Modern Farming - Issue 04

modernfarmingmagazine.com

Issue 04 March 2017

S U P P O RT E D B Y

the AhDB How the work of this independent organisation benefits British agriculture

the British Fresian

A common sight in our countryside, the breed has a long and complex history

meet the Farmer Sheep farmer Dave Knight is passionate about Exmoor and is actively working to ensure its future

Cover crops The science behind using crops for soil management

Water aware Water quality in the South West is being improved thanks to the work of the Upstream Thinking programme

spotlight on Bodmin With its bleak moorland and granite outcrops, Bodmin has a reputation as an untamed wilderness

C O R N WA L L - D e v O N - s O m e R s e t - W i Lt s h i R e - D O R s e t - g L O u C e s t e R s h i R e

Welcome In February I attended the Cornwall Farm Business Awards, a really wonderful evening where people from all over Cornwall came together to share experiences and recognise the work of the industry in the county.

The event was brilliantly organised by the Addington Fund, and chatting to the other guests reminded me of the real community spirit there is in agriculture; it was truly heartening to see how losers congratulated winners, despite their obvious disappointment.

ON THE COVER

Thanks to Mary Mead for the cover image of her bull calf Longmead Blackadder

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

You can read more the awards and the lucky winners on p9 and next month we will feature details of the Devon Farm Business Awards which will be held on 17th May.

Design & ProDuction Production Manager Hannah Tapping

Dave Knight is this month's subject of Meet the Farmer. Not only does he work the family farm in Somerset, he is also chairman of the Exmoor Hill Farming Network and volunteers much of his free time supporting events to benefit other Exmoor farmers.

Design Chloe Searle Jamie Crocker Spencer Hawes Ella Williams Media Assistants Adam Parrott Dan Warden Jason Fletcher Annie Cowen

Also in this issue we look at the work of the AHDB which, as a statutory levy body, is paid for by all the producers in the industry. The organisation's remit is to inspire and equip farmers and growers to improve their performance through offering practical information as well as through research, such as the country-wide monitor farms.

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

And finally, with the help of Mary Mead of the Longmead herd in Somerset, we reveal the complicated history of the British Friesian.

ADvertising

Event Partnership Publishing – Publishers of Modern Farming

Best wishes,

Elizabeth Perry Editor

Proudly in Partnership with The Royal Cornwall Agricultural Association

www.modernfarmingmagazine.com

Commercial Director Eleanor Mason 01326 388083 eleanor@eventpp.co.uk Sales Manager Patricia Curnow 01326 369420 patricia@eventpp.co.uk Managing Director Kenny Marshall 01326 369435 kenny@eventpp.co.uk

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

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PROUD TO BE PART OF

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

CONTENTS

p18

p40

Contents p52

p10 The work of The AhDB

What does the AHDB do and how is it funded?

Elizabeth Perry finds out

p15 AGrichAT rounDup Ruth Wills reviews discussions

p18 MeeT The fArMer Elizabeth Perry talks to Exmoor's farming hero, Dave Knight

p26 cover crops

A scientific review of the importance of cover crops

p31 A counTry lADy Keep on exercising

p33 poulTry heAlTh

p48

Treating worms in birds

p40 spoTliGhT on ...

Bodmin Moor

p44 veTerinAry

p33

Abortion in ewes

p48 BriTish friesiAn

This most British of cows has a long and complex history

p52 wATer AwAre

p44

p10

The work of the Upstream Thinking programme

FREE

p26

CLICK & COLLECT Available now

Coming Soon – Spring Farming Events

Ask in store for details or speak to your local Agri Sales Manager in store

online

by phone

0345 60 20 212

local Sales Manager

Countrywide Farmers

@countrywide

Modern Farming ≈ 05

YO U R N E W F R E E A G R I C U LT U R A L M A G A Z I N E F O R

S O U T H W E S T FA R M E R S

To receive the magazine free of charge, delivered to your door every month, subscribe online at www.modernfarmingmagazine.com

NEWS AND VIEWS

The Cream of the Crop How one local farmer got his milk onto Tesco’s shelves.

“I want the best and most effectIve fertIlIser to Improve the qualIty of my grass.”

When it comes to achieving the highest price for milk, the quality product will always win out. With an ever changing and highly competitive milk market, you can’t afford to offer anything less than the best.

That attitude is what’s helped local farmer Chris Ford on his path to success.

Chris, of Peadon Farm, says it’s the way he treats his pastureland that has contributed to him becoming a supplier to supermarket giant Tesco.

“We need to grow good grass to give us good milk yields,” he says. “Our dairy business and the grass we grow for our milking herd is the most important asset of our farm.”

With 460 cows to care for across a 640 acre plot, Chris has definitely got his work cut out. However, since taking over the farm near Bridgwater, Somerset only two years ago, he’s seen his milk yield reach an incredible 11,700 litres.

“Many livestock farmers think that basic granular nitrogen fertiliser will do, but I want the best and most effective fertiliser to improve the quality and yield of my grass.” “too much nItrogen Is a bad thIng.” Chris sees grass as his crucial crop. He uses the best quality Italian rye grass, and doesn’t want to damage it by using the wrong kind of product. “Too much nitrogen can be a bad thing for grass. It can result in poor silage

South West rural insurer to open the laughter lines for Red Nose Day

and bad fermentation, so we test regularly to ensure the nitrogen levels are right before we commence cutting.”

Chris uses OMEX liquid fertiliser, applied by local contractor, Alvis Contracting of Redhill, North Somerset.

“The benefits of liquid fertiliser are obvious,” Chris states. “We apply the same amount around the perimeter of our fields, right up to the edge, without applying on unproductive areas like under trees and hedges, which would be hard to avoid with prilled products.

We end up with a nice, even cut right across the field, and the extra production from margins has been most noticeable.

“We have two storage tanks both owned

by OMEX, meaning there’s been no outlay for us and we’ve freed up lots of shed space where granular fertiliser would have previously been stored.”

“Liquid fertiliser is generally more expensive to contract apply, but we find it’s much cheaper to buy. The improved accuracy and better quality output mean it's ultimately better value for money.”

Having interviewed four different contractors, Chris decided that Alvis Contracting was the best fit in terms of their levels of service.

“They are fast and efficient, and already have all the gear and expertise to do a great job.

We work very well with them, to the point where it’s as if we have our own team just without the hassle and expense that comes with it. They just come in, get the job done and then close the gate behind them.”

“If you’re willing to put the quality in you have a better chance of getting quality out.”

For more information:

To find out more about the range of OMEX fertilisers, visit www.omex.co.uk or call us on 01526 396 000.

“I put my capItal Into cows.”

Chris uses a contractor to help manage his land. His expertise is in dairy farming so getting in extra help means he can guarantee a quality application without having to spend on expensive machinery, or risk poor work by buying cheaper, more unreliable tools.

“I’d rather put my capital into cows,” he says.

“After all, you can’t milk a tractor.”

south west insurance firm Cornish Mutual has once again been selected to be the region’s call centre for Red Nose Day 2017.

On Friday 24th March, Comic Relief will be taking over screens across the nation asking people to ‘make your laugh matter’.

The Cornish Mutual call centre at its Truro headquarters will represent the South West on the big night, providing a focal point for the region’s fundraising efforts as well as handling donation calls from across the country.

More than 100 volunteers from the organisation and other local businesses will be manning the phones and putting the fun into fundraising by hosting a range of activities during the evening.

In 2015, the last Red Nose Day, BT handled more than 200,000 calls to the donation line during the live TV show alone, with nearly 150 call centres taking part across the UK. Alan Goddard, managing director for Cornish Mutual, said; “We are very proud to be the South West call

centre for Red Nose Day again after a hugely successful debut in 2015. Last time we raised more than £4,000 just from our own fundraising activities, before and during the evening, which was a great achievement. We are already planning a fun-filled schedule this year to try and beat that figure.

“We welcome other like-minded, local businesses and individuals to join us and help raise as much money as we can for this fantastic cause.”

Red Nose Day comes along every two years and combines two very British things: having a laugh and helping others. Thanks to the generosity of the great British public, Comic Relief has raised over £1 billion which has gone towards changing the lives of people in the UK and across the world’s poorest communities.

For more information:

For more information visit www.rednoseday.com Cornish Mutual Cornishmutual.co.uk.

Modern Farming ≈ 07

NEWS AND VIEWS

Spring-cleaning with a twist

By Frances Box MSc

Our grandmothers had more chores to get through and fewer cleaning tools available, yet they kept a sparkling house with just a few products, elbow grease and a lot of common sense.

Modern life has taught us (incorrectly) that all bugs are bad and should be killed.

Nowadays we have somewhat of an obsession with hygiene that is damaging the microbial marvels that protect us from disease.

The new cleaning products called Wipe & Clean, now on the market, are actually made from ‘good’ bacteria and offer a new approach to pristine cleaning. These microbial cleaning liquids inoculate our living spaces with ‘good’ bacteria, eliminating the possibility of any bad bacteria multiplying. Scientific research is discovering at a vast speed that we have been over-sanitising our homes with chemical cleaning products which has a knock-on effect directly and indirectly on our health and immune resistance.

Microbes are the oldest and most successful forms of life on our planet, having evolved long before plants and animals. There are an astounding 5 x 1030 (that’s 30 zero’s after the 5) bacteria on earth and these microbes collectively weigh more together than all the animals and plants on the planet.

For every single human cell in our bodies, there are ten bacterial cells inhabiting us and for every gene in our bodies there are 150 bacterial genes inhabiting us which poses the question, are they inhabiting us or is it really the other way around? The disease-causing microbes are a small

08 ≈ Modern Farming

percentage of the whole group and the vast majority of thousands of bacteria species that inhabit us actually provide serious benefits which we are only just realising.

Products that boast ‘anti-microbial’ as a sales feature are quite misleading and the media is also just catching up with this information.

Making your house ‘too’ clean can be considered dangerous for very young children. Dr David Strachan, an epidemiologist from London published a paper 25 years ago warning that a lack of exposure to bacteria and parasites, specifically during childhood, may be the cause of the rapid increase in allergy cases, since it prevents proper development of the immune system.

The science behind the idea that dirt may be good for us and excessive hygiene may be making us ill has been around for some years. The idea is that we first need to be infected by bad bacteria to build up resistance and secondly that we need good bacteria to keep us healthy. Based on this knowledge cleaning with Wipe & Clean can support our microbiota whilst doing a marvellous job in our homes. The other good news is Wipe & Clean carries on working long after we’ve put down our cloth and mop!

Wipe and Clean is available in 1 Ltr spray bottles or 2 Ltr Bag-in-box There is an unfragranced version called Classic and two herbal fragranced versions; Holy basil and mint.

For more information: Distribution:

EM Effective micro-organisms Ltd, Ebear Farm, Westleigh, Tiverton, EX16 7HN. Tel: 01823 673344 www.effectivemicro-organisms.co.uk

Consumers must choose between subsidies or much higher food prices As farmers contemplate life without their EU subsidies following the Referendum, rural affairs specialists at Bruton Knowles are calling on the Government to accelerate work on a replacement British Ben Compton Agricultural Policy.

Ben Compton from the firm’s Gloucester office said the threat to UK agriculture in leaving the EU is higher than in any other industry. Many farms are critically reliant on their subsidies and he has issued a rallying call for consumers to get behind farmers.

He says; “Direct subsidy represents nearly 60 per cent of average farm incomes but there is quite a difference by farm type.

“Mixed farms receive a 96 per cent subsidy as a percentage of farm income compared with poultry at just six per cent, although these percentages change year on year with variations in crop yields and output prices. In addition the CLA has estimated that there are around 16 million acres of farmland, which represents 37 per cent of UK farmland, under environmental management schemes.”

“The potential impact of complete subsidy removal on many sectors of the agricultural industry could be huge. The hardest hit would be the upland, tenanted and small family farmers, many of whom currently rely on subsidies to make ends meet.

“The Government needs to produce a workable British Agricultural Policy as soon as possible.

There are many examples around the world where farms operate with little or no subsidy and productivity indexing brings into question whether heavily subsidised agriculture has, in fact, actually suppressed output in the UK. “If the consumer wants cheap food in the UK then they are going to have to support farmers.

If they do not support them with some sort of subsidy, food prices will inevitably have to go up in order to support the rural economy and provide jobs. Without any kind of support many farmers in the uplands, tenanted and small family farm sectors will inevitably go out of business”.

For more information:

For more information contact Ben Compton on 01452 880000

NEWS AND VIEWS

Innovative farmers win Cornwall Farmer of the Year Farmers Andrew and Claire Brewer from Fraddon, have been awarded Cornwall Farmer of the Year by the Addington Fund at the Cornwall Farm Business Awards.

The couple, who also won Best Commercial Farmer Award, own F G Brewer & Sons (Farms) Ltd and run a 750-cow unit near St Columb. “Over the last 25 years Andrew and Claire have tripled their farming area to just under 1000 acres in total. They are highly innovative farmers, erecting one of the first 500Kw wind turbines in Cornwall, which has helped fund further expansion in recent years,” explains Ian Bell, Chief Executive, Addington Fund.

