Summer2011

Working together Boosting R&D for cattle farmers p4 INSIDE • • • •

Climate change p8 Farm agenda p12 Localism p14 Festivals beckon p18

APPLICATION FORMS: • CLA Game Fair, Great Yorkshire and Royal Welsh Shows • West Country visit • Committee Nomination form with Six Month Accounts BACK COVER: • Summer opening

contents

CHAIRMAN’S COMMENTS • Richard Holland

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

Now is the time club together to

2 Chairman’s Comments European collaboration fires enthusiasm in cattle sector

to thank them in Welsh. He did, and followed with a mighty rendition of the Welsh National Anthem, in which Dai and the choir took turns to up the ante, verse by verse, very nearly bringing the ceiling down!

4 The Club Conference Drawing speakers from across Europe the Farmers Club acts a catalyst for better research 6 Northern Way When Danish farmers ran short of levy funds, collaborating with their neighbours seemed logical

March also brought the hugely successful Farmers Club Conference on European Collaboration in Applied Research, Development and Knowledge Transfer at the Royal United Services Institute in Whitehall (report p4).

8 Climate change How a charity for teenagers is working to improve lives

This event brought to fruition over 20 months of work, during which I simply could not have wished for a better result.

Every single person contacted or visited turned up on the day to present a paper, fourteen in all, and each so interesting and worth listening to.

10 St David’s Day Fine food and stirring singing at the Club’s St David’s Day Dinner 11 Farmers Club Charitable trust How £22,000 is supporting overseas study tours in 2011 14 Opportunities aplenty Fast changing perspectives mean new prospects for farmers 16 Under 30s Spring event report 17 Road transport Rule changes demand attention 18 Farm views A novel wildlife initiative and the fast growing festival sector 20 Anaerobic digestion New RASE report highlights sector’s potential 21 Whitehall Court ramblings Bishops, bathrooms and bookings 22 Information and Diary Dates Includes AGM notice and details of O2 Arena concert 24 Back cover Summer opening FRONT COVER Cattle technology transfer was the topic for debate at the Farmers Club EU Collaboration Conference in March 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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Richard Holland

WELL the end of the 41st winter at Holland Farm is now receding into the memory. It started with a very hard December, a reasonable New Year and then two TB reactors right at the end of our annual testing. We get a few inconclusive results most years, which subsequently go clear, and the year before last we had over 750 cattle all go completely clear, despite farming in a TB ‘hot spot’. Fortunately, this year’s reactors showed no signs of lesions at post-mortem, so fingers crossed.

The cows are milking very well and the farm looked very good when Caroline and I walked right round it in early April. We were struck by how early everything seems to be, maybe two weeks ahead of usual, with the grass growing well, despite the driest March for 50 years and all the barley and peas whole-crop mix established, with grass and white clover under-sown near the dairy and red clover further afield.

As always daffodils heralded spring’s arrival, and our first daffodils were to be found at the wonderfully vocal St David’s Day dinner in The Club. Dai Jones, farmer, singer and broadcaster, was our hugely entertaining after dinner speaker, followed by the spell-binding Bois y Wlad Welsh male voice choir. No English vote of thanks could do justice to the latter, so I asked Dai

Every speaker paid their own costs, and felt able to justify that to their levy payers, which to my mind puts a great value on the whole concept of pan-European collaboration.

Each speaker also completed an extensive questionnaire, designed by project manager Toine Roozen to capture basic information about each country. The data was collated into a booklet by Kezia Williamson of Biosciences KTN and given to every delegate upon arrival, so speakers could focus upon their innovative approaches rather than dwell upon the background data, important as that is.

In itself that booklet is the initiative’s first result, providing a database of organisations controlling levy funds for over half the EU cattle industry. If nothing else I know a number of participants will use it to help move towards greater collaboration.

A big vote of thanks must go to our long time friend John Alvis, who agreed to act as conference chairman. Just a few weeks before the event he rang to say that as president of the RABDF he had been asked to attend its awards event at Buckingham Palace. Naturally, I insisted he must go and stood in as chairman for the morning. Only later was I delighted to hear that it was Ian Potter who received the award. Frankly, we

THE FARMERS CLUB JOURNAL Summer 2011 • www.thefarmersclub.com

CHAIRMAN’S COMMENTS • Richard Holland

e for EU levy bodies to o benefit cattle farmers

Postcards from Devon as the seasons march on... winter snow was thankfully overtaken by April daffodils, and now summer is already upon us! milk producers would be in the dark if it were not for people like him.

After the conference all the speakers were given a comprehensive tour of the Houses of Parliament by Baroness Hazel Byford and the Duke of Montrose, followed by dinner in the Eastwood Room at The Club.

For me the best justification for the Farmers Club acting as a catalyst for the farming industry came at dinner, when Anne-Marie Neeteson, who created the European Forum for Farm Animal Breeding, told me: ‘I can’t believe you have got all these people from around Europe into the middle of London’. The atmosphere really was just fabulous, as we enjoyed the best Galloway beef, with the Thames flowing by, and so many European friends sharing a common cause!

The next day’s workshop was the core of the project, ably chaired by David Alvis of the Technology Strategy Board, standing in at short notice for Chris Warkup of Biosciences KTN who was ill. Achieving consensus with such a disparate group was a huge challenge and David did very well.

The four key action points to emerge were: 1) All project partners to share information on the applied research, development and knowledge transfer projects they are involved in.

2) The potential benefits of better coordination/collaboration to be scoped in four topic areas: lameness, water use efficiency per litre of milk,

phosphorous use efficiency, and energy use on dairy farms. In the short term Biosciences KTN is to organize webinars at which the above topics can be discussed.

3) A proposal targeting EU funding to be developed, in the remaining six months of the Farmers Club’s TSB-funded project, to create a five year programme within which the above action points can be developed further.

4) Biosciences KTN to maintain a website for discussion.

On a lighter note Madam Butterfly at The Royal Albert Hall proved to be a wonderful

Saturday night out for Club members, with spectacular staging and the superb Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in accompaniment. Indeed, it was such a sellout that we have another Saturday night out planned for June 18th, with The Royal Ballet performing Romeo & Juliet at the O2 Arena, followed by a further event in July, a river trip to the Thames Barrier, followed by supper at The Club, then a show.

Optional for the following Sunday morning would be the London Eye and the London Aquarium. Making such use of The Club at weekends makes perfect sense. I very much look forward to meeting you there over the summer months ahead.

Harvest Issue!

July’s edition of The Farmers Club Journal will be bursting with reports on Club activities, including visits to Germany’s Rhineland, the Royal Chelsea Flower Show and Stowell Park Estate in Oxfordshire, plus St George’s Day lunch at the Club and the 2011 Pinnacle Awards for excellence amongst agricultural students. Also, a look at the thorny issue of contentious probate and an investigation into the environmental competitiveness of poultry production in South America. Don’t miss it!

www.thefarmersclub.com • THE FARMERS CLUB JOURNAL Summer 2011

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EU CONFERENCE

Club conference gives collaboration a push An impressive array of European experts gathered in London for a Farmers Club initiative to boost collaboration. Charles Abel reports

But farmers must have a role in defining future work, stressed Klaas Johan Osinga of Copa-Cogeca, Europe’s umbrella group for farming co-operatives and unions.

“Often it is the farmer who first identifies a problem, asks the key questions, gets involved with on-farm investigations and suggests solutions,” he stressed. “They pay the levies so should have a central role in the oversight of EU research.”

BOOSTING the flow of innovative ideas to cattle farmers is the goal of a major new initiative between the Farmers Club and the UK’s Biosciences Knowledge Transfer Network. Judging by the ideas emerging from a conference at the Royal United Services Institute in Whitehall earlier this spring, and a subsequent workshop (Chairman’s Comments, p2), the project is off to a flying start.

“The potential is huge,” says Farmers Club chairman Richard Holland. “If just one UK levy board and one other EU levy board agree to co-finance development work, that could save each body £200,000 per year, with the same or maybe even better outcomes.”

With consumers no longer needing to be persuaded that food matters, but instead hearing supplies may run short, farming has a future packed with potential, commented Lord Henr y Plumb of Coleshill as he opened the event, hot foot from debating the Europe Bill in the House of Lords until 1am the night before.

“Food doesn’t grow on supermarket shelves, it has to be produced, and in a way that is safe. It would be folly to reduce the investment in research, development and knowledge transfer just when we need to be leading the world,” he advised.

Indeed, in the context of Chief Scientist Prof. Sir John Beddington’s perfect storm of competition for global land use the project was well timed, added Toine Roozen, international operations manager for the Roslin-based Biosciences KTN. Greenhouse gas emissions and animal health lie at the heart of the initiative, which aims to foster best practise and improve collaboration throughout the European cattle industry, with the conference, a workshop the following day and country visits helping to prioritise work and aid cooperation, so more can be made of tightening budgets. Participating countries already account for more than half the EU’s 85 million cattle.

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A new iteration of EMIDA will include animal welfare from 2012.

Klaas Johan Osinga

Defra’s Alex Morrow echoed the need for co-operation. “Animal diseases are the biggest threat to livestock production, particularly exotic diseases and evolving and re-emerging pathogens.” With a new animal health law imminent and significant implications for international trade there is a growing need for co-operation to bridge the gap between public and industry funded work, particularly given the high costs involved. “Rebuilding Pirbright Laboratory cost £100 million, for example,” he noted.

The EMIDA initiative shows what can be achieved, co-ordinating Euro 270m of basic research into infectious diseases over three years, to maximise results within the EU. “We can’t all do everything. EMIDA has helped reduce fragmentation and duplication of work, and build research capacity.”

