Modern Farming - Issue 02

modernfarmingmagazine.com

Issue 02 January 2017

S U P P O RT E D B Y

Fighting crime on the farm How to protect your property against rural theft

the proof is in the pudding Up close and personal with the Oxford Sandy and Black pig

FREE

inside

Rural

life

meet the Farmer

uK milk Production

the heritage of hedges

We meet one of the most famous farming names in the Cornish meat industry.

UK dairy farming remains robust in the South West despite the decline across the UK.

How the countryside’s distinguished patchwork pattern of hedges is under threat.

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Welcome Modern Farming magazine launched at the Winter Fair at the Royal Cornwall Showground in November where the team had a wonderful time meeting people from across the magazine's distribution area.

The team (see photo, below right) had a great response from everyone including farmers and smallholders, people from towns and villages as well as businesses who loved the look of the new publication. We also chatted to people about what they want to see in the next publication.

ON THE COVER

Thanks to Kim Brook for the brilliant cover photo of her Oxford Sandy and Black piglet

Editor Elizabeth Perry 07563 786824 elizabeth@eventpp.co.uk

In this month's issue, read about my visit to James Kittow's farm, near St Austell. A master butcher and farmer, he shared his memories of growing up as part of a Cornish meat dynasty. James is a wonderful host and I was able to meet his team, look round the plant and get up close with the livestock. He clearly has a love for his craft and wants to share that, enthusing about raising livestock for meat and butchering, and being a regular at shows across the region.

Also in this month's issue are features on the rare breed Oxford Sandy and Black pigs – an easy-going animal and star of this month's front cover. We take a look at the world of cheese, comparing artisan cheese producers, The Bath Soft Cheese company with Dairy Crest. Plus, in this issue, advice on how you can prevent your property being a target for criminals.

Design & ProDuction Production Manager Hannah Tapping Design Chloe Searle Jamie Crocker Spencer Hawes Ella Williams Media Assistants Adam Parrott Dan Warden Jason Fletcher Annie Cowen

(From left) Ellie, Kenny, Elizabeth and Patricia.

For all design and production enquiries 01326 574842 or production@eventpp.co.uk Credit Control Tracy Speak accounts@eventpp.co.uk Systems & Support Manager Joanne Stinton joanne.stinton@eventpp.co.uk ADvertising Commercial Director Eleanor Mason 01326 388083 eleanor@eventpp.co.uk

Best wishes,

Sales Manager Patricia Curnow 01326 369420 patricia@eventpp.co.uk

Elizabeth Perry Editor

Event Partnership Publishing – Publishers of Modern Farming Proudly in Partnership with The Royal Cornwall Agricultural Association

Managing Director Kenny Marshall 01326 369435 kenny@eventpp.co.uk

www.modernfarmingmagazine.com

Modern Farming is published by: event Partnership Publishing Holbrook, The Moors, Porthleven, Cornwall TR13 9JX

www.eventpp.co.uk hello@eventpp.co.uk

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Event Partnership Publishing (EPP) are a forward-thinking, multimedia business with both partnership work and own brand publishing and digital activity. Based in Cornwall our team has over 100 years' experience in publishing and we work with commercial clients across the UK. Proud publishing partner to both The Royal Cornwall Agricultural Association and Cornwall Hospice Care, we offer a collaborative approach to ensure our partners' publishing requirements are met. To find out how we can assist your member association, charity or event please get in touch today. © All rights reserved. Material may not be re-produced without the permission of Event Partnership Publishing. While Modern Farming will take every care to help readers with reports on properties and features, neither Event Partnership Publishing nor its contributors can accept any liability for reader dissatisfaction arising from editorial features, editorial or advertising featured in these pages.

Event Partnership Publishing strongly advise viewing any property prior to purchasing or considerations over any financial decisions.

Event Partnership Publishing reserves the right to accept or reject any article or material supplied for publication or to edit such material prior to publication. Event Partnership Publishing cannot take responsibility for loss or damage of supplied materials. The opinions expressed or advice given in the publication are the views of the individual authors and do not necessarily represent the views or policies of Event Partnership Publishing. It is suggested that further advice is taken over any actions resulting from reading any part of this magazine.

Modern Farming ≈ 03

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CONTENTS

p12

p38

Contents p37

p10 The milk indusTry

Dairy farming in the South West

p12 fighTing crime on The farm

p28

What can you do to protect against rural crime?

ALSO

inside

p16 meeT The farmer

Rural

life

p44

p10

Elizabeth Perry visits award-winning butcher, James Kittow

p25 agrichaT roundup

Ruth Wills reviews discussions

p28 The world of cheese

From mass producers to artisan cheesemakers

p37 poulTry healTh

Treating sour crop

p38 spoTlighT on ... Dorset p40 heriTage of hedges

Elizabeth Perry explores the importance of hedges

p44 The proof is in The pudding

The Oxford Sandy and Black pig has proved its worth

p46 veTerinary

p10

Listeriosis in sheep and lameness in cattle

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Modern Farming ≈ 05

NEWS AND VIEWS

Meet Paul Triggs

PAul is a sales manager at Cornwall Farmers, part of Countrywide, covering the West of Cornwall, he provides technical and sales support both in the field and in store.

With a wealth of experience in the agricultural industry, Paul came to Cornwall Farmers five years ago and says that his job is a great excuse to keep up with all his farming friends throughout Cornwall.

With a background of both dairy and beef farming, Paul is very popular with his

customers who recognise that he understands and empathises with farming life and knows first-hand the daily challenges that they face.

Paul’s extensive knowledge and experience, combined with ongoing training and support from key agricultural suppliers, make him well equipped to offer great product knowledge, advice and support for all his customers farming requirements.

For orders or advice contact: paul on 0784 3631482

South West insurer expands rural field force team

south West rural insurance company, Cornish Mutual, has appointed a new member to its Devon team.

Phill Hatfield (above) has joined the Company’s field force, located through Cornwall, Devon, Somerset and Dorset, and providing on-theground support to agricultural business and rural communities.

The appointment comes as the company expands its operations in Devon, with the recent opening of a new office near Willand, Tiverton.

Phill, a 32-year-old economics graduate from Ivybridge, South Devon, joins Cornish Mutual having worked at Rightmove and Westland Horticulture as a national account manager. Phill said he was excited

06 ≈ Modern Farming

by the prospect of building a career with a company which holds strong values and a mutual ethos. He said; “The mutuality and customer service-led approach that Cornish Mutual has really appealed to me.

And, having grown up in Devon, I am excited by the opportunity to be working closely with members in the local community.”

Alan Goddard, Managing Director of Cornish Mutual, said; “We welcome Phill to Cornish Mutual.

As a mutual company, we exist to support and serve our members. A key element of that commitment is having excellent people, based locally across the South West, who understand the area they work in and are a face-to-face contact for members.”

Cornish Mutual has more than 24,000 members across Cornwall, Devon, Dorset and Somerset, and is the only general insurer based in the South West offering insurance to farms, businesses and individuals.

Calf rearing … Ask the experts Andy Berry from Berry's Agriculture has given advice on many farms in Devon and Cornwall over the past 10 years centred on calf rearing. Over the coming months we invite you to send in your calf rearing questions and will endeavour to get them answered and published in the following issue of Modern Farming. Please email any questions to info@berrysagriculture.co.uk.

“What is the benefit of a Calf JaCket?” (question from a Cornish Dairy Farmer).

“There are many calf jackets on the market but we would recommend the Cosy Calf Jacket, currently the UK market leader.

The smaller the calf the greater the potential for her to lose body heat. That’s because her ratio of surface to body mass is much greater. A lot more energy will be saved and used for growth rather than having to keep her warm.

Feedback from our customers has indicated an extra 100g of live weight gain/day by using a cosy calf jacket. There are other benefits such as less pneumonia and reduced calf scours as the warmth from the jacket will help boost the calf’s immune system. “is it neCessary to give young Calves Water?” (question from a Devon Beef farmer).

“Yes, it is essential that calves always have access to fresh clean water. Although milk contains water, it is not sufficient to keep the calf hydrated. Moreover, the development of the rumen

depends on the fermentation of cake and for this to take place the microbial population need water. Calves that have free access to fresh water have increased cake intake and therefore enhanced rumen development. The older the calves get, the more water they will consume. A healthy six-week-old calf will happily drink four litres of water/day.” “some of my neighbours tell me i should be using peaCh teats. What are they?” (question from Somerset Contract Calf Rearer).

“The Peach Teat allows no more fluid to pass through it than a cow’s udder naturally would, allowing the calf to suckle more intensely than conventional technology. This stimulates the flow of saliva and improves the PH-level in the stomach and leads to better digestion. The calf will also produce a lot more adrenalin which in turn helps to absorb the nutrients into the calf a lot quicker. Many of our customers have converted to a peach teat and seen great results. Quite often the quality of the teat given to a calf is over looked far too often. Why not change yours today to see the difference.

A

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NEWS AND VIEWS

Don’t risk grassland yield in 2017 Reliable evidence from the British Survey of Fertiliser Practice illustrates the decline in arable and grassland liming.

Data from survey emphasises the significant reduction in liming, with the 2005 to 2015 grassland average showing that less than four per cent is limed annually.

In addition, robust data reported via the ‘PAAG’ 2014 and 2015 surveys, shows that more than 50 per cent of 300,000 grassland soil samples were at or below pH 6.0 which will significantly impact on the utilisation of N, P and then K: incReasing acidity Indications are that our grasslands are becoming more acidic and this will adversely affect sward composition, leading to decline in grassland yield and quality. Furthermore, nitrogen applications increase the natural rate of soil acidification, and cut herbage removes significantly larger quantities of calcium when compared to other crops.

Therefore, regular pH testing and corrective liming to > pH 6.5 will avoid consequential loss of yield and forage quality by maintaining soil pH at an appropriate level, so that other macro and micro nutrients are available to the growing crop.

But, before buying lime, always check the quality; it is, preferably, at least 45 NV and 40 per cent or more passing the 150 micron sieve test are essential parameters. Remember that hard stone greater than 1.3mm is rarely of any liming value. LimeX

is the ideal product for fast acting, but lasting correction of pH, and boosts soil available calcium on grassland. It can also be used in organic farming systems. Furthermore, the integral nutrient package within LimeX contributes to maintaining soil fertility by supplying valuable quantities of P2O5, MgO and SO3.

LimeX is available via a network of local distributors for spring and summer applications.

For more information call: 0870 2402314, or visit: www.limex.co.uk

Fight the RPA Parnalls soliciTors has recently seen a rise in calls from worried farmers who have received notification from the Rural Payments Agency saying they are reducing their SPS (Single Payment Scheme). This comes at a particularly worrying time as the rural community deals with the wide-ranging implications of the results of the recent EU referendum. Stuart Hutchison, Senior Litigation solicitor (pictured above) said; “If you have received a letter, the problem can be magnified if a subsequent RPA inspection results in a finding that there has been a repeat breach. In those cases, the RPA can, and will increase the total penalty deduction threefold resulting in more financial loss to farmers.

However, the good news is that you do not have to accept what the RPA say they are going to do. You can and should challenge it, and this needs to be done as soon as possible.

