Autumn2013

AUTUMN 2013 • ISSUE 246

www.thefarmersclub.com

Farmers Club INSIDE Dairy future p4 Retailer scrutiny p6 Forage breeding p8 AGM report p14 IFAJ world congress p17 Glamping in Suffolk p19

INSERTS Staff Christmas Fund Committee ballot form

Scotland Tour Research and innovation to the fore in Scotland p10-13

Farmers Club Over 160 years of service to farming 3 Whitehall Court, London SW1A 2EL Patron – Her Majesty The Queen

FRONT COVER Club’s Scotland Tour provided insights into Morrisons vision of livestock farming and research and development at SRUC.

Contents

Disclaimer: The articles published in The Farmers Club Journal do not necessarily reflect the views of The Farmers Club. No responsibility for the quality of goods or services advertised in the magazine can be accepted by the publisher. Advertisements are included in good faith’. All rights reserved.

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Chairman’s Comments Reflections upon the summer season

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Dair ying’s future Steps need taking to underpin the dairy sector’s future.

But does the industry have the appetite to take them?

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Grocer y ombudsman Does she have teeth? Does she have power? New grocery ombudsman Christine Tacon explains her role to the Club

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Novel forage breeding IBERS in Wales is using cutting-edge plant breeding technology

10 Morrisons demo farm Livestock production strategies on this key retailer’s commercial unit in western Ayrshire provided food for thought

12 Scottish R&D Research at Scotland’s SRUC is varied and very much geared to practical farming issues

14 AGM report Details of the Club’s Annual General Meeting

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15 Christmas card Time to order your Club Christmas cards

16 RHS Wisley visit Wonderful gardens greeted members in July

17 IFAJ congress Promoting Britain’s great farming to agricultural journalists from all around the world is the goal for 2014

18 Under 30s

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Under 30s chairman looks forward to upcoming events

19 Glamping in Suffolk Under 30s author describes novel business venture

20 Club News and Calendar Details of upcoming events

22 Club Information and Contacts

02 • The Farmers Club Autumn Journal 2013

Chairman’s Comments • Stewart Houston

Adjudicator. As you might expect, she received considerable useful "advice" from our Members!

We managed to fit in an additional visit, with the kind help of Charles Notcutt, to see RHS Wisley in its summer glory. The Royal Horticultural Society bases its Campaign for School Gardening there and its efforts go even further than that which we saw at Dumfries House by taking events into the country.

Although August is always quiet at the Club, we rev up again in September with another Celebrity Chef evening, this time with Brian Turner, right in the middle of British Food Fortnight. Brian will be working with our chefs to give us a night to remember.

Chairman’s Comments “It's a pity we haven't developed a more risk-based system over the years.”

BY the time you read this we'll hopefully be well through harvest, with a good bit of drilling done behind the combine. As a pig farmer, it is with great relief that I see the price of cereals falling to a level to bring us back into profit. However, that probably means arable folk will have a more testing year financially. It's a pity we haven't developed a more risk-based system over the years, because I can't help thinking the extreme events we have experienced over recent years are becoming the norm.

For once the weather came good at the right time and those crops not blighted by the prolonged early cold and wet spell actually looked well. I know the weather has really messed up my fishing, with the river moving from flood to being "on its bones" on a regular basis. It seemed to me that it was only fishable while I was away on business! I've been delighted to see so many young trout and grayling thriving despite the conditions, a good indicator of the health of the river, and a sign that the farming community is doing its bit for the environment.

Janet and I were regally entertained when we visited the Royal Norfolk Show, where we met Prince Michael of Kent and Galton Blackiston at the Presidents' Lunch. What a delightful show, blending town and country seamlessly. It's a lot like our local show, The Great Yorkshire, where we entertained Farmers Club members at a Reception on the evening of the first day. It was extremely hot, but not as hot as the CLA Game Fair, where we joined the great and good for, guess what, another Presidents' Lunch.

The repeat visit to Buckingham Palace has proven so popular we have had to book a second day, with everyone looking forward to lunch at the Club before trooping up to the Palace to see the display of the Queen's Coronation robes.

Food and farming Italy October is going to be more hectic for Janet and I, starting with the celebration of harvest at St Martinin-the-Fields on the 8th, rapidly followed by our farming and food visit to Italy. Apologies to those who did not make the cut, we worked hard to increase the capacity from the original 35 we envisaged might come, and at one stage we thought we might be able to accommodate everyone who had applied, but alas it was not to be.

At the end of October, and after some considerable debate, Janet and I will attend a dinner to celebrate the Centenary of our reciprocal Club in Kenya, the Muthaiga. Apart from the expense, Janet just does not do "hot" and creepy crawlies, so it took all my powers of persuasion to get her to agree. Farmers Club members who have been tell us it is a wonderful club.

Next job is to persuade Janet that a safari to the Masai Mara is a good idea! I'll tell you all about it in the next Journal. I'd like to take a special gift from the Farmers Club and would welcome ideas from members.

We've now passed the half way mark of our tenure and continue to enjoy it immensely. Given that this report talks about food from start to finish, I'm delighted to report that despite all the fine fair provided, I've actually lost a pound or two too.

Stewart Houston

Grocery Code Adjudicator I'm sure that by inviting Christine Tacon to speak at a Members Lunch following the Club’s Annual General Meeting in July, we increased attendance at the Club AGM. Christine told us what she could and could not do in her new role as Grocery Code

Grocery Adjudicator Christine Tacon – full report, p6.

www.thefarmersclub.com • 03

Charles Abel • Dairying

Cycle of confidence British dairying has a bright future, but only if it sets about co-operating to grab what could be a very large prize. Charles Abel reports

“Use of available knowledge is often a key difference between producers achieving net margins of 8-10ppl and those reporting a regular 7ppl net loss.”

LIVESTOCK 2013, the dairy industry’s annual event, saw the NFU launch Compete to Grow, its vision and strategy for the future. At its heart lay the idea of a positive reinforcement cycle of confidence, in which farmers, processors and retailers inspire each other with such confidence that investments are made at all levels, so opportunities from burgeoning world demand and import substitution are fully realised.

But such positive reinforcement will only happen if there is trust across the industry. Without that the opportunity for growth will be squandered, competitive advantage lost and overall industry contraction inevitable.

The size of the prize was considerable, said the NFU. Achieving a 100% balance in dairy trade, with greater demand at home, and exports matching imports instead of the current £1.5bn trade deficit, would create extra demand of 4-5bn litres/year by 2020.

Failing to achieve industry growth would mean lost economies of scale and ultimately a less competitive British dairy industry, accelerating the sector’s contraction, warned Rob Harrison, vice-chairman of the NFU dairy board and leader of the Compete to Grow project.

Getting to grips with dairying opportunities was the key theme at Livestock 2013. A positive cycle of confidence could bring a big prize.

04 • The Farmers Club Autumn Journal 2013

“We can expand, we can produce and we can compete, we just need the tools to do so,” added Mansel Raymond, NFU dairy board chairman.

3.5ppl/year investment Producers who had enjoyed the best prices to date and had invested had reaped the benefits, he noted. Others needed to make equivalent investments, the report suggesting 3.5ppl/year was needed to remain competitive.

That figure has substance, being based on Kite Consulting data showing an investment of 2ppl to stand still, 3ppl for sustainable growth or development and 4ppl to improve efficiency and output.

DairyCo MilkBench+ data suggests bringing the efficiency of the bottom quarter of producers up to the average would produce 7% more milk, while raising all farms to match the top 25% of performers would create 35% more milk, hitting the 2020 target of 4bn litres.

But what will encourage producers to make that investment? “Confidence comes from trust, and equitable contracts, and faith in the strategy of milk buyers to pursue the market opportunities that are coming,” said Mr Mansel.

Dairying • Charles Abel

Trust is needed - NFU dairy policy adviser Rob Newbery.

Competitive advantage DairyCo’s David Pullar.

Farm gate growth can only happen in conjunction with increased processing capacity, he acknowledged.

“While much has been said about liquid milk processing, growth will also require more state-ofthe-art processing capacity for other dairy products.”

