Midland Farmer - March 2022

March 2022

Midland

Farmer Serving the farming industry across the Midlands

Defra: ‘Countryside stewardship can help offset lost basic payments’

Spy in the sky: How satellites boost grass quality

News Fly-tipping warning for farmers

Soil health How to improve your crop yields

Livestock Manure offers good value for money

Arable Act early against cereal diseases

Water Defra pledges clarity on manure rules

Business Retirement scheme ready for launch

Tel: 01480 495956

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Midland Farmer

OPINION Johann Tasker

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

Design: Mark Shreeve | T: 01502 725839 E: mark.shreeve@micropress.co.uk

Advertisement production: Jade Soanes | T: 01502 725840 E: jade.soanes@micropress.co.uk

ADVERTISING SALES Alistair Bailey | T: 01502 725854 E: alistair.bailey@micropress.co.uk 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

Clear view needed on farmyard manure

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

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

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

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

At times like this, it is no wonder farmers are confused. Defra suggests spreading manure is good so long as there is no pollution risk – yet one of its agencies suggests the complete opposite.

Clarification can’t come soon enough.

Contents

Vol 11 • No 2 • March 2022

News .................................................................... 4 Arable .................................................................. 9 Soil Health ......................................................... 17 Water .................................................................. 25

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

Mixed farming – including the reintroduction of livestock into arable systems – is seen as one of the most sustainable ways of farming. As such, it is encouraged by the government’s transition plan for agriculture.

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

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

And there is no reason for it to remain banned.

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

Johann Tasker Editor

RIDBA

Rural & Industrial Design & Building Association

MARCH 2022 • MIDLAND FARMER 3

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For more on Countryside Stewardship and how to join, see page 43

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

Farmers urged to welcome visitors to countryside

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

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

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

4 MIDLAND FARMER • MARCH 2022

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

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

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

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

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

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

News

Fly-tipping warning for East Midland farmers

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ast Midland farmers are being warned to take extra steps to protect themselves against flytipping – as the latest figures reveal a spike in cases.

There were 90,479 fly-tipping incidents across the region in 2020/21 – up from 75,081 during the previous 12 months, according to Defra statistics. Farmland incidents from 272 to 499 over the same period.

“Fly-tipping is an unwelcome blight on our countryside and can represent far more than an inconvenience to victims of the crime,” said Rupert WailesFairbairn, of rural insurers Lycetts.

“Incidents not only pose significant environmental and human health risks, but also a legal and financial burden for farmers and landowners. In some cases, farmers can be repeatedly targeted and costs can quickly escalate.”

Although local authorities will usually pay the clean-up costs of clearing waste from public land, the responsibility for removing waste from

M

private land falls squarely at the feet of the landowners. If they fail to do so, they can face prosecution.

Clean-up bills per incident average around £1,000, according to the National Rural Crime Network. But large-scale incidents can cost upwards of £10,000. Some farm insurance policies will cover the clean-up costs – typically capped at £10-15,000.

Fly-tipping incidents almost doubled on farmland

New chairman for Warwickshire NFU

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ark Meadows been voted in as county chairman for NFU Warwickshire. Mr Meadows, who farms at Alderminster, near Stratford-upon-Avon, succeeds Rupert Inkpen, of Knowle, near Solihull.

Also deputy chairman of the NFU West Midlands combinable crops board, Mr Meadows farms with his parents and wife Emily. His father Jim was county chairman in 2012/13 and he has held a variety of other posts.

The family grows winter wheat and barley, oilseed rape, winter beans, spring wheat, barley and forage maize for a local dairy farmer in exchange for manure. A further straw for muck deal is in place with another local farmer.

Environmental responsibilities are taken seriously – with solar panels on some buildings, a renewal heat incentive woodchip system in place and a mid-tier countryside stewardship agreement.

Invitation to Nuffield open evening

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he Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust is hosting an online open evening for anyone interested in learning more about their annual awards.

