equally good – if not better – when tried on a field scale in sugar beet.

Research at Nottingham University suggests potato plants can be primed to cope with heat stress and to maintain photosynthetic activity that would otherwise be reduced or shut down.

Larger root size Biostimulant action within the plant results in bigger roots and higher sugar concentration – even when no physiological differences can be seen in the crop, adds Mr Cunningham.

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Lincolnshire grower Richard Ivatt is impressed with the results

“Further trials are planned this season in sugar beet to pinpoint the optimum times for application around the occurrence of heat events,” says Mr Cunningham.

“Timing will be based on the heat stress event forecasting tool developed to assist potato growers.”

Lincolnshire beet grower Richard Ivatt was impressed with results from field scale trials of Quantis on droughtprone light land last season.

A single 1 litre/ha application on 12 July 2021 – just before a dry period – yielded an extra 1.78t/ha. Doubling that rate saw the crop yield 78t/ ha – some 3.64t/ha more than the untreated crop.

“With the increased value of sugar beet this season, there’s potential for an even greater payback,” says Mr Ivatt, who grows 160ha of beet across 680ha of arable cropping at Baston Fen, near Bourne.

All beet growing on lighter land this season will now receive a 2litre/ha application if there is impending risk of hot weather stress.

Crops on prime silts and heavier land will be treated where there is a risk of drought, says Mr Ivatt.

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Arable

More sustainable varieties make wheat choice easier A new tool is helping growers choose the most appropriate wheat varieties.

W

heat varieties are becoming more robust and resilient – although concern remains that some crops lodge too easily and quality could be better.

The sustainability of mainstream varieties has improved encouragingly in just two years, suggests the latest Agrii Advisory List. But there are worrying concerns when it comes to specific weights and lodging.

Updated regularly throughout the season, the Wheat Advisory List is independent from the official AHDB Recommended List. It contains additional analysis and data from Agrii’s own variety testing programme.

The list includes Variety Sustainability Ratings for wheat options offering the greatest all-round agronomic strength with the least production risk and environmental impact.

“The number of wheats available with a high sustainability rating has more than tripled from seven to 24,” says Agrii seed technical manager John Miles. “This is really encouraging progress in a very short time.”

Ratings for the 39 wheat varieties on Agrii’s 2022 advisory list were calculated from their scores for 12 key characteristics. The idea is to provide an unbiased way of comparing their >>

LG Astronomer is John Miles' (inset) top pick Group 3 variety

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Arable >> overall robustness and resilience of the available genetics, says Mr Miles.

“They help growers and our agronomists narrow down their initial choices from the plethora of varieties on offer.”

Some 69% of varieties now have an Agrii yellow rust resistance score of 7.5 or more, with 31% having a brown rust resistance score of 6 or more and 49% having a Septoria resistance score of 6 or more. But it is more of a mixed picture with lodging.

Lodging resistance “Back in 2020 we rated 32% of the varieties as 8 or more for treated lodging resistance but this has dropped to 21%,” says Mr Miles. On the other hand, however, there are fewer varieties with scores of 6 or less.

“While we need to watch this area of genetics carefully, overall the omens aren’t too bad here. Unfortunately, this is not the case with specific weights which we see as one of the biggest concerns in wheats these days.

“Almost half the varieties on our 2020 Advisory List had AHDB specific weights of 77kg/hl or more and only just over 20% were less than 76. In complete contrast, this year less than

a third are up at 77kg/hl-plus and over a third below 76.”

Rate of progress With the exception of specific weights, Mr Miles says he is hugely heartened by rate of progress plant breeders have been making in so many different components of wheat variety sustainability in recent years.

Even insisting on a high sustainability variety only cuts the field for 2022 planting down from 39 to 24 wheats and still gives plenty enough choice in every NABIM Group for most growing situations, he explains.

“The ratings are just a starting point, of course, and it’s vital to base your choice on exactly where a variety’s particular strengths and weaknesses lie for your conditions,” says Mr Miles.

“The right agronomy can easily deal with weaknesses in a wheat’s yellow rust susceptibility or protect a parentage suggesting greater risk of breakdown to strains of the disease currently circulating.

“Less-than-ideal resistance to Septoria, brown rust and stem strength are equally manageable – but only if

John Miles Advisory List Picks for 2022

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Arable

Arable farmers reap rewards of growing grass in rotation

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rowers are reaping valuable rewards by incorporating grass into their farming systems, visitors to last month's Groundswell event were told.

The two-day show on 22-23 June attracted thousands of growers and livestock producers to Lannock Manor Farm, Hertfordshire ­– all looking at ways to secure a more sustainable future for their businesses.

“Grass is no longer just grazing for sheep and cattle,” said David Linton, commercial manager for seed breeder Barenbrug. It delivers economic and enviironmental benefits too.

Soil nitrogen Scientific research from around the world – including by Barenbrug – demonstrates the ability of grass and mixed leys to deliver benefits beyond producing milk and good-quality, healthy meat.

“Every farm should be doing grass,” said Mr Linton. “We know grass mixtures can boost soil nitrogen levels, reducing our reliance on expensive artificial fertilisers. Growers following a grass ley with cereals have reported yield uplift of more than 5%, despite slashing nitrogen inputs by nearly a quarter.

“We also know that they’re vital in addressing climate change. Their ability to capture carbon gives the farming industry a second crucial role in society: we’re not just producing food but helping to solve the world’s most pressing problem.”

One of the largest UK breeders and producers of grass seed, Barenbrug has a network of growers, and researchers

across the country. Growing demand means more than 9,000ha now under grass seed production.

The company produces and distributes more than 4,500 tonnes of grass seed each year. Some 90% of the grasseed is grown in the UK. A trials and research site in Worcestershire provides the base for much of Barenbrug's development work.

On arable farms, grass-rich buffer strips can provide protection against loss of soil and nutrients during soildisturbing activities such as root-crop harvesting, while increasing the farm’s value for biodiversity.

Growers are also using grass to reintegrate livestock into their arable systems – sometimes using virtual fencing technology so animals graze within set perimeters without any physical barriers.

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“The synergistic relationship between livestock and crop production – forage and arable – is key to setting up a successful and sustainable regenerative system,” he explains.

Forage and arable Experts in virtual fencing, Nofence uses a combination of GPS, cellular communication and a smartphone app to create virtual perimeters which can be monitored and changed remotely according to livestock needs.

“The fertility gains from grazing animals are considerable, with substantial reductions in artificial fertilisers possible,” says Synne Foss Budal, the company's UK general manager.

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Arable

‘Take action to combat risk of early blight in potatoes’ Multiple stress factors threaten crops

S

tress factors over the coming weeks could increase the risk of early blight in potatoes, say agronomists Despite recent rain, many crops are still suffering from lack of moisture this spring. At the same time, hugely inflated fertiliser costs have seen many potato growers reduce nutritional inputs to the bare minimum.

With the onset of stress, Syngenta technical manager Andy Cunningham believes growers should consider Alternaria protection earlier in their blight programme – because fungicide control of the pathogen must be applied preventatively.

“Any agronomic factor that increases stress on the crop can act as a pre-

cursor for Alternaria infection, as well as the severity of the outbreak. Early season infection and subsequent loss of leaf area inevitably has a greater impact on yield.

Primary risk “Alternaria treatments have historically started around the end of June or beginning of July. Where growers have identified an increased risk of stress, or have historically suffered from Alternaria losses, however, that may need to be brought forward this season.”

