Harvest2014

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HARVEST JOURNAL 2014 • ISSUE 251

www.thefarmersclub.com

Farmers Club INSIDE Farmland access p6 Mental health p8 Royal Balmoral p10 Milk from forage p11 Club Restaurant p12 Pinnacle Awards p14 Chelsea flowers p16 INSERTS Constable at V&A Harvest Festival Messiah concert New Year’s Eve party

Tales from Orkney Fine weather blesses Club visit to far north p4

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

FRONT COVER Orkney provided the Club summer tour with spectacular scenery, fascinating farming and the latest technology to harvest energy from the sea.

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 Harvest prospects dampened by prices

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Orkney tales Members enjoyed fine weather as they toured the island

6

Rights of way Unravelling the intricacies of farmland access legislation is no simple matter. An expert provides an update

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10

Mental health Farming suffers more than its fair share of mental health problems.

A new NFYFC initiative aims to change all that

10 Royal Balmoral The Princess Royal was principal guest at the Balmoral Show dinner, where members had an insight into milk giant Glanbia

11 Milk from forage Dairy profits will struggle unless producers focus on their most valuable commodity – grass, says an award winning scientist

12 Club Restaurant Great British food is drawing diners to the Club Restaurant

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14 Business management Management skills were in clear evidence, with lessons for the whole industry, as the annual Pinnacle Awards were judged

17 Chelsea flowers Members enjoyed lunch at the Club and afternoon at the Show

18 Under 30s Under 30s chairman reports on recent events

18 InterClub wine

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Under 30s enjoyed a fine wine tasting at the Carlton Club

19 Wilts farm walk Salisbury was the base for an Under 30s farm walk weekend that included the famous Ginger Piggery farm

20 Club News and Calendar Changes continue apace at the Club

22 Club Information and Contacts

02 • The Farmers Club Harvest Journal 2014

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Chairman’s Comments • Jimmy McLean

had a record attendance and Jane and I enjoyed some really wonderful Irish hospitality as well as an insight into the Irish dairy sector by Siobhan Talbot, Group Managing Director of Glanbia.

Midnight sun Our tour to Orkney was also a resounding success. We were blessed with good weather when we needed it, showing off Orkney’s splendid scenery. However, we were also reminded how quickly the weather can change, as mists gathered and temperatures dropped – and that was summer.

Chairman’s Comments “With increased production also forecast in world markets, the down side is that prices are likely to be weaker this season.”

“ALL our sweetest hours fly fastest”, according to Virgil. This year has certainly been flying for Jane and I and it is hard to believe that harvest is already approaching as I write.

Grain crops have the potential to yield well this year. Winter crops were established well and got off to a good start, with spring crops following in a similar vein. Potato crops are also in good condition.

Although wet soils did slow planting in some areas, most crops have grown away well.

However, I am aware that a good crop doesn’t always result in a good harvest. Much will depend on the weather at harvest time itself. With increased production also forecast in world markets, the down side is that prices are likely to be weaker this season.

‘Harvest’ at the Club is also going well, with a bumper crop of events. At the Royal Ulster Show it was a huge privilege to have the Princess Royal as our principal guest at the pre-show dinner. This dinner

Some of us even enjoyed a walk in the dim midnight light, as the sun set close to North, before rising again only a few short hours later! I took away many memories, mostly related to the people. We enjoyed such wonderful hospitality from our hosts and as a group we got to know each other much better. Orkney now has 50 new ambassadors, from Kent to Morayshire and many points in between.

Royal Highland Show From Orkney, it was a short step to the Royal Highland Show, with close to 160 members and guests enjoying dinner in the RBS Conference Centre, near the showground. We were welcomed

by Ross McEwan, chief executive of RBS, and his wife Stephanie, who also own their own cattle and sheep farm in New Zealand. After dinner, Sir Malcolm Rifkind MP proposed a toast to the Farmers Club.

Although the Club remains apolitical and has no view on the upcoming referendum, that could not be said of Sir Malcolm. As you would expect from one of our leading statesmen, he spoke very well, and we were left in no doubt about his thoughts on that and other matters in general.

Next on the agenda was an enjoyable trip to the Royal Norfolk Show and my first step into judging at such an event – trade stands, rather than anything with legs, thankfully!

What a summer Jane and I have had, going to new places and meeting many new faces. Thank you all for the kindness and hospitality you have shown.

We feel very fortunate. Thank you also to all of you who have supported our various events and made them such a success.

August opening

Summer at The Farmers Club – don’t miss it, urges Club Manager Virginia Masser.

The Club’s special Summer Opening gives members a great chance to enjoy all London has to offer this August.

The dress code is relaxed to weekend attire – smart casual, so smart jeans, trainers and polo shirts are perfectly acceptable.

The key dates are Saturday 9th August to Sunday 24th August, when bedroom availability will be excellent, with fewer members seeking to use the Club for business.

Breakfast will be served throughout this period and on weekdays tea, coffee and sandwiches will be available from 10am to 2pm, the bar will be open from 11.00am to 10.00pm and a light meals menu served from 12.30pm to 9.00pm.

Contact reservations: 020 7930 3557 extn 204 or e-mail: reservations@thefarmersclub.com

www.thefarmersclub.com • 03

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George Jessel • Club Summer Tour

Viking vision Norse determination was in evidence as the Club visited Orkney in June.

George Jessel reports

Huge tidal turbines harvest power from the ocean.

X

“Who else can boast less than 1% unemployment and the wealthiest county council in the UK?”

EXPECTATIONS of a rocky island lashed by wind and waves were swiftly dispelled when 48 members of the Farmers Club touched down on the Orkney mainland in warm June sunshine.

anchorage in Scapa Flow. We saw the extraordinary sights of sunken block ships and heard about the sinking of HMS Royal Oak, which is today marked by a commemorative buoy.

As the luxury coach which was to be our touring home for the next three days drove us into the capital Kirkwall, a landscape spread before us featuring gently rolling swards of rich green grass, herds of beef cattle, flocks of sheep and a smattering of stone farmsteads.

After a delicious lunch of monkfish (there is actually no white fish landed on Orkney!) we visited the Italian Chapel constructed of two Nissen huts ornately decorated and painted by the POWs, one of whom still visits today. We were very moved to hear all the stories about the camp and its impact on the islanders.

Glimpses of water are everywhere on Orkney where the fertile soil is farmed throughout and 100,000 cattle live happily with 21,000 people on 18 of the 70 islands.

As an introduction to Orkney today, we listened to a fascinating presentation by Graeme Harrison, area manager of Orkney Highlands and Islands Enterprise. If we were thinking the Orkneys were some far distant outpost lost in time, we were quickly put right by an amazing ‘can do’ attitude of the modern business minded Orcadian.

Main image: Churchill Barriers protected British fleet during World War II.

On the way to our first lunch we learned about the Churchill Barriers, giant causeways of concrete blocks, which were constructed by Italian prisoners of war during World War Two under the orders of Churchill, to protect the British Home Fleet at

04 • The Farmers Club Harvest Journal 2014

Seven month winter The next visit was to the Scott brothers, dairy farmers with a herd of 200 Friesians who told us about challenges of dairy farming so far north.

There is only one buyer for their milk, they calve all year around in order to achieve a level supply, and have seven months of winter with very short daylight hours.

The evening saw us at a Civic Reception in the attractive Town Hall kindly hosted by The Convener Steven Heddle, a very jovial occasion where we were able to sample the Island’s local beer.

Day two started with a visit to the only Auction Market in Orkney and a talk from John Copeland who gave us a fascinating history of farming from

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Club Summer Tour • George Jessel

Scott family dairy farm endures seven month winter.

Italian Chapel – fine facade hides Nissen huts behind.

Colin Davidson leads discussion with Club group.