The charity encourages people to develop their potential to improve the food and farming sectors. It does so by encouraging individuals to study and travel overseas – with a view to bringing their learning back to the UK. Each year, about 20 Nuffield scholarships are awarded to people working in farming, hor-

6 MIDLAND FARMER • MARCH 2022

Farm mortgage consultant for the region

ticulture, forestry or any other countryside and ancillary industry – or who are in a position to influence those who do.

More than 1,000 people have completed their studies and travel since the first Nuffield scholarships were award in 1947.

The online open event takes place at 6.30pm on Monday, 14 March. It will be hosted by West Midlands Nuffield chairman Rob Burtonshaw.

To register, please email charlotte@nuffieldscholar.org.

ortgage and finance firm Rural and Business Specialists (R&BS) has appointed a new local consultant for the East Midlands region.

With a background in banking, Martin Newton (pictured below) was until recently an agricultural relationship director for Barclays and previously agricultural manager for HSBC. From a farming family in Lincolnshire and Leicestershire, Mr Newton has a degree from the Royal Agricultural University at Cirencester.

After graduation, he worked in various roles, including as an NFU legal technical adviser and farm business consultant for Brown & Co.

New role In his new role, Nr Newton will provide farming clients with strategic funding advice, source mortgages and negotiate with lenders for business investments – including land purchase, buildings, diversification projects and business and finance restructuring.

Farms need to be flexible to adapt to the industry changes, he says. “Giving clients the best choices of lenders and lending options from the whole finance marketplace is something I couldn’t provide while working in one bank.

“I am looking forward to helping farms and rural businesses manoeuvre into a better position to face any challenges ahead, grow and achieve their goals.”

R&BS director Jim Richards says: “Martin’s farming and agricultural banking knowledge will help him guide our clients smoothly through the minefield of mortgages and maximise their chances of lending and business success.”

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

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

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

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

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

Mild winter “Temperatures have been milder than average since last September. It hasn’t been particularly wet, especially in

January, but there has been enough moisture to keep disease ticking over on lower leaves.”

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

Early treatment is paramount for yellow rust control, so this should be the main focus of the first fungicide spray, which Dr Ellerton says should usually be applied to winter wheat around growth stage 25-30.

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

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

Varieties with higher Recommended List ratings cannot be ignored

though – not least because adult resistance may not kick-in until late in the season. “If disease establishes early, it can cause significant damage before adult resistance takes effect.”

Yellow rust may be the focus of the first fungicide treatment. But this early spray can also be used to boost Septoria protection in high-risk crops and reduce pressure on later GS 32 (T1) and flag leaf (T2) treatments.

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

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Arable

Winter barley variety boasts good yields and agronomics

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

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

“SPP is all about arming producers with the genetics they need

10 MIDLAND FARMER • MARCH 2022

for the future,” says Mr Compson.

With aphid-borne viruses increasingly difficult to control, the tried and tested BYDV tolerance exhibited by KWS Feeris will be a real benefit to many farmers.

Functionality “While yield is usually the topic that excites growers the most, some of the biggest advances are now in the shape of crop functionality and resilience to cope with increasingly variable growing conditions.”

Sitting at 103% of control yields for the UK, KWS Feeris stacks up well against other sixrow winter barleys in terms of agronomic features – borne out by an untreated yield 84% of control and scoring 6 for both rhynchosporium and net blotch.

Will Compson: Arming producers with the genetics they need

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

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

Arable

Glyphosate supplier on track to recover

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

New managing director for Boston Seeds

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

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

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

I

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

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

12 MIDLAND FARMER • MARCH 2022

Glyphosate has already been harder to come by this season

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

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

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

George Wallis: growing business

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

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

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

Most products are available to farmers and other consumers online.

Arable

Cereals tickets raise cash for farming charities

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

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

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

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

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

14 MIDLAND FARMER • MARCH 2022

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

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

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

This year’s event takes place on 8-9 June in Cambridgeshire.

