South East Farmer Christmas 2021 by KELSEY Media

Est 1982

Christmas 2021

'TIS THE SEASON

END OF YEAR PROPERTY REVIEW

Farmland values have hit a four-year high

Cheers to a spectacular success

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

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Read our full review on pages 24-31

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 2020 © 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.

C HRISTMAS 2021

CONTENTS 20 04 06 08

Growers struggle to stay in business. Bird flu restrictions reintroduced. Farming Investment Fund – an expert view.

REGULARS

MONICA AKEHURST

NIGEL AKEHURST VISITS...

34 37 39 40 42

SARAH CALCUTT STEPHEN CARR ANITA HEAD ALAN WEST NICK ADAMES

www.kelsey.co.uk Cover picture: Jo Martin's son heading off to work in a John Deere early one snowy morning © www.wildtrackphotography.co.uk

NEWS & REPORTS

Farming has its ups and downs but Monica wouldn't swap it. Nigel visits father and son team Michael and Jon Baker at Littledown Christmas Farm in Westfield, near Hastings.

Remembering the sights, sounds and smells of early mornings past.

ADVICE FROM THE VET

LEGAL

Q Fever – heads in the sand?

FEATURES

VINEYARD & WINERY SHOW

END OF YEAR PROPERTY REVIEW

A vibrant buzz reflected a fast growing and buoyant wine sector as the show made an impressive debut. Farmland values have hit a four-year high.

NEWS

GROWERS STRUGGLE TO STAY IN BUSINESS

> Baby Sweetheart

> Begonias at Hills Plants

Crops are being left unharvested as growers in West Sussex struggle to cope with soaring energy costs and a rapidly declining workforce. The crisis has had a massive impact on an industry that employs – or would like to employ – more than 10,000 people and provides UK supermarkets and the food service industry with salad crops, fruit and vegetables worth £1 billion annually. Now, though, the post-Brexit shortage of European labour and the eye-watering rise in the cost of gas and other supply chain materials has left members of the West Sussex Growers Association struggling to stay in business. “One of the biggest impacts is on forward planning,” explained John Hall, a past chairman of the association who now acts as a consultant to its executive

> Classic vine tomato Elegance

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> Madestein Lettuce

> Red peppers, Tangmere

committee. “If you aren’t sure you are going to be able to staff it, what’s the point of building it? “The irony is that the Government is asking growers to produce more food to reduce our dependence on imports, but we are being forced to go in the opposite direction. Far from producing more food, we are producing less because we can’t get the workers we need. “We have carried out a survey of our members every week and they have reported a regular staffing shortfall of between 10.5% and 12%. On occasions it’s been as high as 12.5%, which is well over 1,000 people, people we need to keep the supermarket shelves full of UK produce like peppers, tomatoes, herbs, lettuce, sweetcorn, courgettes, chillies, strawberries and raspberries.”

O PI NI O N Joking apart

> Herbs The association represents growers, most of whom grow under glass and are based in and around Chichester and Bognor Regis, making the most of that area’s high light levels, particularly in the depths of winter. Some are now planning to delay next year’s planting to avoid paying for gas during the coldest months. Mr Hall is aware of large quantities of strawberries and courgettes that went unpicked this year, but pointed out that the labour shortage also had less obvious impacts. “It’s not just about being able to harvest and pack the produce,” he said. “In the case of some intensive crops, some of the crop work was done less frequently, and that will have had an unknown impact on yields, and thus on profitability.” He also knows that the problems can’t be solved locally, since the workforce issue has become a political one and energy prices are determined by global factors. Mr Hall shares the almost unanimous demand for the seasonal labour scheme – still referred to as a ‘pilot’, as he pointed out – to be made permanent, but with 70,000 visas available each year rather than the current 30,000. “Here in the south, we have almost zero unemployment but we have frightened away our eastern European friends, leaving us with nowhere to go,” he said. “The idea that we are somehow going to find this labour locally is just ridiculous. The Government doesn’t seem to have grasped – or doesn’t want to admit – that a lot of people were over here doing jobs that local people didn’t want to do. “And it’s not just basic picking jobs but more technically skilled workers, too. There are vacancies at most levels in these companies." Mr Hall estimated that costs faced by growers had risen by around 10%. “That’s not just in terms of workers – even if you can find any – but for things like plastics, packaging and transport, and those costs will have to feed through into price rises.” Energy, meanwhile, is another unknown. “Some of our growers bought gas forward at a manageable price, but even those that did so only have a limited quantity. Meanwhile the biggest problem is unpredictability. Some of my consultancy clients are asking me: 'What figure do I put in my spreadsheet for energy next year?' – I can’t give them an answer.” Along with a permanent scheme offering 70,000 visas, Mr Hall wants the Home Office to add horticulture to the skilled labour shortage list. He also wants the minimum wage at which visa restrictions no longer apply to be reduced from £25,600 to closer to £20,000. “Solving this problem needs political movement and political will,” he concluded. • According to a Tweet posted by the Lea Valley Growers Association, half of the members of that group are not planning to grow crops next year because of rising energy costs and low margins. The association has also highlighted the lack of available labour.

My favourite Christmas joke will eventually disappear off the humour radar as the world increasingly switches to digital music sources, but I still chuckle at the idea of the Three Kings bringing the Baby Jesus “gold, blank cassettes and myrrh." Yes, it’s that time again. The time of year when the world gets increasingly excited over a religious celebration that seems to play an increasingly diminished role in an ultra-commercialised and essentially secular event. Farmers, at least, will retain some sense of proportion, with most still having work to do, particularly those with stock to look after, but I have long since given up hope for the rest of us. But back to the Three Kings, and if blank cassettes are no longer much use to us as a way of illegally collecting that week’s top 20 singles off the radio, painstakingly fading out the DJ’s hyper-excited voice between the tracks, what would the farming industry prefer? I would suggest a useful gift would be an approach to farming policy that transcended politics and accepted reality. Too much of what would appear to most of us as being as obvious as choosing an English sparkling wine for our Christmas morning toast seems to be completely lost on the politicians. Let’s not mention Brexit – it’s Christmas, after all – but there can be few people who don’t understand that the seasonal worker scheme needs to be extended, ramped up and made permanent. We’ve given the UK workforce the chance to do the jobs, but even in the middle of a global pandemic, with large numbers of people looking for work, vegetable and fruit growers were forced to leave crops unpicked. Seasonal farm work doesn’t suit the indigenous population, for a variety of reasons, but while the arguments are cogent, and even DEFRA appears supportive, the Home Office continues to drag its feet and has yet to provide any information about next year’s scheme, assuming there will be one. It’s clearly not about the argument but about the underlying politics. So we’ll swap the blank cassettes, but I guess we’ll keep the gold, currently being provided by the high prices being achieved by cereal crops and, with the exception of the beleaguered pig industry, livestock. It’s been a good year for outputs, although the sky-high prices being charged for inputs may have taken a bit of a shine off that, and the diminishing basic payments will still be giving many farmers a headache as we approach the new year. As for myrrh, few people even knew what it was when I was taking part in tea-towel dependent Nativity plays, but an online search suggests it’s good for indigestion, so perhaps we’ll keep it as an antidote to over indulgence during the festive season. Which reminds me: What’s the most popular wine at Christmas? “I don’t like sprouts.” MALCOLM TRIGGS - EDITOR Have a merry one.

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NEWS Poultry restrictions have been reintroduced following a number of confirmed cases of avian influenza across the country in recent weeks. Housing measures to protect poultry and captive birds were introduced by DEFRA from Monday 29 November and made it a legal requirement for all bird keepers across the UK to keep their birds indoors and follow strict biosecurity measures. Wild birds migrating to the UK from mainland Europe during the winter months can carry the disease, which can lead to cases in poultry and other captive birds. Housing measures were earlier put in place for parts of North Yorkshire following a number of confirmed and suspected cases of H5N1 in local poultry and have now been extended across the country. The additional housing measures build on the

BIRD FLU RESTRICTIONS REINTRODUCED strengthened biosecurity regulations brought in as part of the Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) on 3 November. The introduction of housing measures means that as well as housing all poultry and captive birds, keepers must continue taking extra precautions to keep their flocks safe. This includes regularly cleaning and disinfecting equipment, clothing and

vehicles when entering or exiting sites and limiting access to non-essential workers or visitors. Poultry and captive bird keepers have been advised to look out for signs of disease in both their birds and wild birds and seek prompt advice from their vet if they have any concerns. They should report any suspicions to the DEFRA Rural Services Helpline on 03000 200 301.

PAID JOB PLACEMENTS

A new, on-the-job training scheme aims to play a small part in helping the pig industry find a way out of the crisis that has caused so much distress this year. Roadhogs Recruitment is working with a leading pig production company to help entry-level stockpersons gain valuable pig experience that they can take forward into careers with future pig farms. “This is our first venture of this kind and it will only make a small difference, but we wanted to put something back into an industry that has suffered so much this year,” explained Roadhogs Recruitment Managing Director Liz Barker. Her company has teamed up with Allen Family Farming Group, which has a pig unit in West Sussex and one in Dorset, to offer the work-based training via fully paid placements, with accommodation provided if required. Over the course of a year, up to half a dozen chosen candidates will work across all sections of the AFFG pig business, which covers most types of pig production. “We would expect some, at least, of the applicants to be offered employment

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with AFFG at the end of the course and we will be able to work with the rest to find them suitable jobs in the knowledge that they will have been fully trained to a high standard,” said Liz. “We see this as an investment in the future of the UK pig industry.” A skills matrix developed for each section across the units will be managed by AFFG in conjunction with Pig Pro, the training and development web-based tool designed by the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board for the pig industry. Entry-level applicants of all ages will be considered. www.roadhogsrecruit.co.uk/roadhogs-on-the-job-training-scheme

NEWS

“MOST AMBITIOUS ENVIRONMENTAL

PROGRAMME ON EARTH” The UK’s ambitious and far-reaching Environment Act has now passed into law amid government claims that it will “improve air and water quality, tackle waste and increase recycling” as well as halting species decline by 2030 and “improving our natural environment for generations to come”. Incoming CLA President Mark Tufnell was quick to welcome the new Act, describing it as “a real boost for the sector to have the legislation in place”. He went on: “The new Act sets out a long-term framework with much ambition for new policies such as biodiversity net gain and tools such as local nature recovery strategies and conservation covenants – all of which will have an impact on how land is managed by farmers and landowners.” He said it was more important than ever before that the ambitions were “translated into meaningful action, and quickly”. DEFRA unveiled the new legislation with a promise that it would use the Act to clean up the country’s air, restore natural habitats, increase biodiversity, reduce waste and make better use

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of the country’s resources. It said it would require those behind new developments to improve or create habitats for nature. “It will help us transition to a more circular economy, incentivising people to recycle more, encouraging businesses to create sustainable packaging, making household recycling easier and stopping the export of polluting plastic waste to developing countries,” DEFRA announced. Alongside new legally binding environmental targets, the legislation will be enforced by a new, independent Office for Environmental Protection (OEP) which will hold government and public bodies to account. Environment Secretary George Eustice pulled no punches, announcing: “The Environment Act will deliver the most ambitious environmental programme of any country on earth. “It will halt the decline of species by 2030, clean up our air and protect the health of our rivers, reform the way in which we deal with waste and tackle deforestation overseas. “We are setting an example for the rest of the

world to follow.” A legally binding target on species abundance will help to reverse declines of iconic British species like the hedgehog, red squirrel and water vole, while the Act will crack down on water companies that discharge sewage into rivers, waterways and coastlines. Natural England Chair Tony Juniper said what he called “this landmark Act” would “give us more of the tools and the momentum we need to really put nature on the road to recovery during this decade, enabling us to have more, better, bigger and connected areas of natural habitats, bringing a range of practical benefits and permitting more people to enjoy the wonders of the natural world while improving wider environmental quality at the same time. “The creation of local nature recovery strategies will be key in helping us to build a nature recovery network across the country, backed by other measures in the new Act, including mandatory biodiversity net gain for built development and a healthier freshwater environment.”

WWW.SOUTHEASTFARMER.NET | CHRISTMAS 2021

NEWS

FARMING INVESTMENT FUND 8

– AN EXPERT VIEW While the launch of DEFRA’s £27 million Farming Investment Fund (FIF) has been broadly welcomed, it may not tick all the boxes for farmers looking to invest in productivity boosting equipment. Farmers, foresters and growers can apply for grants towards such things as solar powered electric fences, water treatment systems that use ultraviolet light rather than chemicals, and cameras for monitoring livestock. NFU vice president Tom Bradshaw welcomed the launch as “good news for farmers” and something that would “play a vital role in helping them invest in their businesses, boost productivity and prepare for the future”, but warned that the application windows for the Farming Equipment and Technology Fund and the Farming Transformation Fund were “tight”. For a professional’s eye view of the detail, South East Farmer turned to Katie Hilton, grant funding specialist in property advisors, estate agents and auctioneers Cheffins’ Rural Professionals Department. “The Farming Investment Fund is part of the prosperity and productivity funding in England’s Agricultural Transition Plan and has been heralded by DEFRA as a new initiative

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to support the industry to increase productivity in an environmentally sustainable way. The farming industry is unlikely to see this as new funding, though, given that very similar grant schemes have been available before under the EU’s Rural Development Programme for England. It will be welcomed, however, at a time when farmers and landowners are repeatedly hearing the mantra that they should become stronger and more resilient in the face of change. This funding will be of benefit to those who are poised to do just that, with plans to invest in their futures. The Farming Equipment and Technology Fund, for example, offers £12,054 of grant funding towards the cost of a new three-metre direct drill, a significant increase from the previous offer of £9,600. Additionally, there is now a six-metre direct drill on the list, grant funded at £25,000. More items have become available for resource management, notably for the application of slurry and digestate, which may appeal to contractors who are now eligible for these funds for the first time. Where the livestock industry is concerned, sheep farmers may be disappointed that more new items of equipment haven’t made it on to the list for them. That said, an electric fencing package to facilitate mobile or rotational grazing will be of significant interest, as will a mobile sheep dip package. There is disappointment that the Farming Transformation Fund, designed to provide grants for large capital items, will undergo a gradual launch, with only the Water Management Grant open from today. Potential applicants for the Improving Farm Productivity and Adding Value grants must wait for a further announcement. The good news is that successful applicants to the Farming Transformation Fund will be rewarded with generous grant levels of between £35,000 and £500,000, covering up to 40% of project costs. This new package of funding from DEFRA comes at a pivotal time for the industry, when farmers are faced with reductions to direct subsidies while simultaneously needing to invest for their futures, with neither coming easily. This grant scheme certainly makes investment in equipment a more attainable prospective. In doing so, applicants will need to carefully weigh up how each item will help them streamline their businesses and gauge whether their investments stack up for the next few years to come.”

NEWS

SUCCESS FOR LOCAL

JOHN DEERE APPRENTICES The latest group of young service technicians and parts personnel to graduate from John Deere’s Ag Tech, Turf Tech and Parts Tech advanced apprenticeship programmes included two students from the South East. Narrowly missing out on Apprentice of the Year awards were Farol Ag/Turf Tech apprentices Ciahran Quick, from the company’s Shefford Woodlands dealership in Berkshire, and Henry Atkins, from Midhurst in West Sussex. They picked up the runner up prizes of a certificate and high street vouchers worth £250. Ciahran and Henry were part of a 38-strong group that passed the national scheme run by training provider ProVQ and were recognised for their achievements at a special event at the Crowne Plaza in Nottingham. John Deere Branch Training Manager Allan Cochran said the programme was

set up nearly three decades ago in response to the drop in the number of people entering the industry. “We needed to take steps to ensure that there was new talent to fill our business and dealer network,” he explained. “Helping to give these young people their first step on the career ladder builds a strong foundation for their future success. We aim to nurture and mould these enthusiastic apprentices who have the skills and desire to work in our business and across the industry.” Ag Tech was the first scheme of its kind to be introduced in the UK and at the end of 1997 won a National Training Award, the only one ever made to an agricultural machinery apprenticeship programme. Almost 1,000 apprentices have graduated through the three main schemes and are now working in the company’s nationwide dealer network.

KENT HOP COMPETITION RESULTS 2021 The Kent Hop and Beer competition took place in November alongside the prize giving for the Weald of Kent Ploughing Match, with more than 80 entries competing for 13 prizes. Stuart Highwood, who organised the event on behalf of the Weald of Kent Ploughing Match committee, was pleased with the number of entries and commented: “It was the winner of Class 3 (high aroma hops), Frank and Ian Tipples’ sample of Bramling Cross, which went on to be chosen as the best sample in the show and winner of the Challenge Cup. “This sample was clean and well coloured and had a bold aroma, making it stand out from the rest. The quality and range of hops grown here in Kent remains high and they are highly sought after by brewers.” Winner of the beer competition was Tonbridge Brewery’s Tonbridge IPA. It is brewed with Epic Hops grown by Seb Nicholas of Hoads Farm, Sandhurst and Target Hops from Alan Clark of CWL Willson, Reeds Farm, Capel. The judges chose it for its fresh citrusy nose and depth of flavour.

SPECIAL PRIZES • Best Overall Winner – Sandhurst Cup ST Tipples (Harts Heath) • Second Best Overall Winner – Watson Cristie House Cup Class 2 Clive and Richard Edmed • Third Best Overall Winner – Russell Cup CR and G Daws CHALLENGE CUPS • Best Aroma (Classes 3-6) – KEF Cup ST Tipples (Harts Heath) • Best Golding (Class 2) – Drake & Fletcher SC Berry Brenley Ltd • Most Interesting Aroma (Class 3,4,5) – Bruff Cup Clive and Richard Edmed CLASS WINNERS • Class 1 Fuggle, Progress, Sovereign – Captain James Day Cup CWL Willson • Class 2 Golding – Messrs Universal Crop Protection Ltd Cup SC Berry Brenley Ltd

> Left to right: Ian Tipples from Harts Heath Farm Staplehurst, Stuart Highwood and Richard Thomas BTF Partnership

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• Class 3 Category A (high aroma) – Messrs CE & WS Millson Ltd Cup ST Tipples (Harts Heath) • Class 4 Category B (strong aroma) Challenger, Northdown, WGV – Messr. Whitbread & Co. Ltd Cup CR & G Daws • Class 5 Category C (delicate aroma) Boadicea, Epic, First Gold, Pilgrim, Sussex, Phoenix, Pilot – Messers Sheppy & Chemical Works Ltd Cup Clive & Richard Edmed • Class 6 (high impact aroma) Bullion, Endeavour, Olicana, Cascade – Messrs Watson, Christie & House Ltd Cup HM Batt • Class 7 Alpha acid content Admiral – S T Tipples Cup K Millen • Class 7 Alpha acid content Target – Messrs J W Chaffer Ltd Salver GM Day and Sons

> Richard Edmed from Hayle Farm Horsmonden and Stuart Highwood WKPMA

WWW.SOUTHEASTFARMER.NET | CHRISTMAS 2021

FARMING CONFERENCE

THE ROLE OF AGRICULTURE

IN HEALING SOCIETY

A lively debate on a topic with clear relevance to the post-pandemic world made the South of England Agricultural Society’s annual farming conference a fascinating event. While the society took the opportunity to hold an in-person event, attracting a healthy crowd to its showground home at Ardingly, it also livestreamed the event online, with the result that the hybrid conference brought together more than 250 farmers, landowners, agriculturalists and industry representatives from across the South East. The conference, backed by media sponsor South East Farmer, addressed The Role of Agriculture in Healing Society, a topic that had considerable relevance after 18 months in which many people ‘discovered’ the countryside as an escape during lockdown. The question of access prompted conference

chair Anna Hill, presenter of BBC Radio 4’s Farming Today programme to ask both delegates and the audience, towards the end of the evening, if they thought farmers should be paid for allowing people on to their land for wellbeing purposes. It prompted a handful of horror stories from those who had experienced problems caused by inconsiderate ‘townies’ accessing their land, particularly where dogs and sheep came together, and while no formal vote was taken there was a general view that allowing farm access should be subsidised. Robin Hobson, Chairman of Laurence Gould Partnership, also focused on the therapeutic effects of social and care farming and the positive effect it can have on the health and wellbeing of people from all walks of life. He said ‘care farms’ that welcomed visitors

to their land could help a range of people, from veterans and the homeless to school children, but warned that not everyone was suited to opening up their farm and welcoming visitors looking to reconnect with nature and the land. In that case, he said, farmers should stick to the day job and ask someone else to work with the charity on their behalf, allowing their land to be used to help other people but without day-to-day involvement. “You can teach a turkey to climb a tree, but it’s a lot easier to hire a squirrel,” he quipped Introduced by Society Chairman Charlie Burgoyne, Anna Hill pointed out that many people had discovered the countryside since lockdown and said that the pandemic had helped establish stronger links between farmers and local people. That theme was explored further by panellists Barbara Bray MBE, Director of Alo Solutions Ltd,

> Left to right: Charles Burgoyne (Society Chair), Duncan Rawson, Sir Charles Burrell, Barbary Bray, Anna Hill, Dan Burdett, Robin Hobson, Chris Appleton and Tom Gribble (Farming Conference organising committee)

CHRISTMAS 2021 | WWW.SOUTHEASTFARMER.NET

The pandemic has given cause for many to take stock and ask questions about the lives we lead. It is no surprise that people have turned to the countryside for solace and faced with time at home, started cooking from scratch. Will these trends continue? Agriculture and those who work in it are in a unique position – not only do farmers and growers provide the food essential for survival, they are also custodians of the natural environment. An environment that is crucial for mitigating climate, feeding an ever more demanding population and in improving our mental and physical wellbeing. Join us online or in person to discuss this challenging and complex subject.

