South East Farmer May 2022

®

Est 1982

May 2022

RISING CONCERN OVER SCHMALLENBERG VIRUS

SOUTHERN FARMERS

An impressive reputation

T DENNE & SONS

Developing a specialist seeds contracting business

SPRING PROPERTY REVIEW Farming is changing like never before.

The opportunities are out there.

CLM offers new ideas with traditional values.

• Farm business & estate management • Subsidies & grants • Land sales & acquisition • Planning & development • Natural capital & ecology 01892 770339 www.c-l-m.co.uk

2022

For viticulturists in Great Britain In association with

2 2 0 2 N I S U N I JO

23rd November 2022 Kent Event Centre, Detling, Maidstone, Kent ME14 3JF

FOR GENERAL ENQUIRIES PLEASE CONTACT ONE OF THE TEAM:

Event Director Sarah Calcutt 07827 642396 Booking enquiries Jamie McGrorty 01303 233883

Sponsored by

Vitifruit Equipment Sales and Hire

®

www.southeastfarmer.net SOUTH EAST FARMER Kelsey Media, The Granary, Downs Court Yalding Hill, Yalding, Maidstone, Kent, ME18 6AL 01959 541444 EDITORIAL Editor: Malcolm Triggs Email: sef.ed@kelsey.co.uk Photography: Martin Apps, Countrywide Photographic PUBLISHER Jamie McGrorty 01303 233883 jamie.mcgrorty@kelsey.co.uk GRAPHIC DESIGN Jo Legg 07306 482166 jo.legg@flair-design.co.uk MANAGEMENT CHIEF EXECUTIVE: Steve Wright CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER: Phil Weeden MANAGING DIRECTOR: Kevin McCormick PUBLISHER: Jamie McGrorty RETAIL DIRECTOR: Steve Brown RENEWALS AND PROJECTS MANAGER: Andy Cotton SENIOR SUBSCRIPTION MARKETING MANAGER: Nick McIntosh SUBSCRIPTION MARKETING DIRECTOR: Gill Lambert SUBSCRIPTION MARKETING MANAGER: Kate Chamberlain PRINT PRODUCTION MANAGER: Georgina Harris PRINT PRODUCTION CONTROLLER: Kelly Orriss DISTRIBUTION Distribution in Great Britain Marketforce (UK) Ltd, 3rd Floor, 161 Marsh Wall, London, E14 9AP Tel: 0330 390 6555 PRINTING Precision Colour Print

Kelsey Media 2022 © all rights reserved. Kelsey Media is a trading name of Kelsey Publishing Ltd. Reproduction in whole or in part is forbidden except with permission in writing from the publishers.

Note to contributors: articles submitted for consideration by the editor must be the original work of the author and not previously published. Where photographs are included, which are not the property of the contributor, permission to reproduce them must have been obtained from the owner of the copyright. The editor cannot guarantee a personal response to all letters and emails received.

The views expressed in the magazine are not necessarily those of the Editor or the Publisher. Kelsey Publishing Ltd accepts no liability for products and services offered by third parties.

Kelsey Media takes your personal data very seriously. For more information of our privacy policy, please visit Kelsey Media takes your personal data very seriously. For more information of our privacy policy, please visit https://www.kelsey.co.uk/privacy-policy/ . If at any point you have any queries regarding Kelsey’s data policy you can email our Data Protection Officer at dpo@kelsey.co.uk.

33

MAY 2022

CONTENTS

61 NEWS & REPORTS

05 Exclusive interview with recruitment specialist concerned about friends and colleagues living in war-torn Ukraine.

07 Farmers urged to bid for £10,000 funding.

08 Potential workforce locked up and idle.

REGULARS

15 ANITA HEAD

18 MONICA AKEHURST Nit-picking in the extreme.

22 NIGEL AKEHURST VISITS...

Nigel meets new entrant farmer and entrepreneur Ben de Havilland to find out more about his inspiring small-scale ‘farm to fork’ street food venture, Beastro Farm Kitchen.

47 STEPHEN CARR 52 ALAN WEST

54 NICK ADAMES Fresh back from a quick tour of Scotland with lots of enthusiasm for farming in Sussex!

55 ADVICE FROM THE VET www.kelsey.co.uk Cover picture: Alan West

Lessons learned from lambing 2022.

56 LEGAL

58 SARAH CALCUTT

27

FEATURES

27 T DENNE & SONS

In addition to its well-established combinable seeds business, T Denne & Sons have developed their specialist seeds contracting business.

33 SOUTHERN FARMERS

Southern Farmers has built an impressive reputation by making it as easy as possible for its members to buy the goods and services they need at the best possible prices.

61 SPRING PROPERTY REVIEW

NEWS

During 2022, the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) will again offer free testing of samples from lambs, kids and calves born with arthrogryposis and/or spinal defects. For more information speak to your vet or visit http://apha.defra.gov.uk/vet-gateway/news/20220124.html

4

VET STUDENTS ASKED FOR HELP AS

SCHMALLENBERG VIRUS RISES Amidst rumours of a significant rise in cases of Schmallenberg Virus (SBV) affecting sheep farmers across the South East this spring, Ruminant Health and Welfare (RH&W) is asking vet students on lambing placements to help survey the extent of the problem.

RH&W, backed by a number of UK veterinary colleges and working alongside members including the National Sheep Association (NSA), Sheep Veterinary Society (SVS) and the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), is asking students to identify the prevalence of deformed lambs, an indicator of the presence of SBV. The move has been welcomed by South East Farmer’s own correspondent Alan West, who said the survey would “serve as a timely reminder to most producers that Schmallenberg is still with us”.

Alan, who said he had heard of one local producer who had lost 60 lambs to the disease, representing a significant loss at a time when finished lambs are fetching more than £100, confirmed that there was “rising concern” among fellow sheep farmers about SBV. Nigel Miller, RH&W chairman, explained: “SBV is a relatively new disease to the UK, first identified in 201213, and is transmitted by biting midges. Often the first

physical impact of SBV in sheep is lamb deformities at birth and we believe that the knowledge from the survey can increase understanding of both the epidemiology and potential management of this virus.

“As studies reveal that UK flocks are predicted to be entering a phase of increased risk, we’re grateful for the support from host farms to help us work with a new generation of vet students during their lambing placements.

“We are asking them to capture data on deformities seen in lambs over the lambing period which will provide evidence for the spread of SBV and will offer a key insight into the national picture on SBV at a county level.”

RH&W was set up “to co-ordinate and focus the ruminant sector‘s drive in tackling endemic cattle, sheep and goat diseases across the UK” and aims “to influence collective action and secure the policy framework and funding required to prevent, manage or control disease and welfare challenges”.

Alan West said that while the disease had been “rumbling around below the surface for the past eight years”, this spring seemed to have seen an increased number of cases in the South East.

“With a warm, open winter, the vectors’ (Culicoides midges) activity seems to have continued throughout,

MAY 2022 | WWW.SOUTHEASTFARMER.NET

unchallenged by any significant cold weather, so an increased incidence is not altogether surprising, if rather disappointing,” he said.

“I know several sheep keepers who have experienced cases this season, with in-flock numbers ranging from the odd deformed lamb to a few breeders who have suffered a bit of a Schmallenberg storm, with a significant number of lambs being lost.

“I suspect that the survey by the RH&W group will be welcomed. A raised incidence this year does not necessarily mean that we will be in a similar position next lambing season, as each year and each winter is different, but it is always beneficial to know just where the threat levels are for such diseases.

“Good disease surveillance, providing clear, accurate, readily available and current information, is always useful; if high risk levels are indicated, some may choose to monitor the situation while others may be more proactive and select the option to vaccinate their flocks, but they will at least be in a position to make an informed decision.”

The online survey closes on 16 May 2022, with students asked to complete it as soon as possible after the end of their placement. A report will be shared with vet students, host farms, and the wider industry in early summer.

BEYOND TOUGH A 4am telephone call marked the start of weeks of heartache for a recruitment specialist with dozens of friends and colleagues based in the besieged country of Ukraine.

Estera Amesz, who runs AG Recruitment with husband Doug, was called from Lviv by the company’s Ukraine country manager in the early hours of the morning after Russian forces attacked.

“He said they were being bombed,” said Estera.

“It was the start of several weeks that were beyond tough for all of us here in the UK. We have had to learn to cope with the heartache and focus on dealing with the problems now facing UK growers, but in the early days it was difficult to see beyond the horror of knowing what our friends were going through.”

AG Recruitment has 16 full-time members of staff in offices in Lviv, Odessa, Sumy and Dnipro, headed up by manager Taras Kovalchuk. “He’s now been issued with a gun and has been going out on night patrols around Lviv,” said Estera.

Apart from the difficulty of replacing Ukrainian workers, which made up around 70% of pickers brought in by AG Recruitment under the Government’s seasonal workers scheme last year, Estera and Doug have had to deal with the emotional trauma of knowing that colleagues and friends are in constant danger from the Russian

bombardment of their homeland.

They regularly speak via a video link, allowing Doug and Estera to see the fear in their colleagues’ sleep-deprived faces and hear sirens and occasionally explosions in the background.

“It’s one thing hearing about a war in a remote country in which you have no personal involvement, but another thing entirely to know that you have friends caught up in the conflict,” Estera said. “We used to speak to staff in our overseas offices as many as twenty times a day, so we are very close.

“Now we can be talking and you’ll suddenly hear sirens going off, or the person you are speaking to will have to end the call to take shelter. These are things that you normally just come across in movies.

There is a real difference when you look into their eyes and see fear and anger.”

Doug spent ten weeks in Ukraine last year, setting up the four offices in response to the difficulty of recruiting European Union workers and finding a good pick of workers. About 300 had been expected to travel to the UK the week after the Russians invaded, but Ukraine’s immediate ban on any of its menfolk leaving the country meant that only about a dozen arrived. Others immediately left the UK to return to their own country and take up the fight against the aggressor.

The Home Office has said that Ukrainian

> A chilling email message from a staff member in Ukraine TO ADVERTISE CALL 01303 233883

workers in the UK with a current visa can stay until December, and AG Recruitment is helping pickers and growers alike by moving workers to sites that need them, but the conflict will inevitably have a knock-on effect on labour for this summer’s fruit harvest.

Unsurprisingly, the UK is no longer issuing visas to growers from Russia and Belarus, and while Ukrainian women can still travel abroad to work, children under 18 are not allowed on farms, which adds a further restriction. “Some kind of creche operation for growers’ children would be a big help,” Estera suggested.

Meanwhile back in Ukraine, sleep deprivation is another issue, with sirens regularly sounding throughout the night. “The people of Ukraine have shown incredible resolve and great mental strength, but this is taking its toll on our friends and colleagues out there,” Estera said.

The situation is particularly poignant for her as she lived under Communism until she was nine years old in Romania, where she was born. “I was brought up in a Christian family and we had to meet in secret and keep our beliefs quiet,” she recalled.

“I used to ask my mother why we couldn’t be open about it, but she just “shhhh”d me and said we could be jailed if we were caught.

“I would rather die than live under Communist rule again – and it’s similar for Ukrainians, who have seen something different and tasted freedom. They have seen the outside world and don’t want to be put back in the box.”

Of the defenders’ response to Russia’s invasion, Estera added: “They are an inspiration for the whole world.”

Doug is currently in Indonesia and is looking for other recruitment opportunities in India, Nepal, Vietnam, Macedonia and Serbia. “While our heart is with our Ukrainian colleagues, we have a duty to find the pickers our clients need and that’s what we are working hard to do,” Estera explained. “We have no choice.”

An additional difficulty is that with the Home Office focusing on humanitarian issues, it’s difficult to get growers' visas processed, but recruiters managed to cover growers’ needs for March and achieved an impressive 80% rate for April.

“We are finding strength because we have to.

Everyone is determined to get this done and we will find solutions. We are working with the Government and growers to do our utmost to provide the workforce the industry needs. Not getting the job done is not an option,” Estera concluded.

5

O PI NI O N Box girder bridges

6

It wasn’t to everyone’s taste, and if you are under a certain age you simply won’t understand, but for some of us, Monty Python’s Flying Circus left an indelible imprint on our consciousness. Even today I occasionally quote random snippets of nonsense from a show that was broadcast between 1969 and 1974 in the knowledge that old school friends would be able to respond with the next, equally daft, line.

Everyone knows the Parrot Shop sketch, but beyond the gags that have attained comedy legend status, there were far more arcane slices of nonsense. One sketch, clearly lampooning the much-loved Blue Peter, was set in a television studio and began: "This week on How to Do It we're going to learn how to play the flute, how to split the atom, how to construct box girder bridges and how to irrigate the Sahara and make vast new areas cultivatable, but first, here's Jackie to tell you how to rid the world of all known diseases."

It’s a line that still makes me laugh, and I was taken back to that happy place when I read NFU President Minette Batters’ comments after she was re-elected as President of the NFU recently.

Now don’t misunderstand me. By all accounts she’s doing a good, high-profile job and she certainly raises awareness of issues, but the long list of things she plans to achieve in her next term had me mentally adding: “how to construct box girder bridges” when reading her no doubt wellintentioned comments.

I won’t list her ambitions here – you can read them for yourself in this edition, but I do wonder whether less isn’t more when it comes to promises from incoming union leaders, MPs, company bosses and the like. Surely there is a case for choosing one issue – tackling the labour crisis, for instance – and focusing on that, rather than spreading your efforts thinly over everything from playing the flute to irrigating the Sahara.

There is nothing funny about hunger, of course, and that’s an issue being tackled by The Felix Project. Displaying a sharper focus than Ms Batters, the charity is doing its bit to tackle that particular problem by linking surplus or below-par produce with low-income families in London.

The idea is simple; the only ‘funny’ thing is why more efforts aren’t made to find a worthy home for the fruit and veg rejected by supermarkets or supposedly ‘surplus’ to requirements. South East Farmer will be taking a closer look at its MALCOLM TRIGGS - EDITOR work in the next edition.

EMAIL YOUR VIEWS, LETTERS OR OPINIONS TO: sef.ed@kelsey.co.uk or write to the address on page 3 ®

MORE THAN 10,000 LEVY PAYERS SIGN UP

The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) has said close to 11,000 levy payers have registered to take part in the Shape the Future campaign.

A total of 10,842 registered voters will be asked to contribute to a survey regarding the main issues facing their sector as well as scoring the areas of work delivered by AHDB. Levy payers will also be asked to ratify the new members of the board’s four sector councils.

AHDB Chief Executive Tim Rycroft said: “I am delighted that, for the first time in our history, more than 10,000 levy payers will have the chance to tell us directly how they want their levy invested.

“We have engaged through countless events, webinars and discussion groups and have used multiple communications and media channels to support this campaign.

“Consulting levy payers – and putting their voice at the heart of what we do – was one of the promises, about changing AHDB, that we made a year ago. Now we are delivering."

During the four-week voting window that closes on 9 May, levy payers who have registered to take part in the beef & lamb, cereals & oilseeds, dairy and pork sectors will be sent either an email and link that will allow them to have their say on the website or a postal pack with the voting questions.

The sector councils will meet in June and July to discuss how the results should be implemented. www.ahdb.org.uk/Shape-the-Future

ONE OF OUR OWN

JOINS TOP TEAM

Minette Batters has been re-elected to lead the NFU’s team and continue to represent more than 46,000 farmers and growers across England and Wales.

Ms Batters, a beef farmer, will serve as President for a further two years, alongside Tom Bradshaw as Deputy President and South East Farmer’s own David Exwood as Vice-President. This will be her third term as NFU President.

Ms Batters said: “I’m truly honoured to lead the NFU at such a crucial time for British food and farming. My focus in the coming years, as we enter a new era for British agriculture, will be to ensure a bright and resilient British farming sector that continues to provide the nation with high-quality, climate-friendly, affordable food for generations to come.

“I have a vision of a sustainable and resilient food industry with a new economic model which ensures a fair return from supply chains and drives profit back into the land, enabling us to maximise the potential for sustainable food production and environmental delivery on farms.”

She admitted that there were still “significant challenges” facing the sector and said she would continue to work with the Government to ensure it supported British farming in trade deals, urgently addressed the industry-wide labour crisis, helped tackle rural crime and developed domestic policy that enabled farmers to produce sustainable food alongside caring for the environment and working towards net zero.

David Exwood, who has been writing regularly for South East Farmer but is now stepping down to devote more time to his new role, is an arable, beef and sheep farmer from Horsham in West Sussex. He said he was “incredibly proud and grateful to have the chance to represent Britain’s farmers as part of the officeholder team”.

NEWS To find out more about South East Water’s catchment management work and funding and whether or not you are eligible to receive 50% of any capital improvement spending, up to a total of £10,000, contact catchment@southeastwater.co.uk or visit www.southeastwater.co.uk/farming

FARMERS URGED TO BID

South East Water is urging farmers and landowners to apply for up to £10,000 of Capital Grant Scheme funding to help minimise the risk of water contamination and improve the sustainability of their businesses.

Al Stewart, surface water lead at South East Water, explained why the water company worked closely with farmers and landowners in priority catchments to stop soil, fertiliser and pesticides washing into rivers and groundwater sources from which drinking water is abstracted.

“It’s extremely expensive for us to remove these substances during the water treatment process,” he said. “Prevention is best, and our catchment management programme supports farmers and landowners to make changes that will help reduce the risk of contaminants entering water sources in the first place.

“We want to provide farmers and landowners with support that not only benefits our own objectives, but that of their businesses too. We understand that agriculture and horticulture are going through a period of significant change and appreciate that this uncertainty is unsettling for many farmers across the UK. However, the need to become more efficient and more sustainable has never been greater.”

Highlighting the support available from South East Water, Mr Stewart said a large part of the offering was around providing free, one-to-one confidential advice on topics such as yard infrastructure, pesticide handling or rainwater harvesting.

He went on: “These options can be supported with the funding available through the Capital Grant Scheme, which offers up to £10,000 per farm business, per year, for physical ‘nuts-and-bolts’ options such as concreting, roofing, pesticide handling facilities and precision farming equipment. The scheme also supports land management options, such as cover cropping and maize management.

“Besides these options, we’re always open to hear new ideas and approaches that support our work, particularly from farmers. The scheme is very flexible to suit the variety of businesses we work with.”

One farmer who has benefitted from the support of South East Water funding is Kent fruit grower Nick Overy, who farms in the Teise catchment area. Nick and father Ian grow 50 hectares of blackcurrants and 10 hectares of Gala apples while also contracting out 100 hectares of arable land.

“We were made aware of the Capital Grant Scheme funding through Catchment Sensitive Farming, which put us in touch with Al Stewart last year,” said Mr Overy.

“Al came out to the farm to identify the areas that South East Water would be able to support and see if we would qualify for the available funding. He told us we were eligible for a grant of up to £10,000 to improve the spraying facilities on farm.

“We have used the funding to build an entire spray bund, including a 1,000-

FOR £10,000 FUNDING

TO ADVERTISE CALL 01303 233883

litre underground tank, a biofilter and a chemical store container.

“Any run-off goes into the underground tank, through the biofilter and is then irrigated outside, meaning any chemical spillage is treated by the biofilter, before being piped into an adjacent grassed area.

“These improvements have helped us comply with the Red Tractor and LEAF audits that take place on farm, which we do as part of our contract with Tesco. It also brings us peace of mind knowing that our pesticides aren’t contributing to any water contamination.”

We Need You. Seasonal Work: • Thinning Team • Harvest 2022

Permanent, Full Time: • Counterbalance Driver • Fruit Packer • LGV Class 1 Driver (CE) • Line Leader • QC Transport Administrator • Quality Control • Reach Truck Driver • Agricultural Mechanical Engineer

Are you interested in joining the UK’s largest top fruit growing team?

All of these positions are based with us here in Kent, we hope to hear from you soon!

ACGoatham.com

WWW.SOUTHEASTFARMER.NET | MAY 2022

7

NEWS

POTENTIAL WORKFORCE

LOCKED UP AND IDLE

8

Immigrants being held in hotels in Dover at a cost to the taxpayer of millions of pounds could be given the opportunity to prove their worth by being asked to pick fruit on farms across the South East, it has been claimed.

National Fruit Show President Teresa Wickham made the suggestion at this year’s annual general meeting and conference, which focused on automation in the industry but also considered the ongoing problems around labour availability in the region’s orchards.

She later told South East Farmer that it was “staggering” that “fit young men” couldn’t be given an incentive to prove they were keen to contribute to the economy by being offered picking jobs in orchards that were now facing additional labour challenges following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

She blamed ‘silo thinking’ by government departments for a situation that saw a potential workforce locked up and idle while fruit growers wondered where this year’s workforce would be coming from.

The president also suggested that providing childcare at nurseries would allow more Ukrainian mothers to pick fruit in the knowledge that their children were being looked after. In response, conference speaker Tim Mordan, a DEFRA deputy director, said the Government was looking at a number of options, including ways of using prisoners, to tackle the shortage.

“We do talk to the DWP (Department of Work and Pensions) and the Home Office, but we could do more,” he conceded.

Earlier, Mr Mordan had said that the controversial £10.10 an hour that growers are being made to pay foreign workers recruited through the seasonal worker scheme was “the price you pay for being treated specially”.

He referred to the Christmas Eve announcement that 30,000 seasonal workers would be allowed into the country in each of the next three years – delivering certainty, he said – together with the possibility of a further 10,000 being recruited if necessary.

Mr Mordan, who said DEFRA Secretary of State George Eustice “gets it”, said that while the department wanted “a high-waged, high-skilled workforce," his boss “knows we can’t just turn the taps off” with regards to overseas workers.

He said setting the hourly rate 60p an hour higher than the minimum wage for domestic workers was the price the industry paid for the deal.

Later, NFU seasonal horticultural adviser Lee Abbey said the £10.10 rate “defies all logic” and amounted to 13% wage inflation at a time when growers were already facing double and triple cost increases elsewhere. He also pointed out that domestic workers would be paid less than overseas pickers and said that it had been a “last minute decision” made without consultation.

Alongside the inflated wage bill, growers attending the conference at the Orchards Events Centre, East Malling cited other problems including the fall in the number of settled status workers and the huge impact caused by the war in Ukraine, which has seen that country’s menfolk banned from leaving the country and will also prevent recruitment from Russia and Belarus.

The problem of perception was also raised by Professor Simon Pearson, Director of the Lincoln Institute of Agri Technology when he delivered the James Nichols Lecture, entitled The Future of Work in Horticulture.

In a theme that was echoed by other speakers and delegates, he pointed out

Farm and Equine

Plastic Recycling Scheme

SALES

32 sites across England

SERVICE

01793 842062 farmxs.com The professionals in rural recycling

HIRE THE

GREEN TRACTOR

MAY 2022 | WWW.SOUTHEASTFARMER.NET

SCHEME

01825 705777

Unit 4, 72 Bell Lane Uckfield, East Sussex TN22 1QL enquiries@pressureclean.co.uk

We are a leading supplier and an approved repair centre With 50 years trading in the cleaning industry. With our strong ties and long term relationship with the leading manufacturers

NEWS > F W Mansfield & Son

> Moatlands Farm

> Tim Ogden from Bloomfields presenting the award to Adrian Scripps

> Simon Bray

PRIZEWINNERS ANNOUNCED The National Fruit Show AGM also saw the winners of the long-term fruit storage competition for the 2021/22 season announced.

The winners were: A C Goatham & Son • Class 22 Gala – Joint 1st • Class 22 Gala – The Bloomfield Award • Class 24 Any Other Variety – 1st Place with a perfect score of 100 • Class 25 Cox – 1st Prize • Class 25 Cox – Marks & Spencer Trophy • Class 25 Cox – Joint 2nd • Class 26 Pears – 2nd • Three Landseer Store Operator Prizes for Krzystof Gancarczyk • Ron Tassell Trophy for the Best Store Operator Krzystof Gancarczyk Simon Mount • Class 22 Gala – Joint 2nd • Class 27 Braeburn – Joint 2nd

Ian Overy Farms • Class 22 Gala – Joint 2nd Simon Bray • Class 23 Bramley – 1st • Class 23 Bramley – The John Wills Award • Class 24 Any Other Variety – 2nd • Class 25 Cox – 3rd • Class 27 Braeburn – Joint 2nd • Landseer Store Operators Prize for Simon Bray Littlechild & Son Ltd • Class 22 Gala – Joint 1st • Class 22 Gala – The Bloomfield Award • Class 24 Any Other Variety – 3rd • Class 26 Braeburn – 3rd • Landseer Store Operators Prize for Mark Littlechild Figgis Farms • Class 24 Gala – 3rd Moatlands Farm • Class 25 Cox – Joint 2nd

that recruiting UK workers was hampered by the industry’s image, low rates of pay and the perception that it was low skilled. In practice, he said, pickers were highly skilled and needed fitness, excellent hand/eye co-ordination and an outstanding work ethic.

He said the large amount of working capital needed to grow fruit and vegetables, and the small net margins achieved, meant that when tough times increased the business risk, growers simply cut back on planting, causing a potential shortage of produce.

Professor Pearson went on to outline a number of exciting innovations in robotics, including drone technology and automated picking machines, but conceded that while progress was impressive, it would be many years before automation would come close to replacing human pickers.

In a warning shot to technology companies, he pointed out that the most advanced robotics business in the world, an American company, had simply run out of cash – and said the problem had been that it didn’t ask growers what they needed early enough in the process. He said collaboration – between countries as well as between companies – would be vital to future progress.

Mr Mordan, who conceded it was “not easy to replace seasonal workers with robots” suggested that gene editing, which he said the UK could now press ahead with post-Brexit, was another positive opportunity for horticulture.

Lee Abbey summed up the mood of the meeting when he said that after the challenges of Brexit and Covid-19 the industry had been looking forward to an opportunity to take a step back and regroup but was instead having to focus on losing its Ukrainian workforce and paying inflated wages for overseas pickers.