He hoped the NFU vision and strategy would unite dairy farmers and processors. “Farmers and processors need confidence in each other’s will and ability to invest and produce what the market wants and needs and seize these opportunities.”

Trust needed For farmers to invest they needed to trust the supply chain, the foundation for which was equitable contracts, complying with the Dairy Industry Code of Best Practice for Contractual Relations, fairly rewarding farmers for their investment and quality output, explained NFU dairy policy adviser and report author Rob Newbery.

Cumbrian dairy farmer and chairman of the Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers, Ian Macalpine endorsed that. “All the signals are that the world market should give the industry an opportunity to thrive in the future, and RABDF Council, made up of 13 dairy farmers from throughout the UK, is enthusiastic and optimistic about the future.”

But the structure was not yet right to exploit the opportunities, he noted. Farmers were not getting their fair share of the opportunity, and if they didn’t, growth was not going to happen. “We need to sit down and work out a way forward, agree the milestones and even consider changing the way we do business.”

More farmers needed to urge buyers to sign up to the Voluntary Code, he said, and to hand their notices in where the Code was breached.

RABDF Council is confident – Cumbrian dairy farmer and RABDF chairman Ian Macalpine.

Competitive advantage British producers have a competitive advantage, said DairyCo’s David Pullar, which should give processors the confidence to invest. The expertise and advice was available, not least in technical areas such as extracting more output from forage, herd health, genetics, fertility, diet, and the cow’s environment.

“We could push a lot harder, making the most of the opportunities at farm level to push our own profitability.” Whilst there were many reasons for top producers achieving net margins of 8-10ppl, whereas others report a regular 7ppl net loss, the use of available knowledge was often a key difference, he said.

Milk pools showed the benefits of co-operating to develop trust, commented Mark Robins, chairman of M&S’s producer group. Over the past 11 years the retailer had come to better understand the challenges of producing milk in a demanding farm environment and producers now recognised the very tough economic market retailers work in.

More joint ventures were possible, he suggested.

But buyers buying on price alone would also continue.

NEW BLOOD The Fresh Start Dairy Academy, supported by the Prince’s Countryside Fund and RABDF, has made a flying start in its effort to encourage new entrants to dairy farming. A pilot academy at Reaseheath College gave 16 entrants business training and mentoring, leading to one participant going on to secure a joint venture with his employer, exactly the sort of match-making the Academy was created to foster. Further academies are due at Cannington College in the south-west and Gelli Aur in Carmarthenshire.

www.thefarmersclub.com • 05

Charles Abel • Competition

The adjudicator Legal and fair grocery supply chains were the focus of a special after-lunch talk at The Farmers Club following this year’s AGM. Charles Abel reports

"The Code was a long time coming, but what we now have is something the whole world is watching with fascination, because if it can work in our grocery supply chains, it is very likely to be considered elsewhere."

JUDGE, jury and agony aunt! That was how former Farmers Club chairman Roy Walker referred to Christine Tacon, recently appointed and much heralded adjudicator of the grocery code, who explained her role to a packed audience at the Club.

Working to a title of Tightening up the supply chain, Ms Tacon, who hails from a brewing and farming family in Norfolk, stressed that hers must be one of the few jobs to have been created by an Act of Parliament.

Although the Groceries Supply Code of Practice has been law since February 2010, it needed an adjudicator to uphold it, hence Ms Tacon's role, which took full effect on June 25 this year.

fining them. And those fines could be up to 1% of a retailer’s groceries turnover. "That is a pretty whopping great big fine for retailers with turnovers in excess of £1bn," she noted. For Tesco, the largest retailer with over £48bn of UK grocery sales, that could mean a fine of almost £500m.

So, is the carrot and stick approach working? Yes, Ms Tacon insisted. Areas already targeted included the practice of pressuring suppliers to use the retailer’s premium haulage and packaging. Suppliers were already seeing changes in this area, without the need for investigation or arbitration. "A lot of what I'm doing is picking up the phone and having the conversation."

"The Code was a long time coming, more than fifteen years, but what we now have in the UK is something the whole world is watching with fascination, because if it can work in our grocery supply chains, it is very likely to be considered elsewhere around the world."

The Code of Compliance Officers embedded within each retailer were proving to be powerful allies, keen to spot potential breaches of the Code that could put their organisations at risk of breaking the law. "They are taking a real interest in fulfilling the obligations of the Code and tackling some of the endemic issues in the industry."

Whilst many had focused on the teeth an adjudicator might be given, in terms of sanctions to be applied to any non-compliant retailers, Ms Tacon stressed that her first desire was to work co-operatively with retailers, particularly with their newly appointed Code of Compliance Officers, to drive change.

Changing contracts after deals had been struck had long been a problem, but was now starting to recede, with proper notice of any changes, payment on time, and no de-listing without justifiable reasons and time to go back to the compliance officer, she explained.

But she also outlined the sanctions available to her, which range from ordering retailers to change practices, to naming and shaming, to ultimately

If agreement can't be reached with a compliance officer then arbitration could follow, with all costs of the case and the investigation paid by the retailer,

Groceries sourced fairly and legally? New Code aims to improve practice in the last link of the supply chain.

06 • The Farmers Club Autumn Journal 2013

Competition • Charles Abel

Grocery Code Statistics • £146bn groceries market • 93,000 grocery stores • Legal and fair trade aim • Code applies to 10 retailers with £1bn+ UK groceries turnover: Aldi, Asda, Co-op, Iceland, Lidl, M&S, Morrison, Sainsbury, Tesco, Waitrose • Direct supplier focus • £0.8m retailer levy funding • 1% turnover fines possible • Backed by Competition Commission • www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ groceries-code-adjudicator

What’s included • Food and drink (other than for in-store consumption) • Pet food • Cleaning products • Toiletries • Household goods

Grocery adjudicator Christine Tacon – combining co-operation with potentially punishing fines to encourage grocery supply chains to trade more fairly, honestly and efficiently.

if the case is upheld. That, combined with the risk of substantial fines, contrasted with a voluntary code of practice, akin to the UK's Voluntary Code of Use for Pesticides, being looked at across the EU, to cover all levels of the grocery supply chain, in an effort to avoid EU legislation.

Whilst the Office of Fair Trading felt UK agriculture was at significant risk of unfair practice being passed down the supply chain, NFU advisers had been briefed on the Code’s remit, in an effort to contain some of the over-expectation from the sector, she noted.

"What we are not about is price and things that are not in the Code," Ms Tacon stressed. Neither did the Code cover processors, where unfair practices may be an issue. The Code was for retailers and their direct suppliers, although other parts of the supply chain could raise concerns about those relationships, she noted.

Indeed, supplier input is crucial. "I will be completely useless if you and many others in the

NOT included: • Plants • Flowers • Pharmaceuticals

various supply chains don't tell me what is going on.

To get that I need to build trust, and that is starting to happen. People are starting to tell me things. I'm not necessarily going to investigate the first time I hear about an issue. I'm often going to park it and see if I get more comments about it, and only then look at doing something.”

Third party complaints alone would never form the basis for an investigation, she noted, but could prompt a site visit. If evidence was found an official investigation could be ordered, just like an OFT investigation, with seizure of documents and computer records and archived e-mails. She envisaged two to four investigations per year. She was at pains to point out that anonymity would be protected during an investigation.

So, will the Code impact consumer prices? "If retailers are right that none of this [bad practice] is happening, then no,” said Ms Tacon. “It should improve efficiencies, and help prevent people going out of business, which should be a benefit for consumers."

www.thefarmersclub.com • 07

Farm research

Welsh plant science Developing improved forage varieties is a key goal of Aberystwyth’s world-class Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Science in west-Wales

“Recent successes, such as high sugar grasses, more persistent red clovers and drought tolerant white clovers, show that science really is being put into practice to good effect.”

IN an era when food security, climate change and sustainability rank alongside the more traditional demands of greater on-farm production efficiencies as drivers in agricultural development, it is reassuring to know there’s a British organisation with a vision to be one of the world’s top three land-based University departments.