WITH THANKS TO OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS

Sir Charles Burrell, the owner of Knepp Estate, Dan Burdett, who manages two organic dairy farms, and Robin Hodson. Barbara Bray, a former food safety and nutrition consultant who “decided I wanted to help people eat better” and so applied for a Nuffield farming scholarship so that she could study the subject, said the challenge was to the tackle all aspects of the food journey, from growing it and marketing it to teaching people to cook it properly and reducing wastage. She referred to the “triple burden of malnutrition” – micronutrient deficiency along with overweight and underweight issues – and said the problems had been exacerbated by Covid-19 and inequality. As well as growing the right crops, she said the country should be looking at the importance of micronutrients and should consider enriching foods, citing omega 3-enriched eggs as an example. Pointing out that healthy diets tended to be unaffordable for many people, Barbara said the

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publication of the national food strategy could make a difference but would mean departments working together – as well as an injection of cash from the Treasury. Sir Charles used the conference to explain the rewilding project he has been undertaking at the Knepp Estate. As well as helping to bring rarities such as the white stork back to the UK, Sir Charles has also seen an influx of two-legged animals, with the 50,000 nature enthusiasts who flocked to Knepp to see the first of these fascinating birds ensuring that tourism is now a mainstay of the business. The rewilding at Knepp involved introducing a range of animals that all served a different purpose to help the natural habitat, he explained, while also highlighting the need to restore soils to a healthy state and farm regeneratively. Sir Charles also stressed the importance of working collaboratively with others to help restore the landscape and rebuild the ecosystem. Regenerative agriculture was also the focus

of Dan Burdett, who discussed not just the concept but its role in helping to heal society. Another Nuffield scholar, he explained that the regenerative concept went beyond simply improving the soil but could also have an impact on mental health and rebuilding communities. He said one definition suggested it could encourage continuous innovation and improve “environmental, social and economic measures”. Moving on to the practical question of how it could create more sustainable supply chains, Dan highlighted issues including global logistics, the carbon neutral challenge, Brexit and Covid-19 and said that regenerative farming could help in every case not just by improving the soil but by bringing the producer closer to the consumer. Following the presentations, the panel tackled a series of questions on topics such as the nutritional effect of food storage, the countryside code and, in an interesting twist on the conference title, whether or not society had a role in healing agriculture.

WWW.SOUTHEASTFARMER.NET | CHRISTMAS 2021

MONICA AKEHURST AT THE KITCHEN TABLE

It only takes a split second for everything to go horribly wrong, and a life spent working with animals teaches you how unpredictable they can be. There’s a time to step up and pretend you’re in charge, and there’s undeniably a time for self-preservation. Our cattle spend the summer months conservation grazing the Pevensey levels. They see us driving through and glimpse the odd fisherman on the riverbank, but otherwise have little human contact. From their perspective it’s not surprising if they display some irrational behaviour when herded into a corral and loaded into trailers before being transported and then disembarked into a shed. It must be a huge culture shock, so expecting them to co-operate when being sorted into appropriate groups for winter housing is perhaps wishful thinking. It was all working so well; youngest daughter was operating the gate on our command (when we shout at her), and other half and I were guiding store cattle towards it. The gate was open and the bullock had its head up travelling at speed towards it, when suddenly he changed his mind (proving it’s not only a women’s prerogative), skidded to a halt, whirled around and spied me blocking his return. He leaped towards me and I had visions of being flattened. Impressed by my own reflex reactions, I thought I’d dodged him, but as his front feet landed he kicked out with both hind feet. One caught me on the left side of my chest and sent me reeling. Intense pain is reassuring because it means you’re still alive. A huge bruise and possible cracked rib takes time to heal, but I consider myself lucky. All this shifting of cattle was in preparation for the dreaded yearly TB test, which went well. We had the benefit of a vet and bonus trainee tester who gained experience in reading skin measurements as well as efficiently filling in our paperwork. The cattle theoretically walk, or in some cases charge,

FARMING HAS ITS UPS AND DOWNS, BUT I WOULDN’T SWAP IT

down the race and hopefully trigger a self-locking headstock. But this doesn’t always work first time, so we put a bar behind them to stop them backing up. I took on this role, and one cow was faster at backing up than I was at getting the bar in position. It was an ‘ouchy’ moment when I realised my hand was trapped between the bar and the metalwork, so when the cow surged forwards again towards the headstock, I wondered if my fingers would still function. After 44 years of marriage and several rings later, I’ve resolved to dispense with wearing a wedding ring as they simply don’t put up with the rigours of farm work. The main casualty was a macerated ring which had ripped an untidy and none too clean gash at the base of my finger. A while under running tap water, pain relief, self-applied steristrips and a temporary bandage enabled me to get on with the job. One-handed self-suturing wasn’t a sensible option, so armed with a good book and hoping no one would notice me, I reluctantly headed to a familiar place. The receptionist was very excited to allocate my injury to a ‘cow-related column’ – first time she’d used it, she enthusiastically claimed. I took a seat in a crowded waiting room and hoped my immune system was in good working order. Someone was sprawled on the floor

> Reluctantly heading towards the corral

CHRISTMAS 2021 | WWW.SOUTHEASTFARMER.NET

periodically vomiting into a bowl. Retirement from the NHS does have some advantages, I thought, before losing myself in my book. I was given first class treatment and past colleagues recounted visits to the farm at lambing time, but mostly said they missed barn dances. Frontline staff certainly know how to party (dealing with death makes you appreciate life) so we decided a post Covid-19 barn dance would be fun to look forward to. We had a clear TB test on Thursday, which is always a relief. The vet took some blood samples to test for BVD and PD’d the spring calving cows. Why is it that our animals never seem to need emergency vet care within normal working hours? Sunday morning is a popular problem time slot; a Sussex cow calving, lying down, not straining but with a concerning amount of cleansing and clotted blood in evidence. On investigation, four feet, two front ones, two back ones, very tight and no accessible head. So now we had a dilemma. Should we tackle this ourselves or call in a vet? We chose the latter, but while we waited for the vet to arrive, which felt like forever, we agonised over whether or not it was the right decision; it was. A young vet called Will arrived. We hadn’t met him before. He quickly got on with the job, starting by giving an epidural. The twins were then delivered, first normal presentation, second breach,

> Pevensey Blue

> Spot the Dog birthday cake both a really good size. Unusually, it was the first one that needed stimulation to get going, with very bubbly breathing, while the breach was fine. When other half suggested hanging this calf over a gate to clear its airways, Will told us not to do this, as it is now considered to do more harm than good. I’m going to embrace this modern thinking, because heaving a slippery newborn calf over a gate isn’t easy. I asked Will when his shift started, to which he replied “Friday evening”. Apparently they do a whole weekend of on-call emergency work. I remember when the doctors’ shift pattern was similar; unthinkable these days. Before Will left he advised us to make sure the twins got plenty of colostrum, so we tubed them both with some that we had in stock. We then headed off for an afternoon of disco dancing with the grandchildren and eating ‘Spot the Dog’ cake, celebrating Anna’s first birthday. When we returned, both calves were up and sucking. Our finished lambs are making good money in market. The tups have been busy with the ewes, so we look forward to a new farming year. We’ve started filling in the 2022 diary with calving and lambing dates. Farming has its ups and downs, but I wouldn’t swap it. Happy Christmas and stay safe.

> I’m done with with ring wearing

> Birthday girl

> Set up ready for selling farm produce

> A Christmas creation

> Breach presentation

> Roses ﬂowering in December

> Proud mother of twins TO ADVERTISE CALL 01303 233883

> Cow maternity team

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WELLBEING

FOCUS ON FARMER

WELLBEING THIS CHRISTMAS WHAT NEXT: CREATING A BETTER FUTURE FOR FARMING PEOPLE

RABI’s Big Farming Survey identified the following issues and concerns as priorities for action in the agricultural community.

Christmas and the New Year can be a magical and joyful time, but for many farming people the additional pressures and expectations can also make the festive season challenging and stressful. The agricultural charity, RABI, provides support 24 hours a day, 365 days a year via its confidential freephone helpline. A small team of agriculturally trained specialists delivers a newly launched ‘round the clock’ service, meaning there is always someone available who understands the challenges farmers are facing and is ready to listen whenever you are ready to talk. “The extension of our helpline to 24 hours is just one of the actions we’re taking to ensure flexible, accessible support is available to all farming people across England and Wales,” explained Alicia Chivers, RABI Chief Executive. RABI is adapting to ensure the charity can continue to meet the evolving needs of these farming communities while continuing to provide

the enduring support that it is perhaps best known for to those currently working and those no longer able to work, including financial support, benefits advice and practical support. Over the coming months, RABI will be launching further new services, responding to evidence identified in the recently published Big Farming Survey report, which identified that over a third of farming people are probably or possibly depressed. “The Big Farming Survey has been a really significant project for RABI over the past 18 months. Although the results are not surprising, the reflections of farming people’s experiences still make for difficult reading,” said Mrs Chivers. “The poor experiences described in the survey findings must not continue. We have a real opportunity to build on the existing resilience and optimism of

CHRISTMAS 2021 | WWW.SOUTHEASTFARMER.NET

farming people and begin to address the issues and concerns they have raised. “RABI’s focus now is to ensure we use the results to enhance and expand our services to support a greater breadth of the farming community.” Identifying five key themes as priorities for action, the report could not have come at a more appropriate time, as farming continues to undergo a period of enormous transition and uncertainty. Early in 2022, RABI will launch pilots of two new support schemes: a bespoke and accredited mental health training service and an in-person mental health counselling service. 2022 will also see the recommencement of the wider roll-out of RABI’s Community Pillars initiative pilots. This will introduce a peer-to-peer, safe, confidential network of local support to help normalise the conversation around mental wellbeing. “As the Big Farming Survey findings have highlighted, levels of poor mental health and wellbeing across the farming community are extremely concerning. We all have a part to play to normalise conversations around our mental wellbeing to help create better futures for farming people,” Mrs Chivers concluded. Anyone seeking support can call RABI’s 24/7 helpline on 0800 188 4444. For anyone not feeling ready to speak in person, RABI’s online wellbeing platforms provide free, confidential access to advice and counselling support via rabi.org.uk/kooth.

Christmas can be a challenging time

RABI is always here for you At RABI, we understand that the festive season can present a complex mix of pressures. After all, farming life doesn’t stop for the holiday season. Any time of day or night, there’s someone you can talk to, every day of the year.

Call us 24/7 on: 0800 188 4444 rabi.org.uk/kooth

Registered Charity Number 208858

SEND YOUR VIEWS OR COMMENTS:

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

TROUBLEMAKERS OR TROUBLESHOOTERS?

Dear Sir, I knew I'd got it wrong somewhere. As many of you will know we have acquired, rightly or wrongly, something of a reputation for being troublemakers. It is a label I am happy with because all I have ever tried to do in my years as a member of Farmers for Action has been to highlight injustices and inequalities, the shabby treatment of farmers and the hoodwinking of consumers -- generally by the food industry and often by the major retailers. In that sense I have found troublemaking a rewarding experience. Through the FFA we have been able to make a small difference to the way farmers are perceived and treated, though with the fragmented and fundamentally weak state of the sector it has been difficult to achieve anything more towards giving farmers the muscle they so desperately need in the marketplace. But that was clearly the wrong choice. We should have set ourselves up as trouble-shooters. We should have made a name for ourselves with our dynamic approach to challenging situations, our ability to think on our feet and impose solutions instantly to protect the interests of which ever company we were supporting. Even if that meant trampling on suppliers, dealing ruthlessly with staff and being economical with the truth. This, you see, is the very role occupied by the ex-Tesco boss that Boris has now taken under his wing. Dave Lewis is charged with the task of sorting out the current supply chain issues. The very Dave Lewis who was in charge at Tesco. Tesco, whose accounts turned out to be presenting a woefully misleading picture of the company's health to its shareholders, can hardly be described as having always been a model of financial probity. But not to worry; Mr Lewis is safely ensconced as the PM's favourite and will, so we are told, not merely be sorting out the enduring problems in the supply chain but will be protecting producers and will run the new supply chain advisory group. Truly the country is blessed. Far be it from us, mere troublemakers, to give Mr Lewis a few opinions to help ease him into his role, but we should point out to him firstly that the current

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CHRISTMAS 2021 | WWW.SOUTHEASTFARMER.NET

© Telegraph Media Group Limited 2021 situation in the supply chain is indeed partly down to Brexit, which has seen Eastern European drivers migrate to work in Germany for better money while persuading most European countries to cut back their trade with us because of documentation. But the problem is one that has been developing for years, with HGV drivers deciding in their droves that there are better ways of earning a living than living daily with the stressful demands of rigid supermarket delivery schedules ruthlessly imposed by Tesco and others and the knowledge that missing that vital slot will inevitably result in a fine. And secondly, we should advise Mr Lewis that one of the most noticeable supply chain deficiencies is represented by the shortage of integrity, truthfulness, honesty and transparency in the current government. But no doubt he's the best man to remedy that situation. John Lillywhite, Farmers For Action

YOU CANNOT BE SERIOUS!

Dear Sir, I was greatly interested to see on Channel 5’s Our Yorkshire Farm that Clive Owen (who is to be greatly admired for the way he is obtaining a living to support his large family from a hard hill farm in the Yorkshire Dales by using the media to improve his income) replaced a broken yard gate post with a small softwood treated timber fence post which was then concreted in. This beggars belief, as I cannot believe the post will last more than five minutes when a number of ewes pushes against it. On Radio 4, the avant garde dress designer Vivienne Westwood pronounced that she could cure global warming in the UK by completely rewilding all the farmland. She omitted to say where the food would come from. Whereas both incidents have provided much amusement to the viewer and listener who has a modicum of common sense, there will be those of us who consider this to be complete nonsense promoted by the media as a good idea! Nick Young, Five Ashes, East Sussex

IT’S NOT SHEEP

THAT ARE THE

MENACE

The National Sheep Association (NSA) has said it is “shocked and disappointed” by what it describes as “factually incorrect and damaging comments” about UK sheep farming in a recent Daily Telegraph article. In an article entitled There’s a fluffy white menace that is spoiling Britain’s National Parks, ‘destination expert’ Chris Moss labelled sheep as a “blot on the landscape” and suggested they should be removed, prompting NSA Chief executive Phil Stocker to accuse the author of failing to recognise their importance to the countryside he claims to enjoy. Describing the comments as ”both unhelpful and divisive”, he said Mr Moss’s suggestion that sheep were ruining the landscape ignored the fact that the vast majority of the animals were in areas where sheep farming was the predominant use of the land. “Maybe he should consider that it is thousands of years of sheep and livestock farming in these areas that has actually made these iconic regions such that people want to designate them as National Parks. In fact, sheep farming and its relationship with the Lake District landscape and culture is one of the core reasons why this National Park was designated a World Heritage site in 2017,” he said. The article suggested the UK should reforest large areas of the countryside in order to get near national climate goals, which Mr Stocker said failed to acknowledge that planting forests on peat soils such as those found in many National Parks had been shown to have less impact on carbon emissions than leaving it to native vegetation that thrived under natural grazing. Responding to the suggestion that “sheep poo” was “polluting the soil”, he pointed out that it formed part of a natural ecological cycle that had gone on for millions of years to sustain both soil life and the life above the soil. Mr Stocker continued: “I hope it doesn’t come as too much of a shock, but Mr Moss should know that his weekly organic vegetable box is likely, in part at least, to be relying on livestock manure feeding the soil and providing nutrients for growth. “And if he is one of the small number of our population that chooses never to include lamb or mutton in his dishes then he will very well know that the soya, almond and palm oil that he relies on for his nutrition does little to support the forests in other parts of the world. Britain’s mainly pastoral National Parks, in contrast, play an important role in sustainable food production.” Mr Stocker continued: “Removing sheep and cattle would soon result in walkers having to carry a brushcutter with them to clear a route through the Molinia grass, bracken, brambles and gorse that would grow without the grazing animals to keep this at bay. “Finally, Mr Moss should know that National Park ‘territory’ is an areabased land designation, but the vast majority of the land is not owned by the National Park, or the Government, or ‘the people’. This land is mainly privately owned and integrated into local enterprise and economies, and these communities and their traditional farming methods need to be treated with respect and consideration – not carelessly attacked as in this feature.”

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FROM THE FRONT LINE

There is no doubt the climate is changing, and as farmers we are at the sharp end of the often unseasonal and unpredictable weather patterns we now experience. It has been another difficult autumn drilling season for us, having had 184mm of rain dumped on us in the five-week drilling window from September 26 through to the end of October, with 110mm falling in seven days between the last few days of September and the first few days of October. Our land does not recover from that sort of deluge. As a consequence, crops do not look great, with patches that look moth eaten by wet and slugs in equal measure. I have never before used so many slug pellets, all ferric phosphate. it has not made any difference how crops were established – direct drilled, min tilled; or more intensive cultivation; all have succumbed. We did manage to get all crops sown, though, and the exceptionally mild spell through late October lasting well into November has allowed most to pull themselves together. I have always known that later drilling is risky on land that is not free draining, and following three autumns on the trot that have caused us problems I am concluding we need to start drilling in mid-September and aim to finish by October 10. This, I know, is when many are just starting, but unless a good crop is established you are always on the back foot. If the downside is a few more grass weeds, so be it; patchy crops don’t supress grass weeds either. Carbon is one of the hot topics at the moment, with some advocating carbon sequestration as the next income stream for agriculture; I am yet to be convinced. If CO2 is going to be taken out of the atmosphere and stored for a payment, the storage requirement is going to be forever, or what’s the benefit? Planting trees will capture carbon slowly over a long period of time, and providing the timber is used responsibly it will be very long-term carbon storage. Grassland that becomes permanent pasture will sequester carbon up to a point, but it is not endless; a ceiling is reached where no more carbon can be held. How grassland is managed, grazed, cut etc effects how much CO2 will be captured and retained. In arable cropping systems, the carbon is held within plant material and living organisms in the soil, the soil organic matter being one of the best indicators of how much. It takes years of careful management to build up organic matter levels and they will not increase forever. Whatever level is reached, these will have to be maintained to ensure that the carbon is locked away. All of these things are achievable; it’s being able retain carbon permanently that is the challenge. At present there isn’t an internationally agreed protocol for measuring carbon capture that works

IN CONJUNCTION WITH

CLIMATE, CARBON

AND COP26 Selling carbon now is as risky as trading Bitcoin, writes Peter Knight, managing director of Burgate Farms Ltd, Hambledon, Surrey.