The process is not a quick procedure but once a challenge has been made we hope to achieve a successful outcome of the SPS payment remaining at its previous level. We believe the chances of success are much greater if you seek professional help, so don’t delay, contact Parnalls for advice and assistance.

Contact: email hutchisons@parnalls.com or call 01566 772375

~ The effect of soil pH and fertiliser efficiency on mineral soil.

New farm vet practice to open in Shepton Mallet FaRmVets southWest is pleased to announce the opening of their latest practice.

Due to growing demand in the Shepton Mallet area FarmVets SouthWest have decided to open up our fourth practice, initially in an office near Glastonbury.

However, we expect to move into our new building, adjacent to the Bath and West Showground in Shepton Mallet, within six months. The practice will be run by David Jackson MRCVS and Candido Rodriguez MRCVS, both of whom are well-known and highly respected in the local area.

We have practices at Ilminster and North Petherton in Somerset, and Honiton in Devon. The Shepton Mallet practice will help us meet the demands of farmers in the eastern area of Somerset.

Our vet teams are renowned for working closely with local farmers, providing practical, hands-on solutions to farmers across the South West. All of our vets work closely to ensure the best service and knowledge is available for our clients to access.

If you would like a free initial visit, or for more information on our Shepton Mallet practice please contact: david Jackson: 07738 411814 candido Rodriquez: 07773 076738 Or the practice office: 01749 601899 More information on FarmVets southWest is available on our website www.thefarmvets.co.uk For press enquiries please contact Jason Davies, Marketing Manager, on 01306 770561 or email jason.davies@originanimal.com

Modern Farming ≈ 07

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DAIRY

The milk industry Dairy farming is a significant part of the agricultural landscape and increasingly, dairy production is concentrated in the south west of England.

A

study commissioned by South West NFU and produced by the Rural Business School at Duchy College, has revealed dairy farming in the South West is worth £3.3bn a year and supports more than 13,600 jobs. The region has 2,636 dairy farm businesses and produces more than three billion litres of milk which equates to just under a quarter of the total milk production in the UK. But, the report also demonstrated the pressures the dairy industry is facing. The number of producers has fallen dramatically from 5,157 in 2002 to 2,885 in 2016, while the number of dairy cattle has also fallen by 42,570 in eight years to 423,205, though this figure is is not as high as in the UK overall.

While it is known that the dairy industry is in decline, the South West has proved to be more robust but the key factor influencing the industry’s dynamics across the country are farmgate prices.

10 ≈ Modern Farming

“While it is known that the dairy industry is in decline, the South West has proved to be more robust.”

Pic: Flickr/GavinMackintosh

Farmgate prices Defra farmgate prices represent the average price paid to producers for all milk sold to dairies. It is a weighted average calculated from information collected on total value and volumes of purchased milk in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland. The survey used to collect this information covers approximately 90 per cent of all milk purchased from farms in the UK. Defra’s statistics show that the UK average farm gate milk price for October 2016 is 24.17p per litre.

This represents a 6.7 per cent (1.51ppl) increase on September 2016. Whilst it remains 1.1 per cent (0.26ppl) lower than the same month last year, it is the fourth consecutive monthly increase.

Pic: Flickr/StateofIsrael

~ Dairy cattle numbers are falling

Latest prices

miLk price caLcuLator AHDB Dairy, which is a division of the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) has created an Interactive Milk Price Calculator as an online tool to assist farmers in achieving the best milk price possible. By inputting your own data it is possible to produce a calculation specific to your dairy farming business The calculator can be used to help to achieve the best milk price possible. By inputting farmspecific data, it provides a way to see where changes can be made to improve the milk price on your current contract. It also allows for a comparison of prices across a range of contracts, either based on your own specific milk profile or the AHDB Dairy standard litre. This can be used in conjunction with the Milk Forecasting Calculator to see how changes to herd size, yields or calving patterns will impact your business.

As agreed with Dairy Crest Direct, Dairy Crest has announced a 2ppl increase from 1st January 2017 followed by a 2ppl increase from 1st February 2017.

The Davidstow milk price will be 28pppl from 1st January 2017 and 30ppl from 1st February 2017. This means the Davidstow milk price will be 28ppl from 1 January 2017 and 30ppl from 1 February 2017.

Rabobank has forecast that global dairy commodity prices are expected to continue to rise in 2017 due to reduced milk supplies and improved import demand.

However, it also predicts that producers will struggle to significantly expand production to take advantage of these rising prices until at least the second quarter of 2017, particularly for the EU, where the milk production reduction scheme has been put in place by the European Commission.

Rabobank warns that the effect of the scheme is still uncertain, particularly now farmgate prices are increasing. Participants could still choose to produce to receive the market price, rather than taking the reduction payment. If the scheme’s usage is lower than anticipated in late 2016 and early 2017, milk production could recover earlier than expected putting significant downward pressure on global prices next year. n

~ Milk prices are forecast to increase.

For more information: to download the milk price calculator visit: https://dairy.ahdb.org.uk

Modern Farming ≈ 11

Pic Flickr/Herefordcat

security

Fighting crime on the farm From tractors to oil, sheep to chainsaws, nothing is safe from thieves intent on stealing. Isolated homes in rural areas are often a particular target so what can you do to protect against rural crime?

E

very year, millions of pounds are from farms and rural properties across the UK and, if it can be moved, then it will be taken. Quad bikes, four-wheel drive vehicles, fuel and tractors top the list of items along with livestock of all kinds and garden tools. But, there are steps you can take to deter thieves as well as help police to return stolen property.

Livestock Mark all livestock clearly and keep count. It’s worth photographing animals (including newborn lambs and calves) and noting identifying features.

security Field gates are a prime target for thieves so make sure they are secure. Reverse the top hinge so the gate can’t be lifted off, or fit a cap which also prevents lifting.

Good quality chains and padlocks are a must; secure the gate at both ends.

Keep store rooms and barns securely locked at all times but if you can’t store equipment inside, consider investing in a metal cage with a secure padlock. Make sure all windows are fitted with locks on both the house and on farm buildings; install grills on windows which need to be left open.

Fit timers on lights inside the house so that it appears there is someone at home at all times, and leave a radio on. Install alarms, not just on the house but also on buildings which contain valuable equipment.

12 ≈ Modern Farming

Lights and cameras Invest in sensor lights for the yard and fit them to isolated parts of the property as well if you can.

Consider installing CCTV (or at least dummy cameras) and put up signs to deter would-be thieves. Webcams can be used to keep an eye on livestock.

record your property Take photographs of valuable property including equipment, vehicles, tractors and tack. Make a note of serial numbers and photograph these too and store the information in a secure place. Remember to update the list when you buy new equipment; that way, it’s easy to hand over details to the police and your insurance company should you be a victim of theft.

Mark property with your postcode. Use a brightly coloured spray on farm machinery to make the postcode obvious as this may deter thieves. Unlike UV pens which fade after a few months, a new way of marking property is with synthetic DNA which is uniquely coded to your property and which shows up under UV light. The DNA comes in a variety of forms including a grease which can be placed on outdoor items such as copper piping.

The CESAR Scheme, which uses DatatagDNA, is owned and operated by the Agricultural Equipment Association on behalf of the Farming Community.

~ Invest in sensor lights.

Across the country, horserelated theft (such as tack and equipment) saw a massive reduction of 41 per cent, probably as a direct result of the Horse Watch Scheme.

~ Count livestock regularly and mark them clearly (left).

Keep perimeters secure (above).

It is the official scheme recommended and approved by the police and the Agricultural Industry and the major insurers the scheme is free for life.

Boundaries Keep your perimeter as secure as you can. Winter is a good time to check gaps in hedges where thieves can enter the property.

It may be worth installing a barrier system or gate alarm at the farm entrance. Gateways which aren’t used regularly could be blocked off with a tree trunk or concrete block.

Fuel Fuel, both heating oil and diesel, are a target for thieves, particularly when stored in large quantities.

A fuel management system ensures only authorised users can dispense fuel.

Ways to deter Fuel theFt ® ® ® ® ® ® ®

Lockable caps Strong casing on hoses Alarms to indicate a drop in fuel level Fuel dyes Disguise the tank from view (behind trees or screening) Install secure fencing around the tank Put up signs saying the tank has an anti-theft device.

Machinery and vehicles Smaller equipment such as quad bikes and chainsaws are more easily stolen than large vehicles so are at greater risk. Chain these to a secure point such as a building or designated hitch on the ground.

Make sure you remove ignition keys from all vehicles which aren't being use and fit CESAR markings, an immobiliser device and tracking system. Try to avoid leaving vehicles in isolated areas away from roads and get into the habit of putting away tools and equipment at the end of each day.

Join the coMMunity Farm Watch, Rural Watch and Horse Watch are similar to Neighbourhood Watch and are designed to encourage communities to protect rural areas from crime by watching over neighbour’s land and reporting suspicious activity.

~ Four-wheel drive vehicles are a prime target

an increasing cost Data from NFU Mutual shows that rural crime is now costing the UK £42.4 million a year in financial loss, but also impacts on the people who are victims of the crime.

In the South West, the cost of rural crime increased from £5.9 in 2014 to £6.1 in 2015, an increase of three per cent. The South West also saw the second largest increase in livestock thefts which rose by 60 per cent.

Martyn Summerall, NFU Mutual Senior Agent in the South West said; “Rural thieves are becoming increasingly sophisticated and using computers rather than bolt cutters to steal from farms and country properties. Farmers and police have been working hard to adopt high-tech security measures to tackle the problems which now include cloning tractor identities; advertising non-existent machinery in agricultural publications, and stealing the GPS computer systems which are a key part of modern farming.”

“Our advice to people living and working in the countryside remains the same; evaluate your current security measures making improvements where necessary, remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the local police but also community watch schemes,” concludes Martyn. n

For more information visit: NFU Mutual: www.nfumutual.co.uk/ruralcrime CESAR: www.cesarscheme.org/Farmers.html

Modern Farming ≈ 13

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MEET THE FARMER

A family affair Elizabeth Perry meets James Kittow, an award-winning butcher with a passion for meat.

J

ames Kittow is justifiably proud of being a fith generation grazier and butcher. A winner of numerous awards, he is eager to talk about the success of his family and his love for his profession.

Kilhallon Farm has been home to five generations of Kittows.

Great beGinninGs Established in 1880, the company has passed through the generations thanks to a succession of sons. The farm at Kilhallon, once home to James’ great-great-grandparents, Tom and Mary Kittow, is now James' home and a fully licenced cutting plant and home to Mr Kittow’s famous sausage company. A marble sign on the side of the main building proudly announces ‘Kittows and Sons’ – the Kittow in question is James’ great-great-grandfather, The current incumbent, James, is married to Jane and they have two children, Jenny, 13, and William, 10, who while happy to be fairly hands on, are still too young to have decided if their future lies with the business.

“They love it on the farm but aren’t so keen on the meat side,” says James who describes Jenny as a real organiser who is happy to run the factory for him.

William is quieter but enjoys going shooting with his father. James, on the other hand, knew from an early age where his destiny lay.