TO ADVERTISE CALL 01303 233883

F W Mansfield & Son • Class 22 Gala – Joint 3rd • Class 23 Bramley – 3rd • Class 26 Pears – 1st • Class 27 Braeburn – 3rd • Landseer Store Operators Prize for Paul Hollman A Hinge & Sons • Class 23 Bramley – 2nd • Class 27 Braeburn – Joint 2nd Adrian Scripps Ltd • Class 27 Braeburn – 1st • Class 27 Braeburn – The Lambert & Foster Award • Landseer Store Operators Prize for Ashley Bournes Sarah Calcutt, Executive Chair of the National Fruit Show, remarked on the “incredibly high standard of entries this year” and said the competition “helps raise awareness of the high standards across the top fruit industry which are being used to help extend the season for British apples and pears and ensure they are available to customers for longer”.

“2022 was never going to be easy,” he said, pointing out that growers had been forced to make do with 16% fewer workers than they needed last year.

He said replacing skilled Ukrainian pickers with new employees from other countries would mean more training and a less productive workforce, stressing that DEFRA could help fruit growers by releasing the extra 10,000 visas now rather than waiting for the need for them to be proved later in the year. “This needs to be a mechanical decision, not a political one,” he said.

> Visitors to the National Fruit Show’s AGM also enjoyed a number of tours of the NIAB EMR site at East Malling and an introduction to the Growing Kent & Medway initiative. This picture shows delegates being shown around the trial Victoria plum orchards

WWW.SOUTHEASTFARMER.NET | MAY 2022

9

WYN GRANT

POLICY CHANGES UNLIKELY DESPITE

FOOD SECURITY CONCERNS The war in Ukraine has strengthened concerns about food security, with the Ukraine and parts of Russia regarded as the bread basket of Europe. Admittedly, a large proportion of the Ukrainian output goes to the Middle East and North Africa, but the threat of supply shortages has already pushed up wheat and other global commodity prices.

These developments have led to hopes by farmers and their representatives that there may be more support for them from DEFRA. Although the terms of the debate in Europe have changed, I think that it is unlikely that there will be any major changes in UK policy.

Red diesel prices have increased substantially despite the lower level of taxation on them. Electricity costs for businesses are increasing significantly, a major concern for dairy farmers or those with on-farm processing businesses. According to the US Department of Agriculture, fertiliser prices have doubled in the past year and in some cases supplies have been difficult to obtain. Russia and Belarus are leading producers.

For fruit and vegetable producers there are serious concerns about the availability and cost of labour. Ukrainians have formed a key part of the harvesting force since Brexit, with 67% of the almost 30,000 people recruited

10

Wyn Grant is Emeritus Professor of Politics at the University of Warwick and author of books and articles on agriculture including The Common Agricultural Policy.

MAY 2022 | WWW.SOUTHEASTFARMER.NET

in 2021 under the seasonal workers' scheme coming from Ukraine. They are now fighting in the army or are unable to obtain visas. A spokesman for Kent salad grower LJ Betts told the Financial Times that he had managed to recruit 38 Romanians to replace 40 Ukrainians but that these workers would require training and would be less productive than experienced workers, pushing up costs.

All these factors are contributing to what is expected to be substantial food price inflation, which particularly affects less well-off families as food forms a greater proportion of their budgets. There have been some signs of a shift of emphasis in the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), urged on by President Macron, who faces a presidential and then a legislative election.

Green transition and farm to fork objectives may be modified, but this is only indirectly relevant to Britain.

There are a number of reasons why, for example, there is unlikely to be a reduction in the phasing out of the UK’s continuation of basic payments, which for many farms represents the difference between a profit and a loss. DEFRA seems disinclined to change its policies, in particular to place less emphasis on a still ill-defined environmental support scheme.

Even if there were a change of heart at the department, it is questionable how much influence it has on broader government policy. It was particularly hollowed out as a department under the austerity policies of the coalition years and lost many experienced and knowledgeable staff. In any case, many farmers would doubt its commitment to their concerns and, of course, the main purpose of replacing the Ministry of Agriculture with DEFRA was to give it a wider remit and change its perspective and emphasis.

What is evident is that the Treasury has long been opposed to the farm support payments that were provided under the CAP. It reasons that they were a blunt instrument which could be used for consumption rather than production, or that even if they were used for production support they might not be invested in a way that boosted productivity. If there is a food poverty problem, then one should increase payments to poorer consumers rather than to producers, is the argument. If world commodity prices increase, this will offset rising input costs, although livestock and dairy farmers will be hit by rising animal feed prices.

It also has to be realised that there are substantial expenditure pressures on government. The NHS and social care is not far short of accounting for nearly half of day-to-day expenditure. Although the Chancellor has so far resisted pleas to increase defence expenditure, these are not going to go away. The cost of servicing government debt has rocketed as interest rates have gone up (about a quarter of debt is inflation linked).

So how can farmers secure better support to help them through the costs crisis? After the Brexit referendum, but before the negotiations concluded, I was invited to give a presentation at the Foreign Office on the future of agriculture to civil servants from a range of departments. It must have gone down reasonably well as I was invited to meet the Foreign Office cat afterwards.

One good question was: “How would I convince the Treasury to support British farming?” My answer was that the industry was on the verge of a digital revolution, with opportunities to improve efficiency and productivity.

However, farmers needed support for capital investment and training. There are some grants available to boost investment and productivity, but they amount to at best only 10% of total funding. A convincing argument could be made to boost this type of funding and hence improve domestic resilience.

NEWS

£6,000 CHARITY BOOST

COLLAPSE IN TORY

A total of 15 charities shared an impressive £6,000 following the successful 2021 Weald of Kent Ploughing Match.

Beneficiaries include Child, Weald of Kent Ploughing Match Association chairman Seth Nesfield’s charity of choice; Bolebrook Beagles; Dandelion Time; Homewood School Young Farmers; Kent, Surrey and Sussex Air Ambulance Trust; RABI and the Farming Community Network.

Seth commented: “After a successful 2021 show with all the challenges of Covid-19, we were delighted to raise over £6,000, which has been divided equally between a number of rural charities and groups. The ploughing match is an important date in the farming and rural calendar here in the Weald of Kent.”

The annual ploughing match provides a fun and social day out for the rural community and has a tradition of fundraising, having initially been started after World War II to raise funds for The Red Cross.

This year’s event will take place on Saturday 17 September at New Barn Farm, Hawkenbury, by kind permission of tenant John Emery and land owners Mr and Mrs Graham Williams.

Polling on behalf of the Country Land & Business Association (CLA) has revealed a major shift in the political allegiances of rural voters, with data showing the Conservative lead on Labour has slumped since 2019.

The survey, commissioned by the CLA in partnership with market research agency Survation, polled 1,000 individuals.

It showed that while most respondents (46%) voted Conservative in the 2019 general election, with 29% voting Labour and 13% Liberal Democrat, just two-anda-half years on the picture looks very different. More than a third (36%) of the same voters now intend to vote Labour at the next election, while only 38% intend to vote Conservative, a situation that represents a 7.5 point swing to Labour.

CLA Regional Director Tim Bamford said: “No party should take rural voters for granted. The 2019 result showed us that the old tribal loyalties of politics are dissipating. Any party that comes up with a genuinely ambitious plan to grow the economy in rural areas would, I suspect, win a great deal of support.

“Too often good policy making falls between the cracks in government departments. Everybody assumes DEFRA is responsible for the countryside, but it doesn’t really have the power to deliver policies designed to support businesses in the rural economy. So no department does anything. I suspect that is why the recent Levelling Up white paper showed precious little interest in those living and working in the countryside.”

Large gains were also seen for the Green Party, whose share of the rural vote grew from 3% to 8%, while the Liberal Democrats lost ground, moving from 13% to 10%.

Further responses show that almost three-quarters (71%) of countryside voters believe opportunities for young people in rural areas have either decreased or remained stagnant in the past five years. Almost four out of five people (79%) said the lack of affordable housing in rural areas was driving young people out of the countryside.

Mr Bamford added: “We can’t carry on as a country missing out on the economic potential of rural areas. The rural economy is 18% less productive than the national economy but closing that gap would generate £43bn of activity.

“We have so many businesses that could expand, that could grow and create good new jobs, but government too often gets in the way.

“The planning regime, as just one example, is almost designed to hold back the economy, treating the countryside as a sort of museum. Sensible smallscale housing developments are often rejected out-of-hand and applications to convert disused farm buildings into office or workshop space can often take years. As a result, fewer jobs get created and housing becomes less affordable, so young people just move away.”

FROM PLOUGHING MATCH

www.wkpma.co.uk – Bookings for trade stands and the farmers' market can be made by emailing the secretary Liz Copping at lizcoppingwkpma@hotmail.com

SIGN HERE TO EXIT

The Government’s exit scheme aimed at supporting farmers who want to leave the industry and create opportunities for new entrants opened for business in mid-April.

Applications for a payment under the Lump Sum Exit Scheme can be made between now and 30 September 2022 and could see farmers walk away from the industry with a cash payment of somewhere around £100,000, according to government calculations.

The exit payment for eligible applicants will be based on the average Basic Payment Scheme payments made to the farmer for the three years between 2019 and 2021. This reference figure, capped at £42,500, will be multiplied by 2.35 to calculate the lump sum.

In return, farmers will be expected to either rent or sell their land or surrender their tenancy in a bid, the Government says, “to create opportunities for new entrants and farmers wishing to expand their businesses”.

Environment Secretary George Eustice said: “The decision to retire or exit the industry can be extremely difficult and is frequently postponed. The purpose of the lump sum exit scheme is to assist farmers who want to exit the industry to do so in a planned way that provides them with the means to make a meaningful choice about their future.” www.gov.uk/rpa/lump-sum-exit-scheme

TO ADVERTISE CALL 01303 233883

COUNTRYSIDE SUPPORT

Collection & Recycling of...

All types of Farm Plastics Redundant Agri chemicals No Membership fees

Farm Waste Recycling Experts

es rd Tyr oa e t s rdb a a C W Workshop Wastes Veterinary Waste

Tel 01264 736733 Providing waste solutions to Agriculture, ian.kitson@kitsonrecycling.co.uk www.kitsonrecycling.co.uk Horticulture & Equestrian

Waste Oil Waste Tyres

WWW.SOUTHEASTFARMER.NET | MAY 2022

11

Better people Best placed SEASONAL LABOUR PLACEMENT

7 8 0 6 78 9 0122

ag re cr

tm ui

u| t.e en

12

Retaining Walls

01206 982260 www.npclimited.co.uk Unit 6, Martells Quarry, Slough Lane, Ardleigh, Colchester, Essex CO7 7RU

SEF NPC.indd 1

MAY 2022 | WWW.SOUTHEASTFARMER.NET

14/12/2021 16:11

IN CONJUNCTION WITH

FROM THE FRONT LINE

WEED MANAGEMENT A REAL CHALLENGE

We are living in unprecedented times, writes Nick Ottewell, production and commercial director at Laurence J. Betts Ltd, Church Farm, Offham.

“It’s pretty hard to stay upbeat at the moment. Unprecedented rises in variable inputs (fertiliser, chemicals, seed, labour, fuel, electricity etc), make it a changing landscape and changes as big as these can make it a risky period for a farming business.”

That is how I started my last article, but I felt the need to say it again.

We are living in unprecedented times and our businesses will be going through significant changes as a result. Every development or change to a process or technique can have unintended consequences on other issues involved with the growing and harvesting of crops.

A really good example of this is weed management.

If you rewind 12 years, it was really straightforward. Most of the UK salad market was whole heads of lettuce (iceberg etc), and we had an approval for a herbicide called propachlor which left the lettuce alone and killed everything else – happy days! As far as the eye could see there was field after field of weed free lettuce.

Move on 12 years to the present and it couldn’t be more different.

Propachlor is no longer allowed and any replacement chemicals have had a more limited weed spectrum. Some of the chemicals are also slightly phytotoxic to the lettuce as well, so are more risky to use in the crop.

Because the individual chemicals are not so good, we now use a combination of three different herbicides, pre- and post-emergence on lettuce, so our total usage of chemical is much increased (a fact lost on DEFRA as they try to measure horticulture’s chemical footprint).

None of the replacement chemicals control groundsel, which is in the same plant family as lettuce, so gradually over the past 12 years it has been a losing battle. The weed seed bank of groundsel in the soil has increased over this time and we have big weed seed banks to try to manage.

Meanwhile the salad market in general has moved to more baby leaf production. Popular baby leaves are things like spinach, wild rocket and baby

TO ADVERTISE CALL 01303 233883

lettuce. These are all different plant families and need different herbicides (if any can be found). We don’t have anything for our baby leaf brassicae range – wild rocket, baby kale, mizuna and land cress – so chemical weed control is difficult.

The real problem, though, is the change in growing and harvesting systems. Baby leaves are harvested by machine, which is non-selective. This means that at the point of harvest there must be no weed in the crop. If there is we have to hand weed the crop prior to harvest.

The double whammy with this scenario is that at the same time as our reducing agronomic options are making it harder to grow weed-free crops, the cost of labour to hand weed the crops has risen at

a frightening rate. In 2017 our basic pay rate for a field worker was £7.20 per hour. Fast forward to 2022 and we will be paying £10.10 per hour. This is a 40% increase in our wage costs in six years.

So we are faced with a real dilemma. We are striving to automate our production systems and becoming less reliant on hand harvesting crops.

What did the government describe it as? “A high skilled, high paid economy.” We are being told that we have to overcome our reliance on labour in our systems and businesses, but as we automate, the poorer options on our plant protection products mean we need not fewer, but more man hours to hand weed the crops we harvest with machinery.

It’s never simple, is it!

> An all too familiar site on our farm. All the green down the bed is a weed called groundsel and all of the red is baby leaf red lettuce. All the groundsel needs to be weeded by hand before harvest, as does any of the product going to the processing factory, which has a zero tolerance to foreign body contamination

WWW.SOUTHEASTFARMER.NET | MAY 2022

13

SEND YOUR VIEWS OR COMMENTS:

SEF.ED@KELSEY.CO.UK twitter @SOUTHEASTFARMER facebook-square SOUTH EAST FARMER

RURAL AREAS STILL SUFFERING CONNECTIVITY DIVIDE DESPITE BT U-TURN

14

Dear sir, The Country Land and Business Association (CLA) is pleased that BT has listened to our calls to scrap plans to remove traditional landlines from homes and businesses.

News that BT will no longer be switching off analogue landlines will come as a relief for many farmers, landowners and rural businesses across the South East, but like us they remain concerned about the connectivity divide affecting rural communities across the region.

With many areas still struggling to receive basic mobile and internet connectivity, landlines continue to be a lifeline for many people in isolated communities.

The CLA believes the answer to this is simple. If BT wants to scrap landlines in the long term, it needs to ensure every single part of the country is fully connected.

Sadly, this aspiration feels a long way away for many rural communities. We call on BT to redouble their efforts to ensure full coverage for the nation, so that the social and economic benefits of modern technology can be felt in every village and every household.

Tim Bamford, Regional Director, CLA

COULD INTEGRATED FARM MANAGEMENT BE THE ANSWER TO CURRENT CRISES?

Dear Sir, As the challenges of Brexit, Covid-19 and tackling climate change continue, we are facing the impact of political unrest due to the war in Ukraine. We certainly could not have predicted the speed and extent to which these impacts are being felt on so many levels.

Not only is Ukraine globally significant in terms of wheat and sunflower oil production, but the consequences of rising fuel and gas supplies alongside fertiliser and seed costs and access to parts, medicines and labour are already being felt by farmers across the world.

In short, we do not have anything spare, whether it be cash, labour or time.

This is putting a huge amount of pressure on our global farming and food systems.

Navigating through the transition that is required for farming over the next few years and beyond is complex. We need a clear, robust and resilient approach to deliver profitable and productive agriculture, underpinned by sound environmental management.

For over 30 years, LEAF has been developing and promoting integrated farm management (IFM), and as the entire food system finds ways to transform itself and be more resource-efficient, there could not be a more crucial time for the coherent, whole farm approach that it offers.

MAY 2022 | WWW.SOUTHEASTFARMER.NET

© Telegraph Media Group Limited 2022 Driving forward more nature-based solutions, providing ecosystem services, building resilience and biology in our soils, strengthening pest management strategies, improving water health and enhancing habitats, the principles of IFM offer farmers a framework on which to base decisions around the economic, environmental and social impacts of their farming practices.

I would invite farmers to take a look at the work of our LEAF demonstration farmers and innovation centres via the website at leaf.eco and find out how some of our members are putting IFM into action in our new booklet Nature Based Solutions to Climate Change: Farmer Case Studies.

Caroline Drummond MBE, Chief Executive, LEAF

THE MISCANTHUS OPTION

Dear Sir, I read with interest Nick Adames’ column last month entitled Subsidised Inaction.

I agree wholeheartedly with his comments on rewilding at a time when we are facing such a crisis in both food and energy security.

He has done a good job of highlighting the virtues of miscanthus, a crop that will deliver year in, year out, on poorer land. It is also worth noting that harvesting the crop for energy is carbon neutral, while the roots are locking up 2.3t/ha of carbon per annum. This is helping growers to reach net zero on their own farms and has the potential to deliver another income stream once a sensible trading market is established.

I would like to take issue with Nick on his negative points regarding the contract to grow miscanthus. This is giving growers a secure, index-linked income for a number of years. It will more typically yield 14t/ha, particularly the newer hybrid varieties, giving a return of £730/ha after harvesting costs.

The rhizomes are warranted by the supplier, subject to following some straightforward advice on planting. It is a requirement to soil test, but surely this is just good practice before establishing such a long-term crop.

Maybe it does pay to read the small print properly!

Mike Giffin, Fuel Supply Chain Manager, Melton Renewable Energy Ltd

ORGANISED CHAOS ANITA HEAD

ANITA HEAD Farmer

Well, after two years of managing to avoid the dreaded virus we all succumbed to it one after the other. Some of us felt no effects, some minor and some felt like “death warmed up”; one didn’t even catch it despite everyone else in the house testing positive. It really is a bizarre virus.

Lambing is finally over; after feeling that it was a long-drawn-out affair, I would estimate it was a fair year. Not one of our better ones, but nonetheless nothing to write home about. A few tedious prolapses and a few lambs that didn’t quite make it.

Fingers crossed the price of lamb stays at the level it has been for the past six months.

We are now all on foal watch as we await the arrival of another foal. Fingers crossed for a safe and quick delivery.

The lighter evening are fantastic, especially now the children are back at school, although supper gets later and later the longer the evenings draw out. There is so much work to be done and still not enough hours in the day.

I recently took a virtual party of 90 five and six-year-olds around the farm for “Farmer time”. The children were fascinated at the sight of a new-born lamb and a new-born calf. The teacher described them as “lockdown children”, as some had never seen a cow neither did they understand where milk comes from.

The majority of children didn’t understand that beef came from cows and that some parts of a cow were used in the making of beefburgers that they had for tea. The pure excitement for the children at seeing the size of a tractor; my only wish is that they could see it in person, but coming from an inner city school the chances are slim.

The crops are looking well this year, with the cost of fertiliser being so high we opted for some alternative nutrition (as have most of the farmers in our region).

It is a trial experiment at the moment, and we shall see how the crops fair. The cost of fertiliser this month has given everyone a little breathing space, but is still high above last year’s prices.

Putin keeps fighting and the cost of living

TO ADVERTISE CALL 01303 233883

FARMER TIME continues to increase. The weekly shopping bill has nearly doubled in a matter of weeks. Farmers are struggling to absorb the rising costs as food prices continue to rise. The cost of bread is set to increase by more than 25% in the next few months, as well as the majority of staple food items.

Food inflation hit 5.9% last month and is set to increase this month. The supermarkets are trying to resist the milk price rises, but the reality is that if they don’t absorb them, they won’t be receiving any milk.

Estimates suggest milk production will have dropped by a billion litres in the next year and farmers are still getting out of milk production. Supermarkets have

had a monopoly over food prices for far too long and it’s time the tables started to turn.

Listening to the news regarding the parties that Downing Street allegedly held in lockdown, it would appear most of the politicians have received fines for their antics. I’m beginning to believe that the whole parliamentary system is a farce. There is a “Do as I say and not as I do” attitude from all politicians, no matter which party they belong to.

By the time you read this, Zara will be at Badminton Grassroots horse trials competing her mare; fingers crossed they return safe and sound.

Until next time take care and stay safe.

WWW.SOUTHEASTFARMER.NET | MAY 2022

15

CONSTRUCTION

IMPRESSIVE NEW

Young people with disabilities will be able to enjoy riding ponies and horses in modern, safe surroundings whatever the weather, thanks to the latest building project delivered by Forma Steel Framed Buildings.

The Henfield-based specialist steel-framed buildings company, which covers Surrey, Sussex, Kent and Hampshire, has just completed an impressive new riding school for the Horsley, Bookham and Leatherhead Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA).

The RDA is a national charity that provides therapeutic riding sessions for children and young adults with disabilities. It helps children as young as four with conditions including autism, Down’s Syndrome, ADHD, cerebral palsy and dyspraxia.

“The RDA does fantastic work and it’s been a privilege to create this wonderful new facility at Badgers Farm, Effingham, that will allow them to offer rides to youngsters all year round in a weatherproof, modern riding school,” said Forma owner Keith Stoner.

The riding school, 60m long by 37m wide, posed a particular challenge as it is close to the National Trust-owned Ranmore Common on the North Downs, near Dorking in Surrey.

“It’s in a beautiful part of the countryside and it was important to make sure it had minimal visual impact on the landscape,” explained Keith. “Not only was it a planning condition, but it’s always important to me not to harm the countryside I grew up in.”

It meant Forma spent ten weeks on the groundworks alone, cutting the site back into the hillside to create an eight-metre reduction so that the height of the building at the eaves is not far off where the old ground level used to be.

The countryside is hugely important to Keith, who lists the National Trust

RIDING SCHOOL

16

There is more information on the work of the RDA locally at www.hblrda.co.uk/ The group is also holding an easter auction throughout April – see www.jumblebee.co.uk/hblrdaeasterauction

MAY 2022 | WWW.SOUTHEASTFARMER.NET

and land agents Strutt & Parker amongst Forma’s clients and who includes a complimentary barn owl or bat nesting box with every agricultural, equestrian or industrial building he erects.

“The countryside is in my blood,” Keith commented. “I was born and raised on a farm estate on the Surrey/Sussex border and my dad was as much of a countryman as you can imagine, so my buildings all respect the environment I love.”

Having gained some early skills as a bricklayer for dad Jack after leaving school and attending Crawley College, Keith set up his own company in 2001, and after gaining considerable experience as a project/contract manager with a number of leading steel frame and groundwork companies, he set up Forma Steel Framed Buildings five years ago.

He has also served in the fire service and the police force and returned to school to study part-time during his earlier career. “I’ve certainly packed a lot in, but I think my broad experience gives me an advantage when helping clients decide what they need and how to achieve their aims,” he commented.

He specialises in agricultural, equestrian and – increasingly – vineyard buildings and is the approved contractor for Dorking, Surrey-based Vinescapes, which describes itself as “the leading vineyard and winery development consultancy in the UK”.

While Keith has more than 20 years’ experience in the trade, his family connections go back even further. He has traced his ancestry back to 1605, when bricklayer Henry Stoner married a girl called Phoebe in Cowfold Church

FEATURED COMPANY:

formabuild.co.uk

formabuild.co.uk

 Office 01273 492404 � info@formabuild.co.uk  www.formabuild.co.uk – just a couple of miles away from his current home.

“I’m also just a mile away from the former home of the DeStoner family who lived in Woodmancote in the 1200s, though I haven’t yet been able to prove a connection,” he added.

Forma, which boasts a highly skilled team of steel frame erectors, cladders, general builders, roller shutter installers and groundworkers, can also offer a full electrical fitout if required. It uses steel frames from two established suppliers and sources cladding locally.

Importantly for a company with a clearly defined focus on quality, Keith works directly on every job and oversees the team closely. “I take a personal interest in all Forma’s projects and I make sure every one of them meets not just the customer’s expectations but my own,” he commented.

“We don’t claim to provide the cheapest buildings, but we guarantee good value and we insist on providing good quality throughout. We only use fully galvanised frames and cladding from well-established companies and our ethos is all built around customer satisfaction.

“I also always insist on visiting the client and discussing the job in detail to ensure I know exactly what they want before pricing the job. As well as making sure the price is accurate, it also allows me to use my experience, on some occasions, to suggest ways in which they might be able to improve the project or cut out unnecessary costs.”

At the heart of the riding school at Badgers Farm is a 60m X 37m arena clad with vertical space boarding and enhanced by an extra 7m of insulated lean-to building that extends along the whole of one side.

That additional space, clad with vertical wooden castle boarding to match the arena exterior, includes a tie up area for the horses and ponies, a secure tack room, toilet and changing area and a learning centre. The building is equipped with hoists to help wheelchair-bound riders and also features a viewing gallery and equipment store.

“We are proud of what we have provided for the team at the RDA and they are looking forward to using it to the benefit of the young people they support,” said Keith.

TO ADVERTISE CALL 01303 233883

We specialise in the supply and construction of steel framed buildings together with the repair and refurbishment of existing farm buildings.

Based in the heart of Sussex, covering the South East.

Sussex builders since at least 1605.

Forma offer all aspects of steel framed construction and cladding together with groundworks and electrical fit out if required.

Over 35

100%

Site visits

Years experience

British designed & built

Call to arrange a site survey

WWW.SOUTHEASTFARMER.NET | MAY 2022

17

MONICA AKEHURST AT THE KITCHEN TABLE

18

Hooray, we’ve finally gained permission to put up a livestock building. It’s taken two years of blood sweat and tears, not to mention expense.

We’re frequently told to be more efficient, to invest in our future, which is a sensible theory, but our experience of obtaining planning consent proved tricky. We aim to improve welfare facilities, enabling the use of modern machinery for feeding and bedding down cattle.

In the first instance the planners asked us to amend our application. We had written the farm name on the address, but they asked us to add ‘house’ as apparently this is our official address. Nit-picking in the extreme. The postmen understand and I’ve never known anything go astray due to the omission of the word ‘house’. The farm name usually suffices, and I can confirm we do live in a house, although during busy times it could justifiably be described as a pigsty.