> Peter Knight across all the varied mixed farm types that make up British agriculture. Without having a recording and monitoring system that can be verified and audited, how can you trade carbon? I may be wrong, but agreeing to sell carbon today in an unregulated, developing market, undertaking to store it for undefined periods and not really knowing how to accurately measure it is high stakes gambling. You might as well trade Bitcoin. There may eventually turn out to be a reliable market on which carbon can be traded, but it will be a very long-term business contract and will not benefit the majority of farmers. You will need to be a long-term landowner to make the commitments required, so tenants are the big losers. COP26 is already fading in the memory, and I would like to think many governments around the world are knuckling down and working out how to meet their ‘pledges’ to cut emissions. I may be being

CHRISTMAS 2021 | WWW.SOUTHEASTFARMER.NET

disingenuous in thinking COP26 was a very grand meeting of world leaders making ‘pledges’ to help save the world. Once back on their private jets, the economic consequences of such ‘pledges’ suddenly dawn and the remainder of the flight is spent working out how to wriggle out of, or water down, ‘pledges’ while saving political face. Cutting CO2 emissions is going to be difficult and expensive for many countries and industries, but the writing is on the wall and we cannot continue to burn fossil fuels at the current rate. It will not be easy for UK agriculture to reach net zero by 2040, but we are in a better position than many industries because we can capture CO2. So my advice is don’t sell carbon yet as it may become a very valuable commodity to your own business. The tricky bit is securing premiums for crops produced to net zero standards, but don’t give anything away.

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Curriculum Manager Alan Johnson reports on a great start to the new academic year for students at Plumpton College. It has been good to welcome the students back onto a full timetable based at college and see them back in the classroom and on the college farm during this academic year. We have been able to take an accurate inventory of our students' strengths and current skills, along with the goals that they are working towards and those that they have already reached. Students must understand their agreed targets and how they are progressing towards achieving them. It is important for both practical and more technical skills. With the agriculture sector modernising rapidly, there is an urgent need for well trained and qualified people to work in this dynamic and increasingly technical industry. At Plumpton College we offer modern farm facilities that enable our students to gain experience working on real commercial farms and support their learning by practical and theoretical teaching. Whether their passion is livestock, crops, dairy, pig or beef production, they benefit from facilities and resources which give real-world experience as they progress. Students study various subjects, including livestock husbandry, production, machinery use, crops and arable. They will have an opportunity to work on the college farm and undertake work experience. Their learning balances theoretical knowledge of animal and plant systems with practical work to underpin this theory. Below is a summary of activities that students Mia and Ben have been involved with over the past month.

have enjoyed every lesson so far. My key points of interest from Level 3 Agriculture have been crop science. I enjoy crop/soil science mainly because I want to learn about fertilisers, organic farming, the process of crop production and how important soil is. Practical lessons are a fantastic opportunity, primarily for understanding how to deal with animals. I believe being thrown in is the best way to learn. The livestock lessons are full of information that links with our practical lessons and allows us to work with the animals. So far at Plumpton College, I'm settling in well. I've learnt about the basics of farming already and have had much support from staff. I'm looking forward to the next two routines I have planned for the coming year; developing my arable skills, such as tractor driving, and knowledge while working with animals more often to learn a great deal about livestock combined with the arable industry.

BEN

Agriculture for me has been a passionate topic ever since I was young. I believe agriculture is rewarding when coupled with the enjoyment of living and working with nature. My main focus for agriculture is to revolutionise food security and achieve sustainable farming, predominantly in managing our environment. I believe our current climate is detrimental to natural biodiversity and nature topically. As a result, I decided to study for a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Agriculture at Plumpton College. This course would allow me to study farming and be able to go abroad and internationally experience agriculture through various perspectives. So far I have found the course enjoyable, with my studies in soil sciences, dairy farming and environmental welfare mostly taking precedence. As well as this, I look forward to the qualifications I can achieve in the sector, such as my off-road forklift licence.

> Mia

MIA

Since leaving school, I have found it a challenge to take a path which genuinely interests me. I've always been a country person as I've grown up on a farm. My mum has been a big influence on me entering the agricultural industry as she has worked with animals for many years. After hearing about Plumpton College through a friend, I had a gut feeling to apply and try my luck. Since then, I've found a path I want to go down. I Visit www.plumpton.ac.uk to study a range of fantastic land and environment courses

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NIGEL AKEHURST VISITS: LITTLEDOWN CHRISTMAS FARM

CHRISTMAS TREE

PIONEERS Nigel Akehurst visits father and son team Michael and Jon Baker at Littledown Christmas Farm in Westfield, near Hastings.

Driving into the large concrete yard at Littledown Christmas Farm in Westfield, the first thing I notice are three giant Christmas trees lying on their sides. They are Nordmann Fir trees – the most popular variety in the industry, explained grower Jon Baker. A team of four had felled them the previous day from their mature plantation. “The trees weigh well over one and half tonnes when they reach 40 to 50 feet and you don’t want them to fall in the wrong place,” said Jon. Safety is paramount. His son, Lloyd Baker, is a

professional tree feller and used a chainsaw to cut the trees down. “This is a family run business, which includes all generations,” added Jon. “Growing Christmas trees isn’t a get-rich-quick scheme. The big trees can take 35 years to get to size and involve many hundreds of hours of labour to create the perfect pyramid shape. However, they can fetch several thousand pounds each when selected for harvest,” said Jon. The tallest of the three, a 60-foot specimen with an enormous trunk, is destined for Hastings

CHRISTMAS 2021 | WWW.SOUTHEASTFARMER.NET

town centre. Locally they also supply Battle Abbey. Notable customers include 10 Downing Street and other high-end clients and establishments, some of which cannot be mentioned, Jon added. The majority of their trees are cut and sold direct from their farm during a six-week season, which starts from around November 20 and finishes on 24 December. They sell all shapes and sizes and many of their customers like to pick out their tree in the plantation, “returning year after year,” he said with pride. It’s a market that has grown significantly over the past 30 years. Today approximately eight million

> Michael and Jon Baker trees are sold in Britain each Christmas. “A percentage make their way from foreign waters, though there is no reason for us not to be 100% self-sufficient,” said Jon. It wasn’t until the early 1990s that Jon and his father spotted an opportunity to grow Christmas trees as a crop on farmland. Trees were previously often harvested by conventional foresters growing Norway Spruce plantations for timber and then selecting them for thinning based on their suitability as Christmas trees.

BACKGROUND

Up until the mid-1970s the land at Littledown farm was used for vegetable production to supply local shops and stalls. Jon said: “When supermarkets began appearing, the little shops began to disappear and our business had to adapt and evolve. In the 1980s we started growing more potatoes than vegetables, which we supplied to fish and chip restaurants.” In 1988 his father was faced with a decision. Invest in a new potato harvester or pack up growing potatoes. The decision was made easy when he discovered he could buy in better quality potatoes at a cheaper price than he could grow them. From that point on he became a potato wholesale merchant. To this day he continues to buy potatoes from UK producers, sourcing as locally as possible (often from growers on the Romney Marsh). With the land available for other uses, they began to think up alternative ideas. By now Jon had spent three years at Plumpton Agricultural

College gaining valuable skills as a farmer and grower. He gained experience working on different farms driving tractors and in logistics. Then during a holiday in Scotland he met a Christmas tree contractor and something clicked in his head.

GROWING THEIR FIRST CHRISTMAS TREES

In 1991 they decided to go for it, first spending a considerable sum on rabbit fencing a five-acre field. They ploughed and cultivated the field to get a seedbed and then Jon put lines of string out and planted 5,000 five inch Norway Spruce whips by hand. >> “We knew we’d have to start stepping the

FARM FACTS

• 120-acres of Christmas Trees in the UK, including in Westﬁeld, East Sussex • Sell mainly Nordmann Fir trees (70%) along with four other varieties • Can supply trees up to 70 feet (21 metres) • Most trees are between two and three metres when sold • Use bio netting, which biodegrades • Retail most of their trees and deliver to customers, and have even delivered to the Scottish Isles • Still supply some trees to wholesale customers • Include a free bag of potatoes, logs or holly wreath with every tree

TO ADVERTISE CALL 01303 233883

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NIGEL AKEHURST VISITS: LITTLEDOWN CHRISTMAS FARM

<< crops out, so the following year we planted another two acres. We kept on going,” he said. On the third year of planting, Jon decided to buy more expensive trees, a variety called Nordmann Fir. They sourced the whips from Denmark and at the time they were roughly double the cost of the Norway Spruce. However, they were becoming increasingly sought after – “due to being more ‘needle fast’, which means they retain their needles,” explained Jon. “They are considerably better as the needle has a ball joint. Even if the tree dries out a bit the needle is more likely to hold on,” he said. Nordmann Fir now make up 90% of the trees the business sells, he said, and they represent around 70% of all trees grown and supplied across the industry. “With the increasingly dry summers, most growers have switched to planting in the autumn to minimise issues with drought,” he explained. “They’ve got six months to get their roots down, so if we do have a mild spring/summer they’ve got a better chance of survival,” he said. Most planting in the industry is now done by machine – which is both more efficient and cost effective, explained Jon, although he added that some remote and steep inclines still had to be planted by hand. We visited one of their young plantations to see the trees in the field. There were many different

CHRISTMAS 2021 | WWW.SOUTHEASTFARMER.NET

shapes and sizes of trees in the field, including one large Scots Pine.

TREE MANAGEMENT

They don’t touch the trees for at least three years, giving them plenty of time to get established, explained Jon. Then in their fourth growing season they begin the process of reducing branches and shaping the trees using long handled secateurs and knife poles. “We want it to grow like a pyramid – we need to manage its growth so it uses its energy where it should be, so it produces a tree that people want,” he said. They then continue to manage the growth each year until they are ready to harvest, which can be from their eighth growing season (around eleven years of age – at the earliest). At this age the fastest growing trees can reach six to eight feet tall.

CUTTING SEASON

They start harvesting the trees from around mid-November. This starts with the largest trees for town centres and continues until Christmas eve. It’s a busy time and 18-hour days are common during the season. Jon and his son Lloyd mainly use a chainsaw or a slicer – a small two wheeled machine with handle bars and sharp jaws – to cut the trees.

FROM WHOLESALE TO RETAIL

Jon explained that the initial years were difficult as they had to invest significant amounts of time and money in the business, with no return. They began by supplying trees wholesale to local garden centres. It didn’t take long to realise they were giving a big chunk of their profit away and weren’t getting the recognition for all their hard work. In 2001 they decided to start selling their trees direct from their yard and “have never looked back”, he said. During this time their large concrete yard is transformed into a massive Christmas tree retail space which is clean, flood-lit and wheelchair accessible. In the early days one of the things they did to help attract customers was to offer the choice of a free bag of potatoes, bag of logs or a holly wreath with every tree. “People love a freebie and it’s a real point of difference to other suppliers,” he said. “It’s a deal that gets people talking on and offline,” he said. It’s also a deal that has helped grow their retail sales over the years. In addition to selling the trees, they also sell stands, offering only well-made, long-lasting products. In recent years they have also switched to wrapping the trees using bio netting, a more expensive product but one that is biodegradable. Social media is increasingly playing an important role in the marketing of their business. They share images and videos of their trees, both on the farm and in customers’ homes. One of the videos shared on Facebook last year showed Jon and his team delivering a tree to 10 Downing Street.

CHRISTMAS TREE GROWERS AWARDS

Asked about the grower awards, Jon explained that it was an honour bestowed on the winner of the annual British Christmas Tree Growers Competition (BCTGA), which they won in 2020. They also won in 2009 and since then have been runners up on several other occasions.

CHARITY WORK

The family farm supplies the palliative care charity St Michael’s Hospice with Christmas trees free of charge every year. It’s something they have done for the past 18 years. The charity uses the trees to help fundraise over the Christmas period, generating upwards of £25,000 in donations each year.

THE FUTURE

I ask Jon what his plans are for the business? “To continue to produce high quality Christmas trees at a reasonable price. We want our customers to enjoy visiting a local Christmas tree grower and for it to be part of their family Christmas tradition,” he replied.

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& WINERY SHOW

For viticulturists in Great Britain

CHEERS TO A Vitifruit Equipment Sales and Hire

In association with

SPECTACULAR SUCCESS A vibrant buzz reflected a fast growing and buoyant wine sector as the Vineyard & Winery show made an impressive debut at the Kent County Showground at the end of November. Jo Cowderoy, Vineyard magazine editor, reviews the events of the day.

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25 This historic event, organised by the Vineyard magazine team, was a long-term dream of Show President Julian Barnes, owner of one of Kent’s oldest vineyards, Biddenden. His vision was to hold a show on the scale of events seen in other wine regions around the world – and this was more than amply achieved. The free-to-attend, one-day event attracted more than 2,000 visitors, featured 80 trade exhibitors and provided tastings of the UK’s 100 top wines, as well as hosting a structured tasting from globally renowned wine writer Matthew Jukes. Expert speakers and a full day of technical seminars informed a packed audience on topics current and pertinent to the industry. Suppliers to the industry made the most of the perfect event to showcase their latest machinery, equipment, technology and professional services, offering, as it did, a long-awaited opportunity for

 “A massive congratulations to you and all the team for bringing together such an amazing event – the showground was BUZZING with enthusiasm and knowledge.” Lucinda, Blackdown Ridge

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the whole industry to network and do face-to-face business. Both well-established vineyards and prospective growers were able to speak to experts and seek professional advice. The Kent County Showground did not disappoint and provided the perfect venue, with all exhibitors, activities and events under one roof. Local catering and free coffee made it an enjoyable, as well as valuable, day out. Beautifully etched glasses were given to each visitor, along with an individual disposable spittoon, helping make the day Covid-19 safe. Topping the billing and opening the show were keynote speaker Ben Kantsler, Nyetimber Vineyard’s head viticulturist, and Wines of Great Britain’s CEO and Master of Wine Simon Thorpe. Ben Kantsler is responsible for luxury sparkling wine producer Nyetimber’s 800 acres of estateowned vineyard spanning the counties of West Sussex, Kent and Hampshire, with more than 1.5 million vines. Originally from Southwestern Australia, Ben’s first taste of an English sparkling wine apparently challenged his pre-conception on what growing requirements were needed for fine wine. After working in vineyards across the globe, Ben joined Nyetimber in 2015. He was able to share his valuable experiences of Australia, working through expanding and contracting markets, and gave his thoughts on what the UK could learn from it.

Over 1,300

pre-registered tickets The seminar programme, sponsored by working capital and investment platform Ferovinum Ltd, was chaired by Simon Thorpe MW. The seminar area was packed, and while 160 chairs were laid out, it was often standing room only. One of the speakers, Dr Alistair Nesbitt, did a quick poll to see who already had a vineyard and who was planning to plant; it transpired that nearly half the audience were considering planting, reflecting the interest, and investment, in the UK wine sector. >>

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& WINERY SHOW

> Matthew Jukes

 “Many congratulations on staging a WONDERFUL Vineyard and Winery Show yesterday at the Kent Showground. I hope all the exhibitors got real value from the number of visitors you managed to encourage to the event. As a new grower it was very INSPIRING and informative.” Ian Beecher-Jones, Chiltern Hills Farms

<< The first session, Venturing into viticulture in a changing climate was aimed at providing information and access to support for new entrants to the UK wine industry. In his presentation Wines of Great Britain – helping your business to thrive, Simon Thorpe used the analogy of ‘teenage years’ to describe the UK wine industry – growing rapidly but still with a few challenges. He said that as the industry continued to grow it was vital there was a representative body to help provide the framework and environment in which vineyards and wine producers could build towards a sustainable future. WineGB strives to provide that support, from those considering planting their first vines to the old guard. Simon was able to outline the key strategic pillars and objectives of WineGB as well as giving an overview of the many activities planned for 2022. The future climate for grape growing in the UK was the title of Dr Alistair Nesbitt’s presentation. Alistair is a world respected viticulture climatologist and CEO of Vinescapes, a specialist consultancy that supports the technical

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and strategic development of wine production businesses. Alistair presented early results from the Climate Resilience in the UK Wine Sector (CREWS-UK) research project showing how climate change will affect the wine production sector in the UK. He explained how the results of the project will help inform better decision-making, investment and adaptation, and emphasised the importance of vineyard site selection. James Dodson, from Vine-Works Ltd, a vineyard

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establishment and management company, provided advice from the ground up in his presentation, Setting up a vineyard: the costs and practical considerations. James explained that establishing a vineyard can be a daunting and expensive task and said poor advice and mistakes could be costly. With some facts, figures and examples, James gave those considering planting a new vineyard information on how to get it right from the start, with a realistic budget, to see the project over the finish line. >>

27  “Just a note to congratulate you on a fantastic show yesterday. I was BLOWN AWAY by the size of the event and the number of exhibitors and attendees.” Nick Wenman, Albury Vineyard

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& WINERY SHOW

INSTAGRAM rowles_farm Wine Wednesday!! We have had an unreal day at the Vineyard & Winery show…we just about managed to peel ourselves away from the wine tasting!

INSTAGRAM dundry_lane_vineyard Great day yesterday at Vineyard and Winery show in Maidstone. Made some great connections with existing suppliers and explored some interesting new suppliers too. Oh yes, and there was a wide range of inspiring British wines to taste as well!

<< Discover how capital can become your key competitive advantage was the title of Mitchel Fowler’s presentation. Mitchel is the founder of Ferovinum Ltd, a company that provides a tailormade working capital product. He explained that with access to capital a key competitive advantage, and UK viticulture producing world-class traditional method sparkling wine, Ferovinum Ltd was levelling the playing field with its innovative approach to inventory finance, helping businesses invest for the long term and build resilient brands. Through the rest of the day, expert speakers shared their knowledge and inspired discussion across all disciplines: wine marketing, grape growing and winemaking. These included presentations on building a sustainable business through wine tourism, achieving yield and quality fruit and the wine chemistry behind malolactic fermentations for acid management. The show attracted anyone and everyone interested in the growing UK wine sector, including vineyard owners and winemakers, prospective vineyard owners, wine writers, wine buyers, suppliers and consultants. It was busy all day on social media, with lots of Twitter, Instagram and Facebook posts from visitors pleased to be networking with peers. Coes Farm tweeted: “Great day at the #vineyardshow today. Thanks to @vineyardmaggb” – to which Calleva Wine replied: “Couldn’t agree more! It was brilliantly organised and so good to catch up with so many

INSTAGRAM cynthia_schaeffer_mccreadie A brilliant day at the Vineyard & Winery Show today with educative exhibitors and a vast array of award-winning wines to taste - out of the 48 we managed, Flint Vineyard was a clear winner with their 2020 Silex Blanc and 2020 Bacchus. A glass of Champagne at St Pancras was de rigueur to break up the journey back to Norfolk.

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 “We were so BUSY. I would be talking to one customer and then I’d turn round and another one was waiting to talk to me. No time to stop at all Steve at NP Seymour

friends and business partners. Many thanks and huge congratulations to all involved!” Sarah Calcutt, Show Director, commented: “My best quote of the day: ‘isn’t it great, we don’t have to go to France for a trade show anymore’ just like British consumers don’t need to buy wine from anywhere else any more either, we can do it better right here!” Glyn Scriven from Royston Labels, show sponsor and exhibitor, commented: “It is so refreshing to see the growth of our industry and the turnout of visitors is a testimony to that. With established vineyards investing and growing and many new start up vineyards coming down the track, it demonstrates that we have a real success story in the UK – we will definitely be back next year.“ Paula Nesbitt, from exhibitor Vinescapes, commented: “‘The Vineyard and Winery Show was fantastic. A great event for both those currently in the sector and newcomers, providing an opportunity to listen and talk to experts and access suppliers across the UK and Europe. We’ll definitely be exhibiting again next year.”

twitter Coes Farm @CoesFarm Great day at the #vineyardshow today. Thanks to @VineyardMagGB

twitter Calleva Wine @CallevaWine Couldn’t agree more! It was brilliantly organised and so good to catch up with so many friends and business partners. Many thanks and huge congratulations to all involved! hands-wash twitter Certis UK @CertisUK The vineyard and winery show was well attended today - great vibes and a buoyant wine industry. The show covered all things viticulture from crop protection to wine tasting #viticulture @VineyardMagGB

twitter Steve Parker Cheese and Wine @stevecheesewine Serious research today @VineyardMagGB show at Kent Showground. Many many (OK about 50 - not too many) top quality English wines tasted in search for great pairings with my Top 100 Artisan English Cheeses. #englishwine #cheeseandwine

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& WINERY SHOW

twitter Wines of Great Britain @Wine_GB Off to a great start: we’re at the Vineyard and Winery Show in Kent, along with 70 exhibitors, 1,300 visitor registrations - attracting talent from around the world to the UK wine industry! @VineyardMagGB #vineyardshow #viticulture #winemaking

twitter @tuffonhall We’re back from a busy but inspiring day at the @vineyardmaggb Vineyard and Winery Show. @matthewjukes was flying the flag for UK vineyards with his masterclass.