That organisation is the Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS) at Aberystwyth University, a venture with around 350 research, teaching and support staff created when IGER and the relevant University departments came together in 2008.

Sophisticated biological research, at a genetic and molecular level, is increasingly being harnessed to support plant science work in the greenhouses and grass trial plots at Gogerddan, familiar to many as the site of the former Welsh Plant Breeding Institute and most recently IGER. Further investment continues apace, including £35m for a new UK Innovation and Research Campus at Gogerddan, within the IBERS complex, underpinned by a £14.5m contribution from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC).

Significantly, this new facility will be known as the Aberystwyth Innovation and Diffusion Campus, underlining the fact that IBERS’ objectives include training and, crucially, dissemination of new and important knowledge into the farming community.

“Research and breeding on a range of plant species is on-going at IBERS, for forage, protein feed, human food or bio-fuels,” reports Dr Athole

Drought tolerant and more persistent clovers are IBERS innovations.

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Marshall, head of Public Good Plant Breeding.

“This work is continually producing new varieties that are helping to address a whole host of modern challenges, and is increasingly underpinned by the broad-based scientific research being conducted throughout the organisation. The application of new technologies, such as gene mapping and gene sequencing – and in the near future automated phenotypic analysis – will help to increase accuracy and ultimately accelerate progress.” (See Green Machine panel)

Better grasses One IBERS success story that is already benefitting UK farmers is the development of perennial and hybrid ryegrasses with higher water soluble carbohydrate contents. Introduced commercially over the last decade as Aber High Sugar Grasses, these varieties are now marketed globally by Germinal Holdings (British Seed Houses in GB) and stand out on the official Recommended Lists for their yield and quality characteristics. They have proven ability to improve milk and meat production efficiency and there is also research to support a reduction in methane emissions from livestock grazing high sugar ryegrasses, so their role in the long term sustainability of livestock farming is significant and enduring.

“The development of high sugar ryegrasses began with the realisation that herbage quality, and not simply yield and conventional agronomic traits, is an area where significant advances can be made,” adds Dr Marshall. “At IBERS we are continuing on this path, now looking at other nutritional components that will impact not only on animal performance but on wider areas such as the environment and even human health.

Farm research

“Whilst areas such as fibre content and protein-toenergy balance are included in the on-going ryegrass breeding programme, a potentially very important development is a new LINK project focused on the lipid composition of ryegrass.

Greenhouse gases “This work is focused on the sustainability of UK livestock production, including the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from ruminants through modified fatty acid composition of ryegrass. It will build on knowledge gained in earlier BBSRC, EU, Defra and levy board-funded research on the interaction between lipid composition and rumen function, potentially providing a climate change mitigation strategy.

Forage futures • Feed, protein, human food and bio-fuel • Gene mapping and sequencing • Automated phenotype analysis • High sugar varieties boost milk and meat production • Lower greenhouse gas emissions • More persistent red clover • Drought tolerant white clover

“This research is an interdisciplinary project for IBERS, combining expertise in plant genomics, genetics and breeding, plant chemistry and ruminant nutrition. We are striving for results that have the potential to impact economically for farmers first and foremost, but also contribute to the sustainability of agriculture by reducing environmental impact.”

Sustainability is a common theme through much of IBERS’ current research, with the recently completed LINK plant breeding programme including tranches of activity on resource use efficiency, including water, nitrogen and the diminishing resource of phosphates.

“It is important as we develop agricultural systems for the future that we not only achieve greater production output, but that we do this more efficiently and with issues such as climate change to the fore,” says Dr Marshall.

“Our role at IBERS is to understand the challenges, conduct the science, and then develop solutions in the form of new plant varieties. Our recent successes, such as the high sugar grasses and now newer developments such as more persistent red clovers and drought tolerant white clovers, show that science really is being put into practice to good effect.”

Automated measurement of plant crosses is fast-tracking the creation of improved varieties at IBERS’ National Plant Phenomics Centre. (Photo: Aberystwyth University)

Sophisticated plant science is contributing to enhanced forage varieties, explains IBERS’ Dr Athole Marshall.

High sugar grass improves milk and meat output.

GREEN MACHINE IBERS’ game-changing National Plant Phenomics Centre uses smart science to slash plant breeding legwork. Instead of researchers laboriously assessing plants emerging from breeding programmes two fully-automated glasshouses grow plants in individual pots, with watering and nutrition adjusted according to their RFID chipped identity, and moves them along a conveyor to assessment chambers where weight is measured and high-resolution cameras create 3D images to allow automated monitoring of plant size, leaf number and growth rate. Further imaging uses infra-red to assess water stress, fluorescence to detect general stress and near-infrared to determine water content and root structure – all automatically – day in, day out to fast-track better varieties for farmers.

www.thefarmersclub.com • 09

Club Tour

Ayrshire beef focus Dumfries House is a gem of an estate in West Ayrshire. Farmers Club members were treated to a private tour this summer FOUR Farmers Club members were apprehended for exceeding the 20mph local speed limit on the way to Dumfries House in Ayrshire. It was an interesting counterpoint to the phenomenal speed of development on Prince Charles’ Dumfries House Estate, which includes a range of educational and vocational initiatives, plus a joint venture farming operation with multiple retailer Morrisons.

Traditional beef is a market worth pursuing – Morrisons’ Andrew Loftus.

The house itself, a fine Palladian style country property, was bought for the nation, together with its valuable contents, including irreplaceable items of Chippendale furniture, and a 400ha estate, with support from Prince Charles, in the nick of time before it was dispersed.

Five years later the estate is a throbbing powerhouse of innovation and diversification (see panel) funded by a variety of international sources. The farm is playing its part too, as a development centre for lower input beef and sheep farming, and underpinning Morrisons value-added traditional beef offering.

“We see ourselves as the farmers’ supermarket, with our own abattoirs and meat processing factories, which mean there is a direct relationship between farmers and the retailer,” says Andrew Loftus, agriculture manager for Morrisons.

Across the UK the retailer processes 5000 cattle, 15,000 lambs and 32,000 pigs a week, explains livestock operations manager Caroline Thompson.

Everything goes through the company’s Woodhead Brothers facilities at Turriff near Aberdeen, Colne

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in Lancashire and Spalding in Lincolnshire, with all haulage in-house too.

Providing a good message about provenance is key to boosting meat sales, hence the Dumfries House farm. The aim is for all 1500 butchers working at Morrisons 500 stores to experience the farm, giving them a deeper understanding of the products they are selling. Time spent in the Estate’s Belling Cookery School adds to the expertise they can offer consumers in-store.

The farm aims to champion better farming practices, especially lower input beef. Until recently Woodhead buyers would have ignored the predominantly pasture-fed, lower input, more traditional breeds in favour of high performing Continental breeds. But tastes change and with consumers now seeking the better eating quality and production standards of traditional breeds there is a real drive to find ways of producing such animals more profitably.

The Rothesay herd of Beef Shorthorns provides the base for the work, chosen for its ability to produce milky, long-living, robust suckler cows able to make the most of the grass that grows so well in the area, where average rainfall is 70in, and 80in last year.

A scientific approach is being pursued, with electronic tags to aid full data recording, including liveweight gain from grass, and EBV work at the Beef Improvement Group to select the best performing bulls, showing the merit of EBVs in general.

Club Tour

Morrisons demo farm aims to champion best practice.

A further project with SRUC is looking to use mobile-phone technology and motion sensors to monitor cow health remotely. Whilst the technology is currently prohibitively expensive for wider use, costs are set to fall with time, notes Mr Loftus.

In the company’s stores conventional British beef is stocked in the aisles and traditional breeds on the butchery counters, to provide a point of difference, originality and extra integrity, with producers paid a premium of 20p/kg for Shorthorn beef and 10p/kg for any other traditional breed. So far 10% of Morrisons beef sales are from traditional breeds, of which Shorthorns make up half.

A pedigree herd of Whitebred Shorthorns is also kept, part-owned by the Prince of Wales and supported by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust. There are fewer pure females of the breed than there are Giant Pandas.