To counter the Alternaria threat, Mr Cunningham advocated growers and agronomists use Amphore Plus during the primary risk period – incor>>

Rain and lack of nutrition are threatening crops, says Andy Cunningham

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Arable >> porating the strong late blight protection of mandipropamid with the Alternaria activity of difenoconazole.

“Using the pre-formulated combination delivers 20% more difenoconazole with each application to boost alternaria protection, compared to the maximum permissible rate of the active when applied as a straight product.”

Independent research by Eurofins in 2021 identified Amphore Plus as particularly effective for blight control and giving control of all blight strains, including EU36 inoculated in the trials, says Mr Cunningham.

Multiple stresses Furthermore, the addition of mancozeb in the tank mix is a valuable resistance management strategy and adds potential Alternaria protection where growers are using Revus in their blight control programme.

The cumulative effects of multiple stresses can have greater effects on potatoes, even at relatively low levels. Further Syngenta trials into these stress mitigating effects are planned for the 2022 season.

“Plants that are already performing sub-optimally under stress from

biostimulant, Quantis, could help mitigate the effects of other stress factors and reduce the crops’ susceptibility to Alternaria.”

moisture or nutrient deficits, for example, can then be impacted badly by further pressures. That has been especially evident with the increasing im1 pact of heat stress onads.qxp_Layout potatoes.

“Enabling plants to be better prepared to cope with the adverse effects of heat stress with applications of the

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Varietal resistance Recent research in Denmark has suggested that the rate at which the infection developed in the foliage could indicate some varietal resistance. Later maturing varieties were typically, more resistant to disease spread, although not exclusively.

UK Alternaria monitoring by NIAB has highlighted no significant varietal trends. It has, however, repeatedly shown that A. alternata has been the first early blight pathogen to hit potato crops, followed by later infections of A. solani.

“That’s important because A. alternata can create multiple leaf lesions and damage, which could prove to be Alternaria entry points for the more aggressive A infection solani,” says Mr Cunningham. developed to “It also validates why agronomists leaf destruction would choose to use difenoconazole 16/05/2019 09:06 Pagefi16 rst as an active against A. alternata, followed by Amistar later in the season for A. solani and green leaf area protection.”

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Arable

Top tips for desiccation in the post-diquat era Attention to detail is essential for potato harvesting following the withdrawal of key dessicant

P

otato crop harvest management requires a different approach to the challenges faced by Patrick Levinge of Velcourt (below) when he started out as an agronomist some 25 years ago.

Mr Levinge advises growers across 450ha of potatoes. With customers in South Yorkshire, Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Gloucestershire, he encounters different soil types, varieties, temperatures and other factors affecting haulm desiccation.

“It’s fair to say that more advanced planning is involved now,” says Mr Levinge. “Given the loss of actives over the last 25 years, there are also significantly fewer chemical options for growers.”

When the diquat ban took full effect in 2019, Mr Levinge says he decided to adjust his end of season crop burn-down planning by a further 14 days to take into consideration the additional time he felt was needed to desiccate without diquat.

Trust the system “What I’ve learnt since, is that it takes roughly the same amount of time for complete desiccation, stolon detachment and skin-set using a flail and spray approach.” he says.

“The difficulty is that during the process,

A well flailed crop ready for the PPO spray

unlike with diquat, you don’t get the obvious early visual signs in the crop, so it’s all about confidence and trusting the chemistry and the system.

Chemical alternatives still exist in the form of a group of herbicides called PPO inhibitors. Mr Levinge says his go-to PPO inhibitor is Gozai (pyraflufen-ethyl). It’s been with us since 2016 and can also be used in early season weed control.

“It has an excellent crop safety record with no detectable crop residues or adverse tuber effects. When desiccating you must be decisive – particularly when tuber sizes have been achieved and warm, dry weather conditions are forecasted.

‘False’ senescence “As I’ve normally already used Gozai at 0.4l/ ha earlier in the season, my key strategy is to go into the crop with an initial application of Gozai at 0.8l/ha, with methylated seed oil (MSO), to open up the crop creating a ‘false’ senescence.”

Mr Levinge adds: “Then we flail, ensuring complete separation of foliage and leaving fully exposed stems to give the second application of carfentrazone the best opportunity to attack the severed stems.”

For ongoing tuber protection, Mr Levinge would add Ranman Top (cyazofamid) to the tankmix in the first and second sprays. As

with all PPOs, Gozai doesn’t travel through the crop, so the key is applying it in water volumes of at least 300l/ha to ensure coverage.

“To maximise Gozai’s efficacy, you must always try to apply it in bright, sunny conditions – ideally between 10am and mid-afternoon when the sun is at its hottest.”

Many factors Although there are many factors to consider when desiccating, the keys are crop nutrition when managing canopy size, soil type and the variety being grown – whether determinate or indeterminate.

Irrigation can be useful when managing canopy size and encouraging senescence before flailing. The key on canopy management is to feed just enough nitrogen but avoid total haulm collapse which could then lead to poor flailing, inhibiting the PPO. “As his customer base is 100% flail and spray, Mr Levinge rarely advises a chemicalonly desiccation strategy. Although readily achievable – particularly when dealing with determinate varieties that naturally senesce, using chemicals only is less economical.

“It will take longer to achieve a successful outcome than a flail and spray approach – particularly when weather conditions aren’t consistently favourable for applying multiple PPOs over a longer time period at 7-day intervals.”

JULY 2022 • MIDLAND FARMER 23

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Oilseed rape special Big increase in oilseed rape as growers cash in • Reduced pressure from flea beetle • Strong demand for quality rape crops • Good establishment remains key

A

big increase in oilseed rape area is expected this summer – with high prices encouraging growers to drill more of the crop.

Good conditions and lower pressure from cabbage stem flea beetle are also tempting farmers to grow more rape.

British winter plantings are set to grow by nearly 17%, suggests Bayer's annual Dekalb benchmarking study.”

Less flea beetle Involving more than 250 crops from over 170 growers, the study shows that 92% of crops drilled last autumn are being taken to harvest this summer.

Some 90% of growers said they had seen less flea beetle this season and half virtually none at all.

“Almost two thirds of growers expect their harvest performance to be better than 2021 – [with] more than half of these anticipating much higher yields,” says Dekalb study coordinator Richard Williams.

Sustained, buoyant prices caused by the war in Ukraine could encourage UK and Irish farmers to plant up to an additional 100,000 hectares this summer, say industry specialists Corteva.

Achieving maximum yields will be among the main objectives. But gross output should be just one key consideration when selecting which hybrid to sow, says Andy Stainthorpe of Corteva’s Pioneer seed brand.

“Eagerness to capitalise on current rapeseed prices will likely offset some of the concern regarding crop establishment challenges, and that’s why we expect a significant increase in the planted area,” he says.

“Across the industry there is a feeling that we could see the planted area grow to 450,000ha or more. For obvious reasons, yield is king but choosing a variety that also has a complete agronomic package is essential to realising the biggest yields.”

Early drilling Growers should consider varieties with in-built potential to return strong yields, says Mr Stainthorpe. That means being able to keep diseases out.

This improves their performance and helps to reduce input costs too.

Many farmers are considering drilling early this year – seen as a successful strategy last year, says Chris Bald-

win of United Oilseeds. It helped get crops off to a good start and grow away from problem pests.

United Oilseeds was quoting a new crop price of £720 per tonne in May – before quality bonuses.

HOLL contracts for Harvest 2023 include a guaranteed extra £40 per tonne premium, plus quality bonuses and seed discounts.

“This is good news for rapeseed gross margins, as it means the increase in inputs like fertiliser is more than balanced out by the base price,” says Mr Baldwin.