NEXT YEAR'S SHOW 23rd November 2022 twitter Ashford, Tenterden and Whitfield @nfumtenterden

INSTAGRAM ukwinemakerwife

A day well spent at The Vineyard & Winery Show on Wednesday! It was great to celebrate the excellent culture of wine making and hear about all the work happening within the industry. Our team were on hand, speaking to vineyard owners about their policies @VineyardMagGB

Whilst Rosie the #vineyarddog and I were checking the vines yesterday morning on @chetvineyard - @ukwinemaker was on his way to the @vineyardmaggb conference in Kent. Quite an early start! He had a successful day by all accounts and met up with freitagvolker from whom John has bought many vines!! He took two team members too for the day trip and a lot was learned about vineyard tourism, malolactic fermentation , effects of global warming and much more. Looking forward to hearing all about it when he has time to sit down and chat about it all! Maybe I’ll get to go next time. #cpd #vineyardmagazine #vineyardeducation #winetourism #vineyardtourism #vines #dayout #tired #longdrive.

twitter Vineyard Magazine @VineyardMagGB A little wrap up of the Vineyard and Winery Show is now up on our Instagram. A huge THANK YOU to our sponsors, exhibitors, speakers and everyone else who came along. We hope to see you all again next year! #Vineyardshow #VWS21

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LEASING SET TO GROW Well, what a superb event the Vineyard & Winery Show was – well attended, well organised and with a buoyant, buzzy atmosphere. It was heartening to see visitors so excited about the future and, while the topics under discussion were varied, one subject came up repeatedly – how the practice of leasing land is likely to become increasingly widespread in the sector. Traditionally, it wasn’t seen as an option. From a lessee’s perspective, there was often a perceived lack of control. Why, they’d ask, spend money investing in a business if you don’t own the freehold? Meanwhile, lessors might be reluctant to commit to an agreement that might span 25 years (or quite possibly longer), especially if they were more familiar with shorter-term farm business tenancies. But the demand for land on which to plant vines is set to dramatically increase as newcomers enter the industry and existing grape growers and vineyard operators pursue economies of scale. There simply won’t be enough land on the freehold market to satisfy this demand, so rented ground will fill the gap. The reality also is that maximising financial returns might not be the sole – or even the main – driving factor for some viticulturists at present. But the industry will become more commercially minded and those focused solely on profit inevitably will ask: Why buy land for £14,000/acre or more, when I could lease it for £300/acre/annum? Given that a vineyard operator may have to invest up to £20,000/acre establishing and managing the vines up to full production, leasing

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may potentially be the only route for those without access to large amounts of capital. In today’s volatile economic climate, landowners are increasingly seeking security, and the prospect of a guaranteed return over a long period is an appealing one. It’s no different to letting a building or, indeed, any other part of a diversification portfolio. And the reality is, some people – for a host of good reasons – simply would never opt to sell ground, but would consider renting it out, especially given land used for viticulture can often make twice the £100-£200/acre typically paid for agricultural land under a farm business tenancy. With almost record wheat prices currently, some might be reluctant to diversify, but that might change – and it might change quickly. Remember, too, that viticulture leases often include an annual, upwards-only rent review, sometimes tied to the CPI or the RPI, unlike FBT rents which can go down as well as up (that £150/acre for arable ground could come down if the wheat prices plummet!) The terms of the lease have, of course, to be right for both parties. There is no point in either tenant or landowner having unrealistic expectations, and the truth is that if a deal doesn’t work for both parties, it doesn’t work at all. Viticulture doesn’t really suit a FBT, so it should be a business lease, which means you can start with a blank sheet of paper. But it’s vital a lease is correctly structured and this means knowing what questions to ask, whichever side of the fence you are on. When I’ve been dealing with the intricacies of these arrangements, I’ve drawn heavily on my 25-plus years of experience of leasing land of all types. Think about the here and now – but also the future. What are the long-term aspirations and

plans of both sides, both business and personal? The landowner might need to consider inheritance tax issues, succession and the strategic development opportunities of the site or in the locality. The tenant should think about the site’s potential for expansion. It’s also crucial that the lessor, if entering into a long-term arrangement, does a full background check on the would-be tenant and their financial situation before signing on the dotted line. A properly worded lease covering all eventualities will, however, give both parties the security and confidence they need. Alongside the popularity of leasing, another topic under discussion at the Vineyard Show was whether or not the extra production of grapes coming online as a result of the additional vine planting would result in an over-supply. The good news, however, is that English wine still only represents a tiny proportion of the total volume consumed in this country, so there is still a huge market there for the taking. There will be much rationalisation in 2022, but this is an industry still in its ascendency. Much will change over the next 12 months. I look forward to discussing how those changes panned out for you at next year’s Vineyard & Winery Show.

MATTHEW BERRYMAN Director, CLM T: 07710 765323 E: matthew@c-l-m.co.uk www.c-l-m.co.uk

WWW.SOUTHEASTFARMER.NET | CHRISTMAS 2021

NEWS

PIECE OF HISTORY A north Kent farmer has found a new home for a remarkable piece of history he discovered in a barn in 1954. The first world war horse ambulance, probably used for removing injured and dead horses from northern France’s first world war battlefields, is to take centre stage in a new exhibit at the National Emergency Services Museum in Sheffield. It was found by Bob Gagg, who has farmed at Pinden End Farm, Longfield, just outside Dartford for the past 65 years and who had the historic piece of equipment restored. He discovered it in an outbuilding in 1954 when he was a student doing a year’s practical work before going to Kent Farm Institute (now Hadlow College) in Sittingbourne. “It was originally horse drawn and had been used in more recent times for running livestock around the farm and elsewhere,” Bob told South East Farmer. “I was only 17 at the time and didn’t consider it of any significance.” It was only when he returned to the same farm in 1960 after being offered the position of foreman/manager that he took a closer interest in the cart, still tucked away in the back of the building. He noticed that it was sporting two inscriptions, one referring to the Manchester Branch RSPCA, dated 1916, and the other to the 1st London Divisional Veterinary Hospital. “On further investigation I established it was a horse ambulance, possibly used in the first World War for removing injured and dead horses from the

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battlefields of Northern France. “I subsequently asked a wagon restorer to have a look at it and he was eager to take on the job, which in fact took over two years. He made a superb job of it, since when it has been stored in a building gathering dust. I am delighted that it has now found a new home, and one which will take care to tell the story of this historic cart and keep it under cover.”

RENNIE JAMES SIMON

Rennie James Simon, Chairman of the east Kent-based Coleman Charity that has donated several thousand pounds to the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI) over the years, has died. The Charity was set up to support “the relief of farmers or agriculturalists resident in the county of Kent who are in need, hardship or distress”. Rennie had a varied and eventful life. After leaving Grammar School he went into National Service which led to a commission in the Middlesex Regiment, after which he went into business. He soon developed a thirst for adventure, however, and became involved in trading opportunities in the Middle East and later in Nigeria, Israel and Romania. He loved cricket and took over his father’s membership of the MCC. He was a member of the Honourable Artillery Company (HAC) and a Joint Master of the Blean Beagles. Rennie was a true character and countryman. He leaves his wife Lois, to whom he was married for 62 years, and daughter Clemmie.

CPA RELAUNCHED

The Crop Protection Association (CPA), which brings together 23 member companies and describes itself as “the voice of the UK plant science industry”, has been relaunched as CropLife UK. The new organisation has said it is also expanding its scope “to cover a wider range of technologies and innovations” and will include biopesticides, plant biotechnology and digital and precision agriculture as well as plant protection products. Previously known as the British Agrochemicals Association, the CPA was formed in 2000 and aims to promote “good stewardship, better regulation and best practice”. Members are involved in developing and manufacturing a wide range of crop solutions used in cultivating and protecting food crops, including synthetic and bio pesticides, seed and plant breeding, agricultural biotechnology and digital and precision agriculture. CropLife UK Chief Executive Dave Bench said it is “an exciting time in agriculture, a time when advances in science and technology are coming to the fore to help ensure a supply of healthy, affordable food while reducing impact on the environment and leaving space for nature”. He added: “Our members businesses are evolving, and we are changing to keep pace with that evolution. Our members are increasingly offering growers a range of crop solutions to support them, within an integrated pest management framework, to grow food using less resource.”

www.kcas.org.uk/farmexpo info@kentshowground.co.uk 01622 633057

Trade Stands, Seminars, and Networking Opportunities

MACHINERY, SUPPLIES, AND SERVICES FOR THE AGRICULTURAL INDUSTRY

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2 March 2022 Kent Showground, Detling, Maidstone, ME14 5AJ

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OFF-THE-BEATEN-TRACK

A new concept in ‘staycations’ is set to provide another diversification option for farmers and landowners in the South East. Off-the-beaten-track sites are in demand from campervan owners looking for somewhere to spend a few nights camping ‘wild’ in rural areas that feature natural surroundings, great views and not much more. Because the campervans are self-contained, landowners do not need to provide any facilities – and as the staycationers want solitude, only one vehicle is permitted to stay in each location per night. Wild With Consent, the company that launched the initiative last year in Northumberland, is now looking to expand, and founder Grace Fell is looking to the South East. “We are excited about expanding our portfolio and, due to guest demand, we are particularly keen to develop relationships with landowners in the South East,” she said. “It is the perfect location for a weekend away and remote enough for our guests to properly disconnect and explore its beautiful villages, countryside and spectacular coastline.”

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SARAH CALCUTT FOCUS ON FRUIT

FOOD THAT DOES GOOD AND DOESN’T COST THE EARTH

What might 2022 bring? Well, if I were to write to Father Christmas I might ask for: An understanding of the real needs of farmers – labour is critical, as is an appreciation of the capability of this nation to feed itself while stopping the importation of poor environmental and ethical practices of other nations; regard for the real cost of producing food that is good for people and the environment; an end to the vilification of those that care for the countryside and recognition of what it really takes to put food on the table. Much has been spoken about the need to link health, national diet, retail policy and farming policy together. Can we stop talking about it and actually start making these logical connections? If we cannot give our population a better diet and improve their access to non-processed, healthy, affordable foods our current health service crisis will finish off the NHS. The cheapest calories are currently the worst quality ones, so many cannot afford to eat well to improve their physical and mental health. Cheap isn’t the answer, food is expensive; our whole society needs a reset on the real value of a good diet. We need to find a way to ensure that

SARAH CALCUTT Executive Chair, National Fruit Show

everybody is included. Investment in research; both plant research (come on, we have permission to employ CRISPR technology, how soon can we be shot of apple canker?) and technical research. Let’s have an apple picking rig that also grades or, at the very least, can tell us what is in the bin to inform storage and sales programmes. Let’s have tech that is exportable to raise our profile on the international stage again; for such a long time innovation has been brought here from abroad, both new varieties of apples and pears and new machinery. It is time to turn the tide and create some competitive challenge. Investment in people; an improvement in our ability to recruit legions of bright young people to join our exciting industry, developing a generation of excited, engaged growers and salespeople who will put British produce on the international

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stage ahead of all other producers. We know we can do this, so why are we still not promoting the opportunities effectively? As is my habit for this edition of my column I’ve had a look back at everything I’ve shared during 2021; I try to maintain a positive balance between good news, sharing opportunities and praise where its due. This year has been tough for everyone and no more so than for those actively farming. I’m not going to get political, but there is significant pressure on those that represent our sector. This Christmas, please drop them a line and say thank you. I know that many of you do already, but if more of us could find a moment to say thank you to those who are trying so hard to find a way through the legislation, policy and presumptions we are currently mired in, we would sustain them for the mountain still to climb. The NFU, the beleaguered team at AHDB – no matter what you think of the institution, it’s full of amazing people, RABI, CLA, NIAB EMR, British Apples and Pears, the Summer Fruit Campaign and the myriad of crop associations. They have all supported us and campaigned for what British Farming needs throughout 2021.

FRUIT

LABOUR SHORTAGES

FORCING GROWERS

TO PLANT LESS Chief Executive David Camp commented: “The blunt fact is that we need tens of thousands more “food heroes” to keep the nation fed and to increase UK production in order to maintain national food security and reduce the environmental impact of food imports.” While recognising the problems and joining the call for the Government to increase the number of visas on offer, Mr Amesz said he had been able to supply all his clients with the workforce they had requested, although the late announcement of the scheme details had made the process more difficult than it should have been. “Because of the late start we were never quite able to catch up, which is why not all the

DECISION JUST

DAYS AWAY?

Industry insiders have suggested that a decision on the seasonal worker scheme for 2022 may be made within days – but it looks likely to be disappointing. A seemingly reliable source has indicated that there are “active negotiations” currently being held between Environment Secretary George Eustice and Home Secretary Priti Patel, with the former pushing for an increase to between 33,000 and 35,000 seasonal workers, including ornamental sector workers, and for the scheme to be made permanent. While the Home Office is said to be more receptive to the idea than last year, those figures are nowhere near the number of visas that the industry has been calling for. There is also a suggestion that the decision will be pushed ‘upstairs’ to the Cabinet.

recruiters have been able to use all their visas,” he explained. “It would be completely wrong for the Home Office to use that as evidence against increasing the numbers for next year though, as it was simply down to last year’s incredibly late announcement and the time it takes to get people through the system. “Even now, we could use the remainder of our quota if the Home Office would allow the providers to work together and share resources. Although we are clearly in competition with each other, we are trying to work together to help the industry. What we need is for the Home Office to be equally flexible and to acknowledge how vital overseas workers are,” he said.

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More flexibility from the Home Office, together with an acceptance that the seasonal workers scheme needs to be continued and expanded, would make a significant difference to UK fruit and vegetable growers, a Kent recruitment expert has claimed. Doug Amesz, co-founder of AG Recruitment, one of four agencies selected by DEFRA and the Home Office to recruit the 30,000 overseas workers allowed into the country this year, blamed ongoing labour shortages on a lack of political will to tackle the problems. He was commenting on a food industry survey carried out by the Association of Labour Providers (ALP) that painted a stark picture of the impact of labour shortages on the UK food supply chain. ALP suggested that 99% of labour providers were unable to meet their food industry client’s labour requirements during Summer 2021, with 85% of food growers and manufacturers experiencing shortages of lower and unskilled workers. The survey also revealed that more than half of food growers and manufacturers expected to rationalise or reduce their output because of labour shortages, with one in six (16%) worried about remaining viable.

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ELVED PHILLIPS ARABLE NOTES

COULD WHEAT PRICES GO STILL HIGHER?

World wheat prices have continued to firm in November and December. Whether in the French MATIF, UK Liffe or Chicago, they have all reached record high prices. UK May 2022 wheat futures reached £240, creating a £40 differential between May and new crop November. New crop feed wheat prices for November and December have touched £200 ex farm. We saw high prices in May and June 2021 because UK wheat ran out, but to be able to sell forward new crop feed wheat at £200 per tonne, at this stage of the year, really is a first. In recent months all the existing contract highs have been exceeded, so who is to say that this forward £200 price won’t yet be eclipsed? Australia was the only major wheat exporter that seemed on track for a better-than-expected harvest, but wet weather in the east of Australia, known as La Niña, came at the wrong time, so they now have quality issues on milling wheat. Bad weather usually affects more than just quality. Indeed, in this case it looks like yield will also suffer. It’s too soon to say, but it was sufficient to spook the market. The prospect of the only remaining big wheat exporter coming up short was just too much for the few remaining bears. No sooner did the Australian problem drive the market up, than news of a new Covid-19 Omicron variant applied the brakes. The lessons of last year’s lockdown are still fresh in the minds of manufacturers. The possibility of demand destruction, plus some profit taking, brought most futures markets off their recent high points. Some European countries were already going

into lockdown anyway. Demand destruction, if it is to happen again, is very subjective. Recent lockdown history shows that people may stop flying or driving, or even going to work, but they don’t stop eating. For sure, high price alone has not caused any demand destruction around the world. The fundamentals remain: the major exporters of grain have less to sell and stocks are getting lower. As I have said before, world maize remains a slow burner. It contradicts in various ways. South America could yet bring in a record maize crop and its planting prospects for next year’s crops are very good. Closer to home, Europe produces its own maize, so while it’s in big demand because of the high wheat price, it’s trading at a €40 discount to wheat on the French MATIF futures. Despite this, Europe’s balance sheet says it needs to import 15 million tonnes of maize, but only 2.5 million of this has been imported so far. So does Europe need it, and where will it come from? President Biden announced the intention to roll back the €25 tariff on maize exports to the EU from January 2022, but that still leaves the question of whether or not EU and UK consumers can accept it being genetically modified. If that question can be overcome, it may offer a lifeline for compounders and solve the enigma of why maize appears to be cheap on Chicago futures but costs £260 per tonne ex at port or store in the UK. If this cheaper maize becomes ELVED available and is acceptable in PHILLIPS the new year, it could cap the Openfield price of feed wheat and more importantly feed barley in the

IMPROVE THE HEALTH OF YOUR SOIL

UK. Sorry to repeat myself, but with a surplus of 1.3 million tonnes of UK barley, it is defying gravity on price! By the end of the year about 600,000 tonnes of mostly feed barley will have been exported. On paper that leaves a lot to use before next harvest. For once malting barley is worth its huge £60 premium, but of course malt and beer sales were the first to fall off the cliff when the last lockdown happened and this might be a merciful release for some brewers and maltsters who may be short of stock. I have written a lot about price but believe it or not it’s secondary to the huge logistic problems in the industry. It wasn’t so long ago that I was shipping malting barley from the south of England through a Baltic Latvian port then consigning it by rail to a maltings in the Ukraine. That is actually quite a perilous journey, but is child’s play compared to what we have today. We have lots of good malting barley sold all over Europe, a lot of which is shipped from Rotterdam by barge to maltings in the Rhine, but low water levels in the Rhine have delayed shipments by two months. Then it’s either difficult to find lorries to haul the barley to the port, or to charter boats to the continent, or barges down the Rhine. Then when you get all those ducks in a row, the UK port says it’s got no berthing space! We have long-term supply agreements with German maltsters desperate for the barley they have bought. On this side we have excellent malting barley producers who are working patiently with us while we sort out this backlog before Christmas. I can only thank them for their forbearance. It really is not about money, it’s logistics and good relationships.

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prod and

STEPHEN CARR

Offe in so serv your

COST OF GROWING COMBINABLE CROPS

IS GOING THROUGH

THE ROOF I grew up in a period of high inflation in the 1970s, but by the time I started farming Mrs Thatcher had come to power and her unpalatable medicine of ‘monetarism’ (high interest rates) had cured the problem of fast rising prices. So, as high inflation takes hold in the UK economy again, I don’t feel equipped to cope. Yes, we have occasionally had unpleasant rises in our input prices in recent decades, particularly with items like fertiliser, fuel and machinery, but nothing like we are experiencing now. Ammonium nitrate is obviously the headline item, having increased in price from £240 to over £600 per tonne in less than a year, but the increasing cost of phosphate is nearly as alarming. The skyrocketing price of red diesel is even more insidious in terms of driving up my costs of production, because nothing moves on the farm without burning the stuff. Sourcing agrichemicals is just as painful. I’ve already had to alter cropping plans because I couldn’t get hold of either glyphosate or pre-emergent herbicide, but even though I have now managed to source some glyphosate for the spring it’s something of a hollow victory as the price has shot up from £40 to £150 per can. The problem with arable farming, of course, is that so many of our inputs are derived from energy. Even the manufacture of machinery requires the consumption of huge quantities of fossil fuels and electricity to create the steel, aluminium, glass and plastic from which they are made. So, there is no doubt that the cost of growing combinable crops is going through the roof. Given how tight arable farmers’ profit margins already were (less than 10% of arable farmers are thought to be viable without the BPS) our only hope is that farmgate arable commodity prices also skyrocket in similar fashion. Fortunately the news here in recent weeks and months could not have been better, with oilseed rape nudging £600 per tonne and milling wheat prices nearing £300 per tonne - a nine-year high. Whether or not these price rises will be enough to compensate growers for their rising costs of production is anyone’s guess. But, in the short term, my own farm’s likely profit for the year has not been helped by my rash decision to sell out my entire crop of feed wheat for January collection for £210 per tonne only to see the spot price rise to £228 the next day. Welcome to the joy of riding the tiger that is inflation.