700 AD and Karen Tait who has been responsible for partly eradicating BVD from the Island’s stock.

back to 3000BC and discovered by the Laird of Skaill House in 1850 after a violent storm exposed the ruins.

It was interesting to hear about modern day difficulties not normally associated with a cattle market, such as the special crates that have been constructed so animals can be easily loaded onto ships. It was here we learnt about Coos and Yarls: cows and ewes to an Orcadian!

Touring ancient ruins is thirsty work so that evening we took full advantage of a tasting and dinner at the Orkney Brewery, where we sampled award winning brews including ‘Skull Splitter’.

We were entertained by two young musicians who played haunting Orcadian ensembles on violin and guitar.

Wind and wave power A short trip to the Renewable Energy Test site astounded us with the incredible research undertaken to harness both wave and wind power, utilising the harsh conditions of the Atlantic Ocean and uninterrupted wave power. Nestling on the pier alongside a giant cruise liner we saw three huge tidal turbines, and the JCB of the sea, a vessel equipped with lifting and hauling gear.

On our final day we set out in the wind to the Ring of Brodgar, the third largest stone circle in the British Isles, dramatically sited on raised ground in a natural amphitheatre with water on both sides.

In beautiful sunshine we arrived on the West Coast of the Island to see one of the largest award winning Pedigree Aberdeen Angus herds owned by the Davidson family. Skaill Farm surrounded by lochs and open sea comprises 1,000 acres and is home to a herd of 220 breeding cows and 260 breeding ewes.

This was a truly remarkable Farmers Club trip where the party was able to meet an island people who not only celebrate their Norse history but look very positively towards the future. Who else can boast less than 1% unemployment and the wealthiest county council in the UK? If you need inspiration go visit

Finally, we arrived back in Kirkwall for a brief visit to St Magnus Cathedral, which was founded in 1137 with architectural lines based on Durham Cathedral.

Nearby is the World Heritage site of Skara Brae, a small Neolithic fishing and farming village dating

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Carol Ramsden • Farmland access

Main picture: Minimising public impacts on farming, whilst still affording access to the countryside, is the goal.

Inset: Plotting a route to clearer farmland rights of way is proving quite a challenge.

Public access

debate Laws governing public access to English countryside are set to change. Carol Ramsden of Birketts in Ipswich explains

Carol Ramsden, Associate (Rights of Way Executive), Birketts LLP carol-ramsden@ birketts.co.uk www.birketts.co.uk

PUBIC access to the countryside raises passions on all sides of the debate.

right of the public to be in the middle of the workplace.

The modern public access movement in England can be traced to a mass trespass on Kinder Scout in 1931. Violent clashes between ramblers, landowners and gamekeepers were the culmination of many years of pressure from groups of walkers, mainly town and city dwellers, who sought access to the countryside for recreation. Public support for the protesters grew and led to the foundation of the Ramblers’ Association in 1935.

Perhaps because of the bitter history, public rights of way legislation is complex, archaic and plentiful.

It is different in England, Wales and Scotland, and attempts to make it simpler and better adapted for modern times have always attracted much debate and lobbying.

Much of the public rights of way legislation we have today followed. But finding a workable balance between the public’s right of access and the landowner’s right to enjoy and manage property has always been difficult. Farmers bear an especial burden; there cannot be many enterprises which have to accommodate the

06 • The Farmers Club Harvest Journal 2014

One major frustration for landowners is the lack of certainty about where the public’s right of way may exist. In England and Wales the process of recording routes along which the public had a right of access began in 1949 with the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act. Local authorities were required to produce a Definitive Map and Statement of Public Rights of Way. Much time was spent researching, consulting,

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Farmland access • Carol Ramsden

surveying and preparing documents to produce a definitive legal record. But it has still not been completed. Many local authorities still have huge backlogs of claims, with new claims still being submitted for unrecorded ‘historic’ routes.

farmyards. Keeping the public safe from livestock and farm machinery, and the area secure from theft and vandalism takes time, money and continual vigilance. Removing such routes would significantly help farmers.

2026 cut-off date

But the need to give consideration to the impact on public convenience and enjoyment has seen many authorities reluctant to proceed.

In 2000 the Countryside and Rights of Way Act attempted to resolve the uncertainty by introducing a ‘cut-off date’ of 2026, after which routes that existed before 1949 could not be added to the Definitive Map. However, the legislation has yet to be implemented, largely because of the slow and complex process which determines whether routes exist. The number of routes, some of which are in regular use, which would be lost in 2026 is considered too great.

In 2008 a Stakeholder Working Group was created by Natural England, with membership drawn from public access user groups, local authorities and farming, land management and business interests.

In 2010 it produced the ‘Stepping Forward’ report, which included proposals for changes to the law around changing the public rights of way network.

Farmyard access A look at nearly any Definitive Map of Public Rights of Way will show routes running through

The SWG proposals are now to be found in the Deregulation Bill, which is currently going through Parliament. It can be summed up as a ‘cutting red tape’ tool and is not the obvious place to look for changes to English public access law. However, it is a timely vehicle which enables all of the SWG proposals to be taken forward together, a factor considered critical if the changes are to succeed.

Some debate on the Bill has focussed on changes to the network which would remove routes from farmyards and private gardens. This is where safety, security and privacy concerns are highest.

Draft guidance from Defra to local authorities, on how to balance the conflicting public and private interest when dealing with applications for public path orders, has been published to support this.

It will still be some time before the content of the new legislation is finalised and implemented.

However, it is heartening to consider that some simplification to English public rights of way law may come to fruition.

What are Public Rights of Way?

Deregulation Bill

Public rights of way are highways. They exist in perpetuity unless altered by a legal event: ‘once a highway always a highway’ is a well used maxim.

• Amendment to earlier legislation to enable the 2026 ‘cut-off’ date to be implemented

• Footpaths: A right to pass and re-pass on foot only • Bridleways: As well as walking, a right to ride or lead a horse and to use a pedal cycle • Restricted Byways: A right for walkers, riders, cyclists and also for non-mechanically propelled vehicles – in practice horses and carts • Byways Open to All Traffic (or BOATS): A right for all classes of user, including motor vehicles, although most users are walkers and riders.

“Keeping the public safe from livestock and farm machinery, and the area secure from theft and vandalism takes time, money and continual vigilance.

Removing such routes would significantly help farmers.”

Public Rights of Way Changes

• Simplification of the process and tests for dealing with claimed routes, including a process for diverting claimed routes • A right of application for public path diversion and extinguishment orders, with especial focus on routes within farmyards and private gardens • Gates across restricted byways and byways open to all traffic on agricultural land – currently only possible on footpaths and bridleways.

Access issues “Perhaps the three most difficult things to accept from a landowner’s point of view are that: a) the surface of a publicly maintainable right of way is vested in the highway authority, b) a public right of way continues to have legal existence even if it has not been used for many years, c) the rights recorded on the definitive map are only the starting point; greater or additional rights may be legally valid, even though not recorded.”

Angela Sydenham, consultant, Birketts LLP

www.thefarmersclub.com • 07

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Charles Abel • NFYFC Campaign

Obliterating the stigma of mental health in farming is the goal of a major NFYFC campaign. Charles Abel reports

Rural+

campaign A worrying rise in mental health issues amongst young people in the countryside is being tackled head on by the National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs (NFYFC). It believes its campaign could be just the catalyst to drive a sea-change in attitudes to mental health across the entire industry.

Rural+ Campaign instigator – Claire Worden, NFYFC chairman.

“We are the generation that can change mindsets.”

“We are the generation that can change mindsets,” says NFYFC chairman Claire Worden, a very determined daughter of a Cornish farming family. “Often we see our parents suffer and not open up, because of the perceived stigma of mental health – I want to blow that away so that people will talk.”

The response since Claire launched her brainchild in February has been phenomenal. Rural+ campaign talks at young farmer clubs by mental health groups and charities have brought an overwhelming response from members airing mental health concerns, often for the first time.