“I was 16 or 17 when I shot my first bullock,” he remembers. “I had saved money to buy my first calf and had a proper business file with plans on raising it.

The money I got from that meat I used to buy a car.”

James grazes his 63 livestock, Dexters and Red Ruby Devons, on the 20 acre farm, plus he rents land on farms around the area.

“They are a sturdy breed,” he explains, ‘happy to graze on even quite steep hills. Red Ruby Devons are from Exmoor so are used to be a bit of rain. They’ll just get under a hedge for shelter.”

16 ≈ Modern Farming

“Originally the family kept South Devon cattle but James’ father introduced Ruby Reds years ago.”

Two generations of the Kittow family circa 1955 including James' grandfather, Jo Kittow on the left and his father, Richard Kittow (second from right).

Originally the family kept South Devon cattle but James’ father introduced Red Ruby Devons years ago.

“Both Red Rubys and Dexters are small and easily handled. For me on the farm, where I work mainly on my own, there’s less danger with these breeds," James explains. "They are a traditional beef breed and more farmers are getting into them.”

Industry changes James has seen significant changes in both the livestock and meat processing industries.

“I think the public’s perception has changed as has the meat industry over the last 20 years,” he says. “The independent butchers survived the BSE crisis because the butchers who worked behind the counters were able to reassure customers face-to-face about the provenance of the meat and traceability."

The Foot and Mouth disease outbreak had a similar effect, but again James’ father was able to reassure his customers about where his meat had come from.

“Horsegate was another blow to the meat industry,”

James' demonstrations offers children the opportunity to learn about meat.

An early photo of Kittows butchers shop

Only the best meat passes through James' hands.

Modern Farming ≈ 17

MEET THE FARMER

The Red Rubys waiting to be fed.

James remembers. “But it led to more people questioning the source of meat and choosing to buy from the small independents. Young mothers were concerned about what they were feeding to their family so spent more at their local butchers.

“Farmers looked for more markets for their meat and approached independent butchers.”

"It was at this point that farmers saw an opportunity to diversify and farm shops became popular, selling meat grown on the farm. The farms were taking back control. Farmers looked for more markets for their meat and approached independent butchers.”

18 ≈ Modern Farming

Making it work There have been changes at Kittows over the years as the company has adapted to the industry’s ups and downs. In need of renovation and with regulations becoming increasingly tough, it was decided to close the abattoir and the building used for other purposes.

But James still harbours aspirations for rebuilding an abattoir on site.

“The plan was to build a new abattoir after we closed the old one but the recession hit and I couldn’t financially justify it. I get cross because there has always been an abattoir at Kittows and people know I can do a good job. But, I wouldn’t do it now as it would cost £600,000 so realistically it wouldn’t be worth it.

And I’m busy enough with work without having an extra job. Succession is another reason why I need to consider how to move forwards. I don’t know yet if Jenny and William want to carry on.”

The Countess of Wessex is enthralled by James' demonstration.

“Everything is documented and noted from the ear tag to the end products for complete traceability. On arrival the carcass details are inputted onto the system which is then an invaluable record should there be any kind of problem with the meat.”

Being an experienced hands-on worker means James has high standards in all aspects of his business.

He goes to see animals to assess them before buying and is always offered the best livestock which will become quality meat. This livestock is then sent to the abattoir before being returned to the factory.

“It is a real skill to be able to do all the dressing. In modern abattoirs, staff only learn one skill whereas in a smaller abattoir you learn to do everything. I do complain if a carcass is not presented properly from an abattoir. They know that I know how it should be done.”

Thanks to a thriving business, James says he is always busy and employs nine staff to help but he finds it hard to let go. “But I’m slowly learning the meaning of the word ‘delegate," he admits sheepishly.

is completely traceable, right down to the origin of a single sausage.

James offers tours of the farm and meets a wide variety of people. James knows his meat and chefs touring the factory are enthalled by what they see and learn. He also finds that TV influences the demand for different cuts of meat. “'Sunday Brunch' has a huge impact,” reveals James.

“One weekend they were cooking pigs’ cheeks so on the Monday we were inundated with orders from chefs from restaurants. We do try to encourage them by explaining there are a lot of other parts of a pig they can order! We have a good rapport and a close working relationship with chefs in the restaurants and hotels in the county.”

James is so keen to share his love of the business that he gives up time to get involved with education.

He loves to see children amazed at his party trick ... blowing into pig’s lungs to inflate them. “I’m a great advocate of passing on my knowledge to the younger generation,” James says enthusiastically. “Each year I give a talk at the Farm and Country day at the Royal Cornwall Showground so that children can learn more about meat.”

MOving fOrwards This year, James rebranded the company, changing the name from Kittows Butchers to James Kittow to help people differentiate between the various family branches including his father’s shop, Kittows of Fowey.

James’ company specialises in producing raw and cooked meats and meat products. With emphasis on good animal care and husbandry, the company offers quality products which are delivered not only to restaurants and schools, but are available mail order across the UK. James has a wall in his office completely covered with certificates and awards. One of this year’s highlights was winning gold in November for Kittows Cornish Hogs Pudding in the Traditional Pork Sausage Regional category at the British Sausage Week Awards.

~ The Gold award for Cornish Hogs Pudding.

Open tO all The processing plant is extremely efficient and James has invested money in equipment to ensure the meat

Learn more about James Kittow Butchers at: www.kittowsbutchers.co.uk

Modern Farming ≈ 19

Fitting Agents Required

NEWS & VIEWS

Diversifying for the future ‌

T

he rapidly growing self catering market is showing no signs of slowing down, with 2017 already producing record advanced bookings.

Making use of that old barn or cow shed could be a profitable investment allowing you to diversify into a new revenue stream at your farm.

Transforming a building into holiday accommodation requires some thought and we always advise having a clear plan from day one. Understanding who you want to stay and who might like to stay should guide you through most decisions.

For those looking to take the next steps, Zenia is exceptionally well placed to help you create, build, and manage your self-catering business. For those that are already involved in accommodation or self catering, why not let us help you to maximise your returns?

Our background is taking multiple self-catering units at single destination points from concept right the way through to the day-to-day running, offering a bespoke level of service depending on our client's requirements. By creating unique brands and drilling down your target market we efficiently and professionally maximise your rental income whilst retaining the character you always envisaged.

From full management and running of self catering units, to set up and allowing our owners to run their own businesses, either way we have the depth and breadth of management to make sure you succeed. n For more information: Email us at hello@zeniacollection.com or phone us on 01736 806166 Website: www.zeniacollection.com

Modern Farming ≈ 21

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NEWS & VIEWS

George Eustice, Farming Minister

New industry-led scheme to help avoid effects of bovine TB

A

new industry-led cattle health programme to evaluate risk and recognise farmers who step up biosecurity to help control bovine TB (bTB), was launched in November on a dairy farm at Iron Acton near Bristol.

The scheme is run by Cattle Health Certification Standards (CHeCS), which was established in 1999 by the cattle industry to set standards for the control and eradication of endemic diseases. CHeCS bTB Herd Accreditation, a voluntary scheme which has been welcomed by Farming Minister George Eustice and Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Rural Affairs, Lesley Griffiths, improves a herd’s ‘score’ every year it is free from a bTB breakdown, awarding a status of 0 to 10.

This new bTB scheme will require the herd vet and cattle owner to work together to follow a number of biosecurity measures already successfully implemented in five other cattle disease control programmes.

“The scheme will also recognise those who put in place good biosecurity, which is a core part of our long-term plan to tackle bovine TB.” As well as reducing the risk of infection, the country-wide programme could present informed purchasing opportunities. In particular, it could benefit farmers selling cattle from regions with a high risk of the disease, or who wish to minimise exposure from bought-in animals. It could also give recognition for a farmer’s efforts to complement Government and industry strategies to control infection.

Farming Minister George Eustice welcomed the scheme. He said; “Dealing with Bovine TB is costing us £100 million a year and causing devastation and

distress for farmers and rural communities across the country. We know some 40 per cent of herds in the high-risk area in England have never had a breakdown, and the CHeCS scheme will help them to communicate this so they can carry out risk-based trading to support their businesses."

The scheme complements the Government’s 25-year plan to eradicate Bovine TB in England, and provides another tool to show farmers are following best practice. It follows the launch of the TB Hub (www.tbhub.co.uk), which offers practical advice and guidance as well as background into the disease.

Keith Cutler, CHeCS board member and partner in the Endell Veterinary Group, said; “CHeCS so far has focused on control of non-statutory diseases – Johne’s Disease, IBR, BVD, Leptospirosis and Neospora. Participating health schemes have been monitoring the health status of participating herds for some years.

The CHeCS bTb Herd Accreditation scores run from 0 (following all CHeCS measures but had a herd breakdown within the past 12 months), to 1 (following CHeCS measures and one year since the last herd breakdown) all the way though to 10 (following CHeCS measures and 10 years or more since the last herd breakdown).

Farmers wishing to know more can visit www.checs.co.uk to read the technical standard, programme handbook and Q&A. If it sounds suitable to their farm, farmers should discuss joining with their vet, then contact one of the participating CHeCS-accredited health schemes listed on the website. The application form includes a privacy agreement to allow the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) to send test data automatically to the health scheme, and a declaration from the herd vet. After the form is sent back, a starting score will be awarded. n For more information: More information on TB is also available at: www.tbhub.co.uk

Modern Farming ≈ 23

#AGRICHAT ROUNDUP

Agrichat Roundup As the UK's first agricultural-based hashtag, Agrichat has created a place where people in the industry can debate topical issues and share ideas. Each month, Ruth Wills reviews a selection of the popular discussions.

Is GM the answer for feedInG the world? 3rd noveMber This topic prompted a lively discussion over the positives of GM cropping, with the ability to choose varieties which would be drought or flood resistant high on the list. A major benefit of GM cropping is food security, particularly in developing countries. As well as the obvious benefits of having disease resistance, many hope this would lead to a reduction in spray use.

However, 'The New York Times' recently reported that this would not be the case and declared an increase in spray use of 21 per cent in the US. This sparked debate over the reliability of the source, with Andrew Williams (@andrw100) stating the article had been trashed by independent experts.

has the role and reMIt of an aGrIcultural socIety chanGed In the last decade? and what Is theIr role for the future? 17th noveMber Firstly, are agricultural societies important for the farming community? Unanimously, all agreed that yes, they are important. Important for delivering value for the rural economy, uniting a fragmented industry, and an opportunity to showcase the best livestock and produce while educating people on food, farming and the countryside.

But what does an agricultural society do? People may assume that an agricultural society only puts on shows but that couldn’t be further from the truth.

Numerous agricultural societies have a packed events calendar, from educational days for primary schools to conducting farmer health checks.

In terms of public perception, many believe people are more likely to support cisgenesis, rather than transgensis.

Cisgenesis, in which genes are artificially transferred between closely related organisms, (e.g. blight resistant potatoes), rather than transgensis; transferring a gene from one organism to another and has the potential to change the phenotype, (e.g. golden rice)

Get Involved Agrichat takes place on Twitter every Thursday from 8pm to 10pm.