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

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

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

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

M EI R AG R I C U LT U RE

orward of the leading edge

efore the wing comes into

reventing smearing by the

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

Soil Conditioner Specification

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

to ensure effective vertical

he wing. The 200mm length

f attack helping to reduce

wing.

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

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Leg spacing:

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

500mm

Soil Conditioner Specification

3m

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

Working widths:

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No

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work directly into thick cover crops and grass leys.

points centred either side of

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

Meir Soil Conditioner

urface. Adjustable scrapers

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

Effective Soil Loosening, Reduced Soil Disturbance Tel: 0044 (0) 1652 653326 Email: info@daledrills.com Web: www.daledrills.com Pepperdale Farm, Howsham, Market Rasen, Lincolnshire

dale Farm, Howsham, Market Rasen, Lincolnshire.

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PART OF Pepperdale Farm, Howsham, Market Rasen, Lincolnshire.

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

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

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

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

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

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

different techniques can improve soil health based on farm type.

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

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

Julian Bell, team leader for the carbon measuring tool Agrecalc, will explain how growers and livestock producers can understand the carbon footprint of their farm – and implement ways to reduce it.

The low-carbon event will include four exhibition areas

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

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

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

For details, visit www.lowcarbonagricultureshow.co.uk

Farm soil carbon code explained

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MARCH 2022 • MIDLAND FARMER 17

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Soil health

Smart soil bugs can offer farmers eco-friendly disease control

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

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

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

The team then compared the genomes of those strains shown to suppress pathogen activity with those that did not. This enabled them to identify the mechanism that protects potato crops from harmful disease-causing bacteria.

The production of small molecules called cyclic lipopeptides has an anti-

bacterial effect on the pathogenic bacteria that cause potato scab. This helps the protective Pseudomonas move around and colonise the plant roots.

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

Study lead author Alba PachecoMoreno said: “We hope that our study will accelerate the development of biological control agents to reduce the application of chemical treatments which are ecologically damaging.

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

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

MARCH 2022 • MIDLAND FARMER 19

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Soil health

How soils affect crop yields and carbon footprint

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

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

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

The relationship between soil structure, nutrient interactions and sustainable production is largely mis-

understood, believes Mr Fuller.

“Ground pressure and soil compaction are major contributors in the equation. The better the soil structure, the healthier the plants, the greater their ability to compete with weeds and the less nitrogen they are likely to require.

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

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

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

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

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

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Soil health

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

A

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

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

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

they should focus any improvements for the greatest overall value.

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

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

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

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

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

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

propriate plans of progressive improvement action.”

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

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

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

Carried out on a sample of fields representative of the farm as a whole or those posing particular management concerns – depending on individual preferences – the results of all these assessments are set out in easyto-understand reports.

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

“

It’s the best basis for making improvements

MARCH 2022 • MIDLAND FARMER 23

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

T

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“

The government now needs to deliver

Spreading autumn manure is widely accepted as good practice

MARCH 2022 • MIDLAND FARMER 25

Water The scheme will restore wildlife habitats and the condition of watercourses

Water is key focus for Landscape Recovery • Scheme targets larger-scale projects • Goal is to improve rivers and streams • Wildlife habitat and species restored

F

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

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

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

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

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

“

Successful projects will improve water quality

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

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

Up to 15 projects will be taken for-

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

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

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

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

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

For details, visit www.bit.ly/landscaperecovery

Tenants ‘could be left out in cold’

T

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

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

Part of the problem is the scheme length.

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

26 MIDLAND FARMER • MARCH 2022

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

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

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

gently need to see implemented.”

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

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

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MARCH 2022 • MIDLAND FARMER 27

Water

Facing up to a future of w W

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

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

So far in 2022, we have seen only 34% of our long term average rainfall across the Anglian region with much falling in the first week of the year. In fact, January was the fifth driest month on record for East Anglia.