Claire has particular reason to champion the issue, having nearly lost her father to an attempted suicide.

“I knew he was unhappy, however when it happened it came completely out of the blue. I feel it was a direct result of leaving farming after being affected by foot and mouth, but it lay hidden for 10 years.

I can’t imagine how I would have coped with it all without a network of supportive friends.”

Claire’s father survived, and has learnt to deal with issues before they become untenable. Now, through

08 • The Farmers Club Harvest Journal 2014

Rural+, Claire wants YFCs to build a generation that can talk about mental health, support each other and point to where expert help can be found.

“My experience, and it is far from unique, brought home to me just how important Young Farmers’ Clubs can be, how powerful their social networks are and how much more we can do.”

Suicide is the number one cause of death amongst under 35s, with young men 3.5 times more vulnerable than young women. Over recent months the Farming Community Network has noticed more young people calling its helpline. And in 2013 a mental health debate attracted one of the biggest audiences on social media channel AgriChatUK. About one in four people will be affected by mental health issues at some point in their lives, with farmers classed as being at particular risk. Financial pressures, livestock disease and poor harvests are often highlighted as particular difficulties, alongside rural isolation.

Rural transport and support services continue to suffer funding cuts. Poor rural broadband and mobile phone coverage means some communities can’t access social media, a key channel for support in times of anxiety, particularly at busy times of the year, such as harvesting, silaging, calving and lambing.

The Commission for Rural Communities says the three main causes of rural isolation are the

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NFYFC Campaign • Charles Abel

lack of income and employment, the feeling of social isolation, and difficulties with dwindling public transport and mental health support services for young people.

"Given the current climate many of our members will be concerned about their future and could be feeling the pressure to make some big life decisions," says Claire. "Perhaps they are worrying about taking over the family farm and the responsibilities this entails, or concerned about the rising costs of feed, land or rural housing, or struggling to look after the farm whilst juggling college work whilst a parent is ill.”

FCN is putting young people on its helpline phones, recognising that younger callers may not always want to discuss concerns with an older listener. E-mail contact is also being encouraged, as an easier alternative to a phone call.

With support from FCN and YoungMinds all 640 YFC clubs are receiving Rural+ leaflets, self-help guides and access to ‘talking-head’ videos. The aim is to help members discuss issues, support each other and to seek help before problems escalate.

“We want to help young people feel positive about rural life,” says Claire.

Poul Christensen backs Rural+ NFYFC President and former Chair of Natural England Poul Christensen backs Rural+, recognising the tremendous support young farmers give each other and people around them. “That support is so important in society and it epitomises this organisation, probably above any other that I know.” At the NFYFC AGM in May he asked members to give the campaign their support and to “look out for each other.”

Survey findings Concerns expressed in an NFYFC survey of 16-25 year-olds: • • • • • • • • • • •

animal diseases (bTB, Schmallenberg etc) (59%) poor returns from farming (58%) lack of rural housing (55%). uncertainty of future farming profitability (54%) low income (50%) low self esteem (47%) high land rents (45%) limited rural employment opportunities (41%) lack of capital/availability of finance (41%) limited opportunities to start farming (32%) succession planning and continuing the family business – only 9% of respondents had agreed a succession plan for their family business

“Hopefully what we do with young people will have a knock on effect with older generations, so the whole industry can start to remove the stigma from mental health issues and be more aware, so they can be more supportive of those who need help,” Claire concludes.

Rural+ goals: • raise awareness of rural isolation and help reduce it • improve recognition of mental health warning signs in young people • develop specific projects to tackle rural isolation • collaborate with support organisations • Find out more at: www.nfyfc.org.uk/ruralplus

www.thefarmersclub.com • 09

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Andrew Brown • Balmoral Show

Royal Balmoral Show The Balmoral Show drew Club member Andrew Brown to Northern Ireland The welcome I had was very warm and friendly, and as with the farmers I have met in other countries, we all seemed to face similar problems of over regulation and volatile prices.

My first duty was to meet a group of cereal processors who told me they wanted a consistent product from farmers so their product would also be consistent. They wanted more joined up thinking across the whole supply chain and left me with four key words: communication, collaboration, cooperation and consistency.

The guest of Honour at the Farmers Club pre-show dinner at the Balmoral showground was Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, with whom I was able to chat as I had strategically placed myself along with Anne Chamberlain, Club Vice Chairman, so we were in her direction of travel.

Glanbia milk HRH The Princess Royal in conversation with Farmers Club Vice-Chairman Anne Chamberlain and Andrew Brown (left) at the Balmoral pre-show dinner.

AS it was my first visit to Northern Ireland I was not sure what to expect. Would there be troops on the streets with road blocks? Would people be wary of an Englishman who gave away his home country every time he opened his mouth? Nothing could have been further from the truth.

We were then addressed by Siobhan Talbot, Group MD of Glanbia plc, a dynamic and intelligent lady who explained how Glanbia had operations in 32 countries, employed 5,200 people, sold products in over 150 countries and even supplied the cream for the drink Baileys.

She expected milk supply to increase after quotas end in 2015, bringing even more opportunities.

Glanbia is committed to milk being seen as part of a healthy balanced diet, but has also found innovative

Mayne’s dairy focus UK dairy farmers still use grass and forage too inefficiently, diverting too much attention to more costly components of dairy diets. At a time of relatively good margins more effort needs to go into getting the basics right.

Dr Sinclair Mayne – winner of the RABDF Princess Royal Award for services to UK dairying, especially his work on improving milk yields from forage.

market volatility means we must keep a sharp focus on production costs – and this is where grass-based systems have a strong competitive advantage.”

So says Dr Sinclair Mayne, Director of the Belfastbased Sustainable Agri-Food Sciences Division within the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI), who won this year’s Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers’ Princess Royal Award in recognition of his outstanding services to the UK dairy industry.

With 34-years researching milk-from-grass he admitted feed efficiency still topped his agenda.

“We are so far behind the pig and poultry sectors.

Recent US research showed a 25% variation in animal to animal performance. If I started my career again I would be looking at the genetics to identify sires that produce the most feed efficient daughters,” he said.

After receiving the award from Her Royal Highness at Buckingham Palace he spoke to Journal editor Charles Abel at a reception at The Farmers Club.

“It is really encouraging to see the current optimism and vibrancy within the UK dairy sector. There is real opportunity for significant growth, but increased

Looking to the future climate change would not dramatically impact grass production, if anything extending the growing period in the west, making utilisation even more challenging. On protein he was not so sure radical alternatives like home-grown soya needed considering. “Clover, lucerne and alfalfa have

10 • The Farmers Club Harvest Journal 2014

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Milk from forage • Charles Abel

Balmoral pre-show dinner attracted 100 guests.

ways of using whey protein, a waste product of cheese making, in sports nutrition drinks.

Glanbia was committed to forging new partnerships with stakeholders and with its £3 billion turnover the future for milk production was bright, Siobhan insisted.

Balmoral show The Balmoral show itself is very traditional, similar in size to our old Royal Show at Stoneleigh.

That came as quite a surprise, as did the large number of livestock being prepared for their various classes. The show is actually the biggest event in Northern Ireland attracting over 80,000 visitors.

Siobhan Talbot, CEO of Glanbia – upbeat about milk sector prospects.

Some of the prison is still there and may be used as a museum as a reminder of the troubled past which afflicted this beautiful part of our country.

The main concern over breakfast was that money from pillar two is to be targeted at smaller hill farmers.

Overall, I was certainly struck by the friendly nature of those I met and how everyone seems to know everyone else. When I landed at Belfast and had to report to the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development to say I was a farmer, they seemed to know all the people I was due to meet.

But when the whole population is only 1.6 million and most of them have a connection with agriculture I suppose it is not that surprising.