Edwina Mullins (@edwina_mullins) brought up an important point; once we take the GM route it is unlikely we can ever go back because whilst it may be safe, it will affect the eco-system. So is GM the solution to feeding a growing and hungry world? The general consensus was yes, but it is one of many.

Do agricultural societies need to change and evolve?

Generally people agreed that agricultural societies do need to change and evolve, but remain traditional and true to their agricultural roots, a tricky balance to maintain. It seemed that the majority said they were a member of an agricultural society because of a family tradition, with James Robinson (@JRfromStrickley) keeping up a tradition from 1875, while others joined for networking, social events and some for reduced entry fees. With increased potential for inspiring young people to consider agriculture as a future career and bridging the gap between urban and rural communities, this may be a time when agricultural societies are more important for the future of the industry, than ever. n

To join the conversation simply add #agrichatuk to your Tweets. To follow the conversations search #agrichatuk on Twitter.

® ® ® ® ®

Suggest a topic contact us info@agrichatuk.org Search #agrichatuk on Twitter Twitter hashtag guide Follow us on Twitter @AgriChatUK

visit: www.agrichatuk.org

Modern Farming ≈ 25

PROPERTY

The Residential Barn Conversion

C

entral Planning Policy then turned less favourable as business use was seen to be more desirable due to the potential for employment and income creation. This included conversions to a holiday use, a ‘halfway measure’ providing a residential build but with commercial benefits.

2012 saw the introduction of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) which is less descriptive than previous policy guidance notes but has two areas where barn conversions may be allowed for residential use.

This is ouTlined in ParagraPh 55 of The framework: ®

®

where the development represents the optimal viable use of a heritage asset or would be appropriate enabling development to secure the future of heritage assets; or Where the development would re-use redundant or disused buildings and lead to an enhancement to the immediate setting.

This no longer suggests business use is necessarily preferential however many Local Planning Authorities still have policies that pre-date the NPPF and therefore remain in favour of employment generation. This can potentially be challenged.

Aside from the normal planning route, which is focused on buildings suitable for conversion and worthy of retention, the Class Q Permitted Development Right (PDR) to change an agricultural building to a residential use offers scope for property owners to generate more housing on the holding for family or key workers or to generate income either from rental or disposal, and potentially can apply to both modern and traditional buildings. Recent annual housing supply statistics published by DCLG highlight that 30,600 additional homes have been built as a result of changes of use in 2015/16. Of this total approximately 14,000 have been generated under PDR, however of that total only 226 homes have been delivered under the Class Q agricultural-to-residential route.

26 ≈ Modern Farming

Conversion of barns into a residential use was hugely popular in the late 1980s when Government Policy turned favourably to the reuse of existing buildings. Many barn conversions you see today were converted over the ensuing years but were primarily limited to traditional barns of architectural merit.

Not to blame LPAs entirely, there are clear policy failings which Government need to address and, hopefully, they will do so in spring 2017. In the meantime, a few notes of caution. For those with a Class Q (and the earlier Class MB), the advice is to use it, don’t allow it to lapse and also don’t amend it. Any change to design and external appearance is likely to require a new submission and could lead to the LPA reviewing the submission and refusing it on structural grounds, for example, which may not have been considered at the time of the original application. A further concern has arisen from a recent High Court case (Hibbitt and Another-v-Sec of State for Communities and Local Government and Rushcliffe Borough Council) where the judge, in upholding the Inspector decision, highlighted that permitted development given by the Order relates to the conversion of an agricultural building and not it’s rebuilding. Therefore whilst various physical works will be required to enable the change of use to be made, the PDR does not permit substantial demolition and reconstruction or rebuilding of an insubstantial structure so as to create in effect a new building. So whilst a conversion is allowed, a rebuild is not. The same principle applies to conversions under the normal planning route where significant works to rebuild or extend in order to make a change of use work are not considered acceptable.

There are no ‘conversion or re-build’ tests to assist with any future assessment so applicants must be mindful when considering a proposal to convert a modern building in particular that the LPA has this case and the structural argument available, until challenged or rectified by Government, to contest the validity of a scheme.

Whether as a full planning application or a Class Q application, there still remains great opportunity for property owners to add value to their buildings and at the same time contributing to the need for rural housing. Acorus can help to plan, design and manage your build. n Contact: James Whilding mriCs fBiaC ask@acorus.co.uk www.acorus.co.uk 01392 873900

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COUNTRYWIDE FARMERS

LIFELINE

lamb & ewe from Rumenco Available from your local Countrywide store Call us on 0345 602 0212 or ask your Agri Sales Manager.

R

umenco Lifeline & Ewe supplements continue to perform on farm and this year with low protein values in forages there is even more emphasis on getting the supplement programme right in the pre-lambing period.

According to Rumenco technical manager, David Thornton, this product is specifically formulated to benefit both the unborn lamb as well as the ewe and is proven by independent research.

“Lifeline enhances colostrum quality, optimises ewe and lamb vitamin and mineral status, and promotes an easier lambing. Its value to the shepherd has been proven by independent trial work. For example, the SRUC study has shown that feeding Lifeline Lamb & Ewe pre-lambing can significantly increase immunoglobulin levels in the colostrum. Ewes fed Lifeline Lamb & Ewe showed a 25 per cent increase in colostrum immunoglobulin content, compared with controls” “Immunoglobulin content is an important measure of colostrum quality that infers passive immunity to disease in young lambs enabling them to better withstand early infectious challenges. As all shepherds know, healthier lambs that have received their target colostrum intake (10 per cent of their birthweight) within four hours of birth show improved early vigour, growth and general health. Lambs are less likely to suffer from conditions such as coccidiosis, hypothermia and mis-mothering. Losses due to predators may also be reduced when lambs are livelier if born outside.” n

28 ≈ Modern Farming

“Lifeline enhances colostrum quality, optimises ewe and lamb vitamin and mineral status, and promotes an easier lambing.”

LifeLine Lamb & ewe should be introduced six weeks before lambing at grass or to housed ewes, in addition to the standard feeding programme. The product is also available in 80kg tubs if that format is more suitable for the system and as a feed block and a high protein meal.

Getting your teat preparation right can optimise milk yields

The pre-milking routine is important if you want to achieve a complete and speedy milk-out.

Farmers want their cows milked quickly and fully.

But as Countrywide’s Adrian Morgan advises, it’s all in the products and the timing.

I

ncreased milking time can lead to teat-end damage and mastitis.

For complete, fast milk-out a cow must be stimulated to let milk down prior to milking. Pre-milking teat preparation stimulates sensitive receptors located in the teat skin. This in turn leads to the release of the hormone oxytocin which causes the let-down of milk into the udder cisterns.

For most effective milk let-down, it’s best to attach the units one minute after the stimulation of teat-preparation has taken place, as oxytocin concentration is highest at this time.

Pre-dipping, where cows’ teats are dipped in germicidal teat dip prior to milking, has become an important part of the pre-milking preparation. Some pre-milking teat dips require a whole minute of contact time before maximum numbers of bacteria are killed. This means that the herdsman has to wait after dipping and then dry the teat and attach the units – and by this time oxytocin levels may have fallen considerably, and the bene ts of the stimulation lost.

Vanodine Pre-dip and Masodine 1:3 (diluted 1:7), however, kill bacteria rapidly and need only 15 seconds’ contact time (passing EN1656 in this time) before being wiped off, thus ensuring that the entire process, from the start of stimulation to unit attachment, can be achieved in that golden one-minute period.

The pre-milking routine is important if you want to achieve a complete and speedy milk-out.

Choose Pre-Dip for fast-acting iodine whose action is uninhibited by emollients, allowing for lowest levels of biocide to do the job. Very dirty teats should be cleaned prior to application.

} Vanodine Pre-Dip and Masodine 1:3 both kill bacteria within 15 seconds to standard EN1656 – meaning you have time to start milking before the positive effects of teat-stimulation wear off.

“Evans Vanodine products are manufactured to the highest industry standards, with quality control of paramount importance...”

Choose Masodine 1:3 - which should be diluted 1:7 - for pre-dipping/spraying, making it an economical choice. The emollients and higher level of surfactants in this pre- dip solution means that it cleans well and disinfects in one go – although, again, extremely dirty teats should be cleaned first.

Evans Vanodine products are manufactured to the highest industry standards, with quality control of paramount importance - so that you can be sure of an effective, quality product time after time. n

}

www.countrywidefarmers.co.uk

Modern Farming ≈ 29

THE BIG CHEESE

The world of cheese C From mass producers to artisan cheesemakers, we provide an insight into the world of cheese

Cheese has been proven to improve the taste of wine.

30 ≈ Modern Farming

heese is such a versatile food most of us couldn’t live without it being part of our diet. And that’s been the case for the last 4000 years whenpeople first used animal milk to make dairy products, including cheese. Today, cheese is made from a wide variety of sources including sheep, goats, buffalo, reindeer, camels and yaks.

In the UK, cheese is made both by large manufacturers, which produce thousands of tons of cheese a year, and small artisan dairies which specialise in specific cheeses.

We asked two very different cheese producers, The Bath Soft Cheese Company and Dairy Crest, how they make cheese.

Ten fascinaTing facTs. ®

It takes around 10 litres of milk to make 1kg of hard cheese.

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The original Cheddar was matured in Cheddar Gorge caves in Somerset.

®

Cheddar is made all over the world.

®

The majority of Shropshire Blue is made in Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire.

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Cheshire cheese dates back to Roman times and is mentioned in the Domesday Book.

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Caerphilly was traditionally eaten by Welsh coal miners for their lunch.

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Cheese is a source of vitamin B12, which contributes to red blood cell formation.

®

The recipe for Cornish Yarg was discovered in a book found in a farmer's attic.

The farmer’s name was Mr Gray after whom the cheese was named (‘Yarg’ is ‘Gray’ backwards)

®

A recent scientific study showed cheese really does make wine taste better

The BaTh SofT CheeSe Company Park Farm in Kelston, near Bath, is home to The Bath Soft Cheese Company which produces a range of award-winning organic cheeses.

Q How long does it take to produce cheese?

A It depends on the cheese! Usually half a day to

a day for the actual making, but the cheeses all take many hours of care and attention from the cheese makers, as well as time ripening before they are ready to eat!

Q Who started the farm and when?

A The Padfield family started it in the early

1900s for milking. However the Padfields have been farming for many generations.

Q How many cows do you have?

A Currently we have 165 milking cows but approx 300 all together.

Q How much milk do they produce?

A The cows produce approximately 1 million litres each year.

Q Are you developing new cheeses?

A Our cheese makers are constantly experimenting with new delicious recipes, so who knows what may be the next addition to our range!

Q The company is called The Bath Soft Cheese

Company but you produce semi-hard cheese? Will you change your name?

A We will not be changing our name! The Bath Soft

Cheese is just the original cheese made and so Q How much cheese do you produce? we have stuck to the history of the company by keeping the name.

A We produce around 50 tonne per year.

Q You won Gold for several of your cheeses at the Q How many people work on the cheese?

International Cheese Awards. How do you feel A We have six cheese makers. about this?