“The Brewers are great believers in working with others, getting 'off farm' to see how others succeed and mentoring new entrants to farming.

“This farm is a fantastic example of a farming business that is prepared to share knowledge with other participants in the industry and amongst their own staff, not only improving their own efficiency and profit levels, but also helping others in their own professional development,” Ian adds.

“They truly deserve this award, and I congratulate them on their achievements.” Farm charity, Addington Fund announced the winners of the 2017 Cornwall Farm Business Awards, which was held on the 23rd February at The Pavilion Centre in Wadebridge. The event, which aims to highlight the region’s most outstanding farm businesses, saw an unprecedented number, and quality, of nominations this year, and recognised those excelling in their field. Phil Reed, partner and head of rural services at Stephens Scown LLP said: “Farming can be very rewarding, but it is never easy. Success comes as a result of long days, sheer hard work and determination – and often the bravery to do things differently and take a risk. I know all the nominees of the Cornwall Farm Business Awards have all worked incredibly hard to build their businesses. Congratulations to them all.”

Ian Bell concludes; “It’s also important to remember that this event raises vital funds for our charity, which helps those less fortunate in the farming community, and enables us to offer support and solutions for those in need.”

Winners of the category aWards: Best Dairy Farmer, sponsored by rodda’s • James Johns, Sixty Acres Farm Ltd, Zelah Best Farm Processor, sponsored by robinson reed Layton • The Cornish Cheese Co Ltd, Knowle Farm, Upton Cross Best Young Farmer, sponsored by NatWest • Robert Halliday, Cornish Valley Farming, Tremeer Farm, Pensilva Best Beef Farmer, sponsored by PKF Francis Clark LLP • Mark Pilcher, Gear Farm, Zennor Woman in Farming, sponsored by Worldwide Financial Planning • Mel Squires, NFU Regional Director Farming Champion, sponsored by NFU and NFU mutual • Paul Gluyas.

For more information:

Please visit www.addingtonfund.org.uk.

mel squires, NFU regional Director won the Woman in Farming award

Farming Champion, Paul Gluyas

Cornwall Farmer of the Year Claire & andrew Brewer

all the winners and sponsors

Best Beef Farmer, mark Pilcher with Brian Harvey of PKF Francis Clark

Modern Farming ≈ 09

agricultural organisations

The Work of the

AHDB

Everyone involved in the world of agriculture has heard of the AHDB but what does the organisation actually do and how is it funded?

Elizabeth Perry finds out more

History The older generations will still remember the days of the Milk Marketing Board and the Potato Marketing Board but over time these venerable bodies became the Milk Development Council and the British Potato Council which, together with the the Meat and Livestock Commission, the Horticultural Development Council and the Home Grown Cereals Authority oversaw the agricultural industry as five independent levy bodies.

How is it funded?

Jane King is CEO of AHDB }

10 ≈ Modern Farming

The AHDB is a statutory levy board and is managed as an independent organisation; that is, it is independent of both commercial industry and of Government. Every producer in the agricultural industry, including farmers, growers and others in the supply chain, is levied on their product which means that they must pay a percentage of the sale of their product to the AHDB. These funds are ring fenced so that they are used only for the benefit of the sector from which they were raised. No money is received from Central Government.

faCts The AHDB raises levies in six sectors covering about 72 per cent of total agricultural output in the UK including:

British Friesians have high lifetime milk volumes The AHDB offer practical, free advice at events across England

®

Pig meat in England – branded as AHDB Pork

®

Milk in Great Britain (GB) – branded as AHDB Dairy

®

Beef and lamb in England – branded as AHDB Beef & Lamb

®

Commercial horticulture in GB – branded as AHDB Horticulture

®

Cereals and oilseeds in the UK – branded as AHDB Cereals & Oilseeds

®

Potatoes in GB – branded as AHDB Potatoes.

There is also one commercially trading subsidiary within the AHDB group called Meat & Livestock Commercial Services Limited (MLCSL). It is a wholly owned subsidiary of AHDB and run as a separate company.

The AHDB has an income in excess of £60 million and employs 490 people (380 of these are levy-funded posts).

What is the purpose of ahDB? The AHDB’s purpose is to inspire those in the industry to succeed in a rapidly changing world and its vision is for a world class food and farming industry inspired by, and competing with the best. The AHDB also ensures that proper account is taken of Government priorities for agriculture and the agri-food industry, where appropriate.

Research provides information to producers }

xxxx

AHDB Beef and Lamb has a programme of direct communication with livestock producers

Efforts are focused on four key priorities: ● Inspiring British farming and growing to be more competitive and resilient ● Accelerating innovation and productivity growth through coordinated research and development and knowledge exchange ● Helping the industry understand and deliver what consumers will trust and buy ● Delivering thought leadership and horizon scanning.

The work of the AHDB includes research and development; farm-level knowledge transfer; market information; export market development work and also domestic marketing activity to inspire and inform consumers. CEO Jane King says; “To become world-class, farmers and growers need to become more productive – not just in terms of the crops grown and livestock reared, but in the way inputs such as fuel, water and labour are used.

“There is a need to knit together the industry’s fragmented knowledge exchange landscape to deliver innovation and best practice. AHDB can be the lynchpin for this, positioning ourselves at the heart of all the good work going on. We are exploring how we can work better with agronomists, vets, universities and commercial companies to improve the knowledge exchange pipeline.”

Modern Farming ≈ 11

agricultural organisations

HORIZON ence

Market Intellig

30th January

HORIZON

2017

Market Intelligence

12 October 2016

Who overSeeS the Work?

en to What will happ and Plant Health tion ec ot Pr t an Pl lations Product regu after Brexit

AHDB have produced a series of publications detailing how Brexit might affect the industry }

What might Brexit mean for UK trade in agricultural products?

1

Helping businesses respond to consumer trends is a key element of the new AHDB strategy, entitled ‘Inspiring Success’, which comes into effect in April following a widespread industry consultation. The ‘bold and ambitious’ strategy acknowledges that volatility is the new norm and that producers need to find new ways of coping with fewer chemicals and antimicrobials.

Ms King also says that AHDB would deliver more thought leadership for the industry, such as its Horizon series of analyses about the impacts of Brexit, to challenge received wisdom and stimulate debate. n For more information:

Visit the main website at www.ahdb.org.uk To read more about AHDB’s new strategy visit http://www.ahdb.org.uk/documents/Corporate%20Strategy.pdf

12 ≈ Modern Farming

The AHDB philosophy is that the levy payers are at the heart of what it does. In order to deliver genuine levy payer focus, there is a sector advisory committee (known as a ‘sector board’) for each of the six commodity sectors represented by AHDB. The sector board members are appointed by AHDB. Each sector board comprises levy payers, other stakeholders from the sector and independent members, and they are delegated responsibilities from the main AHDB Board including, ® Developing the most appropriate strategies to meet the challenges of the sector. ® To ensure the relevant levy rate is recommended in order to provide adequate funding for the required work. ® To monitor strategy implementation and to approve remedies where performance deviates from plan.

The main AHDB Board consists of the chairman, the six chairs of the sector boards and three independent members.

The main AHDB Board members are appointed by the Secretary of State for Defra, acting with Welsh Government Ministers, Scottish Ministers and the relevant Northern Ireland department.

~ AHDB is looking to the future of every sector of British farming

Landowners with Bracken Problems

AS L F S W NE

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Benefits of / Need for: • Economics - Increases land value & productivity - Reduces IACs/BPS disallowance • Easement of Land Management (e.g. stock gathering) • Improvement to stock health & to the environment Orders best placed before the end of March (allows us adequate time to arrange Permits and Asulox supplies

M D Air Services

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Silage Additive, Farm Minerals & All Feed Supplements, Milk Powders, Cubicle Bedding Powders, Calf Scour Test Kits, Vitamin & Mineral Drenches, Blended Rumen Buffer, Calving Essentials, Maize Seeds, plus lots more...

AGRICHAT

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. AgriChat takes place on Twitter every Thursday from 8pm to 10pm. This month Ruth Wills reports on a discussion around the change in government support for renewables.

What is your understanding of current government support for reneWables, and are reneWables viable Without subsidies?

Which of the major reneWable energy technologies Would you recommend as a good investment for 2017?

Most agreed that government support for renewables has peaked and is diminishing fast without a clear plan for the future. However, the government has been very supportive in introducing Feed In Tariffs (FITs) and have reportedly pledged to keep the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) until 2021.

In terms of whether renewables are still viable without subsidies, generally everyone decided that yes, they are still viable. And, that the focus needs to remain on using energy efficiently and saving on energy bills.

Although subsidies were the kick start for many to invest in renewables, this does not mean renewables aren’t still a good investment.

Solar power was still recommended as a good investment and with the correct power application requires very little, if any subsidy support.

Hugh Taylor (@RoadnightTaylor) suggested that the right battery storage scheme on the right site can produce healthy returns, though equally, the wrong scheme on the wrong site can produce the opposite.

The government has recently proposed for the Renewable Heat Incentive payments for air source heat pumps to increase, so now could be a good time to invest.

hoW Will brexit impact the adoption of reneWables in the uK?

get involved

AgriChat takes place on Twitter every Thursday from 8pm to 10pm.

Firstly, as a lot of the relevant policies do come out of the EU there will undeniably be a change in that area. But, as Andrew Williams (@andrw100) pointed out, Brexit will also have an impact on those countries remaining in the EU, as the UK’s 2008 Climate Change Act is the biggest CO2 cut in the EU. Charles Tassell (@FarmInKent) highlighted that that if Brexit makes the pound weak, imported energy will be more expensive and our own domestic renewable energy might become more attractive.

if you have invested in a reneWable scheme What Would be your one piece of advice to anyone looKing at doing the same?

Energy Now Magazine (@EnergyNowMag) suggested ensuring you have a good maintenance and service plan in order to help maximise returns. If you are exporting make sure you regularly compare Power Purchase Agreement offers, to make sure you’re getting the best deal possible.

Be proactive and get in there quickly with generation and storage schemes, before the neighbours snap it up! Finally, get expert and specialist advice from someone with niche grid expertise. 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 ≈ 15

COUNTRYWIDE FARMERS

Plan ahead and help avoid the risk of grass staggers Farmers are warned to manage potential risks associated with magnesium deficiencies in advance of turnout to avoid cases of staggers and the associated performance losses.

C

linical grass staggers is responsible for 1% of total national herd deaths each year. Grass staggers is a very real threat for suckler and dairy cows at turnout. Sub-clinical symptoms can include reduced milk yields and quality, and a reluctance to be milked or remain with the herd. They can also lead to a supressed dry matter intake and can predispose cows to milk fever.

Magnesium is not easily mobilised from stores in the body such as bone, so they rely on their nutrition to maintain adequate blood magnesium levels, which should typically be at around 2 to 3mg per 100ml of blood.

Lactating dairy cows and freshly calved beef suckler cows are particularly at risk, especially when their diet hasn't been supplemented for micro-nutrition during the dry period.

Rapidly growing spring grass generally has low magnesium content (typically 0.1 to 0.2% Dry Matter).

This low DM content leads to it passing through the rumen quicker, which may result in very low levels of magnesium absorption from grazing pastures alone.

Other factors to consider when analysing on-farm risk levels include the impact potassium has on magnesium absorption. Fertiliser directly affects this, with the resulting increased potassium levels producing an upset in the sodium to potassium ratio which, in turn, decreases magnesium absorption in the cow. This is why sodium is an important consideration in the diet at this

16 ≈ Modern Farming

time in order to readdress this ratio. For every 1% extra potassium in the forage over the base level of 1%, cows need an extra 18g of magnesium in their diet each day.

The change in diet and a potential imbalance between protein and carbohydrate at turnout can affect magnesium absorption levels. Also, metabolic stresses caused by an imbalance of minerals and trace elements can lead to a ‘lock up’ of magnesium, impacting the cow’s ability to draw on the limited supply available.

Providing long fibre sources, such as hay or silage, can slow the quick transition through the rumen that often happens with spring grass. It is also vital to ensure stock have access to a magnesium supplement to help balance any low magnesium levels in spring pastures.

Offer MAXX Mag licks six weeks pre-turnout to help where there is a risk of grass staggers. Magnesium is not very palatable, therefore offering a molassed lick with highly available magnesium which is palatable and includes minerals and vitamins will help to avoid any potential magnesium deficiency at turnout. Typical intakes are up to 300g per head per day. n

For more information:

Contact your local Countrywide Agri Sales Manager or call 0345 602 0212.

www.countrywidefarmers.co.uk

COUNTRYWIDE FARMERS

Prevention is better than cure – take control of blowflies by applying a preventative product early in the season As the primary ectoparasite affecting sheep in spring and summer, blowfly strike is unfortunately often a familiar problem on sheep farms. Recent research found that more than nine out of 10 farmers have been caught out by blowfly strike.1

A

s soon as soil temperatures reach 9 ○C, the overwintering fly larvae mature and emerge as flies, which in turn deposit thousands of eggs onto sheep. The lifecycle is so quick when environmental conditions are right, and the volume of maggots is so high, that significant damage from blowfly strike can occur in as little as 24 to 36 hours after egg-laying.