Significantly, EMIDA pools expertise rather than locating all the work in one place. No nation wants to surrender its research base and national funding can rarely be used in another country, he noted.

The BBSRC is unable to fund work outside the UK, for example.

Marek’s disease in poultry is a prime example of how well EMIDA works, combining expertise from Germany, France and the UK to create a super-group to tackle the disease.

With the focus on innovation in the European Commission’s 2020 Agenda, coupled with CAP 2013’s focus on green competitive growth, as described by farm commissioner Dacian Ciolos, the bio-based economy is key to the future. “Copa-Cogeca has asked for an EC Agricultural Innovation Partnership to have a voice in setting the agenda, so producers are not just producing, but are part of the whole chain,” he commented.

In a similar vein, Anne Marie Neeteson of the European Forum of Farm Animal Breeders explained how the livestock sector could take a greater share of EU research and development funding if it coordinated its voice more effectively. “If we put together something very big, then we can secure funding for the cattle or dairy sector, as opposed to cars or telecoms.”

With the EU bio-economy worth more than Euro 2 trillion/year and involving over 21.5 million people the Commission is working to develop an innovation-friendly regulatory framework and it wants a single voice to deal with, she said.

But countries differ widely in the way they conduct their applied research, development and knowledge transfer.

Germany, for example, has no levy funding structure, work being undertaken by a wide range of federal, regional, local, notfor-profit and commercial bodies. “Our advisory services are at least as complex as the EU and sometimes a little more so,” noted Dieter Mirbach, manager of the European Dairy Farmers club, part of the German Agricultural Society DLG. Speakers from a host of European countries went on to share their

THE FARMERS CLUB JOURNAL Summer 2011 • www.thefarmersclub.com

EU CONFERENCE

Royal United Services Institute in Whitehall provided an impressive conference venue

approaches to research, development and knowledge transfer, citing numerous examples of best practice.

Breeding boost The potential for levy-funded projects to attract substantially more money from other sources was highlighted by Koenraad Duhem of the French Dairy Institute, CNIEL. Its Euro 5 million investment in genomic indexing of dairy cattle attracted a further Euro 60 million, resulting in a simple blood test at birth to type Holstein, Normande and Montbeliarde cattle, with other breeds to follow.

for CAP funding under Rural Development Policy measure 215. So far 250 farms have applied for funding of up to Euro 300 per large livestock unit to move from a legal minimum FWI score of 3 to a more desirable 6.

CRPA also operates an on-line MilkMoney production cost benchmarking tool.

Integrating data from both projects shows farms with a strong FWI also have lower milk production costs. “That helps explain to farmers the merits of adopting innovation,” Mr Menghi noted.

Zeev Trainin

Dairy innovation spreads like wildfire

CAP welfare support

Indeed, simple messages geared to the needs of the farmer can spread like wild fire, noted Zeev Trainin of the Israel Dairy Board. Although outside the EU Israel is part of Europe, since the Jordan valley traced the fault line between the European and Asian tectonic plates, he noted.

Alberto Menghi, an economist with Italy’s Centre for Research of Production Animals, based in the Emilia-Romagna Region where milk sells for 60 Euro cents/litre (48p/litre) for making Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, went a step further.

He described how a checklist system had been developed to produce a Farm Welfare Index for individual farms. The web tool was now being used to support applications

Alberto Menghi

www.thefarmersclub.com • THE FARMERS CLUB JOURNAL Summer 2011

Each year Israel conducts 60 research projects funded by Euro1M collected as a 0.15% levy on the consumer price of milk, 5

EU CONFERENCE

supplemented by bi-lateral co-operation with the USA on basic research.

A novel approach to manure handling proves his point about speed of uptake.

Cultivating deep litter manure in dairy buildings to 30-50cm, instead of traditional raking, produced a crumbly, dry, aerated surface in the hot, dry climate, leaving cows less soiled, suffering less sub-clinical mastitis, producing significantly lower somatic cell counts and requiring less muck disposal. “We presented the interim results at a dairy farmer meeting and less than a year later over half of Israel’s dairy farmers had adopted the approach.”

industry awareness, he added. “Nothing slows uptake faster than a farmer getting conflicting advice from other sources.”

Measuring impacts is also important. “We showed how a combination of management changes over four years boosted protein content delivered to processor Glanbia from 3.2% to 3.38% on demo farms receiving the most support, 3.3% for group members and 3.28% for all suppliers. That is the sort of result that attracts industry interest.”

But what about projects that do not bring benefit, asked Prof Trainin. “Unsuccessful work is not published, so another scientist may try the same thing and fail again. That is a waste that we need to stop.”

Measuring milk impacts Tom O’Dwyer of the Irish state advisory service, Teagasc, agreed that messages need to be clear. “Simplified, visual, easy-touse tools that relate to the farmers’ situation are what work in knowledge transfer. And simple does mean different things to different people.”

One experimental farm and 15 pilot farms are involved, with the goal of producing tools farmers can use to tailor techniques to their own circumstances. “Every farm is different, so we want to stimulate the farmer to come up with a specific application for his own farm.”

Collaboration makes sense, he added. “A cow is a cow, whether it is Dutch or English it has four legs, and mastitis is mastitis, so it makes sense to co-operate.”

Carbon neutral livestock The demo farm approach is favoured in The Netherlands too, where a major study is ambitiously seeking to define a climate change neutral livestock building. “It is a

He advocated a layered approach to knowledge transfer, with monitor/demo farms receiving intensive support to implement new findings, and returning information to the researchers, so knowledge exchange is happening as much as knowledge transfer. The ripple, or trickle-down effect, then spreads on to group members visiting such farms, Teagasc’s wider client base and finally nonclients and the wider industry.

Involving industry partners ensures a commercial perspective and boosts

long-term strategy to reduce greenhouse gases by changing feeding regimes and using a farm’s own energy from solar panels on the roof and anaerobic digestion to achieve the lowest carbon dioxide output per litre of milk,” explained Willem Koops of the Dutch Dairy Board.

Better returns Packaging information into distinct units to aid adoption on-farm has been a key to onfarm success, agreed Duncan Pullar of AHDB, DairyCo and formerly Eblex.

Eblex’s Better Returns Programme was a case in point, its recognisable format achieving good awareness. “Integrating new advice into what is happening on the farm at the time really reduces the barriers to uptake too.”

He likened knowledge transfer to teaching a child to ride a bike. Initially close support is needed, but that reduces as confidence and skill increases. Before long the producer is seeking the next level of information.

Willem Koops

Scandinavian cattle collaboration success THE PRIME example of cross-border collaboration came from Ole Kristensen, chief adviser for Denmark’s farmer-owned Agricultural Advisory Service, which employs 3600 employees, has a turnover of Euro 310M and is developing a state-of-theart Knowledge Centre for Agriculture at the Agro Food Park in Skejby.

With livestock numbers declining it sought help from its Scandinavian neighbours to optimise research, development and knowledge transfer. “Without it we could not keep up our expertise in research and facilities. For example, Denmark already had no farm housing research. Working

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with others made sense and also improved prospects for securing international and EC project funding.

Historically co-operation had been satisfactory, language was not a significant barrier and cultural similarities helped, he noted. There was also a strong focus on cooperation within Scandinavian food industries, with Arla, Viking Genetics and Danish Crown all farmer run and farmerowned co-ops working across the region.

Initially farming organisations from Sweden and Denmark agreed to progress, but with no loss of national control.

Common strategies stem from national strategies and funding authority remains with national bodies, he notes. Now there is a trans-national steering committee, the TSK, encompassing Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland and Iceland.

It has not all been smooth sailing. “Don’t expect an only positive reaction from researchers,” Mr Kristensen warned. “But don’t be afraid, it will come. We started the process by becoming acquainted with each other’s funding and research systems and establishing common goals. Common workshops helped. The human factors that are the key to collaboration.”

THE FARMERS CLUB JOURNAL Summer 2011 • www.thefarmersclub.com

EU CONFERENCE

Carson. Published in the farming press it included a commentary from an involved farmer, into which scientific messages could be woven. “69% of farmers say they use it weekly or fortnightly.”

CONCLUSION

James Campbell

Event chairman John Alvis concluded the conference by noting the plethora of funding and delivery models and the huge potential for co-operation. “We live in exciting times, with a growing world population and growing affluence, and enormous challenges ahead. But one thing is certain; we will meet those challenges better with better collaboration and cooperation across the European industry.”

Clearly, there is a need to bring together levy boards to position European farmers as both financers and beneficiaries of scientific and applied research. This cooperation can also help to leverage funding from national governments and the European Commission, especially now the European Commission has announced its EU 2020 vision and, as part of that strategy, an ‘Innovation Union’. That provides new possibilities for farmers to show themselves as a power for innovation, economic growth and food security.

As Klaas Johan Osinga noted: “More efficient use of farmers’ and tax payers’ money, and better knowledge gains on the farm, that is want we want.”

Profit key Showing the Net Present Value of work is essential for AgriSearch in Northern Ireland, noted chairman James Campbell.

“We have a voluntary levy, not a compulsory one, which is paid on 100% of beef but only 80% of milk. That does concentrate the mind, making us highly dependent on the level of uptake and implementation on farm.”

But messages can’t be forced, he stressed.

“For communications with farmers to work both the transmitter and the receiver need to be functioning. The less scientific and more farmer-friendly the message the better.”

Its GrassCheck service of weekly information to inform grazing decisions proved the point, said colleague Alistair

One downside has been the longer time between project application and approval.