With an election just around the corner all the politicians were in evidence at a Ministerial Breakfast I attended, where I had breakfast on the site of the old Maze Prison with Martin McGuiness – something I never imagined I would ever do!

I would urge anyone who has not ventured to Northern Ireland to go and have a look. I am sure you will receive a warm welcome and not be disappointed.

huge potential, if we could just learn how to manage them more effectively.”

to the business, especially at a time when milk costs are good. Focus on the cost of production and getting the basics right first, before investing in machinery infrastructure for lifestyle,” he urged.

But the bottom line was that grass and forage were key, whatever the system, be it 6,000 or 11,000 litres/year. “In many ways the industry has gone backwards over the past ten years, producing less milk from forage when you look at most benchmarking schemes.”

Too often farmers were failing to address the basics. “Look at soil analysis before reaching for the plate-meter – you’ve got to have the right environment for grass in the first place. But 30-40% of fields are too acidic. That’s a simple case of applying lime.” More consistent silage analysis was also needed.

“It’s boring, but it has to be repeated: we need to maximise the crop that makes the most difference

“The show is the biggest event in Northern Ireland attracting over 80,000 visitors.”

“US research shows a 25% variation in animal to animal performance.”

Knowledge transfer ultimately came down to scientists understanding farmers, he continued.

“For whatever reason there are fewer scientists prepared to do the hard miles keeping in touch.”

That should be structured into their funding, he said.

More flexible business structures were also needed, as in New Zealand. “It has the potential to transform our dairy industry, like it has arable farming. But we don’t have all the answers yet.

We need to identify what is best to develop the industry, to ensure landowners feel they are getting a good deal and those coming in get a good career pathway.”

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Charles Abel • Club Dining

Food glorious food Changes to The Farmers Club Restaurant are reverberating around the membership. Charles Abel finds out what’s occurring at 3 Whitehall Court

disappointment it is really important to make a reservation in advance” advises Virginia Masser, Club Manager.

Indeed, members have been booking tables to bring partners back in the evening to experience what they enjoyed at lunch. “The feedback regarding the quality of food and the increased choice has been very positive, with many comments about ‘fantastic’ meals."

Significantly, the range of food now on offer goes from lighter bites to a three-course meal. “We have such a wide range of dishes available now. If you want an omelette in the restaurant that is fine, and if you want a three course lunch out on the terrace when the weather is nice, that’s fine too,” says Paul.

“The pork belly, rolled and roast, with crackling, creamed mashed potato and apple sauce, and the lemon sole with crab and spinach are proving very popular. Equally Wednesday’s dish of the day, Classic British Fisherman’s Pie sells out every week,” he advises.

He is clearly enjoying his new role, especially sourcing the best of British ingredients, and is not averse to grabbing ideas from the media. Rainbow carrots promoted on BBC Countryfile one Sunday were pursued and ordered the very next day. Salad grown in the Lea Valley keeps things local, free range pork from Suffolk, English rose veal and Sussex haloumi cheese are other new additions.

“I find myself on a bit of a crusade when I’m in a supermarket, scrutinising labels to see where produce comes from. And members are starting to ask if their farm produce can be included, which is great, but it does need to fit our supply chain – logistics is often the biggest challenge.”

A recent find was Lincolnshire guinea fowl, now bought in boxes of eight, after a circuitous trawl around the internet and a number of phone calls, culminating in Chef securing supplies from the same producer that serves Marks & Spencer.

River view Great British food is hitting the spot in the Club Restaurant.

“To avoid disappointment it is really important to make a reservation in advance.”

HOT on the heels of the new Bar & Lounge menu of lighter bites, Head Chef Paul Hogben has turned his attention to The Restaurant where his fresh approach to British food is causing quite a stir amongst members and guests alike. The Summer menu, launched in May (see right), has gone down a storm. Next comes the late summer/autumn menu due for launch in August.

“We’re finding we are fully booked several times a week, at both lunch and dinner, so in order to avoid

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Tables for up to eight people can now be taken in The Restaurant and window tables can be requested too. “Whilst not guaranteed, we will do our best to meet such requests, and views across the River Thames are better from all tables since I rearranged the layout in The Restaurant,” says new Restaurant Manager Jelle van Esseveld.

Another popular innovation was the International Sherry Week Menu, which matched starter, main course and dessert to specific types of sherry.

Members would be well advised to watch out for a similar approach to wine matching along with themed menus. Your Club looks forward to seeing you in The Restaurant soon. But first – be sure to book a table!

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Club Food • Charles Abel

Restaurant Menu LUNCH & DINN ER

(just a sample of what is available)

Pick

West Country br own crab pate Pulled ham hock , caper & chive, dr essed kohlrabi Caramelised chic ory tart, blue chee se and walnut dr essing (v)

£8.50 £6.50 £5.50

Share

Strong demand for Restaurant tables means booking is advisable.

English cured m eat platter – copp a, beef, Oxspring dried ham, fennel and aniseed, ho me dried piccalilli, artisan breads

£8.00 individual £14.00 to share

Feast Free range Lincol ns

hire guinea fowl, apple cider sauc e South coast lem on sole, West Co un tr baby spinach y crab mousse,

£17.80

Cumbrian beef fil let, blue cheese crust, warm Any potato salad a

£15.75 £21.00

Dish of the da

y Thursday – brea st of Welsh lamb, braised pearl ba caper sauce rley, £14.50 Paul Hogben – Head Chef.

Omlettes Arnold Bennett £8.00 Savouries & C heese Kentish Blue, Ash down Forester, Sr umpy Sussex, W Way with Millers eald Damsels artisan biscuits selection

£2.00 each/ £5.75/plate

Sides English asparagu s, ga

rden salad, butter ed new potatoes

etc £2.00 each

Indulgence

Jelle van Esseveld – new Restaurant Manager.

Chocolate peanut cheesecake, map le syrup Kent Bramley ap ple and cherry cr umble, dried fruit ice-cream

£5.50 £5.50

To book a restaurant table call 020 7930 3557 extn: 200/201 or e-mail reception@thefarmersclub.com

www.thefarmersclub.com • 13

14067 FCJ 251 Autumn 2014_2_Farmers Club Journal 10/07/2014 13:13 Page 14

Charles Abel • Pinnacle Awards

Students face golden age of opportunity Farm management excellence in a time of unprecedented opportunity was the focus as judges quizzed students in the 17th Pinnacle Awards. Charles Abel reports Ross Learmonth, SRUC Aberdeen Pinnacle Gold Award, Nickerson Cup and a cheque for £2000.

Judicious use of labour and equipment, with realistic support from contractors, would boost arable profits and help create a new intensivelymanaged flock of 460 breeding ewes for Dec-Jan lambing in existing buildings before moving out into micro-flocks of similarly aged lambs in poly-tunnels for April finishing at 35-40kg. Interactions between enterprises were fully exploited, with a robust sensitivity analysis of physical and market risks.

Presentations told a compelling story with enthusiasm and a ready ability to answer probing questions.

AS the world strives to produce more food in the next 35 years than it has done since time began UK farming is forecast to need up to 80,000 extra people over the next eight years alone. That heralds a golden era of opportunity for those studying at agricultural colleges – and those thinking of doing so.

interest amongst 14-18 year-olds. “We need young people like you to act as ambassadors in schools, maybe the schools you went to, to promote the opportunities the industry has to offer and to show that you don’t have to own a farm, or even wellies, to get involved.”

“Roles in the industry will be dropping at your feet, and the feet of those who are younger than you too,” guest of honour Ian Piggott (above left) said at a celebratory dinner in the Club for all the finalists in the prestigious Pinnacle Awards for farm business management skills.

In a closely fought contest business management skills were assessed through close scrutiny of a detailed course-work project, followed by a panel interview and formal presentation at the Farmers Club in London.