As a result, sheep farmers can be left facing serious welfare and productivity issues, while the financial consequences can be significant: “Ewes are expected to have four to five productive seasons, but a case of strike can cut that short and reduce the value of that animal.

Struck lambs will often miss out on their prime period for growth and may have to remain on the farm for longer at increasing expense,” says Matthew Colston, Technical Consultant at Elanco.

“Your location in the UK will mean the difference between getting strike early April or slightly later.”

Although fly strike is largely inevitable, one of the hardest challenges for blowfly control is predicting the start of the season each year as it can fluctuate considerably. This has been driven by changing weather patterns over the last decade creating an increasingly unpredictable and lengthening season.

Matthew Colston continues; “Your location in the UK will mean the difference between getting strike early April or slightly later. What we’re looking for is the soil temperature rising above 9 ○C which is a good indicator of blowfly strike risk. On a south-facing slope the soil temperature can warm up to this more quickly than other areas.” Being prepared and preventing early means, farmers can take control of this devastating disease by planning their time and resources to suit their farm.

It is also the best option for the health and welfare of the

flock as well. The primary aim of using a preventative is to reduce both the number of susceptible sheep and the number of flies in the environment.

“It takes a lot longer to treat a case than to apply a preventative treatment. Being prepared and preventing early is a planned event where sufficient manpower and resources are available. This is much easier to manage than an emergency treatment and will usually take less time,” says Matthew.

Insect Growth Regulators (IGRs) prevent blowfly larvae developing into the harmful second and third stage maggots responsible for flystrike. CLiK® EXTRA, CLiK® and CLiKZiN® from Elanco are the only products to benefit from FleeceBind™, a technology that binds the formulation strongly in place and provides consistent full fleece protection* – whatever the weather or season – reducing the r isk of fly strike and productivity losses.

IntroducIng cLiK EXTRA – ThE longEsT pRoTEcTion pERiod on ThE mARKET CLiK EXTRA is the newest product from Elanco, launching March 2017 and provides 19 weeks’ full fleece protection* – providing extended peace of mind.

It has the longest protection period on the market2 and has a 40-day meat withhold period. CLiK EXTRA is suitable for both ewes and lambs with any fleece length and is especially ideal for early application, full season protection of lambs. n * Spreads to areas covered by fleece, other areas may not be protected, including the feet.

1. Survey conducted on behalf of Elanco through NSA, April 2016 2. In comparison to product SPCs see https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/veterinary-medicines-directorate

For more information:

contact your local countrywide Agri sales manager or call 0345 602 0212.

www.countrywidefarmers.co.uk

Modern Farming ≈ 17

MEET THE FARMER

Exmoor’s farming hero Dave Knight isn’t just a sheep farmer.

He’s also passionate about Exmoor and is actively working to ensure its future, as he explains to Elizabeth Perry.

D

Dave with his three dogs, Scag the collie, Tess the Huntaway and collie pup Spot

~ Dave Knight with his sheep

18 ≈ Modern Farming

ave Knight farms land across Exmoor and is devoted to his work which has been his life.

“I was born into an old Exmoor farming family, the oldest of five siblings,” reveals Dave. “Like most farm kids we were fully involved in the farm so there was never a dull moment.

“My youngest brother and I have gone into farming, though my middle brother takes time away from his landscaping business to night lamb for me.”

Dave studied for an National Diploma in Agriculture and an HNC in Agricultural Management at Cannington College at which point he and his brother joined the home business with their father.

“Interestingly, dad offered me either a wage or the sheep enterprise to earn my living,” remembers Dave.

“I chose the sheep and have never looked back. We've expanded slightly, increased our owned land, increased stock numbers, improved vast areas of the farm, in particular a major gorse problem, as well as getting the hedges and fences renewed, and we have added several new buildings.

“We have also had to tackle a serious rabbit problem as well as extensive liming and correcting soil indexes through specific fertilisers."

In addition to grazing the land, Dave does swaling (controlled burns) each winter to manage the gorse and heather as well as flailing gorse and chainsawing invasive birch trees and rhododendrons.

~ Dave runs 300 head of Hereford and Angus cattle

| The land around the home is steep and free draining

“The cows are very much like hefted sheep; they know the moor and that knowledge is passed from cow to calf.”

A mixed fArm The farm is rented from the National Trust under an AHA tenancy.

“As we are on a old style tenancy on our home there aren't many constraints,” explains Dave. “On a couple of other blocks we have Farm Business Tenancies (FBT) and management agreements. There are considerable constraints on these blocks of land but nothing unmanageable.

“I have many friends with different landlords and I must say that the National Trust are a pretty good landlord. We work hard to maintain a good relationship as we have always believed this more productive for both sides.”

Dave farms around 700 acres of grassland, a mix of owned, long-term tenancy, FBT and management agreement.

“We also farm approx 700 acres of SSSI moorland under FBT on two sites; one is for winter grazing cattle; the other is autumn cattle and winter sheep. Both consist of cliffs and hilltop heathland,” says Dave.

The home near Minehead is steep and free draining, exposed and dry. “We can grow grass early so we lamb one flock early," Dave comments. "We can also grow winter grass so all the sheep winter outside and the cattle stay out on the moor through the winter. We are extremely summer dry so it's normal for us to have very little rain from May to September.”

“Our owned farm is 15 miles inland on Exmoor which is much wetter with much heavier ground. We can grow serious summer grass but beyond grazing ewes till Christmas it's not a winter farm so we use it predominantly to finish cattle.”

~ The cattle stay out on the moor through the winter

Modern Farming ≈ 19

MEET THE FARMER

~ Dave at an EHFN Ram MOT evening

Dave’s partner is a farm animal vet in one of the South West’s leading practices, working full time across North Devon. But it’s all hands on deck at lambing time and most weekends she is in the lambing shed, ‘doing a better job than me,’ laughs Dave. “She is also particularly good at keeping me fed and watered at lambing, mostly making me lots of cakes, otherwise I'd be surviving on a mostly biscuit diet.”

Changing breeds Dave farms 750 ewes aiming for 150 per cent lambs reared, and keeps 200 or so replacements. He also has a team of 17 rams including teasers.

He describes his flock. “Our February lambing flock are Exmoor mule x Suffolk, put to Sufftex rams. All the lambs are sold fat from late May to August.

“Our April lambing flock was traditionally Exmoor mules crossed to Suffolk to supply replacements to the February flock but we're currently changing this flock over to Exlanas (wool shedders) for a variety of reasons.

To do this we have been breeding up from a small flock of Wiltshire horns, but to speed up the process we are crossing the mules to Exlana. The intention is that the crosses that shed their wool will stay in the April flock and the ones that don't shed will go to the February flock, with the ultimate aim of both flocks being wool shedders.”

All Dave’s lambs go via local market, Exmoor Farmers, either through the ring or on deadweight collection.

Dave says that the biggest change he’s seen in the sheep industry is the much increased interest in animals bred more for function rather than the show, and the use of Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) being much more widespread. He also says that the use of EID as a management tool is fast becoming much more accepted.

20 ≈ Modern Farming

Mixed farMing “We have a lot of cattle, normally around 300 head of Hereford and Angus, all finished on farm. We outwinter a herd of cows, their May/June-born calves and replacement heifers. They graze the moor from November to March which is a part of the business that is practically unchanged for generations."

“We're a touch bunch on Exmoor; we have a strong farming community and we have our own market... we also have a strong family farm theme which means we have an excellent group of younger farmers" Dave doesn’t grow any fodder crops due to agri-environment scheme constrains. Another, perhaps more significant reason, is that much of the home was a WW2 tank training site. “So the idea of running machinery through bomb sites doesn't appeal much,” Dave says wryly. “But we hope to start integrating forage crops in the next few years.”

a passionate advoCate Dave is Chairman of the Exmoor Hill Farming Network (EHFN) and says that the EHFN is a prime example of farmers helping themselves and the industry looking after itself.

“I'm keen for it to be a success because it has done so much to help the Exmoor farming community,” he enthuses. “It's given Exmoor a voice and I hope it's going to lead to many benefits for the farming community on Exmoor. The EHFN has held hundreds of events, be it training for new skills, training for new

~ With over 700 ewes, it's all hands on deck at lambing time

legislation, business skills, information events and social events. I think we've played a big part in knowledge transfer onto and about the moor. We've partnered with organisations including AHDB and South West Water to help them host successful events.

“We have three discussion groups; the Forward Farming Group; the Women in Farming Group and the Micro Farming Group and these groups are a excellent place for members to catch up and socialise. I believe this is hugely important for individuals and the community as a whole.”

Last year, Dave won the prestigious Exmoor Society Founders’ Award for his work promoting Exmoor.

“It was a complete surprise," admits Dave, "and it's an absolute honour to be recognised by the Exmoor society. Truthfully though, I feel I only accepted the award on behalf of the EHFN. I'm only one small part of it; the award as far as I'm concerned is recognising the hard work by the steering group, Janet, the hosting companies representative and, of course, the huge amount of work that Katherine our network officer does.”

Recent reports have highlighted problems facing National Parks from increasing numbers of tourists, but Dave doesn’t see this is as an issue.

“The tourist industry on Exmoor is huge,” he says, ”but the more visitors the more money going into the local economy. We have the famous South West coast path running through us and it's definitely getting more busy but it's not impacted us.”

Dave is very positive about the future of farming on Exmoor. “I genuinely think it is very bright. We're a tough bunch on Exmoor; we have a strong farming community and we have our own market. We've been leaders in several areas, including the Hill Farm Network. We also have a strong family farm theme which means we have an excellent group of younger farmers on Exmoor who are progressive and forward

~ Dave and Katherine Williams meeting Prince Charles.

The EHFN is supported by the Princes Countryside Fund

thinking, I'd like to think I'm included in that number and I'm proud to call them all friends.”

OFFering advice Dave says he father’s advice has always stood him in good stead. “It pains me to admit it,” reveals Dave, “but nearly all the advice dad gives out is very good ... I just never realise at the time!”

As for passing on advice to others, Dave urges; “Get involved in decision making outside the farm gates! It's our industry; it's for us to make a success of it. Moaning from behind the farm gate is not going to progress our industry how we want it to.”

Funniest thing!

Dave’s occupation has stood him in good stead when the going gets touch. He recalls the tale of his brother-in-law’s stag do when they were ‘gorging’ in mid Wales.

“It was in early May,” remembers Dave. “It was freezing. We were hung over, hadn't eaten much and one of the group hurt his ankle. There was no way out except to carry him so we took it in turns to carry him up the side of the gorge. I had him as we reached the top and had two fields to cover to reach the minibus, so I started running with him on my back. I heard the guide ask my brother-in-law what I did for a living. He replied; 'Oh, he's a sheep farmer. He’s used to carrying lame tups - and he's not had his dinner!' It still makes me chuckle now,” laughs Dave. n

For more information visit: ehFn - www.exmoorhillfarmingnetwork.org.uk

Modern Farming ≈ 21

NEWS AND VIEWS

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.

We invite you to send in your calf rearing questions and will endeavour answer them and publish them in the next issue of Modern Farming. Please email any questions to info@ berrysagriculture.co.uk.

“How mucH colostrum sHould I be feedIng to my calves?”

Colostrum intake is critical for a newborn calf, as its immune system is not fully developed when born. The calf must rely on colostrum from its mother until its own immune system is developed at one to two months of age.

Colostrum contains many antibodies also known as immunoglobulins, (essential proteins). Ideally if you can get three to four litres of good quality colostrum into your calf within the first hour of calving then you have done an excellent job. If you have managed to get four litres into the calf within the first hour, then a second feed of only four litres within the next 12 hours will suffice.

Over the next two to three days, aim to feed four to five litres of transition milk preferably offered in a teat-rearing buckets with the teat at 70 cm height. In the first days in particular, the sucking action of the calf has a positive effect on digestion of the milk, the reticular groove reflex and the enzyme production due to production of extra saliva.

“one of my neIgHbours uses transformula; please tell me more.”

Transformula is a specially designed transition milk powder developed after much extensive research. Transformula is manufactured by Bonanza Calf Nutrition and is designed for use after colostrum feeding.

It is made with over 60 per cent skim and buttermilk, along with five plant oils and whey protein, and is easily digested by the calf. This powerful transition milk powder also contains specially selected ingredients to aid in the fight against cryptosporidium, rota-virus and coronavirus. It also contains a yeast extract to increase the calf’s immune system. Transformula should be fed at 140g/litre (add 140g to 860 ml of water to make a litre), see below: Day 1 Colostrum up to 10% of calf body weight or 4 litres in first hour Second feed of 2 litres of colostrum around 12 hours later Days 2 to 3 Aim for 2.5 litres of transition milk twice a day Days 3 to 10 350 g in 2.5 litres of mixed Transformula twice a day Day 10+ Change to pasteurised cow’s milk or milk replacer

Don’t let low pH or low available calcium compromise crop yield and quality!