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

Most on farm reservoirs should now be full or nearly there because of early winter rains. If not, it would be wise to fill them as

soon as possible to avoid handsoff flows in rivers if low rainfall continues.

Last year was relatively uneventful from a water availability viewpoint. Indeed, problems remain more administrative as the Environment Agency explains switching from abstraction licensing to permitting.

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

Reservoir grants Grants for farm reservoirs and water efficiency measures were made available by the Rural Payments Agency last November. It was not a lot of money – and again the UKIA put irrigators wanting

to apply in contact with key RPA staff.

Although not well publicised, farm reservoirs do more than store water. They can provide valuable ecosystem services. Once built, reservoirs can become a haven for flora and wildlife – although ducks defecating on lettuce crops are no joke.

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

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

Planning farm reservoirs is essential to have bids ready in the back pocket come the next round of grants. Information on reservoir planning – including a mas-

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water scarcity terclass video – are all available on the UKIA website.

The lockdown has inspired lots of useful videos for irrigators.

Workshops and online seminars cover various subjects such as water harvesting (Jerry Knox, Cranfield University) and potato irrigation (Mark Stalham).

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

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

Globally, we are fast running

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

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

The there is climate change – which adds to the risk for agricultural production. The FAO says change is essential. “Business as usual” is no longer an option, it says, and will set a course for disaster. But there is cause for hope.

Melvyn Kay is executive secretary of the UK Irrigation Association.

For details, visit www.ukia.org

“

Reservoirs do more than store water

MARCH 2022 • MIDLAND FARMER 29

Water

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

A

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

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

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

terns change.

The report by Rothamsted Research also shows levels of nitrate, another major aquatic pollutant arising from fertiliser use, increased by four times during the wet winter from recently converted arable land.

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

“These changes in autumn and winter rainfall are elevating runoff and the water pollution problems arising from modern farming. Sadly, current on-

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farm mitigation strategies, including those subsidised by agri-environment schemes, aren’t working very well.”

Climate predictions February 2020 was the wettest February on record for the UK, with the meteorological winter – which encompasses the months of December, January and February – ranked as the fifth wettest on record since 1862.

The researchers produced climate predictions for their study site.

They suggest this sort of weather pattern will become more common in the future – with the most extreme rain days occurring even more often than they did in February 2020.

The River Taw rises in the uplands of Dartmoor, while the study sites were in lowland areas, close to Okecontinued overleaf

“

Experts forecast much wetter winters

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Water continued from previous page hampton. As well as affecting wildlife, water pollution affects the provision of valuable ‘ecosystem services’ to humans, says Professor Collins.

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

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

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

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

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

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

This was the third highest monthly rainfall on record since 1982, says Prof Collins.

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

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

The research is published in the Journal of Cleaner Production.

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

H

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“By switching some slurry from

Value of cattle slurry* Available Nitrogen(N)

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Available Phosphate(P)

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Available Potash(K)

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Total value

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

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

High costs make it important to get the most from grassland

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

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

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

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

Plans shelved for tax on silage wrap

C

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MARCH 2022 • MIDLAND FARMER 33

Livestock

Dog-attack laws must be strengthened, says sheep association

T The Field Lab project aims to improve grassland productivity and sustainability

Satellite data to boost pasture performance

L

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mr Keyworth said: “It should also improve 34 MIDLAND FARMER • MARCH 2022

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mr Stocker said the NSA had recently received a spate of reports, he said, highlighting a worrying increase in the number of dog attacks on sheep.

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

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

As spring approaches, the situation could worsen with more dog walkers visiting the countryside. The consequences of dog attacks on in-lamb ewes mean sheep worrying is an even more serious issue than at other times of year.

Mr Stocker said he applauded action being taken in Scotland.

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

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MARCH 2022 • MIDLAND FARMER 35

Livestock | Beef & Sheep

Training and advice are priorities for sheep sector

T

rusted advice is vital as sheep farmers prepare for the forthcoming environmental land management scheme (ELMs), believes farm manager Kevin Harrison.