“If you do plan to drill early, we have stocks of over-yeared seed available for delivery now, including the UK’s top selling variety, Aurelia, which has excellent vigour and is suitable for early drilling.”

Growers are set to grow more rape this coming season Below: Chris Baldwin: good news for margins

Double assurance for 2022 plantings

B

ayer has extended its Dekalb Establishment Scheme to every oilseed rape variety in its portfolio.

The company has also introduced a guarantee for hybrids best-suited to early drilling. It means growers of all Dekalb varieties can claim £100/bag back through their seed supplier for any blocks of 6ha or more which fail to establish.

The guarantee applies to all crops sown before 20 September. To take advantage of

the scheme, growers must purchase any Dekalb seed through one of Bayer's many participating distributors and plant it before the deadline date.

Planted crops must be registered by 30 September at www.cropscience.bayer.co.uk/ dkestablishment. Distributor-validated claims for crops failing to establish by the end of October will then automatically be credited with their refund.

"We are making what we believe to be the

best establishment risk sharing scheme in the business as widely available as we can for the coming season," says Bayer seed business manager Adam Nears.

"We know it works, and we know our growers value the extra assurance it provides should flea beetle or other pressures prove too intense even for our especially robust hybrids. From now on no-one needs to ask whether their variety is covered. If it's Dekalb they know it is."

JULY 2022 • MIDLAND FARMER 25

Oilseed rape special

Variety choice takes on added importance

G

rowers should consider varieties that have in-built potential to return strong yields – and that means keeping out diseases, say oilseed rape specialists Corteva.

Andy Stainthorpe, who represents Corteva’s Pioneer seed brand, says PT303 Protector Sclerotinia is the top winter oilseed rape variety for gross output, returning 107% in the AHDB’s UK Recommended List for 2022.

It offers a suite of genetic protection against sclerotinia – a disease associated with the UK’s wet and warm conditions – as well as resistance to Turnip Yellows Virus (TuYV), and good scores for light leaf spot and phoma.

Corteva trials show that the severity of sclerotinia in PT303 is reduced by up to 75% when infection levels are 25% or above. Early vigour and stem development will help crops to grow away from pests during the autumn, says Mr Stainthorpe.

26 MIDLAND FARMER • JULY 2022

This year, growers have the option of purchasing PT303 seed treated with Lumiposa, adding further protection.

It is the only insecticidal seed treatment approved for use on rape seed.

Containing the active cyantraniliprole, Lumiposa offers some help to establish a crop in the face of attack from different pests, including cabbage root fly and cabbage stem flea beetle, says Mr Stainthorpe.”

Top yielder “PT303 is the top-yielding variety in the country as proven in AHDB trials and will ensure that, whatever your fungicide programme, crops will have the best chance of delivering on the promise of high prices.”

PT303 was commercially launched last year. Farm manager Olly Pemberton, of RJ Hussey & Son, planted 20ha of PT303 in August 2021. “It looks fantastically clean from a disease point of

view,” he said.

Some varieties out there in the trial are looking a bit dirtier but this is clean. It established brilliantly, and, for early autumn vigour, it went like a train – going into Christmas it looked phenomenal. It seems very resilient.”

Sclerotinia is associated with wet and warm conditions

Strong options for oilseed rape this autumn The global shortage of vegetable oils is likely to see a big increase in oilseed rape

O

ilseed rape varieties DSV Duke, Dart and Duplo look like being a popular trio among growers looking to increase their cropping this autumn.

A big increase in oilseed rape area is forecast this coming season – a situation buoyed by high prices and a shortage of high quality vegetable oils, as well as growers learning to live with cabbage stem flea beetle.

"With the high prices for inputs currently, particularly nitrogen, we believe strongly that establishing varieties with high nitrogen use efficiency and robust disease resistance will be in huge demand,” says Sarah Hawthorne of DSV. DSV Duke is a triple layered variety featuring protection against turnip yellows virus, pod-shatter resistance and the RLM7 gene for stem canker resistance with autumn vigour – making it an in ideal risk-management variety.

"It's an exceptionally high yielding variety with excellent oil content of 45.6% plus it's got high nitrogenefficiency supported by an extensive rooting system."

Consistent performer DSV Dart is a high yielding variety that has performed consistently well in UK trials. It is a reliable, simple to grow, high output oilseed rape varieties especially developed for the current economic and environmental climate, says Ms Hawthorne.

Again, the variety has protection from turnip yellows virus, now endemic across the UK, where it has the potential to reduce yields by up to 20%.

It also features RLM7+ multi-gene resistance to stem canker with high resistance to light leaf spot.

"In addition to stand-out disease resistance characteristics, DSV Dart has excellent gross output, achieving 106% of controls in the east-west region and an oil content of 45.5%.

“Furthermore, DSV Dart's considerable vigour means it can safely be

later drilled if weather conditions dictate.”

DSV Duplo is another of the company's flagship triple layer varieties.

It combines high yields, excellent allround disease resistance and outstanding autumn vigour.

DSV Duplo was initially fasttracked into the UK market because of its exceptionally strong establishment. But it has proven to be a strong and resilient variety throughout the growing season.

"As well as turnip yellows virus and pod shatter resistance, the valiety also has RLM7+ multigene resistance to phoma stem canker and the DSV nitrogen-efficiency trait allied to a deep rooting system to help ensure robust growth in virtually all conditions – including droughts."

Clearfield choices D$V has powerful options for growers looking at Clearfield technology, says Ms Hawthorne.

DSV Matrix CL is the highest yielding Clearfield variety on the Recommended List. It is D$V's first quad-layered variety to join the recommended list – combining Clearfield technology with turnip yellow virus, RM7+ phoma stem canker and pod shatter resistances.

"Recommended for the whole of the UK, the variety achieves 99% of control yield. It has a treated gross output of just over 5t/ha which is exceptional for a Clearfield variety, especially as it also delivers an oil content of 45.8%.

"It gets an 8 for phoma stem canker resistance, a 6 for light leaf spot and 8s for resistance to lodging and stem stiffness, so it's a good all-round reliable performer.”

DSV Matrix takes Clearfield performance within touching distance of the highest yielders on the new recommended list while offering the benefits of better weed control and cleaner crops, says Ms Hawthorne.

"It represents a huge step forward

Growers are increasing the area of oilseed rape, says Sarah Hawthorne

“

Robust varieties will be in huge deman

in breeding innovation being the first variety to stack four complex traits together without compromising yield."

Next stage The company's latest Clearfield variety is DSV Beatrix CL. It takes the concept of quad-layered varieties to the next level, says Ms Hawthorne.

It has the same complementary package of traits as Matrix CL – namely RLM7+ stem canker resistance, turnip yellows virus protection, pod shatter resistance and Clearfield technology. "It has really strong production performance too.”

On the candidate list, DSV Beatrix CL has high yields with a good oil content at 45.2%. It has a height of 132cm coupled to robust restance to lodging at 9 and a stem stiffness score of 8 – plus it is relatively early to mature.

"DSV Beatrix CL has good winter hardiness combined with strong early and spring vigour making it a variety that establishes well and picks up quickly in the spring to build high yields and high quality.”

JULY 2022 • MIDLAND FARMER 27

Oilseed rape special

Midlands region optimism for winter oilseed rape Prospects for oilseed rape are bouncing back – but good crop management is vital

W

inter crops across the traditional oilseed rape heartland of the East Midlands are in the best condition they have been for at least three years – boding well for both the current harvest and future prospects.

Half of growers, indeed, expect to see better yields than last year while only

10% anticipate poorer performance, and more than half are planning to increase their plantings this autumn.