ARE you confident that low soil pH and/or low available calcium are not impacting on your arable or herbage crop yields or quality?

The British Survey of Fertiliser Practice shows that lime applications remain significantly lower than they were almost two decades ago in both grassland and arable farming systems.

The 10-year average shows a consistent c.8% of arable and 4% of grassland rotations are being limed annually. However, very robust data from the Professional Agricultural Analysts Group (PAAG) shows that there is a significant proportion of agricultural land at sub-optimal pH. In summary, 40% of arable soil samples were at or below pH 6.5 (20% at or below pH 6.0), and 55% of grassland soil samples were at or below pH 6.0.

Sub-optimal pH will not only affect plant vigour and health, but can also have a significant impact on the efficient utilisation of more expensive N, P & K inputs that are

24 ≈ Modern Farming

Transformula is a highly digestible 23 per cent protein, 22 per cent fat milk powder with excellent results through proven on-farm success in the South West. This product will really help to transform your calves and to help increase your herd profitability. Let your calves decide for themselves. Berry’s Agriculture are currently running an offer; order 6 x 20 kg bags and only pay for 5.

essential to support crop development. So, be sure you are not risking far more by trying to ‘save’ on lime. Furthermore, LimeX contains a valuable integral nutrient package; and an application of LimeX70 at 7.5/tha (3t/ac) provides a minimum of: • 75kg/ha P2O5 • 50kg/ha MgO • 45kg/ha SO3 This package is typically worth £70 per hectare.

For fast-acting, but lasting pH correction in conventional and organic farming systems select LimeX70 directly from British Sugar.

Alternatively, LimeX is available via our network of regional distributors.

For more information:

For more information, visit www.limex.co.uk or contact 0870 240 2314.

A

Y RUN BUSIN MIL ES FA S

BERRY 'S

Q

A GRICULTURE UA LE LIT IB EX Y PERSO NAL - FL

For more information:

Call Berry's on 07969 164066

Shearwell Data – working to help the livestock farmer SHEARwEll’S reputation is for quality products in both sheep and cattle tags with extremely high retention rates. This is backed up by excellent customer service from the Shearwell team, who are constantly receiving compliments from customers.

Based on a working farm on Exmoor, the company prides itself on its knowledge of the industry, its fast efficient service and its competitive prices.

Shearwell provides a full solution with a range of readers, recording equipment and software to cater for all requirements. The Stick Reader stores lists of animals to download to your PC for printing and attaching to movement documentation. Shearwell has also developed StockMove Express, a free app for Android and Apple devices, which retrieves individual or batch data from the Stick Reader and saves them in a free-to-use online holding register (www.nlmd-lt. co.uk). This online database is being used by farmers, collection centres and abattoirs as their preferred interface to ARAMS – offering a far simpler and more user-friendly solution with the convenience of having your animal data in your pocket.

For more information:

Contact Shearwell Data on 01643 841611 or visit www.shearwell.co.uk.

The science of cover crops ~ Cover crops try-out at Royston Monitor Farm

Cover crops are a vital part of ensuring land is kept in good health in between main crops but how do you choose the right ones for you?

A scientific review offers some answers

A

comprehensive nine-month review, funded by AHDB Cereals and Oilseeds, and conducted by ADAS and NIAB TAG now allows growers to access the scientific theory behind cover crops.

The review acts as a practical reference source to aid with cover crop species selection and management.

It focuses on several cover crop species including brassicas (mustards, radishes and turnips), legumes (vetch and clovers), and grasses and cereals (oats, rye and ryegrass).

Ensuring cover crops are established early – with a clear objective(s) in mind – and considering benefits over an appropriate timeframe are among the review’s key recommendations.

Clear objeCtives Four broad objectives for cover crops were identified by the review:

26 ≈ Modern Farming

®

to improve soil fertility

®

to benefit soil structure

®

to tackle weeds and pests

®

to manage the environment – including meeting Ecological Focus Area requirements under the Basic Payment Scheme.

Charlotte White, ADAS and lead author, said; “Test a couple of cover crop options and compare them against your standard cropping practice to find out which option meets your objective best.

“When assessing a cover crop’s direct financial benefit, the review found that benefits should be measured beyond the next cash crop.”

Dr White continued: “Conducting a long-term cost-benefit analysis is not easy, but the practical guidance in the review will help growers make relatively robust assessments of a cover crop’s potential value to find the one that fits their system best.”

The survey also examines cover crops effect on weed suppression, erosion and run off, and soil biology.

All Pics: AHDB

ARABLE

~ Worm in soil under cover crop try-out (DSV Terralife Rigol) at Royston Monitor Farm

Agronomic considerAtions

Finding suitAble cover crops

The scientific basis of reported cover crop functions and cover crop agronomy was also reviewed, including cover crop choices, establishment methods, starter fertiliser requirements, pest management and cover crop destruction.

In terms of agronomy, getting cover crops established in the late summer to early autumn period was considered to be the most important key to success.

It was also recommended that a target canopy cover of at least 30 per cent is required for the purpose of reducing soil erosion risks.

The review found that when evaluating cover crops it is important to appreciate that there is no single cover crop system or approach that suits everyone, and that reasons for use, requirements and fit will differ with circumstance.

In addition, depending on objective, repeated use may be required to accrue benefits fully and there is likely to be a learning curve associated with adoption (as would be the case with adopting any new technique).

To this end, it is important to think through the approach to be used and set up some ways to assess the impact of the cover crop over time.

AHDB Cereals & Oilseeds Monitor Farms bring together groups of like-minded farmers, who wish to develop or expand their enterprises, in an environment which encourages them to share critical performance information. This information is discussed and evaluated by the group, encouraging and facilitating business improvement through the adoption of new technology and practices.

~ Looking at roots under OSR after cover crops at Arable Nuffield Scholar Andy Howard's farm in Kent

Five key steps to help you do this on farm: 1

Do some research and think about your key objective

2

Test a few options (and don’t forget about control treatments)

3

Monitor progress and responses

4

Evaluate the response

5

Think about next steps n

For more information: Royston Monitor Farm looking at cover crops and soil management with Philip Wright u

The review, which includes information on how to evaluate cover crops, case studies and recommendations for further research, can be found at https://cereals.ahdb.org.uk/covered The web page also includes video footage of the review co-author, Ron Stobart NIAB TAG, talking on cover crop ‘pros and cons’ at the 2016 AHDB Agronomists’ Conference

Modern Farming ≈ 27

LiMagrain

~ Graham Parnell, Limagrain Seed Sales Specialist for the South West

Careful Maize variety choice pays dividends With over 30 varieties on the BSPB/NIAB Descriptive List, how do you make sure you are choosing the most suitable variety?

G

raham Parnell, Limagrain Seed Sales Specialist in the South West, says that while maturity class must still be the primary selection criterion, it is then vital to focus on varieties delivering the highest quality forage to ensure maize supplies the maximum benefit in terms of reducing feed costs.

“Whether you are on a marginal or good growing area, the first decision is to look only at varieties suited to your farm. We recommend farmers look to grow early maturing varieties with good early vigour. This means they will get away quickly and will be ready to harvest earlier, reducing the risk of a delayed harvest and improving the chances of harvesting in good conditions.”

“Farmers should consider starch content, CWD and energy yield when refining their initial variety shortlist.”

From a shortlist of agronomically suitable varieties, the emphasis then has to be on selecting the varieties that will produce the best yields of high quality forage to drive milk production.

28 ≈ Modern Farming

“The top varieties on the Descriptive List can supply sufficient energy to produce around 600 litres more per hectare compared to the average variety. This equates to a concentrate saving of around £65/ha, for little or no extra growing costs.” Mr Parnell advises considering the feed value of the whole plant, not just starch content. He says 50% of the energy is in the vegetative parts of the plant and 50% in the cob. To maximise milk production he stresses the importance of selecting varieties with high cell wall digestibility (CWD) which means more of the total energy is available.

“Farmers should consider starch content, CWD and energy yield when refining their initial variety shortlist. To simplify a farmer’s choice, our Limagrain Animal Nutrition (LGAN) varieties are evaluated for all the key parameters affecting nutritional value, namely starch content and yield, ME content, and yield, CWD, dry matter yield, dry matter percent at harvest and early vigour.

“LGAN accredited varieties such as Glory and Ambition have been grown successfully across the South West for several years and are proven to deliver a high quality feed, while new varieties like Reason, Wizard and Pinnacle are going to give them a run for their money this year. Choosing LGAN is your assurance of a variety with strong agronomy and exceptional milk yield potential.

What more do you need?” n For more information:

Contact Graham Parnell on: 07795 037959 Office: 01472 371471 or visit: www.lgseeds.co.uk/maize

NEWS AND VIEWS

Appointments

Kivells Professional

Mark Parkin, area sales Manager

MarK ParKin has recently joined the Countrywide team as a Sales Manager covering mid and north Devon regions. He will be providing technical and sales support to both farmers and the rural community as a whole.

Mark has worked in the agricultural sector since leaving school, and continued his formal education at Bicton College where he studied agriculture.

Mark's experience ranges from lowland high production dairy cows to moorland cattle and sheep, until moving on to a technician role for Genus ABS. There he not only advised and supported farmers with herd fertility, but was also responsible for sales and servicing DIY AI flasks.

More recently Mark has been working for an animal health company, and is fully AMTRA qualified to advise on and prescribe animal health products.

Although Mark has moved to a more customer service role, he still manages to feed his passion for cows by regularly relief milking on a local dairy farm.

Mark is looking forward to taking on this new and exciting challenge within Countrywide and looks forward to meeting you all.

For more information:

Contact Mark Parkin on 07802 173017

Kivells Professional are delighted to announce the new appointment of Devon YFC chairman, Claire Bellew as a rural chartered surveyor to head up the professional office at Exeter Livestock Market and complement the existing Kivells professional team.

Claire has a strong farming background having grown up on the family farm in Bideford, and after studying at Harper Adams University and gaining a first class honours degree, she returned to her roots in Devon and has been working as a rural surveyor in Devon for many years.

Claire says; “I am very excited to be working with the well-respected Kivells team and it is great to be part of an expanding professional department within the firm.

Many aspects of the farming world are constantly changing and I will be reinforcing the professional team and helping farmers and landowners with a range of matters from BPS applications, grants and stewardship applications, planning and diversification queries, tenancy matters, compensation claims and professional valuations.

“As we go into the spring, everything seems to come to life in the agricultural world with lambing, calving and spring crops. Alongside this the BPS deadline gets closer, grass keep agreements need drawing up and grants become available!

The hedgerows and boundary grant application window has recently opened with up to £5,000 available and the Rural Development Programme for England is open with £12.4m available in Devon and Somerset to increase growth and productivity in rural businesses.” Claire continues; “Another aspect of my job that I

A break in Ireland - #Crackin i was lucky enough to escape from the factory and farm for a few days this February half-term, to enjoy a fantastic time away with my family in County Kerry, Ireland.

After an eighteen-hour journey by car (four hours of which were on the ferry from Fishguard to Rosslare), we eventually arrived at Glenbeigh. We woke up the following morning to be greeted by a gorse fire on the local mountain (which nobody owned up to starting), we began on our planned tour for the week. The weather was kind so we made the most of it. Apart from taking in the spectacular scenery of The Ring of Kerry and Dingle Bay, we visited towns and villages to experience their high streets. I dropped Jane and Jenny off at Killarney Riding Stables where they went

Claire Bellew

enjoy is planning as development can really make a difference to a farm, whether this is just an agricultural building to expand an enterprise; the conversion of an agricultural building to residential or a new agricultural workers dwelling on the farm for another generation of the family. These can all make a huge difference to a business and I love being part of the development. I know the professional team at Kivells have always been very successful in gaining planning approval so I would like to expand on this further.”

Outside of work Claire can be found helping on the farm or travelling around the county in her role as chairman of the Devon Federation of Young Farmers Clubs. This role keeps her very busy and she loves getting involved in all aspects of being a YFC member, whether this is halter training her cattle for the show and sale or taking part in ballroom dancing competitions!

For more information:

If you have any questions please give Claire a call on 01392 252262 or email claire.bellew@kivells.com

Written by James Kittow - Butcher & Grazier

for a trek through the National Park. Here they experienced the lakes, mountains and also saw the only Irish Red Deer that are in the country.

Meanwhile William and I went into town and introduced ourselves to Tim Jones – Family Butcher. We exchanged a few ideas and talked shop. We also stopped at Killorglin where we met Eamon Sheanan – Family Butcher. These guys are so welcoming and interested in what’s happening over here, and killed their own livestock too; it was a pleasure to meet them!

Vera, the lady we rented the house from, had arranged a visit for William and myself to Danny's farm.

Danny milks 30 British Friesians which are AI to Hereford and Angus sires. The calves are sold young at the local market. The milking parlour

is the cow shed with removable clusters, but it does have a mini automated yard scraper that pushes the slurry through the slatted floor.