The location of the proposed shed is adjacent to our other buildings, and we’ve already planted a hedge to help screen it. However, not too far away is an area of land we affectionately refer to as piggyland because we kept a couple of sows and their piglets there. Historically it includes a pit where clay was dug for the brickworks down the road. It’s now called a pond and its existence has cost us a lot of money. The planners requested an ecologist’s report, which found four great crested newts. I pointed out that these have lived quite happily in relatively close proximity to our farm and we didn’t propose placing the building in this area.

We embrace the concept of nature-friendly farming but have discovered that this can be detrimental when making improvements to farmyard infrastructure. Thank goodness we didn’t get around to putting up the owl box. I didn’t dare

NIT-PICKING IN THE EXTREME mention that bats sometimes get into our house, because I get the impression we’d probably be turfed out in deference to them.

The ecologist also wants to do an on-site fingertip search for dormice and thinks she’s spotted fox and badger prints. The health and welfare of farmers and their animals appears to be of low importance.

These experts seem to forget it’s the farmer’s management of their land that creates the habitat.

When our building is up, we’re going to call it Newtsville. Updates to follow.

Pre-lambing, we try to keep the handling of the ewes to a minimum, but when we immunised them I was concerned by their good condition, wondering if that would spell trouble for lambing.

It might be good for colostrum production, but will it cause more problems with prolapses and difficult lambings. We will soon find out. Recently we’ve had a few getting stranded on their backs; one overnight casualty had a close call when the crows attacked her eyes and backside. However, she’s proved to be a tough cookie. She was totally blind for several days, requiring much TLC, cleaning of eyes and application of eye ointment. Now she has enough vision to stay with the flock and I’ve grown rather fond of her.

Why do I only get up early at lambing time? I enjoy the special hush, the bird song, the tapping

> The ewes are playing follow my leader; great weather for lambing

MAY 2022 | WWW.SOUTHEASTFARMER.NET

of the woodpecker, the mist in the valley and the spectacular sunrises. The fox and I seem to coincide our early morning check of the lambing field. We regard each other with equal suspicion, but if it touches a lamb, its days are numbered. When I find sheep in trouble, I get exasperated that they make it so difficult for you to help them. But when my efforts are rewarded with delivery of live lambs it makes it worthwhile.

Usually cattle are less work, but this year’s spring calving has been a rollercoaster. On the plus side, my mother would be proud of my milking skills, learned on a ‘needs must’ basis. Suckler cows aren’t used to being milked, but mostly they tolerate it if they’ve got their head in a bucket of food.

Once that’s eaten you can be sure to receive a tidy clout from a hind foot if you’re in the vicinity of their bag. This definitely sharpens your senses and teaches you to ignore your aching hands and wrist muscles; speed is preservative. There’s nothing worse than seeing that precious milk sent flying, especially when it’s what you were hoping to use to sustain their calf.

The first ten cows to calve were perfectly normal.

Then we had a disastrous calving as described last month. Now we are struggling to keep new calves alive. It’s been a time consuming and stressful experience.

When you have livestock you get dead stock, but it still feels like failure when that happens. I made a call that I never like to make. I clasped the phone and when it was answered, I said: “Good… afternoon”. I had been about to say “morning” but a glance at the clock revealed it was later and I expressed my surprise. The voice on the receiving end replied: “as you’re calling us, I’m guessing it’s not good either.” I replied: “No, it’s terrible, two more dead calves to collect.” In all we’ve lost five and only managed to save two of the sick ones.

When born, the calves look good and strong, they’re up and sucking for the first 12 hours, then lose their appetite, produce a watery scour, quickly dehydrate and die. The vets did a post mortem examination, took blood and faecal samples. We cleaned out and disinfected the shed, treated the calves as instructed, but continued to get losses.

Now we’ve turned out, four have calved outside in the past 24 hours and remain alive as I write, fingers crossed. Luckily the weather has turned warmer and the grass is beginning to grow.

The grandchildren and sheepdog pups are a welcome diversion, providing entertaining company. Modern thinking is that children should talk about their emotions, described as colours.

When checking stock, we now discuss whether the animals look blue/sad, red/angry, green/peaceful yellow/happy. The pups just look and think what fun they’d be to chase.

> Tip was told to ‘stay’ but thinks it would be fun to ‘chase’

> The weather has been kind for outdoor calving > We turned out the cows to calve outside

> Four legs pointing skywards, not what you want to find

> Every pup deserves some ‘down’ time

> Sunrise on a frosty morning

> Triplets, a blessing or more work

TO ADVERTISE CALL 01303 233883

WWW.SOUTHEASTFARMER.NET | MAY 2022

19

FAMILY SUPPORT

ENERGY COSTS GRANTS RABI widens support for farming families.

Farming people, like many households across the UK, are facing the realities of dealing with rising energy costs. With the cost of living soaring to its highest level in a decade, grants of up to £1,500 can be accessed as part of RABI’s fuel poverty response.

Farming people across England and Wales can apply to the agricultural charity for support towards home-related energy costs such as energy bills or for making home energy efficiency improvements.

With gas and electricity prices rising by over 50% on 1 April, research from National Energy Action (NEA) indicates that 6.5 million households across the UK are now in fuel poverty, over two million more than just six months ago.

“People facing immediate financial hardship in relation to fuel cost increases can apply for grants of up to £1,500 towards bill payments or making homes more energy efficient,” said RABI’s

director of services, Caron Whaley. “We should all be able to stay warm at home, but many people are increasingly having to choose whether to heat their home, feed the family or pay the rent.”

RABI is working closely with NEA to understand better the impacts and symptoms of fuel poverty to try to minimise the effects of cold homes on the physical and mental health of farming people. As the experts on fuel poverty, NEA is also delivering specialist training to RABI’s regional support teams.

“Our service delivery teams have a really good understanding of the many challenges farming people face. The additional NEA training will develop their knowledge of some of the less obvious impacts of fuel poverty.

“NEA research has highlighted links between fuel poverty and wider mental health issues. As our Big Farming Survey report has shown, there are already high levels of poor mental health within the farming sector so it’s important that we

20

understand how to provide the necessary support to tackle this worrying issue,” added Ms Whaley.

WIDER MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT FOR FARMING PEOPLE

In addition to fuel poverty grants and an emergency storm response which launched in March, RABI introduced two new mental health support services earlier this year.

The charity’s proactive response focuses on providing early, preventative wellbeing support for farming people through in-person counselling and mental health training.

RABI’s head of partnerships, Suzy Deeley, said: “The new in-person mental health counselling and farming-focused mental health training initiatives complement existing schemes.” Both services can be easily accessed by the farming community.

“Our Big Farming Survey report findings confirmed that over a third of farming people are ‘probably or possibly’ depressed,” said Ms Deeley. “RABI is committed to developing support services that help address these poor experiences.

Collaborating with partners, RABI is introducing essential services that we believe will make a difference to our community.”

The free, confidential in-person counselling is delivered by BACP accredited counsellors.

Anyone feeling they could benefit from talking to a professional can access help via RABI’s helpline.

Clinical or GP referrals are not necessary, with counsellors responding to initial requests for support within 24 hours.

Counselling sessions can take place face-to-face, by telephone or via video conferencing and are tailored to, and led by, each individual.

Both services are being delivered in partnership with Red Umbrella, a not-for-profit specialist provider of accredited mental health counselling, mental health training and aftercare support.

CLAIMING FUEL POVERTY GRANTS

More information and support can be found at www.rabi.org.uk

MAY 2022 | WWW.SOUTHEASTFARMER.NET

RABI’s fuel poverty grants are available now and can be used towards home heating costs and energy efficiency measures, such as boiler servicing, installing water tank jackets, lagging pipes or installing loft insulation.

Applications can be made by calling the charity’s 24-hour helpline on 0800 188 4444.

RABI continues to develop services to address the challenges that farmers face, either while working or when they are no longer active in the sector because of ill-health, bereavement or retirement.

Grants of £1,500 available to cover rising energy costs

Farming people, like many households across the UK are being impacted by rising energy prices.

Speak to a member of our team to discuss making an application for support towards domestic fuel costs or to make energy efficiency improvements to you home.

Call our free, confidential helpline

0800 188 4444 / help@rabi.org.uk

Registered Charity Number 208858

NIGEL AKEHURST VISITS: BEASTRO FARM KITCHEN

FARM TO PALM This month Nigel Akehurst meets new entrant farmer and entrepreneur Ben de Havilland to find out more about his inspiring, small-scale ‘farm to fork’ street food venture, Beastro Farm Kitchen.

22

I meet Ben at his 15-acre small holding in Beckley, near Rye, where he lives with his fiancé Sarah. Arriving in his yard I spot five Saddleback weaners in a small area of woodland, next to which was a wooden livestock barn, currently housing a few of his micro flock which had recently lambed.

By his own admission the enterprise is incredibly small scale, but he explained that was all part of the plan: “I’m not having to keep up with economies of scale. I can be flexible and I fit my farming around my full time job as an agricultural lecturer at Plumpton College,” he said.

Over the years Ben has trialled different niche ways of marketing his meat; from supplying local customers with quarter pig boxes to working with a local farm shop in Cranbrook. He found boxes hard work, and when his relationship with the farm shop broke down over a disagreement about pricing he was forced to re-think his business model.

Then in 2018 an opportunity arose to try his hand at serving his pork direct to customers outside a busy pub in Old Town, Hastings.

“I had my food safety certificate and a little grill and I decided to give it a go - roping in mum to help with serving,” he said.

He sold sausages in baps at £5 a pop, calling them ‘hog dogs’, and was blown away by the response. He sold over 200, and adding up his takings the next day realised he’d made more money that evening than he would have done from selling 10 pigs in boxes.

All of a sudden a bug ignited in him; it made him feel good. He enjoyed being able to talk directly to his customer and see their look of satisfaction, especially when he explained he’d reared the animals himself. ”We’re trying to move away from being reliant on other people and tap into every point in the supply chain to make it as profitable as possible,” said Ben. After doing a few more pop-up BBQ events, he decided to take the plunge and invest in his own mobile food trailer. He bought an old Rice livestock trailer on eBay and an apprentice blacksmith friend helped convert it.

To kit the trailer out as a fully-functioning mobile kitchen he sourced high quality second hand catering equipment online. In total he estimates the trailer cost around £20,000, a big investment but a big step forward, he said.

“We can offer the full farm to fork experience, but it’s not just a raw product; we can stick it out

MAY 2022 | WWW.SOUTHEASTFARMER.NET

hot. That allows me to be in full control of the whole supply chain and it also gives me a bit of an upper hand compared to other street food vendors who can’t offer that same transparency, which I think is very much a nationwide problem,” he continued.

With the help of friend and family labour he managed to do seven events last year, including several weddings. It hasn’t all been plain sailing, with a faulty generator causing a few stressful moments, but he enjoyed the events and hopes to do a few more this year.

“I’m not a chef but I’ve certainly learnt how to cook, and specialise in offering either a lamb shawarma kebab or a hog roast option,” he said.

He is a member of the Catering Association and is able to write Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) plans himself.

Ben likes doing weddings as people are much happier and he is given plenty of notice to plan, allowing him to rear animals specifically for different events.

His fiancé Sarah is also a massive part of the business, helping out with events and social media too (you can find Ben on instagram @beastrofarmkitchen).

In the longer term he believes it’s a model that

> Ben de Havilland has the potential to allow him to leave his full-time job, though he would need to be doing at least 20 to 30 events a year, he said.

For now he’s content to grow the business slowly through word of mouth and will only walk away from his “every day pay cheque” when he feels comfortable.

His current day job is as an agricultural lecturer at Plumpton College but while he “thoroughly enjoys” the role it means a daily one hour 20 minute commute each way. As a result, he’s recently handed in his notice and will be joining a local egg producer in Cranbrook later this year.

GETTING THE FARMING BUG

Curious to learn how Ben got into the industry, I ask what inspired him to forge a career in farming?

“For as long as I can remember I’ve wanted to be involved in farming. When I was about 11 years old my mum said you can either have some rabbits or a couple of chickens,” he said.

Choosing chickens, he went on to keep poultry throughout his teenage years and wanted to gain more experience in other areas of farming. His family was less keen and some older members convinced him farming wasn’t a viable career choice.

Ben heeded their advice and decided to study geography at Bath Spa University instead. Then, two weeks before he was due to go, he had a lastminute change of heart and took a year out to gain some practical experience on a small farm locally.

He helped out a retiring farmer, who let him rent a couple of paddocks and a few buildings.

He bought some store lambs and built up a local egg round with his flock of 70 layers and also reared 20 turkeys for Christmas.

His uncle James suggested he should learn >>

23

FARM FACTS

• New entrant farmer

• 15-acre small holding • Five Saddleback pigs

• Micro flock of 45 ewes (including South Down, Devon and Cornwall Longwools and Texel Mules) • Rents 35 acres of grazing locally

• Bought a Rice livestock trailer to convert into a mobile kitchen to tap into burgeoning foodie scene and wedding events locally • Set up Beastro Farm Kitchen in 2021

• Studied at Cirencester and lectures at Plumpton College

TO ADVERTISE CALL 01303 233883

WWW.SOUTHEASTFARMER.NET | MAY 2022

NIGEL AKEHURST VISITS: BEASTRO FARM KITCHEN

<< more about farming, so he applied to go to Cirencester University. He was accepted onto a three-year degree course in livestock production and wrote his dissertation on welfare parameters in broiler production.

After university he ended up working on a free-range egg farm in Cornwall but ultimately knew he always wanted to build his own business. He moved home with 50 Norfolk Black turkeys and built a pen in his back garden, and “that’s where it started,” he said.

LIVESTOCK AND PLANS FOR THE FUTURE

24

I ask Ben about his livestock numbers?

“We’ve only got five pigs at the moment, but have had up to 100 pigs in the past. That’s when we were supplying fresh meat into a farm shop in

MAY 2022 | WWW.SOUTHEASTFARMER.NET

Cranbrook. It came down to cost. “Sorry, you’re too expensive – they were looking at products at around half the price,” he replied.

“With our new business model, those five pigs are worth as much as 50 pigs. The trailer only needs a handful of pigs and lambs to go through it each summer and I’m still able to make a fair return,” he added.

He says in the future he would love to have more pigs and more sheep but has to rein it in and constantly focus on what the business needs.

“We’re only farming a very small acreage, but our gross is bigger than farms three or four times the size,” he said.

He doesn’t understand why a lot of farmers are so obsessed with scale and thinks more farmers should look at setting up their own street food trailers: “I hope other people might want to do something similar – it’s a great way to diversify and maximise your return,” he said.

THE FUTURE OF FARMING

Ben is optimistic about his future and would encourage anyone considering a career in agriculture to ‘go for it’. I ask if he has any words of advice for budding new entrants. “Follow your passion and don’t be afraid to try something even if it doesn’t work out first time,” he replied.

VEGAN MOVEMENT AND REGENERATIVE FARMING

Our conversation turns to the vegan movement, which Ben believes has highlighted some issues that need to be addressed around unsustainable and immoral practices in the livestock industry.

He recommends watching the Sacred Cow documentary, which shines a light on the importance of sustainable meat and debunks a lot of the hype around so-called sustainable vegan alternatives.

Ben believes more should be done to educate consumers about where their meat comes from. “We’re Beastro – we’re using an animal and we don’t want to shy away from that. Sometimes I think as an industry we are a little too quiet about the fact an animal has been used to make our food; that disconnect is very damaging,” he said.

“With the vegan movement, a lot of people don’t understand the unsustainable inputs that go on behind the scenes. However the marketing campaigns look very clean – it’s not clean, but I am sure the truth regarding the production of vegan food will prevail in time, at which point I hope people will reassess their dietary decisions,” he added

IS REGENERATIVE FARMING PART OF THE SOLUTION?

“I certainly believe in it; we have to look towards the past to move forward.

Farmers can also help themselves by being more open door and working collaboratively. Over the past 50 years farmers have been pitted against each other in a constant price war, and scale has been seen as the only way to succeed.”

He also believes more value should be put on waste products, citing the return to vogue of farm yard manure in the wake of the rocketing fertiliser prices.

TO ADVERTISE CALL 01303 233883

8 9 &1

0 JULY 2022

Livestock classes, farming, machinery and more!

LIVESTOCK SCHEDULE OUT NOW Kent Showground, Maidstone, ME14 3JF

www.kcas.org.uk WWW.SOUTHEASTFARMER.NET | MAY 2022

25

Supporting British Growers

Breeding and producing grass for agriculture

We welcome new grower enquiries. Please contact us for details www.barenbrug.co.uk/grower

26

Barenbrug UK | www.barenbrug.co.uk | Grass experts since 1904

RGT_Grass_22_HP.indd 1

MAY 2022 | WWW.SOUTHEASTFARMER.NET

12/04/2022 12:54

FEATURED COMPANY:

SEED PRODUCTION

SEED-SATIONAL As ever, growers are always looking to find new opportunities within their businesses, adding value, spreading risk and reducing costs. Be it a livestock farm looking to add value within its forage crop area, or an arable unit looking for alternative break crop options, the range of seed production contracts on offer may just be the answer.

In addition to its well-established combinable seeds business, T Denne & Sons, based at two sites near Ashford, has developed its specialist seeds contracting business over the past decade into what is now a significant part of the company’s activities.

“Our increased area of contracted grass seeds, specialist legumes and forage brassica seeds has allowed us to invest in significant extra processing capacity, warehousing and develop our fieldsman service to support growers and their on-farm agronomists,” said Fred Denne. “Our strong on farm presence and the important relationships we enjoy with key plant breeders allows us to pull together all aspects of production and processing required for high quality seed production.”

Grass seed production in the UK fell away significantly during the 1990s, with most breeders using continental growers. During the early 2000s interest began to grow again for UK production, as overall demand grew and competition from wheat for seed production intensified. On the back of this renewed interest, T Denne & Sons has gradually built a large group of long-term growers throughout the South East.

“To offer a range of options to growers, and also to help manage market changes, we contract all agricultural ryegrass types, (perennials, hybrids and Italians) plus amenity species, especially dwarf ryegrasses, for which there seems almost insatiable demand at present,” said Andrew Bourne of T Denne & Sons. “Partnerships, particularly with Barenbrug UK and RAGT UK, give us access to many of the key recommended grass varieties used both in the UK and across Europe.

These partnerships allow us to make our variety offer to growers both long term and up to date with new varieties coming to market.”

With farm incomes under pressure (removal of subsidy support/input cost inflation) and

the need for alternative break crops on arable units, grass seed production can add a new dimension to rotations. Grass seed crops bring an obvious additional income stream for livestock/ mixed farms, but for an arable unit it can offer opportunities to cooperate with neighbours with a forage requirement.

“The advice around species/variety selection, field suitability, crop management and commercial contracts is so important,” commented Pat Goode, T Denne & Sons primary “fieldsman” link with growers and their BASIS agronomists on farm. “If you get the fundamentals right at the beginning, then the chances of a successful outcome are massively increased. Decisions around timing of inputs, crop management prior to “shutting up” for seed production, crop harvesting options as well as seed conditioning in store are all major considerations, with the range of grass types >> bringing their own specialist needs.”

> As well as grass, forage and fodder seeds, T Denne & Sons has developed a rapidly growing area of wildflower seed production. While most is from naturally evolved grassland areas, some land has been specifically allocated and established with wildflower mixes to service specific market trends. The picture shows wildflowers being harvested on the North Downs in 2021. Additional suitable areas are being sought.

TO ADVERTISE CALL 01303 233883

WWW.SOUTHEASTFARMER.NET | MAY 2022

27

SEED PRODUCTION

28

<< One of the most positive impacts on T Denne & Sons business has been the decision to invest in the additional specialist grass seed processing capacity at Whitehill, near Ashford. “The need to deal with greater volumes of seed, plus the demands of the current market to supply “new crop” seeds faster than before made the need for the investment very clear,” said Andrew Bourne. “It also sends a strong message to growers and breeders alike that we have made a long-term commitment to seed production.”

Much of the time spent with growers is making sure that everyone has an understanding of the long-term grass seed market, and what trends and market forces are likely to affect values to growers.

“With many of the contracts offered being two-year terms (though some are one or three year), market information is crucial when making decisions that will potentially affect income for the next three years,” said Andrew. “The combination of marketing information from breeders, medium term trends in consumption and the suitability of available varieties are all key. Also, our involvement in selling grass seeds, bespoke environmental seeds mixtures and forage brassicas to farmer consumers gives us a clear view of what the market is telling us.”

A key breeder partner of T Denne & Sons, Barenbrug UK, part of the Royal Barenbrug Group, has been breeding and producing grass for farmers and turf managers for over 110 years. Barenbrug Seed Production Manager Richard Turner explained: “Working with over 55 farmers across the UK, to produce grass for British farmers, we really see the value of working with recognised and reliable partners to support them to help deliver new value to their farm. Many of the growers we work with are arable farmers using the opportunity to have a cash crop of grass as a valuable break crop among their

FEATURED COMPANY:

cereal rotations, or a way to introduce livestock onto their farm.”

On the relationship, Richard added: “T Denne & Sons are an excellent partner to work with to help farmers secure, deliver and bring new benefits to their farm with trusted support from both mine and the T Denne & Sons team. Our longstanding relationship continues to grow, and we are always looking for new growers to meet the increasing demands for UK grown and produced sustainable grass seed for British farmers and turf managers.”

GROWER COMMENT

Ross Fitzpatrick, Farms Manager, St Nicholas Court Farms, Kent: "At St Nicholas Court Farms we’ve been growing Hybrid Ryegrass for seed since 2019. Current cropping consists of 145ha split between two varieties, RGT Kirial and Barenbrug Barclamp.

"Grass seed production has some real benefits to our business, providing an extra break crop option in the rotation. The silage crop is harvested in the first week of May, used as feedstock for our AD plant. Leading onto the first seed crop ready for combining around mid-July, the early harvest slot helps spread the workload of our combine and importantly doesn’t disrupt the wheat harvest.

"Once the crop is harvested, it's dried using a drying floor system, then the crop is moved to a holding store until called for processing. Once the seed is processed, any screenings produced are returned to our AD site and used as a feedstock, completing full utilisation of the produced crop.

"We’re growing the crop as a two-year ley; this brings added value such as no establishment costs in year two and options of overwinter grazing of livestock returning some organic matter to soils.

After harvest in year two the ground is available

MAY 2022 | WWW.SOUTHEASTFARMER.NET

for early summer cultivations preparing for winter wheat as the following crop."

KEY BREEDER PARTNER

Another of T Denne & Sons key breeder partners is RAGT UK, contracting major hybrid and Italian ryegrass areas. David Ramdhian, Head of Forage Seeds in UK and Europe, is responsible for seed multiplication and sales of all forage products.

“The importance of UK production to the broader European grass seed market continues to grow.

Availability of suitable land and quality growers is finite, but demand remains fundamentally firm. As breeders our role is to develop top end varieties and position them in the market, but this is all in vain if we cannot access the right growers and get production contracts in place. This is what makes our relationship with T Denne & Sons and their growers so important to us,” said David. “Taking a long-term view is key for our business, making our cooperation with T Denne & Sons crucial going forward.”

The UK remains less than 50% self-sufficient in agricultural rye grasses, with greater demands on limited supplies from abroad. As well as the ryegrass market, there is constant demand for UK production of tall agricultural fescues, Timothy, all clovers and of course amenity dwarf ryegrasses and fescues.

There also remains strong demand for contract areas of forage brassica (turnips, forage rape, kales, mustards etc) as well as vetches and linseed.

“We are actively seeking new quality growers for all species, and with our all-round technical knowledge and commercial experience believe we can offer both new and existing growers a high level of service to allow them to maximise returns,” concluded Fred Denne.

SEED CONTRACT OPTIONS TAILORED TO YOUR FARM A well-established combinable seeds business, T Denne & Sons has developed their specialist seeds contracting business significantly over the last decade.

- Agricultural and amenity rye grasses and fescues - Forage brassicas and legumes - Multiple year contracts - Complete technical support

ESTD 1879

Trusted for over 140 years

Native North Downs wildflower seeds

Bespoke and modern grass seed processing plant in Wye near Ashford, Kent

CONTACT The Old Granary, Hanover Mill Church Road, Mersham Ashford, TN25 6NU

Phone : 01233 720871 Email : info@tdenneandsons.co.uk Website : tdenneandsons.co.uk

Italian ryegrass crop at heading

Specialist wildflower harvesting

MULTI-MILLION POUND AGRI-FOOD

CAMPUS DEVELOPMENT

30

Plumpton College has been awarded £4.4 million in funding to invest in a new centre for training, education and skills development in the South East.

Work has begun on the new agri-food hub being built in the heart of the 2,500-acre campus near Lewes. The centre will provide the agriculture, food and wider land management industries with up-todate skills training and support for rural businesses post-Brexit. The hub is due to be completed in the winter of 2022.

The two-storey building is collaboratively funded by the college, South East Local Enterprise Partnership (SELEP), Virgin Money and East Sussex County Council and will create a network hub for knowledge transfer, training and business improvement.

FACILITIES

The hub will include: • Improved space for businesses and college learners to meet informally and conduct meetings • Flexible and inspiring lecture theatres and conferencing facilities to accommodate 300 people • A café featuring produce from the Plumpton Estate • Commercial training kitchens for food skills training and bakery apprenticeships. The facility will be used by schools, the wider community and charities to provide outreach education as well as for existing college apprentices following food and drink pathways.

PROTECTING THE ESTATE

While undertaking building work, the college is also ensuring it upholds its environment strategy and management of the estate as a custodian of the South Downs National Park. The hub will be built to the highest sustainability standards and carry a BREAM rating of excellent, have a sedum roof, a smart building management system and draw heat from a biomass plant. Habitat and biodiversity improvements including enhanced planting, hedgerow planting schemes in partnership with Sussex Wildlife Trust and creating new habitats across the campus are already taking place.

Principal Jeremy Kerswell said: “Post-Brexit, our sector is going to rely on a better supply of more highly trained, educated and entrepreneurial entrants. There is a national shortage of skilled technicians in the land-based sector.