But why keep them? Not as a tourist attraction, insists Mr Loftus, but because they help demonstrate the virtues of a very, very low maintenance hill cow that will thrive on very low inputs.

Beef Shorthorns (left) and Whitebred Shorthorns (right) are geared to traditional markets.

The farm also puts 750 Scotch mules to Suffolk rams, achieving an impressive lambing rate of 186% scanned and 182% born, despite the harsh winter, which caused big problems on many neighbouring farms, notes farm manager Andrew Robinson. In 2012 the farm hosted ScotSheep, which attracted its best ever audience of over 8000.

Although Prince Charles takes a keen interest, the location and choice of suckler beef as a primary enterprise, means organic rules are not followed.

Organic now accounts for less than 1% of sales at Morrisons. Nonetheless, pesticides are minimised and livestock medications managed carefully, including proper testing and rotation of flukicides, to minimise resistance.

The farm is fully commercial, but not yet in profit, admits Mr Loftus. “We invested £1.4m to get it started, which included buying SFP entitlement.”

The five year plan is to be in profit without subsidy.

If the trend to more traditional beef continues that could be very achievable.

DUMFRIES HOUSE A diverse range of educational initiatives is geared to raising awareness of food, farming and horticulture amongst a targeted 5,000 school children this year, and a further 14,000 visitors participating in vocational training in everything from catering to traditional craft skills and engineering to art. Individual facilities include a deeply interactive kitchen garden, spanning 5.5 acres, Scotland’s third largest, where school children get to study, plant, collect and cook food plants, all linked to Morrisons “Let’s Grow” schools initiative. The Belling Cookery School is used to train aspiring caterers, with an 85% success rate in finding employment after a five week intensive training course. The house itself is a microcosm of 1750s culture, and provides a sumptuous setting for fine dining, as Club members savoured in the Great Steward’s Room.

Education facility aims to address 14,000 visitors a year. www.thefarmersclub.com • 11

Charles Abel • Farm research

SRUC pushes productivity Scotland’s SRUC is undertaking a wide range of novel research. Charles Abel reports from The Club’s summer visit

WHEN the SAC merged with Barony, Oatridge and Elmwood Colleges to create the SRUC last year a new force in research, education and training emerged for Scotland’s food, farming and rural sectors.

More than twice the size of Harper Adams University College it offers the added bonus of consultancy services, to help get its latest developments adopted.

Here are some of the projects the Farmers Club Tour heard about earlier this summer.

Thermal imaging reveals livestock complaints – Prof Malcolm Mitchell.

Thermal imaging Using simple infra-red cameras to detect a range of animal ailments could soon be commonplace, judging by results from Prof Malcolm Mitchell’s research.

Using a simple infra-red (IR) camera he has been able to identify sub-clinical health issues in a range of farm livestock, as well as using the camera to spot insulation and damp issues in buildings, and electrical and mechanical faults in equipment long before systems fail.

Key to the approach is a Germanium-lensed IR camera, which can assess surface temperatures quickly and easily, without any animal contact. The studies used a sophisticated £30-40,000 camera, but a simple £1300 version could suffice on-farm, he suggested.

12 • The Farmers Club Autumn Journal 2013

“Infra-red imaging can certainly help detect mastitis, heat and cold stress, lameness, inflammation, muscle and tendon injuries, abscesses, nerve damage and blood circulation issues in cattle, sheep, pigs and poultry. But we have used it to help identify sub-acute rumen acidosis in beef cattle and to refine procedures like tooth grinding in piglets, where high peak temperatures need avoiding to prevent nerve damage.”

SRUC’s acidiosis project is exploiting the fact that the rumen sack is closer to the surface on the left side of animals than the right. Measuring the difference in surface temperature between sides is giving a good early indication of acidiosis.

Farm research • Charles Abel

Piglet stress Stress experienced by sows during pregnancy can not only hit the performance of the resulting piglets, but can impair their performance as mothers too, SRUC research shows.

“Pigs are sociable animals, but aggression can soon emerge during pregnancy, such as when gilts or sows join new groups, raising blood cortisol levels, which can persist long after the initial period of aggression, explained Dr Kenny Rutherford.

Piglet birth-weight and early behaviour does not seem to be affected, nor growth up to weaning. But piglets from stressed mothers seem to react very badly to weaning, he noted.

Live-weights three weeks later can be 2.5kg lower and animals are noticeably more reactive to stressful conditions themselves. Social behaviour, immune system and reproductive development all suffer too. Litters from such animals can be vulnerable to frequent posture changing and direct attack.

“We’re not yet clear how pig farmers can respond to this, maybe by avoiding mixing gilts and sows during pregnancy, but there would also seem to be scope to look at genetics to find lines better able to cope with aggression,” Dr Rutherford noted. Similar studies are underway in sheep, goats, beef and dairy cattle, and even fish and poultry.

Pig safe farrowing Farrowing pens that protect piglets but allow sows to show their natural behaviour are a reality thanks to pioneering work at SRUC, with UK producers now starting to adopt the new system, particularly where niche products can secure a premium with RSPCA Freedom Foods accreditation.

The three year PigSAFE (Piglet and Sow Alternative Farrowing Environment) project showed how modified pens can create an environment which allows pregnant sows to socialise with neighbours initially, then “nest” in deep straw in a specific area, alongside a heated creep area for piglets. The pens have specially designed sloping side panels so progeny are protected when sows lie down.

Correct dimensions are critical, notes Dr Emma Baxter. “It’s a case of every millimetre counts. Get it wrong, so the creep area isn’t properly aligned and it all goes wrong.” Defra is supporting capital grants for installation as well as advice on tailoring dimensions to sow size in specific herds.

Although the pens are larger than current farrowing crates, adding to cost, materials should cost less as their use spreads. Not only is mortality reduced, but average piglet size and health at weaning is also better, thanks to less stressed sows letting down milk for longer.

Improved farrowing pens aid piglet welfare – Dr Emma Baxter.

Methane emissions Measuring emissions from cows housed in six novel methane-collection cubicles is helping SRUC scientists identify which diets, additives and more importantly genetic traits can be used to help cut greenhouse gas emissions.

The £1m GreenCow is assessing beef cattle, since they have a worse carbon footprint than dairy animals, so offer most scope for change, said Prof Rainer Rohe.

In one trial Aberdeen Angus crosses seemed to produce more methane than Limousin crosses. But when dry matter intake was taken into account there was no significant difference per unit of feed. By contrast a test of progeny groups showed a 50% variation in emissions per unit of feed, depending on the sire used, even within the same breed.

“That’s a lot more than the difference we’ve seen between diets, which is quite amazing, and shows we could have a big impact by selecting for this trait, either through progeny testing, or using genomics,” Prof Rohe commented.

GreenCow chambers (left) assess methane emissions – Prof Rainer Rohe.

www.thefarmersclub.com • 13

Charles Abel • AGM

Minutes, Club Accounts and Annual Report

Report on the 2013 Annual General Meeting The 171st Annual General Meeting chaired by Stewart Houston was held at The Farmers Club on Friday, 12th July 2013. The following is a summary of the Minutes, full copies of which can be obtained by email from the Secretary 2014 Chairman Jimmy McLean and wife Jane

THE Minutes of the 170th Annual General Meeting of the Club were approved and the Report and Audited Accounts of the Club for the year ended 31st December 2012 were adopted unanimously.

Election of the Club Chairman and the Vice-Chairman Jimmy McLean and Anne Chamberlain were proposed and agreed upon as Chairman and ViceChairman for 2014.

Proposing the election of Jimmy McLean as Chairman of the Club, Barclay Forrest, Chairman of the Trustees, said he had known Mr McLean for over 30 years and had always gained from his advice and knowledge. Jimmy was a Farm Business Adviser first, and went on to become Head of Agriculture for RBS, where he built a reputation second to none for his ability, integrity and, above all, his genuine honesty.

He has been a member of many influential committees, including the Scottish Clearing Bankers and the British Bankers Association, the NFU’s Remuneration Committee and the Royal Highland Education Committee. He was a member of Forward Strategy for Scottish Agriculture, and went on to make it work. He participated in The Ross Report on sharing the costs and responsibilities for the control of exotic animal diseases.