A We are a small team here at Bath Soft Cheese Q What was the first cheese you made and when? so every cheese we make we all feel immensely A The Padfields’ great grandmother used to make proud of. It’s just the icing on the cake if other cheddar but the first official Bath Cheese was Bath Soft Cheese in 1993.

people enjoy it as much as we do and give them awards!

The Padfields have been producing cheese for four generations. }

The Park Farm cows produce award-winning soft cheese. }

Bath Soft Cheese has won various awards.

Modern Farming ≈ 31

THE BIG CHEESE

Dairy Crest Dairy Crest is one the largest dairy producers in the UK and makes the market-leading Cathedral City cheese.

Q How many tons of cheese do you produce a year?

A The current creamery was built in 2004. It has the capacity to make around 50,000 tonnes of Cheddar each year.

Q How many gallons of milk is used?

A A sustainable supply of high quality milk is important to Dairy Crest. We buy around 500 million litres annually.

Q How many different varieties of cheese do you make?

A Dairy Crest produces and markets Cathedral City,

Packaging the Dairy Crest cheese once it has matured.

the UK’s leading cheese brand, and the premium Davidstow cheddar brand.

Q How much Cathedral City do you produce?

A Cathedral City is the UK’s 16th largest grocery brand. It is

bought by half of UK households and is the UK’s leading cheddar brand — bigger than the sum of all its competitors.

Q How much of the milk used in your cheesemaking is supplied from the South West?

A We work with some 400 farmers throughout Devon and Cornwall. We buy all of our milk from them and they sell all of their milk to us.

Q How do you work with farmers to promote standards in production processes?

A We pride ourselves on the close working relationship

with our farmers, through both our Farm Business Team and Dairy Crest Direct (DCD), the independently elected body which represents Dairy Crest farmers. This year we supported DCD through the process of gaining approval to become a Dairy Producers Organisation (DPO). We worked with DCD to implement the world-leading Davidstow Farm Standards, designed to reflect best practice in food safety and animal welfare on farm and ensure that all the milk supplied meets the strict requirements for the production of infant formula milk powder.

Q Cathedral City is very much a South West cheese.

Are any of your other cheeses a 'South West' cheese?

A Davidstow, near Camelford in North Cornwall, is a

world-leading creamery with nearly all the cheddar made there sold under the market-leading Cathedral City or Davidstow brands. We also produce Davidstow, a premium cheddar made only from Cornish milk. We make a small amount of own label cheddar for M&S (the award-winning Cornish Cruncher) and Waitrose (Davidstow). n

32 ≈ Modern Farming

Cheeses Can be broken down into Categories aCCording to their texture ®

Fresh cheese: including cottage cheese, cream cheese, fromage frais, ricotta, mozzarella. They have high moisture content and therefore a relatively short shelf life.

®

soFT cheese: including Brie, camembert which do require time to reach maturity and full flavour. They have relatively high levels of moisture and need to be eaten within a defined period once sold.

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seMi-hard cheese: often these have a rubbery texture such as edam or Port salut.

®

hard cheese: These have been pressed to remove as much of the whey and moisture from the curds as possible.

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Blended cheese: (fruit cheese, herb cheese) Pieces of fruit or herbs are added to high quality hard cheese which have been chopped into pieces and are then reshaped.

A Country LAdy

To rug or not to rug?

Well, winter is certainly upon us and we’ve already experienced some hard frosts in Cornwall. I constantly find myself worrying about my horse when it's cold and frosty ... Is he warm enough?

How many rugs does he need?

“Rugs are important and necessary for the well-being of our horses, however I'm sure many will not realise that they could in fact be over-rugging their horses.”

I

currently own a 5yo Irish Sports Horse who’s had a full clip in preparation for his season of hunting and show jumping. He currently has two rugs on — one under rug and a full neck outdoor rug over the top.

I've kept horses for 20 years and I thought I had a good idea on how to effectively rug them. However, after reading veterinary articles and doing some research, I'm starting to feel a bit guilty that I’ve been adding one too many rugs.

Here's what I found out: ®

®

®

®

®

34 ≈ Modern Farming

It's a myth that a horse with cold ears is cold.

Just like humans, a horse can have cold ears even if the rest of their body is warm.

A horse has an amazing mechanism to keep itself warm which is achieved through eating. A horse effectively has a large inbuilt heater inside its gut, generating heat from its digestion. The more food it eats the more heat it produces.

You can put your horse through a lot of discomfort by over-rugging. For example, it can cause weight loss due to overheating and can affect the ability of the horse to control its own body temperature. It's much easier for a horse to warm himself up than it is for him to cool himself down.

Fully clipping a horse will reduce its ability to keep warm by a 5oC margin, i.e. it will feel cold sooner. This can be can be managed by feeding the horse larger amounts of forage, to generate more heat.

When looking at the weather forecast the two most relevant factors are wind speed and rain, not how cold it will be. If a horse gets wet and it's windy this can really affect their ability to stay warm. Be mindful of this when selecting the number and type of rugs.

Make sure you think about your horse when you apply more rugs and don't assume that if you're cold then your horse must be too. n Abi Rule is the lady behind A Country Lady, a horse-mad fashion blog created with the help of riders, writers, photographers and equestrians. Visit www.acountrylady.co.uk

Turkey Pastrami A delicious alternative to traditional roast turkey.

Butcher, James Kittow, doesn't just know his meat, he also enjoys creating delicious recipes so why not try his delicious alternative recipe for your Christmas dinner leftovers. ingredienTs Choose a turkey crown or piece of breast which will submerge in the brine. To make a good amount of fairly weak not too salty brine you will need: 100g sugar 200g sea salt 4000g/4 litres water (or water and ice to speed cooling) 10g curing salts (optional) A pinch each of: Coriander seed Black peppercorns Bay leaves

Optional extras: Cloves, cinnamon bark, juniper berries, dried chilli, mace, nutmeg, allspice, dried orange peel, fresh or dry herbs.

MeThod ®

® ®

Put the spices, sugar, salts and enough water to dissolve it all and bring to the boil add the rest of the water or ice and leave to cool Leave crown or breast of turkey in the brine for two to four days in the fridge Take out and rinse

For the rub:

ingredienTs 50g cracked black pepper 10g cracked coriander seed 3 or 4 cracked juniper berries 1 tsp chilli flakes MeThod ® ®

® ® ®

Combine and rub all over the rinsed turkey.

Splash the crown with water then cover with aluminium foil Bake in the oven at 170 oC Cook until the turkey reaches 75 oC internally, or a skewer come out hot to touch Eat hot or cold within three or four days.

Here are three inexpensive delicious recipe ideas for you:

Moroccan LaMb Tagine Slowly braised chunks of succulent lamb in a delicious spiced fruity sauce.

January is when we turn over a new leaf, look forward to the year ahead but it is also when we realise that we’ve overspent over the festive period and need to tighten our belts!

Layered Leeks & PoTaToes wiTh cheese & creaM Quick to assemble, easy to cook, delicious to eat.

yeLLow sPLiT Pea & haM knuckLe souP Nutritious and tasty, this soup is just the ticket on a cold winter’s day!

For details visit: www.percys.co.uk/blog/recipes

Modern Farming ≈ 35

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Crop disorders - Sour Crop This month we look at Sour Crop, its causes and treatment.

T

he crop is found at the base of the neck. After eating, when it is full of food, it can be the size of an orange but as this empties it is almost undetectable.

The crop is an out-pouch of the oesophagus where food is stored once the stomach is full. It is here that the initial stages of digestion occur.

Probiotics can help to rebalance the bacteria; however, only use products designed for use in birds. Birds cannot digest dairy foods and should never be fed yoghurt. n

SympTomS

Sour crop

®

Birds stop eating

®

Listless behaviour

Sour crop is caused by a disruption of the normal bacteria in the crop; usually there is an overgrowth of the Candida fungus.

®

Foul-smelling breath

TreaTmenT

The crop must be drained to remove fluid.

A ‘home remedy’ is to hold the chicken upside down in the hope that the bird will regurgitate the fluid. However, this should never be tried because it can cause distress to the bird and it may choke on the fluid.

A veterinary surgeon will remove the fluid by passing a tube into the crop and using a syringe to remove the liquid.

POULTRY HEALTH

® C rops are large and filled with fluid

cauSeS The causes for sour crop still aren’t fully known but potential causes include: ®

Antibiotics; though bad bacteria are killed so are good bacteria which leads to a fungal overgrowth

®

Unusual diets

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Mouldy food

nexT monTh: Red Mite

Modern Farming ≈ 37

RURAL LIFE: SPOTLIGHT ON... DORSET

Spotlight on ... Dorset Dorset has an impressive range of spectacular landscapes, from the ever popular beaches with their treasure troves of fossils, to the chalk escarpments and ridges of the west.

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lmost half of the county of Dorset is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Over 400 square miles of the county were designated in 1959 making it the fifth largest AONB in the country, stretching from Lyme Regis in the west to Hambledon Hill in the north. The area also has 139 Sites of Special Scientific Interest including Slop Bog (home to some very special wildlife including Bog Asphodel) and Parley Common which in 1852 was the site of the discovery of the first Smooth Snake in the country.

Pic: Sam Driver

This is linked to a decrease in the number of sheep (22 per cent) and cattle (seven per cent) which has implications for the management of sensitive grasslands.

Dorset’s main urban areas include Poole, Bournemouth and Christchurch to the south east of the county. Over half of the county’s population of 715000 live in this area. Dorchester, to the west, dates back to the 4th century while there are picturesque villages and market towns across the county.

Dorset’s fossil-rich Jurassic Coast is over 200 million years old and is designated a Natural World Heritage Site.

Dorset is also home to Western Europe’s largest onshore oilfield, while Portland stone (limestone) is famous for being used to build Buckingham Palace and the Cenotaph.

Dorset Horns are a very hardy breed of sheep.

“Dairy farming, cider orchards and an increasing number of vineyards also form part of Dorset’s agricultural usage.”

The county of Dorset has not one but two sheep breeds named after it; The Dorset Horn and the Poll Dorset (which is hornless). Hardy breeds that can thrive almost anywhere they are also very docile. Ewes can lamb at any time and can produce lambs three times in two years which makes the Dorset breeds very profitable.

Agriculture About 75 per cent of Dorset is farmland and 11 per cent is woodland and it is this ancient farming heritage which has created the rich environment we see today.

Only one per cent of the land is Grade 1 soil so most of the area is dedicated to livestock grazing, especially on the hills and wet areas, and on the heathlands where the thin, infertile soils cannot support crops.

Farmers who use the land for grazing may be eligible for environmental grants because using the land in this way is essential to maintain wildlife.

Dorset has an area of 1,024 sq miles and runs 56 miles from west to east, and 39 miles north to south. Nearly 26,000 hectares is dedicated to arable — mainly wheat and barley — which is on the more fertile land. Dairy farming, cider orchards and an increasing number of vineyards also form part of Dorset’s agricultural usage.

However, between 2000 and 2010 there has been a significant decrease in small sized holdings with a 10 per cent reduction in holdings of five to 19 ha; a 20 per cent reduction for holdings between 20 to 49ha, and an 18 per cent reduction in holdings 50 to 100ha. In fact, the only farm category to increase in number are those of 100ha or more, which saw an increase of 25 per cent.