Lower cabbage stem flea beetle pressures, good establishment conditions and a very favourable winter – with the possible exception of pigeon pressures for some – have led to over 90% of crops drilled being

Figure 1: Level of Autumn CSFB Challenge (2021/22) Proportion of growers reporting

National 50%

40%

8% 2%

East Midlands 57% Little or no challenge Moderate challenge

36% Substantial challenge Intense challenge

Source: Dekalb National Winter OSR Management Study 2022, Bayer 28 MIDLAND FARMER • JULY 2022

7%

Bayer taken to harvest in the region. co-ordinator, What is more, spring cabbage stem Richard Williams flea beetle larval damage appears to

have reduced and the overall condition of the crop at flowering markedly better than last season.

These are among the encouraging findings of the latest in Bayer’s series of annual Dekalb benchmarking studies involving more than 250 crops from over 170 growers well spread across the main rapeseed areas of the country – almost 20% of them in the East Midlands.

Alongside this welcome improvement has been a continuation of the swing to earlier drilling recorded in last year’s study, together with a clear increase in hybrid against conventional pure line variety use.

“A l t h o u g h not as marked as

Figure 2: Overall Crop Survival (2019/20 to 2021/22) Proportion of East Midlands crops taken to market

92% 95% 42% 2021-22

2020-21

2019-20

Source: Dekalb National Winter OSR Management Study 2022, Bayer

the previous season’s decline, the growers in our study recorded a further reduction in their autumn cabbage stem flea beetle challenge,” explains Bayer co-ordinator Richard Williams.

“In common with most other parts of the country, barely 10% of East Midlands growers saw anything more than moderate pressure from the pest last autumn, with half or more seeing little or no challenge (see Figure 1).

Average establishment scores rated by growers at 7.4 both nationally and in the region on our 0-10 scale were slightly down on 2020/21. But this seems to have been more than offset by much more favourable winter growing conditions and lower average levels of flea beetle larval damage.

“As a result, East Midlands crop survival to harvest maintained its recent improvement to over 90% for the second year in a row – a huge improvement on the 42% survival we recorded in 2019/20 (see Figure 2).”

While the earliest and latest sowings saw the highest levels of national crop survival, September drillings profited most from the favourable early winter, survival rates climbing by 16 percentage points on 2020/21.

Smaller gap For the third year running a higher proportion of hybrids than conventional pure lines are being taken through to harvest, although the more favourable conditions again meant a small-

er gap between variety types than the much more difficult 2019/20 season.

This hybrid advantage was a reflection of both rather higher average establishment ratings and lower spring flea beetle larval scores.

“Lower larval levels and favourable winters are clearly valuable for oilseed rape success,” agrees Mr Williams.

“But the very close relationship our study shows between establishment score and crop survival to harvest underlines the critical importance of the best rape establishment; especially so where establishment scores fall below the halfway mark.

“Pigeons were a particular problem for many this season, with 50% of East Midlands growers rating them 8 or more on our 0-10 severity scale,” he points out.

“However, good establishment and a much more favourable early winter meant most crops faced them, as well as any flea beetle larvae, with encouragingly well-grown canopies. Over three quarters of growers in our study reported mid-February Green Area Index (GAI) scores of 1.5 or more.

“The fact that almost half of those sowing the bulk of their crops in early August had GAIs of 2.5 or more and nearly 10% 3.5 or more is a little concerning and could compromise productivity at anything other than the lowest sowing rates.

“Even so, the overall condition of crops at flowering as well as their sur-

vival this season also appears markedly better. Based upon it, indeed, half of growers in the region expect to see a better harvest performance this year, almost half of these anticipating much higher yields.

“Early season yield estimates are notoriously unreliable,” accepts Mr Williams. “However, the overall level of optimism clearly speaks volumes for the relative condition of this season’s crop. Equally, the fact that 40% of those recording averages of more than 4t/ha last year nationally are anticipating better yields underlines it isn’t just those seeing the most disappointing 2021 performance expecting improvements.”

“

There is every reason for optimism

Beneficial insects Alongside better growing conditions and lower adult CSFB pressures, part of the current improvement in crop condition could well be down to improved populations of predators and other beneficial insects as a result of lower autumn insecticide use.

Indeed, around a third of growers both nationally and in the East Midlands are now deliberately avoiding insecticide spraying at establishment to encourage predators.

Almost certainly reflecting a growing understanding of the ineffectiveness of contact insecticides against cabbage stem flea beetle, this is a welcome increase on the 16% saying they were avoiding autumn insecticides in the >> JULY 2022 • MIDLAND FARMER 29

Oilseed rape special >> previous year’s study.

What’s more, the further reduction in autumn flea beetle pressure reported in the current season meant a substantial proportion of those not deliberately avoiding insecticides didn’t need to spray. As a result, over two thirds of East Midlands growers didn’t spray at establishment at all.

“The relatively few growers reporting more than moderate challenges with flea beetle make it hard to be certain, but the data suggests those avoiding insecticides altogether as a management tool to reduce cropping risk are not necessarily suffering as a result,” says Mr Williams.

“Indeed, they are taking a noticeably higher proportion of their crops to harvest than those continuing to be committed to autumn insecticides, and appear relatively more positive about their crop condition and potential.”

Unsurprisingly, with this experience and rapeseed prices set to stay well above historic levels for the foreseeable future, more than half the East Midlands growers involved in the Dekalb study intend to increase their rape plantings this coming autumn while only around a third plan to reduce their crop area.

Overall, the participants from the region are planning a total of more than 3600ha of rape in the coming season against the less than 2900ha they drilled last autumn (see Figure 3). This year-on-year increase is noticeably higher than the 16.6% recorded nationally.

“Our study may only involve a small proportion of the oilseed rape area, but it has a good spread of growers and crops so it should be decently representative of the overall position,” says Mr Williams.

“Reflecting the better condition of their crops this year, the earliest drillers are noticeably more positive in their 2022 crop planting intentions than the

30 MIDLAND FARMER • JULY 2022

Figure 3: OSR Plantings (2021/22 - 2022/23) East Midlands OSR area (ha)

2890

Current 2021/22

3630

Planned 2022/23

Source: Dekalb National Winter OSR Management Study 2022, Bayer

Figure 4: Effectiveness of Risk Management Techniques (2021/2022 Only sowing OSR when and if there is sufficient moisture 8.45 Seedbed fertilisation

8.03

Eliminating soil compaction ahead of the crop

7.96

First class slug control

7.96

Spreading organic manures

7.84

Earlier drilling

7.83

Employing pod shatter resistant varieties

7.79

Choosing vigorous fast developing hybrid varieties

7.70

The most effective pigeon deterrence

7.70

Prioritising varieties with all-round agronomic strength

7.51

0= not effective: 10 = highly effective Source: Dekalb National Winter OSR Management Study 2022, Bayer

average,” he adds.

“This suggests the marked trend we have seen to earlier drilling in our three years of studies is set to continue.”

Reducing risk The results also suggest the same is likely to be the case for the swing from conventional pure line varieties to hybrid-growing. This cannot be disconnected from the fact that growers rate vigorous, fast-developing hybrids as one of their 10 most effective widely-used techniques for reducing OSR growing risk (see Figure 4).

“Alongside key elements of variety choice, only sowing when and if there is enough moisture, seedbed fertilisation, eliminating soil compaction, first class slug control, spreading organic manures, earlier drilling and the most effective pigeon deterrence stand out for their particular effectiveness here,” says Mr Williams.