“But the advantages outweigh the disadvantages,” Mr Kristensen enthused.

One of the eight areas where Denmark and Sweden have co-operated successfully is digital dermatitis, which rocketed to afflict 20% of Danish cows when herd quotas were revoked in 1997 and herd expansion saw a move to loose-housing.

“Our institutes were competing for funding, so we sought to encourage co-operation through a Hoof Forum in 2006,” explains Mr Kristensen. The international steering committee approved a joint project to initially run until 2009, spanning everything from cellular epidemiology to management advice and its economic consequences.

Advice was generated and hoof condition and treatment across 700 herds is now recorded directly into a central database by contract hoof trimmers using a single-key input into an on-farm computer screen, so aiding future breeding efforts.

Furthermore, the novel BoviGate foot washer was developed, once it was realised clean water could do as good a job as approved disinfectants. On-going work is focusing on the scope for farm management to be further improved.

Another joint project helped develop a new feed evaluation system, NorFeed (www.norfor.com), leading to what is now claimed to be the only semi-mechanistic feed rationing programme in practise in the world, NorFor.

www.thefarmersclub.com • THE FARMERS CLUB JOURNAL Summer 2011

Ole Kristensen

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INTERCLIMATE

Tackling climate change – locally Don’t imagine the developing world is failing to engage with climate change. Club member John Davidson explains

Mumbai in India, installed a biogas plant, which has provided sustainable fuel and clean slurry for use as fertiliser. They then promoted the biogas option to the wider community. As a result several institutions, including a dairy farm, are in the process of installing biogas plants.

To provide more water for irrigation, students at Nanyuki High School, beneath Mount Kenya, have developed a system to clean waste water. This involves three reservoirs. In the first, dirty water is allowed to settle so the solids sink to the bottom. The water is then moved to a second reservoir where it is filtered over a bed of pebbles, charcoal and paper. The water, now clean, is then moved to the third reservoir, from where it can be used to water crops.

Students at Saos secondary school, in the Kenyan Rift Valley, installed a big tank to collect rain water from guttered roofs during the rainy season, for watering their kales during the dry season. The school has also built gabions (large cages or boxes filled with soil or sand) on the eroded river banks to reduce erosion, hence conserving the river. The group has planted Napier grass, which is harvested and dried to feed the school cattle during the dry season.

Students at Kiamaina School, also in the Rift Valley, have dug an earth dam to harvest water, lined with recycled polythene from nearby flower farms. The dam holds approximately 200,000 litres, and is stocked with 500 fingerling fish to initiate a fish farming operation. When the fish mature they will be sold to hotels and other schools in the locality.

Dammed water is used for fish farming

THE WORLD faces two major challenges in the twenty-first century: feeding a growing global population and controlling climate change. The two issues are often thought to be in conflict. But there are measures that can both increase food security and help limit climate change, as the UK Government’s 2011 Global Food and Farming Futures Foresight report recognised.

The International Climate Challenge, sponsored by Barclays and managed by InterClimate Network, is encouraging young people to work on practical projects to combine food security and climate 8

protection, initially in Kenya, India and the UK. Their efforts are inspirational and include a wide range of projects, addressing renewable gas production, increased water harvesting, tree planting and innovative ways to rear chickens and fish.

Students at Kangui and Nakuru schools, both in Kenya, have designed and promoted cookers fuelled by cow dung, of which Kenya has no shortage! They then wrote plays and songs to take the message out to the community.

Similarly, students of Nirmala College,

Tree planting is being promoted in Kenya

THE FARMERS CLUB JOURNAL Summer 2011 • www.thefarmersclub.com

INTERCLIMATE

Prime Minister David Cameron backs ICN’s efforts

Samuel Muinuri, 18, and fellow students at St Anthony’s school, Kenya, built a chicken coup out of recycled materials to house 50 laying hens. It sits over a fish pond filled with rainwater and 1,500 fingerling fish. The chickens are fed school kitchen left-overs, their droppings feed the fish. Projected income from eggs and fish is 25,000 Kenya Shillings (£190) per month. In a community where families often have to sacrifice a child’s education because of poverty the scheme could mean a brighter future for a whole generation.

Other schools have focused on tree planting. The largest project so far is at Gilgil school. Gilgil students have also planted kales and are using drip irrigation, supplied by water from the school kitchen.

Gatimu School students have run a project to persuade every home in their community to plant at least ten trees, and established a tree nursery within their school so that they can grow and distribute tree seedlings to the community members.

Ol Alnyiro school, in a semi-arid area of Kenya, has also established a tree nursery.

These students have also produced liquid organic fertiliser by putting earthworms into compost materials. The overuse of inorganic fertilizers has polluted local water courses, often making the water unfit for consumption by humans, livestock or wildlife. Use of organic fertiliser has not

only improved water quality; it has also led to increased yields of food crops.

Back in the UK students of the Queen Elizabeth II High School, Isle of Man, aim to reduce carbon emissions by encouraging walking, cycling or the use of public transport to get to school, and to offset unavoidable emissions through tree planting. They have organized cycle buses, built a school bike shed out of recycled materials, set up a tree nursery and, so far, planted 2,800 trees.

Nobody involved in the International Climate Challenge thinks these projects will provide all the necessary answers to food security or climate control. But inspiring young people, who will become the leaders of tomorrow and whose own future is at stake, is an essential part of the way forward.

Modelling change – Indian biogas facility is now operational, prompting others to invest in the technology

“Vision without action is a daydream, Action without vision is a nightmare.”

Japanese proverb www.thefarmersclub.com • THE FARMERS CLUB JOURNAL Summer 2011

“It is really encouraging to hear that so many young people are interested in climate change and what we can do to stop it. You are vital to our efforts, because it is young people who will live with the consequences of the decisions the world’s leaders take today, and who will drive the change this country, and the world, needs – the change away from fossil fuels and high greenhouse gas emissions and towards a future of low-carbon energy and jobs. I have made my commitment to tackling climate change clear: climate change is the greatest challenge we face, and we need to be taking action at home and abroad right now.”www.InterClimate.org

InterClimate Network ICN is an international organization geared to promote innovative projects to inspire practical action on climate change. Launched in May 2008 as the brainchild of Farmers Club member John Davidson, it is working initially in India, Kenya, and the United Kingdom. As John looked at his young grandchildren he realised that whilst older generations may be responsible for the current climate change issues, it is the future generations that will be most affected and so decided to take action now. John was a founder of the charity collective, Groundwork, widely regarded as an innovative grass-roots environmental partnership designed to bring the public, business, and voluntary sectors together in clearly defined geographic areas to clean up contaminated sites, create parks and green corridors, build hiking and biking trails, and convert abandoned buildings to offices and housing.

InterClimate works with a number of key associates and a panel of experts to inspire action, using its skills to bring people together across the globe, encourage critical thinking, facilitate activities and share learning.

The ultimate goal is to drive positive and sustainable change in the communities in which it works. www.InterClimate.org www.interclimate.org/challenge

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SPRING EVENT

Dai’s St David’s Day delight

Guest speaker Dai Jones Llanilar MBE needs no introduction to a Welsh audience.

This BAFTA award-winning TV broadcaster, National Eisteddfod Blue Riband holder and International Singer of the Year, is a household name, famed for his humour almost as much as his rich tenor voice.

He won the hearts of his Farmers Club audience with his warm after-dinner speech. Did we know that Cardiganshire farmers first introduced the English to water? “They added it to their milk!” Any tips for singing to an audience of 21,000 in New York City’s Madison Square Garden?

“Just think of them as a field of cabbages!”

St David’s Day Dinner at The Farmers Club comes round but once every three years. But what an event we were treated to in 2011.

He made serious points too. Regarding the huge success of the Royal Welsh Show at Builth Wells, he pointed to the strategy of a different Welsh county acting as a “virtual host” each year, raising money to create a agricultural town to provide a truly local atmosphere. “The money that’s raised is used to put up buildings for the future, to help keep Welsh agriculture going.”

As to the future of farming, he had few doubts. “Agriculture is the most important industry in the world and it is the only one left in this country.”

David and Monika Cameron (right) with Austrian guests Anita and Andreas Stockl

WALES boasts some of the best food producers in the British Isles and visitors to Whitehall Court could have easily been forgiven for imaging they were dining at one of the Principality’s most passionate users of locally sourced produce on Friday 4th March.

With the Lounge, Dining Room and Eastwood Room all decked out in bright yellow daffodils to greet the spring, there was a warm atmosphere as Club chairman and host for the evening, Richard Holland, welcomed members before dinner.

the diet helps contribute to the natural sweetness of some truly delicious meat, served with wild garlic and thyme stuffing.

Dessert comprised apple and blueberry crumble, with rich Welsh yoghurt and crème fraiche from the Llaeth-y-llan Village Dairy. Wines were Cristobal 1492 Premium Range Verdelho 2009 and Malbec 2008, not from Wales, but Argentina, and a good accompaniment nonetheless.

His words were followed by the ever popular Bois y Wlad singers, from rural Pembrokeshire, who sang songs and hymns in their native Welsh, with the occasional translation to ensure nonspeakers followed the gist of their often humorous songs.

Finally, it fell to Dai to close the evening, with a stirring rendition of the Welsh National Anthem, sung in unison with the Bois y Wlad singers. A truly special Welsh event right in the heart of London.

Once seated guests were treated to Cardigan Bay shellfish soup made from the freshest seafood imaginable, transported from the Llyn peninsula in chiller boxes packed with sheep’s wool for insulation.

What a start!