STEPHEN CARR Arable farmer

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AGRONOMY

DON’T DELAY BLACK-GRASS

TIDY-UP James Short, of leading agronomy firm Hutchinsons, is urging growers to push on carefully with follow-up grassweed herbicide treatments as long as conditions allow, rather than risk delaying control until the spring.

JAMES SHORT

Regional Director T: 07721 567083 E: james.short@hutchinsons.co.uk Canterbury: 01227 830064 www.hlhltd.co.uk

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Mild weather combined with good levels of soil moisture has resulted in a steady emergence of black-grass well into November, so it should be controlled early to avoid damaging the promising yield potential of autumn-sown crops. Indeed, winter crops have generally established very well in the favourable growing conditions, with plant stands looking much denser than in recent seasons, when drilling was delayed by wet conditions, often compromising establishment and residual herbicide timing. This resulted in thinner plant stands in the spring, allowing sunlight to hit the soil surface and trigger further black-grass germination. Early and substantial nitrogen applications, to encourage tiller growth in thinner stands, also encouraged germination of many broadleaved weeds as well as grassweeds. The situation looks very different this year, though. Thicker plant stands will afford much better suppression of weed germination next spring. Combined with more caution about applying early nitrogen, this is likely to reduce the significance of the spring germination element seen in previous seasons. Maximising autumn weed control with effective sequences of residual herbicide chemistry is the best approach for effective black-grass management. However, while growers are understandably keen to get follow-up herbicides applied while good spraying conditions persist in many areas, care is needed to ensure label restrictions are adhered to. This is particularly true where residual herbicide programmes feature products containing the key active flufenacet, as multiple applications may not be allowed and growers should always check label recommendations carefully and consult their agronomist. Understandably, many have gone heavy on the front end with 360g a.i./ha flufenacet plus two or three additional actives, but these will now be rapidly in decline as they approach 35 days from application. Continuing to stack and sequence residuals will allow for continued blackgrass emergence in treated seedbeds where the residual half-life will be shortened by dry, brighter and warmer conditions, but care is required with a number of products to avoid label infringements. Contact ALS products offer relatively low additional black-grass control over a residual sequence, but can still be useful for controlling bromes, winter and spring wild oats and a range of broadleaved weeds and volunteers (e.g. beans and some cover crop species).

ORGANISED CHAOS ANITA HEAD

> Monty helped me write this month’s article

ANITA HEAD Farmer

Out on the farm a very benign November made a lovely change from the previous two years. The milk price rise announced at the beginning of December was very welcome but will no doubt soon be swallowed up by the increase in input costs, not least fertiliser. While the grain traders will tell us that the fertiliser cost is factored into the wheat price, it would appear to be more of a cashflow problem than a gross margin issue. I doubt many fertiliser companies will be willing to wait for payment until after the grain is sold. As I put pen to paper, the Christmas music is already playing on the radio, the winter evenings are here and the fire has been lit. Christmas shopping is well under way and Ted will have a visit to see the “big red man”, AKA Father Christmas, for the first time. Fingers crossed he remembers his words for the school Nativity. Oh, how I love a nativity play. Unfortunately, this will be our last one watching as parents. Great excitement from mummy as Ted will be a “King” rather than the sheep or cow all the others have played in previous years; it must be the farming theme. Excitement is certainly building in our household. This year, instead of advent calendars we have decided to put a gift in a box and donate to a local family that is not as fortunate as ours. It’s a fab scheme run locally by volunteers. The children have all participated at school with the shoebox scheme run by the Samaritans; and destined for infants and children throughout the country who may not have the best Christmas.

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DONK THE DONKEY IN A STARRING ROLE The Christmas tree will make an appearance when the children have finished school. A quiet, working Christmas for us and hopefully a meet with the East Kent Hunt with West Street for the birthday girl on Boxing Day. Donk the donkey will play his starring role in the Cathedral nativity for the first time in two years. It’s about time he earnt his keep. We are certainly hoping that he doesn’t deposit anything unsavoury in the nave and doesn’t tow “Joseph” while he’s carrying “Mary”. Fingers crossed normality will stay resumed, athough Covid-19 appears to be on the rise again in this area. I’ve read with interest over the past few weeks that hypocrisy seems to pay. Why? COP26 is the answer. Leonardo du Caprio made his fame in the film Titanic (as well as many others). He certainly is a marvellous actor, and now, it would appear, an environmental activist. He has been preaching all about climate change and global warming as well as how farming is a major contributing factor to all the above. Unfortunately, he seems to have overlooked the environmental damage that flying into London and catching a connecting flight to Glasgow for the summit and then returning the same way has on the environment. He avoided taking a private jet to the conference as it was deemed to demonstrate more of a commitment to the environment to travel with others. Over 400 private aircraft attended COP26, carrying over 40,000 delegates, including world leaders and some of the richest people on this earth to the conference. The average private jet

emits two tons of CO2 for every hour in flight. Jeff Bezos (Amazon founder) also flew to the conference in a private jet, but to counteract this he pledged $2billion to save our planet. Oh, to be in such a fortunate position. The late David Bellamy dared to make his opinions heard regarding climate change. He was incredibly sceptical and claimed there was no proof that carbon dioxide would kill us all. It’s not a poison; it’s the most important gas in the world. Carbon dioxide is an airborne fertiliser. How can farmers grow an increased amount of food without a rise in CO2? The 80 year-old environmentalist and former broadcaster admitted his scepticism signalled the end of his career as he had known it. From that moment a major broadcasting station appeared to freeze him out as he didn’t believe in global warming. A good friend commented against global warming on a post on social media and received a 12-hour ban. Is this the dictatorship we are now entering into? Big brother all over again? The earth’s climate has changed throughout history, moving in and out of ice ages and warm periods. How do we know this is any different? We can all make small changes if we work together, but it would appear that several countries can’t/ won’t change anything after COP26. So, the small minority will spoil it for the majority. Could COP26 not have been a zoom conference instead? Time will tell who is proved to be correct. Have a very happy Christmas and a healthy and prosperous new year.

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ALAN WEST SHEEP TOPICS ALAN WEST Sheep farmer

SIZE ISN’T EVERYTHING

Are we sheep keepers getting carried away by size? I know that the market wants bigger lambs; it costs just as much to kill and butcher a small lamb as it does a large, so as a result processing costs per kg of carcass are marginally lower. There are some circumstances in which a larger lamb is desirable rather than simply convenient for processors, but there are limits; too big a carcass may not fit in with the standardised production line butchery and packaging requirements of some of the larger retailers, and if it doesn’t suit it may be either heavily discounted or dismissed as not suitable; a situation that I experienced myself many years ago, but with pigs not sheep. The small pig unit, on a farm I was running at the time, produced some very good cutters with regular batches going into an abattoir supplying a well-known major retailer (beginning with S). Rather than just providing a good carcass it was decided to go one step further and produce an excellent carcass; after all, nobody can argue about better quality, can they? I changed the boar, and the resulting progeny really were some excellent, very well-fleshed cutters with tremendous loins, hams and legs. Unfortunately, not everybody appreciated the quality. After the first batch were finished and dispatched to the abattoir I received a message, via the marketing group I was selling through, simply to say that they needed to seek an alternative outlet for the cutters because the pigs were too good. The exceptionally well-fleshed loins and legs simply did not meet the requirements of the abattoir’s production line butchery; they were too big, they did not suit the standardised packaging. And they say that supermarkets want quality meat; that’s questionable. In reality they want a good average, a standard product with good eye appeal that can be processed relatively quickly and easily by production line butchery. I suspect that consistency is probably more important than quality and sometimes the two will happen to coincide. Back to sheep and an apparent fixation with size; I can put a good, well-

> A real bonus – rye and vetch mix broadcast into permanent pasture six weeks ago with no harrowing or fertiliser now set to provide an excellent early bite for the ewes to lamb onto next March

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finished twin lamb out of a 65kg ewe into the market at around 42kg to 44kg at 12 to 14 weeks of age; a single has the potential to get there a lot sooner. At a fixed stocking rate of say 1,500kg per ha (this figure will vary depending on individual situations but is based upon the old standard of one LSU per acre) this equates to 23 ewes at 65kg. If said ewes lamb at, say, 185% (again this figure will vary), this equates to 42.6 lambs per ha. At an average finished liveweight of say 43kg, this produces an output of about 1,830kg of lamb per ha. A larger ewe, say 75kg, at the same stocking rate (1,500kg per ha) would be stocked at 20 ewes per ha lambing percentage, which at the same lambing percentage would produce about 37 lambs or 1,590kg of lamb per ha – a difference of 240kg. Even if the heavier ewes produced lambs that were on average 2kg heavier at the same age, the difference would still be 165kg in favour of the smaller ewes. In financial terms, at say £2.50 per kg lwt, this difference will equate to somewhere between £412 and £600 per ha, assuming that the heavier lambs can be kept within the medium weight band; lambs that are 45kg or above could attract 3p to 4p per kg lower price, i.e. a further £5 or £6.50 less per ha. To produce the same level of financial output per unit area, lambs from the heavier ewes at the same age would need to average approximately 49.9kg. Small or medium sized prolific ewes in the same production environment will always produce a greater output in terms of kg lamb per ha than larger ewes. In addition, they all need feeding for 365 days of the year. At an average dry matter intake of between 3% and 4% of liveweight (most support the lower figure), the larger ewe will consume between 110kg and 146kg of dry matter more per year than the smaller. With grazed grass worth about 6p or 7p per kg of dry matter (and rising) that equates to an additional £6.60, at the lowest figure, to £10.22

Ewe weight kg

SR per ha @1,500kg ha

Lambs ha @ 185% lambing

Lamb output kg ha @43kg

Lamb value per ha @ £2.50 per kg

42.6

1830

£4,575

1590

£3,975

per head to feed a larger ewe simply to produce less lamb per ha, and this ignores the impact of additional veterinary costs, feed costs etc. for the larger sheep and lambs. Ewe weight will have some impact where supplementary feeding is required; for example, in late pregnancy and early lactation and where housed for lambing, larger ewes require more space, more bedding etc. Precise figures will vary depending on individual farm circumstances and any breed effect, for example, good foragers capable of using grass and forage more effectively will obviously perform better, although this effect will be similar across a range of ewe sizes, but it does serves to illustrate a point. Sheep size will also have an impact on a farm’s carbon footprint, in particular methane emissions; recent research in New Zealand indicates that mature size has an impact on methane emissions; a bigger sheep produces more, whereas twinning reduces the level of methane produced per lamb. Type of feed also has a significant impact. Rumen fermentation associated with higher levels of hard feed will produce significantly greater levels than forage diets. This is supported by UK research, which also demonstrates that a wider variety of species in permanent pastures favours lower methane outputs than a purely ryegrass sward. It seems relatively easy to conclude from this that there are significant advantages to be gained by having a sheep system based around a mediumsized, prolific ewe that just happens to be a good and efficient forager, using good, proven terminal sires to produce quality lambs; both to maximise lamb output per ha and to help reduce contributions to greenhouse gasses. Others may draw a different conclusion. The mention of methane may be a bit of a red flag to some producers, possibly quite a lot of producers if figures from the 2021 Agricultural Statistics and Climate Change report are any indication. Approximately 40% of producers surveyed seemed to be of the view that it was simply not necessary to do anything to mitigate the impact of climate change, a figure that rose to 48% for smaller farms and those with grazing livestock (i.e. ruminants). This is quite an alarming statistic that really does the industry no credit, particularly in the wake of the recent COP26 talks, where methane emissions were fairly high profile and emissions from ruminants very much in the firing line, particularly from some of the fringe organisations. As an industry we are a relatively soft target, and in spite of some excellent work by industry organisations such as the NFU and NSA, we often fail to speak with a common and effective voice in our own defence. While this is not surprising with the number of individual, disparate and diverse sheep enterprises we have across the country, ignoring the problem does not make it go away. By and large the anti-livestock lobby have overstated their methane case in pursuit of their own agendas, often choosing to ignore the fact that methane is a flow gas which breaks down in the atmosphere over about ten years, with the result that methane produced by our sheep today will simply replace the degraded methane emitted by their forbears ten years previously. This is quite unlike CO2, which once released into the atmosphere is there forever, although some will be recycled.

As UK sheep numbers are in decline, sheep today are replacing about 7% less methane than that produced by their flock mates four years ago. Compared to most other sectors, across all industries, this alone represents significant progress; we need to be more outspoken in defence of our industry. There has been a great deal of discussion around tree planting. It has its place, but it is not the panacea that many would like to assume. Grass will also recycle and absorb significant quantities of CO2 and will continue to do so long after most deciduous trees have lost their leaves and stopped photosynthesising in the autumn. In addition, trees are not just trees; a dense plantation of conifers contributes very little environmental or biodiversity benefit and does nothing for soil health; benefits are significantly less than from either broad-leaved woodlands or good permanent pasture. To be fair, the 2021 report also showed that the reason for much of the climate change inactivity on the part of producers was both a lack of meaningful information and the fact that much of the information that was available was confusing and sometimes even contradictory. DEFRA needs to take as much from the report as producers. I suspect that many more sheep producers would be quite happy, keen even, to make a contribution to some of the solutions if they had access to some meaningful guidance and could see a clear way forward, with the proviso of course that any contribution they are expected to make towards so called public goods is appropriately rewarded; sheep farming is, after all, still a business.

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NICK ADAMES WEST SUSSEX DIARY > Roses in the alps, 2020

That special time of day, where the world is almost as it was made, little alien noise, few people, pristine… It has its own smell, unique to where you experience it. I have been fortunate over so many years to have been in some special places and, winter or summer, if one gets up early enough there are some sights, noises and smells that will stick in your memory for the rest of your life. Let me give you a few of mine. In South Africa, by the warm ocean at Umslanga, a little east from Durban, countless cicadas click in unison, with the background of relentless surf, piling up and dragging back on the steep beaches of the Indian Ocean. All mingling with the faint smell of African spices and bougainvillea. The frogs’ constant croaking in the Kruger Park, with the scent of big game almost within touching distance. Elephants outside the veranda, hoovering up fallen amarula fruit on the lawns, with the hippos in the Sand River some hundred yards beyond, numerous exotic species of kingfisher, diving into the shallow waters. The excitement of the early morning game drive through the bush to see the big five as they really live, and kill, for their survival. Lions lying stretched out on their backs, replete from fresh-killed meat of impala or zebra. Rolling surf, breaking onto an otherwise deserted coral reef around Roratonga, Cook Islands, in that far off Pacific paradise. The ‘smell’ of the heat about to burst on the waking world, again with the constant noise of the cicadas accompanying the rising sun. The waking calls of long tailed tropic birds and still ever present breakers, rolling in across the Indian Ocean on tiny Bird Island, near the northern extent of the Seychelles, 1000 miles off the East African coast. The smell of bougainvillea on the walls, huge 100 year-old tortoises lumbering along the shoreline. Countless fish of all sizes in the sparkling, clear, warm sea, nibbling toes as you move between them. Pure white fairy terns nesting in the palm-thatched chalet, their single egg balanced on top of the wall. Secluded Palliser Bay, on the southern tip of North Island, NZ, with the exotic New Zealand magpies noisily exuding their ‘other worldly’ flute-like calls as the early sun burns off the misty heat over a drought-stricken landscape. Another early morning, different season; The high alpine air in Murren, Switzerland, as the sun rises

> Holiday in New Zealand, 2006

> Winter and spring, 2004

EARLY MORNINGS Remembering the sights, sounds and smells of early mornings past. behind the three huge peaks of the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau alongside the Ebnaflu glacier. Ice crystals drifting like an endless cloud in the almost windless air. The crunch of early boots on packed snow or summer paths; the occasional golden eagle, ravens and countless trachis (alpine choughs) joyfully wheeling to welcome another day. A dozen nervous chamois slipping away from feasting on village flowers after a night’s marauding. Herring gulls and the chattering skeins of pinkfooted geese passing over the rich, almost black, alluvial farmlands on a quiet October sunrise, inland from Carnoustie, Angus, on their way to feeding grounds. The early morning arrival of farm workers opening barns, preparing their machines for another day’s potato lifting. A quick word with farmer Tom Hay to sort the days, plans before departing for their long day’s toil. Maybe still in Scotland, up in the hills just south of, and looking down on, Loch Lomond to the north and the Clyde flowing out into the Irish Sea to the southwest, on an autumn’s morning, probably raining, as we visit the rapidly growing spruce forest we planted for future generations, and indeed are still planting today. Sussex, on any fine early spring morning. Rooks waking up the old settlement before sunrise as they search for, and strip, twigs for their nest repairs and (now a memory) the sound of cattle greeting their stockman’s early arrival. Swallows and martins twittering overhead, with the scent of early moisture and the myriad small songbirds feasting on the birdseed on the garden bird tables as Reynard slips quietly away from his night kill of rabbit or chicken. Each location is unique; in its view, smell and sounds. Each brings back its own special memories, which last a lifetime. My top four favourites? Well it’s a close call. I think the exotic call of the New Zealand magpies will live with me for ever. Listening to it in the early morning, knowing we were some 12,000 miles from

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home, in a country which I never expected to see but which, with its old world charm then drew us back again. Friendly people, wonderful scenery and a bit like rural Scotland; some 50 years behind life here in England? Then I think I have to pick the sheer awesome splendour of the Swiss Alps; perhaps equally for the many years of wonderful skiing with some special friends, most gone now, and being treated by the mountain villagers and hoteliers almost as members of their own family, perhaps not surprising as we have grown older with some of them for over 60 years. The next? A close call, but probably little Bird Island. Mainly because it is just so far from anywhere, a tiny blob, 1,000 miles off Africa, with the only regular link to civilisation being a small twin engined Britton Norman Islander which makes its daily flight from the main island, Mahe, landing on a tiny grass strip cut through the trees in the centre of the little island and following along behind the ‘safety tender’, one man, his old Ferguson 35 tractor and baggage trailer. And now my favourite, which you may have guessed. My little home farm, within earshot of the English Channel on quiet mornings, before traffic builds. My family’s home for almost 200 years, mentioned in the Domesday Book, now becoming increasingly squeezed by encroaching development. Nevertheless, the heart of the farm remains, as generations of my family fashioned it, deep ditches, ponds, mixed tree species, thick hedgerows, changed beyond recall now from its past as a dairy and youngstock farm. But home. And that, to a farmer, means an awful lot. Happy Christmas.

NICK ADAMES Former dairy farmer

LIVESTOCK

BADGER VACCINATION

PROJECT RAMPS UP With the badger vaccination season ending on November 30, more than 40 farmers and landowners met to find out more about how to get involved in the VESBA (Vaccinating East Sussex Badgers) project in 2022. “We had a fantastic turnout,” said Nick Pile from Cliffe Veterinary Group, “and it was great to hear that many more farmers will be taking part next year.” VESBA is a five-year project, fully funded by DEFRA, to deliver a farmer-led, large-scale badger vaccination project across the southern part of East Sussex. At the meeting, farmers heard about the progress made in Year 1, which included obtaining the necessary licences and insurance, training four lay vaccinators and undertaking sett surveys across 20 square kilometres of the project’s target area. “Although the vaccination season runs from May to November, we were only able to start vaccinating badgers at the end of August,” explained Dr Lindsay Heasman from Hurst Animal Health, the project manager. “It gets more difficult to tempt badgers to enter the cage traps later in the year – when there is an abundance of their natural food sources, such as fruits, berries, crops and earthworms – so we are really pleased to have vaccinated 78 badgers this year. It’s a great testament to the effort put in by everyone involved in the project.” Bovine TB is a significant burden to cattle

farmers, and in areas where TB bacteria have been found in badgers, they are clearly a potential route of infection for cattle. Badger vaccination is one tool that can help in the fight to eradicate bovine TB by reducing infection in endemically infected wildlife populations. The VESBA project aims to vaccinate badgers across a 250 square kilometre area of East Sussex every year for the next four years, but to be successful, widespread farmer engagement is critical. “In order to vaccinate badgers, we need the farmer or landowner to sign a land access agreement that allows us to add their land to our vaccination licence,” Lindsay continued. “After that, the level of involvement in the project is totally up to each individual. “The vaccination process starts with conducting a sett survey, which is best done in winter or spring, when the vegetation has died back. The actual vaccination process takes around two weeks and involves digging in the vaccination cages and pre-baiting to get the badgers used to entering the cages. Vaccination then takes place over two consecutive mornings, before the cages are removed.” At the meeting, it became clear that some farmers were very keen to take on some of these tasks while others were happy to allow access to their land but preferred to delegate the work to trained members of the project team, all of whom are well known in the local farming community.