“While the main place for hybrids has traditionally been in the later drilling slots and they continue to dominate here, it is interesting to see that just over half the mainstream ‘double low’ crops sown nationally up to August 20 this season were hybrids.”

Interestingly too, the results show hybrids scoring better for establishment, flea beetle larval damage, survival to harvest and anticipated crop performance than pure lines again this season.

“Armed with the most resilient varieties, the experience of several seasons managing cabbage stem flea beetle and November 2023 futures prices remaining near the £600/t mark, there is every reason for winter rape optimism for the coming year despite current input cost inflation.

“It is good to see this reflected so strongly in planting intentions for what has long been recognised as one of the best all-round cereal breaks in the business.”

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Farm safety Devastating fires put farm staff and harvest at risk

I

nsurance discounts are available to farmers and contractors who reduce the risk of life-threatening accidents by fitting fire safety systems to combine harvesters.

NFU Mutual dealt with claims from 124 fires involving combine harvesters in 2021 – up 35% from 2002 and including ten incidents involving more than £100,000 each. The insurer is keen to avoid a similar situation this year.

With supply chains disrupted in the wake of COVID-19, Brexit and the conflict in Ukraine, sourcing spares for fire-damaged combines or bringing in replacement machines could be difficult during the coming harvest.

NFU Mutual recommends P-Mark accredited fire suppression systems.

The systems automatically trigger extinguishers if a small fire is detected in the machine. The insurer now offers premium discounts for farmers fitting recommended systems.

The P-Mark is a global standard which brings together best practice from Europe. This accreditation confirms that the product is type-tested and that installation and fitting is inspected. This robust approach ensures that any suppression system is suitably tested and appropriate.

Farmyard fire safety Instruct drivers to keep to safe speeds in the grain yard Check signs are in place to help drivers go to the right place, and alert members of the public to any potential hazards Keep children away from working areas Clean dust regularly from grain dryers – and ensure that all staff running the drier are fully trained and know what to do if fire breaks out Ensure fire extinguishers are readily accessible Make sure ladders and platforms used for maintenance are in good condition and a safe system of work is in operation [source: NFU Mutual]

Serious combine harvester fires are costly and time-consuming

Bob Henderson from the agricultural engineering team at NFU Mutual said: “Modern combines are large and complex, so an unchecked fire can easily lead to a huge blaze which puts lives at risk and can easily spread through dry crops and even engulf property and neighbouring fields.

“Suppression systems significantly reduce the risk of serious combine fires, and we urge farmers to fit them. There’s an even stronger case to do so this year as replacement combines and spares are likely to be hard to get hold of.”

Fire prevention tips

Costly delays P-Mark approved suppression kits involve dual agent systems which have two cylinders, one with powder and the other with a foam. The powder acts by interrupting the chemical reaction taking place and cutting off the oxygen supply.

The foam suppressing agent in the second cylinder rapidly cools superhot surfaces of over 200°C in larger engine bays, which can also hold turbo chargers and filters.

Mr Henderson said: “Delays in harvesting highly valuable arable crops are likely to be very costly.”

Have a plan in place in the event of fire including a system for keeping in contact with lone workers

On newer machines fitted with information screens, please ensure you follow all the guidance displayed during start up process. On older machines, ensure all recommended daily checks are carried out Regularly clean out dust and chaff from hot spots in combines and balers and check the machine over when you finish use Fit a suppression system that meets P-mark status to contain, extinguish and prevent fire Switch off engines and ensure moving parts have stopped before clearing blockages or carrying out maintenance Always stop to investigate hot-running engines or bearings

Keep mobile phones on you at all times - not left in a tractor or pickup cab Make sure drivers are aware of the locations and heights of power lines and check that machinery will safely pass under wires Ensure there is a fire extinguisher on the combine – that it is regularly maintained - and that you know where the nearest water source is Use an air compressor to regularly blow away debris from the machine – but only do so if exit pressure is reduced and safety can be ensured. [source: NFU Mutual] JULY 2022 • MIDLAND FARMER 33

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Livestock £250k slurry storage grants set for autumn launch • Six-month storage requirement • Protected sites will be prioritised • Goal to meet clean air strategy

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rants of up to £250,000 each are being made available for farmers to upgrade their slurry storage facilities.

The slurry infrastructure grant scheme will open for applications this autumn – for landowners and tenant farmers to replace, build new or expand existing slurry stores to provide six months of storage.

Landowners and tenant farmers with less than six months' storage will be eligible to apply for a grant ranging from £25,000 to £250,000. This can be used to help replace, build new or expand existing slurry stores to provide six months of storage.

Successful applicants could receive a maximum 50% grant towards the cost of a range of slurry store types, impermeable slurry store covers and extra equipment like pumps, pipes and safety equipment.

Check requirements Defra said the new grants would help livestock farmers in England upgrade their slurry storage and nutrient management systems. In so doing, the money would help reduce water and air pollution from slurry.

Farmers can check their slurry storage requirements based on current animal numbers using tools such as the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board's slurry wizard at www. bit.ly/slurrywizard.

This is the first round of grant funding from the Rural Payments Agency for slurry storage. Applications this autumn will consist of two stages – the first to prioritise applications before a full second-stage application.

The scheme will focus on projects that have the most significant environ-

mental impact – including those near protected sites. The RPA will provide more details on prioritised locations before applications open.

Eligible farmers The Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers suggested eligible livestock producers should seek expert help in the the design and location of any slurry stores should a new facility be required.

RABDF chairman Di Wastenage said: "We have been looking forward to the launch of this grant scheme which will provide dairy farmers with the op-

Grants will pay towards the cost of new slurry stores

“

Farmers should check their storage capacity

portunity to really think about their future storage needs.

"We urge farmers to prepare for this first stage of grants by checking their current slurry storage capacity and, if they think they may be eligible, to start enquiring about relevant slurry infrastructure and necessary planning permissions.

"By 2027, all slurry stores must be covered as part of the clean air strategy. so, even if you have enough storage capacity and may not be eligible for funding in round one, it is worth listening out to see whether you may be eligible in future rounds."

Take advantage of grants, say experts

A

ir and water quality regulations are growing ever tighter – but these grants will help farmers meet pollution rules.

Nitrate Vulnerable Zone rules now apply across most of the UK, and the loss of phosphate into water has rapidly become a major concern, says Flossy Freeman-Inglis, of the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers (CAAV).

Rules will require eligible livestock producers to have capacity to store six months of slurry – and for many that will require significant capital investment. The Defra scheme aims to help farmers meet that requirement.

“If you’re going to be required to do some-

thing by law in future, you might as well take advantage of the grants to help pay for it,” says Ms Freeman-Inglis.

Full details are yet to be unveiled. But the money is expected to be for new or substantially enlarged or reconstructed stores with an impermeable fixed, flexible or floating cover. Clay lined or earth bank lagoons might also qualify – if they have leak protection.

Planning permission – where it’s not a fundamental obstacle ­– can delay things, so the CAAV is urging the government to give supporting permitted development rights to assist the improvements it is seeking.

JULY 2022 • MIDLAND FARMER 35

Livestock

Breedr launches £10m cashflow fund

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£10m cashflow fund to help farmers purchase inputs without securing borrowing on fixed assets has been launched by livestock data specialists Breedr.

The free Breedr app, which was launched in 2019, now has 4,000 users and over 200,000 registered animals.

The fund can be used to free up capital to invest in infrastructure, based on the value of livestock which are being reared on the farm.

“As a farmer I know that this year we’ve seen huge price inflation, so many are struggling with cashflow, even though beef anad lamb prices are the highest in generations,” says Breedr chief executive Ian Wheal.