Jimmy joined The Farmers Club in 1996. He was co-opted on to the Committee seven years ago and made a wonderful job of chairing the Membership Committee, and has been a great supporter of Stewart Houston over the past 12 months.

Jimmy is married to Jane and they have a family of four, who are all grown up. He is a very active Church member, an elder of the Church of Scotland and a dedicated Christian. He is a very social golfer, a serious DIY enthusiast and an HGV Class 1 licence holder for fun!

Richard Butler seconded the proposal noting how unusual it was to meet a banker with such a great sense of humour! The proposal was approved unanimously.

Replying, Jimmy McLean, said for a humble Scotsman to be asked to chair The Farmers Club in London was a real honour and one he was looking forward to.

Proposing the election of Anne Chamberlain as Vice Chairman for 2014 Julian Sayers, Trustee, said Anne needed no introduction, since she was a great communicator and already known to a great many members of the Club. Mrs Chamberlain had sat on the Journal and Communications Committee from 2007 to 2012, chairing it for three years, and had always been available to advise the Club on its communications strategy.

Anne began life on a farm in Ayrshire, where her family bred Ayrshire dairy cattle, Leicester and Texel

14 • The Farmers Club Autumn Journal 2013

AGM • Charles Abel

THE FARMERS CLUB CHRISTMAS CARD 2013

sheep and retailed milk. Her brother and sister continue to run the farm today.

A former Business Editor at Farmers Weekly and partner in the Chamberlain Partnership Anne is now a consultant for the international trade organisation responsible for marine feed ingredients and the wider world of aquaculture. She has been a member of LEAF, been very involved with the Worshipful Company of Farmers, and was a founder member of the Cambridge Food and Drink Festival.

Paul Heygate seconded the proposal, which was approved unanimously.

Honorary Treasurer Richard Butler was re-elected as Honorary Treasurer. Proposing his re-election Sue Kilpatrick said Mr Butler had a way of putting things that made both the palatable and the unpalatable acceptable – in itself quite a feat. The excellent results in the Accounts were no accident, but the result of a lot of hard work from many people, staff and some committee members, and a great part of that team is Richard Butler, she said.

Charles Notcutt seconded the proposal, which was agreed unanimously.

Replying, Richard Butler said it was a privilege and a great honour to be part of a team producing financial results that enable investments to be made in the Club’s future.

Auditors The Chairman and Committee recommended that haysmacintyre continue in office, which was agreed.

Any Other Business Peter Jackson noted that due to the new mid-year changeover date the Annual Report received at the AGM was that of the previous Chairman’s year. He suggested that the AGM should congratulate 2012 Chairman, Paul Heygate, upon his wonderful year.

His suggestion was approved.

There being no further business the Chairman concluded the Annual General Meeting.

2014 Vice Chairman Anne Chamberlain

‘Robin in the Copse’ From an original photograph by Andrew Watson, taken whilst coppicing hazel for stakes and binders for hedge-laying. (www.photographfix.co.uk) This year’s Farmers Club Christmas Card features an original photograph, “Robin in the Copse”, taken by Andrew Watson whilst coppicing hazel for hedge-laying stakes and binders. The card, which measures 159 x 159mm (6" x 6"), is printed with the Club crest and the greeting “With Best Wishes for Christmas and the New Year” and can be posted with a standard First or Second class stamp.

Surplus on the sale of the cards will be donated to the R.A.B.I. of England, Wales and N. Ireland and the R.S.A.B.I. of Scotland, both of which are dedicated to helping members of the farming community facing hardship.

The card is available in packs of 10 and may be bought at Reception or ordered from the Secretariat using the order form below. The price per pack is £7.50 including VAT and postage (UK only) for up to 5 packs (50 cards). A supplement will be charged on orders of 6 packs or more to cover the cost of additional postage. Please place your order promptly to avoid any disappointment.

Members are requested, if possible, to collect their cards in person as it enables the Club to make a larger donation to the chosen charities.

Christmas Card Order Form To: The Secretary, The Farmers Club, 3 Whitehall Court, London SW1A 2EL. I would like to order ………… packs of Christmas Cards (£7.50 per pack of 10). I will collect the cards from Reception on ………………………… (approximate date if known)/please deliver to the address below* (*delete as necessary) Payment can either be made by cheque payable to The Farmers Club or by Visa, Mastercard or Maestro card. I enclose a cheque for £ ………………. (Add £2.00 postage for orders of 50 + cards).

PLEASE COMPLETE IN BLOCK CAPITALS with FIRST NAME Member Card Holder’s Name Card No Start Date

Expiry Date

Security No

Amount £ Signature Address

Post Code Telephone Email

www.thefarmersclub.com • 15

Club Visit

Farming Figures A quick look at a topical issue within the food and farming industry by way of some key statistics

August 14th Date UK would run out of food if all food produced in a year was stored and eaten from January 1st

62% Self-sufficiency in all food types, down from a high of 78% in 1984

-30%

Slump in beef self-sufficiency, down from 114% in 1995 to just 84% in 2012

-£19.4 billion Gap between UK food imports and exports

59% UK self-sufficiency in pigmeat, down from 80% in 1995. Poultrymeat is now 89% and hens eggs 78%

-11%

Slump in self-sufficiency in potatoes and vegetables

1984 Year when UK peaked at 95% self-sufficiency in indigenous food

59% Self-sufficiency in sugar, equal worst performing sector with pigmeat

78%

Proportion of consumers who want supermarkets to stock more British food Source: NFU and DEFRA, as reported in Farmers Weekly, and One Poll

16 • The Farmers Club Autumn Journal 2013

Wonderful Wisley captivates with its richly planted borders and wonderful roses – described in detail by curator Colin Crosbie (centre).

Wonderful Wisley MEMBERS of the Farmers Club visited the Royal Horticultural Society’s flagship gardens at Wisley in Surrey on a splendid summer’s day in early July.

Gifted to the RHS in 1903 Wisley has evolved over time into a worldclass garden, which captures the imagination with its richly planted borders, luscious rose gardens and a state-of-the-art glasshouse.

enjoyed in the Conservatory Dining Room. An afternoon enjoying the gardens culminated with a comfortable coach transfer back to The Club. All in all a very fine day out!

• Robert Buckolt

Hosted by Stewart Houston, chairman of The Club, the day started with a convenient coach transfer from Whitehall Court, arriving at Wisley in time for a general overview of the gardens, with guidance on seasonal highlights from curator Colin Crosbie and director of horticulture Jim Gardiner.

The trial fields at Wisley highlight the finest flowers and vegetables from the numerous new introductions.

Cultivation techniques are also tried and tested, and a series of model gardens aim to meet the needs of a variety of conditions and circumstances.

A delicious lunch of salmon coulibiac with saffron mayonnaise, followed by basil panna cotta, was

Henry Moore’s The Arch is one of the largest and most dramatic examples of his sculptures in the open air.

Standing 6m tall at Wisley it was inspired, like so many of Moore’s works, by a fragment of bone.

Farming industry

World congress Farmers Club members are deeply involved in the 2014 International Federation of Agricultural Journalists congress, as Jane Craigie, Club member and chairman of the British Guild of Agricultural Journalists, explains THE Farmers Club has a long and strong relationship with the British Guild of Agricultural Journalists (BGAJ) dating back to the days when the late Don Gomery edited the Farmers Club Journal and was the Guild’s Secretary, a position he held for 25 years. The BGAJ also hosts its quarterly meetings at the Farmers Club and many BGAJ members are also prominent members of the Club – Rosie Carne, Stephen Howe, Charles Abel, Howard Venters, Adrian Bell and Denis and Anne Chamberlain to name but a few.

In September 2014 over 200 journalists and communicators from 32 countries will visit Britain for a showcase of the best of British farming and food as the BGAJ hosts the 2014 International Federation of Agricultural Journalists (IFAJ) Congress.