“We are happy to talk to individual farmers to see what’s the best solution for their farm,” added Nick. “We understand there are peaks and troughs of work in the farming year and hope that some farmers will be able to get involved directly, but others may prefer to nominate a farm worker or gamekeeper to help out. As the project is fully funded, we are able to pay for time spent on the project.” The VESBA project is the first of its kind in England and will help inform DEFRA about how best to deploy future badger vaccination schemes on a large scale. The Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the department, the Rt Hon Lord Benyon, recently visited East Sussex with other officials to see the project in action. “Lord Benyon was able to see some badgers being vaccinated and had the opportunity to chat with farmers and members of the project team,” said local dairy farmer Peter Appleton, who chairs the VESBA Steering Group. “DEFRA is keen to understand the factors that are critical for the success of a large-scale project, and in my opinion this has to be engagement with farmers, landowners and the local rural community.” Anyone who was unable to attend the meeting but is keen to become involved in the project should contact Dr Lindsay Heasman on 07912 799961 or email Lindsay@hurstanimalhealth.co.uk

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ADVICE FROM THE VET

What would you say if I asked you about Q-fever? Asks Ian Roper BVetMed MRCVS. Mainly a European problem, where there are more small-ruminant dairies? Would you know that it is present in the UK, affects most ruminant species, can be spread on the wind and is a zoonosis which can cause serious disease in humans? Rarely at the front of our mind is Coxiella burnetti, the bacteria that causes Q-fever. It does not get the same attention as the likes of BVD, leptospirosis and Johne’s, perhaps because there are not the same overt clinical signs which shout: “there’s a problem”. There can be confusion over interpretation of serology and a lack of UK bulk milk PCR testing, though this can be achieved with validated testing procedures, in overseas labs where necessary, and positive results must be reported to APHA. Q-fever does not come under accreditation schemes, and there is a sense that it’s not particularly prevalent, especially in the South East, but have we got our heads in the sand? In some parts of the UK, the prevalence of exposed farms has been reported to be as high as 70%, but there’s not enough data in the South East to really know. It is tempting to avoid actively looking for problems, especially when the answer may not be clear-cut, but, like all these things, once you are aware there is exposure you will wish you had known about it sooner. There can be animals which have been exposed (therefore seropositive) and shed for a short time, or in persistent fashion. Equally there can be animals which have not acquired antibodies but are already shedding the bacteria. In cattle this is typically in calving fluids, or vaginal secretions, as well as on placentas. In sheep, at least, it can also be shed in faeces. It can survive on bedding, including after drying, and be aerosolised to spread further. This is an argument for individual,

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Q FEVER – HEADS IN THE SAND? regularly bedded up, calving pens, rather than calving within the main group. I know of at least one herd with confirmed seropositives that has seen a decline in fertility performance, including increased rates of pregnancy loss (if not observed abortions), over a period of time with no other satisfactory explanation. This is consistent with herd Q-fever infection. Abortions have been proved to result from Q-fever infection, and it is also thought that postcalving whites, or endometritis, can be increased where Q-fever is prevalent. I would advocate for including some routine screening into regular herd/flock blood testing, even if just a regular subset. And I would also promote the use of full post-mortem evaluation of aborted foetuses in beef, dairy and small-ruminant production. Even a closed farm has no guarantee of freedom from disease because it can be spread on the wind and contracted through inhalation. If we are prepared to monitor the situation, we can know whether there is already prevalence within the herd and then explore whether or not vaccination might improve performance. If neighbours are open with each other, we could also explore protection from local risk.

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If all is well and testing is negative, it gives us another avenue to explore if there is any drop in fertility as we would have a reasonable before and after picture, depending on the extent of the routine testing. Regular testing where no issue is suspected should be targeted at homebred young adults in the breeding herd, but where poor breeding performance is suspected and other possibilities have been ruled out, a combination of testing suspect affected animals and maiden heifers is advised. Bulk milk PCR testing can also be supported for dairies. A vaccine, Coxevac, is licenced and available in the UK for cattle and goats, and this has been shown to be safe in pregnant cattle and to improve pregnancy rates where Q-fever exists. This is definitely a zoonotic disease prevalent in the UK which causes abortions and subfertility in ruminant species and sometimes serious disease, including in humans. There is a vaccine we can use to protect our livestock from this threat and reduce shedding if present, but most herds and flocks are unaware of their status. Blood testing, milk testing and autopsy of aborted foetuses can help us understand the situation and make informed decisions about how to tackle the issue.

AT ASHFORD MARKET

PRICE RECORDS REGULARLY BROKEN We have come to the end of another year’s trading at Ashford Market and 2021 has once again surprised us in terms of numbers and also prices achieved all the way through, with price records being broken regularly. These records have not only been for individual lots, but more so for average prices throughout the entry on a given day. This shows us that all vendors are now benefitting from these increases, instead of just those who are lucky to be offering what is in short supply at the time. At the time of writing, we are seeing store lambs sold regularly at prices in excess of £100. If we had suggested this just two or three months ago, when prices were already at record levels, it would have been hard to believe. Confidence in this sector is at an all time high, with buyers from all over the country battling to secure numbers to sell in the spring or run up to Christmas when demand is anticipated to be even greater for finished lambs. Finished sheep are also selling at exceptional levels for the time of year. At the time of writing they have been close to £3 per kg and often over £140, with this trade being continually boosted by the small numbers of them on offer across the country. Reports also suggest that considerably less southern hemisphere lamb is available on the wholesale market and therefore the larger retailers must source their meat from UK suppliers, with Waitrose also making the commitment that

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they will source all meat from UK farms from 1 January 2022. These factors will certainly help us maintain the levels we are now beginning to expect as normal throughout the coming months. Cull ewes have been selling at a steady level all through 2021, perhaps not quite at the dizzy heights we saw at the start of 2020 when we saw panic buying in its earliest form pre-Covid-19. Over the past 12 months, better ewes are generally achieving prices around £100, but it’s not unusual for the continental types to get close to £150. The cull ewe trade is dictated by the number on offer nationally, week on week. This can be boosted by seasonal peaks in demand for religious festivals, but as the trade is predominantly for UK consumption, numbers on offer will always dictate price trends. In the beef side of the market we are, once again, seeing the same trend occurring. Demand has increased for both finished cattle and cull cows and this has outstripped supply levels for many months now. The old-fashioned economic rule of supply and demand is as evident here as it is in any commodity, and as supply has decreased, price has increased. In early November, Hobbs Parker Auctioneers LLP held its first non-livestock live auction since the beginning of the pandemic. This was a collective machinery auction of approximately 1,000 lots of assorted machinery, tools and miscellaneous items and over 500 prospective buyers were registered

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www.hobbsparker.co.uk to bid on the day. It was great to see all the old faces again and it was clear that everyone in attendance was delighted to get back to some form of “normality”. We intend to hold a full sale calendar next year, with sale dates and details available on our website in the next few weeks. Hobbs Parker Auctioneers and all at Ashford Livestock Market would like to take this opportunity to wish all our customers a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We would also like to extend our thanks to all who have chosen to conduct business with us during the past year at any of our sales. The livestock market is nothing without the vendors, buyers and staff and we will continue to work hard in 2022 to ensure the best prices and service for all of our clients. To close, some statistics from our year to date. We have sold over 180,000 sheep, 17,000 cattle and 2,000 pigs on behalf of 1,325 vendors. This livestock has been sold to 939 buyers from across the UK. Here’s to another successful year in 2022.

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AT COLCHESTER MARKET GRAHAM ELLIS FRICS FAAV FLAA For and on behalf of Stanfords T: 01206 842156 E: info@stanfords-colchester.co.uk

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LEVELS WE HAVE NEVER SEEN BEFORE

Late October and early November saw exceptional prices being maintained in the sheep and cattle pens at Colchester market, with numbers well short of requirements every week. It is extraordinary how difficult it is to attract stock when prices are at levels that we have never seen before at this time of year. In the prime cattle pens, we are regularly seeing cattle trading around the 280p/kg mark for the best quality, but what really highlighted the strength of the trade was the O+ and R grade cattle regularly trading between 220p/kg and 250p/kg, with weight not an issue throughout the sale. No capping on weight in the live ring, and buyers are willing to compete for meat and pay a fair price. With the high cost of inputs for cattle finishers, these prices are required and need to be maintained. We certainly don’t wish to get into the same position as pig farmers are currently; more on this subject later. The over-30 month and cull cow trade is also exceptionally good. Many more could be sold to advantage, with retailers and butchers willing to purchase stock from the ring to supply the catering and processing trade. Let us hope that also continues. The store cattle trade, as would be expected, is strong throughout, and the only hindrance to the trade is the high cost of feed. There is, at least, adequate straw about this year, but feed is an issue. Prime cattle are averaging approximately 40p/kg to 50p/kg more than the same time last year; a remarkable lift. Within the sheep pens the trade continued. Never have we seen prices like this in the autumn, with over £3/kg regularly obtained for prime lambs with meat. In Colchester we have seen averages for all lambs sold in the market at around £120 per head week after week, and as we keep saying this is tremendous trade. Meat, as always, pays, but with the high store sheep demand, even lean lambs in the finished pens are seeing a good return. With the exceptional prices paid for meated lambs, though, feeding does look worthwhile. Confidence is present for the new year. Numbers are generally short, as can be seen from the number of store sheep sold throughout the country, which appears

to be well down on 12 months ago. It is always wise for vendors to present their sheep dry and empty. Buyers will pay a premium for pens that stand clean and what they are buying is meat. The ewe trade is following the prime lamb trade, well above 12 months ago and all easily sold. Numbers are generally short throughout the country, and this is certainly the case in Colchester. It is good to see numbers in the cattle and sheep pens at or above 2020 levels; long may that continue. As always, more stock is required in the both the sheep and cattle pens. The pig disaster continues, with unbelievably low prices being quoted for cull sows and boars at levels that hardly make it worth selling to the abattoir. This is a situation that should never have arisen, and it is clear that the few independent pig producers left will struggle to continue. With barley and wheat prices at record levels for feed, there is little light at the end of the tunnel. Reports of imported pork still coming into the country seem unbelievable, and it is lucky that local wholesalers in East Anglia are still willing to pay a price to regular vendors in the hope that they will be able to maintain their herds for the future. All wholesalers, though, are competing in a very competitive market, and with such low spot pig prices being quoted it is difficult to see how this matter will turn round until many more sows are cleared from the national herd. It is an absolute disaster; let us hope there is still a pig industry in this country on family farms in future years. Arable crops are looking exceptionally well in the kindest autumn seen for many years. Following the floods of 2020, this has been an easy autumn. Concerns of high input costs for fertiliser and sprays are an obvious worry, but at least most arable farmers have a good base to work from. We look forward to reporting our Christmas Prime Stock Show in the next edition. It is a real chance for East Anglian farmers to show the quality of stock they produce throughout the year.

MATCHING STUDENTS WITH OPPORTUNITIES Sheep farmers looking for shepherds and students looking for practical experience are again being brought together by the National Sheep Association (NSA)’s Lambing List. The NSA’s list has for a number of years proved a useful way for its members to make contact with agricultural and veterinary students looking for a work experience placement that also provides vital help at a busy time of year. To ensure both the NSA’s farming members and students are kept as Covid safe as possible, updated guidelines are available at www.nationalsheep.org.uk/nextgeneration/jobs-work-experience/lambing-work-experience/ Katie James, NSA Communications Officer, said: “The NSA Lambing List has become the trusted method for many of our members to source extra lambing help over recent years. It’s a very simple but effective process: we collate a list of NSA members looking for help at lambing time and produce an advert so students can approach them directly to ask for a placement.” NSA members wanting to advertise on the list just need to complete a short application form at www.nationalsheep.org.uk/lambing-list There is also a link for sheep farmers who would like to use the list but are not yet NSA members. The positions on offer are listed by region to make it easier for the students to apply.

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ISABEL FIELD

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

RESEARCH PROVEN

TIME OF YEAR

FOR PNEUMONIA

It’s that time of year again when pneumonia rears its ugly head and becomes an expensive, time-consuming and demoralising problem to treat. The susceptibility of our calves succumbing to pneumonia depends on host, pathogen and environmental factors. With our first treatment being the one with the highest chance of cure, a lot of the success in treating pneumonia comes from early and accurate detection. With only 11% to 16% of Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD) being clinically visible, though, it can be hard to diagnose. The effects of pneumonia go beyond respiratory signs to affect growth rates and lifetime productivity, and affected farmers are likely to be having big losses from undetected pneumonia. To put this into perspective, lung lesions as small as 1cm may not be causing clinical signs but can be causing a reduction in daily live weight gain of 100g/day. This means more days on farm until finishing or, if they are a replacement heifer, more days until they reach that critical 60% of mature weight for first service. In dairy heifers these lesions have also been shown to affect yield in their first lactation. Your typical approach to diagnosing BRD may involve looking at clinical signs, calf health scores, stethoscope auscultation and calling out the vet to come and take samples for further lab diagnostics. This is often followed by treating large groups of calves with varying levels of success and mortality. Thoracic ultrasound (TUS) is a simple, non-invasive diagnostic aid that we are increasingly using on our farms to help us pick up early and sub-clinical pneumonia, allowing us to identify calves that may benefit from a treatment that is more likely to be effective. It is important to note that TUS cannot tell us what pathogens are involved, so laboratory diagnostics may still be necessary to aid further prevention and herd planning. As a team we have been implementing TUS on farm in a variety of ways, including calculating prevalence of BRD on farm, pinpointing when calves are starting to get lesions, indicating pressures on the calves at this management point and identifying problem groups/sheds or problem farms calves are being bought from. TUS can also be used during an outbreak to determine prognosis, decide on treatment and support ongoing management decisions. On some of our calf rearing units we have been identifying calves that are ideal candidates for treatment, those that need to be monitored (calf health scores and temperature) for future treatment and those that will likely no longer respond to treatment and have a poor survival probability. By removing these calves we are cutting our economic losses and preventing further welfare deterioration. Using TUS in this way aims to reduce antibiotic usage by selectively treating animals based on their lung scores and clinical signs. Additionally, at the practice we have been using our results from on-farm scanning to make management decisions such as replacement heifer selection or sending them for beef based on their predicted lifetime productivity. We have also been using the calves, scores and predicted ability to grow to make grouping and management decisions, allowing our farmers to rear more uniform groups of calves. Pneumonia can be a frustrating disease on farm, which is why we are aiming to use thoracic ultrasound on more farms to help maximise detection, treatment success and lifetime productivity, as well as reduce antibiotic usage. With TUS we can better plan for future years, altering management to reduce pneumonia levels on farm.

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DIVERSIFICATION IS KEY FOR SURVIVAL

It comes as no surprise that UK farmers have experienced hardship due to the UK’s departure from the European Union, combined with the unforeseen and catastrophic effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, and while this suffering may not have come directly as a result of these events, it has certainly been accelerated because of them. This is coupled with some factors which have always affected farmers’ ability to make progressive change. Perhaps one of the most significant impacts on farmers has always been the restrictions and legal stipulations regarding planning permissions required for most farm upgrades, changes of use and other diversification in aid of profitability. With such regulations changing rapidly, it can be difficult for farmers to keep up and know what it is they need to do. Changes that would benefit the farmer may also meet with opposition from local people. Additionally, many UK farms face land-specific issues surrounding restrictive covenants and overage provisions. This can make land difficult to sell or to develop, as it would either be prohibited by restrictive covenants or trigger overage payments to a third party. It’s clearly important for farmers to seek legal advice before making any changes to their farm and surrounding land.

Eleanor Rattay, partner in the Commercial Property department at BHW Solicitors, discusses the impact of recent events on the farming sector and looks at what farmers can do to survive in an increasingly competitive market.

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Regarding Brexit, the most obvious drawbacks for the agricultural industry, aside from the phased withdrawal of the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS), are the gas prices, nitrogen production and the consequential price of fertiliser, which has risen from around £260 a tonne a year ago to over £500 a tonne at the time of writing. Currently it is only Russia that can produce cheap nitrogen, highlighting the difficulty surrounding local sourcing. The recent HGV driver crisis also exacerbates such issues, for example preventing essential seeds being delivered to farms due to the transport simply being unavailable. The industry once depended on EU workers to fulfil the needs in this sector but, like many other industries, farming has been hit hard by economic migration caused by Brexit. The progressive phasing out of Direct Payments under BPS began this year and will be complete by 2027. For many farmers, this is a significant loss of income. The UK Government says the money will instead be invested in new schemes supporting sustainable farming and the countryside, but no one is sure what this will mean in real income terms for farmers. Farming isn’t just about tending to the land, livestock and produce – it is inevitably linked to logistics. This includes lorry drivers and couriers where produce is shipped and received onshore and offshore. The price at which food is sold is also critical, and there are many in the industry who believe this has been too low for years. The declining number of young people entering the farming industry is another issue, with more needing to be done to encourage people to support this rewarding and essential line of work. Conveniently, the hit Amazon TV series Clarkson’s Farm, starring and narrated by the ex-Top Gear host himself, helped shine a generally positive spotlight on farming and the agricultural industry, providing viewers at home with a real-life representation of farm life. It is accurate representations of farm life such as this that demonstrate both the highs and lows of farming, revealing how there is more to it than just tending to crops and animals, and that farming requires a business-savvy mind to thrive – all of which may appeal to entrepreneurial young people. Despite what seems like a bleak situation, there are still steps farmers can take to diversify to increase profitability. With planning consent, farmers may convert parts of their land to accommodate storage units, holiday lettings, weddings, glamping, dog walking fields and farm shops. Alternative energy installations such as solar parks and wind farms are also popular. As far as standard farming is concerned, the current margins are simply too small for many farmers to survive. With no increase on the horizon, farmers can look to diversification to help to boost yearly profits in a bid to survive in the modern age.

LEGAL

Private wealth and succession planning for rural business owners. Jeremy Clarkson has never been one to tread, or indeed drive, the beaten track. This is evident in his latest venture; running a 1,000 acre farm in Oxfordshire. His triumphs and failures are laid bare in his show, Clarkson’s Farm, which gives a refreshing insight into the unforgiving realities of everyday farming in Britain. Owning a rural business often means dealing with legal issues relating to both personal and business matters. Having the right legal support is crucial to protecting your assets, whatever happens in life. What advice would we give to Jeremy, as a novice farmer, to steer him down the right track and into Series 2?

UNDERSTANDING AVAILABLE TAX RELIEFS

In his year of farming Jeremy devotes some considerable air time to a passion project. His plan is to ‘re-wild’ a small area of land to create a trout pond and natural wildlife habitat. It is a very topical issue, with the new Environmental Land Management scheme potentially rewarding this type of project and biodiversity being on the climate change agenda. However, where the land is taken out of agricultural use it may result in a loss of Agricultural Property Relief (APR) which is a valuable relief for Inheritance Tax purposes. Jeremy may be able to fall back on Business Property Relief (another IHT relief) but he should take advice before digging a big hole in his tax reliefs.

IS JEREMY CLARKSON ON THE RIGHT TRACK?

PROTECTING ASSETS BEFORE AND AFTER MARRIAGE

It’s fair to say that Jeremy’s partner, Lisa, suffers his escapades with a hearty smile. Bringing a spouse or partner into the farming business can sometimes be logical, is common and can have tax benefits but it does not end there. The truth is that divorce and relationship breakdown can be a significant risk factor in the farming world where farming families’ wealth is predominantly held in the farm itself. If Jeremy wants his love affair with farming to continue he needs to plan carefully before getting down on one muddy knee. While unmarried couples can put in place a cohabitation agreement to manage financial arrangements upon separation, the same can be said about putting in place either a pre and post nuptial agreement to agree what happens in the event of divorce. These are more often than not recognised by the court if properly entered into. Jeremy should therefore consider entering into such arrangements alongside other traditional succession tools, such as a Will.

SUCCESSION PLANNING

Having a Will is an essential succession planning tool. Assets left to a spouse on death are transferred free of Inheritance Tax. This can, however, also put them at risk, for example if the surviving spouse then remarries. There are structures that can be incorporated in a Will which utilise inheritance

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Senior Associate , Brachers LLP T: 01622 767715 E: sarahmannooch@brachers.co.uk www.brachers.co.uk

tax reliefs (spousal, APR and BPR) while also making provision for a spouse or partner. These Will structures ensure the farm can continue to be managed effectively but also mitigate the risks of remarriage.