Supporting farmers “We have now raised a £10m fund which we are prepared to lend to farmers who have a track record of recording with us. We want to support all

farmers including beef, sheep, new entrants, tenants, growers, finishers and supply chains.”

The app allows for easy recording of weights, movements, breeding information and medicine usage. Easyto-read analytics enable reports to help farmers improve the efficiency, productivity and profitability of their businesses.

Banks generally only fund against fixed assets like land and buildings., says Mr Wheal. But Breedr recognises that animals are a valuable asset in themselves – and they increase in value every day as they grow.

Beef and sheep producers who have weighed their animals and recorded other basic information about their cattle on the free app are eligible to apply for funding against the value of their animals, says Mr Wheal.

Breedr Cashflow will provide up to 80% of the value of cattle or

sheep,including those which a farmer plans to purchase as well as those on farm. A daily flat fee is charged per animal. It is repayable at the point of sale.

No periodic payments are required.

The fund aims to ease farm cashflows, says Ian Wheal

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Livestock

British meat served up in banquets ‘fit for a queen’

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The promotion included banquets in France (above) and Iran (right)

he Queen’s Platinum Jubilee saw UK beef and lamb promoted in two valuable overseas markets – France and Iran.

While crowds congregated in London for the Queen’s birthday parade, guests were gathering in one of Paris’s most exclusive areas and at the centre of Tehran’s currency exchange trade to sample a special banquet.

British embassies in France and Iran welcomed government officials, sports personalities, businesses and potential buyers of UK red meat to celebrate the monarch’s 70year reign and 96th birthday.

Both events were organised by the Department for International Trade. The export team from the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board helped source beef and lamb from the UK and ensured everything went smoothly.

In Iran, almost 600 peo-

ple tasted high quality British lamb.

They included the Iranian Halal Importer Association, Mayha Protein – Iran's largest industrial food production company – and high-end restaurant Sky Lounge.

AHDB halal sector manager Awal Fuseini said: “This event was hugely important as it allowed us to showcase halal lamb from the UK in a market, we are hoping to open for our sheep meat exporters.

“The feedback we received was very positive with words such as ‘amazing, delicious, great quality, so tender, juicy, flavoursome’ used by the guests. We have been told those potential buyers – including now the chef’s company – are interested in buying the meat.”

In Paris, around 1,800 guests enjoyed a dish of beef skewers with horseradish sauce. AHDB export market director Phil Hadley said: “It was great to remind key influencers in Paris of the high quality and exceptional taste of our meat.”

Sheep sector gears up for flagship event

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he latest advice and information on a range of topical sheep issues will be on offer at this month's National Sheep Association Sheep Event.

The flagship show takes place on Wednesday, 27 July, at the Three Counties Showground, Worcestershire. A timetable of interactive workshops will run throughout the day, with experts passing on skills and knowledge to the sheep farming audience.

NSA chief executive Phil Stocker said: "The workshop programme is an integral part of this giving visitors the opportunity to really take home some valuable advice from leading experts that can help them improve and progress their flocks.”

Best practice Sheep health will dominate much of the programme. Sessions will cover 38 MIDLAND FARMER • JULY 2022

best practice vaccination advice, responsible use of antibiotics, how to mitigate iceberg diseases when selecting breeding stock and how to use postmortems to identify and improve flock health.

Other workshops will tackle the issue of sheep scab, sheep nutrition and grassland utilisation. Special sessions will provide the opportunity to learn more about Defra's sustainable farming incentive, animal health and welfare pathway, and local nature recovery schemes.

“The workshops are intended to be more informal and more interactive than the seminar programme, allowing visitors to steer the direction of the discussion and gain practical advice for their specific situation.”

The event will also include more than 250 trade stands showcasing the latest innovations and products.

The workshops will include sessions on grassland utilisation

A sheep industry dinner is held the evening before the event, which is a celebratory occasion open to everyone within the sector.

A series of competitions are also run throughout the day, providing entertainment and encouraging the next generation of sheep farmers, while a sheepdog sale is always a big draw for visitors.

NSA members can attend the event free of charge. Advanced tickets can be purchased at a 20% online discount.

For full details, visit the show website at www.sheepevent.org.uk.

Professional services INCLUDING DIVERSIFICATION SPECIAL

Help needed to cultivate new farm skills – and careers

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he Institute for Agriculture and Horticulture is asking farmers and growers to help test a new skills and careers platform.

Due to launch next year, the platform will help people fulfil their potential – helping the industry thrive, says TIAH chairman David Fursdon.

The fragmented approach to skills and training must change, he adds.

“Agriculture and horticulture are undergoing huge changes,” says Mr Fursdon. “As farmers and growers aim to ensure their businesses are profitable and environmentally sustainable, it’s essential that the industry has a workforce that is fit for the future.

He adds: “Continued professional development will therefore be key if individuals and businesses are to enhance their existing skills – and in many cases, acquire new ones – to help them successfully navigate the changing landscape.”

The online platform will bring existing and new training opportunities from across the industry into one central hub. “The aim is that we’ll make skills and career development more accessible to all,” says Mr Fursdon.

“The system will sign-post users to relevant training courses and information, depending on their aspirations.

This will hopefully make everyone’s life easier, in terms of understanding what skills are needed for progression, and where they can be acquired.”

Achievements The digital platform will also provide independent records and collate personal achievements. “Where required, this information can be used to demonstrate compliance and will also help to simplify audits and record keeping across the industry.”

Before making the online platform available to the wider industry in 2023, TIAH is launching a pilot scheme to give farmers and growers the opportunity to help cultivate the system its final stages.

“While there is a clear need for such a service, we want to ensure that it’s in-

tuitive to use and that the information available supports professional development in a simple yet practical way,”

explains Mr Fursdon.

“We’re therefore looking to recruit active farmers and growers from across England to become ‘TIAH Cultivators’, who can help us test the system this summer.”

By signing up to take part in the pilot scheme, individuals will have the unique opportunity to shape the future of agricultural and horticultural skills and careers services, while helping to safeguard the future of the industry.

“All that we ask of our TIAH Cultivators is a small-time commitment – approximately 20 minutes every two weeks – to test, review and feedback on various elements of the platform.

In return, participants will be entered into a monthly prize draw,” says Mr Fursdon.

Agriculture encompasses a range of careers

For details, call 0330 174 4290 or visit https://tiah.org/tiah-cultivators.

Food security heads up conference agenda

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he need for food security will discussed by farm leaders and other delegates at a high-level conference in London later this year.

Global events have propelled the issue of food security up the political agenda. The issue will be addressed at the Institute of Agricultural Management conference, due to be held on 1 November at the QE II Centre, Westminster.

“Following disruptions caused by Brexit, Covid and now war in the Black Sea region, the food security debate rages on like never before,” says IAgrM chairman Carl Atkin. Delegates will discuss whether self-sufficiency is a useful proxy for food security – or whether it is more complex.

The event will examine ways to improve food security while addressing competition for land from delivering environmental goods and services – including the drive to expand the area of biomass cropping and woodland to meet net zero targets.

Conference speakers will include NFU president Minette Batters (left), (left) Climate Change Committee chairman Lord Deben, Ceres Rural partner Will Gemmill, Albanwise chairman Phil Jarvis and Savills head of rural research Emily Norton.