He keeps 50 Scottish Blackface ewes which are put with the choice of either the same breed; a Charolais or Suffolk rams.The lambs are sold as stores. The farm supports Danny, his wife and their daughter who is studying. He has no hired help but uses contractors to deal with the main jobs such as round baling and slurry spreading.

I would like to tell you more about the farm, but Danny was so broad Irish I had a job to understand him, but then again he might have had a job to understand me! Ireland is a #Crackin country and I would definitely go back again. Oh, and the Guinness is great too!

Modern Farming ≈ 29

FARM & EQUINE

Kernow Farm and Equine Kernow Farm and Equine is part of the Kernow Veterinary Group covering Mid-Cornwall and surrounding areas.

WHY KERNOW FARM AND EQUINE? • Large animal only vets • Well equipped vehicles • 4 medicine pick up locations – Bodmin, Lostwithiel, St Austell and Wadebridge • Competitive drug prices

F

ormed just over three years ago, from three long established veterinary practices based in Bodmin, Lostwithiel and St Austell we have pooled our resources allowing us to combine the traditional values of a local veterinary practice with the wider range of services offered by the bigger specialist practices.

We are able to offer a broad range of services both in the agricultural and equine sectors. Our agricultural vets look after farms ranging from the thousand cow dairy units to small hobby farms, and this is our strength. We have staff with expertise in dairy herd health, mastitis control, lameness investigations, fertility issues and long term health planning.

We have vets with particular skills in sheep and beef medicine and others actively involved with support for small holders. Our equine vets deal with everything from teeth rasping and vaccinations, to lameness investigations and minor surgery.

Modern farming requires a team approach to maximise farm profitability. We believe that the changes we are implementing will allow us to continue to be an important part of that team. Kernow Farm and Equine, working together with you, is the way forward for the future provision of veterinary healthcare. n

• Ring your vet directly for advice • Large animal Director (business owner) available and on site daily • Dedicated TB testing team.

FARM ANIMAL SERVICES • Routine fertility visits with the same experienced vet • Herd Health Planning – Dairy, Beef and Sheep • Consultancy services- fertility, mastitis and lameness • Young stock Disease prevention schemes- save money by reducing drug use and improving growth rates • Bull fertility testing - expensive mistake to be using a sub fertile bull.

• In house laboratory – giving a quick turnaround time • Parasite control planning - in house testing with rapid results to allow correct treatment • Disease Prevention – BVD, Johnes, IBR, Maedi Visna • Emergency visits- experienced vets for surgical and medical treatment • Farmer education talks and dairy bench marking group • Out of hours service with the same vets you know from day work.

For more information:

Visit www.kernowfarmandequine.com. Call Bodmin 01208 72323, St Austell 01726 72095 or Lostwithiel 01208 872254.

30 ≈ Modern Farming

country lady

Surviving winter Wet horses, boggy fields, cold owners … I’m sure I’m not the only one who feels guilty about not being able to exercise their horse regularly in winter. I often think about giving up for winter and bringing the horses back into work when days are both warmer and lighter.

H

ere are some tips to make those cold days more bearable for you and your horse.

Lunging - Don’t worry if you don’t have time to ride, just 10 minutes of lunging will really help to maintain your horse’s fitness. Include lunging as part of your weekly routine.

Variety is key – Help to keep your horses fit and

entertained by ensuring you mix up their routines as much as possible. Make the most of hacking and try and bring as much variety to their training as possible.

Time off – If you are really struggling with riding, don’t be afraid to give your horse some time off.

A good rest can do them the world of good.

Get the right kit - If possible ensure you have the

right kit. Rugs are now very efficient in keeping our horses warm and their temperature regulated. There’s no need to weigh your horse down with multiple rugs when one will do just a good a job.

Ground schooling sessions – Use winter as a time to build on your skills such as learning to long-rein effectively. This will benefit not only your horse, but your fitness too.

Preventing Mud Fever – Many horse owners

say that towel drying legs is one of the best ways to prevent mud fever. n

“Remember, a five minute ride is better than nothing. Even if it’s just for a short time, try to exercise your horse most days to keep their circulation going; you’ll both feel better for it.”

Abi Rule is an amateur show jumper and the owner of A Country Lady - a blog devoted to those who share a love for horses and equestrian life. Visit www.acountrylady.co.uk

Modern Farming ≈ 31

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

SALTLIX salt buckets Livestock need more than just salt; they need trace elements.

Salt is an ideal carrier to deliver these trace elements, efficiently and economically, in the amounts required.

S

alt is a natural carrier for trace elements because all farm animals have a natural appetite for salt.

The self-regulating nature of salt means that stock will not gorge on the lick as they may do with molassesbased products.

Minerals form an important part of any balanced diet and livestock need more than just salt for proper nutrition. Salt, which is palatable to all farm animals, is an ideal carrier to deliver these elements which include copper, zinc, manganese, cobalt, iodine and selenium, essential not only in building sound animals but also for good feed conversion.

Our range of buckets include Hi Iodine formulations for suckler and dairy herds to Hi zinc for improved hoof and health in cattle and sheep.

Dallas Keith Ltd has over 40 years’ experience in producing feed supplements for ruminants and its SaltLix buckets are designed to suit most situations. With our ‘Unique Formulation’ we are the only company to be able to offer salt licks in a bucket to high specifications, which

32 ≈ Modern Farming

are weatherproof and have zero wastage. The business works with individual farms to produce that farm’s specific needs.

Its unique manufacturing process enables it to ‘pour’ the product into containers, allowing blocks ranging in size from 20kg, 100kg and even 500kg blocks.

“Fantastic feedback from customers include noticing a difference in their herds after using SaltLix, from improved calving to a complete lack of slow or ‘dopey’ calves this year.

One customer also said his milk yields improved as his cows drank more water.” n

POULTRY

Worms L

ike most animals chickens are susceptible to parasitic worms which can infect birds either directly (worm eggs are ingested by the bird while foraging) or indirectly (worm eggs are eaten by intermediate hosts (slugs, snails and earthworms) which are then eaten by poultry.

SymPtomS It can be difficult to know if your birds have worms though roundworms are visible in droppings. Worms can cause damage to the gut. Symptoms include: ®

Poor weight gain

tyPeS

®

Sickly, dull birds

The different species of parasitic worm are as follows:

®

Diarrhoea

Roundworm (Ascaridia) the largest worm which can be seen in droppings. The roundworm lives in the intestine causing damage. The bird is unable to absorb nutrients causing diarrhoea and reduced egg production.

®

Pale combs

®

Eggs are pale and have thin shells.

®

Stretching of neck/gasping

hairworm (Capillaria) despite its tiny size this is particularly dangerous, especially in an infestation.

They cause diarrhoea, anaemia and general ill health.

®

Death in heavy infestations

Caecal worms (Heterakis gallinarum) are found in the caecum and are relatively harmless in chickens. But, caecal worms may carry black head which can affect turkeys.

PReVeNtIoN As with red mites, it’s far easier to prevent worm infestation than to treat one. ®

Check new birds before integrating with the flock

®

Regularly move birds onto fresh ground

®

Try to ensure the land is well drained – muddy areas encourage worms

®

Regularly worm your birds – at least every three months.

®

Disinfect sheds and foraging areas

®

Keep grass short; UV rays destroy worm eggs.

tapeworms though rare, can affect chickens.

Gape worm (Syngamustrachea) these worms live in the trachea of birds which causes the birds to gasp and shake their heads. Gape worm is transmitted via snails and earthworms.

tReatmeNt It is much easier to prevent worms than to treat them once they have infected a bird. Worms can live inside the bird and lay eggs which are then excreted to produce more worms.

Infected birds should be moved regularly, preferably every day, to fresh foraging areas so they are not reinfected. Birds should be treated with a suitable wormer such as Flubenvet or Solubenol. n

POULTRY HEALTH

Next moNth: bird FLU

Modern Farming ≈ 33

Cornering a larger share of the liquid dairy market ~ There is a growing demand for milk in bottles

A rapidly expanding dairy business with national ambitions has almost trebled its turnover in the past six years, simply by giving customers what they want.

S

outhampton-based Pensworth is making a point of not following the herd when it comes to growth and, as a result, is cornering a larger share of the liquid dairy market.

The business, which has grown its turnover from £18m to £50m since 2010, is backing dairy roundsmen, expanding its output of glass-bottled milk and providing six-days-a-week delivery to its food service customers across the south of England, Wales and the Midlands.

“The reason we are growing is simple. We give customers what they want,” explained managing director Arthur Dunne. “We offer a six-day service, there is no minimum spend and providing the customer places an order before 11pm, he or she can have what they need the next day.”

Pensworth supplies liquid dairy products in all the usual sizes, but it also specialises in the kind of quantities that the local supermarket doesn’t stock, from ⅓ pint bottles of milk for school children to three gallon pergals for

Pic: Xxxxxx xxxxxxxxx

} Nick Balkizas

34 ≈ Modern Farming

care homes, schools and other big users. Pensworth also understands that many people still like to find their daily pinta on the doorstep in a glass bottle, and has doubled the speed of production of milk in this traditional format.

It wasn’t an easy thing to do, given that Pensworth was going against the conventional wisdom, but they achieved their aim by recommissioning the last glass line made in the country after buying it from the East of England Co-op and shipping it to Southampton.

“We recognise that there is a growing demand for milk in bottles, and so we bought and installed machinery that has allowed us to keep pace with what our customers want,” explained project manager Nick Balkizas.

The business is looking for new farmers to come on board and supply the milk it needs as it pursues plans to move its operation northwards and that’s where farm liaison manager Brian Leggat comes in.

Brian has been charged with signing up new dairy farmers, offering them a straightforward and attractive Pensworth milk contract based on a fair price and without the potential pitfalls posed by complications such as ‘A’ and ‘B’ payments.

With a farming background and 25 years' experience in the industry, Brian’s aim is to treat suppliers fairly, offer them advice and help them contribute to the success of the Pensworth operation while earning a good return for their milk. Customers also like the traceability that comes from taking milk direct from individual farms.

While the direct links to suppliers and the support for ‘old-fashioned’ roundsmen may seem at odds with the rapid expansion of a would-be countrywide operation, it makes perfect sense to a company that values relationships above all else.

“We believe in speaking to our farmers and giving them one-to-one support, but we also have great IT systems and a strong distribution network, as well as full accreditation to Red Tractor standard,” says Michael. n

Pic: Xxxxxx xxxxxxxxx

PENSWORTH

PROPERTY

Light at the end of the tunnel (Perhaps) It is fair to say that a number of LPAs and some planning inspectors have not been enthused by the introduction of Class Q PDR and this has been reflected in the number of applications being refused and dismissed at appeal.

I

n attending a recent agents’ forum at Cornwall Council to discuss the PDR, I was encouraged by the willingness of the LPA to engage with us professionals in drafting a revised guidance note on the subject, and also by their broadly positive attitude in looking to make the ‘best out of a bad job’. As stated in their new guidance, the Council recognises the contribution such proposals can make to this objective this is the nearest thing to an endorsement, and is much welcomed. After all, as stated on numerous occasions by the DCLG Chief Planner, it is permitted development.

Whilst the potential conversion of ‘skimpy’ pole barns is still likely to receive an unfavourable response, applicants will still need to provide considerable information to support a proposal, the attitude appears to be more positive. Granted, the preference is for the conversion of traditional buildings; however, in many cases better schemes can be achieved through a full application.

Such an option should not be discounted. In developing this idea further, as mooted by a professional

recently, in looking at some of these modern building conversions and the limitations on building works and materials, LPAs should consider the merit of a Class Q(a) submission to consider the principle and prior approval matters and, at the same time, a full application relating to the design. The thinking behind this is why convert a poor looking farm building into a poor looking dwelling; there is greater scope potentially to allow (and encourage) good design.

On a further note, we await the fallout of the Housing White Paper. Government informs us that changes will be made to the guidance in relation to allowable building operations. Greater clarity would help planning officers and agents alike.

There still remains great opportunity and this is evident by some of the conversions being undertaken. Acorus can help to plan, design and manage your build. n For further advice:

Visit our website at www.acorus.co.uk or contact us on 01392 873900.