The lamb came courtesy of award winning farmer and Club member Daphne Tilley, who farms with son John at Cefn Du, between Denbigh and Snowdon. Their tender lamb is marketed across the UK, and in London especially, under the Elwy Valley Welsh Lamb brand. Indeed, TV chef Jamie Oliver was quick to snap some up when preparing a meal for US President Barack Obama recently. Extra molasses in 10

Bois y Wlad Singers and Dai Jones Llanilar combine forces for the Welsh National Anthem THE FARMERS CLUB JOURNAL Summer 2011 • www.thefarmersclub.com

CHARITABLE TRUST

£22,000 for new farming projects SIX exciting new research projects have been given the go-ahead in the latest round of funding from the Farmers Club Charitable Trust.

The Trust, which celebrated its thirtieth anniversary last year, has already invested over £500,000 in sending UK agriculturalists to all four corners of the globe to broaden their experience and facilitate the exchange of academic knowledge.

This year’s successful candidates are: Malcolm Goodwin, Moulton College, Northants.

Mr Goodwin is to travel to China to investigate the potential for commercial bamboo production in the UK, having already gained experience with the species at the Lost Gardens of Heligan in Cornwall, where he managed several acres of commercial crop. The potential to develop a UK bamboo industry for biomass, horticultural products, commercial merchandise, construction materials and food is all the more promising given the growing focus on carbon-miles for imports, he notes.

Dr Alistair Hamilton, SAC, Edinburgh.

Fire has been used as a land management tool in the UK for centuries, but compared with other management techniques the use and knowledge of fire has changed very little. Dr Hamilton will travel to Australia to assess alternative approaches to vegetation management by fire, including the modelling of weather and fuel conditions to predict fire behaviour and how land managers and agencies coordinate to provide fire management, planning, control and site remediation.

Dr Belinda Kemp, Plumpton College, East Sussex.

Attending the 3rd World Climate Change and Wine conference in Spain and the 8th International Cool Climate Symposium for Viticulture and Oenology in Tasmania will provide Dr Kemp with insights into the potential impact of climate change on UK wine production. Understanding the implications and impacts of temperature changes, and rainfall patterns, is an important issue for the UK wine industry, she comments.

Nicola Penford, SAC, Aberdeen.

By visiting Romania Ms Penford aims to take a closer look at High Nature Value Farming, something that is increasingly important as EU farm policies become ever greener.

HNV farming generates significant income for farms in less favoured areas, both through EU support and by adding value to farm produce through their green credentials. The study will assess the scope for maximising such income.

Dr Ruben Sakrabani, Cranfield University, Bedfordshire.

Research into soil fertility and how organic materials can help reduce reliance on inorganic fertilisers is the goal for Dr Sakrabani, who is travelling to Malawi to investigate soil research there, and the potential for a novel approach to processing organic manure by converting it to biochar, the carbon-rich byproduct of heating biomass to high temperatures in pyrolysis or gasification in reduced oxygen conditions.

www.thefarmersclub.com • THE FARMERS CLUB JOURNAL Summer 2011

Dr Russell Sharp, Moulton College, Northants.

Ethnic foods provide a great opportunity for UK farmers to meet local demand and replace imports. So Dr Sharp is to visit Kyoto in Japan to learn more about the potential for the production of Chinese Yam on UK farms. This high value crop is fully hardy in the UK and is eaten in high volumes by Asian communities, but so far none has been grown here.

“It is heartening to see the enthusiasm of the applicants and to be able to bring their initiatives to life through the funding made possible by the Charitable Trust,” comments FCCT chairman John Kerr.

“Over the years we have invested over £500,000 in more than 120 travel bursaries to pursue projects as diverse as fish farming in Japan and Korea, value-added milk production in Australia, share farming in New Zealand and viticulture in California.”

Candidates attended a selection day at the Farmers Club in central London where their proposals were scrutinised by a panel chaired by Professor Ian Crute, chief scientist at the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board, together with FCCT chairman and Suffolk arable farmer Mr Kerr, Farmers Club chairman and Devon dairy farmer Richard Holland, former chief executive of LANDEX the UK body for land-based colleges Vic Croxson, and Farmers Club member and Essex farmer James Cross.

The Trust always welcomes new funds by way of donation or legacies to maintain its valuable work and to add to the Trust endowment funds. Anybody who feels that they, or an individual, organisation or trust they know can help, should contact Club Secretary Stephen Skinner (snskinner@thefarmersclub.com) or FCCT chairman (john@kerrfarms.com).

11

SUSTAINABILITY

Plotting a path to more sustainable farming What hampers UK farming’s ability to grow sustainably?

Charles Abel asks a global influencer

there is no disincentive for doing the right thing.

POLICY But farming is currently caught in a transition period, as policymakers and buyers investigate what sustainable farming should look like, policy instruments are flexed in pursuit of that, and commercial signals start to provide a commercial basis for it.

So far there is a general failure to attach commercial value to the environment, he accepts. The Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation in Developing Countries (REDD) initiative aims to create higher returns from an intact rainforest than a felled one, for example.

There is also the rejuvenated International Convention on Biodiversity, which is significant because it aims to agree a regulatory protocol for placing a value on biodiversity. But it is not easy.

Sustainability advocate – Valentin von Massow

AN ELECTRIC car or traditional bicycle conveys Valentin von Massow to most London appointments. There is a simple reason. He believes in sustainability.

A ‘Virtuous triangle’ of senior roles in energy, environment and agriculture convinces him that the fast growing sustainable food security agenda presents no long-term conflict for farming, and plenty of upsides.

But there will be pain along the way.

Understanding must improve, robust supply chain standards need setting and regulations must flex to help the industry progress.

“Putting a value on climate change, biodiversity and sustainability ultimately supports the sector, because those things are not intrinsically contrary to the business of farming, even if in the short term it can feel disadvantageous,” he says.

In future the payment for public goods to defend the environment, such as carbon credits, plus market payments, will ensure 12

Behind the scenes businesses, government and non-governmental organisations are increasingly co-operating. “Straddling political, advisory, science and commercial sectors as I do, I believe the right mechanisms are being created.”

Some things already make commercial sense, as with improved energy efficiency, or avoiding current or future regulatory pressures linked to the polluter pays principle.

“There is also a long term trend of consumers waking up to the wider values of the food they buy, rather than focusing on price alone, taking more account of social, environmental and sustainability issues,” Dr von Massow notes.

That demands an education response from industry, to convey the real value of food and the true cost of buying cheaply. “I can envisage a campaign around that. People would think more if they knew what lay behind the food they ate.”

gathering, so we know that what we are trying to do is right. Second, knowledge transfer and exchange needs to be developed, so those facts are applied where they can be acted upon. And third, individual consultancy and advice is necessary, to help individual farms and businesses respond,” Dr von Massow notes.

As Chairman he is shaping ADAS to meet the demands of farming business and government alike: “Supply chain sustainability for PepsiCo and their Walkers Crisps potato growers; on-farm renewable energy projects (anaerobic digestion, wind, solar); or the evidence base for policy relating to diffuse pollution and sustainable farming systems – it’s all part of fostering knowledge”.

STANDARDS More needs to be understood, particularly around farming’s impacts on biodiversity and greenhouse gas emissions. “There are too many assumptions being made, which could be wrong.”

Take biofuels, for example. Without understanding the second order effects, such as knock-on impacts on the food chain, and without proper certification to ensure entire production chains comply with robust, agreed standards, there may be no net benefits to the environment.

The US surge into first generation bioenergy production is now being restrained, although the rate of change is curtailed by a very strong lobby and lack of knowledge at government level, he notes.

In the UK carbon footprinting of whole supply chains is more popular. “Food processors and retailers are looking to select the suppliers who meet their sustainability criteria, for corporate social responsibility purposes, to justify the collection of carbon credits, or to futureproof against legislation or market demands. Whatever the reason, businesses need proof of what is being done.”

KNOWLEDGE Indeed, garnering a better understanding of the intricacies of sustainability issues is paramount. “First, scientific evidence needs

TRADE Better comparisons of UK farming with overseas production are needed.

THE FARMERS CLUB JOURNAL Summer 2011 • www.thefarmersclub.com

SUSTAINABILITY

“Remember the EU is a net food importer, to the tune of $40-50bn. That represents a large area of farmland outside Europe. We need to be aware of the economic, environmental and social impacts of that. It is no good simply exporting the impacts elsewhere.”

That is particularly pertinent if buyers impose conditions on overseas suppliers that are not even consistent with global standards, let alone those in the EU or UK, he notes.

“Look at beef, for example. Is it better to import Brazilian cattle, which may feed on land and are supplemented with soya that cuts into rainforest, or consume UK cattle supplemented with leftovers from our food and drinks industries? We need to know more, which requires complex analysis, so governments can set the right mechanisms, especially around the certification of imported products.”

REGULATION

MASSOW IN BRIEF Chairman of Solarlite GmbH, board member of Thermax and Crompton Greaves energy and environmental engineering companies in India, and a small rural bank in Germany, trustee of WWF in UK and Germany, chairman of ADAS. Previously with Boston Consulting Group. PhD in Agricultural Economics. Spent two years in Addis Ababa as a livestock economist. Involved with family farm in northern Germany.

Policies and market trends will increasingly signal a move to more sustainable farming.

Striking the right balance between regulations and incentives is vital. Here, it is important to distinguish between long-term prescriptive ‘thou shalt not’ regulations, which may be necessary to protect citizens and the environment, and temporary regulations designed to signal a direction for industry to take until market forces take over.

It is an area where the UK could do better.