“These facilities will allow the college to meet the skill demand through opportunities that are not currently delivered elsewhere in the South East, such as teaching in Agri-food sectors in butchery and bakery.

"The extra capacity, utilising the latest technology, will allow for better research and innovation for these industries and a specialist space for rural businesses to connect, stimulate and embed business improvements and policy and build links with export markets.”

Plumpton College, which boasts one of the largest college farms in the country, has been investing in

MAY 2022 | WWW.SOUTHEASTFARMER.NET

improvements to its farm enterprise, including farm animal production technologies for its sheep and beef facilities and a new £1.2m pig unit. The existing dairy unit now includes the latest automated Lely A5 astronaut milking stations and improvements to cow welfare also sponsored by Lely Atlantic.

NEW BIOSECURITY CENTRE

From September 2022, access to the farm for visitors and staff will be through a new biosecurity centre, designed to meet industry standards in the management of animal health and welfare.

It will ensure all visitors have the correct PPE and briefing before entering Lambert Farm to keep staff, students and livestock safe. The farm can now also be accessed via a new visitor walkway over the farm into the dairy viewing platform and teaching facilities without the need to go into animal areas.

INVESTMENTS IN AGRI-TECH

Lambert Farm has also secured sponsorship from Lely Atlantic for the latest agri-tech developments for the dairy industry.

Earlier this year a Juno automatic feed pusher and Discovery automatic barn cleaner were installed.

Over time, the dairy herd will be split to showcase two different milking systems: 120 high index cows averaging 12,000 l/cow from the existing high-yield pedigree Holstein herd are being taught how to milk themselves using the automatic milking robots.

The remaining herd will be increased to 150 cows

yond to ensure students are exposed to the latest cutting edge chnologies, including robotics in the dairy and a brand new state of e art high welfare and RSPCA assured pig unit. Coupled with this, e college’s new farm shop and café open in Brighton this summer, oviding the perfect opportunity to demonstrate and educate udents in every aspect of the supply chain relating to British oduce. and cross breeding plans implemented. This herd will be managed in a more traditional manner,

ESSENTIAL

whether area expertise is livestock, arable, machinery or yieldingyour 8,000 l/cow withof emphasis on milk from ri-business, we’d like to hear from forage using a rotational grazing platform duringyou.

nd

EDUCATIONAL

the summer. ensures future farming graduates will be outThis more & apply: plumpton.ac.uk/our-college/vacancies industry leading and capable of utilising different systems.

NEW MEAT PROCESSING CENTRE

Plumpton College is responding to national food skills shortages by opening a new specialist meat processing education and training facility at its college farm.

The college is one of the only providers in the South East where students can train as an apprentice butcher. The new meat processing centre at Lambert Farm has been funded by the Rural Payments Agency and the South East Local Enterprise Partnership to help farms diversify and become more resilient.

The centre, which can accommodate up to 12 students, each at their own butcher block, includes facilities to showcase every aspect of butchery that students may use within the workplace.

The facility is unique in that it is at the heart of the college commercial farm, which includes beef, sheep and pig enterprises. This offers students an enriching ‘farm to fork’ experience not on offer anywhere else, allowing them to gain insights from the farm and agriculture team with the animals, learn processing skills and then finally study the supply route to market through the college's retail space and butchery counter at One Garden Brighton.

NEW FARROW TO FINISH PIG UNIT

Lambert farm has also recently upgraded its piggery facilities, moving to new modern housing using the latest automatic agri-tech from NEDAP for feeding and bedding to improve welfare and showcase industry developments to students.

The high welfare unit produces farm-assured Red Tractor pork. The pigs will have improved space, bedding and ventilation, including improved welfare for farrowing sows.

RESOURCE

College Students enjoy the practical aspects of their courses as the weather improves. Alan Johnson, Curriculum Manager reports At Plumpton College, Lambert Farm is an essential educational resource that complements and reinforces in-class academic learning. All our students are provided with practical work and management experience through their course. The daily farming operations throughout the year are carried out by students, with supervision and support from staff.

Students play a fundamentally important role in all aspects of the farm’s operation, including enterprise development and management, production, equipment maintenance and financial planning. The farm supports practical, hands-on education for students in sustainable agriculture systems.

Mia’s diary notes for this month link in to both theoretical and practical aspects of an environmental module her group is currently studying.

“The Higher-Level Stewardship Scheme (HLS) is a voluntary, grant-funded scheme managed by the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) that is put in place to create environmental benefits by agreement with farmers. Recently our class has been managing an area of the South Downs, removing shrubbery (branches and weeds) to maintain the area. This work is being carried out to comply with the HLS

scheme as Plumpton College is funded to keep certain areas maintained for animal life and plant species. Maintaining the grassland gives grass and wildflowers a chance to return as well as being a habitat for creatures to feel safe in.

“The field which we were targeting was outgrown, there were many features to take note of when starting work such as wild garlic growing and logs from broken down trees. These features are important because they provide a habitat and aren’t causing any growth that needs to be attended to, all of which contribute to biodiversity.

“This task is usually done with the help of each class (not just the first years) as it allows Plumpton to achieve the maintenance at a faster rate, while at the same time allowing students to understand why and how we do this by completing the practical side of this scheme. I found the practical lesson enjoyable as not only was there a chance for the class to work together, but it allowed me to understand just how much work is needed to control vast amounts of land to contribute to the environment and its creatures. In addition to this, we were given the responsibility to use hacksaws and loppers, which in itself was a fun activity for the class to complete essential maintenance for both flora and fauna.”

Visit www.plumpton.ac.uk to study a range of fantastic land and environment courses TO ADVERTISE CALL 01303 233883

WWW.SOUTHEASTFARMER.NET | MAY 2022

31

WE DELIVER TO MEMBERS AND WELCOME ALL MEMBERS TO VISIT US AND SEE WHAT'S ON OFFER

YOUR LOCAL

CASE IH DEALER FOR MACHINERY SALES, PARTS & SERVICE ALBOURNE BN6 9BN TEL: 01273 834689

ernestdoepower.com

ASHFORD TN26 3QP TEL: 01233 224860

DARTFORD DA4 9HQ TEL: 01322 863 285

RINGMER BN8 5NN TEL: 01273 812707

FEATURED COMPANY: Southern Farmers has built an impressive reputation by making it as easy as possible for its members to buy the goods and services they need at the best possible prices, and after a hectic year of system upgrades the buying group has made the process even more streamlined.

A new website launched in September, together with a new, state-of-the-art accounting system due to go live this October, introduces a range of improvements to the not-for-profit buyers’ group that continues to attract new members from across Kent, Surrey, Sussex, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

The website features a members’ portal that allows the 1,200 farmers and landowners that belong to Southern Farmers to advertise their own ‘classified’ items for sale, while a suppliers’ portal allows the businesses that supply the group to highlight and update special offers instantly and as regularly as they like.

“We’ve really worked hard to create a modern, user-friendly and flexible system that is able to keep pace with modern farming and provide a range of benefits that complement the services we offer,” explained managing director Brigitte Fifield.

“The new website is built around the need to provide timely communication between our suppliers and our members and make the best

TO ADVERTISE CALL 01303 233883

BUYING GROUP

Southern Farmers Ltd.

IMPRESSIVE REPUTATION possible use of modern technology – and the enhancements are all at no extra cost to our members or suppliers.”

The accounting system will be equally impressive, with a number of benefits that will allow members to keep a close eye on their purchasing and tie Southern Farmers invoices into their own online systems as easily as possible.

Accounts and office manager Jan Dickerson said the group had spent several years comparing systems before choosing the new package, which she said would “transform the functionality of the accounts system and allow it to dovetail with our members’ own software in most cases”.

Brigitte added: “We looked carefully at what was available and had to balance the costs as well as the technology as we are spending our members’ money. As a not-for-profit group we are always out

to provide the best possible value when we invest in new systems for the benefit of our members.

“The website and accounting package represent a considerable investment and involved a lot of hard negotiating, but the website is already proving its worth by delivering a more streamlined, integrated service that reflects modern-day agriculture.”

Southern Farmers’ regular newsletter to members, which also highlights special member offers, included useful tutorials on using the new website and integrating the accounting system into members’ own software packages. While online accounting is better for the environment by cutting paper usage, the team is still happy to mail out the monthly itemised statement to those who prefer a hard copy.

Joining Southern Farmers offers a range of benefits for the region’s farmers, including >>

WWW.SOUTHEASTFARMER.NET | MAY 2022

33

southernsheeting.co.uk

Supplying profiled roofing products to contractors, builders and farmers Our main products off the shelf include: • Metal sheeting • Insulated panels • Fibre cement • Rooflights • Onduline • Fixings and accessories • Flashings and fabrications

visit www.southernsheeting.co.uk for our full range or call 01342 315 300 to speak to our friendly sales team

34

NATIONWIDE DELIVERY • EXTENSIVE RANGE IN STOCK CS3152 SS SE Farmers 190mm x 133mm advert.indd 1

15/04/2021 12:39

YOUR AGGREGATES, CONCRETE AND MASONRY SOLUTION Gallagher Aggregates operate the only two hard rock quarries in the South East of England, as well as six concrete plants throughout Kent. We can deliver over 100 different products throughout Kent and the South East of England including:

WE NOW OPERATE

6 CONCRETE PLANTS THROUGHOUT KENT.

• Primary aggregates.

• Recycled aggregates.

• Ready-mix concrete and flowing screeds.

• Roller compacted concrete (RCC).

• Hydraulically bound mixtures (HBM).

• Kentish Ragstone building stone for new build, restoration and bespoke projects.

With our additional on-site landfill and recycling capabilities we can provide a complete materials solution for your next project.

Call: 01622 726262 Email: quarry@gallagher-group.co.uk www.gallagher-group.co.uk AGGREGATES | GROUNDWORKS AND CIVILS | PROPERTY

MAY 2022 | WWW.SOUTHEASTFARMER.NET

EXCELLENCE. DELIVERED.

FEATURED COMPANY:

> Sarah Tester: Purchasing team and membership administrator

> Rachael Cooper: Purchasing assistant

> Hannah Gray: Accounts assistant

> Claire Doe: Clerical and electricity assistant

> Brigitte Fifield TO ADVERTISE CALL 01303 233883

BUYING GROUP

Southern Farmers Ltd. << lower negotiated prices, less time spent researching the best offers and one single monthly account to settle.

It also means becoming part of a ‘community’, something that has been further enhanced by the new website, with its members’ portal offering the chance for farmers to advertise their own second hand items within the Southern Farmers membership.

That community has already pulled together to join a fund-raising effort that has seen more than £15,500 donated to the Ukraine Disaster Relief Fund, as Brigitte explained. “The five biggest buying groups in the country decided to join forces to encourage their members to contribute to the appeal and our Southern Farmers members were quick to get on board.”

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has had other knock-on effects on the group, which has seen an increase in the amount of seed being purchased as farmers respond to the inevitable shortfall caused by that country’s menfolk fighting for their homeland instead of planting this autumn’s crops.

“There’s a lot of spring seed going in at the moment in response to the troubles,” Brigitte confirmed. “The likely shortage of imported grain and the high prices are no doubt driving up domestic planting.”

Closer to home, problems with refinery protests and tailbacks at the ports have caused issues with fuel deliveries across parts of the South East, with diesel, particularly, disrupted and prices climbing sharply.

It’s a situation in which being part of a trusted buying group does not offer immunity but can be a help. “Suppliers have some loyalty to the group, which means we can usually get deliveries when individuals might struggle,” explained Rosie Wickham, who heads up the Southern Farmers purchasing team.

“The benefit to suppliers is that they know their invoice will be settled directly by Southern Farmers, so there is no risk to them, and our members don’t have to worry about credit limits, which can be a problem for individual farmers when prices rise as swiftly as they have been recently.”

The group is always working hard to bring new suppliers on board and to negotiate group discounts for members, savings that can easily outweigh the relatively low costs of joining the scheme.

Members pay just £125 a year, regardless of the size of the business, along with an administration cost per transaction of between 0.35% and 2.1% - with a maximum charge of £25. The team has calculated that a member needs to spend just £5,000 a year before the impressive savings negotiated on their behalf make membership worthwhile. “For anyone spending more than that, >> the savings can be dramatic,” said Brigitte.

> Maria Weeks: Purchasing assistant

> Jan Dickerson: Accounts and office manager

35

> Rosie Wickham: Purchasing team leader

> Abi Sommerville: Purchasing team and member liaison

> Valerie Britton: Accounts and electricity administrator

WWW.SOUTHEASTFARMER.NET | MAY 2022

AGRII FORAGE & LIVESTOCK The Agrii Forage and Livestock Team is made up of highly qualified and dedicated advisory staff located throughout the UK. Agrii provides a professional, advice-based service and can supply a huge range of products for your livestock enterprise.

For more information, please call our Customer Services team on 0845 607 3322 or email info@agrii.co.uk.

Visit www.agrii.co.uk/forage www ww ww agrii co uk/forage to download our Guide to Grass and Roots & our Livestock Directory, or use the code:

36

www.agrii.co.uk

A5 Corporate LSCPE Openfield.qxp_Layout 1 01/04/2022 12:11 Page 1

Seed, fertiliser, grain, storage.

The Openfield Partnership: More than just grain.

Premium products and services to help get the best for your business.

We're proud to be Britain’s only National grain marketing and arable inputs co-operative and we're committed to putting your needs first. Our range of innovative and flexible marketing tools are designed to help arable farmers to manage grain marketing risk and enhance their crop values.

We also provide storage facilities, a wide selection of seed varieties and the best-quality fertiliser.

Call us today to find out more: 01476 862 730.

I

www.openfield.co.uk info@openfield.co.uk

I

MAY 2022 | WWW.SOUTHEASTFARMER.NET

@OpenfieldTM

I

@OpenfieldTM

FEATURED COMPANY: << Spending that amount of cash running a farming business is easy when Southern Farmers essentially supplies, in Brigitte’s words, “everything a farmer could possibly need except groceries”.

The list includes everything from building materials, farm equipment, agri-chemicals, veterinary products, feed and fertilisers, lubricants, tyres, fuel, electricity – including green energy – mobile phone contracts, solar power, machinery, biomass plants and white goods such as commercial and domestic freezers.

When it comes to building projects, the benefits of calling Southern Farmers are clear. Not only does the group offer a one-stop shop that will provide – and deliver – all the material and equipment needed, all itemised on one monthly account, but the experienced team is also adept at spotting what’s missing.

“There have been plenty of examples of a member of our team pointing out something that they think the member on the phone has forgotten about – and they are usually right,” said Brigitte.

“Most of our team has a farming background of some kind and they are always happy to help.”

It’s a minor point, but with farmers often working alone, one advantage of phoning in with an order is a chance to chat to a member of the 13-strong, all female team. “It’s another example of the way Southern Farmers sees itself as a community,” Brigitte pointed out. “Our members can just visit one of our suppliers, give their name and membership number and claim the discount, but ordering it from us gives them a chance to hear a friendly voice for a few minutes.”

The time savings for busy farmers are considerable, too. Members who make the most of their subscription to Southern Farmers know that there is no point spending time ringing round suppliers to find the best price when their own buying group has already negotiated as good, or better.

For a larger project, such as a new building, that time saving is magnified many times, with farmers able to contact the buying group’s headquarters at Rolvenden, list their requirements and wait for everything to be delivered.

Invoicing is also simplified, with just one monthly account to settle alongside a clear breakdown of each individual purchase made that month. Already simple, the new accounts system will offer even more benefits for those who can integrate it into their own farm system.

“It leaves our members free to get on with the day job while Southern Farmers takes care of the tools, equipment, materials and other necessities they need,” said Brigitte. Suppliers, meanwhile, benefit from the 1,200 strong membership and the fact that payment is guaranteed.

Southern Farmers members range from

TO ADVERTISE CALL 01303 233883

BUYING GROUP

Southern Farmers Ltd. smallholders with a few acres of land through to farming estates and businesses with a dozen or more farms, with the only criteria they need to meet being a business interest in agriculture.

The group is currently attracting a lot of new members from the vineyard sector as farmers take advantage of the increasingly favourable climate,

in this part of the world, to plant vines. In response, Southern Farmers now has a growing range of vineyard equipment suppliers on the books.

The team will be at a number of trade shows and ploughing matches this season and is looking forward to meeting existing members and chatting to potential new ones. > Nick Brewer receiving his LPG cyliinders at Oastbrook Estate

37

WWW.SOUTHEASTFARMER.NET | MAY 2022

Southern Farmers Ltd.

OVER 500 SUPPLIERS

Call us today on 01580 241401 1st Choice Concrete 4xtrahands Ltd

A

38

AB Components Ltd Access Irrigation Ltd Acorn Plant & Tool Hire Ltd ADM Agriculture Ltd A.D.T Fire & Security Advanced Welding Products Ltd Agricultural Plant Hire Ltd Agricare Agri Cycle Ltd Agriemach Ltd Agrii Agri-Linc Agrifactors Southern Ltd Agri Lloyd Agri Parts and Accessories Ltd Agrovista UK Ltd Agwood Ltd AHS Ltd AHS Southeast Ltd Aintree Concrete Pumping Air Liquide UK Ltd Air Products Plc A.J. Muggridge Albion Manufacturing Allbits Plumbing Supplies Ltd Alltype Hose & Couplings Ltd Alsford Timber AMP Clean Energy Andrew Sykes Ltd Andy Vater Anglia Grain Services Ltd (Frontier) Antifriction T/A BRT Industrial APM Agriplant Ardula Arkas Industrial Doors Artwrite Ltd Ashford Flexible Hose Astwell Augers Ltd A.T.S. Euromaster Ltd Austin Contract Services Ltd AVS Fencing Supplies Ltd

B

B & W Feeds Ltd Barkers Animal Health Ltd Barretts of Ashford Barrett Steel Bartholomews Agri Foods Ltd Battle Mowers Ltd Bearing Warehouse Ltd BeBa Energy UK Ltd Bell Agricultural Ltd Benchmarx (Travis Perkins) Biffa Waste Services Ltd Bishops Office Products Ltd B.J. Mammone & Partners Blockade Services Ltd BMS Electrical Services Ltd B.O.C. Gases Ltd

Bodle Bros Ltd Boston Crop Sprayers Ltd Bowser Supply BP Fuel Cards (B2Mobility) Brammer Buck & Hickman Brandon Hire Station Ltd Brattonsound Engineering Ltd Brett Aggregates Brett Concrete Ltd Bright Maize Ltd (& Bright Seeds) Brocks Wheel & Tyre BSS Group Building Equipment Supplies Ltd Butler Fuels

C

C Brewer & Sons Ltd Call 2 Hire Calor Gas Ltd Capital Cleaning (Kent) Ltd Capital Electrical Wholesale Ltd Cargostore Worldwide Trading Ltd Cascade CCM Electrical CDS Labour (Agriculture) Ltd Cemex UK Materials Ltd Chalk Down Lime Ltd Challenge Fencing Chandler Building Supplies Ltd Charity Farm Chris Potter Country Sports Ltd City Electrical Factors Ltd City Plumbing Civils Stores Ltd Claas Manns Cleansing Service Group Ltd Cleveland Cable Company Clip Clop (Ashford) Ltd Clovis Lande Associates Ltd Clubb Concrete Ltd Clubb Sand and Gravel Ltd COFCO International UK Ltd Collins Nets Ltd Command Pest Control Ltd Control Tech Ltd. Coppard Plant Hire Ltd Cotswold Seeds Ltd Countrystore Direct Countrystyle Recycling Ltd CPL Distribution Crawfords Ltd Create a Cabin Croft Lubricants Curd Brothers Curtis & Shaw Ltd Cuxton Metals/Bradfords Batteries CYO Seeds Ltd

D

D & H Direct Ltd D & S Tarpaulins Datamars Agri Uk Ltd (Roxan) David Cover & Son Ltd

MAY 2022 | WWW.SOUTHEASTFARMER.NET

www.southernfarmers.co.uk David Linch David Ritchie (Implements) Ltd Day Group Dennis Brinicombe Dewbys Hydraulics DFL Landscaping Supplies Diplock Fuel Injection Services Drakes Plumbing Supplies Ltd Dudman Aggregates Dudman Readymix Concrete Dulux Decorator Centre Dunlop BTL Ltd Duynie Ltd

E

E.O. Culverwell Ltd Earlswood Supplies East Kent Components Ltd East Kent Recycling Easycrete Edmundson Electrical Ltd Edward Lewis Edwardes Bros Ltd Enduramaxx LLP English Woodlands Ltd ERIKS Industrial Services Ltd Ernest Doe & Sons Ltd Euro Car Parts Ltd. European Metal Recycling Ltd Everflow Ltd E W King & Co Ltd Express Car Parts & Accessories Eyre & Elliston

F

Fairfield Supplies Ltd Fairview Veterinary Trading Ltd Fargro Ltd Farmacy Farm & Country Supplies Farm & Stable Supplies Farmplan Computer Systems Farmworld Hydraulics Limited Farm XS Ltd Farol Ltd F. Edmed & Sons Ferns Aggregates FGS Agri Ltd FGS Plant Ltd Field Chemicals Ltd Fire Industrial & Retail Equipment Fixings Warehouse Flogas UK Ltd Focus 4 U Ford Parts Plus For Farmers Four Jays Group Four Seasons Fencing F P McCann Ltd Framtrade Frontier Agriculture Fuel Oils

G

Gallagher Aggregates Ltd Gamebore Cartridge Company Ltd Gamekeepa Feeds & Supplies Ltd Gap Ltd GAP Group Ltd Gardenscape Direct Ltd Gaza timber Genus Breeding Geoff Boorman Fuels George J. Goff Ltd Geotech Developments Ltd Gerald Shearing Gibbs & Dandy Glass Services GNHQ Merchants Godfreys (Sevenoaks) Ltd Goldcrest Oil Limited Graham Group Plc (UKPS) Green Box Recycling Kent Ltd Green Counties Vets Ltd Greenham Trading Ltd Greenshields JCB Ltd Groombridge Sussex Ltd Groundscare & General Services Ltd GSE Plant Ltd GSF Car Parts GTAccess Guy Grimston Contractors

H

Hailsham Roadway Construction Co Ltd Hanson Aggregates Hardy Roofing Supplies Harwoods Ltd Haulaway Ltd Haynes Agricultural (Kent) Ltd Haynes Brothers Ltd / Kent Diesel Centre H.E. Services Plant Hire Ltd Heathfield Hire Heathfield Ironmongers Heygate & Sons Ltd Hi Peak Feeds Ltd H.L. Hutchinson Ltd Home Counties Fuels (NWF Fuels) Homeleigh Timber & Building Supplies Hop Engineering (Kent) Ltd Hose & Bearing Company Ltd Hotline-Horizont HSS Hire Service Group Ltd Huck Nets (UK) Ltd Huhtamaki Van Leer NI Ltd Hull Cartridge Company Ltd Humphrey Feeds Ltd Hugh Page Ltd Hydraquip Hydraulic Plant Services

I

Iden Signs Industrial Metal Supplies (IMS) I.S. & G. Steel Stockholders Ltd

J

Jacksons Fencing James Marquees Jayar Car Parts J.E. Marchant Welding Supplies Jewson Ltd John Bourne & Co Ltd John Davidson Pipes Ltd John Page Trailers John Parker & Son Ltd Johns Cross Tack Room Johnston Building Supplies Ltd J P Concrete JS Fire Protection Ltd J. Toms Ltd

K

KB Radiators KB Rewinds Kpack Kenhire Ltd Kent Bearings Kent Electrical & Lighting Centre Kent Boilercare Ltd Kew Electrical Distributors Ltd Keyline Civils Specialist Kirkland UK Kitson Recycling Ltd KW Alternative Feeds Kwik Fit Fleet

L

Lakeside Oils Limited Lamberhurst Engineering Ltd LBS Horticulture LCP Engineering Co Ltd Lenco Motor Spares Ltd Lillico Attlee Ltd Lister Wilder Ltd Littlewood Fencing Ltd Local Fuels London Bearings (Kent) Ltd London Hose & Hydraulics Ltd Lyreco

M

Macey Industrial Fixings Magnet Trade Ltd Maidstone Plumbing Centre Mark Luck Ltd Martello Plant & Tool Hire Martin Lishman Martins Hawkhurst Ltd Martyn Channon Maskell Heating Services MBE Fasteners McVeigh Parker & Co Ltd MDJ Lightbrothers (SP) Ltd Merriments Gardens Micro Machine Hire Mid-Hants Bulk Haulage Ltd Mid Kent Concrete Ltd Mid Kent Training Mid-Sussex Timber Co Ltd Mobitech Lift Trucks Molecare Veterinary Services Ltd Mole Seeds (UK) Ltd Mole Valley Countrystores Mole Valley Farmers Ltd Mole Valley Feed Solutions MTS Cleansing Services Ltd

N

Negus Chase Ltd Newble Bros Newton and Frost Fencing Ltd Newtone Agriscapes Nickerson Seeds Ltd (Limagrain) North Street Garage Ltd Northwood Forestry Limited Nova Gas NP Seymour Npower NWT Energy

O

O2 Oakes Bros Ltd Obart Pumps Ltd Odds Timber Offens Livestock Casualty Services Oliver Agriculture Ltd Omni Recycling Ltd Online Lubricants Ltd Openfield Agriculture Ltd Origin Fertiliser (UK) Ltd Osmonds Animal Health Osmonds Transport & Planings Otford Builders Merchants Ltd Ovenden Plant Hire Ltd Ovenden Tipper Services Ltd

R.J. Deeprose RLG Tyres Robert Softley Robert Wraight Ltd Roberts Country Vehicles Robertsbridge Garden Machine Centre Robins Liming Robins of Herstmonceux Roman Concrete Rose Gas Rother Valley Press Ltd Rother Valley Timber Ltd Rouden Pipetek Ltd Rutherfords - the pool people Rye Oil Ltd