Modern Farming ≈ 35

Action packed main ring: Jason Smyth’s Adrenaline Tour Quad Bike Stunt Show Terrier Racing • Hounds and Beagles • Grand Parade of Livestock Pets Corner • Birds of Prey • Vintage Cars Tractors and Agricultural Machinery and lots more…

GILLI

NG Huge variety of Livestock & Horse Classes Lamb Shearing • Rural Skills • YFC • Home & Handicrafts • Food Hall Craft & Lifestyle Marquees • Trade Stands

SHOW

Where town & country meet

RY

BERRY FARM, BERRY POMEROY, TOTNES

AGRICULTURAL

BU ES

Sunday 30th July

M & SHAF A T H

Wednesday 16th August 2017

Turnpike Showground, Motcombe SP7 9PN Attractions include: THE ADRENALINE QUAD BIKE STUNT TEAM

Mere Down Falconry • B&K Team Terrier Racing • Gun Dogs • Ferret Racing Dog & Duck display • Farm Food & Fun display The Homemaker Cookery Theatre with a team of local Chefs Over 500 trade & craft stands, the fantastic Food Hall Picnic Areas with hot & cold food from around the world Competitive classes – Cattle & Sheep, Dogs, Poultry, Rabbits, Horses & Ponies, Grain & Fodder, and much, much more!!!

www.totnesshow.com • office@totnesshow.com

01803 732813 Follow us on

Pre Show tickets on sale from August 1st. Schedules available soon For full details contact the Show Office 01747 823955 Email: enquiries@gillshaftshow.co.uk

show sPECIAL

Don’t miss the Melplash Show

The Melplash Agricultural Show is the one day show not to be missed. It successfully celebrates the best of agricultural and rural life by the sea.

It is not only the showcase for West Dorset farmers and food producers but also gives those that are not familiar with farming a rare opportunity to find out more about what is involved.

With entertainment all day in the ToolStation main ring and the countryside area, lots of delicious, locally produced food to enjoy, over 350 trade stands and superb

children’s entertainment, it truly is a fantastic day out for all the family.

• Children under 16 years and under go FREE • Tickets £14 in advance or £16 on the day

All about tradition The Gillingham & Shaftesbury is a traditional one-day midweek show that has maintained and strengthened its agricultural roots. With over 100 agricultural suppliers and 12 tractor dealers displaying the latest machines, it is the show where business can be done. The cattle and sheep classes have always been a highlight and in response to demand, classes for British Blues and Limousin cattle have been added to the schedule this year.

It is anticipated that over 300 head of cattle, 500 sheep and 400 horses will be entered. The hay, silage and maize classes are always subject to much local rivalry and the grain classes are very well supported.

There will be over 550 trade, craft and food stands, with everything from alpacas to agas tractors to toy models and tasty cheese to tasteful jewellery. The Food Hall will have 60 producers offering the freshest, tastiest food and drink while in the same marquee will be the Cookery Theatre, where local chefs will be demonstration throughout the day.

Last year, the new ‘Farm, Food & Fun’ hands-on education area was introduced with a great deal of support from local businesses and individuals. This was so successful that a larger marquee has been ordered as we have received several more offers of interactive displays for both children and parents. Schedules are now available for the livestock classes (horses, ponies, cattle and sheep); horticulture, homecraft and art. The schedules for the KC Dog and Poultry Shows will be available very shortly.

For more information:

For details see the website www.gillshaftshow.co.uk, or call the Show Office on 01747 823955

• Discounted advance tickets are available to buy online • Competition schedules will be available to download from the website from May 1st

For more information:

The show is situated on the coast at West Bay near Bridport (DT6 4EG).

Visit www.melplashshow.co.uk

Modern Farming ≈ 37

THE 127th HONITON AGRICULTURAL SHOW Thursday 3rd August 2017

HORSE AND PONY CLASSES - HEAVY HORSES - CATTLE AND SHEEP CLASSES - POULTRY PRIVATE DRIVING - VINTAGE TRACTORS - DOG SHOW OVER 400 TRADE STANDS / CRAFT TENT / FOOD HALL / RURAL SKILLS / COUNTRYSIDE AREA DONKEY RIDES / YOUNG FARMERS CLUBS / BEES & HONEY / ACTION PACKED MAIN RING INCLUDING BOLDDOG LINGS FREESTYLE TEAM / JOSEPHS AMAZING CAMELS / RIDGESIDE LURCHER DISPLAY

Please apply for Trade Stands, Horse and Livestock Schedules

Advance Tickets just £14.50 - Children Under 16 FREE

visit our web site www.honitonshow.co.uk Secretary: Marcelle Connor (Tel/Fax: 01404 41794) Bank House, 66a High Street, Honiton, Devon EX14 1PS

show sPECIAL

Tickets are on sale now for the Royal Cornwall Show 2017 if you want a one-word description for Cornwall’s largest event it’s ‘quality’. It is something the organisers pride themselves on and insist upon in every aspect of the show – and agriculture remains firmly at its heart.

Entries are now open for the show’s competitive cattle, sheep, pig and equine sections. The normal high level of entries are expected and competition will be of the highest quality.

The trade stands provide visitors with magnificent choice. Once again, the clamour for space at the show ensures variety and a high standard of quality.

The vast agricultural trade area, in particular, showcases the full range of products and services any farmer or smallholder could need.

From combine harvesters to lawn mowers, and everything in between, will be on display alongside numerous agricultural service providers.

All the shows within shows exude quality; from flowers and forestry to countryside and dogs; steam and vintage cars to goats and live music; from motors and Cornish food to the magnificent entertainment spectacle in the main ring.

For more information:

E-tickets, membership and camping pitches can be purchased online from the show’s website, where you will also find full details of this year’s show, including competitive entries; visit www.royalcornwall.co.uk Tickets can also be purchased by calling 01208 812183

New website for Totnes Show Exhibitor entries to the 2017 Totnes Show can now be received online thanks to the show’s brand new website.

“We like to keep up to date and are keen to attract as many entries as we can so wanted to offer an alternative way for people to submit them,” said Show Manager, Linda Harvey.

A successful blend of traditional farming, a wide range of stands plus live entertainment means the show appeals to both farmers and public alike. Lamb shearing competitions, rural skills, terrier racing and vintage farm

machinery combines with attractions such as a Music Stage, alpacas, a dog show and falconry to make a fantastic fun day to remember.

“There’s a huge variety of cattle, sheep and poultry classes while the equestrian events include showing, jumping, private driving and side saddle,” says Linda.

For more information:

Hard copy schedules are available via office@totnesshow.com or call 01803 732813 or schedules are available from major agricultural and equestrian outlets.

Modern Farming ≈ 39

SPOTLIGHT ON...

Spotlight on ... Bodmin Moor ~ Sunrise over Bodmin Moor

Perhaps the wildest and most dramatic part of the South West is Bodmin Moor in the north of Cornwall.

With its bleak moorland and granite outcrops, its reputation as an untamed wilderness is well deserved.

40 ≈ Modern Farming

B

odmin Moor is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB); most of the moor is also a Site of Special Scientific Importance (SSSI) and, thanks to the tin mining industry, Bodmin Moor also has World Heritage Site status. The two highest peaks on the moor are Brown Willy which is 420m (1377ft) and Rough Tor at 390m (1279ft) high. Bodmin Moor is not large and is only around 100 miles square but it has a wealth of features including granite outcrops on the high moorland peaks which have amazing shapes cut by nature. The Cheesewring is particularly stunning. The granite rocks have been eroded by the weather to create what appears to be a pile of rocks balanced on top of each other. Local myths says it is the result of an epic struggle between giants and saints.

History

Pic: Visit Cornwall - Matt Jessop

The moor is known to have been inhabited since the Neolithic era, 4000 years ago when the hunter gatherers first started clearing the land of the forests which covered the area. Hut circles and cairns dating from this period can still be seen on the moor together with later Bronze Age stone circles and rows, including Trippet Stones and Stripple Stones Henge.

As farming developed low banks, called reeves, were used to encircle the cleared areas creating fields. Over time, the forests were completely cleared leaving the open moorland but with deep ravines filled with oak woodland.

“The granite rocks have been eroded to create what appears to be a pile of rocks balanced on top of each other. Local myths says it is the result of an epic struggle between giants and saints.”

~ Rough Tor

Pic: Flickr - John W Schulze

“The moor is known to have been inhabited since the Neolithic era, 4000 years ago, when the hunter gatherers first started clearing the land of the forests which covered the area.”

A Bronze Age stone circle called the Hurlers

~ The Cheesewring

Pic: Visit Cornwall - Adam Gibbard

GrazinG Most of Bodmin Moor is privately owned but is designated open access land. The moor has been used for summer livestock grazing for over 1000 years. Rights were strictly regulated and this continues today under The Commons Registration Act of 1965.

Locals can also register for the rights to take turf for domestic fuel (turbary); to collect branches for fuel (estovers) and the right to allow pigs to graze acorns, (pannage).

Modern Farming ≈ 41

Pic: Visit Cornwall - Adam Gibbard

Pic: Visit Cornwall - Adam Gibbard

SPOTLIGHT ON...BOdMIN MOOr

~ Old engine houses dot the landscape

Microchipping and health checking ponies on Bodmin Moor

Ponies Wild ponies have grazed Bodmin moor for centuries and it’s estimated that around 600 ponies are still roaming free. But, there is serious concern among equine charities about the welfare of these animals because indiscriminate breeding as led to a huge increase in numbers. With so many ponies and limited grazing animals can suffer. While many of the animals are identifiable as having owners, others are abandoned or are illegally grazed on the land.

A number of animal charities including Blue Cross, Redwings Horse Sanctuary and the Mare and Foal Sanctuary, have combined to help the ponies. Last autumn, the charities health checked, passported and microchipped 169 semi-feral ponies on East Moor.

Stallions and colts were housed separately to prevent further breeding. Owners were traced where possible but more than 100 ponies, both adults and foals remained unclaimed and are being rehomed by the animal charities involved.

Redwings is running a Moor for Horses fundraising campaign to help the Bodmin Moor ponies as well as other equines across the country.

Through JustGiving the charity hopes to raise £6000 – £1 for every horse in the UK believed to be at risk of neglect and abandonment. To donate visit https:// www.justgiving.com/campaigns/charity/redwingshs/ moorforhorses to help the charity achieve its goal.

Pic: Flickr - Sagesolar

~ Ponies roam wild on Bodmin Moor

From mediaeval times, Bodmin moor has been mined, first for alluvial and eluvial tin ore in shallow workings and then, in 1836 copper was discovered by a group of prospectors located in Seaton Valley to the south of Caradon Hill which led to mines being established across the area. New areas of tin were also found and over 650,000 tons of copper ore was mined over the next 30 years.

However a slump in the price of copper saw many of the small mines quickly close down, while the more successful ones managed to remain working until the 1880s when they too closed. The moor, like most many areas of Cornwall, still has the heritage of the mines with the engine houses and their tall chimneys.

DozMary Pool According to legend, this small lake is home to the Lady of the Lake from the legend of King Arthur. It was here that after Arthur’s death, Sir Bedivere threw the sword Excalibur which was caught by the Lady of the Lake and taken into its depths. n

Pic: Redwings Horse Sanctuary

Mining

42 ≈ Modern Farming

For more information:

Visit Cornwall –www.visitcornwall.com To donate to the Moors for Horses campaign visit https://www.justgiving. com/campaigns/charity/redwingshs/moorforhorses Redwings Horse Sanctuary – www.redwings.org.uk Blue Cross –www.bluecross.org.uk The Mare and Foal Sanctuary – www.mareandfoal.org

WESTPOINT

Vaccination - benefits and pitfalls By vets Candice Popham and Anna Gerrard from Westpoint Farm Vets

A

nimal health and welfare is of primary importance and vaccination protocols alongside biosecurity remain a vital way of controlling and eventually eradicating viral disease on farms. In turn they improve animal welfare and efficiency of production by reducing incidence of disease or reducing clinical signs.

Reducing dependence Candice Popham

Anna Gerrard

BVD testing youngstock is an important monitoring tool in BVD control, usually necessary even in vaccinated herds

Vaccinations can also help reduce our dependence on antibiotics and lead to increased immunity against disease-causing pathogens reducing the need for antimicrobial use – important because of the potential resistance within the agricultural sector. There are many different types of vaccines and no ‘one procedure fits all’.

Different vaccines will stimulate different immune responses and duration of immunity.

Live vaccines contain the virus in its truest form and can cause a mild transient clinical infection, so although its use in pregnant animals is routine on some farms, it is important to be aware of this risk when administering vaccine to this group of animals, unless the data sheet states it is safe.

However, the immune response generated by live and live attenuated vaccines is stronger and longer lasting than vaccines with inactivated virus DNA, although both vaccine types will promote an adequate immune response if administered to an individual capable of doing so.

pitfalls Various factors can influence a vaccine’s efficacy including the animal’s physical and mental state which can affect the ability to fight infection. It is vital that vets follow the datasheet instructions when using vaccines, especially with new vaccines.

For a prolonged immune response to a vaccine the animal needs to be healthy with an adequate immune system. The immune system can be affected by inadequate nutrition, illness, stress and age.

It is also important to remember immune response to a vaccine can take up to two to three weeks so the animal may still be at risk of infections during period.

coRRect pRoceduRe Although failure can be due to product failure, it is usually due to poor compliance. Remember that the dashboard of a 4x4 doesn’t keep the vaccine cool like a fridge! Vaccines can be inactivated by incorrect handling, transport and storage if specific requirements aren’t followed.

Incorrect methods of reconstitution, route of administration and dosing intervals are often the primary reason for vaccine failure. It is important to review and follow the instructions in the data sheet for each vaccine to ensure it does not become ineffective leading to failure and potential disease breakdowns in vaccinated herds/flocks.