Pic: Dorset AONB

~ Cows on a ridge above Corfe Castle in Dorset.

Dorset sheep

Fingerposts are a common sight in the county.

Dorset fingerpost project The old-fashioned road signs with their distinctive ‘fingers’ are a common sight in Dorset and part of its heritage. In the 1950s it is thought there were 1285 fingerposts but only 717 remain today, though not all are traditional. The County Council no longer repairs the fingerposts so The Dorset Fingerpost Project has been set up to protect the remaining posts and is appealing for volunteers to help. n For more information: Dorset fingerpost project www.dorsetaonb.org.uk/our-work/rural-roads/fingerpostproject Dorset Horn and Poll Dorset Sheep Breeder's Association www.dorsetsheep.org.uk

Modern Farming ≈ 39

ENVIRONMENT

The heritage of hedges They are one of the distinguishing features of the British countryside but our beloved hedges are under threat, explains Elizabeth Perry.

“Hedges also help to prevent soil erosion and can be effective in managing water” According to Hedgelink, in a Countryside Survey conducted in 2007 it was estimated that there are 402,000km of managed hedgerow in England, but that in the preceding nine years, 26,000km had ceased to be managed becoming linear features (relict hedges and lines of trees which had once been a hedge). The organisation is fighting a battle to save these ancient features because Britain’s hedges are slowly dying out, either because of perpetual trimming or because they have simply been abandoned.

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Importance Hedges don’t just act as boundaries, they also provide shelter for livestock and are essential for biodiversity offering food and homes for a huge number of mammals, birds, insects and plant life. Not only the hedgerows, but standard trees, as well, form an invaluable environment.

Hedges also help to prevent soil erosion and can be effective in managing water; as a barrier to pollutants and in regulating water supply to crops.

A hedge in favourable condition.

ALL PICS: Courtesy of Hedgelink

B

oth the Romans and Anglo Saxons are known to have planted hedges, many of which still exist today. Further planting took place in the 1200s, but it was in the 18th and 19th centuries, when landowners took common land and enclosed it into one larger farm by creating boundaries around it with hedges. It is that explosion in hedge planting which created the much-loved patchwork pattern.

Pic: Rob Wolton

Maintenance

Glen Bealey and his winning hedge.

HedgeROW tReeS

Traditionally, new hedges are allowed to grow for several years to become established and then cut on a rotational basis to ensure it remains an effective barrier and provides an annual harvest of timber.

If hedges are left to fend for themselves, they will grow into a row of trees; the base will become less productive and develop gaps, often as a result of animals eating or pushing through. In areas where hedges are grown on banks, such as Devon, Cornwall, South Somerset and much of Dorset, the entire bank can become eroded over many years.

Good practice is to keep hedges healthy through a cycle of management (which may last 40 years or more) involving trimming to keep them thick and bushy.

A flail mower in operation, cutting hedge with three years' growth in late September. €

Hedgerow trees are under threat because not enough young trees are being allowed to grow to replace those that die or are felled.

Dutch elm disease resulted in the loss of many thousands, and now ash dieback disease poses an even bigger risk.

The Devon Hedge Tree competition (held

by The Devon Hedge Group) is designed to promote the importance of hedge trees.

Glenn, Della and John Bealey from Week Farm near Great Torrington were awarded first prize thanks to planting numerous hedge trees on their 310 acre beef, sheep and arable farm.

cOppicing If a hedge is very badly neglected it may be impossible to rectify and the entire hedge will need to be replanted. However, the plants used, such as thorns (hawthorn and blackthorn) and hazel, are amazingly resilient and often can be renovated to produce a useful boundary line once again.

Coppicing involves cutting the entire hedge down to ground level; this encourages fresh growth from the root system which, once strongly growing, can be maintained as a hedge.

Gaps where the plant fails to regenerate can be filled with new plants.

| A coppiced hedge.

Modern Farming ≈ 41

ENVIRONMENT

LAYInG Laying hedges was common practice until the start of the Second World War when a lack of manpower meant this time intensive work was no longer practicable. Though still practiced as a rural craft, it has been largely superceded by machinery. ~ A newly-laid Devon hedge on Locks Park Farm in Devon.

Modern Methods With limited manpower, busy roads and thousands of miles of hedges, many are now trimmed by machine.

The most commonly used is the flail head which uses rotating blades which rapidly cut through stems and mulch wood.

However, this process can leave hedges looking unsightly and repeatedly cutting at the same point is detrimental to the plants which become gnarled and the hedge growth is weakened. As the plants fail there is a resultant loss of biodiversity in the local environment. However, this can be avoided by adopting good practice. The height of the cut should be raised each time so that the hedge is not repeatedly cut at the same point.

Flailing cuts all growth so leads to a loss of mature hedgerow trees. Older hedgerow trees die out and insufficient younger specimens are allowed to grow to maturity.

Hedges provide a safe nesting site for dormice. }

“With limited manpower and busy roads ... many hedges are now trimmed by machine” reGuLAtIons Many hedges are protected under the Hedgerow Regulations 1997 and, with rare exceptions, before any hedge may be removed farmers must notify their local planning authority of their intention and receive consent before proceeding.

Laws protect the nests of most breeding birds which means that no hedge work should be done during the breeding season from 1st March to 31st August.

However, it’s also advisable to check whether any trees are protected by a tree preservation order before carrying out work on hedgerow trees.

There are derogations which can be applied for to cut hedges outside these restrictions, such as for reasons of a safety or if there is clear evident that there are no nesting birds. n With thanks to: rob Wolton at hedgelink. Visit www.hedgelink.org.uk For more information: to check whether your hedgerow may be protected visit https://www.gov.uk/guidance/countryside-hedgerowsregulation-and-management Check your local authority website or visit the highways Agency website for more information about hedge cutting Devon Hedge Group: www.devonhedges.org

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NEWS & VIEWS

Hedge map an effective tool Ordnance Survey creates new hedge map of England

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early a quarter of a million miles of England’s farmland hedges have been accurately mapped to create a new digital dataset, the OS 'Landscape Features Layer'.

The new map will be a useful tool for the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) in the administration of the Common Agriculture Policy (CAP) which requires effective administrative controls for hedges declared as part of the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) and Ecological Focus Areas (EFAs). This means creating a control layer of mapped hedges against which subsidy claims can be checked.

The aim of the project was to automate the identification and mapping of hedges in a repeatable business process using imagery and height data products, and producing consistent results that are far more effective than costly manual data capture.

The mapping of hedges is beneficial to other environmental policy areas such as the Rural Development Countryside Stewardship Scheme, where the management and improvement of hedges are key options for improving the habitats for invertebrates and over-wintering birds.

New techNology In the autumn of 2014, the RPA asked Ordnance Survey (OS) to map every hedge in farmland England.

Working closely alongside the RPA team, the OS Product and Remote Sensing teams identified a process of capturing this iconic feature of the English countryside.

OS Landscape Features Layer and its data sources.

The project team introduced a newly developed system to automatically capture the new hedge data layer.

The new system enables hedges to be identified and classified from high resolution aerial imagery and height information where OS digital mapping already shows field boundaries. The new technology is now fully embedded into the Ordnance Survey process with seamless updates being made on a daily basis.

Currently OS has collected and mapped 95 per cent of this data, with the final 5 per cent in line to be processed in early 2017. The new dataset will continue to be maintained with change updates being supplied to the RPA.

A fAsciNAtiNg project Catherine Gladstone, OS Product Manager, says; “It’s been a fascinating project using new technology to deliver a vital dataset that supports our government colleagues and their customers (the farmer). As our technology continues to evolve and improve, so too does the depth and richness of our data, and with the data visualisations we produce, the opportunities for swifter and better decision making in government and business are often there. From a personal perspective, it’s pleasing that we’ve been able to help farmers that are using their hedges to protect the environment and encourage wildlife receive recognition.”

The RPA will be using OS’s newly created data layer to validate subsidy claims from 2017, where farmers and land managers have declared hedges as part of EFA. RPA will also provide farmers and land managers with this spatial information to incorporate into their land management plans. n

Aerial Image.

Automatically generated land cover classification.

OS MasterMap Topography Layer, which includes the geometry of field boundaries.

OS Landscape Features Layer product, which depicts all the hedges and trees on field boundaries.

Pic: Flickr/Jack Pease Photography

For more information: https://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/about/news/2016/ new-hedges-data-layer.html

Modern Farming ≈ 43

Livestock

~ Kim Brook with her pigs.

Pic: Kim Brook

The proof is in the pudding Any breed which has been around for over 300 years has proved its worth and that is certainly true of the Oxford Sandy and Black.

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Pic: Oxford Sandy and Black Pig Society

he Oxford Sandy and Black (OSB) is one of the oldest pig breeds in the UK with records showing it existed in the 1700s in Oxfordshire A natural forager of nuts in forests, the breed was used to clear land of acorns before livestock grazed.

The breed has twice nearly died out and in the 1940s only one boar a year was registered. In 2015 it was moved from Class 5, a Minority breed, to Class 4 ‘At Risk’ as listed by the Rare Breed Survival Trust indicating that numbers have dropped again.

Only four boars remain of the original six bloodlines; Alexander, Alistair, Clarence and Jack. There are 13 of the original 18 female bloodlines left.

PlUm PUDDinG THE OSB is nicknamed the plum pudding pig because its spotty colouring resembles the dessert.

An eAsy AnimAl The OSB is a hardy pig which is easy to keep because it’s well suited to outdoor systems. The pigs have a good coat which makes them far less prone to sunburn than other breeds (though care needs to be taken with piglets’ ears).

44 ≈ Modern Farming

The most appealing aspect of the breed is the pigs’ excellent temperament; quiet, good natured and placid which makes them easy to keep. This is useful as it means sows are more relaxed about their young being handled.

OSBs are very people friendly which makes moving them from one area to another and loading less stressful than with other breeds.

Pic: Oxford Sandy and Black Pig Society

Pic: Kim Brook

~ A winning pig.

“The most appealing aspect of the breed is the pigs’ excellent temperament; quiet, good natured and placid, which makes them easy to keep” They don’t become over excited or start running around; all they need is some gentle persuasion. Boars are also very calm which is a huge plus and makes them easier to keep.

® ®

® ® ®

Meat The pigs are ready for slaughter any time from 25 weeks and 75kg, to 40 weeks and 100kg. OSBs produce delicious meat of a high quality and the distinctive markings do not go through to the meat.

Neither is meat tainted in boars so castration is unnecessary.

The pigs grow well and finish quicker than many other traditional breeds and doesn’t run to fat. OSBs are lighter boned than other breeds with a higher meat to fat ratio.

Breeder’s coMMents Breeder Kim Brook is based in Devon and is a staunch advocate of the breed. “There can be no more visually attractive breed,” she says, “with its excellent nature and ease of management making it a great favourite with the first time pig breeder.”