S

S & P Printing SAE Services Saracen Horses Feeds Scareaway Systems Ltd Scott Parnell Ltd Screwfix Direct SCS Spreader & Sprayer Testing Ltd Semex UK Sencrop Setyres (Southern Tyre Co Ltd) S.G.E. Seal Ltd Shearwell Data Systems Shotcrete Services Ltd (Wealden Concrete) SIG Trading Roofing & Roofline Simpac Site Equip Ltd P&T Scaffolding Ltd Siteright Construction Supplies Pace Fuelcare SJ Agri Ltd Pan Anglia Country Merchants Ltd S.J. Playfoot Parker Building Supplies Ltd SJR Hydraulic Hoses Ltd Peasridge SS Ltd (Showtime) Skelton Plant Hire Ltd Phase Electrical Distributers Ltd Slicker Recycling Ltd P H Kellett - Laurels Nursery South Coast Hydraulics Ltd Phoenix Contracts Ltd South Eastern Auto Elec Services Pirtek Kent Ltd South East Farm Supplies PJ Products Ltd t/a PJ Skips South East Landbased P J Stacey and Son Training Courses LLP Platts Agriculture Ltd Southern Components Group Ltd Plumbase Southern Counties Fuel Oils (Certas) Plumbline Plumbing & Heating Ltd Southern Industrial Fasteners Ltd Pountney Tyres Southern Sheeting Supplies Pressure Clean Ltd Spaldings Agricultural Ltd Procam Rutherfords SPA Welding Supplies Ltd Produce Packaging Ltd Speedgate Enterprises Proficient Fastenings Ltd Speedy Hire Promar International Ltd Sprint Engineering & Lubricants PS Autoparts Ltd Stamco Building Supplies PTS Plumbing Trade Supplies Ltd Stanley George Pyrotec Fire Protection Staplehurst Tyres Ltd Stapletons Tyreservices Ltd Starbrite Chemicals Ltd Starlyne Feeds Ltd Quality Liquid Feeds Ltd Quality Services Hygiene Supplies Ltd Stationery Express UK Ltd Sterling Industrial Doors Quickblock Steve Pack Agricultural Services Quill Productions Stewart Brothers Concrete Stores Dept Straights Direct R French & Sons Stuart Foord Fencing Supplies Ram Doctor Ltd Stuart J. Daws & Co Ltd RAMSAK SUEZ Recycling and Recovery UK Ltd Raven Roofing and Building Supplies Ltd Sunbelt Rentals Ltd Redhill Bearings Ltd Superior Glass Ltd Regent Electrical Distributors Sussex Guns Rexel UK Ltd Sussex Plumbing Supplies Ltd Sussex Tubes, Fittings & Valves R.G.H. Supplies Ltd

P

Q

R

TO ADVERTISE CALL 01303 233883

SW Mowers Ltd S W Yorke & Sons Ltd Swale Aggregates Swale Builders Supplies Ltd

T

T&C Site Services Ltd T & T Sussex Plant Hire Ltd T Denne & Sons Ltd TW Services Tarmac Tate Fencing Tennants Distribution Ltd Thanet Tool Supplies The Timber Group Thomas Group Ltd Tithebarn Ltd T-Mex Express Toptags Torry Hill Chestnut Fencing Ltd Tozer Seeds Ltd Trade Paints Ltd Trafalgar Cleaning Equipment Travis Perkins Trading Co Ltd Treads Tyres Triple R Engineering Ltd Tructyre Tuckwells Tunbridge Wells Fire Protection Ltd Tyrefix Plant Tyres (UK) Ltd

U

UK Bunded Fuel Tanks United Oilseeds Marketing Ltd

V

Viking Direct Ltd VJ Technology Vodafone Ltd

W

W & H Marriage & Sons Ltd W&P Healthcare Wadhurst Coal Walker Rubber & Plastics Ltd Watling Tyre Service Ltd Watson Card Services Watson Fuels Wealden Concrete Ltd (Shotcrete Services) Webbs Ironmongery Stores Ltd Wenban-Smith Wessex Animal Health Westbrook Agricultural Supplies Ltd Westpoint Farm Vets WFL (UK) Ltd Wilson Tarmac Surfacing Contractors Windmill Feeds & Saddlery Ltd W.L. Duffield & Sons Ltd Wolseley UK Woods Concrete Pumps Southern Ltd Wrenns Feeds Wurth UK Ltd

Y

Yara Uk Ltd Yeowart Agricultural Ltd Yesss Electrical Ltd Youngs Timber & Builders Merchants

Z

Zantra Ltd

WWW.SOUTHEASTFARMER.NET | MAY 2022

39

www.watlingtyres.co.uk

YOUR NO.1 INDEPENDENT TYRE DEALER  Great service  Great choice  Great value since 1962

 On Site Tyre Repair or Replacement Ashford

Canterbury

Hastings

Northfleet

Maidstone

Medway

Sittingbourne

(01233) 620599/662297

(01227) 464328/453966

(01424) 422224

(01474) 327855

(01622) 764449/672952

(01634) 364255

(01795) 472354

2 Victoria Road, TN23 7HJ

40

 The South East’s Agricultural  Tractor, Trailer and all Tyre Specialist Agricultural Tyres at the Best Prices

85 Sturry Road, CT1 1DA

Keats Close, TN38 0PP

Unit 2, Grove Road, DA11 9AX

1a Hope Street, ME11 2TF

London Road, ME8 6YX

St Michaels Road, ME10 3DN

FERTILISER | AS DUG CHALK | EQUESTRIAN | pH & SOIL SAMPLING | PAS100 COMPOST | ANIMAL BEDDING | HAULAGE | LIME | AGGREGATES

CELEBRATING 75 YEARS OF SERVICE Delivering a bespoke range of agricultural products and services since 1974.

katrina@bourne.uk.com | 01797 331673 | johnbourne.com

MAY 2022 | WWW.SOUTHEASTFARMER.NET

FEATURED COMPANY: Creating a new, diversified enterprise on a 120acre farm that has not been actively farmed for many years poses a number of challenges, particularly when the owners are new to the area.

Finding the right suppliers for the vast range of equipment, material and machinery needed in the transformation can be, at best, a lengthy process – but for Phil Bradby and partner Jakub Kocanda, joining Southern Farmers made things a whole lot easier.

Phil and Jakub joined the buying group a year ago after moving from a farm in Cornwall, where they had been growing vegetables and grazing heifers, to Willards Farm in Robertsbridge, land which Phil said had not been a farm business for more than 50 years.

“We have lots of work to do around the farm, including repairing buildings, restoring hedgerows, bringing land back into use after a long time, repairing bridges and clearing fallen trees, along with improving the infrastructure, water systems and drainage,” said Phil.

Joining Southern Farmers is making putting the farm back into shape a much easier process, giving them easy access to trusted suppliers, already negotiated discounted prices and help when needed.

“It was a great decision and has saved us a huge amount of time and money,” Phil said. “Being part of Southern Farmers is ideal when it comes to buying materials because you know the team has done

BUYING GROUP

Southern Farmers Ltd.

EASY ACCESS

TO TRUSTED

SUPPLIERS

the spadework in terms of pricing and negotiating deals. I also really appreciate the single monthly invoice, which makes accounting and completing VAT returns much easier.”

The benefits are likely to be long-term, too, as Phil and Jakub have ambitious plans to restore Willards Farm, which Phil described as “a beautiful part of the landscape”.

They will be using some of the land for grazing sheep; the first lamb was born on Easter Day. A restored fishing lake has been stocked with trout and there are plans for a vineyard on some of the land that has the right aspect and soil type. They have also put in a geothermal heating system that takes heat from beneath the lake and pumps it via

heat exchangers into the farm buildings.

“We have put some land into mid-tier Countryside Stewardship, along with 20-odd acres of mature woodland that needs management,” Phil said.

As well as providing goods and services, the Southern Farmers team has been on hand with local know-how when required.

“A buyers’ group like this one is particularly useful when you are new to the area. It has helped us find a good network of people and it’s good to be able to pick up the phone and talk to someone you know. The team is friendly and knowledgeable and represents old school customer service at its best,” Phil commented.

> Phil Bradby TO ADVERTISE CALL 01303 233883

WWW.SOUTHEASTFARMER.NET | MAY 2022

41

Photos: ©Martin Apps, Countrywide Photographic

BUYING GROUP

MEMBERSHIP

42

Battle Mowers Ltd R

ALLETT

NEW AND SECOND-HAND MACHINES AVAILABLE Servicing to all makes of machines and parts supplied.

Unit 15-19 Vinehall Business Park, Vinehall Road, Mountfield, East Sussex TN32 5JW

01424 773096

Email: battlemowers@btconnect.com

www.battlemowers.co.uk

MAY 2022 | WWW.SOUTHEASTFARMER.NET

CRITICALLY IMPORTANT

One Southern Farmers member who was recently grateful for the loyalty that many suppliers feel towards the group was winemaker Nick Brewer.

With LPG gas suppliers, currently suffering from a major shortage of new cylinders, offering refills only, Nick was concerned that he would not be able to get the two bottles of gas he needed for a new building at the Oastbrook Estate, close to Bodiam Castle in East Sussex.

“Fortunately, I found that the suppliers were still supporting Southern Farmers’ customers, which allowed me to carry on with the project,” he said.

Nick and wife America, also a winemaker, have turned Oastbrook Estate into a spectacular wine venue, built a unique holiday attraction in the shape of a Hobbit House and developed the site as a venue for small-scale events.

They have also built a new winery that will be used to transform the grapes from the 20,000 vines – a mix of Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris and Chardonnay – they have planted on the estate.

The winery forms the ground floor of an impressive building that features a first-floor tasting room that doubles as an events/reception venue to support the couple’s multi-stranded, interlinked business approach.

“We have a lot of projects underway alongside the vineyard and so we are always looking for supplies and materials, which makes our membership of Southern Farmers critically important to the business,” said Nick.

“They are an amazingly helpful team. Whenever I need anything, I

FEATURED COMPANY:

simply put in one call and I know that they will be on the case immediately.

It’s far better than spending hours phoning around trying to get the best price. With Southern Farmers I know they have already researched it – and whatever I need is delivered to the site.”

Nick and America joined Southern Farmers following a recommendation from a builder working on one of their projects, and haven’t looked back since. They use the buying group for everything from vineyard sprays and aggregates to fuel, sewage removal and general building materials.

With winemaking an increasingly important growth area in the South East, Nick hopes that Southern Farmers will add specialist wine additives to its stock list, allowing him to take a few more items off his own shopping list. “The more I can order through Southern Farmers, the easier my life becomes,” he commented.

Nick also appreciates the straight answers he gets from the team. “When some suppliers are struggling to get stock out quickly, as they are now, they don’t over-promise,” he said. “They are honest about the timescale and that means they always meet our expectations.

“They communicate really well, they are always friendly and positive and there are lots of specialists within the team, so you know you are getting good guidance. Membership has proved really helpful to our business.”

TO ADVERTISE CALL 01303 233883

Southern Farmers Ltd.

> America Brewer > Nick Brewer

WWW.SOUTHEASTFARMER.NET | MAY 2022

43

BUYING GROUP

DRIVING GROUP FORWARD Chairman of Southern Farmers David Fuller sees himself very much as one cog in a closely fitting wheel that is driving the successful buying group forward.

“Everyone on the board works incredibly hard to ensure the success of the organisation, but someone has to head it up and that’s currently me,” he said. “And at the heart of the operation is the team itself, which does a superb job supporting local farmers and landowners with the products and services they need.”

David, who runs a 600-acre arable farm at Minster, near Ramsgate in Thanet, joined Southern Farmers in 2007 for the buying power and convenience it offered him.

“It saves such a lot of time and is a bit like having a back office to deal with all the purchasing that agricultural businesses need to do.

“Before if you wanted, say, fuel, you’d end up ringing around different suppliers for prices – and inevitably you wanted it quickly. It’s so much easier

to ring up the office and say you want X amount fuel, or fertiliser, or whatever - and because the group negotiates supplier discounts, you also benefit from the group price.

“To be honest it’s pretty much a no-brainer – and unlike some buying groups that take a different approach, Southern Farmers is cheap to join at just £125 a year and operates very flexibly. You can buy as much or as little as you want, although the discounted prices mean it makes more sense to buy as much as you can through the group.”

One of David’s ambitions for this year is to improve the diversity of the board, which is currently all older and male, with the exception of

Brigitte Fifield, and perhaps the team itself as part of natural turnover. “We are looking to recruit more board members and I’m hoping we can take the opportunity to make it more diverse,” David said.

Current challenges facing the group have mostly been around the supply of goods post-Brexit and Covid-19 supply issues, but David pointed out that while it’s an issue generally, Southern Farmers is better placed to deal with it than individual members would be.

“One thing I have noticed about the purchasing team over the past 18 months is just how good they are at sourcing materials that are in short supply,” he commented.

44

> David Fuller

DOMESTIC HEATING OIL AND FARM FUEL GEOFF BOORMAN FUELS

FROM GEOFF BOORMAN FUELS WHERE SERVICE MATTERS

EDENBRIDGE 01732 863834 TUNBRIDGE WELLS 01892 522322 sales@geoffboorman.co.uk CAREFUL, POLITE DRIVERS

SMALL TANKERS WITH EXTRA LONG HOSES AVAILABLE

365 DAYS SERVICE MAY 2022 | WWW.SOUTHEASTFARMER.NET

COMMERCIAL AGRICULTURAL, PLANT AND COMMERCIAL TYRE SPECIALISTS Largest stock of Commercial and Agricultural tyres in the South East.

Rapid response breakdown & fitting vehicles in your area.

All major brand & economy tyres for agricultural machinery supplied and fitted.

Discount for Southern Farmers Members.

Contact us: T:

0344 880 8555 (Local rate call)

KENT – SUSSEX – ESSEX

sales@setyrescommercial.com www.setyrescommercial.com

FEATURED COMPANY:

Southern Farmers Ltd. > Brigitte Fifield

NEGUS CHASE LTD For all your Dairy requirements

   

  

GEA milking equipment Volac calf & lamb feeders Permastore slurry storage Slurry separators and handling equipment to include Houle, JOZ, Eisele, Landia, Fan, Bauer Robot scrapers & feed pushers Briggs dirty water irrigation Ventilation fans & foot baths

Farm van sales Colin Raines 07710 476647 Dairy chemicals | Milk Powder All sundry consumables

A COMMUNITY TO MAKE THE WORLD A

BETTER PLACE Southern Farmers managing director Brigitte Fifield sees the organisation as “a community” and is trying to use that community to make the world a better place.

With war raging in Ukraine and refugees looking for a home, she is campaigning to see some of those ousted from their homeland offered a place to live and a job on some of the South East’s fruit farms.

“There is a shortage of housing for refugees while many of our fruit farms are facing an acute labour shortage post-Brexit and because Ukrainian men are defending their country,” she said.

“It makes sense for growers who have accommodation but not enough workers to be allowed to offer refugees a home and a job helping out with this year’s harvest.”

Brigitte has raised the idea with Ashford MP Damian Green, who has expressed his support, and with Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Environment Secretary George Eustice.

Still on the community theme, Southern Farmers has invited the police’s rural crime squad to keep the group informed about machinery thefts, stolen goods and general up-do-date safety advice. The updates will be included on the new Southern Farmers website and via the group’s regular newsletters, emails and social media accounts.

“It’s another benefit of being part of the community of people who make up Southern Farmers,” Brigitte commented.

TO ADVERTISE CALL 01303 233883

Chapmans Farm – TN12 0HH 01580 891199 info@neguschaseltd.co.uk

AGRIFACTORS

THE GRASS SEED SPECIALISTS IN YOUR LOCAL AREA

WE ARE PROUD TO WORK WITH SOUTHERN FARMERS AND THEIR CLIENTS. WE WISH THEM CONTINUED SUCCESS FOR THE FUTURE! SWARDMASTER & SWARDSMAN SEED MIXTURES

Local provenance meadow seed available, harvested from flower rich meadows on the Weald.

TEL: 01435 863964 EMAIL: sales@agrifactors.co.uk WWW.SOUTHEASTFARMER.NET | MAY 2022

45

SEED

FERTILISER

GRAIN

STORAGE

T: 01264 321 595 www.openfield.co.uk

ELVED PHILLIPS ARABLE NOTES

46

During the past month there have been periods when, albeit at record high prices, the wheat futures have been “range bound”, only moving a few pounds over a week. Then Mr Putin makes a comment like: “Peace talks have reached a dead end” and futures shoot up £15 in two days! We really are into the Donald Rumsfeld world of “unknown unknowns” being “the ones we don’t know that we don’t know”. The imponderables are never ending.

The change in March came when at last Russian troops began withdrawing to the East of Ukraine.

At the same time Ukraine commented that it had no plan to become a member of NATO or the EU, rather that they would prefer neutrality like Sweden or Austria.

The market took some comfort from that and futures prices fell, but in the absence of further progress and now with the “dead end” comment, markets have risen again. Planting the remaining spring barley in Ukraine is still concerning. Of their wheat, 98% was winter planted, but it still needs to be husbanded up to harvest.

But Ukraine’s capacity to export whatever its crop is remains more important than its production potential. Old crop wheat and maize continues to be exported via other Balkan countries and, like Russia, export by train continues over many borders. This could be a few hundred thousand tonnes up to several million. No one really knows.

World buyers are now cutting deals with

ELVED PHILLIPS Openfield

UNKNOWN UNKNOWNS

alternative exporters for all commodities. So wheat, maize and barley are being re-routed to cover some shortages. For example, India has thrown its hat into the ring as an alternative wheat supplier to Egypt and its export surplus is being talked up.

In the UK, as we always predicted, everything is running out. It’s just a question of whether barley will hold out until new crop French is available in June and wheat in July. Until then it will be the usual tussle between the needy and the greedy, or as my colleagues say, when talking about the bigger world supply and demand position, the haves and have nots!

Recent history shows how dangerous it is to try to forecast the likely pattern of new crop markets against anything before the last eight weeks of conflict. However, there are one or two almost certainties.

Talking barley first. With the plantings we have, and the reasonable state of the crop, it’s likely the UK will have a surplus on paper similar to this year, so at least one million tonnes. Of that, half should be spring malting barley. So there is no reason to suppose that we will be short of barley from harvest to Christmas. In fact the necessary export programme to keep our decks clear of both feed and malting is already under way. So, it’s just a question of the export price parity. If the Black Sea is absent it will then depend upon who is the next cheapest seller of feed barley to take its place.

UK export malting barley will be geared to the French and Danish export value. They both started their export campaigns some months ago. Both have well established spring and winter malting

crops. Of course their prices, like ours, have moved up and down with the rest of the war-affected markets. The current forward price for UK malting barley is at a historic high never seen before at this stage of the growing season.

There are two price factors to consider. Firstly, the traditional differential between old and new crop malting barley prices. Mainly because of the real shortage of feed barley, which has squeezed the premium, old crop malting price is about £25 above new crop. History indicates these two will come together at some point. As most maltsters and brewers are covered now until harvest, it’s likely the old crop price will meet the new crop before harvest.

Secondly you have what I term the war premium.

This is the amount of extra value in all the new crop prices (and some old) simply because of the conflict. It follows that when there is a cessation of hostilities, even a temporary one, some or all of the war premium will be lost from the price. The big question is how much? Clearly the higher the forward price goes, the greater the fall is likely to be.

Just taking new crop malting barley that has risen by £90 per tonne, how much of that could be sacrificed? £40/£50, more or less. For sure, having appreciated that much already, on the back of the wheat futures, there is likely to be more on the downside rather than the upside. Obviously this presumes that our ok-looking UK crop comes through on average and the conflict does cease at some point!

Winston Churchill once offered the country only “blood, toil, tears and sweat”. Hopefully you won’t get any of that but certainly the thing you will get is more volatility and plenty of it.

High fertiliser prices – do you want to save money?

Poultry manure delivered and spread throughout Kent & Sussex.

High in readily available nitrogen, phosphate, potash and sulphur for your crops.

Accurate GPS guided spreaders with experienced operators.

Full analysis and advice available.

FARMERS & CONTRACTORS | Call Steve 07747 827901 | www.groundcaregeneralservices.co.uk MAY 2022 | WWW.SOUTHEASTFARMER.NET

prod and

STEPHEN CARR

IMPOSSIBLE

Offe in so serv your

TO KNOW WHETHER GROWERS

FACE A VIABLE

FUTURE

The immediate economic impact of Russia’s horrific invasion of Ukraine on UK arable farming has been to increase both growing costs and the value of grain. But as diesel, fertiliser, pesticide and grain prices continue to fluctuate wildly, it’s impossible to know, as growers, whether or not we face a viable future.

A big problem, of course, is that the UK is no longer the industrial powerhouse it once was. This means that most of the agri-chemicals, fertilisers and farm machinery that arable farmers need are now imported.

This dependence on imports adds greatly to the instability of our input prices. We cannot even be sure of being able to get adequate supplies, but additionally what we pay for them is subject to extreme volatility. A tractor or a tonne of ammonium nitrate that is made in a country where the currency suddenly strengthens against sterling is immediately going to cost a lot more to the British farmer trying to buy it.

Thankfully, it is a long time since arable farmers had to grow home-produced grain in an economic environment dominated by the effects of a war. But at least during the two world wars of the 20th century, the array of inputs required to grow a crop was limited. Work was largely carried out by horses, which ran on oats rather than diesel. Once sown, it was down to the vagaries of the season as to whether or not the farmer achieved a good harvest.

Contrast that to today, where we try to guarantee a good harvest through the application of an endless array of pesticides and artificial fertilisers.

Having created ‘tramlines’ in our crops, we turn them into busy thoroughfares by passing along them with a sprayer throughout the growing season to implement a programme of herbicide, fungicide and insecticide applications.

As if that weren’t enough, we then follow the sprayer with a fertiliser spreader to carry out a series of ammonium nitrate dressings at different growth stages.

There is no obvious way of weaning the modern arable farmer off this dependence on expensive inputs. So, in the wake of Putin’s assault on Ukraine, if the Government ever becomes serious about developing a policy that ensures stable levels of home grown grain production, it will also have to take an interest in making the UK more self-sufficient in the manufacture of the inputs, like farm machinery and agri-chemicals, that grain producers need.

• Ultimate Soil Scanning – High definition

in-field scanning of major field properties including pH, Organic Matter, Electrical Conductivity and Topography

47

• Precision Soil Sampling and Mapping • Biomass Imagery • Standard Sampling – P, K, Mg andprecision, pH Soil Soil smart sampling, GPS Veris Cyst soil Nematode scanning,Analysis N Core, Ph, PCN • Potato/Pea (PCN) • Deep Core Nitrogen Sampling • Manure, Slurry and Product Analysis • Lime supply and variable rate application

01233 740247 www.acsrecycling.co.uk

STEPHEN CARR Arable farmer

TO ADVERTISE CALL 01303 233883

01233 740247 enquiries@farmimage.co.uk www.farmimage.co.uk

WWW.SOUTHEASTFARMER.NET | MAY 2022

SHINING BRIGHT IN ALL SITUATIONS

LG ILLUMINATE WINTER WHEAT

Casts new light on flexibility of drilling, market options, growing regions & conditions @LGSeedsUK lgseeds.co.uk/lg-illuminate

Tel: 01472 371471 lgseeds.co.uk enquiries@limagrain.co.uk

TAILOR T1

AGRONOMY

SOLUTIONS TO RISK

With the spring fungicide campaign underway, Hutchinsons agronomist David Shepard explains how to optimise upcoming wheat treatments.

No two seasons are the same and spring 2022, at the time of writing at least, was milder and wetter than last year, with crops advancing strongly. Indeed, some September-sown KWS Extase had reached GS 31 by mid-March, highlighting the need to monitor crops carefully and treat fields on their own merits.

This is especially true given the mild, damp conditions of last winter which, combined with a large area of early sowing, created a higher base disease level, with mid-March forecasts from Omnia’s disease risk forecasting model predicting generally high Septoria and rust pressure.

There are four ways to optimise T1 wheat fungicide applications and maximise yield response.

1. ASSESS RISK

Understanding which crops are at greatest disease risk is vital to prioritising applications and spray programmes. Varietal rating, drilling date and weather drive risk are all incorporated into Omnia’s disease forecasting model, which is updated fortnightly and provides a useful risk indicator across the farm from which individual treatments can be tailored.

Generally, prioritise susceptible crops rated 5 or less, but remember even robust varieties can come under pressure in bad seasons, especially when sown early.

Genetic Septoria resistance has historically been regarded as very stable, but last year’s emergence of races with virulence to Cougar resulted in some notable revisions to Septoria ratings for varieties with Cougar parentage, such as RGT Saki and KWS Firefly. These races are unlikely to disappear, so consider basing risk assessments on the one-year Recommended List rating rather than the three-year average.

TO ADVERTISE CALL 01303 233883

2. OPTIMISE TIMING

Last spring highlighted the importance of accurate timing and basing spray decisions on leaf emergence rather than calendar date.

T1s are generally applied around GS 32, however the growth stage of leaf 3 emergence can vary, so dissect representative plants to confirm exactly which leaf is emerging and identify the optimum spray timing. Treat crops once most of leaf 3 is emerged to maximise coverage and protection through to T2.

The weather, disease risk and sprayer capacity should all be considered though, as waiting too long risks leaving leaf 3 exposed to infection, while spraying too early before most of the leaf has emerged could compromise coverage.

protection, notably in early-sown second wheats.

Boscalid or prothioconazole are the main eyespot options, while azoxystrobin or fluoxastrobin help reduce take-all.

4. CONSIDER ADDITIONAL BENEFITS

Early season strobilurin application can bring useful physiological benefits to rooting that potentially improve water and nutrient use efficiency. That may be particularly beneficial for growers looking to apply less nitrogen given the high prices.

Many SDHIs, and to a lesser extent triazoles, also offer some physiological benefits.

3. SELECT APPROPRIATE PRODUCTS

In high-risk situations, such as early-sown susceptible varieties, or where T1 is delayed, stronger Septoria chemistry such as fluxapyroxad + mefentrifluconazole is recommended. Other SDHI combinations based on fluxapyroxad offer relatively strong Septoria activity, as do some dual SDHI products such as bixafen + fluopyram.

Including the multisite folpet is a sensible antiresistance strategy that brings extra persistence, but resist cutting the dose of mix partners to cover the cost as this compromises control.