“It seems to be a case of an absolutely free market or total regulation. Black or white.

Why are we so far behind in on-farm anaerobic digestion or power generation from wind? I think there is a role for government to take responsibility and apply more temporary market guiding regulation, as a landing path to show industry where it needs to move to.

“Interference for a certain time, through intelligent taxes and incentives, allows the true price of CO2 emissions from conventional energies to be properly allocated. Then, once technology has caught up and industry is in sync, a return to market forces is appropriate.”

Dr von Massow’s bottom line is clear.

“Don’t be defensive about getting your own house in order. Embrace the change and look to adopt best practise. There are significant differences across the industry, with many opportunities missed because farms and other rural businesses are still not asking for the right advice to help them grow and diversify, or optimise their costs where sustainability issues are concerned.”

www.thefarmersclub.com • THE FARMERS CLUB JOURNAL Summer 2011

FINANCE WOES “The biggest hold back for the sector is that the financial community has failed to provide the long term funding necessary for farms to invest in diversifications geared to deliver greater sustainability,” comments Mr von Massow. Renewable energy projects are a prime example.

“Lenders still want a covenant against the land title, which the farmer won’t agree, because it would compromise the needs of the core business.” In the rest of Europe, and in the US, such projects are seen as an independent enterprise and are assessed in their own right. “In the UK there seems to be a lack of sector specific expertise to support such funding, to really understand the cashflow patterns, income streams and context for the diversified enterprise, be it an anaerobic digester, wind farm or eco-tourism.”

13

ESTATE MANAGEMENT

Localism agenda: friend or foe?

Community assets and planning approach demand attention, urges James Brooke

community would be given an opportunity to prepare a business plan and raise the necessary funds to make a bid, before the property goes on the open market.

Such assets might include local playing fields, the village pub, the village shop, the village cricket pitch or perhaps even just areas of open ground which have been enjoyed by the local community. As yet, there is no clear definition of a “community asset”. That is where I believe the danger lies.

Landowners need to be very conscious of allowing community groups to utilise such facilities and I would urge them to make representation to this consultation at an early stage.

Despite there being no hard and fast definition, it is proposed that both the Local Authority and the Secretary of State will have the power to determine what constitutes an Asset of Community Value; and whilst the owner may have the opportunity to contest their assets from being included on the List, it will be the case that for some, classification is simply unavoidable.

So, what does it mean if part of your property winds up on the list?

Currently the Bill dictates that if the property is marketed, there will be a predetermined window of opportunity for community groups, to give them the necessary time to organise and raise funds.

James Brooke – eyes are on localism issues

MUCH has been made of the Localism Bill and the impact this broad ranging mandate will have on society.

Planning Authorities are heavily influenced by small scale political agendas, the implications could be considerable.

The Government’s stated objective is to shift power from central government back into the hands of individuals, local communities and councils. But will this really establish a smoother transition of, for example, planning decisions? Or will this become much more localised and therefore inconsistent and driven by local political agendas as much as what is good for communities?

There is some concern that the Bill in general is ‘anti-development’ and that it will stifle growth. Whether this proves to be the case remains to be seen.

For many, the immediate and ostensibly most significant issue is what impact the Bill will have on the Planning System; or to be more exact, whether it enhances or diminishes applications and their prospects of achieving success.

The answer will naturally depend upon the circumstances: which is to say, what is the local agenda? I suspect that in many instances, particularly in rural areas where a number of Parish Councils and Local 14

However, certain less heralded (but potentially far-ranging) elements of the Bill should be looked at seriously by those with land ownership close to existing settlements or with “assets” utilised by the local community, either in the short or longer term.

One such element of the Bill fall under the seemingly innocuous term ‘Assets of Community Value’, Out to consultation until the 3rd May the community right to buy clause will give local groups a legal right to nominate any vital Community Asset to be recorded on a “most wanted list” by the Local Authority.

In the event that an Estate incorporating such an asset comes up for sale, the

A similar ‘Right to Buy’ policy has been in effect in Scotland for many years. The outcome has been a mixed bag; some good results simulating economic growth; some frustrating, impacting the timing of sales and their values. Indeed, who would attach value to such a Community Asset, and not only value but the impact on loss of value on adjoining or related assets?

Undoubtedly, the initial inclination for landowners and asset owners would be to retract the use of such assets from the local community, in effect having a counterproductive implication. So, why not let the status quo exist where communities have harmoniously used assets in conjunction with landowners? This draconian and unnecessary step could automatically have the opposite effect.

Clearly, strategic thinking will undoubtedly be advisable. I am sure imaginative agents will find ways around having to sell such assets, whilst still including them in any marketing strategy.

• James Brooke is Head of Farm & Estate Agency with Bidwells

THE FARMERS CLUB JOURNAL Summer 2011 • www.thefarmersclub.com

FARM STAFF

Retirement challenges can be met Retirement rules are changing.

David Regan provides some pointers

However, where there is clear ongoing dialogue between managers and staff, and all parties are open to sensible communication, there is no reason why employees continuing to work past the current default retirement age should prove to be a problem.

Furthermore, employers are still free to choose to set a retiring age for their business, provided they can justify this.

So, how best should you handle the move away from the default retirement age?

1. Speak to the employee ‘off the record’: Whilst tempting, this is fraught with difficulty. Saying a conversation is ‘off the record’, or ‘without prejudice’, does not mean the employee cannot use it against the employer, suggesting it is an attempt to force them out on the grounds of age, and consequently suing for age discrimination.

David Regan – retirement planning demands prudence.

KEY changes to the law on retirement mean the default retirement age will be abolished with effect from 1 October 2011 and notices of intended retirement date can no longer be issued, as of 6 April 2011.

This could have a large impact on businesses, as staff may choose to remain in their position longer, hindering succession planning, and employers and managers will be forced in many cases to invoke disciplinary procedures to manage the performance of longstanding employees, with a subsequent negative effect on morale.

2. Speak to the employee ‘on the record’: The best time to do this is during annual appraisals, or at regular meetings.

Indeed, it may make sense for employers to discuss future plans with all employees at appraisal time, as this will provide a better idea of who is looking for advancement, who is happy within their role and who is considering retiring, so plans can be made accordingly.

3. Keep a close eye on performance: Many employers fear the change means they will be stuck with staff who cannot perform and cannot be retired. This is not the case. Under the new law employers must keep a closer eye on who is performing well, and manage all employees’ performance equally, regardless of age or length of service.

4. Set a corporate ‘normal retiring age’: Contrary to popular belief, employers can still set a ‘normal retiring age’. Although this will be age discrimination, it will be justifiable if the decision can be shown to be

www.thefarmersclub.com • THE FARMERS CLUB JOURNAL Summer 2011

a proportionate means of achieving a legitimate aim.

The most obvious difficulty for employers will be that there is no longer a ready-made timetable for retirement, meaning the path to senior positions could be blocked.

Employers may also feel unable to ask when an employee is intending to retire, leading to ‘shock’ retirements that leave the employer without a proven successor.

Employers may also find it difficult to start discussions about retirement with employees. In future employers will be faced with the unpleasant task of performance managing longstanding, cherished employees if they are not up to task, rather than allowing them to continue with the knowledge that retirement is just around the corner.

Flexible working It is important to note that the abolition of the default retirement age has no effect upon the flexible working law, which is currently in place, and employers will not be under a duty to allow older employees to work reduced hours unless they are eligible for flexible working in the usual way.

Managers must ensure that performance management processes are implemented fairly across the entire range of employees in order to avoid any accusations of age bias, or trying to force out the older members of staff. In addition, managers will need to watch for age related disabilities and, if any disability is found, will need to consider whether or not any reasonable adjustments may need to be made in relation to the employee and their employment.

Exceptions Two exceptions to the abolition of the default retirement age are that it does not affect occupational pension schemes and the setting of a “normal retirement age” for that purpose, and employers may withdraw benefits for employees at or over the age of 65 (with the age at which withdrawal will be legal rising in accordance with the state pension age). The latter exemption deals with a key concern of employers, that the rising costs of benefits and insurance for employees over state pension age could make provision of benefits prohibitively expensive.

• David Regan is a solicitor in the Employment Team at Mundays Solicitors, a leading regional practice.

15

U30S • Patrick Durnford, Chairman; Rhydian Scurlock-Jones, Vice Chairman; MaryAnne Salisbury, Secretary

Chairman’s Jottings

I HOPE that you have had a very pleasant Spring and that those of you busy with lambing and crop establishment have had a fruitful and successful season. Certainly, compared to last year, the weather seems to have been very mild, although I’m sure that at the time of writing a sprinkling of rain would be welcomed by many!

Often when chatting at the Club bar or over dinner I am struck by the range of sectors and professions that Under 30s members are involved with, ranging from dentistry through to pigs. It is very interesting to hear about the broad spectrum of projects and work people are undertaking, together with gaining an insight into the opportunities and challenges that are affecting a particular industry. The common theme is, of course, an interest or connection to agriculture and the countryside, but the diversity of experience is one of many reasons why the U30s is an exciting group to be a part of.

I am really looking forward to the forthcoming Spring Farm Walk, which is in Devon this year, and runs from Friday 20th to Sunday 22nd May. We will be based

in Exeter, and have an itinerary taking in locations in the area as well as participating in some adventurous activities (full details to be circulated by email).

After our visit to the south-west the U30s are thrilled to be hosting a ‘British Produce Interclub Dinner’ at the Club on Friday 10th June. I’m sure it will be an excellent tribute to the quality of foods produced on British farms. The event is very much open to members and we would be delighted to hear any recommendations for the menu.