Mr Piggott, a Hertfordshire arable farmer who created Open Farm Sunday and is now a Farmers Weekly columnist and chairman of FACE, commended all present for the ‘amazing’ way they had tackled the farming challenges they had set themselves.

He urged them to get involved with BrightCrop (www.brightcrop.org.uk), an initiative to stimulate

14 • The Farmers Club Harvest Journal 2014

This year’s overall winner was Ross Learmonth of SRUC Aberdeen, the first student from a Scottish agricultural college or university to clinch the title in the 17 years the Farmers Club and ADAS have run the award, with generous sponsorship from the Cave Foundation.

Ross impressed the judges with his robust and well thought out business case study, his strong interview performance and a particularly engaging and clear final presentation.

14067 FCJ 251 Autumn 2014_2_Farmers Club Journal 10/07/2014 13:14 Page 15

Pinnacle Awards • Charles Abel

SILVER: Will Brown, University of Reading Pinnacle Silver Award and a cheque for £1000. With four colleagues a major dairy relocation was costed, including detailed number crunching, leading to a proposal to develop the existing site instead and increase cow numbers, using a flexible term variable rate loan, with an 18 month initial repayment holiday.

Yield would rise 10% from robotic milking and improved grass management. Financial rigour was backed by good business awareness.

RUNNER UP: Jacqui Manning, Bridgwater College Preventing a mediumsized dairy farm from living off the over-draft meant picking through the balance sheet and creating arguments for dropping beef, adding 19 more low-input dairy cows and reducing overall capital spending.

RUNNER-UP: Greg Stevens, Bridgwater College A whole farm budget for a 140ha 250-cow mixed dairy farm used extra clover, liming, and slurry separation, inoculation and injection to cut artificial fertiliser use by 18.5t/year. Dairy housing would be doubled with a fixed interest loan.

“Once again it was very difficult to separate the finalists,” noted Cave Foundation representative and Farmers Club past chairman Roy Walker.

“Core farming was clearly back on the agenda, which was good to see after a few years of a lot of diversification projects,” added chairman of judges Prof David Leaver. “It reflects the swing in focus of the whole country, with more positive messages coming from government.”

Indeed, there was a buzz about the whole industry, added ADAS consultant Tony Turner.

“There are a lot more students coming into agriculture, including those with no background in farming, which is a good thing. Food is important again, and that is driving a lot more investment at farm level too.”

RUNNER-UP: David Whitfield, Askham Bryan An army background was no barrier to creating a robust plan to exploit major investment in a state-ofthe-art high input dairy operation. A second herd of moderate input NZ Friesian/Norwegian Red crosses would use capacity with less risk.

BRONZE: Beth Duchesne, Harper Adams Pinnacle Bronze award and a cheque for £600. A modest investment in exotic mushroom production on an 89ha hill farm in Shropshire would make best use of existing resources and a high degree of on-farm attention to detail.

Detailed market research and sensitivity analysis underpinned the proposal, which needed to tie-in with the farm’s organic ethos. Good awareness of cashflow, marketing and ‘soft’ personnel management issues.

RUNNER-UP: Joe Williams, SRUC Ayr With colleagues a dairy goat farming enterprise and associated ice-cream making business would offer a novel addedvalue health food product, with the extra attraction of serving the UK’s 8.7m people with lactose intolerance.

RUNNER-UP: Alistair Wright, University of Nottingham Introducing grass seed as a crop to the University farm would exploit a shortfall in UK production, and mesh well with existing operations, but required finance for a stripper header to optimise harvesting.

of a farm link together and influence the overall business is a key issue.”

Mr Turner agreed. “The whole industry still finds that difficult. A recent example was a dairy farm where cashflow was not as good as it should have been, given the higher milk price and increased production. But the silage clamp was still full, because they were driving output with concentrate, rather than looking at the overall margin.”

He commended Ross for his appreciation of labour management. “It was good thinking, fitting together like a jigsaw. A lot of people aren’t looking at labour like that.”

But the awards had flagged up the need for more joined-up thinking within farm businesses, noted Farmers Club chairman and head of RBS Agriculture Jimmy McLean. “Understanding how different parts

www.thefarmersclub.com • 15

14067 FCJ 251 Autumn 2014_2_Farmers Club Journal 10/07/2014 13:14 Page 16

Charles Abel • Chelsea Flower Show

Chelsea 2014 Chelsea Flower Show was a magnificent day out for Club members and their guests

A striking deep red king protea (Protea cynaroides) was named Madiba on President Nelson Mandela’s 80th birthday. Here 2500 dried protea flower hearts, collected from South Africa’s ‘ fynbos’ bush, make this pixel portrait, as explained by Elton le Roux of Kirstenbosch Estate in South Africa’s Cape Floral Kingdom

Plants of the Year 2014: GOLD – Hydrangea macrophylla Miss Saori (H20-2) from Hilliers with unusual lacy double-petalled flowers; SILVER – Iris Domino Noir from breeder Richard Cayeux with ‘truly black’ falls, white standards and only a hint of lavender and gold beards; BRONZE – Gerbera Garvinea Sweet Glow bred by Florist Holland BV is robust and weather resistant, with flowers from early spring to first frost.

16 • The Farmers Club Harvest Journal 2014

14067 FCJ 251 Autumn 2014_2_Farmers Club Journal 10/07/2014 13:15 Page 17

Chelsea Flower Show • Charles Abel

Farming Figures Pausing to celebrate 175 years of helping horticulturalists who have fallen on hard times are Charles Notcutt and Jo Thompson (right), designer of a striking garden based on the furled arum lilly in the logo of Perennial, the Gardeners’ Royal Benevolent Society. The garden’s well worn brick path was anchored by buxus topiary shapes and enjoyed dappled shade from a glade of silver birch.

Club Events Manager Lisbeth Rune with husband Phil and mother Asta from Denmark, in front of the spectacular Sailors Valentine Garden – recalling the octagonal, glass-enclosed, wooden shadow boxes of 19thC Barbados. Today shell artists craft Sailors’ Valentines as one-off fine art. www.horticulturebarbados.com

A quick look at...the drive to boost on-farm wheat yields... through some key statistics, by Daniel Abel.

20 tonnes Target wheat yield per hectare within 20 years

8.4t/ha Current average wheat yield in UK

20mm Water required by crop to produce each 1t/ha

1 terrajoule Energy from sunlight required to produce 1.25 tonnes of crop biomass each year

Nuffield Scholar and Club member Mark Bowyer and Pip Betts admire Walkers Bulbs @ Taylors stunning display of daffodils – a technical triumph in such an early season.

Club members Scott and Joyce Padfield enjoying Blackmore & Langdon’s Delphiniums and Begonias.

60%

Proportion of crop biomass that is harvestable as grain – scope to improve

35-36 terrajoules Energy from sunlight needed per hectare to achieve 20t/ha

Eyes down as members and guests are briefed on Chelsea 2014 highlights by Club member and group leader Charles Notcutt.

10% Predicted rise in UK wheat yields by 2050 due to CO2 levels increasing

15.636t/ha World record wheat yield - set by Mike Solari in New Zealand in 2010 using UK variety Einstein

14.31 t/ha British record wheat yield - Tim Lamyman in 2013 in Lincolnshire using KWS variety Kielder Dresses made from flowers – simply stunning!

0.04% Typical yield rise from plant breeding each year

1 t/ha Rise in average yield over past 20 years Sources: BBSRC, ADAS, Rothamsted Research

www.thefarmersclub.com • 17

14067 FCJ 251 Autumn 2014_2_Farmers Club Journal 10/07/2014 13:15 Page 18

Beth Hockham, Chairman; John Jacques, Vice Chairman; Lisbeth Rune, Secretary • U30s

U30s Chairman’s Jottings As I write I am busy making hay whilst the sun shines ready to put in the barns to feed my sheep over the winter. Unlike last year there seems to have been a bumper crop of grass and I’m trying to make as much storage space as possible!