In lower disease situations, older SDHI + prothioconazole-based chemistry can be effective.

T0s should have controlled yellow rust, but in high-risk situations, build programmes around benzovindiflupyr + prothioconazole. Adding tebuconazole to Septoria-focused T1s brings quick rust control, while strobilurins such as azoxystrobin or pyraclostrobin give lasting yellow and brown rust protection.

T1 is the main time for eyespot and take-all

DAVID SHEPARD

T: 07920 097369 E: david.shepard@hlhltd.co.uk Canterbury: 01227 830064 www.hlhltd.co.uk

WWW.SOUTHEASTFARMER.NET | MAY 2022

49

AT COLCHESTER MARKET GRAHAM ELLIS FRICS FAAV FLAA

For and on behalf of Stanfords T: 01206 842156 E: info@stanfords-colchester.co.uk www.stanfords-colchester.co.uk

PRICES WELL ABOVE 12 MONTHS AGO 50

Given the continuing uncertainties of the world at the time of this report, it was good to see that the beef trade continued to be strong throughout the previous month, with prices well above 12 months ago, as is needed with the very high cost of feed and other inputs.

Numbers in Colchester are still below the current level of demand and more could be sold to advantage. It is, however, pleasing to see numbers up on 12 months ago.

westpoint farm vets

100% Farm Vets Supporting British Livestock Agriculture Since 2000

New client visits are FREE - book yours today!

Our teams of experienced, highly-qualified vets are focused on driving farm efficiency and animal health across the South East Westpoint Horsham

Westpoint Sevenoaks Westpoint Chelmsford

covering Surrey & West Sussex covering North Kent & East Sussex

01306 628086 Westpoint Winchester

01959 564383

covering Essex

01306 628489

Westpoint Heathfield

Westpoint Ashford

covering Hampshire

covering East Sussex

01962 779593

01435 869047

covering Kent & East Sussex

01306 628208

Westpoint Farm Vets Dawes Farm, Bognor Road, Warnham, West Sussex, RH12 3SH info@westpointfarmvets.co.uk | westpointfarmvets.co.uk westpointfarmvets.co.uk

MAY 2022 | WWW.SOUTHEASTFARMER.NET

Best butchers’ weight cattle are regularly trading at 270p/kg to 285p/kg and general run of cattle trading is from 220p/kg to 250p/kg throughout the weight ranges.

It is also pleasing to see that weight is not an issue now, with more heavy cattle wanted.

There is an exceptional trade for cows over 30 months old; the demand for manufacturing beef remains strong and again more could be sold to advantage.

Selling live to survive is the usual comment from livestock auctioneers and has certainly been proved over the past few months.

The strong finished beef trade is also being reflected throughout the store market and still more are required. With grass now growing and buyers looking to turn out cattle, the trade looks set fair for the next few months.

The sheep trade is less than the very high peaks of 12 months ago but still well above the trade seen two years ago. Enormous quantities of old season lambs over 50kg coming forward are trading regularly from £130 to £150 a head.

Around the Easter period the traditional increase for lighter, old season lambs was seen, with export quality sheep very short in the area. Again more could be sold to advantage.

New season lambs were starting to come forward by the end of April but even here heavy weights were seen, with plenty of lambs, a week before Easter, over 50kg live weight, which is really too much for local butchers. The strongest demand is being seen for 32kg to 39kg live weight lambs. Hopefully trade will remain at current levels.

Again, with the high cost of feed any reduction in trade will not be helpful.

The cull ewe trade is at record levels, with numbers generally insufficient and ewes at the highest level seen for this time of year.

The pig market saw a welcome increase in price, but pigs are still being produced at well below the cost of production, with the high price of inputs such as wheat, barley and soya making any realistic return impossible. Prices need to increase by at least another 30p/kg just to cover the increased costs of production.

General reports are that more people will leave the pig industry, opening the door for cheaper imports, and who is to say what the quality of those imports will be and the production standards in those countries?

Arable crops generally look fine, with good crop potential following the rains of early April. It will be interesting to see what difference the high cost of fertiliser will make to application rates, but with the high grain prices it is likely that this will be a reasonable year for arable farmers.

AT ASHFORD MARKET

PETER KINGWILL T: 01233 502222

www.hobbsparker.co.uk The joy over the Easter weekend, and indeed over the whole school holidays, with perfect weather and a freedom not aff orded to any of us for more than two years, has been clear for all of us to feel and see, whatever the generation. In the safe environment of Ashford market, it has been great to welcome so many youngsters with parents and grandparents who are keen to soak up the atmosphere of excitement and wonder in the livestock pens and sales rings.

Whether it is orphan lambs, sows with litters, ewes and lambs, young calves or enormous stock bulls, it is a magical sight for youngsters whether from a farming background, the rural villages or the, ever increasing, Ashford new homes. That, in turn, brings much pleasure to their guardians on the day. It also brings, to all, some understanding and respect for all those animals, their size, their vulnerability, and, of course, their dangers.

We, of course, see more of these visitors at holiday times, when a trip to the market, a drink and snack in the Stockpot café, or a promised visit to McDonalds on the way home is a good few hours of entertainment and education.

This is just one of the many important roles of the market. The kids might be there in the holidays, but it is just as important to see the

THE MAGIC

OF THE MARKET greater community week in and week out. The cross-section of society that attends is wide and varied and yet successfully mixes in a way that no one could ever predict. Farmers, retired farmers, livestock farmers, arable farmers, old farmers, young farmers and non-farmers come together to talk, to watch, to listen, to get away, to question, to ask, to answer, to encourage, to reward, to console, to learn or to help. What a recipe of mixed ingredients that comes together so well for inward digestion and approval.

That is a very important part of any living market place, one that the auction sector has now been part of for more than 200 years. It is so sadly missing from the rush of modern communities in so many towns. But the real magic of the market is the simplicity and success of the working process that combines supply with demand, buyers with the collective strength of sellers in an operation that takes place each week to suit the needs and circumstances of those who attend or send their stock.

Far from being outdated, as many critics keen to see its removal as an influence might often suggest, nothing is more up to the minute than the auction system, instantly able to respond to circumstances and change.

The extraordinary events of the past two years could never have been foreseen by the cleverest politicians, journalists or speculators, yet the marketplace, whether it be in the cities of London, New York, Hong Kong or Shanghai for stocks and shares, or in the towns of Ashford, Hailsham and Colchester for livestock, works its magic tirelessly for the betterment of all.

At Ashford, like elsewhere, sadly, there is no magic crystal ball, but we do have plenty of sound, reliable, shrewd and astute customers who for generations have been placing their trust and futures in the reliability of the market, recognising its importance in so many areas that will take them securely into a better and happier future.

Long live the magic!

RABDF NAMES FIRST FEMALE CHAIR

Award-winning dairy farmer Di Wastenage has become the first female chairman of the Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers (RABDF), succeeding Somerset farmer Peter Alvis.

Mrs Wastenage, previously RABDF's Vice Chairman, was elected in March and said she was “delighted to be RABDF Chairman and thankful to Peter for handing over the chairmanship in such a great position”.

She went on: “Peter has done a sterling job over the last three years, having been instrumental during one of the most challenging times in the sector with Brexit, the pandemic and the phasing out of the Basic Payment Scheme.

"Peter's work in setting up the milk losses survey during the pandemic was instrumental in leading to the Government's Dairy Response Fund. His current work developing an emissions toolkit for farmers will also have a lasting legacy."

Mrs Wastenage is a director of her family's dairy farming business in Budleigh Salterton, Devon. She received an MBE in the Queen's 2021 New Year's Honours for her services to UK Agriculture.

On her role, Mrs Wastenage said: "Over the next three years, we are going to see some significant changes in the dairy sector, with the phasing out of basic payments, the arrival of the Environmental Land Management scheme and possible regulations coming from the Clean Air Strategy, including the permitting of intensive beef and dairy farms.

“It's going to be vital to communicate with the Government and the wider

TO ADVERTISE CALL 01303 233883

industry every step of the way to ensure we end up with practical measures that are not detrimental to the industry. Labour also remains a big issue and is something I will continue to focus on."

WWW.SOUTHEASTFARMER.NET | MAY 2022

51

ALAN WEST SHEEP TOPICS

ALMOST THERE

52

At the time of writing (early April) we still have one ewe hanging on.

True to form, all expectations of a quick and relatively early end of lambing were confounded by one of the other half’s Herdwick ewes, who obviously returned. She is certainly in lamb, nicely bagged up and full of milk, but simply doing what sheep do best, making life more “interesting”.

The problem arises because the colour and style of the Herwick fleece makes it difficult to select suitable crayon colours; i.e. ones that will show up clearly.

Yellow shows for a short time but fades very quickly, leaving only orange and red. The problem is that red, although a bit darker, does not clearly over-mark orange. It's a problem that I hope we have already addressed, having found some nice, bright, not too dark colours that will (fingers crossed) give us a better indication next tupping season. That’s forward planning!

In the meantime all we can do is be patient and she still looks rather too relaxed, to the point of being smug, but that’s Herdys; quite unlike the Lleyn, who begin to show subtle changes in behaviour a day in advance of lambing, the Herdys provide very little advance notice of lambing, an hour if you are lucky.

The Herdys simply select their spot and get on with it. She will no doubt perform when she is ready; an eagerly awaited full stop to lambing which, I hope, will not be too long in arriving.

With just one left, it is sorely tempting to skip a visit or two during the day; it does, after all, get a bit wearying once the first month has passed, but I would hate for anything to go wrong and miss a problem lambing, so they will continue. As a breed they do just get on with it and I doubt if any of my

> Ewes and lambs enjoying an early bite of forage rye, simply autumn broadcast on to permanent pasture

MAY 2022 | WWW.SOUTHEASTFARMER.NET

ALAN WEST Sheep farmer

assistance will be wished for or required; in reality I have not seen any Herdy lambs born this season. I’m sure they have worked out the timings of my first morning visit and pop their lambs out just before I arrive, generally finding a ewe with one lamb, on its feet, almost dry, and a second newly born and still wet. Yes, Herdwick will produce twins, although until they finish I would not dare to presume what the final lambing percentage will be.

From what I hear, many other producers have had a relatively quick and easy lambing this year. This is indeed good news, although Schmallenberg seems to have raised its ugly head once again for some. On the plus side, the weather has been fairly kind to us, not too much rain and some beautifully warm days; the latter particularly enjoyed by the lambs. It is lovely to see them flat out, reveling in the warm sunshine. A bit of sun lifts the spirits of both sheep and humans alike. It is also good to see the grass really beginning to grow away; it’s amazing to see how much, after a couple of grey days, the grass will perk up with a bit of warm sunshine, grass that will be particularly valuable this year. The more we can produce from grass the better.

It has been truly dreadful watching the recent horrific events unfold in Ukraine; I’m sure that all of our sympathies go out to the people, although it is impossible for us to fully comprehend how devastating it must be for both them and their country. The impact is being felt well beyond Ukraine and will be quite significant in some of the poorer countries that rely very much on imports of Ukrainian wheat; in poor communities where simply feeding the family absorbs almost 100% of household incomes, recent price increases will mean less food, potentially pushing some into starvation.

VET DIARY > Motherly love, that strong bond between a ewe and her lambs

CLAIRE THORPE

Cliffe Veterinary Group E: will@cliffevets.co.uk www.cliffefarm.co.uk

TICK CONTROL

Lambing is nearing the end for most and calving is in full swing.

Hopefully, with some warmer weather on the way, the grass will get going. Nights have been very cold, followed by warm days, which poses a risk of respiratory disease in both lambs and calves.

Those farmers that have turned out lambs will be enjoying seeing them out at grass, but it is important to be mindful of those diseases that can reduce growth rates in growing lambs and sometimes cause sudden death during the first few months of life.

I recently examined three two or three-week-old lambs found dead in the field. These were good lambs, growing well and had showed no obvious illness before death. The farmer’s concern, quite rightly, was pasteurellosis. However, during my post mortem examination I found many ticks, some attached and feeding and many crawling around looking to attach (see photo 1 and 2).

These lambs were all severely anaemic (see photo 3), which was undoubtedly the cause of death. There were no other signs of disease and the lungs were clear of disease in all three lambs, ruling out pasteurellosis.

TICKS AND THE DISEASES THEY CAUSE IN SHEEP

The impact in the UK has not been so dramatic, something that we do need to remember; an impact that pales into insignificance when compared to some poorer countries but which nonetheless is feeding through into the sheep sector in higher fuel costs, feed costs and most significantly fertiliser costs. The latter two, in particular, may provide the encouragement that some sheep producers need to give more serious thought to alternative sources of forage. Grass is not the only forage; there is a wide range available to producers, some having the dual advantage of producing significant quantities of good quality feed and fixing significant volumes of free atmospheric nitrogen in the soil, reducing dependence on purchased nitrogen.

Last autumn I trialed a bit of forage rye with vetch (a nitrogen fixer). The rye has been brilliant but I am yet to be convinced about the vetch, although this may come with the warmer weather. Simply broadcast onto permanent pasture, it established so well in the autumn that it had light grazing by some lambs in the back end. The rye came back very well and started growing away well before the grass really took off and has provided some very good, very palatable grazing for the ewes post lambing.

I estimate that this has produced about 2t/ha of DM at a cost of about 8p/kg DM of a feed which will provide about 12% to 15% CP at an ME of 10.5, really not bad. That’s a cheap feed, particularly when compared with an 18% CP, 12.5ME sheep concentrate costing (bag price), somewhere between 41p/kg and 46p/kg. In addition the rye is coming back again and will certainly provide a third, maybe even a fourth, bite. It really is worth considering the options available.

TO ADVERTISE CALL 01303 233883

The most common tick in the UK is Ixodes Ricinus, mainly found in areas of rough grazing, moorland and woodland, and the South Downs is a hot spot for them. They attach and feed for two to ten days and can cause intense irritation, making sheep very itchy.

In lambs, as in the case above, the sheer quantity of feeding ticks can cause the death of the lamb through severe anaemia.

Generally, controlling ticks is important due to their part in transmitting disease. In sheep they are responsible for transmitting: • Louping ill – a viral disease of the central nervous system causing variable neurologic signs; there is no specific treatment available.

• Tickborne Fever – (caused by infection with Anaplasma phagocytophilum). This is a rickettsial disease causing sudden fever in sheep. Abortions affect susceptible ewes newly introduced onto tick-infested pastures during the last stages of gestation. There is also an increased susceptibility to secondary infections such as pneumonic pasteurellosis and tick pyaemia.

• Tick pyaemia – a staphylococcal infection of lambs already infected with tickborne fever, causing crippling lameness and paralysis. Pyemic abscesses are found in joints and other parts of the body.

All of the above can cause significant production losses.

TICK CONTROL

• Avoid turning out onto known tick-infested pastures where possible.

• Topical pour-on treatments are available to treat and prevent ticks. > 1: Ticks in the inguinal region

> 2: White mucous membranes

> 3: Ticks In the armpit and on the front legs

WWW.SOUTHEASTFARMER.NET | MAY 2022

53

NICK ADAMES WEST SUSSEX DIARY

LOTS OF ENTHUSIASM

54

Fresh back from a quick tour of Scotland with lots of enthusiasm for farming in Sussex!

We went up for a ‘big’ family birthday party in Northumberland before heading well north to Carnoustie in Angus, no, not for golf but to stay with a very old farmer friend, Tom Hay, never to fully retire despite being in his 95th year. A great curler but an even better farmer, Tom and his family work some of that wonderful productive soil along the east coast from Carnoustie up towards Aberdeen. No cattle these days but farms that put most in the south to shame.

We crossed the storm-damaged centre of Scotland to Argyll to inspect the newly planted trees up above Loch Lomond to its north and the shining windy Clyde to the south. It is managed for me by Scottish Woodlands although, apart from original design, and now paperwork, it’s not like managing dairy cows.

The farm being about a quarter of a mile from my original venture into forestry some 13 years ago makes the two easy to keep an eye on. The storms of last winter have blown past without damage. The older trees, being around 20 to 25 ft tall, are not yet so vulnerable to ‘blow’ damage, while the windy conditions of the west coast almost certainly help strong root development to hold them against gales.

The new land, an old mixed-stock grazing farm, is planted to mixed species, mainly sitka spruce along with Norway and Scots pine, birch and native broadleaved species. Not planted like those huge blocks around the Borders, which many may remember from our youth, but now designed as windbreaks and wildlife friendly plantations planted on wide ridges of mainly heavy loam.

The new land also contains quite substantial areas of peat, now protected as ‘carbon soaks’ and left unplanted. The only potential value there is for the ‘carbon credits’ they might attract, but I’m not getting too excited about that yet.

I feel there is too much ‘hot air’ being spouted by too many so-called experts, so will steer well clear. All in all, the land looked tidy, newly deer fenced, needing some three or four years for the trees to start changing the landscape. But the older forest nearby looks really impressive, with most of the planting on the lower reaches, from under 300ft, up to the untouched tops of the hills, over 900ft, which have been left wild.

There is a lot of wildlife around, either protected or controlled by a neighbour who rears a few pheasants but spends most of the time keeping the deer population under control. These trees will be standing there for many years, long after I

have stopped standing, providing much cover for wildlife, wonderful hiking ground for walkers and then, eventually, a lot of valuable timber.

What did become clear was that while the deer eat the sitka, the only trees the new, expensive, ‘deer fencing’ is erected around are the commercially valueless broadleaves! Yet the roe deer are coming down from the surrounding forests in steady numbers to chew the spruce to ground level. Although we have a couple of keen marksmen living very close, the damage appears significant and yet the agents assured me growth will not be significantly affected. I have to believe them! Is this another example of how modern environmentalists see the priorities?

Then followed meetings with the agents, old friends now, introducing them to Emma, who will eventually be learning forestry, on top of other aspects of land management here in Sussex, and having interesting discussions about the differences between farming in the Highlands and in the south. Then, along with the odd dram, we sped our way home having collected a couple of doses of rather tiresome coronavirus on the journey. It was a relief to get home.

Readers may have the impression I am not a believer in climate fears, and they would be right.

I am not a believer in evangelical preachers of any ilk. I am an old type of conservationist. I don’t see any point in joining the modern net zero believers,

simply because, until the other 99% of the world, which is ignoring it, starts to take notice, there seems little point in putting this little island and its population through financial misery and economic hardship to try to impress the rest of the world to follow suit.

I believe it is lunacy, certainly until the whole world complies. I have diaries, kept since 1892 by my grandfather and since 1920 by my father, which prove to me that, while the weather can be very different, it is also very much the same now as it was at the end of the 1800s and early 1900s, when my grandparents suffered prolonged cold spells with no central heating. They also endured wet spells, when the local brook lands were under water for weeks on end, then suffered some very dry years where crops failed and stock almost starved to death from lack of conserved feed. So, nothing is new, but we all just need to respect and look after our world, as its the only one we have.

My thoughts of a summer’s fallow on the home farm have not materialised. I was pleased when I had the offer, on fair terms, to grow maize for a big dairy further north and jumped at it. At least it is fodder for producing some food, milk. Just now one gets the feeling that, as a country we really do need to get into the habit of actually growing more of our own food on these islands rather than rewilding it? Surely the message should be getting through?

NICK ADAMES Former dairy farmer

> Two years ago this was a view of the Clyde – such has been the growth

MAY 2022 | WWW.SOUTHEASTFARMER.NET

ADVICE FROM THE VET

As you begin to wind down from what we hope was a productive lambing period, it can be all too easy to shelve the worries and problems encountered in these fraught few weeks, only to pick them up again that bit too late next year. Now, though, is the time to debrief with your team and vet to discuss any issues that could crop up again next time around – with the benefit of time to fix them, writes Ami Sawran BVSc CertAVP PGCertVPS PhD MRCVS, Westpoint Farm Vets.

One of the key indicators of lambing success is a low lamb mortality rate. While your numbers are fresh in your head, be sure to note down how many (if any) stillbirths, deaths within 24 hours, in the first week, and up to weaning you encountered.

Cast your mind back to scanning and consider if you had a higher barren rate than expected? Did you encounter any premature lambings or abortions?

Once down on paper, and ideally compared to previous records, this data can paint a picture of the main issues on farm – often ones which require some forethought to correct in time for next year.

If you have struggled with record keeping, perhaps look at a new strategy such as using whiteboards in the lambing shed that you photograph at the end of each week. Record keeping must be as simple as possible to allow all members of your farm team to stick to it. Understanding your farm data is also essential for most farm assurance schemes.

Firstly, if there was more than a 2% rate of barren ewes, or abortions, then you may have an abortive disease on farm. When faced with an aborting ewe, the most valuable materials for diagnosis are the lamb(s) and the placenta, which can be submitted to your vet’s preferred laboratory, but after the fact, there may be a chance to diagnose disease in the absence of these materials.

Subsidised testing schemes for barren or aborted ewes run for much of the year, so it’s worth discussing with your vet. Often, they involve sampling around six affected ewes and determining if antibodies to the most common abortion problems (enzootic abortion of ewes (EAE) and toxoplasmosis) are present. Knowing that there is a preventable abortive disease on farm may influence breeding decisions and vaccination strategies ahead of tupping – it is also pertinent to know for human safety, as abortive disease can be transmissible to humans.

The most commonly diagnosed cause of abortion in sheep is EAE, a bacterial disease caused by Chlamydophila abortus. This normally leads to late pregnancy abortion and is spread by carrier sheep.

Disease is most commonly introduced to a farm by buying in, and sheep may often abort the year after exposure. Once infected, ewes may continue to abort in subsequent years, so ongoing losses can be a worrying issue. The best weapon we have against EAE is vaccination. Ewes can be vaccinated

TO ADVERTISE CALL 01303 233883

LESSONS LEARNED

FROM LAMBING 2022 Proactive measures for next year.

55

as early as four months pre-tupping (a minimum of four weeks before tups are introduced). Investing in vaccination can fortify your flock against ongoing, destructive losses.

Once you have considered the lamb-centric data, turn your attention to the ewes: How many instances of ewe sickness or mortality did you encounter? Were there any vaginal prolapses? How many lambings were assisted? Did all ewes have a plentiful supply of colostrum and milk?

Though we can chalk some issues up to pure bad luck, many of the problems encountered with ewes at this time are metabolic or nutritional, and their pathway was set long before they lambed.

Conditions such as twin lamb disease are borne of energy imbalances that could be reduced by body condition scoring and evaluating nutritional status during pregnancy, which is why carrying out condition checks pre-tupping, and regularly throughout pregnancy, is ideal.

Trace element testing via blood sampling can give valuable information as to whether or not supplementation of ewes is required and is also often subsidised. Further to this, there are in-depth pre-lambing metabolic profiles that can give valuable insight into nutritional status of ewes

around four weeks before lambing, allowing time to compensate for any potential issues flagged.

Though it may seem like a long way off, preparations for next lambing season will be underway before we know it, and proactive measures such as those above will help to set you on a positive course for lambing 2023. Try to make it a priority to sit down with your vet in the coming weeks to discuss your strategy for success. Good luck!

If you would like to discuss anything covered in this article contact your local Westpoint practice

ANDY RICHMOND

Westpoint Horsham T: 01306 628086

JACK BALKHAM

Westpoint Ashford T: 01306 628208

EMILY PHIPPS

Westpoint Sevenoaks T: 01959 564383 E: info@westpointfarmvets.co.uk www.westpointfarmvets.co.uk

WWW.SOUTHEASTFARMER.NET | MAY 2022

Legal services for farmers & rural businesses Call us today or visit our website:

01227 763939 furleypage.co.uk

IS RED DIESEL ON ITS WAY OUT?

Priscilla Hall, head of national law firm Clarke Willmott LLP’s construction and green energy teams, outlines changes relating to red diesel.

56

New legislation is now in force regarding the use of red diesel and rebated fuels, used in a variety of industries often associated with agriculture and construction. The Government initially announced the changes in the 2020 budget, with the legislative changes delivered through the Finance Bill 2021 and secondary legislation.

The background for the restriction of red diesel in certain uses is driven by two objectives. The first objective is the Government’s commitment to bring all greenhouse emissions to net zero by 2050 alongside its strategy to improve air quality and reduce pollution. Red diesel is mainly used for off-road activities and accounts for 15% of all diesel used in the UK. In London alone an estimated 7% of all nitrogen oxide emissions is due to red diesel.

The second is to generate additional revenue for the Treasury. Standard diesel, also known as white diesel, has a fuel duty rate of 57.95 pence per litre (ppl), which is being reduced for the next 12 months by 5 ppl. In comparison, red diesel attracts a rebate of 46.81ppl, giving it an effective duty rate of 11.14ppl.

In summary, red diesel usage will be restricted to: • vehicles and machinery used in agriculture, horticulture, fish farming and forestry • agricultural vehicles used for cutting verges, hedges, snow clearance and gritting roads • passenger, freight or maintenance vehicles designed to run on rail tracks • heating and electricity generation in non-commercial premises, including homes and buildings such as places of worship, hospitals and townhalls; off-grid power generation; and non-propulsion uses on permanently moored houseboats • maintaining community amateur sports clubs as well as golf courses (including activities such as ground maintenance and the heating and lighting of clubhouses, changing rooms etc.)

• marine craft refuelling and operating in the UK (including fishing and water freight industries), except for propelling private pleasure craft in Northern Ireland • powering the machinery (including caravans) of travelling fairs and circuses.

The big change is that red diesel will not be allowed to be used in plant and equipment used for construction purposes. There is specific guidance from HMRC in relation to the transition period where restricted vehicles already have red diesel in their fuel tanks beyond 1 April 2022.

I understand the rationale for the changes, as the climate emergency needs to be addressed by a raft of initiatives and measures. For the construction industry in particular, they have had time to prepare for these changes and the commercial implications this will bring for current and future builds.

The big question in my mind is that while the agriculture and horticulture sector have not been affected, how long will this be the case? I can envisage significant challenges for the agricultural sector as margins are tight and practical and cost-effective alternatives such as electric or hydrogen tractors are not widely available if, in the future, restrictions are introduced.

Supporting the rural community for over 230 years We have a real commitment to the rural sector, providing responsive and accessible legal advice to farmers, producers and their suppliers.