Entitled Innovations from a Small Island it includes a Pre-Congress tour in south east England, the main congress in north east Scotland and a Post-Congress Tour in the Midlands and Wales. But whilst the main congress is being held in Aberdeenshire, Angus and Moray, it will very much be a demonstration of the diversity, innovation and quality in British food and farming. Planned visits capitalise on the heritage, beauty and luxury brands associated with Scotland, with a strong focus on Scotch Beef, Scotch Whisky and the country's other flagship produce.

The Farmers Club is playing its part hosting around 40 delegates who opt for the Pre-Congress Tour.

From the Club as their base, the itinerary will

encompass visits to The Houses of Parliament, Leckford Estate, The Millennium Seed Bank, a dinner with the Worshipful Company of Farmers, visits to London's famous wholesale markets and a city farm.

There will also be a river boat ride from Masthouse Pier, disembarking at Richmond to meet Farmers Weekly's team at Sutton.

Hosts for the main congress include Glenlivet Estate, Ballindalloch Castle (home to the oldest herd of Aberdeen Angus), Seafield Estate (one of Scotland's biggest malting barley growers), soft fruit grower Ross Mitchell (the UK’s most northerly cherry producer) and Mackies to hear about the innovation behind the family's low-carbon ice-cream and crisps.

Expert speakers will join every visit to demonstrate the extensive R&D, science and technology employed into and by our industry.

“We have more than our fair share of progressive and innovative farmers.”

The optional Post-Congress tour is based in the West Midlands, celebrating the best of the region's food, farming and culture, with visits planned to the Ludlow Food Centre (sourcing produce from Marches and Powys), The Pumlumon Project (a new concept in upland support mechanisms) and the Royal Shakespeare Theatre for some British culture.

All in all a fantastic showcase for British farming and one in which the Guild and IFAJ is pleased to have the support of The Farmers Club and its members.

Best of British – Scotch whisky.

Global reputation – Scotch beef.

IFAJ 2014 Innovations from a Small Island September 2014 Hosts: BGAJ, representing over 500 editors, journalists, broadcasters, photographers and PR/marketing specialists working in British agriculture, commercial horticulture and other rural industries.

IFAJ: 3000 members in 29 countries Principal sponsors: Massey Ferguson, Perkins, Waitrose Partners: Scottish Enterprise and SRUC Web: www.ifaj2014.com Twitter: @IFAJ2014 Facebook: IFAJ2014 Contact: jane@janecraigie.com

www.thefarmersclub.com • 17

Jeremy Dyas, Chairman; Beth Hockham, Vice Chairman; Lisbeth Rune, Secretary • U30s

U30s Chairman’s Jottings Harvest 2013 is in full flow as I write this piece in August, albeit as usual between torrential cloud bursts! Here in Shropshire many farmers are busy planting winter oilseed rape, whilst it is too wet to combine winter wheat.

I can hardly believe I have been Chairman of the Under 30s for six months already! I am really enjoying it and am very pleased with how well things are going; attendance of recent under 30s events has been at an all-time high, reflecting just what fun our events are. Our Pimms and Supper Evening on Thursday 27th June was no exception, with over 30 guests in attendance at The Club in London.

Under 30s members were pleased to welcome to the Dinner our new Under 30s Club and Events Manager, Lisbeth Rune. It was an ideal opportunity to introduce her to our thriving Under 30s membership.

On Friday 6th September we are scheduled to have our September Dining Evening at the Club, where Mr Andrew Brown will be our guest speaker.

Andrew is a Board Member of the HGCA, as well as a director of The Oxford Farming Conference and the Farming in The Park initiative. I have no doubt he will have lots of points to discuss and hopefully spark the usual and lively after dinner debates!

As I write I am organising the Under 30s Autumn Farm Walk. This year it will be held in Shropshire, on the weekend of Friday 11th – 13th October. We will be staying in the county town of Shrewsbury and will visit J R O Griffiths & Sons, who specialise in potatoes, growing approximately 1400 acres annually, and Oakland Eggs run by Aled and Olwen Griffiths, before some go-karting on Sunday.

I do hope you can attend the up and coming events and I look forward to seeing you there!

Contact Jeremy for more information Jeremy Dyas U30 Chairman 07877 615444 jezzajones@hotmail.co.uk www.thefarmersclubu30s.com

18 • The Farmers Club Autumn Journal 2013

Balmy balcony Pimms The balcony at the Club provided a stunning setting for our annual Pimms on the Balcony event, on a balmy, if a little drizzly, mid-summer’s evening.

This was followed by a superb three course dinner in the Eastwood Room comprising a starter of asparagus with hollandaise sauce followed by salmon served with seasonal vegetables and finishing with strawberries and cream to coincide with Wimbledon!

Conversation at the table was wide ranging from the latest Wimbledon score to harvest, and everything in between. The turnout for a mid-week event, arranged to encourage those members who work in London to attend, was excellent with over 30 members and their guests. It was fantastic to see so many new faces.

The evening continued with drinks at the Club bar with many U30s later heading to our usual haunt ‘Opal’ just down the road at Embankment. Many

members also took advantage of staying overnight at the Club.

We also have an U30s networking event in the pipeline with the Royal Agricultural University to be held at Cirencester later this year – watch this space!

Authors invited If any U30s members would be interested in writing an article for the Journal do please get in touch.

Submissions are always very welcome – addressing any topical issue, business venture or farming insight. See our Glamping profile opposite, for a typical example.

• Beth Hockham Vice Chairman U30s bh@fowlerfortescue.co.uk

U30s • Jeremy Dyas, Chairman; Beth Hockham, Vice Chairman; Lisbeth Rune, Secretary

Glamping – camping with luxury and comfort.

Traditional yurt in peaceful woodlands.

Suffolk Glamping New Under 30s member Emily McVeigh established a wedding venue and Glamping business in Suffolk two years ago.

My story begins when I took a year out skiing in the Alps and travelling after leaving school. The plan was to return to the University of York to study History of Art. But choosing the right career path is never easy, and after a lot of soul-searching I decided university life wasn’t for me. All I knew was that I wanted to use my creativity, gain hands-on experience and ultimately be my own boss!

Emily McVeigh – Suffolk wedding venue and glamping entrepreneur.

Kenton Hall – ideal for wedding receptions.

“I admit I wasn’t prepared for bridezillas, late grooms and collapsing wedding cakes.”

I knew I enjoyed working in the hospitality industry, having worked in a delicatessen, a tearoom, for various catering companies and in a private household. So, when the opportunity arose to start my own business at Kenton Hall Estate – the family farm – I jumped at it!

Interior furnishing to very high standard.

The idea of glamping came next. Research highlighted the need for accommodation, and I wanted to offer something unique. Glamping was the answer. But what is it? Glamorous + Camping = Glamping: a style of camping with accommodation and facilities more luxurious than those traditionally associated with camping.

Our glamping site is set in tranquil woodland, with The Shepherd’s Hut and The Yurt designed and furnished to an extremely high standard. Think king size beds, 100% cotton sheets, log burning stoves and private bathrooms. The site has a central hub with a fully equipped kitchen and seating area, next to a fire-pit. The accommodation is available for selfcatering holidays, weekends and hen parties.

I am now working on new projects with my father and sister. We have a herd of English Longhorn Cattle and are developing a redundant cow byre into a butchery, catering kitchen and cookery school.

Although work is busy I still find time for a social life, especially organising parties and events as social secretary for my local Young Farmers Club. Last year I hosted the Suffolk Young Farmers county ball.

Thankfully all 250 guests behaved well!

Creating a wedding venue in rural Suffolk with limited experience and knowledge of the wedding industry may seem a little crazy. However, I have fortunately formed a network of like-minded people in the local wedding industry collaborating on projects and gaining invaluable business advice.

I am a founding member of Suffolk Coastal WI, a ‘New Wave WI’, with a slightly younger membership but still embracing core WI values. We have a great time, enjoying cocktail tasting evenings, knitting, debating and even burlesque dancing!

Many venues are seen as wedding factories, hosting up to three weddings a weekend, leaving couples with limited time and a less than romantic experience. I decided to host just eight weddings per year and only one wedding per weekend, with a completely relaxed and personal service. So far it has worked, with six weddings in my first season.