Farmers will need to redouble their efforts to improve flock management as they transition into ELMs and Defra’s forthcoming animal health and welfare pathway, says Mr Harrison, who has has managed a family-owned farm near Bath for 22 years.

The enterprise has a breeding flock of 550 North Country Mules on marginal land at 250m above sea level. Ewes are lambed in March and finished on the farm.

“We’re trying to achieve good lowland performance out of a hill farm,” says Mr Harrison.

Valued service For the past ten years, Mr Harrison has valued the services of sheep health adviser Phillipa Page, a veterinary surgeon who works with Flock Health. He also has a local vet for medicines and emergency call outs.

Ms Page is a member of the Register of Sheep

36 MIDLAND FARMER • MARCH 2022

Advisers (RoSA) – set up last year by BASIS and the National Sheep Association. It aims to provide a stamp of assurance to those practicing professionally in the sheep sector.

The register pulls together training from across all areas of flock management. “Farmers are going to be needing to seek more specialist advice with changes in the payments system and the pathway,” says Ms Page.

The register includes approved advisers who can help farmers with different aspects of their farm business. This is especially useful where vets do not have the capacity to advise on issues other than health and welfare.

There are people out there who are not always giving the correct advice, says Ms Page. This makes it important to have a central register for continued professional development that reaches a good standard.

“RoSA gives farmers more confidence in choosing an adviser, knowing that they are keeping up-to-date and that their training and qualifications have been reviewed and recognised,” Ms Page concludes.

Phillipa Page: register of advisers

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

F

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

surrender their tenancy – creating opportunities for new entrants.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Scheme ‘must be part of wider package’

T

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MARCH 2022 • MIDLAND FARMER 39

Professional services

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

F

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

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

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

Some two thirds of money retargeted from the basic payment scheme will be used to encourage habitat change. It includes the changes implemented under the forthcoming Environmental Land Management scheme (ELMs).

agreements, says Mr Moody. Failure to do so could see them tied into restrictive management for 30 years.

Mr Moody believes there are four general routes to manage change over the coming years: • Focusing on efficiency to produce competitively priced commodities • High value, high output vegetables, fruit or livestock under cover • Adding value by specialising and Farmland faces branding farm produce wooed by forestry, given the permanent increasing • Combining food production and land use change and loss of options it competition for environmental outputs involves. But markets for biodiversity different uses • Focusing land use mainly on the net gain and nutrient neutrality could environment, rather than food be potential options in future.

Below: Jeremy Solar leases might be attractive, Even so, Mr Moody says biodiversity Moody: prepare but agreements based on outcomes for change net gain agreements – which pay rather than actions would be limiting, farmers to recreate habitats destroyed warns Mr Moody. Farmers should take by developers – are generally set professional advice before entering at more than 30 years. Nutrient into such schemes, he suggests. neutrality deals could be even longer.

“If you’re paid to provide services Given rapidly advancing scientific that’s one thing, but once the buyer knowledge and technology – as well takes control of the carbon, biodiversity as evolving natural capital markets – or other outcomes you may have lost Mr Moody says the agricultural world Transition period control of the farm, with restrictions could be a very- different in 30 years.

Equipment - Livestock - Feed - Fertiliser Seed - Cash Flow “Such policies might help or hinder and penalties to protect the buyer. Diversification Projects - Building This makes important to take - DebtitConsolidation farmers but the real decisions over Carbon is also seen as a tricky trusted advice before signing on land use are theirs to take,” says area. “Selling carbon credits looks to the dotted line. “These are very big Mr Moody. “This decade offers the handicap farmers who will be expected decisions as critical as any we’ve faced transition period in which to manage to reduce their own carbon footprint – in living memory. Be sure to do things this major change.” it is counter-productive as the farmer on the right terms for the right reasons Farmers should beware- Feed of any will then to Flow find that carbon and the right money.”