If your business needs help with: • Contracts and transactions • Diversification • Property purchase and lease negotiation • Equine law • Employment If you would like help with: • Family law and divorce • Residential conveyancing • Tax planning and trusts • Wills and estate administration

Contact us today Canterbury 01227 643250 Maidstone 01622 698000 Tenterden 01580 765722 enquiries@whitehead-monckton.co.uk www.whitehead-monckton.co.uk Whitehead Monckton Limited (no. 08366029), registered in England & Wales.

Registered office 5 Eclipse Park, Sittingbourne Road, Maidstone, Kent, ME14 3EN Authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority under no. 608279.

MAY 2022 | WWW.SOUTHEASTFARMER.NET

SEF1220

LEGAL

THE FUTURE OF FARMING

THE IMPORTANCE OF TESTAMENTARY

CAPACITY WHEN MAKING A WILL Having a Will which sets out your wishes is a valuable succession planning tool in farming families. However, many people do not understand the importance of being able to prove your legal and mental ability to make or alter your Will, known as ‘testamentary capacity’, should a dispute arise.

A recent Court of Appeal decision in an inheritance dispute illustrates the approach of the courts to evidence of testamentary capacity and the importance of involving professional advisors when making your will.

The case involved Evan Hughes, who died in July 2016, aged 84. He was a farmer and director of the family building business J Parry & Hughes Ltd. At the time of his death he had multiple assets including property and farmland, but it is the fate of 58 acres of farmland known as Yr Efail, valued at £490,000, which was the centre of the family dispute after Evan’s death.

Evan’s children, Gareth, Carys and Elfed, were all directors and shareholders of J Parry & Hughes Ltd. Gareth took over supervising the building work when Evan retired in 1985, while Elfed focused on farming, as did Elfed’s son Gerraint and his brothers Stephen and Sion.

It was accepted among the family that the farming arm of the family business would be carried on by Elfed. Evan’s Will, made in 1985, reflected this, with all the farmland, including Yr Efail, passing to Elfed, and the company to Gareth and Carys.

The death of Elfed in 2015 caused Evan to reconsider his wishes, and although psychological tests indicated a moderately severe degree of mental impairment and evidence of stroke damage, he was astute enough to realise he should make a new Will.

To this end Evan had a number of meetings with his solicitor, Ms Roberts, from March 2016, and in July 2016 he executed a new Will under which Yr Efail was to pass to Gareth.

On Evan’s death, Elfed’s widow Gwen and her eldest son, Stephen, challenged the validity of the 2016 Will on a number of grounds, including that Evan did not have testamentary capacity.

The legal test for testamentary capacity is to be found in a 17th century case called ‘Banks v Goodfellow’ which, despite its archaic language, has survived on the “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” basis. Essentially, the test says that the person must understand the nature of the making of a will, its effects, the extent of their property and the claims which may be made to it.

The trial Judge heard evidence from 20 witnesses over four days, including family members and associates. They said Evan started to experience problems with his memory in 2014 and was often forgetful, erratic and confused. As a result, Evan’s family had persuaded him to make a Power of Attorney in 2015 allowing attorneys to deal with his finances.

On the other hand, Evan’s solicitor, his GP and an independent consultant old age psychiatrist all provided evidence that in their view he had testamentary capacity. However, the trial Judge decided Evan did not have testamentary capacity, and the 2016 Will was therefore invalid. Gareth appealed.

The Court of Appeal overturned the trial Judges’ decision about testamentary capacity in a judgement handed down on 24 March 2022.

It concluded that the focus on the change of beneficiary for Yr Efail and the perceived unfairness to Elfed’s sons, who argued they had a legitimate expectation of inheriting Yr Efail, had led him to ‘downgrade’ the evidence of the solicitor and the GP. The appeal court endorsed the view that where a Will is explicable and rational on its face, then the conclusion reached by an independent lawyer who is aware of the circumstances (and the legal test for capacity), has met the testator and taken instructions, is likely to be of considerable importance when determining testamentary capacity.

That does not mean it is definitive, and there may be good reason to place less weight on a lawyer’s evidence – depending on the circumstances. In Evan’s case, however, the fact that Ms Roberts was eight years qualified, made meticulous attendance notes, took instructions and discussed them with Evan a number of times before reading the Will over to him, was persuasive. This meant the original decision was overturned and Evan declared to have had testamentary capacity to make the 2016 Will.

This case illustrates how critical the evidence of a testator’s GP and solicitor can be where testamentary capacity is in issue. If you are considering making or updating your Will, you should always seek legal advice.

DEBORAH CAIN

Partner, Brachers LLP T: 01622 655297 E: deborahcain@brachers.co.uk www.brachers.co.uk

Legal services that deliver long-term solutions to support the future of farming Maidstone 01622 690691 Canterbury 01227 949510

TO ADVERTISE CALL 01303 233883

www.brachers.co.uk hello@brachers.co.uk

WWW.SOUTHEASTFARMER.NET | MAY 2022

57

SARAH CALCUTT FOCUS ON FRUIT

FACE TO FACE MEETINGS AS THE CONFERENCE SEASON RESTARTS

58

I have been on a plane all the way to Dubai, and through the new lens of Covid-19 awareness it was a disquieting experience really.

Heading to the UAE Investopia event to talk about agri-tech, moderating a session on future farming, was quite an experience and I learned such a lot about how the world views food security and its links to public health. It was also really inspiring to learn how the Farming Ministry was attached to those for health and the economy, all viewed as intrinsically linked.

The purpose of the event was to bring together all aspects of trade, research, and commerce that a nation would want – from bio-medical to crypto currencies to agri-tech, priorities for the UAE that delivered an international event benefitting many nations. The bedrock of a thriving economy is a healthy population and environment, and Investopia was created to discuss a value-led ecosystem of economics, growing and health.

Today we cannot feed our growing global population, while some nations waste almost as much as they eat by poor production system management, an imbalanced marketplace and underdeveloped secondary processing opportunities.

Modern technology is moving us towards

SARAH CALCUTT Executive Chair, National Fruit Show

greater knowledge of the performance of our orchards and fields and a greater understanding of the precise needs of our plants, and it is directing us towards a more sustainable position, working with our natural resources and regenerating our environment.

The tomorrow for food production, discussed in Dubai, is about plants without soil, meat without animals, farming without people and a technology-led system which delivers environmental regeneration, healthy food where it is most needed and a data-led farming resource which is good for business through carbon offset, good for the environment by sequestrating that carbon, good for the population by improving their health and good for the economy through security of food provenance and full crop utilisation.

Closer to home, the 89th AGM of the Marden Fruit Show Society (the National Fruit show these days, of course) also delivered a panel of experts, on

MAY 2022 | WWW.SOUTHEASTFARMER.NET

this occasion firmly anchored in the here and now.

I drew up a wish list of those I wanted to speak based on the DEFRA statement released on Christmas Eve about the seasonal workers scheme and they all said yes! The day covered robotics and machine learning, research, immigration and labour pressures, retailer regulation, national farming policy and, happily, an exclusive tour of the new Growing Kent and Medway facilities.

There is a report on the AGM conference programme elsewhere in this edition, so I won’t go into detail, but sadly the policy and labour elements of the programme gave little hope to the attendees of a swift resolution to the labour challenge facing our sector; it’s looking desperate, to be frank.

With warm weather forecast for the next few weeks, there is a good prospect for a decent blossom set. Trees are looking well, blossom is strong in many orchards and it's already warm enough for good pollen motility and rapid cell division. All positive.

One thing was clear at the National Fruit Show event. Everyone agreed that harvesting is a skilled job; we need that message finally to land with government and inspire it to link the nation’s economy with health and farming.

LEGAL

NO FAULT DIVORCE A new era.

6 April 2022 brought long-awaited change to the divorce process after almost half a century of the current procedure. A change initially envisaged as part of the Family Law Act 1996 but never enacted, the recent Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020 finally introduced the concept of no fault divorce.

Unlike the previous divorce process, the no fault divorce no longer requires one of five facts to prove that the marriage has broken down irretrievably.

Three of those facts required the applicant to provide details of their spouse’s conduct and the remaining two facts required a period of separation.

However, in order to obtain a divorce under the new legislation, the applicant spouse or both spouses (since a joint application is also now possible) only need to state that their marriage has broken down irretrievably.

Under the former legislation, the divorce process usually took from four to six months, although dealing with the financial matters and those involving children often took longer. The new process extends the length of time for the divorce in the hope that this will give both spouses sufficient time to resolve all other issues.

Once a no fault divorce has been applied for and the court has issued the application, there is a

TO ADVERTISE CALL 01303 233883

20-week wait before the applicant(s) can apply for what used to be called decree nisi but is now called a conditional order. Once the conditional order is granted there will then be a six-week wait until the conditional order can be made final, as with the previous procedure of applying for the decree nisi to be made absolute. In between these wait periods, there will undoubtedly be additional time while the court processes the papers, so the process is likely to take eight to ten months, possibly more if there are delays with the court or with submitting the papers.

It is no longer possible for a respondent to challenge a divorce application, although that very rarely happened in any event. The challenges that are possible are on the basis of the country in which the application was made or on the basis that the marriage is invalid or has already been terminated.

It is hoped that the changes will make the process an easier one, allowing spouses to proceed amicably and concentrate on resolving issues with child arrangements and financial matters.

Given that many clients have delayed issuing their divorce proceedings in anticipation of this change in law, there is likely to be an influx of instructions in April, particularly as the online divorce portal was suspended to new applications

until the new law was in force.

If you are anticipating commencing proceedings, it is important that you seek advice as soon as possible so that your options can be discussed and timings can be adapted to meet your needs and those of your family.

MELISSA MARKHAM

Associate Solicitor T: 01622 698031 E: melissamarkham@wmlaw.uk www.whitehead-monckton.co.uk

WWW.SOUTHEASTFARMER.NET | MAY 2022

59

LAND MANAGEMENT

SOLVING THE SIBLING

CONUNDRUM

60

“Fair doesn’t necessarily mean equal” is a phrase I find myself frequently using when discussing succession.

With the value of a farm usually intrinsically tied up in the assets required to run the business, any attempt to release capital by selling assets (in practice, often land) can sometimes undermine the business.

So a determination to pass equal sums to all of one’s children – laudable as it may be in principle – can end up destroying the commercial viability of the very business you also want to pass on intact.

Succession planning is a topic that’s back in focus after DEFRA announced its lump sum exit scheme, but it will always be one of the most important tasks you face as a farmer.

Once you accept that it’s rarely possible to divide your inheritance equally between successors, planning can become simpler.

Buildings – whether habitable houses and cottages, commercial property or farm buildings with potential for conversion – can sometimes provide a solution. They can potentially be hived off, giving a member of the next generation who doesn’t wish to be involved with the farm or estate an asset that is likely to increase in value and one that, if rented out, might even generate an income greater than the farm does.

Another way I’ve seen businesses ‘protected’ is for parents to split ownership equally between multiple siblings. All of them take equally from the business (unless they are employed within it, in which case they are paid an industry rate, or they occupy a property, in which case they pay a market rent to the business). Directors make decisions based on majority voting and all take dividends.

Effectively, it’s a profit-share arrangement.

Financial clarity is important, though. Whether it’s the value of a barn with planning permission or the revenue generated by a livery yard, the succession process is far smoother if everyone is

clear about values, revenues, costs and incomes.

Families need to be open and honest about both the financial and the emotional aspects.

The sooner you start having these conversations, the better. It can be a good time when your potential successors are in their late 20s or 30s, as they may well know what they want to do by that stage, but there’s hopefully still plenty of time to make the desired and necessary changes.

It can help to involve a trusted family friend or an adviser who is already associated with the business in these discussions – ideally someone who knows everyone well. If they are in the room when these conversations are happening, they can act as mediator. That said, I’ve been involved in farming all my life and a consultant for nearly 20 years and can count on the fingers of one hand the number of such meetings I've attended when I wished I’d taken a tin hat!

Everyone should be heard and feel comfortable saying what they think, and many farm and estate owners beginning the process feel like a weight has been lifted off their shoulders.

Succession isn’t actually about death. It’s about securing a long-term future for those you care

MARK WEAVER

Managing director, CLM T: 01892 770339 www.c-l-m.co.uk

MAY 2022 | WWW.SOUTHEASTFARMER.NET

about. It’s about avoiding family fallouts. It’s about, at a practical level, providing your children with clarity and a road map – so they have one less thing to think about at the time when they’re dealing with bereavement.

This is much less difficult to do if you start the conversation early, keep revisiting it and bear in mind the adage that fair doesn’t always mean equal.

REMEMBER…

All the signs are that whatever government comes next, inheritance planning is only going to get tougher. The truth is, some estate inheritance plans are so flawed that you may as well send the taxman and lawyers big cheques now.

The starting point is simple. Be very, very clear about what you would like to happen and how you would like it to happen. Then make sure that your solicitor and accountant understand what you are trying to achieve and get them to confirm in writing that your plans are deliverable after your death and explain the consequences of delivery both legally and as far as the taxman is concerned.

And while accountants and lawyers are brilliant at what they do, they won’t be able to give you the solution in isolation. They know finance and the law, but they may not know your business or indeed your family. They are there to help deliver the plan, not write it.

COME AND SAY HELLO!

Heathfield Show Saturday 28th May

South of England Show Friday 10th June

LAND AND FARMS SPONSORED BY BATCHELLER MONKHOUSE

SPRING PROPERTY REVIEW

LARGE PARCEL OF LAND

WITH VINE POTENTIAL HAWKHURST | KENT

GUIDE PRICE: £975,000

BTF Partnership is offering for sale about 94 acres of land at Hawkhurst, close to the Kent/Sussex border, with a large part of it now considered suitable for viticulture.

Situated one mile to the south east of the village, the ring-fenced land is divided into four field enclosures by well-established hedges and small woodland shaws.

The land is generally south and south east facing and between 15 and 18 metres above sea level. The soil type is a combination of Wealden clay and Tunbridge Wells sand, is classified Grade III and has produced cereal crops for several years and wheat this year.

Richard Thomas, Director at BTF Partnership, commented: “The three eastern fields are considered suitable for establishing vines as they are well sheltered and south east facing. This is one of the largest parcels of land suitable for vine planting to come for sale in this area for some time, and I think it will generate considerable interest from a variety of purchasers.”

The land has a guide price of £975,000.

TO ADVERTISE CALL 01303 233883

i

For further information go to www.btfpartnership.co.uk

P O T

K C I P

WWW.SOUTHEASTFARMER.NET | APRIL 2022

61

SPRING PROPERTY REVIEW Hot on the heels of a buoyant 2021, with farmland values continuing their upward trend, the 2022 spring market is off to a flying start.

Get your bids in quickly for Tatu Farm, a grass farm situated on the rural edge of Biddenden and currently offered for sale as a whole or in up to four lots. The property comprises a Colt bungalow (subject to an AOC) and about 31 acres of undulating pastureland, together with a useful yard and modern farm buildings.

Prior approval has been obtained to convert one of the farm buildings to a spacious four-bedroom dwelling. The farm is offered for sale via informal tender, with a tender deadline set for Friday 6 May.

EXCITING OPPORTUNITIES

ON THE HORIZON > Stelling Minnis

> Tatu Farm

COMING TO MARKET SOON

62

We are instructed on one of the most significant land sales in the South East to come to the market in recent years on behalf of the Colyer-Fergusson Trust. The property is due to be launched in early May and further details will be found in the next edition of South East Farmer.

Queens Farm and Kings Farm, Shorne, the focus of the portfolio, comprise mostly productive Grade I and II arable land and modern farm buildings.

Part of the land is fed by a lined reservoir and has been used to grow vegetables and other high yielding crops.

Matthew Sawdon, who is handling the sale, commented: “The farms will be sold subject to the existing tenancy agreements, with two-year fixed terms remaining, and are likely to appeal to investors, as well as owner-occupiers.” To register your interest with Matthew, please call 01233 506201 or email matthew.sawdon@hobbsparker.co.uk

SPRING SALES

In addition to offerings of equipped farms and commercial land parcels, demand continues for amenity and off-lying land parcels. Lifestyle buyers and farmers seeking to increase existing holdings are active in the marketplace. The recent sale of 23.52 acres of grade III temporary pasture at Grove Farm Park, Hadlow, achieved significantly in excess of its £225,000 guide price as a result of

strong demand.

In Stelling Minnis, accessed across the minnis and located within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, a single parcel of pasture and woodland totalling around 15 acres is under offer in excess of the £110,000 to £125,000 guide price. With keen interest from farmers and lifestyle purchasers alike, these parcels provide an affordable way into the land market.

On the Romney Marsh, Hobbs Parker has just completed the sale of Churchfields, a block of Grade I pastureland extending to 50 acres and close to the village of Burmarsh. A sale was achieved in two lots in the region of the £9,500/acre guide price.

The pressures faced in the wider national and global economy appear to be reflected in shorter term borrowing, with interest rates and cost of funds over the longer term remaining favourable.

The presence of Business Asset Disposal Relief, the BPS Retirement Scheme supporting sales and the continued presence of roll-over money, alongside non-farming, lifestyle and environmental purchasers, are all factors that are contributing to a bullish marketplace.

Our team of agents for the Agricultural Mortgage Corporation is on hand to assist with the mortgage application and valuation process,

with loans of up to 30 years available subject to eligibility. Whether it’s funding a whole farm purchase, buying that block of land on the edge of the farm or investing in your existing property by adding grain stores, cattle buildings or stables, call us, and if we can help, we will.

Whether you are buying or selling farms or land, our experts are on hand to guide you through the process. Please get in touch.

T: 01233 506 201 www.hobbsparker.co.uk

JAMES HICKMAN

Director E: james.hickman@hobbsparker.co.uk

JON RIMMER

Group Chairman E: jon.rimmer@hobbsparker.co.uk

MATTHEW SAWDON

Director E: matthew.sawdon@hobbsparker.co.uk

SAM SNART

Director E: sam.snart@hobbsparker.co.uk

VICKY PHILLIPS

Director E: vicky.phillips@hobbsparker.co.uk > Churchfields

MAY 2022 | WWW.SOUTHEASTFARMER.NET

Thinking of selling your land?

We have the right tools to dig deep and maximise the return on your land

www.rosconngroup.com Rosconn Strategic Land Limited T: 01789 294520 E: enquiries@rosconngroup.com

Trusted Transparent Innovative

Savills Sevenoaks 01732 879 050 sevenoaks@ savills.com

FOR SALE

Eythorne, Kent Historic estate with significant income. Imposing 6 bedroom farmhouse. Former kennels complex and riding school. 17 estate cottages. Further buildings having planning permissions or offering potential for alternative uses. Mature parkland, arable farmland and woodland. As a whole or in 3 lots. EPCs = D-G. About 434 acres | Guide £11.85 million

Talk to us today Chris Spofforth Farm Agency 07812 965379 cspofforth@savills.com

Richard Mann Farm Agency 07967 555862 rmann@savills.com

SPRING PROPERTY REVIEW

‘RACE FOR SPACE’ STOKES DEMAND FOR SMALLER FARMS Farms under 250 acres made up over three quarters of those publicly put up for sale in the South East of England last year, according to the latest figures.

The research has been compiled by Savills and agents say it reflects the “race for space” which has been seen since the pandemic.

According to the figures, 82% of the farms publicly marketed last year in the South East were between 50 and 250 acres, with 13% 250 to 499 acres, 4% 500 to 999 acres and just 1% more than 1,000 acres.

Chris Spofforth, who leads the rural agency team for Savills in the South East of England, said: “A product of various lockdowns has been the wellreported ‘race for space’ by urban buyers seeking rural living or indeed a complete change of lifestyle – meaning that the desire for smaller farms and land holdings has grown.

“Over the past couple of years, we’ve sold a number of farms for this purpose, as well as blocks of unequipped bare land. Through our network of offices across London and the South East, we regularly come across purchasers looking to relocate to Kent and Sussex, with buyers coming from all over the country and abroad.

“Some of this demand has come from those looking for property to accommodate tourism and leisure businesses – such as wedding venues and glamping pods – or rural enterprises where value can be added. For example, we have seen businesses as wide ranging as ice-cream production, cider making and online flower delivery spring up. There are also farmers in the market for small units where they can diversify, as well as new urban buyers keen to re-employ their business and marketing skills within a rural setting.”

PUBLICLY MARKETED FARMLAND BY SIZE IN THE SOUTH EAST OF ENGLAND 2011-2021 Year

Under 250 acres

250-499 acres

500-999 acres

1,000 + acres

2011

83%

13%

2%

1%

2012

80%

12%

8%

0%

2013

83%

12%

3%

3%

2014

85%

9%

4%

3%

2015

77%

17%

3%

3%

2016

80%

11%

5%

4%

2017

84%

13%

3%

0%

2018

85%

11%

3%

1%

2019

83%

13%

5%

0%

2020

88%

10%

1%

1%

2021

82%

13%

4%

1%

Source: Savills Research Nationally, of the farms which came to the open market last year, Savills Research found that 75% were holdings of 50 to 250 acres, in essence 517 ‘small’ farms. Meanwhile, 44% of marketed holdings were 50 to 100 acres in size.

Chris added: “It is easy to get distracted by headline-grabbing deals involving large farms and estates of 1,000 acres or more. But these are not the norm. Indeed in Great Britain, year after year, the sale of holdings sized 50-250 acres far outnumbers larger farm sales.

“Our Farmland Value Survey reveals the strength of demand for farmland holdings of all sizes, with an increasingly diverse range of buyers competing in a

CHRIS SPOFFORTH Savills South East Farm Agency T: 07812 965379 E: cspofforth@savills.com www.savills.co.uk

TO ADVERTISE CALL 01303 233883

scarce market. This supply/demand imbalance saw average GB farmland values rise by 6.2% to £7,180 per acre last year, the strongest annual growth since 2014, with poorer and average quality livestock land leading the way with price growth of 8.8 % and 8.7% respectively in the year to December 2021.

“Given the increasingly diversified nature of demand, we now regularly lot larger properties to create smaller farms which we can promote to a targeted and distinct group of buyers. Indeed when it comes to selling your farm, size does matter and small is often mighty.”

To discuss your property needs, please do not hesitate to contact a member of our team.

RICHARD MANN Savills South East Farm Agency T: 07967 555862 E: rmann@savills.com

WWW.SOUTHEASTFARMER.NET | MAY 2022

65

Surrey | Normandy Guide price: £3,500,000 An attractive Grade II listed farmhouse with excellent equestrian facilities and significant income from commercial elements.

Wanborough: 2 miles, Guildford: 5.4 miles, Central London: 34.5 miles About 68 acres (27.5ha) Available as a whole

Country House Department 07919 128 193 thomas.shuttleworth@struttandparker.com South East Estates & Farm Agency 07469 154 771 liza.howden@struttandparker.com

66

/struttandparker

@struttandparker

struttandparker.com

Over 50 Offices across England and Scotland, including prime Central London.

TH & Co

TED HANDLEY & Co LIMITED

PROPERTY CONSULTANTS AND ADVISORS Instructed by DA Vine Family and associated Trusts – Preliminary Announcement

237 ACRES GRASSLAND AS A WHOLE OR IN FIVE LOTS

PEVENSEY LEVELS – BETWIXT HAILSHAM AND EASTBOURNE 50 acres 77 acres 20 acres 31 acres 60 acres

South of Church Acre Drove North of Church Acre Drove Church Acre Drove/Chilley Stream Willingdon Levels,Langney Chilley Stream/Manxey Levels

The land is in the SSSI. Pevensey Levels is a RAMSAR Site.

None of the land is in any agri-environmental scheme.

THE ESTATE OFFICE • HIGH STREET • MAYFIELD • EAST SUSSEX • TN20 6AB TELEPHONE: 01435 692058 MOBILE: 07483 108078 EMAIL: th@tedhandley.co.uk MAY 2022 | WWW.SOUTHEASTFARMER.NET

SPRING PROPERTY REVIEW

FARMLAND VALUES

REACH SIX-YEAR HIGH

Strutt & Parker research shows sustained growth in agricultural land values in England.

Agricultural land values in England have reached their highest level since 2016, with the majority of farms and estates now selling at, or for more than, their guide price.

Analysis of Strutt & Parker’s Farmland Database, which records the details of all farms, estates and blocks of publicly marketed farmland in England over 100 acres in size, shows the average value of arable land is currently at £9,500/acre – a rise of £100/acre since the end of 2021.

In recent years, 20-25% of arable land has tended to sell for £8,000/acre or less, but latest figures show that in 2021 only 11% did, with more selling for between £8,000 and £10,000/acre.

Matthew Sudlow, Head of Estates & Farm Agency for Strutt & Parker, said: “Land values continue to march upwards – the average value of arable land is now 2% higher than a year ago and not far off the values seen at the peak of the market in 2014/2015.

The average value of pasture is £7,500/acre, which is also 3% higher than 12 months ago. Of course, averages do mask that there is still wide variability in the prices being paid, dependent on location and the level of local interest, but the trend over recent quarters has been one of growth.”

Strutt & Parker’s data shows that 73% of farms marketed in the past 12 months sold at or for more than their guide – the highest level since 2014.

“High values are being fuelled by strong demand, coupled with a shortage of farms and estates up for sale. Demand continues to outweigh supply, leading to stiff competition for the best properties. We are seeing some properties sell for well over their guide price and are hearing of some sales in hotspot areas where buyers are resorting to gazumping.”

Mr Sudlow said more land is expected to be offered to the market over the coming months.

“We are expecting more land on the market this year than during 2021. The end of Covid-19 lockdowns is one factor – people are starting to feel more confident about pressing ahead with a sale.

The high prices being achieved are also starting to entice people to sell if they are at retirement age and have no successor. We are certainly having more conversations along those lines.

“However, it seems unlikely that supply will increase so much as to significantly change the balance of the market, given the level of pent-up demand for farms and estates. Farmer buyers may take a more cautious approach, mindful of

the impact of soaring input costs and the phasing out of Basic Payments on farm margins. However, there is still plenty of rollover money to be spent and environmental investors are starting to become more active in some areas. Demand for residential farms with a manageable acreage also remains extremely strong, although interest levels do very much depend on the quality of the house.”