I am excited about the future as an under 30s member, having visited The Club for many years with my parents. Starting a business in rural Suffolk has presented many challenges. But I have enjoyed every minute. I admit I wasn’t prepared for bridezillas, late grooms and collapsing wedding cakes. But they’re all part of my normal working day now!

The venue is a traditionally styled marquee with panoramic window walls in the beautiful moated gardens of Kenton Hall. Weddings are hosted from May to September and although you cannot have a civil ceremony on site, blessings can be held in the gardens or woodland.

• Emily McVeigh Under 30s member www.kentonhallestate.co.uk Twitter: @HallKenton Facebook: Kenton Hall Estate Weddings and Glamping

www.thefarmersclub.com • 19

Stephen Skinner • Club News

Club News

Orkney 2014

Changes at Whitehall Court Those of you who have informed us of your email addresses will know that the Club is undergoing a period of significant change – at least in respect of staff and structure. These changes are unsettling for all, not least for Robert Buckolt, my deputy, who has moved on to pastures new.

Catering in the Club is one of those issues that gives rise to frequent comment, and unfortunately, not often enough, in my experience, complimentary. From a purely business perspective, it has lost money for years, which is not good.

This would not be an issue if we were providing members with what they wanted. But while I accept breakfast is still very good and hugely popular, we fall short at dinner time and woefully short at lunch time. What tells me this is not only the level and

regularity of complaints, but also the empty seats, particularly at lunch time.

Given our prime position in London and access to wonderful produce, we should be considerably more vibrant than we are.

We have tried many different solutions, but none seem to have helped us turn the corner. We are therefore looking to employ a manager who has the qualities, experience and training needed to help us move to where we need to be.

This change has required a change to our staff structure which it is believed is better suited to what the Club is trying to provide today and tomorrow.

I am very happy to answer any questions you may have on this, so do call, email or grab me while you are in the Club.

I am delighted to announce that our 2014 Club Chairman, Mr Jimmy McLean, will be taking a party of 50 members to the Orkney Islands next summer, with a visit programmed for June 10 -12.

The tour will involve visits to dairy and beef farms, the auction mart, a brewery with dinner, the Italian Chapel (very special), and Churchill Barriers, the Ring of Brodgar, Skara Brae, wonderful Orkney restaurants, and a visit to a renewable energy site (wave and tide principally), that is in many respects a world leader. There will also be time to visit the ‘Light in the North’, St Magnus Cathedral in Kirkwall, quite unmissable.

As was the case for the Club Tour to the Shetlands, members will be offered the chance to fly from a selection of airports or take the ferry. Of course, it will be the member’s responsibility to get to the airport and ferry port under their own steam.

We are still collecting costs for this but once done it will be advertised through the Journal (Winter 2013 Edition) and on-line. Only then will we start taking names. I suspect there will be enormous interest in this visit, in which case a ballot of applicants will be held.

Committee Elections You will find enclosed with this Journal a ballot form for the forthcoming election of five new committee members for next year.

A vote is necessary as we have six candidates. The Committee is vital

to the continued development of your Club and I encourage you to cast your vote!

Please return the form to me by close of play Friday 1st November 2013.

Magnificent Orkney is the destination for the 2014 Club Tour.

(Photo: VistScotland / Scottish Viewpoint)

Golf champions The 2014 Farmers Club Golf Championships were held at Blackwell Golf Club, near Bromsgrove in Worcestershire on Thursday 4th July, where a competitive day was enjoyed by all. Winner of the MacHayward Auchterlonie Putter award was Richard MacDonald (above left),

20 • The Farmers Club Autumn Journal 2013

while Fiona Wylie (centre) won the Eric Wilson Trophy for Ladies and Peter Summers (right) the John Roberts Trophy for Seniors.

All three received engraved glasses to commemorate their success.

John Fordham was the winning guest player.

Club News • Stephen Skinner

RABI

Club Calendar Diary Dates Please check the dates carefully as they are sometimes changed and new dates added for each issue. The majority of club events can be booked up to two months in advance via the Club website, visit www.thefarmersclub.com

OCTOBER Harvest Festival Service at St. Martin-inthe-Fields Tuesday 8th at 5pm Preacher: The Rt. Revd Peter Price, former Bishop of Bath and Wells.

Buffet Supper at the Club – FULL

Visit to Parma, Italy – FULL Monday 14th to Friday 18th Harvest Festival

NOVEMBER Club Lunch with The Duke of Westminster Tuesday 19th Applications can be made in due course online at www.thefarmersclub.com

DECEMBER King’s College Choir, Royal Albert Hall Counties RABI received most new referrals from, Jan-Jun 2013.

Tuesday 17th Application form on page 22 New Years Eve

New Years Eve Supper – FULL Tuesday 31st

Demand for support from farming charities is on the up after last autumn and winter’s dreadful weather. The Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution received over 650 new referrals and made grants worth over £1.16m in the six months to June (see map).

Alongside the numerous fund-raising events around the country the charity has organised a fund-raising race day at Chepstow Racecourse on Wednesday 6 November. Tickets, which include welcome drinks, a three-course formal lunch, tea and a donation to RABI, can be booked with the racecourse directly (01291 622260) – ask for the RABI hospitality package.

Club Closure From 5.00pm on Friday 20 December to 3.00pm on Thursday 2 January 2014. Members may book a bedroom to stay when the Club is closed on the understanding that it is on a room only basis as no other facilities are available.

“The race day at Chepstow is a great opportunity for people to enjoy an excellent day’s racing and at the same time help people in real need,” says RABI chief executive Paul Burrows.

If you know a farming family who needs help call RABI’s confidential helpline 0300 303 7373. www.thefarmersclub.com • 21

The Farmers Club • Club Information

Club Information 020 7930 3751 • www.thefarmersclub.com Office Holders Patron – Her Majesty The Queen HONORARY VICE PRESIDENTS Peter Jackson CBE, Sir David Naish DL VICE PRESIDENTS Mark Hudson, Roddy Loder-Symonds, John Parker, Norman Shaw CBE THE COMMITTEE OF MANAGEMENT OF THE CLUB 2013

King’s College Choir – Tue 17 December

PRESIDENT AND CHAIRMAN Stewart Houston CBE TRUSTEES Barclay Forrest OBE (Chairman), Mrs Susan Kilpatrick OBE, Mrs Nicki Quayle, Julian Sayers VICE-CHAIRMAN Jimmy McLean HONORARY TREASURER Richard Butler IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIRMAN Paul Heygate CHIEF EXECUTIVE AND SECRETARY Air Commodore Stephen Skinner

The world-renowned Choir of King's College, Cambridge, makes a welcome return to the Royal Albert Hall to perform a concert of seasonal classics and carols for all with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and Philharmonia Chorus conducted by Stephen Cleobury.

A wonderful collection of sublime carols from the angelic voices of the chapel choristers includes: Humperdinck, Hansel And Gretel Overture; Vaughan Williams, Fantasia On Christmas Carols; Handel, The King Shall Rejoice; Mendelssohn, Hear My Prayer; Delius, Sleigh Ride; Rutter, Shepherd’s Pipe Carol…plus Carols For All: God Rest You Merry Gentlemen; O Come All Ye Faithful; Hark The Herald Angels Sing.

OUTLINE PROGRAMME 5.00pm Supper in the Club 6.45pm Depart by coach for the Royal Albert Hall.

7.30pm Concert begins 10.15pm (approx.) Concert ends (Coach returns to the Club.)

CLUB CHAPLAIN The Reverend Sam Wells COMMITTEE Elected 2008: The Reverend Dr Gordon Gatward OBE, David Richardson OBE (Chairman – Journal and Communications Sub-Committee), John Wilson

THIS EVENT IS LIMITED TO 40 PLACES ONLY The cost per person is £90.00, including supper at the Club, ticket for the concert and coach transfers to and from the Royal Albert Hall.

TO BOOK - Apply on line at www.thefarmersclub.com or complete the booking form below.

Places will be allocated on a ‘first come first served’ basis.