Kim’s commitment to the breed saw her organise the first Rare Breed Show and Sale held in August 2016 at Cirencester market. She also runs a very active Oxford Sandy and Black Pigs Facebook Group, which has over 900 members. The group discusses topics relating to the breed and helps members to find breeding stock, fattening stock, share recipes, discuss, biosecurity, share ideas, photos, videos and organises events and talks up and down the country.

There is also a group set up on Facebook for those who wish to purchase Oxford Sandy and Black pork from producers who advertise their meat.

~ OSBs have a deep body, good quarters and fine shoulders.

conforMation of Males and feMales:

® ® ® ® ®

The OSB is a medium to large breed, The animal should be an even base colour which is light sandy but not white, to rust colour with random black blotches or patches but not spots.

A deep body good quarters and fine shoulders.

Strong legs and feet, well set on, free and active gait.

A moderately strong head which is straight or slightly dished with lop or semi lop ears.

There should be no roses or rosettes (swirls in the hair) Feet should be white; face should have a white blaze and the tail a white tip.

The underline should have 12 or more evenly-placed teats.

For males, the testicles should be firm and be carried high with no lumps.

There should be 12 or more teats which should be evenly placed.

The OSB Rare Breed Pork Group (for sellers and buyers) is in its first year and is proving a valuable source for people wishing to purchase OSB pork.

Kim holds get togethers throughout Devon and Cornwall which are educational workshops on the breed. Check her website for more information.

Kim is keen for anyone interested to get involved.

“Do join the group and be a part of a wonderful breed with a wonderful following,” she urges . n

With thanks to: RBST: www.rbst.org Kim Brook: www.oxfordsandyblackpigs.org.uk Oxford Sandy and Black Pig Society: www.oxfordsandypigs.co.uk

Modern Farming ≈ 45

Veterinary

NADIS Health Bulletin Listeriosis in sheep

“A Listeriosis outbreak occurs around 14 to 21 days after feeding poor quality silage.”

All pics: NADIS

Cause

Affected sheep with listeriosis are often depressed and disoriented.

listeriosis Listeriosis is primarily a winter/spring nervous disease in sheep which is most commonly (but not exclusively) associated with silage feeding. Clinical signs that listeriosis may be present include: ®

Not eating

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Depression

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Disorientation

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Profuse salivation

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Food material impacted in the cheek of the affected side

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Drooping ear, deviated muzzle, flaccid lip on the affected side

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Lowered eyelid on the affected side

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Weakness along affected side of body

Sheep will also propel themselves into corners, into fences, under gates and feed troughs, or will lean against objects.

Sheep may propel themselves into fences.

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The disease is caused by Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium that lives in a plant-soil environment. The less acidic pH of spoiled silage (pH >5.0) enhances multiplication of Listeria monocytogenes.

A Listeriosis outbreak occurs around 14 to 21 days after feeding poor quality silage. Removing the affected silage often halts the appearance of further cases of listeriosis but new cases can still occur for up to two weeks after discontinuing the poor quality silage.

Usually, fewer than two per cent of sheep are clinically involved in an outbreak though it may affect up to 10 per cent in a flock.

eConomiC impliCations Though only two per cent of the flock may be affected, the mortality rate is higher than 70 per cent.

This sheep is displaying weakness along its left side.

Typical symptoms; drooping ear, drooped upper eyelid, deviated muzzle and flaccid lip on this ewe’s left-hand side.

Listeriosis can cause profuse salivation.

Note the drooped ear and upper eyelid.

Lameness control Vet Jon Reader says plan now to prevent lameness in cattle “Winter housing is a high risk period for lameness, so it’s the ideal time to review your lameness plans with your vet and foot trimmer,” says Jon Reader, RCVS recognised specialist in cattle health and production. “For effective results, regular footbathing is essential and needs to be carried out five to seven times a week.”

Seal silage wrap punctures immediately.

Diagnosis Diagnosis is based on a thorough veterinary examination. Before diagnosing listeriosis, a vet may also consider: ® ® ® ®

Pregnancy toxaemia in heavily pregnant ewes during the last four weeks of pregnancy Peripheral vestibular lesions (middle ear infections) Brain abscesses Gid (coenurosis, tapeworm cyst in the brain)

TreaTmenT It is essential that listeriosis is detected early and treated promptly with an aggressive, high dose antibiotic prescribed by the veterinary practitioner.

Treatment also includes: ® ® ®

Oral propylene glycol to prevent development of a severe energy deficit Fresh palatable foods and clean water must always be available A topical antibiotic eye ointment should be applied twice daily

PrevenTion Cleanliness and vigilance are key in preventing flocks from developing listeriosis. All spoiled silage should immediately be discarded or fed to cattle. Feed troughs should be cleaned daily, and water troughs as often as possible. Discard refused food and avoid soil or manure contamination of feed troughs.

silage making When making silage the following should be adhered to as a preventative measure against listeriosis. ® ® ® ® ® ® ®

Use silage additives Silage clamps must be rolled continuously Silage clamps must be sheeted to prevent entry of air Use a block cutter Cut across a narrow silage face Seal punctures immediately Fence against farm stock and vermin

For more information from NADIS (National Animal Disease Information Service) visit: www.nadis.org.uk

D

igital Dermatitis is highly infectious and is rarely eradicated so it is important to monitor the types of lesions in the herd.

“M2 lesions are the acute lesions that cause most pain and problems and need to be individually treated," Jon explains. "Whereas M4 lesions are those that are healing and these should be managed using good footbathing to ensure they stay in this ‘dormant’ state and do not revert to being an M2.

“Secondary infection due to slurry and the effects of housing will trigger new bouts of dermatitis so it’s important to start footbathing well in advance of housing,” explains Jon. Alongside effective regular management practices, monitoring and knowing the lameness status of the herd, not just the visibly lame cows, is vital if farmers want to reduce the incidence rates over time.

Research from Nottingham University* has proven that early effective treatment of claw horn lesions can significantly improve recovery rates, and reduce the risk of cows becoming lame again in the future.

“It’s the reoccurring cases which are a major issue on-farm, so if you can stop these you’ll reduce the number of overtly lame cows.”

The research also showed that body condition at calving has an effect on lameness risk in early lactation, with Jon saying that this should be used alongside mobility scoring as a way of monitoring cows, and identifying any who are at risk of becoming lame.

“The research shows that cows at the ideal condition of BCS 3 at calving, are less likely to become lame, and if they do become lame the recovery rate is better. Accurate and regular mobility scoring can identify those cows which are mobility score 2 that require early treatment, so that they don’t become a score 3 cow, that’s prone to having reoccurring problems,” he adds.

“Staff training is vital, so that farmers can correctly BCS and are accurate in their mobility scoring. You should have at least one person on-farm who has been trained to score, and record the data for future monitoring and benchmarking.

“Every farm should also have an on-farm first aider who can effectively treat early cases of lameness immediately,” he adds.

In addition to this, the use of apps, such as BCS Cowdition by Bayer Animal Health, allows farmers to accurately BCS and record the data so it can be shared with the vet and others on-farm, and an effective treatment and monitoring plan can be implemented.

Alongside early identification, prompt treatment is needed explains Jon, with advice now being to incorporate the use of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) ketoprofen “The use of ketoprofen in lame cows has been proven to significantly increase the likelihood of them being non-lame five weeks later when treated alongside a foot trim and a block. I always recommend this comprehensive approach including ketoprofen as the most effective course of treatment,” he adds.

“As the cows are in and can be monitored on a daily basis, the winter housing period is the perfect time to get on top of lameness ready for next year.”

Search ‘BCSCowdition’ in the app store or google play store to download for Free.

Modern Farming ≈ 47

MEET THE VET

Injecting calves for pneumonia again?

There is another way, says vet Peter O’Malley.

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t this time of year, FarmVets SouthWest sees a number of winter housing-related problems, calf pneumonia being one of them. Farmers, tired of repeatedly injecting their sick calves, ask us is there any more that can be done? The answer is yes.

Pneumonia is one of the biggest costs to youngstock rearing in the UK. Relying on antibiotic injections alone is not a cost effective way to manage this disease and plus it’s time consuming and demotivating. Let's consider our other options.

The righT injecTions Firstly, make sure your injections are actually the correct ones. Ask your vet about the benefits of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories and pneumonia vaccines.

Here at FarmVets SouthWest we create pneumonia treatment protocols, tailored specifically to our farms.

These provide an easy, go-to guide for individual and group pneumonia treatment based on the calf environment, pathogens involved and medicines available. These protocols can be utilised by farm staff as part of their daily calf management routine.

While appropriate treatment protocols are critical, measures to prevent pneumonia are much more important and more cost effective in the long term.

Ask your vet for a pneumonia investigation to assess ventilation, stocking density, calf health management, and causative pathogen identification. Using this information, a report tailored to your farm will provide you with information regarding vaccination protocols, building adaptations, and calf management suggestions.

This can include anything from colostrum management to ventilation, and to weaning protocol. Together with your vet, you can agree on an action plan that will have the biggest impact on your farm. Successfully implementing this action plan will see the number of pneumonia cases fall, and so too the cost and frustration of repeated injections.

FarmVets SouthWest operates from four practices in Somerset. The newest practice has recently opened in Shepton Mallet. For further information please visit our website www.thefarmvets.co.uk or call 01278 663399.

PeTer O'Malley MrCVS Pete joined the team in 2012 after graduating from Cambridge University in 2011 and undertaking a 12-month farm animal internship. He currently runs the Infectious Disease Monitor scheme and has a particular interest in performance monitoring. In 2015 Pete became a qualified DairyCo Mastitis Plan Deliverer, a mastitis investigation service our practice now offer. n

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“Ask your vet for a pneumonia investigation to assess ventilation, stocking density, calf health management, and causative pathogen identification.”

property

Northay Farm, Bridport, Dorset Dairy farm set in the heart of the Dorset countryside with fine views towards the Jurassic Coast.

INFORMATION ® traditional 4 bedroom farmhouse for modernisation ® extensive range of modern farm buildings including parlour, dairy and livestock accommodation ® productive, predominantly Grade 3 land capable of growing a wide variety of crops ® Isolated stone barn offering potential for conversion (Stp) ® pockets of woodland copses offering amenity and sporting appeal ® In all 242.10 acres (98.01 hectares) ® Additional 152.93 acres (61.91 hectares) and modern farm buildings available about a quarter of a mile away at Lower Abbot’s Wootton

S

tags Farm Agency has been instructed to sell Northay Farm, Wootton Fitzpaine, Bridport on behalf of the vendors. The farm offers an opportunity to acquire a first class 238 acre commercial farm which is currently run as a dairy farm or has potential to be run as a mixed farm for arable and livestock. A further 150 acre block of land is also available close by, by separate negotiation, taking the total available acreage up to almost 400 acres.

The current dwelling is of stone construction under a slate tiled roof, and provides the basis for a comfortable family home, subject to a programme of modernisation. Alternatively, the wonderful situation of the farm and the stunning views over the Marshwood Vale make the possibility of knocking down and rebuilding a stunning new home a tempting option (subject to the necessary consents).