May I wish you a very pleasant start to the summer.

Patrick Durnford Patrick.durnford@btinternet.com 07967 822892

New members event a real success TWENTY three U30s members and their guests gathered at the Club for a lively Spring Dining evening on the 25th March.

The event was both jolly and relaxed with members and guests enjoying delicious food in good company.

On Sunday a hearty breakfast was enjoyed by many before people dispersed to enjoy their weekends. A number were particularly keen to go on to watch the 157th Oxford Vs Cambridge Boat Race, which was won by Oxford.

The first course consisted of a tantalising mackerel and red cabbage salad, which was then followed by a masterly prepared ‘Cornish Lamb’, and a refreshing pudding.

A few invigorating rounds of port concluded what was undoubtedly a marvellous dinner. A special thank you must go to the Kitchen and Club staff for

Having won the toss the Oxford president Ben Myers chose the Surrey station – always the safer option, even if the last four Boat Races have been won on Middlesex. An exciting afternoon, even if the weather did suddenly cool and a south westerly breeze blow up, creating chilly conditions for spectators all along the course.

Holly Adams and Beth Hockham

Patrick Durnford

looking after us so well during our stay at Whitehall Court.

Following dinner and after a few further sharpeners at the bar, the group stretched their legs with a stroll up to Trafalgar Square and the renowned ‘Albannach Bar’. As a Scottish bar, the venue certainly had a plentiful choice of tipples for those keen on a wee dram.

Beth Wheaton, Mathew Paterson, Bianca d’Ois and Edward Barker

16

The evening was concluded with members blazing up the dance floor at the conveniently located and always popular ‘opel’ night club.

Thomas Locton, Thomas Kecker and Elena Atkinson

THE FARMERS CLUB JOURNAL Summer 2011 • www.thefarmersclub.com

U30S • Patrick Durnford, Chairman; Rhydian Scurlock-Jones, Vice Chairman; MaryAnne Salisbury, Secretary

Tractors on the road Rule changes are in the pipeline for using farm equipment on the road.

Farmers Club Under Thirties member William Benbow takes a closer look

tractor than ideally suited is used to tow a large load, in order to remain below the maximum combined weight.

The main debate is with regard to the level of testing of equipment. A large proportion of the industry, including the NFU, is against any compulsory testing, as seen in the haulage industry and similar to a car’s MOT. With most businesses running a fleet of tractors, trailers and other equipment, the total costs are likely to be difficult to absorb, especially as all other machinery costs continue to rise. Furthermore, for a lot of businesses, road travel is still a rare occurrence or only over very short distances. In these instances, mandatory testing would appear to be a disproportionate solution to the problem.

For other businesses, however, mandatory testing is believed to bring with it benefits that outweigh the costs. It is thought that it would pave the way for higher road speeds and gross weights in excess of the current maximum weight limit and the proposed 31 tonne limit.

In order to meet the needs of both groups, inspiration ought to be drawn from continental Europe, where some countries operate a tiered system. Those who wish to operate at higher speeds and weights can therefore opt into the increased levels of regulation, whilst those who wish to continue to operate under rules similar to the existing rules (subject to the necessary updates) can continue to do so.

Everyone wants safe farm traffic on the roads. But rule updates need considering carefully to prevent wrong messages being sent

WITH farms now spread over greater distances and contractors undertaking more work, tractors spend more time on the road than ever before. At least one item of a farmer’s armoury will have a broken light cluster or indicator covered in mud due to the conditions they work in. But when recent tests have shown that even a new trailer’s brakes may not reach the required standards, it highlights the shortcomings of some equipment in use today.

When that is combined with the already congested British road network and what is too often a haphazard maintenance policy, accidents are inevitable. This has not gone unnoticed by the Department for Transport and the Health and Safety Executive who are looking closely at ways to improve the current system.

The current rules allow for a maximum combined weight of 24,360kg for a tractor

and trailer combination with a maximum speed of 32km/h (20mph). The maximum gross trailer weight is 18,290kg. These limits are now 25 years old and hail from an era when most tractor and trailer combinations weighed no more than 12 tonnes. Modern equipment makes those rules almost impossible to adhere to.

Tractors are now pushing 60km/h (almost 40mph) and a 16 tonne trailer is no longer unusual. The trend is only headed in one direction and is at odds with the objective to improve safety on the roads.

The NFU has recognised that the legislation needs updating and is pushing for an increase in the maximum combined weight to 31 tonnes. There are few within the industry that would argue against this, due to the rise in tractor and implement size across all sectors. It would also prevent the nonsensical situation, where a smaller

www.thefarmersclub.com • THE FARMERS CLUB JOURNAL Summer 2011

This will remove the need for another costly layer of red tape for a majority of businesses, whilst increasing the safety standards for those agricultural vehicles that spend the most time on the road.

It must also be noted that all sectors of the industry have responded positively to the criticism received. For instance, implement manufacturers are now offering improved rear lighting, more trailers are being ordered with higher specification commercial running gear and air brakes, while some local machinery dealers are now offering testing services for trailer brakes.

Of course, it remains to be seen whether this self-regulation will prevent the implementation of a divisive, mandatory policy.

William Benbow, an Under Thirties member of The Farmers Club, is a Shropshire farmer and Chartered Surveyor.

WBenbow@savills.com 17

FARMING VIEWS • Charles Abel

Farming Figures £280bn Potential cost of nitrogen pollution to society, more than double its benefit to farmers – Centre for Ecology and Hydrology

140,000

Number of extra people needing feeding today, compared with yesterday – EU Farm Commissioner Dacian Ciolos

66.8m bottles Extra annual whisky output thanks to progress in malting barley breeding

9%

Farming’s share of total UK greenhouse gas emissions (1% of carbon dioxide, but 76% of nitrous oxide and 38% of methane)

Festivals seek land MORE and more landowners are realising there is money to be made from hosting music festivals, explains Tobias Gourlay Alex James made news last month when he announced he would be hosting a festival on his Oxfordshire farm in September. The bass guitarist for popular music band Blur has seen his profile rise since turning speciality cheese producer and newspaper columnist. He could make news for a lot less than launching a four-day food-and-music event. The real story here is in the growing number of landowners who are doing something similar.

For James Walton, a partner at Warwickshire estate agent Sheldon Bosley, there are two types of potential venue.

“First, there are the bleak, barren sites. If an owner can get a festival licence for this sort of land, its value will often increase above that of better agricultural land.”

The example he gives is Long Marston airfield near Stratford upon Avon, which has not been used as such since World War II. Its owners, the Hodges family, have diversified to offer a range of sports and leisure activities and hold two big festivals every year – Global Gathering for dancemusic fans and the Bulldog Bash for bikers.

The airfield’s isolated position means there are no neighbours to be disturbed by either group.

Then there are the stately homes and other

country estates. Although their land value will not be affected much by a licence, the income generated by a festival can be significant.

Lord Rotherwick of Cornbury Park will this summer host an event on his land for the eighth year running. “If something’s outside your door, you have to be comfortable with it. We are a family-friendly festival, so we would not be comfortable with Hells Angels types coming in and causing disturbances.”

Felicity Cunliffe-Lister, who runs Al Fresco on family land in Swinton Park, Yorkshire, agrees. “Ours is a nice event that we all enjoy.”

But it is not just immediate family that has to be thought of, warns Lord Rotherwick. “You have to consider the effect on the local community. We have a licence and, bar a handful of people, everyone is now satisfied.

Good communication is important and we resolved lots of issues by talking to everyone. “ The Earl of Bradford, who is involved in the organisation of V festival in Staffordshire, says: “The most important factor is having good roads outside the venue, and plenty of entrances to the site, so you can get them in and away quickly.”

Tobias Gourlay writes for Festival Business magazine (www.festivalbusiness.co.uk)

16,224

On-line applications for Single Payment Scheme in 2010

7%

2011 peak in UK retail food price inflation (just half the rise seen in 2008) forecast by English Food and Farming Partnership

1 in 20 Ratio of farmers to general public in Powys, top farming hotspot in England and Wales Country estates provide great festival venues (Pic courtesy of Swinton Estate, Yorks, home to the Al Fresco festival) 18

THE FARMERS CLUB JOURNAL Summer 2011 • www.thefarmersclub.com

FARMING VIEWS • Charles Abel

Club Comments In the Farmers Club Journal....

10 YEARS AGO

Novel facilities aim to attract 250,000 to Brockholes reserve

Floating visitor centre MANY Farmers Club members who use the M6 motorway in Lancashire, for business or leisure, are probably completely unaware of a new natural visitor attraction near junction 31 for Preston.

Brockholes is a brand new reserve, with the UK’s first ever floating visitor centre, and an array of innovative approaches to encourage visitor interest in wildlife and the natural environment.

The 172 hectare site is owned by Lancashire Wildlife Trust and operated for them by a shadow board, Brockholes Enterprises Ltd, of which Farmers Club member Richard Halhead is a non-executive director. The new reserve, which opened at Easter, has already featured on BBC’s Countryfile, when Julia Bradbury was seen feeding the resident Longhorn cattle.

“We aim to take natural tourism to the next level, giving our visitors their very own natural adventure,” explains Anne Selby, chief executive of Lancashire Wildlife Trust. “Brockholes showcases how boosting the tourism economy in the region and protecting the environment can go hand in hand.”

Brockholes aims to be a wildlife haven that inspires people about the natural world, fosters sustainable living and encourages visitors to explore nature in new and different ways. The site features zones for quiet contemplation and others for more active pursuits, with public performances and art in the landscape planned for the future.