Elected 2009: John Stones Elected 2011: Andrew Brown (Chairman – Membership Sub-Committee) Elected 2012: Mrs Ionwen Lewis, Charles Notcutt OBE (Chairman – House Sub-Committee) Elected 2013: Lindsay Hargreaves, Tim Harvey, Nick Helme, George Jessel DL, Peter Jinman OBE, Mrs Jo Turnbull Co-opted: Jeremy Dyas (Chairman Under 30s), Beth Hockham (Vice Chairman Under 30s), Martin Taylor THE FARMERS CLUB CHARITABLE TRUST TRUSTEES John Kerr MBE JP DL (Chairman), James Cross, Vic Croxson DL, Stephen Fletcher, Mrs Stella Muddiman JP, The Chairman and Immediate Past Chairman of the Club (ex officio)

KING’S COLLEGE CHOIR AT ROYAL ALBERT HALL (TUESDAY 17th DECEMBER) Please book online at www.thefarmersclub.com or complete in CAPITALS WITH FIRST NAME and return to Mrs Lisbeth Rune, Events Manager, The Farmers Club, 3 Whitehall Court, LONDON, SW1A 2EL. Tel: 020-7930 3751 Email: events@thefarmersclub.com

Member Guest(s) Name(s) Address Post Code Tel

Email

Dietary Requirements I would like to reserve

place(s) @ £90 pp. (max 2 per member)

Total Cost £

NEXT ISSUE

A credit or debit card number (VISA, MASTERCARD or MAESTRO) or cheque payable to ‘The Farmers Club’ must accompany your application.

Card Holder’s Name

Watch out for your Winter issue of the Farmers Club Journal, due out in mid-Nov, with all the latest Club news, plus reports on the Harvest Festival, Club visit to Italy, super-sized dairy farms in North America and a novel “cloud-based” web system for keeping tabs on farm activities.

Card No. Amount to be Charged £ Start Date

!

Signature

22 • The Farmers Club Autumn Journal 2013

Expiry Date

Security No. (last 3 digits) Date

Club Information • The Farmers Club

Further information is available on The Farmers Club Website www.thefarmersclub.com Obituaries It is with regret that we announce the death of the following members: Mr N Adams Sussex Major A Gurney Norfolk Lady E Higgs Oxfordshire Major J More-Molyneux OBE DL Surrey Queen’s Birthday Honours The Club congratulates the following upon their recognition in HRH The Queen’s Birthday Honours: Marcus O’Lone, Norfolk CVO Professor Christopher M Wathes, Wiltshire OBE Mrs Meryl S Ward, Lincolnshire MBE New Members The following were elected: UK Members Mr R Plant Mr M Jacobsen Cox The Rt Rev T Thornton Mr J Mussen Mr R Kramer Mr S Brice Mr A Couch Mr R Boyd Mr R Lancaster Mrs S Baily Mr S Steel Mr T Fisher Mr M Green Mrs B Easterbrook Mr N Lechmere Mr S Rigden Mrs C Elvy Mrs A Swift The Rt Rev C Cocksworth Overseas Mr F Fabi Mr G Giorgi Under 30s Miss A MacLean Mr D Bird Mr R Howells Mr S Hayles Mr R Gadd Mr M Penfold

Leicestershire Somerset Cornwall Devon Oxfordshire Kent Yorkshire Down Hampshire Devon Gloucestershire Cumberland Herefordshire Nottinghamshire Worcestershire Kent Ayrshire Warwickshire Warwickshire Italy Italy Surrey Suffolk Monmouthshire Isle of Wight Nottinghamshire Surrey

Reciprocal Clubs UK City Livery Club, London (No bedrooms) Royal Overseas League, Edinburgh The New Club, Edinburgh Royal Scots Club, Edinburgh OVERSEAS The Western Australian Club, Perth, Australia (Bedrooms not reciprocated) Queensland Club, Brisbane, Australia The Australian Club, Melbourne, Australia Royal Dublin Society, Dublin, Ireland (Bedrooms not reciprocated)

Dress Code Members are requested to advise their guests of the following: • Gentlemen must wear formal jackets and ties on weekdays. Polo-neck jerseys, jeans and trainers are not acceptable.

• There is a Club jacket and a selection of ties at Reception which may be borrowed in an emergency.

• Ladies should be dressed conventionally.

Trousers are permitted but not casual slacks, jeans or trainers during the week.

• Smart casual dress may be worn from 6pm Friday to midnight Sunday, smart clean jeans and trainers permitted.

• Children should conform with the above guidelines.

• Members must advise their guests of the dress regulations.

Business Suite The Business Suite is situated on the upper ground floor and gives Members the opportunity to use the Club PC or their laptop/tablet pc in a tailor made environment as they are not permitted in the public rooms. Wi fi is also available in all bedrooms and meeting rooms.

The Shaw Room, adjacent to the bar, is also available for informal business meetings for three people maximum. Papers may be shown and ipads and mobile telephones used, but mobile phones must be on silent ring.

Parking The Club has no private parking at Whitehall Court and metered parking in the immediate area is extremely limited. The nearest public car park, open 24 hours a day, is situated in Spring Gardens off Cockspur Street, approximately 5 minutes walk from the Club. Telephone: 0800 243 348. The Congestion Charge can be paid at this car park. For more information on parking, visit www.westminster.gov.uk /services/transportandstreets/parking.

Mobile Phones, Briefcases and Business Meetings Mobile phones must not be used in the Public Rooms. Briefcases should be left in the Cloakrooms and Business meetings must be conducted in a private room. Members should speak with the Meetings Manager for details.

Envelope Sponsorship The Farmers Club greatly appreciates the support received from Agrovista, sponsor of the Journal envelope. Agrovista has a pedigree that has been established for more than 60 years as the leading supplier of agronomy advice, crop protection products and the most comprehensive integrated arable trials programme in the UK. For more information visit - www.agrovista.co.uk

Stephen’s Green Hibernian Club, Dublin, Ireland The Muthaiga Country Club, Nairobi, Kenya The Harare Club, Harare, Zimbabwe The Christchurch Club, Christchurch, New Zealand (Temporarily relocated to The George Hotel) The Canterbury Club, Christchurch, New Zealand

Club Contacts THE FARMERS CLUB Over 160 years of service to farming 3 Whitehall Court, London SW1A 2EL

Chairman 2013: Stewart Houston

Chief Executive and Secretary: Air Commodore Stephen Skinner Bedroom & Dining Room Reservations: 020-7930 3557 Private Function & Meeting Room Reservations: 020-7925 7100 Accounts: 020-7925 7101 Membership: 020-7925 7102 Secretariat: 020-7930 3751 Personal calls for members only: 020-7930 4730 Fax: 020-7839 7864 E-mails: secretariat@thefarmersclub.com accounts@thefarmersclub.com membership@thefarmersclub.com functions@thefarmersclub.com meetings@thefarmersclub.com events@thefarmersclub.com reservations@thefarmersclub.com reception@thefarmersclub.com u30s@thefarmersclub.com Website: www.thefarmersclub.com THE FARMERS CLUB JOURNAL Editor and Advertisement Manager: Charles Abel 07795 420692 E-mail: editor@thefarmersclub.com Designed and produced by: Ingenious, www.ingeniousdesign.co.uk The printing inks are made using vegetable based oils.

No film or film processing chemicals were used.

Printed on Lumi Silk which is ISO 14001 certified manufacturer.

FSC Mixed Credit. Elemental chlorine free (ECF) fibre sourced from well managed forests.

Members wishing to use any of the above Clubs should obtain an introductory card prior to their visit, available from the Secretariat. www.thefarmersclub.com • 23

THE FARMERS CLUB

Christmas Card 2013

Members are invited to order this year’s Farmers Club Christmas Card, featuring this striking image “Robin in the Copse” photographed by Andrew Watson.

Available in packs of 10 the cards can be bought at Reception or ordered from the Secretariat using the order form on page 15.

The card is printed with the Club crest and the greeting “With Best Wishes for Christmas and the New Year”.

Profits from card sales will support the R.A.B.I. of England, Wales and N. Ireland and the R.S.A.B.I. of Scotland.