The conference will also hear from food policy professor Tim Lang, food security professor John Gilliland, agricultural economics professor Michael Wallace, Morrisons head of agriculture Sophie Throup, Welsh dairy farmer Abi Reader. www.iagrm.com/ events

JULY 2022 • MIDLAND FARMER 39

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Professional services • DIVERSIFICATION SPECIAL

Dedicated fund aims to help farmers move to net zero • Zero arrangement fees for loans • Aim is to reduce farm emissions • Encourages farm carbon audits

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new £200m fund launched by Virgin Money is offering lower cost loans to farmers who reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The Agri E Fund claims to be the first fund dedicated to supporting farmers with the investment required to achieve net zero. Virgin Money said agriculture had a key role in the UK’s transition to a net zero economy.

Loans are available with 0% arrangement fees when a farmer completes a carbon audit and is borrowing over £50k to invest in emission-reducing initiatives. These include renewable energy, energy efficiency or activities that reduce greenhouse gases.

More farmers are being asked to reduce emissions, says Brian Richardson

Carbon audits A Virgin Money survey suggests that almost a quarter (22%) of farming businesses have been asked by their own customers – including supermarkets – to provide evidence of their actions to reduce carbon emissions.

The Agri E Fund also encourages the uptake of carbon audits, which are becoming increasingly important in the agriculture supply chain, by making the completion of one a condition of the loan.

A carbon audit produces a compre-

hensive report on a farm’s carbon outputs, highlighting inefficiencies on the farm and ways to do things differently, both to lower costs and reduce carbon emissions.

According to the bank’s survey, only 35% of farming businesses have completed a carbon audit, and Virgin Money has been encouraging customers to undertake a carbon audit so they can start to move towards net zero at an early stage.

Targeted support Virgin Money head of agriculture Brian Richardson said: “While many farmers are working towards their net zero targets, we know from our research that there are many who know what they’ve got to do, they just aren’t sure

how to go about it.

“By providing lower cost finance, our new Agri E Fund is providing targeted support to help agri-businesses make the transition and enable investment in reducing and capturing carbon emissions.”

Virgin Money has partnered with Carbon Metrics, a consultancy which aims to help rural businesses understand emissions management and auditing more easily, to produce an Agriculture Net Zero Report.

This guide is a tool to help farmers understand the background to climate change specifically relating to agriculture, what it means for the industry and how they can start to adapt their businesses to plan their own journey towards net zero.

HSBC launches £1.2bn fund for agriculture

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£1.2 billion fund has been launched to help commitment British farmers to innovate, thrive and diversify.

Announced by HSBC Bank, the fund is part of a broader £15bn lending package to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The bank has 100 agriculture managers dedicated to helping farmers realise their goals.

Many farming customers remain alive to opportunities for diversification, expan-

sion and improving efficiency through investment in their farms, said HSBC. They were confident about the future prospects for their businesses.

HSBC head of agriculture Martin Hanson said: “Farming is vital to the UK’s economic recovery, and many of our customers have told us they are ready to invest for growth and are taking a long term view of the industry.

“With the £1.2 billion fund for agricul-

ture businesses, we want to make a significant contribution to economies across the country, driving employment, local wealth and growth by providing funding, when and where it’s needed most.”

Farming had a key role in helping the UK meet net zero targets, said Mr Hanson. This could lead to greater integration with retailers and processors which often required investment in operations and both physical and digital systems, he added.

JULY 2022 • MIDLAND FARMER 41

Professional services • DIVERSIFICATION SPECIAL

'Unfair' mast rents should be increased

T

he government should speed up the rollout of 5G by revisiting payments for landowners who host mobile phone masts, says a think tank.

Rules that under-compensate landowners – including farmers, churches and community groups – for hosting phone masts are slowing the 5G rollout and threatening property rights, says the Institute of Economic Affairs.

Telecom companies can force landowners to accept mobile masts in exchange for a payment. Historically, this involved mutual agreement between operators and landowners, who were fairly compensated at the market value.

But thousands of landowners have had their income slashed – in some cases by more than 90% since the Electronic Communications Code was introduced in 2017, changing the basis of land valuation and lowering compensation.“The price mechanism is a fantastically powerful tool, said IEA researcher research director James Forder.

Fair return “It is baffling that the government seems determined to stop it operating, thereby depriving landowners of a fair return on their land, and slowing down 5G rollout at the same time.

There is an urgent need to allow the market to function.”

The report says the code has led to litigation, ill-will, and delays in reaching agreements. It says that valuation principles used before 2017 should be reintroduced – or other rules drafted to fairly compensate landowners and speed up the 5G rollout.

Some politicians have welcomed the report. Desmond Swayne MP said: “The Electronic Communications Code interfered with a market that was working effectively. The government sought to reduce the market price and predictably created a shortage.

“To address the shortage that it created, the government has now delivered a system that simply bullies landowners into making their sites available at the reduced price. This is a classic example of arbitrary government.”

In response to delays, the government has since introduced the Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure Bill. But the IEA says this Bill seeks to speed up the legal process, rather than updating the formula for compensating landowners.

The Institute of Economic Affairs says low levels of compensation for hosting phone masts is slowing the rollout of 5G

Farmland market is 'strongest since 2015'

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rable land values in England have jumped by more than one third over the past decade – with further prices rises anticipated.

Land agents are seeing the strongest farmland market since prices peaked in 2015, with most farms and estates offered for sale this spring going under offer for well above their guide prices – despite pressures presented by recent interest rate rises and inflation.

Speaking at last month's Cereals event, Matthew Sudlow, head of estates and farm agency at Strutt & Parker, says the agricultural land market has proved very lively over recent weeks, with competitive bidding seen for most properties.

“At least 90% of the farms we have marketed this year have attracted significant interest, multiple bids and often gone to a closing date for best and final offers.

42 MIDLAND FARMER • JULY 2022

Farmland values have shown sustained growth

“We are seeing prices being achieved for some properties that we would not have been believed 12 months ago.”

Arable land values averaged £9290/acre in 2021 compared to £7380 in 2011 – an increase of 26%, according to Strutt & Parker's Farmland Database.

Factors driving the increase includes a

wide mix of buyers – farmers, lifestyle buyers, private investors and corporate companies.

Strutt & Parker research shows sustained growth in agricultural land values in England over recent quarters.

Buoyant market conditions point to this upwards trend continuing in the third quarter of 2022, believes Mr Sudlow.

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Professional services • DIVERSIFICATION SPECIAL

Effective risk management key to future arable profits Growers should take action to reduce their exposure to volatile markets.

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simplified 'business risk register' could help arable growers manage the higher level of risk they are facing next season because of inflationary pressures and market volatility.

High commodity prices means that good margins should be achievable for 2022 and, to a lesser extent 2023, but the hikes growers have seen in fertiliser, fuel, machinery and labour costs have driven up production costs making it a high-risk period.

“Growers will end up spending more on the crops they will soon be drilling than ever before, but if they take steps to mitigate those risks, it is looking that some good margins will be achievable,” says Jonathan Armitage, head of farming at Strutt & Parker.

“Our modelling points to the potential for arable margins in 2023 to be up to three times what they were in 2021 – but this will be in tandem with a doubling in working capital requirements.”

While farmers make risk management decisions every day, it is worth doing so in a more organised way as the stakes get higher, explains Mr Armitage. A business risk register is a tool commonly used in the wider business community but not so often on farms.

“It can be a simple list or spreadsheet where you capture the severity of the risks facing your business, calculate the potential impact of a risk event happening and then think through how to go about mitigating those risks.”

It may sound daunting but capturing all this information in one place can provide clarity about which risks need to prioritise to keep a business on track, 44 MIDLAND FARMER • JULY 2022

says Mr Armitage. Outlined below, there are other actions growers can take too in terms of balancing risk and reward.