Stepping onto the man-made island will find a conference centre, educational area, a restaurant and food shop, both promoting Lancashire’s finest farm produce, a Wildlife Trust shop and information centre, and an outdoor space for exhibitions. The educational centre can seat up to 45 and offers a range of programmes linked to the National curriculum.

Moored on the main lake the centre was built using sustainable materials and techniques, to ensure it is carbon neutral. It has already won an outstanding design award.

The reserve emerged from 106 hectares of sand and gravel workings and 66 hectares of semi-natural ancient woodland, with a major part of the £10 million funding coming from the Newlands Programme jointly run by the North West Development Agency and the Forestry Commission.

Over 50 breeding bird species and over 100 wintering species have been recorded on site already, and one of the UK’s major salmon rivers, the Ribble, runs along the southern and eastern boundary.

Many children living within 50 miles of Preston live in urban areas, many of them deprived. Brockholes aims to provide them, their parents, and people from all over the UK with an easily accessible wildlife haven, that truly captures the imagination.

A stark picture of likely changes to our planet unless action was taken to reverse global warming was described

by Sir John Houghton, former chief executive of the Meteorological Office, who forecast a 2-6 degree C temperature rise over the following few years. Fossil fuel consumption must be reduced and alternative energy sources must be relied upon to a much greater extent, he said.

May 2001

50 YEARS AGO Accession to the European Union dominated debate when NFU president Harold Woolley addressed the Club. Mrs de Quincy of the Isle of Wight quoted Belgian Euro-statesman Paul Henri Spaak: “‘No one can imagine the number of problems that face the creation of a European Common Market, but if we do not create it, Europe will be among the under-developed regions of the world within three decades.’ I think that we British farmers either are going to sacrifice our country for our selfishness, or else our selfishness for our country.”

March 1961

150 YEARS AGO Owen Wallis of Northampton noted: “With a population rapidly increasing in numbers, and happily also in material prosperity, the demand for meat has increased to a wonderful extent. That the supply has not kept pace with the demand is, I think, apparent, from the increased price which it has attained. That the supply is very much greater than it was some twenty or thirty years since, cannot be doubted; but still the consumptive powers of the people have increased in a much greater ratio.”

May 1861

www.brockholes.org

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19

FARM ENERGY • James Andrews

Better slurry solutions Anaerobic digestion should be on 1000 farms by 2020. A new RASE study aims to help things along, as James Andrews reports

• Income tax should be incremental, to avoid the possibility that installations artificially limit their feedstocks • Where electricity production is not practical (e.g. on small scale plants), the Renewable Heat Incentive should allow the payment to reflect the total gas volume produced • In time, the incentive system for AD and other renewable technologies should be adjusted to be based on the net carbon reduction that is achieved 2). Access to capital • Farmers need more scope to access the EU-funded Rural Development Programme for England • Development of new funding models (e.g. rolling loan programme) should be considered, funded by current environmental taxes • The industry needs to work with banks and other financial institutions to promote greater understanding of the technology

Energy and rich organic matter – the outputs of AD

3). Regulation, planning and feedstock restrictions

Slurry represents 3M tonnes of CO2 equivalent and 10billion kWh of energy per year. Wider use of AD could improve farming’s carbon footprint and cut environmental damage.

SLURRY handling is a major cost and technical preoccupation, with between 90 and 100 million tonnes being produced on farms every year. Anaerobic Digestion (AD) plants could be the solution to this problem, as they not only provide an easierto-handle fertiliser, but also give farmers a stake in the renewable energy business.

That is the conclusion of a new Royal Agricultural Society report, A Review of Anaerobic Digestion Plants on UK Farms – Barriers, Benefits & Case Studies, which sets out the case for AD and offers solutions to some of the issues restricting its successful uptake.

Barriers to uptake

technology amongst banks and planning authorities. Banks are often not prepared to lend money for a technology they are unfamiliar with, while some projects get stopped at planning stage, tied up in endless appeals and red tape.

By far the greatest challenge to those building digesters in the past five years has been the plethora of growing and everchanging legislation, interpreted and applied differently on almost every project.

By its nature AD straddles a number of disciplines, so a number of regulatory bodies become involved – including EU legislators, the Environment Agency, DEFRA and DECC.

• There should be a light regulatory touch for low-risk organic substrates, such as locally available food waste and farm byproducts, like apple pomace.

• Policy should be modified to allow a more holistic approach to the management of feedstocks (e.g. centralised waste processing) • Policy should be modified to allow for a light touch on very small (micro) AD for the smallest farms or acreages • Farmers should be able to give away or sell small quantities of digestate to researchers and local gardeners without undue regulation • There should be a single, definitive, point of information for regulations surrounding AD • Planning policy should be amended to promote smaller scale AD

AD is not without its drawbacks, as some farmers have found. For example, using AD with a combined heat and power plant (CHP), can cause problems with grid connection and additional capital and maintenance costs. Additionally, the primary feedstock, cattle slurry, is generally only available for six winter months.

The new RASE report makes a number of recommendations for improving the uptake of AD technology amongst farmers, including:

The report also comments on the need to inform and educate farmers, bankers and regulators about the potential for smaller scale AD.

1). Incentives

Another problem, which some farmers have encountered in attempting to install AD, is a lack of familiarity with the

• A more advantageous Feed in Tariff band for small-scale digesters (e.g. less than 200kW)

The publication of the report in early April was just ahead of the completion of the DEFRA AD strategy review. It was hoped that the RASE report would be taken into account by Ministers, making it easier for even more farmers to benefit from AD in the future.

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• Incentives should make AD at least as attractive as simply putting up a slurry storage tank

THE FARMERS CLUB JOURNAL Summer 2011 • www.thefarmersclub.com

RAMBLINGS • Stephen Skinner

Bishops, bathrooms and bookings EVERY so often there is a little bit of news that lifts the spirit. A bit of news that you feel, yes, justice has been done. That is right. First thing on Tuesday 12th April, I received an email telling me the Revd Nick Holtam of St Martin-in-the-Fields, our Honorary Chaplain, has been appointed Bishop of Salisbury and will be ordained and consecrated as such in the summer.

After this we will start on five other bathrooms around the Club. All should be done by the end of the summer.

What is Salisbury’s gain is our loss as Nick has been a most outstanding friend of the Club’s over the years and he will be greatly missed.

There have also been some staff changes.

Marlene, our Head Receptionist, has moved from reception to the back office to manage bedroom reservations. This will allow Hamid more time to manage his key areas of responsibility, and do more with our IT, a valuable area of his expertise.

Meanwhile, at the Club the pace of development never slackens and we are on the cusp of starting the refurbishment of bathrooms on the seventh floor. I won’t bore you with the fine detail but suffice it to say that we are creating TWO NEW bathrooms from the room that lies between Rooms 26 and 27 and the communal bathroom formerly used by these two rooms (and 29), is being fully upgraded too.

We are also about to install WiFi throughout the Club, which will allow members to use their laptops, iPads and other internet devices in their rooms. I will update you with an installation date as soon as I have it.

This does not leave us short behind reception, as we have just employed a new receptionist, Sarah, who is settling in very well indeed. I hope this has the effect of improving the quality of service to members in an area that continues to be very busy.

Walking the sights of Westminster ON FRIDAY 15th April a select group of members were treated to a quite fascinating walking tour of Westminster.

For two hours, we gently strolled around some of the most historically important sites in this great country of ours. Our guide was Mr Shaughan Seymour, a thespian and Blue Badge Guide, who was a most magnificent font of knowledge. So many of us walk past the many landmarks here in London with barely a thought and yet each and every one has so many stories to tell.

The next tour is on Friday 15th July around the legal part of London. Why not join us for the tour followed by lunch in the Club.

Forty Room is flying THE NEWLY refurbished Forty Room is attracting excellent feedback from business users, who clearly appreciate the merits of this good sized room, fully equipped to meet

today’s business needs, including WiFi wireless internet access, teleconferencing facilities, a large plasma screen for playing presentations from laptops, and a very smart Blu-ray/DVD player. Call Mrs Lynne Wilson, our meetings manager (020 7925 7100), to make a booking.

www.thefarmersclub.com • THE FARMERS CLUB JOURNAL Summer 2011

Staff workshop WE recently held a very successful ‘workshop’ for staff at the Club. Mr Mike Davey, who has previously worked in the hospitality industry, but who now has his own consultancy, came and spoke to all the staff about change and teamwork. While of course there was a range of reactions from staff members, the majority came away having learned something, about themselves and others, and quite enjoyed their time doing something different. My intent is to build on this initial successful start and I am currently in discussion with Mike to decide on the way forward.

Subscriptions due A PLEA for help, directed to members who still do not pay their subscriptions by Direct Debit. Despite the fact that the rules require members to pay their subscriptions

by DD every year, our Membership Secretary has to laboriously chase quite a proportion who have yet to put the appropriate arrangements in place. This takes hours and hours of his time, and costs the Club a considerable amount of money, because of the necessary telephone calls and letters. To that end, the Committee, as a first step, is considering levying an administration charge on those who consistently fail to pay as required. So, if you suspect you have not paid, or you need to put a Direct Debit in place – lift the telephone to Mark on 020 7925 7102 or email him at membership@thefarmersclub.com. You can be sure of a warm and helpful response.

Listening service A NEW confidential listening and stresssupport helpline for Scotland’s farming and land-based community has been launched by the Royal Scottish Agricultural Benevolent Institution. The service, entitled GATEPOST, is exactly what its name suggests – somewhere to lean and catch your breath whilst contemplating how to overcome current problems, as well as a place where you can share your thoughts or problems safe in the knowledge that they will go no further. Call 0300 111 4166 – lines are open from 9am to 5pm (Mon-Fri).