“There has generally been a lack of supply onto the open market in South East England, with the trend continuing for people wanting to market their farms privately. Properties that have come available have been a mix of equestrian, arable, and amenity farms. We have seen a number of buyers with funds to spend as a result of selling development land and with commercial arable farms in short supply, those that have come to the market in recent months have received keen interest. A 200+ acre residential farm with nominal compromises, an environmental aspect and guided at a competitive price would also receive a lot of interest on the open market. Prices are currently averaging around £9,000/acre for arable land and £7,300/acre for pasture land,” said Liza Howden, South East region.

QUALITY GRAZING ON PEVENSEY LEVELS PEVENSEY LEVELS | KENT

It is extremely rare for such a large area of land at Pevensey Levels to come up for sale at one time.

The Vine Family and the various Trusts involved have been reappraising and adjusting their land holdings following the death of well-known farming character and patriarch David Vine, and as a consequence they have decided to concentrate on other aspects of the family assets.

The sale of this land comes at an important and significant time and provides an opportunity for investors and farmers to acquire the whole or parts of this important land holding, be it for investment, grazing or to take advantage of the new environmental opportunities and schemes becoming available.

Pevensey Levels is a significant area famed for the quality of the grazing and its fattening ability for sheep and cattle. For the most part, the land ownerships have traditionally been 30 to 50 acre blocks owned by the mixed farms within the East Sussex area. These blocks were the summer and winter grazing for the Weald and Downland farms.

TO ADVERTISE CALL 01303 233883

237 ACRES

AS A WHOLE OR IN FIVE LOTS

But tradition is slowly evolving and the ownership of land, particularly in wildlife and environmentally sensitive areas, is becoming more attractive to the new breed of landowner.

They will not only maintain and utilise the inherent grazing qualities of Pevensey levels but be considering the future benefits of re-wilding and carbon offsetting, plus other similar new schemes and concepts. That said, good grazing is essential to any livestock-based farming enterprise.

Of significant interest to purchasers is that none of the land is subject to or has been in any Countryside Stewardship or Environmental Stewardship Scheme and so this would be an open door for a new owner. The land can be purchased as a whole or in lots.

This is an exciting opportunity and, in modern parlance, “has great potential”.

i

For more info: Ted Handley & Co 07483 108078 WWW.SOUTHEASTFARMER.NET | MAY 2022

67

SPRING PROPERTY REVIEW

HISTORIC AND DIVERSE COUNTRY ESTATE CANTERBURY | KENT

68

An imposing portion of an important country estate in Kent dating back to the early 18th Century, with significant income generation and opportunities for further development, has been brought to the market for the first time.

Waldershare Park, a historic estate set within a mix of mature parkland, farmland and woodland between Canterbury and Dover, extends to approximately 433.8

Driven in to a planning mess?

We can help steer you out.

www.therpp.co.uk CRANBROOK 01580 201888

APPROXIMATELY 433.8 ACRES

GUIDE PRICE: £11.85 MILLION

CIRENCESTER 01285 323200

R

office@therpp.co.uk

Chartered Town Planner

MAY 2022 | WWW.SOUTHEASTFARMER.NET

acres in total and is for sale as a whole or in three lots – comprising Home Farm, The Kennels and Riding School, and the land itself.

Waldershare Park was laid out between 1702 and 1710 by Sir Robert Furnese, with many of the trees planted remaining in maturity today. Sir Robert’s daughter, Catherine, married the 1st Earl of Guilford in 1751 – from which point the park has remained in the Guilford family and it is presently occupied by the 10th Earl. A guide price of £11.85 million is sought for the estate as a whole.

Forming a large part of the original Waldershare Park Estate, the property is a combination of houses, cottages and buildings in a mature parkland setting. The mixture of let property types currently generates a significant rental income of in the region of £250,000 per annum, with potential to further enhance revenue from future alternative uses of buildings and land, subject to the necessary consents.

Situated at the heart of the estate and towards the original mansion house (now in separate ownership), Home Farm comprises a collection of cottages, lodge houses and buildings in a superb position, with views over landscaped parkland. The main property, Home Farmhouse, is an attractive six bedroom, Grade II listed home refurbished in 2016 and constructed of brick under a slate roof. It boasts landscaped gardens that surround the house to the front and rear, providing views over the parkland and an impressive walled garden. There is also an enclosed, heated outdoor swimming pool with accompanying pool house and ample parking. Home Farm extends to about 99.15 acres.

The truly impressive Kennels and Riding School, which is available as a separate lot or as part of the whole sale, lies to the northern edge of the estate. The Riding School is a large open space currently used for machinery and general storage but presents opportunities for a wide range of alternative uses, subject to necessary consents. This complex dates back to the 1800s and is also Grade II listed. The Kennels are split into several different let cottages and commercial units – many of which have been recently refurbished – providing an additional revenue stream.

There is a wonderful approach to The Kennels through parkland that is the primary land element of this 106 acre lot. The parkland itself is Grade II listed and was predominately laid out in the early 18th Century.

The third lot is the land at Waldershare and Canterbury Parks, which comprises 228.21 acres of highly attractive rolling arable farmland with pockets of established woodland.

i

Viewings for Waldershare Park are strictly by appointment through Savills

SPRING PROPERTY REVIEW

MAXIMISING VALUE THROUGH STRATEGIC LAND PROMOTION Your land is an important asset, whether you have undeveloped farmland, a country estate, large garden, grazing land and paddocks or defunct rural business land.

Land is the key ingredient in the building of new homes, and one of the most common questions is: “How much is my land worth?”

The question, however, should be: “How much could my land be worth with planning permission?”

As housing demand increases, so do the opportunities for landowners to offer up land (including Green Belt sites) for potential residential development. This means your land could be more valuable than you expect.

The uplift in land value between agricultural land and land with planning permission can be significant, but obtaining planning permission for a site can be extremely expensive and time consuming, with no guarantee of success. It is never too early to start thinking about whether or not your land has development potential and putting together a land promotion strategy for your site.

69

A CHALLENGING PROCESS

There are no guarantees when bringing a site forward through the planning system for new homes, which is where a land promoter such as Catesby Estates is able to assist as your strategic land promotion partner. A land promoter uses its in-house expertise and financial resources to fund the land promotion so the landowner doesn’t have to.

After receiving planning permission, your appointed land promoter will prepare a detailed marketing strategy for the land which will be agreed with the landowner as part of the partnership approach before the land is openly marketed to interested parties.

Both parties have a common interest in working as a partnership and achieving the best price that can be achieved on the open market.

The land promoter’s financial return is wholly dependent on a successful sale of the site with planning permission.

The land promoter is therefore incentivised to maximise value through the process and use their experience and knowledge of the current market conditions to partner with the purchasing party best placed to deliver on their promises.

TO ADVERTISE CALL 01303 233883

PROMOTION AGREEMENT VERSUS OPTION AGREEMENT

Promotion agreements are a partnership between a landowner and a land promoter, with the land promoter taking on the risk and costs of obtaining planning permission. After obtaining a successful planning consent, the land is marketed to housebuilders, securing the highest possible financial return.

Throughout the partnership, the landowner retains legal ownership of the promotion site and can continue to farm and manage the land or

property as is required, as long as the activity does not impact on future development costs.

Option agreements are historically the housebuilders’ preferred way to secure control of strategic land for the future. Under an option structure there can be a conflict of interest between the landowner and housebuilder when determining the value of the land. A landowner and land promoter’s interests are aligned, however, with both parties wanting to maximise land value and the promoter not distracted by housing development.

Could your land have development potential?

Find out more about land promotion.

DAVID HARPER

Area Land Director T: 01926 836910 E: davidh@catesbyestates.co.uk W: www.catesbyestates.co.uk

WWW.SOUTHEASTFARMER.NET | MAY 2022

CLASSIFIEDS

CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION

Industrial & Commercial | Structural Steelwork | Agricultural & Equestrian

G. J. ELGAR

CONSTRUCTION Ltd

Shufflebottom Agricultural Buildings Steel-frame buildings for your farm + Supply only or supply & erect + Construction all over the UK + Award winning company

• • • • • • •

70

Steel frame buildings Sheeting and cladding Guttering and repairs Groundworks and drainage Demolition and asbestos removal Refurbishment and change of use Concrete frame and steel frame repairs • Insurance and general repairs • Concrete floor and block paving

Strength, Security, Style Contact us for a free quotation 01269 831831 enquiry@shufflebottom.co.uk www.shufflebottom.co.uk Shufflebottom Ltd Cross Hands Business Park, Cross Hands, Llanelli, Carmarthenshire SA14 6RE

www.gjelgarconstruction.co.uk For more information contact us: t: 01233 623739 m: 07860 414227 e: office@gjelgarconstruction.co.uk

G.E.WHITE & SONS Ltd

Based in Lewes, East Sussex

AGRICULTURAL, EQUESTRIAN & INDUSTRIAL STEEL FRAMED BUILDINGS We supply CONCRETE PANELS – Any size to suit your needs

formabuild.co.uk

 Office 01273 492404 � info@formabuild.co.uk  www.formabuild.co.uk We specialise in the supply and construction of steel framed buildings together with the repair and refurbishment of existing farm buildings.

Based in the heart of Sussex, covering the South East.

Sussex builders since at least 1605.

Forma offer all aspects of steel framed construction and cladding together with groundworks and electrical fit out if required.

All our buildings are

marked

“You tried the others, now try the brothers”

All our panels are marked

All aspects of steel work, cladding & groundwork.

Family run business with 45 years experience.

100% British designed & built

Over 35 Years experience

Site visits Call to arrange a site survey

MAY 2022 | WWW.SOUTHEASTFARMER.NET

All refurbishments & repairs undertaken.

Call for a free quote today.

Gary White 07812 599679 Jason White 07941 274751

CLASSIFIEDS

CONSTRUCTION CONSTRUCTION Supplying profiled roofing products to contractors, builders and farmers

ĺѴ-m;v1omv|u 1ঞomĺ1oĺ h -m;v omv|u 1ঞom bv - =-lbѴ u m 0 vbm;vv b|_ o ;u ƓƔ ;-uv o= ; r;ub;m1; bm |_; bm7 v|u ĺ ); -u; 0-v;7 bm -bѴv_-lķ -v| " vv; -m7 1o ;u -ѴѴ o= |_; "o |_ -v|ĺ

visit www.southernsheeting.co.uk for our full range or call 01342 315 300 to speak to our friendly sales team NATIONWIDE DELIVERY

•

LARGE RANGES IN STOCK

We are specialists in: ]ub1 Ѵ| u-Ѵķ ;t ;v|ub-m -m7 Ѵb]_| bm7 v|ub-Ѵ 0 bѴ7bm]vĺ mŊ_o v; =-0ub1-ঞom -m7 rѴ-mmbm] v;u b1;vĺ

Call us today: 01323 848684 Or send an email: denis@lanesconstruction.co.uk

ENWARD

S3111 SS SE Farmers ad 93x60mm.indd 1

17/12/2020 15:27

FARM BUILDING REPAIRS REFURBS, BIG 6 ROOF SHEETS, ROOF LIGHTS, RIDGES, VERGES, VALLEY GUTTERS, BOX GUTTERS, BOUNDARY GUTTERS, ASBESTOS, SHEETING Single Sheet To Whole Roof Roller Shutters Accidental or Storm Damage Works Demolition Refurbishments Waste Clearances

Kenward Construction based in Horsham, West Sussex offer a full design and build service for your next steel framed building including composite cladding, concrete panels, roller shutter doors and bespoke designs to meet individual planning conditions.

Kenward Construction also offer a wide range of services offering a truly one stop shop for your next farm building project. Demolition, plant hire, access roads, drainage, sewage treatment plants, rainwater harvesting, biobed wash downs, paving, concrete foundations / slabs, walling and site landscaping.

Arrange a site visit with one of our contracts managers to discuss your project in more detail by emailing enquiries@kenwardgroundworks.co.uk or call 01403 210218

www.kenwardgroundworks.co.uk

71

ALL WORKS KENT & SUSSEX Professional Services to the Agricultural, Industrial & Equestrian Sectors

CALL TO DISCUSS YOUR PROJECT!

FREEPHONE: 01233 659129

from BT land-line

charlie.woodger@btinternet.com

To advertise in South East Farmer telephone 01303 233883

®

CONSTRUCTION

Agriculture ~ Cold Storage ~ Equestrian ~ Industrial ~ Waste Recycling • Agricultural Buildings • Cold Store Buildings • Equestrian Buildings • Industrial Buildings • Waste Recycling Buildings TO ADVERTISE CALL 01303 233883

01323 890403 www.danddconstruction.co.uk info@danddconstruction.co.uk

• Structural Steel • Drawing Services • Design Services • Mezzanine Floors • Custom Steelwork

WWW.SOUTHEASTFARMER.NET | MAY 2022

CLASSIFIEDS

CONSTRUCTION

JPR ROOFING & CLADDING…

STEEL AND CONCRETE FRAME BUILDINGS ALTERATIONS REPAIRS REFURBISHMENT CLADDING ONSITE WELDING FABRICATION Email: bsimpsonconstructionltd@outlook.com Mobile: 07872 477792

Professional Services to the Agricultural, Industrial & Equestrian Sectors

SHORTLAND STRUCTURES LTD

FREEPHONE: 0800 756 9886 MOBILE: 07813 142 145

from BT land-line

Covering Kent, East/West Sussex and the South East

• STEEL FRAMED BUILDINGS • CLADDING • ERECTING • • EXTENSIONS • ALTERATIONS • CONCRETE PANELS • ROLLER/SLIDING/PERSONNEL DOORS • Tel: 01732 460912 Mobile: 07976 287836 Email: sales@shortlandstructures.com

www.shortlandstructures.com

ROOFING & CLADDING

…

Specialists in: FIRE,FLOOD & STORM DAMAGE

Including:

72

• Sheeting & Cladding to New & Existing Buildings • Roof repairs, Replacements and over sheeting • Insulated or single skin plastic coated sheeting in a wide range of colours • Concrete fibre sheeting, Big 6 profile etc • Asbestos sheeting removal & disposal, using registered waste carrier • Valley gutters, concrete or metal, repaired or re-lined • Roof lights replaced or covered • Maintenance Programmes to avoid the problems that occur with neglect • Conversions & extensions to existing buildings • Groundworks, Access Roads, Drives, concrete bases, Drainage etc

…

Including: • • • • •

24 Hour Call out service Making site/building/premises safe Structural safety assessment Emergency clear-up operations Emergency procedures to reduce impact on your business or premises • Demolition/site clearance • Asbestos removal/clearance & disposal, using registered waste carrier • Re-instatement works • Insurance Claims ALL WORKS GUARANTEED

POST BANGER 4 way tilt. Quick fencer will take 2x 500m rolls of stock netting and 2x 200m barbed wire. Hire separately or together.

POST BANGER £75 PER DAY QUICK FENCER £70 PER DAY Call Chris on 07930 410722

07864 823 476 07889 481618 Nextgen Cladding Ltd

Quality of work Reliability and honesty Unbeatable on price

Specialist in the Agricultural, Industrial and Equestrian sectors.

Steel frame supply and erect or just supply.

Sheeting, cladding and oversheeting.

Gutter replacement, repairs and lining.

Steel frame, concrete frame alterations and repairs.

Asbestos removal.

Roof light and sheet changes.

Refurbishments and usage changes.

Demolition, groundworks and site clearance.

24 hour call out in the event of fire or break in.

Roller shutters, sliding and personnel doors.

All works are guaranteed

01227 918723

07784 619603

jez@JRJconstruction.co.uk

www.JRJconstruction.co.uk

MAY 2022 | WWW.SOUTHEASTFARMER.NET

www.nextgencladding.co.uk

Penfold’s commercial, agricultural and residential building specialists with over 40 years experience METAL ROOFING

– Standing seam – Snaplock systems – Aluminium – Zinc – Copper

CLADDING

– Composite cladding – Metal cladding – Fibre cement cladding – Timber cladding

ASBESTOS REMOVAL

– Removal – Disposal – Surveys

S W ATTWOOD & PART

LAND DRAINAGE

   

FIELD MAPPING CONSTRUCTION

 FIELD MAPPING CONTRACTORS  DRAINAGE SURVEYING  DESIGN SWA  DRAINAGE S W ATTWOOD & PARTNERS FROM £220 PER ACRE LAND DRAINAGE

DRAINAGE SURVEYING DESIGN DRAINAGE

ALL RISKS LTD FROM £220 PER ACRE ASBESTOS ROOF REMOVALS

LAND DRAINAGE CLASSIFIEDS SW ATTWOOD & PARTNERS

S W ATTWOOD & PARTNERS

Asbestos roof sheeting removals Asbestos encapsulation Asbestos fire damage, clearance & re-instatement works Asbestos clearance & de-contamination Asbestos disposals by licenced registered company New metal roofs installed over old asbestos roofs Roof light & sheet repairs Gutter repairs Gutter replacements & re-lining Strip & refurbishment works Change of use projects Demolition & Groundworks

LAND DRAINAGE

   

FIELD MAPPING DRAINAGE SURVEYING DESIGN DRAINAGE

FROM £220 PER ACRE

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION Professional Services to the Agricultural, Industrial & Equestrian Sectors PLEASE CONTACT US OR VISIT OUR CALL TO DISCUSS YOUR PROJECT! WEBSITE:

FREEPHONE: 01233 659129 PHONE: 01795 880441

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION • FIELD MAPPING • DRAINAGE SURVEYING PLEASE CONTACT US OR VISIT OUR • DESIGN • DRAINAGE EMAIL: james@swattwood.com WEBSITE: FOR FURTHER INFORMATION from BT land-line

charlie.woodger@btinternet.com

www.attwoodfarms.com CONTRACTORS PHONE: 01795 880441

PLEASE CONTACT JAMES OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE TOM: 01795 880441 or 07943 192383

EMAIL: james@swattwood.com EMAIL: james@swattwood.com GRAIN STORAGE & TESTING

 G & S BROWN 73  LANDwww.swjfattwood.com DRAINAGE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION Drainage Contractors  PLANT HIRE OUR PLEASE CONTACT US OR VISIT Working with farmers since 1947 INERT TIPPING Bushell WEBSITE:  ● LAND DRAINAGE  I & JGRAIN STORAGE & ● DITCHING  CLAY SALES ● POND WORK PHONE: 01795 880441

www.attwoodfarms.  LAND DRAINAGE  PLANT HIRE Excavations | Concreting | Drainage | Infrastructure Operated Plant Hire 180 &360 Excavators INERT TIPPING www.iandjbushell.co.uk  2136 |CLAY SALES office@iandjbushell.co.uk | 020 8394 07979 911655

● WATER SUPPLIES ● SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANTS ● GROUNDWORKS ● PLANT HIRE 360° EXCAVATORS

EMAIL: james@swattwood.com Groundworks | Civil Engineering | Environmental

www.attwoodfarms.com

FOR ESTIMATES & ENQUIRIES

(01622) 890884

 GRAIN STORAGE & TESTING  in South LAND To advertise EastDRAINAGE Farmer telephone01303 233883 PLANT HIRE  INERT TIPPING CROP DRYING  CLAY SALES

Email: info@brownsdrainage.co.uk

www.brownsdrainage.co.uk

LAND DRAINAGE, EARTHWORKS, GROUNDWORKS & CONSTRUCTION

®

FULL LAND DRAINAGE SERVICE sportsfields, amenity and irrigation systems using Mastenbroek trenchers PONDS, LAKES & RESERVOIRS construction and maintenance GROUNDWORKS & CONSTRUCTION primary excavations, aggregate sub-base, agricultural construction and concreting

ENVIRONMENTAL HABITATS water course maintenance and improvement works

For all enquiries call 01233 860404 07770 867625 (Harvey) or 07768 115849 (Dave)

To advertise in South East Farmer telephone 01303 233883 TO ADVERTISE CALL 01303 233883

Manufacturers of centrifugal, low volume and portable fans, air tunnels, drive over floors, grain stirrers and gas burners ®

PELLCROFT www.pellcroft.com | sales@pellcroft.com | 01526 342466 WWW.SOUTHEASTFARMER.NET | MAY 2022

CLASSIFIEDS

IRRIGATION FOR HIRE

HIRE SPECIALISTS ACROSS THE SOUTH EAST

Why dig when we can trench it?

Trencher with operator for installing: • Irrigation and water pipes • Utility cables and ducting

• Toilets & Showers for hire

• Repairs to water pipes

• Large range of Temporary canteens, stores & welfare units

• Impact moling

• Effluent Tank Emptying

Enquiries FieldWaterInstallations@gmail.com

• Events also catered for with chillers & toilets

Est 1993

FOUR JAYS GROUP

01580 891728 or 07768 626131 www.fwi-trenching.co.uk

HAULIERS

Tel: 01622 843135 Fax: 01622 844410 enquiries@fourjays.co.uk www.fourjays.co.uk

07860 728204 Hay & Straw Merchant | Machinery Haulage

74

BIG PROJECT? ON SITE? NEED A TOILET? Call QiK Group today for a competitive price P U O R G

01233 713555

HAY & STRAW IN STOCK | ROUND & BIG SQUARE BALES

Find us on Facebook

or check out www.qikgroup.co.uk

FENCING

STORAGE TANKS KING

STORAGE TANKS Don’t run short of fuel this Winter!

Manufacturers of Chestnut Fencing Products Hardwood gates

Buy or Hire a storage tank from Kings.

Cleft post and rail Stakes and posts

4500L – 38,600L Bunded Fuel Tanks c/w cabinet, gauge and alarm

Chestnut fencing

2730L – 54,500L horiz/cyl Water Tanks single or twin comp. with cradles

CWP fenci f n ng

Tel: 07985298221 www.cwpfencing.co.uk

Tel 01638 712328

Redhill Farm Services: Fencing Division

ALL TYPES OF FENCING & GATES

tanks@thekinggroup.co.uk

SMITHS

of the Forest of Dean Ltd.

The Tank and Drum Experts

Supplied and erected & Repairs Tel: 01737 821220 Mob: 07768 931891 Email: redhillfarmservices@gmail.com To advertise in South East Farmer telephone 01303 233883 MAY 2022 | WWW.SOUTHEASTFARMER.NET

Buy from stock. Visit us to collect or same day dispatch with nationwide delivery.

New and recycled IBC Tanks. Plastic and Steel Drums. Water Tanks, IBCs & Fittings. ®

VisitVisit www.smdd.co.uk www.smdd.co.uk

Or telephone on 01594 833308 for more information.

Or telephone on 01594 833308 for more information.

CROSSWORD ®

VINEYARDS

COMPLETE OUR CROSSWORD TO WIN A mixed box of 500ml sparkling ciders including four bottles of Biddies 5, Red Love cider and Biddies 8

1

2

3

4

5

7

ACROSS

6

1 5

7 8 11 13 15 17 20 23 24 25 26

8 9

10

11 12 13

15

14

16

17

DOWN

18 19

20

21

22

23

24

25

Aim, objective (9) Area of ground where a building is constructed (4) Satisfied (9) Fine, feathery (5) Making noise while sleeping (7) Native perennial now rare in UK (6,8) Gracefully slim (7) Take someone into custody (6) The feature of a stretch of land (7) Halt (4) A natural electrical discharge (9) Coated in a substance (7) Compass point (4)

26

Crossword by Rebecca Farmer, Broadstairs, Kent

1 2 3 4 5 6 9 12 13 14 16 17 18 19 21 23

PRIZE ANAGRAM: Rare breed cattle (7,3)

How trousers are measured (6) Fresh water fish (5) Require (4) Severe (7) Suspended garden seat (5) Ordinary (7) Traditional Japanese seasoning (4) Potato (slang) (4) Rare metal (9) Boggy ground (4) Tennis equipment (3) Process of getting older (5) Take a chair (3) Germinate (6) Go in (5) Insect pest of ornamental plants and fruit trees (5)

To enter, simply unscramble the

anagram (7,3) using the green squares.

Email your replies with your name,

LAST MONTH’S ANSWERS: 1

D

VINEYARDS

We are offering readers the chance sparkling ciders including four bottles of Biddies 5, Red Love cider

sef.ed@kelsey.co.uk

and Biddies 8. For more information about the vineyards, please visit

draw which will take place on

www.biddendenvineyards.com or

16 May. The winner will be

call 01580 291726.

announced in the June edition.

TO ADVERTISE CALL 01303 233883

*Subject to availability

I

E 8

T

R

2

S

M

N A

E 11

I

3

I

S

S L

P E

P

D

I

E K

R

C

L 16

S

U

N

17

R

21

E

N I

E

E

9

C

E

A

T

I

W

O

L

O

10

S

L A

N

I

M O

L

S

S D

18

E 23

O

B

R

N

I

7

S

T

E N

G

N

M

G

E

S

N 15

G

I

S

T

O

E

I

E

R

A

19

E

B E

G

20

A 24

S I

T

T

R

S

I

A

N

T

28

S

S

P

I

R

B H

A L

I

L

A 22

6

A

A N

U 27

I

F

C

O

I F

5

L

A

M

26

H

A

C S

C

A

S

12

Y

E

4

P

13 14

to win a mixed box of our 500ml

address and phone number to

Correct entries will be entered into a

75

I

N G

N

C O

A

T

Correct answer: Seed hopper LAST MONTH’S WINNER: Sarah Watson from Canterbury, Kent

WWW.SOUTHEASTFARMER.NET | MAY 2022

Have you seen the NEW Smallholder?

The magazine for the growing smallholder community Inspiration and information for smallholders of all sizes – from large productive gardens to multi-acre holdings Regular features on sheep, chickens, pigs, goats and alpacas Articles on fruit and vegetable growing, land skills and rural crafts A section dedicated to rearing and caring for poultry

4 ISSUES FOR

£14

*

SUBSCRIBE NOW! shop.kelsey.co.uk/SH8 Or call 01959 543 747 and quote SH8

*When you pay by direct debit. For full price options, visit the website.

Savings are calculated on a full UK subscription rate.