Equipment - Livestock - Fertiliser - Seedhave - Cash obligations andcation restrictions imposed again.”

For more information visit Diversifi Projects - Buildingreduction - Debt Consolidation by some environmental land use Many farmers are unlikely to be www.caav.org.uk.

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Professional services

Higher rates make stewardship more attractive option

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

A

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

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

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

Remember, too, that Defra has pledged that farmers who join will be able to switch their Countryside Stewardship agreement into the forthcoming Environmental Land Management scheme (ELMs) without penalty later. This makes it a good stepping-stone to the future.

The application deadline for a five-year Countryside Stewardship agreement starting on 1 January 2023 is likely to be 31 July 2022. Entering the scheme next year would offer some stability as the Basic Payment scheme is phased out.

Some farmers operating extensive

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Stewardship also gives you the chance to apply for capital funding, for work such as fencing and water troughs – although Defra has missed an opportunity by not revising these rates.

Fencing, for example, is still funded

A Marbled White Butterfly (Melanargia galathea) in Bedfordshire

at £4.90/m, despite astronomical cost increases in recent years.

So, even if you have considered stewardship before and decided it wasn’t for you, it is worth looking at it again. Yes, it had its share of bad press in its early stages for being overly complicated but it has been simplified and payments are more timely than they once were.

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

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

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

Many farmers will find it is better to get Countryside Stewardship agreement in place first – and then see how if the SFI fits later.

Kevin Jay is a director at farm business consultants CLM. See www.c-l-m.co.uk MARCH 2022 • MIDLAND FARMER 43

Professional services

Major milestone for consultancy service

M

ore than 1000 farmers have now signed up the the Farm Business Review service offered by the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board.

The service offers free consultancy to farm businesses in England most affected by the move away from the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS). It is funded by Defra’s Future Farming Resilience Fund.

Eligible farmers are being urged not to delay in registering to ensure they don’t miss out on this free support.

Signing up to the Farm Business Review is a simple online process which takes a few minutes.

The Farm Business Review is open to arable, dairy and livestock farmers until June 2022. It aims to help producers make their businesses more resilient and identify ways of replacing income lost as the BPS is withdrawn.

AHDB head of business resilience Steve Dunkley said: “Once you’ve

The Farm Business Review is open to arable, dairy and livestock farmers

registered you’ll be matched with a suitable consultant, who will arrange a mutually convenient date to visit your farm and carry out a free, confidential consultation.”

For details, visit www.ahdb.org.uk/ farm-business-review.

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Deadline looms to ‘shape AHDB future’ Farmers have until the end of March to register to have their say on the future of the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board.

Levy payers must register before they can make their views known on the AHDB products, tools and services they value most. Once registered, the AHDB says a vote next month will ensure it better understands how farmers want their levy money spent.

The vote is part of the AHDB’s ‘Shape the Future’ initiative. Due to take place during April, it will cover the beef, lamb, cereals, oilseeds, dairy and pork sectors – but farmers must register first to vote.

Challenges AHDB director of engagement Will Jackson said: “We are emphasising to levy payers that they are at the heart of everything we do – and we want them to benefit from being given a greater voice.

“By registering to take part in Shape the Future, levy payers get to have a say on the challenges they want AHDB to focus on – and the services we will deliver for them over the next five years.

A number of levy payer meetings have taken place over recent weeks to explain the process and give farmers the chance to ask questions about the vote.

LANDOWNERS

Does your land stand out from the crowd?

It is true we are in the midst of a housing crisis and demand continues to outstrip supply, however not all sites are developable and quite often there are competing sites vying for a housing allocation.

So how do ensure your site stands out from the crowd and achieves that all important housing allocation in a Council’s Local Plan?

First of all, the site needs to be suitable for housing, this is not as black and white as it sounds as there are no fixed rules, but there are some key factors which make some sites more suitable than others.