LOSSES AND THE RISKS OF HOBBY FARMING

After a tough harvest, Jeremy finds out in the last episode that his farm has sadly lived up to the Diddly Squat name, by making just £144 profit on arable operations. While a loss is not uncommon for hardworking honest farmers, continued and sustained losses and diversification can mean being caught under the hobby farming rules. HMRC does not provide tax relief for those that are farming for the lifestyle and not running their farm as a commercial enterprise, i.e. “hobby farming”. Where these rules apply it can have a serious impact on inheritance tax, capital gains tax and income tax reliefs. I think it’s fair to say that Jeremy needs to consider the more intricate details of owning a rural business if he wants to safeguard himself and the business for the future. We would always recommend speaking to a legal advisor, who will be able to provide tailored legal advice to ensure that wealth and assets across all areas of a person’s life are protected.

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FINANCE

IS DIVERSIFICATION

THE NEW BOLSTER FOR THE FUTURE INCOME OF FARMING? If anything, Clarkson’s Farm put a spotlight on how volatile the farming industry can be, with plenty of external factors at play, not least Brexit and the ongoing changes in the subsidy regime. For some, with winter on the horizon, taking a step back may mean looking at how diversification can act as a bolster for farming income. From converting barns into let properties to utilising shrub land for renewables, it’s important that both tax and non-tax implications are considered.

THE VARYING VALUES – CONVERTING BARNS

Although it’s assumed that value is added by converting buildings, sometimes it can cost more to convert a barn than to build it from the ground up – and be careful not to devalue a farmhouse by adding housing to the area around it. Obtaining advice from a valuer and planning consultant would, in most cases, be worthwhile in assessing the viability of diversification projects.

STAYCATIONS AND RURAL RETREATS

While lockdown saw a lull in revenues for many busineses, some farmers and landowners took advantage of the enforced travel restrictions to offset the losses incurred during the pandemic. Staycations, rural retreats and glamping saw an influx in demand as city-dwellers and holiday-lovers looked to get away, albeit within the UK. Planning permission, budgeting, insurance and licences, as well as tax implications, all need to be taken into consideration when looking to operate

Hayley Kingsnorth, Director of Accounts and Business Services at Azets, discusses some key considerations for farm diversification. within the staycation market. Conducting market research will also be key to ensure enough demand can be sustained.

SEASONAL REVENUE STREAMS

Seasonal revenue streams or adapting to changes in the economic landscape (such as Covid-19) can seem enticing. As shown in Clarkson’s Farm, even diversification in the way land is farmed can help to reward farming businesses. Some have turned to sheep farming as a seasonal revenue stream, using the sheep to graze cover crops such as sugar beet and stubble turnips. Others have opened businesses such as seasonal produce shops and veg box deliveries. Although enticing in the short term, it is possible the demand created will only stay as seasonal demand. A trusted business advisor will support you in planning for a robust and profitable future when adapting to a changing marketplace. A clear and robust business model that stress tests a business will also ensure a resilient and financially viable future when scenarios change.

DETAIL IN THE DESIGN

Before work begins, consider the cost of services such as electricity, heating, water, WiFi etc as, depending on the layout, legal and financial implications can be expensive. This is especially true when it comes to changing the use of land to house

Agricultural businesses face complex challenges and decisions; our local Azets advisors are here to help lighten the load. If you would like to discuss the options available for diversification in further detail, get in touch with your usual Azets contact.

sources of renewable energy.

LEARN ABOUT THE LEGALITIES

It is vital to ensure you have appropriate insurance, planning permission and licences when considering diversification. Some landowners, for example, see an opportunity in creating a wedding venue, but gaining a licence for this can be complex, with local authorities setting a number of requirements and marriage ceremony licences only being valid for three years.

EXPLORE THE GRANTS AND SCHEMES AVAILABLE

“Make your money work for you” - an often quoted saying that rings true. The same could be said for your farming practices and the land you own. The UK has plenty of grants and schemes that support profitability for farmers while also enabling sustainable and environmentally friendly farming procedures. Examples include the Sustainable Farming Incentive and Farming Investment Fund.

PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE

The latest research commissioned by NFU Mutual suggests that just 52% of farmers have a formal succession plan in place. It is easy to find reasons to avoid succession planning; fear of conflict, too difficult, don’t know how... The earlier a plan can be made, however, the more options are available. Succession planning is a long term strategy which requires thought and buy-in from all parties involved. Starting your planning now can be beneficial, especially as there are many interrelated tax implications.

IT PAYS TO BE INFORMED – SPEAK TO AN ADVISOR HAYLEY KINGSNORTH

Director of Accounts & Business Services at Azets, Ashford Office E: hayley.kingsnorth@azets.co.uk www.azets.co.uk

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The considerations of farm diversification are varied, from tax implications to non-tax repercussions; it pays to be informed and to reduce unwelcome surprises.

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90 ACRES

EXCELLENT PROSPECT

TO ACQUIRE LAND Cheffins has launched 90.62 acres of productive grade II arable land to the market at Levetts Farm, Bardfield End Green, just one mile east of Thaxted. Offered either as a whole or in four lots, the land is set in an accessible location with road frontage and provides an opportunity for continued use as farmland or for alternative uses, subject to planning. Lot 1 consists of 1.181 acres, adjoining the allotment gardens with road frontage onto Bardfield Road. Lot 2 comprises 18.93 acres and consists of arable land adjoining a number of residential properties. Lot 3, which is the largest, comprises 47.82 acres of arable land adjacent to Copthall Lane and surrounded by mature hedgerows. Lot 4 is a single parcel of 22.06 acres arable land with access to Bardfield Road. The Basic Payment Scheme entitlements are included in the sale, as are the sporting, timber and mineral rights, and there is a development overage on lots one, two and an area of lot four, in the event that planning permission is granted. Simon Gooderham, joint managing partner at Cheffins, who is handling

the sale, commented: “Farmland values have hit a four-year high in Q3 2021, as supply continues to be constricted throughout the UK. With the average price now hitting over circa £9,000 per acre, and with a number of sales at over £10,000 per acre, opportunities to purchase productive arable land are becoming increasingly few and far between. "Active buyers within the sector are now at record levels, with farmers, non-farming investors, environmental purchasers and developers all looking to cash in on farmland’s bull run which has been seen over the past few years. "The land at Levetts Farm is an excellent prospect to acquire land in an accessible location and provides opportunities for a range of uses subject to obtaining the necessary consents. Similarly, property developers are active in the region, with some of the UK’s largest national housebuilders looking for additional land for longer term strategic opportunities and biodiversity off setting.” The land is available for £1,020,000 for the whole. Guide prices for individual lots are: Lot 1 – £75,000; Lot 2 – £275,000; Lot 3 – £395,000; Lot 4 – £275,000.

P O T

TO ADVERTISE CALL 01303 233883

K C I P

WWW.SOUTHEASTFARMER.NET | CHRISTMAS 2021

END OF YEAR PROPERTY REVIEW WEST FARLEIGH | KENT

GUIDE PRICE: £1,400,000

30.51 ACRES

SMALL HOLDING WITH INCOME STREAM BTF Partnership is offering for sale a unique equestrian small holding just outside West Farleigh near Maidstone in Kent. The property is available as a whole or in three lots, with an overall guide price of £1,400,000. Smiths Hill Farm consists of a modest house, significant range of buildings, sand school and holiday let accommodation all situated in an elevated, rural position with far reaching views over the Medway Valley. The land is all pasture, well fenced and extends in total to 30.51 acres, with no public rights of way. The breakdown of the lots is as follows:

Lot 1 – A three-bedroom Scandia Hus type dwelling of high specification, significant range of equestrian and agricultural buildings, sand school and land. This lot extends in total to 10.71 acres. Guide price: £825,000. Lot 2 – Recently converted holiday let accommodation and land. This lot extends in total to 0.54 acres. Guide price: £325,000. Lot 3 – The Hunt Street Land which is northfacing, well-fenced pasture. This lot extends in total to 19.26 acres. Guide price: £260,000. Alex Cornwallis at BTF Partnership commented: “This is an attractive smallholding in a sought-after

location with equestrian and tourism business opportunities. It will be of interest to a number of buyers, especially those looking to combine a personal equestrian interest, or business equestrian interest with other income generating opportunities that are already in place. Smiths Hill Farm is well-maintained, with a range of buildings that have potential in the future. The land to the north provides additional grazing if required, along with security. It is fantastic to see a property such as this on the market especially with the lack of supply at the moment, and I can see there being plenty of interest.”

For further information go to www.btfpartnership.co.uk/property/smiths-hill-farm-west-farleigh-maidstone-kent

P O T

K C I P

UNIQUE COUNTRYSIDE CONVERSION BTF Partnership is offering for sale a unique countryside residential development opportunity near Wingham, Kent with a guide price of £250,000. The Brick Barn is an existing agricultural barn with planning permission (19/01173 Dover District Council) for conversion into a one-bedroom, detached, single storey dwelling, set in 0.38 acres on a quiet country lane. The accommodation will consist of an open plan kitchen/dining room, living room and a double

WINGHAM | KENT

GUIDE PRICE: £250,000

bedroom with an ensuite bathroom. Outside there will be off road parking for two vehicles, garden, and views over neighbouring farmland. Ed Plumptre at BTF Partnership commented: “This is an exciting opportunity to create a country home in a quiet rural location, which is close to the extremely popular village of Wingham. This is an ideal opportunity for someone looking to build their own rural retreat. There could be further

CHRISTMAS 2021 | WWW.SOUTHEASTFARMER.NET

0.38 ACRES

potential (subject to planning approval) to extend the property to create a larger family home, as it sits in a sizeable garden.”

Thinking of selling your land?

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

Trusted Transparent Innovative

Land & Property Experts 12

LD SO Three-Bedroom Farm Cottage in rural location

SO Equestrian Development Site (4.35 acres)

SO Residential Development Site (3.29 acres)

Converted Barn & Land (7 acres)

LD Farmhouse & Land (15.11 acres)

Farm Bungalow with Wealden views

LD AOC Cottage & Land (10 acres)

SO Tea Rooms, Buildings & Land (10.38 acres)

Self-Build Plots with land & views

LD Arable Land (164.29 acres)

E challock@btfpartnership.co.uk

T 01233 740077

E heathﬁeld@btfpartnership.co.uk

T 01435 864455

LD SO Grade II Listed Farmhouse & Land (46.5 acres)

House for Modernisation (1.25 acres)

G IN N M O C OS O

Pasture Land (24 acres)

25 SO

SO Three-Bedroom Cottage with large gardens

Residential Development Opportunity

D OL

S House & Barns for Conversion (0.29 acres)

Residential Vineyard (22.14 acres)

G IN N M O C OS O Imposing Wealden Farmhouse & Land

Grade II Arable Land (33.14 acres)

Bungalow with Land (18.84 acres)

A very Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year to all our Clients, Friends and Colleagues

Arable Land & Woodland (87 acres)

Semi-Detached Cottage in accessible location

G IN M ON O C SO Historic Dwelling requiring modernisation

Conservation Woodland (46.67 acres)

Instruct BTF to open the door for your purchaser in

2022

www.btfpartnership.co.uk

END OF YEAR PROPERTY REVIEW

A BRIGHT, GREEN 2022 AND BEYOND As 2021 draws to a close, there is much on which to reflect. The farmland market nationally has, for the second year in a row, remained quieter than expected, with land for sale totalling 48,100 acres by Q3 2021, compared to the same period in 2020 (48,200 acres) and 2019 (65,200 acres). We are currently offering one of the largest parcels of farmland to come onto the open market here in the South East this year. The Fillbrook Farm Land, a ring-fenced parcel of mainly Grade III arable land at Hurst Green, consists of a total of 249.66 acres with a guide price of £2.3m. This useful arable land in the heart of the High Weald is mostly south facing and therefore also considered suitable for viticulture or top fruit production. Landowners are reluctant to sell while waiting to see what opportunities lie ahead and there are many buyers waiting in the wings, whether that be farmers with rollover funds, lifestyle buyers, institutional buyers or increasingly green investors looking for carbon offsetting and rewilding opportunities. Ahead is certainly a greener future. Following on from the UK’s hosting of COP26 in Glasgow and the enactment of The Environment Act 2021, both in November, we know with much greater certainty what the government expects both businesses and individuals to do. The Act aims to clean air, restore natural habitats, increase biodiversity, reduce waste and make better use of resources. It will halt the decline in some species by 2030 and requires new developments to improve or create habitats for nature. Land owners will already be familiar with the provisions for biodiversity, natural capital and conservation in the Agriculture Act. Further biodiversity gain measures within the Environment Act and with the structure of conservation covenants means landowners will be able to turn natural capital into greater income producing assets. Unsurprisingly, then, we have seen so far in 2021 nationally, and especially here in the South East, an increase in demand for woodland. As well as the environmental and commercial benefits of a well-managed woodland, there has reportedly been a significant increase in the number of people

TO ADVERTISE CALL 01303 233883

visiting them. The social benefits of woodland ownership and changes in trends also seen nationally, such as a 14% increase in pet ownership, means there is greater competition from buyers for a range of interests and uses. Supply here in the South East will remain limited, potentially increasing prices. We have sold several parcels of woodland this year and are currently marketing Great Priory Wood in Sellindge, East Kent, a private parcel of 16.46 acres of conservation woodland and additional adjoining grassland extending to 3.45 acres with biodiversity net gain potential. Given the increasing value of rural assets, there has never been a better time to consider the future of your farming business and the opportunities ahead. Diversification continues for many farms and the continued increase in staycations and an interest in locally sourced food is presenting a number of opportunities to engage with the public. More diverse opportunities around renewables also remain. What we will see is the Government encouraging a more circular, locally driven economy, and we know that shorter supply chains will benefit not just businesses and the public but also the environment. So where to next? A time of opportunity where innovation and investment are needed isn’t for the faint-hearted. We know there are financial incentives in the pipeline for older farmers to retire and the government is keen to see entrepreneurial youngsters gaining opportunities to enter the sector. What we know for certain is that there is change on the horizon, and understanding how you and your farm business can use this to your longer-term advantage will be key; we are on hand to advise and support you to ensure your decision making is informed and timely. Finally, a word on the rural property market, and many would-be buyers are likely to be familiarising themselves with the concept of compromise. In the current market, the perfect property doesn’t exist or if it does, it is snapped up quickly. There are, however, a couple of opportunities for the right buyer to create something special. Launched in November, we have Oxens Shaw, Meopham, a rare chance to buy an unspoilt small farm in the North

Kent Downs surrounded by 24.93 acres. We also have for sale a more specialised equestrian-focused property at Smiths Hill Farm, West Farleigh. This equestrian smallholding with a farmhouse, outbuildings, sand school, land and holiday let accommodation is for sale as a whole or in three separate lots. There has been large footfall viewings of both farms. For those looking to get a foot on the development ladder, we have a rare opportunity to convert an existing agricultural barn near Wingham, Canterbury, to provide a single storey, detached one-bed rural dwelling within a sizeable garden. As always at this time of year we wish all our clients and friends a very happy Christmas and a healthy and prosperous New Year.

RICHARD THOMAS

Director, BTF Partnership T: 01233 740077 E: richard.thomas@btfpartnership.co.uk www.btfpartnership.co.uk

WWW.SOUTHEASTFARMER.NET | CHRISTMAS 2021

A SA G L RE E ED

SO LD

LD SO Stoneacre, Elham Period bungalow for renovation set in around 9 acres.

Street Farm, Newchurch 145.22 acres Grade II arable.

James Hickman Director

Vicky Phillips Director

Sam Snart Director

R FO Land at Stelling Minnis 15.74 acres for sale by tender. Deadline midday 10th December 2021.

A SA G L RE E ED

Canal Farm, Ruckinge Dwelling (AOC), former poultry buildings, grazing paddocks and land.

Contact one of the agency team for information:

Matthew Sawdon Director

LD SO Pond Farm, Ash, nr Sevenoaks Smallholding set in 9.52 acres.

A SA G L RE E ED

Grove Farm Park, Hadlow Approx. 23.52 acres in a single field parcel.

Jon Rimmer Chairman

Chapel Farm, Burmarsh Approx. 765 acres with Grain Store let on Farm Business Tenancy.

School Farm Barns, St Mary In The Marsh Two barns with Class Q consent.

A SA G L RE E ED

Rooting Street Farm, Little Chart Equestrian Centre set in 19.65 acres.

Churchfields, Burmarsh Grazing marsh with consent to carry out cultivations via an EIA screening decision.

A L G E RE T ED

Tawny Wood, Bethersden Mixed broadleaf and conifer wood with river frontage 13.25 acres.

Cot Farm Barn, Biddenden Former cattle building with Class Q consent in 7.50 acres.

A SA G L RE E ED

Part Denge Wood, Garlinge Green, Petham Amenity woodland with exceptional woodland cabin.

A SA G L RE E ED

Shorts Wood Yard, Biddenden Smallholding house and 17 acres.

Estate Agents

Pear Tree House, Land & Buildings, Rainham Farmhouse for renovation with buildings and land.

01233 506 201 Hobbs Parker Romney House, Monument Way, Orbital Park, Ashford, Kent TN24 0HB

END OF YEAR PROPERTY REVIEW Despite the continuing challenge of lockdowns and the added pressures of dismal weather conditions making for one of the latest harvests for several years, this year has seen a seismic shift in the political climate. The Agriculture Act with the reduction of BPS payments will have a significant impact on farming businesses and is likely to bring land holdings to the market in 2022 and beyond. The Environment Act and introduction of biodiversity net gain from November 2023 will bring opportunities to landowners within reach of development schemes with land required to meet these requirements. The UK Government's target to reach net zero emissions by 2050 has a 10-point plan, including the trebling of woodland creation in England. The Welsh Government in April declared a “climate change emergency” and by August at least 12 farms were reportedly sold to companies looking to plant trees as part of their carbon offsetting strategy. These interests will have to compete alongside farmers, developers, lifestyle purchasers, and viticulturists which suggests the land market will remain buoyant in the South East. Despite concerns of tax changes in the budget, Capital Gains Tax and reliefs for Inheritance Tax remain untouched. Reflecting on 2021 we have experienced greater supply and demand this year across all asset types. Romney Marsh was a hive of activity; the launch of Street Farm, Newchurch saw around 145 acres of grade II prime arable ground sell as a whole with competitive bidding achieving a sale well in excess of the £9,500 per acre guide price. The retained 770 acres and grain store were successfully let on a fiveyear fixed Farm Business Tenancy. In the autumn, Churchfields, Burmarsh comprised a block of Grade I grazing marsh with consent to carry out cultivations via an EIA screening decision which is now under offer in two lots, again in excess of the guide. In Biddenden, Shorts Wood Yard, a smallholding with AOC farmhouse and 17 acres, was marketed in June, experienced around 40 viewings and sold in excess of its £995,000 guide price to a local buyer. The demand for barn conversions also remains strong with the sale of Cot Farm Barn, Biddenden, set in 7.5 acres, agreed in excess of its £575,000 guide. In Elham the prospect of a “doer upper”, a period two bed bungalow, outbuildings and around 8.55

> Sale agreed – Grove Farm Park, Hadlow

> Sold – Pond Farm, Ash

OPTIMISM RETURNS

TO THE LAND MARKET acres in an elevated position with views across part of the Elham Valley within the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty generated a frenzy with 98 viewings in total and sold significantly ahead of its upper guide of £575,000. Parcels of woodland are becoming increasingly desirable, and the sale agreed at Tawny Wood, Bethersden of 13.25 acres of mixed broadleaf and conifer wood with river frontage is under offer ahead of guide. Likewise, Denge Wood, complete with woodland cabin, exceeded expectations, selling ahead of its £395,000 guide. Off market transactions remain as active as ever. In the early part of 2021, we concluded a further sale in excess of 100 acres of land near Hollingbourne for the expansion of an existing vineyard. This followed a sale in 2020 of approximately 140 acres. More recently, Mount Farm Harrietsham sold for in excess of £14,000 per acre. The sale comprised 98 acres, which included 65 acres of arable and grassland and 21 acres of woodland and fishing lake. The plan is to plant 52 acres of vines and there is an appetite for further suitable land, so please get in touch if you are thinking of selling. There have been several opportunities for sitting tenants to either purchase their freeholds or agree a surrender package for their tenancy. Advice and a pragmatic approach to the unlocking of value and

negotiating terms agreeable to both parties are vital to ensuring a successful outcome. Given the value and complexity of farming businesses, taking early advice is key. It is important to be ready and prepared, whether you are buying or selling. Looking forward to 2022, we are already aware of a number of significant opportunities preparing to come to the market.