I am looking forward to attending the Farmers Club reception at the CLA Game Fair on Saturday 19th July and hope to see lots of U30s faces there too.

The U30s have an exciting line up of events over the next few months, including our Pimms & Supper Evening on Friday 25th July at the Club. Pimms will be served on the balcony followed by supper in the Eastwood Room. Details of this event have been circulated to all members and there are still limited spaces available, so do contact Lisbeth Rune u30s@thefarmersclub.com to book your place.

We are also looking forward to our September Dining Evening on Friday 12th September, with guest speaker Tom Rawson. Tom is director and co-founder of Evolution Farming, an innovative business combining practical dairy farming and farm consultancy. Tom spoke at the Oxford Farming Conference earlier this year.

In October we are delighted to be visiting Duchy Home Farm near Tetbury as part of the U30s Autumn Farm Walk where we will be shown around by farm manager David Wilson. This will be followed by an afternoon spent clay shooting at Old Down Pursuits just outside Cirencester and a three course dinner at the Royal Agricultural College. Full details on both these events will follow in due course.

Thank you to everyone who has already requested to add themselves to the Farmers Club U30s Facebook group, which now has over 160 members. Don’t forget you can keep up to date with all U30s events on our website www.thefarmersclub-u30s.com/ Should you have any questions about the U30s, or suggestions, do contact me.

Contact Beth for more information Beth Hockham U30 Chairman 07773 232264 overcoombe@hotmail.com www.thefarmersclubu30s.com

18 • The Farmers Club Harvest Journal 2014

Inter Club wine tasting at Carlton Club On a hot and sultry evening in mid-June four Under 30s members ventured the short distance from the Farmers Club along Pall Mall to St James’s, to attend an Inter Club wine tasting at the Carlton Club, spiritual home of the Tory party.

The twist to the event was that the wines were sourced from the cellars of some of the finest Michelin-starred restaurants in the world, including Noma, the Ledbury and the Fat Duck at Bray.

Having first cleansed our pallets in the bar (assuredly not with water), we adjourned to the sizable Wellington Room for the main event. We had expected the tasting to be a formal occasion (the author came diligently equipped with notebook and pen), but it was all very relaxed, with the wines as fine as they were numerous and generating much discussion.

We all had favourites but a sparkling wine from Lombardy – Muratori Tenuta

Villa Crespia Miolo Brut, Franciacorta DOCG – was a surprise favourite. The Bordeaux and Burgundy were met with a more muted response, although to be fair the weather was very muggy and hardly red wine drinking weather (for most). The ‘finger food’ was something of a gourmet buffet.

As with all Inter Club events it was very interesting to meet younger members from other London clubs and compare notes. Most Inter Clubbers tend to work in or around London and a deplorable number had never heard of The Farmers Club. We would strongly encourage more Under 30s to attend an Inter Club event (there’s roughly one a month) and help put the Farmers firmly on the clubland map. * For more information about the Young Members’ Inter Club Group, including future events, see www.inter-club.co.uk/ Dominic Kirby

U30s Facebook Group Keep up to date with Under 30s members and all the latest plans for Under 30s meet ups via the Farmers Club U30s Facebook group. It has over 165 members already, but is a closed group for Farmers Club members only, so visit www.facebook.com/groups/farmersclubu30s/ and click on the ‘Join Group’ tab so your request can be approved. Once in, be sure to scroll down to Emily Mcveigh’s great video of the Wiltshire Farm Walk, featuring cows, pigs, the butchery demo, point-to-point action – and of course Paul Mason and Samuel J Gordon’s awesome dancing! (Also available at www.videofy.me/emcveigh/6332212)

14067 FCJ 251 Autumn 2014_2_Farmers Club Journal 10/07/2014 13:15 Page 19

U30s • Beth Hockham, Chairman; John Jacques, Vice Chairman; Lisbeth Rune, Secretary

Ginger pig focus Jeremy Dyas reviews a recent Under 30s farm walk weekend based in Salisbury The Under 30s farm walk weekend based in Salisbury commenced on the Friday evening with 25 members gathering at the Milford Hall Hotel, before heading out to the Cosy Club for an extremely enjoyable supper.

On Saturday we visited Boyton Farm near Warminster owned by Mrs Caroline Wheatley-Hubbard. In total the farm is 1000ha (2500 acres) of which 360ha (900 acres) is let to the Gerring family. Son Richard, who farms in partnership with his father, kindly gave us an insight into their 500 cow dairy unit and explained how they operated on a low input New Zealand style system. However, he pointed out that although the farm was low input it was not low output! A high degree of attention to detail, along with good grazing and careful sward management, were the key to success.

The remaining land suitable for arable farming, approximately 600ha (1500 acres), was farmed under contract by Velcourt. Manager Ed Whitton explained the arable operation in detail, with the crops being grown including winter wheat, winter oilseed rape and spring malting barley.

Ed explained that the thin Cotswold soils were very shallow, normally only cultivated to around 1012.5cm (4-5 inches) in depth, and were not ideal for growing pulses as pH levels were often unsuitably high, ranging up to pH8+. Issues with phosphate lock up and other trace mineral lock up sometimes resulted from such alkaline soils.

The remaining 40ha (100 acres) is used for Boyton’s herd of Tamworth pigs – the longest line of pure bred Tamworths in the country dating back to 1922. It was nice to see on such a sunny day the sows and piglets looking well and enjoying the sunshine. The pigs are butchered on the farm in the Ginger Piggery butchery.

After lunch Caroline showed us the very impressive farm shop and in particular we were given a fascinating butchery demonstration, where we were shown all the different cuts of pork and how to make the cuts correctly.

Sunday saw members make their way to Larkhill point-to-point, a perfect way to end a very enjoyable weekend before heading our separate ways.

Photos: Top left: Caroline Wheatley-Hubbard – championing local produce.

Bottom Left: Under 30s were out in force in Wiltshire.

Top Right: Farm shop sources produce from 110 suppliers within 48 miles.

Bottom Right: Boyton Tamworth pedigree line dates back to 1922.

The Ginger Piggery Situated in the stunning Wylye Valley in the West Wiltshire Downs The Ginger Piggery offers award winning traditional-breed meats, home cooked meals in The Trough restaurant, farm tours, butchery demonstrations, and corporate entertainment/away days, including The Four Feathers Shooting School.

The farm shop has a strict ‘local only’ policy, all foods being sourced from within 48 miles from 110 different suppliers.

School visits include a farm tour so children can see farming for real, a sausage and mash lunch, then sausage making with Mike the butcher. It all aims to help the youngsters make the link between what they have seen and what they have eaten. A great example of farm to fork education. www.thegingerpiggery.co.uk

www.thefarmersclub.com • 19

14067 FCJ 251 Autumn 2014_2_Farmers Club Journal 10/07/2014 13:15 Page 20

Stephen Skinner • Club News

Club News Changes progress apace I am delighted that the changes put in place vis-à-vis staff, diningroom and kitchen developments, and, importantly, the new menu, seem to be doing well. Little did I appreciate how much a full diningroom at lunchtime would please me!

Yes, we still have quite a way to go but I feel the big changes are now behind us and that if we can maintain the rate of progress seen over the past three months, then you, the members, will be pleased.

Of course, nobody likes change, and it is never easy. So I would like to take this opportunity to not only thank you for your forbearance, but perhaps more importantly, express my sincere gratitude to the staff.

It is after all the staff who have done so much to help the change happen, while at the same time maintaining their good humour and willingness to keep the Club going.

Talking of the dining-room, we are getting busier and busier and while we will do everything in our power to help members as and when they want to eat, you are very strongly recommended to book a table. This can be done through Reception by telephone (020 7930 3557 Option 1) or e-mail receception@thefarmersclub.com Another major development in the

Website closer The new website IS progressing and will be a marked improvement on the previous one, allowing on-line bedroom booking, amongst other new facilities. But I am wary of giving a firm commitment as to just when it will go live. Why? Well, there have been too many technology programmes that have failed to deliver as and when they have been promised. That said, I believe we should be there or thereabouts by the end of September.