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THE FARMERS CLUB

Club Information 020 7930 3751

Further information is available on The Farmers Club Website www.thefarmersclub.com Obituaries

SUMMER EVENT Saturday 9 July 2010 The River Thames flows past many of London’s historical landmarks and provides the backdrop to some of the city’s most iconic images. Here is the ideal opportunity to see London from a different perspective with a cruise from Westminster to the Thames Barrier and back, before a pre-theatre supper at the Club and then a performance of the hit musical – Dreamboats and Petticoats. Based on a compilation album, the play is crammed with many of the timeless rock n’roll classics from the 60s.

Programme: 1.30pm

Depart Westminster Pier for a 3 hour round trip to the Thames Barrier – commentary on board.

Early evening Supper at the Club.

7.30pm Dreamboats and Petticoats at the Playhouse Theatre, Northumberland Avenue.

10.00pm Performance ends.

The booking options are as follows: Option 1: River cruise, supper with wine, theatre ticket and overnight accommodation at the Club – £170.00 per person.

Option 2: River cruise and supper with wine – £70.00 per person.

Please note applications are accepted on a first come first served basis.

!

SUMMER EVENT – SATURDAY 9 JULY 2010 Please complete in CAPITALS WITH FIRST NAME and return to MaryAnne Salisbury, Events Manager, The Farmers Club, 3 Whitehall Court, LONDON, SW1A 2EL. Tel: 020-7930 3751 Email: events@thefarmersclub.com I would like to reserve ………….... places for option 1 @ £170.00 per person I would like to reserve ………….... places for option 2 @ £70.00 per person Please make cheque payable to The Farmers Club or alternatively advise your Debit or Credit card details below – Visa, Mastercard or Maestro only. (Delete as applicable) Card No. Card Holders Name Amount to be charged £ Start Date

Expiry Date

Signature Member Guest Name Address Post Code Tel (Home) Email

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Security No

It is with regret that we announce the death of the following members: J Clarke Suffolk R Margesson MBE DL Wiltshire H Roberts Cardiganshire W Kelly United States of America R M Flint Lincolnshire

New Members The following were elected: K Andersen Denmark R Anscombe Suffolk D Armstrong Lincolnshire J Bartels United States of America J Bausor Warwickshire Lord R Best OBE Yorkshire Mrs H Bloxsome Essex M Brooke Yorkshire Mrs C Brown Hertfordshire Rt Revd P Butler Nottinghamshire J Cade Essex Dr M Coffey Midlothian B Crick Suffolk M Davies Pembrokeshire W Daw Devon S Dix Devon P Guitera France Professor P Hawkey Gloucestershire C Henning Armagh R Herring Lincolnshire Mrs H Hescott Gloucestershire R Holden Sussex J Hughes Gloucestershire H James Dorset P Jeenes Somerset A Jones Wiltshire Mrs B Jones Montgomeryshire D Jones MBE Cardiganshire Mrs S Kershaw Yorkshire Mrs R Kimber Somerset Baroness J Knight DBE MBE Northamptonshire Mrs A Kock Denmark Professor P Mills Warwickshire V Modgill Yorkshire R Morrison Warwickshire C Murray Devon Ms S Nyfield Sussex M Osgerby Yorkshire Mrs J Palmer Norfolk J Parker Rutland J Pearce Gloucestershire Dr A Pollock Kent J Priestley Yorkshire Mrs R Purser Devon J Roberts Yorkshire J Scale Pembrokeshire T Smith Kent R Smith Yorkshire J Turnbull Rutland R Vishkai London Miss J Wakeford Buckinghamshire A Walker Durham

THE FARMERS CLUB JOURNAL Summer 2011 • www.thefarmersclub.com

Club Information & Diary Dates The Secretariat 020 7930 3751

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

Patron – Her Majesty The Queen

DIARY DATES Please check the dates carefully as they are sometimes changed and new dates added for each issue. Details of Club events circulated in the previous issues are available from the Secretariat at the telephone number shown above.

VICE PRESIDENTS Peter Jackson CBE, Roddy Loder-Symonds Sir David Naish DL, John Parker THE COMMITTEE OF MANAGEMENT OF THE CLUB FOR 2011 PRESIDENT AND CHAIRMAN Richard Holland TRUSTEES Mark Hudson (Chairman), Barclay Forrest OBE Mrs Susan Kilpatrick OBE, Julian Sayers

June Visit to Stowell Park Estate, the Cotswolds Wednesday 1st Application Form was in the Spring Journal

FULL

Royal Cornwall Show Dinner Friday 10th Application Form was in the Spring Journal Open Farm Sunday Sunday 12th Breakfast at Cereals, Boothby Graffoe, Lincs.

Thursday 16th Application Form was in the Spring Journal Romeo and Juliet at the O2 Arena Saturday 18th Application Form was in the Spring Journal Royal Highland Show Dinner Wednesday 22nd Application Form was in the Spring Journal Annual General Meeting Tuesday 28 June at 12 noon at the Club July Club Golf Championships, Blackwell GC, Bromsgrove Wednesday 6th Summer Event Saturday 9th Application Form on page opposite

Breakfast at the Great Yorkshire Show Tuesday 12th Application Form enclosed London Walk and Lunch at the Club Friday 15th Booking information on page 13 in the Spring issue Royal Welsh Show Dinner Sunday 17th Application Form enclosed CLA Game Fair Reception, Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire Saturday 23rd Application Form enclosed September Dairy Event & Livestock Show, NEC Birmingham Tuesday 6th & Wednesday 7th Visit to the West Country Tuesday 20th & Wednesday 21st Application Form enclosed Autumn Mixed Golf Meeting Wednesday 28th Coxmoor GC, Sutton-in-Ashfield, Notts.

Thursday 29th Lindrick GC, Worksop, Notts.

October Harvest Festival Service at St. Martin-in-the-Fields and Buffet Supper at the Club Tuesday 11th at 5pm Preacher: The Rt. Revd. Michael Langrish, The Bishop of Exeter Details in the Harvest Journal

VICE-CHAIRMAN Paul Heygate HONORARY TREASURER Richard Butler IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIRMAN Mrs Nicki Quayle COMMITTEE Elected 2006 Stewart Houston CBE, Meurig Raymond MBE Elected 2007 Tim Bennett (Chairman House Sub-Committee) Mrs Anne Chamberlain (Chairman Journal & Communications Sub-Committee), James Cross Richard Harrison, Campbell Tweed OBE (Chairman Membership Sub-Committee) Elected 2008 The Reverend Dr Gordon Gatward OBE Jimmy McLean, David Richardson OBE, John Wilson Elected 2009 John Stones Elected 2010 David Leaver, Martin Taylor Elected 2011 Andrew Brown, Micheal Summers Co-opted Patrick Durnford (Chairman Under 30s) Rhydian Scurlock-Jones (Vice-Chairman Under 30s) 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) Chief Executive and Secretary Air Commodore Stephen Skinner Deputy Secretary Robert Buckolt Club Chaplain The Reverend Nicholas Holtam 020-7766 1121 Bedroom & Dining Room Reservations 020-7930 3557

COMMITTEE MEETINGS

CLUB CLOSURES

General Committee Tuesday 28 June and Tuesday 15 November F & G P Committee Wednesday 12 October

11.00pm Friday 27 May to 8.00am Tuesday 31 May Noon Friday 23 December to 3.00pm Wednesday 4 January 2012

Private Function & Meeting Room Reservations 020-7925 7100 Accounts 020-7925 7101 Membership 020-7925 7102 Secretariat 020-7930 3751

S Williams S Woodgate Under 30s Miss E Branfield Miss B D’Orsi Miss A Evans Miss C Everett S Gordon J Haslam J Herring T Higgs M Jones Miss C Morrison R Norman Miss E Prior-Willeard O Scott T Solari Miss C Woolliams

Lincolnshire Leicestershire Devon London Northamptonshire Kent Cheshire Cornwall Lincolnshire Kent Montgomeryshire Warwickshire Suffolk Kent Norfolk Shropshire Norfolk

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.

www.thefarmersclub.com • THE FARMERS CLUB JOURNAL Summer 2011

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 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 Email: editor@thefarmersclub.com Printed by Pureprint Group, Brambleside, Bellbrook Park Uckfield, East Sussex TN22 1PL 23 Tel: 01825 768811

Summer Opening Summer is a great time to visit London – to see the sights, visit an exhibition, soak up the atmosphere at a concert, or simply imbibe the ambience of one of the world’s great capitals.

To make your visit even more enjoyable the Club is repeating last year’s successful move to opening its doors during what have been until now its summer closure periods.

Bank Holiday 28 – 30 May 2011 Club closed but bedrooms available.

Summer 13 – 28 August 2011 Club open with: Breakfast 7.30 – 9.30 am Tea/coffee/sandwiches 10am – 2pm ‘Balcony’ menu available 3 – 9pm Bar 11am – 10 pm Weekends remain as normal: breakfast served Saturday & Sunday Saturday bar open 3 – 7pm

Balcony food serv

ice Club lounge Club balcony

Based in the heart of London the Club is an oasis of calm, overlooking the Embankment Gardens and the River Thames, yet lies within easy walking distance of the South Bank, London Eye, Trafalgar Square and all the entertainments and shopping of the West End. To make a booking contact Reservations.

Tel: 020 7930 3557 E-mail: reservations@thefarmersclub.com