Northay Farm is currently run as a dairy holding and is home to a milking herd of about 160 cows with a similar number of followers. There is an extensive range of modern farm buildings which could continue being run as a dairy, or be adapted to provide beef and sheep livestock accommodation. The predominantly level land is currently down

to grass, but has grown maize and cereal crops in the past. Situated away from the main farmhouse is a stone barn with fantastic views over the Marshwood Vale, offering potential for conversion (STP). There are also pockets of woodland copses, offering amenity and sporting appeal.

Located approximately a quarter of a mile to the south of Northay Farm, and in the same ownership, is a further block of approximately 150 acres of accommodation land with two large modern farm buildings, used for youngstock rearing and the growing of forage and maize crops.

Northay Farm is offered to the market with a guide price of £2,250,000, while the additional land and buildings have a guide of £1,300,000. n

For further details contact: STAgS FARM AgeNcy 21 Southernhay West, exeter Devon, eX1 1PR. Tel: 01392 680059 email: farms@stags.co.uk NORThAy FARM Price: £2,250,000

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PROPERTY

West Country Rural This year has been a year of change and uncertainty for many with most commodity prices on the floor in January, but the markets are slowly making a move in the right direction as we dust off our Christmas decorations.

Director, Lizzie Burton MRICS FAAV

I

n review of 2016, cereal prices have risen marginally since January and oilseed rape prices are soaring following a massive failure of the crop in the UKs eastern regions due to the long dry summer.

Livestock sales have been volatile but beef and lamb prices are now catching up with the height of last year’s market. Milk prices are down 10ppl from 2014 at October, but those sticking it out have reviewed their businesses, brought costs down wherever possible and are now running slicker businesses as a consequence while the prices are creeping back up. The bird sector has benefitted from the low cereal prices, albeit that we are now warned of a new bout of bird-flu in our midst. Land prices have eased off from their previous frighteningly sharp upwards trend and it seems to me that we are now all holding our breath as we wait to see what 2017 will bring!

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We are assured that the Basic Payment Scheme will live on until 2020, which means that there are four years left to claim before the unknown. The RPA have started making 2016 payments and we are promised that 90% of applicants will be paid by the end of this December, however there are some still waiting for their 2015 payments as this goes to print. Natural England countryside stewardship applications will shortly be reviewed and hopefully offers made for Grants and whole farm schemes for the coming year.

Looking forward for West Country Rural, 2017 will be an exciting year with our first fodder sale series starting on 13th January, entries invited, through the kind assistance of guest auctioneer Andy Lane.

Our new website is now up and running and we are advertising land for sale with more lots coming in the new year. I would like to take this opportunity to wish all of our friends and clients a Merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous new year! n Contact: Coombe Farm Cottage, Cheriton Bishop, Exeter EX6 6JL lizzie@westcountryrural.co.uk www.westcountryrural.co.uk T: 01647 24831 M: 07738 162673

Timberlake, Week St Mary, Devon EX22 6XG

Telephone: 01288 341326 Mobile: 07966 241949 Fax: 01288 341588 Web: www.cornishtractors.co.uk

CORNISH TRACTORS ARE NOW THE DEALER FOR HUDSON TRAILERS ACROSS ALL OF ENGLAND AND WALES THESE TRAILERS COME IN A LARGE NO OF SPECS FROM 16ft to 32ft 10ton TO 20ton TWIN AXLE OR TRI AXLE, OIL OR AIR BRAKES PLAIN CATTLE OR WITH SHEEP DECKS, MANUAL OR HYDRAULIC SPECIAL OFFERS ON ALL TRAILERS ORDERED BEFORE 31/12/2016 INCLUDING 0% FINANCE OVER 24 MONTHS ON 50% OF PURCHASE PRICE (subject to status) ALL PRICES QUOTED WILL INCLUDE DELIVERY TO YOUR FARM

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO DISCUSS YOUR REQUIREMENTS AND PRICE RING TIM ON 01288 341326 OR 07966 241949 HUDSON TRAILERS ARE BUILT TO USE AND LAST AND ALL COME WITH GALVANISED CHASSIS, LED LIGHTS, SLURRY TANK AND ALL ALLY USED IS 3.5mm THICK HUDSON TRAILERS ARE BUILT IN NORTHERN IRELAND SO ARE NOT SUBJECT TO THE EURO EXCHANGE RATE - BUILT BY A FARMING FAMILY FOR FARMERS

POLARIS RANGER 1000 DIESEL

WITH POWER STEERING, TIPPING BACK, ROAD INDICATORS, BENCH SEAT TWO YEAR WARRANTY

POLARIS RANGER 570 PETROL TIPPING BACK, ROAD INDICATORS, TWO YEAR WARRANTY

BOTH GREAT VALUE MACHINES THAT IF BOUGHT BEFORE 31/12/16 WILL COME WITH EXTRA £500 CASH BACK OR 0% FINANCE NFU MEMBERS CAN CLAIM 5% EXTRA CASH BACK THESE OFFERS WILL END AT END OF YEAR SO NOW IS THE TIME TO BUY WE ALSO HAVE A LARGE SELECTION OF USED RANGERS AND QUADS IN STOCK RING DAVE FOR DETAILS ON 07989 972938 OR EMAIL dave.cornishtractors@gmail.com

funding

Funds for farmers Farmers urged to apply now for grants up to £100,000

T

he Coast to Coast LEADER Local Action Group is offering grants of up to £100,000 for small businesses, groups of business in the tourism sector, and farming businesses.

The LEADER programme has been relaunched following the uncertainty about the scheme since the referendum result. The Chancellor confirmed on 3rd October that the guarantee for EU-funded projects, announced in August, will be extended to the point at which the UK departs the EU. This means that the Coast to Coast Local Action Group, in addition to its ongoing programme of project support, can now open its ‘Call’ for large projects for specific activities to come forward from businesses.

Who can apply?

If your business is based in the Coast to Coast Local Action Group area in central Cornwall and have a project leading to business expansion or growth in the local economy, you can apply for a grant of between £35,000 and £100,000. To check your area visit www.localactioncornwall.co.uk.

your projecT needs To fiT WiTh one of The folloWing caTegories:

54 ≈ Modern Farming

®

Growth and development of micro and small businesses in virtually all sectors including farm diversification projects

®

Improvements in farm productivity including development of food and drink processing – on or off a farm

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Support for rural tourism. In total, £560,000 is available for a maximum of 16 projects. A selection process will operate with priority being given to projects which create new jobs in the Coast to Coast area; increase the applicant’s turnover, and where jobs created will pay close to the ‘mean’ average salary for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly of £26,668.

The type of investments include development of workspace; purchase of machinery and equipment; processing and marketing of agricultural and non-agricultural products; investment in farm equipment to improve productivity and efficiency, and projects linking tourism providers to extend the season and encourage visitors to stay longer.

Jonathan McCulloch, Chair of the Coast to Coast Local Action Group says; “We’re really excited to be issuing this Call for projects. LEADER support works well for larger projects and our members are particularly keen for applications to come forward for projects creating sustainable jobs and economic growth in the Coast to Coast Local Action Group area”.

funding in acTion Will Taffinder farms on the Roseland Peninsula and was recently awarded LEADER funding to purchase mobile sheep handling and weighing equipment.

Keeping a large flock of sheep spread over a number of different locations is a real challenge for Will. The flexibility and efficiency provided by the acquisition of the new equipment was important to help the business move forward.

“The mobile handling equipment means that we can carry out our day-to day-flock management tasks to a very high standard easily and efficiently at any location.”

“The time saved by having this equipment means that we can confidently look to expand our flock and increase productivity without letting our high standards of animal husbandry slip.

To apply visit www.localactioncornwall.co.uk Coast to Coast page where there is an Applicant Handbook and an Outline Application Form, or contact Josyanne Thatcher on 01872 326735. n

More information: To find out about other support opportunities to grow your business, get in touch with the Growth Hub. The Growth Hub team acts as a signposting service and, following a free business review, will work with you to identify and access support in a way that is right for your business. Sign up online today at www.ciosgrowthhub.com or call the team on 01209 708660.

HEADLINE SPONSOR: ASSET FINANCE PARTNERS

AFP

HEADLINE SPONSOR: ASSET FINANCE PARTNERS

AFP

AFP

Join us at the Join us at the JoinJoin us at the UK’s largest farm us at the UK’s largest farm UK’s largest farm machinery show UK’s largest farm machinery show machinery show machinery show HEADLINE SPONSOR: ASSET FINANCE PARTNERS

HEADLINE SPONSOR: ASSET FINANCE PARTNERS

AFP

Wednesday 18th and Thursday 19th January 2017 East of England Showground, Peterborough Wednesday 18th Thursday January 19th January 2017 WednesdayWednesday 18th andand Thursday 18th and 19th Thursday 19th2017 January 2017 East of England Showground, Peterborough East of England Showground, Peterborough East of England Showground, Peterborough

NEW NEW NEW LAMMA NEW LAMMA LAMMA t n LAMMA e v Eent vent

LAMMA, which is FREE to attend, is the largest annual agricultural trade show in the UK, with an impressive list LAMMA, which is FREE to attend, annual LAMMA, which is the FREElargest to attend, is the largest annual of over 900 exhibitors includes the major LAMMA, which is FREEwhich to attend, is thealllargest annual agricultural trade show in the UK, with an in impressive listan impressive list agricultural trade show the UK, with tractor andexhibitors machinery manufacturers, and agricultural trade ofshow in includes the UK, all with an impressive list over 900 exhibitors which includes all the major of over 900 which theagrochemical major seed suppliers and business service companies of over 900 exhibitors which includes all the major tractor and machinery manufacturers, tractor and machinery manufacturers, agrochemical andagrochemical and seed suppliers and business service companies operating farming industry. tractor andwithin machinery manufacturers, agrochemical and seed suppliers andthe business service companies operating within the farming industry. operating within the farming industry. seed business service companies Showsuppliers openingand times: Show opening times: operating within the Show 18th opening times: Weds January :farming 7.30amindustry.

– 5.00pm Weds 18th January : 7.30am – 5.00pm

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Weds 18th January : 7.30am – 5.00pm Thurs January: 7.30am – 4.00pm Show 19th opening times: 19th–January: Register to download the Thurs 19th January:Thurs 7.30am 4.00pm7.30am – 4.00pm Register tothe download theapp app Register to download app Early both6.30am days both days Wedsbird 18thbreakfast January : 7.30am – 5.00pm Earlyfrom bird 6.30am breakfast from now at www.lammashow.com now at www.lammashow.com Early bird breakfast from 6.30am both days now at www.lammashow.com Thurs 19th January: 7.30am – 4.00pm Register to download the app Early bird breakfast from 6.30am both days www.lammashow.com Follow us on now at www.lammashow.com

www.lammashow.com Follow www.lammashow.com Follow us onus on

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OUR FARM AGENCY YEAR AT A GLANCE | 2016 700 Property specialists, working from 36

96

1855

1.3m

sales agreed

39,268

number of acres managed nationally

acres on the market in 2016

5,547

3,336

market in 2016

Largest single acreage sold

ÂŁ310m Worth of land on the market with CJ in 2016

carterjonas.co.uk/rural

Andrew Fallows 020 7758 9809 andrew.fallows@carterjonas.co.uk

1855

the year we began managing our first client