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 > Sale agreed – Street Farm, Newchurch TO ADVERTISE CALL 01303 233883

WWW.SOUTHEASTFARMER.NET | CHRISTMAS 2021

END OF YEAR PROPERTY REVIEW

ACT NOW TO PLAN

YOUR FUTURE

With major changes on the horizon and a new wave of Government support coming, now is an opportune time to consider your needs and create a business plan, says Stuart Nicholls of the Savills food and farming team, Sevenoaks.

With the amount of direct support received through the Basic Payment Scheme gradually reducing to zero by 2028, the landscape for agricultural support is gearing up for significant change. We are seeing the introduction of a number of new grants. These will give businesses the opportunity to become more efficient and compliant with ever-tightening regulation. The first Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) scheme pilot agreements were launched in November, with the early roll out of the scheme due to start in 2022. The SFI will pay farmers for achieving land management standards, across three ambition levels, for items such as soil, hedgerows, water bodies and grassland. Payments of between £22 and £110 per hectare are expected, depending on the standard and ambition level. Countryside Stewardship remains open for applicants in 2022. December will see a sixth round of the £2.5m Countryside Stewardship Facilitation Fund (CSFF) open for applications. Farmers and landowners are encouraged to work together under the scheme, which will support the delivery of large-scale environmental projects. In addition to SFI and CSFF, more schemes will play host to a number of specific lines of support that will roll out over the next three years. These include Farming in Protected Landscapes (FIPL) funding for farmers and land managers operating in designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and National Parks, which opened in July. Capital grants for slurry storage and other pollution reducing measures, such as the construction of covered slurry stores and low emission spreaders, will be available through the Slurry Investment Scheme (SIS), which is expected to launch next year. The Farming Investment Fund is due to open this autumn. This will be similar to the Countryside Productivity small and large grants.

The Future Farm Resilience Fund (FFRF) provides one-to-one sessions for farmers to support them through the agricultural transition period and capitalise on the opportunities available. For those who decide farming is no longer for them, the lump sum exit scheme is likely to become available

to BPS claimants in 2022. Now the nights have drawn in and the winter routines are in motion, it is worth taking a few hours to revisit your farm business goals and consider how you can make the most of the available grant funding.

RARE OPPORTUNITY TO RENT A FARM ON THE ISLE OF WIGHT ISLE OF WIGHT

TENDER

Rural property specialists BCM have launched Lambsleaze Farm onto the letting market. Lambsleaze Farm is offered on a Farm Business Tenancy for a 15 year term. Located adjacent to Newtown Creek near Porchfield, the farm comprises an attractive and recently refurbished five bedroom farmhouse, a set of useful farm buildings and 172 acres of pasture. Lambsleaze Farm sits within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and part is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. “This is a rare opportunity for a farmer to

CHRISTMAS 2021 | WWW.SOUTHEASTFARMER.NET

172 ACRES secure a core holding with a decent house and buildings for a 15 year term. The landlord is particularly committed to protecting and enhancing the environmental worth of the farm and will be obliging the tenant to enter into a Countryside Stewardship Scheme or similar to help achieve that. "We anticipate a high level of interest and the letting process will be run on a formal tender basis,” said Emily Thearle, Land Agent at BCM. Interested parties are invited to apply to the letting agent for a tender pack and tender form on which any tender must be submitted.

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South East Region

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

A selection of Estate and Farm sales from 2021

Market Update The number of properties being brought to the market in the South East of England is back up to 2019 levels, after a reduced supply in 2020. The acreage on offer is still low compared to the highs of 2017 and 2018 however, with increased demand from buyers contributing to a sense of scarcity. It was a slightly slow start to the year in terms of deals due to COVID-19 lockdown, low temperatures and a late spring. Transactions have also been taking longer to get to the point of exchange due to delays in the conveyancing process caused by an exceptionally busy residential market. But overall demand is good, with a mix of farmers looking to expand and lifestyle buyers seeking a rural property close to London, driving the market. It does feels as though we are experiencing a period of change when listening to both buyers and sellers talk about their motivations and objectives. The agricultural industry is facing a significant policy shift which is prompting more people to start to evaluate their options. Another noticeable trend we are seeing is demand from lifestyle buyers for properties whether there is scope to implement an environmental or conservation project. Given the number of potential sellers we have been advising of late, we expect the next six months to continue to be busy and there is still a fair amount of off-market activity too. If you have any questions about the market in your area or want to start preparation for a possible sale or purchase, then please get in touch.

Liza Howden Associate Director, London T: 07469 154771 E: Liza.Howden@struttandparker.com

Dallington, East Sussex A recently converted granary set in enchanting woodland, pasture and ponds. 107 acres. Guide price: £1,750,000 SOLD

Groombridge, Kent An outstanding and historic Grade I listed fully moated manor set in an unspoiled rural setting. 198 acres. Guide price: £8,500,000

Boughton Monchelsea, Kent A characterful south-facing oast house and land situated on the Greensand Ridge. 119 acres. Guide price: £2,200,000

SOLD

Frensham, Hampshire An historic country estate with extensive leisure and equestrian facilities, four cottages and land. 181 acres. Guide price: £9,500,000

Puttenham, Surrey Set in a hugely desirable location, and including first class equestrian facilities, farmhouse, cottage and land. 120 acres. Guide price: £5,500,000

SOLD

Rochester, Kent A ring-fenced block of pasture, saltings and marshland ideal for livestock grazing, wildfowling and conservation. 394 acres. Guide price: £1,200,000

West Kingsdown, Kent Two good sized arable fields straddling the M20 with possible long term development potential. 107 acres. Guide price: £825,000

SOLD

END OF YEAR PROPERTY REVIEW

We all know the criticisms of the planning system – no public confidence, too slow, too bureaucratic, too expensive, councils over-stretched and under-resourced, too complicated; we have heard it all before. But in 2020, Boris Johnson announced a new White Paper Planning for the future, in which he told us: “Radical reform unlike anything we have seen since the Second World War… Not more fiddling around the edges, not simply painting over the damp patches, but levelling the foundations and building, from the ground up, a whole new planning system for England.” After only 13 short months, it now appears the plans have been consigned firmly to the past. The new Secretary of State, Michael Gove, has ordered a "complete rethink" of the Planning Bill. So what did those reforms say, why were they controversial and what could new reforms look like?

WHAT DID THE REFORMS SAY?

The proposed reforms were wide reaching and were essentially tearing down the current planning system and starting again. Primarily they proposed: Zonal planning – The White Paper looked at a zonal planning system of three land classifications; growth, renewal or protection. The implication was that land in growth areas would benefit from automatic permission, while land in urban renewal areas would be granted permission in principle and anywhere else would be protected from development. Digital planning – The document-based planning system currently in effect would move to a digital one. This would be designed to improve the speed and efficiency of application decisions and allow residents to be more engaged in the development of their local area. At the moment, only 3% of local people engage with consultations on planning applications, according to the Government. Mandatory housebuilding targets for councils – Aimed at hitting the Government's target of building 300,000 new homes per year; the so-called mutant algorithms in the press.

TO ADVERTISE CALL 01303 233883

HITTING THE BRAKES

ON PLANNING REFORMS WHY WERE THEY CONTROVERSIAL?

The Government repeatedly met Tory backbenchers unhappy that communities could face new housing imposed upon them with no right to object. The former prime minister Theresa May even claimed that the reforms would create a ‘developers’ charter’, but the by-election defeat in Chesham and Amersham, where the Liberal Democrats took control, resulted in insurmountable pressure to scrap some of the controversial reforms. Equally, there were many in the profession who had concerns about the enormity of the proposals and felt smaller, less radical changes could be made to the current system. The Land Promoters and Developers’ Federation (LPDF) and House Builders’ Federation (HBF) were among the 44,000 responses communicating such concerns.

WHAT COULD NEW REFORMS LOOK LIKE?

And so, overnight, September's government reshuffle saw Mr Jenrick leave and Mr Gove become the new housing secretary, with a new title – The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities – given to his empire. And with the loss of Mr Jenrick we saw the planning reforms downgraded to a “tidying up exercise” which is “limited to making the current system we have work better”.

At the Conservative conference we again saw big statements from Mr Johnson, who added: “Not on green fields, not just jammed in the South East, but beautiful homes on brownfield sites in places where homes make sense.” And yet we also saw a continued commitment to 300,000 homes a year, a figure which is echoed by Labour, while the Lib Dems are seeking a whopping 380,000 new homes, with at least 150,000 suitable for social rent. Just don’t mention it to the voters of Chesham and Amersham. So what might we see in new reforms? Well, for one thing, it isn’t getting simpler; we are likely to see a focus on beauty (whatever that means), levelling up (ditto), a commitment to brownfield first (even though almost all parties agree there is insufficient brownfield to meet housing needs) and emphasis on communities having a say in development. For those in the profession, we have seen big political promises to shake up the planning system for the past 20 years, with repeated White Papers, Green Papers and a rolling door of housing ministers, and, at the same time, a worsening affordability and housing crisis, with a whole generation likely to be denied home ownership if matters continue. Therefore, despite the political sound bites, one thing is for certain – dealing with the need for homes amidst the complexities of the planning system is going nowhere fast.

Could your land have development potential? Find out more about land promotion.

DAWN ADAMS

Senior Planning Manager T: 01926 836910 E: dawna@catesbyestates.co.uk W: www.catesbyestates.co.uk

WWW.SOUTHEASTFARMER.NET | CHRISTMAS 2021

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• • • • • • •

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: simon@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 Year’s experience

Site visits Call to arrange a site survey

CHRISTMAS 2021 | 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

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

ALL RISKS LTD ASBESTOS ROOF REMOVALS

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

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

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 | CHRISTMAS 2021

CLASSIFIEDS A1 Installations ALUMINIUM GUTTERING SPECIALISTS

LEAKING GUTTERING?

CONSTRUCTION t: t:01787 01787474217 474217 07900920023 920023 m:m:07900

SHORTLAND STRUCTURES LTD

a1dave@hotmail.co.uk e: e: a1dave@hotmail.co.uk

WE OPERATE NATIONWIDE

Seamless aluminium guttering and gutter linings for all concrete, asbestos and metaI valley gutters. Ideal for Atcost, Crendan and Tyler type barns. The material has a life expectancy in excess of 30 years.

• STEEL FRAMED BUILDINGS • CLADDING • ERECTING • • EXTENSIONS • ALTERATIONS • CONCRETE PANELS • ROLLER/SLIDING/PERSONNEL DOORS •

Please call or email for a free quote.

Tel: 01732 460912 Mobile: 07976 287836 Email: sales@shortlandstructures.com

www.shortlandstructures.com

www.a1installations.co.uk

DOMESTIC • INDUSTRIAL • NEW BUILD • AGRICULTURAL

JPR ROOFING & CLADDING…

NEXTGEN CLADDING LTD

Professional Services to the Agricultural, Industrial & Equestrian Sectors

FREEPHONE: 0800 756 9886 MOBILE: 07813 142 145

To advertise in South East Farmer telephone 01303 233883

Penfold’s commercial, agricultural and residential building specialists with over 40 years experience

from BT land-line

METAL ROOFING

Covering Kent, East/West Sussex and the South East

ROOFING & CLADDING

…

Including:

Specialists in: FIRE,FLOOD & STORM DAMAGE

• 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

– Standing seam – Snaplock systems – Aluminium – Zinc – Copper

CLADDING

– Composite cladding – Metal cladding – Fibre cement cladding – Timber cladding

ASBESTOS REMOVAL

– Removal – Disposal – Surveys

…

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

07864 823 476 07889 481618 Nextgen Cladding Ltd

Website coming soon

DESIGN • PLANNING • PROJECT MANAGEMENT • DEMOLITION • GROUNDWORKS • CONSTRUCTION • FIT-OUT • LANDSCAPING

RESIDENTIAL AGRICULTURAL INDUSTRIAL tom.bower@salamandergroup.net / 07507 639 560

Salamander is focused on delivering high quality sustainable developments within the residential, agricultural and industrial sectors. We offer the full range of services from planning through to completion, providing a unique perspective on how to get the most value from your assets.

www.salamandergroup.net

CHRISTMAS 2021 | WWW.SOUTHEASTFARMER.NET

john.houlton@salamandergroup.net / 07813 747 361

CLASSIFIEDS

CONSTRUCTION

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

CONTRACTORS

G & S BROWN

Drainage Contractors Working with farmers since 1947

● LAND DRAINAGE ● DITCHING ● POND WORK ● WATER SUPPLIES ● SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANTS ● GROUNDWORKS ● PLANT HIRE 360° EXCAVATORS

S W ATTWOOD & PARTNERS

S W ATTWOOD & PART LAND DRAINAGE FOR ESTIMATES & ENQUIRIES

LAND DRAINAGE (01622) 890884

 FIELD MAPPING  DRAINAGE SURVEYING   DESIGN ALL WORKS KENT & SUSSEX   DRAINAGE

 

Professional Services to the Agricultural, Industrial & Equestrian Sectors

FROM £220PROJECT! PER ACRE CALL TO DISCUSS YOUR

FREEPHONE: 01233 659129

Email: info@brownsdrainage.co.uk

www.brownsdrainage.co.uk FIELD MAPPING DRAINAGE SURVEYING DESIGN SWA DRAINAGE SW ATTWOOD & PARTNERS

S W ATTWOOD & PARTNERS FROM £220 PER ACRE LAND DRAINAGE

from BT land-line

S W ATTWOOD & PARTNERS

charlie.woodger@btinternet.com

LAND DRAINAGE

   

FIELD MAPPING DRAINAGE SURVEYING DESIGN DRAINAGE

Quality of work Reliability and honesty FROM £220 PER ACRE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION Unbeatable on price PLEASE CONTACT US OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE:

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PHONE: 01795 880441 • FIELD MAPPING • DRAINAGE SURVEYING PLEASE CONTACT US OR VISIT OUR • DESIGN • DRAINAGE EMAIL: james@swattwood.com

Specialist in the Agricultural, Industrial and Equestrian sectors.

WEBSITE:

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT JAMES OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE

www.attwoodfarms.com PHONE: 01795 880441

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.

TOM: 01795 880441 or 07943 192383

EMAIL: james@swattwood.com EMAIL: james@swattwood.com GRAIN STORAGE & TESTING

  LANDwww.swjfattwood.com DRAINAGE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION  PLANT HIRE OUR PLEASE CONTACT US OR VISIT INERT TIPPING WEBSITE:   GRAIN STORAGE &  CLAY SALES PHONE: 01795 880441

www.attwoodfarms.

07784 619603

jez@JRJconstruction.co.uk

www.JRJconstruction.co.uk

TO ADVERTISE CALL 01303 233883

LAND DRAINAGE PLANT HIRE

INERT TIPPING www.attwoodfarms.com FULL LAND DRAINAGE SERVICE sportsfields, amenity and irrigation systems using Mastenbroek trenchers

01227 918723

To advertise in South East Farmer telephone 01303 233883

   

LAND DRAINAGE, EARTHWORKS,

EMAIL: james@swattwood.com GROUNDWORKS & CONSTRUCTION

PONDS, LAKES & RESERVOIRS construction and maintenance

CLAY SALES

CONSTRUCTION  GROUNDWORKS GRAIN&STORAGE & TESTING primary excavations, aggregate sub-base, agricultural construction and concreting  LAND DRAINAGE ENVIRONMENTAL HABITATS water course maintenance and improvement works  PLANT HIRE For all enquiries call 01233 860404  867625 INERT 07770 (Harvey) TIPPING or 07768 115849 (Dave)  CLAY SALES

WWW.SOUTHEASTFARMER.NET | CHRISTMAS 2021

CLASSIFIEDS

HAULIERS CROP DRYING

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

07860 728204 Hay & Straw Merchant | Machinery Haulage

HAY & STRAW IN STOCK | ROUND & BIG SQUARE BALES

Find us on Facebook

PRESSURE WASHERS

EVENTS

HIRE SPECIALISTS ACROSS THE SOUTH EAST

SERVICE

• Toilets & Showers for hire

SALES

• Large range of Temporary canteens, stores & welfare units

HIRE

• Effluent Tank Emptying

01825 705777

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

• Events also catered for with chillers & toilets

FOUR JAYS GROUP

Tel: 01622 843135 Fax: 01622 844410 enquiries@fourjays.co.uk www.fourjays.co.uk

FENCING

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

STORAGE TANKS

SMITHS

of the Forest of Dean Ltd.

The Tank and Drum Experts

Manufacturers of Chestnut Fencing Products Hardwood gates 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.

Cleft post and rail Stakes and posts

VisitVisit www.smdd.co.uk www.smdd.co.uk

Chestnut fencing

CWP fenci f n ng

Or telephone on 01594 833308 for more information. Tel: 07985298221 www.cwpfencing.co.uk

Or telephone on 01594 833308 for more information.

KING

Don’t run short of fuel this Winter!

Redhill Farm Services: Fencing Division

ALL TYPES OF FENCING & GATES

Buy or Hire a storage tank from Kings. 4500L – 38,600L Bunded Fuel Tanks c/w cabinet, gauge and alarm

Supplied and erected & Repairs Tel: 01737 821220 Mob: 07768 931891 Email: redhillfarmservices@gmail.com CHRISTMAS 2021 | WWW.SOUTHEASTFARMER.NET

STORAGE TANKS

2730L – 54,500L horiz/cyl Water Tanks single or twin comp. with cradles

Tel 01638 712328

tanks@thekinggroup.co.uk

CROSSWORD ®

VINEYARDS

COMPLETE OUR CROSSWORD TO WIN One bottle of Pinot Reserve and one bottle of Ortega

ACROSS

9 10

12 13 14

Itchy skin condition (7) Cricket series (5) Annoy (9) Unclean (5) Free from moisture (3) Advert in catalogue (7) Used by anglers (7,6) Young swine (6) Oval fruits that are a source of oil (6) Removed (with reference to trees) (7) Total yield of wool (4) Seasonal theatre performance (9) Medieval instrument (8) Relieve (4)

1 2 3 4 6 7 10 13 14 15 17 18 19 20 22 23 24

Cause of lameness in sheep (5) Cross (5) ---- Turgenov, author of Fathers and Sons (4) Where trains stop (7) Used to support a broken arm (5) The highest degree; very great (7) ---- Turner, singer (4) Worn on a foot (4) Dairy cows (9) Cooked potato (4) Cut trunk of tree (3) Very overweight (5) Fish (3) Animal that inhabits all seas (6) Place where birds settle (5) Collective term for prickly bush (especially rose) (5) Herb (5)

DOWN

19 20

1 5 8 9 11 12 14 16 18 21 24 26 27 28

Crossword by Rebecca Farmer, Broadstairs, Kent

PRIZE ANAGRAM: Infectious cattle disease (13)

To enter, simply unscramble the

anagram (13) using the green squares.

Email your replies with your name, address and phone number to sef.ed@kelsey.co.uk Correct entries will be entered into a draw which will take place on 20 December. The winner will be announced in the January edition. TO ADVERTISE CALL 01303 233883

LAST MONTH’S ANSWERS: 1

VINEYARDS

Just in time for Christmas, we are offering readers the chance to win one bottle of Pinot Reserve and one bottle of Ortega. Enter the crossword to be in with a chance of winning four bottles of our favourite wine, Ortega. For more information about the vineyards, please visit www.biddendenvineyards.com or call 01580 291726. *Subject to availability

O W A

O K

I 10

H 14

F N

O M

C T

E V

O W

L 13

R 16

R 20

D 18

E E

R E

R 24

H 23

A S

D E

D V

Correct answer: Farm Business Tenancy LAST MONTH’S WINNER: Martin Cheesman from Emsworth, Hampshire

WWW.SOUTHEASTFARMER.NET | CHRISTMAS 2021

FORD RANGER

FORD COMMERCIAL VEHICLES ford.co.uk