Vaccines are designed to cover the major serotypes of the virus they protect against; however, it may be that the serotype encountered is not covered in the vaccine. In addition, if the environmental challenge is too great the vaccine may not be wholly protective, highlighting the importance of biosecurity alongside a vaccination programme to ensure its effectiveness.

implementing pRotocols Tailored vaccine protocols are extremely useful.

It is important to know your herd’s disease status; by continuous sampling, testing and monitoring for disease, as recommended by your vet, in order to implement the best vaccine protocol. Continual re-evaluation of protocols and monitoring clinical cases should be carried out to ensure effectiveness is maintained within the herd.

For more information visit: Further information is available from your vet. You can contact Westpoint by calling the St Columb practice on 01637 889231 or visit www.westpointfarmvets.co.uk

Modern Farming ≈ 43

Veterinary

Abortion in ewes I

nfectious causes of abortion are most common after day 100 of pregnancy and an abortion rate in excess of two per cent of the flock is suggestive of an infectious cause. The cost per aborted ewe is variably quoted at £85. Enzootic abortion of ewes, Toxoplasma gondii and Campylobacter species cause over 70 per cent of abortion outbreaks .

All Pics: Phil Scott

by Phil Scott DVM&S BVM&S CertCHP DSHP DipECBHM FRCVS

All abortions should be thoroughly investigated – each costs you more than £85

CAUSES the most common bacterial causes of abortion are:

Diagnosis of the cause(s) of abortion

® Chlamydophila abortus (Enzootic abortion of ewes, EAE)

The minimum requirements for laboratory submissions collected by your veterinary surgeon for abortion diagnosis include the foetus(es) or foetal stomach contents; a piece of placenta; a maternal serum sample It’s important to continue to submit aborted material for checking during the outbreak as there may be more than one agent present in the flock.

chlamyDial abortion, Chlamydophila abortus, enzootic abortion of ewes (eae) Chlamydial abortion is transmitted by ingestion following exposure of susceptible sheep to high levels of infected uterine discharges and aborted material.

Infection typically results in the abortion/birth of fresh dead and/or weak lambs during the last three weeks of gestation. The ewe is not sick and may only be identified by a red/brown vulval discharge staining the wool around the tail/perineum, and a drawn-up abdomen. Live lambs rarely survive more than a few hours despite supportive care.

Once ingested, the infection remains in the sheep undetected, until the next pregnancy when the infection causes an abortion, stillbirth or weak lambs during the last three weeks of the pregnancy. Lambs which are fostered to aborted ewes should be kept for future breeding.

® Toxoplasmosis ® Salmonella serotypes ® Campylobacter fetus intestinalis

ToxoplASmoSiS Toxoplasmosis results from infection of susceptible sheep with the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii. The sexual part of the life cycle takes place in cats.

Infection during early pregnancy may be manifest as embryo/early fetal loss with an increased barren rate.

Toxoplasma infection during mid-pregnancy results in abortion or production of weakly live lambs near term, often with a small mummified fetus about 10cm long which has a dark brown leathery appearance.

Prevention ®

All sheep feed should be stored in vermin-proof facilities to prevent contamination by cats and other vermin.

®

Vaccination provides excellent immunity.

Prevention ®

Vaccination against Chlamydial abortion offers excellent control

®

Ensure you buy accredited stock and vaccinate them

®

Maintain a closed clean flock with strict biosecurity measures though there have been rare situations where infected material has been transmitted between neighbouring farms by birds/foxes.

44 ≈ Modern Farming

All aborted ewes must be isolated

CampylobaCteriosis Campylobacter fetus subspecies fetus and Campylobacter jejuni are common causes of abortion, particularly where sheep are managed intensively leading to heavy contamination and unhygienic environments during late gestation. ®

The main source of infection is purchased carrier sheep

®

The common presentation is abortion during late gestation

treatment Purchase accredited stock and vaccinate them against EAE and Toxoplasmosis

Treatment options are limited because infection has already spread rapidly through the group by the time the first abortions are recognised.

salmonella abortion Salmonella Montevideo, Salmonella Dublin and Salmonella Typhimurium cause abortion and death in pregnant ewes. ®

Sheep may simply be found dead with rotten lambs still present in the womb

®

Feedstuffs and watercourses; sewage effluent overflow; carrier cattle, and carrion are potential sources.

There is a significant zoonotic risk (animal to human transfer) from suspected/confirmed cases salmonellosis, so it is essential that strict personal hygiene methods are used during and after handling sick sheep. ®

Minimise the number of people who have contact with such sheep.

®

Remove and disinfect outer clothing after handling.

®

Wash and clean thoroughly hands, arms and face after handling

Contaminated water courses are a potential source of salmonella infection

preVention anD Control Ensuring flock biosecurity is the primary method of preventing infection which is best achieved by maintaining a closed clean flock. ®

Vaccinate sheep where appropriate

®

Reduce/prevent the movement of infectious diseases on your farm

®

Aborted ewes must be isolated

®

Aborted material and infected bedding must be removed and destroyed to prevent spread of disease

®

Ewes that give birth to dead/weakly full-term lambs should also be isolated

®

Ewe lambs fostered on to aborted ewes should not be retained for future breeding

®

The potential of many abortificacient agents to infect humans (zoonotic infection) must be stressed to everyone attending sheep on your farm

®

Appropriate hygiene precautions must also extend to all households where infection could arise from contact with farm workers’ contaminated clothing and footwear. n

All sheep feed should be stored in vermin-proof facilities to prevent contamination by cats and other vermin

a ValUable resoUrCe the main aim of naDis is to highlight the importance of better animal health through veterinary health planning and to encourage dialogue between farmers/livestock handlers and their veterinary practitioner. NADIS provides a valuable learning resource and revision guide for everyone interested in animal health and welfare.

For more information: Visit www.nadis.org.uk

Modern Farming ≈ 45

CORNISH TRACTORS

Cornish Tractors Cornish Tractors was founded in by Tim Ward who comes from a farming background.

C

ornish Tractors focuses on the sale and service of ATV and UTVs. In 2008, Cornish Tractors was appointed as a Landini dealer and the business also stocks Conor Machinery Tankers, spreaders and slurry pumps as well as JPM, CLH, ATV and car-drawn trailers.

Tim explains; “Following a trip 11 years ago to Holland, I was amazed at the amount and the quality of the used agricultural machinery in a country which is made up of mainly very small farms which milked 50 or 60 cows, so I decided to try and import some of these machines.

“Cornish Tractors has been an agent for Hudson cattle and sheep trailers for 10 years ...”

“This has now become a very important part of the business, importing nearly 100 tedders, rakes and mowers year on year, all of which we put through the workshop and are sold with a year’s warranty “Cornish Tractors has been an agent for Hudson cattle and sheep trailers for 10 years. Recently, Hudson has selected us to be the sole agent for the whole of England and Wales which, though a challenge, is a fantastic opportunity.”

ClassiC traCtors Tim says; “We have always been involved in restoring classic and vintage tractors, whether our own stock or for customers.

46 ≈ Modern Farming

This is very rewarding work, even if it sometimes turns out to be more time consuming than first intended.

“Recently we restored a Massey 135 that turned up in bits in a potato box. We convinced some of our suppliers to give us a lot of the parts and we did a top to bottom restoration.

"In conjunction with Stratton Young Farmers, who put on a fundraising event, the tractor was sold. Together with money raised at the Young Farmers’ Carol Service 2016, a grand total of £7000 was presented to Children’s Hospice South West, a great local cause that we adopted as the charity we supported in 2016.

“Cornish Tractors has a team of 10 people. It is the hard work of everybody at the company which is the most important part of what we do, and why we have such loyal customers. And finally, but not least, I must thank my very patient wife and family.” n

Timberlake, Week St Mary, Devon EX22 6XG

CHAPMAN SNACKERS IN STOCK. ELECTRIC DROP CONTROLS AND COUNTER GREAT VALUE BRITISh BUILT MACHINE. POA

LANDINI 5h-110 C/W LOADER FULL SPEC POWER SHUTTLE 2012 2,200 hrs OWNER DRIVER MINT TRACTOR MUST BE SEEN. £24,000

ThE ALL NEW INDESPENSION CATTLE TRAILERS IN STOCK 12 or 14ft PLAIN CATTLE OR DECK GREAT BRITISH BUILT VALUE. POA

CLAAS 670 6 STAR TEDDER WITH HEADLAND KIT MUST BE SEEN READY FOR WORK. £4,650

Visit our Open Day CLAAS 4500P FORAGE WAGON AS NEAR NEW AS YOU WILL EVER FIND MUST BE SEEN. £18,000

14th MARCH 2017

OPEN DAY TUESDAY 14Th MARCh COME AND SEE ThE LATEST MAChINES FROM LANDINI, CONOR, hUDSON, INDESPENSION, ChAPMAN, RITChIE, CLh AND MANY OThERS

KUHN 6401 HYDRAULIC STEER 6 STAR TEDDER WILL hAVE BEEN THROUGH WORKSHOP AND READY TO GO. £3,950

COME AND TRY THE LATEST MODELS OF ATVs & UTVs FROM SUZUKI, YAMAHA & POLARIS ALSO A LARGE SELECTION OF USED MAChINES REFRESHMENTS ALL DAY AND TAKE PART IN OUR ChALLENGE COMPETITIONS

KUHN 7501 TWIN ROTOR RAKE STEERING AXLE AS NEAR NEW AS YOU WILL EVER FIND GREAT SAVING ON NEW. £8,250

NEW HOLLAND 7840SLE L REG 70% TYRES 7600hrs GOOD STRAIGHT TRACTOR. £7,900

POTTINGER HIT69 6 STAR TEDDER DONE VERY LITTLE WORK MUST BE SEEN. £3,850

NEW hUDSON CATTLE/ShEEP TRAILERS IN STOCK GREAT VALUE AND BUILD QAULITY. POA CLAAS 98S COMBINE WITh 15ft hEADER AND TRAILER ALWAYS LOVED AND DRY STORED ONLY DONE 2,700 ENGINE hOURS A REAL CREDIT TO ITS OWNER. POA

CLAAS ARION 610C ONLY DONE 4000hrs 70% TRYES THIS TRACTOR IS MINT AND MUST BE SEEN A REAL CERDIT TO ITS OWNER. £19,500

KUHN 7301 TWIN ROTOR RAKE FULL SPEC RAKE IN LOVELY ORDER. £6,250

POTTINGER 3m MOWER/CONDI GREAT VALUE MAChINE hAVING DONE LITTLE WORK. £4,700 JOhN DEERE 6610 FORAGE hARVESTER C/W KEMPER MAIZE & GRASS hEADER HAD £9000. MAIN DEALER SERVICE LESS THAN 50hrs AGO MUST BE SEEN,GREAT FARMERS MACHINE. POA

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

Livestock

British Friesians are excellent converters and are long lived

A short history of the British Friesian The most common black and white cows we see in fields today are likely to be Holsteins but, confusingly, many people still refer to them as Friesians. In fact there is a long and complex history behind one of the most common sights in our British fields.

M

ary Mead, of the Lakemead Herd of British Friesians in Somerset, has written a history of the British Friesian and is an award-winning proponent of the breed. From her research, Mary learned that Friesian cattle, of various colours, were first brought in from the North Coast of Europe when the Dutch came over to assist in draining the fens in the 1600s.

In the 1800s, the Dutch had begun to breed selectively and established a more uniform black and white animal. These were exported to England in vast numbers so that between 1862 and 1864 300,000 were exported to Britain, and further afield, and were generally known as Dutch, Hollanders, Friesians or Holsteins.

Valuable dairy cow Across Europe, these black and white cattle were increasingly seen as valuable dairy cows and in 1879 the Friesland Cattle Herd Book (FRS) was issued in Friesland for the registration of the more definitive Friesian type, with a refinement and categorisation of the black and white markings – the first time these were defined.

The Holstein type was developed in North America, the Canadians in particular aiming for a sharper, higher-yielding, dairy cow.

48 ≈ Modern Farming

Lakemead Norah 104th

In the UK the first Herd book to register selected black and white dairy cattle was created in 1909. An importation of FRS registered cattle – which would lay the foundations of greatly improved type – took place in 1914 and the name of the organisation was confirmed as the British Friesian Cattle Society (BFCS).

Apart from other importations of Friesians, a small number of Holsteins were imported from Canada in 1934 and again in 1946, and a separate Canadian Holstein Association (BHS) herd book was established for their registration.

British Friesians have high lifetime milk volumes

The breed is prized for its fertility

Bull Lakemead Jingle

coming together Further bull importations from Holland in the 50s led to a reduction in size in the British Friesian, although some exceptionally fine bulls also left their mark. Meanwhile the higher-yielding Holstein cow increased in popularity and the BFCS allowed registrations into their herd book and the crossing of Holstein on Friesian became popular.