20 • The Farmers Club Harvest Journal 2014

Club is the eighth floor, which will definitely be ready for occupation by the end of August (if not before). By way of a reminder, where there were once six single rooms all sharing one bathroom, there are now five single en-suite bedrooms and one double en-suite.

Both Club Manager Virginia Masser and I are delighted with how this project is progressing, and for those of you who are particularly curious as to how we managed such a transformation on the eighth floor, do drop in to my office and I will happily show you around (assuming I am free!).

Turning to the kitchen refurbishment I am pleased to say the first phase has been completed successfully and the second is due to take place in August. Again, we are pleased with the work and hope the impact on members can be kept to an absolute minimum.

All in all we are making excellent progress towards ensuring you, the members, continue to have the Club atmosphere you desire. I do look forward to welcoming you to 3 Whitehall Court during the summer months.

Highland Show special dinner The Royal Highland Show saw 157 guests and members attend a one-off special pre-show event at RBS’s headquarters at Gogarburn in Edinburgh. This is certainly the largest turnout we have ever had at this particular event and it really was great fun and not a little thought provoking too. To start with, once again we were treated to a brief medley of tunes by the Pipes and Drums and dancers from Loretto School, led by Pipe Major Colin Pryde, with their acting Head Teacher, Elaine Logan in attendance.

Then, after our Chairman had welcomed us all, the CEO of RBS, Mr Ross McEwan said a few words that were warm welcoming and insightful.

Finally, after dinner, the the Rt Hon Malcolm Rifkind spoke to us all. Sir Malcolm brings to the stage a unique and deeply thoughtful view of the world and it was a pleasure to hear him speak – even if some present may not have agreed with all he said!

CEO of RBS, Mr Ross McEwan, addressing the members.

Malcolm Rifkind making a point to the Chairman.

Westmorland Show Join fellow Club members for a special drinks reception at the 214th Westmorland Show near Kendal in Cumbria on Thursday 11 September.

Drinks will be served in the Westmorland Marquee from 5pm-6.30 pm.

Contact Events Manager Lisbeth Rune to book your place on 020 7930 3557 extn 103 or email events@thefarmersclub.com

14067 FCJ 251 Autumn 2014_2_Farmers Club Journal 10/07/2014 13:16 Page 21

Club News • Stephen Skinner

Summer opening The Club is again remaining open throughout the summer, affording members a great opportunity to book bedrooms for a London visit when business bookings are much reduced. From Saturday 9th August to Sunday 24th August breakfast will be available, and tea, coffee and sandwiches available from 10am to 2pm on weekdays. The bar will be open from 11.00am to 10.00pm and food available from 12.30pm to 9.00pm. The dress code is relaxed to weekend attire – smart casual, so smart jeans, trainers and polo shirts are perfectly acceptable. Contact reservations: 0207 7930 3557 extn 204 or e-mail: reservations@thefarmersclub.com

Summer Shows The Show season is well and truly on us now and this year has been one of the most successful. The Balmoral Show dinner in Northern Ireland (p10) was one of the very best I have been to in my time as Secretary.

With 100 members and guests present, including Club member, HRH The Princess Royal, Siobhan Talbot, the Group Managing Director of Glanbia plc, gave a wonderful speech that was very well received.

I will also take this opportunity to publicly thank Mr Matt Dempsey for helping us attract Siobhan to come and speak to us (immediately after Glanbia’s AGM). Matt, for those who don’t know, was for 25 years Editor of the Irish Farmers Journal and now, among many other Chairmanships, is Chairman of The Agricultural Trust, the publishers of the Irish Farmers Journal and The Irish Field. I must also thank the wonderful Robin Morrow who clearly has a way with words when encouraging our Northern Irish members to come and join in the fun!

The Royal Norfolk was as ever a magnificent and very special event and we were most fortunate to share a drinks reception with members of the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association. Among the guests were HRH The Earl of Wessex, adding a certain gloss to the event.

By the time you read this we will have attended the CLA Game Fair at Blenheim Palace and the Royal Welsh Show at Builth Wells. At both events we are holding a drinks reception and I know the Chairman and his wife Jane (and I of course too), are looking forward to meeting members and guests.

Club Calendar Diary Dates Please check the dates carefully as they sometimes change and new dates are added for each issue. Details of Club events circulated in the previous issues are available from the Secretariat on 020 7930 3751.

AUGUST Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo – FULL Thursday 7th

SEPTEMBER Westmorland Show Drinks Reception Thursday 11th See page 20 Edinburgh Tattoo

Beethoven’s Ninth at Royal Albert Hall – FULL Saturday 27th Supper in the Club and coach transfer to/from the concert

OCTOBER Constable – The making of a Master

Constable Exhibition

Friday 10th (See also November 14th) Luncheon, private talk and Constable exhibition at the Victoria and Albert Museum Application form enclosed with this issue

Harvest Festival Service Tuesday 14th Service with choir at St Martin-in-the-Fields followed

by Buffet Supper at the Club Application form enclosed with this issue

NOVEMBER Constable – The making of a Master

Harvest Festival

Friday 14th Luncheon, private talk and Constable exhibition at the Victoria and Albert Museum Application form enclosed with this issue

St Andrews Day Lunch Friday 28th At RBS HQ, Gogarburn, Edinburgh

DECEMBER Statoil Masters Tennis at Royal Albert Hall – FULL Masters tennis

Friday 5th Supper in the Club with coach transfer to/from the tennis

Messiah at Royal Albert Hall Friday 19th Supper in the Club followed by magnificent Messiah at the Royal Albert Hall Application form enclosed with this issue

New Year’s Eve Party Magnificent Messiah

Wednesday 31st Application form enclosed with this issue

www.thefarmersclub.com • 21

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The Farmers Club • Club Information

Club Information 020 7930 3557 • www.thefarmersclub.com Office Holders Patron – Her Majesty The Queen

Salisbury Cathedral, Constable © Victoria and Albert Museum, London

HONORARY VICE PRESIDENTS Peter Jackson CBE, Sir David Naish DL VICE PRESIDENTS Mark Hudson, Roddy Loder-Symonds, John Parker, Norman Shaw CBE, Mrs Susan Kilpatrick OBE THE COMMITTEE OF MANAGEMENT OF THE CLUB 2014 PRESIDENT AND CHAIRMAN Jimmy McLean TRUSTEES Barclay Forrest OBE (Chairman), Mrs Nicki Quayle, Julian Sayers, Paul Heygate VICE-CHAIRMAN Anne Chamberlain HONORARY TREASURER Richard Butler IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIRMAN Stewart Houston CBE CHIEF EXECUTIVE AND SECRETARY Stephen Skinner CLUB CHAPLAIN The Reverend Sam Wells COMMITTEE Elected 2009: John Stones Elected 2012: Mrs Ionwen Lewis, Charles Notcutt OBE (Chairman – House Sub-Committee) Elected 2013: Lindsay Hargreaves, Tim Harvey, Nick Helme, George Jessel DL (Chairman – Communications Sub-Committee), Peter Jinman OBE, Mrs Jo Turnbull Elected 2014: Robert Lasseter, Allan Stevenson, Alison Ritchie, Martin Taylor, Campbell Tweed OBE (Chairman – Membership Sub-Committee)

Making of a Master On Friday 10th October and Friday 14th November the Club is to visit the Victoria & Albert Museum for Constable – The Making of a Master – with lunch and a private introductory talk beforehand.

This major exhibition will reassess John Constable’s influences, techniques and legacy to offer a new interpretation of Britain’s best-loved artist. Discover how great works of art are created as Constable’s most famous masterpieces are united with his revolutionary oil sketches.