Location, Location, Location To coin a phase, location is the most important factor when determining the suitability of a site as delivering sustainable development is at the heart of decision and policy making. Each Council will set out a spatial strategy; those settlements with the greatest access to services and facilities such as schools, jobs, shops and public transport links will be considered the most suitable for housing.

Smaller towns, villages and rural communities should also be allowed to grow to ensure their continued vitality.

Ideally there are existing facilities which new residents can access, however where there are gaps in services, development proposals could provide essential funding or provide the infrastructure required to improve the sustainability of the site. A lack of facilities is not necessarily an impediment to development, in fact a new development can be an opportunity to provide much need improvements.

Does the land adjoin the existing settlement edge?

New development should connect into the existing built form of the village or town. However, where a larger number of houses are required consideration should be given to whether the land could form part of a wider development utilising adjoining land which better relates to the settlement edge.

Will it impact the wider landscape?

The landscape impact of a development is a subjective matter which is open to considerable debate. Landscaping schemes and careful design can help soften the visual appearance of development, however land which is already well contained by existing trees and hedgerows will have a head start over those sites which are more open to the wider landscape. Planning policy provides the highest protection to areas within

National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Generally speaking the South East is a very constrained area containing large areas of AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty), National Parks and Green Belt.

This provides particular opportunities to those sites which are not covered by these designations.

Yet with the high level of housing need, Councils will need to deliver housing in these areas as well.

Other matters to consider is the proximity of the site to Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas.

This doesn’t necessarily preclude development but it is an important consideration when considering the suitability of the site.

Is the site technically deliverable?

Can the site be accessed and does it flood are also key. Does the site access onto a suitable road and can pedestrians safely access nearby facilities? If not proposals can provide highway improvements such as new accesses, pavements and road safety improvements. With the focus firmly on sustainable transport new housing schemes are encouraged to provide improved and new pedestrian and cycle links for the benefit of everyone.

Flooding is another hot topic. New proposals are required to show that the site when developed will not be at significant risk of flooding and will also not increase the risk of flooding elsewhere.

However, where there are existing problems new drainage systems can also be designed to reduce the risk of flooding both on and off site.

Good Communication Your site can have all the attributes but unless the Council know it is available then it is unlikely to get allocated. Councils will run ‘Call for Sites’ when preparing their Local Plans, this provides landowners with the opportunity to inform the Council that their land is available for development. You should also check whether a Neighbourhood Plan is being proposed for the area as this can allocate housing sites.

The focus can often be on the negative impact new housing can have but there is so much new development can bring to a community. It can provide affordable homes, new community facilities, essential funding for key services and infrastructure, as well as environmental benefits such as energy efficient homes, new wildlife habitats and new and improved sustainable transport measures.

Early discussions with key stakeholders such as local community groups and parish or town councils can help identify key issues the community faces and their aspirations for the future. Proposals which are built on cooperation and communication with a community are far more likely to succeed than those which shy away from engagement. Rarely does a site tick all the boxes but the key to success is highlighting its strengths and finding ways to resolve its weaknesses. This then needs clearly relaying to the Council and local community to ensure your site stands out from the crowd.

Could your land have development potential?

Find out more about land promotion: www.catesbyestates.co.uk Victoria Groves Associate Planning Director

01256 637914 victoriag@catesbyestates.co.uk www.catesbyestates.co.uk

FINAL SAY Clodhopper

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

I

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

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

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

The New Holland T6 methane-powered tractor looks and – so I have been told – behaves like its diesel-powered equivalent.

It is powered by the same 180hp engine and claims to be just as powerful. The bonus is zero emissions and no adblue.

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

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

46 MIDLAND FARMER • MARCH 2022

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

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

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

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

“

It behaves just like a diesel tractor

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

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

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

Some farmers may be put off by a machine which appears to over-complicate some simple tasks, rather than making them easier. True, technology is here to stay – but linking certain tasks to your smart phone may be a step too far for some people.

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