In 1988 the society changed the name from the British Friesian Cattle Society to the Holstein Friesian Society (HFS). The true ‘type’ cow also changed, becoming more angular and taller. British Friesian breeders were unhappy with the name change and many stopped classifying their animals. Two years later, in 1990, The British Friesian Breeders Club (BFBC) was formed to protect and develop the Friesian breed within the Society (HFS).

In 1999 the Society agreed to a separate British Friesian Type Classification; only open to females which had be a minimum 87.5 per cent British Friesian.

Also in 1999, the British Holstein Society (BHS) was subsumed by the Holstein Friesian Society and the combined society became Holstein UK and Ireland (HUKI). This caused much dissent with some members unhappy at the change of name and loss of identity for Friesians, while BHS members were determined that the Friesian, which they considered old fashioned, should not be included. In fact, some Holstein breeders felt that the Friesian name was a disadvantage when it came to marketing the Holstein cow.

Having unified the two breeds, all black and white cattle were given the same breed code - 01.

Unsurprisingly, frustrated British Friesian breeders felt this was unfair as their bull proofs and cow genetic merits had no value without a breed code. Dedicated breeders persisted in pressuring the relevant bodies and, in 2004, British Friesians were designated the Breed Code 20. Animals of 87.5 per cent or more qualified with a separate bull evaluation for type and production.

Although still evaluated with the Holstein, the British Friesian figures are now published based on their own breed average in the same way as other dairy breeds. Consequently, Friesians have been able to progress without losing their great attributes. There is a substantial difference in fertility, currently the Friesian being 14.3 better than the Holstein and three times their lifespan.

Registering all qualifying black and white cattle in the single herd book has allowed pedigree status to be

retained for both Holstein and Friesian. Club Members work closely with the Classifiers to make certain desired type traits are maintained but, irritatingly, the name Holstein UK continues to confuse. As a result, in 2004, British Friesians were given their own show classes at the European Dairy Farming event.

increasing popularity An increasing awareness of British Friesian attributes and their grazing background has led to a rise in demand for bull semen. It is somewhat ironic that it is Friesian breeders that have created exports to 17 different countries, the majority now being used as a cross on Holsteins.

FRIESIAN FACTS ®

The British Friesian is smaller and less angular than the Holstein.

®

British Friesians have an excellent conversion rate

®

Higher butter fat and protein %

®

Lower Cell Counts

®

Excellent fertility

®

Longer life

®

High lifetime milk volumes

®

Male calves of high value in meat industry

Mary Mead has won the Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers (RABDF) Princess Royal Award for outstanding services to the dairy industry. n

For more information visit: British Friesian Breeders Club – www.britishfriesian.co.uk Yeo Valley – www.yeovalley.co.uk

Modern Farming ≈ 49

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

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A

ll these are available to view through a network of satisfied customers, not ‘show sites’ on residential parks.

Timber Leisure Buildings have a range of constructions and happy customers across the South West, including a tennis headquarters in Hayle and mobile home in Crackington Haven, plus two further buildings in Devon, three in Somerset and four in Dorset.

The range of mobile homes are accepted by planning authorities as truly mobile and, if required, they construct their homes on a galvanised single or twin wheeled chassis.

This ensures compliance with all planning authority requirements. The mobile homes are fully insulated in the walls, floor and roof to exceed all requirements for this type of home.

The outer walls are not cladding but 75mm interlocking log. An additional 100mm cavity is filled with insulation and a matching 25mm inner wall completes the 200mm thick outer wall. The outer roof is a tile effect roof sheet, constructed from galvanised steel with a plasticized finish.

These are manufactured locally and sit on 100mm of insulation, a 12mm timber roof sheet and a 22mm tongue and grooved timber vaulted ceiling.

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Contact: Timber Leisure Buildings, Blake House, Blake Street, York Y01 8QH info@mobiletimberhomes.com www.timberleisure.com T: 08450 216873 M: 07733 390801

50 ≈ Modern Farming

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ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Spring into 2017 for the Basic Payment Scheme As the hubbub of the Christmas festivities becomes a distant memory and St Valentine’s day has been and gone, I am starting to notice that everything is looking a little bit greener and the days are stretching out into early evening. My daffodils are poking themselves up above ground, the livestock have an air of excitement about them and with the association of these observations linking strongly to Easter, I am suddenly aware that the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) season is also upon us.

W

e are advised by the RPA that 93 per cent of 2016 claimants were paid by the end of December 2016, although I am aware of many who have not yet received anything for 2016 and unfinished digital remapping is believed to be the culprit. Payment levels were higher than expected at approx. £85/acre on Non-SDA and SDA land giving a welcome bonus to those who have received theirs.

However, I have only this morning received my first letter from the RPA to say that one of my many underpayment appeals for the 2015 BPS scheme year has now been identified and sent for payment.

Other statistics released by the RPA are that over 80 per cent of applications were made online in 2016, and over half of all applications are made by agents.

This year the cross compliance rules have updated again, to include field parcels of 2ha (approx. 5 acres) or less having to comply with watercourse buffer strips which were previously exempt. A review has also been undertaken of the Nitrate Vulnerable Zones and many have received letters advising that their holding is now within a NVZ. This means that amongst other requirements you must keep accurate records of what chemical fertilisers you apply where; how much dung is made, stored and applied to the land, and a map should be prepared showing areas at risk of run off.

We have seen a record number of penalties applied to claimants over the last 12 months. The most commonly occurring seemed to be late TB testing, with very little sympathy from the APHA for any excuses. Absence of medical records, missing passports and missing ear tags were also recurring reasons.

The 2017 application window should open in early March. There are no fixed dates available as yet; however, all applications must be made by 15th May 2017 in order

Lizzie Burton, Director of West Country Rural Ltd has a large number of BPS clients and long experience of the SPS and BPS systems.

to avoid attracting penalties. It is advised that if you have not signed into the RPA online system for a while then your password may have lapsed, so it is worth getting this sorted in plenty of time to avoid a last minute panic!

There are no paper maps anymore; they are all online so do not wait for them to come in the post. As the new online mapping system is not yet fully up and running, it is likely that all amendments will have to be done with a paper form so again, it is advisable to get any changes done in advance although they will not be completed by the time you make this year’s application.

Entitlements are another area to check, if you have disposed of land or bought/rented in a new block then you may need to sell / buy additional entitlements.

These are trading at between £180-£200/Non-SDA entitlement at present (Feb 2017) and here at West Country Rural we have about 300 on the books, so please do get in touch if you are in need of a top-up.

We know that the BPS will continue to year 2020 and therefore there are four years left to make use of these entitlements which so far have paid out between £185-£205/entitlement/year - I have seen no better investment opportunities in recent years.

Contact: Coombe Farm Cottage, Cheriton Bishop, Exeter EX6 6JL lizzie@westcountryrural.co.uk www.westcountryrural.co.uk T: 01647 24831 M: 07738 162673

Modern Farming ≈ 51

Water aware ~ Upstream Thinking is trying to improve water quality of rivers in the area, including the River Dart

Water quality in the South West is being improved thanks to the work of the Upstream Thinking programme. Elizabeth Perry finds out more.

I

t’s shocking to think that one capful of pesticide entering a river can still be detected nearly 20 miles downstream, but that demonstrates just how vital it is that farmers are aware of the dangers of pollution and take steps to protect water courses around them.

ImprovIng qualIty In the South West, the multi-award-winning Upstream Thinking partnership is expanding work to improve water quality in the region's rivers with its five-year programme.

Upstream Thinking (UST) is a partnership of South West Water, the Devon Wildlife Trust, the Cornwall Wildlife Trust, the Westcountry Rivers Trust and the Exmoor National Park Authority. The programme has two main elements: advice and grants for farmers, and the restoration of peatland in partnership with landowners. Grants are targeted at farms with land connected to rivers above water abstraction points.

The aim is to reduce the amount of unwanted substances in river water, which in turn helps to control the cost of chemicals and energy needed to turn raw water into high quality tap water.

52 ≈ Modern Farming

All pics: Devon Wildlife Trust

environMent

~ Steve Payne , Project Manager with the Devon Wildlife Trust

We asked Steve Payne, Project Manager from the Devon Wildlife Trust to explain more about the project.

Q What area does the programme cover? programme covers parts of five river A The catchments in Devon, upstream of where South

West Water abstract drinking water (Rivers Tamar, Dart, Exe, Otter, Yeo); one reservoir catchment on Dartmoor: Fernworthy; one river catchment in Cornwall: Cober; three reservoir catchments in Cornwall: Drift, College, Argal.

Q How many farmers are currently involved? to our involvement with farms is A Key the production of a confidential farm plan,

A flume measuring stream flow

which provides advice on a whole range of subjects relevant to that particular farm. The farm plan will look at potential problems for water quality, and suggest possible remedies and how the farms could apply for funding to address these problems.

Around 250 farms have had such plans produced across the whole UST project, since April 2015.

Not all farms will need or receive a full farm plan.

Sometimes a farm is just seeking simple advice on one aspect of their operations. I would estimate that if 250 farms have had full plans, then around 400 farms will have had some level of help/advice.

you want more farmers to become involved and if Q Do so, what criteria do they need?

A Yes, certainly. The only criteria are that;

® The farm is within one of the UST catchments (visit www.upstreamthinking.org to view map) ® We have enough staff capacity to deal with all requests. This has not been a major issue so far, but could be in the later years of the project. ® UST cannot pay for capital items needed to meet existing regulations (e.g. Cross-compliance, SSAFO regs). ® Funding levels for UST capital grants are usually at a maximum of 50 per cent of cost, so farmers need to be able to match-fund this work.

you have any statistics showing if the programme Q Do is making a difference? to work out the exact impact on water A Trying quality is difficult. There is an ongoing scientific

~ Aerating soil improves grass growth reducing fertiliser rates

monitoring programme trying to evaluate this, but so much is dependent on weather patterns.

For example, we have worked with many maize growers to try to reduce risk of soil erosion during harvesting and post-harvest. The 2015 maize harvest in the south west coincided with appalling weather, and thousands of tons of top-soil washed down the rivers. The 2016 harvest coincided with dry weather and the impact on rivers was vastly less. How we evaluate what is the impact of UST and what is not, is pretty complicated to say the least.

Q How much money is invested in the programme?

by UST towards farm infrastructure A Investments since April 2015 is now around £350,000. In

addition we have helped farms apply for around £2M of Countryside Stewardship funding.

These grants obviously benefit both the farm and the aims of Upstream Thinking, and we have to assume that this level of funding is having a beneficial impact.

Q Can you give examples of farms who have taken part? farm in North Devon was served with an A Aenforcement notice by the Environment Agency

(EA) to reduce slurry pollution of the local river. The farm had one month to comply, yet much of the problem was due to ageing farmyard infrastructure.

The farm contacted Devon Wildlife Trust (DWT) who persuaded the EA to extend the compliance.

This would allow time for DWT to help the farm submit a Mid-Tier Countryside Stewardship (CS) application with a large element of yard infrastructure grants. The CS agreement went live with over £68,000 of infrastructure payments for roofing of yard, new guttering, etc. As works have been completed, the risk of EA prosecution has been prevented, the river quality has improved, and the farm has received major financial investment.

Modern Farming ≈ 53

environMent

| Surveying the River Torridge for freshwater pearl mussels

FrEShwAtEr PEArl muSSElS

~ Water can become polluted in a variety of ways including through pesticides and animal waste

Another farm in East Devon requested a visit. Soil sampling showed that compaction of the ground was leading to poor fertiliser uptake and significant fertiliser run-off into the neighbouring stream. DWT lent the farm a soil aerator for two weeks. The following year, the farm was able to significantly reduce fertiliser rates, due to improved grass growth as a result of the soil aeration. Run-off rates were reduced due to the improved ability of the soil to absorb water.

Freshwater pearl mussels (FPMs) are one of the most endangered species in Europe As filter feeders, FPMs in sufficient numbers improve the water quality in a river – an adult mussel can filter 50 litres of water a day. The mussels can live to 120 years but the Devon population is not thought to have bred successfully for over 50 years due to increased sediment, nitrates and phosphates in the river, and the decline of salmon and brown trout populations, which juvenile mussels use as hosts.

The Devon Wildlife Trust is working with landowners to reduce soil run-off and improve water quality on the Torridge; at the same time we are involved in a national captive breeding programme of FPMs.

For more information visit:

Culm GrASSlAND

Culm grasslands are being restored as part of the UST programme

Culm grassland reduces flood risks thanks to its water storage capacity and filtering properties. It also helps to keep water clean and top soils store twice as much carbon as intensively managed farmland. The DWT is working with farmers and landowners to restore Devon Culm grasslands. n

54 ≈ Modern Farming

Devon Wildlife Trust – www.devonwildlifetrust.org Cornwall Wildlife Trust – www.cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk South West Water – www.southwestwater.co.uk Westcountry Rivers Trust – www.wrt.org.uk Exmoor National Park Authority – www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk Catchment Sensitive Farming – www.gov.uk/guidance/catchmentsensitive-farming-reduce-agricultural-water-pollution Download a guide for farmers and landowners from: https//www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_ data/file/268691/pb13558-cogap-131223.pdf