Our programme starts at 12.30pm with a two-course lunch with wine in the Club. At 2.15pm we depart by coach for the Victoria & Albert Museum, in time for a private talk for Farmers Club Members at 3pm, before entering the exhibition at 3.45pm. Members should make their own way home afterwards.

Cost per person is £75 including lunch at the Club, private lecture, exhibition ticket and coach to the V&A. All applications should be received by 5th September 2014. Places are limited to 30 per event – if oversubscribed places will be decided by ballot. Register interest online at www.thefarmersclub.com or complete the application form enclosed with this issue.

Co-opted: Beth Hockham (Chairman Under 30s), John Jacques (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)

Messiah Enjoy the power and glory of 500 voices in monumental harmony as the Club heads to the regal splendour of the Royal Albert Hall for The Messiah on Friday 19th December.

NEXT ISSUE Watch out for your Autumn issue of the Farmers Club Journal, due out in late-Sept, with all the latest Club news, plus reports on a major grazing conference, recent Farmers Club Charitable Trust projects and the Under 30s Summer Pimms party at the Club.

22 • The Farmers Club Harvest Journal 2014

Handel’s choral masterpiece will be sung by a massed choir combining the renowned Goldsmiths Choral Union, English Concert Chorus and Highgate Choral Society, with Elizabeth Watts soprano, Claudia Huckle mezzo soprano, Allan Clayton tenor, James Rutherford baritone, and Brian Wright conducting the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

Our programme starts at 5pm with a two-course supper with wine in the Club. At 6.30pm we depart by coach for the concert, which begins at 7.30pm. After the concert (about 10.15pm) the coach will return to the Club.

Cost per person is £105 including supper at the Club, concert ticket and coach transfers.

Applications should be received by 5th September 2014. This event is limited to 40 places – if oversubscribed places will be decided by ballot. Register your interest online at www.thefarmersclub.com or complete the application form enclosed with this issue.

14067 FCJ 251 Autumn 2014_2_Farmers Club Journal 10/07/2014 13:16 Page 23

Club Information • The Farmers Club

Deaths It is with regret that we announce the death of the following members: Mr H Armstrong DL Armagh Mrs L Brooke Yorkshire Sir Ben Gill KB CBE Herefordshire Mr J Green MBE Cornwall Mr M Halford Cambridgeshire Mr M Mackie Aberdeenshire Mr C Oliver Kent Mr J Shrive Norfolk Mr R Steven Fife Sir Richard Thornton KCVO CBE Surrey Mr A Woodhouse Kent New Members The following were elected: UK Members Mr D Altham Mr R Barber Mr P Besant Dr T Brears Mr J Brown Mr W Bush Mr A Craven Mr A Darke Mr R Davis Mrs Y Dent Mr J Fife Mr R Goatham Mr S Hutt Mr A James Mrs M Kelly Dr H Kinloch Mr H Lumby Miss K MacPherson Mr H Mason Mr H Matthews Mr A Naylor Dr W Rampen Mr R Sanders Mr N Smith Ms J Spackman Mr C Tassell Mr J Thomas Mr C Verhey Van Wijk

Dr G Walling Mrs K White Mr H Wills Overseas Mrs J Standen Under 30s Mr P Fraser Mr G Hills Miss N Lundquist Miss H Moore Miss C Sadler Mr E Sanders Mr G Young Associate Rt Revd T Dakin Rt Rev N McKinnel

Cumberland Surrey Essex Hampshire Norfolk Buckinghamshire Lincolnshire Yorkshire Hampshire Cumberland Yorkshire Kent Kinross-shire Oxfordshire Cumberland Cambridgeshire Dorset Midlothian Dorset Essex Hertfordshire Lanarkshire Northamptonshire Yorkshire Oxfordshire Kent Herefordshire Lincolnshire

Reciprocal Clubs UK City Livery Club, London (No bedrooms) Royal Overseas League, Edinburgh Royal Scots Club, Edinburgh The New Club, Edinburgh Northern Counties Club, Newcastle Note: We have informal agreements with the East India and Caledonian Club for bedroom bookings if we are full. Reception also holds a list of hotels within a 15 minute walk that might be considered ‘good value for money’.

OVERSEAS The Western Australian Club, Perth, Australia (Bedrooms not reciprocated) Queensland Club, Brisbane, Australia The Australian Club, Melbourne, Australia

Yorkshire Northamptonshire Sussex France

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

Cardiganshire Cheshire Gloucestershire Devon Cheshire Northamptonshire Essex Hampshire Devon

Envelope Sponsorship Mhe Farmers Club acknowledge the support of Agrovista, sponsor of the Journal envelope.

Agrovista is the leading authority on all aspects of crop management advice, with many years of experience backed up with the most advanced and comprehensive range of Agronomy trials in Great Britain. For more information visit www.agrovista.co.uk Mobile Phones, Briefcases and Business Meetings Mobile phones must not be used in the Public Rooms (except the Shaw Room). Briefcases should be left in the Cloakrooms and Business meetings must be conducted in the Shaw Room or designated and pre-booked meeting rooms.

Members should speak with the Meetings Manager, Mrs Lynne Wilson for details on 020 7925 7100 or, meetings@thefarmersclub.com 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, see: www.westminster.gov.uk/services/transport andstreets/parking Business Suite The Business Suite provides PCs, WiFi and a mobile phone signal amplifier for members.

Royal Dublin Society, Dublin, Ireland (Bedrooms not reciprocated) Stephen’s Green Hibernian Club, Dublin, Ireland The Muthaiga Country Club, Nairobi, Kenya The Harare Club, Harare, Zimbabwe The Christchurch Club, Christchurch, New Zealand (operating from The George Hotel www.thegeorge.com and able to offer reciprocal visitors preferred accommodation rates) The Canterbury Club, Christchurch, New Zealand Members wishing to use any of the above Clubs should obtain an introductory card from the Secretariat.

Chairman 2014: Jimmy McLean

Chief Executive and Secretary: Stephen Skinner

Club Number 020 7930 3557 Reception ext: 200/201 reception@thefarmersclub.com Bedroom Reservations ext: 204 reservations@thefarmersclub.com Dining Room Reservations ext: 200/201 reception@thefarmersclub.com Meetings & Functions ext: 109 or direct line: 020 7925 7100 meetings@thefarmersclub.com Events & U30s ext: 103 events@thefarmersclub.com Club Manager ext: 102 clubmanager@thefarmersclub.com Head Chef ext: 111 or direct line: 020 7925 7103 chef@thefarmersclub.com Accounts ext: 106 or direct line: 020 7925 7101 accounts@thefarmersclub.com Membership ext: 107 or direct line: 020 7925 7102 membership@thefarmersclub.com PA to Secretary ext: 104 or direct line: 020 7930 3751 generaloffice@thefarmersclub.com Bedrooms ext: 3+ [two digit room number] eg. ext 301 for Room1 Whitehall Court Porters 020 7930 3160 Fax 020 7839 7864 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.

www.thefarmersclub.com • 23

14067 FCJ 251 Autumn 2014_2_Farmers Club Journal 10/07/2014 13:17 Page 24

SUMMER HOLIDAY OPENING Summer Opening gives members a great chance to enjoy London this August. Bedroom availability will be excellent, with fewer members using the Club for business.

Dress code is relaxed to weekend attire – smart casual, so smart jeans, trainers and polo shirts are perfectly acceptable.

Weekdays: Breakfast 7.30am-9.30am Tea/coffee/sandwiches 10.00am-2.00pm Light meal menu 12.30pm-9.00pm

CONTACT

Bar 11.00am-10.00pm

Reservations 020 7930 3557 extn 204

Weekends: Normal service, with breakfast on Saturday & Sunday and bar on Saturday 3.00pm – 7.00pm

e-mail: reservations@ thefarmersclub.com