PRODUCTION RISKS Most farmers adopt production risk management strategies in an informal way. This includes choosing the most suitable varieties, drilling on the right day and paying attention to the agronomy of the crop.

This all helps mitigate production risks posed by pests, diseases and the weather.

Having a broad rotation of crops and varieties can also spread risk. So too will producing for specific markets. Plans should be flexible and growers must be willing to adapt as the situation changes.

This will be a year when the costs of drilling crops in sub-optimal conditions will be felt most keenly, so it will be important not to be tempted to try to maul crops into ground in less-than-ideal conditions.

If using a contractor, choose them wisely. You want to be dealing with someone who is well-financed and well-staffed. Some contracting businesses are getting very large and so consider

where you might be in their list of priorities. Paying a bit more to get the level of service you want may be better for your business in the long term.

Knowing when to write off a crop and not spend any more money on it will become increasingly important. The area of oilseed rape grown next season is forecast to increase significantly in response to strong prices – so this is likely to be a conundrum facing many growers.

When making the decision as to whether you are prepared to plant oilseed rape, risk-adjusted gross margins can be useful.

These involve working out before you plant a crop, what the financial implications will be if you end up writing a proportion off.

FINANCIAL RISKS The financial risks that different farming businesses may be willing to take will differ – reflecting factors such as your current level of borrowing, whether you are tenant who will have to pay the rent come what may, and your requirements for living expenses.

Being on top of your financial risks involves identifying and quantifying the risks you face and working out the potential

Having the right people in place is critical for the success of a business Jonathan Armitage

War in Ukraine has fuelled volatility – adding to the challenges faced by farmers (Picture: Editorial credit: VolodymyrT / Shutterstock.com)

impact on cashflow and profits.

Look at what happens to your cashflow and profits if, as is expected, interest rates rise. Consider a sensitivity analysis to examine the impact of say a 2% rise in interest rates on both cashflow and profits.

It is more important than ever for farmers to have a cashflow forecast for the next 18 months – and revisit it regularly. The need for additional working capital over the coming months is so high it could cause cashflow complications that will threaten the future of some businesses.

Remember, growers will get a 50% advance on their Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) claim in July with the balance paid in December. However, Harvest 2022 is looking like it will be a profitable one for growers who bought their inputs before the big price rises took effect which means there could be some big tax bills to pay next year.

INPUT PRICE RISKS If buying fertiliser at £600-700/

t for next season on the basis of a forward wheat price of £270/t, you can reduce your exposure to risk by forward selling a proportion of the harvest 2023 crop to lock in that margin.

It may sound obvious, but make sure you prioritise the enterprises that are likely to make the most money. Fixing a price in such circumstances can be a sensible risk management decision – even if it does turn out you could have got a higher price by holding back.

Consider your level of exposure to commodity price changes on a crop-by-crop basis – for most people the biggest exposure is to changes in the wheat price – and make sure your day-to-day decisions and sales strategy are in line with what that analysis shows.

DEBT RISKS Manage the risk of bad debts closely by knowing your buyers and keeping an eye out for any changes in business practices – such as late payments – which might signal they are suffering cashflow problems. Limit exposure by managing collections and payments and obtain appropriate credit insurance if necessary.

POLICY/LEGISLATION RISKS Have a think about any bits of legislation that we know are around the corner which will have an impact on your business. For example, a business which is highly reliant on irrigation could start planning for changes to water abstraction charges and licences.

Some changes are imminent – such as cuts to basic payments in England – while others may be some way off, such as considering what would happen if one of your major customers started to require suppliers to be carbon neutral.

PERSONNEL RISKS

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Support with existing infrastr pipeline, cable, telecoms, Compulsory Purchase Order utilities issues. representations. energy and other Advice on road, rail, pipeline developmental Hybrid Bill petitioning. telecoms, schemes. energy and other d Advice on road, rail, pipeline, cable, schemes.

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Having the right people in place is critical for the success of any business. Finding good staff for arable farms is getting harder and harder. Consider now what would happen if one of your staff members was unavailable for work because they had resigned, was ill or retired.

Who might be able to fill the Support with existing infrastructure and www.wilsonfearnall.co.uk gap in the short term? What utilities issues. about the long term?

Please contact us on: Ensure you have a contingenPlease contact us on: 01948 667 113 cy plan in place and share knowl01948 667 113 info@wilsonfearnall.co.uk edge around the family and info@wilsonfearnall.co.uk any www.wilsonfearnall.co.uk www.wilsonfearnall.co.uk staff, so the business is not completely reliant on one person.

JULY 2022 • MIDLAND FARMER 45

FINAL SAY Clodhopper

Good riddance to the basic payment scheme Getting rid of annual support payments will mean lower land rents, says Clodhopper

A

farming colleague wanted to chew the fat after my last article – explaining to me how the subsidy system since 1991 had saved his farm from oblivion.

He produced detailed information telling me how much money he had received – including from agri-environment schemes.

When you see 30 years of subsidies laid before you in black and white, it certainly opens your eyes to the amount of support farmers receive. And my friend seemed genuinely alarmed that payments are stopping.

At his age, he may well take Defra's offer of a lump sum in lieu of all remaining payments and enjoy hs retirement. But I did suggest that perhaps the system has not been the gravy train many people suggest.

It may seem easy cash to some but I don't believe I have made any money from subsidies at all. Rather than helping farmers, I firmly believe that the current system has held the industry back in the longer term.

False bottom It has created a false bottom in the rental and land markets – and given a false impression of market levels and public perception of the farming world. If left alone, rental values would have found their own level.

Perhaps the system has allowed some farmers to continue when they really should have packed up years ago. Or at least they

46 MIDLAND FARMER • JULY 2022

should have passed on the farm to the next generation who might have had more get-upand-go and business knowledge.

This might all sound ungrateful. It's not meant to be. Like many others, I have received my annual payments thankfully. But at what cost? As mentioned, subsidies have underpinned the rents paid by thousands of farmers – me included.

Higher rents For many years, when my landlords requested a rent review, the £100/acre subsidy always underpinned the rental value. Without it, I may have rented land at a much lower price.

Instead, I have almost certainly paid a premium in the form of a higher rent.

Without support, I may have been able to expand the farm – both in terms of land purchased and contract or rental agreements undertaken. Rather than being able to do so, I found myself priced out of the market.

There have always been willing farmers ready to pay excessive rents on the back of a secure subsidy system. You only have to look

“

I found myself priced out of the market

back to the 1990s to see how land prices increased shortly after the current system was introduced.

Before then, land was worth about £1000/ acre – and still struggled to find many willing buyers. Once the fear of the subsidy system had been forgotten, land prices underwent a steady increase – creating a wealth of opportunity for land agents.

I carried on filling in my own claim forms and annual applications without too much hassle. But many farmers asked their land agent to fill in the paperwork for them out of fear of making a costly mistake and being penalised for their mistakes.

Unfortunately for us farmers, the agents closed that loophole rather quickly – so any loss lay entirely with the farmer not their representative. And such stories are not uncommon given the complexities of the system.

Horror stories Every farmer has a horror story to tell about the Rural Payments Agency and their mapping problems. And its no surprise that it is farmers who have been left at a disadvantage in most cases.

So I say good riddance to the current system. Yes, it will create challenges for many growers and livestock producers. But it will also create opportunities for those who properly want to get on in agriculture.

Subsidies create hungry land agents after easy money, higher rents and extra costs all around. Large commercial landlords have reaped the benefits at the expense of working tenant farmers. Sorting out the wheat from the chaff is long overdue.

01759 302907

info@farmtyres.co.uk

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